Tengoal 2024: Celebrating Polo Excellence and Legacy

TENG AL

MILITARY PAST & PAGEANTRY

DEFINE CLUB

History of the MAJOR GENERAL’S CUP highlights our MILITARY TIES, plus a focus on the POWER OF POLO & all the season’s PARTIES

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CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

WINTER 2024/25

Guards Polo Club is heading into its 70th season in fine fettle. Earlier this year I was privileged to announce that HM The King has become the Club’s President. This is a huge honour for everyone connected to the Club and we are delighted to maintain such unrivalled links with the Royal Family.

In 2024 we played 644 games which I believe is a Club record. We have achieved this – despite an unseasonably cold and damp summer – due to our superb grounds, including the newly laid fields. Our Director of Polo, Antony Fanshawe confirms that Grounds Four, Six and Eight played 100 games each in 2024. This is a remarkable statistic and my fellow Board Directors should be congratulated for taking such a bold step and going ahead with the £3million grounds development project in such a difficult economic climate. I would like personally to thank James Neighbour, our Chief Operating Officer, and Antony Fanshawe for steering through this complicated project so successfully, on time and on budget. Guards Polo Club can now boast polo fields that are the envy of the world.

James and Antony have been superbly supported all year by the excellent office team and ground staff. These teams’ dedication and focus has reaped rewards for all of our Members and visitors, ensuring we continue to create the benchmark for other polo clubs to follow.

Our partnership with our sponsors is equally impressive. Cartier supported its 14th Queen’s Cup tournament this summer and also marked its 40th year of sponsorship at the Club. It first sponsored the International Day in 1984, a remarkable record and we thank Laurent Feniou and the Cartier team for such unparalleled support.

Meanwhile our official clothing supplier La Martina continues to support the Club on and off the field of play. This year La Martina has also been busy promoting Guards Polo Club to new audiences at its overseas

events in India and Argentina.

Two of our major sponsors are key players in the Club’s major fundraising initiatives, which this year generated substantial funds. David Matsumoto and the Out-Sourcing Inc. team not only sponsors the 15-goal Royal Windsor Cup tournament and a Power of Polo event but is also the sponsor of HRH The Prince of Wales’s Royal Charity Polo Day at Flemish Farm. This year’s event generated £1 million for a range of charities personally selected by Their Royal Highnesses.

Meanwhile, the annual Access Bank Day generated funds for UNICEF, helping to build much needed classrooms in northern Nigeria. Of course we could not do any of this life-changing fundraising without the incredible support of our Players, Members and Sponsors, so thank you all.

Our polo is always enriched by the hospitality on offer in the Clubhouse by the teams from Searcys and Richard Corrigan. They create a welcoming atmosphere with

delicious food for all those who come to sample the pleasure of spending a day at Guards Polo Club.

Personally, I am proud to have been a member of this Club for 60 years. I even feature in the article on the history of the Major General’s Cup on page 90 as I was lucky enough to play in the first final of this military tournament.

The Club’s first President, HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, wrote in 2005 that “the story of [this Club] has been one of growth and development”. Twenty years on this great sporting venue continues to focus on these two elements, ensuring we can head into our 70th year with confidence.

Lieutenant Colonel Sean O’Dwyer CVO, DL Chairman & Vice President

HM King Charles arrives at Guards Polo Club for this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Final and is welcomed by the Club’s Chairman Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer and the Chief Operating Officer James Neighbour. Paul Sedgwick, the Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park, is also featured. Image © Sam Churchill

Club breaks its own charity record

HRH The Prince of Wales’s Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup once again helped the Club smash its already impressive fundraising barrier in 2024

CONTENTS

WINTER 2024/25 EDITION

Bringing a wealth of superyacht experience to a new era of luxury travel

24 News: HM The King takes on Club Presidency, La Aguada to host Guards Players & Members in Argentina 26 News: Remembering an early royal visit, Membership discount for the over 75s

News: Impressive charity roundup from 2024 season 32 Last Night at the Circus: The Chairman’s Awards Night in pictures

Player Profile: Shoreline’s Adebayo Karim by Diana Butler

Charity feature: Harnessing the Power of Polo 58 Polo pony classes report from the Royal Windsor Horse Show by Caroline Stern/ Polo Times

Creating everlasting trophies with Inkerman

Our Macmillan Coffee Morning in pictures

Painting the 2024 season with artist Nick Botting

Thoroughbreds In Sport expands on success at Smith’s Lawn

History of the Major General’s Cup by Major Jamie Hayward

Bringing the outside in – our equine interiors guide 102 In the Spotlight – Sarah Fox choses her favourite social media images of 2024 108 Lights, Camera, Whistle – behind the lens with Polocam TV

Away Fixtures – a guide to our reciprocal clubs

Guards Polo Club Fixtures 2025

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WINTER 2024/25 EDITION

Welcome to the latest edition of TenGoal magazine

Our Annual Yearbook, which will be available to Members next April, will, of course, deliver a comprehensive review of the 2024 season, but this issue of TenGoal is testament to the many non-competitive or fundraising events that we also host here at Smith’s Lawn every year. The Club has excelled in its fundraising for a number of charities and we focus in some depth on the work of the Power of Polo. In addition, we have created picture galleries from our Chairman’s Awards Night and the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Our Player Profile also gives us an opportunity to find out a little more about a Club player and this year it is the turn of Adebayo Karim to step into the spotlight. Of course, what ties every feature together is the Club’s Membership, inspiring each other and the team here at Guards Polo Club to deliver our best on and off the field of play.

EDITOR

Diana Butler

ADVERTISING

Erik Norat, Maziar Movassagh

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Stewart Lee

ADVERTISING

Angela Brown

David Hicks

The Mary's Meals team at the Guards Ladies Charity Polo with Agnes Fernandes and Gillian Harrow from Mary's Meals. Right: Riding out to play in the Power of Polo's Change Your Line Cup. Images: Art of Polo/Images of Polo

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Start planning your Summer now

Guards Polo Club will open its online Box Office for the 2025 season early into the New Year

Once again we can guarantee the perfect combination of breathtaking sport with outstanding Clubhouse dining throughout the summer. With the brilliant combination of leading chef Richard Corrigan and our team from Searcys, diners are guaranteed memorable menus that pair perfectly with polo. Members’ badges will be valid for all the polo except the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final and International Day. However, the Club will deliver excellent Members’ ticket prices for these key dates, as well as

exclusive rates for Members across all of our VIP Clubhouse hospitality packages. All the ticketing – for Members and Non-Members – will be available at https://portal.guardspoloclub.com/ However, our Membership and Ticket Office Manager, Vanessa Cumming, is happy to talk you through any ticketing queries you may have. So do email membership@guardspoloclub.com. Our full fixtures list for the season is published in this magazine too so do start planning your summer sport schedule for 2025. S

OUR TICKETED EVENTS (MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS) FOR 2025

Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE

This day is wrapped around two, thrilling high-goal games. With the coveted Cartier Queen’s Cup in touching distance, players and their ponies are at the top of their game in a last bid to reach Sunday’s final. This focus ensures great sport for players and spectators alike. Meanwhile, our VIP Clubhouse diners can experience an outstanding menu, starting with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne Reception. Lunch is always perfectly timed around these two great semi-finals, ensuring diners can experience the very best of the Club’s polo and hospitality.

Images:

Art of Polo, Sam Churchill, Pablo Ramirez, Images of Polo

Cartier

Queen’s Cup Final SUNDAY 15 JUNE

One of the most famous polo days in the sporting calendar, the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final always blends incredible polo with a menu of fine food. Renowned chef Richard Corrigan will be running the kitchen, alongside Searcys finest chefs, to deliver outstanding, bespoke, hospitality for all of our VIP Clubhouse Enclosure guests. Fine dining, attention to detail, elegant surroundings and superb polo are the hallmarks of this glorious day of sporting excellence. With Cartier bringing its own inimitable style to the day, this is the ultimate day of VIP polo.

Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final

SUNDAY 22 JUNE

A memorable blend of polo, pageantry and passion come together for the final of the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup, this Club’s oldest tournament. This incredible day delivers an abundance of equestrian style including two competitive polo finals, a stunning carriage driving display from the British Driving Society and some medieval magic from the Knights of Middle England. Add in outstanding hospitality from Searcys, plus a hint of Japanese style, thanks to the tournament’s generous sponsors, Out-Sourcing Inc. and this day delivers on every level.

Archie David Cup Final

SUNDAY 29 JUNE

As this is UK’s leading eight-goal tournament finals day always highlights some fast and furious polo. Add in some relaxing, Clubhouse hospitality to this already heady mix and our Hospitality Enclosure guests can sample Guards Polo Club at its finest. The day does not end with the polo either, all hospitality guests are invited to linger with a post-match cocktail on the Clubhouse Terrace; the perfect way to reflect on another wonderful day at Smith’s Lawn.

Guards Ladies Charity Polo Day

SATURDAY 5 JULY

This is the Club’s opportunity to celebrate the growing sport of women’s polo. This day brings together the leading lady players in the world in this high-goal final, plus some relaxed Clubhouse hospitality and an opportunity to raise funds for the day’s dedicated charity through some fun and fabulous fundraising. Add in a bespoke, pop-up retail village on the La Martina Lawn and some informal food outlets and day delivers chic hospitality and retail therapy, wrapped around plenty of spirited polo.

The HPA’s International Day

SATURDAY 26 JULY

This day delivers international polo at its very best. This is the Hurlingham Polo Association’s showcase event for the England Polo Team and, although the visiting nation is yet to be announced, everyone is already guaranteed a great day of sport with fierce, competitive play across six thrilling chukkas. With substantial discounts for Guards Polo Club Members on tickets and Clubhouse hospitality, Searcys will be delivering an international feast that is befitting such a test match.

The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

SUNDAY 10 AUGUST

The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup returns for its fifth edition in 2025. Delivering high-goal competition late into the season, finals day highlights the very best of polo horsepower. To complement the polo, the team at Searcys will create an elegant summer menu, including a LaurentPerrier Champagne Reception, befitting such a stylish day, ensuring many memories are made, on and off the field of play.

HM The King takes on Presidency role

Earlier this year the Club’s Chairman, Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer, announced that Buckingham Palace had informed him that HM The King has graciously accepted the Presidency of Guards Polo Club. Since that announcement we have been honoured to receive His Majesty on two occasions. The first was a private visit to meet the staff. The second occasion was a more public

affair. His Majesty presented the prizes to the winners of the 2024 edition of the Cartier Queen’s Cup. This Royal attendance was particularly pertinent as His Majesty won the Queen’s Cup with Les Diables Bleus in 1986.

The Club is deeply honoured and proud that His Majesty is continuing royal support for this Club and that the King has taken on the role that was previously held

La Aguada hosts Guards players

by his father, HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh for more than six decades.

