PoloTimes_September25

Sotogrande Bronze Cup & Terralpa Silver Cup

WITH TOXIC LAMINITIS Nutrition Case Study PONY CLUB POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS All of the Results & Reports om Cowdray

PLUS: Pony Powers Aplenty, Nico Roberts’ Passions & Coronation Cup

THE POLO PLAYERS’ CHOICE BRITISH POLO GIN

Evident botanicals make for a well rounded gin with fabulous complexity. The balance marks it out for universal purpose… it simply tastes great GREAT TASTE

3 STAR AWARD

Spicy and smooth, this organic gin has strong cardamon notes. Makes a great gin and tonic THE TIMES, 25 AUGUST2018

AUGUST 2018

Forget bland aromas on opening. This gin has a different twist and lends itself to botanical flavours. Add mint, basil or a strawberry to the drink – a first for this occasional gin drinker – and a winning formula is created.

TELEGRAPH VERDICT

GUARDS POLO CLUB

70 YEARS OF POLO

To celebrate Guards Polo Club’s 70th year, we proudly bring to you a limited edition run of our multi award winning organic Botanical London Dry Gin. The run is strictly limited to 500 bottles, each individually numbered by our Master distiller.

LIMITED EDITION ORGANIC GIN

Produced in the Cotswold’s in collaboration with Guards Polo Club, this gin is made with 100% organic certified ingredients and quadruple distilled. The result? A truly, premium gin that is suitable for simply sipping over ice or drinking longer with tonic.

Available from the Guards Polo Club Kiosk, The Searcys Clubhouse bar at Smiths Lawn or online at www.britishpologin.co.uk

Need a bespoke gin for your club or business? Call 01452 730770.

Contributors:

Mark Beaumont, Lorna Edgard, Tony Ramirez/ ©www.imagesofpolo.com, Tom Reynolds, Paul Stalker Contact

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770

email:admin@polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Horace Laffaye

POLO YARD FOR SALE

All

3-bed

Ample

Horse walker

Pony lines and extensive barns

Varied all weather tracks

Boarded polo ground

All weather tracks

Ample parking for horse lorries and artics

3 bedroom house

News from the Publisher

from the Publisher

Welcome to the September issue of Polo Times which brings a broad mix of tournament coverage, Club News, and features that all spotlight the sport from grassroots through to international level.

With the Pony Club Polo Championships on the cover of the September issue of Polo Times, this edition places a timely focus on the next generation of polo players. The huge number of competitors in this year’s Championships not only goes to demonstrate both the strength, and future, of English polo, but also the support which young players receive from their parents and families. As always, the Reports and Club Focus pages are packed with action from across the UK as well as overseas, including The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup and Sotogrande Silver and Bronze Cup. The Pony Power pages are a bumper this issue with 10 Polo Times Best Playing Ponies featured. This issue’s Club Spotlight falls on Ham Polo Club, based in the heart of London, while wider Club Focus keeps readers informed on updates from around the country. Knowledge pieces return with practical insight across training and horse management, including Lorna Edgar’s case study on toxic laminitis in a brood mare. Paul Stalker also provides a candid insight into the reasons behind his lifestyle transformation and why we should all focus on our health and mindset – Paul, you are an inspiration and the Polo Times team wish you the very best health and success. Nico Roberts is this month’s Passions and the Sidelines pages feature the ever-glamorous Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup.

It is also reassuring to read that two English polo clubs both celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2026: the afore-mentioned, Ham Polo Club, (where my late father John first learnt to play in the early 70s) and Kirtlington Park Polo Club, where I played for most of my teens in the late 80s… there will undoubtedly be parties aplenty to mark these fantastic milestones.

On a personal note, please forgive this issue arriving a few days later than usual, but Rosabella, Polo Times’ Editor-in-Chief, had early warning signs of appendicitis in the closing stages of the publishing cycle, which coincided with being just a few days before her wedding – but with true Brit grit, Rosabella stoically continued to work from her hospital chair whilst receiving treatment… which proves, the show really does go on!

Finally, at the time of going to press, parliament had just returned from its summer recess: let us hope and pray that the country’s ‘mood’ will be listened to, so that we see punitive laws cease and common sense prevail – else, the younger generation will surely flee to sunnier climes to both live and work.

As always, keep well and play safe

Nick Hine

2025 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

On Sunday 24 August, the 25th edition of The Hublot Polo Gold Cup concluded in the Swiss Alps. Four teams competed in this year’s tournament, with Gstaad Palace vs Albinati Aeronautics in the Final.

The Final began with both sides showing early nerves, but once Gstaad Palace found their rhythm, there was no looking back. Albinati Aeronautics struggled to break through the rocksolid defence marshalled by Min Podestá (7), whose composure and distribution set the tone for a commanding performance. Podestá later secured the Most Valuable Player Award after scoring freely and ended up as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. Podestá brought over a string of ponies from the UK for the tournament and his nine-year-old grey mare, Doma Simoca, secured the Best Playing Pony Award.

Juan Pepa of Kielder Agro Group, who won the Subsidiary Final, impressed throughout the tournament and was named Best Amateur Player.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Final Teams:

Gstaad Palace (14): Markus Graeff (0), Thommy Graeff (3), Min Podestá (7) & Francisco Fucci (4) Albinati Aeronautics (14): Luca Meier (1), Patricio Gaynor (2), Santiago Cernadas (7) & Fabian Bolanterio (4)

Singureni Manor Polo Cup 2025

The countdown has begun for The 2nd Singureni Manor Polo Cup which returns on 26 – 28 September set against the breath-taking backdrop of Singureni Manor for the second year. This year’s edition brings even more excitement, as Singureni Manor Polo Club team will step into the arena for the first time alongside international champions. Last year was the debut of Romania’s first ever polo tournament and returns this year with another four international teams all with their eyes on the trophy. Tickets are available at www.singurenimanorpolocup.com and Polo Times will be bringing you all the coverage live, arenaside, on the weekend.

Photograph by © Justine Jacquemot / R&B Presse

Gstaad Palace, winners of The Hublot Polo Gold Cup

Bionic Gloves

Gloves Backed By Science

Designed by a leading orthopedic hand specialist, the Bionic technology is totally unique in the marketplace. There is nothing like it. The difference is found in the design based on the anatomy of the hand and the science of ergonomics.

Anatomical Relief Pad System

The hand’s natural peaks and valleys create pressure points that lead to blisters, calluses, and fatigue. Bionic’s Anatomical Relief Pad System evens out the surface, improving grip strength and minimising discomfort without the need to grip harder, reducing forearm cramp.

Web & Motion Zones

The hand’s 14 phalanx bones and muscles enable remarkable dexterity. Bionic gloves use breathable, stretchable Lycra with Motion Zones over knuckles and Web Zones between fingers, enhancing flexibility, natural movement, and keeping hands cool and dry for superior comfort and performance.

Pre-Rotated Finger Design

Your fingers are naturally “pre-rotated,” with the forefinger and pinky angling inward when grasping. Bionic gloves mimic this natural shape instead of using straight-cut fingers, delivering a snug, second-skin feel that moves effortlessly with your grip, enhancing comfort and control.

Dual Expansion Zone

The thumb’s unique shape makes fitting difficult—too tight limits movement; too loose causes discomfort. Bionic’s stretchable expansion zones adapt to its size, providing a custom fit, enhanced movement, and better performance so you can focus on what you do best.

Bellamar Pampa Norte comeback, but by the fifth and sixth chukkas, it was Lavinia who were controlling the action with Carlos María Ulloa and Manuel Giménez Villamil commanding the team from the back and combining well with their forwards, Ramon Cassino and Jack Whitman to secure Lavinia their first Thai Polo Cup title, 10½-4.

Rocksavage & Hipwood Merged into Pony Club

15-22 Goal Handicap Changes

The Hipwood and Rocksavage, which have previously been Junior HPA tournaments, will now be merged into the Pony Club from this season onwards, while the Buckmaster section will be discontinued. The format of Hipwood and Rocksavage will remain unchanged, with three and four chukka matches on private grounds over 4 – 17 July, which will allow players to also compete in other Pony Club tournaments. Hipwood and Rocksavage players will be required to be members of both the HPA

Argentine Association of Horse Breeders’ Best Playing Pony: Future Lituania, played by Carlos María Ulloa

The Berenberg German Polo Masters 2025

and Pony Club; all Pony Club members less than 3 goals will play a flat rate of £50 for their HPA membership. Andrew Barlow, Chairman of the HPA Development and Coaching Committee, commented, “A vital HPA role is to promote grassroots polo and the development of young polo players. In combining the previous Junior HPA with Pony Club tournaments, this allows us to enhance our long-term objectives of promoting talent for the benefit of all players and the sport in the future. With generous

Best Playing Pony of the Final: Alberta Belvedere, played by

The 15-22 Goal Handicap Changes were announced on Wednesday 23 July, the full list can be viewed online, but a summary of the increases are below. Recent British Open winners Hugo Taylor, Paco de Narvaez and Mia Cambiaso have all seen their handicaps increased (to 5, 8 and 3 goals respectively) and the other raises include a host of young talent including Lukin Monteverde, Louis Hine, Will Harper, Alfie Hyde and Rufino Merlos.

Polo Rider Cup 2022

financial support from Park Place this new partnership enables us to focus on our structured development pathway whilst wholeheartedly supporting and promoting Pony Club Polo”. For more information on Pony Club polo please contact Charles Whittington, or for Hipwood and Rocksavage specifically contact Jilly Emerson.

Over 30 July – 3 August, six teams competed in The Berenberg German Polo Masters 2025 at Polo Club Sylt. The Final saw Lucid Motors secure the title with a 7-6 win against Zuckerhut & Matterhorn, with Ralph Robson named Most Valuable Player, Lala Laplacette (Berenberg Team) presented with the Fair Play Award

2 to 3 goals: Mia Cambiaso, Josh Hyde, 1 to 2 goals: Nicholas van Oppen

0 to 1 goals: Hugh Bate, Ashley Glennie, Matias Maldonado, Babar Naseem

Lucid Motors’ Philipp Müller, who visited Sylt for the first time this

Lucid Motors (8): Philipp Müller (0), Ralph Robson (0), Tom Brodie (5) & Charles Cooney (3)

Zuckerhut & Matterhorn (8): Vanessa Schockemöhle (0), Sebastian Schneberger (0), Patrick Maleitzke (4) & Cristobal Durrieu (4)

Photograph by

Mark Beaumont

Recent British Open winners Hugo Taylor, Paco de Narvaez and Mia Cambiaso have all seen their handicaps raised

Photograph courtesy of Philipp Müller

Lucid Motors, winners of The Berenberg German Polo Masters 2025

Photography by PRC

Polo Club Niederweiden will be competing in the 2022 Polo Rider Cup

Carlos María Ulloa

Fair Play Award: Carlos Braun

Gaston Lucero & Federico Martelli

Carlos María Ulloa

Santiago Llavallol & Carlos María Ulloa

Photography by Matias Callejo

The Whittier Trust Silver Cup

On Sunday 10 August at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in California, 90210 and Bentley Estate Homies went head-to-head in The Whittier Trust Silver Cup Final.

In a rare mother-son clash, 90210 avenged their 11-10 loss to Bentley Estates Homies earlier in the tournament with an 11-7 victory to capture their first Silver Cup title. Controlling possession and striking late in four straight chukkas, 90210’s cohesive play set the tone. Early goals from Matt Coppola and Gonzalo Ferrari gave them a 3-1 lead, while Obregon’s pair briefly narrowed the gap before Raul Laplacette closed the second chukka 6-4. Coppola’s cutshot in the third stretched the advantage to 8-4, and three more unanswered goals in the fourth widened it to 11-4. Obregon ended Bentley Estates’ drought in the fifth, with Cable Magness adding two in the sixth, but the deficit proved insurmountable. Each 90210 player lifted their first Silver Cup, with Siegel-Magness becoming only the third woman to win the trophy. Laplacette, scoring four goals, was named Most Valuable Player, while Gonzalo Ferrari’s 10-year-old mare Dolfina Arlington earned Best Playing Pony honours.

The Whittier Trust Silver Cup Final Teams: 90210: Sarah Siegel-Magness, Matt Coppola, Gonzalo Ferrari & Raul Laplacette

Bentley Estates Homies: Cable Magness, Juan Cruz ‘Cacu’ Marcos & Geronimo Obregon, Roberto Zedda Jr.

II FIP Arena World Polo Championship

The II FIP Arena World Polo Championship will be held from Sunday 5 October – Sunday 12 October at Roseland Polo Club and Virginia Polo Inc. with teams from around the globe competing in the second edition. The United States Polo Association (USPA) International Committee has selected a dynamic trio to represent the host nation with Jared Sheldon (Captain), Patrick Uretz and Kareem Rosser donning the red, white and blue shirts. All of the matches will be livestreamed via the USPA Polo Network.

Stewards Update Supporting Women in

22 Goal

Following the July Stewards’ Update on Home Grown Players in the 22-goal, the HPA Stewards have reviewed the feedback received and the HPA has released the following clarification for the 2026 season: “Female players who have a Right to Work in the UK and hold a women’s handicap of 6 goals or more will be permitted to play in the 22-goal without the need to be a Home Grown Player, irrespective of their mixed handicap”.

Photograph by ©David Lominska

90210, winners of The Whittier Trust Silver Cup

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk w Letters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

An Adventure to the Horse of the Year Show: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity!

Dear Polo Times

The Staff College & Sandhurst Pony Club Mounted Games Team has achieved the pinnacle of their sport, qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2025 at the NEC Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE this October. This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime achievement that only a handful of children get to experience, and we couldn’t be prouder.

skill, and an unbreakable team spirit. This is an adventure for them all; a celebration of an incredible journey and the beginning of a lifetime of memories.

Record Breaking Final’s

Day

This year’s HOYS will be held from 8 – 12 October. The competition for the prestigious Prince Philip Cup is fierce, with only six teams across the UK earning a spot. The Staff College & Sandhurst Pony Club Mounted Games Team team fought through an intense Final at the Mounted Games Championships, securing their ‘golden ticket’ by just two points in a gripping finish. It was a true testament to their passion, dedication and teamwork.

The team is an exceptional mix of riders, all of whom embody the core values of the Pony Club: togetherness, empathy, respect, and learning. Two of our dedicated riders, Leah and Aiden, are making it to HOYS in their final eligible year, a dream come true after many years of hard work. Alongside them are young riders Arthur, Fen, Ava, and Seth, who rode well beyond their years, demonstrating courage,

The Paul Sweeney Memorial was founded by Lesley, Charlotte and Georgia Sweeney in memory of Paul Sweeney after his unexpected death in 2009 at just 48-years-old in order to keep his spirit and legacy alive. Each year, the tournament attracts a number of players and spectators, gathering at Ash Farm Polo Club to cheer on the finalists. This year saw a record number of teams and after a two-year postponement due to Covid-19, the grandstands were packed. Twelve Oaks managed to stave off a last-minute attempt by Rosina to claim the title and took a 14-12 victory.

by Antonia Bullrich

However, as a self-funded team, this incredible adventure comes at a cost. The expense of attending HOYS, including stabling, entries, equipment, and travel for five ponies and their riders, is significant. So if any Polo Times readers would like to support our journey please visit our Just Giving page (scan the QR code below)

This journey is about more than just competition. It’s about building a foundation of resilience, friendship, and sportsmanship for these young people. Your support will not only help them get to HOYS but will also reinforce the lesson that with dedication and community support, anything is possible.

Best wishes, The Staff College & Sandhurst Pony Club Mounted Games Team (Leah, Aiden, Arthur, Fen, Ava & Seth)

Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; Sunday 20 February

Photography

Rhett Wooldridge

Olivia Whittle & Lisa Knight

Harry Applegate, Anton Nymans, Charlie Graham, Issy Litvak & Issy Langrish

Georgia Sweeney & Gemma Byrne

Frankie & Alex Antony

Pete & George Woodward

Bridie Courtney Morgan

Charlie Simpson & Jade Louise Wheeler Sandy & Mike Warren, Ross Byrne

Sophie Morrison

Mary Kelly

Issy Litvak & Libby Connaughton

Jemima Wilson & Graham Wooldridge

THE NEW BEAUFORT POLO CLUB ARENA

The Native Americans’ Extreme Version of Polo

Ultimate test of combative skills & horsemanship

Despite being considered as one of the oldest team sports in the world, the origins of polo have been widely debated, with the earliest aspects of the game dating back thousands of years. While polo’s exact roots are unknown, it is interesting to observe how the game has been played in various countries by different cultures and civilisations throughout history, to evolve into the modern version of the sport we know and love today.

In an article written by author Casper W. Whitney in a supplement from Harper’s Weekly published in 1891, Whitney explores the development of polo in America, touching upon the rich history of polo, prior to the game arriving in the USA via England. Notably, he mentions the style of polo played by the Native Americans of the 1700s and 1800s. He describes the game as ‘like shinny on horseback’ (an informal type of hockey played on ice), with the Indians expertly using a short stick and riding with ‘a recklessness born of a set purpose to get possession of the ball, no matter what happens.’

