Polo Times August 17

Volume 22 • Issue 7 • August 2017 • £6.50

BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup UNDER 21S PLAYING 22 British High Goal Hot Shots 10TH ANNIVERSARY Links Homes British Beach Polo Championships PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victrix Ludorum Introduction

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

August 2017

Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk PR Manager & Editorial Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

49

83

Military Polo

Editorial & Subscriptions

69

Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

73 A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 74 5 minutes with…

Heloise Wilson-Smith 78 Kings Head Hotel Ladies International

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design

Youth Polo

James Morgan

81 83

56 Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas

Colquhoun-Denvers, Liz Daniels, Lorna Edgar, Simon Ledger, Martín Perez,©Tony Ramirez/www. imagesofpolo.com, Buffy Shirley-Beaven, Lucy Wilson

Contact details

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Cover photograph: Jubilant celebrations followed King Power’s win in the 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

By Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

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Polo Times, August 2017

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

News

8 All the Latest News 14 Obituary: James ‘Jim’ McEnteggart 16 Cover Story: RoR Racing to

Polo Challenge 20 HPA News 22 FIP Update

Comment 24

Your Views: Letters

Features

26 Big Picture 28 GA Polo Holidays 32 Air Partner 34 Cover Story: Under 21s

Playing 22 40 XI FIP World Polo Championships 42 Cover Story: Victrix Ludorum Introduction

Reports 44 49

54 56

Knowledge

84 Fitness For Polo: Foam Roller 86 Equipment Focus: Happy Tongue 88 The British Grooms Association:

10 Top Tips 90 Equipment Focus: Andrew Nebbett Designs 92 Polodoc: Injury Patterns, Treatment

and Protection 94 Nutrition Focus: Low Starch, High

Oil, High Fibre…and Play!

96 98 100

102

Transport Focus: What Licence?

Vet Insight: Hay Matters…Why? Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Lipogems: Saving Champions

Sidelines 104

106

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Victor Ludorum Round-Up Polo Directory: Cover Story: The Jaeger- 116 What’s On in August?

LeCoultre Gold Cup The Warwickshire Cup Final bell: Cover Story: Links Homes British 120 Passions: Jimbo Fewster Beach Polo Championships

Club Focus 61

All Aspects of Youth Polo SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

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Polo Times, August 2017

Big Bucks for Starlight On Sunday 2 July, over £90,000 was raised for Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children and young people with serious and terminal illness. The whole afternoon was sponsored by Fourtold, and over 220 guests attended the day to support both the charity and the finalists of the Apsley Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club. Jess Allen, Head of Events at Starlight, commented, “We’re so grateful to Cirencester Park Polo Club, the committee, the guests and of course the polo players all of whom showed such fantastic support for Starlight! The money raised will help us continue to brighten the lives of seriously and terminally ill children.” Zahra Lucas, Starlight’s Trustee said, “I’d like to thank all those involved for helping make the day such a success and for helping raise a staggering £90,000 for Starlight!”

To read all about the Apsley Cup Final please turn to our Victor Ludorum Update and turn to our Sidelines pages for social images from the day.

Photograph courtesy of Starlight Children’s Foundation

It is hard to believe that the summer is nearly at an end, with the longest day far behind us and the last of the UK 22 goal, The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup all wrapped up for another year. Congratulations to King Power on their tumultuous win against El Remanso in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final.

For some lucky souls, the end of the high goal season in the UK signals the annual pilgrimage to the sunny shores of Sotogrande, however the show also goes on back on home soil with a whole host of tournaments, HPA Victor Ludorum and Victrix Ludorum.

Additionally, as August dawns and the school summer holidays are in full swing, youth polo develops a new lease of life with a medley of HPA Select, Junior HPA and Pony Club matches to keep the next generation of polo stars out of mischief.

In this issue we focus on the strength of women’s polo with a feature on the inaugural Victrix Ludourm series which is already underway, a report from the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International, as well as a round-up of ladies polo both home and abroad. The Knowledge pages are once again overflowing with content including the British Grooms Association’s top 10 employment tips, facial injuries and protection from Polodoc and Buffy Shirley-Beavan MRCVS explains why hay matters. There are also reports from The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, Warwickshire Cup and Links Homes British Beach Polo Championships. This year, the British Beach Polo Championships were celebrating their 10th anniversary, and what a way to celebrate with over 5,000 people attending the twoday event. Although the event is not strictly speaking, polo in its purest form – playing a polo match to HPA rules on a beach is always going to be a challenge – you simply cannot argue with the great number of spectators that were drawn to sunny Sandbanks to enjoy the polo. Furthermore, any event which brings polo to the masses on such a grand scale, can only be applauded.

So far this season, we have aimed, more than ever, to cover and incorporate all aspects of polo – from the smallest to the biggest clubs, the sport would not be where it is today without the joint force of all the polo community pulling in the same direction. Although there were doubts at the start of the year, it has been great to see the sport continue to thrive, in spite of the setbacks and hurdles that were set in its path. So sit back, relax and enjoy the latest issue of Polo Times as well as what is hopefully not the last of the summer sun.

Over £90,000 was raised for Starlight Children’s Foundation

Groom of the Month

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

News from the

Ramon Columba and Roverto Leiva, winners of The Tally Ho Farm Guards Polo Club Groom of the Month Award, pictured with Chris Adkins, Pedro Harrison and Antony Fanshawe

The Tally Ho Farm Guards Polo Club Groom of the Month Award has been presented to Ramon Columba and Roverto Leiva. The duo groom for Pedro Harrison and not only received recognition for their efforts but also £250 prize money from Chris Adkins of Tally Ho Farm.

Donate, Donate, Donate!

Kiki Severn is cutting off seven inches of her own hair for The Little Princess Trust. The charity make wigs and donate them to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment. The charity has given away over 5,000 free wigs so far. On top of donating her luscious locks, Kiki has also set-up a Just Giving page to raise money for the charity, visit www.justgiving.com to donate and www.littleprincesses.org.uk to find out more about the charity.

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FEED THE DIFFERENCE

News Eton Tea Party

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

On the Wednesday of Royal Ascot Week, just three days after The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, HM The Queen traditionally returns to Guards Polo Club. However this is not for a polo match, but to take tea with a group of pupils from Eton College. This tradition goes back to the 1800s and was first created by HM Queen Victoria. In 1882 there was an assassination attempt and two “brave, stalwart boys” from Eton played a part in saving the Queen’s life. As a way of thanking them for her bravery she took tea with them and this tradition continues to this day. So after the last race on Wednesday, Her Majesty and several of her racing guests, including Lord Vestey, Master of the Horse, drove to Smith’s Lawn to be introduced to the boys and then all took tea.

Eton College students met HM The Queen

All Pro Polo League

Carnival Polo

On Sunday 9 July, after The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup matches, Cowdray Park Polo Club hosted All Pro Polo League’s UK debut in which Madams Farm (Juan Cruz Merlos, Richard Tyrone, Jejo Taranco & Dirk van Reenen) defeated Cowdray Park (Ed Hitchman, Pablito Villela, Gato Lauhle & Jero del Carril).

The All Pro Polo League is an association formed with the aim of organising wholly professional polo tournaments around the world. A ProAm division has also been established to give patrons the chance of growing within the sport, whilst the All Pro Polo League is formed exclusively of full-time professional polo players. The league works with a new set of rules in order to encourage fast, open polo with specific rules, such as only one horse is allowed per chukka and players cannot change ponies during the chukka, players must wear a predefined helmet colour depending upon their position plus specific rules for play.

Carnival Polo is an exciting new event at Dallas Burston Polo Club 15 – 17 September. Run across the weekend the event aims to bring a festival atmosphere to the polo field. There will be live music on the Friday night at the traditional fairground, with bars and street food with Saturday as the main day of polo with four different ladies games being played throughout the day.

Throughout the day there will be access to the traditional fairground, shopping village, circus school and ‘Have a Go at Polo area’ the carnival will continue into the night with live bands and circus acts. There’ll be camping and glamping on offer so you can enjoy the whole weekend on site. On the Sunday will be the University Chukka Challenge for the chance to watch even more polo. There are plenty of ticket options to suit everyone and tickets are available from www.eventbrite.com and use discount code PT10 to receive £10 off your tickets.

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The Guards Ladies’ Charity Day Join us for the best of ladies’ polo on Saturday 2 September. The perfect combination of elegant polo on The Queen’s Ground, wonderful Clubhouse hospitality created by private dining experts Mosimann’s and a money-cannot-buy charity auction in aid of Breast Cancer Haven.

Final of the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy Final of the Guards Ladies Charity Trophy Saturday 2 September 2017

For more information call our Tickets and Events Office on 01784 434212 or email sales@guardspoloclub.com. Non-members are most welcome on this day. www.guardspoloclub.com

News

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The AAP Board of Directors have confirmed that this year’s Hurlingham Open will see 10 teams take part whilst the Tortugas Open will see six teams compete. The remaining four teams will compete in an Americanstyle tournament, running parallel to The Tortugas Open, to define the 7-10 positions for the Hurlingham and Argentine Open. The AAP have also confirmed the zones in the tournaments of the Triple Crown.

Tortugas Open Zones: Zone A: La Dolfina, La Aguada Las Monjitas & La Irenita Zone B: Ellerstina, Alegría & Cría Yatay Hurlingham Open Zones: Zone A: Ellerstina, La Aguada Las Monjitas, Cría Yatay plus teams ranked 7 & 9 in classification Zone B: La Dolfina, Alegría, La Irenita plus

Polo Chalkboards Although it’s a few months yet until Christmas, it’s never too early to start planning the perfect polo present, and Melissa Hillman’s polo themed chalkboards and signs are the perfect choice. Melissa is based at Great Trippetts in West Sussex, where her husband is the gamekeeper and being surrounded by polo mad people Melissa has added to her existing range of chalkboards and signs, with a polo theme. Priced at £15 (small), £20 (medium) and £25 (large) email Melissa at melissahillman@btinternet.com or call 01428 741953/ 07391 184605. Or visit Melissa’s website (www. melissahillmaninteriors.co.uk), which is brimming with beautiful interior additions.

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Polo Times, August 2017

teams ranked 8 & 10 in classification Argentine Open Zones: Zone A: La Dolfina, La Aguada Las Monjitas, La Irenita plus teams ranked 8 & 9 in classification Zone B: Ellerstina, Alegría, Cría Yatay plus teams ranked 7 & 10 in classification 2017 Triple Crown Teams: La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David Stirling (10), Pablo MacDonough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Ellerstina (39): Facundo Pieres (10), Pablo Pieres (9), Gonzalo Pieres (10) & Nicolás Pieres 10 Alegría (35): Guillermo Caset (9), Hilario Ulloa (10), Facundo Sola (8) & Frederick Mannix (8) La Aguada Las Monjitas (32): Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Eduardo Novillo

Astrada (8), Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (8) Cría Yatay (31): Valerio Zubiaurre (7), Cristian Laprida (8), Joaquín Pittaluga (8) & Ignacio Laprida (8) La Irenita (31): Juan Ruiz Guiñazú (8), Juan M. Zavaleta (8), Clemente Zavaleta (7) & Matías MacDonough (8) Las Praderas (32): Francisco Elizalde (8), Ignacio Toccalino (8), Santiago Toccalino (8) & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (8) Chapaleufú (30): Alberto Heguy (7), Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (8), Julián de Lusarreta (7) & Eduardo Heguy (8) La Dolfina II (30): Guillermo Terrera (8), Diego Cavanagh (7), Alejo Taranco (7) & Ignatius Du Plessis (8) La Esquina Los Machitos (29): Pascual Sainz de Vicuña (6), Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (8), Mariano Aguerre (8) & Rodrigo Rueda (7)

Ferrari Berlin Beach Polo Masters Warnemünde With only one goal in it, Team W&N Immobilien, consisting of Maximilian, Philipp, and father Uwe, Zimmermann, took the Ferrari Berlin Beach Polo Master Warnemünde trophy in literally the last second of the tournament.

Maxi Zimmermann scored Team W&N Immobilien won the Ferrari Berlin the final goal ending the Beach Polo Master Warnemünde match 5-4. They defeated Team Arge Haus, with Joe Reinhardt and his two kids Ken and Runa Kawamoto, from Japan.

The crowd were really behind all the players, cheering players up and down the beach, in the close confines of the beach arena.

The FERRARI Berlin Beach Polo Masters Warnemünde Teams: Team W&N Immobilien (3): Maxi Zimmerman (0), Philipp Zimmerman (1) & Uwe Zimmerman (2) Team Arge Haus (1): Ken Kawamoto (0), Joe Reinhardt (1) & Runa Kawamoto (0) www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Ferrari Berlin Beach Polo Masters Warnemünde

Triple Crown Zones & Teams

The 2017 Triple Crown zones and teams have been announced

News Lipogems Equine Success Story Photography courtesy of Lipogems Equine

In June 2016 12-year-old medium to high goal polo pony was treated for a superficial digital flexor tendon. The Ultrasound scans at five weeks showed residence of the lipoaspirate in the lesion and the origins of tendon regeneration. This was a big injury and normally a career ending one. This pony had one month’s box rest, followed by some gentle walking and rehabilitation before being turned away for the winter. The pony came in and is currently fit and sound playing a busy schedule of games in the 2017 polo season. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www.lipogemsequine.com

The ultrasound scan showing the damage to the superficial digital flexor tendon

Polo Clinic at Olympia Polo

Shariah Harris

Photograph by Chichi Ubina

2017 has been a big year for 19-year-old, Philadelphia born Shariah Harris. She has become the first African American woman to secure a ride in the USA high goal season.

Harris began her polo career as a product of the Work to Ride (WTR) initiative, having literally made a wrong turn into a polo club stables at Shariah Harris rides out for Postage Stamp Farm Polo Team nine-years-old. The WTR is a not-for-profit organisation that helps inner city children through equestrian sports. The program enabled Harris to hone her riding skills and strategy, competing in the WTR girls’ team. After winning a full polo scholarship to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, the chances of a career in polo really took off. She is now based out of Greenwich Polo Club, Connecticut and is riding out for Annabelle Garret’s Postage Stamp Farm Polo Team in the 26 goal.

The ultrasound scan taken five weeks posttreatment showing significant regeneration of the tendon tissue

Marcos Araya and ‘Paco’ O’Dwyer are set to host a day of coaching in conjunction with Olympia Polo on Sunday 20 August at Blueys Polo Club. Players of all levels will be able to pick up tips from the two professionals in the morning, followed by a relaxing asado over lunch. The day will then finish with a mini tournament where the club photographer will be on hand to photograph the best bits! To book your place contact James on 07760 730363.

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Polo Times, August 2017

13

News Obituary James ‘Jim’ McEnteggart

Alumni Polo and The Inner Circle Return

Photography courtesy of Jodie Armstrong-Downes

Jodie Armstrong-Downes remembers her father, Jim On Wednesday 7 June, Jim, loving husband, unconditional father and legend of the UK polo community, said goodbye to us.

Jim’s colourful character full of charisma, humility, optimism and generosity made him loved by all who knew him.

Polo was his home away from home. He commentated and ran the Clubhouse for over a decade at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and his quick wit, combined with a distinct thick London accent and huge smile, made his commentaries stand out and sparkle amongst the crowds.

From the UK to Dubai and Malaysia he captivated all with his effortless ability to entertain and fill every environment with joy, energy and laughter. It was impossible not to smile in the company of Jim. It was a gift he shared and used to help make polo accessible to all, regardless of one’s age or background.

But polo was not something Jim simply started out doing. He humbly began at a very young age in the wholesale of plants and flowers. He built a successful business in both Covent Garden and Western International Markets over twenty years and, just like in polo, Jim was recognised and loved by all who knew him at the market.

Yet it was when he embarked on polo that he found his new passion and one which he would carry with him until the end.

Jim was simply one of a kind, not only a special and cherished gift to his family and friends but to polo too. Gone but not forgotten.

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Polo Times, August 2017

Photograph courtesy of Alumni Polo and The Inner Circle

22 March 1957 – 7 June 2017

The 2016 crowds enjoyed watching polo from the grandstand which had a carnival feel

For the third year in a row, Alumni Polo and The Inner Circle have teamed up to host the Summer Polo Festival at HPC, The London Polo Club. The celebrations take place on Saturday 12 August.

Members of The Inner Circle and friends will enjoy a day of exhilarating polo matches, over a delicious brunch, topped off by an incredible party until the sun sets.

With DJ Per Pedersen on the decks, Chris Sharp on the Sax (Red Bull Vip Deck) and Sofia Landgren on the violin (The Voice), it promises to be a highlight of the summer.

Early-bird tickets for the days sold out in less than two weeks. Full price tickets can now be purchased direct from The Inner Circle, www.theinnercircle.co/c/spf

www.polotimes.co.uk

Tom Morley plays with Ainsley Polo saddle and tack (and pony) - photo by www.imagesofpolo.com

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News

Following Drastic Art’s display rider Henry Brett and owner Sally Turner receive the winning prize, a cheque for £1,500 from Ian Balding and Paul Roy

Racing to Polo Challenge

Tilda Woodd

reports from Midhurst

RoR increase their presence at Gold Cup Semi-Finals

Amidst the high-paced Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Semi Final action, RoR hosted their ‘Racing to Polo Challenge’ on Wednesday 19 July at Cowdray Park.

The event was held on Semi Finals day for the first time and was supported by a number of influential figures in both the polo and racing world.

This year, a Best Playing Pony prize went to the Best Retrained Racehorse in each of the Semi Finals – to Paco O’Dwyer’s Zazu in the opening match and Ollie Cudmore’s Costa Lotta in the second. RoR, along with support from Lycetts, also provided inter-match entertainment in the form of their ‘Racing to Polo’ Challenge. RoR who have, to date, contributed £20,000 towards the promotion of former racehorses in polo, awarded cash prizes to those who finished in first to sixth place, with the winner also receiving The Balding Trophy and a rug sponsored by Lycetts.

Francesca Cumani of ITV Racing, and also wife of Rob Archibald, a former Australian 6 goal player, was joined by David Morley in the commentator’s box, while on hand to judge the performances was a panel featuring four extremely qualified judges: Martyn Meade – polo player, high goal patron and now racehorse trainer; Charlie Gordon Watson – polo player and bloodstock agent; Nic Roldan – one of the great polo players of the era and Ambassador for The Brooke Charity; Rob Cudmore – polo player

and father of Ollie, one of the top current English players.

RoR supports a number of equine disciplines and prior to the competition, Paul Roy, Chairman of RoR explained the meaning behind the charity, “This charity is so important because all these wonderful horses need a career after racing and people need to be aware of that. When you buy a racehorse you have the responsibility of that racehorse for life.” Francesca Cumani added, “Racehorses can retire from the track quite young and if they don’t go to stud then there is a lot that they can still go on to do.”

The Thoroughbred is continuing to prove itself as one of the most popular breeds in polo, as the presence of retrained racehorses in the sport continues to increase. David Morley, who was one of the first individuals to recognise the potential of using Thoroughbreds in polo, explains what is required of a horse in order to excel in this particular discipline “The horse must have the ability to rate, which is accelerate and decelerate, to be lateral, to check and turn quickly, and in competition be able to take on another horse, which in polo we call a ride-off.” Francesca Cumani added, “Often, the worse they are as racehorses, the better they are as polo ponies.”

Vet Jenny Hall, who checked each of the horses over before their performance, showed her support of both the competitors and the

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

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Polo Times, August 2017

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News

Ian Balding and Paul Roy present Mark Baldwin with the prize for RoR Young Polo Pony Producer Award event saying, “I checked all of the horses before they started and I’m sure you will all agree with me as to how fantastic they look and that they are a great advert for the versatility of a Thoroughbred. They make it look as if this is their first career, not their second.”

RoR welcomed 16 entries to this year’s event, with a variety of individuals showcasing a combination of both future polo prospects and proven polo stars – Will Brasher’s 10-year-old, Securitisation, was in fact going off to play in the Gold Cup Semi Final straight after his RoR display. Every horse that took part in the event had previously raced in Great Britain, and are now taking on a second career in polo. Piers Plunkett of Lycetts, the event’s lead sponsor, said, “We see a very important link between joining the two disciplines together,” whilst Cumani commented, “This competition is really well worth entering.”

Following a performance from each rider/pony combination it was down to the judges to decide, and agree, on which retrained racehorse had showed the most promise in a selection of polo moves such as rating, lateral movement, checking, turning and change of lead. Nic Roldan said, “There were a lot of good Thoroughbreds out there but there was one specifically that stood out for me.”

Thankfully, all in agreement, the judges awarded first prize to Sally Turner’s Drastic Art who was ridden by Henry Brett. Henry, who came into polo through the Pony Club and became one of the first English polo players to play with the mighty Ellerston, rode the 5-year-old mare for Sally Turner. It was in fact Henry who introduced Sally to Drastic Art and thankfully she went on to purchase her from Chippenham Lodge Stud in 2016. Sally remembers, “When I first saw Drastic, her height and confirmation struck me as being perfectly suited for a career in polo. In addition to this she has an enormous heart and extremely quiet temperament, both in and out of the stable, and she is always eager to please.” Drastic Art is currently based at Great Trippetts Polo Club and Sally is “Aiming to launch her competitive polo career in 2018.” Cumani explains, “It’s important not to rush with young horses. They have to take in a lot and you don’t want to over face them.”

Alan Kent who was awarded second place for his 8-year-old mare Maria Medici, and also picked up third and fifth place for his other two entries, On Appro and Medici Dancer, is a strong supporter of the event; “I think this competition is great. To see these ex-racehorses being put to another use is fantastic. It is amazing how adaptable a racehorse is and, as you will see, the naturals are natural.”

Concluding the day’s RoR action Plunkett said, “This is a very happy day for us because this is the first of the events we have done down here at Cowdray and hopefully it will go from strength to strength,” before Cumani went on to commend all the competitors, “Massive congratulations to all the winners and I hope this initiative keeps going.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Mark Baldwin, winner of RoR’s Best Young Producer Award Following the Racing to Polo Challenge, Mark Baldwin was presented with RoR’s Best Young Producer Award which is presented annually to the player/producer the Committee judge to have made the greatest contribution to retrained racehorses in polo.

Paul Roy, Chairman of RoR, who awarded Mark with a cheque for £1,500 said, “RoR support young players in the sport every year and each season we award our Best Producer Award to one individual in particular.”

David Morley, RoR’s Polo Representative, explains why Mark was awarded with this year’s Producer Award, “Mark has quite a big string of very good horses, all of which are ex-racehorses. Mark is quite unusual in that he is producing horses for himself, not to sell – it is therefore very hard to get Mark to part with any of his horses. He is a great advocate for RoR as you usually see people with two or three ex-racehorses in their string, but Mark’s string is all retrained racehorses.”

Earlier this year Mark was a member of the winning England Team who won the FIP World Cup Qualifiers in Chantilly. Throughout the tournament he was mounted on a selection of his retrained racehorses and it was this performance in particular that caught the eyes of the RoR Committee.

What do you look for in a Thoroughbred?

Anything between 15 to 16hh, with a kind eye and the will to please.

How long does it take you to retrain them?

About three years, although it is very dependent on the horse and how much time I have available to spend on them, but I normally try to start playing them hard when they’re around seven.

Do you have a specific process that you follow with each horse?

For me every horse is different, so therefore the only thing specific about my process would be working out what each individual needs in order to get the best out of them. That can be anything from increasing their confidence to making sure I don’t bore them with the same task.

Why did you start retraining racehorses?

Because I needed a way to get myself better mounted and my mum has dealt with Thoroughbreds all her life, so understands what to look for and how to handle them. But from there I also found it was something that I was naturally quite good at, and also enjoyed doing. Additionally it gives me access to horses that, no matter how much money I could have had to spend, would have never even been offered to me.

How do you find them?

It consists of my mum spending a lot of hours looking and driving around the country. We have a few trainers we like, but a good horse can come from anywhere.

What are the benefits of playing a Thoroughbred in polo?

With the game of polo getting faster and faster, grounds constantly improving and the rules changing, you need speed and power, which is exactly what a Thoroughbred was bred for. There is also something rewarding about giving a horse a second chance.

Can you tell us about your best retrained racehorse?

My best mare is Nica, or Nicaldani. She is a 15.2hh, 10-year-old chestnut mare with a big white blaze. I’ve had her since she was a two-year-old and she is unbelievably agile and so light to ride – you can go anywhere on her. She has the ability to play the 4 goal at Beaufort and then the high goal the next day. The only thing that limits how well I play on her is me. Personally, I have played her from 2 goal up to 18 goal, and also in the World Championship qualifiers in Chantilly, she has also played for Luke Tomlinson in the Gold Cup. Polo Times, August 2017

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News

Drastic Art in action during her racing career

2017 RoR Racing to Polo Challenge Winners: Photography courtesy of RoR

1st: Drastic Art, owned by Sally Turner 2nd: Maria Medici, owned by Alan Kent 3rd: On Appro, owned by Alan Kent 4th: Securitisation, owned and ridden by Will Brasher 5th: Medici Dancer, owned by Alan Kent 6th: Ivan, a stallion owned by Martin Glue, ridden by Byron Watson RoR’s Best Young Producer Award: Mark Baldwin Henry Brett demonstrating Drastic Art’s ability in RoR’s ‘Racing to Polo Challenge

Polo Arena Construction H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N S TA N D I N G I N C A M B R I D G E / L O D E N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E Played: Argentine & Hurlingham Open Javier Novillo Astrada (2007 & 2008) USA Open with Las Monjitas (2008) Hurlingham & Tortugas Open (2009 to 2012) Retired from High goal in 2013 for breeding Now playing medium & low goal in UK Breeding: Sire is Blue Blood by Rivadeo (TB) Dam is Matuza Brace (Polo Argentino) Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or fmlavinia@hotmail.com

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Polo Times, August 2017

C o n t r a C t o r s

• • • • • • •

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 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

HPA News

HPA News The latest news both home and abroad from the HPA

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup The Royal Salute Coronation Cup 2017 will be played at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 29 July. The 3pm match will see Flannels England take on GT Bank Commonwealth, followed by The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee Trophy which will see Swarovski England take on Llangollen USA for the coveted trophy.

Fans of youth polo will be pleased to know that once again the Buckmaster Final will also be played earlier in the day.

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup Teams: Flannels England (25): James Beim (6 – Capt.), Max Charlton (7), James Harper (6) & Luke Tomlinson (6). Reserves Jack Richardson & Mark Tomlinson GT Bank Commonwealth (26): Hissam Ali Hyder (6), Dirk Gould (5), John Paul Clarkin (7) & Fred Mannix (8 – Capt.)

20 July in which Longdole beat Kirtlington and Lutheridge beat Oxford Polo. The week ended with two Buckmaster matches at the Dubai grounds, with wins for Strathearn against Beaufort and Northwood against Norfolk. There have been two notable changes to the Buckmaster teams. Pacho Singh is no longer able to play and Segundo Darritchon has replaced him. Segundo Darritchon won The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award at the recent Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament. The team will be known as Norfolk moving forward. Also, Ned Hine is no longer able to play in the Northwood team. He has been replaced by Ollie Cork. On Friday 14 July, Cruz Novillo Astrada from the Beaufort team was replaced

by Luke Wiles for the match.

For more information please turn to the Youth section.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Swamp Fever An alert has been released for Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) also known as Swamp Fever. Swamp Fever is a viral disease that attacks the horse’s immune system. Unfortunately there is no cure and no vaccine for the viral infection. It is caused by a retrovirus related to the HIV virus in humans. All should be aware that EIA (Swamp fever) has been confirmed in some polo ponies in Germany and Holland. All the affected ponies have been euthanized, and restricted areas around the affected premises have been established by the competent authorities. EIA is transmitted through blood, most commonly via use of the same needle.

In the UK, precautionary measures are being taken and any imports from Germany/Holland or with an Argentine connection should be kept separate from other equines and be tested for EIA. If clubs or members have any concerns they should consult or inform a MRCVS or the HPA as appropriate.

The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for the Diamond Jubilee Trophy Teams: Swarovski England Ladies (26): Izzy McGregor (4), Sarah Hughes (4), Hazel Jackson (8) & Nina Clarkin (10 – Capt). Reserves Tamara Fox, Sarah Wiseman & Nell Jacob Llangollen USA Ladies (26): KC Krueger (7), Kristy Outhier (8 – Capt), Julia Smith (5) & Maureen Brennan (6)

Lifestyle Rewards In other exciting news, the HPA has joined forces with a company called Lifestyle Rewards, to provide members with exclusive deals on luxury goods and getaways. Members can access their rewards on the HPA website under the tab Members > Members Rewards.

This page is password protected as it is exclusively for members, there will be an email going out to all members with the all-important password, so keep your eyes peeled!

SWAROVSKI ENGLAND LADIES v LLANGOLLEN USA LADIES

British Junior Polo Championship The second week of July saw the first round of matches for the Buckmaster, Rocksavage and Hipwood. On Monday 10 July, Cirencester beat Beaufort in a Buckmaster match played at Billingbear Park. This was followed by matches at the Guards Polo Club on Tuesday 11 July, with a win for Strathearn against Kirtlington in a Buckmaster match. In two Hipwood matches, Lutheridge beat Kirtlingon and Oxford Polo beat Ranelagh. This was followed by two Rocksavage matches at Trewsbury Farm on Thursday 20

Polo Times, August 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

FIP News

FIP Update

Photography by Medhi Hassani and Zahra Abbasi from Chogan Magazine

President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

The opening ceremony with local Iranian dancers

A great hook in the India vs Iran match

Zone E Play-Offs for the FIP XI World Polo Championship The last of the five Play-Offs for the XI FIP World Polo Championships were held in Tehran, Iran, the birthplace of the ancient game, on 29 June to 7 July and with temperatures hovering around the 50s during the day, all the matches were played in the late afternoons as the temperatures dropped. With National teams competing from South Africa, India, Pakistan and Iran this was the final zone Play-Off to be played for the last remaining, coveted place at the 14 Goal World Championships being held in Sydney in October.

