England Wins Polo In Pattaya
The Thai Polo & Equestrian Club together with many big sponsors plus the Pattaya Cultural Society hosted the 2011 Anniversary Polo Cup at the idyllic Pattaya Polo Club. It turned out to be a thrilling finish that saw the English National Team turn the tables on their Malaysian Polo Team rivals and win in the final minutes of the last “chukka” (round).
Pattaya, 14th February 2011: – During the traditional hose riding sport of polo the riders have to hit a small solid ball with a long handled mallet and score by putting it through their own goal posts at one end of the field. Horses and riders travel considerable distances at fast gallops on the 274 metres long field, during the four 7-minute Chukkas (rounds), so the weary horses are changed many times.
Polo is played using a large number of complex rules and this is done to stop any injuries to the horse or the rider, which could easily occur in such a fast moving game. This 2011 Anniversary Polo Cup was no exception with the highly skilled Malaysian Polo Team being a serious challenge to the very professional English National Team. During the four rounds the English horsemen led in the early stages of the four stages and then in the last round the Malaysian team took a one point lead.
However, the game was not over and with only 3-minutes to go the English team drew up level and in an absolutely “nail biting” finish, with England having six points to Malaysia’s three. This was the most exciting finish that spectators and visitors have seen for years, and though the Malaysian tem members looked a little disappointed, they had no reason to be, as they are all masters of polo who should be recognized as such.
But wait; – There are more events to see, because the women’s “Pink Polo” matches are taking place, with the grand final matches on Saturday afternoon, 19th February 2011. Here is another exciting round of premium polo that should not be missed, and this great spectator event has free admission with refreshments provided. As this is a “high-so” event, visitors are reminded to dress well in smart casual clothing and by showing good etiquette you are sure to meet some very nice new friends. The Thai Polo Club playing fields are a few kilometers down in a beautiful valley behind “Horseshoe Point” off Siam Country Club Road and you can visit their website for further information.
Credit: Pattaya Daily News (www.pattayadailynews.com)
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