Tag Archives: Chestertons Polo in the Park

Argentex Team Dubai Reign Supreme at Chestertons Polo in the Park 2017

The sun kept up its perfect record of shining down on London’s Hurlingham Park for the third day of Chestertons Polo in the Park. Polo fans gathered at the iconic grounds on Finals Day as Argentex Team Dubai – led by George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford – were crowned winners of Chestertons Polo in the Park.

Before the three matches began, guests were treated to a transformed venue with A-list children’s party planners, Sharky & George and London’s top soft play venue, Eddie Catz joining forces to create a wonderland for the Little Hooves Kids Club, including bouncy castles, face painting, a soft play zone and a brilliant arts and craft area for children to get their creative hats on. After a morning of excitement, the guests were geared up for an afternoon of exhilarating polo from some of the world’s finest players.

To open the day’s polo action, the Subsidiary Final took place between Mauritius Team Port Louis and Air Europa Team Buenos Aries. In blustery conditions both teams took a few minutes to find their stride and settle in to the game. An early-crossing penalty gave Nacho Gonzalez a chance to open the scoring; however, he pushed his effort wide. Never one to dwell on a missed opportunity, Gonzalez quickly regrouped and slotted home a beautiful strike to give Mauritius Team Port Louis a 1-0 lead. Building on their early goal, Mauritius Team Port Louis started to take control of the game when James McCarthy latched onto a beautiful pass from teammate Gonzalez outside the ‘D’ to increase the lead to 3-0 just as the first chukka ended.

As the second chukka began, Air Europa Team Buenos Aries began to make their mark on the game thanks to a close-range finish from Juan Cruz Guevara, closing the gap to just two goals, but a subsequent missed penalty by Guevara kept them from getting any closer. The second half of the game started much quicker than the first, with both teams adding a goal to their tallies, but countless other scoring opportunities went begging due to the changeable weather conditions. As the seconds ran out in the fourth and final chukka, Mauritius Team Port Louis put the result beyond all doubt with a well worked team goal, finished off by James McCarthy.

The second game of the day was the Runner-Up Final, as hometown favourites MINT Team London took on Whitley Neill Team Cape Town, both teams vying to take home third place. A testy opening chukka saw both teams piling on the pressure and creating chances, but sterling defensive play kept the scores at 0-0. It wasn’t until Joaquin Pittaluga stroked in a penalty to give Whitley Neill Team Cape Town a slender lead, right as the first chukka came to a close. The pressure continued into the second chukka with Ruki Baillieu finally opening the scoring for MINT Team London, levelling the scores at 1-1. Despite the wind continuing to challenge both sides, Whitley Neill Team Cape Town strung together a series of beautiful passes which Jamie Morrison was able to finish off to give Whitley Neill Team Cape Town an authoritative 3-1 lead, and one which they wouldn’t surrender for the rest of the game.

As the second half got underway, both teams continued knocking at the door, but neither could finish it off until the very end of the fourth chukka when Pittaluga avoided challenges from two opponents and buried his shot, and Jamie Morrison added his second to give a final score of 5-1.

Speaking on the win, Whitley Neill Team Cape Town’s Jamie Morrison said, “It was a glorious day and a great game, which was closer than we thought, and closer than the score line suggested. It was tough, as Chestertons Polo in the Park always is, and I was hoping we would get to the Final, although we didn’t make it this year. Chestertons Polo in the Park is always fantastic and going from strength to strength, with a great turn out and all the kids really getting into it and supporting the teams.”

The last game of the day was the one that everyone had been waiting for, the Chestertons Polo in the Park 2017 Final, and it certainly lived up to the billing. Right on the stroke of five o’clock EFG Team Zurich and Argentex Team Dubai rode out to an electric atmosphere and blazing sunshine, both teams ready to give their all. Just as the fans had hoped, the game got off to a scintillating start, as with barely a minute played both teams were on the scoreboard, Alejandro Muzzio recording his first goal for Argentex Team Dubai and Max Charlton levelling almost immediately.

By the end of the first chukka each team had doubled their totals to keep the game exciting at 2-2, but in the second chukka Argentex Team Dubai really piled on the pressure, notching an additional four goals to take an imperious 6-2 lead, and at half-time it looked like they would be the runaway winners of the day. The half-time break allowed for EFG Team Zurich to recompose themselves and on the back of two Max Charlton goals and a Chris Hyde two-pointer, EFG Team Zurich were right back in the game, trailing by only one goal with a score line of 7-6 at the end of the third chukka. The final chukka saw plenty of chances for EFG Team Zurich to complete the comeback of the tournament, but the defending of Argentex Team Dubai proved too strong in the end, and they were able to squeak out the win to be crowned Chestertons Polo in the Park 2017 Champions.

