KING`S CUP ELEPHANT POLO

2016
KING’S CUP
ELEPHANT
POLO
TOURNAMENT
BOOKLET
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
WELCOME LETTER
HOST HOTELS
EVENT LOCATION
PROGRAMME
HOW TO GET THERE
LADIES DAY
GOLDEN TRIANGLE ASIAN
ELEPHANT FOUNDATION
BENEFITS FOR ELEPHANTS
HISTORY AND RULES
SPECTATOR REGULATIONS
HOW TO PLAY
TEAMS 2016
SPONSORS 2016
Drone photo
Dear Friends of Elephants,
Welcome to Elephant Polo Week in Thailand, and to those of you returning from previous
seasons, welcome back!
Although the tournament took a break last year, the efforts and initiatives to create real and
lasting change for the elephants did not stop as we presented the world’s largest outdoor
art exhibition, Elephant Parade Bangkok in Decemeber 2015 to reach out further to the
general public. Almost a hundred brightly coloured elephants delighted locals and tourists
alike over the Christmas, New Year period with the parade ending with a charity gala dinner,
raising over 10 million Thai Baht.
Due to the popularity of the tournament, the internationally renowned event is making
a comeback this year into its fourteenth year and will take place for the second time in
Bangkok.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort will once again be hosting the 2016 King’s Cup
Elephant Polo Tournament in Bangkok and could not be more excited to receive players
and guests from around the world. We are now celebrating more than a decade of
successful tournaments, and this year promises to be better than ever. We look forward to
bring you five days of unforgettable action both on and off the pitch, from an impressive
opening parade and nail biting matches, children’s and ladies’ days, fun elephant related
activities, to BBQ nights and culminating in an unmissable experience that is richly
integrated into the local culture.
We are also excited to host 10 international teams for one of Thailand’s most prized annual
sporting events, held by the riverside, which has throughtfully been transformed into your
elephant polo stadium for the week.
A very special thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, all of our corporate sponsors,
especially Audemars Piguet, and members of the Bangkok community where we live
and thrive, for allowing this special event to take place in the iconic location of Thailand’s
capitol.
Finally, a special thanks to all of you for taking the time to join us for this year’s King’s Cup
Elephant Polo Tournament, and to the team at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
Yours Sincerely,
Tim Boda
Group Director of Culinary Excellence & Events, Minor Hotel Group
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HOST HOTELS
ANANTARA RIVERSIDE
BANGKOK RESORT
AVANI RIVERSIDE
BANGKOK HOTEL
Conveniently located on the banks of the
mighty Chao Phraya River, Anantara Riverside
Bangkok Resort is your gateway to Thailand’s
shimmering capital. Positioned amongst
a backdrop of verdant greenery, Anantara
Riverside offers the ultimate in luxurious
waterfront serenity.
One of the latest additions to the Minor
portfolio, AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel is
the perfect access point to Bangkok for any
kind of visit, whether a leisurely family break or
an important business meeting. All 241 rooms
and suites are located on level 12 or above,
allowing for uninterrupted views of the Chao
Phraya River and Bangkok’s glittering skyline.
Combine the thrill of urban living and the calm
of tropical luxury in this 11-acre oasis, both
an ideal sanctuary to recharge and a perfect
platform to facilitate your immersion in this
ancient Kingdom on your own adventures.
Delve into an ancient city steeped in history
and tradition, seek hidden treasures exploring
Bangkok’s labyrinthine network of sois or
simply relax on banks of the river as life
unfolds before your eyes.
Whether you want to experience an authentic
side of Bangkok on your terms or simply
relax and rejuvenate in a sanctuary of calm
in the midst of this thriving metropolis, your
individual journey in Bangkok will be enriched
by your stay at Anantara Riverside.
To ensure every requirement is satisfied, four
restaurants and bars offer simply delicious
eats and treats, from grab-and-go snacks in
the designer deli to exotic indulgences at the
rooftop or lobby bar.
Its location by Riverside Plaza shopping
complex and directly opposite Asiatique,
Bangkok’s largest open-air night market,
affords guests a wealth of entertainment
options whilst the rest of Bangkok’s delights
are easily accessed by complimentary boat
shuttle to Saphan Taksin pier.
