Garrett Prendiville on Decimal.
Camera IconGarrett Prendiville on Decimal. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Chance to hoof it down to Valley

Belinda CiprianoEastern Reporter

WHILE it is known as the "game of kings", the sport of polo has been played in the Prendiville family for years.

Garrett Prendiville, who has played since the age of 10, will take to the field with his brothers for Polo in the Valley on April 19 at Duncraig Stud in the Swan Valley.

A love for horses, quick reflexes, fitness and nerve are just some of the things the 29-year-old said were needed to play the game and he was looking forward to duelling with player Kit Brooks and the team from Citigold.

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"The matches will be tight and the players well balanced everyone can play their respective positions very well at this level so it should make for a real spectacle," he said.

He added he believed this had become one of Perth's most popular events due to it being more approachable.

"Exhibition matches such as Polo in the Valley mean that people have been actively encouraged to come out and enjoy the game and so the exposure has increased as a result.

"I think polo is also so much more approachable now; the entry barriers are nothing like they used to be.

"The kit you need is cheaper, horses are easier to access if you don't own any yourself, and proper, qualified training is available all over the country."

Having travelled all over the world, he said not only did the sport allow him to be with his family, it had also given him unforgettable international experiences.

"Polo is also a passport to the world; I have had some amazing experiences by calling people I have never met while travelling and asking them if they wanted to hit a few chukkas and been welcomed with open arms," he said.

"On my gap year I spent time playing polo in Germany, South Africa, Thailand, England and Argentina; and pretty much all of the polo was played as a result of people inviting me to play with them out of kindness."

n Community Newspaper Group has two double passes to give away to the exclusive Telethon Adventurers Marquee at Polo in the Valley.

Winners will enjoy gorgeous food and wine, as well as rub shoulders with celebrities.

To enter and for full terms and conditions, go to www.communitynews.com.au.