The first big event of the polo calendar in the UK is the $100,000 Polo Masters held at Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey in May. In 2008 this was a sell-out event played under blue skies and hot sunshine. In 2009 it was the complete opposite, with dull foggy weather throughout the group matches, and a final played in torrential rain and driving wind. Needless to say the attendance was very poor which was a shame as the match was a cracker, with the Polo Networks team running in winners over Madams Farm with a last minute goal from Henry Brett.Next it was onto the first event of its kind - Polo in the Park or the World Polo Series, played at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, London. Organised by Jack Kidd, brother of Jodie, the rules had been transformed to make the game faster and more exciting. Purists may have baulked at the format, but the spectators loved it and the games were superb. Played on a smaller pitch surrounded by stands, the closeness of the action helped to generate a vibrant atmosphere. The final was won by the London team who beat New York, and Jack Kidd fittingly lifted the trophy. One of our shots also made the cover of the Polo Times magazine, making it all worthwhile.The Queen's Cup at Guards followed as the first major high goal event of the UK season, with Apes Hill defeating Sumaya in extra time with a golden goal from Charlie Hanbury. A cracking match with all the pace and dynamism that high goal polo brings.The curse of the weather continued at the Gold Cup at Cowdray, where heavy rain and strong winds had the Argentinian players cowering in their cars to keep warm. La Bamba de Areco ran out winners beating Dubai 13-10 in another exciting final which was only briefly interrupted by one of the massive Veuve Cliquot umbrellas being blown across the field.The season rounded off with the Cartier match between England and Argentina which saw England slaughtered by a rampant Argentinian team 5-12. Blustery, cloudy weather again provided a gloomy backdrop to the game to worsen the mood of those England supporters who were still sober, much in contrast to 2008 where sunburn and heatstroke was the order of the day.Overall, a great season despite the inclement weather. We photographers are hoping for a bit more warmth and sunshine in 2010.
