Last Sunday, Michael Bickford, one of the top polo patrons in the world in terms of playing level, achieved his long-sought-after objective. After losing the Queen’s Cup for two consecutive years (2016 against Dubai, and 2017 against RH Polo), he finally claimed the title, after beating Park Place 9 goals to 7.

“Third year lucky as they say, but we fought hard, we were determined,” shares Bickford. “I think that today there was no option but to win; I guess that’s what happened.”

Not only did La Indiana win the Queen’s Cup, but Michael Bickford received the winning prize from HM Queen Elizabeth II. “I think she’d see me a few times before, she’s one of the most fascinating people in the world. Last year she was very kind to me and had some words, and this year we were talking about the Cup and her doll house and some other things. But she is very special and this Cup is probably one of the most special cups to win in the world of polo.”

On the title and the game plan: “We are all super happy, the team, everyone is playing hard, we play great together, that’s the most important thing. We just have to stick with our plan and stay tight with the man; we did switch that after the half. I started going forward to Tommy [Beresford], Alec [White] went back, that helped a little bit. Maybe that changed their rhythm.”

Bickford also remembered a very special person in his life: “I want to dedicate this to my mum, she passed away 35 years ago and she didn’t get to see any of the grandchildren or any of this, but I know she is watching. I also want to dedicate this to my teammates and the coach, we all played really well together. It’s about being a team. If you don’t come together as a team every game these thing don’t happen.”