PT July 2013 v18 i6

Volume 18 • Issue 6 • July 2013 • £6.50

Zacara triumphs in Cartier Queen’s Cup

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PLUS: High-goal ponies, England in Test action and Victor Ludorum round-up

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Contents

30

36

Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk

54

What’s inside...

July 2013

Editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk Deputy editor Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk

News

10 All the latest news

54 Cheltenham College Polo Day

18 The big picture

56 Polo at Marriners

Comment

Junior editor

20 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

Polly Bryan polly@polotimes.co.uk

22 Herbert Spencer’s Global view

Advertising manager Lily Cox lily@polotimes.co.uk Art editor Nicki Averill nicki@polotimes.co.uk Marketing & PR

64 P roperty: Hoyle Farm, West Sussex

Features 28 The history of the Westchester Cup

65 How to spend it

Sidelines

30 Cover story: The best ponies of high-goal polo

66 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know

Reports

70 Social: Audi Polo Challenge; Cirencester Park cocktails; Enigma lunch and Audi Polo Awards

Subscriptions

www.polotimes.co.uk

60 Know your game

26 Your views: letters

40 Cover story: St Regis International Test Match, Cowdray Park

Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660

Knowledge 62 Know your horse

36 Cover story: The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk

58 SUPA Junior School National Champs

24 Umpire’s corner

PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk

Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk

Youth polo

42 Cover story: Audi International Test Match, Beaufort 44 Gaucho International, O2 Arena 46 Polo in the Park, Fulham 48 Audi Polo Challenge, Chester 50 Home and abroad

68 Social: Cartier Queen’s Cup; Gold Cup draw; St Regis International

72 Social: Polo at Marriners;Luton Hoo; Watergate Bay and Cable Beach 74 What’s on in July 82 Passions: Hazel Jackson Cover photograph: Zacara’s Facundo Pieres, Lyndon Lea, Rodrigo Andrade and Matt Perry with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Cartier’s managing director Arnaud Bamberger and Guards chairman Jock Green-Armytage at the presentation ceremony. Photo by Cartier

Polo Times, July 2013 9

from the Editor What a tremendous start to the English season. Granted, the weather hasn’t really behaved, but when does it ever?

At least we got a few rays of sunshine on Queen’s Cup final day and, while I’m sure most spectators at Guards would have liked a slightly closer final, it was still a great spectacle. It was a pleasure to see Facundo Pieres in such fine form and it made a pleasant change to watch four British players in action on such an important high-goal occasion. See my report on page 36, while we have also done a small tribute to Facundo’s brilliance on page 13.

JP Clarkin to join England side for Westchester this July LUKE TOMLINSON WILL captain the Audi England team that will take on the USA for the Westchester Cup on Sunday 28 July at Guards Polo Club.

In keeping with the traditions of the Westchester Cup, the England team will feature a Commonwealth player – this year in the form of Kiwi eight-goaler John Paul Clarkin.

Seven-goaler James Beim and six-goaler Mark Tomlinson will make up the remainder of the 28-goal side.

The match will be the second international of this year’s Audi International Series, with the third and final Audi International being held at Chester Racecourse in September.

The Equus & Co sponsored USA team was yet to be confirmed as Polo Times went to press but it is rumoured to include nine-goaler Julio Arellano and eight-goalers Nic Roldan, Polito Pieres and Mike Azzaro. Marc Ganzi,

who fielded the USA team at the Cowdray Park Test Match in 2012, is supporting this year’s USA challenge and worked with the USPA to decide the final line-up.

“We are thrilled that JP Clarkin has agreed to play and thus continue the tradition of including a Commonwealth player in the Audi England team to face the USA for the Westchester Cup,” said John Tinsley, chairman of the International Committee. “He brings a huge amount of experience and is no stranger to playing with members of the English team, having won the Gold Cup with Luke and Mark Tomlinson in 2003.”

London nightclub Boujis will be hosting the after-party. For stand seats, hospitality and after-party tickets contact Guards on 01784 437797. w See page 28 for more about the Westchester Photograph by Audi

This month I would particularly like to point you in the direction of Georgie May’s feature about the best ponies in high-goal polo – see page 30. Following on from her feature last year, which included Adolfo Cambiaso’s Boeing and Polito Pieres’s impressive Don Rolinga, Georgie has been traversing Berkshire and West Sussex over the last month, finding out who each team sees as their top ponies. I hope that you enjoy reading this and that it aids your enjoyment of watching the Gold Cup, in which I’m sure many of these equine superstars will feature in the latter stages.

News

July promises to be a fantastic month for polo in England with the Gold Cup final and the hotly-anticipated Westchester Cup clash between England and the USA taking place on back to back weekends.

I hope you all make the most of this feast of polo and do let us know what you think about these, and your own, matches via email, Twitter, or old fashioned snail mail.

Luke Tomlinson, Mark Tomlinson, Nic Roldan, Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge inspect the Westchester Cup during the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo at Beaufort Polo Club in June

Polo Studbook officially launched Email me: john@polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, July 2013

AFTER FOUR YEARS in the making, the IG Polo Studbook (PSB) is now up and running.

The website, which was set up to establish the breed and enhance the quality and value of the polo pony, is seeking to register as many quality ponies as possible this summer.

The database of ponies registered with the PSB has been growing at a daily rate.

All ponies will start out in the general directory (as a listing) but the best polo ponies – whether they are a stallion, broodmare, playing pony or youngstock – will be formally

recognised in the PSB. Owners can apply for their pony to be considered for the latter – the application will require unique DNA verification; photographs and a detailed visual identification process so that PSB are able to build correctly tabulated bloodlines.

You can register as a free member online but to register your pony as a listing there is a charge of £12. If your pony passes the criteria to be in the PSB, there is a further charge of £60 to cover bloodtyping/DNA registration.

See www.polostudbook.org for more. www.polotimes.co.uk

News

CORTIUM STOLE THE show at the Audi Polo Awards in May. As well as patron Adrian Kirby picking up two awards, his former teammate Polito Pieres also received an award for his pony Don Rolinga.

Kirby was awarded the Most Outstanding High Goal Patron award and Cortium received the Most Outstanding High Goal Team award.

Pieres’ stallion was named as the Most Outstanding High Goal Pony.

Dubai also had a successful night with Adolfo Cambiaso receiving the Most Outstanding High Handicap Player, although the ten-goaler was absent from the event and team manger Martin Valent picked up the award on his behalf. Alec White, who is again playing for the side this year, won the Most Promising Player award.

For the Brits, Luke Tomlinson picked up the Most Outstanding British Professional award and Sarah Wiseman won the Most Outstanding Lady Player award. Alastair Paterson, who is playing for El Remanso this season, was named Victor Ludorum Most Outstanding Young Player.

“This season we can look forward to the second edition of the Audi International Polo Series, which includes the prestigious Westchester Cup, as well as key matches at

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Photograph by Audi

Kirby scoops two awards at Coworth Park Beaufort Polo Club and Chester Racecourse Polo Club,” said Jon Zammett, head of PR at Audi UK. “It is impossible to predict who will be award winners next year, but as ever we can expect exciting matches and top class polo.”

Audi Polo Awards winners 2013 The Apes Hill Most Outstanding High Goal Team: Cortium The Royal Salute Most Outstanding High Goal Patron: Adrian Kirby The Coworth Park Most Outstanding High Handicap Player (8–10): Adolfo Cambiaso The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding Medium Handicap Player (4–7): Guillermo Terrera The Avios Most Promising Player (0-3): Alec White The Audi Most Outstanding British Professional: Luke Tomlinson The Most Outstanding Lady Player: Sarah Wiseman The Julius Baer Victor Ludorum Awards: 18 Goal – Emlor C; 15 Goal – Emlor S; 12 Goal – Montana; 8 Goal – San Miguel Fresca; 6 Goal – Snake Bite The Julius Baer Victor Ludorum Most Outstanding Young Player: Alastair Paterson

Cortium patron Adrian Kirby won two awards at the Audi Polo Awards

The Polo Agency Most Outstanding Arena Team: Black Eagles The HPA Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Withers The Kerry Packer Most Outstanding High Goal Pony: Don Urbano Rolinga The Thai Polo Club World Dream Team (chosen on the night): Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres, Polito Pieres, Carlos Gracida w See photographs from the night on page 71

Polo Times, July 2013

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News

Aiming high ARGENTINA POLO DAY: the < company, which offers lessons, clinics and polo packages in Argentina, has seen a growth of 75 per cent over the past 12 months. More than 1,600 visitors enjoyed a polo day last year

PRINCE WILLIAM: the prince < won his match at Chester

Racecourse in May. See page 46

ART FANS: contemporary art < meets polo in Bridgehampton,

USA from 13-14 July. The ArtHamptons art fair will be situated on the sidelines so guests can enjoy the best of both worlds

Swinging low CHALLENGE: the = RRoRORRacing to Polo Challenge has been postponed to 2 September due a sponsor's prior commitment

TEAM: England = ElostNGLAND their first two Test Matches of the UK season – at Cowdray Park (pages 40-41) and Beaufort (pages 42-43) OUTH POLO: the Pidgley = YFoundation youth tournament has been postponed to the end of August. It will be played at Dundee & Perth as a TriNations tournament

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Polo Times, July 2013

Seventeen teams battling it out in Cowdray Park Gold Cup CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP winners Zacara are amongst those currently battling it out in the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park.

Seventeen teams in total are taking part – one more than the Queen’s Cup with Harald Link’s Thai Polo joining the mix.

Due to there being an odd number of teams and four leagues, the club decided that all teams must play four league games in order to make it fair.

Those teams in Leagues B, C and D (featuring four teams) will play everyone in their league plus another team in another league. League A, featuring five teams, will all play each other – amounting to four games in total.

“With seventeen teams entered, I believe we have created a structure that makes for the

fairest and most workable tournament possible,” said Chris Bethell, polo manager of Cowdray Park.

The quarter-finals will take place from 13-14 July, the semi-finals on 18 July and the final on Sunday 21 July.

No doubt Zacara will be aiming for the double, while defending champions Cortium will be looking to go one further than the Queen’s Cup – having crashed out in the semi-finals stage – and win the title for the second consecutive year. w T urn to pages 30-35 to see 32 of the best ponies taking part in the Gold Cup

England U21 to play Australian Colts this month THE AUSTRALIAN COLTS will face England U21s at the Norfolk Polo Festival from 6-7 July. The two teams faced each other earlier in the year in Australia, where the young Australians prevailed over their visitors in the Test Match.

England U21s will therefore be looking to get their own back when they come together for the rematch. Charlie Scott, Izzy Parsons, Harold Hodges and Freddie Dear flew out to

Australia to represent England U21 in March but, as Polo Times went to press, it was not known who will play for the side in this month’s Test Match.

Over the two days there will be various low-goal matches, as well as shopping, entertainment and an after-party on the Saturday night. Tickets cost £10 and limited field-side parking is available at £20 per car.

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News

Facundo Pieres continues to impress HAVING NOW WON three major titles in the past seven months, ten-goaler Facundo Pieres has become a hot topic amongst the polo fraternity this summer. Having won the Argentine Open in December with Ellerstina and the US Open with Zacara in April, he then went on to win the Cartier Queen’s Cup with Zacara here in the UK in June.

Well mounted and on top form, Pieres hasn’t yet failed to impress in any match in the UK this season. He lined up for South America in the St Regis International at Cowdray Park in May, where he led his team to victory over England. Moving on to the Queen’s Cup, he helped his side sail through to the final and onto the winner’s podium, where he also collected the most valuable player and best playing pony awards from HM The Queen.

Will the über-talented player lead Zacara to another win this season? Watch this space.

Photographs by Manuela Davis, Cartier and Audi

Matt Perry “Facundo is insane. You see him scoring great goals in matches, but in practice when he is much more relaxed you see him hitting it in the air, scoring from all over the place and it is really unbelievable to watch. You just have to admire him.”

Lyndon Lea “Facundo has consecutively won the Argentine Open, the US Open and now the Queen’s Cup – you can make

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your own conclusions about who is the best player in the world. I don’t mean in any way to be disrespectful to Adolfo Cambiaso, because he is a true legend of the game and still a great player, but I think this is Facundo’s time.”

Glen Gilmore “Facundo is very calm, he has matured a lot as a player and over the last six to eight months he has definitely been the one to beat. I still think Adolfo is awesome, but this could be the start of the changing of the Guards.”

Luke Tomlinson “The impressive thing about him is not only how amazing he is individually but his ability to work with the whole team and bring out the best in them too. I don’t think anyone has had both of these attributes since Carlos Gracida. He’s like a mutant of both Carlos and Adolfo Cambiaso.”

John Horswell “Facundo Pieres is a man who is on a roll. There is nothing more dangerous than a marquee player who is so full of confidence that if something does not come off he is astonished. If he has a ticket for the Euromillions, tear yours up! There is only one winner.”

Facundo Pieres pictured with his US Open trophy in 2012 – Zacara have won the title the last two years

David Woodd “For me he is the best player to watch at the moment. Having seen him play in the Test Match at Cowdray Park in May and the semi-finals of the Queen’s Cup, he’s definitely number one. He’s not afraid to pass the ball and rarely complains.”

Polo Times, July 2013

13

News

Club news

News in brief w LITTLE BENTLEY PARK Polo Club held the Glen Percy Trophy Memorial Tournament on 1-2 June. The Red Devils team of James Howie, Alex Rayner, Charlene Goudkuil and Pippa Dwan defeated the Golden Arrows 7-5½ in the -8 to -4-goal tournament.

The event was held in memory of the club’s former polo manager and popular coach Glen Percy, who died last year. More than £450 was raised for the British Heart Foundation. w BEAUFORT POLO CLUB will be the location for a World Horse Welfare charity polo day on Friday 19 July. The day will feature a drinks reception, three-course lunch with HRH The Princess Royal in attendance, an exhibition polo match, charity auction and afternoon tea.

Individual tickets are on sale for £90.

To buy tickets or for more information please contact 01953 497247 or laradownes@worldhorsewelfare.org. w A 4,000 CAPACITY international conference centre is currently under construction at Dallas Burston Polo Club. The centre, which directly overlooks the club’s new 140m by 70m arena, is due to be launched on Sunday 25 August. w HPA QUALIFIED COACH and three-goaler Philip Elliot will be offering lessons at Binfield Heath Polo Club. For more information contact bhpcmanager@gmail.com.

The Berkshire shows off its swanky new-look clubhouse THE BERKSHIRE HAS recently celebrated the opening of its new clubhouse. The renovation of the members’ clubhouse at RCBPC was led by five-goaler Peter Webb and his wife Tihanna. The pair have teamed up with Jim Ruig, an Australian player and managing director of Australian architectural accessories company Salvage, to launch a new branch of the company called Salvage Europe.

The new clubhouse, which took six weeks to complete, features 400-year-old wood floors, distressed leather sofas and a new wooden bar, with a range of cocktails soon to be launched. There is also an outdoor terrace, with a fire pit, tables and lounge areas for up to ten people.

“The flooring is reclaimed oak, with floorboards of random widths, meaning it still feels like an old clubhouse, not brand new,” said Webb. “We are trying to keep the association with polo and are currently in talks about doing work at Guards and also at Cowdray Park. We do stables too – basically, anything to do with wood.”

Salvage Europe is launching a showroom at RCBPC in mid-July, providing a full interiors service by appointment only. For more information The oak floorboards and leather sofas in the Berkshire’s clubhouse see www.salvageeurope.com.

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Polo Times, July 2013

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Club news

News

Ladies get set for National Women’s at Ascot Park ASCOT PARK WILL host the annual National Women’s Polo Tournament from 6-7 July. The tournament is organised by the International Women’s Polo Association (IWPA) and is now in its 25th year.

Team handicaps will range from -8 to 2-goal and the tournament is one of the few in the country to feature only women. Players will include two-goalers Sarah Wiseman, right, and Rosie Ross.

The first National Women’s Tournament was held in 1989, with Pippa Gillard (née Grace) founding the IWPA in 1997, which has gone on to support and promote women’s polo in 33 countries across the world.

David Morley runs successful ex-racehorse clinic with Suffolk SUFFOLK POLO CLUB teamed up with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) to hold a Racing to Polo clinic with David Morley at the British Racing School in May. Nine riders, with young and partially-trained thoroughbreds, and 14 spectators attended the clinic. They benefitted from Morley’s talk and his demonstration on

re-training ex-racers for polo. Morley also gave tips on how to select the best and most suitable horses, suggested useful training exercises and gave individual help and advice to each rider.

RoR will hold its Racing to Polo Challenge on 2 September.

David Morley at the British Racing School

Guards extends relationship with Dorchester Collection GUARDS POLO CLUB has signed a new partnership with Dorchester Collection’s UK hotels.

The club’s current collaboration managing the polo at Coworth Park has been extended, with the partnership now including the Mayfair hotels, the Dorchester and 45 Park Lane.

Guards and Dorchester Collection have already teamed up at overseas polo events and Neil Hobday, the chief executive of Guards, is looking ahead at more international collaborations, as well as development in the UK: “Predominantly our relationship will based around Guards Polo Club’s activities at Smith’s Lawn, but I am confident it will have an international aspect too,” he said. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2013

18834 SF Polo Times 269x52.indd 5

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16/05/2013 18:39

News

THE TEAMS FOR the Asahi British Beach Polo Championships have been announced.

The event, which takes place from 12-13 July, will see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales come together for two days of polo on the beach at Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset.

England will field the same team as last year – Roy Prisk, Jamie Morrison and Charlie Wooldridge. Defending champions Ireland will also feature the same players as last year in the form of Niall Donnelly, Colm Purcell and Guy Higginson. Representing Wales is Ricky Cooper, Roddy Matthews and Richard Blake

Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

Reigning champions Ireland return to the beach at Poole Thomas and for Scotland: Jamie Le Hardy, Dillon Bacon and Freddie Dear.

As with previous years there will also be a volleyball competition and a race between an Audi Q7 and a polo pony. There will be a floodlit match in the evening, which will be followed by an after-party on both nights.

Tickets start from £25 for general admission or £168 for Sandpolo hospitality. See www.sandpolo.com for more.

Charlie Wooldridge, Jamie Morrison and Roy Prisk will represent England

Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

Children of polo’s elite at Coworth

Miguel Novillo Astrada keeps a watchful eye on the youngsters in action at Coworth Park in June

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Polo Times, July 2013

THE FIRST EVER La Aguada Guards Youth Tournament took place at Coworth Park on 15 June. Top polo players turned out to watch their children take part in the competition, with names including Cambiaso, Novillo Astrada, Merlos, di Paola and Monteverde among the team lists.

The tournament was the brainchild of Eduardo Novillo Astrada who runs a similar competition in Argentina.

However, this was the first time that the children of Guards players had the opportunity to play against and alongside their South American counterparts in the UK. Glen Gilmore oversaw the umpiring and Disney, La Martina and La Aguada provided the prizes.

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HPA news

News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Audi International at Guards The second match of this season’s Audi International Polo Series will take place on Sunday 28 July at Guards Polo Club, Windsor, where England will take on the USA for the prestigious Westchester Cup; last played for in the UK 16 years ago. For further information on the history of the Westchester Cup and to purchase tickets please see the Audi Polo page of the HPA website. Turn to pages 28-29 for more on the Westchester Cup. Handicaps Following the mid-season handicap meeting held on Monday 17 June, handicap changes were made effective on Thursday 20 June subject to ratification by the Stewards. The complete list of handicap changes can be viewed on page 75.

Junior HPA and Pony Club Junior HPA league matches commence on Wednesday 10 July; details and a full schedule of matches can be found on the HPA website.

