hurlingham [ talk ]
Above: The Apes Hill team (from left): Malcolm Borwick, James Beim, Mark Tomlinson and Ed Hitchman. Left: La Quinta Beaufort
Practice makes perfect 16
Apes Hill has a new base at the La Quinta Beaufort Club in Argentina and its all-English team are relishing the experience
The old adage ‘If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’ springs to mind when first hearing about the new La Quinta Beaufort Club in Argentina. An Apes Hill team consisting of James Beim, Mark Tomlinson, Ed Hitchman and Malcolm Borwick scorched through the preliminaries to reach the final of the Provincia de Buenos Aires Trophy on the hallowed grounds of Palermo. They were the first all-English team to play at Palermo in a domestic tournament, and the mood at La Quinta Beaufort is buoyant. Malcolm Borwick says: ‘For the team to play at all was special. But the inspiration we’d gained from the high goal practices in the preceding weeks at La Quinta Beaufort was undeniably a strong factor in producing such a result.’ Set in 38 hectares of prime pasture, with world-class stabling and pitches, La Quinta Beaufort is the brainchild of Mark Tomlinson, the youngest of the famous polo-playing family. ‘In 2005, my brother Luke and I qualified for the Argentine Open but we struggled to find a club where we could practise,’ he explains. ‘It became increasingly obvious that for English players to even attempt to compete with the Argentines, we needed a base in Argentina.’ Fortunately, partners of Alberto Reinoso wished to sell their share in La Quinta at
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Pilar, the epicentre of the polo world and some 40 minutes from Buenos Aires. In stepped the Beaufort Polo Club to secure a permanent training ground for high goal players. In their first full season, the four English players have proved its efficacy, and the three established Argentine Von Wernick brothers have also enjoyed success. ‘I think it is generally accepted that if you want to improve your game to a global standard you have to go to Argentina and play at high goal level in practice and in competition,’ says Mark. ‘It adds a whole new dimension to your game in terms of reaction time, tactics and speed, which is something we struggle to do in England, even during the high goal season.’ With clubs and teams such as Ellerstina, La Alegria, Centuaros, Polo 1 and Pilar Chico all within 5km of La Quinta Beaufort, members are spoilt for practice partners, while their own pitch is the envy of many.
‘It’s generally accepted that if you want to improve your game to a global standard you have to go to Argentina’
‘October was unbelievably wet in Pilar and many clubs struggled to hold practices,’ recalls Malcolm. ‘The club’s new “wet” ground was one of the first to be playable, drying out incredibly quickly.’ A second pitch, taking advantage of the nearby stream and enhancing the natural drainage system, is in the pipeline, bringing the number of grounds at La Quinta Beaufort up to four. An exercise track is also being planned. The Club already boasts a stunning stabling complex for 150 horses and an indoor arena. Past members continue their association and provide valuable input, both in terms of play and passing on legendary tales to the next generation. ‘The atmosphere at La Quinta Beaufort is not something you can buy, or bottle, but if we could we’d make millions,’ says Mark. ‘There’s a really supportive and exciting feel to the place. We want to attract high handicap players looking to develop their game to the next level and continue the club’s philosophy in this vein.’ To encourage such players to join, the traditional system of purchasing a life-long share in the club has been cast aside, reducing both cost and commitment. ‘We want people to approach us,’ says Mark. ‘The ambitious player, the patron who wishes to boost their team’s expertise over the winter months and teams heading for the Camera or Argentine Open. In so doing, our small club can help take 6 and 7- goal players to the next level and hopefully members can make more of an impact on the international polo scene.’ For more information on La Quinta Beaufort, email Mark Tomlinson at marcotomo@hotmail.com
6/6/08 10:35:05
