Championing Thoroughbred Excellence in Polo: Lycetts Insurance Brokers Proudly Sponsors a Remarkable Event

This new event and competition sponsored by Lycetts Insurance Brokers, designed to showcase the thoroughbreds agility and temperament for polo was held at the Guards Polo Club on Tuesday 19th September 2023, in cooperation with International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR).

Guards Polo Club was founded in 1955, with HRH, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as the Club’s first president. A role he held for 66 years until his death in 2021. It is now the largest club in Europe, features the Queen’s Cup (high goal). The club is set in the outstanding natural surroundings of Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park.

The 55 thoroughbreds bred to race and now retrained as polo ponies competed in the four classes accommodating different age groups. The winner of each class received a cash prize of £1000 and there was an overall prize of £1000 given to the overall champion. Many did race but several others never made it to the track, however, they are all now building a career in polo.

Those entered were ridden and produced by successful polo players who had bought their thoroughbreds from the sales or privately from owners; the majority came directly from racehorse trainer’s yards through contacts the players have with trainers. Polo is an important discipline for the racing industry to support as the players like to take smaller 3 year olds and upwards. On the day 42 out of the 55 entrants were fillies/mares, of which most had only run a few times and finished at the rear of the field. These thoroughbreds, if not suitable for breeding purposes, or for other equestrian disciplines, make polo a popular avenue.

In each class the thoroughbreds were judged on confirmation, turnout, and polo schooling ability. The objective of the judges is to identify the thoroughbred with the most potential of becoming a successful polo pony.

In addition, there was an opportunity for the competing ponies to be sold and bought in a public auction, with potential buyers having had the chance to watch the classes and see the thoroughbred’s close-up and in action. Over a third of the entries have been declared ‘for sale’. The winner of the 4yo class was auctioned and was purchased for £13,000.

All monies raised in sponsorship and prizes were given to the winners and their connections. The polo club, very generously, did not charge for the use of the venue or for their team who helped put on the event. The judges, the event committee including the former CE and president of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the head of polo pony welfare, director of polo at Guards and one of the top polo players, all gave their time and expertise free of charge; all recognising the importance of an event like this to support the versatility and intelligence of the thoroughbred.

Equine Productions filmed the event and followed two of the ponies competing during the day on behalf of IFAR as part of the video magazine due out later this year.

Lycetts Insurance Brokers is proud to stand as the main sponsor of this remarkable event, championing the enduring spirit and adaptability of the thoroughbred in the world of polo. Together, we celebrate the legacy of these exceptional equine athletes and look forward to the continued growth of this event in the years ahead.