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Polo returns: Tourney is back at Chukka after 21-year break

Published:Friday | May 16, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Members of the Chukka polo team (from left) March Melville, Pancho MacLoughlin, Guillermo MacLoughlin and John Byles.
From left: Members of the Chukka Foundation Daniel Melville, Racquel Parke and Anna Melville pose for a photo with Elena Lynch. - Contributed photos
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Twenty-one years ago, Appleton Estate Rum and Couples Resorts hosted the last All-Jamaica Polo Tournament at Chukka Cove Farm.

Like a well-aged rum, the time that Chukka has been working its own 'gold' meant less time hosting polo and more time creating a phenomenal brand.

Time has slipped by and up from the equestrian barrels comes the younger Chukka generation, ready to turn their efforts from Play-back to Pay-back!

Well, the two great brands have come together once more. The Issa Trust Foundation, which was formed in 2005 and is guided under the chairmanship of Paul Issa, has a well-respected reputation island-wide, and it recently distributed $7 million in equipment and medication to many local hospitals.

Chukka Caribbean, known better for its association with Hanover Charities, has now created its own foundation as well. Its efforts will be targeted at vital and immediate needs for schools and hospitals.

TIME TO PLAY AGAIN

On the Labour Day weekend, the gates of Chukka Cove will be reopened, and it will be time to play … again!

Many of the island's best players have been invited for the All-Jamaica Polo Tournament, with two games that will ignite the long-rested field. The first begins at 3 p.m. for the low goal, and one at 4 p.m. for the High Goal Challenge Trophy. There will be sumptuous high tea provided by Couples Resorts, and a complimentary cocktail, courtesy of Appleton Rum during half time. DJ Bambino will be rocking at the 'Final Chukka' come sundown.

The players are all excited to be returning after so many years. With no VIP tent, feel free to leave those hats and heels at home. This is where the Melville family did what they do best - have fun, and lots of it.