From Whitney’s account, the Indians displayed remarkable horsemanship and combative skills to do whatever it took to get the ball, including pulling one another from their horses. Whitney suggested that their form of ‘riding off’ would be more appropriately named as ‘riding down’, as players often ended up on the ground and would sometimes be pretty ‘badly damaged’, but happy nonetheless. A sketch of Native American Indian players, drawn by Mr. Remington from Whitney’s description of the game, gives us an idea of the speed, skill, force, brutality and aggression of their version of the game, with a notable lack of tack for the horses or protection for the riders.

The Indians did not play with any particular number of players – sometimes there would be four players, sometimes eight – and there didn’t seem to be any rules – everything was permissible!

Dakota, Montana and Wyoming were the most popular locations for play in the late 1800s, and Whitney never saw the game being played in more southern territories, but he did watch ball games played on horseback by the Apaches of Arizona. No one knows when the Native American Indians began playing their form of polo – tribal tradition has recorded it as ‘time out of mind’, and Whitney suggests that if you had asked the Indians, they would tell you they have always played it. Horses shaped almost all areas of life for Native Americans for two centuries, as

they travelled, hunted large animals such as Buffalo, and fought battles riding horses.

Today, Standing Rock is inspired by the values of the Native American Indians, and central to their ethos are the Seven Lakota Values, which guide them both on and off the field.

The Standing Rock Fair Play Award reflects the Native American Indians’ values and encourages players to be adventurous, courageous, positive, passionate and committed, while also being compassionate and to treat others as they would like to be treated.

History shows Native American Indians played a form of polo

Casper W. Whitney’s original article in Harper’s Weekly published in 1891

Photography courtesy of Standing Rock

Are You Game Ready On and Off The Field?

Given the demands of polo, maintaining peak physical fitness should be a non-negotiable for players

“Their assessments can detect up to 92 percent and 95 percent of the causes of preventable death among men and women respectively”

Hilario Ulloa for Park Place v Lucas Criado for Bin Drai Polo in Talacrest Prince of Wales Championship Cup Final 2024

Photograph by Sam Churchill

Often dubbed the ‘Sport of Kings’, polo is dynamic and exhilarating. Combining high levels of athleticism, strategy, and a unique bond between player and horse it demands that players be in peak physical and mental condition to face the rigorous challenges of the sport. As with any high-intensity sport, game preparation starts far beyond the field of play.

Much like the care and maintenance that goes into practice and working as a team during a game, a discreet and fully comprehensive full-body MoT, helps prioritise your health and guarantees you can continue to savour the game’s finest moments with the same vigour and grace.

Established 15 years ago Echelon Health brings together 30 years of clinical expertise, the most advanced imaging technology and unparalleled client service to offer the world’s leading health assessments available today. Their assessments can

identify tumours as small as 1 – 2mm and detect up to 92 percent and 95 percent of the causes of preventable death among men and women respectively.

Echelon Health is unique in that not only do they look under the ‘bonnet’ to see inside the body in incredible detail, but they also recognise that no ‘one size fits all’ scanner that can be used to detect all disease. Utilising a combination of the most advanced MRI, CT and Ultrasound technology,

alongside comprehensive blood tests, every client receives a highly comprehensive set of results with onwards advice that allows them to continue thriving.

Priding themselves on their excellent in-client care; safety, wellbeing and comfort are of top priority in their service approach.

Clients undergoing a Platinum or Gold health assessment benefit from the use of their own private suite throughout the day. Offering a private and tranquil base to be used in-between tests and scans, the suite ensures the day of assessment is as stress free as it is efficient.

Dr David Wilson, Past President of the British Institute of Radiology said of Echelon Health –“The service they are providing at present is, in my opinion, the best that can be achieved in current practice with existing knowledge.”

Staying game ready extends beyond regular training sessions and practice matches. By prioritising health, athletes can not only improve their performance but also enjoy a longer, healthier career in this thrilling sport. So, before you saddle up and head out to play your next chukka, ask yourself: Are you truly game ready?

Echelon Health Ltd are based at 68 Harley Street, London W1G 7HE

Client Suite

CT Scan

RURAL CHARTERED SURVEYORS LAND AGENTS, VALUERS & PLANNING CONSULTANTS

RURAL CHARTERED SURVEYORS AND RURAL PROPERTY AGENTS SPECIALISING IN EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES IN THE HOME COUNTIES.

Sotogrande Bronze Cups

Titles for Les Lions Sainte Mesme, Muda IZ Polo & Legacy

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals High Goal Bronze Cup

The first of The 54th Sotogrande International Polo Tournament Finals were held over Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August with The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Bronze Cup Finals at Ayala Polo Club.

On Saturday 2 August, in a close contest, Les Lions Sainte Mesme and Amanara went head-tohead in The 54th Sotogrande International Polo Tournament High Goal Bronze Cup Final. The match began at a blistering pace, with both sides showcasing top-quality polo from the opening throw-in. With talent spread across both line-ups, the first half produced some of the finest passages of play of the contest. Les Lions Sainte Mesme impressed with their structured build-up from the back, while Amanara’s youthful trio injected speed and energy, underlining their growing presence on the high goal stage.

In the end, it was Les Lions Sainte Mesme who found the decisive breakthrough in the extratime chukka. A flowing team move was finished by Dillon Bacon, who latched onto a pass from Robert Strom, outpaced his defender, and fired home the winning goal to secure victory and claim Bionesta Pharmaceuticals High Goal Bronze Cup. Tommy Beresford played a pivotal role throughout, scoring four times and deservedly secured the Most Valuable Player Award; Nicky Sen received the Fair Play Award; Triunfo Cifra, played by Hilario Ulloa was the Best Playing Pony and Meta Alegra, played by Barto Castagnola, was the AACCP Best Playing Pony.

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals High Goal Bronze Cup Final Teams: Les Lions Sainte Mesme (22): Robert Strom (4), Dillon Bacon (2), Hilario Ulloa (9) & Tommy Beresford (7) Amanara (22): Nicky Sen (0), Beltrán Laulhé (6), Lorenzo Chavanne (6) & Bartolomé Castagnola (10)

Les Lions Sainte Mesme, winners of The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals High Goal Bronze Cup

Photography by Matías

Callejo / Ayala Polo Club

Lorenzo Chavanne (Amanara) & Tommy Beresford (Les Lions Sainte Mesme) in the High Goal Bronze Cup Final at Ayala Polo Club

The

Bionesta

Pharmaceuticals Medium Goal Bronze Cup

Muda IZ Polo were crowned champions of The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Medium Goal Bronze Cup on Friday 1 August, sealing a high-scoring 15-10 victory over John Smith in the Final on Los Pinos Court 4.

From the outset, Muda IZ Polo stamped their authority on the game, opening up space and piling pressure on their opponents. Playing a fluid, collective style under the guidance of Facundo Sola, they consistently carved out scoring opportunities and proved too strong in front of goal, securing a well-deserved win.

Individual honours reflected the team’s dominance: Facundo Sola was named Most Valuable Player and also claimed The AACCP Best Playing Pony for Cachiyuyo Millonaria. The Best Playing Pony went to Pampa, played by Gregorio Gelosi, while the Fair Play Award was presented to Firhan Shah.

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Medium Goal Bronze Cup Final Teams:

Muda IZ Polo (14): Prince Firhan (0), Ciro Urturi (2), Facundo Sola (8) & Gregorio Gelosi (4)

John Smith (13): Nicolás Tomasevich (3), Patricio Neves (4), Juan Zubiaurre (6) & Gabriel Aguirre (0)

Photography by Matias Callejo

Nicolás Tomasevich (John Smith) & Facundo Sola (Muda IZ Polo) in The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Medium Goal Bronze Cup Final

Muda IZ Polo, winners of The Medium Goal Bronze Cup Final

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Low Goal Bronze Cup

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Low Goal Bronze Cup Final was played on Saturday 2 August ahead of the High Goal Final. Hartog Polo Team met Legacy in the Low Goal Final, with seven of the eight players having also featured only weeks earlier in The Manuel Prado and Colón de Carvajal Memorial tournaments at Ayala Polo Club. This time, the action unfolded on Los Pinos Court 4, where Legacy produced a commanding performance to claim a 13-8 victory and secure their first title of The 54th International Polo Tournament.

Bautista Riglos was chosen as the Most Valuable Player; Jaime Lleo received the Fair Play Award and MR Buena Gringa, played by Riglos, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony in the Final.

The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Low Goal Bronze Cup Final Teams: Legacy (9): Cedric Schweri (0), Ítalo Viglierchio (1), Tomás Astelarra (3) & Bautista Riglos (5) Hartog Polo Team (8): Kevin Korst (1), Jaime Lleo (0), Santos Iriarte (3) & Gerardo Mazzini (4)

1896 Polo, winners of The Low Goal Bronze Cup

Bautista Riglos (Legacy) & Gerardo Mazzini (Hartog Polo Team) in The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Low Goal Bronze Cup Final

Legacy, winners of The Bionesta Pharmaceuticals Low Goal Bronze Cup Final

ESTANCIA EL ROCIO

- your Argentine polo paradise -

Polo holidays and training tailored to you, at a friendly, family run farm.

“…a simply magical polo experience…”

Terralpa Silver Cup Finals Results

Titles for Amanara, Brunei & Calatagan

The Terralpa Silver Cup High Goal

The Terralpa Silver Cup is the second phase of The 54th International Polo Tournament at Ayala Polo Club and the Finals were played over the High, Medium and Low Goal levels over 15 – 16 August. On Saturday 16 August, in a thrilling clash on Court 3 at Los Pinos, Amanara overcame Black Bears 12-9 to lift The Terralpa Silver Cup High Goal. It was a Final of true spectacle, once again underlining why Sotogrande’s top category is polo at its very best. Across six chukkas of fast, physical play, the crowd on the packed sidelines witnessed a contest of exceptional quality that will long be remembered.

With two of the world’s top players on the field – Barto Castagnola for Amanara and Tomás Panelo for

Black Bears – the stage was set. Amanara struck first, but Black Bears answered swiftly to edge a 3-2 lead. From then on, however, the partnership of Castagnola and Lorenzo Chavanne took control, dictating the game from the back and proving decisive in attack.

In the second half, their combined scoring power finally broke Black Bears’ resistance.

Castagnola, who notched up five goals and dominated

the key moments, was deservedly named Most Valuable Player as Amanara claimed their first Sotogrande High Goal title.The individual awards mirrored his influence: Castagnola also rode Tole Bombay, chosen as Best Playing Pony, and Meta Alegra, awarded the AACCP Best Playing Pony. The Fair Play Award went to Guy Schwarzenbach.

The Terralpa Silver Cup High Goal Final Teams: Amanara (22): Nicky Sen (0) (substituted by Marty Romualdez (0)), Beltrán Laulhé (6), Lorenzo Chavanne (6) & Barto Castagnola (10) Black Bears (22): Guy Schwarzenbach (2), Rufino Merlos (4), Rufino Bensadón (7) & Tomás Panelo (9)

Rufino Merlos (Black Bears) & Bartolo Castagnola (Amanara) in The Terralpa High Goal Final

Amanara, winners of The Terralpa Silver Cup High Goal

Photography by Matías Callejo / Ayala Polo Club

The Terralpa Silver Cup Medium Goal

Brunei Polo Team claimed the Terralpa Silver Cup for Medium Goal on Friday15 August, edging Electric Polo 11-10 in a thrilling Final on Court 4 at Los Pinos.

Electric Polo made the stronger start, storming into a 6-1 lead by the close of the second chukka. Yet Brunei Polo Team gradually found their rhythm, with Matías Mac Donough marshalling play from the back, Rosendo Torreguitar adding power, Custodio Eleno working tirelessly across the field, and Azemah Bolkiah contributing crucial attacking runs. By the final chukka, the teams were level at 8-8, setting up a dramatic conclusion. Electric Polo pulled ahead once more, 10-8, through goals from Félix Esaín and Tomás Delfino. But two penalty strikes from Mac Donough drew Brunei level, before Torreguitar sealed the match with the decisive goal to secure the title.

The individual honours reflected Brunei’s allround performance: Mac Donough was named Most Valuable Player, while Custodio Eleno’s Irenita Narración was awarded Best Playing Pony. The AACCP Best Playing Pony was Irenita Esperada, played by Rosendo Torreguitar, and the Fair Play Award went to Azemah Bolkiah.

The Terralpa Silver Cup Medium Goal Final Teams:

Brunei Polo Team (14): Azemah Bolkiah (0), Custodio Eleno (3), Rosendo Torreguitar (5) & Matías Mac Donough (6)

Electric Polo (14): Pedro Chavanne (4), Sarah Braune (0), Félix Esaín (6) & Tomás Delfino (4)

Sotogrande Terralpa Silver Cups

Brunei, winners of The Terralpa Silver Cup Medium Goal

Tomás Delfino (Electric Polo) & Matías Mac Donough (Brunei Polo Team) in The Terralpa Silver Cup Medium Goal Final

The Terralpa Silver Cup Low Goal

On Saturday 16 August, The Low Goal Terralpa Silver Cup Final was played between Calatagan and La Capilla. Calatagan managed to remain in the lead throughout the match and held a two goal advantage going into the final chukka. Ciro Urturi, who scored five goals throughout the match, increased the gap in the last chukka to help secure a 12-8 win meaning Calatagan defended the title for the second year. Urturi was named Most Valuable Player, Guy Charloux received the Fair Play Award and Open Zelda,

played by Santiago Irastorz, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The Terralpa Silver Cup Low Goal Final Teams:

Calatagan (8): Andrew Romualdez (-1), Ciro Urturi (2), Fermín Prado (2) & Santiago Irastorza (5)

La Capilla (8): Guy Charloux (0), Estanislao Grahn (3), Mario Gómez (3) & Gaetan Charloux (2)

Calatagan, winners of The Terralpa Silver Cup Low Goal

Mario Gómez (La Capilla) & Santiago Irastorza (Calatagan) in The Terralpa Silver Cup Low Goal Final

England Win

The Coronation Cup

Celebrating 150 years of polo in England

England, winners of The 2025 Coronation Cup (L-R: Louis Hine, Ollie Cudmore, Max Charlton & Tommy Beresford)

This year’s International Day at Guards Polo Club celebrated 150 years of polo in England, with two international matches and displays marking the sport’s historic roots.

The 2025 Coronation Cup saw England facing Brazil and the teams were ushered onto the ground by mounted riders from the King’s Royal Hussars and the Royal Lancers, in a display coordinated by Simon Ledger. The pageantry paid tribute to history, recalling the first recorded polo match in England, staged in 1874 on Hounslow Heath between those very regiments.

England began with a two goal handicap advantage and quickly built upon this in the opening chukka with a break from Beresford in the first 15 seconds who sent the ball up to Max Charlton to open the scoring despite strong defence from Pedrinho Zacharias. Louis Hine flew to goal on his brother Ned’s ex-racehorse Secret Applause, followed by a penalty conversion from Captain Tommy Beresford, another field goal from Hine and a huge strike from Charlton to end the chukka with a 7-0 lead.

Brazil found their feet in the second chukka, with goals from Zacharias and JP Ganon to get the visiting side on the scoreboard, whilst also holding England to just one goal from Charlton to help steady the gap at 8-2.

England’s teamwork and precise plays extended their lead in the third chukka with goals from Hine, Charlton and Beresford to put the scores at 12-2 – would Brazil be able to make a comeback in the second half?

The Coronation Cup teams were led onto the ground by the King’s Royal Hussars and the Royal Lancers

Where: Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Gaston Lauhlé presented Louis Hine with the Rufino Lauhlé Trophy for the Most Valuable Player in memory of his son, Rufino Lauhlé

MVP Louis Hine reaches out for the ball

MVP

BPP

The fourth chukka saw just one goal from Beresford, but Brazil found the posts again in the fifth chukka with an impressively angled shot from Rodrigo Andrade to take the scores to 13-3. However, England replied with three more goals to end the fifth chukka 16-3 and with just one chukka remaining, the gap looked too large to close for the visiting side.

Despite the goal difference, Brazil continued to push in the sixth chukka and were rewarded with four goals, but England’s earlier lead was too much to tackle and the home team ran out the winners 16-7.

The post-match presentations included a moving moment when the Most Valuable Player prize was awarded. The award has been named after Rufino Lauhlé, who sadly passed away unexpectedly at just 15-years-old. In the 2024 Coronation Cup, Rufino showcased a remarkable performance while playing for Argentina when he was not only top scorer but also swept up in the post-match presentations. Rufino’s father, Gastón Laulhé, presented The Rufino Lauhlé Most Valuable Player Award to Louis Hine on the day.

To read more about The Whitbread Tankard, please turn to the Youth Polo pages.

BPP

The Coronation Cup Teams

Lovelocks Glow Worm, played by Louis Hine and owned by Tommy Severn

Louis Hine

RoR BPP: Hot Poppy, owned and played by Tommy Beresford

Photography by The Art of Polo

Brazil (25)

Marcelo Camargo (2)

Joao Paulo ‘JP’ Ganon (7) (Captain)

Pedrinho Zacharias (8)

Rodrigo Andrade (8)

England (23)

Louis Hine (5)

Ollie Cudmore (5)

Max Charlton (6)

Tommy Beresford (7) (Captain)

Chukka scores: 7-0, 8-2, 12-2, 13-2, 16-3, 16-7 to England

England Captain Tommy Beresford on the ball

Gabriel Donoso Trophy: Marcelo Camargo

CalvertAnsari’s Championship Charge

The Aston Martin Prince of Wales Championship Cup

Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

White Crane Black, winners of

The Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

Photography by Marcos Cerdeira

Reports The Aston Martin Prince of Wales Championship Cup

10 AUG FINAL 17 JUL

On Sunday 10 August, The Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final was played under sunny skies at Guards Polo Club between Monterosso and White Crane Black. The day began with the Subsidiary Final which was won by Quianto Capital who beat Shoreline 8-6, with Teo Lacau chosen as the Most Valuable Player.

