President of Federation International Polo Dies in Pattaya

The interim president of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) James Ashton died on Valentine's Day following a rare collision with another horse and rider during a polo match at Polo Escape near Pattaya less than a week before the Queen's Cup tournament will be held nearby at the world-renowned Thai Polo & Equestrian Club.

In a statement issued by the FIP, the organization confrmed that he died after being taken to hospital.

'It is with great sadness that we have to inform of the death of the FIP Interim President, Mr. James W. Ashton following a fall during a ten goal match in Thailand.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Susan and the Ashton family - he was a polo legend and gentleman and will be hugely missed by all the polo community," the statement said.

Ashton took over the FIP presidency in November last year. The 69-year-old Australian was on a tour through South East Asia to familiarize himself with the development of the sport in the region, with Pattaya as the hub.

Mr. Harald Link who is in no way associated with Polo Escape, and is the owner of Thai Polo Club, was a friend of Mr. Ashton and went to the hospital after hearing about the accident. Mr. Ashton was pronounced dead that evening. Mr. Link spoke by telephone to Mr. Ashton's wife Susan who said "He died playing the sport he loved. He was 69 and could't be talked out of playing."