by Joanne Hearn

England is in the midst of a blistering heatwave and Sunday 3rd August was no exception. With temperatures soaring, the Prince’s Trust Charity Polo day commenced at lunch-time with the final of the Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, a five chukkas match, between the current holders Vampire Bats, Hon. L White (2), A Vianini (7), H Brett (8) and Bk. R Sweet (1) and Los Locos, S Dhillon (5), M Tomlinson (5), W Lucas (6) and Bk. Mrs C Tomlinson (2). After a very exciting fifth chukka, Los Locos won the match 8-7.

The main match of the day was the Prince’s Trust Charity Match which was another five chukkas match and was between His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales’ team, Highgrove, against Audi, the sponsors of the day.

The Highgrove team were Prince Harry (1), Carlos Tellez (0), Carlos Gracida (9) and Bk. His Royal Highness Prince Charles. The Audi Team were David Andras (1), Scott Devon (3), Gabriel Donoso (8) and Bk. David Alamillo (1).

Spectators were treated to superb polo with Prince Harry having a cracking game scoring three goals. The final result was 11-7 to Highgrove.

Lord Cowdray and the Managing Director of Audi made the presentation to Highgrove and the Best Playing Pony was won by ‘Wick’ ridden by Prince Harry in the second chukka.

The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup was presented to Mrs Claire Tomlinson, captain of Los Locos and to the great delight of the crowd, Prince Charles drank champagne from the cup!