2018 Coronation Cup date confirmed along with change of venue
The Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), Stephen Hutchinson, has announced that the date for the 2018 Coronation Cup will be Saturday 28th July, with the event moving venue to the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.
In July last year the HPA signed a very exciting 5 year agreement with Flannels regarding their wide ranging support of English Polo; from the grass roots where it all begins, through the British Junior Polo Championships and the young England games, to the England Ladies and national England team when it plays for the Coronation or Westchester Cup. We are now in the process of signing an agreement with the Royal Berkshire which will provide a hub for English polo. As well as providing grounds for the HPA, the Royal Berkshire will also in due course be providing a venue for meetings, seminars and coaching.
“We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Royal Berkshire to hold next year’s Coronation Cup at the club. It is a great location with excellent facilities and we have been watching with great interest the investment that the club has been making in their grounds over the last 4 years. The Royal Berkshire has much to offer and the move will assist in re-invigorating this most important and classic event in our polo calendar.” said Stephen Hutchinson.
“We have had an excellent relationship over many years with Guards Polo Club and they have been a great partner in staging truly memorable Coronation Cup events, however we are keenly aware of the need to embrace change, for our players, spectators and sponsors. We have been listening to what each of these parties has to say on the future of polo and we are developing and implementing strategies which will endeavour to meet their aspirations while still providing a sustainable future for the game and honouring the considerable history and tradition associated with it. We are looking forward to and have already commenced discussions with Guards regarding innovative projects on which we will be working together in the future.”
Jamie Morrison, Chairman of the Royal Berkshire welcomed the announcement saying, “We are honoured that what has historically been one of the most prestigious and historic events of the polo year, is coming to our club. Innovation has been at our core since our inception and as those who follow polo will know, we have never been afraid to try new things. So we are really looking forward to working more closely with the HPA seeing what we can bring to the Coronation Cup for all those involved.”
After such a long relationship with Guards Club it was a difficult decision for the HPA to make the move and Chairman of Guards, Jock Green-Armytage was typically supportive when commenting on the change of venue. “Guards Polo Club is honoured to have worked closely with the HPA since 1972, creating the coveted International Day format which has been so admired, and often replicated around the world. The development of the game has seen the Coronation Cup format change over the years and we appreciate that a change of venue at this time may prove beneficial for the event. We wish them every success and of course continue to offer both the HPA and the Coronation Cup Day our full support.” he said.
Ticketing, hospitality and afterparty packages will be released along with the exciting new event program and format early in the new year via www.coronationcuppolo.com