Pakistan had sent their national squad several weeks in advance to train as a team

in Sotogrande, Spain, India sent their team to train in South Africa and Iran had prepared their 12 goal team by sending several players to gain experience in Argentina and then brought an Argentine squad back to Tehran to train against.

The competition was extremely well organised by the Iranian Polo Federation and their President Dr. Golnar Vakilgilani, and with the incredibly generous support and efficient administration of both Hamza & Siamack Ilkhanizadeh, who have been the main driving force in the revival of this ancient sport in Iran and several of its neighbouring countries. Practice matches were played at Hamza’s beautiful home farm on the outskirts

of Tehran and the matches were played at various different local clubs in the Tehran area, Qasr Firoozeh Polo Club and the Iranian Army Ground Forces Polo Club.

Jose Litirigoygen had flown in a couple of months prior to the tournament as the official FIP Horse Master to assess, grade and number all the ponies to be played to ensure fair and equal distribution amongst all four of the teams.

He was extremely impressed with the standard and quality of the ponies lent for the tournament as they had all been locally bred and were of the highest standard. Alex Taylor, FIP’s CEO had flown in to act as Tournament Director and with the assistance of Ricardo Mihanovich and the three A Grade Umpires from Uruguay, Argentina & Italy – Matias Baibiene, Rafael Silva & Marcelo Lopez Vargas – the FIP management was in place.

The Iranian Team, although lacking experience in international competition, fared extremely well throughout the tournament and even managed a win over the South African Team on the final day, much to the local crowd’s delight. But the main match in the Final was between those two, age-old polo rivals, Pakistan and India and they did not disappoint. Pakistan, played with a great deal of flair and aggression, against a well drilled and experienced Indian Team. India looked the stronger team through most of the game and

The South African team get ready for play in Tehran The Iranian military display with flags from the participating nations

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FIP News

The Iranian military band and hoards of spectators

unfortunately two of Pakistan’s players had falls during the match, one only seconds before the final bell, which left Ahmed Tiwana unconscious and needing to be hospitalised. On the final bell it was the Indian Team who were victorious 8-7, ensuring their fourth appearance at the FIP World Polo Championship Finals.

We are delighted to report that Ahmed Tiwana has now fully recovered.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Our sincere thanks to our wonderful Iranian hosts and many congratulations to all those teams who participated in the Tournament in Iran, I am sure they will all have fond memories of the kind and generous warm hospitality of our wonderful hosts and I suspect we will see more of Iran and their players in the international polo community in the future.

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, the FIP President’s, closing speech

Polo Times, August 2017

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Comment

Your Views

Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only

Letters

Dear Sirs After being taken apart by Ned Hine, our team members repaired to their tent to find the world’s greatest polo player, and recent winner of The Cartier Queen’s Cup, nestled in a shady corner right next door. In such cases, there is only one response, “We’re not Worthy! We’re not Worthy!”

Photograph by Polo Times

To Scrape or Not to Scrape?

During the hot weather in June and July, Polo Times spotted an interesting Facebook post by Dr David Marlin, a scientist with more than 25 years experience in equine physiology and biochemistry and with a special interest in thermoregulation, regarding the issue of sweat scraping.

On 20 June David Marlin commented, “How do we explain the idea that scraping is a waste of time and if you have a SEVERELY HYPERTHERMIC HORSE (very hot to touch, blowing hard and unsteady on its feet) you will cool it more effectively if you continue to apply cold water as opposed to stopping and scraping?

The systems we developed for Beijing 2008 consist of ice water reservoirs and pumps which go to hand held spray heads. NO SCRAPING!!!! Spray, spray, spray and when a horse is cooling down, a short walk. The professional endurance riders in the Gulf NEVER scrape.”

The topic of sweat scraping has mixed opinions, with some agreeing with the view sweat scraping is not effective, whilst others still advocate the traditional cooling technique. What do you think?

Polo Times would like to encourage all viewpoints on the topic, so if you have an opinion on the subject then contact letters@polotimes.co.uk with your view and name.

Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

Dear Sirs, What a wonderful term it has been for Oxford University Polo Club. Since my election as Chairman at the end of Hilary term, the entire Club has strived to take advantage of the sunny and joyous summer months of the grass season. Numerous events, both social and sporting, have been organised and members have continually become more involved. OUPC has also proudly been featured in its first ever blockbuster film: Transformers 5 which has just been released in cinemas and features Oxford battling it out against Cambridge in front of OUPC President Aurelia Vandamme Blenheim Palace!

Our annual La Martina Varsity Day was met with great success, and Oxford once again marched to victory with a 5-1 score over Cambridge.

The turnout was fantastic, with many of our members coming all the way from Oxford to enjoy what Guards, La Martina and British Polo Gin had organised for the day.

The following weekend saw us host Harvard, Yale and Cambridge at Oxford for the annual Atlantic Cup, before heading off to Chesterton’s Polo in the Park for some Bike Polo. The weekend was rounded off with a fantastic dinner and day out in Cambridge, where university students could witness the final matches of the tournament. Once again, Oxford came out victorious and has, as such, been invited by Harvard to play in their opening tournament at the Myopia Polo Club.

Other events this term saw OUPC play the Royal Navy, the Army, Durham and other great opponents. The Club also hosted the first ever Claire Lucas Cup, a new initiative for women’s polo at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. This event represents OUPC’s drive to push more women into polo at University level. This will be demonstrated at this year’s Carnival Polo at Dallas Burston Polo Club in September when the OUPC girls will challenge University of London’s women’s team for the title.

Highlights of the social calendar included our Annual Members & Alumni Polo Club Dinner, the Varsity Day after party, and the British Polo Gin Garden Party, all contributing to a fantastic end of term.

Once again, the partnerships OUPC has developed and consolidated were key to our many successes this year. A huge thank you goes to our Official Kit & Equipment Suppliers, La Martina; Official Spirit Suppliers and our newest partners, British Polo Gin; and Official Event Partners, Varsity Events. Long-term relationships such as these are vital for the success of any initiative and OUPC is glad to have the backing of such great partners.

A huge thank you must also be given to the hard work of the new committee, who has strived to make this Club as fun and welcoming as possible whilst providing great quality and accessible polo. Whilst we are sad to bid farewell now to some of our most committed members, OUPC is already working hard to beat last year’s record breaking membership of 200 students, and are busy planning for the upcoming trip to Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club.

I wish everyone a fantastic season and summer and look forward to seeing all our members and friends of OUPC this coming year to continue this exciting journey with us.

Kind Regards, Aurelia Vandamme, OUPC Chairman

What are your views on the effectiveness of sweat scraping?

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www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of OUPC

Peter O’Rorke

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,

Your Views

Comment

Quick Question

In what year was The Coronation Cup, usually hosted

by Guards Polo Club, played at Cowdray Park Polo Club due to Foot and Mouth disease?

A: Turn to page 119 to check your answer.

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Pony Club and youth polo mothers across the country are sending their iPhone Maps and truck odometer into meltdown, ferrying hoards of children to seemingly endless friendlies, tournaments and championships

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Big Big

the the

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picture picture

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XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX w XXXXXXXXXXXX

CHOCKS AWAY! This scenario may look more like a disaster report from Flight Safety Bulletin but rest assured it was not as dangerous as this looks – most of the spectators didn’t appear to notice anything being amiss! In classic polo style, many were too busy focusing on the unfolding Warwickshire Cup Final on the prestigious Ivy Lodge grounds at Cirencester Park Polo Club to notice the whirly bird hovering overhead. To read more about the Final between El Remanso and Bardon, turn to our Reports pages. w Photograph by Ben Hastie Photography

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

GA Polo Holidays

Destination Polo

A

n exciting new venture by Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya, two famous names in the world of international polo, has been launched. GA Polo Holidays creates funpacked trips – to Argentina, Uruguay, Ibiza and Sotogrande – for anyone with a passion for polo, who wants to learn from the highgoal masters. The holidays are designed for the whole family and friends, and there is something for everyone. Dates and venues for 2017 and 2018 can be found on the website and customised programmes are developed for each client.

Nacho explains, “Relaxing over a bottle of wine with Marcos years ago, we 28

Polo Times, August 2017

started to reminisce about a polo holiday I organised in Chile and others Marcos arranged in Argentina. We both agreed they were among the most exciting things we had accomplished sharing our expertise with great people and experiencing new adventures with them. However, it was the wrong time for us to pursue this dream due to our polo careers.

“We did however feel it was our destiny and now is the time to start this new adventure. We have one life and you have to live it and do what you love!”

The holidays, which cater for all levels of polo from -2 to 22 goal, and boast superb accommodation, focus on key aspects of polo www.polotimes.co.uk

GA Polo Holidays

Feature

MARCOS ARAYA (7)

Marcos ‘Cacu’ Araya started playing on his family farm in Coronel Suarez, Argentina. He travelled with his father to the US where he also got the opportunity to play his first kids’ tournament in Palm Beach Polo Club. He also played the Copa Potrillos in Argentina. At the time, they were the only two tournaments for young players but Cacu was lucky to come from a polo family who let him play with the grown-ups from a young age.

On finishing school, he dedicated his time to polo and began playing professionally in Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Dubai, Spain and many other countries.

His most memorable moment was winning the Copa Republica and the Intercollegiate in Argentina and also representing his country in China where they won the international tournament.

Cacu is proud of the many tournaments he has played with Nacho Gonzalez, whether they have won or lost, the friendship they have formed has been his greatest gift from polo to date.

Polo Holidays For more information on Nacho, Marcos and your perfect holiday, please visit www.gapoloholidays.com or email enquiries@gapoloholidays.com

in beautiful surroundings in South America and Spain. They comprise, for the polo fanatics, stick and ball and penalty lessons, instructional chukkas, practice matches, team tactics and mini tournaments. There is time to refine riding and playing skills along with learning about stable management and horse welfare.

Depending on the venue, and in between the polo, asados and farm life, there are a host of other activities to enjoy. Pilar, in Argentina, is near to Buenos Aires, so city tours, theatres, Tango lessons and football may be in the mix. Coronel Suarez, south of Buenos Aires and at the heart of polo history in Argentina, is ideal for hunting, www.polotimes.co.uk

NACHO GONZALEZ (6)

Even with a name as Argentine as they come, Nacho was born and grew up in the Home Counties, in the UK. In his own words he, “Started riding at the start of my life, so I can’t really remember a first moment – I was just aware that I rode.” He has 30 caps playing for England, in tournaments around the world. For the past 15 years, he has worked for Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor team, which has won all major tournaments in the UK. Nacho has played in Australia, Argentina, Chile, France, Africa, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand and Dubai, and his achievements include, the Coronation Cup, he is a three times winner of the Prince of Wales (22 goal), British Open Gold Cup, Royal Windsor (15 goal), Dubai Gold Cup, Dubai Silver Cup and Thai Open. He is also a four times winner of St. Moritz Snow Polo and Deauville Gold Cup. kite surfing, fishing, golf, mountain trails, cattle herding, vineyards and ‘gaucho’ life.

Punte Del Este in Uruguay, a short hop on a boat from Buenos Aires, is decadent and designed for fun beach life. Ibiza and Sotogrande in Spain deliver spectacular

beaches and restaurants and two of the most prestigious polo clubs in Europe. Something for everyone!

Visit www.gapoloholidays.com for more information or email enquiries@ gapoloholidays.com Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

GA Polo Holidays

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIFE OF...

MARCOS ARAYA

NACHO GONZALEZ

Did you ever get into trouble at school and, if so, why?

Yes as I always just wanted to have fun.

What was your first part-time job?

I sold a horse when I was 15 years old.

What did you spend your first pay cheque on?

On two young horses What was your first full-time job?

Playing polo in Italy What was your worst business mistake?

Buying a restaurant but I enjoyed it What was your greatest achievement?

Finding my girlfriend What car do you drive today and what does it say about you?

Toyota Hilux 2005. It says that I don’t care much about cars If you could have invented any product, what would it be?

Smartphone What do you most like about the polo industry?

Horses What do you least like about the polo industry?

Having to travel and not being based at one place for a long period of time Name one change you would make to the industry Involve big brands for advertising and supporting teams of four professional players Which person in the polo industry, other than you!! do you most admire and why?

Nacho Gonzalez because of the big effort and passion he puts into achieving things Where should we have a new polo tournament and why?

Coronel Suarez, organized by GA Polo Holidays because it is where I come from.

What single possession would you rescue if your house caught fire?

Everything I can from my kitchen.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Fishing How do you relax?

BBQ and Truco with my friends What is your favourite tipple?

Coke with ice How many times a year do you take a holiday and what is your favourite destination?

I spend my free time at the farm Which one record would you take to a desert island?

Legend of Bob Marley Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?

Manu Ginobili If you could be anyone (living or dead, fictional or real) who would it be?

Ayrton Senna Choose three words that describe you.

Patient, loyal, generous What was your most embarrassing moment?

Can’t remember being embarrassed!

If you had to choose another career what would it be?

Car racing

Did you ever get into trouble at school and, if so, why?

Yes talking too much and not doing my homework What was your first part-time job?

Goal judging at Cowdray when I was 12 What did you spend your first pay cheque on?

Can’t remember What was your first full-time job?

Professional polo player What was the best piece of advice you have been given?

To be loyal and do right by people What was your worst business mistake?

Trusting too many people What was your greatest achievement?

Winning the Gold Cup What car do you drive today and what does it say about you?

Land Rover Defender – not pretentious and a working horse What do you most like about the polo industry?

The horses and seeing the world What do you least like about the polo industry?

People that know it all Name one change you would make to the industry Not so many tournaments; more like the football premiership with one league Which person in the polo industry, other than you!! do you most admire and why?

I have a few. One is the late Gabrielle Donoso; his horsemanship was amazing and he knew how to speak to patrons and made polo fun for them Do you have any pets other than horses!?

Two dogs, Rosie and Wilma Do you have any other hobbies?

Racketball How do you relax?

With Sarah and the kids; in Dartmouth preferably How many times a year do you take a holiday and what is your favourite destination?

Once a year; Dartmouth or somewhere in Europe Which one book would you take to a desert island?

The Secret.

Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?

Winston Churchill If you could be anyone (living or dead, fictional or real) who would it be?

Peter Pan Choose five words that describe you.

Fun, happy, winner, loving, caring Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?

Climbing Kilimanjaro and/or going on a safari What was your most embarrassing moment?

Having a wee behind my car at Coworth Park and Prince Harry walking past me.

If you had to choose another career what would it be?

Airline pilot

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

Air Partner

Polo and Private Jets Air Partner explains why they make a perfect match

H

aving recently announced a partnership with Cowdray Park Polo Club, Air Partner has made a solid landing into the world of polo.

Founded in 1961, Air Partner has provided private charter services for nearly every sport imaginable, catering for both the spectators keen to experience the highlights of the sporting calendar and for the players themselves. The spectrum of services offered – from helicopters and small private jets to large commercial aircraft and freighters – means that they are able to meet nearly any travel request.

The equestrian world is already popular amongst private jet clients, with many chartering privately to go to a race day, be it the Grand National or to take a punt at smaller local racecourses. More recently, Air Partner saw a spike in helicopter requests due to Ascot race-goers wanting to fly straight into the venue. This is also a popular request from Goodwood visitors, who will no doubt be flying in at the end of this summer to experience the extraordinary and theatrical Goodwood Revival.

The glamour of flying privately to a prestigious sporting event is undoubtedly attractive, but it’s the practicality that wins people over. Not only can clients access smaller private airports and get closer to their destination, but, it’s fast and hassle-free with no waiting around or queuing. With the ability to curate bespoke travel itineraries, clients are far more flexible to travel when they want, on their own schedule.

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Feature

Photography courtesy of Air Partner & Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Air Partner

Equally, if they decide last minute that they want to see Cambiaso play at the Argentine Open or enjoy the remainder of the British polo season, the Air Partner JetCard even guarantees a jet available with as little as 24 hours prior notice.

The flexibility of private charter particularly comes into play for sports teams whose requirements range from travelling exactly when and where they need, to ensuring that the on-board experience is in line with their strict regimes in preparation for their game. Diet is particularly important and Air Partner work closely with teams’ sports nutritionists to individualise the inflight menu and ensure it meets all of the nutritional and dietary requirements for the players, whether that be a meal high in carbohydrates following a training session or ensuring all the menu options are low in fat.

And it’s not just the players that need to travel in comfort. All cargo is precious to someone, especially if it is a high performing and valued polo pony. Although clients might not be able to squeeze their four-legged team onto the jet with them, they are an equally important team member and invariably, a freight charter is the only way to get them quickly and safely to their next tournament.

And so it seems the synergy between private jets and polo is clear. Whether clients are spectating or jetting off to play in their next tournament, the flexibility of private jet charter is unrivalled.

For more information visit www.airpartner.com

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

Britain’s Young Guns

Under 21s Playing 22 T

Ned Hine Date of Birth: 21.10.02 Handicap: 0 The youngest ever British player to ride in the high goal, 14-year-old Ned Hine has played his first high goal season this year, stepping out as substitute for Jean-François Décaux on his La Bamba de Areco side. He has played in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge Tournament, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-Le-Coultre Gold Cup.

The UK 2017 high goal

How did you first start playing polo and who introduced you to the sport?

My parents, but especially my father [exEngland Captain, Andrew Hine], introduced me to the sport when I was about five-yearsold. I first started playing at home on our polo field and played my first Pony Club competition when I was six-years-old.

he 2017 high goal season has been full of thrills, spills and surprises, but the highlight for many has been the amount of young, British talent that’s taken to the hallowed high goal turf this year. From players as young as 14-years-old, British young guns have been included in some of the world’s greatest polo teams, such as La Bamba de Areco, Talandracas and King Power. King Power is known for its support of young players, but this season they have increased their capacity taking on three new youngsters at Billingbear, giving them all the chance to fight for the coveted fourth shirt in the top seeded team.

The inclusion of young players in the high goal has at times proved contentious, with questions asked about their ability to cope with the stresses and strains asked of both their minds and their bodies at such a young age. Polo Times spoke to the six young players, in age order, and delved into what makes these British talents special, what gives them the edge in this competitive environment.

What was it that you first loved about the game?

I always loved the fact that horses were such a big part of the game.

Who has helped you get to where you are now?

My mother and father have given me loads of help and provided me with amazing opportunities. For the past few years our family has visited Argentina for the Easter and October half term holidays, and we have been very fortunate to have the use of the Thai Polo set-up in Argentina, thanks to Harald Link. Harald has been extremely generous and supportive, as has the Pieres family who have invited me to play amazing practices at Ellerstina! Nic Roldan has also been so kind, encouraging me over the past three or four years. I also want to say thank you so much to Hilario Ulloa for playing the 16 goal with me and Milly, my sister, in Pilar this April.

Which player do you admire the most on the field, and why?

I admire and really look up to the Pieres family. It certainly isn’t just because they are all at the top of the handicap table, but also because of their true sportsmanship on and off the field, which makes me really want to replicate this when I play.

Polo Times, August 2017

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Greatest polo achievement?

My greatest polo achievement is having played with La Bamba de Areco against three of the leading 10 goal players: Hilario Ulloa in The Cartier Queen’s Cup against Murus Sanctus and Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup against King Power. www.polotimes.co.uk

Britain’s Young Guns

William Harper

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

I think I’ve changed from being more of a ball player, and less on the man, to being a lot tougher and more disciplined marking.

I had to adapt to this for La Bamba de Areco in the high goal because we knew for the team to win I needed to create more space for the three professionals. I now feel I have more time and space.

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

Dad and I are constantly trying to improve my string!

When did you first play in a high goal match?

I played my first high goal game this season, in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge tournament at Cowdray Park Polo Club, for La Bamba de Areco. I was then asked again to play one game in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and two games in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the same team, substituting for Jean François-Décaux.

How did you feel beforehand?

When I was first asked I was extremely happy and quite shocked, as I couldn’t quite believe I was going to be playing high goal.

I always watch The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup and had always dreamt of playing in it one day, but certainly not so young.

Strangely, I wasn’t that nervous beforehand because my teammates were so encouraging.

Has playing the high goal changed your outlook on the game at all?

It showed me even more that it isn’t just the 10 goalers or the higher handicapped players who win the games, but that all the players have a big role to play.

Who is your favourite team to play for?

My favourite team to play for is Northwood.

The reason is because Northwood is a family team and named after my Australian grandparents’ Thoroughbred property, and our team shirts are the same as their racing silks!

Every year they come over to visit and support us, and see how we’re doing.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would really love to be 6/7 goals when I am 20-years-old and play more high goal again in the years to come. www.polotimes.co.uk

Date of Birth: 05.01.02 Handicap: 0

This year, 15-year-old Will Harper had his high goal baptism of fire, as he took to the field as part of the La Bamba de Areco Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge Tournament team. He also stepped out wearing the number one shirt for Habtoor in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Semi Final against King Power.

How did you first start playing polo and who introduced you to the sport?

My mum and dad [England international and El Remanso team member, James Harper] tell me that I had a handstick when I could crawl. My dad, being a professional, has meant that I’ve always been around the sport. I was six-yearsold when I played in my first Pony Club tournament.

What was it that you first loved about the game?

I have always loved the competitive side of the game.

Who has helped you get to where you are now?

My parents have helped me hugely since I first started and Jim Gilmore has helped me out with good horses.

Which player do you admire the most on the field, and why?

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling has always been one of my favourite players to watch as he’s so nice on the horses and has some amazing plays. I also love watching my dad play!

Greatest polo achievement?

It was a huge thing this year to get the call up to play for Talandracas in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. It was always a dream when I was younger to play high goal. Now I’m about to go to Sotogrande, in Spain, to play for Lechuza Caracas with Juan Martín Nero and Pelón Stirling.

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

I feel like I have improved a huge amount compared to last year, being much stronger, hitting the ball and playing on the man.

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

I have been focusing on being stronger with the man, but always trying to improve the rest of my game.

Feature

When did you first play in a high goal match?

I played for La Bamba de Areco in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge earlier this season.

How would you describe your experience of the high goal in three words?

Fun, fast, exciting!

Has playing the high goal changed your outlook on the game at all?

My outlook has changed hugely, as the high goal really makes you think about beating your man before going to the ball and also to take time on the ball. Most importantly, don’t rush.

Who is your favourite team to play for?

I had lots of fun playing for King Power in the 15 goal, as I learnt a lot of things from playing with Francisco Elizalde, Marcos Di Paola and Apichet ‘Tal’ Srivaddhanaprabha .

But I can’t wait for Spain!

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would obviously like my handicap to keep going up, but I would love to win a big tournament in the high goal.

Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

Britain’s Young Guns

Hugo Taylor Date of Birth: 19.09.99 Handicap: 1 Another high goal first timer, Hugo Taylor has been an unfaltering face on polo’s team sheet since the young age of 10. The young-England team member’s polo career has rocketed upwards in the past year, as he played in the 26 goal in the USA and now the UK high goal season regularly substituting for King Power.

Greatest polo achievement?

Playing in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup with King Power and the Pieres brothers.

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

I think my game has improved as I have become more disciplined on the field and I now understand how to play at such a high level.

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

Mainly my work off the ball, which I think is important when playing in a team like King Power.

When did you first play in a high goal match?

My first high goal game was in the USA with Orchard Hill in the 26 goal and I was 16 at the time. I have been a substitute in the UK high goal for the past few years, but never got the opportunity to come on. Before that I was playing the 15 and 18 goal.

How would you describe your experience of the high goal in three words?

An amazing experience.

Has playing the high goal changed your outlook on the game at all?

I have really realised how important horse power is.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would love to keep competing at this level and playing in good organisations – maybe I’ll even win a high goal tournament!

Jimbo Fewster Date of Birth: 08.05.99 Handicap: 1

James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster has risen through the polo ranks to the lofty heights of the high goal at a rapid pace. This season he has cemented his position with King Power, playing alongside his idols Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final. But to top it all off, he received the Most Valuable Player Award from HM The Queen in The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final.

How did you first start playing polo and who introduced you to the sport?

My dad, Martin Fewster, was a professional and coach and he introduced me to polo.

What was it that you first loved about the game?

I think what I loved about it was that I had never played any sport like it. I always wanted to play. There was no other sport that held my attention.

Who has helped you get to where you are now?

My dad. He has always supported me and helped me get where I am today.

Greatest polo achievement?

Probably getting the Most Valuable Player Award from HM The Queen in The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final this year.

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Britain’s Young Guns

Charles Cooney Date of Birth: 05.02.98 Handicap: 1 It’s safe to say that before the 2017 high goal season, no one had really heard of Charles Cooney, but with an initial break, substituting for Talandracas in The 2016 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, Charles broke into the competitive environment. This season, he was picked to start for King Power, playing in The Cartier Queen’s Cup.

How did you first start playing polo?

I fell in love with polo before I could even ride a horse, I used to watch all the polo games on YouTube over and over again and started to play on a quad bike with a handstick in my garden in Guernsey. I was 13 when I had my first lesson which was with Robert Burke at Ascot Park Polo Club and when I moved to Millfield School in Somerset it was a sports option there and I was able to play four times a week.

What was it that you first loved about the game?

My first love for the sport was the horses.

I loved the idea that each one is different in their own way, some have better handle, stopping ability and speed.

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

I think it has improved in every aspect. I’ve picked up so many things playing with Facu and Gonza [Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres].

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

I am much better in attack than defence, so I have had to really focus on improving my defence work for the high goal.

When did you first play in a high goal match?

My first high goal game was in June this year, in The Cartier Queen’s Cup.

How would you describe playing the high goal in three words?

Fast, tough, fun.

Who is your favourite team to play for?

King Power. The organisation and staff are amazing!

Who has helped you get to where you are now?

Robert Burke, who gave me my first lessons, Nelson Bustamente, who always invited me to his yard to ride and stick and ball his horses for free and Ruso Heguy and his family. After spending five months working and learning everyday with Ruso I have learnt so much about horses and polo. And lastly my dad who doesn’t have a polo background, but knows that he wants me to succeed.

Which player do you admire the most on the field, and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to play alongside Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres. Their teamwork is the best in the game and each brother knows exactly where each other is on the field all the time! I have also been lucky enough to have played against Adolfo Cambiaso. I have huge respect for him and the way he plays is like no other.

Greatest polo achievement?

My greatest polo achievement so far would have to be getting selected to play for King Power at the start of this season and playing some competitive games in the high goal.

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

Over the English winter period I trained out in Argentina with the Heguys. During that period my knowledge for the game grew hugely and I also now have much greater horsemanship; which has helped my game improve immensely over this past year.

Feature

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

I have focused on trying to improve everything – in particular I’ve been trying to improve my knowledge of the game, horsemanship, but specifically slowing my swing down.

When did you first play in a high goal match?

My first high goal game was played with Talandracas with Sapo Caset, Polito Pieres and Tommy Beresford in 2016, when I was 18.

How would you describe your experience of the high goal in three words?

Fast, tough, competitive.

Has playing the high goal changed your outlook on the game at all?

After playing the high goal I have realised how highly competitive the sport is and how much everyone wants to win. You feel the sense of pressure and hunger to win every game.

Who is your favourite team to play for, and why?

So far I have loved playing for King Power.

Facu and Gonza are also really nice guys on and off the field, so that is also another benefit of being a part of the organisation.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would like to play strongly off my handicap and try to take the opportunities that are offered to me. To be a part of medium or high goal teams is the dream for me.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would like to win The Gold Cup or The Queen’s Cup and for my handicap to go up every year.

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

Britain’s Young Guns

Jack Hyde Date of Birth: 28.06.97 Handicap: 3 Son of 10 goal arena handicapped and professional player Chris Hyde, Jack has been a stalwart of high goal team sheets since he was 15-years-old, when he first substituted for the Twelve Oaks team in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. This season has seen him take to the field with Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas team for The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup. How did you first start playing polo and who introduced you to the sport?

I first started playing polo at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club with my dad, Chris Hyde. I was around 13-years-old when I had my first 8 goal season.

What was it that you first loved about the game?

I loved the horses. I really enjoyed just going down to the yard and riding with everyone, getting to stick and ball and trying to fit into some good chukkas.

Who has helped you get to where you are now?

My dad has been the most amazing help in getting me to where I am now. I would not be playing the level I am now if it wasn’t for him. The lessons from John Horsewell over the years also certainly helped.

Which player do you admire the most on the field?

Adolfo Cambiaso. The guy is just a freak!

The way he comes back year after year and wins all the top tournaments around the world is just amazing.

Greatest polo achievement?

Winning the 12 goal Victor Ludorum with my dad and Jonny Good is a great memory, because I am very close with both of them so it was like a family team. My biggest achievement in polo right now would have to be winning The Gold Cup in Dubai playing with the UAE team in 2016. It was such a good season and a great team to be a part of.

When did you first play in a high goal match?

I first played in the high goal about five years ago when I was 15. I substituted in for the patron of Twelve Oaks and got to play a game in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and all of The Gold Cup.

How do you think your game has changed over the past year?

My decision making has improved. Since this shift, I’ve been playing better and faster polo.

How would you describe playing the high goal in three words?

Enjoyable, fast, memorable.

Have you been focusing on improving anything in particular?

I’ve really been trying to improve my swing and my confidence. Hopefully I’ll improve on both and become a lot better from it.

Who is your favourite team to play for, and why?

I don’t really have a favourite team to play for right now because I haven’t played in one team for long enough. However, I

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really like playing with the UAE team in Dubai, as everyone involved in the team is really cool.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

I would like to get to at least 7 goals over the next five years and to win The Cartier Queen’s Cup or The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup would be fantastic!

