The Fifth British Polo Day Singapore Celebrates a Half-Decade of Unity between Britain and Singapore
Press Release
7th November 2016 – On Saturday, 5th November, at this decisive time in Britain and Singapore’s relations, the Asian leg of British Polo Day’s Global Series – presented by RJI Capital – returned to Singapore Polo Club for the fifth British Polo Day Singapore. With over 20 leading global brands and some 240 guests and VIPs including Vinod Kumar, Iqbal Jumabhoy, Keith Bristow and Torquhil Campbell, The 13th Duke of Argyll, came together to celebrate the best of British craft and heritage.
This year, British Polo Day Singapore 2016 was preceded by a two-day itinerary of specially curated events aligned with the brand’s positioning as a unique global business platform.
The exclusive Hôtel Vagabond launch party on 3rd November, saw guests winding down ahead of the British Polo Day weekend to the sounds of Adir Kaisan and the Cosmic Owls.
On 4th November, as a prelude to British Polo Day, a dedicated polo clinic was led by Malcolm Borwick, one of the UK’s top polo players, followed by a Royal Salute Whisky tasting hosted by Peter Prentice, Global VIP Relationships Director of Chivas Brothers and Torquhil Campbell, The 13th Duke of Argyll. Last but not least, at an exclusive Royal Salute dinner hosted on Sentosa Island, residence of entrepreneur Carmen Benitez, guests toasted yet another distinguished event on the Little Red Dot.
Commenting on another successful British Polo Day Singapore, CEO Edward Olver said: “Singapore affirms itself as the perfect location for the British Polo Day proposition, remaining relevant in this BREXIT environment. The nation’s position as a powerful and dominant economic hub in South East Asia is the driving force of many businesses and where companies, our partners included, are continuing to focus its resources on.”
Keith Bristow, Senior Advisor to Arcanum, RJI Capital’s sister company, added: “I am honoured to represent the title sponsor, RJI Capital, in Singapore and in Southeast Asia, where our company has such a strong network and presence. Each of these events embodies the professionalism and sophistication for which RJI Capital is known, and my family and I look forward to them.”
RJI Capital Singapore Home Club I defend their home side
Arriving from the Mandarin Oriental to Singapore Polo Club in a range of chauffeur driven Bentley Motors, British Polo Day Singapore’s guests and VIPs enjoyed a pitch-side Champagne Taittinger Reception whilst watching the opening Brompton Bicycle Polo Exhibition Match – a thoroughly British pursuit in which the Hôtel Vagabond British Exiles team triumphed over the Charles McDowell Rest of the World team, winning 2-0.
The iconic Harrods Green Man proudly welcomed enamoured guests at the reception of the Singapore Polo Club.
Following the action of a fast-paced demonstration of exhilarating bicycle polo, was the sitdown lunch authored by the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, drawn to a close by the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Campbell’s toast to the rival teams – a traditional Quaich Experience with the skillfully crafted and timeless Scotch whisky, Royal Salute 21 Year Old.
The British Polo Day players then took to the field with their ponies for the official Opening Ceremony led by the impressive Bentley Bentaygas, after which the RJI Capital Singapore Polo Club I team defended their home side and triumphed over the Royal Salute British Schools team for the RJI Capital Plate winning 5 goals to 3.
The second match of the day saw the visiting Charles Russell Speechlys Rest of the World team take on their Singaporean counterpart, the Bentley Singapore Polo Club II team. The final score was 6 to 2 1/2 to Bentley Singapore Polo Club II with Ali Jumabhoy setting up numerous goals.
Keith Bristow, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of Arcanum, RJI Capital’s sister company, presents the RJI Capital Plate during the Prize-Giving Ceremony
With top players including Malcolm Borwick and Sattar Khan, there was tough competition for the top spot on the British Polo Day prize-giving podium. The accomplished polo players gathered in front of enthralled guests for the Prize Giving Ceremony where British Silverware’s gleaming plate and trophy awaited the worthy champions. The RJI Capital team players collected the RJI Capital Plate, presented by Keith Bristow. Meanwhile, the Bentley team claimed the Bentley Cup presented by Anastasia Kolpakova and Ian Maxwell.
Anna Lowndes was awarded the Royal Salute ‘Most Valuable Player’ by Cedric Retailleau and Vinod Kumar’s spirited horse Army Gacha won the Nihiwatu ‘Best Playing Pony’.
Closing the day, the harmony of two cultures was once again united through Britain and Singapore’s shared values of tradition and the warm embers of developing business relationships was in evidence everywhere. A superb close to the return of British Polo Day Singapore and the start of the second British Polo Day Sumba Island at Nihiwatu resort on Saturday, 12th November 2016…
British Polo Day Singapore took place on Saturday, 5th November 2016 at The Singapore Polo Club.
The event is partnered with RJI Capital, Harrods, Royal Salute, Bentley Motors, Charles Russell Speechlys, Justerini & Brooks, Champagne Taittinger, British Silverware, Clinova, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Randle Siddeley, Charles McDowell Properties, Chase Vodka, True Luxury Travel, Taylor Morris Eyewear, DR Harris, Floris, Barnard and Westwood, Cassabo, Hotel Vagabond and Alice Made This.
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 51 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 means 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. The recognition 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. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook for all the latest news and updates.
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. www.rjicapital.com
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