May 7, 2013
The closing date to nominate for Australia’s most famous endurance horse ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, has been extended to May 15 to allow more riders to qualify to take part.
The 48th Tom Quilty Gold Cup will be held at Kilkivan from June 7-9, hosted by the Kilkivan Endurance Riders Club.
To qualify for the “Quilty”, riders must successfully complete a 160km ride prior to the event but unfortunately several lead-up endurance rides had to be cancelled earlier this year because of the floods in south-east Queensland.
The ride starts at midnight and competitors have 24 hours to complete a 160km course.
It is held over five legs with each leg returning to the ride base for a thorough vet check before being allowed to continue.
The Quilty is held in a different State every year and usually attracts hundreds of riders from across Australia and overseas.
The last time it was held in the South Burnett was in 2008 at Nanango.
The event was the brainchild of the legendary RM Williams, who was inspired by America’s Tevis Cup endurance ride.
It is named after Tom Quilty, a cattleman and friend of RM Williams, who donated the perpetual trophy which is now on permanent display in the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach.
It has been held yearly since 1966.
