A Life Shaped by Polo and Morocco

Patrick’s journey into polo was serendipitous, guided by fate and the thunder of cavalry hooves. It all began with the 4th Regiment of Moroccan Spahis, a prestigious unit of the French cavalry, where a last-minute substitution in a match ignited a lifelong passion. From that moment, polo was no longer just a game—it was destiny.

His life soon became entwined with Morocco’s royal family. He hosted Prince Moulay Abdellah and introduced the future King Mohammed VI to the artistry of the Hermès workshops in Paris. These encounters were more than formal gestures; they were meaningful exchanges that deepened his bond with Morocco and its people. That connection grew even stronger when he took up residence at Aïn Kassimou, a historic Marrakech villa originally built by Leo Tolstoy. Under Patrick’s stewardship, it flourished—its halls alive with dignitaries, its gardens resonating with the conversations of diplomats and visionaries.

It was within these storied walls that Patrick founded La Palmeraie Polo. The estate featured not only a grass pitch but also elegant barns and stables, fostering an intimate yet vibrant polo scene. Matches were played with a soft ball, and the annual Christmas tournament became a highlight of the season. But while the setting was idyllic, Marrakech’s relentless summer heat posed a challenge. Ever forward-thinking, Patrick sought a more temperate climate where his horses could truly thrive.

His search led him north, to a land where the air was cooler, the grass lusher, and the terrain more forgiving. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nakhla river his vision expanded, and La Palmeraie Polo Club was born—a polo destination that stands as a testament to his devotion to the sport. What began as a quiet sanctuary at Aïn Kassimou evolved into a grand stage where tradition, excellence, and an enduring passion for polo continue to shape a lasting legacy.