Volume 16 Issue 8 September 2011
ÂŁ5.50
www.polotimes.co.uk
Cartier International
England lifts Coronation Cup in historic centenary year Plus: Going hunting, palatial properties and Pony Club PT p1 cover.indd 1
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Parading for a Prince Patron of the HPA – Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh – was on hand this July to enjoy the traditional Pony Club parade at the association’s International Day at Guards Polo Club. The youngsters received a rapturous reception from the 20,000-strong crowd and the significance of Pony Club polo was then immediately emphasised further still by England’s victory over Brazil. All four of England’s team are products of Pony Club polo themselves. For each of the last 15 years the pony clubbers on parade have been the winners at each level from the Pony Club Polo Championships the year before, in this case from 2010. They are led by the master of the Bicester Hunt and the winner of the Jambo Trophy, which is given to the player and pony that are deemed to be the best combination that both hunts and plays polo regularly. In all, around 40 players and ponies take part, and do so after only a very brief talk instructing them what to do and where to go. ◗ Read about England’s victory in the Cartier International on page 34, and find out what happened in the 2011 Pony Club Championships on page 52 ◗ Tony Ramirez, who took this shot, has been one of the sport’s leading dedicated polo photographers for around 10 years, since he decided to merge his two hobbies – photography and a passion for polo – into one. See more of his work on page 91, visit www.imagesofpolo.com or contact him on 07956 036649 for more information
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Feature
Polo players who hunt
The faint hearted need not apply As winter fast approaches and we wave goodbye to the outdoor polo season, a large number of players take to the hunting field in the wet and windy months. Georgie May finds out what drives them to go, what they love about it and how hunting alone sometimes isn’t enough
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Juggling business and pleasure
s the polo season draws to a close later this month, polo ponies are turned away for their well-earned break and pros fly off to warmer climes. However, some players dust off their hunt coats, pull out their breeches and top up their hip flask ready for a season of charging around the British countryside. Similar to polo, hunting is fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled and not for the faint hearted. So, it’s popular with all types of players across the UK and Ireland, from Pony Clubbers to patrons, who immerse themselves in a winter of thrills and spills.
The die-hards Robert Thame, forty-two years old, is a joint master of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, one of 149 foxhound packs in England. Having played with the Al Habtoor polo team in the low and medium-goal this season, Thame will now be found galloping across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire hunt country on one of his six hunters for the next six months. “In August I had both polo ponies and hunters stabled and in work, which was a nightmare in terms of fitting it all in,” Thame said. “Fortunately I have a horsewalker, which is more valuable than a dishwasher! “I hunt at least three days a week being joint master. I don’t play arena polo, mainly because there is nowhere close by to play but also because hunting comes first. There is more adrenalin in hunting, it lasts much longer and is more unpredictable and closer to nature than polo. “There is a wider cross-section of people 28
Hunting in Ireland tests the bravery of both horse and rider
and socially, hunting is much better. We have skittles evenings and hunt balls for example, which are very well supported. In polo you play your game and then rush off. Although, I do think polo was perhaps more sociable back in the day.” Just over the border from Thame and his hunt, is the Cotswold Hunt in Gloucestershire. Lavinia Black, a zero-goal player, umpire and SUPA representative, is an amateur whipper-in for the Cotswold and has been hunting virtually all her life. She follows Rosie Vestey, who is senior master of the Gloucestershire-based hunt, and whose family has long enjoyed hunting as well as polo.
Patrick Heffron, player and patron of Neptune, a team who play here and in Ireland, is a joint master of the South Tyrone Hunt in Northern Ireland. As well as hunting and playing polo, he also has to fit in a fulltime job, running his urban regeneration and property investment firm, Neptune Group. “I get up very early to fit it all in! I live in Ireland but commute to London – where my firm is based – three days a week. During the first half of the polo season, I play at Beaufort and Cirencester Park and then play at the Northern Ireland Polo Club in June and July. I use August as a holiday, where I do as little as possible, before cubbing begins in September. “The South Tyrone is tough. I wouldn’t dare take a polo pony out – they wouldn’t be able to cope. You need an Irish Sports Horse-type – plenty of blood and very clean. We jump a lot of wire, as well as gates, hedges and ditches.” In terms of the social side of hunting, Heffron agrees with Robert Thame: “With hunting you are part of a community, whereas in polo you can play one season and not the next and no one knows you are missing. Hunting is a way of life for me – I am the joint master of the South Tyrone foxhounds in Northern Ireland and my wife, children and cousins all come out.” Also joint master of the South Tyrone is Stephen Hutchinson. Like Heffron, he’s a patron, playing up to 12-goal and based at Beaufort during the summer. He runs his own business – Tayto (potato crisps). “Most of the business is in England, so I
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Polo players who hunt
Feature
can spend most of the summer months in Gloucestershire,” Hutchinson says. “At the end of the season I go back to Ireland, where the polo ponies are also wintered, and get stuck into hunting. “I don’t play arena polo but we have recently put in a full-size arena at home, in Tandragee, so I think we will start up arena polo soon.”
