British Polo Day heads to Mexico
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Many polo aficionados in the upcoming days may be heading in the direction of Latin America (or more precisely Buenos Aires) for some sunshine, tango and of course a spot of high goal action, but this Saturday 29th November some very British traditions and luxury heritage (not to mention polo players) are not to be missed both on and off the polo pitches at Querétaro’s prestigious Balvanera Polo & Country Club, as the ninth leg of the British Polo Day 2014 Global Series – presented by Land Rover – reaches Mexico.
Now in their fourth year, ‘The story of British Polo Day stems from a love of the ancient sport of polo and a recognition that the international language of the horse can bridge cultures, bringing together a like-minded community on a global scale, whilst raising money for many worthwhile causes.’ Which they now do at their eleven eventsLive internationally, from Abu Dhabi, Australia, China, Dubai, India, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, South Africa to the USA and Great Britain.
Guests attending this event held in the land of tequila, can not only expect some great polo, but a bespoke itinerary by Abercrombie & Kent which includes visits to some highly acclaimed historical landmarks from Santiago de Querétaro’s Museo Regional, the two hundred year old Plaza de Armas and the Cerro de las Campanas, to the rugged Sierra Gorda beyond. On the eve of the event at the boutique Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende a champagne reception and private dinner by Chef Enrique Olvera will be held, culminating in a toast to the rival teams in the form of a Royal Salute Quaich Experience.
Brompton Bicycle Polo will open polo proceedings on the day itself, during which guests can also partake in a Tattinger & Authored Brunch by Matteo Salas of Aperi Restaurant. This will be followed by the more traditional horseback version of the sport at 3pm, when The Cordillera British Exiles team (Brook Bishop (2) George Meyrick (6) Max Charlton (7) and John Kent (2); takes on The C&H Mexico Polo Team (Valerio Aguilar (5) Pancho Aguilar (3) Juan Jose de Alba (3) and Carlos Herandez (3), to decide who will take home The Hackett Cup and win The Holland & Holland award for ‘Shot of the Day.’
Following Afternoon Tea, at 4.30pm playing for The Land Rover Trophy and The Royal Salute Most Valuable Player award, The Hackett British Schools Polo Team (The Marquess of Blandford (0) Alex Rose (1) David Ashby (4) and Max Kirchhoff (0); face The Palacio de Hierro Balvanera Polo Team (Migual Comez de Parada (3) Imelda de Alba (1) Luis Perez (2) and Carlos Astudillo (0).
Commenting on British Polo Day Mexico, CEO Ed Olver says: “The British Polo Day Global Series grows year-on-year, taking our celebration of British luxury heritage to new markets, and some of the world’s most unique destinations. Mexico is one of the highlights of our calendar – we are extremely grateful to our hosts, the De Alba family, and are delighted to share the stunning Balvanera Polo & Country Club with our partners, guests and VIPs. British Polo Day proudly bridges cultures and is a wonderful platform to celebrate luxury heritage, globally.”