Polo Times Dec15 by Edit

Volume 20 • Issue 11 • December 2015 • £6.50

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BONUS

ARGENTINE EDITION

Extra Complimentary Issue

THE TRIPLE TRIPLE La Dolfina Sancor Seguros Take Third Consecutive Triple Crown

Cambiaso Interview Getting Better With Age

PLUS: The HPA Christmas National Club Championships

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Contents

Contacts

What’s inside... December 2015

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

20 News 4 14

18 The Big Picture 20 Cover Story: Cambiaso Interview 30 Focus: Brits in Argentina

Reports

Additional Design

Principal Design

Tony Ruddy

Your Views: Letters

Features

James Morgan

Wiggy Bamforth wiggy@polotimes.co.uk

All the Latest News HPA News & FIP Update

Comment

24 35 40 42

Junior Editor

Cover Story: The Argentine Open Argentine Round Up The Manipur Polo International The HPA Christmas National Club Championships

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Lorna Broughton, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Steph Gent BVetMed MRCVS, Liz Higgins, Mikey Howe, N Ibungochoubi, Kate Scurfield, Charles Whittington, David Woodd

Polo Times Christmas Opening Times:

The Polo Times office will be closed from Tuesday 22 December and will open again on Monday 4 January.

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Directory: 74 78

What’s on in January? Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell: 80

Passions: Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo Financial Controller

48 48

5 Minutes With... Claire Brougham Reports: The 2015 USPA Open Women’s Championship

Youth Polo 50

News from Home and Abroad

Knowledge 53 58 60 62 65

Focus: Embryo Transfer Travel: La Tarde Polo Club Bit Focus: Bit Fitting Vet Insight: Vettings – Argentina vs UK Pony Power

Sidelines 66

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Cover photograph: A jubilant Adolfo Cambiaso celebrates a close La Dolfina win in the Final of The Argentine Open. By www.alicegipps.com

Polo Times, December 2015

from fromthe thePublisher Editor Polo Times, for the polo purist    Welcome to this Argentine Open Special edition of Polo Times.

News

John Hine 18 May 1936 – 10 November 2015

I hope that you will enjoy the report on The Open on pages 24-28 and that you will join me in congratulating Adolfo Cambiaso and his La Dolfina EVER SINCE CHILDHOOD, John loved teammates on their historic win. sport, and after his debut at 18 years of age In publishing this extra issue, Polo Times is with Nottingham Rugby Football Club, John now, without question, the biggest global monthly retired from rugby 15 years later and swiftly polo magazine. Whilst Polo Times remains a UK rediscovered his love of horses. publication, we of course, also salute the excellence John took up hunting with his usual of polo players from around the world. enthusiasm and over the next 20 years, enjoyed being Joint Masters of the Belvoir, For over 20 years, Polo Times has covered the High Peak and South Notts Hunts. During the depth and breadth of polo. From the high goal to summer months, John started playing polo, originally at Rutland and the Cheshire Polo the Pony Club Championship, via low and medium Clubs. Well and truly bitten by the polo bug, John moved to Gloucestershire so that he goal our journalists are in the ponylines and sidelines could be based out of Cirencester. bringing readers the latest news and views. With a 1976 was a particularly successful year for John, with his team, the Langley Priors, UK focus, Polo Times reflects the eclectic spectrum unbeaten in the low goal, winning the Gerald Balding, Archie David, Holden White, on the domestic polo scene, including club, school Junior County and County Cups all in that year alone. An old-school patron by today’s and university polo. Polo Times’ network of contacts standards, John played polo not just to win, but to have fun too. means it doesn’t just report on the sport, it is part of it. Never afraid to hold an opinion, Polo Times is also John reached a 2 goal handicap and played at all levels, right up to high goal. Never prepared to present strong arguments on the subjects one to take it easy on the polo field, John was a strong No 2 player and polo would see that matter in our sport. him play in Jamaica, South Africa and America. Although fiercely competitive, when selecting his teammates, John would always prefer to be playing polo with his friends @PoloTimes tops global twitter rankings for and sons – that way, win or lose, fun and bonhomie was guaranteed. polo publishing   Whilst here at Polo Times we firmly believe that John was educated at Nottingham High School. On leaving school, he completed the world’s polo news is at its very best enjoyed his National Service in the Royal Artillery and studied to become an accountant, in print, in today’s ever-changing digital world, we becoming one of the youngest Chartered Accountants to qualify. A successful also strive to make sure that we are constantly at businessman, John’s career would see him become Chairman of Braby Leslie PLC in the forefront of polo’s digital output, which is why the 70s, before working extensively in the oil and gas business in Texas, USA during we are pleased to announce that @PoloTimes now the 80s. Latterly, John had used his skills as a Chartered Accountant to establish a ranks at Number 1 in the world for polo publishers successful accountancy practice, which amongst other areas, specialised in advising on Twitter! polo players and patrons. As of 7th December 2015, the official follower A self-confessed workaholic, John only retired 2 years ago. He was a deeply figures were: religious man and was a lay preacher in the Northleach and Kirtlington Parishes for Polo Times 9,681 over 30 years. Following a 3 year long battle with renal failure and other complications, PoloLine / PQ International 8,976 which saw John defy the medical odds on several occasions, he died peacefully in his The Polo Magazine 4,916  sleep in Oxfordshire. Hurlingham Magazine 4,831 A loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, John is survived by his Polo+10 2,029  widow Mary, his sister Margaret, his four children, Sara, Andrew, William and Nicholas La Bocha 1,723   and 11 grandchildren. @PoloTimes now has more followers than any other polo publisher globally, as we continue to build and develop our up-to-the-minute social media output for the benefit of the world’s polo community.   However, for those of you who, like me, still prefer TEAMS HAVE BEEN announced on Instagram for The 2016 Dubai Gold Cup from the ‘touch and feel’ of a printed magazine, please the three major polo teams in Dubai. Up-and-coming Brit Jack Hyde will be playing be assured that we will continue to bring you all the alongside 6 goaler Matias Benoit and 9 goaler Lucas Monteverde. The remaining player latest stories from around the polo globe every month on their team has yet to be announced. The Bin Drai and Al Habtoor family have also in the printed version of our world leading magazine entered a team each, with some impressive line-ups. The first of the Middle East Triple – and that polo reports, news, interviews and insights Crown will be The McLaren Cup, which will begin on the 22 January and conclude on from all levels of the sport will remain central to what the 5 February. The Julius Baer Gold Cup will then follow from February 19 – 11 March Polo Times is about. with the final contest in the form of The Dubai Cup from 8 – 15 April. Whilst wishing all Polo Times readers fun-filled festive cheer, on a personal note, Christmas 2015 UAE Polo Team (18): Jack Hyde (3), Matias Benoit (6), Lucas Monteverde (9) & TBA (0) will be a particularly poignant one for me in that it will Bin Drai Polo Team (18): Saeed Bin Drai (0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Marcos Panelo (4) be my first without my dear dad, who passed away & Raul Laplacette (6) peacefully last month. A big character in every sense, Habtoor Wolves Polo Team (18): Khalaf Al Habtoor (0)/Ahmed Al Habtoor (0), he will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace dad. Agustin Canale (6), Jermaine Del Carrel (5) & TBA (7)

Dubai Gold Cup Series Teams Announced

Nick Hine, Publisher

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News

Katy Hayward hands out prizes to the course participants

POWER OF POLO held a day at Fifield Polo Club on Saturday 31 October, sponsored by Lycetts, which brought together the two Power of Polo Programmes and an ex-military team for a stick and ball session and competitive chukkas. Power of Polo’s CEO Katy Hayward told Polo Times, “This was a really important day, bringing the young people back together gave us a chance to continue to reflect and research the impact of the four day Power of Polo course, and to work with the young people to evolve the programme. We realised in the summer how much the ex-military team could inspire the young people, so bringing them together for this day was key. The young people spoke about how they had enjoyed the day and said that it had helped them, some when they had returned to school, others with behaviour and interactions with others, but all were inspired to make changes. The return day helped to solidify these changes and we will continue to work with the young people and the Power of Polo’s partner, South Central Youth. For the ex-military attendees, this was a chance to work with the young people and to continue to build their confidence, aiding their rehabilitation both medically and in their transition to civilian life. It’s been a phenomenal year for the charity with amazing support from Julia Luke and her team at Fifield Polo Club. We thank all our partners/sponsors (especially the Rumsey family) and the polo community for their support – we will build on this next year – now the hard work starts again.”

Sebastian de Ferranti 5 October 1927 – 15 October 2015 THE FORMER HPA Steward (from 19922000) and Chairman and Patron of Cheshire Polo Club has died, aged 88. Sebastian took up polo in the 1950s, playing throughout his life until he retired just over a decade ago. He played all levels of the sport, right up to high goal polo, most famously winning the Cowdray Park Challenge Cup in 1968 with his team Kerfield (Rudolfo Marmol, Aleck Mihanovich, David Rollinson) against The Windsor Park Team, which included Lord Beresford, The late Marquis of Waterford, Paul Withers and The Duke of Edinburgh. Sebastian was educated at Ampleforth before completing National Service in the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards. After leaving

school, he worked for Swiss engineering company Brown Boveri and Alsthom, another French company. In 1950, he started work at Ferranti, the family firm, where he would eventually take over the role of Chairman from his father, Sir Vincent, in 1963. As well as making pioneering steps in the world of electronics, Sebastian was responsible for the creation of the neoPalladian Henbury Hall in Cheshire. In 1988 he was made High Sheriff of Cheshire, and was a Deputy Lieutenant of the county. Sebastian was a keen horseman, and was greatly involved in both polo and hunting. He played polo at Cheshire Polo Club from the late fifties into the 1980s reaching his highest handicap of 2 goals in the late 60s.

Photograph courtesy of Cheshire Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Power of Polo

New Sponsor for Power of Polo

Kerfield with the Cowdray Challenge Cup, from left to right; Rudolfo Marmol, Aleck Mihanovich, David Rollinson & Sebastian de Ferranti

He married Mona Cunningham in 1953, and had a son and two daughters, and subsequently has another daughter with Naomi Rae, who he married in 1983. After her death, he married his third wife, Gillian Brown, who survives him along with his children. The Memorial Service for Sebastian will be held in London, Wednesday 27 January at 11am at Farm Street Church.

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Polo Times, December 2015

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News

APSPH New Directors and RCVS Guidelines Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The teams and umpires of the event parade in front of HM The Queen

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Malta 2015 Exhibition Polo Match A NEW CHAPTER of polo history should have been written on Saturday 28 November. This was the date for an historic match between Guards Polo Club, sponsored by Hildon, and Malta Polo Club, sponsored by Malta International Airport, played in the presence of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh; the final highlight of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2015 in Malta. Unfortunately after some unseasonably heavy rain, an early inspection of the ground, in use since the formation of Malta Polo Club in 1868, confirmed that the ground was too dangerous to play. So both teams and umpires, looking elegant in their La Martina shirts, paraded in front of the Royal VIPs and HE Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. Then the Cawnpore Cup, originally made in 1901, was taken by both teams back to the Malta Polo Club Clubhouse. This event was the result of a private visit to Malta by Guards Polo Club’s Chief Executive Neil Hobday, who was on the island to see a Caravaggio painting. Realising that Malta Polo Club was where Guards Polo Club’s President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, had first learned to play, Neil Hobday went to see the Club for himself. That initial meeting was just the first step in what is hoped to be a long-standing partnership between these two historic clubs. “We were delighted to be part of CHOGM 2015, working closely with our friends at Malta Polo Club on such a prestigious occasion in one of the sport’s most historic venues. Although rain did stop play, we were honoured to present HM The Queen, our President and the President of Malta to our teams and sponsors. In addition, our visit here has strengthened the relationship between our two clubs and we look forward to hosting our Maltese friends at Smith’s Lawn.” The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (The Cawnpore Cup) teams: Guards Polo Club: Hilali Noordeen, Kola Karim, Antony Fanshawe & Roddy Matthews Malta Polo Club: Chris Delia, Martin Arrigo, Julian Mamo & Karl Galea

THE ASSOCIATION OF Polo Schools and Pony Hirers (APSPH) have completed their elections and are able to announce that Suzie Meadows, Thom Bell and Sophie Heath have all been re-elected as Director Members whilst Francis Matthews has been newly elected as a Director Member. Peter Hunter and Gill Glimmerveen have also been elected as Coopted Directors and Lucy Wilson remains on the board of Directors as a Co-opted Director. The association’s latest member to join is exEngland player and coach John Horswell with his school and hiring string, which brings the membership numbers up to 28. The APSPH also attended The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Riding Establishment Committee AGM on Wednesday 15 November. The APSPH had submitted a series of notes and guidelines on standards and expectations for polo establishments for the RCVS. The acceptance of these guidelines by the inspectorate means that a minimum standard for polo establishment inspections has now been set. For more updates follow them on twitter, @the_apsph

HPA Arena Rule Change – SIN BIN THE ARENA POLO Committee and Arena Rules Committee have directed that the length of time that a player should spend in the Sin Bin will be reduced from 90 seconds to 60 seconds.

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Polo Times, December 2015

Young British Player Becomes Land Rover Ambassador Teams Announced for St Moritz Snow Polo World Cup 2016 THE SNOW POLO World Cup, St Moritz has announced the teams that are to play for The Cartier Trophy in the world-famous tournament, which runs from Friday 29 – Sunday 31 January 2016. Heading up the English team, Chris Hyde joins Nacho Gonzalez and patron Spencer McCarthy in the foundations of a very solidlooking side. With five St. Moritz titles under his belt already, and an arena handicap of 10 goals, Hyde is widely regarded as the best snow polo player in the world. The three other teams of the tournament are set to be put together by Rommy Gianni, Richard Fagan and Cedric Schweri. All three players played in last year’s edition of the contest, finishing second, third and fourth respectively. Last year, Gianni’s 15 goal BMW team lost out to the victorious Cartier side by 10-2½. The sound defeat saw the Cartier team of Jonathan Munro Ford, Max Charlton, Jamie Morrison and Chris Hyde victorious. The Snow Polo World Cup is the most famous high goal tournament played on snow, with 20,000 spectators expected to flock to the match in January on the frozen lake.

Polo Times, December 2015

Photograph courtesy of Land Rover UK

News

SEVEN GOAL PROFESSIONAL player, Max Charlton, has been signed as Land Rover UK’s first polo ambassador. Twenty-five year old Max, who plays out of Guards Polo Club in Windsor, commented, “To be a Land Rover ambassador Max Charlton has been signed as Land Rover UK’s is an amazing opportunity for me. Land Rover has such a first polo ambassador unique and long associated heritage within equestrian sports. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future.” Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, said, “It is really exciting to have Max join the Land Rover stable of equestrian ambassadors. His sporting CV at such a young age is truly remarkable – we are proud to be supporting such a wonderfully talented sportsman.” Max now moves on this winter after a successful UK season to play in the prestigious Camera de Diputados Tournament. This tournament is often looked on as the stepping-stone to the Triple Crown and is a big step for Max with the Final played on the world famous fields of Palermo. Land Rover UK has been supporting equestrian sport for over a quarter of a century. This year has seen a successful first season for Land Rover as Official Vehicle Partner of Guards Polo Club.

Land Rover Announced as Sponsor For The New Zealand Open AUCKLAND POLO CLUB has announced that Land Rover has been named the official sponsor of the 49th edition of The New Zealand Polo Open 2016. The Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open Final will be held at Auckland Polo Club’s Fisher Field Grounds in Clevedon on Sunday 21 February, 2016. Simon Wilson, Executive Director of New Zealand Polo Open, said, “This is the most significant partnership ever announced for the New Zealand Polo Open and reflects the growth of the sporting event on a National and International stage. The partnership will compliment our existing high end brands: Heineken, Veuve Clicquot and media partner NZME.” Spectators can look forward to the annual horsepower tradition, a race between a pony and a high performance car. This year the race will have an exciting twist. General Admission tickets to the Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open 2016 start from AU$35. To purchase tickets visit www.iticket.co.nz

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News

Davos to host the first ever City Snow Polo Tournament

Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo Davos

THE FIRST EVER city snow polo tournament will take place in the highest city in Europe, Davos in Switzerland, from Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 February 2016. The inaugural event, hosted by InterContinental Davos, Destination Davos Klosters and Davos city centre will be transformed next February into a hub of Swiss International snow polo Air Lines (SWISS) will have polo players and ponies descend on the city to make up four international teams, representing London, Davos, New York and Zurich. Two games of polo will take place in the centre of Davos each afternoon with Thursday 25 February reserved primarily for the residents of Davos to watch free of charge. Exclusive VIP Tickets will be available for the remainder of the weekend with General Admission tickets also going on sale in the New Year. Reto Branschi, CEO of Destination Davos Klosters, said, “We’re so excited that Davos has been selected to host such an exciting tournament. People have seen Davos as a top winter destination for years and we’re thrilled we can give something else to entice them back to our beautiful alpine city and Snow Polo ticks all the boxes – sport, glamour and excitement!” For further information on Snow Polo Davos and to purchase hospitality packages or general admission tickets visit www.snowpolodavos.com

The Polo Magazine Winter issue is out!

2016 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates Announced

The Polo Magazine

THE 2016 VICTOR Ludorum series dates and fixtures have been announced by the HPA. The summer season calendar will also include newly added dates at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire and Cambridge County Polo Club in Lode for the 6 goal Victor Ludorum series. These additions bring the number of tournaments up to eight, making the 6 goal section the largest in the Victor Ludorum series for 2016. The 15 Goal Autumn Series, which was trialled this year, has not been included in the fixtures list. Instead the only successfully played date in the 2015 calendar has been combined into the general 15 goal grouping. The 18 goal section has also been reduced to three tournaments, with the second tournament listed at Cowdray in 2015, The Cowdray Challenge, not included in the 2016 plans. In the 15 goal section The Arthur Lucas Cup at Beaufort Polo Club has moved from its usual spot at the start of the season to August, making it the last contest in this section. The tournaments previously listed in the Autumn 12 goal have now been combined into the original 12 goal series to create the second biggest grouping of tournaments. However, the points based system for all levels has yet to be decided upon. In addition to these league dates, the four high goal tournaments of the season dates have also been announced. The opening high goal tournament of the season, The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, will run from the 7 – 14 May. The Cartier Queen’s Cup will finish on Sunday 12 June whilst The Jaeger LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open will conclude on Sunday 17 July. In between these two tournaments The Warwickshire Cup will run from 14 – 19 June at Cirencester Park Polo Club. For a full list of fixtures please turn to 74, or visit the Polo Times website.

THE WINTER ISSUE of Polo Times’ sister publication The Polo Magazine is now available. This issue is overflowing with the glitz and glam of the polo world with something for everyone. The Polo Magazine has travelled far and wide to interview Adolfo Cambiaso, ride across the African plains, catch-up with the poloists in California and rub shoulders with the great and good in the UK. Our overseas reporter Katie Vickery has sizzled with the best in Sotogrande and Josie Goodbody brings you the best in edgy fashion musthaves for this season. Also in this issue are some fabulous TALLY HO FARM have added a new porch for a new year; keeping their foody offerings and beauty secrets to keep you looking tip-top guests warm and dry before they even set foot in the door. on your travels around the globe. Jodie Kidd tells us why The Berkshire epicentre for polo gear also have some festive treats for her new polo pooch will be the next hottest hound on the their customers this Christmas, with great discounts on Dengie feed and sidelines and Wiggy Bamforth talks polo, parties and serious NAF Mane & Tail for the ultimate finish and look. horsepower with Talacrest’s John Collins. Late night shopping on Thursday 10 December was a huge Whatever you are looking for this winter, be that a tip-off success at Tally Ho Farm with Champagne, cupcakes, mince pies and for the best southern hemisphere destination to top-up your bargains galore. A fantastic raffle supporting Berkshire and Chiltern’s Air tan whilst indulging in a chukka or two, or the dates for the Ambulance and a 30th Anniversary prize draw from Horseware of Ireland snow polo circuit, this issue has it all. If you are not already for the guests. At times the crowds were so large it was a wonder how a subscriber and would like to purchase a subscription for the team at Tally Ho Farm managed to help everyone. Verity Adkins the yourself, or take out a gift subscription for a loved one, visit Store Manager said, ‘In four hours we served the equivalent of a busy www.thepolomagazine.com weekend’s trade and we have beaten last year’s event takings.’ 6 Winter 2015/1

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Polo Times, December 2015

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News

RoR Awards Celebrates Success of Retrained Racehorses

Photograph Courtesy of RoR

THE ROR AWARDS Ceremony was held in Newmarket on Monday 16 November. The RoR Awards night, which was hosted by guest presenter and RoR Patron Clare Balding, recognises the achievements of former racehorses in adapting and excelling in their new careers, with the presentation of prizes totalling £17,500 to each of the 2015 RoR Elite Series’ Champions in dressage, showjumping, showing, eventing, Hannah Good and Rob Cudmore collect their prize from Clare Balding polo and endurance. The RoR Elite Polo Champion was awarded to England International polo player and owner Ollie Cudmore from Gloucestershire, for his retrained racehorse Costa Lotta. Formerly trained by Ed Dunlop, when she ran four times on the flat as a 2 year old, Ollie bought her from Ollie Tuthill in August 2015 to continue her rise to stardom as a polo pony and has since played her in The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup matches. In July 2015, Ollie and Costa Lotta also won the RoR high goal pony prize of £1,000.

