Frances Nelson has become the first woman and first South Australian to be elected chair of Racing Australia.

The Adelaide Queens' Counsel replaces the recently retired John Messara.

"I feel very privileged to contribute in this way in an industry I have been involved in for a lifetime." Nelson said.

She is currently the chair of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia and has been a director of Racing Australia for six and a half years and deputy chair since 2015.

The long-time chair of the South Australian Parole Board, Nelson rode trackwork to put herself through university, has competed as an amateur jockey and has won several feature races as a trainer. She also chaired two major inquiries into the South Australian racing and betting industries.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding AO has been elected deputy chair of Racing Australia.