Polo meets Jozi

For the first time ever, the South African Polo Association (SAPA) brought the Prince of Wales Cup to Johannesburg.

Previously held in KwaZulu Natal, the Prince of Wales Cup is the Inter-Provincial tournament where the South African National Polo team is selected. This annual three-day tournament sees most of the top South African players competing in their provincial teams for the prestige of the Prince of Wales trophy, with the national team being selected on Sunday.

Named in honor of the heir apparent of the British or English monarch, the Prince of Wales trophy was first presented for the Inter-Provincial tournament in 1925 by His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, when he visited South Africa and played in a series of polo tournaments.

Today's tournament was held at the exclusive Waterfall Equestrian Polo Fields. With the theme of ‘Polo meets Jozi’, the Prince of Wales Cup brought together the prestige and glamour of polo with the energy and vibrancy of the city of gold.

Ready for the day and any kind of weather, I had my faux fur lap blanket and my parasol by my side just in case.

1 2 3 4 ...

The view from the west bank was awesome.










Like a Ralph Lauren ad.

We could not have been closer to the action!

Swapping ponies between chukkas.

Refreshed and ready to go.

 Following the action ...











It was fast and furious!

We were right next to the VIP tent.













They may have had cushy couches ...

... and concierge service,

But we had the same view ... and the best bloody marys in South Africa!

 Hanging with our fellow tailgaters.

 Remember this spot.












We even had access to the VIP potties!

We didn't bring Lou & Serge this time. There weren't any rules or regulations on the website stipulating whether dogs were or were not allowed. So rather than ask and risk getting the wrong answer, we decided to scope it out at the Prince of Wales and see what the local custom dictates.

Next time for the BMW test Match, Lou & Serge in the house!



The newly chosen South African National Polo team took a victory lap.

Next month, the South African National Polo team will take on the USA in the BMW International Polo Series. The second and deciding Test Match will be played back at Waterfall.

Of course we're going and we're bringing Lou & Serge!