Latest from Horse & Hound in Guards-polo-club

Sponsorship news from Bramham and Olympia, plus more on the latest partnerships

Lucy Elder — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 06:40:13 +0000

Turkish Airlines has extended its sponsorship at Olympia to take on the sponsorship of two showjumping classes at this year’s show.

It has renewed its sponsorship of the Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix and has taken on the lead sponsorship mantle of the Turkish Airlines Speed Stakes. Both classes will be held on Sunday, 23 December.

Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Turkish Airlines is one of the top airlines in Europe and is a great supporter of equestrian sport, so we are delighted to have them on board for this year’s show,” said show director Simon Brooks-Ward.

“The Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix is always an exciting end to the week, with seven of the world’s top 10 showjumpers competing at Olympia last year.”

Equi-Trek

Bramham’s long-term chief sponsor Equi-Trek has committed to a further three years as title sponsors of the Yorkshire three-day.

The horsebox and trailer manufacturer, which first took on the role in 2012, has committed until 2021.

The winner of the CCI4*-L (formerly known as CCI3*) will take home a cheque for more than £5,750 and the use of a new Equi-Trek Sonic 3.5 tonne horsebox for a year.

Equi-Trek’s managing director Tom Janion said the company is “honoured” to renew its support.

“We have a wonderful relationship with the team and showcasing our extensive range of trailers and horseboxes in the stunning parkland against the backdrop of Bramham Park alongside world-class equestrian competition is perfect for us,” he said.

“We’re a proud Yorkshire brand and are equally proud to align with Yorkshire’s best loved equestrian celebration.”

The event will be held from 6 to 9 June 2019 and also incorporates the British Horse Feeds Under 25 CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) and the British Equestrian Trade Association CCI4*-S (previously known at CIC3*).

“My sincere thanks must go to Tom and the Equi-Trek team for their continued commitment to Bramham,” said event director Nicholas Pritchard.

“It was a great event this year but we never rest on our laurels and their support enables us to invest back in the event to provide world-class facilities for the competitors, owners and fans.

“We already have some great new initiatives for next year which we’ll be sharing over the coming months.”

ATPI Sports Events

The travel and events management business has partnered with the FEI to act as the organisation’s official travel agent.

Its FEI travel desk will provide services for stakeholders, including riders, national federations, officials and event organisers.

“Equestrian sport is truly global with our athletes, officials, vets, grooms, FEI staff and national federation members constantly on the road, travelling to and from the 4,500 international events which take place worldwide annually,” said FEI commercial director Ralph Straus.

“With ATPI Sports Events, we have found a professional and expert partner to support us in all our travel needs.”

Vérité

Jackson Family Wines’Californian winery has been named as the official red wine supplier for Guards Polo Club’s 2019 season.

Vérité will be served in the royal box and clubhouse, and will also be available in the club’s official marquees. Private dinners and tastings will be arranged throughout the 2019 season, hosted by Jackson Family Wine’s master sommelier, Dimitri Mesnard.

“I am delighted that Vérité will be the official red wine at the Guards Polo Club” said Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines.

“Vérité is one of the jewels of my family’s portfolio, and we are thrilled to be offering these wines at this historic and prestigious club for its members and distinguished guests.”

Guards Polo Club chief executive Neil Hobday added: “Guards Polo Club prides itself on creating the benchmark of world-class polo and elegant hospitality that others strive to follow.

“An integrated partnership with a prestigious wine brand such as Vérité is perfect as it will enable us to deliver unrivalled opportunities for our esteemed patrons, players and members.

“Barbara Banke and her team at Jackson Family Wines represent the same core values as Guards Polo Club. We look forward to working closely with them on introducing Vérité to our own distinguished audience.”

Parlanti Roma

The Italian riding clothing and fashion brand has signed a partnership agreement with the International Horseball Federation.

“We are very glad about this cooperation with Parlanti, a brand with style, quality and innovation power. This fits with our understanding for the sport Horseball. We are looking forward to a great and fruitful partnership,” said FIHB president, Federico Cannas.

