After a long spell due to the pandemic, the NZ Polo Open returns this year with a bang.
The tournament will start on Tuesday, February 14 and 24 teams will compete throughout the week, with the NZ Polo Open final to be held on Sunday, February 19 at Auckland Polo Club’s renowned Fisher Field.
The famous ‘Horsepower versus Horsepower’ will take on a special twist as the Archibald & Shorter, Range Rover Supercharged V8 will race the acclaimed New Zealand thoroughbred, this year with a mystery driver in the Range Rover who may look a little familiar.
On the field as the teams compete will be a showcase of the country’s top polo ponies who have made a name globally for being the best in the world.
Finals day will see more 100 thoroughbred horses who have found their second careers with polo, showcasing the unique ability and flexibility of this athletic breed.
In a special animal welfare and rehoming collaboration with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, 2023 will see the introduction of prize money for the best-playing rehomed thoroughbreds with $9000 up for grabs.
On the style front, the highly anticipated ‘Remix Fashion at the Polo’ is gearing up to be one of the best, with prizes for best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, best accessory and, new for this year, a people’s choice award.
Wilhelmina Shrimpton, Amber Baker, and NZ Polo Open event ambassador Holly Estelle are the fashion judges this year.
For those wanting to stretch their legs, the 100 metre dashes on the polo field will be one for the competitive, with the chance for the ladies to win a Jeroboam of Provence’s Whispering Angel Rosé and for the gentlemen a Kim Clifford 10/4 Spiced Rum.
Finishing off a great day of the 46th NZ Polo Open will be the George FM after party on the Heineken Lawn.
For more information: www.nzpoloopen.com
