Polo fans will be in their element over the next three weeks, as the Downs Polo Club hosts three tournaments in succession at the Clifton Recreation Grounds.
The first tournament is Cooke/O’Leary Shield, which will be played this Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July. Polo players from as far afield as Beaudesert and Goondiwindi will be competing for the shield. The Downs Polo Club will also hold the Silver Shop Bracelet Tournament the following weekend, on July 20 and 21. The Sapphire Shield will also being contested on July 27 and 28. The Sapphire Shield has been a traditional polo tournament every July for the past 100 years. The tournament is expected to attract polo enthusiasts from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as well as throughout the Southern Downs region.
“Polo is a great spectator sport as it’s fast-paced and exciting to watch, so polo in Clifton will give local people the chance to come along and enjoy one of the world’s oldest team sports,” says Downs Polo Club president Will Gilmore.
The popularity of polo has been increasing in recent years. President Gilmore hopes that these tournaments and events will help raise its profile more. Action gets underway from 9am, with a full bar and barbecue in operation on the grounds. Patrons are welcome to bring along their own lunch and enjoy a Picnic at the Polo each Sunday with friends and family. Spectator entry is free for the two-day event. Spectators can expect a thrilling weekend of horse-riding action, while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Clifton district.
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