The finals of the Junior HPA tournament will run alongside the Pony Club Polo finals at Cowdray Park Polo Club from 9-11 August. The U21 Gannon finals will be held on the Friday evening with all welcome so please do come along and support our next generation of players. We are very pleased that the championships will once again by sponsored by Audi.

The dates for Pony Club qualifier days are as follows: Qualifiers Mon 29 July: Cirencester Park Polo Club Tues 30 July: Cirencester Park Polo Club

Weds 31 July: Longdole Polo Club Thurs 1 August: Longdole Polo Club Mon 5 August: Tidworth Polo Club Tues 6 August: Tidworth Polo Club Championships Weds 7 August: Hurtwood Park Polo Club (Jorrocks) Fri 9 – Sun 11 August: Cowdray Park Polo Club

Overseas Work Experience Bursary If you are 17, 18 or 19, hold a handicap of zerogoals and above and are planning on furthering your polo career by spending your gap year working overseas in the polo industry, you are eligible to apply for an HPA Overseas Work Experience Bursary. Application forms have been emailed to all clubs or please contact the HPA office.

HPA Schools Four Chukka League This season ten teams have entered the HPA Schools Four Chukka League: Cheltenham, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Seaford, Sherborne, Stowe and Wellington. The four teams that qualified for the semi-finals at The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo on Sunday 16 June were Eton, Millfield, Cheltenham and Marlborough, with Eton and Millfield going through to the finals that will take place on Sunday 23 July at Coworth Park.

Grants Applications by clubs for discretionary grants should be made in writing to Jim Haigh, chairman of the Finance and Grants Committee by 1 July.

For further information please see the HPA Blue Book page 395.

Photograph by Georgie May

The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt parade with the teams on finals day of the Audi Pony Club Polo Championships

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Polo Times, July 2013

17

the

Big

picture

Polo ponies have a paddle The ponies used at the Cable Beach Polo Cup tournament in Broome acclimatised to the conditions at the iconic Australian beach by going for a paddle in the sea. A total of 43 ponies travelled by road for two days before stretching their legs with a run down the beach after arriving in Broome. w For a report from the event see our Home and abroad section. For social pictures see page 73

Comment

Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

Patrons can no longer afford to stay out of the action in the high-goal

I

f you analyse the teams who reached the semi-finals of the Queen’s Cup, it’s interesting to note that each of the patrons have handicaps of one or two goals. This would indicate that the game is now so much more competitive that it requires all four players to be of an ability to make the difference.

Watching the games, it’s clear that the patrons whose workrate is high and who have the confidence to hook and ride off the better players stand a much better chance of getting their team through than those who keep a safe distance from the main throng whilst tentatively circumnavigating the field, awaiting a pass that may never come. However proficient the three key players are, since the introduction of the ‘turning’ rule and the subsequent necessity to execute backhands much more frequently, pros can no longer have possession of the ball in the same way, hence the greater requirement for all team players to get fully involved.

And on the subject of patrons, and in particular high-goal patrons, who are the new ones coming through? The ones currently competing in this year’s Queen’s and Gold Cups are all well established – teams like

Zacara’s Lyndon Lea is part of the new breed of high-goal patrons who are not afraid to work hard and get stuck in on the field

for Dubai, Ahmed Aboughazale for Sumaya – all those whose families have already set up secure organisations with their own fields, polo managers and large

Photograph by James Mullan

The game is now so much more competitive that it requires all four players to contribute Dubai, Les Lions, Talandracas and Cortium – but who will be the new breed of patrons? With some of these teams we already know that the next generation will take over the mantle – Max Gottschalk for Les Lions, Guy Schwarzenbach for Black Bears, Rashid Albwardy 20

Polo Times, July 2013

strings of horses in situ. But the question begs, who are the up and coming patrons of the future that can afford to make that gigantic investment into high goal polo, and are any of them home bred or currently playing in low and medium-goal polo?

High fashion at Guards Spending the day at Guards to watch the Queen’s Cup quarterfinals, I felt like a right country bumpkin. Sporting my usual spectating attire of a pair of trainers, jeans and my JaegerLeCoultre team jacket (which could possibly do with a good wash), I had quite forgotten how much more formally dressed everyone is at Windsor compared to Cowdray and other clubs around the country. In spite of the unseasonably cold weather, there were plenty of ladies braving the elements in skimpy dresses and a profusion of people wearing

whites - although I’m not sure whether or not any of them were actually playing polo. At Cowdray, if you turn up wearing a dress, people ask where you are going, and heels are reserved strictly for Gold Cup finals day. Perhaps it’s the proximity to London that raises the fashion stakes at Smiths Lawn or in deference to the owner of the club, Her Majesty the Queen, but it certainly makes us country cousins feel decidedly parochial when we venture Windsor-wards. F w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Comment

Global view with Herbert Spencer

Superstars should show responsibility as role models to project polo’s image

T

wo years ago I wrote back-to-back commentaries about the questionable conduct of some professional polo players on and off the field of play. The first was about a lack of sportsmanship out on the grounds. The second, rather less seriously, was about the disrespect shown by some pros in the sloppy way they dress at important polo functions.

Two recent incidents, on opposite sides of the Atlantic, have prompted me to return to these subjects. Ironically, both incidents involved the “world’s greatest player”, ten-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, who should be a super role model in the sport on a par with football’s David Beckham or tennis’s Roger Federer.

In April, Cambiaso was playing for Valiente in the final of the USPA Open Championship in Florida. Their opponents, Zacara, were leading in the closing minutes. After the umpires called two technical fouls against Valiente’s David “Pelon” Stirling for arguing with them, an angry Cambiaso hit the ball before play was called and was shown a red card. Then, in full view of the

Adolfo Cambiaso, wearing his trademark Argentine flag emblazoned helmet, has continued to excel in the high-goal for Dubai

showing unsportsmanlike conduct and disrespect to officials.”

The second incident came in May, at the UK’s Audi Polo Awards. The annual awards night, billed as the “Oscars” of polo, is one of English polo’s biggest and most glittering social occasions; 300 guests with the gentlemen in black tie and ladies in elegant gowns. In online voting by the

Photograph by James Mullan

Being world number one comes with a clear responsibility for upholding the highest standards spectators, he rode off the field before the final bell.

I gather the USPA considered disciplinary action, but decided against it. “Had Cambiaso or any player acted in this manner in England,” says Robert Graham, chief umpire of the Hurlingham Polo Association, “he would have faced a disciplinary hearing and a possible suspension and fine for 22

Polo Times, July 2013

polo community, Cambiaso was chosen, for the third time, as the best high-goal player. But he failed to show up to receive the silver polo helmet. Instead he sent one of his entourage, Martin Valent, to accept the award on his behalf.

While all the other players receiving awards were correctly dressed in black tie, Valent

took the stage without jacket or tie, with his shirt-tail hanging out and wearing some sort of trainers. I am not the only one who felt that Cambiaso’s failure to attend and the attire of his proxy showed disrespect to sponsors Audi, organisers Polofix and all the guests.

Lest Cambiaso snubs me when next I cover one of his matches, let me be absolutely clear.

Everyone in polo, myself included, respects Cambiaso’s outstanding talent as a competitor. At age 17 he became the youngest player in history to achieve a 10-goal rating. He has held that rating for 20 years and has won virtually everything there is to win. To see him in action on a good day never fails to thrill – he can be brilliant, inspiring.

We should also respect Cambiaso’s apparent desire to be “private” when he is not competing and his apparent dislike

of the social scene that is so much a part of the sport. And, given the passion with which high-goal polo is played and the pressures to win, any pro including Cambiaso can be forgiven for losing his cool on occasion.

But surely Cambiaso is a special case. As the polo world’s “number one”, he represents not only the top of his sport but his country as well, wearing as he does a helmet proudly emblazoned with the colours and sunburst from the Argentine flag. With such position comes a clear responsibility for upholding the highest standards of the sport, as a role model on and off the ground.

Perhaps it is time for the Asociacion Argentina de Polo, protective as it is of Argentina’s reputation as the world’s leading polo nation, to have a quiet word with their star player about the responsibilities of his exalted status. F www.polotimes.co.uk

Metropolitan Polo Club An Exceptionally Refined World at Your Service www.metropolitanpoloclub.com Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, 16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Jiu Lu, Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin 30384, China.

T: (86) 22 8372 8888 F: (86) 22 8371 7733

Comment

Umpire’s corner

Stricter club rules introduced for high-goal players this season Pony welfare concerns lead to rule change

Players wishing to play in the high-goal can no longer only be members of smaller clubs, which generally have cheaper fees

Photograph by Cartier

T

he HPA has introduced a new rule for the 2013 high-goal season, which ensures that all players must be a member at one of the big clubs where they play the majority of their polo.

In the past HPA membership has entitled a player to play in tournaments at other clubs, including the high-goal and the Victor Ludorum tournaments.

However, for many years, highgoal players have been able to exploit this rule by joining smaller clubs with much lower membership fees, where they have never, or at best rarely, played.

To close this loophole the HPA introduced a new rule for the current high-goal season, which stipulates that: “For 2013 it is a condition of entry that anyone in the Gold Cup has to be a current member at either Guards, Cowdray Park, Cirencester Park or the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.”

A knock-on effect of this rule is that there has been a slight change

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to the Home Grown Player Rule, which is set to be introduced into the high-goal for the 2014 season.

The rule, which is already used in the Victor Ludorum tournaments, previously stated that: “As of 2014, a 22-goal team will be allowed up to two overseas sponsored players (OSPs) who must be rated at four goals or above. Any player rated at less than six goals must be either a patron or a Home Grown Player (HGP).”

The latter part of this has been

High-goal players must be a member at one of the clubs where they play the majority of their polo amended slightly to include the addition that: “Any player below six goals, who is not a patron or a HGP, must have been a 2013 member of, and played sufficiently at, either Guards, Cowdray Park,

Cirencester Park, RCBPC or the Beaufort, so that they are properly handicapped along with any other players eligible for the high-goal.”

A HGP is defined as someone who has spent at least three full seasons of his or her first five “development” years in polo as an HPA player in the UK. F w Read more Umpires Corner on the Polo Times archive – see www.polotimes.co.uk

A new rule has been brought in for the current English season to ensure that, when play is stopped for an injured pony, under no circumstances will the pony be ridden back to the pony lines.

In the past the HPA has been made aware of situations where, with the game having been stopped for an injured pony, the pony has been led to the side of the ground and then remounted and cantered back to the pony lines by the groom.

However, the HPA have now made an amendment to Rule 30a(i) – Play Stopped for Injury to Pony; Welfare – which reads: “The pony must then be led back by hand to the lines and must not be remounted. If the pony is remounted, then a penalty may be awarded against the player’s team.”

Whistle blower…

Q: A defending player tries to hit the ball down field, but the ball hits the umpire’s pony and deflects into the path of attacking player, who puts the ball between the posts. What happens now?

A: See page 27 for the answer

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Comment

Your views

Letters Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wT he Editor, Polo Times,

Holbrook Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX

Tweets worth re-tweeting We follow them on twitter, to save you having to bother: Malcolm Borwick @ mborwickpolo 27 May England in the sunshine on a Bank Holiday, Cowdray Lawns 1... wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! #loveit #polo Kirtlington Polo @ KirtlingtonPolo 11 Jun A great loss to the Racing World. RIP Sir Henry Cecil from those in Polo.

Samuel Morgan @spdmorgan 15 Jun I need to play polo in the next week or I’m going to go insane Thomas Kato @tommykato 16 Jun Great Fathers Day playing Polo with #HRHPrinceWilliam

Having just watched four Brits playing in the Queen’s Cup final – maybe we don’t need a Home Grown Players Rule to outdo the Argies after all!

Piece of cake Sir, I’m a cake-maker, and recently made this horse cake, which I thought your readers might like to see. It is 16 inches tall and took four days to make.

Ella Prichard Managing Director, Sugarella Cakes

Glen Gilmore @glenagilmore 16 Jun My first Queens Cup final as Guards Polo Manager today. So far the job has been great. See you there.

Kian Gheissari @ KianGheissari 17 Jun In June’s issue of @PoloTimes Matt Perry said his biggest ambition was to win the Queen’s Cup; nice to see him do it

An interested polo spectator Sir, I have seen many different types of polo supporters over the years, but I have never seen any of them hiss like this beautiful swan I saw watching the polo on ground five at Guards Polo Club last Saturday.

Atilio Degrossi Berkshire

Umpires Corner answer The goal is awarded, assuming no other foul has been committed. Rule 26c (Play not stopped; Ball hits umpire’s pony) states that: If the ball hits the umpire’s pony or any other impediment on the ground, play will continue with a new line being established.

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Your views

Comment

Letter of the month

Observations of an improving low-goaler Sir, in a recent game of polo I played, a foul was called. As team captain, I approached the umpire to seek clarification on the infringement (having done so many times previously). I was informed that the umpires do not have to declare the foul committed, and reserve the right to call penalties without justifying their actions. I am a young zero-goal player in a small local club, and understand the vast majority of English polo to be low-goal. All I, my team mates and opposition try to do is learn and have fun. Having fun is made very difficult when there is no explanation of the rules. Furthermore, I still do not know what I did wrong, and feel that I am prone to repeating said foul - if it puts someone in danger, I see this as a rather short-sighted rule placed by the HPA. Indeed it does reduce ‘backchat’ to the umpires, yet at the cost of safety? Being friends with an IRB level 3 (international) rugby referee, I asked as to his experience regarding foul declaration and explanation. He said that, regardless of the level of danger, at all levels in rugby the rule book actively instructs all referees to declare the foul, and in cases of danger to pause play and explain it to the players involved so said event is not repeated. Surely this is a logical step?

On another note, I was confused to read of the new umpire complaint system (surely needed more than ever now that umpires cannot be held to account on the pitch?). It was mentioned that a ‘£1,000 deposit’ is necessary when filing a complaint regarding umpire bias.

Whether refunded or not, and if so related to the outcome of the investigation, was not made clear. What is this deposit needed for?

Is this to discourage abuse of the complaint system? In that case, place a fixed fee of, say £50; therefore, those who seek abuse of the system for any purpose will not want to part permanently with their money, and yet it remains accessible to anyone who truly believes they have a case. Furthermore, will this be an internal investigation? Again my friend said that in rugby union all complaints are handled by an independent authority. The £50 fee could be used to fund such an authority. The majority of polo in England is low-goal, and in the case of umpire bias, this is usually seen when a new or large-spending patron is involved – at low-goal level in most small-to-medium sized clubs, these are the only people who can afford a £1,000 deposit.

For an association already holding a reputation for nepotism, position- and finance-based corruption, and certain rules and regulations seemingly placed to keep the old guard in power, surely having umpires who can call match-changing decisions without justification, and an umpire complaint system which seems to give justice solely to those who can afford to buy it, will not help its image any more?

I’d appreciate any response as to the justification of these decisions, perhaps by those who made them.

Poly Syndeton Outer Hebrides Editor’s note: Poly, thank you for your letter. I passed it on to the HPA, who have responded below The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin

The official response from the HPA Since we do not have an affiliated club in the Outer Hebrides your letter writer either travels great distances to play polo, or is playing at an unaffiliated club and possibly not under HPA rules.

Assuming the former, all polo players would agree that polo is one of the hardest sports to officiate due to the speed of the game and complexity of the rules.

Many umpiring decisions are open to a different interpretation by the players, and many players have been guilty of offering the umpires the benefit of their alternate view, often quite vociferously.

The rule was therefore introduced (in 2010) removing the privilege of any player, including the captain, to speak to the umpires during play. This can be found in Rule 1b (vi) and 1l (iii).

There is a distinct art to umpiring; it is www.polotimes.co.uk

as much about man-management as about knowledge and interpretation of the rules.

Therefore, the Blue Book also contains Annex B (notes for officials) which is designed to help umpires and referees to work as a team to manage the game and should be read in conjunction with the rules. In Note 3a it is written “Following the calling of a foul they (the umpires) must announce the foul, the player that has fouled and the penalty.” Had this advice been followed then your writer may have been made aware of what they had done wrong and thus gone on to enjoy more fully the rest of their game. I agree that at club level the umpires should be free to explain any foul during the game, rather like they do in rugby, and this was the advice at the Club Chief Umpires meeting at the start of the season. Of course, a

player is entitled to ask for an explanation after the game, and there has to be a very good reason for an umpire not to give one.

With regard to the writer’s second query about report forms and the deposit of £1,000; this is very much focused on complaints to the HPA about HPA appointed professional umpires officiating in official HPA tournaments, and perhaps we should make this clearer. Clubs have the power to conduct their own enquiries into the conduct of umpires in their own club tournaments, and can do so without the need for any form of deposit. The deposit was brought in to discourage unsupported complaints to the HPA, and to pay for the subsequent enquiry.

The final paragraph rather detracts from the valid points raised in the rest of the letter.

Polo Times, July 2013

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Feature

The Westchester Cup

Friendly rivals set to do battle for the Westchester Cup At the end of this month on Sunday 28 July the USA will take on England for the historic Westchester Cup at Guards Polo Club. It is the 15th time the rivals have battled it out for the iconic trophy over a long and illustrious 127-year period

Photograph by Greg Ratner

to have cost $1,200 ($27,276 or £17,615 by modern standards) and was made from nearly 400 ounces of sterling silver.

The first international match for the famous trophy took place in Rhode Island in 1886. Despite the Americans scoring the first goal through 17-year-old Foxhall P Keene within the opening minute of the first match, England, led by John Watson, dominated the best of three series. They won 10-4 and 14-2 to wrap up the series win with a game to spare. England also retained the Westchester Cup when the competition made its first appearance on British soil at

The Westchester Cup between USA and England is polo’s oldest international competition Hurlingham in 1902. But thereafter it has been the Americans who have enjoyed the best of the rivalry. They won ten out of the next 11 competitions, leaving the Westchester residing State-side for the majority of the 20th century.

Like many polo competitions, the Second World War had a big effect on the Westchester Cup. Prior to the war the historic trophy was played for on average three times a decade. But, after the US beat an England team featuring Gerald Balding and Robert England are the current holders of the Westchester Cup having won in Florida in 2009

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The England team at the inaugural Westchester Cup in Newport, Rhode Island included Captain T. Hone, Hon R. Lawley, Captian Malcolm Little and John Watson

Skene in 1939, the trophy lay dormant for 53 years until it was played for on International Day at Guards in 1992.

On that occasion the US – John Gobin, Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart and Rob Walton – once again came out on top by beating England – William Lucas, Alan Kent, Cody Forsyth and Howard Hipwood – in extra time. England’s 76-year wait to win the Westchester Cup finally came to an end in 1997 when Hipwood, Lucas and Forsyth were joined by Andrew Hine in a memorable victory at Guards.

England retained the cup in 2009 when the Tomlinson brothers, Mark and Luke, James Beim and Eduardo Novillo Astrada triumphed in Florida. But historically the Americans still hold a commanding 10-4 lead over their friendly British rivals. F w The 2013 Westchester Cup takes place on Audi International Day at Guards on Sunday July 28 www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame

T

here is certainly no shortage of historic cups in the game of polo, but it is fair to say that all others play second fiddle to one – the Westchester Cup. The international rivalry between England and the United States is the oldest and most passionate in the game, making the Westchester Cup the game’s most coveted international trophy.

