Polo In The Park 2009
After a gap of some seventy years, polo returned to its spiritual home, the famous No 1 ground at Hurlingham Park, in early June 2009. In a long-term partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council who agreed to allow a portion of South Park to be turned into an immaculate polo field for the three days of competition, polo finally came out of its country house roots and into the public arena.
World Series Polo is a bold new concept that brings the glamour of world-class polo in an exciting new format to some of the top cities in the world. London was chosen as the launch venue and in the weeks leading up to the event, ambassador Jodie Kidd and some of her fellow players could be seen parading up the Kings Road, giving horse riding lessons to local school children and generally spreading the word that polo was fun, accessible and not at all elitist.
The polo was fiercely competitive with London beating New York in a tight final. Over 25,000 people came to enjoy the spectacle over the three days. As well as the competition, there were plenty of other activities for the family audience to enjoy: medieval jousting, stunt riders, a shopping village, Pimms and Champagne tents, and pitch-side barbecues and food stalls.
The 2010 event, sponsored by Mint, takes place at Hurlingham Park on 4th, 5th and 6th June. There will be an opening match featuring Team London on the Friday night plus an additional four teams from Geneva, Paris, Durban and Sydney to make eight in total. Finals day is on the Sunday as well as a special exhibition match between Oxford and Edinburgh. High-octane entertainment is guaranteed.
General admission and grandstand tickets can be booked online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0870 534 4444. For hospitality packages, please ring Rachel Roullier, World Polo’s Hospitality Manager, on 020 7936 5284 or email Rachel@worldpolo.net
