Volume 22 • Issue 11 • December 2017 / January 2018 • £6.50
LA DOLFINA WIN THE DUO Men’s and Ladies’ Argentine Open Wins XI FIP WORLD POLO CHAMPIONSHIP All the Action from Australia ARGENTINE YOUTH SPECIAL Father Son Tournament & The Potrillos Cup PLUS: Homegrown action at The HPA National Club Championships
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside…
December 2017 / January 2018
Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk PR Manager & Editorial Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk
30
25 Women’s Polo
Advertising Sales
49 55 55
Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Advertising & Subscription Sales
Youth Polo
Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk
59 62 64
Principal Design James Morgan
Additional Design Tony Ruddy
Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk
Contributors: Anna Gorman BVSc MRCVS, Stephen Biddlecombe, Sam Gairdner, Mark Lynch, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Dr. Andreas Krüger, Ainsley Polo & ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Contact details
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk
© Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or
Cover Story: The First Ladies Argentine Open A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 minutes with… Mia Cambiaso
64 News 6 16 18
All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update
Comment 20
Your Views: Letter and Social Media
Features 22
Big Picture
Reports
All Aspects of Youth Polo Argentine Focus: Father Son Tournament La Mariana Argentine Focus: The Potrillos Cup
Knowledge
67 Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series 70 Equipment Focus: Bits – Mouth Sensitive Polo Pony 72 Ainsley Polo: What’s Your Horse Thinking? 74 Vet Insight: Keep That Back in Action 76 Polodoc: Clavicle Fracture – Breaking the Strut 78 Learn to Play: Play Polo
25 Cover Story: La Dolfina Win The Argentine Open 30 Cover Story: The HPA National Club Championships 35 Cover Story: XI FIP World Polo Championship 40 11th Manipur Polo International
Sidelines
Club Focus
Final Bell
Military Polo
SUBSCRIPTION PRICES
43
46 48
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Military: RAF Tour Argentina A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
80 82
Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know! Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory 89 96
What’s On in December and January? Passions: James ‘Jimbo’ Lester
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distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Cover photograph: Facundo Pieres and Pablo Mac Donough battle for possession in the 2017 Argentine Open Final. By © www.imagesofpolo.com
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P O LO’S O RI G INAL SUPP O RT ER S , A N D M A S T E R S I N O U R F I E L D S I N C E 174 9 . Justerini & Brooks. Portfolio, expertise and personal service. Justerinis.com/discover
News from the
Publisher Coronation Cup Venue & Date Change
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The prestigious Coronation Cup will be moving date and venue for 2018
Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), Stephen Hutchinson, has announced that the date for the 2018 Coronation Cup will be Saturday 28 July, with the event moving venue from its traditional home, Guards Polo Club, to the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. In July last year, the HPA signed a five year agreement with Flannels regarding their wide ranging support of English Polo; from the British Junior Polo Championships and the Young England games, to the England Ladies and national England team when it plays for the Coronation or Westchester Cup. The HPA are now in the process of signing an agreement with the Royal Berkshire, which will provide a hub for English polo. As well as providing grounds for the HPA, the Royal Berkshire will also, in due course, be providing a venue for meetings, seminars and coaching. “We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Royal Berkshire to hold next year’s Coronation Cup at the Club. It is a great location with excellent facilities and we have been watching with great interest the investment that the Club has been making in their grounds over the last four years. The Royal Berkshire has much to offer and the move will assist in re-invigorating this most important and classic event in our polo calendar.” said Stephen Hutchinson. Ticketing, hospitality and after-party packages will be released along with the exciting new event programme and format early in the New Year via www.coronationcuppolo.com
16th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2018 Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel
As 2017 draws to a close, I feel it is safe to conclude, polo has enjoyed a good year, and arguably, has outperformed its sceptics. British players have excelled, both at home and abroad: the Final of the Cowdray Gold Cup saw an almost unprecedented six British players out of the two finalists vying for the title; the XI World Polo Championships in Sydney witnessed England placed third out of the 86 countries that had originally entered; whilst in Argentina, the inaugural Women’s Open in Palermo featured three British ladies in the Final, including the world’s best lady player, 10-goaler Nina Clarkin. This season also witnessed the greatest number of young British players being selected for the high goal tournaments of both The Queen’s Cup, Guards and Gold Cup, with the youngest being Ned Hine at just 14 years old. It is hoped that Flannels’ renewed sponsorship of the England Team will allow the appropriate support to be given to English polo as a whole, but in particular, to these potential polo stars of the future. An All Party Parliamentary Group, (APPG) has now been officially formed and registered in the House of Commons. The APPG’S role is for backbench MPs to develop and lobby for Government policy and support around the sport of polo. This is a significant breakthrough for polo as it is the first time that the sport has had an official presence in Westminster. Many people have worked quietly and modestly without reward to achieve this progress for the betterment of polo. Times change and in order to continue to be successful, polo must also evolve and adjust to the challenges ahead. However, the detractors that snipe from the sidelines would do polo more justice to reflect on the endeavours of polo’s unsung heroes, than become keyboard warriors on social media. On behalf of the Polo Times Team, have a peaceful, fun-filled Christmas, and prosperous 2018. Nick Hine, Publisher
Tickets are now available for the 2018 Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel
The sleepy Alpine village of Kitzbühel will once again rumble with the sound of galloping hooves as six teams take to the snow polo ground for the 16th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel between 12 – 14 January 2018. Players from across the world will be congregating on the Austrian ice, with three days of exciting, fast and snow-filled polo, culminating in a thrilling Final. As well as the world-class polo, there is a VIP filled gala and sensational after-parties, to keep every aficionado entertained. Polo Times are the official media partner for this exciting event and will be on site to keep all our avid readers and followers in the know. A full report from the event will also appear in the February issue. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at kitzbuhelpolo.com 6
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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News King Power to Sponsor The Gold Cup
Photograph courtesy of the APPL
All Pro Polo League
The best players in the world came together at Pilarchico for the APPL exhibition match
Photograph courtesy of Retraining of Racehorses
Eight of the most renowned polo players in the world gathered at Pilarchico to take part in the Javier Tanoira’s All Pro Polo League on Wednesday 1 November. The exhibition match saw Team Pampas, consisting of Adolfo Cambiaso, Hilario Ulloa, Pablo Mac Donough and Nico Pieres take on Team Eagles; Juan Martin Nero, David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Gonzalito Pieres and Polito Pieres. Missing from the field was Facundo Pieres, who had been injured in The Hurlingham Open Final just days before, but he was on the sidelines, proudly supporting his teammates and friends. Unsurprisingly the match was fast-paced, open and extremely entertaining as the players showcased the new rule structure designed and implemented by Tanoira as seen as the APPL has toured across Europe this summer. In other news, stars from the past took to the polo field on Friday 24 November for the Golden Age Tour, which saw three teams play a round robin tournament at Pilarchico. Former high goal players such as Ernesto Trotz, Francisco ‘Pancho’ Bensadon and Alejandro Agote took part in the tournament which Team Eagles (Alejandro Agote, Ernesto Trotz, Gonzalo Azumendi & Francisco Bensadon) ultimately won, after claiming two victories.
Jack Richardson’s nine-year-old mare Harmony World is the 2017 Elite Polo Champion
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
On Friday 10 November, the news broke that the thrice Gold Cup winning King Power organisation will be sponsoring the Cowdray Park Polo Club based Gold Cup tournament for the next three years. Their team/s have had great success in the high goal circuit, but will not be playing in the 2018 high goal team list. Set up by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, in recent years the team/s have been hugely successful, notching up three Gold Cup Wins in 2015, 2016 and again this year. Winners of the 2015 Cartier Queen’s Cup and 2017 Semi Finalists, the King Power base, Billingbear, has become the hub of young British players’ development. This season saw James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster, Hugo Taylor and Charles Cooney sport the iconic King Power blue shirts alongside the 10 goal brothers Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres. 2017 was the team’s fourth year on Cowdray Park Polo Club’s hallowed Lawns 1 for the coveted Gold Cup Final, having reached the Final in 2014, narrowly losing out to Dubai, and having won the golden trophy in 2015 and 2016. The season was not a straightforward affair. Following an unsuccessful run in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, losing coincidentally to their Gold Cup Final rivals El Remanso, they came into the 2017 Gold Cup with vengeance on their minds. Other than their first match against the British side on 11 July, where they lost 9-8 in the qualifying stages, they won every other match and the Final was no different, beating El Remanso 13-8 at the final bell. Alongside their patronage of the polo world, King Power are also known for their support of Leicester City Football Club and Oud-Heverlee Leuven Football Club.
RoR Awards 2017
Helmet Rule Change Reminder
In breaking news, Jack Richardson’s pony nine-yearold mare, Harmony World has been awarded the 2017 RoR Elite Polo Champion Award. Harmony World ran a total of six races on the flat as a three-year-old and is part of Jack Richardson’s string. Jack currently owns around 30 retrained racehorses, twelve of which play in his main string and the others, all between two and six-years-old, are learning to become polo ponies. RoR is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of racehorses who have retired from racing. For more information visit www.ror.org.uk.
As of 1 January 2018, the Helmet rule will be changing. From this date, all helmets must be type approved to the standard PAS015:2011 with a CE Mark, SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12 or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015. Helmets can be purchased from approved stockists and must be worn when playing following the cut-off date. The HPA list of approved helmets are: Manufacturer
Model
Standard
Armis
Armis
PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014
Charles Owen
Palermo Polo
PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014
Charles Owen
Polo Edition
PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014
Charles Owen
Young Rider Polo
PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014
GPA
Speed Air/Polo X2
UTAC/CRITT 04/2015
Instinct Polo
Instinct Polo Helmet
PAS015:2011
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News Lipogems Equine Success Story
This scan shows the healing and regeneration of the tissue on 15 June 2016
The final scan in September shows normal tissue where the injury was before
USPA Announce 2018 Handicap Changes On 17 November the USPA announced outdoor handicap changes, which will come into effect as of 1 January 2018 (some are immediate and indicated as such on the list released). Diego Cavanagh has gone up from 8 to 9, Julian De Lusarreta has risen from 7 to 8 and Jesse Bray, fresh from his performance in the FIP World Championships in Sydney has moved from 6 to 7, to name but a few of the changes. Women’s Arena Handicaps have also been announced. For full listings of all changes please visit the USPA website www.uspolo.org
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
The late Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale will be invited into the Museum of Polo Hall of Fame in 2018
Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest Beach Polo tournament, is making its official return to the sands of South Beach, Miami, Florida. From 4 – 7 January, polo enthusiasts Beach Polo will return to South Beach, will gather at W South Beach to Miami, in January 2018 witness the resurgence of the world-class polo event. The four-day event is poised to be bigger and better than ever, with a brand-new layout, some of the best players and unprecedented daily activations. For more information, please visit www.thepololife.com
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Photograph courtesy of Beach Polo World Cup
Back to polo for this eight-year-old medium goal polo pony who was treated for a suspensory body desmitis in the forelimb on 23 May 2016. After three weeks, the improvement in fibre pattern on the ultrasound scans was remarkable and something that could only be hoped for at 12 weeks after PRP therapy. Rehabilitation comprised of 12 weeks of confinement with progressive walking exercise. The pony was turned out for the winter then came back into work and full schedule of games for the 2017 polo season. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www.lipogemsequine.com
The Museum of Polo, USA has announced the selections for the 2018 Polo Hall of Fame. The late Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale, Ruben Gracida, Jimmy Newman, Roy L. Barry and horses Lovely Sage and Ruifino will be joining the ranks of the polo elite, who have all been inducted since 1990. Sunny Hale will be honoured posthumously for her remarkable career and contributions to the sport, having reached a 5 goal handicap and made history to be the first woman to win the US Open. The ceremony will take place on Friday 16 February at the Museum of Polo, tickets to which are available now.
Photograph by Alice Gipps
The ultrasound scan pre-treatment showing the injured suspensory tendon tissue
Museum of Polo Hall of Fame
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News
The second annual Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo will take place on Sunday 7 January in the Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach, Queensland. As one of the most glamourous events on the polo calendar, Nacho Figueras has been named as a formal ambassador and also Captain of the Veuve Clicquot Magic Millions Polo Team for 2018. This event follows on from the recently successful Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles, that raised money for the Will Rogers State Historic Park, in which it was held. For more information about the event, or to book tickets, please visit the website www.magicmillions.com.au
International Gay Polo Tournament
Never Has a Hug Been so Snug Polo Times regular contributor Tilda Woodd has this month launched a gorgeous range of luxury, British-made children’s dressing gowns. Snughug is a one-of-akind British company that, as far we know, is the only manufacturuer making dressing gowns out of bamboo! They’re the perfect Christmas treat for your little ones, so head to www.snughug.co.uk now to take a look. 12
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
On Wednesday 8 November, the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) invited a group of local secondary school students to the sacred Palermo grounds in Buenos Aires to learn more about the sport of polo. The boys and girls took part in a polo clinic run by Juan José Araya, as well as a collection of other Local secondary school students took part in a morning’s polo training with a selection of high goal players. During the morning session, famous faces at the Palermo grounds. the four La Aguada Las Monjitas team members (Alejandro, Miguel and Ignacio Novillo Astrada & Alfredo Bigatti), as well as the Albertina Abu Dhabi foursome (Fran Elizalde, Ignacio & Santiago Toccalino, & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci) and three of the Cría Yatay team (Valerio Zubiaurre and Cristian & Ignacio Laprida) gathered to share their expertise with the young enthusiasts. The students learnt basic polo skills, then tried their hand at riding polo-style on both wooden horses and real ponies as well. The majority of the students were not only new to polo, but also new to horses in general. Everyone left happy and keen to return for their next session with the high goal professionals this coming weekend. They will also be attending the 124th Argentine Open HSBC Polo Championships, to see what fast-paced polo is all about. This session was all part of the AAP’s initiative to bring polo to the masses, thus increasing the sport’s popularity and potentially inspiring the players of tomorrow.
Bastian Fernandez Appeal Launched On 11 August earlier this year an Argentinian groom, Bastian Fernandez, employed by the Legacy Polo Club, fell off a horse and suffered major injuries to his fifth cervical vertebra. He was immediately flown to Zurich University Hospital by helicopter and operated on the same evening. One week later Basti was transferred to the Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil. The diagnois was quadriplegia: a paraplegia involving all four limbs. A very long and intensive rehabilitation awaits him. Bastian Fernandez suffered a serious fall in August this year and we are now There is good news in so far as his direct medical fees looking for help from the polo fraternity will be covered by accident insurance, however, all other subsequent costs won’t be covered by any insurance and Basti will have to pay for them himself. These include: - Retraining for reintegration into working life - Modifications to the house - Special bed - Handicap-accessible vehicle or a vehicle to transport him - Products to facilitate everyday life, such as a second wheelchair (e.g. for sports) A large part of these purchases and adjustments would normally be covered by the Swiss disability insurance (IV). However, due to Basti’s short-term residency in Switzerland, they won’t be covered in his case. Basti will depend on financial help for his livelihood for the rest of his life. The Legacy Polo Club have set up a foundation, the Basti Fund and are asking the polo community around the world for your support. The Legacy Polo Club said, “Every sum donated, large or small, is invaluable for Basti. Please support us in helping this young, polo-enthusiastic man, to tackle his challenging future. He will be dependent on additional financial support from third parties for the rest of his life.” For more information about how you can help Basti and to donate, please visit www.bastifund.org
Kaytlyn Rosalie Jornayvaz It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of 30-year-old Kaytlyn Rosalie Jornayvaz. She passed away peacefully on 27 October after back surgery. Born to parents Louisa and Bobby Jornayvaz, she studied at The Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London and later became a talented jewellery designer. Kaytlyn was an accomplished equestrian who studied Dressage in the USA and France and played polo alongside her father Bobby, the US Triple Crown winning Valiente patron. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph courtesy of the Bauti Fund
The Gay Polo League has announced that Land Rover Palm Beach will be sponsoring their prestigious title tournament, the ninth Annual International Gay Polo Tournament, set to take place between 5 – 8 April 2018 at IPC, Palm Beach. Founder and President of the Gay Polo League, Chip McKenney, said, “ We are so excited to sign Land Rover Palm Beach, such a prestigious and respected brand, as the title sponsor for the tournament.” For more information about the event, please visit the website www.gaypolo.com
AAP Educate the Masses
Photograph courtesy of the AAP
Magic Millions
News Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2017
Photograph courtesy of Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
St. Moritz Snow Polo Tickets
Tickets are now available for the 2018 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018 in the heart of the Engadin Valley and the birthplace of snow polo! Tickets for the three-day (26 – 27 January) tournament are now on sale. The teams for the 2018 snow polo spectacular have been announced, and feature top names such as father-son duo Chris and Jack Hyde, Hissam Ali Hyder and Dario Musso, to name but a few. Polo Times are the official media partner for this exciting event and will be on site to keep all our avid readers and followers in the know. A full report from the event will also appear in the March issue. Tickets can be bought on the website www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com
Book Corner Churchill at the Gallop, by Brough Scott
HPA Announces 2018 High Goal Dates
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
It is often a forgotten fact that horses played an important part in Winston Churchill’s life. They were his escape in childhood, his challenge in youth, his transport in war, his triumph in sport and his diversion in old age. Renowned equestrian author Brough Scott follows in Churchill’s footsteps in his recent biography Churchill at the Gallop, from galloping across the grounds at Blenheim Park to playing polo in India. The book is £25 and available to purchase from www.racingpost.com
Players from across the world will be gathering to take part in the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2017
Four teams have been confirmed to compete in the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2017, taking place between 14 – 15 December in Dubai. A purpose-built arena has been built at Skydive Dubai where a plethora of local and international players and spectators will be welcomed. For more information about the event, please visit www.beachpolocup.com The four teams are as follows: Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2017 Teams: Nissan Leaf: Rashed Albwardy, Tariq Albwardy & Matias Machado Hills Advertising L.L.C: Jan Bladen, Sam Instone & Juan Jose Storni Royal Pearls: Piero Dillier, Andreas Bihrer, Moritz Gaedeke & Lucas Labat Art Marine: Ayaad Damouni, Rashed al Sayegh & Maxi Malacalza
Dealing in Dreams, by John Collins John Collins is a name that’s synonymous with success. From his first job as a ‘tea boy’ at 15-years-old, having left school at that tender age, John has risen to become one of the most prolific businessmen of the century and a generous benefactor to the young, up and coming polo players in the UK. Published to commemorate Talacrest’s 30th anniversary, John’s career throughout the past 40 years is expertly told from his own, unique angle, explaining why he is so passionate about supporting the players of tomorrow. The book is £120 and is available to purchase from www.talacrest.com. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be shared between The Thames Valley Air Ambulance and The Racehorse Sanctuary.
www.polotimes.co.uk
King Power won the 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, a tournament that the brand will now be sponsoring for 2018
The HPA has announced the key high goal dates for the 2018 summer season. The dates are as follows: RCBPC Prince of Wales: 5 – 19 May 2018 Guards Polo Club Cartier Queen’s Cup: 22 May – 17 June 2018 Cirencester Park Polo Club Warwickshire: 19 – 24 June 2018 Cowdray Park Polo Club King Power Gold Cup: 26 June – 22 July 2018 RCBPC Coronation Cup: 28 July 2018 For more dates, please turn to our What’s On pages. Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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News
Toowoomba Spring Polo
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo Hooper Accountants retained the Spring Cup having beaten Chris Buckley Plumbing
Photography courtesy of Jim Rawlings
Action from the 2017 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo
O
n Saturday 23 September, some 2,000 polo enthusiasts flocked to Queens Park in Toowoomba, Australia for the second annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo. Set in Toowoomba’s iconic Queens Park situated on the edge of the Great Dividing Range 150kms west of Brisbane, the annual tournament perfectly aligns the beauty of the location with the extreme nature of the sport. Tina Rawlings has taken the event from conception to possibly the largest spectator event on the Queensland Polo Calendar in just two years. She has worked closely with the Downs Polo Club, the Queensland polo players and the Event Group Toowoomba to bring polo to Toowoomba’s Central Business District. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, now in its 68th year attracts over 100,000 visitors to admire the beautiful gardens in the
22 SEP
14
T 2,000 spectators
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Jim Rawlings
reports from Queensland
community of Toowoomba. The Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Paul Antonio said, “In only its second year, the Spring Polo has marked itself as a ‘must-do’ event during the 10 days of our national award winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Downs Polo Club had the vision of bringing polo to the people and with the organising capability of The Event Group Toowoomba, wonderfully supportive sponsors and a team of committed volunteers, the 2017 Spring Polo built on the success of the previous year”.
Where: Toowoomba, Australia
Mayor Antonio, hosted a delegation from Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay who were visiting Australia’s Garden City to learn from the people of Toowoomba regarding their parks and gardens, and what makes the annual festival so successful. Antonio was keen to show the international visitors something unique and time at the Spring Polo provided that opportunity. Two, three-a-side matches were held over the day at 3 and 10 goal level, on a modified field of 140m by 75m and with a soft ball for safety reasons. In a close first game, Hooper Accountants took an early lead, with the Chris Buckley Plumbing team making a strong come back in the third chukka, to go into the last chukka at 6-5 to Hooper Accountants. The teams then went goal for goal over the final chukka, with Hooper Accountants winning the game 8-7 and retaining the Spring Polo Cup. The AW Hooper Memorial Cup was fought out between Create Financial Solutions and Lexus Toowoomba, with Create Financial Solutions proving too strong for Lexus finishing with a final score of 8-4. The teams consisted of both local and international players and were as follows: The Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo Teams: Hooper Accountants (9): Richard Rawlings (3), Will Gilmore (4 – Capt) & Jim Rawlings (2) Chris Buckley Plumbing (10): Drew Slacksmith (2), Brodie Donovan (3) & Damien Johnson (5 – Capt) The AW Hooper Memorial Cup Teams: Lexus Toowoomba (3): Max Oleary (1 – Capt), Dean Fullerton (1) & Brodie Ratcliffe (1) Create Financial Solutions (3): Justin Still (0), Bingham Fitzhenry (3) & Mark Adamson (0) The date for the 2018 event has already been confirmed and will take place on Saturday 29 September 2018.