Speaking after his victory, Argentex Team Dubai’s Juan Cruz Merlos said, “It’s my first time playing at Chestertons Polo in the Park and it was really great. In the first half we were winning by five goals but they caught up. The second half was very close but we managed to take the win. The event was great fun and really well organised, and the crowd is amazing.”

For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

For more information, contact Gayle Telford E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk or T: (0)20 3176 0355

Goals Galore on Day 2 of Chestertons Polo in the Park

London’s iconic Hurlingham Park was bathed in glorious sunshine for a sold-out second day of Chestertons Polo in the Park. Polo fans from all over the country arrived to witness three exciting and fast-paced polo games whilst also enjoy the luxury bars and pop-up food stalls scattered around the grounds, including the Champagne Lanson Garden and Mahiki’s VIP tent.

After the excitement of the historic International match, which saw Champions Polo League India take on ICM Capital Team England for the first time in 70 years, Ladies Day presented by FOREO had a lot to live up to, but certainly did not disappoint. To kick things off, the polo took a back seat to a game of bicycle polo between the finest polo players from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and a contingent of American players from American Ivy League Universities. As the players cycled through the divots of the pitch, both teams found it difficult to finish their chances, but Oxbridge managed to sneak the win at the end on a final score of 1-0.

In the day’s first game, Whitley Neill Team Cape Town took on Air Europa Team Buenos Aries, with a place in Sunday’s final up for grabs. Both teams started the opening chukka cautiously, before a scintillating few minutes of play allowed Joaquin Pittaluga to score four unanswered goals to give Whitely Neill Team Cape Town an impressive 4-0 lead. Despite their slower start, Air Europa Team Buenos Aries didn’t lose heart and managed to pull back a goal through some beautiful play from Argentine Paco O’Dwyer, but as the first half came to a close, hometown favourite Jamie Morrison scored from close range to increase the lead to 5-1 in favour of Whitley Neill Team Cape Town.

The second half added a flurry of early goals for both teams, with Morrison and O’Dwyer adding one each to their tally to make the game interesting at the end, but ultimately Whitley Neill Team Cape Town were too strong, and a clinical close-range goal from Morrison and a coolly slotted away penalty from the in-form Pittaluga ensured that Whitely Neill Team Cape Town left victorious with an imposing 10-5 score line.

Following the thrilling opener, the day’s second game pitted hometown MINT Team London against EFG Team Zurich, and the excitement continued with two early goals from each team. A mistake from Max Charlton gifted MINT Team London a penalty within the first 10 seconds which George Meyrick calmly slotted home, but Chris Hyde weaved his way down the pitch from the restart to even the scores at 2-2. By the end of the second chukka Chris Hyde had added another four goals, but George Meyrick kept MINT Team London in the game with a second goal of his own to keep the game within reach at 6-3 to EFG Team Zurich.

Building on their strong end to the second chukka, MINT Team London took the lead for the second time in the game, their impressive teamwork paying off as Meyrick and Malcolm Borwick drilled the ball through the posts. The lead was only a short lived one however, as Chris Hyde really put his stamp on the game, scoring an unrivalled three more goals, with Max Kirchhoff adding another to take the lead, and one which they would not give up again. Borwick added a final consolation goal for MINT Team London, but the game was sealed with a final score of 13-9.

After the win, EFG Team Zurich’s Max Kirchhoff said, “I absolutely loved it. It is my first time here, and the crowds were fantastic. It’s a great venue and I think the team have done amazing things to the grounds, setting everything up perfectly. It’s so great to see EFG back sponsoring polo and I really hope it’s here for many years to come.”

Mauritius Team Port Louis went head-to-head with Argentex Team Dubai in the day’s final game, and although both teams enjoyed plenty of chances in the opening minutes, it wasn’t until the very last second of the first chukka that Juan Cruz Merlos was able to nudge the ball through the posts to give Argentex Team Dubai a narrow lead. The chances continued throughout the second chukka but some excellent defensive efforts from both teams kept the game tight, and the score remained 1-0 to Argentex Team Dubai going into half time.

