7th August 2009
Top Polo Players Hit The Surf For The UK’s Original Beach Polo Event At Watergate Bay.
Above: Richard Blake Thomas in action at Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach. Photo: Bob Berry
International players will swap the rarefied polo fields of establishment England for a Cornish surfing beach next month as the UK’s original beach polo event returns to Watergate Bay.
The third edition of Veuve Cliquot Polo on the Beach will see two teams play an exhibition match of arena polo - a fast-paced and exciting form of the sport - on the evening of Monday 14th September.
The free event will bring top-level polo to a venue more used to seeing crashing waves than thundering hooves, with spectators able to watch the action at close hand.
“Last year more than 2,000 spectators packed the beach to watch a fiercely contested match for the Watergate Bay Trophy, and we already have some of the top names in British polo confirmed to play this year,” said Will Ashworth, Managing Director of event organisers The Hotel & Extreme Academy.
“We have several former England international players in the frame - Richard Blake Thomas has confirmed he will be back for a second year, and if match commitments allow we will have Richard’s brother Andrew Blake Thomas and Arena Gold Cup winner Jamie Le Hardy as well - all hugely talented high goal players.”
Also taking part will be Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Polo Manager Barbara Zingg, and Wadebridge resident Andrew Burgess - both of whom played last year.
More than 20 ponies will be required for the match which will be played over four chukkas (periods of play each lasting seven and a half minutes). The playing area is much smaller than grass polo - approximately 100 x 50 metres - requiring speed and agility from the players while making the game easy to follow for spectators.
Commentators Captain Ben Marshall and Richard Eldridge will bring their wealth of polo experience, explaining the rules and strategy of the game during the match, and summarising the action for the spectators.
Murdo Mace, Executive Director from team sponsors Midas Construction said: “Midas is delighted to be supporting this unique event which brings polo to a different audience.”
For the third year, Veuve Cliquot Polo on the Beach is free to attend for spectators. A public champagne bar and beach barbeque will be open from 5.00pm, with the teams riding out to start the first chukka at 6.30pm.
A limited number of hospitality packages are also available, starting at 5.30pm with a champagne and canapé reception and live band on the hotel terrace. The £75 package also includes entry to the post polo party in The Beach Hut with a buffet and band. Hospitality tickets are available from Claire Davies (claire@watergatebay.co.uk or 01637 861239).
Melanie Boury, Senior Brand Manager at title sponsors Veuve Cliquot, said: “Veuve Clicquot is pleased to continue its association with Polo on the Beach for the third year and integrate such a beautiful event within the exciting Clicquot Season. The occasion is a unique opportunity to experience polo on a spectacular playing surface - whilst enjoying the finest Veuve Clicquot,”
ENDS
Media/Photo Call
Date: Friday 11th September
Time: 12.00 - 1.00 pm
Location: On the beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA
Contact: Jim Michell - 01208 895089 or 07899 997336
Event: Photo/filming and interview opportunity with players Andrew Burgess (Wadebridge) and Barbara Zingg (The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst) and the umpire, plus their ponies. PLEASE NOTE: Prompt arrival is advised as to ensure the welfare of the ponies the time they will be able to run on the beach is strictly limited to a maximum of one hour.
Images
High resolution print-quality images can be downloaded here.
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| Kier Western player Tim Vaux.
Photo: Bob Berry |
Knight Frank player Barbara Zingg.
Photo: Bob Berry |
Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach.
Photo: Bob Berry |
Players James Bolesworth, Andrew Burgess and Barbara Zingg.
Photo: Bob Berry |
Notes to Editors
Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot has an established history of innovation and creativity. Madame Clicquot was the first woman to run her own champagne house when she took over the business in 1805. She revolutionised the way champagne was made by putting holes in her kitchen table and “riddling” the bottles to clarify the wines. Similarly, Veuve Clicquot’s innovative, daring approach is evident when in 1877 they became the first company to register their unique iconic yellow which is still apparent with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label today.
The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay is one of Britain’s leading venues for beach sports and events. Founded in 1999, the Extreme Academy comprises specialist schools for surfing, kitesurfing, waveski, stand-up paddlesurf and mountainboarding; technical equipment hire; and the Extreme Store, stocking a wide range of clothing and technical equipment. The Beach Hut, located on the ground floor of the Extreme Academy, is well known as Cornwall’s coolest beach hangout, and a great place to eat. www.watergatebay.co.uk
The Hotel, Watergate Bay has emerged from a £2 million programme of investment as a must-visit beach destination. With the public areas and bedrooms all refurbished in the past three years, the décor is beach house chic throughout. The contemporary modern look, award-winning dining and relaxed atmosphere are only topped by The Hotel’s unbeatable location right on the beach. www.watergatebay.co.uk
With over £70m of construction work on site in Cornwall, Midas Construction is industry leading within the county and contributes greatly to the community through its involvement in business and social initiative.
Woof Wear has been designing and producing high quality protective products for equine athletes and riders for over twenty years. In-depth research combined with testing and feedback from riders has helped Woof Wear develop practical, hard-wearing products that work in harmony with both horse and rider to give maximum protection – day-to-day or at top level competition. Woof Wear are presenting the trophy for Best Playing Pony.
Media Contact - PR on behalf of The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay
For more information and images contact: Jim Michell at Barefoot Media.
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 895089 Email: jim@barefootmedia.co.uk |