Whether seeing the city’s many sights or
brokering deals, family fun or individual
adventures, AVANI Riverside Bangkok is
designed with you in mind.
AVANI Riverside
Bangkok Hotel
Anantara Riverside
Bangkok Resort
PROGRAMME
2016 KING’S CUP ELEPHANT POLO
TENTATIVE PROGRAMME 9 TO 13 MARCH 2016
9 March 2016, Wednesday
7:00 pm
*Handicapping draw night
10 March 2016, Thursday
Grand Opening Day
8:00 am
Monk blessing ceremony
9:00 am
Grand opening parade
10:00 am
Fruit buffet for elephants
11:00 am
Tournament matches all day
11 March 2016, Friday
Kids’ Education Day
9:00 am
Tournament matches all day
12 March 2016, Saturday
Ladies‘ Day
9:00 am
Tournament matches all day
5:00 pm
Ladies’ day fashion show & prize presentation
Till late
Pitch side festival with entertainment, mini concerts
& fireworks
13 March 2016, Sunday
Grand Final Day
9:00 am
Final matches all day
10:00 am
Sunday morning jazz
3:00 pm
National anthem
King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Grand Final
4:00 pm
Trophy giving ceremony by Royal Representative
5:00 pm
Fruit buffet for elephants
6:00 pm
End of tournament celebrations
2016 KING’S CUP
ELEPHANT POLO
LADIES DAY
HOW TO GET THERE
12 March 2016 from 2:00 - 5:00pm
By the riverside next to Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Charoennakorn R D.
PITCH
Whether you are watching the exciting trunk-to-trunk action on
Soi. Charoennakorn 57/ 1
field, sipping refreshing drinks or simply there for a good oldfashion girly day out, make sure you do it in style!
Saphan Taksin Pier
Chaophraya River
Anantara Riverside
Bangkok Pier
Taksin Bridge
Krungthep Bridge
ANANTARA
RIVERSIDE
BANGKOK
RESORT
Soi. Charoennakorn 59
RIVERSIDE
PLAZA
Asiatique
Saphan Taksin
BTS station
Entrance to tournament is THB 200 per person per day, gross proceeds going to Golden Triangle
Asian Elephant Foundation. VIP hospitality packages are available, for more
information, please contact Jaime Koh at [email protected] or visit anantaraelephantpolo.
com
Complimentary boat transfers between Saphan Taksin Pier and Anantara Riverside Bangkok
Resort are available every 30 minutes. Spectators can hop on the free shuttle service from lower
lobby of the resort to pitch or enjoy a 5 minutes stroll.
Limited parking available at Riverside Plaza only, no parking available at the polo pitch.
Dress to impress for the 2016 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Ladies
Day for a fun day of fashion, giggles and bubbles, and the best
dressed ladies will win handbags, fashion vouchers & party
services in value of above THB 500,000!
Our Fashion Police will be on the lookout for you all afternoon
and prizes will be presented at 5pm. Stay on and join us for the
evening entertainment till late.
THE
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
ASIAN ELEPHANT
FOUNDATION
Established in 2006, The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) was set up to
improve the plight of Thailand’s elephants. Since then its scope has increased to include welfare
projects that incorporate wider philanthropic and cultural objectives across broader Southeast
Asia.
Since the foundation’s inception more than 40 elephants have been rescued from Thailand’s
city streets, accompanied by their entire mahout family. Recognising the cultural significance
of mahouts whilst staying committed to the ideals of creating elephant friendly circumstances,
a broader community development programme for mahouts and their families has been
implemented. Through this programme English lessons are provided for mahouts and their wives,
education programmes offered for their children and a silk making enterprise for the mahouts’
wives has been established, with all profits from sales going back directly to the wives.
In addition to performing street rescues the GTAEF cooperates with the Thai government
and other organisations in projects including supporting scientific research and clinics using
elephants as assistant therapists for children living with autism; donating equipment and
vehicles to government elephant hospitals in
Lampang & Krabi; sending their team of expert
vets to assist elephants throughout Thailand,
Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos;
developing scientific positive reinforcement
training techniques for elephants; reducing
human–elephant conflict in Thai national
parks and building the world’s first and only
research facility dedicated to researching
elephant intelligence and behaviour.