Polo Times, December 2015

THE NEXT BRITISH Beach Polo Championships will be held on Friday 8 – Saturday 9 July 2016. The event promises a fun family day out, alongside exciting beach polo, with evening entertainment and afterparties. This year’s 2015 Championships, which took place in July, saw Eclipse Scotland triumph over Clogau/Digital Reality Wales, who next year will doubtless be out to get even.

Photograph by Richard Budd

THE SIXTH EDITION of The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup took place at the Val de Vie estate in South Africa on Saturday 28 November 2015, and saw a close-fought match between the ISPS Handa Sentebale Team and the Royal Salute Team who triumphed in the final Prince Harry in action at The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup seconds with a goal from the stick of Bill Ballhaus, breaking the 7-7 deadlock to take the game. The match also featured Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador Malcolm Borwick, Nacho Figueras and Nigerian player Adamu Atta, who had an excellent game and was unlucky to be pipped to the Most Valuable Player award by Bill Ballhaus. After the match, Malcolm Borwick commented, “It has been a great honour to play at the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup this year alongside Prince Harry. I have been around the globe with Royal Salute World Polo Programme and this tournament remains the most inspirational event I take part in. Over time, it has been a privilege to see Sentebale grow, in part due to both Royal Salute’s and the sport’s charitable efforts.” The match followed the official opening of the Mamohatu Children’s Centre in Lesotho, which will now provide support to those affected by HIV and AIDS. Sentebale itself is a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seesio in 2006, which provides children affected by HIV and AIDS with vital access to accommodation, care, education and psychosocial support. The event was supported by Royal Salute, the Val de Vie estate and ISPS Handa. Polo Times sister publication The Polo Magazine is publisher and official media partners of the event and designed the Event Magazine.

Date Set For Beach Polo

Photograph By Chris Jackson/ Getty Images for Royal Salute

Sentebale Polo Match Raises £3 Million for Royal Charity

Action from the 2015 British Beach Polo Championships at Sandbanks

BETA Guide Puts Equestrian Job Hunters on the Right Track IF YOU THOUGHT that a career in the equestrian industry had to be hands-on with horses, think again! There is a diverse range of opportunities available in this challenging and vibrant sector, and a new booklet published by the British Equestrian Trade Association highlights an exciting selection of them. Roles in sales, export, design, business, nutrition, research and development, marketing and saddlery are just some of those featured in Careers in the Equestrian Industry. Each entry features a broad career overview, with qualifications and experience required, along with key training pathways. “There is a general misapprehension that equestrian careers tend to consist of riding and grooming jobs or professions such as farriers, equine dentists or physiotherapists,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “In fact, nothing could be further from the truth, as the new guide quite clearly shows. I hope that colleges, universities and those offering careers advice will find the guide a valuable resource, providing plenty of food for thought and helping to set young people on the right path for future employment.” Careers in the Equestrian Industry is available free of charge from the BETA office, telephone 01937 587062 or email laurac@ beta-int.com, or visit www.beta-uk.org to order from the BETA online shop. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Luxur y Def ined Play polo and relax in the seclusion of your own privately rented estancia and grounds

Your own estancia in Argentina, 35 minutes from Mar Del Plata airport Facilities Two laser-levelled full size Tifton grounds, one practice ground, polo tuition, finest novice to advanced ponies to suit each individual, set in 3000 acres and close to beaches. Accommodation Two double bedroom Casita’s for up to 12 guests, swimming pool, pool house with kitchen and dining room, tennis court, chapel, fully staffed, laundry service, WiFi. Two qualified HPA club instructors on site Full board and polo: £250 per player per day | Full board: £165 per non-player per day In association with Sussex Polo Club, West Sussex, RH10 4LE. For more information please contact Sallie Anne Lent: Office: +44 (0)1342 714920 | Mobile: +44 (0)7747 020808 | www.lagolondrinapolo.com | sallie@lagolondrinapolo.com

HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters OVERSEAS India By kind invitation of The Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association, a British team flew to India to represent England in The 9th Manipur Polo International from 22 – 29 November 2015: The team comprised Mikey Howe (4), Marcus Hancock (2), Dave Allen (4) and Jack Aldridge (-2) with Chris Atkinson as their reserve and coach. The team played on traditional Manipuri ponies descended from those used in the 1850s, against five other nations that were represented at the event;

India, USA, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Turn to page 40 for a full report o the tournament. South Africa England have been invited to play a 14-16 goal Test Match against South Africa at Plettenburg Bay on 29 December. The team has yet to be confirmed. VICTOR LUDORUM PROGRAMME 2016 The Victor Ludorum programme for 2016 has been finalised and can be found on the HPA and Polo Times website. The 6

Goal league now features an additional two tournaments at Dallas Burston Polo Club and Cambridge County Polo Club. The points system has yet to be confirmed. Turn to page 74 for the 2016 Victor Ludorum Tournament dates. CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS The HPA office will be closed for the Christmas break from Friday 18 December to Monday 4 January 2016. MEETING DATES Arena Rules and International Tuesday 5 January Sunningdale, Berkshire Chairman’s Thursday 21 January Cavalry & Guards Club, London Finance and Grants Thursday 21 January Cavalry & Guards Club, London

FIP Update Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world It has been a very productive year for FIP with great improvements in our administration and communications as we head for our annual General Assembly in Buenos Aires in early December. This year we have changed venue from the traditional Jockey Club to the Alvear Palace Hotel with more modern facilities for the various presentations. America and the USPA will be bidding against The Sydney Polo Club in

Polo Times, December 2015

Australia to hold the next FIP World Polo Championships in 2017/8. There will also be an announcement that the Snow Polo World Championships will be held once again at the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in January 2016. It was a great honour for FIP that I was asked by the Mexican Polo Federation to represent the International Federation in Mexico to ‘cut the ribbon’ at the inauguration of the Carlos Gracida memorial room.

A tribute to a true legend and gentleman of polo who is missed by us all. We then attended the British Polo Day at the Balvaneera Polo Club, an excellent event which was a credit to all those who organised it. May I wish all the readers of Polo Times a great festive season and hope that you are all looking forward to the 2016 season.

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Letters

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

Letter of the month

The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin

Dear Sir, Take away the 10 goal ceiling to save high goal polo in England. It is uncompetitive at the moment. Yours Faithfully H.T. Hanlon Editor’s Note – Polo Times spoke with Terry about his opinions on handicaps spiralling out of control in the UK high goal. Terry suggested that players such as Adolfo Cambiaso and Pablo MacDonough should go up in handicap and that there shouldn’t be a limit on the top end scale of handicaps. The high goal at the moment, in his opinion, has become unfair and it will damage the entries, growth and prospects of polo in general. If you have a strong opinion about handicaps then do write to letters@polotimes.co.uk Dear Sir, I read with interest David Blakey’s article on Management of the Older Polo Pony in the November issue of Polo Times. Over the years I have played a number of horses well into their 20s, all of whom double chukkered. Invariably, they have then been played by youngsters, often into their 30s. The key factor with the older horse is to keep them exercised and keep them ‘going’ – once they stop, they start to seize up. I only stable horses when they are being fed, the rest of the time they are either in a paddock or walking around the yard and sand school, so eliminating filled leg problems. If I did not keep playing throughout the year I suspect I would have given up polo by now (73 years) – as I too would have seized up! Horses are just the same as us. Once an old horse does not want to climb up into the horsebox then that is the time to retire it. Kind regards, George Knowles By Email Dear Sir, Now we have come to the end of another season, I finally have time to sit down and write this letter. I have been thinking of how the numbers in polo often give us an abstract idea of reality, in this case about the quantity of overseas players in the UK, based on the Blue Book 2015, which reflects the 2014 season. Only the HPA has the truly up-to-date version of this. However, it appears that there are 2,561 members, 1,827 male and 734 female. Some names don’t reflect the gender, some don’t play anymore and a very few are now playing in the fields of Our Lord. All my mathematical effort is to calculate the effect of the Government putting in action a law against foreign players with a handicap of less than 5 goals, to see what may happen and if it is really worth all this hassle against the damage it could produce to the whole industry itself.

Polo Times, December 2015

To be a foreign pro, one must hold a handicap at least of 2 goals, minimum, with the critical handicap at 3 or 4 goals, as the player is then useful for all the medium and low handicap tournaments (and we must remember that these tournaments are the ones that move the industry year-round). I consider anyone from outside UK a foreigner, be they Argentine, Pakistani, Australian, New Zealander, South African, etc. Of these, the numbers currently stand (though of course some may be having a new handicap the next season): 10 goal players 6 all Argentine 9 goal players 4 all Argentine 8 goal players 14 6 Argentines, 5 Italians, 1 Chilean, 1 American, 1 New Zealander and 1 Spaniard 7 goal players 22 of which 3 are British, and 8 registered as Argentine 6 goal players 27 of which 8 are British 5 goal players 34 of which 16 are British Total: 107 of which 80 are foreign Now, of the pros at 4 goals and under, those of whom are foreign who would no longer be considered to have a high enough handicap to come over to the UK: 4 goal players 49 of which 22 are foreigners; 16 Argentines, 3 South American, 6 Uruguayan, Brazilian, Irish, Australian or New Zealander Half of these people live in the EU or hold EU passports. 3 goal players 84 of which 36 are foreigners; 29 Argentines, 2 goal players 140 of which 41 are foreigners; 31 Argentines Total: 273 of which 99 are foreign, of which 76 are Argentines Looking at these numbers, just keep all the foreigners away with no EU passport and see how many tournaments are cancelled. And another thing; if, at least as an average from 2,561 players, there are a proportional amount of grooms, then there are at least 1,000/1,500 foreign grooms. But, because they need a proper visa, these people pay taxes and, after six months, they leave, frequently with no benefits recalled. As well as this, the high goal pros travelling into and out of the country have the advantage of being able to speak English, and also have the funds to support them, an open door the grooms don’t have. Is the country ready to fulfil all the grooms and players positions that would become open in case the law becomes mandatory next year? Can the polo community afford these measures? I do wish to be positive about the subject and try and see the light at the end of the tunnel (but I do hope it’s not a train coming). From my humble opinion, Atilio Degrossi By Email Editor’s Note – Polo Times thanks Atilio for raising these point on immigration and player nationalities, however, the statistics provided have not been corroborated by the Polo Times team.

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Palermo Puzzle? Q. This year, 2015, Alberto Heguy Jnr. and his brother Eduardo rode out onto Ground One at Palermo in the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (The Argentine Open) as Chapaleufú for the first time since 1999. However, the Heguy brothers have been playing the Open for much longer. When was the first year they took part in the tournament?

A: Turn to page 77 to check your answer.

PJ’s Bar & Grill, Chelsea’s perennial favourite, was opened in 1990 by restaurateur Brian Stein as a tribute to his love of great food and the sport of polo. PJ’s plays proud host to the legendary ‘PJ’s Polo Party’ held annually to celebrate the start of the UK polo season. International dining seven days a week. Casually sophisticated.

PJ’S BAR

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& GRILL | 52 FULHAM ROAD CHELSEA LONDON SW3 | 020 7581 0025 | WWW.PJSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK Polo Times, December 2015

the

Big

Polo Times, December 2015

picture

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Passing The Reins

In a tradition running more than 70 years, gauchos (Argentine cowboys) travel far and wide to descend on the quaint little village San Antonio De Areco for The Fiesta de la Tradicion (Gaucho Festival), renowned for its artisan works and silversmiths. The cobbled street square is overrun by hundreds of gauchos and their Criollo ponies. Dressed in their finery and the horses adorned with beautiful rawhide and silver tack, they gather to celebrate The Fiesta de la Tradicion. Once the parade through the town has taken place, the main event commences in the Parque Criollo, a grand scale country fair where people gather to watch the rodeo and other traditional Argentine horse sports. w Photograph by Alice Gipps Equine Photography/www.alicegipps.com

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Polo Times, December 2015

Gods Amongst Men Two Legends, Two Choices, Two Paths

ith more than 16,000 races and 4,300 wins under his belt, countless prizes to his name and a reputation that may never be equalled in our lifetime, AP (Tony) McCoy remains the most successful race-rider on record, not least by holding onto the Champion Jockey title for an astonishing 20 years. Famously, in order to keep motivated, AP’s personal goals in the latter stages of his career became more and more extreme, still pushing the boundaries of the sport even after years at the top. Sound like someone you know? Adolfo Cambiaso has won every title and tournament there is to be won in polo. He has made history over and over again and, at 42-years-old, he remains the seemingly invincible world Number 1 and the King of the ‘Game of Kings’. There are few athletes in any sport that can claim, with the calm confidence of Cambiaso, to simply have achieved it all, as he did when Katie Vickery spoke to him for Polo Times. “At this stage in my life I have made my career, I have achieved everything I’ve wanted to achieve and I have nothing left that I haven’t done with respect to sport. Nowadays I enjoy it even more than before.”

So what is it that separates these two leaders in their respective equestrian fields (if you’ll pardon the pun)? While Cambiaso remains at the very pinnacle of his successful career, with no suggestion of leaving the sport that he loves, AP McCoy retired in April 2015, making the decision to step down from professional racing at the height of his career. Hanging up his silks and laying down his whip, he declared, “Time is the enemy of every sportsperson. It always catches up with you and it’s having the bottle to go before then. But it’s hard when you still love it and you’re lucky enough to be successful. It would be so much easier if that was not the case. I still think if I was to change my name I could compete at this level for another three or four years. But it’s about being brave enough to go before the dip.” His retirement has sparked interest in the polo world, prompting people to compare the two and causing speculation

Polo Times, December 2015

about the future of Cambiaso’s career. The American and English polo seasons, followed by a tough Spanish season, an even more gruelling Argentine season, would be enough to tire any player and the cracks have started to show on Cambiaso. The Hurlingham Semi Finals ended in Rodrigo Andrade stepping in for the last two chukkas after Cambiaso retired with a groin injury, a worrying echo of the English season, which saw him replaced several times due to injuries and big hits. There has been talk recently that in a sport as physically demanding and dangerous as polo, it may be that Cambiaso, like McCoy, decides to leave at the top of his career and not suffer the decline that comes eventually to all great athletes with age. However, when Polo Times spoke to Cambiaso it seemed that his feelings could not be further from that of his fellow athlete’s. “Sometimes, thoughts of giving up

Photography by www.camillasykes.com, www.alicegipps.com & The Press Association

Feature

Adolfo Cambiaso 1st place on the World Polo Tour rankings with

1,671 points

three Triple Crowns

Silver Olimpia Awards for Best Polo Player

one

Golden Olimpia Award for Best Sportsman in 2014

Argentine Open wins www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Champions in Numbers

The age at which AP McCoy rode his first winner. Also the age at which Adolfo Cambiaso was first awarded a 10 goal handicap in England

AP McCoy

15 twenty attempts to win the Grand National

Champion Jockey

years in a row

4,357 one Record

wins

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award

18,000 Finished his career having ridden in over

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Polo Times, December 2015

races

Feature polo run through your head when you are suffering from physical problems, but for now, I will continue. Every time you win, the physical aspect is left to one side because the fact you are winning, helps you. Polo is still fun for me, I love playing it, I like the teams and I enjoy the countries that I travel to.” Talking to Eduardo Heguy, another polo veteran who has been on the scene longer than Cambiaso, dispels any further doubts about Cambiaso and the big “R” word that seems to be following him around this year. When asked if he believed that Cambiaso would follow AP McCoy’s lead, the answer was emphatic. “No. He has many injuries but all of the top players do. He does talk about those grievances, but he’s still playing as well as he did before. This last year he has played unbelievably. He has won so many games and it’s possibly his best year ever. He won the US Open, the Gold Cup in Spain and here he has already won the Triple Crown. He’s maybe at the top of his career.” And Cambiaso has more than just titles keeping him motivated. According to Eduardo Heguy, “He wants to play in the Open with Poroto, his son, in a few years’ time. If he remains the same and is a little bit lucky with injuries I think that he’s going to make it and play for many more years.” Poroto, at 10-years-old, is fast becoming the subject of much speculation, sparking comment that the young man who plays with an uncanny likeness to his father, will carry on the Cambiaso name. “He’s not his son, he’s his clone. He is even better. At his age, he is even better than his father,” says Heguy. Cambiaso understands the position his son is in, “He has my name so it is a big pressure for him. I feel sorry for the poor guy if it doesn’t work, but he will have to take it. That is part of life.” Despite his doubts, there is no question that Cambiaso’s little clone will be the future of polo, identical to his father in name, talent, looks and, with his father’s famous cloning programme churning out identical equine superstars, possibly even down to the horses he will ride to victory on. As far as Cambiaso and those around him are concerned, there seems to be no finish line in sight for the best of the best, whose legacy will continue through his son long after a lifetime of injuries overcomes him. With a third concecutive Triple Crown win and having made history once again, Cambiaso is having the year of his life and does not seem to be slowing down or in any form of decline. In fact, he seems 22

Polo Times, December 2015

“I have achieved everything I’ve wanted to achieve and I have nothing left that I haven’t done. Nowadays I enjoy it even more.” Adolfo Cambiaso truly unstoppable as he racks up his 25th consecutive win with La Dolfina and the 800th goal of his professional career. The polo community can breathe a sigh of relief – it doesn’t look like our hero is

going anywhere very soon. In fact, fingers crossed, we may be able to look forward to the day the Cambiasos, little and large, take to the fields of Palermo together!

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Feature

Cuartetera BPP Argentine Open

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crestviewgenetics.com.ar crestviewgenetics.com Polo Times, December 2015

Reports

The HSBC Argentine Open, Argentina

The Triple Triple

La Dolfina make history with win in HSBC Argentine Open La Dolfina Sancor Seguros

Katie Vickery reports from Argentina

Ellerstina Piaget

Chukka scores: 2-2, 5-2, 7-3, 8-4, 9-6, 11-7, 12-10, 13-12

The Argentine Open is the mostly highly prized title on the international polo circuit – the culmination of The Triple Crown Tournament series and the Argentine high goal season. Just to play in The Argentine Open is the dream of all players and the epitome of a successful polo career. Whilst playing in the best tournament in the world is honour enough alone, getting to the Final is a right reserved for only the very best of the best and this year, as has been the case for the last two years, that right went to Ellerstina Piaget and La Dolfina Sancor Seguros.

Abierto del Tortugas Country Club

122nd Abierto del Hurlingham Club HSBC

122nd Campeonato Argentino Abierto HSBC

(The Tortugas Open) The Tortugas Open, played at Tortugas Country Club, is the first leg of The Argentine Triple Crown. Where: Tortugas Country Club When: September 29 – 17 October What: Open Ranking: World Polo Tour (WPT) Championship Cup WPT Points: Winner: 100 Finalist: 50 Semi Finalist: 0 Player: 25

(The Hurlingham Open) The Hurlingham Club, the birthplace of Argentine polo, hosts the second most important tournament in the high goal calendar, The Hurlingham Open. This forms the second leg of The Triple Crown, as well as being a prestigious title in its own right. Where: Hurlingham Club When: October 20 – 8 November What: Open Ranking: World Polo Tour Championship Cup WPT Points: Winner: 150 Finalist: 75 Semi Finalist: 50 Player: 35

(The Argentine Open) As the most sought after title of the Argentine season and the clincher for The Triple Crown, everything leads up to the long awaited Final of the Argentine Open Championship, played on the sacred fields of Palermo. Where: Palermo, Buenos Aires When: November 21 – 12 December What: Open Ranking: Grand Slam WPT Points: Winner: 250 Finalist: 125 Semi Finalist: 90 Player: 60

This year’s Argentine Open marked a significant moment in the history of polo. Having won two consecutive Triple Crown titles in 2013 and 2014, La Dolfina wrote themselves into the history books alongside the legendary Coronel Suárez, the only other team ever to win back-to-back Triple Crowns. This year, La Dolfina Sancor Seguros went one better, matching that illustrious team on the next step to polo immortality by winning this most prestigious of polo titles three times in a row. Having won both The Tortugas Open and The Hurlingham Open earlier this season against Ellerstina Piaget, it was all down to The Argentine Open and the Final that would make La Dolfina’s victories the tales of legend on Saturday 12 December.