The cup was presented by the playing members of Westchester Polo Club in Newport, Rhode Island, USA back in 1878 under the proviso that it would be played for by teams representing America and Hurlingham. It was to become the world’s first international polo competition, which is why the trophy is often referred to as the International Polo Cup. The cup itself was commissioned by famed jewellers Tiffany’s & Company and is said

Feature

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Feature

Polo Times, July 2013

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Feature

High-goal ponies

High-goal pony power at its best With the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup now in full swing, we take a look at some of the top ponies that will be taking part in the high-goal tournament at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Georgie May reports

F

ollowing the conclusion of the Cartier Queen’s Cup in June, all eyes now turn to the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Getting underway at the end of June, the 22-goal tournament features all 16 teams that contested the Queen’s Cup plus one more – in the form of Harald Link’s Thai Polo.

Although the UK high-goal attracts the crème de la crème in terms of players – seven ten-goalers are among the line-up – it is the ponies that are of most importance. When it comes down to winning or losing, it is the

horsepower that will make the difference.

In the Queen’s Cup semi-finals we saw Zacara hammer favourites Dubai to gain a place in the final, with Facundo Pieres outshining fellow ten-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso. Pieres’ mounts were outstanding and in particular Lyndon Lea’s grey mare Moscu – which Pieres was playing – stood out from the rest and was awarded the best playing pony prize. The South African mare excelled again in the final when Zacara thumped El Remanso (see pages 26-28).

Despite Dubai’s poor performance in the Queen’s Cup semis, there is no doubt the team is well mounted. Here we profile two of Cambiaso’s mares, Dolfina Primicia and Dolfina Milenaria – the latter by Rainbow Corner, a prolific polo pony stallion. Former racehorse Rainbow Corner, who now stands at Juddmonte Farms, is also the grandsire of Twelve Oaks’ Marcos di Paola’s Open Sarmienta.

Ellerston’s Australian thoroughbred stallion Norman Pentaqaud is also a familiar sire among polo ponies. He is the father to George Hanbury’s pony Caltex and James Beim’s Yacht, both profiled in this feature.

La Bamba de Areco features some top ponies. As well as Polito Pieres’ stallion Don Urbano Rolinga, which featured in the May 2013 issue of Polo Times, Gonzalito Pieres shipped over his mare Open Nasa, who played in the Argentine Open final in 2012 – no doubt playing a part in Ellerstina’s victory.

Agustin Merlos of Les Lions also brought over one his mares, Charmosa, to the UK in 2011 after she had played in four Argentine Opens on the trot.

Here, we look at 32 of the best ponies that will be playing in the Gold Cup this month. F w For more of the top ponies in the high-goal, see the pony feature in our July 2012 issue

Black Bears Height: 15.1hh Lucky Zarcourt

Age: 14 Owned by: Nachi du Plessis Owned by: Guy Schwarzenbach Colour: Bay Played by: Nachi du Plessis Played by: Guy Schwarzenbach Sex: Mare Previously owned by: Horseracing Previously owned by: Breed: New Zealand thoroughbred trainer, South Africa Ed Hitchman Sire: Hanzacourt Purchased in: 2010 Purchased in: 2009 Dam: Unknown Height: 15.2hh Further information: “Zarcourt has a faultless temperament and is willing without question. There isn’t a play that Guy can’t make while playing Zarcourt. A testament to this is that she has been Guy’s best horse since he purchased her from Ed Hitchman in 2009.”

– Simon Keyte

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Salkeld, Zacara and Black Bears. Since purchasing her she has been one of my best ponies.

She has a great temperament and is easy to work with.” – Nachi du Plessis

Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Thoroughbred Sire: Alfa Plus (USA) Dam: Foxett (Arg) Further information: “I bought her in 2010 from Buster Mackenzie.

I have played her for

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High-goal ponies

Feature

Cortium Aguada Pinturita Owned by: Eduardo Novillo Astrada Played by: Eduardo Novillo Astrada Previously owned by: Bred by La Aguada Purchased in: Came to UK in 2011

Vasca Estima Height: 15.2hh Age: 9 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: River Stanley Dam: Pinta Further information: “She can be feisty at times but is great to play and is hugely complete.” – Eduardo Novillo Astrada

Owned by: Francisco Elizalde Played by: Francisco Elizalde Previously owned by: Eduardo Heguy Purchased in: 2013 Height: 15.1hh Age: 8 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Polo Sol Puro Dam: Puntito II

Further information: “She is my best mare. She is complete, has fantastic speed, agility and is soft in the mouth.”

– Francisco Elizalde

Dubai Dolfina Primicia Owner: La Dolfina SA Played by: Adolfo Cambiaso Previously owned by: Bred by La Dolfina Purchased in: Homebred

Dolfina Milenaria Height: 15.2hh Age: 7 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Open Chimento Dam: Noticia Further information: Despite being a young polo pony, this mare is one of Adolfo Cambiaso’s best ponies in the UK. She can be recognised by her thin white blaze and stocky build.

Owned by: La Dolfina SA Played by: Adolfo Cambiaso Previously owned by: Bred by La Dolfina Purchased in: Homebred Height: 15.3hh Age: 13 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Rainbow Corner Dam: Lechuza III

trainer Sir Henry Cecil.

The sire is a popular bloodline in polo ponies, particularly in Argentina.

Further information: She is by Rainbow Corner, a horse that raced in the UK under the late

El Remanso Caltex Owned by: George Hanbury Played by: George Hanbury Previously owned by: Ellerston Purchased in: 2009 Height: 16hh

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Age: 12 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Norman Pentaquad Dam: Valvoline

Further information: “He is big, powerful and consistent – I always get the same game out of him. I usually play him in the first and fifth chukkas. He has a small white star on his forehead and a faint “55” branding on his shoulder.”

– George Hanbury

Bedwina Owned by: David “Pelon” Stirling Played by: David “Pelon” Stirling Previously owned by: Juanchi Lagos Purchased in: 2011 Height: 15.1hh Age: 8 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Noticiario Dam: Ilusion

is good for English polo as she is very handy and she’ll play wherever you want her to. She is the only bright chestnut I own and I usually play her in the second and sixth chukkas.” – David Stirling

Further information: “She is very complete and has very good speed. She

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High-goal ponies

Emlor Mañanita Owned by: Luke Tomlinson Played by: Luke Tomlinson Previously owned by: Marcelo Monteverde Purchased in: 2006

Kelly Height: 15.2hh Age: 12 Colour: Chesnut Sex: Mare Breed. Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Ibero Dam: Unknown Further information: “She is powerful, handy and always goes well.

She has a white face and in the big games I’ll always play her twice.”

– Luke Tomlinson

Owned by: Joaquin Pittaluga Played by: Joaquin Pittaluga Previously owned by: Bred by Jorge Pittaluga Height: 15.1hh Age: 10 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Flechino Dam: Sirvienta

lots of stop, sides and acceleration.”

– Joaquin Pittaluga

Further information: “She is very easy with

Enigma Lighted Smile (Sonrisa)

Photographs by Vanessa Taylor

Owned by: Jerome Wirth Played by: Jerome Wirth Purchased in: 2009 Height: 15.3hh Age: 10

Colour: Black Sex: Mare Breed French thoroughbred Sire: Emperor Jones (USA) Dam: Light the Sky (FR) Further information: “Her aptitude to play the game and her consistency of agility, speed and power would allow any player to perform at their best.

She’s easy to spot as she is black and easily the most beautiful! She plays in the fifth or sixth chukka.” – Jerome Wirth

HRH Owned by: Jerome Wirth Played by: Jerome Wirth Purchased in: 2008 Height: 15.2hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Australian thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

is independent, strongwilled and demanding but once on the field she turns these characteristics into courage and speed and shows huge heart and understanding of the game, making her one of the best polo ponies I own. HRH plays in the fifth or sixth chukka.” – Jerome Wirth

Further information: “HRH is proof that personalities and performance go hand in hand. In the polo barn she

HB Polo Naomi Owned by: Ignacio Toccalino Played by: Ignacio Toccalino Previously owned by: Ricardo Mihanovich Purchased in: 2008

Height: 15.2hh Age: 11 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Imperious Dam: Muneca

Photographs by Pablo Ramirez

Further information: “She is strong and has a good mouth. Her best quality is her heart.

She always plays the last chukka.” – Ignacio Toccalino

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Puro Robin Owned by: Ludovic Pailloncy Played by: Ludovic Pailloncy Previously owned by: Guillermo Villanueva Purchased in: 2011 Height: 15hh Age: 6 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Stallion Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Irenita Magnate Dam: Graciana

important for a stallion. He’s very strong in a game and although he doesn’t look fast, he is. He always plays in the first or second chukka.” – Ludovic Pailloncy

Further information: “He has a very good nature, which is very

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High-goal ponies

Feature

La Bamba de Areco Bonita Owned by: Ollie Cudmore Played by: Ollie Cudmore Purchased in: 2008 from Argentina Height: 15hh Age: 8

Open Nasa Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown Further information: “She is very easy and has a lot of power.

She is the best horse I own at present and one of the best I have ever played. She plays in the fifth chukka and sometimes the first chukka too.”

– Ollie Cudmore

Owned by: Ellerstina SA Played by: Gonzalito Pieres Previously owned by: Bred

by Ellerstina Purchased in: Came to the UK in 2013 Height: 15hh Age: 7 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Picaro Dam: Galaxia

2012 but I brought her here as I needed an good horse for the UK high-goal. She has a white blaze, and “897” branding on her shoulder.” – Gonzalito Pieres

Further information: “She played the Argentine Open in

Les Lions Charmosa Owned by: Agustin “Tincho” Merlos Played by: Agustin “Tincho” Merlos Previously owned by: Roberto Villa Real Purchased in: 2007 Height: 15.2hh Age: 11

Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Brazilian thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

Further information: “Charmosa has the most amazing mouth I have ever felt on a horse.

She turns to both sides with the same power and her endurance makes her different from the rest.

She is great for penalties at any stage of the chukka. She played the Argentine Open in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and then came to England in 2011.” – Agustin “Tincho” Merlos

Guri Canosa Owned by: Sebastian Merlos Played by: Sebastian Merlos Previously owned by: Bred by Sebastian Merlos (El Guri) Height: 15hh Age: 10 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Modelo Dam: Anselmo

good mouth and moves equally well left or right. However, the main thing is her consistency. I can rely on her to give 110 per cent in every game.” – Sebastian Merlos

Further information: “Canosa is the perfect polo pony – she is pretty, compact, fast, has a

Lucchese (EFG Aravali in Queen’s Cup) Telusa

Muzarela Owned by: Jaime Huidobro Played by: Jaime Huidobro Previously owned by: Alex Garrahan

Height: 15hh Age: 8 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Guindado Dam: Muzerola Further information: “She is very powerful but easy. I play her in the second and last chukkas.” – Jaime Huidobro

Owned by: Mark Tomlinson Played by: Mark Tomlinson Previously owned by: Julio Menditeguy Purchased in: 2008 Height: 15hh Age: 10 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Cobbs Creek Dam: Unknown

also has a very good heart – she’ll always give it her all. She has very distinctive, loud breathing. She has a white blaze and is quite striking.”

– Mark Tomlinson

Further information: “Telusa is very agile, to the point where she is almost like a cat! She

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High-goal ponies

Salkeld Calida Owned by: Miguel Novillo Astrada Played by: Miguel Novillo Astrada Previously owned by: La Primavera Purchased in: 2007

Height: 15.1hh Age: 11 Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Surprise Dam: Mirage

Photographs by Clive Bennett

Further information: “She has everything you need in a polo pony.

She’s very sensible and is always ready. I always play her in the last chukkas as I have a lot of confidence on her.” – Miguel Novillo Astrada

Yacht Owned by: James Beim Played by: James Beim Previously owned by: Ellerston Purchased in: 2008 Height: 15.2hh Age: 12 Colour: Liver chestnut Sex: Gelding Breed: Australian thoroughbred Sire: Norman Pentaquad Dam: Dinghy

speed. I play him is a pelham and draws.

He plays spare at the start and comes back at the end.” – James Beim

Further information: “He is seriously fast and has amazing sides at

Sumaya Noni Owned by: Sumaya Polo Team Played by: Facundo Sola Previously owned by: Carlos Gracida Purchased in: 2011

Height: 15.1hh Age: 13 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: USA thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

Photographs by Catriona Baker

Further information: Noni has great speed and amazing agility combined with incredible acceleration/ deceleration. She has a white blaze and is branded with a double ‘spur’ on her near side.

Pestania Owned by: Sumaya Polo Team Played by: Hilario Ulloa Previously owned by: Memo Gracida Purchased in: 2010 Height: 15hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: USA thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

mouth and is very lateral in her movement with top speed. She is branded with a ‘m’ on her near side.

Further information: Pestania has a great

Talandracas Tita Owned by: Talandracas Played by: Juan Juaretche Previously owned by: Martin Zubia Height: 15hh

Oli Chicha Age: 8 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Serapio Dam: Tatiana Further information: Tita came to England three seasons ago to play with Talandracas. She has a “35” branding on her quarters and two white socks on her hind legs.

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Owned by: Juan Martin Nero Played by: Juan Martin Nero Previously owned by: Daniel Lucero Height: 15.1hh Age: 9 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Fax Banquero Dam: Jasmin

and received the Most Outstanding High Goal Pony Award at the 2012 Audi Polo Awards. She is one of Juan Martin Nero’s best ponies in England.

Further information Chicha was named best playing pony in the 2011 Queen’s Cup final

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High-goal ponies

Feature

Thai Polo Candy Owned by: Malcolm Borwick Played by: Malcolm Borwick Previously owned by: Ex-racehorse bought from a stud in Argentina

Purchased in: 2010 Height: 15.2hh Age: 7 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Candy Stripes Dam: Pastora Further information: “Candy is extremely powerful and at the same time very easy to hit off. She is still young but has the potential to be a real superstar.

She has a big white blaze and will probably be playing in the second and last chukkas of the Gold Cup.” – Malcolm Borwick

Silver Lining Owned by: Harald Link Played by: Harald Link Purchased in: 2006 Height: 15.2hh Age: 9 Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breed: USA thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

one when playing in the Coronation Cup in 2012 with Malcolm Borwick), never agitated on the field, turns easily and performs excellently for both a high-goal and low-goal player. I love her.” – Harald Link

Further information: “She is very fast, has great acceleration, provides a very good hitting platform, is strong in ride offs (won every

Twelve Oaks Open Sarmiento Owned by: Marcos di Paola Played by: Marcos di Paola Previously owned by: Ellerstina SA Purchased in: 2011 Height: 15.2hh

Sex: Gelding Age: 9 Colour: Bay Breed: Polo Argentino Sire: Open Sunset Dam: Escarapela Further information: Bred by Ellerstina SA in Argentina, Open Sarmiento played in the Cámara de Diputados final in 2010 with Marcos di Paola before coming to the UK in 2011.

Blade Owned by: Christian “Magoo” Laprida Played by: Christian “Magoo” Laprida Previously owned by: Roddy Matthews Purchased in: 2013 Height: 16hh Age: 7 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

Further information: Blade came from international polo coach Roddy Matthews. This is Laprida’s first season with the mare, who has one white sock on her hind leg.

Zacara Molly Owned by: Lyndon Lea Played by: Lyndon Lea Previously owned by: Hamish Bray Purchased in: 2007

Height: 15.3hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown Further information: Molly has great stamina and speed – she doesn’t run out of gas. She has an “HB” branding on her shoulder, wears a white sheepskin breastplate and usually plays the sixth chukka.

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Moscu Owned by: Lyndon Lea Played by: Facundo Pieres Previously owned by: Ruki Baillieu Purchased in: 2011 Height: 15.3hh Age: 13 Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breed: South African thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

was named best playing pony in the 2013 Queen’s Cup semi-finals. She easy to spot as she is stocky and on one side has a black marking on her shoulder.

Further information: Moscu is very strong and is good at ride-offs. She

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Changing of the Guards?

Facundo Pieres inspired Zacara, featuring English-born players Matt Perry and Lyndon Lea, to Queen’s Cup glory, leaving many spectators at Guards Polo Club pondering whether the brilliant Argentine ten-goaler is now the world’s number one polo player

John O’Sullivan at Guards Polo Club

Zacara El Remanso

Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

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here was a pleasingly British flavour to this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup final as Zacara and their talisman Facundo Pieres continued to dominate the world’s leading polo events. Pieres has won the Argentine Open, the US Open and the Queen’s Cup during a whirlwind seven months and his two latest triumphs have come while wearing the black and white colours of Lancashire-born patron Lyndon Lea’s Zacara.

On the Queen’s Ground at Guards in midJune Pieres was the undoubted star of the show. He scored 11 of his side’s goals as they eased past a previously unbeaten El Remanso 15-9. He was rightly voted MVP and won the best playing pony prize for his magnificent 36

Polo Times, July 2013

eight-year-old bay mare Galactica. But, for British polo fans, the most pleasing aspect of the final was that Pieres was joined on the ground by four English players – his patron Lea, his teammate Matt Perry and El Remanso duo George Hanbury and Ali Paterson.

Alarmingly, before this year there had not been a British player in the Queen’s Cup final since 2009, when the Tomlinson brothers, Mark and Luke, and Charlie Hanbury won the trophy with Apes Hill. However, this year’s

“This is the moment that every player dreams of”

– Queen’s Cup winner Matt Perry showpiece final, played in front of Her Majesty The Queen, was 50 per cent British with two Argentines (Pieres and El Remanso’s excellent seven-goaler Guillermo Terrera), Uruguayan ten-goaler David “Pelon” Stirling (El Remanso) and powerful Brazilian eight-goaler Rodrigo Andrade of Zacara completing the lineups.

While most people in the polo world will be discussing the display of Pieres and polo

purists will be purring over the awesome physicality of Brazilian Andrade’s game, for the more locally based spectators at Guards it is the performances of Zacara three-goaler Perry throughout the latter stages of the Queen’s Cup that really caught the eye.

“This is the moment that every player dreams of. To do it when I’m still young is unbelievable,” revealed the 21-year-old, who first started playing polo with the Suffolk Hunt Pony Club under the guidance of Alison Schwabe and Jeremy Allen. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will. My smile has not stopped since the last bell.

“The team has been giving me a lot of confidence and I think that is key in any sport.

The horses they have been giving me have been going very well and my own ones are doing unbelievably well at the minute, so that plays a big part.”

Perry did show a few nerves early on in the final, but he grew into the game and played

Queen’s Cup final MVP Facundo Pieres gallops towards goal on board his grey mare Sheltie

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Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Reports

Photographs by Cartier

Analysis

by Glen Gilmore Popular Aussie player Glen Gilmore assesses his first Queen’s Cup as polo manager at Guards Polo Club

Zacara’s Facundo Pieres, Lyndon Lea, Rodrigo Andrade and Matt Perry with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Cartier’s managing director Arnaud Bamberger and Guards chairman Jock Green-Armytage at the presentation ceremony

The band of the Royal Household Cavalry delighted the crowd at Guards with a performance before the final

was playing in America,” Pieres said. “When with maturity, guile and belief not seen in his I got here and saw him playing in practice I two previous seasons in the high-goal. In the thought: ‘Wow, this is a different player’. He third chukka, just as Zacara were starting to has improved so much and he has shown that power ahead, he showed just how far he has he can play against nine and ten-goalers.” come by stealing the ball off ten-goaler Stirling Pieres, Perry and co actually started the following a powerful ride-off before feeding game on the backfoot and two early goals Pieres for a crucial goal. from Stirling put In the fifth chukka El Remanso 2-0 up he brilliantly blocked Stat of the day on the scoreboard a Stirling penalty, midway through the while the confidence Zacara’s hard-hitting Brazilian Rodrigo that Pieres has in Andrade won six ride-offs when his opponent first chukka. However, was already in possession of the ball Zacara never panicked Perry was there for and their unerring selfeveryone to see as the Stat provided by (IPA) www.ipapolo.com belief never wavered.