Jasmine Calvert-Ansari’s White Crane Black lifted The Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup at the first attempt, producing a confident performance to secure this coveted

20 goal title. Built around the experience and vision of David Stirling, White Crane Black displayed composure throughout the Final and their American talent, Mackenzie Weisz, proved pivotal to the victory. Not only did he convert all of the team’s penalties with clinical accuracy, but his sharp shooting also earned him the Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Most Valuable Player Award.

Their opponents, Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso claimed this trophy in 2023. Familiar with the big occasion, they nonetheless faced a challenge without their talisman Ignacio Toccalino. Alfredo Bigatti stepped in admirably at number two, linking well with Diego Cavanagh, whose trademark pace across the field was once again on display. But changes in personnel are rarely seamless in a Final of this calibre. The result was a thrilling, fast-paced contest that delighted the sell-out crowd under blazing sunshine and the Final was played with very few fouls, adding to the spectacle.

At half-time White Crane Black held the narrowest of advantages, 5-4. They stretched the gap

in the fourth chukka as Weisz converted a penalty before adding a field goal, while Monterosso’s attacking forays failed to find the posts. By the fifth, Monterosso mounted a fightback through some inspired play from the young Englishman Will Harper, who found the scoresheet after a standout chukka. Yet Dabas struck back with a superb goal on the bell, restoring White Crane Black’s two goal cushion.

The sixth began with everything still to play for, but defences held firm for the opening minutes. Then Weisz calmly slotted a penalty two, underlining White Crane Black’s grip on the game. Although Bigatti responded with a trademark longrange hit for Monterosso, the damage was done – White Crane Black held their nerve to secure the title with a final score of 9-6.

Where: Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Monterosso vs White Crane Black in the Final

With Aston Martin sponsoring this prestigious 20 goal tournament for the first time, horsepower was celebrated both on and off the field. Guards Polo Club’s official car partner showcased an array of stunning cars, with the players themselves making their team introductions in true style. They swapped ponies for engines, driven onto the field in iconic models including the legendary DB5 Goldfinger, the innovative DB12 –the world’s first super tourer – and the breathtaking Vanquish Volante, the pinnacle of open-top driving.

Monterosso (20)

Alessandro Bazzoni (1)

Will Harper (4)

Diego Cavanagh (8)

Alfredo Bigatti (7)

The Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final Teams

White Crane Black (20)

Jasmine Calvert-Ansari (0)

Mackenzie Weisz (6)

‘Pelon’ Stirling (8)

Felipe Dabas (6)

The Aston Martin Prince of Wales Championship Cup

Mohammed Bin Drai

Mentirossa, played by Felipe Dabas

Mackenzie Weisz

Mackenzie Weisz for White Crane Black turns the ball infront of packed grandstands

Action from across the country

Reports from 4 to 18 goal

Zac Beim & Luke Wiles celebrate their Harrison Cup victory

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards Polo Club – The Indian Polo Challenge Shield Final – Saturday 19 July

Number of teams: 14

Winners: Ainsley Saddlery

The Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Padmanabh Singh, had a dual role at Guards Polo Club on the first Indian Polo Day at Smith’s Lawn. His Highness presented the prizes in the 18-goal Indian Polo Challenge Shield in the morning. He then took to the field with his Jaipur Polo Team to win the iconic Jaipur Trophy. In this game the Maharaja’s team beat a Guards Polo squad 8-7 on The Queen’s Ground.

Fourteen teams had entered this year’s Indian Polo Challenge Shield contest. The Final, featuring Jasmine Calvert-Ansari’s White Crane Black and Andrew Dechet’s Ainsley Saddlery did not disappoint. Ainsley Saddlery were in control for all five chukkas but White Crane Black fought back hard in the second half to close the gap.

Dechet had to retire injured in the last chukka and his place was taken by Lorenzo Metro. This change in personnel could have unsettled the team a little but they maintained their advantage to win 11-9. Fortunately, Dechet was able to join his team mates at the presentations, where he received the Most Valuable Player prize.

Ainsley Saddlery team mate Manuel Plaza did help Dechet receive the mighty Shield, which dates back to the 1920s. In addition, Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset had a strong game across all five chukkas for Ainsley Saddlery and was rewarded with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize for Sapo Athena, please turn to the Pony Power pages to read more about Sapo Athena.

The Subsidiary Final was another close contest played later in the day and saw Romilla Arber’s Four Quarters Black beat Emlor 8-7 in extra-time.

The Indian Polo Challenge Shield Final Teams: Ainsley Saddlery (18): Andrew Dechet/Lorenzo Metro (1), Tomas Willans (4), Manuel Plaza (5) & Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset (8)

White Crane Black (18): Jasmine Calvert-Ansari (0), James Beim (6), Mackenzie Weisz (6) & Lorenzo Chavanne (6)

White Crane Black fought back in the second half to close the gap

Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Sapo Athena

Photography by Sam Churchill

Ainsley Saddlery, winners of The Indian Polo Challenge Shield

On Sunday 3 August, crowds gathered on Lawns 2 to watch The Challenge Cup Final between Senzaltro and DJ Cats in the last 18 goal Final of the season at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

Luke Wiles opened the game with a goal from the lineout, after picking up the ball from Jake Daniels. However, Daniels responded with a neck-shot goal to put DJ Cats on the scoreboard. A late goal from Teo Lacau, from over 60 yards out, left Senzaltro leading 2-1½ going into the second chukka. Senzaltro continued to pull ahead in the second chukka, with two further field goals by Wiles and a standout breakaway goal from Lacau, whose speed couldn’t be matched by the defence, giving them a 3½-goal margin. The third was a more evenly matched chukka. However, Wiles kept his scoring streak alive with a nearside finish following a pass from Lacau, putting Senzaltro ahead 6-2½ going into half-time.

The fourth chukka followed a similar pattern to the first half, with Senzaltro extending their lead. An opening goal by Jules van Vegchel, was followed by a team effort finished by Lacau under strong defensive pressure. Although Tomás Fernández Llorente managed to respond with a field goal, the dominant Senzaltro side closed the chukka with another goal by Wiles, taking them into the final chukka leading 9-3½. The final chukka saw DJ Cats give it their all, with two successful 60 yard penalties by Ned Hine and another field goal by Llorente. However, it wasn’t enough to catch the opposition, as Wiles scored his sixth goal and Lacau added another to seal an 11-6½ victory for Senzaltro.

Wiles was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award after his outstanding goal-scoring performance and his pony, Esmeralda, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug – to read more about Esmeralda, please turn to the Pony Power pages.

The Challenge Cup Final Teams:

Senzaltro (18): Jules van Vegchel (0), Luke Wiles (4), Teo Lacau (7) & Alfredo Bigatti (7)

DJ Cats (17): David Turner (0), Ned Hine (5), Tomás Fernández Llorente (7) & Jake Daniels (5)

Teo Lacau scored the final goal for Senzaltro

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Challenge Cup Final – Sunday 3 August Number of teams: Two Winners: Senzaltro

Photography by Mark Beaumont

Luke Wiles’ Esmeralda, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony

Senzaltro, winners of The Challenge Cup

Cirencester Park Polo Club – The County Cup Final – Saturday 16 August

Number of teams: Six

Winners: Nelson Polo

On another gloriously warm, summer Saturday, Cirencester Park Polo Club hosted The County Cup Final on Ivy Lodge between Nelson Polo and Noon Giraffe. Both teams had already met in the qualifying stages of the tournament, with Nelson Polo narrowly out-scoring Noon Giraffe by one goal, 7-6. Both teams fought hard in the nail-biting Final which saw Noon Giraffe leading 6-5 at half-time. However, the evenly matched teams pushed the Final into an extra chukka and Ned Hine scored the winning goal to secure the title for Nelson Polo, 9-8.

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Harrison Cup Final – Saturday 2 August

Number of teams: 11

Winners: Segavas

The first Final of Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Goodwood Week saw Segavas vs Maiz Dulce for The Harrison Cup, with Segavas’ unstoppable teamwork securing them a 9-6 win.

The first chukka opened with an accurate cut shot from local player Alfie Hyde just over a minute in. However, Segavas quickly responded with a neckshot goal by Luke Wiles, followed by a last-minute strike from Alfredo Bigatti, giving Segavas a 2-1 lead at the end of the first chukka. The second chukka saw Zac Beim convert an early 30 yard penalty following a foul in the closing moments of the first, then swiftly added another under pressure after winning the lineout. Bigatti capped off a trio of goals for Segavas, extending the lead to 5-1. Maiz Dulce fought back with a 60 yard penalty from Hyde and a well-finished pass from Harper just before the buzzer, narrowing the gap to 5-3.

The third chukka was a defensive masterclass from both teams, with no goals scored, leaving Segavas ahead by two at half-time, 5-3.

After the break, both sides returned with renewed determination, but it was Segavas who dominated the fourth chukka. Beim added two more goals, and Wiles broke away to score in the final seconds. Maiz Dulce managed just a single penalty in response, giving Segavas a comfortable lead heading into the final chukka, 8-4. Harper scored for Maiz Dulce but Segavas quashed any hopes of a comeback with an incredible goal passed from the boards by Beim and finished by Wiles. A last-second goal from Cesar Crespo was not enough

to close the gap, and Segavas Polo Team emerged victorious with a commanding 9-6 win. Zac Beim was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award and his 13-year-old black mare, Lovelocks Semarang, was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug – to read more about Lovelocks Semarang, please turn to the Pony Power pages.

The Harrison Cup Final Teams: Segavas (15): Hugh Bate (0), Zac Beim (4), Luke Wiles (4) & Alfredo Bigatti (7) Maiz Dulce (15): Millie Barfoot (0), Alfie Hyde (3), Cesar Crespo (6) & James Harper (6)

Nelson Polo (L-R: Kaspar Budd, Dominic Lodge, Ned Hine & Tommy Severn), winners of The County Cup

The County Cup Final Teams:

Nelson Polo (15): Kaspar Budd (1), Dominic Lodge (4), Tommy Severn (5) & Ned Hine (5) Noon Giraffe (15): Chris Fagan (0), Charlie Walton (4), Jeronimo Del Carril (8) & Beltran Di Paola (3)

Hine received the Most Valuable Player Award and Fanatica, owned and played by  Jeronimo De Carril, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

Segavas (L-R: Hugh Bate, Luke Wiles, Alfredo Bigatti & Zac Beim), winners of The Harrison Cup

MVP Ned Hine on the ball

Photograph by John Hankin

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Alfredo Bigatti reaches in to hook James Harper

Zac Beim’s Lovelocks Semarang, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony

Photography by Mark Beaumont

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Cheltenham Cup Final – Sunday 27 July Number of teams: Nine

Winners: Noon Giraffe

The Cheltenham Cup Final saw Noon Giraffe narrowly defeat Play Polo 7-6 in a closely contested match. Play Polo started strongly, with goals from Malcolm Borwick and Tomas Marin Moreno in the first and second chukkas, building a 4-0 lead. Noon Giraffe responded just before half-time with a goal from Charlie Walton to move onto the scoreboard, 4–1.

The third chukka marked a turning point, with Walton scoring three goals to bring Noon Giraffe level at 4-4. The final chukka remained evenly matched. Walton put Noon Giraffe ahead, before Moreno equalised for Play Polo. Manu Prado then scored for Noon Giraffe, only for Borwick to level the score once more. To finalise the game, Walton scored his sixth goal in the final seconds to secure the win for Noon Giraffe, 7-6.

Charlie Walton was deservedly awarded Most Valuable Player, while Best Playing Pony went to Steffi, played by Tomas Marin Moreno.

In the Subsidiary Final, Olivia Clowes’ team Tayto claimed a narrow 4½-4 win against Trewsbury in another close contest.

Cup

Guards Polo Club – The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final – Sunday 17 August

Number of teams: 14

Winners: Tempest

14 teams competed across three leagues in this year’s Duke of Wellington tournament at Guards Polo Club. The tournament is named after the Club’s first Chairman, the 8th Duke of Wellington and each year the late Duke’s family attend Finals Day.

On Sunday 17 August, The Duke of Wellington Final saw Tempest secure a narrow 6½-6 win against Cool Hooves Polo. Simon Prado received the Most Valuable Player Award and Cristal, played by Prado was chosen as the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. Ainsley Saddlery beat Oriflamme 8-2 in the Subsidiary Final.

The Duke of Wellington Final Teams: Tempest (12): Florencio Lanusse (1), Gustav Rausing (1), Ryan Pemble (4) & Simon Prado (6) Cool Hooves Polo (13): Rafi Bruckner (1), Segundo Darritchon (4), Santiago Araya (4) & Nacho Gonzalez (4)

Noon Giraffe, winners

The Cheltenham

Final Teams: Noon Giraffe (12): Chris Fagan (0), Charlie Walton (4), Tomas Willans (4) & Manu Prado (4) Play Polo (12): Georgina Brittain (0), Jonny Good (3), Tomas Marin Moreno (5) & Malcolm Borwick (4)

Best Playing Pony, Steffi

Photography by Tom Reynolds

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Tempest, winners of The Duke of Wellington

Cristal, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Holden White Cup Final – Sunday 3 August Number of teams: 12 Winners: Maiz Dulce

12 teams competed in this year’s Holden White Cup, with defending champions Maiz Dulce reaching the Final where they faced Cormix on Lawns 1.

The first chukka opened with a high cut shot to goal by Alfie Hyde, but Cormix responded with a composed under-pressure goal just before the buzzer, leaving the sides level at 1-1. The second chukka featured a flurry of penalties for both teams, with Hyde slotting two 30 yard conversions and Marcus Cork replying with a

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Polo Club – The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Final – Saturday 19 July

Number of teams: Four

Winners: Los Quirones

On Saturday 19 July, Los Quirones beat Broadsword 7½-6 in The Julian & Howard Hipwood Final. Evan Power was named Most Valuable Player and Molly, owned and played by Ed Morris-Lowe, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The Julian & Howard Hipwood Final Teams: Los Quirones (7): Isobel Milojevic (-1), Josh Clover (2), Evan Power (3) & Ed Morris-Lowe (3)

Broadsword (9): John Fishley (0), Nicholas Van Oppen (1), Santiago Araya (4) & Nacho Gonzalez (4)

well-taken 60 yard penalty, bringing the score to 3-3 at half-time.

After the break, Cormix came out strong, with back-to-back goals by Henry Brett pushing them ahead 4-3 going into the final chukka.

an extra chukka. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, both teams battled fiercely, but a costly mistake by Cormix handed Hyde the opportunity to convert a 40 yard penalty to secure the win for Maiz Dulce, 6-5, defending their 2024 title. . Henry Brett picked up both the Most Valuable Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for Valentina, played by Brett and owned by Peter Silling – to read more about Valentina, please turn to the Pony Power pages.

The Holden White Cup Final Teams: Millie Barfoot (0), Rafi Bruckner (1), Alfie Hyde (3) & Will Harper (4) Ed Batchelor (0), Henry Brett (2), Marcus Cork (3) & Nick Clague (3)

The Holden White Cup Final went into an extra chukka to decide the win for Maiz Dulce

Valentina, Polo Times Best Playing Pony

Photography by Mark Beaumont

Maiz Dulce (L-R: Will Harper, Alfie Hyde, Rafi Bruckner & Millie Barfoot), winners of The Holden White Cup with Peter Barfoot

Action from The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Final

Los Quirones, winners of The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Kirtlington Park Polo Club – The Budgett Everett Final – Sunday 10 August

Number of teams: Four

Winners: Kulin Rock

On Sunday 10 August, The Budgett Everett 6 Goal Final served up a ‘Final of all Finals’ as Kulin Rock faced R&R/Gunnercooke.

R&R/Gunnercooke burst out of the gates, every player dialled in and combined ferociously, led by the savvy pairing of Tom Beim and Ben Malasomma (substitute for Ollie Jones). By the end of the third chukka they led 6-3, and most in the crowd assumed the trophy was spoken for. However, Kulin Rock had other plans. In true Nico Fontanarrosa style, a sharp tactical reset – helped by calm, targeted encouragement from Richard Bailey –changed the rhythm. With Charlotte Pykett tirelessly making space and John Watson delivering rock-steady passes, Kulin Rock flipped the script. They poured in five unanswered goals in the final chukka to clinch a 9-7 comeback win.

Watson deservedly claimed Most Valuable Player for his composure and consistency under pressure, while Tom Beim’s Lovelocks Sukibumi, was an unarguable pick for Best Playing Pony. The Club expressed a “big thank-you to prize sponsors CSC Polo and Hook Polo for elevating a superb Final!”