For a full report from The 2017 JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup, please turn to page 49 or to read more about Youth players from across the globe, please turn to our Youth section.

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Feature

XI FIP World Polo Championship

World Polo Championship Ahead of the 2017 XI FIP World Polo Championship, we spoke to Sydney Polo Club

I Photography courtesy of Sydney Polo Club

n October, eight international 14 goal teams will descend on the Sydney Polo Club, Australia. From 21 – 29 October 2017 the defending world champion, Chile, will take on seven of the world’s most elite representative polo teams as they compete to take the title from them. Since early 2017, qualifying tournaments have

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been held around the world with scores of countries competing for the chance to come to Sydney. The Championship will see seasoned players from the eight competitive nations of Argentina, Australia, Chile, England, India, New Zealand, Spain, and the USA. In the early 1980s, motivated by a desire to broaden the scope of international polo, as well as to restore the sport’s Olympic status, Marcos Uranga, the then President of the Argentine Polo Association, formed the Federation of International Polo, an international organisation that now represents almost 90 countries. The Federation of International Polo then created the World Polo Championship. This tournament takes place every three years and gives every country the opportunity to compete for the title of champion.

Chile are the defending champions of the title

To ensure horses, like teams, are of an equal standard they are sourced from all around the host country. For this World Championship, they will be kindly lent by the Australian polo community. Each horse must have the ability and skill to play polo at the 14-18 goal level. Australian polo horses are renowned for their strength and agility. Australian horses are popular with many polo players including Facundo Sola, Mia and Adolfo Cambiaso.

A highly regarded team of Horse Directors, Anto White, Pat MacGinley and Jim Gilmore, have been hand-picked to manage and oversee the horses. Jose Lartirigoyen, from Argentina, has been invited to be the Horse Master after an outstanding performance at the previous World Championship in Chile. His role is to supervise the grading of all the horses. The horses are split into eight equal pools based on ability. The players have one opportunity to stick and ball and one practice match before they compete. The players are then not allowed to interact with the horses www.polotimes.co.uk

XI FIP World Polo Championship

Feature

Sydney Polo Club are hosting the XI FIP World Polo Championship

The competing countries’ badges

The impressive World Polo Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

other than at game time, so as to make sure no team has an unfair advantage.

The horses will be provided with around-the-clock vet care for the duration of the Championship with each pool having a team of veterinary assistants to support the vets.

While the on-field competition will be fierce, the all-encompassing World Polo Championship will include a showstopping equine festival tailored to all ages.

Features such as jousting, show jumping, vaulting, dressage, art exhibitions and world-class dining experiences are just a few of the many entertainment elements to complement the competitive games.

The World Polo Championship will host a variety of child-friendly events, live music and fashion shows.

Guests from all over the world are invited to come and scream for their team, wave their flags and experience an international polo tournament like no other.

Hospitality marquees are selling quickly and tickets are limited. Get in quick www.wpcsydney.com

Polo Times, August 2017

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Feature

Victrix Ludorum Series

Victrix Ludorum W

With the inaugural Victrix Ludorum already underway, we spoke to the HPA, the clubs hosting the series and two of the players competing

omen’s polo is increasing in popularity and continues to go from strength to strength each year. Following the introduction of specific ladies’ handicaps in 2015, the announcement of a Victrix Ludorum by the HPA was the next logical step for UK women’s polo. 2017 is the first year of the series, which follows the same format as the already established Victor Ludorum, for mixed teams, with the difference being that the Victrix Ludorum is female players only. As with the Victor Ludorum, the Victrix Ludorum offers an ideal sequence of tournaments which enable teams to travel and compete across the country with the series made up of six tournaments played at six clubs across the UK. As this issue of Polo Times went to print the first part in the series was coming to an end.

Hurlingham Polo Association – Sophie McPherson, Membership and Communications “The Victrix Ludorum is a great opportunity to showcase the best of women’s polo. We hope that it will make the Ladies tournaments more competitive as there will be a trophy to win at the end of the series and that it will encourage more ladies to play polo.

“The growth of ladies polo inspired this initiative and with the new ladies handicap system this helps raise the level of the women’s game. Ladies tournaments have been going on for years and with the introduction of the Victrix Ludorum we hope that it will raise the level of women’s polo, which is rapidly growing in the UK and abroad as many of the professional lady players travel oversesas each year.”

Knepp Castle – Sarah Wiseman, Chairman and Polo Manager “It’s a great concept and has worked so well in mixed polo with the Victor Ludorum.

It’s a great way of showcasing the best of women’s polo across the country.

“I think it will encourage annual teams to be formed, which in turn will make all the tournaments more competitive as teams will have more matches together, rather than just a one off tournament. It should also increase team entries at all the participating clubs.

“I would think that next year, it will be bigger as people will understand how the system works and it will grow in popularity.

We are really excited about hosting it, and as a player I think it is going to take ladies polo in the UK to the next level and help with sponsorship and growth in the future.”

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – Alex Jacob, Assistant Polo Manager “We think it is a great concept and hopefully it will encourage more ladies teams to travel to tournaments. With time and support from the lady patrons and pros it will hopefully develop into a really competitive, sought after title. I think the spread of tournaments and the calendar has been well organised and caters for players at many different clubs. With the draws for both Cowdray and Cirencester now out it is clear that some of the teams are very competitive and these tournaments are being well supported.

“The level at this stage does not cater for those players at the lower end of the spectrum and perhaps this is something that could be developed. 12-18 goal only really caters for the elite of ladies polo and the majority of players do not play at this level.

“As with all these things, for example the introduction of ladies handicaps, it takes a little while for everyone to get used to the system and to know how it works. We are not sure how much affect it will have this year, but if it continues to grow and is well supported, it will be a fantastic addition to the ladies polo circuit.

“We are lucky here at The Berkshire that we have always had a competitive Ladies tournament as part of our calendar, however, the Victrix Ludorum will hopefully encourage more visiting teams. Our Victrix Ludorum tournament is part of our annual Polo Festival, sponsored by Tally Ho Farm, which makes for a fantastic atmosphere throughout the tournament with lots going on including a welcome drinks party and family fun day for the Finals.”

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www.polotimes.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club – Caspar West, Polo Manager “It is great to see the spotlight on the ladies and to make it a challenge with the ability to travel around the clubs. Having the schedule as it is, hopefully it will allow players from all over the world to be able to fit it as part of their schedule.

“Running over a longer period of time will make it possible to get all the best players, as well as promote ladies polo further. It does allow the ladies to concentrate and dedicate their time to play the Victrix Ludorum, but still be able to have time to take part in mixed polo too.

“As one of the biggest pioneers of ladies polo, Claire Tomlinson’s involvement with the Club means this is something close to the Club’s heart. This continues through her daughter Emma and all the incredibly driven ladies that are making it happen, so it can only be a huge influence to their polo at the Club whether it is through our current players or the younger ones coming through.

With the entries received already it is looking like we will get to see some of the best ladies polo in recent years.”

Feature

Photograph by Ben Hastie Photography

Victrix Ludorum Series

Nina Clarkin Ladies Handicap: 10 What are your thoughts on the Victrix Ludorum?

I think it is a fantastic idea and a great way to encourage permanence throughout the teams and create something for the patrons to aim towards.

How do you think it will affect UK ladies polo this season?

I think a few more teams will have entered extra tournaments to qualify but I don’t think the full effects will be seen for a year or two.

Are you taking part in the Victrix Ludourm? If so with who if you know yet?

This year we are Apes Hill/Huntington House and are playing four tournaments together this year. The team is Lucy Coddington, Camilla Williams, Sam Buckles and myself.

Lottie Lamacraft Ladies Handicap: 5 What are your thoughts on the Victrix Ludorum?

I think it’s a great idea. The HPA Victor Ludorum encourages teams to maintain consistency in their player line-ups and travel further afield, I believe it will have the same affect on the ladies circuit too.

How do you think it will affect UK ladies polo this season?

I think teams will travel more and thus increase overall tournament entries. I think it will also improve the standard of the ladies 18 goal; it will be interesting to see each team developing on a tournament-by-tournament basis.

Are you taking part in the Victrix Ludourm? If so with who if you know yet?

I am playing with Daisy Hatfield, Hazel Jackson and Dayna Weatcher in the New Forest team.

Victrix Ludorum 12-18 Goal 2017 Fixtures Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knepp Castle – The Racehorse Sanctuary International Ladies Tournament Final: 16 July Cowdray – The British Ladies Championships Final: 22 July Cirencester – 12-18 Goal Final: 30 July Beaufort – Beaufort Ladies Tournament Final: 5 August RCBPC – The Polo Festival Ladies Tournament Final: 13 August Guards – The Lord Beresford Cup Final: 2 September

Editor’s Note A full round-up of the Victrix Ludorum Series will feature in the September issue of Polo Times.

Polo Times, August 2017

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Victor Ludorum

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Reports

Victorious Park Place, winners of The Apsley Cup

Victor Ludorum Round-Up Park Place score a hat trick

T

he 2017 Victor Ludorum is now well and truly underway, with teams across the country competing for the coveted trophies. Park Place has scored a hat trick, winning tournaments in both the 18 goal and 15 goal series, whilst Beaufort Black Hound took the 12 goal Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and Shalimar took home the 8 goal Hildon Archie David Trophy at Guards Polo Club.

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester Park Polo Club – Apsley Cup Final – Sunday 2 July Number of teams: 5 Winners: Park Place Points: 80 In a thrilling Apsley Cup Final, Bardon Polo got within half a goal of doing the Warwickshire/ Apsley Cup double, but Park Place stopped them in their tracks to take the top spot and lift the silver trophy, winning 6-5½.

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Juan Britos was the first to score and get Park Place off the mark and into the lead ahead of Bardon’s half goal start – due to a last minute team change for the Final because of Martin Valent being replaced

by Matias Machando due to injury. Strada was soon to put Bardon back in the lead however, easily converting a 40 yard penalty.

There was some great team play between Park Place at the end of the first chukka, which resulted in a goal for Alfredo Bigatti, to leave it 2-1½ to Park Place at the end of the first chukka.

The goals continued to come in the second chukka, with Isidro Strada scoring for Bardon. Having carried the ball from the half way line, he eventually hit traffic and slotted the ball through players and posts from a standing shot. Juan Britos also converted a 30 yard penalty, but just before the end of the chukka Bardon snuck back into the lead to make it 3½-3 to Bardon at the end of the second chukka.

Park Place pulled back the lead with

one goal in the third chukka. They gained momentum and were definitely on the attack in the fourth chukka, with some incredible play from Bigatti to seal the Most Valuable Player Award. At the beginning of the fourth chukka he scored an enormous lofted shot from at least 80 yards, which went sailing high and bang on target. A similarly huge cut shot attempt soon after didn’t quite find the posts and Bardon pulled one back with Strada converting a 60 yard penalty. Bigatti was back on impressive form though, picking a ball from four foot in the air at a flat-out gallop and taking it to goal. He lost it just in front of the posts, but Chris Mackenzie was there to finish it off.

At the final bell, Bardon crept back to within half a goal with a sneaky goal. A Bardon hit-in saw them on the attack in the final minutes, some very strong ride offs and defensive play somehow resulted in an untimely dismount for Borodin. None the worse for wear, Park Place went on to stop a penalty and kept Bardon’s attacking attempts from finding the posts, long enough to hear the final bell.

Alfredo Bigatti received the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst the Best Playing Pony award went to Juan Britos’ lovely little black 7-year-old stallion Tullipan.

The Apsley Cup Final Teams: Park Place (18): Andrey Borodin (0), Alfredo Bigatti (6), Juan Britos (6) & Chris Mackenzie (6) Bardon Polo Team (17): Andras Tombor (0), Matias Machado (4), Isidro Strada (6) & Alejo Taranco (7) www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum

Guards Polo Club – Bentley Royal Windsor Final – Sunday 25 June Number of teams: 21 Winners: Park Place Points: 100 In a rousing game on The Queen’s Ground, Andrey Borodin’s Park Place defeated Charlie Wooldridge’s Twelve Oaks 8-7 in the annual Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Cup Final on Sunday 25 June at Guards Polo Club.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The winning Park Place team with HM The Queen at Guards Polo Club

RCBPC – Eduardo Moore Final – Saturday 15 July Number of teams: 6 Winners: Emlor C Points: 100 A couple of team changes for the Emlor C team for the Final were made with sister Emma McCarthy replacing Laura Ormerod and Jeronimo del Carril stepping into the place of Manolo Fernandez-Llorente. As the game got underway, the first chukka was a pretty even affair with both teams sussing one another out whilst Emlor C found their flow as a team. The scoreboard was reading 2-1½ in favour of the team in white until del Carril scored a fantastic goal, having plucked the ball out of the air and bounced it on the end of his stick a couple of times before slotting it through the posts. The first chukka ended 2-2½ in favour of the red shirts of Emlor C. The following two chukkas weren’t far off the first, with both teams settling into their rhythm and some fabulous team play from both sides. Exchanging precisely converted penalties along with a couple of field goals, the half-time bell was sounded with the scoreboard reading 5-4½ in favour of Campanulata.

The fourth chukka saw Emlor C come out on fire, making up the deficit straight away with an easily converted 30 yard penalty by Jack Richardson, swiftly followed by another at the opposite end. They had www.polotimes.co.uk

Played in the presence of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Dr Andreas Offermann, member of the Bentley Board for Sales and Marketing, the five chukka match was a close affair.

Both teams fielded a strong defence, which stopped either team from running away with the game.

South African international Chris Mackenzie, later named the Bentley Motors Most Valuable Player, gave Park Place a 6-4 lead at half-time and when teammate Juan Britos converted a penalty in the fourth chukka, it looked as if Twelve Oaks’ chances were over. Wooldridge’s team had other ideas though. A successful penalty was followed by some brilliant play from Chris Hyde in the final chukka as he found some space in the throng of players, creating a clear path to goal to level the scores.

As the clock ticked down to the final bell, Mackenzie fired a ball through the goal to guarantee that it was Park Place’s name that was added to Guards Polo Club’s oldest trophy. The pony Mackenzie was playing in this chukka, Crystal, was later named the Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Cup Best Playing Pony. In a generous gesture,

Mackenzie invited Crystal’s groom, Amber Jacobs, to receive the pony’s prizes from HM The Queen.

In the earlier match, for the subsidiary Mountbatten Trophy, Max Kirchhoff ’s Armis Snake Bite took the win beating Henry Porter’s GSA 11-9 on The Duke’s Ground. Lady Tatiana Mountbatten presented the prizes after another, equally tough game, which saw England squad players James Beim and James Harper forge a strong partnership for Armis Snake Bite.

There was one further match on this day – a Penny-Farthing Polo International – featuring England vs Scotland. This is the first time that penny-farthing polo has been played at Guards Polo Club, but this six chukka match generated great interest.

England, led by Neil Laughton, came out top, defeating Scotland, captained by David Fox-Pitt, 8-4.

opened the gap just slightly for the first time in the match. It was Benja Urquiza for Campanulata who found the posts, also converting a 30 yard penalty to keep them in the game.

It was all to play for at the start of the fifth chukka with just a goal and half in it, which meant it was going to be a close call to the very end. As the chukka got underway, the want to win was evident from all the players, with everyone asking for that little bit more from their ponies, it was Tomas Garbarini who eventually found the posts for Campanulata to bring the game back to within half a goal. As the ball was thrown in, it was Tomas Ruiz Guinazu who got on the end of it, dancing around a couple of players he went on a brilliant solo run finding the posts to just edge his team in front.

Unfortunately this lead was short lived, as Richardson was awarded a spot penalty due to an infringement just in front of the goal, which he easily converted. It was all to play for in the last minute of the game. Urquiza had a 60 yard penalty, which could have won the game, which was put just a fraction wide.

Just before the final hooter it was José Araya who ran the length of the field to score a final goal to finish the game off for Emlor C. As the final bell sounded, the scoreboard read 9½-8.

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Prize was presented to Jeronimo del Carril for his magnificent play whilst the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize went to Vaquera,

an 8-year-old Argentine mare, owned and played by Benja Urquiza.

The Bentley Royal Windsor Cup Final Teams: Park Place (15): Andrey Borodin (0), Nico Roberts (3), Juan Britos (6) & Chris Mackenzie (6) Twelve Oaks (15): Charlie Wooldridge (1), Charlie Hanbury (4), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Chris Hyde (5)

The Eduardo Moore Final Teams: Emlor C (14): Emma McCarthy (0), José Araya (2), Jack Richardon (6) & Jeronimo del Carril (6) Campanulata (15): Tomas Garbarini (5), Eitan Koren (0), Tomas Ruiz Guinazu (5) & Benja Urquiza (5) more information about the Best For Playing Pony Vaquera, please turn to our Pony Power pages

Photograph by Cymon Skinner: People of Polo

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Reports

The Eduardo Moore winners, Emlor C

Polo Times, August 2017

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12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Beaufort Polo Club – The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final – Saturday 1 July Number of teams: 4 Winners: Beaufort Black Hound Points: 50 On Saturday 1 July Beaufort Polo Club welcomed the staff from Justerini & Brooks along with the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club and many spectators to the Prince of Wales Cup Final. Whilst guests were kept refreshed with British Polo Gin’s Chukka Cocktail, the Final saw Beaufort Black Hound come up against Foxcote. The Beaufort Black Hound had won all their previous games and posed an intimidating threat and Foxcote fought hard throughout looking like they would catch up to the three goal lead achieved

by Black Hound in the first chukka. But, Foxcote just missed out, with the Black Hound continuing a steady lead through

Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Queen Mother Trophy Final – Sunday 16 July Number of teams: 6 Winner: Tayto Points: 90

Photography by Tom Reynolds

It was a very convincing 8½–5 win for Tayto in The Queen Mother Trophy Final on Ivy Lodge at Cirencester Park Polo Club. They were the underdog going into the 12 goal Final with an 11 goal team coming up against the 12 goal Indubitable; especially as Indubitable stormed through their Semi-Final clash with the previously, seemingly unbeatable Foxcote team, whilst

Tayto won The Queen Mother Trophy Final

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Polo Times, August 2017

the second chukka and then lengthening the distance between the scores in the third and final chukka to take an impressive win of 8-4.

The Subsidiary Final saw a closer game between Justerini & Brooks and Confido.

Justerini & Brooks took the lead in the first two chukkas, but the 2½ goal lead was short lived as Confido increased the pressure.

They rallied back to bring the score to only a half goal difference in the third chukka.

Confido continued the battle, with the goals going through the posts one after another, but Justerini & Brooks managed to slide in an extra goal to lengthen the difference to 1½ goals in the last moments of the final chukka.

The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final Teams: Beaufort Black Hound (12): Luke Wiles (1), Tommy Severn (2), Jack Berner (3) & Mark Tomlinson (6) Foxcote (12): Darko Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Jacinto Crotto (5)

Tayto only snuck into the Final with a half goal victory over Confido. The well-oiled combination of Matias Amaya and Mikey Henderson should never be underestimated though, however luck did not seem to be on Indubitable’s side. Satnam Dhillon missed a ball half way through the first chukka and left it sitting in dangerous proximity to the goal, Henderson made a very prompt U-turn and made no mistakes capitalising upon the error to put Tayto 1½ goals up. Amaya made a daring head-on meet to Dave Allen on the half way line, which paid off, he lost the ball soon after but was well backed up

by Stephen Hutchinson, who hit it back up

Photograph courtesy of Justerini & Brooks

Reports

Home team Beaufort Black Hound won The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final

to Amaya to score. Rupert Lewis also ran from the half way line soon after and scored a great goal to give Tayto a 3½-0 lead at the end of the first chukka.

Christian Badenhop slipped through Amaya and Henderson and got a lovely pass up to Porter who did well to control the ball and find the posts. Dhillon kept this momentum for Indubitable and dribbled another all the way through at the scoreboard end. Allen missed an opportunity to really put the pressure on when he sent a penalty wide and Lewis continued to play with flair and kept attacking with a big near side neck shot which found the posts to make it 4½-2.

Henderson placed another ball through the posts at the beginning of the third chukka to make it 6½-3. Indubitable continued to just keep within reaching distance with a great team goal to make it 6½-4. Amaya converted a penalty at the end of the third though to leave Tayto sitting strong on 7½-4 going in to the last.

Lewis clocked another on the board for Tayto in the last chukka, which sealed the deal for him to win the Most Valuable Player Award. Indubitable managed to claw a last attempt goal back, but Tayto ran out the winners 8½-5.

Henry Porter’s mare Primavera won the Best Playing Pony prize and a strong Tayto entourage joined the team on the podium for photographs and champagne sprays.

The Queen Mother Trophy Final Teams: Tayto (11): Stephen Hutchinson (0), Rupert Lewis (2), Matias Amaya (5) & Mikey Henderson (4) Indubitable (12): Christian Badenhop (1), Henry Porter (2), Dave Allen (4) & Satnam Dhillon (5) www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum

On Sunday 2 July, following some great teamwork, Shalimar won the Hildon Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Club, defeating Snake Bite 8-5 in a thrilling Final.

Patron Kassem Shafi received the famous championship trophy from Hildon’s James Burston and Samantha Greatbanks.

2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the Archie David, sponsored this year by Hildon. Played as a tribute to Hildon founder Christian Heppe, a life-playing member of Guards Polo Club who died last year, this sponsorship is

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Rutland Polo Club – The Westerby Group Assam Cup Final – Sunday 2 July Number of teams: 4 Winner: Sefton Lodge Racing Points: 60 On Sunday 2 July, the Westerby Group Assam Cup Final was played out by Thomson Local and Sefton Lodge Racing on Ground 1 at Rutland Polo Club. Long standing team, Thomson Local, minus their usual pro David Ashby, entered this match following a very successful run in the 6 goal whilst the Sefton Lodge team was put together especially for the tournament by patron Freddie Meade.

The two teams had already met in an earlier match of the tournament, of which 18 Goal Apsley Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club No. of teams: 5 Park Place 80 Bardon Polo Team 50 GSA Las Monjitas 40 Marchfield 30 Noon Giraffe 30

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15 Goal Bentley Royal Windsor at Guards Polo Club No. of teams: 21 Twelve Oaks 70 Armis Snakebite 70 King Power 60 Mad Dogs 50 Apes Hill 50 Ferne Park 50 GSA 50 Ballinger Polo 40 Kildare 40 Altamira Madams Farm 40 HB Polo 40 Les Lions 40 Emlor C 30 Park Place 100 Clarita 30 Four Quarters Orange 30 Emlor S 20 Sifani 30 Four Quarters Black 20 Shalimar 20 Clarke and Green 20

Thomson Local came out the victors by two goals.

In a cautious opening to the match, a great deal of penalties were missed meaning that the scoreboard stayed rather quiet with just two converted penalties from Sefton Lodge to make it 2-0. The game sped up in the third chukka with both teams tussling for the play. Unfortunately, Charlie Townsend, playing for Sefton Lodge, took a stick to the face, but luckily Andy Cork was on hand to substitute in for him.

In the final chukka Thomson Local got their act together with a field goal and a 40 yard penalty from John Martin tying up the game. However, Fabio Lavinia was not to be denied his glory as he hit his third and most important penalty, to take the match for Sefton Lodge Racing 3-2 and the Assam Cup. 15 Goal Eduardo Moore at RCBPC No. of teams: 6 Emlor C 100 Campanulata 70 Emlor S 40 EFG Aravali 30 Henbury Hurlingham 1875 20 Clarita 20

12 Goal The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales at Beaufort Polo Club No. of teams: Beaufort Black Hound Foxcote Confido Justerini & Brooks 12 Goal The Queen Mother Trophy at Cirencester Park Polo Club No. of teams: Tayto Foxcote Confido Beaufort Black Hound Justerini & Brooks Noon Giraffe

4 50 40 30 30

6 90 60 40 30 30 20

The Hildon Archie David Cup Final Teams: Shalimar (8): Kassem Shafi (0), Milly Hine (0), Vieri Antinori (5) & Nicolas Roberts (3) Snake Bite (8): Max Kirchhoff (0), Thomas Coid (1), Nick Pepper (4) & David Ashby (3)

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club – Hildon Archie David Cup Final – Sunday 2 July Number of teams: 26 Winner: Shalimar Points: 110

the next chapter of Hildon’s long-standing relationship with Guards Polo Club. Hildon also requested that Finals Day was a fundraiser for the Nicolls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF). An auction over lunch raised some £7,000, while the day’s raffle was still being totted up at the time of writing.

With equally matched teams, it was a nailbiting match, as Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar team came storming onto the field, scoring the first goal in less than 60 seconds. Max Kirchhoff ’s Snake Bite were equally competitive, but struggled to convert their excellent runs up the field into goals. Shalimar’s golden ticket was 16-year-old Milly Hine, who was playing well above her 0 goal handicap, scoring the second goal of the match, and after some stunning play and monster ride-offs, was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player.

The Hildon Archie David Cup winners, Shalimar

The Westerby Group Assam Cup Final Teams: Thomson Local (6): Benji Bradshaw (-1), Phil Seller (2), John Martin (2) & David Ashby (3)/Marcus Collie (3 – substituting on Sunday 2 July) Sefton Lodge Racing (6): Charlie Townsend (0)/ Andy Cork (1 substituting on Sunday 2 July), Freddie Meade (1), William Almond (2) & Fabio Lavinia (3)

Photograph by Nico Morgan Photography

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Reports

Sefton Lodge take home The Westerby Group Assam Cup

8 Goal Hildon Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Club No. of teams: 26 Shalimar 110 Snake Bite 80 Conosco 60 Tex8n Polo 60 Tayto 60 Cuervos Negros 50 Tashan Polo 50 Yaguara 40 White Crane 40 BHC Polo 40 Union Polo Team 40 Strategic Help for Heroes 40 Silvertown/ Limitless 40 Foxcote 30 Twelve Oaks/ Sladmore 30 AFB 30 Leander/ El Rosario 30 Mad Dogs Blue 30

Mad Dogs 30 Saracens 30 Flying Kiwis/ Tempest 30 Tattleton 30 Sea Island Coffee/ Libertine 20 Emsworth Polo Grounds 20 Previse Polo 20 Las Aquilas 20

6 Goal The Westerby Group Assam Cup at Rutland Polo Club No. of teams: 4 Sefton Lodge Racing 60 Thompson Local 40 Summit 40 Thomas Farms 20 6 Goal Junior County Cup at Cheshire Polo Club No. of teams: 2 AW Jenkinson 25 Chester Polo 10

Polo Times, August 2017

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Reports

Victor Ludorum

Glorious weather greeted spectators and players alike for the Final of the National 6 Goal Championship taking place at Cheshire Polo Club on Sunday 16 July, between Chester Polo and A.W. Jenkinson for the sought after Junior County Cup. A substitution had to be made in the first chukka as one of Chester Polo’s players did not arrive in time and A.W. Jenkinson quickly took advantage opening the scoring and quickly racing into the lead with three goals. In the second chukka Chester Polo struck back and by half-time they had almost caught up. Both teams fought valiantly with Chester Polo just taking the lead in the last chukka. As the bell was about to strike, a penalty was awarded to A.W. Jenkinson and Charlie Walton scored the winning goal to win by 7½-7.

The Junior County Cup and prizes were presented to the winning team by Vannessa Jones on behalf of the sponsors Cheeky Chilli Events Limited and to Henry Smith the Most Valuable Player and to Best Playing Pony ‘Charlie’ owned and played by Jamie Thomas.

Photograph by Mark R. Heath

Cheshire Polo Club – Junior County Cup – Sunday 16 July Number of teams: 2 Winner: A.W. Jenkinson Points: 25

The winning A.W. Jenkinson team

The Junior County Cup Final Teams: Chester Polo (4): Oliver Conway-Johnson (-2), Jonny Coddington (3), Matt Evetts (3) & Jamie Thomas (0)

A.W. Jenkinson (3): Katie Jenkinson (0), Lenny Cunningham (0), Henry Smith (0) & Charlie Walton (3)

POLO CLINIC Polo professionals Jose “Pepe” Araya ( 7 Goal pro & high goal coach) and Paco O’dwyer ( 6 Goal pro) will be at Olympia Polo August 20th hosting a ‘Polo Clinic’.

The clinic will assist players of all levels to improve every element of their game, including Riding, Stick Work, Team Tactics and more. The day will consist of 4 hours polo tuition, a traditional Argentine Asado for lunch and a mini tournament to finish with our club photographer on hand to capture all of your memories.

So come and enjoy one of the best experiences of your life, learn from the best, play with the best and be the best at Olympia Polo.

For more information please contact James on T: 07760730363 E: olympiapolo@gmail.com The clinic will be held at Bluey’s Polo Club, RG10 0HE.

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www.polotimes.co.uk

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup

Reports

Thrice the Champions King Power win The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for The British Open

Jen Liggins reports from Cowdray Park Polo Club

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Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

O

n a rainy Sunday afternoon in West Sussex, the crowds descended on the historic Cowdray Park Polo Club Lawns 1 for a skirmish of wills and persistence. The 2016 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup champions, King Power, were back for business as they rode onto the ground to a collective deep breath. They were up against the well established and hugely respected El Remanso line-up, a team to which King Power had lost twice in the past three months (once in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and also in the qualifiers of the Gold Cup). El Remanso were the first all-Brit team to play in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final since 1969. In fact, this year saw a total of six British players on the field, including both James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster and Hugo Taylor for King Power, which is fantastic for British polo.

Set up by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, King Power’s base, Billingbear, has in recent years become the hub of young British players’ development. This season has seen James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster, Hugo Taylor and Charles Cooney sport the iconic King Power blue shirts alongside their idols Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres. 2017 is the team’s fourth year on Cowdray Park Polo Club’s hallowed Lawns 1 for the coveted Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final, having reached the Final in 2014, narrowly losing out to Dubai, and having won the golden trophy in 2015 and 2016. Last year, King Power, with Hugo Lewis as their young British addition and Top’s brother Tal at number one, took the top spot winning The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup against Michael Bickford’s La Indiana in a struggle of willpower against horsepower. Their 2017 season has not been a straightforward affair.

