LivingPolo: news & lifestyle

An international crowd gather in St Tropez for British Polo Day France

The event was sponsored by Victor Jets

British Polo Day, sponsored by Victor, débuted in the south of France with a sun soaked day of polo at the Polo Club Saint Tropez. The prestigious event, which celebrates British heritage, saw polo players from two of Britain's finest institutions going head to head with our French friends.

VIP Guests were welcomed at the Clubhouse with a Champagne Reception by Taittinger followed by a lunch on the terrace before the main spectacle of the day between the Eton who were sponsored by Taittinger and Polo Club Saint Tropez, sponsored by Ettinger. In a hard fought first game, Eton were victorious, winning The Diamond Jubilee Trophy (9-8). Ben Vesty’s pony was awarded Victors 'Best Playing Pony' award by Samantha Strawford and Mike Ryan. Ben said "this was by far the most brilliant pony I have ever had the privilege of riding whilst abroad".

The final game of the day saw Oxford, sponsored by InterContinental, draw level in an extremely close game against Polo Club Saint Tropez , sponsored by Victor. The final score was 5 all and in a show of good faith the Johnsons of Elgin Trophy was retained by the host team. Oxford player Jack Mann was awarded the Most Valuable Player by Alvaro Ray and Didier Boidin from the Intercontinental Park Lane following a fantastic show of skill, dexterity and teamwork.

A charity auction in aid of HRH Prince Charles' Pakistan Recovery Fund took place during the event raising over $10,000 USD. Guests then embraced the St Tropez lifestyle at a glamorous after party at Le Quai and rounded off the evening at Les Caves du Roi where many stayed until the early hours.

The British Polo Day has become one of the most prestigious sporting and social events: an extravaganza of sport, society and style, with an eclectic mix of high profile guests including British aristocracy, ambassadors, royal families and celebrities.

Organised by old friends, Tom Hudson and Ed Olver, the event is partnered with some of the most esteemed British brands to create a 'best of British' day, including Victor Jets, The Hideaways Club, Intercontinental Park Lane, Ettinger and Vicomte A.

To find out more about British Polo Day France, click here.