British Polo Day and RJI Capital announce their title partnership for 2016 and a new high-goal polo team
Press ReleaseAbu Dhabi – Dubai – Great Britain – China – French Riviera – Singapore – Sumba Island – Mexico – India
London, June 6, 2016 – RJI Capital, the international merchant banking firm with a premium track record in new market entry and international transactions, announces its headline sponsorship of British Polo Day and a new all-British high-goal team, Britannia El Remanso.
The season launched with British Polo Day Abu Dhabi on March 19th, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan. RJI Capital was represented by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ron Wahid, the Rt. Hon. the Baroness of Asthal QC, Patricia Scotland, who served as senior adviser to the Chairman at Arcanum until she took up her post as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Keith Bristow, the first Director-General of the UK’s National Crime Agency and current senior adviser to the Chairman at Arcanum, and Hasham Sadruddin, Managing Director of RJI Capital Middle East.
Britannia El Remanso kicked off the season with a victory in the Queen’s Cup. The team, which includes Charlie Hanbury (3), Ollie Cudmore (5), James Beim (7) and James Harper (6), continued their winning streak with two victories in the Cartier Queen’s Cup last week, against Dubai and RH Polo Teams.
Since 1996, RJI Capital Group, a merchant banking firm founded in Washington, D.C., has been enabling businesses around the world to succeed in new market entry, maximize financial opportunities, solve complex strategic issues, and achieve their strategic objectives at international and local levels. Since its inception twenty years ago, the company has successfully closed billions of dollars in international transactions, and has played an important role in shaping the strategies of global leaders and C-suite executives of today and tomorrow. With its international headquarters in London, the company has offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. RJI Capital offers a unique portfolio of services underpinned by intelligence provided by its sister company Arcanum Global (www.arcanumglobal.com).
Ed Olver, Chief Executive of Britannia Elevation comments: “2016 is an exciting year for Britannia Elevation. We are thrilled to announce the return of British Polo Day St Tropez and the new Britannia El Remanso high-goal team, supporting the next generation of young British talent. Competing at the highest level on their home turf against the world’s best players, the team will no doubt flourish thanks to the support of RJI Capital.”
Ron Wahid, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RJI Capital adds: “In a year that marks RJI Capital’s 20th anniversary, we are thrilled to be the presenting partner for BPD. The RJI-BPD partnership allows us to bring together key decision-makers and influencers in a unique environment where business meets pleasure through polo.” Further details about this year’s upcoming events can be found below.
Abu Dhabi – 19 March 2016
British Polo Day Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, is the first on the annual calendar. Held at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the event is considered one of the most exclusive on the tour.
The RJI Capital executive team in attendance this year included Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ron Wahid, the Rt. Hon. the Baroness of Asthal QC, Patricia Scotland, who served as senior advisor to the Chairman at Arcanum until she took up her post as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Keith Bristow, the first Director-General of the UK’s National Crime Agency and current senior advisor to the Chairman at Arcanum, and Hasham Sadruddin, Managing Director of RJI Capital Middle East.
Abu Dhabi – at the request of the Royal Family, themselves attendees – was a strictly black tie affair.
It welcomed 200 guests, an intimate affair which over the last five years has become a firm fixture in the region’s social calendar. For the first time, British Polo Day also showcased the cricketing skills of their players, pitting Eton against Harrow in a friendly but fiercely-competitive match.
Abu Dhabi opened with a Champagne reception as the ancient game of camel polo, first played in Persia 1,500 years ago, rumbled on in the background. The game then moved from four legs to two wheels as Brompton bikes were rolled out for more modern bicycle polo.
In the polo match that ended the event, the British Polo Day Plate went to RJI Capital Ghantoot Polo Team, who got the better of the Royal Salute British Exiles.
Dubai – 25th March 2016
Guests of British Polo Day Dubai were privy to an Eton versus Harrow cricket match, a Taylor Morris Volleyball tournament, a Round Table Bell Pottinger dinner and a vintage Global Partnership Family Offices Desert Safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
More than 600 guests were hosted at the city’s Polo & Equestrian Club, where RJI Capital Oxbridge beat Shangri-La Dubai Gulf Polo, and Bentley Habtoor Polo saw off the Exiles.
Great Britain – 18th June 2016
The Great Britain event is the home leg of The British Polo Day Global series and is held at the glorious Black Bears River Ground just outside Henley and kindly hosted by the Schwarzenbach Family.
Nestled in the Thames valley, during the height of summer guests will enjoy some fast paced polo with Britannia El Remanso’s inaugural match while feasting on delicious food and picnicking with Harrods.
China – 3rd September 2016
Tang Polo Club has established itself as the globally renowned heart and soul of Chinese polo, led by the vision and owner Shilai Liu.
British Polo Day China will take you to see some of the most amazing feats of architecture. The Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World will give you elevated views across Northern China as the ramparts snake their way across the beautiful vistas. British Polo Day China gives an insight into the palatial architecture, rich history and bustling markets Beijing has to offer.
