TJB HAC 105 & Saragarhi Polo Cup 10th Sept 2016

The TJB HAC 105 Polo Invitational

- at Ham Polo Club in Richmond on Saturday - 10th September 2016 

The sixth HAC 105 Polo Invitational is fast approaching, the event is set to be bigger than ever with an action-packed day of polo matches with a blend of military music and displays suitable for all the family. This year will also see a high goal match between a 12 goal Team drawn from India Sherdils (Lionheart) and a 12 Goal Team Swordpoint. So high goal polo will be a treat for all.

Now in its sixth year, the event is set to be bigger than ever with an action-packed day of polo matches with a blend of military music and displays suitable for all the family. This year our legendary after-party will be held on-site in the club house till the small hours!

SAVE WITH ONLINE TICKETS - BUY TICKETS HERE!

Adults: £10 (online), £15 (on the day) Children: £5 (under 5’s go free) Car pass: £20 (online), £25 (on the day) After-party: £20 (online), £25 (on the day - subject to availability)

VIP Entry to ground, clubhouse and 5 course lunch and after party:  £150 per person (online price). Please note the maximum capacity for the VIP lunch is 144 people.

Sales of VIP with lunch close on Wednesday 7th September at midday!

Programme of events:

11:00 Gates Open to public 11:30 Match 1 – HAC B Vs WELSH GUARDS 12:00 HAC Lunch (Clubhouse) 12:40 HAC Band (Marching display) 13:00 Match 2 - HAC A Vs KINGS ROYAL HUSSARS 14:00 HAC Light Cavalry Display & Tent Pegging 14:30 Match 3 - Saragarhi Cup – Lionheart (Sherdils) Vs Swordpoint (24 goals combined) 16:00 A Tent Pegging display & Bhangra dancing 16:00 Afternoon Tea (Saragarhi) Upper Decking 17:00 Prize Giving 17:15 Close of Polo event 17:30 Onsite after party with DJ’s and bars 00:00 Carriages

TRANSPORT The Nearest Tube and Train Station to Ham Polo Club is Richmond. To get to the club from there by Taxi takes 5 minutes, alternatively the Number 65 bus stops outside the club gates. Walking along the river from Richmond takes 25 minutes.

DRESS CODE (Clubhouse):

Smart Casual NO SHORTS - Male or Female allowed, designer or otherwise. Smart jeans permitted.

DRESS CODE (Grounds):

No dress code.

HAC Win Division III of RA Cup

In a solid return to the 2016 season the HAC Regimental team win their division today at the Royal Artillery Cup defeating AGC (6-0) and Welsh Guards in the final (6-1). First event of the season. A good way to start it. The Royal Artillery Cup continues to be a seminal event in the military polo season and has grown in stature and reputation over the last few years.

The team consisted of:

1. Maj Terry Warburton (-2)
2. Lt Nic Clark-Majerus (-2)
3.  Tpr Merlin Stewart (-2)
4.  Lt Gearoid O'Connor (-2)

The 2014 HAC Polo Scholarship

The HAC Polo Committee is pleased to announce that the 2014 HAC Polo Scholarship has been awarded to Tpr John Small. Tpr Small took up polo in 2013 having passed the HAC recruits course. He has gone on to play in the HAC team at competitions such as RAF Cranwell in May 2014 and the AGC Cup in August 2014. The HAC Polo Scholarship

In 2012 the then departing Regimental Surgeon Major of the Honourable Artillery Company - Capt Ben Loxton-Edwards - offered to sponsor an annual polo scholarship.

I was fortunate to start playing Polo at the HAC and loved every minute of it. I set up this small scholarship to encourage young players. - Capt Loxton-Edwards

The Scholarship of £400 is provided to a member of the active unit who has shown dedication and selfless commitment to learning and improving their standard of play in the sport of polo. The funding is to help subsidise training to improve the players game. While players must ultimately pay to play HAC regimental players are fortunate enough to have their competitive play supported and subsidised by the generous support of the Commanding Officer.

