Thai Polo Club turns pink for annual charity fundraiser

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The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club recently turned a bright shade of pink as three women’s teams competed to raise money and awareness about breast cancer.

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana officially launched the Dec. 14 Queen’s Cup St. Regis “Pink Polo” match with her favorite horse, Prince Charming, along with Pol. Col. Fuangwith Anirut-thewa and up-and-coming horseman Krotthwat Samran, winner of the Equestrian competition held on the same day.

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (right) talks with Harold Link, chairman of the B. Grimm Group, while watching the equestrian event.HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (right) talks with Harold Link, chairman of the B. Grimm Group, while watching the equestrian event.

The Pink Polo event raised vital funds for the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Center at Chulalongkorn Hospital.  The Paisano Dragons beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 in the final.

Harald Link, chairman of the B. Grimm Group, and Nantinee Tanner, managing director of the group’s cosmetics subsidiary LBG Co., joined the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts organized event to get Thai women to take the threat of breast cancer more seriously.

The Paisano Dragons, Maple Leafs and St. Regis teams pose with their trophies at the conclusion of the polo competition.The Paisano Dragons, Maple Leafs and St. Regis teams pose with their trophies at the conclusion of the polo competition.

“This ladies’ polo tournament is a showcase of the prowess of women who come together annually, not only in a bid to display their skills, but also to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Center.” Nantinee Tanner said.  “We are thrilled to organize this kind of activity to change lives and save lives.  We aim to increase awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection and teach women how to get proper treatment.”

The Pink Polo day was more than just the on-field action however, with the entire clubhouse and booths done up in pink.  Guests laid back and sipped their drinks while some enjoyed the games, shopping and activities at many fun booths throughout the grounds.

Paisano Dragons and Maple Leafs are shown in action at the Pink Polo charity event held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya on Sunday, December 14.Paisano Dragons and Maple Leafs are shown in action at the Pink Polo charity event held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya on Sunday, December 14.

Besides the main polo competition there were games, pony trotting, youth horse-riding competition and a fashion show on horseback.

The highlight of the event had guests taking to the field for the traditional divot-stomping to replace the grass torn up by the polo players.

The day wrapped up with the awards presentation by HRH Princess Sirivannavari – who placed 31st in riding at this year’s Asian Games in South Korea.  This was followed by a cocktail party, firework display and barbecue.

Pol. Col. Fuangwith Anirut-thewa and Krotthwat Samran showcased their show-jumping talents.Pol. Col. Fuangwith Anirut-thewa and Krotthwat Samran showcased their show-jumping talents.

Paisano Dragons and Maple Leafs battle for supremacy in the polo final.Paisano Dragons and Maple Leafs battle for supremacy in the polo final.

The day featured a special fashion show on horsebackThe day featured a special fashion show on horseback

Peter Malhotra, MD of the Pattaya Mail Media Group (right) along with Elfi Seitz of Pattaya Blatt and their friends enjoy the grand fireworks finale.Peter Malhotra, MD of the Pattaya Mail Media Group (right) along with Elfi Seitz of Pattaya Blatt and their friends enjoy the grand fireworks finale.

Elfi Seitz, Brendan Daly and Tony Malhotra seen enjoying Paulaner beer at the Pattaya Mail booth.Elfi Seitz, Brendan Daly and Tony Malhotra seen enjoying Paulaner beer at the Pattaya Mail booth.