The Budgett Everett Final Teams:

Kulin Rock (6): Richard Bailey (0), Charlotte Pykett (1), John Watson (1) & Nico Fontanarrosa (4)

R&R/Gunnercooke (6): Justin Neal (0), Paula Rushton (0), Ben Malasomma (3) & Tom Beim (3)

4 Goal Super League Victor Ludorum

Druids Lodge Polo Club – The Druids Rose Bowl Final – Sunday 27 July

Number of teams: Three

Winners: Canonbury

Three teams competed in this year’s Druids Rose Bowl. Ridgebacks beat Druids Lodge in the first game 7-4; Canonbury went on to beat Druids Lodge 4-2 in the second match and in the deciding match Canonbury beat Ridgebacks in an exciting match by 8-6, despite seeing goals from each of the Ridgeback.

The Druids Rose Bowl Final Teams: Canonbury (4): Judith Feuchtwanger (-1), Roger Mcelroy (0), Stevie Mccraith (2) & Harold Hodges (3) Ridgebacks (4): Cosi Thome (0), Arthur Wade (0), Christine/George Thome (1) & Roddy Stanning (3)

Vaux Park Polo Club – The 4 Goal VL Super League Final – Sunday 10 August Number of teams: Two

Winners:

The 4 Goal VL Super League was included as part of The MacMillan Cancer Support Charity Day at Vaux Park, which hosted 250 spectators and raised over £3,000.

The game was tight throughout with the scores tied after the first chukka, 2-2. In chukka two Canonbury pulled ahead with goals from Stevie McCraith and Brook Bishop, 4-2. Vaux Park battled hard in the third chukka to get back into the game with a goal apiece from Tom Dalton-Morgan and Lolly Stanhope-White, 4-4. In the final chukka the match was still in the balance and momentum swayed both ways, with Canonbury getting an early goal and Vaux Park answering back to even the scores 5-5. Stevie McCraith scored the winner for Canonbury with 40 seconds left on the clock, 6-5.

Lady Luck, owned and played by Dalton-Morgan received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for the second year in a row (please turn to the Pony Power pages to read more about Lady Luck) and Brigitte Boher received the Most Valuable Player Award.

The 4 Goal VL Super League Final Teams: Canonbury (4): Roger McElroy (0), Brigette Boher (0), Brook Bishop (2) & Stevie McCraith (2) Vaux Park (4): Debbie Aplin (0), Tom Brown (1), Lolly Stanhope-White (1) & Tom Dalton-Morgan (2)

Photograph by Micheal Berkeley Photography

Canonbury, winners of The Druids Rose Bowl

Photograph by KPPC

MVP, John Watson

Tom Beim’s BPP, Lovelocks Sukibumi

Kulin Rock, winners of The Budgett Everett

Victrix Ludorum

Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Cirencester Ladies 16 Goal Final – Saturday 2 August

Number of teams: Four

Winners: Smiths Polo

Smiths Polo claimed a narrow 5-4 victory over Minninnooka in the Final of the Cirencester Ladies Victrix 16 Goal. Nina Clarkin set the tone early, scoring twice in the opening chukka. A strong attacking run from Lisa Smith, finished by Myer McCarthy, gave Smiths Polo a 3-0 lead. Clarkin added two more goals in the second chukka, extending the advantage to 5-0 before Minninnooka’s Captain Rosie Ross found the goal to bring her team into the game before half-time.

The third chukka saw both teams tighten their defence, limiting scoring opportunities. A well-worked team goal allowed Ross to score again, quickly followed by a goal from Zoe Reader to close the gap to 5-3. In the final chukka, pressure from Minninnooka forced Smiths Polo into conceding penalties, though none were converted. Ross capitalised on a turnover to score her third, reducing the margin to just one. However, Smiths Polo held firm in the final moments to secure the win.

Best Playing Pony was awarded to Secret, played by Jemima Walker.

The Subsidiary Final saw Alegria deliver a strong performance to claim victory over Valhalla.

The Cirencester Ladies 16 Goal Final Teams: Minninnoka (16): Mandi Beitner (0), Zoe Reader (5), Kirstie Otamendi (5) & Rosie Ross (6) Smiths Polo (16): Myer McCarthy (0), Lisa Smith (2), Jemima Walker (4) & Nina Clarkin (10)

Photograph by Tom Reynolds Smiths Polo, winners of The Cirencester Ladies 16 Goal

Team Captains, Kirstie Otamendi & Nina Clarkin battle it out

Beaufort Polo Club – The Claire Tomlinson Trophy 16 Goal Final – Saturday 9 August

Number of teams: Three

Winners: Smiths Polo

On Saturday 9 August, Beaufort Polo Club held The Claire Tomlinson Trophy Final alongside the Rolls-Royce Picnic, with HMA Tax No.1 Ground bathed in sunshine for a perfect afternoon of picnics and polo.

With a fast and furious opening chukka the first goal took a while to be scored, but Milly Hine stormed forward towards the goal to claim the early lead. Smiths Polo where not ready to give over the trophy quite yet with a brilliant comeback from Nina Clarkin scoring a penalty to level the scores. The second and third chukka saw the best of British ladies polo with quick play and sharp turns to keep the crowd entertained with more goals from both sides. With only a goal between them going into the last chukka both teams put the pedal down to claim victory. With an extra chukka very much on the cards Smiths Polo continued to find the goal and secured a two goal lead with only 30 seconds on the clock. As the final whistle was blown, Smiths Polo took an 8-6 win to reclaim the trophy for their second year in a row.

Charlotte Pykett received the Most Valuable Player Award and Basil, played by Clarkin, was the Polo Times Best Playing Pony – to read more about Basil, please turn to the Pony Power pages.

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The Polo Festival Ladies 16 Goal Final – Saturday 16 August

Number of teams: Six

Winners: La Mariposa USA

The Club hosted their annual Polo Festival on Sunday 17 August which featured two polo matches, mounted games competition, live music, car displays and much more.

Six teams competed in The Ladies 16 Goal VL Final with La Mariposa USA beating Minninnooka 8-4 in the Final to secure the title.

Claire Brougham secured the Most Valuable Player Award and Whippet, played by Nina Clarkin, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The Polo Festival Ladies 16 Goal Final Teams: La Mariposa USA (16): Anja Jacobs (0), Diamond Shaktawat (1), Claire Brougham (5) & Nina Clarkin (10)

Minninnooka (16): Mandie Beitner (0), Zoe Reader (5), Kirstie Otamendi (5) & Rosie Ross (6)

The Claire Tomlinson Trophy 16 Goal Final Teams:

Polo (16): Ellenore

Jemima Walker (4) & Nina Clarkin (10) Transis by Los Quirónes (16): Isabel Milojevic (0), Lorna Howe (3), Charlotte Pykett (4) & Milly Hine (9)

Smiths

Burggy (0), Lisa Smith (2),

Photograph courtesy of BPC

Nina Clarkin’s Basil, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony

La Mariposa USA, winners of The Polo Festival Ladies 16 Goal

Best Playing Pony, Whippet, played by Nina Clarkin

Photography by

Gillian Hughes

WHERE BRITISH SUMMERTIME REIGNS

Carlitos White Waltham Polo Club

On Saturday 26 July, Mountgerald Polo Team (Sarah Grant, Claire Graham, Georgina Brittain & Bilal Shaykh) rode to victory in The Esperanza Polo Trophy Final, defeating a formidable Carpe Diem side with a confident score of 5½-2. Mountgerald’s synergy and strong defence aided their victory.

The following day, Sunday 27 July, saw Cedar Polo Team (Sarah Grant, Bilal Shaykh, Lt Col. Tom Armitage & Andy Dorriné) take the win in a nail-biting 5-5½ finish against Galaxia to lift The Golden Cedar Trophy. Claire Graham’s Solero won Best Playing Pony and Lt. Col. Tom Armitage won Most Valuable Player.

After a gripping and fast-paced contest, Cedar Polo Team (Bilal Shaykh, Lt. Col. Tom Armitage, Georgy Armitage & Sarah Grant) emerged victorious over Four Chimneys, with a final score of 6½-5 in The Tai Tai Final.

On Saturday 9 August, Cedar (Bilal Shaykh, Nicola Oliva-Bonito, Dominic Cunningham & Claire Graham) claimed The Arena Recruitment Arena Trophy in a

Beaufort

Polo Club

On Saturday 16 August, R&R Polo beat EB Polo 3-2 in The Bat Cup Final on HMA Tax No.1 Ground. The Subsidiary Final saw Beaufort beat Los Locos 5-4½ in another closely fought match. The Bat Cup Final Teams:

R&R Polo (2): Myer McCarthy (-2), Sholto Casey 9-1), Oli Fanshawe (2) & Ollie Jones (3)

EB Polo (2): Elliott Burggy (-2), Emma Giles (-1), Harry Tucker (2) & Benjamin Malasomma (3)

dramatic 4–3 victory over Four Chimneys with a winning penalty in the last 30 seconds of the match.

On Sunday 10 August, Curve Polo Team (Jonathan Gugenheim, Dominic Cunningham, Tariq Dag Khan & Georgina Brittain) claimed a 5-1 win against Cedar to secure The RMA Sandhurst Trophy. Curve Polo Team’s cohesive play and sharp strategy proved too much for their opponents, securing an emphatic win.

Greenpoint secured victory over the Blue Penguins with a score of 6-4½ in The Premiere Polo Tournament Final on Sunday 17 August, an event celebrating film premieres worldwide and looking ahead to the success of this year’s upcoming production Mother’s Pride, set for release in cinemas Spring 2026.

The Carlos de la Serna Memorial Cup Final was played on Sunday 24 August in fine spirits. After a competitive and lively match, Liema Direzzjoni Polo Team (MK Wheatcroft, Lucy Earl, Clara Bevan & Ryan

Anderson) emerged victorious, lifting the trophy in honour of Carlos de la Serna. Both teams showed great sportsmanship, with Galaxia putting in a strong performance throughout. The day was a fitting tribute to Carlos’s memory, marked by camaraderie and the shared love of polo.

Photography by WWPC

Mountgerald Polo Team, winners of The Esperanza Polo Trophy

Liema Direzzjoni Polo Team, winners of The Carlos de la Serna Memorial Cup

Cedar (Bilal Shaykh, Nicola Oliva-Bonito with his daughter Nora, Dominic Cunningham with his son Ludo & daughter Savannah & Claire Graham), winners of The Arena Recruitment Arena Trophy

Cedar Polo Team, winners of The Golden Cedar Trophy

Curve Polo Team, winners of The RMA Sandhurst Trophy

Cedar Polo Team, winners of The Tai Tai Trophy

Greenpoint, winners of The Premiere Polo Tournament

R&R Polo, winners of The Bat Cup

Photograph by BPC

Aspen Valley Polo Club

On Sunday 20 July, Mountain Chevrolet won its first tournament of the summer season at Aspen Valley Polo Club with a 9-7 victory over The Setai in The Basalt Handicap Final. For Grant Ganzi and Nic Roldan, it was their second consecutive win in the tournament, having also won the 2024 title with Los Amigos Red. Grant Ganzi secured the Most Valuable Player Award and Moon Quartz, played by Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

On Sunday 27 July, Audi captured The Emma Challenge with an 11-10 overtime victory against Los Amigos Red at Aspen Valley Polo Club. Grant Ganzi was chosen as the Most Valuable Player for the second week in a row and Pitkin, owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Ganzi, was named Best Playing Pony.

On Sunday 3 August, The Setai (Silver Novillo Astrada, Jason Crowder, Nic Roldan & Alejandro Novillo Astrada) won its first tournament of the summer season at Aspen Valley Polo Club with a convincing 13-7 win against Audi in The High Alpine Cup round robin Final. Jason Crowder was chosen as the Most Valuable Player,

Krenkerup Polo

Over 8 – 10 August, Krenkerup Polo hosted four teams for The Krenkerup Invitational. The Finals Day showcased top-quality polo, with closely contested matches and plenty of drama. With over 1,000 spectators from both Denmark and abroad attending the Final, the atmosphere was electric – a true celebration of the sport and its community.

In the Subsidiary Final, Los Nocheros emerged victorious with a solid 7-5½ win over hosts Krenkerup – a strong performance and a well-deserved end to their tournament.

The Final was an intense encounter between two excellent sides, where Indubitable once again proved their strength. With a narrow 6-5 victory over Gut Oenigstedt, they secured the title following a tactical and hard-fought match.

Dave Allen’s pony, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred called Cherokee from the Indubitable Team was awarded Best Playing

Machitos Boogie, played by Tomacho Pieres and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony and Cuarentan (40), owned and played by Nic Roldan, was the AVPC Best Playing Pony.

On Sunday 10 August, Mountain Chevrolet won The Dee Jensen Memorial with a 9-6 score against Los Amigos. Jason Crowder was named Most Valuable Player and Ensenada Gilda, played by Nacho Novillo Astrada and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was AVPC Best Playing Pony.

On Sunday 17 August, in front of the largest crowd of the season so far at Aspen Valley Polo Club, Avatar Financial rallied in the fifth chukka to beat Los Amigos 9-6 in The Rocky Mountain Open Final. Ryan Cronin was named Most Valuable Player after scoring three goals in the Final, Alejandra Foster’s mare was chosen as the AVPC Best Playing Pony and Class Act, played by Sugar Erskine and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony.

Pony – a testament to the exceptional care and effort by the team’s groom, Misty Gardener.

Umpire Jason Dixon oversaw the matches with calm authority, clarity and charm, while commentator Simon Ledger took the crowd by storm with his wit and charisma.

The Krenkerup Invitational Final Teams: Indubitable (8): Fabian Stege (1), Christian Badenhop (1), Heinrich Dumrath (3) & Dave Allen (3) Gut Oenigstedt (8): Jan-Hendrik Többe (-1), Julie Winter (2), Segundo Copello (3) & Agustin Kronhaus (4)

Mountain Chevrolet, winners of The Basalt Handicap Audi’s Juan Bollini races to follow up the ball in The Emma Cup Final

Mountain Chevrolet, winners of The Dee Jensen Memorial

The Setai, winners of The High Alpine Cup

Sugar Erskine (Los Amigos Red) attempts to hook Ryan Cronin (Avatar Financial) in The Rocky Mountain Open Final

Photography by Nick Tininenko

Action from The Krenkerup Invitational

Photography by Sam Churchill

Umpire Jason Dixon & commentator Simon Ledger

Cowdray Park Polo Club

The 1921 Cup Final kicked off on Saturday 19 July in a thrilling match between Bamboleo and DJ Cats. Bamboleo narrowly secured an 8-7 win with Strip, played by Jake Daniels and owned by David Turner

chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The Club had a busy Bank Holiday weekend full of Finals. The action kicked off on Saturday 23 August with The Lodsworth Village Cup Final which saw Jamjars Polo defeat Truth 6-5 to secure the title. On Sunday 24 August, another closely fought Final saw Maiz Dulce beat Bamboleo 8-7 in The Midsummer Cup Final, and the weekend’s action was rounded off on Monday 25 August with The Brecknock Cup Final which saw Cuatro Estrellas beat Strategic Armed Forces Equine Charity 5-4.

The 1921 Cup Final Teams: Bamboleo (10): Christian Staubach (1), Harry Revell (2), Nick Johnson (3) & Chris Lund (4) DJ Cats (10): Skye Gilmore (0), Ashley Glennie (0), Jake Daniels (5) & Jimbo Fewster (5)

Lodsworth

Polo

Alyaa

Bella Lavinia (1), Milly Hine (2) & Mariano Dalponte (2) Truth (4): Ruth Leland (-1), Tom Leland (0), Alec Banner-Eve (2) & Harold Hodges (3)

The Midsummer Cup Final Teams: Maiz Dulce (12): Millie Barfoot (0), Alfie Hyde (3), Will Harper (4) & Will Emerson (5) Bamboleo (12): Christian Staubach (1), Nick Johnson (3), Chris Lund (4) & Glenn Sheriff (4)

The Brecknock Cup Final Teams: Cuatro Estrellas (8): Justin Taylor (0), Will Drewitt (2), Harry Muddle (2) & Glenn Sheriff (4)

Strategic Armed Forces Equine Charity (8): Peter O’Rorke (0), Harry Revell (2), Ed Morris-Lowe (3) & Matt Evetts (3)

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

On Saturday 26 July, Broadsword secured The Greta Morrison Cup by just half a goal against Los Quirones.

The Club hosted their annual Polo Festival on Sunday 17 August which was a sellout event as nearly 4,000 people attended the day.

The festival, which this year also marked the Club’s 40th anniversary, was attended by thousands of local families and polo enthusiasts. As well as two polo matches, the Festival had a special zone for children with bouncy castles and face painting, as well as competitions and car displays.

Six teams competed in The Ladies 16 Goal VL Final – to read more, please turn to the Victrix Ludorum pages.

In The Polo Festival 4 Goal Final, Cibao La Pampa beat Elemental 7-4, with Teo Zevaoglu chosen as Most Valuable Player and Bonty, played by Eugenio Imaz, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

Jamie Morrison, RCBPC Chairman commented, “We are so proud of what was

such an incredible day. It was fantastic to see so many local people and families attend. Ever since my dad set up this Club, the objective was always to make it as open and accessible to as many people as possible. It was great to see so many people come from near and far to help create such a really fun atmosphere”.