It is through such support that polo continues to flourish at the HAC.

Previous Scholarship recipients

2013: Tpr Hayward-Hughes

2012: LCpl Langan

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Polo Tournament

On the 6th of July 2014 The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst played host to three matches – the first was The HAC Saddle Club vs RMAS [1], the second was The HAC Saddle Club vs RMAS [2] and the final match was The HAC Regiment vs Fleet Air Arm. Consummate commentary on the day was provided by Lt Colonel Simon Ledger, Director of Army Polo.

Having been narrowly beaten out the previous week by the mighty Army Polo Team at Dallas Burston Polo Club, the HAC were fired up and determined to get this win on the board. The excitement was palpable and the weather couldn’t have been better – bright sunshine and a gentle breeze.

HAC vs Fleet Air Arm

HAC

1 Tpr Cain Hayward-Hughes -2 2 L/Cpl Dale Langan -2 3 C/Sgt Tim Johnson 0 4 Capt Cy Lloyd-Jones -2

Fleet Air Arm

1 Lt Tom Burrows -2 2 Lt Bob Santrian -1 3 Surg Cdr Mike Bowen -1 4 L/Cpl Max Kamper 0

Match Summary

The HAC commenced the match a goal and a half ahead on account of the Fleet Air Arm fielding a -4 goal team. Not allowing the handicap to breed complacency the HAC fought hard and secured an early goal. The team pulled together as a unit and executed some solid set pieces. The Fleet Air Arm team battled back and marked their men closely, when one HAC pony moved a Fleet Air Arm pony was right on its tail.

1st Chukka

C/Sgt Tim Johnson took charge and led the attack smashing a cracking back-hander to open the first chukka. This allowed Capt Cy Lloyd-Jones to knock up for L/Cpl Dale Langan to further press the ball home for C/Sgt Tim Johnson to make a courageous play – alas just wide of the mark. The next play was better with an early goal to the HAC. With only seconds remaining the Fleet mounted a fierce last ditch press for glory – a goal and the first chukka was over.

2nd Chukka

The second chukka started at pace with a foul given to The HAC. Narrowly missing the goal, play quickly moved on with the Fleet Air Arm playing some hard ride-offs to bring the fight back against the HAC. Tpr Hayward-Hughes dismounting in a robust ride-off against Lt Tom Burrows provided tense excitement for the crowd. Bruised but not broken he was quickly back on and back in the game. Capt Cy Lloyd-Jones flicked a wide tail shot and reversed the chukka into the favour of The HAC and lay-up for a quick drive towards the goal… a foul from the HAC switched the advantage and the Fleet Air Arm took the uncontested shot at the HAC goal mouth - it looked to be going wide – a mistaken tap by C/Sgt Tim Johnson ensured it was not.

3rd Chukka

Earlier delays in pony transport meant there was no time for Pimms and it was straight into the third chukka. The partnership of Lt Bob Santrian and L/Cpl Max Kamper made for formidable opposition but Capt Cy Lloyd-Jones and L/Cpl Dale Langan were up for the challenge. L/Cpl Dale Langan broke away with clean hits to goal to put another point on the board. FC/Sgt Tim Johnson took the ball long and Tpr Cain Hayward-Hughes closed down Lt Tom Burrows. Another goal to the HAC.

Final Chukka

Moving into the final chukka with everything still to play for, the anticipation, excitement and hunger for victory was etched in to each and every players face. The HAC took an early goal and settled into its rhythm playing a more defensive game. Shouts of ‘Come on HAC!’ spurred the team forward with some solid marking, riding off the Fleet Air Arm at every opportunity. The Fleet Air Arm responded in kind and breaking away, they galloped clear and went straight for goal to bring the score to 5.5 - 3

With the bell signalling game over, the final score was HAC 6 1/2 - Fleet Air Arm 3

HAC Open Evening 2014

Come See what we're all about...

Come and visit the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), see what we do and have a great evening. The event will see units from across all three services present so if you want to meet units in the Army, Navy or RAF then get along.