Polo Times, December 2015

ELLERSTINA PIAGET Pablo Pieres

39 (10)

(9)

(10)

David Stirling, Jr

(10)

34-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 6 Champion: 4 Goals: 66 Triple Crowns: 3 (with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

24-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 6 Champion: 1 Goals scored: 49 Triple Crowns: 0

Gonzalito Pieres

Adolfo Cambiaso

40-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 1992 Played: 22 Champion: 12 Goals scored: 828 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 1994 and 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

29-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 6 Champion: 0 Goals scored:122 Triple Crowns: 0

Nicolás Pieres

LA DOLFINA SANCOR SEGUROS 40

(10)

Pablo MacDonough

(10)

32-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 1999 Played: 16 Champion: 3 Goals: 171 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010)

33-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2002 Played: 13 Champion: 6 Goals: 153 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

Facundo Pieres

Juan Martín Nero

(10)

29-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2003 Played: 12 Champion: 3 Goals: 382 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010)

(10)

34-years-old 1st Argentine Open: 2004 Played: 11 Champion: 6 Goals: 99 Triple Crowns: 4(1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

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Reports

Photograph by ÂŠTony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

The HSBC Argentine Open, Argentina

The Final was a truly exhilarating match with both sides playing beautiful, fast, open polo that was a joy to watch. Sadly there was little joy for Ellerstina Piaget who, despite finishing the first chukka two goals all, let La Dolfina Sancor Seguros get away with an early lead from the second chukka, putting themselves at a disadvantage that would be the undoing of them throughout the rest of the game. Although Ellerstina were on the attack more often than La Dolfina, they were prevented by strong defence that left them little room to score those all-important goals. Some incredible field goals by Adolfo Cambiaso and David Stirling and a huge under the neck shot from Pablo MacDonough saw the La Dolfina side start to draw away in the first half. The interim chukkas were dominated by La Dolfina Sancor Seguros with the Ellerstina Piaget boys unable to keep a handle on the fearsome foursome. By the

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end of the sixth chukka it looked like a done deal, finishing at 11 goals to 7 in La Dolfinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour. Just as the reigning champions started to relax into what was surely another victory, Gonzalito Pieres decided to show the crowd his 10 goal status with two fantastic field goals, as the result of some spookily intuitive play between the Pieres relations that saw deadly accurate passes and tactical play create perfect opportunities for eldest of the brothers to show off his skills. This, coupled with a 60 yard penalty for Facundo, saw Ellerstina bounce back in to the game, 12-10, just in time for the last chukka. A messy but functional field goal from Polito saw the gap closed down even further. However, getting desperate, he then fouled leading to a 40 yard penalty, easily converted by Cambiaso who, clearly a little rattled by the unexpected comeback, had brought back favourite mare Cuartatera

for the final push. A foul from the big man himself gave Facundo the perfect chance to put the ball through the posts and bring them back into the game but an unfortunate miss at such a key moment left them desperately seeking to make up the score elsewhere. In a race against the clock, Facundo then scored an impressive goal, repeating his long, in-air run during The Hurlingham Open Final, with mare Open Chequera blitzing past the competition to carry Facundo to goal, bringing the score up to a tantalizing 12 goals to 13. With just 30 seconds to go, and right in the goal mouth, Nero reached out to hook NicolĂĄs out of the last chance for Ellerstina to equalise and push the match to an extra chukka. When the ball was cleared from the goal mouth by Cambiaso, time was up for the boys in black, who conceded their third defeat of the year to new record breakers La Dolfina Sancor Seguros.

Polo Times, December 2015

Reports

The HSBC Argentine Open, Argentina

Match Statistics: Top Goal Scorers: Adolfo Cambiaso & Facundo Pieres Most Valuable Player: Adolfo Cambiaso Best Playing Pony: Falta Nut, owned and played by Juan MartĂn Nero Best Mounted Player of the Final: Juan MartĂn Nero

Polo Times, December 2015

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The HSBC Argentine Open, Argentina

Facts about The Argentine Open •

The fifth oldest tournament in the world, it was first played in 1893

•

Historic team Coronel Suárez won The Argentine Open an incredible 25 times and The Triple Crown a record four times.

•

This year marks the 30th Open for Eduardo and Alberto Heguy playing for Chapaleufú Cardon

•

25% of the players this year were over 40-years-old

•

Cambiaso has passed the 800 mark for goals scored in Palermo

Reports

Post-Match Perspectives: Eduardo Heguy: “I very much enjoyed the first four chukkas which were open without interruptions, there were many field goals from great runs. La Dolfina started out dominating but in the second half of the match Ellerstina started to close them down. The referees called some fouls that, for me, weren’t fouls, but the match started to get more entertaining and more exciting because it got closer. In the end I think La Dolfina deserved to win.” Matias MacDonough: “La Dolfina were dominating throughout – even when Ellerstina caught up in the end, La Dolfina were having an incredible match. Ellerstina also played very well, they had patience right up until the end but they just didn’t quite have the discipline and La Dolfina really were the better team today.”

The Triple Crown Series in Review: Team of the Series: Washington Ghantoot (31) Diego Cavanagh (8), Ezequiel M. Ferrario (7), Facundo Sola (8) & Alfredo Capella Barabucci (8) The new kids on the block, Washington Ghantoot have been the out and out favourites of the tournament. With a huge support crew, the young team have brought excitement as well as talent to each match they have played. Having blown away the competition in the Qualification Tournament, Washington played just The Hurlingham and The Argentine Opens, hitting the ground running and playing each game as if it were the Final. They brought their all to the field in every play and put up a good fight against the better established teams in the tournament. Challenging Ellerstina Piaget and securing wins against Chapaleufú Cardon and La Aguada ICBC, has proved they must not be underestimated as future contenders for the title.

Photograph by Matias Callejo

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Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Player of the Series: Hilario Ulloa (9) – Alegría Assist Card Hilario has had a fantastic Triple Crown, being named top goal scorer of the tournament with 36 goals while playing for Alegría Assist Card. Playing each game to full capacity, a fantastic eye for a ball and great horsemanship has led to talk and speculation of a new 10 goaler set to join the other greats of polo.

Polo Times, December 2015

The HSBC Argentine Open, Argentina

The Road To The Triple Crown A Final can be won or lost on one player having a good or a bad day. How the finalists perform throughout The Triple Crown, a gruelling three month series where one bad match, one bad play or one weak player can make the difference between a wild victory party or an early night on Final’s day. With so many 10 goalers on the field how do they compare? Here we look at the finalists and their performances, hypothetically raising the highest handicap to 15 goals to rate each player’s performance throughout the tournament series.

ELLERSTINA PIAGET: 46/60

LA DOLFINA SANCOR SEGUROS: 51/60

Pablo Pieres (10) 10 Only recently raised to this handicap, Pablo “Polito” Pieres is the newest 10 goaler and the newest addition to the Pieres line-up. Polito has been solid throughout the series, perhaps not shining as brightly as last year with Alegria Assist Card, but certainly bringing his unique skills to the team.

Adolfo Cambiaso (10) 15 Even on an off-day, Cambiaso plays above 10 goals. A magician with the ball, he is the playmaker, striker and lynch pin of the La Dolfina side, directing his team and manipulating the game.

Nicolás Pieres (9) 10 Nicolás has played solidly throughout the series but has often seemed a little rushed, not keeping as cool a head as he has done in recent years. He has, however, been an integral part of the team, complimenting his brothers and cousin well. Gonzalito Pieres (10) 13 Always in the right place at the right time, Gonzalito has had a great three tournaments. Very well mounted, with fast, powerful horses, he is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Facundo Pieres (10) 14 Despite a fall in The Hurlingham Final that left him with an injured shoulder, Facundo has played every one of his 10 goals and more, never letting down his guard and proving himself to be the biggest threat to rival Cambiaso.

David Stirling, Jr. (10) 13 A very tough player, Stirling is a tricky competitor on the field. His deadly accurate passes and shots on goal have created some of the best scores of the tournament and have been a huge part of La Dolfina’s success. Pablo MacDonough (10) 12 A great team member, MacDonough is the complete player, ticking all the boxes with great horsepower, a huge hit and a solid backhand. He has had the odd game where it seemed that his concentration had not been at its highest, but he has still had a fantastic Triple Crown. Juan Martín Nero (10) 13 Nero, like Pablo MacDonough is a quiet and solid player. Often leaving the goal scoring and exciting plays up to his front man, he is rarely the star of the show but has played consistently well throughout the series and was named best mounted player of the Final.

Photograph by www.alicegipps.com

Reports

Cuatetera with her groom. Cambiaso scored 3 out of his 6 goals on this 16-year-old mare in the Final

Heard in the Stands As the high goal season in Argentina comes to a dramatic close, people are already looking ahead to next year’s 2016 season. The process of team building and planning starts now and the rumour mill has been working in overdrive: It seems like family teams are in fashion as the four Novillo Astrada brothers are tipped to play together once more for La Aguada ICBC – Eduardo, Miguel, Nacho and Alejandro, plan their version of a full house. La Dolfina’s Pablo MacDonough is tipped to sign with Alegría Assist Card, set to join the boys in pink for the 2016 season. Although not confirmed, a little birdy told Polo Times that the loss of Pablo MacDonough won›t be the only change for La Dolfina Sancor Seguros as Alfredo Capella Barabucci (currently of Washington Ghantoot) and Guillermo Caset (currently of La Aguada ICBC) have had the call up to play alongside Cambiaso and Stirling. Which leaves Juan Martín Nero at a loose end. Speculation suggests that he may be set to re-join his former teammates at Ellerstina Piaget, but in whose place remains a mystery for now.

Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo Times, December 2015

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Action in Argentina

Brits Abroad Polo Times explores the adventures of the English players in Argentina

Katie Vickery reports from Argentina

s the season in England draws to a close, Argentina becomes the place to be for young and ambitious English players. Flocking to the open plains of Argentina to ride all morning and play all

afternoon, Argentina is the place to learn, improve and perfect polo skills. With more horses than the Argentine pros can cope with it is the enviable task of the Brits to pick up the slack and learn from their Argentine gurus the art of schooling, making and playing young horses, either by renting a string or exchanging work for polo. A lucky few even receive HPA bursaries to help towards expenses. Small pockets of English pros can be found throughout the polo capital of the

world, nestled in amongst the natives, drinking mate and discussing horses and polo. The more experienced Brit players who have been coming for years very often have their own set-ups, helping out those aspiring players who want to work hard and return to the English season fit, trained and on the way to a handicap or two higher up the ladder. Polo Times caught up with the Brits in Argentina to find out who, what, why and where...

La Quinta, Pilar

With Mark & Luke Tomlinson The Tomlinson brothers have been coming for many years to Argentina and have made it their mission to help out fellow English players who want to come and make the most of all that Argentina has to offer. Mark explains, “When I first started coming about 15 years ago there was no one, we were kind of on our own; it was Luke, me and then maybe two or three others. Now it’s great to see all the 16, 18, 20-year-olds out here and see that the English guys have realised that it’s the place to be in October and November. Argentina is where the best polo is, where the best players are and where the best horses can be found. There’s quite a lot of money spent out here now but I think it’s seen as an investment. We’ve always tried to have an English player with us; whether it’s on a scholarship or not we try to help young English players. We’ve had Charlie Walton and Max Hutchinson, and Tom Morley came for quite a few years when he was younger. Now it’s Charlie [Pidgley], Tom Brodie and Ed Banner-Eve. Luke and I try to help them, on the field, off the field, riding, playing and trying to get them improving.”

Who’s Who at La Quinta Tom Brodie (2), “I am renting horses to play the best polo I can. I am playing a few tournaments, including the 18 goal with Charlie Pidgley. We’re through to the Quarter Finals so doing well. The polo here is quicker and you learn to play proper, open polo so it’s great.” Charlie Pidgley (1), “I am purely out here trying to improve. Mark gives me a deal where I rent a string of horses from him and he signs me up as a member here at La Quinta, which means lots of practices and chukkas with him. We’re also playing an 18 goal tournament called the Soja, which Tom and I are playing in together along with Luke and Malcolm Borwick. The speed is what makes Argentina advantageous for us. Out here it’s a lot faster and you learn how to play at speed. The best thing about being based with Mark and Luke is that they’ve taken us all on; they give us lessons and practices and a lot of coaching.” Ed Banner-Eve (2), “I’m working for Mark Tomlinson here and at their farm, El Bonito. I’m not a full time groom but I work with five young horses, so I’m up early in the morning for sets and schooling. Mark has helped me a huge amount, most of all off the pitch. He’s helped me establish a routine of when to eat and sleep in order to make playing a lot easier and more sucessful.” Jimbo Fewster (0), “I’m out here for two months in total. It’s been great, the horses are different, the practices are open. The weather helps too.” Malcolm Borwick (6) is also based at La Quinta with his own string of horses. An English pro, Malcolm is in Argentina playing the medium goal with a patron. He also plays in higher goal tournaments such as the Provincia de Buenos Aires Cup with friends Ollie Cudmore, Matt 30 Perry Polo Times, December and James Beim. 2015

El Remanso, Pilar

With Eduardo Heguy Known as “El Ruso”, Eduardo is famous for being an incredible mentor to the young and promising talent coming over from England. Passionate about polo, horses and teaching, he spends a lot of time with his students playing and coaching. Ruso explained, “I like teaching and I enjoy passing my experience to the young generation. I have ‘students’ who come and train with me regularly; Jack Hyde, Matt Perry, Jack Richardson, Nachi Du Plessis and many, many more. I have a lot of horses and love teaching so it’s a great combination being able to bring on kids and sharing the way that I learnt how to play.” Who’s Who at El Remanso, Pilar Matt Perry (5), “If you want to improve and get better you have to come out to Argentina. There’s nothing much going on anywhere else and this is where the best polo is. You’re always playing with people who are better than you, so it’s a great way to improve. If you’re in the right place and organised you can be playing chukkas every day of anywhere between 20 and 30 goals, and it’s that experience which makes you better. You can’t do that in England. Here, they will go out of their way to actually help you become a better player.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

2 1 3

Map showing the proximity of many of the Brit bases

Jack Richardson (6), “We’re here with the famous Ruso Heguy. We’re here for about two months, playing practices with all the Heguys and a few tournaments. Matt, Ruso and I played the Copa El Remanso with Charlie Hanbury which is a 22 goal tournament which we won.” Ralph Richardson (1) is based with Eduardo’s brother, Ignacio, just down the road at Indios Polo Club. Ralph is busy every day stick and balling, schooling and playing chukkas on Ignacio’s extensive string of horses. Hugo Lewis (1), “I’m here because King Power sent me to train with Ruso. I came here to El Remanso when I first went in to the high goal and I learnt so much with him that I thought it would be good to come back and carry on the training.”

La Mariana, Pilar

With Pite & Cacho Merlos The boys playing at La Mariana not only get the chance to learn from one of the top players and most respected polo coaches in the business, but also the opportunity to ride some fantastic horses from the Merlos family string. Several Brit players are based at the family’s club, renting horses, working hard and learning a lot. Who’s Who at La Mariana Max Charlton (7), “I’m playing Pite Merlos’ horses at the moment as he’s mounting me for the season. I’m also playing in the Camara de Diputados for the first time this year and I’m really excited; it’s been my goal for a few years now. I’ve been coming to Argentina since I was about 16. It’s the polo centre of the world and it’s a great place to improve. Once you’re getting to 6/7/8+ goals, really you’ve got to be playing here at least two months a year. I came out here when I was 1 or 2 goals and I didn’t see the biggest benefit because elsewhere you can play 12 or 16 goal polo and not have the expense of playing out here. Now, getting to 7 or 8 goals the only way to improve is to be playing in Argentina.” Freddie Horne (3), “I have been in Argentina since mid September, working in Pite Merlos’ organisation. I’m helping with everything from riding and playing the young horses, to playing the older horses in good practices. I also managed to play one tournament. Playing with, and learning from, a player as experienced as Pite is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to implementing the things I have learned here in the upcoming English season.” Seb Hancock (1), “I am currently working with Cacho Merlos, playing, renting a string and learning a lot. I’ve come for three years and last year I came out and was based at Ellerstina on a trial for King Power. I follow the polo, the great weather and the good horses.”

Jack Richardson, Matt Perry & Hugo Lewis

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Polo Times, December 2015

Feature 3

La Dolfina, Cañuelas

With Adolfo Cambiaso & Lucas Monteverde The chance to play with the best in the world is surely explanation enough as to why La Dolfina is the gold mine of Argentine season destinations for young Brit players. Playing some of the finest horses in polo and learning from the man himself, Cambiaso, is a great opportunity for those who are serious about a successful career in the sport. Who’s Who at La Dolfina Josh Cork (0), “I am based at La Dolfina because I am with Dubai next season, along with Kian Hall. Dubai sent us to try and help us improve by doing lots of stick and balling and playing practices. We’re also playing a few tournaments as well. I like coming to Argentina because it’s the best polo in the world and it’s very enjoyable getting to play with good players.”

A map of the Buenos Aires Province

Polo Times, December 2015

Kian Hall (1) is based at La Dolfina, training for next year’s season. Much like friend and teammate Josh, Kian is playing as much polo out in Argentina as possible. Mounted by Adolfo Cambiaso and playing with the likes of Lucas Monteverde, Juan Martín Nero and David Stirling, this will be a sharp learning curve for Kian and friends.

Jack Hyde (2) is also based at La Dolfina under the watchful eye of Alegría’s Lucas Monteverde. Alex Webb (-1) has been invited out to La Dolfina by Dubai to play practices and stick and ball.

The Dubai team, seen here victorious in Sotogrande, have strong links with the La Dolfina setup

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Action in Argentina

Feature

El Remanso, Lobos

With James Beim, Charlie Hanbury & Ollie Cudmore At the Estancia El Remanso, the Hanbury family’s ranch in Lobos, you find yourself in self-confessed Gringoland. With an extensive breeding programme and hundreds of young horses coming in each season, it is the job of James Beim and his army of minions to school each newcomer. Beimy recalls, “I started off just doing some

stuff with the Hanburys. They invited me to come out here and work with their stock. The main idea is to make and train all the horses that are coming from Lovelocks Polo Stud, which is quite a few. I try and bring

some guys who I know are good riders and are happy to work. We’ve got a bit of a gang here and in lieu of them coming and helping with the young ponies, they get to play some of the older ones and improve, so it works well. It gets the young English players coming through and is good for English players and English polo.” Who’s Who at El Remanso, Lobos Tom Beim (3), James Beim’s brother, is out in Argentina, staying at El Remanso with his family, working with the young horses coming through the ranks of Lovelocks Polo Stud. Ollie Cork (0) up early every morning to ride the young ones, Ollie is busy every day, spending afternoons playing chukkas or local tournaments. Henry Fisher (4) won The Gold Cup in 2007 with Lechuza Caracas. He is out with El Remanso bringing on young ones and playing practices on the made horses.

The team relaxing at El Remanso, Lobos. From left to right: Grooms Matias & Hector, Henry Fisher, Charlie Hanbury, Tom Beim, Bola the groom, Jimmy Wood, Ollie Cork & James Beim

The Ladies

With the popularity of ladies polo on the rise in Argentina, there are tournaments almost every week from low goal to high goal. This makes Argentina the place to be for female players who want to be playing hardcore polo against the best. Polo Times caught up with three leading British players: Hazel Jackson (8), “I’ve been coming out to Argentina for a long time, at the start of each season to play tournaments and ride young horses. At first, I was working for other players like Lia Salvo and Cristian Chavez, learning from them and playing as much as possible, but now I come out and play on my own account. I now play a lot with my patron Hana Grill in Ladies or Mixed tournaments. The level of polo out here is fantastic and you get the chance to play incredible horses on fantastic fields. Luckily my boyfriend Ivan Gaona has a great set-up here with a large breeding programme, so we manage to play some pretty fast-paced practices, plus there’s high goal polo everywhere you turn, so it’s really the best place to learn from others and improve your own game as a result.”

