News
First out of the stalls, I would like to extend our very best wishes for a peaceful and joyous Christmas to the whole polo community, followed by what I hope will be New Year celebrations which are full of positive thoughts and energy for a fantastic 2022. Second, thank you to our readers for their continued subscriptions and feedback, to our editorial contributors – it never ceases to amaze me how far and wide the reach of Polo Times is; and last, but by no means least, to our advertisers. Without your collective support, the show would simply not happen. As this issue of Polo Times was going to print, polo for many, had already moved to sunnier climes. I hope you will enjoy reading about the polo which is being played at all levels overseas. However, let’s not forget that here in the UK, the arena season is in full swing, and despite the winter weather, the stalwarts of arena polo are keeping the faith. Looking ahead to 2022, the first, the original and arguably the best, snow polo event is being played in St.Moritz on three days, 28-30 January ’22 . Spearheaded by the godfather of snow polo, Reto Gaudenzi and Jürg Reinger, (Managing Director, Evviva Polo St. Moritz AG), this three day sporting and social event is an extravaganza which sees polo’s top human and equine athletes vie for the coveted title, all set to the backdrop that is the magnificence of St.Moritz. If you haven’t yet been, then you simply do not know what you are missing! Getting there is easy and is surely right up there at the top of any bucket list; and whether you take the jet, airliner or humble car, the journey out is always an adventure and once there, I guarantee you will love every minute. The optimism contained in this issue for the year ahead, is tinged by our reporting on the passing of Sir Charles Williams. Known affectionately as ‘Cow’ to everyone that knew him, words cannot express the kindness of spirit and true friendship that Sir Charles gave to those he liked. From the humble beginnings as reported in Cow’s obituary, through to his hard work, determination and charisma, Cow was deservedly knighted by H.M. The Queen, whilst being revered back home as ‘Mr Barbados’. Despite being elevated to ‘Sir’, Cow remained remarkably humble. A font of wisdom, Cow’s hard work, combined with his laughter and blunt speaking always made spending time in his company an honour and privilege. His adage, “Wear out – don’t rust out” perfectly sums up his work ethos. A staunch supporter of polo for decades, Sir Charles particularly supported the Brits. The polo community the world over is a much poorer place for his passing: R.I.P Sir Charles. Nick Hine, Publisher
37th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Tickets & Teams
Polo Times, December 2021 / January 2022
The organisers of the 2022 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz have announced all six team lineups that will be taking part in the prestigious tournament in January 2022. Team Azerbaijan Land of Fire will be returning once again, no doubt keen to build upon their second place position in 2020; 2019 winners Team Badrutt’s Palace once again have Team Captain Melissa Ganzi at the helm, who became the first female player to win the tournament; Team Clinique La Prairie are one of two new teams to the competition and are certainly ones to watch, with snow polo maestro, Max Charlton featuring on this strong lineup; Team Casablanca will showcase 10 goaler Sapo Caset, on his St. Moritz debut alongside Brit, Jimbo Fewster; Team Perrier-Jouët return once again to the ice and Team World Polo League join the fray for the first time this year, with Team Captain Riley Ganzi at the helm. As always, admission for the general public is free of charge, but sales for the VIP and Chukka Club tickets are in high demand. 2022 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Teams: Team Azerbaijan Land of Fire (16): Elcin Jamalli (Team Captain) (2), Adrian Laplacette Jr. (6), Raul Laplacette Jr. (6) & Tito Gaudenzi (2) Team Clinique La Prairie (15): Dillon Bacon (Team Captain) (2), Aristide Faggionato (2), Max Charlton (6) & Robert Strom (5) Team Casablanca (16): Ivan Romanovsky (Team Captain) (0), Jimbo Fewster (4), Misha Rodzianko (2) & Sapo Caset (10) Team Perrier-Jouët (15): Kutlay Yaprak (Team Captain) (0), Luca Meier (0), Valentin Astrada (7) & Isidro Strada (8) Team World Polo League (TBC): Riley Ganzi (Team Captain) (2), Nic Roldan (8), Tommy Biddle (5) & TBC Team Badrutt’s Palace Hotel (16): Melissa Ganzi (Team Captain) (0), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Jason Crowder (5) & Grant Ganzi (3)
Harald Link Selected as Director of THANOC
Photograph by Thai Polo Equestrian Club
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Six teams will take to the snow for this year’s Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
Photograph by Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
from the Publisher
It was announced on Monday 1 November, that Dr. Harald Link, President of the Thailand Equestrian Federation, has been nominated and selected to be one of the directors of Olympic Committee of Thailand Under Royal Patronage (THANOC) Year 2021 – 2024.
Harald Link has been selected as a THANOC director
www.polotimes.co.uk
