PT April 2011

Volume 17 Issue 3 April 2011

ÂŁ5.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Royal special Wills in motion: the prince and his polo PT p1 cover.indd 1

18/3/11 14:35:49

PT p2/3 dps Ad.indd 2

18/3/11 15:02:52

OB<HFM>& : '<HF

PT p2/3 dps Ad.indd 3

18/3/11 15:03:26

PT p4/5 Contents JM.indd 2

18/3/11 17:14:04

Contents

24

38

Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Sub editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk

News 6

News special: investigating the HPA

9

All the latest news

14 The big picture

Comment

Assistant editor

16 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven 18 Herbert Spencer’s Global view

Tom House tom@polotimes.co.uk

Art editor Nicki Averill nickiaverill@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing & PR PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk

Subscriptions Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p4/5 Contents JM.indd 3

April 2011

Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk Advertising

82

20 Arthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner 22 Your views: letters and cartoon

Features 24

Interview: Nacho Figueras

60 Home and abroad: four pages of action

Youth polo 64 SUPA University Arena Champs, Hand 66 SUPA Junior Schools, Longdole

Knowledge 68 Playing around - Offchurch Bury 70 Know your horse 72 Know your game 75 Ones to watch 76 How to spend it 78 Products: Saddles 80 What’s on in April

28 Prince William and his polo 34 Groundcare special

Reports 38

Gaucho International, London

Sidelines 82

Gossip: Don’t be the last to know

83 Social: SUPA University Arena Champs 84 Social: Dominican Rep. Beach Polo

44 International Snow Polo, China

86 Social: Prince William through the years

50 New Zealand Open, Auckland

87 Social: Arena Gold Cup after-party

52 Arena Gold Cup, Berkshire

88 Social: International Snow Polo, China

54 International Ladies’ Tourn, Thailand

90 Social: Gaucho International, O2 Arena

56 Dubai Gold Cup, UAE

91 Social: Ladies in Thailand

58 Cartier International, Dubai

98 Max Routledge’s passions Polo Times, April 2011

5

18/3/11 15:26:36

News

from the Editor You’ll notice we’ve dedicated much of this issue to celebrating Prince William’s involvement in polo. Since the amount he plays is a largely private affair, you will rarely find us salaciously following him in the pages of Polo Times, but on the occasion of his wedding, we thought it a fitting moment to celebrate William’s love of the game and, more poignantly, the way he choses to use it as a means of raising money for charity.

His wedding this month to Catherine Middleton will be the first royal occasion broadcast in 3D and is expected to attract an even bigger international television audience than that of William’s father Prince Charles, when an estimated 750 million worldwide watched him marry Princess Diana in 1981.

News of the wedding has created a surge of popularity for the royal family and, no doubt, as he approaches 30, the public will increasingly see more and more of the prince and his new bride as his public duties as second in line to throne expand in volume.

However, at Polo Times, we are also delighted that his first few years of marriage are likely to be kept very private as he plies his trade in his day job as an RAF rescue pilot. Personally, I also hope that he won’t give up on his other great personal interest and different source of adrenalin – his polo.

Nevertheless, while the charities that benefit from his polo are no doubt extremely grateful to him, we should remember also to extend our gratitude to all the members of the polo community that make his charity appearances a reality. It is something for which we should feel rightly proud.

Less heartwarming however is our investigation, written up in our special news feature (right), which describes how England’s players in China for the International Snow Polo Challenge were faced with having to tackle the HPA over what they saw as exploitation and a lack of transparency.

We tell the full story, hearing from both parties.

The incident occurred at the formidable Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin, near Beijing, where the English team subsequently went on to lift Asia’s inaugural snow polo tournament (see pages 44 and 88).

Players clash with HPA over international fees James Mullan investigates

England’s victory AT the inaugural International Snow Polo Challenge at Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin, China this February was marred by what HPA chief executive David Woodd is describing as an “unfortunate” standoff between the association and the players over payment.

The trouble arose on the second day of the tournament when the English players, themselves only on expenses, discovered that members of the other teams were being paid good money by the organisers to take part.

Specifically, any player of four goals and above was being paid US$10,000 (approx £6,000), and those three and under were getting $6,000 (£3,600).

Teams came from Argentina, Australia, England, France, Hong Kong and New Zealand. All except the English and Australians were approached and paid directly by Metropolitan Polo Club.

Because of the HPA’s recent drive

to protect the value of international tournaments and the Chinese club’s desire to stage a plausible international event, the Chinese club, as requested, approached the HPA and invited them to form and sanction the England team.

Metropolitan Polo Club agreed to pay the HPA $37,000 (approx £22,700), in addition to covering the flights for the three players and a coach. China also paid for the players’ (Oli Hipwood, Max Routledge and Ollie Cudmore) flights to Thailand where they played for England at Harald Link’s Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, before flying on to China.

So far so good. However, on discovering the sums of money being paid to players from other countries, the English players demanded to know why they were not seeing anything and why the HPA’s own substantial financial remuneration had been kept secret from them. The players threatened to refuse to compete in their next game, suggesting that they would simply allow their opposition (New Zealand) to stick-and-ball round them, unless the HPA would explain themselves or pay up. John Tinsley, the HPA’s official representative, assured the players that the matter would be resolved and

The event, boldly devised by polo’s most ambitious new impresarios, was played on an artificially created surface using three industrial snow machines. Few things in polo these days can surprise us but, you have to wonder, whatever next...

Email me: jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk 6

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p6/9 NewsSpecial JM MB.indd 2

Middle man: HPA steward John Tinsley mediated the discussions in China on behalf of David Woodd

www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 16:32:01

Special investigation

News Photographs by James Mullan

England’s team, winners at the International Snow Polo Challenge in Tianjin, China (l-r: Ollie Cudmore, Max Routledge and captain Oli Hipwood), who were engaged in a stand off against the HPA after discovering their opposition were all being paid good money to take part in the tournament while they were to receive only expenses

their game went ahead. As our report on page 44 explains, the team then put together an unbeaten run of results in their subsequent matches and won the tournament in dramatic style. But the damage had already been done.

Metropolitan Polo Club’s officials were furious at what they considered an insult from the English in threatening to boycott the tournament. The players, meanwhile, were furious at being made to look foolish and at being put into a very awkward situation by their own association.

On their return to the UK, Oli Hipwood met with the HPA, who tabled an offer that he was happy to accept on behalf of his team. In the end, they and team coach Howard Hipwood each received close to the full amount, minus a few expenses such as excess baggage for sticks.

“The HPA usually covers excess baggage expenses, as well as £20 per player per day for all overseas England trips, but our policy is not to pay players for internationals” explained David Woodd. “We usually pay for their flights with the help of a discount through our sponsorship deal with The Mileage Company, but the key is we are keen to ensure that the players are not out of pocket. www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p6/9 NewsSpecial JM MB.indd 3

“This trip was more complicated however, and the first of its kind that I have had to deal with. I have to concede I made mistakes. I take responsibility for that.

“Our biggest crime was a lack of communication. At no point did we intend to

after the side. Satnam Dhillon and his side, who had played in India, received only expenses for their trip, so it might seem unfair that another similarly selected side should receive such good money, especially when they weren’t risking their own horses. In my view, when you

“The HPA’s policy is not to pay players for internationals. In my view, when you start to go down the financial route, you quickly discover it is a slippery slope” – HPA chief exec David Woodd hoodwink the players. Where the HPA’s money comes from and goes to is entirely transparent.

The mistake we made was failing to explain the nature of the deal with Metropolitan Polo Club before the players left, when we also should have paid them $500 upfront for their expenses. That was an oversight.”

Claiming transparency in one breath, whilst simultaneously describing oversights in another, might sound like the actions of a moat-owning Tory politician. So I ask Woodd to tell Polo Times everything.

“Before they left, the players had agreed to play in Thailand and China unpaid, though Oli Hipwood was to receive $5,000 for looking

start to go down the financial route, you quickly discover it is a slippery slope.”

Few would reject the idea that the HPA should be allowed to make money from international games, especially if they raise the sponsorship for the England teams themselves, but it appears to be the sheer amount of money in this case that created the problem. The money thrown at the tournament was good enough to persuade Tim Bown, one of the UK’s top arena players (and an England international himself – see page 36) to forego taking part in the Arena Gold Cup in favour of umpiring in China. Thus, rather like Cartier Day, when the players discover just what an earner their u Polo Times, April 2011

7

18/3/11 17:55:09

News

Special investigation

u participation is for the HPA, why shouldn’t they see some of it for providing the entertainment?

“That is absolutely fair, and this is where we have a grey area,” said Woodd. “The deal with Cartier [chukka fees for each of the players to the tune of £500 a chukka] is entirely clear, having been worked out by the international committee, which includes the team’s captain, Luke Tomlinson, who is able to fight his boys’ corner.

“However, unexpected events, such as China, create new problems. On the one hand, I firmly believe that playing for England

as possible, to keep the money for what is really important – the polo.

“In this particular case, the players involved were worried that the money would be going directly to the Tomlinsons, Beim and Borwick for their appearance in Argentina’s Nations Cup. Not so. The truth is that Harald Link’s sponsorship from Thai Polo & Equestrian Club means we have plenty to ensure our side is adequately supported for that event.”

At least now it appears that the whole unsavoury incident has been resolved. The players have revealed they are now happy with

In order to protect the value of official internationals, any player taking part in an unsanctioned “England” or “Great Britain” team will henceforth risk suspension by the HPA gives these players greater value as pros, and that this event was a chance for them to gain valuable international experience. On the other hand, the way it was handled doesn’t look good. Nevertheless, whatever the scenario behind the scenes, I do believe they were wrong to threaten not to play.

“All we were doing was seeking to put some finances into the HPA kitty, which, ultimately, mainly goes back to players in the form of bursaries and funding for other international trips [see box, below]. The HPA loses money with these games, and people should know that all our representatives travel to these events entirely out of their own pocket. When I fly to Argentina, I sit in the back of the plane, not the front. The players will usually go business if it is over a certain number of flying hours but we aim, as much

all the arrangements, though they appear also to be worried about the possible implications further down the line.

With that in mind, I ask David Woodd to give his assurances that the incident will not affect the threesome’s chances of being picked for future England teams. “It won’t.

HPA mismanagement was to blame and everything has been amicably settled as far as I am concerned, though I’m obviously concerned that we may have opened a can of worms with our other international sides.

Our first priority now is to form a clearer policy for paying the players when this sort of issue inevitably happens again.”

In aiming to stop what Woodd calls “nonsense internationals”, such as those at the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow this year, the HPA is now set to introduce

measures to prevent them. Any player taking part in an unsanctioned international “England” or “Great Britain” team will henceforth be suspended by the HPA. “The hope is that, in the long-term, internationals will be valued as they should be and that this in turn will bring in bigger sponsorship, such that – though it is unlikely to happen in my lifetime – the HPA can afford to pay players more regularly for playing for their country, as is already the case in other more mainstream sports.”

However, if the HPA are to exercise greater control over the “England” and “Great Britain” polo brands, complete clarity and transparency with financial matters will be fundamental if trust is to be established with the players that represent them.

“It’s decent of David Woodd to admit mistakes,” said Oli Hipwood. “I can appreciate that the HPA were in unknown territory but all Max, Ollie and I were after was fairness.

I don’t feel it was wrong for us to stand up for ourselves. We had all the other players laughing at us when they discovered we were keeping each sandwich receipt in order to make up our daily £20 allowance. It left us feeling humiliated and, frankly, used. However, given that the HPA has aimed to correct matters, hopefully it can only lead to a more positive situation in the future for English pros playing in internationals.” F w Read more on the International Snow Polo Challenge on page 44, and see pictures on 88 w What do you think? Were the players right to take a stand? Tell us: letters@polotimes.co.uk

HPA bursaries, winter 2010/11

Photographs by James Mullan

James Beim Tom Morley George Meyrick Max Charlton Lanto Sheridan Nick Pepper Jack Richardson Matt Perry

£8,000 £8,000 £7,000* £7,000 £7,000** £7,000** £6,000 £2,500

* Meyrick received half, as £3,500 was conditional upon his playing two 23-goal tournaments in Argentina, which he didn’t eventually do. ** Sheridan and Pepper each also received £7,000 HPA loans, which are interest free so long as they are repaid by the end of 2013.

La Copa de las Naciones, Argentina Under the microscope: HPA chief exec David Woodd

8

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p6/9 NewsSpecial JM MB.indd 4

w The members of the England Team for the Nations Cup Argentina 2011 later this month (Luke Tomlinson, Mark Tomlinson, James Beim, Malcolm Borwick) will receive approximately $10,000 each. www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 17:54:56

News

Dawnay’s vision gets off the ground AN INVITED team of British polo instructors and players met at Polo Times headquarters in Oxfordshire last month to trial a timed stick-andball circuit that is the brainchild of renowned coach and author Major Hugh Dawnay.

Dawnay has devised a polo-playing gymkhana course, requiring a specified variety of shots to get round three cones before a shot at goal, all set with added pressure against the clock with penalties for mistakes and missed hits. It can be undertaken in pairs or as individuals, and there is also set to be staggered time penalties for when players of different handicaps take each other on.

Speculatively called “Hugh Dawnay’s Playmaker Polo Challenge”, Dawnay hopes to roll it out this summer, beginning at the junior levels with the help of coaches initially at Longdole, Lynt and Kirtlington polo clubs.

Longdole’s Dan Banks, Lynt’s Guy Verdon and Kirtlington’s Chris Crawford and Dave Ashby ran through the practical considerations of the course with Dawnay in March before discussing minor tweaks to perfect it in order that it might get off the ground this season.

The first-year plan is to use the challenge as a teaching tool, one which makes a player’s progress easily quantifiable. Each club’s top few times for the course will be published in the Polo Times weekly HTML newsletter every Friday. The schools’ coaches also see it as a useful means of taking the politics out of team selections at the junior level.

However, as Dawnay’s new daughter-in-law

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p6/9 NewsSpecial JM MB.indd 5

Dan Banks, Guy Verdon, Major Hugh Dawnay, Dave Ashby and Chris Crawford, getting the ball in motion last month

Louisa Dawnay (née Crofton) commented, it should also be adopted at adult levels.

“It’s a fabulously simple tool for polo managers attempting to allocate new members into appropriate club chukka practices,” she told Polo Times. “It allows us immediately to assess a player’s ability levels, which is obviously of crucial importance to us, but which I also expect could be pretty enlightening for the players themselves as well. The trick will be persuading patrons and professionals to give it a go as well, but I think it would be valuable for polo players of all levels.”

Dawnay, as well as being a formidable player in his day and the author of Polo Vision and Playmaker Polo, continues to be one of polo’s most passionate supporters, constantly looking for innovative new ways to make the game accessible and digestible for players looking to improve their game. As well as working on the skills challenge described, his most recent project is to join forces with Kim Snider in helping launch an ambitious new online learning website for polo, PoloSkilz.com, based in the US.

News in brief w BRAZIL WILL PLAY England for the Coronation Cup on Cartier International Day this year. However, the line-ups for both sides are yet to be confirmed. It’s not known whether Brazil’s eight-goaler Ricardo Mansur will be taking part or whether Satnam Dhillon, now seven-goals, will represent England. w THOSE WISHING TO send Prince William and Catherine Middleton a wedding gift this month can do so in the form of a donation to one of the couple’s chosen charities.

To donate, either go to the website www.royalweddingcharityfund.org, call 0300 123 2904 or send a cheque to the Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund, c/o St. James’s Palace, London SW1A 1BS. If you use a UK mobile network operator you can donate £5 by sending a goodwill message of your choice by text to 70294. w A NEW BETTING website, exclusively for polo, was launched at the Stella Artois Challenge on 5 March in Australia. Betezy, one of the largest corporate bookmakers licenced in the Northern Territory of Australia, has set up Polobet. Could legalised betting in polo change the face of the sport? Tell us what you think at letters@polotimes.co.uk. w POLO WITH PEDRO, a fundraising event held around the CV Whitney Cup finals on 27 February, at International Polo Club Palm Beach in the US helped raise more than $195,000 for the YMCA.

Polo Times, April 2011

9

18/3/11 15:15:18

News

Aiming high < RAVELLERS TO BA: British < TAirways are now offering a daily non-stop flight from London to Buenos Aires.

OFTRACK SURFACES: Martin < SCollins has acquired Hugh Daly’s Softrack Surfaces. The company will now continue under the name MC Softrack Surfaces.

ON TV: last year’s Beaufort < PtestOLOmatch was shown on HARITY POLO: a new polo < Ccharity event, in aid of Action for Addiction and Hampshire Hunt, will be held at Marriners Farm, Hampshire, on 29 May.

POLO WILL FEATURE at this year’s CLA Game Fair in the form of the Horserail Polo Challenge.

Three teams will be taking part in the three-day tournament, held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on 22-24 July.

On each of the three days, two three-man teams will play a four-chukka game in the main arena, meaning each team will play twice. The winners will be decided by a league table, rather than by a grand final.

The games will take place on a 100m x 80m field and a softball – used extensively in Australia – will be used rather than a typical arena ball. Seb

Dawnay (4) and Robert Thame (4) will represent Europe, while Sam Gairdner (4) and George Blandford (0) will join them for one game each.

Representing South America will be Nicolas Fontanarrosa (5), Mariano Darritchon (4) and Gaston Devrient (5). The third team representing Australasia will include Lochie Hunter (4) and Corin Gibbs (3), while Stirling McGregor (2) and Greg Keyte (5) will play one game each.

The CLA Game Fair attracts 140,000 visitors each year and is based around hunting, shooting, fishing and equestrianism and, thus, the organisers hope it will help advertise polo to a new audience.

Swinging low = DAY: 2011 = Iwillnternational be the last year that Cartier will be sponsoring the HPA’s International Day at Guards. rabic polo fans: Prince = AHarry postponed his trip to Dubai’s Sentebale Polo Cup last month amid the growing unrest in the Arab world.

ARGE HOME OWNERS: = LStamp Duty Land Tax payable on properties with a purchase price of more than £1m will increase from 4 to 5 per cent as of 6 April.

AKISTAN: The country’s = PNational Open was postponed in March for the first time due to unseasonal snowfall.

10

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p10/11 News2 JOS JM MB.indd 2

Photograph of Blenheim courtesy of CLA Game Fair

Bloomberg TV in March.

Polo to become the centre of attention at CLA Game Fair

End-of-season arena handicap changes LITERALLY AS WE went to press, the HPA arena end-of-season handicap changes were released.

Moving up from seven to eight-goals are Sebastian Dawnay and Jamie Morrison, while rising from six to seven are Adolfo Casabal, Roddy Williams and, as expected, Ryan Pemble.

Max Charlton has seen his handicap move from five to six, but Roddy Matthews has had his fivegoal handicap dropped down to four.

Patrons Spencer McCarthy and Paul Knights have risen: from two to three; and zero to one.

Druids Lodge polo manager James Stephenson has had his handicap moved up from two to three, as has top female player Rosie Ross.

Twelve-year-old Lolly Stanhope-White, this month’s “one to watch” (see page 67), has moved from zero to one. w All new handicaps were decided on 11 March and become effective on 1 May 2011 w The full list of 95 is on the news pages of the Polo Times website: www.polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 16:53:07

News

Only two entries for Naciones cup ARGENTINA’S SECOND 28-GOAL international series on 21 April will be a single match between Argentina and England rather than a contest between several countries as originally planned, writes Herbert Spencer.

The Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP) had invited other major polo countries such as the USA, Brazil and Chile to send teams to compete for its Copa de las Naciones at Palermo in Buenos Aires. Mauricio Fernández Funes, executive director of the AAP, cited “difficulties” in getting commitments from them in time as the reason for changing the format to a two-nation contest this year. Argentina will be fielding a team based

on the 10-goal Pieres brothers, Gonzalito and Facundo. The AAP has yet to name Argentina’s other two players for their 28-goal squad.

The England team selected by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) will play under their Argentine handicaps, so skipper Luke Tomlinson will be rated at eight-goals rather than his HPA handicap of seven.

Joining him will be Luke’s brother Mark Tomlinson (7), James Beim (7) and Malcolm Borwick (6). All these players already have ponies in Argentina.

Harald Link of Thailand, a strong supporter of English polo, is sponsoring the England team.

Golf makes way for game of kings CELTIC MANOR RESORT in Wales will host a polo event for the first time this summer. Polo in the Manor will take place on Saturday 2 July on a specially created polo field on the former practice ground of golf’s 2010 Ryder Cup. The one-day tournament is a joint venture between the five-star resort and event specialists, known as “freshbaked Business Services Group”.

It is part of the resort’s drive to expand its events portfolio, capitalising on the success of last year’s Ryder Cup. “Hosting the Ryder Cup last year allowed us to demonstrate our expertise at staging

major sporting events, but we’re keen to remind people that we are more than just a world-class golf venue,” said Dylan Matthews, chief executive of The Celtic Manor Resort.

“Golf and polo complement each other as sports which appeal to the corporate hospitality market and we’re confident that this social event will attract spectators from across the UK.” Events manager of freshbaked PR Nigel Murphy added: “We believe that Polo at the Manor will become an annual event that spectators look forward to every summer season.”

Polo player Kim Crowtear on pony Ros at The Celtic Manor Resort, which will host the Polo in the Manor event in July

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p10/11 News2 JOS JM MB.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

11

18/3/11 15:12:27

News News in brief w POLO WILL BE played in Las Vegas for the first time in 30 years this September. South Point Casino and Equestrian Centre will host Polo America Expo on 30 September to 2 October and will include the final of the Men’s and Women’s US Open Arena Championships. There will also be various seminars, an awards dinner, a polo pony sale and trade stands. w RETRAINING OF RACEHORSES (RoR) had to postpone their prize giving at Sandown races, due to be held on 12 March, as many of the prizewinners were out of the country.

RoR were due to hand out the £500 cheques to last year’s low-goal prize winners and a selection of the winners were also going to parade their exracehorses. The presentation will now take place on 3 June. w A POLO TEAM from Philadelphia made history in central Virginia when they became the first all AfricanAmerican team to win a USA national title. The players beat teams from California, Texas and Canada to win the 42nd National Interscholastic Polo Championship. w WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS to host an international beach polo festival on 8-15 May. The competition, to be held in Broome, has evolved from the one-day Paspaley Beach Polo event that took place in 2010. This year, the organisers hope to attract players from around the world to compete in the round-robin tournament.

The festival will conclude with an international Test Match between Australia and a visiting country. w FOLLOWING THE EARTHQUAKE that hit New Zealand in February, fortunately none of the country’s polo fraternity were reported to have been caught up in the disaster, which mainly affected the city of Christchurch. w ANYONE WHO RENTS ponies for “hire and reward” purposes must now hold a riding school licence by law.

These can be obtained from local councils and is a statutory requirement to validate any liability insurance. It is the hirer’s responsibility to check that the company has a licence. w THE SECOND ANNUAL International Gay Polo Tournament takes place on Saturday 2 April at Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. Top players from the league will be taking part in the one-day competition.

12

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p12/13 News3 JM JOS MB.indd 2

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Overseas matches England vs Argentina Due to lack of entries, the Copa de las Naciones will be decided by a one-off game between England and Argentina on Thursday 21 April on the Palermo number one field in Buenos Aires.

The 28-goal England team (playing off their Argentine handicaps) is: 1. James Beim (7); 2.

Mark Tomlinson (7); 3. Malcolm Borwick (6); 4.

Luke Tomlinson (captain) (8) Thanks are due to Harald Link and Thai Polo for supporting the team. Argentina has yet to announce their team but it is rumoured that it will include Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres.

Thailand and China An England team of Oliver Hipwood (6), Max Routledge (4), Ollie Cudmore (3) and James Carr (0) beat a 14-goal South East Asia team 6-4 in Thailand. James Carr then came home and the other three went on to win the snow polo tournament at the Metropolitan Polo Club in China, beating Argentina in the final.

O2 Arena International, sponsored by Gaucho EFG Bank England beat Camino Real Argentina (teams as follows), 17-16; City AM Scotland beat Mantis Group South Africa 14-11; and Cambridge beat Oxford 13-10 EFG Bank Team England: Chris Hyde (9, captain), Tim Bown (6), Max Charlton (5) Camino Real Team Argentina: Adolfo Casabal (6), Nacho Figueras (7, captain), Oscar Mancini (6) City AM Scotland: Chris Crawford (4), Jamie Le Hardy (7, captain), Howard Smith (6) Mantis Group South Africa: Sipho Spilsbury (5), Selby Williamson (7, captain), Terence Spilsbury (5) Cambridge: Alex Rose (0), James Hepburn (0), Jeremy Allen (3, captain) Oxford: Tom Meacher (2, captain), Max Kirchhoff (1), Tom Mayou (2) Blue Books The Blue Books will be dispatched to clubs during the second week of April. Please ensure that you pick up your copy and read the regulations and rules.

Membership cards In 2011 all members with an HPA handicap will be sent a membership card, a pocket rule book and the welfare booklet. The cards are designed to allow club managers to verify player’s handicaps and memberships easily. If you do not receive these, it will probably be because the HPA has not yet been given your correct contact details.

Junior HPA and Pony Club Entries for the Junior HPA close on Sunday 1 May. Please see the HPA website (www.hpa-polo.co.uk) for conditions of entry and to download an entry form. If you wish to play in a Pony Club team, please contact your Pony Club branch manager or see the Pony Club website: www.pcuk.org Regional Chief Umpires The regional chief umpires for this season are as follows: South East: Arthur Douglas-Nugent 01730 815150 (covering Ascot Park, Barcombe, Burningfold, Cowdray, Coworth, Epsom, Fifield, FHM, Guards, Ham, Hurtwood, Knepp Castle, RMA Sandhurst and Sussex) South West: Tim Keyte 07768 886605 (covering Asthall Farm, Beaufort, Cirencester, Druids Lodge, Edgeworth, Ladyswood, Longdole, New Forest, Taunton, Tidworth, Vaux Park, West Somerset Central: Julian Appleby 07710 521184 (covering Binfield Heath, Cheshire, Chester Racecourse, Kirtlington, Lacey Green, Offchurch Bury, RLS, Rugby and West Wycombe) East: Tim Bown 07971 061909 (covering Apsley End, Cambridge, Dedham Vale, Frolic Polo Club, Haggis Farm, Leadenham, Little Bentley, Norfolk, Ranelagh Farm, RCBPC, Rutland, Silver Leys, St Albans, Suffolk) North & Scotland: Representative to be confirmed (covering Beverley, Dundee & Perth, Edinburgh, Toulston, Vale of York and White Rose) Ireland: Brian Mullins +353 879 674225 (covering All Ireland, Brannockstown, Bunclody, Curraghmore, Donaghadee, Limerick, Moyne,Northern Ireland, Waterford and Wicklow) If you need advice or wish to organise a Rules Test (formerly the CP Test) please contact your regional chief umpire. All players are expected to take and pass the Rules Test before they can be raised in handicap or moved off ‘S’.

Dates for the diary Tuesday, 5 April 2.30pm - Welfare AGM, Sunningdale Wednesday 13 – Friday 15 April - Coaching Course, Beaufort Polo Club Thursday 28 April - Coaching Seminar, Beaufort Polo Club Wednesday 20 April 10.30am - Club Chief Umpires Meeting, Sunningdale Park Hotel, Ascot Monday 9 May 2.30pm – Council Meeting, Cavalry & Guards Club, London Wednesday 11 May 10.30am - High Goal and Prof Umpires Meeting, RCBPC www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 15:13:02

News

Berkshire set to celebrate 25th anniversary BUILT IN 1985, but only officially launched in 1986, the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club celebrates 25 years as a fully operational competitive polo venue this year.

The main celebratory event will involve the final of the Prince of Wales Trophy, on Saturday 11 June, after which the club will be hosting what events manager Ben Crampin describes as “an exquisite dinner and dance for members and players, past and present”. Entertainment will be a variety of ‘80s-themed bands, selected as such in tribute to the decade in which the club was founded by music impresario Bryan Morrison.

Prior to the RCBPC’s 25th season, the club’s support for charitable causes had always been directed towards a chosen few. This year, however, it will be expanding its support to help such charities as Help for Heroes and The British Forces Foundation.

‘80s-themed bands will Also receiving support will be Thames Valley & Chiltern Air provide a tribute to club the Ambulance Trust, HCPT (The founder Bryan Morrison Pilgrimage Trust) and Fundación Pro Alvear. The club is running what it is advertising as “The Rolls Royce of Car Boot Sales” on Saturday 17 September, and a full schedule of the club’s plans for their celebrations can be found on page 21.

