The weather gods relented and polo had its way during two days of action in Queenstown at the weekend.
Stomping the divots at the Queenstown polo ground on Saturday are Jasmine and Konnor (6) Zheng, of Queenstown. PHOTO: GUY WILLIAMSA small but well-dressed crowd watched South Canterbury beat Christchurch 6 to 5.5 in the final of the second annual NZSIR Silver Cup on Saturday.
Also competing at the Queenstown Polo facility were a team of locals and a second “Queenstown” team consisting of visitors.
The tournament began on Friday afternoon despite passing showers, while Saturday’s matches were played in glorious sunshine.
The facility, on an 85ha site in Malaghans Rd below Coronet Peak, consists of two international-sized polo fields.
It is owned by part-time resident Jonathan Gabler, a Singapore-based businessman who has steadily developed the facility since buying the former deer farm four years ago.
That includes the shifting of 50,000 cubic metres of earth to create a level playing surface.
Mr Gabler said he wanted the facility and polo to become an established part of the resort’s sporting and social scene.
“In time, we want local players to practise and play here, and represent Queenstown in other places.”
Queenstown Polo founder Jonathan Gabler and his son Jed (13). PHOTO: GUY WILLIAMSHe hoped to host the resort’s first international match in March.
The construction of a clubhouse would begin next year, to be followed by stables.
He intends to hire out the facility for weddings and other events.