PoloTimes June17 by Edit

Volume 22 • Issue 5 • June 2017 • £6.50

HIGH GOAL GUIDE The ultimate guide to the 2017 season PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY Cambiaso dominates at Berkshire VICTOR LUDORUM UPDATE From 6 to 18 goal, your complete guide PLUS: The La Martina Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

June 2017

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

78 49

Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

News

Youth Polo

Financial Controller

8 14 19

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Comment 20

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Diana Butler, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Martín Perez, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com, Caroline Stern, Tilda Woodd

Contact details

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

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

Cover photograph: Emlor’s Nacho Gonzalez hunts down the ball, as Rodrigo Andrade assesses the situation for RH Polo during The Prince of Wales Trophy at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. By Andrew Yates: People of Polo

Polo Times, June 2017

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update Your Views: Letters

Features 22 25 30 33 40

Big Picture Cover Story: High Goal Guide Royal Windsor Horse Show Cover Story: 2017 Victor Ludorum Guide Polo Park Zürich

Reports

44 Copa de las Naciones 47 The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge 49 Cover Story: The Prince of Wales Trophy 54 Cover Story: La Martina Queen Mother Centenary Trophy

Club Focus 57

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 62 63

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 minutes with… Lucy Coddington

65 68

All Aspects of Youth Polo The Copenhagen Cup

Military Polo 71

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Knowledge 74 76 78 80 82 84

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Nutrition Focus: Feeding the Good Doer Vet Insight: Embryo Transfer Fitness For Polo: Work Out On the Polo Field Bit Focus: Challenging Chewing Polo Doc: When Wrists go Wrong

Sidelines 86 88

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know! Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory: 97

What’s On in June?

Final bell: 104

Passions: James Harper

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The Jewel in the Crown of Polo Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finest hospitality at the Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals and Finals in 2017 Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals Wednesday 14 June Cartier Queen’s Cup Finals Saturday 18 June

Book today for a bespoke combination of elegant hospitality and exhilarating sport in our beautifully appointed Members’ Clubhouse. For more information call our Tickets and Events Office on 01784 434212 or email sales@guardspoloclub.com. Non-members are most welcome, plus significant discounts for Club members. www.guardspoloclub.com

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from the Publisher

News

June heralds the eagerly awaited start of the British summer: the sun is finally shining; supermarket shelves are groaning under the burdensome weight of countless punnets of strawberries; Royal Ascot looms and most importantly of all for most of us, we are blessed with wall-to-wall polo and the mealtime chat is polo. Whilst there can be little doubt that the Home Office’s ill-thought through visa proposals have adversely affected 2017 season, fortunately, despite the barriers and the initial concerns, the British Bulldog spirit has definitely prevailed. As a result, fun and competitive polo is still being played at every level, the length and breadth of the country. Behind the scenes, the Polo Times editorial team has worked hard to encapsulate this ‘esprit de corps’ and when reading this issue, I hope that you will find that polo at every level has been represented, and that furthermore, this issue is as current and up-to-date as it can possibly be. I would like to thank the new team that have worked behind the scenes to make this issue happen and in particular, to all contributors and photographers that help keep the polo community informed. As we went to press, The Copenhagen Cup had just been played with a record number of Schools’ teams entered – clearly demonstrating that polo in England is thriving and equally as importantly, we have rising young talent that will ensure the future success of British polo. Whether playing or spectating, enjoy your polo.

Shandur Polo Festival

Shandur Polo Festival has taken place annually during the first week of July since 1936, literally on top of the world. Surrounded by crystal clear lakes, alpine flowers, vast stretches of green grass and snow-covered mountains, the ground, once aptly named the ‘Moony Polo Ground’ by British Political Agent Major Cobb due to his passion for playing polo under the incredible full moon, sees the ‘most exciting polo tournament’ in Northern Pakistan, played on the Shandur Pass at around 3,700 metres above sea level. The highlight of the Festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The Final provides a colourful spectacle with folk music, dance and supporters camping in villages surrounding the field. Supporters

Shandur Polo Festival is played at 3,700m above sea level

of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. We have heard of a brave RAF officer who travelled from the UK by motorbike to play in the world famous tournament. If anyone is planning on attending this remote spectacle, we’d love to hear from you.

Asian Beach Polo Championships awarded the Princess Pa Cup. Alongside the polo, for the first year ever barrel racing was introduced, with high-speed pony races along the beachfront. Turn to our Big Picture pages to find out more. Post polo, guests enjoyed a Victorian themed night at the InterContinental’s Blu Port Wing Ballroom, which included an auction of custom made polo sticks and a horse statue, all in aid of the Nabha Foundation.

Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Although the 8th Asian Beach Polo Championships got off to a somewhat drizzly start, luckily for the crowds, the afternoon transformed into a sun filled and exhilarating display of polo. Harald Link explained the importance of the event, “This Asian Beach Polo tournament reflects the potential of Thailand in hosting international beach polo events, as well as promoting Hua Hin and tourism among tourists and spectators.” The match was played upon the sandy surface of Hua Hin beach, with three teams competing. The Final was between Thai and German teams, with the match brought forward in order to evade the rising tide – one of the organisational perils of beach polo! Thailand came out with strong offensive plays in the first chukka, which built upon their ½ handicap advantage. However, the second chukka was much closer, and by the third and final chukka Germany had reversed Thailand’s advantage. They ran out the winners 6 goals to 4½ taking the title of Asian Beach Polo Champions for 2017 and were

Germany won the 2017 Asian Beach Polo Championships

Scandinavian Beach Polo

Photograph courtesy of Veuve Clicquot

Beach Polo is returning to Hornbæk Beach in August

Polo Times, June 2017

Beach Polo certainly seems to be flavour of the month, with a host of venues in the UK and also further afield, including the Scandinavian Beach Polo World Cup. It has been announced that the event, sponsored by Veuve Clicquot will once again return to Hornbæk Beach from 3 – 5 August. Over the three days, international teams will compete to gain a place in the Finals and the chance to take home the title. Alongside the polo action, the event will also include an exclusive after-party in the VIP marquee which is located next to the action. However, it’s not all about the VIPs, as there is also free entry on two sides of the ground. To find out more visit www.scandinavianbeachpolo.com www.polotimes.co.uk

News

Photograph courtesy of British Beach Polo Championships

British Beach Polo Championships

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the British Beach Polo Championships

Kensington Palace has announced that HRH Prince Harry will be visiting Singapore on Monday 5 June for a charity polo match in aid of his charity Sentebale. The organisation is based in Lesotho and provides support to African children living with HIV & Aids. Prince Harry will travel to Singapore to play in the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup and then continue on to Sydney, Australia. The Polo Magazine are media parteners of the event, having published the magazine for the event for many years now.

Photograph courtesy of Amelia Art

Preparations are underway to create the biggest beach polo event in the world to mark the 10th Anniversary of the renowned British Beach Polo Championships held at Sandbanks, Poole, UK. On 7 – 8 July, the British Beach Polo Championships will stage

a four team main competition. Although many of the teams have yet to be officially announced, British Polo Gin have confirmed their place on the list, with Ali Paterson and British Polo Gin Founder, Rich Hine already confirmed on the line-up. Alongside the main competition, the schedule is jampacked with university and junior matches, international beach volleyball and other spectacles, not least the polo pony vs 4x4 charity race. With live music and DJs, a retail village and a range of bars and catering options, all guests will be looked after extremely well. This year sees a larger public viewing area after 2016’s scorching heat attracted 1000s of Sandbanks beach goers to catch a glimpse of the action from outside the event perimeter. Event Director, Johnny Wheeler commented upon the upcoming event, “We are rising to the challenge of making our 10th Anniversary bigger and better alongside our new headline sponsor Link Homes to whom we are extremely grateful for their full support.”

Sentebale Polo in Singapore

UK Sunset Polo Amelia Art Exhibition is scheduled for June

Amelia Art Exhibition Photograph by ©MontyRoberts.com

In 2016 Nic Roldan’s Inaugural Sunset Polo event took place in Wellington, Florida, and this year the second edition was once again a great success raising over $313,000 in aid of Brooke. Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo is now making the trip across the pond, and will be held on Tuesday 20 June at Cowdray House. The event will not only include polo, but demonstrations from world renowned horseman Monty Roberts as well as Olympic Gold medallist Nick Skelton making his polo debut alongside Nic Roldan. The event will be in aid of both Brooke and Chestnut Tree House. The event will take place between 5pm – 11pm, and tickets start at £40 for general admittance, for more information visit: www.NicRoldan.com/Events

Monty Roberts will be giving a Horses and Horse Sense demonstration

On Saturday 10 June, Gloucestershire based equine and abstract artist, Amelia ScottHopkins will be hosting her private viewing ‘The Beginning’ at The Pop Up Art Gallery in Cirencester between 7pm to 8.30pm. Using predominantly oil paints on canvas and her understanding of equine conformation, Amelia Art produces beautiful abstract commissioned pieces. www.amelia-art.com

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Polo Times, June 2017

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News The Royal Salute Coronation Cup will be held on Saturday 29 July at Guards Polo Club and will see Flannels England take on GT Bank Commonwealth. Royal Salute is once again sponsoring the event following a match between England and the Commonwealth in 2016. This year is set to be no less dramatic as the England team strive to hold the trophy high again. Photograph by ©www.imageofpolo.com

Royal Salute Coronation Cup 2016 action

Coronation Cup Tickets Available Online

Online ticketing for the prestigious 2017 Royal Salute Coronation Cup has officially launched. For the first time ever visitors are now able to purchase tickets to the event online and excitingly can also choose their seats. Grandstand tickets are available for purchase online at www.eventbrite.com whilst to secure the perfect picnic spot you’ll still need to contact the Ticket Office on 01784 437 797. Tickets purchased online can be printed off or shown on a mobile device for admission at all entry points.

General Admission – available online General Admission Ticket: £25 South Grandstand Ticket: £50 Club Grandstand Ticket: £60 Hospitality & Picnic Parking – please contact the Ticket Office (01784 437 797) North Field Side Picnic Pitch (2 cars & 8 persons): £350 South Field Side Picnic Pitch (2 cars, 12 persons & gazebo): £650 VIP Hospitality per person (includes three course lunch & afternoon tea): £390

British Army Polo Polo veteran, and more recently commissioned officer, Lt Billy Aprahamian put on a different pair of boots on Sunday 23 April as he raced to victory in the McCreery Memorial Military Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton Racecourse on 6-year-old Mighty Missile, proving once and for all, polo players really can ride!

Obituary

News

Jonathan Powell remembers a lifelong friend On the Monday 12 December 2016, a funeral service was held at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Rogate to celebrate the life of a dear friend, French Charly. A truly memorable character, French Charly spent the majority of his life in polo, latterly running his own polo transport business, Bertrand Transport. He was extremely well known in the Midhurst and Windsor polo communities and polo also took him back to his home country of France, as well as Argentina, Switzerland and Spain, among other places. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa, two children, Amelia and William and his parents, Paul and Lisette. Taken too soon. R.I.P Mate.

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Photograph courtesy of Jonathan Powell

Charles ‘French Charly’ Paul Bertrand 14 April 1954 – 27 November 2016

Polo Times, June 2017

News Chestertons Polo in the Park

Photograph courtesy of Revolution Sports + Entertainment

Photograph by ©www.imageofpolo.com

International players Tom Morley and Jack Richardson took a trip to the Knightsbridge McLaren showroom to show off a different type of horsepower. They met with professional racing driver Euan Hankey to talk about who’s quickest off the mark, their ponies or the P1. The Chesterton’s Polo in the Park takes place at the Hurlingham Polo Club from 9 – 11 June.

Cartier Queen’s Cup Draw

McLaren London boosts Chestertons Polo in the Park Horse Power!

On Monday 8 May, Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier UK, unveiled The Cartier Queen’s Cup Draw 2017. The President’s Draw in the Clubhouse at Guards Polo Club was a hotbed of all the most important figures in the English high goal season, as the teams, their managers and supporters eagerly awaited the results of the draw for the 10 teams entered into the 2017 Cartier Queen’s Cup which will define the start of their UK summer season. Four seeded teams were

Action from the 2016 Queen’s Cup Final

drawn first – La Indiana, RH Polo, King Power Foxes and Talandracas, followed by the remaining six teams. League One: La Indiana, Talandracas, Sommelier, El Remanso and Monterosso League Two: RH Polo, King Power Foxes, La Bamba De Areco, Sifani and Murus Sanctus For all the team line-ups and team knowledge, please turn to our High Goal Guide in the Features section.

Six confirmed teams:

Photograph by ©www.imageofpolo.com

The teams have been announced for the 2017 tournament

2017 Triple Crown Teams Six teams are confirmed to play in the 2017 Triple Crown, as well as four teams in the classification section, who will compete for the two vacant slots. Last year’s trio of Opens saw La Dolfina’s hopes of another Triple Crown title smashed by Ellerstina, who defeated the mighty La Dolfina in The Hurlingham Open. The outcome of The Argentine Open is usually rather predictable, with the same teams and players guaranteed to reach the Final from 12

Polo Times, June 2017

the start, however the 2016 season saw a shake-up of the status quo as La Irenita and Cría Yatay, who had both qualified from the classification section, defeated higher handicapped and far more experienced teams to reach the Quarter Finals with Cría Yatay reaching the Semi Finals – a feat which has never before been achieved by a qualifying team. Can this year’s successful classification teams recreate or further the same success?

La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10), Pablo MacDonough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Ellerstina (39): Facundo Pieres (10), Pablo Pieres (9), Gonzalo Pieres (10) & Nicolás Pieres (10) Alegría (35): Guillermo Caset (9), Hilario Ulloa (10), Lucas Monteverde (8) & Frederick Mannix (8) La Aguada Las Monjitas (32): Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (8), Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (8) Cría Yatay (31): Valerio Zubiaurre (7), Cristian Laprida (8), Joaquín Pittaluga (8) & Ignacio Laprida (8) La Irenita (31): Juan Ruiz Guiñazú (8), Juan M. Zavaleta (8), Clemente Zavaleta (7) & Matías MacDonough (8)

Four classification teams:

Washington (32): Facundo Sola (8), Ignacio Toccalino (8), Santiago Toccalino (8) & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (8) Chapaleufú (30): Alberto Heguy (7), Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (8), Julián de Lusarreta (7) & Eduardo Heguy (8) La Dolfina II (30): Guillermo Terrera (8), Diego Cavanagh (7), Alejo Taranco (7) & Ignatius Du Plessis (8) La Esquina (29): Pascual Sainz de Vicuña (6), Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (8), Mariano Aguerre (8) & Rodrigo Rueda (7) www.polotimes.co.uk

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HPA News

HPA News The latest rule updates from the HPA

Rule Changes The HPA Rules for 2017 have been redrafted and reorganised to align more closely with the order and rules of the USPA and AAP. The intention remains that although the language may be different all the rules say the same thing, and eventually in the same order so that Rule 21 is the same number wherever you are, and the Penalties are the same. The changes and existing differences are highlighted in the Rule Book but the main ones are summarised below: • Play will continue after the first bell if the ball hits the boards but does not go out of play. Championed by Facundo Pieres, it has worked well in the US. • A Penalty 5b (from the centre) for delay by a team facing a hit in. • Any redress on score must be made before the final whistle. • Injury time reduced to 10 minutes. • Free change for a ‘distressed’ pony but not one that is ‘fatigued’ which should have been changed in the course of play. • For penalties, one umpire may stand 60 yards back if a player is taking too long a run up and hitter must then start between him and ball. • After a Penalty 1, game will restart with a Penalty 5b, teams having changed ends. Riding off allowed before ball is hit for a hit-in or a penalty. • If a player leaves the field without permission, an automatic red flag. • For abuse after a game, a player can be awarded a red or yellow. If yellow, they start the next game on a yellow. High Goal and Victor Ludorum • The Warwickshire Cup will again be played during the week between The Queen’s and Gold Cup. • The 18 goal Victor Ludorum will consist of four tournaments, the Duke of Sutherland at Cowdray, Apsley Cup at Cirencester, Indian Empire Shield at Guards and the Challenge at Cowdray. • The programme for 15, 12, 8 and 6 Victor Ludorum will be similar to 2016. The limit for the two highest handicap players must not exceed 9 for the 8 goal and 7 for the 6 goal. • A Victrix (Ladies) Ludorum has been included in the 2017 programme. The level will be 12-18 goal (Ladies Handicaps) and tournaments will run at Knepp Castle, Cowdray, Cirencester, Beaufort, RCBPC and Guards.

Polo Times, June 2017

For more information on the Victrix Ludorum please turn to our Victor Ludorum Feature. Helmets Helmet manufacturers have been informed that all HPA members playing polo must, from 1 January 2018, wear a helmet approved to a certain standard, currently either PAS015:2011 with CE mark or SNELL E2001. The HPA will list the makes that meet those standards on the website. You are reminded that currently an employer (patron) does have a responsibility to ensure that any employee (professional) is wearing suitable protective equipment and could be at risk in the event that his employee (player) suffers a head injury and it transpires that he was wearing a helmet that does not meet any standard. Professional Umpiring The Pro Umpires will officiate all of the High Goal tournaments and Victor Ludorum tournaments. Umpiring fees for the high and medium goal will be paid in advance of the start of each tournament and shared between the teams. The exact amount will depend on the numbers of teams and matches but will be roughly £2,000 per match for the 22 goal, £1,500 for the 18 goal and £1,000 for the 15 goal. Teams will be invoiced by the HPA and the invoice must be paid before the first game. The other games will be invoiced by the HPA on a per team per match basis as before, after the tournament: 12 Goal £300 8 Goal £275 (Semi and Finals)* 6 Goal £250 (Semi and Finals)* Victrix (Ladies) Ludorum £250 (Semi and Finals)* (tbc) *League games can be professionally umpired at the request from the club. Robert Graham will continue to be responsible for the appointment of all umpires for the 22 goal and Victor Ludorum games above the 6 goal unless he has delegated that duty to a Club Manager or Roddy Matthews. British Junior Polo Championships Teams have now been announced, for a full listing please turn to the Youth section on page 65.

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HPA News

Photography by Polo Times

In an open later sent to all members of the Hurlingham Polo Association, dated Friday 19 May HPA Chief Executive David Woodd, has made a comment on the 2018 position regarding visas. His letter is as follows: Visa Update 2018 The position for 2018 is as yet undetermined. The Home Office has made its position clear which is that: “The revised criteria relating to nonEEA grooms operating in low goal polo will apply for the 2017 polo season only. Home Office ministers are clear that these are transitional measures only, and wish to ensure that the HPA’s criteria are quickly brought in line with those in operation in other sports, where only those who work at the highest level and/or will develop the sport at the highest level in the UK are eligible for admission under Tiers 2 and 5. We have made clear in previous discussions with the HPA that this will involve moving to a position in which non-EEA grooms are admissible under Tiers 2 and 5 only where they are accompanying overseas players coming to join a UK team, or coming as part of an overseasbased team, participating at high or medium goal level.

We will wish to discuss how we can move to that position in 2018, and we look forward to meeting the HPA for further discussions on this in the summer.” The bold text is my emphasis and the position of the HPA is that the Home Office proposals still ignore the shortage of skilled grooms for all levels of polo and therefore it is very important that sponsors who have employed migrant workers should make sure that they are compliant and that there are no issues of non-compliance this year as that will give the Home Office justification for restrictions that are damaging to the sport at all levels. Costs As you may be aware, the HPA applied for legal costs for the work that was done for the Judicial Review and our lawyers

were optimistic that we would be awarded a significant proportion. The Judge has ruled against that, unfortunately, and we are advised that it is not worth appealing. Each sponsor was required to sign that they would accept the charge for each migrant endorsed and agreed that the charge would be determined once the full process had been concluded and the legal costs identified. The Stewards feel that the bulk of the legal costs, which have so far amounted to £52,420.56, should fall to those who have brought in migrant workers. Although there is still work to be done and this is likely to incur costs, it has been agreed that there should now be a levy listed below in order to cover the above. Player – £250, Polo Manager – £200, Polo Pony Trainer - £200, Groom - £150

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world as well as the resurgence of polo in France in preparation for the new season The French Team led for most of the match, playing fast paced polo with the help of N’Goumou and Paillol. England seemed to be playing below their potential until the fourth chukka and with it the Best Playing Pony of the Final, played by an impressive Will Lucas, saw great combination teamwork and pony power which completely devastated the French defence. England (14): Henry Porter (2), Mark Baldwin (3), Satnam Dhillon (5) & Will Lucas (5) France (14): Julien Reynes (3), Patrick Paillol (5), Pierre N’Goumou (5) & Alexandre Sztarkman (1) The final Play-Off for the World Championships, which will be for the new Zone E, will be held in Iran on 29 June – 7 July with teams from India, Iran, Pakistan & South Africa competing for the final place in Sydney.

Photograph courtesy of FIP

Patrick Guerrand-Hermes being presented with his FIP trophy as a Past President with Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Le Comte Serge de Ganay

Zone C Play-Offs and 1st Ladies European Championship The Zone C Play-Offs were played at The Polo Club du Domain du Chantilly and it was a worthy Final in one of the biggest Zones in FIP. Chantilly Polo Club, under the guidance of Philippe & Benoit Perrier and with the patronage of Patrick Guerrand-Hermes has virtually become the ‘home of French polo’ and with its extremely impressive all-weather grounds and efficient administration they laid on two excellent tournaments concurrently for the International Federation. The Finals of the Play-Offs were played simultaneously as, if France lost against England, Spain had to win to qualify for the Finals in Australia. Germany on the other hand could force a penalty shootout with France and Spain by winning. So it was all to play for. On Chantilly’s Field 1 for Spain vs Germany, Germany played fast and open polo, changing their positions for this game as Heinrich Dumrath was back. Spain on the other hand tried to slow the pace a bit, making the

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game more favourable for their players and horses. The game was tied for the duration of the match, with Germany having a slight advantage thanks to the goal and a half awarded for the handicap difference. Spain took the lead with only 30 seconds to go in an exciting finish that qualified them for the Finals in Sydney for the first time in nine years since their last World Polo Championship Semi-Final in Mexico 2008. Result (Spain): 5-4½ Spain (14): Mario Gomez (4), Antonio Ayesa (3), Pelayo Berazardi (5) & Jose Trenor (2) Germany (12): Heinrich Dumrath (3), Max Bosch (3), Caesar Crasseman (3) & Caspar Crasseman (3) In the other match, England’s previous wins had them in a worst case scenario on a possible penalty shootout. France had to win and then wait for Spain vs Germany’s result to see if they qualified directly or would be forced into a penalty shootout.

