Perfect weather helps Polo in the Valley shine again

POLO in the Valley did not fail to impress on the weekend.

For the eighth year running, the event raised more than $100,000 for Telethon and Youth Focus.

Perfect weather helped make the day a success, with about 1500 people attending at the Prendiville’s Duncraig Stud in the Swan Valley.

Polo player Garrett Prendiville said the event had cemented itself as the daytime social event of the year.

“It was a fantastic day and the numbers were solid,” he said.

“It’s become one of the biggest daytime events in Perth and it’s great for people to be able to get out to the Swan Valley, dress up, watch a great sport and support charity.”

Mr Prendiville said the event was also a way to promote the Swan Valley.

“I think it’s great for the valley because it’s not every day people from the western suburbs and other inner city areas get to make it out here for the day and drive through the beautiful landscape we have here,” he said.

“I think it’s a chance to promote what the region has to offer and the sort of events that are happening here.”

The event was not just about the ponies, but also the fashion and shenanigans off the field, with the traditional ‘Divot Stomp’ and the ladies and gents’ dash, with one man pulling a hamstring in the race for a carton of beer.

Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer was a special guest, flying to Perth to support Youth Focus.

Mr Prendiville said one of the highlights of the day was playing a games of polo on his talented horse Elation.

“Seeing everyone having a great time on the day is always a highlight,” he said.

“It can be nerve-racking when you hold an event like this, so when everything goes to plan and everyone has a fantastic time it’s a pretty great feeling.”