Argentine ten-goaler in association with PoloCam This confidence released him to score was perhaps best seen his only goal of the final, when Pieres arguably could have galloped when, with the scoreline still reading 2-0 to El Remanso and Pieres some 50 yards away from towards goal himself. goal, Andrade nonchalantly turned away from “I played with Matt two years ago, but I the action and changed his pony, so sure was u had not seen much of him this year because I www.polotimes.co.uk

Overall I would have to say that Zacara won because they have a great team and are just so well-mounted.

Facundo was the best player on the field and scored most of the goals, but the whole team backed him up. Facundo is very calm, he has matured a lot as a player and over the last six to eight months he has definitely been the one to beat. I still think Adolfo is awesome, but this could be the start of the changing of the guards.

I thought Rodrigo Andrade had a great game, he is just so difficult to play against. Even when he comes in to challenge for the ball and the ball is on the other side of the pony, he still manages to get hold of it, even when he is up against someone like Pelon – one of the best players in the world. I think Rodrigo is like a modern day Howard Hipwood, he is so brutal and strong.

On top of that, of all of the lower rated players on the field, I think Matt Perry was the stand out player. He is extremely good at what he does.

I think the calibre of ponies across the Queen’s Cup this year has been extremely high.

It is not the case that Zacara’s ponies are 40 per cent better than everyone else’s, but on the day

“I think Rodrigo Andrade is like a modern day Howard Hipwood, he is so brutal and strong” in the final they were 10 to 15 per cent better than El Remanso, who are themselves extremely well-mounted.

I think El Remanso have proved that they are a great team too. I think Guillermo Terrera is undoubtedly the best seven-goaler in the world.

He is very tough, he loves to win, and when you put him together with a player like Pelon, it is a great combination. As a pair I think they are probably worth 19 goals, but still Facundo and Rodrigo were better.

Overall, I think it has been a great tournament. I have looked through the results for the whole tournament and there were on average 22 goals per game, which tells you about the quality of the play. I was thrown in right at the deep end, arriving the day before the Queen’s Cup started, but I have been extremely impressed with the setup at Guards and all of the staff. It has been a great tournament and I have not seen any horses slipping. We have had our problems with the ground in the past, so this is very pleasing for everyone. F

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Reports

Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

How the Queen’s Cup final unfolded...

First chukka El Remanso started like a train and opened the scoring with a David “Pelon” Stirling penalty, before the Uruguayan ten-goaler doubled their advantage with an impressive field goal after galloping the length of the field on board Jive. Facundo Pieres burst through the middle before the end of the chukka to get Zacara on the scoreboard.

Zacara 1, El Remanso 2

Second chukka Guillermo Terrera pounced on a mistake by Matt Perry to reinstate El Remanso’s two-goal lead but, in a scrappy chukka, Zacara fought back with two goals by Pieres. The first was an astute

shot from distance when it looked as though the ten-goaler would be crowded out. The second was a 60-yard penalty.

Zacara 3, El Remanso 3

Third chukka Zacara powered ahead at the start of the third chukka with three quick goals, two from Pieres and one from Rodrigo Andrade, to go 6-3 ahead. Two Stirling penalties kept El Remanso in contention, but further goals by Andrade and Pieres maintained Zacara’s three-goal lead at half-time.

Zacara 8, El Remanso 5

Fifth chukka El Remanso scored two goals of the highest order in the fifth chukka with both Terrera and Stirling displaying the brilliance of their riding skills to leave Zacara’s defenders trailing in their wake. However, in between these two moments of magic, Matt Perry’s only goal of the final, after a pass from Pieres, and two more penalties by the Argentine moved Zacara within touching distance of victory.

Zacara 12, El Remanso 7

Sixth chukka

Zacara kept the pressure on until the bell and extended their lead in the final chukka with another goal by Andrade and two more field El Remanso started the second half well, but goals by Pieres (his tenth and 11th goals of the agonisingly missed a series of good chances match). Stirling scored two more penalties from to cut Zacara’s lead. Pieres punished them by three attempts to keep the scoreline respectable, dribbling through the posts to score the only goal but ultimately Zacara finished as emphatic and of the chukka. worthy winners.

Zacara 9, El Remanso 5 Result: Zacara 15, El Remanso 9

Fourth chukka

u he that his imperious teammate would score.

Of course, Pieres did score, and he went on to score ten more times as Zacara powered ahead to lead 8-5 at half time, on the way to a six-goal victory.

There had been much talk on the sidelines throughout the tournament about whether Pieres is now worth more than ten-goals to his team. So it is perhaps fitting that the brilliant 27-year-old should finish the final with more than ten goals to his name.

Afterwards he was keen to deflect the attention away from himself. “We knew it

Photograph by Cartier

“We had the right horses, the right team, the right setup” – Zacara’s Lyndon Lea would be a tough game, playing against Pelon and Guillermo, but we stayed with our game plan and it worked,” he said. “We were tough in defence and when we had the ball we controlled it very well.”

His patron Lyndon Lea, who added the Queen’s Cup to his 2011 Gold Cup win, was also quick to praise Zacara’s opponents.

“Before the game a lot of people thought that we would win easy, but I never saw it that way,” he said. “George Hanbury and Ali Paterson are very powerful, they work very hard to make space for Pelon and Guillermo, who have been two of the best players in this tournament.

“Everything came together for us. We had the right horses, the right team, the right 38

Polo Times, July 2013

Cartier’s Arnaud Bamberger with HM Queen Elizabeth II

setup and we have worked really hard. This completes the set for me. Having won the US Open and the Gold Cup, this was the one I really wanted.”

Lea also pointed out that this success will count for nothing in July’s Gold Cup. But, with Pieres in this form and neither Andrade nor Perry having their handicaps raised in the mid-season changes, I wouldn’t bet against Zacara completing a high-goal double at Cowdray Park. F w For social pictures see page 68

u C artier Queen’s Cup; 21 May – 16 June 2013; Guards Polo Club Result: Zacara beat El Remanso, 15-9 Principal sponsor: Cartier Handicap level: 22-goal Number of entries: 16 Most valuable player: Facundo Pieres Best playing pony: Galactica, owned and played

by Facundo Pieres Finalists Zacara (22): Facundo Pieres 10; Lyndon Lea 1; Rodrigo Andrade 8; Matt Perry 3 El Remanso (22): Ali Paterson 2; George Hanbury 3; David “Pelon” Stirling 10; Guillermo Terrera 7 www.polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2013

39

South America prevail despite Figueras injury Drama in the second chukka didn’t upset South America’s rhythm in the international at Cowdray Park in May, as the all-Argentine team went on to defeat England 11-9 Georgie May reports

Photographs by Dominic James

South America England

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outh America defeated England in the first UK Test Match of the 2013 season on Saturday 18 May at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Despite the South American side losing Nacho Figueras to injury in the second chukka, the team re-grouped and went on to secure the title, taking home the Silver Jubilee Cup. Helped along by the good conditions, the 26-goal contest attracted large crowds to 40

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Cowdray Park’s famous Lawns grounds. Luke Tomlinson captained the home side, which also featured James Beim, Max Charlton and James Harper. The latter two players were making their home international debut, with neither player having represented England on home

“England are always tough, especially on their own horses” – Facundo Pieres soil before. They faced an all-Argentine side – playing under the banner of South America, having not been sanctioned by the Argentine

Polo Association to represent Argentina – of Nacho Figueras, Silvestre Grahn, Alejandro Muzzio and 10-goaler Facundo Pieres.

England started strongly, with goals from Harper, Charlton and Beim putting the team ahead in the early stages. But, just as the home side was getting into full swing, Figueras took a nasty fall and the game was stopped for 20 minutes while the South American captain was attended to by paramedics. With the six-goaler being whisked off to casualty, where he was treated for a fractured pelvis, fellow Argentine Bautista Sorzana stepped in to take his place, with Pieres assuming captaincy.

Cowdray Park-based Sorzana brought a www.polotimes.co.uk

St Regis International Test Match, Cowdray Park Polo Club

Reports

Analysis

by Alan Kent

Former England player and respected polo coach Alan Kent gives his in thoughts on England’s opening Test Match of the season

Main picture: Most valuable player Facundo Pieres gallops across the Lawns ground during his side’s victory at Cowdray Park. Inset:The South American team of Silvestre Grahn, Facundo Pieres, Ale Muzzio and Bautista Sorzana

wealth of experience to the field. The sixgoaler is fine-tuned to the conditions at the club and didn’t waste any time slotting into the South American line-up. The pause in play and a change in the South American lineup visibly disrupted the England side and it wasn’t long before the visitors started to creep up on their opponents.

Pieres was on fire and after his seventh goal of the match in the fourth chukka, the tables had turned in South America’s favour. Harper made a valiant attempt to bring his side back into contention but Pieres soon answered, with one lengthy cut shot from behind the girth making its way across the field to land straight between the posts. Harper managed one more goal but it wasn’t enough and the visitors ran out the winners.

“It was a good game but it didn’t start out well with Nacho’s injury,” Pieres told Polo Times. “He was the one who asked me to play in the match and when he was taken to hospital we didn’t know how he was so it was quite worrying.

“We started a bit weakly but the second half was much better. Once we got our rhythm and brought out our better horses we played a good game. It was the first time we have all www.polotimes.co.uk

played together and Bautista did very well at slotting into the team at back. The England side are always tough, especially when they are on their own horses and play together regularly. They had a good side, particularly with young up-and-coming player Max. “Playing at Cowdray Park is great. Their grounds are the best in England for sure,” Pieres concluded. F w For social pictures from the Test Match, see page 69 u S t Regis International Cup; Cowdray Park Polo Club; 18 May 2013 Result: South America beat England, 11-9 Handicap: 26-goal Principle sponsor: St Regis Most valuable player: Facundo Pieres Best playing pony: Zest, owned by Alejandro Muzzio and played by Facundo Pieres Teams South America (26): Alejandro Muzzio 7; Nacho Figueras/Bautista Sorzana 6; Facundo Pieres 10; Silvestre Grahn 3 England (26): Max Charlton 6; James Harper; 6; James Beim 7; Luke Tomlinson 7

The game was very open to begin with.

However, after Nacho’s fall in the second chukka, it really turned in South America’s favour.

Having Bautista come on in Nacho’s place made a huge difference to the game.

Bautista, who rented ponies to Nacho, plays regularly at Cowdray Park and is used to the conditions. He’s based with Clare Milford Haven this year and although he doesn’t play much tournament polo he is still pretty useful. He’s an experienced player and certainly disrupted the England side.

Max Charlton started out well but he wasn’t fed the ball in the second half as the South Americans put him under pressure. It was good to see him out there but he needs more experience at that level – something you’ll only get in Argentina. James Harper got stronger as the game went on and the other two played well, although I don’t think Luke was on his best horses. Overall, the calibre of horse out on the field wasn’t the best but that could be blamed on the time of year – with the Queen’s Cup underway I suspect some of the players were saving their best horses for the high-goal.

“From an England point of view, the game was a good exercise, particularly in getting Max Charlton out there” – Alan Kent Facundo Pieres certainly dominated the game. He plays like a 12-goaler and is hard to contain when he’s on fire. He got stronger throughout and with England losing their rhythm after Nacho’s injury, it became clear that South America were going to go on to win. However, had Nacho not fallen I think the outcome of the game could have been different.

From an England point of view, the game was a good exercise, particularly in getting Max out there. It wasn’t England’s strongest international side so I’d say it was a good exhibition of polo rather than a competitive international. When England come to play the USA for the Westchester (on 28 July), I think it will be a more even match – they won’t have to worry about coming up against a player of Facundo’s calibre. F

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Reports

Audi International Test Match, Beaufort Polo Club

Young South Africans revel in success at Beaufort England lost their first Test Match of the 2013 Audi International Series at Beaufort in June, after South Africa defeated them 6-4 in the five-chukka contest

Georgie May at Beaufort Polo Club

Photographs by Audi

South Africa England

The South Africa team of Tom de Bruin, Gareth Evans, Jean du Plessis and Brad Mallett

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om de Bruin led South Africa to victory over England in the Audi International at Beaufort Polo Club in mid-June. This was a second Test Match defeat of the season for England, having also lost to South America at Cowdray Park in May (see pages 40-41).

Despite rumours that this Audi International – the first of three in the series – was going to be used as a warm up for the Westchester, which takes place on 28 July at Guards, the HPA International Committee instead put forward a less experienced team of Malcolm

Borwick, Tom Morley, Max Charlton and George Meyrick – a combination that is not likely to face the USA for the Westchester Cup. Meyrick and Charlton have both had a single run in an international on home soil – Meyrick played in this same Test Match last year and Charlton made his Test Match debut this May at Cowdray Park. Playing alongside Borwick and Morley, it was hoped that this mixture of youth and experience would produce a competitive England side.

However, on this occasion they didn’t seem to cut the mustard.

Analysis

by David Woodd

The HPA chief executive and former four-goaler gives his view on why the South Africans succeeded at Beaufort

England’s Tom Morley and South Africa’s Jean du Plessis fight for the ball during the Audi International at Beaufort

All four of England’s goals were converted penalties, while in comparison all of South Africa’s goals were scored from the field.

Although this proved that England played a clean game, giving away few fouls throughout the five-chukka match, it also highlighted that the home side were somewhat weaker in attack. That said, the strong wind did affect the playing conditions, with big, lofted shots tending to veer off course.

Following a fall by Borwick in the opening chukka, which appeared to hinder his game from then on, South Africa – Brad Mallett, Jean du Plessis, Gareth Evans and Tom de Bruin – claimed an early lead, 2-1. But three crucial mistakes by the visitors in the third chukka allowed the home side to cruise out

“It was clear from the start the game would be very demanding” – Malcolm Borwick in front, after Borwick easily converted all three penalties.

However, after half time South Africa came back out onto the field a refreshed team.

With less fouls, harder ride-offs and stronger defence, they soon drew level, with goals from du Plessis and de Bruin. It was all to play for in the fifth chukka but with England remaining scoreless and two goals from South Africa, it was plain for all to see that it was all over for England and South Africa went home with the Golden Jubilee Trophy.

“We started very well and stood up to the South African side toe-to-toe during the first www.polotimes.co.uk

half, although it was clear from the start that the game was going to be very demanding,” Borwick told Polo Times. “We tried to play a classic, open game of polo but after the break South Africa upped their game and started to win more plays and ride-offs.

“The crucial goal that South Africa scored to put them 5-4 up was the turning point in the game. From then on it was hard to for us to get back. Jean du Plessis is super talented and if he had a break in the high-goal I think he could reach eight or nine-goals.

“On reflection, we could have made a tactical shift at half time and moved Max up to mark Jean. Overall though, it was a very good day. Max and George played well and with more opportunities at that level they will grow into their roles.”

Following the international, England U21s – Max Hutchinson, Freddie Dear, Jack Berner and John Kent – beat the England Ladies in extra time, 5-4. F u A udi International for Golden Jubilee Trophy; Beaufort Polo Club; 15 June 2013 Result: South Africa beat England, 6-4 Handicap level: 23-goal Principal sponsor: Audi Most valuable player: Jean du Plessis Best retrained racehorse prize: Plum, owned and played by Malcolm Borwick Teams South Africa (23): Brad Mallett 4; Jean du Plessis 6; Gareth Evans 6; Tom de Bruin 7 England (23): George Meyrick 5; Max Charlton 6; Malcolm Borwick 6; Tom Morley 6

It was a pretty tough, competitive game.

Both our defence and their defence were good, which accounted for the low scoring game, but I think the South African’s attack was stronger and more penetrable than ours.

We seemed to lack the punch up front and were slow to turn in attack.

Having said that, we were 4-2 up early on and I don’t think we deserved to lose.

Unfortunately South Africa stole more goals late on in the game – England let it go in the last chukka, while the South Africans never gave up. We should have scored a goal near the end of the match when the ball was virtually sitting in the goal mouth but England missed and the South Africans ran the ball up to their end and scored.

The South African side probably gelled better as a team than England and Jean du Plessis was one of the stand out players on the day. Malcolm Borwick also impressed, particularly in the first chukka, but after his fall he was pretty sore and that prevented

“South Africa gelled better as a team than England and Jean du Plessis was the stand out player” him from playing at his best. There were some ride-offs in the last chukka that Malcolm would have normally won but he didn’t go into them as quickly and played more cautiously.

There was very little turning on the ball and instead the players used a lot of backhanders, which was good to see. But it did make the play a bit more predictable.

All the players played up to their handicaps and the young players George Meyrick and Max Charlton did well. The ground looked to play well too – certainly better than it has done in previous years. The wind caused a few problems – but this was quite lucky for England as I think Brad Mallett could have scored more had it been a still day. The cleanest hitters were Gareth Evans and Malcolm – the latter did well with his penalties. There were a lot of missed shots from the other players. F

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Reports

Gaucho International, O2 Arena, London

The England and Argentina teams arrived in the arena in style at the third annual Gaucho International at London’s O2 Arena, in their very own Maserati sports cars

Third time lucky for Argentina The third Gaucho International Test Match ended with defeat for England but not before the gutsy home team put up a determined final fight in front of record crowds Polly Bryan at London’s O2 Arena

England Argentina

Photographs courtesy of Gaucho

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nail-biting final chukka ended slightly too soon for England at the Gaucho International in May, as they were beaten 11-10

by Argentina. A chance to equalise with one second left on the clock was lost when captain Jamie Morrison’s penalty went wide, and England were forced to relinquish the Gaucho title for the first time.

The England team of Jamie Morrison, Max Charlton and Maurice Ormerod, all of whom have played at the event before, looked good on paper. They looked the part on the arena too as they emerged from shiny Maseratis before kick-off. But, they were slow off the mark, trailing from the outset with Morrison missing a frustrating number of penalties.

The Argentine side of Oscar Mancini, Adolfo Casabal and Andrea Vianini – who filled in for

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an injured Nacho Figueras – combined well as a team, with the well-mounted Vianini proving to be an effective stand-in.

As the final chukka got underway, the visitors were 10-5 ahead, but England weren’t giving up. With Morrison’s penalty shots finally finding the target, and the whole team upping their game, England must be commended for clawing their way back into contention. With the scoreboard reading 11-10, England were awarded a defended penalty with just a second to go. Morrison stepped up to the task once more, as commentators Karl Ude Martinez and

The event attracted its largest audience to date – 7,018 Tarquin Southwell hushed an expectant crowd, but the seven-goaler sent it wide, leaving Argentina to lift the Churchill Cup. In the earlier Test Match, the Scotland team of Jamie Le Hardy, Howard Smith and Jamie Peel lost to Mexico – Carlos and Carlitos Gracida and Luis Escobar – 11-10.

Off the arena new elements such as the Maserati parade, Argentine wine-tasting in the

O2’s Sky Lounge and a performance by Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent and Flavia at the after-party, brought glamour and a fresh touch to the event. While many seats in the arena did remain empty, the event attracted its largest audience to date – 7,018 compared to 6,608 in 2012. To Morrison the event was a success, despite the Test Match defeat: “I felt the pressure, not of the match, but of the whole occasion,” he said. “But the event is still in its infancy and is doing well.”