In the Inaugural FIP Ladies European Championship the French team was the one to beat after winning all of their stage matches. Italy on the other hand got their ticket to the Final after a tense penalty shootout, eliminating heavyweights like England and Germany. The Italian ladies started playing a great game, showing that their win against Germany was no coincidence. Ginevra D’Orazio hit the ball really hard and made some amazing passes to her forwards. Caroline Anier, had a great game but could not overcome the impressive teamwork of Team Italy. In the end, D’Orazio scored the Championship’s most amazing goal by a long shot. Score (Italy): 5-4 FIP Ladies European Championship: Germany (12): Tahnee Schroeder (3), Maike Hoelty (3), Laura Gissler Weber (3) & Naomi Schroeder (3) France (10): Léa Siboni (0), Adèle Renauldon (1), Charlotte Garaud (3) & Caroline Anier (6) Italy (10): Ginevra Visconti (1), Maria Vitoria Marchiorello (3), Costanza Marchiorello (3) & Ginevra D’Orazio (3) England (10): Suzannah Harvey (0), Angela Robb (0), Lottie Lamacraft (5) & Lucy Coddington (5) Congratulations to all participating teams. Hopefully this is one of the many ladies tournaments to come!

Polo Times, June 2017

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Super Stretch! We have all been told to reach for the ball, so take heed of this stretching masterclass courtesy of Nacho Gonzales playing for Emlor and Tommy Beresford in hot pursuit for RH Polo in the Prince of Wales Trophy on Saturday 21 May. Makes yoga seem easy!

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check your answer.

Apology In the May issue of Polo Times we erroneously did not list Talandracas in our announcement of The Cartier Queen’s Cup teams. This was an unintentional mistake at the design stage of the magazine. Our apologies for any confusion caused. Of course we wish the Talandracas team (Edouard Carminac, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Guillermo Caset and young Brit Jack Hyde) a great 22 goal campaign.

Polo Times, June 2017

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LIFE’S A BEACH What better way to fundraise than a spot of beach polo – 2017 marked the 8th Intercontinental B.Grimm Asian Beach Polo Championships, held in Thailand’s ultimate beach destination, Hua Hin. This year the event was in aid of the Nabha Foundation which helps the under privileged, often these are former inmates who have finished their sentences and need assistance integrating back into society. The annual event has now become a firm favourite in the Hua Hin social calendar and who can blame them, with the combination of glorious beaches, polo and all in the name of fundraising. However it wasn’t all about the beach polo, with barrel races and parades as well as delicious sideline sustenance. To read more about the action from the event, please turn to our News pages. w Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Polo Times, June 2017

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Polo Times, June 2017

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A Guide to the 2017 High Goal

Feature

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Tilda Woodd reports

Over the past few months, there have been times when, understandably, some of the polo community, would have been questioning this country’s position as one of the sport’s most popular high goal destinations. Nevertheless, following what was certainly a ‘testing winter’ for all the authorities and organisations involved, the season is now well underway and the high goal programme is upon us. As usual, the 22 goal circuit began with The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge and The Prince of Wales Trophy – two tournaments that are generally used as a warm-up for The Queen’s and Gold Cups – and it is El Remanso and RH Polo who will be starting their Queen’s Cup journey fresh from victorious performances in their respective Finals, where they respectively defeated Murus Sanctus and Emlor. Next-up is of course The Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club, which is swiftly followed by Cirencester Park’s Warwickshire Cup. The tournament that then concludes the British high goal season is The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Championships at Cowdray Park. As Polo Times goes to press, there are 10 teams entered in both The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, although Habtoor will only play The Gold Cup and Sifani will only play The Queen’s Cup. During the winter months news broke that Adolfo

Cambiaso’s partnership with Ali Albwardy and his renowned Dubai team was to be no more. For 15 years the polo world has watched as Cambiaso and Dubai have together achieved six Queen’s Cup titles and four Gold Cup titles – a feat which makes them the most successful team of their era. However, this year is all change and Cambiaso has transferred to Ben Soleimani’s RH Polo and Dubai will not feature at all in this year’s line-up. Another side whose presence will be missed is Lyndon Lea’s Zacara. Throughout the past decade, Zacara have been one of the most exciting and successful teams on the circuit, winning a total of four high goal titles. Whilst in some sense the British high goal is ‘out with the old’, we must also welcome in the new. For the first time ever, Sommelier and Monterosso are taking part in the UK 22 goal and Murus Sanctus, who played last year’s Gold Cup tournament, have increased their commitment to England and its polo as this season we will see them feature in both The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup tournaments. Sifani and Habtoor are set to take on just one tournament each and King Power Foxes return to the stage for their third season, and once again we can expect great things from Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s side – what Srivaddhanaprabha’s team have achieved so far must not be underrated; if they were to win a third consecutive Gold Cup, they would become one of just two teams in the history of the tournament to have done so. Christopher Hanbury’s El Remanso and Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco return to the high goal battle with unchanged line-ups

(although until further notice Decaux will be replaced by Ned Hine). Both teams seemed to be finding their stride come the end of The Gold Cup so we can only expect them to better their 2016 performances. For English polo, it is obviously incredibly exciting to see a high contingent of homegrown players feature on the 2017 team sheet. King Power’s elusive fourth position, at the time of going to press, was yet to be confirmed but it was between two talented young Englishmen, Charles Cooney and Hugo Taylor. El Remanso are once again fielding the all British line-up of Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Harper and James Beim; while Luke Tomlinson has joined La Indiana; Jack Hyde represents Talandracas; Tommy Beresford is part of the highly-rated RH side and George Hanbury heads the Sommelier team. In addition to providing you with our annual ‘High Goal Guide’ Polo Times also spoke to a selection of experienced individuals to find out who they think will take the 2017 season by storm. It seems that at the moment RH and King Power Foxes are the hot favourites but as we know, and have seen numerous times before, polo can spring many surprises.

KEY: Form is based on success in the last five Queen’s and Gold Cups. X = failed to make Quarter Finals = did not play that tournament WORLD RANKING: Each player is ranked according to his/her performance, during the course of the year, in the main tournaments around the world.

EL REMANSO El Remanso return to the UK high goal for their 10th consecutive season. Last year we

Team Handicap: 21 Patron: Major Christopher Hanbury Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: XX6X5

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watched as they narrowly missed out on a place in the Gold Cup Semi Finals to King Power Foxes, the eventual winners. This season they return to 22 goal competition with the same all-British line-up. Over the winter the Englishmen have spent time practising together in Argentina so we can only predict that they CHARLIE OLLIE JAMES should better their 2016 efforts. HANBURY Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 68

CUDMORE Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 81

BEIM Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 91

JAMES HARPER Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 97

Polo Times, June 2017

Feature

A Guide to the 2017 High Goal

HABTOOR

Team Handicap: 21 Patron: Mohammed Al Habtoor Tournaments entered: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: -----

Mohammed Al Habtoor is Vice Chairman and CEO of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in Dubai. The establishment is set to be completed this year and its many luxury facilities will include a five star hotel, 25 St. Regis branded bungalows and four polo fields. Mohammed will once again line-up alongside Nico Pieres – the duo reached the Final of The Dubai Gold Cup back in March – and joining them will be Isidro Strada and Francisco MOHAMMED NICOLAS FRANCISCO ISIDRO Elizalde who also competed in this AL HABTOOR PIERES ELIZALDE STRADA year’s Dubai Gold Cup tournament Handicap: 0 Handicap: 8 Handicap: 7 Handicap: 6 and The Dubai Challenge Cup. World Ranking: 170 World Ranking: 7 World Ranking: 73 World Ranking: 73

KING POWER

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: 21131

Since making their UK high goal debut in 2014, where they finished second in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, King Power have continued to maintain their position as one of the best teams on the 22 goal circuit. Since they began their British high goal pursuit they have changed their line-up as little as possible. This year, due to handicap changes, they have to welcome a new player to the team and although they are yet to confirm who it will be, the rumours suggest it is young Englishman Charles Cooney. However, whoever CHARLES COONEY FACUNDO TOP GONZALO it may be you should expect King Handicap: 1 or PIERES SRIVADDHANAPRABHA PIERES JNR Power to be one of the toughest HUGO TAYLOR Handicap: 10 Handicap: 1 Handicap: 10 Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 4 World Ranking: 2 World Ranking: 42 opponents in this year’s competition.

LA BAMBA DE ARECO

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Jean-François Decaux Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: ---8X

Following a two year break from the high goal, Jean-François Decaux and his La Bamba de Areco team returned to 22 goal competition last year, playing both The Queen’s and Gold Cups. This year Decaux returns once again and shows faith in his 2016 line-up having re-signed the same trio of professionals. La Bamba have experience on their side and their players are on form; this winter Cavanagh has helped Valiente achieve victory in The US Open and Laprida reached the Semi Finals of The Argentine Open with Cría Yatay. At the time of going to print, due to JEAN-FRANCOIS RODRIGO CRISTIAN DIEGO DECAUX RUEDA JNR LAPRIDA CAVANAGH health complications Decaux was Handicap: 0 Handicap: 6 Handicap: 8 Handicap: 8 until further noticed being replaced World Ranking: 216 World Ranking: 79 World Ranking: 16 World Ranking: 8 by young Brit 14-year-old Ned Hine.

LA INDIANA

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Michael Bickford Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: --X22

Polo Times, June 2017

Last year Michael Bickford’s La Indiana team took on the full UK high goal season for the first time, illustrating that they are well and truly up to the challenge. Finishing second in both The Queen’s and Gold Cups, La Indiana were without a doubt the most consistently successful team of the season. 2017 sees Bickford return and once again he will line-up alongside Nic Roldan and Agustin MICHAEL AGUSTIN Merlos – the only change to the lineBICKFORD MERLOS up is that Englishman Luke Tomlinson Handicap: 1 Handicap: 8 replaces Julian De Lusarreta. World Ranking: 54 World Ranking: 21

NIC ROLDAN Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 31

LUKE TOMLINSON Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 101

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A Guide to the 2017 High Goal

Feature

MONTEROSSO 2017 sees Italian Alessandro Bazzoni and his Monterosso team feature in the UK high goal

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Alessandro Bazzoni Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: -----

for the first time. For the coming season Bazzoni has signed up the Toccalino brothers, Ignacio and Santiago, and Englishman Matt Perry. Bazzoni and Ignacio have played together in the past – they reached the Final of the Polo Challenge Gold Cup in the Dominican Republic earlier this year – and Perry brings plenty of experience to the side, having played at this level a number of times. He has in fact ALESSANDRO IGNACIO SANTIAGO already won both The Queen’s and BAZZONI TOCCALINO TOCCALINO Gold Cups when he was representing Handicap: 0 Handicap: 8 Handicap: 8 Lyndon Lea’s Zacara team. World Ranking: 410 World Ranking: 36 World Ranking: 70

MATT PERRY Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 74

MURUS SANCTUS

Team Handicap: 21 Patron: Corinne Ricard Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: -----

Corinne Ricard and her Murus Sanctus team tested the high goal water last year when they took part in the Gold Cup but this season her team, which is named after her beautiful farm near Paris, will embark on their first full UK high goal season. In previous years, Murus Sanctus has consistently been one of the most successful teams in French polo and Ricard herself has been one of the biggest influences on women’s polo in France. Facundo Sola featured FACUNDO CORINNE in Ricard’s 2016 Gold Cup and this RICARD SOLA time around he is joined by Hilario Handicap: 8 Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 20 World Ranking: 226 Ulloa and Martin ‘Min’ Podesta.

HILARIO ULLOA Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 18

MIN PODESTA Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 151

RH POLO

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Ben Soleimani Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: -X57X

Before they have even played their first game, Ben Soleimani’s RH Polo has already got the polo world’s attention. Adolfo Cambiaso has parted ways with Ali Albwardy’s Dubai after 15 years of partnership and ensuring he didn’t miss out on an opportunity, Soleimani was quick to act, rapidly signing up the 10 goaler for this coming season. The line-up will also feature Rodrigo Andrade, who returns to RH Polo for the second consecutive year and Englishman Tommy BEN ADOLFO RODRIGO Beresford. With Cambiaso onside this SOLEIMANI CAMBIASO ANDRADE is certainly a team to watch. Handicap: 0 Handicap: 10 Handicap: 8

World Ranking: 13

TOMMY BERESFORD Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 85

Hilali Noordeen has entered The Cartier Queen’s Cup with a completely fresh Sifani line up. Joining him in his pursuit for the 2017 Queen’s Cup title is John Paul Clarkin, Julian de Lusarreta and Guillermo Terrera. During the winter months all three professionals have achieved individual success: Clarkin won the New Zealand Open with his brother Matthew as part of the Tiger Building team; de Lusarreta reached the Final of the this year’s USPA Gold Cup and Terrera played in the Semi Finals of HILALI JULIAN DE JOHN PAUL CLARKIN The Argentine Open. No doubt Hilali NOORDEEN LUSARRETA Handicap: 7 Handicap: 0 Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 83 will be hoping they continue to achieve World Ranking: 917 World Ranking: 11 their successes on English soil.

GUILLERMO TERRERA Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 28

World Ranking: 77

World Ranking: 1

SIFANI

Team Handicap: 21 Patron: Hilali Noordeen Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup Form: -XX6X

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Polo Times, June 2017

Feature

A Guide to the 2017 High Goal

sommelier shirt. jpg IN FOLDER

Team Handicap: 22 Sponsor: Sommelier Fine Wines Ltd Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: -----

SOMMELIER Although this is the first time Sommelier will feature in the UK high goal, all players have plenty of experience of the sport at this level. Last year George and Alec represented Sir Charles William’s Apes Hill together, but this time around they are set to join up with Canadian Fred Mannix and Argentine Juan Gris Zavaleta instead of Mark Tomlinson and Eduardo Novillo Astrada. Last season Mannix led the Commonwealth side to victory in The Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club and he GEORGE FRED JUAN GRIS will undoubtedly be hoping to add HANBURY MANNIX ZAVALETA another English victory Handicap: 3 Handicap: 8 Handicap: 7 with Sommelier. World Ranking: 134 World Ranking: 27 World Ranking: 48

ALEC WHITE Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 64

TALANDRACAS

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Edouard Carmignac Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Form: X4XX6

Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas is without a doubt the longest standing team in this year’s English high goal programme. The Frenchman has been a supporter of the UK 22 goal for many years and in 2014 his side missed out on lifting The Queen’s Cup trophy when Zacara narrowly defeated Talandracas in the Final. This season Talandracas is putting forward a refreshed team with Carmignac’s line-up now featuring 10 goaler Pelón Stirling and young Englishman Jack Hyde – Caset returns for the third year running. Both Stirling and Hyde JACK PELON EDOUARD GUILLERMO competed in the UK high goal last HYDE STIRLING CARMIGNAC CASET season, where they represented HB Handicap: 3 Handicap: 9 Handicap: 10 Handicap: 0 Polo and Zacara teams respectively. World Ranking: 6 World Ranking: 95 World Ranking: 17 World Ranking: 98

RH POLO

KING POWER

Mark Tomlinson: “I think RH are my favourites for The Queen’s Cup. The combination of the ‘Cambiaso factor’ and two players in Andrade and Beresford who are probably at the top of their handicap bracket to me will see them lift this year’s trophy.”

Hugo Lewis: “I would obviously love to see King Power do well and I think I would back them to win The Gold Cup but The Queen’s Cup will be close and RH look very strong.”

RH POLO

Ali Paterson: “I think it will be between King Power and RH. My money is on RH as all the pros are under handicapped and this combined with the clones that have been flown in and the super-talent that Adolfo is means in my view, they will surely get to be finalists.”

Polo Times, June 2017

EL REMANSO POLO

Alan Kent: “King Power get my vote. The Pieres brothers are worth more than 20 goals between them and the way the rules are being umpired plays in the brothers’ skills and speed. I also think El Remanso will be a force to contend with, it would be great to see the four English do well. It will come down to them keeping their rhythm together against the teams with the big boys in. Leadership will play a big part.”

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Feature

Royal Windsor Horse Show

Polo ponies strut their stuff at the UK’s largest outdoor equestrian event, reports Caroline Stern

he prestigious and unique Royal Windsor Horse Show’s (RWHS) Polo Pony class was held on Thursday 11 May and attracted ten entrants. Polo ponies first appeared in the RWHS show ring in 1950 and this remains the only annual event at which polo ponies and players’ talents are demonstrated to the general equestrian public. Guards Polo Club Secretary Geoffrey Cross originally created the Polo Pony Class. Guards Polo Club sponsors the class to this day and is its main promoter and supporter. Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe has judged the class for several years in conjunction with Lord Patrick Beresford, who was unfortunately unable to preside this year. Fra Woodd stepped into the breech at short notice, bringing a wealth of bloodstock expertise and knowledge to the judging process. “Although I never played polo, I spent more years than I would care to remember as a polo wife (of HPA Chief Executive David Woodd) and Pony Club mother,” said Fra. Despite decades of experience judging bloodstock, this was her first go at judging polo ponies in the ring. “I intend to simply apply first principals of show judging – each horse starts with ten and then you knock off points,” she explained. The third judge was Sarah Gracey, owner of local polo and riding equipment suppliers the Millwheel Tack Shop + GG Feeds, who also annually sponsors the Best Turned Out prize in the class. Another change this year was the inclusion of a Retrained Racehorse category, sponsored by Retraining of Racehorses (ROR). In previous years, polo ponies were entered as either Lightweight or Heavyweight. The judges picked their favourites in both categories, then assessed the winning Lightweight against the winning Heavyweight and chose a Supreme and a Reserve Champion. This year, Section A of the Polo Pony Class was exclusively for Thoroughbreds that had raced in the UK, whilst Section B comprised of ponies bred specifically for polo. Guards Chief Executive Neil Hobday was a first-time spectator at the event. “I have always been too busy at work to come and

Polo Times, June 2017

Roddy Matthews riding Summer

watch in previous years, but it is amazing to be here at last and it is so important that all of us in the polo community really get behind this event.” Neil’s daughter Isobel was also a first-time competitor in the class. Isobel rode her own 26-year-old Argentinean gelding Palermo. Older polo ponies were well represented in Section B of the class, as Isobel and Palermo lined up alongside Oxfordshire-based Pippa Vincent and her elegant 25-year-old chestnut mare Cindy. Louise Saul rode another veteran, Major Jamie Hayward’s black mare, Chloe, in an elegant display, whilst the youngest rider, 14-year-old Riley Leake combined well with the extremely agile 25-year-old bay mare Petacca. All the older ponies were in impressive condition. “Of course, all our retired and older polo ponies should get all the love and attention they deserve,” said Neil Hobday. “All the ponies today are so well turned out and it’s great for the spectators to be able to see our sport shown off at such close quarters.” The crowd was suitably impressed by the high standard of player riding and pony performance, particularly those who had never watched polo. Many competitors

demonstrated impressive speed and turns, despite being on what was clearly somewhat slippery and long grass. Just three ponies contested the ROR section, all stunning 8-year-olds. Roddy Matthews rode both his own horses, North Code and Cool Light in two stylish displays of polo riding. The third ROR entrant was Alan Kent’s Maria Medecis, who produced a nice show of controlled power, under American 2 goaler Nick Johnson. In Section B, Roddy Matthews gave the crowd another treat when he climbed aboard Summer, a pretty chestnut mare owned by Julian Leake. James Mann, newly based in Berkshire, showed off the well-schooled Honey, a pretty bay mare. Last year’s Lightweight winner and Reserve Champion Gatita, a small dun Criollo, drew cheers from the crowd with a demonstration of gymkhana-like agility, under the guidance of owner Samanatha Luff. Antony Fanshawe then rode a selection of ponies before he and Fra Woodd awarded the honours. Maria Medecis was placed first in the ROR category with Cool Light second, whilst Summer was adjudged the best purpose-bred polo pony, with Gatita in second place. Finally, the judges awarded Maria Medecis the title of Supreme Champion and Cool Light Reserve Champion, whilst Sarah Gracey chose Gatita to receive her Best Turned Out prize. Sarah shared the presentation honours with Neil Hobday. Both Guards Polo Club and ROR donated an impressive £500 prize for first place. “It’s great to have won, especially considering that I only flew in to the UK 24 hours ago!” said Nick Johnson, who is working for Alan Kent this season. “We are so pleased,” added Fiona Kent. With slightly better entry levels than last year, Neil Hobday and Antony Fanshawe would love the class to again boast the huge numbers of entries seen in the last century, when the best year saw 41 polo ponies paraded before the crowds. “We should set a target of doubling next year’s entries and aim for 20 polo ponies, especially from high-goal players,” said Neil Hobday. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Caroline Stern

Feature

The judges Sarah Gracey, Fra Woodd and Antony Fanshawe

Louise Saul riding Major Jamie Hayward’s Chloe

Full Results for 2017 Class 51: Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club

Section A: ROR Thoroughbred sponsored by Retraining of Racehorses Winner: Maria Medecis – Owner Alan Kent, Rider Nick Johnson 2nd Place: Cool Light – Owner & Rider Roddy Mathews 3rd Place: North Code – Owner & Rider Roddy Matthews Section B: Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club Winner: Summer – Owner Julian Leake, Rider Roddy Matthews 2nd Place: Gatita – Owner & Rider Samantha Luff 3rd Place: Chloe – Owner Major Jamie Hayward, Rider Louise Saul 4th Place: Honey – Owner & Rider James Mann 5th Place: Cindy – Owner & Rider Pippa Vincent 6th Place: Palermo – Owner & Rider Isobel Hobday 7th Place: Petacca – Owner Roddy Matthews, Rider Riley Leake Leake Nick Johnson riding Maria Medecis who was placed first in the RoR category with Fiona Kent

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Polo Times, June 2017

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Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide

Feature

Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide F

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

As the 2017 series commences we catch up with players and clubs from each handicap section to find out about their plans for this year

ollowing an exceedingly successful 2016 series, teams are lining up for the 2017 Victor Ludorum (VL) series. Running over the summer season, 11 clubs host 28 tournaments spread over a five-month period in five different handicap brackets (18, 15, 12, 8 & 6 goal). The Championship trophies are handed out at the annual Polo Awards the following year, which this year was held at Guards Polo Club. Due to the point system, teams don’t even need to win every tournament to win the series, which is a great incentive for teams to cement their players, work on tactics and play the UK summer together. It wouldn’t be polo without a number of changes and team shuffles, and this year it’s no different. Whilst some teams have remained the same, numerous have seen handicap changes prompting a shift in line-ups. In some cases, pony power has been stepped up a notch, as well as secret strategy meetings taking place throughout the off-season, resulting in some exciting matches to come. The VL is the perfect sequence of handicapped tournaments enabling teams to travel across the country and really spread their wings, as well as spectators revelling in the continuous excitement. From 6 goal tournaments upwards, the series brings together teams, patrons, clubs and supporters from all walks of life to take part in these electrifying games.

WHEN AND WHERE YOU CAN PLAY IN THE VICTOR LUDORUM 2017 SERIES

2017 Victor Ludorum Dates 18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

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Guards – Bentley Royal Windsor: 5 – 25 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore: June 27 – 15 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards – The Hildon Archie David Cup: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC – Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 – 27 August

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Dollar Cup: May 15 – 4 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 5 – 17 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: June 19 – 1 July Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy: 3 – 16 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup: 15 – 28 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse: 5 – 17 June Rutland – Assam Cup: June 27 – 2 July Cheshire – County Cup: 10 – 16 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup: 24 – 30 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September

Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May

Polo Times, June 2017

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Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide

2017 marks the first year of the Victrix (Ladies) Ludorum. The series will run in much the same way as the current mixed Victor Ludorum, and will be played at 12-18 goal level using ladies’ handicaps. There will be six tournaments played at six clubs across the country, Knepp Castle, Cowdray Park Polo Club, Cirencester Park Polo Club, Beaufort Polo Club, Guards Polo Club and the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. It is still to be confirmed if there will be professional umpire fees to be paid by the players for the Semi Finals and Finals of the tournaments.