The game opened up in the second half with two goals in quick succession for Argentex Team Dubai, George Spencer-Churchill volleying a pass from team mate Hissam Ali Hyder, and Ali Hyder adding one of his own to give Argentex Team Dubai a commanding 3-0 lead. Miguel Ayala was able to claw back a goal for Mauritius Team Port Louis as the third chukka came to an end, but two final goals from Juan Cruz Merlos and Hissam Ali Hyder proved too much for Mauritius Team Port Louis to overcome and Argentex Team Dubai left with the 6-1 win to book their place in the final to face EFG Team Zurich.

For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

For more information, contact Gayle Telford E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk or T: (0)20 3176 0355.

History Made on Opening Day of Chestertons Polo in the Park

The sunshine arrived just in time for the opening day of Chestertons Polo in the Park. Crowds from all over London flocked to the historic Hurlingham Park for four games of fast and furious polo, accompanied by luxury bars, including the picturesque Champagne Lanson Garden and a selection of London’s top pop-up restaurants. The Mahiki VIP was bursting with celebs, including Hugo Taylor and Lucy Mecklenburgh, as guests were treated to thrilling polo clashes alongside off-pitch entertainment.

Renowned for its world-class polo in the heart of the city, the highlight of the opening day of Chestertons Polo in the Park was undoubtedly the International match. History was made as Champions Polo League India strode onto to the hallowed turf for the first time in over 70 years, led by HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh. ICM Capital Team England also re-wrote history as Hazel Jackson became the first-ever female to play at Chestertons Polo in the Park.

Hoping to improve on their previous results, ICM Capital Team England was first to reach the score board with a short strike from Jack Richardson, in a scintillating opening chukka. The lead was short-lived as HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh proved why he is one of the best, not only showing strength in defence but also setting up a breathtaking goal for his teammate, Dhruv Pal Godara to widen the gap for his team giving them a lead that looked as though it would not be relinquished. Jack Richardson tried his hardest to cut the deficit in the third quarter but HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh’s team was too strong and a stunning goal from Simran Singh Shergill extended the lead to 6-3. In a nail-biting final chukka, noise erupted from the stands as ICM Capital Team England’s Nacho Gonzalez struck a two-pointer to level the scores. The clock ticked down, with pressure on both sides, neither wanting to go home empty handed. In the final moments, it was the first ever lady player to compete at Chestertons Polo in the Park, Hazel Jackson, who sealed the victory for ICM Capital Team England, much to the delight of the packed grandstand. For the first time since the International match’s inception in 2015, ICM Capital Team England lifted the much-heralded Olympic Trophy.

Hazel Jackson commented on the victory afterwards. “It was super intense, but probably one of the most fun tournaments I have ever played. We were so lucky to bring the win home. There is just so much atmosphere here, so much enthusiasm and competition – the level is absolutely epic, so it’s a different story here. It was amazing to have so much support and rock on the girls; they loved it and I loved it.”

The day’s action kicked off with an electric first game, as EFG Team Zurich clinched the victory over Mauritius Team Port Louis. Chris Hyde was the hero in the first two chukkas, scoring an impressive hat-trick to take an early 3-1 lead. Mauritius Team Port Louis entered the third chukka with a new-found energy and following an impressive two goal strike they took the lead, and headed into the fourth and final chukka with a 4-3 lead. Playmaker, Chris Hyde, remained cool and calm under pressure to produce nifty steal and take the scores back to level at four-a-piece. A controversial penalty goal was awarded to Mauritius Team Port Louis with less than two minutes remaining on the clock to take back the lead, but it was short lived as Paco O’Dwyer showed his enviable skills to score a two-goal strike and seal the victory for EFG Team Zurich. Final Score 6-5 to EFG Team Zurich.

EFG Team Zurich patron, Chris Hyde, spoke of the closely fought victory. “We had a great start because Hissan got the first play; we went for the win in the first two chukkas. But then obviously it’s a strong team: three professional players. In summary, Max and I had an outstanding match, Hissan was a bit reserved because he has to play the next game – we’ll see how it is tomorrow with Max Charlton.”

The second game saw Air Europa Team Buenos Aires take on Argentex Team Dubai. The match got off to an exhilarating start as Juan Cruz Guevara led his team to a mammoth 4-0 lead, scoring two two-point goals almost consecutively. Soon into the second chukka an immense display of teamwork allowed George Spencer-Churchill to hit a clean shot at goal, scoring the third two-pointer of the game taking it to 4-2. This was followed by another soon after, to draw level at the end of the second chukka. Entering the second-half of the match, Juan Cruz Guevara stormed past his opponents to hook the ball under the neck of the horse, scoring a textbook goal, taking Air Europa Team Buenos Aires to a short-term lead. Responding to this, Argentex Team Dubai entered the fourth and final chukka with sheer determination to battle back and take the victory 9-7.