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Throw your D-test out of the window: welcome to the mind-boggling world of polo

Madeleine Silver — Mon, 22 May 2017 16:03:26 +0000

The polo season is now in full swing, with excitement building for the start of the Queen’s Cup at Guards tomorrow (23 May 2017). Cue champagne, Ferrari-like ponies and and an influx of glamorous Argentines. But for the uninitiated, polo can be a mind-boggling sport.

Here are nine things your regular equestrian might struggle to get their head around:

1. Ponies v horses

You don’t need to have your Pony Club D-test to know that ponies are 14.2hh and under, and those ‘ponies’ racing up the field by no means fit that size bracket.

2. What happened to a correct dismount?

Talking of our D-test, we spent a long time aged eight showing a terrifying Pony Club DC that we knew how to mount and dismount correctly and safely. And then you spy the world’s top polo players leaping from pony to pony mid-chukka without touching the ground. It’s like we were conned — all in the name of a piece of yellow felt.

3. Up, down, up, down…

When did rising canter become a thing? And what happened to trotting?

4. Scoring issues

Get your maths hat on. If you thought that goals only came in the form of whole numbers, you were wrong. Welcome to the world of the half goals. For teams with differing total handicaps, the difference in the teams’ handicaps is usually multiplied by the number of chukkas to be played and then divided by six. And fractions count as half a goal.

5. Know your Tomlinson from your Tomlinson…

…And while you’re at it, you’d better know your Pieres from your Pieres. And your Novillo Astrada from your Novillo Astrada. Oh so many players with the same name. It’s a family thing.

6. Waterproof woes

Look around at your average British horse trials and it’s the closest you’ll get to being in a Musto warehouse — a sea of well-prepared spectators with full waterproofs, sun cream, wellies, trainers, a bum bag… Do the same at a high-profile polo match and it’s like waterproofs were confiscated at the gate. They’re a hardy bunch polo spectators: a glamorous floral ensemble at all times. Gale or no gale.

7. Head over heels?

Ah the dilemma of treading in… When you’re donning stiletto heels. You can’t help thinking that it makes the groundsmen wince…

8. On the subject of footwear…

…Don’t look too shocked when you see the grooms warming up ponies in espadrille shoes — or trainers at best.

9. What have we been worrying about?

Trainers, rope halters, no plaits, one-handed riding… It’s like the Pony Club Manual has been ripped up. But go to any polo match and you’ll see eight gleaming ponies in peak condition on the pitch, with lines of equally gleaming ponies waiting in the wings. So maybe it’s time we all took a leaf out of the Argentines’ book and ¡Baja un cambio! (that’s ‘chill out!’, for those of us without Google translate…)

Don’t miss our first polo report of the season, from the Prince of Wales Trophy final, in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (25 May 2017)

Swot up on the rules of polo — in 60 seconds

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:05:58 +0000

With the Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club looming (Saturday 23 July), when England will take on the Commonwealth, watch Land Rover's 60-second video to swot up on the rules and etiquette of the game

This Saturday (23 July 2016) a stellar England team, led by captain James Beim, will take on the Commonwealth team for The Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club.

James will be joined by seven-goaler Max Charlton (who made his Coronation Cup debut last year), the experienced six-goaler James Harper and 24-year-old Jack Richardson (six goals).

The Commonwealth team, named in honour of The Queen in her 90th birthday year, will be captained by Canadian Freddie Mannix. At eight goals, he will be the highest handicapped player on the pitch. Mannix will be joined by Kiwi John Paul Clarkin (seven goals), South African Chris Mackenzie (six goals) and Pakistani Hissam Ali Hyder (six goals).

