The Polo Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in British Polo and 150 Years of the HPA
On 12 May 2025, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) proudly hosted The Polo Awards at the spectacular Underglobe in London. The prestigious annual event brought together over 160 guests from across the polo community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and reflection, as the HPA marked its remarkable 150th anniversary.
Hosted by the charismatic Karl Ude Martinez, and with awards presented by Will Lucas, Jamie Morrison, Anna Hall, and Sean Donovan-Smith, the night honoured the outstanding achievements of the 2024 polo season and paid tribute to individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the sport.
Champions of the 2024 Season
The heart of the evening was the recognition of the Victor Ludorum champions, whose skill, dedication, and teamwork set the standard across a highly competitive season. The winners are a testament to the passion and skill of all involved in these teams, from the patrons and players to the grooms, coaches, managers, clubs, and families who make the polo season happen.
The winners from the 2024 Victor & Victrix Ludorum season were:
22 Goal: La Dolfina Great Oaks
18 Goal: Emlor
15 Goal: Emlor
12 Goal: Standing Rock
8 Goal: Kulin Rock
6 Goal: Wildebeest
4 Goal: St Paul/Cambridge Neurotech
Victrix 16 Goal: La Mariposa USA
Arena 15 Goal: Red Star
Arena 12 Goal: Red Star
Arena 6 Goal: Senzaltro
Special Awards
In addition to Victor Ludorum honours, three special awards recognised individual and team contributions to the sport beyond the scoreboard:
HPA Medal of Honour: Nina Clarkin — for her extraordinary career and impact on polo both nationally and internationally. Nina has enjoyed an incomparable international career as England women’s captain, and while she will still make international appearances, she has handed over the captaincy to Hazel Jackson.
Standing Rock Fair Play Award: Ferne Park — for their exemplary sportsmanship and commitment to the spirit of the game.
Ainsley Saddlery Performance Pathway Award: Atticus Burnett — recognising the player who made the most significant contrbiution to the HPA’s Performance Pathway programme in 2024.
The International Award was also presented to the Diamond Jubilee team of Nina Clarkin, Hazel Jackson, Milly Hine, and Charlotte Pykett, honouring their outstanding representation of British polo on the world stage when defeating Argentina for the Diamond Jubilee on 22 June 2024.
An Historic Year
This year’s ceremony held added significance as it celebrated the 150th anniversary of the HPA, a landmark moment in the sport’s history. Guests reflected on the association’s enduring legacy and its continued commitment to fostering talent, upholding high standards, and promoting the game of polo throughout the UK and beyond.