No 65 September/October 2015 AED 20
SILVESTRE DE SOUSA
A CHAMPION IN THE MAKING
OBC
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 AED 20
SPOTLIGHT
FROM GOODWOOD TO THE CURRAGH www.equestrio.com
DIARY
The ADCB Pink Polo, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, UAE 6th November www.grpc.ae
The Elephant Polo Championships, Nepal 22nd – 29th November www.elephantpolo.com
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The Longines International Races, Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong 9th –13th December www.racing.hkjc.com
The Tortugas open, argentina 29th september – 17th october www.aapolo.com
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LEADING MAN
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SILVESTRE DE SOUSA EQUESTRIO CATCHES UP WITH THIS SURPRISING STAR IN THE AFTERMATH OF GROUP 1 SUCCESS IN ENGLAND.
S
ilvestre De Sousa is a hard man to pin down. Usually,
meeting of the afternoon, but today, the second day of the prestigious York Ebor Festival, it’s because he’s just ridden the winner of the big race. It wasn’t just any run-of-the-mill Group I win – if there is such a 50-1 to win The Juddmonte International. To do so, she would need to beat a Derby and Eclipse winner, Golden Horn, plus a French Derby winner, The Grey Gatsby, and a Royal Ascot winner, Time
That previous top level success came onboard African Story in the 2014 Dubai World Cup at Meydan. Wearing the Godolphin blue, and winning the world’s richest race with lengths to spare, months later he was back riding as a freelancer, his contract having not been renewed by Godolphin. It was a change of arrangements that would have put pressure on the most hardened of characters. De Sousa, 34 and one of ten siblings, is stoical when times get hard and he never stopped smiling. Instead, he renewed some Isles, and partnered 102 winners during the 2014 UK season.
after he’s been put through several rounds of interviews, but he knows he has promised to speak to Equestrio, and he’s a man of his word. Which doesn’t mean those words are always what you expect. “It’s just great to get a winner here at York,” he says, somewhat International history. However, there’s a twinkle in his eye, enough to suggest that he knows this is something of an understatement. “Of course, I didn’t expect to win,” he says, more seriously now. “You look in the paper and you see a Derby winner, a French Derby winner, all these good horses, but I always go out to do my best.” the gates on his always forward-going partner, De Sousa took Arabian Queen back to sit behind the pacemaker, thus saving vital reserves for the end of the 2000metre race. When they reached that point, and the hitherto unbeaten Golden Horn ranged alongside,
a lucrative few days in Saudi Arabia, and before that, dropped into Dubai – where he would remain for the rest of the winter. The Dubai trip saw him link up with Champion Trainer-in-waiting Musabah Al Muhairi, and the pair immediately forged a successful alliance that soon put any thoughts of America right out of the way. He eventually partnered 41 winners, second only to Champion Richard Mullen, and claimed notable big race success in a pair of Group IIIs, The Mahab Al Shimaal, on Shaishee, and The Jebel winter, but even then his sights were set on a return to the UK, and he left before the UAE season was over to ensure he was back in pursuit of rides at the very start of the European turf campaign. Returning to the UK in March, he set about riding as many winners as possible, and, well past the mid-way point of the season, he has passed the 115-winner mark and is well on
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SPOTLIGHT
THE JAEGER-LECOULTRE GOLD CUP, COWDRAY PARK, UK
POWER TO
GOLD CUP GLORY KING POWER DOMINATE UK HIGH GOAL SEASON BY SWEEPING THE BOARD AND ADDING THE GOLD CUP TO THEIR TROPHY CABINET. (EQUESTRIO ARABIA) CONGRATULATE A TALENTED TEAM IN THEIR SUPER SUCCESSFUL POLO CAMPAIGN.
A
round 14,000 spectators were at Cowdray Park on Sunday 19th July to watch the Final of the 2015 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup when King Power Foxes and UAE played for the title of British Open Polo Champions. King Power Foxes, the team of ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, had already won the 2015 Queen’s Cup with Top’s new line-up of 10 goal Pieres brothers, Gonzalito and Facundo, and young 1 goal English player Hugo Lewis. The all proside of UAE consisted of 10 goaler Pablo MacDonough, the leading goal scorer of the British Open, Santiago Stirling, experienced high goal professional Lucas Monteverde
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level at 2-2. The second chukka was disappointing for UAE with two missed opportunities at goal and the Pieres brothers combining well to rack up their score to 5-2. from the throw-in and masterfully tapping it all the way to the goal for 6-2. The Foxes then gave away a penalty, which MacDonough saw through the posts for 3-6. Hard marking on both sides saw the half time score creep up to 7-4 in King Power Foxes’ favour. Chukka 4 opened with a throw in and UAE winning the ball, Facundo Pieres impeded their progress but Monteverde claimed it back and raced away to score a super
0 goals, whose handicap will no doubt rocket after his performance in the UK this year.
he made an attempt at goal and the ball went over the boards. The resulting roll-in gave Facundo the perfect chance to pass
UAE with an accurate 60 yard penalty. King Power Foxes’ very able patron ’Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha answered with
match. The chukka closed at 8-5 to the Foxes.