Photograph by IPC Media
“In August, I had both polo ponies and hunters stabled and in work. Fortunately I have a horsewalker, which is more valuable than a dishwasher!” – Robert Thame
From polo pony to hunter By comparison with Ireland’s tough terrain, in the UK some of the tamer hunts can accommodate polo ponies. Andrew Swaffield, chief executive of the Mileage Company, which sponsors the England team, hunts his polo ponies with the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds, albeit without jumping. “I didn’t have the chance to go out last winter due to work commitments but I plan to go out again this season,” Swaffield, a member at Burningfold Polo Club, comments. “The hunt caters for non-jumpers very well, with routes to go round the jumps. The first time the ponies went out, their eyes were on stalks and they lost a lot of fluid in sweat but the second time they were like professional hunters. I like to keep my three ponies going throughout the winter, as I believe they enjoy the variety and it makes them easier to fitten up for the polo season.” During the summer, Kirtlington Park members Charlotte Harris and her boyfriend Julio Sepulveda take out their Chilean polo ponies on hound exercise to help u Polo patrons Stephen Hutchinson (left) and Patrick Heffron (right) are also joint masters of the South Tyrone in Ireland
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Reports
Cartier International: England vs Brazil, Guards Polo Club
England parties on happy 100th Pomp, pageantry and Prince Philip created a palpable sense of occasion for Cartier’s swansong as the headline sponsors of the Coronation Cup. However, as our correspondent explains, it was the quality of the show rather than the Test Match itself that made this year’s International Day
Herbert Spencer at Guards
England Brazil
Photograph by Jingye Luo
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he Hurlingham Polo Association’s International Day, the world’s biggest one-day polo event, was 40 years old this year and the HPA was celebrating the centenary of its Coronation Cup. So the association’s 2011 Cartier International was always bound to be quite a party. In fact, it was the grandest show staged by the HPA at host club Guards since the Queen’s Golden Jubilee year, 2002. Then there was a record 125 young riders in the opening parade, carrying the flags of all 52 Commonwealth countries, with the Queen presenting the Coronation Cup and the HPA’s new Golden Jubilee Trophy. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, patron of the HPA, presided this year, when England faced Brazil. Upon his arrival at Smith’s Lawn, Prince Philip was reunited with his teammates from his Windsor Park team that 34
won the Cowdray Park Gold Cup in 1969: Lord Patrick Beresford, the Marquis of Waterford who flew in from Ireland for the occasion, and Paul Withers. The prince, unusually, joined 240 of English polo’s great and good for luncheon in the big HPA marquee, beautifully decorated and with an historical display tracing the 100year history of the Coronation Cup. During lunch HPA chief executive David Woodd presented Prince Philip with a framed scroll from the association “in recognition of his 90th birthday and his support of our sport over many years as a player and patron.” HRH appeared most pleased and left the marquee with his gift under his arm. Prince Philip took his place on the balcony of the Royal Box along with HPA chairman Most valuable player
Luke Tomlinson Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Arnaud Bamberger of sponsors Cartier and other dignitaries to watch the traditional opening parade that included a red-coated marching u Right: Mark Tomlinson, riding his favourite mare Hestenel, watches in anticipation after hitting a cut shot to goal, but a general lack of excitement in the game meant not everyone kept their eyes on the ball
Polo Times, September 2011
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Cartier International: England vs Brazil, Guards Polo Club
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Youth polo
Audi Pony Club Polo Championships
Presented by
Photograph Action Polo
It’s been emotional
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Audi Pony Club Polo Championships, Hurtwood Park and Cowdray Park
Youth polo
Exhausted but elated, scores of tired parents and their thrilled children are now enjoying their summer holidays after the usual mind-boggling logistical effort that was the Pony Club Polo Championships last month
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Tony Emerson reports from Hurtwood Park and Cowdray Park