Following an unsuccessful run in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, losing coincidentally to their Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final rivals El Remanso, they came into this tournament with vengeance on their minds. Other than their first match against the British side on 11 July, where they lost 9-8 in the qualifying stages, they’ve won every other match.

The all-Brit El Remanso team have marked their 10th year in the high goal this season. Their line-up hasn’t changed

Ollie Cudmore and Facundo Pieres going head-to-head

since 2016 and the continuity has proved its worth. The hours upon hours of pre-season training have paid off and meant that they have been able to make the most of each other’s individual strengths. They kicked off their 2017 season with a win in The 22 goal Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge, but the winning streak wasn’t to last as they lost out to ultimate champions, RH Polo, in The Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi Final.

Their Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup journey started on anything but a high, as they lost 9-11 to 2016 finalists La Indiana, but the team weren’t to be deterred and came back fighting through the qualifying stages. In a Hanbury vs Hanbury affair, Charlie said a swift “au-revoir” to his younger brother George, and his Sommelier team, in the Wednesday 19 July Semi Final, securing their spot against their rival, King Power.

Polo Times, August 2017

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Reports

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup

In the our pre-match poll, supporters pipped the teams at a 50 percent chance of winning apiece, so as both teams strode onto Lawns 1 with complete concentration on their faces it was all to play for. As the rain clouds temporarily parted, the first ball of the 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final was thrown in and sounds of hooves galloping echoed across the ground.

King Power’s number four, Facundo Pieres with reinvigorated confidence following a difficult Cartier Queen’s Cup tournament, was the first on the ball, racing up field with his first shot on goal heading to the left of the posts, but El Remanso’s Charlie Hanbury, fresh from his marital celebrations in Germany the night before and with no trace of lost energy, made his match debut by storming up the field to score his first goal to the roar of the home crowd. Following the throw-in, an enormous forward hit by James Harper saw Gonzalito Pieres’ head make contact with Harper’s stick, on the backswing, temporarily stopping play with a potentially serious injury. The halt in action was a welcome break from the first fraught two minutes and following treatment on the pitch-side, Gonzalito remounted to the cheer of the crowd. El Remanso, with a point to prove, were straight on the attack with Harper finding the posts to make the score 2-0 with a minute to go. King Power’s 18-year-old number two, Jimbo Fewster, finished the chukka opening the scoring for the boys in blue, ending the first tense chukka 2-1.

The weather, getting increasingly worse, was no deterrent for El Remanso, as number four, Harper, came flying out of the second chukka’s opening throw-in, his shot on goal going wide, but with a whistle blown and a penalty awarded, the back calmly planted the ball through the posts to bring the score to 3-1. The buzz throughout the grandstand reflected the faith held in the all-Brit team to bring home the goods, but with four minutes on the clock, following a series of in-air hits from England Captain and British polo stalwart, James Beim, a penalty in King Power’s favour was awarded with Facundo Pieres finding the sweet spot, 3-2. As any polo aficionado will know, once Facundo has the ball, Lord help anyone trying to fight against him. Hanbury had his

run up-field thwarted at the last moment by a divot. Facundo Pieres took advantage of the momentary lapse in El Remanso’s concentration, stealing the ball and taking it the entire way to score his second goal of the match, ending chukka two 3-3.

Ollie Cudmore made the third chukka his own, trying valiantly alongside his teammates to pull El Remanso into the lead. But it was not to be and in fact it was Fewster, playing far above his one goal handicap and rightly awarded the Most Valuable Player accolade for his performance, who planted a perfectly executed backhand into goal bringing the score into King Power’s favour 3-4; a lead which was further extended going into the half-time bell, 3-6.

As the crowds began to leave their seats, reeling from the first half ’s action, the mood was considerably lightened as one brave individual took it upon himself to run the length of the field with all but his dignity on show. As spectators later concluded, Lawns 1, three times the length of a football field, is quite an undertaking at a sprint, so well done to this brave, if not exhibitionist and weather beaten, individual!

Both teams, recomposed after a break, came out into the fourth chukka fighting.

The brotherly teamwork of Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres came into a level of its own as they toyed with the ball, with the help of Fewster and Taylor, to put two more goals on the board making it 3-8 within moments.

Harper wasn’t to be deterred, answering the King Power formation with another goal for El Remanso, 4-8. Following a slightly miscalculated backhand from Hanbury, under a King Power pony’s neck and a series of dramatic scuffles for the ball on the boards, Facundo proved his talent, by finding the posts yet again to make it 4-9 at the end of the fourth chukka.

El Remanso weren’t done fighting just yet, with Beim and Harper finding the posts at the beginning of the fifth chukka bringing the score to a narrow 6-9, but all their gusto just wasn’t enough to match the expertly executed play from the Pieres brothers, who responded with two more goals in quick succession, 6-11. Harper, though playing spectacularly, was everywhere doing everything, sometimes leaving the back door undefended. The Pieres duo are like quicksilver reading the game, notorious for appearing at the back of the play like magic and don’t need asking twice to score

Post-Match Player Chat Facundo Pieres

“The match went really, really well. We played the way we wanted to and planned to from the start. Everything went the way we wanted. Our aim was to focus on our defensive play and we achieved that, because we knew, with the rain and type of polo we’d have to play, it was going to be difficult for the other team to score. We scored the goals we had to, so I’m really proud of our team for doing such a great job.”

Gonzalito Pieres

The streaker baring all!

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Polo Times, August 2017

“I think we were lucky as the match really went in our favour. Our plan worked – we put a lot of pressure on them. They started making mistakes and we took advantage, but compared to the other games we played I think today, we found our rhythm.” www.polotimes.co.uk

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup when everybody else is looking the other way. Gonzalito, despite his normal composure, caused a penalty, enabling Harper to narrow the scores slightly, 7-11, but with the close of the fifth chukka, victory for the boys in blue was looking likely.

Fewster, who had played brilliantly throughout, opened the last chukka’s scoring, 7-12, straight from the throw-in with an epic run up-field on a pony that no one could catch. With the ball thrown back into play and the rain temporarily clearing, both teams scuffled for the line.

A hit from the back of the field caused the ball to fly into the hospitality area, bouncing off the Sommelier team’s tent and soaring back into play towards the goalmouth. As the ball rolled into the goal, the whistle blew in King Power’s favour.

Reports

Post-Match Player Chat Hugo Taylor

“It all went really well.

It was a great match.

We knew it was going to be tough, but we pulled together and our plays worked for us. The rain made it difficult for both sides, but that didn’t deter us.”

By the murmur from the El Remanso supporters, this was the nail in the coffin for the all-Brit side, as Gonzalito put the scoreboard to 7-13 to somewhat tepid applause from the home crowd. Even Cudmore’s last successes narrowing the scoreboard to 8-13 couldn’t bring home the trophy for the British side. With a

James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster “It feels so incredible to win. Despite the weather, we came out fighting and everything is just amazing!

I have no words!”

celebratory run up-field for Facundo Pieres, hitting the ball continuously in mid-air, King Power won The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for The British Open for the third year in a row. The jubilant King Power entourage, all sporting the famous King Power blue, swarmed onto the field to embrace the heroic victors.

The jubilant King Power team celebrate their win

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Reports

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup

penalties won King Power: El Remanso:

2/2 3/5

Statistics supplied by Fantasy Polo

MVP

Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Pieres (5 from the field, 1 from the penalty line) Total Fouls: 14 Field Goals vs Penalties: 16 field goals, 5 penalties Backhands: 69 Throw-ins: 32

James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster

CHUKKA SCORES: 2-1, 3-3, 3-6, 4-9, 7-11, 8-13 to King Power

King Power

Field Goals: 11/ 16 shots to goal Penalties: 2/ 2 Top Goal Scorer: Facundo Pieres (5 from the field, 1 from the penalty line) Fouls: 6 (4 penalty shot fouls) Backhands: 35 Throw-ins: 15/ 32

El Remanso El Remanso Charlie Hanbury Ollie Cudmore James Beim James Harper

(21) (4) (5) (6) (6)

New Chicago, owned and played

by Gonzalito Pieres

BPP

Field Goals: 5/ 12 shots to goal Penalties: 3/ 5 Top Goal Scorer: James Harper (2 from the field, 3 from the penalty line) Fouls: 8 (2 penalty shot fouls) Backhands: 34 Throw Ins: 17/ 32

King Power (22) Hugo Taylor (1) James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster (1) Gonzalito Pieres (10) Facundo Pieres (10)

Where: Cowdray Park Polo Club

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El Remanso and King Power line-up before locking horns in the Final www.polotimes.co.uk

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The Stephens Polo Saddle for Gonzalito Pieres

The Warwickshire Cup

Photograph by Ben Hastie Photography

Reports

Bardon celebrating their win

Bardon Strike Again Andras Tombor’s Bardon take second major title in UK season

T

he Warwickshire Cup is one of the oldest trophies played for in the UK and well-known teams such as Maple Leafs, Ellerston White, Black Bears and Les Lions have claimed the trophy. In recent years the tournament has suffered from depleted team entries and even dropped down to 18 goal at one point, however with its return to 22 goal (the only 22 goal competition in Gloucestershire) combined with the newly installed irrigation 54

Polo Times, August 2017

at Cirencester Park Polo Club it is hoped the tournament will return to its previous form.

This year saw Bardon take on El Remanso. Bardon tasted sweet success earlier in the season on 20 May at Guards Polo Club in the the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, although with a 15 goal line-up. Similarly, the familiar El Remanso line-up seen in the Cartier Queen’s Cup had been replaced with George Hanbury, Alec White, Juan Gris Zavaleta and

Rosabella Hine reports from Cirencester Park Polo Club

Fred Mannix, who were last seen sporting the Sommelier shirts in The Queen’s Cup tournament. Perhaps this was down to the fact that two of El Remanso’s high goal linewww.polotimes.co.uk

The Warwickshire Cup

Reports

Chukka scores: 2-1, 5-3, 4-5, 6-7, 9-7, 10-8 to Bardon

25 JUN

Bardon Andras Tombor (0) Martin Valent (5) Felix Alejo Ortiz de Taranco Stirling (7) Juan Martín Nero (10) 22

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El Remanso George Hanbury (3) Alec White (4) Juan Gris Zavaleta (7) Fred Mannix (8) 22

up, Charlie Hanbury and Ollie Cudmore, were instead donning Charlie Wooldridge’s Twelve Oaks shirts in the Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Final played on the same day at Guards Polo Club.

The Club had a busy afternoon of polo with three 0-6 goal and one -2-2 goal matches before the main highlights of the day, the Warwickshire Cup Final followed by the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International (to read more about the Ladies International please turn to our Women’s Polo pages).

In the Warwickshire Cup Final it was Bardon who faced El Remanso, although the regular El Remanso line-up had been replaced with the George Hanbury, Alec

Julian Appleby & Greg Keyte

Where: Cirencester Park Polo Club

BPP

MVP Most Valuable Player Juan Martín Nero

White, Juan Gris Zavaleta and Fred Mannix, who were sporting the Sommelier shirts in The Cartier Queen’s Cup tournament.

Those in the grandstand who were expecting a flamboyant display of flowing high goal polo were somewhat disappointed, as the action on the pitch reflected the changeable and unsettled weather rolling in across the Park grounds. Both teams struggled to find consistent momentum in the first chukka, as advances towards goal were rebuffed by strong defensive plays on both sides.

Bardon’s persistence paid off as the boys in black secured the first goal of the match.

Bardon built upon this early advantage with a converted penalty, but with just

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Bardon and El Remanso, Warwickshire Cup finalists

www.polotimes.co.uk

Laguari Amigazo (out of Palmera by Chalo Compinche) played by Juan Martín Nero and bred by Dante Spinacci

two minutes left in the first chukka the indefatigable combination of Zavaleta and White secured El Remanso’s place on the scoreboard.

Nero kicked off the second chukka with a rapid run to goal on a phenomenal grey pony, Laguari Amigazo, later awarded the Polo Times Best Pony Prize, and increased Bardon’s lead to 3-1. Despite retaliation from El Remanso, short, sharp action from the Bardon players meant that by the end of the chukka they had increase their lead to 5-3. The third chukka got off to a swift start as El Remanso turned up the heat, a huge hit from Zavaleta meant the scores going into half-time were 5-4. Following what must have been a influential half-time team chat, Bardon came out intent on grabbing the remainder of the match by the scruff of the neck and quickly scored the first goal of the second half. However, El Remanso weren’t about to give up hope and secured a field goal and a penalty to tie the scores 6-6. The whistle-ridden chukka reflected the stop start flow of the match, and it seemed to suit the Bardon style of play as Valent added another goal from a penalty in the last two minutes of the fourth chukka.

Mannix steamed into the fifth chukka, but Bardon slotted in an early penalty swiftly followed by a superb cut shot from Nero to take the scores to 9-6. More missed opportunities and a converted penalty in favour of El Remanso meant the scoreboard read 9-7 going into the final chukka. The match finished as it had begun with penalties aplenty as a whistle heavy chukka saw possession of the ball changing as often as the weather. However, it was Bardon who retained the advantage, and despite a goal apiece the final score of 10-8 rested in favour of Bardon, making them this year’s winners of The Warwickshire Cup. To read more about Laguari Amigazo, turn to our Pony Power pages and for the social pictures from the day, please turn to our Sidelines pages Polo Times, August 2017

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Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships

Photography by Chritian Lawson/www.christianlawson.co.uk

Reports

Sunshine in Sandbanks Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships

Rosabella Hine reports from Sandbanks, Poole

I

n September 2007, the HPA and Poole Council took a leap of faith in agreeing to support Johnny Wheeler and David Heaton-Ellis’ plans to host a beach polo tournament on the treasured blue flag beaches of the Sandbanks Peninsula Dorset. With easy access to London and home county polo clubs the two-day event is perfectly placed to draw in the crowds and 56

Polo Times, August 2017

with up to 5,000 people in attendance, and beach goers watching from the free viewing area, it is now the biggest beach polo event in the UK and this year celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Johnny Wheeler, British Beach Polo Championships’ Event Director spoke to Polo Times pre-event, “The late David Heaton-Ellis, who sadly died of Motor Neurone Disease before the second year’s event, would be so proud of British Beach Polo Championships’ longevity and success.

His widow Sophie continues as our Director of Polo, bringing her expertise and extensive

knowledge to the process. The British Beach Polo Championships still enjoys the support of the HPA, Poole Council and most importantly the players and supporters.”

This year saw four teams compete to take home the title, with knockout rounds on the first day. The first match of the tournament saw British Polo Gin struggle with the unfamiliar playing surface and whilst their horses adjusted to the sights and sounds of the event, W+S Waste Management took advantage and secured an early lead. Despite the best efforts of the smiling British Polo Gin team, W+S Waste Management left the www.polotimes.co.uk

Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships

Reports

England defeated Poland in the Revo International Beach Volleyball

The Pony Club were on hand for youth polo matches

arena with the win and a place in the Final.

Next up, Alec Banner-Eve alongside his brother Ed and Richard Newman was keen to retake his 2015 title, but HLM Architects proved too tough to beat and it was the beach polo stalwarts of HLM Architects who took the remaining place in the Final.

Although the polo plays a huge part in the event, for many, the post-polo parties are just as important, and with 2017 marking the event’s 10th birthday the parties were bigger and better than imagined. On Friday night, Cocoloco hosted not one but four DJs, kicking off the weekend in style.

Not ones to do things by half, the event also boasted a seemingly never-ending list of events on both days alongside the main competition, with university matches between London Alumni and London University, a Pony Club exhibition and an Army match between the Household Cavalry and the Honourable Artillery Company. Additionally the crowd-pleasing www.polotimes.co.uk

The Horsepower vs Ponypower race was an adrenaline fuelled affair

Polo Times, August 2017

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Reports

Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships

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W+S Management James Mann Chris Benford Howard Smith

HLM Architects Ricky Cooper Roddy Matthews Richard Blake-Thomas

British Polo Gin Rich Hine Ali Paterson George Cooper-Dixon

Winners: HLM Architects beat W+S Waste Management, 15-11

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NFU Mutual Richard Newman Alec Banner-Eve Ed Banner-Eve

Where: Sandbanks, Poole

MVP Howard Smith

Horsepower vs Ponypower race was back once again as well as the Revo International Beach Volleyball between England and Poland, which saw Olympic athletes perform in front of the gathered crowds, with England victorious. As day two of the event dawned, the sun continued to shine upon the glorious expanse of blue seas and golden sand as the teams assembled for the Finals. The Subsidiary Final between NFU Mutual and British Polo Gin was filled with sportsmanship and smiles. Following a lastminute penalty in the dying seconds of the final chukka, NFU Mutual took third place on the podium. Later in the day it was the red shirts of Team HLM Architects who took the title 15-11 from the grasp of team

Tristan Pemble W+S Waste Management. Howard Smith was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award, stuffed full of goodies, for his determined play for W+S Waste Management. As the shadows lengthened and the ponies were safely tucked up in their stables, DJs cranked up the music to end another successful Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships.

If you missed out on this year’s revelry then add the 13 and 14 July 2018 to your diary. the social pictures from the day, please turn For to our Sidelines pages HLM Architects, winners of the 2017 Link Homes British Beach Polo Championships

Action from the Final between HLM Architects and W+S Waste Management

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Moor Farm Polo Club Photography by Steve Wall Equestrian Photography

Will Mawby, Polo Manager at Moor Farm Polo Club, a new addition to the UK club roster, spoke to Polo Times about their latest adventures for The Shropshire Sickle tournament, “Moor Farm held its second ever Polo Tournament on Sunday 25 June.

With a pitch that is to die for, Moor Farm saw two new teams enter the fray with more new players making their way to North Shropshire to support this up-and-coming club. In an American style tournament it was the Army Reserve, playing in their familiar white, that came out the overall winners taking home The Shropshire Sickle Trophy. The home side and new boys, Farmers Boys Polo, who sported rather splendid ‘Brazil style’ shirts, were left fighting for the wooden spoon in the flowing low goal polo contest, as spectators were able to dig into their delicious brunch on the sidelines.

It may not be high goal at Moor Farm, but on a day where blankets and brollies were the order of the day as opposed to sun glasses and beach dresses, it was an occasion where the warmth was generated through the smiles

Action from the Shropshire Sickle Trophy

seen on and off the pitch. Low goal at its friendliest and best, with everyone feeling they had been able to contribute. Just competitive enough to make the genuine Sickle (that was once used in Hay and Straw production in Shropshire) worth fighting for and friendly enough that giggles were heard above the clatter of hooves as opposed to harrumphs as mistakes were made, and throughout the proceeding Massive Mike (our farm owner and pictured with the winners) sipping a G&T and not entirely sure what to make of it all! Nor do we Mike, but we’d #ratherbeplayingpolo”

Army Reserve, winners of The Shropshire Sickle Trophy

Photograph by Hannah Buckenham

Photograph by Hannewphotography

Silver Leys Polo Club

The beautiful grounds of The Norwegian Polo Club

Norwegian Polo Club On 17 June The Norwegian Polo Club organised and hosted the second Norwegian Polo Open. The aim of the event was to raise money for a local children’s cancer charity while at the same time raising the profile of polo in Norway where the sport is still in its infancy.

Organised and run by founding member Thea May, the event was supported by Casimir and Tiva Gross from Kenya, Jack Tucker, a Brit who now lives and works in www.polotimes.co.uk

western Norway, Oli Hipwood who took time out from his playing schedule in the UK and Johan Backe. The junior members set the tone in the first chukka with great goals and fantastic plays from Selje Mathisem, Julia Herje, Santino and Gabriela Musaeus.

A large number of members and patrons supported the event, which has developed considerably from last year as the appetite for polo in Norway has grown. The organisers expressed thanks to their sponsors Alexander Sprekkenhus, Auto Tjuvholmen, Gunnar Øye, Veuve Clicquot and San Pelligrino for helping make such a great day and join the fight against cancer.

Innventure win the Silver Leys Cup

Innventure Polo team took home the Silver Leys Cup over the weekend of 8 and 9 July at the Silver Leys Polo Club, playing against the local Silver Leys team, winning 2-3. 0 goal Holly Butler was awarded the Eastwick Animal Feeds Most Valuable Player Award, coincidentally on her nine-year anniversary with her polo player boyfriend, Phil Seller.

Congratulations to you both!

The Silver Leys Cup Final Teams: Innventure (0): N. Gerard (-1), H. Buckenham (-1), H. Butler (0) & J. Cork (2) Silver Leys (0): K. Cook (-1), S. Hughes (0), O. Mathias (2) & M. Roat (-1) Polo Times, August 2017

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Hurtwood Park Polo Club Congratulations to Los Diablos/Amadeus Aviation who not only enjoyed the sunshine, but also the winning title in the Odds and Sods 0 Goal Final against Pipers Farm by 8 goals to 6.

Exclusive Rooms/DO Cats overcame strong competition from El Venado/Los Diablos to win the Ewhurst Charity Plate, 7-5. The players and spectators enjoyed an after party, with a Madness tribute band followed

Cambridge Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Hurtwood Park Polo Club

Club Focus

Los Diablos/Amadeus Aviation, winners of the Odds and Sods Final

by the Overtures with the Club’s own Kenney Jones joining them on stage for a couple of his well known numbers.

PPhotograph courtesy of Chantilly Polo Club

Chantilly Polo Club encounter from the start, leaving no hope for the Marquard Media team despite the best efforts of Martin Aguerre and SainteMesme’s dominance was reflected in the 12-7 score.

The winning Sainte-Mesme team at Chantilly Polo Club

The finale of the Charity Cup in aid of Just World was the main event of the weekend’s play on 24 June at Chantilly Polo Club.

The French team of Sainte-Mesme took on Switzerland’s Marquard Media in a dual in which the teamwork between the four Sainte-Mesme players, led by the strong voice of Argentine Clemente Zavaleta (7), prevailed. The Sainte-Mesme team led the

The Charity Cup Final Teams: Sainte-Mesme (12): Robert Strom (Capt) (4), Clemente Zavaleta H (7), Louis Jarrige (2) & M/C Hu (-1) Marquard Media (12): Tommy Rinderknecht (Capt) (1), Ian Gallienne (0), Cristian Bernal (5) & Martin Aguerre (7)

Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

Ayala have had a strong start to the Sotogrande polo season at Santa María Polo Club with wins in both the XIII Jerez Cup on Sunday 2 July against Pilar Chico, as well as against Dos Lunas in the Patrick G. Hermes Cup.

Strawberries and Cream 0 Goal Teams: Hertfordshire: Marie Clare Thomas, Susi Boyd, Amy Leggett & Stuart Beetles Henderson Risk: Duncan Bullivant, Antony Clements, Zoe Tennent & Edward Morris-Lowe Grantchester: Josh Morris-Lowe, Francesca Smith, Jane Macdougall & Debs Boorman Cambridge Polo Club: Charles Knott, Faris Ashraf, Sue Knott, Kate Proctor & Julia Shaw

Photograph courtesy of Cambridge Polo Club

Santa María Polo Club

Set against the booming backdrop of the ‘Strawberries and Cream Festival’ in the glorious sunshine, Cambridge Polo Club held their annual 0 goal tournament over the weekend of 17 June with the visiting Hertfordshire Polo Club ultimately taking home the trophy. Henderson Risk came in second, Grantchester in third and Cambridge Polo Club in fourth.

Ayala Polo Team, winners of the XIII Jerez Cup

The Henderson Risk team: Duncan Bullivant, Edward Morris-Lowe, Zoe Tennant & Antony Clements

Beaufort Polo Club The annual Beaufort Polo Club Glitter Ball will be taking place at the Club on Saturday 26 August, from 7.30pm onwards. Tickets start at £100, if bought before 1 August and £110 if bought after, and include a champagne reception, a three course meal with wine, a selection of auction lots and dancing to the Chip Shop Boys. Tickets can be bought individually, in groups or as tables of 10. To book your ticket please call Posy or Minty on 01666 881249. Additionally, the Club have announced their season merchandise is now available to buy, either email events@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk or call 01666 881249 to place an order.

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Malta Polo Club

Greenwich Polo Club

On Saturday 10 June Malta Polo Club held the most prestigious and final match of the Club’s playing season, the Cawnpore Cup, a trophy first contested in 1901, at Cawnpore India, (the site of the infamous Cawnpore Massacre in 1857) some 117 years ago.

Gifted to the Malta Polo Club in 1947, the Cawnpore Cup has been played for annually with the exception of the war years. The Club is steeped in history and as it was established in 1868 the Club reports to be the oldest in the Western hemisphere and the second oldest polo club worldwide.

The highest handicapped polo players in the Club are eligible to play in the Cawnpore Cup, and this year’s teams presented a fine selection of the Club’s best players. Over 1,000 spectators congregated to watch the match and this year Re/Max were the favourites to take the trophy. Although Henley & Partners began the match with a ½ goal handicap advantage, by half-time Re/

Max led four goals to Henley & Partners’ ½. After a half-time team chat, Henley & Partners came out fighting and surprised Re/Max with solid defence. However, it was not quite enough as the final score rested 4-2½ in favour of Re/Max. Henley & Partners’ Julian Mamo was named as Most Valuable Player and the Best Playing Pony prize was awarded to a pretty grey mare named Betty.

After the presentations, guests, VIPs and Guards Polo Club’s CEO Neil Hobday were in attendance as the celebrations continued at the trackside after-party.

Cawnpore Cup Teams: Re/Max: Karl Galea, Martin Arrigo, Jeremy Besançon & Matthew Borg Henley & Partners: Julian Mamo, Christian Delia, Mark Darmanin & Alfred Manduca

Photograph by Chichi Ubina

Photograph courtesy of Malta Polo Club

Action from the 2017 Cawnpore Cup

Postage Stamp Farm, winners of the impressive Monty Waterbury Cup

The Monty Waterbury Final was played on Sunday 25 June between Airstream and Postage Stamp Farm. Despite the heavy rainfall, Airstream gained an early lead with three goals to a goalless first chukka for Postage Stamp Farm. However, Postage Stamp Farm fought back from the second chukka and put their mark on the remainder of the match. Going into the final chukka Postage Stamp Farm held a narrow 8-6 lead, and despite a goal from each side they rode away with a 9-7 win to take the title.

The Silver Cup Final was played on Sunday 16 July between Phoenix and Work to Ride/Los Machitos. Phoenix began with a two goal handicap advantage and despite the best efforts of both teams the scores remained level at 3-3 at half-time. The second half continued in a similar theme and as the possibility of overtime loomed, it was Mariano Aguerre who slotted in the final goal to secure a narrow 8-7 win for Work to Ride/Los Machitos.

Zürich Park Polo

On Sunday 18 June the Zürich Polo Championship came to an end at Polo Park Zürich. The 5-6 goal tournament saw four teams compete, and in the end it was La Irenita (Thommy Gräff, Markus Gräff, Juan Bollini & Walter Cortez) who took the title after convincingly defeating Los Lobos (Morgan Van Overbroëk, Thijs Pavel, Martín Podestá & Martin Luginbuhl) 7-2½ in the Final.

On Sunday 9 July following on from the 18th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup, the first Zürich Gold Cup was played between Los Lobos and Equilibrium.

Equilibrium secured the win with the final goal scores in the dying second of the final chukka.

Work to Ride/Los Machitos team with Work to Ride kids

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Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and your organisation to play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Polo Times, August 2017

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Photography courtesy of Carlitos White Waltham Polo Club

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

The Divot Trophy Cup winning team, HK Polo

The winning Cedar Polo Team at Carlito’s White Waltham Polo Club

Carlito’s White Waltham Polo Club Carlito’s White Waltham Polo Club have been busy bees with a host of matches played every weekend. Over the weekend of 25 June four teams took part in the Divot Trophy with Odosan and HK Polo competing to win the coveted trophy. The final result was 6-3 in favour of HK Polo, with the Best Playing Pony award going to Tijereta, owned and played by Ijad Iyad Omari.

The following weekend, 1 – 2 July, the Club celebrated the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada with the Canada Bear Polo Tournament. The Maple Leaf Polo Team were in attendance, representing Canada. Cedar Polo Team and Maple Leaf both won through on Saturday to play each other in the Final on Sunday. The Final was exceedingly

The winners of the 2017 Summer Cup, Deloitte

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Polo Times, August 2017

close until the end of the second chukka, when Liz Wong secured two clear goals converting two sixty yard penalties, as the commentator put it, “Like a pro”. Maple Leaf managed another goal in the fourth chukka however Cedar Polo Team kept a clear lead to win the Final 10½ to 6.

On Sunday 9 July, spectators were treated to the exciting Final of The Summer Cup, between Deloitte & Queen Bee Polo.

It was a hard-fought match between the two teams, a penalty in the last 15 seconds brought the score to 5-5, and the teams went into penalties with Deloitte securing the win.

The weekend of 15 – 16 July teams played for the beautiful 1947 Saunders Davies Three-Handled Trophy in the 2 goal tournament with four teams competing.

Mountgerald Polo Team and Telemark Polo Team won both their games on Saturday and moved forward to the Final on Sunday.

The match was very close until the last chukka, when Mountgerald quickly pulled ahead by two goals to win with a final score of 6½-4.

The Divot Trophy Teams: HK Polo (2): Sarah Clark (-1), Iyad Omari (-1), Rhys Odly (1) & Hamid Ali (3) Odosan (2): Gaye Downs (-1), Georgina Brittain (0), James Nicolson (1) & Alejandro Bombin (2) The Canada Bear Polo Tournament Teams: Cedar Polo Team (-1): Liz Young (-2), Catherine Isted (-1), Bilal Shaykh (0) & Carlitos Gonzalez (2) Maple Leaf Polo Team (0): Lt. Col. Howard Flood (-1), Alan Fall (0), Lt. Folarin Kuku (0) & James Nicolson (1) The Summer Cup Final Teams: Deloitte (-3): Jason Turner (-2), Kate Eadie (-2), Jason McCreight (0) & Tariq Dag Khan (1) QB Polo (-3): Marie Clare-Thomas (-2), Amy Leggett (-1), Sam Lori (0) & Vicky Griffin (0) 1947 Saunders Davies Three-Handled Trophy Final Teams: Mountgerald (2): Nicola Bonito-Oliva (0), Sarah Grant (0), Georgina Brittain (0) & Alejandro Bombin (2) Telemark (-1): Liz Young (-1), Tele Kyriacou (-1), Bilal Shaykh (0) & Carlito Gonzalez (2)

Mountgerald, winners of the 1947 Saunders Davies Three-Handled Trophy

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Club Focus

Guards Polo Club Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

On Sunday 9 July Emlor C and Kildare went head-to-head for the Coworth Park Challenge Trophy Final. The 15 goal Final is played at Coworth Park and this year teams competed in three separate leagues. Going into the Final, Emlor C had three wins under their belt, whereas Kildare had suffered a loss in their primary match followed by two narrow wins. On the day, the strength of Emlor C proved just too much to beat and Emlor ran out the winners with a close score of 8½-8. In the Subsidiary Final, Les Lions defeated HB Polo 9-8.

Emlor C with the spectactular trophy

Over the weekend of 17 June, TLC Unlimited won not only the 0 goal Barfoot Bowl, but also the 0 goal Mountbatten Cup at New Forest Polo Club. The sun shone for both tournaments with wonderful prizes handed out to all the teams

Deauville International Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of New Forest Polo Club

Santa María Polo Club Ayala have had a strong start to the Sotogrande polo season at Santa María Polo Club with wins in both the XIII Jerez Cup on Sunday 2 July against Pilar Chico, as well as against Dos Lunas in the Patrick G. Hermes Cup. The winning TLC Unlimited team

On 1 – 27 August, the 67th Barriere Deauville Polo Cup will be taking place at the famous Deauville International Polo Club. Alongside this annual tournament, this summer spectators will be treated to Ladies tournaments, medium goal tournaments and three beach polo tournaments on the Deauville beach, mere miles from the Club.

Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

New Forest

Ayala Polo Team, winners of the XIII Jerez Cup

All Ireland Polo Club Photograph courtesy of All Ireland Polo Club

All Ireland Polo Club has announced a new initiative for polo lessons in the heart of Dublin. Located in the Phoenix Park of Dublin city, the Club has been playing polo since 1873 and the all New Dublin Polo Academy is organising lessons this 2017 season. The All Ireland Polo Club has brought in Argentine professionals to promote polo as a sport in the city of Dublin and surroundings. The team, that runs a Polo Academy named Palo Alto Polo Club in Argentina, has years of experience in Argentina, USA and England. The intention of the academy is to increase the amount of Irish polo players and enthusiasts to achieve growth and progress for the sport of polo in Ireland. The Club has already held a number of lessons, an indication of the appetite amongst the local polo community.

New Dublin Polo Academy is offering lessons for this season

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Norfolk Polo Club On Friday 7 July, HRH The Duke of Cambridge was welcomed to Langley Abbey Estate in Norfolk to play in the inaugural Norfolk Polo Royal Charity Cup. The match was played in aid of SkillForce and English Schools Swimming Association and raised over £90,000.

The two teams, Tarmac and Feedmark, fought a fast and furious battle with some great goals scored by both teams. Tarmac were the eventual winners, beating Feedmark 6-5, lifting the Charity Cup presented by HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

On Saturday 15 July, The Jerudong Park Trophy Day, in honour of the late The Hon Mark Vestey, took place at Cirencester Park Polo Club on the Ivy Lodge ground. The royal Foxcote team, riding in The Hon Mark Vestey’s colours, red and yellow, rode to victory against the Cirencester Park Polo Club team, 5-4, after a tightly fought match.

The Charity Day raised thousands of pounds in aid of HRH The Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry’s chosen charities, Centre Point, Walking With The Wounded and The Household Cavalry Foundation.

In other action at the Club on Sunday 16 July, Stephen Hutchinson’s Tayto rode to victory against Indubitable in The Queen Mother Trophy, winning 8½-5.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Photograph courtesy of Norfolk Polo Club

HRH The Duke of Cambridge in action at the inaugural Norfolk Polo Royal Charity Cup

Fifield Polo Club The Club’s MOTO Summer Gold Cup Tournament was won

by Polo International. Healthcare found themselves facing a formidable force in Scott Brady’s Polo International team (Roddy Matthews, Charlie Tighe & Ricky Cooper). Healthcare were able to hold onto a narrow lead of half a goal going into the third chukka (2½-2), but the superior handicap of their opposition began to show. By the end of the third chukka the score was 2½-5, and Polo International added a further two goals in the fourth chukka.

Despite a last minute goal from Mat Lodder the final score rested on 3½-7 in favour of Polo International.

The Jerudong Park Trophy teams

The Jerudong Park Trophy Day Teams: Foxcote (13): HRH Prince Harry (1), Nina Clarkin (4), John Paul Clarkin (7) & HRH Prince William (1) Cirencester Park Polo Club (13): William Tobin (0), Henry Porter (2), Satnam Dhillon (5) & Simon Keyte (6) The Queen Mother Trophy teams: Indubitable (12): Christian Badenhop (1), Henry Porter (2), Dave Allen (4) & Satnam Dhillon (5) Tayto (11): Stephen Hutchinson (0), Rupert Lewis (2), Matias Amaya (5) & Michael Henderson (4)

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BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup UNDER 21S PLAYING 22 British High Goal Hot Shots 10TH ANNIVERSAR Links Homes British Y Beach Polo Championships

BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultr e Gold

BRITS VS KINGS e Gold Cup The Jaeger-LeCoultr NG 22 UNDER 21S PLAYI Shots British High Goal Hot Y ionships 10TH ANNIVERSAR Beach Polo Champ Links Homes British

PLUS: Racing to

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& Victrix Ludorum

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PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victrix Ludorum Introduction

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Dorset Polo Festival

Photograph by British Army Polo

The first ever Dorset Polo Festival took place Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June, near Lychett Minster. The brand new boarded ground played really well and the crowd on both days enjoyed some excellent, spirited polo.

The HACKETT Army Development team took on Uber Polo, The RAF, The Dorset Polo Club and Wynstay in an American style tournament on the Saturday. Despite a half goal advantage for the RAF, they unfortunately did not score in their two chukka Semi Final match against the HACKETT Army team and with two goals from O/Cdt Hector Fair and Capt Mossy Hamilton, the two points on offer went to the Army.

In the final two chukkas the HACKETT Army team came up against a strong Wynnstay side that included 2 goal Lt Hiro Suzuki from the Royal Navy. The HACKETT Army team went well in the final chukka, with two quick goals from number two William Rockley. This formulated play led to ultimate victory to the HACKETT Army team, on a great weekend in Dorset.

Military

HPC, The London Club vs RAF Over the weekend of 24 – 25 June, one of the great annual matches took place at HPC, The London Club as a seasoned RAF took on the Club team which consisted of an allamateur line-up. HPC had luck in their hands with a strong performance in the first half whilst the RAF had several close misses.

In the second half, the RAF team changed their game plan and through some excellent marking and teamwork pulled back several goals. However, the HPC lead from the first half was too strong and by the final bell the home team were still ahead.

The Dorset Polo Festival Teams: HACKETT Army (0): Maj Janet Johnston AGC (-1), Tpr William Rockley RWxY (0), O/Cdt Hector Fair OTC (1) & Capt Mossy Hamilton IG (0) The victorious HACKETT Army team

Sassoon Cup at Druids Lodge Polo Club

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giving no quarter and by luck of the bounce Flt Lt Hoogewerf missed a clear chance. By the bell, the HACKETT Army team were the victors in a very tight contest, winning 1-1½.

Maj Janet Johnston was awarded the Most Valuable Player and prizes were presented by Air Marshal and Mrs Nickols.

Photograph by Andrew Yates Photography

The Sassoon Cup is played at both Druids Lodge Polo Club and Tidworth Polo Club.

The first instalment at Druids Lodge Polo Club saw a brand new HACKETT Army team in which only a couple of the squad had played together before facing an experienced RAF Team, with two 0 goalers, who had been going well in recent matches. With both teams marking each other hotly, in the superb setting of the Ferne ground at Druids Lodge, the first chukka saw HACKETT Army defending their goal strongly with Lt Ahluwalia doing particularly well in blocking the strong play of Sqn Ldr Woodhead and Gp Capt Adcock. Into the second chukka, the HACKETT Army gained in confidence and a great backhander by Lt Ahluwalia of 50 yards saw Maj Johnston evade Gp Capt Adcock and race from half way to score a fine goal. The third chukka was a dogfight mostly in the HACKETT Army half and, whilst not pretty, some tight riding off and marking

by Maj Gen Talbot-Rice and Anderson gave the hurry up to the RAF. Sure enough the pressure told and Flt Lt Waldron scored from a way out. Into the fourth chukka with just half a goal between them saw all eight players

The Sassoon Cup Final Teams: HACKETT Army Development Team (-3): Lt Col Lucy Anderson RLC (-1), Maj Janet Johnston AGC (-1), Maj Gen Robert Talbot-Rice (-1) & Lt Rishi Ahluwalia LD (0 – Capt) RAF (-2): Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf (-1), Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Flt Lt Andy Waldron (-1) & Gp Capt Martin Adcock (0 – Capt)

HACKETT Army take home the trophy

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Final vengeance. Lt Suzuki made a fine run upfield and scored from way out, with a long shot under his pony’s neck. The gap was closed further by a penalty executed perfectly by Lt Suzuki. A fine couple of runs in the second chukka by 2Lt Drummond Moray meant the score at half-time was 4½-2. However, the RN were not done and they came out very hard in the third chukka. A foul by the RN led to the shot of the day from 2Lt Drummond Moray, who scored a penalty that was still climbing as it went over the goal. A substitution due to injury forced a delay, as Surg Cdr O’Rourke took over from Lt Santrian and on the restart, the Ft Gds found their range and scored to settle the affair. It was a very fine match played with spirit and manners, with the Ft Gds winning by 6½-5, for the first time since 1997.

2Lt Drummond Moray won the

Pringle Trophy for the Most Valuable Player awards and Mr Jeremy Hackett of HACKETT presented the prizes.

The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Final Teams: Royal Navy (2): Lt Bob Santrain (-1) – substituted by Surg Cdr Harry O’Rourke (-1), Capt Dean Bassett (-1), Lt Hiro Suzuki (2) & James Lucas (2) Foot Guards (1): Lt Tom Windsor-Clive CG (-2), Capt Mossy Hamilton IG (0), Lt Billy Aprahamian IG (2) & 2Lt Jamie Drummond Moray SG (1)

Photograph courtesy of British Army Polo

Four teams were originally entered into the Inter-Regimental Cup, the oldest polo tournament in the world, which has taken place since 1869 between the Royal Navy (RN), the Kings Royal Hussars (KRH), the Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH) and the Foot Guards (Ft Gds). Sadly due to operational commitments the KRH had to withdraw. Due to this, the RN got a bye to the Final and the Ft Gds and QRH played the Semi Final at Sandhurst Polo Club on Thursday 6 July for their places. After a very closely fought match, the Ft Gds prevailed 7½-5 over the QRH, who had travelled from Germany to take part.

The Final at Guards Polo Club between the Ft Gds and the RN, on Sunday 9 July, was played on The Duke’s Ground in front of a crowd made up of supporters and sponsor’s guests, from HACKETT and Roseville, some 500 in the stands and Clubhouse.

The Ft Gds received half a goal handicap advantage and were straight onto the attack in the first chukka, with two quick goals by Lt Aprahamian. The RN though, with Lucas and Lt Suzuki combining well, came back with

The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Cup teams

Army Development Team vs Rugby School

Sassoon Cup at Tidworth

On one of the busiest weekends for Army Polo, where the Army Polo Association was due to put out four teams, the Army Development side headed to the charming setting of Rugby Polo Club, the home of Rugby School polo. Not even the burst water main that caused chaos in Rugby that day, delaying the start of proceedings, could dampen the competitive nature of this friendly match.

In what is hoped to be an annual fixture, both teams had seen ‘The School’ take on ‘The Old Boys’ in the first match which proved to have more twists and turns than an international rugby scrum, with The School being pipped at the post by The Old Boys as they came back in the last chukka to secure victory by one goal, having at one stage been behind by as many as five goals.

Next it was the turn of The School to play the Army Development Team. In this match, despite the efforts of the Army, there was only ever going to be one winner. The School’s pony power and some players really playing over their handicap meant The School were clear winners 6-1.

It was a fixture that was played in the spirit accustomed to Army Polo, competitive but gracious to the end.

For the HACKETT Army team, both Capt Wadman and Lt Geering gained their Army colours having played in the Army development scheme for only a year. The ground was hard at Tidworth Polo Club and the bouncing ball challenged both teams when on a run, but O/ Cdt Perry was soon out of his blocks and scored two quick goals for the RAF. In the second chukka, the HACKETT Army marked better and despite some nice runs by Winchester, backed up by Morgan, they failed to find the flags. The RAF was more fortunate and with FO Harwood turning quickly she added to the RAF score by two more goals. By the third chukka the HACKETT Army were getting used to the pace and both Capt Wadman and Lt Geering started to connect. They replied with two field goals, but, with O/Cdt Perry finding his range on some smart ponies, the RAF ran out the deserved winners by 6 goals to 2. Flt Lt Harwood was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.

Photograph courtesy of Rugby School

Will Mawby on the ball for the Army Development Team

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The Army vs Rugby Match Teams: Army Development Team (-2): Capt James Wilson RLC (-1), Maj Terry Warbuton (-2), Maj Will Mawby RY (0) & Cap Robert Gourlay Late QRH (1) Rugby Team (-4): Jake Rigby (0), Hassan Usman (-1), Lauren Wright (-2) & Benji Bradshaw (-1)

The Sassoon Cup Final Teams: HACKETT Army Novice Team (-6): Capt Luke Wadman (-2), Lt Scarlett Geering (-2), Maj John Morgan RWxY (-1) & Col Dickie Winchester (-1 – Capt) RAF Team (-6): FO Georgie Harwood (-2), Flt Lt Ben Lane (-2), Sgt Mark Sizzi (-2) & O/Cdt Jon Perry (0) www.polotimes.co.uk

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Rundle Cup

Summer Tournament Army players who make up the Northern Army Polo Group played the Summer Tournament at Toulston Polo Club on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 1– 2 July. A team from Catterick Garrison came second in their division, narrowly losing to Newswick Farm and winning against Toulston Blue.

Northern Army Polo Group (-6): Maj. Tom Armitage LD (-2), Capt. Hugh Richardson RL (-1), Capt. Ed Scrope LD (-2) and Georgie Armitage (-1) Toulston Blue (-7): Amy Thompson (-2), Hazel Jones (-2), Stephen Fall (-1) & Will Westwood (-2) Neswick Farm (-5): Liza Wilson (-2), Antony Woo (-1), John Nash (-1) & Gillian Saville (-1) Photograph courtesy of British Army Polo

Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

Tidworth Polo Club’s biggest tournament of the year, The Rundle Cup, took place on Saturday 8 July, welcoming an estimated 4,000 spectators to the sunshine filled occasion. Following the REME Parachute team’s magnificent display under the leadership of Captain Shane Cook 5 Force Support Battalion REME and some wonderful initial matches, The Royal Navy team and HACKETT Army teams took the Ground One for their annual contest. The Royal Navy’s Hiro Suzuki stormed out of the first line out, to score the first goal of the match in a mere

20 seconds! It was an evenly fought encounter and it still wasn’t clear who would be the ultimate winner by the beginning of the fourth chukka. But, even with some fine stick skills from Capt Mulholland and Lt Sleeman in the final chukka, and a great goal, it was The Royal Navy who were victorious against the HACKETT Army Team, ending the nail-biting match 7-7½. The Best Playing Pony award went to Twinkle, played by Lt Hiro Suzuki in the second chukka and owned by Jessica Andrews, whilst the Most Valuable Player went to Capt Albany Mulholland of HACKETT Army.

Military

The Royal Navy triumph over HACKETT Army

The Rundle Cup Final Teams: HACKETT Army (4): Capt Albany Mulholland LG (0), Capt Mossy Hamilton IG (0), Lt Johnny Sleeman QRH (2) & O/Cdt Henry Amor (2) Royal Navy Team (0): Capt Dean Bassett (-1), Lt Bob Santrian (-1), Lt Hiro Suzuki (2) & James Lucas (2)

Balaclava Trophy

Photograph by Andrew Yates Photography

On Saturday 2 July, the Balaclava Trophy was retained by HACKETT Army in a thrilling four chukkas of classic open and fast polo on the Ferne Ground at Druids Lodge. The HACKETT Army had team lost Capt Billy Aprahamian due to food poisoning on the Friday night and O/Cdt Giles Bromley-Martin

stepped in. It was a very open game with few fouls and HACKETT racing into the lead by two goals with no reply in the first chukka. Some fine play by Gaston Devrient playing deep, enabled passes to reach 2Lt Jamie Drummond Moray who made few mistakes. With Dave Allen on top form the second chukka saw some strong attacks

by Balaclava and Piers Heelis found the flags to close the gap, however at half-time HACKETT had 4½ goals on the board to 2 in reply. An instant goal by O/Cdt Henry Amor, who set off strongly, evading Robyn

The Northern Army Polo Group came second in their division.

Ormerod, increased that lead. But Dave Allen with Harold Hodges came back very strongly with three quick goals straight from the line-outs and at the end of the pressured third chukka it was HACKETT Army 6½ to 5, with the momentum going in Balaclava’s favour. But Gaston Devrient, playing well above his 3 goal handicap, created chances for his young team and the HACKETT Army team grew in confidence. After an almost impossible under the neck shot by O/Cdt Giles Bromley-Martin from 60 yards out, it was 7½ to 5. O/Cdt Henry Amor and 2Lt Jamie Drummond Moray were playing better and better and again, with some fine riding to avoid Harold Hodges and Robin Ormerod, they scored two quick goals with one in reply by Balaclava to end the match 9½ to 6 in HACKETT Army’s favour. A crowd of 200 spectators made for a wonderful day at Druids Lodge Polo Club.

The Balaclava Trophy Final Teams: Balaclava (8): Piers Heelis (0), Robin Ormerod (1), Harold Hodges (3) & Dave Allen (4) HACKETT Army (7): 2Lt Jamie Drummond Moray SG (1), O/Cdt Giles Bromley-Martin (1), O/Cdt Henry Amor (2) & Gaston Devrient (3)

The winning HACKETT Army team.

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Thai Polo Club Ladies International

Women’s Polo

Ladies Cup Photograph courtesy of West Wycombe Park Polo Club

To highlight the increasing importance of women’s polo worldwide, The Thai Polo Club Ladies International will take place after The Royal Salute Coronation Cup for The Diamond Jubilee Trophy. This will see Swarovski England Ladies play Llangollen USA Ladies, which follows on as part of the two part series which began with the Kings Head Hotel International at Cirencester Park Polo Club in June (for a full report turn to page 78). The teams for The Thai Polo Club Ladies International have been announced as: Swarovski England Ladies (26): Sarah Hughes (4), Izzy McGregor (4), Hazel Jackson (8) & Nina Clarkin (10 – Capt) Llangollen USA Ladies (26): Kristy Outhier (8 – Capt), KC Krueger (7), Maureen Brennan (6) & Julia Smith (5)

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

QB Polo, winners of the Ladies Cup

ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM

25/05/2017 10:21

International Ladies Tournament On Saturday 19 August, Ballyhenry in County Wicklow, Ireland, will be holding The International Ladies Polo Tournament.

Hosted by Polo Wicklow, the event will draw guests and players from USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. At the launch, the 2017 Irish Ladies Polo Team were announced as Siobhan Herbst, Julie Kavanagh, April Kent and Caroline Keeling. Now in its 18th year, the tournament has raised more than €150,000 for charities to date and this year’s nominated charity partner is The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

The day will feature three exciting matches: Ireland v’s The USA, Ireland v’s The Rest Of The World and an entertaining Charity Jockeys v’s Trainers Match with the gates opening at 11.45am.

Victrix Ludorum In light of the increasing popularity and importance of women’s polo, this season marks the first year of the Victrix Ludorum, as this issue goes to print the first tournaments of the six part series are already underway. The series is following the same format as the already established mixed Victor Ludorum, and will be made up of all-female 12-18 goal teams. To find out more about the Victrix Ludorum with insights from the clubs and players involved in the series, turn to the Features pages.

Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

On Saturday 24 and 25 June, West Wycombe Park Polo Club hosted its first ever Ladies Cup, sponsored by Women in Polo and Harry Hall One Club. The pace was fast and the women fierce, and great fun was had by all with a superb turnout of family and friends. The winners of the tournament who beat Pro-Fit Polo by 9 goals to 6 with an impressive team of ladies was QB Polo; Marie Claire Thomas, Sammy Luff, Amy Leggett and Vicky Griffin. It was a tough and exhilarating match for spectators to watch as they battled it out. The Most Valuable Player award went to Nereda Parry-Joyner, a young player with promising potential.

SUPA Ladies On Sunday 25 June, Zacara’s main ground saw girls from nine schools across three divisions descend for the SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships.

To read all about the day and the results, please turn to our Youth Polo pages.

Cirencester Ladies

On Sunday 2 July, spectators saw the new Ladies 8-12 Goal Tournament come to a close at Cirencester Park Polo Club. In the Finals held on Aston Down, Nina Clarkin’s, My Line Polo Team, took control in a fast and high scoring game to win 7-4 against Senzaltro. In the subsidiary match, Ice Lolly’s won against Ottolenghi, 7-3½.

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Women’s Polo

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5 minutes with…

professionals would be helpful for both professionals and patrons alike. This would allow greater clarity and manage expectations on both sides. Ideally a range with a minimum and a maximum per handicap.

Heloise Wilson-Smith Handicap: 1 women’s, 5 mixed.

How did your polo career start?

I started riding when I was 6-years-old.

Two years later my confidence and love for horses grew when visiting old family friends in Argentina, near Carlos Casares.

We would ride to their cousins’ farm and race each other down the dirt roads.

When I was around 11 or 12-years-old I would help groom for my sister Aurora at Ansty Polo Club at the weekends. I then started playing at Millfield aged 13 and I was first taught by Jeremy Barber.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Winning the Dollar Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club in place of an injured Clare Milford-Haven for the Jaeger Le-Coultre team in 2011 was a big moment. Then of course most recently playing for England in the International Match vs USA at 12th Polo Awards Programme.indd Cirencester with Nina 2017 Clarkin, Tamara Fox and Izzy McGregor.

What’s your greatest ambition?

It would be a great achievement to reach 2 goals (mixed) in the next ten years.

However, like every player I’d much prefer to be a consistent 1 goal player than an inconsistent 2 goal player. I’d really like to see some of our young students from our polo school go on to make a name for themselves in mixed and ladies polo alike.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why?

One day I would love to play as a family team with our two boys. When I see other families in polo in high goal or low goal playing together I think how much fun it must be to play with your own children. I had better not have a third child or I’ll be demoted to stick chick for sure!

Which lady players do you admire?

Tamara Fox and Sarah Wiseman are just two that initially come to mind. They are a pleasure to play with or against, with their cool and supportive styles on the field and their ever warm and welcoming company off the field. Nina is of course a terrific example of skill and ability in ladies polo, but she also rides beautifully. I feel that I could name admirable skills in each and every professional player in women’s polo and non-professionals off 0 alike.

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

My husband Sean. He’s been an incredible support, he enjoys coming to the bigger games, usually watching from horseback as my quirky string of horses are not the easiest of rides for our grooms. Along with the colourful and loving supportATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM of my mother Cristina, we manage to juggle both of our professional careers and polo school while raising our two young boys, Oscar 25/05/2017 and Lucas.

Two of my close friends in the sport, Jess Andrews and Hannah Henderson, have both given me fantastic playing opportunities in the past year or two.

They both had confidence in my abilities following the birth of each of my children when I doubted myself the most. And of course my sweet horses, the incredible animals at the core of this great sport.

I am immensely grateful to them all.

What’s your favourite tournament and Club?

The Barbados Ladies tournament at Apes Hill has to be at the top of the list for me so far. The location is obviously idyllic, but also all the players from different teams living together and socialising as one create a united feel, yet professional and competitive polo on the field. Cirencester 3 Ladies and The French Open Ladies are also fantastic tournaments. Cowdray is one of my favourite clubs in the UK with its exceptional grounds.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies polo?

Ladies polo.

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport?

I think standardised pricing for

Saint Tropez Polo Club’s Polo Women Cup took place over 30 June – 2 July, with six 14 goal teams competing to reach the Finals.

After the matches on Saturday, it was JK7 and Polo World who faced each other in the Argentine Food Cup, and although Polo World started with an early advantage JK7 quickly found their groove, ably abetted

by Brit star Hazel Jackson, and secured 5th place with a final score of 11-5½. Nextup the Opera Bar Cup saw Italia Equitatus versus Dark Ice. Despite predictions of a close score, it was Italia Equitatus who demonstrated stronger and faster teamwork to secure a 9-3½ win. The Polo Women Cup Final brought the tournament to a close with Maple Leaf taking on Brigade One. Maple Leaf were the tournament favourites with a total handicap of 14 goals compared to Maple Leafs’ 11. Brigade One enjoyed an early lead with a handicap advantage, but this did not last for long and Maple Leafs 74

Polo Times, August 2017

swiftly leveled the scores. In the end the overall team strength of Maple Leafs’, led by Lia Salvo, was simply too much to overcome and they took the title with a score of 7-3.

Maple Leafs’ Claudia Zeisberger was named Most Valuable Player and Open Ballenita, played by Brigade One’s Berdine Odendaal was awarded Best Playing Pony accolade.

Polo Women Cup Teams: Maple Leaf (14): Sabine Schaffer (0), Claudia Zeisberger (1), Vero Magnasco (4) & Lia Salvo (9) Brigade One (11): Berdine Odendaal (0), Cecilia Pieres (2), Jeanine Hugo (4) & Camilla Rossi (5) Italia Equitatus (11): Ginevra Visconti (1), Ginevra D’Orazio (3), Vittoria Marchiorello (3) & Constanza Marchiorello Dark Ice (11): Emmy Goddard-Watts (0), Caroline Morandi (2), Izzy McGregor (6) & Joanna Mobley (5)

Photograph courtesy of Saint Tropez Polo Club

Polo Women Cup

Six teams competed in the Polo Women Cup

JK7 (12): Lea Siboni (0), Katerina Sandiman (1), Clare Milford Haven (3) & Hazel Jackson (8) Polo World (7): Chantal D’Acquarone (0), Aziza Ghane (1), Hannah Parry-Jones (3) & Alexia Pike (3)

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

10:21

International & Home

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Women’s Polo

Copa FEM Leguizamón de Vigo 2017

Photograph by Iara Reynoso

Photograph courtesy of Silver Leys

Silver Leys Ladies

The Ladies Trophy Final teams

Over the weekend of 25 June, 16 teams, including two from Queenswood School, came together for the Silver Leys Ladies’ Trophy and President’s Cup in memory of the late Terry Bone. The Ladies’ Trophy was a huge success with an incredibly high standard of exciting polo. The Final was won closely by Silver Leys Ladies taking the title from the La Vie en Rose team. The ladies were treated to sports massages and beauty treatments with stunning prizes from Indys Clothing.

The higher section of the President’s Cup was extremely exciting and was won by ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM Warings Polo Team, with Reed Polo Team coming second.

It was an extremely successful weekend with hundreds coming to watch, a great day sponsored by Queenswood School and Jack owned by Alexandra Edwards beating a Range Rover Sport SVR from Lookers Land Rover in a Car vs Horse Race. 25/05/2017 10:21

Tournament winners, La Estela

On Sunday 25 June the Final of the Copa Fem Leguizamónde Vigo was played at Club Hípico General Belgrano. La Estela won the women’s tournament, which saw four teams between 0-7 goals compete. La Estela defeated La Vanguardia 7-4½ to take first place, whilst C. H. G. B. Las Marias beat Club Hípico General Belgrano 6-2½ for third place.

Copa Fem Leguizamónde Vigo Teams: La Estela (4): Julia Leiggener (1), Camila Aprile (0), Dolores Fernández Díaz (0) & Iara Reynoso (3) La Vanguardia (0): Camila Carello (0), Maria Beltramone (0), Valentina Dicon (0) & Sofia Copello (0) C. H. G. B. Las Marías (7): Alejandra Palomo (0), Alicia Flores (0), Nuria Arlettaz (0) & María Bellande (7) Club Hípico General Belgrano (3): Maria Vittori (3), Adriana Silva (0), Delfina Viñuale (0) & Florencia Peloso (0)

The Ladies’ Trophy Final Teams: Silver Leys Ladies: Ruth Leland, Kate Cook, Holly Butler & Hannah Buckenham La Vie en Rose: Tessa Collet, Sharon Massey, Mina Hinsch & Mieke Van Vlaanderen

18th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup Post-polo, the evening continued in the Diamond Lounge with DJ DaZZla from Ibiza.

For the first time in Switzerland, ladies polo handicaps were introduced under the recommendation of Sunny Hale last year. For the first time as well, this year Polo Park Zürich is promoting ladies medium goal, currently 8-10 goal, hoping for 10-12 next year.

