Volume 24 • Issue 7 • August 2019 • £6.50
DUBAI BREAKS RECORD The King Power Gold Cup AS IF BY MAGIC Interview with David Paradice BRITISH POLO HIGHLIGHTS Warwickshire Cup, Royal Windsor & Rundle Cup PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victor Ludorum Update
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside…
August 2019
Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Operations Manager
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Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
Women’s Polo
21
55 55 57 58 60
Advertising Sales Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk Subscription Sales Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk
Youth Polo
James Morgan
63 All Aspects of Youth Polo 64 Australian Junior Polo Championships
Additional Design
Military Polo
Principal Design
67 70 72
Tony Ruddy
Subscriptions & Administration Assistant Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk 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: Horacio Areco, Stephen Biddlecombe, Lorna Edgar, Katie Edmeades, Charlie Fraser, Caroline Gillespie, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Angus Olds, Tom Reynolds, & ©Tony Ramirez/ www.imagesofpolo.com
Contact details
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
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© Polo Times Limited 2019 and Database Right 2019 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
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5 Minutes With… Alice Servaes A Round-Up of Women’s Polo British Ladies Championships Ladies International Test Match WIP International Series vs Southern Cross
Polo Times, August 2019
36
Knowledge
News
6 All the Latest News 12 FIP News
Comment
14 Your Views & Social Media
Features 18 21 24
Big Picture Cover Story: Interview: David Paradice Cover Story: Racing to Polo Challenge
Reports 27 32 34 36 41
75 80 82 84 86 88
Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Equipment Focus: Bits: Tongue Tying Polodoc: Musclemorphosis Nutrition Focus: Fabulous Fibre Fitness Insight: Gut Feeling Vet Insight: Strangles
Sidelines 91 92
Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory 101
What’s On: Polo Fixtures
Cover Story: King Power Gold Cup Final Bell Passions: Aki van Andel Cover Story: OUT-SOURCING Inc! 104 Royal Windsor Cup British Beach Polo Championship SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Cover Story: Warwickshire Cup All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers Cover Story: Victor & Victrix Ludorum Update Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770
Club Focus 47
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action Cover Story: The HACKETT Rundle Cup Polo Celebrates 150 Years
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Jeta Castagnola proves his might in The King Power Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club for Dubai. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com Apologies to Tony Ramirez from ©www.imagesofpolo.com for the incorrect attributing of his photos from The King Power Gold Cup Draw at Cowdray Park Polo Club to another photographer.
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News
Wow, the 2019 season is flying by and what a month we have had. On the country’s spectacularly still green and pristine grounds, we have witnessed some of the finest polo being played in all corners of the UK. At every level, the players and horses have showcased the speed, power, skill, camaraderie and sportsmanship that binds our great sport – and demonstrates why polo is just so addictive to both, play and watch. I hope that all readers will enjoy this issue’s report on The British Open, The King Power Gold Cup. As the conclusion of the 2019 high goal season, this year’s Final did not disappoint its spectators. Whilst there can of course only be one winning team, both the VS King Power and Dubai sides put on a great match, with a golden goal in the seventh chukka and a final score of 13-12 in favour of Dubai. Handicapping, or rather, players being seriously under-handicapped, has been the topic of much discussion. For the significant investment that teams are making, (at all levels of polo), it must be the same rule for everyone – and bluntly, players simply should not be permitted to play when they are known to be handicapped incorrectly. The HPA’s seeming reluctance to grasp the nettle, for fear of upsetting some patrons, has led to an uneven playing field – which has ultimately soured the sport at a number of key and prestigious tournaments. Dodging the bullet by allowing ‘ringers’ to play on the wrong handicaps is no longer an option. This seeming HPA dictat may have encouraged an extra one or two teams to enter a tournament, but it’s surely a very narrow, short-term win as, in the long run, such an approach will almost certainly deter a far greater number of teams from entering, than the initial gain. Away from polo, we have Boris Johnson as our newly elected Prime Minister and whatever your political aspirations, to use Love Island parlance, “It is what is it” – the country voted to leave the EU three years ago and now’s the time to unite. The road ahead most certainly has a few bumps, road blocks and chicanes, but with his evident commitment, fortitude, and best pokerface, I am convinced that Boris will champion the UK’s exit from the EU in less than three months and forge ahead with new partnerships… having done the very best deal possible for our great country.
British Polo Gin Strawberry & Rose
Nick Hine, Publisher
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Polo Times, August 2019
Photograph courtesy of British Polo Gin
from the Publisher
British Polo Gin has launched its fourth instalment, British Polo Gin Strawberry & Rose
Summer is well and truly here, with sunshine aplenty, warm winds blowing in and the perfect weather for a quintessential British party. What better reason would British Polo Gin need to launch the third exciting instalment in their gin stable – British Polo Gin Strawberry & Rose. Made in honour of the 150th anniversary of the first ever polo in Great Britain, held at the Hurlingham Club in 1869, this delicious gin offering is sweet, succulent and spectacularly summery, made with their Classic gin recipe and 100 per cent organic botanicals. Garnish with a smattering of Elderflower Tonic and slice of tangy lime. What’s more, it’s already sold more than 700 bottles, in only a month, so visit www.britishpologin.co.uk to make sure you don’t miss out on one of their limited edition bottles now, at just £39.50!
Hurlingham Polo Association Chairmanship In November 2019, Stephen Hutchinson will come to the end of his four year tenure as Chairman of The Hurlingham Polo Association. The HPA has announced Stephen’s intention to put forward Nick Wiles for election as his successor. Wiles was appointed as an HPA Steward at the HPA Council meeting in December 2018 and recently agreed to take on the Chairmanship of the new Commercial Activities Board, which he will continue to chair. The HPA shared the following information about Nick Wiles: “Nick and his family live near Tetbury and he has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, playing mainly at Cirencester and the Beaufort in low and medium goal. He has a son who is a keen polo player and his daughter events. “After a short service commission in the Army, Nick had a career as an investment banker, principally at Cazenove, where he was a partner prior to the business being acquired by JP Morgan. During his time at Cazenove, he worked as an advisor to various public companies, both in the UK and internationally. Since retiring, he has sat on a number of public company boards and is currently Chairman of Paypoint plc.”
Mid-Season Handicap Changes On Monday 8 July, The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) released the 2019 mid-season handicap changes. The list is not extensive, but sees Bartolomé (Lolo) Castagnola Snr change from (7) to 7 and Juan José Storni also come out of brackets, from (5) to 5. In the lower levels, Antonio Heguy has gone from (1) to 2 goals, whilst Saskia Meadows has been moved from (0) to 0. For the full list, please visit the HPA website.
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News Armis RedDot Award
John King Polo Prints
Photograph courtesy of Armis Polo
Photograph courtesy of Rupert Mackeson
Two of John King’s most popular pieces have been reproduced Robin Spicer of Armis Polo received the International RedDot Design Award
On 8 July, Armis Polo celebrated the success of the International RedDot Design Award. The international design scene gathered in Essen’s Aalto-Theatre as part of the Red Dot Gala, followed by the Designers’ Night party, where the Armis team and the other Red Dot laureates received their certificates. The Armis Polo Helmet is now in the exhibition ‘Design on Stage’ in the Red Dot Design Museum Essen, which presents all of the award-winning products. From this date, The Armis Polo Helmet will also be on show in the Red Dot Design Yearbook, online and in the Red Dot Design app.
The Marlborough Bookshop and Sporting Gallery are currently selling a selection of John King prints. Two of King’s most popular paintings, ‘Go’ and ‘Pony Lines’ have been reproduced in a limited edition numbered selection of prints (500 in total) and can be purchased by ringing Rupert Mackeson on 01934 613996.
Gladiator Polo Returns
Photograph courtesy of Warren Farm
Photograph courtesy of Gladiator Polo
Brean Beach Polo
Gladiator Polo will return on Saturday 3 August Brean hosted its first ever beach polo event
The first official Brean Beach Polo event took place on Saturday 6 July. The free event saw two teams compete with Jurassic Park coming out the victors at the well attended event. Michael Ball from Taunton Vale Polo Club, organiser of Brean Beach Polo said after the event, “We’re really pleased with the turnout for Brean’s first official beach polo event. We definitely hope to hold more polo events in Brean in the future.”
On Saturday 3 August Gladiator Polo will return to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) for a rematch between Team Charlotte and Team Greenville. Additionally, between 1 – 4 August, a Ninja Polo Camp will be offered to kids between 11 and 18-years-old with instruction provided by Team Charlotte and Team Greenville players, and will culminate in a showcase match before the Gladiator Polo match.
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News Seventh Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan
Hungarian Ambassador’s Cup
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Photograph courtesy of The Hungarian Embassy
HE Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky presents the winners with their prizes The Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan returns this September
Between 13 – 15 September, the Elite Horse & Polo Club in Baku, Azerbaijan will once again be jam-packed with international polo players as the Seventh Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan takes place over three days of exciting polo. Alongside the polo, the event is known for its thrilling social events, including The Baku Moritz Night Polo Party presented by Elite Events Hall Baku. Tickets are available now from www.worldpolo.com
As part of the 2019 King Power Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club hosted The Hungarian Ambassador’s Cup on Saturday 13 July, sponsored by the Hungarian Tourism Agency. For the second year in a row HE Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky presented the winners, VS King Power, with prizes as well as hosting guests to watch the Quarter Final match. Hungary has a strong equine history, with six csikos (horse-herdsman) and the ‘Puszta Five’ formation from the Mátai Ménes taking part in the 2019 Royal Windsor Horse Show, under the patronage of the Hungarian embassy.
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“Best Polo Event in The World.” - Ricky Cooper, Wales Polo Team Captain
Arizona’s Most Beautiful Event • Second Time Appearance By World’s Most Famous Pro And Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras • Four Polo Matches • Marines vs. Air Force • Arizona Polo Club vs Centtrip Wales Polo Club • Aspen Valley Polo (Defending Champs) vs Royal Berkshire County Polo Club • Charity Match featuring Southwest Wildlife and Arizona Equine Rescue • The World’s “Longest” Fashion Show, produced by Phoenix Fashion Week • World’s Farthest Rugby Sevens Match • The Apex Cup: A country club for car enthusiasts • Arizona Humane Society Canine Couture: A Dog Fashion Show Like No Other, Presented by Lugari Pet Salon • Barrett-Jackson & Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Sneak Previews • Performances during periods of polo play by the best oboe player in Arizona, “hip-hopera” performed by hip hop artist Ali
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FIP News
FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
Xtreme Polo League FIP will endorse and promote the Xtreme Polo League that will start in 2019 in Argentina. This all-professional polo league will start in September 2019 in Buenos Aires, with the Final taking place on 5 October. This will be the only Xtreme Polo League event in 2019 but already four further tournaments are planned for 2020 in Palm Beach, USA (April), London, UK (June), Paris or Barcelona (the dates still to be confirmed) and Buenos Aires, Argentina (between September and October – still to be confirmed). The aim of this League is to have the same teams, or franchises, participate year round, helping fans to engage with the sport. The main differentiator with other tournaments is the global and annual approach this event has.
EBI, XPL’s organiser, is trying hard to bring the sport to new audiences and as they comment, “Are on a mission to change polo forever”.
FIP Magazine In order to increase our communication channels with FIP members, as well as the polo community, we will be launching our FIP digital magazine at the end of July 2019. The world is changing and sports in general are at a crossroad, and of course polo is not excluded from these winds of change. Communication is essential nowadays. Social media is king and information is at the palm of your hand with a phone. That is why this magazine has been created, so that FIP’s community is more active, united and informed about what we do at the Federation, and what happens at every National Association or Federation. This will allow us to reach members, players and fans in a way that was simply not possible a few years ago.
The MVP
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Polo Times, August 2019
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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 We follow them to save you the scrolling:
Dear Sir, I have watched nearly all the Gold Cup games at Cowdray. The majority of the games were very good, both in skill and excitement. The horse power gets better and better each year, truly amazing and so nice to see the ROR horses among them. The individual skill of the player is also a joy to behold, BUT where are the British players? Do you remember last year with El Remanso, they won the Gold Cup with four Brits? I thought the HPA were addressing the problem – obviously not. There were meant to be rules in place, but... Also handicaps. I wrote last year on the subject, but the same old excuses keep coming up, “They don’t have their best ponies�, well, that’s up to them! Players should be handicapped on their highest handicap in the world, Argentina, America or outer Mongolia. On the true handicaps of the High Goal this year, the top teams were really 24 – 25 goals, for each team. I am not the only person thinking this. On the plus side, the HPA have done a good job introducing the rule of the time limit taking a penalty and the free hit when the ball goes out over the boards. It speeds the game up for all grades of polo. Also, my congratulations to Cowdray Park Polo Club for putting on The Gold Cup, their organisation, grounds and atmosphere were all first class! Lavinia Black (Mrs)
@internationalpoloclub Not in the ears pleaseeeee.
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Quick Question Q: In what year was the first Gold Cup played and for a bonus point, who won the Final?
A: Turn to page 102 to check your answer.
This year’s King Power Gold Cup Final was at the heart of hurricane Castagnola, as the young brothers showed their new British audience their masterful moves
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Polo comes in many different forms‌ horse, camel, elephant, bicycle and now‌ Penny Farthing polo! Ham Polo Club welcomed a bevy of spectators for this somewhat unique form of polo, with pith helmets and old age English outfits galore. The competition was rife, with many a cross word uttered across the field as the players struggled to retain their balance and finesse, but with a cocker spaniel puppy up for grabs (we only jest), it was all the play for! w Photography by Julie Priestley
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Polo Times, August 2019
19
Interview: David Paradice
Feature
David Paradice Small town, big personality
S
Jen Liggins reports
ports mad, investment savvy, allround nice guy – three possible ways to describe the newest patron on the British high goal scene, David Paradice. Coming to the UK high goal this year, with three of the world’s greatest players at his side, there was nothing but excitement for this new arrival and wow, what a team they proved to be! Son of the town’s doctor, Australian, David Paradice, hails from the small municipality of Scone in New South Wales, 300km north of Sydney and home to more livestock than people! Scone is in the heart of polo country, with the Polo Club forming a key part of the town’s soul. Living so close to the renowned Ellerston organisation, it was only natural that David was going to try his hand at polo. “Jim Gilmore got me into polo actually, when James Packer wasn’t playing as much, then James Harper started playing with us. All the big guys have played there once or twice in their lives, even Nico [Pieres].” The 2019 British high goal season saw David bring the Scone team to the pristine
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David Paradice on the ball at Guards Polo Club
fields of Guards and Cowdray Park Polo Clubs, ready to take on the world’s biggest polo organisations for The Cartier Queen’s Cup and King Power Gold Cup honours. “When James Harper and James Beim became available after El Remanso folded after the 2018 season, they asked me if I wanted to do something this year. I am looking at setting up operations here in London, so I was here anyway.” A twist of fate some would say. David is a fund manager with operations in Sydney, Denver and San Francisco. Throughout his working career, he has had the unique opportunity to combine travelling for work with travelling for polo. “Because of my Denver operations I’ve got to know Bob Jornayvaz, and through him, Adolfo Cambiaso very well.” With the two James on board, the last piece of the Scone puzzle was the allimportant 9 goaler and where better to turn than Nico Pieres. Harps and Beimy
contacted Pieres to check his availability accompanied by an email from Paradice, along the lines of, “Are you sure you want to do this, because I’m terrible?!”, or so David led me to believe. “It was one of those situations where, it’s like school where you go through and everyone has been picked and I’m at the back, the last patron standing!” With Pieres’s stern yes, the team was complete and the scene set. “It was interesting, because Nico is that bit younger than his brothers. I was thinking that, Harps is a great back, Beimy is great up front and Nico is really talented up front and in the middle – the perfect combination. I feel he has always been a bit overshadowed by his family and here we were giving him his chance to shine.” Going into this season, no one was really sure what this fantastic foursome was capable of. Each player was exceedingly strong in their own right, but when in Polo Times, August 2019
21
Feature
Interview: David Paradice
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The Cartier Queen’s Cup winning Scone with HM The Queen and Cartier UK Managing Director Laurent Feniou
combination, it was anyone’s guess. “It was suggested to me some time ago, that we were a bit like the Jamaican bobsled team. Scone is a tiny place near Ellerston in Australia. For a tiny town to have a team in the Final of The Cartier Queen’s Cup was magic. I remember going to the Final with Agustin Nero [brother to Juan Martín Nero], he does a lot of stuff for me, and I had that Jamaican bobsled team in the back of my mind. I remember thinking it’s not like we’re seeded 50 below everyone else – we’re 22 goals, so at least we’ve got a chance. There are a few players who could be handicapped higher (there are some discrepancies), but we had a chance.” But how did they get to this point? David assured me it was not just luck that saw them not only win, but champion Park Place in the Final of The Cartier Queen’s Cup on Sunday 16 June. “There was a lot of thought about our make-up, as Harps and Beimy had played a lot together, but us other two hadn’t. Our first game against Murus Sanctus was a learning curve. We were winning 8-6 going into the final chukka and then we lost 9-8. We next played against La Indiana and in my head, I was looking for a bit of a break to go back and see my family. After losing our first couple of games we looked at maybe playing the Warwickshire [at Cirencester Park Polo Club], having some family downtime, thinking we were going to be knocked out… then we started winning! 22
Polo Times, August 2019
“I was saying to Nico; how do we beat La Indiana? Nico just said, ‘Don’t worry about it, just focus on the next game.’ When you’re in a 13-9 losing position, you can get really down. Our tent after the match was like a morgue! I felt that there had been so many other options for the guys in our team – I really felt the guilt for asking them to come and play with Scone. My assistant came up to the tent and I was like, no… stay away… there is not a good vibe here!” But, with the help of expert coach Pepe Heguy, the team turned their chances around. They began winning, first against Emlor, then Monterosso. “We lost those first two games, the draw then worked like it did, it started to rain, then we had that Semi Final against VS King Power. I think the weather worked in our favour as La Indiana had that awful weather for their Semi Final. Two days later it was still raining and we needed two hours to practice, and as if by magic, the weather cleared for us for those two hours. It was like a series of fateful events which helped us on our way.” The Scone organisation isn’t like the ‘standard’ high goal operation. Taking into account the amount of money required to field a high goal team, Scone is still considered small fry, if you compare it to the likes of Park Place and La Indiana. But what makes it truly unique however, is its people, and the man responsible, in David’s eyes, for bringing those individuals together is James Harper. “Harps has done a lot to
make Scone Polo happen this year. He really goes the extra mile. He is a real can-do kind of guy – he makes it happen. He should be delegating loads of stuff, but he just wants to do it. That’s what I love about the guy. Following our win in the rain against VS King Power, he went to the supermarket and got all the BBQ goodies – what Captain would do that? “Every morning before a match we’d sit around as a team and go through our strengths and weaknesses, and Pepe would go around each player, get to me and just say, “No penalties”! My one goal in life is not to cause penalties! There was an amazing picture that made our Scone Whatsapp group of me causing a foul in The Queen’s Cup Final against Andrey Borodin – whoops! “A lot of people give up because they’re up against these massive teams, huge organisations with a lot of money and we turned up to the Final with just 36 of our own horses against almost 50 of theirs. They had spent a lot more money than we had. We just had our horses and then a couple I’d brought over and some from Jim Gilmore. Our players were happy to just make do. After the Final we just had an asado at the yard, which the grooms like. I made a speech in which I made the point that everyone in our organisation is as important as everybody else. The players need the grooms and vice versa. I felt bad that we didn’t have anything more flash, but I can’t stand planning anything beforehand – tempting fate!” www.polotimes.co.uk
Interview: David Paradice
A winning smile at the final bell
The key, it seems, to Scone’s success, is there dedication to hard work, practice and a love of winning, but most importantly it’s enjoying themselves. “If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work”, David commented. “All these guys play well as a team, and they trust and respect each other. I feel that a good, strong team is better than a team of champions, especially when you trust your horses. We’ve done it without all of the entourage that other teams have and some have said to me that the fact that we did it can help to inspire other teams to try. We’ve been told we look like we’re having fun and it makes it all the difference. I have the same view with my
business. We run about $17 billion annually with about 40 staff and you want people to do their best for you and you want to treat people with respect. In the end, at this level, they know what they’re doing, so you can’t run around chasing them with a stick. There is no way I’d tell my guys what to do or how to play, because they are the professionals. They know it so much better than I do – it feels counterintuitive. I don’t know whether we’re well organised, but it’s about putting in a team that’s competitive.” David is an all-round sports guy, so he understands the dedication it takes to be the best. In his younger years, he spent a lot of
Feature
time on the rugby field and considers a good level of fitness a must, regardless of whether you’re taking to the sports field or not. At home in Australia, he backs a number of professional athletes, including international rugby union player David Pocock. But it isn’t just their sporting prowess that attracts David, it’s their heart. Pocock, for example is what David likes to call a “greeny”. An advocate for environmental issues, he once handcuffed himself to a bulldozer which was about to rip down a forest to make way for a coal mine. A keen environmentalist himself, with an Order of Australia to prove it, David was drawn to Pocock’s principles. “Someone who goes out and young people respect, I have a lot of time for. He is really principled and he himself didn’t get married until they brought in single sex marriage in Australia. I think that’s how sportsmen should be – someone real to look up to.” So perhaps that’s what Scone are aiming for – the opportunity to be a team that connects with the masses. “Polo is a family sport. People are around horses, so they’re generally respectful. All the guys at the highest levels are so professional and you need to be – you can’t treat people and horses like commodities.” With three children of his own, family is one of the most important aspects of David’s life. Whenever he can, he travels to the USA and Australia to touch base with his roots and it seems this inherent belief in the family and friendship unit is what makes David and Scone polo so respected. With so much success this year, not only winning The Cartier Queen’s Cup, but also reaching the Semi Finals of The King Power Gold Cup, this ‘small’ team from a tiny town has all the markings of glory and when asked if he’d be back next year he responded, “Maybe. I’m not sure how I’d have reacted if we had lost everything!” One thing’s for sure, this team has a solid base, with some of the nicest people, and biggest smiles, on the circuit.
