Elephant polo breaks records

The 11th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament came to a close Sunday in the popular seaside town of Hua Hin with organisers claiming it was the biggest so far in  its 11 years. Sunday’s final, which was presided over by a representative of  HM the King’s Privy Council, saw the King Power team triumph over defending champions Audemars Piguet, in an action packed game resulting in a 13-9 win for the Thailand team. Both teams included star international polo players, but it was King Power’s Nattapong Praumlee, Thanasin Chuawangkham and Captain Tom Claytor who took the title at the final whistle. The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas to improve living conditions for Thailand’s elephant population. At a gala dinner at the Anantara Hua Hin an auction raised Bt3.3 million. The event required 42 street elephants to take part and the organisers made a point of saying they were well fed, received essential vitamin supplements, full veterinary checks and care for the duration of the event. However, the event has its critics who say elephants, even the relative tame street variety, could sustain injuries playing a sport that  is usually reserved for agile horses, specially bred for the sport in Argentina. But supporters say it is a fun event and both animals and riders are not pushing themselves any where near the limits of endurance. Spectators and teams came from Australia and New Zealand, the USA and Canada, all over Europe, India, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan and many local visitors from Thailand. (edited press release). From ttrweekly