Sussex Polo

Jean-Luc Bressard

Winning the Newcomer of the year award 2010 came as a total surprise, so much so in fact that when Sallie-Anne asked me if I wanted to say a few words, I said no as I really did not know what to say! – A rare occasion indeed…..very, very rare!

Having had time to reflect and to let the award sink in, the first thing I would like to say is “thank you” to all the people who voted for me I am honoured and deeply humbled.

The second is another thank you to all the other nominees who were equally worthy and deserving of the award.

The 2010 season for me was phenomenal.  I was lucky to be able to play Chukka’s on Wednesdays and tournaments most weekends.  My wife and children were patient and good humoured (sacrificing many weekends without a single complaint – again, thank you), the weather was very kind to us and a great deal of polo was played, most of it with Jimmy Mulligan.

I really didn’t know Jimmy well before this season but his unassuming, calm and benevolent ‘Patron-management-system’ of play, always made us look far better than we actually are and his calm and affable personality means that it is always a pleasure to play with him.

I love team sports and was raised to play hard but always respect my opponent; whether it was rugby, tennis, karate or hockey, dignity was key.  Whether you are on the winning or losing side, play the game, play hard, play fair but most of all, enjoy it.  

I think this is one of the reasons I really enjoyed playing in 2010.  Jimmy demonstrates dignity, integrity and professionalism in his play.  Not once in the whole season did I hear him raise his voice at one his team members or even at an opponent.  And all this in a contact sport!

So, an incredibly large debt of gratitude to Mr Mulligan, you made 2010 thoroughly enjoyable and I hope we get the opportunity to play together in 2011.

Playing would be impossible without the support of my wonderful wife Lucy and my two beautiful boys Louis and Hugo.  They attend whenever they can and support vociferously from the side-lines. 

But the secret weapon in the Sussex armoury that keeps them coming back for more is a certain Sallie-Anne Lent.  What can I say Sallie-Anne, my family love you.  You make it so easy for them to come down, you entertain the boys and they always have a thoroughly good time.  The most amazing thing is that you do it so effortlessly.

The whole Sussex team, from the grooms to the umpires, pro’s and office staff make playing at Sussex easy and enjoyable.  I offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you that made 2010 such a memorable year.

The onslaught of the second consecutive winter of incredible snow, has meant that I have (rather strangely) enjoyed being a substitute for my groom during the winter vacation and mucking out and grooming my ponies and, more importantly, getting to know them better.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and as we all prepare for resolutions and another year of love, joy challenges and upheavals, I am contented by the thought of another summer of polo, and tournaments on the fields at Sussex.

Jean-Luc