THE SEVENTH Coutt’s International Polo tournament is expected to draw in thousand of visitors to Chester this weekend. The Coutt’s International Polo Weekend has a prize fund of £10,000, attracting teams from as far away as New Zealand, India and Argentina and top flight players are expected to jet into compete. More than 5,000 spectators watched the matches in 2010 and organisers are expecting higher numbers for this year’s tournament on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4. From the thrill of watching Polo to quaffing champagne with strawberries in the sunshine this established Chester calendar event is proving a hit for Cestrians.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Race Company, said: “This is a fantastic sport, which is both thrilling to watch and exhilarating to play.”

Spectators can take along a picnic and a raised BBQ to watch the event. Children under 16 go free.

Chester Racecourse has firmly established itself on the British polo circuit and has become one of the highest goal tournaments in the North of England.

The history of Polo dates back to 6th century BC in Persia and is now played in 80 countries worldwide and uniquely, is played somewhere in the world all year round.

There are four players per team and a match consists of chukkas, periods of seven and half minutes long.

Gates open at 12pm, first match at 2.30pm and second match 4pm.

General admission: £6, with children under 16 going free.