England may have lost, but as far as highoctane sporting entertainment goes, the Gaucho International succeeded. And with players such as the Gracidas keen to return, the future of the event looks bright. F u G aucho International Test Match; Tuesday 21 May; The O2 Arena, London Result: Argentina beat England 11-10 Chukka scores: 2-1, 5-4, 9-5, 11-10 Teams England (20): Maurice Ormerod 6; Max Charlton 7; Jamie Morrison 7 Argentina (20): Oscar Mancini 6; Adolfo Casabal 7; Andrea Vianini 7 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Reports

Polo in the Park, Hurlingham Park, London

Team Sydney win Polo in the Park title

Jamie Morrison, Marcos Araya and Michael Bickford of Team Sydney enjoy their MINT Polo in the Park victory

Englishman Jamie Morrison, Argentine Marcos Araya and American Michael Bickford won the fifth Polo in the Park event in London’s Hurlingham Park playing as Team Sydney Polly Bryan at Hurlingham Park

Photographs by Captive Minds

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eam Sydney was this year’s MINT Polo in the Park winner, fending off strong competition from Abu Dhabi in the final. For the fifth year, Hurlingham Park played host to three days of Pimms and polo – in that order. Since its inception in 2009, MINT Polo in the Park has established itself as a firm fixture on the summer’s social calendar, shaking up the traditional form of the game in a way many doubted would succeed. But it is fair to say that it has beaten the critics and proved its value to the sport, making polo accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.

With an event record of more than 30,000 spectators across the three days and the sunkissed Ladies’ Day sold out weeks in advance,

the atmosphere was bustling and vivacious, albeit with some hefty queues for such essentials as food from the KERB street food market, Mahiki cocktails and the toilets.

And the crowds were certainly treated to some exciting and unpredictable polo. Sydney triumphed 7-5 over Abu Dhabi in the final game, despite being 5-3 down at half-time. It all came together in the second half for the

“It’s a brilliant event, and it’s a fantastic promotion tool for polo” – Nick Britten-Long team of Michael Bickford, Marcos Araya and Jamie Morrison who slotted some muchneeded goals away to secure victory.

“The final was hard-fought and full-on – but we got the goals at the right time,” Morrison told Polo Times. “Last year there were no

patrons, but considering this year there were, the standard was high. The final was one of the hardest games I’ve played at Polo in the Park.”

Having played at every Polo in the Park event to date, Morrison achieved his fourth win this year, with a third different side. Last summer he stood on the podium celebrating victory for London, whereas this year his allegiance was quite reversed, highlighting the somewhat strange nature of the team selections. In fact, no member of the winning Sydney team is actually from Australia.

The more patriotic spectators may have been disappointed not to see London reach the final this year. After a promising start to the tournament, beating Sydney 5-4 on City Friday with George Meyrick scoring the winner in the final ten seconds, the home team, which also featured Oli Hipwood and Nick Britten-Long, lost to Abu Dhabi on day two, scuppering their chances of defending the title.

But for Britten-Long, who made his Polo in the Park debut, this didn’t hinder his experience. “I really enjoyed it, even though it is the most bizarre thing – the crowds are right on top of you,” he said. “It’s a brilliant event, and for polo itself it is a fantastic promotion tool.” F Left: Spectators line the sidelines at Polo in the Park.

Below: Four young ladies enjoy a Mahiki cocktail

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Reports

Audi Polo Challenge, Chester Racecourse Polo Club

Wills wins at Chester Three goals by HRH The Duke of Cambridge helped secure victory for his Audi quattro team in front of a select crowd of VIPs at Chester Racecourse

Georgie May at Chester Racecourse

Audi quattro Audi ultra

7 6

Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

H

RH The Duke of Cambridge claimed his third consecutive Chester Audi Polo Challenge title at the end of May. Teaming up with Tabba Woodd, Malcolm Borwick and Nina Clarkin for Audi quattro, he defeated Audi ultra 7-6 in the four-chukka match at Chester Racecourse Polo Club.

With the rain holding out for the majority of the match, more than 300 VIP guests, which included television presenter Ben Fogle, impressionist Jon Culshaw, ballet dancer Darcey Bussell and actors Douglas Booth and Jeremy Irvine, were able to cheer on the teams from the sidelines. Played on the number one ground at Chester, which is situated in the middle of the racecourse with the city’s medieval walls providing the backdrop, guests were hosted in an elegant marquee with plenty of sofas on the outdoor decking to relax on.

Former England manager Andrew Hine and five-goaler George Meyrick led the Audi ultra team, joined by Guards-based patron Adriano Agosti and Chester Racecourse’s Richard Thomas. Although Hine and Meyrick were undoubtedly on form, it was the girls who really stole the show. From the first throwin Woodd made her mark on the game and helped Prince William claim his first goal of the match. Audi quattro held a narrow lead at half time but it wasn’t until the third chukka that the side really broke away. With another goal from Prince William and an impressive 48

Polo Times, July 2013

HRH The Duke of Cambridge in full flow during May’s Audi Polo Challenge at Chester Racecourse Polo Club

run down the field to goal by Clarkin, the team stormed ahead.

Two quick goals by Hine in the final chukka drew Audi ultra level. But, remaining cool under pressure, it was Clarkin that slotted the ball through the posts before the final whistle, securing victory for Audi quattro.

As the heavens opened and guests dived under the canopies of the marquee, the teams made their way to the podium to collect their prizes. The day supported three charities chosen by the prince – Fields in Trust, Mountain Rescue and the English School’s Swimming Association, with donations on behalf of Audi.

Michelin chef Michael Caines provided a

mouth-watering three-course dinner after the presentations followed by a live performance

by Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor and husband Richard Jones made sure the guests remained on the dance floor with their DJ set later on in the evening.

This May marked the third year that the Audi Polo Challenge has been held at Chester Racecourse, which is the oldest racecourse in the UK, recording their first race in 1539.

The Audi Polo Challenge was first introduced in 2003 at Coworth Park and between the two clubs the event has raised more than £1.5million for charities since it began. F w For social pictures, see page 70 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Reports

Home and abroad – Victor Ludorum round-up

18-goal – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup, Cowdray Park and Indian Empire Shield, Coworth Park

Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

Dell Park denied 18-goal double Nikolai Bahlsen MISSED out on an 18-goal double when his Dell Park team was defeated by La Indiana in the final chukka of the Duke of Sutherland’s Cup. Bahlsen teamed up with George Meyrick, Max Charlton and Malcolm Borwick to lift the impressive Indian Empire Shield at Coworth Park in May. They defeated Clinton McCarthy’s Emlor, winners of the 2012 18goal Victor Ludorum and featuring Manolo Fernandez Llorette, Santiago Gaztambide and Tom Morley, 10-8 in a very close match.

Emlor took the upper hand at the start of the second half, holding on to a narrow 7-6 lead, but two well-converted penalties by Borwick and two more field goals by Dell Park gave Bahlsen a 10-8 win in the first Victor Ludorum tournament of the season.

But victory was not to be his in the Duke of Sutherland’s Cup, which concluded at Cowdray Park in early June. Despite Dell Park leading for much of the match, it was the La Indiana team of Michael Bickford, Fabio Lavinia, Marcos Araya and Juan Zavaleta who went home with the spoils, ironically defeating Dell Park 10-8 – the same

Malcolm Borwick, Max Charlton, Bettina Bahlsen, Nikolai Bahlsen and George Meyrick lift the Indian Empire Shield

score by which the latter had won the Indian Empire Shield.

Dell Park had established a 8-6 lead in the final chukka, and looked as though they could have their second win in the bag. But La Indiana stormed back, Araya putting three on the board in quick succession and Zavaleta

8-goal – Gerald Balding Cup, Cirencester Park

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Chester retain famous cup Chester Polo lifted the 8-goal Gerald Balding Cup for the second year running at Cirencester Park Polo Club. Fresh from their victory the day before in the Coutts International at Chester Racecourse, the team of Charlie Walton, Kelvin Johnson, Christian Chaves and Richard Thomas defeated Apache 7-4 in the first 8-goal Victor Ludorum tournament of the season.

The Apache team of Max and Janie Dear, Richard Le Poer and Martin Jauregui started strongly, with Le Poer and Jauregui dominating possession early on. But Chester were unfazed, drawing level in the second chukka and following some fast, open play from both teams, Walton put 50

Polo Times, July 2013

away three goals in the final chukka to win the Gerald Balding Cup, which is named after England’s most recent ten-goaler.

Charlie Walton of Chester Polo sprints away from Apache’s Max Dear

whipping the ball out of the throw-in, down the field and into the goal with less than a minute to go, to secure patron Bickford his first 18-goal victory at Cowdray Park. w See more from the 18-goal Victor Ludorum in the August issue of Polo Times

6-goal – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup, Beaufort

Four Quarters Blue triumph at Beaufort Emil Arber’s Four Quarters Blue team won the first 2-6-goal Victor Ludorum tournament of the season, the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup. The team, which also featured Freddie Horne, Matias Ballesteros and Nicolas San Roman, defeated the Apache team of Max, Janie and Freddie Dear and Richard Le Poer 7-4 in the final at the Beaufort Polo Club.

Eight teams took part in the tournament, with James Fewster’s Snakebite beating Tim Dobson’s Switch2Renewable team 5-2 in the subsidiary final. The next 2-6-goal Victor Ludorum tournament will be the Junior County Cup at Cheshire Polo Club, which will run from 2-7 July. www.polotimes.co.uk

Home and abroad – Victor Ludorum round-up

15-goal – Arthur Lucas Cup, Beaufort

Arber’s side wins Arthur Lucas

Photograph by Gordon Lyndsay

The 12-15-goal Arthur Lucas Cup was contested by four teams, with victory going to Simon Arber’s Four Quarters. Also featuring Tom Morley, Rob Archibald and Matt Lodder, Arber’s side defeated Nikolai Bahlsen’s Dell Park 7-6.

Having been cancelled last year due to bad weather, this year’s final was blessed with sunshine. The teams had faced each other earlier in the tournament, with Four Quarters clinching victory in the last 30 seconds, and the final saw Arber’s side repeat the

success. Four Quarters took an early 3-0 lead, although Dell Park piled the pressure on in the second chukka with some great team play from George Meyrick and Nicolas Roberts and two goals from Max Charlton.

But Four Quarters regained the upper hand, bringing the score up to 6-3 in their favour. Dell Park pushed hard in the final chukka with some good field play from Bahlsen and three more goals, but it was too late to recover from their rival’s earlier dominance, and Four Quarters ran out the winners.

A family orientated Los Locos team, led by Claire Tomlinson, took on Rory Sweet’s Vampire Bats for the Metropolitan Trophy in the subsidiary final, with Vampire Bats claiming a convincing 8-3 victory.

Four Quarters’s back Tom Morley gallops away from Dell Park’s George Meyrick during the Arthur Lucas final

12-goal – John Prestwich Trophy, RCBPC and Dollar Cup, Cowdray Park

Photograph by Clive Bennett

Dollar delight for Cadenza Poulton and Cadenza Juniors each secured a victory in the first two 8-12-goal Victor Ludorum tournaments of the year.

The two teams came up against each other in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Dollar Cup at Cowdray Park, where Charlie Pidgley’s Cadenza Juniors lifted the trophy. Pidgley teamed up with Mathias Carrique, Will Emerson and Pete Webb and although the team took the lead in the first half, the strong combination of Poulton’s George Meyrick and Jean du Plessis put their side into the lead in the final chukka. But the experience of Emerson and Webb paid off, bringing the score level once again, before Emerson sent the ball through the posts to give Cadenza

Juniors, pictured below, a 8-7 win.

Having lost out in the Dollar Cup final, Poulton went one better to win the John Prestwich Trophy at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. The team faced Richard Davis’s Clashleigh in the final, who at first looked to be the stronger side. However Meyrick and Du Plessis once again came alight in the final two chukkas, dominating the game and securing an 8-4 victory.

Poulton now top the 8-12-goal Victor Ludorum league table, with Cadenza Juniors close on their heels.

Both teams are currently contesting the 8-12-goal Queen Mother Trophy at Cirencester Park.

Reports

News in brief w G reat Trippetts – Sumaya won the Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge in May. The team of Ahmad Aboughazale, Facundo Sola, Hilario Ulloa and Tomas Garbarini Islas convincingly defeated Talandracas 11-6. Salkeld, Cortium Jaeger-LeCoultre and Enigma also took part in the tournament, which preceded the Queen’s Cup. uards – Clinton McCarthy lifted the w G 15-goal La Martina Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy in May. He was joined on his Emlor C team by Marcos Araya, Manuel Fernandez Llorente and Ed Morris-Lowe and it was a golden goal in overtime by Llorente that ensured victory over Mark Wadhwa’s Black Cats. w I biza – The first Ibiza Charity Polo Cup attracted more than 500 spectators, who helped raise more than £6,000 for local cancer association AECC Ibiza Formentera. In the 15-goal match, Roman Fortunato, Adriano Agosti, Nic Roldan and Gaston Laulhe achieved a 4-3 win over Ibiza Delivers – Anuschka Bahlsen, Jaime Espinosa, Alejandro Novillo-Astrada, who was named most valuable player, and Juan Ambroggio. w A scot Park – Four teams were in action at Ascot Park Polo Club for the first tournament of the summer, the two-goal Waterloo Cup. The Tashan Power team of Mandie and Nick Beitner, Vivek Rawal and Roddy Matthews triumphed 6-3.5 in the final over Les Sangliers. In the subsidiary final, Desperate Dans beat Yum Yum Polo Team 7-5. w S uffolk – The annual Town versus Gown match was played in May between Suffolk Polo Club (Town) and the Cambridge University team (Gown).

Suffolk defeated Cambridge 5-4 to win the Arthur Lucas Trophy, donated by the late Ethel Lucas in memory of her husband Arthur Lucas. infield Heath – Four visiting teams w B took on the home sides in the 2-goal Committee Cup, held at Binfield Heath Polo Club in June, with the Bluey’s Farm team finally taking home the trophy.

Polo Times, July 2013

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Reports

Home and abroad

RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy

News in brief

Emlor wins Prince of Wales

w G ermany – The sixth Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup in Sylt concluded with a tense final between the König Pilsener and Lanson teams. Four two-man teams contested the tournament and it was Brits Tim Ward and Christian Grimme who snatched victory for König Pilsener with a golden goal in extra time, leaving Lanson’s Thomas Winter and Matthias Sdrenka having to settle for defeat.

SPENCER MCCARTHY’S EMLOR won the hotly-contested Prince of Wales Trophy at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. With eight teams keen for a second bite at highgoal victory after being knocked out of the Queen’s Cup, it was Emlor and La Bamba de Areco who reached the final and battled it out for the title in a thunderous downpour.

McCarthy was joined by Joaquin Pittaluga, Nacho Gonzalez and Diego Cavanagh, who stood in for an injured Luke Tomlinson.

Having been coaxed out of their tents and into the hail by umpires Tim Bown and Peter Wright, the teams took to the field and it was the La Bamba team of Jean Francois

w G uards – The Jack Wills Varsity Trophy returned to Oxford this year after the dark blues defeated Cambridge in the annual varsity match at Guards. Both universities were level with 54 wins apiece since the Cup was first played for, until Lanto Sheridan, James Lindsay, George Allen and Elli Giljie teamed up for Oxford and defeated Cambridge 11-3.

w W icklow – Horseware won the Monkey on Horseback Trophy when they beat Wicklow in the final of the 0-goal Friends and Family tournament. Four teams contested the tournament, in which the weakest player on each team scored two points for a goal and the strongest player lost a point for each goal. With the emphasis firmly on beginners, it was Tom McGuinness who scored twice to win the match 4-1 for Horseware.

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Polo Times, July 2013

w See page 30-35 for our high-goal ponies feature

Watergate Bay, Cornwall – Polo on the Beach

Longer format is a success

Photograph by Kristin Prisk

w F rance – The Saint Mesme team won this year’s Coupe PGH at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. Despite their opposition – Blackstorm-Why Not – defeating them in the final league game and featuring the highest handicapped player in the tournament in the shape of seven-goaler Tito Ruiz Guinazu, the Saint Mesme team of Clemente Zavaleta, Robert Strom, Corentin Le Pape and Armand Lapotre got their revenge, winning 7-5½ in the final. w T he Netherlands – The Veuve Clicquot Dutch Open took place at Vreeland Polo Club, in the Dutch province of Utrecht. Victory went to the Youston team of Ines van der Putte, Manu Maes, Gonchi Bernal and Bernardo Barreta, who defeated the hosts in the final. A total of four 4-6goal teams contested the tournament.

Decaux, Polito and Gonzalito Pieres and Ollie Cudmore who excelled in the first two chukkas, establishing a commanding 7-1 lead.

But Emlor came alive in the third, closing down the La Bamba attack and putting themselves back in the game. By the final chukka the scores were level and the excitement had mounted in the large crowd.

With eight seconds to go, Pittaluga coolly converted a penalty to seal victory for Emlor and earn himself both the most valuable player award and the best playing pony title for his nine-year-old mare Caterra.

Tim Vaux, Andrew Blake Thomas and Chris Hyde in action during the 16-goal match at Watergate Bay in Cornwall

Polo on the Beach at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, was held over a full weekend for the first time, with around 8,000 people soaking up the sunshine and the chilled-out atmosphere over the two days.

Tim Vaux led his Joules team to victory over First Great Western for the second year running, in the main 16-goal match. Vaux was joined by Jamie Le Hardy and Andrew Blake Thomas and the team combined well to defeat First Great Western, featuring Andy Burgess, Richard Blake Thomas and arena nine-goaler Chris Hyde, 13-12, having led for most of the match. Commentator Ben Marshall used birthday months to divide the spectators, many of whom had not

experienced polo before, to help them decide on a team to cheer for. There was less need for this technique in Saturday’s 9-goal match, in which Cornwall defeated The Rest of the World 13-6 to the delight of the local crowd.

The weekend also featured some exhilarating displays by the Devil’s Horsemen stunt team, polo demonstrations, live music on the Veuve Clicquot deck and a 200m race along the beach between Andy Burgess on his pony Shrivar and world record-breaking kitesurfer Dreya Bennett. With the wind in Shrivar’s favour, horsepower prevailed. w For stunning social pictures from Watergate Bay, see page 73 www.polotimes.co.uk

Home and abroad

Reports

USA – Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, New York

Nacho’s son, Hilario, shines in New York City More than 7,000 people headed to Liberty State Park to enjoy polo against the backdrop of the ever-impressive New York skyline, at the sixth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in June.

Six-goaler Nacho Figueras hosted the event alongside his wife Delfina Blaquier and actor Matthew McConaughey, but had to contend with watching the match from the sidelines, having fractured his pelvis while playing in the Cowdray Test Match in May. Instead, another Figueras, Nacho’s 13-yearold son Hilario, took to the field, scoring three goals for Black Watch in their 8-6 victory over Nespresso.

The event was held in support of the Liberty State Park, which sustained considerable damage from Hurricane Sandy in October last year. Money raised on the day will aid the park’s reconstruction.

The iconic New York City skyline made for a perfect backdrop during the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in June

Australia – Cable Beach Polo Cup, Broome

Photograph by Yane Sotiroski

Hosts Australia beat India

Action from the game between Australia and India on the beautiful Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia

The iconic Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia, hosted the Pinctada Cable Beach Polo Cup in May. The event, which is Australia’s only beach polo competition, featured four matches, including the Paspaley International Beach Polo Cup between Australia and India. The Australia team of Matt Welsh, Luke Reid and Warwick Prendiville triumphed 4-3, over the India side of Angad Singh, Gaurav Sahgal and Major Vishal Chauhan, in front of crowds of bikini-clad spectators.

The weekend also featured the www.polotimes.co.uk

Commonwealth Bank Kimberley Challenge, for which four Indigenous stockmen, all aged 19 and below, played a match for the first time. Welsh teamed up with Harley Howard and Jimmy Long for the Saltbush Musterers and Major Vishal Chauhan played alongside Ian Long and Marcus Laurie for the Roebuck Bay Ringers, who eventually won 3-1.

