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Hicks counts down to polo

There's one thing Winners & Losers star *Katherine Hicks * is looking forward to when she makes her debut at *WA *'s prestigious *Polo in the Valley *next month - the traditional stomping of the divots.

"I'll definitely be putting the grass back in its place," Hicks, who is best known as Sam MacKenzie on Seven's popular Melbourne-based drama, laughs to _AAA Weekend. _

"I have no idea what to expect. I've never been to polo in my life but I'm really looking forward to it."

While it will be her first time as a polo spectator, Hicks harbours a special appreciation for the sport, having grown up around horses on the family farm.

"I grew up on a small farm on the north coast of New South Wales," she explains.

"My character Sam is also from the country so I needed to re-do horse riding training for the role.

"I had ridden quite a bit as a child, though I wouldn't say I'm a professional of any sort. I'm hoping they'll let me sit on one of the horses - I'm up for an adventure."

Hicks is among a troupe of TV talent flying in for the polo, with the actress and WA-reared Home and Away hotties *Johnny Ruffo * and *Nic Westaway *set to be special guests in The *Telethon *Adventurers' exclusive marquee.

"I've met them before at Telethon, they're lovely guys," she says of Ruffo and Westaway.

Although a first-timer at Polo in the Valley, which will be held at the picturesque *Duncraig Stud *in the *Swan Valley *on April 19, Hicks has a personal connection to *Perth *, having been a frequent visitor to the west coast over the years.

"I have family in Perth, so I always try to squeeze in visits with them while I'm over there," she says.

"The last time when I came over for Telethon, though it was a very busy time I managed to see my aunty, uncle and cousins on the last day."

The actress is keen to frock up for the glitzy social affair and is open to trying on some local designer threads.

"I'd love to work with a local designer, that would be great," she says. "I love dressing up, it's so fun."

Vanessa Williams