Lauriston resident Russell Robinson is thrilled to have achieved his burning ambition of earning a much sought-after silver buckle in the 2024 Quilty Cup (Australian championships) over 160 kilometres.
The 71-year-old horse enthusiast describes endurance riding as “very addictive”.
“I’ve always loved horses … they get you through life … I was never much good at sport when I was young,” he said.
“I’ve only been doing it (endurance riding) for around 25 years, largely competing all over Victoria.”
Russell said the Tom Quilty Cup was the pinnacle of endurance racing in Australia, conducted by the Australian Endurance Riders Association Inc.
The very testing and strictly regulated event, for both horses and riders, rotating between different states each year.
On October 18, Russell was one of 131 qualified riders competing in the 58th Tom Quilty Cup, held largely over private properties on the picturesque and hilly countryside near the ocean at Wirrina Cove, 88 kilometres from Adelaide.
Previously he had competed in two Tom Quilty Cups in New South Wales, and said he had trained hard to be at peak fitness for this year’s event.
Russell and wife Deborah spent about 30 years living at Drummond, before moving to their present four-acre property at Lauriston 15 years ago.
There were 131 starters in the Tom Quilty, spread across several divisions, and 41 failed to finish, either being disqualified, or having their horses declared lame and/or unfit to continue.
Five different veterinary points were spread across the course.
Russell was very pleased to eventually finish in seventh place in the heavyweight division, in a time with horse and rider combined tipping the scales at 99 kilometres.
“It’s certainly the toughest ride I’ve done.”
He also paid tribute to his eight-year-old steed named ‘Alan Pendragon’, which he bred, owns and trains. The horse is three-quarter Arab, and a quarter thoroughbred.
“He’ll improve,” he declared, reflecting on the unforgettable long distance experience.
Russell also thanked strapper Linda Walkingshaw for her invaluable support.
Arabian horses were largely to the forefront in the championships.
Endurance riding has been an organised amateur sport in Australia since 1968.
Russell said there was scope for riders of all ages and abilities to become involved. He finds it highly enjoyable.
Rides are held over distances largely varying from 10, 20, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kilometres.
“There’s a ride at Mia Mia from November 22-24. Anyone interested can contact organiser Ken Bradley on 0419 524 738 for further information.”
Russell also has an interest in thoroughbred racing.
He has high hopes that a recent foal he bred from his own stallion and mare will eventually get to a racetrack.
Bendigo-based trainer Jarrod Robinson is Russell’s son, and the accomplished horseman trained the winner of the Manangatang Cup earlier this month.
