Warwickshire to host first leg of prestigious Victor Ludorum tournament

POLO players from around the country are saddling up for the first leg of the prestigious Victor Ludorum tournament – which is being held for the first time in Warwickshire this month.

The popular annual event kicks off at the Dallas Burston Polo Club on Sunday, 22nd May, where teams will compete in the six-goal tournament – known as the Stoneythorpe Cup.

Visitors will be treated to some of the best polo ever played at the Southam grounds with teams then going on to compete in a series of tournaments across the UK, accumulating as many points as possible to win the final Victor Ludorum trophy.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to descend on the 600-acre site for what is regarded as the most exciting and popular event in the club’s sporting calendar this year.

Ella Cloake, marketing manager, said: “The Victor Ludorum is a hugely popular and prestigious league for polo players and it is the first time that we have been asked to host a Victor Ludorum fixture.

"This is a really big honour, not only for us but also for Warwickshire and we look forward to welcoming our neighbours to this incredible event.”

Twelve teams have already signed up to take part across the fixture and among them is Peter O’Rorke, aged 60, from Newbury in Berkshire.

O'Rorke and his family boast a long and impressive affiliation with the sport.

They can trace their ancestral links with polo as far back as the late 19th century when members of their family played while in the army in both India and New Zealand.

O'Rorke himself has played the game for more than 30 years. Among the highlights of his polo career, he lists the 2014 win of the Assam in Rutland, as part of the Victor Ludorum.

He said: “Winning that was a real thrill as that trophy is so historic and has the names of so many old friends engraved on it.

“Maybe even better than that was winning the Barbados Open this year with ‘Magic’ Matt Evetts, Christian Chaves and local hero Bruce Bayley. That was the most extraordinary week.”

No stranger to the Victor Ludorum, O'Rorke and his team came second in the six-goal tournament in both 2014 and 2015.

He’s no stranger to the Dallas Burston Polo Club, either.

He added: “I’ve played there reasonably often since Dr Burston first built it. At this time of the year the fields may be among the best around. They always play very fast, so really good news for spectators.”

O'Rorke said he and his team – Mark Brown, Matt Evetts and – depending on the recovery of a knee injury - Jimmy Wood – are looking to play as many Victor Ludorum tournaments as possible this year.

He said: “It could be as many as 30 to 35 games so we’ll see how the pony power goes – and my back!”

The gates open at 11am and as well as the chance to watch the exhilarating polo games, visitors will also be able to sample some culinary delights from the likes of Spectacular Goat with their woodfired sourdough pizzas, Big Daddies Diner’s gourmet hotdogs and burgers as well as Victoria Creperie.

Visitors can also bring along a picnic and stake out their area by the side of Red Ground – where there will be full commentary on all games.

Parking is £10 per car but general entrance is free. There is also the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Grandstand – which are £5 per person. A hospitality buffet lunch is also available.