The Greta Morrison Cup Final Teams: Broadsword (7): John Fishley (0), William Newman (1), Jamie Morrison (2) & Nacho Gonzalez

Los Quirones (5): Isobel Milojevic (-1), Andrew Stuart (0), Evan Power (3) & Ed Morris-Lowe (3)

The Polo Festival 4 Goal Final Teams: Cibao La Pampa (3): Lorenzo Antinori (-2), Vieri Antinori (0), Juan Pepa (2) & Eugenio Imaz (3)

Elemental (3): Lulu Saunders (-2), Teo Zevaoglu (1), Rafi Bruckner (1) & Ed Morris-Lowe (3)

Bamboleo, winners of The 1921 Cup

Jamjars, winners of The Lodsworth Village Cup Maiz Dulce, winners of The Midsummer Cup

Cuatro Estrellas, winners of The Brecknock Cup

Photography by Mark Beaumont

The

Village Cup Final Teams: Jamjars

(4):

Jamaludin (-1),

Broadsword, winners of The Greta Morrison Cup

Cibao La Pampa, winners of The Polo Festival 4 Goal

Photograph by RCBPC

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Guards Polo Club

On Saturday 19 July, the Club held their first Indian Polo Day at Smith’s Lawn. The Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Padmanabh Singh presented the prizes in the 18 goal Indian Polo Challenge Shield in the morning (please turn to the Victor Ludorum pages to read more) and then took to the field with his Jaipur Polo Team to win the iconic Jaipur Trophy. In this game the Maharaja’s team beat a Guards Polo squad 8-7 on The Queen’s Ground. The Jaipur Trophy was first presented to the Club in 1968 by HH Maharaja Sawai Man Singh ll, the current Maharaja’s grandfather. The day highlighted the many cultural ties between two great polo-playing nations, India and England. As His Highness said before the Indian Polo Day began, “This isn’t just about reviving a trophy, it’s about honouring a heritage and sharing it with the world.”

On Sunday 3 August, The Scary Eleven beat Tchogan 7-6 in The Crawford Cup Final. Melanie Hare received the Most Valuable Player Award and Bonito, played by James Mann, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

On Saturday 16 August, The Mirror beat TEQ 9-7½ on The Prince’s Ground in The Cottington Cup Final. Vishwarupe Bajaj secured the Most Valuable Player Award and Voice, owned and played by Daniel Ottamendi, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

On Sunday 24 August, Blenheim narrowly beat against Ainsley Saddlery on The Queen’s Ground with a score of 7 goals to 6 in The

Duke of Cornwall’s Trophy Final. David Ashby was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Carina, played by Manuel Plaza, was the Best Playing Pony.

The Subsidiary Final was played on the iconic Castle Ground and won by Bel Polo Team 7-6 against Bin Drai Polo Team.

The Jaipur Trophy Teams:

Jaipur Polo Team: Jaisal Singh (1), Abhimanyu Pathak (3), Daniel Otamendi (3) & HH The Maharaja of Jaipur (3)

Guards Polo Club: Vishwarupe Bajaj (1), Dino Dhankhar (0), Kuldeep Singh Rathore (3) & Will Emerson (5)

The Cottington Cup Final Teams:

The Mirror (7): Sarkis Gabrelian (0), Vishwarupe Bajaj (1), Felix Toccalino (2) & Nico Roberts (4)

TEQ (6): Andrew Cork (0), Jeremy Pemberton (1), Henry Brett (2) & Daniel Otamendi (3)

The Duke of Cornwall’s Trophy Final Teams: Blenheim (16): George Blandford (0), Pedro Harrison (5), Diego Cavanagh (8) & David Ashby (3)

Ainsley Saddlery (16): Andrew Dechet (0), Tomas Willans (4), Manuel Plaza (5) & Simon Prado (6)

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

2026 sees the Club celebrate its centenary year and they plan to celebrate in style with events planned throughout the season. Their annual Summer Ball has been set for Saturday 27 June 2026 and will be bigger and better than ever – tickets are limited but will be available earlier than in previous years. The Club has spoken to the marquee company and they may be able to keep the marquee up for several weeks if there is enough demand to use it. So, if you, your family, your business, or a charity close to your heart, are planning to host a large event – a significant birthday, a wedding, a charity or corporate lunch – next summer (within two weeks either side of the ball) and are looking for an event space, please get in touch with the Polo Office (events@ kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk)

Photograph by Sam Churchill

Photograph by Marcos Cerdeira

Photograph by GPC

Jaipur Team with The Jaipur Trophy

The Scary Eleven, winners of The Crawford Cup

The Mirror, winners of The Cottington Cup

Blenheim, winners of The Duke of Cornwall’s Trophy

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

The Wilson Trophy concluded on Sunday 3 August with a 4-2 victory for Noon Giraffe over

On Saturday 9 August, Athena beat Nelson Lodge Polo 6-4 in The Town Cup Final, with Tom Beim named Most Valuable Player and Bunny, played by Luke Wiles, chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The following day, Sunday 10 August, R&R Knives & Forks beat R&R Tables & Chairs 7½-3 in The Jack Williams Cup Final while Noon Giraffe beat Shibumi in the Subsidiary Final.

On Monday 25 August, The Cirencester Non Playing Member 6 Goal Tournament

concluded with a Final between S2 Mechanical and R&R Polo. Having already won The Wichenford Bowl at Beaufort Polo Club the day before, S2 Mechanical’s winning streak continued with an 8-4 win against R&R Polo. Vascanina, played by Ollie Jones, was the Best Playing Pony.

The Wilson Trophy Final Teams: Nelson Lodge Polo (8): Kaspar Budd (1), Dominic Lodge (4), Robbie Slatter (2) & Stuart Lodge (1)

Noon Giraffe (8): Siobhan Fagan (0), Chris Fagan (0), Charlie Walton (4) & Manu Prado (4)

Nelson Lodge Polo in the Final.

Noon Giraffe, winners of The Wilson Trophy

Athena, winners of The Town Cup

R&R Knives & Forks, winners of The Jack Williams Cup

S2 Mechanical, winners of The Cirencester NPM 6 Goal Tournament

Photograph by John Hankin

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Photograph

by Tom Reynolds

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Ham Polo Club

Ham Polo Club is the last remaining polo club in London, combining nearly a century of heritage with a vibrant modern community. Founded as the Ham Common Polo Club, just next to Ham Common, the Club now thrives at its current location beside historic Ham House. Ham Polo Club is a lively social hub for polo enthusiasts and newcomers alike in a warm, welcoming atmosphere from May through to September.

Club Address & Contact: Ham Polo Club, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AH (office@hampoloclub.com)

Polo Manager Name & Contact: Antonino Menard (polomanager@hampoloclub.com)

Polo School Contact: Junior Academy (£560) and Adult Polo Academy (£800). Chukka rentals are available, contact: lessons@hampoloclub.com

What year was the Club founded and by who?

The Club was founded in 1926 as the Ham Common Polo Club, a spin-off from

the Roehampton Club, with one full sized ground and two smaller grounds. The first ground was next door to Brown Gates House, Church Road, Ham Common, home of the first chairman, Loftus Storey. After the Second World War, it was revitalised and expanded in 1946 under the leadership of Billy Walsh; On returning from service in the

Club Stats

Clubhouse Yes

Pony Hire (+ number of ponies available) Eight

Wooden Horse Yes

Coaches/Instructors Three

Livery Yes

Exercise Track

Indoor School

Stables to Hire

Turn out Fields Yes

Arena No, in progress

Grooms’ Accommodation

Number of Grounds

Yes

Two grounds and one Stick and Ball ground

The Club’s location in London means the sidelines are packed with spectators every Sunday

Photography by Aidan Parisi|Cultural Vagabond

Army Billy found that Capt. Tom Brigg, the owner of the stables where he had worked, had died and the stables were on the market. Using his gratuity Walsh bought the stables and revived Ham Polo Club under HPA rules. It is widely believed that Lord Cowdray, Arthur Lucas and Billy Walsh were the trio who rescued polo in the United Kingdom after the war.

Any highlights for 2025 season?

The inaugural Independence Cup featured Stanford University taking on Cambridge, alongside a 6 goal American team who faced off against a Ham Polo Club side. This event marks the beginning of an annual fixture, established to celebrate the enduring connection between the United States and the United Kingdom, united through a shared passion for polo.

What are the recent Club improvements?

This year we carried out major pre-season and mid-season works on the grounds, which have already made a noticeable impact. Thanks to our unique location beside the River Thames in the tidal zone, we are able to irrigate throughout the year, ensuring

the pitches remain in excellent condition and beautifully green even in the height of summer. Looking ahead, we plan to continue investing in further improvements during the off-season to keep raising the standard of our playing surfaces.

What are the Club’s plans for the future?

We are currently in the planning stages of building a new arena, which will allow us to extend polo opportunities throughout the winter months. This addition will not only enhance the experience for our Members but also create an exciting new environment for players to learn, train and enjoy the sport year-round.

2026 is your centenary year, what do you have planned?

As we approach our centenary season, Ham Polo Club is preparing to celebrate. Reaching such a landmark is a rare achievement, and we plan to make it a truly memorable occasion. Throughout the season, we will host special events, tournaments and celebrations that honour the Club’s rich history while looking ahead to an exciting future. It will be a year dedicated not only to our Members but also to the wider polo community, marking a century of passion for the sport.

Does the Club specialise in a certain area of polo?

Ham is, at its heart, a Club built for those looking to discover and grow within the sport of polo. It’s a place to learn, to immerse yourself in the game and to become part of a thriving community. With a rapidly developing polo academy and increasing lesson participation, more people are joining the sport than ever before.

We are primarily a low goal Club, hosting tournaments in the 2-4 goal range, with our flagship event, The Roehampton Cup played at 4-6 goals as part of the HPA Victor Ludorum series.

Our location in London, with excellent connections to the city centre, makes Ham uniquely accessible for players and spectators alike. Every Sunday, our sidelines are filled with picnickers and supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere that brings polo to life.

The inaugural Independence Cup featured Stanford University taking on Cambridge

Situated next to the River Thames, the Club’s grounds stay green and playable throughout the summer

Ham is a Club aimed at those looking to discover and grow within polo

Ham is uniquely accessible for players and spectators alike with excellent connections to central London

Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50 in the UK. Our mission at James’ Place is to stop men dying by suicide.

James' Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the tragic loss of their son, James Wentworth-Stanley, aged 21.

James’ Place is a place where men in suicidal crisis can access support, advice and help. Our centres in Liverpool and London provide a safe, therapeutic environment in which men are cared for, respected, and treated by professional therapists. Since we started delivering our intervention in August 2018, we have seen over 1,100 men in crisis.

We now need to expand our service to provide our life-saving, unique intervention nationally, treating 2000 men per year, by opening three further centres in England.

If you would like to help us in this aim and you are able to make a donation, please visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ or contact amy.swart@jamesplace.org.uk to learn more about the impact that you could make. www.jamesplace.org.uk

Young South Africa Secure International Win The 10th Ladies Polo Cup

On Friday 22 August, Young South Africa beat Young England in a women’s international rematch at Guards Polo Club. Young South Africa team of Charlie Spilsbury, Lucy Brooke-Leggatt, Charlotte Armstrong and Alice Eustace secured a 6-4 victory against the host team of Jemima Walker, Beanie Bradley, Isabel Fall and Alice Gregory who were coached by Glen Gilmore.

Over 12 – 15 August, Deauville Polo Club hosted four teams for The 10th Ladies Polo Cup. The Final was held on Friday 15 August for The Arqana / Flexjet Cup with Augustinus Bader and Domador battling for the title. After a great clash which blended intensity and precision in front of a captivated audience, Augustinus Bader took the title with a winning score of 7-2½.

All Aspects of Youth Polo Youth

The Whitbread Tankard

The Whitbread Tankard match kicked off The International Day action at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 26 July with a rematch of last year’s battle between Young England and Young Argentina. In 2024, Young England took the title by a narrow half goal, could they defend it once again?

The Young Argentine team were the first on the scoreboard, holding their opponents to just the ½ goal handicap advantage in the opening chukka, but Young England quickly bounced back in the second chukka to take the lead, 2½-1, which they built on in the third chukka which ended in their favour 4-2½. However, Young Argentina fought back relentlessly and by the end of the fourth chukka had taken a narrow half goal lead, 5-4½, which they built on in the fifth and final chukka with two further goals to just one in reply from Young England. The Whitbread Tankard ended with Young Argentina taking the win, 7-5½.

15-year-old Leon Donoso picked up the prizes for Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony, with Flojura Pulpera. Zac Beim’s Totzo received the Best Playing Retrained Racehorse rug.

The Whitbread Tankard Teams: Young Argentina (17): Felix Toccalino (2), Leon Donoso (5), Javier Guerrero (6) & Manuel Prado (4) Young England (16): Alfie Hyde (3), William Harper (4), Ned Hine (5) (Captain) & Zac Beim (4

Young South African Women’s Team celebrating their win at Guards Polo Club

Photograph by South African Polo Association

Photography courtesy of DPC

Augustinus Bader, winners of The 10th Ladies Polo Cup

Action from the Final between Augustinus Bader & Domador

Best Playing Pony, Leon Donoso’s Flojura Pulpera

The Whitbread Tankard teams, Young England & Young Argentina

Best Playing Retrained Racehorse, Zac Beim’s Totzo

Photography by The Art of Polo

Fun, Family Future Stars and

10 AUG FINAL 8AUG

The Hurlingham 1875 Polo 2025 Pony Club Polo Championships

The next generation of polo stars

Chairman’s Report

Pony Club Polo Chairman, Brigadier (Retd.) Justin Stanhope-White, introduces the 2025 Pony Club Polo Championships

I am again delighted to introduce the reports and results of the 2025 Hurlingham Polo 1875 Pony Club Polo Championships, kindly sponsored by Hurlingham Polo 1875. We are extremely excited to have entered into this partnership and very much enjoyed hosting members of the Hurlingham Polo 1875 team at this year’s Championship and look forward to building upon our relationship over the coming years; we are most grateful for their support.

I have been impressed by the improvement of the children over this past year. Their riding and polo skills have shone through during the Qualifiers and the Championships and their sense of teamwork and above all friendship is evident for all to see; we certainly have some future stars in the making. We have been working hard as a Committee to both improve and support the training offered to our children to ensure that they continue to develop in these key areas. The Higher and Lower Polo tests have

been re-written and Pony Club tests have been amended to cater for children taking a test on a polo pony. We are re-writing, with support from the HPA, the Pony Club training handbook/passport, which will act as both a guide and a record of a child’s achievements and training and suggested areas to work on, from year to year and as they move through the Pony Club Sections. We are able to subsidise some of this training through the generous support provided by The Polo Charity and the Martin Treves grant scheme and the training events organised by the Areas, Branches and Centres will continue throughout the year.

We remain grateful to Cowdray Park Polo Club and Cowdray Estate for permitting us to continue to hold the Championships here, and of course this must be extended to all the Clubs and owners of private grounds that have hosted the Qualifiers, friendlies and

training events to prepare the children and their ponies for the Championships. I would also like to again acknowledge the hugely important financial assistance we receive from The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and Park Place and the many other individual sponsors, which enables us to support our Pony Club players. This year our numbers have increased again with 300 children entering in 75 different teams.

Pony Club Polo is only possible because of the huge support it receives from our Volunteers, who give up their precious time and sometimes resources to enable the children to thrive and enjoy Pony Club Polo. In particular I would like to thank the Branch Managers, Section Managers and the Pony Club Polo Committee for their continued selfless commitment this year; we are so fortunate to have them.

The 2025 Pony Club Polo Championship Parade

Photography by HW Photography

Gannon

Handicap limit: Minimum handicap of 0 goals, no maximum Player age limit: Under 21-years-old on 1 January of the current year

Height limit of pony: No restriction

Type of pony: Polo ponies

Section Manager: Justin Stanhope-White

Brigadier (Retd.) Justin Stanhope-White, Gannon Section Manager, reviews this year’s Final:

This year four teams entered Gannon: Cambridge and Newmarket, Cotswold, Druids Lodge and Grafton Hunt.

The Semi-Finals were played on River Ground on Friday afternoon at the Championships at Cowdray, with Cotswold beating Cambridge and Newmarket by 5 goals to 3, and Druids Lodge narrowly defeating Grafton Hunt in the fifth chukka, by 4 goals to 3.

The Jaguar Trophy Final was played on Lawns 2 on Sunday between Grafton Hunt and Cambridge and Newmarket. It was an

exciting game played at pace, with Robbie Slatter scoring twice in the first chukka with Mattie Maldonado adding another. Grafton fought back in the second chukka with Archie Heseltine scoring twice and Bruno adding another before Robbie Slatter added another for his team, putting Cambridge and Newmarket 4-3 up at half-time. They dominated the third chukka with Robbie scoring two more and Harry Oliver getting on the score sheet before a Penalty 1 was awarded in their favour leaving Cambridge and Newmarket 8-3 up at the end of the third chukka. Harry Oliver scored again in the final chukka sealing victory and The Jaguar Trophy for Cambridge and Newmarket, with Robbie Slatter delivering the stand out performance for which he was awarded the Gannon MVP trophy. This new trophy, to be awarded each year, The Honor Uloth Trophy was presented by Rufus Uloth in memory of his sister Honor. Honor, his adored sister, who often groomed for him at matches tragically died nearly five years ago. Rufus has been in PC polo since

Four teams entered the Gannon Section this year Jorrocks through to Gannon, winning Gannon several times with the Cowdray branch.. The Gannon Final, played on Lawns 2 after the Parade saw Cotswold pitted against Druids Lodge, both attempting to lift The Daily Telegraph Trophy. These two 2 goal teams came out fighting with an early lead from a goal by Teo Zevaoglu going to Cotswold, quickly followed by a goal by his teammate Wilfred Copcutt. Druids Lodge responded with a goal from Hugh Bate with the first chukka ending with Cotswold 2-1 up. Cotswold increased their lead to 3-1 in the second chukka with a goal from George Copcutt.

