PARK PLACE’S WINNING STREAK CONTINUES
Justerini & Brooks
Prince ofWales Trophy
BRIAN STEIN OBITUARY
Polo Stalwart & Restaurateur A cionado
2023 HIGH GOAL GUIDE
Who is Playing Where & When is Season
PLUS: Electroyltes, Concussion Injuries & Tedworth Park Polo Club Spotlight
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Contributors:
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Cover photograph:
Facundo Pieres carries the ball down the field in the air, demonstrating his 10 goal flair. Pieres scored the golden goal for Park Place in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Contact details
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770
email:admin@polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
With this issue, the biggest of the year and brimming with reports of the best of polo which has been played so far this season, I hope you will find there is something for everyone. From The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy to The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy –The Trippetts Challenge to The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy –Your Club News from Home and Abroad to this issue’s Club Spotlight: Tedworth Park Polo Club, run and overseen by the charming and indomitable Stanhope-White family.
The report on the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show showcases polo to the equine world outside of polo, whilst the 2023 UK High Goal Season Guide, at eight pages, not only gives an insight into who’s who in the top echelons of our great sport, but also the teams who are the new kids on the block. In welcoming Jaisal Singh’s Sujan Indian Tigers and Noor Khadra’s Green Gates, I strongly suggest both will be this season’s ones to watch and will very probably unseat some of the more established names in the high goal.
The hot Polo Property on The Market this month is the stunning Carlton House on the Suffolk/ Norfolk borders. Ready to roll, it looks just perfect for both the budding polo player and polo aficionado.
It is also great to see our social pages showing there is as much fun to be had off the ground, as on it. With polo parties well and truly back in full swing, it was incredibly sad news that we learnt of the passing of Brian Stein, who, amongst his many polo accolades, was host of the legendary and very best polo party of the season at his PJ’s, in Fulham. Having known Brian for nearly 30 years, it is difficult to put into words what a loss his passing will be.
Shrewd, yet always fair to do business with, Brian was a charming and truly inspirational individual, who loved life and lived it to the full. To this day, I still do not know how he would manage to arrive at polo in either his helicopter or muscle-car Aston Martin, (both of which he would, of course, have piloted himself), without ever appearing flash. Brian was simply a class act, and one which will be hard to follow. Despite the immense sadness which his death leaves the polo community with, I take solace in that Brian enriched the lives of all those who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his family, and in particular, to Platina, who was always there for Brian. Rest In Peace Brian – you were one of life’s true gentlemen.
Keep well and play safe, Nick
Hine, Publisher
Dolfina Cuartetera (Lambada x Sportivo), considered the best polo pony of her time, passed away on Thursday 4 May at the age of 22-years-old following a battle with pneumonia. Born 3 February 2001, Cuartetera combined with Adolfo Cambiaso to create an indomitable pairing, which continues through her clones, who themelves have won a number of Best Playing Pony accolades. During her career Cuartetera won The Argentine Open Final Best Polo Argentino Bred in 2006, 2009 and 2012, The Hurlingham Open Final Best Polo Argentino Bred in 2012, The Lady Susan Townley Cup in 2009, 2010 and 2014 and was placed number one in the Hall of Fame of Polo Argentino Bred after being voted in 2017 by the 37 10 goalers at the time. Cambiaso commented on the incredible horse, ““I am very, very sad. She will be remembered forever, she was spoilt by the whole family. I was very lucky to have been with her, to share so many important games and finals; those games she played for me. There are so many stories. Every time she rode onto the field, she played 11 points, never 10, but 11. She was a docile mare, easy to care, anyone could be able to play her. I’ve been lucky to see Mia and Poroto playing her, and not many more. She is the best mare I’ve ridden in my entire career.”
Santiago Ballester, President of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association commented, “Cuartetera is an iconic mare of Argentine polo, when we launched our Hall of Fame, she was voted by all the 10 goalers as the number one. She herself and her descendants represent the spirit of the Association in terms of the available technologies to improve polo ponies. Besides, she had an extra value by being the mother of some remarkable stallions, which is something very difficult to achieve!”.
Nick Wiles will have completed his four year tenure as HPA Chairman in November 2023 and as such, has named Will Lucas as his successor following the HPA’s Council Meeting on Wednesday 3 May and with the unanimous recommendation of the Stewards. Lucas is already involved with the HPA as currently Chair of both the Umpire & Rules and the Handicap Committees and was appointed Vice Chairman of the HPA by Wiles in 2019. Lucas commented on his new appointment which will take place at the Council Meeting in December, “Polo has always been a huge part of my life and I am thrilled to be proposed as the next Chairman of the HPA. Nick has been a fantastic Chairman and I know we are all enormously grateful for his dedication to polo, which has led us through a tumultuous four years. I am looking forward to growing the sport, whilst continuing to be mindful of safety and welfare, and I am excited to be taking the game into the future”.
Bellamar Pampa Norte comeback, but by the fifth and sixth chukkas, it was Lavinia who were controlling the action with Carlos María Ulloa and Manuel Giménez Villamil commanding the team from the back and combining well with their forwards, Ramon Cassino and Jack Whitman to secure Lavinia their first Thai Polo Cup title, 10½-4.
The Hipwood and Rocksavage, which have previously been Junior HPA tournaments, will now be merged into the Pony Club from this season onwards, while the Buckmaster section will be discontinued. The format of Hipwood and Rocksavage will remain unchanged, with three and four chukka matches on private grounds over 4 – 17 July, which will allow players to also compete in other Pony Club tournaments. Hipwood and Rocksavage players will be required to be members of both the HPA
Argentine Association of Horse Breeders’ Best Playing Pony: Future Lituania, played by Carlos María Ulloa
Best Playing Pony of the Final: Alberta Belvedere, played by Carlos María Ulloa
The United States Polo Association (USPA) has announced their Spring Outdoor Handicap Changes following the end of their high goal season. 17-year-old Poroto Cambiaso has been raised to 10 goals after a successful season which included winning The USPA Gold Cup with Scone, while his cousins, Barto and Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola have also reached 10 goal status; their handicaps took effect from 1 May 2023. All three players will be competing in the UK high goal season, both Barto (UAE Polo Team) and Poroto (Scone Polo) hold 9 goal handicaps, with Jeta (Dubai Polo Team) already on 10 goals. Other raises include:
by the OISC Ref No F201400827
Gaston Lucero & Federico Martelli
financial support from Park Place this new partnership enables us to focus on our structured development pathway whilst wholeheartedly supporting and promoting Pony Club Polo”. For more information on Pony Club polo please contact Charles Whittington, or for Hipwood and Rocksavage specifically contact Jilly Emerson.
On Friday 28 April the UK Government introduced their guidance entitled If in Doubt, Sit Them Out which provided guidance on concussion for grassroots sport and recommended a phased return to sport after a concussion with a minimum period of 21 days between the concussion and return to competitive sport. Therefore, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) considers it “necessary to implement the latest guidance on general best practice with immediate effect (5 May 2023), to protect the health of our players. This applies to those who may have suffered a concussion from the date that the guidelines were issued (28 April 2023).”
Fair Play
Award: Carlos Braun
“The key change for our rules is that if a player is concussed, then the default standdown time, the time between the concussion and coming back to competitive play, is 21 days. For the avoidance of doubt, with immediate effect, our default position is that any player who has suffered a concussion or suspected concussion will not be allowed to return to play before 21 days have elapsed since the date of the concussion/suspected concussion. It
Carlos María Ulloa
and Pony Club; all Pony Club members less than 3 goals will play a flat rate of £50 for their HPA membership. Andrew Barlow, Chairman of the HPA Development and Coaching Committee, commented, “A vital HPA role is to promote grassroots polo and the development of young polo players. In combining the previous Junior HPA with Pony Club tournaments, this allows us to enhance our long-term objectives of promoting talent for the benefit of all players and the sport in the future. With generous Photography by PRC
turn to this month’s Polodoc pages.
Marques De Riscal (22): Alejandro Aznar (0), Guillermo Caset (9), Santiago Cernadas (7) & Chris Mackenzie (6)
Monterosso (22): Alessandro Bazzoni (1), Lucas Criado (6), Ignacio Toccalino (7) & David Stirling (8)
Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (0), Matt Perry (5), Facundo Pieres (10) & James Harper (7)
League Two
BP Polo (20): Garvy Beh (3), Joevy Beh (3), Benjamin Panello (7) & Genaro Ringa (7)
Cibao La Pampa (22): Juan Pepa (1), Jaime Huidobro (6), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Tomas Panelo (9)
Murus Sanctus (22): Corinne Ricard (0), Alejandro Muzzio (7), Polito Pieres (9) & Marcos Araya (6)
Twelve Oaks (22): Charlie Wooldridge (2), Joaquin Pittaluga (7), Cristian Laprida (8) & Matias MacDonough (5)
Vikings (22): Siri Evjemo-Nysveen (0), James Beim (6), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Juan Martin Zubia (8)
League Three
The Cartier Queen’s Cup draw took place in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club on Wednesday 10 May. Players and Managers from all 17 teams were present to watch the Club’s Director of Polo, Antony Fanshawe, draw the teams into three leagues for this year’s high goal competition. Matches began (as this issue of Polo Times went to print) with the Final scheduled for Sunday 18 June.
The Cartier Queen’s Cup Teams:
League One
Clinova (22): Arsalan Karim (0), Alfredo Bigatti (8), Jeronimo Del Carril (7) & Isidro Strada (7)
Dubai Polo Team (22): Camilo Castagnola (10), Rashid Albwardy (2), Beltran Laulhe (3) & Rufino Bensadon (7)
The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad will once again return to its unique location on the Saanen airport in Switzerland at over 1,100m above sea level in front of the stunning, summer alpine peaks, over 17 – 20 August in Gstaad.
Chestertons Polo in the Park will be returning to Hurlingham Park, Fulham over 9 – 11 June for a three day polo international event. England and Ireland will go head-to-head for The Olympic Trophy on Friday 9 June. Additionally, over the course of the weekend there will be six teams competing from across the globe: Match 1: Team Zurich vs Team Sydney, Match 2: Team New York vs Team Buenos Aires and Match 3: Team Dubai vs Team London.
The Olympic Trophy Teams: England (14): Nina Clarkin (3), Ed Banner-Eve (5) & Max Charlton (6) Ireland (13): Richard Tyrone (6), Niall Donnelly (4) & Evan Power (3)
King Power (22): Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (1), Will Harper (4), Gonzalo Pieres (9) & Nicolas Pieres (8)
Park Place Vaara (22): Varvara Borodina (0), Martin Podesta (7), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Santos Merlos (5)
Scone Polo (22): David Paradice (0), Matias Gonzalez (4), Poroto Cambiaso (9) & Adolfo Cambiaso (9)
Sujan Indian Tigers (22): Jaisal Singh (1), Louis Hine (5), Bautista Bayugar (8) & Francisco Elizalde (8)
Black Bears (22): Guy Schwarzenbach (2), Antonio Heguy (5), Ollie Cudmore (6) & Juan Martin Nero (9)
La Magdeleine (22): Alexandre Garese (0), Facundo Fernandez
Llorente (7), Pablo MacDonough (9) & Santiago Laborde (6)
UAE Polo Team (22): HH Sheikha Maitha (0), Lukin Monteverde (6), Bartolome Castagnola (9) & Tomas Beresford (7)
Guards Polo Club was saddened to announce the unexpected death of its Chairman, Brian Stein, on Monday 15 May. Brian was at the helm of this great Club for more than five years, delivering some remarkable milestones during his tenure that have maintained the Club’s reputation as one of the world’s leading polo clubs. These outstanding achievements include welcoming The Prince of Wales’s Royal Charity Polo event to the Club and raising more than £1.5million to charity, overseeing the final steps of Guards Polo Club’s impressive grounds plan to extensive praise from the world’s players and successfully steering the Club through the covid pandemic.
Brian first got involved in polo some 40 years ago. He recalled in a 2006 Guards Yearbook article that “my introduction came through David Pearl, a polo player with a farm adjoining my property. David was always going on that my 20-acre field would be the perfect space for polo. I never listened but was then invited to stick and ball with him and that was it. I was hooked!”
Brian first joined the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – he was already a friend of Bryan Morrison – and then went
to Kirtlington for three years. His next move was to Guards Polo Club, which remained his polo home for the next 30 years. Fielding his own Ockholt polo team, named after his Berkshire home, Brian was still playing when he took on the Chairmanship of the Club in 2018, appropriately playing in The Chairman’s Cup tournament the following year.
A major highlight of Brian’s time at Guards Polo Club – he was an active Board Director for many years – was his significant involvement in the creation of the new Clubhouse at Smith’s Lawn. He headed up the planning committee and his ethos for the rebuild, which was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth ll in 2009, was that “Guards Polo Club is the most famous Polo Club in the world and so it is important to have the wow factor as soon as you arrive”. Brian was particularly delighted to be presented with his own parking space in front of the Clubhouse by Her Majesty in recognition of his tireless work on the project.
Such was Brian’s passion for the game, and his endeavour to encourage camaraderie between players off the field of play, that he also hosted the annual PJ’s Polo Party, at his own expense, at his renowned London restaurant. The event was a highlight of every player’s social calendar for more than 25 years and Brian made sure that there was champagne aplenty however many flocked to the Fulham Road venue.
PJ’s Bar and Grill was one of Brian’s many restaurants in the capital. He had opened his first Maxwell’s restaurant – in Hampstead – in 1972 in a bid to serve a decent hamburger, later relocating to Covent Garden. He went on to grow the business into one of London’s largest, privately owned restaurant groups.
Brian’s generosity was reflected in his and his beloved partner Platina’s annual Ockholt tournament at their home, which was played at the end of the English polo season. This was a fun-filled competition where the camaraderie was as important as winning.
In addition to polo, Brian was an enthusiastic pilot – regularly flying from his home in Berkshire to polo at Cowdray Park. He was also a keen shot and an active member of Guards Polo Club’s Charlie Stisted Memorial Shoot Committee, encouraging his many shooting friends to enter teams for this unique event in Windsor Great Park.
By his own admission Brian was a man who enjoyed adrenalin-fuelled, on-the-edge sports. However, he could also embrace life at a slower pace as he was a talented artist. This passion for art stemmed from his time at art school in South Africa as a young man and several of his more recent artworks are on display in the Clubhouse.
Brian’s funeral was a private service for family only, including Platina and his three children, Dan, Alice and Emily. However a memorial service will be held later in the year.
Diana ButlerThe Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) was founded in 1943 by Count Robert Orssich and Geoffrey Cross who were inspired by the ‘Wings for Victory’ campaign and set about organising a Horse and Dog Show in Windsor to raise money for the War effort. The first show raised enough money to buy a 78 Typhoon fighter aircraft and was attended by all the key members of the Royal Family including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. Dogs have not been allowed into the Showground since 1944 after a lurcher stole a piece of chicken from King George V’s lunch plate which the Committee found so mortifying that they banned dogs. The show has continued to run every year since 1943 and now extends over five days of competition, growing in size and international importance.
This year saw the introduction of two separate Classes for polo ponies sponsored by Guards Polo Club, The Polo Pony Class and The RoR Thoroughbred Polo Pony Class, with the winner of each class qualifying for the Polo Pony Championship, and this year saw 15 entrants between the two Classes.
As in 2022, the judging duties were carried out by Lord Charles Beresford, a former 7 goal player and nephew of the late Lord Patrick Beresford, who judged and won the Class many times; Guards Polo Club’s Antony Fanshawe returned again and put the
in the Frogmore Arena to the delight of the spectators.
The judging trio was rounded off by Sarah Gracey, proprietor of local saddlery The Millwheel Tack Shop & GG Feeds. This year also saw the return of Major Jamie Heywood, who having competed in the event himself over the years, helped to explain the sport and each of the entrants to the spectators.
