It is with deep sadness that the New South Wales Polo Association announces the passing of Greg Todd aged 83 on 15^th November 2024 following an extended illness.

Greg was a foundational figure in the establishment of the Shoalhaven Polo Club in Nowra during the 1970s. Together with his wife, Trish, they generously hosted the club on their grounds at ‘Boorpah’. The club became a beloved destination for players across NSW, offering three well-maintained fields and the relaxed South Coast ambience, particularly enjoyed during the summer months when the nearby beaches beckoned.

A visionary in his approach to the sport, Greg unknowingly became one of the first, if not the first, ‘Patron’ of the sport. He employed talented players such as Mike Harley, Richard Kimber, and Byron Dartagan, not only as team players and horse trainers, but also as coaches. This commitment to coaching enabled club members and visitors alike to hone their skills and improve their horses, fostering a vibrant polo community.

The Shoalhaven Polo Club proudly participated in all the Southern circuit tournaments, and traveling to venues as far as Kooralbyn in Queensland and twice to Western Australia. During the late 70’s and early 80’s, the club secured significant victories at tournaments like the Warwick Farm Easter International Open/Morton Cup and the RAS Easter Show Polo, featuring regular players such as Paul Withers, Jim MacGinley, and Jamie Mackay, also developing strong connections with US players, Adam Snow, Joel Baker and Podger El Effendi. Greg was often part of the team and was well-known for his generosity, frequently stepping aside to allow emerging players the chance to shine.

Over several years Greg and Trish also generously led Shoalhaven polo teams to tour Zimbabwe where many great friends were made with return visits made both ways.

During this period Greg was an active contributor on the NSW Polo Board and instrumental in establishing the second field at Warwick Farm through his earthmoving expertise in his Sydney based business G&H Todd.

Though Greg retired from active polo in the 90’s, many may remember that their son, Michael Todd, found success as a professional polo player in the UK and worldwide, since retired from polo and gone on to other successful ventures, while their daughter, Vanessa, enjoys her dairy farm further down the South Coast where Greg found his fondest pleasure working with the cattle in his later years.

One the family’s greatest thrills was seeing one of their Todd family bred ponies, Cashell, awarded Best Playing Pony at the Ellerston 40/40 goal match in 1991 ridden by the great Carlos Gracida.

Trish and family provided the following message: “The Polo years were such a big part of a life well lived; many memories shared with many friends. And even though there have been some years in-between, those friendships made so especially evident by the many messages received by so many friends and the next generation.”

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Greg's family during this difficult time. A private funeral service has already taken place, and the family plans to hold a memorial celebration of Greg’s remarkable life in late Feb/early March. Further details will be communicated as they become available.