At the start of the third, Wilfred Bate edged Druids Lodge closer to Cotswold with a goal, which was the only score in the third chukka. The fourth chukka was close run, with both sides failing to convert goal attempts. Druids Lodge looked as though they might draw level but there was one decisive final goal scored by Hari Dhillon to leave Cotswold running out the 4-2 winners at the final hooter, with each member of their team scoring a goal.

Gannon Sub-Final winners, Cambridge & Newmarket, with The Jaguar Trophy

Gannon winners, Cotswold, with The Daily Telegraph Trophy

Langford

Handicap limit: Qualifying handicap of -2 goals

Player age limit: Under 21-years-old on 1 January of the current year

Height limit of pony: No restriction

Type of pony: Polo ponies

Section Manager: Bethan Hitchman

Bethan Hitchman, Section Manager for Langford looks back at the results:

With an incredible six teams for Langford this year ranging from -4 to 0 goals, the largest number since before our enforced break due to Covid, we were able to run two Divisions for the Finals at Cowdray. The League was only decided at Cowdray after all the matches were played on the Saturday with all six teams having played each other during the Qualifiers and first two days at the Championships. The standard was exceptional and also produced some unexpected results.

With the very hot and dry summer that we have had, we were very fortunate and grateful to be able to play on irrigated grounds at all the Qualifiers and Cowdray. The matches were fast in many of the chukkas and I think all were relieved that we could provide going as good as possible for the ponies!

The Langford teams, once again, came from far and wide, from all corners of the country and we were grateful for their support. With the usual unexpected injuries and unavoidable commitments, we were lucky to have some players who made themselves available to substitute when necessary so that the League and Divisions could be concluded. As always, the unsung heroes in Pony Club Polo are the Team/ Branch Managers and parents and they worked tirelessly to make sure that the children had full teams and lots of polo!

The Langford League went right down to the wire with the Cotswold Red running out the winners of The Langford Plate on a goal difference of just 3 goals from the Cotswold Green. Some of the results were unexpected

and provided for a very exciting competition. The Cotswold Red team were a disciplined, well mounted team who improved over the five days of league games, although Hector McPherson took a horrible fall at Aston Down and had to be replaced by substitues thereafter. Fortunately, although very bruised, nothing was broken, which was a huge relief!

After a surprising number of yellow cards were handed out on Friday and Saturday, the League was finalised on the Saturday of Cowdray and the Divisions were decided from the results. Division 2 consisted of the OBH, SOHS and the Cotswold Gold and they all played each other on Lawns 2 on Sunday morning with the OBH running out the winners of The Martin Trotter Trophy. Division 1 was decided between the Cotswold Red, Cotswold Green and the Heythrop. They also all played each other on Lawns 2 on Sunday morning and after hard fought games, the Cotswold Green were the eventual winners of The Jack Gannon Trophy. This was a very young team and this was a well deserved honour! All the teams provided fast, slick polo and great entertainment.

Individual honours in Langford this year were numerous. Harry Oliver deservedly won The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy

for the Most Promising Langford Player and although not in the winning team, he played noticeably well in the Qualifiers and at Cowdray and was a huge support for his team. Issy Fall of the Hurworth Hunt won the Catherine Yeates Trophy for the Most Promising Rendell/Langford/Gannon Girl with her impressive gamesmanship and commitment. Mati Maldonaldo, who subbed in some of the League games, was the popular recipient of the SATS Saddle For The Player Of The Year. Mati has supported Langford for a number of years, is always prepared to step in where needed and is a truly dedicated Member of the Pony Club. There are too many ‘thank yous’ to mention everybody but you know who you are and I am so grateful for all the time and effort that everybody puts in to make Langford happen.

Langford Division 2 winners, OBH with The Martin Trotter Trophy

Langford Division 1 winners, Cotswold Green with The Jack Gannon Trophy

Langford League winners, Cotswold Red The Langford Plate

The 2025 Championships were once again played under sunny, blue skies

Youth The 2025 Pony Club Polo Championships

Handicap limit: 0

Player age limit: 14-years-old and over on 1 January

Height limit of pony: No restriction

Type of pony: Polo ponies

Section Manager: Philippa Slatter

Philippa Slatter, the Loriner Section Manager reviews the Section’s season: Eight teams entered this summer’s Loriner Section competition: Beaufort, Berkeley, Cambridgeshire, Cotswold, Cowdray Black, Cowdray Yellow, Hampshire Hunt and Royal Artillery. With women’s polo continuing to grow, it was encouraging to see an equal number of girls and boys represented across the Section.

The plan had been to create two separate Divisions from the start, but with most teams so evenly matched, the fairest option was once again to run a League through the Qualifiers. This gave every side the chance to face each other.

As the League concluded, Beaufort and Cotswold emerged as the front-runners. Their two chukka game at the Longdole Qualifier proved decisive, with Beaufort in outstanding form. They secured a convincing win, and the team of Lottie Burrows, Sholto Casey, Ocean Williams and Bear Hodges were presented with The Bank of Ireland Trophy at Cowdray.

At the Cowdray Championships, the three day schedule gave all teams another opportunity to reach the top Division for the Sunday Finals. Hampshire Hunt and Cowdray Yellow held their places among the leading four alongside Beaufort and Cotswold, while the Royal Artillery and Cambridge pressed hard and were not far behind, ultimately joining Berkeley and Cowdray Black in Division Two.

In Division 1, Hampshire played an excellent chukka against Beaufort in their Semi Final on Sunday morning, only to lose their chance at a Finals place after a draw was settled by a run-down. Despite the

improving challenge from other teams, the Final once again came down to Beaufort versus Cotswold, this time for The Loriner Challenge Trophy. Played in front of the crowd on Lawns Two, the match ended level and was decided by a run-down. On this occasion, it was Cotswold – Angus and Bertie Smail, Scarlett Richardson and Moji Shorrock – who got the ball across the line first to secure the trophy, presented by Master Loriner Nick Bensted-Smith.

In Division 2, Cambridge and the Royal Artillery played a two-chukka match to decide which team would take home The Hillingdon Hall Cup. Cambridge’s steady improvement over the three weeks came into its own, and despite the RA’s strong teamwork and determination, Cambridge – Iona Ahmed, Zara Osei, Clara Lovatt and Max Tebbit –claimed the win and the trophy. Both the Berkeley and Cowdray Black teams showed marked improvement over the course of the tournament, but the more experienced players in the Berkeley side came through to secure them third place in the Finals.

Individual Awards were also richly deserved. In her first year of Pony Club Polo, Scarlett Richardson (Cotswold) received The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy for the Most Promising Girl. A new Award was also introduced for the Most Promising Boy, with

The Gigs Horswell Trophy awarded to Bear Hodges (Beaufort) as its inaugural winner. Since the first Qualifier at Black Bears, it was rewarding to see the progress made by all teams – particularly those composed of players from multiple Pony Club branches or those moving into the Loriner Section for the first time. Their improvement was a testament to the hard work of the players and the dedication of their Team Managers. Just as importantly, the Section was marked by many displays of sportsmanship and fair play – qualities that set a fine example for Pony Club Polo as a whole.

Congratulations to every player on another excellent Loriner Section season.

Loriner Division 1 winners, Cotswold with The Loriner Challenge Trophy

Beaufort, winners of The Bank of Ireland Trophy

Loriner Division 2 winners, Cambridge with The Hillingdon Hall Cup

Teams played in front of the iconic Cowdray Ruins

Surtees

Player age limit: Under 15-years-old on 1 January of the current year

Height limit of pony: No restriction

Type of pony: Polo ponies

Section Manager: Jo Whittington

Surtees Section Manager, Jo Whittington, reviews the Section results:

There were 20 teams in Surtees this year, which neatly divided into four Divisions. In Division 1 six teams, the Cowdray Gold, OBH Sky, Beaufort Blue, Cotswold Red, Hertfordshire Polo Academy and the Dorset Polo Black fought out the Qualifiers with the losing team of the six going down into Division 2 and the winner of Division 2 coming up into Division 1. After consistently coming in the top four, the Cowdray Gold, OBH Sky, Cotswold Red and Beaufort Blue fought out the final placings for Division 1 over the three days of Cowdray. This resulted in the nail-biting two chukka Final between the OBH Sky and the Cowdray Gold. The OBH went into the final chukka on Lawns 2, 1-0 up, but the Cowdray fought

back scoring two goals making them the winners. The Beaufort Blue ran out the winners of the 3rd/4th play off against the Cotswold Red. Really well done to all teams.  Teams in Division 2 and 3 over the Qualifiers were well matched with teams going up and down between the Divisions. But by the Championships, the Dorset Polo Black and the Hertfordshire Polo Academy had slotted into Division 2 with the Cotswold Green, RA, HH Red, and Cowdray Gold. It was run over two Leagues of three teams on Friday and Saturday with all teams playing each other at least once. This resulted in a very hotly contested two chukka Final with the Hertfordshire Polo Academy running out the winners against the Cotswold Green.

The Dorset Black beat the RA for third place and the HH ran out the winners against the Cowdray Gold for fifth place.

Six teams fought out a competitive Division 3: The Beaufort Buff, OBH Navy, Berkeley, HH Blue, Cambridge and Newmarket and Cotswold Gold. It was also run over two Leagues on the Friday and Saturday with all teams playing each other. The Beaufort Buff and the OBH Navy played a close two chukka Final with the

Beaufort Buff running out the winners. The Berkeley beat the HH Blue for third and the Cambridge and Newmarket ran out the winners for their play off for fifth against Cotswold Gold.

This left four teams in Division 4 which included beginner players competing in their first year of Pony Club Polo. It was so lovely to see them all improve and enjoy the spills and thrills of the Cowdray weekend. Alfie Muriel of the Minninnooka is a talented player who carried his team to victory over the Beaufort White in the Final. The Dorset Polo Blue ran out the winners over the Cowdray Yellow for third place. Really well done to all these new players and teams.

There was much improvement over all the divisions and the teams that went to Silver Leys and Vaux Park thoroughly enjoyed the days. Many thanks to the organisers of those tournaments.

The Individual Awards in Surtees were The Sheila Nash Rose Bowl for the Best Surtees Girl and The Daily Telegraph Cup for The Most Promising U15 Boy. These were won by Florentina Pejkovic, OBH Sky and Maximillian Tebbit, Cambridgeshire. Well done to them both.

Surtees Division 4 winners, Minninnooka

Surtees Division 3 winners, Beaufort Buff with The Whittington Plate

Surtees Division 2 winners, Herts PA with The Surtees II Trophy

Surtees Division 1 winners, Cowdray Gold with The Cooper Cup

Youth The 2025 Pony Club Polo Championships

Handley Cross

Player age limit: 9-years-old and over, but under 14 on 1 January of the current year

Height limit of pony: 14.2hh

Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be allround Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Chris Eaton

Chris Eaton, the Handley Cross Section Manager reflects on the Section’s success:

Once again the Handley Cross section was very competitive, with some very strong teams playing very exciting matches.

Beaufort: Oscar Ljungman, Bertie Wood, Annalisa Tomlinson and Evelyn Brown (all Beaufort Pony Club Members).

Cotswold: Celeste Armitage-Lyon, Taylor Coddington, Ava Waldron Knight and Ottilie Williams (SOHS).

RA Team: William Whittington (RA), Alice Cogan (Wilton Hunt), Lyra Latham (RA) and Felix Darwin (HH).

Cowdray: Hugo Marks, Alwynne Skippen, Max Vernon and Max Hotston (all Cowdray Members).

The Beaufort and RA played in the Final with the Beaufort running out the winners after very narrowly beating the RA on a run down. The Cotswold were third and Cowdray fourth. All the teams in both the Handley Cross and Jorrocks Sections improved so much over

Jorrocks on Polo Ponies (JOPPS)

Player age limit: 11-years-old and under

Height limit of pony: No restriction

Type of pony: Polo pony under control!

Section Manager: George Spring

George Spring reviews this year’s Jorrocks on Polo Ponies Section (JOPPS) results:

With 10 teams lined up to play in JOPPs (Jorrocks on Polo Ponies) it was always going to be an exciting year for this youngest Section. It proved to be even better than expected.

In Division 1 there were four truly outstanding teams Beaufort Hunt, Cotswold Red, Hampshire Hunt Red and Hertfordshire Polo Academy (HPA). The Qualifiers were hard-fought and more often than not close, the Beaufort securing two wins and the HH one. Throughout Friday and Saturday of the Championships weekend all four teams played each other with brilliant performances from both the HPA and Cotswold Red but it was not quite enough to overhaul the HH and the Beaufort who went forward to contest the Final on Sunday. The last chukka, played on Lawns 2 in front of the Finals Day crowds was the culmination of an amazing tournament and a showcase of the talent in this age group. The HH played extremely strongly but could not quite match the skill and speed of the virtuoso Beaufort team who came out the winners of The Frank Rendell Trophy by 2-0.

In Division 2, there were six teams; Cotswold Green, Cowdray Hunt, Hampshire Hunt Blue, Hampshire Hunt White,

the two weeks, thanks to an amazing team of umpires who coached and encouraged during every chukka. Thank you to you all. Next year we hope to have many more Jorrocks and Handley Cross teams. If any Pony Clubs are interested in finding out more about Jorrocks and Handley Cross Sections, or information about training grants available please contact Chris.eaton@live.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Academy Black and the North Cotswold Hunt. The teams featured some of our very youngest players and many beginners who have only started playing polo in the last 12 months. The matches varied in standard with all improving rapidly across the Qualifiers. Particularly noteworthy was the North Cotswold who included two beginners and played sufficiently well to move up to Division 1 for the second Qualifier. They arrived at Cowdray the firm favourites for Division 2 and although pushed at times particularly by the HH White and HH Blue they couldn’t be toppled and rolled out the winners of The Henderson Trophy.

The individual prize winners were: The Claire Tomlinson Trophy for The Most Promising JOPPs player, Rufus Tomlinson from the Beaufort and The Eastwood Trophy for The Most Improved JOPPs player, Logan Robertson from the HH. The Penguin Prize for the Best Turned Out JOPPs team was awarded to the Cotswold Green.

Action from JOPPS Beaufort Hunt & Cotswold Red

Handley Cross winners, Beaufort with The Handley Cross Cup

North Cotswold, winners of JOPPS Division 2 with The Henderson Trophy

Beaufort, winners of JOPPS Division 1 with The Frank Rendell Cup

Jorrocks

Player age limit: 11-years-old and under on 1 January of the current year

Height limit of pony: 13.2hh

Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Chris Eaton

Chris Eaton reviews this year’s Jorrocks results:

A very exciting Jorrocks Section this year. Four teams battled away over the Qualifiers.

Cotswold: Lola Lucas, Miles Ernshaw, Patrick Clarkin and Nina Baxter.

Beaufort/Vine: Consisting of two first year players, Charlie Bandey, Matilda Bandey Vine who was standing in for Ollie Floyd (RA) who was unable to play at the Championship. Wilfred Tomlinson (Beaufort) and Arabella McCartney (Beaufort).

Cowdray: Koji Calvert-Ankara, Eliza Clague, Emilia Hotston and Archie Jackson (all Cowdray Members).

Hipwood & Rocksavage

Caroline Grayson reviews this year’s Hipwood & Rocksavage results: The 2025 Hipwood and Rocksavage Divisions saw 19 enthusiastic teams take part, an increase from 11 teams last year. The format is designed for young players to take part in consecutive chukka matches, giving them the opportunity to gain match experience and develop their game.

The matches were organised and umpired by Roddy Matthews, who not only arranged grounds with the support of clubs and patrons but also expertly officiated every match taking the time to educate the children, offering explanations, advice, and encouragement while getting to know each player personally.

The Hipwood Division was split into two categories. The Emerson Trophy, for players aged 13 and under playing off a

Old Berkshire Hunt: Cressida Hanbury and Cara Hanbury (OBH), Mayra Pujari OBH and Lara Ashby stood in for Florence Ashby. They played each other in some exciting matches, culminating in Finals at Cowdray with the Cotswold team running out the winners, in second place the Beaufort/Vine/

handicap of -2, featured five teams, each playing four matches of three chukkas. The Cotswold won the trophy with the Hampshire Hunt coming in second. The Smail Trophy, for players aged 14 and under playing off a minimum handicap of -1 had four teams, each playing three matches. The level of play improved throughout the competition, with Oxford Polo finishing as the winners after a very close game against the Cotswold.