The competitors lined up on Friday 12 May, which was a cold, overcast and very windy day at Windsor Showground. The RoR Challenge Cup had two entrants, with Salire, ridden by Nick Johnson and owned by Alan Kent, taking first place and winner of The General Sir Rodney
Moore Challenge Cup and Cambridge Favourite, ridden and owned by Scarlett Mccoy, in second place. This put Salire into the Polo Pony Championship Class where they would be joined by the winner of the Polo Pony Class.
The Polo Pony Class had far more entrants, 13 in total. Whithorn Queen, ridden by Marcus Cork and owned by Jasmine Calvert-Ansari took first place and The HH Maharaja of Jaipur Cup, with Maestra, ridden by Cesar Crespo and owned
by Noor Khadra in second place and Open Pindy, ridden Salvador Lockey and owned by Noor Khadra in third place. This meant that Whithorn Queen would face Salire in the Polo Pony Championship; Whithorn Queen was the ultimate winner and received The Colonel Sir John Aird Challenge Cup for Overall Champion, with Salire taking home The Windsor Polo Club
Reserve Challenge Cup for Reserve Champion. Despite the chilly conditions, a great day was had by all who took part and the Classes promoted the sport of polo to a wider audience, helping them to learn about a sport which is often considered difficult to understand.
An exceptional property with rst class equestrian facilities and exible future use
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6-Bedroom farmhouse | 3-Bedroom converted barn | 3-Bedroom cottage | Cart Lodge with o ces and garaging, buildings comprising 24 loose boxes, workshop, Dutch barn and lunging ring | 100m x 50m all-weather arena
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National Estates & Farm Agency 020 7318 5171
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Su olk, Bungay
Carlton House is located on the Suffolk/ Norfolk border at Mettingham near Bungay and has been the home of the Servaes family for many years, but following the decision to re-locate to Surrey, the polo property has been placed on the market.
In 2006 the family established Carlton House Polo Club as they felt there was a demand for quality polo facilities in their home area and the facilities now include a polo field with improved drainage and playing surface, an all-weather arena measuring 100m x 50m, stables, a horse walker and lunge ring. All of these features have enabled the family to also train young polo ponies and run a stud facility too. Tim Fagan, Director of Strutt & Parker comments, “What really struck me at Carlton House were the first class properties, the facilities and the exceptional arena. Measuring 100m x 50m, it caters for fast play, and with elevated ground to two sides it is perfect for spectators too. High goal players including Fabio Lavinia, Paco O’Dwyer and Tom Beim, as well as Alice Servaes and her now husband Corentin Mahé have been regular players at Carlton House, further endorsing Carlton House as a venue of choice.”
Strutt & Parker is offering Carlton House in two lots, with Lot 1 being the central core of houses, buildings, arena and polo pitch in all extending to 61 acres at a guide price of £3,400,000. Lot 2
comprises a further 18.50 acres of arable land with a guide price of £200,000. Interested parties are invited to call 01473 220449 where viewings can be arranged.
With the rainy days of the wettest March in over 40 years and a rather chilly April, we seem to have skipped spring and landed straight into summer, which brings with it the world-famous, English high goal season.
As this issue went to print, La Magdeliene had dusted off the cobwebs and secured The Trippett’s Challenge invitational tournament, Park Place had just lifted high The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and 17 teams were competing in The Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club.
Nothing quite says summer better than watching some of the best players in the world battle it out at the most iconic polo clubs with a refreshing glass of Pimm’s in hand. Or… for the more dedicated polo spectators – sat on the tailgate of your car, during a mid-week qualifier, quite probably in the drizzle. Either way, there is some of the best polo on display over the course of the next few months and this year sees a record-breaking 18 teams taking part, with each and every one of them with their eyes firmly set on lifting the historic silver (and gold) ware up for grabs.
At the time of going to press, teams had not yet declared for the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup – the tournament being the final high goal fixture in the UK season, played for at Guards Polo Club in August
Guy Schwarzenbach (2) ◊ Antonio Heguy (5)
Ollie Cudmore (6) ◊ Juan Martin Nero (9)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Black Bears is a polo team which has been synonymous with the English high goal for over 35 years and has an impressive number of wins under its belt: The Queen’s Cup in 1993 and 1994; The Gold Cup in 1992, 2002 and 2006; The Warwickshire Cup in 1988, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2016 and 2022. Last year saw their return to the high goal when they won The Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club as well as winning the 18 goal Victor Ludorum series following wins in The Oxford Cup, The Apsley Cup and The Indian Empire Shield. Team mates Guy Schwarzenbach and Ollie Cudmore return for 2023 with the addition of Antonio Heguy and former 10 goaler, Juan Martin Nero –certainly a team to watch.
Charlie Wooldridge (2) ◊ Joaquin Pittaluga (7)
Cristian Laprida (8) ◊ Matias Mac Donough (5) (Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Last year Twelve Oaks kicked off their English high goal debut in style, winning the first tournament of the season – The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy. Charlie Wooldridge has been keeping his eye in over the winter months, scooping up The Inspired Arena Polo Masters at Hickstead and this year they are returning with 75 per cent of the same line-up, with the addition of Matias Mac Donough who enjoyed 2022 wins in Argentina in The Pilar and Argentine Republic Cups.
David Paradice (0) ◊ Matias ‘Colo’ Gonzalez (4)
Poroto Cambiaso (9) ◊ Adolfo Cambiaso (9)
(Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Australian David Paradice returns once again to British shores, no doubt keen to recreate his 2019 Queen’s Cup win. Scone Polo has had a busy winter honing their skills, where Poroto Cambiaso and Paradice secured The USPA Gold Cup. They are teaming up with Adolfo Cambiaso, as per their 2022 line-up, and Matias Gonzalez (who faced Scone in this year’s USPA Gold Cup Final for team Pilot). The father-son Cambiaso duo is certainly a force to be reckoned with, showcased by their back-toback wins in the 2022 Argentine Triple Crown for La Dolfina in The Hurlingham and Argentine Opens.
Siri Evjemo-Nysveen (0) ◊ James Beim (6) Diego Cavanagh (8) ◊ Juan Martin Zubia (8) (Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Siri Evjemo-Nysveen’s Vikings return to the UK once again and have already made their mark, narrowly missing out to Park Place in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy Final. They return with all but one of their 2022 line-up, swapping a Brit for a Brit as James Beim replaces Mark Tomlinson, who is playing for Cibao La Pampa this year. Beim is fresh from his Westchester Cup win where he represented England against America in the historic rivalry and has previously achieved wins in The Queen’s Cup (2022 and 2019), The Prince of Wales (2014 and 2015), The Gold Cup (2018) and The Warwickshire Cup (2014).
Alessandro Bazzoni (1) ◊ Lucas Criado (6)
Ignacio ‘Cubi’ Toccalino (7) ◊ David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (8) (Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Monterosso enjoyed back-to-back wins in The Prince of Wales Trophy and The Warwickshire Cup in 2018. This year sees the 2022 line-up return, with the addition of Lucas Criado, replacing Matias ‘Colo’ Gonzalez who is playing for Scone this season. Criado has had a super successful start to the year with wins in The C.V. Whitney Cup, Ylviskaer Cup and Joe Barry Memorial in America. Pelon Stirling had a busy winter in Argentina, winning The Argentine and Hurlingham Opens with La Dolfina Saudi.
Corinne Ricard/Edourard Carmignac (0) ◊ Alejandro Muzzio (7) Polito Pieres (9) ◊ Marcos Araya (6) (Trippett’s Challenge, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Gold Cup)
This year sees a collaboration between Murus Sanctus and Talandracas, with a combination of 2022 player line-ups mixed together; Alejandro Muzzio, undoubtedly one of the toughest players on the circuit, returns with 2022 Talandracas team mate Polito Pieres, while Marcos Araya and Corinne Ricard played together for Murus Sanctus last season. The team will be competing with Edouard Carmignac as Talandracas in The Gold Cup where they lost out in the Semi Finals last year to overall champions, Park Place, while Corinne Ricard’s Murus Sanctus reached the Final of The Trippett’s Challenge at the start of this season and will no doubt be looking to build upon this going forward. Alejandro Muzzio, undoubtedly one of the toughest players on the circuit, returns with 2022 Talandracas team mate Polito Pieres.
Garvy Beh (3) ◊ Joevy Beh (3)
Benjamin Panelo (7) ◊ Genaro Ringa (7) (Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Last year BP Polo lost out to Park Place in The Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup at Guards Polo Club in the Final. This year they are returning with the addition of Genaro Ringa who reached The Warwickshire Cup Final with Thai Polo NP in 2022. As the only 20 goal team entered in this year’s high goal season, the odds will be stacked against them unless they can use the handicap goal advantage to its full effect; only time will tell.
Varvara Borodina (0) ◊ Min Podesta (7)
Hilario Ulloa (10) ◊ Santos Merlos (5)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Park Place Vaara narrowly missed out on The Queen’s Cup title last year, losing out to Great Oaks Les Lions 9-8 in a nail-biting Final. 2022 team mates Hilario Ulloa and Santos Merlos return once again this year, joined by Varvara Borodina who is taking part in the English high goal season for the first time. Min podesta has had a fruitful winter honing his skills in Dubai, where he won The Dubai Gold Cup and The Dubai Silver Cup.
The British high goal season has begun
Alexandre Garese (0) ◊ Facundo Fernandez Llorente (7)
Pablo MacDonough (9) ◊ Santiago Laborde (6)
(Trippett’s Challenge, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup))
La Magdeleine started their 2023 high goal season with a bang, outscoring their rivals Murus Sanctus/Talandracas 12-8 in The Trippett’s Challenge in May. This year sees a return of three quarters of their 2022 line-up, with Ollie Cudmore (who is now playing for Black Bears) replaced by Santiago Laborde. Despite being new to the team, Laborde had a fantastic start to the season with this team, playing a pivotal role in the second half of in The Trippett’s Challenge Final to help secure the team’s win.
Alejandro Aznar (0) ◊ Guilermo ‘Sapo’ Caset (9)
Santiago Cernadas (7) ◊ Chris Mackenzie (6)
(Trippett’s Challenge, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup) 2021 Sotogrande High Goal Gold Cup winner, Alejandro Aznar, is returning to the English season with his sights set on the silverware. Last year in The Gold Cup they lost out to Park Place, who later went on to win the title, in the Quarter Finals and for 2023 they return with Chris Mackenzie complementing their 2022 line-up. South African, Mackenzie has a host of British titles to his name already including, The Royal Windsor, The Challenge Cup and The Warwickshire Cup.
Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha (1) ◊ Will Harper (4)
Gonzalito Pieres (9) ◊ Nicolas Pieres (8)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
King Power is never a team to be underestimated, with an impressive roster of players and horsepower. This year sees the return of Nico Pieres and Top Srivaddhanaprabha, who are joined by Nico’s brother and former 10 goaler, Gonzalito Pieres; Nico and Gonzalito are well acquainted together in Argentina as part of Ellerstina. Homegrown talent Will Harper will take the fourth seat in this impressive line-up, looking for his first English high goal title.
Jaisal Singh (1) ◊ Louis Hine (5)
Bautista Bayugar (8) ◊ Franciso Elizalde (8)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy & Cartier Queen’s Cup)
2023 is Sujan Indian Tigers’ debut English high goal season, but the players are no strangers to the high goal circuit with 2022 Cowdray Gold Cup champions, Louis Hine and Francisco Elizalde teaming up once again. Bautista Bayugar has spent the winter honing his skills in Dubai, where he won The Dubai Silver Cup and reached The Dubai Gold Cup Final. Jaisal Singh began playing polo at 14-years-old and plays throughout India, his passion for the sport has taken him to write Polo In India, which tells the story of Indian polo from its earliest roots to the modern game. They were defeated by Park Place, who later went on to win the title, in the opening rounds of The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales, but they are looking ahead to The Cartier Queen’s Cup which Jaisal Singh is very much looking forward to, “I am very excited to be playing in this tournament –it has been something I have wanted to do for most of my life”.
Andrey Borodin (0) ◊ Matt Perry (5)
Facundo Pieres (10) ◊ James Harper/Cruz Heguy (7)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Park Place have started the season with a bang, securing The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy courtesy of an extra chukka, golden goal by Facundo Pieres. Unfortunately, during this Final their super solid back door – James Harper – suffered a direct ball hit to the arm, which resulted in a small fracture. While Harps hopes to be back shortly, Cruz Heguy has stepped in to fill the spot for The Queen’s Cup currently. Park Place also won The Prince of Wales Trophy in 2020 and last year secured The Gold Cup and The Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup, although Pieres is the only 2022 professional player in this year’s line-up.
HH Sheikha Maitha (0) ◊ Lukin Monteverde Jnr (6)
Barto Castagnola (9) ◊ Tommy Beresford (7) (Trippett’s Challenge, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
UAE Polo Team is returning this year with 100 per cent the same player line-up as in 2022, a rarity in high goal polo these days. No doubt this team will be looking to recreate their 2021 successes, which saw them win The Gold and Queen’s Cups. While Barto has been keeping his eye in on the Argentine circuit over the winter with wins in The Jockey Club Open, Tourtugas Open and Metropolitan Cup High Goal, Tommy Beresford, Lukin Monteverde Jnr and HH Sheikha Maitha have been dominating the Dubai tournaments. It will be exciting to see this team back together and hopefully they can build on their 2022 Queen’s and Gold Cup Quarter Final knock outs.
Talacrest sponsors The Prince of Wales’s Championship, which was first played for in 2022
Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10) ◊ Rashid Albwardy (2)
Beltran Laulhe (3) ◊ Rufino Bensadon (7)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Cartier Queen’s Cup & Cowdray Gold Cup)
Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai Polo Team are a regular name in the world of polo and rightly so, with an impressive five Gold Cup wins to their name as well as four Prince of Wales titles, six Queen’s Cup wins and a Warwickshire Cup win to complete the quartet. Last year they lost out to Park Place in The Gold Cup Final and this year Jeta Castagnola and Rashid Albwardy are returning with Beltran Laulhe, fresh from his winter Argentine wins in The Thai Polo Cup Argentina and The President Cup. Rufino Bensadon rounds off the line-up and already has experience winning in the high goal after securing The Prince of Wales Trophy (2021) and The Warwickshire Cup (2020). As always, a team to take seriously.
Juan Pepa (1) ◊ Jaime Huidobro (6)
Mark Tomlinson (6) ◊ Tomas Panelo (9)
(Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy & Cartier Queen’s Cup)
Cibao La Pampa’s English high goal debut was in 2022, but this year sees a renewed line-up with Juan Pepa joined by the experienced Jaime Huidobro (winner of the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2012 and Prince of Wales Tropy in 2011), alongside Brit Mark Tomlinson who has both The Warwickshire (2014 and 2015) and Cowdray Gold Cups (2003) titles under his belt already. 9 goaler Tomas Panelo has had a successful season in America over the winter, winning The USPA Gold Cup with Scone and previously he won The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2021 with UAE Polo and reached The Cowdray Gold Cup Final in the same year.
Arsalan Karim (0) ◊ Alfredo Bigatti (8)
Jeronimo Del Carril (7) ◊ Isidro Strada (7)
(Cartier Queen’s Cup)
Clinova, a consumer healthcare company focusing on wellness, nutrition and the prevention of health problems, has been announced as a Corporate Partner of Guards Polo Club and is currently offering all Guards Polo Club teams complimentary packs of its O.R.S. Hydration Tablets. The team returns again to The Queen’s Cup with a refreshed line-up from 2021 and three new players; 2022 Gold Cup finalists will be joined by Isidro Strada who having qualified for many an English high goal Final over the years, is looking for his first title, and 2022 Royal Windsor winner, Alfredo Bigatti rounds off the team.
Noor Khadra (1) ◊ Cesar Manuel Crespo (6)
Francisco Elizalde (8) ◊ Isidro Strada (7)
(Cowdray Gold Cup)
The 2023 Cowdray Gold Cup will be Green Gate’s first foray into the English high goal and following on from their 2022 successes in the Victor Ludorum series 18 goal, there are high hopes for the newcomers on familiar turf at Cowdray Park Polo Club; last year they came joint second in the VL series after wins in The Duke of Sutherland and Challenge Trophy. Cesar Manuel Crespo is no stranger to the team, having led the team to their 2021 Harrison Cup win. 2022 Gold Cup winner, Francisco Elizalde will be joining the team fresh from warming up in The Prince of Wales and Queen’s Cup with Sujan Indian Tigers and Isidro Strada will move across from Clinova.