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Annabel McNaught-Davis (6), “I’ve been playing non-stop in Argentina. I’ve been playing with my Brazilian patrons as well as playing practices at Memo Gracida’s place which has been really cool. I have a place out here called La Sortija and I make all my own horses from my breeding set-up, which I split between my farm in Cardales, which is next to the Ellerstina embryo centre about 15 minutes from Pilar, and I also have broodmares, stallions and foals in Entre Rios. I also work for [7 goaler and regular on the English scene] Joaquin Pittaluga here, making and selling horses, and playing the young ones.” Sarah Wiseman (7), “I was supposed to be on holiday out here but I have ended up playing a lot of polo! To be honest it’s my first time playing ladies polo out here and it’s brilliant. It’s fast, it’s open and the quality of the polo is great. I have been playing with some of the best in Argentina like Lia Salvo.” Handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps

Polo Times, December 2015

Argentine Round-Up

Katie Vickery reports from Argentina

Reports

There are tournaments and high goal matches going on every day out in Argentina and it is often hard to keep up with everything that is going on in the epicentre of polo, so here we bring you a review of the highlights

Last Minute La Dolfina The HSBC Hurlingham Open Final The Hurlingham Open is the second title in The Argentine Triple Crown series; an intense tournament that pushes players and horses to their limit. It was no surprise to anyone when La Dolfina and Ellerstina came out on top after the qualifying rounds of the HSBC Hurlingham Open. Despite the Final being predictably dominated by these two elite teams, as it has been for many years now, the two sides wowed the crowds with some spectacular polo on Saturday 7 November, and kept the spectators gripped with fast paced action. Ellerstina started the game in style with a fantastic goal from Facundo Pieres in the opening 30 seconds of the game. The pressure was kept up throughout the first five chukkas, with the Pieres boys always remaining two goals ahead of a seemingly panicked La Dolfina. A dramatic fourth chukka, however, saw several players go

off injured. Stirling was on the receiving end of a huge backhand from Facundo, and Facundo himself suffered a shoulder injury received when his horse fell over the boards, which caused a pause in play while he was given medical attention. Despite the delays, all players determinedly soldiered on and the fifth chukka drew to a close with an impressive lead of 12 goals to 8 for Ellerstina. It seemed like it might be the end of La Dolfina’s winning streak and, with it, an end to their dream of an elusive triple Triple Crown. However, in the sixth chukka, the foursome from Cañuelas started to fight back, helped by two fouls from Ellerstina in the La Dolfina goal mouth, which led to two easily converted spot penalties for Cambiaso. This seemed to be the turning point in the game and La Dolfina, having found their stride, put pressure on the boys in black throughout the seventh

chukka bringing the score back to a two goal difference for the final session. The pressure was too much for Ellerstina who conceded four goals in the last chukka, Stirling equalised the score at 14-14 before Cambiaso, with just one minute to go before the final buzzer, lofted a 60 yard penalty high through the goal posts, winning La Dolfina the Hurlingham Open and the second title in this year’s Triple Crown. It was a disappointing result for a deserving Ellerstina side who, Gonzalito Pieres admits, had a bad final chukka which cost them the game. “The thing was that we played really well except for that last chukka but with a team like La Dolfina you can’t afford to make mistakes.” This was certainly the case as La Dolfina’s uncanny ability to capitalise on even the smallest error meant they moved one step closer to their third Triple Crown glory.

Facundo Pieres with an under-the-neck shot to goal

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Polo Times, December 2015

Photograph by Katie Vickery

The HSBC Hurlingham Open Final teams: La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David Stirling, Jr. (10), Pablo MacDonough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Ellerstina (39): Pablo Pieres (10), Nicolás Pieres (9), Gonzalito Pieres (10) & Facundo Pieres (10) Result: 15-14 to La Dolfina Most Valuable Player: David Stirling Fair Play Award: Gonzalito Pieres Best Playing Pony: Oli Chicha, played by Juan Martín Nero

Reports

Argentine Round-Up

A Perfect Day The 80 Goal Exhibition Match at Palermo

event; the 100 year anniversary of the first recorded polo match in Argentina. The 1975 match was played by the greats of the time, legends who have gone down in history for their skills on the field, and players who have fathered polo dynasties that now dominate the polo of today. The match was won by El Trébol, a team which consisted of Alberto Pedro Heguy, Daniel Gonzalez, Gonzalo Tanoira and Alfredo Harriott. With the opening matches of The Argentine Open just days away, in mid-November the top players in the world were reluctant to push themselves or their horses more than necessary and, as such, the exhibition match was not a nail-biting clash of the titans but, at best, a high quality practice and a chance to move the horses before the main event. That is not to say that the match was not of epic proportions – seven 10 goalers at work, riding some of the best horses in the sport is not to be sniffed at and the skills on show were impressive with various goals, shots and plays that paid tribute to the historical event.

Coronel Suárez, made up of the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso, David Stirling, Miguel Novillo Astrada and Eduardo Heguy (substituting for Facundo Pieres), took an early lead with various long range goals from Cambiaso. Santa Ana soon caught-up and the last few chukkas were more exciting with alternating goals from both sides finishing in a 9-9 draw that meant all players went home happy. The 80 Goal Teams of 1975: El Trébol (40): Alberto Pedro Heguy (10), Daniel Gonzalez (10), Gonzalo Tanoira (10) & Alfredo Harriott (10) Venado Tuerto (40): Horacio Heguy (10), Gastón Dorignac (10), Juan Carlos Harriott Jr. (10) & Francisco Dorignac (10) The 80 Goal Teams of 2015: Coronel Suárez (39): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David Stirling (10), Miguel Novillo Astrada (10) & Eduardo Heguy (9) Santa Ana (40): Pablo Pieres (10), Gonzalito Pieres (10), Pablo MacDonough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10)

Photograph by Matias Callejo

They called it “The Match of the Century” as, on Saturday 14 November, the world’s top players took to the field of Palermo’s Number 1 Ground in an 80 goal handicap match, organised by the Argentine Association of Polo. The tournament was played in support of Scholas, the educational organisation set up by Pope Francis. The so-called “perfect” match was a testament to the first ever 80 goal match that took place 40 years ago and made Argentine and world polo history when eight 10 goalers made up the legendary teams El Trébol and Venado Tuerto (named in commemoration of the first polo derby). This year the teams, Coronel Suárez and Santa Ana, were originally made up of the current dominating eight 10 goal players. Unfortunately, Facundo Pieres had to be replaced last minute by 9 goaler Eduardo Heguy due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Final of The Hurlingham Open, thus making it a 79 goal match and not the perfect 80. The first 80 goal match, in 1975, was itself a commemoration of another historic

The polo greats, past and present, gathered on Ground 1 of Palermo in celebration 36

Polo Times, December 2015

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Argentine Round-Up

Reports

Soleimani Sees Gold The Ellerstina Gold Cup

out in the Final on Sunday 15 November. In 2014, an almost identical RH Polo Team line-up defeated a duplicate Patagones side in the Semi Finals, later going on to win the tournament against Maragata in the Final. This year, Patagones were out for revenge but it was not to be and the strong RH side raised the sought-after trophy high for the second year in a row. The match remained close in the first few chukkas but when the RH boys brought out their best Open horses in the last period of play, the fate of Patagones was sealed and RH gained a five goal lead, going in to the final chukka with a 12-7 lead. The difference in horsepower proved too much for Patagones who, despite some excellent

The Ellerstina Gold Cup takes place every year in November during The Hurlingham Open and draws for many patrons to Argentina. Teams from all over the world gather on the stunning fields of Ellerstina to play this fast and furious 22 goal tournament. With a sprinkling of the top Argentine professionals, as well as some of the rising stars, the level is high, the pace is fast and the horsepower is enviable. All through the qualifiers the matches were tightly fought, with no easy wins and each team having to fight hard to earn their place in the Semi Finals, which took place on Thursday 12 November. Two fantastic matches saw wins for RH Polo Team (against Garcha Hotels) and Patagones (against Johor Ellerstina I) who went through to battle it

play from Gonzalo Avendaño, were unable to come back and conceded a 13-9 defeat. The Subsidiary Final’s St. Tropez Cup went to Johor Ellerstina 2, who took a narrow 13-12 win over St. Tropez D Polo Team. The Ellerstina Gold Cup Final teams: RH Polo Team (22): Ben Soleimani (0), Christian Laprida (8), Facundo Fernández Llorente (5) & Hilario Ulloa (9) Patagones (23): Ignacio Negri (7), Valerio Zubiaurre (7), Joaquin Pittaluga (7) & Gonzalo Avendaño (2) Result: 13-9 to RH Polo Team Best Playing Pony: El Overo Daga, ridden by Christian Laprida

An Anglo-Argentine Partnership The exciting 14-16 goal competition, played at La Aguada Polo Club in Open Door, marked the strong partnership between La Aguada Polo Club and Cowdray Park Polo Club. With six teams competing for the trophy, the tournament featured many Cowdray regulars and was an exciting exhibition of medium goal polo. As one of the many tournaments delayed due to heavy rain, the Final of The JaegerLeCoultre La Aguada Cowdray Park Trophy took place on Thursday 3 December between Witley Farm and Indubitable. An even first half saw both teams fighting hard. However, in the fourth chukka, 10 goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada’s efforts proved to be too much for the Indubitable side who were down 6-4 by the end of the chukka. Two more goals from Witley Farm meant that even a last minute goal from Indubitable was not enough to overcome them, and the match ended 8-5 to Witley Farm.

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Photograph by Matias Callejo

The Jaeger-LeCoultre La Aguada Cowdray Park Trophy

The Jaeger-LeCoultre La Aguada Cowdray Park Trophy victors, Witley Farm

The Jaegar- LeCoultre La Aguada Cowdray Park Trophy Final teams: Witley Farm (16): Martin Brown (1), Andrew R.H. Beck (0), Miguel Novillo Astrada (10) & Juan Bollini Jr. (3)

Indubitable (14): Christian Badenhop (2), Luca Zindel (0), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) & Guillermo MacLaughlin (4) Result: 8-5 to Witley Farm

Polo Times, December 2015

Reports

Argentine Round-Up

All To Play For The ‘Camara’ is one of the most important fixtures in the Argentine polo calendar, with 19 teams made up of Argentina’s most promising players battling it out for the trophy in fast paced games. This year, the Argentines were joined by a record number of British players, with Mark and Luke Tomlinson alongside Ollie Cudmore for team La Quinta, and Matt Perry (replacing the injured Charlie Hanbury who has been recovering from a broken ankle) playing for El Remanso alongside Rodrigo de Andrade, Ignacio Du Plessis and Francisco Bensadon. Max Charlton also made his debut in the Camara this year, telling Polo Times, “I’m really excited; this has been an ambition for a few years now”. Max is playing for La Cañada Black Hound with Alfredo Bigatti, Juan Britos and Mariano Obregón.

Photograph by Katie Vickery

The Camara de Diputados

Matt Perry blasts past the competition to goal for El Remanso As Polo Times goes to press, the Final of The Camara de Diputados is yet to be played. Make sure you catch up with all the action in our next issue!

Girl Power in Argentina Polo Solidario Tournament Ladies 28 Goal Exhibition Match

Ladies 28 Goal Exhibition Match teams: Blue (28): Mumy Bellande (7), Ina Lalor (6), Marianela Castagnola (8), & Paola Martinez (7) White (28): Clara Cassino (5), Hazel Jackson (8), Lia Salvo (9), & Sarah Wiseman (6) Result: 4-3 to Marianela Castagnola’s Blue team

Polo Times, December 2015

Photograph by Katie Vickery

The 9th edition of the Polo Solidario Tournament, held at La Ensenada Polo Club, saw an incredible 28 Goal Exhibition match played between the Escorihuela Gascón White and Blue – two teams containing some of the best lady players in the world. The White team, featuring Brits Hazel Jackson and Sarah Wiseman, keeping up the momentum after a successful year for the English ladies teams across the board, eventually crumbled under pressure from the mighty Castagnola-Martinez alliance. A fast and furious match, with the teams neck and neck and struggling to gain the upper hand, saw the players showing off their skills as play travelled the length of the pitch, seemingly always just out of shot of the goal. The close scoreline throughout was testament to the skill of both teams, although ultimately after a tense final chukka, it was the Blue team who took the trophy with a narrow lead of just one goal, finishing 4-3 ahead. The day also saw a children’s exhibition match display the incredible prowess of the young Argentine stars taking to the field.

Hazel Jackson on the ball for team white

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Reports

Manipur

Making History in Manipur USA are the first visiting team to ever win the Manipur Polo International

N Ibungochoubi reports from Manipur

The 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 was held at Imphal’s Mapal Kangjeibung (reputedly, the oldest polo ground in the world). The historic tournament was played from 22 – 29 November and was won by a visiting team for the first time since the inception of this tournament. Four teams from Australia, England, Thailand and the USA, joined the host team from India. The tournament was played as a Round Robin League format giving each team an opportunity to play four matches before the Final. In the past, the host teams were India A (IPA) and India B (Manipur). This year, only one team represented India, which was made up of local players from Manipur. India led the score table, winning all four of their games in the league and securing a place in the Final. The crucial match in the tournament was between England and USA. Each had tied with equal points (2 won and 1 lost) meaning that the winner of the match would enter into the Final against India. However, the game ended in a 5-5 draw, resulting in the USA progressing to the Final on the basis of net scores. The fully packed stadium witnessed the final match of the tournament with great enthusiasm. The USA and India had played on the opening day of the tournament, with the local boys winning that contest in a closely fought game by 7 goals to 6. The rematch brought thunderous support in the

England and USA teams battling it out for a place in the Final

stadium with equal number of fans for both the teams. The Final was a thrilling affair, which looked set to end again in a 4-4 draw. An extra chukka was added, and the golden goal rule was played to decide the winner. The young captain of the USA team, Jared Sheldon created history by scoring the winning goal. In an emotional moment after winning the trophy, Jared Sheldon shared a minute with his team after the game to say that he wished his grandfather, Russell Sheldon who was posthumously inducted into the USPA Polo Hall of Fame a few months previously, was alive to see his grandson play on the original polo ponies and the land that gave birth to the game. “The crowd was probably the most amazing that I have experienced in a polo match. It did not matter who won or scored, all they cared about was watching the

game of polo and sharing in the joy of the sport we all love,” enthused Jared. The tournament, organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association (MHRPA) is now an integral part of the 10 day-long Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival, which is held every year in the month of November. With the theme of the tournament Save The Manipuri Pony – The Original Polo Ponies, the event is drawing international attention to save this rare breed of equines. The large board in the middle of the Mapal Kangjeibung, reading We Gave The World The Game Of Polo, is a backdrop that highlights the effort to preserve the age-old traditions of Sagol Kangjei, from which the modern game of polo evolved, by saving the breed from extinction. With the diminishing grazing grounds for the ponies, the imminent threat to the survival of the breed surfaced as a current concern.

Action from the Final in front of packed crowds

Polo Times, December 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

15 Minutes with England player

Mikey Howe

How did you find the games? All four games provided an hour or so of brutal, raw, good old-fashioned polo. The whole experience was unique. I can’t say I have ever been out of control before whilst also not being able to get there fast enough! The USA are first visiting team to ever win the trophy

The Manipur Polo International Tournaments are organised by the MHRPA and supported by the Manipur Equestrian Association, Manipuri Pony Society and all the polo clubs and pony owners of the state. The 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 participating teams: USA: Jared Sheldon (4), Remmy Muller (2), Peter Blake (2), Pedro Lara (2) & Josh Shelton (2) England: Dave Allen (4), Mikey Howe (4), Marcus Hancock (2) & Jack Aldridge (-2) Coach: Chris Atkinson Australia: Jack Archibald (5), Will White (4), Henry Bell (2) & Bobby Miller (-1) Coach: Rob Archibald Thailand: Vorajit Wongkraso, Suphachai Sukhampha, Jitipon Roopsa Art & Amnuay Sukhampa Coach: Rege Ludwig India (Manipur) Squad: S. Bimol Singh, M Jawan Singh, P Ojit Singh, P Jotin, H Abung Khooman & Th Ranjit Singh

How did the England team get on together? We were very lucky to have a great bunch of guys on this trip. We had quite a vast range of ages and experiences, from the youngest player in the tournament at just 15-years-old, Jack Aldridge, through to ex-professional, Mr Atkinson, who I believe is in his fifties. Jack Aldridge was our number 1, Marcus Hancock (aka Beasty) played at 2, and I played number 3, whilst David Allen played at back. We played a total of four games. Tell us how you got on with the mighty Manipuri ponies? Their little ponies are fantastically robust and naturally as tough as old boots. We didn’t measure any but they must range from 12.2hh to 13.1hh, as we played with 46 and 47 inch sticks. Compared to the level of training we are used to giving our horses in the UK, we found ourselves out of control most of the time! The games were also played with a wooden ball so there was no hiding from bad timing. Although the polo wasn’t so fast in terms of speed (although these little ponies do pick up some speed) it was fast paced in terms of plays coming in quick succession. This is what really made it fun I think. In many respects, because we had limited manoeuvrability most of the time, we had to hit backhands and run. There was no question of turning the ball or slowing the game down because it quite simply wasn’t possible. Would you recommend the tournament to others? I appreciate that to somebody who doesn’t have the ‘Polo Bug,’ reading this they may wonder Why on earth would these crazies do this to themselves? or Where is the fun in that? The reality is that anyone who plays polo for the right reasons, for the animals and the challenge rather than for the image, would absolutely love to compete in this tournament, should they get the opportunity. I would add that if you are prepared to attempt to ride anything, or grew up hunting on Exmoor this is most definitely an advantage. On a final note and a personal level, the local Manipuri Pony Breed is slowly becoming extinct. Out of the 250 horses made available for the tournament there was only one mare. There are talks about creating a nature reserve I believe, or something similar in order to provide these lovely little ponies a habitat in which they can prosper. I dearly hope and have every faith that they will make all the necessary changes needed to turn a corner in producing more local stock so that their wonderful polo can continue.

Fact File – Manipuri Ponies All of the teams were mounted by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association, which was set up in 1977 to revive polo so as to aid the ponies’ survival. Typically standing between 11hh and 13hh they are now struggling to survive against the decrease of their natural habitats, due to rapid urbanisation, with numbers as low as only 400 ponies. www.polotimes.co.uk

The England team at their first practice with Lorna Broughton, vet for the event, Christopher Atkinson and N Ibungochoubi

Polo Times, December 2015

Reports

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Polo Times Prevail

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

All Pro Team Take The Trophy

Winning team Polo Times with runners-up Sifani

t the time of going to press, an all-action Final of the HPA 15 Goal Christmas National Club Championships was won by Polo Times, with a line-up containing The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club’s very own Chairman Jamie Morrison. The first chukka saw Morrison in outstanding form with a series of pinpoint accurate passes repeatedly picking out his receiving teammates, who continuously scored to give the Polo Times team a massive lead. Morrison was also outstanding in defence, saving a phenomenal number of penalties throughout the match to ensure there was no possible way back for Hilali Noordeen’s Sifani. Both Roy Prisk and Howard Smith were on top form, scoring and controlling the play as they worked together as a seamless dream-team in the blue Polo Times shirts. A sterling effort by 10 goaler Chris Hyde for Sifani did nothing to repel Morrison and his team who ran out clear winners. Howard Smith was also named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player and Morrison’s grey mare Havana was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award. A full report on all the Christmas National Club Championships will feature in the first Polo Times issue of 2016. The HPA 15 Goal National Club Championships Final teams: Polo Times: Howard Smith (6), Jamie Morrison (6) & Roy Prisk (3) Sifani: Hilali Noordeen (1), Ed Morris-Lowe (3) & Chris Hyde (10) Result: 23-14 to Polo Times The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player: Howard Smith Polo Times Best Playing Pony: Havana, owned and played by Jamie Morrison

Polo Times, December 2015

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club 2016 arena fixtures HPA New Year National Championships – Saturday 23 January The second part of the HPA National Club Championships will see 3 goal and 10 goal teams battle for a trophy each in the first top title of 2016. The Masters – Saturday 6 February This fixture will be the highlight of the arena season with a truly hair-raising atmosphere. The Masters are set to be an unbelievable occasion as outstanding horses and players battle it out for the highest honour of this RCBPC winter season trophy. The Arena Gold Cup (The British Arena Open) – Saturday 27 February The last in the diary for the arena season for RCBPC, The Arena Gold Cup will showcase the greatest horsepower and the top players on the UK’s winter polo circuit. Spectators will be able to experience all the glamour and style of arena polo and enjoy a party after the games. For tickets visit www.rcbpc.com and enter discount code PoloTimes www.polotimes.co.uk

Triskelion Partners with The Claremont Hotel

THE ISLE OF MAN’S first polo club has formed a partnership with The Claremont Hotel, to see them through the coming season in style. Mark Wilson, Managing Director of The Claremont Hotel commented, “Triskelion Polo Club itself is spectacular and the owners have spared no expense in bringing the best facilities to the Island. We share the same values and motivations, and are excited to soon share these important social events.” The new Club has had an exciting season this year, playing host to the recent Triskelion Polo Club vs Army Reserves match.

