Summer Events at The Guards Polo Club

For polo fans across the country, the Guards Polo Club has some of the finest events on its grounds every year. The club is popular with the Queen, and she visits many of the tournaments. If you could watch every match you would; they are thrilling and exhilarating to behold. Here’s a brief history of this fantastic club and some of the events you simply cannot miss this summer.

A Brief History

The club was founded in 1955 with His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, as President. It was originally named the Household Brigade Polo Club, but the name was changed in 1969. It is the largest polo club in Europe both in terms of membership and the number of grounds available. There are ten grounds that extend over 130 acres with 120 stables available for use, as well as an exercise track and a practice ground.

There are around 1,000 members who do not play, and 160 members that do. Among them are some of the highest rated players in the world. Around 25% of the players are overseas visitors from places such as Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. The playing season begins in April and ends in mid-September.

Events

June 11: Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

This event marks the end of three weeks of intense competition and features some of the best ponies and riders in the country as they compete to be named the champions. On the Smith’s Lawn, this match will be played on a Saturday for the first time this year.

June 19: Bentley Royal Windsor Cup Final

This event marks the final of the UK’s best and most popular 15-goal tournament. It is the oldest tournament to be played at the club, and is often a truly exhilarating match to watch. The prestigious cup is presented to the winning team by Her Majesty the Queen herself. It is certainly not a match that you will want to miss.

June 26: Archie David Cup Final

This popular eight-goal tournament is one where it is considered amazing to reach the final itself due to the sheer number of teams that compete to get there every year. A relaxing event, the game is still just as exciting as players and ponies need to be at the top of their game to win.

July 23: Royal Salute Coronation Cup

This spectacular event allows you to witness an England Test Match for the incredible Coronation Cup. England are facing a strong and competitive Commonwealth team this year, so they need to be at their best and ready to face them if they want to keep their trophy.

Polo is a quintessentially British sport that is played in a professional and civilised manner. It is a sport of grace and skill as rider’s race for the ball while keeping their balance on their polo ponies. If you are a fan of the sport or simply interested in British sport and culture, then attending at least one game at the Guards Polo Club is an absolute must.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel in Windsor is less than 10 miles away from Guards Polo Club. Join us at the Thames View Restaurant for dinner or how about a Sunday lunch paired with sparkling wine and jazz from a local trio? If you are planning to stay over, choose from one of our 98 characterful rooms and suites for a traditional English experience. As a guest, you can also enjoy free access to our adjacent gym and spa. Call us on 01753 202825 for enquiries and bookings or email us at [email protected].