Working with local partner Wildlife Alliance,
GTAEF, along with their parent company Minor
International, have successfully funded and
implemented the protection of 18,000 hectares
of standing forest in Cambodia’s Cardamom
Mountains, the only remaining link between
elephant territories to the north and south
of the country. Since protection, the wildlife
has become visible and wild elephants have
started using the forest again.
The GTAEF has had unprecedented success in
creating positive outcomes for both wild and
captive elephants, helping provide a voice for
these incredible creatures. As well as running
their own projects, GTAEF have supported and
funded projects by the following organisations.
BENEFITS
FOR OUR
ELEPHANTS
Every elephant attending the King’s Cup
Elephant Polo tournament has a unique
microchip number which is required by law and
means that Thai authorities know the animal
was not taken from the wild. The elephants
receive no specific training to play polo. In
addition, only young elephants who like to
run around and enjoy themselves participate
in the tournament, and consequently tend to
easily pick up the game (some better than
others!). Each elephant only plays two games
a day – we don’t want our elephants to get
tired so they only play for 28 minutes each day
compared with working 10 hours a night on
the streets or 5 hours a day in a trekking camp.
Young elephants enjoy running around and
playing games – and at the Golden Triangle
Asian Elephant Foundation we have an area for
the young elephants to play, which they’ll do
for hours at a time, participating in possession
games with tyres and such.
High-energy food is essential for all ‘eleathletes’ and each elephant participating
in the tournament is fed 20 stems of bananas,
50 sticks of sugarcane and 10 pineapple
plants per day, in addition to being provided
with veterinary care and vitamin supplements.
The tournament’s largest expense is
maintaining and pampering the elephants
– this is on top of the money raised at the
Charity Auction Dinner which is used for more
strategic projects that benefit all of Thailand’s
elephants. An elephant that does not enjoy
elephant polo is immediately retired and still
gets to keep their bonuses, as this is usually
the only time of the year they receive regular
veterinary check-ups, vitamin supplements
and a chance to rest in natural surroundings.
Each elephant receives a veterinary check
before she’s declared fit to play. Those
that fail don’t get sent home; they just get
prescribed rest – something often not
possible throughout the rest of the year. We
aim to make this as much of a holiday for the
elephants as for our guests.
HISTORY
AND
RULES
The Story Behind the Game
What started out as a whimsical conversation between two quirky sport lovers
has evolved into one of the largest annual events in the Thai tourism calendar.
The event in question is polo, with the adventurous twist of being played on
the back of elephants.
The King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand was first launched in
Hua Hin by Anantara in 2001. In 2006 the tournament moved to the Golden
Triangle and was hosted by Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp &
Resort). In 2011 the tournament returned to its original venue at Hua Hin for
the following three years, before making its debut in Bangkok in 2014. Anantara
Riverside Bangkok Resort will once again be hosting the tournament this year.
Elephants are a key symbol of Thailand’s history. Nothing but the utmost
respect is given to these pachyderms, with all proceeds of the tournament
used to ensure their welfare, sustenance, employment, mahout training and
the provision of medical treatment.
• Due to the size of these great mammals, each team comprises three players
and their four legged accomplices. Matches take place on a marked pitch of
80 metres by 48 metres, using a standard size polo ball.
• The game is divided into two 7-minute “chukkas”, or halves, of playing time
with an interval of 15 minutes. A whistle blast from the referee signals the
start and end of play. Both the elephants and playing pitch ends are changed
after the first chukka.
• The pitch is marked with lines; a circle with a radius of 10 metres marks the
middles of the field, while a semi-circle arch in front of the goals has a radius
of 20 metres, measured from the centre of the goal line at either end of the
pitch and referred to as the D.
• The scoring system awards two points to a winning team and one point
apiece to teams which draw.
Spectator Regulations
• No flags or banners are permitted on the grounds without the permission of
the organisers.
• No whistles or horns are allowed at any time, as they may scare the elephants.
• Smoking is not permitted in the restaurant or public areas.
• For your own safety, please do not approach the elephants.
• No gambling or betting of any sort is permitted on the premises.
• Please do not litter; use the conveniently located garbage cans.
• Elephants must always be given right of way and at no time shall unauthorised
personnel enter the elephant area.
