The interim president of the International Polo Federation (FIP) James Ashton died yesterday (14 February) following a fall in a 10-goal match in Thailand.
The former president of the Australian Polo Council took over at FIP in December following the resignation of Patrick Guerrand-Hermes.
The English, Argentine and American polo associations had left the FIP in protest at Mr Guerrand-Hermes’ autocratic leadership.
They returned after Mr Ashton, 69, promised a new era of transparency and co-operation since taking over at the troubled federation.
Mr Ashton sustained serious injuries while playing a game at Polo Escape in Thailand last night when his horse came down at speed.
He was rushed to the nearest hospital in Pattaya but never made it.