When: 17:30-20:00 Tuesday 13 May 2014.

• Meet both regular and reserve units from across the British military • Climb aboard a Chinook helicopter • Parachute drop into the Artillery Garden by the RAF Falcons • Apache helicopter simulator

• Display by the HAC Pikemen and Musketeers • Displays by the HAC Light Cavalry • Displays by the HAC Band and Corps of Drums • See inside the historic Armoury House including the acclaimed museum • Music, bars and FREE BBQ

See how many enjoy the challenge of military life alongside their civilian career.

The Honourable Artillery Company is a regiment of 400+ men and women who volunteer to use some of their spare time from their civilian lives to train as part of the Army Reserve.

Soldiers from the HAC frequently deploy on operations such as the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Regular Army. The Regiment also has a unique ceremonial role providing Guards of Honour at the Guildhall and Gun Salutes at the Tower of London.

To find out more visit HERE or watch Here

Where:

HAC 105 Polo 2014 Date announced

HAC Polo is pleased to announce that the Commanding Officer of the Honourable Artillery Company - Lt.Col Doherty - has approved the date for the 2014 HAC polo flagship event - better known as "The 105". This years event will be held at Ham Polo Club, Richmond on Saturday 6th September. 2013 was the biggest and best yet with 1700 people in attendance with many staying on to enjoy the Raffles After-party with DJ Seb Fontain. 2014 plans are already underway and it promises to be the best yet.

So make sure you mark your diary early and start to gather your friends and family.

VISIT MAIN 105 PAGE HERE!

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Victory for IG HAC at The AGC Cup

Bank Holiday Monday. Sun soaked Tidworth Polo Club. Four brave men of The Honourable Artillery Company. The stage was set… The sixth annual AGC Polo Cup was held in the beautiful grounds of Tidworth Polo Club and saw #4 Sgt Tim Johnson (0), #3 Capt Ben Loxton Edwards (-2), #2 Cpl Dale Langan (-2) and #1 Tpr Cain Hayward-Hughes (-2) take to the field.

Having been narrowly beaten out the previous year by the mighty Royal Navy Team, the HAC were positively charged with the glory of keeping their season’s undefeated winning streak alive. The excitement was palpable.

The weather couldn’t have been better – bright sunshine and a gentle breeze. With three big games to play the HAC were first pitched against The Royal Air Force.

The HAC started a goal behind on account of Sgt Johnson being so darn good at polo. They fought hard and secured an early lead. The team pulled together as a unit and executed some spectacular set pieces. The RAF team battled back and marked their men closely, when one HAC horse moved an RAF horse was right on its tail. Cpt Loxton Edwards smashed a cracking back-hander to further press home the HAC advantage and with only seconds remaining the RAF mounted a fierce last ditch press for glory - alas the gods were not in their favour with a number of their shots sliding narrowly wide and the HAC came out the victors.

A quick debrief, team talk, squirt of water and pony change – the HAC were again mounted and back on the field.

Facing the Royal Logistics Corps the HAC had no time to warm up their ponies. For one Tpr this was a problem. The game started quickly with Sgt Johnson scoring two quick goals. The RLC pieced together some hard ride-offs to bring the fight against the HAC. Tpr Hayward-Hughes struggled to control his pony coming out of a gallop and found himself staring up at the hind-legs. Bruised but not broken he was quickly back on and back in the game. Capt Loxton Edwards headed a high ball to keep the line and lay-up for a quick drive towards the goal.

The minutes flew by and the HAC were again victorious. A hard won game indeed. We were in the final.

Glad of a three chukka respite the HAC team loaded up on scones, ginger beer and hearty back slaps. The clock seemed to tick at a record pace and the team was again mounted. The HAC were to face The Royal Artillery in a two chukka showdown.

An experienced team the RA boasted a Col, two Capt and a 2Lt. A -7 team. This would be close. Sgt Johnson rallied his troops at the line-up. HAC supporters cheered on at the sides. Dogs chased errant polo balls.

