Hua Hin Beach Polo Championship 2014 (Report & Photos)

[buksida]

The famous Asian beach polo championship will be back in Hua Hin next month, where players from three countries will compete for a trophy from HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha.

The fifth Asian Beach Polo Championship InterContinental-B. Grimm 2014 will feature four teams - two from Thailand, one from Malaysia and one from France. It will take place on the beachfront of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort on April 19 at 2pm.

The event will raise funds for the Kamlangjai Project initiated by the princess to provide support to help rehabilitate female prisoners after their release.

Prior to the polo tournament, spectators will enjoy many activities starting from noon. They include a beach-themed fashion show on horseback, a local horse race, a kids' polo match, games with fabulous prizes and luxurious shopping.

The day will conclude with a dinner party and charity auction from 6-9pm, held under the theme 'Hua Hin Sweet Old Day'.

Tickets cost 1,000 baht for a day pass, or 1,500 baht including the dinner party. Info: Email thaipoloclub@lbg.co.th or call 02-650-3055.

Source: Bangkok Post

[Big Boy]

[Big Boy]

I went down there today.

This is an annual event organised by the Intercontinental Hotel in Hua Hin. The event is staged on the beach. in front of the hotel. I must admit, watching Polo does not really float my boat, but as it was happening just down the road from where I live, I thought that I’d give it a go.

I entered the beach through Soi 77. I could hear the tannoy system long before I turned right onto the beach. I walked down the steps, and there was the arena on my right. As I walked towards the arena, there was a parade of horses led into the arena by a brass band. The parade congregated in the arena for the welcoming speeches.

I walked down the steps, and there was the arena on my right.

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The parade congregated in the arena

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The parade congregated in the arena

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Now, where should I watch from? I didn’t know how long I would stay for, so didn’t want the 1,000 Baht ticket (I’m a tight git as well), but the sun was very strong, so I didn’t want to burn to a cinder. I opted to stand in the shade of the grandstand, which meant I could move about as well (I hate sitting at football matches as well).

the shade of the grandstand

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The first match (is it called a match in Polo?) was the Junior (8 to 12 year olds) Final between St Andrews and Thai Polo. OK, they were young kids, but the skill levels were akin to the Hooray Henry’s at the Elephant Polo. To me, the highlight of this match was when one of the ponies decided he didn’t want to play anymore, and took its rider for a walk down the beach. It was my opinion that the best team lost (I know nothing about Polo), and the spoils went to Thai Polo.

Junior (8 to 12 year olds) Final between St Andrews (Green) and Thai Polo (White)

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It was my opinion that the best team lost

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the spoils went to Thai Polo

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A short break, and we were into the 3rd/4th play-off spot between Thailand and France. This was more what I’d expected. France were victorious, and left the competition winners of the previous 3 years in 4th place.

3rd/4th play-off spot between Thailand (left) and France (right)

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This was more what I’d expected.

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Next up was the final, with both teams competing for the HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha trophy. This was Macau against Hong Kong. It was easy to see why there 2 teams were in the final, and Macau took the honours with a well deserved 6 – 3 victory.

HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha trophy

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Macau against Hong Kong.

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Macau against Hong Kong.

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Macau against Hong Kong.

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That was the end of the Polo. Was I a born again Polo fan? No, I’d enjoyed the fun so far, but wouldn’t rush back.

Next up was the Children’s Fashion Parade on horseback. To me this was no different to watching kids have a ride on a horse on Hua Hin beach any day of the week. Not much fashion on display in my opinion.

Children’s Fashion Parade on horseback

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Children’s Fashion Parade on horseback

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The Children’s Fashion Parade was closely followed by the Adult’s Fashion Parade. Again, it was not my understanding of a Fashion Parade, but a little better than the Kiddie’s version. To me, the highlight of this parade was a horse rising up, throwing its rider and then rolling over her (sorry, I didn’t take a photo). To the young lady’s credit, she got up, and back on her horse immediately, and deserved the applause she received.

Adult’s Fashion Parade

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Adult’s Fashion Parade

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Final event of the day was the horse racing. This surprised me, as betting was permitted, with odds of 5/1 being offered on each horse. I’m sure it must have been for charity, and a waiver had been granted.

The first race was for small ponies, and the second for large ponies/horses.

first race was for small ponies

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second race was for large ponies/horses

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Winner of the large ponies/horses race

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The afternoon’s fun was over, and I wandered out past the hospitality tents. Not being a drinker, I didn’t sample what was on offer, but a couple of friends I bumped into were charged 620 Baht for a small Singha and a glass of Champagne.

hospitality tents

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hospitality tents

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I had been there for about 5 hours, and if we believe the old saying, “Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself,” I must have enjoyed myself. However, I think I enjoyed it because it was all new to me. It’s not an event that I’d rush back to (but I don’t really know why).

Many more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 718&type=1

[buksida]

Good pics, thanks for posting, I have never been to this event so it made interesting reading.

[Nereus]

You need to get one of those "press cards" Big Boy, as what you have posted is much better than any reporter would have done!

I must say that the horses all appeared to be well looked after and in good condition, and properly turned out. A bit of a surprise really, but I guess it is a reflection of the international nature of the event.

(chukker: term used for period of play in polo, seven and a half minutes long, there are six chukkers in a polo match)

[Big Boy]

I must say that the horses all appeared to be well looked after and in good condition, and properly turned out. A bit of a surprise really, but I guess it is a reflection of the international nature of the event.

Yes, I was impressed by that as well. It seems that up to 3 ponies/horses (sorry, I don't the difference ) were permitted for each rider, and the animals were changed after each period of play.

I must admit, I had visions of exhausted horses, foaming at the mouth - I couldn't have been more wrong.

[oakdale160]

It was a bit of fun, having a beer, talking to friends etc. The polo was fun too, but if real polo is Liverpool v Chelsea, this was a bunch of boys having a kick about on the beach.

[Big Boy]

No, but it was a bit of fun for few people good enough to ship their animals here, and enjoy a bit of a kick about while on holiday. It kept a complete Polo bonehead like me amused for a few hours, so IMHO it achieved my objectives from the day, and probably the objectives of a few others. I don't remember seeing any miserable faces there.

If you wanted to see the Polo equivalent of Liverpool vs Chelsea, then I wouldn't expect anybody to start looking on Hua Hin Beach.

[Vital Spark]

Thanks for a great report, BB. I absolutely adore horses, so I'd have been down there like a shot. The difference between a horse and a pony? It's generally about height measured at the base of their neck (i.e. above their front legs). If it's over 14.2 hands (about 4ft 10 inches) then it's a horse.

You're doing a great job for the Hua Hin tourist board - they should give you Honorary membership, or at least free passes to the attractions.

VS