Polocrosse legend inducted into the Equine Hall of Fame

The Equine Hall of Fame, located in the Glenvale Room at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, was established in 1999 to recognise legends of the equine industry. A luncheon and induction ceremony was held on 28th September to acknowledge the 2008 inductees, one of which was polocrosse legend, the late Bob Sargood of “Manressa”, Tambo. Bob was a well renowned horseman, bronc rider and polocrosse player. Bob Sargood was renowned as a national bronc riding identity and during his bronc riding career he claimed 11 national titles in a row. Bob took up polocrosse in 1963 and joined the local Tambo Club. A talented rider and fearless competitor, he played for 42 years representing Queensland as a player and team coach in both State and National competitions. He also went to Papua New Guinea to represent Australia in a coaching programme. In the late 1970’s Bob and New South Wales player Darryl Smith featured in the ABC television series “A Big Country” which showcased the sport to a wider audience in a documentary entitled “King of the One Horse Sports.” Bob dedicated 23 years to polocrosse in an official capacity at State, National and International level. He was a member of the Queensland Polocrosse

Association Executive, holding many roles including State Chief Umpire and State Selector. In his capacity as Chief Umpire, he umpired the finals of the World Series at Chinchilla, the finals at the Australian Zone Titles and the National Intermediate finals at Naracoorte, SA.

Bob was a member of the Queensland Polocrosse Association Management Committee for 18 years, Queensland State President for 4 years and Vice President of the inaugural Polocrosse Association of Australia Board for one year.

In 1989 Bob received an Australia Day Award for his contribution to the sport, and in 2000 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his service to polocrosse.

There was a big polocrosse contingent present at the posthumous induction of Bob Sargood into the Equine Hall of Fame.

Bob’s wife Robyn Sargood, Scott and Adma Sargood, Clayton and Jackie Sargood and extended family members; Howard Hobbs, MP, the QPA Patron and long time playing partner of Bob; State President Philip Hughes; previous recipient of a Hall of Fame membership Les Fraser, wife Robyn and many others were in attendance to witness Bob’s eldest son Scott Sargood accept the membership into the Equine Hall of Fame on behalf of the family.

Adele Hughes