The anticipation, excitement and hunger for victory was etched in to each and every players face.

A quick ball in from the umpire and the game took off at break neck speed. Sgt Johnson gaining the advantage over his opposite Capt, Cpl Langan riding off the 2Lt, Cpt Loxton Edwards marking his Cpt and Tpr Hayward-Hughes bringing up the rear knee-to-knee with the Col. The opening gambit was intense.

The HAC took an early goal and settled into its rhythm. Shouts of ‘Come on HAC!’ spurred the team forward. Moving as one the HAC drew out the RA and rode them off at every opportunity. The RA responded in kind. Breaking away, they galloped clear and went straight for goal.

The powerful combination of Capt Loxton Edwards and Cpl Langan saw the line of play reverse. The HAC were pressing for the lead. A lay-up to Sgt Johnson. A chance of goal. Just wide.

Undeterred the HAC gathered themselves. The dying minutes of the first chukka of the final. Everything to play for. A sprint from Sgt. Johnson. A goal!

A whistle. The final chukka. Victory was firmly in our sights.

The RA gave no quarter. No man left unflanked. The riding was hard. The ball quick. The HAC gunning for silverware. The 7 ½ minutes went in the blink of an eye. Ponies charging up and down the length of the field. Long plays, set pieces, lay-ups. Everything was thrown in to the mix. Both teams fought valiantly.

A lone bell rang out across the grass and it was game over: Final score HAC 3  - RA 0.5

To the victors – the spoils. A Cup and an undefeated winning season. The 105 Cup now looms large on the horizon...

With special thanks to Capt Janet Johnson and Capt Mariane Van Straaten for organizing a brilliant day and tournament.

IG HAC Polo Team Training Camp at Rugby Polo Club

The 2013 polo training camp saw the HAC return once more to Rugby Polo Club in Northamptonshire. Phil Baker re-established Rugby Polo Club in 2000 and was our coach for the weekend; he had previously played Pony Club polo with Tpr Luke Hartley, although there was some confusion over this fact due to the more advanced hair style that Tpr Hartley has taken to wearing of late. For three members of the team the day started on the nose of 1000 on Monday morning; regrettably, the talismanic figure of Sgt Tim Johnson was absent for much of the first session after being held up between his house in Clapham and the M1 motorway by the unexpected presence of London. Not one to be put off easily he pushed on, arriving midway through the first stick and ball of the day. While Phil admired some of the more idiosyncratic elements of the HAC style he felt that a focus on timing and smooth strokes would be beneficial, and after working us through a number of exercises we were all hitting the ball with improved fluency. LCpl Gearoid O'Connor was particularly impressive that afternoon, consuming twice the number of lunches that anyone else managed over the course of the day. Phil very kindly invited us to join club members at the leaving BBQ for Katie, a Rugby Polo Club groom who has looked after the HAC during a number of matches in the past. After some excellent food and a few drinks we retired back to the Toft House bed and breakfast so as to be well rested for the following day's play.

Fortunately the weather held and we were greeted once more with brilliant sunshine. Sgt Tim Johnson surprised everyone at breakfast by espousing his theories on the socio-economic benefits associated with increased Romanian immigration. After digesting this information the team mounted up to focus on tactical match play and positioning, both during open play and in set pieces. This developed into a practise match in which we attempted to execute everything we had been taught over the previous two days, no easy feat given the depth of content that Phil had covered.

A huge thanks to Rugby Polo Club and to Phil Baker for an excellent two days of polo. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to coming back to Rugby Polo Club again soon.

IG HAC vs Royal Artillery - The Sabre Cup returns to Finsbury barracks!