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POLO
INTERNATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT, SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN
DUBAI DOMINATES 50
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THE ALBWARDY TEAM SPENT A MONTH IN POLO PARADISE AND CLINCHED THE HIGH GOAL IN FRONT OF AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD, WHILST SANTA MARIA POLO CLUB ENJOYED ANOTHER SUPER SUCCESSFUL SEASON.
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POLO
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“
I try to play the best I can every season. Lechuza Caracas were hard opponents, but I think that we played better as a team.” Rashid Albwardy, Dubai
T
he Land Rover International Polo Tournament, organised by Santa María Polo Club, came to an epic end on the last weekend of August. Another year of great polo, and another month spent in paradise. After all, that’s the general consensus from polo players and patrons in Sotogrande and how they feel about playing on is a unique location to play, stay and also relax in. It’s the perfect combination for the ‘Super Professionals’ who pack their polo sticks – and their golf clubs and swimming shorts – when they head to the Costa del Sol to compete in the annual International Polo Tournament. The polo Club had every reason to be delighted with the 2015 season. Not only were the tournaments competitive and of a high
could celebrate in style, or go casual by diving into the on-trend food trucks. As ever, the shopping was on point and gave credit cards a work out, whilst the After Polo parties continued their reputation as the place to be and be seen each night. Also, in terms of spectators, the 2015 Summer Tournament was one of the best in the last years. The Silver and Gold Cup Finals had more than 8,000 spectators at the Los Pinos grounds, which only proved how the Club is going from strength to strength.
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SPOTLIGHT
YORK EBOR FESTIVAL, YORK, UK
SURPRISES APLENTY AS QUEEN RULES AT YORK THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL HAS THE PROPENSITY TO THROW UP A FEW SHOCKS, AND THE 2015 RENEWAL PRODUCED PROBABLY THE BIGGEST ONE OF THEM ALL; SETTING THE SCENE FOR A SPLENDID FOUR DAYS OF ACTION ON THE KNAVESMIRE.
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RACING
MOET & CHANDON JULY FESTIVAL, NEWMARKET, UK
FUTURE STARS ILLUMINATE
NEWMARKET LIKE ANY MIDSUMMER BRITISH EVENT, NEWMARKET’S FLAGSHIP JULY FESTIVAL IS IN THE GRIP OF THE WEATHER, SO RACEGOERS WERE DELIGHTED WHEN, IN CONTRAST TO THE DELUGE OF 2014, ITS QUINTESSENTIAL DELIGHTS WERE BATHED IN SUNSHINE.
T
he three-day meeting has undergone something of a metamorphosis in recent years, moving from a midweek slot to Thursday, Friday and Saturday, which means that
Pat Cosgrave, had opened up a commanding lead. Undaunted, Paul Hanagan gave chase on his willing partner and the pair
Saturday of racing. Not that this diminished from what is very much the sprinting
that punters could not split Australian raider Brazen Beau and At the halfway point, however, it didn’t look as if either of
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hard-fought, and achieved despite Muhaarar not handling the undulating track. “Muhaarar didn’t look too happy going down the hill, he
heading to The Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland after that. from his father, Barry, another of Britain’s up-and-coming
made rapid progress since, often with horses transferred to him from other yards.
on the Friday of the meeting. A good two-year-old for Ed
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ESCAPE
A Home
Away From Home
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Sometimes you just need a quick escape. Life won’t allow you to check out of the day-to-day and check in to an exotic location, but you do have time in our schedule for a quick weekend of relaxation. Equestrio Arabia enjoys a ‘stay-cation’ at the Waldorf Astoria on the Palm Jumeriah.
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HORSETORQUE
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An Icon The Ferrari 488 GTB The latest horsepower roaring out of the Maranello garage.
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Shopping
LONGCHAMP
With its leaping horse motif, obviously Longchamp has been a long-term favourite of Equestrio Arabia readers. The Pliage Heritage mini bag is a classic addition to your wardrobe. Chic, elegant and perfect for the new urban nomads that we are.
BOUCHERON
The iconic pieces from Boucheron’s Quatre Collection are intense, iconic and timeless. Take the yellow gold, long line necklace, which is a perfect balance of today’s style and tomorrow’s creativeness.
