Last week British Polo Day Australia celebrated the ‘best of British’ in its debut at the Garangula Spring Polo Tournament.
With a glamorous evening at the InterContinental rooftop bar in Sydney last Thursday, guests were invited to celebrate the ‘best of British’ with Taittinger Champagne and canapés whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of the city.
Aiko Leung & Lucy Mcnabb
Alex & Hannah De Lisle
Alex Brown & Mary-Anne Dibbs enjoy Royal Salute
Ben Vestey (left) and Kit Cunningham-Reid (right)
British Polo Day Founder Edward Olver
Colin & Fiona Scotts
Colonel Simon Ledger & Holly Houghton
The successful evening was followed by Australia’s premier high goal tournament for 2014, leading polo players and business figures from around the world toasted sport, friendship and the ‘best of British’ luxury. British Polo Day – presented by Land Rover – champions British luxury heritage in 10 countries annually and made its Australian debut this week, linking with the Garangula Spring Polo Tournament at the private estate of the Schwarzenbach family near Harden, NSW.
The 10-day Garangula tournament culminated in Sunday’s gripping 16-goal final between Garangula and Ellerston Black. Guy Schwarzenbach and his home team gave an excellent representation of the heroism of high-goal polo to post a thrilling 8 – 6 victory. ‘Best Playing Pony’ Stilleto and ‘Most Valuable Player’ Charlie Pidgely stole the limelight in a star-studded game that also featured British 7-goaler Max Charlton, New Zealand 6-goaler Tom Hunt and Australian polo captain Glen Gilmore (7) who led the Ellerston side.
The inaugural British Polo Day Australia continued the celebration of sport, friendship and British luxury heritage that started three years ago when British Household Cavalry friends, Ed Olver and Tom Hudson, had an idea to launch a global polo network to showcase British luxury craftsmanship and heritage in new and emerging markets.
“British Polo Day is now well established in countries all over the world and our first Australian event has made an indelible impression, exceeding all expectations. This is a market of great interest and opportunity for our partners. We are particularly grateful to the Schwarzenbach family for hosting us at Garangula and honoured that they offered to include our British Polo Day event as part of their prestigious high goal tournament.”
Ed Olver, CEO British Polo Day
The Schwarzenbach family also welcomed guests of British Polo Day Australia at Garangula on the eve of the polo tournament to enjoy a Gala Dinner in the spectacular Garangula Gallery. With guests arriving in a fleet of chauffeur driven Land Rovers, the evening featured a private viewing of the Garangula art collection and a charity auction – offering experiences donated by Nihiwatu and 3RD HOME – which raised US$48,500 for the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence and Head Injury Through Sport.
Visit www.britishpoloday.com for more information.