In addition to the Presidency, the Club’s Chairman and senior management team will be in regular touch with the King’s office as the Monarch is also the Head Ranger of Windsor Great Park. Therefore, His Majesty will be keeping a close eye on all of our activities at Smith’s Lawn and Flemish Farm. S

For the second successive year, Guards Polo Club will team up with La Martina and La Aguada to host the Guards La Aguada Tournament, Club patrons, such as Elodie Avarguez and Clive Reid, will be in action in this resurrected tournament alongside La Martina Ambassadors including leading lady player Lia Salvo, England international Malcolm Borwick and team patrons Neku Atwodi, and Dino Dhankhar. Each team will also feature a member of the Novillo Astrada family, the founders of La Aguada and the hosts of this one-day tournament. The competition will take place on Thursday 5 December at the family’s estancia in the wonderfully named Open Door. Any Members of Guards Polo Club who will be in Argentina at this time will be most welcome to attend and enjoy the post-match asado. Image: Alice Gipps

HM The King and Lt Col Sean O'Dwyer at this year's Cartier Queen's Cup Finals.

Image: Sam Churchill

Royal presence on the Lawn

Trawling through the Alamy photo library recently TenGoal’s Editor came across this image of HM Queen Victoria at Smith’s Lawn. The caption reads: “The Chobham encampment— Queen Victoria in Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park 1853.”

There is another record of this redoubtable Queen visiting the Smith’s Lawn area of the Park. Her Majesty unveiled The Prince Consort Statue on 12

May 1890. This statue commemorates Prince Albert’s contribution to the Windsor Estate and was “the gift of the daughters of Her Empire” in recognition of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It was reported at the time that the ceremony attracted more than 7,000 well-wishers and guests. Of course the statue is familiar to all visitors to Guards Polo Club as it proudly stands at the head of the Princes’ Ground. S

Membership discount for the over 75s

If you are a Member of Guards Polo Club then there is an advantage to getting older – you may be entitled to a reduction on your Club Membership. So if you are a Social Member who will be 75 on or before 1 April 2025 then do remember that you are entitled to a discount on your membership fee for the coming season. Please contact Pam Manku in our Accounts Department by emailing pam.manku@guardspoloclub.com with the relevant details. This will enable the accounts team to send out the appropriate forms so that they can amend your direct debit. Please note that direct debit payments are taken in late January so do notify the office if you are entitled to this discount as soon as possible.

Archive trawl reveals a visit by HM Queen Victoria in 1853

Below: HM Queen Victoria visiting the Chobham encampment in Smith's Lawn, Windsor Great Park in 1853; Below, right: The impressive statue of HRH Prince Albert at the head of The Princes' Ground. Image: Alamy

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Club smashes its own charitable record in 2024

A spectacular year, raising substantial funds for charity

Guards Polo Club’s Members, Players and its many visitors defied the economic climate in 2024 and helped this Club raise substantial funds for charity.

This is an astonishing sum and our grateful thanks go to everyone who donated, sponsored, attended or supported any one of our charitable endeavours. This tally really is a remarkable achievement.

Not surprisingly, one of the biggest fundraisers of the year was the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Day at Flemish Farm. HRH The Prince of Wales was able to realise £1million which will be divided between 11 charities, personally selected by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Some of these charities’ representatives were able to attend on the day, enjoying the polo and hospitality and

then staying to watch the on-field prize presentations. This is our fourth year hosting this remarkable day and the Club is proud to have played its part in helping HRH to raise such substantial funds for so many deserving good causes.

Another impressive total was generated from our annual Access Bank Day. This Nigerian bank has an incredibly strong bond with UNICEF, working closely with the charity to help build much needed classrooms and support education in northern Nigeria. This year’s event did not disappoint, even though the Bank was grieving the tragic death of its Chief Executive, Dr Herbert Wigwe and his family, in a helicopter crash earlier in the year. Herbert would have been proud of this event – the 2024 Access Bank Polo Day on The Queen’s Ground again delivered a day of excellence, compassion and

community. In addition it raised enough funds to build a further 120 school rooms blocks and take the number of pupils receiving education to 20,000.

A new charity to the Club in 2024 was the Young Lives Vs Cancer fundraiser. Despite the unseasonal, heavy rain forcing the Polo Office to cancel the polo, this charitable lunch created a sunny and positive vibe all day in the Clubhouse and raised more than £100,000. The charity’s innovative “Buy a Polo Win A Diamond” proved particularly popular. We look forward to welcoming the Young Lives Vs Cancer charity back to Smith’s Lawn next year and our team is already planning better weather.

Inset: HRH The Prince of Wales in action on the Castle Ground. Copyright: Getty Images/Chris Jackson

CHARITIES

Action For Children, Child Bereavement UK, Coldstream Guards Charity, Dogs For Good, HMS Oardacious, Household Cavalry Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Care, Mary’s Meals, Mountain Rescue England & Wales, Not Forgotten Association, Place2Be, Royal African Society, Scots Guards Association, SHOUT, SSAFA, The Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Royal Marsden, UNICEF, Wales Air Ambulance, Young Lives Vs Cancer

This season was also the date for the biennial Charlie Stisted Memorial Shoot, with the charitable element definitely hitting the target. More than 20 teams took part in the morning’s charity clay pigeon shoot in Windsor Great Park, while several, non-shooting Club Members joined the teams for the post-competition Clubhouse lunch. The result was a remarkable £39,000 raised which the Club divided between the Coldstream Guards Charity and the Scots Guards Association.

Our Ladies Charity Polo Day, held on the final Saturday in August 2024, was an equally impressive fundraiser, this time for Mary’s Meals. This UK-based charity serves nutritious meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. Thanks to your generous support the Club was able to raise £31,000, the equivalent of 310,000 meals. Mary’s Meals is already feeding more than 2.4 million children every school day and now they can feed even more vulnerable and hungry children.

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, generating funds for Macmillan Cancer Care, offered a warm welcome to everyone at the end of October. Held slightly later than usual, this change of date proved equally popular. The Clubhouse was packed – there was not a spare seat to be had – ensuring that we were able to hand over £7,000 to this wonderful cancer support organisation.

Dogs For Good, a national charity that helps build connections between people and dogs, creating a more inclusive society where dogs play a valuable, often life-changing role alongside people, was again the charitable recipient of our Smith’s Lawn Dog Show. Packed classes ensured a great event, but the best news was that we could hand over £1,200 to this remarkable charity which is aiming to supporting some 4,000 people each year, many with complex health needs, by 2028.

Military charities such as The Not Forgotten Association and SSAFA also had the opportunity to fundraise during the season and our Members’ exclusive visits to the Household Cavalry Barracks and Museum in London raised funds for the regiment’s charitable foundation. We may not be a military club any more but we have never forgotten our roots and continue to support the military in every way possible, on and off the field of play. S

Clockwise from top: All the competitors in the Charlie Stisted Memorial Charity Shoot; Dogs For Good in action at our annual dog show; the Mary's Meals team at the Guards Ladies Charity Polo with Agnes Fernandes and Gillian Harrow from Mary's Meals; a Scots Guards piper; bidding in a charity auction.

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GUARDS POLO CLUB

CHAIRMAN'S

AWARDS DINNER

BRING ON THE WINNERS OF 2024

We closed our 69th season with a spectacular Chairman’s Awards Dinner in the Clubhouse...

Based around the theme of the last night of the circus, the Clubhouse was alive with circus memorabilia including merry-go-round horses, striking, oversized bow - ties, brightly coloured clown shoes and plenty of sparkle. There was even a hall of mirrors on the Lawn. With elephants jostling for space on the tables with bottles of Laurent Perrier, this was a night of fun, frolicking and feasting, the latter created by Searcys. Before everyone headed to the dance floor though, the Club’s Chairman, Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer, presented an array of awards, highlighting the many successes on the field of play in 2024.

Best Team Tchogan

This is the second successive year that Heiko Voelker’s team has won this award.

Tchogan closed the season with five trophies - Committee Cup, President’s Trophy, Duke of Cornwall Sub Final, Flemish Farm Sub Final and the Cottington and Autumn Nations Sub Finals.

Most Useful Umpire

Nico Roberts

Our Polo Manager, Tara Bown, says: “Nico is just an all-round helpful and nice guy.” In a busy office, with the Polo Office regularly juggling multiple tournaments, no-play dates and inclement weather, great support from the umpires just makes their life a little bit easier.

Best Professional Kian Hall

Kian has been in all four UK high-goal finals this season, an impressive feat. He won the Prince of Wales at the Berkshire, won our Tal crest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final, also added his name to the Duke of Wellington Trophy and reached the final of the Cartier Queen’s Cup, the Gold Cup at Cowdray and our President’s Trophy. Kian also devotes time to the Power of Polo charity, taking on a mentor role.

Most Improved Player Rafi Bruckner

who has impressed in all of Elemental’s matches this season. Victories included Autumn Nations – our final

This 15-year-old really has had a remarkable season and has seen his handicap rise twice. In addition to winning the President’s and Committee Cups with Tchogan he also stepped up to play the high-goal with King Power when Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was unable to play.

Best Player off their Handicap: Estanislao Darritchon

From above: Antonio Espinosa, Cristina Gomez; Tara and Tim Bown, Sarah Fox and Alice Harvey; Liz and James Neighbour; Kay Prudden, Michael Webster and Jackie Hatton.

Max, Laleh and Heiko Voelker

Left: Ethan Porter and Sophie White. Above: Ester Macharia and Jamie Hayward.

Left: Mariano and Estanislao Darritchon, Gonzalo Ferrari, Mateo Lalor, Simon Prado. Above: Roddy and Zoe Williams with Mark and Sarah Emerson.

The Club's Chairman Lt Col Sean O'Dwyer and his wife Mary.

Tissy Sievwright

Above, left: Vittoria Schrager and Max Voelker; Above, right: Victoria Meneghetti, Petra Hofer and Enrico Meneghetti; Right: Allegra Giercke; Romilla and Yolanda Arber.

The Guards team

Top: Flora Tyrone, Amy and Josh Clover and Richard Tyrone; Above: Marcos and Emily Vivian.

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Above, left: Rafi Bruckner, Josh Hyde, Lauren Cozens, Chris Bruckner, Suzi and Phil Meadows; Above: Georgina and Ed Morris Lowe; Left: the Heard family

From top left: Melanie and Johnny Hare, Richard Laughlin and Jane Broadbent; Sarah Fox and Jane Hebditch; Nic and Jayne Rumsey; Nikki Keeler and members of the Searcys team.

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SHORING

SHORING UP SUCCESS

Adebayo Karim is ready to build on his family’s polo heritage to secure success at the highest level

ADEBAYO KARIM has clearly inherited his family’s passion for polo. This 24-year-old is closely following in his father Kola, and uncle Tunde’s footsteps on the polo fields in Africa and the UK, particularly here at Guards Polo Club. Distinctive in his green and white helmet and invariably sporting the family’s Shoreline team shirt, Adebayo is not only continuing the Karim tradition but becoming an excellent role model for younger family members to follow.

