The UK round of Maserati’s International Polo Tour saw an exhilarating display of polo at the Gloucestershire Festival at Beaufort Polo Club with the rematch between Team Maserati and Team Dhamani 1969 which saw Team Maserati walk away with a thrilling victory.
On day one of the Festival the sun shone down as spectators poured through the gates. Olympic, World and European Championship medal winning dressage rider Laura Tomlinson MBE, took the horses through their paces, allowing the crowds to gain a deeper appreciation of the fine art of dressage.
The second day of the Festival started with a chance for some of the top U15 Juniors from around the globe to shine on the big stage. Teams Royal Marsden Green and Royal Marsden Blue were the first to play in the Semi Finals. In the second Semi Final, Adolfo Cambiaso’s son Poroto, performed a dazzling display showing why he is one of the best up and coming players in the world. As the mass of spectators the U15 Final got underway. Beaufort Orange and Royal Marsden Blue both impressed, however team Orange stayed on top throughout, winning 6-0. James Gegg from Walter Bull & Son presented individual trophies to each player, before HRH The Duke of Cambridge kindly presented the Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Memorial Cup to the winning team.
The real highlight of the weekend then got underway. Playing in the match at the historic British ground was a very special guest; HRH The Duke of Cambridge who played on the Maserati team alongside England International star player, Malcolm Borwick, as well as Bruce Merivale-Austin and Josh Cork.
His Royal Highness took part in the game in aid of Centrepoint, of which The Duke is Patron and in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, of which The Duke is President.
Playing on the opposing Dhamani 1969 team was Karan Thapar, Mark Tomlinson, Antonio Manzorro and Antonia Carlsson.
Victory was secured by Team Maserati, whose powerful performance saw a final score of 6 – 5 ½. After an impressive showing, the Maserati Most Valuable Player prize was presented to Karan Thapar.
2018 is the fifth year Maserati and its polo apparel partner, La Martina, have hosted a polo tour, with the UK match being the second of three polo events on the calendar. The 2018 season spans eight months and visits some of the most exclusive polo destinations in Europe.
To celebrate this prestigious tournament, La Martina has designed a completely unique luxury polo shirt for the Maserati Team players. Made from 100% pure Italian cotton pique; only four of these shirts have been made– one for each player on the Maserati team.
There was ample horsepower on display both on and off the field, with the entire range of Maserati vehicles on display. From the 430 HP Levante S GranSport that led the players on to the field to start the match, the GranTurismo MC in pride of place within the VIP hospitality to the Levante S GranLusso and the Ghibli GranLusso on display for all guests to view and explore outside of the Beaufort Polo Clubhouse.
The Maserati Polo Tour continues in Spain from 25 July with the 47° Torneo Internacional de Polo at the Santa Marìa Polo Club of Sotogrande. The Final of the high-handicap tournament of the ‘Maserati Copa de Oro’ will be held on 31 August.
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