Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Executive helicopter charter service

Photograph by Silver Leys Polo Club

Silver Leys has made many new additions for 2021 Silver Leys Polo Club

There has been a transformation at Silver Leys Polo Club, allowing polo to be enjoyed at all levels after increasing its polo and equestrian facilities. New features for 2021 include: three fully irrigated pitches with 1,000 tonnes of sand laid each season, a purpose built stable block, two recently built clubhouses, plus a 100m by 45m floodlit arena laid with Equestrian Surfaces Premier Cushiontrack surface and an all-weather canter track. Set in over 130 acres, the club has set aside 15 acres and stables to host travelling teams with a view to build high quality accommodation onsite for these guests and staycationers. Additionally, MHF Polo, the Club’s polo school, has relaunched itself as Hertfordshire Polo Academy, Alec Banner-Eve, Hertfordshire Polo Academy proprietor commented, “We’ve worked really hard to create a first-class equestrian home in Hertfordshire and wanted a new name and brand to reflect that. We are so excited to work with this brand and present ourselves with a modern image that also drives home our geographical placement. As Covid regulations change we look forward to a busy polo season welcoming visiting teams, existing and new Advertising Polo directory members and all our polo school clients back to the Club.”

Photograph by Rutland Polo Club Rutland Polo Club has released a range of merchandise Rutland Polo Club

This year sees Rutland Polo Club mark their 50th anniversary and there are plans afoot to spend the week of 13 – 18 July celebrating with a special schedule, involving as many past and present members of the Club – if you have an idea of how to celebrate please contact Camilla (rutlandpoloclub@ gmail.com). Following a collaboration with a local company, the Club has a range of merchandise and the Club has also announced their 2021 Fixtures List which will begin with The Spring Cup and The Horsefeeds Cup on 1 – 2 May, with the season ending 11 – 12 September with The Wilkinson Sword and The Bronze Horse.

Sarasota Polo Club

Sunday 14 March saw The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final played at Sarasota Polo Club between Hillcroft and Glen Farm. The Final was a rematch of the opening game of the tournament, which saw Hillcroft suffering their only loss of the tournament. Therefore, Hillcroft were determined to reverse their fate in the Final, and a strong defence twinned with the strong offence of Herndon Radcliff and Mason Wroe saw Hillcroft finish with a strong 10-5 victory. Vaughn Miller Jr. was named Most Valuable Player and Cheeks, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse, was chosen as Best Playing Pony.

The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final Teams:

Hillcroft: Vaughn Miller Jr., Herndon Radcliff, Mason Wroe & James Miller Glen Farm: Sam Clemens, Tommy Huber, Marcos Onetto & Stuart Campbell

Hillcroft, winners of The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final

Eldorado Polo Club

Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup A-Flight champions, Antelope Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup A-Flight champions Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup C-Flight winners, La Salle Properties

12 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Cavallo Ranch 6 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Lasalle Properties 2 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Breva Farms

Photography by Kerri Kerley

Eldorado Polo Club has been a hive of activity lately, with plenty of action being played at all levels; Antelope secured their second 12 goal title of the US 12 goal 2021 season, with a 9-8 win against Sapa in The Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup at Eldorado Polo Club. Lucas Criado Jr, was named Most Valuable Player, while Lola, a 12-year-old mare played by Marcos Alberdi, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup B Flight (8 goal) Final saw B League secure a strong lead which they maintained to take home a 12-6 win against Evergreen, with 14-year-old Quinn Kyle chosen as the Most Valuable Player, while Carlos Galindo Jr’s Kahuna, a 14-year-old hombred, was named Best Playing Pony.

Meanwhile, the 4 Goal Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup saw La Salle Properties secure an 8-3 win against Persyst/K2, mainly due to a six goal performance from Luis Saracco who was later named Most Valuable Player for his efforts and Lady, owned and played by Saracco was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

Sunday 7 March saw a trio of matches played at Eldorado Polo Club for The Spreckels Cup, with Finals at 12 goal, 6 goal and 2 goal levels. In the 12 goal Final, Cavallo Ranch (John Bickford, Max Menini, Tomas Obregon & Alejandro Gonzalez) secured themselves the win with a 10-8 victory against Bensoleimani.com with four unanswered goals in the final chukka clinching their win. The 6 Goal Spreckels Cup Final was won by the narrowest of margins, with a last-minute goal from Marcos Llambias to secure an 8-7 win for Lasalle Properties (Bob Gray, Luis Saracco, Marcos Llambias & Micaela Saracco).

