Goodbye England, Hola Sotogrande
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
So once again all too quickly the English High Goal season has come to an end, thankfully however, despite the swift departure of anyone with a number ‘8, 9 or 10’ next to their name to even sunnier climes, there are still pitches full of other levels of polo in England yet to be enjoyed. If however you fancy some beach downtime alongside your polo, that’s only a few hours flight away, then Sotogrande is the place to go over the next couple of weeks.
Uncountable numbers of horseshoes may have been removed even before a stick was lifted at the Audi International at Guards last Saturday and many top level athletes of the four-legged variety are currently enjoying a relaxing roll in the grass and the sun on their backs, but a number of their stable mates and grooms have disappeared in lorries overnight, arrived and started to play in the 43rd Land Rover International Polo Tournament at Santa Maria Polo Club in the south of Spain.
It is here from 25th July to 30th August their website claims ‘We are going to make history in Sotogrande’ as numerous High, Medium and Low goal teams compete to win the Isolas Bronze Cup, Silex Silver Cup and Bulgari Gold Cup.
With more than 2000 people attending the opening of the 43rd Land Rover International Polo Tournament last weekend, it looks like Spain is currently the place to be if you want not only the best in polo but also an exclusive shopping village, alfresco dining and VIP access to the Grey Goose Vodka After Party located between fields II and III in Los Pinos area every night from 11.30pm – and all within reach of sea and sand, beneath guaranteed sun. Just remember to pack your dancing shoes and Aftersun alongside your whites.
43rd Land Rover International Polo Tournament at Santa Maria Polo Club
Isolas Bronze Cup – High Goal (20-22 goals) July 26th – 1st August, Los Pinos fields; Medium Goal (10-12 goals) July 25th – 31st, Rio Sotogrande fields; Low Goal (4-6 goals) July 25th – 31st, Puente de Hierro fields.
Silex Silver Cup – High goal (20-22 goals) August 2nd – 15th, Los Pinos fields; Medium goal (10-12 goals) August 2nd – 14th, Río Sotogrande fields; Low goal (4-6 goals) August 2nd – 14th, Puente de Hierro fields.
Bulgari Gold Cup – High goal (20-22 goals) August 16th – 30th, Los Pinos fields; Medium goal (10-12 goals) August 16th – 29th, Río Sotogrande fields; Low goal (4-6 goals) August 16th – 29th, Puente de Hierro fields.