England beat America at Hickstead arena polo test match

The England polo team secured a close victory against America at last weekend’s arena test match at Hickstead.

The final score on Saturday (3 March) was 12-9, ensuring England claimed the Bryan Morrison Trophy.

Nine-goaler Chris Hyde – Europe’s highest handicapped arena polo player – captained the England team.

“There was a lot of pressure on us for this match, after we lost last year in California,” he said.

“But the Americans were a very experienced, disciplined team and they gave us a good game.”

Mr Hyde was joined by England debutant Danny Muriel, who plays off an arena handicap of four and Max Charlton, who has an arena handicap of six.

Mr Charlton has already represented his country at international level, helping England to victory against Argentina at London’s O2 Arena last year.

American team captain John Gobin won the most valuable player award. And the award for the best playing pony went to Caledonia, owned by All England Polo Club member Caio Sorzana and played by Mr Gobin.

Hickstead polo director John Bunn said: “The day was a huge success and it was delight to host America at Hickstead again.

“Hopefully this day will become a permanent fixture at Hickstead for many years to come.”

For more information visit www.hickstead.co.uk/polo

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now