BURBERRY
You know us, we do like to tell you about all the greatest and latest things – especially when it’s the new eau de toilette from quintessential brand, Burberry. The latest women’s fragrance, My Burberry features supermodels Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne within the campaign, which is recommendation enough for us.
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HARRY WINSTON
The Lotus Cluster Collection from Harry Winston features six sparkling pieces using the House’s signature ‘clustering’ technique. By meticulously setting the individual diamonds at an angle, the designers create a three-dimensional jewel, which will shine from every view. The earrings are on our wish list.
TUMI
As the go-to brand for any jet-setter, we’ve picked out this Sinclair Blair International Carry-On from Tumi. In a subtle gull grey, this is the luggage, which will ensure you travel in style.
KARTELL
Of smooth and contemporary design, this chair by Form at Kartell would look perfectly at home in a spacious penthouse in DIFC or in a minimalist property in Dubai Marina. The curves of the materials lend themselves to a clean-living shape.
LLADRÓ
Naturally a perfect fit for any Equestrio Arabia owner’s home, the artists at Lladró have captured the spirit of the horse in a great number of pieces in all shapes and forms. From galloping and leaping, to simply at rest, these works of art are the perfect additions for the home.
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S P O R T I N G TA L K
sporting talk
UMBERTO CINI, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASERATI MIDDLE EAST, INDIA AND AFRICA SITS DOWN WITH EQUESTRIO ARABIA TO TALK ABOUT THE ‘LIFE CONNOISSEURS’ OF THE POLO AND AUTOMOTIVE WORLD.
HOW DO THEY FIT WITH THE POLO LIFESTYLE? WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP? Polo is the game of kings, as such it can only be enjoyed by the select few, it is not accessible to all. It is a sport appreciated and loved by the connoisseurs of the world. In this, it shares our brand’s position. It is elegant, exclusive and high performance; it requires a lot of power and passion, which is the same as Maserati.
THE MASERATI CENTINNIAL POLO TOUR, WAS A WORLDWIDE PLAN; WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR DUBAI TO FEATURE WITHIN THAT? Our association with hosting polo events here in the UAE is to enable us to interact with our customers in a different environment. Rather than in the stillness of the car showroom or amongst the noise of engines at the racetrack, we are able to communicate with our existing and future clientele. Dubai has a constantly growing interest in polo and so it is an interesting platform for us to connect with our most valued clients.
DO MASERATI HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS TO ENGAGE FURTHER WITH POLO IN THE UAE? We are at present evaluating for the 2016 season, but polo is very much on our screen. We are looking for the right location and collaboration to showcase the exclusivity and the association we wish to promote. Naturally finding the right tournament is of crucial importance to us.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AT MASERATI? The Maserati brand celebrated its centenary last year, so my role is to preserve the integrity of our values throughout the Middle East. Italian design, craftsmanship, performance and sportsmanship are integral values, which we communicate through the regional level to uphold the Maserati ideals.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT MASERATI’S BUSINESS IN THE REGION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UAE MARKET FOR THE BRAND. We are fortunate to be enjoying an amazing response to Maserati in the region – and in particular in the UAE, which is our main market in the Middle East. 2015 is showing a record growth of 16% in the region, up on last year’s sales so we are extremely happy. We have a strong presence here.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE QUINTESSENTIAL MASERATI CONSUMER? I would easily describe our customers as ‘life connoisseurs’. They love luxury timepieces, enjoy fine-dining at Michelin starred restaurants and travel in ultimate comfort and luxury. It is a lifestyle which is embodied by Maserati.
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WE UNDERSTAND THAT EQUESTRIANISM IS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL TO YOU. TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL SHOWJUMPER BEFORE YOUR ENTRANCE INTO THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD. I started to ride with my father at weekends when I was five-years-old. As I grew, so did my passion for horses and riding. At 10, I began to compete, even though 12 was technically the minimum age, but this just showed my dedication towards showjumping. When I was around 13, it was my main focus; getting up at 4am to ride before school and disappearing to the stables as soon as class finished. It was simply, my life. I pursued a career in the sport and was fortunate to become successful, reaching a position as one of the top three young riders in Italy. It takes continuous effort and passion to make it in the sport so I feel very lucky that I was a part of it.
AT EQUESTRIO ARABIA, WE ARE FANS OF EVERTHING EQUESTRIAN SPORTS RELATED! DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVOURITE SPORTING EVENT? The Piazza di Siena is held in Rome every May. It is a beautiful international event, which features the best riders in the greatest showjumping competitions, all within the most magical environment in the centre of Rome. When I lived in Italy, I would never miss it, but sadly, I don’t get the chance to go now. But it will always be special to me.
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