For the first time, the Rocksavage Division was split into two categories. The new Earnshaw Division, for players aged 16 and under and supported by the Earnshaw Family, had five teams entered. This provided a step between Hipwood and Rocksavage. Cowdray Lions won the inaugural Earnshaw Division after a very strong performance in all their matches, the Cotswold were the runners up.

The Rocksavage Trophy brought together players at the top end of the junior game, with competitive matches that demonstrated strong technical skills, teamwork, and game awareness. After a well-contested series, Kirtlington emerged as the winners.

Over the 19 matches played across all the divisions, an impressive 340 goals were scored.

Despite such a dry season, we were fortunate to be able to secure watered grounds, ensuring safe and consistent playing conditions. A huge thank you goes to all the clubs and patrons who provided grounds, the parents who supported the players, and of course the players themselves for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and commitment. This year’s event was a true celebration of the depth of talent and passion within Junior Polo.

RA team, third place the Cowdray and fourth place the OBH. The Thorneloe Trophy for the Most Improved Boy Play was awarded to Patrick Clarkin of the Cotswold PC.

The Jorrocks Cup for Most Improved Girl was awarded to Emilia Hotston of the Cowdray PC.

Cotswold, winners of Jorrocks Division I with The Jorrocks One Cup

To read more about the Polo Times Pony Club Polo Championships 2025 Best Playing Ponies, please turn to the Pony Power pages.

Kirtlington, winners of The Rocksavage Trophy

The weekend is tiring for parents, ponies and players alike!

Branch Manager of The Year – Eliza Bell (HH) The Honor Uloth Trophy – Robbie Slatter (Beaufort) presented by Rupert Uloth

The Rupert Thorneloe Memorial: For the Most Improved 10 year old Jorrocks Boy –Patrick Clarkin (Cotswold)

The Jorrocks Cup: For the Most Improved Jorrocks Girl –Emilia Hotston (Cowdray)

The Eastwood Trophy: For the Most Improved JOPPS Player – Logan Robertson (HH Blue)

The Sheila Nash Rose Bowl: For the Most Promising Surtees Girl – Flossie Pejkovic (OBH)

The Penguin Trophy for The Best Turned Out JOPPS Team – Cotswold Green

The Texaco Trophy for The Best Turned Out Jorrocks Team – Royal Artillery

SATS Saddle: For the Pony Club Player of the Year – Mati Maldonaldo (OS&B)

The Lisa Llewellyn-Palmer Trophy: For Outstanding Horsemanship – Freddie Brockett (Dorset Polo)

The Catherine Yates Trophy: For the Most Promising Rendell / Langford / Gannon Girl – Izzy Fall (Hurworth Hunt)

The Gig Horswell Trophy: For the Most Promising Loriner Boy – Bear Hodges (Beaufort)

The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy: For the Most Promising Loriner Girl – Scarlet Richardson (Cotswold)

Pony Awards

Loriner RoR – Diamond Express, ridden by Scarlet Richardson (Cotswold)

Gannon RoR – Tilsworth Diamond (Bumble), played by Mati Maldonado (OS&B)

Langford RoR – Barry Crockett, played by Valentine McPherson (Cotswold Red)

Surtees RoR – Shadow Seeker, played George Drummond Lines (Herts Polo Academy)

The Tic Tac Trophy for The Jorrocks Player/Pony Combination – Eric, played by Charlie Bandey (RA)

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Handley Cross – Ella, played by Bertie Wood (Beaufort)

The Jambo Trophy for the Best Hunting & HX Polo Pony/Player Combination – Wilf, played by Max Verdon (Cowdray)

The Punk Trophy for Best Jorrocks Pony –Black Magic, played by Koji Calvert-Ansari (Cowdray)

The Best Playing Pony JOPPS – Cosmo, played by Cruz Otamendi (Minninnooka)

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Gannon – Trivial, played by George Copcutt (Cotswold)

The Claire Tomlinson Trophy: For the Most Promising JOPPS Player – Rufus Tomlinson (Beaufort)

The Young Telegraph Award: For the Most Promising Under 15/14 Player – Max Tebbit (Cambridgeshire)

The Ledner Cup: For the Highest Placed Complete Branch Team – Cotswold, Gannon

The Bea Ward Trophy: For the Best All Girls Team –Cotswold Gold, Surtees 3

The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy: For the Most Promising Langford Player – Harry Oliver (Heythrop)

Gannon

The Daily Telegraph Trophy (Gannon I)

1st Cotswold

2nd Druids Lodge

The Jaguar Trophy (Subsidiary Final)

1st Cambridge & Newmarket

2nd Grafton

Langford

The Jack Gannon Trophy (Langford I)

1st Cotswold Green

2nd Cotswold Red

3rd Heythrop

Polo Championship Results 2025

The Martin Trotter Trophy (Langford II)

1st OBH

2nd Cotswold Gold

3rd South Oxfordshire Hunt South

The Langford Plate (Winner of Langford League at Qualifiers)

Cotswold Red

Loriner

The Loriner Challenge Trophy (Loriner I)

1st Cotswold

2nd Beaufort

3rd HH 4th Cowdray Yellow

The Hillingdon Hall Trophy (Loriner II) 1st Cambridgeshire

2nd RA

3rd Berkeley

4th Cowdray Black

The Bank of Ireland Trophy (Winner of Loriner League at Qualifiers)

Beaufort

Surtees

The Cooper Cup (Surtees I) 1st Cowdray Gold

2nd OBH Sky

3rd Beaufort Blue

4th Cotswold Red

The Surtees II Trophy (Surtees II)

1st Herts PA

2nd Cotswold Green

3rd Dorset Polo Black

4th RA

5th HH Red 6th Cowdray White

The Whittington Plate (Surtees III)

1st Beaufort Buff

2nd OBH Navy

3rd Berkeley 4th HH Blue 5th Cambridge & Newmarket 6th Cotswold Gold

Surtees Division IV 1st Minninnooka 2nd Beaufort White 3rd Dorset Polo Blue 4th Cowdray Yellow

Handley Cross

The Handley Cross Cup

1st Beaufort 2nd RA

3rd Cotswold 4th Cowdray

JOPPS

The Frank Rendell Cup (JOPPS I) 1st Beaufort

2nd HH Red

3rd Cotswold Red 4th Hertfordshire Polo Academy White

The Henderson Plate (JOPPS II) 1st North Cotswold

2nd HH White

3rd HH Blue 4th Cowdray 5th Hertfordshire Polo Academy Black 6th Cotswold Green

Jorrocks

The Jorrocks One Cup (Jorrocks I) 1st Cotswold

2nd RA 3rd Cowdray 4th Old Berkshire Hunt

Hipwood

The Smail Trophy (for players aged 14 and under playing off a minimum handicap of -1)

1st Oxford Polo  2nd Cotswold

The Emerson Trophy (for players aged 13 and under playing off a handicap of -2)

1st Cotswold 2nd Hampshire Hunt

Rocksavage

The Earnshaw Division (for players aged 16 and under)

1st Cowdray Lions 2nd Cotswold

The Rocksavage Trophy 1st Kirtlington

The future stars of polo battled it out at Cowdray Park Polo Club over 8 – 10 August

Case Study: Broodmare With Toxic Laminitis

When I had a call for some help with feeding a broodmare at Chalkpit Farm, who had foaled and then developed toxic laminitis very quickly, I thought it would be an interesting case study to share as broodmare and youngstock nutrition is not something covered very often.

We want to ensure we provide the correct nutrition to enable youngsters to grow to their genetic potential, with a

corresponding musculoskeletal system. Nutrition needs to support growth and development when ‘in utero’, once on the ground and development to adulthood.

At Chalkpit Farm, the broodmares are all fed a Stud Cube throughout their pregnancy, and if they are holding too much condition, a Stud Balancer is introduced, whilst Stud Cubes are reduced. This ensures the calories are reduced but the diet remains

balanced at all times to support correct foetal development and allowing the mare to produce good quality milk and the very important colostrum.

The lovely mare, Leyenda is 10-yearsold and her pregnancy as a maiden mare had gone well – she was fed Stud Cubes throughout and looked well and thriving. Unfortunately, once her colt, named ‘007’, had arrived, she developed toxic laminitis. The vet had checked her in case of retained placenta, and all seemed well after she had foaled unassisted. The mare had postpartum endometriosis, infection in the uterus. She was treated with regular washouts and antibiotics. The cause of Leyenda developing toxic laminitis therefore is not really known.

Toxic laminitis can occur due to sepsis and endotoxemia associated with bacteria that produces toxins that are then released into the blood stream from the site of infection. Toxins then stimulate an inflammatory response throughout the horse’s body, including the hoof, where there is a breakdown of the tight bonds between the laminae of the hoof capsule and coffin bone.

The amazing grooms working with Leyenda at the time reacted swiftly, removing the Stud Cubes from her diet, and on veterinary advice, switched her to Lo-Cal balancer, to provide protein, vitamins and

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Photography courtesy of Chalkpit Farm

Leyenda with pads on her feet for protection and support

Leyenda and 007 in their stable

Leyenda’s recovery from toxic laminitis included being turned out for two hours in the morning and afternoon

CLUB PHONE EMAIL

CLUB PHONE EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com

Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com

Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com

Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com

Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com

Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com

Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com

Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com

Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

CLUB PHONE EMAIL

CLUB PHONE EMAIL

Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com

colostrum from his dam and was getting stronger and stronger by the day. After visiting Leyenda and with a nod from the vet we decided, after being on Lo-Cal Balancer for ten days, we needed to reintroduce the Stud Balancer to ensure she was receiving enough of the all essential quality proteins, vitamins and minerals to support lactation and ensure 007 was receiving optimum nutrition to help him live up to his name – which he seems to be doing pretty well already!

Polo directory

Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com

Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com

New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com

Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com

Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com

RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

I am keen for Leyenda to stay on the Stud Balancer for as long as possible, plus she is turned out daily and still receiving ad lib hay. Although Leyenda has recovered from her bout of laminitis, we need to be mindful that she could be susceptible to it occurring again. Keeping the risks to a minimum from a nutrition focus means maintaining a low starch diet for as long as possible, and if calories are required, we would choose digestible fibres such as Fibre-Beet of Alfa Oil alongside an oil supplement such as Outshine, rather than reintroducing Stud Cubes.

Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club 07875 743475 frankums@googlemail.com

Eastwood Polo Club 07875 743475 frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club* 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club* 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com

Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p

Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p

Emsworth Polo Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club* 07961 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Epsom Polo Club* 07961 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

FHM Polo Club* 07778 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club* 07778 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Sussex Polo Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club* 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com

Tidworth Polo Club* 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Toulston Polo Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club

Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com

Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club* 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

minerals, but removing starch from Leyenda’s diet. Alongside the balancer they were using a low-calorie chaff, and she remained on ad lib hay that was being soaked for eight hours in order to reduce the Water Soluble Carbohydrates to a minimum during this critical stage. Although the mare had not developed laminitis from too much starch in her diet, it was essential that her diet was controlled to avoid any further complications.

Fifield Polo Club* 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club* 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com

Guards Polo Club* 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000 office@hampoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000 office@hampoloclub.com

Leyenda had pads put on her feet for protection and support, and the vet wanted

Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007

Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007

to keep her moving little and often to enable her to naturally flush the uterus of any infections, so she was turned out for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, where she continued to have free access to her soaked forage. Once she started to get better, she decided she didn’t want the soaked hay anymore, so dry hay was reintroduced which she coped with really well. Her time in the field was then increased as she progressed. Fortunately, 007 received the essential

West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club* 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club* 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

* Also open

As always, I love seeing foals growing and developing and I am always amazed by the wonderful mares who don’t always get enough credit for what they do! I very much look forward to following the progress of a very lucky Leyenda and her stunning colt foal, 007. How valuable are the amazing grooms that know their horses well enough to pick up on them not ‘feeling themselves’, absolute HEROS!

Executive helicopter charter service

007 has been receiving optimum nutrition to help him live up to his name

Leyenda is a maiden mare who developed toxic laminitis post-birth for unknown reasons

Understanding what it takes to overcome fear and self-doubt has been at the root of Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker’s personal transformation. He has proven experience of working with Polo Teams, Patrons and individual players for the past 3 years achieving outstanding results. With individual clients, Stalkie’s aim is to untap, nurture and focus their passion and potential on becoming the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives, whatever their starting point

Physician, Heal Thyself – From Dying Man to Iron Man

As a mindset coach, I spend much of my life working with players, teams and business leaders, teaching the principles of focus, resilience, discipline, and sacrifice. I remind them that what you focus on, you feel; that success is built on routine and structure; and that real performance comes not just from talent but from the courage to keep going when it would be easier to stop.

But earlier this year, I found myself facing the greatest test of my own philosophy.

On 16 January, I was diagnosed with blood cancer.

It hit me like a sledgehammer. I had been 25 years clear of Hodgkin’s disease, a lymphatic cancer that shaped much of my early life, and I was 10 years clear of skin cancer. To hear the word “cancer” again

after all that time was shattering. For weeks, I was low, knocked down, and struggling to summon the same mindset I had spent years teaching to others.

And that’s where the phrase ‘Physician, heal thyself’ came alive.

Purpose in Adversity

When you’re staring at adversity, the first thing you need is purpose. Without it, you drift. With it, you have direction, even if the road ahead is brutally hard. For me, purpose came in the form of an idea that terrified me: entering a Half Ironman triathlon.

The event takes place in August, right in the New Forest. A 1.9km open water swim, a 90km bike ride, and a 21km run. The last time I attempted an Ironman was back in 2007 – 23 years ago. And here I was, at 65kg, with Raynaud’s disease (a condition that leaves my hands turning white and numb in the cold), barely able to run 5km without walking.

But I signed up. Because sometimes you need to commit first and figure it out later.

The Discipline of Training

The past few months have been brutal. Training up to 15 – 20 hours a week, on mornings when the alarm goes off and every fibre of your body says don’t do it. Cold, wet lake swims where my hands turned so numb I had to invest in a thermal wetsuit just to get through. Long bike rides into the wind and runs where my legs felt like lead.

But here’s the lesson I want to share with any athlete – whether you’re on a polo field or in endurance sport: keep your word to yourself.

Discipline isn’t about motivation. Motivation is fickle – it comes and goes. Discipline is about honouring the promises you make to yourself, day after day. It’s about lacing up your trainers when you’d rather roll over. It’s about eating the right

Photograph by Raise Polo

Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker used his cancer diagnosis to reboot his lifestyle choices and decades later he is thriving and encouraging others to make the most of their cards of life

food when comfort food calls your name. It’s about consistency.

And strangely, it is through this struggle that I’ve rediscovered the joy of the basics – the simple act of running a bit further than yesterday, of getting in the saddle when I don’t feel like it, of ticking off another session that moves me closer to race day.

Fear and Growth

People often think that as a mindset coach I’m immune to fear. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been afraid throughout this journey. Afraid of failure. Afraid my body might give up. Afraid of letting people down.

But here’s what I know now more than ever: you don’t know what’s inside of you until you hit adversity. Fear isn’t a stop sign – it’s a signal that you’re on the edge of growth.

In polo, fear shows up in different ways. Fear of missing the big shot. Fear of letting your team down. Fear of injury. The key is not to pretend it doesn’t exist – it’s to lean into it, to let it sharpen you. Fear is proof you’re pushing boundaries.

Walking the Walk

This journey has made me a better coach. For years, I’ve spoken about sacrifice, resilience, and focus. Now, I’m living them daily. I’m no longer just teaching the theory – I’m walking the walk.

I’ve learned that setbacks are never the end of the story. They are invitations to dig deeper. I’ve learned that discipline is freedom: the freedom to line up at a start line knowing you’ve done the work. I’ve learned that the body is stronger than we think, but the mind is stronger still.

When I stand with players now, whether it’s in polo or business, I speak not just as a coach but as someone proving, day by day, that it’s possible to go from nothing to something, from fear to courage, from dying man to Iron Man.

The Message

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: adversity is not the enemy – it’s the doorway to your strength.

I am writing this two weeks before the race. Will it be easy? No. Will there

be moments where I want to quit? Absolutely. But I’ll cross that finish line not because I was motivated, not because it was comfortable, but because I kept my word to myself.

And that’s the lesson for all of us – in sport, in life, in health: the real victory is in showing up, in proving to yourself that you can do hard things, and in discovering, through struggle, that you are stronger than you ever believed.

Commercial / Storage Units FOR RENT

Sapo Athena

Age: Eight-years-old

Colour: Bay

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Sapo Caset

Tournament: The Indian Polo Challenge Shield Final at Guards Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She’s a home bred of Sapo Caset breeding.

How long have you had her? Since she was born.

What are her strengths? She can play many times in the same game. I use her always two or three times because she recovers very fast. She always keeps her mouth and handle.

How has she gone this season? She started playing The Cartier Queen’s Cup ok and as the season went on she has improved game after game. She has finished the UK season on a very high note. I played her in both The Cowdray Gold Cup and Indian Polo Challenge Shield at the

Lovelocks Semarang

Height: 15.2hh

Age: 13-years-old

Colour: Black

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Zac Beim Tournament: The Harrison Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is from the Lovelocks breeding program and her breeding is Osh Kosh x Java.

How long have you had her? I bought her off Charlie Hanbury in 2020, so I have had her for five years now.

What are her strengths? She’s incredibly athletic and has amazing sides, but I think her main strength is her power.

