James Ashton, president-elect of the Federation of International Polo, died on Sunday after falling from his horse during a match in Thailand.
Tributes came from as far afield as Germany and South America as polo clubs around the world recognised his contribution to the sport.
The Ashton family has been synonymous with Australian polo since 1930, when Mr Ashton’s father and three uncles travelled by ship to England as underdogs to beat the best of Britain.
Mr Ashton followed in his father’s footsteps, representing Australia in polo at two World Cups and serving terms as president of the NSW Polo Association and the Australian Polo Council.
He was instrumental in organising the 2001 Polo World Cup in Melbourne and helped co-ordinate polo events for late media magnate Kerry Packer.
His sister Rosemary Foot said polo was her brother’s life “obsession”.
“He’d have sooner died on a horse in the saddle than any other way,” Ms Foot said yesterday.
Australian Polo Council president Leon Reardon, a friend of Mr Ashton for 20 years, said he was respected globally for his dedication to the sport.
“He was a very accomplished player in his youth and a tremendous enthusiast for the game.”
The Ashton family owns Millamolong Station west of Bathurst, where Mr Ashton worked as a successful grazier, local government politician, horse breeder and philanthropist.
He helped charities including Ronald McDonald House and Riding for the Disabled. Mr Ashton is survived by his wife and four children.
Source: Daily Telegraph
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