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Dealing in Dreams
A fascinating new book by John Collins
This book is a fascinating insight into the world of dealing in classic collector Ferraris and other exotic cars from John Collins. It tells the inside story about John Collins and Talacrest, from its beginning to present day and is also a wonderful catalogue of the world’s most fabulous cars that Talacrest and John have been involved with. With approximately 350 pages, the book is prolifically illustrated with stunning archive pictures. Published to commemorate Talacrest’s 30th Anniversary, the book documents the start of the business with borrowed capital from mates in the local pub, to the development of an enterprise which became the first Classic Car dealer to win a Queen’s Award for Export. Apart from the cars there are chapters about John’s personal life and achievements including his successful involvement with his own Polo Team which all makes for a great read. John’s connections with the Sport of King’s and love for horsepower is close to his heart and proceeds from the sale of this book wil be shared between two charities The Thames Valley Air Ambulance and The Racehorse Sanctuary.
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HPA News
HPA News The latest news both home and abroad from the HPA
International Matches Over the winter season, numerous British players have been invited to play across the globe. The breakdown is as follows: • Manipur, India – A Flannels England team played in the 11th Manipur Polo International tournament organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association to raise awareness of the Manipuri breed of ponies, the original ‘polo ponies’. The team who lost to Argentina in the Semi Finals, was: Flannels England Manipur Team (6): George Shelton (1), Ben Eeley (2), Robin Ormerod (1) & Phil Seller (2) • Dubai – A Flannels England team has been invited to play in Dubai at the Al Habtoor Polo Club and Resort on Friday 16 March against an Al Habtoor UAE side. • South Africa – A UK team has been invited to play in South Africa (Plett) on Friday 29 December. • China Snow Polo – It appears likely that an England team will be invited to play in the FIP Snow Polo World Cup in Tianjin. We will inform readers once we know more.
• Rutland Assam Cup: 25 June – 1 July • Cheshire 4 Goal: 9 – 15 July • Cambridge County 4 Goal: 23 – 29 July • Tidworth Rundle Cup: 7 – 12 August • New Forest 4 Goal: 14 – 19 August
Victor Ludorum Programme 2018 The Victor Ludorum programme for 2018 has been finalised and can be found on the website www.hpa-polo.co.uk The dates are as follows:
Christmas Opening Hours The HPA office will be closed for the Christmas break from Friday 22 December to Tuesday 2 January 2018.
18 Goal • Cowdray Park Duke of Sutherland: 21 May – 10 June • Cirencester Apsley Cup: 13 June – 1 July • Guards Indian Empire Shield: 3 – 21 July • Cowdray Park Challenge Cup: 23 July – 5 August 15 Goal • Guards Royal Windsor Cup: 5 – 24 June • RCBPC Eduardo Moore Trophy: 26 June – 14 July • Cowdray Park Harrison Cup: 16 July – 4 August • Cirencester Park County Cup: 7 – 18 August • Beaufort Arthur Lucas: 21 August – 2 September 12 Goal • Cowdray Park Dollar Cup: 14 May – 3 June • RCBPC John Prestwich: 4 – 16 June • Beaufort Prince of Wales: 18 – 30 June • Cirencester Queen Mother Trophy: 2 – 15 July • Guards Duke of Wellington: 4 – 19 August • Cirencester Cheltenham Cup: 28 August – 9 September • Cowdray Park Autumn League: 10 – 23 September
Victrix Ludorum 18 Goal • Knepp Castle 18 Goal: 11 – 15 July • Cowdray Park 18 Goal: 13 – 21 July • Cirencester 18 Goal: 24 – 29 July • Beaufort 18 Goal: 27 July – 4 August • RCBPC 18 Goal: 4 – 12 August • Guards 18 Goal: 21 August – 1 September Hurlingham Polo 1875 The website www.hurlinghampolo1875.com has a wide range of clothing available, including team shirts, whites and polo gloves. By supporting the brand you are supporting UK polo.
Provisional Meeting Dates The following provisional meeting dates have been proposed. The location is yet to be confirmed.
Tue 2 Jan
Mon 12 Feb Wed 28 Feb
Arena Handicap and Rules Arena International Umpire and Rules Disciplinary International
Helmet Rule Change 2018 Please be aware that the Helmet rule comes into force on 1 January 2018. The helmet manufacturers have been and will be busy in the coming months up to cut off date. So, if you want one in the colours of your choice, order it now as otherwise you might have to take whatever is available.
8 Goal • Cirencester Gerald Balding: 14 – 28 May • Guards Archie David: 8 June – 1 July • RCBPC Hipwood Trophy: 4 – 21 July • Cowdray Park Holden White: 23 July – 5 August • Beaufort Wichenford Bowl: 13 – 27 August
4 Goal • Burningfold 4 Goal: 5 – 10 June 16
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Photograph courtesy of Ibungochoubi N
6 Goal • Dallas Burston Stoneythorpe Cup: 14 – 27 May • Beaufort Rojas Lanusse Trophy: 5 – 16 June • Kirtlington Budgett Everett Trophy: 2 – 12 August • HPC, The London Polo Club Roehampton Cup: 14 – 26 August • Cirencester Kingscote Cup: 28 August – 8 September
The Flannels England team took part in the 2017 Manipur Polo International
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FIP News
FIP Update
Photography courtesy of World Cup Polo Pty Ltd
President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
The England team celebrated their bronze win with vigour
Victorious Argentina took home the ultimate prize
The coming together of the Australian Polo Community was an extraordinary thing to witness at the XI FIP World Polo Championship. Such generosity and passion from every element of the polo and horse world came together in support of the World Polo Championship played in Hawkesbury at the Sydney Polo Club, under the great
management of the whole Higgins family who had poured their heart and souls into this week long event; along with an amazing team and some 650 volunteers from all over Australia. The esprit du corps of those who kindly and proudly lent their horses, from the East, West, North and South of Australia meant that some 300 horses were offered up to
England and the USA fought ferociously for the win
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
the eight teams and lovingly cared for by the grooms. Anto White and Jim Gilmore, ably supported by Jose Litirigoygen, graded them into A, B & C categories (with remarkably few in the final category) and the upshot was the great polo played for the enjoyment of the general public and polo watchers alike. Included at the event was an impressive art exhibition, kids playground, shopping area for all kinds of goods for clothing, leather goods, hats and much, much more. Food and beverage outlets were on hand to cater for all tastes as well as bars and bands. Shows of rodeo, jousting, fashion and last but not least, the reason for it all, some spectacular 14 goal polo battles to win the XI FIP World Polo Championship. The weather in Hawkesbury was also extremely generous. When it decided to rain it was light for most of the day and fell on one of the no-play days, with thunder, lightening and driving rain overnight and more rain on another no-play day. It was a testament to the two international fields that were used and were drained so well that there was little or no sign of any damage when it came to the matches. The superb fields held up impressively throughout the tournament beyond all expectations. FIP cannot thank the very broad spectrum of the Australian Polo community enough, from the Australian Polo Federation, the NSW Polo Association to the NSW Government for their unstinting support of the event and not least the Higgins Family and Sydney Polo Club for entertaining all the visitors and athletes from around the world in such great style. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only
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Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,
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From Elizabeth Humphreys at the passing of Dover “Few creatures on earth epitomize the spirit of polo the way one little terrier did, Dover Dog. Many in the British polo community will recognize this enigmatic pooch from the pony lines. She was the long-time navigator for her human, Harold Hodges; always in the passenger seat whist he travelled around playing polo. From the University Nationals to the Gold Cup, Dover was always at the sidelines at polo clubs across the country. She was beloved by university students and polo players for her sweet temperament and feared by larger dogs for her powerful personality. A friend to all but the vermin she so diligently removed from barns, Dover was a legend in the polo world. It is a beautiful thing for a dog to be so loved by a human that when the dog passes the human mourns; it says mountains about Dover, then, that she was mourned by humans all over the world. When Harold announced the news of her passing we wept from London to Los Angeles. The feisty little terrier had been around so long one could be forgiven for believing that she would live forever. But, her time spectating from the pony lines and entertaining spectators with a game of fetch have come to an end. There were many polo dogs before, and there will be many to follow, but none of us who knew her will ever forget little Dover Dog.”
Sticks, skis, shorts… surfboards? Polo pros have a hard time packing as the global game moves from Argentina to Austria, Switzerland to South Africa, Miami to India and everywhere in between
Photograph courtesy of Harold Hodges
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Quick Question On 18 November, Adolfo Cambiaso played his 100th Argentine Open match, but in what year did he first win the Argentine Open and for a bonus point, how old was he?
A: Turn to page 88 to check your answer.
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
@cavallini_horses Saturday guys!!! #cavallinihorses #showjumping #showjumper #horseriding #equestrian #horserider #cavallini #horses #equestrianstyle #equestrianlife #horse #tack #saturdaynight #saturday #guys #friends #party @Regranned from @tackville
@yarravalleypolo The new boards will be arriving next week ready for the Yarra Valley Christmas polo. Book your tickets now, don’t miss out on the fast action on the recently upgraded field. @samcstott #christmaspolo#newboards#stitch#watching#polo
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the
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
picture
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Supporter Spectacle A brand new year and a new Palermo, filled to bursting point with vocal and demonstrative supporters. And none so enthusiastic as the Uruguayan crowd that gathered once again in the stands next to the La Dolfina tent to cheer on their beloved national hero David ‘Pelón’ Stirling who this year, with the support of a huge crowd behind him went on to win the record of the highest number of Argentine Opens won by a non-Argentine player. The record was previously held by Mexican Carlos Gracida with five wins. Pelón is Uruguay’s Golden Boy and quite rightly. The cheering could be heard echoing around the ‘Cathedral of Polo’. w Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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The Argentine Open, Argentina
Reports
The Clash of the Titans, Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso go head to head once again
The Winner Takes It All F The pinnacle of Argentine polo at the ‘Catedral’ or every polo lover, October, November and December are months to be merry as the top players of the world play to the home crowd. This year was no different and thrills, spills and a battle of wills was the order of the day throughout the Argentine Spring. The Triple Crown is always an incredible affair and this year was edge of the seat exciting.
The Tortugas Open
The Tortugas Open was a speedy affair, with just five games determining the outcome. The habitual Ellerstina Johor vs La Dolfina Sancor Seguros Final match-up was determined in the impressive stadium of Palermo due to inclement weather making the grounds of Tortugas Country Club too dangerous to play. After a surprisingly onesided affair, the first of The Triple Crown www.polotimes.co.uk
trophies was safely tucked up in bed in the home of the defending champions La Dolfina, winners of the title for the last five years, and it was time to move on to The Hurlingham Open.
The Hurlingham Open
For many, this year’s Hurlingham Open was the highlight of the season, affording a change from watching La Dolfina, who have monopolized the spotlight and been in every Triple Crown Final since 2010. The Semi Finals of this tournament were the highlights, with two incredibly exciting matches in which La Aguada Las Monjitas gave Ellerstina a run for their money, but were unable to seal the deal, losing out on a spot in the Final by just one goal. Alegría defeated La Dolfina in an unexpectedly strong performance, leaving the La Dolfina side reeling while Alegría rode the high all
Katie Vickery
reports from Argentina
the way to the Final on Saturday 28 October. Alegría took to the field and were all over the boys in black from the first throw-in. It didn’t seem to be the Ellerstina of old that they were facing as the fuchsia clad Alegría side were everywhere and Ellerstina seemed almost lost, unfamiliar as they are to being dominated. Everywhere you looked it was pink in charge. It was a quick, dynamic game and Alegría only seemed to be gaining in momentum as their confidence grew, working beautifully as a team to finish three goals up at half-time. Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Reports
The Argentine Open, Argentina
A horrible fall for Ellerstina’s playmaker Facundo Pieres in the fifth chukka changed the whole dynamic of the game, ironically not the way one would have expected. It was Alegría who seemed to lose confidence in themselves, allowing Ellerstina to take control and cruise through with their sub Lucas James to a 16-14 victory.
The Argentine Open
November brought with it a new challenge and another clash of the titans, it was back to the status quo with this tournament as Ellerstina and La Dolfina sailed through the qualifying rounds, leaving nothing to chance and winning matches by up to 15 goals. With 10 teams in the tournament, as opposed to the customary eight, there were plenty of matches and polo excitement for onlookers to sink their teeth into, with a whopping 21 matches going on throughout November. The Semi Finals were a mixed bag with La Dolfina defeating La Aguada Las Monjitas by a country mile, while the next day Alegría gave Ellerstina a good run for their money in a close match that nearly heralded another upset to the norm. Ellerstina held on though to defeat them 15-14 and take their place opposite their rivals for the fourth consecutive Argentine Open Final match-up. The crowds were bigger than ever as the two teams took to the iconic Palermo Field 1. There was banging of drums, shouts and whistles and even a team trumpeter or two which added to the atmosphere of excitement as the match got underway. La Dolfina, usually the first to draw blood, entering the field with aggression, did not come out with their usual bang; allowing Ellerstina to control the first two chukkas. Ellerstina worked hard to shut down the 10 goalers, forcing them to play the ball rather than carry it and not allowing them to hit cleanly. Sticking to their coach Mariano Aguerre’s advice they forced the usually flawless team to be less accurate in front of goal, missing some easy shots and leaving Ellerstina with opportunities which they
All to play for as the most anticipated Final of the year gets underway
were quick to capitalise on. Some great field goals from Polito ‘La Zeta’ Pieres, saw them leading 4-3 after the second chukka. However, La Dolfina soon found their form again, running goal for goal and keeping things on an even keel. A hard-worked field goal from Polito in the third chukka saw Ellerstina take the lead again, but it didn’t last long and the lead switched between the two teams as they battled it out on the field in quick, open plays that changed direction in the blink of an eye. At the break it was anyone’s game, all tied up at 8-8.
A half-time show kept the crowds entertained with Argentine folklore dancing, tango and a Criollo horse demonstration, showing the finest of Argentine traditions as the teams rested and regrouped in the team tents. Ellerstina started to get some momentum in the second half, coming away from halftime with a renewed determination resulting in two quick goals, but a well-timed ‘time out’ from Cambiaso seemed to ruin their flow somewhat, allowing La Dolfina to make a quick comeback. La Dolfina made the most of the break in momentum and started to score and soon pulled away to give Ellerstina some hard work to do to catch up. La Dolfina were three goals up going in to the last chukka leaving Ellerstina trailing and it looked like a done deal. Taking their cue from the Ellerstina girls who had played on Field 2 just a couple of hours before, the boys in black came in to the final chukka hungry. An incredible last chukka saw them score three times in the second half of the chukka to draw even, as the crowd watched
Sold out stands packed with enthusiastic spectators
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
Facundo Pieres battles it out with Pablo Mac Donough
The HSBC Argentine Open Final teams: Johor Ellerstina (39) Pablo Pieres (9)
Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 9 Champion: 0 Triple Crowns: 0
Gonzalito Pieres (10)
Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 1999 Played: 19 Champion: 3 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010)
Facundo Pieres (10)
Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 2003 Played: 15 Champion: 3 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010)
Nicolás Pieres (10)
Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 9 Champion: 1 Triple Crowns: 0
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La Dolfina Sancor Seguros (40) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)
Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 1992 Played: 25 Champion: 14 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 1994 and 4 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016)
David Stirling, Jr. (10)
Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 9 Champion: 6 Triple Crowns: 3 (with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)
Pablo MacDonough (10)
Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 2002 Played: 16 Champion: 8 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)
Juan Martín Nero (10)
Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2004 Played: 14 Champion: 8 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Reports
The Argentine Open, Argentina
Statistics supplied by Fantasy Polo:
4
Result: La Dolfina beat Ellerstina 14-13 in extra chukka
N
Chukka Score: 1-3, 3-4, 5-4, 7-6, 8-8, 11-9, 13-10, 13-13, 14-13.
FINA
OV
2
L
DEC
MVP Juan Martín Nero
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Polito Pieres (26 field goals and 12 penalties)
Where: Field 1 Palermo, Buenos Aires
Top Goal Scorers of the Final: Adolfo Cambiaso (2 field goals and 6 penalties) and Polito Pieres (7 field goals and 1 penalty)
on hypnotised at this unexpected turn of events. A field goal from Polito plus a foul with one minute to go by Nero gave Ellerstina the chance to equalise with a 60 yard penalty which Facundo slotted powerfully through the posts, cool as a cucumber! It was another La Dolfina/Ellerstina extra chukka and both teams took to the field with fire in their bellies. The play whizzed from one end to the other in tantalizingly close calls, but it was to be a phenomenal team goal that would see La Dolfina take their fifth consecutive title. As if the pressure was nothing, not a single La Dolfina feather was ruffled and as Cambiaso waited patiently in the defending corner for his chance, his teammates arranged themselves perfectly up the field awaiting their chance to play their role in the victory. While Mac Donough and Stirling worked hard clearing the field, Cambiaso ran the ball to the halfway line before hitting a huge 90 yard pass to goal, leaving the ball perfectly positioned on the end of the awaiting Nero’s stick, who faithfully cut it in to goal to seal the victory for the indomitable foursome once again. Stirling said after the match, “It’s an amazing feeling the day after, it’s all worth it when it turns out like that! It was a tough game to play and I think perhaps we didn’t play the best game. I think that was because they didn’t let us, but we worked it out ok and found how to play to win it! That’s what makes the team great and I’m very thankful to everyone that takes part in all of this!” For all the social pictures from the event please turn to our Sidelines pages.
Best Mounted of the Tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso
Best Mounted of the Final: Juan Martín Nero
Biggest Fouler: Facundo Pieres
BPP Best Playing Pony: Dolfina Clone 09 Cuartetera, played by Adolfo Cambiaso
Penalty Accuracy Facundo Pieres/ Polito Pieres: 100% (4 in out of 4) Penalty Accuracy Adolfo Cambiaso /Juan Martín Nero: 89% (8 in out of 9)
Throw-Ins La Dolfina: 18 Throw-Ins Ellerstina: 11
3
Third man: Guillermo Villaneuva
Field Goal Accuracy La Dolfina: 50% (6 goals from 12 shots to goal) Field Goal Accuracy Ellerstina: 56% (9 goals from 16 shots to goal)
10 Teams
Esteban Ferrari & Gastón Dorignac Jr
The Final of the First Women’s Argentine Open also took place on Saturday 2 December. Please turn to our Women’s pages for the full report. 28
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Patriotic pride as the stadium swells with the national anthem
www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Youth Wins the Day It’s another winning year for Young, Dumb & Broke and Regal Warriors
Jen Liggins
reports from Berkshire
MVP Nell Jacob and highest goal-scorer James Mann battle for the line
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
www.polotimes.co.uk
The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Reports
The HPA 3 Goal National Club Championships Final Teams Young, Dumb & Broke Will Newman Genevieve Meadows Nell Jacob
(3) (0) (1) (2)
Windlebrook Farm Charley Howell Georgia Sweeney James Mann
(3) (0) (1) (2)
Chukka scores: 3-2, 6-5, 9-9, 16-15 to Young, Dumb & Broke
FINA
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: James Mann
21 3 NO
V
L
DEC
BPP Best Playing Pony:
Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography and Polo Times
Anita
Umpires: Howard Smith & Marcus Hancock with Simon McDonald third man
Young, Dumb & Broke won the HPA 3 Goal National Club Championship
www.polotimes.co.uk
MVP
I
Nell Jacob
n a welcome respite from the bitter winter winds, the clement weather on Sunday 3 December was the perfect backdrop for the Finals of the first weekend of HPA winter tournaments, the 3 and 12 Goal HPA National Club Championships at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. In the first match of the day, the 3 Goal Final, two teams of young, passionate and downright determined players took to the field, to battle it out for the sought-after silverware – and what a battle it was! The away team, Windlebrook Farm, were in theory the stronger team, with experienced James Mann at back and arena stalwart Georgia Sweeney at number two, but as the match progressed it became evident that the home team Young, Dumb & Broke were a force to be reckoned with. As commentator Jan-Erik Franck put it, “Genevieve Meadows has definitely listened to the 100,000 hours of training from her father”, as she stormed up and down the arena ably assisted by The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Nell Jacob, both scoring perfectly timed goals to keep an all-important lead on the competition at all times. As the teams went into the final chukka it was 9-9 on the scoreboard. In a flurry of activity, 11 goals were scored in the final chukka, but Windlebrook Farm just couldn’t catch the home team, and with a final goal from the team in white, Young, Dumb & Broke took home the trophy, 16-15. Following a brief break to refill the spectator’s cups of mulled wine and indulge in a delicious snack from the BBQ, the 12 Goal stalwarts Mighty Titans and the 2016 Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Reports
The HPA National Club Championships
Max Charlton manoeuvred perfectly to secure a free run to goal
Regal Warriors beat Mighty Titans to win the HPA 12 Goal National Club Championship for the second year running
winners Regal Warriors paraded into the arena for the rematch of the year, ready to show each other what they were made of. Both teams came out of the starting blocks with fervour, as each player battled it out for possession. Max Charlton, playing all of his 9 goal arena handicap, began the scoring for Regal Warriors, perfectly placing the ball four times in the first chukka, all of which were answered by the expert duo of Pedro de Lamare and Adolfo Casabal. As tensions heightened and Casabal’s voice rang through the rafters, Regal Warriors took control of the match, with perfect team plays evidently practiced in the run-up to the big game. Mighty Titans couldn’t keep up with Charlton’s goal-scoring pace and as the final chukka came to a close, Raph Singh and Celio Garcera sealed the Titan’s fate with two goals apiece. The final bell sounded and with a roar from the crowd of supporters, the two-time champions, Regal Warriors reinstated the HPA 12 Goal National Club Championship silverware on their mantelpiece with a resounding 20-14 score.