The 2 Goal Spreckels Cup Final was clinched by Breva Farms (Lesa Slaughter, Audry Persano, Catlin Dix & Sophia Lorenzo) in the last few minutes with four goals in quick succession allowing the all-female team to steal the win with a final score of 8-7½.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

The EMAAR Polo Cup began on 8 March, and saw six teams compete for their place in the Final on Friday 12 March at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. The Final was played between UAE Polo and Zedan, with both teams reaching the Final with unblemished, undefeated, score sheets, but on the day UAE Polo triumphed with a score of 9-4. UAE Polo’s Benjamin Panelo was named Most Valuable Payer and Irenita Poder, ridden by Manuel Plaza was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The EMAAR Polo Cup Final Teams:

UAE Polo (12): HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum (0), Maximiliano Malacalza (3), Lukin Monteverde (3) & Benjamin Panelo (6) Zedan (12): HRH Prince Sultan Al Faisal (-1), Alejandro Gowland (2), Simón Prado (5) & Manuel Plaza (6)

Photograph by Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Grand Champions Polo Club

Santa Rita, winners of The $100,000 World Cup Final Bushwood, winners of The Top Pony 8-Goal title Dundas, winners of The Sieber Memorial Trophy Final

On Sunday 28 February, The $100,000 World Cup Final was played between Richard Mille and Santa Rita. Richard Mille began the match with a two goal handicap advantage, yet Santa Rita quickly added their name to the scoreboard with a goal from Alejandro Novillo Astrada, swiftly followed by another goal from Novillo Astrada just a minute later, which levelled the handicap advantage – by half-time Santa Rita held a 9-6 lead. Santa Rita managed to maintain their lead throughout the match, despite the best efforts of the Richard Mille side, and ran out the winners, 16-14, securing the $100,000 prizemoney. Juan Martin Zubia was named as Most Valuable Player, Matina, played by Zubia was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony and Millionaria, owned and played by Poroto Cambiaso was chosen as the Grand Champions Best Playing Pony.

It was Paquito de Narvaez’s first foray into high goal polo and at just 13-years-old, to be part of the Santa Rita winning line-up is a promising start to his career.

On Saturday 6 March, Bushwood and Ellipse Polo took to Field 4 at Grand Champions Polo Club for The Top Pony 8-Goal Final. Ellipse Polo opened the scoring with a goal from Baldo Palomeque, but Bushwood’s Kris Kampsen consistently levelled the scores each time and by the half-time whistle the scores read 4-3 in favour of Bushwood. The second half saw both teams earn their points mainly through penalties as the pressure to gain and maintain the advantage showed. In the end it was a costly foul which allowed Kampsen to score the winning goal, with the match ending 10-9 in favour of Bushwood. Kampsen was the top scorer of the day, scoring nine of his teams 10 goals.

Dundas faced Newport on Friday 19 March in The Sieber Memorial Trophy Final at Grand Champions Polo Club. Both teams had met already in the tournament, with Newport enjoying a 15-11 victory. The Final match began with Dundas one goal ahead due to handicap advantage and with both teams playing aggressively from the off, the first chukka ended with Dundas in the lead by one goal, 3-2, thanks to a goal from Englishman Hugo Taylor; by half-time, Dundas held a decisive 9-3 lead. After half-time, Newport returned with a vengeance and began to fight their way back into the match, keeping Dundas off the scoreboard. However, Newport lost some of their momentum in the final chukka and saw Dundas build on their earlier success to secure a 12-10 final score and with it the title. Tatu Gomez Romero was named the Most Valuable Player and Leona, played by Cable Magness, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The $100,000 World Cup Final Teams:

Santa Rita: Paquito de Narvaez, Toro Ruiz, Alejandro Novillo Astrada & Juan Martin Zubia Richard Mille: Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso & Lolo Castagnola

The Top Pony 8-Goal Final Teams:

Bushwood: Nick McClelland, Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen & Michael Armour Ellipse Polo: Pancha Terrera, Baldo Palomeque, Robi Bilbao & Louis Devaleix

Sieber Memorial Trophy Final Teams:

Dundas: Cable Magness, Juan Cruz Marcos, Hugo Taylor & Tatu Gomez Romero Newport: Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac & Nick Manifold

Beaufort Polo Club

The Club has announced that sadly they have had to make the decision to move the Masquerade Ball in aid of the Even Keel Foundation to Saturday 14 May 2022. The Ball had been scheduled for Saturday 15 May 2021, but in light of the government’s announcements the Club felt there was still uncertainty whether large, marquee events would be allowed to go ahead. However, the Even Keel Charity match will still be going ahead in 2021 (dates to be confirmed), with those who held onto their ball tickets able to gain free entry.

