Perth Polo Club

The club is currently located at Kings Meadow on the outer southern side of the historical town of Guildford, on the river flat of the Helena River.[1]

Former grounds include Claremont Showground, and other locations over time.[2]

The club was founded in 1896 and is the oldest polo club in Western Australia.[3] It was set up before the establishment of the Western Australian Polo Association in 1903.[3] The club's founder, Neil McNeil, was a railway contractor, timber merchant and landowner who resided at The Cliffe in Peppermint Grove.[1][3] On 17 September 1896, members of the club met at the United Service Hotel for races to be held on 10 October of the same year.[4]

In its early days, the club was patronized by Gerard Smith, who served as the Governor of Western Australia from 1895 to 1900.[3] Michael O'Connor, who served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1901 to 1904, also held office as the club's Captain.[5]

In 1902, McNeil was the President, while the Vice Presidents were Edward Wittenoom and T. W. Brown.[6] Committee members were Everard Darlot, D. B. Ord, P. Law Smith, N. D'Arcy and Dr O'Connor.[6] A year later, in 1903, the club held a ball at the Mechanics' Institute.[7] In 1930, a ball held by the club was attended by William Campion, who served as the Governor of Western Australia from 1924 to 1931.[8]

After World War II, with activity and membership in decline, W.G. Bennett revived the club.[1] Together with Stewart Harkness, he also made the decision to move the club from the Claremont Showground in Claremont to Kings Meadow in Guildford.[1]

As of 2014, the club president was Neville Stewart.[9]