French Riviera – 24th September 2016
British Polo Day St Tropez will use the spectacular backdrop of the Cote d’Azur as the canvas for this very special event.
Winding up the curving cobbled streets of Saint Tropez guests will have the chance to explore the wonders of this city. The Monaco boat show will be the jewel in its crown, as some of the finest naval craftsmanship.
Singapore – 5th November 2016
Following the spectacular launch of British Polo Day Singapore in 2012, the event returns once more to Singapore Polo Club- one of Asia’s oldest polo clubs.
The gateway to so many markets, British Polo Day Singapore draws a diverse and dynamic community together for this special event where high-octane polo matches take place in front of a spectacular city skyline. Heading to Marina Bay Sands for unparalleled views of the city, the vibrant and rich juxtaposition of the old and the new, from urban jungle to the old city, is truly unique.
Sumba Island – 12th November 2016
Nihiwatu, situated on the remote Sumba Island in Indonesia, an exquisite expanse of un-spoilt natural beauty and culture, sets the stage for British Polo Day’s “Global Gathering”.
Kindly hosted by James McBride and Chris Burch, owners of Nihiwatu Resort ‘On the edge of Wildness’. Guests will experience a wealth of tradition and culture in a seven day itinerary including a Nihioka Spa Safari and Rice Island Hike, a trip to the Blue Waterfall and the chance to take part in some Horseback Paseola spear throwing. The stay culminates in British Polo Day Sumba Island on Saturday the 12th November.
Mexico – 19th November 2016
British Polo Day Mexico is kindly hosted by the de Alba family, owners of Balvanera Polo & Country Club. San Miguel de Allende is the setting for the unique boutique Hotel Matilda.
From a tequila tasting at the historical Casa Dragones to a special Dinner at the De Alba’s Family Mexican Hacienda culminating in a day of fast paced polo on the beautiful grounds of Balvanera Polo & Country Club, makes British Polo Day Mexico an unparalleled experience.
India, Jaipur – 8th December 2016
British Polo Day Jaipur is hosted by His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh. The Royal Family kindly opened their doors to British Polo Day and their guests for the first time in 2015 for some thrilling polo matches and unrivalled access to The Pink City.
Guests will be treated to a magical evening at The City Palace including a historical procession and spectacular light show that lasts into the night.
India, Jodhpur – 10th, 11th December 2016
British Polo Day Jodhpur is the last event on the British Polo Day calendar celebrating the origins of the game of polo. The beautiful blue city of Jodhpur is host to three days of fiercely competitive polo. Drinks on the Raas Hotel rooftop, a procession in the Mehrangh Fort and a Gala Dinner hosted by His Highness Gaj Singh II The Maharaja of Marwar Jodhpur at the Umaid Bhawan Palace await guests during their stay. An opportunity to truly enjoy the riches of India and the jewels of Jodhpur.
FURTHER DETAILS:
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About RJI Capital
RJI Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Investment Holdings, Limited, an Anglo-American investment holding company with investments in energy and natural resources, aerospace and defence, real estate and technology. RJI Capital is a strategic advisory and merchant banking firm with a premium track record in new market entry and international transactions, having closed deals worth billions of dollars in value. RJI’s industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered from its offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. RJI Capital’s sister company, Arcanum, is a global intelligence company that provides services to sovereign governments, as well as large multinational corporations and financial institutions, to help address some of their most pressing challenges and complex strategic issues.
About British Polo Day
British Polo Day has become an unparalleled platform for elite engagement and business in emerging and growth markets.
British Polo Day is a celebration of craft and heritage in a polo events network that spans the world. Having held over 40 events in 15 countries since 2009, the British Polo Day Global Series has grown to encapsulate 10 annual events, spanning Abu Dhabi, Australia, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, Sumba Island (Indonesia), Thailand and the U.S.
The success of British Polo Day has been largely down to word-of-mouth endorsement from many guests and supporters, including key figures in government, the aristocracy, diplomats, military, fashion, art and popular culture. In addition, British Polo Day has hosted members of 12 royal families, 100 independent billionaires and leaders in world innovation including Sir Richard Branson and Elon Musk among others. Over 20,000 guests have enjoyed British Polo Days since inception.
The British Polo Day team is also very proud of its philanthropic efforts. In countries all over the world, polo has a long history of raising significant funding for worthy causes. Wherever possible, British Polo Day is entirely committed to bringing to bear the full weight of its partners, network and creative talent to this end. In 2015, the cumulative running total of amounts raised for good causes broke through the US$1.8m threshold and keeps on rising.
The British Polo Day team continues to thrive within the British and international craft sector, as they have become a trusted source for purchasing decisions by international elites. British Polo Day has become an irresistible means for the top polo teams and players to come together for competition globally. Additionally British Polo Day will continue to innovate and pioneer unique platforms for craft and polo associated brands. The recognition of the establishment of the British Polo Day Brand was evident in June 2013 when the UK Intellectual Property Office registered British Polo Day as a trademark.
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