The HPA Victor Ludorum 2016 Top Three Teams

Players

18 GOAL

15 GOAL

1st Poulton/Balvanera: Ludo Ephson (2), Juan Jose de Alba (3), Tomy Iriarte (5) & Glenn Sherriff (5) 2nd Black Bears: Max Charlton (7), Juan Cruz Merlos (4), James Lester (3) & Guy Schwarzenbach (1) 3rd Emlor S: Spencer McCarthy (1), James McCarthy (0), Alejandro Muzzio (7) & Nacho Gonzales (6)

12 GOAL

1st Maiz Dulce: Lottie Lamacraft (0), Jack Berner (2), Glenn Sherriff (5) & Tomas Hunt (5) 2nd Beaufort Blackhound: Luke Wiles (0), Nicolas Antinori (5), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Tommy Severn (1) 3rd Snake Bite: Max Kirchhoff (0), Pedro Harrison (4), Matias Amaya (5) & David Ashby (3)

8 GOAL

1st Chester/Stobart: Cristian Chaves (3), Jonny Coddington (3), Katie Jenkinson (0) & Charlie Walton (2) 2nd Sladmore/Twelve Oaks: Edward Horswell (1), Nicolas de Poligny (0), Charlie Wooldridge (1) & Chris Hyde (6) 3rd Prestige Sport: Jonny Brown (-1), Henry Smith (0), Pedro Harrison (4) & Nico Fontanarrosa (5)

6 GOAL

1st Snake Bite: Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Meyrick (1), Jack Berner (2) & David Ashby (3) 2nd Strategic: Peter O’Rorke (-1), Mark Brown (0), Matt Evetts (3) & Kelvin Johnson (4) 3rd CCPC: Alice Servaes (0), Corentin Mahe (1), Fabio Lavinia (4) & Andrew Burke (0) 34

Polo Times, June 2017

Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com

1st Black Bears: Max Charlton (7), Juan Cruz Merlos (4), James Lester (3) & Guy Schwarzenbach (1) 2nd Marchfield Polo: Saad Audeh (0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Manuel Plaza de Ayala (6) & Federico Boudou (4) 3rd Ferne Park: Matt Perry (5), Jonathan Rothermere (0), Igna Negri (6) & Joaquin Pittaluga (7)

3 goaler David Ashby playing for Snakebite

David Ashby What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? The whole season was pretty special, but my joint favourite highlights were watching the boys, whilst injured on the sidelines, come back from 3 down with 1.40 minutes to go to win the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup at Beaufort and second was winning the Roehampton at HPC, the London Polo Club which was the result that saw us win the VL and my best mare Lupe won BPP. Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? Snake Bite is playing the 8 goal VL this year as well as some of the 15 goal VLs. I am also playing the 6 goal VL with a new team called Thomson Local. Team Names for 2017: 6 goal – Thomson Local 8 goal – Snake Bite 15 goal – Armis Snake Bite Who is your team for this season? Thomson Local (6): Benji Bradshaw (-1), Phil Seller (2), John Martin (2) & myself (3)

Snake Bite (8): Maximilian Kirchhoff (0), Jimbo Fewster (1), Nick Pepper (4) & myself (3) Armis Snake Bite (15): Maximilian Kirchhoff (0), myself (3), James Harper (6) & James Beim (6) Is there anything particular that you have changed/will change this time around? We are always striving to improve, so lots of works goes on behind the scenes, but I can’t really give too much away now can I?! What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? Playing around the country in a range of clubs is always good fun, coming up against many different opponents. However, the VL series gives the whole season a main goal and a target. One bad game or tournament isn’t the end of the world, you have a chance to bounce back and improve. Making sure you are performing to your best for such a long season is tough and that is exactly what the VLs ask of you. www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide

Marcus Cork

Peter O’Rorke

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? Yes, the 15 goal.

What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? In 2016 we came second in the 6 goal VL, for the third year running, so it was a frustrating season for us. The extension of the VL coverage over two new tournaments has resulted in eight possible tournaments that could be played for, with approximately 30 matches through the season. Really the highlight for us was exactly what the VL series is supposed to be about, in other words travelling to different clubs and competing for some wonderful old trophies throughout the summer. As with previous seasons, this resulted in a proper team spirit for both players and supporters without worrying ourselves to death over the loss of one match or another. We were competitive enough to reach several Finals but ultimately didn’t manage to convert these into quite enough points! Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? Yes, we are competing in the 8 goal VL series this year. It’s quite a big jump in terms of commitment and the need to be well prepared. At the 8 goal level one must be ready to fight for the big trophies like the Archie David, Gerald Balding etc, which are amongst the toughest to win in polo.

Team Name for 2017: Kildare. Who is your team for this season? Andrew Dechet (2), Hissam Ali Hyder (6), Manuel Plaza (6) & myself (1).  Is there anything particular that you have changed/will change this time around? I spent the first part of the winter in Argentina learning anticipation and team playing, and then onto New Zealand to improve my riding. Last year, I filled in for patrons, but this year I am the third player in the team which means I need to add a lot more value to support the team. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? It is very competitive and has equally balanced teams, which is so important in such a structured and disciplined tournament. I like the fact that it’s played throughout the whole season, unlike other tournaments which only last a normally a couple of weeks.

Photograph by Hammad Ghous Malik

Marcus Cork will be competing in the 15 goal

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Team Name for 2017: We are playing as Strategic Help for Heroes. It’s a really important development for us as a team. While we want to play for all the normal reasons, we also want to use the tournaments and VL coverage to highlight the Help for Heroes charity and in particular, the ParaPolo initiative that provides polo training and support for members of the Armed Forces who are wounded, injured or sick. It’s a really wonderful cause and deserves more attention. All the players on our team, and the supporters, will be able to explain what this is all about, and we hope to encourage more interest and support from the wider polo community. We’ve got some seriously cool shirts as well! Who is your team for this season? The team is myself (-1) and Matt Evetts (3), of course. But this year sees the return of our 2014 team mate Archie Smyth-Osbourne (2) which is excellent news. Finally, we will be joined by Ed Hitchman (4) with his wide

Handicap 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18

Location Knepp Castle Cowdray Park Cirencester Park Beaufort RCBPC Guards

Photograph courtesy of Peter O’Rorke

Victrix Ludorum 12-18 Goal Start End Tournament Wed/12/07/2017 Sun/16/07/2017 The Racehorse Sanctuary International Ladies Tournament Wed/14/06/2017 Sat/22/07/2017 The British Ladies Tue/25/07/2017 Sun/30/07/2017 Fri/28/07/2017 Sat/05/08/2017 Beaufort Ladies Tournament Sat/05/08/2017 Sun/13/08/2017 The Polo Festival Ladies Tournament Tue/22/08/2017 Sat/02/09/2017 The Lord Beresford Cup

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Peter O’Rorke racing for the line

international experience. I am really proud of these young British players and in particular the kind of sporting polo they excel at, so whatever happens this year, it’s going to be amazing. Is there anything particular that you have changed/will change this time around? There is no doubt that to win in the VL tournaments, everyone has to be well mounted and playing above their handicap. However, it is also particularly important to have a third truly effective player on each team. To some extent this is an area that has good opportunities for the really young, sparky players off 1 or 2 goals and looking to go up. There is a debate about how to get patrons to use British players in the high and medium goal levels, but that has always been a conundrum for as many years as I can remember. The changes to the visa laws and the way the higher levels of low goal polo have evolved may offer some good opportunities to young players. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? Doing the VL tournaments is the most fun I have had in 30 years of playing low goal polo. While everyone always says the best polo is played with your friends, this isn’t terribly practical advice. However, entering into the commitment of the series and fighting through the weeks and months builds an ‘ésprit de corps’, trust and relationship that to me represents the best aspects of the game. It’s about a campaign: with each tournament a war and each match a battle. You win some, you lose some but you fight on with your mates. Fantastic! Polo Times, June 2017

Feature

Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide

Saad Audeh What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? Last year we decided to play the 18 goal VL which we all really enjoyed and finished in the best way we could; we won The Indian Empire Trophy! Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? Yes, we are playing the 18 goal VL again.

Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com

Saad Audeh with HM The Queen in 2013 at the 17th GCC Polo Cup

Jonathan Rothermere What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? The highlight was winning the Duke of Sutherland. Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? Yes, we are playing 15 and 18 goal. Team Name for 2017: Ferne Park Who are your teams for this season? 18 Goal: Myself (0), Joaquin Pittaluga (7), Ignacio Negri (6) & Dirk Gould (5) 15 Goal: Myself (0), Joaquin Pittaluga (7), Josh Cork (2) & Ignacio Negri (6)

Team Name for 2017: Marchfield Polo. Who is your team for this season? Myself (playing off 0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Manual Plaza (6) & Gregorio Gelosi (4). Is there anything particular that you have changed/will change this time around? We had to change the team because Federico Boudou is now 5 goals , but apart from that we are organised and ready! What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? I really like the system. It’s a great incentive for all the teams.

Is there anything particular that you have changed/will change this time around? This year we have the first tranche of JP’s yearlings from Argentina that he played in the Open. Also all our pros have brought over more horses. If you hadn’t already guessed it; our tactic is horsepower. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? Good thing: I think the Victor Ludorum tournaments are good as they give you something to compete for over the whole season. Bad Thing: Not all the clubs share the same level of ground maintenance or best practice.

Clubs

BEAUFORT POLO CLUB (Polo Manager, Caspar West)

What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? There have to be two really; firstly, the dramatic finish to the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse 6 goal as Max Kirchoff ’s Snake Bite were able to claw back a 4 goal deficit in the last 2½ minutes of the final chukka to beat Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic. Secondly, it has to be the Wichenford Bowl 8 goal and the Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup tournaments to decide the winners of the series. What tournament/tournaments are you holding this year? We have four VL tournaments this year and are incredibly lucky to have them all sponsored. Justerini & Brooks have extended their support to 36

Polo Times, June 2017

not only the Arthur Lucas Cup 15 goal but also the Prince of Wales 12 goal. We also welcome Fairfax & Favor and Cotswold Airport to sponsor the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse 6 goal and the Wichenford Bowl respectively. How many teams are expected? Hopefully as many as possible! We normally have between six and 12 for each of them. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? It gives teams a chance to not only visit clubs away from their normal clubs especially in the lower goal series, but also provides very welcome extra funds through these entry fees and finally a direction and commitment for teams to ensure that they have a good structured plan for the season. www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum 2017 Guide

RUTLAND POLO CLUB

DALLAS BURTON POLO CLUB

(Polo Manager, Tom Collie)

(Polo Manager, Huw Bevan)

What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? I think it would have to be the number of teams entered, as we had eight and had to fit all the polo into one week. Thankfully the HPA has given us two weeks to run the tournament this year. The Final between Snake Bite and CANI was also a fantastic game to watch, with many of the players having been playing in higher level polo abroad over the winter, which made for some great plays. What tournament/tournaments are you holding this year? Our first is The Stoneythorpe Cup Victor Ludorum. However we are running a couple of extra tournament weekends this year due to the large number of entries we had in 2016. We’ve also got an extra 10 goal ladies tournament taking place in June, as well as working alongside ‘Women in Polo’ who are hosting their Carnival of Polo at the Clubin September. How many teams are expected? This year we have six teamsfor The Stoneythorpe Cup.

(Press Officer, Liz Higgins)

What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? Cowdray Park runs six HPA tournaments each year that count towards the UK Victor Ludorum prize. These tournaments are very popular and run through the whole polo season. Those we refer to as our Goodwood Week tournaments; the Harrison, Holden White and Cowdray Challenge Cups, traditionally run during nearby Goodwood’s Festival of Horseracing, attract high entries and are always hard-fought and entertaining to watch. The 8 goal Holden White Cup had 18 entries and Peter Barfoot’s Maiz Dulce narrowly ran out the winners against Ahmed Aboughazale’s Sumaya on a score of 6-5. Peter himself remained in hospital at the time following his accident earlier in the month and his team were proud to take home the Cup on his behalf. www.polotimes.co.uk

What was your 2016 Victor Ludorum highlight? After the 2016 Finals were initially postponed due to torrential rain on the Sunday, the Finals were played later on that month. It was great the way the Club pulled together to enable this to happen. It was with great pleasure that we handed the trophy over to Peter O’Rorke of Strategic Polo, a longstanding supporter of The Assam Trophy after a polished performance from his very strong team. What tournament/tournaments are you holding this year? We combine our VL Assam Cup with the highly competitive 0 goal Findlay Trophy, which is probably one of the most competitive 0 goal tournaments in the country. How many teams are expected? This year the tournament has been moved back a week and we’ve got three confirmed teams, with two more showing an interest, so we’re hoping for a good tournament. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? Holding a VL tournament allows Rutland to host some great polo and promote our flagship tournament to a wider audience.

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? It’s great to see many of the same teams coming back year on year, with a few changes depending on whose handicap has moved, and it’s therefore great to see how they have all developed and changed their tactics.

COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB

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2016 Autumn Cup Winners, Gardenvale, at Cowdray

What tournament/tournaments are you holding this year? Dollar Cup (12): 16 May – 4 June Duke of Sutherland Cup (18): 22 May – 11 June Harrison Cup (15): 18 July – 5 August Cowdray Challenge Cup (18): 24 July – 6 August Holden White Cup (8): 24 July – 6 August Autumn Cup (12): 11 September – 24 September

How many teams are expected? In 2016 we had 17 entries for the Dollar, nine for the Duke of Sutherland, 13 for the Harrison, three for the Cowdray Challenge and nine for the Autumn Cup. We are hoping for similar in 2017 but already know that the 18 goal is looking very strong. What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? They encourage competition with teams from other clubs. Polo Times, June 2017

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## 11CHOICE CHOICEOF OFPOLO POLOPROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

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Polo Park Zürich

Swiss Excellence Polo in Switzerland has a bright future thanks to the vision of Sébastien Le Page

Rich Hine reports from Switzerland

aving heard great feedback about Polo Park Zürich’s progressive approach to polo at this year’s St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup, we were keen to visit the up and coming Swiss Club following the launch of their prestigious new Club House. With three full sized polo grounds, a brand new Club House, complete with eight 5 star suites, 57 stables, 50 playing members and 10 professionals based at the Club, Polo Park Zürich is fast becoming the place to learn and enjoy up to 12 goal polo – not just in Switzerland, but far wider afield. This, twinned with the Club’s location, 25 minutes by car from Zürich airport and situated in the middle of the rolling Swiss countryside in surroundings straight out of The Sound of 40

Polo Times, June 2017

Music, makes a visit to the Club a must for all polo aficionados. The Club was founded 19 years ago by Markus Gräff and purchased by Sébastien Le Page in 2012, since when, Sébastien has injected his self evident passion to play the best polo possible, into Polo Park Zürich. Sébastien aims to develop both local Swiss polo but also foster links with players, patrons and teams alike from across the continent. Together with his wife Morgan, Sébastien has been counselled by the omnipresent Francisco Podesta enabling Zürich’s polo couple to remain humble and egalitarian in their development of the Club – and with Club Members’ long-term interests always at the forefront of any decisions that are being made. This is clearly a Club run for the membership but one that still retains a clear leader at the helm in the form of Sébastien translating into a fun environment where players, spectators and sponsors alike of all backgrounds, are welcomed with open arms. Polo Times boarded a plane from London earlier in May and within two hours were arriving

at Polo Park Zürich to catch up with Sébastien, to find out more about Polo Park Zürich. How did you get into Polo? “I have been riding since I was three, I won some jumping competitions, and my father used to hunt stags in Normandy, so there has always been an equestrian background in my life, albeit, completely different to polo. www.polotimes.co.uk

Having played rugby for 25 years, I realised that my body was slowing down and that it took me longer to recover after matches! I love the physical and team element side to sport, so interests like golf were never really an option for me. I blame HRH The Duke of Cambridge for initially getting me interested in polo as it was during his wedding ceremony on TV that I twigged that he regularly fitted polo in around his schedule and that his father, The Prince of Wales, played up until the age of 57. So I thought, ‘OK’, let’s see if there’s

“This egalitarian approach makes all of the members very happy, it’s not a dictatorship – or maybe it is, but from the Polo Manager, Francisco, not the owner!” any polo in Zürich. As luck would have it, there happened to be a Beginner’s course starting immediately at Polo Park Zürich and I told my wife Morgan about it. She looked at me in shock and said, “How did you know that it’s been my dream to play polo all my life!” – of course, she had never told me, so we immediately booked on to the course and have never looked back.”

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What was the progression from taking up polo six years ago, to now owning a Polo Club? “The polo bug was very strong! Joking aside, one of the reasons I go very fast into things is because my first wife died when she was 33-years-old from cancer, so that means I know that we must make the most of our time here on Earth. Whilst it took a bit of time to adapt to the polo style of riding, Morgan and I were hooked from our very first days in the saddle. Francisco Podesta, who has managed the Club since its founding, actually calmed me down as I initially wanted to buy 10 horses, but he said, “Let’s buy one horse and see how things develop”. Although one pony inevitably snowballed into many more, Francisco’s propensity to build, gradually and sustainably are self-evident in everything that we do at Polo Park Zürich where we are very aware that it takes a long time to build up a good reputation and only one second to lose it.” What’s the vision moving forward for PPZ? “In polo there are a lot of people who try to cut corners and I think it is wrong, and in Switzerland if you cut corners and get caught you are in a lot of trouble. We wanted to build a Club that has a reputation built on an ethos of fair and fun polo for all. At the moment the Club has grown to be the biggest in Switzerland with 50 regular players and 120 part time members who play around their work commitments. We have 57 stables at the Club which combined

Photography by Evelina Jakovlevskaja, Kathrin Gralla, Robert W. Kranz, ©Polo Park and Country Club Zürich

Polo Park Zürich

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The view leading to the eight apartments

Morgan being marked by Sébastien

with the horses stabled locally, means that the Club has 222 ponies at its disposal. Our Members love being based here because as we have 10 resident professionals, we can play chukkas twice a day, six days a week and are fortunate to have three excellent grounds at our disposal. As such, polo is very rarely cancelled. Similarly, although I am the owner of the Club, we do things Swiss style here. If I am late, the chukkas won’t wait for me – one of my grooms plays instead of me. This egalitarian approach makes all of the Members very happy, it’s not a dictatorship – or maybe it is, but from the Polo Manager, Francisco, not the owner! In the same vein, when I play at other clubs, the level of umpiring sometimes upsets me. I feel that umpires can favour their friends and the home teams. This does not happen at Polo Park Zürich. All the tournaments have two umpires, even though it costs more, it is worth it to avoid arguments and also to maintain

Polo Times, June 2017

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Polo Park Zürich

our reputation. If I see that one umpire is favouring any one, he won’t be coming back next year. The umpires know that. As such, the teams that make the Finals are the best teams, irrelevant of who their sponsor is and irrelevant of what the umpire says.” What is the plan for the apartments? “We have eight apartments, which are for rent over weekends, weekly or monthly. Some players will stay for two tournaments and they can stay in the apartments for the duration of that time with Club chukkas during the week and the tournaments at the weekend. They’ll be close to the horses, can be involved with the Club, whilst there are also lots of other things for them to do in the region if they can’t play polo during the week. Hiking in the mountains, visiting waterfalls, the forests and even Zürich itself, you name it, the list is endless.”

“We are very aware that it takes a long time to build up a good reputation and only one second to lose it” full membership fee, so that’s where this membership comes in. Stick & ball Membership: 3,500CHF – for just that, stick and balling. Full member: 6,500CHF – for all chukkas and matches. We play eight to 10

chukkas per day, plus a 3-4 goal league with one pro and three amateurs High Goal membership: 10,000 CHF – This gives a player access to the above but also the opportunity to play in 10-12 goal Club chukkas which we call ‘the high goal’. Polo Park Zürich is currently welcoming player and teams to come to the Club to find out for themselves what Polo Park Zürich has to offer. For more information please contact info@polopark.ch or visit www.polopark.ch

What types of Membership are available? VIP: 550CHF – which gives you five lessons and you can renew as much as you like. Flying Membership: 2,000 CHF – which gives you 16 chukkas which you can use anytime you want. This is typically for people who don’t live in Switzerland but still want to be involved. There are a lot of people who come to Zürich, and if they are here for the weekend they often want to play chukkas but don’t want to pay the 42

Polo Times, June 2017

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Located north of Zürich, Polo Park Club Zürich offers polo from Tuesday to Sunday, Plumand Country Navy Gold White Pant. 526 U 2768 U 872 U from April to October. Up to 10 tournaments per season, from 0 to 10 goals. Pant. 526 C 2768 C 872 C

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and your organisation to play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland. LOGO POLO PARK & COUNTRY CLUB ZURICH SOLID COLOR Polo Park & Country Club Zürich - info@polopark.ch - Join us VERSION on Facebook : Polo Park Zürich - www.polopark.ch

DOG-DESSINS ORIGINAUX ET GENIAUX for POLO PARK & COUNTRY CLUB ZÜRICH

June 3-4: Zürich Championship Low Goal June 10-11: In Vino Challenge

June 17-18: Zürich Championship Medium Goal July 1-2: Gold Cup

July 8-9: Zürich International Ladies Cup &

Polo Park & Country Club Zürich Cup

SepteMber 2-3: The Luxury Trophy SepteMber 9-10: Vecinos Cup and more...

Photograph by ©Eduardo Grunberg/www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Copa de las Naciones

Copa de las Naciones O Argentina secure title in Palermo

n Saturday 29 April, crowds gathered at Palermo for the final phase of the VIII Copa de las Naciones with matches in women’s, youth and senior sections. The senior section featured a Test Match between Uruguay and Argentina, which saw 10 goalers Adolfo Cambiaso and Pelón Stirling line-up alongside up-and-coming youngsters. The Argentine team was a family affair with Adolfo Cambiaso, fresh from his US Triple Crown win, joined by his two nephews Camilo and Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola. Following their loss to Chile in 2016, Argentina led from the outset, and by half-time had secured a lead of 6 goals to 2 – an impressive feat considering the team had only practiced together once before. 44

Polo Times, June 2017

The ensuing match was fast and free flowing, with few fouls and an exciting display of young talent, especially from the 14-year-old Camilo Castagnola who scored five goals for Argentina. Despite the best efforts from the Uruguayan side, the strength and teamwork of the Argentine side proved too great to overcome, although Pelón Stirling did manage to secure a last minute flurry of three goals in the final chukka, it was a case of too little too late and Argentina in the end claimed the title with a convincing final score of 15-6. find out more, please turn to our Youth and To Women’s sections.