Chukka scores: 4-4, 10-6, 13-10, 20-14 to Regal Warriors
FINA
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Max Charlton
21 3 NO
V
L
DEC
BPP
MVP
Best Playing Pony:
Twilight
Umpires: Howard Smith & Marcus Hancock with Simon McDonald third man
To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Ponies Anita and Twilight turn to our Pony Power pages 32
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Max Charlton
The HPA 12 Goal National Club Championships Final teams Regal Warriors Raph Singh Celio Garcera Max Charlton
(12) (2) (1) (9)
Mighty Titans (12) Jess Van Der Velden (0) Pedro De Lamare (5) Adolfo Casabal (7) www.polotimes.co.uk
www.andrewsbowen.co.uk “The team from Andrews Bowen were quick, highly professional and come with a wealth of knowledge” Karl Martinez
OUR CONTINUED RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT ALLOWS US TO PRODUCE TOP PERFORMANCE SURFACES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES
Reports
Photography courtesy of FIP
XI FIP World Polo Championships, Australia
Team Argentina, XI FIP World Polo Championships winners
Fabulous FIP The 86 competing countries whittle down to one as Argentina are crowned victors
Richenda Hine
reports from Australia
All good things are worth the wait, and the FIP World Championships Sydney did not disappoint. It was clear from the start that the Higgins family, who own and run the Sydney Polo Club which hosted the tournament had invested a huge amount; not just financially, but also in time, effort and passion. In partnership with Visit New South Wales – who had also lent their support to this gathering of the FIP polo clans from around the world – the event was lavishly hosted from start to finish. Polo was of course the reason for our interest, but there was plenty for the general www.polotimes.co.uk
public: jousting, rodeo, dressage, fashion shows, art exhibitions, live music… you name it, it was on tap. The week-long celebration of polo started with the Opening Ceremony and saw a plethora of matches to determine the Finalists. England had a disappointing start, missing out to New Zealand which put a question mark on their trajectory to the Final. Likewise, the hosts Australia, had a bad day at the office in their game against the USA which dented confidence and left them trailing in the team rankings.
Super Saturday
With teams jostling for position, the hotly anticipated ‘Super Saturday’ dawned, as an epic four matches were played to determine which teams would make it through to the Final the next day. The first match of the day was between New Zealand and India. The consensus from
the sidelines was that India had improved with every game they had played and they did not disappoint; well and truly ditching the ‘gentleman’s game’ they had come to the Championships with, to front up to New Zealand and give them a good run for their money. However, the Kiwis held form and clinched the victory. Second up, as the temperature rose, so did the action on the Supremo Field as Spain took on the USA. Despite valiant attempts to shake the American defence, Spain were unable to make or hold ground and ended up conceding defeat with a somewhat conclusive 15 to 9½ scoreline. “The USA is a tough team and well organised” conceded the Spain Coach, Benjamin Araya, “…to win you have to be good for the full time and not just a couple of chukkas”. Then it was over to the International Field where it was time for the British team to take on reigning champions, Chile. Due to some FIP algorithms which seemed to have everybody baffled, England had to beat Chile by a margin of five goals to secure a place in the Final, however, win or lose Chile had a place in the Final. As the game started, Peter Webb scored from a penalty, but despite this, England seemed to be somewhat slow to start. The game was heavily laden with whistle from Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
35
Reports
High speed action from the Final between Argentina and Chile
the off which saw Satnam Dhillon yellow carded for umpire chat back due to team frustrations with the seemingly incessant whistle. Despite this, by the end of the second chukka, Dhillon had rediscovered his rhythm, scoring a spectacular goal and dominating the play with apparent ease. England woke up and were well into the game so that at half-time it was all to play for with England leading 5 goals to Chile’s 4. So it continued into the second half, with England looking like they may be able even to stretch the lead to the necessary five goal margin, but as the 36
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
bell sounded for the end of the fifth chukka the score was 7-5 to England. A great result, but bafflingly not enough to secure the Brits a place in the Final. Then it was the turn of Australia to do battle with Argentina. As the crowds gathered, the USA team were (secretly) supporting the Australian team because if the Aussies won by a margin of more than three goals it would mean the Argentinians would be out of the Final and the USA would have a place. Confused? We all were, the Aussie polo cognoscenti were too…
And so to the last match of the day. Battling for the last place in the Final, Argentina (who due to a team change received a half goal advantage) displayed the play that had been so effective so far in the tournament, playing to the man and viewing the ball as a secondary concern. However, Australia came out on fire, well and truly ‘meet and greeting’ the Argentinians with great play in the first chukka. Of particular note was the young 22-year-old James Lester playing with verve and talent to score a spectacular goal in the second chukka. www.polotimes.co.uk
XI FIP World Polo Championships, Australia
Scorching action between England and USA was matched by soaring temperatures off the field
Final Sunday
Good Idea!
During the tournament the players sported hat covers which made the players easy to identify. The best ideas are so simple! No.1 = Green hat, No.2 = Blue hat, No.3 = Red hat, No.4 = Black hat But his luck was not to last as he collided with the goal post and was unable to continue to play. He was substituted by Dan O’Leary, who seemed to be somewhat overawed by the occasion. Picking up a yellow card for over attendance to the brilliant Valentin Novillo Astrada, he struggled to fill Lester’s boots, only finding his rhythm towards the end of the game when it was a case of too little too late. Despite such an encouraging start, Australia lost out to Argentina by a definitive 9-5½ margin. www.polotimes.co.uk
The soaring temperatures were equally matched with scorching action on the International field as the final four teams, out of the original 86 countries, prepared to battle it out for a podium place. The first Final of the day was between England and USA for third place and the players did not disappoint, with a very tight game which saw close marking resulting in few opportunities to score. England initially pulled ahead with Satnam Dhillon, Peter Webb and Henry Porter all finding the posts to only one in reply from the USA during the first chukka. So the England dominance continued, meaning that going into the final chukka they had led throughout with the score resting at 4-3. However, the USA did not go down without a fight and great play saw two American goals in quick succession allow them to pull ahead for the first time in the game. However, with just moments to go to the bell Dhillon scored to bring it to 5 all, meaning an extra chukka. Tense times ensued for the England supporters, but Webb saved the day with the winning goal safely dispatched to bring the final score to 6-5 in England’s favour, thus securing them third place. Next up, it was the turn of defending champions Chile to see off the advances of Argentina. Young 17-year-old Tomas Panelo for Argentina had impressed so much in earlier qualifying matches in the tournament that his handicap had been raised from 2 to 3. Thus, Argentina as a 15 goal team, conceded a goal to Chile at the start of the Final. To start with, the match did not really live up to expectations, with close marking, lots of whistle, penalties aplenty and gaps in the play for tack issues. Add to that the
Reports
pressure of the occasion causing unusual errors and the result was a slow scoring game. Argentina dominated the possession winning the majority of the throw-ins, but they did not necessarily convert that to goals in the face of strong Chilean defence. At half-time it was too close to call with Argentina just nudging the advantage at 3-2. However, in the second half, the teams’ afterburners were well and truly ignited as the quality and speed of the game increased amazingly. Going into the sixth chukka, it was all sixes: sixth chukka and both teams drawn at six goals apiece. The tension rose as Chile found the posts in the seventh minute but with less than 30 seconds to go to the final bell, Argentina replied to draw the scores at 7 all. Then it was the turn of the sevens to be the theme: seventh chukka and seven goals all round – but before anybody had time to consider the options, young 17-year-old Tomas Panelo capitalised on a mistake by Chile and found the posts, bringing the final score to rest at 8-7 to Argentina. The presentation followed, which equalled the pomp and ceremony of any high goal tournament around the world. Speeches, bag pipes, mounted Australian Cavalry horses, numerous awards and congratulations ensued – it was a true celebration. And so, the XI FIP World Polo Championships drew to a close. The most lasting impression for Polo Times who were at the event, was the truly amazing horsepower which had been organised and amassed for the event. 270 horses from 100 owners from all over Australia had been loaned for the tournament without charge. As with fuel and tyres in F1, the horses all also had the same level of feed so as not to give any one team an unfair advantage and they were carefully numbered and each were easily tracked by large numbers on their hindquarters (and brands on hooves) and accurate listing in the programme. It was a job exceptionally well done by Anto White, Glen Gilmore, Pat McGinley and helped by Jose Litirigoygen. The generosity of the lenders was repaid as their ponies were admired and coveted – the word on the sidelines being that many of these ponies would no doubt be changing hands, now that they had been showcased by professional players on fast fields. The Australian polo community had worked together, enjoying this event to honour their fantastic horsepower and also their cooperation and cohesion. Of particular note however, must be the drive and ambition of Sydney Polo Club’s Peter Higgins, for without he and his family’s unswerving commitment to the success of the event, it very probably would never have taken place. Many around the world could learn from their Australian counterpart’s example in what was a great event at many levels. For social images of the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages. Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Reports
XI FIP World Polo Championships, Australia
Result: Argentina beat Chile, 8-7 Chukka scores: 1-1, 2-2, 4-3, 3-2, 4-4, 6-6, 8-7 to Argentina
FINA
21 29 OC
T
L
OCT
86 Countries took part in the qualifiers GOLD WINNERS: Argentina Lucio Fernandez Ocampo Hector Guerrero Valentin Novillo Astrada Tomas Panelo
Where: Sydney Polo Club, Australia
BPP
BPP
BPP OF FINAL Milo, owned by Jack & Steve Mantova (Judged by Argentine team)
SUPREME PONY CHAMPION Hustler, owned by the Higgins Family
Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, President of the Federation of International Polo
(15) (2) (5) (5) (3)
SILVER RUNNERS UP: Chile Jose Ignacio Martinez Jose Zegers Andes Vial Pieres Jose Miguel Pereira Riesco
(14) (2) (5) (3) (4)
PARTICIPATING TEAMS: BRONZE RUNNERS UP: England (14): Ed Banner Eve (2), Satnam Dhillon (5), Henry Porter (2) & Peter Webb (5) Australia (14): James Lester (3), George Hill (2), Jack Archibald (5) & Jake Daniels (4) New Zealand (14): Adam Haworth (2), Guy Higginson (5), Glen Sheriff (5) & Jonny Jones (2) India (14): HH Padmanabh Singh (2), Angad Kalaan (4), Col Ravi Rathore (5) & Siddant Sharma (3) Spain(13): Jaime Serra Diez (2), Mario Gomez (4), Pelayo Berazadi Rozpide (5) & José Trenor (2) USA (14): Matias Gonzalez (2), Jesse Bray (5), Felipe Viana (5) & Jimmy Wright (2)
MVP
Lucio Fernandez Ocampo (Scored 4 goals in the Final)
270+ Number of horses donated to pool by Australian polo community
“The support of the Australian polo community and certain individuals – most notably Peter Higgins – has made for a fantastic event which has exceeded expectations. It was a shame that our Australian hosts were not rewarded with a place in the Final, but the play just did not go their way”
The triumphant Argentina team arrive at the presentation in high spirits
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
11th Manipur Polo International
Photography courtesy of the Manipur Polo International
11th Manipur Polo International
Local grooms lead the very cute but very hardy Manipuri ponies, one of the original breeds of polo pony
N. Ibungochoubi reports from Manipur
Mapal Kangjeibung is the oldest surviving polo ground in the world, where the Manipur Polo International is held every year from 22 – 29 November as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival. Today it is known for attracting polo players from across the globe. Many of the wetlands in the lacustrine valley of Manipur, which were once the natural habitats for the Manipuri ponies, have disappeared. But, the Manipur Polo International offers players the dream to play polo on one of the original breeds of polo pony at one of the oldest, still functioning polo grounds in the world. The 11th Manipur Polo International 2017, with teams participating from 40
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Argentina, England, Morocco, USA and the two host teams from India A (IPA) and India B (Manipur) is organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association (MHRPA), under the aegis of the Government of Manipur. The teams enthralled the enthusiastic polo fans from the word go, with their open play and competitive matches. Players from England, USA and others countries have participated in previous tournaments, but the team from Argentina were new to the event and were eagerly awaited by the Manipur spectators. The teams were divided into two pools: League A, comprising England, Morocco and India B and League B, comprising of Argentina, USA and India A (IPA) all to be played in a round robin format. The two top teams from each league were then to meet in the Semi Finals. The Semi Finals took place on Tuesday 28 November in front of an enthusiastic
The Home Team Secure the Win
audience. The matches were set to be England vs Argentina and USA vs India B (Manipur). In the first match, Argentina beat England, 10-5 in a great match, full of open play, but the second match of the day was the thriller. India B (Manipur) took on the USA team and after a series of fantastic plays, they beat their rivals 7-6. The Final on Wednesday 29 November saw Argentina come up against the home team India B (Manipur). The home team’s victory in the Semi Final was fresh in spectators’ minds and they were keen to cheer their team onto victory again. The India B team played a superb match against their Final rivals and beat the Argentine team 7-6, to take home the coveted trophy. The entire tournament was shown live on the national television network Doordarshan and really highlighted the unique nature of Indian polo. www.polotimes.co.uk
11th Manipur Polo International
T Pradeep Kumar, Team Captain India B (Manipur)
“It is a rare opportunity to play with players from different parts of world. Our team was really excited to play against Argentina. We had played with teams from Australia, England, USA and others in the past. I hope all the players from Argentina, England, Morocco and USA had a good time in our state. Our request to all the players is to carry fond memories of Manipur. As a polo player, I ask other polo playing nations to send their teams, then they experience the way that we play the game here. Our ponies are different, our playing conditions are also different and we offer a rare tradition to the rest of the world.”
Reports
Martin Scortichini, Team Captain Argentina
“I like the way people of Manipur cheer the players. They appreciate and cheer all the teams. They are wonderful spectators – the people are so nice, I would like to come back and play again. But, I think I will encourage all polo players from all over to visit Manipur and play the game. I will go back home and tell all our friends and polo players that I played on the Manipuri Pony, one of the original polo ponies. It is a great privilege and an honor for all of us to have played at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung.”
The 2017 Manipur International Teams:
ARGENTINA Juan Pablo Saravia, Miguel Uriburu, Juan Cruz Gramajo & Martin Scortichini
FLANNELS ENGLAND George Shelton, Phil Seller, Robin Ormerod & Ben Eeley
MOROCCO Hicham Zine, Bady Kehir, Rachid Haddouche & Philippe Darroux
USA Kehgan Walsh, Nate Berube, Jorge Vásquez, Nick Johnson & Brennan Wells
INDIA A (IPA) Dfr Ram Singh, Dfr Vijay Singh, Maj Narendra Singh & Col Tarsem Singh
INDIA B (MANIPUR) L. Atangba Singh, P. Ojit Singh, T. Pradeepkumar Singh, S. Bimol Singh, Th. Jacob & K. Jogendra Meitei
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Over 13,000 guests enjoyed partying and polo
Record attendance of over 13,000 enjoyed the world’s greatest polo party which took place for the seventh time on 11 – 12 November. Mike Azzaro was part of the winning Barrett-Jackson Aspen Valley Polo Team, along with Melissa Ganzi and Ashley Busch, who won the event’s signature Molina Cup for the third consecutive year. They defeated the first time visitors, the Monte-Carlo Polo Team sponsored by Bentley Scottsdale, 11-8.
The weekend also saw Evan’s Furs’ Polo Azteca prevailing in a Saturday match against Northwestern Mutual’s Santa Barbara team with a score of 8-5. Then Talking Stick Resort & Casino’s Arizona Polo Club defeated Molina Fine Jewelers’ Seattle Polo Club 7-3. Saturday concluded with SOHO Scottsdale beating Stick & Ball in the Women’s Sunset Match. On Sunday, the ladies representing Talking Stick Resort & Casino’s team proved to be victorious in the Battle of the Sexes match, honoring the late Sunny Hale, beating Scottsdale Maserati men’s team 6-5. The day concluded with Stella Artois’ St. Moritz Polo Team defeating Bentley Scottsdale’s Clogau Wales Polo Team 7-6. The Club have high hopes to return on the same weekend in 2018 and according to Polo Party’s Co-Founder Jason Rose, “It is to become the biggest polo event in the world, one day surpassing the crowds, even in Buenos Aires.”
Photograph courtesy of the AAP
Photograph courtesy of Bentley Scottsdale
Aspen Valley Polo Club
Las Monjitas won the Municipalidad del Pilar Cup Final
Alfredo Lalor Headquarters Pilar
On Monday 6 November Las Monjitas were victorious over La Dolfina Palm Beach Equine Clinic in the Municipalidad del Pilar Cup. Twelve 25 to 28 goal teams battled it out for the coveted position in the Final, to play for the Cámara de Diputados Cup. The Las Monjitas team were the strongest line-up, especially showing their skill in the last two chukkas. As the final bell rang, Las Monjitas rode off to a 15-8 win over their La Dolfina rivals, ready and raring for the next challenge – the Camara. Two Best Playing Pony rugs were awarded on the day – The AACCP rug went to Punto Sorprendido, played by Santiago Cernades, whilst the AAP rug was awarded to Burbuja, played by Gastón Máiquez.
HPC, The London Polo Club
An opportunity for a Head Coach/Professional Player has arisen at HPC, The London Polo Club. The Club is the last remaining polo club in London, with a very vibrant and social air. As such, there is a growing demand for coaching and instructional chukkas. The successful candidate will head up a busy coaching programme as well as taking part in a plethora of Club activities. For more information and applications please contact office@hpcpololondonpolo.com
The Municipalidad del Pilar Cup Final Teams: Las Monjitas (25): Gastón Màiquez (6), Santiago Cernadas (6), Juan Britos (7) & Matías Fernández Llanos (6) La Dolfina Palm Beach Equine Clinic (26): Gonzalo Deltour (7), Pablito Llorente (6), Joao P. Ganon (7) & ‘Gringo’ Colombres (6)
El Remanso Polo Club The annual El Remanso Cup came to a head on Saturday 28 October following 16 teams taking part in the 16 goal tournament qualifiers. La Dolfina Oriental played Martinez & Martinez for the title with La Dolfina Oriental coming out the eventual winners 7-6. The Most valuable Player Award was presented to Mackenzie Weisz, whilst the Best Playing Pony rug went to Classic, played by Jejo Taranco.
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club has announced the opening of a new venue under the MHF banner. The new Docklands polo venue will offer London residents and workers an extremely convenient academy offering lessons and chukkas. With the festive season upon us, MHF are offering vouchers for lessons and polo tasters from £25, the perfect gift for those looking for a unique present. For more information please visit the website www.mhfpolo.comvenue www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph by Hennie Bradshaw
The El Remanso Cup Final Teams: La Dolfina Oriental (13): Salvador Lockey (0), Kian Hall (2), Jejo Taranco (7) & Santi Stirling (4) Martinez & Martinez (13): Mackenzie Weisz (0), Alejandro Martinez (1), Santiago Cernadas (6) & Ollie Cudmore (6)
Rugby Polo Club
Thomson Local secured The Lagrima Trophy On Sunday 30 October, Thomson Local won The Lagrima Trophy at Rugby Polo Club. The 4 goal league saw four teams compete over Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 October. Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Photograph by Druids Lodge Polo Club
Druids Lodge
Kent Ospreys defeated Exeter in the first match of the Druids Uni League
Barralina Polo Club
The Club’s arena season is well underway and the first match of the Druids Uni League saw Kent Ospreys defeat Exeter 1 by 10 goals to 8. The next Uni League matches were played on Friday 3 November and the following day saw the Club’s Arena Open Evening with an exhibition match followed by a match for the El Rosario Trophy – Heloise Wilson-Smith’s pony Joaquiña won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug during the evening. For more information about Joaquiña please turn to Pony Power pages.
