Sunshine & Saddles
Team Laurent-Perrier secure silverware on the Roodee at the LDF International Tournament 2018
The great British summer made an appearance on the Roodee last weekend for the LDF International Polo Tournament 2018 at Chester Polo Club. The perfect weather for polo, visitors flocked to Chester Polo Club to watch four teams battle it out to victory and a substantial £10,000 prize fund. The 2018 season opener and the first game for Chester Polo Club on Semi Finals Day, Friday 8 June, saw team Laurent-Perrier triumph over V Docs, with an impressive final score of 11-1. The second match of the day saw Arbuthnot Latham secure their place in the final against LDF with a result of 7-3.
Between chukkas, guests were welcomed onto the pitch to take part in the polo tradition of stomping the divots. As a Chester Polo tradition, a silver cork was hidden on the pitch, the finder winning a bottle of Laurent-Perrier.
Finals Day on Saturday 9 June saw an enthusiastic crowd gather for the final game of the tournament. LDF took third place against V Docs with a final score of 9-3. Laurent-Perrier then battled against Arbuthnot Latham in a lively game that showcased outstanding talent and sportsmanship. The nail biting final resulted in a 8-5 finish in favour of Laurent-Perrier.
Match day commentator, Stephen Wundke commented: “In a see-sawing game the crowd were treated to tense, aggressive and highly skilled Polo and they loved it. It’s an old cliché and whilst Laurent-Perrier picked up the spoils of the LDF Trophy and £10,000, the real winner was the game of Polo. Well done to Chester Racecourse for staging a superb showpiece for a crowd that is learning and appreciating the game more year after year.”
In a champagne soaked reception, MVP (sponsored by Docutech Office Solutions) was awarded to Michael Henderson from team Laurent-Perrier after scoring an impressive 13 goals in 2 games. Best Playing Pony (sponsored by LDF) was awarded to Tormenta, ridden by Matias Amaya of Team Arbuthnot Latham in the first chukka of the final game.
Following their new automotive partnership, Chester Polo welcomed luxury car dealership H.R. Owen to the Roodee. Representatives from the well-established dealership showcased the latest models, pitch-side throughout the tournament. Spectators where welcomed to take a front row seat to the action in the Italian luxury of a Maserati Levante. Style was also a key focus throughout the tournament, as guests were invited to browse the latest collections from luxury menswear brand, Hackett, as new partner to Chester Polo Club.
The event raised valuable funds for the nominated charity The Marina Dalglish Appeal and recently knighted Sir Kenny Dalglish was in attendance to support this worthwhile cause and enjoy a day at the polo. CR
Chester Polo Club returns to Chester Racecourse for The Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup on 7 & 8 September.
Tickets and Hospitality are available to purchase online at www.chester-races.com/chester-polo and can also be purchased on match day. Spectators can gain free entry on Friday for the Semi-Finals and admission is just £8 for adults on each Saturday for the Finals. Children are invited to attend either day free of charge. For visitors looking for an extra special Polo experience, VIP Hospitality can be reserved by calling 01244 304 63
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