2014 OFFICIAL MEMBERS’ YEARBOOK MAGAZINE
The private bank for polo
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Proud sponsors of: EFG Aravali Team, UK High Goal Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup XLIII International Polo Tournament, Sotogrande 40 Goal Challenge, Palm Beach RMA Sandhurst Polo Cambridge University Polo
Photos: www.imagesofpolo.com (EFG – Aravali Team); Abhishek Acharya; Elsa Ochoa.
University of St Andrews Polo Veytay Masters, Switzerland Haryana Polo Club, Delhi Thai Polo Open Kakira Nile Polo Club Copa Desafío, Punta del Este
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EFG is the marketing name for EFG International and its subsidiaries. In the UK: EFG Private Bank Limited, Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JB, T + 44 20 7491 9111. EFG Private Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. EFG Private Bank Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Registered in England and Wales no. 2321802. Registered office as above. Member of EFG International. www.efginternational.com
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
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Welcome from HRH Prince Charles
7
Chairman’s Welcome from Claire Tomlinson
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2014 Fixtures & Dates for the Diary
10
Players’ Handicaps
Contents
13 The Committee
62
The Prince of Wales Cup
64
The Wichenford Bowl
66
The Arthur Lucas Cup
14
About the Club
68
Beaufort Beginnings Richard le Poer shares his memories of Beaufort Polo Club
16
Meet the Team
70
World Horse Welfare Day
18
Polo Explained
72
Mix Business with Pleasure
21
The Audi International Test Match Beaufort hosts the first of the 2013 Audi International Series
73
Hospitality Action Day
74
Rules & Regulations
26
A Review of the 2013 Season
33
The Polo Experience
78
La Quinta Beaufort’s home away from home in Argentina
35
1989 – 2014 Celebrating 25 years of Beaufort Polo Club
80
Team Colours
48
Memories from the Archive
82
Bringing it Home The Tomlinsons help England win The Westchester Cup
52
The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup
85
Beaufort Sponsors
54
Hope for Tomorrow Charity Day
86
2013 Memories
56
Goldin Group Royal Charity Day
58
The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse
60
Beaufort Embryo Transfer
Beaufort Polo Club would like to thank the following for their contribution: Charlie Sainsbury-Plaice, Gordon Lindsay, Tony Ramirez/imagesofpolo.com, Audi and Phil & Ali Foster
Editor: Charley Larcombe: charley@hinemarketing.co.uk
Contributors: Caspar West & Melissa Atherton
Programme Production and Advertising:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing) nor Beaufort Polo Club can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Hine Marketing or Beaufort Polo Club. Hine Marketing shall have no responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the programme.
The Uk’s Leading Polo Publisher Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 polo@hinemarketing.co.uk
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
Congratulations!
Proud to support
Beaufort Polo Club in its Silver Jubilee Year
Chairman’s Welcome
W
hile this year is the 25th Anniversary of the rejuvenated Beaufort Polo Club, we must not forget that it is one of the oldest Polo
Clubs in England. The Beaufort Polo Club was originally established in 1872 by Captain Francis Henry, and it was one of the first Polo Clubs outside London. The First World War put an end to the Club as it was, but in early 1929 a number of members of the Beaufort Hunt became motivated during the 1928/29 Hunting Season and they set up the Beaufort Polo Club again. The Duke of Beaufort was President and the main people who got the Club going, apart from the Duke of Beaufort, were Herbert Cox (a Canadian player who owned Whatley Manor), Captain George Scott-Douglas and Major Thomas Longworth. The Club became the premier location for good Polo outside London, and this then attracted the Indian Polo Team to become based here in the 1930’s. Gerald Balding was training Racehorses in Westonbirt, and he became a 10-goal Polo player. When I have travelled to Polo locations around the World, I have been very lucky to have connections through my Father, Arthur Lucas, and I get treated very kindly. The late Maharani of Jaipur (they were friends of my parents) told me how delighted she was as she remembered being here in the 1930’s and had referred to the Club in her book “The Princess Remembers”. Also, locally, there were people who knew about the Beaufort Polo Club through their families in the old days. Humphrey Guinness, a top Polo player in his time, knew my father well and was living at Badminton; and he came to show us where all the grounds used to be. Starting up Polo again in this area encouraged a number of children to start playing and the Beaufort Pony Club has been very successful in the Pony Club Tournaments over the years – thanks to Rose Pitman/ Parker-Bowles who started organising the local Pony Club to get teams together and meet up here to practise and get coaching.
Also, due to the encouragement shown to younger players, it would be fair to say that quite a few of the better modern day players have had a very good grounding at the Club. The building of the Clubhouse in 1995 has helped to make a pleasant meeting place, which has helped the Club’s attraction. Also, the great amounts of money we have raised for charities over the years on all the days we have hosted has been wonderful. This started as a day connected to all our South American friends in the shape of the Argentina Club Cup which went on to be the highest level of Tournament Polo played anywhere in the World after the Argentine Open. This has now changed its shape to our flagship event of the Season, the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, which brings a huge audience to witness England Teams playing each year, and the ability to raise huge funds for the various Prince’s Charities. Good luck to all for the 2014 Season.
Down Farm Westonbirt Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8QW tel: 01666 880510 fax: 01666 880266 email: enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
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www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
2014
Fixtures
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
APRIL
Wed 23rd – Mon 5th May
MAY
Sat 3rd – Sun 11th Sat 3rd – Sun 18th Sun 11th Tues 13th – Sat 31st Sat 17th & Sun 18th Sat 24th – Sat 7th June
JUNE
Sun 1st Sat 7th & Sun 8th Mon 9th – Sat 28th Sat 14th – Sun 29th Sat 21st – Sun 22nd Sat 21st Sun 22nd Mon 23rd – Sun 6th July Sat 28th Sun 29th – Sat 12th July Sun 29th
JULY
Sat 5th – Sat 19th Mon 7th – Sun 27th Sat 26th – Sun 3rd Aug
AUGUST
Fri 1st – Sun 10th Sat2nd – Sat 16th Sat 9th & Sun 10th Sat 16th – Mon 25th TBC Tues 26th – Sun 7th Sept
SEPTEMBER
Sat 6th – Sun 14th Sun 7th Sat 20th & Sun 21st
The La Ema Polo Mallet
0 to 4
The Spring Tournament for The Kernow Cup The Bat Cup UWE vs Bristol University Varsity Match The Arthur Lucas Cup Beaufort May 2 Goal Tournament The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup
0 to 6 0 to 10 Open 12 to 15 -2 to 2 2 to 6
Beaufort Prep Schools & Colts Tournament Beaufort June 2 Goal Tournament The Prince of Wales Cup The Richard Underwood Cup Gloucestershire Festival of Polo incorporating The Country Fair Audi International Test Match The Goldin Group Charity Day The Novices Cup Hope for Tomorrow Charity Day (sponsored by ARI UK) The Badminton Cup The Argentine Club Cup
Open -2 to 2 8 to 12 0 to 4
The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup The Henderson Rosebowl The Costco Ladies Tournament
15 to 18 0 to 4 0 to 4
Non-Playing Members Tournament for The Babdown Cup The Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth Trophy Beaufort August 2 Goal Tournament The Wichenford Bowl 2 Goal Weekend The Solitaire Salver
0 to 10 0 to 6 -2 to 2 4 to 8 -2 to 2 0 to 4
The Sidebottom Cup Hospitality Action Day Beaufort End of Season 2 Goal Tournament
0 to 4
-2 to 2 4 to 8 Open
-2 to 2
DATES FOR THE DIARY MAY
Sun 11th Sat 24th Sun 31st
JUNE
Sun 7th Sat 21st Sun 22nd Sat 28th Sun 29th
UWE vs Bristol University Varsity Match Cocktail Party at 6.00pm The Arthur Lucas Cup Final
Sat 19th
The Duke of Beaufort Cup Final Beaufort Polo Club’s 25th Anniversary Ball
AUGUST
Sun 3rd The Costco Ladies Tournament Final Mon 25th The Wichenford Bowl Final
The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Final Audi International Test Match Goldin Group Charity Day The Prince of Wales Cup Final Hope For Tomorrow Charity Day (sponsored by ARI UK) The Argentine Club Cup
B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
JULY
SEPTEMBER
Sun 7th Hospitality Action Charity Day Sun 14th End of Season Party
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
Players’
HANDICAPS Antinori, Nicolas Baldwin, Mark Baldwin, Peter Barnes, Ben Barnes, Christian Beresford, Lady Camilla Boyd, Harrison Boyd, Nicholson Britten-Long, Nick Brokensha, Shaun Clarke, Simon Cook, Tessa Crotto, Jacinto Crowe, Ben Davies, James Dear, Arabella Dear, Fred Dear, Janie Dear, Max Foreman, Abigail Foreman, Ashley Gonzalez Bergez, Federico Gravell, Mali
5 2 0 -2 -1 0 0 0 2 3 -2 -2 5 0 -2 -1 3 0 0 0 1 R S
Gravell, Willa Hamlington, Brett Hughes, Sarah Hutchinson, Georgina Hutchinson, Max Hutchinson, Olivia Hutchinson, Saffron Hutchinson, Stephen Jodrell, Freddie Jodrell, Henry Jodrell, Marina Lucas, William Lund, Chris Marshall Smith, Suzie Meade, Freddie Meade, George Melville, The Viscount Newson, Mark Pitman, Hal Pitman, William Pittard, Harry Pittard, James Rodriguez, Martin
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S -2 0 0 2 -1 0 1 -2 -1 -2 5 (0) -2 1 0 3 0 S 0 -1 0 4
Severn, Jack Severn, Oliver Severn, Thomas Sleeman, John Stirling, Santiago Sweet, Imogen Sweet, Milo Targett, Stephanie Tomlinson, Claire Tomlinson, Emma Tomlinson, Luke Tomlinson, Mark Tomor, Adrienn Turk, Charlie Turk, Rosanna Tuthill, Oliver Walker, Christopher Walker, Ed West, Caspar Wiles, Luke Wiles, Nick Wilson, Ben Zenni, Jared
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
1 1 0 2 4 -2 S -1 0 2 7 6 -2 -2 -1 4 -1 -2 2 -2 0 2 (3)
COURTYARD DESIGNS Beaufort Polo Advert:Layout 1 08/04/2014 11:22 Page 1
The best of British built Oak framed outbuildings The best
22 years producing robust quality and style of British built Oak framed Designed and manufactured in-houseoutbuildings Full planningrobust servicequality available 22 years producing and style Designed and manufactured in-house Full planning service available
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N ILDI TI O NGS O F D IS TI N C EST 1991
pavilions, stables, garden Barns, garages, Workshops, staff accommodation BU ILDI ION N S O F D IS TI N CT Call: 01568 760540, Email: Gbeaufort@courtyarddesigns.co.uk EST 1991 visit: www.courtyarddesigns.co.uk pavilions, stables,orgarden Barns, garages, Workshops, staff accommodation Call: 01568 760540, Email: beaufort@courtyarddesigns.co.uk or visit: www.courtyarddesigns.co.uk
Cotswold Airport was formerly known as RAF Kemble and is now a very busy airport for general aviation, corporate aircraft, microlights and airliners. The airport is open to the public every day, including weekends, and boasts a highly regarded restaurant offering superb food and views of the runway from its south-facing sun terrace. Business aviation is also popular at Cotswold Airport with clients chartering aircraft to destinations across Europe and beyond. So whether you are a businessman, a pilot, a student learning to y or simply just passing by for a coffee or a bite to eat, you can be assured of a great welcome at Cotswold Airport. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all our latest news.
Cotswold Airport, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 6BA Tel: +44 (0)1285 771177 www.cotswoldairport.com
The
Committee Patron
H.R.H The Prince of Wales
President
His Grace The Duke of Beaufort
Executive Committee
Tournament & Disciplinary Committee
Chairman Claire Tomlinson Peter Baldwin Stephen Hutchinson Mark Tomlinson The Earl of Tyrone Janie Dear
Jilly Emerson Nicky Randall Simon Tomlinson Nick Wiles
Disciplinary Tournament Simon Tomlinson Claire Tomlinson Neil Forster The Earl of Tyrone Jilly Emerson Mark Tomlinson Peter West Caspar West Caspar West Stephen Hutchinson
Polo Manager Assistant Polo Manager Events Manager Events Assistant Chief Umpire Welfare Officer Head Groundsman
Caspar West Will Blake Thomas Melissa Atherton Vicki Hardman Olly Tuthill Anna Wiles Wlodek Sterkowicz
Office hours Saturdays to Mondays Tuesdays to Fridays
10.00am – 5.00pm 9.00am – 5.30pm
Handicap Committee Chairman Claire Tomlinson Stephen Hutchinson Mark Tomlinson Caspar West The Earl of Tyrone Olly Tuthill Match times Saturdays and Sundays usually 3.00pm Weekday tournaments usually 4.30pm
Recorded information outside office hours on 01666 880510. Please confirm times of play on the website or with the Polo Office. Members must recognize that polo is an aggressive, physical sport which, by nature, involves a high risk of injury and damage to persons, animals and property, not only to the persons who are engaged in playing polo, but also bystanders and their personal property. Members should also realise that the Club cannot control the actions of Members or other persons playing polo or otherwise on the Club’s premises, nor the actions of the animals, and that the Club cannot and does not guarantee the safety of Members or other persons or their animals or property while on the Club’s property or while using the Club facilities. Members must accept full responsibility for their own safety, the safety of Members of their family, guests, employees or other persons from time to time utilising the Club’s facilities as their invitees, and the safety of their property (including horses and other animals). Members shall hold harmless and fully indemnify the Club in respect of all acts of their invitees or their respective animals.
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
About the
Club
The Beaufort Polo Club prides itself on its warm and friendly atmosphere, whilst always remembering its two primary objectives: to encourage young players to learn and improve their game; and to provide first class polo facilities for players and spectators alike.
P enalTIesPolo facilities
The Club has five boarded polo grounds, a number of stick
and ball a place polo pit and indoor riding school. The Penalties vary according to the areas, degree and of the foul and aregrounds referred to by numbers: are free draining and playable in the very wettest conditions. The Clubhouse has comfortable changing
penalty no 4 and members can 1 penalty no.1 rooms and a bar area 4 where players
Spectators Do’s and Don’ts
Please do Tread in the divots at half time and at the end of matches. It helps the players and the grounds staff and is a great way to meet people. Keep your dogs and children under control at all times and don’t let them wander, as they might be kicked by ponies. Keep at least 10 yards back from the boards at the edge of the field of play. Please do not Enter the pony lines unless you have a genuine reason for doing so. Walk on the field during play. T he B eauforT olo C luB G rounDs Leave litter (thankPyou). Drive across the grounds or play car radios within earshot of other spectators. Remove polo balls, flags, shirts, goalposts, ponies or anything else as souvenirs.
relax. The Club offers full livery, stabling and schooling
A free hit is given from the line 60 yards in A goal is given for a dangerous or deliberate front of the The defenders mayponies be on oul to save a goal.as Thewell teams line andopportunity the as up the forgoal. riders to hire for the ground but must be at least 30 yards from ball is thrown in 10 yards in front of the goal chukkas and even Courses are the hit.tournaments. The attackers may be ahead of the hit. run without the teamslessons, changing ends.
for the Pony Club and schools and as soon as possible
Riding and polo tuition from Hurlingham Polo
A free hit from where the foul occurred. A free hit is given from the line 30 yards in Association coaches is available throughout the ront of the goal. The defenders mustapproved stand behind the back line until the ball is hit and year for anyone wanting topenalty learn or their skills. no improve 5b not come onto the ground through the goal.
