About the Tom Quilty 2019
This truly iconic event is steeped in history since it was established in 1966 by Queenslanders Erica and R.M. Williams who loved long distance riding and their Arabian horses.
The original Tom Quilty Gold Cup – which was named after R.M.’s close friend Tom Quilty who, on request donated the valuable trophy – is held in the ‘Stockman’s Hall of Fame’ in Longreach, Queensland.
Matthew Sample, owner of our complex and founder of Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club, won the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in 2009 and the Sample family has a long history in endurance riding with Matthew, his brother Brook and father Bob having collectively taken home 33 buckles for successfully completing the gruelling ride. Between the three riders they have taken home the Gold Cup more than any other family accumulating nine wins over its 51-year history.
Melanie Scott, President of Australian Endurance Riders Inc, stated that the Tom Quilty regularly attracts overseas riders. “The lure of the Queensland “sunshine state” event is sure to increase overseas interest,” Ms Scott said. “Congratulations to the Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club.”
The benefit to the local region of events of the calibre of the Tom Quilty Gold Cup cannot be underestimated and we hope to have the opportunity to involve the local community and key stakeholders in showcasing the region. The contribution this event will make to the Mary Valley and Sunshine Coast economies will be significant and we want to ensure all parties are ready to capitalise on the opportunity.
The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is the premier ride on the endurance calendar in Australia. The prestige associated with winning this event, as well as competing, is immense. It is the goal of all Australian endurance riders to attempt and be successful in this ride.
Source: www.tomquilty.com.au
If you’d like to get involved...
Tom Quilty Gold Cup History
Endurance riding has been an organised sport in Australia since 1966. Reports of the Tevis Cup endurance ride in the USA began reaching Australia. One person inspired by the concept of a long distance competitive horse ride was R. M. Williams, editor of Hoofs and Horns, a pioneer horse magazine in this country. It had a wide circulation and printed stories and reports of the Tevis Cup. An invitation was extended through the magazine for people interested in conducting Australia’s own 100 miles in one day ride, to attend a meeting at the Australia Hotel, Sydney on Tuesday 5th April, 1966 to discuss the possibility of organising such a ride in Australia.
Left: Matthew Sample and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
Tom Quilty Gold Cup Locations
| 2019 | Imbil, Queensland |
| 2018 | Scottsdale, Tasmania |
| 2017 | Wirrina Cove, South Australia |
| 2016 | Lexton, Victoria |
| 2015 | Hawkesbury, New South Wales (50th anniversary) |
| 2014 | Wagin, Western Australia |
| 2013 | Kilkivan, Queensland |
| 2012 | St. Helen’s, Tasmania |
| 2011 | Mt. Pleasant, South Australia |
| 2010 | Manilla, New South Wales |
| 2009 | Tonimbuk, Victoria |
| 2008 | Nanango, Queensland |
| 2007 | Collie, Western Australia |
| 2006 | Boonah, Queensland |
| 2005 | Sheffield, Tasmania |
| 2004 | Port Elliot, South Australia |
| 2003 | Canowindra, New South Wales |
| 2002 | Landsborough, Victoria |
| 2001 | Mundijong, Western Australia |
| 2000 | Boonah, Queensland |
| 1999 | Deloraine, Tasmania |
| 1998 | Mt. Pleasant, South Australia |
| 1997 | Watagan Mt., New South Wales |
| 1996 | Myrtleford, Victoria |
| 1995 | Toodyay, Western Australia |
| 1994 | Kenilworth, Queensland |
| 1993 | Sheffield, Tasmania |
| 1992 | Mt. Pleasant, South Australia |
| 1991 | Tooraweenah, New South Wales |
| 1990 | Myrtleford, Victoria |
| 1989 | Mornington Hills, Western Australia |
| 1988 | Kenilworth, Queensland |
| 1987 | Sheffield, Tasmania |
| 1986 | Gawler, South Australia |
| 1985 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1984 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1983 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1982 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1981 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1980 | Colo, New South Wales |
| 1979 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1978 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1977 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1976 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1975 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1974 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1973 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1972 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1971 | Wilberforce, New South Wales |
| 1970 | Richmond, New South Wales |
| 1969 | Richmond, New South Wales |
| 1968 | Richmond, New South Wales |
| 1967 | Richmond, New South Wales |
| 1966 | Richmond, New South Wales - First Tom Quilty Gold Cup |