Polo Times March 2019 by Edit

Volume 24 • Issue 2 • March 2019 • £6.50

ST. MORITZ SNOW POLO Badrutt’s Palace Make History GOLD CUP GLORY Local Boys Reign Supreme LADIES BRITISH OPEN Warrior Women Conquer PLUS: USA Action, SUPA University Winter Nationals & Winter Victor Ludorum

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

March 2019

Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus 46

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 53

Advertising & Subscription Sales

54 55

Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

Cover Story: Ladies’ Arena British Open A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 Minutes With… Robyn Evans

Principal Design

Youth Polo

James Morgan

58 60

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

All Aspects of Youth Polo Cover Story: SUPA University Winter National Championships

Knowledge Subscriptions & Administration Assistant Rick Jones admin@polotimes.co.uk Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

24 News

Comment

6 14 16 18

Blakey, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger,

20 22

& ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

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

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Big Picture Player Profile: Ed Banner-Eve

Reports 29

KBIS Insurance, Lorna Edgar, Rebecca Bray, Rege Ludwig, Shane Borland, Stephen Biddlecombe,

Your Views & Social Media

Features

24 Contributors: Cymon Skinner Photography, David

All the Latest News Insurance - Are you protected FIP News

35 38 40 42 44

Cover Story: USA 20-26 Goal Round-Up Cover Story: St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup Cover Story: HPA National Club Championships 15 & 6 Goal Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy Cover Story: Winter Victor Ludorum Cover Story: Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup Bellevue Polo Cup

72 74

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Equipment Focus: Bits: Ported Bits & Drop Nosebands Polodoc: Polodoc Bag Vet Insight: Biosecurity with Infectious Respiratory Diseases Playing Tips: Understanding Polo Rules Better Shane Borland: From Filly to BPP Pt. 2

Sidelines 82 85

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

Polo Directory 93

What’s On in March?

Final Bell 95

Passions: Alfredo Bigatti

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Polo Times, March 2019

Cover photograph: Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Elchin Jamalli battle for possession in St. Moritz. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Polo Times, March 2019

Open Galactica Dies

In sad news, it was announced in early February by Facundo Pieres that his amazingly talented mare Open Galactica (2004-2019) passed away, apparently from a heart attack. She was his best mare for the past few years and received many Best Playing Pony Prizes at prestigious tournaments across the world including the 2013, 2014 & 2018 Queen’s Cup Finals, Sotogrande 2017 and Most Outstanding High Goal Pony at The Polo Awards in 2015.

Facundo Pieres’ top mare, Open Galactica, died in early February

Chestertons Polo in the Park

The dates of the 2019 Chestertons Polo in the Park have been announced. Between 7 – 9 June, Hurlingham Park will welcome the event for its 10th anniversary, with this year’s theme celebrating the ultimate summer celebration. Tickets are now on sale with a multitude of packages available.

Photograph courtesy of Sports Sphere

Following a meeting on 10 December between representatives of the HPA, the AAP and the English and Argentine Players’ Associations, a statement was released that confirmed the group’s immediate priorities with regard to the current visa restrictions. These were: • Secure an extension to the 2018 criteria allowing non-EEA grooms to work in the UK for the 2019 season The HPA have released updated news regarding the • Seek an agreement to allow visa situation non-EEA players with a valid visa for 15 goal and above to play 12 and 8 goal polo with their employers • Engage with the Home Office to develop an application process for appropriately qualified non-EEA polo players to work with clubs in the UK to coach and help to develop the game at grassroots level The group is pleased to announce that all those objectives have now been achieved, such that: • An extension to the 2018 criteria for non-EEA grooms in 2019 was granted in December • An agreement has been reached to allow, as a trial, non-EEA players with a valid visa for 15 goal and above to play 12 and 8 goal polo as well with their employers • The Home Office has agreed to discuss with the HPA the application process for nonEEA coaches when the criteria is reviewed in the summer David Woodd from the HPA commented, “Our continued engagement with the Home Office has delivered further progress to reduce the current restrictions in place for non-EEA players. The 8 and 12 goal tournaments are an important level of polo here in the UK and allowing non-EEA players to play with their patrons should encourage an increase in entries, create more opportunities for players and strengthen our sport at these levels.” Eduardo Novillo Astrada from the AAP commented, “I welcome the trial. Significant progress has been made in achieving our immediate priorities with regard to the current visa restrictions. These developments are an important step forward.”

Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography

Nick Hine, Publisher

UK Visa Update Photograph courtesy of Polo Times

With the international circuit in full swing, the March issue of Polo Times reflects this and is packed with polo news from the UK and around the globe, where it is great to see British players such as Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Nina Clarkin flying the flag. In the 2019 Snow Polo World Cup in St.Moritz, U.S. player Melissa Ganzi entered the history books, by being the first lady to win this prestigious tournament, playing under the colours of Badrutt’s Palace. Staying with the U.S., this year’s American season has been fascinating, with the USPA’s introduction of The Gauntlet of Polo offering a potential total $1,000,000 prize-money for winning the three tournaments that make up the US Triple Crown, plus their decision to lower the handicap level of these tournaments from 26 goal to 22 goal. In response to this handicap decrease, Marc and Melissa Ganzi with Bob Jornayvaz have created the World Polo League, played at 26 goal level in order to preserve the highest level of polo across the pond. Closer to home, the UK arena season is at full speed and has seen plenty of action with highlights including the Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal series played across the country, as well as The Arena Gold Cup and Ladies’ Arena British Open being played at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, which received strong local support. On a worrying note, the outbreak of Equine Influenza in British Horse Racing has been a worrying time for horse owners across the UK, and it has been a timely reminder to make sure all vaccinations are up to date. We understand that a directive will be issued shortly ahead of the outdoor season which will require all clubs to physically check the vaccinations of all ponies playing. Hopefully the outbreak has been caught early, vaccinations and boosters issued and Equine Influenza will not rear its ugly head in British polo. Read polo playing vet David Blakey’s piece on Equine Influenza in this issue of Polo Times. With Brexit the buzzword, there are serious concerns for what this will hold for not only the wider British economy but also the polo community, as concerns are being raised yet again over visas and the strength of British polo in the face of unchartered waters. However, it is rumoured, that the Home Office has at last realised that it has ‘bigger fish to fry’, with some indications being that there may be a glimmer of hope in the HO seemingly considering relaxing some of the previously imposed visa restrictions on our overseas polo friends.

News

The heart of London will once again welcome Chestertons Polo in the Park between 7 – 9 June this year

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News Sahara Warriors Defeat Garcha Hotel in India

Wellington’s International Polo Club will be hosting The 10th annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament presented by RSM US. The festivities will begin on Friday 5 April with The ‘GPL Polotini Presents WIGSTOCK!’ party, followed by polo matches, divot stomping and tailgates on Saturday 6 April. What’s more Land Rover Palm Beach have announced that for the third year they will be supporting the Gay Polo League as title sponsors. “This is the third year Land Rover Palm Beach has supported the International Gay Polo Tournament, and we are confident that 2019 will be the best year of them all for this event, especially considering it is the 10th anniversary. Our staff and customers have enjoyed the sport and festivities each year immensely, so it was a sure thing to return as the Title Sponsor. We can’t wait for the tournament, and are proud to be able to participate,” said Matt Adkins, General Manager of Land Rover Palm Beach.

In the Final of The Vodafone Sirmour Cup in early February, Sahara Warriors rode to victory against Garcha Hotel to secure the coveted title at Rambhag Polo Ground. The event, patronised by HH Rajmata Padmnini Devi of Jaipur, welcomed thousands of spectators. The match was a close-fought affair from the off, but as the sixth chukka came to a close, Sahara Warriors just clinched the title 10-9.

Market Harborough will be ablaze with Brazilian carnival joy on Saturday 20 July as the VO Polo Ball once again welcomes guests for a night of celebration. The evening will consist of colourful sounds, Bossa Novas, a delicious three course meal and Brazilian dancers. Tickets begin at £80 on a Club Table or tables of 10, and includes a reception cocktail, canapes, dinner and half a bottle of wine. For more information, please visit www.vopoloclub.com

Sahara Warriors lift The Vodafone Sirmour Cup

The Vodafone Sirmour Cup Final Teams: Garcha Hotels (14): Shamsheer Ali (6), Dhananjay Singh (0), Satinder Garcha (2) & Manuel F. Llorente (6) Sahara Warriors (14): Vandit Golecha (1), Salim Azmi (3), Siddhant Sharma (4) & Matt Perry (6)

Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup On Friday 15 February, royalty and guests gathered for the inaugural Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup in Dubai. The day saw two matches, with patrons’ teams first taking to the field. Salsabil Polo rode away victorious in the first match against Haafhd Polo, 4-3, which was then followed by the first ever 30 goal handicap match to take place in Dubai. The professionals’ match saw Erhaab Polo defeat Nashwan Polo 9-7. In between the matches, everyone was treated to Flamenco Andaluz, a beautiful performance by Team Z7 and the UAE National anthem was played by the Dubai Police Marching Band.

Photograph by Dmytra Tarasevych

VO Polo Ball

Photograph courtesy of LA Polo

Gay Polo League

The inaugural Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup day took place on Friday 15 February

The Patrons Match Teams: Haafhd Polo Team: Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Rashid Al Habtoor Amr Zedan, Khalaf Al Habtoor, Yousef Bin Desmal Habtoor Al Habtoor, Khalid Bin Drai & Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette Salsabil Polo Team: Sheika Alya Al Maktoum, Faris Al Yabhouni, Rashid Al Falahi, Mohammed Bin Drai, Amr Zedan, Habtoor Al Habtoor & Tommy Iriarte The Professionals Match Teams: Nashwan Polo: Alfredo Capella, Juan Griz Zavaleta, Rauli Laplacette & Matias Benoit Erhaab Polo: Facundo Sola, Alejandro Muzzio, Marcos Araya & Santiago Laborde

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News Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame

German Arena Championships

Photograph by Krystal Zaskey Photography

USPA Gold Cup Draw Daniel Gonzalez was awarded with the Living Hall of Fame Award

Ostsee Bad Sellin secured the 2019 German Arena Championship title

Bad Sellin took home the 2019 honours with a 29-16 final score. Maleitzke’s pony Top Model was named Best Playing Pony.

USPA Gold Cup Tournament Brackets: Bracket 1: Tonkawa, Aspen, Park Place & La Indiana Bracket 2: Stable Door, Coca Cola, Postage Stamp Farm & Las Monjitas Bracket 3: Iconica, Santa Clara, Equuleus & Cessna Bracket 4: Daily Racing Form, Old Hickory Bourbon, SD Farms & Pilot

Photograph ©United States Polo Association

On Friday 15 February, guests from the polo community gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner Gala in the USA. On the night, four prominent polo figures were recognised for their achievements: Daniel Gonzalez, Gerald Balding, Karlene Beal Garber, John. B Armstrong, plus polo horses Mr. Polo and Conover. Daniel Gonzalez who was selected as the Living Hall of Fame Award recipient commented, “For me, it is a great honour to be here because it is a part of something unbelievable. I am very happy to be inducted with all of the international polo legends. Not everyone has the chance to do that and I am very honoured.”

On Thursday 21 February, The USPA Gold Cup Draw Party was held at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The official draw determined the playing order for The USPA Gold Cup, the second stage of The Gauntlet of Polo, which began on Wednesday 27 February. All four C.V. Whitney Cup Semi Finalists were seeded into four different brackets and the remaining teams drew for tournament positions

Photograph courtesy of Patrick Maleitzke

In the Final of The German Arena Championships in Berlin in late January, the Ostsee Bad Sellin team, consisting of Mühlen resident Estelle Wagner and snow polo and arena polo stalwart Patrick Maleitzke, defeated a rival Dusseldorf team to clinch the Final. From the first chukka, the scoring was fast and intense, with the teams drawing 8-8 at the end of the first chukka. By half-time, a goal from Maleitzke ensured his team in orange were ahead 13-12, with all to play for, and the rest of the match continued in the same fashion. By the final bell, Maleitzke had put his team so far in front, there was little way back for the blue team, so Ostsee

