Toasting Blommeröd Polo

It's probably not a good idea to fall asleep on a short early morning flight, but I did anyway and woke on landing disoriented and confused as to where I was and why. Arriving at Blommeröd Polo Club I was still confused. Polo player, Stephan Meijers, tried valiently to point out on the satnav map where we were, but all I could see were lakes, streams and countless avenues shaded by big old trees and leading to who knows where. The estate is seriously huge. But turning off one of these avenues we came to the polo stables and riding hall. Ah ha, here I was on familiar territory. I met with the estate owner, Niels Dreyer. "My family told me I was crazy to want to start up a polo club" he told me, and I expect there are quite a few of us who'd agree - with the family, that is. But Niels came across as a man who does what he wants and makes a success of it. An interesting character, a man to be taken seriously with background and experience in Arab horse breeding and racing.

Niels has teamed up with Birgitte Emborg to establish the Blommeröd Polo Club on his property. This is the club's third season and today was to be their first event. A group of amateur players, one Argentine professional and a prestigious sponsor, Range Rover se. Malmö. And this is where I came in - I was to be a sort of "master of ceremonies " guiding spectators through the afternoon and commentating the game. Range Rover had set up a shuttle service to pick up their guests and ferry them down the avenues and sandy track to the polo field. And there was the field! Nestled between a lake and the forest, perfectly prepared for a day of polo. It was here that I finally met Birgitte. I had been previously told that she lives and breaths polo and I could tell this was certainly correct. She also had the organization in hand. My confusion lifted as I was handed the afternonn's program plus a list of players and their ponies. Let's do this!

The main tent was being set up and guests started to arrive. They were greeted with Deutz Champagne and Imperial Caviar as a starter while Carl Phillip Dreyer got his luxury lunch catering service underway. Stephan Trued, General Manager for Range Rover welcomed his 200 guests.

The action could begin.

The weather was perfect. Sunshine. blue skies - hat weather. and for those without hats Liza Starks of Hattbutiken Malmö set up her mini-store providing both male and female spectators with fashionable hats. Later in the day there was a Best Hat and Outfit competition. Yes, Sweden's got style.

Over at the players tent a group of nervous players were being given last minute instructions by Julio Polarolo better known as Pampa." We want a fair, open game! No fouls, no heavy ride-offs. This is an exhibition match" he said. And that's what we got. The players, some in their first or second season, took their roles seriously, played to position and gave the crowd some thrills with good clear runs to goal. The team in black came in as winners with a 2-1 against the team in white. The chukkers were spread over the afternoon and, in between, spectators enjoyed a series of polo orientated events such as pony against Range Rover race and games with the foot mallets.

I missed the late afternoon activities. I had a plane to catch and Niels offered to drop me at the airport. During the drive he filled me in on the future plans for the club.

From me it's a "big up", a toast, to Blommeröd Polo Club launching itself successfully onto the polo scene.

Winners

Black:- Axel Sjolin, Helen Nilsson/Stephan Meijers, Birgitte Emborg, Pampa Polarolo

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White:- Wilhelm Sturesson Roing, Heike Rudolf, Ulric Aspegren, Martin Jarve-Hotvedt

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