XI FIP World Polo Championship
“Experienced Horse Procurement Team Established”
With the announcement that the XI FIP World Polo Championship will be held in Richmond NSW between 17th and 30th October 2017, planning is already well underway.
Organiser and Host Venue, Sydney Polo Club has already assembled a fitting team to work on this world-class polo and sporting occasion. A vital component to the 2017 tournament, is the procurement of the 240+ quality polo ponies required for the eight international teams to compete on, all of which will come from the Australian polo community.
CEO Peter Higgins has put some excellent early structures in place, with the initial support of current COO Nancy Inglis, former Coordinator of racing’s Dubai World Cup, and The Championships, who will hand over to future operational expertise to progress strategy. Fiona Turney has been appointed as Tournament Director. Fiona will bring a wealth of international polo expertise to this role. With highly respected credentials from prominent positions in Argentina, the U.S. and England, she is excited about the opportunity to help stage one of polo’s grandest events.
To fulfil this important obligation, the World Championship team is honoured to engage three of the Australian polo community’s most respected and experienced names, in Anto White, and Jim Gilmore who are both based in NSW. They will be assisted by Pat MacGinley who will provide equally valuable support and recommendations in Queensland.
“We are really thrilled and delighted to have the valued expertise of three people who hold such respect worldwide. Their contributions to the sport of polo are legendary, and we are already receiving a fantastic response to this challenge for next year” said CEO Peter Higgins.
Anto White and Jim Gilmore will be scheduling attendances at major polo tournaments throughout Australia in the 2016 Spring season to canvas support. Polo pony owners willing to participate in this unique occasion will be welcomed with attractive benefits to attend the event. In recognition of support from owners, the Organiser will make a contribution to the home club of each horse provided.