Langley Park will this weekend play host to the inaugural Perth International Polo Cup, which organisers hope will become the first of a series of international events raising the profile of the traditionally exclusive game.
Event organisers DG Global hope to do for polo what Kerry Packer did for cricket and Bernie Eccleston for Formula One, by changing the rules, making the game accessible to the public and playing in the heart of the city.
Perth has come under fire in recent times for losing major international events but this weekend’s event is expected to draw 3,000 to Perth’s foreshore, as well as several of Perth’s big business names.
The Griffin Group’s Ric Stowe and Sandalford Wines’ Peter Prendiville are well-known polo players who have put together teams for the day. DG Global director Mark Pennell said the event aimed to bring polo to the people, with the grand vision to build a polo grand prix circuit.
“We are talking to the international polo elite and they all love the idea – the franchise is starting in Perth and it has the potential to be huge,” Mr Pennel said.
“Perth has a great opportunity to cement something. Polo carries with it certain aspirational qualities and has always been branded alongside luxury items, but it also needs to be accessible and real, so that is what we are doing.
“The City of Perth and sponsors have been very supportive but we need a lot more support to make this a viable option.
“If people want things to happen in Perth, they need to get involved – if not, they can’t complain in two years’ time if the event is no longer here.”
Perth Polo Club president Angus James was one of the original people who took the idea to DG Global. He said the event was born out of a necessity to try to invigorate the game and put it in front of the public.
“We want to take this to a higher level like one-day matches in cricket, and we think there is the capacity and interest to do that,” he said.
Europa Saddleworld owner Greg Johnson was also involved in creating the concept and said the idea of taking polo to the public was dabbled in last year when the Charles Cup was held in Guildford.
“There is a commitment from the City of Perth and DG Global, and I think there is at least a five-year vision for this event,” he said.
Some of the rule changes for the Perth game include playing on a smaller pitch using a leather arena ball and ensuring a safer environment for spectators to enjoy the game.
