The Houston polo scene was buzzing last weekend with the trio of soirees in support of “A Royal Match,” a fundraiser for The British Forces Foundation (BFF) and The English-Speaking Union of the United States (ESU).

The festivities began on Friday, October 13 at the Alden Hotel Houston with a “Meet The Players Cocktail Party” and event underwriters’ party. Guests admired the awards trophies while nibbling on hors d’ oeuvres from nationally renowned Executive Chef of 17, Ryan Pera.

The second soiree, a gala celebration and benefit dinner, took place at the St. Regis Hotel on Saturday, October 14. Linda and Jay Comeaux, Carolyn Farb, Charles Ward, and Ralph Lauren Polo model Nacho Figueras were among the guests who enjoyed a special vintner dinner, which paired a delectable menu especially prepared by the Executive Chef Garret Fujieda to complement ultra premier wines from Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate.

The third and final fete was a reception on the championship Farish Field of the Houston Polo Club, where guests sampled wines from Artisan & Estates. Scheduled afterward was the Cartier Polo Cup and “A Royal Match”, but due to inclement weather, the matches were cancelled.

Despite the rain, the weekend’s events raised more than $90,000 for the BFF and ESU. The BFF’s goal is to promote the Armed Forces through charitable means and by supporting all serving personnel. The ESU US is a non-profit, non-political, educational organization whose mission is to promote scholarship and the advancement of knowledge through the effective use of English in an expanding global community.

The honorary chair of “A Royal Match” was Janice Anderson and the event chair was Major Mark Cann (Rtd.). The Auction chair was Anna Williams and auction co-chairs were Denzil Hollingsworth and Hector Villarreal.

Sponsors for “A Royal Match” included The Royal Bank of Scotland, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Stonestreet Wine Estates, Carroll and John B. Goodman, Cartier, Active Imagination, Alden Hotel Houston, Houston Magazine, Grafton Development, LTD., Grover Printing, Momentum Jaguar, The Linen House, Sheri & Grant Roane, Something Special in Flowers – Mimi Topper Stinson and Western Airways.

About Houston Polo

Houston’s original sports franchise since 1928, the Houston Polo Club is the top-ranked polo club in the southwest U.S. Over its 78-year history, the club has grown in international acclaim, and today ranks as among the top five best clubs in the U.S. Additionally, it is home to Isla Carroll, one of the top polo teams in the country.

Underwriting sponsors of the 78th Polo Season are Capital One and Stanford Private Wealth Management. Presenting sponsors include Air France, Bombardier, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, David Yurman, Lockton, PaperCity Magazine and Sotheby’s. Official sponsors are Active Imagination, Marion Montgomery, Inc.,17 Restaurant, Cartier, Catena USA, Gittings, Hotel Derek, Neiman Marcus, The Palm and San Pellegrino.

The Houston Polo Club is located in the heart of Houston at 8552 Memorial Drive (at Loop 610), just minutes from The Galleria. The gate opens one hour before match time. Tickets range from $25 to $150. Children under 12 are free. Tickets are available online at www.thehoustonpoloclub.com or at the gate.

To receive a complete schedule of events and for ticket information, please call Houston Polo at (713) 622-7300.