Photograph by Alice Gipps
Photograph courtesy of Melissa Ganzi
Grand Champions
Las Hermanita’s Santos Anca in action in the Copa Otoño Final
USA were victorious against Brazil in the USPA International Cup Casablanca has won the USPA National 20 Goal Tournament held on Tuesday 22 November at Santa Rita Polo Farm. The foursome of Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Mike Azzaro and Jeff Blake defeated defending champion Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Pablo Dorignac and Juan Bollini), 13-6. Casablanca ended the 2017 autumn season with six Final appearances and four tournament victories. Meanwhile action on Saturday 25 November saw the USA defeat Brazil in the USPA International Cup. The USA team of Mike Azzaro, Julio Arellano, Carlitos Gracida and Grant Ganzi played a strong game to win against the Brazilian team of Flavio Castilho, Gustavo Toledo, Guilherme Lins and Caio Mello. Since 2012 the USA have beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa and Uruguay in the annual battle for the coveted cup – so this makes it their seventh win in the series. You can watch these matches and the entire Grand Champions autumn polo schedule on Chukker TV. In other news, on Sunday 5 November, Patagones held off the Newport team to take an 8-6 win in the Final of the Daylight Savings Cup. Patagones jumped out of the first throwin, to take a 3-0 lead after two chukkas, but despite the initial lead, the teams were evenly matched throughout. Benjamin Avendano bagged the Most Valuable Player Award. The Daylight Savings Cup Final Teams: Patagones (11): Gilles Blain (0), Benjamin Avendano (1), Pablo Dorignac (5) & Jesse Bray (5) Newport (12): Gene Goldstein (1), Lucas Arellano (1), Jeff Blake (6) & Carlitos Gracida (4)
Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
RCBPC are hiring! They are looking for an enthusiastic full-time Groundsman to join their established team. They must have experience in ground maintenance including tractor driving, hand mowers, strimmers and an understanding of tractor pulled gang mowers and roller mowers. The candidate should be able to start immediately or by January 2018 and must have a full, clean driving licence. For further information please call Head Groundsman Joe Schillaci on 07714 501554 or send a CV to grs@rcbpc.com 44
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
The Copa Otoño 2017, Barralina Polo Club’s closing tournament of the season, came to an end on Sunday 29 October, in Majorca, Spain. The tournament began on 13 October and saw seven teams compete over 10 days. In the Final, Los Berlinosos took the top spot after defeating Las Hermanitas 5-3, whilst in the Subsidiary Final Kaifu Lodge secured a narrow win over Vernisseta with a score of 6-5½ to take third place. Copa Otoño 2017 Final Teams: Los Berlinosos (8): Clarissa Marggraf (-1), Nico Wollenberg (1), Manuel Elizalde (5) & Max Bosch (3) Las Hermanitas (8): Naomi Schroeder (0), Tahnee Schroeder (0), Heinrich Dumrath (3) & Santos Anca (5)
Puesto Viejo Polo Club Lovelocks Polo Stud team were victorious in The Farewell Cup at Puesto Viejo Polo Club, continuing their successful season. The team was made up of four British players: Ollie Jones, Terence Lent, Tommy Severn & Charlie Hanbury, who notably made the Final of the 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup. www.polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
In the Final of the XIV Copa Julio Novillo Astrada, presented by Rio Uruguay Seguros, Las Monjitas beat La Enseñada with a score of 12-10. The match took place on Saturday 28 October at the Novillo Astrada’s Club where Juan Martin Zubía was named the Most Valuable Player and the Fair Play Award went to Ernesto Gutierrez. Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr’s pony Siempre Maravillosa was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, which was presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders’ Association. Libres del Sur and Martindale Esmowing (0-4 goal and 5-8 goal respectively) were the winners of the II Argentine Amateur Championship, the newest competition in the 2017 HSBC Spring Season at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina. The Finals took place on Sunday 5 November. On Tuesday 21 November, the XII La Aguada Selection Horse Sale took place at the Club. The sale featured three embryo strings and 12 foals, one of which was a
clone of famous horse River Slaney. On Sunday 26 November, Monterosso played Cowdray Vikings in the Final of the La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Club. After a close match, they beat the Cowdray team 9-6. The La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy Final Teams: Monterosso (15): Siri Evjemo Nysveen (0), Ross Ainsley (4), Ignacio Novillo Astrada (8) & Alejandro Pistone (3) Cowdray Vikings (15): Charlie Cadogan (1), George Pearson (2), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) & Juan Pedro Harriet (4) In the Final of the seventh annual instalment of the Guards La Aguada Polo Trophy at La Aguada Polo Club on Sunday 3 December, Escorihuela Gascón beat Whitehall Ranch by a slender 6-7 score in an extra chukka and claimed the 16 goal VII Guards La Aguada Polo Trophy. This tournament highlights the continued
International Polo Club Palm Beach
Escorihuela Gascón beat Whitehall Ranch to win the VII Guards La Aguada Polo Trophy reciprocal partnership between Guards Polo Club and La Aguada. Escorihuela Gascón (16): Juan Pablo Georgalos (1), Tomás Alberdi (4), Juan Carlos Harriet (5) & Benjamin Araya Jr (6) Whitehall Ranch (16): Bill Lane (0), Francisco Benoit (2), Miguel Novillo Astrada Jr (8) & Santiago Mendivil (5)
Guards Polo Club Photograph courtesy of IPC
The Club has announced the launch of The Polo School from the beginning of December. The Polo School is accepting students of all skill levels and disciplines, and has six polo ponies available to accommodate any rider for lessons. Lessons are offered by hourly rate and packages of ten lessons are available at a discounted rate. To celebrate the launch of the School and to promote the sport of polo, introductory lessons are half Lessons at The Polo School at IPC are taught price. To book, please email by resident instructor Gates Gridley and are jgridley@equestriansport.com available by the hour or in packages of ten
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
La Aguada Polo Club
This festive season, Guards Polo Club will be getting into the spirit of things. Mosimann’s will be welcoming guests for the first Christmas Lunch in the Clubhouse on Sunday 10 December, where they will be able to delight in a delicious four course meal, with tea, coffee and mince pies for £60 per person. On Friday 15 December, Guards will be holding their annual Carols by Candlelight at the Clubhouse, accompanied by the choir from Warfield’s St Michael’s Church, with lashings of mulled wine and mince pies. This event will be held in support of the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal for deprived children in the region. Guests are encouraged to bring with them a wrapped Christmas present suitable for a child aged between 0 to 16-years-old. For more information, please contact the Club at events@guardspoloclub.com
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Direct Sales: www.worldwidetack.com Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
45
RAF Make History in Argentina
Photography courtesy of RAF Polo Association
Military
The teams congratulated each other following a successful tour
RAF Make History in Argentina “A polo handicap is a passport to the world” – a phrase the Royal Air Force Polo association has tried and tested in recent years, with players journeying to New Zealand, South Africa and the USA to train and compete in the Sport of Kings. One place has always eluded us however, the spiritual home of polo, home to the highestlevel tournaments in the world – Argentina. But that all changed this year and after a
huge amount of work behind the scenes by the Argentine Ambassador, his Embassy staff in London and our partners at Grob Aircraft we were honoured to receive an official invitation to visit. Our destination was to be La Tarde Polo Club in the Mercedes area to the west of Buenos Aires, well provisioned with fantastic facilities, friendly hosts and beautiful ponies. Eight RAF Polo Association members were selected to attend, a mix of
For the first time since the Falklands Conflict, Argentine pilots and British officers came together to play polo
46
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Mark Lynch
reports from Argentina
senior team and developing players between -2 and 0 goals from across the RAF. Four Pilots, one Navigator, two Operations Officers and a retired RAF Regiment Officer – a very broad mix, but despite our very different backgrounds we are all united in our love for this fantastic game. We were also honoured by an invite to the Official Residence of the Argentine Ambassador to the UK before our departure, where we were treated to our first taste of empañadas along with some very kind words from Ambassador di Cerisano to spur us on our way. Our next obstacle was the long flight down to Buenos Aires and despite the hopes of rest from some players, after a warm welcome from our host Juan we were led to the yard to mount our horses for the first chukkas of the trip! Unfortunately, two players were a bit slow to remember their riding skills after the long flight and www.polotimes.co.uk
RAF Make History in Argentina were dismounted within twenty seconds of the first line out, but they found themselves much more stable thereafter. The next couple of days were filled with chukkas, stick and ball and practice under the watchful eyes of Juan and the two Nachos, the resident coaches at La Tarde. We spent time in between practice nursing our aching riding muscles, chatting with the coaches about team tactics and enjoying some of the superb food prepared by Monica and her excellent team. The weekend brought the competitive matches, against our sponsors at H3 Polo Passion (the Grob Aircraft team) and the Argentine Military. We were honoured with an invite to play at the beautiful San Jorge Polo Club on Saturday, where the RAF Spitfires took on the Argentine Military team of 1st Lt Edgar Echezarreta (2), Capt Emilio Bertolone (2), Lt Col Horacio Henry (2) and Col Guillermo Venier (2). The Spitfires, made up of Sqn Ldr Ed Whitechurch (0), Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf (-1) and Ignacio Boronat (3) from La Tarde enjoyed a fast paced match in a fantastic setting at the home of Argentine military polo. The action was end to end, with each team fighting hard on the field, however after four chukkas the final score was 8-5 to the home team. Next up was the RAF Hurricanes, made up of Flt Lt Mark Lynch (-1) and Flt Lt Georgie Harwood (-2) sharing a spot at 1, Flt Lt Andy Waldron (0) at 2, Flt Lt (Ret’d) Dave Black (-1) at 3 and our host Juan Martin Sarli (3) playing at 4, taking on our sponsors, H3 Polo Passion, made up of Ishan Sahgal, Julia Hiebeler, Andre Hiebeler, and Tommy Ussher. This was another fast paced match, with H3 taking an early lead in the first chukka and finishing at 3-1 ahead. The second half of the game was swinging back to the RAF, however the final bell came just too quickly and the game finished 5-3 to H3. We spent Saturday afternoon at the Hurlingham Club, watching the real professionals playing in the Final of the Hurlingham Open. After the excitement of Saturday we were on a huge high, but there was still more to come! Sunday saw the teams invited to play at Pilar, a world-renowned ground and one of the best in Argentina. We were to be the first match ever on their number 11 ground, with the Spitfires now taking on the H3 team and the Hurricanes taking on the Argentine Military. In the spirit of the tour, with international co-operation at its heart, the Argentine Military and the Hurricanes were mixed together to allow us to play alongside each other, further fostering the friendship between our two nations through the medium of sport. The Spitfires fared slightly better against H3, in a match that could have gone to either team, but it was H3 that won the day at 5-4. In the second match, some superb plays and teamwork between the players saw the Hurricanes ahead after www.polotimes.co.uk
Military
The RAF Spitfires prepared for their first match
the third chukka by 4-3, however in the final chukka the Argentine Military team managed to take the lead and win the day by 6-4. After the match we were bundled onto a bus without being told our destination – H3 had organised a surprise for us. As we journeyed across BA our minds were racing, were we visiting a tack shop, another meet and greet, or perhaps another high goal tournament? You can imagine our shock collectively when we were told that we were on our way to visit La Dolfina, where we would be able to see the legend that is Adolfo Cambiaso play, meet his ponies and the man himself – what a fantastic experience! Along with Cuartetera and Lapa, two of his best horses, we also met their extremely well presented clones and the other ponies that have sealed his reputation as the top player in the sport. After the busy weekend we spent some time visiting a stick maker, enjoyed some more time in the hitting cage working on the various shots on the wooden horse and practising our riding. We were clearly thrilled when we arrived at the pony lines one morning to see the ponies of La Tarde lined up with bridles but no saddles – we were in for a fun but somewhat painful morning of bareback riding to practise our pure riding ability. Galloping around barrels and running relay races against each other made for some exciting moments for a few players, but worked wonders for our riding ability and we all felt much more secure on our horses thereafter! All good things must come to an end though, and as the sun began to set on Thursday we dismounted for the final time on the tour, with a weekend of receptions and more high goal polo to look forward to at the first day of the Argentine Open at Palermo.
RAF Polo is open to all serving members of the RAF and is the only representative sport featuring mixed teams of male and females. If you want to find out more about RAF Polo, you can find them here: @RAFPoloOfficial @RAFPoloOfficial
Watching the pros making it look particularly easy is a very humbling experience and gave us all a huge amount of respect for the skill and commitment required to succeed. However, it was particularly pleasing to see that even 10 goal players occasionally miss the ball! We would like to give our sincere thanks to all the staff at La Tarde Polo Club, along with the staff at the Argentine Embassy to the UK and all the support from the various tiers of the Military who have helped so much with the organisation of this amazing tour. Our biggest thanks go to our partners at Grob Aircraft and H3 Polo Passion, without whom this trip would simply not have been possible. We look forward to putting some of our newfound skills into practice in the coming UK season and of course to visiting the beautiful nation of Argentina again in the future. Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
47
Military
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
HACKETT Army Tour Johor Bharu
Photograph by Sam Churchill
HACKETT Army overcame difficult weather to beat the Johor Bharu team
A HACKETT Army 6 goal team recently went on tour to Johor Bharu, Malaysia as the guests of His Majesty the Sultan of Johor Bharu. Weather is always a factor in Malaysia and the warnings as the team were driven over the causeway from Singapore did not look good, as the monsoon had just got underway. The Gods however were smiling and on their first morning in the brand new stables of the private polo club of his Majesty the Sultan of Johor Bahru, as the rain eased and the sun came out to begin the drying off of the bespoke and immaculate polo grounds. In the afternoon, a programme of intense coaching, taken by Gaston Devrient got everyone used to both the ponies and humidity. The excellent facilities, including a polo pit, ensured all members were put through their paces ironing out their swings. The monsoon still held back despite the forecast and the team played a four
chukka warm up match on a rapidly drying ground. Initially, the HACKETT Army found the opposition a tough proposition, as the local team were used to the conditions and ponies. Some tough talk at halftime saw the team marking much better and taking the ball to the flanks, with some good work by Lt Johnny Sleeman taking the penalties. They slowly overhauled the locals to win by 6-5. The next day saw an intense training session with videos in the morning before taking on the locals once again for a six chukka match. Water was in high demand as the humidity really drained the energy from the team. Some excellent play by Capt Paddy Selfe, receiving long passes from Gaston Devrient and good marking by Capt George Walker, saw advantageous opportunities taken by Lt Sleeman who was accurate in front of goal. The halftime score of 5-2 was an impressive achievement, but inevitably
the locals began to get some goals back. The pitch by now was showing the effects of the rain and began to resemble a ploughed field. A grim struggle in the dying moments of the match saw some excellent team play by HACKETT Army who emerged the exhausted, wet and muddy victors by 7-5. This tour was excellent and the hospitality beyond supreme and ponies were in great condition. The Johor Bahru family extended a very warm welcome and nothing was too much trouble as David Keyte saw that everything was just right for the tour. HACKETT Army Team (6): Capt George Walker KRH (0), Lt Johnny Sleeman QRH (2), Gaston Devrient (3) & Capt Paddy Selfe KRH (1)
HACKETT Army Team Head to India Three matches await the team of five young players who depart for Delhi on 5 December. Matches will be taking place against Gurgaon in Delhi on Friday 8 December and then the team will be taking part in British Polo Day in Jaipur on Sunday 10 December against the 61st Indian Cavalry. Finally, on 13 December, the team will play against a Jodhpur Team on day 48
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
one of British Polo Day in Jodhpur. A report about the tour will be in the next issue of Polo Times. HACKETT Army Team (5): Capt Mossy Hamilton IG (0), Cornet Jamie Fry QRH (1), Lt Jamie Drummond-Moray SG (1) & Gaston Devrient (3) www.polotimes.co.uk
The Argentine Ladies Open, Argentina
Bravo Brava
Women’s Polo
Katie Vickery
reports from Argentina
A
polo revolution was in the Argentine air this year and at the forefront were the ladies of polo. The best of the best from around the world gathered in Argentina from November to play the inaugural Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo Feminino (Argentine Ladies Open Championship). For the first time in history and with the full support of the Argentine Association of Polo, a ladies category was introduced into the prestigious Argentine Open tournament to great success. Staunch supporters of ladies polo created a subcommittee in the Association with the aim to grow and innovate the sport in Argentina created what will surely be one of the new highlights of ladies polo and Argentine polo. With the support of some of the biggest names in polo such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Milo Fernández Araujo and Mariano Aguerre, the tournament was a roaring success and the ladies certainly proved themselves to be worth every bit of the hype that surrounded them with pure talent and showmanship. Six open teams entered the tournament, including some big names from around the polo globe such as La Dolfina, Ellerstina and Goose Creek. The tournament got underway on 21 November and took place at the same time as the men’s Argentine Open, making the most of the time when the world’s eyes are on Argentina. The line-up was made up of the best female players from around the world; from Argentina, the USA and of course our very own homegrown heroines from the UK, with no one below 5 goals (ladies handicaps) in any team. The tournament was of a phenomenal level, the sidelines packed with people watching the best of the best showcase their stuff on the Argentine Association fields in Pilar. Not only is the tournament a fantastic opportunity for those playing, it also gives all women players of all levels and goal something to aspire to. The level from both the Argentine and the English players is certainly a testament to the rapid growth of ladies polo as well as the increased support it has been receiving worldwide. La Dolfina have been huge supporters of ladies polo, entering three Open teams and providing horses for many of the girls playing. Throughout the qualifiers it was clear that there were two dominating teams.
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The La Dolfina Brava ladies take the win in the first ever Ladies Open
Milagros Fernández Araujo and Hazel Jackson-Gaona in a tough ride off
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
49
Women’s Polo
The Argentine Ladies Open, Argentina
Much like in the men’s Open it was all about La Dolfina (this time known as La Dolfina Brava) and Ellerstina. The world number one, British Nina Clarkin, lent her impressive skills to the La Dolfina Brava side, complemented perfectly by the feisty and quick-thinking Argentine teenagers, Mia Cambiaso and the Fernández Araujo sisters, while the Brit girls represented Ellerstina as well in the form of Hazel JacksonGaona and Sarah Wiseman. And, what a Final it was, foreshadowing the men’s Final, with La Dolfina Brava dominating from the off only to be caught off guard by a last chukka Ellerstina onslaught and an extra chukka. While La Dolfina Brava looked stronger on the field in the first half, with a Fernández Araujo sister in almost every play, they seemed to be unable to convert to goals with Clarkin missing several key penalties in the second chukka, which meant they finished the penultimate chukka of the first half with no goals. Ellerstina seemed to be taking a little while to get used to the pace and tenacity of the La Dolfina Brava girls after some easy zone matches had them lulled into a false sense of security. This certainly wasn’t a match to enter into with misplaced confidence as both sides went hard and fast in a terrific show of talent and skill. The score was relatively even at half-time at 4-3, but La Dolfina Brava remained in charge in the second half not letting the Ellerstina girls run and shutting down open plays effectively with tight marking. Clarkin was solid in back with some impressive ride offs the boys on the other field would be proud of. With just minutes to go in the last chukka and three goals down, Ellerstina got to within one goal of La Dolfina Brava after a fantastic run by Sarah Wiseman, whose shot to goal from the boards hit the post, to be pinged through by young Clara Cassino, to the cheers of the crowd. A last minute equalizer had the crowds on the edge of their seats and La Dolfina Brava made a valiant effort to get that winning goal, but Ellerstina were able to hold them off for the extra 30 seconds to put the game in to overtime. The girls took to the field to momentous cheers from the crowd, both teams determined to take the first ever title. A few quick plays saw opportunities missed or shut down by both sides before an unlucky Ellerstina foul meant a 30 yard penalty in from Clarkin sealed the first win of the day for La Dolfina Brava at 7-6. For all the social snaps from the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages.
La Dolfina back Nina Clarkin up against Ellerstina’s number 1 Clara Cassino
What They Said: Ellerstina - Hazel Jackson-Gaona – “It was member in Mariano Aguerre, the coach for Ellerstina, an incredible and
probably the most important game of my life to be honest and it was surreal to be playing on Field 2 of Palermo in front of the Argentine Open crowds. The feeling in the sixth chukka when we tied, gave me butterflies as we rode back to the tents with the crowd going wild. It was a very prestigious event. “The team was fantastic and it was like playing with sisters. We are all friends and it worked well. We also had our fifth team
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intelligent coach who really supported us throughout the tournament. “The horses were unreal and a massive thank you to Ellerstina for their enthusiasm and support in lending us some machines. I had the privilege of riding a little horse Gonzalo will take to the US to play the high goal, which was just awesome. “Obviously the tournament itself is history in the making, it shows how far ladies polo has come in the last few years and the support it is getting from big organisations and the associations which is all hugely positive.”
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages.
The Argentine Ladies Open, Argentina
Women’s Polo
The finalists that made history take to the biggest stage in polo at Palermo
La Dolfina Brava - Nina Clarkin – “The match was amazing,
we started really well and strong and my girls played fantastically. I think the pressure towards the end got a bit much and Ellerstina came out fighting in the last chukka and scored some great goals and really put us under some pressure. Luckily we managed to pull it back and get that golden goal in extra time so we were thrilled to get it done. It’s been a long few weeks of preparation and all worth it in the end with a great finish. The girls were so good, They are young, but just amazing and they really are the future of Argentine polo, that’s for sure; they did most of the hard work and I couldn’t have asked for more, they were great teammates. “The horses were fantastic. I was incredibly lucky and was given lots of horses to try and on the day I was better mounted than I could ever have asked for. I got best playing pony with the Lapa Clone 03, she was brilliant and I think really changed the game for us. “This tournament for ladies polo is a huge step forward. For us to be able to play on such a big stage and in that area on the same day as the men’s Final was amazing and I hope it inspires other girls to pull their boots on and get going so they can come out here and have a go. I think I’m still in a bit of a daze after it, it was just such a dream.
Ellerstina - Sarah Wiseman – “It was such an amazing experience and a dream come true. This event will inspire lady players around the world to believe in bigger things! I think that because big organisations like La Dolfina and Ellerstina were involved and took it seriously, it will open the eyes of the wider polo community that women’s polo is something worth investing in. “As for the Final, we started slow and tight, we didn’t really start playing how we knew we could until the fifth chukka. Then in the sixth we went in with the attitude of “lose by 10 or win by 1” and threw everything at it – it was amazing! The crowd lifted us and gave me goose bumps! I will never forget that chukka. “Sadly we didn’t manage the win, but I think we put on a great show! I played horses from Ellerstina and they were great throughout the tournament. Palermo is something else and a few of mine got stage fright just as I did, but that all comes with more experience as they were all still fairly young. “I’m super proud of what we achieved as a team and I hope we stick together. Both Hazel and myself don’t come from polo playing families or backgrounds. Saturday forme was a real acknowledgment of the hard work we have put in over the years – from two young girls with big dreams to playing on the polo world’s biggest stage for and against the polo elite showing how well we can play and that we deserve to be there – a dream come true regardless of the result!” All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
La Varzea Goose Creek Annabel McNaught-Davis
– “If you’d said to me a few years ago that we would be doing a Ladies Open with the Final on the same day as the men’s I would have said no way, I think everyone feels the same way in that respect. It was an amazing tournament and a great concept. The Argentine Association put a huge amount of work in to it and really included us with the guys to make it as similar and professional as possible. We even played with the Open rules and with all the same conditions as the men so that was a big step in terms of making it more serious and professional. “The two highest handicapped and best organised teams got to the Final which was a given. Obviously it’s amazing what they got together, but at the same time I feel it would be pretty boring if the ladies’ turns out like the men’s with La Dolfina and Ellerstina always dominating. “In terms of polo, horse wise and for ladies polo it is a huge step. It’s raised the bar for everyone. Everyone wants to be better mounted, faster and stronger and it is going to raise ladies polo’s profile on a world level, but I do think someone somehow needs to think about unity and see where it is going and how to make it more fair, but there are loads of possibilities. It is positive in general and it will be great to see where it goes. “It would be great to have the support of the HPA to help with sponsorship and putting an all English team together which I think would do very well. It was great to see six English girls playing in the tournament and 14 of the 24 girls playing were from outside Argentina, so there was representation all round.”
