3 minute read
Passions: Jason Dixon
by Edit
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Having begun his polo playing days in the Cotswold Pony Club (winning the Jack Gannon in 1987), Jason Dixon went on to win some of the most prestigious titles in polo including The Queen’s Cup (Black Bears, 1993), Ellerston Gold Cup (Garangula, 1994), Warwickshire Cup (Lovelocks, 1998), Deauville Gold Cup (Laird, 1999), Cowdray Park Challenge Cup (Black Bears, 1994 & Groeninghe, 2002), Indian Empire Shield and FIP World Championships (Silver 1989, Bronze 1993 and Bronze 1998). Nowadays, Jason can be seen umpiring across the globe and has officiated at tournaments including The Queen’s Cup, The Gold Cup, The Coronation Cup, The Argentine Open, The Hurlingham Open and Pakistan Open to name but a few!
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What is your biggest passion and why?
Polo – because it started as an unlikely dream and became my reality. It has confronted me with challenges, I have experienced great thrills and disappointments, it has enabled me to travel the world while being heavily involved with horses, encounter the international polo community, provided me with a livelihood since the age of 18 and many great friendships – what else is there to say?
What is your all time best polo memory?
Winning The Queen’s Cup Final. Playing for Black Bears (P. Merlos, S Merlos, U Schwarzenbach/O Hipwood and myself) versus Ellerston White (Adolfo Cambiaso and Gonzalo Pieres Snr, KP and Tarquin Southwell). We were losing 8-3 at half-time and we came back to win 9-8 in the sixth chukka. Beating the best team with two legendary 10 goal players. One of the best ever come backs AND I met HM The Queen for the first time! A very close second is winning The Ellerston Gold Cup in 1994 – winning a tournament with teams of the calibre of Ellerston White (Gonzalo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso), Ellerston Black (Memo and Carlos Gracida), Jemmalong (Ernesto Trotz and Tommy F-Llorente). Both occasions were out of this world – unbelievable feelings of achievement and Team Spirit!
Who were/are your favourite teammates?
Two teams from two vastly different eras; Paddy Cowley, Olly Hughes and Angus Duncanson. Cotswold Pony Club Team from the ages of 10 to 18. Winning only one trophy – the last one we played together – I think we’d be described as ‘late developers’! The second, Urs Schwazenbach, Pite Merlos, Sebi Merlos – Black Bears – could beat any team on our day just a bit unpredictable!
Hardest opponent?
Adolfo Cambiaso, out of this world and brilliantly unique!
Which sports do you like outside of polo?
Rugby, hockey, show jumping – spectating obviously!
Favourite film and why?
I’ve got two: Interstellar – it really stretches the imagination and demonstrates virtually anything is possible and Dinner for Schmucks (Steve Carell & Zack Galifianakis) – incredibly, awkwardly funny. I learnt a lot about Mind and Brain Control from this movie… It’s been incredibly useful as an umpire!
Favourite song/album?
Dire Straights Brothers in Arms. Reminds me of the wonderful childhood I had.
Favourite food/dish?
Chicken Milanesa Napolitana a caballo and asado or anything Indian.
Favourite hobby outside of polo?
History, cooking, hill walking and attempting to stay fit!
Most prized possession?
Catchita – a beautiful grey/white mare aged about 30. She’s been retired for some time now. She was an excellent pony from Pite Merlos and Black Bears.
Favourite celebrity and why?
Gordon Ramsay in Kitchen Nightmares because he’s a total knob and doesn’t give a toss! Very funny but I’m not sure he realises it…
Best holiday destination & activity
Scottish Highlands or Switzerland with my sons, partner and sister. Not so many people, lots of walking, time to reflect on the important things in life.
Best pony and why?
Glen Almond Boy – bred by HM The Queen, owned by the late Lord Sam Vestey and trained by the late Hector Barrantes at Stowell Park, Glos. He was lightning fast, so quick to stop and turn. I couldn’t believe it was possible when I first sat on him at the age of 18. Made me laugh so much – incredible! Catchita – the same – incredible!
Are you passionately superstitious?
NO. It’s all in the mind. (A combination of Mind Control versus Brain Control – if you’ve seen the movie Dinner for Schmucks, you’ll have a better understanding!)
Describe yourself in three words… Conscientious, direct and generous.
