THE International Ladies Polo Tournament fundraiser for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund turned out to be wonderful day, full of fun and good humour for a great cause, at the AIPC in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

Many of the country’s top trainers and jockeys rubbed shoulders with the rising stars in Irish polo while enjoying a three-course lunch in the AIPC Clubhouse, interspersed with three matches – Herbst Software v Design Centre, Ireland v USA and the celebrity Jockeys v Trainers match.

Top players Siobhan Herbst and April Kent led mixed teams including Andy McNamara, Sean Flanagan, Helen Mullins, Barry Geraghty, Kate Harrington, Shane Shortall, Charlie Swan and Patrick Mullins, while Tracy Piggott shared commentary duties with veteran polo player Micky Herbst and Mark Ronan.

The injured Paul Carberry jumped into the role of chef d’equipe from the side lines while riding young polo player lined out on the mixed teams.

The entire event was co-ordinated by Polo Wicklow and top trainer Willie Mullins was on hand to throw in the first ball to get the action going in the Jockeys V Trainers match, won by the trainers by a one-goal margin (see page A75 for Kim Mullahey’s polo report).

Sponsors supporting the fundraiser included Godolphin, Tinakilly Country House, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Herbst Software, Eno Wine, Polo.ie, Hannon Travel Services, Silver Spear Gin, Design Centre, The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, Horse Sport Ireland, Kilbeggan Races, John Fitzgerald Equine, Portrait & Sporting Art, Lisheen Springs Golf Club, Fairyhouse and Tayto.