Creating this league is a big challenge for the Club, but is opening the doors to invite bigger organisations and top players like Hazel Jackson, Mumy Bellande and Lia Salvo. Hazel came this year to mentor the ladies as due to her high handicap she had to play the 10 goal tournament alongside the men. For the ladies, it was incredible to watch her play, but the Club are hoping that players from her handicap will be soon fighting with our ladies on the field.

Photograph by Evelina Jakovlevskaja

Over 8 – 9 July, Polo Park & Country Club Zürich hosted 29 international lady players in seven teams over two leagues for the 18th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup with strong support from a range of sponsors. The weekend began with a friendly stick and ball session followed by welcome drinks in the Clubhouse, hosted by Morgan and Sebastien Le Page. On Saturday the action began with the medium goal league in which Team Champagne Jacquart beat Team Nespresso in a very open and fast game. For the Challenge League, in the first game Les Jolies Filles, from Zug, with a very strong line-up, won against Team Hato, and qualified for the Final. In the Second match, the young girls from the team San Francisco de Asis, won the qualification games, together with La Tana Polo from Bern. Both teams got a place for the Final. In the evening Toni&Guy were on hand for hair and makeup, followed by a delicious and nutritionally balanced supper, plus a motivational talk fromHazel Jackson.

Unfortunately Sunday morning began with rain and grey skies, but the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the teams, with Hato defeating Polo Park Zürich to take fifth place. In the Final of the Challenge League San Francisco de Asis, Les Jolies Filles and La Tana Polo played a round robin with the victory for San Francisco de Asis, Champion of the 18th Edition of the Challenge League. Meanwhile in the Medium league, it was Champagne Jacquart who took the win with solid skills in an open game. The Most Valuable Player award went to Kira Wetzel from Team La Tana Polo in the Challenge League, and to Maike Hölty from Team Nespresso in the Medium Goal League, each receiving a leather bag donated by La Rubia and by Performance Polo.

29 ladies took part in the 18th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup

Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

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Mongolia Ladies Cup Polo Times heard from Kat Shrives about the recent Ladies Polo trip to Mongolia, “AdAstra headed back out to Mongolia for another fantastic polo and riding trip and to compete in the 2017 Ladies Polo Cup. In 2016 the AdAstra Ladies team competed against the Mongolian Ladies Team during the Genghis Kahn Polo Cup. This year they mixed things up to give the ladies a chance to play together.

Our adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar the Capital of Mongolia. To get to camp is a 6 hour drive with significant chunks off roading. You immediately get the sense of total wilderness, there are no fences or walls, just long expanses of openness. To get to camp you pass over the Gobi desert and instead of seeing horses and goats the camels appear. Eventually you make your way up through the Steppe and further into Mongolia, when you start to feel like the journey can’t go on much longer you spot the colourful Gers (Yurts) standing on the hill top welcoming you in.

“We have been lucky to get to know everyone in Mongolia well through different adventures and arriving at camp is like arriving home. You’re welcomed by warm smiles and big hugs from old friends. Migma’s cooking is at the heart of the camp and the smells of his delicious food is fantastic.

The riding and polo is what the GKPC is all about and that is what we were there to do. These little Mongolian horses are fast, strong and nippy and so so much fun to ride and play. The Mongols are phenomenal riders and watching them is mesmerising. Playing with them is a tricky game, but makes you a better player and a significantly better rider.

12th Polo Awards Programme.indd 3 During our 10 days at2017 camp we played polo, took the horses swimming in the river and went for long rides and camping in the mountains. In the evening we enjoyed Migma’s delicious food under candle light and fantastic conversation. After dinner we could star gaze for hours as the night sky lights up with a million stars. It would have been easy to spend months here and never tire of the day-to-day life.

At the end of the trip we put on two tournaments, one where everyone mixed in and played together and the Ladies Cup which had two teams who took to the field to battle it out. Everyone knew their horses and was ready to play good fast polo. Katriona took the first run towards goal but Doda the best Mongolian player backed the ball to her teammates who started the attack up field. Both teams were strong on defence, but after several runs on each goal, the GKPC managed to get the ball through the posts. Playing polo in Mongolia has a totally different strategy, the ball doesn’t fly like it would at Cowdray so you have to work as a team backing each other up and looking for the plays. It makes it more fun as you can’t rely on someone passing up the ball so communication is key. Both teams played for the win with the boys cheering us on from the sideline and

with the atmosphere growing in the mountains it has to be one of the most enjoyable games I’ve ever played.

The final score was 4-1 to the GKPC with the game ending in big smiles and laughter. We ended the tournament with a traditional Mongolian Feast to celebrate our time in Mongolia, new friends and adventures had. We sat down at long tables in a U shape and the delicious meal of a whole goat was brought to the centre of the room.

Firstly we feasted on the goat while drinking shots of vodka and then everyone took it in turns to go around the room and sing for the group. Once we had sung our hearts out we danced the night away under the stars of the Mongolian Steppe.

It is such a treat to be part of this family and enjoy our adventures there and we can’t wait to go out again in 2018. We are hoping to grow the Ladies Cup and take more teams out to compete. Although we run the Ladies Cup we also take the men with us who join in and have a tournament alongside the Ladies Cup. If you would like to join, the dates are: 22 June – 1 July and email info@adastraadventures.com for more details.”

The colourful Gers (Yurts) where the visitors stayed

Guests enjoyed riding through the river

Ladies Cup Teams: Team AdAstra: Katriona Shrives, Zulaa Khurelbaatar, Tora Joicey & Veronica Lin Team GKPC: Doda Bat-o-yun, Nymka Douchin, ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM Mongoonoo Munkhbaatar & Hannah Woodward

25/05/2017 10:21

Photography courtesy of Kat Shrives

The Mongolian ponies are fast, strong and nippy despite their stature

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Polo Times, August 2017

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

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Women’s Polo

Kings Head Hotel Ladies International

In association with

F

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

2017 12th Polo Awards Programme.indd 3

Swarovski England Ladies Win Action from the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International

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Polo Times, August 2017

Rosabella Hine reports from Cirencester Park Polo Club

ollowing on from the broken flow of the Warwickshire Cup Final, the ladies match was a breath of fresh air for the mass of spectators who had stayed on in the grandstand to witness the Swarovski England Ladies take on team USA in the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International at Cirencester Park Polo Club. The match was the first of a two part series to be played across the summer, with the second match for the Thai Polo Club Ladies International for the Jubilee Cup following the Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 29 July.

The pace was fast and frenetic from the start, with goals from both sides in the first chukka and although England were exerting pressure and attempting to assert their dominance, the USA ladies proved a strong side to contend withATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM and the first chukka ended a tight 1-1½. The atmosphere was a noticeably friendly affair, and despite the competitive nature of both teams, shouts 25/05/2017 of ‘Sorry’ and ‘Thank You’ could be heard from the grandstand. Sister double-act Nina Clarkin and Tamara Fox were on formidable form as always and with their plays combining effortlessly, ably abetted by the talent of Izzy McGregor and Heloise Wilson-Smith, by halftime the Swarovski England Ladies had nudged into the lead by just half a goal.

The second half began with an early goal from Nina Clarkin, despite strong marking from USA’s Courtney Asdourian, and England began to pull ahead. It was at this point that the England Ladies began to

“I am so pleased that we are able to showcase the quality of women’s polo around the world with this International Series. I am incredibly honoured to be the Captain of the Swarovski England Ladies Team for the series and we started brilliantly with a win at Cirencester. The scoreboard did not reflect the competitiveness of the game.

The Americans were strong, united, and a tough team to play. My team played outstandingly and for our first game together we really played well. At halftime the score was within a half and it was very tight. We managed to settle, really unite and came out to have a great second half working hard for each other which resulted in some excellent team goals.”

Nina Clarkin, Swarovski England Ladies Captain

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

10:21

gramme.indd 3

Kings Head Hotel Ladies International

In association with

Women’s Polo

Photograph by Ben Hastie Photography

About Swarovski Swarovski’s founder, Daniel Swarovski, said it was his mission to create a diamond for every woman. He wanted to give every woman the chance to feel the sensation of wearing jewellery that makes her feel good about herself. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones as well as finished products such as jewellery, accessories and lighting.

Swarvoski’s Sponsorship The ladies teams were presented with a plethora of prizes

“After the England trials I left without any expectations so when I received the telephone call from Nina I was expecting her to say “Thank you, but no thank you”, so when she told me I had been selected for the team I was stunned and delighted. The American team were tough and determined opponents, it was neck ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM and neck until the second half when our side took the lead. I learnt some valuable lessons from Nina during our practice and the game. The polo 10:21 25/05/2017 was fast and open with good spirit throughout. It was an honour to play with and against talented women in an International Match held in memory of the late Sunny Hale.”

Heloise Wilson-Smith, Swarovski England Ladies

mark their dominance and the combination of teamwork and pony power paid off as a mixture of penalites and fast-paced goals meant the goal margin continued to widen in favour of the England Ladies.

USA needed to produce something substantial in the final chukka, and

unfortunately a large tumble from Asdourian did nothing to boost the team’s confidence.

Although Asdourian was back on her feet before the paramedics had made it across Ivy Lodge, it was clear that the ladies from across the pond had a lot of ground to make up if they were to close the goal deficit. Penalties, followed by a scorcher of a run from Heloise Wilson-Smith, took the scoreboard to 11-3½. Competitive until the end, USA stole the ball from Tamara Fox who was mounted on her awesome grey pony, Lego, who later won the RJ Polo Best Playing Pony Award, and despite Wilson-Smith’s attempt to stop the goal, the ball rolled through the England posts, which took the score to 11-4½. As the ball was knocked out of play, the final whistle sounded the end of the match.

As well as sponsoring the England Ladies Polo team, Swarovski provided a selection of beautiful prizes from their designer Atelier Swarovski range for the lucky ladies, which added to the prize-laden table which also included British Polo Gin, copies of Polo Times and The Polo Magazine as well as receiving organic beauty products from Tabitha James-Kraan.

Where: Cirencester Park Polo Club

Swarovski England Ladies Nina Clarkin (10) Tamara Fox (7) Heloise Wilson-Smith (5) Izzy McGregor (4)

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USA KC Krueger (7) Maureen Brennan (6) Erica Gandomcar (6) Courtney Asdourian (6)

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MVP Most Valuable Player Nina Clarkin

BPP

This year, Swarovski is the official jewellery partner of England Polo as well as the first exclusive partner of the England Ladies Polo team. It supported the Ladies team at Cirencester in June and is also sponsoring the Thai Polo Club Ladies International for the Jubilee Cup following the Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 29 July. Swarovski was also on hand at the annual Polo Awards held at Guards Polo Club in May this year, supporting the Most Outstanding Female Player Award. The Polo Awards were delighted to welcome Nadja Swarovski in person to present the award to internationally renowned British female player, Hazel Jackson. The partnership between Swarovski and polo could not be more perfect. The brand’s core values reflect the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle whilst shining a light on women’s empowerment with their beautiful, responsibly sourced products Swarovski and Women’s Empowerment As a brand with a 90% female customer base, Swarovski strives to empower all women, from those that manufacture its products to those who wear them.

As part of the UN Women UK National Committee Corporate Advisory Group, Swarovski is championing the work of UN Women in its mission for gender equality and is a signatory of the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles. It also strives to promote female empowerment through the Swarovski Foundation, educating and investing in young women across the world by working with partners including Women for Women International.

ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM

25/05/2017 10:21

Tamara Fox’s Lego won the RJ Polo BPP

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

British Junior Polo Championships

hotograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The British Junior Polo Championships are well underway with matches being played up and down the country. As in 2016, the Final of the Buckmaster section will be played at Guards on International Day, Saturday 29 July, whilst the Rocksavage Finals will be played on Wednesday 9 August and the Hipwood Finals on the Thursday 10 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

The Colts Cup and the Stagshead Trophy teams are selected by the HPA Development Committee from the best of the British Junior Polo Championships and the Pony Club when most matches have been played. The Colts Cup teams are selected on Tuesday 8 August and matches will be played on Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Stagshead Trophy teams (Hipwood and

Surtees level) will also be chosen on Tuesday 8 August and matches will be played at HPC The London Polo Club on Sunday 20 August.

The lists of teams playing in the British Junior Polo Championships (excluding the Colts Cup and Stagshead Trophy teams which will be chosen on Tuesday 8 August) are listed below and are correct at time of going to print: The Buckmaster section (under 19) teams: Cirencester (2): Dominic Lodge (1), Patrick Lodge (0), Oscar Luard (1) & Jack Aldridge (0) Strathearn (1): James Emlyn (1), Valentine Hutley (0), Angus Rowan Hamilton (0) & Charlie Cadogan (0) Jaipur (2): Eric Appen (0), Charlie Townsend (0), Tom Townsend (0) & Pacho Singh (2) Beaufort (3): Freddie Jodrell (0), Henry Frisby (0), William Penfold (1) & Cruz Novillo-Astrada Northwood (1): Ned Hine (0), Milly Hine (0), Manuel Novillo-Astrada (0) & Alex Webb (1) Kirtlington (0): Jake Rigby (0), Johnny Brown (0), Charlie Tighe (0) & George Deverell (0) The Rocksavage section (under 17) teams: Longdole (-1): Kiki Severn (-1), Cruz Heugy (0), Alexsander Horvat (-1) & Luke Wiles (1) Oxford Polo (0): Monte Swain-Grainger (0), George Deverell (0), George Hobbs (0) & Ben Barnes (0) Kirtlington (-2): Tom Jodrell (-1), Tamara Gibbons (0), Johnny Beck-Brown (0) & Jasmine Stanhope-White (-1) Lutheridge (-4): Louis Heard (-1), Ed Walker (-1), Marcus Speed (-1) & Lorna Fleming (-1) The Hipwood section (under 14) teams: Kirtlington (-8): Toby Bradshaw (-2), George Tomblin (-2), George Smith (-2) & Harry Pitt (-2)

2016 Buckmaster Champions, El Remanso

Youth Olympic Christowe House Games Charity Polo Day The Argentine Polo Association (AAP) has been working closely with the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) and has received the exciting news from the International Olympic Committee that polo has been approved as a sport exhibition, along with squash, in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) which are scheduled to be held in Buenos Aires between 6 – 18 October 2018. The YOG is a multi-sport event held every four years, is promoted by the IOC and involves athletes between 15 to 18-years-old.

It is certainly an exciting step forward for polo’s involvement with the IOC.

Four Cheltenham College students, Gus Roberts, Dany Choudhary, Denis Antonov and Ed Walker have organised a House Charity Polo Day on Sunday 10 September at Longdole Polo Club in order to raise funds for the Wellchild Trust. Wellchild Trust is Christowe House’s elected charity for 2017/18 and is a national charity that raises funds for seriously ill children to allow them, where possible, to thrive in their home environment. The students, alongside the Head of Polo at College, Sarah Styler, have been planning this event

for a number of months and it is hoped the event will be a fantastic way to kick-start the Christowe fundraising year.

Tickets for the event are priced at £20 per adult and £50 for a family ticket (two adults plus children). The ticket price includes entry to Longdole Polo Club, a hog roast plus glass of wine/soft drink and first class viewing of the following polo matches: Christowe vs Marlborough College vs Marlborough Teacher Polo Christowe vs College Electric Bike Polo Tournament

Pony Club Polo The Pony Club Polo season is well underway with friendlies being played across the country.

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Polo Times, August 2017

81

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

The Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament Following the presentation of the prizes, the teams and their families tucked into a BBQ at the Clubhouse and regaled their tales from the day’s matches.

The La Aguada Cup Teams (11 to 15-years-old): La Aguada: Cruz Heguy, Jemima Walker, Manuel Novillo Astrada & Timi Badriu La Martina: Antonio Heguy, Fred Thame, Max Spooner & Santiago Di Paola

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

On Sunday 9 July, the annual Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament took place at Guards Polo Club.

The fifth edition of this tournament was a great success, renowned for not only building friendships and creating bonds between some of the world’s youngest players, but also reinforcing and developing successful partnerships between England and Argentina.

The Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament prides itself on creating a platform on which the next generation of polo players can develop their skills. Both Clubs had a strong presence throughout the day, with the Novillo Astrada brothers, Eduardo Jr., Ignacio and Alejandro as well as the next generation of Heguy’s and Merlos’. The three 11 to 15-yearold line-ups played for The La Aguada Cup, whilst the four under-11 teams played for The Guards Cup. The La Aguada Cup was won by the Guards Polo Club team with Segundo Darritchon taking home The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award. Cala, the El Remanso owned and Cruz Heguy ridden bay mare, took home the Polo Times Best Playing Pony award.

The Guards Cup was won by the La Aguada team, with Beltrán Laulhé taking home The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award.

Guards Polo Club: Segundo Darritchon, Tomi Ojara, Tom Jodreel & Silvestre Heguy The Guards Cup Teams (under 11-years-old): La Aguada: Rhett Wooldridge, Shrey Rawal, Beltrán Laulhé & Pedro Araya Guards Polo Club: Varvara Borodina, Louis Hine, Thomas Ballesteros & Estanisloa Darritchon La Martina: Finlay Turner, Josh Hyde, Rufino Laulhé & Beltrán Di Paola Las Monjitas: Leonie Witman, Rishya Rawal, Rufino Merlos & Celestino Merlos

Action at The Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament

American Kids Tournament

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

On Saturday 15 July, Longdole welcomed three junior teams, including a team from the USA, for the annual American Kids Tournament. Following a heavy shower, the teams took to the field for an American style tournament. The Cotswold team won both their games, the Beaufort team came second and the American team came in a very close third. The fun morning was finished off with a BBQ at the Gloucestershire Club.

The American Kids Tournament teams: The Cotswold Team: Kiki Severn, Zac Beim, Alek Horvat & Luke Wiles The Beaufort Team: Tamara Gibbons, Ed Walker, Jeven Dudd & Tom Jodrell The American Team: Oliver Firestone, Bayne Bossom, Athena Malin & Winston Painter The American Kids Tournament teams

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Polo Times, August 2017

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SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships

Youth

Photograph by Molly Derbyshire

36 competitors took part in the competition

All Smiles at SUPA Gill Glimmerveen, SUPA Junior & Girls Schools Section Manager spoke to us about this year’s SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships

Photography by Gill Glimmerveen

On Sunday 25 June 36 ladies school players gathered in the luxurious setting of the Zacara Team Grounds, Shurlock Row, for the 2017 SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships. The day offered the girls the opportunity to play on a pristine polo ground and the environment enhanced play in all three divisions with even the beginners covering the huge expanse with some impressive teamwork.

The Intermediates had the largest entry and competition was stiff with all teams not giving an inch and out to win. Beanie Bradley (who

Kiki Severn receiving the Most Valuable Player salver from Charles Betz

won Most Promising Player) for Seaford was most impressive and steered the Seaford team into second place.

The mixed SUPA team with players representing three schools played exceptionally well together.

Nina Mathews on her little grey pony ran the ball from one end to the other in the Beginners Division and played with confidence and precision.

The Open Division with ‘friendly’ rivals St Georges, St Marys and Heathfield played with the skill and passion shown in some of the high goal teams.

The speed and teamwork amongst these girl players was a sight to behold, with the large crowd of parents and supporters mesmerised until the final bell.

Heathfield took the title of SUPA Girls Schools National Champions for the first time and their number three player, Kiki Severn, also took the Most Valuable Player of the day.

We actively encourage all girl players to contact SUPA for future SUPA ladies tournaments. We are now usually able to place players in suitable teams and encourage girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play in these competitive tournaments.

All players received prizes and thanks go to RJ Polo and Polo Times for their continued support. SUPA’s next tournaments will be the Arena National Championships for Universities, Senior, Junior and Ladies championships for which the dates and venues are still to be confirmed. For

Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Most Promising Player, Beanie Bradley receiving knee pads from the Worshipful company of saddlers

social images from the event please turn to the Sidelines pages.

SUPA Ladies Schools National Summer Championships Results: Beginners: 1st – Wycombe/Coworth Flexland 2nd – Wycombe Abbey D Intermediate: 1st – St Mary’s/Bradfield 2nd – Seaford College/Marlborough 3rd – SUPA 4th – Wycombe Abbey A Open: 1st – Heathfield School, Ascot 2nd – St George’s 3rd – St Mary’s Most Valuable Player – Kiki Severn, Heathfield Most Promising Player – Beanie Bradley, Seaford Polo Times, August 2017

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©www.imagesofpolo.com

Knowledge

Fitness Focus

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014, he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

Fitness For Polo

Foam Roller We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo Self-Myofascial Release (SMR)/Foam Rolling The foam roller is a simple recovery aid that can be hugely beneficial for polo players. Rapidly becoming a protocol in most training programs, SMR offers a lot of bang for your buck. During training, you actually break down muscle tissue. This can lead to adhesions and stiffness that can, over time, restrict the range of motion of a given joint and cause muscular imbalances, which can further lead to faulty mechanics,

neuromuscular fatigue and injury. By using SMR with foam rollers, you can massage out the adhesions, get blood flowing to the muscles for recovery and stimulate autogenic inhibition, a process that stimulates the golgi tendon organ of the muscle to reduce muscular tension.

Applying firm pressure to specific points of the body, aids the recovery of muscles and helps them return to normal function, where they are elastic, healthy, and ready to perform at a moment’s notice.

Using this very simple piece of equipment, you can improve flexibility, performance, and reduce your risk of injury. In a nutshell, you use your own body weight to roll the foam roller, massaging away any muscular discomforts. This is something that you can do at home, thereby helping to reduce your recovery time.

When used correctly, the foam roller can help release tension and tightness between the muscles and the fascia (tissue which surrounds the muscle or group of muscles).

This tension or tightness is usually caused by repetitive patterns of movement. Playing polo can cause this type of tension, mainly on the leg muscles.

The main benefits of this recovery strategy are: * Corrects muscle imbalances * Improves the range of motion in the joints * Relieves muscle soreness and joint stress * Maintains normal functional length of muscles

Exercises These foam rolling exercises, which focus on the thighs, should be done with proper technique and control: Adductors: Lie on your front with one leg extended slightly to the side, knee bent. Place the roller in the groin area of the extended leg and roll down the inner thigh.

Quadriceps: Lie on your front with a roller placed under the front of your thigh and slowly roll up and down so the roller moves from the bottom of your hip to the top of your knee.

Hamstrings: Place the roller under your thighs. Roll from the knees through to the glutes. To increase pressure, roll one leg at time, turning your leg in and out.

Glutes: Sit on the roller and place one foot on the opposite knee.

Lean onto one glute and roll forwards and backwards, using your supporting leg to control the pressure. Repeat on the opposite side.

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting

Happy Tongue Q: I have a sensitive polo pony with a very light mouth, and I have light hands.

She was going in a copper gag, which is pretty soft, but she was shaking her head when being ridden in this bit. I changed the bit, with what I thought was a less severe bit, to a rubber Pelham, and she hated it. Should I try a gag that takes all the pressure off, or a snaffle?

BP A: A different-tasting mouth piece such as copper is a good place to start, as opposed to stainless steel, but I doubt she was objecting to the bit metal. It could have been the lifting action of the gag. A Pelham bit with a rubber mullen mouth piece is actually quite strong, especially as the rubber mullen mouth piece has little to no flex in it. The Pelham

would also have introduced curb pressure to her mouth, which would probably have been too much for her, especially if she has a sensitive or soft mouth.

Horses with soft mouths often react very well to removing the pressure from the tongue. I recommend a Polo Happy Tongue Three Ring for her, from Bombers Bits.

We prefer to recommend the Three Ring because it uses the same pressures as the

Big Ring Gag (poll pressure and leverage on the mouth piece), but it does not lift the bit in the horse’s mouth as the gag does. The Happy Tongue mouth piece will take the pressure off her tongue, which will hopefully eliminate any head shaking. The Happy Tongue has a nice medium port, creating plenty of space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax.

Hopefully your mare will get on well with it!

The Polo Happy Tongue Three Ring Bit

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

A traditional copper gag

If a traditional copper gag causes head shaking in a horse, removing the pressure from the tongue could prove beneficial

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Polo Times, August 2017

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Knowledge

The British Grooms Association

2. Being honest

“As a groom, one of the things I find most frustrating is the lack of honesty. I really don’t like it when an employer promises something, such as a specific day off, or they promise training and then it isn’t delivered on. It makes you feel a very unimportant part of the team” commented polo groom Tasmin Petts.

Honesty works both ways though and employers often state that honesty, integrity and reliability among their top most sought after qualities when looking for a groom.

3. Setting standards and expectations early on

“It can be frustrating when people don’t tell you how they like things done and then six weeks down the line change it when you feel like you have just got to grips with it. I’d rather be told from the start and then be able to do my job to someone’s liking than them not being 100% happy with it” explained Tasmin.

4. Acknowledgement

10 Top Tips The British Grooms Association looks at 10 ways to an efficient working relationship

After you have found a groom, agreed the terms of employment it is now the role of the employer to keep the groom happy… Or is it?

A good working relationship is the key to a happy and efficient team, but this of course must come from both the employer and the employee. The British Grooms Association (BGA) shares this helpful advice when it comes to working as a team.

1. Communication

Photography courtesy of BGA

“It’s important that everyone knows what is going on day-to-day and they feel involved.

We meet at 7am each morning to discuss the day and responsibilities.

I find it a much more efficient way of working, it makes people feel involved and they then take pride and ownership for their duties” explains Yard Owner Jane Davies.

In a study undertaken by the BGA the top answer for what grooms wanted from their job, ahead of money, was acknowledgement and recognition for the work they do. A simple thank you goes a long way, and this works both ways.

5. Being approachable

“Always make sure you know your team can talk to you” said Jane, “Problems arise when you are not made aware of problems, and it usually makes it easier for them to talk to us about it when they know you are there to listen and help if you can.”

6. Teamwork A happy team makes a happy yard and happy horses. It is important to iron out any little niggles along the way.

Organising yard drinks or a night out can really help to improve working relations.

A lot of teamwork comes down to communication and everyone striving for the same end goal.

A common complaint is that one team member is constantly working to their maximum and another one isn’t working so hard, so the hard working one is always running around trying to do the job of the less motivated one.

Unfortunately unless the problem is addressed it’s likely to cause friction and frustration between team members and usually results in the harder working team player feeling demotivated.

Communication on both sides is key to resolving this issue. .

Communication is a key part of a happy working relationship

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Polo Times, August 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

The British Grooms Association

Knowledge

10. Keep it professional

Blurred lines make for tricky working relationships. Keep everything professional at all times, including working relationships, any administration such as employment contracts and paperwork.

“The groom is the most important part of the team, it is their ears and eyes that notice and pick up any issues which can then be dealt with before they become a problem.

Good grooms are an invaluable part of any yard” concludes Jane.

At the BGA we work with both grooms and employers to give advice and support. For more information on how we can help you visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk

A good working relationship is the key to a happy and efficient team

7. Treat people as you wish to be treated

9. What makes a good employee?

A smile in the morning, the offer of a cup of tea and a simple thank you goes a very long way in a happy working relationship.

“For me it’s somebody who buys into the yard. I don’t expect them to be as committed as I am, that’s my problem and I need to learn to switch off, but it is somebody though who understands we are all working hard. And also someone who is completely honest and considerate of others around them” explains Christine. “I think reliability, dedication to work, obviously nice people and they have to have a sense of humour – it is a hard slog as we all know!” adds Jane.

8. What makes a good employer?

“Honesty and integrity; and you have to give it to it get back. You need to allow time off and respect that they have a life outside of the yard” explains Yard owner and Manager Christine Shubrook.

Lilly Kosek, a happy polo groom!

Visit Rutland Polo Club this August Tournament highlights include:

The Masters Tournament (for players over the age of 50) – Dinner is included

Open

17th August (Thursday)

The Escalina Ladies Day – Dinner is included

Open

17th August (Thursday)

The Ladies Weekend Cup

Open

27th and 28th August

The Ruddles Cup – Lunch on 28th August available

0 to 2 goal

26th to 28th August

The Wilkinson Sword – Lunch on 28th August available

-6 to -2 goal

26th to 28th August

Rutland Polo Club is a warm and welcoming club, offering a high standard of low goal polo for all to enjoy.

Polo Manager Email:

Tom Collie

polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Mobile and Text 07772 040668

www.polotimes.co.uk

For all enquiries, please contact Website

www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk facebook.com/rutlandpolo

@rutlandpoloclub

Polo Times, August 2017

89

Knowledge

Andrew Nebbett Designs

A Place for Everything, Everything in its place A place for everything, everything in its place… so said Benjamin Franklin and Andrew Nebbett Designs agrees, as they design beautiful storage solutions for your saddle, tack, boots and helmet!

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Polo Times, August 2017

Established in 1983, Andrew Nebbett Designs’ equestrian range of solid brass stable fittings offers a unique and practical way to achieve a stylish looking tack room to be proud of.

Why settle for ill-fitting saddle racks, which dent and damage your saddle and tack? Andrew Nebbett Designs’ style of saddle rack supports your saddle in exactly the right place, through the gullet.

This is THE best place, as not only is it the strongest part of your saddle, but it is one of the few areas of a saddle which does not touch your horse, so it leaves the delicate zones of the saddle that do come into contact, free from indentation and damage.

Not only have Andrew Nebbett Designs tackled the issues surrounding poor saddle rack design, but they have also provided a range of accompanying racks to complete your tack room, available in standard readyto-go sizes or made-to-measure through their bespoke service.

Andrew Nebbett Designs are of British design, are British made and supply some of the most discerning tack rooms worldwide.

For more information about Andrew Nebbett Designs’ Equestrian Range, including their unique design of saddle rack, visit www.andrewnebbettdesigns. co.uk/equestrian

www.polotimes.co.uk

JAGER HD

Head Office Blueye Eyewear Pty Ltd PO Box 354, Forestville 2087.