• Selling goods or services is not permitted without prior approval of the event
organisers.
• Please use the public facilities which have been made available on the
grounds.
• Do not leave children unattended at any time.
• Spectators under the age of 18 must be under adult supervision and are not
permitted to consume tobacco or alcohol.
• Adults are requested to consume alcohol responsibly.
• For your safety, please refrain from crossing over or sitting on the field fence
and maintain a safe distance from the pitch.
• Do not feed, touch or throw things at the elephants.
• No firearms or fireworks of any kind are permitted on the grounds.
• The tournament welcomes the public from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily except
for Saturday 12 March until 12 midnight; guests are not permitted on the
grounds at any other time.
• Please note that by attending the tournament, guests may have their picture
published inmedia outlets or on internet news sites.
Team A
Team B
HOW TO PLAY
GAME TECHNICALITIES
• No elephants may lie down in front of the
goal mouth. To do so constitutes a foul and
a free hit is awarded to the opposing side
from the semi-circle in front of the goal.
• An elephant may not pick up the ball in its
trunk during play. To do so constitutes a foul
and a free hit is awarded to the opposing
team from the spot where the ball was
picked up. The defending players must be
15 metres from the spot.
• Teams are made up from the pool of
elephants and balanced out as fairly as
possible, bearing in mind the size and
speed of the elephants. Once the pool of
elephants has been selected, each elephant
is categorised and marked as A, B, C, D, E
and F.
• Sugar cane or rice balls packed with
vitamins (molasses and rock salt) are given
to the elephants at the end of each match,
and a cold beer or soft drink to the
elephants’ drivers, and not vice versa! The
health and welfare of the elephants used in
tournaments is of prime concern.
Abuse of an elephant is considered to be the
most serious offence.
FUN FACTS
• Elephants in this tournament only respond
to Thai commands from their mahouts.
• The first elephant polo games were played
with a soccer ball. These were quickly
changed to standard polo balls after it was
realised the elephants like to stamp and pop
the soccer balls.
• Some players train by sitting on top of a
slow moving jeep and swinging at the ball
using an elephant polo stick!
TEAMS
2016
AUDEMARS PIGUET
TEAM
Mr. Uday Kalaan
Uday started playing horse polo at a very young age and has
since played professionally in India. He was part of the World
Cup team which played in the World Championships in 1995;
having captained India against worthy opponents and is highly
regarded as an impact player. Uday currently runs the Haryana
Polo Club at this farm near Delhi with his brother.
ANANTARA TEAM
Mr. Tim Boda
Tim Boda, Minor Hotel Group, Organizer of King’s Cup
Elephant Polo Tournament.
Tim Boda
Mr. Manish Jha
Manish Jha, General Manager Anantara Hua Hin Resort, is
one of the highest rated Anantara players. He played every
King’s Cup since 2012. A prolific penalty shooter, Manish is
the bedrock of any team on which he competes.
Uday Kalaan
Mr. Angad Kalaan
“The Dark Horse of Delhi” has quietly and stealthily
maneuvered through the corridors of polo to become the
much-feted icon and pin up of the Indian horse polo team.
Angad played for the winning Chivas Nepal team in 2001
King’s Cup. He has won the “Golden Stick” award on four
occasions and is considered one of the best players ever.
Manish Jha
Lars Kerfin
Angad Kalaan
Cameron Humphries
Mr. Cameron Humphries
With over 24 years of service in the British Army and having
completed numerous operational tours around the world,
Cameron is considered a close combat specialist- making
him particularly useful in the melees and scums on and off
the pitch! When not on operations with the Army, he is normal
found on horseback playing and umpiring polo but is probably
most renowned for bring that mad Brit who practiced his
polo on a bicycle on the streets of Baghdad whilst under the
fire from mortars and snipers! He’s hoping the locals are a bit
friendlier in Bangkok!
Dylan Counsel
Volkert Geertsen
Mr. Lars Kerfin
Lars Kerfin, General Manager Renaissance Bangkok
Ratchaprasong Hotel, a hard-riding, long-hitting powerful
player, Lars’ defensive and team skills lifted him to the ranks
of one of the top players in the game today.
