The former high-goal player, who has competed in some of the sport’s biggest tournaments – including the Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup – overcame stiff opposition to land the coveted role at the club based in Great Windsor Park.

Neil Hobday, chairman of the selection committee, said: “We are delighted that Antony will be joining the team here at Smith’s Lawn in 2015, our 60th year of first class sport.

“He is a consummate horseman with an impeccable polo CV. He is equally familiar with the lower handicapped tournaments and so is ideally placed to enhance all levels of polo including juniors, ladies, military or amateur.” Fanshawe, below, added: “This really is the number one job in polo and to take up the reins at such an auspicious time for the club is incredible. I have played many times at Smith’s Lawn throughout my career at all levels and cannot wait to be involved in the day-to-day management of so many world class fixtures and grounds.” Fanshawe had an impressive equine pedigree – his grandfather was an Olympic three-day eventer, winning bronze in the 1936 Berlin Games, his father a renowned Master of Foxhounds and older brother James a Group One-winning trainer in Newmarket. Visit Guards Polo Club at www.guardspolo.com.