Volume 16 Issue 7 August 2011
ÂŁ5.50
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The joy of youth
Innocence beats experience in the Gold Cup Plus: fashion for Pony Clubbers PT p1 cover.indd 1
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the
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Stroppy pony gets the ump Having survived his own match unscathed, Guards’ one-goaler Monty Gershon was surprised to be unceremoniously dismounted minutes later as he lined up to umpire the following game, between Noon Giraffe and Polistas. His mount, lent to him by one of the players, bucked and dumped him on the ground as soon as the ball was thrown in to start the contest. “These were my first six shots of the day and so were taken slightly by chance,” conceded Paul Froud, who captured the accident. “I noticed the horse’s unusual movements out of the corner of my eye, and swung the lense round to catch it.” Gershon, who is a regular umpire, spent the next 45 minutes on the ground, as he was strapped to a body board before spending the night in Slough A&E. This was fortunately only precautionary and, though badly bruised, he wasn’t concussed and so was fit to play again just 10 days later. “These things can happen where horses are concerned”, he declared philosophically. ◗ Paul Froud, who shot this photograph in late May using a Canon ID Mark 3 and a 300mm long lense, is available for commissions, and can be reached on 07941 200215 or via email at cfccfc77@hotmail.com
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Feature
Interview – John Horswell
An inconvenient truth England’s outspoken former coach, John Horswell, says that things are unlikely to get any easier for emerging British pros unless the HPA is prepared to be brave, and also airs his grievances about the new interpretations of the rules during the 2011 high-goal season
James Mullan at Cowdray Park
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Photograph by James Mullan
nterviewing John Horswell is unlike interviewing anybody else. Where my previous big interviews this year – with JJ Diaz Alberdi, Nacho Figueras and the McCarthy brothers – have been conducted over a steaming cup of coffee or a beer in restaurants, hotels and cafes, with John Horswell it is a thermos of maté and a series of very strong cigarettes, slumped amid clothes, recording paraphernalia and his dog Stripe in the front of his Mitsubishi. We are in the car park at the Gold Cup semi-finals, on the morning before the games. And, with the sun magnified through the windscreen, it’s hot. Really hot. Yet, as I get a sweat on trying to scribble down John’s many words of wisdom, which pour as quick as the perspiration on my forehead, he keeps on his quilted Barber jacket and slurps at his maté with about as much enthusiasm as I would have had for an ice cream. The only indication that it’s summer at all comes from the red flowery board shorts he wears over his legs… Where do you stand on the home-grown player rule debate? Well, I’m not by nature a protectionist. My instinctive view is that you should let the cream rise to the top. However, there is now a serious issue concerning the malaise in production of good English players. The economic reality is that England must be just about the most expensive place to keep a horse in the world at the moment and
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the visiting foreign players work off a much lower cost base. So, unless our pros can find significant financial backing from somewhere else, they do need high-goal polo if they are going to continue improving and reach the top. At present, too many players don’t make it, or reach a comfort level that suits them and that they’re not prepared to gamble on – they don’t want to risk reinvesting in the horsepower that will get their handicaps up further still. The problem as it stands is that there is often a clear disincentive for players to strive to go up. Because they’ll lose their jobs? Precisely. We have the most competitive 22goal polo anywhere in the world for a reason. Players here are generally under-handicapped and so, for those that go up, because there are so many other alternatives able to get an EU passport, it can prove disastrous. However, the HPA’s most recent proposed idea as circulated – allowing all home-grown
“The proposed HGP rules are an admission of defeat by the handicappers” – John Horswell players in the high-goal to play off a goal less than their handicap – is a bodge job. It’s nonsense. Either you’re good enough or you’re not. Why not just roll out a simple rule for all levels of polo that says each team must have one home-grown player? UEFA has set the precedent. The HPA should be brave, state that case, and instigate it. So why do you think they don’t? Well, technically the HPA constitution is to represent the clubs, and not the players directly. And, if any of the clubs are against a
home-grown player rule, the HPA is naturally nervous about insisting on it. But in my mind, the discussions about the rule are already an admission that perhaps there is a larger problem about how we handicap British players. The system should be looked at, as handicapping at present is rather parochial – clubs see a player winning everything at their level and so recommend that he goes up, but he may not be any better than his equivalent elsewhere. So it ends up being counterproductive to his career. I have long campaigned for keeping marginal players down. Since so many foreign professionals come here on lower handicaps than they are on at home, and can lay their hands on an Italian passport, the British players typically look worse by comparison and – because of the economic reality of their costs – are often more expensive. So how can we help our players? We need to identify a few players that have the ability and ambition, and who really need financial support. Very few can make it without backing – Nacho Gonzalez being pretty much the only top current British pro I can think of. But we should only improve the improvable. Don’t try and improve a lot of people a little. Try and improve the people that really can improve a lot. With that in mind there are currently two good four-goalers with great potential that I think are worth supporting directly: Max Charlton and Richard Le Poer. As yet, they haven’t had the high-goal and are now supporting themselves entirely out of their own polo. Max Charlton already has the better horses but it’s only by getting two or three years in u Right: John Horswell and trusty sidekick Stripe
