Kicking off polo season for us in Thailand, the B.Grimm – BMW Thai Polo Open 2020 to win the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup, took place for the 15th consecutive year at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club Pattaya. Among one of the most prestigious charity equestrian events, the competition is hosted annually by Dr. Harald Link, president of B.Grimm and the Thailand Equestrian Federation. From best moments to the best hat, we take a look at some of the most memorable highlights from the event.
The Thai Polo Competition: Who Won?
Reputed for being Thailand’s top-level polo match, the Thai Polo Open brings together a pool of international contenders, who compete for the royal cup. This year’s four finalists included — as to be expected — a thrilling list of globally-acclaimed names that included Thai Polo from Thailand, La Familia from Malaysia, Royal Pahang from Malaysia, and Tang Polo from China, all of whom made it into the selection after a series of competitions that took place mid-January.
After some very close rounds, China’s Tang Polo and Thailand’s Thai Polo came face-to-face in the final matches, where Tang Polo emerged victorious at 8 to 7, taking home the prestigious HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn winner’s cup. Third and fourth runners up at this year’s event are La Familia and Royal Pahang from Malaysia respectively.
What Else Took Place?
Of course, while the matches are most definitely the highlight of these polo events, the affair is about much, much more than just the competition. As with every year, the day was one filled with colours, fun, and joy, with a wide range of activities and charity booths to keep spectactors entertained, along with performances such as the Wat Suthiwararam School’s marching band.
Alongside the show jumping, miniature horse riding and feeding, along with a variety of fun games, there was also the annual tradition — one that, regular polo-goers will know, has been around for centuries — of Stomping Divots. Here, horses prance and stomp on the field to smoothen and firm-up the ground, while sophisticatedly dressed guests watch on and join in.
The Other Winners
As always, this year’s B.Grimm – BMW Thai Polo Open 2020 saw a competition for Best Dress award for ladies, and Best Hat. Taking home the best dress award was Duangjai Po-in, who wowed the crowd with her stunning outfit, while Best Hat went to the beautiful Praewpreeya Chumsai na Ayutthaya. Both received a Tempur Original Pillow from Tarun Puri, the chief marketing and sales officer of Tempur Thailand.
Who was There?
For a buzzing society event like this one, the venue was naturally packed with familiar faces, featuring a string of elite guests and top celebrities. Spotted amongst the crowds, dressed to-the-nines were Mark Thawin P. Seawtong, Dr. Nattapat and Suppanat Meenchai, Pawee Somprasong, and Jantamon Yampan to name but a few. Scroll through the gallery below to see more of the event, and who was there.
To find out more about the B.Grimm – BMW Thai Polo Open, visit thai-polo-club.com.