Benefit to be held to help the Woods

An equine fundraising benefit will feature a number of the world's best polo players and will help a good cause.

For the third year, the 30-goal Aiken Equine Charities Cup will raise funds for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.

The game is scheduled for May 2 at New Bridge Polo and Country Club at 3 p.m.

Proceeds from the game will help to maintain and operate the Hitchcock Woods.

Among the players who will be taking part in the game will be Julio Arellano, Tommy Biddle Jr., Glen Gilmore, Tiger Kneece, Owen Rinehart and Adam Snow.

Spectators will be able to witness the intense and fast action associated with the sport of polo.

The game will be held on New Bridge Polo and Country Club field No. 1.

In addition to seeing a 30-goal game and some of the best polo players in the world, spectators will have an opportunity to watch the Run for the Roses.

A Kentucky Derby Party organized by 302 Polo with the cooperation of New Bridge Polo and Country Club will be held at the New Bridge Clubhouse following the game.

There are a number of ticket packages available, including a variety of tailgating parking passes that range from $100 to $150 for the front row and $50 for the second row. Tailgaters may find some extra motivation as the Hitchcock Woods Foundation will award prizes for the Best Turned Out Tailgating Party and for the Most Spirited Tailgaters.

All tailgate parking passes include six admissions to the Kentucky Derby party, which includes hors d'oeuvres complimentary of 302 Polo, and beer and wine complimentary of Harvard's Wine and Beverage, said Todd Stilp, one of the organizers of the event.

"It's a chance to have a great day in a casual and relaxed environment," said Stilp. "The atmosphere will be very casual.

"People will be able to wear blue jeans and shorts. The event is to benefit the Hitchcock Woods Foundation. New Bridge Polo and Country Club is a gorgeous facility," Stilp said. "It will be a nice spring afternoon of watching high goal polo."

The cost for general parking is $10 and will provide admission to the game for all the passengers in the vehicle but does not provide admission to the Kentucky Derby party.

Gates open at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit 302polo.com for online ticketing; to purchase tickets directly, call the Hitchcock Woods Foundation at 642-0528.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.