Annual Charity Celebrity Polo Day Moves to Cowdray Park
Friday, May 09, 2008
The ever-popular Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund Celebrity Polo Day this year moves to the prestigious Cowdray Park Polo Club, Midhurst (West Sussex) and takes place on Sunday 22 June 2008. Among the celebrity guests and riders down to ride this year are television presenters, Matt Baker and Penny Smith, actors Michelle Collins and Bill Murray as well as Ringo Starr, Otis Ferry, Richard Dunwoody and Lucinda Green.
Those riding will make up four teams, each consisting of two celebrity riders and two professional polo players. Spectators can watch every team play a chukka of polo with the two winners battling it out in the Final for the MDIRF Trophy. High Goal polo features later in the day when Cowdray Park’s Midhurst Town Cup, the curtain-raiser to the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup season, offers the chance to see some of the world’s finest polo players in action.
The MDIRF polo event was first run in 1998 at Hurtwood Park in Surrey and has attracted widespread celebrity support from the start. Past players have included Matt Baker, Oliver Skeete, Dane Rawlins, Angie & Mike Rutherford, Kenny Jones, Tony Hadley and John Francome.
“We would like to thank our celebrities in advance for their participation. We are so well-supported by top riders because they recognise that we are the only national charity to assist those injured in horse related accidents - whoever the rider or handler and whether at home or in competitions. We rely solely on donations and so fundraising events like these make all the difference,” explain Rosemary Lang and Catherine McIlwraith for the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.
With the Polo Club set in Viscount Cowdray’s 16,500 acre estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the MDIRF Polo day makes a great summer day out. Spectators are welcome to bring picnics and dogs (on leads) who can take part in the Pedigree Chum Dog Agility Challenge. There will also be trade stands and the opportunity to bid for items in the Silent Auction marquee. Refreshments will be available. Gates open at 10.30am and the MDIRF pro-celebrity tournament starts at 11.00 am with the Final at 12 noon. Entry is by car pass at £10 per car (includes driver and one adult passenger with all children under 12 free - all other adult passengers £5 each) or in advance from the Polo Office on 01730 813257.
Cowdray Park is located at the junction between the A286 and A272 close to Midhurst. For further information visit: www.mdirf.co.uk or www.cowdraypolo.co.uk
