C H I E F E X E C U T I V E
This season the weather was as bad as it
has ever been for the Coronation Cup, but
Flannels England avenged their defeat of last
year against the Commonwealth, and the
Swarovski England Ladies team won against
the USA Ladies. Even more important news
was that of the five-year sponsorship deal
between Flannels and English polo.
Much discussed recently has been the
decision of the HPA to trial the ability for
some players to have different handicaps
for the 22-goal. The upper limit of 10 goals
for players creates downward pressure on
handicaps with the result that those playing
in the 22-goal either gain an advantage in the
lower levels or push everyone else down. This
step by the HPA will be kept under close
review, after they decided against raising the
individual upper limit to 12-, 15- or 20-goals.
Rule changes are also on the horizon.
In July, a meeting was held in England with
the AAP and USPA on ways in which the
game could be more spectator friendly, sped
up and easier to umpire. The AAP agreed to
lead on changes. The most significant and
potentially game-changing rule will be the
‘blocking’ rule, from ice hockey.
As the Argentine season kicks off,
attention will turn to the FIP 14-Goal
World Championships in Sydney.
Congratulations to the hosts who have
accumulated enough ponies to mount
eight teams, a huge achievement. We wish
the teams the best of luck.
G A L L O P S O F M O R O C C O
T
he second edition of the Gallops has changed its location from the Sultanate of Oman
to Morocco, but Gallops of Morocco will maintain an Omani flavour, thanks to its main
sponsor, the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman. Taking place from 25 February
to 4 March 2018, the 200km ride will begin in Arfoud, east Morocco. The route will
be divided into five stages of about 40km through the sand dunes of Merzouga, to be
covered in an ‘ideal’ time – not too fast, not too slow – by teams of five riders on local
horses. Teams from Oman (winner in 2014), Morocco, the US, Germany, France, Great
Britain, Italy and Qatar have already confirmed their participation in the six-day
adventure. For further information visit:
gallopsofmorocco.com
8
P O N Y L I N E S
CHRISTOPHE BRICOT, TONY RAMIREZ/IMAGESOFPOLO.COM
J O H N T Y L O R
J U L Y 1 9 4 2 –
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7
On 9 September, John Tylor died
suddenly on his way to the butts
during a day of grouse shooting.
John was Chairman of the
Hurlingham Polo Association
from 1991-1995 and a member
of the International Committee
until the time of his death.
He was a quintessential English
gentleman, who loved shooting,
fishing and polo. He had a wry
sense of humour and a twinkle
in his eye. One would not be
surprised to see John treading
in with his beloved wife of 41
years, Heather, wearing
bombachas with one of his many
twin-cock shooting thumbsticks.
He will be greatly missed by all
who knew him.
hurlinghampolo.com