5b
For more information please see our website A free hit from the centre of the ground. www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk or contact the Club. penalty no 3 3 The defenders must be 30 yards from the hit and the attackers may be ahead of the hit.
Spectators welcome
Directions from London
at the edge of the field of play.
Remove polo balls, flags, shirts, goalposts, ponies or anything else as souvenirs.
B E AU F O RT P OL O C L U B 2 0 1 4
Lorry park
Clubhouse
Office
A free hit is given from the line 40 yards in ront of the goal with the defenders as in Penalty no 2. Matches are played
every weekend and on some weekdays from May until September. Members of the public are welcome to all matches – the dates and times of events can be seen on our fixture list and should be confirmed by phoning the s PeCTaTors os anD D on880 ’ Ts510 or checking the website. PoloDOffice on 01666 The Clubhouse is open for Please do Please do notrefreshments to Members on Wednesdays Tread in the divotsand at half their time andguests at the Enter the pony linesand unlessFridays you have between end of matches. (Please shoes!) It helps reason for doing so. 4pmwear and 10pm and ona genuine Saturdays and Sundays between he players and the grounds staff and is a Walk on the field during play. great way to meet10am people. and 10pm. There is a fully licensed bar and the Leave litter (thank you). Club Grill Keep your dogs and children underwill controlserve a select menu of locally produced at all times and don’t let them wander, as Drive across the grounds or play car radios food. On special event days non-members may buy Day hey might be kicked by ponies. within earshot of other spectators. Membership in advance of the event. Keep at least 10 yards back from the boards
Boundary Ground
New track access to spectator parking for No.1 ground
Avenue Reservoir Ground
Grandstand
No.2 Ground
Roadside Ground
Entrance to Roadside
Spectator parking for 3 cornered ground
Pony lines
no 5a children are integrated 5a intopenalty adult polo. 2 penalty no.2
3 Cornered Ground
House only
Stick & ball
No.1 Ground
Pony Lines
Pony Lines Main Entrance
Leave the M4 at Junction 17 and take the A429 north towards Cirencester. By-pass Malmesbury, and after going straight across the second roundabout turn left on the B4014 to Tetbury. Go into the centre of Tetbury, DIRECTIONS FROM LONDON and leave onatthe A43317signed On towards entering Westonbirt Leave the M4 Junction and take to theBath. A429 north Cirencester. By-pass turn right at theMalmesbury, crossroads Leighterton) immediately The and(signed after goingto straight across the second roundaboutbefore turn left on theHare B4014 and to Tetbury. Go intoThe the centre Tetbury, and the leaveleft, on the A433 to Bath.the On entering Hounds Hotel. Polo ofClub is on half a signed mile from Hotel. Westonbirt turn right at the crossroads (signed to Leighterton) immediately before The Hare and Hounds Hotel. The Polo Club is on the left, half a mile from the Hotel.
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
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N E W L ANDS o f S TOW
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Picture depicts typical interior
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www.newlandsofstow.co.uk
Newlands of Stow, Evesham Road, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1EJ
Team Meet the
Caspar West, Polo Manager
“As I enter my third season as Polo Manager, my fingers are tightly crossed that we once again enjoy the incredible weather we had last summer! As each year passes, I hope that with it comes more experience to my role and that I can use this to help the Club to improve in all aspects; whether it is within the organisation, social, coaching and development or any other part, ensuring that we continue to give our best to make sure everything runs smoothly. I am incredibly excited that this year we are to celebrate the Club’s 25th Anniversary. I hope that our Members and guests enjoy all the events throughout the forthcoming season and I hope everyone will support us in this milestone year.”
Wlodek Sterkowicz, Head Groundsman
“I came to the Beaufort Polo Club in March 2005 as the Assistant Groundsman. Last season I under took a new challenge of Head Groundsman – which I was really looking forward too. It turned out to be a drier year than we have experienced for a few seasons, so the pressure was on to maintain the great standard of fields that we produce at the Beaufort every year. This was demanding at times but I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. I am very much looking forward to this new season at the Club and can’t wait to get underway with the first Tournament. I would like to wish the club a Happy 25th Birthday this year.”
Will Blake Thomas, Polo Assistant
“Having played Polo for 12 years or so, last year I decided to step down from playing professionally, and undertook the role as Polo Assistant at the Beaufort. I took to the role straight away, with my knowledge of the game and of the local polo community helping me in what turned out to be a busy and exciting season. I am vey much looking forward to this season, especially as we celebrate the 25th year of the Club and I hope to see as many Members, new and old, throughout the summer season.”
Melissa Atherton, Events Manager
“Having worked on the Social Events at the Club now for two years and entering my second year as Events Manager I look forward to spending another season at Beaufort in what will be such an important year for the Club. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary we have some exciting event dates for your diary such as The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo weekend and The 25th Anniversary Polo Ball, of which I am chairing the committee. I would love to hear any input from Members and non Members alike to make this a memorable occasion for all. I look forward to working closely with the social members both existing and new to make this season a success.”
Ali & Phil Foster, Timekeepers
“Ali and Phil Foster have been watching polo for nearly 10 years mainly at the Beaufort. For the past five seasons they have been looking after timekeeping and scoreboard duties. We’re very grateful to them for their dedication and determination to do things properly. They have been juggling scoreboard duties voluntarily around their full time jobs as Safety Practitioners for the Ministry of Defence in Bristol.”
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C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
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Polo Explained Some Basics A throw-in starts the game. Confusingly for a polo first-timer, teams change ends after a goal is scored, and also if there has been no score by half time. The clock stops only when the umpire’s whistle is blown, not when the ball goes out of play. In the event of a draw, the game will continue into an extra chukka until a goal is scored. In this case, the goals are sometimes widened.
Rules The rules of polo are complex and designed to make the game as safe as possible. Fouls are punished by penalties, which vary from a hit from the spot to a penalty goal depending on the severity of the offence.
Chukkas The game is divided into chukkas of seven minutes. Depending on the level of polo being played, a match can last for four, five or six chukkas – the higher the standard of polo, the longer the match. A bell is rung at the end of seven minutes, but play continues until the ball goes out of play by going over or hitting the boards, a foul is committed or a goal is scored. If none of the above occurs, a second bell is rung at seven and a half minutes, which signifies the end of the chukka no matter what.
A Handful Players hold their sticks in their right hands. They have to hold the four reins (most polo ponies are played with double reins) and whip in their left hand only. They control the pony with only their left hand, using neck reining.
Players
In outdoor polo, there are four players on each team. No.1 – Plays forward, the aim for this player is to be on the attack and score goals. No.2 – Supports No.1, but must also be well mounted and solid as has to mark opposing No.3 who is normally the best player on the team. No.3 – Usually one of the stronger players on the team, ‘making the play’ and controlling the speed of the game. No.4 – The defensive player is responsible for the defence of the back to prevent any opposing player from running through to score goals. Tends to have a big hit and a strong backhand.
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Umpires There are two umpires on the field at all times. There is a designated ‘third man’ who sits on the sidelines in the event that the umpires are unsure of a decision or disagree.
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
The Ride-Off In order to try and win the line of the ball, a player can attempt to push their opposition off the line using their pony. Weight, size and skill all add to the success of the ride off.
Ponies It is usual for a player to have a different pony for each seven-minute chukka, however some may play twice with a break in between. Sometimes ponies are changed more frequently or swapped in the middle of chukkas. Ponies vary in height, but are usually around 15 hands. Some ponies originate from Argentina, but many are thoroughbreds – some are successfully retrained racehorses.
Protection In polo, it is compulsory for ponies to have leg bandages and their tails are tied up to avoid sticks getting tangled up. Players must wear helmets, kneepads and long boots to protect their legs. Some increasingly also choose protective eyewear, gum-shields and protective body amour on their elbows and bodies.
Forehand or Backhand
Polo Sticks Polo sticks are most commonly made out of bamboo and polo balls out of plastic although there are a few alternatives. The length of the stick varies according to the height of the pony, although usually range from between 51 and 53 inches in total length. A common misconception in first-time spectators is that the ball is hit with the small end of the head of the stick, as in croquet; when in actual fact the ball is struck with the long side.
Simply two kinds of shots performed in polo, one that is hit forwards and one backwards. Most commonly performed on the right hand side of the pony.
Nearside Shots Under the Neck Shot When a player performs a shot underneath the pony’s neck.
All players must hold their stick in their right hand, there is no left-handed play allowed. So any shot taken on the left hand side of the pony needs to be executed with the right hand, leaning over the opposite side of the pony.
The Right of Way/Line of the Ball Players have to imagine that there is a line that is formed when the ball is struck, and every time it is hit this line changes. The best way to imagine this is that the ball creates a motorway right of way, which the players follow. Players cannot just cut into the traffic – they have to join the ‘flow of traffic’ obliquely, much as one would on a motorway slipway.
Hooking A hook is when a player can use their stick to prevent their opposition’s stick from hitting the ball. However, there are rules that go with this, the stick must never cross the pony’s legs, it is incorrect to hook someone when the stick is above shoulder level or from the left hand side of the horse if the player is attempting to hit from the right.
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The Audi International Test Match Crowds gathered for the highest level of polo played in the Cotswolds
T
here’s a lot to attract a visitor to Beaufort Polo Club for The Audi International Test Match in June. Not only is it the centerpiece match of the supremely popular ‘Gloucestershire Festival of Polo’, nor is it just the main event of a showcase of country pursuits; it’s also a display of one of the highest level polo matches in Europe. Suffice to say, a ticket to this event in the middle of summer is hot property. Sadly the weather wasn’t quite so envy-inspiring in 2013, yet it did not dampen spectator’s spirits. As the launch match of The Audi International Series, the England versus South Africa game was a brilliant example of what to expect from high goal polo. The four players selected from the
Audi England squad were a mixture of experience and new blood: 6 goaler and La Martina Ambassador, Malcolm Borwick has played for his country 15 times, whilst the lofty Tom Morley is no stranger to the International stage. The younger members of the team, George Meyrick and Max Charlton, had International experience as well as being fully-fledged professionals for several seasons. The home side also benefitted from the team’s history of playing together; Borwick, Charlton and Meyrick regularly feature on the Dell Park team so are used to each other’s tactics and team plays. Their opposition on the day was the mighty South Africans and their excellent horsepower. Jean Du Plessis and Tom De Bruin featured on the young superstar
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team who almost toppled the English side during the 2012 Coronation Cup where their dazzling and acrobatic polo plays, which nearly undermined their opponent’s experience. Joining them at Beaufort were Gareth Evans and the 23-year-old Bradley Mallett. Following a parade of the two teams and rousing renditions of God Save the Queen and Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, umpires Jason Dixon and JJ Diaz Alberdi threw the ball in to kick start the first Audi Test Match of the season. The first chukka was anything but dull, with thrilling open plays meaning the professionals swept down the pitch, attacking each other’s defense. There were spills too with England Captain, Borwick taking a fall during the first seven minutes of the five-chukka match. Fortunately
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
FROM THE ARCHIVES 2006 The first Audi sponsored Test Match L~R: James Harper, Malcolm Borwick, James Beim & Mark Tomlinson
he was unhurt – as commentator Felix Wheeler succinctly put it,“polo is not a contact sport; it’s a collision sport” – and quickly remounted. So evenly-matched were the two 23 goal sides that it wasn’t until midway through the second chukka that a goal was scored. Jean Du Plessis opened the account for his South African side, but an error from his teammates meant England secured a penalty and the scores were
quickly tied 1 all. In the closing minutes Gareth Evans scored another goal, meaning the South Africans rode off the field in the lead. This was clearly a rallying call to the Audi England side as the third chukka was very much dominated by the white shirts. Borwick successfully converted three out of three penalties on his horse, Plum (later awarded the Best Retrained Racehorse prize) consequently putting
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England in the lead for the first time in the match. 4 goals to 2. Half time gave ample opportunity for guests in the Audi VIP marquee to brave the less favourable June weather to mingle and tread in whilst both sides discussed tactics in their team-tents and focussed on the task at hand. Watching the fourth chukka unfurl, it seemed that South Africa had supreme focus and bucket-loads of determination.
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
The Audi International Test Match Audi England (winners) Malcolm Borwick (6) Tom Morley (6) George Meyrick (5) Max Charlton (6) 23 South Africa Gareth Evans (6) Tom De Bruin (7) Jean Du Plessis (6) Brad Mallett (4) 23
In the second game of the afternoon, England 21 – the superstar players of tomorrow – took to the field against the England Ladies, a tough, talented team proving that women can ably play alongside men. After four chukkas of fast-paced polo, the scoreboard recorded 4 goals apiece, meaning both teams had to ride on for an extra chukka. It was the England 21 team who found the posts first and secured the win for the 2013 match.
They quickly produced two consecutive goals whilst also reining in their more flamboyant playing styles, leaving them in control and not prone to giving away fouls. Their attacking style was relentless and continued into the fifth chukka with top goal scorer, Du Plessis adding a further two goals to the South African’s tally. Sadly for Audi England, they couldn’t quite overcome their opposing side and allowed South
Africa to take victory, 6 goals to 4. Kaulai Harwood-Scorer representing Audi awarded The Goldin Jubilee Cup to the visiting side and presented all the players with prizes from Casablanca, Silver Service, Goldin Group and Tally Ho Farm. Deservedly, Jean Du Plessis was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.
