Howard Hipwood
Former English 9-goaler Hipwood
Named Chief Umpire
at The Villages Polo Club
The Villages Polo Club has named Howard Hipwood as its new Chief Umpire and the Director of the new Gracida International Polo and Riding Academy at the Central Florida equestrian facility.
The former 9-goaler will return to Florida with an impressive array of international credentials that include wins in the World Cup Championship (USA), Deauville Gold Cup (FRANCE), the New Zealand Gold Cup, the British Open, the Coronation Cup, the Warwickshire Cup, the Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, the Gerald Balding Trophy, and the Prince of Wales Trophy. He represented England on two Westchester Cup (England vs. USA) teams, winning in 1997, and succeeded his brother Julian Hipwood as captain of the English national polo team. He captained England in over 22 International competitions worldwide d in more than 50 countries during his successful polo career.
A student of the game, Howard was honored at the Audi Polo Awards in 2007 as the Most Outstanding Professional Umpire and in 2008 with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He will assume the position of Chief Umpire for The Villages Polo Club and Director of the new Gracida International Polo and riding Academy.
“Were thrilled to have a player of Howard’s talent and experience become a part of The Villages polo family,” said Gracida International CEO Michael Brown. “We’re looking at the acquisition of Howard and the creation of the Gracida International Polo and Riding Academy as the beginning of a whole new era in the development of polo at The Villages.”
Hipwood will arrive at the club in time for the 2009 fall season which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, October 4th. Highlights of this years schedule includes the Women’s World Cup and the Carlos Gracida Clinic.
For additional information please visit our web site: thevillagespoloclub.com
Or contact Ron Allen
352-750-7656