For information on any of the above events, contact Ben Crampin on 01344 890061, or email events@rcbpoloclub.com. For polo related enquiries, contact the polo manager, Louisa Dawnay on 01344 890060 or email info@rcbpoloclub.com.

Polo Times loves... …Eddie Kennedy’s polo prints. Polo player Kennedy moved from Ireland to the UK in 1986, after a very successful one-man exhibition at the Godolphin Gallery in Dublin led him to pursue his art career in London.

However, having produced a series of popular limited edition prints, marriage and children restricted the time he could spend on his drawing and, motivated by a need to get back to working with horses, he took work in polo and had jobs with a number of the UK’s clubs.

While working at Coworth Park, under the ownership of Prince Jefri of Brunei, Kennedy worked with some of the world’s best players, which motivated him to go back to his art. He drew Eduardo Heguy, pictured right, in 2009.

If you are interested in any of Eddie’s work, please contact him on +44 (0)7832 772544 or email edknndy@googlemail.com. www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p12/13 News3 JM JOS MB.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

13

18/3/11 15:13:12

the

Big

picture

Royal rumble This photograph captures Prince William in attack during last year’s two-day Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park Polo Club. Giving chase behind is brother Prince Harry, marked closely by England seven-goaler James Beim, whose patron in the 2010 high-goal (Enigma’s Jerome Wirth) wears number four on the left of the page.

Princes William and Harry formed two “Umbogo” sides to face two 15-goal teams put together by Audi on Saturday and Sunday, 8-9 May 2010. The games, watched by an invitation-only crowd of selected celebrities and members of the polo community, raised funds in aid of the Royal Marsden Hospital and Sentebale, charities hand-picked by Princes William and Harry. ◗ We celebrate the Royal Wedding this month with more photographs of the prince in action on page 86, and in a revealing article on page 28 which tells the story of how his passion for polo has developed and recently been turned almost entirely to the advantage of others

14

PT p14/15 Big Pic JM MB PJ. indd.indd 2

16/3/11 18:05:54

PT p14/15 Big Pic JM MB PJ. indd.indd 3

15

16/3/11 18:06:15

Comment

Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

Entertaining yet bizarre O2 spectacle helps us to fill the pre-season void

Y

ou know it’s a quiet time of year when you bother to travel for two and a half hours through rush hour traffic on the M25 to go to an exhibition game in the O2.

Especially when you are not even playing in it!

You go just to get a fix of the drug that is so hard to kick, to smell the horses, hear the thunder of hooves and watch the players get worked up with each other and the umpire.

Somehow, it just feels good to see a few familiar faces in the crowd, to catch up on news and start to get a little excited at the prospect of the forthcoming season. Having not yet witnessed the precursor to the Gaucho International, Polo in the Park, I wasn’t quite sure what I was letting myself in for.

The promotional leaflets for the O2 event promised ‘Gladiatorial Polo’ and one half-expected Nacho Figueras and Chris Hyde to be decked out in full chain mail before being gruesomely fed to the lions. But when the dulcet tones of girl band Elysium III rang out the British and Argentine national anthems, the singers stumbling, slightly ungainly, in the sand on their stilettos, we all realised that it would be a relatively tame affair.

The passionate England team certainly entertained the crowd during the inaugural Gaucho International event at the O2 Arena

Charlton managing to score three goals in under three minutes on his super-charged spotted pony and Oscar Mancini working like ten men to maintain the Argentine male reputation of machismo-man all added to the plot.

The audience was encouraged to join in on a collective Mexican

Photograph by Peter Hamblin

One half-expected Nacho Figueras and Chris Hyde to be decked out in full chain mail before being gruesomely fed to the lions Certainly it was entertaining.

Nacho looking über cool in his shades until he realized he couldn’t see anything and had to take them off. Chris Hyde being bizarrely referred to as ‘Big Dog’ by the commentator, Max 16

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p16/17 CMH JOS MB PJ.indd 2

wave at half time and it was then easy to spot the polo cognoscenti in amongst the punters who had merely come along for the Aura after-party. The latter let off a distinctive whiff of fake tan and Jordan’s signature perfume

Precious Love as they raised their naked arms to the sky. Whereas the polo crowd were looking decidedly pasty, smelling more of stale saddle soap and heavily clad in unflattering fleeces and puffa waistcoats, which made the act of arm raising rather difficult.

As the bar and the food stalls had shut the minute we sat down, we made a beeline for Wagamama for some soothing noodles as soon as the final whistle blew. On the next door table we overheard a couple of orange-hued ladies saying they were hoping to meet a rich man at the after party.

I longed to tell them that most men in polo have spent all their money on the game and it was rather like looking for someone who hadn’t had a drink at an AA

meeting. Back home after the event, the sun is finally out and the farm, which has been like a ghost town for the past few months, is starting to spring back to life again.

Grooms arrive in dribs and drabs from various corners of the globe looking as wild and woolly as the ponies coming in from the fields, temporary stables are going up, the canteen is given a thorough spring clean, and the season is but a nano-second away.

The O2 has filled the void, but you can’t beat the real thing. F w See pages 38-43 for a full report of the Gaucho International w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 11:25:43

WK -XQH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 7HVW 0DWFK (QJODQG YV 1HZ =HDODQG

&DOO XV QRZ IRU IXUWKHU GHWDLOV Seven well-maintained grounds Tournaments at all levels from 2 goal to 20 goal Visiting teams welcome Club chukkas every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Regular Club matches Over 30 goals of talent based at the Club County Polo Entry forms available now Stabling available on site Fully licensed Club House

What is County Polo? â&#x20AC;˘ Three-a-side â&#x20AC;˘ Slightly shorter field so players gain more experience â&#x20AC;˘ Open to amateur players of 0 goals or less â&#x20AC;˘ Strict umpiring to maintain flow of game, ensure safe play and help new players understand the rules â&#x20AC;˘ Discounted membership rates for weekend or amateur players

Corporate hospitality available at many events Beaufort Polo Club Down Farm, Westonbirt, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QW telephone 01666 880510 email enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk website www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk %HDXIRUW3ROR&OXE $G [ E LQGG PT p16/17 CMH JOS MB PJ.indd 3

18/3/11 14:50:37

Comment

Global view with Herbert Spencer

The sportsmanship of Juan Carlitos’s era has been destroyed by money

Photograph courtesy of Horrace A. Laffaye’s The Polo Encyclopedia

O

ne of the things that most impressed me about polo more than 40 years ago, when I first became involved with the sport as a non-player, was the admirable approach to the game by the world’s greatest player of that era.

I got to know 10-goaler Juan Carlos Harriott Jr, better known as “Juan Carlitos”, when he agreed to write an essay for my 1971 book Chakkar: Polo Around the World. His team, Coronel Suarez, was dominating polo in Argentina in those days and eventually won the Argentine Open 20 times, a record unlikely ever to be equalled.

Juan Carlitos was not only considered number one in the world, but was also universally respected for his sportsmanship, a true gentleman on and off the polo ground.

In his essay on “The Player”, Juan Carlitos stressed sportsmanship as an essential attribute of competitors, whether high-goal professionals or amateurs of whatever handicap.

“We know that if each of us was not a gentleman out on the field, we would injure one another,” he wrote.

He also added: “A player who lacks the proper concern for the safety of his teammates and opponents, or a player who deliberately commits a foul to gain an advantage, is dangerous.

“He can cause accidents which can be crippling or even fatal to both men and horses” How times have changed since Juan Carlitos’s day. Today’s highly paid professional players are out to win for their team patrons. It is not unknown for some to receive generous bonuses for a win.

18

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p18/19 Global View JOS MB PJ.indd 2

When they win, their reputations are enhanced, enabling them to charge even higher fees. When such monetary benefits are at stake, gamesmanship may take precedence over sportsmanship.

Manufacturing fouls to gain a chance at a penalty shot has become an accepted tactic of high-goal pros.

In some matches, more goals have been scored on penalties than on the more exciting strikes at goal from the field.

The high pressures to win have also affected players’ attitudes towards the umpires. Abuse of

With monetary benefits at stake, gamesmanship takes precedence over sportsmanship officials has gone to such extremes as spitting in an umpire’s face and threatening physical violence.

More common is appealing for fouls by gestures or words, despite rules prohibiting this.

The rules of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), for example, class a “personal foul” as “unsportsmanlike conduct” and prohibits “appealing for fouls verbally or with the stick” and “arguing with the umpire”.

Yet one still often sees a forest of raised sticks and backchat to officials in a match.

Argentina has tried to adopt “zero-tolerance” of players arguing with umpires. This seemed to be working last season, but by the time of the Argentine Open, the system appeared to be breaking down.

The HPA has changed its rules

Juan Carlitos Harriott, regarded by many as the best polo player of all time, was a true gentleman and role model of sportsmanship both on and off the field

this year to prohibit any player, including the team captain, from challenging umpires’ decisions, but just how far the association’s professional umpires enforce this remains to be seen.

At the end of the day, however, any changes for the better will not depend entirely on how effective the umpires are in enforcing sportsmanlike conduct. It is the players’ approach to the game that will count.

As in any other sport, the top competitors are role models. The attitudes of polo’s high-goal pros

affect those of lower-goal amateurs who seek to emulate their style.

For the good of the game as a whole, some of today’s pros would do well to reassess their attitudes towards the kind of sportsmanship which Juan Carlitos Harriott wrote about 40 years ago. F w Do you agree or strongly disagree with Herbert? We would love to hear your thoughts. Email letters@polotimes.co.uk w Read more from Herbert at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:33:17

3$''2&.6 )25 +256(6

PT p18/19 Global View JOS MB PJ.indd 3

,17(51$7,21$/ &5266 &28175< &2856(

6$/7 :$7(5 322/

7+$, 63$

16/3/11 12:43:19

Comment

Umpire’s corner with Arthur Douglas-Nugent

It is essential that we take steps to protect the authority of our umpires

Photograph by Alice Gipps

W

ith Lent upon us once again, it is time to make a resolution.

Last year we concentrated on improving the game for the benefit of players and spectators by introducing the so-called “no turning rule”, which this year we hope to strengthen by being more specific about the turn to the left.

This year as the star theme we will make a really determined effort to impose stricter discipline to avoid sliding into the sort of anarchy that is currently gripping football’s Premier League.

The writing has been on the wall for some time as players are allowed to confront the referees and, perhaps worse, managers seem to be able to say what they like after a match.

A headline which appeared recently says it all: “This unbridled criticism makes it impossible to create respect for officials.” I couldn’t agree more.

The authority of an official should not in any way be undermined; otherwise how can he gain and receive the respect due to him by the players?

Probably the most damaging accusation of all is contained in the words: “You want a fair referee or a strong referee – and we did not get either.” That

comparison with the Gracida brothers, who never failed to do this. It is for a good reason that the army requires every soldier to appear on parade shaved and with short and tidy hair; that reason is discipline which should be a part of life for a polo player.

This also applies to an umpire.

Unless he is well turned out the players will not respect him and his authority will be diminished.

Umpires Paul Withers and Tim Keyte discuss an important decision on the field

clearly implies that the official is partial, whether through bias or weakness of character; how can you get worse than that?

So what are we going to do about it? I mentioned last month that with the use of radios the

The authority of an official should not be undermined; otherwise how can he demand respect? referee on the sidelines is to be brought more into the equation.

Secondly, we have taken away the rule that allowed the captain to ask for clarification of a

decision, as this proved a loophole through which many jumped to open a dialogue with the officials.

Finally, we will be issuing a directive to umpires similar to that seen in Argentina last year. This showed good results, at least in the early stages of the season.

Grooming tips Following on from this theme, and call me old fashioned if you will, but I was saddened to see in the press recently a photograph of two Argentine 10-goal players looking as if they had spent the last ten nights sleeping rough on the street.

These men are role models and thus should be setting an example and here one is forced to draw

Umpiring tips As the season is nearly upon us, I finish by revealing the guidelines given to the Pro Umpire Group last year, which remain relevant.

• Umpire A should avoid blowing for a foul under the nose of Umpire B – trust each other.

• Avoid talking to players when awarding penalties.

• Delay in blowing a player blocking the legitimate progress of a opponent.

• Soft whistle blowing implies indecision and lack of grip.

• Avoid lengthy discussion between umpires after having blown the whistle.

• Avoid playing the advantage for too long.

• Beware the player working on you – the Cambiaso effect. F w Read more from Arthur at www.polotimes.co.uk

Play goes on until the whistle blows…

This month’s puzzle A penalty is awarded to a team and their ace penalty taker goes off to change onto another pony. While off the ground another member of his team places the ball. The penalty taker returns and he too places the ball. What should the umpires do?

20

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p20/21 Umpires Corner JOS MB PJ.indd 2

Last month’s solution Extra time is to be played and the goals widened.

Where should play start?

The answer is from the centre, the teams having changed ends. Under these circumstances any penalty awarded at the end of the last chukka should be taken at the end of that chukka and not carried forward, as was done on one memorable occasion in the Cowdray Gold Cup. Who doesn’t fancy hitting a sixty into a widened goal! www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 12:13:16

&HOHEUDWHV \HDUV RI SROR

6XPPHU 'DWHV IRU WKH GLDU\ ƫɃȼȲȯɇ ̴ɂȶ ƢɃȼȳ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƢȽȶȼ ƨɀȳɁɂɅȷȱȶ ƬɀȽȾȶɇ

Ƭȶȳ ̷ ɂȽ ̰̱ ƟȽȯȺ ƢȽȶȼ ƨɀȳɁɂɅȷȱȶ ƬɀȽȾȶɇ ȷɁ ɂȶȳ Ƚȼȳ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳ ȻȯȸȽɀ ̰̱˹ȵȽȯȺ ɂȽɃɀȼȯȻȳȼɂɁ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳ ɁɃȻȻȳɀ ɁȳȯɁȽȼ˴ ȯȼȲ ȯȺɅȯɇɁ ȯɂɂɀȯȱɂɁ ɁɂɀȽȼȵ ɂȳȯȻɁ ȴɀȽȻ ȯȱɀȽɁɁ ɂȶȳ ȱȽɃȼɂɀɇ˷ ƛȽȻȳ ȯȼȲ ȳȼȸȽɇ ȾȽȺȽ ȯɂ ȷɂɁ ȰȳɁɂ ȯȼȲ ɀȳɂȷɀȳ ɂȽ ɂȶȳ ƛȺɃȰȶȽɃɁȳ ȯȴɂȳɀɅȯɀȲɁ ȴȽɀ ȯ ɀȳȺȯɆȷȼȵ Ȳɀȷȼȹ ȯȼȲ ƙɀȵȳȼɂȷȼȳ ƙɁȯȲȽ˷

ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̰​̰ɂȶ ƢɃȼȳ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƨɀȷȼȱȳ Ƚȴ ƯȯȺȳɁ ƬɀȽȾȶɇ

ƢȽȷȼ ɃɁ ȴȽɀ ɂȶȳ ƞȷȼȯȺɁ Ƚȴ ȽɃɀ ȶȷȵȶ˹ȵȽȯȺ ɂɀȽȾȶɇ˷ ƛȳȺȳȰɀȯɂȷȼȵ ɂȶȳ ̴̱ɂȶ ƙȼȼȷɄȳɀɁȯɀɇ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳ ƛȺɃȰ ɂȶȷɁ ɇȳȯɀ˴ Ʌȳ ȶȯɄȳ ɁȽȻȳ ɁȾȳȱȷȯȺ ɂɀȳȯɂɁ ȷȼ ɁɂȽɀȳ˴ ȳȼɁɃɀȷȼȵ ɂȶȷɁ ȷɁ Ƚȼȳ ȼȽɂ ɂȽ Ȱȳ ȻȷɁɁȳȲ˻

ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̷̰ɂȶ ƢɃȼȳ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƨɀȽ ƙȺɄȳȯɀ ƨȽȺȽ ƛɃȾ

ƞȽɀ ɂȶȳ ɂȶȷɀȲ ɇȳȯɀ ɀɃȼȼȷȼȵ ɂȶȳ ƚȳɀȹɁȶȷɀȳ ȶȽɁɂɁ ɂȶȳ ƨɀȽ ƙȺɄȳȯɀ ƨȽȺȽ ƛɃȾ˴ ȷȼ ɁɃȾȾȽɀɂ Ƚȴ Ƭȶȳ ƞɃȼȲȯȱȷȽȼ ƨɀȽ˹ƙȺɄȳȯɀ˷ ƬȶȷɁ ȱȶȯɀȷɂɇ ȶȳȺȾɁ ɂȽ ɁɃȾȾȽɀɂ ȲȳɄȳȺȽȾȻȳȼɂ ȷȼ ɂȶȳ ƙɀȵȳȼɂȷȼȳȯȼ ƨȯȻȾȯɁ ɀȳȵȷȽȼ˷ Ưȷɂȶ ȱȶȯȻȾȯȵȼȳ˴ ȱȯȼȯȾɡɁ˴ ȯȼ ȳɆȿɃȷɁȷɂȳ Ȳȷȼȼȳɀ ȯȼȲ ȯȴɂȳɀ Ⱦȯɀɂɇ˴ ɂȶȷɁ ȳɁɂȯȰȺȷɁȶȳȲ ȳɄȳȼɂ ȾɀȽȻȷɁȳɁ ɂȽ ȳɆȱȳȳȲ ȯȺȺ Ƚȴ ȽɃɀ ȳɆȾȳȱɂȯɂȷȽȼɁ˻

ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̱ȼȲ ƢɃȺɇ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƫȻȯɂɂ̃Ɂ ơȼɂȳɀȼȯɂȷȽȼȯȺ ƝȲɃȯɀȲȽ ƥȽȽɀȳ

Ƭȶȳ ƞȷȼȯȺɁ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳ ̰̱ ɂȽ ̴̰ ƟȽȯȺ ƝȲɃȯɀȲȽ ƥȽȽɀȳ ƬȽɃɀȼȯȻȳȼɂ ȯȺɅȯɇɁ ȵɃȯɀȯȼɂȳȳ ɁȽȻȳ ȴȯɁɂ˹ȾȯȱȳȲ˴ ȯȱɂȷȽȼ˹ȴȷȺȺȳȲ ȾȽȺȽ˷ Ưȳ ȯɀȳ ȾȺȳȯɁȳȲ ɂȽ ȯȼȼȽɃȼȱȳ ɂȶȯɂ Ʌȳ ȶȯɄȳ ȯȵȯȷȼ ɂȳȯȻȳȲ ɃȾ Ʌȷɂȶ ƢȯȻȯȷȱȯȼ ɀɃȻ ȱȽȻȾȯȼɇ˴ ƫȻȯɂɂ̃Ɂ˴ ɅȶȽ ɅȷȺȺ Ȱȳ ɂɀȳȯɂȷȼȵ ɃɁ ɂȽ ȺȯɁȶȷȼȵɁ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳȷɀ ȲȳȺȷȱȷȽɃɁ ɀɃȻɁ˴ ȴȷȼȳ ƢȯȻȯȷȱȯȼ ȱɃȷɁȷȼȳ˴ ȯȼȲ˴ ȷȼ ɂɀɃȳ ƚȳɀȹɁȶȷɀȳ ɁɂɇȺȳ˴ ȯȼ ɃȼȴȽɀȵȳɂɂȯȰȺȳ ȯȴɂȳɀ Ⱦȯɀɂɇ˷

ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̵̰ɂȶ ƢɃȺɇ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƢɃȺȷȯȼ ȯȼȲ ƠȽɅȯɀȲ ƠȷȾɅȽȽȲ ƬɀȽȾȶɇ

ƢȽȷȼ ɃɁ ȴȽɀ ɂȶȳ ƞȷȼȯȺɁ Ƚȴ ɂȶȳ ̳ ɂȽ ̷ ƟȽȯȺ ƢɃȺȷȯȼ ȯȼȲ ƠȽɅȯɀȲ ƠȷȾɅȽȽȲ ƬɀȽȾȶɇ˷ Ưȷɂȶ ɁȷɆɂȳȳȼ ɂȳȯȻɁ ȳȼɂȳɀȳȲ ȺȯɁɂ ɇȳȯɀ˴ ɂȶȷɁ ɂȽɃɀȼȯȻȳȼɂ ȯȺɅȯɇɁ ȾɀȽȲɃȱȳɁ ȯ ȶȯɀȲ˹ȴȽɃȵȶɂ ƞȷȼȯȺ˷ ƙȺȺ ȯɀȳ ɅȳȺȱȽȻȳ ɂȽ Ʌȯɂȱȶ ɂȶȳ ƞȷȼȯȺɁ˴ ȯȼȲ Ʌȶɇ ȼȽɂ ȸȽȷȼ ɃɁ ȷȼ ɂȶȳ ƛȺɃȰȶȽɃɁȳ ȴȽɀ ȯ Ȳɀȷȼȹ ȯȼȲ ƚƚƩ ȯȴɂȳɀɅȯɀȲɁ˾

ƫɃȼȲȯɇ ̶ɂȶ ƙɃȵɃɁɂ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƨȽȺȽ ƞȳɁɂȷɄȯȺ ɁɃȾȾȽɀɂȳȲ Ȱɇ ƬȯȺȺɇ ƠȽ ƞȯɀȻ

ƚɀȷȼȵȷȼȵ ɂȽȵȳɂȶȳɀ ɂȳȯȻɁ ȴɀȽȻ ȯȱɀȽɁɁ ɂȶȳ ȱȽɃȼɂɀɇ˴ ȾȺȯɇȷȼȵ ȯɂ ɂȶɀȳȳ Ȳȷȴȴȳɀȳȼɂ ȺȳɄȳȺɁ˴ ɂȶȳ ƨȽȺȽ ƞȳɁɂȷɄȯȺ ȻȯȷȼɂȯȷȼɁ ɂȶȳ ̂ȴɃȼ̃ ȳȺȳȻȳȼɂ Ƚȴ ȾȽȺȽ˴ Ʌȷɂȶ ɂȶɀȳȳ ȾȯɀɂȷȳɁ ȳȼȱȽȻȾȯɁɁȳȲ ȷȼ ɂɅȽ ȰɃɁɇ ɅȳȳȹɁ Ƚȴ ȾȽȺȽ˷ ƯȳȺȱȽȻȳ ƜɀȷȼȹɁ˶ ƯȳȲȼȳɁȲȯɇ ̶̱ɂȶ ƢɃȺɇ ̑ ƬȶȳȻȳȲ ƨȯɀɂɇ˶ ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̲̯ɂȶ ƢɃȺɇ ̑ ƛȺȽɁȷȼȵ ƨȯɀɂɇ˶ ƫɃȼȲȯɇ ̶ɂȶ ƙɃȵɃɁɂ

ƫȯɂɃɀȲȯɇ ̶̰ɂȶ ƫȳȾɂȳȻȰȳɀ˶ Ƭȶȳ ƪȽȺȺɁ ƪȽɇȱȳ Ƚȴ ƛȯɀ ƚȽȽɂ ƫȯȺȳɁ ȷȼ ȯȷȲ Ƚȴ ƠȳȺȾ ȴȽɀ ƠȳɀȽȳɁ ȯȼȲ ɂȶȳ ƚɀȷɂȷɁȶ ƞȽɀȱȳɁ ƞȽɃȼȲȯɂȷȽȼ

Ưȷɂȶ ɁɂȯȺȺɁ ȴɀȽȻ Ȼȯȼɇ ȺɃɆɃɀɇ ȰɀȯȼȲɁ˴ ȲȽȼ̃ɂ ȻȷɁɁ ɂȶȳ ƪȽȺȺɁ ƪȽɇȱȳ Ƚȴ ƛȯɀ ƚȽȽɂ ƫȯȺȳɁ ȶȳɀȳ ȯɂ ɂȶȳ ƚȳɀȹɁȶȷɀȳ˻ Ƨȼȱȳ ɇȽɃ ȶȯɄȳ ȴȷȼȷɁȶȳȲ ɇȽɃɀ Ȱȯɀȵȯȷȼ ȶɃȼɂȷȼȵ˴ ɂȯȹȳ ȯ Ȱɀȳȯȹ ȴȽɀ ȯȼ ȳɆȿɃȷɁȷɂȳ ȺɃȼȱȶ˴ Ʌȯɂȱȶ ȯ ɁȾȽɂ Ƚȴ ȾȽȺȽ˴ ȯȼȲ ȴȷȼȷɁȶ ɂȶȳ Ȳȯɇ Ʌȷɂȶ ƙȴɂȳɀȼȽȽȼ Ƭȳȯ ȷȼ ɂȶȳ ƪȽɇȯȺ ƨȯɄȷȺȷȽȼ˷ ƞȽɀ ɂȶȳ ȶȯɀȲɇ ȯȻȽȼȵ ɇȽɃ˴ ȸȽȷȼ ɃɁ ȴȽɀ ɂȶȳ ȯȴɂȳɀ Ⱦȯɀɂɇ ȷȼ ɂȶȳ ȳɄȳȼȷȼȵ˷

ƞȽɀ ɂȳȯȻ ȳȼɂɀȷȳɁ˴ ȾȺȳȯɁȳ ȱȽȼɂȯȱɂ ɂȶȳ ƨȽȺȽ ƥȯȼȯȵȳɀ˴ ƤȽɃȷɁȯ ƜȯɅȼȯɇ Ƚȼ ̯̰̲̳​̳ ̷̸̯ ̵̯̯ Ƚɀ ȳȻȯȷȺ ȷȼȴȽ˲ɀȱȰȾȽȺȽȱȺɃȰ˷ȱȽȻ˷ ƞȽɀ ȳɄȳȼɂɁ˴ ȶȽɁȾȷɂȯȺȷɂɇ ȯȼȲ ɁȾȽȼɁȽɀɁȶȷȾ˴ ȱȽȼɂȯȱɂ ƚȳȼ ƛɀȯȻȾȷȼ Ƚȼ ̯̰̲̳​̳ ̷̸̯ ̵̯̰ Ƚɀ ȳȻȯȷȺ ȳɄȳȼɂɁ˲ɀȱȰȾȽȺȽȱȺɃȰ˷ȱȽȻ˷

PT p20/21 Umpires Corner JOS MB PJ.indd 3

16/3/11 18:15:51

Comment

Your views

Letters letters@polotimes.co.uk or The Editor, Polo Times, East End Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX Please include your postal address or nearest town on all Letters to the Editor

Photograph by Peter Hamblin

Gaucho made me a grouch-o Sir, I feel I must voice my disdain at the recent Gaucho International event at the O2.

As a regular polo spectator I very much looked forward to the event and indeed I recorded my excitement on Twitter for months leading up to the event.

I don’t want to sound like a snob, but it was like polo in Las Vegas – “and now a word from our sponsors”, pop corn, hot dogs and Mexican waves.

Added to that, the commentator kept referring to horses – “big up to the horses” and “can I have a woop woop for the horses”. They are ponies!

Remaining on the subject of the commentator, during the first two games (Oxford v Cambridge and Scotland v South Africa) he kept shouting something along the lines of: “later we will see the big boys play”. I felt this belittled the teams and I was very sad for the players and their supporters.

The funny thing is these were actually better and had some great support.

In all seriousness we were tempted to walk out. We had heard safety concerns mentioned about the pitch. Maybe that is why the game was so slow.

Anna Lorimer Dorset 22 Polo Times, April 2011

PT p22/23 Letters MB PJ indd.indd 2

Letter of the month Finally living the dream in Palermo’s La Catedral Sir, If anyone had told me in 1990, when polo and I thought that we had given each other up, that 20 years on I would be playing in a final on Palermo One, “La Catedral” I’d have laughed sardonically.

Well, dear readers, as you may have guessed, that sardonic laugh would have been misplaced because on a baking 16 December 2010 my grizzled teammates and I of La Esquina found ourselves at La Catedral, admittedly not at full capacity, facing the rather less grizzled Jockey Club in the final of the Copa Seniors, a 12 goal tournament held annually for the over 45s.

Had the late Emperor Hirohito been watching the game he might have described the result as being not necessarily to La Esquina’s advantage. The Fernández Llorente brothers playing for Jockey Club dominated proceedings, scoring all but one of their team’s goals in a 13-9 win.

For La Esquina, former eight-goaler Jorge Tassara scored three goals, Diego Miguens scored two as did I – including one which I carried from the halfway line and was rather pleased with.

The result is of course important in any game but, to be honest, for all of us concerned, the thrill as polo players to have played a final on Palermo One outweighed everything else. A huge vote of gratitude is in order to Santiago Lanusse, and to Luisito Lalor and Bernardo Iriarte and their colleagues at the AAP for giving so generously of their time and energies to bring it all about.

