Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Kate Caughey takes 'Maralinga Saleem' through the weighing process which was part of the pre-vetting procedures

The camping area was full of horse floats, motorhomes and caravans, which would become a height of activity prior to the midnight start of the ride

Jennifer Gilbertson thanks her lucky stars to be able to compete in the Quilty after being given the opportunity to ride 'Balgownie Anchor' due to the Equine Influenza restrictions currently back home in NSW

The pre-vetting area certainly was a busy place with each horse given a thorough vet check before they were given the go ahead to compete in the ride

Tania Foster's 'Shintaar' being given a thorough vet check

Dianne Maurer and ' Leika Malik' going through the pre-vet check

2007 Tom Quilty President, Ian Symington and 'Wandu Hills Free Spirit' stepping out in the pre-vetting area

Stepping out in the pre-vetting area by Kerry Moody and 'Mistletoe'

A quiet moment whilst waiting to enter the pre-vetting area for Anton Reid and 'Endurowest Kumari'

Liz Cullam and 'Thowra Park Cadellac' taking their turn in the pre-vetting course

NSW competitor Allan Caslick and his loan horse 'Mariba Moontrip' going through their paces for the pre-vetting

Pre-vetting saw a very colourful Anita Lunt and 'Sir James' present themselves for the once over by the vets

The Vet team led by Head Vet Dr Fiona Thompson will be carrying out the vet checking for the event commencing with pre-vetting through to the final checking of each horse after the final 5th leg of the 160 klms or 100 mile Tom Quilty Gold Cup. Californian visiting veterinarian Dr Greg Fellers, the Head Veterinarian for the Annual Tevis Cup ride held in Nevada comes with much experience in endurance horses

Team of Research Veterinarians Dr Anne Barnes from Murdock University WA, Dr Jenni Kingston from Qld University, Vetpath Lab Pathologist Sue Beetson and Veterinary 3rd year student Narelle Thompson took a moment during their tests in progress of the horses prior to the ride. They are currently carrying out research into how endurance horses respond to different methods of feed and suppliments checking electrolytes, blood samples and muscle damage

Not sure about the results that will come out from this rather strange looking Administration office. The Administration crew Carol and Peter Laidlaw from NSW, Bronwyn Cuthbert and Ian Blucher WA will be kept busy for the weekend with time and place results

The Western Australian Arabian Horse Association display stand was well represented by many Western Australian Arabian studs

Horses were given a chance to relax for a while after pre- ride vetting before the gruelling ride

Cathy Paton and 'Denmark Zamaan' made the most of some beautiful sunshine and time out before the big ride tonight

Jacinta Thomas, a local from the Byford area found herself with the important role as chief plaiter even though her current customer appeared to be a little tired of the whole thing

The pretty Tumbulgum Hill was the backdrop of the base area sprinkled with colourful wildflowers and a row of pine trees which would form part of each leg of the 160 klm ride

Someone who drew the short straw to be given the job of writing all competitors bib nos., names and division onto the board was Amanda Raynor was hard at work

Chief Steward Tom McCormack and Assistant Chief Steward Deb Symington, go through the process of the horse and riders returning to base with the pre-race briefing

Sandy Little gives a demonstration of how the horses will enter the ride-vetting area at the end of each leg of the ride during the Pre-race briefing held in the afternoon

Christopher Haddon and 'West Coast Dayan' going through their paces in the pre-vetting

Jacinta Maurer wearing some rather colourful boots and 'Leika Malik' go through their paces in the pre-vetting

Carol Willcocks and 'Marbling Nabaroo' going through their paces in the pre-vetting area

Young competitor Corey Lunt and 'Assiff' will be competing in the Junior section of the ride

Richard Jeggo and 'Maralinga Fanfare' going through their paces in the pre-vet check of their first Quilty ride

'West Coast Acharon' and rider Norbert Radney pacing out in the pre-vet area

Competitors, strappers and pit crews were given a thorough briefing at the Pre-Ride Briefing session held early afternoon