Mr. Dylan Counsel
Dylan Counsel, General Manager Anantara Sikao Resort, the
new but not to be understimated kid on this legendary team,
known for his leadership and direction on (any) field really.
Probably one of the best young elephant polo players south
of Krabi.
Mr. Volkert Geertsen
Volkert, Hotel Manager of Anantara Riverside Bangkok
Resort, another new acquisition for the Anantara team, great
hand-eye coordination and exceptional accuracy allowed
this talented athlete to excel in land hockey before selecting
elephant polo as his next career path. He is on the 2016 watch
list.
Mr. Paul Domiique Win Vacharasinthu
Previously Paul was playing for the CDD team, he turned
elephant polo pro several years ago, a cool headed field
general, a force to be reckon with on the field- offensively and
defensively.
Paul Domiique
ANANTARA ARABIAN
KNIGHTS TEAM
Wael Soueid
Amer Braik
Stuart Allan
Steve Thompson
Kristin Grube
Mr. Wael Soueid
Brought up in France and passionate about all things luxury, among them, expensive hotels, the
sport of King and Cuban cigars, Wael is a man of style on and off the field. 2016 marks his third
year captaining the Arabian Knights team in the King’s Cup Tournament. Now as confident on
an elephant as he is on a horse, he’s a force to be reckoned with and one to watch this year.
Mr. Amer Braik
A keen horse rider and an active sportsman, Amer can be seen challenging his physical fitness
and endurance, traversing the world’s largest sand dunes by fat bike in Abu Dhabi. This marks
the second year for Amer to participate in the King’s Cup drawing on his experience riding
camels and horses to help him on his way.
Mr. Stuart Allan
Originating from the UK and in Dubai since 2007, Stuart is a keen polo player and has played
in several locations around the world including Germany, Portugal, the UK, India, Thailand,
Argentina, Chile and South Korea, in addition to Dubai. Stuart returns to the King’s Cup for his
third year to support this annual fund raising event representing the Arabian Knights team.
Mr. Steve Thompson
Personality ploys and an internationally renowned polo player and coach, UK born Steve is the
founder and owner of Dubai Polo Academy, which he started in 2005. The Dubai Polo Academy
was established to offer tuition to players of all levels looking for expert polo tuition using a
methodology unique to the Dubai Polo Academy. Steve has put this methodology into his new
book “How to Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo” which will be available worldwide in 2016. He is
also famous in the UAE for being the first person to train camels for polo!
Ms. Kristin Grube
Born in Germany, Kristin started horse riding at the age of seven. Based in Dubai for several
years, she’s been playing in the Dubai Polo Academy for four years. 2016 marks Kristin’s
third King’s Cup playing for the Arabian Knights. In 2014, she showed remarkable focus in
the tournament’s penalty shoot-out. True to the motton “communication is key”, Kristin has
commerced her first steps to speak Thai, trying to improve communication with the Mahout
and the elephant. We can’t wait to see how that goes.
CITI TEAM
Darren Buckley
Wanvisa Komidr
Fon Windsor
Tom Fontaine
Rob Mullis
Oliver Winter
Mr. Darren Buckley
Having recovered from a shoulder injury, while foiled his plans to join the last King’s Cup, Darren is intent on a dramatic
comeback this year. Rumor has it that he has been holding secret trainings with an elephant Denra, at the Citi Elephant Nursery
in the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. While Citi’s Head of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar may not
realised that this will not help his game on adult elephants at all, he is ready to stun the world with his Djokovic-backhands and
Woods- swings, all in flourishing Cambiaso-style. He’s also a big and consistent sponsor of this event, so cheer you must.
Ms. Wanvisa Komidr
Official holder of the Miss Glamorous Citi title, you would never guess Wan could run Armstrong for her titles completely
“supplement” free! With the mental will of someone who has done 89,295 marathons, duathlons and triathlons, Citi’s Thailand’s
Head of Markeitng & Client Experience is one to watch as she handles the grueling demands of competitive elephant polo. Don’t
let her class and beautiful boots fool you, as she is sure to snatch that polo ball from right under your trunk. Let’s just hope her
Masters in Endurance Sports also taught her to hold on to the ropes on the elephants for dear life.
