AUCKLAND, New Zealand, February 17, 2025
History was made at the 48th NZ Polo Open held at Auckland Polo Club yesterday, as Swift Roofing emerged victorious in a thrilling finale against Brinks, with a score of 11-8. A crowd of over 4,000 spectators filled the sidelines, eagerly following the intense battle on the field as both teams delivered an electrifying performance. The rain held off, ensuring a perfect day for polo and a spectacular showcase of both skill and style.
The New Zealand Polo Open is Australasia’s most prestigious polo championship, and this year’s match did not disappoint. The action kicked off with Thomas Hunt of Swift Roofing scoring the first goal of the match, setting the tone for an exciting day of sport. The game progressed through the chukkas, each lasting seven minutes, a test of both strategy and stamina, as the horses are constantly swapped out for fresh mounts. Players continuously adapted their tactics while managing both the physical demands of the game and the endurance of their horses.
In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Indi Bennetto of Swift Roofing (one of only two women to have ever played on a winning NZ Polo Open team) scored crucial points for her team, proving that women’s polo is breaking new ground. “Women in polo is the largest growing sector, which is seriously exciting” muses Indi. This year also marked a unique dynamic as Indi faced off against her partner, Nick Keyte, playing for Brinks. The match added a personal element to the tournament, with both teams giving their all for the win.
The inaugural Standing Rock Fair Play Award was presented to the Brinks Team for their sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the tournament, emphasizing the NZ Polo Open’s commitment to fair play and integrity.
The Most Valuable Player title went to Glenn Sherriff of Swift Roofing for his exceptional performance throughout the match, while the Best Playing Pony award was given to ‘Paige,’ a prized mount owned and played by Thomas Hunt. ‘Moo,’ ridden by Thomas Hunt and owned by James Worker, earned the Best Thoroughbred award.
For Swift Roofing, this victory was more than just a win on the scoreboard. Patron Harry Jnr Semenoff had been striving for the NZ Polo Open championship for eight years, driven by the memory of his late father. Their victory was a testament to the strength and strategy required to win and to the perseverance of a team that never gave up.
“This win is a tribute to the legacy of my family, and to everyone who believed in us through the years,” said Swift Roofing’s patron, Harry Jnr Semenoff. “We’re incredibly proud to bring the trophy home after such a hard-fought battle.”
In addition to the incredible polo action, the day was also a celebration of style. The punters came out in full force, dressed in their finest polo chic, as the rain held off for an enjoyable and stylish day at the polo. The Fashion Quarterly ‘Fashion at the Polo’ competition saw the most entrants to date, with three fabulously dressed attendees taking home the coveted prizes for best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, and best accessory. Judges for the competition included Sarah Murray (FQ), Robert Niwa (Crane Brothers), Laura Hadlow (Caitlin Crisp), Layla Kaisi (Layla Kaisi Collection), and Holly Estelle (Auckland Polo Club Ambassador), with the fashion event MC’d by Carena West.
The 48th NZ Polo Open was a showcase of skill, passion, history, and fashion, with moments that will be remembered for years to come. The event continues to be a highlight of New Zealand’s sporting calendar, celebrating the rich traditions of polo and the global community of players and fans who make the game so captivating.