The Justerini & Brook
Prince of Wales Trophy
Where? The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
When? Thursday 11 May –
Saturday 20 May
Previous Winners?
1986 – Kennelot
1987 – Southfield
1988 – Hilton House
1989 – Tramontana
1990 – Tramontana
1991 – Munnipore
1992 – Ellerston White
1993 – Maple Leafs
1994 – Cowdray Park
1995 – Alcatel
1996 – Alcatel
1997 – Geebung
1998 – Jerudong Park
1999 – Ellerston Park
2000 – Royal Pahang
2001 – FCT
2002 – Dubai
2003 – Buzzee Bees
2004 – Azzurra
2005 – Azzurra
2006 – Dubai
2007 – Cadenza
2008 – Broncos
2009 – Talandracas
2010 – Emlor
2011 – El Remanso
2012 – Dubai
2013 – Emlor
2014 – La Indiana
2015 – La Indiana
2016 – Valiente Dubai
2017 – RH Polo
2018 – Monterosso
2019 – Marchfield
2020 – Park Place
2021 – Thai Polo NP
2022 – Twelve Oaks
2023 – Park Place
The Cartier Queen’s Cup
Where? Guards Polo Club
When? Tuesday 23 May –
Sunday 18 June
Previous Winners?
1960 – The Centaurs
1961 – Silver Leys
1962 – Sao Silvestre
1963 – Cowdray Park
1964 – The Centaurs
1965 – Pimm’s
1966 – Pimm’s
1967 – Woolmers Park
1968 – Woolmers Park
1969 – Pimm’s
1970 – Cowdray Park
1971 – Stowell Park
1972 – Cowdray Park
1973 – Stowell Park
1974 – San Flamingo
1975 – Foxcote
1976 – Flamingo
1978 – Stowell Park
1979 – Los Locos
1980 – Stowell Park
1981 – Cowdray Park
1982 – Boehm Team
1983 – Cowdray Park
1984 – Foxcote
1985 – Centaurs
1986 – Les Diables Blues
1987 – Southfield
1988 – NPC Broncos
1989 – Hilditch & Key
1990 – Santa Fe
1991 – Ellerston White
1992 – Ellerston White
1993 – Black Bears
1994 – Black Bears
1995 – Labegorce
1996 – Ellerston White
1997 – Isla Carroll
1998 – Ellerston
1999 – Ellerston
2000 – Geebung
2001 – Not Played
(Foot & Mouth Disease)
2002 – Emerging
2003 – Dubai
2004 – Labegorce
2005 – Dubai
2006 – Dubai
2007 – Loro Piana
2008 – Ellerston
2009 – Apes Hill
2010 – Dubai
2011 – Talandracas
2012 – Dubai
2013 – Zacara
2014 – Zacara
2015 – King Power Foxes
2016 – Dubai
2017 – RH Polo
2018 – La Indiana
2019 – Scone
2020 – Les Lions/Great Oaks
2021 – UAE Polo
2022 – Great Oaks
The Warwickshire Cup
Where? Cirencester Park
Polo Club
When? Thursday 15 –
Saturday 24 June
Previous Winners?
1894 – E.D. Miller’s Team
1895 – E.D. Miller’s Team
1896 – Rugby
1897 – Winwick
1898 – Winwick
1899 – Old Cantabs
1900 – W. Buckmaster’s Team
1901 – Old Cantabs
1902 – W. Buckmaster’s Team
1903 – Stockton House
1904 – Frizz Hill
1905 – Oakham House
1906 – Oakham House
1907 – Tigers
1908 – Old Cantabs
1909 – Tigers
1910 – Tigers
1911 – Thornby
1912 – Friz Hill
1913 – Friz Hill
1932 – Roehampton
1933 – Roehampton
1934 – Kashmir
1937 – Goulburn
1939 – Roehampton
1959 – Kirtlington
1960 – Argentina
1961 – Sud America
1962 – Ratanda
1963 – Buccaneers
1965 – Jersey Lillies
1966 – Windsor Park
1967 – Chequers Manor
1968 – Cirencester Park
1969 – Buccaneers
1970 – Todham
1971 – San Flamingo
1972 – Stowell Park
1973 – Stowell Park
1974 – Cowdray Park
1975 – Cowdray Park
1976 – Golden Eagles
1977 – Cowdray Park
1978 – Stowell Park
1979 – Roundwood Park
1980 – Cowdray Park
1981 – Maple Leafs
1982 – Southfield
1983 – Boehm Team
1984 – Southfield
1985 – Centaurs
1986 – Falcons
1987 – Southfield
1988 – Black Bears
1989 – Southfield
1990 – Ellerston White
1991 – Black Bears
1992– Los Locos
1993 – Ellerston White
1994 – Black Bears
1995 – Royal Pahang
1996 – Ellerston White
1997 – Black Bears
1998 – Lovelocks
1999 – Pommery
2000 – Woodchester
2001 – Dubai
2002 – Foxcote
2003 – FCT
2004 – Black Bears
2005 – Black Bears
2006 – Oaklands Park
2007 – Elysian Fields
2008 – Les Lions II
2009 – Emlor-CRL
2010 – Emlor-CRL
2011 – Laird
2012 – Halycon Gallery
2013 – Halycon Gallery
2014 – Halycon Gallery
2015 – Apes Hill
2016 – Black Bears
2017 – Bardon
2018 – Monterosso
2019 – Emlor
2020 – Lovelocks Polo Stud
2021 – Vikings
2022 – Black Bears
The Gold Cup for The British Open
Where? Cowdray Park
Polo Club
When? Tuesday 27 June –Sunday 23 July
Previous Winners?
1956 – Los Indios
1957 – Windsor Park
1958 – Cowdray Park
1959 – Casarejo
1960 – Laversine-Casarejo
1961 – Cowdray Park
1962 – Cowdray Park
1963 – La Vulci
1964 – Jersey Lillies
1965 – Jersey Lillies
1966 – Windsor Park
1967 – Woolmers Park
1968 – Pimm’s
1969 – Windsor Park
1970 – Boca Raton
1971– Pimm’s
1972 – Pimm’s
1973 – Stowell Park
1974 – Stowell Park
1975 – Greenhill Farm
1976 – Stowell Park
1977 – Foxcote
1978 – Stowell Park
1979 – Sonhai
1980 – Stowell Park
1981– Falcons
1982 – Southfield
1983 – Falcons
1984 – Southfields
1985 – Maple Leafs
1986 – Tramontana
1987 – Tramontana
1988 – Tramontana
1989 – Tramontana
1990 – Hildon House
1991– Tramontana
1992 – Black Bears
1993 – Alcatel
1994 – Ellerston Black
1995 – Ellerston Whit
1996 – C.S. Brooks
1997 – Labegorce
1998 – Ellerston
1999 – Pommery
2000 – Geebung
2001– Dubai
2002 – Black Bears
2003 – Hildon Sport
2004 – Azzurra
2005 – Dubai
2006 – Black Bears
2007 – Lechuza Caracas
2008– Loro Piana
2009 – La Bamba de Areco
2010 – Dubai
2011 – Zacara
2012 – Cortium
2013 – Zacara
2014 – Dubai
2015 – King Power Foxes
2016 – King Power Foxes
2017 – King Power
2018 – El Remanso
2019 – Dubai
2020 – Next Generation
2021 – Thai Polo NP
2022 – Park Place
The Talacrest Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup
Where? Guards Polo Club
When? Sunday 30 July –
Sunday 13 August
Previous Winners?
2021 – Park Place
2022 – Park Place
La Carona Polo Club in Capilla del Señor, Argentina, hosted the first Arena Polo World Cup which saw six teams compete for the title. France and Austria qualified to represent the European zone, the United States represented North America, Morocco qualified for the Rest of the World and Argentina and Uruguay played for South America.
The group stage matches saw France (with a line-up of Louis Jarrige (5), Dorian Bulteau (4) and Edwin Robineau (3)) defeat Morocco, Austria and Uruguay to qualify for the Semi Finals against Austria again. A change of line-up saw Gaetan Gosset and Adrien Le Gallo step in for the Semi Final, and despite struggling with unknown horses, they managed to secure an 11-7 win and with it their place in the Final against the United States.
The American team were confident of a win and for the first three chukkas it seemed as though their belief was well placed as France failed to take the lead. However, the fourth chukka saw France close the gap to equalise right at the end of regulation time, pushing the match into extra time. Gaetan Gosset coolly slotted through a penalty to take the victory for his team, an unforgettable win for the team. Adrien Le Gallo commented on his team’s road to victory, “It was already an emotional moment to hear your national anthem before a world Final, it gives a real boost before such a game.
“The Semi Final was particularly hard for us because we had to fight from one end to the other. We completely changed our tactics for the last period, a winning choice that allowed us to lead them 6-0 within a few minutes although we were down by two goals at the beginning of the last chukka. We didn’t know the horses we were riding which was an extra pressure in the Semi Final.
“As a result, we were able to make a more intelligent list of horses for the Final. A Final against the Americans who are particularly efficient in the arena, would always be tough, but we didn’t give up until the equaliser that allowed us to get this victory in the extra chukka.”
1st – France
2nd – USA
3rd – Austria
4th – Uruguay
5th – Argentina
6th – Morocco
France (11)
Gaetan Gosset (4)
Adrian Le Gallo (4)
Edwin Robineau (3)
Chukka scores: (1-0) 2-4, 5-6, 6-8, 8-8, 9-8 to France
Top Goal Scorer: Jared Sheldon
Where: La Carona Polo Club, Argentina
The Beach Polo World Cup was founded in 2005 by Reto Gaudenzi aka ‘The Godfather of Polo’ and the visionary behind the hugely successful Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. In 2018 Reto’s son, Tito, alongside World Polo League (WPL) co-founder Melissa Ganzi, breathed life back into the event and The WPL Beach Polo World Cup was reborn. The tournament was the final event of the 2023 WPL –the only 26 goal series played outside of Argentina – and six teams competed for a place in the Final.
The Final saw 2022 champions, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan and Juancito Bollini return once again to defend their title (which they won as Team Casablanca) and Ganzi felt confident of a consecutive victory, “I have a lot of confidence always playing with Nic and Juancito, us three playing in the beach and snow, we always
understand each other well and have a lot of mutual respect. We play super, open classic polo and as a team work for each other, I thought we had a good chance of defending the title but it was really tough. The Semis and Finals, it was a tough weekend. It was a great Final and a fun game.” Ganzi’s faith was well-placed as they ran out the winners, 10-7½, against The Setai which included his mother and WPL co-founder, Melissa Ganzi.
The other matches of the day included The Casablanca Cup which saw Richard Mille defeat Don Julio in an overtime clincher, 6-5, with Gaudenzi scoring the winning goal, and The Perigon Trophy was fittingly won by Perigon who defeated Delta/Latam 9-7½.
Where:
The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy Final took place between Vikings and Park Place, with three Brits (James Beim, Matt Perry and James Harper) featuring in this year’s match. The Final was moved from the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) to Zacara Polo Ground due to weather issues, although the match was livestreamed at RCBPC so those with tickets could still enjoy the event the Club had put together.
The trophy was first played for in 1986 and a whole host of famous teams have secured it over the years, for a full list of the previous winners please turn to our High Goal Guide, and 2023 is the third year with Justerini & Brooks as title sponsor.
Before the first throw-in, there was a minute of silence in memory of Brian Stein, who sadly passed away on Monday 15 May and was such an influential character in the polo community. Park Place defeated defending champions, Twelve Oaks, to secure their place in the Final and no doubt patron Andrey Borodin would be looking to add more silverware to his 2023 trophy cabinet after his team’s successful
American season in which they recently claimed
The U.S. Open Polo Championship Final against a super strong Valiente side (please turn to page 38 to read more from this match). An early penalty from Vikings’ Juan Martin Zubia started the scoring in their favour and the team proceeded to have a strong first chukka, 4-0, with the boys in blue struggling to make their mark. Park Place started to click into gear from the outset of the second chukka which opened with a great goal from Facundo Pieres, however Park Place’s luck hit a stumbling block as their number 4 James Harper took a ball to the arm and was replaced by a blue jean clad Gonzalo Deltour (7). Despite this, Park Place continued to close the gap throughout the chukka as Vikings did their best to keep ahead, 5-4.
The third chukka saw Park Place begin their comeback, which started with Pieres firing the ball down to Andrey Borodin who coolly slotted it home to level the scores, 5-5 and a goal apiece for each side saw the teams break for half-time, 6-6. Pieres opened with a converted 40 yard penalty and Park Place took the lead for the first time, which Pieres immediately built upon, flying from the throw-in straight to goal with the Vikings unable to get back to defence in time despite the best effort of Zubia. Vikings fought back with a field goal from Zubia as well as a penalty, managing to keep them
Extra chukka golden goal
“I’ve got a small fracture in my arm but I will be back in a few weeks.”
James Harper
Best Polo Argentino Bred: Open Easy Fly,
in touch and maintain their momentum, 8-8. With the scores tied and two chukkas left, there was all to play for and the frenetic pace reflected this; it was the Vikings who were able to get ahead first with a lovely display of team work as Zubia passed the ball up to Siri Evjemo-Nysveen who put it through the posts and took the Vikings into the lead once again, 9-8.
The first four minutes of the final chukka saw both teams eager to score, but Pieres convincingly slammed through a 30 yard penalty to once again level the scores, 9-9. With just three minutes of the Final remaining, the spectators buckled up for a whirlwind of high goal action and they were not disappointed as a goal from each side saw the scores levelled at 9-9 and the last 30 seconds of the sixth chukka played, but as the clock ticked down without a goal and the second hooter sounded, the Final was pushed into a seventh chukka. Pieres and Deltour swiftly worked the ball towards the goal and the 10 goaler scored the golden goal with an under-the-neck shot past the Vikings defence; a belated birthday present to himself having turned 37-years-old just the day before.
Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finest hospitality at polo’s most exclusive club
Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finest hospitality at polo’s most exclusive club
Home to some of the best-known polo tournaments in the world, including the Cartier Queen’s Cup. Be part of this sport’s number one club by calling us on 01784 434212 or emailing events@guardspoloclub.com
Home to some of the best-known polo tournaments in the world, including the Cartier Queen’s Cup. Be part of this sport’s number one club by calling us on 01784 434212 or emailing events@guardspoloclub.com
The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy has been sponsored by La Martina for more than a decade and as well as being a mouthful to say, it provides the Club’s first 15 goal tournament of the season. 16 teams entered this year’s tournament, providing two weeks of exciting qualifiers, which eventually saw a competitive Limitless/Delaney Polo face Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente in the Final. The day began with the Subsidiary Final between Bel Polo and Tempest which saw Bel Polo leading 7-0 at half-time and finishing the Subsidiary Final with a 10-4 win.
In the main Final, Facundo Sola hit overdrive as he scored the majority of Ojo Caliente’s goals, ensuring his team was 5-2 up at half-time, however strong play in the third chukka from Limitless/Delaney Polo stopped the onslaught and allowed them to get back into the game, with the scoreboard reading 5-4 going into the fourth and final chukka. Sola swiftly crushed any hopes of a comeback, as a hat trick of goals to just one for Limitless/Delaney Polo saw Ojo Caliente run out the winners, 8-5 on The Queen’s Ground.
The 2023 Trippetts Challenge saw four teams (La Magdeleine, Marqués de Riscal, UAE Polo and Murus Sanctus/ Talandracas) compete for The James Wentworth Stanley Cup, which was commissioned in memory of Clare Milford-Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley’s son James, following his tragic death in 2006. Claire and Nick were determined to prevent other families from losing loved ones and set up James’ Place to provide support for men in suicidal crisis whose needs are not met by existing services.
