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Polo is getting the T20 treatment as the public’s thirst for fast and furious sport ekes into the equestrian world.


Polo in the Park, now in its third year and already winner of London Sport Attraction of the Year, is attracting large crowds to the former home of the sport.


AT Bone are the contractors charged with turning a council facility into a world class venue in just a few weeks.


Report by Laurence Gale MSc


POLO in the PARK


P


olo in the Park, held on land adjoining and formerly owned by the Hurlingham


Club in Fulham, London, is fast becoming one of London’s most popular events. Now in its third year, it provides a fascinating introduction to the sport of polo and, what makes it even more interesting, is that it’s held on the very same ground it was originally played on more than one hundred years ago. Polo was brought to England in 1869, owing largely to the initiative of one of the Hurlingham Club’s first Trustees, Lord De L’Isle and Dudley, and its Manager, Captain the Hon J D (later Lord) Monson, and the game was established at Hurlingham in 1874. Bordering the Thames in


Fulham, and set in forty-two acres of magnificent grounds, The Hurlingham Club is a green oasis of tradition and international renown. Recognised throughout the world as one of Britain’s greatest private members clubs, it retains its quintessentially English traditions and heritage, whilst providing modern facilities and services for its members.


The Hurlingham Club became - and remained until the Second World War - the headquarters of Polo for the British Empire, and was the scene of major competitions, notably the famous Westchester Cup matches between England and the United States of America. Unfortunately, after the Second World War, the club lost both of its polo fields to the Government through a Compulsory Purchase Order. One polo field was built on, whilst the other was turned into a public open space, which is still in use today. However, in 2009, an event PR company saw the opportunity to promote ‘Polo in the Park’, working on the fact that they had the ideal venue for the pitch and were able to associate themselves with the famous Hurlingham Club, which is used for corporate hospitality during the event. The three day event comprises a number of matches between some of the world’s best international polo teams and players. The playing field is surrounded by a corporate hospitality village where there is a variety of attractions, including the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden, Harrods Food Court


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