Lap of Honour at Cartier International

25th July 2010

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Some 36 troops recently returned from Afghanistan enjoyed a standing ovation from 25,000 spectators as they walked around the pitch during the pre-match parade of polo's 2010 Cartier International.

Among the well-wishers present were The BFF's Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, who was joined in The Royal Box by the Charity's Founder Jim Davidson OBE and Trustee Katherine Jenkins. The star wattage was further increased by the presence of Tommy Lee Jones, who has been a strong supporter of The BFF through polo events in the UK and USA.

Lap of Honour's third leg was bolstered by the actions of both polo teams - England and New Zealand – who had The BFF logo on the back pocket of their whites as their show of support for the Charity's work in maintaining troop morale.

Preparing for his final practise before Sunday's International match, the New Zealand Captain JP Clarkin said: "Polo is a small world and I heard that the English team were showing their support in this way for The British Forces Foundation and wanted to get our guys involved. They have put the New Zealand Fern on for us as well, so it's now boosting troop morale on one side and home on the other."

Commenting on this request from both team to be more involved on the day, Mark Cann Director of The British Forces Foundation said: "I think it is great that both the England and New Zealand teams are wearing the British Forces Foundation logo on their bums as a show of support for the magnificent men and women of Britain's Armed Forces, who quite literally have their arses on the line line for the country. A great and appropriate gesture."

The match itself saw New Zealand slump to a seemingly insurmountable 6-1 deficit at half time, only for them to draw level to 7-7 with two minutes remaining. This late resurgence was halted by two clinical English goals, which saw the home side rediscover their dominance in team play and composure that had seemingly abandoned them throughout much of the second half.

The final goal saw the game's MVP James Beim convert a technically brilliant 80 yard lob over the heads of al seven players which, with only 30 seconds remaining, effectively sealed victory for the home side.

The British Forces Foundation raised £24,500 on the day and this was in large part down to the raffle that was conducted in the MIG/Westbury, Keith Prowse, Chinawhite and Hurling Polo Association marquees.

A huge thank you must also got to Cartier, Spa Intercontinental, The Westbury, Fortnum & Mason, Victorinox, Lea & Sandeman and Roberts Radio for kindly donating all the prizes for the day.

Mark Cann said: “A huge thank you must go to Charlie Stisted (Chief Executive of Guards Polo Club), David Woodd (Chairman of The Hurlingham Polo Association) and Arnaud Bamberger (Managing Director of Cartier UK) for their tremendous support. All three have put the full weight of their teams behind the Charity and, as a result, it really was a fantastic day for all the troops involved.”

In keeping with time-honoured traditions of resourcefulness, The Household Cavalry were last seen enjoying a champagne tea with Katherine Jenkins in the Cartier marquee and The Royal Anglians managed to get into the Chinawhite after-party with the help of Holly Vallance.

Images: www.centaurphotographic.com