The Trippetts Challenge is Cowdray Park Polo Club’s opening high goal tournament of the season and provides a valuable warm-up for the teams preparing for The Cowdray Gold Cup as well as The Cartier Queen’s Cup. For La Magdeleine this is their first year playing the full English high goal circuit, so this opportunity to practice together at the top level was invaluable, something which was not lost on Pablo Mac Donough who commented, “It is important to get some kind of rhythm, to get to know each other, especially with Santi [Laborde] who is new in the team. Hopefully we can play well in The Queen’s Cup, which is our main goal.”
On Saturday 20 May, La Magdeleine and Murus Sanctus/Talandracas went head-to-head in the Final, having already met earlier in the tournament, on which occasion Murus Sanctus/Talandracas took the win, 10-8. La Magdeleine started the scoring with an early goal in the first chukka, which was swiftly followed by a penalty conversion from Mac Donough and they dominated possession and ended the first chukka, 3-0. The pressure from La Magdeleine continued in the second chukka, but some unlucky misses meant they only managed to score one goal, while Murus Sanctus/Talandracas remained scoreless, 4-0. A spot penalty within the 30 yard line opened the scoring for Murus Sanctus/ Talandracas at the start of the third chukka, followed by a field goal. Laborde replied after halftime with a penalty conversion to increase the lead and by the end of the fourth chukka La Magdeleine had continued to evade their opponents’ defences and held a 9-4 advantage. With two chukkas left to go, there was still time for Murus Sanctus/ Talandracas to fight back into the lead and they started the fifth chukka with a goal, however La Magdeleine’s Laborde, such a pivotal player in the second half, swiftly countered with a field goal to take his team into double digits, 10-5, as Murus Sanctus/Talandracas seemed to be struggling to maximise their opportunities on goal. Entering the sixth chukka La Magdeleine remained in control and although Murus Sanctus/Talandracas outscored their opponents 2-1, it was not enough to eat away at the earlier deficit and La Magdeleine, who had entered this Final as the slight under dogs, took the win, 12-8.
After the first attempt to play the Final was rained off at the end of the first half on Sunday 23 April, Park Place and Valiente lined up against each other on Monday 24 April at the Isla Carroll East field, in a wet but playable U.S. Open Polo Championship Final.
Park Place has always been a strong Gauntlet of Polo team, with two C.V. Whitney Cup titles (2021, 2022) under their belt, but an U.S. Open title had continued to elude them, despite having come within grasping distance only to lose out in the Final two years ago. Led offensively by 10 goaler Hilario Ulloa with three U.S. Open titles to his name (2010, 2014 & 2018), he took to the field ranked third in scoring with 84 goals in the Gauntlet, trailing only to Facundo Pieres and Francisco Elizalde.
This year saw the return of Valiente to the Gauntlet of Polo for the first time since their U.S. Open title in 2017 and they immediately made their mark in the series by winning The C.V. Whitney Cup against Pilot. An unfortunate injury sustained by 6 goaler Lucas Criado Jr. in the Semi Final sidelined him for the remainder of the season and in the Final he was substituted by Agustin Nero. Valiente’s Adolfo Cambiaso was undoubtedly the most experienced U.S. Open player on the field, with nine U.S. Open titles already under his belt (1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2021) and ranked second in throw-ins won (70 in total) for this year’s tournament.
With two 10 goalers going head-to-head it was no surprise that the Final was a riveting, tense and gripping display of polo which ultimately went right down to the wire.
The U.S. Open Polo Championship Teams
Park Place (22)
Andrey Borodin (0)
Juan Britos (9)
Hilario Ulloa (10)
Jason Wates (3)
Valiente (21)
Bob Jornayvaz (0) (substituted by Rufino Merlos (1) in first chukka)
Peke Gonzalez (6)
Agustin Nero (5)
Adolfo Cambiaso (10)
“It was a tough journey for several years to achieve this, it means a lot”
Andrey BorodinChukka scores: 2-1, 4-4, 5-6, 7-8, 8-10, 12-11 to Park Place Most Valuable Player Hilario Ulloa breaks to the goal Photography by David Lominska
The Final began on Sunday 23 April and Park Place passed the ball to Ulloa early and often to open with back-to-back goals, while Valiente’s Cambiaso stepped in as penalty taker in Criado Jr’s absence. Valiente locked down Ulloa and he only managed to sneak in two goals, while three goals from the field for Valiente tied the match at 4-4 at the end of the second chukka. Valiente continued to outscore Park Place in the third chukka and a drive from Cambiaso followed by Gonzalez’s first penalty conversion lifted Valiente to a 6-5 lead at the end of the first half, but with an increasingly fierce storm drenching the ground, the decision was made to postpone the second half, leaving the teams in limbo. Ulloa commented on the pause in play, “It was strange going to bed yesterday and not knowing exactly what was going to happen. We’ve been at the field since 8.30am this morning and it’s been a long wait.” Teammate Jason Wates followed up with, “It’s tough to stay focused that long, but it’s the end of the season and there’s nothing else we wanted. Yes, it’s a longer time to stay focused but at the same time it’s all we’ve been thinking about for months, so one day doesn’t change too much.”
Park Place used the time to adjust their strategy in light of Nero’s addition to the team and they also focused on their attitude and confidence as Juan Britos explained, “It was a lot of motivation and saying, ‘we can do this, let’s go for it’. Playing with confidence, supporting each other and playing every play like it’s the last one.”
On Monday 24 April with the sidelines packed with eager spectators and both teams champing at the bit to get going, the green light was given for a 1.15pm start. Goals were traded in the fourth chukka, but the skies darkened and an onslaught of rain soaked both players and spectators, however both teams were determined to be the victors despite the weather.
Cambiaso is always a challenging opponent with his horsepower and experience, but the Park Place players resolved to stay focused on their own performance and try their best to create opportunities for the team. This tactic began to pay off and they found openings in the field to even the scores once again in the sixth chukka, but a determined Cambiaso took command in the final minutes of play to boost Valiente back on top. Ulloa hit back-to-back goals to push Park Place ahead, 12-11, Cambiaso broke free and sprinted to goal but Ulloa managed to make a game saving hook, as Britos finished the play on a brilliant backshot, working together to shut down one of
the greatest polo talents and with that, Park Place secured their first U.S. Open title.
An ecstatic Andrey Borodin commented after the match, “It was a tough journey for several years to achieve this, it means a lot. Everyone gave everything they could, and the result is this. It will be a long party, and everyone will be wet! I think we deserve to celebrate”.
“It’s tough to stay focused that long, but it’s the end of the season and there’s nothing else we wanted”
Jason WatesPark Place celebrate their first U.S. Open Polo Championship title despite the pouring rain Hilario Ulloa and Juan Britos embrace following their win Willis Hartman U.S. Open Polo Championship & Best Argentine Bred BPP: Latia Kavaska, owned and played by Hilario Ulloa
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The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy, named after the polo journalist and photographer, is Guards Polo Club’s first 12 goal tournament of the year and is played each year on the grounds at Coworth Park. Fittingly for the 12 goal, this year saw 12 teams entered, which provided both an exciting Final and Subsidiary Final.
Jeremy Pemberton’s Conosco dominated the Final, with Rufino Laulhe, Will Harper and Will Emerson firing through goals, while Ainsley Saddlery struggled to find the form that had put them into this final and it was only two goals from Manuel Plaza in the fourth and final chukka that enabled them to add to their handicap advantage, with the final score resting on 5-2½.
The Subsidiary Final saw Tchogan/Polo Performance, headed up by Heiko Voelker defeat Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange 8-6 on ground two at Coworth Park.
The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy
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On Saturday 29 April, the fifth tournament of the 2023 Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series concluded with The Dubai Cup Final between Habtoor Polo and Ankora Lamar. Habtoor Polo began with a 1½ goal advantage but it was Ankora Lamar who opened the scoring in the first chukka and with two more goals from Haider Bangash and Khalid Alomran meant that by half-time they held a narrow half goal lead, 3-2½. The second half saw Habtoor polo outscore their opponents three goals to two, which just clinched them the win and with it the title, 5½-4. Khalaf Al Habtoor was named Most Valuable Player and Billy, played and owned by Alomran, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.
The Dubai Cup Final Teams:
Habtoor Polo: Khalaf Al Habtoor, Raja Abuljebain, Mohammed Al Habtoor & Juanji Diaz Alberdi
Ankora Lamar: Rayyan Al Ajaji, Haider Bangash, Khalid Alomran & Tomás Iriarte
On Sunday 23 April, The Florida Circuit 8-Goal Super-Series Championship Final was played at the National Polo Center between Curator Polo and D’Ambrose MD. D’Ambrose MD took the lead which they maintained throughout the first half, but Curator Polo chipped away at this lead and the fourth chukka saw Ignacio Viana tie the scores at 7-7. Curator Polo went from strength-to-strength in the fifth and sixth chukkas, scoring an additional six goals, while managing to keep D’Ambrose MD scoreless in the last chukka to take a 13-9 lead and with it the inaugural Florida Circuit 8-Goal Super-Series Championship title. The Florida Circuit 8-Goal Super-Series Championship Final Teams:
Curator Polo: Jake Schaufeld, Vaughn Miller Jr., Ignacio Cabrera & Ignacio Viana
D’Ambrose MD: Mike D’Ambrose, Finn Secunda, Nick Johnson & Henry Porter
After a wet start to the season that made the Club heartily thankful for their new exercise track and huge arena, which meant they could get chukkas underway without destroying the ground, polo at the Club got underway with their 6 Goal Welcome Cup. Heavy rain meant that the first round comprised of a round robin within each league to determine the main Final, Subsidiary Final and Plate Final.
The weather for Finals’ Day on Sunday 7 May was greatly improved and the field was in remarkable condition considering the deluge of rain the previous day. A closely fought Subsidiary Final resulted in a 6-6 draw, with both teams deciding not to go for an extra chukka at this early stage of the season. Charlie Hanbury’s penalty taking prowess held him in good stead, but his wife Yoanna also went well, as did Zoe Reader (who the umpires decided was MVP). Mount Loftus put up a spirited defence but in the end were not able to retain their trophy from last year. The Plate Final was won by Mei Kwei Lu and was also played in extremely good spirits and it was evident that both teams were delighted to be getting the season underway. Curtain owned by Jonny Good, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.
The 6 Goal Welcome Cup Final Teams:
Lovelocks (5): Yoanna Hanbury (-1), Zoe Reader (0), Jack Aldridge (2) & Charlie Hanbury (4)
Mount Loftus (6): Georgina Brittain (0), Jonny Good (4), Josh Clover (2) & Jessica Van der Velden (0)
On Sunday 7 May, two of the most successful teams of the Club’s season went head-to-head in The Santa Rita Abierto Final. The result went right down to the wire and with just 16 seconds of the match remaining the scores were tied at 9-9, but Travieso managed to convert a 30 yard penalty to take the win, 10-9. Jason Crowder was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Peridot, played by Tomacho Pieres and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony. The Santa Rita Abierto Final Teams: Travieso (14): Teo Calle (0), Tony Calle (3), Tomacho Pieres (6) & Jason Crowder (5)
Casablanca (16): Alex Webb (2), Grant Ganzi (3), Nic Roldan (8) & Juan Bollini (3) Travieso,
After a rain delay on Sunday 7 May, the 12 goal 2023 USPA Western Challenge Final was played on Monday 8 May at Houston Polo Club. Brookshire Polo Club (BPC) team entered the Final undefeated, having already beaten their Final opponents earlier in the tournament, but Old Pueblo received a one goal handicap advantage and were keen to avenge their earlier loss. Unfortunately, BPC’s patron Scott Wood was unable to make the Final, therefore one of Houston’s young up and coming players, Will Mudra substituted. After a short rain delay, Old Pueblo clawed away at BPC’s lead in the third chukka to trail 7-5 going into half-time. However, BPC exploded onto the field after the break and scored goal after goal to maintain their offensive momentum and secured themselves a 13-9 win.
On Friday 12 May, Ivi Maray (Córdoba)’s undefeated success continued with a 12-5 win against La Ilusión (Santa Fe) on Field 1 at Salta Polo Club in the 33rd Campeonato Argentino del Interior con Handicap (CAIH) RUS Final. Ivi Maray began with a three goal advantage which they fought hard to maintain, but by the end of the fourth chukka, La Ilusión had managed to close the gap to two goals, 7-5. However, a series of yellow cards for La Ilusión (first for Facundo Retamar Carnero and then for Luis Dellarosa) allowed Ivi Maray to push ahead and score five consecutive goals which ultimately allowed them to take a convincing win. The 33rd Campeonato Argentino del Interior con Handicap (CAIH) RUS
Final Teams:
Ivi Maray (Córdoba) (13): Manuel Serra (2), Lucas Boccolini (3), Kristos Magrini (5) & Sebastián Petracchi (3) La Ilusión (Santa Fe) (16): Luis Dellarosa (3), Estanislao Abelenda (3), Facundo Retamar Carnero (6)
Congratulations to Watchcentre/ Ming Yun who won The Spring Tournament following their 11-8 victory in the Final against Harum Scarum. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony went to Juan Ignacio.
On Sunday 14 May, the Club hosted The Badminton Cup Final between Burley Polo and R&R Polo. Seven 4 to 8 goal teams split over three groups had competed in the tournament. Burley Polo secured the title with a 5-2 win. Vampire Bats 2.0 and Nelson Polo ended the Subsidiary Final on a 5-5 draw after six competitive chukkas.
The Badminton Cup Final Teams:
Burley Polo (8): Steffan Groch (0), Nico Antinori (4), Charlie Walton (4) & Jules Vanvegchel (0)
R&R Polo (8): Tom Collie (2), Marcus Collie (2), Christian Oberschneider (1) & Ollie Jones (3)
Tedworth Park Polo Club, formerly known as Tidworth Polo Club until 2019, is the heart of Armed Forces polo in the UK as well as being a hub for grassroots polo, with many fancy dress Pony Club matches throughout the year – our favourites so far were the tinsel clad ponies and elf riders at Christmas – and of course home to The Rundle Cup. Justin Stanhope-White took over as Director of Polo in January 2020 having been involved with the Club for over 30 years as both a player and as Chairman of the Army Polo Association and his daughter, Lolly, is a coach and also organises the annual Rundle Cup. Felicity ‘Flic’ Townend joined the team in Spring 2022 having played and groomed at the Club for many years and is now the General Manager. Andrew Speight is a Veteran Member and juggles being Infrastructure Manager, umpire and timekeeper, while Yard Manager Emily Green provides riding instruction and leads the Club’s team of enthusiastic grooms.
helping veterans and serving members of the forces with physical and mental disabilities through the power of horses.
Tedworth Park Polo Club has strong ties with Pony Club Polo and investing in the next generation of polo players. Both Justin and Lolly are well known coaches on the Pony Club polo circuit and therefore TPPC has become a base for some fantastic PC Polo tournaments. The Club successfully hosts several Area 14 tournaments throughout the year, including the Area 14 Christmas tournament and the Area 14 Pony Club Polo Championships which was earlier this year in April.
The Club actively encourages its younger Members to integrate with other established Club Members in tuition like Friday evening Instructional Chukkas, as well as club chukkas and tournaments on the weekend.
Tedworth Park Polo Club – ‘the home of Armed Forces polo’ – was formerly known as Tidworth Polo Club and was established between the years of 1908 and 1913 when it was home to the Cavalry regiments in Tidworth. Between 1919 and 1921 the current polo pitches in the park, The Fisher Ground and the Tattoo Ground, were cut out of slopes. Brigadier Bertie Fisher, who commanded the Cavalry Brigade in Tidworth at the time, led the work alongside officers and soldiers who conducted the work by hand. The Old Pavilion was built at the same time and faces out over the Fisher ground from the top bank.
Tidworth is a Garrison town and was therefore a military Club up until the mid 1990s. Now, even though it is not a strictly military Club, it remains the home of Forces polo, but with a strong civilian membership base as well. In 2019 the Club was acquired by The Armed Forces Equine Charity (AFEC) and the Polo Club was rebranded to Tedworth Park Polo Club as it is located in the stunning grounds and park of Tedworth House. It is one of many trading arms of the AFEC, with all the proceeds of the charity going towards
Club Stats
It also offers discounted rates for Pony Club sessions, students, and special membership packages for categorised age groups.