“I first got into polo because of the horses,” he recalled. “Growing up in Nigeria, we lived next to the polo club and I liked the horses a lot and would hang out with them after school.”

Despite this ideal start, Adebayo’s path to polo success has not been completely straightforward though. Talking with the Hurlingham Polo Association just before he played for a

WORDS: DIANA BUTLER

IMAGES: ART OF POLO, PABLO RAMIREZ, IMAGES OF POLO

Commonwealth Team on International Day in 2023, this competitive young player admitted that he had “got distracted by other sports in my teens”.

Fortunately for polo, Adebayo rediscovered his love of the game during the Pandemic and as he said to the HPA in

the same interview, “I have been playing non-stop ever since”. These days he takes every opportunity available to Adebayo, regularly competing in a range of tournaments here at Guards Polo Club and further afield. Earlier this year he made his high-goal debut, leading the Shoreline team into the 22-goal Cartier Queen’s Cup.

This is the stuff that memories are made of and Adebayo is no exception. “The speed, the players and horses you are facing is something I’d never experienced before,” he recalled, still slightly awestruck by the experience. That said, he is fully aware that this is a rare opportunity, “an experience that not everyone gets to have, so I am immensely grateful to my dad and uncle for giving me this opportunity.”

Not surprisingly, this year’s high-goal debut is also one of Adebayo’s polo career highlights.

PLAYER PROFILE

ADEBAYO KARIM

Below: Adebayo with his parents, Kola and Olufunke Karim.

“Playing against Adolfo Cambiaso [La Dolfina/Scone] in my first game of the 22-goal, I don’t think I slept the night before!”

So has that initial foray into the world of high-goal polo set the scene for Shoreline in 2025? “If we do return to the high-goal there are several things to consider,” says Adebayo thoughtfully. “The main thing is the horses. Playing medium- and low-goal you think you are well mounted, but then you play against the big organisations and you really feel the difference!”

Adebayo is also cautious about revealing too much about his team-mates for next season. “We have some ideas – ultimately it depends on what we plan to play but we do have a few ideas, although nothing definitive yet.

“What I can confirm is that I will be playing in the Arena this winter. I found playing the high-goal this summer, having not played polo for the previous five months, bar a few chukkas in Nigeria, was not ideal. Trying to play catch-up in April clearly won’t work at this level, especially when you are playing against people who play all year round.”

So with extensive polo-playing experience

“Playing against Adolfo Cambiaso [La Dolfina/ Scone] in my first game of the 22-goal, I don’t think I slept the night before!”

already under his belt, particularly here in the UK and in Nigeria, what is Adebayo’s ultimate polo goal? “My personal polo goal would be to just get to as high as a handicap as possible. If I get to play high-goal again that would be great, but my handicap is my main aim.”

Above: Receiving a prize from Nicola Cole after this season's Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup match, played as part of the Cartier Queen's Cup competition.

˝My Dad [Kola] hasn’t played in maybe six years but both he and my uncle [Tunde] are very demanding so you know you’ve played well if they tell you that you have.˝

As Adebayo is an amateur player one of his biggest headaches each season is juggling work – he currently works in the energy industry – with his polo commitments. “It is not easy,” he explains, “especially having played the high-goal this year. We know horses cannot wait if there’s an issue with them and there’s several people to look after when running a high-goal team, so it can be very time consuming alongside work. That said, I also am fully aware that there are far bigger issues one could have.”

Adebayo is fortunate that his family is strongly supportive of his polo ambitions. “In fact we all support each other,” reveals Adebayo. “My Dad [Kola] hasn’t played in maybe six years but both he and my uncle [Tunde] are very demanding so you

“The main thing is the horses. Playing mediumand low-goal you think you are well mounted, but then you play against the big organisations and you feel the difference!”

know you’ve played well if they tell you that you have. My uncle and I don’t get to play against each other much in England, but it sometimes happens in Nigeria and I must admit then there is a lot of shouting at each other!”

These three ardent polo fans – Kola, Tunde and Adebayo – can also find plenty of common ground when supporting their favourite football team. “We are avid Arsenal fans,” admits Adebayo.

Such strength and support from the Karim family – and an inherited passion for the game – can only reap dividends for Adebayo and the Shoreline team. So keep an eye out for that green and white hat on the polo fields of Guards Polo Club – Adebayo can be an inspiration to us all, not just his family. S

Top: Adebayo on the attack for Shoreline in their Cartier Queen's Cup match against Desert Palm. Above from left: Adebayo and Adolfo Cambiaso after Shoreline's first 22-goal game; in action against Louis Hine of Thai Polo Get a Drip in a Cartier Queen's Cup league match; with his uncle Tunde Karim and members of the family on the Clubhouse Terrace. Below: Adebayo Karim v Tommy Severn in the 2024 Cartier Queen's Cup.

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One of the Power of Polo participants and umpire Miles Underwood ride out onto the polo fields at Guards Polo Club for the start of the Change Your Line Cup

HARNESSING THE POWER OF POLO

The charity Power of Polo (PoP) has a long-standing relationship with Guards Polo Club. The pinnacle of this partnership is in the annual Change Your Line Challenge Cup, held during the semi-finals of the Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup. Both events are generously supported by the Japanese firm. To find out more about how the charity benefits its participants, that range in age from mid-teens to just retired, TenGoal asked the charity to speak to some of its participants and partners about their own experiences with Power of Polo. Such personal conversations enable us to learn a little more about the workings of this remarkable charity and how the sport of polo has impacted these individuals.

IMAGES: ALABARÉ, IMAGES OF POLO, POWER OF POLO, GEORGINA PRESTON

Gemma Snell works with Alabaré, a national homelessness charity and PoP Charity Partner

“We’ve run three residentials with Power of Polo now and we’ve loved every second. The impact on our participants has been outstanding and our mission to improve the lives of the people we work with aligns perfectly with theirs.

“The best thing for us is to see someone’s journey, often from never having been on a horse, to learning new skills and starting to believe in themselves. Being able to give our individuals the opportunity to be around horses and play polo is incredibly empowering.

“Horses bring a sense of comfort and release a calming energy, so you relax and just enjoy your life”

ALEC

“I have been privileged to go to two of the Change Your Line Charity Cups at Guards Polo Club and support our participants who are playing. Being hosted by Guards is an incredible opportunity and shows [our participants] that they are valued.

“A great part of these residentials is that

they enable people to be themselves without being judged. Many of our participants have low confidence, but we see increased levels of confidence and self-esteem after camps, and in turn that impacts on their resilience and the ability to cope with difficulties. More importantly, they have fun and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.”

Alec – age 49, PoP Camp Participant

“I was in the Household Cavalry, so I’ve always been involved with horses, but polo is different. You can’t just jump on a horse and play. On the first day I was anxious, but everyone made us feel so comfortable. It’s a special thing, being on a horse, and

Players and instructors celebrate another successful Power of Polo residential course.

“Being hosted by Guards Polo Club is an incredible opportunity and shows [our participants] that they are valued”

GEMMA SNELL, ALABARÉ

I don’t think everyone knows that. Horses bring a sense of comfort and release a calming energy, so you relax and just enjoy your life. They’re majestic. I loved my pony, Nala. She knew I wasn’t a pro, but she looked after me and became my partner.

“I became homeless earlier this year. Life is a struggle. It was really great to escape from what my life is at the moment and focus on something else. The social side of the residential course was brilliant and I loved getting to know the rest of the group and everyone else at the club. There were points when I felt low, but everyone rallied around; I’m not someone who laughs easily but I laughed a lot that week.

“Visiting Guards was special, especially considering my old job. I felt honoured to be there and to see my old regiment on some of the plaques. It’s a beautiful place.

“Being given the Most Valuable Player Award at the end of the week was not something I expected. I find it hard to be proud of myself, but I was at that moment and I got real confidence out of the course. I think we all came away feeling that we had

“If there’s a situation that brings out a lot of anger in me, I’ll think about the horses and it helps me to sort myself out”

JHEMAR JONAS, YOUTH ADVISOR TO POP

Jhemar Jonas - Youth Advisor to PoP and past participant

“There’s a level of elegance to the game, and it’s fun, especially when everyone is trying to work together. Being able to watch PoP participants play and encourage them is always great.

achieved something. Power of Polo gets people out of their comfort zone.”

Jordan – age 19, PoP Camp Participant

“I’d never ridden a horse and on the first day I was really scared. I didn’t think I’d be able to ride and play a really hard sport at the same time. It’s good for the mind and gives you something else to focus on.

“Visiting the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club was brilliant. Seeing one of the most exclusive clubs in the country is a great thing to say I’ve done. There was a real community feeling and it improved my wellbeing so much.”

“Every time you work with horses you learn something new about yourself or about the horse. I feel like every time I come and experience horses I leave feeling better, even if it’s down to just simple stuff like my mannerisms towards people or the way I communicate with individuals in general, it always adjusts a little bit.

“Life is a difficult thing but the way I react to things now is different. In terms of the way I approach situations now, for example if there’s a situation that brings out a lot of anger in me, I’ll think about the horses and it helps me to sort myself out.” S

Power of Polo is grateful to Guards Polo Club and Out-Sourcing UK for its ongoing support. To learn more about the charity please visit www.powerofpolo.org.uk

Left: Each Power of Polo course closes with an awards ceremony.

Last-minute tips before the first whistle. Right: The Alabaré team at Guards Polo Club this summer.

David Matsumoto of Out-Sourcing Inc., sponsor of the Change Your Line Cup competition, joins all the players and the Power of Polo team for a post presentation photo.

YACARE CLAIMS COVETED WINDSOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Caroline Stern reports from this year’s Guards Polo Club-sponsored Royal Windsor Horse Show Polo Pony Classes, where competitors had to contend with the weather alongside some strong equine rivalry

The 2024 Polo Pony Class sponsored by Guards Polo Club at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) took place between rain squalls in early May. The first obstacle for competitors was to actually get their lorries into the quagmire of the Thames-side parking lot. The second was to keep tack and bandages clean whilst riding up to the showground proper. Despite hours of grooming, no sun appeared to show off show-sheened quarters and white bandages were soon obliterated in the collecting ring.

The awful spring also meant that only players lucky enough to be members of the ‘Big Four’ clubs had any polo under their or their horses’ belts by the first week of May. This naturally impacted the standard of shows on the day and the horses’ demeanour, with one competitor remarking that this was the first time that his young horse had actually left the yard!

Judge Sarah Gracey explained that the show had been moved to earlier in the month having swapped dates with Badminton Horse Trials. According to a RWHS spokesman last year, “Due to exceptional circumstances arising from the BBC’s scheduling of Badminton, RWHS has agreed, with the British Equestrian Federation and Badminton, to alter its dates, on a one-off

basis.” Happily, the show will revert to its usual week next year, running from 14 –18 May 2025.