Before the fast-paced action — and pitch side glamour — kicks off, Land Rover ambassador Max Charlton, recaps on the rules and etiquette of the game:

The facts

A polo field is the size of five rugby pitches
Each of the two teams has four players
Each player has a handicap score
The match is made up of six seven-minute periods
Teams change end after every goal

The shots

Offside forehand
Offside backhand
Neck shot
Cut shot
Nearside backhand

Style and etiquette

Gentlemen — chinos, shirt, blazer
Ladies — dresses, skirts, accessories — and flat shoes!

General admission tickets cost £20 for the Coronation Cup. Find out more at www.guardspoloclub.com

Following the Coronation Cup a second international match will kick off between Ireland and Young England.

Read the full report from the Coronation Cup in the 28 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Do you love polo? If you want to be at the centre of the action, this is the place to be

Carla Passino — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 16:25:38 +0000

With more fixtures and clubs than you could shake a (polo) stick at, property expert Carla Passino explains why Berkshire should be top of your list of places to live if you want to get in on all of the action

Why is this county the place to be if you want to play polo?

Berkshire is home to six polo clubs — plus Guards (pictured), which straddles Surrey — and more than 100 fixtures take place in the county.

Who are the top players you will find here?

Many of the top players are based here for part of the year, including Sebastian Dawnay and Jamie Morrison who are both members of the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, and Richard le Poer, who keeps his horses in the county for part of the year.

Where can you hone your skills?

Berkshire is brimming with training centres, such as Cool Hooves Polo (at the Royal County of Berkshire and Emsworth Polo Ground) and Oscar Mancini’s La Brava, based at Ranelagh Farm.

Where can you get competitive?

The Spring Tournament at Guards Polo Club is the first highlight of the local season, followed by the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Coworth Park. After that, tournaments come fast and furious: La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy (at Guards); the Prince of Wales Trophy (at the Royal County of Berkshire); the Cartier Queen’s Cup and the Bentley Royal Windsor Cup (both at Guards); the Indian Empire Shield (at Coworth Park and Guards), and the Coronation Cup and the Duke of Wellington Trophy (at Guards), plus countless other fixtures.

What are property prices like here?

Polo homes are in a category of their own, which transcends local price trends.

“Properties with first-class polo facilities are worth considerably more per acre than those with other types of equestrian use — the reason being that the costs associated with creating full-size and stick-and-ball pitches are considerable,” says Paul Finnegan of Savills.

Polo: 2015 Queen’s Cup draw announced

Madeleine Silver — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:03:46 +0000

The draw for this year’s Queen’s Cup was announced at Guards Polo Club on Tuesday evening (12 May).

The 12 teams entered in this year’s 22-goal competition found out who they would be up against in this prestigious high-goal tournament, with VPS Healthcare Sifani and King Power Foxes kicking off the league matches at Coworth Park next week (19 May at 12pm).

This will be followed by the current cup holders Zacara taking on RH Polo at 3pm at Guards Polo Club.

Despite Zacara being without Facundo Pieres this year, they can call upon the 10-goal skills of Juan Martin Nero, who will be playing alongside Brazil’s top player Rodrigo Andrade and the young English player Jack Hyde.

This year Facundo will team up with his brother, fellow 10-goaler Gonzalito in the King Power Foxes team — one of two entries from the Srivaddhanaprabha family, who also have King Power.

Ben Soleimani’s RH Polo team is a new addition for 2015, featuring Francisco Elizalde, Nicolas Pieres and Sanitago Von Wernich.

The world number one Adolfo Cambiaso, who is looking for his ninth Queen’s Cup victory, will be playing with Rashid Albwardy and young Englishman Tom Brodie for the Dubai team.

The all-British Somerton team will be made up of Jack Richardson, Richard Le Poer, Matt Perry and Ed Hitchman.

The final of the Queen’s Cup will take place on Sunday 14 June. It is typically watched by The Queen herself, who first presented the trophy to the club in 1960.