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nother year of economic recession and high fuel prices limited the number of players taking part in Pony Club polo. Most of the reduction came in the older sections, and there were no teams from Ireland or Scotland. But an encouraging sign was a record entry in the Surtees section for children of 14 and under, and branch managers will be hoping they can all continue into the senior sections in the years to come. In the Junior HPA sections, for the first time the umpiring was entrusted to one professional (as happens in Argentine medium-goal tournaments) and this was considered a great success. It is to be hoped that the Pony Club sections follow suit for their finals in future. Asking senior pony clubbers to put something back in by umpiring u Polo Times, September 2011
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Knowledge
Market-leading properties
Rich pickings Unaffordable to most of us, we can still dare to dream, and so Amy Lodowski takes a snoop to discover the properties available for polo’s wealthiest set this autumn
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ledisloe House in Gloucestershire is just a stone’s throw from the historic Cirencester Park Polo Club. Set in 36 acres of formal gardens, parkland and woodland, this grade II listed country house looks terrific with a tree-lined drive finishing with a grand fountain in front of the house. Tall sash windows throughout the house provide stunning views of the gardens, while high ceilings and beautifully proportioned accommodation with period fireplaces all add to its glorious Georgian character. An impressive dining room within the wine cellar also provides an interesting area for entertaining. Thirteen loosebox stables with a central courtyard and stone-built tack and feed room make this property ideal for any equine enthusiast. You could call Bledisloe House home with an offer in excess of £8million. Contact Savills’ specialist equine estate agent
The spacious and welcoming main hallway at Bledisloe House in Gloucestershire and, top, the impressive facade of the property, which is available through Savills for those prepared to make an offer in excess of £8million
For further information with regard to equestrian property sales contracts, please contact Mark Charter at Blake Lapthorn directly: on 023 8085 7116; via email, at mark.charter@bllaw.co.uk; or write to Mark Charter, Partner, Real Estate, Blake Lapthorn, New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 3LG
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Market-leading properties
James Walker on 01285 627555 or jwalker@savills.com More conveniently located for London, Childwick Bury Stud in Hertfordshire offers a rare opportunity to acquire a prestigious and highly regarded property, once described by Racing Illustrated as “one of the most complete and beautifully arranged studs of its kind”. This epithet remains as true today as when it was written over 100 years ago, but the amount of land on offer should also make it appeal to anyone in the equine industry. At an imposing 415 acres, and well located in a very soughtafter commuter belt, between St Albans and Harpenden, the property is suited to any equestrian pursuit. In addition to the main house, the stud facilities and paddocks, Childwick Bury Stud includes a farmhouse, three
Childwick Bury Stud, above and right, comes complete with beautifully maintained paddocks, more than 100 stable boxes, and numerous farm buildings and housing
cottages, farm buildings and a goodsized block of arable farmland. The stud buildings provide more than 100 boxes, located between the traditional main yard (where there are 34 boxes), the yearling and foaling yard (where there are 66 boxes) and between a further four indoor yards. The buildings also incorporate a stallion unit and a trophy room – something to aspire to! Outside, the exceptionally well-maintained paddocks that extend to approximately 192 acres have useful walkways running between them. Childwick Bury Stud is available as a whole or in six lots, with an asking price upwards of £9.5million for the whole. Contact Jane Mynott of Bidwells on 01223 559306 or email jane.mynott@bidwells.co.uk Meanwhile, less than six miles from Guards and seven miles from Ascot Park, Barton Lodge finds itself sandwiched between two of the most prestigious polo clubs in the
Barton Lodge has its own stick-and-ball field and is just minutes from Guards and Ascot Park
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Knowledge
