The Argentine Polo Team is making a welcome return to Guards Polo Club on Sunday 26 July when they play in the Coronation Cup, part of Cartier’s 25th anniversary International Day celebrations. The world’s leading exponents of this fast paced sport last played in the Coronation Cup in 2000 – narrowly defeating England 10-9 in extra. Leading the Argentine team, sponsored by EFG, is the World’s Number One Player – Adolfo Cambiaso. This 35-year-old star of the sport has been at the top of his game for almost 20 years and continually wows the crowds with his daring exploits in the saddle. Playing alongside him will be fellow 10-goaler (the highest handicap possible) Facundo Pieres, who is snapping at Cambiaso’s heels for the World’s Leading Player title. Playing alongside these polo superstars are Martin Valent and Gustavo Usandizaga. They may well both be rated at three goals, but with Argentina in their blood and an Argentine shirt on their backs, they will be playing well above their handicaps.
Luke Tomlinson once again leads the England team, supported by Audi, into battle on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club, situated in the heart of Windsor Great Park. Tomlinson received the Coronation Cup from HRH Prince Charles last year, after a thrilling battle against Australia and he aims to repeat that feat again in 2009. His England team-mates then – Mark Tomlinson, James Beim and Malcolm Borwick – will again be donning England shirts once more.
This year also marks Cartier’s 25th anniversary of support of this great sporting occasion. The leading jeweller first sponsored the Hurlingham Polo Association’s (HPA) International Day in 1984, when a Rest of the World team took the honours. Since then, Cartier International Day has grown to become the world’s largest spectator polo day. Leading players from across the globe have worn their national shirts with pride over the past 25 years and in recognition of the talent that has helped make International Day the event we know today, Cartier, in association with the HPA, has created the Cartier 25th Anniversary Polo Award 2009, which will be presented to a leading protagonist of the sport at the event. In addition, many famous players are returning to Guards Polo Club to parade before the game.
Of course the action on the field always has to impress as it has to vie with the impressive guest list provided by Cartier, who invites some 600 guests from the worlds of literature, stage, screen and sport to enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the Cartier marquee, prepared by leading chef Anton Mosimann. Previous guests have included HRH Prince William, Elton John, Pierce Brosnan, Cate Blanchett, Angelica Houston and Orlando Bloom.
After the action on the field there guests can then linger at the Club to enjoy the evening in Chinawhite’s impressive marquee or the HPA’s Official Players and Grooms Enclosure.
With such a wealth of talent both on and off the field, the 25th Cartier International Day on Sunday, 26 July promises to the highlight of both the sporting and social calendar. For tickets and further event information please call Guards Polo Club’s Ticket Office on 01784 437797 or click on the Cartier page on this website. For more information on hospitality available on Cartier International Day contact Keith Prowse on 0845 602 8964 or visit www.keithprowse.co.uk. For further information on the after polo events please log on to www.chinawhite.com or www.hypepartyplanning.co.uk