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Interview – John Horswell
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Feature
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Reports
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Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, Cowdray Park
Polo Times, August 2011
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Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, Cowdray Park
Lyndon’s young guns strike Gold
Reports
English-born patron Lyndon Lea led his Zacara side to the Gold Cup victory at Cowdray Park as the no-turning rule helped usher in a new era for the game
John O’Sullivan in West Sussex
Zacara Les Lions
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yndon Lea’s Zacara upset the odds at Cowdray Park to win the 2011 Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup with a nail-biting 12-11 victory over Joachim Gottschalk’s Les Lions. Having previously seen off the might of Adolfo Cambiaso’s Dubai and La Bamba de Areco – featuring 10-goalers Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres – the brilliant underdogs accounted for another one of the most famous names in the sport in the final by triumphing over the Merlos brothers, Sebastian and Tincho. Within seconds of the final bell, the match – which was ultimately decided by a goal by Tournament top scorer Photograph by Dominic James @ www.domj.eu
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Tincho Merlos most valuable player Gonzalo Deltour with two minutes left on the clock – was being hailed as one of the great Gold Cup finals. The sheer entertainment value, with the u Main picture: Gonzalo Deltour races clear of Sebastian Merlos as Zacara’s youthful exuberance overcame Les Lion’s experience. Inset: Lyndon Lea lifts the Gold Cup
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Youth polo
Young England in China
Presented by
Made in England, developed in China The performance of England’s emerging talents suggests that the country’s future looks bright and, once again, the scale and splendour of the latest event at Metropolitan Polo Club means China’s place on the international polo map also looks assured
H arriet Kay
in Tianjin, China
Photographs by Metropolitan Polo Club and Harriet Kay
Young England Young France
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ith the Eastern sun hanging high and proud over the sprawling development that is the remarkable Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, it was the performance of a touring group of young players from England that shone brightest last month at the 2011 Goldin Gold Cup. Young England illuminated the grounds from the perennial urban haze, producing the most exciting match of the weekend as they beat Young France comfortably on the Sunday with fast
and ferocious attacking polo and impressively proficient finishing. The two teams were made up of players aged between 15 and 17, with France’s chosen mainly from the Chantilly area and England’s individually plucked by coach David Woodd from Cheshire (Charlie Walton), Knepp Castle (Ralph Richardson) and Cowdray Park (Tommy Beresford and William Batchelor). Both sides started tentatively, conscious of the potentially tricky combination of their energetic Australian
Thoroughbreds, early nerves and a ground that was still rather untested. In the event, the ground played perfectly, though it had been in some doubt after heavy downpours on Friday left it wet for Saturday’s 18-goal game between Hong Kong Goldin and Du Domaine De Chantilly. Hong Kong Goldin (featuring resident Englishman John Fisher) won that game, 12-7, but the two teams played the conditions cautiously. That made it all the more enjoyable that Sunday’s battle of the youths was such a cracker. The boys’ initial jitters dissolved by the end of the first chukka, when France took the lead and England kicked into action. Spurred on after Chantilly’s Thomas Calascibetta followed up a penalty in midfield to score, Tommy Beresford immediately drew Young England level and
Right: England’s Charlie Walton takes the ball away from two Young France players, wearing brown
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Young England in China
then the superior teamwork of the British contingent allowed them to pull clear at the start of the second chukka. It was a lead they would never relinquish. Nevertheless, the French did have their opportunities. Louis Gay-Camilla persevered on goal with mixed success, and 15-year-old Dorian Bulteau did plenty of sterling work in defence. Bulteau was kept busy, however, as England played fast, flowing polo and produced attack after attack. They invariably started right at the back, as captain William Batchelor picked his passes from the number four position and the foursome played with great synergy as a team, despite just one practice before their game. “England’s superior experience was evident,” said Australian commentator Andrew Thompson. “It didn’t look like we were watching a zero goal match. They played exceptionally well.” The English passion and impressive confidence continued at the prize-giving, when the boys swiftly moved to introduce themselves to each of the female models also on the podium, scarcely noticing the 900 spectators or the awards they were presented with. Each of the England players put on spectacular performances, but it was