Chukka Scores: 3-1, 4-1, 6-2, 11-2, 13-3, 15-6 to Argentina

Argentina (24) Camilo Castagnola (3) Juan Martín Zubía (6) Bartolomé Castagnola (5) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

FIN

29 AP

Uruguay (24) Carlos Mariano Álvarez (1) Juan Curbelo (6) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) Alejo Taranco (7)

BPP

Abrojito Perla, played by Camilo Castagnola Where: Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina www.polotimes.co.uk

www.andrewsbowen.co.uk “The team from Andrews Bowen were quick, highly professional and come with a wealth of knowledge” Karl Martinez

OUR CONTINUED RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT ALLOWS US TO PRODUCE TOP PERFORMANCE SURFACES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES

Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge

Reports

Photograph by Clive Bennett www.polopictures.co.uk

Action from the Final

El Remanso secured the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Cup

El Remanso Takes the Title All-Brit line-up secure Trippetts 22 goal

he eight day Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge came to an end with the All-English line-up of El Remanso taking home the trophy with an 11-8 win over Murus Sanctus. The series is traditionally the precursor to The Cartier Queen’s Cup, with the world’s best players going head to head on grounds at Cowdray and Trippetts Farm. Jaeger-LeCoultre shares a strong history with polo, from the iconic Reverso watch to their sponsorship of polo worldwide and of course

the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club. This year, seven teams entered the tournament for the James WentworthStanley Memorial Cup, with each team using this first of the UK’s 22 goal tournaments to practice tactics, and try out pony choices ahead of The Cartier Queen’s Cup qualifiers. This year’s Trippetts Challenge also saw Britain’s youngest ever player in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge, 14-year-old Ned Hine (0), who

substituted for La Bamba de Areco’s Patron Jean-François Decaux. Biblical-type rains with days of torrential rain scrambled the final leg of the Challenge, with both games scheduled for Friday 19 May cancelled and the undefeated King Power Foxes pulling out from the competition. With a death in the family meaning La Indiana’s Michael Bickford had to return home to the USA, La Indiana withdrew from the opportunity to compete in the Final, in favour of playing a more relaxed round-robin on Sunday 21 May. La Indiana walked away from the round-robin against Sommelier and La Bamba de Areco with two wins, setting the team in good stead for a repeat and perhaps the potential to improve their 2016 performances in the 22 goal. Next-up, in the Final between El Remanso and Murus Sanctus, despite the predictions of rain, the sun did make an appearance to see El Remanso capitalise on their one goal handicap advantage with an early field goal from Ollie Cudmore. Their lead continued throughout the match and despite a narrowing of the score line in the fifth and sixth chukkas from Murus Sanctus, with goals from Corinne Ricard and Hilario Ulloa, it was El Remanso who dominated the play from the outset and the final whistle rang out to a convincing 11-8 win for El Remanso. The 22 goal focus has now shifted onto The Cartier Queen’s Cup – without Dubai in the running for the 2017 season, will La Indiana manage to better their loss in last year’s Final?

Chukka Scores: 5-2, 6-3, 7-4, 9-4, 10-6, 11-8 to El Remanso FIN AL

12 21 Y MA

El Remanso Charlie Hanbury Ollie Cudmore James Beim James Harper

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

Murus Sanctus Corinne Ricard Hilario Ulloa Facundo Sola Min Podesta

(22) (0) (10) (8) (4)

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SEVEN Teams in the tournament: Talandracas, El Remanso, Murus Sanctus, Sommelier, King Power Foxes, La Bamba de Areco & La Indiana

BPP James Beim’s mare Kimberly

Where: Cowdray Park Polo Club & Trippetts Farm, Midhurst

Polo Times, June 2017

Reports

RH Polo Show Winning Form A

Victory in the Prince of Wales Trophy bodes well for season

s the looming clouds parted over ‘The Berkshire’, Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor in their distinctive red shirts and Ben Soleimani’s RH Polo paraded on Ground 1

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for this year’s Prince of Wales Trophy. Emlor had James McCarthy stepping in to replace his father Spencer after recent injury. He was accompanied by a wealth of experience, but the pressure was on as Emlor

RH Polo secured thier win against Emlor with a 12-10 win

Alex Jacob reports from Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

faced RH Polo with their new 2017 line-up which includes World Number One, the mighty Adolfo Cambiaso. In what turned out to be a closely fought match, it was young James that scored the first goal within the first three minutes. The close scoring continued with Emlor being two goals up at the end of the second chukka, however RH came out fighting in Polo Times, June 2017

Reports

The Prince of Wales Trophy

the third chukka. Following a brief pep talk and a change of tactics they were clearly determined to turn this game around – and that is exactly what they did. Going into half-time, the scoreboard had turned round with RH leading 7-5.

“the pressure was on as Emlor faced RH Polo with their new 2017 lineup which includes World Number One, the mighty Adolfo Cambiaso”

Photography by Cymon Skinner/Andrew Yates: People of Polo

The RH lead was extended to a five goal advantage in the fourth chukka, but Emlor were not going down without a fight as Muzzio found the posts to reduce the deficit to a four goal margin. The sixth chukka saw Emlor regain their rhythm but unfortunately, despite a fantastic effort, it was too little too late for Emlor on this occasion. As the final bell rang out, the scoreboard read 12-10 in favour of RH Polo. With two days to go until The Cartier Queen’s Cup’s start, it was a good test for RH Polo which bodes well for their 22 goal campaign with Cambiaso in the hot-seat. The prizes were presented by Club President Greta Morrison and HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. Bottles of Jacquart Champagne were handed out to umpires, whilst team patrons each received a magnum of champagne alongside beautifully crafted gold and silver cufflinks as prizes. RH Polo team patron, Ben Soleimani stepped forward to receive the Prince of Wales Trophy. A gold and silver polo player statue trophy, created by Theo Fennel, first played for in 1986 under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Polo Times, June 2017

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The Prince of Wales Trophy

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Reports

Polo Times, June 2017

The Prince of Wales Trophy

Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Congratulations and commiserations at the end of the game

Chukka by Chukka

Chukka scores: 1-2, 3-5, 7-5, 11-6, 12-7, 12-10 to RH Polo

20 MA

Emlor James McCarthy Alejandro Muzzio Guillermo Terrera Nacho Gonzalez

22 (1) (7) (8) (6)

RH Polo 22 Ben Soleimani (0) Tommy Beresford (4) Rodrigo Andrade (8) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Berkshire

Peter Wright and Tim Bown, with Julian Appleby 3rd Man

MVP The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player who also received a pair of Carlos Gracida Spurs was Rodrigo Andrade

BPP Señal, owned and played by Guillermo Terrera

Following the Prince of Wales Trophy Final, The Jaipur Challenge was played for the Herbert Spencer Trophy. This match saw Jaipur Polo Team, kindly supported by Black Hound (HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur alongside Raj Jain, Mahesh Parmar and Abhi Pathak), facing Hedonism Wines (Evgeny Chichvarkin, George Marsden, Royston Prisk and Chris Hyde). In what was a fun, friendly and fast game it was Hedonism Wines who ran out the winners 7-4.

To read more about Señal, please turn to our Pony Power pages and for all the social pictures from the day, please turn to our Sidelines pages. 52

Polo Times, June 2017

Alex reports from the Berkshire sidelines Chukka 1 As the ball was thrown in, there was a little jostling amongst the players as both teams were finding their rhythm, however it was McCarthy who within the first three minutes got on the end of a beautifully accurate pass who found the posts to open the scoring of the match. Both Cambiaso and Terrera each found the posts for their sides to finish the chukka 2 – 1 in favour of Emlor. Chukka 2 Both teams continued to scope one another out, Beresford was doing a good job on keeping Terrera out of the game, whilst Cambiaso was showing the crowd his skills. Gonzalez was working hard at the back fending off numerous RH advances and McCarthy was getting himself in the mix. It was Cambiaso who evened the game at two a piece, before Gonzalez put one through the posts to open his scoring account for the match. Cambiaso evened the game up again at 3 – 3, but not for long as Muzzio and Gonzalez each found the posts ending the chukka with Emlor ahead by two 5-3. Chukka 3 RH came out fighting following a brief pep talk and perhaps a change of tactics – they were clearly determined to turn this game around – and that is exactly what they did. A few near misses from Soleimani did not affect their chukka as Beresford, Andrade and Cambiaso all found the posts if not just the once, but twice! Going into half time the scoreboard had turned round with RH leading 7 – 5 into half-time. Chukka 4 RH were continuing their goal scoring mission, with Cambiaso the first to score extending their lead to three. Following another attempt from RH, some great defensive team play by Emlor allowed teammate Terrera the time to turn the ball around and run the length of the field to get one back. But they just couldn’t contain RH as Andrade continued to extend the RH lead going into the fifth chukka ahead by five 11-6. Chukka 5 With a change of ponies and a sip of water, the Emlor side came out energised. They were putting an end to the RH advances. A chukka with a couple of fouls ensued as both teams tried to maintain possession of the ball. Muzzio found the posts for Emlor to claw their deficit back to four. Sadly for Emlor, this was to be short lived as Andrade converted an easy penalty shot for RH to maintain their lead 12-7. Chukka 6 Emlor regained their rhythm as they had earlier in the match with both Muzzio and Gonzalez converting penalties, and Muzzio further finding the posts with a huge open forehand drive during open play. Unfortunately, despite a fantastic effort, it was too little too late for Emlor on this occasion. As the final hooter sounded, the scoreboard read 12-10 in favour of the team in black.

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TELEMARK 2–4 GOAL POLO TOURNAMENT FOR

THE CHRISTINA CUP IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH

FINAL SUNDAY 23rd JULY 2017 AT

CARLITO’S POLO CLUB SMEWINS ROAD, WHITE WALTHAM BERKSHIRE SL6 3SR MATCHES COMMENCE AT 11AM – CARRIAGES AT 9PM TRADITIONAL ARGENTINE LAMB ASADO 1st PRIZE – HOLIDAY FOR THE WINNING POLO TEAM & THEIR PARTNERS TO MAJORCA £100 VOUCHER DONATED FROM MILLWHEEL TACK SHOP & GG FEEDS (WHERE TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED) FOR BEST PLAYING PONY MUSIC BY DJ

PIMMS BAR

£20 ticket or to enter Email: kim@playpolo.co.uk or call 07748 670587

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy

Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Action from the Final

Extra Time Battle Bardon emerge as victors in the first 15 goal tournament of the season at Guards with golden goal finish

Polo Times, June 2017

heels and always in contention, but never gaining the advantage which saw Bardon two goals ahead at half time. In a game that was somewhat marred by too many penalties it was these that brought Ferne Park very much back into the game in the final two chukkas. They had closed the gap to 6-4 at the end of the third and then Pittaluga converted two further goals in the fourth. The scores were now 6-6 and extra time loomed. Not surprisingly, tensions were running high in the extra, fifth chukka and it seemed that the advantage was with Ferne Park, with the ball lying perilously close to Bardon’s goal. However, The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable player of the match Matias Machado had other ideas and picking up a loose ball, ran down The Queen’s Ground to score and win the match for Bardon, mounted on the fast-paced Vegas. This 14-year-old mare was later rewarded with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize.

Photograph by Polo Times

pectators enjoyed glorious sunshine and perfect conditions on The Queen’s Ground as Bardon took on Fearne Park in the Final of the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, which has been sponsored by La Martina since 2008. This tournament is the first 15-goal tournament of the season at Guards and an impressive 14 teams had entered the competition. Two weeks of fierce play had resulted in Fearne Park seeing off HB Polo in the Semi Finals, securing themselves a slot in the Final alongside Bardon who had beaten Emlor S in their Semi Final. In a confident start that was to set the tone for the whole match, it was Bardon who were first out of the goal scoring traps, notching up a goal in the first 30 seconds of action. So it continued, with Bardon always just ahead on the scoreboard, but with Lord Rothermere’s Fearne Park nipping at their

The delighted Bardon patron, Andras Tombor, received the trophy from Sarah Byfield Riches, head of design at London College of Fashion and one of La Martina’s Royal Box guests who had enjoyed a delicious Varsity-themed lunch skilfully crafted by Mosimann’s, the official caterers at Guards this year.

A Varsity themed VIP hospitality in the Royal Box was hosted by La Martina.

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La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy

Reports

Chukka scores: 1-2, 4-2, 4-6, 6-6, 7-6 to Badon

BPP Bardon Andras Tombor Matias Machado Gregorio Gelosi Alejo de Tarenco Stirling

15 (0) (4) (4) (7)

Ferne Park Jonathan Rothermere Josk Cork Ignacio Negri Joaquin Pittaluga

Where: Guards Polo Club, Windsor Greg Keyte and Tim Bown FIN AL

6 20

15 (0) (2) (6) (7)

Vegas, owned by Dubai Polo and played by Matias Machado

MVP

A delighted Andras Tombor pictured with Matias and baby Maximillian post-match

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Matias Machado

Post match chat with Andras Tombor

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Photography by Polo Times

Bardon clinch the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy after an extra chukka cliffhanger

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Q: How does it feel to win The La Martina Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy? A: This is the first major medium goal tournament that we have won as a team, so I am really grateful and happy. I think that the players played fantastically well both in the group and knockout stages and today which has resulted in us being unbeaten. The match today was particularly exciting, with our opponents impressively coming back from 6-2 down to taking the match to an extra chukka with the scored tied at 6-6. We had to try exceptionally hard to win the match in the extra chukka and as such we are very happy. Q: What did you say to the team when you came out onto the field for the extra chukka? A: I didn’t say too much; I am the number one in the team so I try not to tell the professionals what to do! On this occasion the guys were really excited so I made an exception and tried to calm them down! Strategically and tactically, I think that our No.4, Tarenco Stirling was amazing today. I marked Josh Cork whenever he had the ball – he is a very talented player. Q: What are your plans for the rest of the 2017 season? A: We will keep playing the 15 goal with the same team. We also plan to compete in some of the 18 goal tournaments; as fortunately we have some additional horses in our setup that should allow us to make the step up to the 18 goal level. Q: The best bit of the tournament for you? A: We played three out of our four games here on The Queen’s Ground which has been amazing and to win all of our matches was brilliant.

Polo Times, June 2017

Bluey’s Polo Club

Tournaments Dates Ladies Sugar Bowl - £1000 prize money 2-4 & 12-15 (Ladies Handicap) 1st 2nd July Annual Charity Day - In aid of Thames Hospice 0-2 5th 6th August Bluey’s Polo Club welcomes its new Polo Academy OLYMPIA POLO

Stuart Craig www.blueyspolo.co.uk T: 07930323263 E: polomanager@ blueyspolo.co.uk Bluey’s Farm, Twyford Road, Waltham St. Lawrence, RG10 0HE

BERKSHIRE’S NEWEST POLO ACADEMY

POLO EXPERIENCE DAYS

At Olympia Polo we welcome individuals no matter their level of experience, from absolute beginners to professional players. We strive to make the sport accessible to all, whether for a one-off fun day out, to develop polo as a hobby or for those who wish to reﬁne their skills or even pursue a professional career

Birthday parties

Corporate/Team building Hen/Stag parties

James Stanwick

www.olympiapolo.com

LESSONS

T: 07760730363 E: olympiapolo@gmail.com

PRIVATE GROUP WOODENHORSE HPA QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS

THE SPORT OF KINGS

Bluey’s Farm, Twyford Road, Waltham St. Lawrence, RG10 0HE

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Bluey’s Polo Club

Photograph by © Ben Hastie

The weekend of 13 May saw the Ladies team take the crown in the May tournament. Gemma Craig, Nina Hamm, Maria Shevchenko and Jo Bridgeman played exceptionally well as a team, winning by four goals. Franco Mancini, playing for Olympia Polo, was named the Most Valuable Player. On 1 – 2 July, the annual Ladies tournament will be taking place, with a whopping £1,000 prize on offer with the Charity tournament following on 5 – 6 August, this year in aid of the Thames Hospice. Entries for both are now open.

Matt Evetts goes to hook Henry Jones in the Final of the 0-40 Goal

On Sunday 7 May, in the glorious sunshine, spectators saw the first Final of the season take place at CPPC. Foxcote won The Cirencester 0-40 Goal Tournament against Coombe Farm Wines with a score of 7½ to 2. In the Jamla Durbar Plate Final of the Cirencester 0-40 Goal, CPPC took the win in a close match against Inglesham with a score of 5½ to 5. The Club has also announced the installation and inaugural ‘turning on’ of the new irrigation system. With the unusually dry start to the season, the system has already been in use and has proved its worth. Sweethills, Meadow and Soushi are all being watered and the effects are already being felt. The Club has thanked all the members who took part in the loan scheme and to the late Mark Vestey who worked tirelessly on this project for some twenty plus years. Cirencester 0-40 Goal Teams: Foxcote (12): Darko Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Jacinto Crotto (5) CPPC (10): Stuart Lodge (1), Henry Jones (2), Martin Ffrench-Blake (3) & Dave Allen (4) Coombe Farm Wines (14): Ed Judge (2), Simon Keyte (6), Nina Clarkin (4) & Tamara Fox (2) Inglesham (11): Evelyn Williams (2), Oliver Powell (2), Matt Evetts (3) & Ed Hitchman (4)

Photograph courtesy of Bluey’s Polo Club

Cirencester Park Polo Club

The victorious Ladies team

The Okell’s Garden Centre Chairman’s Cup was played over the weekend of 12 – 14 May as an American tournament between Acland, Four Amigos and Stobart Polo. Acland ran out the convincing winners and Giles Bracewell, Captain of Acland, received the Chairman’s Cup from Clare Hocking representing the sponsors Okell’s Garden Centre.

Cambridge County Polo Club

Acland (Jonny Coddington, Henry Smith, Giles Bracewell & Lenny Cunningham) with Clare Hocking

Cambridge County’s season is well underway and there are some exciting events ahead. On Saturday 3 June the start of summer season match and BBQ will be taking place from 3pm onwards, to which everyone, playing or not, is welcome. On Saturday 17 – 18 June a tournament will be held while strawberries and cream will be on offer at the Clubhouse on the Saturday and the inaugural ‘Cambridge Club’ is taking place at Haggis on Sunday. This first time event is billed as a “high-end food, drink and music festival” in aid of the Cambridge Live Trust.

Photograph by Cheshire Polo

Cheshire Polo Club

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Polo Times, June 2017

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Cowdray Park Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Longdole Polo Club

Walker Contruction and Foxcote

Over the weekend of 13 May, Longdole Polo Club kicked off their season with the Zimbabwean Spur. Over a sun-kissed, yet windy weekend of play, it was Walker Construction who eventually took home the impressive trophy. It was a hard fought match with Lukas Horvat scoring the first goal for Foxcote, which gave them the lead at the end of the first chukka. Going into the second and third chukka Ed Walker seemed unstoppable scoring goal after goal for Walker Construction. With the leaders changing after each chukka and the pro players battling it out, the final score was 8 to Walkers Construction and 6 to Foxcote. It was a very competitive match with the younger players Lukas Horvat, Aleksander Horvat and Ed Walker really shining as promising stars of the future. Patrick Mavros sponsored this Final with enchanting Elephant cufflinks for the winners. The Subsidiary Final then followed with Coxwell vs The Young Ones. After the first two chukkas it seemed The Young Ones were on their way to a win, but Coxwell had other ideas and stole the game with a 5-3 win. The Subsidiary Final had been kindly sponsored by Jessie Smiths Butchers in Cirencester and the winners took a goodie bag of Cotswold meat home. Zimbabwean Spur Teams: Foxcote (2) – Lukas Horvat (-2), Aleksander Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3) & Henry Jones (2) Walker Construction (2) – Chris Walker (0), Ed Walker (-1), Will Lucas (4) & Olivia Lamphee (-1) Coxwell (2) – Tabba Woodd (0), Tilda Woodd (0), Monte Swain-Grainger (0) & Ollie Severn (2) The Young Ones (2) – Ed Kennedy (0), Jacinto Crotto (5), Brina Horvat (-1) & Dany Choudary (-2)

Cowdray has welcomed New Yorker Beer as the sponsor of its Weekend Polo initiative that started on Saturday 13 May. These matches, on Saturday and Sunday mornings only, are open to all handicaps as long as players are members of a Club and registered with the HPA. Playing alongside Cowdray members and very much in the spirit of Cowdray’s friendly “Squirrels & Woodpeckers” matches of way back, players can book matches with the Polo Office and be assigned places in teams by the Polo Manager. This makes for a balanced line-up and the assurance that all players enjoy the best experience possible.

Polo Club Saint-Tropez On Sunday 14 May, the first tournament of the 2017 season took place at the Polo Club Saint-Tropez. Four 10 goal teams fought for the coveted La Coupe de L’Hippocampe. Corinne Schuler’s Saint-Tropez Polo Team took on Alshair Fiyaz’s F Polo Team ultimately taking the game from their rivals with a 10-8 ½ win. Sea Breeze and The Glorious 4 played for the 3rd place with Sea Breeze winning the match 7½-4.