It was a sweltering day with the mercury hitting 32 degrees as these two familiar teams lined up at Fifield Polo Club, Windsor. The crowd sought shelter under gazebos armed with iced Pimms ready to watch battle commence. Starting as underdogs with a half point handicap, IG HAC quickly gained possession and charged down the Royal Artillery team's goal. A 30 yard penalty followed which LCpl Ben De Rivaz slotted home with his usual calm finishing. Back to the centre and this time it was the RA's turn. A quick pick up and long shot up the pitch left the HAC team in their wake as the RA knocked home their response within one minute. The game found its pace now as some excellent paired marking went end-to-end. Finally a long shot up the pitch from Tpr Luke Hartley found LCpl O'Connor who smoothly picked it up from 60 yards out and drove it through the centre of the goal with a delightful lofted finish to close the chukka at 2.5 goals to 1.

The HAC had their tails up now and the second chukka started with a 60 yard penalty. Again De Rivaz calmly wound up to put it in to make the score 3.5 goals to 1. The RA were far from beaten though as they responded aggressively. Some excellent riding off left two of the HAC standing as they closed the gap to 3.5 to 2. A cheeky pass to the centre from Tpr Clark on his HAC debut found O'Connor and with some frantic goal mouth chipping he kept his head well and completed to give the HAC a comfortable 4.5 to 2 lead going into half-time. The pause was a welcome relief as iced drinks were quaffed and ponies sprayed down in the sweltering heat.

The HAC seemed to lose a little form in the third chukka with the Royal Artillery team punishing them as wave after wave of attacks on the goal were seen off by the relentless backhands of Hartley and De Rivaz. Eventually a chink in the armour was found and well deserved goal from the RA put them within striking distance for the final chukka. 4.5 goals to 3.

Weary ponies and players rode out and soon found their final push as some nail biting end-to-end plays unfolded in flat a gallop. Both teams threw everything they had at it with a skilfully finished goal for De Rivaz completing his hat-trick for the day, followed shortly with a response from the RA. As the final chukka bell rang out, IG HAC rode in victorious as holders of the Sabre Cup for 2013.

Final score: IG HAC 5.5 - Royal Artillery 4

Grants Whisky Agree HAC Polo Sponsorship deal

HAC Polo is delighted to announce that Grant's Whisky have agreed to be HAC Polo's Gold sponsor for the 2013 season. The deal which had been agreed in principal in March was approved by the HAC Court of Assistants on the 25th of June 2013. It involves a significant four figure sum plus product. The main facets of the deal will see the shirts carry the new Grant's Whisky logo on all regimental squad shirts and jackets. It also involves product for the use as prizes at HAC Polo hosted events as well as presence on promotional material such as the match program for the IG HAC Polo Cup on Saturday 31 August 2013.

HAC Polo would like to thank Grant's Whisky for their confidence and support and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. We would also like to thank Col Simon Ledger, Col Simon Goldstein and Maj Goodinson for their assistance in ensuring this agreement was signed.

William IV Cup line-up confirmed

IG HAC Vs The Grenadier Guards

In 1830 King William IV ordered that the HAC should regard itself as his personal guard in the City of London much as the Grenadier Guards were when he was at other locations. He decreed the units should co-operate closely and that the HAC should base its uniform on that of the Grenadier Guards. The annual William IV Cup honours the deep ties between these two historic units. This year the event will take place on Sunday 23rd June at Dallas Burston Polo Club as part of its annual Ladies Day. The event will be in aid of a military charity.

The incredibly fashionable DBPC Ladies Day will see society's finest  donning the most spectacular hats in the County. This is an event for every self-professed fashionista on the land to attend!  Tickets can be bought directly through Ticket Factory, please click here

Non ticket holders can still enjoy the polo action and shopping pavilion free of charge, simply bring your own picnic, pre-order one from the club to be ready for your arrival or you can purchase food around the ground on the day.  Bring your own picnic blanket or chairs and you and your friends can enjoy a wonderful day out for free! Contact the club for details on ordering picnics.

IG HAC – Team Colours: Maroon

Team:

1. LCpl Gearoid O'Connor  -2

2. Tpr Luke Hartley -1

3. LCpl Ben de Rivaz 0

4. Sgt Tim Johnson 0

Grenadier Guards –Team colours: blue and red quarters.

