Plenty of thrills and spills at polo carnival

HUGE crowds, hot polo action and lots of family fun was on offer at the Millamolong Polo Club on the weekend.

More than 2500 people attended the annual John Davis Volvo Polo Carnival at Mandurama, with a huge range of activities to keep people entertained.

Millamolong Polo Club president Andrew Ashton said it was a fantastic weekend of polo and a great turn out.

“This is the third year we’ve done it really big and people know about it,” he said.

“Instead of us asking them, they’re asking us.”

Mr Ashton said the hotly contested crowd favourite horse v car v helicopter race was a “dead heat” on Saturday.

“But then the car won by a few yards on the re-run,” he said.

On Saturday, entertainment went long into the night, with a Varsity Bike Polo match and live music from local duo Pat and Kel.

Families were top of the list on Sunday  with loads o f children’s activities on offer.

“Four Lone Rangers did a lollie drop on the polo grounds,” Mr Ashton said.

Children stood back as the four Lone Rangers galloped along the grounds tossing lollies as they went.

Kids were then invited on to the pitch to look for the golden ticket that would win  one lucky child a helicopter ride.

Mr Ashton said there were international polo players in attendance for this year’s polo carnival.

“The polo standard was higher and faster than other times,” he said.

It was action packed on the polo grounds and crowds gasped as top players fell to the ground during the match.

Mr Ashton said Millamolong’s own Richard Connell was one of those players that took numerous tumbles during heated final matches.

“He won the Rising Star on Saturday for up and coming polo players,” Mr Ashton said.

“And then won falling star on Sunday,” he joked about Mr Connell’s two falls.

The John Davis Volvo Polo Carnival was held to raise money for Riding for the Disabled Orange and CARE Australia.

nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au