Sunshine, local wine and produce, fashion and scenic views were a winning combination at the latest Barnbougle Polo event.
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Now in its third year, the event saw thousands fill the marquees at the iconic golf course on Saturday.
Barnbougle Golf General Manager Penelope Sattler said they were expecting about 3000 people across the day.
“It’s grown every year, which is really exciting. The first year was very fresh and then the second year we doubled our numbers, now in our third we are definitely bigger but we’re just focusing on trying to refine the event,” she said.
“It’s a very inclusive event as well with a range of ticket prices. It’s just a great Summer activity, you can drink outside in the sun, there’s the fashion and polo is just really beautiful to watch.”
With matches and entertainment throughout the day, crowds enjoyed a relaxed afternoon by the field.
While fashion may be a focus for the function, the polo itself was the major drawcard.
International polo player Sam Hopkinson made his way to Tasmania for the first time to take part in the action.
The former New Zealand captain said when he was invited to play he jumped at the chance to visit the state.
“I’ve never been to Tasmania before, everyone has always told me how beautiful it was and it really is,” Hopkinson said.
“We’re here for the week and so far we’ve had a really great time.”
Having played professionally for 15 years, in locations right across the world, Hopkinson said he was “blown away” by Barnbougle.
“The field is spectacular, when you have a good field the level of the polo gets better and the whole event improves,” he said.
“To be able to put on an event like this is exciting to people and I hope they get excited and inspired by the sport.
“I think [polo is] growing in the way that people are heading along to watch it more and more people are putting on events like this one because they are realising how great a sport polo is to watch.”
Among the list of guests was television celebrity and bachelorette Georgia Love with her partner Lee Elliott.
The event was the second polo experience for Georgia who said she had fallen in love with the sport after attending the Portsea Polo in Victoria last weekend.
“I look for any excuse to come back to Tasmania, I love this state so much,” she said.
“I’m really glad that Tassie has picked up on [polo]… it’s a great way to just get together, get dressed up and have a few drinks and really support a local event.”