Sandy Harper Buenos Aires, Argentina The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of La Chamiza Argentine red wine

Thanks for all the hard work at the 02 Sir, on behalf of the HPA, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who were involved in the HPA Gaucho International Arena Polo event at the O2 Arena, in the organising, promotion, playing, sponsoring or just being there to support the event.

You have done the polo community a great service by helping us to bring our sport to a wider audience in such a dramatic and impressive setting. The opportunity to engage a totally different group of spectators with our sport was always going to be a daunting challenge!

Thanks must go to AEG, the Gaucho team led by Martin Williams (one of the people who came up with the original concept for the event and whose tremendous efforts on the promotional and

Letter-writer Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers applauds England’s captain, Chris Hyde

marketing front were invaluable), Johnny Wheeler the Sandpolo mastermind and Mark Cann of British Forces Foundation and their team who were brave enough to take on the daunting organisational role and the risk of this the inaugural event.

And finally not to forget the impressive team behind the scenes led by Louisa Crofton

who did a truly remarkable job ensuring that players and mounts were there ready for each match, looking after the welfare of the ponies in their specially built pony lines and coordinating the logistics and safety aspects during their brief stay at the O2 Arena.

It had always been the vision of Bryan Morrison, the person credited with establishing and promoting arena polo in the UK, to stage an international match at a venue accessible to the wider public and enabling us to bring polo to a new potential group of players and supporters.

I believe you should all be rightly proud of the part you played in turning his dream into a reality.

Thank you all.

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers Chairman of the HPA www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:21:21

Your views

Comment

Hissam is an unsung hero Sir, Pakistan may not be regarded as a major hub of the sport compared to Argentina and England, but it boasts a great polo tradition going back many centuries. And in my opinion the game of kings is responsible for the country’s best sporting ambassador of today.

Far more famous than Pakistan’s recent polo achievements is the country’s ability to produce world-class sportsmen in squash, hockey and cricket. However the country has not come close to winning a global hockey title since 1994, has no players in the top 15 of the squash rankings and has not even finished in the top six in the last two Cricket World Cups.

This sorry state of affairs has been compounded in the last 12 months by the shameful match-

fixing scandal involving three of the country’s most prominent cricket internationals.

Meanwhile, the country’s top handicapped polo player, five-goaler Hissam Ali Hyder, has been travelling the world playing in Argentina, England and most recently Dubai (see page 58) where he proudly displays the Pakistan flag on his horses, as pictured below.

His father and grandfather were both prominent polo players in Pakistan, but despite his success he remains very much an unsung hero.

Cricketers Mohammad Aamer, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif have tarnished the image of Pakistan. I think what we need is a few more Hissams.

Ijaz Chaudhry, Birmingham

Hissam Ali Hyder is a Pakistani sportsman worth being proud of

“Remind me why we want to expand polo’s audience again?!”

What hope for internationals?

Sir, I am sure that a lot of readers will agree with Herbert Spencer and his views about “fake” internationals (see Global view March issue). It is indeed confusing, not to say bizarre, to see teams representing a country when possibly only one member of the team is a national of that country. But it would appear to be more difficult to stage genuine international games than fake ones.

Only last year the HPA were reluctant to spend money

on sending a team to the FIP European Championships. It was only when four of our lady players stepped forward and agreed to find sponsors for themselves that the HPA backed their entry in the tournament.

Argentina has recently found it difficult to attract entries for their Nations Cup. Only Argentina and England have entered teams.

Apparently it was the expense that put the other countries off.

Greta Imbert, Hampshire

Capturing the fast-moving world of polo on my canvas Sir, the ink water colour painting enclosed, pictured right, is a good example of my current work, which revolves around adrenalin, speed and getting the image down on paper with a few rapid strokes!

My art reflects the world of people living in cities.

The sport of polo is a fine example of reaching that ecstatic buzz that we all need www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p22/23 Letters MB PJ indd.indd 3

from time to time, to release our inhibitions.

If you can find space to publish this, I’d be very grateful. My next task is I’m hoping to create a piece celebrating the royal wedding, and which ties in with the prince’s love of polo.

Elizabeth Armstrong, equine artist, Hertfordshire Polo Times, April 2011

23

16/3/11 14:21:34

Feature

Interview – Nacho Figueras

Beauty

and the beast

Nacho Figueras says he’s not just a pretty face, revealing a wild hunger and determination to expand polo’s profile the world over, but also concedes that his choices in recent years have probably been to the detriment of his own polo

James Mullan in Central London

H

aving run a feature on Nacho Gonzalez last month, interviewing another player with the same “given” name for this issue might look like poor planning on my part. Fair cop. However, having met Nacho Figueras at Palermo a few years ago, it’s taken until now finally to arrange an on-the-record meeting with him. So I wasn’t going to turn it down.

Hence, armed with a dictaphone, a tub of hair wax and some probing questions, I took on the odious task of travelling to meet with the man Vanity Fair readers voted the “second most handsome” on the planet. My girlfriends were furious.

Sure enough, arriving in a beautifully cut Ralph Lauren shirt, jacket and jeans, and exposing enough chest hair to make Austin Powers blush, Figueras instantly oozes a suave and swarthy sex appeal that is unmistakably South American. Thus, having read how last month’s very English Nacho complained that his name was misleading, then the clear differences in this issue’s subject should

24

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p24/27 interview JM MB PJ.indd 2

reassure readers that they can expect a rather different sort of interview.

Indeed, though rather lazily referred to as “the David Beckham of polo” by schmoozy PR bods and the tabloids, Nacho Figueras is also not your typical sportsman. As we settled down with coffees at the Gaucho Restaurant in London Bridge, overlooking the Thames, the genuinely charming and surprisingly engaging 34-year-old told me what really drives him and how his large-scale plans for pushing polo to the masses continue to snowball: on beaches, on snow, in remote uncharted locations for new audiences and, most recently, in the O2 Arena in London.

First of all, how did you come to be involved in the event at the O2?

Organiser Mark Cann has been a friend for a very long time and he called me in December 2009 to tell me that they had plans for an event here. I was obviously very excited, as I have become involved in a lot of innovative new events, but what was particularly exciting about this was that the plans were not only to bring polo to a new and very special venue, but to do so playing genuinely competitive credible international arena Test Matches.

Is arena polo a form of the game you have played regularly before?

I have played in arenas before, in Virginia in

the US, but it’s true that I don’t have a lot of experience. However, I’ve played snow polo in Aspen and beach polo in Miami, both of which have a number of clear similarities with arena polo in terms of the style of play and the flow of the games.

“I never call myself a model. I’m a polo player” And do you enjoy playing polo in the UK? Yes, I played with George Milford Haven’s Broncos in the medium-goal in 2008 and I still have a few horses in England actually.

José Donoso is married to my wife’s sister and he has been coming to play here for many years. He loves it and has strong links with the players, patrons, sponsors and supporters. The last time I was here for competitive polo was summer 2009, when I played in the inaugural Polo in the Park tournament in Fulham.

Yes, you seem to have taken a break from conventional polo teams and tournaments to concentrate on new projects. Was that a conscious choice?

I began doing some modelling for Ralph Lauren in 2000 and eventually became the

u

Right: Nacho poses for press shots with the Churchill Cup in front of London’s O2 Arena at the official launch of the inaugural Gaucho International last June

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:36:59

PT p24/27 interview JM MB PJ.indd 3

25

16/3/11 14:37:09

Feature

Interview – Nacho Figueras

Nacho wears his Argentine shirt for the official Test Match against host England in the O2 Arena in February, and smiles for the camera during his interview for Polo Times

Photographs by Gaucho, James Ward, Peter Hamblin and Polo in the Park

u face of the Ralph Lauren Black label in 2005.

So polo is what got me the contract, but I then realised that the boost to my profile could help me put something back into the sport. I like the idea of showcasing polo to new audiences and letting people see what an exciting game it really is.

that I’m not just a normal pro – I am part of a partnership. Because Ralph Lauren has bought back the Black Watch franchise for the Asian market, the process of branding it out there is something that at the moment I am being heavily involved in, which limits the opportunities to play polo for now.

However, the simple answer is that I do both.

I play and I represent a brand – but, first and foremost, polo is what is important to me. By far. Polo and my family. I have three children.

These days, you seem to act more as a sort of a self-appointed global ambassador for the game, rather than a professional player. Would that be fair?

It’s true that I haven’t played a full season anywhere in the last year or so, as I’ve been travelling for special events worldwide and concentrating on some exciting new projects, but I plan to make a return to the high-goal once I’ve got some of these new ideas off the ground.

Realistically that won’t be before 2013 or 2014 but hopefully I’ll still be young enough then to show I have plenty to offer as a professional and that I haven’t lost my focus. Black Watch is still my team, even though we’re not involved in the US high-goal this year.

“My next aim is to launch polo on Copacabana beach”

Do you consider yourself a model or a polo player?

I never call myself a model. I’m a polo player.

But I also represent Black Watch. And, because Black Watch is a brand in the Ralph Lauren portfolio, I also have to be aware

worldwide. And my larger profile, because of Ralph Lauren in particular, helps me do that. So we help each other, and I wouldn’t be working with them if I didn’t think that was the case.

But I make money as a polo player – because, if I wasn’t a player, Ralph Lauren wouldn’t be

26

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p24/27 interview JM MB PJ.indd 4

Yes, but presumably you make a lot more money from your modelling than you do from your polo now?

Either way, it’s all still because of my polo. Being in polo is what has got me my Ralph Lauren and my Veuve Clicquot contracts. I endorse and promote them through my polo credentials, and they encourage me to help boost polo as a game

paying me what they do. So it’s simple. Polo is my career. That is my focus in everything I do.

But do you think that you have been held back as a player because of all your other commercial responsibilities?

Yes actually. I grew up riding and playing and so I never knew what it was to live without doing it regularly – and it’s actually harder than I thought to keep to the same standard when you are not surrounding yourself with the game at its rawest level as I used to.

These days, I help set-up and launch different events, but it largely just involves playing, as well as a lot of time on planes. You need to spend time and focus actually thinking about the mallet, the ball and the horses if you’re going to keep improving your game.

I haven’t forgotten the importance of training hard and riding whenever I can, but that side of the game only gets you so far.

I used to be seven goals. Now I’m down to six and not playing the high-goal has definitely held me back from growing as a pro. However, the problem is that a polo season, whether it’s in the US, the UK or Argentina, is generally a four-month commitment, which limits the opportunities for movement. And, because I’d decided that I’d reached a point in my career and in what I’m trying to achieve for the game where it required me to be more www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:37:21

Interview – Nacho Figueras

Feature

xxxx

Nacho poses with fans immediately before the Gaucho International, and is seen right with England’s Roddy Williams launching the inaugural Polo in the Park event in 2009

flexible, I opted out of the season again. But it’s meant that in the last couple of years I have been able to travel to play polo in such places as Uruguay, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, England, Argentina, Brazil and even Manila in the Philippines.

Is Argentina still home though?

The USA is my home these days. My base in summer is The Hamptons [in New York], and then Palm Beach in the winter [in Florida]. But, as I said, in recent years I have been doing a lot of travelling. Unfortunately, you can’t do everything, and new events are my priority right now rather than the traditional US seasons. However, some of my most valuable experience with new polo concepts has been gained in the US, where I have been heavily involved in the three years of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on New York’s Governor’s Island, and then the first year of the same event in LA more recently.

These events were my ideas.

So what’s next?

Like I said, I won’t make a return to playing a proper polo season just yet.

Hopefully in a couple of years but, in the meantime, www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p24/27 interview JM MB PJ.indd 5

there are some really exciting things I’m working on. I’ve spent a lot of this winter working with Brazilian eight-goaler Rico Mansur to put everything in place for an ambitious polo competition on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro in July. I have a deal with Veuve Clicquot to try and take polo to new locations and so, given that it’s one of the world’s busiest beaches, we should be able to make the game available to literally thousands of people. I’ve met the mayor and we are in the process of finalising the permits, which isn’t easy.

Big iconic ideas like this, and the event at the O2, are the kinds of highprofile things that can only be done for the first time once, so I want to help make sure they are developed sensibly and appropriately.

How do you do that?

You can’t start too boldly. Look at the 40-goal game that was played in Deauville last year. The event had the world’s best players and must have

cost a fortune, but was not a success. You have to be sensible. Our first priority will be to create something fun in order to grab the attention of spectators and sponsors, and ensure they get something out of it.

Then, once you have it established, the longterm plan with all these events is to learn as we go and increasingly bring more quality in, which creates exciting polo contests worth watching the world over, and which is fantastic news for the pros, as it gives them more and more jobs.

So would most players be behind you do you think?

Of course. More opportunities to travel and play allow them to improve, with new experiences and money to work on their horses. Their own profiles will also go up, as people begin to take more notice of polo and increasingly show their willingness to explore it. This then generates more interest and the thing grows.

We can really take polo to the next level in the next generation in my view. That is what I believe and what I am trying to do. So it’s a very exciting time for the game globally, and not just in the conventional places. That is something I’m very proud to be associated with, even in just the smallest way. F ◗ See how Nacho got on in the Gaucho International on pages 38 and 90 Polo Times, April 2011

27

16/3/11 14:37:35

Feature

Prince William and his polo

William:

prince, polo player philanthropist

&

Herbert Spencer looks back at the polo-playing history of the soon-to-be-wed prince and investigates just how valuable his various charity appearances have been for the good causes he, his brother and his father support

Photographs by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice and, insert, Mike Roberts

J

ust two days before Charles, Prince of Wales, married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, the heir to the throne was playing polo on England’s second team against Spain for the Silver Jubilee Cup on International Day, the flagship event of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA).

“The palace was nervous about him playing so close to the wedding, worried that the groom might walk up the aisle with his arm in a sling or worse,” recalled the late Major Ronald Ferguson, Charles’s polo manager and director of International Day, “but the prince didn’t want to disappoint fans on English polo’s biggest day.” The day passed without incident and England II won.

Thirty years on, Charles’s son Prince William won’t be faced with the play-ornot-to-play dilemma before his marriage to Catherine Middleton on 29 April. The 2011 English polo season will have just got underway and whatever charity exhibition matches William might play this year will come later.

The Prince of Wales’s decision to play high-goal polo the week of his wedding illustrated his long-time commitment to the sport, over 50 years in the saddle.

William and his younger brother Harry have followed in their father’s footsteps in choosing polo as one of their preferred 28

The young Prince William gets his first taste for the game, watching his father Prince Charles at Guards; and, right, William plays at Coworth Park last May

leisure activities – and using their polo to benefit a wide variety of good causes.

Playing at clubs from Gloucestershire to Wiltshire to London, William has helped to raise substantial amounts of money for charity. Of course, many of the occasions when he has played with the Prince of Wales or brother Harry have benefited charities that are not under his patronage.

However, his appearances have undoubtedly helped and thus the credit should be shared and I have included those figures in my calculations.

Given William’s great number of appearances over a 10-year period, it has been impossible to arrive at an exact figure, but the charity take has certainly run into millions of pounds. The money at one club alone, Cirencester Park, from 2001 to 2010, was an impressive £762,000. At Ham in London, the total his playing helped to raise was £689,193 in just five years, 2005 to 2009.

William, now 28, learned to play polo

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 2

18/3/11 12:44:21

Prince William and his polo

Feature

William heads for goal, playing in the Westbury Shield at Watership Down in early July 2010; and, right, he goes head to head with England’s Henry Brett at Coworth Park in 2007 in the annual Audi Polo Challenge

Being left-handed, William’s first challenge was to overcome his natural inclination and hit the ball with his right hand say he grew up with the game. He also learned to ride at an early age, but it was not until the summer after his mother’s death that he took up polo along with Harry, then aged 15.

In 1998 the Prince of Wales asked Rob Cudmore at Christopher Hanbury’s Longdole,

then a private club, to give the princes their first polo lessons. “They spent several weeks during the school holidays coming to Longdole,” Rob recalled. “They were relatively inexperienced riders then, so I started them like any other young lads, learning how to ride polo-style and to take care of ponies. I required them to groom for themselves, taking care of their tack and mucking out the stables, as they learned the game.”

Being left-handed, William’s first challenge was to overcome his natural inclination and learn to hit the ball with his right hand. For safety, the rules of polo require all players to play right-handed, no “lefties” allowed. He and Harry did however have the advantage of riding ponies from their father’s well-established string as they started in the sport.

By the end of that first summer, William was playing chukkas at Longdole. The following year he played his first competitive polo in the 2-goal Meadow Cup tournament at Cirencester Park. In 2001 the prince u

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 3

Photographs by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice (above) and Vanessa Taylor

when he was 16 and within a year was competing in regular tournaments. Almost from the start, his tournament matches were also being used to raise money for charities.

More recently his polo has been concentrated upon charity exhibition matches.

From an early age, William often went to polo when his father played, so one could

Polo Times, April 2011

29

16/3/11 14:41:54

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice

William’s polo career so far

William makes to hit a backhand for “Umbogo” from his position at back during the first match of a weekend of charity matches at Coworth Park last year organised by the England Polo Team’s main sponsor, Audi

u again competed for the Meadow Cup, now 6 goals, and in three other events at the 1980s Introduced to polo, as a schoolboy Gloucestershire club, all of which raised watching his father play high-goal money for charity.

It was that year that William first played 1998 Learns to play under Rob Cudmore together with his father and brother on the on Christopher Hanbury’s Longdole grounds Prince of Wales’s Highgrove team, named 1999 Plays first competitive tournament, after their country home. The three appeared 2-goal Meadow Cup at Cirencester Park in the blue and red shirts of Highgrove on a number of occasions. William last played 2000 Joins the Prince of Wales’s Highgrove with his father in a charity exhibition match team with father and brother Harry at Cirencester Park in 2005; Charles finally 2000 First exhibition games raising money retired from polo after that season. for charities, at Cirencester Park Over the past decade William has also played at Tidworth Polo Club in Wiltshire; 2004 Plays before his grandmother, the Guards and Coworth Park in Berkshire; Queen, for Gulf States charities at Guards Beaufort in Gloucestershire; Royal Military 2005 Teams up with the world’s number Academy Sandhurst in Surrey; Ham in one professional, Adolfo Cambiaso, at an London; and on private grounds. As a oneexhibition game at Ham Polo Club goal amateur, he has played charity exhibition matches with or against some of polo’s top 2005 Plays last time with father in Charles’s professionals, amongst them the world’s final season of polo, at Cirencester Park number one, 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso.

2007 Plays and wins for Army in annual Playing with Cambiaso for the Chakravarty Army-Navy game at Tidworth Cup at Ham in 2006, William helped to raise a whopping £195,937 for The Princes Trust 2011 Expected to continue with charity and Centrepoint, something of a record. exhibitions after marriage in April 30

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 4

William played polo as an officer cadet at Sandhurst and participated in the academy’s big charity polo days organised by Mark Cann, director of the Combined Services Polo Association (CSPA). In its heyday, says Cann, this annual event raised as much as £80,000 for military-related charities.

At Tidworth, the home of military polo, William competed for Army in the annual Army-Navy game for the Rundle Cup, winning it in 2007. He also played in subsidiary matches on Army-Navy days that raise money for various good causes and on the Household Cavalry team in the CSPA’s Inter-Regimental tournament.

Andrew Hine of Polofix, former England team captain and now their manager, organised three charity events for William: at his own private ground, at Coworth Park and at Watership Down. The Watership Down event, which included a charity auction, brought in an impressive £85,000 last year.

Dozens of charities, large and small, local, national and international, have benefited from William’s polo. Two of the most prominent are the Tusk Trust, with projects in a score of African countries, and the UK charity Centrepoint. u www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:42:11

The private bank for polo Proud supporters of leading polo teams and events worldwide.

Practitioners of the craft of private banking

EFG Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global family of private banking businesses operates in over 50 locations in 30 countries. These include Zurich, Geneva, London, Paris, Monaco, Luxembourg, Stockholm, New York, Miami, Toronto, The Bahamas, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. www.efginternational.com

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 5

16/3/11 14:42:32

u

“Tusk Trust has been extremely fortunate to benefit from a number of polo days in which our Royal Patron, Prince William, has taken part over the last seven years,” said Charlie Mayhew MBE, Tusk’s chief executive. “For the last two years, Tusk has been one of the beneficiaries of the Westbury Shield organised by Polofix and last year this event was hosted by Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber at their beautiful ground

from the polo matches he’s involved in,” said Seyi Obakin, the charity’s chief executive. “It is a wonderful experience, particularly for the young people supported by Centrepoint who enjoy an exhilarating and unique day. Prince William, who always takes an active interest in all of Centrepoint’s work, takes the time to speak to each young person, putting them at ease and making them feel very special. The money raised by the event helps Centrepoint to provide

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice

Prince William lines up for his own side in aid of his chosen charities (Sentebale, the Child Bereavement Charity and the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund) against Audi’s Mark Baldwin and Malcolm Borwick; and, below, poses with his fiancée Catherine Middleton for the media at the official announcement of their engagement

Photograph owned by Clarence House, 2011

William’s charity appearances certainly run into millions of pounds. His total at one club alone, Cirencester Park, from 2001 to 2010, was an impressive £762,000 at Watership Down. These days have not only become hugely valuable in terms of the funds raised, but they also provide us with a tremendous opportunity to raise our profile and meet potential new donors.

“We are extremely grateful that our patron, Prince William, regularly invites Centrepoint to attend and benefit

a safe home and support to give homeless young people a future.”

Charities like these will be hoping that, after his marriage, William will still find the time to continue supporting them through his polo.

Given his current job as a co-pilot in RAF search and rescue helicopters and increasing royal duties, however, it remains to be seen how often he will play polo this summer. F w See more photographs of Prince William in action playing polo on pages 14 and 86 www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 6

16/3/11 14:43:07

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p28/33 prince william feature JM MB PJ.indd 7

Polo Times, April 2011

33

18/3/11 15:31:30

Feature

Ground care

Ground Slog Day Ensuring the country’s polo grounds are in top condition as the outdoor season begins to take shape is no easy job, as the groundsmen hard at work this spring tell Georgie May

G

rounds maintenance is vitally important to any outdoor club in order to keep the grounds playable throughout the season. A bad ground will only drive away customers.

How much care and maintenance a ground receives ultimately boils down to budget. Large clubs will have the means to produce and upkeep high-goal fields, while low-goal clubs

may be restricted on irrigation, drainage and top dressing (sand).

However, Leadenham Polo Club in Leicestershire, which opened its doors at the end of 2008, produced a ground which polo manager James Reeve classes as “seven steps towards being a high-goal ground.”

“We draw players in because of our ground,” Reeve said. “We are only a low-goal venue but we didn’t cut any corners when we put our

ground in. It’s been laser levelled and it allows everyone to play at their best.”

Top-dressing grounds is popular but, at around £10,000, it doesn’t come cheap. Reeve applied 2,000 tonnes of sand when they first built their ground but found that, due to the sandy nature of the soil, they haven’t had to add any more.

Coworth Park, however, applies sand on a yearly basis. “We originally applied 20,000

34

PT p34/37 groundcare feature-JM MB PJ.indd 2

16/3/11 15:03:48

Ground care

tonnes of sand and apply 1,000 tonnes each year – split over three different points during the season,” explained Ian Graham, the club’s head groundsman.

Peter Svoboda, the head groundsman at Guards, is helping the club cut costs this year.

They have bought a new aerator that will pull sand out of the soil, saving on the cost of buying in lots of sand.

Worms can cause problems when it comes to top dressing grounds. “You have to be careful of them,” said Tim Lodge, the HPA’s official

rugby pitch in the winter and survives without sand or irrigation.

“Rugby finishes in mid-April and our first tournament is in June” polo manager Barbara Zingg, told Polo Times. “Only a small amount of work is carried out, no top dressing is applied and there is no irrigation. However, players always say what a great ground it is to play on!”

Guards have free run of the lake that sits in Windsor Great Park for their irrigation. “Water is pumped up to holding tanks and five irrigation machines pump the water onto selected fields,”

“How clubs maintain their grounds differs massively, depending on the soil consistency” – Tim Lodge, HPA ground consultant ground consultant. “If you apply 300 tonnes of sand, worms can easily shift that down through the soil. You need to keep the sand application going for it to be worthwhile.”

At Cirencester Park budgets only allow for a few of the 10 grounds to be top dressed.

“Players love two things – irrigation and sand – so we keep our Aston Down grounds for our best tournaments, as they are the only ones that are irrigated and top dressed,” Cirencester Park’s Philip Cole explained. “We may apply sand to one field in the park.”

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) Polo Club’s polo ground is converted into a

Svoboda explains. “We have to plan carefully when we are going to irrigate, because if you do it the day before a game it will be too wet to play on.”

In the next couple of years, Cowdray Park hopes to invest in two more boom irrigators for the two grounds at Lawns. Boom irrigators are more accurate than rain guns and save 20 per cent more water.

Fertiliser is an important factor in keeping grounds looking healthy. However, those clubs without irrigation need to be careful when they fertilise. Most clubs will use a granulated fertiliser but it needs water to wash it into the

Feature

soil. If the weather is dry, the fertiliser will burn the ground.

“Every club differs massively in how they maintain their grounds,” Lodge says. “For the light soils, it’s best to fertilise early and late in the season. Heavy soils benefit from lighter applications little and often.”

At Leadenham, where the soil is moderately heavy, the groundsmen will apply fertiliser every three or four weeks in the summer. Beaufort, however, do not apply much fertiliser because their grounds have plenty of top soil.

While the fertiliser keeps the grass growing and looking green, many grounds are also scarified at the start of the season. This stimulates growth and increases density. Spraying weed killer in May is also common practice.

Verti-draining is also important during the spring by aerating the turf and relieving compaction. “Plants need three things – heat, food and water – and to provide them with these you need to Verti-drain,” Cole explains.

How much a club aerates again depends on the soil structure of the ground. At Guards, the soil is light and sandy so aerating isn’t so important, where as at Coworth, where the top soil is shallow, aerating is a must.

In order to keep the grass in good shape, overseeding is vital. Coworth Park carries out u Below: the laser-levelled Lawns at Cowdray Park Polo Club, the venue for the 22-goal British Gold Cup

x x x

PT p34/37 groundcare feature-JM MB PJ.indd 3

35

16/3/11 15:04:09

Feature

Ground care

Photograph below by Tom Reynolds

u an overseeding programme throughout the course of the season.

“We apply a feed each month, which varies depending on the climate and we don’t overseed in the autumn,” Graham told Polo Times. “For example, in April, we’ll use a mix of 80 per cent rye but in June, when the weather is warm, we’ll use a mix with just 35 per cent rye. In July we drill the fields with smooth stalk meadow grass.”

Smooth stalk meadow grass is a very good quality grass, because of its strength at repairing itself once established. However, it is often hard to get it to take to the ground, since it tends to need hot weather. Most clubs will use rye grass – it’s not so hard wearing but it’s far cheaper than the former.

Cowdray only overseed in the autumn as they feel it is more effective than doing it over the summer, as head groundsman Julian RussellHayes explains: “We add seed to our divot-filler mix, which we apply through the summer, but otherwise we only overseed in the autumn.

Horses will kick up the seed during the season so I feel it’s more effective to apply seed when it has time to establish.”

Clubs building new grounds, as Druids Lodge are doing at the moment, need to consider carefully who will be putting their new ground in.

“The most distressing thing I see is undulation – where the field hasn’t been properly levelled – and they need to spray it off and re-grade it,” revealed Tim Lodge.

Laser levelled fields are favourable but expensive. At Guards, only the Queens and Dukes grounds are laser levelled and Beaufort recently ripped up one of their old grounds, removing half a million tones of top soil,

and laser levelled it. The two clubs avoid overplaying their best grounds.

“The Queens and Dukes grounds are only used for finals and we avoid using them during the week,” Svoboda says. “There’s

nervous about the frosts, I suggested that they lay black plastic on the ground – it retains heat and moisture. Bryan went and fetched a black plastic bag and we pegged it down with twigs on ground one. Two days later the bag was removed

“Horses will kick up the seed applied during the season, so I feel it’s more effective to overseed in the autumn when it has time to establish” – Cowdray Park’s Julian Russell-Hayes plans to level grounds four, five and six but it’s the decision of the Crown Estate. Two new grounds are being built at Flemish Farm and the plan is that they’ll take the pressure off the three unlevelled grounds.”

Choosing a grass seed specialist shouldn’t be overlooked either, as Paul Stevens, general manager of Metropolitan Polo Club in China and former facilities manager at Guards, found out.

“The first problem I had when I arrived at Metropolitan was that they had put down the wrong type of grass, so we had to rip the whole lot up. We found an excellent golf course contractor who turfed the grounds with a Kentucky Blue and fescue mix. It only took a couple of weeks to turn it around and they were finished six weeks before our first tournament.”

When RCBPC put in three new grounds in the autumn of 1985, Michael Amoore and the late Bryan Morrison encountered an unusual problem with one of the grounds, which Herbert Spencer fondly remembers: “They had to get the seed going before the frosts came and, while grounds two and three were coming up nice and green, on ground one there wasn’t a sprig.

“As Michael and Bryan became increasingly

to reveal sprigs of grass but, not only that, grass had appeared to have sprung up all over the ground! By the following summer, all three grounds were ready to play on.” F w Discover how Paul Stevens and his team at Metropolitan Polo Club went about preparing their ground for polo on artificial snow on page 48

Above: a Major Equipment 11,000 GR roller mower, popular at clubs across Britain and Ireland, goes to work on a private polo ground. For most clubs, there will be work ongoing on the grounds on almost a daily basis and most groundsmen will aim to have their grass cut at least once a week Below: El Remanso and Emlor in action during the 2009 Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club

36

PT p34/37 groundcare feature-JM MB PJ.indd 4

16/3/11 15:08:02

Polo Arena Construction

C O N T R A C T O R S

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Manege Construction Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks Equestrian & Stock Fencing Roads & Tracks Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs Special Projects

for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 â&#x20AC;¢ mob: 07836 356714 â&#x20AC;¢ fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

48$/,7< '(/,9(5(' $6 67$1'$5'

0$-25 7'5 5ROOHU 0RZHUV Â&#x2021; 7ZR PRGHOV IW P DQG IW P

Â&#x2021; )ROGLQJ ZLQJV JLYH D WUDQVSRUW ZLGWK RI MXVW P Â&#x2021; :LGH DQJOH 372 VKDIW ZLWK VOLS FOXWFK DQG RYHUUXQ Â&#x2021; 7KUHH SRLQW SLYRW Ã&#x20AC; RDWLQJ GHFN V\VWHP Â&#x2021; ,QWHU JHDUER[ VKRFN ORDGLQJ SURWHFWLRQ Â&#x2021; 'HWDFKDEOH UHDU GHFN WZR PDFKLQHV LQ RQH Â&#x2021; $ GXUDEOH DQG ORZ PDLQWHQDQFH PDFKLQH Â&#x2021; 6FUDSHU EDUV WR HOLPLQDWH EXLOG XS RI FXW PDWHULDO Â&#x2021; 2SWLRQ RI VZLQJLQJ RU ULJLG EODGHV Â&#x2021; +LJKZD\ /(' (8 VSHFL¿ FDWLRQ OLJKWLQJ Â&#x2021; +\GUDXOLF FRQWURO E\ UDGLR ZLUHOHVV UHPRWH FRQWURO

0$-25 5ROOHU 0RZHUV IW WR W FXWWLQJ ZLGWKV

0$-25 5ROOHU 0RZHUV 6XLWDEOH IRU $HEL WUDFWRUV

0$-25 )ODLO &ROOHFWRUV P FXWWLQJ ZLGWKV

0DMRU (TXLSPHQW /WG 7HO ::: 0$-25 (48,30(17 &20 www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p34/37 groundcare feature-JM MB PJ.indd 5

Polo Times, April 2011

37

18/3/11 15:44:22

Reports

Gaucho International: England vs Argentina, Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O2 Arena

38

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 2

16/3/11 16:33:44

Gaucho International, London’s O2 Arena

Reports

Better out than in?

This question, normally reserved for those debating the most suitable location for boyhood burps, impressed itself firmly on polo organisers this February, thanks to the largely positive reception of spectators at the inaugural Gaucho International

James Mullan at London’s O2

England Argentina

S

17 16

imon Cowell would have been proud.

Rarely has his showbiz model been so successfully replicated in a sporting environment – and, while the lights, cameras and intentionally pulsating action undoubtedly won’t have been to everyone’s taste, polo’s newest recruits to the spectacle of the arena game appeared to return home from 2011’s Gaucho International happy.

And why not? Presumably delighted at having witnessed England’s success over old foes Argentina, they were also apparently satisfied at the entertainment value of the whole event. Buoyed by the superb viewing experience, in which even the cheapest seats enjoyed an elevated perspective on the action, and by the excitable commentary of onegoal player Karl Ude-Martinez, the formula x x

Left: England and Argentina line up for the anthems, performed by young British singer Cecelia de Lisle

undoubtedly maintained the interest of the vast majority. Swathes of titillated first-timers, in particular, resolutely expressed their own enjoyment throughout with Mexican waves, whoops of support for their favourite country and highly vocal appreciation of the most exciting passing plays and goals.

Polo regulars, predictably, were more sceptical, though even a few of the most illustrious amongst them were forced to concede that it “was a bit of good fun”.

The hosts triumphed 17-16 in the muchhyped Churchill Cup evening encounter, though all three members of England’s HPAselected side were guilty of errors that ought Most valuable player

Adolfo Casabal to have been better punished by their South American opposition.

Scotland convincingly beat South Africa in the evening’s earlier international, with the ever-dependable Jamie Le Hardy the outstanding performer of what was probably the event’s most entertaining match.

Together, the games attracted what is believed to be the biggest ever recorded crowd for a recognised arena international, u Polo Times, April 2011

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 3

39

16/3/11 16:34:01

Gaucho International

How did they perform?

We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap

England Max Charlton (5) Recovered from a poor and nervous start to the match to find his form and show the kind of direct and determined polo that has been so successful for Ocho Rios this winter.

He saw plenty of the ball and fired home some wonderful and invaluable goals, despite being up against the formidable Adolfo Casabal.

England’s arena heroes (l-r: Max Charlton, Tim Bown and an exhausted Chris Hyde) celebrate their dramatic win

u with some 5,126 confirmed on the gate receipts (and another 1,500 estimated in the corporate boxes) for the showpiece Test between “EFG Bank England” and “Camino Real Argentina”.

The players entered the arena to spotlights, loud music and then Cecelia de Lisle’s powerful recitals of the national anthems beamed to the audience on the giant screen above the pony lines.

However, the showbiz feel didn’t end there, when it quickly became apparent that the inclusion of polo pin-up Nacho Figueras cannot realistically have been made on the basis of his polo. His obvious lack of familiarity with the arena game, not to mention with his teammates and his horses, meant one couldn’t help wondering how the Argentina side had been selected. Of course, the nature of polo tends to require associations to pick national teams on the basis of who is most conveniently located and whose schedules will allow it, but it seemed a stretch of the imagination to go along with

looking worse than Shontayne Hape’s in the Six Nations. However, coached by John Horswell (and with those English sporting allusions out of my system), the threesome found enough quality and enough energy in the tank to grind their way through to the final bell ahead, despite both sides having the lead on at least one occasion in every one of the four chukkas. Remarkable.

“It’s probably the most competitive game of polo I’ve been involved in,” explained Tim Bown. “The importance of it, in terms of representing England, and in terms of helping make the event a success, was very keenly felt by all of us. It was a ballsy move by the organisers to put it on and I think it was a gamble that paid off.”

Argentina’s Ham-based captain Adolfo Casabal received the most valuable player award, though in my mind it was the team’s number one Oscar Mancini that had the more influential effect on the progression of the game. Mancini, who has already had a super-successful winter (after victories in St

Both England and Argentina held the lead on at least one occasion in every one of the four chukkas. Remarkable the idea that there were no more suitable Argentine players available for selection.

And so, given the pains the organisers took to remind us that the England team was fully sanctioned and selected by the game’s governing body, the HPA, the general feeling is that the Brits should have won at a canter.

But they didn’t. Tim Bown appeared somewhat out of touch at times, some of Chris Hyde’s numerous missed penalties would have made Gareth Southgate laugh, and Max Charlton’s form until two quickfire wonder goals just before half-time was 40

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 4

Moritz and Klosters), exposed Chris Hyde’s penalty-taking failings with his metronomic consistency from the spot, keeping Argentina in the Test Match. Figueras finally got on the scoresheet himself with the last goal of the day, but it was too little too late, and moments later the bell tolled to spark a cacophony of noise in the stands and congratulatory hugs all round for the English side.

“We were definitely conscious of the crowd, given that they were in such close proximity,” said Chris Hyde. “It was amazing but certainly added pressure. We felt it u

Tim Bown (6) Solid, though relatively quiet. Having not played the Gold Cup this year, he arguably didn’t look completely up to pace, but he did a good job on Argentina’s middle-man Nacho Figueras, using his usual uncompromising physicality to successfully unsettle and intimidate the Ralph Lauren model and mark him out of the game.

Chris Hyde (9) Though Hyde missed some simple penalties, he controlled the game with the most possession of anyone, making amends for his mistakes from the spot with indomitable and intelligent polo from open play. His horses also stood out, with many recognisable mounts (including one of Simon Holley’s top ponies) supplying the power and pace that made the spectacle.

7 6 7

Argentina Oscar Mancini (6) Lively and well mounted, Mancini topscored after taking over the penaltytaking duties from Adolfo Casabal.

He and Chris Hyde produced a compelling mini-dual and, though he made fewer bulldozing runs to goal than Hyde, he impressed with his cunning in front of goal, able to find a shot from seemingly any angle.

Nacho Figueras (7) Figueras looked rusty, unprepared and unfamiliar with his teammates and his horses (supplied by Oscar Mancini).

Pounded by Bown and Hyde throughout, his very limited arena experience was cruelly exposed. The ball rarely stopped for long in midfield (where he was mainly playing), but he was generally very disappointing.

Adolfo Casabal (6) Less compelling for the female supporters in the crowd than his swarthy long-haired teammates, Casabal was steady and composed at the back. He had a poor second chukka, when he was too easily brushed aside by the numerous English attacks, but he was always looking to play open, passing polo.

8 4 7

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 16:34:13

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 5

16/3/11 16:42:55

Scotland’s Howard Smith goes to play the ball on his nearside whilst being ridden off by South Africa’s Selby Williamson in the Scots’ 14-10 victory in the 6pm Test Match

u and, make no mistake, this was a proper competitive Test. So we were thrilled to come through as winners. Mancini and Casabal are two of the hardest competitors in the arena, so we definitely had our work cut out.”

The rousing atmosphere that egged on the players must also have imposed itself on umpire Roddy Matthews, who duly ensured

Photographs by Peter Hamblin

With more extensive publicity next winter, they can expect to fill this year’s empty seats he had plenty of attention with a firm grip on the contest, which consequently featured plenty of penalties. This, however, was no great surprise given the diminutive size of the playing arena and, thus, I felt Matthews allowed the games to flow as best he could, conscious presumably of aiming not to detract from the spectacle but also of being generally fair throughout in his decisions.

Less reasonable throughout was Karl UdeMartinez’s commentary, which at times was far too intrusive. In particular, constant postulating about “the amazing quality of the action”, often when the players were locked in a melée, unsurprisingly did not always ring true. Some would doubtless have found it irritating and alienating. However, he nevertheless deserves credit for helping captivate the audience and for making the most of what was at times – though high scoring – a rather scrappy and confusing encounter.

My deepest curtsy, however, is directed to the behind-the-scenes staff. The vision 42

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 6

of military men Mark Cann and Johnnie Wheeler was commendably ambitious, especially given the monumental logistical effort required by polo and pony director Louisa Crofton and her team and, in particular, by grounds specialists Martin Collins, whose job it was to lay and remove the 540 tonnes of “Ecotrack” in record time.

The ground, which played impressively firmly, went down in 10 hours – when they normally allow 15. It was removed again in just four, with 19 articulated lorries taking on the job.

The pressure was on, as Johnny Wheeler revealed that he would incur a £1,000 fine for every minute after 3am that they were late clearing the venue.

All in all, the former Millennium Dome’s first effort at playing host to polo was an impressive one. With more extensive pre-tournament publicity and advertising next winter, I see no reason why they couldn’t expect to fill the remaining 35 per cent of seats.

That the HPA would branch out from its traditional roots to get behind polo in innovative new venues, such as they do now at MINT Polo in the Park, the British Beach Polo Championships and the Gaucho International, would have been unthinkable just a handful of years ago. And for that, they should be recognised.

“The train has left the station in terms of the future direction of polo,” said coorganiser Mark Cann. “I’m pleased the HPA wised up and got on board, because the success of these sorts of events are paramount to the future of the game more broadly.”

However, to return us to the original question in the headline, which of these

venues succeeds best when bringing polo to a largely uninitiated audience?

For that, we shall have to watch with interest and see how each of these events develops. Like it or not, this period of innovation and, potentially, transition in the game is certainly exciting. F wA shorter celebrity contest in aid of the British Forces Foundation was sandwiched between the two Test Matches, and the day began with a varsity showdown between traditional university rivals, Oxford and Cambridge, in which the latter took victory, 13-10 w Discover Clare Milford Haven’s reaction to the event on page 16, and read a full interview with Nacho Figueras on page 24 w See snaps from the evening on page 90 and read more feedback on pages 22 and 23

Game rating

• • • • • • • • • •

u G aucho International Test Match; 8pm, 24 February 2011; The O2, London Result: England beat Argentina, 17-16 Main Sponsors: Gaucho, Martin Collins, EFG Bank, Camino Real, Pommery, Kukri, FT’s How to Spend It Handicap level: 20-goal Chukka scores (England): 2-4; 9-6; 12-13; 17-16 Most valuable player: Adolfo Casabal Teams England (20): Max Charlton 5; Tim Bown 6; Chris Hyde 9 Argentina (19): Oscar Mancini 6; Nacho Figueras 7; Adolfo Casabal 6 www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 17:56:45

PT p38/43 gaucho JM MB PJ.indd 7

18/3/11 15:47:00

Reports

International Snow Polo Challenge, Metropolitan Polo Club – China

Stunning and scandalous Despite victory for an English team wearing the country’s traditional all-white strip against the pure white background of Tianjin’s remarkable artificial snow, a black cloud hovered over the official HPA delegation after the players felt compelled to take a stand against their own association this February

James Mullan in China

England Argentina

Photographs by James Mullan

E

7 6

ngland were the talk of the tournament throughout February’s inaugural International Snow Polo Challenge at Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin, China. They defied the odds to win the trophy ahead of five other countries at its culmination, having already upset the local crowd in the semi-finals the day before with victory over Hong Kong.

All this after they almost didn’t take part in the tournament at all after a dispute with the HPA over payment that left a very unsavoury taste in the mouth (see news). This was not what I had been anticipating.

Having been over to the club in November for their astronomically elaborate opening, I certainly expected them to pull out all the stops for their first competitive tournament. That they did. However, part of me wondered if the polo itself would be something of a gimmick. That it wasn’t.

On final’s day, I surprised myself with the levels of tension and excitement I felt whilst watching from the stands. Without doubt, despite the bizarre nature of the setting, it

44

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 2

England’s Ollie Cudmore, captain Oli Hipwood and Max Routledge celebrate victory with the crystal trophy

was one of the most compelling internationals I have ever watched. Somehow, the chance Most valuable player

Santiago Gaztambide for England to beat Argentina, usually so rare at any level of the game and on any surface, and the dramatic back-story to the

team’s journey through the tournament, both on and off the field, drew me in. Little did I know another England side would go on to complete a rare double over the South Americans just four days later in London (see page 38).

England’s Oli Hipwood scored the winning goal at the culmination of a hard-fought and exciting contest, in which Max Routledge and Ollie Cudmore demonstrated why they www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 16:56:44

International Snow Polo Challenge, Metropolitan Polo Club – China

Reports

Clockwise from top: Oli Hipwood gets control in the semi-final with Hong Kong; one of four huge stable blocks; Rowland Wong presents the best playing pony prize to Hazard

have attracted the interest of two top highgoal teams this summer. Hipwood punched the air wildly at the final bell, delighted at their victory and no-doubt enjoying the opportunity to release some tension following a difficult few days.

The team, fresh from victory in Thailand under the direction of Andrew Hine, lost their first game to Argentina but, thereafter, they really went for it. The side formed more www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 3

suitable tactics for the arena-like conditions (see Howard Hipwood’s analysis), and proved the strength of that approach in their second game with an absolute thumping of New Zealand, 6-1. They then drew their final group game with “Hong Kong Goldin” 4-4, before meeting them again in the semi-finals and producing exactly the same scoreline.

With horses in short supply for the number of chukkas planned each day, this forced the

organisers to insist on a penalty shootout to decide who would progress to the final.

Unusually for England supporters, they enjoyed the rare experience of seeing their team win via penalties, and thus the stage was set for a second showdown with Argentina, the only team still undefeated in the tournament.

Despite Argentina featuring the best “zero-goal” player I have ever seen (if he’s u only a zero, then god help the rest of us) Polo Times, April 2011

45

16/3/11 16:57:01

Reports

International Snow Polo Challenge, Metropolitan Polo Club – China

Analysis

by Howard Hipwood England team coach Tactical commentary from the former nine-goaler, whose punditry suggests that cleverness and confidence were key to the English victory The polo here is nothing like the regular outdoor game. So conventional tactics [of the sort the team employed a week earlier on the grass in Thailand] are misguided. The key was to play the conditions, the opposition and, dare I say it, the umpiring. What we gradually worked out as the week went on was that it actually made more sense to hit open backhands and take the ball left rather than right when playing from the back.

This was because running the ball inside proved largely ineffective, as the umpires were broadly allowing blocking in defence.

So, realising is was easy to defend against when all you had to do was put your horse in the way, we decided on a tactic of taking the ball left (open side) since it was harder for the opposition to hook than to block.

The thinking behind using open backhands rather than tail shots, which are preferred in normal polo, was two-fold. Firstly, there is less chance of playing the huge ball against your own horse or a player giving chase, and secondly it allowed us to catch the opposition off guard. We were able to anticipate the open backhand when they couldn’t.

Then, once we had the ball up the other end, the key – as in normal polo – was Ollie Cudmore attempts to protect his line from MVP Santiago Gaztambide as he takes the ball to the boards simply to apply pressure. We knew that controlling the ball was difficult so we had u in the shape of Juan Casero, the English allowed a lot in order to keep things flowing. to be disciplined and pressurise them into An awful lot. But it worked and, though some dominated.

They gelled as a unit, with Ollie making mistakes. Things happen quickly here. So we won the game by being quick, Cudmore producing some wonderful finishes, players will tell you differently, no side had disciplined, alert and industrious. any discernable advantage over another that particularly in the amazing third chukka, and I encouraged the guys to have faith I could really tell on account of the umpires.

Oli Hipwood leading the charge at the death in their power and strength and not be Indeed, there can have been no doubts about with aplomb and no shortage of passion. intimidated by the fact that we were playing the credibility of the whole event when the Despite admitting to being “a bit scared” on a team from Argentina. I knew we could win disruptive English side – which earlier in the fi rst day of the tournament, and with no it and so it was just key that they believed the week had threatened to strike – beat the it as well. Max Routledge I knew would be ferocious, and Ollie Cudmore isn’t fazed popular Hong Kong team in the semi-finals. by playing against anyone. It’s why they’ve This tournament was for real and, with the both got high-goal teams this summer. slight exception of the Australian and Kiwi This, combined with Oli’s experience, was sides (which were poor), there was a genuinely a powerful combination. It was the most intense competitive edge that seemed perhaps physical polo any of them will ever have over-inflated for a fledgling tournament just played, like boxing on horseback, but it will getting off the ground. have been valuable experience, especially for the youngsters. Their work-rate was terrific.

England celebrated wildly in the aftermath prior arena polo experience, Max Routledge We did well with the horses as well with a contingent of the British media flown adapted quickly to the intensity and generally, which were allocated via a draw physicality of playing in such a confined space out for the event as well as members of the from a pool, and they improved each day, as boisterous Argentine and utterly charming and on such a difficult surface. He balanced did the ground.

French teams. The background drama intelligent polo with sheer determination to By the end, we had them playing some that was the ugly undertone to the English great effect. decent polo and, all in all, to manage and triumph was, for a few moments, forgotten.

Crucially, the games were thoughtfully coach this team has been a genuine privilege and an absolute thrill. F Which was good, because none of that drama u umpired by Tim Bown and Tony Keyte, who

England’s boys celebrated wildly in the aftermath with the boisterous Argentine and utterly charming French teams

46

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 4

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 16:57:19

333¢ 2� , , ** ( ¢ ¢-

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 5

16/3/11 16:57:31

Reports

International Snow Polo Challenge, Metropolitan Polo Club – China

Oli Hipwood (white helmet) and Max Routledge shake hands at the end of their hard-fought final with Argentina, as Ollie Cudmore joins them and the crowd applauds behind

u had anything to do with Metropolitan Polo Club itself, and nor should it have detracted from the stunning spectacle and impressive

quality of their ambitious event.

Indeed, great credit should be given to the club, its energetic president Rowland

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow Boldly making plans for Asia’s first ever snow polo tournament was seen by many as a risky strategy for a club staging its first competitive tournament and aiming to make its mark internationally. Especially when you consider that, far from snowing naturally in Tianjin in February, the weather is actually surprisingly unpredictable and at times mild. So it can almost be guaranteed that it won’t snow.

We talk to Metropolitan Polo Club’s director of field and facilities Brian Hammond, who explains how they overcame this not-inconsiderable stumbling block so effectively.

“I had to be very proactive,” he said. “Not only was it obviously a case of creating snow for the tournament, but we had to ensure that

“Three snow machines were used daily for a month” the Kentucky bluegrass ground (Poa Pratensis), which general manager Paul Stevens and I had so painstakingly surfaced in September, was protected beneath.

“So, the first thing I did was take the decision to more than double the potassium levels in the soil over the autumn. Another main soil nutrient is nitrogen. However, from mid-October onwards, it was necessary to apply no further nitrogen to the soil, as excessive quantities in the cold months can stimulate winter diseases. With these and other diseases in mind, I built up the resistance of 48

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 6

the soil with the application of fungicides to prevent diseases such as grey snow mould (Typhula incarnata, Typhula ishikariensis) and pink snow mould (michrodochium nivale).

“Then just before the Brian Hammond weather turned really cold in late 2010, I top-dressed the field with 25 tons of sand per acre, thus providing a blanket and insulation for the crown of the plant.

“Another important factor after this was managing the soil moisture where the walkways and tent structures were set to be positioned. It was particularly important in this case because, like the snow, the infrastructure around the playing area was installed for a whole month before the tournament itself. Normal healthy soil moisture levels range from 8-15 per cent, and so it was necessary to saturate the soil to around 30 per cent moisture in order to ensure the plant had enough water to last the month.

“Finally, we created a base layer of ice and down went the snow. In order to be sure of an adequate snow base of at least 200mm in even the mildest conditions, I contracted out three snow-making machines. They worked between 14 and 24 hours a day for a month, producing exactly 254 mm of snow across the entire arena-sized field and covering the surrounding event complex, which totalled more than 14,000 square-metres.” F

Wong and the affable team he has assembled.

In particular, their sheer gall in hosting a high-profile tournament on an artificial and untested surface so soon after the club’s inception must be saluted. Because it worked.

To my great surprise, it really worked. F w Read the full story of the English stand-off with the HPA in our news special on page 6 w See page 88 for the more light-hearted social photographs from the tournament w Get to know Max Routledge better on page 98

Game rating

• • • • • • • • • •

u I nternational Snow Polo Challenge; 15-20 February 2011; Metropolitan Polo Club, Tianjin, China Result: England beat Argentina, 7-6 Handicap level: 12-15 goal Number of team entries: six Chukka scores (England): 1-1; 1-2; 5-3; 7-6 Most valuable player: Santiago Gaztambide Best playing pony: Hazard, owned by Metropolitan Polo Club and played by Ollie Cudmore Finalists England (13): Ollie Cudmore 3; Max Routledge 4; Oli Hipwood 6 Argentina (13): Juan Casero 0; Pablo Jauretche 7; Santiago Gaztambide 6 A full list of teams is online at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 16:57:50

â&#x20AC;˘ Playing ponies for sale â&#x20AC;˘ Youngstock for sale â&#x20AC;˘ Horses taken for backing and re-schooling

8VEMRIH XS VYR VIXVEMRIH JSV JYR

6IKMWXIV ]SYV I\ VEGILSVWI [MXL 6S6 XS [MR ZEPYEFPI TVM^IW

Kalankari â&#x20AC;˘ 15.3hh Irish TB â&#x20AC;˘ Broke course record at Kempton Park â&#x20AC;˘ Timeform rating of 103 â&#x20AC;˘ Superb athleticism and incredible temperament

ÂŁ450 NFFR

Dandy Constancio â&#x20AC;˘ 15hh Argentine TB â&#x20AC;˘ Registered Polo Argentino â&#x20AC;˘ Offspring proven at all levels up to high goal â&#x20AC;˘ Sisters played the Argentine Open

ÂŁ600 Frozen semen only

*SV MRJSVQEXMSR SR XLI 6S6 4SPS 7IVMIW HIQSW ERH XLI 6EGMRK XS 4SPS (:( ZMWMX

[[[ VSV SVK YO 1IQFIV SJ XLI 2EXMSREP )UYMRI ;IPJEVI 'SYRGMP

3:6

For full information visit www.eastwoodstud.com Tel: 07970 697 593 aurora.eastwood@btinternet.com

8IP 6IKMWXIVIH 'LEVMX] 2S

3$''2&. :22'6 67$//,216

&5$)7< 32/,7,&,$1 ZZZ SZVWDOOLRQV FR XN

Ň&#x2039; Ň&#x2039;Ň&#x2039; +,*+ *2$/ 32/2 67$//,21 $7 678'

)*4 :06/(450$, 8*-- #& 8*5) ."9 5)*4 :&"3 1-":*/( )*() (0"'03 ").*#") 7*4*5 5)& 8&#4*5& '03 .03& */'0 1)0504 "/% 4"-&4

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p44/49 china JM MB PJ.indd 7

&5$)7< ,6 $9$,/$%/( )25 1$785$/ &29(5,1* $1' $,

ZZZ SZVWDOOLRQV FR XN

FDOO 0D[ 5RXWOHGJH 678' )(( Â&#x2026; Polo Times, April 2011

49

18/3/11 13:13:04

Reports

New Zealand Open, Auckland

Veuve Clicquot team show plenty of bottle John Paul Clarkin’s side overturned an early five-goal deficit in the New Zealand Open final to beat defending champions Rodd & Gunn at Auckland Polo Club

Brett O’Callaghan in New Zealand

Veuve Clicquot Garangula 12 Rodd & Gunn 8

T

Photographs by Brett O’Callaghan and James Mullan

he 2010 BMW Open winners Rodd & Gunn successfully made it back to defend their title in the 2011 final but came undone against a Veuve Clicquot Garangula team featuring three young pretenders and the might of eight-goaler JP Clarkin.

The setting for the final was the Fisher Field at Auckland Polo Club, which only three weeks before the Open was under five feet of water following a heavy storm.

The polo club was completely flooded for a week but a lot of hard work by the club groundsmen and the members had the field looking good and playing superbly.

In very warm conditions, the Open started in fine fashion with Cody Forsyth and Ruki Baillieu’s Peroni beating the BNZ

Veuve Clicquot Garangula quartet Henry Fisher, Jimmy Wood, Tom Hunt, JP Clarkin toast their Open victory

Most valuable player

Henry Fisher combination from Rangitikei. Six-goal Englishman Dave Allen also led his Blundell team to victory over Mitavite, which contained the Parrott cousins, Andrew and Alex.

Both Rodd & Gunn and VCG had to work hard to book their final places. Rodd & Gunn required an extra chukka to win their semifinal, while VCG had to come from behind 50

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p50/51 NZ Open JOS MB PJ.indd 2

Veuve Clicquot five-goaler Tom Hunt accelerates away from Rodd & Gunn’s Ross Ainsley and Sam Hopkinson

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:12:41

New Zealand Open, Auckland

Reports

Five-goaler Dave Miller, of team BNZ, on the ball with Rodd & Gunn’s Sam Hopkinson alongside during a match in the early stages of the New Zealand Open in Auckland

to beat Peroni in theirs. Before the final both teams were paraded in front of the crowd in the latest cars from main sponsors BMW. The game itself proved worth waiting for, with the defending champions blasting

The Auckland Polo Club was under five feet of water just three weeks before the final but the field played superbly into a 5-0 lead, before the pendulum swung completely away from them.