Team:

1. Lt Col (rtd) Howard Flood -1

2. Capt Folarin Kuku 0

3. Mr Tayo Awogboro 0

4. Maj (rtd) Ben Marshall 0

IG confirm third year as main polo team sponsor

HAC Polo is delighted to announce that we have agreed a third year of partnership with our main sponsor - IG Group. The contracts which were recently exchanged represent the commitment of IG to continue to support military polo. The sponsorship was announced at HAC Polo's start of season launch held in the Prince Consort Room of Armoury House. The launch saw the unveiling of the 2013 season kit with the new IG logo. IG and HAC continue to grow their partnership. 2013 sees the first season of a third IG HAC Polo team - IG HAC V or Veterans team. IG have also increased their sponsorship by 25% on the 2012 season. HAC Polo chairman - Gearoid O'Connor stated;

"The fact that IG have agreed to support HAC Polo for a third year is a real endorsement of the success of the partnership between IG and the British Army's most dynamic polo team. It has been a partnership that has grown year on year and we hope it will continue to ensure those who serve in the HAC continue to gain access to affordable polo"

RAF Cranwell starts the 2013 polo season

The 2013 polo season is finally underway and the IG HAC team took on a number of teams in what is now hopefully an annual fixture for the HAC. The RAF tournament has been an excellent way to shake off the winter cob webs and this year was no exception. The IG HAC team fielded were:

1. Col. Simon Goldstein (-2) 2. LSgt Alasdair Grant (-2) 3. Lt Christian Roberts (-1) 4. LCpl Gearoid O'Connor (-2)

IG HAC (1 .5) Vs (2) Hackett Army

Saturday afternoon saw the first of the IG HAC's matches against a Hackett Army development team fresh back from a three week polo camp in South America. The match was played in fantastic good humour and competitiveness. Despite the lack of previous play together the HAC held off the Army and disrupted their play. The first chukka saw the team grow in confidence but marking remained loose. This loose marking led to the Army development team take the to half a goal somewhat exasperatingly when a good defensive interception saw the ball unluckily come off a HAC ponies hoof  and slide through the goals. LSgt Grant then recaptured the lead for the IG HAC when the team broke down the right hand side and LSgt Grant was able to slice a neck shot at a tight angle from 6oyds. The second chukka saw our Col Goldstein's pony get a tad excited and a swift swipe of its head connecting with the Colonels face saw an unauthorised dismount and blood on the grass. A quick substitution for the final two minutes saw the HAC cling narrowly to a lead of half a goal. This would be stolen in the cruellest of fashions when the ball was intercepted and the army development team broke for the HAC's goal. With just 2 seconds to spare from the full time buzzer the Army snatched victory from defeat.

IG HAC (1.5) Vs (8) Rutland

The IG HAC team then faced its stiffest challenge. Rutland were winners of the tournament in the previous two years and were aiming to complete a triple. With a generous handicapping they were a formidable team. Despite one of the largest defeats in IG HAC's history the team actually managed to mark reasonably well and disrupt the Rutland attacks. Lt Christian Roberts helped launch a number of breaks although one may have been momentarily in the wrong direction it was impressive nonetheless. Where IG HAC fell foul was quiet literally on the fouling. The conceding of multiple spot penalties in front of goal were to cost the HAC dearly.

The Saturday evening saw a group of about 90 guests dine in College Hall. The HAC squad were joined by Col. Robert Murphy and Mrs Murphy for the black tie dinner, the Colonel having turned up earlier in the day to watch the HAC’s matches.

IG HAC (4.5) Vs (8) Army Reserves

The tale of conceding fouls was to continue apace in the Army Reserves match with Maj. Ben Marshall steadily converting a number of 30yd penalties to punish the HAC team. The first two chukkas saw the IG HAC settle into the match and despite a 5.5 goal difference going into the third chukka the IG HAC managed to close it to 2.5 in the space of three minutes with a penalty converted ably by Lt Christian Roberts and a break by LCpl O’Connor which saw a goal. The possibility of a comeback was momentarily considered and the pace of the match stepped up accordingly. The ride offs were aggressive but balanced. The game opened up and the cheers from the stalwart crowd encouraged the IG HAC on as the underdogs. Alas the IG HAC team dream of a comeback were dashed by a final goal from Maj. Marshall.