USPA Gold Cup teams

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News Obituary Major Michael Quintin Fraser 1929 – 2019 At the peak of the space race, when the Soviet Union was a major threat and the Beatles were a hot new band invading American music, the United States had a semi-classified human space programme called the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL). First announced in December 1963, the programme’s public aim was to ascertain the ‘military usefulness’ of putting a human into space. Its real, classified aim however was to put a crewed surveillance satellite into orbit to spy on the Soviet Union. The Americans needed to survey the South Pacific Ocean for a base on which to locate rescue aircraft on a direct line from the launch centre in Vandenburgh California (later used for the Space Shuttle programme) and the only land mass on this direct path was the tiny Henderson Island in the Pitcairn group, which belonged to Britain. In July 1966, Captain Mike Fraser, an Army Officer in the Queen’s Own Hussars, on a posting to Fiji as the Military Intelligence Officer but on attachment to MI6 covering the Southern Pacific, was selected as the British representative for this secret NASA operation. He found himself boarding the USS Sunnyvale in Pearl Harbour to sail to this remote stretch of ocean. Mindful however not to miss an opportunity, the British government also gave him a secondary mission – to discover and observe as much as possible about the island’s flora and fauna, the only previous landing since its discovery by the Portuguese in 1606 having been by HMS Leander in 1937. The MOL was quickly superseded by the Apollo missions and became obsolete, but the information and observations he gained on the secondary objective were very useful to the Natural History Museum and other interested organisations for years to come. His earlier career in pure military terms, had been somewhat interrupted due to his outstanding talent as an all-round sportsman, but particularly his gifted skills as a horseman. As a measure of this horsemanship, he was one of very few people to excel in two equine disciplines simultaneously, representing Great Britain in polo as well as achieving Olympic selection in Three Day Eventing. On the polo ground, along with his numerous Regimental conquests when the Queen’s Own Hussars (and their predecessor Regiment the 7th Hussars) were almost omnipotent, as one of the Army’s top handicap players at 3 goals, he led a diplomatic polo mission to Iran in 1961, hosted by His Imperial Highness Prince Gholuam Reza, deputising for his father the Shah who was on a foreign State Visit. Three years later he represented the British Army on a tour to India in a team including Captain Lord Patrick Beresford, Major Ronnie Ferguson and Major Hugh Dawnay. Fraser served on the Executive Committee of the HPA in 1965 under the chairmanship of Viscount Cowdray. Concurrent amongst this polo, he almost realised Olympic success and certainly achieved national admiration and respect as a highly gifted and courageous Three Day Eventer; the Colonel in Chief of his Regiment, HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, had presented The Queen’s Own Hussars with her rather excitable yet undistinguished steeplechaser, Gipsy Love. Fraser, whose quiet riding and soft hands suited such a headstrong gelding, was tasked with transforming this impetuous mount into and eventer, which he did in remarkably short time. Thus, they soon found themselves selected for Olympic training for the Rome Games of 1960. Having completed most of the preparation under the watchful eye of the legendary Col VDS Williams, Fraser and Gipsy Love competed in the Olympic trials at Badminton in May 1960 where, on the cross country phase disaster struck as the horse snapped his martingale, smashing Fraser to the ground at