Photograph courtesy of David Paradice
James Harper and his BBQ stash
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The Scone team celebrate their Queen’s Cup victory at home
Polo Times, August 2019
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Feature
Racing to Polo Challenge
Drastic Art showing off her skills
Racing to Polo Challenge Former racehorses star at polo in King Power Gold Cup Semi Finals
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he King Power Semi Finals are about more than just high goal polo. On Wednesday 17 July in the heart of West Sussex, on the iconic Cowdray Park Polo Club Lawns, amidst the hustle and bustle of The King Power Semi Finals, The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Racing to Polo Challenge took place. 17 former racehorses took part in the Challenge, showing off their polo skills and agility in front of a panel of judges which included three professional polo players – Rob Cudmore, Olly Tuthill and Antony
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“She’s got everything a polo pony needs – all the right attributes” Fanshawe, as well as racehorse trainer and former polo player Martyn Meade, plus David Loder, bloodstock agent and polo player. Following a healthy competition, which attracted a host of polo pony fans on the sidelines, Drastic Art, a seven-year-old mare owned by Sally Turner and ridden by
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Racing to Polo Challenge
Feature
Photography courtesy of RoR
Drastic Art, winner of the overall Racing to Polo Challenge honours
George Meyrick, was awarded The Racing to Polo Challenge honours for the second time. Between them the pair received the renowned Balding Trophy, a cheque for £1,000 and a winner’s rug courtesy of insurance company Lycetts. The judges selected Drastic Art as the overall winner, with the six-year-old mare Mary Parmenter, owned and ridden by Sebastian Chialvo, as runner-up, and Sweets’N’Sheets, ridden by Ed Hitchman, in third place. Drastic Art’s blossoming polo career follows a relatively undistinguished racing career in which she ran just three times. On the racetrack, she ran against a total of 28 other horses, with only one horse finishing behind her in three starts. However, highlighting the Thoroughbred’s versatility following her receipt of the award, her rider George Meyrick said Drastic Art ticked all the boxes for polo, “She is playing this season but next year will be her first proper season playing matches which is exciting. Not only is she pretty, she is also very talented. She’s got everything a polo pony needs – all the right attributes.” George added, “All of my
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“Drastic Art’s blossoming polo career follows a relatively undistinguished racing career in which she ran just three times. On the racetrack, she ran against a total of 28 other horses, with only one horse finishing behind her in three starts.” string, in fact every horse I ride, is an exracehorse or Thoroughbred. I love them. I think a good Thoroughbred can do anything.” Throughout the day’s proceedings, RoR also awarded the Best Playing Pony awards in both The King Power Gold Cup Semi Finals for the best performance by a former racehorse. In the first match the Best Playing Pony Award went to the New Zealand bred Sunset Trading, ridden by Benjamin Urquiza playing for Park Place, who narrowly lost 10-11 to VS King Power to give the sponsor’s team their first King Power Gold Cup Final appearance. A total of 12 former racehorses took to the field in the second Semi Final in which Dubai secured their King Power Gold Cup Final position with a 14-10 victory
over Scone Polo. The Best Playing Pony Award went to Maidana, ridden by Camilo Castagnola for Dubai. Maidana, an eightyear-old mare who was unplaced in four starts for Tim Easterby, had been runner-up in the 2018 Racing to Polo Challenge. RoR Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot, said after the event, “It was another fantastic day. We are so grateful to Cowdray Park for allowing us to be part of this day, with The Racing to Polo Challenge taking place between two high quality Semi Finals. I would like to thank all those who participated, in particular our judging panel, turn out judges and our commentary team. Polo is such an important outlet for former Polito Ulloa, the famous racehorses and has today proven again, that polo pony trainer it is a sport that former racehorses can go to the very top in.”
Polo Times, August 2019
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The King Power Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club
Reports
Barto Castagnola in action
Dubai Breaks Records Dubai win King Power Gold Cup in overtime victory
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ach year, the UK high goal season is blessed with a gathering, second to none, of the world’s best polo players of all ages. Over two and a half months of elite and at times frantic play across the South East, players from across the world do battle for two of the most sought after titles on the polo world calendar, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open. As with every season, 2019 culminated at the end of July with the holy grail of high goal tournament Finals, the coveted Gold Cup. While The Queen’s Cup opens the season with finesse and poise, providing the players with the coveted opportunity to meet HM The Queen, The
www.polotimes.co.uk
Jen Liggins
reports from West Sussex
Gold Cup is the real ‘players’ trophy – the Cup they are all so desperate to win. The tournament itself was a real thrills and spills rollercoaster. Those who were expected to falter at the first hurdle proved the critics wrong and those pipped for greatness couldn’t quite cut the mustard.
Going into the Semi Finals, it looked as though the crowds were in for a Cartier Queen’s Cup repeat, with both Park Place and Scone Polo making it through to the penultimate round, but this was not to be. Both matches were down to the wire affairs, but VS King Power and the young Dubai ultimately came out the stronger teams, with the former defeating Park Place 11-10 and Dubai taking home their Final position with a 14-10 win against Queen’s Cup champions, Scone. Dubai, the lowest handicapped team in the competition, were never considered the underdogs per se, but going into this season with two players who were yet to make their mark on the British high goal, brothers Polo Times, August 2019
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Reports
The King Power Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club
Polito Pieres back in control for VS King Power
Juan Martín Zubía leans forward in defence
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Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola (18-years-old) and Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (16-yearsold), there were a lot of unknowns. Within the first chukka of the first match of the season however, those doubts were cast aside, as the power of the fraternal bond between Lolo Castagnola’s two sons was without doubt, one of the most exciting things to hit British polo since Adolfo Cambiaso himself came to England in the early 1990s. Despite a less than perfect run in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, this exciting team, having used the first tournament to blow out any cobwebs, now had the form and precision they needed to race through to The King Power Gold Cup Final. Having not competed in the British high goal since 2015, Dubai had a point to prove and in the qualifying stages, the team succumbed to only one loss, cementing their right to win early on in the tournament. www.polotimes.co.uk
The King Power Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club
Their rivals VS King Power however, had a bumpier ride to the Final. Having not competed in 2018, but having taken on the sponsorship of the coveted Gold Cup tournament, this was the first year they would be competing not only as past winners, but also as the host team. To add to this already illustrious entry, Top Srivaddhanaprabha and his team were taking to the field in honour of his father, the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was tragically killed in October 2018. Both teams, wearing their colours with pride, had points to prove going into this final showdown and no one was going to take any prisoners. Thousands of polo fans were lining the banks of Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Lawns 2 as play got underway, having perused the shopping village, delighted in a cocktail or two and watched the death defying RAF Falcons www.polotimes.co.uk
Parachute Display team descend with ease onto the ground ahead of the first throwin. The scene was set and the anticipation at fever pitch. As the final punters took to their pitches in the grandstand or fieldside gazebos, umpires Jason Dixon and Julian Appleby calmed the excited players on the field. A hush descended on the crowd as Dixon prepared for the off, and the first ball of The King Power Gold Cup Final 2019 was thrown-in. Dubai were first on the ball, but it was quickly stolen by VS King Power’s powerhouse 9 goaler Polito Pieres, coincidently celebrating his birthday that day. With three missed goal opportunities, including a first missed penalty for Barto Castagnola, Jeta Castagnola was the first to put his name on the scoreboard early in the first chukka. VS King Power were quick to respond, with Marcos di Paola securing his
Reports
first goal of the match and this to and fro play didn’t stop there. The young, vivacious play from the Castagnola brothers was a force to be reckoned with, but VS King Power, having played together for quite some time, knew their way around a polo field. Unusually for him, playing in the number two position, Pieres was front and centre in every play, with team mate Di Paola and VS King Power’s own young gun, Juan Martín Zubía continuously firing shots upfield to Pieres’ waiting stick. Prior to the half-time break, Dubai found themselves 6-4 ahead thanks to two epic goals from Barto, but following what must have been a punchy team chat during the break from team coach Ruso Heguy, VS King Power came back with a vengeance, racing to turn the tables to an 8-6 lead in their favour. With two more chukkas to go, Dubai had their work cut out and VS King Power weren’t going to make it easy. The crowd, not sure what to expect when they’d originally taken to their seats at the match start, were beside themselves with excitement and trepidation. This Final was rapidly turning into some of the best polo the lucky few had ever seen; real edge of your seat stuff, and there was no sign of it slowing down. As the fifth chukka wound down, VS King Power now held an 11-7 lead and it looked like it might be all over for Dubai, but as we in polo all know, there is a lot that can happen in seven minutes and boy, were Dubai going to prove that theory right. As the sixth chukka commenced, the impressive Castagnola teamwork clicked into play, as the brothers, with the more than able support of Ignatius ‘Nachi’ du Plessis at number four and patron Rashid Albwardy at two, climbed the scoreboard to make it an even 11-11, then 12-12. The crowd were ecstatic as the bell at the end of the sixth sounded, forcing the teams into a seventh, thrilling chukka. As hushed tones of “Who can hold their nerve?” resounded around the grandstand, the teams raced out for the overtime period. VS King Power, with measured play, took the first stab at goal, but to the dismay of their fans in the stands, following a solo run upfield with no one on his tail, Juan Martín Zubía hit the ball wide, dashing VS King Power’s chances of victory. Jeta took the bull by the horns and to a huge cheer from stands, he raced upfield, shook off the defence to tap the ball through the uprights and take home The King Power Gold Cup for the Dubai side, for the fifth time in the organisation’s history. The green Dubai tent on the far side of the field erupted with overjoyed family members, grooms, team supporters and friends as the victorious team raced over the be enveloped by their adoring supporters. What’s more, the Castagnola brothers also entered the record books that day, as they became the youngest brothers in history to win The Gold Cup. Polo Times, August 2019
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Reports
The King Power Gold Cup, Cowdray Park Polo Club
The victorious Dubai team
As the teams positioned themselves ready for the trophy presentation, the buzz around the crowd was one of elation, with murmurs of, “I think that’s the best polo I’ve ever seen” and “That was the Final of the 21st Century” being passed
around. Rashid Albwardy accepted The King Power Gold Cup on behalf of his Dubai team from the Director of Football at Leicester City Football Club, Jon Rudkin. Polito Pieres was named Most Valuable Player, a small consolation on his birthday
following the loss of the Final, whilst Top Srivaddhanaprabha’s pony Open Chacota was awarded the Best Playing Patron’s pony honours. Jeta Castagnola’s grey mare Rebalde was named Best Playing Pony.
Chukka Scores: 1-2, 4-3, 6-4, 6-8, 8-11, 12-12, 13-12 to Dubai
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Where: Cowdray Park Polo Club
VS King Power (22) Top Srivaddhanaprabha (0) Polito Pieres (9) Marcos Di Paola (7) Juan Martín Zubía (6)
Dubai (21) Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (6) Rashid Albwardy (1) Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola (6) Ignatius ‘Nachi’ du Plessis (8)
PATRONS
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Karl Ude Martinez & John Kent 30
Polo Times, August 2019
Open Chacota, owned and played by Top Srivaddhanaprabha
MVP Polito Pieres
BPP Rebalde, owned and played by Jeta Castagnola www.polotimes.co.uk
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OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final
Mad Dogs’ Will Emerson in action
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
HM The Queen presenting the prizes
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Youth Prevails UAE Polo secure prestigious title
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here is a saying that, “Youth lives on hope, old age on memories” and on Sunday 23 June, Lucas Monteverde Jnr’s hopes of a momentous win certainly came true and will surely provide memories for years to come. For the second year in a row, youth prevailed in The OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final; in 2018 the then 12-year-old Poroto Cambiaso became the youngest player to win the tournament, and this year 13-year-old Lucas Monteverde Jnr also added his name to Guards Polo Club’s oldest tournament. The day began with the Subsidiary Final for The Mountbatten Cup in the morning, with Andras Tombor’s Bardon against Tunde Karim’s Shoreline, which saw Bardon retain the Cup with an 8-5 win. An impressive 21 teams had entered the tournament, reputedly the UK’s leading 15 goal competition and after some fierce on field clashes, it was Mad Dogs who faced UAE Polo in the Final. Both teams were looking to add their names to the trophy for the first time and Mad Dogs had even managed to knock out the sponsor’s own OS Challengers team in the Semi Finals. Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs kept themselves in with a chance to secure the title, until the final chukka which saw UAE Polo pull away to win the match 10-7. HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who has been out injured for the UK whole season so far, and has been ably replaced by Monteverde Jnr, joined her victorious team for the presentations from HM The Queen and Haruhiko Doi and David Matsumoto of the sponsors OUT-SOURCING! Inc. After the main Final, HM The Queen enjoyed a carriage driving display from the www.polotimes.co.uk
OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final
Reports
OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup finalists
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UAE Polo (15) Lucas Monteverde Jnr (2) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (2) Tomás Panelo (5) Jacinto Crotto (6)
HM The Queen presenting the carriage driving prizes
British Driving Society and presented the championship rosettes on The Queen’s Ground. Traditionally, this is where the day reaches a natural conclusion, but this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary (1869 – 2019) of the first acknowledged game of polo in the UK, an additional match was played on the hallowed turf of The Queen’s Ground. With this important milestone in mind, Polo150 are celebrating the occasion throughout 2019 with a series of events and tournaments, including the PoloAfrica tour to the UK, which has been hosted by the UK Armed Forces Polo Association Charity (UKAFPA). This match was the fourth and final stop on PoloAfrica’s Tour and saw Spillers Polo150 secure the win, which meant the overall tour scores were diplomatically tied 2-2. With former World Boxing Champion Chris Eubank handing out the last of the prizes, the celebrations continued courtesy of OUT-SOURCING! Inc. www.polotimes.co.uk
Where: Guards Polo Club
Mad Dogs (14) Alan Fall (0) Will Emerson (5) Tommy Severn (3) James Harper (6)
MVP
Lucas Monteverde Jnr
BPP Skiff, played by James Harper
For all the social pictures from the day, please turn to our Sidelines pages Polo Times, August 2019
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The British Beach Polo Championships, Sandbanks
Action from Sandbanks
Sun Shines on Sandbanks F British Beach Polo Championships
our teams headed to Sandbanks, Poole between 12 – 13 July for the annual British Beach Polo Championships. With the sand arena in a good condition, a favourable weather forecast and record ticket sales the stage was set for an exciting weekend. The opening games on Friday saw Louisa Watt’s Conker Gin Team lose to John Cooper’s Sorted Magazine, whilst Charles Cooney had 34
Polo Times, August 2019
his Sand Polo initiation with a particularly good game. Chris Benford, playing for Hurlingham 1875, then had a nail-biter against Martin Young’s 5.6 team. With the constant pressure applied by Adolfo Casabal, 5.6 were through to the Final on Saturday 13 July. Following his recent I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here success, local resident Harry Redknapp, who had never ridden before, had a crash course from MHF Polo alongside
Nick Knowles and Rita Simons ready for an exhibition penalty shootout. Simons beat Knowles while Redknapp commentated from the sidelines. Asked for comment following the shootout he said, “I will stick to owning horses and paying people to ride them for me!” Commentator Simon Ledger, out of his usual military polo comfort zone, kept the crowd informed and amused from the commentary box throughout the weekend and on Saturday the polo started with the HAC playing the Household Cavalry. Despite being a low scoring match, it was good to see the military teams at the event supporting the chosen charity, The Household Cavalry Foundation. The third and fourth place play-off between Hurlingham 1875 and Conker was played in good spirits. The 2,500-strong crowd enjoyed the spectacle on what was the perfect South Coast beach day, with wall www.polotimes.co.uk
The British Beach Polo Championships, Sandbanks
BPP Maruja, owned and played by Bautista Funes
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Reports
Where: Sandbanks, Poole
Hurlingham 1875 (7): Chris Benfold (1), Howard Smith (3) & Hugo Taylor (3) Conker Gin (7): Louisa Watt (0), Henry Porter (4) & Charles Cooney (3) Sorted Magazine (7): John Cooper (0), Ed Banner-Eve (4) & Alec Banner-Eve (3) London European Securities 5.6 (8): Martin Young (1), Adolfo Casabal (4) & Bautista Funes (3) HAC (1): Capt. Guy Hennings Haahr (-1), CSgt Tim Johnson (1) & LCpl Julian Bickerton (1) Household Cavalry (-3): LCpl Cannon (-1), LCoH Kitchen (-1) & Tpr Gregory (-1)
Photography courtesy of Sandpolo
to wall sunshine. Chris Benford, Howard Smith and Hugo Taylor did the event and Hurlingham 1875 proud but could not match the Watt, Porter, Cooney dynamic, losing 8-5 at the final bell. Before the Final, the customary Charity Race was held between a polo pony and an Audi Q8, driven by rally driver Andy Toy. For the first time in the event’s 12 year history, the car won! With the heavily watered 40 x 80m sand arena repaired after some celebratory wheel spinning from Mr Toy, the Final was underway. John Cooper, with Alec and Ed Banner-Eve were not going to give up the title without a fight. Young’s wingmen, Casabal and Bautista Funes, did not want to let their patron, nor their manager, Flaco down. Both teams knuckled down to the job in hand. The polo was fast and accurate, and the crowd were drawn in like nothing before. A few early goals by 5.6 gave Sorted something to chase.
Celebrity riders Harry Redknapp, Rita Simons & Nick Knowles
www.polotimes.co.uk
Richard Newman
At half-time there was little in it, but the competitive nature of the teams cut in and the temperature in the arena rose. Umpire Richard Newman, supported by Howard Smith from the sideline, stood his ground and did his best to control the game, with both teams needing a small talking to from Smith at one point. Following a tense four chukkas, Cooper’s Sorted team came out the victors, 9-5 to retain the title. Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw hosted the closing After-Party that followed the Wear it Green fashion show, in which Taylor and Cooney sported the ‘sweaty polo player’ range, much to the hilarity of the spectators!
Sorted Magazine secure the title
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The Warwickshire Cup Final, Cirencester Park Polo Club
Photography by Tom Reynolds Photography
Reports
Richardson tries to push Lovelocks ahead
Emlor Strikes Again Four-time Warwickshire champions
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n a sunny Saturday afternoon in June, thousands of Gloucestershire polo fans descended on Cirencester Park Polo Club for its annual Cotswold International Polo Day. The event has become a haven for high goal excellence and international polo prowess, as the Club hosts the Final of The Warwickshire Cup, the third instalment in the UK high goal circuit, alongside a Ladies International Test Match. This year had even more charm as, in honour of Polo150, the sport’s celebration of 150 years of polo in England, a Spillers UK Armed Forces Team took to the field against a PoloAfrica team to begin proceedings. The PoloAfrica team were touring the UK throughout June, including matches at Cirencester and Guards Polo Club, showcasing the PoloAfrica programme. Based in South Africa, PoloAfrica has been running for over 10 years, existing solely to benefit economically disadvantaged individuals. Girls and boys – attending local
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Jen Liggins
reports from Gloucestershire
rural schools are identified for qualities such as commitment, diligence and attendance – are rewarded with the chance to participate in the PoloAfrica holiday and after-school programme. The lucky team who travelled to our fair isle for this year’s tour came in with a bang. The Cirencester leg of the tour saw a close fought match between the home and visiting sides, with PoloAfrica just beating their Spillers UK Armed Forces Team rivals to the punch, winning 7-6 in the final fraught moments. After this momentous and exciting first match, all eyes turned to the Ivy Lodge Ground for the high goal highlight of the
day. The Warwickshire Final was fast and fraught from the off, with Emlor fighting hard against their English Lovelocks rivals. Going into the match, spectators on the sidelines gave Lovelocks the home advantage, with three out of the four players having graced the Cirencester grounds on numerous occasions during their careers, but Emlor, with the experienced and highest rated player in the tournament, 9 goaler Agustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos, on their side, held off the home team. Emlor, having swapped standard high goal 7 goal back Fred Mannix for 6 goaler Michel Del Carril, began the match with one goal advantage. Both teams were strong going into the first minutes of play, but it was Charlie Hanbury who first found the posts to bring the teams to an even keel. The first two chukkas saw Emlor on the back foot, as the home boys notched up another two goals to bring them 3-1 ahead in the middle of the second chukka. Alfredo Bigatti was first on the charge for Emlor, expertly placing a www.polotimes.co.uk
The Warwickshire Cup Final, Cirencester Park Polo Club
Reports
“chukka four was all about Merlos, earning him The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award, as he secured two goals, putting Emlor ahead at 7-4 �
Jack Richardson and Alfredo Bigatti tussle for the line
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Polo Times, August 2019
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Reports
The Warwickshire Cup Final, Cirencester Park Polo Club
The PoloAfrica team defeat their Spiller UK Armed Forces rivals
“going into the match, spectators on the sidelines gave Lovelocks the home advantage”
Victorious Emlor lift The Warwickshire Cup
backhand in front of Agustin Merlos who tapped it through the uprights, to bring Emlor back into the game. The third chukka saw another Bigatti bonus as he evened the scoreboard for his side, causing a rousing cheer from the assembled Emlor fans in the stands. As the teams wound down to the half-time break, Merlos came into his own firing one goal straight from the throw-in and then perfectly setting up Captain Spencer McCarthy for his first goal of the match. But following one joyous moment, there always comes the opposite, as McCarthy caused a foul, leading to a converted 60 yard penalty from Lovelocks number three Jack Richardson.
Chukka four was all about Merlos, earning him The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award, as he secured two goals, putting Emlor ahead at 7-4, but Lovelocks were hot on their heels. The chukka was filled with fast and open polo, with very little whistle, ending the period with Emlor still leading, if by a narrower margin, 8-6. Now it was time for a stalemate. The fifth chukka saw slowed down play, with players sticking to each other like glue. Frustrations were starting to show as three penalties were missed, but it was Hanbury who finally broke through, with a 30 yard successful conversion, bring Lovelocks to within just one goal, 8-7. But Emlor weren’t done yet, ensuring they went into the final sixth chukka
with a 9-7 lead. Lovelocks gave it their all in the final chukka, first bringing the score to 9-8, then 10-9, after Merlos had scored the goal of the match from one end of the field to the other beforehand. The clock was ticking down, slower and slower, and as Emlor began to potentially prematurely celebrate, the whistle blew, with just five seconds on the clock. The penalty was awarded in Lovelocks’ favour, with the grandstand falling silent as Richardson rode forward to take the shot to potentially take the Final into extra time. But the pressure was just too great, as the shot went wide and Spencer McCarthy’s side victoriously rode off the field, winning The Warwickshire Cup title for the fourth time.
Chukka Scores: 1-2, 2-3, 5-4, 8-6, 9-7, 10-9 to Emlor
FINA
17 22 JU
N
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JUN
Where: Cirencester Park Polo Club
Glen Gilmore & Rupert Lewis 38
Polo Times, August 2019
Emlor (21) Spencer McCarthy (0) Alfredo Bigatti (7) Agustin Merlos (8) Michel Del Carril (6)
Lovelocks (22) Charlie Hanbury (5) Ollie Cudmore (6) Jack Richardson (6) Alec White (5)
Julian Appleby & Peter White with Tim Bown as third man & Jason Dixon supporting
MVP Agustin Merlos
BPP Durazno, owned and played by Agustin Merlos.
To read more about Durazno, please turn to our Pony Power pages www.polotimes.co.uk
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Victor Ludorum Update
Reports
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
Cortium won The Apsley Cup Final
Victor Ludorum Update Play in full swing
T
he 2019 Victor Ludorum series is well underway, with tournaments of all levels taking place across the country. With all six levels inviting a healthy collection of teams this year, there are already some front runners in each section, despite only being halfway through the UK season. In the 18 goal, with two wins to their name, Cortium are racing ahead with 170 points, whilst UAE Polo are currently leading the 15 goal leader board following their Royal Windsor win in late June. Confido are leading the charge with two wins in the 12 goal, whilst Conosco are just holding the lead in the 8 goal league. With a win to their name, CANI are leading the 6 goal ranks and finally Print on Demand and AVIAA are neck and neck in
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the 4 goal rankings, with plenty of polo still to come.