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W: www.kojcooks.co.uk T: 01666 880518
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B E AUFORT POLO CLU B 2013
Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire t: 01453 837318 e: enquiries@beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk w: www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk
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31/05/2013 11:19
TWEN TY
THIRTEEN A REVIEW OF THE SEASON
W
e all held our breath as we started the 2013 season to see whether it would be a replay of the previous summer’s weather, which could only be described as a drowning! As it turns out, the start was very dry but chilly, with the first chukkas of the year being played in jumpers and jackets without a leaf or blossom on any of the trees. For most of the summer though, we were blessed with many blue skies and days of sunshine. The Badminton Cup was the regular season opener with convincing Semi Final victories by Supanova and Thunderbirds against local visitors Edgeworth and a Beaufort Polo Club team respectively. Sarah Hughes’ Supernova proved to be far more prepared for the start of the season by crushing Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds 7 to 1. BPC managed to hold up the Club’s reputation in what turned out to be the first local Club Derby of the year winning the Subsidiary 6 to 5½. The Kernow Cup saw a similar Final to The Badminton Cup with Thunderbirds and a new collaboration of Supernova regulars Sarah Hughes and Olly Tuthill joining forces with the Shibumi’s father and son combination of Peter and Mark Baldwin to create Shibumi Nova. With both teams seeing off Rory Sweet’s Vampire Bates in the league stages it was to be Shibumi Nova who came out the stronger in the Final, beating Thunderbirds 4 to 2. After suffering defeats in the previous tournament, Rory Sweet, armed with his South African duo of regular Shaun Brokensha and 6 goaler Gareth Evans, was looking for blood as
Bat Cup Winners: Vampire Bats. Runners up: Irongate. L~R: Shaun Brokensha (3), Rory Sweet (0), Lizzie Sweet, Rupert Lewis (1) & Gareth Evans (6)
his Vampire Bats team went into what was formally the Westonbirt Arboretum and now newly named Bat Cup kindly sponsored by Rory himself. With all but one of the league games finishing in an extra chukka or by a one or half a goal, it was a tense tournament. In the end though, it was the father and daughter partnership of James and Amelia Scott-Hopkins, along with the two 5 goal players Will Emerson and Pete Webb who made up the Irongate team which faced Vampire Bats. By half time in the Final there was only a goal between the two teams, but the second half was completely dominated by Vampire Bats bringing them out clear winners 11 to 2. Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds managed to record his first Final win in the Subsidiary, beating Los Locos 5 to 4. The first of the season’s weekend 2 goal tournaments managed to attract a small Northern invasion from Amy Nelson and her Cheshire based team, Nelson Polo who provided great fun and competition to the weekend. Shibumi,
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who purely by goal difference carried over from the first day were to take the win ahead of the Beaufort home team led by Polo Manager Caspar West with Nelson Polo finishing third. The first of the season’s Victor Ludorum tournaments started in the last week of May with The Arthur Lucas Cup 15 goal. This was to be an incredibly tightly fought contest with Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange running out the victors (see page 66 for a full report).
Metropolitan Trophy (Arthur Lucas Subsidiary) Winners: Vampire Bats. Runners up: Los Locos. L~R: Mark Baldwin (2), Shaun Brokensha (3), Olly Tuthill (4) & Gareth Evans (6)
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La Ema Polo Mallet Winners: Renegade. Runners up: Shibumi. L~R: Lochie Hunter (5), Toby Pitts (1), Jake Lomberg-Williams (0) & Duncan Wales (-2)
The first 4 goal of the year, as always, was The La Ema Polo Mallet, once again very kindly supported by the Emerson family. Five strong teams fought their way through the league stages of the tournament to find new team to the Club, Renegade captained by Duncan Wales and powered by the 5 goal machine of Lochie Hunter against Shibumi in the Final. The regular Baldwin duo were strengthened by Freddie Meade and Stuart Lodge and came out of the gates far quicker and found themselves 4:1 up halfway through only the second chukka. However, Renegade mounted a fantastic comeback through the second half and, exploiting some disciplinary problems by the Shibumi members, went on to win 7 goals to 4. In the Subsidiary Thunderbirds proved far too strong for Bobby Melville’s Right to Play team, going on to win 8 to 2. Due to postponement from bad weather for the previous three years there was a welcome return to The Prep Schools and Colts Tournament with eight teams split into a Polo Pony and Fluffy Divisions on a glorious Sunday morning showing off all the prospective new talent shining through. Radley and Aussie Bronze were the winners of the 2 divisions respectively. Undoubtedly the highlight of the morning for all the kids was ‘Polo Royalty’ former 10 goal player, Eduardo Heguy presenting the prices. Eduardo kindly volunteered his services as he was cheering on his son in one of the Beaudesert teams. The second of the season’s Victor Ludorum tournaments was The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse 6 goal with eight teams entered to battle it out. It was to be another Victor Ludorum strike (albeit at a lower handicap level) for the Four Quarters organisation, this time with Emil Arber’s Blue team beating the Dear family’s Apache (see page 58 for full report). The June 2 goal weekend saw the
La Ema Polo Mallet Subsidiary Winners: Thunderbirds. Runners up: Right To Play. L~R: Thunderbirds: Max Hutchinson (2), Nick (-1) & Luke Wiles, Emma Tomlinson (3) & Saffron Hutchinson (0) Right To Play: Maimie Powell (0), Caspar West (2), Bobby Melville (3) & Hayley Hyde-Andrews (-1)
appearance of two new Club regulars in the shape of the Pittard family-based Zencom and Olivia Hutchinson’s Silvertown Properties. These two teams had reasonably comfortable Saturday victories against Thunderbirds and Shibumi and moved on to an exciting Final. Zencom, driven by Roddy Stanning, were the victors against Silvertown Properties by 7 goals to 4 and in the Subsidiary Shibumi squeaked past Thunderbirds 3 to 2. The Richard Underwood Cup 4 goal was once again well supported with six teams enjoying what was to be the flavour of most of the season; SUNSHINE! Jim and Harry Pittard’s Zencom, ably assisted by the 7 goal combination of Olly Tuthill and Roddy Stanning made short work of their opposition to face Apache, featuring the family double of 5 goal Richard Le Poer and his sister Milla Beresford alongside mother and son Janie and Max Dear in the Final. Zencom proved too strong and won the Final with relative ease 7 to 3. In the Subsidiary, Thunderbirds were looking to reverse the results from earlier in the tournament when they met a slightly altered Vampire Bats team (two young South Africans, Chris Lund and Ben Crowe replaced Milo Sweet and Nick Britten- Long). And reverse they did by winning 5 goals to 3. In The Wee Boys Final, the Irish of Neptune kept it friendly against Shibumi with a draw, 5 all. The Novices Cup, a victim of the weather in 2012, had six competitive teams entered and a chance for many of the lower handicapped Members of the Club to shine. After the qualifying league games the 2 goal specialists, Shibumi once again found themselves in the Final against New Stead who strongly represented South Africa with Shaun Brokensha, Chris Lund and Ben Crowe. New Stead proved the stronger side, never losing their half goal start throughout in a very open game that
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June 2 Goal Winners: Zencom. L~R: Roddy Stanning (3), Jim Pittard (-1), Harry Pittard (-2) & Alex Mains (2)
June 2 Goal Runners up: Silvertown Properties. L~R: Olivia Hutchinson (-1), Stephen Hutchinson (2), Freddie Meade (1) & Camilla Beresford (0)
Richard Underwood Cup Winners: Zencom. Runners up: Apache. L~R: Olly Tuthill (4), Jim Pittard (-1), Harry Pittard (-2) & Roddy Stanning (3)
Richard Underwood Cup Subsidiary Winners: Thunderbirds. Runners up: Vampire Bats. L~R: Luke Wiles (-2), Saffron Hutchinson (0), Santiago Stirling (4) & Ben Wilson (2)
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
Novices Cup Winners: New Stead. Runners up: Shibumi. L~R: Tommy Severn (-1), Chris Lund (-1), Ben Crowe (0) & Shaun Brokensha (0)
Henderson Rosebowl Winners: Zencom. Runners up: Renegade. L~R: Jim Pittard (0), Olly Tuthill (4), Harry Pittard (-2) & Roddy Stanning (3)
Prince of Wales Cup Subsidiary Winner: Creed Polo. Runners up: Los Locos. L~R: Matias Amaya (4), Mike Henderson (4), Tommy Iriarte (4) & Steve Rigby (-1)
ensured they came out the winners, 4½ to 3. Thunderbirds, nicknamed the ‘Subsidiary Kings’ managed to win a tough battle against Silvertown Properties, 5 to 4. The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup was, as always a hard fought tournament, even more so this year as every point in the Victor Ludorum series counted. Golden Falcons won convincingly in the Final, 12 to 7 (see full report page 52). The Prince of Wales Cup 12 goal proved popular, with the ten teams entered enjoying fantastic weather throughout and with Cadenza Juniors beating Shalimar in a dramatic Final after an extra chukka (see full report page 62). The Henderson Rosebowl was well supported with eight teams fighting it out for superiority in one of the best 4 goals of the year. Duncan Wales’ Renegade were the first to take their place in the Final, but not in the easiest fashion after a tense draw in the league stages against Neptune guided by old friend of the Club, 5 goal Argentine Jacinto Crotto who was back briefly from his current base in Poland. Once again, Jim Pittard’s Zencom, who were scoring victories in all of the Beaufort low goal were Renegade’s opponents. With the exception of the first few minutes of the first chukka where Zencom started strongest developing a two goal lead, the margin was closed very quickly leaving a rally of goals either side and never more
than a goal difference throughout. However, Zencom held on to win, 6:5. The Subsidiary was to end in a friendly draw as for the first time in an age the heavens opened and the game was played in torrential rain, with both Vampire Bats and Shibumi opting for the 4-all draw rather than a soaking extra chukka. The Costco Ladies Tournament gave the chance for the ladies to show their best, with close results all the way through before reaching a Final between Zhanna Bandurko’s Wild Orchid and Janie Dear’s Apache. These teams had already met in the league stages with that match resulting in a draw, so all was to play for in the big game. An unusually grim afternoon saw the Final shifting goal to goal throughout, but the last chukka saw Apache pull away to beat Wild Orchid 7 to 5. Beverley, who had just missed a place in the main Final, took the Subsidiary 4½ to 3 from Full Swing. The Non Playing Members’ tournament for The Babdown Cup was slightly short of teams, but it was not short of competition as every game went to the wire with never more than a goal separating the result. Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds went on to meet Brothers Cider in the Final on a balmy Sunday evening. Due to parental commitments getting back from The Pony Club Championships and The Warwickshire
Cup being played earlier in the day, the ball was not thrown in until 6pm. Thunderbirds were always ahead, until the last chukka where the team work of Brothers Cider’s Will Lucas and Lochie Hunter brought the game to 5 all. Thunderbirds however, were to regain superiority in the end beating Brothers 6 to 5. The August 2 goal was a somewhat family affair with combinations of fathers, sons, brothers, sisters and even uncles throughout the teams. The father and son combinations in both teams of Baldwins against Pittards fought it out in the Final and for the first time in a while the Pittards had the strange feeling of losing! Shibumi managed to hold on for the win 6 to 5. In the Subsidiary, Uncle Rupert Heggs assisted by his nieces Saffron and Gina Hutchinson and brother-in-law Stephen for the Rathbones team ran out the winners 7 to 5½ against brother and sister combination of Abi and Ashley Foreman’s Beverley. The tenth Anniversary of The Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth Trophy as always, provided great polo with the addition of a younger player in each team. The two teams that qualified for the Final had a chance to test their combinations in preparation for their Kingscote campaigns. With the
Costco Ladies Winners: Apache. Runners up: Wild Orchid. L~R: Camilla Beresford (0), Janie Dear (0), Ruth Wilson, Saffron Hutchinson (0) & Olly Tuthill (4)
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Costco Ladies Subsidiary Winners: Beverley. Runners up: Full Swing. L~R: Fifi Watson (0), Abi Foreman (0), Ruth Wilson, Casey Mullany (0) & Ashley Foreman (0)
Babdown Cup Winners: Thunderbirds. Runners up: Brothers Cider. L~R: Ben Wilson (2), Mark Tomlinson (6), Sarah Frost, Emma Tomlinson (3) & Nick Wiles (-1)
Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth Winners: Supernova. Runners up: Shibumi. L~R: Olly Tuthill (4), Shaun Brokensha (3), Sarah Hughes (0) & Nick Wiles (-1)
August 2 Goal Winners: Shibumi. Runners up: Zencom. L~R: Harrison Boyd (0), Mark Baldwin (2), Peter Baldwin (0) & Camilla Beresford (0)
Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth Subsidiary Winners: Silvertown Properties. Runners up: Cherrywhite. L~R: Martin Rodriguez (4), Stephen Hutchinson (2), Gina Hutchinson (0) & Olivia Hutchinson (-1)
August 2 goal Subsidiary Winners: Rathbones. Runners up: Beverley. L~R: Stephen Hutchinson (2), Saffron Hutchinson (0), Mary Heggs, Gina Hutchinson (0) & Rupert Heggs (0)
lead changing constantly through the game Supernova were just able to keep the lead they had built up in the third chukka to win 5 to 4½ against Shibumi. Congratulations have to be given to both Club based teams as they made both Finals of the Kingscote with Supernova winning the tournament. In the Subsidiary Cherrywhite proved too strong for Silvertown Properties running out the
winners 6½ to 5. The August Bank Holiday 2 goal provided both fun and competition bathed in sunshine. A round robin over two days included huge support for the Inglestone Farm team with two new and youthful additions of Eoin Ellis and Jock Thompson adding to the slightly more veteran pair of Stephen Hutchinson and the Earl of Tyrone. Mixed scoring
August Bank Holiday 2 Goal Winners: Shibumi. Runners up: Inglestone Farm & Vampire Bats. L~R: Inglestone Farm: The Earl of Tyrone (2), Stephen Hutchinson (2), Eion Ellis (-2) & Jock Thompson (-2) Vampire Bats: Shaun Brokensha (3), Milo Sweet (-2), Max Hutchinson (2) & Zanna Andrew (-1) Shibumi: Mark Baldwin (2), Gail Boyd, Peter Baldwin (0), Harrison Boyd (0) & Henry Letts (-1)
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Winchenford Subsidiary Winners: Laird/Sifani. Runners up: Supernova. L~R: Henry Brett (6), Anna Rawlinson (0), Hilali Noordeen (0) & Nick Britten-Long (2)
over the two days found Shibumi taking another 2 goal title ahead of Milo Sweet’s Vampire Bats and Inglestone Farm. A new addition to the Club’s Victor Ludorum schedule was in the shape of The Winchenford Bowl 8 goal. A slight shortage of teams due to the series already being won didn’t prevent a very competitive tournament with Apache beating Indubitable 10 to 7 (see full report page 64 ). The Solitaire Salver 4 goal at the beginning of September was once
again well attended and all the games were decided by very tight margins. A welcome return to the Taunton visitors John and Greg Dudd for Red X added to the competition. The Final was held on The Hospitality Action Charity day and the crowds were treated to a win for Zencom (see full report page 71). The final tournament of the season was The Sidebottom Cup 6 goal with still plenty of teams looking to enjoy the last sunshine of such a glorious summer. Zencom once again booked their place in the Final, super fresh from their Kingscote win, but this time without the regular Olly Tuthill who was playing for Supernova. However it was Shibumi who overcame Supernova in the league stages to be the second team to the Final. By the end of the first chukka Zencom had streaked to a 3 goal lead, but determined as ever, Shibumi fought their way back and a thrilling fourth
chukka saw them close the margin to just half a goal. Zencom were just too strong and won 7½ to 6. After the slip up in the league game Supernova were back to winning ways with an easy victory in the subsidiary 8 to 2½ against RedX. Our regular invasion of teams to the Pony Club Championships was well supported as ever with 11 Beaufort teams fighting it out with great results through all the age groups and just stumbling at the final flight with a mass of second places. Huge congratulations to all. As always the season can only succeed with good weather which we were obviously blessed with in 2013, even to the point that the fish in the lake were becoming nervous as the irrigation was working tirelessly to keep superb going throughout the season! And of course polo cannot happen without the input from the many helpers at the Club, from Ali and Phil who keep every game meticulously timed; Will Blake Thomas for getting the games off on time amongst countless other jobs; Wlodek and his grounds team for giving us such superb surfaces to play on; Melissa for making the big days happen from the events point of view ably assisted by Rosie who was able to help at any time she could aside from her regular day job and Steve and Clare for keeping us fuelled from the Clubhouse. There are so many to thank and we apologise if we miss anyone out, but none of this could be possible without the teams that enter, the Members that provide such support along with all their families to all aspects of the Club. Now we are ready to go for a benchmark season with the 25th Anniversary year – let us hope it will continue to be as fun as the last.
