Yorkshire polo legend, 86 year old John Nash is the oldest active polo player – and attempted a Guinness World Record this weekend at Toulston Polo Club, Tadcaster
The polo veteran John Nash took aim at one of the most extraordinary records in sport when he competed at the Toulston Open in Tadcaster, 5-6th September, 2026.
Born on 5th August, 1940, Nash is set to beat the previous record held by Brazilian player Armando Klabin, who has held the record since 22 October 2017, when he played in a polo tournament in Rio de Janeiro, aged 85 years and 149 days.
Nash was 86 years and 31 days old when he played a chukka on Saturday 5th September and then again yesterday at the Toulston Open at Toulston Polo Club – located in North Yorkshire, which resides in a catchment area which includes Leeds, Harrogate and York.
Yorkshire man Nash originally learned to play in Kenya and has played polo around the world. He has been a long-standing figure locally in North Yorkshire, including as President of the White Rose Polo Club. He has played over 55 seasons and says the sport is a great way to meet interesting people. He enjoys a good eye for the ball (he played rugby to a high standard as a young man), and never gives up – and says that horses are a great way to avoid your legs giving out when competing in sport.
Known as ‘Nashie’ to his friends, the arable and pig farmer, who also keeps livery horses, John Nash aid:
“I love the sport and to show that you can have fun playing polo at any age. I don’t really think about my age when I’m playing. I just get on the horse and try to hit the ball, hopefully in the right direction”.
Commented Anna Hall, CEO of the governing body for the sport, the Hurlingham Polo Association:
“What an amazing achievement by John Nash – he has been such an important supporter of polo in the Yorkshire region – playing for 55 seasons is quite something too!
“Playing polo at a grassroots level, at 70+ local clubs around this country, is the lifeblood of our national sport and John is an exemplary example of how playing can keep you younger and fitter. Polo is great for people, of all levels and abilities, for developing coordination, balance, core strength and teamwork skills – not to mention the positive aspects of being outdoors and enjoying the harmony of competing in harmony with a horse”.
“Professional polo players are also “some of the physically fittest, in terms of aerobic capacity when compared to athletes from many other Olympic or professional sports” – according to the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health.
“The HPA website is full of tips on how to give polo a go: you don’t have to be a brilliant horse rider – or even have ever ridden at all! And we hope John’s achievement will be a source of inspiration to give polo a go”.
Ready to start playing? Find an HPA Club or Academy here.