The start of this year’s class was delayed due to late arrivals and no-shows, sending a bevy of stewards into near apoplexy. The increase in time spent in the exciting and unfamiliar surroundings of a collecting ring

did little to help the nerves of first-time contestant Ava Waldron-Knights and her pony, Gomita. Finally, Noah Hyde and Dean Marks sped into the warm-up area, citing traffic from Cowdray Park and promptly dismounted for some high-speed bandaging. The stewards corralled everyone into the ring, where Jack Richardson joined

Main picture: Supreme Champion Yacare and Tatjana Wooldridge with judge Lord Charles Beresford. Above: Gomita and Ava Waldron Knights.

IMAGES: ART OF POLO

regular judges, Guards Polo Club’s Director of Polo Antony Fanshawe and Lord Charles Beresford, for the first time. Jack explained that he had been “roped in” to help judge by Antony Fanshawe after Jack had organised the inaugural Lycett’s International Thoroughbred Polo Championship at Guards the previous September. The three men were accompanied by the immaculatelyattired Sarah Gracey, the sponsor of the Best Turned Out and owner of the local Millwheel Tack Shop.

This year’s class was more of a grass roots affair, mainly populated by owner/riders rather than the high-goal entrants who have dominated in recent years. With an eye on the

clock-watching officials, Antony was quick to get the ball rolling. The class included a good percentage of first timers and he explained to everyone that they needed to provide a short demonstration of their horses’ abilities. “Two minutes goes quicker than you think,” he added.

This year's class was more of a grass roots affair, mainly populated by owner/riders

Katrina Thomas riding Sienna was then invited to show first, on behalf of the Polo Thoroughbred section of the class. Commentator Jamie Hayward told the crowd that the pretty nine-year-old mare was by the great Darley stallion Exceed and Excel and asked them to admire the fluidity of Katrina’s display. Knepp Castle’s Alice Walsh was next into the ring, riding Mabel Black Label. Alice set off at speed from the outset, impressing both onlookers and judges. Alex Webb succeeded her on the five-year-old Tattoo and worked hard to produce a workmanlike display on by far the youngest horse present. Last to go in the Polo Thoroughbred class was Cowdray’s Noah Hyde riding the lovely

Michaela Weber and Laucha. Opposite: Sienna and Katrina Thomas

Baronesa and Olivia Whittle

Kate Lindsay-Flynn and Clarita

Antony Fanshawe putting a pony through its paces

Joy; a dark bay mare owned by Amelia Barfoot. The 10-year-old mare is the progeny of another leading Darley stallion, Equiano. She caught the judges’ eyes with an agile and controlled performance.

Antony then called forward Ava WaldronKnights and Gomita as the first of the six entrants in the Polo Pony Class, sponsored by Guards Polo Club. Jamie told spectators that the pony was aged seven and her rider just 10-years-old as the neat little Argentine mare whizzed around the ring under Ava’s guidance. She was followed by Olivia Whittle and Baronesa, another nice-looking Argentine mare. During Olivia’s show, the commentator invited the crowd to “translate

“I love [Yacare] so much. He has played in the Argentine Open... and yet he really looks after me”

TATJANA WOOLDRIDGE

all these movements onto the field of play,” which they found informative.

Next up was Dean Marks riding Peter Barfoot’s Mojito. Jamie told the spectators that the smart looking mare was aged 10 and her rider aged 47. The Maiz Dulce team manager and his mount combined to produce a slick and eye-catching display.

Michaela Weber then brought in her own. immaculately turned out grey Laucha and showed off the handy and obliging pony with aplomb. Laucha and Michaela were in fact the only returning competitors from last year’s class. After Michaela came Guards Polo Club’s own Kate Lindsay-Flynn riding the pretty palomino Clarita.

The last of the day’s 10 competitors was Twelve Oaks’s Tatjana Wooldridge riding Joaquin Pittaluga’s 14-year-old bay gelding, Yacare. Tatty produced a fluid display on the well-bred pony and Antony decided that this was to be the first pony he wanted to try for himself.

Whilst watching the judge pilot her horse expertly around the ring, Tatty said that she had really enjoyed her first foray into polo pony showing. “I love that horse so much,” she continued. “He has played in the

Argentine Open and has such a light mouth and yet he really looks after me. I rode him last year in the Royal Berkshire Polo Club Festival of Polo and we won the tournament.” Antony next climbed aboard Mojito. Her rider Dean Marks remarked that the mare should go well for the judge, having played 12-goal the previous day. The three judges then elected that Antony should trial just one of the Thoroughbred entrants, Joy. Her rider, Noah Hyde, was confident that the judge would enjoy the ride. “Joy is the type of pony you bring out in the last chukka,” said her pilot. Noah credited Pedro Harrison for having originally made the mare. Aged just 18, Noah is a full-time player for Maiz Dulce. The riding trial made up the judges’ minds for them and they duly gave first place to Joy out of the four polo Thoroughbreds, followed by Mabel Black Label, Sienna and Tattoo. For the polo ponies, Yacare was placed first, followed by Mojito, Clarita, Laucha, Gomita and Baronesa. Joy and Mojito were deemed jointly to be the Best Turned Out by Sarah Gracey. Finally, Yacare was awarded the prize for Supreme Champion across both classes and Joy named as Reserve Champion.

All prizes were presented by Lord Charles Beresford, whose late uncle, Lord Patrick Beresford, inaugurated the polo pony show class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1959. S

This article was first published in Polo Times in June 2024.

Alex Webb and Tattoo

Ava Waldron Knights and Gomita

Mabel Black Label and Alice Walsh

RESULTS

Section A: Polo Thoroughbred

1st Joy (ridden by Noah Hyde and owned by Amelia Barfoot)

2nd Mabel Black Label (ridden and owned by Alice Walsh)

3rd Sienna (ridden and owned by Katrina Thomas)

4th Tattoo (ridden and owned by Alexander Webb)

Section B: Polo Pony

1st Yacare (ridden by Tatjana Wooldridge and owned by Joaquin Pittaluga)

2nd Mojito (ridden by Dean Marks and owned by Peter Barfoot

3rd Clarita (ridden and owned by Kate Lindsay-Fynn

4th Laucha (ridden and owned by Michaela Weber

5th Gomita (ridden by Ava Waldron-Knights and owned by Paul Knights

6th Baronesa (ridden and owned by Olivia Whittle)

Supreme Champion Yacare

Reserve Champion Joy Best Turned Out Joy & Mojito

Clockwise from above: Championship runner up Joy and Noah Hyde; Best Turned Out Joy and Mojito with Sarah Gracey; Supreme Champion Yacare ridden by Tatjana Wooldridge; The judges - Antony, Sarah Gracey, Charles Beresford, Jack Richardson.

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Inkerman creates stunning replicas of leading sporting trophies, ensuring victors can keep hold of their winning silverware long after the cup has been handed on

Many leading sporting trophies are perpetual – meaning that the winner can only keep their iconic silverware for a year or until the trophy is next played for. Handing back such a prized possession is never easy but Inkerman can ease the pain. This leading creator of sporting trophies and prizes, including here at Guards Polo Club, can make equally eye-catching replicas too.

Every year Inkerman is asked to make replicas of many original trophies and awards. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is just one of many prestigious trophies that the talented team has reproduced over the years. The request might come from a team or a syndicate, ensuring every member has a chance to keep their own memento of success. However these trophies don’t have to be exact replicas. They can be made to the exact size, but

Inkerman can also create smaller versions.

Of course the original trophy, if historic or delicate, needs to be preserved and carefully handled. This naturally can be difficult in victorious moments of celebrations. The FA (Football Association) Cup is a great example of where restoration work was needed. Eventually the wear and tear resulted in a new trophy having to be made which was heavier and more durable.

Inkerman’s replica trophies are crafted by the same team of master silversmiths who care for the perpetual trophies. Using only the finest materials, the replicas are made by hand to similarly exacting standards.

To guarantee that a replica trophy is indistinguishable from the original, Inkerman first obtains hi-res design images – or maybe even the original

Main picture: The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Cup and its equally striking replica. Far Left: Sam Twiston-Davies with trainer Paul Nicholls after winning the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase in 2019 with Clan Des Obeaux.

On its journey to creation, the replica trophy will progress through eight different stages of craftsmanship, including annealing and spinning of the silver, chasing, engraving, applied decoration and polishing.

trophy – from the client. This enables the team to calculate the exact measurements and dimensions. Given the complexity of making a replica, it may take three months or more. On its journey to creation, the replica trophy will progress through eight different stages of craftsmanship, including annealing and spinning of the silver, chasing, engraving, applied decoration and multiple polishings.

These days trophies come in many forms – using traditional materials and techniques from hundreds of years ago to more modern craftsmanship and

manufacturing, using contemporary sustainable materials. In addition, clients may have to comply with current rules and regulations for their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

Inkerman is an expert in the trophy and awards market, having 28 years of experience and a extensive knowledge of design and manufacture. The company works closely with every client to fulfil its budgets and design brief on each project, advising them of the pros and cons of materials and designs. Sometimes what the client wants is not always viable and

then Inkerman can advise on alternatives. Recently the company has seen an increase in 3D printed trophies and that in itself needs much careful consideration and guidance, ensuring that the end result will last the test of time and there is no compromise on quality.

The company also encourages its clients to consider a green alternative by using an antique trophy. This again ticks the CSR box as well as giving a second life to some beautifully crafted trophies, several of which would be impossible to re-create today due to the decline in skilled craftsmen throughout the country. S

To find out more about the work of Inkerman and its replica trophies go to www.inkerman.co.uk

Above: The Cheltenham Gold Cup and its replica. Below: The original National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup and a replica

The Beretta SO10 is probably the most modern, beautiful and well-built sidelock available. As a true sidelock it has no pins or screws to interrupt the engravers canvas. Made by master gunmakers in Gardone VT and embellished by the most skilled engravers in the World.

THE SO10EELL 20G FEATURED ABOVE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE BERETTA GALLERY WHERE YOU WILL FIND AN UNRIVALLED SELECTION OF BERETTA PREMIUM MODELS IN THE HEART OF LONDON’S WEST END.

STEEL SHOT READY

SUPERIOR

The Club Chairman, Lt Col Sean O'Dwyer with Tissy Sievwright and Major Jamie Hayward during the Macmillan Coffee Morning Clubhouse auction.

CLUB CUPPAS RAISE CASH!

The Clubhouse became the go-to destination for coffee and cake at the end of October, thanks to the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning

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There was not an empty chair to be had as Members and the wider community flocked to the Club to help support our take on Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of the UK's leading cancer support charity. Thanks to the incredibly generous support of our Members, Players, Sponsors and Supporters of the Club we raised £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care. The Club welcomed a range of niche retailers to the event as well, giving added value to all of our visitors.