Sidebottom Cup Winners: Zencom. Runners up: Shibumi. L~R: Lochie Hunter (5), Roddy Stanning (3), Patty Shand, Jim Pittard (-1) & Harry Pittard (-2)
Sidebottom Cup Subsidiary Winners: Supernova. Runners up: Red X. L~R: Sarah Hughes (0), Nick Wiles (-1), Stephanie West, Shaun Brokensha (3) & Olly Tuthill (4)
Bristol Vs UWE Varsity Game: Winners: UWE Runners up: Bristol L~R: Rupert Lewis (1), Elliot Sands (2), Mark Baldwin (2), Maimie Powell (0), Roxy Foster, Sophie Turner (0), Will Smith-Osbourne (-1), Hamish Bier (1) & Ben Wilson (2)
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The
A
s well as being the venue for some of the best polo in the UK, the Beaufort Polo Club is also a renowned training centre and offers lessons to players of all ages and abilities. There is a range of ‘Polo Experiences’ that give the opportunity for newcomers to try the Game of Kings for themselves. The days are a fantastic way to entertain clients, celebrate a birthday or a hen party, galvanise employees and get the young interested in the sport. The day begins by meeting your instructors and going through the programme for the day. The set up and the coaches are among the best in the UK and the team specialise in putting you at ease and helping you to realise your potential. Any initial nerves are dispelled by the friendly and patient instructors who make it all look terribly easy! You begin by learning how to hold the stick before then going in to the basics of hitting. From there you practice the polo swing on the ground before hitting a few balls and then graduating to the ‘wooden horse’. The secret to coaching success at the Beaufort is that no stone is left unturned and the sessions are taught methodically and exercises are structured around the individual. Nobody is rushed and you learn in a safe environment and at your own pace whilst still being challenged. After a firm grounding of the polo swing and positioning on the horse, the adrenaline really starts to pump as you sit on a polo pony for the first time. They are incredible. Safe and highly trained, they can sense where you want to go and respond to the slightest of touches. You will find that they are the equine equivalent of a Ferrari. Hitting the ball from a horse for the first time is an amazing feeling but be warned, the combination of hitting a ball and riding a horse at the same time is highly addictive!
Polo
Experience
Caspar West is the best teacher of young kids I have ever seen… He was awesome when I first started and I still go back to him now when I can’t get something right. He can just take a look and spot the things I’m doing wrong.
Thank you so much for all your help and organisation yesterday – you were brilliant. Everyone absolutely loved the day – the polo and bike polo were a huge success and the asado was delicious. A good time had by all and a few sore heads in the office this morning! Kate Goodison of Property Vision
As your confidence grows, you relax and it all becomes easier. Before long you are lining up in your first chukka and you put in to action all that you have learnt. As you climb off your horse, tired, aching yet completely exhilarated you sit back and reflect on what has been a truly remarkable experience. “The instruction was great, the ponies were lovely and the food fantastic,” says Polo Experience attendee, Chrissie Young, after organising the day for her friend’s hen party. The Club also provides an ideal location for conferences and team building. We can construct days around your requirements and conference/team building followed by drinks in the evening has proved tremendously popular. Polo really is a sport that can be enjoyed by young and old alike and Beaufort Polo Club can cater for both aspiring players and provide a bespoke experience for the armchair enthusiast. Favourable rates for Schools/Universities and groups are also available. If climbing on board a horse is not for you, then we have bespoke lunch packages available. You can sit down to a sumptuous three course lunch in our clubhouse before a briefing and Q & A session with your host, and then heading out to watch a match before returning to have Pimm’s and afternoon tea.
Mark Baldwin, 2 goal Professional
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1989 2014 BEAUFORT POLO CLUB HAS ALWAYS MADE HISTORY
Tilda Woodd looks back on an illustrious 25 years of Gloucestershire’s premier Polo Club
B
ack in 1977, Claire and Simon Tomlinson revived the original Hunt Polo Club that was established by Captain Frank Henry 141 years ago in 1872. Henry had been responsible for bringing the sport to England, and had taken part in the historic 9th Lancers match Vs 10th Hussars match – the first polo game to be held in England. Just under 50 years later, in 1929, the Club was reformed under the Presidency of the Duke of Beaufort and was then based at Down Farm, Westonbirt and also at Norton having located the ideal site on the late Colonel W.W. Turnor’s Pinkney Estate. Work was done on the grounds and the 1930 season saw immediate benefits, attracting players, and consequently spectators, from all directions and therefore it seemed the right time to erect a Grand Stand. No polo was played at the Club throughout 1931 and 1932, but 1933 proved that the appeal of the Club was still very much alive, with the Maharajah of Jaipur bringing his team to England, along with 39 ponies and 51 syces, all of whom arrived at the Beaufort Club on April 4th. Over the next few years, Beaufort continued to welcome teams from abroad, with the Aurora team from America visiting in 1934 and H.H. The Maharajah of Kashmir coming over from Indian in 1935. However, 1936 is a year still to be remembered today as it was one of the first times England had welcomed some of the finest players, and horses, in the world. The Visiting teams included Robert and Philip Ashton from Australia; Cecil Smith from America; The Hon. W. K Rous’s ‘The Jaguars’ team, which featured Gerald Balding; Rao Rajah Hanut Singh of India and the Maharajah of Jaipur. Polo was played every day, with exhibition matches arranged and Internationals organised for the American and English national sides. The following year, the Club once again welcomed two visiting teams, and Mr H.C. Cox placed stabling for forty horses at the disposal of the Club, complete with saddle rooms, men’s mess room and sleeping quarters for forty men. He also laid out seven full sized grounds at Norton leaving the Club feeling perfectly confident that polo could be played even in the worst of the English climate. The next ‘era’ of the Club, takes us to how we know it today – the home of the Tomlinson family. Down Farm was purchased by the family in 1977 with the Club being revived in ’89.
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1989
Beaufort Polo Club as we now know it is officially launched. The Club progresses quickly and within just four years, there are already four boarded grounds, a stick and ball field and an indoor polo school.
1993
The Club becomes completely separate to Cirencester as Beaufort are no longer allowed to included it’s players and teams in Cirencester’s domestic tournaments – the first step towards true independence.
95
Dubai: Robert Thame, Ali Albwardy, Mrs Lucas, Will Lucas, Glen Gilmore
The Club begins to receive support from Adriano Agosti’s Minotaurs, Christopher Hanbury’s Lovelocks and Ali Albwardy’s Dubai, showcasing Beaufort’s close connection to high goal polo’s most successful patrons.
1995
The Clubhouse is completed. Designed by the late Peter Falconer who also remodelled Highgrove, the building is opened by HRH The Prince of Wales on May 13. All of those who helped to build the Clubhouse are presented with a beer tankard.
Los Locos, the Tomlinson family team, play the high goal, entering both The Gold Cup and The Warwickshire Cup.
1997
1994
125th anniversary of the original Beaufort Hunt Polo Club, which was established in 1872 by Captain Frank Henry. Henry recorded accounts of the early games and the players who took part – all of whom were men who hunted with the Duke of Beaufort’s hounds. Teams would often feature five players per side, with some even including a sixth.
Beaufort hosts the European Qualifying Rounds for the 1995 FIP World Championships, with teams from Spain, Italy and France travelling over to the Club, a huge step forward with regard to International recognition. The Beaufort Hunt Pony Club wins The Daily Telegraph Gannon Cup at the Pony Club Championships, whilst at the higher end of the game’s spectrum, Mimosa, a 10-yearold Argentine mare owned by Claire Tomlinson is awarded The World of Sport Trophy for the Best Playing Pony at Cartier International Day having been played by her nephew, James Lucas.
95
HRH The Prince of Wales shows his support for the Club, playing against the Beaufort on The Army Benevolent Day, which raises £16,000 for The Army on the 50th Anniversary of the Second World War
1996
Philip Elliot replaces Johnnie Kidd on the handicap committee and Kerry Clampton becomes Polo Manager. The Club raises a total of £41,042 for the selected charities. The Duke of Beaufort Cup is played at 18 goal level, in order to provide more opportunities for English players to play in a higher level of polo.
The Club raises £24,000 in aid of SSAFA, The National Armed Forces Charity and begins their regular contribution of using polo to highlight causes and raise money for foundations.
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With 304 practice chukkas and 330 match chukkas played throughout the season, 1997 saw a significant increase in the amount of polo played.
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Richard Britten Long and his dogs in 1998
Luke Tomlinson plays his first high goal season with C.S Brooks, losing the Final of The Gold Cup to Ellerston. The average age of the team was 22 years and 3 months.
Beaufort Hunt Pony Club – Winners of the Gannon Division 1997: William Emerson, Will Bowers, Mark Tomlinson, Harry Meakin
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1998
A digital clock is installed which offers a huge improvement for both players and spectators. Playing membership almost doubles from 45 players to 74. 361 practice chukkas and 453 match chukkas are played – an increase of 200 on the previous year.
Mark on a hunter in the 1998 season, at the age of 16
The Arthur Lucas Tournament and Beaufort Polo Club welcome teams from Cowdray for the first time. Ethel Lucas, pictured here with Eduardo Rojas Lanusse, died October 1997, aged 90. With husband Arthur Lucas she founded the Hertfordshire Polo Club at Woolmers Park. She was a powerful example of courage to other lady polo players, notably her daughter Claire Tomlinson.
Tickets for the Dinner Dance sell out and as a result people are turned away at the door. The Club raises £81,250 for a variety of charities.
Beaufort’s fixtures include five charity matches, welcoming the first edition of The Chakravarty Cup which is still played for today – proof that The Club have been at the forefront of the sport raising money for charity.
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99
A new high goal tournament is launched: The Argentine Club Cup is played with a 24 goal handicap
1999
The Arthur Lucas is made a designated medium goal tournament for the National Medium Goal Championships, and The Summer Cup, a designated low goal tournament for the National Low Goal Championships.
2001
2000
Foot and Mouth crisis hits Beaufort, with the cattle having to be moved away. As a result 150 stables are made available to members and visiting players.
Martyn Meade’s Ladyswood team play the high goal season for the Beaufort. There are a total of 1,079 chukkas played (match and practice).
www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk is born. The Club sees an increase in the number of low goal teams including West Park, Park Farm, Kingsmead, Bullfrogs, La Ema, Mad Dogs and Fat Cats. Beaufort Pony Club’s Harry Meakin receives the saddle for the Best Pony Club Player.
Beaufort Pony Club win the Gannon at The Pony Club Championships for the fourth consecutive year. Charity days raise £182,000 in a single season.
Oliver Whiteley takes over from Kerry Clampton as Polo Manager.
HRH The Princess Royal presented The Animal Health Trust Challenge Cup to Zara Phillips
Prince William plays in The Beaufort Team, which wins The Beaufort Cup. The Club uses sand on the fields for the first time, which makes a significant improvement.
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02 01
BAT (British American Tobacco), Winners of The Women’s World Championship Finals. Sue Hodgson, Millie Scott, Emma Tomlinson and Claire Tomlinson
Martyn Meade kindly donated The Meade Trophy in 2001, 15 – 18 goal level, Los Locos beat Ladyswood in the Final in its inaugural yar
Beaufort Embryo Transfer is established and becomes the field-leader in UK equine embryo transfer.
2002
Beaufort receives a visit from Wal and James Ashton from Australia – a re-run of their father’s famous visit with the Goulbourn Team of four Ashton brothers in the ‘30s.
Yvonne Randall donates The Babdown Cup for the Non-playing Members’ 10-goal tournament, won by Wild Things (Richard Britten-Long, Mark and Luke Tomlinson, HRH Prince William of Wales).
The Club raises £150,546 from the five charity days, the most successful being The Hunt Servants’ Benefit Society day which emphasises the strong links between hunting and the Polo Club.
Ruth and Peter Baldwin donate The Badminton Cup.
Mark and Luke both play the high goal, with Luke also representing England in The Cartier International, the UK’s highest attended match and Mark is awarded the HPA Trophy for The Best Young Player.
02
01 Los Locos win The HPA Victor Ludorum for the third year running Beaufort hosts The All England Club Championships (20-26 goals). No player under 4 goals is allowed to play and each player receives £1,500 expense money, totalling £24,000 for the four teams, all funded by tournament sponsors Mercedes-AMG.
02
Jockeys vs Eventers: Winners Eventers L~R: Richard Johnson, Chris Maude, Richard Dunwoody, Mick Fitzgerald, Mark Bradburne, Carl Llewellyn, Rodney Powell, David Green, Leslie Law and Zara Phillips
The new 3-Cornered Ground is used for chukkas for the first time in June, ready for match polo the following year
02
Finalists of The Westonbirt Prep School Tournament 2002 with a young Jack Richardson and Ollie Cudmore in the line-up
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03 2003
Beaufort welcomes back Mercedes-AMG as title sponsors of The Argentine Club Cup as it increases to 28 goal level. This is the highest level of polo that is played outside of Argentina and the first allprofessional competitive polo played for prize money in England.
Zara Phillips in action
03
10 charity days raise £364,299.
03 Hildon Sport win The Gold Cup (Nina Vestey, Mark Tomlinson, Luke Tomlinson and John Paul Clarkin) and The All England Club Championships (Mark Tomlinson, Henry Brett, Pepe Araya and Luke Tomlinson) marking a successful year for the Tomlinson family. Meade Cup handicap changes to 0-18 goal to give all teams an opportunity to have a run out at the start of the season. The Club are asked by the HPA to hold a 24 goal tournament in August which will be run at the same time as a new Ladies Tournament. 1997 – 2003 - % Increase Playing Membership; 45 – 154 – 242% Non Playing Membership; 59 – 222 – 276% Match Chukkas; 330 – 876 – 165% Practice Chukkas; 304 – 777 – 155% Tournaments; 13 – 22 – 69% Charity Days; 6 -10 – 66% B E AU F O RT P OL O C L U B 2 0 1 4
03
HRH The Prince of Wales As a result of a fall in the Harborough Cross Country Race, the Club suffers the tragic loss of their Club Chief Umpire, Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth. Somerville was one of the friendliest members who welcomed new players and encouraged the young players who played with him and as a consequence he is remembered every year with his namesake tournament. The Club introduces new ‘County Polo’ category – designed for those people moving on from lessons and starting to play instructional chukkas. Beaufort takes part in the TV programme, teaching a self-described bicycle courier, Malcolm Woodcock, who roars round Manchester with no great self-ambition to become an adequate polo player in just four weeks. Faking It following the “Faking It” tv programme, Beaufort was inundated with requests for coaching.
