The Downs Polo Club has a long history in the Clifton community and this weekend the club will battle it out for the historic Eagers Shield Trophy in this, it’s 65th anniversary year.
Club media officer Jessica Rea said the Shield was first commissioned in 1958 by Eagers Retail Pty Ltd Toowoomba and Country and named the Associate Dealers Trophy.
“Today it bears the names of some of the greatest polo players Queensland has ever produced, who have claimed victory of the trophy after showing their skill on the Downs Polo fields located at the Clifton Showgrounds,” she said.
“The trophy itself is quite the masterpiece, centered around a hand carved sketch of polo players on the field, the shield bares eight horse heads each watching over two polo mallets and a ball, the same number of horses and riders that take to the field each chukka.
“A polo team is made up of four players who generally play a fresh horse each chukka. A polo game is made up of four to six chukkas lasting seven minutes and thirty seconds each.
“The first Eagers Shield was awarded to local team Dave MacGinley, John MacGinley, Herb Cook, Pat O’Sullivan and Hoey Cook in 1958. Generations of polo players from across the Downs are etched into the history books of the Eagers Shield.”
This year is no different, with Club President Will Gilmore taking to the field alongside his father, Derek, as well as seasoned players and newcomers to the sport.
The Shield is hard-fought for over two weekends, the first of which will take place on Saturday 22nd April and Sunday 23 April.
She said the Downs Polo Club would like to welcome all spectators to enjoy a weekend of polo at the Clifton Showgrounds.
“Pack a picnic and enjoy the sport which is steeped in Darling Downs History,” Jessica said.
“The Eagers Shield is the first in a succession of tournaments played at the Clifton grounds this year. Weekend two of the Eagers Shield follows on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April.
“The Silvershop Bracelet is close behind, played on Saturday and Sunday 3-4 of June.
“The season will wrap up on the Downs with an impressive run of tournaments in July consisting of three weekends back-to-back; The Cooke O’Leary Cup on Saturday and Sunday 15-16th July, The Sapphire Shield on 22-23 July and culminating with the Downs Shield played on 29-30th July.
“The Downs Polo Club welcome all spectators and new players to the field for our 2023 season.”