Edgeworth

Over the weekend of 13 May, the Final and Subsidiary Final of the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy were played at Guards Polo Club. The Final saw Oakley Court defeat Inspirit/Kildare 5-2, whilst in the Subsidiary Final Leander/Shalimar secured a narrow 7-6 victory over Four Quarters Orange. After the Final, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Alejandro Muzzio, and his 10-year-old mare Malvada was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony. Turn to our Pony Power pages to read more Malvada. 58

Polo Times, June 2017

Photograph courtesy of Edgeworth Polo Club

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards

Action from The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy Finals

On Saturday 6 May, Connexion Capital (Jerry Slager, Amir Farman-Farma, Harry Tucker & Jono Smail) secured The Edgeworth Shield in a round robin tournament against Batspeed and Inglesham Polo Centre. The following weekend, Cleargold (Kailesh Parmar, Matt Simpson/Ollie Jones, Charlie Hitchman & Austin Clarke) ran out the winners in The Field Barn Cup. The Edgeworth Shield was won by Connexion Capital

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Dallas Burston Polo Club

White Waltham Polo Club After some well needed rain, the Final of the Camelot Bowl Polo Tournament saw QB Polo win the ultimate prize in the Final on Sunday 14 May against Cambridge Neurotech. It was a very even score until the third chukka when QB Polo soared ahead by four goals. Cambridge Neurotech fought back in the final chukka, almost equalising, but unfortunately missing the posts. The final score was 8-9 after a hugely competitive match. Vicki Griffin played exceedingly well, especially on her wonderful pony La Perla, who picked up Best Playing Pony from Carlito Gonzalez. Camelot Bowl Final Teams: QB Polo (-2): Marie-Clare Thomas (-2), Mellissa Waters (-2), Vicky Griffin (0) & Stuart Beetles (2) Cambridge Neurotech (-2): Sarah-Jane McEwan (-2), Dr Tahl Holtzman (-1), James Mann (0) & Byron Human (1)

Over the weekend of 15 September, the Club are hosting a Carnival of Polo with a series of polo matches, parties, live music, circus entertainment and fairground fun. There is the option for camping and glamping too for those based further afield, and plenty of ticket options. For more information visit www.carnivalpolo.com

Photograph courtesy of La Aguada

Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

Club Focus

QB Polo, winners of the Camelot Bowl

El Milagro wins the Autumn Cup

La Aguada

Rugby Start of Season party

Photography courtesy of Rugby Polo Club

The first Bank Holiday weekend of May saw the start of season party at Rugby Polo Club. It was a great success with a wonderful turnout, even though the weather wasn’t the right setting for Pimm’s, strawberries and cream. The rain however didn’t stop the partygoers from guzzling them down! Alongside the usual faces, team members from the Rugby Polocrosse Club could also be found enjoy the evening. Over the weekend of 6 May, Rugby Polo Club kicked off their 2017 summer season with the 0 Goal Why Not Cup. Quicksilver, D-Fence and Rugby Polo Club battled it out over Saturday and Sunday, with Rugby Polo Club emerging as the overall champions 7 goals to 4. The Club filmed all of the 0 goal action on a drone, which can be viewed on the Club’s Facebook page. Over the same weekend, the Club hosted an Old Rugbians vs Rugby School, which in the end was won by the Old Rugbians 7-5. Why Not Cup Final Teams: Rugby Polo Club, winners of the Why Not Cup Rugby Polo Club: Jeremy Pidgeon (1), Phil Baker (2), Emily Price (-1) & Mike Zurawski (-2)/Kerry Mahoney (-2) D-Fence: Dean Lines (2), Charlie Bulmer (1), Connor Kay (-2) & Catherine Varney (-1) /Adele Abbott (-2) Old Rugbians vs Rugby School Teams: Old Rugbians: Huw Beavan (1), Hannah Henderson (0), Merlin Stewart (-2) & James Glew (0)/Jeremy Pidgeon (1) Rugby School: Hassan Usman (-1), Jake Rigby (0), Lauren Wright (-2) & Benjie Bradshaw (-1) D-Fence, runners-up in D-Fence www.polotimes.co.uk

On Friday 28 April, El Milagro took on Escorihuela Gascon at La Aguada Polo Club, Open Door, Argentina, winning 16-10 and claiming the title of the 14 goal La Aguada Autumn Cup, following the championship match of the competition. The Subsidiary went to La Querencia, who defeated El Molino 12-9. Escorihuela Gascon’s Tomás Alberdi took the Most Valuable Player Award. La Aguada Autumn Cup Final Teams: Escorihuela Gascón (14): Juan Pablo Georgalos (1), Tomás Alberdi (3), Benjamin Araya (6) & Carlos Ulloa (4) El Milagro (13): Federico Tomasevich (0), Alejandro Pistone (3), Santiago Solari (6) & Fermin Iturrioz (4)

Grand Champions Although the US 26 goal season has come to a close, the spring polo season across the pond continued into mid May with the USPA Sun Cup at Grand Champions. Five teams competed during the tournament which began on Thursday 11 May. On Sunday 14 May Dutta Corp took on Deeridge in the Final, with Dutta Corp leading from the start and securing the win 14 goals to 8. Polo Times, June 2017

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Burningfold

Druids Lodge

The Club’s summer season got off to a cracking start over the weekend of 29 April. A great turnout of competitive teams saw some good polo played over the two days. The Club was able to use Burningfold Number 1 field early in the season, due to already having the irrigators out in action. The Final saw Peter Barfoot’s Maiz Dulce come out the winners over DJ Cats/Exclusive Rooms in a hard fought match. Maiz Dulce were in their usual battle winning form with Millie Cooper, Peter’s daughter, taking up the reins. DJ Cats/Exclusive Rooms managed to hold off the pressure until the last chukka when great teamwork from Matt Pitts and Derreck Bratley meant they kept the edge over their opposition to win 5-2. The Subsidiary Final saw Los Hamblinos/Dientes victorious over Burningfold 6-5½ in the last minutes of the final chukka.

On Saturday 1 July Druids Lodge Polo Club will be holding its annual Polo Picnic Day. Spectators are invited to join in the fun with two exciting matches including the 8 goal Balaclava Trophy. There will also be some shopping opportunities, short stick sessions and the chance to win an Introduction to Polo lesson. Guests have been invited to bring a picnic, avail themselves of the new cocktail bar, which is being provided by Inc. Box and enjoy an afternoon pitch-side.

Photograph by Burningfold Polo Club

Beaufort Polo Club Maiz Dulce (Millie Cooper, Emma Boers, Matt Pitts & Derreck Bratley) with Peter Barfoot and Angela Cooper

Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

Hurtwood

Beaufort has started their season with The Badminton Cup. Four teams battled it out from 9 – 14 May, but in the end it was Lodge Service (Rory Sweet, Stuart Lodge, David Allen & Shaun Brokensha) who ran out the winners, with La Quinta (Lucy Coddington, Emma Wood, Nina Clarkin & Tamara Fox) in a close second place.

Over the weekend of 6 May, Los Diablos convincingly won The Casey Cup -2 to 0 goal tournament. Later in the season, on 24 – 25 June, the Club will host The Festival of Surrey, which focuses on local businesses, families and visitors who live and work in Surrey. The Clubhouse is also open for business with a delicious new menu to choose from.

Lodge Service, winners of The Badminton Cup

Photograph courtesy of Hurtwood Park Polo Club

Tucumán Polo Club

Los Diablos won The Casey Cup

Polo Times, June 2017

On 1 May, the Tucumán Polo Club, Argentina, celebrated its 100th anniversary in style. In true Tucumán style, the Club held a luxurious party attended by none other than Adolfo Cambiaso, Eduardo Novillo Astrada & Facundo Pieres. On 7 July 1817, a group of enthusiastic players founded the Tucumán Polo Club, in the 9 De Julio Park. Throughout the rich history of the Club, numerous personalities have passed through the gates, from Cambiaso to Laprida. www.polotimes.co.uk

The Spanish Boot Company

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Women’s Polo

International

Lucy, Tamara, Nina & Emma Are Back!

Photograph by Polo Times

A decade on from their historic victory in the 2007 Gerald Balding and Ladies International Test Match, followed by the prestigious Holden White in 2008, Lucy, Tamara, Nina and Emma are back once more to take on the 8 goal circuit. In 2015 the foursome came together as Team Appetized, but for the 2017 season they will be donning the colours of Apes Hill and all fingers are crossed that their previous feats will be achieved once more, although Lucy Coddington herself didn’t seem so sure, “A decade on from winning it I am not so confident we will ever repeat it!” With the demands of motherhood and marriage, it’s a surprise these four have time for competitive polo at all – good luck ladies!

Lucy, Emma, Nina & Tamara will one again be joining forces, pictured here from 2015 playing for Appitized

Guards Ladies’ Charity Polo in creating the Club’s Ladies’ Day in 2013, said of this new initiative: “We have an increasing number of lady playing patrons and Members at Guards Polo Club who are seeking opportunities to play as much competitive polo as possible. By developing our one day event into a 10-day tournament creates competitive chances for our players to play alongside and against some of the sport’s top female players on great grounds. This will not only help ladies’ polo grow and develop, but will benefit the sport as a whole.” Alongside the Lord Beresford Cup,

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club has announced the expansion of their one day Ladies’ Polo Day into a 12-18 goal tournament, known as the Lord Beresford Cup. The tournament will be held from Tuesday 22 August to Saturday 2 September and is listed as an open competition, which will enable female players to enter teams from other clubs. This is part of the new HPA Victrix Ludorum Ladies series. Entries will close on Sunday 6 August and the draw will take place on Friday 11 August. Neil Hobday, CEO of Guards Polo Club, who was instrumental

named after Guards Polo Club’s first Polo Manager Lord Patrick Beresford, Guards will also host an invitational Guards Ladies’ Charity Trophy match, highlighting the Club’s longstanding association with Breast Cancer Haven. The Finals’ Day, will feature a charity lunch and auction, offering an array of money-cannot-buy lots, held in the Clubhouse before the matches. To find out more about tickets call 01784 434212 or email events@ guardspoloclub.com, or to enter a team in the 18 goal tournament email kym.lake@guardspoloclub.com or call 01784 470009.

Guards have extended their one day Ladies’ Polo Day into an 18 goal tournament

Polo Times, June 2017

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

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise

International

Women’s Polo

Excitingly, the HPA have recently announced that this year there will be Victrix (Ladies) Ludorum, for more information please turn to our Victor Ludorum Feature.

England vs USA Building upon last year’s success, Cirencester Park Polo Club will once again be hosting a Ladies’ International. This year’s event will be played on Sunday 25 June, the same day as The Warwickshire Cup Final, between England and the USA and will be in memory of Sunny Hale, who passed away earlier this year. The Polo Magazine will sponsor The Most Valuable Player Award, with the lucky

winner receiving a kit bag brimming full of goodies. At last year’s Ladies’ International at Cirencester, England took on a tough Argentine side, captained by Lia Salvo, and despite the best efforts of the wellmounted opposition, England managed to secure victory with a final score of 5-3½. Will England be able to retain the title for another year?

Copa Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale As part of the Copa de las Naciones, a women’s tournament was held in memory of Sunny Hale between Argentina and America. After losing 11-4 in the first leg, the US team were left with everything to play for and came out on fire, however, the persistence and experience of Paola Martínez, Candelaria Fernandez Araujo, her sister Milagros and Mía Cambiaso, meant that Argentina matched the US team goal for goal. The scores remained tied until the fourth chukka, 4-4, but in the fifth and final chukka Argentina pulled out all the stops and scored three goals, one field and two penalties, which meant the Argentine ladies took the match with a score of 7-4. The victory marked the second win for Argentina and secured them the Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale Cup.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Copa Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale Teams: Argentina (22): Mía Cambiaso (4), Milagros Fernández Araujo (5), Candelaria Fernández Araujo (5) & Paola Martínez (8) USA (26): Maureen Brennan (6), Julia Smith (5), Kristy Waters Outhier (8) & Tiffany Busch (7) In 2016, England defeated Argentina – will they retain the title in 2017 against USA?

5 minutes with…

Lucy Coddington

What’s your greatest achievement to date? Winning the Holden White in 2008 with an all female, all British side.

Which lady players do you admire? Nina Clarkin, Tamara Fox and Emma Wood as we help each other out whether we see each other daily or don’t speak for 8 months – we can count on each other on the pitch but more importantly off it. Far more admirable than any one off teammate, a strange act of fate brought the team together a decade ago and we became more than just team mates.

What’s your greatest ambition? This has changed over time, but currently it’ll be to win an HPA 8 goal as a team of four mothers all creeping up in age!

What’s your favourite tournament? Holden White and Cowdray Ladies are my favourite tournaments, but Cirencester is my favourite Club.

Handicap: 5 women’s, 1 mixed. How did your polo career start? My Dad and brother were at polo every weekend so I tagged along: it was accidental rather than planned.

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

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Ladies. Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? A guideline to pro fees, so newcomers to the sport understand that the professional players can only be professional if they can afford to maintain their horses. It would help cut out the bargaining if there was a guideline. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Taylor Coddington, Melba Fox, Elizabeth Clarkin and let’s go with Lola Lucas as Emma doesn’t have a daughter. “I couldn’t have done it without…”? I couldn’t have done it without my ponies Dublin, Hollywood and Phoenix so in reality the man that made them for me – Jonny Coddington!

Polo Times, June 2017

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photograph by Molly derbyshire

Teams at the SUPA Summer Junior National Championships

SUPA Summer Junior National Championships

Youth Polo at Copa de las Naciones The VIII Copa de las Naciones saw a youth match before the main event of the day (turn to our Reports pages to read more about the main match), with Argentina (Poroto Cambiaso, Juan Guerrero, Facundo Frayssinet & Felipe Dabas) taking on Chile (León Schwencke, Baltazar Bisquertt, Pedro Letelier & Clemente Silva). The teams were neck-and-neck in the first chukka which ended 1-1, but in the second chukka Argentina began to pull ahead, and it was a lead they managed to maintain throughout the remainder of the match, finishing 9 goals to 4 and securing the trophy. Meanwhile in the Subsidiary Final, Uruguay defeated Columbia 4-2.

witnessed Zara taking the ball down the whole length of the field during the play. Dragon Sky’s team number 2 player also took the ball down the whole field, only to lose it at the very last moment to the Summerfield team. It was an excellent day and as usual very well supported by parents and school staff. Dragon school entered three teams this year and won the novice section. Gill Glimmerveen, SUPA Junior Schools Section Manager, who co-hosted the tournament with SUPA steward Caroline Grayson commented on the event, “These young players are the up-and-coming future of polo today and we are delighted that they turn out and enjoy our SUPA tournaments. We see many players starting with SUPA Junior and eventually playing as professionals later in life. We need to encourage as many of these players as possible to play and embrace the game. The prizes were amazing and every player receives something. At this tournament there were rosettes and medallions for all competitors and they all received copies of Polo Times and

The Hurlingham Polo Association have announced the teams for the British Junior Polo Championships, please find them listed below: Buckmaster Teams 2017: Cirencester (1): Dominic Lodge (1), Patrick Lodge (0), Oscar Luard (1) & Jack Aldridge (-1) Strathearn (1): James Emlyn (1), Valentine Hutley (0), Angus Rowan Hamilton (0) & Charlie Cadogan (0) Jaipur (2): Eric Appen (0), Charlie Townsend (0), Tom Townsend (0) & Pacho Singh (2) Beaufort (3): Freddie Jodrell (0), Henry Frisby (0), William Penfold (1) & Cruz Novillo-Astrada (2) Northwood (1): Ned Hine (0), Milly Hine (0), Manuel Novillo-Astrada (0) & Jimbo Fewster (1) Kirtlington (1?): Jake Rigby (0), Johnny Brown (0), Charlie Tighe (0) & TBC

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

The Polo Magazine, as well as trucker caps from both magazines for the winners. RJ Polo are always in attendance and support SUPA at all of our tournaments.” Next up is the SUPA Senior National Championships on Saturday 17 June at Kirtlington, with the SUPA Ladies Nationals Championships on Sunday 25 June, with the location still to be announced. SUPA Summer Junior National Championships Teams: Novice 1st Dragon Sky 2nd Dragon Rubies 3rd Summerfield B Intermediate 1st Beaudesert 2nd Dragon Navy 3rd Wycombe Abbey 4th Summerfield A Open 1st Winchester House 2nd SUPA green 3rd SUPA Blue Most Valuable Player: Savva Grevtsev, from Summerfield Most Promising Player: Robbie Slatter, from Beaudesert

Photograph by Gill Glimmerveen

Good weather is always a benefit to the SUPA polo tournaments and on Sunday 14 May they were fortunate to have bright sunshine all day for the SUPA Summer Junior National Championships held this year at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. 10 teams entered from prep schools across the country and they also had two SUPA teams with under-13s from several new schools. 18 chukkas saw excellent play in all three divisions, with tough competitive play in the Open section. The teams played well with plenty of positive vocal communication between the players, encouraging each other and backing up in play. Although a few players were on smaller ponies, they took on the larger polo ponies with ease. Jemima Walker from Beaudesert took control with her pony and dominated some fast play in her intermediate chukkas. These very young polo players showed some amazing talent and used the whole of Ground 4 to open up the play and use team tactics to score successfully. Wycombe Abbey had the help of the Matthews sisters Zara and Nina. Spectators

Youth

Winchester House, winners of the Open section

Hipwood Teams 2017: Kirtlingon (-8): Toby Bradshaw (-2), George Tomblin (-2), George Smith (-2) & Harry Pitts (-2) Ranelagh (TBC): Olly Heard (-2), Benjamin Mancini (-2), Lucas Stern (-2) & TBC Lutheridge (-6): Fred Thame (-2), Alfie Hyde (-1), Ed Walker (-1) & Louis Hine (-2) Hurtwood (-8): William Drewett (-2), Beanie Bradley (-2), Harry Fuller (-2) & Myles Murphy (-2) Oxford Polo (-8): Freddie Pritchard (-2), Wilbur Millard (-2), Squidge Grayson (-2) & Ben Fleming (-2) Rocksavage Teams 2017: Longdole (-2): Kiki Severn (-1), Cruz Heguy (-1), Alexsander Horvat (-1) & Luke Wiles (1) Oxford Polo (0): Monte Swain-Grainger (0), George Deverell (0), George Hobbs (0) & Ben Barnes (0) Kirtlington (-2): Tom Jodrell (-1), Tamara Gibbons (0), Johnny Beck Brown (0) & Jasmine Stanhope-White (-1) Lutheridge (-3): Louis Heard (-1), Ed Walker (-1), Marcus Speed (-1) & Lorna Fleming (0) Polo Times, June 2017

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photography by Melissa Bastin/Polo Images Photography

The inaugural Claire Lucas Cup was hotly contested

Claire Lucas Cup Heather Winsor spoke to Polo Times about the Oxford Intervarsity Ladies Polo at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. “In celebration of the achievements and contributions of female polo players, Oxford University Polo Club (OUPC), in partnership with Kirtlington Park Polo Club and Women in Polo, launched the UK’s first ever university level ladies polo tournament on Sunday 30 April as part of the Annual Kirtlington Park Polo Club Open Day. The tournament drew large crowds of students and polo fanatics alike, giving the event a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. “OUPC has a proud history of mixed polo, which dates back to the early 20th century, setting it apart from many university sports. The Club reached a milestone when Claire Tomlinson (née Lucas) played as “Mr Lucas” in the 1964 Varsity match, making her the first ever female player to play in this prestigious fixture. Claire then went on to make history in 1966 when she became the first ever female captain of OUPC, and most notably when later on in her career she made the outstanding achievement of being the first female player in the history of the sport to reach a 5 goal handicap. It was only fitting, therefore, that the tournament was played for the ‘Claire Lucas Cup’, named in honour of the accomplished OUPC alumna and Old Blue. “Speaking of this venture, Issa Patel, Chairman 2016/17, remarked “OUPC has a proud record of female players and leading figures and so, as my last act as Chairman, I could think of no better way to commemorate this legacy than to launch 66

Polo Times, June 2017

the UK’s first-ever university ladies polo tournament this season, which we hope to make an annual fixture. We were delighted and honoured to have Claire herself with us to present the prizes for the inaugural Claire Lucas Cup”. “The inaugural tournament saw three allfemale teams from leading universities Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews, battle it out in an American tournament, with Oxford facing Cambridge first, followed by Cambridge facing St. Andrews, and ending with Oxford facing St. Andrews for an electric Final. The competition was fierce; these feisty femmes were not going down without a fight! “The initial match saw Oxford victorious over their age-old rivals, Cambridge, with a score of 3-0. The following match was won by St. Andrews 6-0, putting the Cambridge girls in 3rd place after a strong and persistent fight.

“The final match was fought tooth and nail by both teams, and was action-packed from start to finish. Oxford’s Heather Winsor and Wilhelmina von Blumenthal were on fire, scoring first a penalty and then a goal in quick succession. St. Andrews Vicky Fenner and Hannah Middleton-Cope rallied, showing off their own skills with two impressive counter goals, putting the teams on an even playing field. However, performance of the day came from Aurelia Vandamme, OUPC’s Chairman who, after falling and injuring her ankle in the second chukka, stormed down the pitch from the line-out and placed Oxford’s winning goal for Wilhelmina von Blumenthal to score. “Oxford was crowned victors of the Claire Lucas Cup, followed by St. Andrews and Cambridge in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Aurelia Vandamme after her heroic performance in the Final. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Cocoa, owned by David Ashby and ridden by Katerina Kay. Prizes, provided by La Martina, British Polo Gin and Women in Polo, were awarded by Claire Tomlinson herself, making for a wonderful end to a thrilling day of women’s polo. OUPC’s Chairman hopes that the Oxford Ladies Intervarsity Tournament will continue to provide a platform upon which university ladies polo can grow and thrive, stating; “Polo is becoming increasingly popular amongst women at university level. We hope that the Claire Lucas Cup and other similar initiatives act as a gateway to inspire more women to play the sport competitively in years to come, and gives talented female polo players the recognition they deserve.” Claire Lucas Cup Teams: Oxford (-7): Aurelia Vandamme (-2), Wilhelmina von Blumenthal (-2), Sally Schwartz (-2) & Heather Winsor (-1) St. Andrews (-7): Simone March (S), Katerina Kay (-1), Hannah Middleton-Cope (-2) & Vicky Fenner (-1) Cambridge (-8): Sara Devereux (-2), Francesca Spencer (-2), Caitlin Whitby (-2) & Eleanor Neyroud (-2)

Three teams competed in the American tournament For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Pony Club Polo With the summer season upon us, this also means the start of the 2017 Pony Club Polo circuit of friendlies and qualifiers. Below is a list of all the fixtures you’ll need to keep a note of for the 2017 summer season: Friendlies Sunday 2 July – Aspect Polo, Coolham Ground: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell Monday 17 July – Vaux Park Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner, Rendell & Langford Tuesday 18 July – Taunton Vale Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner, Rendell & Langford Thursday 20 July – Frampton Estate: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees & Loriner Saturday 22 July – Suffolk Polo Club (Hare Park): Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell Sunday 23 July – Cambridge Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell Tuesday 25 July – Kirtlington Park Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell

Thursday 27 July – Epsom Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell Friday 28 July – Hurtwood Park Polo Club: Jorrocks, Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner & Rendell * May include Langford and Gannon matches by arrangement Qualifiers Monday 31 July – Cirencester Park Polo Club: Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford & Gannon Tuesday 1 August – Cirencester Park Polo Club: Handley Cross, Surtees, Rendell, Langford & Gannon Wednesday 2 August – Longdole Polo Club: Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford & Gannon Thursday 3 August – Longdole Polo Club: Handley cross, Surtees, Rendall, Langford & Gannon

Sunday 6 August – Hurtwood Park Polo Club: Jorrocks, Loriner, Langford & Gannon Monday 7 August – Hurtwood Park Polo Club: Handley Cross, Surtees, Rendell, Langford & Gannon Championships Wednesday 9 August – Hurtwood Park Polo Club: Jorrocks Friday 11 – Sunday 13 August – Cowdray Park Polo Club: Handley Cross, Surtees, Loriner, Langford, Rendell & Gannon

*NB Please note that playing days for Gannon and Langford will be confirmed when teams have been declared Is your youth polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Polo Times, June 2017

The Copenhagen Cup

Photography by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com

Youth

The largest ever turnout of eight teams took part in the event this year

The Copenhagen Cup Wellington secure victory over Cheltenham in exciting Final

ad weather may have disrupted The Copenhagen Cup during the weekend of 20 and 21 May at Guards Polo Club, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the eight teams taking part in this Schools’

The victorious Wellington team won The Copenhagen Cup

Polo Times, June 2017

tournament, the first time so many squads have taken part. The Guards Polo Office quickly reorganised the competition into a round-robin affair which saw Wellington, Millfield, Cheltenham and Radley playing for The Copenhagen Cup. First up were

Cheltenham taking on Radley, with the winner securing a spot in the Copenhagen Cup Final. Cheltenham took the honours, defeating Radley 2-0. This lined them up with a Finals’ match against Wellington, who had defeated Millfield 2-1. Wellington, featuring The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Ned Hine, were 1-0 up at the end of the first chukka. Cheltenham put their name on the scoreboard in the second, but Wellington were on a roll, firing through three more goals in flying form to secure a 4-1 win and The Copenhagen Cup. Harrow, Eton, Stowe and Marlborough took part for The Copenhagen Shield and in the first match it was Harrow to play against Stowe. The Harrow boys had clearly not lost their winning form, taking this match 3-0 and securing a place in the Shield Final. Their opponents in this next game were Marlborough, who had defeated Harrow’s old adversary Eton, 3-2. In the Shield Final itself, it was neck and neck throughout the match and 2-2 in the final chukka. It looked like it was going to go to a penalty shootout, when in the last seconds of the game, Charlie Cadogan calmly slotted a perfect penalty to secure a 3-2 for a jubilant Harrow. For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

The Copenhagen Cup

Wellington won The Copenhagen Cup 4-1 against Cheltenham Harrow won the Copenhagen Sheild 3-2 against Marlborough

Youth

MVP The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Ned Hine

FIN AL

20 21 MA

M AY

Where: Guards Polo Club, Windsor

BPP

Copenhagen Cup Teams: Wellington (-1): Niels van der Hoeven (1), James Crossley (0), Ned Hine (0) & Ossia Montegomerie (-2) Cheltenham (0): Edward Walker (-1), Denis Antonov (-1), Tommy Severn (2) & Monte Swain-Grainger (0) Millfield (0): William Penfold (1), James McCarthy (1), Nik Rogerson (-2) & Taimur Noon (0) Radley (0): Max Rumsey (0), Dominic Lodge (1), Freddie Jodrell (0) & Frank Barlow (-1) Copenhagen Shield Teams: Harrow (-2): Charles Cadogan (0), Valentine Hurley (0), Christian Oberschneider (0) & Faiz Kawar (-2) Marlborough (-5): Danyaal Choudary (-2), Benedict Nott (-2), Oliver Fanshawe (-1) & Milo Sweet (0) Eton (-5): Eric Appen (0), Tom Jodrell (-1), Dolapo Ibitoye (-2) & Leo Ljungstorm (-2) Stowe(-6): Ivan de Poligny (0), Isobel Baillee (-2), Billy Hawkins Byass (-2) & Beau Carter (-2)

Photograph by Vanessa Taylor

Toyota, owned and played by Ned Hine

Ned Hine, playing for La Bamba de Areco in the 22 goal Trippetts Challenge

One to Watch Young gun on the horizon

Photograph by Darren R J Bell

Fresh from reaching the Polo One 16 goal Final in Argentina in April playing alongside Hilario Ulloa, Juan MartĂn Zubia and his older sister Millie, the 2017 UK season has already started well for 14-year-old 0 goaler Ned Hine. Playing for Wellington College in The Copenhagen Cup, his team not only won, but Ned was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player whilst his pony Toyota, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. Ned has also already had a run in the 22 goal Trippetts Challenge substituting for La Bamba de Areco Patron Jean-FranĂ§ois Decaux. They narrowly lost 9-8 to King Power Foxes. Watch this space! To read more about Toyota, please turn to our Pony Power pages Harrow secured victory in the Copenhagen Shield

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

Polo Times, June 2017

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

On Saturday 6 May, the Hackett Army team travelled to Border Reivers to take on the home team. They played some very good ‘army style’ polo, starting off strong with plenty of communication, marking and hard riding. It was a low scoring match for the first three chukkas, with both teams fighting for goal scoring opportunities. In the last play of the match, Border Reivers managed to get the ball through the posts, winning the match 3½-3 .