Polo Times, March 2019

full gallop. Concussed and with two broken bones in his left arm and a crack in his neck (unknown at the time), he remounted and finished the course with one hand. The following day in the show jumping phase, his left arm in plaster, he completed this pinnacle of eventing to finish in an admirable 7th position. Of the many plaudits, including those from Her Majesty, the report in the Daily Telegraph commented; “But of all the impressions I carried away from Badminton, the clearest is that of admiration for the visceral fortitude displayed by Capt. Fraser who, crippled by a shattering fall, completed the course in splendid time on the well-bred but very green Gipsy Love”. The Colonel of his Regiment, General Sir Ralph Younger, evidently a polo man wrote to him that evening; “I understand you put up and outstanding display of guts in completing the course on Gipsy Love after you had broken your wrist…..but I hope it does not spoil any part of your polo season.” This enduring equine love and influence had started early in his life in India, when his father, Lt Col Sir Denholm de Montalt Fraser KCVO, CSI, CIE brought up in the old cavalry routine, had put young Mike onto his first pony aged two in Kashmir. By the time he was eight he, along with his two elder brothers and guided by their 6 goal father, formed the Fraser polo team in Mysore and Bangalore. His father, by way of the Indian Army, had entered the Indian Political Service, himself rising to follow his own distinguished father Sir Stuart Fraser KCSI, CIE as Resident (Governor) of the princely States of Kashmir and Mysore. In a unique passage of British Indian history, the combined service of father and son ran concurrently for a decade and covered the last 63 years of British administration in India. Born in 1929 the youngest of three sons, Michael Quintin Fraser spent the first few years of his life in these privileged surroundings of the Indian Raj, which were the perfect playground in which to acquire his skills. After an intermittent prep school career hindered by WW2, Mike went on to Rugby, following his father, in 1944 a year late due to the war, where his natural sporting skills resulted in him being captain of Rackets, as well as in the 1st XI hockey team. Taking a different course from his two elder brothers who both went up to Worcester College Oxford, he then passed into RMS Sandhurst and was commissioned into the 7th Hussars in 1950, where his uncle, Lt Colonel T A Thornton was Colonel of the Regiment. His first posting was to the German frontier garrison of Luneburg – the British Cavalry Regiments in BOAR (British Army of the Rhine) found themselves involved with the hundreds of remaining German troop horses and Fraser’s acknowledged skills were immediately required. Point-to-pointing, polo and hunting, both in Germany and on leave back in the UK kept Fraser fully immersed. In 1954, the Regiment was sent to Hong Kong, where his energy in trying to establish post war Far Eastern polo were somewhat thwarted by the poor calibre of mules that were available. In 1956 his Regiment deployed to the Suez crisis. They stopped en route in Tripoli, where they were placed in Reserve. The Regiment was frustrated by the delay while world leaders argued and eventually come to their peaceful conclusion. It was during this contained period however, that he met his future wife Vivienne, who was on leave from England with her parents and whose father, a learned Cambridge man was Colonial Commissioner and Economic Advisor to King Idris and the government of Libya. They were married a year later. In the following two decades they were posted to Germany, Cyprus, Fiji and Hong Kong again, interspersed with postings in Britain. By then a Major, Fraser left the Army in 1973 and settled down in retirement to farm in Aberdeenshire where his kinsman hailed from and cousins resided. Always willing to inspire and teach others, he lent his equestrian experience to the Aberdeenshire Pony Club where he designed numerous courses and acted as senior instructor and Steward.

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News But the draw of full-time equitation was too powerful and four years later he found himself appointed as Director of the Royal Stables in Oman, where the new Sultan, who had recently deposed his aged father in a bloodless coup with the aid of some military collages from Sandhurst and with the backing of the British Government, wanted to emulate the repertoire of equine disciplines and Household Cavalry troops he had seen when in Britain. Fraser immediately found himself purchasing troop horses from India, polo ponies from Argentina, racehorses from Britain and syces (grooms) from Pakistan. He was instrumental in creating in a short period a highly efficient and successful Royal Stables where the inaugural International polo match, sponsored by Dunhill, saw Kent, Ellis and Clarkin against John & Eddie Horswell with local Omanis making up numbers. They were blessed by a visit from HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh while on their State Visit in 1978, but more importantly sanctified with the Sultan’s ability to beat his Gulf neighbours and rivals in equine competitions and more importantly in camel racing, the ultimate prize for these noble Bedouin descendants. He left Oman in 1983, spending some years renovating an old mill with some acres in rural France. As an accomplished

carpenter and craftsman – skills learned in India from his father’s large complement of staff – his abilities were perfectly employed in these bucolic ‘Maylesque’ few years. However, having fulfilled his ambition, he then returned to Scotland, this time to Perthshire where he spent the last 30 years of his life designing and creating his beloved garden and woods near Dunkeld. And still he was drawn back to the world of horses and his desire to help others in equine life, particularly the young. He coached and umpired generations of Pony Club youngsters at the Perth & Dundee Polo Club, where he himself had first played back in the 1970’s. His teams successfully competed at the Pony Club Championships at Cowdray Park in West Sussex for some years. He also stood as a Steward at the Blair Atholl Horse Trials for several years. Michael Fraser married Vivienne Pyke in 1957; they had two sons, the elder of whom Charles Fraser, is a former chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club and HPA Steward for 10 years, and two daughters. He died suddenly on 18 January 2019 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, his four children and six grandchildren.