The event will return to the pearling town of Broome in 2014. w For social pictures from Cable Beach see page 73. The tournament also features on page 18

China – Maserati Metropolitan Polo Classic, Tianjin

Maserati win 24-goal title in Tianjin Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club hosted the 24-goal Maserati Metropolitan Polo Classic in June, with the title sponsor’s team triumphing in the final.

The invitational tournament featured four teams, with Fortune Heights taking on Maserati in the final after three days of play. Despite a strong start for Fortune Heights, who scored two goals within the first minute of the game, it was the Maserati side of Bautista Sorzana, Matias Zavaleta, Gonzalo Bourdieu and Gonzalo Azymendi who emerged the winners, defeating their rivals 8-6.

The Metropolitan Polo Classic was the second 24-goal tournament to be held at the club, following the inaugural Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup last October. w See next month’s issue for more from China Polo Times, July 2013

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Youth polo

Cheltenham College Invitational Day, Cirencester Park Polo Club

Marlborough march to victory on Cheltenham’s big day More than 1,000 people turned out to witness Marlborough College deny Cheltenham College the title in the headline match on Cheltenham College Invitational Day, while Beaudesert Park and the Old Cheltonians were the winners of the day’s other matches

By Sarah

T

Styler

he 12th annual Cheltenham College Invitational Day was held in glorious sunshine on Saturday 1 June at Cirencester Park Polo Club. The flagship event of Cheltenham College’s polo

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Polo Times, July 2013

calendar, which was sponsored by Savills, attracted more than 1,000 spectators.

Three matches were played on the day: two chukkas between Cheltenham College Junior School (CCJS) and Beaudesert Park, an HPA league game between defending champions Cheltenham College and Marlborough College, followed by a game between the Old Cheltonians and Hackett British Army team.

As guests arrived, gazebos were put up and many enjoyed picnics on the sidelines. Various

trade stands whetted the appetite of those looking for a shopping fix before action on the Ivy Lodge ground commenced.

The juniors kicked off the entertainment with an exciting display of polo. An eclectic mix of fluffies and polo ponies were expertly managed by umpire Dan Banks. The more experienced Beaudesert Park team came out on top with a 3-1 victory. RJ Polo provided the prizes, with each player receiving a personalised polo stick in their school’s

www.polotimes.co.uk

Youth polo Photographs by Andy Banks

Education from every angle Our education expert Adam Caller gives advice each month on dealing with the quandaries facing young players looking to balance their polo and their studies.

Are some children too young for non-traditional schooling?

A Cheltenham College player sprints down field during the main match on Invitational Day at Cirencester Park

colours. The trophy for most valuable player went to Beaudesert’s Wila Gravel, with the Polo Times best playing pony rug presented to CCJS’s Zac Beim and the awesome Jerry.

Marlborough College and Cheltenham College followed in a repeat of last year’s game with the hosting side beginning with a half goal advantage. This match would determine which school went through to the semi-final of the HPA league. The first chukka was dominated by Cheltenham College, but in the second and third, Marlborough College fought back and with great determination went into the final chukka ahead. Cheltenham College found form again midway through the fourth, but it was not enough to stop Marlborough College scooping the honours and winning 6-4½. Two outstanding goals from Marlborough’s Harry Davies were the highlight of the afternoon.

The Polo Times best playing pony rug was

Left: spectators packed the sidelines at Cirencester Park Right: Zac Beim and Polo Times best playing pony Jerry

www.polotimes.co.uk

awarded to Mabelle, owned by Marlborough’s Max Dear, with his teammate Harry Parker winning the most valuable player prize.

An amazing day of polo concluded with the Old Cheltonians facing the Hackett British Army Team. The match was closely contested with fast and skilful play. Up until the last chukka the game was all to play for. A huge cheer from the home crowd went up as the Old Cheltonians scored to secure a 3½-2 victory. Old Cheltonians’s Tom Beim received the Polo Times best playing pony rug for his pony Zed, with his teammate Thady Duff taking the honours as most valuable player.

Many thanks to Thady who generously shared his prize by spraying those in close proximity with the champagne! F w For more information about polo at Cheltenham College, see page 48 of the June issue of Polo Times

The youngest student I have ever been asked to find a full time private tutor was two. I am regularly asked for tutors for children of three and four. Obviously these kinds of roles are not the kind that fit the image of a child at a desk with his or her tutor, but tend to be where a family is transitioning between nanny and tutor and sees the tutoring role as one of guiding parents or other carers in an educationally constructive and purposeful way, creating opportunities for the cognitive leaps that are known to accelerate learning. By six a child is more than capable or working intensively with a private tutor and with competitive entry to the top London prep schools it’s easy to see why parents choose this path.

In my experience, as long as suitable social opportunities exist outside of the formal educational process, there is no such thing as being too young for homeschooling. All schooling starts at home. In some ways the idea that a random group of children, coincident geographically and by age, should be schooled in groups in a location other than their home, is what’s odd. Odder still that group approach – one size fits many – is considered traditional while education at home is now deemed by many to be peculiar. That’s not to say that I think home school is for everyone. In just the same way as I encourage parents and students to question their school decisions, I advise equally critical investigation of the alternatives. From a purely academic standpoint, private tutors offer an unparalleled educational experience. But that’s not the sole function of a school, and it could be that these other qualities are more valuable to you. w Adam Caller has been the Senior Partner of Tutors International for 12 years. Tutors International is a specialist private tutoring and educational consultancy headquartered in Oxford Polo Times, July 2013

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Youth polo

Polo at Marriners, Marriners Farm, Hampshire

Hattingley Valley Wines are the toast of Marriners Thousands of polo fans flocked to Hampshire to watch the “Best of British” in action at the third annual Polo at Marriners event at Amelia Lady Northbrook’s farm

Photographs courtesy of Crewe-Read Photography

T

he long-awaited summer arrived in spectacular fashion for the third Polo at Marriners “Best of British” event in Hampshire on the last Sunday in May. In addition to the first-class polo on Amelia Lady Northbrook’s private polo ground at Marriners Farm, the day featured a drinks reception, a parade of hounds from the Hampshire Hunt, a rally of gleaming pre1940s vintage Rolls Royces, an avenue of trade stands and a delicious hog roast, making Marriners the place to be for more than 2,500 people.

The polo began with the Best of British Under 25s match, in which teams put together

by Alan Kent, Theresa Hodges, Jilly Emerson

and Jeremy Barber showcased some of the hottest young polo talent in the country.

Billy Jackson-Stops, Nick Pepper, Richard Le Poer and Eden Ormerod teamed up for Hattingley Valley Wines, and walked away with the title after defeating Savills – Harold

Marriners proved to be the place to be for more than 2,500 people Hodges, John Kent, Max Charlton and Lanto Sheridan – 7-5. Hodges and Kent dominated the first chukka, cementing an early lead for Savills with two excellent goals. But it

didn’t take long for Hattingley Valley to put themselves back in the game, with local player Pepper delighting the crowd with a long run downfield to slot the ball between the posts and make it 2-1. With Ormerod equalising for Hattingley Valley in the second chukka, the match could have gone either way. Brilliant teamwork from Le Poer and Jackson-Stops, who later picked up the best playing pony and most valuable player awards respectively, resulted in two further goals for Hattingley Valley.

But Savills didn’t take long to bring Umpire Peter Wright throws the ball in during the keenly contested match between Hattingley Valley Wines and Savills

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Polo at Marriners, Marriners Farm, Hampshire

Youth polo

The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column Longdole Bank Holiday Tournament Thank you to Longdole Polo Club and to Cisy Chamberlain and her team for a super day and to all the teams who entered. The weather was kind – but windy on the top ground – and the standard of play improved during the day in all sections. It was a very happy day and good to get some match practice in before the summer.

The Savills team – Harold Hodges, Lanto Sheridan, John Kent and Max Charlton – and the Hattingley Valley Wines team – Billy Jackson-Stops, Richard Le Poer, Nick Pepper and Eden Ormerod – at Marriners Farm

Pony Welfare Some ponies are looking very poor after such a hard winter. If you are worried about your pony's condition, please ask your vet or your branch instructor for advice; as members of The Pony Club you have access to a wealth of knowledge. In particular, know when you last wormed them, that their vaccinations are up to date and that their teeth have been done in the last year.

Passports & Handbooks Please remember that it is a legal requirement to have your ponies’ passports in your lorry for all journeys. Ponies without a valid vaccination certificate may not play polo. Please keep your own, completed Training Handbook in your lorry at all times so it is available for inspection.

Charlie Scott of the Dundas Arms team and his pony receive some attention from the young ladies in the crowd

the scoreboard level once again, and with commentator Simon Ledger instilling a sense of drama and excitement in the spectators with his inimitable style, the atmosphere was electric as the final chukka got underway. It was Pepper who put Hattingley Valley back in front, with another goal on the end of a stunning long run, and victory was sealed when Jackson-Stops thundered the ball past Kent and Charlton and into the goal.

In an equally thrilling second match, the Best of British Under 21s, the Bourne Valley Inn team of John Sleeman, Will Brasher, Freddie Dear and Max Hutchinson triumphed 3-2 over the Dundas Arms. The match got off to a slow start, with no goals in the first chukka, but Will Berner soon scored twice to put the Dundas Arms ahead 2-0. Bourne Valley www.polotimes.co.uk

came alive in the third chukka and Hutchinson scored two goals in quick succession to draw his side level. With both teams going hell for leather in the final chukka, it was Hutchinson who once again found the goalposts earning himself the most valuable player award and his team the Cirrus Trophy.

As well as exhibiting the cream of young British players, Polo at Marriners raised funds for Action on Addiction, a charity that works across the addiction field in research, prevention and treatment. And with another successful year now under its belt, the event looks set to become a firm annual fixture on the summer polo calendar. F w For social pictures from Polo at Marriners, see page 72

Best of UK U25s All thanks also to Amelia Northbrook and David Cowley for organising a great showcase for junior polo with two such great matches for U25 and U21 at Bramdean (see left). High quality matches such as these, conducted with great sportsmanship, are the embodiment and culmination of four-man polo which The Pony Club and Junior HPA organise each year for 6-21 year olds.

High-goal Do try to go and watch some high-goal polo this season by way of inspiration and education. In particular, coming up is the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park and the historic Westchester Cup match – England vs USA – on Sunday 28 July at Guards.

Polo Times, July 2013

57

Youth polo

SUPA Junior Schools National Championships, Longdole

A SUPA day at Longdole Twelve teams took part in the outdoor SUPA Junior Schools Tournament at Longdole in May, where Cothill, Beaudesert and Cheltenham College Junior School came out on top

By Sarah

Styler

Photograph by James Wildman

O

n Sunday 19 May, Longdole Polo Club hosted the 2013 SUPA Junior Schools National Championships. The tournament was generously sponsored by SATS and 12 teams gathered in the sunshine to play. Participating schools included Summer Fields, Papplewick, Beaudesert, Cheltenham College Junior School (CCJS), Cothill, Aldro and Tudor Hall.

The tournament kicked off with a Division Two match between CCJS and Beaudesert.

Benedict Schallamach rejoined the CCJS team having recovered from an injury and the team kept Beaudesert to a 0-0 draw. At one point CCJS’s Arthur Townend lost his pony when it decided to head for home. Umpire Lavinia Black galloped off to the rescue and returned the pony to an unfortunate, but smiling Arthur to continue the chukka.

Following this, the combined team of Sofia Cupper, Monty McGregor and two Tudor Hall girls, Lorna Fleming and Alia Dar, then took on the young Summer Fields team. Although the team had never played together, they gelled immediately and won the chukka. Division Two was eventually decided on goal difference. Although Beaudesert and CCJS both had two wins and one draw it was Beaudesert who came out on top.

The four teams in Division One were very closely matched and gave a great display of prep school polo. Each chukka was fiercely contested with a couple of dramatic tumbles thrown in. When Cothill's Dominic Lodge was forced to leave the field after one of these incidents, an appeal for a stand-in brought several offers. Luckily Beaudesert's Charlie Turk was already mounted so jumped in to help out. Dominic was fine after his fall and was able to cheer on his team as they retained the Division One trophy.

The Novice Division was a complicated 58

Polo Times, July 2013

Action from the Division One match between Summer Fields and Papplewick at Longdole Polo Club

affair with two polo pony teams and two fluffy teams. The girls of CCJS kicked off with a 2-0 win and repeated this in the next two chukkas to win the section.

The games involving fluffies were again very entertaining and it was the first tournament on a full sized ground for some players.

Aldro, who made another epic journey from Godalming in Surrey to Longdole, proved to be the best of the fluffies teams, finishing second in the Novice section, with Cothill and Summer Fields tying for third place.

Papplewick’s Max Michael was named the tournament’s most promising player. The best playing pony award was an extremely difficult decision and was awarded to two players: Beaudesert’s Tom Jodrell and Cothill’s Kit Pitman.

Prizes for sportsmanship were awarded to Beaudesert’s Charlie Turk and Papplewick’s Guy Young for offering to help out when Cothill were a player down.

For the first time, a special trophy was awarded to the youngest player in Division One, donated by Polo Times. The winner was

11-year-old Christian Oberschneider from Summer Fields. F w S ee next month’s Polo Times for the SUPA National Universities Championships u S UPA Junior Schools National Championships, 19 May 2013; Longdole Polo Club Result: Division One 1. Cothill 2. Beaudesert Rats 3. Summer Fields 4. Papplewick Division Two 1. Beaudesert Warriors 2. CCJS 3. Tudor Hall/ Cothill 4. Summer Fields Novice 1. CCJS 2. Aldro School 3. Summer Fields and Cothill www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, July 2013

59

Knowledge

Know your game

Three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner Jamie Peel discusses the latest news and developments that are affecting players

Photograph courtesy of James Mullan

A handicap hullabaloo Unfortunately for polo, the handicap issue has raised its ugly head again. This time it is in America where the USPA’s decision to raise Lyndon Lea from one to two-goals has cost them a team in both the 20-goal and the 26-goal tournaments for next season.

This is a great loss to the USPA as the rivalry between Lyndon’s team Zacara and Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente was really starting to gain momentum.

Getting players’ handicaps right seems to be one of polo’s biggest problems. In PoloLine’s interview with Lyndon he states that four of the 13 committee members abstained from voting as they had not seen him play. How can this be possible?

You win the most important tournament of the season and the committee is not even present to watch! I find this unbelievable but this is perhaps the reality of what is happening behind the scenes.

It is interesting that in the US the first handicap committee meeting is open for everyone to be present at. I think this is a really good idea; it makes the committee’s view transparent and helps eliminate confusion. The question has to be asked why there is the need for secrecy and for the handicap changes to take place behind closed doors. Lyndon has questioned the integrity of the USPA’s handicap committee and has stated the need for checks and balances, I think rightly so.

Why should playing members not be able to be present at the final concluding meeting of the committee?

Argentina experienced similar controversy when they released the handicap changes at the end of their season. After Ellerstina defeated La Dolfina in the final of the Argentine Open, David “Pelon” Sterling of La Dolfina was surprisingly lowered from 10 to nine-goals. The majority of people felt that the decision to lower Pelon was unfair and unnecessary. Yes, the team lost the final but overall they were the stand out side of the season, with Pelon comfortably playing to his handicap. What was the committee hoping to achieve by this? And why did they feel the need to make such a change?

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Polo Times, July 2013

Jack Richardson’s handicap stayed at four-goals last season, giving him a better chance to get a high-goal team

Last season in England, it was understood that the decision to keep Jack Richardson on four-goals was purely to enable him to play in the high-goal and that he would need to play off five-goals in the medium and low-goal if not chosen for a high-goal team.

It was a brave move by the committee, but one that has paid off as Jack is now playing for UAE in the high-goal. If members had been present at that meeting we would all have understood the committee’s intentions.

Why is there a need for handicap changes to take place behind closed doors?

All handicap committees need to act consistently in their decisions to raise and lower the handicaps of playing members.

This is clearly not happening, and unfortunately some players are losing out.

I have already mentioned Lyndon’s situation in America, but here in England we have also experienced similar problems. In 2011 Juan Jauretche started the season with a three-goal handicap and after reaching the final of the Queen’s Cup he was

raised to four-goals. Despite failing to reach the quarter finals of the Gold Cup he was raised once again to five-goals. Last season Alec White started the season as a two-goal player, he won the Queen’s Cup and lost in the semi final of the Gold Cup and was raised to three-goals. The outcome of these two examples was that Juan Jauretche found himself sitting on the sidelines for a year as he could not get a job worldwide and Alec White kept his job with Dubai for this season.

Do the individual handicap committees understand the impact that their decisions have on individual players or do they just act without consideration. The question that I would like to ask is: When and why does the committee decide to take into consideration the different opportunities that a player may have? And, what qualities must a player demonstrate to gain recognition within the committee?

It will be interesting to see what the committee decides to do this season with other players who might be in a similar situation to Jack Richardson. The support that they have shown to Jack should be applauded and hopefully others will be able to benefit in a similar way. F www.polotimes.co.uk

Know your game

Knowledge

International Polo Academy – improving your technique

How do you break down the skills in other sports to help players improve?

We use the phase analysis model, which simply means breaking down the action into definable elements. Across all sports players may not understand the elements that make up a particular action. So, coaches need to be able to break the whole thing down into something understandable for the player.

This is the concept of simplifying the skill.

Therefore, in the case of polo, if you want to improve forehand technique, then look at the elements required. For example, core stability, backswing, follow through, hand position etc. It may seem obvious but helps to break things down.

Do you focus on one thing at a time or many things?

You can definitely overload a student with too much information. Instead of saying ‘All

Comparing your technique with experts using video analysis is a great way to improve in any sport, whether it is cycling or polo

Photograph courtesy of IPA

This month we talk to Andrew Bradshaw of Sports Coach UK to find out why breaking down your technique helps you to improve

of that’s wrong’, which is too complex, try to keep things simple. Start with looking at one thing at a time. The skill is knowing which bit needs to be looked at.

What about an ideal technique? Should you compare yourself to top players?

It has been asked many times whether there is a “perfect technique.” It depends.

There are very few sports where you have a perfect model. For example, in cycling there may be the perfect position to minimise wind resistance. You could look at Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy and say he is the model people should follow.

In polo you will find players have a similar technique that achieves different outcomes and in some cases players might do it differently to others, but they can still deliver

the same outcome. The best thing to do it to pick the best players and look at the similarities in their techniques. w If you would like to have each element of your technique broken down and analysed for your coach to comment on: email dartfish@ipapolo.com

International Polo Academy (IPA) works with clubs, teams and players around the world to help improve the level of service, performance and enjoyment of the sport. IPA provides an exclusive column for Polo Times every month discussing fitness, nutrition, psychology and technique

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig – the lateral move Each month, renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game A lateral move produces sideways movement while maintaining forward momentum and direction of travel.

Typically most lateral moves are taken for granted, and go unnoticed in a game. However, you should know when they are being used and how to use them most effectively.

Any time you adjust your horse to move a little left or right to position for a better hit, that typically is a lateral move. Any time you are following a play and perceive the www.polotimes.co.uk

ball will be going from the middle of the field to the side, and adjust your horse accordingly, more often than not, that will be a lateral move.

When riding your horse into a ride off you should have lateral movement working for you so that your horse has sideways momentum into the opposing horse. This ensures that you have a better chance of controlling the ride off.

To produce a lateral move of your horse do the following: 1. Turn and hold your horse’s nose ever so slightly away from the direction of the lateral move, while at the same time, holding your horse compressed and

collected throughout the movement.