Player Rebecca Netten, Ricardo Campos, General Manager of the Claremont Hotel and Polo Manager Cameron Houston

High Goal Polo in Wiltshire

Photograph by Eva Campos

Photograph by Claudia Quintana

I Ladies & Gentlemen Autumn Cup Final teams: Polo For Europe: Koko Kofler, Caroline Morandi, Erwin Schoevers & Graham Waring CP Ampurdan: Emmanuelle Morandi, Linda Boughey, Jaume Rodriguez & Darío Campos R Result: 6-5 to Polo For Europe Female top scorer: Koko Kofler Male top scorer: Daniel Hauss Most Valuable Player: Emmanuelle Morandi

Charity Chukkas for Children in Dubai

IN A CHARITY fund raising game, the Department of Transport team led by Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum defeated Ghantoot Polo Team 6-5 at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Friday 20 November. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Club, the four chukka Al Amal Polo Day Exhibition Match 2015 was held to support the Al Ain Centre for Care and Rehabilitation for Children with special needs. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Wiggy Bamforth

International Polo Update From Ampurdan

POLO FOR EUROPE defeated CP Ampurdan with a final score of 6-5 under a stunning Spanish November sun to raise the I Ladies & Gentlemen Autumn Cup. The Final was breathtaking with great play all round and an even score throughout the chukkas. Six teams with players from Luxembourg, France, UK, Austria, The Netherlands and Spain participated at the first edition of this tournament, played with two female and two male players in each team and off an open handicap. Polo For Europe took the trophy The Club also ran a tournament for beginners on 7 – 8 November, which was divided into two cups; The Gold Cup, and The Silver Cup for the XXXIV Dario Campos’ Debutants Trophy. Six teams, made up of players and representatives from clubs all over continental Europe, from Montpellier and Toulouse (France), as well as from Frankfurt and Bremen (Germany), participated in this year’s tournament. On Sunday 8 November, The Gold Cup was won The participating teams by the local team Club de Polo Ampurdan, against Real Club de Polo Barcelona after a very close Final that had to be resolved with penalties, to produce a final score 10-9. At the Silver Cup, with four teams participating, San Marco Polo Club-Montpellier defeated Mas Bosch 1526 with the result 3-2, and the Subsidiary Final was won by Villacampos against Polo de Toulouse 8-5. The Most Valuable Player Award was given to Charles Derré.

Club Focus

Photograph courtesy of Triskelion Polo Club

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

The teams of the El Rosario high goal arena trophy DRUIDS POLO CLUB hosted the high goal arena El Rosario Trophy as part of their Open Evening on Saturday 31 October. The match saw the all-sibling Druids Lodge team of Maurice, Robin and Eden Ormerod take on the Gaucho team, featuring Roddy Stanning, Harold Hodges and Adolfo Casabal. Gaucho won the match after an exciting game, which really showcased both the skill of the players and all the excitement and fun of arena polo. The match was dominated by a battle between the two seven goal players, Eden Ormerod and Adolfo Casabal, who stirred up the game into a fast and furious race around the pitch. However, having taken an early lead, the Druids Lodge team found they couldn’t close down Casabal, whose incredible shots to goal from behind the halfway line soon made their mark on the scoreboard. The evening also saw guest chukkas for those wishing to try out arena polo for the first time, and a give-it-a-go session for polo novices. Polo Times sponsored a Best Playing Pony rug. Also in attendance, Countryside Criminal and SATS supported the event providing everything one could need for the budding arena polo player.

Polo Times, December 2015

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

From Ghouls to Gales VOYPC ON SUNDAY 1 November The Vale of York Polo Club, who were still playing on grass at the time, players battled for The Hobgoblin Hallowe’en Horse Trophy. In what could only be described as a slaughter at Misson Lawn, the Hobgoblins pulled the decaying limbs off the Zombie Sea Pandas one by one, winning 5½-0. McAlister-Martin supplied his moderately seasoned chilli, with a top up sauce for the brave and stupid made from Naga Jolokia Ghost Peppers, which everyone had after the game. On 15 November the Club’s members played their first beach match of the season at Cleethorpes Mud Flats. A challenging playing surface, requiring near perfect swings and contact on the arena ball to dislodge it from the sticky silt, and the ever present North Sea wind that was gusting to 45 mph only added to the drama and excitement of the game. In the opening match of this winter beach polo series, ABI Blue took on ABI Yellow. The first chukka was all Blue, with endless attacks resulting in an unchallenged half time score of 2½-0. However, the second and final chukka saw a change of fortunes, with fast end-to-end play. Despite speedy runs to goal, Blue were unable to complete their efforts and the Yellow team pushed three goals through the posts to come out with a final score of 3-2½.

Photograph courtesy of Richard McAlister-Martin

The Hobgoblin Hallowe’en Horse Trophy teams: Hobgoblins: Dr Craig Buckley/Hollie White, Lisa Piddington, Richard McAlister-Martin, Polly Tracey & Linda Baughan (who later defected to the Zombie Sea Pandas at half time)

Photograph courtesy of Richard McAlister-Martin

Club Focus

Ghouls, ghosts and nightmares took to the VOYPC grounds for The Hobgoblin Hallowe’en Horse Trophy

Zombie Sea Pandas: Paul Piddington, Will Wilkinson, Marie Sheen/Hannah Holbrook, Simon Bower/Linda Baughan (after defecting at half time from the other team) Opening Beach match teams: ABI Blue: Antonia Dowie (-1), Richard McAlistair-Martin (0) & Lisa Piddington (0) ABI Yellow: Hollie White (-1), Simon Bower (-1) & Paul Piddington (2) VOYPC End of Season Awards Winners Pony Chukka Champion – Lisa Piddington’s Piggy with 126 chukkas Member Chukka Champion – Marie Sheen with 143 chukkas Mud Book Champion – Helen Sutcliffe with three mud books (falls) Crown Hotel Mid Week Challenge Champion – Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin Overall Points Champion – Marie Sheen with 44 points Most Improved Female – Helen Sutcliffe Most Improved Male – John Sorrell Bagley Best Playing Pony – Piggy Best Turned Out Pony – Brian Baughan Most Valuable Female – Alice Bagley Most Valuable Male – Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin Best Club Person – Jim Baughan

The opening match of the ABI Beach Challenge was won by ABI Yellow

THE ALL ENGLAND Polo Club at Hickstead have announced that Aspect Polo has taken over the management of the Club for the 2015/16 winter polo season. Aspect Polo was formed three years ago by Sarah Wiseman who is a regular on the international women’s polo circuit and also manages Knepp Castle with Aspect Polo in the UK summer season. The All England Polo Club at Hickstead has a full-sized 100m x 50m arena, plus a clubhouse and on-site stabling for 80+ horses. Full and DIY livery is available as well as rental horses and lessons. The season is now underway with club chukkas and tournaments most weekends through to Sunday 6 March. For more details about Aspect Polo at Hickstead, visit www.aspectpolo.co.uk 44

Polo Times, December 2015

#arenapolo at RCBPC ‘THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE’ founded Arena Polo in Europe with the first purpose-built stadium outside of the Americas in 1988. Hosting both the Christmas and New Year HPA Nationals, along with the British Open for the Arena Gold Cup and The Masters, the highest handicap Arena Polo match in The Arena Gold Cup Final will be on the World, the Club remains the ‘Home of Saturday 27 February Arena Polo.’ Jamie Morrison, Chairman of ‘The Royal Berkshire’ and former England Polo Captain said, ‘The winter season has grown into its own fast paced, all action variation of its summer cousin. Arena polo is a truly not to be missed, adrenaline fuelled, extreme horsepower experience.’ For all major arena polo fixtures please turn to 74. Grandstand tickets start at £5 per person with three-course fine dining in the purpose built panoramic marquee also available at www.royalberkshirepolo.com/arena2015/ Photograph Courtesy of RCBPC

Aspect Polo to Manage AEPC

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Millions To Be Spent In Warwickshire

Druids Draw Announced DRUIDS LODGE HAVE published the updated Druids University League 2015-2016 draw for The Exeter Cup sponsored by UberPolo. The following teams will be taking part: League A London: Anna Menshenina, Grace Blest-Hopley & Arthur Cole-Fontayn UWE 1: Daisy Dunn, Kathryn Crouchen & Alex Watton Harvard Alumni: Janie Amero, Jonathan Willen & Danielle Lussi RAU 1: Perdita Humphrey, Reuben Thompson & Fergus Edwards Bristol: Sophie Clarke, Thady Gosden & Thor Gilje RAU2: Caitlin Davies, Angus Lowe & Patrick Wales

DALLAS BURSTON POLO Club has announced a £122 million investment, which will create hundreds of new jobs across Warwickshire. IXL Events Ltd, the owners of the venue in Southam, have unveiled a 12-year plan for the 600-acre site, which includes 100 luxury lodges, a hotel and a ‘Player’s Pavilion’. Work is set to start this month and the first phase of the scheme is expected to be completed early next year.

PLAYED UNDER THE patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Cartier hosted its celebrated International Dubai Polo Tournament from 8 – 12 December for the first time at Desert Palm Polo Club. Two of Dubai’s leading polo playing families, the Albwardys and the Al Habtoors, teamed up together in one team for the first time in the tournament’s ten-year history. British polo players include Berkshire based Mark Hayden-Kellard and Guards Polo Club member Stefan Sund. Four international teams, featuring players from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Europe and Argentina, played a week of league matches in a bid to reach Saturday’s Final and win a coveted Cartier watch. After some strong matches, it was ultimately Desert Palm who took the accolade, beating Al Habtoor Polo by 8 goals to 4. Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Teams: Cartier Red: Sandra Schneider (-1), Stefan Sund (0), Mark Hayden-Kellard (2) & Nacho Gonzalez (6) Desert Palm: Rashid Al Habtoor (0), Tariq Albwardy (1), Daniel Gradiador (3) & Matias Machado (4) Al Habtoor Polo: Mohammed Al Habtoor (0), Stuart Wrigley (0), Tomas Iriate (5) & Santiago Gomez Romero (3) Zedan Polo Team: Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef (0), Amr Zedan (0), Martin Gandara (4) & Rodolfo Ducos (4)

Tidworth To Host WIP WOMEN IN POLO (WIP) are running a University Ladies Tournament on Saturday 23 January at Tidworth Polo Club. Entries will be on a first come, first served basis, and WIP can arrange teams from individuals who are interested. On 30 – 31 January WIP will also be sponsoring a Battle of the Sexes to be played in Tidworth’s new arena. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Aurora Eastwood

League B Southampton: Holly Baxter, George Hilton & Tarek El Ahmar Exeter 1: Amy Lewis, Elaine Sanderson & Michael Karlsson-Greenhill UWE 2: Tasha Ball, Arthur Higgins & Morgan Harmer Exeter 2: Jozsi Habsburg, Georgie Reeves & Pippa Sheehan 3 Horse Power: Louise Gilman-Wells, Alex Wharton & Peter Philips Combined: Hennie Helliwell/Claire Graham, Celine Lawrence & Robyn Evans

Cartier International Dubai Polo Tournament Announced

Club Focus

Saints and Synergy line up before the game

Saints Win at South Wonston

ON SUNDAY 22 November, South Wonston Farm Arena near Winchester held their November tournament. The Final was played between Saints and Synergy. Despite Synergy starting with a 6 goal head start on handicap, whirlwind play from Saints’ Sean Wilson-Smith saw the goals clock-up. The deal was sealed by a twopointer from 30 yards out by Larissa Westall in the last two minutes of what was a very fast, open and enjoyable game. Saints rode away with a final score of 19-15. The next tournament at the Club will be on the 19 – 20 December. November Tournament Final teams: Saints (5): Larissa Westall (0), Gonzalo Bazan (1) & Sean Wilson-Smith (4) Synergy (2): Lisa Ives (-1), Matt Kenna (-1) & Casimir Gross (4)

Polo Times, December 2015

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

USPA Arena Action International Photograph by Alex Pacheco

THE ARENA SEASON got off to a great start at FHM on Saturday 7 November with three teams taking part in The Falcon Equine Feeds Challenge Shield. The FHM horses were all fit and ready and the ball was running well on the irrigated sand arena. In the first of three two-chukka matches, John Murphy and Peter Coats, playing for FHM White, met Andrew Keen Peter Coats & John Murphy (FHM White), Andrew Keen and Tom Wallis wearing Tom’s Monarch & Tom Wallis (Monarch Oak) with the shield and Dejan Borisavljevic (FHM Blue) Oak shirts. Tom and Andrew dominated the play, but John and Peter put up a good fight with the match ending with a final score 11-5 in favour of Monarch Oak. John and Peter stayed on for the second match to play Sophie Strongman and Dejan Borisavljevic, playing for FHM Blue. This time it was Peter and John’s turn to dominate the play and they won by six goals with a final score of 10-4. In the final match Monarch Oak played well and managed to rack up 12 goals in two chukkas against FHM Blue’s five, to win the tournament.

The winning USA team

THE USA TOOK The 2015 USPA International Cup on Saturday 28 November, beating South Africa 12-7. The USA team made an early impact on the game, sparking a fast first chukka and continuing the pressure into the second where the South African team began to foul under pressure. Despite goals from MacKenzie and de Bruin for South Africa, the USA retained a five-point lead at the end of the chukka, a margin they continued to stretch with strong offensive play until the end of the match.

Photograph by Igor Fain

Stomp the Pomp! CARLITOS WHITE WALTHAM Polo Club are very fired up for next year to prove that polo is an affordable sport to anyone who has been able to keep horses in the past. Too many articles and very recent programmes on television have continually informed the public that polo is the ‘Sport of Kings’ and you need to spend £250k minimum to play polo. Actress Sofia is totally hooked on polo At Carlitos White Waltham Polo Club they want to let at Carlitos White Waltham Polo Club equestrians and the public know that you can keep three polo ponies on full livery, with a groom when you ride and play chukkas and keep your ponies well-schooled, play in ten polo tournaments at White Waltham including entry fees, professional umpires, a 2 or 3 goal professional polo player as Team Captain, membership to the Polo Club for the season and membership of the Hurlingham Polo Association, all for £18,000 arriving at the beginning of April with the season ending on the last weekend of September. On top of that it is a great opportunity to meet likeminded people and play fun polo all summer long, with BBQ’s and cold beer to enjoy every Sunday after playing. Carlitos said to Polo Times, “’Stomp the pomp’ in polo and make it accessible to the whole equestrian world by proving to equestrian enthusiasts that it is not an elitist sport, and let’s revel in polo’s sporting success and deliver our passion for polo to a wider audience.”

Julio Arellano received the Most Valuable Player award for his part in his team’s victory, while teammate Jeff Hall’s Candela won the Best Playing Pony Prize. This is the fourth successive win for the USA team, who have previously beaten Mexico, Chile and England.

Photograph courtesy of Hertfordshire Polo Club

The 2015 USPA International Cup teams: South Africa (24): Selby Williams, Chris MacKenzie, Gareth Evans & Tom de Bruin USA (24): Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan & Julio Arellano

TGS Polo Win

Photograph by Francis Matthews

Club Focus

ON 5 – 6 DECEMBER, at Hertfordshire Polo Club, three teams took part in a 1 goal tournament in the arena at Woolmers Park. TGS Polo came out triumphant having defeated La Vie En Rose, who took second place and Black Hound took third place. Claudia Brin’s Matikka was given the Best Playing Pony Award. The Club will also be The teams with their prizes hosting a series of challenge games and tournaments over the course of the winter as well as a Ladies Tournament.

New Arena for Tidworth TIDWORTH POLO CLUB has completed the work on a brand new 80m x 40m floodlit outdoor arena. The Wiltshire Club has installed a waxed Combi-ride surface, state-of-the art lighting and a great viewing gallery in time for the start of the winter arena season.

1 Goal Tournament teams: TGS Polo: Anita Mitchell (-1), Amy Leggett (0) & Vicky Griffin (2) La Vie En Rose: Claudia Brin (-1), Russell Brin (0) & Byron Human (2) Black Hound: Melissa Waters (0), Andy Cork (0) & Richard Newman (1) Best Playing Pony: Matikka, owned and played by Claudia Brin 46

Polo Times, December 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

CHRIS HYDE’S FIRST outing as a ten goaler in the arena didn’t quite go the way he’d planned in the thrilling sole game of The Paul Castle Challenge Trophy. Sifani started strongly with Nico San Roman and Chris Hyde alternating goals, finishing the first chukka 7-2. Gaucho fought back through superb play from Berkshire newcomer, Harold Hodges, who had teamed up with Adolfo Casabal and Faisal Al-Rifai bringing the scores to 10-10 at half time. Gaucho extended their lead in the third chukka with all three players respectively making the score sheet, but Hyde led the fight back for Sifani tying the scores at 20-20 during the fourth chukka. However, a penalty one for Gaucho in the last 30 seconds sealed their victory in the first high goal arena game of the season. Charlie Burrows of DryBrow kindly donated prizes. Gaucho had previously warmed up for this first serious match with a convincing win in The El Rosario Trophy exhibition match at

Costume Chukkas

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Paul Castle Challenge Trophy

The victorious Gaucho team Harold Hodges, Faisal Al-Rifai and Adolfo Casabal with Charlie Burrows of DryBrow

Druids Lodge on Saturday 31 October, and look set for a successful season. The tournament is played for the trophy named after the late Paul Castle, best known in polo circles as the patron of the Metropolitan team, who were particularly noted for their presence in the medium goal scene, both on grass and especially in the arena in the late 90s. Paul Castle High Goal Challenge Trophy teams: Sifani (15): Hilali Noordeen (1), Nico San Roman (4) & Chris Hyde (10) Gaucho (15): Faisal Al-Rifai (3), Harold Hodges (5) & Adolfo Casabal (7)

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

Westcroft Park News ON SATURDAY 7 November, Wescroft Park Polo Club kicked off their winter season with the opening of their new clubhouse with a party and plenty of polo challenges beforehand. The likes of Chris Benford, the Sweeney family, Jemma Byrne, Chris Action from the games in front of the new clubhouse and Maggie Hyde, Stewart Lucus, Rupert Le Uff, Lucy Northmore and the whole Blake Thomas clan turned out for the event. The bar and grill were busy serving up Old Mout Cider whilst locally sourced Aberdeen Angus burgers and hand made pizzas were consumed throughout the evening. Champagne Challenge teams: Young Guns: James Mann (1), Hannah Buckenham (0) & Chris Benford (1) Algeria: Charlotte Sweeney (3), Rich Newman (1) & Tatiana Menshinina (-1) Sau Wild: Rosie Ross (3), Micheal Poppel (-1) & Ollie Edwards (-1) Alegria: Charlotte Sweeney (3), Igor Menshenina (0) & Anna Menshenina (-1) Team A: Charlotte Sweeney (3), Jonathan Tidswell-Pretorius (-1) & Alec Banner Eve (4) Team B: Clive Reid (0), Jemma Byrne (0) & Howard Smith (6) www.polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus

STIRLING UNIVERSITY POLO Club celebrated the end of an incredible autumn semester with an inter-club tournament and dinner. Four teams played with Christmas themed names and team costumes; Walking In The Air, The Jolly Plodders, It’s Only Christmas If We Win and Away With The Fairies. After a fun few chukkas, The Jolly Plodders came out on top to celebrate with a traditional first sip of champagne from the Stirling University Polo Club Duchess Quaich. Away With The Fairies won the best team costume as judged by Polo Times’ very own Lucy Wilson. Awards were presented for the following: Most Valuable Player – James Whiteford Most Improved Player – Roslin Macdonald Best Goal – Abigail Butler Worst Foul – Ginny Ludford-Jones The Club also wanted to thank Thom Bell and Gilly Lockhart at Kinross Polo Club for their continued support and to their sponsors at Cape for hosting a lovely Christmas dinner. The Club would like to thank all their supporters and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Championships Underway AT THE TIME of going to press the 4-6 Goal HPA Christmas National Club Championships at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club were getting underway with landslide wins for RCBPC Los Caballeros and EPC Tex8an Polo in the first round of games. RCBPC Los Caballeros defeated RCBPC Gaucho with a final score of 20-11 whilst EPC Tex8an Polo won the second game of the day with a similar score line of 21-14 against Vaux Park. There will be a report in the February/March issue of Polo Times. RCBPC Gaucho (5): Genevieve Meadows (0), Izzy McGregor (2) & Faisal Al-Rifai (3) EPC Tex8an Polo (5): Mindi Byrne (0), D’artagnan Giercke (1) & Nico San Roman (4) Vaux Park PC (6): Hannah Parry-Jones (0), Tom Parry-Jones (2) & Tim Vaux (4) RCBPC Los Caballeros (6): Adrian Beasley (-1), Phil Meadows (2) & Tim Bown (5)

Polo Times, December 2015

Women’s Polo

International

Wiggy Bamforth reports on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise

5 minutes with…

Claire Brougham The international 6 goal player, who recently won both the “A” Flight and “B” Flight Finals at The Villages WCT Qualifying Tournament in Florida, tells us about taking sport seriously and what she’d do if she won the lottery How did your polo career start? I have ridden all my life but at the age of 15 I had a few nasty falls jumping and lost a lot of confidence. My Pony Club introduced polo lessons just after and my mum persuaded me to go along. I was hooked from lesson one – my games pony, Sinead, became my first polo pony and I’ve never looked back. What’s your greatest achievement to date? Every time I have gone out and represented my country I feel a great sense of pride, but one of my greatest achievements was representing England for the first time in the U21 International against Canada, played at Cowdray in 2005. It was a mixed team, and I was the only girl on the team. We won the Test Match and I scored my first 60! It was my catalyst to work hard and improve. Since then I have represented England in the 8 goal FIP in 2010, the Beaufort Test Match 2012, USA Test Match in Florida 2012 and, most recently, in South Africa 2015. What’s your greatest ambition? To play high goal! More realistically I would like to represent England in the FIPs, and next year I want to go up to a 7 goal HPA ladies’ handicap, with a 2 goal HPA outdoor (mixed) handicap. Which lady player do you most admire? Why? I couldn’t pick just one! Sarah Wiseman (aka Captain Cool) is an incredible player, captain and teammate, and works incredibly hard running Knepp Castle – she is very deserving of being one of England’s leading female

pros. Nina Clarkin (the world no.1) is a class act. I had the pleasure of playing in a team with Nina, Tamara Fox and Rosie Vestey this summer at Cirencester, which was an incredible experience. Nina has awesome horses and has the ability to make everyone in her team play a goal better. Sunny Hale is my hero as she was selected by Cambiaso to play in the US Open. She is awesome to watch and has done so much for ladies polo as the founder of the WCT and ladies handicaps in the USA. Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Tough question! I love them both equally as much, for different reasons. Without ladies’ polo I wouldn’t have travelled and played all across the world, but I get to play a completely different role depending on if I am playing men’s or women’s polo. Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? This year I have noticed a difference with more teams employing coaches, personal trainers and physiotherapists. This needs to continue if we want polo to be taken more seriously as a sport. Players need to take responsibility for their actions, become athletes, train harder, eat better and get more coaching. Upping the standards will help attract more corporate sponsors and ultimately more positive exposure for the sport. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? If I won the lottery I would love to play the 15 goal with: James Harper (6) because in my opinion he is one of England’s finest players – super tough, disciplined, always tries, and is a great Captain. Adrian Wade (4) who never gives up, has an amazing work rate, and hits an awesome penalty. Nina Clarkin (4) because she’s super well-mounted, tough as nails and makes me play a goal better! “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My mum and dad, Sue and Nick Brougham. They have always helped me, through funding, driving me to polo when I was young, buying me ponies and letting me use their farm to keep horses. Mum and dad still come to my games and I will always be eternally grateful for their support and belief in me.

