The Portsea Polo, now the greatest polo event in the country spectator-wise, has quickly become a sell out, must-do social event in its own right. Since its resurrection in 2004, and a brief hiatus last year due to horse flu, the event has cemented itself on Melbourne’s summer social calender with a relaxed Spring Racing Carnival meets the seaside feel. Floaty, ethereal dresses, sunglasses and wedge heels were sensibly par for the course as were preppy slacks and sandals for the male spectators.
While Landrover and real estate moguls Kay & Burton battled it out for the Portsea Polo Cup in the most important game of three for the day, a whole new group of people are introduced to the sport and thus inject some more life into the state of Australian polo. A smattering of special guests didn’t hurt either with actors Michael Vartan, Vince Colossimo and Diana Glen spotted (with rumours of Danni Minogue also) among the typically 5000 strong crowd. Best to get in early and grab a marquee for next year. Here is how this year’s polo-going set dressed up for the casual occasion (a parasol is always a lovely and sunsmart idea);
Words – Sarah Willcocks
Photography – Max Garrido