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Polo Goggles available in Standard and Wide Specifications include: Soft Santoprene, aerodynamically shaped to provide flexibility and comfort‚ sealing the eye area from wind, dust, hard particles, insects

Phone: 61 2 9975 5998 Fax: 61 2 9975 2575 Email: info@blu-eye.com Web: www.blu-eye.com

and spray.

Vents within the frame allow air circulation to minimise fogging.

Unrestricted Peripheral vision.

Lens: Shatterproof Polycarbonate decentred.

Lens Options: 1. Smoke Lens with Anti-fog Coating.

Specifications include: • Jager glasses also exceed U.S. Military ballistic requirements.

• 2.1mm Precision optic lenses 100% UVA & UVB

2. Yellow Lens with Anti-fog Coating.

3. Clear Blue Lens with Anti-fog Coating

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• Adjustable nose pad

Aerodynamically shaped to provide

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flexibility and comfort.

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• Retainer strap included WINDSOR, Berkshire. SL4 4RZ

protection whilst playing polo and

Designed specifically for impact

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Lens Options: 1. Polycarbonate Smoke Lens.

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Under testing for EN 166, a number of factors are assessed, including how glasses protect you from dust, light, UV.

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013 and is a member at Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland

Losing Teeth is Expensive – Losing an Eye is Priceless Injury patterns, treatment and protection Current discussion about face protection is running hot – to wear or not wear is the question.

The professional high goal players are perhaps not the ideal role models due to extraordinary riding skills, however a study from C.M. Inness and K.L. Morgan showed only 30% of the polo players think that a safety standard mark on the helmet is important.

It would seem the most precious part for a polo player, based upon the protection worn, is the eye. However in middle and low goal polo where the playing speed is lower and backward hits are not as common, this maybe less of a problem.

The starting point for face protection has different levels due to multiple interests and necessities on the different playing skills.

I interviewed several different colleagues including denists, opthamologist, oral and maxillofacial/plastic surgeons who are polo players and or riders themselves or treat the typical injuries.

Injury Pattern Based on testimonials from FALCON Polo from more than 100 players in a period of two years, most players got a facial injury due a direct hit with the polo ball, and a smaller portion due a hit with a stick, hit with the horse head, and falls. There are exceptional cases of injures due a kick of the horse.

Therefore three main patterns are responsible for facial injuries – Hit with ball – Hit with the stick – Direct force to head when hit by a horse head or when falling off and hitting the ground Facial Structures at Risk – Superficial skin cuts and/or superficial injury to the eye – Complicated injury to the eye and/or fracture of facial skull bone – Dental injuries 92

Polo Times, August 2017

Injury to the Eyes: Sports-related eye injuries are blunt, penetrating, and radiation injuries.

The extent of ocular damage depends on the size, hardness, and velocity of the blunt object, and the force imparted directly to the eye. A direct blow to the globe from a blunt object smaller than the eye’s orbital opening, causes rapid anteroposterior compression and dilation of the middle of the globe, transmitting a great force to the internal ocular structures. A blunt object larger than the orbital opening exerts force on the floor of the orbit or the medial wall, resulting in fractures of the thin bones. This pressurerelease valve may prevent rupture of the globe. However, there is a high incidence of internal ocular injuries Injuries to the Skull Bones: Skull fractures occur due to an impact to the head from either a blunt or sharp object.

Common examples in sports include collisions between players in contact sports such as rugby, where fractures to the cheekbones and nose are common. In polo the risk of being hit by the ball or the stick is more common. Injuries by the horses can also occur but are quite rare.

Dental Injuries: A cracked or fractured tooth, which has wildly varying levels of severity, happens most often during sports when the player sustains an abrupt blow to the face. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) estimates that players who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth this way during competition, and a tooth injury of this nature can cause various long-term problems.

Safety Material: Applying maximum safety gear is recommended for all beginners and children.

Face Mask – Casablanca Made from 3.2mm wire with a polyamide 11

Duncan Qui has produced the Warrior Mask for facial protection

coating (polyamide 11 is the only polyamide made from sustainable sources as it is produced from castor oil).

Easy to attach and detach, provided with stainless steel screws to fasten to a helmet. Built with just the right balance of strength to prevent serious damage from polo balls and swinging sticks, yet crushes on impact partially absorbing shock in case of a fall.

Glasses Sports frames with a 3-mm polycarbonate lens (for athletes participating in high-risk sports). Eye protection should be used by athletes who wear contact lenses and by those who do not need corrective lenses.

The athlete with refractive errors should wear prescription polycarbonate lenses.

A sturdy sports frame meeting impactresistance standards (i.e., ASTM F803-01) is required. Eyeguards without lenses do not pass ASTM racquet sports eye safety standards. www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

A facemask is one option to consider when protecting your face

something hits the mask as the mask simply shakes to divide the energy and pass through the openings.

Also those openings can help increase cold air into the face to reduce sweating.

Also in the pipeline are goggles as part of a new range of protection equipment.

Blueye glasses provide a range of benefits

– Oakley is the most used brand with a wide range of models.

– Blueye Eyewear UK Super Light Ballistic Sunglasses is another model with high quality standards. They also exceed U.S. military ballistic impact requirements for spectacles (MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1) and feature: high impact grilamide frame material, interchangeable lens system, 2.1mm Carl Zeiss precision optics lenses 100% UVA & UVB. When deciding which eye protection to purchase it is important to choose a model with a soft unbreakable frame and also unbreakable glasses, which allow free sight in all directions.

Mouthguards Recent laboratory research showed that

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) estimates that players who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth

www.polotimes.co.uk

mouthguards can reduce distortion to the mandible (lower jaw) and the acceleration of the head from the same blow, and therefore may have the potential to prevent mandibular bone fractures and concussion. The proven benefit of a mouthguard is the dissipation of the forces delivered to the maxilla (upper jaw), skull and temporomandibular joint complex when the mandible receives a blow.

There is also stabilisation of the skull through increased neck muscle activity by clenching on the mouthguard. Critical for injury prevention, the mouthguard should have an ideal thickness after fabrication of 3mm, and provide an occlusal surface balanced to the mandibular teeth. Only custom-made models are recommended.

“For adults/professional athletes. Three layers. For sports where extremely hard and pointed impacts may be received by the jaw. Independently tested and proven to be “The world’s most protective mouthguard”.

Particularly suited to extremely high impact sports such as senior rugby and hockey.”

Playsafe Heavy Pro mouthguard, Mighty mouthgards Future Trends – Warrior Mask for Polo

by Duncan Qui Duncan was inspired by an old Chinese warrior mask from the battlefield, which not just offered protection from arrows, but also intimidated the enemies in the night attack. In order to protect face injuries in polo, Duncan designed the warrior mask.

The mask is made from three liquids mixed together, also the interior silica gel not just creates the softness for the face, but also allows the face to cool down the heat. The whole mask has a lot of openings, on the side of nose and the side of the face, which were designed to release energy and impact when

WHEN TO SEE A SPECIALIST Eyes: l

Sudden decrease in or loss of vision

l

Pain on movement of the eye

l

Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)

l

Diplopia (double vision)

l

Light flashes or floating shapes

l

Irregularly shaped pupil

l

Foreign-body sensation/embedded foreign body

l

Red and inflamed eye

l

Hyphema (blood in anterior chamber)

l

Broken contact lens or shattered eyeglasses

General facial trauma: l

Any asymmetries in the face or crepitus should be checked in the emergency room

l

Lacerations and concussion

Teeth: l

l

Dental avulsion (missing teeth) is a real dental emergency, if teeth have been knocked out bathe them in saliva and take it to an emergency room or a dentist Time is key, 20-40 minutes postinjury affects the prognosis of the tooth

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com

Polo Times, August 2017

93

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Low Starch, High Oil, High Fibre… and Play!

Traditionally, polo ponies are fed a high starch diet to give them the quick release energy from cereals, either in the form of Conditioning Mix, Competition Mix or oats, thus enabling them to perform at their best with plenty of power and speed.

However, not all ponies are suited to a high starch, oat based diet, causing some of them to have a lot of nervous energy and no stamina, or sometimes they can tie-up, have colic symptoms, lose weight, have a reduced appetite and lack performance. They’ll often

end up as umpire ponies or being sold due to poor and irregular performance.

I have been fortunate enough to work with two individuals this season where we have broken the tradition and significantly reduced the starch, instead focussing on a high oil, high fibre diet which has built their condition, muscle and enhanced their performance.

C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Intense has built top line and started to relax in her work with her new feeding regime

Before: Twilight in March this year

TWILIGHT is a 16- year-old Australian Thoroughbred who arrived in the UK 18 months ago, and is now owned and played

by Max Charlton. Upon arrival we knew she was known to be a ‘poor doer’ during the season and she had been diagnosed with colitis. We initially started her off with some Performance Balancer with pre and probiotics, and gradually introduced her to haylage (which was fortunately quite dry, and benefitted her susceptibility to colitis) whilst she adjusted to life in the UK. She was then slowly introduced to All-Round Endurance Mix, which has more of an emphasis on digestible fibres and oils but still has some cereals. She did well, and she played well, however, we were still wanting that little more condition and top line and not so much ‘hollowing’ in the flanks.

After her winter break she came back into work and we put her onto new Baileys Ease & Excel, a low starch, high fibre, high oil mix with ad lib soft leafy hay and living out in the field. She began to pick up

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Polo Times, August 2017

During: Twilight in April this year

condition and look better and better. Once competitive polo began she started to live in and I was concerned that she might drop off – she hasn’t, and her colitis has not shown any cause for concern either.

After: Twilight photographed this month, her colitis has not been an issue and her condition has improved

Diet

4 round bowl scoops of Ease & Excel per day • Split over 2 feeds – she is a slow eater!

• Ad lib hay • Turn out when possible

INTENSE is a 6 year old English Thoroughbred (ex-racehorse) who was purchased by Alastair Paterson as a 3-yearold, she did some light work for the last two summers and was turned away over the winter. She did not winter quite so well, she needed to put on condition and build muscle whilst coming back into work. We initially put her on All-Round Endurance Mix as this is Ali’s staple diet in his yard, but Intense, being quite a highly strung individual, had too much energy and still needed to pick up more condition. We felt she would benefit from a very low starch diet, but the calories to continue building her condition would need to come from digestible fibres and oils; so we slowly introduced some Ease & Excel mix into her diet and removed the All-Round Endurance Mix. She began to blossom, look stronger, build top line, and her hollowing in the flanks got better. Intense then started to relax in her work and not get so up-tight and for Ali has become an exciting youngster.

Diet

3 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Ease & Excel per day 2 mugs of Performance Balancer per day • Split over 2 feeds • Ad lib hay • Lives in the field

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

What Licence Do You Need?

Standard National O-Licence This licence means you can carry your own ponies in the UK and other people’s ponies in the UK. You can also take a trailer to or from ports within the UK as part of an international journey, as long as your vehicles don’t leave the country.

Standard International O-Licence Licence This licence allows you to carry your own ponies and other people’s ponies, both in the UK and on international journeys. When you get a standard International Licence, you can also request the issue of Community Licences. These allow: trips between all EU member countries, transit traffic through EU member countries, abotage (journeys entirely within another EU member country).

If you are riding for money, you will require a Restricted O-Licence

What Licence Do You Need?

We look into the intricacies of lorry licencing As some of our more avid readers will be aware, we took some time in the April 2015 issue of Polo Times to look into lorry licencing and its complexities. For some years now, the licence required by an amateur or professional player appears not to have been clearly understood, so Polo Times has endeavoured to clear up the intricacies for you.

Who needs to have one?

There are three different types of licence for lorries. The licence you need depends on where you transport ponies to and from, and whom you do it for. You’ll need a standard licence if you’re carrying other people’s ponies for hire or reward, or if your vehicle and trailer combination exceeds the weight limits above for a single vehicle.

What is an Operator’s Licence?

If you drive ponies for any kind of remuneration, cash or kind, then you are operating in a commercial capacity, or if your business uses a lorry above a certain weight, you will require a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence (O-Licence). You need a licence to carry goods (including ponies) in a lorry, van or other vehicle with either: A gross plated weight (the maximum weight that the vehicle can have at any one time) of over 3,500 kg (3.5 tones) and an unladen weight of more than 1,525 kg/1.5 tonnes (where there is no plated weight). This licence is applicable to England, Scotland and Wales. Therefore, the important definition of this licence is business use.

What happens if I don’t have one?

If you or your employer doesn’t have a valid O-Licence, your vehicle could be impounded and scrapped (after 21 days) unless you or your employer appeals to the local Traffic Commissioner.

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Polo Times, August 2017

Restricted Licence This licence allows you to carry your own ponies, but not other people’s ponies. Your licence will continue to be valid as long as you pay your continuation fee every five years and operate within the terms of your licence.

(Exceptions to the licence include: vehicles that were first used before 1977, that have an unladen weight of 1,525kgs or less and a maximum gross plated weight over 3,500 kgs, if you use public roads for less than six miles a week whilst moving between private premises belonging to the same person as the vehicle. The final exception is if the vehicle is used on trade plates or is a passenger-carrying vehicle.)

The transportation of polo ponies, has created confusion when it comes to the type of licence that you require. We can confirm that a professional polo player (who therefore earns his living from playing polo) requires a restricted O-Licence if he is solely transporting his horses in connection with his business, in exactly the same way as a scaffolder will also require a restricted O-Licence as he needs to transport his equipment to and from site. In contrast, an amateur polo player (who receives no financial remuneration from the sport) is exempt. www.polotimes.co.uk

What Licence Do You Need?

For further clarity, we approached the DVSA (formerly VOSA) for comment on a number of scenarios: 1. I am a professional polo player, so I get paid to play polo, it is my main business.

What do I need in order to transport: a) my ponies? VOSA reply – restricted O-Licence b) my patron’s ponies to play polo?

VOSA reply – Full O-Licence 2. I am a young player starting out to become a professional, most of the time I play for free but sometimes a patron might cover my diesel but they nearly always pay for my entry fee. What do I need to drive my ponies to polo?

VOSA reply – restricted O-Licence 3. I am a pony club parent, I work all week, but at the weekends I drive my kids’ ponies to polo for fun, sometimes we take their friends’ ponies, as they don’t have a lorry. What do I need to drive them to polo?

Subject to driver’s age, a ‘standard’ car licence permits the use of a lorry/ horse box up to 7.5 tonnes 4. I am an amateur player, I play for fun, I pay my own way but I might win a bottle of wine or a tack shop voucher at the weekend for my efforts on the field. What do I need to do

Knowledge

to drive my ponies to polo?

Subject to driver’s age, a ‘standard’ car licence permits the use of a lorry/ horse box up to 7.5 tonnes 5. I am a freelance groom and driver, I work for lots of different people and I get paid to drive, drive and groom, my lorry and other people’s lorries. What do I need to be able to transport ponies to polo?

VOSA reply – Full O-Licence 6. I am a groom, I work for What licence do you require? only one person and I drive At the time of going to press, we were their ponies to polo all the time. What do I awaiting a definitive response from DVSA need to drive my employer’s ponies to polo? to questions 6-8. In the coming months, Polo Times will continue to investigate this 7. If I drive my horses to polo and I take a few complicated issue and report back to our of my friend’s ponies with mine and they pay readers. me some money, what licence to I need?

8. If a team of four amateur players are playing in a tournament, in a team with the business’s name (say Polo Times for good measure), and the tournament fee has been covered by the business, but the diesel in the four players’ trucks hasn’t, what licence is required?

More information Government website, which covers all departments that regulate legislation in the UK: www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicleoperator/overview Freight Transport Association: www.fta.co.uk

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Polo Times, August 2017

97

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Buffy Shirley-Beavan MRCVS Buffy set up her own practice, Summerhill Equine Vets, based in Gloucestershire, in 1993. At the time Buffy was doing a lot of local polo work and Emma Tomlinson was her first practice assistant. Buffy was team vet for the Dubai Polo team for some years, including when they won the Gold Cup and Queen’s Cups consecutively.

She now focuses her time predominantly on jump racing, working principally for ten times champion trainer Paul Nicholls, but, within the four vet practices they still do plenty of work for the polo fraternity.

Hay Matters… Why? You need the right fuel for the job in hand Nothing stops a team of polo ponies faster than hay that is too rich. Usually only a problem if a farmer has turned his hand to making wrapped hay for horses instead of silage for cows and the result may be too high in energy or protein. For dairy cows, more is better but it is not so for horses. Moderation is best for horses – the crude protein should be around 8 to 9% ideally. Any more than 12% is a potential disaster, not for any fully understood reason, but it stops performance horses as if they were shot.

Energy rich forage, again can be too much of a good thing and will cause tying up – one of the dreads for female polo ponies as their fluctuating hormones make them prone to muscle cramps. 8 to 9% is again the magic range – this time as mj/kg DM and forage above a metabolizable energy of 10.5 mj/kg DM is a risk especially if feeding alongside energy and protein rich alfalfa chaff.

So, don’t choke the car engine with aviation fuel and of equal importance don’t block up the air filters with dust and spores.

Bad hay is often obvious to see, but good hay is not always as good as it looks.

The only way to check properly for spores and dust that the horse may breathe in, is with the help of the lab. We use an airborne particle analyser to show us on a microscope slide what the hay could produce to jam up the airways. Only the smaller particles will reach the lower airways.

The main offenders are mould and fungal spores that not only irritate the lower airways but in sensitive horses will cause an allergic reaction clogging up the airways with mucus, blood and bronchoconstriction.

Mouldy hay

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Polo Times, August 2017

Get the most out of your string with good, nutritious hay

Sample No. Horse Name Mucus Cloudy Blood Neutrophils active Neutrophils degenerate Macrophages Siderophages Inflammation Score 0-12 Fungal Spores

Normal Values A + + Trace Few None

B +++ +++ ++ ++ +

C Trace + None None None

D + + + + Few

+++ +++ 4

+++ ++++ 10

++ ++ 2

++ ++++ 4

+

++

Few

Few

Trace/None Trace/None Trace/None None None + None/Few 0-1/12

Good nutritious hay

www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

Major muscle minerals

Units

Eurofins average grass hay

Mineral rich Mineral poor hay wrapped hay

HAY UNDER TEST

Calcium

g/100g DM

0.58

0.43

0.19

0.39

GOOD

Magnesium

g/100gDM

0.15

0.13

0.05

0.11

GOOD

Potassium

g/100g DM

2.3

2.54

1.08

3.07

EXCELLENT

“Get the extra half chukka by ensuring the hay has good mineral levels” You will be able to see the spores in the hay and also the spores in the horse, in a tracheal wash along with a load of macrophages trying to clean them up – the spores are the small dark blue things that should not be in the airways.

On the lab report you can see signs of secondary bacterial infection and bleeding in the lower airways.

All we need to keep the hay nutritional is to test it or the bedding for dust and spores.

This is easy as a handful can be posted to us, or any other vet in a sealed bag for testing. The test costs £25 plus VAT with results done overnight.

Most serious equine teams will check their hay for energy and protein. Most will make sure it looks and smells good – some will also check for spores but, if you really want to get ahead of the rest, work on feeding hay with good mineral levels.

Polo people understand the importance of electrolytes to replace minerals lost in sweat, but not so many grasp the fact that the minerals that are so important for muscle function come mostly from forage.

Nuts are nuts, oats are oats and however you chose to do the hard food side of things is much of a muchness, but, the forage must have good levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium if you want to

achieve and maintain that run of form that will see the team through to the Finals.

Electrolytes and supplements are the icing on the cake – the hay is the cake. There is a limit to how much calcium, magnesium and potassium a horse can absorb from nuts and inorganic sources. They are not birds, in nature they eat grass not seeds, and horses need forage to get their mineral intake sorted.

Potassium levels in soil cannot be raised overnight and cost money to maintain. Good potassium levels in hay come from good soil levels that require a farmer to work on this year in year out. We like to see potassium at 2% but rarely do. Thankfully alfalfa chaff is often fed as a digestive aid and is usually, but not always, rich in potassium and that can help boost the potassium intake adequately. However, if the hay is below 1.6% potassium, alfalfa alone will not be enough to get maximum effort and recovery from your ponies.

Calcium levels are easier to get right – we hope for something above 0.3% and ideally 0.35 to 0.6%. Alfalfa is usually reliably rich in calcium, so one to two scoops a day of that will boost a borderline calcium level; likewise, with magnesium which we like to be above 0.08% ideally above 0.1%.

Some lucky polo ponies are getting this wrapped hay this winter: We analyse the hay at Eurofins at about £40 a sample and are happy to interpret the results, provide our own report and advise for a nominal fee. We usually test forage samples for spores and if they pass

“Keep the hay clean, keep the lungs clean and keep the motor running” that hurdle send them on to Eurofins for a nutritional and mineral analysis.

Common sense dictates that if muscles contract by exchange of calcium with magnesium and sodium with potassium across the muscle cell wall, then sub-optimal levels of these minerals in the diet will produce sub-optimal performance on the polo ground.

I won’t pretend it is easy to find good hay but if you do, and can strike up a good relationship with a farmer, it will pay dividends in more ways that you would expect.

Long years at the coalface have taught me that if you get the basics right with horses the rest will follow. Clean hay with good nutritional and mineral content is the secret weapon all horse teams need. There are correlations between bad hay and lower airway infections, bleeding from the lungs, stomach ulcers, atrial fibrillation, tying up, muscle cramps etc etc – what more do I need to say?

Summerhill Equine Veterinary Partnership The Veterinary Office, Summerhill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 3AZ T: 01451 850086 E: office@summerhillequine.co.uk W: www.summerhillequine.co.uk

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99

Knowledge

Pony Power

Laguari Amigazo Age: 8-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15.2hh Sex: Stallion Owner: Bardon Polo Team Played by: Juan Martín Nero Tournament: The Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph by Ben Hastie Photography

Where is he from? Amigazo originally came from Argentina.

How long have you had him? This is his first season with Bardon, as we bought him this year.

Tell us about his background? He was bred by Dante Spinacci and is out of Palmera by Chalo Compinche.

What are his strengths? He’s quick, fast, very handy and he also has good sides and a good mouth. Even as a stallion he is so quiet, you can keep him in the stables with mares and he is fine. He’s a pleasure.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not this season and as we have had him for just one year however, he may have won some in the past. In the future he’ll surely win some more.

ends in Spain he’ll come back to England to rest over the winter.

How has he gone this season? He’s gone well this season, he is always good and is not problematic.

What are your plans for him in the future? He’s going to play more in the UK and then he’ll go to Spain. After the season

Describe him in three words? Fast, handy, comfortable.

Kala

Mar Chiquita Malvada Age: 9-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Alejandro Muzzio Tournament: The Phoenician Cup at Guards Polo Club

This is not the first Best Playing Pony award Mar Chiquita Malvada has received from Polo Times, earlier this year Malvada was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy, at Guards Polo Club. So if you want to know more about Knowledge her, then dig out your archive issues and turn to page 74 in Mar Chiquita Polo Times Malvada June 2017!

Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Age: 7-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Bred by: Eduardo Heguy Owner: El Remanso Polo Team Played by: Cruz Heguy Tournament: Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament at Guards Polo Club

Does he have any special quirks? Not really, he is just super chilled.

What is the pony’s breeding? I bred Malvada, she’s out of a mare called Malva and a stallion called Signo, both from Argentina.

Age: 9-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Alejandro Muzzio Tournament: The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club

How long have you had her? She was born on my farm, and came over two years ago.

Tell us about her background? Even when she was on my farm, she showed a lot of character and power, which continue to be her strengths today.

What are her strengths? Her character and power, because Malva is small she runs really well on the ground. It is very easy to control and hit the ball with her.

How has she gone this season? She is going amazing this season, obviously it’s just the beginning of the season, but she feels strong in herself and has really good temperament.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet, this was her first Best Playing Pony Award.

What are your plans for her in the future?

At the moment I still love playing her, but I would love to breed from her in the future.

Does she have any special quirks? The best thing about Malva is when you miss the ball and want to turn, she’s already there. She’s so quick at stopping and turning, so you need to know her well.

Describe her in three words? Quick, powerful, easy.

Vegas Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Played by: Matias Machado, owned by Dubai Polo Tournament: La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final at Guards Polo Club What is the pony’s breeding and background?

She belongs to the Dubai Polo setup here in the UK, I know that she is originally from New Zealand, but unfortunately not more than that.

As she is part of the Dubai string I’m sure she has played some high profile games in the past – she certainly has the ability.

What are her strengths? She’s fast and big, and when she runs, she cruises really fast! It means you have space and therefore hit the ball very easily.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Unfortunately, I’m not 100 percent sure, but I’m sure she has in the past.

74

What are your plans for her in the future? She is with us for the rest of the season, after that I’m not too sure.

Does she have any special quirks? She’s kind of crazy as she bites and bullies other horses given half a chance and is definitely the top dog in the stables! We really have to watch her.

A typical polo mare. Because of her attitude she has to be last on in the back of the lorry and away from the others. Also, because she is big, that’s another reason to load her last.

Describe her in three words? Fast, big, crazy!

Vegas surrounded by her grooms (from left to right) Martín, Jesus, Petaco, Rey and Nicolàs who are hugely proud of her despite her somewhat surly demeanour

Photography by Polo Times

How has she gone this season? She’s done really well and I’m really pleased with her – she is staying for the rest of the season and I have high hopes her.

Polo Times, June 2017 www.polotimes.co.uk

PT June17 Back.indd 74

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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100 Polo Times, August 2017

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21

Biological Therapy

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Knowledge

Pite Merlos and Valentina in action

Saving Champions

The technology from Lipogems Equine first became available with some of the country’s most respected polo vets in early 2016. The cutting-edge biological therapy has grown exponentially and has been adopted by over 30 different equine veterinary practices in the UK as their treatment of choice for career-ending ligament and tendon injuries for equines from all disciplines. Treatment is also now available for dogs from Lipogems Canine.

Biological therapies are not new to the veterinary treatment cabinet, but the branch of science covering molecular cell biology is still very much in early stages of research.

Understanding of how the body’s cells are able to regenerate tissue increases with each new study published. In human medicine, more than 600 trials are ongoing covering numerous conditions. FDA approval was granted in 2014, and amended in November 2016 to include orthopaedic application.

The vast background of scientific knowledge gained by orthopaedic surgeons, treating mainly knees and shoulders, translates directly to the veterinary world.

The veterinary community, headed up by Lead Lipogems Equine Vet Dr Tim Watson and Consultant Lipogems Equine Vet Murray Shotter, has followed suit. It is clear from research and development cases that an extensive list of injuries and conditions can benefit from Lipogems. Vets are having extraordinary results with ligaments and tendons, as case after case return to full competitive fitness. Commonplace lesions and tears to suspensory and check ligaments have traditionally not responded well to other biological treatments, but Lipogems Equines’ ability to activate the body’s damage response mechanism is yielding consistent results. Management of granulated debilitating wounds, sacroiliac and stifle lameness are also popular applications.

Success Stories Back to Badminton – Suspensory Branch Desmitis A 14-year-old 4* eventer was treated for a suspensory branch desmitis forelimb injury on 10 May 2016 by Dr Tim Watson. 12 weeks after treatment the horse was back in training. This horse returned to full fitness

Game changing regenerative results

One year on Lucy Wilson updates us on Lipogems Equine, the latest innovation in regenerative therapy to hit the UK veterinary market, and their pony patients’ progress 102 Polo Times, August 2017

Pre-treatment ultrasound scan showing the injury

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Biological Therapy

Knowledge

polo in the 18 goal and certainly Pite is preparing her for the high goal next year. It was a potentially career ending injury and now the pony is playing polo and looking really good.”

Winner Winner – Reoccurring Stifle Lameness Ellie, a 13-year-old Exmoor Pony, had a soft tissue injury to her stifle causing reoccurring lameness. There had been a poor response to rest and intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. Ellie was treated on the 12 July 2016, less than one year later Ellie won Overall Supreme Champion at her first show.

Post-treatment scan five weeks later showing the regenerated tissue

Ellie with her winning ribbons in June 2017

and qualified for Badminton Horse Trials seven months later. The eventer competed at the 2017 Badminton Horse Trials.

Hello to High Goal – Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Tear Murray Shotter updates us on Valentina, “I was called out to see Pite Merlos’ pony Valentina in 2016, approximately three weeks after the injury occurred. It was a very bad superficial digital flexor tendon tear. The recovery has been brilliant, the horse is now back playing

The scan from July 2017 shows the SDF tissue completely regenerated

The damage response mechanism of Pericytes to MSC cells

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People, horses and dogs can all be treated Polo Times, August 2017 103

Photography courtesy of Lipogems International SPA

How Does Lipogems Equine Work?

The simplest description for the non-scientific mind is that the process of the treatment replicates what would naturally happen in an injury situation. Adipose tissue (fat) is collected using liposuction from around the tailhead.

The tissue is microfragmented in the Lipogems canister, triggering the horse’s own damage response mechanism, washed in saline solution and collected through a filter in a syringe, which is then injected into the injury site. For more in-depth scientific explanations visit the Lipogems Equine website.

Sidelines

Gossip

MASKED HORSEMAN

After suffering a nasty facial injury earlier this season, Charlie has been spotted sporting a polo face guard aimed at protecting against facial injuries. The face guard is part of Duncan Qui’s Kylin Polo equipment range, to read more about how to protect yourself against facial injuries turn to the Polodoc feature in the Knowledge section.

WINNER WINNER! GLAMOUR STICK CHICK

Amanda Fontanarrosa is well acquainted with both nail art and polo, and these painted polo sticks are a great glam addition to the tack room.

The Annual International Gay Polo Tournament has been named the LGBTQ Sporting Event of the Year by the Connect Conference. It is the first time the conference’s Sports Tourism Excellence Awards has included the category, making Gay Polo League the inaugural winner. Congratulations!