Home favourite, George Spencer-Churchill, commented, “It was a fun day at Chestertons Polo in the Park. It was a good win after going 4-0 down – it’s always the most satisfying victory when you win that way.”

There was a controversial start to the home side’s match as MINT Team London was penalised in the opening sequence, resulting with a two-goal penalty awarded to Whitley Neill Team Cape Town, which was pushed over the line by Oscar Mancini to give them the early advantage. Home favourite, George Meyrick, responded in style showcasing unbelievable skill as he volleyed the ball down the pitch to get the first points on the score board for MINT Team London. Despite Whitley Neill Team Cape Town taking the early lead, MINT Team London made their intentions clear from the outset, with Malcolm Borwick parading his much-vaunted power and tenacity to take MINT Team London into a clear lead before the end of the second chukka. MINT Team London continued their form in the final two chukkas to claim a clear victory with a final score of 7-4.

MINT Team London star, Malcolm Borwick, spoke of the victory. “MINT Team London had a good one today; we played really well. Huge effort from Rory Heron and the team to put on such an amazing event here in the middle of London. It has become such an iconic event and I feel honoured to play in it. We have a really tough semi-final against two of the best arena players in the world but I hope we win and hopefully will get to the final on Sunday.”

For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

For more information, contact Gayle Telford E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk or T: (0)20 3176 0355.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong Clinches Back-to-Back Trophies

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.”

polo2With a record overall attendance of over 30,000 over the three days, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong showed their class and all eyes will be on them again next year as they will be looking to win an unprecedented third consecutive Chestertons Polo in the Park title.

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.

Ladies Day Sees Record Ever Crowd at Chestertons Polo in the Park

Records were smashed at Chestertons Polo in the Park as crowds flocked into Hurlingham Park for Ladies Day presented by Little Miracles Drinks.

With an array of stars cheering on from Mahiki VIP, Europe’s longest outdoor bar, including Made in Chelsea’s Hugo Taylor and Spencer Matthews, model Kimberley Garner and Surrey cricket star Tom Curren, Saturday at Chestertons Polo in the Park lived up to its reputation as the start of the London summer social season.

The Great Polo Food Festival was a huge attraction as the capacity crowd flocked in to sample a host of London’s most delicious tastes including Le Bun, Carbonis, Bubbledogs, HIX and Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Grill.

The Champagne Lanson Garden was flowing with champagne as spectators kept themselves refreshed whilst in the Fentimans Botanical Cocktail Bar and Garden; the crowds enjoyed the delicious tastes of Pink Lemonade and Elderflower cocktails under a chic canopy of flowers.

For those who wanted to relax after sampling the grazing paddock and array of bars, AwakeConBal provided visual meditation and Pranassage experiences. New this year, the ELEMIS bus gave spectators a massage just metres from the playing surface. The fabulous range of retail outlets in the shopping village lured shoppers all day with happy customers enjoying top retail therapy.  The winner of the My Polo Style Ladies Best Dressed competition presented by Little Miracles in association with Jacques Vert was a delighted Amy McHenry who wowed the judges with her stunning outfit.

The festival atmosphere was already in full swing by the time MINT Team London emerged to face Air Europa Team Buenos Aires. With La Martina ambassador Malcolm Borwick again showcasing his remarkable equine skills as he led the home side into an early lead.

Air Europa Team Buenos Aires’s comeback was led by Sam Instone, his trickery and stick skills enabled his side to record a narrow 7:5 victory over MINT Team London.

Mohammed Al Habtoor led Argentex Team Dubai out against Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech and within seconds he had scored the goal of the tournament as he dribbled the ball all the way from the MINT Bar to the Champagne Lanson Garden.

Jack Richardson and Rhys Cole combined superbly to set up Pete Webb for a coolly taken finish and a frenetic last chukka saw Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech edge Argentex Team Dubai 6:5 in one of the games of the Chestertons Polo in the Park tournament.

“It was great to get our second win of Chestertons Polo in the Park. The atmosphere today was incredible and we can’t wait for the final tomorrow,” said Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech’s Rhys Cole.

polo2Defending Champions, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong, flew out of the blocks against Navigant Team New York knowing that a victory would seal their place in the Chestertons Polo in the Park final.

Navigant’s Ruki Bellieu gave a defensive masterclass that wouldn’t have gone unnoticed at the upcoming European Football Championships but in the end Max Charlton scored a goal worthy of winning any game from an acute angle to see his side home 5:4.