British Beach Polo Championships 2019 The dates for the 2019 edition of The British Beach Polo Championships have been announced. Between Friday 12 and Saturday 13 July, thousands of spectators will congregate in Sandbanks, Dorset for the British beach polo event of the year. This year will also see the return of the Sand Scrum. Last year was the first time the five aside beach rugby had been played at the event, and it was so popular it will be returning for 2019! 2019 is set to welcome a plethora of teams, alongside world-class hospitality and parties. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sandpolo.com

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News

Importance of Suitable Insurance

Photograph courtesy of Polo Times

Suitable insurance is paramount to protect you and your business

Are You Protected? The importance of having suitable insurance in place Thinking about insurance is not something that anyone enjoys doing or that you want to spend a lot of time on, however, it is essential to make sure you have suitable cover in place to protect you and your business. If you are running a Polo Club, School or Yard you must consider all elements of your business and where risks can arise. You can start by assessing what liability cover you need, if you employ any staff whether on a full-time, part-time, casual or work experience basis you may be legally required to have Employers Liability insurance regardless of whether or not your staff are self-employed. This protects you against any claims for death or any injury or illness that a staff member may sustain while working for you. We all know that working with horses has its risks and that we must take all the necessary precautions to reduce the risks as much as possible but sometimes things do go wrong and if a staff member 14

Polo Times, March 2019

holds you liable for their injury you could end up significantly out of pocket. Even if you have no employees, Public Liability insurance is a must have. Claims here could arise from any number of situations where you are found to be negligent including ponies getting loose on the road and causing an accident, injury to clients during lessons or accidents to the public occurring at a polo match. It is not unheard of to see a public liability claim exceed £2,000,000 and without the correct cover in place you could find yourself personally having to fund the claim which may result in bankruptcy. Another area that you may want to look into is property insurance, if you walk around your yard and add up the value of all of your tack, equipment, feed etc. you will be surprised at how much it is all worth and that’s not even considering the value of the buildings. You should think about

‘what if’ situations such as what if all your tack was stolen or what if there was a fire, would you be able to afford to replace the tack so that your business could carry on? Both these situations are not something that we like to think about, but it is essential to consider these in case one day something does go wrong and you rely on the insurance you have in place to cover you and your business. If you would like to discuss any insurance needs please do not hesitate to contact KBIS, they will be happy to talk about your requirements. T: 0345 230 2323 | E: ask@kbis.co.uk W: www.kbis.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

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15/08/2017 14:18 15/08/2017 14:18

FIP News

FIP Update New President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, introduces himself and gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Polo was showcased at the BA Youth Olympic Games in 2018

To begin my tenure as President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), I am very pleased to have this occasion to access Polo Times readers and be able to communicate my ideas and plans for FIP over the next four years. From day one, we will focus on adapting our methods and practices to the new era and start generating new realities, to prepare ourselves for the ambitious projects that we plan to execute. I am very fortunate to have the assistance of the Executive Committee, that for the first time in FIP’s history is integrated by the CEOs of the AAP, HPA and USPA. All these members are very professional and experienced in the world of polo and I will also be supported by Swiss representative Piero Dillier and Guatemalan representative Francois Berger, who have done such great work in the past. FIP has confirmed that The XIII FIP European Championship will be held in Azerbaijan in September 2020, with eight European teams set to participate and for the first time the local organisers, The Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan Republic (ARAF) will provide the horses for all the teams. Our Zone D Director Peter Prendiville and Peter Abisheganaden have visited

The aim is to introduce polo to a new generation

Manila, in The Philippines, and are working with the local authorities as well as the polo community on the possibility of having polo as a participating sport in the South Asian Games to be held in The Philippines in November/December 2019. FIP will continue to accompany and promote the impressive growth of women’s polo around the world. In order to continue supporting this growth worldwide, the FIP Women’s International Polo Committee has been created, whose main objective is to lead the organisation of the First FIP World Ladies Polo Championship, which we are planning to carry out in 2020 in Argentina at Palermo, as FIP did in 1987 with the First World Polo Championship. The Women’s International Polo Committee is working on developing a world polo map of women’s polo in order to establish the handicap of the tournament. We will continue to support and will seek to generate more international children’s tournaments and clinics in order to promote our sport from the ground up, not only focusing on skills, but also human relations and fair play. In these tournaments and clinics, where international boys and girls will be welcomed to stay in the homes of

