With three completions from three attempts, I approached the 2025 Tom Quilty Gold Cup in Tasmania with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your horse—and your own limits. This year, I was riding Kalody Park White Feather (aka Fizz), prepared beautifully by her owner Kirsty Lockhart. The big question in my mind wasn’t whether we could finish—it was whether we should go for it.
Going for a win in endurance isn’t like putting your foot down in a sprint. It’s not first across the line that counts—it’s first across the line with a horse who still passes the vet check. At every leg of the 160km journey, a team of experienced vets examines each horse for soundness, metabolic health, hydration, and
overall wellbeing. One misstep, one off reading, and it’s game over. You’re out.
So it’s a calculated risk—and this year, I calculated that Fizz was fit, ready, and able to handle the challenge. She’d been eating well, training well, and showed no signs of backing off. And with Kirsty’s encouragement ringing in my ears, I made the call to push a little harder.
Leg 1: Cold Air, Fast Feet
The ride kicked off at midnight with 147 starters. Thankfully, the old shotgun start is now a thing of the past—we all much prefer the more civilised (and less terrifying) version in use today.
Fizz felt keen but sensible as we set off into the darkness on a 45km loop towards Parkham. Forest tracks, sandy sections, and gracious private landowners made for a flowing first leg. I eased Fizz back as we neared the checkpoint, loosened her girth, and hopped off to jog the final 100m to help her pulse down. It worked —1 minute and 48 seconds after crossing the line, her heart rate was 59 bpm (under the required 60). We’d averaged 15.6km/h and crossed the line first in the Lightweight Division. Not bad for starters!
Leg 2: The Bloody Steepest Hill I’ve Ever Ridden
The second leg was 33km and featured the notorious “Quilty Hill.” In the pre-ride briefing it was called “short and sharp.” I called it “utterly ridiculous.” I ended up tailing behind Fizz (grabbing her tail and letting her pull me up while I climbed on foot). It was steep and brutal. We were joined on the ascent by an owl, flying alongside us, seemingly baffled by my headtorch.
After a strong second leg, we presented in just over a minute with a pulse of 58. This time, we made the call to let Fizz hang out in the strapping area a little longer—she was eating, drinking, and relaxing beautifully. She only returned to her yard for a final check and tack-up before heading out again.
Leg 3: Views and Veterans
Another 45km of challenging terrain, including two monster hills—Anita’s and Emerald’s. At least this time we had the daylight to appreciate the sweeping views of Mt Roland and the Western Tiers. I took a more conservative approach heading into the vet check, wanting to be sure about Fizz’s gut sounds and
recovery. Even so, we were through in under 6 minutes. A few riders had overtaken us by this point and we dropped to 5th position, but spirits were high— we were still in.
Leg 4: Gliding Home
This 21km loop was universally loved—flowing trails, scenic forestry roads, and the sense that the end was in sight. Fizz vetted through beautifully again, and it was on to the final challenge.
Leg 5: So Close, and Yet…
At just 16km length, the last leg should be plain sailing – but in endurance, the finish line isn’t really the finish line. You cross the line first, but you only win if your horse passes the final vet inspection and is deemed “Fit to Continue.” That’s the real triumph.
Fizz and I took it easy on this final leg, cautious over some muddy stretches and happy to cruise home in 3rd place. But then the heartbreak unfolded.
Kirsty Lockhart and Archerville Cimarron crossed the line first in 11h33m – but were sadly vetted out for lameness. Chloe Hayden and Castlebar Centurion were next, finishing in 12h05m – but were vetted out on metabolic grounds. Suddenly, I was up. I held my breath through Fizz’s trot-up and vetting panel… then came the thumbs up.
We’d won the Lightweight Division in a time of 12h39m – nearly four hours faster than my previous best Quilty time. There were tears. Of course there were tears. I started endurance in the UK back in 1983, in what we then called “Long Distance Riding.” I never dreamed that I’d one day win a Quilty – let alone one as beautiful, competitive, and emotional as this year’s.
Team Highlights and Heartbreaks
It wasn’t just about me—Team Neilley Endurance had a rollercoaster of a Quilty. Amelia and Shoo Fly were on track for a blinder when a stumble at the end of Leg 4 saw them vetted out for lameness. Amelia was philosophical and incredibly appreciative of Kirsty’s training, already plotting her return to give Fly the finish she deserves.
Kirsty and Shane Lockhart both rode brilliantly, with Shane crossing first Heavyweight in 12h01m—only to have his horse vetted out at the end. But Kirsty’s gutsy grey mare came home strong for 7th Middleweight and a coveted
Top 10 buckle.
That meant both Kirsty and I earned a place in the Pat Slater Cup workout – a
huge honour.
The True Champions
Overall winners were the dynamic duo of Matty and Nikki Sample, crossing together on Razorback Blue Avatar and Brookleigh Danu. First Heavyweight was the magnificent Harry Berg on his Akhal-Teke/Arabian stallion, Khan Sadyk—who also took home the Pat Slater Cup. Junior winner was the impressive Alexa Parker on Ballawongarah Isaac.
And… the Lobster
One last unexpected highlight? The gourmet lobster BBQ hosted by Head Vet Dr Khyle Stewart. Yes, really. These Tasmanian lobsters were enormous, handcaught by Khyle himself from his own boat in the fertile waters off the island. It may have been a first for endurance events—and good luck to the 2026 Head Vet at Imbil trying to top that!
Huge thanks to the incredible training and horse management skill of Kirsty Neilley, the vet team, the hard-working organisers, my teammates, and of course Jon Marriott (aka Mr Radincon) for strapping, support, and comic relief.
It just goes to show—endurance isn’t only about big stables and big money.
Sometimes, the little guys, the long-timers, and the lobster-lovers get their day.
TomQuilty2025 #EnduranceRiding #Radincon #VetTech #QuiltyChampion
TeamNeilleyEndurance #FizzThePhenomenal #PatSlaterCup
TasmanianLobsterMagic #VeterinaryExcellence #FromUKtoQuilty
LightweightWinner #RadincontotheRescue