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04 05 04 2004
Beaufort hosts a reception at Whatley Manor to welcome new sponsors, Ocean View Properties and Cousine Island. Club Umpires sponsored by Parker Pen Company.
2005
Altu win Arthur Lucas Cup with New Zealand’s John Paul Clarkin scoring 8 of their 9 goals. Beaufort host their first Evolution Test Match. England Vs Argentina. Lost 9-7 1/2 . Henry Brett’s 10 year old pony, Jordan, won Best Playing Pony.
Time Clocks sponsored by Williamson Tea.
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2006
Mark and Luke’s Argentine handicaps go up to 7 and 8, making Luke the highest rated English player. Cambiaso captains Argentina in The Evolution Test Match. This is the first time a 10 goal player has represented his country against the English. Argentina prove too good for England, winning 10 goals to 4.
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The Tomlinsons announce they have purchased a 50% stake in an Argentine polo Club as part of an initiative to provide English players with a place to train in the winter, naming it La Quinta Beaufort. The facilities include four grounds, a stick and ball area, stables and an exercise track. The Club also boasts an indoor arena that was built by the world famous 10 goaler, Eddie Moore in Nueva Escocia – it was then dismantled and re-built in its current setting about 50 years ago. La Quinta is home to at least 10 professional players each year.
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07 07
1st Beaufort XI cricket game
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2007
The Beaufort 6 goal Tournament and The Beaufort 4 goal Tournament are added to the Club’s calendar. Emma Tomlinson is 25% of an all female team that make history. Diamonds International consisting of Emma, Nina Clarkin, Tamara Vestey and Lucy Taylor successfully win The Gerald Balding Cup at Cirencester becoming the first all-female team to win an HPA Victor Ludorum tournament.
09 2008
Princes William and Harry contribute to win for Apes Hill in The Countryside Foundation for Education and Tusk Charity Match. A huge excavation process to create the new Number 1 ground gets underway. The Club continues to improve its International facilities and enforce the Club’s reputation for ground brilliance.
2009
Reportedly there were 19 re-trained racehorses taking part in this year’s Test Match. Beaufort plays home to Sir Charles Williams’ Apes Hill high goal team who win The Queen’s Cup. Miles Underwood becomes Polo Manager. Test Match Teams – Australasia beat England 7-6½ . England: James Beim, Mark Tomlinson, Malcolm Borwick, Luke Tomlinson Australasia: Rob Archibald, Ruki Baillieu, Glen Gilmore, John Paul Clarkin
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09 2010
Emma Tomlinson marries Nick Wood on January 2, 2010. The ceremony took place at Shipton Moyne Church. April 2010: Simon Tomlinson is announced as the new HPA Development Committee Chairman, taking over from Major General Arthur Denaro. As part of the La Quinta Beaufort team, Mark and Luke Tomlinson with James Beim play the qualifying rounds of The Argentine Open A testament to the grounds; 30% more polo is played in 2010 than in 2009.
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10
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Two Beaufort based teams meet in the Final of the Arthur Lucas Cup, with Emma Tomlinson’s Beaufort Embryo Transfer taking on Simon Tomlinson’s Beaufort. Simon denied his daughter of the title with Beaufort winning 10 goals to 5.
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10 The Chakravarty Cup is played in aid of three of the Princes’ Charities, The English Schools’ Swimming Association, WellChild and The Henry Van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. The day raises an astounding £150,000.
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2011
The 2010 Beaufort Test Match is shown on Bloomberg TV. Both Mark and Luke are members of the winning England team in The Coronation Cup’s 100th year, defeating Brazil 8-6. The Club sees a 6% rise in practice and match chukkas. The late Carlos Gracida coaches England to a 10 – 6½ win in the Test Match against New Zealand. Luke plays in The Argentine Open with the Pilará team.
11 Harry Wales – playing in The Bernard Weatherill Cup in aid of The Royal Marsden Hospital and the Henry Van Straubenzee Memorial Fund.
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11 Rugby Legend, Phil Vickery and his clothing company, Raging Bull produces the official merchandise for Beaufort Polo Club.
2012
Designed by Mark Tomlinson, Beaufort hosts a new twoday pre-season training course. England fitness coach, Winston Squires, and polo coaches, Jason Dixon and Claire Tomlinson will be on hand to ensure that every aspect of the game is covered.
HRH Prince Harry presenting The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award to Angus Mackelvie of the New Zealand International side
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Luke coaches the England International side, featuring Mark, which competes in both Argentina and Chile. Audi International Series – Audi kicked off the first episode of their Audi International Polo Series at Beaufort Polo Club, with the England side facing the Commonwealth. The Audi England side (Luke Tomlinson, Malcolm Borwick, Mark Tomlinson, James Beim) before they took on The Americas in The Beaufort International Test Match, 2012
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2012 sees a 30% average increase in tournament entries. December 2012 – Luke marries Argentine, Cata Zavaleta in her native Argentina. Caspar West After 14 years of helping with the Coaching, Playing, Junior Development, and working with the young horses, Caspar accepted the offer to take up the role of becoming Polo Manager
12 2014
25 years and still going strong
13 2013
Mark marries dressage gold medallist, Laura Bechtolsheimer in Arosa, Switzerland. The Westchester Cup visited Beaufort Polo Club for the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo weekend.
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Luke and Mark both take part in the prestigious Westchester Cup match at Guards Polo Club against the USA, with the home side winning in an extra chukka.
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Nicholas H. Wood Local Ar tist Nicholas H. Wood has recently returned from Italy after three years training at Charles Cecil Studios in Florence. Born in Bath 1989, Nicholas went to Monkton Combe School where his appeal for ar t was encouraged, it was here he achieved an ar t scholarship before moving on to Kingston upon Thames to complete his ar t foundation course. Moving to Florence to gain a more classical grounding, he studied at Studio Della Statua, Galleria Romanelli and Charles Cecil Studios and even began to teach the external and beginner groups in his last year. With his natural preference veering towards sculpting, he is equally as adept with a paintbrush. Lifesize por traiture in oils or clay is his prime focus and he is now accepting commissions upon request. He has hosted life drawingclasses at Bath Ar tists Studios and featured in the Holburne por trait prize last summer. If you would like to see more work, please have a look at the website.
www.artistnickwood.com 07792 796 790
Landscaping Before
New Build Before
Extension Before
Extension After
Landscaping After
New Build After
Extensions Loft Conversions Barn Conversions Listed Building Refurbishment Groundworks and Landscaping Natural Stone Walling
Roofing Fascias & Guttering Kitchens & Bathrooms Carpentry Property Maintenance
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Memories from the archive
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a qu ar ias sp a at Whatley Manor
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Please contact Rosie Till
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Touch of Healing Treatment Room 20 years experience in complimentary therapy
Sports Massage Swedish Massage Aromatherapy Massage Hot Stone Treatment Indian Head Massage Reiki IBS Treatment - recommended in an article by “The Food Doctor� Weight loss & management Cellulite & Body Tone treatments Corporate Massage The revitalising technique on neck, shoulders and upper back leave client calm yet energised and alert, perfect for stress reduction, performed on site Reduces absenteeism Motivates staff Increases focus and concentration Promotes wellbeing For information and appointments please call 01453 884335 28, Chasewood Corner, Chalford, Stroud, GL6 8JS
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Match Report
The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup PLAYING FOR THE 18 GOAL VICTOR LUDORUM SERIES
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hroughout the 2013 Victor Ludorum 18 goal series, teams were rather limited, but this did not prevent an incredibly close race for the winner. The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup was no exception, with very tight league games played around the country as all the teams had very busy schedules. Impacting on the already tight scheduling of the polo, it was decided that during the games, there were to be organised stops when it was possible to give players the opportunity to change horses if they so chose. This conclusion was drawn from a welfare point of view, due to the hot weather potentially affecting the ponies. La Indiana was the first team to make the Final and was very much the favourite after their win against their opponents Golden Falcons who they had beaten earlier in the tournament. Such was the nature of the tournament they once again faced each other in the Final. Golden Falcons maintained an unchanged team, but the New Zealander John Paul Clarkin was drafted in to replace American, Nic Roldan in the La Indiana team as he had high goal commitments. Throughout the first half of the match there was nothing to separate the two teams and at half time the teams were locked at six all. This was definitely a game of two halves though, as Golden Falcons’ 7 goaler, Juan Gris Zavaleta acted like a man possessed throughout the fourth chukka and racked up five goals with the support of his teammates. There was no way back for La Indiana after such a good tally, with just one goal for each team in the fifth chukka leaving Golden Falcons deserved winners by 12 to 7. The Duke of Beaufort’s Finalists Golden Falcons (winners) Dr Amin Badr-El Din (0) (replaced in Final by Khaled Badr-El Din) (0) Ed Hitchman (5) Juan Gris Zavaleta (7) James Harper (6) 18
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La Indiana Michael Bickford (1) Malcom Borwick (6) John Paul Clarkin (8) Fabio Lavinia (3) 18
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
Charity Day
Hope For Tomorrow Day BEAUFORT HELPS TO RAISE £257,000 FOR CHARITY
Happy Birthday to the Beaufort Polo Club from all of us here at Hope for Tomorrow! We’re delighted to have been involved with the club for nearly ten years – raising a staggering £257,000 for our Mobile Chemotherapy Unit project, which has helped us to continue bringing cancer treatment closer to patients homes
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n Saturday 6th July Beaufort Polo Club hosted the 8th annual Hope For Tomorrow Charity polo day. Over the years, the event has raised a staggering £257,000 for the charity’s Mobile Chemotherapy Unit project, which has continued to help bringing cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes. The two teams were battling for a final place in The Queen Mother Trophy 12 goal, but more importantly on this day for The Lord MacLaurin Trophy. So they transformed their regular shirts and team names for the day from Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds to the Rowley Rockers and Stuart Lodge’s Lodge Services to ARI. With the Trophy and a Final place in both teams’ minds, the crowds witnessed an incredibly competitive and charged game. Rowley Rockers were the strongest of the teams during the first chukka, however by half time both teams were locked at 4 all. After the 350 strong charity supporters had finished treading in, the battle continued with moments of great skill by the 6 goal New Zealander Simon Keyte for ARI and 6 goal Mark Tomlinson for Rowley Rockers. Rowley Rockers proved to be the strongest as they drew to a two goal lead going into the final chukka and despite a great goal by ARI to narrow the gap, Rowley Rockers pulled away once more to win 7 to 5. Christine Mills, the founder of Hope For Tomorrow enthused, “The event ultimately raised over £36,000 towards our Mobile Chemotherapy Unit expansion project, which is absolutely fantastic! “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved, including our wonderful team of volunteers, all those who donated items towards and took part in the auctions and to everyone who attended the event and enjoyed the afternoon’s activities with us!”
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Rosa Woodley Events and Community Fundraiser
Rowley Rockers: Nick Wiles (-1) Emma Tomlinson (3) Santiago Stirling (4) Mark Tomlinson (6) 12
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ARI: Thady Duff Stuart Lodge Tom Hunt Simon Keyte
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Charity Day
Goldin Group Royal Charity Day HRH DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE AND PRINCE HARRY PLAY AT BEAUFORT POLO CLUB
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fter a thrilling (albeit slightly showery) first day of the Festival weekend for The Audi International Test match, the Club welcomed eager spectators to pack the stands for the second match-filled day of the Festival. The main game for The Goldin Group Charity Cup was played in aid of the Princes’ Charities, the Household Cavalry Foundation, Welsh Rugby Charity Trust, RFU Injured Players Foundation and the Irish Guards Appeal. The days’ title sponsor The Goldin Group heads up The Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin just outside of Beijing in China. The incredible facility boasts two international standard polo fields, indoor and outdoor arenas and stables for up to 300 ponies, all over 20 hectares. Each year the Club hosts international tournaments, which attract players from across the world including The Super Nations Cup and The Snow Polo World Cup. There is also a 167-room luxury hotel on site which caters for the Club’s exclusive members and guests which includes a diverse exciting range of signature restaurants, spa and sports facilities – making The Metropolitan Polo Club a one-stop shop for those needing to combine business with high end travel and an opportunity to witness world-class sport. Beaufort Polo Club’s Mark Tomlinson, who has often played at the Club in China says; “The polo heaven Mr Pan has created at The Metropolitan Polo Club is totally unique and it is largely thanks to this supreme facility that China has been placed firmly on the polo map. The Chinese polo force has also spread around the world giving many professional players amazing opportunities thanks to generous Goldin sponsorship.” That generous sponsorship has
extended to one of Beaufort Polo Club’s summer season highlights, the Royal Day hosted over The Festival of Polo weekend. The Duke of Cambridge was playing for the Royal Salute team joined by England regular Malcolm Borwick and the American duo of 8 goaler Nic Roldan and Thomas Kato, making a combined team handicap of 14. They were pitched against the Beaufort side with their captain, Prince Harry being joined by mother and son combination, Claire and 6 goaler Mark Tomlinson and American strong man Luis Escobar. In front of a packed crowd, Royal Salute were by far the stronger starters, scoring the first three goals without reply and by the end of the first chukka had a healthy 2½ goal lead. The start of the second chukka had Royal Salute once again on the charge with a brilliant individual effort by the Duke of Cambridge to increase their lead further. However, this was short-lived as Beaufort rallied and by half time they had cut the deficit to only 1½. After the treading in invasion by the huge amount of supporters at half time, the action continued and Royal Salute were on the move once more creating a 3½ goal cushion with two great team goals. Prince Harry’s Beaufort team were looking doubtful of managing to get back into the game. Just before the end however, Beaufort managed to claw one goal back with a superb pass from Mark Tomlinson to Prince Harry who still had plenty of work to do in order to cover nearly half of the field to score. As the ball was thrown in for the last chukka we saw a completely different Beaufort team as they mounted a challenge to recover their deficit. Royal Salute had no answer to the volley of
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attacks thrown at them as goal after goal was scored with Beaufort putting an incredible six goals past their opponents running out the winners 10½ to 7. Once again the Sunday of the Festival drew a wonderful audience as well as raising £80,000 for the Princes’ Charities. As always great thanks have to go to the title Sponsor Goldin Group.
