Anna Dowling in action in the Ladies Vitrix 22-goal tournament. Photo courtesy of Tom Reynolds / Polo UK

Windsor Polo Club member Anna Dowling, 22, has made a powerful impression in the UK polo scene, as she prepares for her upcoming appearance at the prestigious Cowdray Park Polo Club next month in the British Ladies Open.

Although only playing a low-key tournament against a single opponent on the weekend, Anna benefited from a last-minute call up to play, scoring three goals and claiming the award for ‘Most Valuable Player’.

Her run of success continued in the main event, the Ladies Vitrix 22 Goal Final, when her team Emita (captained by Tamara Fox, and joined by Heloise Wilson Smith and Emma Wood) came from behind at half time to beat La Rosada 6.5 to 6.

To cap off a fabulous tournament, one of Anna’s rides, Lovelocks Limelight, owned by Ollie Jones and bred by Charlie Hanbury, was awarded the ‘Best Playing Pony’ title.

In the main match, Anna got to play and ride off against the 10-goal ranked Nina Clarkin, one of her polo playing idols, and sister of her team mate Tamara.

“I have always looked up to Nina, ever since I was a little girl,” Anna said. “I feel I learn something each time I have played against her, she is one of those players that makes high percentage plays and reads the game incredibly well, and is always many steps ahead of any other player on the field.”

The build up continues towards the British Ladies Open Championship, which will be held at Cowdray Park over 7-15th July.

Earlier this year, Anna was selected to represent Australia in the World Cup Ladies Polo Championship, to be played later in the year, but the tournament has been postponed until further notice.