International and Global City teams deliver standout performances throughout day one of the Northern Data Group International Day presented by CITY A.M.
Crowds fill Hurlingham Park as London’s biggest sports and entertainment festival comes to life in Fulham
Friday 05 June 2026, London, United Kingdom – Chestertons Polo in the Park 2026 officially kicked off in style with the Northern Data Group International Day presented by CITY A.M., as a packed schedule of world-class polo and vibrant off-the-pitch entertainment set the tone for an unforgettable weekend at Hurlingham Park.
The headline international fixture saw England reclaim the Olympic Trophy in dramatic fashion after a tense rundown gave England a 7-6 victory, moments after it seemed that South Africa had pulled off a stunning comeback.
In what was a fiercely contested battle, South Africa, who had an experienced line-up of Dirk van Reenen, Dane Csazsar and Chris Lund, fought back from 4-1 and 6-5 down and looked to have won the game with less than 30 seconds to spare thanks to a late two-point goal. However, in an admirable moment of sportsmanship from the South African players, they admitted the final shot deflected off one of their horses, reducing it to a one point goal.
England international Max Charlton then stepped up to be the hero, winning the subsequent rundown for England and ensuring a first Olympic Trophy since 2024 with teammates Hazel Jackson and Ed Banner-Eve, while also avenging their defeat against South Africa at Hurlingham a decade ago in 2016.
England Ladies Captain Hazel Jackson, who in 2017 became the first woman to feature in Chestertons Polo in the Park, said: “We knew it would be tough because the South African team are a really good side, and they brought their own horses. You could see today that it went down to the last second with us drawing in the last chukka.”
On the atmosphere, she added: “It’s unreal; the crowd are incredible and everyone’s having the most amazing time. Every time we were riding around the arena we could hear everyone cheering from the outside, so that was lovely.”
International City rivals go head-to-head in high-tempo opening action
Earlier in the day, the spotlight fell on the tournament’s international city teams, with three high-tempo matches that showcased a host of global talent in the event’s signature fast, dynamic three-a-side format.
The first match of the tournament saw IBV Gold Team Cape Town take on Icon Global / AMASE Team Texas with Team Texas securing an impressive 6-3 victory. Featuring a mix of experience and emerging talent, Team Texas, led by father and daughter Bernard and Olivia Uechtritz, alongside England international Tommy Severn and Argentine Ignacio Toccalino, controlled much of the encounter against Cape Town’s Madison Rochlin, David Ashby and USA international Nico Escobar.
In the second match, Disney+ Team Rivals made their highly-awaited debut, though were well-beaten, 7-3, by Red Sea Global Team Riyadh. Led by standout stars, Rufino Bensadon, Jason Warren, and Benn Shepherd, Team Rivals, who are bringing the world of hit series Rivals to the Polo Pitch, were met by an inspired Team Riyadh, who raced into a 3-0 lead in the first chukka. Team Riyadh, featuring Noor Khadra, César Crespo, and Kian Hall, managed to hold off a valiant Team Rivals comeback to start their 2026 campaign with a confident win.
The third encounter of the day was brought to life after a tense first few chukkas, as Ollie Cudmore of New Equity Team London scored six unanswered points to give the home team a dominant 6-1 win over Kuhn, Loeb & Co Team Zurich. In a match filled with international talent like Ed Banner-Eve and Argentine Genaro Ringa, Cudmore stole the show to put Team London in a very strong position heading into Saturday.
Across all matches, the exceptional calibre of talent has already underlined the global appeal and competitive edge of this year’s tournament, with drama set to build throughout the weekend.
Off the Field, Chestertons Polo in the Park atmosphere delivers again
Beyond the action on the pitch, Chestertons Polo in the Park once again delivered its signature summer social atmosphere, as guests enjoyed a full day of entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences across the grounds as the sun shone in West London.
The enhanced 2026 offering was immediately evident, with Bacardi’s premium portfolio elevating the drinks experience throughout the venue. The newly introduced Patrón Bar and St‑Germain Garden proved popular additions, complementing returning favourites such as the Champagne Pommery Garden, CALA, and the ever-busy Fulham Food Festival.
The Luxury Shopping Village and U.S. Polo Assn. retail activation, now in its third year as Official Apparel and Jersey Partner, continued to draw crowds, while VIP and Chukka Club hospitality areas capped off a plethora of premium viewing and social experiences throughout the day.
From pitchside drinks to post-match celebrations, the atmosphere reflected the unique blend of elite sport and London summer lifestyle that defines the event.
All eyes on the weekend action
With day one setting a high bar both on and off the field, attention now turns to the remaining fixtures as the six global city teams continue their pursuit of silverware across the weekend.
Chestertons Polo in the Park returns tomorrow with the sold-out Ladies Day, as Hurlingham Park once again plays host to three days of fast-paced polo and world-class entertainment in the heart of London.