Continued below…

LUKE TOMLINSON - JOHN PAUL CLARKIN - POLITO PIERES (Image credit: David Miller)

7 reasons to put watching polo top of your list of things to do this summer

Polo is a great excuse to get dressed up and sip champagne and Pimms in the sunshine (hopefully), while still

2015 groups

Group One

Sub group A

Zacara

King Power

Salkeld

Sub Group B

Talandracas

El Remanso

RH Polo

Group Two

Sub group C

Dubai Polo Team

VPS Healthcare Sifani

HB Polo

Sub group D

King Power Foxes

UAE Polo

Somerton Polo

For the full lists of teams and match details visit www.guardspoloclub.com

7 reasons to put watching polo top of your list of things to do this summer

Polly Bryan — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:10:19 +0000

Polo is a great excuse to get dressed up and sip champagne and/or Pimms in the sunshine (hopefully), while still getting your horsey fix. Cue floral dresses and red chinos, with wedges or flat shoes for treading in – but no extravagant headwear; this isn’t Ascot.

Still need convincing? Here are seven great reasons to head to the polo this summer

1. It’s affordable

Contrary to popular opinion, polo is a surprisingly affordable sport to attend. Tickets for Britain’s most high profile fixture, the HPA’s International Day in July, start at £20 (2014 ticket price; 2015 TBC), and admission to the England International at Chester Racecourse only £8. If you pack a picnic for the sidelines, you’ll save yourself from splashing out on drinks and food too.

2. Celeb-spotting

At which other horse events could you rub shoulders with A-list celebrities? Eddie Redmayne, Gemma Arterton and David Gandy were among the big names enjoying polo in 2014.

3. It’s easy to follow

Polo isn’t as complicated to follow as many think. The main rule to remember in order to avoid confusion is that the teams change ends after each goal scored. Don’t forget too that players change ponies in between, and often during, chukkas.

4. You might catch sight of the royal family

You could be in for some royal-spotting — The Queen presents the Queen’s Cup at Guards, while Prince Charles does the honours at International Day. And there’s the chance to watch Princes William and Harry showing off their skills. The royal brothers both hold a one-goal handicap and can often be seen in action at charity matches and events.

5. Make it part of a trip to the seaside

Polo isn’t restricted to the green fields of the Home Counties. Events are held across the UK, or take a trip to the coast to enjoy beach polo. The main beach polo events take place each year at Watergate Bay in Cornwall and Sandbanks in Dorset.

6. Watch the sport at its best

The skills and bravery of both ponies and players are addictive to witness, and England is home to some of the highest quality polo in the world. The Gold Cup final at Cowdray Park is the pinnacle polo tournament of the season.

7. It makes a great family day out

Polo events are not all about the champagne, they can make for great family days out too. The Beaufort International Test Match in June is part of the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, with entertainment, shopping and attractions for the whole family.

Where to watch polo in 2015

St Regis International Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club, West Sussex — 16 May, www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Chestertons Polo in the Park, Hurlingham Park, London — 5-7 June, www.polointheparklondon.com

Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, Beaufort Polo Club, Glos — 13-14 June, www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club, Surrey — 19 May-14 June, www.guardspoloclub.com

GWR Polo on the Beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall — 26-28 June, www.watergatebay.co.uk

British Beach Polo Championships, Sandbanks Beach, Dorset — 10-11 July, www.sandpolo.com

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club — 23 June-19 July, www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

International Day, Guards Polo Club, Surrey — 25 July, www.guardspoloclub.com

England International, Chester Racecourse Polo Club, Cheshire — 4-5 September, www.chester-races.co.uk

Nearly 50% of polo players value looks above safety when choosing a new helmet

Sophia Heath — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:25:05 +0000

The polo community is still under pressure to catch up with other equestrian bodies and introduce a minimum standard for headgear.

It is now more than a year since polo legend Carlos Gracida died from head injuries sustained in a freak accident. The sport was rocked again later in 2014 when Juracy Santos was left in a coma following a fall at the Guards Polo Club. As a result of the accident the club announced it was to introduce a rule on polo hats for the 2015 season.

However, currently neither the Federation of International Polo (FIP) nor the sport’s national governing body, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), has a minimum safety standard for helmets.