18 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Apsley Cup Final – Sunday 30 June Number of teams: Three Winners: Cortium Points: 70 The 2019 Apsley Cup was played on Sunday 30 June in celebration of Cirencester Park Polo Club’s 125th anniversary year and, as it does annually, to commemorate the ninth Earl Bathurst’s grandmother, Lady Apsley, who played a major role in re-starting the Club in 1962 after WWII. It was a close match, which
ultimately saw Adrian Kirby’s Cortium defeat Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears, 5-4. Lady Rosie Bathurst presented the prizes, generously donated by Englana, to the teams as well as The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award to Cortium’s Manuel Elizalde. Guy Schwarzenbach’s 11-year-old Australian Thoroughbred mare, Digger, was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. To read more about Digger, please turn to our Pony Power pages. The Apsley Cup Final Teams: Cortium (18): Juanchi Ambroggio (6), Manuel Elizalde (5), Adrian Kirby (1) & Min Podesta (6) Black Bears (18): Guy Schwarzenbach (2), Jack Hyde (4), Ollie Cudmore (6) & Paco O’Dwyer (6) Polo Times, August 2019
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Victor Ludorum Update
15 Goal Victor Ludorum
The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The Eduardo Moore Trophy Final – Sunday 14 July Number of teams: Eight Winners: Tempest Points: 80
Photograph courtesy of RCBPC
2019 saw eight teams compete for the coveted Eduardo Moore Trophy, which is part of the Victor Ludorum series. Three league games produced a Final between Tayto and Tempest, on the Number One Ground at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. A penalty from Mikey Henderson opened the Final to put the first goal on the board for Tayto. Tempest, now settling into the game, returned the favour with a run from Rosendo Torreguitar backed up by Jack Richardson, whose superb tail shot equalled the score to one a piece. Tempest started to turn the screw and began to put the pressure on, resulting in Tayto making some mistakes and giving away two penalties in the first chukka, to which no mistake was made by Richardson, who found the goal posts on both occasions closing the chukka three goals to Tayto’s one. Play continued into the second chukka with possession equal on both sides, however Tayto finished the chukka 5-2 in Tempest’s favour, leaving them with three goals to find heading into the third. The third chukka started much the same way as the first, with a penalty, but this time to Tempest. Richardson, who’s aim seemed faultless slammed the ball across the back line putting Tayto on the back foot leaving them with the task to make back the four goal deficit. Tayto, down but not beaten, replied with a goal from Martin Rodriguez, breaking through from the backdoor to even the playing field. Possession was back with Tayto as this time Will Lucas stole the ball
Tempest secure The Eduardo Moore Trophy
from Gustav Rausing, on a smart little black pony, he turned the play back to attack, demonstrating his years of experience, as he converted his efforts to another goal for Tayto finishing the third chukka 4 goals to Tempest’s 6. Play resumed after half-time with everything still to play for, both teams rejuvenated and back on the field. Tayto’s Henderson quickly broke away from the line-out only to end with disappointment as the ball just skimmed past the post wide. This was not to be Tayto’s chukka as the polo gods did not seem to be on their side. Whilst every effort was made to capitalise on their possession, their three goal attempts just could not find the flags. Tempest replied every time and make no mistake taking the first two goals of the chukka giving them back their four goal advantage. As the end of the chukka drew near, Henderson lifted
their spirits as he whipped down the boards on a super-fast pony to end their bad luck bringing the score back 8-5 to Tempest. The last chukka, for all Tayto’s hard work, saw the supreme team work from Tempest shine through. Even though Tayto gained another goal there was just not enough time and Tempest ran out the winners 8-6 as the final bell rung. Jack Richardson was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours, whilst his pony Kiwi, a 10-year-old English Thoroughbred, was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. The Eduardo Moore Trophy Final Teams: Tempest (15): Gustav Rausing (0), Rosendo Torreguitar (3), Jack Richardson (7) & Ryan Pemble (5) Tayto (15): Mikey Henderson (4), Max Hutchinson (3), Will Lucas (4) & Martin Rodriguez (4)
12 Goal Victor Ludorum
Beaufort Polo Club – The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cup Final – Sunday 30 June Number of teams: Three Winners: Noon Giraffe Points: 60
Photograph by J Ridley Art & Photography
Noon Giraffe win the 12 goal Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales
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Polo Times, August 2019
Under the scorching sun and with temperatures reaching 30 degrees on Sunday 30 June, spectators came out in force to watch the last two thrilling matches in the Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cup, the Final and Subsidiary Final. The matches were accompanied by a fleet of stunning Rolls Royce’s lined up on the bank overlooking the near perfect No.1 Swinhay Ground thanks to the Heads Groundsman’s hard work. In the Final, Confido and Noon Giraffe went head-to-head in what proved to be a very ferocious and competitive match. Noon Giraffe dominated the first three www.polotimes.co.uk
Victor Ludorum Update chukkas, scoring one goal in each chukka and making it very difficult for Confido to score. Confido showed some promising play with Shaun Brokensha sending the ball down the field which was smoothly picked up by Mark Tomlinson, who with very little room to spare, passed the ball on to Nina Clarkin who desperately tried to finish the play with a goal and attempted it on a very sharp angle. However, despite her best efforts the ball hit the post. At the start of the third chukka spectators were sat waiting on the edge of their seats with anticipation as Brokensha had an impromptu dismount leading to the paramedic zooming across the field with the Mini ambulance. After a tense few minutes Brokensha stood up and made his way to the side of the field
Shortly after the Final, with a quick change of ponies for the umpires and the sun still scorching high in the sky, Coppid Owls took on Justerini & Brooks in what again proved to be a fast paced and exciting match. Despite Justerini & Brooks’ best efforts Coppid Owls were just a stride ahead from the start ensuring their win of the Subsidiary Final with a final score of 5-4. The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cup Final Teams: Noon Giraffe (12): Chris Fagan (0), Tommy Severn (3), Cacu Araya (6) & Martin ffrench-Blake (3) Confido (12): Nina Clarkin (3), Creighton Boyd (0), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Shaun Brokensha (3)
where most thought he would retire for the rest of the game, but instead showed true determination by getting back on his pony and finished the game. In the fourth and final chukka, Confido finally opened their account, however being so late on in the match and Noon Giraffe being already so far ahead it would prove too difficult for Confido to catch up. With Noon Giraffe’s claim on a win almost confirmed, the last chukka saw them score a goal early on and then with only 14 seconds to spare the ball was sent down to their end of the field, where Tommy Severn followed it through, scoring their last goal. With a final score of 5-1, Noon Giraffe took home the 2019 Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cup honours.
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
Hascombe Stud win The St. James’s Place Queen Mother Trophy
Cirencester Park Polo Club – The St. James’s Place Queen Mother Trophy Final – Saturday 13 July Number of teams: Six Winners: Hascombe Stud Points: 80 Six strong teams had played a pretty intense fortnight to get to The St. James’s Place Queen Mother Trophy Final. It is a busy time of year with a lot of competition for www.polotimes.co.uk
tournaments, so the scheduling was played over a relatively short amount of time. Finalists Hascombe Stud had won two out of three games, the two wins with eight goals apiece and their opponents Confido had also won two out of three. The teams were incredibly evenly matched on paper and the first chukka was goalless, as the youthful vigour of Confido’s team mates fought the experience of Hascombe Stud, with veteran professional
Reports
Will Lucas in the driving seat. The second chukka saw the first goal, prophetically as it turned out, go to Hascombe Stud – it was Tom Beim who found the posts. Despite some very quick plays by Mark Tomlinson, Beim scored again, this time a 30 yard penalty, following some superb team play. Confido had chances in the third, but things just didn’t go their way. A 60 yard penalty in their favour went wide and further attacks on goal just kept missing the posts. Half a chukka went by before a goal was scored to Hascombe Stud, widening the deficit to 3-0. Finally, Confido slotted one in, thanks to Tomlinson converting a penalty and a flashy cut shot from Hascombe just went wide to end the chukka. The fourth chukka saw a sterling comeback from Confido – who were still being dogged by bad luck, with balls bouncing and things just not working for them – but Shaun Brokensha converted a 30, bringing the gap down to 3-2. Henderson scored an impressive tail backhand into the goal with two minutes to go, making it 4-2 to Hascombe. Things were looking decidedly dodgy for Confido now, but they kept fighting, with Tomlinson scoring once more with a minute to go, 4-3. Confido maintained the attack and with a few more minutes would almost certainly have levelled the scores, but the clock ran down as they ran to goal – Hascombe Stud saved by the bell. The Subsidiary Final was won by White Crane who beat Noon Giraffe by 5-4. The St. James’s Place Queen Mother Trophy Final Teams: Hascombe Stud (12): Arabella Oppenheimer (0), Mikey Henderson (4), Tom Beim (4) & Will Lucas (4) Confido (12): Creighton Boyd (0), Shaun Brokensha (3), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Nina Clarkin (3)
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Victor Ludorum Update
8 Goal Victor Ludorum Guards Polo Club – The Hildon Archie David Final – Sunday 30 June Number of teams – 28 Winners – Conosco Points – 110
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Jeremy Pemberton’s Conosco added their name to The Hildon Archie David Cup for the first time on Sunday 30 June after a close match against Charlie Wooldridge’s Twelve Oaks on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club. It was The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Will Emerson, who delivered Conosco’s victory in the final moments of the match. He produced a lofty shot to goal to ensure Conosco won this Final, 4-3. Will Emerson also received the Best Playing Pony prize from Simon Prosser, Sales and Marketing Director for Hildon, for Lotus, his gelding that he’d played in the second chukka. With 28 teams having entered the UK’s leading 8 goal tournament, this Final was always going to be close. The first half was a wonderful display of open polo, with the umpires’ whistles rarely used. Will Harper did a great job in defence for Conosco and they were 2-0 up at half-time. The umpires were kept busier in the second half, but some strong play from Twelve Oaks’ Ed BannerEve brought Wooldridge’s team back into contention in the final two chukkas, with
Conosco reign supreme at Guards
Wooldridge himself levelling the score with only a minute left. However, Emerson’s great goal then settled this game once and for all in favour on Conosco. Earlier in the day Stefan Sund’s Previse won the Subsidiary Final Caterham Cup. They defeated Matt Green-Armytage’s Saracen’s team 7-5 in another strong game,
played on The Duke’s Ground. The Hildon Archie David Final Teams: Conosco (8): Jeremy Pemberton (0), Antonio Heguy (1), Will Harper (2) & Will Emerson (5) Twelve Oaks (8): James Mann (1), Charlie Wooldridge (2), Charles Cooney (2) & Ed Banner-Eve (3)
On Sunday 30 June, the Final of The Westerby Assam Cup 2019 was held at Rutland Polo Club. The Final was a fast and furious match between Summit and 3 Oceans Specsavers, following the culmination of a tournament which had seen both teams dominate their league matches to reach the Final. The Final was a really tight affair from the start with both teams setting the tone and their desire to win this most coveted Westerby Assam Cup. As each chukka progressed, the combinations of Charlie Walton and Ben Malasomma for 3 Oceans Specsavers pitted their abilities against a strong combination of Gonzalo Santamarina and Bautista Funes for Summit. Both teams scored an array of magnificent field goals and penalties, coupled with the great interplay from the two sides and certainly the Summit combination played well above their respective handicaps. In the fourth chukka, the scores were tied at 7-7 in the closing minute and both teams worked hard to gain an advantage, which resulted in a penalty 5B being awarded to Summit with a five second
rule. Funes launched a huge shot towards goal, which landed close to the goal line with Santamarina thinking he had scored, but the whistle had blown for chukka. The teams returned to the field for a fifth chukka and the throw-in, 15 yards from the 3 Oceans goal. Umpire Tristan Pemble threw the ball in and Walton made a break to the boards accompanied by Santamarina. The ball ended up in open play and saw Alex Yeo do a tasty open backhand flick over the majority of players, landing in the path of Funes who secured the victory for Summit. Charlie Walton was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, whilst his pony Mananita was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony honours. The Westerby Assam Cup Final Teams: Summit (4): Alex Yeo (-1), Hedley Aylott (1), Bautista Funes (2) & Gonzalo Santamarina (1) 3 Oceans Specsavers (4): Guido Basile (-1), Timothy Rose (0), Ben Malasomma (2) & Charlie Walton (3)
4 Goal Victor Ludorum Rutland Polo Club – The Westerby Assam Cup Final – Sunday 30 June Number of teams: Six Winners: Summit Points: 70
Photograph by John Rowley Photography
To read more about Mananita please turn to our Pony Power pages.
The Westerby Assam Cup Winners
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Victor Ludorum Update
Reports
Silver Leys Polo Club – The Silver Leys 4 Goal Final – Sunday 7 July Number of teams: Seven Winners: Truth Points: 70 Photograph courtesy of Silver Leys Polo Club
Silver Leys Polo Club, just outside Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, has been spending the season celebrating their 125th Anniversary. Six teams assembled for The 4 Goal Victor Ludorum challenge with great excitement as the regular 0-2 goal teams that call Silver Leys ‘home’ got in a bit of extra fire-power and came out fighting. The stage was set for some fiery rivalries with brothers on opposite teams (Banner-Eves included), visiting pros turning up the heat and excited amateurs stretching out and pushing themselves on Silver Leys Ground One. Thursday, Friday and Saturday saw the Qualifiers play host to aggressive tussling for a space in the Final. Home teams Innventure (Nick Gerard, Holly Butler, Lachie Gilmore & Phil Seller) and Parfums de Marly (Sam Wisbey, Hammad Malik, Fabio Lavinia & Alec Banner-Eve) stacked the goals onto the scoreboard to win their first round games against Vendetta (Marco Vignali, Andy Cork, Marcus Cork & Jimmy Woods) and Delta (Tony Finch, Charlie Knott, Will Almond & James Wayland) respectively on Thursday. Friday saw the first game for Dogwood (John Cooper, Evan Power, James Mann & Ed Banner-Eve) shape up into a battle of the brothers, as Alec and Ed Banner-Eve let the family rivalry turn up the pace. The scoreboard read 8-7 to Parfums de Marly as the final bell sounded, but the spectators were left hanging onto every play throughout the game. Following the drama of the midday game, Innventure met
Truth win The Silver Leys 4 Goal
their match in the form of the Truth team (Ruth Leland, Tom Leland, David BannerEve & Miguel Ayala). The Truth team stole the Innventure lead and sent them into the Subsidiary Final. Saturday’s final round of Qualifiers saw the Delta team suffer another loss against the fierce combination in the Dogwood team. Vendetta faced up to the mighty Truth, fresh from their win on Friday evening. Despite some incredible runs from Andy Cork, some frustrating missed opportunities eventually meant the Truth team came out victorious by 3-2. As Finals day dawned, the Truth team faced Parfums de Marly for the silverware. Parfums de Marly was joined by Ed BannerEve, who subbed in for Lavinia - the team squared up to the Truth team. Needless to say, the match was fast, furious and fuelled by no small amount of passion. Whilst the pros battled it out and Ayala teased BannerEve and vice versa, Tom Leland came out and stole the show. With Leland sprinting
Victrix Ludorum Ladies polo is on the rise and this year’s 18 goal Victrix Ludorum has seen some of the best female players from across the globe gather on British turf to battle for the Victrix Ludorum honours.
Cambridge County Polo Club – The Cavendish Cup Final – Sunday 23 June Number of teams: Four Winners: Abbotts Hall Points: 45 On Sunday 23 June all eyes turned to Cambridge County Polo Club for the first Final of the 2019 Victrix Ludorum Series. The day was exceedingly well attended, with The Atlantic Cup taking place alongside the Ladies’ Final. Following a very close match, which saw both teams in with a chance
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of taking the initial 2019 honours, it was Abbotts Hall who ultimately defeated rivals Tarantula. In the Subsidiary Final, Access Bank ran out the winners against Zhivago. Edward Keymer from Keymar Cavendish Ltd presented the teams with their prizes. The Cavendish Cup Final Teams: Abbotts Hall (17): Sarah Wiseman (7), Katy Jordan (1), Lottie Lamacraft (6) & Holly Butler (3) Tarantula (18): Celine Lawrence (2), Farida Rosso (5), Rosie Ross (6) & Heloise Wilson-Smith (5)
up the field, the brothers playing their usual tricks and fierce play from young gun Sam Wisbey, the score at the end of the fourth was a dead heat, 6-6. As the players rolled out for the extra chukka there was intense excitement in the assembled crowds. The battle commenced and after seven heart-pumping minutes, the scoreboard laid in Truth’s favour, 7-6. The Subsidiary Finals saw Innventure pull a third place with victory over Dogwood and Vendetta secure fifth place against Delta. Club sponsors, Parfums de Marly, were on hand to present the prizes and Tom Leland walked away with a well deserved Most Valuable Player prize for his performance in the winning Truth team. The Silver Leys 4 Goal Final Teams: Truth (4): Ruth Leland (-1), Tom Leland (0), David Banner-Eve (1) & Miguel Ayala (4) Parfums de Marly (4): Sam Wisbey (-1), Hammad Malik (0), Fabio Lavinia (3) & Alec Banner-Eve (2)
Knepp Castle Polo Club – The International Ladies Tournament Final – 7 July Number of teams: Four Winners: Tarantula Points: 55 On Sunday 7 July, Knepp Castle Polo Club hosted their leg of the 2019 Victrix Ludorum Tour, The International Ladies Tournament. In the 18 goal Final, Tarantula defeated La Rosada 8-3. The International Ladies Tournament 18 Goal Final Teams: La Rosada (18): Sam Buckles (4), Sarah Hughes (4), Steph Haverhals (4) & Bryony Taylor (6) Tarantula (18): Celine Lawrence (2), Jess Andrews (5), Heloise Wilson-Smith (5), & Rosie Ross (6)
Polo Times, August 2019
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
This year’s season started at the end of July at Argentario Polo Club, in Italy, with the 6-10 goal Silver Cup, which will be followed by their 6-10 goal XXXII Coppa d’Oro Monte Argentario the following week. During this tournament, a charity dinner will be held on Friday 26 July in support of La Farfalla Association. For more information about the Club’s upcoming fixtures, please visit the Club’s website.
Beaufort Polo Club
On Sunday 14 July, Smiths defeated R&R 6½-4 in the Final of The Novices Cup Tournament. The Novices Cup Final Teams: Smiths (2): Lisa Smith (-2), Freddie Meade (1), Mark Baldwin (3) & Peter Baldwin (0) R&R (3): Amy Nizolek (-1), Olivia Lamphee (0), Ollie Jones (3) & Caspar West (1)
In the Independence Cup, which took place on Wednesday 3 July to mark America’s Independence Day the following day, Piocho Rancho defeated Flexjet and Los Amigos Red. The Cup was played for in a nine chukka round-robin format. Macumba, a 13-year-old grey mare played and owned by Brian Boyd was named The American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony, whilst Nacho Figueras was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours. In the Final of the sixth annual Craig Sakin Memorial Tournament, Los Amigos Red defeated Piocho Ranch 16-14 to win the five team competition, in one of the highest scoring games in the Club’s history. Nacho Novillo Astrada was named the Most Valuable Player, whilst 10-year-old chestnut mare Milonga, owned and played by Tom Barrack in the fifth chukka was named American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. On Sunday 21 July, La Karina took home the victory in the Final of the 20 goal USPA North American Cup at Aspen Valley Polo Club. It was a very exciting match, in which La Karina secured a 15-12 victory against McClure River Ranch. Sebastian Merlos was named Most Valuable Player whilst Linador, an 11-year-old gelding owned by Stewart Armstrong was named Best Playing Pony. Rumba, a seven-year-old mare owned
Piocho Ranch won The Independence Cup
and played by Merlos was selected as the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. The Craig Sakin Memorial Tournament Final Teams: Los Amigos Red: Hilario Figueras, Lucas Lalor, Nacho Novillo Astrada & Paul Foster Piocho Ranch: Grant Ganzi, Salvador Ulloa, Nacho Figueras & Tom Barrack The USPA North American Cup Final Teams: La Karina (18): Brian Boyd (0), Carlitos Gracida (4), Sebastian Merlos (8) & Kris Kampsen (6) McClure River Ranch (20): Hilario Figueras (3), Pablo Spinacci (6), Nic Roldan (8) & Stewart Armstrong (3)
Binfield Heath Polo Club
In the Final of The Mixed Tournament on Sunday 7 July, Frogmore defeated Pharma Finance 10-1½. Diego Vila was named Most Valuable Player and Porchie, owned by Katie McDonald received the Best Playing Pony honours.
Photograph courtesy of Binfield Heath Polo Club
Smiths defeat R&R to win The Novices Cup
Aspen Valley Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club
Argentario Polo Club
Club Focus
Frogmore receive The Mixed Tournament Final honours
Cirencester Park Polo Club
The Town Cup Final Teams: Strategic Help for Heroes (10): Peter O’Rorke (0), Nina Clarkin (3), Henry Fisher (4) & Matt Evetts (3) Los Chinos (10): Alison Clark (1), Ed Walker (1), Tom Beim (4) & Ollie Cudmore (6) www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph courtesy of Barrington Ayre
British Polo Gin and The Polo Pub, Foston’s Ash have teamed up with Cirencester Park Polo Club sponsor and town tailor Barrington Ayre to launch two new cocktails including The Barrington Ayre Sour. The cocktail will be available at the Clubhouse bar during the season. In the Final of The Town Cup on Saturday 20 July, Strategic Help for Heroes secured the win 5-4 against Los Chinos.
British Polo Gin and Cirencester Park sponsor Barrington Ayre have teamed up
Polo Times, August 2019
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club de Polo Cowdray Ampurdan Park Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Club de Polo Ampurdan
The Benson Cup Final Teams: Maiz Dulce (8): Millie Barfoot (0), Will Harper (2), John Martin (2) & Pedro Harrison (4) Bamboleo/Madams Farm (8): Will Millard (0), Christian Staubach (0), Nick Johnson (3) & Glenn Sherriff (5) Loads of polo has been played in June at Club de Polo Ampurdan
Maiz Dulce victorious in The Benson Cup Final
The 1921 Cup Final Teams: Maiz Dulce (8): Millie Barfoot (0), Will Harper (2), John Martin (2) & Pedro Harrison (4) Great Trippetts Farm (8): Clare MilfordHaven (0), Lachie Gilmore (2), Daniel Batchelor (1) & Bautista Sorzana (5)
Druids Lodge Polo Club
Edgeworth Polo Club
Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
Photograph courtesy of Edgeworth Polo Club
Between 15 – 16 June, The III Flower Cup took place at Club de Polo Ampurdan. San Marco Polo Team defeated their rivals to take home the title. Between 22 – 23 June, Puebla Polo Team proved their mettle winning The IV San Juan Cup 2019. More polo continues this summer.
Photograph by Mark Beaumont
In the Final of The Benson Cup on Sunday 30 June, Maiz Dulce defeated Bamboleo/ Madams Farm 10-6. Peter Barfoot was on hand to receive the trophy with his team. Ellie, played by Pedro Harrison was named Best Playing Pony. On Saturday 20 July, Maiz Dulce took home The 1921 Cup with a 7-3 win over Great Trippetts Farm.