Photograph by British Army Polo

Border Reivers

Left to right: Capt. Hugh Richardson RL, Capt. Will Cave RL, Capt. Jamie Gray LD & Capt. James Wilson RLC.

Lt. David Clarkson, 2Lt. Will Cave, Capt. Hugh Richardson & Capt. Alex Humphreys

The Royal Lancers in South Africa

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of British Army Polo

Each day started with training on the wooden horse to concentrate on hitting the perfect ball and to iron-out the bad techniques. This was followed by riding practice and an opportunity to stick and ball and practice using taught drills. Over the midday heat, tactics and set play discussion would take place around the chalkboard, before four instructional chukkas in the afternoon put into practice what had been taught. The Royal Lancers pre-season trip provided an excellent training camp for the Regimental team who all improved greatly over the week. Lt Clarkson soon learnt that ‘dismounting without permission’ was not acceptable and Capt Alex ‘the bullet’ Humphreys learned to taper his enthusiasm in the right direction. Team spirit was in full force by the end of the six days, and each player’s individual improvement meant that the Lancer’s polo squad has grown bigger, better and they all eagerly await their first match on UK soil.

St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament & Royal Scots Dragoons Wins

Saturday 22 April saw the annual St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament in aid of Help for Heroes. The tournament was a great success hosting over 1,700 spectators for 12 university teams, two Help for Heroes teams and two exhibition teams (one representing Scotland and the other for Ireland). In their first military match of the 2017 season, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards team were victorious against the St. Andrews University team in four nailbiting chukkas. From the outset the teams were evenly matched, as players tussled for possession of the ball. Ultimately the Dragoons came home with the trophy, winning 4-2½; a brilliant start to their season and they got the chance to pose in front of their tank…

John Corbett drives the ball forward with Major Cameron Humphries following closely behind.

Photography courtesy of St. Andrews University

Eager to hit the polo season at a gallop, The Royal Lancers polo team departed the drizzle of Catterick Garrison over Easter leave to visit South Africa and the Jurassic Park Polo School. The aim of the trip was to provide an early season ‘refresher’ for the squad and with the goal of winning the Captains’ and Subalterns’ Polo Tournament later in the year. Upon arrival ‘conceptual’ training began with the team watching some medium goal polo at Oaklands Polo Club (which was started by the late Maj Sir Jamie Bruce, Gren Gds) in Free State. The opening tournament of the season was being played there and the Lancers team had their first warm-up stick and ball session. They finally set off for Jurassic with the aim of emulating the polo they had just seen. The polo school, situated in rural KWZNatal had a dramatic African wilderness feel to it, complete with zebras and an ostrich overlooking the polo ground. The school has become a polo-teaching hub of excellence and has attracted many army teams in the past due to the excellent coaching of Selby Williamson, ex South Africa Captain. The key to success was full immersion into polo and the use of the 130 ponies, with as much riding, playing and talking about polo as the team could manage in a week.

Military

The winning Royal Scots Dragoons team

The Royal Lancers team

Polo Times, June 2017

Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

The first tournament of the season got underway at Tidworth Polo Club on April 22 – 23 with the Spiller’s Horse Feeds sponsored Rabbit Cup. The Cup is broken down into two divisions, (Divison One) 2 goal and (Division Two) -6 to -2 goal. Five teams contested two divisions, with Robert & Elspeth Talbot-Rice’s team, Legal Action emerging victorious in Division One, beating New Forest Raiders and pre-tournament favourites Coombe Place. The Tidworth team, under the guidance of former Rundle Cup winner Paddy Selfe, took the honours in Division Two, beating the Royal Navy Blue jackets 12-10½.

Photograph courtesy of Play Polo

Tidworth

The winning Household Cavalry team

White Waltham On Sunday 7 May, the Household Cavalry Team were victorious against the Play Polo team in the Recoleta Polo Tournament. Play Polo, the opposing team, captained by Carlito Gonzalez, kept ahead in the first two chukkas, but the Household Cavalry team worked tightly together in the third chukka to increase the lead by two goals. Carlito, Tariq, Jennifer and Tele worked extremely hard to pull back those two goals in the last chukka, however the Household Cavalry team fought on to win by half a goal. The final score was 6-6½. A somewhat impressive 125 empanadas where consumed by grooms and players on the final day, all washed down with a cold beer on a beautiful sunny day.

Rabbit Cup Teams: Division One Coombe Place (2): Alex Welham (-1), Daisy White (0), Hazel Jackson (2) & Will Brasher (1) Seriously Cool Events (1): Charlie Fraser (-1), Edd Tyrrell (-1), Jessican Andrews (1) & Cameron Ellis (2) Legal Action (1): Robert Talbot-Rice (-1), Elspeth Talbot-Rice (0), Simon Maddison (0) & James Haigh (2) Divison Two Royal Navy Blue Jackets (-4): Vincent Leger (-2), Jack Carlisle (-2), Harry Rourke (-1) & Jessican Andrews (1) Tidworth (-3): George Hewson - sat (-1), Milly Hughes – sun (-2), Max Cosby (-2), Ed Barker (-1)/Brad Dommett (-1) & Paddy Selfe (1) Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1

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Recoleta Polo Tournament Teams: Household Cavalry (-1): Jacob Reuter (-2), Cameron Bacon (0), Matias Fiol Polanco (2), Ana Escobedo (-1) & sub Ewan Sidwells (-2) Play Polo (0): Carlito Gonzalez (2), Tariq Dag Khan (1), Jennifer Wenkell (-2) & Tele Kyriacou (-1)

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SUMMER 2017 JOIN US FOR POLO THIS SEASON 1 - 4 June 15 - 18 June 20 - 25 June 27 June - 15 July 5 - 22 July 13 - 16 July 1 - 13 August 1 - 13 August 5 - 13 August 17 - 20 August 24 - 28 August 29 Aug - 3 Sept 6 - 10 September 9 - 16 September 19 - 24 September

June Open Tournament The Henryk de Kwiatowski Tournament The Simon Holley Trophy Eduardo Moore Tournament Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy July Open Tournament The Polo Festival Jeff Thomas Trophy The Polo Festival The Polo Festival Ladies August Open Tournament Open Tournament 4-8 Goal Open Tournament September Open Tournament The Lambourne Trophy The John Houghton Trophy

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For all tournament enquiries please contact: The Polo Office • polo@rcbpc.com • 01344 890060

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Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Mar Chiquita Malvada

Age: 9-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Alejandro Muzzio Tournament: The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club

What is the pony’s breeding? I bred Malvada, she’s out of a mare called Malva and a stallion called Signo, both from Argentina. How long have you had her? She was born on my farm, and came over two years ago. Tell us about her background? Even when she was on my farm, she showed a lot of character and power, which continue to be her strengths today.

What are her strengths? Her character and power, because Malva is small she runs really well on the ground. It is very easy to control and hit the ball with her. How has she gone this season? She is going amazing this season, obviously it’s just the beginning of the season, but she feels strong in herself and has really good temperament. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet, this was her first Best Playing Pony Award. What are your plans for her in the future? At the moment I still love playing her, but I would love to breed from her in the future. Does she have any special quirks? The best thing about Malva is when you miss the ball and want to turn, she’s already there. She’s so quick at stopping and turning, so you need to know her well. Describe her in three words? Quick, powerful, easy.

Vegas Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Played by: Matias Machado, owned by Dubai Polo Tournament: La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final at Guards Polo Club What is the pony’s breeding and background? She belongs to the Dubai Polo setup here in the UK, I know that she is originally from New Zealand, but unfortunately not more than that. As she is part of the Dubai string I’m sure she has played some high profile games in the past – she certainly has the ability. What are her strengths? She’s fast and big, and when she runs, she cruises really fast! It means you have space and therefore hit the ball very easily.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Unfortunately, I’m not 100 percent sure, but I’m sure she has in the past. 74

Polo Times, June 2017

Does she have any special quirks? She’s kind of crazy as she bites and bullies other horses given half a chance and is definitely the top dog in the stables! We really have to watch her. A typical polo mare. Because of her attitude she has to be last on in the back of the lorry and away from the others. Also, because she is big, that’s another reason to load her last. Describe her in three words? Fast, big, crazy!

Photography by Polo Times

How has she gone this season? She’s done really well and I’m really pleased with her – she is staying for the rest of the season and I have high hopes her.

What are your plans for her in the future? She is with us for the rest of the season, after that I’m not too sure.

Vegas surrounded by her grooms (from left to right) Martín, Jesus, Petaco, Rey and Nicolàs who are hugely proud of her despite her somewhat surly demeanour

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Pony Power

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Toyota

What is the pony’s breeding? She was bred in Pilar, Argentina but her exact breeding is unknown.

Tell us about her background? I don’t know too much about her previously but we bought her four years ago from Dom and Sarah David. What are her strengths? She is my best low goal pony at the moment, she has an amazing top acceleration. Team that with the softest mouth and she is hard to beat. How has she gone this season? She has played really well and I’m really pleased

with her. The great thing about Toyota is that she is always consistent, which is really important. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? As far as I know, this is her first award, but one of many we hope. Does she have any special quirks? None at all – she is so easy to have around.

What are your plans for her in the future? Soon she will pass from me to my brother Louis to play! We hope to keep her in the family for a while as she is very valued.

Describe her in three words? Fantastic pocket rocket.

Age: 7-years-old Colour: Dark bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Played by: Guillermo Terrera Tournament: The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club What is the pony’s breeding and background? Señal is an Argentine Thoroughbred that I bred myself in Argentina which is very exciting. She is out of a mare called Avalancha who had a lot of potential, but was injured as a youngster. Her sire is an www.polotimes.co.uk

Argentine stallion called Signo who is owned by Lucas Monteverde. What are her strengths? She has a very good mouth and has great sides even at top speed. At only seven, Señal is a relatively young horse so I am very excited by her potential. How has she gone this season? We played the Triple Crown together in Argentina where she went incredibly well. She only arrived in England this year, so I am really pleased that she has continued that form over here. It is a relief that she has travelled and adjusted so well.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Photograph by Cymon Skinner: People of Polo

Señal

Photograph courtesy of Guards Polo Club

How long have you had her? She has been with us for four years now.

Ned in action on Toyota in the 2016 Copenhagen Cup

Photograph courtesy of Polofix

Photography by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Age: 16-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 14.3hh Sex: Mare Owner: Ned Hine Tournament: The Copenhagen Cup at Guards Polo Club

The magnificent Señal in full gallop action piloted by Guillermo Terrera in the Final of The Prince of Wales Trophy

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first BPP so I am delighted. What are your plans for her in the future? I will play her in the high goal with Sifani this year and I will then leave her here for future English campaigns. I am really excited to continue to build my English based string around Señal. Does she have any special quirks? Usually she is a really quiet and easy-going mare, however, whenever we are defending a penalty shot, she can become quite nervous. I wish that I could speak to her to find out what is going on in her mind and reassure her. It’s out of character for her, as usually she is very straightforward. Describe her in four words? My first home bred! Polo Times, June 2017

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Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Polo pony with abdominal area highlighted

Feeding the Good Doer The Good Doer can be a tricky one to feed during the polo season, as they still need energy but they don’t need the calories, they usually have a great appetite and are mostly never fussy. What we often find ourselves doing is firstly cutting the forage right back, because it makes them fat and heavy. Typically, hard feed is then reduced and more oats are added to increase energy levels and then they are often muzzled too as they then begin to eat their beds. The result is that they become more and more grumpy – to be fair I would too! What can we do to make life a little less miserable for the Good Doer that needs to perform? Firstly, I would like to see where the individual is storing fat – cresty neck, behind the shoulder, over the ribs, or over the tail head? Some of these areas may have fatty deposits, perhaps ribs and neck or shoulders and tail head. But, one area I don’t want to get confused with fat is the ‘abdominal’ region, where unless the animal is obese, fat being stored here is unlikely in a working polo pony. Should a ‘belly’ be a problem then perhaps the quality of the forage needs to be addressed – coarse/stalky forage will sit in the gut a lot longer to be digested, giving 76

Polo Times, June 2017

a ‘belly’ effect and not tucking up so easily, or perhaps the horse is not working properly and using its abdominals/core to have muscle tone in this area. Although the grumpy behaviour of a Good Doer is often accepted, it may be worth considering that they can be as susceptible to gastric ulcers as the skinny poor doer – from having their forage restricted and/or muzzles put on. To try and encourage the horse to trickle feed and make their forage last I would suggest: • Using a small holed haylage net and double netting them to make the holes smaller still • Hanging the nets from the rafters of the stable and against the wall so they cannot push the net against the wall and eat it all with ease! • Feeding hay as it’s generally lower in calories than haylage • Soaking hay to reduce the calories further thereby allowing you to feed more and therefore increasing the amount of fibre in the diet Considering hard feed I would be suggesting the following: • Reduce the calories in the diet by cutting

down cubes or mix BUT ENSURING a balancer (such as a Performance Balancer) is added to increase the profile of quality proteins, vitamins and minerals – ensuring muscle tone/development is not lost and a balance of vitamins and minerals remain to help with energy levels, muscle function and general good health. • Or, if too much condition is still being held, then it is possible to use a balancer on its own bulked out with some chaff or beet pulp. As long as the recommended levels are fed according to the workload, a balanced ration will be received. • And, if energy is still required whilst being fed a balancer on its own, it is then possible to add bruised oats for quick release energy, which MUST be fluctuated according to workload to avoid risks of tying up. • Or, for slow release energy/stamina we would suggest adding a source of oil with the balancer, such as an oil supplement like Outshine, but bearing in mind that if the calories are not being used in their work, the oils will need to be reduced or removed so the horse does not use them as an efficient calorie source! www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

Case Study 1 – Mansa Mansa – 15hh, polo pony playing lowmedium goal polo. She had always been a Good Doer and was often fed a small amount of cubes so she did not put on too much condition, but she still lacked energy. We introduced her to three mugs of Performance Balancer per day whilst coming back into work, which was then increased to four mugs per day as she was playing regularly. The balancer pellets were bulked out with some chaff to encourage chewing of the balancer, as Mansa did love her food! Her forage was restricted but NOT to the point of her eating her bed due to hunger.

Before being fed Performance Balancer

Being fed four mugs of Performance Balancer per day

Case Study 2 – Bling Bling is a 9-year-old, 15.2hh, Irish Sports Horse, who plays low goal polo with Toby Pejkovic (1). She lives out 24/7 and is naturally a Good Doer. She has played very well off just Performance Balancer as she doesn’t need the extra calories or energy, and has managed to perform well enough that she was awarded Best Playing Pony! She has four mugs of Performance Balancer per day which is bulked out with a scoop of Fibre Beet, with access to grass at all times.

Bling is naturally a Good Doer

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Being a Good Doer hasn’t stopped Bling being awarded Best Playing Pony

Polo Times, June 2017

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Vet Insight

Helen van Tuyll BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Helen is the Director of VT Vets founded in 2015, and has been based from Kirtlington since February 2016, having previously worked in Lexington, Kentucky, New Zealand and the Cotswolds. Having been brought up only five miles from Kirtlington, she was enticed to come back to the area by Charlie Budgett setting up Kirtlington Park Stud. Helen is Joint Master of the South Dorset, side saddle enthusiast and owner of Bia, the Hanoverian Sausage dog.

Embryo Transfer in Polo Mares Why do we do this? Embryo transfers are carried out from high performing polo mares to allow them to continue their athletic careers without the interruption of having 18 months away from playing to produce their own foal. This technique is also used for high quality polo mares who are unable to carry their own foals for any number of reasons i.e. lameness. There are many benefits to embryo transfers; they allow valuable mares to have more than one foal a year, they allow older mares to donate their embryos to younger mares and the medical risks associated with foaling can be avoided in the donor mare. What is embryo transfer? Embryo transfer involves breeding a quality mare (donor mare) using normal techniques (natural cover, artificial insemination using fresh, chilled, or frozen semen). The fertilised egg is grown into an eight-day embryo in the donor mare, and is then removed by flushing out the uterus with a specialised saline and collected into a filter. This embryo is then transplanted into another mare (recipient mare) who is at the same stage of her reproductive cycle. This recipient mare will then grow the embryo into a foal, who she will then raise until weaning. How do we do this? The most important aspect of this technique is to have the mare that will carry the foal (recipient mare) at exactly the same point in her reproductive cycle as the donor mare. This is done by examining both mare’s reproductive tracts with ultrasound. This allows us to determine the correct time to inseminate the donor mare with semen and ensure that the recipient mare is likely to accept the embryo.

Searching for the embryo

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Polo Times, June 2017

Vet Insight

Preparing for the main event!

Knowledge

The embryo is the small circular translucent shape within the fluid

The matching is managed by administering a combination of different hormone drugs. The donor mare must then be checked after insemination, and any fluid accumulation managed aggressively, to ensure maximum chance of flushing an embryo. The embryo flush itself is carried out on the donor mare eight days after ovulation. The embryo is collected in a specialised filter, and then searched for and examined under a microscope. The embryo is ‘cleaned’ and prepared for transfer into the recipient mare. It is picked up in a specialised pipette, and transferred into the recipient mare. The recipient mare is examined for pregnancy seven to eight days later.

Helen van Tuyll BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS VT Vets, Park Farm, Akeman Street Kirtlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 3JQ Tel: +44 (0) 7931 541 114 Email: clinic@vtvets.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Scanning of the donor mare, ready for insemination

Polo Times, June 2017

Photography courtesy of Helen van Tuyll

Success Rates Success rates for each ovulation and flush are around 70-75% in healthy young mares and around 50% in mares 15-years-old or more. To my knowledge, the maximum number of embryos recovered from a single donor mare throughout one breeding season is 17.

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Fitness Focus

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

Fitness For Polo

Work Out On the Polo Field We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo We are all busy people. Working, playing polo and generally having a life is a timeconsuming business and lack of time and gym memberships is one of the biggest excuses I hear for why people don’t work out for polo. Here I am going to show you a really quick and effective workout that you can do on the polo field (or anywhere really with a little bit of space) and without using elements. No gym? No excuse! This workout will contribute to your overall fitness and athleticism, working the exact muscle groups needed when playing polo. Follow the warm-up below before each workout. Basic Warm-up: Walk, then skip lightly or run for five to 10 minutes. Then, complete a few dynamic mobility drills: heel walks, knee hugs, quad tugs, lunges, butt kicks, etc.

10 reps Dips Sitting with your back against the boards and your legs out straight in front of you, rest your hands on the boards behind you with elbows bent. Using the strength in your arms (focussing on the triceps) lift yourself up off the ground by straightening your arms. Hold it for a second and return to the start position.

10 reps Push Up Kick Adopt a push up position with your hands on the boards. Do a press up and when you are fully down with your elbows bent, take one knee to your elbow on the same side. Repeat on the other side and then straighten up again and repeat.

30 seconds Skipping Jumping Boards Skip forwards, stepping either side of the boards with each step. Lift your knee to hip height as you move over the boards. 80

Polo Times, June 2017

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Fitness Focus

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8 reps each side Lunge Boards Stand facing the boards a little way back from them. Step forward with one leg and put your foot on the boards in a lunge. Once you have your balance, bend your back leg until it almost touches the ground. Repeat on both sides.

30 seconds Skipping Touching Boards Hopping from foot to foot, move up the boards, touching the boards with one foot and then the other in quick succession. Repeat in both directions.

10 each side One Leg Deadlift with Touch Walk next to the boards. When your weight is on the foot nearest the boards, lift the other leg and lean down across yourself, bending the knee and touch the ground briefly on the other side of the boards with your opposite hand, remaining balanced on one leg. Repeat this on both sides.

15 reps Hip Lift Lying on the ground, place your feet on the boards. Lift your hips as high as possible, trying to achieve a straight line through your torso to your knees. The closer you can get your body to the boards the deeper the stretch. Hold the position for two seconds and then rest.

