Royals 'Smyle' at Inspire's Charity Polo Day

Sept 2006

On 15th July Smyle sponsored Inspire’s (INtegrated, SPInal REhabilitation) charity polo day for the fourth year running.

On a perfect sunny day at Tidworth Polo Club a crowd of more than 4,000 watched Prince William and the Combined Services Team beat South Africa and Prince Harry help the Army beat the Navy to retain the Rundle Cup.

Before the main matches began, representatives of the jockey fraternity competed against a team of 3-day eventers in this year’s Charity match.

In what was a clean sweep of wins for members of the Royal family, Zara Phillips led the team of eventers - Clayton & Lucinda Fredericks, Rodney Powel and Mark Corbett, in a light-hearted match that included a chukka on bicycles rather than ponies. The eventers defeated the team of jockeys that included Richard Johnson, Mark Llewellyn, Tom Scudamore, Luke Harvey and Simon Earle.

The annual Smyle 2 Furlong dash between a polo pony, racehorse and event horse was won by Mark Corbett – the first win in three attempts by the Jockey!

Smyle has a passionate link with the Inspire Foundation as Events Director, Rick Stainton, broke his neck 12 years ago and became paralysed as a result.  Thanks to the amazing staff in the Spinal Unit, Rick then made a remarkable recovery and Smyle has consequently become a passionate supporter of Inspire.

Lunch followed which included the charity auction led by Rick Stainton.

Smyle would like to thank the successful bidders and all who kindly donated the prizes.