Harry chucked off pony during match

Prince Harry gets up after falling off his horse during a polo match in New York (AP)
12 April 2012

Polo-playing Prince Harry has been chucked off his pony during the first chukka of a charity match in New York.

The royal hit the turf in spectacular fashion landing head first and rolling on the ground as hundreds of spectators and fellow players looked on.

The charity match was staged on Governors island, off Manhattan island, to raise funds for the American Friends of Sentebale, the US branch of a charity co-founded by Harry that helps disadvantaged African children.

The match was stopped for a few moments to allow the 25-year-old to dust himself off and remount.

But to his embarrassment the game's commentator gave the crowds a blow-by-blow verbal replay of the tumble.

Harry is making a habit of falling off his pony in charity games. In Barbados earlier this year, in the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup, the prince was thrown by his mount.

Playing polo is not without its hazards and Harry's father the Prince of Wales can testify to the injuries it can cause.

In 1980, he needed six stitches and was left with a two-inch scar on his face after being thrown and kicked by his horse. In 1990, he fell and fractured his right arm in two places, while in 2001 he was taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious and swallowing his tongue.

Despite the fall, Harry was able to lead his players in a hard-fought match that ended 5-5.

But like England's disappointing result in the World Cup, his side lost by an extra time sudden death goal.

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