Who We Are
Richard Blake Thomas
Owner, Managing Director, Head Coach & Horse Breeder
Richard is professional polo player, who has experienced the sport at all levels. Most recently he won the Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup as well as the polo times Most Valuable Player in the final, and a week later, the polo times Best Playing Pony on his mare Gypsy in the Playnation high goal challenge at Hickstead playing for Centtrip Wales!
Fully affiliated with the HPA, Richard is the Head Coach at Westcroft and oversees our additional coaches and instructors. With a passion for polo coaching, he teaches beginners from age 5 to club members and advanced players. Very much at the heart of the club, Richard plays weekly club chukkas and challenges and represents the Westcroft Team in home tournaments.
Richard’s passion for polo extends to the breeding and hiring of polo ponies for the medium and high goal polo world. Breeding, pony production and horse hire is very much at the forefront of Westcroft Park Polo Club.
Tel:01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Laura Sonetti
Polo Manager & PA to Richard Blake Thomas
After a 25 year career as an international groom at all levels, Laura has jumped out of the saddle into the Westcroft office. Supporting Richard as his personal polo assistant and running our Schools Polo, Laura brings with her a wealth of polo and horse management experience to the team.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Sophie Hare
Events, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager
Private and public events and corporate days are at the forefront of the polo activity at Westcroft. We host a variety of leading corporate polo days run Sophie Hare Westcroft’s in house event manager, who has over 20 years events experience including two Jubilees for H.M The Queen, two Royal weddings for our polo loving princes, Olympia Horse Show and an Ashes tour downunder! With a passion for events YOUR event is in excellent hands.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: events@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Antonino Menard
Polo Instructor
Of Argentine origin, Antonino is a 5 goaler professional player and HPA instructor who teaches beginners to seasoned professionals. Antonino is based at Westcroft (although he occasionally jets off to Argentina to compete) and he is famous for imparting his professional skills in his teaching.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Caroline Stern
Polo Instructor
British HPA instructor Caroline joins Richard and Antonio with her coaching finesse at Westcroft. Ever popular with both adults and children Caroline completes our string of coaches and instructors.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Nina Khaabmeta
Accounts Manager
Relatively new to the polo world but with great expertise, Nina heads up our accounts team, with over 15 years of managing accounts for companies worldwide. For all accounts enquiries please contact Nina directly:
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: events@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk