SCONE Polo Club’s annual tournament, the Macintyre Cup, was held last weekend in fine weather after early morning rain threatened to cancel.
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Twenty teams from as far as North Star, Dungog, Wellington, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Quirindi and locally Scone and Ellerston competed over two days.
Ellerston ran out the winners over Scone in a thrilling final.
Dr Judy White also launched a Photographic Memorabilia Book 1991 – 2016 to compliment the 100 year Centenary Book written By Bill Bishop in 1991.
Polo originated in the Hunter Valley at Muswellbrook at the enthusiasm and encouragement of Donald Macintyre in 1887.
He first saw the game played in England and thought it would be suited to the Australian climatic conditions and the Australian horseman’s natural riding ability.
He started the Scone club in 1891 and donated a magnificent silver trophy for its annual tournament.
The two clubs, Scone and Muswellbrook, had many fierce battles on the polo grounds during the next 10 years.
One of Australia best loved and remembered poets; Banjo Patterson, came and played at Muswellbrook with a Sydney Polo Team in 1895.
The origins of his poem “Quite a while ago” was born from his experiences here in the Upper Hunter.
After the War years the game was rekindled and new clubs emerged including Quirindi, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Wellington, Moree, Goondiwindi, Tamworth, Toompang, Windsor and Dungog.
The Scone Polo Club is now one of the largest in Australia, with over 50 playing members, an annual junior polo school hosting 70-80 kids every year, and three young players selected in the 2017 Australian World Cup squad.
Polo continues this weekend with a special day being held on Saturday, September 24 in memory of a great friend and player who tragically died in a car accident some years ago.
The Spring League polo tournament, notably the Dougal Archibald Cup, as well as the Bengalla Shield, is being played over three days.
Reserve a sideline car park through the Scone Race Club on 65 451607 or email events@sconeraceclub.com.au
Kids are welcome. Come out and enjoy a family and fun weekend at Scone Polo.