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The Goldin Group Charity Cup Beaufort (winners) Royal Salute HRH Prince Harry Thomas Kato (-1) Luis Escobar Malcolm Borwick (6) Mark Tomlinson Nic Roldan (8) Claire Tomlinson HRH Duke of Cambridge (1) 14
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Match Report
The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse STRONG ENTRIES FOR THE VICTOR LUDORUM 6 GOAL
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he first of the season’s Victor Ludorum 6 goal tournaments had a strong entry of eight teams from all over the country. Through hard fought qualifying stages two Beaufort teams, Apache and Thunderbirds were to play Four Quarters Blue and Chester Polo respectively. Emil Arber’s Four Quarters Blue proved just too strong for Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds to get the first spot in the Final whilst Janie Dear’s Apache utilised home advantage on their own pristine field (which they kindly donated for some of the games) and managed to squeeze a win in a very tough second Semi Final against Chester Polo. In the second game of The Metropolitan Charity Day during the weekend of The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, Apache and Four Quarters Blue played a thrilling Final that was locked goal for goal up to half time. However the slightly more balanced team led by the famously vocal Matias Ballesteros were just too powerful for the three Dears and their ‘power house’ Richard Le Poer and they drew away to win by 7 goals to 4 in front of a packed audience. The Subsidiary for The Desert Dagger was played between Snake Bite – who just squeezed through after a fierce Semi Final against Strategic Glasgow that went to the very end of an extra chukka – against Switch2Renewable who had a slightly more comfortable Semi Final win over ShibumiNova. Led by Mike Henderson, Snake Bite outwitted Tim Dobson’s Switch2Renewable team and had a fairly relaxed 5:2 win.
Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Finalists Four Quarters Blue (winners) Emil Arber (-2) Freddie Horne (2) Matias Ballesteros (3) Nico San Roman (3) 6
Apache Max Dear Janie Dear Freddie Dear Richard LePoer
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Experts in Equine Reproduction
Situated in Gloucestershire, the specially designed Mare and Stallion Reproduction centre offers clients extensive facilities for their Stallions and Broodmares. The DEFRA approved semen collection facilities, semen laboratory, stallion stables and high-fenced paddocks ensure that the highest standards in stallion care and management are always provided. At Beaufort Embryo Transfer, stallions can be managed and marketed on a commercial basis, either residing at the centre or walking in for each semen collection. Semen collected at the centre can be used as required: Insemination of resident mares; Transporting to anywhere in the UK; Exporting to Europe; Freezing for domestic or export use. Working with fresh, chilled and frozen semen, Beaufort Embryo Transfer boasts incredible success rates for
broodmare AI, often succeeding with problem mares where others have failed. The livery facilities are second to none, and whether a broodmare, donor mare, stallion or pregnant recipient, the highest levels of livery and equine husbandry can always be guaranteed. Embryo transfer is the collection of an 8 day old embryo from the uterus of a genetically desirable mare (the Donor) and it’s transfer into the uterus of a reproductively competent mare (the Recipient) who then carries the pregnancy to term and nurtures the foal until weaning. The resulting foal’s genetics are derived from the donor mare and stallion (exactly the same as natural breeding); the recipient merely takes the foal from embryo stage, through pregnancy and birth to weaning and has no genetic influence on the foal. Beaufort Embryo Transfer uses non-surgical procedures to flush and transfer the embryo, meaning little or no disruption to the mare’s schedule. This breeding technique allows breeders to breed from top performing mares whilst they are still competing and also allows the production of multiple foals from one mare in any one breeding season. Embryo Transfer is also a solution for mares with uterine based infertility, with the recipient mares carrying those pregnancies to full term. Beaufort Embryo Transfer currently has a 76% embryo recovery rate and an 80% pregnancy rate. This, coupled with their unique pricing structure means that clients are rarely disappointed with the results. Beaufort Embryo Transfer do not charge on a per procedure basis, but invoice the bulk of the fees when an established embryo pregnancy is actually achieved, meaning that the build up of hidden charges is avoided especially for unsuccessful cases. On average it costs around £4200 to obtain a 60-day embryo pregnancy at Beaufort Embryo Transfer.
eaufort Embryo Transfer is now the UK’s largest and most up to date embryo transfer centre. The new centre is the UK’s first ever DEFRA Approved Embryo Collection, Embryo Export and Semen Collection Centre, all under one roof. With their team of specialist equine reproduction and clinical vets, laboratory technicians, stallion handlers and stud grooms, they achieve some of the UK’s best results in non-surgical embryo transfer and broodmare AI using all semen types.
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OPEN MAESTRO
JAVAD
VALENTINO
2006 Bay Stallion Sportivo x Grappa Ilustrada. A superbly put together stallion bred by Gonzalo Pieres in Argentina. He is playing tournament polo and is a well balanced, relaxed stallion with a good mouth and impeccable temperament. His progeny look outstanding.
2006 Bay Stallion Norman Pentaquad x Java. Javad is a stallion of exceptional quality bred by Jim Gilmore. He is playing tournament polo and is a well balanced, agile stallion with a good mouth and lots of talent. His progeny look fantastic.
2006 Chestnut Stallion Chess x Virola. Valentino is a very good natured stallion bred by Emma Tomlinson. He is playing tournament polo and is an intelligent stallion with a good mouth and lots of agility. He has already sired good looking progeny.
For more information or to answer any queries, please call the office on01666 880236, or email info@beaufortembryotransfer.com
CASSANOVA
ZORRO
2001 Liver Chestnut Stallion Chess x Cabasita II. He has an amazing temperament, a good mouth and shows incredible agility. He also has good bone and conformation. Cassanova played for a number of years in Mark Tomlinson’s high goal string. He has numerous progeny on the ground.
2003 Liver Chestnut Stallion Chess x Forrest. Zorro is a beautifully put together small stallion bred by Rory Sweet in the UK. He is owned by Mark Tomlinson and has numerous progeny on the ground. Zorro’s full sister, Sativa, is an outstanding mare played by Sapo Caset in the 2010 Gold Cup winning team and won best playing pony in the 2011 USPA 26 Goal Piaget Gold Cup.
T O M L I N S O N EQUINE VETS Ambulatory Equine Practice based in the heart of the Beaufort country • 24 Hour Emergency Service • All routine equine work undertaken including Vaccinations, Teeth Rasping & Health Checks • Particular interest in Equine Performance, Lameness, Respiratory Problems & Reproduction • Mobile equipment includes Digital X-Ray, Scanner, Endoscope, Power Dental Tools & Shockwave Machine
A personal service where clients have direct contact with the treating vet
Office 01666 880236 info@tomlinsonequinevets.co.uk
www.tomlinsonequinevets.co.uk
Elmleaze, Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QE B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
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Match Report
The Prince of Wales Cup CADENZA JUNIORS WIN THE COVETED 12 GOAL
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ith a strong entry of 10 teams for The Prince of Wales Cup 12 goal, the main concern throughout the tournament was at what times to play the games due to the scorching temperatures during the day. The gruelling league phase saw a mixture of locally based and nationwide teams fighting it out for one of the most cherished Cups in the Victor Ludorum 12 goal series. By the Semi Final stages Cadenza Juniors faced Tempest in a Windsor-based clash for the first space in the Final. The game was played on an already balmy morning where the two 5 goal members of Cadenza Juniors, Will Emerson and Pete Webb put all their years of playing the Pony Club together to good use and created a lead that was too difficult for Tempest to get back despite huge efforts on their behalf in the dying seconds. Cadenza Juniors went into the Final by winning the game 7 goals to 6. The second Semi Final saw the Antinori brothers in Shalimar team shirts drawn against the dangerous combination of George Meyrick (who had suffered a bad fall earlier in the tournament), South African Jean Du Plessis and two of the Ephson family in their familiar Poulton colours. Shalimar started the game with immense energy going into a four-goal lead by the end of the first chukka. Poulton steadily closed the gap and, at one point took the lead, but in the last chukka the sibling partnership of the Antinoris proved a potent one and put Shalimar into the Final. Understandably, anticipation was high as the Finalists had already met once during the league stages with Cadenza just getting the better of Shalimar, but only through an extra chukka – excitingly, the Final was to be no different. Cadenza was the stronger to start taking an early lead of three goals, but throughout the next three chukkas, Shalimar managed to get back to equal terms but never in the lead. At the end of the fourth chukka both teams were locked at 6 all, which forced the match into extra time. The crowd was treated to an exceptional game, as it wasn’t until the sixth minute of the extra chukka that the deadlock was finally broken with Cadenza Juniors winning 7 goals to 6. The Subsidiary Final was played between Los Locos, who had a tough Semi Final against Nick Wiles’ Thunderbirds, and Creed Polo, who had to get past Romilla Arber’s Four Quarters Black. In the end, Creed Polo just had the edge over Club Chairman Claire Tomlinson’s Los Locos team and won 6:4.
Prince of Wales Cup Finalists Cadenza Juniors (winners) Charlie Pidgley (-1) Matias Carrique (3) Will Emerson (5) Pete Webb (5) 12
Shalimar Amber Clutton-Brock Jared Zenni Nico Antinori Vieri Antinori
(0) (3) (4) (5) 12
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FROM THE ARCHIVES Prince of Wales Cup 2002 Winners: Los Locos L~R: Ruki Baillieu (6), Emma Tomlinson (2), Georgina Britten-Long, Simon Tomlinson (2) & Caspar West (2)
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Match Report
The Winchenford Bowl THE LAST VICTOR LUDORUM 8 GOAL OF THE 2013 SERIES
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he Winchenford Bowl 2013 was the last of The Victor Ludorum 8 goal series of the season and had high hopes of a good volume of team entries. However with the 8 goal level already sewn up by the Windmill Farm team, Beaufort hosted more of the locally based 8 goal teams which still proved to provide top polo and a showcase of local talent. Indubitable were the first of the teams through the league stages to the Final after a great display of skills from their 5 goal stalwart David Allen who punched holes through Supernova‘s defence. Apache were the second to secure their Final place after a very comfortable win in their last league game against Laird/Sifani. In the bright sunshine on the August Bank Holiday weekend Janie Dear’s Apache were by far the stronger in the first half developing an early two goal lead, which as it turns out, was never to be closed by Christian Badenhop’s Indubitable. Towards the end of the fourth chukka Apache’s lead was extended, as the opposition were unable to penetrate the team play between Ollie Cudmore and Richard Le Poer. Apache rode off the pitch The Wichenford Bowl winners, securing a 10 to 7 goal victory. The Subsidiary between Sarah Hughes’ Supernova against the combined forces of Nick Britten-Long’s Laird and Hilali Noordeen’s Sifani was a much tighter game resulting in an exciting extra chukka. Laird/Sifani’s Henry Brett showed off his talent with a great individual goal all the way down the ground winning by 5 to 4.
The Wichenford Bowl Finalists Apache (winners) Max Dear (-1) Janie Dear (0) Richard Le Poer (5) Ollie Cudmore (4) 8
Indubitable Camilla Beresford (0) Justo Mourino (2) David Allen (5) Christian Badenhop (1) 8
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FROM THE ARCHIVES Wichenford Bowl 2008 Winners: Tayto Black L~R: Martin Rodriguez, Raymond Hutchinson, Earl of Tyrone & Ollie Cudmore
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FROM THE ARCHIVES Arthur Lucas 2002 Winners Los Locos L~R: Pelon Stirling (4), Mark (3), Claire, Luke (5) & Simon Tomlinson (2)
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Match Report
The Arthur Lucas Cup F
FOUR QUARTERS ORANGE SECURE VICTORY
our very even teams entered The 2013 Arthur Lucas Cup. As a result, throughout the qualifying games every single match went to either the extra 30 seconds of the fifth chukka or into extra time. The Semi Finals were no exception. Due to the tight results of the previous games, both matches had to be started at exactly the same time to ensure fair play. To add this (and to the work load of the Beaufort Polo Club staff) they were also played in two separate locations. Los Locos played Vampire Bats at Beaufort, which once again went all the way to the wire with Vampire Bats running through as the first qualifiers to the Final. Down at Coworth Park in Berkshire, the second Semi Final went into an extra chukka as Four Quarters Orange and Dell Park battled for their place in the coveted Arthur Lucas Final, one of the most prestigious 15 goal tournaments in the country. Simon Arber and his team of professionals in the orange shirts overcame Dell Park as the second team to qualify for the Final. Due to the complexity of the goal margins the Final and the Subsidiary were actually the same games as the Semis. However, Four Quarters Orange experienced a much more straight-forward game as they streaked away into a 3 goal lead. By the end of the first chukka, with very smart team play by both Tom Morley and Rob Archibald, the relentless work rate of Matt Loder and the finishing of Simon Arber; Dell Park were left chasing the opposition for the rest of the game. Despite the well-used combination of Meyrick and Charlton and their attempts in the second chukka to close the gap to only one goal, Four Quarters drew further away throughout the rest of the match and entered the last chukka having returned to their comfortable lead of 3. A last ditch rally brought the margin back to 1 goal but it was not enough and Four Quarters went on to win The Arthur Lucas Cup by 7 goals to 6. The Subsidiary Final, playing for The Metropolitan Cup, had a few changes for both teams, with the regular strong South African presence of Gareth Evans and Shaun Brokensha alongside two Beaufort regulars Olly Tuthill and Mark Baldwin against a proper family affair with the Los Locos team of Claire, Emma and Luke Tomlinson, joined by their cousin Will Lucas. The changes were to benefit Vampire Bats however, as after a very close first half Vampire Bats ran away with the third and fourth chukkas to win 8: 3. The Arthur Lucas Cup Finalists Four Quarters Orange (winners) Simon Arber (0) Rob Archibald (6) Tom Morley (6) Matt Lodder (3) 15
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Dell Park Nikolai Bahlsen (1) Nicolas Roberts (3) George Meyrick (5) Max Charlton (6) 15
5 GOAL PROFESSIONAL, RICHARD LE POER PRAISES BEAUFORT POLO CLUB
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ichard le Poer has been playing professionally for several years, both in the UK and in Argentina. He’s represented England on polo grounds around the world and won some of the most coveted and competitive tournaments; cementing his position as one of the key professionals in UK polo. His career may take him to the fields of Palermo, Argentina and the high goal of Cowdray Park, but he always remembers his roots. He recalls which Club gave him the best head start and such fond memories – and how he always relishes the chance to return to the Down Farm fields. Quite simply, here Richard shares his memories of Beaufort Polo Club.
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What are your first memories of Beaufort Polo Club? “My first memories of the Beaufort are playing chukkas with my Dad [the Earl of Tyrone]. I remember due to the different mix of characters playing, sometimes it got quite competitive which was fun. It was a real colourful mix of horses and people of all shapes and sizes and levels.” Did you have lessons or help from anyone at the Club? “Everybody at the Club was helpful and were very open about giving advice to young or beginner players. At that stage Mark and Luke [Tomlinson] were starting their high goal careers. They would spend time at Beaufort and were great role models to young players on how to be professional and meticulous about the sport. I think I learnt a lot from just being around them. Caspar [West, Polo Manager] was always around and had a brilliant manner about how he dealt with different individuals to help them get the most out of the sport – one of them being myself.”
