A British team has made history by entering next month’s Argentine Open — the “Wimbledon” of polo tournaments.
Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) international committee chairman John Tinsley was delighted at Beaufort’s 10 October qualification. The team is made up of brothers Mark and Luke Tomlinson, joined by Australian Ruki Baillieu and Chilean Jaime Huidobro, who are flying the flag for Britain.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“It’s fantastic news and the first time in memory a British team has entered the Argentine Open,” said Tinsley, adding that Julian Hipwood was the last Brit to play in the Buenos Aires high-goal tournament in the 1970s.
The Beaufort line-up is also the first without an Argentine player since 1966, when an all-American squad entered, and, according to Mark Tomlinson “it will definitely be the first time in history for two English brothers”.
Tomlinson said he and his brother had dreamed of playing at the Argentine Open — an ambition begun six years ago when they started acquiring a string of polo ponies that are based permanently at their family’s farm near Buenos Aires.
The team is seeking sponsorship, estimated at £10,000-£15,000. For details, contact Andrew Tucker (tel: 01666 505574 or 07968 753818).
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (20 October, ’05)
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