The Clubhouse Terrace and Stick Room was filled with gorgeous stands selling luxury candles, handbags, scarves, jewellery, paintings and objet d'art. During the event Major Jamie Hayward worked his magic and encouraged everyone to dig deep for the live auction, while the Guards team

A special mention must go to Sue Smith, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the day to ensure this event delivered to all

were on hand to encourage everyone to take part in the silent auction, raffle and tombola. A special mention must go to Sue Smith, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the day to ensure this event delivered to all. A big thank you to Nick Hebditch too, who created another outstanding, Macmillan cake. This was raffled off at the end of the event, with David Byrne securing the top bid. S

WITH GRATEFUL THANKS TO...

Elizabeth Armstrong, Aurelian Fine Jewellery, Black Hound, Stuart Butchart, Mindi Byrne, Sam Draycott, Agnes Fernandes, Mozes Fernandes, Patrick Fullerton, Fushia Design, Gillian Harrow, Major Jamie Hayward – commentary, Nick Hebditch, Wendy Hunt, Images of Polo, Inkerman, La Maison, La Martina , Moody Tom, Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer, Terry Pendry, Tony Ramirez, Clive Reid, Paul Roberts, Sarai London, Julia Slyfield-Brown, Sue Smith, Lisa Talbot , TGI Sport, Tropic Skincare, Heather Tykiff, Denise Vincent, Martyn Walshe, Michael Webster

GUARDS POLO CLUB TENGOAL

PAINTING A SEASON

The artist Nick Botting made a welcome return to Guards Polo Club this summer, bringing light and colour to his many works of the season

IMAGES: NICK BOTTING, SAM CHURCHILL

Guards Polo Club was delighted to welcome Nick Botting, our Artist In Residence, back to the Club for the 2024 season. Nick could often be seen at Smith’s Lawn during the summer months, discreetly setting up his easel in key vantage points so that he could portray those moments that perfectly highlight the essence of our favourite polo club.

Nick’s final visit of the season was to record the appearance of the late Queen’s beloved riding pony Carltonlima Emma to the Club on the second anniversary of Her Majesty’s death. This painting is still a work in progress but Nick’s sketches, which are featured on the following pages, not only capture the essence of this pony and her groom, Terry Pendry, but emphasise the artist’s way of working. Creating individual moments before bringing them together in one cohesive piece.

In addition to portraying the polo action and social interaction on the Lawn, our Clubhouse hospitality guests had exclusive access to view a collection of Nick’s paintings during the Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals and Final. These artworks adorned the walls of the Clubhouse Marquee, not only

creating the perfect backdrop for our VIP diners but enhancing the elegant, summer vibe throughout the marquee.

Last year Members were also invited to an exclusive, private view of Nick’s equestrian works, including a substantial number of paintings of Guards Polo Club, at the Portland Gallery in St James’s, London. Our Membership team is hoping to partner with Nick again to host a second exhibition for Club Members, this time in our Clubhouse, at the beginning of the 2025 season.

Nick is no stranger to sporting arenas though. In addition to his role at Guards Polo Club, Nick has been the official artist to an England cricket test tour and was commissioned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to paint HM Queen

Elizabeth II for Lord’s Cricket Ground. This artist, who specialises in “plein air” painting, was similarly commissioned by the Football Association (FA) to record the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007.

Nick has a particular ability to capture the energy of sporting events in paint. He can create a lasting record of an occasion that is usually over in just an hour or two.

This talented artist’s paintings are regularly shown at solo exhibitions at the Portland Gallery and his commissions are in collections including those of Lord Salisbury and The Duchy of Lancaster. For more information about the artist’s work please go to https://portlandgallery.com/ artists/33-nick-botting/works/ S

The Park Place ponies in the pony lines at the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final. Oil on a panel. 10” x 20” –£3,000 (+VAT)

The two teams (TTR Sotheby’s & Polo Performance) prepare to play in the final of the Guards Ladies Charity Polo Tournament. Oil on panel. 10” x 12” – £2250 (+ VAT)

Looking across to the Royal Box with a display of Ferraris on the polo field on the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Final. Oil on canvas. 14” x 18” – £3,350 ( +VAT)

Vladimir Asinovsky and friends at the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final. Oil on canvas.16” x 18” – £3,600 (+VAT)

Nick’s sketches capture the essence of HM Queen Elizabeth ll's riding pony Carltonlima Emma and her groom, Terry Pendry.

Thoroughbred chukkas on The Duke's Ground

THOROUGHBREDS SHINE THROUGH THE RAIN

The second Lycetts Thoroughbreds in Sport polo competition continues to impress and this year offers added value to both players and polo pony owners

IMAGES: VANESSA TAYLOR

Asuccessful second edition of the Lycetts Thoroughbreds in Sport polo competition took place at Guards Polo Club in early July. Some 38 thoroughbreds competed across three classes. The show was followed by some exhibition chukkas by the thoroughbreds on The Duke’s Ground. The day, which attracted many spectators despite some unseasonal, torrential rain, concluded with a thoroughbred polo pony auction and supper in the Clubhouse.

The entries in each class were tested for their agility and temperament for polo. The judges, including David Woodd, Henry Brett, David Morley and Ross Ainsley, were looking for those Thoroughbreds that have the potential to become successful polo ponies. As the Thoroughbred in Sport competition’s founder Jack Richardson reiterated before the competition started: “Ex racehorses make amazing polo ponies as they offer speed, intelligence, bravery and versatility.”

The first class was for the three-year-olds, sponsored by Billy Jackson Stops JS Bloodstock Consultancy. Nine entries battled the wet conditions but delivered top-quality performances. The winner was Marmalade,

a non-runner in racing, but victorious in this class. By Twilight Son out of Falling Angel, this mare is owned and was shown by Jack Richardson, highlighting this professional player’s own passion for thoroughbreds in polo. Marmalade emphasised her ability by

posting the quickest time in the Tally Ho Time Trial, winning her the first prize of £2,000. Second place was awarded to Fabio Lavinia’s Likelady by Saxon Warrior. Imminent Victory by Oasis Dream, owned by Katrina Thomas, collected third spot.

Juan Cruz Benoit puts a UAE pony through its paces

Chukkas in the rain

Jack Richardson takes Marmalade through the course

˝This competition brings together the thoroughbred and polo worlds with greater consistency˝

PIERS PLUNKETT

The four-year-old class

Next up was the four-year-old class, supported by Moigne Combe Stud. Tommy Beresford’s Flower by Arcadio out of Princess Lara took the honours here. Twelve horses had competed but Flower impressed with her exceptional polo schooling ability. Add in a third-place finish in the time trial and it was enough to ensure victory for this unraced mare. Dart Bloodstock Polo Stud’s Dante Star by Dandy Man took the second spot. Meanwhile, Casa Lilly, another entrant owned by the UAE Polo Team, finished third.

The final class, the largest of the day, was for the five- and six-year-olds. Sponsored by the Japanese Racing Authority, the winner received £4,000. This prize-money went to the UAE Polo Team’s Violeta. Shown by Juan Cruz Benoit, this unraced mare won thanks to some exceptional agility and balance in both the show and time trial. The runner-up was Richard Blake Thomas’s Dark Alibi by Dandyman. As this class was bigger the judges pulled both third and fourth places too. Third was given to Pedro Harrison’s

Chattatonga Girl, who was later sold in the auction for £30,000. The Earl of Tyrone’s Alice Diamond by Dawn Approach finished fourth.

After all the classes were completed the judges came together to decide on the ultimate show champion. This was awarded to the four-year-old class winner Flower. Tommy was presented with a further £1,000 from Lycetts Insurance and a bespoke, MVP saddle from Ainsley Saddlery.

Seven horses then proceeded to the auction, with each pony successfully selling.

The first lot was the five-year-old Enyas Light, owned by Dart Bloodstock Polo Stud. She was sold for £24,000. Pedro Harrison’s Chattatonga Girl was next to go under the hammer. This five-year-old was sold to Jack

Flower impressed with exceptional polo schooling ability

Richardson for £30,000.

The six-year-old Rainbow Dash, owned by Daniel Loe, was also sold. This mare by Poet’s Voice, who has already played polo up to two goals, went for £9,000. Meanwhile, Milo Manton’s Princess Luna, a four-year-old by Prince of Lir, reached £14,000. Another Milo Manton pony, the three-year-old Vanity, was bought by Tommy Beresford for £6,000. Two lots owned by Richard Blake Thomas were sold on this day too. The four-year-old Capofan by Gutaifan realised £7,000. Meanwhile, the four-year-old grey, Knowwhattimeanharry, by Havanah Grey, was sold for £7,000.

There was a real buzz in the Clubhouse during the auction and continued throughout supper. The event was clearly another success for Jack Richardson and the Thoroughbred in Sport team, with Piers Plunkett of Lycett Insurance, perfectly summing up the event’s importance: “This competition brings together the thoroughbred and polo worlds with greater consistency.” S

Tommy Beresford and Ross Ainsley with the winning saddle

Piers Plunkett and Milo Manton

The five- to six-year-olds

Judging

Matt Perry and David Morley

RESULTS

Three-Year-Old Class

1. Marmalade (Twilight Son x Falling Angel) Owned by Jack Richardson

2. Likelady (Saxon Warrior x It’s All For Luck) Owned by Fabio Lavinia

3 Imminent Victory (Oasis Dream x Lady of Shallot) Owned by Katrina Thomas

Four-Year-Old Class

1. Flower (Arcadio x Princess Lara) Owned by Tomas Beresford

2. Dante Star (Dandy Man x Shesastar) Owned by Dart Bloodstock Polo Stud

3 Casa Lilly (Casamento x Star Lily) Owned by the UAE Polo Team

Five- and Six-Year-Old Class

1. Violeta (Malinas x Bean Ki Moon) Owned by the UAE Polo Team

2. Dark Alibi (Dandyman x Joyce Compton) Owned by Richard Blake Thomas

3. Chattatonga Girl (Highland Reel x Gabardine) Owned by Pedro Harrison

4. Alice Diamond (Dawn Approach x Elouges) Owned by the Earl of Tyrone

Top: Tommy Beresford with Flower winner of the 4 y o class and overall show champion; Middle: Jack Richardson and Marmalade winning 3yo class; Bottom: Piers Plunkett presents a cheque to the UAE team for five- and six-year old class winner Violeta

MILITARY MIGHT ON THE FIELD OF PLAY

Major Jamie Hayward, winner of the Major General’s Cup a record seven times, reflects on the history of this military silverware

The Major General’s Cup has much provenance and the trophy itself is the oldest in the Club. Whilst The Queen’s Cup and The Royal Windsor Cup are the most prestigious and oldest tournaments, dating back to 1960 and 1955 respectively, the oldest tournaments that the Club hosts, the Inter Regimental and the Varsity match, both dating back to the 1870s, are not actually owned by Guards Polo Club.