The HPA has told H&H that its “intention is to introduce a minimum standard”, but that it is waiting until the issues around the withdrawal of EN 1384 have been “resolved”.

A recent survey carried out at the University of Liverpool found that nearly half of all polo players value looks above safety when choosing a new helmet. The study, which was published in Sports Medicine Open earlier this year (20 January), concluded that “players reported that safety certification was not the most important criterion for helmet selection”.

Roy Burek of Charles Owen — the only company that produces a polo hat to PAS015 standard in the UK — told H&H he was not surprised by the results, given the resistance shown to implementing a safety rule.

“Why would somebody fight against safety advances if they weren’t more concerned with what they look like?” he argued.

Redesigning the polo hat

Polo player Robin Spicer, who is studying design at Loughborough University, is in the process of designing a helmet that meets safety standards and looks stylish.

As part of his research, Robin recently took apart a traditional slimline helmet to assess the level of protection it could provide.

“The helmets protect against penetration from outside because they have a hard shell, but they don’t stop the energy being transferred into your brain because there is virtually no padding,” he said.

Part of Robin’s new design includes an inbuilt “crash centre” which can notify first responders if you fall when on your own and, in a match situation, can pass on information to the medical team present.

“I am aiming to get the right mix between a modern and traditional style,” he added.

Robin’s project will be finished in May, when further results will be available.

Ref: Horse & Hound, 12 March 2015

Top polo club takes the lead on hat safety

Horse & Hound — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:55:14 +0000

Guards Polo Club is set to introduce a rule on polo hats for next season after one of its players has been left in a coma following a serious fall earlier this summer.

From 2015 the club will enforce warnings and fines on any players who fail to wear protective headgear. However, the specific regulations are yet to be confirmed, according to Guards’ chief executive, Neil Hobday.

“We are working to adopt the minimum standard of safety required,” Mr Hobday told H&H. “Collectively as a sport we must take it [hat safety] very seriously indeed. There does not seem to be any pushback from the playing community about it. We wanted to get the process going.”

After the accident involving Brazilian four-goal player Juracy Santos at Guards, H&H polo reporter Aurora Eastwood started a campaign for the sport’s governing body — the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) — to bring in a blanket ruling. An online petition to change the rule for the 2015 season has received hundreds of signatures.

A safety hat regulation would bring the HPA in line with other equestrian bodies. Safety hats are compulsory for all British Showjumping competitors; British Dressage, except for advanced and above; and for British Eventing, except for dressage and prize-giving at novice and above. Safety hats are already compulsory for polo in the Pony Club.

Last month all four members of the British dressage team competed in crash helmets at the World Equestrian Games.

At present, the HPA enforces the wearing of “protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness correctly fastened” but many players choose to play in “low profile”, single-strap helmets.

The HPA told H&H that the issue of safer headgear is due to be discussed and a decision taken at the stewards meeting in October.

HPA chief executive David Woodd said; “The HPA is surprised to see Guards proposing to follow its own line. The HPA is considering what action it should be taking, bearing in mind its rule will apply to all players in this country and in all countries affiliated to the HPA.

“It’s a big issue: will it also apply to grooms and those umpiring? A decision is needed but it needs to be a very clear decision that makes sense to players.”

➤ To sign the polo safety hat petition visit: http://www.change.org/p/the-hurlingham-polo-association-change-rule-3c-to-insist-upon-safe-helmets-for-the-2015-season

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 18 September 2014

Prestigious polo club offers emergency stabling to flood victims

Sophia Heath — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:00:46 +0000

Guards Polo Club is offering free emergency stabling for horses which have been affected by the flooding.

The club has spare stables at Flemish Farm which is less than 4 miles across Windsor Great Park from Smith’s Lawn.

“Our usual Flemish Farm residents are not due in for another few weeks and so we have some space for emergency stabling for those affected by the flooding,” said a spokesman from Guards Polo Club.

“3 horses took up residence yesterday from Blue Acre Horse Rescue and there are spaces for a few more”.