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
51
Women’s Polo
The Argentine Ladies Open, Argentina
La Dolfina Cría Fax - Emma Boers (subbed in
for Marianela Castagnola) – “It was a great experience and was a new dream of mine to play in the Ladies Open, even if it was as a substitute. There was a lot of pressure subbing in for Marianela Castagnola seeing as I’m 5 goals in Argentina and she’s off 8! It definitely made me more determined to get in to a team next year to play the full tournament. I really would love to do it. I was quite honoured to be asked to be the substitute and it was a great team to be part of. I think it is a great step for ladies polo and for players like myself it is a great goal to aim for and a big reason to keep working and training hard.” La Dolfina Brava supporters swarm the field in celebration of the historic win
La Dolfina Cría Fax Emma Tomlinson – “It
was a privilege to play in the First Ladies Argentine Open tournament. It really highlights that ladies polo has stepped up to another level. I had great ponies and really enjoyed the matches despite losing. “It was great to see top polo names such as Adolfo Cambiaso and Milo Fernández Araujo supporting so much and putting in so much work to get the tournament off the ground. It was great to see such a competitive Final with so many Brits in the teams! I know the Argentine Association are putting a handicap tournament at Palermo for teams with a patron, in the spring too which will be exciting.”
Chukka scores: 2-2, 2-2, 4-3, 5-3, 6-3, 6-6, 7-6 to La Dolfina Brava Result: La Dolfina Brava beat Ellerstina, 7-6
WINNERS: La Dolfina Brava Candelaria Fernández Araujo Mia Cambiaso Milagros Fernández Araujo Nina Clarkin
(27) (6) (5) (6) (10)
RUNNERS UP: Ellerstina Clara Cassino Lía Salvo Hazel Jackson-Gaona Sarah Wiseman
(30) (6) (9) (8) (7)
PARTICIPATING TEAMS: Santa María de Lobos (25): Dawn Laurel Jones (6), Erica Gandomcar (6), Tiffany Busch (7) & Clarissa Echezarreta (6) La Dolfina Brava II (25): Mía Novillo Astrada (4), Tamara Fox (7), María Bellande (6) & Paola Martínez (8) La Dolfina Cría Fax (24): Camila Rossi (5), Emma Boers (5) - substituting for Marianela Castagnola (8), Emma Tomlinson (5) & Eva Brühl (6) La Varzea Goose Creek (23): Julia Smith (5), Maureen Brennan (6), Annabel McNaught-Davis (6) & Caroline Annier (6)
Where: Field 2, Palermo, Buenos Aires
S TA
RT
30 NO
V
FINA
2
L
DEC
Martín Aguerre and José I. Araya, with Gastón Lucero third Man
MVP BPP Candelaria Fernández Araujo
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Dolfina C03 Lapa Clone Three, played by Nina Clarkin
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages.
5 minutes with…
Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? They’re two different ball games, literally, but they both have their good sides. I enjoy both.
Mía Cambiaso Handicap: 5 Ladies, 0 Mixed How did your polo career start? My polo career started very naturally, obviously because of my father. From an early age I used to go with him to the stables or the farm where he operates his breeding programme, which explains why I am crazy about horses too. Also, my two cousins Barto and Camilo Castagnola started playing at the same time as me and we are all very close. What’s your greatest achievement to date? Winning the first Women’s Argentine Open at Palermo, without a doubt! I loved playing for Argentina a few times and winning the Nations Cup in Palermo last April. I’ve also
Women’s Polo
Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? Not really, I’m still very young, so I guess I can adapt to any new rule.
played the Gold Cup in England this year, alongside Hilario Ulloa and Facu Sola, which was an incredible experience.
If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? The one I have just played in the 2017 Argentine Ladies Open with. Mila and Cande Fernandez Araujo are very good players and good friends of mine as well, and Nina is to me the best female player today, and she has more experience than anyone, so I’m very grateful that we were her teammates.
What’s your greatest ambition? The truth is, all I want is to enjoy playing polo with friends, having fun. But, let’s say being able to win this year’s Ladies Open at Palermo is a great milestone! Which lady players do you admire and why? Sunny Hale. It’s very difficult to explain the feeling you got when she was on the field on the same team as you – she was amazing. She was also one of my father’s best friends.
“I couldn’t have done it without...”? My father – without doubt. He is my mentor, my role model and my everything. We share this passion for polo.
What’s your favourite tournament and Club? The Women’s Argentine Open.
U.S. Open Women’s Handicap On Saturday 11 November, Houston Polo Club, Texas, hosted the 2017 U.S. Open Women’s Handicap – one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor women’s tournaments. This year saw eight teams compete, with La Herradura and Texas Monthly reaching the Final. Both teams were evenly matched, and this was apparent through the surprisingly low scoring match. La Herradura initially held the advantage with a two goal handicap start, and both teams were keen to assert their dominance in the first chukka which resulted in a flurry of fouls and a stop-start first chukka. As both teams’ nerves began to settle, the second chukka saw the play open up, and as Texas Monthly began to gel they shut down any attempts on goal from La Herradura. By the third chukka Texas Monthly managed to gain the lead for the first time following back-to-back goals from Carolyn Stimmel
taking the score to 5-4. It was this that signalled the end for La Herradura, as Texas Monthly continued to lead with Bridget Price, at just 14-years-old, and one of the youngest players in the tournament, scoring another goal for Texas Monthly to take the score to 6-4. La Herradura retaliated with a converted Penalty 2, but there was simply not enough time to level the scores and Texas Monthly (Lía Salvo, Grace Mudra, Bridget Price & Carolyn Stimmel) took the win for the second year in a row with a score of 6-5. After the match, Lía Salvo was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Patito Feo, ridden in the third chukka by La Herradura’s Meghan Gracida was awarded the Best Playing Pony accolade. Lía Salvo commented upon the match, “We knew we would have to shut down Courtney and Shelia so we put our stronger riders on them. But still
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Photograph by Kaylee Wroe
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
International & Home
Texas Monthly’s Carolyn Stimmel and La Herradura’s Courtney Asdourian
Meghan [Gracida] and Mia [Bray] are also really good, and all of us had to work man to man. So I think it was really even, much like yesterday, it was a close game. All of us had to work really hard and won only at the end. It was teamwork.”
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Call our friendly subscriptions team: 01452 730 770 or visit www.polotimes.co.uk All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
55
Women’s Polo
International & Home
Photograph by Kaylee Wroe
Brits Aplenty in Houston
Rocking P Lockton’s Hazel Jackson Vs San Saba’s Lía Salvo
end of the first chukka both teams had scored another goal apiece and the scores were tied at 2-2. The second chukka was marred with fouls, in which San Saba edged ahead going into half-time with a score of 4-3. Both teams were awarded a Penalty 3 in the third chukka, both of which were converted and so the fourth chukka began 5-4 with San Saba still in the lead. Hazel Jackson-Gaona scored a speedy goal in the first few minutes of the final chukka to tie the scores at 5-5 and despite attempts by both teams to tip the scores in their favour
On Sunday 12 November, top British players Hazel Jackson-Gaona, Lottie Lamacraft and Sarah Wiseman lined up for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final at Houston Polo Club, Texas. Both teams had a huge amount of talent and the crowds were treated to five chukkas of adrenaline-fuelled, fast-paced polo. The first chukka saw both teams make numerous breakaways with wide, fastpaced polo. It was Rocking P Lockton who scored first, however San Saba immediately retaliated with a goal of their own. By the
the match went into overtime. With all to play for both teams were eager to secure the golden goal, however in the end strong teamwork resulted in a final goal from Hope Arellano to secure the win for San Saba with a score of 6-5. Hope commented on her extra-time goal, “I was so lucky to be able to score that winning goal, it meant a lot. Having my parents here has been amazing. My mom held a spare and my dad helped coach, it was such a great opportunity and I had so much fun.” Lía Salvo was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize, Dawn Jones’ nine-year-old chestnut mare Chispita was named Best Playing Pony Amateur, whilst Best Playing Pony Professional honours were given to nine-year-old Picasita ridden by Lía Salvo and owned by Dawn Jones. For the second year, Kristy Outhier’s Law Man’s Reata was awarded the high-goal AQHA Top American Quarter Horse accolade. Post-match, Brit Lottie Lamacraft commented on her experience, “I absolutely love it here in the U.S. it has been amazing. For me personally, all we have in England is 18-goal for ladies and a few international tournaments, so to be able to play at a higher level of ladies’ polo was fantastic.” U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final Teams: San Saba (25): Dawn Jones (6), Hope Arellano (3), Lía Salvo (8) & Sarah Wiseman (8) Rocking P/Lockton (24/25): Courtney Price (3) /Athena Malin (4), Lottie Lamacraft (5), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (8) & Kristy Outhier (8)
U.S. National Women’s Arena Open
Photograph by Chris Weber
Ace Sportswear L-R Julia Smith, Anna Winslow and Demitra Hajimihalis
Women’s arena competition in America has a recent history in the sport, beginning with the creation of the Women’s Intercollegiate Championship in the late 1970s, followed by the Girls’ Interscholastic Championship in the early 1990s. Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, hosted the first USPA sanctioned Women’s Arena Open in 1991, but after just three years the tournament fell into dormancy. Following the growth of women’s 56
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
polo over recent years, the tournament was revived this year. The addition of women’s outdoor handicaps sparked the concept of women’s arena handicaps, which allowed multiple teams to meet the required handicap level for an open tournament. The Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, welcomed eight teams at two separate levels of play over the weekend to celebrate the reemergence of the Women’s Arena Open; this time as a national USPA title. On 23 October, Bad Ass Polo and Ace Sportswear faced each other in the Final, and the match got off to a strong start for Ace Sportswear who ended the first chukka with a 5-0 lead. Despite the best efforts and strong marking from Bad Ass Polo, at half-time they trailed 7 goals to 3. Ace Sportswear refused to give Bad Ass Polo any opportunities, “Effective communication is key”, Demitra Hajimihalis remarked, “The second that we were a little bit quiet in the second chukker, Bad Ass Polo caught up to us. We came out better in the second half and communicated well.” The third chukka
saw Ace Sportswear further their lead to 11-3, and in the end the goal difference was insurmountable for Bad Ass Polo who lost the match 13-5 at the final whistle. After the match, esteemed polo instructor Rege Ludwig commented, “What these ladies produced today is so much better than what it was ten years ago. It’s encouraging for the future, not just for ladies’ polo but for the entire sport. Because this represents polo. People tend to think of high goal polo as the only type of polo and that’s not true, it is just one form of polo, as is stick and ball – it’s all the same between a horse and rider. That’s what polo really is, the satisfaction that each individual gets out of being associated with it in the manner that works for them. I think this is a tremendous form of polo that seems to be getting so much better.” U.S. National Women’s Arena Open Final Teams: Bad Ass Polo: Posey Obrecht, Olivia Berube & Maddie Grant Ace Sportswear: Anna Winslow, Demitra Hajimihalis & Julia Smith
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages.
Women’s Polo
International & Home
UK Women’s Handicaps The HPA has announced and ratified the list of 2018 Women’s Handicaps in the UK. A total of 128 changes have been announced, with Emma Wood and Heloise Wilson-Smith making the move from
5 goals to 6 after excellent seasons. Swarovski England player Izzy McGregor has been moved from 4 goals to 5, alongside RCBPC’s Alex Jacobs and Rebecca Walters. The full list of alterations is below:
Surname
First Name
H’Cap L H’Cap 2018 L H’Cap
Surname
First Name
H’Cap L H’Cap 2018 L H’Cap
Surname
First Name
H’Cap L H’Cap 2018 L H’Cap
Kang
Jane
(1)
1
NR
Evjemo-Nysveen
Siri
-1
2
Drake
Rebecca
-2
0
NR
Jacob
Alexandra
1
4
5
Fagan
Siobhan
-1
1
Fair
Bea
-2
0
1
McGregor
Izzy
1
4
5
Fichtner
Antonia
-1
1
Ferguson
Tamsin
-2
NR
Wilson-Smith
Heloise
1
5
6
Figgins
Amelia
-1
0
NR
Firman
Hannah
-2
NR
Wood
Emma
1
5
6
Fleming
Lorna
-1
2
3
Grayson
Rosie
-2
NR
Jackson
Hilary
(0)
(3)
3
Gilje
Elli
-1
0
NR
Halliwell-Coutts
Rebecca
-2
Mobley
Joanna
(0)
3
Granchi
Sophie
-1
1
NR
Harding
Georgia
-2
0
NR
Otamendi
Kirstie
(0)
4
Granchi
Capucine
-1
1
NR
Healy
Jennifer
-2
0
NR
Satchell
Cordelia
(0)
3
Hodges
Nicola
-1
1
2
Hutchinson
Alex
-2
Alderman
Livi
0
2
3
Horswell
Christabel
-1
0
1
Jackson
Sara
-2
Buckles
Amanda (Sam)
0
3
4
Horvat
Brina
-1
NR
Lucas
Zahra
-2
Butler
Holly Rhianne
0
(1)
2
Isted
Catherine
-1
2
3
Luff
Samantha
-2
Cambiaso
Mia
0
2
NR
Johnston
Janet
-1
1
2
Mason-Matthews Angela
-2
Darwin
Aurora
0
(2)
2
Meadows
Genevieve
-1
1
2
Menshinina
Tatiana
-2
Donovan
Louisa
0
3
4
Meakin
Abi
-1
1
2
Nelson
Antonia
-2
NR
Draper
Alaina
0
2
3
Menshinina
Anna
-1
1
2
Netten
Rebecca
-2
NR
Draper
Amelie
0
2
3
Parkes
Gabriella
-1
0
1
O’Morchoe
Patricia
-2
Edmunds
Susie
0
1
2
Pollexfen
Megan
-1
0
NR
Puddifer
Emily
-2
0
NR
Gibbons
Tamara
0
2
NR
Price
Aislinn
-1
1
NR
Robinson
Belinda
-2
(0)
0
Hatfield
Daisy
0
2
3
Severn
Kiki
-1
1
2
Rushton
Pauline
-2
Hine
Milly
0
3
4
Shea
Olivia
-1
1
NR
Shevchenko
Maria
-2
Jenkinson
Katie
0
2
3
Shelton
Amy
-1
1
NR
Slatford
Katy
-2
0
NR
Keen
Lucy
0
2
NR
Sherlala
Rayahan
-1
0
NR
Smithwick
Katharine
-2
0
NR
Lowe
Martina
0
2
NR
Stanhope-White
Jasmine
-1
1
2
Thomas
Marie-Clare
-2
0
NR
Mathias
Clare
0
3
NR
Staubach Benteler Maya
-1
(2)
2
Vandamme
Aurelia
-2
0
NR
Parry-Jones
Hannah
0
2
3
Stone
Alex
-1
1
NR
Waters
Melissa
-2
0
NR
Spiers
Lisa
0
4
3
Swift
Saskia
-1
1
2
Wenkel
Jennifer
-2
Sweeney
Georgia
0
1
2
Walsh
Alice
-1
2
3
Williams
Camilla
-2
Thome
Christine
0
4
3
Wood
Alex
-1
0
NR
Carlsson Daly
Antonia Samantha S S
Turk
Rosanna
0
2
3
Wood
Jessica
-1
1
2
Glover
Sarah
S
0
Turner
Fleur
0
2
NR
Adams
Vicky
-2
0
Hartwell
Siana
S
0
Vickery
Katie
0
2
3
Ball
Natasha
-2
0
Hodge
Lucy
S
0
Waechter
Dayna
0
2
3
Barker
Lucinda
-2
0
Hughes
Amelia
S
2
Walters
Rebecca
0
4
5
Beere
Emily
-2
NR
Lawrence
Celine
S
NR
Whiteley
Vanessa
0
2
NR
Bowler
Crissy
-2
NR
Polin
Georgina
S
NR
Wood
Georgina
0
3
2
Bradley
Beanie
-2
1
Ringer
India
S
Cook
Kate
(-1)
1
NR
Campbell
Mhari
-2
0
NR
Schwartz
Sally
S
NR
Clowes
Olivia
-1
1
NR
Colthurst
Cicely
-2
0
1
Spiller
Helen
S
1
Croutear
Kim
-1
1
2
Cooper
Millie
-2
NR
Stitchbury
Isobella
S
NR
Dawson
Freya
-1
3
NR
Cooper
Amelia Grace
-2
1
Torg
Mille
S
1
Edwards
Alexandra
-1
1
NR
Currer- Briggs
Victoria
-2
NR
Townend
Fran
S
0
Evetts
Mhairi Charlotte
-1
2
NR
Danilochkina
Natalia
-2
3
1
0 0
0
NR (0)
0
0
NR
1 0 0
1
0
1 NR
NR 0 0
0
1 0
2
NR
Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
UK IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Level 1 OISC registered immigration consultants specialising in work related immigration for polo
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All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
57
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All Aspects of Youth Polo
Youth
Remembrance Sunday Beach Polo
Photography by Hannah Wyles
Photograph courtesy of Anna Lowndes
We have been sent some lovely images from Kinross Polo Club, St Andrews and Aberdeen University who on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, gathered on West Sands, St Andrews, for a beach polo tournament to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for Britain. Players and spectators wore poppies and there was a two-minute silence at 11am. The white team, captained by Peter Munnoch, were victorious 10-9 against the blue team, captained by Jim Bliss of St Andrews Polo Club.
25 kids took part in the Beinhorn-Faizullah Cup at Singapore Polo Club
Singapore Polo Club
After heavy Monsoon rains the night before, the weather cleared on the morning of Saturday 4 November and play got underway for the inaugural Singapore Polo Club Youth Challenge Cup 2017. Three teams battled it out over two days for the Beinhorn-Faizullah Cup and treated the cheering crowds to an excellent and exciting display of polo. All the matches were close with the White Team (Matias Furlong, Alex Sorensen, Jed Gabler, Hugo de Lisle and Maya Brown) lifting the trophy. After the matches on both days the more experienced youngsters played a faster exhibition chukka, being anchored at the back by the two regular youth coaches, Patrick Furlong and Shane Boyd. The Club generously supported the tournament, with many members lending ponies. Prizes included stick bags for all, caps, gloves and goggles and were kindly donated by SPC member Thomas Young. The Singapore Club now has over 25 children in its youth programme and hopes are high for the next generation of Singapore players.
Birmingham City University Polo Club
Kent Christmas Tournament
Photograph courtesy of BCU Polo Club
BCU Polo Club have been getting into the festive spirit with some fancy dress chukkas before heading off for the Christmas break. Our favourite has to be Yuk Kingh and her Father Christmas outfit. Well done all!
Players from Kinross Polo Club, St Andrews and Aberdeen University played Beach Polo on Remembrance Sunday
The University of Kent Polo Club’s Christmas tournament took place on Saturday 2 December at MHF Polo Club. Five beginners teams and four novice teams took part in the competition from Kent University, Royal Holloway and UEA. The tournament raised £120 for this year’s charity, Rhino Conservation Botswana and was a resounding success. Well done to all involved.
A beginner’s team from the Royal Veterinary College won their first ever match against Oxford Brookes on Sunday 3 December. Congratulations to these polo novices and long may your winning streak continue!
Photograph courtesy of RVC Polo Club
Royal Veterinary College Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of University of Kent Polo Club
BCU Polo Club have been playing festive chukkas
A beginner’s team from RVC Polo Club won their first ever match this weekend
Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Nine teams from across the region gathered at MHF Polo Club for the annual University of Kent’s Christmas Tournament
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
59
Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
SUPA AGM Confirms 2018 Schedule On Sunday 12 November, SUPA held their AGM, which was hosted by Heathfield School, Ascot. Those present included schools and university polo managers, horse providers plus HPA and Lycetts representatives. SUPA thanked the HPA, RJ Polo and Polo Times for their continued support. Dates were decided for the 2018 SUPA tournaments: University Nationals: 8 – 11 February (venue TBC) Arena Nationals Junior Arena Nationals: Sunday 25 February, Longdole Polo Club Senior Arena Nationals: Sunday 4 March, Rugby Polo Club Girls Arena Nationals: Sunday 18 March (venue TBC)
Summer Nationals Junior Summer Nationals: Sunday 13th May (venue TBC) Senior Summer Nationals: Sunday 17 June (venue TBC) Girls Summer Nationals: Sunday 24 June (venue TBC)
The Annual Edinburgh Tournament Photograph courtesy of Edinburgh University Polo Club
The Edinburgh University Polo Club’s Annual Polo Tournament was held between 17 – 19 November. It saw teams from from Newcastle, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Stirling and Leeds Universities attend for a three day extravaganza, packed full of polo and some drinks on the sidelines! The tournament was sponsored by Innocent, who provided the soft drinks throughout and UberPolo, who provided generous prizes to all winners and saw some fresh new faces to university polo, with some surprising performances from beginner teams. The winners were as follows: Beginners League: University of Stirling Novice League: University of Leeds Intermediate League: University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Exhibition Match: Yellow Team Most Valuable Players: Rachael Johnston (B, Stirling), Catherine Thompson (N, St. Andrews) & James Whiteford (I, Stirling and playing for Edinburgh). Most Improved Beginner: Jake Elliott from University of Aberdeen.