The victorious JP Clarkin admitted afterwards to being very concerned as his team slipped 5-0 behind. But, having been slow starters in each of their previous matches, he was confident, if he could control the enthusiasm of his young team, they still had a chance to win. And this is how it panned out. www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p50/51 NZ Open JOS MB PJ.indd 3

VCG reduced the deficit to 5-3 at the end of the third of six chukkas. In the 4th chukka the MVP Henry Fisher showed his class in leading the way forward. He scored two great goals to even the scores up and Clarkin came to the party with two goals to sneak his team in front for the first time.

When the teams came out for the 6th chukka VCG were two goals in front and they soon made sure of the title. Tom Hunt scored early then Clarkin scored three in-arow to secure the win.

VCG’s victory proved a dream come true for their lowest handicapped player, two-goaler Jimmy Wood. The South Island resident moved to the North Island in search of a chance to play polo and JP Clarkin and Simon Keyte took him under their wings.

His lucky break came when Guy Schwarzenbach was forced to pull out of the VCG team for the Open, and Wood took the opportunity with both hands. F

Game rating

• • • • • • • • • •

u B MW New Zealand Open; 14-20 February 2011; Fisher Field, Auckland Polo Club, New Zealand Result: Veuve Clicquot Garangula beat Rodd & Gunn, 12-8 Principal sponsors: BMW Handicap level: 18 Number of team entries: 6 Chukka scores (Veuve Clicquot Garangula): 0-2; 1-5; 3-5; 7-5; 8-6; 12-8 Most valuable player: Henry Fisher Teams Veuve Clicquot Garangula (18): Jimmy Wood 2; Tom Hunt 5; JP Clarkin 8; Henry Fisher 3 Rodd & Gunn (18): Ross George 1; Ross Ainsley 5; Tom Morley 6; Sam Hopkinson 6. w For more news from across the globe see Home and abroad on pages 60-63 Polo Times, April 2011

51

16/3/11 17:12:54

Reports

Arena Gold Cup, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Tchogan show golden touch in Berkshire final Heiko Voelker’s Tchogan side needed a golden goal to see off a tenacious Ocho Rios-Altyon comeback in the final of the Arena Gold Cup at the Berkshire John O’Sullivan reports

Tchogan Ocho Rios-Altyon

20 19

Photographs by James Wildman

T

chogan match-winner Seb Dawnay believes his side’s experience and composure were the key factors as they recorded a thrilling Arena Gold Cup victory against Ocho Rios-Altyon at the Berkshire.

The seven-goal pro scored the decisive golden goal to seal a 20-19 win in a breathless game, which saw a Chris Hydeinspired Ocho Rios side overturn a nine-goal half time deficit to force an extra chukka.

Dawnay, playing alongside two-goal patron Heiko Voelker and six-goaler Ryan Pemble, held his nerve to clinch his fifth Gold Cup title. And he feels psychology played a big part in the arena season’s flagship final.

He said: “It was insanely close. I think the first one I won back in 1998, when I played with Chris Hyde, also went to overtime. But this was an incredible game.

“They probably started as the match favourites, so that put the pressure on them and we took advantage. But then all of a sudden when they were eight or nine goals down at half time they had nothing to lose and they played freely and came back. At 19-19 it could have gone either way.

“Ryan Pemble and I are from similar polo backgrounds. We both played a lot of highgoal, so we have been through situations like this before. We knew we didn’t have to change anything. We used our experience and didn’t panic because we knew exactly what we needed to do – and we did it.”

Tchogan, who lost the HPA 15-goal final against Cold Smoke on the same ground a 52

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p52/53 Arena Gold Cup JOS MB PJ.indd 2

Tchogan patron Heiko Voelker (in red) clashes with his opposite number Simon Holley of Ocho Rios-Altyon

month earlier, started like a train and led by six goals after the first of four chukkas.

By half time they had extended their lead to 16-7, and they still looked on course to

Most valuable player

Chris Hyde win at a canter, taking a seven-goal lead into the final chukka.

However, Ocho Rios nine-goaler Chris Hyde had other ideas. The England international scored 11 goals on the day

and he clawed his side back onto level terms at 19-19, before they ultimately lost in the extra chukka.

Dawnay, who also scored 11 goals, paid tribute to his opponent who won the MVP award. He said: “Chris Hyde just played amazingly well.

“We were probably at fault for sitting back and playing too defensively, but sometimes you can’t help that when you have such a lead. He is the best arena player I have ever seen and he showed why.

“What makes arena polo unique is that even if you are five goals or more ahead you are not safe. There are so many more penalty www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:15:43

Arena Gold Cup, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Windsor

Reports

Tchogan’s match-winner Seb Dawnay (left) goes toe-to-toe with Ocho Rios-Altyon nine-goaler Chris Hyde. Both players scored 11 goals in a thrilling Arena Gold Cup final

ones and so many goals that the game can change so quickly, especially if you try to sit back and play cautiously.”

“Look at this game, nearly 40 goals in four chukkas. It is very exciting.”

Tchogan’s victory completed a hat-trick of 15-goal tournament wins for them at the Berkshire this season, having previously

“What makes arena polo unique is that even if you are five goals or more ahead you are not safe” – Seb Dawnay triumphed in the Paul Castle Trophy and the FCT High Goal Challenge.

Dawnay hailed their arena campaign as a great success, but fears handicap changes will break up the team for next season.

He said: “The two tournament wins set us up perfectly for the Gold Cup. Obviously we would have loved to have won the National www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p52/53 Arena Gold Cup JOS MB PJ.indd 3

HPA 15-goal as well, but the Gold Cup was always our main aim.

“Heiko is a fantastic player. He played a lot of field hockey and has show jumped previously, so he rides very well. He is twogoals now and scored five goals in the final.

“Ryan Pemble’s handicap will almost certainly go up now, so unfortunately that means the 15-goal team will have to change for next season.”

The Arena Gold Cup also completed a disappointing arena double for former England international John Horswell.

He coached Tchogan in the HPA Championships as they lost to Cold Smoke.

He then changed his allegiance to Ocho Rios in the Gold Cup, only to finish as a losing finalist once again. He did, however, re-find his winning touch by coaching England to victory at the Gaucho International. F w For all of the off-field action from the Arena Gold Cup see page 87 for coverage of the after-party at the Berkshire.

Game rating

• • • • • • • • • •

u A rena Gold Cup; Saturday 19 February 2011; RCBPC, Windsor Result: Tchogan beat Ocho Rios-Altyon, 20-19 Handicap level: 15 Number of team entries: four Chukka scores (Tchogan): 8-2; 16-7; 18-11; 19-19; 20-19 Most valuable player: Chris Hyde Teams Tchogan (15): Heiko Voelker 2; Ryan Pemble 6; Sebastian Dawnay 7 Ocho Rios-Altyon (15): Simon Holley 1; Max Charlton 5; Chris Hyde 9 Silver Cup (subsidiary final) Result: Cold Smoke beat Clashleigh 20-13 Cold Smoke (15): Michael Bickford 2; Roddy Williams 6; Jamie Morrison 7 Clashleigh (15): Richard Davis 1; Tarquin Southwell 7; Jamie Le Hardy 7 Polo Times, April 2011

53

16/3/11 17:15:53

Sween Machine wows Asia England’s Charlotte Sweeney, on the charge above, produced the performance of the International Ladies’ Tournament in Thailand this February, propelling King Power into the final, before the team’s assault on the title was cruelly curbed by unseasonal rains

Louise Sandberg in Thailand

Polo Escape King Power

Main photograph by Hugh Denholm

T

6 4

hree European sides and three from Asia arrived at Robin Lourvanij’s dream-like Polo Escape resort in Thailand late this February to the unwelcome sight of unseasonal heavy rains.

These forced polo manager Marco Focaccia to abandon the first day’s play in the second year of the club’s International Ladies’ Tournament and reschedule the round robin section of the event to fit into just two days rather than three.

The delay appeared to leave King Power’s Charlotte Sweeney chomping at the bit and, when play eventually got underway on the Friday, she immediately demonstrated just how impressive the talent in the female game is. Teams were made up of three lady players and a male professional. Sweeney made countless breaks into the opposition defences, 54

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p54/55 Thailand Ladies JM MB PJ.indd 2

and produced some wonderful field goals to send commentator Peter Schlagter wild.

Further rain then rendered the Polo Escape ground unplayable for the second time in three days and ultimately for the rest of the tournament. However, the girls were in luck – King Power’s patron Vichai Raksriaksorn offered the use of his nearby grounds at Siam Polo Park, which had drainage suitable enough to allow the tournament to continue.

Raksriaksorn’s generosity was rewarded with another day of excellent polo by his King Power side, who booked a place in the final to face the only other unbeaten side in the tournament, Thailand’s Polo Escape.

The finals day dawned with dark skies looming overhead, but umpire Tim Keyte was keen to get the final going. Sadly, within one minute of play, the heavens opened. Play was suspended and it was quickly decided that the finals and all the placings would have to be decided by penalties, though the male pros were not to be involved.

The goals were moved directly in front of the grandstands and teams were informed that the first to score six goals in each of their showdowns would be the winner. Panita Vongkusolkit, daughter of the Polo Escape

founder Robin Lourvanij, scored the winner to leave our King Power side disconsolate.

It was a cruel way for us to lose, especially as we had worked so hard all week on our teamwork, but it is probably not the first nor the last time that a team put together in England loses a match on penalties! F w Social snaps from the girls’ week in Thailand are on page 91, and action at the nearby Thai Polo & Equestrian club is on page 63 u I nternational Ladies’ Tournament 24-27 February 2011; Polo Escape, near Pattaya, Thailand Handicap level: 0-4 goal Result: Polo Escape beat King Power 6-4 on penalties Sponsors: www.PoloEscape.com; www.SiamPoloNews.com Number of team entries: six Finalists: Polo Escape (2): Susy Lourvanij/Robin Lourvanij -1; Panita Vongkusolkit/Nicky Sen -1; Marina Galarza 0; Augustin Lorea 4 King Power (2): Ploy Bhinsaeng -1; Louise Sandberg -1; Charlotte Sweeney 1; Lucas Lujan 3 www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 18:08:25

FOR SALE

10 Argentine Polo Ponies 7-10 years old. Formerly played 16 to 20 goal in Argentina with amateur player in 2009, second season in England. All fit and ready to try. Based in Cirencester.

P.O.A. Contact 07803010162

New season under way at last!

Ponies prepared? Kit prepared?

Bank manager prepared?

ATS Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got everything for polo Look on our website:

www.satsfaction.com Phone us on: 01285 841 542 Fax us on: 01285 841 546 Email us on: sats@lineone.net South American Trade Services, Sandpool House, Sandpool Lane, Tarlton, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6PB

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p54/55 Thailand Ladies JM MB PJ.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

55

18/3/11 16:04:26

Reports

Threadneedle Dubai Gold Cup, UAE

Young Argentine star fires Abu Dhabi to Gold Cup glory Six-goaler Facundo Sola scored eight of Abu Dhabi’s nine goals as Faris Al Yabhouni’s talented young side won the Threadneedle Dubai Gold Cup for the first time John O’Sullivan writes

Abu Dhabi Dubai Falcons

A

9 7

rgentine six-goaler Facundo Sola scored three quick-fire goals in the last chukka to help Abu Dhabi to victory over Dubai Falcons in the final of the Threadneedle Dubai Gold Cup. In an evenly matched final at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club in early March the teams were level at 6-6 after the third of four chukkas before 21-year-old Sola stepped forward to power his side to the title.

He had already scored five goals as Abu Dhabi matched Dubai Falcons blow for blow

in the earlier stages, and his fourth chukka hat-trick saw him finish with an incredible eight goals on the day as Faris Al Yabhouni’s team lifted the trophy for the first time.

Dubai Falcons were dealt a setback on the eve of the final with four-goal Argentine Nico Petracchi, who also missed the semi-finals, ruled out through injury.

to level at 3-3 by the end of the second chukka.

The final remained too close to call until Sola – who was well backed up by Oscar Colombres (5) and Ramiro Garcia Dagna (4) – made his telling contribution in the final chukka.

If the final itself was action-packed, it was more than matched by the extravagant trophy presentation, which saw the Gold

The final remained too close to call until Sola made a telling contribution in the last chukka to win the game for Abu Dhabi Spaniard Mario Gomez (4) performed well in his place, but it was Abu Dhabi who started the stronger of the two teams to lead 3-1 after the first chukka.

Rashid Bin Drai’s Falcons side, with Tomas Iriarte and Salvador Ulloa impressing, hit back

Cup delivered to the Abu Dhabi players from above by a team of skydivers.

In the subsidiary final, Abu Dhabi-based Ghantoot Polo Club completed a Gold Cup double for the city by beating DCC Sumaya 8-7 in another close game. F ◗ English six-goaler Nacho Gonzalez scored the winning goal and was voted MVP as Mahra Polo beat Dubai Falcons 9-8 in the Royal Jet Silver Cup at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club in late February.

Gonzalez, fresh from winning the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, scored the decisive golden goal in an extra chukka. u Threadneedle Dubai Gold Cup, 2-11 March 2011; Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, UAE

Photograph by Annemieke Goos

Handicap level: 15 Result: Abu Dhabi beat Dubai Falcons 9-7 Chukka scores (Abu Dhabi): 3-1; 3-3; 6-6; 9-7 Most valuable player: Facundo Sola Best playing pony: Ormega, owned by Tarik Fatheldin, played by Facundo Sola

The jubilant Abu Dhabi team celebrate their Gold Cup victory with their grooms and best playing pony, Ormega

56

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p56/57 Dubai Gold Cup JOS MB PJ.indd 2

Final teams: Abu Dhabi (15): Faris Al Yabhouni 0; Ramiro Garcia Dagna 4; Facundo Sola 6; Oscar Colombres 5 Dubai Falcons (15): Rashid Bin Drai 0; Mario Gomez 4; Tomas Iriarte 4; Salvador Ulloa 7 www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:34:07

PROTECT YOUR HORSE. PERFORM YOUR BEST. Breathe Easier | Reduce Lung Stress & Bleeding | Reduce Fatigue | Shorten Post-Exercise Recovery Time <ZLK I` WYVMLZZPVUHS HUK HTH[L\Y WSH`LYZ HJYVZZ [OL NSVIL

VISIT WWW.FLAIRSTRIPS.COM FOR WHERE TO BUY NEAR

PoloYOU. Times, April 2011

www.polotimes.co.uk

57

4HPU 6MÄJL <:( PT p56/57 Dubai Gold Cup JOS MB PJ.indd 3

18/3/11 15:50:16

Reports

The Cartier International Dubai Trophy, Desert Palm Polo Club

Hosts Desert Palm ease past sponsors Cartier Injury to Cartier seven-goaler Salvador Ulloa opens the door for hosts Desert Palm to claim their second straight title at the Cartier International Dubai Trophy Diana Butler in Dubai

Desert Palm Cartier

H

10 51/2

Agosti, were awarded half a goal lead on handicap in the final. And having beaten the Guards and Julius Baer teams earlier in the tournament, started with much optimism.

However Ulloa’s injury proved to be a significant blow from which they never recovered. Five-goaler Hissam Ali Hyder from Pakistan, who impressed for Guards earlier in the tournament, was drafted in to replace the Argentine. He joined Bin Drai, Agosti and Nico Petracchi (4) on the field, but they proved no match for the Desert Palm side, who also included five-goalers Martin Valent and Peter Webb.

Photographs by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

osts Desert Palm retained the Cartier International Dubai Trophy with a convincing win over main sponsors Cartier at the prestigious UAE-based tournament.

An injury in the very first minute to Cartier’s highest handicapped player,

seven-goal Argentine Salvador Ulloa, seriously hampered his side’s chances at the Desert Palm Polo Club. And they were ultimately wellbeaten 10-51/2 by the hosts, for whom patrons Clive Reid (0) and Tariq Albwardy (1) lifted the trophy for the second consecutive year.

Cartier, led by minus-one-goal patron Mohamed Bin Drai and zero-goaler Adriano

The victorious Desert Palm team of (left to right) Tariq Albwardy, Clive Reid, Martin Valent and Peter Webb lift the beautiful Cartier trophy

58

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p58-59 Cartier Dubai JOS MB PJ.indd 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:24:06

The Cartier International Dubai Trophy, Desert Palm Polo Club

By the end of the first chukka Desert Palm turned their handicap deficit into a two and a half goal lead. They extended this lead thereafter to win by four and a half goals at the close of play.

Most valuable player

Nico Petracchi The subsidiary final – known as the Desert Palm Trophy – was a much closer affair.

Guards Polo Club, who received two goals on handicap, beat Julius Baer 6-5.

The Cartier International Dubai Trophy was run under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, the wife of the ruler of Dubai.

A unique feature of the tournament is that the first ball of each game is always thrown in from the back of a car, which this year was a Porsche 911 Turbo.

Two charities also benefited from this event.

The Riding For The Disabled Association of Dubai received a cheque for 50,000 AED (about £8,500) from Tom Meier, CEO of Bank Julius Baer in Asia and the Middle East. Northstar Alliance, a charity which is building a network of roadside health clinics at transport hotspots across Africa, also received the same amount from Tariq’s father, Ali Albwardy.

With Cartier providing an impressive guest list and Guards Polo Club providing a taste of an English afternoon of polo, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2011 once again offered a unique afternoon of sport and glamour. F

Game rating

Reports

• • • • • • • • • •

u The Cartier International Dubai Trophy; 14-18 February; Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai, UAE Result: Desert Palm beat Cartier, 10-51/2 Sponsors: Cartier Handicap level: 14 Number of team entries: Four Most valuable player: Nico Petracchi Teams Desert Palm (11): Clive Reid 0; Tariq Albwardy 1; Martin Valent 5; Peter Webb 5 Cartier (10): Mohamed Bin Drai -1; Adriano Agosti 0; Nico Petracchi 4; Salvador Ulloa 7; replacement: Hissam Ali Hyder 5 Desert Palm Trophy (subsidiary final) Result: Guards Polo Club beat Julius Baer 6-5 Final teams: Guards Polo Club (9): Aaron Shepherd -1, Kassem Shafi 0; Vieri Antinori 5; Hissam Ali Hyder 5 Bank Julius Baer (13): Amr Zedan 1; Faris Al Yabhouni 0; José Chavanne 7; Rodolfo Ducos 5 Left: Guards Polo Club’s zero-goaler Kassem Shafi battles with Julius Baer’s seven-goaler José Chavanne

My travels John O’Sullivan speaks to Desert Palm patron and Guards Polo Club zero-goaler Clive Reid who hopes to add Texas and India to his globe-trotting destinations in the near future Where have you been for polo in the last six months?

We have just returned from Dubai. But before that Peter Webb, my five-goal pro, and I travelled to Argentina for the Open. We went to La Dolfina and played with Adolfo Cambiaso and Ali Albwardy every day.

What are your travelling plans for the next six months?

I think we may be going out to play in Texas, I have been invited by Alan Meeker. I think it’s likely to be a very closed, private tournament.

It will be my first time playing there and I have heard very good things about his club, so it is certainly something to look forward to.

What is your favourite polo travelling memory to date?

I think it has to be playing with Adolfo each time at La Dolfina. We play with him during www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p58-59 Cartier Dubai JOS MB PJ.indd 3

the summer as well, but it never stops being special.

And your worst?

So far I’ve never really had any bad experiences on my polo trips.

I’ve been to the Philippines, to Barbados, to Thailand and to Russia (we won the Russia Snow Polo Championship) but so far I have only really had good experiences to Favourite speak of. place to watch polo?

It must be Argentina and particularly Palermo for the Open. Just being there is very special.

Where is top of your list of places you haven’t visited yet?

I want to play in India. That is somewhere I’ve always wanted to play and we certainly will do it. I have a lot of connections out their, it is just a case of organising it.

What item do you always remember to pack?

Believe it or not, I always take my own saddle. I’ve had my current one for eight years now. Bringing it means that, no matter what pony I am on, I always know that I will be comfortable. I think that is good advice for everyone. F Polo Times, April 2011

59

16/3/11 17:23:55

Reports

Home and abroad

Ascot Park – IWPA National Women’s Polo Tournament

Ladies not driven away by the rain

D

espite one of the wettest weekends of the winter, teams travelled from across the UK to compete in the IWPA National Women’s Polo Tournament at Ascot Park in February. Ten teams took part, competing across three handicap levels.

In the first match on finals day Andros Blue took on Andros Gold in the 0 goal final, where the former came out on top, 11-7. Katie Bateman, who was part of the winning side, was named most valuable player while Mia RandallCoath’s Fuki was named best playing pony.

In the UberPolo 1-2 goal final KHHP played Westlands. The teams included four players under the age of 16, who displayed a breathtaking level of skill. KHHP clawed back Westlands’ two-goal handicap advantage and then remained ahead throughout, winning 15-12. Outstanding at just one-goal, Emma Boers was awarded MVP. In the 3-4 goal subsidiary final, Glasgow Polo met Pro-Fit. Glasgow Polo steamed ahead in the first two chukkas and, although Pro-Fit fought back to reduce the margin, Glasgow Polo proved the stronger team, winning 10-6.

As the rain continued to fall, defending champions Team Tonic took to the arena to meet MRC’s Power Angels in the Stickhedz 3-4 goal final. In a superb display of skill, tactics and team play by both teams, it was Team Tonic who maintained the pressure, winning 10-7. Katie Jenkins was awarded the MVP prize and Sarah Wiseman’s Janice was best playing pony.

A special award was made by Andros patron Mia Randall-Coath to two-goal professional Rosie Ross for her outstanding commitment and support of women’s polo.

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

u I WPA National Women’s Polo Tournament, 26-27 February, Ascot Park Polo Club, Surrey Results: 3-4 goal – Team Tonic beat MRC’s Power Angels, 10-7 1-2 goal – KHHP beat Westlands, 15-12 0 goal – Andros Blue beat Andros Gold, 11-7 Sponsors: Stickhedz, UberPolo, Andros Number of team entries: 10 Final teams: Team Tonic (4): Catherine Isted 1; Katie Jenkins 0; Sarah Wiseman 3 KHHP (2): Charley Howell 0; Saskia Meadows 0; Rosie Ross 2 Andros Blue (0): Wende Ross 0; Katie Bateman 0; Kathy Vivian 0 Left: Team Tonic (red shirts) on their way to victory against MRC’s Power Angels in the 3-4 goal final

Italy – Cortina Ladies’ Polo Cup on Snow

Photograph by Tony Ramirez

Brit girls triumph

For the first time, a ladies snow polo tournament took place alongside the Cortina Winter Polo Audi Gold Cup in February. British players Emma Tomlinson (pictured right in blue) and Tamara Vestey were part of the winning Ruinart team, also featuring Valerie Fraychinaud and Chantal d’Acquarone. They beat Le Noir in the final, 6-5.

Eva Brühl (pictured right in white) also played in the Cortina Winter Polo Audi Gold Cup for Audemars Piguet. They were beaten

by Audi, featuring young Brit Matt Perry, in the final, 5-11/2.

60 Polo Times, April 2011

PT p60/61 Home and Abroad1 JOS MB PJ.indd 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:46:20

Home and abroad

Reports

Dominican Republic – Second Annual Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana

Germans strike gold in the Caribbean sunshine Photograph courtesy of Lifestyle Companies

Golden Bear Lodge claimed the second annual Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana crown on Sunday 27 February, following four days of play on Juanillo Beach in the Dominican Republic.

Captained by German player Sebastian Schnedberger, Golden Bear Lodge, also featuring Germany’s Sven Schneider and Pedro Fernandez Llorente, defeated the Stella Artois/Lifestyle Companies side 8-4.

In the first two chukkas, Stella Artois/ Lifestyle Companies, led by Dominican Luis Alfonso Paniagua and Argentine Adrian Laplacette, wasted little time as teammate Tito Gaudenzi opened up the scoring to put them into the lead, where they remained for the first half. However, during the third chukka, Golden Bear Lodge took control and turned the game around to their favour. They romped to the title with Fernandez Llorente scoring six goals for his side.

Team Infinity Developers, led by Dominicans Bobby Jimenez and Alfredo Vargas alongside Argentine Pedro Soria, took home the third place title, when they beat Propagas 3-11/2 in the subsidiary final. For

Golden Bear Lodge lift the Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic in February

fifth and sixth place, Team Cap Cana played Team Juanillo Beach, where the latter won 6-5 after a close match.

“We are extremely pleased with the second annual Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana’s success, and are already anticipating next

year’s tournament,” said Tito Gaudenzi, Lifestyle Companies president and tournament organiser. “I aim to establish this as one of the world’s leading beach polo events.” w See more on page 84

South Africa – BMW International Series, South Africa vs India

Home glory for South Africa

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p60/61 Home and Abroad1 JOS MB PJ.indd 3

Photograph courtesy of Val de Vie

As part of the BMW International Series, India played South Africa at Val de Vie Polo Estate near Cape Town on 26 February. This was India’s first tour of South Africa since 2007 when they competed in the BMW Series in Durban and Johannesburg.

South Africa travelled to New Delhi in November 2010, where they narrowly lost to India, so were looking for their revenge.

The South African team featured two new players in the form of schoolboy Dirk van Reenen, a serious talent at the tender age of 15, and Brad Mallett who was making his debut for South Africa at 14-goal level.

Experienced five-goalers Guy Watson and Tom de Bruin made up the rest of the team.

The scores were at two-a-piece at the end of the first chukka, although South Africa were guilty of too many offences, with the umpires particularly heavy on Watson.

However the home team managed to get

a goal ahead in the second chukka before steaming ahead in the third chukka, 6-2, thanks to excellent field goals from Mallett and van Reenen.

India came back strongly in the fourth with three penalties beautifully struck by Samir Suhag to reduce the deficit to one at 6-5.

South Africa had gone to sleep to allow India back into the game.

The fifth and final chukka saw goals from Mallett, de Bruin and Suhag, while Ravi Rathore was also impressive and looked dangerous on attack. However, India couldn’t muster enough goals, leaving South Africa the deserved winners, 10-7. u T eams: South Africa (14): Dirk van Reenen 1; Brad Mallett 3; Guy Watson 5; Tom de Bruin 5 India (13): Maj Vishal Chauhan 2; Maj Ravi Rathore 3; Samir Suhag 5; Col Tarun Sirohi 3

Above: India’s Samir Suhag breaks away with the ball

Polo Times, April 2011

61

16/3/11 17:46:28

Reports

Home and abroad

Polo Wicklow – Ireland vs Spain

w U SA – Pilot CSI featuring Adolfo Cambiaso, Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Mariano Aguerre and Pablo MacDonough won the annual 40-goal Outback Challenge Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach in February. They beat EFG Bank 10-9, with Cambiaso scoring the winning goal from a penalty in the final seconds of the game. Facundo Pieres, Sebastian Merlos, Gonzalito Pieres and Juan Martin Nero made up the strong EFG Bank team.

Too little too late for Spaniards

w A ustralia – Werribee Park hosted the re-scheduled Stella Artois Challenge on 5 March. The tournament was due to take place on 5 February but, due to heavy rain and flooding, the event was postponed. As many players had then moved on to play in the 16-goal at Ellerston, the event was downgraded from 18-goal to 8-goal. Three matches were played on the day, with various Brits in the line-up including Sam Gairdner – who played for two teams – Jack Berner, Niall Donnelly and Robin Spicer. w U SA – Lechuza Caracas defeated Valiente 10-9 in the final of the 26-goal CV Whitney Cup at the end of February.

Although Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente made a valiant last-minute effort in the final chukka to catch Victor Vargas’s team, it was a case of too little too late and Lechuza Caracas ran out the eventual winners by a single goal at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

In the first international arena tournament of the year held at Polo Wicklow, Spain took on hosts Ireland in a three-day extravaganza in a bid to win the International Arena Cup. After three exciting matches the title was eventually won by Ireland’s Friday team on goal difference.

Representing Ireland for the first match on the Friday was Michael Herbst, Sean Reynolds and club professional Carlos Caminito. Facing them was Stefan Spengler, Jorge Becker and Adrian Mattheau for Spain.

The Spaniards set the pace and scored twice in the opening minutes. However, Ireland responded with some spectacular play as they swept to a convincing 12-6 victory.

The visiting Spanish team from Barcelona

The East Wicklow Harriers held their meet at Polo Wicklow on Saturday, creating a wonderful atmosphere and giving the visiting polo players a taste of Irish hunting before the game. This time, Carlos Caminito, Dr Keith Robertson and novice player Roisin O’Brien played for Ireland. This match proved tighter and at half time the scores were at five-apiece.