Our thanks to the newly fledged RAF Polo Club for hosting us we hope to return next year.

Mount! Start up! HAC Polo Taster Days 2013

One of the stated aims of HAC polo is to encourage people to take up the sport of polo. In order to help people decide if polo is for them (we're biased but we think its unmatched as a sport!) we run a series of taster days. Its a chance to learn what the sport entails, what it takes to learn the sport, the kit and any costs involved. In an environment amongst other people who are in a similar position.

Any members of the regiment, company or saddle club can speak to the instructors about the courses offered. Of course, it wouldn't be  a taster if you ultimately didn't try your hand at it. So there will be a quick introduction to the basics of the sport including the key rules, the swing and the ride off. The day ends with everyone getting on a polo pony and learning how its controlled and gently trying out some of the swings. No previous riding experience is required. Snacks and refreshments are served to keep you energised.

Our Taster sessions are hosted under the watchful and friendly eye of Hon Georgiana Crofton at Fifield Polo Club, Windsor - the Home of HAC Polo.

So why not gather some friends and spend a day out in the country trying out the unique sport of polo. Our Summer Season Taster Days are as follows:

• Saturday 20th April
• Sunday 21st April
• Saturday 27th April
• Sunday 28th April
• Saturday 28th September
• Sunday 29th September
• Saturday 5th October
• Sunday 6th October

How much does a taster day cost?

Regimental: £75 Company and Saddle Club: £85 Prices inclusive of snacks and refreshment.

Book your place now, simply Contact Us

Date for HAC 105 Polo Tournament 2013 announced!

The date for the HAC's flagship event for the 2013 season has been agreed. The HAC will host the 105 polo tournament on Saturday 31st August 2013. Be sure to put it in your diary. The event is set to be bigger than ever. The format has been adjusted but rest assured the day will continue to provide action packed polo matches with a blend of military music and displays.

105 Invitational programme of events

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is proud to host The IG Index HAC 105 Polo Invitational, a three match exhibition polo event in aid of the Regimental Charity - The HAC Benevolent Fund. The event will be held on Saturday 8th September 2012 at Ham Polo Club, Richmond, London. In 2011 the event drew a crowd of 900+ spectators and raised much needed funds for the HAC Benevolent Fund. And to top it off the HAC - "The worlds oldest fighting unit" - celebrates its 475th anniversary from August 2012.

We're pleased to announce that the regiment has adopted the day as one of its flagship community engagement events and as such its a great opportunity to see some of the fantastic aspects of the HAC. So ensure you put Saturday 8^th September 2012 in your diaries.

This year will see a number of teams play for the honour of a number of beautiful trophies (kindly provided by Mappin & Webb) and the main match sees The Hackett Army team compete for the "105" (A 105mm brass cartridge used to fire an artillery round from a standard British Army field gun). The day will also feature matches between the HAC and the RAF and Army Reserves teams.

Apart from the frenetic and exciting polo there will also be a tent pegging display by the HAC Light Cavalry, Music by the HAC Band, HAC Light Guns, the Horsebox Gallery, IG Index's electric polo pony to try out and food stands.

Tickets on sale. BUY TICKETS

TIMINGS Provisional timings* are as follows:

11:00 Gates Open

11:30 IG Index HAC (Bullecourt) Vs Army Reserves

12:00 HAC Lunch (Clubhouse & Enclosure)

13:00 HAC Band (Marching Display)

13:30 The IG Index “105″ – IG Index HAC (Arras) Vs Hackett Army

14:30 HAC Light Cavalry Tent Pegging display

15:00 HAC Saddle Club Vs RAF

16:00 HAC Band (Marching Display)

16:30 Prize Giving

17:00 Close of Polo

17:00 Onsite After party with DJ’s and bar.