2. Squeeze, tap or kick with your outside lower leg 12 to 15 inches behind the girth, to cause your horse to move sideways and away from that leg.

3. Lean your upper body ever so slightly away from the lateral move, instead of toward it.

Diligently practise those mechanics outside the game until you and your horses better understand how to use them most effectively in the game. w Rege Ludwig is a world renowned polo coach and author of “Polo in the 21st Century”

Polo Times, July 2013

61

Knowledge

Know your horse

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

Solving splint issues There is often confusion amongst polo players about the term “splint” and “splint bone”. Splint bones are thin tapering bones that lie on either side of a horse’s cannon bone below a horse’s knee (forelimb) or hock (hind limb) and support the cannon bone – hence the term. Splints on the other hand are bony swellings that occur usually on splint bones, or occasionally the cannon bones themselves.

Splint formation involves the development of callus (new bone). There are two types of splints that can occur. Young horses are more prone to getting inflammation of the ligamentous tissue that connects the splint bone to the cannon bone, particularly on the inside of the forelimbs close to the knee. The inflammation can be painful, causing lameness and often results in localised mineralisation of An old splint bone fracture that has not healed well

An X-ray image of a fractured splint bone

A partially fractured splint throwing up new callus

Characteristic white spots mark an old freeze-fired splint

chips to complicated fractures that can involve the top of the splint bone where it articulates with the knee or hock. Sometimes the thin bottom end of the splint bone can be snapped off. Different types of splint bone fractures have to be dealt with differently – some necessitate long term rest, others may need surgery to remove fragments or very occasionally to be

screwed together. If the skin has been broken there is also a risk of infection getting into the bone.

Quite often the neighbouring suspensory ligament can be affected – either it is also damaged by the impact that affected the splint bone or the resultant splint that forms starts to rub on the suspensory ligament. Depending on

X-rays provided by Mark Emerson

The key to managing any splint bone injury is anti-inflammatory treatment the area, which leaves a permanent bony lump.

Polo ponies more commonly suffer from traumatic splints, which may be caused by blows from polo sticks and balls, as well as from kicks from other horses. At best there is localised inflammation and haemorrhaging under the periosteum (the membrane that lines the outer surface of bones). This can be quite painful as anyone who has been kicked in the shins will testify. Providing no damage to the main structure of the bone has been done, aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment will help to reduce the swelling and may prevent it from mineralising and forming a permanent bony lump. Movement may aggravate the condition and prevent the splint from settling, which will result in continued inflammation and pain.

Complications arise if the actual splint bone is fractured and it is often advisable to get a newly-discovered splint X-rayed by your vet, particularly if it is large or painful. Multiple types of splint bone fractures can occur, from small 62

Polo Times, July 2013

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Know your horse

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Case study: Get your pony in tip top condition Rise & Shine, an Australian thoroughbred, was 12-years-old when the featured photographs were taken. She was originally played by Geebung in Australia and then came to England to be played by Oli Hipwood. The five-goaler played her for six years in the low, medium and high-goal.

She was on the same feed from the time when she came into work after the winter to when she was turned out after the season in September.

She was fed conditioning cubes, which were increased from two scoops (round bowl Stubbs scoop) per day to three heaped scoops per day, and two mugs of stud balancer – split over three feeds once polo began. The only supplementation she received was two mugs of Baileys Outshine (a high oil supplement) per day, Digest Plus (a prebiotic) and electrolytes when playing.

She had access to haylage all day and all night (ad lib) throughout the season.

Rise & Shine won best playing pony in a medium-goal tournament at Guards in 2010 and finished the season in September in tip top condition.

Top photo: Rise & Shine in April 2010, just after she came into work Bottom photo: Rise & Shine in September 2010, looking in top condition

w Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 the nature of the splint, it is often necessary to have the suspensory ligament scanned by your vet as well as having the splint bone X-rayed.

Damage to the suspensory ligament may necessitate longer term rest or require more specific treatment even if the splint bone itself is not significantly damaged.

As already mentioned, the key to managing any splint bone injury is aggressive antiinflammatory treatment in the first instance.

An ice pack should be applied as soon as possible and can be re-applied several times a day, but never for longer than 20 minutes at www.polotimes.co.uk

a time. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as bute and short-term corticosteroid injections may be used, as well as the application of powerful topical anti-inflammatories such as DMSO. Between treatments a support bandage should be applied. If the splint remains painful and the horse is lame it is advisable to keep it on strict box rest and have it X-rayed by your vet.

Longer term treatments for splints that remain painful even after a substantial period of rest include, regional infiltration with corticosteroids, cryotherapy and

thermocautery – the latter two are without controversy but there is a growing body of evidence to support their efficacy. Cryotherapy (freeze-firing) using liquid nitrogen is less controversial and is some cases enables polo ponies to play again within a much shorter period of time. F w Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800383 or email mark@ emersonequine.com Polo Times, July 2013

63

Knowledge

Property – Hoyle Farm, West Sussex

Hoyle Farm, West Sussex Once in a lifetime a unique property comes onto the market. Hoyle Farm, deep in the heart of the West Sussex polo playing community, is one such property In the beauty of England that is West Sussex any house with the added attraction of a wonderful view towards the South Downs is a house to covet. And a house that is also within easy hacking distance of Ambersham polo grounds and has land and stables to go with it is a polo player’s dream. The dream house is Hoyle Farm near Heyshott, recently on the market through Strutt and Parker.

The grade II listed house last changed hands in 1968 when Colin and Renata Baillieu, Cowdray Park, winners of the Daily Telegraph Trophy in 1991: Alexander Baillieu (captain) with Henry Brett, Jack Kidd and Eddie Hobden

who were just married, heard on the grapevine that the house was becoming available and bought it before it went onto the open market.

And why did polo become so much part of life at Hoyle? Colin had started playing polo when he was working in Ibadan, Nigeria in the mid 1950s. In his first week out there he bought three ponies for £20 each and they each came with a groom. For £2 a week the groom kept himself and the pony!

On returning to England Colin joined Cowdray and was already a member when he bought Hoyle Farm. The ponies were hacked from Hoyle Farm to Ambersham and even to Lawns. Alexander (born in 1972) and Danvers (born in 1976) started to play almost before they could walk – hitting a ball about astride a 12.2hh Welsh mountain pony.

“When we arrived,” says Colin, “the stables were there but not much else. We have put in the track and a stick and ball field. We have enough post and rail fields to winter about 40 ponies and to make

our own haylage in the summer.”

In the late 70s Colin took over the running of polo for the Cowdray Park Pony Club – a position he held for 25 years. “I think the greatest achievement of the branch was winning the Gannon four years in a row. The

“We have enough post and rail fields to winter about 40 ponies and to make our own haylage in the summer” Daily Telegraph win was special for me as Alexander was captain. The next year he played for Ellerston Black with Cambiaso. That August, when the high-goal was over, I ran a Hoyle White team for Alexander and a Hoyle Black team for Danvers in the 4-6 goal – and all it cost me was the price of two sets of shirts. Happy days!”

Now the time has come for Hoyle Farm to change hands again. If you are in the market for a house in wall-to-wall polo country contact Strutt and Parker for more details.

Hoyle Farm is for sale for ‘in excess of £5,000,000’ through Strutt & Parker. For more details call 020 7629 7282 or email Mark.mcandrew@struttandparker.com www.polotimes.co.uk

How to spend it

Knowledge

The Rendez-Vous Celestial from Jaeger-LeCoultre The Rendez-Vous Celestial from Jaeger-LeCoultre is a perfect blend of watchmaking expertise and poetry. The passage of the star constellations of the Northern Hemisphere and the months of the year are displayed on a beautiful sky-blue lapis lazuli disc, encased by white gold and diamonds. Created in complete harmony with traditional horology the celestial illustrates 180 years of expertise and technical perfection.

From £42,000. Visit the Jaeger-LeCoultre website – www.jaeger-lecoultre.com – for more information

La Martina High-tech boots and knee pads La Martina has developed a brand new concept: for the very first time in the history of polo, and as the result of nearly two years of research, study and development, high-tech innovation is being incorporated into the brand’s polo player’s gear.

The new La Martina boots and knee pads are both completely hand-crafted, following the principle of “lamination”.

Using this technique, each individual piece of leather is layered one by one over the wooden boot shape to build strength and support. Even the boot’s central zip pull is laminated for extra comfort and support.

The same innovative wooden shapes are used during the construction of the kneepads. This new system ensures that they provide a more enhanced protection system for the player. In addition, they are reinforced by natural rubber inserts specially produced for La Martina, and strategically placed, enabling the player a far superior level of protection. These special protectors act as impact absorbers, for both the boots and knee pads.

As with all boots and kneepads produced by La Martina’s highlyskilled boot-makers, the whole

www.polotimes.co.uk

process is entirely hand-crafted and finished. As a result of this process, their anatomical design is absolutely perfect. This integrated hi-tech system has undergone countless computeraided impact tests (including rotation and direct impact tests). For months, every move that players might execute during polo games and training has been studied and analysed in order to achieve La Martina’s unrivalled excellence in performance gear.

Players who already wear La Martina’s high-tech boots and knee pads include: •

Eduardo, Miguel, Javier, Ignacio and Alejandro Novillo Astrada

•

Malcolm Borwick

•

Luke and Mark Tomlinson

•

Cristian “Magoo” Laprida

•

Lucas James

•

Guillermo “Sapo” Caset

•

Sebastian Merlos

•

Hilario Ulloa

•

Pancho Bensadón

•

Lia Salvo

•

Mery Gene

Polo Times, July 2013

65

Sidelines

Gossip

Sean and Heloise get married in style Congratulations to two-goaler Sean Wilson-Smith and one-goaler Heloise Lorentzen, who tied the knot on 8 June. The couple, who run Hampshire Polo School, had an intimate wedding with close family and friends before going on to a lavish reception in the beautiful grounds of their polo school.

Heloise was accompanied by ten bridesmaids, including her sisters Aurora and Giovanna Eastwood. The wedding guests, which included John Bunn and Bobby Dundas, were treated to delicious Brazilian-English fusion cuisine, reflecting Heloise’s Brazilian roots, and celebrations carried on well into the small hours.

Sean and Heloise will enjoy a honeymoon in the Maldives, after the polo season has ended of course.

Comedy gold

Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

A mystery player is revealing the ups and downs of life in the low-goal with a new blog entitled “The Life of a Low-Goal Polo Player”. Since March 2013, over 100 hilarious scenarios have been posted, which are sure to ring true with many a player out there. Check out lowgoalpoloplayer.tumblr.com – laughs guaranteed!

An Argentine song and dance at the polo Argentine culture was celebrated in style at the Gaucho International, held at London’s O2 Arena in May. Leading electro-tango group Tanghetto made the journey from Buenos Aires to entertain the crowds between matches with their powerful blend of tango and electronic music, accompanied by dancers. Tanghetto also kicked off the after-party festivities later that night at IndigO2. The Gaucho International was the group’s first UK concert performance since 2009, and their only one this year, so feel privileged if you were there.

Happy Harpers Congratulations to James and Shannon Harper on the recent birth of their second baby. Jack Thomas Harper was born on 3 June, weighing in at 7.3lbs. We’re pretty sure he’ll be following in his father’s polo-playing footsteps before you know it.

66 Polo Times, July 2013

www.polotimes.co.uk

Gossip

Sidelines

Polo players’ Atlantic row is now official

Brandon helps dream come true US five-goaler Brandon Phillips has proved to be an inspiration to a young cancer-surviver.

Twelve-year-old Bruce Steinberg, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of eight, had his dream of meeting a professional athlete come true when he was given the opportunity to spend a day with Brandon, as he prepared for and played in the finals of the USPA Eastern Challenge in May. Brandon, a cancer-surviver himself, was keen to get involved with the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society to help others who are battling with the disease.

Four British players are now officially entered into the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Henry Brett, James Glasson, Bobby Dundas and Jamie Le Hardy make up the Atlantic Polo Team, and will join 21 other teams from around the world in the 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic, which begins on 2 December. Their boat, pictured right, is currently under construction by Rossiter Yachts in Dorset.

The boys will be rowing in aid of Right to Play, a charity that uses sport and play to help improve children’s lives in deprived countries. The challenge is expected to take a minimum of 45 days, with each participant rowing two hours on, two hours off for the entire race, and no outside assistance is permitted.

Follow the team’s progress as they prepare for the race by checking out “Atlantic Polo Team” on Facebook.

Jamie’s a bit of a Connoisseur

Nacho and Matt join forces

Jamie Morrison has recently featured in Stella Artois’s Connoisseur Series.

In the latest video in the series, Jamie talks about his thoughts on the heritage and tradition surrounding the game, preparation for matches and the importance of pony power, after his win at MINT Polo in the Park as part of the Sydney team.

The Connoisseur Series aims to offer a unique insight into the world of renowned craftsmen, from sporting stars to Oscar nominees, and also includes actor Jeremy Irvine, actress Rosario Dawson and filmmaker Shane Meadows.

Make sure you check out Jamie’s video – simply search “Stella Artois Jamie Morrison” on YouTube.

Nacho Figueras and actor Matthew McConaughey teamed up to host the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York’s Liberty State Park in June. As well as supporting the reconstruction of the Liberty State Park, which suffered considerable damage from Hurricane Sandy back in October, the event also raised money for McConaughey’s charity, the Just Keep Livin’ foundation, which encourages and helps children and young people to lead active, healthy lives.

Tabba’s new venture Don’t have the Fear of Missing Out – head over to Cirencester and check out Tabba Woodd’s new frozen yoghurt bar, called FOMO, which is set to open on 1 July. The bar is located at 4 Swan Yard, and will serve coffee and smoothies as well as delicious, healthy frozen yoghurt. For fro-yo updates and to see how Tabba is getting on with her new venture, make sure you follow @FOMOfro_yo on Twitter!

Polo Times, July 2013 67

Sidelines

Oliver Parker, Thandie Newton and Mr and Mrs Laurent Feniou

Clare and George Milford Haven

Cartier Queen’s Cup; Guards Polo Club; 16 June 2013

Classy Cartier

David Clarke and HRH Princess Beatrice of York Cartier’s Arnaud Bamberger and Clare Balding

Zacara beat El Remanso to claim their first Queen’s Cup title, with some notable faces in attendance. Guests included HRH Beatrice of York, Clare Balding, Jilly Cooper and of course, HM The Queen, who presented the Queen’s Cup to Zacara patron Lyndon Lea. w Photos by Cartier

Lady Gabriella Windsor and Galen Weston

Katherine Jenkins

Lord Charles Beresford and Caroline Beresford Actress Oona Chaplin

Sharon Stone on the pony lines

Jilly Cooper

Stephanie Powers

Marie Elisabeth-Wincler and Charlotte Casiraghi

Miguel Novillo Astrada and Guillermo Terrera

HB Polo’s Ludovic and Sebastien Pailloncy with El Remanso manager Brett Badham

Nacho Gonzalez with Spencer McCarthy and his son

Gold Cup draw; Cowdray Park Polo Club; 10 June 2013

Going for Gold The polo world’s best players and coaches assembled at Cowdray Park in June for the official Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup draw. Cowdray Park polo manager Chris Bethall drew the 17 team names out of the hat to reveal who will play who in the tournament’s league games.

John Paul Clarkin and Lila Pearson

w Photos courtesy of Cowdray Park

Gonzalito Pieres and Jean Francois Decaux

Facundo Sola and Hilario Ulloa

Leonora De Ferranti, Aurora Eastwood, George Gemmell and Mary-Ann Williams

St Regis International; Cowdray Park Polo Club; 18 May 2013

Settling for second

Jaime Huidobro and Joaquin Pittaluga

Nick Evans and Chris Bethell

Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier

The St Regis International Cup took place at Cowdray Park on Saturday 18 May, with England taking on South America. Despite taking an early lead, England were left having to settle for defeat after they were beaten 11-9 by South America. w Turn to pages 40-41 for the full report Lauren Beim

w Photos by Dominic James The Cowdray Park crowd on the sidelines

Liz Higgins

Anna Friel

69

Sidelines

Amy MacDonald

Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle

Jeremy Irvine, HRH Duke of Cambridge and Naomie Harris

Audi Polo Challenge; Chester Racecourse; 29 May 2013

Royal victory

Ophelia Lovibond and Jon Zammett

Chester Racecourse hosted the Audi Polo Challenge in May. Celebrities including Darcey Bussell, Ben Fogle and Sophie Ellis-Bextor turned out to watch the Duke of Cambridge win his match.

Amy MacDonald provided the music in the evening. w Photos courtesy of Audi

Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Zoe Hardman

Darcey Bussell

Katrin Sander, Nina Clarkin and Martin Sander

Tabitha Doherty, Freddie Fox, Douglas Booth and friend with Sophie Turner

The President’s Cocktail Party; The Mansion – Cirencester Park; 18 May 2013

Cocktails at Ciren

The Rt. Hon. The Earl Bathurst and Countess Bathurst with friends John Paul and Nina Clarkin

70

Cirencester Park’s cocktail party returned to The Mansion on the Bathurst Estate this year, hosted by the Earl and Countess Bathurst and named The President’s Cocktail Party for the first time. Players, patrons and friends toasted the new season with a few drinks.

Dave Allen and Steph Targett Charlotte Christodoulou and friend

wP hotos by Tom Reynolds Nachi du Plessis and Tom Hunt

Jack Richardson Simon Keyte and Andrea Vianini

Sidelines

Charlie Hanbury, Ron Wahid and Jerome Wirth

Annabel Simpson William Woodham and Gracie Egan

The stylish setting for the lunch

Enigma and RJI Capital launch; Guards Polo Club; 1 June 2013

Spot of lunch

Donna Simonelli and friend

Jerome Wirth and his wife

Jerome Wirth’s high-goal team, Enigma, and new sponsors RJI Capital celebrated their new partnership with a stylish VIP lunch at Guards in early June. Wirth and RJI CEO Ron Wahid invited an eclectic mix of friends and business contacts, who were treated to a day of Queen’s Cup action. w Photos by Vanessa Taylor

The McCarthy brothers Clinton and Spencer

Caroline Heinz, Ron Wahid and Amre Younness

Sarah Wiseman and Hamish McLachlan

Seb Dawnay, Guillermo Terrera and Tally Ho Farm’s Chris Adkins

The Audi Polo Awards; Coworth Park; 20 May 2013

Toasting success

Mark and Laura Tomlinson

Hernan and Polito Pieres with Katie Tunn

The Thai Polo dream team of Facundo, Polito and Gonzalito Pieres and Carlos Gracida

Three hundred guests from across the world of polo donned dinner jackets and evening gowns and headed to Coworth Park for the eagerly anticipated Audi Polo Awards in May. Magic tricks, mind-reading and free-flowing champagne kept guests entertained during the reception, followed by a delicious dinner and some tension among nominees as the award-winners were revealed. Adolfo Cambiaso picked up the top prize for the best high-goal player. See page 11.

Luke Tomlinson and Jon Zammett

Paul Withers and John Wright

w Photos courtesy of Audi Chris Bethell and Adrian Kirby

71

Sidelines

Hattingley Valley main sponsor Simon Robinson in his Rolls Royce

Charlie Chute, Arabella Chute, Ed Sugden and Hugo Thistlethwayte of Savills

Peter and John Wright

Polo at Marriners; Marriners Farm – Hampshire 26 May 2013

Best of British youth shine Record spectators attended Polo at Marriners, enjoying two “Best of British” matches in glorious sunshine, a rally of pre-1940s Rolls Royces and a parade of the Hampshire Hunt hounds. As well as members of the polo world, guests included Downton Abbey’s Lord and Lady Fellowes of West Stafford.