However, as the match progressed O’Brien gained in confidence and the home team leapt into the lead and finally won 10-7.

Throughout the weekend, the visitors enjoyed the usual “craic agus ceol” (Irish hospitality), including foot polo on the beach, a boat trip to see seals in the caves on the Irish Sea and, on the Saturday evening, a night out in the town of Wicklow.

Sunday’s final had plenty of support from the balcony. The Irish – Siobhan Herbst, Sean Reynolds and Dr Keith Robertson – tore into the slightly sluggish Spaniards early on.

But, by the fourth chukka, the momentum changed. Becker conjured space and lines, Mattheau and Spengler never missed a shot and the Spanish kept on scoring.

In a bewildering reversal of fortunes from being six goals ahead, the Irish lost 17-13 in a very entertaining match played out in the highest of spirits.

Photograph by Siobhan Herbst

News in brief

New Zealand – New Zealand Women’s Open

Photographs by Hololio Polo Club

Tropical Pools rise to Open podium The second New Zealand Women’s Open took place at Hololio Polo Club in Clevedon in mid-February, with British-born Vicki Griffiths helping Team Tropical Pools finish top of the six teams in the tournament.

Griffiths played alongside a squad of players comprising Paula Geard, Julia Stegall, Pippa Ravel and captain Missy Brown, from Waikato.

They beat Island Hoppers in the final.

However, at the end of the first chukka, Island Hoppers led by one goal, thanks largely to captain Tanya Lavas’s strong ride-offs and backhands, setting an excellent example for daughter Ellen, who was also one of her teammates. However, by the end of the second chukka, Missy Brown had her 62 Polo Times, April 2011

PT p62/63 Home and abroad2 JOS MB PJ.indd 2

team fired up and Tropical Pools went into the lead, 3-2.

The half time divot stomp was sponsored

by Ara wines and Moa beer, with prizes going for “the most ladylike stomp”, “the most lawyer-like stomp” and “the most Moalike (bird-like) stomp”.

There was outstanding play from Paula Geard in the third chukka and Missy Brown converted an excellent penalty shot, pushing their team ahead. Island Hoppers gave it their best shot in the final chukka but the game ended with victory for Tropical Pools, 6-4.

Right: Tropical Pools (white shirts) were victorious in the New Zealand Ladies’ Open, after defeating Island Hoppers in the final at Hololio Polo Club in Clevedon

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:27:13

Home and abroad

Reports

Thailand – St Regis Pink Polo tournament

A splash of pink helps raise money for charity in Thailand Photographs by Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

St Regis Hotels & Resorts joined the ongoing fight against breast cancer as title sponsors of the St Regis Pink Polo 2011 tournament at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, on Saturday 19 February.

Initiated by Nunthinee Tanner, Thailand’s first lady polo player, the Pink Polo tournament is designed to raise money for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer. This year the event raised £15,000 for the centre.

Hundreds of spectators showed their support by dressing in pink, with many ladies wearing eye-catching fancy hats. The occasion included a fashion parade on horseback and kids’ polo, as well as a high tea.

This year’s 11-goal tournament featured an international line-up of lady polo players from Germany, Argentina, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Star players were Argentine’s Katalina Bunge and Ina Lalor, daughter of Argentine Polo Association president Luis Lalor.

In a closely fought contest, the St Regis

St Regis’s Ina Lalor (left) and Thai Polo’s Katalina Bunge fight for the ball in February’s Pink Polo tournament

and Thai Polo teams were level at half time, 3-3. With back and forth play in the second half, neither side could gain advantage until the final seconds when Bunge broke away

to tee up the ball for Claudia Zeisberger to tap through the posts, enabling Thai Polo to triumph 4-3 and claim the Queen’s Cup amid a deluge of champagne.

Druids Lodge, Wiltshire – Exeter Cup

Niceties set aside as students come face to face

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p62/63 Home and abroad2 JOS MB PJ.indd 3

became ever more frequent before Rebecca Walters added another goal for RAC A thus ensuring the match was finely balanced going into the final chukka, with RAC B leading narrowly, 7-5.

RAC B’s Rob Martin scored twice in the closing stages to cancel out a double by RAC A’s Johno Moreton-Hart. RAC B then held on to secure a 10-7 victory.

“It was an exhilarating match between two evenly matched teams,” said RAC B’s Kieran Markham, named most valuable player.

“The tournament as a whole is a credit to Druids. It is one of the most competitive tournaments in university polo and we look forward to their summer tournament.”

Photograph by James Stephenson

The Exeter Cup reached its climax on Friday 11 March as two Royal Agricultural College teams sponsored by Polo Times played out the final of this fiercely competitive winter university league, writes Rupert Hawksley.

RAC B raced into an early lead with Kieran Markham scoring a quick fire hat-trick, added to by a goal from teammate Rob Black and, despite RAC A’s Chris Wrightman salvaging a goal, the opening chukka had forced RAC A firmly onto the back foot.

However RAC A were able to force their way back into the match, with Chris Wrightman at the heart of the action, adding a further three to his tally. With so much at stake, elbows began to fly and penalties

The winning RAC B team with the Exeter Cup

Polo Times, April 2011

63

18/3/11 16:53:51

Youth polo

SUPA National University Arena Polo Championships, Bristol

Once again the records tumbled at the SUPA Arena Nations this February, when 391 players fought out 246 chukkas in just four days at Bristol’s Hand Equestrian Centre, in what is likely to be the last year that the venue hosts the monumental event

University league tables in!

The rude health of Britain and Ireland’s university polo was made clear again this winter, as more students than ever flourished in an action-packed long February weekend

Photographs by Ed Phillips Images

Rebecca Walters reports

W

ith SUPA celebrating its 20th year since it was founded, the SUPA National University Arena Polo Championships once again attracted a record-breaking number of students.

Descending upon The Hand Equestrian Centre, Bristol, students enjoyed a fun filled weekend of matches and mingling mayhem.

Last year a record breaking 108 teams took part and this year the record was beaten once again, with a massive 123 teams entering the four day competition. The beginner and novice sections were more popular than ever 64

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p64/67 SUPA JM MB.indd 2

before – a great sign that more people are taking up the sport.

This celebration of university level polo would not have been possible without the lorry loads of horses brought in from all over the country to mount the players. Clubs which dedicated their grooms, ponies and in some cases instruction for the four days included the likes of Greenpoint Polo, Druids

The beginner and novice sections were more popular than ever before lodge, Guy Verdon, Leadenham, Rugby, Cool Hooves, Kinross, Sophie Heaton Ellis, La Mariposa and Tim Vaux.

The 12 SUPA staff, led by Mike Hobday,

spent many long days putting the event together, ensuring everyone got their seven minutes of fame in the arena. Chukkas started at 8am each morning, umpired by Jason Dixon and his team.

Fighting for the NFU Mutual Cup on finals day were rivals The Royal Agricultural College (RAC) and Harper Adams. The latter were eager to beat the title holders and, after a well fought match between the two beginner teams, they succeeded in toppling RAC. Winners of the beginner sections were awarded lessons with umpire and coach Jason Dixon at Cirencester Polo Academy. These teams included Oxford Brookes, Birmingham C and ULU C. Warwick continued their domination in the novice section and once again won the title. Warwick’s Heather Lacey, who was www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 18:29:10

SUPA National University Arena Polo Championships, Bristol

Youth polo

SUPA statistics

391

players

246 chukkas 192 ponies* Tom Mackintosh from St Andrews leads a chasing pack of players in their game against eventual winners, Regents

deservedly named most valuable player, was invaluable throughout.

The Royal Veterinary College took the Division 1a title and the Polo Times sponsored RAC team dominated Division 2 with Chris Wightman being an integral part of the teams success.

The Lower Intermediate title was claimed by Exeter in a close fought match with Imperial. Loughborough won the Upper Intermediate after they beat Oxford Brookes.

Alec Banner Eve, who played across a number of sections, deservedly won the MVP prize for the Intermediates for his determination and sportsmanship.

The Combined and Open sections, supported by Roxtons, witnessed great play with Regents easing away after an end-to-end match against St Andrews in the Open final.

Despite Tom Mackintosh putting in a solid performance, the work of George Shelton and the hitting of Constantijn Huynen was just too much for the Scottish university and Regents ran out the winners.

The Alumni Section attracted 10 teams in two sections, giving the best polo SAPA has seen to date. Bishop’s Stortford College, comprised three friends from their school days who managed to band together and beat an all-ladies’ team from Rugby Polo Club who gave them a close run for their money. F

RAC’s Suzie Warburton, a winner in the Novice 2

* Ponies supplied by Greenpoint, Druids, Guy Verdon, Leadenham, Rugby, Cool Hooves, Kinross, Sophie Heaton Ellis, La Mariposa and Tim Vaux u S UPA National University Arena Polo Championships 17-20 February The Hand Equestrian Centre, Bristol Results: Beginner 1: Harper Adams Beginner 1a: Oxford Brooks Beginner 2: Birmingham B Beginner 3: ULU C Novice 1: Warwick Novice 1a: Royal Veterinary College Novice 2: Royal Agricultural College Lower Intermediate: Exeter Upper Intermediate: Loughborough Combined: Reading/Bath/Loughborough Open: Regents College SAPA Lower: EFG Polo SAPA Upper: Bishops Stortford College

w See also page 83

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p64/67 SUPA JM MB.indd 3

123 teams 13 sections 12 SUPA staff 10 SAPA teams 4 days

Polo Times, April 2011

65

16/3/11 18:32:11

Youth polo

SUPA Junior Schools and Novice Tournament

A reason to celebrate While Oxford’s Summer Fields school made a successful return to SUPA Junior polo, and Wellington College won the novice senior section, there were high-scoring games across all divisions to provide plenty of excitement for spectators Sarah Styler reports

Photographs by Satah Styler

L

ongdole Polo Club once again hosted the National Junior Schools and Novice Tournament on Sunday 13 March. The play began in glorious sunshine with eight junior teams divided into two divisions.

Beaudesert, Cheltenham College Junior School, Summer Fields, King’s Hill, Winchester House, Bilton Grange and Papplewick all put teams forward for the competition, which was umpired by Dan Banks and Rob Cudmore.

In the Red Division, the strong Beaudesert team of Hector Chamberlain and David and Tamara Gibbons crushed their opponents in their first two games. First, they defeated reigning champions Papplewick, 6-0 and then went on to leave Bilton Grange scoreless, beating them 5-0.

Their third game proved more of a challenge but after a closely fought

Zac Beim of Cheltenham College presents SATS’ Jilly Emerson with flowers for 20 years’ worth of sponsorship

chukka the Beaudesert threesome defeated Winchester House 2-1. Thus they became the 2011 champions, picking up the coveted trophy for the first time, while Winchester House finished second.

Two members of the triumphant team also won individual awards. David Gibbons received knee-pads, donated by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, for being the tournament’s best player. Hector Chamberlain was named as the most promising player.

Photograph by Kay McGregor

Argentina

This photograph shows one of the two groups of British children that travelled to Argentina for 10 days in February as part of an exchange programme organised by the HPA Development Committee. Eight 14-year-olds went to Coronel Suárez, and Robin Ormerod, Izzy Mcgregor, Lolly Stanhope-White, Jack Hyde, Terence Lent, Edward Banner-Eve, Tom Brodie, Ellie and James McCarthy, and Henry Letts can be seen above with Argentine polo icons of yesteryear, Horacio Araya and Juan Carlos Harriott

66

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p64/67 SUPA JM MB.indd 4

The Blue Division welcomed the return of Summer Fields School to SUPA polo.

The boys started their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Papplewick and went on to win their remaining two games, 2-0 and 2-1, to become the well-deserved winners.

The combined team of Beaudesert and King’s Hill were runners-up in the Blue Division and received the NFU Mutual Trophy for the highest place combined team. As well as a share in the trophy, King’s Hill’s Thomas Coid was also awarded the “Best Playing Fluffy” prize on behalf of his pony, Dove.

The high-scoring, high excitement morning was celebrated with many awards

All games were umpired by Longdole’s polo manager Rob Cudmore and coach Dan Banks presented by Jilly Emerson of SATS. Every competitor received prizes in recognition of their blossoming talent displayed throughout the day.

Eight-year old Zac Beim of Cheltenham College Junior School hopped back onto his pony, Ben, and concluded the tournament by presenting Jilly Emerson with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of the valuable sponsorship and support that SATS have generously given to school’s polo over the last 20 years.

The SUPA Novice Tournament followed straight after the junior polo on the same day. The novice section is for senior school players who have only just begun to play polo this academic year.

Wellington College were the overall winners, while Wycliffe were the runners-up.

In third to seventh place were Rugby Red, Rugby Blue, Luckley Oakfield, Dean Close and Shrewsbury. w See above right for Junior Schools’ results www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 17:59:17

Theresa Hodges has her say

Youth polo

The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column

Beaudesert’s Hebe Field, Christian Barnes and Thomas Coid celebrate their victory with Jilly Emerson of SATS

u SUPA Junior Schools; 13 March 2011; Longdole Polo Club, Gloucestershire Result: Red Division: 1st – Beaudesert 2nd – Winchester House 3rd – Bilton Grange 4th – Papplewick Blue Division: 1st – Summer Fields 2nd – Beaudesert/King’s Hill 3rd – Summer Fields/ Cheltenham College Junior School 4th – Papplewick

Principle sponsor: SATS Number of team entries: eight Individual junior awards: Best novice player: Florence Berner (Winchester House) Most promising player: Hector Chamberlain (Beaudesert) Best player: David Gibbons (Beaudesert) Best fluffy pony: Dove, owned by Thomas Coid (King’s Hill) Best polo pony: Mia, owned by William Dunhill-Turner (Summer Fields)

Keep your eye on Lolly Stanhope-White, 12, Taunton Vale Our youth polo player to keep an eye on this month is 12-year-old Lolly Stanhope-White of Taunton Vale Polo Club, who impressed during the recent HPA Development tour to Argentina.

The minus-one goaler who is in the Beaufort Pony Club was one of only two girls on the trip, but she more than held her own against the boys.

The daughter of Taunton Vale chairman Justin StanhopeWhite, Lolly plays for Somerset in hockey and netball, but polo is her number one pursuit. She has been brushing up on her polo skills in the Vaux Park arena over the winter.

Clarification of Junior HPA and Pony Club handicaps Further to what was printed in the March edition of Polo Times, the entry specifications for the Gannon, Langford, and Hipwood age sections are as follows.

The Gannon section is for players who were under the age of 21 on 1 January 2011. Teams handicaps are from 0 to 5 goals and the sum of the two highest handicapped players must not add up to more than four goals.

The minimum age is 16 on 1 January 2011.

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p64/67 SUPA JM MB.indd 5

The Langford section is for players who were under the age of 18 on 1 January 2011. Team handicaps are from -4 to 0 goal and the sum of the two highest handicapped players must not exceed plus two. The minimum age is 14 on 1 January 2011.

The Hipwood section is for players who were under the age of 15 on 1 January 2011. Team handicaps are from -7 to -5 and each team can only have one zerogoal player. The minimum age is 11 on 1 January 2011.

Bridget Baxter, Jilly Emerson and Simon Taylor are just back from taking two HPA Development Committee trips to Argentina.

This is the first time for many years that British junior players have had the opportunity to play in Argentina.

Of the 12 selected players who went, seven were from Pony Club sections and five from Junior HPA (Hipwood); there were two girls. The two trips went very well and lots of new ideas were picked up.

Firstly, Argentina believe it is much more beneficial for children to play together rather than with adults. Secondly, the games flow due to less technical umpiring. Thirdly, the ponies were terrific and the visiting UK players were well mounted. Finally, no loud, abusive language between players and/ or the umpire was tolerated – it made a pleasant change from some English games.

The UK players were full of enthusiasm and in spite of very long journeys everyone was beautifully mannered. Hurrah!

With the season quickly approaching, please could all players let your branch or team managers know which section you would like to play this year asap. In turn, please could the branch managers let section managers know about the number of teams in each section so we can create the best level of competition for all ages.

The Committee has already had two requests to break with section age limits to help form teams at branch level. While we understand the motivation of these requests, we are extremely reluctant to make exceptions to the rules.

With the possibility of a £2/litre diesel price this summer we really need to think creatively about how we structure our friendly and qualifier tournament structure.

The Jorrocks Training Camp on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June is filling up. Apply to Chris Eaton to book. If you would like to play in the Pony Club Arena Tournaments please contact Jo Whittington.

Anyone wishing to represent their Section on the Players Committee, please contact Theresa Hodges. (All contact details can be found on www.hpa-polo.co.uk) Polo Times, April 2011

67

18/3/11 17:59:33

Knowledge

Playing around – Offchurch Bury Polo Club

Our intrepid improver Carlie Trotter (-2) works her way around the UK’s polo clubs

Learning made fun Carlie Trotter goes back to her student roots to find the university training ground that is Offchurch Bury Polo Club in Warwickshire going from strength to strength High-pitched screeches of “she ain’t that tough, show her how it’s done”, “you can do it pork chop” and “have it” ring out across the arena as I struggle to stifle my laughter and score a goal against a fanatical Warwick University team on their home turf of Offchurch Bury Polo Club in Warwickshire.

Passing flocks of sheep and early morning ramblers are on the drive through the picturesque estate. I’d almost forgotten I was here to enjoy some high-energy grassroots polo.

As student member Michael Burr canters up he takes one look at my mount Petra – a motorbike of a horse that could as easily jump out of the arena as spin on a sixpence – and thinks better of trying to ride us off.

Half of the club’s 34 ponies are schoolmasters taught to balance even the wobbliest of riders and they

Main picture: Carlie Trotter (far right) rides off against a Warwick player. Right and below: the club also offers polo on grass in the summer

regularly see five university teams through to SUPA finals.

I feel untouchable until my teammate, Zambian pro Grant Collett (who is also a coach at the club), opens his shoulder to pass the ball up and I instinctively shut my eyes and duck slightly.

But backing me up on misnamed youngster Fugly, he lets me cruise calmly to goal to take us into the lead.

Watching Grant take a lesson later I realise why the university squad has risen to 30-odd members; he believes fun comes before finesse and that barrel races or games of tag do infinitely more for novice riding skills than hours on a wooden horse.

In between year-round chukkas, Grant and polo manager Tessa Johnson have been busy planning their wedding.

He jokes: “We’ve made sure the ceremony is in the afternoon so I can

68

PT p68/69 Playing Around JOS MB PJ.indd 2

16/3/11 17:31:53

Playing around – Offchurch Bury Polo Club

play polo in the morning. I’ll jump off a pony, say ‘I do’, then nip for a shower and head to the party.”

I rather doubt that’s going to be allowed, but Tessa does try to meet every player request, no matter how last minute, and the fact the club has become famous for polo-themed hen parties reflects its jovial atmosphere.

Tessa says: “It’s great to hear a bride-to-be say her polo day was the best party she could have had and we’re able to give non-riders the chance to discover polo because the ponies are so well-schooled.”

As student polo continues to grow, Tessa plans to build a 40-stable American barn to house all the members’s new ponies.

The club is certainly a dream place to keep your string, with a cross country course and miles of hacking around.

And to cope with the extra fixtures in the pipeline a third ground has been seeded, which will be in use this season and boarded in time for summer 2012.

Add a new lorry to the mix and you’ve got a club bursting with ambition and enthusiasm that has already got me joining up. F

Soundbites from the sidelines Tessa Johnson – Polo manager “We don’t charge the earth so we’ve kept a steady number of players over the last couple of years and this arena season was busier than ever. I really enjoy watching the horses go well for other people and was chuffed recently when a team from Imperial College said they were the best hirelings they’d ever played. We’re hosting more tournaments this summer and I’m working with the new managers at RLS and Rugby to make sure we alternate fixtures so we can support each other. Where we differ is that we don’t have set fees for chukka hire because I prefer to operate on an individual basis. A six-goaler is going to ask a lot more of a pony than a minus-two-goaler and it’s only fair to take that into account.”

Chris Day – Student member “When I joined a polo taster day here a year ago I’d never sat on a horse – the rest is history. Warwick University polo club now brings between 10 and 14 people for chukkas every Wednesday and we’ve had to increase the taster sessions to three per year to cope with the number of beginners. We’ve been to play at Rugby and the Berkshire and, though those clubs are impressive, what I love about Offchurch Bury is that it feels like one big family. Everyone knows everyone here, there’s nothing better than hanging out round the BBQ after chukkas in summer and I can walk home to Leamington in less than half an hour.”

Eran Clark – Beginner “The club setting is idyllic equestrian country and yet you’re only down the road from Leamington high street.

You can tell Tessa and Grant work seriously hard to care for the ponies and the club facilities are still growing. They make it easy for beginners to become part of the close-knit club, and when I had my second ever lesson with Grant he didn’t try to overload me with info but instead made me feel really relaxed. It’s an intimate enough setting that you can easily meet and share a beer with people and there’s no hint of the egos that you can see elsewhere.” www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p68/69 Playing Around JOS MB PJ.indd 3

Knowledge

Offchurch Bury Vital statistics Playing members 49 Non-playing members School ponies aplenty means everyone gets a go Facilities Two boarded grounds at the centre of the estate plus a new chukka ground beside the main driveway, stick and ball area, summer and winter clubhouses well-stocked with Pimms and hot chocolate respectively, 100x50m purpose-built arena, parking and on-site breeding programme.

Location Set on the historic Offchurch Bury estate in rural Warwickshire, the club lies five minutes from the A45 and Leamington Spa (one hour 25 from London Marylebone), just off Welsh Road and round the corner from The Stag pub, within half an hour of both RLS and Rugby.

Philosophy Ultra fun, recession-proof polo for young players, beginners and low-goalers.

Running the show Zero-goaler and student polo crusader Tessa Johnson takes the helm of this growing, year-round club as chairwoman and manager, alongside her fiancé and resident coach Grant Collett (3). When not intimidating the opposition with the force of his full-swing Grant can be found schooling young ponies. They are ably assisted by groom Dan Bradford, who swapped a career in biology for polo when he discovered the club.

The breeding programme and bespoke pony management service for patrons are headed up by Tessa’s sister Emily and Argentine four-goaler Matias Amaya, of Offa Rex Polo.

Crowd As one of the UK’s most successful university training centres (down the road from Warwick campus), the club is abuzz with students and school kids from October to June, while summer sees pony owners on the Warwickshire circuit and players recently migrated from costlier clubs enter the fray. Supporting pros include Matias Amaya and Hernan Muzzio (4).

Seasonal highlight Every June more than 100 teams descend on Offchurch Bury for the national universities championship and après-polo festivities. The battle for the 0-4 goal Len Trophy also takes place at the end of July.

Livery Full livery, including daily turnout, is £125 a week (or £115 each for two ponies), while DIY costs £55 per week with feed and bedding, and grass livery is available from £20 a week. In summer, patrons can also leave the management of their string to Offa Rex Polo.

Membership Full first-time membership is £450 including HPA subscription, £200 for students or £280 for chukka champs. Stick and balling starts at £25 for 30 minutes, an hour-long group lesson is £45 (£35 for students), and chukka hire ranges from £25-£50. Away match hire is £55 per chukka including transport.

Contact info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk; 07816 830887 Polo Times, April 2011

69

16/3/11 17:32:06

Knowledge

Know your horse

Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet

Safe preparation paramount

Photographs by Thomas Weinberger and Mike Freeman of xcphotos

It’s been a difficult month for our duty vet, who explains how a busy schedule, late nights and an unpleasant experience whilst covering team chasing in March brought him right back down to earth after his holiday As an equine vet with a large percentage of polo clients, the contrast in my daily routine between February and March/April cannot be starker.

In February I enjoyed my last week of holidaying for at least seven months and, when back at work, I spent most of my time dealing with admin – making preparations for the forthcoming summer and admittedly getting around to dealing with a few items of paperwork left over from last year. I did also make a quick escapade by car to Germany to buy some much-needed equipment and visit the clinic of equine orthopaedic specialist, Thomas Weinberger.

I was impressed by the innovation and “can do” attitude in Germany, both in terms of equipment and service. I was able to get bespoke veterinary storage equipment made to fit my car that no one in the UK was interested in making for me, and also noticed that Thomas Weinberger’s clinic was equipped with innovations that would be difficult to come by in the UK. I was particularly impressed by a sling made to suspend a horse recovering from a limb fracture that was hung from a mobile gantry on a pulley system with an adjustable counterbalance. This allowed the vet to reduce easily the horse’s effective weight by any desired amount while enabling it to move around its stable and even lie down and get up. Clever.

Back in England in March a lot of my work was occupied in the thick of preseason vaccinations, teeth rasping and general check-ups. Luckily, emergency calls to treat injured horses out of normal hours are not yet that frequent, but my working days are longer and, until my body adjusts, considerably more exhausting.

70

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p70/71 Know Your Horse JM MB PJ.indd 2

Left: a German counterweight sling reduces the effective weight of horses recovering from limb fractures while allowing them to move around and even lie down

It certainly brought home the dangers of riding at speed, and draws attention to the importance of making sure all our equine athletes, including polo ponies, are in the best possible condition to carry us safely at full gallop. If you have any doubts as to the fitness of any of your polo ponies, whether they have an old injury (to a tendon or eye for example) or whether simply a history of recovering slowly after playing hard, get your vet to check them thoroughly before the season starts to reduce the risk of a nasty accident occurring while playing. F ◗ Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800358 or email mark@emersonequine.com However, with the arena season coming to an end and the outdoor season still some time away, I was able to accept an invitation to provide veterinary cover for the VWH Team Chase in early March – a welcome change from polorelated work. I was impressed to see a good number of polo players competing, and even more impressed by the sight of a couple of polo ponies flying around the course that I’d faced playing arena chukkas the day before! Otherwise, it was an extremely gloomy day with two fatalities – a horse with an irreparably dislocated foot and, minutes later, the tragic death of an experienced female competitor from a fall at an early fence on the course, which made the national press the following week.

Arena three-goal player, Harold Hodges, team-chasing on his Chilean polo pony Violin, a day after they played chukkas at Druids lodge

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:39:02

Know your horse

Physio for thought Checking for wrecked pecs

by Australian high-performance vet Nicola Jagger, specialist in chiropractics and cohesive equine physiotherapy

There are four pectoral muscles at the front of the chest that attach the front legs to the breastbone in horses. They are an extremely important muscle group for movement and respiration.

They also play a crucial role in balance, shoulder extension, lateral work (adduction) and pivoting in tight circles, stopping and changing direction, and can even help maximize lung volume.

Pectoral muscles can be strengthened by walking and trotting across slopes and doing lateral work in arenas.

Nevertheless, your horses’ pecs can still easily be damaged by doing the splits, sudden slide outs and stops. Players most commonly report shortness through the shoulders and “girthiness” when these muscles have been damaged.

Thus, to assess the pecs: 1. Stand in front of your horse and look at the arch between the front legs 2. The shape should be even, indicating even muscle development and weight bearing 3. Stretch the front legs, feeling for tightness in the shoulders.

4. These are useful indicators but, if in doubt, it’s always worth calling your local physio.

Gaucho

tips for grooms

Grooms should not accept horses not travelling well or sustaining injuries while in the lorry. Unless it’s due to a bad driver, there are several things to keep an eye on.

If you have a horse that doesn’t travel well, find out why.

Stomping or losing footing is a typical sign that the horse is panicking and needs more space. If a horse is upset by others around it, try loading them in a different order. Hay nets can also be a good distraction.

On arriving at an event, let the horses eat some grass and stretch their necks and offer water little and often. Don’t tie them to the side mirrors, bumpers or ramp gates. Horses can easily destroy your lorry if they pull away.

Always use thin bailer twine when tying up ponies, as it breaks easily. If you come across thick bailer twine, split it and only use a few thin strands rather than the whole lot.

Last, but not least, don’t leave head collars hanging from the lorry or lines, the horses still tied up can easily get a leg caught and suffer terrible injuries. www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p70/71 Know Your Horse JM MB PJ.indd 3

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

How do I provide condition without the calories?

So, for the majority of you, your ponies will have been in work for nearly a month and hopefully your scruffy ponies are gradually turning into sleek, muscular athletes.

During my recent travels, I have found most ponies have wintered well.

Generally, ponies are being brought back into work on either a high fibre, low energy cube or a conditioning cube. At this stage of fitness, their feed has been built up to two round scoops per day, which will be increased again as work increases.

At one yard I was asked about a mare that is a “good doer”, had a “deep girth” and “wide sprung ribs”.

She was working well and needed the energy from the conditioning cubes but when she received the recommended quantities she held too much weight, but when the cubes were cut back she lost top line.

