UAE society celebrates the return of British Polo Day

Abu Dhabi 24 March 2014:  On Saturday 22nd March 2014, the British Polo Day 2014 series, presented by Land Rover, began in style at Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, the private royal club of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  This UAE tour, that has seen some of Britain’s best young players and polo enthusiasts flying out courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, culminates in the spectacular British Polo Day Dubai this Friday, 28th March 2014 at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. 

Dominic Jermey, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE said “The British Polo Day series of events have grown over the years to become one of the leading polo events of today.  The event is celebrated in more than 10 different countries and as UK Ambassador to the UAE I am proud that the UAE is one of them and the only such country in the Middle East”.  

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi - Saturday 22nd March 2014 - Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi once again proved to be a very glamorous affair, with His Highness Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan al Nahyan and British Ambassador Dominic Jermey joining the who’s who of Abu Dhabi society in an evening of fast-paced polo, fine dining and philanthropy, with world-class polo players entertaining a crowd of noted VIPs, including the Marchioness of Milford Haven, world renowned artist Sacha Jafri and Help for Heroes Founder Bryn Parry.

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi began with the Hackett Camel Polo Cup, featuring members of the elite Cavalry & Guards regiments of the British Army.  The Jaeger-LeCoultre Cavalry team clinched a close victory over the Guards with a 3 - 1 win, with the final two goals scored by British Polo Day Co-Founder Tom Hudson.   Major General Carey Wilkes, the great-nephew of Land Rover Founder, presented this prestigious cup. . 

After, the British Exiles played Ghantoot Polo, partnered with Oxford Group Holdings. This was a thrilling, high-scoring match in which the home team, Ghantoot, won 8 - 6.  

His Highness Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan al Nahyan, himself a famed show jumper, presented the Land Rover Thesiger Trophy to the winning Ghantoot Polo team, which is a majestic sculpture designed by George Bingham of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, based on pictures that Sir Wilfred Thesiger had taken more than fifty years ago.

Juan Zavaleta from Ghantoot Polo was also awarded the Holland & Holland Shot of the Day - a new prize for 2014 - and Daniel Riedo, the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Official Timekeeper of British Polo Day, presented the Best Playing Pony Prize.  No watch can claim to be as closely linked to the world of polo as the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre. It was created in 1931 at the request of British army officers in India who were tired of seeing their watches damaged by their polo matches - thereby sparking the invention of the famous swiveling case that protected the glass and dial by exposing only the metal back to potential knocks.  

In keeping with British Polo Day’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy, this year’s event was in support of Abu Dhabi charity WAHA (Women and Health Alliance) and British charity Help for Heroes.  The evening’s auction included lots such as a stay in the Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, a stunning Isis Wing gown from the Egypt collection by Zaeem Jamal, two Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flights, a week in one of 3RD HOME’s luxury residences and a four-night stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech which raised over AED 100,000 in total for both the charities.

Various VIPs from across the region came to the event in chauffeur-driven Land Rovers, provided by Premier Motors, from the InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Guests were treated to a Taittinger welcome followed by a delicious Argentinian style dinner prepared by Gaucho, paired with a wonderful selection of wines from Justerini & Brooks, rounded off with Nespresso coffee.

British Polo Day Dubai - Friday 28 March 2014 - Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

The British Polo Day Dubai this coming Friday will see over 450 VIP guests descend on the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club on the first day of the region’s biggest equine weekend, the day before the Dubai World Cup Races.  This is the season finale in a packed polo calendar that features the thrilling Dubai Gold Cup series.  

As well as the traditional Camel Polo, the event will feature the first Middle East bicycle polo match, sponsored by Brompton Bikes.  

The British Polo Day Dubai will then feature players from Oxford and Cambridge competing for the Gaucho Cup.  Habtoor Polo, the generous patrons that have supported so much of the polo growth in the Middle East, and who have strong ties with Great Britain (supporting the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup at Guards Polo Club) will then play the British Exiles team and hope to win the trophy for a 6th successive time.

Guests are invited to attend the British Polo Day Dubai and bring picnics.  Pitch side car parking is available for AED 150 per car payable to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club on arrival.  There is also a crèche for younger guests, provided by Crecheout in partnership with the Early Learning Centre.  For more information, please go to: www.britishpoloday.com