Side Skip Twist 1 minute Skip sideways for 10 metres between two points. When you reach one point, perform a trunk rotation in the direction you are going, swinging the arms and twisting your torso at the waist. Repeat on both sides. Jump and Squat 10 reps Stand on one side of the boards, one step back. Jump with both feet to the other side, performing a deep squat on landing without losing your balance. Turn around and repeat.

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5 reps each side One Legged Hip Lift Assume the same position as the last exercise but once you have lifted the hips to the top, extend one leg up as straight as possible. Repeat on both sides. Polo Times, June 2017

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Equipment Focus: Bits

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

Challenging Chewing Q: My five-year-old Thoroughbred mare is constantly chewing and playing with the bit. She leans on it for leverage and carries her head low most of the time. I currently play her in a single-jointed, Big Ring Gag; she does not use her hindquarters well to stop, and tends to stop forward, although that may be her young age. The main issue is her chomping and chewing on the bit, and therefore not focusing on the game. She is not a head shaker, unless there is extreme pressure used. I feel a Pelham is too harsh on her mouth, although it does pick her head up. A: She is resisting the bit, and your mare’s constant chewing could be because she doesn’t like metal. As the snaffle action (of raising the head) doesn’t appear to be working, my suggestion is a Bomber Blue mouth piece. The outer material used in Bomber Blue bits was discovered while searching for an alternative to Vulcanite bits; it promotes salivation and as a result gives the horse a softer mouth. The outer material is made from a strong, rubber-nylon compound. It is moulded around a stainless steel core, which serves a number of purposes. It increases the strength of the mouth piece and removes the possible weak points created where the cheek pieces attach. For polo ponies with a sensitive mouth, this bit has exceeded all expectations. It is ideal for horses and ponies with sensitive tongues, those that are prone to headshaking, or that are sensitive to metal bits, as is potentially the case of your mare. It is ported for tongue relief and very lightweight, and can be made with your choice of cheek piece as a bespoke bit. Off the shelf, you have the choice of a Pelham, 3-Ring or Big Ring Gag; the Big Ring Gag is the strongest as the ropes going through the rings create leverage – I’d suggest the 3-Ring, as the first port of call. You may find that the change of bit material relaxes the mare sufficiently to increase her focus. Remember the importance of the right fit! Bits are measured from inside the cheek pieces, from ring to ring. A bit measure gauge accurately tells you the size required; once in the horse’s mouth, you will need to lift the measure into the correct place; just before any wrinkles begin to form, note the sizing detailed on the measure, just outside the mouth’s lip creases.

Polo Times, June 2017

The 3-Ring may relax the mare sufficiently to increase her focus

A bit measure gauge accurately tells you the size required

WIN A BOMBERS BIT MEASURE! Email info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a Bit Measure – entry is by 31st July – please put ‘Polo Times Bit Measure Contest’ in the subject line, together with your name and phone number.

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

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Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Photograph by Gordon Lindsay

both the top and underside of the wrist, as well as the end joint of a finger, and at the base of a finger. They vary in size, and in many cases, grow larger with increased wrist activity. With rest, the lump typically becomes smaller.

Caspar West unfortunately took a tumble in 2016, see opposite for his X-ray

When the Wrist Goes Wrong The final spot to control the stick Wrist injuries are the number one cause of pain for the polo players. Overuse within different swing and hit techniques is an important factor in wrist pain. Overgripping the mallet, trying to generate force through the forearm, dropping the wrist into an ulna deviated or radial deviated position at contact with the ball, are common during different kinds of incorrect techniques. Swing analysis and forearm strengthening is as important as using elastic bracing during rehabilitation of the wrist. Mechanics/type of wrist injury Wrist injuries can normally be divided into two categories: traumatic and overuse. Traumatic wrist injuries can occur from a fall especially

A Scaphoid fracture

Polo Times, June 2017

landing on an outstretched hand. These normally need to have immediate medical attention to rule out a fracture. Any bone can be broken from a fall but commonly injured ones are the forearm (radius and ulna) and hand (scaphoid and metacarpal). Overuse wrist injuries – Ganglion and TFCC injury Ganglion A ganglion rises out of a joint, like a balloon on a stalk. It grows out of the tissues surrounding a joint, such as ligaments, tendon sheaths, and joint linings. Inside the balloon, is a thick, slippery fluid similar to the fluid that lubricates your joints. Ganglion cysts can develop in several of the joints in the hand and wrist, including

Ganglion cysts can develop in several of the joints in the hand and wrist

TFCC injury A TFCC tear is an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex found in the wrist, between the end of the ulna bone and the carpals. Its function is to stabilize the radioulnar joint. Symptoms of a TFCC tear include wrist pain on the little ‘pinky’ finger side. There will be tenderness over the back of the wrist. Pain is worst on bending the wrist sideways so the little finger moves towards the forearm (called ulna deviation). There is likely to be swelling in the wrist, reduced grip strength and sometimes a clicking sound or feeling when moving the wrist. Traumatic forearm fractures After initial X-ray, most of the complex cases will require a computer tomography. With this technique, the exact position of the fracture fragments will be identified and the planning of the treatment plan can start. Traumatic wrist fractures The common fracture after landing on the hand is at the end of the radius forming the articular surface of the wrist joint towards the carpus. The most frequent additional injured bone is the scaphoid. Initial X-rays can be misleading due to overlapping of different bones of the carpus. These additional injuries need more specific radiological work up with CT and/or Ultrasound / MRI. Treatment Reduction of overuse through movement analysis Most of the overuse symptoms result from poor technique. The solution is a brief analysis of the arm movement during the hit. The best method for doing this is via a Digital Video whereby using a computer, the player can compare one swing to another, much the same way that golfers study their swing. This can be done on the stick & ball field or on the wooden horse. Hitting analysis involves approximately five minutes of digital video. Then the player (and his coach, pro, or instructor if available) and I will review the swings on the computer. At that point, the goal will be to identify one or two changes that will improve the player’s power, accuracy or consistency. The next step is that the www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Treatment of fractures Non-displaced fractures of the radius can be treated with more rigid brace or soft cast treatment. In cases of more complex fracture patterns with displaced positions of the fragment or increased number of fragments, operative treatment will be an option that is offered.

player will return to the stick & ball field or the wooden horse to execute the changes, and experience a positive outcome. When that is accomplished, the player should be able to take the change to the field with only a small amount of practice. Selecting a specific polo mallet Many of the special requirements for a polo mallet depend upon variables such as the strength and size of the player, size of the horses, hitting style, even different playing positions and ground conditions require different types of mallets. For this reason, it’s important to consider the various options and when wrist pain is present, have mallets custom made to your exact requirements. Specialised firms like Wood Mallets will find the right configuration (www.woodmallets.com).

Photograph courtesy of Caspar West

As a result of his fall, Caspar suffered a nasty break at the start of the 2016 season

The Manumed active from MEDI® is a wrist support that reduces stress on the wrist whilst offering support with the stabilising splint

If a higher level of stabilisation is needed, an orthopaedic bandage or brace can be added. The Manumed active from MEDI® is a wrist support that reduces stress on the wrist whilst offering support with the stabilising splint. A circular strap compliments the stress relief provided by the compressive knit and the volar hand splint. The anatomically designed strap provides enhanced pressure point relief on the ulnar styloid process. It is an easy to fit, slip on system. If more support is needed, the Short Arm Brace from Compex® provides support and protection for injuries to the wrist and forearm. Used primarily for non-displaced fractures to the distal radius or distal ulna, and it can be employed for acute injuries as well as for post-operative support. Operative treatment Treatment of ligament injuries

Wrist and hand protection The softest way to protect the wrist and hand is to wear gloves with built-in augmentative material to protect anatomic structures at risk. With the Polo Ona Carbon Pro Gloves, the ultimate technology for protection with a maximum flexibility was built. Anatomically

The PEEK Power Distal Radius Plate Volar from Arthrex® is anatomically shaped

The PEEK Power Distal Radius Plate Volar from Arthrex® is an anatomically shaped, multidirectional-locking plate made of carbon reinforced PEEK. Due to its material, the plate is radiolucent and provides a clear view of the fracture site. The new design matches the anatomical needs like the Watershed-Line and allows screw placement to fix distal fragments of the radio-ulnar joint. Rehabilitation Return to play Accurate diagnosis and early immobilization are often key to getting players back to their sport early. Some injuries require surgery; operative intervention allows the player to return to their sport more quickly or with less long-term disability. First, the full of range of wrist motion should be the goal of physiotherapy. When this is regained, the grip strength should follow. A full return to play will be best approached with a stage wise escalation of loading the wrist joint and reducing the level of external stabilisation with bracing in the same time. To return to play after a bone injury, proof of consolidation is mandatory. To assess the level of healing that has occurred, a Computer Tomography will help to define the stage of healing. In cases where ongoing pain is experienced, a MRI of the wrist should be performed to exclude additional soft tissue injuries.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR l

Arthroscopic repair with the micro suture lasso

Polo Ona Carbon Pro Gloves offer protection

designed carbon fibre inserts offer superior hand protection against blows due to the carbon fibre’s impact resistance and strength. They also have ‘easy fit’ interior padding for added comfort. www.polotimes.co.uk

TFCC Repair with Arthrex® micro suture lasso. An all-arthroscopic, knotless technique to repair peripheral ulnar tears of the articular disk can be used. The advantage of this technique is that it repairs both superficial and deep layers of the articular disk back-to-bone at their anatomic insertion. In addition, using a knotless technique decreases potential soft tissue irritation from suture knots.

l l

Adequate height and speed of fall / dislocation of the wrist Recurred wrist pain while hitting the ball / holding the mallet Long-term pain exceeding two weeks Reduced grip strength combined with swelling of the wrist

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com

Polo Times, June 2017

Sidelines

Gossip

Photograph courtesy of Royal Star & Garter

WELL DONE

Congratulations to Cowdray Park Polo Club’s General Manager, Matt Petersen, who ran the London Marathon in aid of The Royal Star & Garter Homes. The charity provides nursing and therapeutic care to the ex-Service community.

FAIRFAX & FAVOR

GOLF AND POLO

On Saturday 8 July, the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club will be welcoming the Long Drive World Series, where ten of the series’ biggest hitters plus six qualifiers will compete at the Club, all aiming to be crowned champion. With polo, live music, food and drink, it certainly sounds like an entertaining afternoon.

Beaufort Polo Club has announced that luxury accessory brand Fairfax & Favour will be sponsoring both the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup and After Party on Saturday 17 June. Food and drinks will be available from 6.30pm, followed by music, DJ and dancing. For tickets call 01666 881249.

JODIE KIDD GOES ‘PUB’LIC

The polo playing, sports car driving, supermodel has added another string to her bow, snapping up the Half Moon pub in her local village, Kirdford. After some tiny tweaks, it’ll be open for business and we can’t wait to taste the delicious organic treats.

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

CONGRATULATIONS!

WEDDING BELLS!

Former England Captain, Henry Brett has got engaged to girlfriend Laura Sharpe. The wedding date is yet to be announced. Congratulations.

Photograph by Cymon Skinner/www.peopleofpolo.com

Hissam Ali Hyder and Alizeh have welcomed daughter Inara into the world, will this little bundle of cuteness follow in her polo playing father’s footsteps?

PRISK PARTY

Sunday 7 May, Royston Prisk once again held his Start of Season Party. This year the event was held at Westcroft Park Polo Club, with DJ Paul Linney providing a Balearic backdrop to the sunset. With burgers, pizza and a bar brimming with booze – Royston once again put on the perfect polo party.

BABY BUDGETT

Congratulations to Charlie and Lucy Budgett on the recent arrival of baby Daisy on 12 May. A super cute addition to the Kirtlington ranks. Best baby wishes from us all.

Polo Times, June 2017

MANAGER FINDS HIS MANAGER’ESS’ Beaufort Polo Manager Caspar West has got engaged to longterm girlfriend Olivia Lamprey. Congratulations to you both!

OUCH!

Spencer McCarthy has broken his arm at Guards in the first match of his season. His son James replaced him in the 22 goal Prince of Wales tournament at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and then ongoing during his six to eight week recovery period. Get well soon Spencer, what bad luck.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Praxis am Bahnhofplatz

Orthopaedics & Trauma Sport Injuries & Reconstruction of knee and shoulder

B3-Praxis am Bahnhofsplatz is located in the centre of Zurich.

Polo Times’ Nick & Rich Hine visiting Dr. med. Andreas Krüger at B3 - Praxis

B3 - Praxis am Bahnhofplatz Dr. med. Andreas Krüger and his team are specialists in the treatment of orthopaedic and traumatic equine sport related injuries with a focus on the shoulder and knee pathologies. Within the direct neighbourhood, radiological and physiotherapy departments are also located.

Contact details B3 - Praxis am Bahnhofplatz Orthopaedics & Trauma Sport Injuries & Reconstruction of knee and shoulder Bahnhofplatz 3 8001 Zürich

Services: • Online and video consultation • Conservative and operative treatment of shoulder and knee conditions • Medical Expert search around the globe • Second opinion • Tournament medical care

Telefon : +41 (0)44 838 68 68 Fax : +41 (0)44 838 68 60 Email : info@b3-praxis.ch HIN-Email : praxis-b3@hin.ch Website : www.b3-praxis.ch

HP Active Launch; HPC, the London Polo Club; Thursday 18 May

New Season, New Style T

“This is a unique opportunity to combine raising the profile of this exciting and glamorous sport, with the creation of a new lifestyle brand that like polo, has authentically British roots, together with a genuinely global reach. I’m proud to be part of it.” Simon Hawkins, King of Games

Photography courtesy of KBA PR

he HPA have teamed up with King of Games Limited to launch the premium sporting and lifestyle brand, Hurlingham 1875. The first collection was launched last year, and on Thursday 18 May, the brand launched its new collection, HP Active. The HP Active Collection offers layered performance, with base layer, polo shirts and sweatshirts; full-zip and downfilled hoodies; blouson and shell jackets, down quilted jackets and gilets. Guests gathered at HPC, the London Polo Club for the launch, where they could view the new products, enjoy a champagne reception, delicious buffet lunch, all of which was followed by an exhibition match in which the

players and umpires showcased the new collection, plus spectators were able to try their hand at polo on the wooden horse. Perhaps as you’d expect, HP Active performance clothing is beautifully made, as Brand Ambassador Fred Mannix explains, “It’s fundamental for a professional polo player to be properly outfitted, and look and perform like a pro”. The cut and construction of the products facilitate free and easy movement, and the fabrics combine performance with comfort and function. They incorporate Spandex for 4-way stretch and fit; one-piece underarm gussets for maximum reach, and moisture management in the yarns to keep you cool and dry.

“Hurlingham Polo 1875’s brand values reflect those of our association and our sport. They are authenticity, integrity, quality, unity and style, and our aim is that everything we do and all we produce will live up to them.” David Woodd, HPA Chief Executive

Polo Times, June 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

1875 Brand Ambassador and 8 goal player Fred Mannix in front of the cameras

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Chairman of HPC and President of FIP welcomes guests

“I’m honoured to represent them – the HPA is the spiritual home of polo – and I’m delighted to represent a brand with so much heritage and tradition. It’s fundamental for a professional polo player to be properly outfitted, and look and perform like a pro. From the players’ perspective, if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play better. From the spectators’ perspective, we admire people who are presented in a professional manner – we look up to them and are inspired by them. So yes, it’s very important.” Fred Mannix, Hurlingham Polo 1875 Brand Ambassador

Tom Morley

Simon Taylor

Guests enjoyed an elegant lunch under the vines at HPC, The London Polo Club

Oliver Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive of The Hurlingham Polo Association with Winston Squires

David Woodd, Chief Executive of The Hurlingham Polo Association addresses the guests

unique and inspiring ZĂźrich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St.Moritz www.hato-restaurants.com

Philippe de Croÿ-Solre, Eileen Waters, Anne de Croÿ-Solre, Veronika Müller-Wilmes, Luke Owings, Leyla Dogan, Emily Facchina Fluet, Eleanor Turnbull & Arianna Cerqueira

Amalia Monari & Ashoka Rao

University of St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament; Errol Park Estate; Saturday 22 April

St. Andrews Charity Polo Fun

Claudia Brown & Charlotte McCluskey

This year, the University of St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament was hosted at the beautiful Errol Park Estate in support of Help for Heroes. Twelve different university teams, two Royal Scots Dragoon Guard teams, and two Help for Heroes veterans’ teams played one another at various levels. An Ireland vs Scotland match exhibition was also hosted as a final chukka. 1,700 students, locals and supporters from around the UK were welcomed at the fields and treated to a wide variety of food trucks, drinks (thanks to sponsor Bouvet Ladubay) and selfie opportunities. Organised by a committee of 30 University of St. Andrews students, the event proved a huge success and united lifelong polo players and new timers alike for an afternoon of fun. Photography by Lightbox Photography

Tournament director Jonathan Gregory, Abigail Roesser & Alexa Hammer

Emma Harckham & Brittany Kriegstein

Carlotta Hall & Julian Valladares Urruela Kinross Polo Club owner Thom Bell & Natalie Kormos

George Wilder, Katie Hughes & Charles McGlone

Devina Puri

Dilara Çankay & Ali Elsaid’s

Representatives of Help for Heroes

Sergei Klebnikov & Axel Løchen

Can Cetinyilmaz & Joe Grimeh

David & June Howell Jones

Mosimann’s & Champagne; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 6 May

Chris Murphy, Brigitte Hennessy of Champagne Laurent-Perrier & Mosimann’s sommelier

Laurent-Perrier Rosé

Mosimann’s & Champagne Laurent-Perrier are the perfect combination The arrival of the Mosimann’s team at Guards Polo Club has inspired the Club’s events team to create some innovative members’ experiences, and what better way than by teaming up with the Club’s official champagne supplier, Champagne Laurent-Perrier for a unique tasting evening? Executive Chef Rob Grandison and the Mosimann’s team created a delicious three-course dinner, preceded by some delicate canapés, whilst Brigitte Hennessy of Champagne Laurent-Perrier gave an introduction and offered some insights when pairing foods with champagne. Then it was time to put Brigitte’s words into practice with a different champagne being served with each course.

Edward Dedman, Mrs Parmar, Syliva Dedman & Hickesh Parmar

Neil Atkin, Elizabeth Brown & Mark Neill

Vivien Mackintosh

Simon Mace

Ready for dinner

A Mosimann’s dessert paying homage to Laurent-Perrier

Andrew & Lucy Dechet

The Clubhouse

Julia & Alan Fall

Alan Kent, Lulu Hutley & Jack Richardson

Anthony & Julia Embiricos with Chris Bethell

Caroline & Parke Bradley

Cowdray Start of Season Drinks Party; Cowdray House, Friday 12 May

Start of Season Party Viscount and Viscountess Cowdray were delighted to welcome Cowdray patrons, players and sponsors to Cowdray House on Friday 12 May to celebrate the start of the 2017 polo season. In brilliant sunshine and with spectacular views towards the South Downs, the Terrace was the ideal place for everyone to catch up after the winter. Favourite drink of the evening? Louis Roederer champagne of course! The evening heralded the start of a massive weekend of polo – 11 matches in total – including four matches in the Trippetts Challenge, the first high goal of the UK season, the Final of the Tyro Cup and the launch of New Yorker Beer Weekend Polo. Spotted: Nic Roldan sampling a New Yorker at the drinks party! Nic Roldan with New Yorker Beer

Jenai & Nick Clague

Jayne & Kenney Jones

Photography by Chris Orange

Laura & Maurice Ormerod

Liz Higgins with Rob & Kate Stuzer from sponsors EFG

Guests against the backdrop of Cowdray House

Viscount & Viscountess Cowdray

Peter Barfoot & Angela Cooper

Shannon & James Harper

Simon & Romilla Arber

Lucas Xiao & Chinweike Onwu

Charlie Hammond & Theo Bradshaw on Jimmy

Olisa Ogbue, Savva Grevtsev, Elece Payne, Elliot Gallienne & Salmann Al Saud

SUPA Summer Junior National Championships; Kirtlington Park Polo Club; Sunday 14 May

Carl Rogberg & Victor Soderberg

Edla, Duchess of Marlborough with Mouse & Bruce Cave

Sam Stoop, Fred Thame & Harry Pitts

Melissa Walker, Emma McLaughlin & Phillipa Slatter

Sunny SUPA On Sunday 14 May, Kirtlington Park Polo Club hosted the SUPA Summer Junior National Championships, which saw 18 chukkas played across three divisions. Unlike the drizzly National Junior Schools Arena Polo Championships in February, the Summer Nationals were blessed with warming May sunshine and cloud smattered blue skies. Although the competition was heated, it was smiles all round from parents, players and supporters alike â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and who can blame them as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing quite like an English summer day to brighten the spirits. For all of the action from the day, turn to our Youth pages. Florry Saunders & Molly Derbyshire

Photography by Molly Derbyshire

Claire & Matt Halsey with Ruby

Sarah Hammond & Amanda Welin

Nina Matthews, Clare Warrender & Zara Matthews

Tom Edgar & Lucas Pejkovic

Flynn Laban & Annette Bull

Melissa Wadley & Rupert Bull

Paul Reed, Diana Reed, Maddie Benello & Helen Reed

Royston Prisk & Celio Garcera

Ali Chukmarov & Daria Cardinal

Diana Jewson, Genevieve Owen, Lili Stringer, Josephine Noyce & Louise Sandberg

PJ’s Start of Season Polo Party; PJ’s Bar and Grill, Chelsea, London; Monday 15 May Brian Stein

Brod Munro Wilson

PJ’s Season Starter

Gerry Gibson, Anthony Crichton-Brown, Jock & Susie Green-Armytage & Roddy Matthews

The season never properly starts until the PJ’s Polo Party. Players, patrons and polo enthusiasts, all excited to get the new season underway, gathered at the “go-to” place in town. With PJ’s old friend Clovis Taittinger donating 200 bottles of his excellent Champagne to the party, and polo patron and vodka expert Dimitri Chobotarev adding his Ivan The Terrible Vodka into the mix, the party had all the ingredients to be a success. With the music playing and the bubbly chilling in the packed Chelsea haunt, it was a fantastic evening all round. Friends caught-up and team mates bonded as the PJ’s crew, headed up by Andrew Birnie, Antonio Pasantes and Jorge Santos ensured that the 27th PJ’s Polo Party was the perfect way to kick off the 2017 summer season. Photography by Edward Lloyd/Alpha Press

Henry de By & Garrie Renucci

Mark Hayden Kellard & Sarah Pozner

Mindi Byrne, Nico San Roman, Chino de Estrada & Mark Emerson

Georgina Hutchinson, Olivia Hutchinson & Richard Britten-Long

Sebastian Piggott & Dara Williams

Lorien Steadman & Sophie Granchi

Nicholas & Annie ColquhounDenvers with Claire Tomlinson

Fiona Bastia & Rashid Al Habtoor

Tissy van Reyk & Tara Smith

Lt Col Howard Flood, Katarina Lady Chelsea, Annita van der Hoeven & Robert Adams

Oxford University Polo Club’s Heather Winsor, Priyanka Harley, Charlie Hitchman, Eilish O’Kelly & Issa Dasu Patel