Previse/Cuervo Negro take home The Balaclava Trophy
R&R win The Polo Magazine Cup
On 7 July The Polo Magazine Cup came to an end at Edgeworth Polo Club. Three teams made it through to a round-robin Final, R&R, WaND and Taylor Black. Following some hotly contested chukkas, R&R rode out the victors and were awarded prizes from The Polo Magazine and British Polo Gin. The Polo Magazine Cup Final Teams: R&R (2): Ollie Jones (3), George Fox (1), Robbie Slatter (-1) & Amy Nizolek (-1) Taylor Black (1): Jono Smail (3), Jacob Kirby (0), Ollie Taylor (-1) & Jules Davenport (-1) WaND (1): Missy Browne (0), Zane Browne (1), John Corbett (0) & Eddie Nelson (-1) 48
Polo Times, August 2019
Druids Lodge Polo Club welcomed recordbreaking crowds to this year’s Balaclava Picnic Polo Day. The day consisted of three matches, with the first highlighting military polo prowess. Please turn to our Military polo pages for more news from The Sassoon Cup. In the big Final of the day, The Balaclava Trophy Final, the evenly matched Previse/ Cuervo Negro came up against Balaclava for the title. Despite Balaclava finding the scoreboard first, Previse/Cuervo Negro took the lead in second chukka, holding it until the end to win 10-7. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony award was presented to Shuttle, owned and played by Dave Allen, whilst The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours went to Will Emerson. To read more about Shuttle, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
In other news, following the overwhelming popularity of last year’s event, Druids Lodge will be hosting the Charity Polo Match in aid of Cancer Research UK again this September. Last year the Club raised £3,000 with over 200 in attendance, with hopes of exceeding both these targets this year. The event will take place on Sunday 1 September, with tickets beginning at £10 per person. The Balaclava Trophy Final Teams: Previse/Cuervo Negro (8): Julian Drake (0), Stefan Sund (0), Adolfo Casabal (3) & Will Emerson (5) Balaclava (8): Piers Heelis (0), Dominic Lodge (2), Steview McCraith (2) & Dave Allen (4) www.polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Emsworth Polo Grounds On Saturday 20 July, The Emsworth Gold Cup Final saw Four Quarters Black secure the win with a 5-3 victory over Taittinger. The Emsworth Gold Cup Final Teams: Four Quarters Black (12): Romilla Arber (0), Hugo Taylor (2), Antonino Menard (4) & Max Charlton (6) Taittinger (12): George Cadogan (0), Charlie Cadogan (1), Will Emerson (5) & Luke Tomlinson (6) Four Quarters Black, winners of The Emsworth Gold Cup Final
Photograph courtesy of Emsworth Polo Grounds
The 25 One Hundred League, which began on 23 May, finally came to an end on Thursday 18 July at Emsworth Polo Grounds. This tournament saw a special format with teams composed of two patrons (or at least amateurs) and two professionals, with the patrons only being marked by patrons and the same for the professionals. Eight 10 goal teams took part, with Honesty (Romilla Arber (0), Yolanda Arber (-2), Ignacio Negri (6) & Max Charlton (6)) claiming the overall title.
Guards Polo Club What’s more, the Club has also announced that Smart Works Reading, a leading women’s charity, will be the Official Charity Partner of The Ladies’ Charity Polo Day in 2019, which will include the Final of The Lord Patrick Beresford Cup on Saturday 31 August. On Sunday 7 July, Four Quarters Orange defeated OS Challengers 8-7 in the Final of The Coworth Park Challenge Trophy at Coworth Park. In the Subsidiary Final, El Rosario defeated Twelve Oaks Emlor 10-7. On Sunday 14 July, in the Final of The Phoenician Cup, Mad Dogs defeated BHC 6-3. Pedro Harrison was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, whilst his pony Ellie was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, Previse defeated Leander 7-5½. In other news over the weekend, Fifth Chukker-Access Bank were victorious in The Access Bank Cup, with over 800 guests enjoying hospitality and raising a handsome sum for charity. On Saturday 20 July, the Final of The Indian Empire Shield was played between Bardon and UAE Polo at Guards Polo Club. The prestigious 18 goal tournament was narrowly secured by Bardon who defeated UAE Polo 7½-7. Emlor defeated Kildare 11-6 in the Subsidiary Final.
The Indian Empire Shield Final Teams: Bardon (18): Alfredo Bigatti (7), Andras Tombor (0), Santiago Laborde (6) & Matías Machado (5) UAE Polo (19): Santiago Toccalino (8), HH Sheikha Maitha M Rashid Al Maktoum (0), Jacinto Crotto (6) & Benjamín Panelo (5)
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The Coworth Park Challenge Trophy Final Teams: Four Quarters Orange (15): Jack Hyde (4), Simon Arber (0), Juan Ambroggio (6) & Tom Morley (5) OS Challengers (16): James Emlyn (2), Nicolas Antinori (5), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Nina Clarkin (3) The Phoenician Cup Final Teams: Mad Dogs (12): Alan Fall (0), José Ramon Araya (3), Pedro Harrison (4) & Will Emerson (5) BHC (12): Momin Sheikh (0), George Meyrick (6), Ed Banner-Eve (3) & Henry Porter (3) Pedro Harrison wins The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player
Greenwich Polo Club
www.polotimes.co.uk
The Monty Waterbury Cup Final Teams: The Island House (16): Peter Holowesko (0), Santino Magrini (4), Toro Ruiz (7) & Peke González (5) Reelay (15): Will Tomita (0), Nicolás Díaz Alberdi (1), Mariano González (7) & Matías Magrini (7)
Photograph by Peter Michaelis
On Friday 5 July, The Monty Waterbury Cup came to an end at Greenwich Polo Club. Out of the six 16 goal teams who took part, it was Island House who were the winners after defeating Reelay 12-10 in the Final. Peke Gonzalez was named Most Valuable Player, the Best Playing Pony was Caña Fly, played by Torito Ruiz and Peter Holowesko received the Fair Play Award.
Island House, winners of The Monty Waterbury Cup
Polo Times, August 2019
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Longdole Polo Club Polo Club Gstaad
Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Gstaad
The 2019 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad teams were presented in late June
In the last week of June, Polo Club Gstaad held a press evening to formally present the teams for the 2019 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. The tournament will be played between 22 – 25 August in Switzerland. This year’s teams will be sponsored by Hublot, Banque Eric Sturdza, Gstaad Palace and Clinique La Prairie. Longdole Polo Club hosted The John Lucas Trophy on 5 July
Longdole Polo Club held The John Lucas Trophy on 5 July on the Prince of Wales ground, which saw Australia come up against England. Both teams fought strongly, but England came back in the third chukka with several goals to go 7-5 ahead. In one final push, England defeated their Australian rivals 9-5. Stirling McGregor was named Most Valuable Player, receiving a limited edition Polo150 ball as his prize, whilst Heaven Skin kindly donated the rest of the prizes.
Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly
Polo Times, August 2019
Polo de Paris The Final of the 125th Open de Paris was held on Sunday 30 June, at Polo de Paris. Sainte Mesme faced Red Falcon in the Final, and despite their best effort Red Falcon failed to get ahead of Sainte Mesme, who retained the title for another year with a final score of 13-5. Prada, played by Robert Strom, was named Best Playing Pony.
The 125th Open de Paris Final Teams: Sainte Mesme (10): Sainte Mesme, winners of the 125th Open Birger Ström (0), Robert Ström (5), de Paris Gregorio Gelosi (4) & Charlie Tighe (1) Red Falcon (10): Laurent Dassault (0), Lucas Nottin (2), Ramiro Zavaleta (4) & Matthieu Delfosse (4) www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph by RB Presse
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Photograph by RB Press/Pascal Renauldon
The last weekend of June was a busy time for Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly as three tournaments came to an end. In the Charity Cup Final, Cavok defeated Los Nocheros 10-9 with Brieuc Rigaux named the Most Valuable Professional Player, Phillipp de Groot named the Most Valuable Amateur Player and Irenita Galan chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Meanwhile, in the Final of The Trophee Action from The Charity Cup De La Haute Pommeray, Mungo secured a convincing 9-1 victory over Jivaro Horse Hedge, with Brieuc Rigaux once again receiving the Most Valuable Professional Player award. Sebastian Sorbac was named the Most Valuable Amateur Player and Mensana received the Best Playing Pony honour. Additionally, French kiss defeated Las Hermanitas in the 0-4 Goales Coupe des Archanges Final; Julien Reynes named the Most Valuable Professional Player, Elena Venot named the Most Valuable Amateur Player and Chiquilina was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.
Sunday 21 July saw an intense day of game play at Polo Club Saint-Tropez, with five Open de Gassin matches taking place. In the 15 goal, Chateau D’Aulne/ Twenty 20 defeated Hadoro VAS 11½-8, Amanara defeated Antelope 8-6 and Marquard Media took home a 10-6 win against ALFI Investments/Power Infrastructure. In the 10 goal Play is underway in the hotly contested 15 and 10 goal Open de Gassin category, VT Wealth Management defeated Evviva Saint Moritz 8-5 and Saint Tropez defeated Dark Ice 10½-10. 12 teams are taking part in the tournament and have been divided into two categories, 10 and 15 goal. The tournament will conclude on Sunday 28 July, as we go to press.
Photograph by Matias Calejo
The John Lucas Trophy Final Teams: England: Stuart Lodge, Patrick Lodge, Tommy Severn & Oscar Luard Australia: Stirling McGregor, Monty McGregor, Dominic Lodge & Ollie Severn
Polo Club SaintTropez
What about playing polo in Switzerland ?
Learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments Polo Park and Country Club Zürich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland. Open from April until October. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. More than 10 tournaments each season. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.
August 23-25: Swiss Low Goal Championship August 31-sept 1: San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup september 7-8: Vecinos Cup september 21-22: Patrons Cup
Polo Park & Country Club Zürich - info@polopark.ch - Join us on Facebook : Polo Park Zürich - www.polopark.ch
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Villa A Sesta Polo Club
Amadeus, winners of The Kings Polo Master The Roude Leiw Polo Club International Cup winners
The Roude Leiw Polo Club International Cup 2019 took place during the first weekend of July. Crowds of spectators and VIP guests enjoyed a three day feast of polo, parties and entertainment at one of Luxembourg’s largest polo events. With 26 players representing 10 nations, four teams playing out six polo matches over the weekend, everyone had a taste of competitive sportsmanship and high class hospitality. The tournament was won by host polo team, Roude Leiw Polo Team who defeated CapitalatWork Polo Team in the Final. ProCarLease Polo Team took the third place with a team of two mothers and their two sons and fourth on the list was Heritage Property Group Polo Team. Ignacio Fernandez Llorente was on hand as umpire. The Roude Leiw Polo Club International Club Final Teams: Roude Leiw Polo Team: Alexander Rudolf (Captain), Leopold Ludorf, Daniel Hauss & Clothilde Ludorf. Reserve: Maggie Wink CapitalatWork Polo Team: Colm Smith (Captain), Brad Rainford-Blackett, Svetlana Silvane & Lukas Condomi-Alcorta
Stewarton Polo Club Between 3 – 4 August, Stewarton Polo Club will be hosting their biggest tournament of the year, The Dodson & Horrell Polo Championship. Spectators and picnics are welcome, so please email the Club for more information.
Photograph courtesy of Suffolk Polo Club
Suffolk Polo Club hosted its annual Charity Day
6 – 7 July saw the return of our ever-popular annual Charity Day at Suffolk Polo Club. This year the Club extended the polo to a two 54
Polo Times, August 2019
day event attended by Hare Park, Mansfield Advisors, Cambridge Neurotech and Baileys Horse Feeds Team. The Sunday concluded the polo with Cambridge Neurotech coming out the winners and also featured a display from Newmarket Gymnastics Club, the ever-popular fun dog show, followed by both a kids and adults gymkhana! Congratulations also go to Victor Chua and Dan Parker’s pony Misty for winning The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug respectively. A huge amount of money was raised for the dedicated charities thanks to the weather and the hard work of the Club members. To read more about Misty, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
The Kings Polo Master came to an end on Saturday 29 June at the Tuscany-based Club. From the six teams entered in the tournament, in the end it was Amadeus who defeated Mangroovi 9-8 in an extra chukka golden goal. Bautista Bayugar was named Most Valuable Player and Chango, played by Santiago Marambio was the Best Playing Pony. The Kings Polo Master Final Teams: Mangroovy (15): Segundo Condesse (3), Mohamed Elsewedy (1), Marcelo Pascual (5) & Frankie Menéndez (6) Amadeus (15): Koko Kofler (0), Robert Kofler (1), Santiago Marambio (6) & Bautista Bayugar (8)
White Waltham Polo Club Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club
Suffolk Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Villa A Sesta Polo Club
Photograph by Maggie Winiarczyk
Roude Leiw Polo Club
The victorious Mount Loftus team
On Sunday 30 June, White Waltham Polo Club celebrated Canada Day with the Final of The Canada Bear Trophy. Mount Loftus (Sophie Morrison, Emily Puddifer, Georgina Brittain & Sebastian Alexandra) gained the initial lead against Maple Leafs, holding it throughout to end victorious. Following the presentation, players and spectators enjoyed a BBQ. www.polotimes.co.uk
International & Home
5 minutes with…
as I feel I learn so much from it. I’m pretty new to ladies though and I have to say I’m having a great time! It’s so competitive and really pushes me to be a better player. Lots of great friends made and beautiful clubs visited.
Alice Servaes Ladies Handicap: 4 Mixed Handicap: 1 How did your polo career start? My polo career started when I was at the Royal Agricultural College. I always wanted to have a go at polo but there was nowhere near home and so I never had a chance. I worked on my gap year as a groom in Australia so I was desperate to try it myself by the time I got back. I think after reading Jilly Cooper most people want to try polo! What’s your greatest achievement to date? My greatest achievement to date would be playing for England of course! And also playing in the mixed 18 goal at the beginning of the season in Black Bears’ Oxfordshire Cup. We won the Subsidiary Final. Also selling some ponies into the high goal and watching them play with 8 goal players. What’s your greatest ambition? My greatest ambition is to be as good as I can. I still feel I have a long way to go. I’d like to play The Ladies Open in Argentina with a good competitive team. I’d also love to play more high level mixed polo. It’d also be a dream to play ponies that we’ve produced at home at a high level
Ladies Polo Foundation
and to see them winning and end up in the high goal. Which lady players do you admire? Why? The ladies players I admire the most have to be Nina [Clarkin], Lía [Salvo] and Hazel [Jackson-Gaona]. They are so strong and intelligent on the field. Each have different strengths but wow they’re good! It’s a really good learning experience playing with or against them. What’s your favourite tournament/ Club? My favourite tournament would have to be the young horse tournament they play in the autumn season in Polo One in Pilar, Argentina. All the pros have to play their young ponies in their first season of polo. It’s great to see the future super stars coming through. My favourite clubs are Black Bears as it’s beautiful and the fields are awesome; in Argentina it’s got to be Polo One and obviously Palermo. I also have lots of love for our home Club in Suffolk. Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Personally, I love mixed polo the most
Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I think the only changes I would like to see in polo at the moment would be the umpiring. It’s very difficult to find top umpires out of the high goal. There are definitely some that are better than others. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? My fantasy team would be me, Pelón Sterling, Ale Muzzio and Juan Martín Nero. They are players I love to watch. They are great horsemen and have a great style. Obviously, I love playing with my boyfriend Coco Mahe (he’s a great 2 goaler) and my sister Becky and mum Harriet, but if it’s a fantasy team... “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? I couldn’t have done it without my amazing ponies and the support I get from my family and friends. Coco is amazing and coaches and pushes me to improve all the time. We have a great team of grooms and they’re really doing an exceptional job this season.
Zurich Ladies Polo Cup
Photograph courtesy of Lupe Aizaga/ Polo Park Zurich
The support for ladies polo continues to grow, with the launch of the Ladies Polo Foundation (LPF), which has been formed by six lady players all committed to supporting the growth of women’s polo, and especially the coaching of younger British players. Dodson & Horrell have increased their support of women’s polo, committing to support the LPF. Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell commented, “We are passionate about offering our support to foundations like this and are pleased to be able to help talented polo players gain the right training and opportunities. We look forward to seeing the foundation progress over the next year and hope that it encourages more to take up the sport.”
Women’s Polo
Seven teams took part in this year’s competition, split over high and low goal leagues
After fierce competition from the teams, on Sunday 7 July Villa Honegg (Lía Salvo, Pauline Schaer, Runa Kawamoto & Leah Kawamoto) emerged as the overall winners of the 2019 Zurich International Ladies Polo Cup high goal league at Polo Park Zürich.
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, August 2019
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Women’s Polo
International & Home
Women’s International II On Sunday 30 June, top ladies polo players, Lía Salvo and Hazel Jackson-Gaona, went head-to-head in The Women’s International II at Polo Club de Saint-Tropez. The match began with a defensive chukka, which saw just one goal scored by Jackson-Gaona for Nautor’s Swan Polo. Salvo managed to level the scores in the opening minute of the second chukka and the first half ended 2-2. The third chukka saw back and forth goals from Jackson-Gaona and Salvo as
they battled to put their teams ahead, but despite their efforts the fourth chukka began with a 4-4 tie. By the final chukka, Bodegas José Ignacio had fully found their form, with Lottie Lamacraft scoring her first goal of the match, swiftly followed by Salvo’s fifth goal of the day. Unfortunately for Nautor’s Swan Polo, their attempts to break away were shut down and Bodegas José Ignacio took the win 6-4.
Women’s International II Teams: Bodegas José Ignacio (14): Sandra Schneider (0), Sofia Fernandez (0), Lottie Lamacraft (5) & Lía Salvo (9) Nautor’s Swan Polo (14): Ginevra Visconti (1), Claudia Zeisberger (1), Vittoria Marchiorello (3) & Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9)
Photography courtesy of WIP
WIP League Results
CBAS overall winners of the 8 Goal League
Coombe Place overall winners of the 12 Goal League
Georgie Wood spoke to Polo Times about WIP’s 2019 League: “WIP has been very busy already this season with the 2019 league running across seven different clubs. The League, running at 8 and 12 goal levels, was scheduled earlier this season than in previous years. Allowing more opportunity for players to get involved and offering the perfect warm-up opportunity for those going on to play in the Victrix Ludorum. “WIP Chair, Sarah Wood was delighted with the turn out, ‘We had new clubs joining and so many new players taking part, it’s great to see so many people involved’. “The League culminated in a thrilling Finals weekend at the New Forest on 13 and 14 July. The 8 goal Final was neck-and-neck, resulting (even after a penalty shoot out) in
a draw between CBAS and Somerset. The 12 goal Final was fast and furious with the winning goal being scored in the final three seconds by Coombe Place Captain Lottie Lamacraft. “The weekend also saw the overall winners of the Leagues claim their titles. CBAS (Lynne Patmore, Amy Leggett, Vicky Griffin & Holly Butler) won the 8 goal level with a consistent strong performance throughout the League appearing in almost every 8 goal Final! The 12 goal level was won by Coombe Place (Sammy Luff/Kayleigh Smith, Sophie Kenna, Dayna Waetcher & Lottie Lamacraft), who even as a 10 goal team reigned victorious at all bar one tournament! Congratulations to both and to all the players who took part. We hope you enjoyed the league as much as we did.
“WIP would like to say a huge thank you to all of the clubs who were involved in the league and to all the players who took part. This year we saw a total of 32 different teams participating across the seven tournaments which is a huge achievement and demonstrates the rapid growth in ladies polo at this level. WIP has received lots of feed back for 2020 so now it’s time to get our thinking caps on to see what is possible for next year. Please keep a look out on WIP social media for a chance to contribute your feedback and ideas in the players survey that will be coming out later in the season.” After the Finals, Farida Rosso Baldachino was judged to be Most Valuable Player in the 12 goal, and Mimi Figgins in the 8 goal, whilst the 8 goal Best Playing Pony was Rocky, played by Amanda Norman and Harry, played by Lottie Lamacraft, took the 12 goal Best Playing Pony award. 2019 WIP League Results: 12 Goal 1st – Coombe Place 2nd – Skyline Aero 3rd – Las Pintadas 8 Goal 1st – CBAS 2nd – Somerset 3rd – Hampshire Polo School
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Polo Times, August 2019
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
Women’s Polo
Photography by Mark Beaumont
British Ladies Championships, Cowdray Park Polo Club
British Ladies Handicap finalists
Coombe Place Comeback T Ladies polo continues to flourish
his year saw 11 teams enter The British Ladies Championships, with six teams taking part in the 18 goal British Ladies Open Championships and five in the 12 goal British Ladies Handicap Championships. As high goal tensions mounted ahead of The King Power Gold Cup Final on Sunday 21 July, the best of the best lined up for the Final of The British Ladies Open Championship on Saturday 20 July, with
British Ladies Open winners, UAE Polo
Cowdray Vikings versus UAE Polo. Lila Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings were the first to make a mark on the scoreboard with Sarah Wiseman finding the posts. The next few minutes saw toing and froing from both sides, but eventually Hazel Jackson-Gaona charged forward and equalised the scores just as the chukka bell rang. The second chukka continued with plenty of action from both sides, but just one goal from Milly Hine meant UAE Polo took a small, 2-1, lead going into half-time. Catalina Lavinia continued UAE Polo’s success early in the second half with a goal in the first minute. Unfortunately, with a missed a 60 yard penalty from Cowdray Vikings’ Wiseman and another goal from Jackson-Gaona, UAE had managed to build their lead to 4-1. In the fourth and final chukka, Hine maintained the pressure on Wiseman, limiting her usual strong style, meanwhile Sheikha Maitha converted a 30 yard penalty and Jackson-Gaona scored yet another goal which meant UAE Polo ran out the winners 6-1. Jackson-Gaona’s success continued in the presentations, where she picked up the Best Playing Pony prize for Kala, as well as the RoR award for Best Retrained Racehorse for her pony Farsons. Cowdray Vikings’ Lottie Lamacraft received the prize for Best Horsemanship. In the 12 goal British Ladies Handicap Championship Final between Coombe Place and Carlton House, Coombe Place began the match with a half goal handicap advantage,
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
but it was Carlton House’s Hannah ParryJones who scored the first goal of the Final. Alice Servaes continued the attack with two field goals in the second chukka, to just one in reply from Lottie Lamacraft and the first half ended 3-1½. In the second half, Coombe Place’s fortunes changed with two field goals to bring the scores to 3½-3. Carlton House tried their best to pull it back in the final chukka, but a third goal from Lamacraft sealed their fate and Coombe Place took the title, 4½-3. Post-match, Stephanie Haverhals took home both the Best Horsemanship prize as well as the Best Playing Pony award for Yonkie.
