Hobby horses of the rich and famous plans are afoot

Ed Olver has commanded troops in war zones and ridden ceremonial horses down The Mall in London. Now he has grand plans for China. The former army and Household Cavalry officer is co-founder of British Polo Day, which has an annual competition at a club outside Beijing near the Great Wall. He is now contemplating staging polo events elsewhere in China, most likely mini-versions that can be staged in mobile arenas.

Olver, who was once also a day trader, is nothing if not ambitious. British Polo Day started with a global remit, the idea being to hold invitation-only polo events in Argentina, China, India, the Middle East and Singapore and luring rich spectators.

Sponsors, particularly British heritage brands, loved the idea, a chance for them to peddle their wares to the rich. The game, popular among the mega-rich, aristocracy and royalty, is usually spread over an afternoon, allowing ample time for spectators to network over drinks and lunch.