The Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2026 demonstrated why this remains Australia’s premier endurance ride.
This year’s Australian National Championship was held at the outstanding Stirlings Crossing Equestrian Complex. It attracted Australia’s best endurance combinations, together with New Zealand and international competitors. All were hoping to add one of endurance riding’s most coveted buckles to their collection.
Supporting the Veterinary Team
Radincon proudly sponsored the Tom Quilty Equine Hospital again this year. We supported long-time client and endurance vet Dr Dave Nolan and his team throughout the event.
This year’s advanced diagnostic imaging equipment included
- a Porta 100HF portable x-ray unit
- a RAD-X DR X1A Wireless – Rover Tablet Portable System, and
- a GE Logiq eR9 ultrasound
There was just one unexpected twist.
Radincon regularly loans equipment to vet practices around Australia, to keep them operating while their own equipment is being serviced or repaired. This year, every portable x-ray system we would normally have taken to the ride was already out on loan.
Jon’s favourite – now somewhat legendary – gold-plated Porta 100HF was called back into service. Proof that dependable, glamorous equipment never goes out of style!
The hospital was busy throughout the championship. Dr Nolan and the veterinary team managed a variety of metabolic and lameness cases. We’ll look more closely at some cases, and how diagnostic imaging helped guide treatment decisions, in our next blog.
Recognising Outstanding Horsemanship
A highlight of the presentation ceremony was the Radincon Vets Choice Award, selected by Head Veterinarian Harry Wever and his colleagues.
This year’s recipient, Bridget Pedracini, enjoyed an outstanding ride aboard the Splendacrest stable’s seven year old mare, SC Valkyrie Spirit.
Bridget qualified for the Tom Quilty after completing her first 160 km ride in 2025. Spirit has only been competing in endurance since 2024. Guiding a young horse through its very first 160 km Tom Quilty is a tremendous achievement and a credit to Bridget’s preparation, patience and horsemanship.
What most impressed the vet team was Spirit’s exceptional metabolic fitness. Her average heart rate was just 41 beats per minute across the entire ride – the lowest recorded, shared with only one other horse.
Along with Spirit’s exceptional presentation throughout the event, it made Bridget a unanimous choice for the award.
Congratulations Bridget and Spirit on a thoroughly deserved achievement.
The Volunteers Behind the Event
An event the size of the Tom Quilty simply couldn’t operate without its incredible volunteers.
Susan spent the pre-ride veterinary inspections working as a penciller. While vets examined each horse, she recorded observations including heart rate, gut sounds, body condition and soundness. With six veterinary inspections for each horse at the Tom Quilty, experienced volunteers are essential.
On race day, Susan joined fellow endurance rider Tracy Kirby at Checkpoint 2. They recorded competitors as they passed through, while also encouraging both horses and riders.
Later, she assisted in the finish timing tent, witnessing the excitement as riders returned from their final loops. Many competitors prepare for years with the goal of simply crossing the finish line. The sport’s unwavering commitment to horse welfare means that completion still depends on passing one final veterinary examination.
A Finish to Remember
The Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2026 produced one of the most exciting finishes in the championship’s history.
After almost ten hours and 160 kilometres of racing, fractions of a second separated the top horses.
In a thrilling sprint to the line, Amy Everett aboard Box Hill Nifty crossed first. 2024 champion Emma Ireland riding Bullio Rolex and Charlotte Williamson aboard Stirlings Thor followed moments later.
The finish showcased the athleticism, fitness and determination of both horses and riders perfectly.
(Special thanks to Sarah Sullivan Photography for the amazing shot we used as our feature image.)
Equally remarkable was the pace maintained throughout the closing stages. The winners of the Heavyweight, Middleweight, Lightweight and Junior divisions averaged around 22 km/h over the final 15 kilometres.
It was a fitting conclusion to another outstanding Australian National Championship.
Proud to Support Australia’s Premier Endurance Ride
The Tom Quilty is about far more than winning a buckle.
It embodies outstanding horsemanship, exceptional veterinary care, dedicated volunteers and an enduring commitment to horse welfare.
Radincon is proud to support the vets who support events like the Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2026. Whether it’s advanced diagnostic imaging, cloud-based image sharing or simply lending a hand, we’re here when it’s needed.
Congratulations to every rider, veterinarian, volunteer and organiser who contributed to another memorable Tom Quilty Gold Cup.We look forward to doing it all again next year.