Jeremy Barber, Amelia Lady Northbrook and Andrew Christie-Miller

w Photos by Crewe-Read Photography

Lord & Lady Fellowes of West Stafford, Lady Amelia Northbrook and Mr Andrew Christie-Miller

w Read the full report from Marriners on pages 56-57 Jilly and Tony Emerson

Alex Macpherson, Cosima Baring, Rowena Lady Northbrook and Tallulah Wrey The Hon Christopher and Mrs Gilmour

Alastair Stewart OBE

The Vadgama family, who run Luton Hoo

Luton Hoo start-of-season party; Mahiki – London; 29 May 2013

Mahiki madness Luton Hoo Polo Club celebrated their two-year anniversary with a lively startof-season cocktail party, hosted by the Vadgama family at Mahiki in Mayfair.

Guests donned their white jeans and enjoyed a night of live music and dancing. w Photos courtesy of Polo Privé

Hollie de Keyser and friend

72

Johnny Lynn and Dana

Chairman Arun Vadgama Bhavik and Krishan Vadgama

The Mahiki sax player

Sidelines

Daimon Downey and Georgia Gorman Vice-president of the Australian Polo Association Greg Johnson with his daughter, Tess

Natalie Bendall

Nick Hanigan, Will Hanigan and Chris Paspaley

Pinctada Cable Beach Polo; Broome – Australia; 18-19 May 2013

Style on the sand Australia’s only beach polo tournament attracted bikini-clad visitors from around the world to the pearling town of Broome in Western Australia. Four young Indigenous stockmen took part in their first ever polo match, followed by Australia defeating India to win the Paspaley International Beach Polo Cup. As well as four exciting polo matches, the Pinctada Cable Beach Polo Festival also featured glamorous cocktail parties, art gallery showings and beach-themed fashion competitions for the spectators. w Photos by Yane Sotiroski w See page 53 for the full report

Marilynne Paspaley with Glenn and Elspeth Cooper

Nick Hanigan and Alan Brookes of Aspen Colorado

Polo on the Beach; Watergate Bay – Cornwall; 18-19 May 2013

Cornish delight The champagne flowed and the sun shone at Polo on the Beach in Cornwall. The Devil’s Horsemen provided exhilarating displays while the Joules welly-throwing competition was popular with the young and old alike. The Joules team beat First Great Western in the 16-goal match, while Andrew Burgess beat kitesurfer Dreya Bennett to the winning post in a 200m race along the beach.

The Devil’s Horsemen put on an eye-catching display at Watergate Bay

wP hotos by Kristin Prisk and Polly Bryan Chris Hyde and Andrew Blake Thomas take in the view

The players get wet at the beach

Guinness World Record breaking kitesurfer Dreya Bennett and Andrew Burgess

The polo was a hit with the local youngsters

73

Polo directory

Dates for your diary

Club contacts UK and Ireland

South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 020 7318 4490 * Blueys Polo Club – 07930 323263 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 07533 213160 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01784 470009 Epsom – 07961 232106 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington Park – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 07957 468220 Lacey Green – 07956 525222 Park Lane – 07976 242877* Ranelagh Farm – 01344 885697 RMAS – 07766 924101 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 07841 597045 * White Waltham – 07748 670587

East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Carlton House – 01986 892231 Cambridge County – 01223 812922 Cambridge – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Luton Hoo – 07934 882713 Norfolk – 01508 480400 * Silver Leys – 07535 697854 St Albans – 07438 076644 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974

South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lytchett Heath – 01202 623985 Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 07703 524613 * West Somerset – 01884 251632

Midlands Dallas Burston – 01926 812409 Offchurch Bury – 07816 830887 Leadenham – 01400 272885 Ranksboro – 01572 720046* Rugby – 01788 817724 * Rutland – 01572 724568

What’s on in July UK and Ireland tournament highlights Test Matches

Guards – Audi International, Westchester Cup (England vs USA) (24-26): 28 July

High Goal Cowdray Park – Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup (20-22): 25 June – 21 July Beaufort – Duke of Beaufort’s Cup (15-18): 2-13 July Cowdray Park – Cowdray Park Challenge (15-18): 15 July – 4 August Cirencester Park – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 23 July – 11 August

Medium Goal

RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore (12-15): 25 June – 6 July Cirencester Park – Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): 18 June – 7 July Coworth Park – Coworth Park Challenge (12-15): 7-19 July Beaufort – Prince of Wales Cup (8-12): 6-20 July Cowdray Park – Harrison Cup (12-15): 22 July – 3 August RCBPC – Tally Ho Polo Festival (7-10): 29 July – 10 August

Low Goal

Cheshire – Junior County Cup (2-6): 2-7 July Druids Lodge – Rose Bowl & Wolverest Cup (3-4) 6-7 July Norfolk – Norfolk Polo Festival (0-4): 6-7 July Sussex – Square Peg Challenge Trophy (-6-2): 6-7 July DBPC – The Warwickshire Gold Cup (2-6): 13-14 July

Hurtwood Park – The Ewhurst Charity Cup (-2-2): 13-14 July RCBPC – Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): 2-20 July Kirtlington Park – Meyrick Cup (4-8): 16-21 July Binfield Heath – Summer Festival (0-8): 27 July Cowdray Park – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 19 July – 4 August RCBPC – Tally Ho Polo Festival (-2-2): 29 July – 11 August

Youth

Guards – Diamond Jubilee Trophy, Young England (Open): 28 July

Ladies

Ascot Park – National Women’s Tournament (-8-2): 6-7 July Cowdray Park – British Ladies’ Open (Open): 15-20 July

Special events

Poole, Dorset – British Beach Polo Championships (Open): 12-13 July Ascot Park – Peter Grace’s Commemoration & Ascot Park’s 25th anniversary (Open) : 27 July

Combined Services

Tidworth – Rundle Cup (RN vs Army) (Open): 13 July Guards – Inter-Regimental final (Open): 14 July Tidworth – Captains and Subalterns (Open): 20-21 July

For a full list of all the tournaments see www.polotimes.co.uk

North Beverley – 01964 544455 * Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 * White Rose – 01430 875767 * Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602

Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 *

Ireland All Ireland – +353 (0) 1 6896732 Bunclody – +353 87 6605917 Curraghmore – +353 51 387102 Limerick – +353 (0) 87 2231690 Moyne – +353 85 1313224 Northern Ireland – 02890 727905 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 * Waterford – +353 51 595280 * denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828

74 Polo Times, July 2013

Main overseas tournament highlights France

Jamaica

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Ladies’ Polo Cup (8-12): 3-7 July Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Trophée du Coquetier d’Or (8-10): 7-14 July

St Ann – Hi-Pro and ICWI Low Goal (TBC): 16-20 July St Ann – Hi-Pro and ICWI High Goal Family Tournament (TBC): 25-27 July

Other dates Tattersalls – July Sale: 10-12 July Brightwells, Ascot – Bloodstock Sale: 16 July

www.polotimes.co.uk

HPA mid-season handicap changes

Polo directory

The Asahi British Beach Polo Championships return to Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, from 12-13 July. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be battling it out for the title

HPA mid-season handicap changes The mid-season handicap changes were agreed at the meeting on Monday 17 June 2013. They were effective from Thursday 20 June 2013

Moving to nine Merlos, Juan: (9) to 9

Mayer, Gregory: (0) to 1

Moving to zero

Gould, Dirk: (5) to 5

Birkbeck, David: (0) to 0 Cooke-Priest, Nick: (0) to 0 Fletcher, Sam: (-1) to 0 Halsey, Matt: (0) to 0 Latham, Abi: (0) to 0 Lester, James: (0) to 0 Newson, Mark: (0) to 0 Smith, Jim: (0) to 0

Moving to three

Moving to minus one

Moving to eight de Andrade, Rodrigo: (8) to 8

Moving to seven Willington, Guillermo: (7) to 7

Moving to five

Carrique, Matias: (3) to 3

Moving to two Brazzola, Julian: (1) to 2 (restricted) Budgett, Charlie: (2) to 2 Guevara, Juan Manuel: (2) to 2 Judge, Ed: (3) to 2 Mann, Jack: (2) to 2 Nadeem, Temur: (2) to 2

Moving to one Berry, William:(1) to 1 www.polotimes.co.uk

Biccard, Mike: -2 to -1 Brin, Russel: -2 to -1 Bukenham, Hannah: -2 to -1 Bull, Rupert: -2 to -1 Cade Davies, Lynsey: -2 to -1 Cretney, James: (-1) to -1 Eckett, Jo: -2 to -1 English, Sarah: -2 to -1 Ford, Karen: (-1) to -1 Gertsen, Hannah: S to -1 Hawes, Jess: -2 to -1 Jackson, Lesley: (-1) to -1 Jiggens, Caroline: -2 to -1

Karim, Tunde: (-1) to -1 Knott, Peter: -2 to -1 Latham, Stuart: (-1) to -1 Leland, Ruth: (-2) to -1 Lewis, Tim: (-1) to -1 Mathias, Jenny: S to -1 Mitchell, Matthew: -2 to -1 Norfolk, Louise: -2 to -1 Parker, Phoebe: -2 to -1 Sallehuddin, Fahmy: (-1) to -1 Santrian, Mark (Bob): -2 to -1 Thornley, Matthew: (-1) to -1 Upward, Tim: (0) to -1 Walker, George: (-1) to -1 Whipps, Stuart: (-1) to -1 Willans, Jenny: (-2) to -1 Wood-Collins, Catherine: -2 to -1

Moving to minus two Cameron, Christopher: (-2) to -2 Foster, Henry: (-2) to -2 James, Denis: (-2) to -2 Lodder, Howie: (-2) to -2 Murphy, Ben:(-2) to -2 Thomson, David: (-2) to -2 Polo Times, July 2013 75

Polo directory

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76 Polo Times, July 2013

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Polo directory

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Polo directory

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Polo Times, July 2013 79 RRG 0DOOHWV TXDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW FRORXU LQGG

Polo directory

Classifieds

Ponies BEAUTIFUL PONIES! 7 year old, 15.1hh TB high/medium-goal mare, currently playing with 8-goaler. Fast, sharp and powerful. 6 year old, 15hh TB mare, playing well but needs finishing, £8,000. 4 year old, TB grey, 15hh, masses of natural talent, schooling nicely. £3,500.

Hants. Tel: 07970 697593 FAST VERY HANDY ARGENTINIAN 11 YEAR OLD MARE TB TYPE Brilliant mare for sale due to son travelling. Fast, played by professional for five years. Beautifully produced, never been lame, double chukkas, in Schools National winning team 2011, Rendall winning team, also played HPA Langford plus club polo. Fit and ready.

Newbury, £9,000. Tel: 07810 406464 FANTASTIC ARGENTINIAN 12 YEAR OLD STRAWBERRY ROAN MARE Brilliant 15.1hh mare for sale.

Fast, easy and with power and stamina. Owned by amateur and very lightly played by 5-goal professional for five years. Fit and ready to play.

Kirtlington, £9,500. Tel: 07920 714 890 15.3HH DARK BAY GELDING Brilliant polo pony - a machine. Very strong in ride offs, fast and covers pitch well.

He’s taken 2 brothers from 0 goal to 2 goalers. 12 years old. He is playing 2 goal to 12 goal and has played PC up to Gannon finals. Easy around yard. Good to load, shoe, clip, lead. Good in traffic. Never had any problems. Same home for 6 years. Suit keen young player. Based at Kirtlington Polo Club. £6,500. Please contact 07531 900596 ARGENTINE CHESTNUT MARE 15HH 14 YEARS OLD Played Gannon, lots 2-6 up to 10 goal, by 1-goaler. Genuine, fast, same home 5 seasons. Not beginners ride. Can try at Vaux.

80 Polo Times, July 2013

Somerset, £2,000. Tel: 01823 461315 or 07786 235289 BAY MARE 10 YEARS OLD Super easy and fun to ride you won’t find a better low goal mare.

15hh. Solid confirmation will double chukka all day long has been a real pleasure to use. Will suit any lady player or youth. Available to stick and ball and chukka in Windsor area anytime. Ascot, Berkshire. £10,000. Contact Phil 07775 750932 POCKET ROCKET 14.3HH Fabulous polo machine. 14 years old, regularly plays 12 goal, very handy and agile. Fit and sound and a joy to play. £5,000. Midhurst. Tel: 07747 618795

WWW.PHARMAPOLOPONIES.COM Selection of quality ponies for sale - please view our website! Located in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

JORROCKS/HANDLEY CROSS PONY Superb pony who has taken many PC children to the finals and won endless rosettes. Great fun forward going pony with huge character and much loved by all. Taught two of my children polo. Brilliant SJ and PC activities too. Would make great Mounted Games pony too. Very sadly for sale as outgrown. N.Wilts/Glos Border, £3,995. Tel: 07775 604754

SELECTION OF QUALITY PONIES FOR SALE Selection of quality ponies from young ponies stick and balling and playing chukkas to well disciplined playing stock. Berkshire, From £1,500. Tel: 01488 670484 / 07917 007440 or templetonhouse@gmail.com

15.2HH ARGENTINE MARE 15.2hh 14 years old, Argentine mare. Won Rendell Cowdray August 2012. Previously owned by a 4-goal player and now played by -1 teenage girl going to university. Very sweet natured and fun to play. No vices, 100% in every way. Somerset, £4,500. Tel: 07970 629128

PRETTY BAY MARE 15.1hh, 10 years old.

High-goal pedigree. A lovely, uncomplicated mare, easy to handle, stop and play. She will play to medium goal and suit anyone from lady patron/pony club player upwards. Five star home only for this special pony. Midhurst, £8,000. Tel: 07773 331167

FOR SALE 15.2hh dun gelding. 17 years young.

Doubles chukkas outside and arena. Fast and strong on ride offs. Never sick or sorry. Good home essential. £2,500 - based at Rugby Polo Club. Tel: 07772 861326

PONIES FOR SALE AS OWNER GIVING UP 15.2hh chestnut gelding. Very easy, delight to play. 14 years old. £4000. 15.2hh NZ bay mare.

Easy in every way. 19 years old. £2,000. Both fit and playing. 4 year old beginner 14.3hh, nice project. £2000. Cambridge. Tel: 07711 079089 TWO BRILLIANT MARES FOR SALE Pila 12 years old 15hh Chestnut mare. Easy, kind fast and very brave. She can definitely raise her game to suit the players ability. A real gem. £4500. Vivdita - 13 years old 15hh black mare, Thoroughbred type. V fast but sane would easily play up to 8-goal. £4500. Both ponies can double chukka. Properly schooled. Have low mileage. Sound, fit and ready to go. Wiltshire. Any questions call Tim 07740 252369

Transport 1995 MAN HORSEBOX Partitioned for 6, little used recently, Taxed and MOT til Sept 2013 Battery isolator, radio and new rubber flooring.

Glos, £3,995. Tel: 07958 639749 LEYLAND DAF 93 Leyland DAF 45 130 7.5 ton new MOT taxed 5 months. Partitioned 4/5 horses tack area, side lockers. New floor and ramp, rubber matting, well maintained. Ideal first box. £2,500 ono. West Sussex. Tel: 07773 331167 DAF 45-130 TURBO 1994 M reg with 4 stall box.

MOT to April 2014. 7.5 ton gross. Three owners.

Power steering, easy and reliable drive. Available now. Wiltshire. £3,500. Tel: George 07801 112114

Planning PROBLEMS WITH PLANNING PERMISSION? If you need accommodation for yourself or your groom, or you have another equine related planning problem, we are very well placed help you solve it. We have many years of specialist equine planning experience and 100% success rate in 2012. Please call Rebecca Wilson if you would like to discuss your case. t: 01666 880120

www.polotimes.co.uk

Listings m: 07770 526148 e: rebecca@westonbirt.biz w: www.equineconsultancygroup.co.uk

Situations

SUMMER PLACEMENTS Summer work placements available for bright and energetic students at busy West Sussex based polo shop.

Interest in polo a pre-requisite! Please email info@ uberpolo.com for more details.

Equipment

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number.

Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 GANG-MOWER Lloyd 5 unit gang-mower. Old but can work brilliantly when properly greased up. £400 ONO. Angus, Hook Norton. Tel: 01608 737252

Miscellaneous

BUENOS AIRES LUXURY APARTMENT RENTAL 1 bedroom apartment sleeps 2/3.

Close to shops, restaurants. 10mins walk to polo. Aircon, CATV, WiFi, garden with Pool, Gym, laundry, 24hr security. From US$60 per night. www.apartmentinbuenosaires.com Tel:+44(0)7956 340325

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www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2013 and Database Right 2013 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Call Sarah on 00 44 (0) 1993 886885 or order online at www.polotimes.co.uk Contributors – July 2013 Andrew Bradshaw, Adam Caller, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, Theresa Hodges, Rege Ludwig, Clare Milford Haven, Jamie Peel, Herbert Spencer, Sarah Styler

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Call Sarah Foster on +44 (0)1993 886885 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, July 2013 81

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Passions Hazel Jackson’s...

The Cowdray Park-based one-goaler speaks to Georgie May about her life in and out of polo What is your favourite polo memory?

There have been so many but one of the best was playing in Ibiza last summer. It was wild – I think I lost about a stone in weight because we lived on canapés and champagne for the entire weekend! We made the final against Nina Clarkin and Jodie Kidd and took home the trophy, which was a bonus. Also, winning the Ladies’ Tournament in Argentario in Italy in 2010 with 30 seconds left on the clock in the final was a great memory.

Best teammate?

Lia Salvo. I think we have only lost about one final together.

Toughest opponent?

Also Lia Salvo!

What is your favourite polo venue?

Cowdray Park Polo Club for sure. It has always been my dream to play there, and this year, for the first time, I became a member. Lawns I and II are immaculate and the setting is amazing.

Where did you first learn to play?

I started to learn on fluffies at the New Forest near my house, before going on to do Pony Club Polo. Lochie Hunter was our only professional at the club and he taught me a lot.

What is your favourite tournament?

Barbados Battle of the Sexes tournament is always an incredible trip. I have been for the last three years now and each trip gets better and better. Everyone on the island is so friendly and we are always put up in unbelievable hotels.

82 Polo Times, July 2013

We get to surf, go to the races, watch cricket, go out on catamaran trips (thank you Howard Taylor!) and eat fresh fish. The whole atmosphere is great and another perk are the prizes – one year I received an iPad and the next I got a brand new Blackberry.

If you could change one thing about polo what would it be?

In the nicest way possible, if some people were a little more down to earth.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

I love New Zealand. You will know why if you go…

It has always been my dream to play at Cowdray – Lawns I and II are immaculate Which person would you most like to meet?

The comedian Lee Evans – he always makes me chuckle.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

When I played for the England Ladies in Florida last November my jeans split right down my bottom during the game. We were playing against the USA Ladies and with the main international (between England and the USA) being played straight after ours there was a big crowd watching – of all the matches I’ve played, it had to happen during that one!

What was the first single or album you ever bought?

Probably B-Witched or Spice Girls.

I was a massive fan of both.

Who was your biggest crush growing up?

Actor Diego Luna from Dirty Dancing II. What is your favourite film?

Coyote Ugly.

What is your most prized possession?

My pony Small. She was my 21st birthday present – she is a little machine.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My mother What was the last thing you bought?

A cinema ticket for The Great Gatsby – an excellent film. And I bought my boyfriend a gilet from Crew.

New dress or new whites?

New dress.

What are your most surprising features?

I still suck my thumb, I collect 50p coins and, as of last year, I have become quite religious.

Describe yourself in three words?

Outgoing, optimistic and happy.