Finals day at Chestertons Polo in the Park
The third day of Chestertons Polo in the Park was as picturesque and beautiful as the previous two days, which you can read about here and here. As the temperature was rising so was the excitement of which team would take home the trophy. With the best view and delicious food and wine in the Sponsor’s Marquee we decided to stay put and concentrate on the matches.
Being tall (an wearing ultra high heels) can actually be very practical at times…
Finally got myself a perfect spot to watch all the action.
The lovely afternoon tea in the Sponsor’s Marquee with some fellow Abu Dhabi fans
Afternoon tea in the Sponsor’s Marquee
The Runner’s up Final had our team Abu Dhabi battle against team Davos. It was a tight match with both teams scoring a fair amount, but then Mohammed and his trusted pair of Argies took over and took the lead ending the match in 8 goals to 5.
Mohammed Al Habtoor and Dillan Bacon race head-to-head towards the ball
Mohammed won the race and got the ball first.
Guille charging forward
Flying horses. Oscar and Mohammed in full galop.
Oscar saying hi to his nephew between chukkers
Mohammed calm and relaxed before the throw-in
And Abu Dhabi won the Runner’s up Final
I must admit that we were way too comfortable in that Sponsor’s Marquee (thank you MKH) so we did not do much exploring. We only left our spot during divot-stomping time.
The blonde squad divot stomping and posing as you do at polo
Group selfies are mandatory.
Waving that flag up high
Posing with a mallet is also mandatory…
In the final match of the weekend it was team Hong Kong who proved to be the best! Although it was a tough start with Dublin being well ahead of the game by half time the English boys of team Hong Kong took over. Max being the star player with his 7 goal skills, currently one of only three Englishmen holding that handicap, showed what he is really made of and scored some beautiful goals from behind the 45-yards line awarding the team 2 points for each goal and eventually the winning title at a final score of 10 to 8.
Max chasing Sebastian
Max and Sebastian doing some sharp turns
It’s great being so close to the field, really feels like you are right in there in the middle of the action and the horses. Oh hey there, Jamie.
Once team Hong Kong had shown their power and won the match it was time for the prize-giving ceremony (champagne showers included).
The prize-giving ceremony.
The winners!! Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park team Hong Kong with the trophy
The undefeated champions! Max, Charlie and Jamie, well done guys!!
Yup, Charlie and Max know exactly what to do with a bottle of champagne after winning the tournament.
All in all it was a fabulous weekend full of exciting polo, colorful and yummy drinks, wonderful atmosphere and great company. I am already looking forward to next year!
