IWC very kindly invited a few of us forum collectors to the annual Laureus Polo Cup held in the Ham Polo Club, just outside London.
Watching some of the best polo players in the world while enjoying a champagne reception and afternoon tea followed by an Argentinian Asado and Charity Auction?... Yes this was an event I was very much looking forward to.
Tickets arrive in the post.
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Just a few minutes from nearby Richmond station past South West London.
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But what to wear? I made it a Da Vinci day…
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In no time, arriving at Richmond station
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and then the Polo grounds…
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A nice welcome drink
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Meeting my fellow IWC forummers in crime
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Busy socialising...
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And soon, it’s time for the game to begin
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The two teams battle it out each scoring early on in the opening minutes.
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Half-time approaches… and it’s the polo tradition that spectators are invited to go onto the field to participate in "divot stamping- replacing the mounds of earth (divots) that are torn up by the horses' hooves.
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Henry and Alice from IWC also taking part
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A quick group watch selfie
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It was then back to the second half, followed by the award ceremony presided by Laureus Chairman Edwin Moses and Victoria Pendleton CBE (both former Olympic gold medalists). Team Mercedes-AMG narrowly defeated Team Laureus 2.5 to 2.
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There were a few celebrity sightings – it was particularly fun having a chat with pop singer Ronan Keating.
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Talking about our IWC watches and taking a selfie.
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It was then time for Argentinian Asado and the Charity Auction
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Argentinian rugby legend Hugo Porta discussing how funds raised from the night will fully support Fundacion Laureus Argentina.
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The auction items
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including a special Laureus Ingenieur
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Yes Ralph and I contemplating a bid…
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But were very happy to back off when a strong bid came in fast and furious.
So no Laureus addition (yet) but I did particularly enjoy Ralph's CF3 with the steel bracelet.
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the Mrs enjoyed Alice's Laureus Portofino
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Former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt drawing the night’s raffle winner
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and no GTG is ever complete without the customary table shot!
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What else can be said. It was a wonderful balmy sunny day enjoying polo, great food, great watches, great company… while raising some important charitable funds.
Yet another superbly hosted IWC event. Many thanks to IWC and in particular Simon, Henry, Alice, and Louisa for having us!
Thanks for reading,
Thang