WE ALL ACREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

3 goaler, Marcus Collie, found the perfect way to cool down at Rutland Polo Club’s Assam Cup on Sunday 2 July. Looking great Marcus! We hope your eye recovers soon.

Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

PERFECT POLO READ

Labrador mummy, Inca has been catching up on the July issue of Polo Times whilst nursing her nine adorable puppies in the warm glow of a heat lamp. Impressive multi-tasking skills and a great way to stay in touch with the latest polo news!

GET WELL SOON

MARRIED BLISS

Kirtlington Park Polo Club’s Georgie Budgett tied the knot with Ed Normanton on Saturday 24 June, next to the lake at Park Farm. It was a sun-blessed day with a flurry of Oxfordshire polo faces, as well as friends and family from far and wide.

Congratulations from all at Polo Times HQ!

During a match over the weekend of 15 July Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club’s General Manager Michael Amoore took a fall, seriously injuring himself. All at the Polo Times office wish Michael a swift recovery.

BABY BROUGHAM!

POLO PUPPY

THAT’S KNOT THE WAY

The ladies behind the scenes at Cirencester Park Polo Club got into a bit of a knot at The Warwickshire Cup Final on Sunday 25 June with the rope used for the presentation area. Whilst they may not win any rope handling contests, they at least had the chance to practice their knot skills!

104 Polo Times, August 2017

It seems it’s not just our subscribers who enjoyed the 136 page bumper issue of Polo Times, but also Harvey, the cutest 8-week-old Cocker Spaniel puppy owned

by Lucy Gale from Avening. If you have a cute polo pooch snap, please send it in to letter@polotimes.co.uk

Congratulations to Claire Brougham and Kevin Stokes who welcomed baby Luke Brougham Stokes on 26 June at 7.31am at a healthy 6lbs 13oz – congratulations! He already seems very relaxed amongst his equine pals.

HEALING HUMANS

Following some confusion on what products Lipogems do offer in the July issue of Polo Times, it turns out that Lipogems was granted FDA approval in 2014 for human use meaning Martin Ffrench Blake’s broken ribs should be healed in no time at all. www.polotimes.co.uk

Maria Rapetti

Freddie Stisted & Olga Ramirez

Pepe Heguy with Gaston Laulhe & son Bertran

Flora Richardson

Roderick Vere Nicoll

Tincho Merlos & Celina Caset

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 23 July

All That Glitters is Gold

Commentators for the day John Kent & Karl Ude Martinez

As the UK high goal season drew to a close, the crowds gathered in the quintessentially English setting of Lawns 1 for another epic display of the best of the best. There was more than just polo on offer with the trade village overflowing with wares including British Polo Gin, Polo Splice and Hurlingham Polo 1875. As if that wasn’t enough, the Mucky Pheasant bar was on hand for afternoon refreshments as well as a place to shelter from the deluges and the chance to catch up on the latest season gossip. Although the clouds loomed overhead, with brollies and boots the order of the day, nothing could dampen the spirit of the crowds who turned out regardless – but if we let rain spoil play then we wouldn’t be very British would we?

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.co.uk

Jason Dixon & Peter Wright

Michael Bickford

Tommy Severn

Cowdray Operations Manager Col.Matt Petersen & Polo Office Manager Janey Delow

Sabine & Paddy Bangham

The Polo Times team

Robin & Bernadette Spaak

Henri de By, Lorien Steadman & John Santos

Brian Stein & Platina Tong

Nic Roldan

Chris Bethell & Jock Green Armytage

Bridget Hanbury

David Morley & Lucy Lewis

Chris Davies puts the final touches to the Uber Sports stand

Lilllie and Danny Yarwood

Rupert Lewis & Saskia Meadows

Peter Barfoot

Lou Thomas

Richard Tyrone

Richard Britten-Long & Christopher Hanbury

Olly Hughes & Chris Bethell

Laura Parke & Lydia Jefferies

Stephen Biddlecombe & Ricardo ‘Zorrino’ Force

Ludo Ephson, Nick Morris & John Singer

Rachel & Duncan Wales

Norman Bellone getting into the spirit

Apsley Cup Final in aid of Starlight Children’s Foundation; Cirencester Park Polo Club; Sunday 2 July

Starlight Sunday This year the Final of the Apsley Cup raised funds for Starlight Children’s Foundation, with over 220 guests in attendance to enjoy both a day of polo action in the British sunshine, all whilst supporting the national children’s charity. Foxy Ladies were on hand to provide a delectable two course lunch, followed by a charity auction which included a stay at the El Remanso estancia, an exclusive Aston Martin experience and a tour for two at Godolphin’s stables amongst other prizes. The whole event raised an impressive £90,000 in aid of Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Photography by Starlight Children’s Foundation Zahra & Will Lucas

Sophie Waddilove & Nicky Henderson

Henry & Camilla Hamilton Stubber

Over 220 guests attended the afternoon

Melissa & Chris Walker

John Gilbert, Sam and Genevieve Kershaw & Lucy Gilbert

Guests enjoyed a two course Foxy Ladies lunch

Colin Dhillon, a Starlight helper, David Woodd & Captain Starlight

Tracey & Paul Crosdil, Peter Bradley with Roo the dog

Lucy Sanders, Nonie Uloth, Beanie & Cindy Bradley with dogs Peaches & Cathe

Lady Sarah Backhouse, Eleanor Backhouse & Vern Cassin

SUPA National Ladies Schools National Summer Championships; Zacara Polo Grounds; Sunday 25 June

Wonder Women This year’s SUPA National Ladies Schools National Summer Championships were held at the prestigious and pristine Zacara Polo Grounds. A collection of schoolgirls from nine schools played over three divisions and enjoyed polo fun in the sun, cheered on from the sidelines by SUPA Section Managers, family, friends and school polo managers. There was talent aplenty with the future ladies polo stars out in force, to read about the action and results from the day please turn to our Youth pages.

Photography by Molly Derbyshire Helen, Mark & Paul Reed

Benji & Piers Plunket, Ella & Georgia Fanshawe with Rupert Uloth

Charlie & Henry Hide

Charles, Wanda & Alex Bird

Rocco the dog, Hannah & Christabell Horswell with Marina Harvey

Gennaro & Francesca Pucci

Nine schools took part

William & Lisa Ashmore

David & Sue Birkbeck

Julia Brasher, Hannah Buckenhan & Holly Butler

Rutland Summer Ball; Rutland Polo Club; Saturday 1 July

Rutland Reels with Excitement The Rutland Polo Club Summer Ball was held at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel near Oakham.

As always, the event provided a splendid opportunity for polo players, their families and friends to don their finest black tie to enjoy a relaxed evening of delicious food and wine together. Each table was named after one of the Club’s trophies such as, The Assam Cup and The Bronze Horse to name but a few.

The ball was held over the Club’s busy Assam Cup tournament weekend and visiting teams were welcomed to put the competition aside and dance the night away with their hosts.

Nigel Horner, Vikki Wallis & Louise Horner

Photography by Nico Morgan Simon Marlow-Thomas

Edwin de Lisle & Andrew Bishop

Alex Wood & Jane Flannagan

Edwin de Lisle

Guido Basile

Marissa Watts & Jos Habershon-Butcher

Beth Foster & Christian Peach

Julia Brasher & Vikki Wallace

Catherine Walker & Louise Horner

Ed Foster

Izzy McGregor & Heloise Wilson-Smith

Zahra Lucas, Mick Newton & Will Lucas

David Woodd & Paul Roberts

Tony & Jilly Emerson

Warwickshire Cup Final; Cirencester Park Polo Club; Sunday 25 June

Wonderful Warwickshire A mixture of Gloucestershire glossy polo posse and polo newbies gathered at the historic Cirencester Park Polo Club to watch the Warwickshire Cup Final and Kings Head Hotel Ladies International. Despite the best efforts of the stormy skies and bitterly winds, in true British style picnickers braved the elements on the far side of the ground, determined to enjoy their finger sandwich delights. RJ Polo, Hurlingham Polo 1875 and British Polio Gin stands provided retail therapy in-between matches and the cherished CPPC burger van was on hand for gummy snake galore. Those lucky enough to be invited into the VIP marquee were treated to champagne, delicious buffet and afternoon cream tea to round it all off.

To read more about the Warwickshire Cup Final, turn to our reports pages, and to find out who won the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International turn to our Women’s pages.

Nina Clarkin

Jilly & Kit Cooper

Photography by Polo Times

The Countess Bathurst on her birthday!

Georgie & Colonel Jonathan Seddon-Brown with Rosie Vestey

Richard Britten-Long & Stephen Hutchinson

Jayne Osborn, Rachael Barlow & Cath Fishlock

Olly Hughes

British Polo Gin

John P Smail & Tim Keyte

Peter Morris

Peter & Stephanie West

Maggie, Florence & Max Hyde

Louis Hine

Celestino Merlos is given a little help!

Victoria & Fred Thame

Robert Thame & Constantin Onisor

Josh & Chris Hyde

Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament; Guards Polo Club; Sunday 9 July

Young Talent

Rufino Merlos

Friends and families from around the globe enjoyed a wonderful day of fun and polo at the fifth annual Guards La Aguada International Youth Tournament, which brings together Guards Polo Club and La Aguada.

The original concept for the tournament was that of high goal player and new Chairman of the Argentine Polo Association, Eduardo Novillo Astrada. His idea was to allow UK based players to get to know players of a similar age from Argentina, growing up together to learn different ways of approaching the game. His goal was certainly achieved again this year as the sun was shining, there was great young polo skills on display and a good time was had by all. After the future stars had showcased their talent on the pitch, Eduardo and his brother Alejandro presented the prizes and then joined players and their families for a delicious post-match Mosimann’s BBQ.

Getting camera ready

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Saskia Meadows

Holly Baird & Tissy Van Reyk

Beltrán Laulhé

The post-match BBQ

Milly Hine

Nico Roberts

Estanislao Darritchon & Thomas Ballesteros

Rufino Merlos & Celina Caset

Andrew & Robyn Hine

Beltran Di Paola

Cruz Merlos

Vivek Rawal and his niece Naavya

Pedro & Pepe Araya

Andrey Borodin & daughter Varvara

Celina Caset

Damian Duncan

Ava & Becky Simpson

Phil Meadows

The Merlos family

Alejandro & Eduardo Novillo Astrada

Thandi Wooldridge

Nico San Roman

Jenny Taylor, Julian Appleby, Amanda Gibson, Pete Forsyth & Tim Bown

Charlie Simpson, Ellie Dempsey & Charlotte Keir

Ariel & Astrid Hernandez

Royston Prisk’s Queen’s Cup After Party; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Sunday 18 June

Majestic After Party After Cambiaso’s 10th win on the hallowed turf at Guards Polo Club and a royal salutation to each of the players, the crowds gathered for Royston Prisk’s annual After Party to celebrate RH Polo’s epic win with lashings of champagne and floods of cheers and laughter at neighbouring RCBPC. Amongst the guests were players from the Final teams La Indiana and RH Polo, as well as pure polo aficionados out to enjoy the post-tournament gossip. The beautiful weather held for the evening, taking the festivities out onto the RCBPC terraces.

Photography by Cymon Skinner: People of Polo Kitty & April Ross

Steph Smith

Olivia Whittle, James Mann & Richard Newman

Ed & Georgina Morris-Lowe

Charlie Townsend & Jamie Grayson

Jamie Morrison & Royston Prisk

Jane Kent & Natasha Clarke

Becca Rickard, Nelly Persson & Hannah Coniam

Negro de Lusaretta, Virgie Lottero, Pablo Luserreta, Lou Thomas & Bautista Heguy

Jack Hyde, Seb Hancock & Tom Martin

Tom Brodie, Olivia Whittle & Marcus Cork

Crowds enjoying the party

Bruce Fraser

Andrew Blake Thomas in action

The Whithorn Estate team

The Mad Dogs team arrive back from the shoot in style

Guards Charity Shoot; Tuesday 4 July; Flemish Farm & Guards Polo Club

Top Shots It was Purdeys instead of ponies at Guards Polo Club’s 4th Charity Shoot which was first held in 2012 to honour the Club’s former CEO Charlie Stisted and this year’s event included the unveiling of a permanent plaque in his memory on the Clubhouse wall by his children Freddie and Allegra Stisted. A total of 25 teams took part in the shoot, all aiming for the top prizes of the day. The day was aptly rounded off with an afternoon of polo in the form of a Phoenician Cup league match between Mad Dogs and Valiente.

Freddie Stisted presented the match prizes including a cup to winning patron Alan Fall.

The AFB 2 team: Bob Jornayvaz, Laurence Cowan, Antony Fanshawe & Jonny Good

Action from the Guards Polo Club Charity Shoot Day

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.co.uk

The Stisted family in front of the plaque to commemorate Charlie Stisted, Guards Polo Club’s CEO from 2000-2010

The Irish Guards Veterans team get some extra support before the competition starts

An Irish Guards piper plays before lunch is served

The Charlie Stisted commemorative plaque

Brian Stein

Allegra Stisted with Eyes Wide Shut, winners of the Charlie Stisted Trophy: Alan Dalton, Gary Short, Daryl Greatrix & Paul Sedgwick

Alan Fall & Freddie Stisted

David Bertie receiving his Best Shot prizes from Becky Simpson

Sanchia Blake Thomas & Rick Stowe

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Dates for Your Diary

What’s On

August UK Club Fixtures RCBPC – Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival (-2-10): 1 – 13 August Cirencester – Jack Williams Cup (0-4): 13 August Burningfold – Burningfold 4 Goal (4): 2 – 6 August HPC – Dubai Trophy (Invitational) (8): 2 – 6 August Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): 3 – 13 August Fifield – Jo Hamed Memorial (0-6): 5 – 6 August Beaufort – The Babdown Cup (0-10): 5 – 13 August Guards – Duke of Cornwall (12-16): 5 – 27 August Cambridge County – Fen Tiger Tournament (-4-4): 5 – 6 August Ranelagh – Relic Homes Trophy (2-4): 5 – 6 August White Waltham – Adamas Tournament (2-4): 5 – 6 August Cowdray – Lodsworth Cup (4): 5 – 20 August Edgeworth – The Polo Magazine Cup (-2-2): 5 – 6 August Cheshire – Knight’s of Anvil Bowl (0-2): 5 – 6 August Binfield Heath – August Tournament (-2-2): 5 – 6 August Druids Lodge – The Harvest Cup (1-2): 5 – 6 August Ranelagh – Relic Homes Trophy (0-2): 5 – 6 August West Wycombe – Quattro Amigos (-6-2): 5 – 13 August Rugby – The WPPG Cup (-2-2): 5 – 6 August Silver Leys – John Mathies Memorial Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 August New Forest – Punch Bowl Trophy (-6-0): 5 – 6 August Rugby – The Sworders’ Challenge (-4-0): 5 – 6 August Cheshire – Waverley Healthcare Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 August Taunton – Silverwood Trophy (-2-0): 5 – 6 August Blueys – Charity Weekend (Open): 5 – 6 August Vale of York – Joshua’s Cup (Open): 5 – 6 August Hurtwood – Uber Challenge (0): 5 – 7 August Cowdray – Mid Summer 12 Goal (8-12): 8 – 26 August Beaufort – Somerville LivingstoneLearmonth Trophy (0-6): 8 – 20 August Guards – The Cottington Cup (2-4): 8 – 20 August Cowdray – Brecknock Cup (4-8): 8 – 28 August Burningfold – Hambledon 4 Goal (4): 9 – 13 August HPC – Summer Polo Festival (Open): 12 August 116 Polo Times, August 2017

FHM – Essinghigh Trophy (-8 - -4): 12 August Moor Farm – Kings Royal Hussars Old Boys (-8--2): 12 August Binfield Heath – Chairman’s Cup (0-4): 12 – 13 August All Ireland – Novices Cup (0-4): 12 – 13 August Cheshire – Indart Cup (2-4): 12 – 13 August Dundee – Highland Ball Tournament (0-4): 12 – 13 August Edgeworth – Last Days of the Raj (0-4): 12 – 13 August Offchurch Bury – The Prancing Ponies Tournament (-4-4): 12 – 13 August Fifield – Von Hanstein Cup (0-6): 12 – 13 August Ranelagh – Copa De Agosto (0-2): 12 – 13 August Epsom – General’s Cup (-2-2): 12 – 13 August Tidworth – Seriously Cool Events Canada Cup (-4-2): 12 – 13 August White Rose – Yorkshire Open (0-2): 12 – 13 August Hurtwood – Erin’s Plate (-2-2): 12 – 13 August White Rose – Yorkshire Open (-6-0): 12 – 13 August Taunton – Polo Managers Choice/Lightbobs (-1-1): 12 – 13 August Cheshire – Hollies Farm Shop Trophy (-4-0): 12 – 13 August Eastwood – Eastwood Charity Shield (-2-0): 12 – 13 August Knepp Castle – Lake Trophy (-2-0): 12 – 13 August White Waltham – Carugh Cup (-4-0): 12 – 13 August Rutland – Sandicliffe Cup (-6--2): 13 – 14 August Rutland – The Hartopp Trophy (0-2): 13 – 14 August Cambridge – Pug Fest Tournament (0-4): 13 – 20 August Vale of York – Dickinson Wood/Canine Partners (Open): 13 August Cirencester – Chairman’s Cup (6-10): 14 – 19 August HPC – Roehampton Cup (2-6): 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Ponting Pot (0-4): 15 – 28 August Kirtlington – The Lousada Trophy (0-4): 16 – 28 August Burningfold – Hascombe 2 Goal (2): 16 – 20 August RCBPC – The August 4 Goal Tournament (0-4): 17 – 20 August Hurtwood – 3 A-Side Challenge (-6-0): 17 – 18 August Beverley – BPC Anniversary Tournament (-6-4): 18 – 20 August New Forest – Blue Jackets Summer Tournament (4-6): 18 – 20 August Vale of York – Church Cup (Open): 19 August DBPC – The IXL Cup (2-6): 19 – 20 August Druids Lodge – Druids Rose Bowl (3-4): 19 – 20 August

Emsworth – August Plate 2 Goal (2): 19 – 20 August Vaux Park – August Challenge (-2-2): 19 – 20 August Taunton – Friar Park Cup (0-2): 19 – 20 August Cheshire – Harlequins Trophy (0-2): 19 – 20 August Cheshire – Black Horse Trophy (-4-0): 19 – 20 August White Waltham – Carlitos Polo Bronze 3 Day Tournament (0-2): 19 – 20 August Silver Leys – Harvest Cup (-4--2): 19 – 20 August DBPC – The Persia Trophy (Open): 19 – 20 August Ranelagh – Chairman’s Trophy (-2-0): 19 – 20 August Tidworth – Druids Sickle Gentlemen’s Tournament (Open): 19 – 20 August Hurtwood – August Challenge (0): 19 – 20 August DBPC – The Middleton Cup (-4-0): 19 – 20 August West Wycombe – Lakeside Cup (-6-2): 19 – 27 August Edgeworth – Stroud Farm Services League (0-2): 19 – 28 August Rutland – The Wilkinson Sword (-6--2): 20 – 21 August Rutland – The Ruddles Cup (0-2): 20 – 21 August Pangbourne – The Polofix Challenge Cup (4-8): 22 – 27 August Moor Farm – Shropshire Community Cup (-8--2): 23 August RCBPC – 4-6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 24 – 28 August Ranelagh – Copa Argentina (2-4): 26 – 28 August Rugby – The Towns Trophy (0-4): 26 – 27 August Cambridge County – Harvest Hawkie Tournament (0-4): 26 – 27 August Tidworth – Frost Cup (0-4): 26 – 27 August All Ireland – Freebooters Cup (0-4): 26 – 27 August Binfield Heath – Alpha Suisse (0-2): 26 – 27 August Cheshire – Newhall Cup (0-2): 26 – 27 August Hurtwood – Club Friendly Tournament (-2-2): 26 – 27 August Knepp Castle – The Castle Cup 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 26 – 27 August Westcroft Park – The Clubhouse Shield (-2-2): 26 – 27 August Cheshire – Heywood Trophy (-4--1): 26 – 27 August Taunton – The Lo Wu Cup (-4--2): 26 – 27 August Tidworth – Frost Cup (-6--2): 26 – 27 August Rugby – La Casa Loco Cup (-4-0): 26 – 27 August Cambridge County – Harvest Hawkie Tournament (-4-0): 26 – 27 August New Forest – Siamese Cup (-6-0): 26 – 27 August www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory Moor Farm – The Carlos Cup (-8--2): 27 August White Waltham – 1947 Saunders Davis 3 Handled Polo Challenge (-2-0): 26 – 28 August Vale of York – Jodphur Cup (Open): 26 August FHM – FSW Charity Day (-8--4): 26 August White Rose – Amigo Cup (-4-0): 27 August Taunton – Clague Cup (0-2): 27 August Cheshire – Mu Kershaw Memorial Cup (-4-0): 28 August Vale of York – Epworth Show Cup (Open): 28 August Vale of York – 5th Crown Hotel Plate (Open): 30 August HPC – TJB HAC 105 Polo Invitational (Open): 2 September

Youth Polo Tidworth – Junior Academy Instructional Tournament (Open): 22 August Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup (Invitational): 26 – 27 August Fifield – Kids and Starters Tournament (Open): 26 – 27 August Santa Barbara Polo Club, USA – National Youth Tournament Series Championship: August 31 – 4 September Longdole – Zonkey Polo Junior Tournament (Open): 1 September

TBC – Junior HPA Rocksavage Finals: 9 August Cowdray – Junior HPA Hipwood Finals: 10 August Cowdray – The Colts Cup (Open): 15 & 17 August HPC – Stagshead Trophy (Open): 20 August

Pony Club Qualifiers Cirencester Park Polo Club – Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford and Gannon: Monday 31 July Cirencester Park Polo Club – Handley Cross, Surtees, Rendell, Langford and Gannon: Tuesday 1 August Longdole Polo Club – Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford and Gannon: Wednesday 2 August Longdole Polo Club – Handley cross, Surtees, Rendall, Langford and Gannon: Thursday 3 August Hurtwood Park Polo Club – Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford and Gannon: Sunday 6 August Hurtwood Park Polo Club – Handley Cross, Surtees, Rendell, Langford and Gannon: Monday 7 August Pony Club Championships Hurtwood Park Polo Club – Jorrocks: Wednesday 9 August Cowdray Park Polo Club: Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner, Langford, Rendell and Gannon: Friday 11 – Sunday 13 August

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White Rose – Ladies Tournament: 30 July Westcroft Park – Laurent Perrier Ladies National Championship (Open): 8 – 20 August Tinicum Park Polo Club, USA – Easter Circuit Women’s Challenge (0-2): 25 – 26 August Wicklow – International Ladies Invitational Tournament (8-12): 19 August Dundee – Ladies Cup (0-4): 26 – 27 August Kirlington – Thorneloe Ladies Tournament (Open): 27 – 28 August

Argentina

Tortugas Country Club – The Tortugas Open: September 19 – 7 October Hurlingham Club – The Hurlingham Open: 10 – 28 October Palermo – The Argentine Open: November 4 – 2 December

Victrix Ludorum

Beaufort – Beaufort Ladies Tournament Final VL (12-18): 5 August RCBPC – The Polo Festival Ladies Tournament Final VL (12-18): 13 August Guards – The Lord Beresford Cup Final VL (12-18): 2 September

Australia

Sydney Polo Club – XI FIP World Polo Championships: 21 – 29 October

Military Polo

Sandhurst – Leadership & Excellence Day: 6 August Tidworth – Exton Park King’s Royal Hussars’ Cup & Kadugli Cup (0-4): 5 – 6 August Tidworth – Cavalry Cup (-2-2): 16 – 17 August Tidworth – AGC Tournament (Open): 28 August

Snow Polo Dates Kitzbuehel – 16th CORUM Snow Polo World Cup: 11 – 14 January 2018

St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz: 26 – 28 January 2018

France

Deauville – 67th Barriere Deaville Polo Cup: 1 – 27 August Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Côte D’Azur Polo Cup (8-15): 3 – 13 August Chantilly Polo Club – Deauville Gold Cup: 14 – 27 August Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Ads Securities Open du Soleil (8-15): 17 – 27 August) Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Gold Cup (8-10): 29 August – 10 September

America

Aspen Valley Polo Club – United States Arena Handicap (9-12): July 25 – 6 August Santa Barbara – Engel & Völkers USPA America Cup (16-20): July 28 – 6 August Hawaii Polo Club – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Amateur Cup (0-4): 1 – 6 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 10 – 27 August Denver Polo Club – Rocky Mountain Circuit Intra-Circuit (8-12): 19 – 20 August Greenwich Polo Club – East Coast Open: August 27 – 10 September

Kenya

Manyatta – Timau cavbalry & Schools (Open): 18 – 20 August Manyatta – Timau (Open): 25 – 27 August Nairobi – Kenya International 6 Goal (6): 15 – 17 September Nairobi – Kenya International 12 Goal (12): 22 – 24 September

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Polo Times, August 2017 117

Polo directory

Social Events

South Africa

Switzerland

Inanda – Land Rover Africa Cup: 20 August Lions River – Lions River Winter Tournament: 25 – 27 August

Polo Park & Country Club Zürich – The Luxury Trophy: 2-3 September

Kirtlington – Kirtlington Park Polo Club Summer Ball: 5 August Cowdray – Friday Night Polo: 18 August Beaufort – Glitter Ball: 26 August Cirencester – The End of Season Party: 24 September

2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 18 Goal Victor Ludorum Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September

Spain

Sotogrande – 46th International Polo Tournament: 26 July – 27 August Ibiza Polo Club – 8th Ibiza Beach Polo Cup: 17 – 20 August

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Club contacts UK and Ireland

Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September

EMAIL

Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 – 27 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September

CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmailc.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07712 105780

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Great Trippets Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippets.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

118 Polo Times, August 2017

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Polo Times, August 2017 119

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

18-year-old James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster has become a household name, after his amazing rise to the ranks of the high goal. He has graced the turf of every major polo club in the UK and has, this season, was part of the 2017 King Power line-up, winners of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup. He’s been playing alongside his, and every other polo teen’s, idols Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres and was even awarded the Most Valuable Player prize by HM The Queen at The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo. How could it not be?

Favourite food?

Pizza.

Best holiday destination & activity?

Barbados, chilling in the sunshine and getting some well needed downtime.

What is your all time best polo memory?

Probably the first game of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup against La Indiana. Scoring the goal that sealed the game.

Hardest opponent?

I have played some really tough opponents, but for me the toughest has been Fran Elizalde.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Football, tennis and golf.

Favourite album?

Divide, by Ed Sheeran.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Thinking about polo!

Most prized possession?

My polo helmet.

Best pony and why?

Either of my pony’s, Cookie or Ellie.

They’re both amazing!

Favourite film and why?

Superbad, because it’s hilarious!

Are you passionately superstitious – what and why?

A bit. If I wear a new pair of gloves or socks and we lose the match whilst I’m wearing them or I play badly, then they have to go.

I’ll have to change them.

Describe yourself in three words…

Fun, easy-going, focused.

120 Polo Times, August 2017

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Polo Polo PoloHolidays Holidays Holidays

IfIfyou Ifyou you have have have aapassion apassion passion for for for polo, polo, polo, there there there isisnothing isnothing nothing ininin the the the world world world like like like being being being taught taught taught bybyby high high high goal goal goal players. players. players.

“We have one life and you have to live it “We have one life and you have to live it “We have one life and you have to live it and do what you love!” and do what you love!” and do what you love!”

––Nacho Gonzalez –Nacho Gonzalez Nacho Gonzalez Nacho Nacho Nacho Gonzalez Gonzalez Gonzalez and and and Marcos Marcos Marcos Araya Araya Araya be your your your hosts hosts hosts on on on aapolo apolo polo adventure adventure adventure where where where you you you will will will learn learn learn tototo refine refine refine your your your riding riding riding and and and polo polo polo skills; skills; skills; and and and will will will be be aahost ahost host ofofof other other other activities activities activities designed designed designed for for for you. you. you. enjoy enjoy enjoy Catering Catering Catering for for for all allall levels levels levels ofofof polo polo polo from from from -2-2-2 up up up tototo 22 22 22 goal, goal, goal, your your your polo polo polo holiday holiday holiday will will will include; include; include; and and and ball ball ball lessons; lessons; lessons; penalty penalty penalty lessons; lessons; lessons; instructional instructional instructional chukkas; chukkas; chukkas; practice practice practice matches; matches; matches; and and and team team team tactics. tactics. tactics. stick stick stick

Pilar, Argentina Pilar, Argentina Pilar, Argentina Coronel Suárez, Argentina Coronel Suárez, Argentina Coronel Suárez, Argentina Punta Del Este, Uruguay Punta Del Este, Uruguay Punta Del Este, Uruguay Berkshire, England Berkshire, England Berkshire, England Sotogrande, Spain Sotogrande, Spain Sotogrande, Spain Ibiza, Spain Ibiza, Spain Ibiza, Spain Depending Depending Depending on on on your your your choice choice choice ofofof venue, venue, venue, your your your holiday holiday holiday will will will also also also include include include mountain mountain mountain trails; trails; trails; cattle cattle cattle herding; herding; herding; wine wine wine tasting tasting tasting atatat local local local vineyards; vineyards; vineyards; golf; golf; golf; fishing; fishing; fishing; beach beach beach trails; trails; trails; and and and city city city tours. tours. tours.

Fun for for for all allall the the the family! family! family!

Fun Fun For For For more more more information information information and and and dates, dates, dates, and and and aachat achat chat about about about how how how we we we can can can customise customise customise your your your perfect perfect perfect trip, trip, trip, email email email enquiries@gapoloholidays.com enquiries@gapoloholidays.com enquiries@gapoloholidays.com please please please ororor visit visit visit www.gapoloholidays.com www.gapoloholidays.com www.gapoloholidays.com