Ms. Fon Windsor- Clive
A mother of two, a professional photographer and a committee member of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand, Fon
is also a keen pilot (604 Squadron RTAF) and a Cordon Bleu Cook. She lives in Bangkok with her English husband Simon and
their two daughters. She is also trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and voluteers at Raividhee Hospital and actively
supports the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Thailand. In her spare time, you will find her in the gym, museums or climbing
mountains.
Mr. Tom Fontaine
Tom is an engineer and businessman who lives in Australia and who watches the calendar counting the days until the next
elephant polo tournament. He is also directly involved in an organisation devoted to stopping Rhino poaching in Africa. His
company has invented “paint” that when painted onto a horn or tusk, can be used to always identiy the origin of the horn.
The organisation recently caught one of the most notorious poachers in Zimbabwe, and has reported in the Austrialian and
International news, leaving the poacher 30 years in jail.
Mr. Rob Mullis
Farmer Mullis is, without a doubt, the finest purveyor organic sugar cane in the North of Thailand, and for this alone, is beloved
by all elephants. He has not yet talked about distilling his own rum but is beloved of mahouts nonetheless. His Mullis Capital
Elephant Polo Team were, in past times, a powerhouse in the sport feared by opposition and umpuires in equal measure but
fate lead to their parting ways and today he contents himself with providing strike power for his erstwhile rivals- there were
no enermies in elephant polo. When not terrifying the local motorists with his Kubota, he lives in Bangkok and divides his time
between watching his sons play soccer and his daughter’s DJ’ing. Rumor has it that he also does something with money in his
spare time but nobody is sure what. For all his urban socialite lifestyle, he longs to return to his sugarcane valley where the sun
and the moon can be seen at the same time (after the correct amount of wine) and live out his days as a pastoralist.
Mr. Oliver Winter
Oliver reintroduced polo to the Royal Siam Polo Club after a 50 years interval. Importing polo ponies from Germany, Argentina,
Brunei and Australia, he also acted as a teacher and coach and engaged Argentinean professionals to train horses and players.
Polo is now thriving in various new clubs across Thailand with over 200 polo ponies, and Oliver is also the current president of
the German Polo Federation. Oliver lives in Hamburg where horse polo occupies a large part of his weekends. Importing food for
the German market from various countries, Oliver travels the globe to visit suppliers and join a game of polo where possible.
CASILLERO
DEL DIABLO TEAM
Ravini Perera
Sharlyn Stafford
Sharona Hurmuses
Areeya Sirisopa
JOHNNIE WALKER
BLUE LABEL TEAM
Hana Lewis
Ploy Bhinsaeng
Ms. Ravini Perera
Ravini is a competive player who is thrilled to be back playing elephant polo after having
previously played in the Nepal (coming in very close to 3rd position!) as well as being part of the
legendary Spice Girls Team in Hua Hin.
Ms. Sharlyn Stafford
This is Sharlyn’s 4th elephant polo tournament; three in Thailand and one in Nepal. She is
thrilled to be back this year and a part of the ladies team, previously, known as the “Spice Girls”
Whilst enjoying the completion, she also looks forward to re-uniting with the other players who
have been a part of elephant polo over the years and meeting new friends.
Ms. Sharona Hurmuses
Sharona is from Singapore and first played elephant polo back in 2013. This will be her 7th
elephant polo tournament. She is a personal trainer and a fitness competitor and a mother
of 3 daughters. She used to play for the legendary Spice Girls team and hope to continue the
tradition.
Ms. Areeya Sirisopa
Khun Pop, is an American model, teacher and filmmaker. She qualified for Miss Thailand
pageant and won the crown in 1994. She went on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant
held in the Philippines, placing 13th overall; and recipient of the “Best Kodak Smile”. She began
working as a model, actress, and emcee.
Ms. Hana Lewis
Miss Teen Thailand 2010, Hana is both an actress and model and will be joining the King’s Cup
Elephant Polo Tournament for the first time this year.
Ms. Ploy Bhinsaeng
Ploy Bhinsaeng is a professional polo player and equestrian and also one of the top woman
player in Thailand polo.
