The Quilty

R. M. Williams wrote to his friend Tom Quilty, a great horseman and cattleman in the Kimberly area of Western Australia. Williams asked for his support for the 100 miles ride, and Quilty donated $1000.

This was used to make a gold cup, the prize for the winner of the event.

This is a perpetual trophy, and the ride was named the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in his honour.

The original Gold Cup now resides in the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, in Longreach, Queensland.

Cash prizes were originally offered as incentive for competitors, however, at the last minute it was pointed out that local by-laws prohibited racing for money, over public roads. A meeting of riders and officials was held, and all resolved to ride for the satisfaction of simply participating, and for the honour of wearing the handsome silver Quilty buckle.

The Quilty buckle is still a highly regarded prize.

Endurance riding in Australia continues to be an amateur sport, with no provision for prize money.