Chukkas away for British Beach Polo championships

With up to 10,000 expected at next month’s event, now in its 11th year, anticipation is mounting.

Four competitive polo teams are set to battle for supremacy as they go head-to-head for the title of British Polo Champion 2018.

Yesterday, two polo ponies with riders, serving members of the Household Cavalry, a model and players from Bournemouth Rugby Club took part in the event’s official media launch at Sandbanks Beach.

Championship director Johnny Wheeler said: “We are blessed to be able to stage our event on the magnificent Sandbanks Beach and to enjoy close co-operation with the council.

“Year after year we attract the finest polo players, wonderful sponsors and partners and a ‘full house’ of supporters.”

Aside from the horsemanship on display, this year’s championships - set to take place over two days in July - also feature five-a-side beach exhibition rugby in association with Bournemouth Rugby Club.

Club chief executive officer James Croker explained: “We were kindly invited by Johnny to be the exhibition sport, which provides an hour of sport a day. Historically it has been beach volleyball, but Johnny thought it was appropriate this year to get another sport involved. We are going to do five-a-side beach rugby with the aim of strengthening our association with Sandbanks Beach Polo and giving the club more exposure.”

Another big attraction this year is the event’s ‘Ibiza Fashion Festival’, which will kick each night’s party off.

The Friday night entertainment includes top DJs, while the Saturday night closing party has always proved popular with revellers.

This year’s championships will also support the Household Cavalry Foundation, whose aim is to support operational casualties, veterans, their families and dependents, and serving soldiers.

The British Beach Polo Championships are scheduled for July 13-14, at Sandbanks Beach, Poole.

Visit sandpolo.com for further details including how to get tickets.