On another note, Joss Ridley (the Club’s current Events Manager), has decided to pursue her passion in photography and art, with Evie Macken who is already working in the office and was an assistant to Joss in 2019, taking on the Events Manager role.

The Masquerade Ball has had to be postponed until 2022

Port Mayaca Polo Club

The Butler Handicap Final was played on Friday 5 March, the Club’s first 18 goal tournament of the season, between Postage Stamp Farm and Old Hickory Bourbon. The Final was a rematch of their earlier qualifying match, which had seen Postage Stamp Farm steal the win by just one goal. Old Hickory Bourbon were determined to redeem their earlier defeat, and thanks to an impressive seven goal tally from Santino Magrini, they managed to take home the trophy with a convincing 12-9 score. Stevie Orthwein was selected as Most Valuable Player, with his strong offensive work aiding Old Hickory Bourbon’s win, while Machitos Chela (owned and played by Mariano Aguerre) was named Best Playing Pony.

Tuesday 2 March saw the 2021 Heritage Cup Final played between BTA and Postage Stamp Farm at Port Mayaca Polo Club. BTA opened the match with six unanswered goals which set the tone for the remainder of the match, despite some last-minute pressure applied by Postage Stamp Farm. This saw BTA secure themselves a 10-6 victory, with Steve Krueger named Most Valuable Player and Open Phuket, owned and played by Santino Magrini chosen as Best Playing Pony.

The Butler Handicap Final Teams:

Postage Stamp Farm: Annabelle Gundlach, Facundo Obregon, Mariano Aguerre & Brandon Phillips, sub. Matias Gonzalez Old Hickory Bourbon: Lucas Escobar, Matias Magrini, Santino Magrini & Stevie Orthwein, sub. Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini

The Heritage Cup Final Teams:

BTA: Nacho Badiola, Steve Krueger, Juan Martin Obregon & Kelly Beal Postage Stamp Farm: Annabelle Gundlach, Brandon Phillips, Santino Magrini, Mariano Gonzalez, sub. Leon Schwencke

Butler Handicap MVP Stevie Orthwein

Photography by David Lominska BTA’s Steve Krueger was named The Heritage Cup MVP

Photograph by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Black Hound has opened a store in Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club has opened its first equestrian store in cooperation with Black Hound, an English custom sporting brand. The Black Hound Sports shop will be located inside Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel and will have an array of bespoke polo related items.

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly

It has been announced that Engel & Völkers, who have been a partner of the Club since 2017, will be the title sponsor of the 2021 French Open.

The tournament will take place between 3 – 19 September and is the pinnacle of the French season.

Photograph by ©R&B Presse/P.Renauldon

Thai Polo Club Argentina

The Thai Polo Weekend Tournament came to an end at Thai Polo Club Argentina on Tuesday 23 March, with Sandbox La Fija securing the title with an 8-6 win against El Caburé; Gaston Beguerie was named Most Valuable Player and Khalid Alomran the Most Valuable Player Patron. The weekend also saw Ankora win The Backhander Cup and La Taquera secured the La Taquera Cup. The Club’s next tournament is the Thai Polo Autumn Cup from 8 – 11 April.

Photograph by Thai Polo Club Argentina Sandbox La Fija won The Thai Polo Weekend

Tournament at Thai Polo Club Argentina

Photograph by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Ghantoot, winners of The HH President of the UAE Cup

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Four teams competed in The HH President of the UAE Cup, with Habtoor and Ghantoot qualifying for the Final on Sunday 28 March at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi. Ghantoot Polo were the favourites, with an undefeated record in the UAE 18 goal season in both The IFZA Gold Cup and HH President of the UAE Cup, and they continued their usual form in the Final, applying pressure throughout and securing the win, 9-7. Both teams were relatively close throughout the match, until the fourth chukka when Ghantoot outscored Habtoor four goals to one. Marcos Araya was chosen as Most Valuable Player, Nasser Al Shamsi as the Most Valuable Patron Player, Rockera played by Cacu Araya was the Best Playing Pony and Open Macedo (Sportivo x Open Tenelefe) played by César Crespo was awarded the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn. Best Playing Pony prize.