The British Ladies Open Championship Final Teams: UAE Polo (18): HH Sheikha Maitha (4), Milly Hine (5), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9) & Catalina Lavinia (0) Cowdray Vikings (18): Lila Pearson (2), Hannah Parry-Jones (3), Lottie Lamacraft (6) & Sarah Wiseman (7) The 12 goal British Ladies Handicap Championship Final Teams: Coombe Place (11): Sophie Kenna (1), Sammy Luff (1), Dayna Waechter (3) & Lottie Lamacraft (6) Carlton House (12): Rebecca Servaes (1), Hannah Parry-Jones (3), Alice Servaes (4) & Stephanie Haverhals (4)
Polo Times, August 2019
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The Ladies International Test Match, Cirencester Park Polo Club
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
Women’s Polo
Mía Novillo Astrada & Alice Servaes battle for possession
Frasers England Triumphant
Jen Liggins
reports from Gloucestershire
Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat
L
adies polo has seen an almost unprecedented increase in popularity in the past few years. Gone are the days of struggling to fill a women’s tournament entry form, with hundreds of female players now making up this burgeoning area of our sport. This year’s Ladies International Test Match, as part of The Cotswold International Polo Day, was testament to this, as not only were there eight of the best female players in 58
Polo Times, August 2019
the world taking to The Ivy Lodge ground at Cirencester Park Polo Club, but the sidelines were full to bursting with avid ladies’ polo fans. The 2019 instalment was set to be a humdinger, as home team Frasers England prepared themselves to come up against age-old rivals, Argentina. With experience and talent across the board, the guess was anyone’s as to who would take home the
ultimate honours at the final bell. Nina Clarkin, world-number-one and 10 goal player, led the Frasers England side, alongside two International stalwarts, Hazel Jackson-Gaona and young Milly Hine. New to the Frasers England team sheet was Alice Servaes, who has recently smashed her way through the UK 18 goal ladies’ circuit as well as the 12 and 14 goal mixed tournament circuit. Conversely, Argentina’s foursome was a combination of
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
The Ladies International Test Match, Cirencester Park Polo Club
Women’s Polo BPP
Sigilo, played by Lía Salvo
BPP Christmas, played by Hazel Jackson-Gaona
Victorious Frasers England
Chukka Scores: 2-2, 4-3, 6-3, 7-6 to Frasers England
22
JUNE Where: Cirencester Park Polo Club
Frasers England (28) Alice Servaes (4) Milly Hine (5) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9) Nina Clarkin (10)
Argentina (28) Clarita Casino (7) Mía Novillo Astrada (6) Fatima Balzano (6) Lía Salvo (9)
MVP Milly Hine
complete and utter experience. All four players have been on the circuit for a number of years, with even the youngest player, Mía Novillo Astrada, having notched up ladies tournaments across the world. The scene was set, the players ready and the national anthems ringing out across the ground – The Ladies International Test Match was off. As expected, the first chukka was an even affair, with both teams motoring around the ground. Argentina were the first on the scoreboard, with a lovely goal from Argentina’s number three Fatima Balzano, but Clarkin wasn’t far behind, securing her first two goals for her country. It was a fast, but whistle laden first chukka, with a final penalty going in Argentina’s favour, and Lía Salvo securing her first goal to end the period 2-2. Argentina were back on the offensive at the beginning of the second chukka, with Salvo racing towards goal, only to have her shot go marginally too wide, but
following a lot of to and fro play, and the goal of the day from Salvo as she expertly manoeuvred the ball down the boards and through into the uprights, it was 3-2 in Argentina’s favour. Clarkin was quick on the uptake, securing a 30 yard penalty which Hine followed with a beautiful nearside forehand shot to goal, and Frasers England were back in contention 4-3. The halftime break gave the teams a well-deserved breather and a moment to gather their thoughts, before the onslaught continued. Jackson-Gaona was the first on the money in the second half, with a well-aimed cutshot, having broken away from the pack in a break to goal, proving once and for all how important horsepower really is. Salvo and teammate Clara Cassino tried with all their might to stop the Frasers England offensive, but by now they had the bit between their teeth. Jackson-Gaona and Hine in combination, made it 6-3 at the end of the
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
third chukka and it looked like it might be all over for the visiting ladies. How wrong we were. They came back with a vengeance in the final chukka. With just two minutes left of the clock, the Argentine ladies had made it 6-6 to sheer panic from the Frasers England side. Had they pushed too hard in the third chukka, only to lose their momentum in the final moments? Hine had other ideas, as she raced to goal for the home side, securing their seventh and winning goal for Frasers England to a cheer from not only the assembled Hine throng on the sidelines, but the home crowd of supporters. Countess Bathurst presented the teams with their prizes as well as the gleaming Ladies International Trophy to the winning Frasers England team for their stirling effort. With the Club celebrating its 125th year, a win for the home side and some amazing polo under endless sunshine, there really was no better way to spend a day. Polo Times, August 2019
59
Women’s Polo
WIP International Series vs Southern Cross
Photography courtesy of WIP
Malbec, Beaufort BPP – owned by Emma Wood
Series Final Presentation
The Southern Cross Team: Katie Porteous, Phillipa Fitz-Henry, Zoe Reader & Missy Browne
Southern Cross Succeed WIP International Series vs Southern Cross
Women in Polo’s (WIP) Georgie Wood comments on WIP’s successful, inaugural International Series vs Southern Cross 2019
It has been a thrilling past month here in the UK with the first ever Women In Polo International Series, this year between WIP UK (16 goals) and Southern Cross (15 goals)
BPP Bubs with owner Bryony Taylor
60
Polo Times, August 2019
a team of Australian and New Zealand players. Kicking off the series was a brilliant match at Tidworth Polo Club on 30 June. Some team changes meant the WIP UK side were just an 11 goal side battling against a 15 goal visiting team – it was set to be a challenging match. The Southern Cross girls showed off their skills with some fantastic
L-R: Dayna Waetcher, Georgie Gregory, Bryony Taylor & Heloise Wilson-Smith
team plays and fast runs to goal from the talented Missy Browne. The WIP girls gave them a run for their money however and with some great teamwork managed to secure a win by half a goal. This left the series score as 1-0 to WIP UK. Going into the second Test Match at Beaufort Polo Club on 6 July, the Southern Cross girls had been working hard behind the scenes and were keen to get one back. The match was fast and furious, showcasing some fantastic ladies polo on both sides. The end result saw Southern Cross win, again by half a goal! It was now one a piece and all to play for in the Final. The series finale was held at New Forest Polo Club on 14 July. The sun was shining, the crowds were out and both teams were hungry for the International Series title. It was neck-and-neck in every chukka, with neither team allowing much margin for error. The final chukka was well fought to the end, but the worthy winners were Southern Cross, coming out on top with 2½ goals to 2. The objectives behind the WIP Series were to create more opportunities for a variety of lady players to play on the international stage. In addition, we were delighted to be able to run a series of events to support Breast Cancer Care, a phenomenal charity who work hard
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
WIP International Series vs Southern Cross
Women’s Polo
therefore like to thank Tidworth Polo Club, Beaufort Polo Club and New Forest Polo Club for hosting us for three wonderful ladies matches. Thank you to our WIP UK players who gave it their all and facilitated a brilliant series of polo and thank you to the Southern Cross team for travelling across the world to play. With plans already starting for a 2020 series we are looking forward to the future of International Ladies Polo at all levels here in the UK. Jessica Andrews, India Ringer, Georgie Gregory, Olivia Lamphee, Sarah Wood, Chris Andrews, Zoe Reader, Missy Browne, Katie Porteous & Phillipa Fitz-Henry
to support as many of the 62,000 people diagnosed yearly, as possible. For our first year, WIP collaborated with the Australian Women’s Polo Collective and Phillipa Fitz-Henry to bring over a visiting team encompassing some of the best talent in Australia and New Zealand and some rising stars in the sport. Missy Browne came from New Zealand, bringing 5 goals to the team and a wealth of experience which was evident in her skill on the field. Phillipa Fitz-Henry from Australia played outstandingly off 6 goals and was a brilliant coach to her team, leading them to victory in the series. Playing at number one was Katie Porteous who is an up-and-coming player from Australia. She played brilliantly off her ladies 1 goal handicap especially as this was her highest-level tournament to date and
first time playing internationally. Zoe Reader at number two was representing New Zealand. At just 18-years-old, she is showing exceptional skill on the field and already playing strong off her ladies 3 goal handicap. She is one to watch as a future star of ladies’ polo. The WIP UK Squad was made up of nine different players from ladies 2 to 6 goal handicaps. The team consisted of players who worked hard to make the series happen, who support WIP’s mission and there was a nominated representative from each of the hosting clubs. The series presented a fantastic opportunity for many different players who may otherwise have not had the chance to play international polo. Without the help and support of WIP’s fantastic partners the International Series would not have been possible. We would
The WIP International Series vs Southern Cross Squads: Southern Cross: Katie Porteous (1), Zoe Reader (3), Missy Browne (5) & Phillipa Fitz-Henry (6) WIP UK: Georgie Gregory (2), Olivia Lamphee (2), India Ringer (2), Dayne Waetcher (3), Jessica Andrews (5), Heloise Wilson-Smith (5), Bryony Taylor (6), Rosie Ross (6) & Emma Wood (6) The WIP International Series vs Southern Cross Awards: Tidworth: MVP – Jessica Andrews & BPP – Tia played by Missy Browne & owned by Hampshire Polo School (Sean and Heloise Wilson-Smith) Beaufort: MVP – Missy Browne & BPP – Malbec owned & played by Emma Wood New Forest: MVP – Phillipa Fitz-Henry & BPP – Bubs owned & played by Bryony Taylor
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All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, August 2019
61
Polo Holidays Polo Holidays Holidays Polo Holidays
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Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya Nacho Nacho Gonzalez Gonzalez and and Marcos Marcos Araya Araya Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya be your hosts on aapolo polo adventure in will be be your your hosts hosts on on a polo adventure adventure in in will will be your hosts on a polo adventure in will Argentina where you will learn to refine your Pilar, Argentina Argentina where where you you will will learn learn to to refine refine your your Pilar, Pilar, Argentina where you will learn to refine your Pilar, and polo skills; and enjoy aahost host of other riding and and polo polo skills; skills; and and enjoy enjoy a host of of other other riding riding polo skills; and enjoy a host of other riding andactivities designed for you. designed designed for for you. you. activities activities activities designed for you. Catering for all levels of polo from -2 up to 22 goal, your polo holiday will Catering Cateringfor forallalllevels levelsofofpolo polofrom from-2-2up uptoto22 22goal, goal,your yourpolo poloholiday holidaywill will Catering alland levels oflessons; polo from -2 up to 22 goal, your polo holiday will stick ball penalty lessons; instructional chukkas; include; for stickand andball balllessons; lessons;penalty penaltylessons; lessons;instructional instructionalchukkas; chukkas; include; include;stick and ball lessons; penalty lessons; instructional include; stick matches; match games; and team tactics. chukkas; practice matches;match matchgames; games;and andteam teamtactics. tactics. practice practicematches; practice matches; match games; and team tactics. We also offer mountain trails; Cattle herding; Wine tasting at local We Wealso alsooffer offermountain mountaintrails; trails;Cattle Cattleherding; herding;Wine Winetasting tastingatatlocal local We alsovineyards; offer mountain trails; Cattle herding; Wine Golf; Fishing; Beach trips; and citytasting tours. at local Golf;Fishing; Fishing;Beach Beachtrips; trips;and andcity citytours. tours. vineyards; vineyards;Golf; Fishing; trips; and city tours. vineyards; Golf;Fun for allBeach the family! Fun Funfor forallallthe thefamily! family! Fun for all the family! For more information and a chat about how For Formore moreinformation informationand anda achat chatabout abouthow how For more information chat about customiseand youra perfect trip, how we can cancustomise customiseyour yourperfect perfecttrip, trip, we wecan can enquires@gapoloholidays.com customise your perfect trip, please we email
please pleaseemail emailenquires@gapoloholidays.com enquires@gapoloholidays.com pleaseoremail enquires@gapoloholidays.com visit www.gapoloholidays.com ororvisit visitwww.gapoloholidays.com www.gapoloholidays.com or visit www.gapoloholidays.com Photograph by Simon Hogg Photography © Photograph Photograph byby Simon Simon Hogg Hogg Photography Photography ©© Photograph by Simon Hogg Photography ©
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Youth
Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament polo clubs worldwide. The partnership between both clubs, now in its seventh year, has produced highly successful tournaments in England and Argentina. The Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament not only helps to develop the skills of the future stars of polo
but also family and friendship. Following the awards presentation, everybody was welcomed to share a delicious asado at the Club. To read more about Ramita and Palomo, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
On 22 June, The Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament, supported by La Martina, took place at Guards Polo Club, once again cementing the relationship between the two powerhouse clubs. The seventh edition of this exciting tournament took place under glorious sunshine in two categories – under12-years-old and 12 to 15-years-old. In the youngest of the two categories, Guards and La Aguada tied 1-1 in the opening match, whilst Guards then took the following match 4-0 over La Aguada. In the 12 to 15-years-old category, Guards took home the victory in both games, 4-0 and 2-1. Estanislao Darritchon and Ollie Heard took home The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours in their categories – Under 12 and 12-15 years old, respectively. Heard’s pony Ramita was also on the award roster, receiving the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in the 12 to 15-years-old category, whilst Lucio Toccalino’s pony Palomo was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in the lower category. The awards were presented by Miguel and Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr., who were in attendance along with La Aguada Polo Manager, Thomas Hume, maintaining the strong and solid bonds between two of the most renowned
Kids from Guards and La Aguada took to the Guards Polo Club grounds
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Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
04/12/2015 14:58
Polo Times, August 2019
63
Australian Junior National Polo Championships
Photography courtesy of Katie Edmeades
Youth
The inaugural Australian Junior National Championships
The Australian Junior National Polo Championships Katie Edmeades
reports from South East Queensland
Inaugural event celebrates youth polo The Australian Junior National Polo Championships took place between 13 – 14 July in South East Queensland, Australia. The two coaching days were held at the newly re-opened Kooralbyn Valley Polo Club and the final day of matches was held at Custodian Polo Field in Canungra. The Australian Junior Nationals is a new initiative from the Australian Polo Federation (APF) after receiving a grant from FIP for junior development. With this and the backing of the Queensland Polo Association and some other generous sponsors, the APF were able to stage this inaugural coaching event. Polo schools are becoming very popular and well attended by the younger players and they are held in different states throughout the year. This gives Australia’s young players the opportunity to be coached by Australia’s best players who all donate their time to this worthy cause. Anto White heads the coaching team and brings many years of experience to the table and has a real affinity with the young players. He is passionate and is a natural motivator. Day one saw over 35 juniors, aged between five and 18-years-old, attend the 64
Polo Times, August 2019
inaugural Australian Junior Polo School, that culminated in the selection of six statebased teams to play for the Australian Junior Nationals Trophy. Players travelled from all over Australia, including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Regional Queensland to Kooralbyn Resort, situated one and a half hours from The Gold Coast and Brisbane. Day one was about gauging the ability of the junior players. During session one, the players were broken up into four groups and sent to their respective stations. The A and B group started with riding skills, the C Group started on the wooden horse and the D group, the youngest group, proceeded to the arena for general riding instruction. Session two was a rotation of the above, with the A Group going to the sling shot chair, B group going to the wooden horse, C Group proceeding to the riding drills and D group grabbing their sticks and heading back to the arena. Day one finished with chukkas for the A, B and C groups, with D group watching on in anticipation. The coaches and selectors then met for a meeting regarding the teams, with very few changes to the groups.
Day two was structured similarly and was about developing the skills that had been acquired on the first day, and focusing on areas each junior wanted help with. After the morning session, the team selections were made and they got a chance to practice as a team before the final games on Sunday. On both days, the youngest players got, what for most of them was, their first taste of actually playing polo. All mounted on horses varying in shape and size, most of these kids were from polo playing families, so they all really enjoyed having a go themselves. As expected, they pulled the biggest crowd and they didn’t disappoint putting on a great spectacle for all the spectators. On Saturday night a dinner was held at the Ramada Resort for all players and their families. The Kooralbyn Valley Polo Club is in the resort grounds, which is leased by Robert Ballard and Katie Edmeades of K&R Pro Polo who have spent the past eight months restoring the grounds and surrounding facilities after the land was dormant for eight years. They have just reopened the Club and this was the first event to be held. The Polo Club works closely with Ramada so they can offer its members For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
Australian Junior National Polo Championships discounts on accommodation and they can utilise the resorts other facilities, such as the world-renowned ranking 18-hole golf course. Kooralybyn is a unique venue where you can keep your horses all on site as it offers over 100 stables as well as all the personal accommodation utilising the resort. This was naturally a great fit for The Junior Nationals. Day three was competition day, held at a local field, Custodian owned by J Fitz Gerald, which is managed by professional player Bud Sorby and his wife Georgie. The ground was immaculate and a great privilege for the juniors to all get a run of such a surface. The day started off with a talk on horse management and the importance of horse welfare. Three games were played and the whole day was inspiring to watch. The Division One game was a spectacle and very encouraging
for the future of Australian Polo. APF are hoping to make this Nationals tournament an annual fixture as the pinnacle clinic for player development in this country.
Youth
beat Western Australia (Gibson Bell, Brooke Trethowan & Archie Thomas) Most Valuable Player – Lucia Gilmore Most improved – Lucy Moule
The results were as follows: Division 1 – Western Australia (Shivonn Jones, Olivia Bollingbroke, Jack Ednie Brown & Jack Grimes) beat Queensland (Ashley Glennie, Jess Bernie, Cody Grimes & Will Warner) Most Valuable Player – Jack Grimes Most Improved – Ashley Glennie Champion Pony – Crown, owned by Peter Grimes and played by Cody Grimes Division 2 – NSW (Jack Rawlings, Lucy Moule, Lucia Gilmore & Ethan Ashman)
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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Military
Photography by Peter Meade Photography
The Dame Margot Turner Trophy
Stowe School won the first match of the day
The Army Medical Services secured the trophy
The Dame Margot Turner Trophy took place on 22 June at the RMAS Polo Club and comprised of two matches with Stowe School playing the RMAS PC First team and the Army Medical Services playing the RMAS Second team. This is the second time this day has seen the combination of these matches and many spectators gathered to watch, a crowd comprising of parents and families, with many doctors, nurses and dentists all enjoying the sponsor’s Jean Christophe Boucton Champagne bar throughout the day. The matches were hard fought and for the second time RMAS were defeated by a strong Stowe School team by 6-2. RMAS were anchored by HH Prince Hassanal Shah of Pehang, who gamely guided his team of novices throughout the four chukkas. Louis
Hink for Stowe was on form and scored three very nice goals in the first two periods to no reply from RMAS. Billy Hawkins-Byass also played well in the final two chukkas to put the result beyond doubt by finding the flags with three fine goals, with Jamie Baillie, strongly supported by the hard hitting and passing of Ivan de Poligny, slotting the sixth in the last minute of the fourth chukka. The second running of The Dame Margot Turner Trophy saw a determined Army Medical Services team setting out to avenge their defeat in 2018. The team was anchored by Capt Henry Sumption and Capt Paul Erhahiemen both of whom had played at a higher level earlier in the season. It showed and with the accurate passing of Erhahiemen – fresh from playing in the Army team at Cirencester – the Army Medical
Services number two, Capt Tor Gordon, scored two quick goals to no reply despite the efforts of Will Cecil, who had some fine runs to goal but which went wide each time. The third and the fourth periods were frenetic, but some excellent marking by the number one Pt Mollie Darwin the numerous attacks by RMAS came to nothing. So, the AMS won the trophy for the first time with much cheering from their many supporters. Pt Mollie Darwin was awarded the Jean Christophe Boucton Champagne Most Valuable Player award and Capt Paul Erhahieman’s ‘Bella’ The Master Rugs’ Best Playing Pony led up by groom, Fran. The Dame Margot Turner Trophy Teams: Stowe (-5): Louis Hink (-2), Jamie Baillie (-1), Billy Hawkins-Byass (-2) & Ivan de Poligny (0) RMAS One (-5): OCdts Olli Bembridge/ Megan Eldridge (-2), OCdts Amy Grieve/ Calvin Wright (-2), OCdts Nico Hedegaard/ Nelson Bacon (-2) & OCdt HH Prince Hassanal Shah of Pehang (1) Army Medical Services (-6): Pte Mollie Darwin QARANC (-2), Capt. Tor Gordon RAMC/Maj Christopher Harper RADC (-2), Capt. Henry Sumption RAMC (-1) & Capt. Paul Erhahiemen QARANC (-1) RMAS Two (-6): OCdts Paddy Livinstone/ Lizzie Godwin (-2), OCdts Evan Sodwells/Will Rimington (-2), OCdt The Hon Will Cecil (0) & OCdt Oli Horridge (-2)
The Balaclava Trophy
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Allen’s pony Shuttle was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony whilst Will Emerson was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player. To read more about Shuttle, please turn to our Pony Power pages. The Balaclava Trophy HACKETT Army Team (6): 2Lt Freddie Benyon CG (0), OCdt HH Prince Hassanal Shal of Pehang (1), 2Lt Oli Powell WG (2) & Gaston Devrient (3) Yabba Dabba Doo (8): Russell Tyre (0), Johann Spendier (1), Roddy Stanning (3) & Eden Ormerod (4)
Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
The first round of The Balaclava Trophy at Druids Lodge Polo Club, on Saturday 6 July, saw a HACKETT Army team come up against Previse/ Cuovo Negro, which had two professionals, namely Adolfo Casabal and Will Emerson. The HACKETT Army team comprised of two newcomers 2Lt Freddie Benyon and OCdt HH Hassanal Shah of Pehang and only totalled 6 goals against their rivals’ 8 goals, with many of the stalwarts such as Capt Paddy Selfe, 2Lt Jonny Sleeman and Capt Henry Amor all away on deployments. The excellent coaching by Gaston Devrient paid off and HACKETT Army scored three quick goals, which rocked the visitors in the first chukka. Some busy work by both HH Hassanal and Benyon delayed the inevitable fight back. At half-time HACKETT Army were only half a goal adrift. The third chukka proved decisive with some sharp ponies brought out by Emerson and the hired ponies for the Army team just a yard or two off the pace. However, when all seemed done HACKETT Army fought back and scored two quick goals and with just a minute to go, a strike by 2Lt Oli Powell glanced off the post and as time ran out, HACKETT Army lost by just half a goal. The Finals day was a similar story on the lovely Rothermere ground as HACKETT Army took on Yabba Dabba Doo in the Subsidiary Final of The Balaclava Trophy, but with HACKETT Army going well, it was only in the third chukka, once again, that the local team from Druids Lodge Polo Club, which had professionals Eden Ormerod and Roddy Stanning, began to draw ahead. Once again, the fourth saw a renaissance by HACKETT Army and with shots once again grazing posts and some frantic ride-offs by both teams, the home size squeezed ahead to win again by just half a goal. Both 2Lt Freddie Benyon and OCdt HH Prince Hassanal Shah were presented with their Army colours before the match on Saturday. Dave
Druids Lodge ultimately won The Balaclava Trophy
Polo Times, August 2019
67
Military
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Photography by Peter Meade Photography
RMAS Heritage Day
Oxford won the first match of Heritage Day
Cambridge secured the second match honours
The 2019 Heritage Day at the RMAS PC took place on 16 June with both Oxford and Cambridge University Polo Clubs against the RMAS Polo Club. Cambridge replaced the traditional Harrow School rivals who were away at The SUPA Championships. The Heritage Day always attracts a big crowd as it is open house for the Academy, thus about 10,000 people were in the grounds, and throughout the afternoon there were a fair number of them watching the polo. A great crowd therefore enjoyed the spectacle and cheered all teams on. Oxford fielded an experienced team of -2 goal players, bolstered by 1 goal player Charlie Hitchman and supported by 0 goaler Tamara Gibbons. It was a very close game with the newcomers on the RMAS A team working hard with both OCdt HH Prince Hassanal Shah and OCdt William Cecil going nicely. Oxford started well with Ben Evans effective off his -2 goal handicap, scoring in the first and second chukkas. It was not until the third that RMAS came back strongly with OCdt HH Prince Hassanal scoring three goals, but with Tamara Gibbons finding her range, supported by a fine solo goal by Charlie Hitchman, it was 3-3 with a minute to go. It was not to be for RMAS and the score at the bell was 4-3 in favour of Oxford, a good match with the crowd enjoying the strong hitting by both sides. The second match of the day saw a welcome return by Cambridge after four years. Things did not start well for RMAS, when OCdt Hugo Mason bit the dust before the start of the match and
had to be replaced by Tessa Collett, he was whisked away with a broken collarbone! Cambridge were a very well drilled side and with Francesca Smith at number three, she proved a real handful and some fine passes saw them stamp their authority by scoring two quick goals. Kate Garnett and Eric Rudicky found the flags with style and accuracy. RMAS clearly upped their game in the third chukka and two well worked moves resulted in the team drawing level with Tessa Collett and Capt Luke Wadman both scoring. Once again though, as with the first match, some great riding off and then an accurate pass by Francesca Smith to Erik Rudicky, who scored, saw them win a tight encounter by 3-2. The RMAS Heritage Day Teams: RMAS A (-3): OCdt Lizzie Godwin (-2), OCdt Nelson Bacon (-2), OCdt The Hon Will Cecil (0) & OCdt HH Prince Hassanal Shah of Pehang (1) Oxford (-3): Phoebe Toyne-Bridges (-2), Ben Evans (-2), Charlie Hitchman (1) & Tamara Gibbons (0) RMAS B (-6): OCdts Oli Horridge/Ed Richards (-2), Capt. Luke Wadman RA/OCdt Jack Womach (-2), Tessa Collett (0) & OCdt Nico Hedegaard (-2) Cambridge (-6): Kate Garnett (-2), Aeisha Johnson (-2), Francesca Smith (0) & Eric Rudicky (-2)
The Sassoon Cup
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Polo Times, August 2019
first time in five attempts. Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, whilst Sobrana, owned by Druids Lodge and played by Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony. For more information about Sobrana, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
The Sassoon Cup Teams: HACKETT Army (-1): Capt. Darryn Wilson RA (-1), Capt. Arthur Purbrick RL (-1), Capt. Jess Wood RA (0) & Lt Jamie Drummond-Moray SG (1) Aston Martin RAF (0): Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf (0), Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Wg Cdr Ed Whitechurch (0) & Flt Lt Martin Adcock (0)
Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
The Sassoon Cup, which is now traditionally the first match of the Druids Lodge 8 goal weekend, has been won by the Army in some very close encounters in the last five years. The HACKETT Army team once again saw some newcomers join their ranks this year. The Team Captain was Lt Jamie DrummondMoray playing off 1 goal and with two -1s and a 0, they had a tough match ahead against four 0 goal players. Colours were once again awarded to Capt Darryn Wilson of the Royal Artillery, who is an Army polo scholar in his third season and he played exceptionally well. The match was once again very tight, but with some exceptional play by Drummond-Moray, the HACKETT Army team were in the lead going into the third. Once again pony power counted, and some quick ponies ridden by Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead of the RAF saw them draw ahead into the fourth. Goals were exchanged and again a measure of bad luck by the HACKETT Army team – yet again two shots off the posts – saw the RAF home by just half a goal to lift the fine Sassoon Cup for the
Aston Martin RAF win The Sassoon Cup
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Military
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Record Crowds Descend on Tidworth
Photography by Peter Meade Photography
The 2019 Rundle Cup
The Inspire Foundation Charity Match teams
Charlie Fraser
reports from Tidworth Polo Club
Another Rundle Cup and another year graced with sunshine beaming down on the Fisher ground at Tidworth Polo Club. The crowds flocked in by the thousands to line the grounds, enjoy the picnics or VIP hospitality and peruse the plentiful stands in the CFA #shoptogive boutique shopping village. The British Polo Gin bar, with their expanding range of delicious gins, were quenching thirsts and how splendid it was to see the many regiment hospitality tents surrounding the pitch perfect ground. A great day set ahead! Starting the day’s polo exploits was The Inspire Foundation Charity match. Jockeys and event riders, who are masters in their own disciplines, picking up polo sticks and becoming polo players! What could possibly go wrong? Well nothing it seems under the watchful team leadership of leading QC Elspeth Talbot-Rice and her husband General Robert Talbot-Rice, who put on a magnificent display. The Baylis and Harding team steamed off on a mission from the start and showed they meant business against Quilter Cheviot. Both teams showed great skills with Zara Tindall peppering the goal before she eventually smacked it through to score the winning goal in the final few seconds. We saw the Henchman two-furlong dash won by Ben Hicks riding Brunswick 70
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Vale raising essential money for the Inspire Foundation, a wheelchair race and that was all the action before The REME Parachute Team fell out of the sky to say hello and excite the spectators. The Pony Club Jorrocks teams lined-up with all their pride and glory to play in front of such large crowds. They beamed with pride; as did their parents who were leaping, jumping and “woo, woo, wooing” from the stands with the biggest beaming faces in all of the land…! The ‘fluffy’s’ came out to show that polo is played by all ages and with the display we witnessed, we sure are picking players for our future teams. Great work you kids, for a fabulous display and great work parents for supporting your little stars of future polo.
