Hall of Fame - Sinclair Hill
Sinclair Hill (John Sinclair Leslie Hill, 1934–2025)
was an Australian polo legend renowned as one of only two Australians ever to achieve a 10goal handicap, the sport’s highest rating. Born in rural New South Wales, he grew up on family grazing properties near Moree and later studied agriculture in England, where he discovered polo at age 17. His talent quickly propelled him to international prominence from the 1950s onward.
Hill represented Australia and the Commonwealth across Britain, India, Argentina, the United States, and New Zealand, captaining successful touring teams and becoming a dominant force in world polo. By the 1970s he had reached the elite 10goal status, a distinction shared by only a handful of players globally. After a shoulder injury in 1974, he transitioned to coaching, mentoring England’s Young England squad and introducing media magnate Kerry Packer to the sport.
Hill is also widely known for tutoring a young Prince Charles, beginning in the late 1960s at Windsor Castle—a relationship that continued warmly throughout their lives. Beyond polo, he managed grazing enterprises, supported Indigenous and local community initiatives, and was appointed an OBE in 1980 for services to the sport. He died in 2025 following a farm accident, leaving a legacy as one of Australia’s greatest polo figures.