In a thrilling conclusion the Australian high-goal series, The Standing Rock Fair Play Award was presented to team Gardenvale – Shane Finemore, Lucas Grimes, Raul Laplacette and Tomas Delfino – who emerged as runners up in the close final of the Bentleys Morton Cup played against EllerstonWhite.
After close evaluation by the umpires throughout the high-goal tournaments, it was the Gardenvale team who the umpires believed demonstrated superior standards of conduct, respect, sportsmanship, discipline and horse welfare on and off the field.
Shane Finemore, Patron of the Gardenvale team, commented that it is: “Fantastic for the organization to win the Fair Play Award from Standing Rock! It is a great initiative and we are proud to have received it.”
Having launched in 2024 to inspire players and teams around the world to strive for the highest levels of integrity and excellence in the sport, the Standing Rock Fair Play Award is gaining increasing recognition worldwide, thanks to collaborations with polo associations and clubs internationally, including the New South Wales Polo Association in Australia; the HPA in England; Chantilly Polo Club in France; and the New Zealand Polo Association.
“I would like to thank the New South Wales Polo Association for their support and for embracing this award for the second consecutive year,” expressed Philipp Müller. “We are receiving very positive feedback from players, umpires and clubs who believe the Standing Rock Fair Play Award is spearheading important improvements in polo by enabling umpires to reward those who demonstrate exceptional standards of sportsmanship and horsemanship. I look forward to continuing our partnership with the New South Wales Polo Association.”
Image credit: Sarah Ebbett