To warm-up more action before the big game, the teams came on for The Indian Cavalry Officers Association Trophy. This year, USA’s Dawn Jones was playing solo without her four-Academy Award winning stick chick, husband Tommy Lee-Jones, who was busy making his next hit movie. Both sides showed great team play but the USA side were sharp and finding the goal with four of the goals scored by Dawn Jones. A gripping fourth chukka ended with the final score of USA 6 to UKAFPA 2½. The HACKETT Rundle Cup was heated from the throw-in with both the Army and the Navy meaning business. This resulted in an early dismount from a Navy player, however his flight was not as far as team mate Capt Al Wilson, who was on his UK polo tour and had flown in from Virginia Beach to play The HACKETT Rundle Cup as well as the Inter Regimental Final at Guards. The Navy started with two goals on handicap, but the Army team soon started putting the ball where it should go and by the end of chukka one had matched that Navy handicap advantage. The Army side were playing a wise and tactical game that was well mannered, well-drilled and full of ability to disarm the Navy side. The Navy kept steaming ahead, but alas the Army defence kept punching back leaving them just not able to finish. Capt Paddy Selfe in defence was launching massive lofting shots to his running forwards, who were all working as a well-drilled team. 2Lt Freddie Benyon, who was quick, sharp and definitely on the ball, just kept finding the goal, making this a really exciting game. Going into the fourth chukka, it really was sink or swim for the Navy as the Army powered ahead with 7 goals to the Navy 3, but the Navy side were all hands on deck despite the scoreboard. Just when the Navy thought there was nothing they could do to ballast their team, Steve Spiller torpedoed the ball through the goal for a burst of glory in the dying seconds of the match. To summarise, the 2019 HACKETT Rundle Cup was end-to-end action where the Army literally sunk the Navy with a final 9-4 score.
The victorious HACKETT Army team
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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action Capt Al Wilson commented for the Royal Navy post-match, ‘It was fabulous to play here today in front of bumper crowds on such a manicured pitch. It was a hard job. We knew they were a better team, very well mounted and as a result that showed.’ Capt Paddy Selfe commented for the Army, ‘We had never all played together, but we had a game plan and we stuck to it’ The Forensic Risk Alliance Most Valuable Player was deservingly awarded to 2Lt. Freddie Benyon, whilst the WL Gore Best Playing Pony was awarded to Kandi, owned by Jessica Andrews and played by Capt Paddy Selfe. We would like to thank our main sponsor HACKETT London as well as our supporting prize sponsors including Fine Wines Direct, Turner and Sons, WL Gore, Forensic Risk Alliance and Canonbury. The Inspire Foundation Charity Match Teams: Baylis & Harding: Alan Daley, Kieran Burke, Jamie Snowden & QC Elspeth Talbot-Rice Quilter Cheviot: Mark Corbett, Dan Jocelyn, Zara Tindell & Maj Gen Robert Talbot-Rice
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The Indian Cavalry Officers Association Trophy Teams: UKAFPA (2): Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Lt Col. Nick Cowley (0), Lt. Giles Bromley Martin (1) & Maj Will Mawby (1) Where: Polo150 (4): Dawn Jones (1), Mark Cann (0), Tidworth Juan Selines Bentley (2) & Chris Gannon (1) Polo Club The HACKETT Rundle Cup Teams: HACKETT Army (2): Maj. Dan Von Barloewen (0), Capt. Jess Wood (0), 2Lt. Freddie Benyon (0) & Capt Paddy Selfe (2) Royal Navy (-1): Surg Cdr Harry Rourke (0), Lt Max Cosby (-1), Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (0) & Capt. Al Wilson (0)
Military
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MVP 2Lt Freddie Benyon
BPP Kandi, owned by Jess Andrews and played by Capt. Paddy Selfe
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Military
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Polo’s Biggest Birthday
Photograph by Peter Meade Photography
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
Polo Celebrates 150 Years
Poloafrica win their Cirencester tour match
2019 marks a special year for polo in the UK – 150 years since the first acknowledged game of polo on British soil at The Hurlingham Club in 1869. Whilst the game dates back to the sixth century BC, the form we know today was spotted by British army officers being played as a cavalry training exercise in the late 1800s in the heart of India. During the 2019 season, Polo150 have been celebrating with a series of events and tournaments including the Poloafrica tour, hosted by the UK Armed Forces Polo Association Charity (UKAFPA). Poloafrica is a South African charity which uses polo as a tool to help disadvantaged adults and children achieve better lives. The tour began on a typically damp British afternoon at Tidworth Polo Club during which Spillers Polo150 narrowly secured a 6-5 win against the visiting team. Next up, the visitors travelled to Druids Lodge Polo Club where they won their first match of the tour after which they continued their winning streak at
HPA Chief Executive David Woodd throws in a Polo150 ball
Cirencester Park Polo Club on The Cotswold International Polo Day. The fourth and final stop of the tour was played out at the illustrious Guards Polo Club as part of The OUT-SOURCING Inc! Royal Windsor Cup day. This time, Spillers Polo150 secured the win, with the prizes presented by World Boxing champion Chris Eubank to the delighted players. At the end of this exciting tour, the teams had very tactfully tied the scores at two matches apiece. The Polo150 anniversary events continue throughout this season, culminating with an international match in September against the USA. What’s more, Polo150 produced a series of limited edition golden polo balls, emblazoned with the Polo150 logo, which have been used at events marking this exciting anniversary across the UK. For more information about Polo150, please visit www.ukafpa.org.uk
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Digger
Photograph by John Hankin Photography
Height: 15.1hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Guy Schwarzenbach Tournament: The Apsley Cup Final at Cirencester Park Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She was bred at Garangula, the Schwarzenbach‘s Australian Polo Farm. She is out of Prospect by Falute. The dam came to the UK and was played by Urs Schwarzenbach and then returned to Garangula for breeding duties. How long have you had her? 10 years. What are her strengths? She’s strong and handy. How has she gone this season? She is amazing every season. What more can you ask for!
Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, but in Australia. What are your plans for her in the future? To continue playing her!
Does she have any special quirks? She is greedy, filthy in the stable and tends to bite others on set. Describe her in three words. She tries hard!
What are your plans for him in the future? He will play polo until the end of the season, after which he will have a longdeserved rest.
When you go to hit the ball, he likes to kick out, only when he’s fresh. After two or three days stick and balling, he calms down.
Palomo Height: 15hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Apaloosa Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Lucio Toccalino Tournament: The Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament at Guards Polo Club Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Where is he from/breeding? He is an Argentine horse. I bought him from Marianela Castagñola. How long have you had him? For over five years. What are his strengths? He is very calm and comfortable with kids. He is an easy platform for hitting the ball. How has he gone this season? Very well! Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? He won this same award with Felix Toccalino, two or three years ago.
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Does he have any special quirks? At the beginning of the season he can be tricky.
Describe her in three words. Great kid’s pony.
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Pony Power
Pichot
Photograph by Gordon Lindsay Photography
Height: 15.1hh Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Marcos Araya Tournament: The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cup Final at Beaufort Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina. She is out of Don Urbano Tocata and by Open Sovietico. How long have you had her? This is her second year in the UK and she has been with me for three years. What are her strengths? She is very handy and relaxed, has a very good mouth and stamina. She can go an entire chukka without getting tired. How has she gone this season? She is playing exceedingly well. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first Best Playing Pony award.
What are your plans for her in the future? I will continue to play her for July and August during the UK season, then she’ll have a good winter rest.
Does she have any special quirks? She likes to sleep allllll day. Describe her in three words. Smooth, handy, strong.
How has she gone this season? She’s been amazing.
What are your plans for her in the future? To keep playing her for as long as possible.
Describe her in three words. Honest, dependable, clever.
Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first!
Does she have any special quirks? Just the shying at white lines.
Ramita Height: 15.2hh Age: 19-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Laura Heard and played by Ollie Heard Tournament: The Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament at Guards Polo Club Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina. How long have you had her? Four years so far. What are her strengths? She’s extremely agile and brave. She never puts a foot wrong… except to shy randomly at white lines.
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Sobrana Height: 15.1hh Age: 19-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Edward Williams (on loan to Druids) and played by Flt Lt Vicky Woodhead Tournament: The Sassoon Cup at Druids Lodge Polo Club Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina. Born and bred. How long have you had her? She has been at Druids for the last three years. What are her strengths? She is super handy, with a bit of pace and power, as well as great balance – a very complete package. How has she gone this season? She has been maturing like a fine wine, but we now increasingly protect her work load, only playing matches for particular riders, due to her advanced years. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? To my knowledge, this is her first, but she did represent Young USA
under Hope Arellano in the 2018 Junior Westchester and was selected as her favourite mount, which we’re very proud of.
steady decline from the faster paced polo. Hopefully she can be a joy for more riders in years to come, if she paces herself.
What are your plans for her in the future? She tends to do two thirds of the grass season and two thirds of the arena season, so we’ll follow that trend, with a
Does she have any special quirks? She makes us all look better on the field!
What are your plans for her in the future? She will carry on playing this season. She only plays in the important games and I only play her for three or four minutes. I will be taking embryos out of her in the next few weeks.
Does she have any special quirks? A lot! She is a lovely mare, but she can’t wear a rug in the field.
Describe her in three words. Born to play!
Mananita Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Charlie Walton Tournament: The Westerby Assam Cup at Rutland Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Argentine Thoroughbred. Photograph by John Rowley
How long have you had her? I have had her for five years. I got her from Luke Tomlinson. What are her strengths? She is powerful with a great mouth and sides. It would take a bulldozer to knock her off the ball! How has she gone this season? She has always been great, but for some reason this season has been her best season with me. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with me yet!
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Describe her in three words. Power, strength, unique.
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Martha Height: 14.3hh Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Dapple grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Sophie Wesche Tournament: The Visit Bawtry Cup at Bawtry Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Sophie Wesche
Where is she from/breeding? A tiny village in Yorkshire. She is an Appaloosa x Warmblood. How long have you had her? Two and a half years. My husband Tony and I bought her unridden as a project with the intention of making her into an all-rounder for our two young sons. What are her strengths? She can do it all – the ultimate all-rounder! Trained by Tony, Emma Sanderson and Angus Willison, she is now a polo machine. She also showjumps 1.10m courses easily and happily lets our four-year-old potter around on her. How has she gone this season? She has been incredible. 2018 was a really difficult
year for me as I fractured my back and then got meningitis. I wasn’t sure if I would play again but Martha has helped me remember why I love this sport so much. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first open tournament, so she has set the bar high!
What are your plans for her in the future? To try and stop my husband and children from stealing her back! Does she have any special quirks? None, she is super easy and super sweet. Describe her in three words. Willing, talented, fun.
Kiwi Height: 15.2hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Light Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Jack Richardson Tournament: The Eduardo Moore at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is a UK Thoroughbred. How long have you had her? I’ve had her since she was four.
Photograph courtesy of RCBPC
What are her strengths? She has amazing power and sides. How has she gone this season? This has been her best season yet with me. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I think this is her first one. Definitely the first one with me. What are your plans for her in the future? To keep playing her for as long as I can.
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Does she have any special quirks? Sometimes she is funny to get on, but otherwise she is very easy.
Describe her in three words. Reliable, quick, easy.
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Play Misty For Me
Photograph by Natalie Free Photography
Height: 15.3hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Flea bitten grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Ali Schwabe (secretary of Suffolk Polo Club) and played by Dan Parker Tournament: Suffolk Polo Club Annual Charity Event Where is she from/breeding? She’s a French racehorse retrained for polo (though not eligible for RoR as she’s French), out of Slickly and Grove Daffodil. How long have you had her? Over seven years. What are her strengths? She excels at dressage, cross country and our all skilled ‘woodland camp’ for kids! And obviously enjoys the polo too. How has she gone this season? Given all she’s got so far!
Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I know of. What are your plans for her in the future? Polo, polo, polo!
Does she have any special quirks? Too many to list! She’s certainly a character! Describe her in three words. Bad ass pony.
Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)
Former racehorses excel in polo. Visit ror.org.uk to find out more. T: 01488 648998 www.polotimes.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 1084787
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus: Bits
Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question on tongue tying
Tongue Tying Best bits for a tongue tied horse Q. I have an ex-racehorse that is being retrained for polo. The mare had her tongue tied as a racehorse, so continues to slip it out the side under minimal pressure whilst in straight reins and a standard small ring gag bit. Would you have any suggestions? I was thinking the Big Ring Happy Tongue Gag. She has only been trained in a field thus far and has not played or umpired. A. Tongue tying involves a racehorse’s tongue being ‘tied’ to the front and side when they work or race, supposedly to reduce breathing noises and aid performance. Some ultrasound research (H. J. Chalmers et al) indicates that tongue ties may contribute to improved upper airway stability and may help the horse to breathe better. Detractors, including some animal welfare organisations, believe the practice causes anxiety and difficulty swallowing for the horse. In the UK, tongue straps for tongue tying are permitted, providing a declaration is made to the Racing Calendar Office, and the attending Veterinary Officer is satisfied with the strap’s application.
Stephen recommends the Bombers Happy Tongue 3 Ring bit for this tongue tied pony
I agree with your idea of a Happy Tongue mouthpiece, as it has a medium port, creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. However, I would suggest trying her in a Bombers Happy Tongue 3 Ring bit. The 3-ring sends a clear signal to the horse, whereas the Big Ring Gag asks the horse
to lift and lower their head at the same time. Hopefully you will find that taking the pressure off her tongue will allow her to keep her tongue still, under the bit. Incidentally, our Stephen’s Polo Snaffle Bridle or Stephen’s Rope Cavesson work very well on Thoroughbred heads and look very smart with the Bombers Bit range.
Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Message the Facebook page – facebook.com/SBBITS – or email Stephen at info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.
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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
Musclemorphosis
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Why Bio-R®?
Photograph by Kathrin Gralla Photography
Starting a new sport begins with the easy decision to do so, but the way to master it takes much more. For many people the learning curve is not steep enough and they drop out of the sport again. Morgan van Overbroek and her husband Sébastien Le Page started their polo career nearly a decade ago, riding their first horses. Morgan felt untalented and even thought about giving polo up. Now in 2019, she is one of the new well known names in the global ladies’ polo circuit with a long line of successes after transforming her lifestyle and optimising her nutrition and training.
Morgan’s Polo Beginnings
Her first polo lesson was about eightyears-ago and she started to play chukkas six-years-ago after having minimal riding experience – a few pony classes when she was a teenager. She didn’t think of herself as a talented player, with the handling of the ball nor the understanding of the game, not to mention riding. So, she only made little steps of progression through consistent hard working and training. For the past three years, she played four to five times per week and as she owns a farm in Argentina (San Eugenio Polo Club close to Lobos) where she also plays chukkas. 82
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Bio-R®
Morgan van Overbroek
After the decision that she was not willing to quit polo, she thought starting Bio-R® was an opportunity to see if something new could improve her polo. Morgan chose to follow the Bio-R® programme for four months 2018, with food supplementation, psychological support and a nutrition programme detailed by Dr. Antoinette Sarasin. As head of Biomolecular Restoration, Nutrition & Lifestyle, Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo leads a team of medical doctors and assistants that coordinate indepth laboratory testing that are used to detect particular biochemical and neurochemical imbalances and deficiencies which often underlie a client’s physical or mental discomfort. Bio-R® involves the in-depth laboratory analysis of a person’s individual biochemistry, which is as unique to each client as a fingerprint. Through blood samples, saliva, stool, nutrigenetics and other tests, we gain a detailed understanding of the causes that impact a person’s health and emotional wellbeing. We use this valuable insight to create a formulation of micronutrients, which is tailored to match the precise requirements of each client. This, together with personalised coaching, results in a highly
The body functions like a highly precise Swiss clock. The way we think and feel, along with our emotions and our physical health, are all the result of millions of complex processes in the body and brain. This activity takes place at a biochemical and neurotransmitter level and it has a direct impact on our wellbeing. In fact, each of us has our own internal biochemistry that needs to be finely balanced for us to feel healthy and at our best. Imbalances in biochemistry may also be linked to a variety of other issues such as genetic factors, stress, poor nutrition, trauma and abuse, co-dependency, chronic pain and prescription medication. If our bodies do not absorb the correct nourishment, our brains in turn do not receive the crucial amino acids and micronutrients that we need in order for us to think and feel the way we should. When the chemistry in our brain and body is disturbed, we cannot function perfectly and may develop a wide range of disorders, which can lead to poor performance. The goal is to formulate a holistic, tailor-made programme for every individual and to provide guidance to keep the success long lasting. A typical Bio-R® treatment would involve an in-depth medical assessment and discussion with one of the practice’s experts, as they do not rely solely on laboratory results. This ensures that the treatment provided takes into account the medical history and meets client expectations.
