Elfi Seitz
Thailand triumphed over Malaysia at the BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open, a
prestigious afternoon event benefitting a royal charity.
Royal granddaughter HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana tossed the match ball,
standing in for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, whose Chitralada Vocational
School benefitted from the match.
The princess, daughter of the Crown Prince, charmed the audience, taking her dog
for a walk, taking a small child riding and getting some polo lessons from
Caroline Link, the polo-playing daughter of club owner Harald Link.
The day started with a buffet lunch and wine, with Harald Link and Nunthinee
Tanner, owners of the Thai Polo Club, making sure everything was in order for
the high society guests. Show jumpers highlighted the talent of the Thai team
while children in fancy costumes rode ponies in a junior match that showed off
the promise of the sport in the kingdom.
Caroline Link receives the
championship HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup from HRH Princess
Sirivannavari Nariratana.
In the match, the four riders on the Thai polo team - Lucas
Labat, Augustin Garcia Grossi and Manuel Cereceda, with Caroline Link replacing
her injured father - dominated the Kotasas-Ibil team from the beginning, leading
7-3 after the third chukker. The Malaysians rallied, but came up short 8-6.
In the opening match, the Ranhill team beat the Nine Dragons to settle third and
fourth place, while Axus took fifth. HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana
presented the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup to the winner before the
event came to a close with fireworks, a buffet and party.
Sponsor BMW used the day to showcase its latest vehicles available in Thailand,
while other top brands displayed sold fashion and polo equipment.
BMW (Thailand) Matthias Pfalz and Managing Director Peter Wolf were on hand.
This was the final match before returning to German for Wolf.
The Cape Dara Resort Pattaya, B. Grimm, EFG and Le Martina also sponsored the
event, the biggest on the year’s polo calendar.
Royalty, teams and sponsors gather
for a group photo.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari
Nariratana learns more about the rules of polo from Harald Link.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari
Nariratana leads the opening procession atop her mighty steed.
The winning team - Caroline Link,
Lucas Labat, Augustin Garcia Grossi and Manuel Cereceda, raise the trophy with
Harald Link (2nd right).
Caroline Link scores for Thai Polo.
The horsemanship on display is
absolutely amazing.
It’s a great race to the ball!
Organized chaos, or mass confusion?