The big fixture of the British summer now has an opponent. The HPA has confirmed that England will play Brazil for the Coronation Cup on International Day at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 26 July. It falls in the HPA’s 150th anniversary year, so it is shaping up to be a special afternoon in Windsor Great Park.
The history so far
This will be the fourth time England and Brazil have met in the Coronation Cup, and England have won all three previous matches:
- 1996: England won 8-4
- 2001: England won 8-7
- 2011: England won 8-6
Only the 2001 game was really close, and only by a goal. Brazil, though, are a very different proposition these days. They have a strong international record, including World Championship titles and eight medals, which equals Argentina’s tally. The HPA’s chief executive, Anna Hall, has called the match a momentous milestone for polo in England, and they will arrive in Windsor Great Park hoping to change the head-to-head record.
An opening act for the young
The day will open with the Whitbread Tankard, played by Young England. Their opponents for that match have yet to be confirmed. Last year’s Whitbread went right to the final seconds, so we are looking forward to it.
Elsewhere in English polo
England’s winter programme continues overseas. Two test matches against New Zealand are scheduled, the first on 31 January at Mystery Creek on the North Island, and the second on 6 February at Glenmark on the South Island. James Fewster, who made his senior England debut in 2024, captains the side. We will report on the results when we have them.
There was also nice news for a four-legged star. The former racehorse Dark Hedges was named 2024 RoR Elite Polo Champion at the Retraining of Racehorses annual awards at Cheltenham Racecourse on 25 January. Retrained thoroughbreds are a popular part of British polo, and Dark Hedges is a fine advertisement for the idea.
If you are planning a trip, the date to put in your diary is Saturday 26 July.
Sources: HPA, Coronation Cup opposition, HPA, England v New Zealand
