So many characters and so much to watch at MINT Polo
FLANKING the rather anxious polo team captains, I witnessed the model and avid polo player Jodie Kidd draw the teams for Friday 8 June’s opening matches. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of MINT Polo in the Park and particularly as things are looking set to be even more spectacular than ever before!
Even I, as a self-diagnosed polo junkie, absolutely know that 8-10 June in Hurlingham Park will be the place to be. Guaranteed dynamic polo matches coupled with a vast shopping village bursting with luxury plus an abundance of fabulous field-side entertainment, means this event is not to be missed.
Game one on Friday will see Otkritie Team Moscow and Camino Real Team Buenos Aires battle it out. Young gun Jack Richardson’s team will be captained by the dashing Oli Hipwood for Otkritie Team Moscow and will take on familiar face Oscar Mancini alongside highly skilled new comers Tomy Ruiz-Guinazu and Matias Mechado for Camino Real Team Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires boys are determined to take home the trophy after only just missing out on the final last year.
Friday’s second match will be between Morning Wire Team Delhi and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Abu Dhabi. First timers Team Delhi captained by friend to the Royals, Satnam Dhillon, will have Angad Kalaan and Abhimanyu Pathak in the team. Morning Wire Team Delhi will have their work cut out for them after being drawn against the 2011 tournament winners Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Abu Dhabi, whose winning line up remains the same to defend their title with Mohammed Al Habtoor, Piki Diaz Alberdi and Andrea Vianini.
Friday’s final game will see home favorites MINT Team London take on IG Index Team Sydney. These teams have met twice previously with a win apiece in the bag. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top with IG Index Team Sydney’s seasoned captain Glen Gilmore playing with old pal Kelvin Johnson and new comer Jasper White when they tackle the all new MINT Team London side with Jamie Morrison as captain alongside whippersnappers Max Charlton and George Meyrick.
With a flute of ice cold Veuve Cliquot in hand, I hope to see you all there.
Louisa Dawnay is MINT Polo in the Park Polo Manager.