Newhall Polo
Property developer Andrew Irlam and events planner James Golden are urging polo fans to saddle up for the area’s first ever tournament.
They are hosting a two-day equestrian event in the grounds of Andrew’s Newhall Farm estate in June which will see hundreds gather to watch players compete for the Newhall Cup.
Polo is known as the sport of kings and its fast-paced adrenaline-fuelled matches attract royalty and both wealthy and horse-loving audiences for both the spectacle on the pitch, as well as the glamour off it.
A keen player himself, Andrew has been developing his Over Peover home on Stocks Lane with his passion for the game in mind since taking it over in 2004.
Andrew, 41, said: “I’ve been involved with polo for more than 10 years and when I bought Newhall Farm one of the things that struck me was how flat the ground was.
“That makes it ideal as a polo field – I couldn’t have wished for a better setting in the heart of the stunning Cheshire countryside.
“I have ponies myself and have traveled to Argentina to learn as much as I can about the sport, so I think the event will be a real coup for Over Peover.
“We’re only a small hamlet in Cheshire and I think it would be amazing for the community to be able to enjoy the polo ground here and to hold an event that will put us on the map.”
Andrew’s family are already involved in Cheshire Polo Club, and he’s hoping their members will join riders from across the UK to play in the matches.
Each game will see four Players and their horses play four/six fast paced chukkas, each lasting seven minutes.
Event planner James Golden from Gin and Jag is anticipating the event will attract the trendy Cheshire set, including stars of the stage and screen, many of who live in the area.
James said: “We want it to be fun and glamorous. It’s a chance for the girls to get dressed up and stamp the divots.
“We’re hoping for lots of locals to come along as well as respected polo players, and the ultimate team member would of course be Prince Harry!
“Andrew has fantastic grounds here and we’re very excited about hosting our first event this year which we envisage will become a regular fixture on the polo calendar.”
There will be a Harvey Nichols Ladies’ Day match on Thursday June 27th followed by entertainment, afternoon tea and a fashion show.
The second event, The Suttons & Robertsons Cup on Saturday June 29th, will be held in the evening where guests will enjoy a polo match followed by dinner and dancing into the small hours.
Tickets for Ladies’ Day are priced at £55 per person and will include champagne on arrival and afternoon tea, with each guest taking home a goodie bag packed with treats.
Fashionistas can peruse the Harvey Nichols beauty village and jewellery once the polo is over.
The evening event is priced at £950 for a table of 10 and includes drinks on arrival and four course dinner. The party will finish at 12 midnight.Newhall