“The late Somerville Livingston-Learmonth was a real gent. I remember thinking he was the coolest guy. He would play games with his horses’ tails down and loose (much to the dismay of Mrs Tomlinson!) without a care in the world. He would then go straight to the Clubhouse and smoke cigars. Everything he did was in style. He was also a 4 goal player in my time and really competitive; Somerville was always at the Club playing week in, week out.” Did anyone in particular inspire you? “Mrs T’s simple passion for the sport definitely rubbed off on me. She was so dedicated to her horses and her whole operation that it definitely provided a great inspiration to me on how you can make polo your life. She is also a great analyst of the sport. I learnt a great deal just chatting to her about tactics, rules, horses and all things equine, she was always delighted to talk to anyone about it.”
Who was a particular character that you remember? “The most legendary character was Nobby Clarke. Nobby loved his polo and horses and was the best comedian. His timing and deliverance of one liners – usually at the expense of someone else – were priceless.
Beaufort is definitely my polo home as it is where I started my professional polo journey. How would you describe the Beaufort of your childhood? “There was definitely a family feel to the Club. A great community atmosphere, based on everyone having fun. There still is.” What about any funny stories from growing up at the Club? “Rudolfo Ducos once fell off his horse in lashing rain and the ball was still in play. I was going to hit towards goal. Somehow he managed to dive on the ball and grab it with both hands before I could tap it away. Everyone burst out laughing. “Apart from that, there’s many a Clubhouse party story, but we can’t mention those can we?!” What do you think Beaufort has over any other Club in the country? “First of all you get to spend time in one of the most beautiful areas in the UK; the Beaufort country. On top of that you have the opportunity to play medium and low goal polo in a high goal facility. Very few Clubs can offer that.” How would you describe the Club if you were persuading someone to be based there? “It’s very personal. When taking a membership there, you will instantly become a part of the family. And most of all, sport is played in a great spirit – win or lose – and as a player you will have access to all the facilities you need. Along the way you will meet extraordinary characters and make lifelong friends.” How do you feel when you play there now? “One of the things I look forward to every season is going back to play at the Beaufort. I always feel so welcome there. Beaufort is definitely my polo home as it is where I started my professional polo journey.” How do you feel about Beaufort Polo Club celebrating their 25th Anniversary? “I would like to congratulate the Beaufort on its first 25 fantastic years. It’s an enormous achievement. I would love to be a part of playing polo at the club in another 25 years time. Cheers to that.”
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Charity Day
World Horse Welfare Day www.worldhorsewelfare.org
ROYALS & OLYMPIC ATHLETES GATHER AT BEAUFORT
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n Friday 19th July under the glorious summer sun, HRH Princess Royal was guest of honour at World Horse Welfare’s lunch and auction, and gave an inspiring speech in support of the charity’s work helping abused and neglected horses. The charity’s President highlighted the support for the responsible use of horses in sport and she kindly stayed to enjoy an exciting match, meeting a number of the charity’s supporters throughout the day. England Internationals and brothers, Mark and Luke Tomlinson were strategically placed on opposing sides, but the Welsh model and former athlete, Amy Guy and Olympian Zara Phillips stole the show with goals for their respective teams. Laura Tomlinson, Team GB’s gold medal-winning dressage champion raced back from Buckingham Palace having received her MBE that morning, to join in the polo match with 1990 Grand National winner Marcus Armytage and professional eventers, Rodney Powell and Dan Jocelyn. The game had plenty of fun and excitement, but did slightly lack goals! The game ran end to end in the first half, but by the time the 250-strong crowds went on to tread in at half time not a single goal had been scored! However, both teams found success in the third and fourth chukkas, but due to the handicap difference it was Black Hound Blue who ran out the winners 2½ to 2. World Horse Welfare’s Director of Fundraising, John Blake reflected on the day: “The charity is so grateful to all those who supported and sponsored the polo day and those that donated
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some wonderful auction and raffle prizes. We would have been lost without a fantastic group of volunteers who helped the day to run so smoothly. “The day raised almost £40,000, which will go towards helping the unprecedented number of horses needing help at our UK rescue and re-homing centres and the 7,000 horses still at risk of abandonment and neglect, as well as improving the lives of many thousands of horses overseas.” Chief Executive Roly Owers said: “Claire and her team were very helpful and creative throughout the preparations and as such our polo day was a memorable occasion. World Horse Welfare sends its very best wishes for the next 25 years of polo at Beaufort.” World Horse Welfare Cup Black Hound Blue (winners) Marcus Armytage (-2) Dan Jocelyn (-2) Amy Guy (-2) Mark Tomlinson (6) 0
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Black Hound White: Zara Phillips Laura Tomlinson Rodney Powell Luke Tomlinson
(-2) (-2) (-2) (7) 1
RESCUING REHABILITATING REHOMING EDUCATING CAMPAIGNING When one of our Field Officers was called to Hayley’s field, he found her and a group of more than 20 horses living in appalling conditions. Multiple horse carcasses were discovered in a nearby barn. Fortunately, the group were brought into one of
our four UK Rescue and Rehoming Centres
to receive urgent treatment and specialist rehabilitation. Once nursed back to health, we aim for all the horses in our care to find loving new homes through our rehoming scheme. We’ve been helping horses like Hayley for more than 85 years, and our reach goes far beyond our UK rescuing and rehoming work. Our campaigns deliver practical and lasting change, including our work to help improve
conditions for Europe’s slaughter horses. We also support the responsible use of horses in sport, working with
regulators to improve safety and welfare.
Farther afield, our international programmes are providing relief for working horses, by sharing horse care skills with owners in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Hayley after our care
Please consider donating to support our work helping horses by visiting our website or calling 01953 497239
Will you support us? We’re holding a special day at the Beaufort Polo Club on 19th July, in the presence of our President, HRH The Princess Royal. For more details about sponsorship options and to buy tickets please call 01953 497239.
www.worldhorsewelfare.org
Mix Business with Pleasure The Beaufort Polo Club offers a unique opportunity to entertain clients or reward employees with an exceptional day out. Whatever kind of experience you are after, the Club has all the facilities and expertise you need in one of the most beautiful settings alongside Westonbirt Arboretum. The combination of some of the highest quality polo with the award-winning catering of William’s Kitchen at Calcot Manor in a classic Cotswold setting provides a truly memorable experience. And with full day packages starting from as little as £80.00* per person it’s great value too. To find out more about hosting a day out at the Beaufort Polo Club please contact our events team on 01666 880510 or email enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Corporate Hospitality
Start with a drinks reception in the VIP marquee and watch a polo demonstration to learn the finer points of the game; enjoy a three course lunch, including wine, before the polo match starts; finish the day with a full cream tea.
Polo Experience at the Beaufort Polo Club
Everyone is welcome to have a go at polo, but being one of the fastest and most physical of sports, beginners take it steadier on a wooden horse, before moving on to the real thing! Instruction is available all year round for individuals and groups.
Commercial Opportunities
Beaufort Polo Club, Down Farm, Westonbirt, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QW. Website: www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk *Prices subject to VAT
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The Club has a range of options to suit all budgets for companies to take advantage of. All packages include branding and promotional opportunities as well as the chance to entertain guests at what is often a Royal occasion whilst supporting a worthwhile charity.
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Charity Day
Hospitality Action Day
S
FINE DINING AT THE SOLITARE SALVER FINAL
upportive chefs Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park, Sam Moody of The Bath Priory, Michael Stenekes of Calcot Manor and Martin Burge of Whatley Manor joined forces on Sunday September 8th to help raise essential funds for Hospitality Action. Guests delighted in an impressive lunch prior to the Final of The Solitaire Salver, a 4 goal tournament. As in previous years, the event hosted 300 guests (many first-time polo visitors) to witness an incredibly close Final between many local players. Jim Pittard’s Zencom were pitted against the Gibbons family’s Cherrywhite and a flurry of goals in the first two chukkas left the score at 2 all as everyone invaded the field for the half time tread in. Cherrywhite’s 5 goaler, Lochie Hunter stamped his authority on the game in the third chukka with Cherrywhite entering the last with a reasonably comfortable two-goal lead. The team stormed ahead even further at the start of the fourth, but not prepared to give up without a fight the 7 goal combined handicaps of Zencom’s Olly Tuthill and Roddy Stanning clawed the team back into the game. In a real willthey-won’t-they end to the game, Zencom took full use of the extra 30 seconds of the last chukka to find the posts, take the lead and win the game 7 goals to 6. The team at Hospitality Action were delighted, saying, “Many thanks to all our sponsors including Tetbury Audi, Lynx Purchasing and Woodward Foodservice for their support. We’re looking forward to our 2014 Polo Day already!”
The Solitaire Salver Finalists Zencom (winners) Harry Pittard (-2) Jim Pittard (-1) Roddy Stanning (3) Olly Tuthill (4) 4
Many congratulations to all at Beaufort Polo Club on reaching your Silver Jubilee! It has been a delight to work with you over the years at our Charity Polo Day and we hope you have a big celebration planned to mark this very special occasion Giuliana Vittiglio Senior Fundraising and MarketingExecutive B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
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Cherrywhite Tamara Gibbons Jake Lomberg-Williams Lochie Hunter Austin Clark
(-2) (0) (5) (1) 4
The Beaufort Polo Club Rules 1. The Club will be known as the Beaufort Polo Club. 2. The Club’s address is Down Farm, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Glos. GL8 8QW 3. The objects of the Club are to provide good facilities for a high standard of quality Polo and to encourage young British players. 4. The Financial year of the Club will run from the 1st January to 31st December. 5. The Club is a non-profit making organisation. All profits and surpluses will be used to maintain or improve the Club’’ facilities. No profit or surplus will be distributed other than to another non-profit making body or to members on winding up or dissolution. 6. The Executive Committee through the Polo Manager will lay down administrative procedures for the day to day running of the Club with which all members will be required to comply. 7. The property of the Club shall, when necessary, be vested in the Executive Committee. 8. Normal days of play will be Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and other days during Tournaments. 9. The Officers of the Club will consist of: The President The Chairman The Secretary The Polo Manager 10. The Chairman and Secretary of the Club will be elected for a period of three years by the playing members of the Club. 11. The Club will be administered by an Executive Committee consisting of the Chairman (who shall have the casting vote), Secretary, Polo Manager (ex officio) and five playing members elected for a period of 3 years by the playing members of the Club and two social members elected for a period of 3 years by the social members. 12. The Executive Committee will appoint a Polo Manager, a Handicap Committee, a Tournament Committee, a Disciplinary Committee and any other Committee as necessary. 13. The Chairman with the Executive Committee’s approval shall co-opt such additional members to the Executive Committee as he considers necessary for the effective running of the Club. 14. The Executive Committee will meet not less than 3 times a year, but a meeting may be called at any time by the Chairman or his representative when he considers that an urgent decision is required on a disciplinary matter. Three members shall form a quorum. In this case, provided such quorum is present, it shall not be necessary to notify all the members of the Committee. Disciplinary proceedings shall be carried out in accordance with H.P.A. Rules and Directives. 15. The Executive Committee shall have the power to expel any member or visitor who shall be guilty of conduct which in the opinion of the Executive Committee shall justify such action. Any person so expelled shall not be allowed to enter the Club or use its facilities. 16. There will be an Annual General Meeting of all playing and non-playing members which will be held before the end of May in each year for the purposes of: a) Approving the Minutes of the last General Meeting. b) Receiving the Annual Report and Accounts. c) Electing members for the Committee. d) Transacting any other business of the Club.
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17. An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club may be called at any time by the Executive Committee, or upon a requisition being sent to the Polo Manager signed by at least twenty members and social members (or if membership of the Club is less than 100, one fifth of the total) and stating the purpose of the Meeting. The Polo Manager shall call a meeting accordingly, which shall be held within fourteen days of the receipt of the requisition. Notice in writing will be sent to all members and nonplaying members. 18. Members of the Club shall be elected by the Executive Committee by ballot or otherwise as the Committee may from time to time determine. Every application for membership (playing and non-playing) shall be made to the Secretary accompanied by the name of a proposer. 19. The playing members will be limited by the Executive Committee depending on the facilities available and to help achieve the objectives of the Club to help young British players and to provide good quality facilities and polo. 20. Within the total number of playing members there will be a limited number of places for members who have attained their 30th birthday by 1st January and whose handicap is less than 2 Goals. The number of these “Restricted Category” members will be laid down by the Executive Committee and will be approximately 20% of the playing membership. “Restricted Category” status will not apply to a playing member who “sponsors” another playing member of the Beaufort Polo Club who is not his child or stepchild. The player sponsored must be either a British player under 25 years of age on 1st January, or of any nationality with a minimum handicap of 4 Goals. The minimum requirement to qualify for “sponsoring” in this context will be one of the following: mounting the player for the season; paying the keep of his ponies throughout the season; or employing him to play in at least 4 official H.P.A.Tournaments in the season. 21. “County” Members are beginners who are Playing Members and pay a reduced subscription to play 3- a-side chukkas on a reduced sized ground. County members are NOT able to play in normal Club Practice Chukkas and if County Members play in a Club Tournament they will be treated as a Non Member, but only for the purposes of calculating the entry fee of the Team in which they are playing. 22. Annual Subscriptions to be paid on or before the 1st April in each year shall be as laid down by the Executive Committee for the following categories (with ages on 1st January). Over 30 years - restricted catagory £2,880 Unrestricted category £2,330 Over 26 - 30 years old £2,330 Age 19 - 25 £1,780 Under 19 £750 Chukka £250 Social member £100 Social member (under 25 & over 60) £65 The subscriptions may be varied at any time by the Executive Committee to become effective immediately, but any such variation will require confirmation at the next Annual General Meeting of the Club. 23. All members will be entitled to 1 car pass (with an additional pass for playing members), a members badge and 2 transferable guest badges which will entitle the holders to entry into the Club members enclosure.