The original Challenge Cup was presented in 1901 by Col Horace Ricardo, Commanding Grenadier Guards. It was won by the Irish Guards three times consecutively from 1902-1904 and thus became the property of that regiment. A replacement Polo Challenge Cup was then presented by Col Vesey Dawson, Commanding Irish Guards, to the Brigade of

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Guards. This cup was, in turn, presented to the Household Brigade Polo Club (as Guards Polo Club was originally known) in 1955 and became the Smith’s Lawn Challenge Cup. The final iteration of this trophy occurred in 1986 when it became the Major General’s Cup and it has been played annually ever since, apart from the foot and mouth year of 2001 when the Club was closed.

Although Guards Polo Club was founded in 1955 as an almost exclusively military

The original Challenge Cup was presented in 1901

sporting club, the rise of professionalism in the sport and the exigencies of military duty combined to make it difficult for military players to play competitively on the Club’s main fields by the 1980s. So Lt Col Julian Lancaster, Vice Chairman of the Club and Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards in Hounslow, resurrected the dormant trophy as the Major General’s Cup with the specific intention of enabling military players the opportunity to play on The Queen’s Ground (then Ground 1) on finals day. At the time, there was no tournament polo played below the six-goal level and so the Major General’s was the only opportunity for many military players to play competitively, let alone compete on The Queen’s Ground. It was initially played for in the middle of August and marked the end of the polo

The first Major General's Final at Guards Polo Club featuring the winning Life Guards team (Major Peter Hunter, 2nd Lt Rupert Mackenzie-Hill, Capt Charlie Graham and Capt Milo Watson) and the Foot Guards squad (Lt Col Julian Lancaster, Brigadier Jonny Ricketts, Major David de Stacpoole and Lt Col Sean O'Dwyer, our current Chairman).

The Major General's Cup in front of the Guards Polo Club Royal Box.

season for the Club’s military players. It was subsequently moved to the first weekend in September by Charlie Stisted, the Club’s Chief Executive, in the early 2000s because it was proving increasingly difficult to get a Major General to present the cup in August – they were always on holiday!

In those early years the Major General’s tournament was a memorable affair. Usually 12 teams were playing, all the visiting ponies stayed at Flemish Farm for the weekend and the players and grooms party was invariably a night of risqué revelry in the Clubhouse! It was quite a sight to see the ponies being walked from Flemish Farm to the Club through Windsor Great Park to play – up to 150 in total. In the first years the teams were exclusively military, as before the 1992 Options for Change military strategy, the Army was 2½ times its current size. As such, besides the Life Guards, Blues & Royals, Household Division and Footguards’ home teams, there were also two teams each from Colchester Garrison and Tidworth Polo Club, plus teams from the Line Cavalry, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Territorial Army and even the British Army of the Rhine.

It was quite a sight to see the ponies being walked through Windsor Great Park to play

Although the Cup remained predominantly military in those early days, visiting civilian teams from Germany and the Netherlands also played. As the military presence in polo reduced some civilian teams at the Club started to take part; the first civilian team to win was Antony Crichton-Brown’s The Nutcrackers squad in 1998.

The Major General’s Cup can be rightly proud of being a spawning ground for future English professionals. Jack Richardson won at the age of 10 in 2002, Tom Brodie in 2011 and Max Charlton in 2004, both aged just 14. Indeed Max went on to win in the following three years, making it four victories in a row. This accolade has also

been achieved by Charlie Wooldridge (2017 – 2020) and the author of this article, Major Jamie Hayward (1992 – 1995). Whilst youth has been a regular feature of the Major General’s over the years, the veterans have also claimed some of the limelight, with Major Milo Manton winning this year aged 66.

Veteran success equally applies to the ponies with Mark Emerson’s Chiquita winning this year at the age of 22. Previously Konstantin Graf von Schweinitz’s pony Sombra played aged 23, whilst the author’s Chloe played happily and with relish aged 27 in 2022, 23 seasons after having first played in 2000. That is the wonder of our magnificent ponies.

Additionally, the Major General’s tournament has also been a family affair. Husband and wife duo, Antony and Louisa Donovan, won together in 2018 and 2019, while father and son duos Kim and Jack Richardson claimed victory in 2002; Alex and Tom Brodie in 2011 and Matthew and Antony Crichton-

The victorious Army team in action against Edward Horswell's Sladmore in the 2022 Major General's Final. Below: Major Jamie Hayward with Major General Sir Christopher Ghika.

Clockwise from top left: Buglers from the Household Cavalry; a Household Cavalry team claim a runners-up trophy in 2023; Lost Boys v Hackett Army team in 2015; Capt Oliver Powell receives the Major General's Cup from Col Jeremy Bagshaw in 2022; Tom Brodie receives a prize from Major General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne in 2013; Juno, one of the Household Cavalry drum horses and Emma, the late Queen's beloved riding pony, lead out the teams for the 2023 final; Louisa Donovan winning the trophy in 2019 with her Los Alquimistas team.

The Mirror/ Libertine team, winners of the 2024 edition of the Major General's Cup featuring Mark Emerson, Alexander Nix, Sarkis Gabrelian and Major Milo Manton.

Brown in 1998. Teams fielding brothers – the Wooldridges (Charlie and Rhett) in 2020 and 2023 and the Pinneys in 1991 have also registered success.

Interestingly, while the military dominated the Cup’s formative years from 1986 – 2000, since then no regular Army team had won the Cup until the Hackett Army team was victorious in 2021. That said, the Territorial Army, represented by the Royal Wessex

Longevity record belongs to Major Milo Manton who lifted the trophy this year, 38 years after winning the inaugural trophy

Yeomanry, were successful in 2008. In terms of the most successful teams, the Life Guards and the Household Cavalry hold this accolade equally with four wins apiece. Individual honours go to Charlie Wooldridge with five victories, Major Milo Manton and Major Peter Hunter on six wins apiece and again, rather embarrassingly, this author can claim seven victories.

The longevity record belongs to Major Milo Manton though, who lifted the trophy this year, 38 years after winning the inaugural trophy in 1986. That is some story to share with his grandchildren.

As an enduring, military

tournament, the Major General’s Cup has been blessed with much pageantry. This has included Household Division State Bands, the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards, Household Cavalry Drum Horses, buglers from the Welsh Guards, lunchtime quintets and most recently, Emma, Her Majesty the late Queen’s beloved Fell pony. Emma led the teams onto the field in both the 2023 and 2024 finals. With such history, patronage and camaraderie 38 years after its inception, Guards Polo Club looks forward to the Major General’s Cup continuing as its flagship military event. S

Top: Band of the Coldstream Guards parades before the 2013 final. Above left: Charlie Wooldridge receives a winner's prize from Major General Ben Bathurst in 2018. Above right: The winning Army team, Capt Oliver Powell, Capt Giles Bromley Martin, Lt The Hon George Cadogan, Capt Tom Windsor Clive, in 2022 with Lt Col Sean O'Dwyer and Col Jeremy Bagshaw of the Coldstream Guards; Below: Major Milo Manton receives the Most Valuable Player prize 2024 from Col Guy Stone, Chief of Staff London District.

Are you ready for your next chukka?

The World Leading Provider of Preventative Health Assessments

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Echelon Health’s Preventative Health Assessments are carried out with the sole purpose of (i) detecting disease at its earliest stage (usually before any symptoms) to maximise the chances of effective treatment and avoid early death, and (ii) to allow their clients to establish a baseline for the condition of their health and recommend an appropriate onward lifestyle plan.

Echelon Health is unique in recognising that no single scanner can assess all diseases. A combination of the most advanced MRI, CT and ultrasound technology, alongside comprehensive blood tests such as tumour markers, means every client receives the most comprehensive results currently available. To enable this quality of service, it uses the best technology. Its 3T MRI scanner and Aquilion One Prism CT scanner are the most advanced scanners available to use worldwide.

“The service they are providing at present is, in my opinion, the best that can be achieved in current practice with existing knowledge.” Dr David Wilson, Past President British Institute of Radiology.

Echelon also has an in-house Medical Advisory Committee, which regularly guides it on best practice and provides knowledge on the most up-to-date medical science.

Modern medicine is about specialism. Echelon Health recognises that the key to providing the best service is to have access to the best specialists and partners.

Their friendly and extremely attentive staff enable every client to experience a stress free, comfortable day.

Echelon Health pride themselves on their excellence in client care. Safety, wellbeing, and comfort are prioritised in their service approach.

Clients undergoing a Platinum or Gold health assessment benefit from the use of their own private suite throughout the day. Offering a private and tranquil base to be used in-between tests and scans, the suite ensures the day of assessment is as relaxing as it is efficient. The suite can be extended to accommodate couples coming to undergo the assessment together.

With a growing number of executive health assessments available, choosing the right one for you and your family can be overwhelming. Echelon Health stands out by offering a comprehensive approach that not only simplifies the process but also ensures top-tier personalised care.

“The Echelon Health program easily outperforms the typical health screen. Why? Because its detailed assessments actually look under the surface to find out what’s really going on and what, if anything needs to be done to put it right”.

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For a confidential conversation with our Head of Private Clients, please call 020 7580 7688, email us at info@echelon.health or visit www.echelon.health

COUNTRYSIDE ON A ROLL

A wonderfully evocative wallpaper, featured here in laurel green, will definitely create a point of interest in a room. Created by Lucie Annabel and part of the Balmoral collection, At The Races offers a calming connection to the charm of the countryside. Also available in warm grey or pine green, this brilliant design is ideal for both horse lovers and those who want to reflect nature at the heart of their home.

lucieannabel.com/products/ at-the-races-wallpaper-in-laurelgreen

£75 per roll

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

Equine style has never been confined to the stable. Designers have long used equestrian motifs or accents to lift an interior design. Many of these key elements are on trend this year, delivering elegance, warmth, an array of rich tones and sophistication to room designs that deliver universal appeal. TenGoal picks out some of its favourite pieces which can bring a touch of equine elegance to your home...

