WHENsomeone chucks you a ball the normal reaction is to throw, head or kick it back – not to pretend to be a horse. But, this is exactly what BTI chief operating officer Mike Platt was spotted doing.
Mike was spied by Backchat at the hallowed turf of Windsor’s Smith’s Lawn, home of royal polo players, rubbing shoulders with his airline chums from the Star Alliance.
During lunch a polo flunky jumped up to give guests a quick rundown on the rules – and picked out Mike to help him.
After throwing him a polo ball, the guy hauled Mike to his feet and thrust a polo stick into his hand.
Inexplicably, Mike started prancing around like a pony, clutching at imaginary reins, but sadly not whinnying.
He helped to explain all aspects of polo when cantering about, from collisions to actually hitting the ball.
This made no sense to anyone ignorant of the top toffs’ sport, but did provide the audience with a few laughs.
Mike’s enthusiasm for polo also brushed off on to another top travel manager at the Bank Holiday event.
United Airlines UK general manager Brandon O’Reilly was seen to be living out aspirations beyond even the highest level expected of an airline executive.
He was spotted lording it up in the royal box, as if he was Prince Charles himself.
Eventually O’Reilly did come and join the plebs in the marquee.
But only when the tea and cucumber sandwiches were being served.