My main concern for this particular pony was that, not only would she continue to lose top line and muscle when she wasn’t given the recommended amounts, but her risks of exercise intolerance – such as tying-up, fatigue and lacking stamina – would be increased as she starts working harder.

The answer was to add a balancer to the reduced quantity of conditioning cubes. This way she will receive protein, vitamins and minerals to support an increasing workload and maintain top line. What the balancer won’t do is provide calories – an equine SlimFast!

At the same yard, I was also pleased to see the grooms feeding haylage all day and night, and to the good doers too. At this point of fitness a bit of a belly is not a problem, as this will tighten up with fast work.

Cómo mantenerlos en óptimas condiciones sin calorías?

Muchos de Uds. habrán empezado a trabajar los caballos y espero que no estén más sucios y peludos, sino que lentamente empiecen a parecerse a atletas musculosos y elegantes!

En uno de los establos que visité ultimamente, una petisera estaba preocupada por una yegua que es “mantenida”: es ancha de cincha y tiene una caja torácica profunda.

Si bien estaba trabajando correctamente, necesitaba de la energía que proveen los cubos de acondicionamiento pero al recibir las cantidades recomendadas engordó mucho y al recibir menos perdió musculatura superior.

La petisera me preguntó angustiada: “Qué puedo hacer?”.

En este caso en particular me preocupaba que al reducir la ración de cubos esta yegua no sólo perdería la musculatura de la línea superior sino que al aumentar la exigencia del trabajo aumentaría también el riesgo

de sufrir envaramientos, fatiga y de ver su resistencia limitada.

Lo más indicado fue entonces agregar un balanceador para sustituir la reducción en la cantidad de cubos. Con esto nos aseguramos que recibiera las proteínas, vitaminas y minerales requeridas para mantener la musculatura superior aun con el incremento en la actividad.

Lo que el balanceador no hará es proveer calorías – comparable a una dieta para humanos que promete bajar de peso rápido en forma saludable.

Un punto que quisiera resaltar es que en este establecimiento en particular, noté con agrado que los caballos tenían acceso a haylage todo el tiempo, día y noche, aun los caballos mantenidos!

Los caballos parecían estar contentos y relajados, al igual que los petiseros, y yo me fuí con una sonrisa!

◗ Contact Lorna Edgar on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, April 2011

71

16/3/11 17:39:49

Knowledge

Know your game

Must-have tips for players – from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner

Jobs for the boys In recent months there have been some interesting articles that have covered the difficulties facing young English players. I have been playing polo now for nearly 15 years and, for as long as I can remember, developing young talent has always been a hot topic of conversation.

Financial insecurity is a phrase that is often used when young English players are being discussed. But there are financial considerations in all walks of life and so polo is no different.

Indeed, it is not a cheap sport to play and, as you improve, it only gets more expensive. Nevertheless, if you are talented enough, realistically those insecurities will become less significant the better you get.

In an effort to help young English players achieve their goals, the latest possible move by the HPA is to introduce a rule that would mean high-goal teams must include at least one English homegrown player. There is a similar situation in America and it would be interesting to see it in place over here. The high-goal has helped many young English players to get going over the years and this rule would see a more consistent flow of homegrown talent competing at the top level, year after year.

The comparison between young

English and young Argentine players is always being made. The Copa Potrillos covered in the January/February issue of Polo Times is broadly equivalent to our Pony Club, and many of Argentina’s top players would have played in this

Raising our top polo to 26-goal would create more opportunities for English players at all levels tournament when they were kids, as the Brits do in Pony Club.

However, this is but one of only a few similarities for the polo systems of the two countries, which are actually very different. Argentina’s great advantage is their association tournaments, because they are so widely available and so cheap to enter. This means that, while there are some patrons who enter teams (such as Alfio Marchini and Craig McKinney), the vast majority of teams that play are made up of groups of friends and families. This amateur-style setup gives players the opportunity to regularly compete in open tournaments with high handicappers and improve.

In England, we are restricted in the polo that we can play. To start with, we can only play up to 22-goal polo, and the 18, 15 and 12-goal is also extremely competitive. Currently, at the

lower handicap levels, many teams are put together with two patrons, so there are fewer spots than ever for lowerhandicapped players.

It would be interesting to see how introducing 24 or 26-goal polo to the British calendar would increase the numbers of English players in regular work. It’s something for the HPA to think about, as English five and six-goal players need to be able to play regularly in 22-goal polo, just as two, three and four-goalers need to be playing 15-goal to improve. Hopefully with a 26-goal schedule for example there would be more teams and increased opportunities for English players to play at a higher level – and this would, in turn, create spaces on teams throughout the lower levels as players move up the handicaps.

It would also be good to see a further restriction on the handicap of players in low-goal. The HPA could make a maximum player handicap of four goals in 8-goal competition, or five goals for the 12-goal. This would make a big difference and give young English players greater chances to get on a team. F ◗ What do you think about changing the handicap levels of the UK high-goal?

Tell us at letters@polotimes.co.uk

Mind games Mind games Mind Sports psychologist Miranda Banks on what polo players need to think about to optimise their Key to success is a player’s ability to execute technical skill when it counts.

First, those skills need to be acquired, absorbed and developed. Here are some basic rules for practice: 1. Train regularly and with purpose. For every session, set specific targets and evaluate and record if they’ve been met 72 Polo Times, April 2011

PT p72/73 Know Your Game JM MB PJ.indd 2

2. Get the technique right first. Take good advice and invest in coaching so you ensure that what you are doing in training is correct. It’s no good if the muscle memory you build up on horseback is ultimately working against your improvement. Use experts and video feedback to check you’re actually practising and maintaining the right actions www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:42:06

Know your game

Knowledge

Fit for purpose

Avoiding injury

James de Mountfort, polo player and personal trainer to the Red Bull F1 Racing Team reveals the exercises and techniques that will help your polo

Essential tips, by the game’s go-to expert, Linda Byrne

This month I begin with some general conditioning to strengthen the areas affected with the common muscle imbalances that go with playing a unilateral game, as discussed in the last issue. However, always be aware that any exercise undertaken without professional supervision is a risk. Therefore, always remember that the aim isn’t to go only for as long as you can, it’s to maintain excellent technique for as long as you can.

Balance boards are a great tool for building core strength and injecting some fun into your workout. I have several in the studio and regularly use them to train my clients. One of the main reasons for using a balance board is to improve proprioception (our awareness of the position of our joints).

Begin this exercise on your hands and knees: 1. Rest your forearms on the floor 2. walk your feet back until your shoulders are directly over the elbows and your torso is parallel to the floor 3. Press your inner forearms and elbows firmly against the floor. Keep your shoulders away from your ears (the opposite of a shrug). This packs the muscles of the shoulder to stabilize the shoulder joint 4. Lift your navel towards your spine, sucking your tummy in, as if wearing a tight corset 5. Lift the base of your skull away from the back of the neck and look straight down at the floor, keeping the throat and eyes soft 6. Aim to breathe in a controlled, long and relaxed manner whilst doing this, if possible (beginners may struggle to do this, so may only be able to maintain good technique for 15-20 seconds) 7. Each time you do this, aim to tense the muscles and hold the position for as long as possible (some experts can do it for more than five minutes) ◗ Contact James on 07949 455712 or james@personally-trained.co.uk to put together your own regime to get you fit for purpose

Mind games Mind games performances. This month – tutoring essential playing techniques in your game 3. Start small. With new skills, break them down into manageable parts then link those parts together.

Develop each one by practising them slowly and then speed up.

4. Visualise. Repeat those moves in your mind off the field as frequently as you can. www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p72/73 Know Your Game JM MB PJ.indd 3

5. Practise the moves you’re good at as well as those you’re not: your successes will energise you to invest more effort into conquering the techniques you struggle with and the plays you find difficult ◗ Contact Miranda on 07789 933936 and miranda@mirandabanks.com

Proprioceptive training is extremely common in the rehabilitation of joint injuries but is just as effective in the prevention of injury. Shoulder problems are common amongst players so try this exercise, which I call the “upper body board balance”, to boost your chances of avoiding injury and improve your core. Though slightly similar to James’s exercise (left), this focuses on stability and encouraging all the body’s muscles to work together: 1. Kneeling down, place your hands on either end of the board 2. Maintain stability for one minute 3. Draw your belly button in to tighten the abdominal muscles 4. Tuck your toes under and lift your body up 5. Keep your back straight, ensuring there is a straight line from ankles to ears ◗ Linda Byrne is an equestrian and extreme sports biomechanics fitness specialist. Contact her on 07535 655338 and lindabyrne23@gmail.com Polo Times, April 2011

73

16/3/11 17:42:16

Virtually dust free Quick to muck out Forms a firm & stable bed Great value

For more information call 0844 2640 485 or visit www.ecocomfybed.co.uk

EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER

feeds for optimum condition, fitness and performance enquiries@tallyhofarm.co.uk www.tallyhofarm.co.uk Crouch Lane Winkfield Windsor Berkshire SL4 4RZ tel 01344 885373

74 Polo Times, April 2011

PT p74/75 Ones to watch JOS MB PJ.indd 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 17:00:16

Ones to watch

Knowledge

Roddy Williams

Photograph by Nico Petracchi

looks good for a Barbados Open repeat, says John O’Sullivan

Sibarita

Height: 15.5hh Age: 8 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Breed: Mestizo/Thoroughbread Owner: Saeed Bin Drai

Argentine-bred gelding Sibarita turned more than a few heads at the Royal Jet Dubai Silver Cup, where he was voted best playing pony. John O’Sullivan talked to owner Saeed Bin Drai about what makes the eight-year-old such a unique polo pony How did you come to buy Sibarita?

Nearly every year I buy horses from Argentina for both my set ups, at Pegglesworth Farm in Gloucestershire and home in Dubai. I have Nicolas, my polo manager, short list around 24 horses to choose from in Argentina. Last year while in Argentina Nicolas wanted me to try Sibarita. I did not know what to expect, but when I first played him in Pilar, I realised that he was the pony for me.

What level of polo have you played Sibarita in?

I have played him mostly in15-goal tournaments in Argentina and in Dubai - with the Dubai Silver and

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

The strength is the power, speed and agility of the pony. He turns very well. The brakes are like ABS so you have to hold on! The only weakness is that he does not travel well.

What is Sibarita’s temperament like?

He is a very calm horse with small strides and extremely responsive when asked. He transforms into a different horse in the heat of the game. He is the type of horse that can be ridden by anyone.

He won the best playing pony at the Royal Jet Cup Dubai Silver Cup. What are your plans for him next?

After the Gold Cup it will be time to get him ready for the next polo season in Argentina.

What do you plan do to with Sibarita when you retire him?

I will either send him to the farm and he will be well looked after and I will occasionally ride him. Or I will allow a willing family that I trust to use him for hacks in the desert, nothing too stressful for the horse.

Photograph by James Mullan

Why is he such a favourite?

The explosive power he has is incredible. And he is not only incredibly fast but light in the mouth and stops on a dime. It’s not often you find such a pony.

Gold Cup it is ideal since both are medium goal.

Next year there might be a Bronze Cup too.

England five-goaler Roddy Williams stole the show as his Courtesy/ Nissan team won the 2010 Barbados Open. But he believes the side may need a bit of luck to retain the crown this month (23 March to 3 April).

The Guards Polo Club regular teams up once again with locals Stewart Gill (0) and Alex Cole (2), while English youngster Jack Richardson (3) replaces Christian Chavez in the only change to the 2010 line-up.

Williams is hopeful the side will finish top of the pile again this year, but he is expecting a very tough test.

He said: “There are eight teams in the Open and probably six of them have a genuine chance of winning.

It is a real tournament in that regard.

We are very happy with our team but it really is too close to call.

“Not to take away from our win last year, but we did have a nice slice of luck. In the semi-final we were a goal behind in the last chukka and one flew in from 60 yards. This year something like that could well decide the tournament again.”

Stewart Gill and Alex Cole will mount the defending champions in 2011 and Williams believes horse power will be of utmost importance in the Caribbean heat. He said: “It is so hot, I think the key factor is being able to retain power in your horses.

“The horses in Barbados are just getting better every year, as are all of the facilities. It is amazing to think that only about five years ago there was only one field on the island capable of hosting a 15-goal tournament, but now there are five.”

Roddy Williams in Barbados last year

Page sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds – experts in polo nutrition Tel: +44 (0)1371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p74/75 Ones to watch JOS MB PJ.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

75

16/3/11 16:54:41

Knowledge

How to spend it

Motors Ferrari FF Protagonists in the battle of the polo club car park have always had two very distinct choices – do you go for the style of a top-end sports car, or do you go for the practicality of a Land Rover, hatch-back or estate car?

But, if the latest offering from Italian racing experts Ferrari is anything to go by, all of that could be about to change.

The Ferrari FF, officially unveiled at March’s Geneva Motor Show, is the firm’s first ever model with four-wheel-drive. FF is an acronym for FerrariFour, which also refers to the spacious (for a Ferrari at least) four-seat layout.

Compared to most sports cars, the FF also gives you a remarkable amount of boot space for lugging around your polo gear. The 450-litre boot space, which is the same as many small saloon cars, can be extended to 800 litres by folding forward the rear seats.

Adrenalin alternatives with Andrew Dent This month: UK Helicopter Games To tie in with the Royal Wedding, I thought it would be timely to focus this month’s Adrenalin on one of Prince William’s most famous pursuits (outside playing polo of course).

The second in line to the throne became a fullylicensed RAF pilot last year and regularly takes part in helicopter search and rescue missions.

But even Wills and his heroic air force buddies would be hard-pressed to match the exploits of the adrenalin junkies who take part in one of the great pro-am events of the UK aviation calendar – the UK Helicopter Games.

First up at the tournament is the Navigation Exercise and Timed Arrival.

Prior to flying a circular course of around 100 miles, competitors have 40 minutes to plan. Just before their scheduled departure time, with rotors running, they get a sealed envelope containing more detailed instructions which must be plotted whilst airborne.

En route tasks include searching for ground markers, photo recognition, passing over given points at precise times and dropping flour bombs. Back at the field the crew must fly a timed square pattern and finally lower a skittle onto a sloping roof target.

Next, the Precision Square entails navigating

a square course with long and short markers attached to the helicopters. One marker must always maintain ground contact and one must always be clear, and at the same time the markers must be kept within a set of tram lines.

Day two features a couple of hovering events; the Slalom and the Fender. These are a test of the crew’s co-ordination and the pilot’s skill in precision manoeuvring. In the Slalom, the crew must carry a bucket of water on the end of a rope around a course of gates, finally placing the bucket on a target. Run against the clock, there are penalties for missing gates, spilling water and missing the centre of the target. During the Fender event, each crew must carry a boat fender and drop it in a barrel before returning to the start and repeating the process twice more against the clock. Up to fifty crews take part, some military, most civilian, but if it all sounds simple, it isn’t. I have seen a navigator throw up from spatial disorientation and a crew sent home early for dangerous flying. To take part as a navigator all you need is good persuasion skills and a compliant pilot with either a decent helicopter of their own or a big cheque book – preferably both. www.hcgb.co.uk/

Calibre de Cartier

But, it is important to remember this car is a Ferrari after all. And the new 6.3 litre V12 petrol engine produces 651 brake horse power, boasts a 0-60 time under 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 208mph. If you are not the kind of person that is happy to compromise, the FF could offer you the best of both worlds.

The FF is already available to order, but first deliveries to the UK won’t be until October. And, be warned, the waiting list is already filling up.

Prices start from £225,000 76

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p76/77 Spend it JOS JM MB.indd 2

As if retaining the Cartier International Dubai Trophy was not enough for Guards zero-goaler Clive Reid and his Desert Palm teammates recently (see page 58-59), they were also presented with a classic timepiece by the famed French watchmakers and tournament sponsors Cartier.

The stylish Calibre de Cartier is available in five styles; all featuring an automatic winding mechanism, a calendar aperture at three o’clock and a subsidiary seconds counter at six o’clock. The pictured chocolate brown model is accented with 18k pink gold.

Prices start at £5,000

World class facilities in Hampshire Located in the heart of Hampshire’ Test Valley, Clarendon House is a wonderful country house with a world-class equestrian training centre, with ample opportunities for the discerning polo enthusiast.

This 70-acre property offers a seven-bedroom country house, an indoor arena, outdoor dressage and show jumping arenas; a cross country schooling course, 24 boxes and staff accommodation.

Clarendon House is being sold through Savills Winchester. Guide price is £3.5m www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 15:27:35

$YDUN

Aardvark Safaris arranges riding safaris, coastal rides, polo holidays and drag hunting as well as walking, canoeing and vehicle based safaris throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. World class beach holidays on Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mainland and private islands.

Email us for details to enter our competition WIN a holiday to African Horseback Safaris, Botswana Aardvark Safaris Ltd Telephone: 01578 760222 Email: alice@aardvarksafaris.com www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk Free places available for organisers of trips with more than eight people.

PT p76/77 Spend it.indd 3 $YDUN DGYHUW [ LQGG

16/3/11 18:24:33

Knowledge

Products

Saddle up for the season With a wide variety of polo saddles available on the market, including bespoke saddles tailored to your exact needs, Georgie May picks out 12 of the best

La Martina ladies: £430

www.lamartina.com Jaguar suede: £1,750

www.jaguarequestrian.com

Bespoke Ideal (one made for Veuve Clicquot shown): £1,040

www.idealsaddle.com

Black Country suede: £940

www.blackcountrysaddles.com

Asprey Gracida: £750

www.aspreypolo.com Barnsby Whitney: £1,400

www.barnsby.com

78

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p78/79 Products JM MB PJ.indd 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 18:01:07

Products

Knowledge

Bespoke Pampeano: £595

www.pampeano.co.uk Pampeano suede: £445

www.pampeano.co.uk

GG/Polo Splice: £775

www.polosplice.co.uk

Bespoke Heritage: £799

www.heritagesaddlery.co.uk

Casablanca: £623

www.casablancapolo.com

SATS suede seat: £355

www.satsfaction.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p78/79 Products JM MB PJ.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

79

16/3/11 18:01:28

Knowledge

What’s on

What’s on in April 2011 UK highlights High and medium-goal Cirencester – 0-40 Goal Tournament (0-40 goal): 23 April – 8 May Guards – The Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15 goal): 20 April – 15 May Hurtwood – Polo Masters (18): 30 April – 15 May

Low-goal St Albans – The Easter Challenge (0-2; -2-0; -6--2 goal): 9-10 April

Rugby – 2-6 Goal tournament: 10-11 April Druids – Spring Cup (3-4 goal): 23-24 April Beaufort – The Badminton Cup (4-8 goal): 27 April – 8 May Kirtlington – The May Cup (0-4): 27 April – 2 May Epsom – St George’s Cup (0-4): 30 April – 2 May

Open Wicklow – USA (Yale) vs Ireland (Open): 1-3 April Tidworth – Adm Kumar Cup, RN vs Eton (Open): 23 April

RLS – The RLS Gold Cup (Open): 30 April – 1 May

Full listings available to view on the tournaments section of the Polo Times website: www.polotimes.co.uk

Overseas highlights Argentina Palermo – Copa de las Naciones (26-28 goal): 17-24 April

La Aguada – La Aguada Open (Open): 20-30 April La Aguada – Novillitos Cup (Open): 25-30 April Australia Garangula – Garangula/Gundalong Tournament (12 goal): 2-3 and 9-10 April Windsor Polo Club – Morton Cup (12): 22-25 April

Barbados Clifton, Waterhall, Lion Castle and Buttals Barbados Open (10 goal): 23 March – 3 April

Holders and Apes Hill – Ladies Tour (Open): 13-17 April

Jamaica Kingston – BNS Jamaica Open (12): 7-10 April USA IPBPC – US Open (26 goal): 20 March – 17 April IPBPC – Hall of Fame Cup (20-26): 1-16 April

Other dates Tattersalls – Craven Breeze-Up Sale (two-year-olds in training): 12-14 April Brightwells, Cheltenham – April Sale (three- and four-year-olds, national hunt horses in training and point to pointers): 13 April Brightwells, Ascot – Bloodstock Sale (flat and national hunt horses in and out of training, point to pointers and untried youngstock): 18 April Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – Flat Breeze-Up Sale: 19-20 April Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – April HIT Sales (flat and national hunt horses in training): 21 April

TV highlights on Horse & Country TV (Sky 280) 2 April, 7pm: Argentine Open 2010, La Dolfina vs Sao José 19 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, La Dolfina vs Sao José 20 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Chapa Uno vs Pilarà 21 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Ellerstina vs Alegria 22 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, La Aguada vs Indios Chapaleufù II 23 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Pilarà vs Sao José 24 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, La Dolfina vs Chapa Uno 26 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Ellerstina vs Indios Chapaleufù II 27 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, La Dolfina vs Pilarà (semi-finals) 28 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Ellerstina vs La Aguada (semi-finals) 29 April, 1pm: Argentine Open 2010, Ellerstina vs La Dolfina (final) 80

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p80/81 Whats On JM MB PJ.indd 2

Club contacts UK and Ireland

South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 01344 829955 * Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 01273 400179 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01344 875155 Epsom – 01372 748200 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07946 360569 Park Lane – 01491 411969 RMAS – 01276 412276 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 01865 858475 * East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 Carlton House – 01986 892231 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Silver Leys – 01279 652652 St Albans – 07879 866647 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974 South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lynt – 07957 468220 * Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Orchard – 01258 471000 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 01460 242684 * West Somerset – 01844 820432 Midlands Foxhill – 0115 9651790 Offchurch Bury – 07816 830887 Leadenham – 07816 216356 Ranksboro – 01572 720046 RLS – 01926 812409 Rugby – 01788 817724 * Rutland – 01572 724568 North Beverley – 01964 544455 * Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 * White Rose – 01430 875767 * Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602 Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 * Stewarton – 07974 706045 Ireland All Ireland – +353 (0) 1 6896732 Bunclody – +353 87 6605917 Curraghmore – +353 51 387102 Donaghadee – 02891 882521 Limerick – +353 (0) 87 2231690 Moyne – +353 85 1313224 Northern Ireland – 02890 727905 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 * Waterford – +353 51 595280 * denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 18:04:04

PT p80/81 Whats On JM MB PJ.indd 3

18/3/11 15:58:43

Sidelines

Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk

Wedding fever has very much been in the air in the polo world during the start of 2011, with several familiar faces tying the knot in the first three months of the year.

England number one James Beim was the first to walk down the aisle on Saturday 22 January with his new wife Lauren, who hails from Australia. They were married in a beautiful outdoor wedding at the picturesque Sylvan Glen guesthouse and golf resort in Bowral, New South Wales, 150km south of Sydney.

Cirencester five-goaler David Allen and James’s brother Tom, who now plays off three, were the joint best men at a gathering full of polo people. Ben, Chloe and Tamara Vestey were all in attendance along with Nina and John Paul Clarkin.

Australian polo was well represented with Jim, Ali, Stewart and June Gilmore and Jeff and Mandy Fisher from Ellerston. Aussie pro Rob Archibald and his parents Sally and James and Aussie patron Mike King and his wife Kelly were also in attendance. James and Shannon Harper, Ben and Rachel Turner, Tom and Jana Morley and Rob and Sue Cudmore completed the polo crowd.

Look-a-likes

Right: James Beim tied the knot with Lauren Carter in Australia Inset: Seb Dawnay and his new wife Louisa (née Crofton)

Also taking their vows recently were Ash Farm pro Seb Dawnay and RCBPC polo manager Louisa Crofton. The pair were engaged on New Year’s Eve and were registered as married in an intimate ceremony at Maidenhead Town Hall on Saturday 12 March. They plan a larger wedding at Seb’s home in Waterford, Ireland later in November.

Elsewhere, the new Mrs Dawnay was made polo manager of the Winkfield-based RCBPC for the winter season. And it has been confirmed that she will continue in that role this summer.

There will be an Aussie flavour to the 2011 summer season at Lynt Polo Club after the Wiltshire-based club confirmed that former Cirencester and Edgeworth member and Australia-based three-goaler Corin Gibbs will be joining them.

Having spent the winter in the southern hemisphere, he is expected in England shortly with his wife Amber and his young baby, who is due this month.

One of Corin’s former clubs, Edgeworth, is also set to unveil a new face. Polo Times understands that Sarah Ingham will join JP Smail et al at the Gloucester-based club as polo manager.

Quote of the month “I have to concede I made mistakes. I take responsibility for that.”

Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Brett 82

Polo Times, April 2011

PT p82/83 Gossip/SUPA JM MB.indd 2

HPA chief exec David Woodd’s reaction to the England players’ pay storm in China (see page 6).

Another Kidd on the way The polo-mad Kidd clan are set for another new arrival after model-turned-actress-turnedpolo spokesperson Jodie Kidd announced that she is expecting her first child with Argentine six-goaler Andrea Vianini.

The 32-year-old former Vogue cover girl has been dating Vianini since last May. And they are expecting their little bundle of joy in August.

The new arrival will join the fast-growing Kidd contingent out in Barbados. Her polo-playing brother Jack has five children, while sister Jemma has twins.

Photograph courtesy of Polo in the Park

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Wedding bells are ringing throughout the polo world

Andrea Vianini and Jodie Kidd at Polo in the Park 2010

Facebook status update of the month “Shame the papa is a PUTO.” Jack Kidd’s tongue-in-cheek reaction to his sister’s news www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 15:35:46

Sidelines

nes

Paul Semple and Emily Johnson of Offchurch Bury Polo Club

Bristol University’s novices, doing what they do best

SUPA National University Arena Polo Championships – 19 February 2011 The Hand Equestrian Centre, Bristol Tiger twins terrorise the teenage teams Abi Watts and Jenny Doherty from Rugby with friend Jayna

Rugby Polo Club’s Phil Baker (middle) takes a night off

Students produce a three-ring circus The “Clevedon Carnival” produced a few weary faces on finals day at the SUPA National University Arena Polo Championships. The party, held on the Saturday night during the championships and organised by Bristol University’s Lucy Keen, attracted students from universities across the country, including the brave Warwick University team who had a game at 8am on Sunday morning.

The arena was overtaken by inflatable’s which were scattered with students dressed as anything from clowns to tigers. Warwick University chose sailors and, although not quite on theme, the outfits were outrageous and fun.

The bar offered all types of concoctions including champagne for those who wanted to splash out, and the student bar meant it was heaving all night with more than 400 revellers. There was plenty of dancing and partying which carried on back at Warrens Holiday Village, where most students were staying for the four days. w Photographs by Ed Phillips Images, words

by Rebecca Walters w See what happened in the polo on page 64

Despite freezing conditions in the arena, players strip down for Gladitorial combat

Students embraced the “Clevedon Carnival” theme for the party with aplomb

Royal Vet College veterans, Dave Blakey and Will McFadzean with friends

PT p82/83 Gossip/SUPA JM MB.indd 3

18/3/11 15:36:10

Sidelines

Adrian Laplacette, Sebastian Meister and Pedro Fernandez Llorente relax in the evening Federica Vega De Vargas and Pedro Castillo

Carlos De Moya, John Gobin and Scott Silver

Enrique De Bonetti and Anni Canaan De Bonetti

Carlos Hidalgo, Ellis Perez, Tito Gaudenzi and Reyson Pimentel

Anois Governatori and Alessandra Balzarini

Second Annual Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana – 25-27 February 2011 Dominican Republic, The Caribbean

Glamorous and gorgeous on sand Anni Canaan De Bonetti, Luis Aflonso Paniagua, Enrique Bonetti and Lorelay Castillo

Michele Conigliaro and Jacqui Gnazzo Shell Cadenas and Calixto García Velez

The three-day Beach Polo World Cup Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic proved an action packed tournament both on and off the field.

Friday night witnessed a beach party with special guest DJ Erok from Miami that went on into the early hours.

On Saturday the dignitaries all swarmed to Il Capuccino in the breathtaking Cap Cana Marina where they enjoyed Italian food before dancing the night away.

On the final day, Sunday, Jaunillo Beach’s idyllic beach bar, just 200 metres from the polo ground, played host to the farewell drinks party.

