TOAD spoke to Brit Sam Instone, 36, Captain of Maserati Team Milan, to get the lowdown on the event.
How did you get into polo?
I used to be an officer in The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in the British Army in London, so I was used to being around horses. But I never actually played polo while I was in the Army. After I finished military service I founded the financial services firm AES International in 2004, and organised a corporate learn to play day. That’s how I met Peter McCormack, the polo director of the London Polo Club at Ham in London. I started taking an interest in the sport after that. I’m now heavily involved in The London Polo Club and Academy as honorary treasurer and partner.
What makes polo so special?
Polo has all the key parts of Formula One – team strategy, the ponies are like high speed vehicles, the grooms are like the mechanics and a rider develops driver-style tactics. With polo, you actually get to compete yourself – which is like the motorsports engineer Ross Brawn getting into a racing car himself!
Are players responsible for training their horses?
No – I leave that to the professionals.
What skills do polo players require? Can anyone learn?
Everyone can get involved on or off the field – but if you are going to play you need to realise that you will have the odd moment of glory interspersed with long periods of embarrassment when you miss the ball and fall off…
What’s your handicap?
My handicap is zero. I’m passionate about improving this, and getting other people involved in the grass roots of the sport.
Where do you think is the best place to play polo?
I like playing at the Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai, where I’m fortunate enough to live, and VR Sports Club in Bangkok in Thailand.
What’s the hardest part of polo?
It takes a very long time to get good – and I am impatient.
How often do you fall off a horse?
Only on big occasions – so watch out for a fall at Polo at the Palace!
Will you have time to test drive a Maserati over the weekend?
Yes, I’m looking forward to it.
Will you be mingling with spectators at the Breeze Lounge after parties?
Yes. Hopefully we’ll be celebrating.
Team Buenos Aires won the cup in 2012 in a 3:2 penalty shoot out against Coutts AD – how confident do you feel about winning this year?
Of course, current champions Team Buenos Aires will be hoping to defend their title. But I’m hopeful we’ll go home with the cup this year. I guess I should always think positive.
Have you ever been hit by a mallet, or ridden a horse that’s gone crazy?
Yes and yes – that’s a hazard that ends up happening to all polo players in time.
Where do you store your trophies?
In my study with all my military memorabilia. And before you ask, yes, someone polishes them.