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24. Playing members will be required to pay the H.P.A. annual subscription in addition to their club subscription unless they have paid as members of another Club. Playing members will have to sign an undertaking annually to abide by the rules of both the Club and the H.P.A. No person may play practice chukkas or matches unless they are a paid up member of the H.P.A. and have signed this undertaking. 25. Playing members of other clubs affiliated to the Hurlingham Polo Association will be admitted as honorary members for the Club Tournaments and Matches and as such will be treated as though they were Club members for HPA disciplinary purposes. 26. A caterer appointed by the Executive Committee shall be responsible for controlling the purchase of intoxicating liquor and the sale thereof on the Club premises during the permitted hours. 27. Food and drink (alcoholic and non alcoholic) are not to be sold on the Club’s premises otherwise than by or on behalf of the Club. 28. The hours of opening and closing of the Club and the Club Bar shall be fixed by the Executive Committee. The permitted hours in pursuance of the Licensing Act, shall be as follows in accordance with the Licensing Laws: On Mondays to Thursdays 10.00 a.m. to midnight Fridays to Sundays 12 noon to 02.30 a.m. or at such other times as may be permitted by the Local Licensing Justices. 29. Only the following shall be entitled to purchase alcoholic refreshment and must produce the appropriate badge on demand: Members. Members guests in possession of a current transferable badge. Members guests who have paid the charge of the day. Members of Clubs affiliated to the H.P.A. who have paid the charge of the day. Visiting players in possession of a current players complimentary badge. 30. Members of the Public may be admitted to the grounds on match days on payment of the charge for the day as decided by the Executive Committee. 31. The Club with the prior approval of the Executive Committee may hold up to 12 functions in any year (or such other number as may be authorised by the Licensing Laws) on or off the Club premises where alcohol can be sold to non members. 32. Alterations of these rules shall be made only at the Annual General Meeting of the Club and after written notice of the proposed alterations has been given to the Secretary at least two weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting so that the same may be printed in the circular calling the meeting. The Executive Committee may, however, alter any Rule to become effective immediately until such time as approved or otherwise at the Annual General Meeting of the Club. Any alteration not approved by the AGM shall be referred back to the Executive Committee. If alterations are again proposed an Extraordinary Meeting shall be convened within thirty days. 33. The Club shall notify in writing to the Clerk to the Justices, Cirencester and to the Chief Officer of Police, Cirencester, any alteration, addition or amendment to these Rules within twenty-eight days of such alteration, addition or amendment being made.
B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
Application for Social Membership The Beaufort Polo Club welcomes supporters of the game who would like to become Social Members of the Club and play an important part in its activities. Social Members of the Beaufort Polo Club get a Car Pass, Members Badge and two Guest Badges for the season. Members and their guests can use the Clubhouse facilities on Polo Days with its licensed bar and delicious homemade teas. The Club lays on buffet lunches for members and their guests on several days during the season and there are the Cocktail Party, the Polo Ball, and an End of Season party.
The annual subscription is £100 per annum whilst OAPs and Under 25s pay £65 per annum.
Name (IN BLOCK CAPITALS):____________________________ Address:________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________
Applications for membership should be sent to: THE SECRETARY, THE BEAUFORT POLO CLUB, DOWN FARM, WESTONBIRT, TETBURY, GLOS, GL8 8QW
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TAILORED TEAM CLOTHING
OJPolo was setup in 2009 by professional polo players Kieran Markham and Oliver Tuthill as they saw a need in the market for a knowledgeable and quality service when it comes to polo team shirts and team clothing. Having both been involved in the polo world for the majority of their lives, they pride themselves in knowing exactly what the market needs and expects from both quality of service and quality of product. Since launching, OJPolo has been at the pinnicale of the polo team clothing market by coining the original Emergency Team Shirts; Team shirts produced within a 3 – 5 days. For 2013 OJPolo partnered forces with Tsunami Sports, together they have developed a new quick-drying polo shirt material that has dryfit moisture management systems and antiodour properties, offer teams and clubs truly adaptable and reactable materials to help players play at their peak performance in every game, whatever the weather. OJPolo are proud to be the official club clothing partners with the Beaufort Polo Club for the coming season.
BE ON THE WINNING TEAM
E: kieran@ojpolo.com76 B E AU F O RT P OL O C L U B 2 0 1 4
www.ojpolo.com
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
A quest for the perfect polo pony... Polostudbook has been created in the UK to establish the breed and enhance the quality and value of the polo pony. This documented database will provide the polo world with a valuable search tool for any UK registered polo pony, its pedigree and any vital and relevant breeding information. Polostudbook will prove invaluable to the breeder, owner, patron, player and spor t as a whole.
www.polostudbook.org B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
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La Quinta
Beaufort Polo Club’s home away from home in Pilar, Argentina
L
a Quinta, 100 acres of beautiful pampas found in the heart of Pilar, is the winter base for half of the England International side, Luke and Mark Tomlinson, two of the UK’s leading players, and the brothers who, of course, call Beaufort home during the summer season. Their Club in Argentina has been a long established and well-respected location for high goal tournaments and as a base for both visiting and local players. In the winter of 2011, the Hanbury family and owners of the El Remanso high goal polo team and
polo pony breeding facility bought the land adjacent to La Quinta. Little more than 10 hectares of scrubland, in less than a year, was transformed into a smooth, high performance Tifton ground with stabling built and a fully-fledged base for the El Remanso team in Pilar. La Quinta was delighted to take on the management of this exciting new facility and welcomed the set up to their existing extensive Club. The El Remanso ground added to the four full sized pitches and further stick and ball practice area, stables and exercise track. Having played a season on this extra ground, the Club now is one of the leading lights of the Argentine season. La Quinta also boasts an indoor arena that was built by the celebrated 10 goaler Eddie Moore in
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Nueva Esocia but then dismantled and re-built in its current setting. The Club’s 30 plus members predominantly made up of players ranking 5 goals and above, include Manuel Plaza and James Beim –Luke and Mark’s England teammate. It is also home to several teams and therefore La Quinta hosts’ early rounds of the Argentine Polo Association tournaments.“We are delighted to welcome Charlie and George Hanbury of El Remanso to the Club,” says Mark of the latest development.“La Quinta is sure to benefit from this exciting collaboration and our extensive
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“The atmosphere at La Quinta is not something that you buy or bottle – if we could we’d make millions. There’s a really supportive and excited feel in the place.” Mark Tomlinson, Owner of La Quinta & England International squad member
“La Quinta is a great club. It’s in Pilar, the heart of Argentine polo, but has a real campo feel about it. It has very good fields – it’s always one of the first Clubs to play after rain – and the practices are very competitive and good fun. I really enjoyed my time there and also representing La Quinta in various tournaments throughout the winter season.”
management knowledge will enable us to provide a first class service to the El Remanso set up.” The Club also provides a base for further English players. England squad members George Meyrick and Tom Morley often spend time at the La Quinta set up; whilst other players including Malcolm Borwick and Ollie Cudmore have also visited the Club during the Argentine seasons. Supporting English players is obviously an important factor for Luke and Mark, but concurrently they have been keen to not create a “little England” and welcome a strong group of talented Argentine players who are also based at the Club.
James Beim, 7 goal professional & England International squad member
Winter Highlights This past season’s main tournament was the 16 goal Copa Cuatros Tacos held in early December. Four strong teams featuring well-known players such as Malcolm Borwick, Gaston Maiquez and James Beim battled it out in a league phase before the top two teams met in the Final. Played in the early evening sunshine, the Tom Taylor side faced Enira in a close game, which eventually saw them ride out the winners.“We basically focus on everyone having a fun and relaxed time,” explains Mark Tomlinson.“We provide quality fields and professional umpiring with a good asado after the Final – all to promote a great polo atmosphere.”
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Team Colours 2014 BE OR
F AU T Apache
Beaufort Embryo Transfer
Cuatros Zorros
Cherrywhite
Beaufort
Bullfrogs
Down Farm
FD Capital
Farleaze
HORDEN FARMS
HARRISON CLARK
Harrison Clark
Indubitable
HB Polo
Horden Farms
Inglestone Red B E AU F O RT P OL O C L U B 2 0 1 4
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Irongate
/$
,5
Ladyswood
'
Laird
Neptune
Los Locos
RedX
Renegade
SHIBUMI Rosbif
Shibumi
Silvertown Properties
Thunderbirds
Vampire Bats
SUPERNOVA Supernova
Vipers B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
Zencom
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It was with great excitement that we awaited the biggest US versus UK clash since the Boston Tea Party.
B
eaufort Polo Club has often been tied to historic polo occasions. From founder Claire Tomlinson being the highest handicapped woman player, ever, to her two sons, Luke and Mark both featuring as the main stays of the England International side for over a decade, Beaufort is closely associated with the major events in polo’s past. The Westchester, a celebrated International polo match, is one of the most famous England versus American clashes in the world, joining the likes of golfing’s Ryder Cup and sailing’s America’s Cup. It first began in 1886 when Griswold Lorillard, an American polo player, invited a Hurlingham team from the UK to play a series of matches against the best players in the States. Captained by the ‘father of British polo’, John Watson, the England side won and held onto their supremacy until 1909. In modern history, however, it is the Americans who lead the
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Bringing It Home LUKE & MARK TOMLINSON WON THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL, THE WESTCHESTER CUP tally of victories with a 10 to seven success rate in the series. The trophy was last played in the States in 2009, where an English side featuring James Beim, Eduardo Novillo Astrada (holder of a British passport) and the two Beaufort Polo Club born and raised, Tomlinson brothers stormed the opposition and won the match in Palm Beach, Florida. It was a proud moment when the original Tiffanycommissioned, silver trophy was brought home to the UK. When the challenge was issued again last season, Westchester fever swept through the polo community and it was with great excitement that we awaited the biggest US versus UK clash since the Boston Tea Party. During the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo at Beaufort Polo Club and after a warm-up International Test Match for the England side, American Captain,
Nic Roldan was invited to the Club to meet England Captain, Luke Tomlinson on Beaufort turf. After a charity game featuring HRH Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry, both Captains were presented with The Westchester Cup, marking the day as a brilliant preview of the big event. “I earned my first time as Captain of the England team in 2006 and it is still a huge compliment to get the big call up to play for Audi England,” says Luke. “To be given the captaincy is especially important. [The Westchester] is the highest handicapped match in Europe and it has a large amount of prestige.” For one member of a family to play in a match so significant is an accomplishment; for two brothers to play together representing their country is a feat to be universally recognised. It’s remarkable – although not the first occasion that The Westchester has
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included a brother partnership. Monte and Lawrence Waterbury played together in the winning American teams from 1909 to 1913 – so the Tomlinsons are in successful company. Having won in ’09, they were also odds on favourites to win again in 2013. The Final itself was a fraught and exciting match, surrounded by all the pomp and ceremony you would expect from such a momentous occasion. The Tomlinson brothers combined with their teammates, James Beim and Commonwealth addition, John Paul Clarkin, saw off the opposition to secure another England victory. Presented by HRH Prince Charles, the win will go down not only in polo history but also in the illustrious archives of Beaufort Polo Club. Congratulations to the Tomlinson brothers for retaining The Westchester and bringing the trophy home.
C E L E B R ATI NG 25 YE AR S
2014 is a year of major polo battles and Audi is pleased to be supporting an exhilarating series of Internationals. Watch England take on some of the world’s top players as part of some of the most glamorous polo events this season. England will go head to head with Argentina to lift the coveted Coronation Cup at this year’s Audi International, Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park.
Don’t miss the action this year, book your tickets now.
2013 is a year of major polo battles and Audi are pleased to be sponsoring this exhilarating series.
Saturday 21 June
The Audi International Series 2013 includes the
important and eagerly anticipated clash England v Goldin Group Hong historically Kong in the Westchester Cup plus the former Cartier
Beaufort Polo Club
International. Watch England take on the world's top
Tetbury, Gloucestershire
teams in thrilling matches which are part of the 2013
2013 is a year of major polo social season. email enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk battles and Audi are pleased Don't missto the be action this year, book your tickets now. tel 01666 880510 sponsoring this exhilarating series. The Audi International Series 2013 includes the historically important and eagerly anticipated clash
Saturday 26 July
in the Westchester Cup plus the former Cartier
International. Watch take on the world's top England v Argentina forEngland the Coronation Cup teams in thrilling matches which are part of the 2013
Guards Polo Club Windsor Great Park
social season. Don't miss the action this year, book your tickets now.
email ticket.office@guardspoloclub.com tel 01784 437797
Saturday 6 September
15 June:
28 July:
7 September:
England v South Africa
England v USA for the Westchester Cup
England Australa
Beaufort Polo Club, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park
Chester Racecour Polo
email enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
email ticket.office@guardspoloclub.com
email ljones@chester-rac
tel 01666 880510
tel 01784 437797
tel 01244 304610
England v The Commonwealth Chester Racecourse Polo email ljones@chester-races.com tel 01244 304610 15 June:
28 July:
7 September:
England v South Africa
England v USA for the Westchester Cup
England v Australasia
Beaufort Polo Club, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park
Chester Racecourse Polo
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR KIND SUPPORT
A quest for the perfect polo pony...
TAILORED TEAM CLOTHING
olostudbook has been created the UK to establish the breed nd enhance the quality and alue of the polo pony.
his documented database will rovide the polo world with a aluable search tool for any UK egistered polo pony, its edigree and any vital and elevant breeding information. olostudbook will prove valuable to the breeder, wner, patron, player and spor t a whole.
Charity Polo Day in aid of Hope for Tomorr
OJPolo was setup in 2009 by professional polo players Kieran Markham and Oliv they saw a need in the market for a knowledgeable and quality service when it co team shirts and team clothing. Having both been involved in the polo world the th of their lives, they pride themselves in knowing exactly what the market needs a from both quality of service and quality of product.
Bo sponsored by ARI Fleet UKmerc
Since launching, OJPolo has been at the panicle of the polo team clothing market by original Emergency Team Shirts; Team shirts produced within a 3 – 5 days. For 2013 partnered forces with Tsunami Sports, together they have developed a new quick-d shirt material that has dryfit moisture management systems and anti-odour offer teams and clubs truly adaptable and reactable materials to help players p peak performance in every game, whatever the weather.
Saturday 6th July 2013 12pm onwards Beaufort Polo Club
TAILORED TEAM CLOTHING
BE ON THE WINNING TEAM
Join us for our 8thE:annual Charity Polo Day at www.ojpolo.com kieran@ojpolo.com B • VIP car parking an • Champagne reception w • Polo demonstration the • Three course lunch with wines • Charity auction • Reserved grandstand seating for two matche • Afternoon tea T Est.1898
Individual VIP tickets are £90 per person and a tabl Day Badges available which allow guests to enjoy Mth
ww.polostudbook.org OJPolo was setup in 2009 by professional polo players Kieran Markham and Oliver Tuthill as they saw a need in the market for a knowledgeable and quality service when it comes to polo team shirts and team clothing. Having both been involved in the polo world for the majority of their lives, they pride themselves in knowing exactly what the market needs and expects from both quality of service and quality of product.
All funds raised will go towards Hope for Tomorrow
Since launching, OJPolo has been at the pinnicale of the polo team clothing market by coining the original Emergency Team Shirts; Team shirts produced within a 3 – 5 days. For 2013 OJPolo partnered forces with Tsunami Sports, together they have developed a new quick-drying polo shirt material that has dryfit moisture management systems and antiodour properties, offer teams and clubs truly adaptable and reactable materials to help players play at their peak performance in every game, whatever the weather.
To book tickets, or to make an enquiry, please conta
OJPolo are proud to be the official club clothing partners with the Beaufort Polo Club for the coming season.
01666
BE ON THE WINNING TEAM
E: kieran@ojpolo.com
A
OJPolo are proud to be the official club clothing partners with the Beaufort Polo coming season.
www.hopefortom
www.ojpolo.com
Beaufort_2013_inners.indd 79
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ces.com
B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
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Sunshine-filled memories of 2013
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B E AU F O RT P OL O C L UB 2014
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