Anyone who is in need of stabling can contact Emma Leiva or Tara Smith on 01784 434212.

In other parts of the country efforts to co-ordinate the delivery of donations of hay and haylage to Somerset are continuing.

Hunts and equestrian communities are coming together to send lorries of forage down to the area which has been flooded for more than a month.

England defeats USA in Westchester Cup

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:22:53 +0000

England was victorious in the battle for the Westchester Cup on Sunday (28 July).

The home side took on the USA at the Audi International Day at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.

Skippered by Luke Tomlinson, the England team took the spoils winning 12-11.

In a match that went right down to the wire, it couldn’t have been scripted better as John-Paul Clarkin scored the winning goal — 2 minutes into the 7th chukka.

“That golden goal by John Paul had to be the game’s best goal,” said H&H columnist Luke Tomlinson.

England has now won the Anglo-American competition three times in a row. Overall the USA lead 10-7 in the Westchester Cup series that started in America in 1886.

Top names from the equestrian world and celebrities were out in force to watch the polo world’s oldest and most famous international trophy.

Gold medal-winning dressage rider Laura Tomlinson was there supporting her husband, England player Mark, as well as former trainer Ian Balding, showjumper Mark Armstrong and eventer Jay Halim.

Meanwhile Les Miserables star Eddie Redmayne, as well as actors Billie Piper, Alice Eve, Laurence Fox, Naomie Harris, Zoe Saldana were among the famous faces sipping Champagne in the VIP area.

For a full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H — out tomorrow (Thursday 1 August).

H&H blog: how to look cool playing polo?

Madeleine Silver — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:00:09 +0000

“Polo is cool,” said Georgie, our instructor at the Barbour polo day organised by the Household Cavalry at Guards, Windsor.

“The ponies are cool, the people are cool and the kit is cool. And I want you to take a cool attitude to this lesson.”

With one previous experience of playing polo, I was fairly certain that I was not going to look cool wielding a mallet. But I was at least glad that I’d left my jodhpurs and gloves at home — jeans were very much the order of the day.

We hopped on the ponies and took them for a spin. Literally. Turning on a sixpence has never felt so easy and with just a push of the hands up my mount Margarita’s neck, she was off.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I warned Georgie that I was a lefthander (you have to play with your right hand), but she quickly set the record straight. Apparently there are at least two 10-goal players who are lefties — so no get out clause there.

At least I was in the very capable hands of Tommy — a five-goal Argentinean, who has played professionally for 20 years. He lived up to the Jilly Cooper stereotype to perfection, with a stick in one hand and a fag in the other.

Having sweated it out in the midday heat — with varying degrees of coolness — the pros showed us how it really could be cool, as the Household Cavalry took on local team Buck’s.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Meanwhile we were treated to our compere Simon — clad in electric green trousers and a panama — who dished out the Champagne and gave us a running commentary on each player’s relationships status.

“Number three, girls, is just back from Afghanistan and well and truly on the market. He’s a God on the polo field. I can give addresses later on,” he said. Milling around were a host of glamorous polo types — including another Argentinean who Simon introduced as being “only occasionally married”.

Aside from these apparent dating options, giving polo another try ensured that I’m well and truly hooked on a sport that I am completely unfinancially fit to fund. But there is always the spectator option — I say get yourselves to Guards this weekend when England will take on the USA (Sunday 28 July). That most definitely will be cool.

Madeleine

New England polo captain named

Horse & Hound — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 12:00:49 +0000

H&H columnist Luke Tomlinson has been named captain of the England polo team against the USA in defence of the Westchester Cup at Guards (28 July), which was last contested in 2009.

Making up the 28-goal quartet are James Beim, Luke’s younger brother Mark and New Zealander John Paul Clarkin. The traditions of this fixture dictate that a Commonwealth player can be included.

