Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Olly Hughes, HPA Deputy Chief Executive
Deputy Chief Executive of the HPA and ex-Beaufort Polo Club Manager, Olly Hughes talks to Polo Times about his dream polo team, playing with Black Bears in the 90s and his polo roots with the Pony Club with Jason Dixon, plus the need for a simplification of the rules of polo. What was your highest handicap and in what year? I was 3 goals between 1995-2003. What was the most successful team you played for? I was lucky enough to be based with and play for Black Bears in the 90s at a number of different levels, both in England and overseas and won the Gerald Balding. I even played my single game of English 22 goal with them and thus I have a 100% win record in the high goal! Who were your favourite teammates and why? Jason Dixon, Paddy Cowley and Angus Duncanson. We grew up together, started playing polo in the Cotswold Pony Club together and finally won the Gannon. Nothing beats playing, and ideally winning, with your friends at any level of polo. Hardest opponent? From the same era, probably Thamey (Robert Thame). The Bicester Pony Club led by Thamey were always our arch adversaries and our games were, in my mind at least, epic encounters. Thankfully childhood rivalries are pretty short lived and we all became, and remain, good friends.
Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby (Glosssssterrrrrr) and cricket. I try to go with my son Isaac to Kingsholm at least once in the winter and to a Test or one-dayer at Lord’s in the summer. Favourite song/ album? Single – Back in Black (AC/DC)-the greatest guitar riff and also my ringtone! Album – Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd). A great album to listen to when doing late night revision because every so often there’s a jolt that reminds you what you’re meant to be doing. Most prized material possession? Probably my house because that is where my family and everything that is most important to me can be found. Favourite TV show? Family Guy.
Favourite polo venue and why? Anywhere that the grass is short, the sun is shining, the ball is running and the players are behaving! Favourite film? The Shawshank Redemption – I love the idea that with enough patience and belief almost anything can be achieved.
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Who has had the biggest influence on your life? I have been helped by so many people that it would be unfair to single one out. Juliet Worsley who first taught me to play polo; Phillip Elliott who taught me how to ride correctly for polo and who put me up in Brazil on several occasions; John P Smail and Brett Badham who have both helped me along the way; Norman Bellone who gave me my first “proper job” outside polo and from whom I learnt a great deal about business; my father, who didn’t have a complete meltdown when I quit university having decided that the world of polo was lacking someone with my unique set of skills. He has always quietly supported me without ever giving the impression that he thought any of it was a good idea. Who would you most like to meet and why? Tommy Hitchcock Jnr. A World War One fighter pilot at the age of 17; he escaped from captivity after being shot down; he held a 10 goal handicap for 18 years and he flew to work as an investment banker in New York in his own seaplane, landing on the East River. He was the basis for a character in The Great Gatsby and was killed testing the first fighter jets. I’m not saying we’d have a huge amount in common but it would be very interesting! Favourite snack? PB & J sandwich.
Describe yourself in three words… Easygoing, patient, diplomatic.
www.polotimes.co.uk
26/05/2015 16:19