British Polo Day Dubai 2016

The sun was high and so were our spirits as we were heading out to the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club to attend the second British Polo Day (BPD) event this year (the first one was the previous Saturday in Abu Dhabi). I invited my friend Nastasia to join me and as the driver sped down Sheikh Zayed Road I gave her a little lesson on what polo is all about and how to follow the game.

A very warm welcome by BPD and Bentley – Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

The day before BPD my friends over at MyDamour.com sent over a special delivery with a gorgeous polo-perfect white dress. Paired with nude wedges and a small shoulder bag I was ready to sip champagne and trod in divots in style.

Special package from MyDamour.com a Dubai based online fashion boutique – worldwide shipping!

Arriving at BPD with Nastasia. My polo perfect white dress from MyDamour.com

First up was the UAE traditional Camel Polo, where Execu-Jet Guards beat British Silverware Cavalry 1-0. Camel polo is slightly different to horse polo and played in a much smaller pitch, also as seen in the photo there are two people on the camel, one jockey to steer the camel and one polo player to hit the ball.

Camel Polo, Ready, Set, GO! Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

The polo players were really getting in to the game. risking it all to get the ball. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

A regular on the BPD horse polo team Max Kirchhoff had his first go at Camel polo and on the winning team. He said it was an exciting and different twist to the sport he loves, but for now he prefers playing on horses. After Camel Polo he switched shirts and “vehicle” to participate in the Brompton Bicycle Polo Match, being on the winning team again, this time on the “Rest of the World” team against the “Taylor Morris Eyewear” team.

Hackett Rest of the World team. Max Kirchhoff on the far right. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Taylor Morris Eyewear team, always with big smiles and having a laugh. These guys have the best energy and coolest sunglasses. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Bicycle polo is also a very good way of practicing your polo skills. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Brompton Bicycle Polo is no easy game to play. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

After all the excitement of the first two “polo” matches, our appetites had been awaken. A lavish luncheon for over 200 guests was set out on the terrace. Large buffets of international cuisine, desserts and an entire room with cheese, paired with superb wine by Justerini and Brooks. Nastasia felt like she was in a dream in that cheese room! I headed straight for the desserts and ice cream of course.

Justerini and Brooks wines, the rosé was especially yummy! Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Beautiful settings for a beautiful event. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Finally it was time for the two highly-anticipated polo matches. The first one being between “RJI Capital Oxbridge” against “Shangri-La Dubai”. The latter had a very special player amongst them; Lucasito Monteverde a 10-year-old superstar. Lucasito played along side his father Lucas Monteverde, one of the top players in the game at a 9 goal handicap, who recently won the Dubai Polo Gold Cup final with Sheikha Maitha’s team UAE.

Lucasito Monteverde showing us how it’s done. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

And a strong backhand from the 10-year-old. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

At the pony lines. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

The second horse polo match was the BPD team: Royal Salute British Exiles versus the home side Bentley Habtoor Polo, 4 intense chukkers of excellent polo between international friends. The home team came out the victors in the end at 6-2 and Guillermo Cuitiño’s pony “Poderoso” received the Best Playing Pony award by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Marcos Panelo showing off his tapping skills and taking the lead for his team Habtoor Bentley. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Then we all gathered on the polo field for the traditional prize-giving ceremony with beautiful trophies and gifts presented by British Silverware.

Best Playing Pony- “Poderoso” owned and ridden by Guillermo Cuitiño. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Winners of the first horse polo match: RJI Capital Oxbridge. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

Winners of the second polo match: Habtoor Bentley Motors. Photo credit Sam Churchill/British Polo Day

The wonderful day came to an end with a party in the courtyard of the polo club. A joyous and light atmosphere was in the air, everyone was celebrating and enjoying this amazing event, which in my opinion really is one of the best polo events in the world. BPD really embodies the best of the sport, family, tradition and a global expression of friendship, crossing all borders. That same evening I was back on a plane to Denmark with a huge smile on my face.

The next British Polo Day event will be held in England in June. Until then I will be attending many polo events and tournaments around the world, subscribe in the box at the top right or leave a comment below and subscribe, to receive my next blogpost in your e-mail inbox. Looking forward to hearing from you!