England’s victorious youngsters (Charlie Walton, Ralph Richardson, most valuable player Tommy Beresford, William Batchelor and reserve Tim Pearce-May) lift the Goldin Gold Cup to applause from the 900-strong crowd
the summer. “We’re offering week-long and 14-day courses for 10-18-year-olds,” said
Young England, coached by David Woodd, produced the most exciting match of the weekend to win comfortably Beresford’s tactical efforts that awarded him MVP. FIP President, Eduardo Huergo, presented the winning team with a stunning Garrard silver platter. Part of the reason the match was played was to highlight the club’s plans to develop youth polo through their junior equestrian and polo programme, which runs throughout
Youth polo
former Cirencester Park Polo Club secretary Isobel Branch, who is now a senior equestrian instructor at Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. “They’ll include riding lessons, an introduction to polo and basic horsecare, and will be broadly similar to a residential Pony Club event. The only major
difference will be that it’s based at a luxurious five-star hotel in a city rather than in tents on a windy hill!” F w S ee Harriet’s colourful social photographs from the sidelines on page 84
Game rating
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u G oldin Gold Cup; 2-3 July 2011; Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, China Result: Young England beat Young France, 9-3 Chukka scores (England): 1-1; 3-2; 6-2; 9-3 Most valuable player: Tommy Beresford Teams Young England: Charlie Walton; Ralph Richardson; Tomas Beresford; William Batchelor Young France: Thomas Calascibetta; Antoine Carli; Dorian Bulteau, Louis Gay-Camilla
Children taking part in the club’s junior equestrian and polo programme
Brieuc Rigaux goes after the ball in front of the scoreboard for Du Domaine De Chantilly in Saturday’s defeat to Hong Kong Goldin
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Knowledge
Travel – Desert Palm, Dubai
Dubai luxury without the chaos T Desert Palm offers a tranquil paradise just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dubai
Victoria Spicer in Dubai
he United Arab Emirates are all about ostentation — hotels with an abundance of gold and marble; the highest of high-rise towers dominating the skyline; lush gardens growing amid desert sands. But a short drive out of Dubai will take you somewhere that shows a completely different side to the engaging Emirates. The Desert Palm resort is a small, chic hotel set within a 150 acre polo club. It belongs to Ali Saeed Albwardy, a huge supporter and patron of the sport, who was gifted the land in 1993 from the Dubai government. His goal was to establish a polo club similar to the best of those in the United Kingdom and to help promote the sport in the Middle East. Now a firm favourite among the Dubai crowd, the Desert Palm attracts both international visitors and ex-pats who want to head out of the city to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Where is it? The resort is about 20min away from the international airport and from the centre of Dubai, with its myriad shops, restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect compromise between a quiet and relaxing holiday location yet with easy access to the Emirate’s bustling hub. For a place where bargains are difficult to come by, I was amazed to find that taxis are surprisingly affordable.
Left, the pool terrace at night. Above, an equestrian bronze in the beautiful gardens
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Travel – Desert Palm, Dubai
What is the vibe? Contrary to the ‘bling’ and excess of most other Dubai hotels, the Desert Palm is blissfully simple and stylish, with elegant decor and unique architecture. Modern artwork and sculptures adorn the main building, and there are only 28 rooms, suites and villas in total so the resort is never overcrowded. The bedrooms are stunning and the epitome of contemporary style, with features such as flat screen televisions and a Bang & Olufsen sound system,
There are four fields at the club, with more than 320 ponies while the villas offer the same styling with total privacy. Many of the rooms and villas have a terrace, giving perfect views over the polo fields. The clubhouse, by contrast, is designed with more of a colonial feel, and is open to players only. There are four polo fields, with more than 320 ponies in total, and the club caters to players from amateurs up to low and medium goal. Training is available on request, costing around £100 per lesson. Because of the extreme heat in Dubai, there’s no polo played between April and October.
presented, and there are plenty of other seafood or vegetarian options to choose from for those of a less carnivorous nature. The Gourmet Market overlooks the pool and offers more informal dining, from breakfast through to dinner, while the Red Bar – filled with polo memorabilia – is great for cocktails and more.
Full marks for… There’s no better place in Dubai for afternoon tea, served on the terrace, when there’s a polo match on. The views are brilliant, especially at sunset when you can see the Dubai skyline and the tallest tower in the world – the Burj Khalifa – through the haze in the distance. The spa is also well worth a visit, with treatments specifically catering to polo players.
Above, the main pool at Desert Palm. Left, a typical room, fitted with all the mod cons
Knowledge
Could do better… Dubai is always a bit of a building site, and even amid the tranquillity of the Desert Palm do you encounter construction work – which slightly disturbs the peace. F w For the latest news from around the world see this month’s bumper “Home and abroad” section on pages 46-55
Essentials Desert Palm, Dubai – United Arab Emirates +971 4323 8888; www.desertpalm.ae; info@desertpalm.ae Rooms from AED 954 (£165) per night for a Palm Deluxe room, up to AED 11700 (£2,000) per night for the Villa Layali, with prices more expensive during the winter season.
