SOME of our top jockeys and trainers took part in a series of polo matches last Sunday in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

The annual Polo in the Park Charity Lunch Party was hosted by Derville Hoey Meade, President of the All Ireland Polo Club and the afternoon brought together the racing and polo communities for a wonderful mix of sport, food, music and fundraising, all in support of The Down Syndrome Centre, Dublin.

The Jockeys versus Trainers match saw four teams take to the field over two chukkas, with plenty of friendly rivalry along the way.

First into the action were the Ardbraccan Estate Jockeys, with Molly Hughes Bravo, Paul Townend and Danny Mullins joined by experienced polo player Derville Meade.

Facing them were The Down Syndrome Centre Trainers - Ross O’Sullivan, Andy Oliver and Gavin Cromwell, with Alejo Tagle Aita completing the team.

The second chukka brought another impressive line-up. Harry Swan, Adam Caffrey and Gavin Ryan represented the Matheson Jockeys, alongside Derville Meade, while Jack Davison, Fozzy Stack and Ado McGuinness lined out for the NFP Trainers, joined by Alejo Tagle Aita.

Keeping guests entertained - and making sense of the action - were commentators Mark Ronan and Ruby Walsh, who brought plenty of racing knowledge, humour and colour to proceedings.

Organisers Derville Meade and Sophie Barrett expressed their enormous gratitude to everyone who played a part in the day, including Tadhg Carolan from Tankardstown, who very generously provided the champagne reception and the incredible food.

The event would also not have been possible without the enormous support of Alejo Tagle Aita of Bishopland Polo Club and the Quinlan family.

Treo Eile once again supported the event with prizes for the winners of each chukka. Dublin Crystal prizes were generously sponsored by Labstock MicroServices.

Post-polo entertainment was provided by Shane O’Neill and Paul Duffy. David Stone, Brendan Mullahey, Chris Byrne and many other volunteers helped the day go smoothly.