British Polo’s inaugural event in America was a glamorous affair thanks to its Royal attendees and free-flowing glasses of Tattinger Champagne.
The Saturday daytime event was hosted by Lord Frederick Windsor and his wife, actress and writer Sophie Winkleman, as well as Will Rogers Polo Club President Andrew Bossom.
The Duke of Argyll, David Walton, Elon Musk, Talulah Riley, Olivier de Givenchy, Cassian Elwes and Paul McKenna were among the elite attendees who enjoyed a thoroughly British day under the California sunshine, of which included a Tattinger reception, a game of Brompton bicycle polo and a three-course luncheon paired with wines from Royal Warrant Holders, Justerini & Brooks.
Over lunch, professional auctioneer Tony Magnemi commenced the Loud Auction, raising money for the benefit of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Homeboy Industries. With auction lots including a five-night stay at The Maldives’ Sixth Senses Laamu; a week in one of 3rd Home’s luxury residences, the Royal Salute 38 Years Old Stone of Destiny Scotch Whisky (snapped up by actress Talulah Riley); and a signed copy of ‘Polo – The Nomadic Tribe’, by the illustrious photographer Aline Coquelle, the afternoon raised over US$54,250 for both charities.
From auction hammer to polo mallet, the day’s polo then got off to an exhilarating start with the opening Hackett Trophy. The Hackett Eton College and Royal Salute Will Rogers Polo Club teams took to the field for a closely-fought encounter. The match saw Eton College take an early lead and maintain a narrow advantage throughout, to clinch a close victory over the home team with a 6½ to 4 win.
Post-match at the Land Rover presented event, guests and VIPs enjoyed a delicious pitch-side afternoon tea by Homeboy Industries. The charity’s previously incarcerated and gang-involved men and women served homemade cakes and sandwiches from their phenomenally-popular popular bakery.
In the day’s second match, the Oxford Group Holdings Oxbridge team took on The London’s Southern California Polo Team for the Land Rover Cup. This was a thrilling match and, despite some serious pressure and very fine play from both sides, Southern California were just too strong and claimed a 6-4 victory as the whistle blew at the end of the final chukka.
As the sun set over the stunning Will Rogers Historic Park, proceedings drew to a close with the British Polo Day USA prize giving ceremony. Spectators joined Royal Salute Brand Ambassador, The Duke of Argyll, in a Royal Salute Scotch Whisky toast to the victorious teams – a perfect culmination to the day’s event.
With the crowds gathered, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor then presented the coveted trophies and prizes to the expectant winners. After the event, the party continued with a VIP post-reception at Santa Monica’s Shore Bar.
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