A hurricane did its best to dampen spirits at the AudiPonyClub Polo Championships (8-10 August), but there was still some great action to be had.
Torrential rain
Alongside the PonyClub finals were the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) British Junior Polo matches. All of those competing had secured their place at Cowdray Park in West Sussex by qualifying at matches around the UK.
In the HPA the Silver Leys Team won the Hipwood Trophy, the Oatleys Team took the Buckmaster Trophy, while Cowdray Park were the fitting winners of the John Cowdray Trophy.
The Pony Club teams battled it out all weekend to secure a coveted slot in the Sunday afternoon final. However, when the big day arrived so did Hurricane Bertha, bringing torrential rain.
Abandoned play
After a few hours the organisers decided play would have to be abandoned. Based on an aggregation of scores during the weekend a system was produced by the HPA to ensure there were worthy winners.
Handley Cross (riders aged 14 and under) – which is the only section in the championships where only Pony Club ponies can be used – was won by South Berkshire / South Oxfordshire Hunt.
The Cotswold Hunt won Surtees (under 14s) while Loriner (under 16s) was taken by Strathearn. Langford (Junior HPA under 17s) was given to North Cotswold Hunt and Rendell (under 21s) went to Vine Hunt. The Gannon title, which is the highest level of youth polo for under 21s, was won by Hampshire Hunt.
Wonderful season
“It has been a wonderful season all except for the slightly sad end, and not being able to play the finals due to hurricane Bertha soaking the Cowdray Polo Club grounds” said Charles Whittington, chairman ofPonyClub Polo.
“Across the season we saw players improve their polo, horsemanship and technique and look forward to winter training and the 2015 season.”