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News>Quilty ride puts Cardinia Shire in spotlight
| Media release: 11 September 2009 | |
Riders and support crews from all over Australia and many overseas countries will converge on Cardinia Shire from 14–21 September for the staging of the nation’s premier endurance ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
Competitors from every state and many international riders will contest the 160 kilometre event which starts at midnight on Friday 18 September and runs until midnight on Saturday 19 September.
The course is based at the world-class Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre, and includes the beautiful surrounds of the Bunyip State Park, while also traversing private land, bush tracks and all weather roads.
A hard working committee of local volunteers has been preparing for almost three years to host the event.
More than 200 competitors are expected to take part.
Event Director Lissy Verity said: “We are excited about hosting this world famous event in our local area. It will be a great showcase of the power, strength and beauty of horse and rider battling a beautiful and demanding course.”
Council Mayor Cr Bill Pearson said excitement was mounting as the countdown to the ‘Quilty’ enters its final days.
Residents wishing to see the start need to be at the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre (in Sanders Road, Tonimbuk) by 11pm as road blocks will be in place after that time.
A public viewing point is located in Camp Road for people wanting to view the action over the weekend.
“The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is a renowned test of skill and stamina as horses and riders compete to finish a 160 kilometre ride within 24 hours,” Cr Pearson said.
“It is the first time this ride has been held in this part of Victoria and Cardinia Shire Council is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2009 event at Tonimbuk
“Equestrian sports are very popular in our Shire and the horse industry is a major contributor to our local economy. I wish Lissy Verity and her hard working Tonimbuk Tom Quilty Gold Cup committee all the best for what we believe will be a great showcase of our unique and diverse municipality.”
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