Tatiana and Guadalupe Llorente

w See page 61 for the on-the-field action w Photos by Lifestyle Companies

Rhea Gutperle and Lauren Gnazzo

Pitu Senz, Carlene Gnazzo, Michelle Congliario and Jacqui Gnazzo

Reyson Pimentel, Alan Martinez, Lorelay Castillo, Dennis Santana and Pedro Soria on the red carpet

84

PT p84/85 Dominican Rep JOS MB JM.indd 2

18/3/11 15:37:05

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p84/85 Dominican Rep JOS MB JM.indd 3

Polo Times, April 2011

85

18/3/11 16:46:46

Sidelines

A rare photograph of all three princes playing together, as Charles helps teach his sons at Longdole in 2000

William, tracked closely by Satnam Dhillon (yellow helmet) in the Dorchester Trophy at Cirencester Park in June 2010

A decade of action around Great Britain

Royal recorded: Prince William through the years Centrepoint’s Seyi Obakin with HRH

William last year at Watership Down

Prince William’s polo has long been the subject of great interest amongst the mainstream media and the general populous, curious presumably to see such a generally well-protected public figure engaging in what is considered a dangerous sport.

The great excitement surrounding the prince’s polo means his appearances require careful management and, these days, they tend to take the form of charity events with very little publicity or entirely behind-closed-doors matches. In essence, whenever he plays, it is as part of a private event – polo does not form a function of his public duties. However, though we may see him in action only rarely, it’s safe to say William has come a long way since his first lessons with Rob Cudmore at Longdole in the late 1990s.

While it’s unlikely he will be risked in a competitive game just days before his wedding as Prince Charles was, it nevertheless seems William is fast becoming a player of genuine note in his own right. And, that polo has become one of his biggest fundraising vehicles of choice, is a great compliment to our game.

Jon Zammett (far left), the princes and Luke and Mark Tomlinson look on as Lord Janvrin speaks at the Audi Challenge last year

Prince William at Coworth Park in 2009

w Photographs by Zahra Hanbury, Charles Sainsbury-Plaice, Rory Merry, Peter Meade and courtesy of Centrepoint w Read more on pages 14 and 28 William’s polo teacher Rob Cudmore (in yellow) makes to hook his stick as teammate Matt Hitchman looks on behind

Prince Harry takes advice from his brother at Longdole in 2002

The prince in action at RMA Sandhurst in July 2009

PT p86/87 Sidelines William/Gold Cup JM PJ MB.indd 2

William, playing at Ham, photographed

by Rory Merry

18/3/11 18:00:43

Sidelines

Lizzie Ross, Polonetwork’s Lucy Northmore, Tarquin Southwell and Angela Brady and Emma Southwell

Simon Holley

Roddy Williams, Peter Brigham, Michael Bickford

Arena Gold Cup Players’ Party – 19 February 2011 Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

The mystique of Mayfair comes to the Berkshire The infamous Arena Gold Cup Players’ Polo Party, hosted this year by Mayfair’s Cirque du Soir, was a very lavish affair.

Following a casual tapas-style lunch, which was well received by all, Cirque du Soir treated the players and dignitaries to a variety of acts from polo playing emus to burlesque dancers and contortionists. For those who preferred a more traditional party, DJ Chico kept the crowd at the Berkshire partying late into the night.

It was a fitting finale to an exciting day of polo, following an exhilarating five-chukka final. The Berkshire would like to give special thanks to Cirque du Soir for such a memorable after-party and to Altyon for their support of the whole event. Adrenalin Polo, La Chamiza, The Polo Magazine and UberPolo also presented prizes.

Sebastian Dawnay and Charlotte Sweeney

Michael Amoore

Burlesque dancer from Cirque de Soir

w Photographs by Gillian Hughes, words by Ben Crampin w For a full report from the Arena Gold Cup, see page 52

Chris Hyde and Ryan Pemble

Sally Dawson, Jamie Le Hardy and Zoë Williams

Geoff and Julie Tomas

Carla Smith and Louisa Dawnay

Graham Wooldridge and Greta Morrison

Paul Knight, Andrew Murray and Mark Haydon-Kellard 87

PT p86/87 Sidelines William/Gold Cup JM PJ MB.indd 3

18/3/11 14:22:51

Australian commentator Jim Hilston and Paul Chow, who spoke English, Mandarin and Cantonese

Anmar Al Nimer-Hmoud, the Jordanian Ambassador to Tianjin

International Snow Polo Challenge Metropolitan Polo Club, China – 15-20 February

Warm welcome for winter

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club founder Harald Link, who arrived for the final

Snow polo events have become the lavish epitome of the class, glamour, style and beauty that people typically associate with the game more generally. Spectacularly photogenic and emotive, the exhilaration and intensity of the action is somehow all the more emphasised by the peace and clarity of the white blanket it is set against.

However, having reported on polo on snow on a handful of occasions before, the other thing I’ve learnt is that they are also always spectacularly freezing. That may seem obvious, but taking notes and photographs in the hostile natural environment and harsh conditions of the Alps often tends not to feel quite as glamorous as it probably ought to.

Yet, not so in China. The world’s emerging super-power (now it’s second largest economy) likes to buck trends and do things differently. Creating an artificially snowy ground meant spectators still had the entertainment of watching horses and players adapt to the peculiar new surface in the early stages, and yet the natural mildness of the climate meant they were also able to watch in relative comfort as the tournament went on to reach its thrilling climax. Which it did. w See pages 6 and 44 from more from the tournament w Words and photographs by James Mullan

England captain Oli Hipwood predicts a famous victory

PT p88/89 China JM MB PJ.indd 2

A photocall for Metropolitan Polo Club’s president Rowland Wong, who attracted extensive media attention all week

England’s entourage (l-r): coach Howard Hipwood, captain Oli Hipwood, Max Routledge, Ollie Cudmore and HPA representative John Tinsley

16/3/11 17:53:29

England’s Oli Hipwood talks to Polo Times editor James Mullan immediately after his side’s bruising triumph over Argentina

For many, the glamour of Asia’s first snow polo tournament was an opportunity to make a bold public fashion statement

President Rowland Wong and chairman Pan Sutong lead local dignitaries in toasting the tournament’s success

Beijing-based female player Hao Xin Yu and Coworth Park’s Major Iain Forbes-Cockell

Tim Bown radios across to his fellow umpire Tony Keyte

Izzy Branch, once of Cirencester, now Tianjin

Polo director Derek Reid oversees the action

The snow and sport provided interest for all ages of the family

PT p88/89 China JM MB PJ.indd 3

Max Routledge’s showjumping girlfriend Emily Llewellyn enjoys the English victory

Weird and wonderful entertainment occupied the crowds between games all week

89

16/3/11 17:53:05

Sidelines

A waitress presents a menu at the Gaucho-hosted VIP lunch before the evening’s games

The Test Match teams: England vs Argentina (back row); and Scotland vs South Africa (front)

Gaucho International – London’s O2 Arena Thursday 24 February 2011

Martin Williams, operations director at Gaucho Restaurants

Steaks and showbiz

Scotland’s Howard Smith sprays Pommery in celebration of their splendid victory over South Africa

IPA’s Charlie Froggatt with selected polo people, including PT’s James Mullan and John O’Sullivan

Rather like the polo that followed in the main auditorium of the former Millennium Dome, the beautiful lunch generously laid on in the Gaucho’s permanent onsite restaurant in the O2 came in small, digestible portions, designed to whet the tastebuds without overloading them.

Amongst the diners enjoying three separate cuts of steak were Herbert Spencer, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and wife Annie, a posse of big cheeses from sponsors Camino Real and Bank EFG, and Roderick Vere Nicoll.

The steaks followed a crab starter, while the bite-size choices on the polo ground included a celebrity match featuring 70-time capped Scottish Rugby international Kenny Logan, former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, Ascot Park’s own Charlotte Christodoulou and BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell, all of whom were also at the lunch.

“We only had two lessons before the event,” Logan told Polo Times. “I did a lot of riding about 20 years ago, because my mother’s a one-day eventer, but I’ve not otherwise been on a horse for a while. It’s a lot harder than you think.” w Photographs by Peter Hamblin, words by James Mullan

Cambridge’s Alex Rose, James Hepburn and Jeremy Allen

Chris Hyde heads to goal, watched by Adolfo Casabal and Oscar Mancini behind

Celebrities Kenny Logan, Liz McClarnon, Charlotte Christodoulou and Mike Bushell 90

PT p90/91 Sidelines 02/Thailand JM PJ.indd 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

16/3/11 14:11:36

Sidelines

Patricia Rohde of team Holland, commentator Peter Schlagter, Susy Lourvanij joint founder of Polo Escape

Henrietta Gourlay of Singapore Dragons and Lynly Fong of Da Vinci Grooms exercise ponies at dawn

Marina Galarza, Camille Fuller, Agustin Lorea, Martin Perez, Yoanna Otto, Panita Vongkusolkit, Pana Auapiny

Chris Davies with Charlotte Sweeney of King Power

Ernesto Barrera with Ploy Bhinsaeng of King Power

International Ladies Tournament – 24-27 February 2011 Polo Escape, nr Pattaya, Thailand

A different party every night

Panita Vongkusolkit and Robin Lourvanij with the winning trophy

Players were treated to a different style of party on each of the three nights of the Thailand International Ladies tournament.

Despite rain cancelling the first day’s play, the scheduled tapas night with DJ Bang went ahead on the Thursday; and with the weather improving it was even possible to dine under the stars. Friday evening featured a cocktail and asado dinner on the pool terrace, before the main party night on Saturday.

This included a fashion and jewellery show by Lotus Arts de Vivre and Atelier Pichita – featuring Miss World contestant Cindy Burbridge – while the dignitaries were served a gourmet fourcourse dinner full of Thai delicacies. Upmarket Bangkok coffee house Kuppa supplied hot drinks and delectable cakes.

Anna Oetinggen, Prince Carl-Eugen zu Oettingen Wallerstein and Yoanna Otto

w Photographs by Hugh Denholm, words by Louise Sandberg

Umpire Tim Keyte and his wife Gail Patricia Rohde and Bibi Brenninkmeyer of team Holland with Federico von Potobsky

Sunrise on the paddocks at Polo Escape, near Pattaya

The players and hosts danced the night away on the Saturday www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p90/91 Sidelines 02/Thailand JM PJ.indd 3

Thai vet Khun Kuat, Paulina Lorea, Lucia Lujan, Ploy Bhinsaeng, Mario Gomez, Jasmin Lujan and Lucas Lujan

Shaik Reismann of team Holland and Nicole Grunwell PR for King Power

Yoanna Otto of Germany and Ploy Bhinsaeng of King Power

91

16/3/11 14:12:08

Clubs

Rob Cudmore England Coach, 2 HPA Instructors • International Equitrack Polo Arena • Fantastic clubhouse with licensed bar & excellent viewing of the arena • Polo Pony Hire, School Ponies • Chukkas and Matches - call the office for Info • Individual Coaching, Group Lessons, Social & Corporate Events For information on membership, polo lessons and general enquiries please call: Tel: (office) 01452 864 544 Mobile: 07974 532 841 email: rob@longdolepolo.com Longdole Polo Club, Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8LH

92

PT p92/97 ads.indd 2

Polo Times, April 2011

www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 16:10:02

Transport

TRISTARHHH Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

We have a large selection of NEW & SECOND-HAND Luxury Horseboxes

New body conversions with new coach built bodies, luxury living that offers the best in appliances and workmanship.

2001 MERCEDES 2528L 12 Horse, day cabs, tack lockers, kick board, alloy floor, rubber matted, 26 ton, on air.

2002 ford iveco 75E17 5 Horse, changing room only. Test until Sept 2011.

2005 FORD IVECO 75E17 5 Horse, new alloy body, kick board, alloy floor, rubber matted.

(Choice 2). Full test.

2003 MERCEDES 1823L 10 Horse, tack lockers, on air.

This revolutionary horsebox is designed to achieve a payload of approximately 3 tons – which means you can legally carry: 5 medium weight 16hh horses – around 600kg each, or 6 polo ponies of an average 460kg each – and this also includes all tack!

Clever design and use of material have enabled us to manufacture a horsebox which combines strength, low maintenance and a smart appearance.

7 horse: 2005 IVECO EUROCARGE 75E17 With new 20ft alloy body, 6 partitions, kick board, alloy floor, rubber matted, tow bar. Full test.

2001 VOLVO FM7 290 12 Horse, day cabs, tack lockers, 26 ton, on air.

To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 Eddlethorpe Farm, Stockton Road, Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1TB ALL VEHICLES ARE PLUS VAT

The above weights are based on a 17’6” horsebox, with a Luton over the cab, fitted onto a chassis such as a Leyland Daf 45.130 would have an estimated payload of 3½ tons. This innovative body can be produced in any length from 10’ – 30’, with the same variations in specification as any other vehicle in our range.

Tel: 01570 422250 Fax: 01570 423842 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk

ONLY £11,000 Appletrees Transport

Local, National & International Horse Transportation.

Members of ERS, BAS, RTA. DEFRA Approved & Regulated.

Shared/ Individual loads. Regular trips to Scotland, Ireland, Wales & West Country.

Competetive freight booking service. CCTV, Temperature controlled environment.

www.appletreestransport.co.uk 07850215805/ 01403 741757

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p92/97 ads.indd 3

Non HGV IVECO Eurocargo 7.5 ton P Reg, custom coachbuilt PRB, one owner, great runner, 27000 klm. 4 horses, day living table and bench, luton and cab access, battery isolator, water tank and pump, rug rack,easy one person ramp, taxed and MOT one year til march 2012.

Full 8 yr service history.

Tel: 01794 368224, 07974 450153

Polo Times, April 2011

93

18/3/11 18:05:05

Classifieds

Merc 6 horse box Plated until June and taxed.

Good little runner ÂŁ5500

Call 07775 806333

94

PT p92/97 ads.indd 4

Polo Times, April 2011

www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 16:51:20

Classifieds

Exclusive Offer! £10 off Polo boots

The Spanish Boot Company Country and equestrian style

Quote on ordering: POLO1

Stunning Spanish leather Polo boots! £245 Made to measure option available* *Exclusive offer discount not available on made to measure

thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

0845 313 8167

WWW TOPSECRETHATS COM

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p92/97 ads.indd 5

Polo Times, April 2011

95

18/3/11 16:51:00

Classifieds PONIES POCKET ROCKET SKEWBALD STUNNER 10yrs great fun and very handy 14.1hh. Would suit lady or Pony Club. Fit and raring to go. £4500. Can be tried at Sussex Polo.

Tel: 01342 714920 POLO PONIES FOR SALE A selection of young English thoroughbreds ready to play and Argentine stock. Can be tried in Sotogrande in March/April and in the UK from May 1st. Look at all our ponies at www.bulldogpolo.co.uk. Contact Mark Hayden-Kellard mark@bulldogpolo.co.uk.

Tel: 07775 806333 ZERO GOAL STRING 8 to 12 years old. Fast and sturdy with low mileage. Can be tried in arena or grass. Patron immigrated so priced to sell £4000-6000. Tel Sussex Polo: 01342 714920 11 YEAR OLD BEAUTIFUL BAY MARE 15.2HH Spanish bay mare, played low-goal, Pony Club polo, grass and arena. Perfect temperament in all situations. Healthy with clean legs. University and lack of time forces very sad sale. Call Tamsin on 07789 328652 STUNNING 15.1HH BAY MARE All-rounder family polo pony. 12 years old Surtees to 8 goal.

Jumps, hunts, hacks everything. Clipped, fit, easy in everyway. Never lame/ill. £4500 to five star home. Hannah: 07967 244433 15HH POLO PONY 5 year old gorgeous skewbald mare. Seriously fun pony, so much personality. Played both grass and arena, improving all the time. Very handy and speedy with a good head. Becoming the most fantastic pony. £5,400. Please call Izzy 07772 396652 or email rubiaizzy@gmail.com YOUNG PONY STARTING/SCHOOLING Renowned Australian in the UK for April/May to start youngsters. Unique opportunity as he is normally in Argentina preparing horses for the Open. Competitive rates, amazing intuitive and gentle methods. Will be based in Winchester.

Email aurora@eastwoodstud.com

TRANSPORT HORSEBOXES FOR SALE DAF Horsebox (1996) 5 Horses. 7.5 Tonne. Red Cab. £4500. Mercedes 814 (1989) 5 Stall Horsebox £3500.

96

PT p92/97 ads.indd 6

Polo Times, April 2011

- 15 Stall Artic Trailer, Fair Condition £5000. They are well maintained vehicles, sold on behalf of clients with 12 months MOT. Location: Surrey. Tel: 07775 521478. Email: martin@richmondsltd.com POLO LORRY Polo lorry M174TAK, MOT 1 year, good solid lorry takes 5 / 6 + tack. Swindon. Tel: 07545 501763. £5550 ono DAF 7 HORSE NON HGV DAF 45 with 170 BHP. 2003 registration. 160k miles. Partitioned for seven. Smart, good condition and ready for work. Ring for further details 07846 562295 RELIABLE NON HGV 1993 L Reg Leyland DAF 7.5 ton, non HGV 4/5 horses. Ideal for polo. Tilt cab, rear ramp. Well serviced. Mileage 100,000, MOT to April 2011. Tax to June 2011. Tel: 07836 600863 or email rosjtobin@aol.com.

ULTIMATE POLO NUMBER PLATE The ultimate polo number plate – PO10GBR – perfect for the polo enthusiast. Held on retention and ready for immediate transfer. Offers in the region of £5000. Tel: 07989 687895 FIVE HORSE POLO LORRY NON HGV 7.5T Iveco Ford, 5-speed Diesel, five horse lorry with living (1990) Well looked after, regularly serviced, MOT and taxed to Sept 2011. Full detailed history. Good sized living/tack areas. New 20mm ply ramp ( summer 2010 ). Sturdy metal/wood partitions for 5 horses. Battery cut off. Internal water pump and tank for washing horses down.

Owned since 2004. It has been a very good lorry, regularly going down to Berkshire and Cirencester Polo Clubs. Good strong partitions, with a radio CD player. I am having a new horse lorry built therefore surplus to requirement. Power steering easy to drive 5 gears, lady driver for last 3 years. Email Mark@prestigecivil.co.uk for further information and pictures.

PERSONALISED REGISTRATION NUMBER POIO GRL Registration for sale on retention for immediate sale all reasonable offers considered.

Contact paulknight@ntlworld.com or 07968 479391 PROFESSIONAL HORSE TRANSPORT DEFRA approved. Hants/Wilts based. 20+ years horse and transport experience in UK and Europe. Also freelance drivers/grooms. Tel: 01794 323195 or 07786 475123/07786 255538

SITUATIONS GROOM REQUIRED FOR SUMMER SEASON Help needed for family run polo training and

livery yard. Duties include all aspects of the yard including driving 7.5t truck. Opportunity to stick and ball and play farm chukkas. Fun, lively yard. Based in Lingfield, Surrey. Sal neg. with accommodation. Call Claire for more info 07831 529680.

POLO GROOM WANTED Polo groom wanted near Towcester, Northants. 7.5 ton lorry driver preferred. Accommodation provided. April-Sept but possible longer term position available. Please ring: 01327 860316 or e-mail: poosieparsons@ btinternet.com YOUNG PLAYING GROOM Young playing groom required for summer 2011. Training in all aspects of polo grooming. Chukkas and polo every week. Accommodation provided. Berkshire.

For further details please email, templetonhouse@ gmail.com or visit www.reddogspolo.co.uk 2 GOAL PLAYER 2 goal player played at all levels looking for games for the forth coming season. 12 excellent ponies, own groom and transport. Please call 01488 670484 or email templetonhouse@gmail.com GROOM WANTED Full time polo groom required to be based at Berkshire Polo Club for a 0 goal player. Sole charge of up to seven ponies, for their day to day care and maintenance. General yard duties to include mucking out, bandaging, riding sets, grooming etc. As well as preparing horses for matches and practice chukkas. Must have previous polo experience as well as own car.

Contact 07890 400362 BINFIELD HEATH POLO CLUB - MANAGER REQUIRED BHPC is looking for a keen enthusiastic manager to run our friendly low goal club. Duties include: running tournaments and chukkas at weekends and on Thursday nights; organising and looking after the grounds; running assados/club parties ; recruitment of members; keeping the accounts. Please email: bhpcmanager@gmail.com including a short summary of your experience and two references (with contact details) or call 07836 288890.

LIVERY AMERICAN STYLE POLO YARD AVAILABLE April to September for up to 11 ponies in MidSussex. Sand School, practise ground and turnout. Grooms accommodation and occasional use of apartment. Tel 07802 374222 or email otehall@aol.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

18/3/11 16:00:20

GRAZING AND BOXES NEAR BEAUFORT POLO CLUB Six acres fenced grazing plus 6/7 boxes - one mile from Beaufort Polo Club available April to September. Perfect for the polo season. Tel:01666 880371 or email ali@alibabar.eu STABLES OR LIVERY AVAILABLE - WEST BERKSHIRE Stables to let or livery available at attractive yard close to Hungerford. Lynt Polo Cub 10 miles, Cirencester 24 miles Windsor 45 miles.

Facilities include covered horse walker, turn-out paddocks, canter track, pro wax indoor school, practice ground, HPA coach. Chukkas most days.

See www.reddogspolo.co.uk, call 01488 670484 or email templetonhouse@gmail.com STABLES TO RENT, WARGRAVE, BERKSHIRE Up to 15 stables for rent, accommodation available, also full livery, stick and ball field, arena, track, turnout and nine horse lorry. Contact h.keay1@btinternet.com or call 07885 075463

Equipment SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY 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

Miscellaneous SOTOGRANDE HOUSE FOR RENT Situated five minutes from Sotogrande. Traditional village location two bedrooms two bathrooms small patio garden. Convenient for polo shops and restaurants (communal pool peak season). 20 minutes from Gibraltar airport. Tel: 07850 852 844 or email laura@premierepromotionsuk.com

Advertisers in April 2011 Aardvark Safaris 01980 849160 www.aardvarksafaris.com

Equibuild 01367 820960 www.equibuild.com

Akuma Sports www.akumapolo.com

Equine Logistics Company 01264 810782 www.equine-logisticscompany.com

Apes Hill Club, Barbados +1 246 262 3286 www.apeshillclub.com Appletrees Transport 07850 215805 www.appletreestransport.co.uk Atlantic Equine 01327 314880 www.atlantic-equine.co.uk Baileys Horse Feeds 01371 850247 www.baileyshorse feeds.co.uk Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk Blake Lapthorn 023 8090 8090 www.bllaw.co.uk

classified adverts

online

www.polotimes.co.uk

or contact Sarah

01993 886885 sarah@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p92/97 ads.indd 7

Felsted School 01371 822605 www.felsted.org Generations 01509 210321

Polo Robles www.polorobles.com

Kate’s Art 07887 678421 www.katesart.com

Longdole Polo Club 01452 864544 rob@longdolepolo.com

Crestview Genetics www.crestviewgenetics.com

Lycetts 01672 512512 www.lycetts.co.uk

EcoComfyBed 0844 264 0485 www.ecocomfybed.co.uk

Pampeano 0871 200 1272 www.pampeano.co.uk

Jeremy Curling Fencing 01483 894888 www.jcfc.co.uk

Bunkabin 0845 456 7899 www.bunkabin.co.uk

Eastwood Stud 07970 697593 www.eastwoodstud.com

Paddock Woods Stallions 07845 328442 www.pwstallions.co.uk

Images of Polo www.imagesofpolo.com

Kestrel Ltd 01256 880488 www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club 01722 782597 www.druidspolo.co.uk

New Horizons Solar 0845 680 6986 www.newhorizons-solar. co.uk

Polo Permits 01798 869496 www.polopermits.co.uk

Bulldog Polo 07920 038790 www.bulldogpolo.co.uk

EFG Private Bank www.efginternational.com

Submit your

Far and Ride www.farandride.com

Metropolitan Polo Club + 86 22 8372 8888 www.metropolitanpolo club.com

Pommery www.pommery.com Redmills 01386 552066 www.redmills.com Retraining of Racehorses 01488 648998 www.ror.org.uk Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club 01344 890061 info@rcbpoloclub.com

Sussex Polo Club 01342 714920 www.sussexpolo.co.uk T&S Harker Horse Boxes 01325 332649 www.tandsharkerhorse boxes.co.uk Tally Ho Farm 01344 885373 www.tallyhofarm.co.uk The Audi Polo Awards 020 7384 4870 www.thepoloawards.com The New Muscovy www.newmuscovy.co.uk The Polo Lifestyle Company 020 7730 6868 www.thepololifestyle company.co.uk The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club +66 2 650 3055 www.thai-polo-club.com Tidworth Polo Club 01980 846705 www.tidworthpolo.com Top Secret Hats www.topsecrethats.com Tom Cunningham Farrier 07748 207037

Major Equipment 01524 850501 www.major-equipment.com

RLS Polo Club 07968 627658 & 01926 812409 info@rlspoloclub.com

Tristar 01570 422250 www.tristarhorses boxes.co.uk

Marshall Earthmoving 01264 782176 marshall.earthmoving@ virgin.net

SATS 01285 841542 www.satsfaction.com

Wood Mallets +64 6 85 68119 www.woodmallets.com

Martin ffrench Blake 07971 401144 martin_ffrench_blake@ hotmail.com

Spanish Boot Company 0845 313 8167 www.thespanishboot company.co.uk

YARDANDGROOM 020 8144 1636 www.yardandgroom.com

Contributors – April 2011 Miranda Banks, Diana Butler, Linda Byrne, Ben Crampin, Andrew Dent, James de Mountfort, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, The “Gaucho”, Rupert Hawksley, Theresa Hodges, Nicola Jagger, Clare Milford Haven, Brett O’Callaghan, Jamie Peel, Tony Ramirez, Louise Sandberg, Herbert Spencer, Sarah Styler, Caroline Stern, Carlie Trotter, Rebecca Walters Cover photograph Alan Meeker and Prince William ride-off

by Tony Ramirez Designed by www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk

Contact details East End Farm, North Leigh Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

Printed by The Manson Group

www.polotimes.co.uk

Subscription per annum UK £55, Europe & Ireland £65, Rest of the World £75

© Polo Times Limited 2011 and Database Right 2011 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 distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Polo Times, April 2011

97

18/3/11 16:00:29

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Outspoken young four-goaler Max Routledge’s…

Passions

James Mullan finds out what motivates the lively Cowdray-based 20-year-old as he prepares for high-goal with Ahmibah this summer, and discovers his plans not to give up his other passion, which is to keep on jumping What’s your favourite polo memory?

Winning the Queen’s Cup with Ellerston in 2008 is the best moment of my career so far.

It was my first ever high-goal tournament, playing for the best team in the world [featuring Gonzalito Pieres and Pablo MacDonough], so it was an absolute dream.

Who’s been your hardest ever opponent?

Sebe Merlos. He’s super talented and fearless, so he was very hard to face.

What’s your favourite venue to play at?

Cowdray. It’s where I first played, and I still only live about five minutes away. I started there in the Pony Club when I was 11, and so now my ambition is to win the Gold Cup there.

I’ve played it three times, reached the final twice, and so now I really want to win it.

How do you rate your chances?

Ahmibah’s looking like a great team so, as long as the horses come together, we’ll be good enough. I’ll be playing some of mine and some from the team.

What other sporting teams do you support?

None. For me it’s all horses, horses, horses.

OK, so what about your other equestrian passion, jumping?

That was my original love. I still do plenty of it, and it makes me money as does my polo.

It’s my big focus in the winter but I still fit as much in around my polo as possible in the summer. I actually went jumping the morning of the semi-final of the Gold Cup last year. My patron [Victor Vargas] didn’t know about that.

We won, so nobody cares.

Risky strategy?

I’m very bossy and stubborn and I’m not good at being told what to do. Jumping’s great as you are your own boss. But I love the thrill of the speed and exhilaration of polo. It’s fun to go charging around after a ball.

Which is your favourite horse?

Crafty Politician [pictured below, left]. He’s a former racing stallion that played the high-goal for three years and which I now stand at stud.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My girlfriend [renowned event rider Emily Llewellyn, pictured below].

Why do you feel guilty about that? ’Cos she’s pretty naughty!

Who, alive or dead, would you most like to meet?

Easy, Angelina Jolie.

Who was the last person to make you really angry?

[Three-goal player] Chevy Beh. He played for Hong Kong in China and in our two games against them he knocked me off my horse more times than I’d care to remember. I’m definitely not a fan. To put it mildly.

Lotus or Land Rover?

Land Rover.

Bottle of beer or bottle of wine?

Beer, definitely.

Finally, give me three ways you would describe yourself?

Driven. Self-motivated. Independent. And proud, often too much, and to my cost.

That’s four.

Sod off.

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p98 passions JM MB PJ.indd 2

16/3/11 14:00:04

PT p1 cover.indd 2

18/3/11 15:09:41

PT p1 cover.indd 2

18/3/11 14:55:58