Any highlights for 2023 season?
We have secured 15 sponsored tournaments this year which is more than we’ve ever had. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and their support to the Club and its Members. We are also very excited to be joining the Victor Ludorum super league this year. We have our well-known KRH Cup as the Victor Ludorum 4 goal tournament. It’s a big trophy with plenty of history behind it.
We also have our annual Rundle Cup event on Saturday 8 July. This event is hosted by The Royal Navy and Tedworth Park Polo Club on behalf of the AFEC but is run and coordinated by Lolly StanhopeWhite as part of the Tedworth Park team. This historical event is centred around The Rundle Cup trophy which dates back to 1908 where it was first played for in Malta.
The event is the pinnacle of the military polo calendar and the hype between the Army and The Royal Navy surrounding the Rundle Cup trophy is the polo equivalent of the Navy vs Army Rugby at Twickenham.
In the past, it has been played for and won by members of the Royal Family, including the King himself. As a result, the event has retained its popularity and last year drew in a crowd of 6,000 people.
There are three polo matches, a military band, parachute display, hospitality options, shopping village, bars and food vendors, and an after party with a Coronation twist this year.
Any Club improvements you’d like to highlight?
The Polo Club is in communication with Tidworth Garrison about putting in two new wooden horse cages. The Armed Forces Equine Charity is also working hard to secure a grant to replace the arena surface.
Club Address & Contact: Tedworth Park Polo Club, Tedworth Park, Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP9 7AH 01980 846705
Polo Manager Name & Contact: Polo Director: Justin Stanhope-White General Manager: Felicity Townend
01980 846705
What are the Club’s plans for the future?
To continue to help and support civilian and military Members by making polo more accessible and affordable. The club provides multiple courses and beginner intro sessions throughout the year. We offer discounted lessons for large groups, military, and veteran players, and to students wanting to get involved. We are keen to breakdown the stigma surrounding polo being the sport of the ‘rich’, especially at a low goal level. We provide a support system so that when people get the polo bug we are here to see their journey from the beginning (with lessons
and instructional chukkas) right through to providing them with horse hire, club chukkas and teams to play in. Fun fact: the Polo Director and Coach at TPPC, Brigadier Rtd. Justin Stanhope-White first came on a ‘Have A Go’ course with his wife at Tidworth Polo Club over 30 years ago!
Club alumni you would like to spotlight?
It seems very fitting given the recent Coronation of King Charles III to honour his patronage to the sport. He did a huge amount to bring support to military polo and subsequently our polo club.
The HPA has announced a rule change to Rule 6 (b) in Annex C, Part 2 regarding the under-15 handicap restrictions in the 16-goal Victrix Ludorum, which takes effect immediately: 6. Women’s Polo b) “Any player under 15 on 1st January must have a minimum handicap of 3 goals to play in the 16 goal Victrix Ludorum or 22 goal ladies tournament polo”
On Sunday 30 April, The III Women’s Masters Finals took place. This tournament is the same format as The Copa República Argentina which allows any teams between 0 and 40 goals to compete. There were three Finals with Los Sauces Logi Polo beating Cuatro Vientos E-Movility, 10-6, in The Gold Cup Final; Yellow Rose Gibson narrowly defeated Yellow Rose La Roca, 11-10, in The Silver Cup Final and Las Monjitas Portofino Capital secured a 6-5 win against La Dolfina Unlimited in The Bronze Cup Final.
The Gold Cup Final Teams: Los Sauces Logi Polo (22): Juana Lavinia (3), Agustina Imaz (5), Milagros Sánchez (7) & Catalina Lavinia (7)
Cuatro Vientos E-Movility (25): Jazmín Dupont (6), Esperanza Uranga (4), Azucena Uranga (6) & Candelaria Fernández Araujo (9)
The Silver Cup Final Teams: Yellow Rose Gibson (24): Juana Pando (3), Cuyen Glenny (4), Clara Cassino (8) & Hazel Jackson (9)
Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com
Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com
Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com
Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com
Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
Los Sauces Logi Polo, winners of The III Women’s Masters Gold Cup
Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com
Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Córdoba, winners of The III Women’s CAIH
Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com
Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007
dstone@indigo.ie
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Yellow Rose La Roca (19): Sofia Taylor (4), Clara Martínez Ferrario (5), Luisa del Carril (5) * Camila Rossi (5)
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
mborwick@gmail.com
CLUB PHONE EMAIL Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk
Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk
Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com
The Bronze Cup Final Teams: Las Monjitas Portofino Capital (17): Bianca Pagano (4), Martina Gadea (3), Sofía Rivas (5) & Alexia Laprida (5)
Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
Eastwood Polo Club 07875 743475 frankums@googlemail.com
Knepp Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com
Edinburgh Polo Club* 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com
Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com
Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p
Emsworth Polo Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
Epsom Polo Club* 07961 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com
FHM Polo Club* 07778 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
La Dolfina Unlimited (20): Juana Deramo (3), Dayna Waechter (4), Sol López Llames (7) & Paola Martínez (6)
james.dgls@gmail.com
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
charles@trippetts.com
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For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Fifield Polo Club* 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
Guards Polo Club* 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000 office@hampoloclub.com
On Monday 8 May, after three classification dates The III Women’s CAIH was played at Salta Polo Club. The tournament saw four teams between 1 to 5 goals compete and in the end Córdoba (Lucía Giraudo (1), Teresa Viale (0), Isabella Bocamazzo (2) & Sofía Lerda Copello (2)) won on points after beating Tucumán (Florencia Plaza (0), Lucía Bleckwedel (0), Marcela Usandivaras (1) & Sofía MacDougall (1)) 9-4.
Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk
Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by
Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com
RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com
RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com
RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com
Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk
Sussex Polo Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Taunton Vale Polo Club 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com
Tidworth Polo Club* 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com
Toulston Polo Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club
Vale of York Polo Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
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This year, the Senior Schools Summer Championships will be played at Kirtlington Park Polo Club on Sunday 18 June. There will be divisions for Beginners, Novice, Intermediate and Open players, competitors do not need to be at a school that plays polo as an after-school activity. The Open is restricted to four teams, all team members must hold current HPA handicaps and be prepared to play four chukkas. For further information email seniors@supa.org.uk or to enter visit www.supa.org.uk
Stowe School has been a Member of Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA) since its inception and this year marks the centenary of the school. To celebrate the milestone, Oxford Polo are hosting the inaugural Centenary Polo Day on Saturday 24 June, with three polo matches celebrating Stowe’s polo heritage and commitment to youth polo culminating with matches incorporating Junior and Senior teams.
On Monday 24 April, The National Youth Tournament was played for between 27 teams grouped into six categories. The results were: Juveniles (Players born in 2007 & 2008): La Irenita (Valentino Moretti, Juan Cruz Guiñazú, Gerónimo Penna & Luciano Paz Posse) Female (Players born in 2007, 2008 & 2009): Polo One (Pilar Fernández Araujo, Olivia Tiberi Elowson, Sol Braun & Tatiana Lima) Seniors (Players born in 2009 & 2010): Las Palmeras (Román Echeverz, Mora Condomí Alcorta, Juan C. Fernández Cancio & Máximo Álvarez)
Minors (Players born in 2011 & 2012): Centauros (Andino Donoso, Valentín Mordcovich, Francesco Facchini & Juan Cruz Nordheimer)
Minis (Players born in 2013 & 2014): El Overo (Lucero Monteverde, Simón Vismara, Cayetano Martín & Héctor Facchini)
Mini Minis (Players born in 2015 onwards): Cuatro Vientos (Federico Casares, Teresa Lalor, Clemente Álvarez Schusselin & Jacinto Tiberi)
The Copa E. Heguy Final Teams:
La Irenita, winners of the Juveniles National Youth Tournament category
Ellerstina (20): León Donoso (1), Lorenzo Chavanne (4), Nicolás Pieres (9) & Francisco Irastorza (6)
Martindale (20): Gonzalo Santamarina (4), Bautista Riglos (5), Felipe Miguens (6) & Esteban Panelo (5)
The Copa J. Sauze Final Teams: Indios (20): Silvestre Heguy (4), Antonio Heguy (6), Juan Cruz Carreño (3) & Cruz Heguy (7) Centauros (20): Marcos Rivarola (3), Ignacio Rivarola (4), Segundo Bocchino (7) & Manuel Crespo (6)
UK
UK
EU One year £80
years £140
WW One year £90 Two years £160
SUPA/SAPA One year £55 Two years £99
Weeks of miserable spring weather and lashings of rain caused havoc to the nation’s polo fields, delaying the anticipated start of the summer season. The knock-on effect meant that many schools players had yet to get out onto the grass for any polo practice.
This created a last-minute decision to move The SUPA Junior Summer National Championships into the fabulous Oxford Polo arena, now familiar to the young SUPA players.
All 20 teams were happy with the decision and with a little flexibility, regrouped to enjoy another full day of fun but very competitive SUPA polo.
Bizarrely, the sun shone throughout the day and the players, parents and supporters enjoyed the warmth of the day whilst watching the teams play in the arena.
The SUPA Junior tournament is aimed at the young grassroots players in school Years 3 to 8. This is usually the first opportunity these young players have at playing competitive polo against other schools.
Most of the teams present were from schools who field a full team but many encompassed individuals from schools who do not play or have a polo team. This highlights the great spirit and friendship ever present at the SUPA events.
The fantastic facilities at Oxford Polo Academy Arena enabled the tournament to run very smoothly, despite several curve
balls being thrown at the SUPA stewards.
A lorry full of ponies broken down en route, was not a major problem although it affected four of the 20 teams. Oxford Polo didn’t hesitate and immediately sent one of their horse boxes to assist.
The whole of the day’s 33 chukkas had to be rescheduled, but as SUPA were using the superb PlayPolo app, this major headache was averted with all chukkas rejigged and updated in minutes. All divisions were well supported.
We thank our sponsors and partnerships for their continued support: Polo Times, Black Hound Sports, RJ Polo, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and PlayPolo.
The SUPA Junior Schools Summer Championship Results: Beginners
1st – Heathfield Emeralds
2nd – Bruern Abbey Blue
3rd – Winchester House Blue
4th – Bryanston Prep
5th – Winchester House Red
6th – Dragon Red
Novice Wolves
1st – Sandroyd
2nd – Cothill Blue
3rd – Bruern Abbey Green
4th – Dragon Blue
Novice Jaguars
1st – Princes Mead/Windlesham
2nd – Cothill White
3rd – Bruern Abbey Red
4th – Dragon Yellow
Intermediates
1st – Cothill Maroon
2nd – Bryanston Prep
3rd – Farleigh School
4th – SUPA Inters
5th – Dragon Gold
6th – Papplewick Stags
India Parker-Smith is the founder and owner of Chukka Wellness which provides the leading training and movement methodology designed for the equestrian athlete to enhance suppleness, stability and strength in the saddle. India is a Personal Trainer who offers online and offline fitness training designed to elevate the well-being of the equestrian athlete. Using her knowledge of seven years she has created a series of masterclasses, a virtual membership hub and online training programmes all designed to complement the equestrian’s health and wellness both in and out of the saddle. You will find more information on India’s services on her website www.chukkawellness.co.uk and Instagram page @chukka_wellness
The 2023 UK season is finally here which hopefully means you will be in the saddle a lot this summer. If you are – great – just make sure you are looking after your body each week and addressing any tight or weak parts of your body. Preparation is key!
A way to reduce the risk of injury during play is to warm up effectively. Many players aren’t fans of warm ups however, they have been proven to:
• enhance competitiveness
• heighten focus
• improve overall athletic performance
• reduce the risk of injury
• improve movement in the saddle
No excuses if you don’t have a trainer or any access to gym equipment; you can still mobilise your joints with your mallet!
Ladies 10 goaler Hazel Jackson and recent winner of The Ladies US Open is here to show us how it’s done, so grab your lightest mallet and follow along with these exercises.
1. Shoulder Openers
Aim to keep both arms fully extended throughout the movement and take the mallet from in front of your hips, up over your head and down behind your hips in a semi-circle. You will feel that this opens up the shoulder joints.
2. Thoracic Twists
Start with the mallet at chest height keeping both arms fully extended. From here twist your torso left to right. Take the arms above the head and twist again. You will feel both movements open up the upper and mid back muscles.
3. Touch your toes
Relax your torso, head and arms down to the ground keeping your legs straight. Sway from side to side taking the mallet with you. This movement releases the lower back.
Start with the mallet over your head, take both arms over to the left and place your right leg behind the left one. Push your hips out to the right and then take the arms back to centre position above your head. Switch over to the other side.
You should feel a big stretch starting at the hips and working its way up to the side of your torso and into your Latissimus Dorsi.
Use the mallet as a support system and begin kneeling on both knees. Bring the foot furthest away from the mallet out to the side and round infront of your hips until you are kneeling on one leg. Take that same foot back to the start position. Keep both hips facing forward at all times.
This exercise creates movement through the hips preparing them for action.
The Paul Sweeney Memorial was founded by Lesley, Charlotte and Georgia Sweeney in memory of Paul Sweeney after his unexpected death in 2009 at just 48-years-old in order to keep his spirit and legacy alive. Each year, the tournament attracts a number of players and spectators, gathering at Ash Farm Polo Club to cheer on the finalists. This year saw a record number of teams and after a two-year postponement due to Covid-19, the grandstands were packed. Twelve Oaks managed to stave off a last-minute attempt by Rosina to claim the title and took a 14-12 victory.
Chukka Wellness has launched their fitness App that has been designed to help riders become twice as supple, stable and strong in the saddle. The App contains a wide variety of rider-specific workouts, mobility routines, stretches, nutritional guides, educational webinars on rider preparation & recovery PLUS so much more. If you are a travelling athlete with a busy schedule – this App is Perfect for you!
Number one female player Nina Clarkin, “I have used the App for my core and stretching – it’s easy to use and I would recommend”
Download the App in the Apple Store now – Chukka Wellness
An introduction to equine botanical choices (Zoopharmacognosy), some of the thinking behind it, and what it involves – offering a relevant selection of botanicals, specific to an individual horse, which might include: herbs, minerals and powders, hydrosols, absolutes, CO2 extracted compounds and essential oils, to hopefully initiate an improvement in health/performance – was covered in the first article in the series ( Polo Times , March 2023). What a session looks like, as well as some case study examples, was highlighted in the second article ( Polo Times , April 2023). To follow on from these, this article will briefly touch on some of the reactions/behaviours a horse might display during an equine botanical choices (Zoopharmacognosy) session.
How does a horse lead the session?
When botanicals are offered, a horse might react in a number of ways. The therapist will firstly be looking for indications as to whether the horse is signalling yes or no to an offering. The horse leads the session and has free choice as to what offerings they select or reject. There are numerous cues that a therapist will be trained to look for that indicate a yes or no. One example of a yes might be if a horse chooses to select a specific herb and ingests the offering and possibly even requests more. One example of a no might be if an essential oil bottle is opened and the horse very clearly turns away from the therapist, perhaps even going to stand with their head in the back corner of the stable and doesn’t return to interact with the offerings until that essential oil is closed and removed.
Being a prey animal, and having adapted well to their natural environment, horses’ senses have become very attuned, especially their sense of smell. It is thought that a horse’s sense of smell is far superior to that of humans. During a session, it is clear that olfaction is involved in the selection, or rejection, of offerings.
Emma K Sheridan specialises in equine photography and equine therapies. Having qualified in Equine Integrative Support Therapies with EMA Ltd in 2019 and taking numerous CPDs to further widen her equine therapy knowledge, Emma has a wealth of knowledge which she will be sharing with Polo Times readers in a series of articles, covering topics such as Equine Integrative Support Therapies and Equine Botanical Choices (Zoopharmacognosy) Photography by EKS images
If a horse selects (says yes to) an offering, what behaviours might they then display whilst interacting with the offering? Each horse is individual, so they might show subtle behaviours or they might show clear and obvious behaviours. Some examples of behaviours that the horse might display include the following, to name but a few:
• Yawning
• Flehmen response
• Licking and/or chewing
• A ‘trance’ like state
• Eyes may soften, blink or close
• Nostrils might flare
• Touching/signalling a specific body part
• A slight change in breathing, deeper breaths taken for example
• Sighing
• Chin may quiver
• Momentary increased anxiousness or frustration before a deep calmness
• Turning away or stepping away when finished with an offering
• Plus, many more examples!