The prize winners of the 2017 Annual Polo Tournament
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
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Youth
Argentine Focus
Photography by Diana De Sousa Leao Jensen
Estancia Grande, winners of the Juniors section
Father Son Tournament at La Mariana Katie Vickery
reports from Argentina
Family lies at the very heart and soul of Argentine polo and nothing embodies these values more than a sunny afternoon of family fun at the first ever Father Son tournament that took place at La Mariana in Pilar. The Club is home to the Merlos family’s impressive high goal organisation set in the centre of polo in the Buenos Aires province. All day every day you can count on endless polo, horses, practices, tournaments and stick and ball sessions plus various generations of Merlos, but nothing quite compares to the site of three fields full of current and future polo stars of ages ranging from four years old to… well let’s just say a little bit older than that! The first of its kind, this tournament requires father/son (or mother/daughter or father/daughter or mother/son) combinations to form teams. For those players with an 62
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
endless resource of petite polo prodigies this might mean a father and three kids, or it might be a half Merlos and half Caset hybrid team. However the team is made up, it is all about that Bautista Escurra generation gap. The concept proved to be a huge success with 15 teams taking part across two categories. Starting at 10 in the morning, it was chukka after chukka of action. In the tents it was team talks and tactics before the games where the fathers passed on their wisdom and years of experience to their hungry protégés. On the field it was talent and pure understanding that took over, the family combos playing well together after years of practice. The Minis (under 7s) played
La Irenita, winners of the Minis section
a giant round robin with all teams playing each other and La Irenita coming out on top. It would seem that a Triple Crown is not enough for Pablo Mac Donough who led his team to victory with son Milo. For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
Argentine Focus The Subsidiary Final of the Junior section was between two home teams, La Celina and La Maria Pia where star of the match Bianca Pagano pressured the 9 goaler Sapo throughout and went on to score the only goal for their team in the loss to a talented La Celina home side. The Final was a hard-fought affair between Estancia Grande and La Matera, with Estancia Grande proving to be the stronger side with the Merlos duo unbeatable as they scored for the win.
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Best Father/Son Combo Gaston and Juan Cruz Guiñazu
Best Playing Pony La Rosi owned by Leon Donoso
V Fair Play Award – Fran Gomez
Where: Pilar, Buenos Aires
Most Valuable Family The Gallegos
The Results Minis 1st - La Irenita: Milo Mac Donough, Pablo Mac Donough, Diego Bayugar & Salvador Bayugar 2nd - La Mariana: Celestino Merlos, Agustín/ Florencio Merlos, Milo Grozovsky & Rafa Grozovsky Juniors Subsidiary Final Winner - La Celina: Rufino Merlos, Sapo Caset, Lorenzo Curone & Agustín Merlos Finalist - La Maria Pia: Ivan Grozosky, Bianca Pagano, Pite Merlos & Juan Cruz Merlos Final Winner - Estancia Grande: Sebastian Merlos, Santos Merlos, Esteban Iturrioz & Francisco Rodriguez Saa Finalist - La Matera: Milo Dorignac, Jero Venturini, Elina Donoso & Leon Donoso
MVP Francisco Rodriguez Saa
Locations – 25 de Mayo & Pilar
Locations – Atlanta
Locations – Berkshire
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Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Youth
Polo School & Clinics
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
63
Youth
Argentine Focus
The Potrillos Cup
Katie Vickery
reports from Argentina
Photography by Polo Times
The Potrillos Cup The Potrillos Cup is the equivalent of the Argentine Open for the under 14s and it is a real show of up-and-coming talent, as much as the talent, which has well and truly arrived. The Cup is covered in famous names from polo’s past and present and these names live on in the young players taking part today. This year’s tournament was no exception, with the Heguy’s leading the charge throughout. The incredibly talented Cruz Heguy, son of tournament organiser and deserved winner of the Most Valuable Player Award, led his team, made up of his cousins Silvestre and Antonio Heguy as well as the clever Brit player Luke Wiles, to victory against a tough El Pegual side.
Indios Chapaleufú II winners of The Potrillos Cup 2017
Undoubtedly the highlight of the youth Argentine season, this year’s Potrillos Cup, the most prestigious trophy for young and aspiring polo players, was a roaring success once again. As much a spectacle in terms of the supporters as the polo itself, it is the time to see those 10 goalers on the sidelines for a change, supporting, coaching and even grooming for their mini-me players whose turn it is in the spotlight. With nearly every one of the Argentine Association’s eight fields in use it is an extraordinary day, organised with military precision and carried out with smiles as big as the valiant steeds are small. Organised every year by Eduardo ‘Ruso’ Heguy, the day is the culmination of several tournaments in the area and hosts five different categories:
the Saturday night, post-Argentine Open celebrations had been washed away by a smattering of stormy weather on Sunday, and the parents were ready to take on the next biggest challenge of the season. The sponsors were out in force and the prizes were enviable for all that won and were involved.
Potrillos Cup Final teams: Winner - Indios Chapaleufu II: Silvestre Heguy, Antonio Heguy, Cruz Heguy & Luke Wiles Finalist - El Pegual: Mackenzie Weisz, Ignacio Rivarola, José Riglos & Lucas Criado Most Valuable Player: Cruz Heguy Fair Play Prize: José Riglos
Potrillos – the eldest of the players up to the age of 14-years-old, and the most prestigious of the levels to have your name to Potrillitos – ages from 10 – 12 years old Mini Potrillos – between eight and 10-years-old Mini Mini Potrillos – under eights Petisos – tiny tots, knee high to a grasshopper, whizzing around in their first competitive polo Potrancas – a new category dedicated to the little ladies, which highlighted the continued growth in support for women’s polo at every level in Argentina The day started bright and early on Monday 4 December after the hangovers from 64
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
A family affair, big brother and winner of The Mini Potrillos Cup, Rufino Merlos giving little brother Florencio top tips
For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
Argentine Focus
Youth
The remaining categories were played as round robins, of one or two chukkas, and with the amount of teams playing it was a mission of organisation and punctuality. This was achieved with perfection and all the winners and participants were showered with praise and prizes. The smiles all round were testament to a fantastic day of polo for all ages! Mini Mini Potrillitos Cup Winner: V8 – Yatay: Artemio Figueras, Pedro Chavanne, León Donoso & Rufino Laulhe Starting young, these little polo players count on some fantastic little steeds The Potrillitos Cup It was yet another win for La Dolfina in the second highest section of the tournament. The Cambiasos were looking for a hat trick – and it was the chance of the youngest (playing) Cambiaso, Adolfo, more commonly known as Poroto, to get his hands on some silverware; following father Adolfo’s Argentine Open win and sister Mia’s win in The Ladies Argentine Open. This is the second year running the title went to the same foursome, who also won the previous section the year before. They are clearly the team to beat and will be moving up to try their hand at the challenge next year.
The Mini Potrillos Cup In a category filled with big polo names it was Merlos and Castagnola that stood out from the crowd. The Rufino Merlos/Dante Castagnola combo joined by Lorenzo Chavanne and Paco De Narváez defeated the tough side of La Dolfina – Los Machitos in a tough and fast-paced Final. Mini Potrillos Cup Final teams: Winner - Sol de Agosto: Dante Castagnola, Lorenzo Chavanne, Paco De Narváez & Rufino Merlos Finalist - La Dolfina – Los Machitos: Francisco Spinacci, Pedro Sola, Antonio Aguerre & Pedro Urturi
Potrancas Cup Winner: Equipo rojo: Franchi Moretti, Aurora Figueras, Sofía Antin & Victoria Mihanovich Petisos: Zoilo De Narváez, Andino Donoso, Bartolome Gaztambide, Franco Kohner, Justo del Carril, Lucio Garrahan, Lucio Toccalino, Luis Padilla, Mateo Goti, Lujan Heguy, Pedro Miles, Milo Mac Donough, Rafael Buhar, Salvador Condomi Alcorta, Segundo Avendaño, Segundo Nigoul, Cristo Heguy & Salvador Ruiz Guiñazu
Potrillitos Cup Final teams: Winner - La Dolfina: Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso, Lucas Monteverde, Santos Merlos & Kristos Magrini Finalist - La Aguada - Las Alazanas: Juan Guerrero, Simón Novillo Astrada, León Schwenke & Marcos Rivarola Fair Play Prize: Juan Guerrero
English young gun Luke Wiles runs to goal in The Potrillos Cup Semi Final Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
65
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Joaquiña Height: 15.2hh Age: 18-years-old Colour: Dun Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Heloise WilsonSmith Tournament: Arena Opening Evening at Druids Lodge Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is a quarter horse mix. I bought her in the South of Brazil, near the Uruguay and Argentine border as a seven-year-old. How long have you had her? I bought her 11-years-ago.
soulmate on the field, then she’d be mine – I couldn’t imagine life without her.
Tell us about her background? She played some good polo in Brazil, but since I brought her over she’s been in every big Final I’ve played. I have taken her to France to play in the French Open Ladies Final three times. Unfortunately, we haven’t won it yet!
How has she gone this season? She went extremely well during the summer and we’ve had a great start to the arena season. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No. Which is a real shame! I brought four ponies over from Brazil 11-years-ago and each of the others have won a BPP award since then. With this win for Joaquiña, now it’s four for four!
What are her strengths? She is incredibly agile, strong and lateral. I am now playing her in the arena having retired her from grass at the end of this summer season. She’s so keen and loves her job, and plays like a hovercraft. She’s always been outstanding in every game and never has an ‘off’ day. If one player had a
What are your plans for her in the future? I’m hoping to get a foal from her by Pony Power
Anita
Phil Meadows talks to Lucy Wilson about Anita, winner of The 6 Goal HPA Christmas National Club Championships Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
artificial insemination, as it wasn’t happening naturally. It appears from the vet she had a foal at a young age before she came over from Brazil, so I know it’s possible. Does she have any special quirks? She’s like a dog; she’s got the quirkiest personality. Her eyes are almost human and frankly, if I could have her living in the house with us I would! She’s so special you’d never have another one like her. She hates all other horses! She’s a people horse. Describe her in three words? Athletic, diva, sweet (to humans).
Knowledge
Tell us about her background? Charlotte Christadoulou originally owned her, but in 2011 she transferred to the arena polo season and into my string. How has she gone this season? Unbelievably well, although in the first game of the Nationals she tweaked her hock, which we thought might end her season. However, after rigorous cold therapy and a lot of hard work from her groom, Stef, she has bounced back and proved that she has a huge heart. Has she won any other awards? Anita also won the Best Playing Pony Award with my daughter Saskia in the Ladies Winter National Tournament last year at Ascot Park. What are your plans for her future? Keep her fit and healthy and play as much fun polo on her as possible.
Where is she from? Argentina.
How long have you had her? I have had her for four years now.
Height: 15hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Black Sex: Mare Owner: Phil Meadows
What are her strengths? She is brave, nimble and agile – a great combination for arena polo.
Feeding
Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina, born and bred. BUFF® is a registered trademark property of Original Buff, S.A.
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How long have you had her? Five years.
Does she have any special quirks? She loves to canter sideways after about half a chukka so we usually swap her out, so she plays 1st half of the 1st chukka and the last half of the last chukka – she’s hopeless for penalty taking! Describe her in three words? Black, brave, beautiful.
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Height: 15.1hh Anita Age: 16-years-old Colour: Black Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Phil Meadows and played by Genevieve Meadows Tournament: HPA National Club Championships 3 Goal
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How will you wear it?
Polo Times, January/February 2016
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Tell us about her background? Charlotte Chistodoulo, who enjoyed playing her both outside and in the arena, kindly gave Anita to my dad, Phil Meadows. Now she only plays the winter season. ®
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Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes. She won Best Playing Pony with my sister Saskia at the HPA Ladies Nationals about three-years-ago.
What are her strengths? She is like a pocket rocket and relentlessly scampers around the field, stopping, turning and accelerating like no other horse I have ridden. She’s perfect for the arena.
What are your plans for her in the future? Look after and love her lots, play her loads and give her a nice long summer holiday in April next year.
How has she gone this season? She’s gone like a dream, as ever.
Does she have any special quirks? She has a gate fixation and goes crazy as the
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bells rings at the end of the chukka, spinning around and cantering on the spot. It’s impossible to shake hands at the end of the game if I’m playing her. I have to get off and do it on foot. Describe her in three words? Majestic, majestic, majestic! Anita was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at the 2016 6 Goal HPA Christmas National Club Championships Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Twilight
Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography
Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned and played by Max Charlton Tournament: HPA National Club Championships 12 Goal Where is she from/breeding? She is from Australia. Interestingly, she is the full sister of Twiggy, Gonzalito Pieres’ favourite pony he plays in all the big Finals. How long have you had her? I’ve had her for almost two years. Tell us about her background? She came to England in 2016, having played for a multitude of great, international players. What are her strengths? She is unbelievably agile and very fast on the turn. I’m not sure another horse could beat her! How has she gone this season? This is Twilight’s first winter season and thus far she is unstoppable! I’m yet to find any fault with her.
Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes. She has won awards in Australia, but this is the first with me.
Does she have any special quirks? She is a machine in the arena, but once she’s home, she’s a massive softy.
What are your plans for her in the future? I’d like to take it easy with her as she’s getting older, but the ultimate plan is to breed from her. We’re currently taking embryos from her and are hoping she’ll go into foal for March.
Describe her in three words? Best dancing pony!
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus: Bits
Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting
Mouth Sensitive Polo Pony Q: I have an issue with a tongue sensitive horse. When I first got the mare (four years ago) she was playing polo in a single break gag. She would try to put her tongue over the bit, pulling her tongue back into her throat, causing a loud snoring/growling sound, obviously restricting her airway and making her nervous. I then put her into a Polo Pelham Gavin Chaplin and, initially, she did great – no more swallowing the tongue and she remained focused. But soon she was ‘working’ her jaw and sticking her nose in the air again, throwing herself off balance. Thinking that she was reacting to the spinner, I tried her in a Happy Tongue Pelham and a 3-Ring McHardy – neither worked, and she was back to pulling her tongue back into her throat. We then found that she had a broken tooth which was intact enough to bounce up and down while she trotted/cantered. After a break following the tooth’s removal, we tried riding her in a bitless bridle successfully, but I can’t play with it – so I have been working her back into the Gavin Chaplin Pelham, with a single set of reins (no running reins) attached to the snaffle ring. She has been doing ok, but sometimes she will revert back, start gaping, ‘working’ her jaw and trying to swallow her tongue. Should I keep working her slowly with the Gavin Chaplin Pelham or do you have any other suggestions?
The Big Ring Gag Spinner is designed to lay horizontally on the tongue and will keep the mouthpiece quite high in the mouth
A: Unfortunately the single jointed mouthpiece was perhaps not suitable, as the nutcracker action was pinching her tongue. This, as you have identified has led to your horse taking evasive action by either getting her tongue over the bit, or even worse, to half swallow her tongue to avoid any pressure. Most horses are lacking the ability to reason that in most cases of pain, or at least being uncomfortable, they could stop and think about what is happening. Their reactions are normally panic and flight! Your choice of the Gavin Chaplin mouthpiece is a valid one. The port removes the direct pressure and the spinner is designed to lay horizontally to the tongue,
therefore not allowing the tongue to ‘kink’ or be ‘sucked’ back towards the throat. With the incident of the broken tooth, your horse just did not know what to do to avoid being very uncomfortable! I would persevere with a Spinner mouthpiece, but perhaps use it in the Big Ring Gag Spinner version, which is a loose ring. This will help to keep the mouthpiece quite high in the mouth. You could also use a drop noseband in conjunction with this, to offer a little more support to the jaw, but not too tight to begin with. But you must be patient, as the habit your horse has developed is not a straightforward one to correct. Good luck.
Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.
Mr. H. Glass
Team Tristar (UK) Ltd
Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus
Ainsley Polo is the creation of two brothers, Kel and Ross Ainsley. There isn’t a significant polo tournament anywhere in the world that hasn’t had an Ainsley Pony take part in it. Their natural talent as horsemen and sportsmen, along with their adaptability in the management and production of their horses and their deep understanding of the game has led to their success and won them worldwide respect in the polo industry. They live, breath and sleep polo, not only providing world class polo ponies at every level, but also offering polo holidays, lessons and unrivalled polo equipment worldwide. If it’s polo related these are the people to talk to.
www.ainsleypolo.com
What’s Your Horse Thinking? In this third instalment of the series, Ainsley Polo takes a look at your horse’s mind
Photography by Ainsley Polo
The eyes, ears and nose make up facial expressions that are very telling of the pony’s thoughts and mood
People and horses definitely think differently, but it doesn’t mean horses aren’t intelligent. They are possibly much more intelligent than most people give them credit for, it’s just their way of thinking and their logic that are different, and the way they express themselves isn’t always obvious to an untrained eye. But, by understanding the way they think and watching for their cues, it enables you to work with them and therefore get the best results in every aspect. How they learn Horses are creatures of habit, they learn and understand best through repetition. This way of understanding means they don’t pick things up immediately when first introduced to something new, but they will grasp the concept and hold on to it through repetition of the same act in the same manner. If we step back from training and look at the horse in its general daily life, without people, you will find more often than not they will have their own routines around the barn and in the paddock. Horses being habitual animals are in generally the happiest, most comfortable and confident with repetition. 72
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Get the most out of your horse The best approach to take when working with any horse, is to take the first step slowly and explain what you need in a clear calm way, then repeat the request and reward the desired outcome to start building the good habit. Knowing horses learn best through repetition, you must be aware they will learn the wrong thing just as fast as they will the right thing. Often it seems they have learnt the wrong thing more quickly, but that is generally because the horse has been heading in the wrong direction building the bad habit longer than the person has been aware of it. It is very important to be sure in yourself of what result you are after, with a clear path and simple way to explain the process to the horse. Being concise, calm, soft, but firm and confident builds the best habits giving superior results and responses. The younger the horse the more pliable they are to such requests, due to having less experience of the ‘wrong thing’. Attitude and temperament from a rider is key to achieving the fastest, most consistent results in your habit building process. When riders are loud, rough and short-tempered, horses get confused and requests from rider to horse get lost and mixed up, leading to bad habits forming. When a person loses their temper with a horse, it simply shows the lack of knowledge they have to deal with that certain issue or horse. A better horseman or woman understands how a horse thinks and they can consider the process to work out a different way to explain what is required to get the horses doing what is being requested. To create the best environment for a horse to progress though its training, or improve its schooling and polo, is as basic as making the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. The difference between good and great horsemen is their ability to make the right thing simple and reward for it at the
perfect time, and the wrong thing difficult and therefore uncomfortable for the horse at the same time, without frightening them or losing their concentration. Another way to describe this is a good horseman puts a horse in the position where the easiest outcome for the horse is the desired result. The better horsemen in polo work this way. The oldschool mentality of jerking and whipping a horse into submission and hoping for a good result is dying out slowly. Those that work this way sometimes get lucky with a very tolerant, lazy horse, but good results are few and far between, and a nice soft sensitive animal will almost certainly be destroyed, or become so defensive it only gives a small percentage of its full ability. Good horsemen that run into a problem stop, think and then act on a strategic plan to reach the desired outcome using a different method or route. A good horseman may use a lot of mental or physical pressure in a specific situation, but it is used very carefully in a controlled nonaggressive manner. That form of pressure is used to show the only way away from the pressure is the way they want them to go, therefore the horse is rewarded with relieved pressure and the horseman has got the response he asked for. Mood indicators The best way to learn how horses think and respond in various situations is to just watch them closely; they are the best teachers. At the pony lines or in the barn or paddock you will get a first hand lesson on their body language and what it means, while they are interacting with people and other horses. They are happy to give you plenty of warning of what they are about to do; you just have to look for the signs in the form of the body language they display. The first place to look to read a horse is its head. The horse’s eyes, ears and nose www.polotimes.co.uk
Equipment Focus make up facial expressions that are very telling of its thoughts and mood. Probably the most well known sign is the ears pinned back, an obvious indicator of the horse being unhappy. This may also indicate that they are about to act on their mood in a negative way. In training and schooling, reading your horse’s expressions can save you a lot of time and ongoing issues. A common ‘unsure expression’ of a green horse, is they will drop an ear on the polo ball, which in turn progresses to tipping the nose away, before it will actually start moving off the ball or being scared of it. It is generally the first indicator the rider is moving too fast along the ‘getting comfortable with the stick and ball programme’ and the horse is getting unhappy with the situation. It often unfolds that following an initial ear drop towards to ball, within four or five sessions of stick and balling, the green horse is running off the ball in fear of what’s coming when it gets alongside it. Eyes are another obvious and great indicator, looking soft and relaxed saying they are calm and happy with what’s going on or if they are intense and wide eyed they may be about to act out in fright, or at the very least be worried about what’s going to happen next.
The body language and facial expressions give you great insight into the thoughts of the horses. With this tool we can avoid any fighting with the pony and foresee any problems that may become issues, we just have to read the signs early. Most people aren’t aware of these and then run directly into problems, even though the horse gave them plenty of warning. By knowing your horse and reading their signs, it also enables you to know the exact moment to reward your horse for its efforts and responsiveness. The quicker and more often you reward them when they are responding well, the quicker and more easily they will understand what you are asking, and what you want will become what they do. When both horse and rider understand each other, everything becomes easier, as you both work together in sync, and understand the way the other works. The beauty of these tools and skills is that they are free, all it takes is time to watch and study our trusty steeds and if you see the signs you can stop, back off and approach the anticipated problem in a different manner or slower fashion reading the signs along the way, resulting in better trained horses who respond faster and with more productive results.
Knowledge
‘Dropping an ear’ to a polo ball can be an early warning of moving off or shying away from the ball because of fear during later sessions
Tom Morley plays with Ainsley Polo saddle and tack (and pony) - photo by www.imagesofpolo.com
Ainsley Polo saddles Perfect hitting position and unsurpassed grip for all shots See it at Tally Ho Farm and www.performance-polo.com
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Vet Insight
Anna Gorman BVSc MRCVS is an equine vet at Cheltenham Equine Vets. Along with the rest of the team she has a keen interest in poor performance and spends much of her professional time investigating lameness and sore backs. Anna did her undergraduate training at Liverpool vet school, and she has worked in predominantly equine practice for her professional career. Any spare time Anna has she spends with her horses, dogs and her boyfriend. She loves exploring and seeing how people and animals in other parts of the world live. Here she shares with us her approach to horses with sore backs.
