the pace of the game is unbelievable, and yes there were moments when I had to ask myself what the hell I was doing, but the experience is addictive.”
Given these experiences, and those in recent years, it would seem that the Habtoor family’s alliance with polo is set for a bright future. The family name is now synonymous with the Royal Windsor Cup, following three years consecutive sponsorship inaugurated by Rashid’s father Khalaf Al Habtoor. Rashid and Mohammed are experienced players who have tasted high-goal success, while their sons, Tariq and Habtoor respectively, are already playing medium-goal polo and have a huge future in the game.
…for me playing high-goal in England is the ultimate, it’s the Formula One of polo, and Guards is its spiritual home...
“We are all committed to the game. We want to increase its profile at home and abroad, but we also want to fly the flag for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and Arab culture as a whole – it is a means to connecting civilizations,” says Rashid.
This will come as great news to polo fans the world over, but especially to the Guards Polo Club to which the Habtoor family has a close affinity. “I get invited to play all over the world,” explains Rashid, “but for me playing high-goal in England is the ultimate, it’s the Formula One of polo, and Guards is its spiritual home. You can buy a lot in polo, but you can’t buy a fraction of the history that those grounds [at Smith’s Lawn] represent. What sets Guards apart is the history and the people. It is the management, the organisation, the team patrons, the players, the support of the Royal Family, and just the people in general who are willing to give back to the game of polo…that’s what really attracts me.” While continued patronage of the game might come as good news to many, it may well send a warning of intent to other high-goal contenders. This first taste of the high-goal action has left Rashid and his team hungry for more. “This year I understand the high-goal a bit better, it is no doubt costly, but it is a priceless experience. I learnt a lot
last year, including how to be more in control of the players we have so that we can all concentrate on our goals,” explains Rashid. His determination is without doubt, his commitment is admirable, his confidence is refreshing, so there’s only one thing that is still in doubt…his team? “Ahhhh…well I have a completely new
team this year with a few surprises…but at the moment they are a secret…so watch this space,” he says conspiratorially. Given the impact Habtoor Polo has already had on the high- goal, one feels that we will be watching this space for many years to come.
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