The tradition of ‘treading-in’ divots between chukkas during polo matches could achieve a better result if the pitches have been treated with Primo MAXX, according to Simon Barnaby. During polo matches, the spectators are invited to put down their champagne and come onto the pitch, to replace divots torn out by galloping ponies.

“Our experience of golf fairways and tees is that that divot recovery is faster and more successful where the turf is in a Primo MAXX treatment programme,” reports Simon. “The treatment diverts the plants energy downwards to encourage side shoots and root production and, with reduced vertical leaf growth, there is less demand for resources. This enables turf to establish more successfully,” he advises.

Furthermore, the denser turf structure should provide a more stable playing surface, better able to withstand the tearing effect of fast-turning polo ponies, resulting in less damage and more available playing days on each pitch.

Demand on polo facilities has doubled over the past five years, with extra playing and practice days required on all pitches, as well as many new pitches being constructed on free draining sand-bases more akin to golf tees and greens. But maintaining an even playing surface on a pitch covering the area of nine standard football fields (275 x 150m), whilst being repeatedly ridden across by half a tonne of horse, presents a difficult challenge for the turf managers.