the local hosts, the main objective is not to compete but to generate lasting bonds of friendship and comradery. I was told the anecdote that Julian Mannix, 6 goal player, brother to high goal stalwart Fred, who recently played in The Argentine Open, got seriously involved with polo, after having participated in one of these international children’s tournament organised by FIP. I look forward to being able to generate more competition with more tournaments, incorporating and promoting all the different formats of our sport, such as mixed polo, snow polo, sand polo, indoor polo and grass. I will also continue searching for new game formats that reduce the number of horses needed, while promoting polo development models where people move more, and horses move less. It is also my aim to continue to work with the Associations and Federations worldwide to achieve the unification of the rules of the game, the handicaps and the umpiring. We will also continue working to reintroduce polo in both the Winter and Summer Olympics. For this to be accomplished we will continue making small steps, such as those made this year with the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games. It is an exciting four years to come!

Photography courtesy of FIP

FIP supports polo from the ground up

Polo Times, March 2019

FIP will work with players and associations worldwide

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We follow them to save you the scrolling: @stmoritz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What an amazing picture of @white_turf! Thanks for letting us have a glimpse into your archive, @ fotorutzstmoritz, this is a real treasure

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ASTONISHING AZERBAIJAN St. Moritz is the birthplace of snow polo and year upon year hosts its internationally acclaimed Snow Polo World Cup. However, it is not all about the polo, with the Karabakh riders from Azerbaijan performing their ‘Land of Fire’ extravaganza to open each day of the 2019 Snow Polo World Cup. 12 Karabakh stallions, alongside their riders had travelled from Azerbaijan for the event and performed death defying feats of equine excellence, with action-packed, exhilarating acrobatic, Cossack style riding. To finish off the traditional display, the Karabakh riders were accompanied by the Sarhadchi dance ensemble for a full Azeri experience. w Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Polo Times, March 2019

Feature

Player Profile

Ed Banner-Eve Outdoor Handicap: 3 Arena Handicap: 6 22 Goal Handicap: 2

Ed enjoyed an almost unbeaten summer season in 2018

d Banner-Eve has risen through the polo ranks at a remarkable pace. From his early years, playing his first tournament at the tender age of eight, to playing alongside his father David and brother Alec, his passion and determination is endless, not only for the sport, but for the family’s Club MHF Polo. Ed plays all forms of polo, from grass to sand to snow, but his true home this year has been in the arena, playing almost every single major tournament during the 2018-2019 season. We spoke to him as he packed up his boots at the end of a busy Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup.

Q: How has this season gone for you? A: This arena season has had its ups and downs, but overall I would look at it as a positive one. I have been selected for both internationals, one in Miami (The Townsend Cup at The International Polo Club Palm Beach) and the other at Hickstead (The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy), which is and was an immense experience and opportunity. After Jonny Good’s unbeaten outdoor season, it’s felt a bit hard not to be able to continue the winning streak with him, but fingers crossed next year we will win The Arena Gold Cup.

Q: How and why did you get into polo? A: I got into polo through my brother and father. I started riding at a mere three-yearsold and played my first polo tournament when I was eight. I have been highly addicted ever since!

Q: You have become more and more regular on the big tournament team sheets, what was the process to get here? A: After winning The Arena Gold Cup last year and having my handicap go up from 5 to 6, my career has been given a lot of

Polo Times, March 2019

exposure and light. I have also been working hard away from the field and I feel it’s true what they always say; the hard workers always prevail. Q: What has been your highlight this season? A: Playing for England in America was a big one for me. It was great to play at The International Polo Club Palm Beach and to meet so many more people in the polo world. Q: How do you prepare for a tournament? A: For arena I had to adapt quickly as I only had one week between the grass polo and arena polo seasons. I was stick and balling at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club every morning in order to get my eye in and get used to the larger orange ball. I also play chukkas five times a week and stop drinking during tournaments. www.polotimes.co.uk

Player Profile

Feature

Q: Do you have a favourite horse? A: In the arena I have a few, depending on the level – for the low goal it’s Wendy who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony in The 6 goal HPA National Club Championship Final [for more information about Wendy, please turn to the Pony Power pages].

