British Polo Day Mexico 2015 Demonstrates Mutual Friendship and Solidarity Between Mexico and UK in Celebration of the Dual Year

Press Release

Saturday 28^th November: British Polo Day, presented by Land Rover, returned to Querétaro’s prestigious Balvanera Polo & Country Club for the ninth leg of the British Polo Day 2015 Global Series. In celebration of The Dual Year between Mexico and The UK, some 400 guests and VIPS including Cecilia Suárez, Alex Popa, Chepo de Alba, Chevy Beh, Anita Gerhardter, Jesús Navarro, Alejandra Alemán, Lorenzo Ruiz and Alejandro Carlín came together under the glorious Mexican sunshine to celebrate the best of both British and Mexican tradition, craft and heritage in an afternoon of exhilarating polo.

Commenting on British Polo Day Mexico, CEO Edward Olver said: “The dual year of Great Britain and Mexico has seen both nations champion and celebrate one-another to great effect over the course of 2015.  British Polo Day chose a shared passion for horses as well as the paramount importance of building significant relationships – at the most dynamic level – to create a lasting cultural and business bridge.”

Hotel Matilda’s Director, Bruce James added: “Hotel Matilda is known for hosting signature culinary, art and social events but none have been as exciting and exhilarating as serving as the official hotel partner of British Polo Day Mexico for the last three years. The chic and sophisticated Hotel Matilda experience is a perfect fit with the stylish, jet-set lifestyle of The Sport of Kings, making British Polo Day in Mexico even more rewarding and enjoyable.”

Taking in the very best of the breathtaking landscapes of both San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro, guests embarked on an exciting itinerary including an informative tequila tasting at the historic Casa Dragones accompanied by a “Callejoneada”, a special brunch, Champagne Taittinger tasting and dinner hosted by boutique hideaway Hotel Matilda and a very fitting ‘Dual Year Dinner’ – with a traditional Royal Salute Quaich Experience – featuring the brand’s youngest whisky blend, the 21 Year Old – hosted by the De Alba family at their Mexican Hacienda.

On Saturday 28^th November, guests were whisked to Balvanera Polo & Country Club in a fleet of chauffeur-driven Land Rovers for British Polo Day Mexico. After a Champagne Taittinger reception, guests sat down for a delicious lunch celebrating the best of Mexican culinary creativity.

Shortly after, a live auction and raffle took place in which guests bid fiercely for lots including a special bottle from the Royal Salute Hundred Cask Selection – a limited batch release made from strictly 100 casks worth of rare, aged whiskies- a Brompton bicycle, two lithographies by Santiago Carbonell, stays in an Inspirato villa, the Velas Vallartas resort and Acapulco’s Banyan Tree Mayakoba, raising an impressive $15,100 for Niños en Alegría.

A typically-British opening game of Brompton Bicycle Polo kicked off the day’s pursuits. The fast-paced and talented Conade Mexico team beat the Grupo C&H British Schools team 2-1. Albeit some great backhand shots by British Polo Day’s very own John Haigh, Diana Mendiola’s strong forearm prevailed.

The afternoon’s polo saw the Conade Mexico Polo team take on the Hackett British Exiles in the Land Rover Balvanera Plate. Juan Jose de Alba began his winning streak with a spot hit goal from ten yards out. The Hackett British Exiles team put up a good fight with Richard Le Poer and Ludo Ephson scoring two goals each. However, Juan Jose de Alba went on to score another 4 goals for the Mexico team, ending on a score of 5-4.

Next to swing their mallets was the RJI Capital British Schools team against hosts Inspirato Balvanera in the Hackett Cristina Romo Trophy. Kicking off the action, Ali Patterson scored his first goal in the opening minute and went on to score another two goals. Robert Payne, playing for home Inspirato Balvanera team, scored a thrilling goal at the end of the third chukka.  Both teams remained on edge tied in a 4-4 draw but the home team was once again triumphant after a penalty shoot out.

British Polo Day Mexico’s official prize giving ceremony saw top players Richard Le Poer, Ali Patterson, Juan Jose de Alba and Carlos Hernández vying for a spot on the podium, with Juan Jose de Alba collecting the bespoke-commissioned British Silverware Land Rover Balvanera Plate for Conade Mexico whilst Carlos Hernández picked up the bespoke-designed British Silverware Hackett Cristina Romo Trophy for Inspirato Balvanera.

Juan Jose de Alba was awarded the Grupo C&H ‘Most Valuable Player’ suitably presented by his father Chepo de Alba, the talented Robert Payne the Holland & Holland ‘Shot of The Day’ presented by Nick Cahinda, the agile Tati was named Matilda Hotel’s ‘Best Playing Pony’ whilst the ever-stylish Jesús Navarro picked up Hackett’s ‘Best Dressed’ prize presented by Andrea Chavez.

Lucky guest Alejandra Alemán won the Harrods ‘Luck of The Draw’ whilst the Land Rover raffle prize, presented by Joseph Chamasrour, went to Alex Popa.

Fitting with the fiery display of horsemanship, fireworks lit up the evening’s afterparty as the British and Mexican came together in spirit and dance.

British Polo Day Mexico took place on the 28^th November 2015 at Balvanera Polo & Country Club, Santiago de Querétaro.

The event is partnered with Land Rover, RJI Capital, Royal Salute, Hackett London, Harrods, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Justerini & Brooks, Charles Russell Speechlys, Balvanera Polo & Country Club, Hotel Matilda, Conade, Inspirato, Champagne Taittinger, Grupo C&H, Holland & Holland, British Silverware, Global Partnership Family Offices, Charles McDowell Properties, Brompton, Great British Racing International, Bonas MacFarlane Education, Billionaire.com, Red Wings, Abercrombie & Kent, Heineken, Taylor Morris Eyewear, D.R Harris & Co, Cassabo, Paul A Young Fine Chocolates, Floris, Jax Coco, Ivory, South Kensington Club, The Grosvenor Stationery Company, 3rd Home, Niños en Alegría.