The UK round of Maserati’s International Polo Tour saw an exhilarating display of polo at the Gloucestershire-based Beaufort Polo Club with the rematch between Team Maserati and Team Dhamani 1969 which saw Team Maserati walk away with a thrilling victory.
Playing in the match at the historic British ground was a very special guest; HRH The Duke of Cambridge who played on the Maserati team alongside England International star player, Malcolm Borwick, as well as Bruce Merivale-Austin and Josh Cork.
His Royal Highness took part in the game in aid of Centrepoint, of which The Duke is Patron and in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, of which The Duke is President.
Playing on the opposing Dhamani 1969 team was Karan Thapar, Mark Tomlinson, Antonio Manzorro and Antonia Carlsson.
Victory was secured by Team Maserati, whose powerful performance saw a final score of 6 – 5 ½. After an impressive showing, the Maserati Most Valuable Player prize was presented to Karan Thapar.
2018 is the fifth year Maserati and its polo apparel partner, La Martina, have hosted a polo tour, with the UK match being the second of three polo events on the calendar. The 2018 season spans eight months and visits some of the most exclusive polo destinations in Europe.
To celebrate this prestigious tournament, La Martina has designed a completely unique luxury polo shirt for the Maserati Team players. Made from 100% pure Italian cotton pique; only four of these shirts have been made– one for each player on the Maserati team.
Mike Biscoe, General Manager Maserati GB, commented: “We’re delighted to once again be back at Beaufort Polo Club. Maserati is a prestigious brand in the automotive sector; the luxury experience Maserati offers is reflected in the elegance and style of this event. 2018 marks the fifth year that Maserati has been the title sponsor for this wonderful event. The fantastic demonstration of power and performance on field today, is a perfect reflection of the Maserati brand, especially our SUV, the Levante, the perfect partner in equestrian lifestyle.”
Enrico Roselli, CEO of La Martina Europe, commented: “On the fifth year of our partnership with Maserati, we are still thrilled every time to pay homage to the world of polo and its great values, witnessing in first person extraordinary talent, burning passion and sporting excellence. La Martina is proud to continue honouring the collaboration between our brands and recognize the strong connection with the Royal family, an always-present source of inspiration for its luxury fashion collections. Designing unique polo shirts to dress the players and HRH The Duke of Cambridge is therefore a way to bring together athletes who work hard, respect the rules of fair play and share our cultural roots and passion for the sport, highlighting as well the prestigious character of the event.”
There was ample horsepower on display both on and off the field, with the entire range of Maserati vehicles on display. From the 430 HP Levante S GranSport that led the players on to the field to start the match, the GranTurismo MC in pride of place within the VIP hospitality to the Levante S GranLusso and the Ghibli GranLusso on display for all guests to view and explore outside of the Beaufort Polo Clubhouse.
The Maserati Polo Tour continues in Spain from 25 July with the 47° Torneo Internacional de Polo at the Santa Marìa Polo Club of Sotogrande. The Final of the high-handicap tournament of the ‘Maserati Copa de Oro’ will be held on 31 August.