What do some of the behaviours indicate?
A very summarised version would be to say that some of the behaviours are thought to indicate processing and/or releases, similar to what might be seen during other types of therapy also, including equine massage. One behaviour that sometimes stands out in equine botanical choices sessions is the flehmen response, due to the action that behaviour generates. Though that said, the flehmen response is a very natural response to certain scents (sometimes pheromones) and can be seen in several everyday scenarios on the yard. It is interesting during equine botanical choices sessions to observe which offerings trigger the response in each individual horse as it will often be different selections.
The flehmen response (which can at times be amusing to watch and seemingly giving the anthropomorphised impression of wry amusement) is a reflex present in a wide range of mammals, including horses. It assists in the transfer of scent to the vomeronasal organ, which is a chemosensory structure. This then sends signals to the accessory olfactory bulbs/ brain. The scents inhaled via this method can even have various behavioural and/or physiological reactions in the horse.
The horse will usually take time checking what offerings are available
Disclaimer: As always, in all circumstances of health issues with your horse, first and foremost consult your Vet! Equine Botanical Choices (Zoopharmacognosy) is a type of ‘alternative therapy’, it is absolutely NOT a substitute for Veterinary care and pharmaceuticals. The information in this article does not intend to diagnose or prescribe. Any advice or information given within the article is done so in good faith but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. The article is written based on UK practices. The laws in other countries with regards the practice of Equine Botanical Choices (Zoopharmacognosy) may vary – always seek legal advice in relation to the practice relevant to your country. I would of course strongly recommend that if you are interested in Equine Botanical Choices (Zoopharmacognosy) for your horse that you contact a qualified practitioner, or even undertake studies yourself in the therapy. I trained with the Academy of Integrative Animal Therapies (AIAT) www.academy-iat.com
Email: equergy@gmail.com @equergy
As I sit at my desk whilst we endure more rain in the month of May and polo is finally getting going, sweating is not a topic that quickly springs to mind! However, I feel this is a subject that cannot be visited enough –ensuring your horses are sufficiently hydrated and electrolytes are being used.
No matter the time of year, I am asked about electrolytes a lot, which is a good thing – they’re essential for performance horses so I thought I would answer some of the frequently asked questions.
In essence, electrolytes are minerals lost during sweating which can lead to an imbalance of minerals in the body, thus resulting in a number of negative effects such as impaired organ function, muscle fatigue, lack of concentration, reduced co-ordination and slow recovery – not too dissimilar from us humans when suffering a hangover!
We need to ensure that those salts/ minerals (sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium, for example) lost in the horse’s sweat are replaced in order to assist the body with performance, hydration and recovery – just as human athletes do, our equine athletes need the very same.
Interestingly, studies have shown that 10 to 15 litres of sweat can be lost per hour, which would contain approximately 10g of salts per litre! Forage and concentrates in the diet will replace enough for maintenance levels to be received BUT supplementation must be provided to ensure those lost in the sweat are replaced.
The body monitors the levels of sodium in body fluids so, when water is lost, the concentration of sodium increases and triggers the horse’s thirst mechanism. Ironically, providing the horse with water alone to replace that lost through sweating can lead to further problems, since the water will be absorbed and dilute the existing levels of sodium.
This then stops the desire to drink, even though the body may still need more water (be dehydrated), and at the same time the kidneys are triggered to excrete water until the sodium concentration is back to normal, compounding the problem still further.
The most effective way to help replace
Knowing when and how to provide electrolytes and water is essential for health and performance
fluid losses therefore is to provide a solution of water and electrolytes mixed to a concentration (osmolarity) which is the same as body fluids (isotonic). This helps the body recover from dehydration by providing fluid without unbalancing sodium levels and thus suppressing the thirst response.
Electrolytes are hydroscopic (attract water) – if they are taken with insufficient water they will draw fluid into the gut from the surrounding tissues, increasing the horse’s dehydration, which can lead to implications for the endurance horse, for example, given electrolyte paste’s at a vet gate and not drinking sufficient water before continuing the ride.
I would liken this to a polo pony that is perhaps travelling a long distance on a hot day and playing, or those polo ponies playing two games in a day, or even those that are not offered water when they arrive at polo
(and have likely been tied up in the stable before being loaded in the lorry) but are given electrolytes before they play.
So, we prefer to advise that electrolytes should be administered with water and preferably not in a dry feed, to have their desired effects. I am aware that many will add electrolytes to the feed, but for maximum effects during prolonged hot weather with a lot of travelling and playing, I would suggest the following options to encourage them to drink electrolytes with water:
• Offering two buckets of water (one with and one without electrolytes) – most horses won’t drink water with electrolytes if they are not accustomed
• Add to a sloppy feed
• Add to sloppy sugar beet
• Add to beet pulp water
• Add to a ‘sloppy chop’ – half a scoop of chaff and a scoop of water
• Syringe with plenty of water as you would bute
Different methods will work for different people, horses and their yard logistics.
Electrolytes can also be given in a liquid or paste form as well, but again read the instructions and ensure they have WATER!
How do I know how much to give?
As always, I would encourage you to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, they are there to be followed to ensure you reap the benefits of the product.
Generally, the longer the horse is exercising the greater the amount of electrolytes need to be administered – in polo, we must take into consideration the travel time and weather conditions as well.
Should I feed electrolytes every day?
The general rule of thumb is, NO, they will excrete what they do not utilise. So, on quiet workdays or days off it is of no benefit to feed electrolytes.
But, if you notice your horse drinking more than normal or their beds are wetter than usual, this may be an indication that they are receiving an excess of electrolytes/salt in their diet. Also be careful that the horses are drinking enough water – this will increase the risk of impaction colic and other implications.
Do I need to use electrolytes if my horses have access to salt licks?
As a short answer, yes! Salt licks are ideal on a daily basis, as forage is often quite low in sodium, so topping up with a salt lick or a tablespoon of salt in the feed is great. However, it will not contain all those extra minerals – magnesium, potassium, calcium etc that are present in electrolytes, so they are still a must.
I have heard pre-loading mentioned, what is this?
I love pre-loading, I recommend this a lot for all equestrian disciplines and the results are great, especially for those horses that can get tired and lack a little stamina/endurance and for those horses susceptible to tying up – I must note, I would also be ensuring a balanced diet is received as well as preloading electrolytes!
Research has shown that pre-loading with electrolytes within one hour before hard exercise (playing) has been shown to reduce the onset of fatigue by nearly 23 percent. It has also been found that horses lost less fluid and fewer electrolytes from soft tissue during exercise and recovery compared to when they received pre-exercise water alone – thus aiding cellular function and thermoregulation during exercise.
How do we implement this practise, I hear you cry! I have some clients who find the following scenarios work for them:
• Feed a sloppy beet pulp or sloppy chaff upon arrival at the polo grounds (generally about an hour before they play – the time to bandage, tack up etc) which contain
electrolytes, then offering a drink of water
• Allow a good pick of grass and a drink of water as they are unloaded at the grounds, then give the electrolytes as you would bute, in a syringe mixed with water, or a syringe of paste, and another drink of water a bit later on
Do we need to give electrolytes after they have played?
It has also been shown that when horses receive electrolytes within an hour of work being completed, recovery is improved, and horses are able to perform to the same level on a second and third day. If the horses have been pre-loaded with electrolytes, we still need to think of recovery – the ideal is within one to two hours post-exercise for maximum effect.
The ideal scenario post playing would be:
• Water as soon as they come off the field
• Time to cool down with more water offered during this time
• A pick of grass before loading and electrolytes given in whichever form suits you
• Hay nets on the lorry to eat whilst travelling home
Should I be removing water from the stable or tying my horses up the morning they play?
NO, NO, NO! They must ALWAYS have free access to water, so they can self-regulate and always be hydrated. We wouldn’t do it to ourselves!
When they come off the field ‘blowing’, how soon can I offer water?
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! In racing we now see horses offered water to drink in the winner’s enclosure when they are still blowing, we must start to see this more often in polo as well. If you allow them to drink
what they want, they generally will not drink more than their stomach capacity. If they are not allowed to drink within 20 minutes of playing, they then begin to lose their thirst reflex and are less likely to not want to drink –which is not ideal for recovery and increases the risk of colic and slows down recovery.
Water should be offered immediately after playing
Offer them water before they are loaded in the lorry to travel home – even if it is a 20 minute drive away! Easily done whilst you sit in the cab and drink your water or hydration drink!
Water should be offered before travelling home
I hope the above is of interest, if you would like more details on the research that has been carried out on electrolytes, please do get in touch and I will point you in the right direction.
Falling off your horse is quite frequent in any game at most levels. When a player is injured, speed is crucial. The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) rules gives a 10 minute interval to clear the situation; this is a precious and stressful time for the team and the officials to diagnose and decide how to deal with the injury.
On Friday 28 April the UK Government introduced their guidance entitled If in Doubt, Sit Them Out which provided guidance on concussion for grassroots sport and recommended a phased return to sport after a concussion with a minimum period of 21 days between the concussion and return to competitive sport.
Therefore the HPA has issued new guidance on general best practice to protect the health of players which reflects the UK government guidance that their default position is that any player who has suffered a concussion or suspected concussion will not be allowed to return to play before 21 days have elapsed since the date of the concussion/suspected concussion and that clubs have a responsibility to report head injuries to the HPA within 24 hours.
This new stance from the HPA will have a major impact on the game.
HPA Rule 23. INJURED OR FALLEN PLAYER.
If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral. A player must make every effort to retain hold of his pony. If injured, the team shall be granted a period not exceeding 10 minutes for the player to receive any medical assistance and, if unfit to continue, to produce a substitute within this time. In the case of a serious injury and upon medical advice the umpires may allow additional time. The umpire shall not wait for any other player who may not be present. If subsequently able to resume playing, the injured player may replace his substitute at the start of any chukka.
Assessment on the field is often quite demanding for the medical team due to the lack of diagnostic tools and the short time interval. Secondly, the consequences of the decision of defining a player as not fit and sound to continue playing are huge.
The increased strength and conditioning of elite athletes (players and horses) has led to greater potential for high impact injuries. With increasing concerns for player welfare, the decision to return to play after sustaining an on-field injury is complex. Adrenaline fuelled players tend to downrate their injury. Significant health risk of undiagnosed concussion for example and early return to play increases the risk of sustaining additional concussion and leading to longterm sequelae and/or unfavourable outcome.
The players face and hands are the most
frequently injured areas. Especially in the face, a small wound can bleed enormously. The first check involves the severity of the laceration. A possible quick solution can be a steri-strip and compression dressing for a fast return for the final minutes of the chukka. A stitch up with a stapler can be a quick solution as well. For more complicated wounds or involvement of structures like the lips and eyebrow, a longer time will be needed to finalise the wound care.
Secondary wound control is recommended for safety reasons to minimise the risk of infection.
The most frequent polo injuries are blows from the stick to the upper body, to areas such as the arms, hands, thorax and the rib-cage. Ride-off impacts can also cause injuries to the lower extremity. Most of these impacts to the lower extremity are painful but only rare cases need medical attention. Falls with more impact can lead to an injury of the spine and / or the pelvis. These impacts are dangerous and need further treatment, usually always after transfer to the hospital.
Impacts to the head are the trickiest. Until recent years only black-outs with loss of consciousness were considered as relevant. Newer research has resulted in proof that lower impacts like concussions are also very serious. In the case of a suspected concussion, no-one should return to competition, training or Physical Education (PE) lessons within 24 hours of
a suspected concussion. Anyone with a suspected concussion should NOT drive a motor vehicle (e.g. car or motorcycle), ride a bicycle, operate machinery, or drink alcohol within 24 hours of a suspected concussion and commercial drivers (HGV etc.) should seek review by an appropriate Healthcare Professional before driving.
Red flags – requiring urgent medical assessment
If any ‘red flags’ are reported or observed, then the player should receive urgent medical assessment from an appropriate Healthcare Professional onsite or in a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department using emergency ambulance transfer if necessary:
• Any loss of consciousness because of the injury
• Deteriorating consciousness (more drowsy)
• Amnesia (no memory) of events before or after the injury
• Increasing confusion or irritability
• Unusual behaviour change
• Any new neurological deficit e.g.
• Difficulties with understanding, speaking, reading or writing
• Decreased sensation
• Loss of balance
• Weakness
• Double vision
• Seizure/convulsion or limb twitching or lying rigid/ motionless due to muscle spasm
• Severe or increasing headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe neck pain
• Any suspicion of a skull fracture (e.g. cut, bruise, swelling, severe pain at site of injury)
• Previous history of brain surgery or bleeding disorder
• Current ‘blood-thinning’ therapy
• Current drug or alcohol intoxication
Anyone with a suspected concussion should:
• Be removed from play immediately.
• Get assessed by an appropriate Healthcare Professional onsite or access the NHS by calling 111 within 24 hours of the incident.
• Rest and sleep as needed for the first 24 to 48 hours – this is good for recovery. Easy activities of daily living and walking are also acceptable.
• Minimise smartphone, screen and computer use for at least the first 48 hours. Limiting screentime has been shown to improve recovery.
Anyone with a suspected concussion should not:
• Be left alone in the first 24 hours.
• Consume alcohol in the first 24 hours and/ or if symptoms persist.
• Drive a motor vehicle within the first 24 hours.
Return to play after concussion This is maybe the most difficult decision. A stepwise reintegration to the sport is important. A return and rehabilitation program guided by a health care professional who is trained on head injuries is essential (from pain free activities of daily living to low impact sport with reduced speed to full recovery and return to sport). Inadequate rehabilitation and/or short interval to a second head injury drastically prolongs recovery time.
Understanding what it takes to overcome fear and self-doubt has been at the root of Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker’s personal transformation. He has proven experience of working with Polo Teams, Patrons and individual players for the past 2 years achieving outstanding results. With individual clients, Stalkie’s aim is to untap, nurture and focus their passion and potential on becoming the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives, whatever their starting point
With the domestic polo season just a few weeks old, it’s already possible to pick up vibes from patrons, players and coaches who have started the season on a roll… and from those that haven’t. You can sense it in various aspects of their communication, verbal and non-verbal, in their behaviour and actions both on and off the field.
Moods, whether good or bad, are catching. Often, we don’t realise what the effect our mood has on other people, particularly those who are closest to us, from our horses and grooms, to our fellow players and wider team, to our family and loved ones. All these people are our ‘circle of influence’.
Traditionally, it’s also the time of the polo year when my phone starts to get rather hot. I am often asked to coach polo players when they appear up against it, they’re worried about a potential slump of form and their colleagues perceive them as a negative factor towards their chances of success.
The slump is often a result of focusing on what they are NOT able to do on the field, focusing on what they HAVEN’T got that others around them have got. They start shifting their negativity and bad mood on to their ‘circle of influence’, creating a slippery slope for themselves and everybody else.
The fact is, you can and do choose how things affect you in polo and in your everyday life. From when you wake up in the morning to when you go to bed, you choose how you act and react to things happening around you.
Your attitude has an ongoing effect on your potential performance and success in polo, as well as on your own wellbeing. That is why it is crucial to GIVE THE EMOTIONS YOU WISH TO RECEIVE. And it all starts with cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
What are you grateful for in polo?
There are no average days in your polo life when you allow gratitude to transform them. Each task, each play becomes more joyful, your quality of team communication improves and greater opportunities arise.
Do you sometimes think “How come other players are doing better than me, their horses are better, they have better trainers, a better team, they get paid more”?
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed or fearful that you’re not good enough? And does that mean you sometimes take the easy route of action or let things get on top of you?
