First played among the emperors of the ancient Byzantine empire in around 300AD, the association of polo with aristocracy and its nickname as ‘sport of kings’ is not without foundation. But despite these royal roots, polo is a game popular with spectators across the UK; the equestrian sport returns to London in June 2017.

To support growth and modern visibility for the historic sport, the official automotive partners for this year’s Chestertons Polo in the Park event has been announced as McLaren Automotive. A well-known and loved car brand across the UK, McLaren's inclusion in the 2017 Chestertons polo event is part of a wider strategy designed to simplify the polo game and heighten enjoyment for its spectators.

Rory Heron, event director for Chestertons Polo in the Park, says, “We are delighted to have McLaren Automotive on board. Our event has grown immensely over the past eight years and we are continuing to reach new audiences year-on-year.”

“McLaren is the perfect automotive partner for Chestertons Polo in the Park as it prides itself on innovation and evolving, values which we very much share. We are really excited about working with McLaren in the build up to the event and having it join us there in June,” says Heron.

The sport is also being made more accessible through Chestertons Polo in the Park’s championing of a modified polo version known as City Polo. A simplified form of the sport, City Polo requires no prior polo knowledge and aims to provide universal entertainment for those spectators attending on a more casual basis. By Polo in the Park adopting this angle, says McLaren Automotive, the event allows the McLaren brand to foster global awareness of its automotive offerings, among a diverse audience.

Jon Pollock, managing director Europe at McLaren Automotive, says, “The audience is a good match for us and the event provides the perfect back drop for us to showcase our latest McLaren line-up. Its central location is close to our London show room in Knightsbridge and we are looking forward to the opportunities it presents.”

Other sponsors of Chestertons Polo in the Park include title sponsor and internal estate agent Chestertons, event sponsors Champagne Lanson, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, up-market tonic brand Fever Tree and luxury sportswear company, La Martina. The event takes place 9-11 June, at Hurlingham Park in Fulham, London.