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Pukka pick for chukka launch

Ebony Hunter and Tim Broadfoot get set for Polo in the Valley. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian

A trendy oceanside watering hole might be the last place you would expect to find two prize ponies, a strapping young polo player and an up-and-coming model.

But as Polo in the Valley has proved with its launches before, anything can happen - such as the surprise appearance of Scottish actor Ewan McGregor at last year's event.

This time around, the pastures of Duncraig Stud in the Swan Valley, where the match will take place on April 6, will be traded for WA's famous coastline for the 2014 launch tonight.

The who's who of Perth will descend on the Cottesloe Beach Hotel for an exclusive soiree, where prominent local faces will mingle with celebrities and handsome polo stars, including five-time Polo in the Valley sportsman Tim Broadfoot.

Aside from the fast-paced nature of the game, Broadfoot said he also enjoyed the opportunity to socialise off the field at the series of events leading up to the match.

"I love it - that's half the reason you do it," the professional player, who met Chadwick's Perth beauty Ebony Hunter before the launch, said. "It's good to have new people supporting it and meeting new people. There's a great social side."

With Polo in the Valley supporting both Youth Focus and Telethon, a number of Seven stars, including A Place to Call Home's Abby Earl and Aldo Mignone, have confirmed they will be coming out to cheer on the teams and stomp the divots next month.

Held at the private estate of Peter and Debra Prendiville, the day also includes a fashion parade by Adam Heath and a pamper marquee by beauty queen Alison Jade.

Broadfoot encouraged spectators to dress up and give the event a go, even if they had never seen a polo match before.

"If you know the rules it helps but it's still a good spectacle anyway," he said.