Coworth Park announces appointment of Iain Forbes-Cockell as Polo Manager
Dorchester Collection’s new luxury country house hotel and spa, Coworth Park in Berkshire, has appointed Iain Forbes-Cockell as Polo Manager, with effect from 1 February 2011 ahead of the start of the polo season in April.
Forbes-Cockell has been appointed to build on Coworth Park Polo Club’s reputation for its excellent grounds and fixtures and develop the location into a high profile polo destination attracting a world class schedule of eventsLive. His responsibilities will include club membership, event management, and promoting the annual fixtures list.
With over 40 years experience as a player, instructor and team coach, as well as regularly officiating at matches and occasional commentating, Forbes-Cockell is well connected in the polo world and known affectionately by many as “Major”. His most recent position was Managing Director of 10 Goal Solutions Ltd, providing a variety of polo specific activities and services, including the role of Head Editor at Polo Quarterly International magazine. Past appointments included Assistant Polo Manager at Guards Polo Club, prior to which he completed a 20 year career in The Life Guards (part of the Household Cavalry) where he achieved the rank of Major.
The only UK hotel to feature its own polo fields, current facilities include stabling for 30 horses together with self-contained accommodation for eight grooms. Coworth Park will continue to run a full and varied programme of both corporate and social tournaments similar to that of 2010. Recent fixtures included the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Charity Cup [view film] and 2011 fixtures already include the Indian Empire Shield, the Coworth Park Challenge and the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy. Guests staying at Coworth Park will be able to make full use of the polo facilities and attend open polo fixtures.
Commenting on his new role Iain Forbes-Cockell said, “I am delighted to have been appointed Polo Manager at Coworth Park Polo Club now that it has been brought back to life as a stunning hotel by Dorchester Collection. Players will be pleased to hear that the same grounds team will continue to give them their full attention and that an exciting and varied calendar of eventsLive will be in place for the 2011 season.”
General Manager, Zoe Jenkins commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Iain on board. His many years of experience and his formidable reputation within the polo world will stand him in good stead to ensure that Coworth Park Polo Club leads the way for the game of kings.”