Action at Cowdray Park Polo Club is in full swing. The first tournament of the season, the Tyro Cup, is approaching to the semifinals, however they are not set yet. At the same time, the Trippetts Challenge, the opening high goal contest played at the club, is due to start on Thursday May 7, followed by the Cicero Cup and the Dollar Cup, to be commenced next week.
Lila Pearson is Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Vice President; she is currently playing the Tyro Cup with her Cowdray Vikings foursome, who are also expected to participate of the Cicero Cup. PoloLine had the opportunity to meet up with Lila, to speak about what’s coming up next for her in the English season – the possibility to put a team together for the British Ladies Open, and, of course, Cowdray Park’s crown jewel, The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, with the latter to be streamed live on PoloLine TV, entirely.
How are you seeing the start of this new season at Cowdray?
Well, we are very happy. For a start, the grounds look absolutely incredible. There were several games at the beginning and the players are very fast, so I am proud that the grounds are looking so good. I think it will be a great season.
How do you feel about playing with your son at Cowdray?
It’s a unique feeling, a gift and a joy to play with my son. I am happy and proud of him, because he makes a lot of efforts. He is unable to play, do practices or stick-and-ball every day, due to his job; moreover, he will get a new job in the next week. So I can say I am very fortunate to be able to play this tournament with him. He spent a whole year abroad busy with a master, and having him back home, sharing these moments with him, make me feel very proud.
Are you going to play other tournaments during the season?
We will be playing the 15-goal Cicero Cup, and I am very much looking forward to it, because I love playing that level. Maybe George will be able to play some games of the Cicero Cup. The lineup will be completed with Manuel Elizalde and Guillermo Terrera, whom I appreciate very much. Without doubts, we will have a lot of fun, but I also want the team to do well.
How about the British Ladies Open?
I don’t have any plans at the moment; to be honest, I am waiting whether something comes up with some lineup settled to play at the last minute, which usually happens every year. After all, this tournament was my idea, so I feel I must support it. Besides, ladies polo has grown a lot over the last years, with incredible players like Lia Salvo, whom I was fortunate to play with on many occasions. Hazel Jackson is also remarkable, she has improved a great deal.
What are your expectations for the British Open?
My expectations are very high, in that regard. We have several teams due to play, many more than last year. We’ve had twenty two teams years ago, and my husband played back then. I think it’s remarkable to see how high goal keeps increasing. I am very happy to see so many competitive teams playing the British Open, which means there will be a lot of fun to watch the games. Years ago, there weren’t many people watching the league games; today, they watch them all. That means a significant grow, with more people coming to polo; I mean, not only of us who play or are a part of the polo community. And that’s really good for our sport.