Polo Perfect – Jnan Amar

Morocco has a long and distinguished equestrian heritage and a climate perfect for polo. Brett Gregory-Peake explores why the country and now Marrakech, is fast becoming Africa’s most talked about polo destination.

In 1923, Tangier was established as an international zone and became a destination for army officers, diplomats and businessmen so it was no surprise that polo took off. In 2006, the King Mohammed VI International Polo Trophy was established by the Moroccan Royal Guard in Rabat and in the same year, Morocco became the first Arab and African member of FIP. Jnan Amar Polo Club delivers a world class polo facility and grounds and has, since its opening, hosted some of the sport’s most formidable players. In addition, the Jnan Amar polo team have competed at international events at the highest standard.

Now in its third year, the ‘British Polo Day Morocco’ event at Jnan Amar is a firm fixture on the international event calendar, putting the British Army against the Moroccan Royal Guard and also hosting exhibition matches that feature high calibre players from as far as Argentina and Australia. British Polo Day Morocco 2015 starts on Saturday 25th April, in association with Land Rover. Much like 2013 and 2014, it will welcome guests from around the world for a day of fast-paced polo set against the majestic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Guests of British Polo Day will be treated to a quintessentially British game of Brompton bicycle polo – a rather amusing spectacle! The day’s official polo will then commence under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. After the main match, it’s the British Commonwealth team vs the Jnan Amar Rest of the World team, the day itself, culminating with British Polo Day Morocco’s closing gala dinner and charity event.

Having raised a record US$185,000 for the benefit of the Eve Branson Foundation in 2014, the event will be supporting her inspiring foundation again, in its quest to raise money for the creation of education, employment and healthcare initiatives for remote villages around Morocco.

To book tickets at the event call Abercrombie & Kent on +44 1242 547895 or go to www.britishpoloday.com/events/morocco/timetable. 

Posted 26 January, 2015