British Polo Day Mexico 2016 demonstrates mutual friendship and solidarity between Mexico and UK
Press Release
19th November 2016 – As the ties between Britain and Mexico become ever closer, British Polo Day, presented by RJI Capital, returned to Querétaro’s prestigious Balvanera Polo & Country Club for the eighth leg of the British Polo Day 2016 Global Series. In keeping with the long lasting heritage between Mexico and the UK, some 400 guests and VIPS including Harold Spook Stream III, Lorenzo Ruiz and Lady Chelsea, came together to form long lasting relationships, using the synergy between British and Mexican culture as a platform.
It could not be a better time to cement Britain’s commitment to Mexico’s future. While the world’s largest economy enters a challenging phase with Mexico, the British government aims to strengthen economic ties, and expects to significantly invest into the Mexican economy over the next four years; Mexico is already more cost efficient than China. Economics aside, the deep and historic appreciation for British and Mexican culture and craft is what brings the two nations ever closer, making British Polo Day Mexico 2016 proud to facilitate this friendship.
Twisting and turning through San Miguel de Allende’s signature red and yellow buildings, the guests embarked on an exciting itinerary prior to the polo. Beginning with a tequila tasting at the historic Casa Dragones, the guests returned to the hideaway Hotel Matilda for the Justerini & Brooks Dinner hosted by Bruce James, acclaimed hotelier.
Nestled in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Hotel Matilda embodies both style and elegance. Recently voted number #1 hotel in Mexico and #3 in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, Hotel Matilda is an enchantment of art and culture from all over the world hand-picked to adorn the walls of the boutique hotel. Recent features include a mural by Claudio Limón and work by internationally acclaimed Spencer Tunik. The restaurant boasts culinary delights by Enrique Olvera who has created a menu which focuses on international dishes with Mexican soul.
Commenting on the event Spook Stream III, CEO of Stream Companies, said “From the beginning our vision was to make Hotel Matilda a dynamic cultural hub that would attract travelers from around the world looking to be immersed in sophisticated and enthralling lifestyle experiences,” said Harold “Spook” Stream III, owner of Hotel Matilda. “British Polo Day is the perfect fulfillment of that vision, fusing the chic Matilda lifestyle with the stylish jet-setters of The Sport of Kings.” whilst Hotel Matilda’s Director, Bruce James added: “2016 is our fourth consecutive year as the host hotel of British Polo Day in Mexico and each time it has been the highlight of the year at Hotel Matilda,” said Director Bruce James. “Matilda has long been celebrated for our extraordinary cultural events that set the highest bar in Mexico, but none are as thrilling and high-energy as our annual hosting of the passionate players and aficionados of the international polo world.”
Friday began with Spa Treatments and Poolside at Hotel Matilda followed by brunch. Following a day of exploration through the streets of San Miguel where guests were able to throw themselves into Mexican craft and culture, the ever-outstanding Royal Salute ‘Hacienda Dinner’ was hosted by the de Alba family at Balvanera, Querétaro. Nonetheless, the past two days were just a taster as to what was in store.
On Saturday 19th November, guests were whisked to Balvanera Polo & Country and greeted with a Champagne Taittinger reception before taking their seats for a delicious lunch celebrating the best of Mexican culinary creativity; the British certainly got a taste for the Mexican’s spicy palette.
Fresh from their culinary pursuits, the guests enjoyed an opening game of comical Brompton Bicycle Polo. The Clinova British Exiles Team took on the Taylor Morris Rest of the World Team losing out on a close match full of action.
The afternoon’s polo saw the Bentley Motors British Exiles Team battle it out on the field against the Mexico team in an attempt to break the Mexican’s winning streak. Will Emerson fought hard for the Bentley Motors British Exiles Team however some skillful play between teammates, Victor Setien and Diego Aguilar, resulted in the Mexican Team keeping hold of their winning title and collecting the plate at prize-giving presented by Alvaro Mainero.
The RJI Capital British Schools team plays for the Bentley Motors Cup
After some powerful treading of the turf by the guests during the interval, the Inspirato Balvanera Team took on the RJI Capital British Schools in a bid for the Bentley Motors Cup. It was a tight match ending in a draw and leading the teams onto penalties which gave the Inspirato Balvanera Team the opportunity to close the match on a win and secure the cup presented by Marco del Prete.
Christian Badenhop earned his first British Polo Day cap and took home the prestigious Royal Salute Most Valuable Player Prize presented by Peter Prentice and Juan José de Alba’s pony Tati was awarded the Hotel Matilda Best Playing Pony presented by Spook Stream III.
In keeping with the humbling display of Mexican hospitality, the guests returned to Hotel Matilda for a festive after-party, cementing both British and Mexican culture and the relationships formed between the guests over the weekend.
The event is presented by title sponsor RJI Capital, and partnered with Harrods, Royal Salute, Bentley Motors, Charles Russell Speechlys, Justerini & Brooks, Champagne Taittinger, British Silverware, Clinova, Hotel Matilda, Randle Siddeley, Charles McDowell Properties, Conade, Inspirato, Aerolineas, Tommy Hilfiger, Thomas Pink, Heineken, True Luxury Travel, Taylor Morris Eyewear, DR Harris, Floris, Barnard and Westwood, Cassabo, and Alice Made This.
About RJI Capital
RJI Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Investment Holdings, an investment holding company with investments in energy and natural resources, aerospace and defence, real estate, and technology. RJI Capital is a strategic advisory and merchant banking firm with a premium track record in new market entry and international transactions, having closed deals totaling billions in value. RJI’s industry-‐‑leading services and expertise are delivered from its office headquarters in London, and its offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, and Washington, D.C. RJI Capital’s sister company, Arcanum, is a global intelligence company that provides services to sovereign governments, large multinational corporations and financial institutions, to help address some of their most pressing challenges and complex strategic issues.
True Luxury Travel
True Luxury Travel is the official travel partner of British Polo Day. Their expertise and exceptional service allows guests the opportunity to expand their experience in host countries and travel with ease.
www.trueluxurytravel.com
About British Polo Day
British Polo Days are a celebration of craft and heritage in a polo events network that spans the World. British Polo Days have become an unparalleled platform for elite engagement and business in emerging and growth markets.
Having held over 54 events in 15 countries since 2009, the British Polo Day Global Series has grown to encapsulate 10 annual events, spanning Abu Dhabi, Australia, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, Sumba Island(Indonesia),Thailand and the US.
The success of the British Polo Days has been largely down to word-of-mouth endorsement from many guests and supporters including key figures in government, the aristocracy, diplomats, military, fashion, art and popular culture. In addition, British Polo Days have hosted members of 12 royal families, 100 independent billionaires and leaders in world innovation including Sir Richard Branson and Elon Musk among others. Over 20,000 guests have enjoyed British Polo Days since inception.
The British Polo Day team is also very proud of its philanthropic efforts. In countries all over the world, polo has a long history of raising significant funding for worthy causes. Wherever possible, British Polo Day is entirely committed to bringing to bear the full weight of its partners, network and creative talent to this end. In 2015, the cumulative running total of amounts raised for good causes broke through the US$1.5m threshold and keeps on rising.
The British Polo Day team continues to thrive within the British and international craft sector, as they have become a trusted source for purchasing decisions by international elites. British Polo Days have become an irresistible way for the top polo teams and players to come together for competition globally. Additionally, British Polo Day will continue to innovate and pioneer unique platforms for craft and polo associated brands. Their cognition of the establishment of the British Polo Day Brand was evident in June 2013 when the UK Intellectual Property Office registered British Polo Day as a trademark.
Visit www.britishpoloday.com for more information.
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