BOXED UP IN STYLE

These gorgeous leather boxes, created in warm, comforting leather, can quickly transform a home. Each beautiful box delivers an elegance without compromising on practicality. The addition of a smart, brass stirrup locking mechanism not only adds to the equestrian theme in a room but brings an air of sophistication too.

theflyingfox.co.uk/product-page/leatherequestrian-storage-boxes-set-of-3

£395

RAISE A GLASS TO GUARDS POLO CLUB

These distinctive glasses have been created by Inkerman in partnership with Guards Polo Club. There are two distinct designs. The first is the Guards Polo Club logo etched into the glass accompanied by a scene of polo players circulating around the base of the glass. The second option is to have the Guards Polo Club Clubhouse etched around the base of the glassware. Either design is the perfect present for a polo enthusiast, particularly if they are a Member of Guards Polo Club.

inkerman.co.uk/guards-polo-sceneetched-glasses

£60.00 per pair

CUDDLE UP WITH A DACHSHUND

This gorgeous cushion reflects our love of the wonderful Dachshund. This particular design, based around the sporting artist Cecil Aldin’s wonderful paining of Turpentine, a Rough Coated Dachshund, is transformed into this luxurious yet comforting cushion. The cover is made from a handmade cotton and linen blend cushion cover and is completed with a luxurious duck feather inner. glazeandgordon.com/products/cecil-aldin-turpentine-roughcoated-dachshund-cushion

£55

HANG A MEMORY

The Club’s archivist, Graham Dennis, has a deep passion for polo. This has led him to create a stunning collection of polo memorabilia, much of which can viewed via his own polo art online shop, Blacklocks Polo Art. So if you have a blank space on your wall take a look at his website. There is a huge range of polo artwork and posters that would suit any interior style. It may even bring back memories of a great day on the polo field. https://www.blacklockspoloart.com

THROWING ON THE STYLE

Head to the Californian-based website, Stick & Ball, for this exquisite throw. It is an original Stick & Ball design, hand-drawn by designer and illustrator, Leah Sheely, and offers a distinct, equine accent for the home. It is so gorgeous it could also double as an evening wrap. Made from 100% baby alpaca for the softest, year-round warmth, the natural yarns are spun and loomed with hand-stitched edges. Available in four different colourways –charcoal & ecru, gold & ecru, mandarin orange & ecru, chocolate brown & ecru. stickandball.com/products/stick-ball -polo-pony-throw

$695

SHINE A LIGHT

A wonderful way to introduce a hint of equine elegance to your home is by strategically placing a lamp. There is a huge array to choose from – be it a single horse’s head in glass or resin or a simple study of a horse quietly grazing. There is even an opportunity to buy a life-size horse floor lamp! We have not been quite so bold here – it was this Spirit 1 table lamp, boasting a bronze patina finish, that caught our attention. tiffanylightingdirect.co.uk/products/spirit-1-light-bronze-tablelamp-with-natural-oval-shade

£169.99

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Our Social Media Editor, Sarah Fox, has picked some of her favourite images from the Guards Instagram account. Some were shared as stories from the photographer’s own account, while others are simply beautiful moments captured by the Club's own photographers sometime this summer.

Now, with the light fading and the nights drawing in, these images are a gorgeous reminder of some wonderful summer days at Smith’s Lawn.

If you would like to add to our collection then please post your favourite picture of 2024 at Guards Polo Club on your own social media and invite the Club (@guardspoloclub) to join as a collaborator. It could be the start of something beautiful...

guardspoloclub

Guards Polo Club

Below: @samuelmchurchill. Bottom: @ultrasophisticate

guardspoloclub

Guards Polo Club

@samuelmchurchill

@theartofpolo

@imagesofpolo

@theartofpolo

Polo Club

Below: @lisabutcherofficial. Right: @PackWalker @Isabella_Charlotta

LIGHTS, CAMERA, WHISTLE

Greg Hughes and Michael Esteves are the innovators behind one of the world’s leading polo filming companies, Polocam. The creators of Guards TV, this company also films our favourite sport across the globe, from Australia to the UK. TenGoal catches up with the duo to find out more about the logistics of bringing polo to our screens

Ten Goal (TG): What is the backstory to Polocam TV?

Greg Hughes (GH): “The company has been operating since 2005 but actually started in the most inauspicious of circumstances. I was working as a polo yard manager and groom but suffered a terrible motorbike accident in 2002. This left me unable to ride a horse while recovering and making grooming difficult. So John Horswell asked me to film a match instead. This gave me the idea that it might be something that more teams would be interested in and as they say the rest is history! Initially we were filming to VHS tape, then moved to CDs and flash drives. Now everything is delivered over the internet.”

Michael Esteves (MH): “ My background is a little different to Greg’s. Before I was introduced to polo work was a combination of software development and broadcast production. My main focus was on providing remote camera solutions, mainly for cycling and running events. During the Covid pandemic Greg was unable to travel to the UK [he spends his winters in South Africa and

Australia] and so Polocam was limited to the number of crew that could be on the side of a polo field. I’d met Greg through some events we had worked on previously, including the South African surfing championships, and he reached out to me. He was looking for a solution to Polocam broadcasting The Cartier Queen’s Cup tournament in lockdown even though he was 8,000 miles away. We successfully broadcast all 25 games of that year’s Queen’s Cup competition as well as more than 100 live broadcasts via a fully remote studio. That lay the groundwork for what we are able to do today.”

TG: What is the hardest thing about filming polo?

GH: To successfully film the sport you must first know and understand the game. The logistics of a polo match are like no other sport. In most places around the world polo fields don’t have stadium facilities which means there are no grandstands or official commentary positions to film from and usually no electricity to power any equipment. This means that everything we need must be entirely self-contained. In addition, polo schedules are usually fairly complicated and very spread out. We will often have multiple games a day on multiple fields across multiple clubs.”

“We can operate quick setup times; essential as we are filming more than 650 games across six countries every year”

MICHAEL ESTEVES

ME: “Being prepared and having effective processes in place at all times is at the core of our operation. This ensures that we can operate quick setup times; essential as we are filming more than 650 games across six countries every year.”

TG: What do you look for when recruiting film crew?

Greg Hughes, founder of Polocam TV.

GH: “I am always on the look-out for experienced polo people who can learn to film and are technically minded. There are two sides to filming polo, namely filming and polo. Over the years Mike and I have found it easier to train polo people to be camera operators rather than the other way around. The uniqueness of the sport, with its fast-changing direction and small ball, means someone who understands the game can pick up filming much quicker than someone who doesn’t know the sport. Keeping a polo ball on screen is far more challenging than it looks from the comfort of your couch!”

TG: Where has been the most dramatic location for filming polo?

GH: “Nigeria – it is so relentlessly hot out there. However, that said, the polo club in the middle of Lagos is a green oasis within the city. The club is incredible friendly and they always want to put on a spectacle for the viewers.”

ME: “Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. If you haven’t had a chance to play out there you should. The Kurland estate is spectacular and one of the best backdrops a polo field can have.”

“The reality is that it is really hard to keep the ball in shot – the game moves so fast and the field is so huge”

GREG HUGHES

TG: Which country would you like to add to your filming roster?

GH: The USA for sure. The opportunity to see the country and capture the different styles of polo out there. It is one of the top countries in the world for polo and I am conscious that it is missing off our CV for now. However we do have an excellent relationship with Global TV, who stream a lot of our UK footage to their American audience and so American polo lovers are already familiar with our work.”

TG: Where do you think filming will be in the next five years?

GH: “We will be filming so much more live and making the most of the increasing amount of new technology that is coming onto the market. The business has transformed dramatically over the past 10 years and I can see it moving even further forward in the next decade. I am hoping that we will expand our relationship with ESPN too. We already work closely with Gerardo Ferrarini and his team on the key events at Guards Polo Club and it would be great to do more with such an impressive polo filming outfit.”

ME: “As the sport grows in popularity, I’m sure we’ll see more technology coming into polo. More camera angles are the obvious

Camera operator Shene Guilbride and commentator Jamie Hayward film an interview with Facundo Pieres; Below: Greg Keating conducts a post-match interview with Jaime Garcia Huidobro.

one but I think it will be about unique perspectives and bringing the intensity of the action directly to the viewer. At the moment a lot of the feel of polo is lost when watching online. There isn’t that same impact as that experienced when watching from the side of the field. I also think we will see more ideas around how we can bring more of the experience to viewers around the world.”

TG: What are the most common misconceptions about filming polo – by both players and spectators?

GH: “The majority of people think that filming polo is easy! The reality is that it is really hard to keep the ball in shot – the game moves so fast and the field is so huge. Even experienced camera crews have struggled to film the sport due to its speed.”

MH: “The trouble is that we make filming polo look easy and so, quite rightly, players and spectators are unaware of all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. There

is a huge amount of work to do for every game – be it two-goal or 22-goal. Add in the complication of livestreaming a game from the side of a field and you increase the difficulty tenfold. It also ups the pressure for all the production crew as there is no opportunity to correct any mistakes in the peace and quiet of the studio post-match!”

TG: What do you do in any spare time you may have?

GH: “In the UK winter I run my farm in South Africa. Time on the farm with family is precious to me so I will take my horses

“I think we will see more ideas around how we can bring more of the polo experience to viewers around the world”

MICHAEL ESTEVES

out riding, walk through the plantation and swim in the lake.”

ME: “While the rest of the Polocam team travel a fair bit during the season, following the sport around the world, my role requires me to be in our remote studio for the majority of the year. So whenever there is a break in our polo schedules, my wife and I take the opportunity to travel. I love a pizza so just point me in the direction of a foreign pizzeria and I’ll be there!”

TG: What are Polocam’ s plans for 2025?

GH: “To just keep doing what we are doing but always looking to improve.”

ME: “I agree with Greg – just keep doing what we do but do it better every year. This year we experimented with some new voices on our broadcasts, plus more cameras on more games, both of which were a success. Going forward we will continue to introduce new voices to our commentating team but also bring in new perspectives for the polo audience.” S

Top, left: Polocam's new studio; Above left: The old studio; Right:Prepping to film a match at Guards Polo Club.

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Maryam Eldursi, Founder and CEO of Questre Couture

The brand has been inspired by my sensitive, noble PREs and my work and life with them and I have reflected this in the finer details. Questre Couture enjoys an international appeal alongside its very British origins, some features of the brand are a nod to the horses and riding tradition of classical dressage from Spain. This is to recognise the horses’ unbreakable spirit and brave temperament and the precision and disciplined movements of dressage.

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of boldness and belief. Fear can play a part in the rider’s journey, and we want Questre women to know that they can be brave and bold! In this vein, despite being in the early stages of its journey, the brand boldy refuses to be overlooked. Our ethos prioritises modest, luxury and enduring style over fleeting trends. We are trendsetters in our space because we have tapped into a niche that has not been broached before

As I reflect on the journey of Questre Couture, I am proud of our accomplishments, but the future excites me even more. In the next five to ten years, we aim to expand internationally while maintaining our boutique exclusivity. We are dedicated to collaborating with luxury equestrian events, creating even more ambitious product lines, and continuing our pledge to sustainability. We also seek to support the development of horse riding in a number of countries, and we are excited to bring our vision and experience to these regions!