Northern Trust Take Women’s US Open Smith Scores Winning Overtime Goal Northern Trust took the US Open Women’s Championship, the highest handicapped ladies’ tournament in the world, for the second consecutive year on Sunday 15 November, after a close match which was only resolved in overtime by a winning goal from the stick of Julia Smith, the team’s 4 goal player. The game, against Rocking P/ The Plank Co’s strong team, pitted Brits Sarah Wiseman and Hazel Jackson against each other in a rematch of the Semi Final. Northern Trust made a clean start when Kristy Outhier converted a 40 yard penalty

Polo Times, December 2015

for a goal, however the lead was shortlived as Caroline Anier equalised for the opposition. A fast game, described as “tough” by players on both sides saw Northern Trust in possession of a 4-3 lead by half time, a lead that Rocking P/ The Plank Co soon erased. However, impressive teamwork by Northern Trust’s Julia Smith and Sarah Wiseman saw the score levelled again, with the teams entering overtime equal on 7 goals apiece after neck-and-neck play. Despite a fast and furious sudden death chukka, the combined forces of Jackson and Anier couldn’t prevent

Smith, one of the stand-out players of the tournament, from slipping the final goal past the opposing team, to take the Championship, 8-7. Kristy Outhier had an incredible match, winning both the Most Valuable Player Award and two Best Playing Pony Awards, with the Pro’s Best Playing Pony going to her ride Man and the American Quarter Horse Association Best Playing Pony Award with her horse Reata, whom she played in the third chukka. Kendall Plank’s Taxi won the Patron’s Best Playing Pony Award.

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Sarah Wiseman Northern Trust “We always knew the Final was going to be tough. Although we beat Rocking P in the previous game, we had a feeling they would change their tactics. Though we stuck to the same plan, they played a more open, running game. We managed to up our game in the second half of the 4th chukka and score three goals to tie the match, having gone 7-4 down at one stage. I have never played with a team with such determination. We knew we could do it – it just goes to show never give up, anything is possible!”

Hazel Jackson Rocking P/ The Plank Co “It was a super tough game and unfortunately we didn’t utilise our chances. We had it in our palms, but Northern Trust didn’t give us any time and in the end we made too many mistakes. It has been an incredible tournament in a stunning location – next year we will be back!”

Women’s Polo

Photograph by Kaylee Wroe

International

Northern Trust win their second consecutive US Open title

US Open Women’s Championship teams: Northern Trust (25): Sarah Wiseman (7), Julia Smith (4), Maureen Brennan (6) & Kristy Outhier (8) Rockin’ P/The Plank Co (24): Courtney Price (2)/Kendall Plank (2), Hazel Jackson (8), Dayelle Fargey (7) & Caroline Anier (7) BTA (23): Tiamo Hudspeth (4), KC Kruger (6), Shelia Lequerica (5) & Lia Salvo (8) Lockton (21): Marissa Wells (5), Carolyn Stimmel (5), Roxy Keyfauver (5) & Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (6)

British player Claire Brougham returned home victorious after winning two out of three divisions at The Villages WCT Qualifying Tournament in Florida, held on Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November. The Flight “A” section saw Brougham team up with Rose Sease, Paige Boone and Caroline Anier, to form a side under sponsor Arden Jeweler’s name. A close win over Custom Apparel by 6 goals to 6½, reflected the nature of the tough match. The Flight “B” The Villages team (Claire Brougham, Paige Boone, Pippa Campbell and Anneke Beck) were then victorious over Nalley Toyota, 6-1. Fross & Fross Wealth Management took the Flight “C” accolade over Citizens First by 7 goals to 4½.

Ladies Snow Polo in Austria A Quechua World of Polo, the organisers for PIPA Snow Polo events, have teamed up with Women in Polo to host the first ever Ladies Snow Polo Tournament in Bad Gastein, Salzburg in Austria. The event will take place from 19 – 21 February 2016.

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Photograph by Dave Boege

Brougham Victorious in USA

The “Flight A” winning team Arden’s Jewelers – Rose Sease, Paige Boone, Caroline Anier and Claire Brougham

Riverlands

The 13th Riverlands Ladies Tournament at Windsor Polo Club saw the home side Windsor Ladies defeat all opposition to take the title, after a close Final which saw them beat Team 4S 6½-5. Prior to the match, both teams had beaten The Misfits, Windsor Ladies by 7-1, and 4S by 6-2½. Sian Barnacle was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, while the Best Playing Pony Award went to Rowena Rainger’s Ali. In the Sub Zero division for junior ladies, a close match saw Willos Angels beat Windsor Lasses by 6½-6.

Polo Times, December 2015

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

A round-up of this month’s Youth polo, at home and abroad, from Katie Vickery and Wiggy Bamforth

Northern Stars at Edinburgh Annual Tournament

Argentine Update

La Aguada

Edinburgh University Polo Club played host to The Edinburgh Annual Tournament, over the weekend of Friday 23 – Sunday 25 October. Teams from Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Stirling, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Edinburgh’s Officer Training Corps and a team from the Universities of London attended, playing a total of 35 chukkas. The first day saw Stirling leap to the fore in the Beginner and Novice matches with a few resounding wins played out to a hugely encouraging crowd. For the evening’s entertainment, the Edinburgh committee hosted six different dinner parties, before descending on the infamous Why Not? den of iniquity. In the second day’s first Intermediate matches, the pace accelerated dramatically. Arena action from the St Andrews team during Newcastle had established an unassailable lead their match against Edinburgh against Edinburgh by lunchtime and St. Andrews edged past the Edinburgh Alumni with a 2-1 lead. A sojourn in play was imposed to enjoy the World Cup Semi Final at 4pm, before the Sunday’s Finals saw Aberdeen triumph over Edinburgh 5-0 in the Beginner match. Aberdeen soundly won the Novice league, 2-0, against the Universities of London and an electric Intermediate final finished 3-1 to Newcastle against St. Andrews A. The exhibition Open matched proved a hard-fought battle between father and son James and Jamie Douglas’ teams. Prizes from Edinburgh sponsors Baird & Co., RJ Polo, Uber Polo and, of course, Polo Times rewarded the winners, and a distillery’s worth of whisky was presented to umpires James Douglas, Thom Bell and John Corbett. Courtesy of Arthur Bryan

On Sunday 1 November at La Aguada Polo Club, 17 teams took part in the hugely successful Copa Novillitos tournament. There was strong representation from the Heguy, Novillo Astrada and Merlos families, amongst appearances from young British players Milly Hine, Ned Hine and Zac Beim, all playing in the 12-14-year-olds category, in which Ned’s La Aguada team were victorious. In a sucessful weekend for familia Hine, Milly also walked away with the Fair Play prize and Louis played for Capilla del Señor in the 9-11 year-olds category.

News in brief Florida Fun The Polo School won The Florida USPA Interscholastic Season-Opener at Grand Champions on Wednesday 4 November after defeating Palm Beach Polo 12-3 in the first game of the day. In the second four-chukka match of the event, Grand Champions Open defeated Grand Champions Girls, 15-2.

St Andrews

RAU Rule The Royal Agricultural University 3 team of Hugo Godwin, Alice Renner and Sarah Burton took the title at the Inglesham Polo Centre University Beginners Tournament on 21 – 22 November. The festivities did not end with the polo – on Saturday evening the indoor arena became a 007 themed party with fire-eating entertainment. Polo Times heard there were a few sore heads at the Finals the next day.

Polo Times, December 2015

Photograph by Ryan Letly

University Challenge Rugby Polo Club’s Onley grounds hosted The Rugby University Challenge Tournament over the weekend of 21 – 22 November. Warwick and Liverpool made a clean sweep of the weekend, with wins for the latter in the Novice 1 and Beginner 2 divisions, and Warwick taking the Novice 2 and Beginner 1 titles.

The St. Andrews Fall Tournament took place on Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 November, with teams from Newcastle University, St Andrews University and RCSI gathered at Kinross Polo Club for a weekend of arena and beach polo. Despite thick fog for the earlier Intermediate matches, the weather cleared in time to see the Novice RCSI team of Daniel Mac Manus, Alibhe Houlihan and Senan O’Connell take victory. In the Beginner section, the home side took a well-deserved victory with a team of Will Morris, Leanne Lorio, Liberty Dupuis and Ashley Keno/Annie Petrino, while in the Intermediate section, Matthew Dover and Jonathan Gregory shared a place on a team composed otherwise of Newcastle University players Freddie McCarthy and Vicky Fenner. The side took home the overall Intermediate accolade.

The teams play on the beach at St. Andrews on the Sunday, despite fog

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Breeding Focus

Knowledge

Embryo Transfer Breeding Programmes

Katie Vickery reports from Argentina

Brits making waves on the Argentine breeding scene

Embryo transfer has become the go-to form of polo breeding on a large scale worldwide, increasing efficiency and output and decreasing risks. Argentina has become the home of embryo transfer since the procedure and breeding programmes were established there in the 1990s. The superior bloodlines which have come from years of breeding, plus the sheer amount of horses means that these procedures can be done at a fraction of the cost compared to elsewhere. For the last two decades people have flocked to Argentina to breed and buy, then export horses home. Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to turn a profit from the Game of Kings, a costly hobby everywhere else, owes much to its historic gaucho culture, which has been breeding pedigree horses for generations. Polo Times went to talk to some of the Brits taking advantage of this culture and wealth of horses to take a closer look at the set-up, process and consequences of embryo transfer breeding programmes out in Argentina.

The Hanburys The Hanbury family has always been a large presence on the polo circuit and since buying and building the stunning El Remanso Polo Club in Lobos, Argentina, 10 years ago, father Christopher and sons George and Charlie have been familiar faces at some of the top tournaments of the Argentine season, often playing their home-bred ponies. However, in 2010 the Hanbury family decided to expand on their passion for polo horses and breeding and in recent years they have started making

Photography courtesy of Lovelocks Polo Stud

Christopher and Bridget Hanbury, founders of Lovelocks Polo Stud

Open El Padrino

Bought from Ellerstina remate in 2010, Argentina Sportivo (Sire) Open El Padrino Ilusion (Dam)

Lode Sport Fashion Catman Pimienta

Nutbush

From Ellerston, Australia Revenue Hermitage (Sire) Pinky Nutbush Tango (Dam) Tarago Thoroughbred Mare

Young horses at Lovelocks Polo Stud

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Polo Times, December 2015

Knowledge

Breeding Focus

waves among the high goal scene, creating their own polo breed from their exclusive bloodlines. competitors on the polo breeding scene, the Hanburys created Lovelocks Polo Stud, an impressive set-up located just 20 minutes’ drive from their Argentine home. The stud has become one of the biggest embryo transfer centres in Argentina, an even more impressive feat when you consider that it is a British organisation competing with the well-established Argentine set-ups such as Ellerstina, La Dolfina, La Irenita and so on. The 1,300 hectares of sprawling Pampas are home to over 900 horses of which there are up to 25 stallions at a time. Having imported some of the world’s finest bloodlines in the form of stallions from Ellerston, Ellerstina and La Dolfina, among others, they seek to combine the qualities of these exclusive Lovelocks stallions with top quality and high profile mares that have played the Open. The two jewels in the Lovelocks breeding crown are the stallions Open El Padrino and Nutbush.

The embryo transfer clinic at Lovelocks Polo Stud

The Tomlinsons Lovelocks are not the only Brits making a name for themselves in the breeding stakes. For the last 15 years the Tomlinson brothers have been producing top quality horses to sell to the Argentine and International market. On a smaller scale to the Lovelocks organisation, the Tomlinsons produce around 20 embryos a year from their clinic in El Bonito, based in El 25 de Mayo about two hours from Pilar. Polo Times spoke to Mark Tomlinson to find out what he had to say about embryo transfer, how it affects the UK market and the future of breeding programmes.

Why is Argentina so far ahead of other countries in terms of breeding and embryo transfer? The quantities that they are producing are unbelievable. There are thousands of embryos per year, so they are bound to produce something good, plus no one else is doing it. No other country in the world do it to the extent and on the scale of Argentina. They are the only country doing it properly. Embryo transfer means a higher amount of horses produced each year, increasing one mare’s ability to reproduce by five times. What is the result of this? There are a lot of embryos each year. They are flooding the market and many Argentineans now have a surplus of horses now that they are struggling to sell. I’d like to know the percentage that actually make the grade. I imagine it would be a pretty scary percentage.

Polo Times, December 2015

How can smaller individual breeders hope to compete? It’s a lot harder for the smaller guy to do it on a smaller scale. Those big organisations are almost giving away their surplus horses. How does the increase in export prices affect the business in the UK? Might less reliance on Argentina promote better breeding programmes in England? I think it’s benefitting the English market. People can no longer justify coming here to buy a $20,000 horse here when it’s going to cost them another $10,000 to take it over. So they’ll look in England more. How has the horse selling business done this year? Polo worldwide has taken a bit of a slump. Argentina particularly is in a bad moment. It’s politically unstable and economically it’s almost more expensive to live here than in

England and consequently I think people just aren’t spending as much money. There aren’t as many patrons, (look at the number of teams in the high goal!) and certainly there aren’t any new patrons. Over the last five years you’ve lost Les Lions, Jean Francois Decaux, Jerome Wirth and UAE, just in England. These were guys who had two teams and were buying horses and employing 50 plus people per team. There hasn’t been anyone to come in and replace them. It’s hard to see when it will get better. Do you think cloning is the future of polo breeding? I think the cost of cloning will always make it a premium market, so it’s for people like Cambiaso and those at the top. I don’t think it really has a future. Maybe I say that because I’m biased and I think it’s meddling a little bit too much with nature which I’m not in agreement with. But I don’t think it will take off.

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Breeding Focus

Knowledge

The stocks where the mares are inseminated

Processing in the laboratory

Polo Times visited the embryo centre at the Lovelocks Polo Stud to see what exactly goes on at these clinics.

6) The embryo is brought to the lab and processed, reviewed and given antibiotics that will increase its chance of growing healthily inside the surrogate. 7) The recipient mares are picked on the ovulation stage that they are at, mirroring that of the donor mare. 8) Between days 16-25 the mare is scanned to check for successful implantation. 9) Between days 54-70 they do an echo to check the health of the foetus. At this stage they can also tell the sex of the Stallion mounting a dummy mare foetus. At Lovelocks this is a short but intense six 10) The surrogate mother carries the week period where the young horses are inserted embryo to term giving birth slowly and gently encouraged to accept naturally, their bodies producing the bridle, saddle, rider and eventually the everything that the foetus needs to thrive stick. They are then turned away for several as if it were their own progeny. months and once they have turned three When the foals are born they are taken they are brought back in for a quick two to other end of the property with their week refresher course. After this they are surrogate mothers. Here they are kept a moved to the El Remanso ranch and the very close eye on, fed daily and handled as young horses are brought on by capable much as possible. and enthusiastic volunteers who ride, school Over the winter, at two years old, the and play baby chukkas with the youngsters foals are brought in, either to be sold at until they are ready to be sold on. auction or to start the process of “breaking”.

The process of Embryo Transfer: In Argentina, the breeding season is between September and April. 1) The mares to be bred from (the donor mares) are brought to the clinic in the morning and checked ultrasonagraphically by a vet. Successful embryonic transfer requires careful synchronisation of the reproductive cycles of the donor and recipient (surrogate) mares. It is essential to the success of the procedure that both the donor mare and the recipient mare are in the same stage of the oestrous cycle in order to give the embryo the best possible chance of survival. Once this has been evaluated those donor mares that are in the correct stages of the cycle and ready to be inseminated are noted down on the board with the date. 2) The donor mare is taken into a small corral in a neighbouring section of the clinic, in full view of the chosen stallion who is brought in and jumps up on to a dummy mare in simulation of mating. 3) The vets collect the semen and this is taken in to the laboratory and processed. The semen can be transferred directly to the mare, refrigerated for short term use (48 hours), or frozen for use out of season. 4) The mare is put in to stocks and inseminated with the semen. The mare is ultrasound scanned over the next 48 hours to check for ovulation. 5) At 8 days the mare is brought back in for the collection of the embryo in a process called flushing which takes place as soon as fertilisation has been confirmed. Flushing involves filling the uterus with fluid and then syphoning it back out through a special filter to capture any embryos. www.polotimes.co.uk

Scanning at 54 weeks

The Advantages of Embryo Transfer: • No risk of injury during mating to mare or stallion. • No risk to precious mares in birthing. • Increases output by fivefold – mares that could have had 8 foals in their lives (due to an 11 month gestation period) can have anywhere between 5 and 12 each year. This means that it is no longer strange to see Grandmother, Mother and Daughter all playing in the same match. • Mares can continue playing throughout the entire process. This also means that top mares can be bred from at a younger age and not have to wait until the end of their careers when age may have impaired fertility. This has the added advantage that their progeny could potentially carry a higher commercial value due to being bred when their mothers are in the public eye. • Older/ injured mares who cannot otherwise carry a foal to term can continue to breed.