How’s the grub? The main restaurant is called Rare and aptly, the speciality is steaks – the Wagyu beef is particularly special. Dishes are beautifully cooked and
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The terrace overlooks the polo field to keep you in touch with the action while offering the best afternoon tea in Dubai
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Knowledge
Products
Smart at heart With Pony Club polo in full swing, Georgie May and Blair Abel pick out some of this season’s hottest children’s items for on and off the polo field, modelled here by eight-year-olds Zac Beim and Estelle Born
Childrens Liddesdale jacket by Barbour, £49.95
www.barbour.com Boys rugby shirt by La Martina, £58
www.lamartina.com
Junior Ted jeans by Joules, £28
www.joules.com
Junior Croquet dress by Joules, £37
www.joules.com
Navy alpargatas, £11
www.satsfaction.com Pink alpargatas, £14
www.rjpolo.com
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Products
Knowledge
Charles Owen Young Rider helmets, £125
www.satsfaction.com
La Martina polo shirts, £53
www.lamartina.com
Argentine mocha belt, £27.50
www.satsfaction.com
Childrens two-strap Velcro knee pads, £67.50
www.polosplice.co.uk
Shires suede half chaps, £16.99
www.tallyhofarm.co.uk
Dublin Daily jodhpur boot, £27.98
www.tallyhofarm.co.uk
Texan style polo boots, £345
www.satsfaction.com
Foot mallet, £12
www.galaxicopolo.com
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Harald Link and Heidi Hine Charlie Mayhew
Lunch-time entertainment
British Polo Day Watership Down, Berkshire – 2 July 2011
Pablo MacDonough
Guests dig deep A Pommery Champagne reception greeted a 400-strong crowd, including Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, Pablo MacDonough, Prince Harry, Richard Mille and Harald Link, at the British Polo Day at Watership Down in July. Felix defeated The Polo Magazine in the first game, before guests sat down to lunch and helped raise money for Tusk Trust and Sentebale through an auction, led by Glen Gilmore. In the afternoon, Richard Mille defeated Intercontinental Hotel, featuring Prince Harry. Prince Harry
w See page 48 for more information
Debbie Houghton
Rashid Albwardy and Maria Cambiaso A young Camino Real player in attack
Gaucho Sunset Polo Ham Polo Club – 1 July 2011
Sizzling sunset This year’s event, hosted by Ham, raised more than £50,000 for Adolfo Cambiaso’s charity Idea del Sur Foundation. The evening began with a junior polo match, featuring Cambiaso’s two children, Adolfito and Mia, followed later by an American tournament between Gaucho Veuve Clicquot, Camino Real and Horseware Ireland.
Adolfo and Maria Cambiaso with Fabián Scoltore
w Photographs by Mark Greenwood Adolfito Cambiaso
Zimi, Sim Sim and Kit Kat Al-Rifai, Adolfo and Adolfito Cambiaso and Lucas Criado with his children
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Sidelines
Glen Gilmore
Treading-in
Billy Zane Rosario Dawson
Nicolette Sheridan
Jamie MacLeod speaks to guests The Royal Salute Foundation team
Foundation Polo Challenge Santa Barbara, USA – 9 July 2011
Wills and Kate make up A-listers The Foundation Polo Challenge, held in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, raised money for charity and gave England tailor Tony Lutwyche the perfect opportunity to launch his new collection. Sponsors Royal Salute hosted an exclusive VIP three-course lunch by chef Giada De Laurentiis. In between the sumptuous dining, the Duke led his Royal Salute Foundation team to victory on the field.
Lucas Criado’s twins either side of Mia Cambiaso
Eddie Stobart and Pete McCormack
The Duke of Cambridge in action
Lucas Criado Junior and Adolfo Cambiaso Junior
w Read more on page 48
Rob Lowe
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Mia Cambiaso
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the prizegiving
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The Duke of Argyll
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Proud sponsors of the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup The private bank for polo. Proud supporters of leading polo teams and events worldwide.
Photo: David Lominska
Practitioners of the craft of private banking
EFG International’s global family of private banking businesses operates in over 50 locations in 30 countries. These include Zurich, Geneva, London, Paris, Monaco, Luxembourg, Stockholm, New York, Miami, Toronto, The Bahamas, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. www.efginternational.com
PT p100 cover.indd 1 EFGInt
- polo - eng – 230 x 300 mm +3 mm bleed - quadri - publication :Polo Times Gold Cup (22.04.2011)
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