It's Elephant Polo time again!!

troopie · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 9:05 pm Post subject: It's Elephant Polo time again!!

Elephant polo set for action-packed return

The fifth King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament will not only feature some of the world's top horse polo players but also former rugby stars from New Zealand and Australia.

The 2005 event will be held at the Development and Resources Preservation Division, formerly known as the 16th Infantry Division or Som Dej Phra Suriyothai Military Camp, in Hua Hin from September 5-11.

In just five years, the tournament has gone from a small two-day event with six teams to become a week-long elephant polo competition with 16 teams from around the world taking part.

Among those participating in this year's event are Mercedes Benz, Air New Zealand, Chivas Regal, All Blacks, Wallabies and defending champions American Express/UBC Thailand.

The tournament will see the return of former All Blacks rugby stars Stu Wilson and Bernie Fraser and ex-Wallabies rugby players Nick Farr and Peter Fitzsimmons who will make their debut in the event.

The tournament is organised by Anantara Resort and Spa Hua Hin and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Spectator admission is free of charge.

To date the tournament, which was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Resorts and Spas vice president Christopher Stafford, has raised over four million baht for the National Elephant Institute.

Last year's event got 1.5 million baht in donations for the purpose and the organisers hope to receive over two million baht this year.

The gala evening ''Matadors and Senoritas'' will be held on September 10 at the Anantara Resort and Spa Hua Hin where an auction will take place to raise funds for the National Elephant Institute. Auction items include signed All Blacks shirts, a jumbo bottle of Chivas Regal and Anantara grand tour.

For further information and reservations, call 032-520-250 or e-mail to info
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usual suspect · Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Huahin

Thanks Troupie for your run-down on the Elephant polo due to take
place shortly.
Have been there before...it was the largest collection of
jumped-up, stuck-up, pompous darlings, strutting around in their polished
knee-length cowboy-boots,sipping their Bloody-Marys, so full of
self-importance, it was sickening. They need to 'ave a word' with
themselves...sad gits.

As for the commentator at this event...I'll give anyone about 15 mins
of listening to the constant bombardment of hype and sh**e he comes
out with and it'll be time to stick on your I-pod & listen to something
worthwhile or find an axe to chop thru' the PA leads from his mike.

If you are connected to the organisation of this event then I wish you
every success, and hope the rain keeps off.
Maybe a few readers will go there now just to check-out my views....
....ha,haa. Confused

Groover · Rookie Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 16 Location: Dubai

Nice one Usual Suspect!

I was there a couple of years ago and wrote a feature for a lads' mag on the subject - they are an incredibly decadent bunch but, hey, they aren't hurting anyone and if that's how they want to spend their dosh then fair play to them. As for the commentary, 'nuff said!

Hmmm I think I'll go again next month! Very Happy

Groover

usual suspect · Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Huahin

Cheers Groover.

I hope our mate Troupie is not 2 miffed with us....I do wish this event
every success, sexy boots,whips, bloody marys and all....he,hee. Cool

Guess · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 1:24 pm Post subject:

Lev · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:06 pm Post subject:

More info on this can be read here:

http://www.huahinafterdark.com/hua-hin-elephant-polo.htm
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chelsea · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:46 am Post subject:

Here was me thinking all of stories about elephant polo were just a lot of wind ups.

I was sitting having my breakfast here is West Australia and in the national sunday newspaper was a large article about the upcoming games.

I think that the main reason for the promotion here was because one of West Australia's most famous wineries (Sandalford Wines) are seen as a major sponser, and got to the final last year.

For all of you residents that have voiced your concernes about the lack of good wines available in HH, if Sandalfords happen to have a tasting tent, make sure that you make a visit to it taste whatever they have on offer.

The red's in particular are something not to be missed.
Cheers

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billseymour · Member Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 64 Location: LOS

Does anybody know where I can obtain a schedule of matches, giving team identities and kick-off times?

chelsea · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject:

If you make a trunk call to the organisers, I am sure they will be able to help Cheers

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billseymour · Member Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 64 Location: LOS

Thank you, Steve -- actually for us, living in Phetchaburi, it's a local call....

Anyway, I found that which I was seeking, and for those that may be interested, it's at www.thaielepolo.com (somewhat misleadingly labelled on Google as a reference to the 2004 games).

The matches are scheduled for every hour, but start later in the day as the week progresses and teams are eliminated.

chelsea · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:54 am Post subject:

Just to let you all know, we were shown highlights of the Elephant Polo on National Breakfast TV here in Australia.
Apparently there are some retired sportsman from Australia competing in this years event, and by the look of them it was a good idea to use elephants instead of horses.
Cheers

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StevieC · Novice Joined: 03 Aug 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Scotland

Congratulations to Scotland. World Champions again in the elephant Polo. At least we're good at something. We are the champions !!! Very Happy

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Heebio · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:59 am Post subject:

Heh heh....it was just on the Scottish news as well. The Duke of Argyll has called for elephant polo to be included in the 2012 Olympic games! Very Happy

Some week - we won with a group of donkeys then with elephants.

Oh....and well done England - Ashes were well deserved. bow

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Norseman · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:42 pm Post subject:

StevieC said: At least we're good at something

Good God!!!
Don't forget the Whiskey!!!!!!!!!! and to keep Nessie alive, and the incredible BagPipe.
Don't forget your warm hospitality and nice people!!
You sure take care of your tourists!! (Like me).

Jockey · Ace Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 1640

In Thailand, the’ Land of Smiles’, Scotland reign supreme champions once again in an event they have dominated for the last 5 years. No – it is not a beer-drinking contest in some Bangkok go-go bar...this is elephant polo!

Representatives from the Thai Royal Family witnessed our own Duke of Argyle captain the winning side in the annual Elephant Polo Kings Cup. The event takes place each year in the once sleepy fishing town of Hua Hin, now a bustling tourist destination for many Brits. Representatives from countries including Thailand, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland took part in the 6-day competition that culminated in a thrilling final between Mullis Capital (Thailand) and Chivas Regal (Scotland).

Thailand raced into a 4-1 lead but the gallant Scots fought their way back to lead 5-4. A last-minute equalizer for Thailand took the match into extra time. The match was decided in Scotland’s favour by a ‘golden goal’, much to the delight of a small contingent of traveling fans.

Tartan Army foot soldier Don McVey (26) from Edinburgh, currently on holiday in Thailand, tied his saltire to a bamboo cane and poignantly handed it to the winning side as they were presented with the trophy. “This was almost as exiting as the Brazil V Scotland match in Paris, but this time my heart was not broken...” said a jubilant McVey, “…the Duke and his team did us proud!”