HH President of the UAE Polo Cup Final Teams:

Ghantoot Polo Team (18): Nasser Al Shamsi (1), César Crespo (4), Pablito Llorente (6) & Cacu Araya (7) Habtoor Polo Team (18): Mohammed Al Habtoor (0), Juan Jauretche (6), Facundo Sola (9) & Félix Esaín (3)

La Aguada Polo Club

The Novillo Astrada family club in Open Door, Argentina, has announced that entries for the upcoming tournaments of their Autumn season are now open. The Amateur Championship (24 goals) will be played 10 – 18 April and the La Aguada Ladies Cup (16 goal) will be played 12 – 16 April

Wanstead Polo Club

On Friday 19 March, Wanstead Polo Club, New Zealand, hosted their End of Season Awards at Copperpot Gastro Pub, the winners of the awards were:

JD Ormond Best Presented For

Opening Day: Reisima ponies with Ella Barratt

Sir Ormond Best Turned Out For

The Season: Kylie Ebbett

Turoa/Kuru Best Homebred:

Nick Coddington’s Aria

P.F Wall Cup First Season Pony:

Simon McDonald’s Otterlie

R.O Bousfeild Champion Pony:

Lucas Simcox’s Roo

Bellerby Salva Champion Team Of

Ponies: Nick Coddington Champion Team Of Ponies -2 - 0: Joey Malone

Gordon Reisima Supporter Of The

Year: Sarah Coleman P.A Bellerby Most Improved: Kate Ward Club Captain Award: Ethan Nesbit

Nairobi Polo Club Celebrates Michael Camm’s 80th

The Tunnel of Honour The winning Goooooodies Team (Michael in red with, naturally, the largest trophy)

Photography courtesy of NPC

Nairobi Polo Club (NPC), in itself one of the oldest in Africa at over 100 years, had the pleasure of celebrating Michael Camm’s 80th birthday on Sunday 28 February and how better way to do so than to play polo –a privilege in itself in these times. And unique to the times, so were the rules of this One Chukka match (see below). Mike du Toit, NPC Chairman reached out to Polo Times with a report from the day:

“After the formal player-introductory line-up, a “guard of honour” tunnel was formed by the players for Michael to ride through – twice! The rather extended chukka finally ended (thanks to umpire rules made up on the fly) in a draw: requiring a penalty shootout which, for spectator benefit, was held in front of the club house. Appropriately (if not predictably) the final of the shoot-out was a winning goal scored by none other than the birthday boy himself! The prize-giving involved many a trophy, a “MVP” (guess who?!) and more than a bottle or two of bubbly!

“Michael started playing polo in 1971 at the age of 30 in Ghana, later to join Cheshire Polo Club in England in 1985 and play there for 10 years before he moved, with wife Edita, also a rider, to Nairobi 26 years ago. In his polo-playing-prime he reached a respectable 1 goal handicap and he has also held a number of roles at NPC, including Chairman for many years. And is the current Treasurer.

“Needless to say, as a Playing Member who still participates in tournaments (and was in a winning team in January this year) he is regarded as nothing short of a legend and inspirational figure by the Kenya polo fraternity. Still competitive on the field and extremely jovial off, we are enormously privileged to have this gentleman of the sport at our club. For many, many more years, we hope!

“Happy Birthday, Michael! May we share many more memorable moments with you in the saddle!”

The Rules

Devised by NPC Captain, Dom Grammaticas

1. Two teams, one chukka match 2. The Gooooodies team, comprised of the (four) lady players and birthday boy, Michael. 3. The Baaaaaaadies, all (nine) boys/men, was captained by the youngest player, Amani

Nzomo – 64 years younger than Michael 4. Club Captain/Umpire allowed to make up any rules at any time – except that Michael could over-rule him at any time. 5. Baaaaaaadies team members were only allowed to hit or hit at the ball once – where after they had to clear out, ride around any other players and wish Michael “Happy

Birthday”! 6. An immediate foul was awarded against anyone who in any way tried to hook, ride off or impede Michael’s shots – and naturally, he was allowed to hit as many times as he wanted...