Brittnee D’Hondt on Shieisha and Jane McLaughlin on Syrahbia are saddling up for this weekend’s Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
CARDINIA will this week be thrust upon the global stage as it plays host to the nation’s premier endurance ride.
The Tom Quilty Gold Cup will attract horse riders from all over Australia and overseas.
About 200 competitors will saddle up for the 160 kilometre course at midnight this Friday and will finish up on Sunday.
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.
Event director Lissy Verity said a hard working committee had been preparing for the event for almost three years.
“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,” she said.
Cardinia Shire Council mayor Bill Pearson said excitement was mounting as the countdown to the event entered its final days.
“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,” he 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.”
Hundreds of riders and support crews from all over Australia and many overseas countries were expected to converge on Cardinia Shire from Monday.
Residents wanting to see the start of the ride are advised to be at the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre, in Sanders Road, Tonimbuk, by 11pm on Friday 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.