“I thought it was going to be 50/50 today as Ruki Bellieu has played a lot of City polo, but playing with Max Charlton was incredible; he is a phenomenal polo player,” said Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong’s Sebastian Dawney.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Sebastian Dawney commented, “We are looking forward to tomorrow’s final; it’s going to be really tough against Jnan Amar Polo Club; they’ve got upcoming England player and six-goal handicap Jack Richardson and established arena-player Peter Webb.”

Results

Match 1:
Air Europa Team Buenos Aires 7 : 5 MINT Team London

Match 2:
Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech 6 : 5 Argentex Team Dubai

Match 3:
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong 5 : 4 Navigant Team New York

For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

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.

AwakeConBal Team South Africa Reigns Supreme in the City AM International Match

Crowds from all over London poured in to Hurlingham Park as the action kicked off for the first day of Chestertons Polo in the Park 2016.

Renowned for its world-class polo in the heart of the city, decadent food and drink offerings, including the Champagne Lanson Garden and the ever popular Mahiki bar, Chestertons Polo in the Park yet again exceeded expectations with a day bursting with entertainment and thrilling polo clashes.

In between the action, spectators were treated to the debut of The Great Polo Food Festival, serving gastronomic delights from London’s most desirable food destinations such as HIX, Maze Grill, Smokestak amongst many others. Fans were also able to enjoy the luxurious shopping village from enviable brands such as Taylor Morris and browsing the latest trends from Fairfax & Favor and ISWAI.

The highlight of the opening day of Chestertons Polo in the Park was undoubtedly the City AM International match. An eruption of noise greeted the players as they rode out to the colosseum of polo that is Hurlingham Park. Steeped in history, as the spiritual home of polo, until last year an England team had not played an international match at the South-West London venue since 1939.

Against fierce sporting rivals, AwakeConBal Team South Africa, ICM Capital Team England, featuring Jack Richardson, George Meyrick and Hugo Lewis, were up against it from the start. A scintillating opening chukka from AwakeConBal Team South Africa gave them a lead that they would never relinquish. George Meyrick tried his hardest to cut the deficit in the final quarter with a two-point goal but Derreck Bratley’s team held on for an 8:6 victory to lift the heralded Olympic trophy.

“We are ecstatic to win the City AM International match, especially against a quality opposition like ICM Capital Team England; the atmosphere was unbelievable!’” said winning captain Derreck Bratley.

International Friday at Chestertons Polo in the Park saw three high-octane matches kick off the action as six cities from around the globe began their quest for the coveted Chestertons Polo in the Park trophy.

Played under unique City Polo rules that make for a faster game of Polo, Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech and Navigant Team New York kicked off the action with a Champagne Lanson perfect start, the only way to kick off proceedings at Chestertons Polo in the Park.

Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech made their intentions clear from the outset as Jack Richardson and Rhys Cole’s skills helped Pete Webb score a first chukka hat-trick including a goal scored from almost inside the MINT bar to help his side to a 5:3 victory.

“It was great fun being out there and start with a win. This year at Chestertons Polo in the Park there seems to be a great atmosphere and really good support from all the sponsors and people in the crowd,” said Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech’s Jack Richardson after the victory.

Defending champions, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong, in the absence of injured captain Jamie Morrison, started like true champions against Air Europa Team Buenos Aires.

A sublime volley from Sebastian Dawnay was the highlight of the first chukka as he rode with adrenaline pumping in front of the Mahiki bar, Europe’s longest outdoor bar. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong was ultimately victorious and looks to be one of the teams to beat this year.

The home crowd roared from the outset as MINT Team London cantered on to the hallowed Hurlingham turf for their opening match against Argentex Team Dubai, led by Mohammed Al Habtoor. England International, Malcolm Borwick, scored the first two-point goal of Chestertons Polo in the Park 2016, a special city-polo rule. With fellow countrymen George Spencer-Churchill parading his much vaunted power and tenacity, MINT Team London held on to record a slender victory by six goals to five.

Results

Match 1:
Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech 5 : 3 Navigant Team New York

Match 2:
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong 3 : 2 Air Europa Team Buenos Aires

Match 3:
MINT Team London 6 : 5 Argentex Team Dubai

City AM International Match:
AwakeConBal Team South Africa 8 : 6 ICM Capital Team England

Tickets for Chestertons Polo in the Park are still available for Sunday 5 June and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

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.