Cowdray Park Polo Club announces new sponsor for the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship
Cowdray Park Polo Club is delighted to announce that King Power, the luxury goods duty free business, will become title sponsor of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship. The contract is for an initial three-year period.
The King Power International Group, based in Bangkok, is Thailand’s leading travel retail business. Its Chairman is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who leads a company of 10,000 employees. The Srivaddhanaprabha family also owns Leicester City Football Club, overseeing its rise to become the 2016 Premier League Champions.
King Power already has an impressive history with polo and in particular the Cowdray Park Gold Cup for The British Open Championship, the King Power team having secured a hat-trick of wins in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Mr Srivaddhanaprabha‘s ambition is to take the model into Asia and create a similar status for the most coveted trophy in polo in the Far East.
Peter Barfoot, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club says: “We are on the threshold of some truly exciting developments in polo and Cowdray Park is incredibly proud to be working with King Power.”
King Power’s Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, says:- “Polo is a passion for us. Having won the prestigious Gold Cup for the British Open three times, I am glad to be sponsoring this world-famous tournament. We are truly impressed with the way in which Cowdray Park Polo Club manages its grounds and the administration of the British Open Championship and are looking forward to a long and happy association with the club.”
Matt Petersen, General Manager, Cowdray Park Polo Club adds: “I would like to pass on my thanks to all those involved from Cowdray Park and King Power whose hard work has resulted in this exciting news. King Power’s partnership with Cowdray Park represents a tremendous boost for polo both in the UK and internationally and enhances the reputation of the Gold Cup for the British Open.”
Inaugurated in 1956 by the late John Cowdray, 3rd Viscount, the Gold Cup ranks alongside the Argentine Open and US Open in world polo terms. The Draw for the 2018 Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship will take place at Lord and Lady Cowdray’s former home, Cowdray House, on Monday 11th June, the opening date of the tournament is Tuesday 26th June and the Final will take place on Sunday 22nd July.