New international polo series for UK

A new international polo series has been created in Britain, the result of a collaboration between the sport’s governing body and a premium car maker.

For the forthcoming UK polo season (May to September), the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and Audi have created the ‘Audi International Polo Series’.

The newly created series will feature three internationals for the season at different venues across the country. It will include the newly named Audi International at Guards Polo Club, near Windsor (formerly the Cartier International) – one of the highlights of the British summer season and undoubtedly the biggest attended UK polo event of the year.

Having sponsored the England Polo team since 2005, it is a natural progression for Audi to sponsor the Test Match series of international matches providing more opportunities for England to play against some of the world’s top polo teams.

David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “Audi and the HPA have been working very closely together with the England team and its increased involvement with this International Series is fantastic news for polo.”

Jon Zammett, Head of PR for Audi UK, adds:  “This is a very exciting development . Polo delivers an ideal, high end, yet hard to reach target audience, for Audi.  It’s also a fast growing sport with both players and spectators rising markedly. In the last 10 years, UK player numbers have increased by over a third and the number of polo clubs has almost doubled. ”

The new extension of existing Audi polo sponsorships will also allow the first ever Audi International match at Chester Racecourse Polo Club in the beautiful setting within the racecourse grounds.

“We feel privileged that our Polo Club has been selected as the new venue to host an Audi International for the upcoming season,” said Richard Thomas, Chief Executive of Chester Racecourse. “This will allow a new audience to witness and enjoy the thrills of International Polo – we’re confident that it will become a highlight on the Chester social calendar attracting large numbers.”

Additionally, the International Series will include the Audi International at Beaufort Polo Club, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire – already a regular fixture on the calendar of Internationals.

The England team, also sponsored by Audi, will also be playing in The St. Regis International Cup, played at Cowdray Park, Midhurst (now in its fifth year) on May 19 where it will take on a team from the USA.

The investment by Audi in the International Polo Series, together with its existing sponsorship of the England polo team, will make the car company the biggest supporter of polo in the UK.

David Woodd of the HPA said the additional Audi-supported match days allows Hurlingham to organise, for the first time   an exciting and more cohesive programme of Internationals during the England polo season. “We are delighted with the addition of the Audi International in Chester. Audi’s investment also gives us the opportunity of providing first class training programmes and facilities not only for the top England professionals but also the young rising stars of the sport via its support for Pony Club Polo.”

This season, the England polo team will be donning newly designed shirts by the official clothing supplier Joules – a national retailer of country wear with 60 stores nationwide.

 

 

 

Category: International news