Keep that Back in Action... What the vets have to say!
Causes of back pain Rider or tack inflicted back pain • Soreness due to general work – the inevitability of a rider on a horse • Unsuitable training techniques (eg. overuse of draw reins) • Poor riding skills • Excessive rider weight* Secondary back pain and conditions that might mimic back pain • Sacroiliac pain • Hindlimb lameness • Neck pain • Equine gastric ulcer disease • Dental pain
Any horse demonstrating back pain must have a thorough veterinary examination to rule out underlying hind limb lameness amongst other conditions that can present with back pain
Back pain in horses – an inevitability? The early horse was perfectly designed to graze and run at speed across the plains. Over thousands of years man has selectively bred a larger, stronger model capable of carrying us for all sorts of means, from travel to warfare, to sport and leisure. The long and strong thoracic spine supports a saddle and rider with ease, however back pain related to a number of factors is an inevitability and something that horse owners and riders of all disciplines need to be aware of. In addition, horses’ necks (which are highly 74
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
flexible compared to the lower motion regions of the spine under and behind the saddle) are an area which vets and therapists are becoming increasingly aware of, particularly in performance horses working in an outline or in sports requiring large amounts of neck flexion. How do I know if my horse has a sore back? The signs of neck and back pain can vary from the obvious to the subtle, requiring a Sherlock Holmes approach to solve! Resentment to being tacked up and
mounted, bucking, rearing and stopping or running out at fences are more obvious clues to back pain. More subtle issues may include under performing, lack of impulsion or elevation, inability to canter on the correct lead, saddle slip and wearing of the hair under the saddle on one or both sides. Back pain is far more commonly caused by one or more of the problems in the two lists above. Vets are still learning about primary back pain in horses and we know that sometimes problems such as kissing spines are detected during investigation, but they turn out not to be significant, as the horse either doesn’t respond to medication or treatment of that area, or does respond to addressing something from the lists above.
Primary back pain • Impinging Dorsal Spinous Processes (kissing spines) • Facet joint pain • Ventral spondylosis • Inflammation of the ligaments above and between the DSPs • Fractures • Myopathy of the back muscles
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Vet Insight
Knowledge
At a recent veterinary conference it was predicted that in the years to come technology will improve and more sophisticated imaging of the horse’s spine using CT (computerised tomography) will become available to clinicians, as it has for small animals. However, vets and therapists will still be faced with the question of determining significance of any abnormal lesions. Where possible the use of targeted injections of local anaesthetic or trail medication of steroids into abnormal regions can be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic test.
The vet or therapist will carry out detailed palpation of the horse’s back, neck and limbs, as well as seeing the horse move in a straight line, on a circle and ridden
How do vets and therapists investigate back pain? If you suspect that your horse has a sore back, then examination by an equine vet or ideally RAMP qualified ** physical therapist is recommended. A thorough examination at rest, in hand, on the lunge and under saddle will give the experienced vet or therapist vital clues to the location and possible causes of the back pain. Muscle and movement symmetry will give the experienced hand and eye signs when investigating any sort of musculoskeletal pain. In some cases, a trial course of pain relief might be recommended to help distinguish between pain and behavioural problems. However, it should be noted that some more subtle back and neck problems may be poorly responsive to pain relief due to the biomechanical dysfunction that accompanies the discomfort. Palpation (feeling the soft tissue and bony parts of the horse with a skilled hand) and observation are the first steps to coming up with a plan for further investigations or trial treatments. Common approaches might be to involve a Master Saddler to assess appropriate tack fit, or to assess response to initial physical treatment such as a pain relief trial, injected medication, manipulation or acupuncture. More detailed veterinary investigation In cases of recurrent problems, lack of response to early treatment, or where initial examination identifies certain findings, further veterinary investigations may follow. One of the first questions these investigations will aim to answer is, “Is the back pain primary or secondary”? Secondary back and neck pain results when there is an underlying problems such as lameness, often resulting in the animal developing compensatory ways of moving through its spine in order to reduce the load on one or more limbs which are painful. This is often hard for owners to understand, especially where the underlying lameness is subtle and to their mind has not stopped them ‘doing their day job’. For www.polotimes.co.uk
example, horses with low grade hock pain (a common condition), will often carry out speed work and jumping without a perceived problem, other than noting subtle signs of back pain such as resentment to mounting or canter transitions. Primary back pain refers to pain due to the underlying problem being associated with the bony or soft tissue structures of the spine. For example, kissing spines, (dorsal spinous process impingement), facet joint (the joints between individual vertebral bodies) pain and fractures fall into the category of primary back pain. It is often not possible to differentiate between primary and secondary back pain based on palpation and observation alone, however sometimes this stage of the process will throw up certain clues which prompt the investigation to take a particular course. Any obvious lameness needs to be fully investigated with nerve blocks and X-rays, ultrasound or other imaging modalities as appropriate. Marked resentment to palpation of certain areas, such as the tips of the spinal processes would be likely to prompt X-rays of the spine to look for ‘kissing spines’. Imaging the horse’s spine Currently X-rays, ultrasound and nuclear scintigraphy are the main tools available to vets for investigating primary spinal pathology.
This radiograph shows the dorsal spinous processes of the mid thoracic vertebrae. It clearly demonstrates how T13 , 14 and 15 are extremely close and almost touching (kissing spines)
Treatment for back pain Resolution of issues in the first two lists is often the mainstay of treatment for back pain. Regular checks with a veterinary surgeon and skilled therapist on the RAMP register is a must for any horse in work. Treatments such as acupuncture can be enormously helpful for some horses, both for treatment of pain and performance enhancement, as it can result in a greater range and quality of movement. Building core strengthening work into your exercise programme can make a huge difference to both preventing and managing back and other injuries. This doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated and doesn’t necessarily need a school. Basic carrot stretches and poles in the field used for a few minutes a couple of times a week can pay dividends. Think quality not quantity when fitness training. Treatment for primary back pain ranges from medication into a particular part of the back, such as a facet joint or region of kissing spines, to surgery for conditions such as kissing spines. Close communication between vets, therapists, farriers and saddle fitters will ensure appropriate choices are made and the welfare of the horse is kept at the forefront of any decision-making. * The results of the Animal Health Trust’s (AHT) pilot project investigating appropriate rider weight will be published in December 2017. ** The RAMP (Register of Animal musculoskeletal practitioners) list of therapists who have achieved a certain level of training and competence. It is intended to help veterinary surgeons and animal owners choose professionals providing chiropractic, osteopathic and physiotherapy techniques. Prestbury Park, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL50 4SH Tel: 01242 806772 Email: info@cheltenhamequinevets.co.uk Web: www.cheltenhamequinevets.co.uk Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
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Medical Insight: Polodoc
Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013 and is a member at Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland
Clavicle Fracture – Breaking the Strut No biggie, but you can’t ride now Clavicle fractures are one of the most common injuries of the human body when crash landing off a horse, with direct contact to the shoulder girdle or on the outstretched hand. A direct hit to the collarbone will also cause a break. In most cases, the direct hit occurs from the lateral side towards the medial side of the bone. Fractures of the clavicle typically occur at the angle where the greatest change in direction of the bone occurs. This results in the sternocleidomastoid muscle lifting the medial aspect superiorly, which can result in perforation of the overlying skin.
the scapula to move freely on the thoracic wall. The cervicoaxillary canal is covered by the clavicle protecting the neurovascular bundle that supplies the upper limb. The physical impacts from the upper limb are transmitted to the axial skeleton. Types of fractures and associated injuries 75-80 percent of all clavicle fractures will occur in the middle third segment. Fracture of the inner and outer ends are more rare. The fracture pattern can be simple, wedge or complex with multiple fragments. Associated injuries are rare, but include ipsilateral scapular and rib fractures, lung and neurovascular injury. Diagnostic imaging Conventional X-ray imaging is recommended in all cases. In high velocity accidents with multi-fragmentary fractures, an additional CT can be useful.
The clavicle bone
Symptoms A clavicle fracture can be very painful and may make it hard to move your arm. Other signs and symptoms of a fracture may include:
Treatment Non-operative treatment Non-operative treatment is indicated when minimally displaced (middle third), and shortening and displacement is below 2cm. A neurologic deficit should be absent and
no significant displacement to the superior shoulder suspensory is necessary. Rehabilitation A sling immobilisation, with gentle mobilisation exercises at two to four weeks and strengthening at six to 10 weeks is recommended. The rate for non-union is low with a rate of one to five percent. Operative treatment Different fixation techniques can be used according to the fracture pattern. 1. Closed reduction and intramedullary Fixation closed reduction and intramedullary fixation has the advantage of a small incision, less soft-tissue disruption, less prominent hardware and avoids the supraclavicular cutaneous nerves commonly injured with plating. The disadvantages are a higher complication rate, including hardware migration and biomechanically inferior stability to plating. 2. Open reduction, plate and screw fixation Multi-fragmentary fracture patterns and additional injuries are the best cases for this treatment option. However, the hardware prominence requires plate removal in about 30 percent of patients (superior plates associated with increased
– Sagging of the shoulder downwards and forward – Inability to lift the arm because of pain – A grinding sensation when you try to raise the arm – Deformity or ‘bump’ over the break – Bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness over the collarbone Anatomy The clavicle serves as a rigid support from which the scapula and free limb is suspended; an arrangement that keeps the upper limb away from the thorax so that the arm has maximum range of movement. It acts as a flexible, crane-like strut and allows 76
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A fracture pattern with multiple fragments can be extremely complex to heal
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Medical Insight: Polodoc
Knowledge
Three month clinical result after open reduction and plate fixation
When to a see specialist? If you believe you have one of the following ailments, it is advised to seek the opinion of a clavicle fracture specialist: – Comminuted fractures with additional nerve or vessel injury – Additional fractures, ligament injuries or tendon ruptures of the shoulder – Former injuries in the same area
Before and after the tangential plate is fixed to the fracture
irritation). The mechanical failure rate is low at approximately one to two percent and superior plates are associated with increased risk of vessel injury. Rehabilitation and return to ride Early mobilisation consists of using an arm sling for seven to ten days, which is
followed by active motion with the help of physiotherapy. Late mobilisation will be strengthening at six weeks, when pain free motion and radiographic evidence of union. Full activity, including riding, will be possible after three months and radiological proof of healing. An early start to riding and playing chukkas is achieved with operative treatment.
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For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com
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Knowledge
Learn to Play
In this series Sam Gairdner provides a course of polo lessons for the complete beginner. Although for many readers, this may be too basic for their level of polo, the sport is always welcoming newcomers and it’s never too late to take it up. Sam Gairdner’s series will be looking at every aspect of polo. In this second part...
Play Polo
The key to hitting the ball is positioning
Lesson Two – Part 1 Notes for the Instructor In lesson two we give more technical information regarding the riding and hitting parts of polo. I think it is important for beginners to understand the dynamics of the swing so they can help themselves later on in their polo experience. (Part 1) The most important aspect of teaching polo is safety, therefore it is valuable in the strategy part of this lesson to give your pupils the basic rules, this is primarily the LOB (line of ball) and ROW (right of way), which will be discussed in the next part of the series to be published next month.
Riding
Riding a polo pony is similar to riding any horse and requires learning three aspects: • The aids/controls • The balance and rhythm of the four paces (walk, trot, canter and gallop) • The communication between horse and rider The riding part of this course will help you develop a better understanding of these aspects, but no amount of knowledge can take the place of hours in the saddle, so go have riding lessons, (any form of riding will do, just do it!)
Lesson Structure – 1hr 30 minutes total • 30 minutes: Polo riding – Understand the basic commands to a greater degree, concentrating on slowing down and accelerating. Finish the lesson with a game of ‘tag’. • 30 minutes: Hitting – Concentrate on getting a technically correct offside forehand swing, with a few ‘run downs’ as practice. • 30 minutes: Get off horses, go through the basic rules relating to safety on the field including the LOB and ROW.
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Today’s lesson will run through the aids of stopping/deceleration and also acceleration, and should be practiced in an arena if possible. Stopping/Deceleration Slowing down a horse requires the following aids, in this order: • Prepare – make sure the reins are short and your body is upright with your weight over your stirrups. • Then put your weight into your stirrups and squeeze your knees. You will need to move your seat forward without leaning forward to do this. • Squeeze your hand and tighten up your arm so that there is a connection between the horse’s mouth, your hand and into your shoulders. • Push your shoulders backwards so your weight shifts backwards. • The horse should very quickly slow down. If it doesn’t, get help from your instructor and practice. • Once stopped, release all pressure as a reward momentarily before moving on to the next command. www.polotimes.co.uk
Learn to Play
Knowledge
As you practice this more you will find that the horse reacts better and better with less and less pressure. This is about you improving your communication with your horse, something that doesn’t happen with machines.
The Game of Tag Once you have understood the aids, put them into practice with a game of tag. Get two pupils in an arena, give one of them a couple of seconds to get away from the other. The idea is that the second pupil needs to catch (tag) the first player by touching them anywhere on the body (not the horse). Once pupil one is tagged the roles are reversed. This is a really good game for everyone to play and can also be used for training young horses.
Hitting
In this lesson we concentrate on the offside forehand shot, in part two (next issue) we also talk about the nearside forehand. The Offside Forehand The offside forehand is the most important shot in the game and therefore we should spend a bit of time getting a good understanding of the technical aspects of the shot. To best understand this shot I want to break it down into 7 parts. 1. The Approach – It is important to have the pony travelling at a constant speed and in a straight line as you approach the ball. Aiming for the ball to be about 50cm to the right of the pony’s front right leg.
www.polotimes.co.uk
Photography courtesy of Sam Gairdner
Acceleration Speeding up is often overlooked when talking about a horse’s performance around a polo field, but it is just as important. A horse will accelerate well when the correct aids are tied in with good balance: – First lean forward (like riding a sports motorcycle) and release any pressure you have in the reins, keeping your seat in the middle of the saddle for maximum security. – Bring your legs back and squeeze with the lower half of your legs. – The idea is to build energy in your horse and the most effective way to do this is to squeeze and put pressure through your seat rather than to just kick. – Once you have reached your desired speed put your weight into your stirrups and take your weight out of the saddle, rewarding the horse with no pressure. A polo pony with no pressure should continue at the same speed that they are travelling.
Stability and balance will give you a sense of security
2. The Platform – Stability and balance will give you a sense of security, which is what we want to achieve in creating a good platform. Imagine that you are the goalkeeper waiting for a penalty to be struck. Your legs need to be spread and your centre of gravity low. Your knees and crotch need to stay in contact with the saddle. As you approach the ball you can rotate your hips about 10 degrees to lock you into a secure platform. 3. The Rotation – Rotate your body around your spine, so that your left shoulder comes forward and the your head goes over the top of where the ball will be at the point of impact. 4. The Arm Extension – At this point you extend your arm and have the stick head in a high position ready to start your downswing.
5. The Downswing – The plane of swing for a polo shot is almost vertical (opposed to a 45 degree swing in golf or a horizontal swing in tennis) and usually parallel with the pony. 6. The Impact of Ball – At the point of impact your shoulders should be facing about 45 degrees and the ball should be directly below your eyes. 7. The Follow Through – The follow through extends through until your shoulders again become square with the pony and you are back at a balanced point in the saddle. The stick head should have followed the trajectory of the ball if your swing was straight.
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
79
Sidelines
Gossip
WHICH IS WHICH?
Horacio Heguy took to Instagram to portray his ongoing issue when choosing ponies. How on earth does his groom identify which one is which?!
WEDDING BELLS!
Westcroft Park player Nicola Foley married David Semple on Friday 22 September at Esher Church, Surrey. Nicola was given away by polo legend Nick Williams whilst former England international player Roddy Williams made the all-important wedding speech. Congrats to you both!
A ROYAL WEDDING
On Monday 27 November, Clarence House announced the engagement of polo playing HRH Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle. The couple, who have been dating since 2016, will be getting married in spring next year. Will Meghan be taking up the reins this coming season? Perhaps a run in the Victrix Ludorum? Congratulations to the happy couple!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sir Charles ‘Cow’ Williams, this year’s recipient of the HPA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Polo Awards, celebrated his 85th birthday on Friday 24 November. He is one of the oldest polo players in the world and has shown no sign of stopping yet. Many congratulations from the team at Polo Times HQ.
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS? Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Argentine Open winning Adolfo Cambiaso is renowned for his passion on the field, and this year’s tournament was no different, but the main question we’re wondering about, is what exactly is Facundo Pieres doing?!
UPCOMING MARRIAGE FOR THE MARLBOROUGHS
Congratulations to La Martina ambassador George Spencer Churchill, Marquis of Blandford, who popped the question to long-term girlfriend Camilla Thorp this month and she said, unsurprisingly, yes!
NAKED AMBITION
It’s that time of year again! 15 universities have got together to embrace their natural selves in the Uni Polo Calendar, supporting the ‘Love Your Body’ campaign. Calendars are on sale now for £12.99 on unipolocalendar.com 80
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
RUTLAND POLO CLUB
Congratulations to Rutland stalwart Neil Berry and his partner Lucie on the birth of their baby boy Hugh Fraser Berry, born on Friday 27 October 2.30pm, weighing in at 6lbs 7oz. Both mother and baby boy are doing well.
www.polotimes.co.uk
Bellevue Plantation & Private Polo Club, Barbados “unique and exclusive private rentals” The original Bellevue Plantation Estate was built in 1735 and is regarded as one of the very oldest plantations on the island. The main house maintains a stunning ‘Caribbean Georgian’ style including verandahs, imposing exterior stairs, jalousies shutters and galleries.
Resident polo professional Oscar Mancini encourages players to play as much, or as little polo as they wish. Guests may play polo with their friends at Bellevue Polo’s home ground or enter tournaments on the island at one of the nearby polo clubs – both Apes Hill and Lion’s Castle are a short distance away.
With the installation of new Polo and practice fields which replaced the old cane fields, two and a half years in preparation, we are now ready to invite you to come and stay & play. Today, with almost 300 years’ history, Bellevue Polo is available for unique and exclusive private rentals, weekly/ monthly or for the season, for up to 16 guests in 8 suites. Whilst enjoying Bellevue Polo’s 1st class hospitality, guests can expect an unique glimpse of the past whilst being lured with 21st century luxuries. Bellevue’s polo ground today, although brand new and flood lit, was a cane field on which the original planters used to play polo on the cut fields.
A ‘typical’ day at Bellevue Polo includes: yoga in the morning, and/ or riding on the beach; chukkas in the afternoon and an asado under the stars before dancing the night away at Harbour Lights Activities include: As much or as little polo as you wish (night or day) Bellevue Polo has huge spot lights under the stars • 2 HPA pros • Private field • Polo Ponies • Fully staffed with top chef – choose from Caribbean/ English/ Asado • Limo pick up • Champagne and rum • Catamaran cruises • Stunning white beaches • Hot tropical days every day, winter and summer Top up your tan and your handicap – Bellevue can do it all, with the ultimate fun in the sun
Facilities include: Master suite and 5 guest suites finished to a high standard reflecting the style and age of the building. In the grounds of the estate is a fully restored 2 bed stand alone cottage which can also be let creating 8 suites of accommodation in total. Bellevue Polo – “unique and exclusive private rentals” – weekly/ monthly or for the season, for up to 16 guests in 8 suites – a few suites are also available for Christmas w/c 20th December ‘17 UK Bookings: 0044 7957 167429 (Oscar) / 0044 7860 473111 (Paul) info@bellevuebarbados.com
w w w. be l l e v u e b a r b a d o s.c o m
Pat McGinley
Spectators packed onto the slopes around the ground enjoyed some great up-close polo action
James Lester with his Australian team cap certificate
David Woodd
Katrina Williams
XI FIP World Polo Championships Final; Sydney Polo Club; Sunday 29 October
FIP World Class Fun
Tim & Jen Clarke with Greg & Fi Carns
You know it’s hot when the Australians complain about the heat, and it certainly was a scorcher both on and off the polo fields at the FIP World Championships. As so many members of the Australian polo community had donated the use of their horses they descended en masse to see them perform and there was a real sense of everybody knowing everybody in a huge Antipodean gathering of the clans. If only the UK polo fraternity pulled together the same way! Peter Higgins, CEO of Sydney Polo Club had certainly pulled out all of the stops with an elaborate event infrastructure which meant there was loads to do for both polo aficiandos and the general public alike – a great trade village, live music, art exhibitions and fashion competitions (all washed down with a cold ‘stubbie’ or two). As the shadows lengthened and the heat finally abated everybody had that polo ‘feel good factor’. Well done FIP!
