International Arena Polo in the heart of London
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Next week on Thursday 14th August the City of London will premiere the ultimate in polo venues as City Polo brings the sport of Kings to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. Nestled beneath the traditional historic skyline of the City and overlooked by the London Eye, at 6.30pm Clogau Team Wales (who have achieved great success in their recent games under the captaincy of Ricky Cooper) will take to the Arena to meet Ireland. Followed at 7.30pm by England v King Power Bangkok Team – newcomers to the world of Arena Polo, but judging by their High Goal team’s recent form in their inaugural Verve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray this will definitely be a team to watch.
Historically there can be very few venues to match Horse Guards Parade which is so traditionally filled with colour, pageantry and excited crowds. Indeed Henry VIII staged many jousting competitions in the very spot now more commonly known as Buckingham Palace’s formal ceremonial entrance and annual parade ground for Trooping the Colour. Steeped in such history, it is the perfect spot for teams with three mounted players aside to take up their sticks, check their steeds and charge for possession of the ball Arena Polo style, as was first played in 1876 in the United States, whilst also raising money for the Household Cavalry Foundation.
Prior to the polo, the Longines Global Champion’s Show jumping Tour will take place in the purpose built 40/80m boarded Arena in a location with truly the most original of backdrops. Prize giving will follow the polo at 8.45pm and Carriages at 10pm. For those who prefer to slip into their dancing shoes rather than slip away post matches there is an Official International Polo at Horse Guards After-Party in Association with DSTRKT london and Clogau Team Wales, opening with Canapés and a Drinks Reception, with partying until 3am.
Still need tickets for the London International Polo Horse Guards?
Go to: www.citypolo.com and for the After Party: www.dstrkt-london.com
This inaugural and unique polo event has been supported by many sponsors/partners including: Longines Global Champions Tour of London 2014, Horse Guards Parade, Hurlingham Polo Association, British Beach Polo, Clogau, EFG International Banking, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism, Hurlingham Polo Magazine, Tarifa Beach Polo, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Silex, King Power Polo Team, Household Cavalry Foundation and DSTRKT london, Images of Polo and Cool Hooves.