James Ashton was a typical Aussie; laid back, friendly and always sporting a smile. He had played polo all his life and was the president of the International Federation of Polo.
At seventy years of age, he was long past the time when most people would have stopped playing; but he loved the game and turned up for the tournament at Polo Escape this weekend. I chatted to him before the final game yesterday. He said he was looking forward to the match and, flashing one of his big grins, he climbed onto his horse.
Less than two minutes later he suffered the most appalling fall and died in hospital.
James died doing what he loved, but that is of little consolation for his family and many friends around the world. Rest in peace James.
