Glorious sunshine beamed over West London as Finals Day of Chestertons Polo in the Park 2016 took place in the historic Hurlingham Park for another momentous day of polo, non-stop entertainment and an Olympic-themed children’s pitch invasion.
Kids were champing at the bit to be part of West London’s biggest childrens’ party on the pitch as leading children’s entertainers, Sharky & George, hosted a morning with exhilarating games for all the family, including a gigantic tug-of-war, space hoppers, and even got out much needed water balloons to cool off in the mid-day sun.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong, the defending champions, emerged for the Chestertons Polo in the Park final against newcomers, Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech, having not lost at the iconic Hurlingham Park in two years. The two unbeaten teams had swept all rivals out the way en route to the showpiece final and they didn’t disappoint the expectant crowd with high-quality shot-making and ball striking.
Max Charlton of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong opened the scoring after dribbling the entire length of the Mahiki bar, Europe’s longest outdoor bar, and slotting the ball between the posts. Rising English star, Jack Richardson, added to his tournament tally but as the shadows lengthened over the picturesque Fulham ground, Charlie Wooldridge scored the winner to send the crowd wild and give Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong a 3-2 victory.
Sebastian Dawnay of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have won Chestertons Polo in the Park for the second year in a row. It is such a great tournament and with unbelievable crowds over the three day we are already looking forward to next year.”
Earlier in the day as the Champagne Lanson Garden and MINT bars filled with excited spectators, the pressure on the pitch ramped up with the runner-up final kicking off as Argentex Team Dubai and Navigant Team New York were first up on the hallowed turf.
The action on the pitch was as hot as the weather when Mohammed Al Habtoor combined beautifully with Juan Cruz Guerva, a moment which the MINT bar was left to savour. Navigant Team New York came storming back through Cameron Bacon but it was not to be their day as Argentex Team Dubai ran out 7-5 winners.
Spectators were able to take a breather from the polo and browse the luxury shopping village where La Martina was showcasing its latest trends, ELEMIS were providing a sanctuary of relaxation, and lucky passers-by were able enjoy treatments and a well needed mini pampering session.
The Subsidiary final kicked off with the home crowd roaring for MINT Team London as they played a re-match of their Ladies Day presented by Little Miracles Drinks game against Air Europa Team Buenos Aires.
With the rivalries clear for all to see the action was furious and frenetic but it was the ice cool La Martina ambassador Malcolm Borwick who engineered his side into an early lead. Not to be out done, Air Europa Team Buenos Aires’s Sam Instone scored from an acute angle to set up a grandstand finish, but as the clock ticked down, neither side was able to find a decisive goal as the match finished in a hard-earner 5-all draw.
MINT Team London’s George Spencer Churchill commented, “This year’s Chestertons Polo in the Park has been amazing. The crowds over the three days have been the biggest I have ever seen and it’s such fun to be able to play right in the heart of London.”
This year’s Chestertons Polo in the Park saw record crowds across the three days. Keep up to date with all the information ahead of next year’s event on www.polointheparklondon.com.
Results
Runner Up Final:
Argentex Team Dubai 7 : 5 Navigant Team New York
Subsidiary Final:
MINT Team London 5 : 5 Air Europa Team Buenos Aires
Chestertons Polo in the Park Final:
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong 3 : 4 Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marakech
For more information, contact Gayle Telford E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk or T: (0)207 592 1207
CHESTERTONS POLO IN THE PARK
Chestertons Polo in the Park is an annual three-day polo tournament that takes place in June at Hurlingham Park, Fulham. The round-robin style tournament is played under the HPA-endorsed City Polo rules, developed to maximise spectator enjoyment.
Chestertons Polo in the Park is owned and managed by Sportgate International, an international event management and sports marketing agency; founded in 2014 by a team of experienced sports marketing professionals, Sportgate International now owns events and consults to companies and rights holders who require sponsorship and event management expertise.
Chestertons Polo in the Park is part of the global City Polo Series. Events owned and managed by Sportgate International include Chestertons Polo in the Park (London), Singapore Concours d’Elegance, Gulf Concours, England Polo International in Dubai and others.