The Westchester Cup forms part of the Audi International series, in which England plays Australasia, USA and South Africa.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (18 July 2013)

Audi to sponsor International Day at Guards Polo Club

Charlotte White — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:44:46 +0000

Audi has taken over sponsorship of UK polo’s summer showpiece – the HPA International Day at Guards.

Jewellery giant Cartier chose not to continue sponsoring the event – after 27 years of support – when its contract ended last year.

Rumours were that Cartier executive chairman Arnaud Bamberger was unhappy that The Queen no longer attends the event and that it attracts a “chavvy” clientele.

Audi International Day, featuring the Coronation Cup between England and South Africa, takes place on 22 July.

Audi is also sponsoring two further internationals, at Chester Racecourse Polo Club and at Beaufort Polo Club.

Tickets go on sale on 1 May at www.guardspoloclub.com.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (3 May 2012)

Cartier announces its new sponsorship deal

Horse & Hound — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:09:01 +0000

Polos longest-running sponsorship deal ends this year.

Cartier UK has confirmed it will cease backing one of the world’s biggest one-day polo events in favour of a more exclusive one at Guards Polo Club.

The international jeweller has supported the Hurlingham Polo Association’s (HPA) International Day at Guards for 27 years, but this year’s match on 24 July will be its last.

Insiders claim Cartier was concerned that the Chinawhite nightclub’s marquee detracted from Cartier’s own celebrity-packed one and that International Day, which attracts more than 20,000 spectators each year, had lost its exclusivity (news, 5 May).

Now Cartier has signed a three-year deal to sponsor the Queen’s Cup tournament, also at Guards, starting next year.

Colonel Paul Belcher, chairman of Guards Polo Club, said: “We are delighted Cartier UK will continue its association with the club.

“The HPA’s International Day will remain at Guards and continue to be one of the most prominent fixtures in the English polo calendar.”

Cartier UK executive chairman Arnaud Bamberger said: “We felt it was time to change the formula to one that is more tournament-focused.”

The Queen used to present the Coronation Cup at the International but for the past few years she has missed the event.

Polo insiders also say Mr Bamberger was unhappy to share the day with other sponsors, including Audi, which sponsors the England team.

Cartier will be sole sponsor of the Queen’s Cup and the much-coveted royal connection will be restored for Mr Bamberger as The Queen still presents the trophies on finals day.

The jeweller is reported to be paying more for Queen’s Cup sponsorship than it did for International Day and the HPA is busy marketing its flagship event to potential sponsors, said chief executive David Woodd.

The Queen’s Cup has been sponsored by Harcourt Developments for three years.

This year’s final (12 June) will be dedicated to Ian Wooldridge of Harcourt Developments, and Guards chief executive Charles Stisted, who died in a helicopter accident in Ireland last year (news, 28 October 2010).

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (26 May, 2011)

Will International Polo Tournament lose Cartier name?

Charlotte White — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:13:05 +0000

Cartier is thought to be considering halting its long sponsorship of polo’s glittering summer showpiece after this year, purportedly because the event is getting “too chavvy”.

Neither Guards Polo Club nor the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) would confirm that the jewellery giant has decided to stop sponsoring the Cartier International Polo tournament in Windsor Great Park.

But Cartier’s contract with Guards is up for renewal later this year and those in the know say Cartier executive chairman Arnaud Bamberger is unhappy about the eclectic celebrity guest list and that The Queen no longer attends.

The London Evening Standard also claimed Guards may pull the plug on the event due to the “low-brow” clientele.

But the club’s spokesman Diana Butler would only say: “We shall sit down [with Cartier] this summer to make a decision about the future of the event.

“Cartier has sponsored the tournament for 27 years and we hope it will continue to do so.”

David Woodd of the HPA said: “Cartier has been a wonderful sponsor for 27 years. We very much hope it will continue to be involved in the sport in Britain.”

Cartier did not reply to H&H’s enquiries.

The event hit the headlines in 2008 when there were three male streakers and glamour model Katie Price claimed she was turned away from an after-party hosted by London nightclub Chinawhite.

