The Met Office has extended the current red weather warning for extreme heat until Friday 26 June at 9pm in several areas across the country.
After careful consideration and in consultation with various stakeholders, special permission has been granted for a small number of Gold Cup games to take place on Friday. All other polo continues to be suspended in red weather warning areas during the times specified.
The matches will be played with extensive extra measures in place, including temperature-managed transport, earlier scheduling, advanced cooling measures, and increased horse changes, to mitigate and risks to horses, players, officials, and grooms.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure that the welfare of the horses will not be compromised, and several vets will be in attendance at each game.
The HPA also consulted with the head meteorologist at the Met Office to understand the process of defining the weather warning boundary lines.
These arrangements are subject to change as the situation develops.
