Polo goes vintage Victorian

Polo goes vintage Victorian

There was more than a touch of royalty and glamour for the ninth King's Cup tournament

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE

Celebrities glammed up in “Vintage Victorian” for the finals of the ninth Thailand Polo King’s Cup tournament at VR Sport Club, Bang Bo, Samut Prakan.

The event was hosted by the Thailand Polo Association, with Privy Councillor ACM Kamthon Sindhavananda presiding over the opening ceremony and presenting the King’s Cup trophy to the winning team.

The final match was between Team King Power from Thailand, led by Apichet and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, and Team Ahmibah Brunei led by HRH Prince Jefri Bolkiah and His Highness Prince Qawi. Team King Power defeated Team Ahmibah Brunei 13-12.

Six teams took part in this year’s event, namely Ahmibah Brunei from Brunei, Global Port from the Philippines, BP Healthcare from Malaysia, Tang Polo Club from China, the Brunei Polo Team and Team King Power. The tournament is the most prominent of its kind in Thailand and features a “high hand” 15-18 goal handicap system, meaning the players must have superior skills.

The event began with a spectacular parade of A-list celebrities such as Chermarn “Ploy” Boonyasak and Sririta Jensen, who displayed the King’s Cup trophy in a horse-drawn carriage. This was followed by a horse riding demonstration by celebrities Ploy Bhinsaeng, Natapree Pichaironarongsongkram, Sonia Couling and Phitsinee Tanwiboon. A special show, Pegasus and the Angel, concluded the opening ceremony. In addition, there were many fun activities from sponsors’ booths and music from the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra.

Guests had a chance to show off their Victorian-themed outfits during the ritual “stomping the divots” during the break between chukkas.

The tournament concluded in the evening with an exclusive gala dinner and spectacular horse-riding and fire-blowing demonstrations, as well as prizes for best dressed. The Best Dressed Woman award went to Mom Chailai Yugala na Ayudhya, while the Best Dressed Man was Chris Relfe.

Another highlight was the auction of two limited-edition, 60cm sculptures of His Majesty the King titled Song Ngarn, code numbers 333 and 555, along with paintings by Oliver Burel. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under the royal patronage of HM the King. n

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