Spencer McCarthy & Ale Muzzio

HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur

Nacho Gonzalez

Facundo Pieres & Facu Sola

Prince of Wales Trophy; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 20th May

Princely Polo The grounds of The Royal County Berkshire Polo Club looked wonderful as guests arrived for the jewel in the crown of the Club’s season so far. The weather held meaning umbrellas were banished and resulted in players of all levels, Members and their guests enjoying a lovely atmosphere. Fantastic food was provided by La Cantina in the form of a delicious traditional Argentine asado, whilst Rafael Lijaman strummed away on his guitar and gave the spectators some entertainment between chukkas. As the polo came to an end, the festivities moved on to the Clubhouse – a bit more music from Rafael and plenty of rosé in true Berkshire style

Rafael Lijaman

Ben Soleimani lifting the Prince of Wales Trophy

Photography by Tony Ramierz ©www.imagesofpolo.com, Cymon Skinner: People of Polo, The Art of Polo & Ana Clara Cozzi/PoloLine.com For a report on polo from the event, please turn to our Reports pages. Greta Morrison

Ale Muzzio, James McCarthy, Guillermo Terrera & umpire Tim Bown

Georgia Sweeney, Becky Eades, Charlotte Sweeney, Joey Tempest, Emily Addison & Olivia Whittle

Pepe Heguy

The presentation table was groaning with prizes

Pete Webb

Vicki Muzzio with the boys

Team kit aplenty

Tommy Beresford with his father and mother, Lord Charles Beresford & Maria Teresa Donoso

José Araya

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On

June UK Club Fixtures Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland (15-18): 22 May – 11 June Cowdray – Easebourne Cup (4-8): 23 May – 10 June Cowdray – Cartier Queen’s Cup Games (20-22): 23 May – 18 June RCBPC – 6 Goal Open Tournament (6): 1 – 4 June Burningfold – Tillington 2 Goal (2): 1 – 4 June Kirtlington – Meyrick Cup (8): 1 – June Kirlington – Kirtlington Cup (4): 1 – 4 June Cowdray – Jersey Lilies Cup (0-6): 1 – 18 June Chester – LDF International Polo (8): 2 – 3 June Silver Leys – St Edmunds College Cup (-4- -2) (-2-0): 3 June Edgeworth – Isa Trophy (4-8): 3 – 4 June Cheshire – Dearnfold Hall Trophy (-4- -1): 3 – 4 June Rugby – The Phelps Challenge (-6- -2): 3 – 4 June Fifield – Polo Performance (0-2) (2-6): 3 – 4 June Druids Lodge – The June Trophy (1-2): 3 – 4 June Taunton – Jellalabad Cup (0-2): 3 – 4 June Vaux Park – Chairman’s Cup (-2-2): 3 – 4 June Binfield Heath – The June Cup (-2-2): 3 – 4 June West Wycombe – Hell Fire Trophy (0-4) (-6-0): 3 – 4 June Hurtwood – Jubilee Cup (0-4): 3 – 4 June Rugby – The Miller Cup (0-4): 3 – 4 June New Forest – Remnants Cup (-4-0): 3 – 4 June White Waltham – Summer Cup (-2-0): 3 – 4 June Ranelagh – Copa El Casco De Fangio (-2-0): 3 – 4 June Silver Leys – Inventure Trophy (-2-0) (-4- -2): 4 June Vale of York – KRS Breast Cancer (Open): 4 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): 5 – 17 June Cowdray – Bryan Bethell Cup (12-15): 5 – 18 June Pangbourne – The Caballus Challenge Cup (12-15): 6 – 11 June Guards – Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): 6 – 25 June Guards – Mountbatten Cup (12-15): 6 – 25 June Beaufort – The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (2-6): 6 – 17 June Cirencester – Junior Cavalry Cup (4-8): 6 – 18 June Kirtlington – Barlow Cup (4-6): 7 – 11 June Burningfold – Alfold Bowl (4): 7 – 11 June Edgeworth – 6 Goal Championship (0-6): 8 – 9 June

www.polotimes.co.uk

Kirtlington – Barlow Trophy (6): 8 – 11 June Kirtlington – Omi Garner (2): 8 – 11 June Hurtwood – Mantra Interiors (-2-2): 8 – 11 June Hurtwood – Rock n Horsepower (Open): 8 – 17 June Cowdray – Petworth 12 Goal (8-12): 8 – 17 June Vale of York – Jim’s Birthday Match (Open): 10 June Guards – Old Etonians vs Old Harrovians (Open): 10 June Beaufort – International Test Match (Open): 10 June White Rose – Charlie Phillips Cup (-6- -4): 10 – 11 June Beaufort – Gloucestershire Festival of Polo Weekend (Open): 10 – 11 June Epsom – Fathers’ Day Cup (-2-2): 10 – 11 June New Forest – Kuseyo Memorial Trophy (0-2): 10 – 11 June Fifield – Fifield Fun Charity Weekend (0-2) (4-6): 10 – 11 June Tidworth – Mixed Doubles (-2-2) (-6- -2): 10 – 11 June Edgeworth – The Amir Cup (0-2): 10 – 11 June Cheshire – Tickled Pink Cup (-2-1): 10 – 11 June Cheshire – CPC Trophy (-4- -1): 10 – 11 June DBPC – The Arthingworth Trophy (-6- -2): 10 – 11 June Binfield Heath – June Tournament (4-6) (-4-0): 10 – 11 June DBPC – The Player’s Cup (2-6): 10 – 11 June Ranelagh – Copa Don Beni (2-4): 10 – 11 June All Ireland – Stuart Trophy (0-4): 10 – 11 June Cambridge – 0-4 Goal (0-4): 10 – 11 June Cambridge – Greenheath Tournament (0-4) (-4-0): 10 – 11 June White Rose – The Summit Cup (3-4): 10 – 11 June Wicklow – Stolen Spurs (0-4): 10 – 11 June Westcroft Park – The Westley Green Farm Trophy (2-4): 10 – 11 June DBPC – The Laurent Perrier Cup (-4-0): 10 – 11 June Knepp Castle – Rose Bowl O Goal Tournament (-2-0): 10 – 11 June Taunton – Friendship Cup (-4-0): 10 – 11 June West Wycombe – Chairman’s Cup (-2-2) (-6- -2): 10 – 18 June Cowdray – June 4 Goal Cup (0-4): 10 – 25 June Cirencester – Meadow Cup (0-6): 13 – 25 June RCBPC – Henryk de Kawiatkowski 6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 15 – 18 June Kirtlington – The Gladiator (4): 15 – 18 June Emsworth – Summer Cup (12): 16 – 25 June Emsworth – Winkfield Cup (10): 16 – 25 June

Polo directory

Epsom – Victory Day Cup (-6- -4): 17 – 18 June Cheshire – Orion Engineering Trophy (-4- -1): 17 – 18 June Binfield Heath – Anniversary Tournament (0-2): 17 – 18 June Ranelagh – Committee Cup (0-2): 17 – 18 June Cheshire – Demetriadi Cup (0-2): 17 – 18 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (-2-2): 17 – 18 June Rutland – Mobil Cup (0-2): 17 – 18 June HPC – Petersham Bowl (-2-2): 17 – 18 June Knepp Castle – The Antler Cup 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 17 – 18 June Suffolk – Flaming June (-4-2): 17 – 18 June Fifield – Trojan Horse Challenge (0-2) (2-4): 17 – 18 June Druids Lodge – The India Trophy (3-4): 17 – 18 June Offchurch Bury – The Offa Rex Trophy (0-4) (-4-0): 17 – 18 June Taunton – Royal Aden Cup (0-4): 17 – 18 June New Forest – The Mountbatten Cup (-4-0): 17 – 18 June New Forest – The Barfoot Bowl (-4-0): 17 – 18 June White Waltham – Madeva Polo Tournament (2-4): 17 – 18 June Edgeworth – June 0 Goal (0): 17 – 25 June Longdole – John Lucas Trophy Tournament (6): 19 – 24 June RCBPC – The Simon Holley 10 Goal Open Tournament (7-10): 20 – 25 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 20 – 25 June Tidworth – Presidents Cup (-6- -2): 21 – 25 June Tidworth – Tidworth Polo Week (-6- -2) (-4-0) (0-4): 21 – 25 June Kirtlington – Brook House Trophy (4-6): 22 – 25 June Burningfold – Burnthill 0 Goal (0): 21 – 25 June Taunton – Summer Tournament (-2-0): 24 – 25 June Kirtlington – Rousham Trophy (0): 24 – 25 June Ranelagh – Copa La Brava (-2-0): 24 – 25 June Silver Leys – The Terry Bone Presidents Cup (-2-0) (-4- -2): 24 – 25 June New Forest – King Garns Cup (-2-0): 24 – 25 June DBPC – The Lexington Cup (-4-0): 24 – 25 June White Rose (Played at Castle Howard) – Gough Trophy (-6- -4): 24 – 25 June DBPC – The President Cup (0-4): 24 – 25 June Knepp Castle – 4 Goal Tournament (2-4): 24 – 25 June Hurtwood – Cody’s Challenge (0-4): 24 – 25 June Westcroft Park – The Summer Solstice (4-6): 24 – 25 June Cheshire – Vicarage & White Lion Trophy (-4- -1): 24 – 25 June Polo Times, June 2017

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

Cheshire – Henbury Cup (-4-1): 24 – 25 June White Waltham – The Divot Polo Tournament (0-2): 24 – 25 June Fifield – Jackson Friends & Family Cup (0-2): 24 – 25 June FHM – Stickhedz Trophy (-8- -4): 24 – 25 June Hurtwood – HFS Milbourne (Open): 24 – 25 June Vale of York – Conservative Cup (Open): 25 June White Rose (Played at Castle Howard) – Castle Howard Cup (0): 25 June Vale of York – 3rd Crown Hotel Plate (Open): 28 June Edgeworth – Ladies Tournament (Open): 28 June Kirtlington – Secretary’s Cup (8): 28 June – 2 July

Military Polo

Kirtlington – The Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy (Open): 3 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars’ Cup (0-4) (-4-0): 3 – 4 June DBPC – The Gentleman’s Trophy (Open): 10 June White Waltham – Help for Heroes Combined Forces Trophy (-2-0): 10 – 11 June White Waltham – Veteran’s Match HAC vs Grenadier Guards (-4-0): 11 June Tidworth – Grenadier Cup (0-2) (-4-0): 17 – 18 June Sandhurst – Sandhurst Heritage Day (Open): 18 June Tidworth – Strategic Shipping 10th Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 21 – 25 June Tidworth – Queens Royal Lancers Cup (-4-0): 21 – 25 June Epsom – The Armed Forces Day (-4-0): 24 – 25 June Druids Lodge – Sassoon Cup (0): 1 July Druids Lodge – Balaclava Cup (Open): 1 July Guards – Inter-Regimental Cup (Open): 6 – 9 July Tidworth – Rundle Cup (Open): 8 July Tidworth – Captains’ & Subalterns’ Trophy (Open): 15 – 16 July

Dallas Burston Polo – Club Ladies’ Day: 10 June Vaux Park – Ladies Tournament (0-2): 10 – 11 June Hurtwood Polo Academy – Junior Ladies’ Cup: 17 – 18 June Cirencester – Ladies International: 25 June St Tropez – Polo Women Cup (10-14): 30 June – 2 July Mongolia – The Ladies’ Polo Cup: 7 – 16 July Guards – Lord Beresford Cup/Ladies Charity Polo Trophy: 22 August – 2 September

Polo Times, June 2017

Youth Polo Guards – Atlantic Cup: 2 June Guards – Oxford vs Cambridge Blues (Open): 3 June Guards – Eton vs Harrow (Open): 3 June Beaufort – Javier Novillo Astrada Memorial U15 (Open): 10 – 11 June Beaufort – Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup: 11 June Offchurch – National Universities Jubilee Summer Championships 2017: 14 June Offchurch – SUPA Jubilee International Test Match: 14 June Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Invitation): 16 – 18 June Chantilly – France International Test Match: 17 June Kirtlington – Senior Schools National Summer Tournament: 17 June Kirtlington – Senior National Championships (Open): 17 June Kirtlington – SUPA National Schools Intermediate Tournament (Open): 18 June Kirtlington – SUPA National Senior Schools Combined Tournament (Open) – 18 June Kirtlington – SUPA National Schools Under 16 (Open): 18 June Kirtlington – SUPA National Senior Schools Championship (Open): 18 – 19 June TBC – Ladies National Championships (Open): 25 June TBC – Ladies Schools National Championships: 25 June Hurtwood Park – 2017 Jorrocks Championships: 9 August Cowdray – 2017 Pony Club Polo Championships: 11 – 13 August Accra – Polistas International Test Match Series: 11 December

Snow Polo Dates

France

Chantilly – Bourbon Trophy (10-12): 19 May – 4 June St Tropez – Silver Whips Cup (8-10): 1 – 11 June Chantilly – Charity Cup (10-12): 9 – 25 June St Tropez – Golden Wave (8-10): 15 – 25 June

Spain

Sotogrande – Il Copa Patrick G. Hermes (10-12): 16 – 18 June Sotogrande – Tourneo Internacional Bajo: 26 July – 27 August

South Africa

Inanda – Land Rover Africa Cup: 20 August

St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018: 26 – 28 January 2018

Kenya America

Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Cup (16): 7 – 9 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (16): 14 – 23 July Santa Barbara – Engel & Völkers USPA America Cup (16): July 28 – 6 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 10 – 27 August

Nairobi – Kenya International 6 Goal: 15 – 17 September

Beach Polo

Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 7 – 8 July www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

12 Goal Victor Ludorum Social Events

Cirencester – Cocktail Party: 2 June Edgeworth – Summer Ball: 3 June Cirencester – The Warwickshire Cup After Party: 25 June Rutland – ‘Hollywood’ Summer Ball: 1 July Kirtlington – Kirtlington Park Polo Club Summer Ball: 5 August Cirencester – The End of Season Party: 24 September

2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal

Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July

Something Different

Kingweston Campus – Millfield Polo Invitational: 4 June Longdole – Cheltenham College Polo day: 10 June Hurtwood – Festival of Surrey: 24 – 25 June Druids Lodge – A Summer Polo Picnic: 1 July Van Oppen – Polo Festival and Ball: 15 – 16 July Dallas Burston – Carnival of Polo: 15 – 16 September

England Internationals

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Beaufort – International Test Match (England vs TBC): 10 June THE ROYAL SALUTE Guards – Royal C O RO N AT I O N C U P Salute Coronation Cup (England vs The Commonwealth): 29 July

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May Guards – The Hildon Archie David Cup: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC – Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 – 27 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Victrix (Ladies) Ludorum 12-18 Goal Start End Tournament Wed/12/07/2017 Sun/16/07/2017 The Racehorse Sanctuary International Ladies Tournament Wed/14/06/2017 Sat/22/07/2017 The British Ladies Tue/25/07/2017 Sun/30/07/2017 Fri/28/07/2017 Sat/05/08/2017 Beaufort Ladies Tournament Sat/05/08/2017 Sun/13/08/2017 The Polo Festival Ladies Tournament Tue/22/08/2017 Sat/02/09/2017 The Lord Beresford Cup

ENGLAND V

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered.I N Always T E R N AT I O N A L P O L O check with the Club(s) for the most GuardsupPolo Club, Windsor Great Park to-date fixtures lists.

Quick Question

THE COMMONWEALTH

Handicap 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18

Answer -

Location Knepp Castle Cowdray Park Cirencester Park Beaufort RCBPC Guards

to the question posed on our

Letters page

A: The Prince of Wales Trophy was designed by

Theo Fennell

Saturday 23rd July | Tickets from £20

For more information please visit coronationcuppolo.com or call +44 (0) 1784 437 797

T&SHARKER HORSEBOXES A large selection of Horseboxes to choose from

ALL VEHICLES BUILT TO AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH SPEC Accident/General repair work undertaken • Body Changes • Vehicles Serviced with DEFRA Certificates to carry horses over 12 Hours • Various models from 2-12 horses 17 horse Arctic trailers also built • Also available built to order using your own spec.

Visit our website to view our extensive range of horseboxes

www.tsharkercommercials-horseboxes.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1325 332649 Mobile: +44 (0)7901 857960 Fax: +44 (0)1325 333554

Email: enquiries@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, June 2017

Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club All England Polo Club Hickstead*

CLUB

PHONE

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmailc.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07712 105780

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Great Trippets Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippets.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For details of our current stock or for a new build, please phone or email or visit our website.

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk 100 Polo Times, June 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory

FOR SALE Marketplace Property

15’1 9 y/o TB Mare with an excellent flat racing pedigree. A fantastic polo type that has great pace, soft mouth, is exceptionally stable and has fantastic sides even at top speed. She really does have it all. Has played from 2 goal with young 1 goal player up to 15 goal with 6 goal professional. Would suit a confident amateur player or professional looking to bolster string. Sadly for sale as I am not playing enough. £14,950

Transport

PO1O RAT FOR SALE – LODSWORTH, WEST SUSSEX CHARMING, DOUBLE FRONTED PERIOD HOUSE 200 year old, double fronted country house beautifully positioned in the heart of British polo country, just 5 minutes from Cowdray Park Lawns in Midhurst and 2 minutes from the Ambersham grounds. PRICE £720,000 Tel: 01798 861808 / 07966 132234 West Sussex

ONE OF THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND’S PREMIER STUD FARMS Stud buildings including: Stud cottage, office, foaling unit and 73 boxes. Stud groom’s and stud hands’ houses. Boxalland farmhouse Listed Grade II, barns and stores requiring complete renovation. About 165 acres of railed paddocks. For sale Freehold or in 3 lots. POA Tel: 01672 521155 West Sussex

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032

Equipment

15’0 10 y/o TB Mare. This pony is really easy going and a pleasure to have on the yard. She has a strong build and a very solid hitting platform. Very light mouth and a swift turn of pace. Has played from 2 goal with young 1 goal player up to 15 goal with 6 goal professional. Would suit an amateur player looking to upgrade at the top of their string. Sadly for sale as I am not playing enough. £11,750

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

Viewing by appointment in Cirencester area. Tel: 07969 456 214

BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

Marketplace Ponies • Equipment • Trucks • Tack • Situations Vacant • Property

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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level. Good to shoe, box, clip. Winters well and has always played sound. Full vetting welcome. Reluctant sale £8,000. Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level. Reluctant sale £8,000. Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Published by: Polo Times Ltd Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

NON-SUBSCRIBERS Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

21/03/2014 17:10

www.polotimes.co.uk

Sales & Rental

FOR SALE – Lodsworth, West Sussex 200 year old, double fronted country house beautifully positioned in the heart of British polo country, just 5 minutes from Cowdray Park Lawns in Midhurst and 2 minutes from the Ambersham grounds.

Property Focus

The property offers practical yet versatile accommodation arranged over two floors with wonderfully proportioned, sunny rooms and high ceilings. • • • • •

Bright, double aspect sitting room, overlooking the garden Elegant dining room for more formal entertaining with a front and side aspect view over the garden Kitchen and breakfast room, with the benefit of an electric Aga and fitted with a range of units under an expanse of worktops Laundry/Utility room, large enough to be converted into a study Downstairs WC and an all-purpose boot room.

The first floor of the property is of equal merit, providing: • • •

Three double bedrooms, a family bathroom, large landing area and a large en-suite to the master bedroom. Ample space for loft conversion Double garage (ideal for conversion to additional rooms or offices)

The garden is well established with a large variety of shrubs and trees, offering all year round colour and interest.

All enquiries to Charles Cotton: Tel: 01798 861808 / 07966 132234 Email: crsc@hotmail.co.uk 3802 Polo Times half page colour :Layout 1

19/5/17

07:34

London by Rail:- 50 minutes Heathrow by road:- 45 minutes Gatwick by road:- 40 minutes PRICE £720,000

Page 1

NORMANDIE STUD, WEST SUSSEX Billingshurst 5 miles, Wisborough Green 2 miles, London 50 miles One of the South of England's premier stud farms 11 miles from Cowdray Park

Stud buildings including: Stud cottage, office, foaling unit and 73 boxes. Stud groom’s and stud hands’ houses • Boxalland farmhouse Listed Grade II, barns and stores requiring complete renovation • About 165 acres of railed paddocks • Lakes, woodland and grassland In all about 200 acres (81.3 ha). For sale Freehold or in 3 lots Price on application

+44(0)1672 521155

info@windsorclive.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

windsorclive.co.uk

Polo Times, June 2017 103

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Internationally acclaimed James ‘Harps’ Harper, began with humble grass-roots in a non-polo background, but from his first international experience as Young England at just 13-years-old, the British born 6 goaler was selected last year to represent England in the Royal Salute Coronation Cup – an achievement he had always aimed for. Here Polo Times gets to know more about his biggest passions, besides horses and polo of course!

What is your biggest passion and why? It’s all about my horses really. Improving them as much as I can, through work and money. I’m also fired up about my son Wills doing well. So I love helping him improve and keeping him well mounted. The phone seems to be going more and more for him now!

What is your best polo memory? One of my best memories is my time playing in Australia. I had a lot of fun playing with Beimy, Matt Grimes and Dave Paradise in the Dudley Cup one year, a team that I’m reliving this high goal season. We don’t realise how lucky we are playing this level of polo with four mates! Who have been your favourite team mates and why? My best team mates have to come from the Fisher and Beim brothers, and of course I love playing with my son now.

104 Polo Times, June 2017

Hardest Opponent? Hardest opponents have to be Facundo Pieres, Adolfo Cambiaso and Pelón Stirling because it seems to be impossible to get the ball off them! Which sports do you like outside of polo? I love following the English premiership. I also enjoy playing the odd game of rugby and watching England play. Looking forward to the Lions Tour this summer. I enjoy watching darts and snooker on TV – my wife Shannon hates it! Favourite film and why? I like a real mix of films from older ones like Gladiator, Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan, to most comedy movies with Will Ferrell in – especially Step Brothers. Favourite song/album? I’ve always liked Oasis, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Chillis. That sort of stuff. Favourite hobby outside of polo? If I’m not playing I love watching Wills play and can’t wait for Jack to start riding. I like meeting mates at the pub for a few too – everyone loves a BBQ with mates. Most prized possession? Most prized possession has to be my

horses. I like a nice car, but I can take it or leave it. I’m all about my horses and my family. Favourite celebrity and why? Favourite celeb has to be Will Ferrell in the acting world. He is very funny and hanging out with him would be such a laugh – or Usain Bolt and Roger Federer because of their amazing professionalism and drive. Best holiday destination and activity? I love going with Shannon and my boys to New Zealand. As soon as you land in that country I seem to relax! We have a lot of friends and family there and I love the way of life. Best pony and why? My Best pony at the moment is probably one called True Colours who is very reliable for me. She comes out twice in most of my high goal games and she always gives 100 percent. Favourite food/dish? I love Argentine food. Meat and salad is my go to. Maybe a sneaky bit of chocolate and a Corona when the trainer isn’t looking! Any lucky trinkets? I used to have a lucky pair of socks then they died, so I don’t really have anything. Plus the more I play with Max Charlton I realise he has some for us all! Describe yourself in three words… Dedicated, easy-going, focused.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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