Jim & Tina Rawlings
Photography by Polo Times and courtesy of FIP USA Team Captain Jesse Bray & England Team Captain Satnam Dhillon
Nicholas & Annie Colquhoun-Denvers
Corina, Greg & Tessa Johnson
Bill Cust
Adrian Lester & Simon Bell
Alex Rowland-Jones, Ben Fenney Hannah Matthews,Dick Georgia Sweeney, with Lucy & George Cooper-Dixon Tina White & Angharad Dalton & Lynne LesterAlex Jacob & Leeo Libertini
Monty, Lucas, Hari, Arabella and Emma Dhillon
Matt Cudmore
Julian Appleby takes a break from third manning
Sketchy Bongo
Best dressed Gentleman – Danilo Acquisto
Chelsea Brehm & Leroux Hendriks
Ritza Bellingan & Marilize de Clercq
Cintron Pink Polo; Val de Vie Estate, South Africa; Saturday 4 November
Pretty in Pink All eyes turned on the Val de Vie Estate in South Africa on a sunny Saturday afternoon as the social scene of Cape Town descended on the estate for the 2017 Cintron Pink Polo day. The event is held in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, celebrating survivors of breast cancer and telling their inspirational stories. In the shadow of the awe-inspiring South African mountains, the teams took to the field to the delight of the thousand-strong crowd. But, the highlight of the day was by far the Best Dressed Competition, as guests and VIPs vied for the coveted title, revelling in all things pink. As the sun set on another glorious day on the savannah, the Cintron World team gave themselves a well deserved pat on the back for another extremely successful day. Shaun Mattig, Margo Fargo & Anri Powell
Mikayla Mcclean
Eugenio Barioli, Sean Brophy, Sam Peterson, Rouchelle Bariolo & Colleen Carr Alex JB, Sam Foley & Kim Rivalland
Rebone Modiba & Ayanda Ndamane
Courtesy of Val de Vie Estate
Roxy Louw, Sam Barton, Tyrone Nell & Emile Greyvenstein
Sechaba G, Maps Maponyane & Mishka Patel
Marli van Schalkwyk & Iza Slabbert
Elin Wilkens
Mimi Kamhumhu Ryk Neethling
Rors Cook, Isabelle Day, Fabio Orlando, Josh Milne, Beccy Eades & Joe Baker
Natasha Mahne
Alice Hopkins, Adi Shield & Nadia al Lahiq Nell Jacob, Sara Hale & Phil Meadows
Ash Farm Polo Club; Surrey; Saturday 11 November
Rock the Polo Royal Holloway’s annual Rock the Polo was held at Ash Farm Polo Club in the heart of Surrey on a chilly November evening, supported by Wonjnar and Black Hound. Earlier in the day the Club helped raise money for the Royal British Legion, on Remembrance Day, with an exciting exhibition match which saw the likes of Chris Hyde, James Mann, Charlotte Sweeney, Georgia Sweeney, Ed Morris-Lowe and Seb Dawnay take part, followed by a post-match party. The university Club entertained guests at the evening’s annual sell-out event with lashings of champagne and delicious canapés, as well as some downright epic music! Beccy Eades, Olivia Whittle & Jessica Carlise
Marcus Parkes, Scarlett Manzoni, Emlyn James & Sarah Hopkins
Chris Hyde, James Mann & Charlotte Sweeney
Photographer: Dayna Wilson
James Mann & Josh Cork
Caitlin Nicholls & Joey Tempest
Esther Kirrage
George Marsden & Saskia Meadows
Iona & Chloe Hindes with Olivia Ross
Megan Orpe, Ellie Wiggin & Holly Edwards
Rupert Lee Uff & Martin Carrol
Becky Simpson & Gilly Collins
Francisco Sanchez & Vanda Leonia
Rory Heron
Christmas Drinks & Late Night Shopping; La Martina Jermyn Street; Thursday 30 November
London La Martina Festivities The friends and family of La Martina London flocked to the flagship Jermyn Street store to enjoy their annual Christmas late night shopping event as the advent season approached. With Christmassy canapes from Attilus and British Polo Gin cocktails on tap to the tune of Christmas anthems and prizes on offer from the Guards Polo Academy and La Martina, guests thoroughly enjoyed their evening, which is fast becoming staple of the winter polo scene in London.
Guests feeling festive!
Brian Callan awaits a Chukka Cocktail® from the British Polo Gin pop up bar
Photography by Perch Photogaphics Becky Simpson, Caitlin Whitby & Patricia Martin
Martin Ambridge & Celine Deparis
Bianca Helene Stefan, Lizzi Teroerde, Rebecca Steadman, Peta Adams, Robert Alton & Joyce Yiu
Tissy Van Reyk & Ebe Seivwright
T&SHARKER HORSEBOXES A large selection of Horseboxes to choose from
ALL VEHICLES BUILT TO AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH SPEC Accident/General repair work undertaken • Body Changes • Vehicles Serviced with DEFRA Certificates to carry horses over 12 Hours • Various models from 2-12 horses 17 horse Arctic trailers also built • Also available built to order using your own spec.
Visit our website to view our extensive range of horseboxes
www.tsharkercommercials-horseboxes.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1325 332649 Mobile: +44 (0)7901 857960 Fax: +44 (0)1325 333554
Email: enquiries@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk
Omed Popal & Bilal Popal
Roderick Vere Nicoll & Ben Soleimani
James Beh & Martin Garrahan
Tucan Pereyra Iraola & Marina White
The HSBC Argentine Open; Palermo, Argentina; Saturday 2 December
Palermo Polo People It was the largest tournament of the year and as expected, thousands upon thousands of avid polo fans graced the stands at the historic Palermo Grounds in Buenos Aires for the highlight of the season. This year’s event went over and above previous years, with live bands, shows and even children’s game stands to entertain the throng. After the nail-biting finale, there was only one thing on everybody’s mind; party! Cue a joyous throng of revellers clasping their chilled cerveza, excitedly celebrating their team’s victory, or commiserating with fellow Ellerstina fans. Whichever side of the fence they were sat, it was all celebration as the tournament came to another, epic close. Pete Webb, artist Alejandro Moy & Clive Reid
Spencer & James McCarthy with Nacho Gonzalez
Segundo SegundoMerlos Merlos
Carolina Beresford
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Glen & Stuart Gilmore
Sisters Tamara Fox & Nina Clarkin
John Paul Clarkin
Julian de Lusarretta & Lochie Gilmore
Manuel Plaza
Alejandro Moy pictured in front of his 11 metre triptych painting, destined for Dubai, with his wife Maria and their children
Josefina Aldanoldo & Mechi Venancho
Alejandra Ocampos & Pao Maldonado Maquin
Matias Mac Donough
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell & Olga Ramirez
Maria Vazquez (Cambiaso)
Martin Stegman & Paul Lucas
Siobhan Barney with Robert & Henri de By
Stephen & Julia Biddlecombe
The 10 goaler of tomorrow!
Gerry Gibson & Alejandro Fernandez
Tango with a difference
The Clubhouse was a warm haven following the Championship Finals
Ronnie Kusi
Badia El Amir & Vicky Kingham
Howard Smith
Charlie Smith
HPA National Club Championships; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Sunday 3 December
The Winter is Upon Us The winter season was heralded with great celebration at the opening tournament of the HPA National Club Championships at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, with hoards of family and friends cheering on their favourite teams. As the crowds feasted on delicious BBQ treats, mulled wine and listened to the dulcet tones of Jan-Erik Franck on the commentator’s microphone, a plethora of young, and slightly younger, players took to the arena for two ferocious Finals. Once the rambunctious and at times fraught matches were over, players and spectators alike retreated out of the cold into the Clubhouse to indulge in a delicious bowl of stew and a natter about the winter season ahead.
Kirsty Craig
Charley Howell
Max Charlton
Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography Genevieve Meadows & Raph Singh
Crowds gather to watch the Final of the 12 Goal
Situations
Equipment
Marketplace Situations SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham
Transport
PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032
OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR HEAD COACH/PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AT HPC. The Role: You will head up a busy coaching programme (approx. 500 lessons per season) from early April to end of September. You will play club chukkas, league matches and club matches. You will have three of your horses kept at the club livery free of charge and will have the ability to earn by playing club tournaments and Sunday matches. A salary and accommodation will be provided. The Club: HPC is the last remaining polo club in London. As such it is very vibrant and social with a high and growing demand for coaching including Instructional Chukkas. Requirements: Ideally a handicap of 2 or 3 goals. An HPA coaching qualification is preferable although training can be provided. The Polo Office, Petersham Road, Ham, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AH Tel: 020 8334 0000 / 020 8940 2020 Email: office@HPCLondonPolo.com www.HPCLondonPolo.com K&R PRO POLO - RECRUITMENT K&R Pro Polo has expanded into recruitment and is servicing the polo community internationally. Are you looking to find a new Manager, professional player, young horse trainer or a groom? Or if you are one of the above looking for work yourself, contact Katie at K&R Pro Polo - Recruitment. email: krpropolo@outlook.com Phone:+61 437 372 041 World Wide
Quick Question
Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page A: A: Cambiaso won his first Argentine Open in 1994 when he was 19-years-old
HEAD GROOM REQUIRED Prudhoe X is a polo breeding and training operation based at Yindarra, one of the premier polo properties in Sydney. We are currently looking for a head groom to manage the daily running of a growing team of playing ponies aged 3yo to 7yo. This is a fulltime role with a very competitive package on offer. The role will entail stable management and grooming for games as well as record keeping and reporting. Option to play chukkas and school horses would be considered for the right person. This is an exciting job with huge opportunity to learn and be involved with some of the best purpose bred bloodstock in Australia. You would be part of a young and enthusiastic team all with the same focus and passion. The successful candidate will be a good communicator and committed to the role presenting the Prudhoe X ponies to the highest standard. To be eligible you must be able to work legally in Australia and hold a current drivers license. Please register your interest and send your C.V and brief work history to Katie Edmeades: krpropolo@ loutlook.com Richmond, NSW
Dates for Your Diary
What’s On
December & January UK Club Fixtures Westcroft Park – The Bolebrook Bowl (15): 2 – 10 December DBPC – RLS Cup (8 & 2): 2 – 3 December Epsom – St Stephen’s Day Cup (2-4): 2 – 3 December Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 2 – 3 December RCBPC – Paul Castle High Goal Challenge (13-15): 5 – 10 December Ash Farm – Amateur Tournament (Open): 9 – 10 December SWF – Christmas Tournament (0-4): 9 – 10 December RCBPC – Weekend Tournament (0-4): 9 – 10 December Vaux Park – Christmas Tournament (4-8): 9 – 10 December Druids Lodge – Club Match for the Afon House Chiropratic Trophy: 10 December Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 16 – 17 December Vale of York – December Winter League (Open): 17 December Wicklow – Christmas Tree Challenge (Open): 23 – 24 December RCBPC – Christmas Challenge Matches (Open): 23 – 30 December Vale of York – Christmas Fancy Dress Match (Open): 24 December Ash Farm – New Year Plate (Open): 30 – 31 December Wicklow – Newport vs Ireland (Open): 30 – 31 December Epsom – Cape Town Cup (2-4): 30 – 31 December Vaux Park – New Years Tournament (2-6): 30 – 31 December Vale of York – New Year Match (Open): 31 December Vaux Park – Smarties Challenge (6-8): 6 – 7 January Rugby – The New Years Cup (2-6): 6 – 7 January Druids Lodge – Druids Autumn League – Pig Trophy (Open): 6 – 7 January Westcroft Park – New Year Trophy (1-3): 6 – 7 January Rugby – The New Years Cup (-3-0): 6 – 7 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 6 – 7 January Tidworth – The Nine Trophy (-2-2 & 4-8): 13 – 14 January Westcroft Park – Club Weekend (Open): 13 – 14 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 13 – 14 January Vale of York – January Winter League (Open): 14 January Druids Lodge – Club Match for the Bodensee Trophy: 14 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 20 – 21 January Westcroft Park – Clubhouse Cup (6): 20 – 21 January www.polotimes.co.uk
SWF – New Year Tournament (2-6): 20 – 21 January DBPC – The Bascote Bowl (2): 20 – 21 January Vale of York – Burns Night Match (Open): 21 January Druids Lodge – Victor Ludorum (5-8): 23 – 28 January Rugby – Comical Cup Challenge (Open): 27 January FHM – Essinghigh Trophy (-3-0): 27 January Ash Farm – Paul Sweeney Memorial (0-3 & 4-8): 27 – 28 January
UK Key Arena Dates RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December Westcroft Park – HPA National Club Championships (5-8): 2 – 16 December Westcroft Park – England Test Match (Open): 16 December RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (4-6 & 13-15): 5 – 21 January 2018 RCBPC – Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 24 February 2018 Hickstead – International Arena Test Match, Bryan Morrison Trophy (Open): 3 March 2018
Arena Youth Key Dates Druids Lodge – Exeter Cup University League (Open): 20 October – 16 March 2018 Druids Lodge – Druids Super League (Open): 28 October – 11 March 2018 Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Novice National League (Open): 4 November – 25 March 2018 Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Beginner National League (Open): 2 December – 25 March 2018 Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Open): 8 – 11 February Longdole – SUPA Junior Arena Nationals (Open): 25 February Rugby – SUPA Senior Arena Nationals (Open): 4 March Druids Lodge – Easter University Tournament (Open): 14 March Westcroft Park – SUPA National School Girls Championship (Open): 10 – 11 March
Tidworth – University Ladies (Open): 20 January Tidworth – WIP Battle of the Sexes (Open): 21 January Vaux Park – Men/Ladies Tournament (Open): 27 – 28 January RCBPC – Ladies Tournament (0-4): 27 – 28 January
Polo directory
Youth Polo Rugby – University Challenge (Open): 9 – 10 December Druids Lodge – Christmas Pudding University Tournament (Open): 13 December Epsom – Under 21 vs The Rest (Open): 20 – 21 January Plett Polo, SA – Polo Clinic: 9 – 10 December Accra – SUPA Polistas International Test Match Series: 11 December Plett Polo, SA – Kids Chukkas (2, 4, 8, 10 & 12): 11 – 16 December
America
Mauna Kea – 2017 Hawaiian Islands Circuit Amateur Cup (0-4): 3 December Mauna Kea – 2017 Hawaiian Islands Circuit Player’s Cup (0-4): 10 December IPC – Herbie Pennell Cup Final: 31 December Miami Beach – Miami Beach Polo 2018: 4 – 7 January IPC – Joe Barry Cup: 7 – 14 January IPC – Ylvisaker Cup: 28 January – 18 February
Australia
Yarra Valley – Yarra Valley Polo Tournament: 2 – 3 December Victorian Polo – Victorian Premier League (8-10): 6 – 15 December Yaloak – Yaloak Polo Tournament: 9 – 10 December Victorian Polo – Christmas Polo Qualifiers: 14 December Victorian Polo – VPC Christmas Polo: 15 December Victorian Polo – VPC Club Cup (0,4 & 6): 16 December – 21 January Mingela – Mingela Polo Club Tournament: 21 – 22 December Portsea – Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo: 13 January Yaloak – Yaloak Australia Day Polo Cup: 26 January Hexham – Urquart Cup: 27 – 28 January
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
89
Polo directory
Dates for Your Diary
South Africa
Argentina
New Zealand
Palermo – 124th Argentine Open (0-40): 4 November – 2 December La Aguada – La Aguada Guards Polo Trophy (16): 5 – 9 December La Aguada – Copa Primavera (12): 5 – 10 December
Hawkes Bay – Wine Country Cup: 8 – 10 December Port Hills – NZ vs Aus Test Match: 9 December Cambridge – Lanheren Tournament: 9 – 10 December Mystery Creek – Exhibition Match 15 December Mystery Creek – NPA Coaching: 20 – 21 December Kihikihi – Skene Cup: 28 – 29 December Wanstead – Barrett Dearden Memorial: 5 – 7 January Kihikihi – Ardmore Waikato Open: 6 – 7 January Rangitikei – Russell Cup: 13 – 14 December S W Broom – Amuri Tournament (0 & 6): 13 – 14 January Poverty Bay – Poverty Bay Open: 19 – 21 January Auckland – Auckland Charity Weekend: 20 – 21 January Christchurch – Christchurch Tournament (2 & 12): 20 – 21 January Hawkes Bay – Dewar Cup: 26 – 28 January Mystery Creek – Mystery Creek Tournament: 27 – 28 January Blenheim – Blenheim Tournament (0 & 6): 27 – 28 January
Dubai
Al Habtoor – Sir Winston Churchill Cup (10): 3 – 8 December Skydive Dubai – Beach Polo Cup Dubai: 14 – 15 December Al Habtoor – McLaren Cup (18): 26 January – 9 February
Kenya
Snow Polo Dates
Manyatta – Manyatta Xmas Tournament: 9 – 17 December
Aspen Valley – 2017 World Snow Polo Championship: 14 – 17 December Kitzbüehel – 16th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup: 11 – 14 January 2018 St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz: 26 – 28 January 2018
Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.
Val de Vie – Patrons Cup (0 & 4): 1 – 3 December Plett Polo – Plett Polo (2, 8 & 12): 17 – 23 December Plett Polo – Plett Polo (2): 27 – 31 December Plett Polo – Plett Polo (10): 27 December – 6 January Plett Polo – Plett Polo International: 29 December Plett Polo – Plett Polo (4): 1 – 6 January Plett Polo – Plett Polo (4 & 10): 7 – 13 January Val de Vie – Princess Charlene Waterbike Auction Event: 19 January
Thailand
Thai Polo – XII Copa Embajada Republica Argentina (4-6): 2 – 3 December Thai Polo – La Posta Cup (6-8): 14 – 17 December Thai Polo – Thai Equestrian Federation Cup (8-10): 26 – 31 December Thai Polo – Thai Polo Open (10-12): 10 – 20 January Thai Polo – Thai Polo Master (8-10): 25 – 28 January
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
CLUB
PHONE
00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Apsley End Polo Club*
01462 712444
tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Cambridge County Polo Club*
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Barfold Polo Club
07778 808853
mborwick@gmail.com
Carlton House
07901 561113
harrietservaes@hotmail.com
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
Chiltern Polo Club
07973 174542
info@chilternpoloclub.com
Blueys Polo Club*
07712 105780
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Cirencester Park Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy
07811 993316
emmadvh@btinternet.com
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
90
Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
www.polotimes.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary
Polo directory
CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 812409
polo@dbpoloclub.com
Polo Wicklow*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Dorset Polo Club
01202 623985
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
ranelagh@labravapolo.com
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
jamesscrawford@aol.com
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
Eastwood Polo Club
07875 743475
frankums@googlemail.com
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
Rutland Polo Club
07772 040668
secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Emsworth Polo Grounds*
01344 883112
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Silver Leys Polo Club
07730 060200
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
St. Albans Polo Club
07956 017090
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
FHM Polo Club*
07778 436468
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club
07790 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Sussex Polo Club*
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club
01428 741916
charles@trippetts.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs@supanet.com
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
HPC, The London Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hpcpololondonpolo.com
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
Triskelion Polo Club*
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com
Vale of York Polo Club*
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Inglesham Polo Club*
07818 508136
mattevetts@hotmail.com
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Knepp Castle Polo Club
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Leadenham Polo Club
01400 318006
office@leadenhampoloclub.com
White Rose Polo Club*
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494 114190
will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com
* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
New Forest Polo Club
07977 224404
annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Northern Ireland Polo Club
02890 727905
robert@hellomxb.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
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DIFFICULTIES AT HOME The Latest on the Visa Crisis
ARENA GOLD CUP Report & Interview with SUPA Polo
THAI POLO OPEN La Familia & Thai Polo Share Honours
ENGLAND TRIUMPH AGAIN Third successive win at Hickstead
SNOW SPECIAL Cartier triumph Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2017
UNDERWAY IN THE USA A Round-Up from Across the Pond
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FAMILY FOCUS The history behind the Emersons KILL PEN PONIES The sad tale of equine slaughterhouses stateside
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US ROUND-UP Valiente secure Triple Crown
SEBASTIAN DAWNAY Interview
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CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP Cambiaso Conquers with 10th Win
BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup
ENGLAND TRIUMPHANT Royal Salute Coronation Cup
TO BLOCK OR NOT TO BLOCK The Polo Community’s Views
UNDER 21S PLAYING 22 British High Goal Hot Shots
YOUTH SPECIAL Pony Club & British HPA Junior Polo
VICTOR LUDORUM UPDATE From 6 to 18 goal, your complete guide
POLO AWARDS 12th Annual Celebration of Polo
10TH ANNIVERSARY Links Homes British Beach Polo Championships
TALLY HO FARM POLO Festival Fun at The Berkshire
PLUS: The La Martina Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy
PLUS: Interview with Pablo MacDonough & Gloucestershire Festival of Polo
PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victrix Ludorum Introduction
HIGH GOAL GUIDE The ultimate guide to the 2017 season PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY Cambiaso dominates at Berkshire
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Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Photography courtesy www.imagesofpolo.com
Australian James ‘Jimbo’ Lester has had a cracking two years. From taking to the field with Black Bears for the 2016 season, to representing his country on home turf at the XI FIP World Polo Championships, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength. Quiet and considered, he grew up playing polocrosse and took the leap to polo taking the proverbial bull by the horns working alongside Will Hine and bringing on youngsters. His passion and determination has culminated in an enviable string and a blossoming career, but what makes him get out of bed in the morning? What is your biggest passion and why? The horses are my passion. Breeding, finding horses from the track and training them brings me the most enjoyment. Finding a humdinger, recognising its potential and bringing it out to show on the field brings me the most happiness.
Archibald is awesome to play with because he makes sure I focus throughout the game and ensures each player knows what their job is throughout each game. Hardest opponent? I think the hardest opponent would have to be James Harper. I find it hard to read Harps because he so still on the horse, but he is constantly reading you as well. Which sports do you like outside of polo? I enjoy polocrosse.
Best holiday destination & activity? It has to be Mongolia and riding Mongolian ponies for 1000kms in the Mongol Derby. Best pony and why? I would have to say Miranda. She is grunty and has fantastic ability to keep herself together in gritty plays, which make my life easy.
Favourite film? American Gangster.
What is your all time best polo memory? My best polo memory was playing for Australia in the 2017 FIP World Championship in Sydney. It was euphoric! Who were/are your favourite teammates and why? Favourite teammates would be Jack Kiely and Jack Archibald. Kiely is an absolute weapon, loves going as fast as I do and always has a cool head when play gets hectic.
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Polo Times, December 2017 / January 2018
Favourite song/album? The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band. Favourite food/dish? Lemongrass and chilli salmon. Favourite hobby outside of polo? Drinking choccy milk and Seahorse training (!) Most prized possession? My ponies.
Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? I used to have a few small superstitions, but then realised that I was paying too much attention to them rather than the game at hand. So gave them away and playing better now. Describe yourself in three words… Dead set LEGEND! www.polotimes.co.uk
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THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY AT POLO VALLEY SOTOGRANDE
Join us at Polo Valley Sotogrande for world class polo, ponies and coaching, just ten minutes from the beaches and the high goal games. Watch the world’s top players and soak up the sunshine and unique polo buzz for a Summer experience that will keep you coming back for more.