Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2025
Hon. Mike Gaffney MLC
Member for Mersey
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27 May 2025
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Mr GAFFNEY (Mersey) - Mr President, I rise today to bring to this parliament's attention the 2025 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, an annual national equine endurance ride. This year's event was held 9 to 11 May at Sassafras in my electorate of Mersey. I was pleased to be invited to officially open the 2025 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, in the lead-up to the ride.
The Quilty, as it is referred to by those in the endurance scene, is held in a different state every year to allow the opportunity for everyone to compete. It is the most famous of all Australian endurance rides. The last time it was held in Tasmania was in 2018 in Scottsdale, prior to that it was 2012 in St Helens, 2005 in Kentish and 1999 in Deloraine.
The Quilty started in 1966, when RM Williams gathered support for a 24-hour, 100-mile or 160-kilometre ride. The ride became known as the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, after Williams's friend, cattleman Tom Quilty, donated $1000 for the first prize, a Gold Cup. The motto of endurance riding is 'to complete, is to win'. This belief certainly sets aside the sport from other equestrian disciplines, as everyone who completes in Quilty, is celebrated as much as the winner, and rightly so. I was genuinely impressed with the friendliness and support between all the competitors, their officials, family members and friends. It was quite a wonderful experience and occasion to be at.
It is generally acknowledged that Arabian horses are best suited to endurance events, although many other breeds can also be used such as the thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab and quarter horse - depending on the individual horse's confirmation and temperament. Tasmania is well known for some great bloodlines.
The National Championships event begins at midnight and participants have 24 hours to complete the 160-kilometre course, which is held over five sections. The competitors return to the ride base after each section for a thorough vet-check of their horse before being allowed to continue. Each horse must then be judged fit to continue at the end of the 160-kilometre distance before they are able to earn the ride for the most coveted Quilty buckle. If they do not pass that test, they are vetted out. There are a range of buckles on display, and one of the guest speakers spoke exceptionally well about the history of the buckle.
Indeed, it is widely recognised that the utmost importance is placed on the welfare of the horses competing in this sport. All decisions are made in the best interest of their four-hoofed friends. It was amazing listening to some of the riders speak about their love for their horse, they are so infatuated by that, and supporting one another. I would like to acknowledge, however, this year's event host Pat Lamprey, who has a longstanding affiliation with the sport and has spent over 25 years hosting events. Pat and her family are well known within the Latrobe Municipality.
This year's Quilty was held in Pat's paddock at Smith and Others Rd, Sassafras, which is approximately eight kilometres east of the Sassafras Primary School. It was like a mini-village with horses, temporary paddocks, cars, trailers, caravans, motorhomes, food vans, marquees and stallholders everywhere. Indeed, I fondly remember riding the horse belonging to Pat's husband, Dickie, called [inaudible 11:55:41] Night, over a 30-kilometre course a number of years ago at their property. Dickie sadly passed away some time ago. I recall being really pleased that he trained Night so well that I do not think it was possible for me to fall off.
One hundred and thirty-five competitors, including five international riders, entered this year's event across four divisions. Of those entries, 78 completed the ride. I congratulate this year's winners, the competitors, the strappers, the entourage and especially the horses, on the countless hours of training, dedication, skill and horsemanship.
I would also like to acknowledge the additional landowners who kindly gave riders access to their properties for the Quilty. I know they were truly appreciated by all the competitors. Indeed, some of the riders said that it was one of the prettiest places they had ever been able to hold a Quilty through the forests and the reserves.
Indeed, the organising committee is grateful for each and every sponsorship and donation received, as events like the Quilty do not happen without this crucial support.
In closing, I congratulate the small but mighty organising committee on coordinating such a wonderful event on the national stage. I am sure that everyone involved in this year's Quilty and, indeed, in the sport are truly grateful for the dedication and the commitment of this year's committee members. They definitely did Tasmania proud.
I would be delighted to enter an 80-kilometre ride at some time in the future. Indeed, Mr President, I am hoping you might be able to even join me on that auspicious occasion. I hear those Shetland ponies can be really quite sturdy.
On a more serious note, I look forward to welcoming the Quilty when it is once again held in Tasmania in approximately six years.
Members - Hear, hear.