Robin Lourvanij
Rickard Hogberg
Chris Stafford
Bjorn Richardson
Tarrik Stafford
Ms. Robin Lourvanij
Robin, half Australian, half Thai, interior designer, established Kuppa Tea & Coffee Traders Co.,
Ltd, Bangkok’s popular restaurant/ coffee house in year 1998. A co-owner of Polo Escape, she
is also one of Asia’s most active lady Patron. Currently 0 goal polo handicap player, Robin has
participated in many international tournaments, in Australia, Argentina, Germany, UK, Dubai and
Singapore. She also participated in the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup,
Jodhpur in year 2009 & 2011. Robin and her team had also won the 12 goals Dubai Cup at Ham,
England, August 2010.
Mr. Rickard Hogberg
Former captain of Singapore Polo Club and a native of Sweden. Rickard now reside in
Singapore and has a +2 goal handicap in horse polo. He represented Sween in the FIP European
Championship in 1995 and 1997, and Singapore in the FIP World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore in
2003. In 2004, he acted as a coach, manager and escort for the super glamorous DBS Ladies
Team.
Mr. Christopher Stafford
Famous for bringing elephant polo to Thailand as the former VP & GM of Anantara Hua Hin
Resort & Spa, Chris has spent time practicing his skills around the world. Chris has played in
every King’s Cup tournament. Chris is not only a very fine person that seems to grow younger
and fitter every year but also Chief Operating Officer at 137 Pillars House and current elephant
polo world champion.
Mr. Bjorn Richarson
A stalwart of elephant polo, Bjorn had captained the Thai team to a silver medal in two
championships; he swears he witnessed the goal of the century (though no one can recall the
morning). Bjorn, who works for Oakwood, is also an avid golfer, which allegedly caused serious
problem with his polo swing!
Mr. Tarrik Stafford
Tarrik is a multi-national Swede, Canadian and Aussie combo and a new generation elephant
polo player, footballer par excellence and a keen golfer. He brings added speed in his attacking
role and his natural aggression adds not only youth but strength to the tournament.
KING POWER
DUTY FREE TEAM
Mr. Tom Claytor
Tom is a member of the infamous Black Dog Polo Team and has
often been compared to Murli Murlitaran, not only for his playing
genius but also for having perfected the controversial “Claytor
Move” on the back of an elephant. Tom is a bush pilot who has
flown extensively in Africa. He started playing polo at age 23
when he was in Kenya, and has been on 4 championship King’s
Cup Elephant Polo teams.
Tom Claytor
Mr. Nattanpong Pratumlee
Kh Nat is Thailand’s highest handicapped horse polo player, but he
is also no stranger to the elephant polo circuit. The very mention of
this name strikes fear in the hears of most veteran elephant polo
players, not only for his prowess in handling a mallet, but also for
his impeccable Mahout language skills. Kh Nat studied under polo
instructor Reggie Ludwig in USA for two years, and is a member of
Thai National Team.
Nattanpong Pratumlee
Mr. Satid Wongkraso
Kh Bung hails from Muktahan along the outer reaches of the
mighty Mekhong River on Thailand’s Eastern border. Bung is the
strong and silent type and has been rising through the ranks of
Mahout polo players. He recorded a solid victory on horseback in
the 2013 Ambassador Cup, and he is looking forward to be back on
an elephant again.
Satid Wongkraso
MEKHONG TEAM
Tim Beaumont
Franck Constant
Prab Thakral
David Wildridge
David Patridge
Mr. Tim Beaumont
Tim is CEO of the Beaumont Partnership- an architectural, interior design and landscape firm
based in Bangkok. Tim’s extensive experience offers clients a level of intelligence highly sought
after in today’s competitive commercial environment.
Mr. Franck Constant
Franck happened to be at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort that weekend of the elephant polo
tournament in 2012. Being the sports enthusiast he is, the game of polo peaked his interest.
Now that Franck is not falling off his horse that much, he is enjoying this sport. It’s not
surprising for this Frenchman to fly in from long business trip and go directly for a polo lesson!
Franck works in the solar sector with offices in the US, Asia, Europe & Africa.
Mr. Prab Thakral
Visionary entrepreneur owner of the Boutique Hotel Company, Prab is one of the new entrants
into the world’s 100 elephant polo players. Besides his success in the world of business, Prab
is a friend and supporter of the Thai Elephants and is thinking of organising a mini tournament
during the year to further practice his own polo skills. Watch this man who is sure to climb up
the rankings this year.
