Royal Salute Coronation Cup: England, Commonwealth prepare for rematch
The Hurlingham Polo Association has confirmed that England will play the GT Bank-supported Commonwealth team in a rematch for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 29th July at Guards Polo Club.
These two very competitive teams produced a memorable encounter last year, which concluded with Commonwealth captain Fred Mannix receiving the historic trophy from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
This is the third year of Royal Salute’s sponsorship of the prestigious Coronation Cup, with England’s tally standing at one win and one loss.
However, England’s team captain James Beim, in his third year at the helm of the home side, is already planning on reversing England’s fortunes in 2017.
“The Commonwealth boys put up an impressive performance last year, but with a strong UK season ahead of us, both our players and ponies will be at our peak on 29 July, ready to keep the Coronation Cup firmly in English hands this time around.”
In an exciting change of format, the HPA has confirmed that for the first time ladies’ teams have been invited to play on this day.
David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA said: “Women’s polo is growing fast worldwide and the introduction of ladies’ handicaps has been a great boost for ladies’ polo. It is excellent that the strength and depth of ladies’ polo is being recognised by inviting two lady teams to compete for the Diamond Jubilee trophy, which will be played after the Coronation Cup.”