How has she gone this season? This season she has been going really well for me. I normally play her as a spare in the first

same time and in the Indian Polo Challenge Shield she was playing a lot of minutes in every game.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first.

What are your plans for her in the future? She’s coming with me to Spain and probably France afterwards as well. Then

she will be going back for a good rest in the UK.

Does she have any special quirks? Hmm… no, she doesn’t have any.

Describe her in three words? Strong, handy, beautiful.

couple of chukkas and try to bring her back again.

What are your plans for her in the future? She’s one of my main stays in my string so hopefully she’ll be around for a while and potentially I will take some embryos from her in the future.

Does she have any special quirks? No, she is super relaxed on the yard and my grooms love her for that.

Describe her in three words? Athletic, powerful, relaxed.

by Sam Churchill

by

Photograph

Mark

Beaumont

Photograph

Esmeralda

Height: 15hh

Age: 12-years-old

Colour: Grey

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Luke Wiles Tournament: The Challenge Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is a retrained racehorse. Retrained by Ali Paterson and brought on by Ed Walker.

How long have you had her? I bought her two years ago off one of my best mates Ed Walker. He had her since she was threeyears-old and became his best mare. I always had my eye on her and managed to persuade Ed to sell her to me when he finished with polo.

What are her strengths? She is incredibly fast given she is a Thoroughbred and has great sides. She is also a very tough and a resilient mare as quoted by Ed himself.

How has she gone this season? To be honest she didn’t start the season very well

Trivial

Height: 15.2hh

Age: Eight-years-old

Colour: Grey

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: George Copcutt Tournament: The Pony Club Polo Championships Gannon at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is a Spanish Thoroughbred, the Sire is Equiano and the Dam is Silver Heights.

How long have you had her? I bought her as a six-year-old and have had her for the last two seasons.

What are her strengths? She is very powerful and has a lot of run.

How has she gone this season? I’ve played her a lot, from 2 goal to 12 goal, the more I play her the better she goes.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is the first and hopefully not the last.

but in the last six weeks she has been going amazingly and been absolutely flying, giving me huge amounts of confidence.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first.

What are your plans for her in the future? I will play her until she finishes with me. And then as part of our friendly

agreement she will go back to Ed Walker’s to retire.

Does she have any special quirks? She is incredibly grumpy with other horses.

Describe her in three words? Resilient, rapid, special.

What are your plans for her in the future? To carry on playing her as much as possible in all levels.

Does she have any special quirks? No, she is a very straightforward mare.

Describe her in three words? Powerful, quick, easy.

Photograph by Mark Beaumont

Photograph courtesy of George Copcutt

Basil

Height: 15.2hh

Age: 17-years-old

Colour: Bay

Sex: Gelding

Owned and played by: Nina Clarkin Tournament: The Claire Tomlinson Trophy Final at Beaufort Polo Club

Where is he/she from/breeding? Basil was bred by Tim Keyte and given to me. He. Was out of Tim’s best playing mare called Ranui who was a New Zealand Thoroughbred and he is by Titch who was an English Thoroughbred owned by Lisa and Charlie Llewlyn Palmer.

How long have you had him/her? I have had him since he was a foal and he is 17 now.

What are his/her strengths? He is very fast, soft in the mouth, agile and super tough.

How has he/she gone this season? He has had a great season. I was meant to be retiring him and giving him to my daughter Elizabeth this season but he has played 18, 15, 12 and 10 goal and also all of the Women’s polo! Oops!!

Has he/she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Basil has won a lot of BPP

Valentina

Height: 15.1hh (just!)

Age: Seven-years-old

Colour: Chestnut

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Owned by Peter Silling and played by Henry Brett Tournament: The Holden White Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? Valentina was bred by Peter Silling in Spain. She is out of Lisa, an Ellerston mare, by Black Jack, a Peter Silling stallion from the Los Machitos bloodline.

How long have you been playing her? I have been playing her since May in the UK.

What are her strengths? Her strengths would be her mouth and heart. She is small but she’s tries in every game.

How has she gone this season? She has

awards and I am afraid I cannot remember them all. He very much enjoyed winning BPP in the Women’s French Open about 6 years ago. He has won the most rugs out of all the ponies in the yard.

What are your plans for him/her in the future? I should retire him and give him to Elizabeth but that probably won’t happen. I am happiest when playing him!!

Does he/she have any special quirks? He is the quirkiest pony I have ever owned and I couldn’t possibly list all his quirks and special needs!

Describe him/her in three words? Weird, wonderful, (and a) weapon.

gone really well; she very rarely gets tired. I played her for a chukka and a half in The Holden White Final and she still had more in the tank.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first BPP Award.

Does she have any special quirks? Not really, she’s a sweet mare and very easy to handle.

Describe her in three words? Athletic, tough, kind.

Photograph courtesy of BPC

Photograph by Mark Beaumont

Open Cosmo

Height: 15.1hh

Age: 19-years-old

Colour: Chestnut

Sex: Gelding

Owned and played by: Owned by Dr and Mrs Beitner, played by Cruz Otamendi Tournament: The Pony Club Polo Championships JOPPS at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is he from/breeding? Open Cosmo is from Argentina and Ellerstina breeding. He used to belong to Gonza Pieres.

How long have you had him? 12 years.

What are his strengths? He is calm, kind and comfortable but strong and does what he’s asked.

How has he gone this season? Brilliant… he never puts a foot wrong.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, he’s won BPP a number of times over the years.

Ella

Height: 14.1hh

Age: 15-years-old

Colour: Grey

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Bertie Wood Tournament: The Pony Club Polo Championships Handley Cross at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She was bought from a yard in Bristol as a hunting pony. She had never hunted or played polo! Her Dam was an Arab x Lippizana and her Sire was a Connemara.

How long have you had her? Since May 2022. She played in Pony Club Polo with Harry Wood in 2023 and 2024.

What are her strengths? Her stamina.

How has she gone this season? She had a late start this season and has gone well in the Pony Club and 2 goal with Bertie.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet!

What are your plans for him in the future? To continue looking after and teaching Cruz.

What are your plans for her in the future? To continue Pony Club, Hunting, low goal and Pony Club Polo with Bertie. Does she have any special quirks? Lots!

Does he have any special quirks? He unties himself!

Describe him in three words? Gentleman, Houdini, teacher.

Describe her in three words? Energetic all-round madam!

Photograph

Gremita

Height: 15.2hh

Age: 23-years-old

Colour: Palomino

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Nikau Wesche

Tournament: The Nightingale Plate at Toulston Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She was bred in Argentina and imported around 18 years ago.

How long have you had her? This is our first season together.

What are her strengths? An all round polo machine! She is very responsive, straight and totally bombproof. She knows the game so well and loves a ride-off.

How has she gone this season? Amazing! She is going from strength to strength as our partnership grows.

Lady Luck

Height: 15.1hh

Age: 15-years-old

Colour: Dark Bay

Sex: Mare

Owned and played by: Tom Dalton-Morgan Tournament: The Charity Weekend at Vaux Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? I bought her from Ed Hitchman in 2020.

How long have you had her? I have her since 2020.

What are her strengths? She’s strong, quick on both sides, and exceptionally resilient.

How has she gone this season? She’s been going very well so far this season.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She also won Polo Times BPP in the same tournament last year! She has already won another BPP earlier this season too.

What are your plans for her in the future? She’s definitely staying – she’s a yard favourite and a key part of my string.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that we know of.

What are your plans for her in the future? To try and stop my little brother Theo from stealing her.

Does she have any special quirks? She gets grumpy when she is hungry.

Describe her in three words? Perfect pretty pony.

Does she have any special quirks? She used to be quite nervous and hot, but last year she began to relax and that has continued this year too.

Describe her in three words? Strong, responsive, genuine.

Lady

Photograph by VPPC

Photograph courtesy of TPC

Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final; Sunday 10 August; Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Driving to Success

The roar of the crowd blended perfectly with the roar of the engines from an array of mighty Aston Martins parading across the immaculate Lawns of Guards Polo Club. This stunning collection of horsepower heralded the first edition of the Aston Martin Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup. A packed Clubhouse – Searcys VIP hospitality package had sold out weeks earlier – and bursting grandstands were the ideal backdrop for an epic 20 goal Final. While White Crane Black took the honours on The Queen’s Ground, the super sportscar Aston Martin Valhalla turned plenty of heads closer to the Clubhouse. With the weather remaining on message the many spectators chose to stay late, partying to a vibrant ’80s beat on the Clubhouse Terrace. To read more about the Final, please turn to the Reports pages.

Photography by Tom Jens

Alfredo Bigatti

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger

James Neighbour & Felipe Dabas

On parade on the lawn

James Parrett

Flora Gibbs Alex Collins

Diego Cavanagh

Alison Barrie

Alessandro Bazzoni

Alastair Storey

Abbie Major & Angharad Roberts

Guards Polo Club’s 70th edition gin by British Polo Gin

What’s On – September Polo Fixtures

2025 Victor & Victrix Ludorum

12 Goal

Cowdray Autumn League 05/09/25 21/09/25

6 Goal

Cirencester Park Kingscote Cup 26/08/25 07/09/25

UK

Guards President’s Trophy 8 to 10 23/08/25 06/09/25

Beaufort Solitaire Salver 0 to 4 26/08/25 07/09/25

Cowdray Park House Cup 0 to 4 27/08/25 13/09/25

Cowdray PSI Trophy 4 to 8 28/08/25 14/09/25

White Waltham Royal Forest Polo Tournament 06/09/25 07/09/25

White Waltham Adamas Polo Tournament 13/09/25 14/09/25

White Waltham 1947 Three Handled Saunders Davis 20/09/25 21/09/25

Cheshire Secretary’s Cup –2 to 2 06/09/25 07/09/25

Cheshire End of Season Trophy & Club Trophy 0 to 2 13/09/25 14/09/25

Edgeworth The Second to Last Chance Cup 1 06/09/25 07/09/25

Edgeworth The Merry del Winter Tournament

Guards Autumn Nations 10 to 12 27/08/25 14/09/25

Guards President’s Trophy 8 to 10 23/08/25 06/09/25

Guards Major General’s Trophy 0 to 2 05/09/25 07/09/25

Guards Chairman’s Cup 0 to 4 09/09/25 14/09/25

RCBPC Garry Pascoe Trophy 0 to 4 04/09/25 07/09/25

RCBPC September Open 4 to 6 09/09/25 14/09/25

RCBPC Lambourne Trophy 7 to 10 15/09/25 20/09/25

RCBPC John Houghton Open 0 to 4 20/09/25 28/09/25

Druids Lodge September Cup 2 04/09/35 07/09/25

Druids Lodge Emerson Trophy 2 11/09/25 14/09/25

Druids Lodge Clock Tower Trophy Open 20/09/25 21/09/25

Cirencester Lisa Llewellyn-Palmer Inter Hunt Memorial Open 07/09/25 07/09/25

Cirencester De Vere Gouldsmith Bowl 4 to 8 06/09/25 20/09/25

Cirencester Sue Cudmore Associates Trophy –2 to 2 12/09/25 21/09/25

Cirencester RJ Polo Junior Associates Trophy Open 12/09/25 21/09/25

Cirencester Stroud Farm Services End of Season 4 Goal 0 to 4 09/09/25 21/09/25

Kirtlington Park Tylor Memorial Trophy 4 03/09/25 07/09/25

Kirtlington Park KPPS Cup 0 05/09/25 08/09/25

Kirtlington Park Groundsman Trophy 2 10/09/25 14/09/25

Kirtlington Park Peagram 50/50 Open 10/09/25 14/09/25

Beaufort Sidebottom Cup 2 to 6 02/09/25 13/09/25

ROMANIA

FRANCE

Leys Survivors Cup 13/09/25 14/09/25

Silver Leys Icing on the Cake Trophy 27/09/25 28/09/25

Rutland Wilkinson Sword –6 20/09/25 21/09/25

Rutland Bronze Horse –2 20/09/25 21/09/25

CLUB PHONE EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com

Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com

Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com

Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com

Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club 07968 300063 frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club* 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club* 07961 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Fifield Polo Club* 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club* 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000 office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com

New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Oakwood Park Polo Club* 07778 436468 francis@fhmpolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club 07771 931541 Chairman_tcvpc@btinternet.com

Tedworth Park Polo Club* 01980 846705 info@tedworthparkpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com

vO Polo Club 01536 639018 membership@vopoloclub.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club* 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also

Marketplace

In association with Chukkout Polo

Ponies

Secret House, 2012, 15.3 TB Mare Has played regularly at 2, 4 and 6 goal but relatively low miles in the last two years due to lack of player’s time. Would suit an amateur player looking for a fast, powerful machine with great gears and a strong ride off. Easy to do in all ways and injury free. Can be viewed in Gloucestershire. £7,000. Tel: 07809 835366

15.2hh, 9-Yr-Old Mare

Pretty, 15.2hh, 9yr old, TB mare for sale. Plays grass and arena. Straightforward, sensible, easy type. Would suit -2 to 1 or even go in a school. Sad sale after 5yrs due to pregnancy. Good in all ways box, shoe, catch, clip etc. Lovely temperament. Up to date with vacs, dentist and farrier. Can be tried at Rugby Polo Club. Offers approx. £8,000. Tel: 07824 618712

Polo Art

POLO &  PIGSTICKING PAINTINGS,PRINTS,BOOKS KEY RING ETC

TEL 01934 613996 www marlboroughbooksandprints.co.uk

Transport

7.5 Tonne Horse Lorry Partitioned for 5/6 horses. Plated until July 2026 and new tyres. New spring loaded ramp fitted in 2023, new metal floor with rubber matting on top in 2023. Large luton area with five saddle racks and space for lots of polo kit. Battery isolator. £5,995 ono (Gloucester). Tel: 07860 906032

2003 7.5t Compact DAF Lorry 1.8t payload, stalled for four, no tack lockers in horse area, aluminium floor, ramp replaced a couple of years ago, living area sleeps two, gas hob and sink. Really easy to drive. Only selling as relocating abroad. Based near to Stansted. £8,995 ovno. Tel: 07880 654269

Equipment

Full Suede Brown Saddle New Just saddle £250. Complete set £399. Postage available worldwide. Whatsapp only: +447724 696373

Three Polo Saddles For Sale 2x NRG polo saddles, one full suede seat (£450) and one with half suede seat (£450). 1x Chukker saddle (£100). Can be picked up from Cirencester Park or near Uley. Tel: 07464 038106

Polo Saddles & Bridles Imported From Argentina 3x Saddles Beautifully made and very comfortable. Bridles also available & some other kit. For sale due to rider giving up. Had minimal use. Collection from East Horsley, Surrey. £750 each. Tel: 07866 568932

Lansdown Horse Rug 6’6 Grey/Mustard colour. Sought after rugs and last a lifetime. Excellent condition, no rips, tears, repairs or damage. Both buckles and straps in near perfect condition. Will be washed prior to dispatch. £75. Tel: 07730 889429

Misc

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/ horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

START OF SEASON DENTAL DEAL

£60 per horse including sedation (for 4 or more horses) in the South of England. Get ready for the season with a careful and professional examination of your horse’s mouth with high quality equilibration (filing). Stable side oroscopy included when needed for an HD internal image of the mouth. Stable side X-ray available (not included in deal) with referral CT at competitive prices for cases requiring further investigation. Please contact 07515992786 for further details and call out fee information.

Nico Roberts has won more UK polo titles than you’ve had hot suppers; The Royal Windsor Cup, Eduardo Moore, Coworth Challenge, Phoenician Cup, Autumn Nations, Duke of Cornwall plus a few more and not to mention winning the intensively competitive Archie David not once, not twice but three times! Polo Times found out what makes Nico tick in this month’s Passions page

1. What is your biggest passion and why? Horses! I wake up every morning looking forward to seeing them.

2. What is your all-time best polo memory? Winning the Archie David and the Royal Windsor in the same year

3. Who were/are your favourite teammates? I have to say my 8 goal team this year! Sarkis [Gabrelian], Felix [Toccalino] and Josh [Hyde].

4. Hardest opponent?

I don’t have one in particular, polo is so competitive at the moment that I view every team opponent as my hardest.

5. Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby.

6. Favourite film and why?

Probably Braveheart, I never get tired of watching it.

7. Favourite album?

I like all kinds of music, but I’ll probably say Dire Straits.

8. Favourite food/dish? Asado.

9. Favourite hobby outside of polo? It is very difficult to have one when you are in polo!

10. Most prized possession? My two sausage dogs Pancha and Mika.

11. Favourite celebrity and why? Will Ferrell, I know I will have a laugh in any of his movies, he is just too funny.

12. Best holiday destination and activity?

Barbados started as a work destination but now has a special place in my heart. I love swimming in the sea and a bit of snorkelling… and the rum.

13. Best pony and why?

Valorada. She is an Irish TB I’ve got from Sergio Valor in Ireland when she was young. She has been great to me, always giving 100 percent, she’s very handy and powerful and always makes me play better.

14. Are you passionately superstitious? Not at all.

15. Describe yourself in three words?

I should ask my wife about this one haha but I’m probably: determined, passionate [about what I do], responsible.

16. One thing which would surprise us about you? To my wife’s dismay I started a wine collection that’s quickly overflowing, so I’ve been wall mounting them to make room!