Morgan’s recommendations:
For Morgan, hydration is a key point when playing polo. Normally she gets on the horse with two to three litres of pure water already in her body. She easily drinks one litre just after playing so that muscles, joints and bones are full of water, stronger and more flexible. Alongside the pure polo training four to five times per week, she started to do other physical training. On the physical side, she has set-up a warm-up routine and www.polotimes.co.uk
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Little tips from the trainers
Prepare mentally for your game with your warm-up routine and get some space just for yourself. Never ever sit between chukkas – it
Dr. Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo Director and Expert of Biomolecular Restoration, Nutrition and Lifestyle at Kunsnacht Practice • The human body works like a delicate swiss clock and is dependent on biochemical and neuro-chemical balance • Every individual has an unique complex biochemical environment, which forms an internal milieu • The Bio-R® approach is holistic and can detect minor imbalances or deficiencies which can be triggers for a reduced output • An in-depth medical assessment is the basis for the tailor made treatment plan to improve mental and body performance
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo
straightens the body to make it ready to handle shocks and falls. Additionally, she did the physical and core training with Stefan Labas (Labas Coaching). This is targeted training on core muscles, balance, resistance to shocks and cardio all with heart monitor to make sure the body is not exhausted. Furthermore, she undertook physical and mental training with yoga teacher Nicole Gibbard with her special programme Yoga 4 Horse Riders. This programme helps to keep the mind focused, control the breathing and work on physical strength and flexibility. Morgan started to re-organise the polo season while introducing the different training methods, which are complementary. The kick-off with the Bio-R® programme was amazing and after one month the results start to show, not only on physical levels (losing 10kgs) but also on a mental level. She came back stronger, with the brain working faster and being more serene and balanced. After finishing the programme, she decided to continue on her own path, knowing she could really get better if she was providing her body the right nutrition and the right training. The changes were fast and very rewarding.
Knowledge
Dr. Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo
is blocking your blood and lymph circulation, putting your body in stress and making it impossible to recover during those three or so minutes. Stand in the shade or walk while hydrating. Just like we do with our horses.
For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch
https://labascoaching.com https://www.yoga4horseriders.com https://bio-r.ch
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Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Fabulous Fibre!
Lorna Fleming’s horses are provided with hay in the lorry
have helped the horses to maintain condition and energy levels throughout the season. Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar
Ponies at the lorry with hay
As many of you will know, I often (or always!) talk about fibre and whether enough is being fed, what the quality is like and how long horses are away from fibre on playing days. These are some of the questions that are so important when looking at horses that work hard and need to maintain condition and performance for the polo season. I find concentrate diets are generally adjusted according to the quality and amount of fibre fed. It is great to see so many more horses having free access to forage/fibre when they are stabled, but one area where we could help is when travelling. During busy times of the year when polo ponies are on the lorries for long periods of time, they are away from their stables and therefore not eating for anything between four to 10 hours. It’s worth remembering that horses produce around 1½ litres of gastric acid per hour with or without eating. That’s an awful lot of acid that has the potential to reach the hind gut if there is not a continuous supply 84
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of fibre, which can cause disruption to the beneficial fibre digesting bacteria, and also increases the risk of gastric ulcers in the stomach; both scenarios are likely to have an effect on performance and health. I wanted to see how the logistics of providing forage on playing days were made possible so I had a chat with a few grooms/ players to see what works best for them and their horses…. Sophie Malt & Ollie Jones play a lot of polo locally (Cirencester/Edgeworth) but also travel long distances to Cowdray, and at times they may have two or three games a day. Their horses have constant access to hay – whether in the field, stables or lorry. Sophie fills up large hay nets for the lorry, leaving them there until they are empty, thus saving time filling nets for each journey but allowing them to eat before and after polo. On days of more than one game they will feed the horses a concentrate feed at the grounds; they have found both methods
Steph Blything & Emma Boers always travel their horses with haylage nets, especially with the long journeys from Cowdray to Cirencester, and the horses are allowed to eat travelling to and from polo. Steph finds that, for those horses that are not great travellers, the hay nets are a distraction and therefore they are a lot more settled during the longer journeys. Oxford Polo professional drivers, Leigh Wisher & Sarah Peake, travelled horses back from Spain at the beginning of the season with hay being fed off the floor of the artic lorry, which is of huge benefit on long journeys, not only having plenty of forage to eat, but allowing the horses to get their heads down, which is thought to reduce the onset of shipping fever. After seeing the success of travelling the horses on longer distances across Europe they are now feeding forage on the return journeys from polo in the UK, thus reducing the amount of time they are away from their forage and helping with recovery from a game and maintaining condition – and curing boredom when stuck on the M25! Kaya George & Tom Brodie use hay nets going to and from polo. During their heavy polo schedules they find the horses recover and maintain condition by continuous access to forage. Kaya will often hang hay nets in the pony lines when they have two games www.polotimes.co.uk
Nutrition Focus
Knowledge
Tom Beim’s string eating hay in the pony lines with Buzz on watch
– which has not affected their performance. Before they are loaded to travel home they will receive a feed of beet pulp to help with hydration as well as offering a different source of fibre. José Montenegro & Luke Wiles travel their horses with hay nets when returning from polo, but they will feed a scoop of alfalfa chaff to the horses when they arrive at polo, which the horses eat as they are having their studs and bandages done. They add water and electrolytes to the chaff on hot days, preloading with electrolytes, especially for a couple who have a history of tying up. Matias Bitar & Tom Beim travel their horses with hay nets, using them on the way home for the more local games. By doing so, the horses are maintaining their condition and they don’t feel the performance of the horses is affected at all. Rather than giving them a net each, Matias hangs a net at each partition to allow two horses to share – five nets need filling rather than 10!
Megan Payne & Will Lucas will allow the horses ten minutes of hand grazing when they arrive at polo and after long journeys they have chaff offered to them as well – Megan finds it settles them and allows fibre before playing. The horses always travel home with a hay net and will sometimes have a feed at the ground before leaving if they have a long journey home. What are the positives? • Fibre is an energy source, it is not ‘just a filler’ or ‘bulk’ that slows them down and makes them’ heavy’ – turning fibre into energy is something the horse is efficient at doing • Maintains a healthy digestive tract – the horse is a hind gut fermenter; with very little fibre passing through, the risk of colic, acidosis, reduced performance and poor health is increased significantly • Reduces the risk of gastric ulcers by trying to emulate trickle feeding as much as possible • Alfalfa Chaff 30 minutes before playing
Eating hay off the floor is thought to help reduce the onset of shipping fever
can act as a ‘mat’ on the gastric acid and reduce the amount of ‘sloshing’ of acid during exercise by acting as a buffer to the acid against the unprotected upper region of the stomach • Fibre works as a reservoir in the hind gut, it holds water which is then available for longer periods of time, aiding hydration • As fibre holds water it also holds electrolytes, which are essential in recovery and performance in hot weather and during hard work • Reduces boredom as it allows the horse to chew – promoting psychological wellbeing and a relaxed, not stressed, individual What are the negatives? • Extra work in doing hay nets, packing feed bowls & chaff or beet or hand grazing • Causes fighting – it won’t once they are used to it! • They will ‘pig out’ – they might at first, but as they begin to self-regulate they will stop eating until it’s gone as they adapt to trickle feeding rather than being made into ‘meal eaters’ – which their digestive tract is not designed to do So, there are different ways of providing fibre on a game day, depending on the logistics and how it works for you and your horses. As much as it is a pain to do nets, I feel the positives outweigh the negatives! Other equestrian disciplines do it so why not polo? And at all levels of polo, they all have the same digestive tract and nutritional needs. A big thank you as always to those that have taken time to send me pictures and give me quotations for this article. C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
Will Lucas’ ponies having chaff before play
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Knowledge
Fitness Insight
In this feature, we speak to Angus Olds, trainer to the polo stars, about what it takes to be in peak fitness, ready to do battle on the polo field from high goal to low goal. Gus has worked with a number of professional athletes and teams for well over a decade including members of British Ski and Snowsports, UK Polocrosse, British Dressage and England Polo to name but a few. Gus worked within the El Remanso high goal operation for two years and saw the team reach the Final of The British Open on both occasions. In the off-season, Gus consults with private individuals on health optimisation and athletic performance
Gut Feeling Performance is as simple as bacteria
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Our understanding of the human gut microbiome is in its infancy, but few areas of investigation hold so much promise in terms of not only performance, but also long-term health, as your second brain, aka the ecosystem of unique bugs that inhabit your gut. Studies now show that elite athletes have the ‘athlete’ selection of gut bugs, which is hardly surprising given the varied and far reaching effects that gut health has on the body. Your recovery from a game or from training depends largely on your microbiome. Studies show that the key anti-inflammatory processes in your body rely upon a healthy gut. Poor gut health leads to poor recovery, which in turn means that the chance of injury skyrockets. (1) This leads neatly on to one of my pet hates – the practice of using anti-inflammatory drugs
like ibuprofen or diclofenac post game to ‘aid in recovery’. Not only is this counter-productive and will in actuality delay recovery because the very inflammatory processes that these drugs reduce are those required for recovery, but this class of drugs (COX inhibitors) damage your gut wall and destroy your micro biome (2). In so doing, they also increase the chance of you sustaining a soft tissue injury long term. While short courses of these anti-inflammatories have been shown to have some benefit at reducing acute inflammation, long term use is inextricably linked to poor healing of tendon and bone injuries (3). In short, only use them when absolutely necessary and for as short a time as possible if you would like an injury free career in polo. Look after your gut and recover quicker from games and training, as well as reducing your chance of injury and disease linked to inflammation.
The mental side:
If you are someone that suffers from pregame jitters or is a ‘confidence player’, your gut should be the first place you look. Your gut produces a great deal of the chemical messengers required by your brain to do its job well – everything from concentration span to confidence and clarity of thought relies on this process. Fascinating experiments in mice show that by simply changing the gut make-up of the animals, their willingness to make bold decisions and take calculated risks improved, as did their mental fortitude under stressful conditions. In short, they made good decisions under pressure and did not quit! (4) Handy in a sport that is as fast paced and mentally demanding as polo.
Your shape
The very first thing that I address with all my athletes is gut health. Simply put, it doesn’t matter what nutrition or training plan you are on, because if your gut isn’t working well, your results will be mediocre at best. Studies in twins on the exact same nutrition and training regime in laboratory-controlled environments, in which nothing but gut bacteria differed, yielded some truly amazing
Gut health is key to improved performance
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Fitness Insight results, in which they found that one twin developed obesity while the other remained a healthy weight. In practice, I have found that in individuals that have ‘tried everything’ to get in shape, that this is often the culprit. (5) If you are struggling with mood or confidence on the field, or thinking of undertaking a health or nutrition regime, you could save yourself a great deal of time and effort by taking a gut centric view. Look after your microbiome and the bugs will look after you both now and in the long term! Gus can be reached via email on gusolds@me.com and posts regular health and performance information on Instagram @gofitcoach References
Knowledge
Right so how do you go about getting your gut to work to make you a better athlete? Easy, follow the four step protocol: Sleep Ground zero is sleep – poor sleep leads to a leaky gut wall and sets you up to fail in any of the below interventions. Refer to my previous article in Polo Times on sleep if you are a regular counter of sheep. Sugar Sugar/grains and processed forms of carbohydrate in general are synonymous with poor gut health – ditch sugar, booze and grains to start giving the good guys in your gut a fighting chance! Supplements This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood areas of gut health. Probiotics are not always your friend! The analogy I use with my athletes is, probiotics can act like fertiliser for your lawn – great if all you have growing is lawn, not so good if your lawn consists mostly of weeds! Fertiliser gives you more of what you already have, which is a problem if you have sub-optimal species growing in your gut. First refer to point 4 before you undertake any self-treatment, as you may well make it worse not better.
1. Clemente Jose C, Manasson Julia, Scher Jose U. The role of the gut microbiome in systemic inflammatory disease BMJ 2018; 360 2. McGetiggan. P Current problems with non-specific COX inhibitors. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2000. Vol 6. Issue 17. 3. Deepak et al. Do NSAIDS Impair Healing of Sample Musculoskeletal Injuries. Rheumatology. 2011. Volume 28. In a perfect world you would work with a health coach or practitioner that understands the 4. Yoanyuang et al. Gut microbiota regulates mouse microbiome and do some testing. If this is beyond your budget a simple google search behaviors through glucocorticoid receptor pathway genes will link you to urine or faecal sample tests that you can take at home to see if something in the hippocampus. Translational Psychiatry. 2018. Vol 8. untoward is going on in your gut. 187. 5. Turnbaugh et al. A core gut Microbiome in Lean and Obese Twins. Horse Nature. 2009. 480-484 Richmonds Transport.qxd:Layout 1 3/3/10 10:10 Page 1
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Knowledge
Vet Insight
Caroline Gillespie MA VetMB MRCVS graduated from Cambridge University in 2013 and after completing an equine internship has worked in equine practices around the country from Cheshire to the Isle of Wight. She now works at Celtic Equine Vets in the New Forest, an ambulatory practice treating everything from miniature Shetlands to competition horses
Strangles
Guttural Pouch Endoscopy The guttural pouches sit either side of the back of the throat and can become filled with pus during infection. The pus can then dry out and form hardened chondroids, where the bacteria will persist and cause the horse to become a long-term carrier until they are removed. The inside of the pouches are examined and fluid washed through the pouch is taken to test for the bacteria. Almost 100 percent of carrier horses can be identified this way with one test and then treated at the same time if pus is seen. A PCR test on this fluid will even detect dead bacteria, so it is used to confirm clearance of infection once an outbreak is over.
The correct way to deal with an infection
What happens during the infection?
It takes two to seven days for signs to show, after a horse has picked up the infection. Younger horses, from one to five-years-old, tend to be most severely affected, but most horses that come across the infection will show some signs. Initially a fever develops (over 38.5 degrees), then lymph nodes under the jaw enlarge and nasal discharge begins. This will be clear to begin with and turn yellow/green and thick after a day or two. Lymph node abscesses may develop and then burst, which are the hallmark of the disease, although they are not present in every infection. In severe cases, breathing may be restricted where the enlarged lymph nodes press on the windpipe and the abscesses may need lancing. The pus from an abscess will carry an enormous bacterial load and be highly infectious, and only a tiny amount is required to transmit the disease. Occasionally the infection can spread around the body to involve other lymph nodes, a condition known as ‘bastard strangles’ which is often fatal. 88
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Having Strangles on a yard is a real headache. Horses should not be moved on or off the yard once a horse has it, until all horses are confirmed to be clear. It can take weeks for individual horses to recover, and then longer to see if other horses will develop the infection, then a wait until the risk of shedding has passed and to get the all-clear from your vet. There are no legal requirements in the UK that stipulate how Strangles infections should be handled, or that force yards to shut down if they have it. Given how contagious and serious it can be, and how time consuming and expensive it is to clear up a yard from the infection, the responsible thing to do is to take advice and help prevent it spreading elsewhere.
Testing for Strangles
During an outbreak, often the signs of infection are enough to provide the diagnosis, but these measures will help confirm it. Blood Testing The blood test measures the horse’s immune response to the bacterium, giving an indication of whether they have mounted an immune response to fight it off. A negative test means there is no response, which can show they have not been exposed, or that they have not yet started an immune response, which takes up to two weeks after infection. A positive test means that they have been exposed to the bacterium but does not indicate when. It could be current, or recently within the last six to 12 months, or they may be a carrier. Early in an infection, two blood tests performed two weeks apart that show a rising antibody level shows current infection. Swabbing If there is a nasal discharge, or an abscess under the jaw, a swab can be taken to test. The accuracy of the nasal swab is quite low, however, so the recommendation is to do three nasal swabs at weekly intervals. This is time consuming and not very accurate, so many vets are moving away from this method. If an abscess under the jaw is present, it is very likely to be strangles, but culturing the bacteria from the pus confirms the diagnosis.
Photography courtesy of Caroline Gillespie
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection of horses that does not affect other species, but one that is seen frequently in yards up and down the country. It causes fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, lymph node swelling, abscesses and a cough, and can take a long time for full recovery. Signs of infection in horses are easily spotted and the bacterium isn’t particularly hardy – it is killed by most disinfectants. It should be relatively easy to control and to prevent spreading, but we still see it circulating in horse populations and we should be asking ourselves why. The bacterium is called Streptococcus Equi subspecies Equi,or Strangles for short. It is transferred by direct contact horse-tohorse, or indirect contact from water troughs, peoples’ hands, feed buckets and equipment. Droplets of nasal discharge can transfer it, so it may be spread through the air immediately around an affected horse, and droplets can be picked up on boots and walked around the yard for another horse to pick up. Infected horses spread the disease, but this includes those that are long-term carriers and are not showing any outward signs, making it easier for the disease to be passed on.
Endoscopic view of the inside of the guttural pouch
Treating affected horses
Most treatment of a horse with strangles is supportive, with box rest and antiinflammatories to reduce temperature and encourage appetite, plus feeding soft, easily digested feed from a low level to encourage pus drainage from the nostrils. Abscesses may need hot packing, lancing and flushing where present. Even though it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not always given, as they do not penetrate the abscesses well and can delay an abscess maturing and signs from resolving. It is widely believed that antibiotics make complications more likely, such as bastard strangles and creating carrier status. They tend only to be used in very specific circumstances, such as in cases where breathing is restricted or the horse is critically ill, and occasionally if the infection is caught very early, to avoid signs beginning.
How can you avoid an outbreak? Testing incoming horses with a blood test before arrival is a simple and low cost way
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Vet Insight to try and avoid bringing in a carrier of the infection. If the test comes back negative, the only way you may be caught out is if they have become infected very recently and are not showing signs or immune response as yet. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep them separated from direct contact with other horses for two weeks, just in case. If they return positive on the blood test, your best options are either to not bring them in to the yard, or to have a guttural pouch endoscopy to test whether they are a carrier, and then have them treated if they are. Bear in mind that the risk may also exist in your horses already. If one or more of your current horses is a carrier, they pose a risk to other horses at matches, or to new horses brought in. If you have had an outbreak on the yard in the past and not had any tests run since, taking blood samples would help detect if any of your current horses may be long term carriers, and then you will be able to find and treat them. 10 percent of horses after an outbreak go on to become a silent carrier and may be a source of infection for others for the rest of their lives. Treating a horse that is carrying the bacteria in the guttural pouch involves removing any chondroids under endoscopic guidance, instilling antibiotics (penicillin usually) and re-testing after 10 to 14 days to confirm the infection has been eradicated.
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Knowledge
What other steps can you take?
Be vigilant for signs of infection. Horses that seem off colour should have their temperature taken and be isolated from other horses to reduce the risk of spread if Strangles is detected. Call your vet if you suspect it, and they can advise you of the best way to manage the situation, but until proven otherwise, treat the horse as though it is Strangles infection. It pays to have some way to isolate horses from one another. Even if you haven’t had any infectious disease on your premises for many years, knowing that you could deal with one if it arrives will go a long way to reducing the impact on you and your horses. If good isolation measures are in place, in many cases the rest of the yard can continue as normal if a horse is brought in and develops Strangles. Isolation measures will apply to any contagious infectious disease and it ideally means stabling with a separate entrance/exit and at a distance away from other horses. Isolated horses should have separate equipment, water buckets and feed buckets and be attended to last, and/or by one person only, to reduce chance of spreading infection. Foot dips with disinfectant (e.g. Virkon) should be placed outside, and disposable gloves and overalls should be worn when handling the isolated horses and
Endoscopic view of a large chondroid in the guttural pouch of a strangles carrier
discarded afterwards. These measures might sound excessive, but successfully containing any infection, be it Strangles or any other contagious infection, will pay dividends if you can prevent it from being passed on.
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FIRST BIRTHDAY
BABY BLAKEY Three Counties Equine vet David Blakey and his wife Sian welcomed son Owain Thomas Blakey on Sunday 14 July. Mum and baby are said to be doing well. Congratulations!
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Julian Appleby
Danielle Brown
Sue Cudmore, Posy Ash & Sue James
The Cotswold International Polo Day; Cirencester Park Polo Club; Saturday 22 June
Sun Shine on Ciren The sun, it seems, is always shining on Cirencester. This reigned true once again for The Cotswold International Polo Day at Cirencester Park Polo Club in late June as despite the month ending up the wettest June on record, the sun miraculously broke through for not one, nor two, but three epic matches in the heart of Gloucestershire. With picnickers surrounding the ground and VIPs sipping on delicious British Polo Gin cocktails, with some delectable treats on offer from Relish, not forgetting the bustling trade stands, selling everything from saddles to socks, the day was a huge success. There was victory for Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor and a home win for the Frasers England Ladies. What a day! Please turn to our Reports pages for The Warwickshire Cup match report and the Women’s page for The Ladies International match report. Yoanna Hanbury
Photography by Tom Reynolds Photography & Polo Times
Countess Bathurst
Richard McAlister-Martin
Glen Gilmore Bridget Hanbury
The winning Emlor team
Ruso Heguy, Christopher Hanbury & Eduardo Novillo Astrada
Christopher Price, Olly Hughes, Stephen Hutchinson & David Woodd
Aurora Eastwood
Santiago Galland
Gavin Turner
Segundo Darritchon
Marcos di Paola
Ollie Heard
Ollie Heard & Eduardo Novillo Astrada
Steph Price & Thomas Hume
Ignacio Toccalino & his son
Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 22 June
Players of Tomorrow On Saturday 22 June, young players from across the globe gathered at Guards Polo Club for their annual La Aguada Youth Tournament. Over the years, the numbers of youth polo players has seen a steady rise and this year’s turnout was testament to this, as a great variety of young players took to the pristine Guards grounds. Eduardo Novillo Astrada, the one responsible for the original concept of the event was on hand to encourage the players of tomorrow, helping the bridge the gap between young players from England, Argentina and further afield, forging friendships for life. Ollie Heard was named the 12-15-year-old The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, with young Estanislao Darritchon collecting the under-12s edition, whilst Lucio Toccalino’s gelding Palomo rode off with the under-12’s Polo Times Best Playing Pony honours and Ollie Heard’s mare Ramita took home the 12-15-year-old category honours. It was a glorious day of exciting youth polo, cementing the bond between Guards and La Aguada Polo Club. Miguel Novillo Astrada & Estanislao Darritchon
Antony Fanshawe & Thomas Hume
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Felipe Iturrate & Mariano Darritchon
Pepe Araya
Delfina Cossio
Lucas Monteverde & Eduardo Novillo Astrada
Nico San Román & Adolfo Cambiaso
Holly Baird
HM The Queen & Brian Stein
The OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final; Guards Polo Club; Sunday 23 June
Star Studded Final
Colonel Sean O’Dwyer & Jock Green-Armytage
Guards Polo Club’s Royal Box was packed to the rafters with famous faces, ranging from HM The Queen to world number one Adolfo Cambiaso and Golden Globe Award winner Gillian Anderson, all gathered to enjoy The OUT-SOURCING! Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final. UAE Polo secured the prestigious Cup, with 13-year-old Lucas Monteverde Jnr proudly receiving the Most Valuable Player award from HM The Queen. Alongside the main Final, spectators also enjoyed a carriage driving display as well as the final match of the 2019 Polo150 Tour, which saw Spillers Polo150 take the win. For the details of the main match, please turn to the Reports pages. Antony Fanshawe
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Guests enjoyed a carriage driving display
Gary Dourdan Harutiko Doi
Gillian Anderson
Yoshiki Hayashi
Chris Eubank & Chris Eubank Jnr
Tissy Sievwright
Rashid Albwardy
Nick Williams, Tricia Ward, Ginny Williams & Rob Ward
Issy Branch & Gary Cannon
Zahra Lucas & Alison Clark
125th Anniversary Ball; Cirencester Park Polo Club; Saturday 29 June
Bright Young Things
Tom & Jo Beim
The rip-roaring twenties reappeared in full force at Cirencester Park Polo Club in late June, as the Club and its members took a well-deserved evening to celebrate its 125th anniversary, making it the oldest Club in the UK! In true twenties fashion, enjoyment was the name of the game, with champagne flowing, Charlestons danced and feather boas strewn as far as the eye could see. Alongside the quintessentially British theme, delectable treats were interspersed with free-flowing cocktails and witty banter. The Earl and Countess Bathurst were front and centre to celebrate their Club’s exciting birthday, with a smattering of polo faces and celebrities thrown in for good measure. Here’s to the next 125 years Cirencester! Photography by Kay Ransom Photography
Andy & Milly Hine
Dave & Steph Allen
Will Lucas with Melissa & Chris Walker
Bridget & Christopher Hanbury with Georgina Britten Long
Dominic, Stuart & Patrick Lodge
Gwen & Richard Buckett
Peter Morris
The Earl & Countess Bathurst
Alicia Wright & Shaun Brokensha
Nick Knowles
Tommy & Ollie Severn
Sarah & Patrick Lowther
Paul Thomason
Jean & Ray Moore
Martin & Rachel Kidd
Liza Nixon
Mamma Mia Themed Party; Cheshire Polo Club; Friday 12 July
Mamma Mia! Cheshire Polo Club members certainly know how to party! Once again, everyone went to town on their costumes, this year with a Mamma Mia theme – cue shiny spandex, thigh high leatherette boots and wigs aplenty! Guests were greeted with cocktails for welcome drinks, all soaked up with fish and chips and goujons with a choice of curry or tartare sauce – delicious! ABBA tribute band, The Passionettes provided the musical backdrop for the evening, taking everyone back in time, with choruses of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” lasting long into the night. Holly Jenkins & Henry Smith
Mark Cramb
The Passionettes tribute band
Photography by Mark R. Heath
Maggie Spencer-Hawkes, Ron Martin & Christina Burchell
Katie Jenkinson with Cristian & Sarah Chaves
Howard Davies, Pam Davies & Alan Johnson
Vicky & Rod Scammell
Annabelle, Ged, Karen & Charlie Kelly
Maj Dan von Barloewen & Simon Ledger
Col Dickie Winchester
Jeremy Hackett
Helen Spiller
The Rundle Cup; Tidworth Polo Club; Saturday 13 July
Ripping Good Rundle The sun always shines in the heart of Wiltshire and on a brilliant Saturday afternoon military polo was at its best, as on 13 July, thousands of polo fans took to the sidelines of Tidworth Polo Club for the annual Rundle Cup. The Armed Forces were out in force with their extensive entourages, lapping up the seemingly endless sunshine and sipping on British Polo Gin cocktails into the evening. As the dulcet tones of British Army Polo Director and commentator supremo Simon Ledger wafted across the grounds, guests were treated to three exciting matches with HACKETT Army ultimately reigning supreme. It was the general consensus that this year’s Rundle Cup was one of the best yet, hailing once again the prowess of British military polo.
