CENTENARY
Crowning glory F
The Coronation Cup celebrates its centenary this summer. Gareth A Davies talks to some leading International Day players on what this trophy means for them
or any and every English polo player, and indeed for the greatest names from overseas, the Coronation Cup remains the most coveted event to participate in, both for its rarity as a
hardy annual and for its prestige as the pinnacle of play on the most high-profile occasion of the English polo season. It is the day when the polo fields of English summer enjoy full bloom,
infused with a spice of glamour, celebrity and indeed, as its eponymous title suggests, is afforded royal patronage as the prize for the victors. This year is the centenary since the first playing of the Coronation
Cup. The Cup has not been played for every one of these 100 years – two world wars put paid to the interim periods – but it has been one of
the most influential, and arguably most famous, matches in global polo over the last ten decades. It has weaved a tapestry of eras, bringing great polo families and dynasties to Guards for that one day every year. Luke Tomlinson, England’s incumbent with the skipper’s armband,
led his country last summer against New Zealand - the fifth time England has faced the Kiwis on polo’s annual International Day. And with a 9-7 triumph, the home side took the hallowed totem. “It’s always a great occasion to be involved in,” said Tomlinson. “To
play for your country, and to be captain, is a high honour in any sport. It’s always a great feeling to go out there and play in front of a huge home crowd. As players, it means so much to us.”
Main picture: Teams line up on The Queen’s Ground before the 1986 Cartier International Day - Mexico v England. Picture credit: Michael Chevis. Below from left: England captain Luke Tomlison with the Coronation Cup in 2010; England versus Australia in 2005; HRH Prince Charles with Arnaud Bamberger of Cartier, the sponsors of the International Day for the past 27 years; former England captain, and now team manager Andrew Hine in action
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