But alongside stars such as Baywatch’s David Hasselhoff, the event has played host to the likes of actors Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley and society names like the Bransons and the Rothschilds.

This year’s Cartier International Day (24 July), features the 100th anniversary of the Coronation Cup.

For tickets visit: www.guardspoloclub.com.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (5 May, 2011)

Chief executive of Guards Polo Club killed in helicopter crash

Horse & Hound — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:02:16 +0000

Charles Stisted, the chief executive of Guards Polo Club in Berkshire has died in a helicopter accident.

Charles was one of three people killed in the crash in the mountains of Mourne in Co Down on Saturday (23 October).

The pilot also died, as did Ian Wooldrige, a player and supporter of Guards.

Mr Stisted, 47, who was a former member of the Scots Guards, had worked at the Club at Smiths Lawn in Windsor Great Park since 1989.

A statement for Guards Polo Club read: “It is with great sadness the club’s chairman, colonel Paul Belcher has to inform you that Charles Stisted, the club’s highly regarded and much-loved chief executive was killed in a helicopter accident.

“He will be much missed by everyone at Guards Polo Club and we send our love and deepest sympathy to his family — Melissa, Freddie and Allegra.

“Sadly we understand that Ian Wooldridge, a popular player and generous supporter of the club, was also killed in the same incident and our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife Tandy, their children Rhett and Charlie.”

The men had been on a shooting trip in Northern Ireland when their helicopter crashed on the journey home, at around 4pm.

Mr Stisted was also a friend of the Royal Family.

A spokesman for Clarence House said: “The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry are all shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy.

“Their Royal Highnesses’ thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed at this dreadful time.”

The incident is being investigated by the air accidents investigation branch of the Department of Transport.

The Queen opens new clubhouse at Guards Polo Club

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:58:57 +0000

Guards Polo Club’s £2million new clubhouse was officially opened yesterday (26 April) by The Queen, accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, the president of Guards Polo Club.

More than 700 club members attended the ceremony, which also included the unveiling of the refurbished Royal Box and the new La Martina Guards Polo Club store.

The clubhouse took over a year to build and stands on the site of the old clubhouse, which had been a landmark for over 30 years.

Guards chief executive Charles Stisted said: “We were honoured that our Patron The Queen, agreed to open the Clubhouse and we were delighted to welcome both her and our president to Smith’s Lawn for today’s opening.

We are proud of Guards’ status as Europe’s leading polo club and its strong relationship with the royal family, and so delighted to have a clubhouse that now befits both its status and its prestigious royal guests.”

Guards Polo Club to recreate historic polo match

Horse & Hound — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:24:40 +0000

A polo match recreating the 1908 London Olympic Games final between Britain and Ireland will be staged at Guards Polo Club later this month.

The match will be held on 29 May in Windsor Great Park, Berks, to mark the centenary of the London games — when polo was still an Olympic sport. It was phased out after the 1936 games in Berlin.

The match is the first of a series of events being held this year by the British Olympic Association (BOA). These will include a restaging in December of the 1908

Olympic rugby final between Britain and Australia.

BOA chief executive Simon Clegg said: “As we focus on preparing Team GB for Beijing 2008, and beyond that London 2012, it’s appropriate to mark the 100th anniversary of the Olympics’ first time in London.”

Diana Butler from Guards Polo Club said: “It is a one-off event and we’re pleased to be doing our bit to help Team GB.”

Jane Addlington from the BOA said: “Polo used to be an Olympic sport so we thought it would be a novel idea to recreate it. We’re hoping to attract up to 2,000 spectators. It should be a great match.”

The GB team is yet to be confirmed, but playing for Ireland will be Charles Beresford, Richard Le Poer, Sebastian Dawnay and Stephen Hutchinson.

Team GB dominated the medal table in 1908, winning 145 medals. The British polo team defeated the Irish 8-1.

Tickets for the polo match cost £25. Tel: 01784 437797.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (1 May, ’08)