Paul Conde
Photography by Peter Meade Photography Freddie Benyon
Kylie Coleman
Emily Rose
Harry Rourke
Felicity Townend
Will & Evie Mawby
Harold Hodges, India Ringer & Robyn Evans
Maj General Robert Talbot-Rice
Chris Gannon & friend
Gaston Devrient
Mo Sheikh & Chris Bethell
Paul Wu & Gerry Pandian
Heloise Wilson-Smith & son Oscar
The King Power Gold Cup Final; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 21 July
Gilded Dubai
Catriona Baker & Jamie George Duncan Murray
The King Power Gold Cup Final always attracts thousands upon thousands of spectators, and the 2019 instalment was no different. The sun-kissed banks along Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Lawns 2 were laden with 15,000 revellers tucking into delicious picnics amidst the hustle and bustle of this iconic event. High on the Cowdray hill, Nic Fiddien-Green’s ‘Still Water’ sculpture basked in the July sunlight as spectators milled around its base in the commotion of the shopping village. Following a jaw-dropping display from the RAF Falcon’s parachute team, bums took to seats and the heart-stoppingly quick King Power Gold Cup Final got underway. It was a game of youthful determination versus experience, and a Final that will go down in history as one of the most thrilling, tense, rollercoaster rides of a match to ever grace the Cowdray fields. As ‘Jeta’ Castagnola delivered the winning goal for Dubai, the crowd roared and popped bottles of champagne in celebration of an iconic win, one no one will forget in a hurry!
Lila Pearson & Melanie Vere Nicoll
Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography & ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Julian Appleby & Jon Rudkin
Tim Bown Ollie Cudmore & David Woodd
David Morley
Alicia Brokensha
Ruso Heguy
Chas Taylor
Karl Ude Martinez & John Kent
Vinnie Meyer
Oussama Aboughazale, Jaime Huidobro & Isabel Aboughazale
Ali Albwardy & Neil McClean
Jeta & Bartolito Castagnola
Martin Valent, Neil McClean & Lolo Castagnola
Facundo & Gonzalo Pieres
Freya Walker & Tabby Taylor
Sir Charles Williams & John Bunn
Jorgito & Santiago Toccalino with friend
Nacho du Plessis
The Gold Cup Trophy
Rodrigo Andrade, Guilherme & Antonio Aidar with Gabriel Santos
Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com
01462 701110
Polo directory
What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club Druids Lodge Cowdray Guards Cowdray Cowdray Cirencester Black Bears Guards Beaufort Ham Druids Lodge Cirencester Kirtlington Silver Leys Taunton Cambridge County Cheshire Binfield Heath Cheshire White Waltham Silver Leys Cambridge County Leadenham Leadenham Stewarton Guards Cowdray Guards Cowdray Beaufort
Tournament Name Summer League Harrison Cup The Crawford Cup Challenge Cup Holden White Challenge Cup Doug Brown Cup Culden Faw Challenge Cup Town & County Championship The Bat Cup Argentine Club Cup Rose Bowl Jack Williams Cup Budgett Everett Trophy John Mathies Memorial Cup Houldsworth Cup Camplin Cup/ROR Charity
Handicap -4 - 0 12-15 0-4 15-18 4-8 0-6 10 4-8 0-10 2-4 3-4 0-4 2-6 -4 - -2 0-6 0-4
Start Date 13/07/19 15/07/19 16/07/19 22/07/19 22/07/19 23/07/19 23/07/19 23/07/19 25/07/19 30/07/19 30/07/19 30/07/19 01/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19
End Date 25/08/19 03/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 11/08/19 11/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 11/08/19 11/08/19 03/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19
Orion Engineering Trophy August Tournament Waverley Healthcare Cup The Carpe Diem Tournament John Mathies Memorial Cup Camplin Cup/ROR Charity
-4 - 2 -2 - 2 -4 - 2 -2 - 2 -2 - 0 -4 - 0
03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19
04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19
Handicap Start Date End Date Open 14/08/19 14/08/19
Black Bears
Black Bears Challenge
6
16/08/19
18/08/19
Cirencester
Chairmans Cup
6-10
16/08/19
26/08/19
Tidworth
Exton Park King’s Royal Hussars’ Cup & Kadugli Cup
4-6
17/08/19
18/08/19
New Forest
Blue Jackets Summer Tournament
4
17/08/19
18/08/19
Leadenham
£4k 4 Goal Tournament
4
17/08/19
18/08/19
White Waltham
Carlitos Polo Bronze Tournament 2-4
17/08/19
18/08/19
Cheshire
Harlequins Cup
0-2
17/08/19
18/08/19
Emsworth
August Plate
2
17/08/19
18/08/19
White Waltham
Carugh Cup
0-2
17/08/19
18/08/19
Taunton
Friar Park Cup
0-2
17/08/19
18/08/19
Tidworth
Exton Park King’s Royal Hussars’ Cup & Kadugli Cup
-4 - 0
17/08/19
18/08/19
Silver Leys
Harvest Cup
-2 - 0 & -4- -2
17/08/19
18/08/19
Kirtlington
Thorneloe Ladies
6-8
17/08/19
18/08/19
Blueys
Charity Cup
Open
17/08/19
18/08/19
Edgeworth
Stroud Farm Services League
0-2
17/08/19
26/08/19
Ham
Stags Head
Open
18/08/19
18/08/19
Beaufort
The Arthur Lucas Cup
12-15
20/08/19
01/09/19
Guards
The Flemish Farm Trophy
2-6
20/08/19
01/09/19
Guards
The President’s Trophy
6-10
20/08/19
07/09/19
RCBPC
4 - 6 Goal Open
4-6
23/08/19
26/08/19
Taunton
Clague Cup
0-2
24/08/19
24/08/19
Taunton
The Lo Wu Cup
-4 - 0
24/08/19
24/08/19
TBA
Whitbread
Open
24/08/19
24/08/19
Cambridge County
Harvest Hawkie Tournament
2-4
24/08/19
25/08/19
Binfield Heath
Alpha Suisse
0-2
24/08/19
25/08/19
Harvest Hawkie Tournament
-2 - 2
24/08/19
25/08/19
-2 - 0 -6 - -4 Open 6 - 12 0-4 12-16 8-12 0-10
RCBPC
-2 to 2
06/08/19
17/08/19
Cambridge County
Cirencester
Wilson Trophy
4-8
06/08/19
18/08/19
Beaufort
Intro Tournament
-2 - 2
24/08/19
25/08/19
Beaufort
The Somerville LivingstoneLearmonth Trophy
0-6
06/08/19
18/08/19
Druids Lodge
Salisbury Cup
-4 - 0
24/08/19
25/08/19
Guards
The Cottington Cup
2-4
06/08/19
18/08/19
Moor Farm
The Colonel Jack Jackson Shield
-8 - -2
24/08/19
25/08/19
Cirencester
Midsummer 12 Goal
8-12
06/08/19
26/08/19
-6 - -2
24/08/19
25/08/19
Brecknock Cup
4-8
06/08/19
26/08/19
Cambridge County
Harvest Hawkie Tournament
Cowdray Cirencester
National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup)
12-15
07/08/19
17/08/19
Rutland
The Ruddles Challenge
-6 - -2
24/08/19
25/08/19
White Waltham
-2 - 2
24/08/19
26/08/19
Guards
Autumn Nations
10-12
08/08/19
15/09/19
1947 Saunders Davis 3 Handled Polo Challenge
White Waltham
JP Morgan Challenge Match
-6 - -4
10/08/19
10/08/19
Cirencester
Kingscote Cup
0-6
26/08/19
07/08/19
Emsworth
The Impresionate Cup
4
10/08/19
11/08/19
White Waltham
Polo Divot Trophy
-6 - -2
26/08/19
26/08/19
Binfield Heath
Chairman’s Cup
0-4
10/08/19
11/08/19
Cheshire
Chukka Challenge
-8 - -5
26/08/19
26/08/19
11/08/19
Kirtlington
HPA v KPPC Alan Budgett
Open
26/08/19
26/08/19
11/08/19
Tidworth
AGC Cup
Open
26/08/19
26/08/19
Cheshire
Mu Kershaw Memorial Cup
Open
26/08/19
26/08/19
Tidworth
The Hartopp Trophy
0-2
10/08/19
Seriously Cool Events Canada Cup
0-2
Cheshire
Hollies Farm Shop Trophy
-4 - 2
10/08/19
11/08/19
Cirencester
Cheltenham Cup
8-12
27/08/19
08/09/19
Tidworth
Seriously Cool Events Canada Cup
-4 - 0
10/08/19
11/08/19
Cowdray
PSI Trophy
4-8
27/08/19
08/09/19
Cheshire
Indart Cup
-4 - -2
10/08/19
11/08/19
Cowdray
Park House Cup
0-4
27/08/19
15/09/19
Rutland
Sandicliffe Cup
-6 - -2
10/08/19
11/08/19
Beaufort
The Solitaire Salver
0-4
28/08/19
08/09/19
Cheshire
Club Plate
-8 - -5
10/08/19
11/08/19
Kirtlington
Colquhoun Cup
4-6
29/08/19
01/09/19
Taunton
Silverwood Trophy
-2 - 0
13/08/19
11/08/19
RCBPC
0 - 4 Goal Open
0-4
29/08/19
01/09/19
Cowdray
Colts Cup
Open
13/08/19
14/08/19
Taunton
Wickham Trophy
Open
31/08/19
31/08/19
Beaufort
Wichenford Bowl
4-8
13/08/19
25/08/19
Druids Lodge
Forest Edge Rose Bowl & Charity Day
0-8
31/08/19
01/09/19
Ham
Roehampton Cup
2-6
13/08/19
25/08/19
Black Bears
Black Bear’s Farewell
8
31/08/19
01/09/19
Cowdray
West Sussex Cup
0-6
13/08/19
01/09/19
Binfield Heath
Polo Manager’s Trophy
4-6
31/08/19
01/09/19
www.polotimes.co.uk
10/08/19
04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 18/08/19 18/08/19 25/08/19 24/08/19 11/08/19
Tournament Name Masters (Over 50)
August Tournament August Tournament The Stewarton Tournament Duke of Wellington Trophy Lodsworth Village Cup The Duke of Cornwall’s Trophy Mid Summer 12 Goal Non-Playing Members Tournement for The Babdown Cup The Polo Festival
Rutland
03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 03/08/19 04/08/19 05/08/19
Club Rutland
Polo Times, August 2019 101
Polo directory Club Edgeworth
Tournament Name Hayden-Tovey Trophy
Handicap Start Date End Date 0-4 31/08/19 01/09/19
Suffolk
Raging Bull Tournament
-4 - 4
31/08/19
01/09/19
Cheshire
Polo Player Trophy
-4 - 2
31/08/19
01/09/19
White Waltham
The Mountgerald Polo Tournament
0-2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Rutland
Seavill Bowl
0-2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Silver Leys
Print on Demand
-2 - 0
31/08/19
01/09/19
Binfield Heath
Polo Manager’s Trophy
-4 - 0
31/08/19
01/09/19
Silver Leys
Print on Demand Cup
-4 - -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Tidworth
Polo Captain’s Trophy
-6 - -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Rutland
The Wilkinson Sword
-6 - -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Villa a Sesta
Cheshire
Club Plate
-8 - -5
31/08/19
01/09/19
Villa a Sesta
Kirtlington
Pony Club Championships Qualifier
Open
05/08/19
05/08/19
Villa a Sesta
Polo Kids Summer Camp
Open
05/08/19
11/08/19
Flemish Farm
Rocksavage
Open
06/08/19
06/08/19
Cowdray
Hipwood
Open
08/08/19
08/08/19
Cowdray
Pony Club Championships
Open
09/08/19
11/08/19
Cowdray
Colts Cup
Open
13/08/19
14/08/19
Ham
Stagshead Trophy
Open
18/08/19
18/08/19
Rutland
Whitbread Trophy
Open
21/08/19
21/08/19
Deauville
Kids Polo
Open
25/08/19
25/08/19
Shongweni
Kirtlington
Alan Budgett Trophy
Open
26/08/19
26/08/19
Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Gold Cup
8-10
29/08/19
08/09/19
Open
24/07/19
31/08/19
Summer Cup
6-8
22/08/19
25/08/19
Coppa Vendemmia
6-8
30/08/19
01/09/19
Spain Santa Maria Polo Club
48 Torneo Internacional de Polo
Italy
YOUTH
Kenya North Kenya Polo Club
Timau (Mugs Mug)
Open
15/08/19
18/09/19
North Kenya Polo Club
Timau
Open
23/08/19
25/08/19
Shongweni 2 & 6 Goal
2&6
02/08/19
04/08/19
East Rand
Wooden Horse Tournament
0
16/08/19
18/08/19
Lions River
Lions River 2 & 4 Goal
2&4
23/08/19
25/08/19
South Africa
MILITARY Tidworth
Light Infantry Trophy
0-2 & -6- -2
03/08/19
04/08/19
Tidworth
KRH Cup
4
10/08/19
11/08/19
Tidworth
AGC Tournament
Open
26/08/19
26/08/19
WOMEN’S POLO Deauville
Ladies Polo Cup
10-14
07/08/19
10/08/19
RCBPC
Polo Festival Ladies VL
18
12/08/19
17/08/19
Guards
Ladies Charity Polo Victrix Ludorum
12 - 18
20/08/19
31/08/19
Tidworth
WIP Mixed Doubles Tpurnament
0-4
24/08/19
25/08/19
Tidworth
WIP Mixed Doubles Tournament
-4 - 0
24/08/19
25/08/19
America Aspen Valley
Silver Cup
16-20
26/07/19
11/08/19
Santa Barbara
America Cup
12-16
26/07/19
11/08/19
NYC Polo Club
Northeastern Circuit Masters Cup
8
26/07/19
11/08/19
Aspen Valley
National Arena Chairman’s Cup
9-12
01/08/19
30/08/19
Aspen Valley
United States Arena Handicap
12
01/08/19
30/08/19
Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Open
14-20
15/08/19
01/09/19
France Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Cote D’Azur Cup
8-10 & 15-18
01/08/19
11/08/19
Deauville
Coupe d’Or
14-16
10/08/19
25/08/19
Deauville
Beach Polo
Open
12/08/19
13/08/19
Deauville
Coupe de Bronze
6-8
14/08/19
23/08/19
Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Open du Soleil
8-10 & 15-18
15/08/19
25/08/19
102 Polo Times, August 2019
2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 18 Goal Cowdray 15 Goal Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort 12 Goal Guards Cirencester Cowdray 8 Goal Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Kirtlington Ham Cirencester 4 Goal Druids Lodge
Challenge Cup
22/07/19
04/08/19
Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas
15/07/19 07/08/19 20/08/19
03/08/19 17/08/19 01/09/19
Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League
03/08/19 27/08/19 09/09/19
18/08/19 08/09/19 22/09/19
Holden White Wichenford Bowl
22/07/19 13/08/19
04/08/19 25/08/19
Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup
01/08/19 13/08/19 26/08/19
11/08/19 25/08/19 07/09/19
Rose Bowl
30/07/19
04/08/19
Quick Question Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page A: The Gold Cup was first played in 1956 and was won by Los Indios, when they beat Cowdray Park.
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Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
PHONE 00353 01 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Home Farm Polo Grounds
07807672120
rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com
tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Apsley End Polo Club*
01462 712444
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Knepp Castle Polo Club
Barfold Polo Club
07778 808853
mborwick@gmail.com
Leadenham Polo Club
07429 299026
office@leadenhampoloclub.com
Bawtry Polo Club
01302 773282
info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494 114190
shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
New Forest Polo Club
07977 224404
annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Blueys Polo Club*
07930 323263
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
emmadvh@btinternet.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club
07803 020577
info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy
07811 993316
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Polo Wicklow*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
harrietservaes@hotmail.com
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
01344 885697
ranelagh@labravapolo.com
Cambridge County Polo Club* Carlton House
01223 812922 07901 561113
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Ranelagh Polo Club*
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
info@chilternpoloclub.com
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
07772 040668
secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Chiltern Polo Club Cirencester Park Polo Club
07973 174542 01285 653225
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Rutland Polo Club
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Silver Leys Polo Club
07730 060200
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
polo@dbpoloclub.com
St. Albans Polo Club
07956 017090
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club
07974 706045
info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Dallas Burston Polo Club* Dorset Polo Club
01926 812409 01202 623985
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
jamesscrawford@aol.com
Sussex Polo Club*
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Eastwood Polo Club
07875 743475
frankums@googlemail.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs.wheelers@gmail.com
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Emsworth Polo Grounds*
01344 883112
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Triskelion Polo Club*
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Vale of York Polo Club*
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
FHM Polo Club*
07778 436468
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club
01428 741916
charles@trippetts.com
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
White Rose Polo Club*
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter
Livery
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2005 MAN 7.5T Excellent runner. Plated until May 2020. New batteries. Carries 4/5 ponies. Excellent opportunity to purchase a very reliable lorry. Aluminium painted box. £5,950 Call Rob on 07767 477207. Tidworth 7.5 TONNNE 2003 Renault truck - stalled for five plus separate tack area. Lovely drive and convertd for owner. Rubber floor/sides, cameras and isolator, recently plated £8.950 Call 07843 515709 Vaux Park Somerset
SMALL BALE HAY Freshly cut 29th July Selling as we have too much 150 bales available Minimum purchase 5 bales £3.50 per bale Collection only Tel: 01452 730770 (Gloucestershire, GL2)
SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham
Polo Times, August 2019 103
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
The flying Dutchman, Aki van Andel has become a well known character on the European polo circuit. Hailing from Amsterdam, but with his toes in more polo scenes than you can shake a stick at, this year alone he was found playing in Austria, at The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel, Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Argentina… and that’s just the first six months. When he’s not on the field, he’s either at his family’s farm El Metejon working with young horses, running the annual Maxima Cup or leading a more corporate existence in Holland, suffice to say, this is one busy bee What is your biggest passion and why? Horses, they are amazing animals. They are loyal, have big hearts and riding them is still one of the best things in life. Breeding and seeing the foals is always something special and I find breaking and training them very rewarding. What is your all time best polo memory? Winning the 20 goal Gold Cup with Marcos Heguy and patron Andre Fabre in Deauville, but also The European Championships are always fun to play, plus good memories.
Photograph by Cymon Skin
ner Photography
Who were/are your favourite teammates? This season was great to play with Nico Lopez Fuentes in Holland. We clicked really naturally. But the best ever was Carlos Gracida, practicing in the UK and working for him in Palm Beach. I learnt a lot. Hardest opponent? This season I played against Gonzalo Santamarina in Holland – he was quick and hard to catch. As well, Valentin Novillo Astrada is a good and hard opponent, but always fair.
104 Polo Times, August 2019
Which sports do you like outside of polo? Squash, running, the gym and field hockey.
Favourite celebrity and why? Tika Camaj – she’s a very sexy lady!
Favourite film and why? Gladiator, “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” Need I say more…
Best holiday destination & activity I always love Italy – such great food, but I’m also very fond of skiing holidays.
Favourite album? Guns ‘N’ Roses, ‘Appetite for Destruction’. Favourite food/dish? Scampi thermidor with fresh truffles.
Best pony and why? Best pony I ever had was Negrita – super handy and comfortable. If she had a little more speed, then she could have played The Open. Now my best horse is callled Mr Indian. An RoR pony, super-fast and agile. Are you passionately superstitious? Superstitious, a little. I have my lucky underwear for polo games, my socks and a wrist band. I’ve used the same ones for years... they are old and torn... and smell!
Favourite hobby outside of polo? Travelling, wildlife, nature and friends.
Describe yourself in three words… Enthusiastic, flexible, gentleman.
Most prized possession? I am not really a possession type of guy, not materialistic, but I guess my Austin Healey 100-6, old timer car.
One thing which would surprise us about you? I am a bit of a hypochondriac – I always think I’m dying.
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