country. Just 27 miles from the centre of London, this house in Berkshire offers the ideal location for any polo enthusiast. Right on the edge of Windsor Great Park, this Georgian House sits beautifully in 25 acres of private land. Eight bedrooms, a coach house, gym and formal gardens aren’t all this prestigious property has to offer. The house even comes with its own stick-and-ball field. The picturesque village of Winkfield is located near by, which offers all the amenities needed. This house is an excellent example of a luxury country house in a prime polo location, and it can be yours for £7.5million, available through Savills. Contact Guy Robinson on 01753 834654 or grobinson@savills.com In roughly the same location, but for those with an even bigger budget, Hanover House is a 17,120-squarefoot newly built property in Wentworth with six bedrooms, including a u
Hanover House, also near Guards, backs onto Wentworth Golf Course
Polo Times, September 2011
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Sidelines Herbert Spencer accepts life membership of the HPA from the association’s chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers
Brazilian Ambassador, Roberto Jaguaribe
Colonel Paul Belcher and wife Sanda
Lavinia Black
Maureen Moseley
HPA lunch at Cartier International Day Guards Polo Club – 24 July 2011
Honours and bonhomie There was a bouyant atmosphere inside the HPA’s usual marquee on the association’s International Day this year, with the 240 guests enjoying fine food, wine and company – as well as the chance to sit in the shade on what was a very hot day. Following downpours at the Queen’s and Gold Cups, the relief that Mother Nature had smiled on them was etched across the faces of Millie Hodges, Lucy Lewis and Amanda Eaton as their table sat down to lunch. Their work was done and, once chief executive David Woodd had presented Prince Philip with a commemorative gift and chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers had said a few well-chosen words, the HPA’s staff could relax and enjoy England’s victory on the Queen’s Ground. w Photographs by Zahra Hanbury, Tony Ramirez and Centaur Photographic
Chris and Nicci Bethell
Christie Brinkley
w Read about Herbert Spencer’s own award from the HPA on page 14
Casper Helmore and Princess Augusta van Preussen
Sue xxx Ferguson and Victor Law
The beautiful Cartier marquee
Susan Harriet and Dan Stevens
Cartier lunch at Cartier International Day Guards Polo Club – 24 July 2011
Celebs provide fine send off
Margo Stilley
In the 27th and final year of Cartier UK’s long and successful headline sponsorship of the HPA’s International Day, dating back to 1984, the luxury jewellers welcomed some 600 guests from the worlds of literature, stage, sport and society. Longtime polo fanatic Arnaud Bamberger, executive chairman of Cartier UK, was as ever the day’s host and spoke eloquently of Cartier’s commitment to the game, with their support next year moving to the Queen’s Cup, also at Guards. w Read the match report on page 34
Cartier’s lunch menu, created by Anton Mosimann
Cartier logos emblazoned the boards around the ground
Lord Charles and Lady Beresford
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Mr and Mrs Arnaud Bamberger
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David Woodd presents a commemorative frame, featuring the photograph to the left, to Prince Philip
Windsor Park’s winning Gold Cup team from 1969 reunited (l-r: Lord Patrick Beresford, the Marquis of Waterford, Prince Philip and Paul Withers)
Flora Richardson and Richard Le Poer
Livia Torres (girlfriend of Brazil’s Joao Paulo Ganon) and Cata Huidobro
The victorious English show off their matching new timepieces
Chinawhite party at Cartier International Day Guards Polo Club – 24 July 2011
Rocking, even without Ronson
Bella Heathcote
The untimely death of singer-songwriting sensation Amy Winehouse the day before England met Brazil on 24 July meant few were surprised when headline act Mark Ronson, a good friend of Winehouse, withdrew from the now world-famous Chinawhite after-party. However, Swedish House Mafia’s Axwell left the revellers more than satisfied with a powerful DJ set that made for a memorable night, as ever.
Andy Wong and Lady Victoria Hervey
Made in Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor
w Pics by Rex Features and Paul Froud
Amber Le Bon and Tamsin Egerton
Poppy and Cloe Delevingne Leon Max and Katya Elizarova Brazilian Samba dancers DJ Axwell
Christopher Biggins
Ready to party Freddie, Melissa and Allegra Stisted release a Chinese lantern in memory of Charlie
Rhianydd Lee-Jones
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Abercrombie & Kent has been perfecting the art of tailor-made travel for 50 years and is delighted to be partnering British Polo Day in Jodhpur this December. For more information please call
0 8 45 61 8 2219 or visit us in Harrods abercrombiekent.co.uk
the Maharana of Udaipur’s powder blue Rolls Royce awaited us. With matching chauffeur.
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