Polo Times, December 2015

Knowledge

Breeding Focus

So what does the increasing popularity of Argentine embryo transfer mean for the future of the process here in the UK? We caught up with Argentine-trained British vet, Amber Clutton-Brock, who founded Equibreed UK in 2010, a company based in Berkshire who specialise in Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination services, to give us her thoughts on breeding winners here at home Q. What are the main attractions/benefits of embryo transfer? A. Embryo Transfer (ET) gives us the option of having greater control over the product, both in looks (phenotype) and genetics (genotype) that we are likely to produce. In other words, it increases the probability of creating offspring that would reach the same, if not higher, level than that of the parents. Many polo breeds have now been selected across generations of specific breeding, leading to a higher hereditability of desired traits, and therefore a greater likelihood that offspring will show these traits and perform to a higher level. Using ET and assisted reproductive techniques, and therefore increasing the chances of producing a superstar, means that you are more likely to get a greater return on investment, especially as keeping horses in the UK is a costly business. Q. You are currently out in Australia working with Ellerston. Tell us more about the impact embryo transfer has had on the large high goal setups both home and abroad? A. ET has had a big effect globally on the production of polo ponies, with a high percentage of those competing at the top level being products of assisted reproductive technologies. Higher selection pressures and the decreased generation gap, both knock-on effects of embryo transfer, have meant that we frequently see daughters, mothers and grandmothers competing together. The increased value of foals produced by embryo transfer and establishment of the Polo Argentino breed and Association of Argentine Breeders of Polo Ponies, has lead to a bloodstock market similar to that of Thoroughbreds in the UK. Hopefully, with the development of the Polo Studbook in the UK, the trend will continue and

the polo bloodstock market will increase in value. Among the high goal teams that I have worked for, the aim has been to breed from their best mares, not only to safeguard their genetics for the future, but also to improve on them and create ponies that keep that team at the forefront of the game.

been unsuccessful. Recent advances in the cryopreservation, or freezing, of larger equine embryos give hope that it should be possible to improve pregnancy and progeny success rates following freezing. This would potentially allow global trade in embryos, in a similar manner to that currently found with equine semen.

Q. What expectations do you have for the way advances in embryo transfer technology will affect breeding in the UK in the coming years, following the examples in Argentina? A. The trend of fetal sexing in pregnancies and a preference for filly foals is already showing in the UK and I think that pressure to guarantee a specific outcome is likely to continue. Embryo biopsy (where a small sample of the embryo is taken for genetic analysis) has taken leaps forward and no longer impacts the long-term viability of the embryo/pregnancy. This provides a method by which it is possible to avoid the termination of male pregnancies and hence reduces the wastage involved. Recent published literature suggests that older stallions produce more female offspring – it would be interesting to know whether this sex ratio effect is mirrored among other equine populations across the world, however further research work and data analysis is necessary. This is something we at Equibreed UK are interested in, and welcome inclusion of any further data sets into our analysis. Research in other mammals suggests that sexratio effects (i.e. the proportion of males to females) are often restricted to within specific herds, and universal trends have been hard to demonstrate. Cloning, although increasing in popularity in Argentina, is currently illegal in the UK, and historic attempts by Twink Allen, one of the pioneers of equine reproduction in the UK, to allow research and further development of these areas have

Q. The success of the embryo transfer process is very much affected by the skill and experience of the team who perform it. Talk us through the process involved in breeding your next equine superstar via embryo transfer in the UK? A. The first decision for the owner is the choice of stallion. With increasing numbers of well-bred, proven stallions available in the UK, a future father can easily be found who displays the desired traits – especially those that compliment the features of the donor mare. The top bloodlines from Argentina, Australia and the UK can now be easily obtained, with many relatives of stallions standing in the UK playing at the highest level in Argentina. At Equibreed UK, we have four stallions standing at stud who combine the best of Australian bloodlines (with offspring of Claret and Pinky) with those of top Argentina bloodlines (including Luna and Sportivo). Optimal results are achieved with good communication between all parties. The greater the experience of the team performing all stages of the process (from Artificial Insemination and recipient synchronisation, right through to flushing and transfer) the more likely a successful outcome. Other factors that influence success rates concern the age of the donor mare, the number of recipients available, the use of fresh versus frozen semen, and the nutritional status of donors and recipients.

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CONTACT +44 7917865768 enquiry@equineembryotransfer.co.uk

Knowledge

Katie Vickery reports from Argentina

La Tarde is a beautiful family run estancia located in the Province of Buenos Aires, an hour’s drive from the city. No place could be more at odds with the hectic and bustling metropolis of BA than the little town of Tomás Jofre where La Tarde is based, which sees guests flocking from around the world to escape reality, play polo and experience a little slice of Argentina for weeks at a time. Founded in 1991 by Alfredo Sarli and his family, the Club has been the go-to place for polo enthusiasts for over a decade, attracting guests from all over the globe with its friendly and professional atmosphere. The Sarli family have built La Tarde in their image – warm and genuine, a place where guests instantly feel at home. The 12 guest cabins are beautifully furnished and the perfect place to rest weary bones after each day’s jam-packed schedule, as is the fully equipped gym and spa. The La Tarde slogan, “As much polo as you can take” is true to its word, and guests are offered mornings full of lessons, stick and balling and tactics. Afternoons consist 58

Polo Times, December 2015

La Tarde Polo Club As much polo as you can take

of chukkas, matches and tournaments where guests can test out the skills they have perfected in the morning. There are also two professional coaches on hand to check and correct technique, working on the swing in the hitting cages before moving on to stick and balling outside. With over 120 horses, two full sized polo fields, two hitting cages and an arena for those temperamental Argentine storms, the La Tarde motto rings true and guests can enjoy polo in top facilities until, exhausted, they collapse on the sofa of the clubhouse to curl up with a copy of Polo Times, a cup of tea and some restorative Argentine pastries. But the day’s fun is not over as, each night, a traditional asado allows guests to sit down together to enjoy delicious Argentine beef cooked over an open fire, and discuss the day’s activities. The Sarli family’s hospitality is infectious and promotes an atmosphere of ease amongst all guests that means the long evenings are perfect for getting to know one another, learning about other cultures and catching up on mutual friends.

The next day it’s a hearty breakfast and off to the stables where, rain or shine, the ponies will be out and waiting, ready for another amazing day of polo. More than just a guest estancia, La Tarde also runs its own breeding programme, Elite, headed by son of the founder, Juan Martín Sarli, a keen polo player and vet. Through Elite, the Sarli family breed embryos which they raise, train and play on their farm. They also sell embryos to clients who want their own horses either to be based at La Tarde or to be exported home. The quality of the bloodlines means that La Tarde has an endless supply of beautiful polo ponies to offer clients to play and buy. At La Tarde, guests receive more than just a week of intensive polo training. They get to feel what Argentina is all about, enjoy its famous hospitality, food and customs and be close to the action that goes on every weekend at the Palermo fields, just an hour’s drive away. A fantastic place to stay, La Tarde will have you heading back to Argentina year after year to improve your polo and to catch up with friends both old and new. www.polotimes.co.uk

Courtesy of La Tarde Polo Club

La Tarde welcomes you in

Knowledge

Ready for the practice

Polo Times spoke to Juan Martín Sarli, the manager of La Tarde who, alongside his girlfriend Helena, hosts the guests, runs the club and manages La Tarde’s many polo ponies. What can guests coming to La Tarde expect? “They can expect a lot of polo! And of course a lot of training and riding and chukkas. We try to push that side so that guests can play as much as possible and spend as much time in the saddle as they can.”

La Tarde ponies kitted out

What makes La Tarde different from other guest estancias in Argentina? “What guests say when they leave, and what they write in our guestbook is that it’s not only the facilities, the horses and the place itself that they love but it’s feeling at home, being part of the family and being part of the team. That’s what guests express and what’s really nice to hear. Our guests come every year; they always return and very often change flights to stay longer!” Why do people head to Argentina for polo? “Argentina is a mecca of polo. It’s where the best polo is played especially in spring when we have The Palermo (Argentine) Open. In Argentina, people can discover the feeling that makes polo so special – that connection with nature, the horses and the pampa. It’s very attractive and it’s difficult to describe this immense land that is Argentina. People need to see it!” Contact La Tarde Polo Club: La Tarde Polo Club Tomas Jofre Mercedes Provincia de Buenos Aires info@latardepolo.com Tel: (0054) 11 4798-9231 www.latardepolo.com

The ‘hitting cages’ at La Tarde are a great way to improve swing technique A great way to cool off after working hard in the sun

Guests gather after an afternoon of chukkas

The La Tarde Clubhouse

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2015

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Bit by Bit If you are having problems finding a bit that is suitable for your pony, there are a few steps that you need to follow to get the right bit in its mouth. Firstly, you need to make sure that the animal doesn’t have any mouth, back or neck problems. No bit will help if the pain or discomfort lies in the mouth, back or neck. The most important part of fitting the correct bit is finding the right mouthpiece for the pony in question. Recognising the action of the head is your clue to any issues that need addressing: 1. The pony sticks his nose up in the air the moment the reins are taken up. This is the animal telling you that it is experiencing pain in its mouth. If using a Snaffle (single-jointed) mouthpiece, you need to change to a three-piece (double jointed) bit such as a Control Plate. 2. The pony shakes its head, which means that he does not want tongue pressure. From the Snaffle or Control Plate, you would go softer to the Happy Tongue, designed specifically to take pressure off the tongue. 3. The pony is bringing its chin into its chest in an effort to evade the bit is a sure sign of too much bit for the animal, and the pony trying to relieve the pressure. The solution is to either ride on a looser rein, or use a softer bit. 4. The pony pokes his nose forward, trying to pull the reins out of the rider’s hands in an effort to relieve the pressure of the bit. Once again the solution is to use a softer bit.

In this continuation of our bitting series, Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd looks at bit fitting

If a pony does not like tongue pressure, you could try a Happy Tongue, as pictured in a Pelham bit here

The next step is to measure the animal’s mouth. This is a crucial aspect of fitting the correct bit. Using a bit measure or straight rod, put it in the pony’s mouth and lift it to the correct place in the mouth, and mark the bar on both sides just outside the lip crease. This measurement can then be used to determine the size of the bit required. The bit size will differ depending on the type of mouthpiece needed. Most ponies and horses are fitted with bits that are too tight, which just adds more pressure points.

With a fixed mouthpiece bit, the size required is the actual measured size. However, with the single and double break bits, this should be the measured size plus 10 mm to take into account the set. In addition to this, you should add 5mm if the bit has a loose ring cheek piece to avoid pinching. Nothing additional needs to be added for fixed cheek pieces. Once you have established the mouthpiece and the width, then the next step will be to establish what type of cheek piece would be suitable.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using the ‘design your own bit’ service at www.bombersbits.co.uk. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002.

TRISTAR

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For our current stock please visit our new & updated website

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk 60

Polo Times, December 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Veterinary Focus

Steph Gent BVetMed MRCVS is an experienced equine vet, based at B & W Equine Vets in Gloucestershire. She works with low and high goal polo ponies across the UK season, including a high goal team. From October to December each year, Steph partners the Argentine vet German Carmine on high goal and Argentine Open horses, as well as performing vettings for both overseas and Argentine clients. Here, Steph explains the process of vetting polo ponies in Argentina, the differences to vettings in England and what to look out for, for those looking to vet prospective acquisitions.

Vettings: Argentina vs UK

A standard check of heart and lungs can give the vet a lot of the necessary information

As we all know, 80% of polo success is pony power. This means you have to upgrade or maintain your string as time passes. Whilst there are many good horses in the UK, the sheer volume and quality of horses available in Argentina has always lured buyers from across the globe. As in the UK, it is usual to have a vetting prior to purchase and there are certain differences between the countries in the procedures. Argentine vets tend to perform just two stage vettings, as opposed to the more common UK five stage. Two stage vettings involve the standard clinical exam, including hearts and eyes and also a trot up and flexion testing, but does not involve seeing the horse ridden. In Argentina, bloods are not taken as a standard to be stored for six months in case the purchaser wishes to test for any anti-inflammatories or sedatives in the blood. However, laboratories here do run blood and urine tests for these substances at the time of the vetting, so it is an option.

Polo Times, December 2015

It is also worth considering the import regulations of the country to which you wish to export the horse from Argentina. In Argentina there are some very common diseases which horses may contract and then recover from quickly. This means that although they are clinically fine and should not have any further health problems, they may come up positive on the import tests and may not be allowed to enter the country of destination. It can be worthwhile speaking to the government import agency of the country of destination for advice and import regulations. All vets perform a comprehensive clinical exam, and having knowledge of normal vet work in Argentina as well as vettings is invaluable when performing these exams as there are certain differences in the prevalence of injuries which occur in Argentina compared to the UK. These can even vary from season to season and so it is important to stay up to date with seasonal trends. For example, it is common for Argentine horses to react to pain on palpation (the

A hind leg flexion test

squeezing) of their forelimb proximal suspensory ligaments the day after playing. However, on ultrasound scan these ligaments appear completely normal and if they are iced the day after polo become much less painful within 24 hours. In the UK, when palpating suspensory ligaments which are as painful as those in Argentina, an ultrasound scan would almost invariably show a lesion or changes in the ligament, which would lead to the need for treatment and time off. The suspensory ligament (combined with the superficial flexor tendon) forms part of the support apparatus of the lower limb of the

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Veterinary Focus

Knowledge

Palpating the proximal suspensory ligament

Jessica Pons, German Carmine and Steph Gent scanning a neck

Top Tips when Vetting in Argentina: • Due to the lack of official paperwork it is very important to be able to age the horse by looking at its teeth as there is not the luxury of microchips or passports for confirmation. • If buying from a remate (auction) the horses do not come with vetting certificates, but they can be assessed by your vet within 24-48 hours of purchase and potentially returned if any longstanding issues are found.

horse and helps to prevent the collapse of the fetlock as it extends in the weight bearing phase of the stride. This is especially important due to the hyperextension of the fetlock, which occurs when the horse moves at speed, the body’s way of adapting to the weight of 500kg of horse moving at 30+mph landing on one pressure point. Experimentally, it had been shown that the speed of work and different surfaces can increase the predisposition to certain injuries. There is an increased risk of suspensory ligament and superficial flexor tendon injuries at faster paces and on harder surfaces as the increased forces generated push the tendons and ligaments closer to breaking point. The polo in Argentina tends to be much faster than the UK and they use different soils and grasses to make up the pitch. This combination creates more tension in the suspensory ligament, causing it to be sore without pushing it over the limit, much as training hard can make you ache without it meaning that you have injured yourself. However, this year there was an extended

www.polotimes.co.uk

An ultrasound scan can clear up queries or highlight problem areas

dry period over October and early November, causing the pitches to be harder. There has been an increased number of painful suspensory ligaments which did have visible changes and lesions in the ligaments. During vettings in Argentina it is important to take into account the general and seasonal variances in injuries as it is vital in determining what is within normal limits and to what areas one should be paying extra attention. It is advisable to let the Argentine vet know to X-ray or ultrasound scan any areas they have a question mark about in the vetting, as this can provide valuable information which makes the difference between a pass or fail and is not usually very expensive. There are many good Argentine vets, but knowing how to find one can be tricky. Many of the players will know several and so it is worth asking them who to use. As in the UK, it is better not to use the seller’s vet to avoid any conflict of interest. Argentine vets are more than happy to do five stage vettings, as long as it is explained exactly what you want.

Hyperextension in the fetlock during a high speed match

Checking a horse’s teeth to determine age in the absence of papers

B & W Equine Vets, Willesley Clinic, Byams Farm, Willesley, Tetbury Gloucestershire. GL8 8QU Tel: 01666 880501 Fax: 01666 880302 enquiries@bwequinevets.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2015

Pony Power

Knowledge

Max Charlton talks to Polo Times about his favourite horse out in Argentina which he hopes will carry him to victory in the prestigious Camara de Diputados Cup this December

Alegria Height: 15.1hh Age: 8-years-old Colour: Black Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine Thoroughbred, by Pite Popeye out of Xuxa Owner: Pite Merlos Where is the pony from? She is from Pite Merlos’ own breeding programme in Argentina.

Her strengths are a butter-soft mouth, great acceleration and she is also incredibly quick off the mark.

have achieved anything notable? Well her mother played The Argentine Open for two years which is impressive in itself.

Has she won any other awards? She won Best Playing Pony in the Barrantes Cup in 2011, and Coronel Suarez in 2012

Describe her in three words? Beautiful, soft, strong.

How has she gone this season? She is going incredibly well. This season she has played the Argentine Open Qualifiers, the Final of the Municipalidad, and now she’s playing the Camara with me.

How long have you had him/her? I am borrowing her for the Argentine season, but Pite has had her since her birth.

What are your plans for her future? Hopefully turn her out very soon to rest before she comes back into work next season.

Tell us about her background Her mother played the Argentine Open with Pite for two years, until she had an accident and now she is in a breeding programme. Her father is one of Pite’s main stallions. What are her strengths?

Does she have any special quirks? Yes, she’s a pain in the neck to stick and ball at the beginning of the season. Does she have any relations who

Eduardo Heguy talks to Polo Times about his top pony, Lluvia, who is playing currently in the Argentine Open, the pinnacle of pony power

Lluvia Height: 15.1hh Age: 9-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine Thoroughbred, by Polo Lazaro out of TB mare Owner: Ruso Heguy Where is the pony from? She is from Coronel Suarez. How long have you had her? Three years. Tell us about her background She came from Polo Lazaro, one of my father’s best stallions, out of a Thoroughbred mare from Coronel Suarez. I got her by luck. What are her strengths? She’s powerful, really fast and super sensitive. She can play two chukkas every match without getting tired and is incredibly balanced. How has she gone this season? www.polotimes.co.uk

She is going really well. She has played The Triple Crown with me for Chapaleufú and she is always my best chukka horse. Has she won any other awards? No, because I never make it to the Finals anymore! She’s also not Argentine Association registered, which is unfortunate. What are your plans for her future? There are some guys already trying to buy her from me, but until I retire she’s staying with me. I am breeding from her though; when we finish the season in December I send her to have embryos taken and then in April she rests. Does she have any special quirks? She has a big personality. When you go in to her stall she looks at you funny and puts her ears back, but she doesn’t actually do anything.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? The father (Polo Lazaro) is by Polo Pureza, the best mare that my brother Pepe has played throughout his career, and out of Pucará, a really famous stallion from Tanoira. Describe her in three words? Sensitive, powerful, resilient Polo Times, December 2015

Jack Richardson, Hugo Lewis & Matt Perry

James & Will Harper

Tom Brodie, Ed Banner-Eve, Jack Hyde & Benjamin Crowe

The Argentine Season; The Hurlingham Club, Palermo & La Indiana Polo Club; Tuesday 20 October – Saturday 12 December

Argentine Adventure

James Beim & Euan Douglas

Argentina is the place to be over the winter as it opens its doors to the international polo community, who flock to the country’s green pitches and sprawling estancias to watch, play and enjoy the best polo in the world. With high goal polo every day of the week (when it’s not raining!) and matches from the most illustrious tournament in the world, The Triple Crown, every weekend, enthusiasts are not short of sport to admire. The best players in the world gather pitchside to check out the form and the competition, while the young Brits take a break from the hard work of their UK summer seasons to enjoy afternoons in the sun watching endless matches, cheering on friends or attending horse auctions and post-tournament parties. Evenings spent at the Chandon Bar in Palermo see fans celebrating or commiserating with glasses of bubbly, already looking forward to next weekend when the highs and lows of the tournaments will start all over again.

Rod & Mandy Scammell

Cornelia Haeufele & Hazel Jackson

José Araya & José Araya Jnr.

Lindor Novillo Corvalan & Pamela Flanagan

Rebecca Walters, Aislinn Price & Steph Gent

Jean Du Plessis & Ollie Cudmore

Laurie Thomas, James & Jenna Fielding, Victoria Roberts

Gerry Gibson & Gavin Heath

Rodrigo de Andrade & son

Selina Merlos & the La Aguada support crew

Alberto Heguy Jnr.

Jimmy Wood, Ollie Cork & Henry Jones

Santiago Allaria, Sophie Kyriazi & Raja Temur Nadeem

Sarah Wiseman & Jane Ingleby

Malcolm Borwick, Richard, the Earl of Tyrone & Nic Roldan

Charlie Hanbury & Alice Gipps

Eduardo Heguy

Helen Cruden, Hugh Boden & Carolina Rendon

Sophia Hadjipateras, Sebastian Petragallo, Juan Spoerer & Archie Smyth-Osbourne

Pablo MacDonough & son Milo

Jamie Pike, Mimi Figgins & Olivia Denman

Cecilia Pieres & Eduardo Novillo Astrada

Caspar West & Antony Fanshawe

HM The Queen, the President of Malta & HRH The Duke of Edinburgh oversee the parade

Kola Karim of the Guards Polo Club team with Malta Polo Club’s Julian Mamo

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Malta 2015 Exhibition Polo Match; Malta Polo Club; Saturday 28 November

Majestic Malta

John Kent & Caroline Monaghan

Daniel de Petri Testaferrata & George Lyttleton

Ansgar Gescher & Graziella Travers

Heavy rain put an end to the historic match organised between Guards Polo Club and Malta Polo Club as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2015 event. The teams were, however, not left standing twiddling their thumbs as the clubs organised plenty of social events to present shirts and prizes, and parade before HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who were accompanied by the great and good of Malta’s social society. HM The Queen, looking resplendent in a pale turquoise outfit, attended the presentation of The Cawnpore Cup, originally made in 1901, before both teams took it back to the Malta Polo Club Clubhouse. This event was the result of a private visit to Malta by Guards Polo Club’s Chief Executive Neil Hobday, who was on the island to see a Caravaggio painting. On discovering that Malta Polo Club was where Guards Polo Club’s President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, had first learned to play, it seemed a perfect opportunity to advance GPC’s international relations with an exhibition match.

