Tuff Choice (USA) - Sunset Vignette (NZ) -  Smooth Fella (USA)

black gelding, foaled Sep 1988

pacer - 123 starts - $126,895

 

Simmo and Ian Symington, Tom Quilty Gold Cup, June 2001 Photo by permission: Chris Ros

The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is Australia's National Championship endurance ride. Riders and horses have to complete a challenging 100 mile (160km) course, finishing the ride within 24 hours and passing the frequent and stringent veterinary checks as "fit to continue".

The 2001 ride was hosted by WAERA at Tumblegum Farm, Mundijong in the south west outskirts of Perth. Among the 129 predominantly Arabian bred starters, two standardbreds presented for this legendary event, and both completed, earning the coveted silver buckle that is awarded to all successful completions.

"Simmo" is a 16hh+ black 11 year old standardbred gelding and a well known icon in the WA endurance scene. He is truly a sight to behold as he bowls along with his huge distinctive stride. Ian Symington skillfully steered him in to cheering crowds in a riding time of 20 hours and 36 minutes. Add the four 45 minute vet gate hold times between each of the five legs, and Ian and Simmo were out there for over 23 1/2 hours.

Simmo, racing as "Two Time Sunset", has had a distinctive career on the track before his endurance job, with a total of 123 starts for 15 wins, 23 placings and $126,895 in prizemoney. He won the Parliamentarian's Cup in 1996 and was placed third in the 1995 Fremantle Cup. He was in the heats of the Interdominion when it was held in Perth in March 1996, coming third in one heat and missing out on the final by one point.