hurlingham [ feature ]
one hundred years of polo a fascinating new book edited by clare milford haven celebrates the centenary of cowdray park, home of british polo Who was the Argentine player of the Fifties known as the ‘father’ of Midhurst? Where could polo spectators enjoy free cream teas? Where were mysterious naked footprints found on a bedroom ceiling? When were a polo team sent packing because their patron had insulted a polo manager? Which were the greatest polo ponies played at Cowdray during the 20th century? The answer to these, and very many more questions can be found in a book celebrating a hundred years of the galloping game in
Cowdray Park Polo Club: The Centenary, which is to be launched in time for this year’s Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup. Put together by writer and polo player Clare Milford Haven, polo photographer Vanessa Taylor and former PQ editor, Roger Chatterton Newman, it is a story of as much interest to lovers of this corner of West Sussex as to the player or polo enthusiast. The book traces the progress of the club through a variety of chapters and a timeline shows historic highlights of the last century.
The Cowdray family chapter charts the formative years of the club from 1910 when it was founded by the Hon Harold Pearson, and then between the wars, when the ponies went up by train from Midhurst to Barnes for what was in those days, the equivalent of the high-goal season – playing at Hurlingham, Ranelagh and Roehampton – and then back down again by train for Goodwood week at Cowdray Park. With World War II looming and the inevitable demise of the big London clubs in 1939, the future of the post-war game in Great Britain was in doubt. However, due to the unending enthusiasm and single-mindedness of Harold’s son, John Cowdray, the revival of polo and establishment of Cowdray Park as the premier European club was secured. Extra grounds were laid out at Ambersham – originally a landing strip and used during the war by the Fleet Air Arm. The club rapidly progressed and the public was encouraged to watch matches. So quick was the revival, that Lord Cowdray was invited to make up a team to compete in Buenos Aires in 1949, and the visit was a tremendous success. England made an auspicious debut and beat Chile 12-9 in the inaugural match of the Argentine Open. www.hurlinghampolo.com
marie merritt private album; michael chevis
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