Questre Couture is more than just a brand. It is a celebration of strength, elegance, and individuality. When a woman dons one of our designs, I want her to feel empowered, elegant and confident. A classy woman is assured of her beauty, and her allure lies with her ability to command a sense of mystery. We are here to reinforce that women who chose modesty have made a conscious choice; we validate a diaspora of women who demand to be included. I will also be one of these women; wearing Questre Couture with my riding partners; my two beautiful PRE horses who are as much a part of Questre Couture as me. S

˝The

message behind Questre Couture is one of boldness and belief. Fear can play a part in the rider’s journey, and we want Questre women to know that they can be brave and bold!˝

AWAY FIXTURES

A little-known benefit of being a Member of Guards Polo Club is that we have reciprocal agreements with an array of Clubs around the world. Focusing predominantly on those clubs that play when Smith’s Lawn is hibernating, our scheme allows Members an opportunity to watch polo 12 months of the year

Brazil

Argentina

Guards Polo Academy, Coworth Park, Berkshire

Fifth Chukker, Kaduna, Nigeria

Helvetia Polo Club, Indaiatuba,

La Aguada Polo & Resort, Buenos Aires,

Campo Argentino de Polo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

St Moritz, Switzerland

Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon, New Zealand

Thai Polo Club, Pattaya, Thailand

Singapore Polo Club, Singapore

Rajasthan Polo Club, Jaipur, India

Jaipur Polo Club, Jaipur, India

Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon, New Zealand

This club was one of the first to be created in New Zealand, dating back to 1885. It has recently been extensively renovated due to the devasting flood which followed Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. The result is a new clubhouse and an upgraded, raised members bar overlooking the polo fields. The perfect location for watching the upcoming New Zealand Open Final on 16 February 2025. Auckland also boasts two home fields and the use of six private grounds. www.aucklandpolo.co.nz

Campo Argentino de Polo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Known as the “Cathedral of Polo”, these impressive grounds, flanked by mighty skyscrapers, are at the heart of this great Argentine city. Campo Argentino de Polo, known to polo aficionados around the world simply as Palermo, its location within Buenos Aires, has been home to the world’s great polo tournament, the 40-goal Argentine Open –since 1928. In fact the modern history of the game is written on these fields. This year’s Argentine Open Final, featuring many players who are already familiar to us at Guards Polo Club during the summer months, will take place on Saturday 7 December. www.aapolo.com

Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai

This elegant hotel and polo club really is an oasis of sporting excellence and style. Created in the heart of Dubai by high-goal polo patron Ali Albwardy, founder of the Dubai polo team, this elegant venue has been delivering polo plus a range of other equestrian sports for more than a decade. As the club is part of the superb, five-star resort, the Meliá Desert Palm, the surroundings are equally magnificent, with stunning bronzes and eye-catching murals perfectly placed among 64 hectares of lush greenery, polo fields and water features. For those staying in the hotel, guests can choose between a luxury villa with a private pool or an elegant, spacious suite, decorated in an avantgarde Arabic style. Even the non-polo-playing guests can get involved in the sport, with the hotel’s relaxed yet chic terrace offering wonderful views across one of the Club’s three polo fields. With polo being played in Dubai across the UK’s winter months Desert Palm is an ideal stop for sport and some rest and relaxation before the UK season kicks off once more.

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-arabemirates/dubai/hotel-desert-palm-melia-collection

Fifth Chukker, Kaduna City, Nigeria

Fifth Chukker, situated in Northern Nigeria, has strong ties with Guards Polo Club through a shared relationship with Access Bank. Playing members from Fifth Chukker regularly play at Guards Polo Club’s Access Bank Day in July. This polo and country club is located within the Kangimi Resorts, offering an endless view of unspoilt natural landscapes. With a season running from late October to late June –it can offer plenty of great polo outside of our own season here in the UK.

www.fifthchukker.com

Guards Polo Academy, Coworth Park, Berkshire

A bespoke teaching and training service located in a stunning, parkland setting at Coworth Park, just five minutes away from Guards Polo Club. This Academy, headed up by Ebe Sievwright and Phil Meadows, offers a comprehensive range of lessons and training chukkas. For the more ambitious player, Guards Polo Academy is experienced at creating bespoke, intensive polo courses. These can range from a three-hour Introduction to Polo to a tailor-made, full day of sporting tuition. In addition, Guards Polo Academy hosts corporate polo days and beginners’ masterclasses – the ideal introduction to this great game. There are discounts for Club Members, whatever your handicap.

www.guardspoloclub.com/the-club/academy

Jaipur Riding and Polo Club, Jaipur, India

Jaipur Riding and Polo Club offers a thrilling polo experience. It was founded by one of India's leading players, Colonel Garcha, a former coach of the Indian national team. Today it offers both excellent polo facilities and competitive matches. www.jaipurpolo.com

Singapore Polo Club, Singapore

Guards Polo Club has been delighted to welcome several members of Singapore Polo Club to Smith’s Lawn this summer, highlighting the success of our reciprocal agreement. Singapore Polo Club is one of the oldest sporting and social clubs in this city-state, having been founded in 1886 by the officers of the King’s Own Regiment. Polo is played for almost 12 months of the year at a club nestling among acres of lush, tropical grounds. This country setting belies the fact that the club is just moments from Singapore’s business and commercial centre. Like many other clubs in our reciprocal group, Singapore does not just offer polo, but a range of equestrian activities, including competitive dressage and show jumping. www.singaporepoloclub.org

St Moritz, Switzerland

Home to the incredible, high-goal polo on snow – the Polo World Cup – delivering 26-goal polo in one of the sport’s most spectacular settings. The 40th anniversary of this iconic World Cup will take place on 24-26 January 2025, with ponies travelling at top-speed across St Moritz’s frozen lake. This entire area is considered a paradise for winter sports lovers – it is also home to the Cresta Run and some remarkable skiing and snowboarding. Previous visitors will not be surprised to learn that this breathtaking location, situated in the Engadine Valley, on the southern side of the Swiss Alps, was the birthplace of Alpine tourism in 1864. Polo is a slightly more modern addition! The first polo field was laid out in this Swiss resort in 1899.

www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com/

Thai Polo and Equestrian Club, Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya, a city on Thailand’s Eastern Gulf coast and some 150kms from Bangkok, is the location for the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club. Owned by Harald Link, this club opened its doors in 2003. In the subsequent 20+ years it has been instrumental in helping to secure Thailand as a go-to destination for professional and amateur polo players in the winter months. Appropriately for a club that is hugely passionate about the game, Thai Polo Club is also home to leading polo trainer Rege Ludwig’s Polo School, ensuring everyone improve their game while staying at Pattaya. With a La Martina Store on site one could be forgiven for thinking that Thai Polo Club is a tropical version of Guards Polo Club! www.thai-polo-club.com

PHOTO: ALICE GIPPS

Rajasthan Polo Club, Jaipur, India

Created in 1918, this club was originally known as Jaipur Polo Club. However the merger between Jaipur and Rajasthan States in 1957 caused a name change. This club, the newest member of Guards Polo Club’s reciprocal scheme, has an impressive alumnus. Past members have included HH Maharajah Sawai Man Singh ll of Jaipur and Rao Raja Hanut Singh, whose Ratanada team won the first Royal Windsor Cup at Guards Polo Club in 1955. Last year our friends at La Martina hosted an event at this Jaipur club, highlighting the close ties between these three polo organisations. www.rajasthanpoloclub.co.in

Helvetia Polo Club, Indaiatuba, Brazil

The leading polo destination in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil is a remarkable setting as it can offer 45 immaculate polo grounds in some breathtaking locations. With such quality on offer it is no surprise that Guards Polo Club headed to this region when creating its own Brazilian international event in 2014. With a substantial number of amateur Brazilian players playing off seven goals, the visiting player is guaranteed to experience plenty of competitive polo. In addition to some strong sport, Helvetia Polo Club can also offer polo lessons at its own academy as well as other equestrian opportunities.

www.helvetiapolo.com.br

La Aguada, Open Door, Argentina

This stunning estancia in Argentina has been created by the Novillo Astrada family. They play polo at the top level around the world and, to date, remain the only team made up of four brothers to have achieved the Triple Crown – the Hurlingham, Tortugas and Argentine Opens – the highest accomplishment possible in polo worldwide. Last winter Guards Polo Club, in partnership with La Martina, resurrected the Guards La Aguada Trophy at this estancia, giving our Playing Members the opportunity to play on superb ponies in such a stunning location. This year’s event will take place on the 5 December and will feature our Players in action alongside and against the Novillo Astrada brothers and cousins. www.laaguadapolo.com

PHOTO: ALICE GIPPS

Double Rifle

Single trigger Rounded body

Assisted opener Ejectors

Fold-out swivel base Side lever

The Club’s 7Oth season is packed full of incredible sport giving all of our players – whatever their handicap – an unrivalled variety of polo on world-class fields

READY TO PLAY

SPORTING FIXTURES 2025

18-21 April

18 April – 5 May

23 April – 18 May

26 April – 11 May

10 – 26 May

13 May – 1 June

20 May – 15 June

Spring Amateur Tournament (-2-2 goals)

Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy (8-12 goals)

Spring Tournament (2-6 goals)

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Centenary Trophy (12-15 goals)

Labrador Trophy (0-4 goals)

Committee Cup (4-8 goals)

Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22 goals)

Saturday 31 May La Martina Varsity Day

3 – 22 June

3 – 29 June

7 – 8 June

Wednesday 11 June

Sunday 15 June

Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup (12-15 goals)

Archie David, Caterham & Claude Pert Cups (4-8 goals)

Cartier Queen’s Cup Quarter-Finals (17-22 goals)

Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals (17-22 goals)

Cartier Queen’s Cup Finals Day (17-22 goals)

SPORTING FIXTURES 2025

18 June – 13 July Roberts Cup (2-6 goals)

Friday 20 June The Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup Semi-Finals (12-15 goals)

Saturday 21 June Guards Youth Day (by invitation)

Sunday 22 June The Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup Finals (12-15 goals)

24 June – 5 July Ladies Victrix Ludorum 22-goal Tournament

24 June – 6 July Coworth Park Challenge Trophy (12-15 goals)

24 June – 13 July Phoenician Cup (8-12 goals)

Sunday 29 June Archie David Cup Finals (4-8 goals)

1 - 19 July Indian Polo Challenge Shield (15 – 18 goals)

Sunday 13 July Inter Regimental Final and Combined Services Trophy (Open)

15 – 27 July Social Cup (8-10 goals)

15 July – 3 August Crawford Cup (0-4 goals)

22 July – 10 August Town and County Championship (4-8 goals)

SPORTING FIXTURES 2025

Saturday 26 July

27 July – 10 August

29 July – 17 August

5 – 16 August

9 – 24 August

19 – 30 August

19 – 31 August

23 August – 6 September

27 August – 14 September

Saturday 30 August

5 – 7 September

9 – 14 September

The Hurlingham Polo Association’s International Day

Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup (17-22 goals)

Duke of Wellington Trophy (10-12 goals)

Cottington Cup (2-6 goals)

Duke of Cornwall's Trophy (12-16 goals)

Guards Ladies Polo Tournament (12 – 16 goals)

Flemish Farm Trophy (2-6 goals)

President’s Trophy (8-10 goal)

Autumn Nations Tournament (10-12 goals)

Guards Ladies Polo Tournament Final (12 – 16 goals)

Major-General’s Tournament (0-2 goals)

The Chairman’s Tournament (0-4 goals)

For up-to-date tournament information, teams and results go to www.guardspoloclub.com

n Unique and exclusive winter term academic program

n Located in the heart of the Gstaad ski region

n Outstanding International primary school curriculum

n Small class sizes and individual attention

n Outstanding teachers and staff

n Professional ski instruction - 4 times per week

n A true family atmosphere

n January 6, 2025 to March 21, 2025

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