Sam Hopkinson said Barnbougle’s field is as good as any in Australia, giving the state everything it needs to have a stronger representation in polo.

“As far as polo goes, you need to have space, you need to have water and you need to be able have a polo field,” Mr Hopkinson said. 

Barnbougle ticks all those boxes according to Mr Hopkinson.

“It’s got everything you need. Obviously they have a beautiful golf course so they know how to grow grass and they know how to prepare a surface,” he said.

“The biggest problem is the lack of players down here, so I think if everyone could be encouraged to take it up then Tasmania could absolutely be a destination for polo tournaments in the future.”

Mr Hopkinson played in front of more than 3000 punters for Sydney-based club team Pipers Brook at this year’s Barnbougle Polo event on Saturday. 

“This year there is four very competitive teams that are making the most of the beautiful field, the beautiful setting, and the hospitality that the Barnbougle crew and the Tasmanians put on for us,” he said.

Polo event organiser Penny Sattler said the event has really grown in the past five years. 

“Having a polo presence in Tasmania is very important to us and it’s just a great day out,” she said.

For the first time in 100 years Tasmanian-bred polo ponies played in a Tasmanian polo event, with Northern Midland’s based Wickford Polo Ponies providing 25 horses for the tournament. 

The title for the 2019 Barnbougle Champion wasn’t won easily, with Tassal and Pipers Brook drawing in their first game. 

The two teams went head-to-head in a play-off and Tassal proved too strong for the Sydney-based team, taking home the title and bragging rights. 

As the spectators are well aware, the sport of kings is as much about the social side as it is about who wins. 

The Examiner hosted Fashions on the Field for the second year, with punters strutting the catwalk in their boat shoes and straw hats.  

Lachlan Dornauf, who was crowned the best-dressed man by the three judges, said he tried to being a little bit of Melbourne fashion to the polo. 

The former Tasmanian has lived in Melbourne for the past eight years so it was his first time at the event. 

“It is an incredible day. I will be back next year and the year as well. The Sattlers and Barnbougle have put on a brilliant event,” Mr Dornauf said. 

Emi Cocca spent less than 30 minutes getting ready, but her outfit was much-loved by the judges and she took home the title of best-dressed woman. 

“I wasn’t actually ever going to enter. It was great fun, especially with the little kids participating,” she said.

“This is my third time at the polo and I absolutely love it, the vibe is so relaxed.”

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Jason Jones said no anti-social behaviour was reported. 

“I’d like to congratulate everyone for being well-behaved and we’re hoping that continues into the night for those who continue to party,” he said.