Whether you are guilty of feeling sorry for yourself, impatient or angry, whether you take success and good fortune for granted, or whether you are fearful of difficult situations, an attitude of gratitude is an essential component in providing emotional balance and perspective in your life.
With a career in polo, you are in the top 1 percent of elite sportspeople. As Winston Churchill famously said, “A polo handicap is your passport to the world”.
We must always remember that polo provides so many amazing things to be grateful for such as the adrenaline rush, eyehand co-ordination, building core muscles, the ability to play as an individual but also be part of a team, connecting mentally and physically with the horses we love, having grooms caring for our horses, the outdoor life, international travel, networking, socializing and so much more.
However, the paradox is that polo is potentially high risk too, which is why my recent book launch at the US National Polo Center in Florida supported the fabulous work of the Polo Players Support Group – an organisation dedicated to providing financial assistance to seriously injured or ill members of our polo community. A reminder that when you’re cursing a bad day on the polo field, you’re still living someone’s dream.
I encourage all the polo talent I work with, wherever they are on their polo journey, to embrace the principles of gratitude and work them into their everyday routines.
This starts with young beginners taking their first lessons at polo clubs up and down the country, through to England polo’s very own Fab Four Westchester Cup winners –James ‘Beimy’ Beim, Max Charlton, Mark Tomlinson and Tommy Beresford – to Hilario Ulloa, Argentina’s 10 goal polo legend, one of the best horsemen in polo right now. Apart from being in the gym six days a week, studying films of players every day and being a fanatic about horses and polo, Hilario is always unassuming, smiling and upbeat, forever grateful for the life he leads.
When things aren’t going so well, I support clients with simple tools such as thinking and listing the things and people they are grateful for, to focus on their achievements, to use positive internal dialogue and to visualize future success choosing the mood that will suit them best.
This approach also serves to inspire and motivate, not drain, the people around them.
The Science of Gratitude
Scientific study has proven that a gratitude mindset has amazing benefits.
Gratitude activates parts of the brain such as the ventral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. These areas are involved in feelings of reward, morality, bonding, positive social interactions, and empathy.
The process of displacing negative thinking with positive thinking has the capacity to trigger neurotransmitters and neurochemicals – the organic ‘feel-good’ molecules such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins (we call these your Daily Dose). Releasing your Daily Dose results in:
• Stronger immune system
• Increased resilience
• Greater self-esteem
• More empathy and compassion
• Greater capacity for joy and positive emotions
• Fruitful social relationships
• Reduced stress and less tendency towards depression
• Better sleep
When recently coaching a player who had lost his confidence and form, I asked him to recall a scenario which had upset him and negatively impacted his game.
He described how the team’s patron was on his back, telling him he was no good. He catastrophised the criticism to the point where he thought he might be fired. His mood became anxious and disengaged.
His inner, self-talk consisted of phrases such as “I’m no good, the other players are his favourites, everyone is ganging up on me, what’s going to happen to me, I can’t focus on the game, I hate training”.
He described how his body language
The happy brain chemicals that make you feel good
• Enables motivation, learning and pleasure
• Gives you determination to accomplish goals, desires and needs
Feeling of trust, motivates you to build and sustain relationships
• Known as ‘Cuddle or Love Hormone’, plays a role in bonding
Feeling significant or important among peers
• Calm form of accepting yourself with the people around you
• Releases a brief euphoria to mask physical pain
• Response to pain and stress that alleviates anxiety and depression
• procrastination
• low self-esteem
• lack of motivation
• low energy/fatigue
• inability to focus
• feeling anxious
• feeling hopeless
• mood swings
• feeling lonely
• stressed
• lack of motivation
• low energy/fatigue
• disconnect of relationships
• feeling anxious
• insomnia
• low self-esteem
• overly sensitive
• anxiety/panic attacks
• mood swings
• feeling hopeless
• social phobia
• obsession/ compulsion
• insomnia
• anxiety
• depression
• mood swings
• aches and pains
• insomnia
• implusive behaviour
DOPAMINE OXYTOCIN SEROTONIN ENDORPHINS
• meditate
• daily to-do list
• long term goals
• food rich in L-Tyrosine
• exercise regularly
• create something: writing, music or art
Your Daily Dose
• physical touch
• socializing
• massage
• acupunchture
• listening to music
• exercise
• cold shower
• meditate
had become defensive – arms folded, head down, slumped shoulders, not walking tall, not smiling or laughing. He became shorttempered and aggressive, quick to blame people and get into their faces, which meant he started to dread training. He lacked focus on the field, avoided taking responsibility, a shadow of his best self.
After initially being supportive, his team mates soon started to ignore him, or would just bark instructions, without the usual crack and banter. He didn’t feel part of the team and off the field, his personal relationships
• exercise
• cold showers
• sunlight
• massage
• laughter/crying
• creating music/art
• eat dark chocolate
• eat spicy foods
• exercise/stretching
• meditate
suffered due to his severe sense of humour failure, stress and introspection.
Over the course of a few conversations, the player was soon able to flip his negative emotions around by recalling several positive scenarios in polo when his game was on fire, he was in full flow and playing with joy and gratitude.
He focused on his experience of scoring two late goals to take his team through to a prominent cup final. His team won that game from a 3 goal deficit by getting the basics right, praising and encouraging each other.
Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker is excited to announce the launch of his brand new book Raise Your Polo Game, which contains 60 videos activated by QR codes, exercises, case studies and insights allowing you to access support and guidance whenever you need it. You can expect to learn:
• How brain training can empower you to rethink and reframe challenging polo situations
• To stay calm in the heat of the game and control the controllables
• To focus on what you’re doing rather than what you’re thinking
• How to use your focus, physiology and language to drive positive mental and physical health
• To understand ‘why we do what we do’ in our mindset, giving us freedom to play better polo, improve our relationships and lead fulfilling, purposeful lives on and off the field
Download two FREE chapters of Stalkie’s book to see how it could benefit your game. Raise Your Polo Game can be ordered online at book.raisepolo.com
He described the positive verbal language that the team used towards him – the loud praise at the good things he did, the encouragement to go again and forget mistakes. He described his body language as “upbeat, animated, excited, energetic, powerful”. He described his pride at maintaining his form and accuracy, the easy responsiveness of his mount, how the team felt they could do anything together and never looked back.
Re-living his gratitude for that occasion exemplified the combination of focus/mood,
Paul Sweeney Memorial Final Teams:
language and body language that best served his polo game.
FOCUS
(Bad shots, losing games, team arguing)
Twelve Oaks (4)
Tatty Wooldridge (0)
Georgia Sweeney (1)
Charlie Wooldridge (3)
Setting yourself up to fail
Rosina (4)
Ola Kelly (0)
Will Newman (2)
Charlie Simpson (2)
Chukka Score: 3-2, 5-5, 11-11, 14-13, to Twelve Oaks
Focusing on the good stuff, saying the right things (to yourself internally and externally to those around you) and exhibiting a positive body language are three things which are interlinked, each impacting upon the other. Get them all working in sync and your polo game will flow with ease! You can easily remember these three things as the Polo Triangle of Communication. Use this every day to improve your polo life.
By using the simple tools I’ve just described and keeping gratitude at the forefront of your mind, you will make sure that every situation you encounter, on and off the polo field, is processed in your mind in a positive way. This is a turning point.
Remember that you will never get this day back! These minutes and hours are unique, so make the most of them.
For every 60 seconds spent in anger, frustration and upset, you have a lost a minute that could be filled with joy, fulfilment and accomplishment.
MEANING/INNER LANGUAGE
(Scared to shoot, fear of loss, expect blame, no verbal encouragement)
Where: Ash Farm Polo Club, Surrey
Setting yourself up to succeed
FOCUS
BODY LANGUAGE PHYSIOLOGY
(Head and shoulders down, no energy, avoid eye contact)
(Best shots, going to win, love the team)
MEANING/INNER LANGUAGE (Going for shots, team support, verbal encouragement and praise)
Polo Triangle of Communication
Jubilee, owned and played by Will Newman
BODY LANGUAGE PHYSIOLOGY
(Head up, high energy, expressive)
Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game
In my early years in polo, 1960 to 1970, I had the daily privilege of watching and studying eight-goal player Ray Harrington stick and ball, train horses, and play polo.
One of Ray’s signature shots was the offside neck shot. I recall watching Ray execute a sharp angled offside neck shot, in a 15 goal Wednesday night arena game from his famous arena mare, Red Wings.
Ray hit that offside neck shot on an angle of approximately 160 degrees back to his left straight into the goal. He leaned so far forward, out, and down to hit that shot, I was sure he was going to fall off. His right shoulder was really close to touching Red Wing’s right ear when the mallet head contacted the ball. However, Red Wings made an unbelievable move by way of dipping down, moving right, and coming up under Ray.
When all was said and done, the goal was scored, Ray was still in the saddle, and the two famous polo players returned to midfield for another throw-in.
Discounting the phenomenal move of Red Wings, I knew I had to figure out how Ray made what was the most unbelievable shot I had seen up to that point in my polo career. I was fifteen at the time, after having started my career in polo aged nine.
I did not know exactly how I was going to go about learning to hit that shot at game speed; however, the next day I started working on it. The process took years, before I had the ability to execute it, and have the chance of using it in a game.
However, about 15 years later, I was presented with the opportunity of hitting a similar shot in a twelve-goal tournament game I was playing in Juarez, Mexico. The opportunity presented itself so quickly; I did not have time to think about how to execute the shot. All I could do was respond to the moment, and hope the last 15 years of work would pay off. Fortunately, it did; and, I hit the same shot, and scored the goal under circumstances that were similar to Ray’s shot.
Immediately after having hit that shot, I was aware of having been in the same position I remember seeing Ray in on Red Wings that memorable night 15 years earlier.
Today, 30 years after my shot, I remember that shot as though it happened yesterday. And, I am still amazed at how easy it was to execute; and I knew, it had a
lot to do with being correctly positioned in the saddle.
I was aware at the time as to how much work lay ahead of me in figuring out how to apply that understanding and ability to hitting all shots until each shot is being executed as easily as that neck shot was on that day in Juarez. Within the process of figuring out how to hit each shot, I created a six step Hitting Checklist, that is intended to help the polo player correctly position the horse to the ball, and themselves in the saddle consistent with the shot to be executed.
My intention with creating the Hitting Checklist is to allow working on each phase of the hitting process until each is being correctly executed. And, when one phase is being executed correctly, it is on to the next, and the next, until the whole of the hitting process is being correctly executed for each shot. Even though I knew it was not going to be easily accomplished; it was something I had to do.
Hitting Checklist for the Offside Neck Shot
The Hitting Checklist for the offside neck shot is as follows:
Step 1. Approximately 40 yards from the ball pick a spot to the left of the ball that is consistent with executing the intended angle of the offside neck shot; then ride the horse to have its nose arrive at that spot upon reaching the ball. For example:
If an approximate 45 degree offside neck shot is the desired angle, ride the horse to have its nose arrive at the ball approximately 15 inches to the left of the ball. That, in turn, will have the horse’s right front foot approximately 10 inches to the left of the ball,
If an approximate 90 degree angle offside neck shot is desired, ride the horse to have its nose approximately 12 inches to the left of the ball upon arriving at the ball. That, in effect, will have the horse’s right front foot landing six to eight inches to the left of the ball.
If a one 120 offside neck shot is desired for the purpose of hitting the ball somewhat back to the left, have the horse’s nose arrive directly at the ball, which will have the center of the horse’s chest heading straight to the ball. Under those conditions, your upper body should be leaning forward with your right shoulder having rotated forward approximately twenty degrees
from perpendicular, with your mallet hand approximately six inches directly right of the horse’s right ear.
If a 160 degree angle offside neck shot is desired, as in the Ray Harrington shot, ride the horse to have its nose approximately six inches to the right of the ball upon arriving at the ball. That, in turn, will have the horse’s left front foot heading almost straight toward the ball.
Riding the horse to the ball under those conditions facilitates establishing a plane of swing that is consistent with hitting the offside neck shot on the desired angle.
An important point to consider when hitting an offside neck shot is; the greater the angle, the more your right shoulder should rotate forward and in toward the horse’s right ear. Doing so facilitates establishing a plane of swing that is consistent with hitting a sharply angled offside neck shot.
Within the process of riding the horse to the ball, make sure your feet stay back sufficiently to facilitate establishing and maintaining the forward half seat position from which to create a strong upper leg attachment of you to the horse. That strong upper leg attachment is crucial to the process of developing a secure hitting position from which to execute an offside neck shot, especially a sharply angled offside neck shot.
Step 2. Approximately 20 yards from the ball continue leaning your upper body forward, while rotating your right shoulder somewhat forward and in toward the horse’s right ear. Leaning your upper body forward and rotating your right shoulder in toward the horse’s right ear facilitates establishing a secure upper left leg attachment of you onto the left side of the pommel of the saddle. That strong upper left leg attachment, lends itself to developing a more confident feeling when leaning that far forward, out, down, and over the ball to hit a sharply angled offside neck shot.
Step 3. About 15 yards from the ball, rotate your right hip forward another approximately 10 degrees, your torso another ten to fifteen degrees, and your shoulders an additional approximate 20 degrees so your shoulders are positioned to where they are at an angle of approximatly 45 degrees to the horse’s mid line by the time of initiating the downswing phase of a
90 degree offside neck shot.
To hit an even sharper angle offside neck shot, rotate your right hip, your torso, and shoulders an even slightly greater degree forward and in toward the horse’s right ear.
To facilitate that greater degree of rotation, your right knee should slide slightly forward and down the horse’s right shoulder; which, in turn, will be facilitating the movement of your right hip and torso forward for the purpose of creating a plane of swing that is consistent with the sharper angle offside neck shot
Step 4. Approximately 10 yards from the ball, while still in a secure leaning forward and rotated right position, bend your upper body down to the point of being able to just touch the ground with the mallet head, so as to establish the correct upper body elevation above the ball.
Parameters for determining the correct upper body elevation above the ball are:
A. From the forward half seat position of, leaning forward, with your right shoulder having rotated forward, and your upper body bending down to establish the correct upper body elevation above the ball, allow your right arm and the mallet to hang down in front of your right shoulder.
B. Bend down until you can just touch the ground with the mallet head where the ball will be when contacted.
C. At that point, you have established the correct upper body elevation above the ball for hitting that degree of an angled offside neck shot. Stay in that forward, rotated, and bending down position until after having contacted the ball.
Step 5. Approximately five yards from the ball, from that forward half seat, leaning right, rotated, and bending down position, move the mallet to the top of the downswing position with the mallet head pointing in the direction the ball is to leave from the mallet head. With the mallet head pointing in the direction of the hit, there is a good chance the correct plane of swing has been created.
Step 6. CRITICAL, stay in the forward half seat position with your torso leaning forward, your right shoulder rotated in towards the horse’s right ear, and your upper body bending down for the purpose of establishing the correct upper body elevation above the ball.
At the top of the downswing position, your right shoulder should be lifted up to the point where the top and forward portion of your right shoulder is pressing against the bottom of your lower jaw bone, near the point of your chin. At the same time, your mallet hand should be reaching forward and above your head in the direction the neck shot is to be hit.
To initiate the downswing of the offside neck shot, your right shoulder should begin rotating forward and down toward the ball; while in turn, your shoulder is moving your upper arm, elbow, fore arm, wrist, hand, and
fingers down toward the ball.
Your fingers on the mallet handle at the beginning of the downswing phase of the offside neck shot should be used in a way that has the large knuckle of your index finger and the tip of your thumb being used in a manner similar to throwing a ball over hand.
Approximately half way down the downswing phase of the offside neck shot, the majority of the pressure on the index finger should have moved from the large knuckle down to the middle knuckle of the index finger, with the thumb strongly pinching the mallet handle onto the middle knuckle.
At the point of contact of the mallet head with the ball, the palm of your hand should be facing in the direction the ball is to leave from the mallet head. At the same time, the middle knuckle of the index finger and the tip of the index finger are still the major forces driving the mallet head into the ball; while the thumb is still pressing the mallet handle strongly onto the index finger.