Trotting races were also part of the entertainment

Roddy Matthews & Mr Christian Heppe of Hildon

The parade of the Malta Polo Club and Guards Polo Club teams

Hilali Noordeen & HE Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca President of Malta

Neil Hobday

POLO PLOT FOR SALE ‘ESTANCIA VILLA MARIA’ – BUENOS AIRES Exceptional polo plot available, for house construction at the Estancia Villa Maria, near Ezeiza, 40 minutes drive from Buenos Aires city centre and 20 minutes from the International airport. It is a front facing corner position plot, plus/minus 3180 square metres. ALSO available – a superb 2025 square metre plot within the ‘Equestrian’ section of the Estancia with a lagoon at the rear. Please refer to the site identification image for plot locations.

For further details and information, please contact Paul Docherty: docpaul200@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 01264 782176 Mobile: 07786 083060

The St. Andrews University Polo Team

The Edinburgh Annual Tournament; Edinburgh Polo Club; Friday 23 – Sunday 25 October Claire Penny, Hamish Blythe, Irma Vestlund & Zoe Clayton

Northern Lights

Alice Milverton, Annabel Swires & Charlotte Bushby

The brightest and best of the North’s university polo players gathered at the Edinburgh Polo Club for this year’s Edinburgh Annual Tournament. Teams from the Universities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Stirling, Aberdeen, Newcastle and the Universities of London, played alongside the Edinburgh Officer Training Corps in an impressive total of thirty-five chukkas over the three-day tournament. The enthusiasm of the crowd carried the event all weekend, with multiple dinner parties on the Friday night followed up by a trip to the infamous Garibaldis on Saturday. Despite a sojourn in play on the Saturday to enjoy the World Cup Semi Final, the tournament had already established the front-runners ahead of the final day’s play, where Aberdeen took both the Beginner and Novice section, and Newcastle the Intermediate. Prizes from sponsors Baird & Co., RJ Polo, Uber Polo and, of course, Polo Times rewarded the winners, and a distillery’s worth of whisky was given to James Douglas, Thom Bell and John Corbett for umpiring Photography courtesy of Arthur Bryan, Hannah Wyles, Alexander McNab, Elodie Marquis, Emily-Jane Nolan & Charlotte Bushby

Carlos Baird, Holly Bourne-Arton, Moses Anderson, Isobel Cullinan & Will Hinckley

Victoria Lombardi & Livvy Woodhead

Chantal Aitken, Jack Reid & Elodie Marquis

One of many dinner parties put on to entertain guests

Alexander McNab

Josh Lee, Hamish McGregor & Matthew Robson

Arthur Bryan taking up the commentator’s microphone

Thom Bell

Isobel Cullinan & Coco Allingham

The teams of The Comical Cup Challenge

The Comical Cup Challenge; Rugby Polo Club’s Onley Grounds; Saturday 24 October

May The Force Be With You

Chris Milton

The Star Wars team won The Comical Cup Challenge on Saturday 24 October, which raised money for the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Two teams, Super Man and Star Wars, entered the Higher Goal division, while five teams contested the Lower Goal: Onley Equine Vets, The Royals, Minions, Los Banditos and Meat Feast. In the Higher Goal, it was Phil Baker, Chris Milton and Nick Hartwell of Star Wars who triumphed over Super Man’s Tessa Collett, Andy Davies and Samantha Lander (subbing for Grant Collett). The Lower Goal saw organiser Kelly Hartwell’s Meat Feast team, also featuring Alex Watton and Nigel Mercer, win over The Royals with The Minions in third place. Kelly Hartwell told Polo Times, “It’s been an amazing weekend. Many thanks must go to Rugby Polo Club, Philip Baker, Owner of Rugby Polo and Polo Manager Jeremy Pigeon, for hosting this amazing tournament and everyone that made the time to join in and put so much effort into their costumes for such a good cause.” To donate to the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance’s Just Giving page, go to www.justgiving.com/wnaa

Kelly Hartwell & Hope Merritt

Photography by DrewsViews Photography, Polly Hartwell, Nick Hartwell, Lucia Mander & Bonnie Lambert Tessa Collett, Samantha Lander & Andy Davies

Nigel Mercer

Jocelynn Habershon-Butcher & Lawrence Baker

Kate Howe & James Glew

Jeremy Pidgeon

Nick Hartwell, Chris Milton & Phil Baker

James Wilson & Alex Watton

Matt Cullen, Lily Byrne & Jane Kang

Lucia Mander & Rayahan Sherlala

Jayna Henderson

Michael & Claire Yeabsley, The Harrods Green Man, Gisele & James Houghton

Marcus Tan & Yon Lua

Lady Eliza Manners & Georgina Langton

Sharanjit Leyl & Vinod Kumar

British Polo Day Singapore; Singapore Polo Club; Saturday 31 October

Singapore Sling

Iqbal Jumabhoy

Three exciting matches, held at Singapore Polo Club, saw players and guests alike come together to celebrate the fourth British Polo Day Singapore. Chukkas were preceded by a match on two wheels in the Brompton Bicycle Polo Exhibition Match, before more traditionally mounted players took to the pitch for some fast-paced action. The Hackett British Schools team beat the home side, RJI Singapore Polo Club I, for The Land Rover Trophy, 6-5, while the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore Polo Club II team were victorious against the Royal Salute Oxbridge team, 6-5, a respectable win each for both British and Singaporean counterparts. The rivals’ teams were toasted with delectable Royal Salute whisky, which was followed by a chance for a quick ice cream and game of croquet with the ever-present Harrods Green Man. Later, with a little help from DJ Randy Groover, guests at the Cé La Vi bar raised a glass to the day’s sport, while models exhibited new pieces from Gnossem’s exclusive new label, Chi Chi Von Tang.

Erica Shelton & Charles McDowell

Photography by Keoma Zec, Katie Martin Sperry & Dave Burt

Dave Burt & James McBride

Rain Shuaiyu

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger & Edward Olver

The Duke of Argyll

The Brompton Bike Polo teams

Jo Finch & Ben Vestey

Oliver Hughes

Sumbanese Warrior Pasola spear throwing

David Wheeler & Sean Borland

Ben Vestey, Ed Olver & Max Kirchhoff

British Polo Day Sumba Island; Nihiwatu, Sumba Island; Saturday 7 November

Call of the Wild The inaugural British Polo Day Sumba Island took place on Nihiwatu beach, with guests treated to a bonfire and fireworks on the private bay and a cultural exchange with the Sumbanese warriors, including a thanksgiving ceremony for the spirits of the Island. Spectators gathered the next day to witness a historic moment as Bapak Herman scored the first ever polo goal on the island, ahead of the home team, Nihiwatu I, beating both the Hackett British Exiles and the Royal Salute’s Rest of the World team to secure The Pasola Plate. The Most Valuable Player Award went to a thoroughly deserving Bapak Anggy, while James McBride received the Holland & Holland ‘Shot of The Day’ presented by Gerry Smurfit and the Colonel Justinus, Regional Colonel of the Sumba Police. The traditional Royal Salute toast was led by Peter Prentice, who was accompanised by a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ by Rose Farquhar. An afterparty at The Creek proved a perfect chance for guests to celebrate the day’s successes, before dancing the night away on the Sumba sands. Peter Prentice & Matthew Law

Gerry Smurfit

Dave Burt

Zara Wong

Photography by Keoma Zec

Phoebe Montague

Claude Graves & James McBride

Inge de Lathauwer & Kathy Kendrick

Carol Sharpe, Kit Logan & Patrick Colpron

The teams of British Polo Day Sumba Island

Sophie Cahn

Royal Holloway’s Polo Committee & Players

Emily Whitby, Luke Capper & James Somper

RHULPC’s Rock the Polo Charity Event; Ash Farm Polo Club; Saturday 14 November

Rock the Polo

Leah Walters & Amy Walters

The Royal Holloway University Polo Club held this year’s annual Rock the Polo exhibition match and live music evening to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This was the sixth edition of the student-run event, which combines all the action of polo with a glamorous evening of drinks and dancing. In the 6 goal exhibition match, an Ash Farm team of James Mann, Alex Vent and Charlotte Sweeney took on the Royal Holloway University London side of Ollie Edwards, Georgia Sweeney and Edward Morris-Lowe. The score finished 13-11 to Ash Farm, with the players presented with jackets by kind sponsors, Tally Ho Farm. Prior to the match, guests observed a minute’s silence out of respect for those affected by the terrorist attacks in Paris. Guests then made their way to the marquee to enjoy the cocktail and prosecco bar, while enjoying the sounds of Ben ‘The Sax Man’ Barnett and DJ James Park.

Georgina Walsh & Elliott Godman

Photography by Jessie Beach-Thomas Lesley Sweeney & Andrew Bassett

Kate Mordaunt & Rob Attwood

Tayo Ojara & Ally Murkhiz

James Mann & Olivia Walsh

Alice Baker & Cameron Howie

Justine Abad, Alice Pugnet, Pauline Waleska & Jude Salem

James Hanson

Rebecca Eades & Olivia Whittle

Ash Farm dressed up for the occasion

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On in December 2015, January & February 2016 UK arena fixtures High Goal

RCBPC – Metropolitan Trophy (10-12): December 27 – 3 January RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (10-12): 4 – 23 January RCBPC – FCT Invitational High Goal Challenge (13-15): 28 –31 January RCBPC – The Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 12 – 27 February

Medium Goal

RCBPC – Arena Challenge Trophy (7-10): 18 – 20 December Rugby – The WPPG Cup (6-10): 19 – 20 December Rugby – The New Year’s Cup (4-8): 9 – 10 January Vaux Park – Smarties Challenge (6-8): 9 – 10 January DBPC – The Bascote Bowl (4-8): 16 – 17 January RCBPC – Olin Trophy (7-10): 6 – 14 February

Low Goal

Rugby – The WPPG Cup (-2-2): 19 – 20 December RCBPC – Ladies Tournament (0-4): 27 – 28 December Rugby – The OGEC Cup (-2-2): 28 December RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (1-3): 4 – 23 January RCBPC – The Richmond Trophy (2-6): 1 – 3 January Vaux Park – New Year’s Tournament (2-6): 2 – 3 January Epsom – Cape Town Cup (2-4): 2 – 3 January SWF – New Year’s Tournament (2-6): 9 – 10 January Rugby – The New Years Cup (-3-0): 9 – 10 January Rugby – Kangaroo Challenge (2-6 & 0-4): 30 – 31 January FHM – Sportsman Tournament (-3-0): 24 January Vaux Park – Coffee Cup (2-6): 6 – 7 February Epsom – St. Valentine’s Cup (2-4): 6 – 7 February SWF – 2 Goal Cup (0-2): 6 – 7 February Epsom – St. David’s Cup (2-4): 13 – 14 February

Open

Druids – Druids Autumn League: October 26 – 27 December AEPC – Ladies Tournament: 19 – 20 December Vale of York – The Patrick Wilkinson Christmas Plate: 23 December Druids – Druids Spring League: January 2 – 6 March AEPC – Sponsors Tournament Weekend: 2 – 3 January 74

Polo Times, December 2015

VOYPC – New Year Cup: 3 January Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 4 January AEPC – The Arundel Equine Hospital Tournament: 16 – 17 January VOYPC – ABI Beach Challenge: 17 January VOYPC – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge: 20 January Epsom – Under 21 v The Rest: 23 – 24 January AEPC – Sponsors Tournament Weekend: 30 – 31 January Vaux Park – Mens/Ladies Tournament: 30 – 31 January Druids – Varsity Match – Bristol vs UWE: 30 January Wicklow – Spain (Barcelona) vs Ireland: 6 – 7 February Druids – Varsity Match – Southampton vs UWE: 6 February Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 8 February AEPC – The Aston Scott Trophy: 13 – 14 February Rugby – SUPA National University Arena Championships: 11 – 14 February VOYPC – ABI Beach Challenge: 14 February

International highlights Snow Polo dates

Kitzbuehel – 14th Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup: 14 – 17 January 2016 Megève – 21st BMW Polo Masters Megève: 21 – 24 January 2016 St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup: 29 – 31 January 2016 Davos – Snow Polo Davos: 25 – 28 February

2016 PIPA Snow Polo World Cup Tour

Olympic Stadium, Olympicparc Munich: 4 – 6 January City Snow Polo Arena, Seefeld, Austria: 22 – 24 January Kulm Snow Polo Arena, Tauplitz/Bad Mitterndorf: 5 – 7 February Bad Gastein Snow Arena – PIPA Ladies Polo World Cup on Snow: 19 – 21 February Bad Gastein Snow Arena, Bad Gastein, Austria: 26 – 28 February Rogla Resort Snow Polo Arena, Rogla, Slovenia: 11 – 13 March

Looking Ahead – High Goal and Victor Ludorum UK Summer Season Dates 22+ Goal

RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 7 – 14 May Guards – The Cartier Queens Cup (17-22): May 17 – 12 June Cirencester – The Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 14 – 19 June

Cowdray – The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (20-22): June 21 – 17 July

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – The Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 5 June Cirencester – The Aspley Cup (15-18): 8 – 26 June Coworth – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): June 28 – 16 July

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards – The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): June 25 – 9 July Cowdray – The Harrison Cup (12-15): 18 – 30 July Cirencester – The County Cup (12-15): 1 – 14 August Beaufort – The Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 16– 28 August

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 9 – 29 May RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): May 30 – 11 June Beaufort – The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): 13 – 25 June Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): June 27 – 10 July Guards – Duke of Wellington Trophy (8-12): 2 – 14 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 23 – 4 September Cowdray – Autumn League (8-12): 6 – 18 September

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester – Gerald Balding (4-8): 16 – 30 May Guards – Archie David (4-8): 3 – 26 June RCBPC – The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): June 29 – 16 July Cowdray – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 19 – 31 July Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl (4-8): 8 – 21 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 16 – 22 May Beaufort – The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (2-6): May 31 – 11 June Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 20 – 26 June Cheshire – Junior County Cup (2-6): 4 – 10 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup (2-6): 18 – 24 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): July 28 – 7 August Ham – Roehampton Cup (2-6): 12 – 21 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 22 – 3 September

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Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

SUPA Youth Dates

Rugby – National Universities Arena Championships: 11 – 14 February TBC – National Junior Schools Championships: 28 February California, USA – Polistas International Test Match (SUPA Universities v USA Universities): TBC March Rugby – National Senior Schools Championships: 6 March Westcroft Park – National Girls Schools Championships: 13 March Ireland – SUPA Tri-Nations: 20 March Longdole – National Junior School Championships: 15 March Rugby – SUPA Camp and Trials: TBC May Guards – Jack Wills Varsity Day: 4 June Westcroft Park – National Girls Schools Championships: 5 June DBPC – National Universities Championships: 3 – 5 June Kirtlington – SUPA v KPPC (Towler Trophy): 12 June Kirtlington – National Senior Schools: 19 June RCBPC– SUPA v RCBPC (Quatro Amigos Trophy): 26 June TBC – International Polo Festival (SUPA Gold Cup): 1 – 5 July Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup: 28 – 29 August

New Zealand

Auckland – Ardmore Tournament (0, 2, 8, 12): 2 – 3 January Auckland – Women’s League: 26 January Auckland – Charity Family Day Supporting Clevedon Volunteer Fire Brigade (0,2,8,18): 31 January Auckland – APC Cup week: 15 – 21 February Auckland – New Zealand Polo Open (0,2 & 8): 16 – 21 February Auckland – Savile Cup (0, 3, 6, 16): 8 – 13 March Auckland – Brinks Tournament (0, 2 & 8): 19 – 20 March

Barbados

Clifton – Clifton Charity Match: 3 January Lion Castle – USA Tour: 17 – 24 January Apes Hill – Australian Tour: 24 – 30 January Holders – Battle of the Sexes: January 31 – 7 February All Clubs – Roger Gooding Memorial: 9 – 20 February Holders – Cheshire Tour: February 28 – 6 March All Clubs – Barbados Open: 8 – 20 March Apes Hill – Night Polo: 26 March Holders – Canadian Tour: March 26 – 3 April Apes Hill – John Bunn Tour: March 29 – 2 April Apes Hill – International Ladies’ Tour: 5 – 9 April Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 14 May

Women’s Polo Inglesham – WIP Ladies League: 21 – 22 May Taunton – WIP Ladies League: 11 – 12 OR 25 – 26 June (TBC) Longdole – WIP Ladies League: 2 – 3 July New Forest – WIP Ladies League: 30 – 31 July Sussex – WIP Ladies League: 13 – 14 August Tidworth – WIP Ladies League: 20 – 21 August

South Africa

Plettenberg Bay – 6 & 12 Goal Tournament: 7 – 13 December Plettenberg Bay – 12 Goal Tournament: 14 – 27 December Plettenberg Bay – 2 & 8 Goal Tournament: 14 – 23 December Plettenberg Bay – England vs South Africa Test Match: 29 December Plettenberg Bay – 2 & 8 Goal Tournament: 27 – 3 January Plettenberg Bay – 4 & 10 Goal Tournament: 3 – 10 January Val de Vie – 2 Goal Tournament: 22 – 24 January Val de Vie – Val de Vie Laureus: 30 January Val de Vie – 4 Goal: 11 – 14 February Plettenberg Bay – Plett Easter Tournaments: March 14 – 3 April

United Arab Emirates

GRPC – HH President of UAE Polo Cup: 17 – 20 February Dubai – Dubai Polo Gold Cup: February 22 – 11 March GRPC – British Polo Day: 19 March

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Palermo Puzzle Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page Alberto Heguy Jnr. and Eduardo Heguy first played in the Argentine Open in 1985, making 2015 their thirtieth year.

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America

IPC – Herbie Pennell Cup (20): 3 January IPC – Joe Barry Cup (20): 10 – 24 January IPC – Ylvisaker Cup (20): January 31 – 21 February IPC – C.V. Whitney Cup (26): February 28 – 6 March IPC – Gold Cup (26): 13 – 27 March IPC – 112th U.S. Open Polo Championship (26): 3 – 24 April

France

Polo de Paris – Arena Polo Tour (4-6): 16 – 17 January Deauville – Arena Polo Tour (4-6): 6 – 7 February Chantilly – Arena Polo Tour (4-6): 12 – 13 March Chantilly – Janvier Coupe Paprec (0-6): 9 – 10 January Polo Times, December 2015

Polo directory

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy comes from a long line of polo players and can count four Argentine Open victories amongst his achievements. The former 10 goaler and polo guru took a break from his 30th Argentine Open to talk to Polo Times about his farm in La Pampa, his dedication to his family and his fond polo memories. . . What is your biggest passion and why? Polo, horses and the farm. It’s the way I grew up, on the farm in La Pampa, surrounded by horses and watching my father and family all getting in to the sport.

Favourite film and why? That’s a difficult question! Maybe The Big Blue, but it’s a really old film and nobody’s going to know that one. The soundtrack is great though.

Favourite holiday destination? The farm – La Pampa. But if not there, then somewhere I can go with my family.

Favourite music? It depends on my mood. I listen to a lot of different music, from Argentine Chamamé to The Rolling Stones or David Guetta and other things. It depends on how I’m feeling. What is your all time best polo memory? Playing The Argentine Open with my family. I’ve played it with both my brothers and with my father. Who were/are your favourite teammates and why? Apart from my family, probably Milo (Fernández Araujo) and Pelon (David Stirling). We’ve shared some of the really important moments of my career together. Hardest opponent? Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. I’ve had to mark him many times in many games! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby, golf and football.

Polo Times, December 2015

Favourite food? Asado.

Best pony and why? Lluvia. She’s been my best horse for the last two years. Throughout my career I could name many, but most recently it has to be her. She’s powerful, fast, sensitive and has the stamina to run fast for a long time.

Favourite hobby outside of polo? Sport – I love everything that is to do with sports. Most prized possession? My family. Favourite celebrity and why? The Pope, because he’s Argentine and I never thought we would have an Argentine Pope. Ever.

Are you passionately superstitious? If so, what and why? Not anymore. I used to have a favourite number, 13, and I used to take 13 polo mallets to every game, but I’m not superstitious these days. Describe yourself in two words. . . Passionate, stubborn! One thing which would surprise us about you? I am quite disorganized.