Mr. David Wildridge
Former RAF fighter pilot, David first played elephant polo in Nepal in 1988, being introduced to
the game by the great James Manclark, with whom David has won two world championships.
He is known for his patient captaincy, and is particularly good at training new players, and for
his witty commentary. David is a horse polo player and lives near Oxford. When he is not flying
the Airbus 320 for Vueling Airlines in Spain, he is a display pilot with the Tiger 9 vintage aircraft.
He is accompanied on this visit by his son William, who has also previously played elephant
polo in Thailand and in Nepal.
Mr. David Patridge
While relatively new (3rd year) to the pachyderm sport, David has plenty of experience riding
pterodactyls while under the influence of absinthe. Based in Niger flying airplanes, he splits his
time home in the USA between Culver, Indiana and Naples, Florida.
PRICEWATERHOUSE
COOPERS TEAM
Paul Stitt
Charles
Olo Brown
Robin Brooke
RUEANG CHANG
TEAM
Mr. Ed Story
Southeast Asia is a core area in Ed Story’s SOCO International oil
exploration business and has been Ed’s home based for over 40
years. Ed’s former SOCO team has been rebranded as The Elephant
Story (Rueang Chang) team. Ed and Joey have opened the first
elephant polo store in the world, The Elephant Story, to raise funds
for elephant conservation and support the country’s textiles and
crafts.
Mark Pearson
Ed Story
Mr. Paul Stitt
Founder and still sole member of the Nothaburi left-handed polo players club, Paul is
participating in his sixth elephant polo tournament. He has previously played for the
PricewaterhouseCoopers Legends. Now back with the PwC All Blacks for the fifth year, he is
easily recognisable, being two feet shorter than the rest of the team. Bon vivant and snappy
dresser, Paul is reputed to be the only person to have climbed Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest
mountain), while wearing tweed. He also holds the course record at the Royal Gems Golf
Course for most balls lost during a single round of golf.
Mr. Charles Reichelmann
Charles is a Tongan born New Zealand rugby union player. He played for Auckland, the Blues
and the All Blacks at international level. Charles played six test matches (in all cases as a
reserve) for New Zealand and in 1997 he scored three tries. He was also a part of the Blies 1996
and 1997 Super 12 winning teams.
Mr. Jason Friedman
Managing Director at J.M Friedman & Co.- Bespoke Hospitality
Services. Known for ridiculously good looks, a man that loves and
much enjoys the good things in life. Never misses a game , never
says no to a Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Jason Friedman
Khun Taweesak Keereekaew
Kh Wee is one of the leading Thai elephant polo players in the
world and well known in the community for his powerhouse
swing, inexhaustible energy and calm disposition. Kh Wee is not
only the core of the Rueang Chang team but fondly claimed as its
spritual leader. Everyone will soon appreciate and realise why he is
regarded as the “Elephant Whisperer”.
Mr. Olo Brown
Olo was born in Apia, Samoa and is a former rugby player who played prop positon for the
Auckland Provincial team, the Super Rugby Blues team and the New Zealand All Blacks. He was
known to be the cornerstone of the pack with his techniques and straightness of back, and was
rated by scrum experts as one of the finest props to play for New Zealand.
Mr. Robin Brooke
Robin played representative rugby for Auckland and made his All Black debut in 1992 against
Ireland. Robin captained the Blues in the Super 12 of 2000 and 2001 and was also in the
Auckland NPC sides in those two seasons before retiring. Since 2010, he has been the
proprietor of the New World supermarket in Warkworth, New Zealand.
Taweesak Keereekaew
Khun Prakorn Saejaw
Kh Saeng is the Elephant Programme Manager for The Four
Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle, which gives him an
excellent background knowledge on everything to do with elephant
behavior.
Mr. Mark Pearson
Mark is the Managing Director of Premier Thai Lawyers, a legal and accounting firm based in
the centre of Bangkok. Mark first played elephant polo in 2014 and was also a player at the
World Championship in Nepal in 2015. He is looking to use his experience to improve his game
this year and be a challenge to the more experienced teams.
Prakorn Saejaw
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