from the Publisher
Platinum Jubilee British Polo Gin British Polo Gin has launched a limited-edition gin to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Celebrating the best of British summer fruits, this delicious gin includes rich rhubarb, wild foraged plums, sweet strawberries and fresh elderflower, to bring you the perfect tipple to lift in honour of this momentous occasion. Polo Times readers are receiving a discounted price of £35 per bottle (RRP £40) when you use the code PTJubilee at the checkout at www.britishpologin.co.uk So, don’t miss out on your chance to get your hands on the best of British way to celebrate the Jubilee!
Photograph by British Polo Gin
British Polo Gin has launched a limited-edition gin to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Italy & Spain Qualify for FIP
In the absence of England, this year’s FIP World Championship opened up to new nations with the European Playoffs held at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. The results saw Spain maintain an undefeated record and Italy only losing one match, seeing both teams qualifying for The FIP World Championship.
Photography by ©FFP/Justine Jacquemot
As this June issue of Polo Times arrives on doormats, it is with immense admiration – not to mention a degree of awe – that we are all about to embark on celebrations and festivities to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 70 years in any role is simply staggering and it is hard to find words to describe the wonderment to salute and acknowledge that HM The Queen has been our country’s Head of State for seven decades – ‘nothing short of miraculous’, perhaps best sums things up. Throughout this time, Her Majesty has, of course, been a staunch supporter of British polo – initially through her husband, HRH Prince Philip when he began playing polo in the 50s when the newly-weds were first based in Malta; then through her eldest HRH Prince Charles who followed his father’s love of the sport winning most major tournaments and finally watching her grandsons, Princes William and Harry, who not only continued the Windsor family’s competitive streak, but also its unstinting commitment to raise monies for charitable causes. The latter is of course, what polo does so well and so very sadly, this issue includes the obituary of a dear family friend – Major Christopher Hanbury – it is telling of Christopher and of polo, that his two stand-out loves were: supporting charitable causes and watching his family play polo. Combine the two and Christopher was in his element! I first met Christopher almost 40-years-ago, and I can safely say, there are very few who can claim to have contributed so very much to polo in modern times. Christopher will be sorely missed and polo, whilst a better place for his support, all the sadder for his passing. As you read this issue, I hope you will agree that it is great to witness polo – both on and off the field – being so enjoyed, free from the straight-jacket COVID restrictions of the last two years. However, do also spare a thought, for our European cousins who, three months on, are stoically defending our freedom. That the agressors must be vanquished is a certainty – at what cost, is the unknown.
News
Spain had an undefeated playoff record
Keep well and play safe. Nick Hine, Publisher
Italy lost just one match to secure their place
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Polo Times, June 2022
www.polotimes.co.uk