Immediately after making contact with the ball, your mallet hand should begin turning over to where it is beginning to face back towards the horse’s left shoulder. The fact of the matter is, the more intensely you can turn your mallet hand over immediately after having contacted the ball, the more strongly you will have hit the ball.
Within the offside neck shot hitting process, you should not move out of the
forward, leaning right, and bending down position until the ball has separated from the mallet head, and the follow through phase has been completed.
At the end of the offside neck shot follow through phase, it is not so unusual that your upper body will have moved slightly further down to allow your mallet hand to pass somewhat under the horse’s neck. At the same time, the palm side of your hand should still be facing back toward the horse’ left shoulder, with the mallet head having been lifted somewhat above the horse’s left shoulder to finish the follow through phase.
At the end of the follow through phase, you should be maintaining the forward half seat position with your right shoulder rotated forward and your upper body still bending down to where, if you wanted to, you could still touch the ground with the mallet head.
A critical aspect of the offside neck shot to be acutely aware of is that of your body position at the beginning of the offside neck shot, in the middle of the offside neck shot, and at the end of the offside neck shot hitting effort.
Your body should be maintained in a forward half seat position, while your upper body is being rotated counter clockwise, and bending down to the point of being able to touch the ground with the mallet head, or even slightly further down if you are hitting a sharper angled offside neck shot.
Gatsby Party; Saturday 22 April; Polo Marquee at Cheshire Polo Club’s Grounds 3 & 4
Cheshire Polo Club certainly knows how to throw a party and the Cheshire crowd was out in force to celebrate the start of another exciting summer season of polo, greeted outside the marquee by feather clad stilt walkers and a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. The Great Gatsby theme took guests back in time to the 1920s with a traditional Art Deco black and gold marquee and the men donning black tie or stripe shirts with flannel trousers while the women sported embroidered gowns or pale coloured beaded silks. Entertainment included String Infusion who had their own idea of how not to be missed wearing dayglow accessories. Blakemere Village Social did a wonderful job providing various assortments of street food and canapés and while Crushed ice Mint Juleps might not have been the beverage of the night the Gatsby Bar proved to be the place to be seen. All too soon, it was time for the guests to say their farewells, remembering there was polo the next morning and the continuing promise of fun; some could even hear someone singing a line symbolic of the Gatsby decade, “In the morning, In the evening, Don’t we have fun”.
Photography by Morgan Bowler & P R Hall
Stephanie Newton & R Lee Foster
Lynne & Nigel Haddock greeted by the feathered stilt walkers
Ross Mackenzie, Patricia Hall & Clive Powell
Claire & James Fielding
String Infusion Entertainment
Hiedi Lunt, Lisa Lunt & Lucie Storer
Martha German, Annabelle Kelly & Ella Ford
Connie Baxendale & Jenny Powell
Laura & Bobby Bell
Billy Conner & Joan Brennan
Nicola & Steve Jones
Peter Bibby, David O’Brien & James Fielding
Fire dancer entertainment
Franio Jemiol & Steve Campbell Rachel & Martin Kidd with Lucie Storer Sarah Blake & Claire Fielding
Guests gathered in a picturesque location to honour the winners of the 2022 Victor Ludorum series. From 4 Goal winners TimbPly to 22 Goal victors Park Place, every level was celebrated. Representatives from clubs that had hosted Victor Ludorum matches were invited, and it was fantastic to see new ideas being shared. Oakley Court provided a fantastic atmosphere, and guests were able to enjoy the reception outside with stunning views of the Thames. Karl Ude Martinez hosted the evening with a dinner menu created by Johnnie Collins, followed by the awards presentations. 11 teams stepped forward to receive a coveted trophy, including Arena teams from 6-goal to 15-goal, and women’s polo was also celebrated, with Semper Anticus taking home the 16-Goal Victrix award. A brilliant evening was had by all, and the HPA would like to extend their thanks to all who attended.
HPA Victor Ludorum Awards Dinner; Monday 15 May; Oakley Court, Windsor
Photography by Abi Hancock/The Art Of Polo
Nina Clarkin, Lucy Coddington, Clarinda Tjia-Dharmudi & Chloe Horswell
Ed Hitchman, Rosendo Torreguitar, John Horswell, Creighton Boyd & Shaun Brokensha
Winners of the 2022 Victor Ludorum series collected their silverware
Paul Stalker, Max Charlton, Jose Ramon Araya, Spencer McCarthy, Nacho Gonzalez & Hugo Taylor
Guy & Michelle Schwarzenbach
Johnny Coddington, Ben Malasomma, Don Gibbs, Bobby Bell & Will Padden
Karl Ude Martinez
Lucy Budgett, Charlie Budgett, Nico Fontanarrosa, Jimbo Fewster, Charlie Peagram, Mandy Fontanarrosa & Katie Peagram
Sam Wisbey, Juan Britos, Santos Merlos, Francisco Elizade, Hilario Ulloa, Josh Hyde, Louis Hine, Facundo Pieres & Andrey Borodin
Pierandrea and Philipp Mueller
Zahra Lucas
Michael Amoore
Simon & Romilla Arber
Jade De Vere-Drummond & Alec Banner-Eve Steph Allen & Jo Scully-Beim
The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final; Saturday 20 May; Zacara Polo Grounds
Due to the changeable weather of late, The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Final was re-located from the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) to Zacara Polo Grounds down the road – one of the many blessings of having so many amazing playing surfaces within such a small area. While those with Final’s day tickets enjoyed the entertainment via livestream at RCBPC, spectators lined the ground at Zacara to watch a clash of the titans between Park Place and Vikings and they were certainly not disappointed! With several tied scores, plus a golden goal clincher from Facundo Pieres, there was everything one could ask for from the first 22 goal tournament of the season – we can’t wait for the next!
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Kitty Kimber , Freddie Wentworth-Stanley, Hugo Strutt, Ludovic Beresford, Christabel Horswell and Ella Greenley Kitty Kimber, Freddie Wentworth-Stanley, Hugo Strutt, Ludovic Beresford, Christabel Horswell & Ella Greenley Jack &Josh Hyde Jessica Simpson & Serena Reeve-Tucker Jack Hyde & Genevieve Meadows Mate always present! Rob & Jemima Brockett Millie Gilday & Christabel Horswell Shannon Harper Lucy Northmore Ola Newman & Nicola Taylor Garvey Beh, Pao Maquin, Juana Fernandez and Santi & Juan Harriott Ludovic Beresford & Millie GildaySt Andrews Charity Polo Tournament; Saturday 15 April; Errol Park
Over the past few years, the annual St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament has raised over £100,000 for Help Our Heroes, a charity dedicated to assisting veterans within the UK, thanks to the generosity of participants and donors. Over 1,000 students descended upon Errol Park to watch this year’s tournament which featured several teams from across the country, including Durham, Stirling, and Edinburgh. In between chukkas, guests were treated to a range of activities and refreshments, including food stalls, vendors, a full bar as well as live music. It was an unforgettable day of sport, fun, and philanthropy and there are plans afoot to expand for 2024!
Photography by Mauricio, Grace Sisel, Charity Polo, Estelle Alexandre & Caroline Vining
Grace Sisel & Thomas Poskin
Lachlan MacLean, Aife Sansom, Maddy McCourt & Millie Haldane
Ivy Carter & Charlotte Lundberg
St Andrews vs St Andrews Alumni
Estelle Alexandre, Charlotte Lundberg, Ramsay Bader, Cathrine Arnold & Lusia Bokor
Caroline Kelley
Adrien Alexandre
Thom Bell and Kip Sisel
Abbie Grant & Shade Mazer
Abbie Grant
Over 1,000 students supported the event
Peter Munnoch
30th Anniversary; Friday 12 – Sunday 14 May; Polo Wicklow
Polo Wicklow held a Birthday Festival, celebrating 30 years of the arena with the USA team that came over for the very first international match back in 1993 returning, but this time with the next generation in tow. On Friday 12 May, The Pynck.com Novice Cup took place with five students from University College of Dublin and Toby Walsh from St.Gerard’s School joined by Sophia DeAngelis from USA. The Pynck.com team took the win with Walsh receiving MVP. The match was followed by an Argentine asado. On the Saturday and Sunday the next generation of daughters mixed in with the regular Members and two of the USA fathers for exhibition matches. On Saturday night, the glad rags were dusted off and the big celebrations began, with music from The Cazettes ensuring the floor was filled all night.
Photography courtesy of Polo Wicklow Alexandre & Caroline Vining
Jaqui O’Neill, Sophia De Angelis, Siobhan Herbst, Sita Malone, Heather Kamataris, Zoe Day & Barbara Radmanic Stacey Williams & Blondie Horan
Michael Herbst & Gerald Kean
Eileen Flint, Siobhan Herbst, Dan Keating with Jim & Sophia De Angelis
Vincent Kent & Mebrura Bajramovic
Siobhan Herbst & Blondie Horan
Michael Herbst & Joe O’Connoll
Wendy Herbst, Liz Brayboy, Sophia De Angelis, Jim De Angelis & Martina Brayboy
Minnie & Dan Keating, Belen & Delfina Valor, Siobhan & Michael Herbst, Sophia & Jim DeAngelis
Micky Herbst, Barbara Radamanic, Julianna Gallo, Toby Walsh, Jaqui O’Neill & Siobhan Herbst
CLUB PHONE EMAIL
All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie
All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk
Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com
Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk
Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com
Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com
Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com
Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com
Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com
Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com
Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com
Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com
Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com
Eastwood Polo Club 07968 300063 frankums@googlemail.com
Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Edinburgh Polo Club* 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com
Emsworth Polo Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Epsom Polo Club* 07961 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
FHM Polo Club* 07778 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
Fifield Polo Club* 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com
Guards Polo Club* 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com
Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000 office@hampoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk
Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk
Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
Knepp Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com
Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com
Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com
New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com
Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com
RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com
RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com
RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com
Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk
Sussex Polo Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Taunton Vale Polo Club 07771 931541 Chairman_tcvpc@btinternet.com
Tedworth Park Polo Club* 01980 846705 info@tedworthparkpolo.com
Toulston Polo Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club
Vale of York Polo Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com
West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Westcroft Park Polo Club* 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
White Rose Polo Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk
carry 4-5
Lovely TB 15hh, 10-y-o, Schoolmaster Mare 10 years old, has been with current owner for the past six years. Easy to do in every way: shoe, clip, box etc. Loves her job as well as going for hacks and being loved on the yard. Has played from -8 goal with 10-yearold to 12 goal with 1 goal owner. Five star home essential. £12,000 (Lincolnshire). Tel: 07969 456214
Sink, hob and bed above cab. Water tank for washing down horses. Plenty of storage compartments. Very little used and drives lovely. Solid all rubber matting on top. Recent MOT. Any questions just ask. Viewing welcome near Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire. Call Anthony on 07794 246 257.
SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS
TB 15hh, 11-y-o, Powerhouse
Mare11 years old, a lovely forward going mare that has played up to 12 goal with current 1 goal owner. Great sides with a lot of power and pace, never loses a ride-off. Would suit a forward going amateur player or pro looking for more firepower mid-season. Ideally suited to playing four minutes and then coming back on later in the game. £12,000 (Lincolnshire). Tel: 07969 456214
Box Oakley Horse box. Day living, fridge, job, shower in horse area. Luton with bed. Horse area stalled for 6. Full length rug rack. Strong partitions. Aluminium floor with rubber matting over the top. Large exterior tack lockers. Ex police horse box, horse box from new. 137,000km recorded. Reg no. J757KRP. MoT till April 30th 2024. £8,500 ono. Tel: 07703 466958
14.3hh, 7-y-o Mare Seven-year-old mare, 14.3hh, fantastic sides, great mouth, good in a ride off, a beautiful temperament on the ground. Good to shoe clip, load and travel. Would suit player from -2-0 goal, woman or child. Has played 8 goal in the arena. An extremely easy type that you will travel the world to find the same. No time wasters and the right home is essential for this beautiful girl. £22,000. Tel: 07487 251252
Polo Bridle Sets Polo bridle sets which are new and they come with either a Pelham or gag bit and a martingale. The bridles are made from nice leather and are durable. The set includes headpiece, brow band, cheek pieces, 2x nose bands,2 pairs of reins and martingale. I have five sets available. £150 a set which is half their retail price. I can post out for £6 recorded or you can collect. I am based in Newmarket. Tel: 07793 203977
Knee
Ladies La Martina knee and elbow pads £300 and £50. Tel: 07952 933480
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
HAND
SANITISER
Hand sanitiser supplied at 80% ABV to WHO Formula
Can be picked up from Manchester or I can post at buyer’s expense. £250 WhatsApp: +923133133231
1. Available in 100ml (from £2), 200ml (from £4) or 5 litre (from £45) sizes.
Personalised labels available at extra cost.
Discounts & free delivery for bulk purchases.
Tel: 07969 456214
Unisex polo boots- used twice, perfect condition with exception of some minor surface scratches (see image). Collection from the Wirral or can be posted. £230. Tel: 07531 159800
Good condition 6’ chain harrow. Collection only (Reading) cash on collection. £550. Tel: 07765 290036
Zac Beim is one of British grassroots polo’s success stories, moving from the Pony Club through the levels to reach the high goal; in 2018, Zac played in The Cartier Queen’s Cup for La Bamba de Areco and in 2020 he played with Park Place Vaara in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Cowdray Gold Cup for the British Open. Zac has some of the UK’s top titles already under his belt, including The Archie David (2022 & 2021), The Duke of Wellington (2021) and The Phoenician Cup (2021)
What is your biggest passion and why?
My biggest passion would have to be the horses and the breeding. Seeing the horses progress from youngsters is amazing.
What is your all-time best polo memory?
It was amazing to play the high goal in 2020, but I would have to say playing for England last year against Ireland at Beaufort Polo Club in The Hurlingham 1875 International Test Match was an amazing experience.
Hardest opponent?
It’s a tough one but I would have to say Adolfo [Cambiaso] he’s unbelievable and impossible to get near on the field.
Which sports do you like outside of polo?
I played a lot of rugby, but at the moment I’m enjoying my golf a lot.
Favourite film and why?
Step Brothers because it makes me laugh every time I I watch it.
Favourite song/ album?
‘Know What I Mean’ by The Manor.
Favourite food/dish?
I love sushi – I can’t get enough of it.
What is your most prized possession?
My horses 100 per cent.
Favourite celebrity?
I would have to say Will Ferrell.
Best holiday destination & activity?
My favourite holiday destination is Sotogrande, it’s an amazing place and very fun.
Best pony and why?
My favourite pony would have to be my chestnut, Ellerston gelding called Scirocco, he took me from 1 to 4 goals in three seasons. He’s an older horse with a lot of experience, he’s got great power and the ability to get into every play.
Who were/are your favourite teammates?
First of all, I really enjoy playing with my dad and uncle when I can because they give me so much confidence. Two of my favourite teammates have to be Hilario Ulloa and Juan Britos, they were great to play with and are really good people. Another person I really enjoy playing with is Charlie Hanbury.
Favourite hobby outside of polo?
Favourite hobby would have to be playing rugby when I can.
Are you passionately superstitious?
I am yes, I always put my left boot on first and always have to play with a pair of white Nike socks.
One thing that would surprise us about you?
I am a good magician.
Describe yourself in three words? Passionate, determined, easy-going.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50 in the UK. Our mission at James’ Place is to stop men dying by suicide.
James' Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley following the tragic loss of their son, James Wentworth-Stanley, aged 21.
James’ Place is a place where men in suicidal crisis can access support, advice and help. Our centres in Liverpool and London provide a safe, therapeutic environment in which men are cared for, respected, and treated by professional therapists. Since we started delivering our intervention in August 2018, we have seen over 1,100 men in crisis.
We now need to expand our service to provide our life-saving, unique intervention nationally, treating 2000 men per year, by opening three further centres in England.
If you would like to help us in this aim and you are able to make a donation, please visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ or contact amy.swart@jamesplace.org.uk to learn more about the impact that you could make.
www.jamesplace.org.uk
