Now it’s beach polo

12:58pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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GALLOPING horses and flying sand against a backdrop of rolling waves and summer sun will be the scene at Europe's first-ever beach polo tournament this month.

And what better place to hold the British Beach Polo Championships than in the millionaires' playground of Sandbanks?

"It's going to be an incredible event and it's a great beach," said David Heaton-Ellis of organisers Sandpolo.

Beach polo is based on the glamorous grass-based version played by royalty, and polo ponies can achieve speeds of up to 40mph.

The sand is sure to make it more difficult for players to hit the ball with their long-handled mallets.

International players will show off their skills on July 11 and 12 in an arena 100m by 50m. About 1,000 spectators will be able to see the three matches each day.

Organisers hope to make this an annual event.

The sport is played over four seven-and-a-half minute periods, or chukkas. Six matches will take place over two days and each team has three riders, who change horses at the end of each chukka.

"Beach polo is a great spectator sport," added Mr Heaton-Ellis.

"It's extremely exciting. We believe Sandbanks will prove a great venue."

A charity match will raise funds for Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.