HOT Magazine April 15, 2015 | Page 24

In 2007, renowned Australian designer Wayne Copping was given the task of establishing an international standard equestrian cross-country course which would be suitable as a venue for international events, such as the Southeast Asian Games. An Eventing course was designed by New Zealander John Nicholson, and this was used to host the inaugural Asia Eventing Championships. With the addition of an endurance course and an international Derby facility, the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club is now recognized as the largest multi-functional polo and equestrian operation in all of Asia. The veterinary and quarantine facilities are second-to-none in the region, with a leading Argentinian vet acting as general manager of the complex, overseeing Argentinian, French and British as well as local farriers, trainers, and stable staff. The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club also includes three clubhouses and the “Chukka Bar” which is a re-creation of the famous polo bar at the Langham Hotel in London. In fact, the original bar of the London Langham Club was purchased by Khun Nunthinee and reassembled at the Chukka Bar when the Langham went through an extensive remodel. According to Khun Nunthinee, “The General Manager of the Langham had recently arrived after managing the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. We had become friends during his tenure at the Oriental and he told me the next time I was in London to stay at his Hotel. I did and one day he took me on a tour of the hotel describing the big remodel that was planned. When I asked what would happen to the bar and all of the memorabilia from the famous Polo lounge he said they would either be sold or trashed. I immediately said I’ll buy it! He asked, buy what? I said all of it. His staff meticulously packed everything in a container and shipped it to me here in Thailand. Once I opened the container I was amazed at the history of it all.” In addition to providing the contents for the Chukka Bar she also personally designed the magnificent clubhouses. Through a chance meeting with Dr. Kris Chatamra, the Queen’s personal physician, they decided to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer by putting on The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Tournament. Now in its seventh year, this much loved ladies charitable tournament is held at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club. The Pink theme was chosen because that is the color that symbolizes the fight against breast cancer. Each year the clubhouse is decked out in pink and the spectators are encouraged to wear the color to show their support. According to Khun Nunthinee, “We hope that our event increases awareness of the threat that 24 Apr 15 - May 15 , 2015