Steyn City’s new Polo Park facility provides a memorable backdrop for this type of event, with incredible views of manicured parklands and the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
The who’s who of the Joburg social scene were there – on Saturday, 16 November – of course, together with guests who flew in from around the country. Dressed according to a Nomadic Couture theme, there was plenty to see on and off the polo field.
The décor theme told a Polo Through The Ages story beginning with Persia, where it all started 2 000 years ago, Shanghai and Jaipur and moving on to Barcelona, Buenos Aires and, of course, Joburg. VVIP guests were welcomed in the “great room of Marrakech”, decorated with elaborate gold flower installations.
Those who actually came for the game were entertained by the new-format curtain raiser between the East Rand and Inanda polo teams. Owen Nelson, Attie van Wyk and Duncan Ellis won that match for East Rand polo with a handicap of 7.
The main game between the Steyn City and Standard Bank teams lived up to expectations as the highlight of the day, with the latter comprising Duncan Watson, Gary Spilsbury and Leroux Hendriks riding off with the Standard Bank Polo in the Park trophy on a handicap of 15.
So beyond the glitz, glamour and socialising, what is the draw of attending a top polo event like this one? “The networking, the people… We come and make new friends and acquaintances,” says entrepreneur Metse Phiyega. “But I have always loved watching the game. I love horses.”
