August 30th, 2008, Newport, RI:  … Labor Day weekend features one of the premier matches of the season when USA plays England.

            Playing for England will be Captain and chairman of the Ham Polo Club in London, Nicholas Colquehoun-Denvers, bringing an exciting roster of England's best amateur players.  

           The English team, hailing from London's oldest polo club, have a long standing rivalry against USA in the Newport International Polo Series, and a legendary past which includes vying against USA for the Westchester Cup, polo's most coveted prize.  Little did the fledgling Polo Club of Newport know, in 1886, when they challenged the English to compete in the world's first international polo match, the event would become one of the first international sporting events in modern history, predating the resurrection of the Olympic games.  The historic tournament, known as the Westchester Cup, was held at Newport that year, establishing the resort community as the international polo capital of the world for a generation to follow.  The Westchester Cup's coveted prize and prestige have become a part of polo legend in 14 historic contests over a span of 116 years.

               USA team captain Dan Keating states "We are thrilled to host the English polo team, whose legacy includes spreading the great sport of polo to all corners of the globe at the height of the British Empire, and we salute their heritage in the Westchester Cup tradition, polo's most famous international rivalry which began in Newport in 1886.  Our die-hard fans will enjoy a challenging match that always goes down to the wire."

                The two-hour match ill be followed by a 'champagne' trophy presentation of the perpetual USA vs. England cup and naming of the Best Playing Pony, as well as awarding the tailgate contest prize.

        Polo match tickets are sold at the entry gates for $10/adult for General Admission, kids free.  Tables may be reserved - for 8 or more people - by purchasing tickets in advance. For reservations and more information about attending the matches, please call our Info Line at 401-846-0200.

                 The Newport International Polo Series is proud to announce its sponsors including the Carnegie Abbey Club, WCRB Classical Radio, NBC Channel 10, the Newport Daily News,  Lufthansa, Continental Airlines,  Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Shreve Crump and Low Jewelers, Jake Kaplans Ltd, and Bose.  For more information about partnering with the Polo Series, click here.

            The Series takes place at the historic and picturesque Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road (Route 138) in Portsmouth , RI , just 6 miles north of downtown Newport.  Glen Farm is the remaining 100 acres of  a 700-acre manorial farm whose history dates back to the 1600's.  Its classical stone barns from the Gilded Age and its park-like grounds were rescued from ruins and rehabilitated by the Newport Polo Club's founder in the early 90's and thrive today as a vital equestrian and community recreational property and jewel of Portsmouth.  Read about its fascinating history!