On Sunday 13 September the ever-growing British Polo Day Global Series – presented by Land Rover – returns to Beijing’s prestigious Tang Polo Club for the fifth British Polo Day China.
Hosted by owner of Tang Polo Club and China’s finest polo player, Mr Shilai Liu, British Polo Day China is set to be a fitting prelude to the following week’s China Open Polo Tournament and a very busy Asian leg of British Polo Day’s Global Series.
Testament to the continued growth and interest in British elite brands in China, British Polo Day has witnessed an unprecedented growth in supporting partners wishing to develop visibility and business relationships, this year totalling over 30. British Polo Day China partners include Land Rover, RJI Capital, Royal Salute, Hackett London, Harrods, Holland & Holland, Justerini & Brooks, Abercrombie & Kent and more.
Commenting on British Polo Day China, CEO Edward Olver says: “Year on year, British Polo Day China becomes increasingly exciting for us. As one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets, the appetite for British brands – and indeed prestigious equine sports, such as polo – is notable.
We are delighted to be in a unique position to capitalise on this trend and bring some of our newest partners – such as Harrods and RJI Capital – with us to China for the first time.
It is a great honour to partner with Tang Polo Club – and our kind host Shilai Liu – to not only celebrate a day of excellent amateur polo between friends, but also the historical ties that exist between Great Britain and China.”
Ron Wahid, chairman and CEO of RJI Capital adds: “British Polo Day is an exceptional hospitality and high-level networking platform, and I can see British Polo Day developing even greater capacity within its chosen sport. Equally importantly, this impressive team has built an exclusive offering which is beyond common currency, and which enables a unique and special level of relationships to develop over the long-term – which is where we do business.”
Arriving in chauffeur-driven Land Rovers, British Polo Day China’s guests and VIPs will enjoy a pitch-side Champagne Taittinger Reception, while watching the opening Brompton Bicycle Polo Exhibition Match – a thoroughly British pursuit.
Swapping pedals for ponies, the British Polo Day China players will then take to the pitch for the official Opening Ceremony, before the British Exiles/China team take on home side, Tang Polo Club in The Land Rover Trophy.
Post-match, guests will be treated to a traditional afternoon tea, while the time honoured and delicately crafted whisky – Royal Salute – will be served at the pitchside bar. Others are sure to be found in the Harrods Garden Party playing croquet and eating ice creams with the resident Harrods Green Man.
The second – and final – match of the day, The Hackett Cup, will see the British Schools team take on their Chinese counterpart the BCC team, eager to maintain their winning streak for another year running.
With players including top British player George Meyrick, Chevy Beh, Miguel Diaz and of course Shilai Liu himself, competition will be fierce for the superb bespoke-designed British Silverware Cup and Trophy, as well as the Royal Salute ‘Most Valuable Player’, the Holland & Holland ‘Shot of The Day’ and ‘Best Playing Pony’. Meanwhile, off the pitch, the stakes will be high for the Harrods ‘Luck of the Draw’ and Hackett’s ‘Best Dressed’ prize – which always draws an enviable crowd.
Rounding off the day, an Argentinian asado will spark-up up the evening’s afterparty before British Polo Day China’s official travel partner Abercrombie & Kent will lead guests on an exclusive itinerary that takes in some of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, as well as glimpses of the traditional way of life, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
British Polo Day China takes place on Sunday 13 September 2015 at The Tang Polo Club, Beijing. The event is partnered with Land Rover, RJI Capital, Royal Salute, Hackett London, Harrods, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Justerini & Brooks, Charles Russell Speechlys, Champagne Taittinger, Holland & Holland, British Silverware, Billionaire.com, Global Partnership Family Offices, Benthorp, Brompton, Great British Racing International, Bonas MacFarlane Education, Abercrombie & Kent, Taylor Morris Eyewear, D.R Harris & Co, Cassabo, Paul A Young Fine Chocolates, Floris, Jax Coco, South Kensington Club, The Grosvenor Stationery Company, 3rd Home, The Cavalry & Guards Club, Walpole, Pendragon Productions.