00:00 Close

*Timings are subject to confirmation.

The After Party The After party will be kick started at 18:00 by pianist Carl Joseph. Carl has performed at countless events for some of the world’s most prominent organisations. Several BAFTA ceremonies; the 2011 V-Festival; The 2011 HTC Beats Party at The Roundhouse (featuring will.i.am); he’s performed at Adele’s post-Brit party in February. He has a solo residency at the recently-reopened Arts Club in Mayfair. But his speciality is getting the best of crowd interaction and singing going.

Once Carl has the party swinging, DJ Crispin Dior will take the party to the next level. Successful appearances for Prince William: a 21st Birthday at Windsor Castle and the Princess Diana Memorial Concert after show at Wembley Arena has seen Mr Dior entertaining the wedding guests of HRH Prince William And Catherine Middleton until the early hours in Buckingham Palace. Other than that you can find him in Shoreditch House or Fabric.

Have you got a better plan for Saturday night….?

TRANSPORT The Nearest Tube and Train Station to the Polo Club is Richmond. To get to the club from there by Taxi takes 5 minutes, alternatively the Number 65 bus stops outside the club gates. Walking along the river from Richmond takes 25 minutes.

DRESS CODE(clubhouse): Smart Casual NO SHORTS - Male or Female allowed, designer or otherwise. Smart jeans permitted.

DRESS CODE(grounds): Smart Casual, summer wear permitted.

2012 IG Index HAC 105 Polo Tickets On Sale!

Tickets for the HAC's flagship polo event of the season are now on sale

The IG Index HAC 105 Polo Invitational will be held on Saturday 8th September at Ham Polo Club in Richmond.

* * * BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE! * * * 

This year will see the following matches:

IG Index 105 Cup

IG Index HAC A Vs Hackett Army

Bahamar Cup

IG index HAC B Vs Army Reserves

HAC Saddle Club Vs RAF

To celebrate the HAC's 475th anniversary - the oldest regiment in the British Army - the event will see displays by:

• HAC Pikemen & Musketeers
• HAC Light Cavalry
• Band of the HAC
• HAC Corps of Drums

Lunch tickets have been snapped up and are already SOLD OUT but general access  and car pass tickets are still available so book today for an action-packed family day out!

 

New video section added to HAC Polo website!

A new video section has been added to the site to showcase a selection of videos from past events including the IG Index 105 Invitational and our famous HAC Annual Open Evening. Take a look now to see our teams in action!

Polo - Front and centre for HAC profile

The HAC's flagship event - IG Index 105 Polo Invitational - provided the dramatic cover photo for the January edition of the TAQ (Territorial Army Quarterly) a regular publication of the British Army. The photograph of LCpl Ben de Rivaz (HAC) riding off Tpr Freddie Wakeford (Household Cavalry Regiment) in the driving rain at Ham Polo Club last September can leave no reader in doubt of the energy and effort both teams put into winning on the day. The match in question saw the IG Index HAC team win the title match 11 goals to 4.5. A score which did not reflect the closely fought nature of the match. Read the January edition of TAQ.

Pre-season warm up in Spain for HAC Polo

Over Christmas 2011 there was chatter regarding a pre-season training trip. Argentine, South African and Spanish options were discussed. In the spirit of austerity we eventually settled for Spain. A group of six HAC Polo players will be departing for Spain on the 4th May and is formed from a mix of Regimental and Saddle Club players.

We will be training with Ricardo Bas for 5 days at Tres Rosas Polo Club.

The Club is situated in the south of Spain 15 minutes from Sotogrande’s beaches and surrounded by the biggest and wildest nature reserve in Spain, the Alcornacales park.

The aim of the Club is to promote an Argentine Hacienda in Europe. We will stick and ball in the morning and play school chukkas in the afternoon.

We look forward to good sport, Spanish hospitality and improved match play for the 2012 season.

Post tour report to follow...