The following report is written by Head of Polo, Sarah Hayden.

Now in it's third year since revival, the Cheltonian Society Polo Day is no longer a fond relic from the archives but a firmly re-established jewel in the College calendar! And what a day it proved to be! Everything a summer’s day in the British countryside ought to offer: green fields stretching languidly, the hum of conversation over picnic rugs, and, at the centre of it all, the invigorating thunder of hooves and the crisp strike of mallet on ball! Thank you to all who joined us, and to our Old Cheltonians and College players who delivered a spectacle of polo that was by turns elegant, ferocious and delightfully suspenseful.

The headline fixture, Cheltenham College versus the Old Cheltonians for the Cheltonian Society Cup, was as richly storied as it was keenly contested. The OCs fielded Gus Roberts (Xt, 2018), Denis Antonov (Xt, 2019), Chloe Vestey (Ch, 2000) and Adam Buchanan (H, 1990), while the College side, Raffy, Phia, Myer and Valentine rode out with admirable composure and flair. There was the mother-and-child pairing on opposing sides in the Vestey family, lending the match an extra dash of drama. And our Gold Cup winner, Adam creating some memorable goals. In the end, experience carried the day, with the OCs securing a 6–2½ victory, though this hardly tells the full story. The College side played with tremendous spirit and ability, underlining why Cheltenham continues to rank among the leading schools in the game.

Polo, of course, is no recent enthusiasm at College. Since the 1980s it has formed a vibrant strand of school life, not least through the legacy of families such as the Buchanans. It was particularly fitting to have former England player Will Hine (H, 1986) with us, casting his expert eye over proceedings and judging Pony of the Match and handing out the prizes for the society match.

The day was not solely about established players, but very much about those just beginning their journey. Earlier matches showcased emerging talent, including the Next Gen fixture, where Prep pupil Patrick featured, bringing confidence and energy to proceedings. In the senior schools’ match that followed, Elizabeth joined Hari, Wilfred and Captain Hector in a finely balanced contest against a combined Cotswold schools side. Despite a narrow 5½–5 defeat, down to the last thirty seconds they all showed why they are the team to beat!

Such occasions do not happen without considerable support. Our sincere thanks go in particular to Gus Roberts (Xt, 2018), Denis Antonov (Xt, 2019), whose generosity through Infinox, alongside their enduring commitment to the sport, helps ensure that polo at Cheltenham continues to thrive, reflecting a shared love of the game. We are equally grateful to all of our players and their families for their support; to Bakers Fine Jewellery for sponsoring the Cheltonian Society Cup; to the Ephson family for the Poulton Cup; to Rich Hine for the Old Cheltonian prizes of British Polo Gin; to 131 and Holland Cooper for the “Stay in Style” package awarded in the Golden Cork treading ceremony; to Birch Catering for a three-course clubhouse lunch at Cirencester Park Polo Club for our second Golden Cork prize; to our Society members who ran trade stands; and to Cirencester Park for hosting us.

If you didn’t make it this year, do be sure to get the date in the diary for next year.