Q: What has been your career highlight thus far? A: I think having an unbeaten season with Ojo Caliente in the 6 goal and being part of a two-pro team are my highlights at the moment. Although it was low goal, it still seems like a big achievement in my eyes. Q: Where should we look out for you this season? A: I’ll be playing at Guards, Cowdray and The Berkshire. I have upgraded my string again and will be looking to get some of my own teams into the bigger tournaments, like The Archie David and try to win! Q: Who would be in your ultimate polo team? A: I have always loved the way Hilario Ulloa plays – he’s just so physical and strong. So, Hilario Ulloa, Henry Porter, myself and my brother Alec.

Photograph by ©USPA/David Lominska

Q: Who could you not do all this without? A: I couldn’t do it without dad and brother – they always give me the advice I need, help with providing horses and moving them around.

Ed Banner-Eve played for Flannels England in The Townsend Cup International

Q: If you could change one thing in polo, what would it be? A: I would like the spectators to be able to hear the officials and players like you can in rugby. I think it would give the spectators a greater understanding of the sport and also help to eliminate any loop holes or misjudgement during play. Officials in polo have so much to do and think about compared to other sports – technology is so advanced nowadays... Why can’t we, the polo world, have a bit of it to make the game better?

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Ed with his beloved polo dog, Bear

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Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

USA 20-26 Goal Round-Up

Action Across the Pond World Polo League, Ylvisaker, Sterling Cup & C.V. Whitney Cup Finals

he US high goal season has always been popular within the polo community and is a logical next step after the Argentine high goal season winds down in December, with the first American high goal tournament, The Herbie Pennell Cup, culminating on 31 December 2018. However, this year’s high goal season got off to an unusual start with the USPA having previously announced that, due to a lack of teams willing to play at the highest, 26 goal, level, they would be dropping the handicap to 22 goal – in line with the UK. This meant a reduced number of team entries for the previously popular 20 goal series (Herbie Pennell Cup, Joe Barry Cup & Ylvisaker Cup), as many are instead deciding to enter teams into the 22 goal series – now named The Gauntlet of Polo – and with a staggering $1,000,000 in possible prize-money. The first of The Gauntlet of Polo Finals, The C.V. Whitney, was played on Sunday 24 February. Additionally, in response to the reduction to 22 goal, The World Polo League has been created by Marc and Melissa Ganzi, alongside Bob Jornayvaz, in order to “fill the 26 goal polo void and have everyone working together to make polo the best it can be while continuing to preserve the highest level of polo.” Despite the changes, there has been plenty of action across the pond, and this report aims to give readers a round-up of the 20-26 goal action so far.

The Sterling Cup Final

On Wednesday 6 February, Colorado made history after qualifying for its first Sterling Cup Final following a 13-10 victory over Casablanca in the Semi Final

stage. Colorado faced Valiente in the Final on Saturday 9 February, played at Grand Champions Polo Club. Going into the Final, both teams were undefeated, each with two

Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

wins under their belts and a pre-Final goal total of 23 for Valiente and 21 for Colorado. Colorado continued to make history, when on Saturday 9 February, it won its first major 20 goal tournament – The Sterling Cup. The win was also the team’s biggest tournament achievement in its two year history. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Colorado, as Valiente led 5-3 going into the second half and the fast-paced game saw the lead change five times in the second half. Cavanagh managed to tie the scores at 6-6 in the fifth chukka, only for this to be followed by a 30 yard penalty conversion by Zedda to nudge Valiente into the lead, 7-6. Colorado once again tied the scores at 7-7 and in the sixth they took the lead for the first time 8-7. However, defending champions Valiente weren’t ready to relinquish the title yet, and four minutes later, worldnumber-one Adolfo Cambiaso scored to once again tie the scores, 8-8. Despite the windy conditions, Colorado took the lead for the final time, as Cavanagh scored a penalty, and after that it was just a case of Colorado running down the clock without allowing Valiente back into the game. In front of a local crowd, Colorado secured a 9-8 win and overthrew defending champions, Valiente. It was the first time each of Colorado’s players had won The Sterling

Colorado defeated defending champions, Valiente, to secure The Sterling Cup

Polo Times, March 2019

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USA 20-26 Goal Round-Up

Reports

Cup, Rob Jornayvaz commented, “This is our biggest win. The team all kind of came together at the last minute”. Colorado’s Diego Cavanagh was named Most Valuable Player after scoring four of his team’s goals, including the winning goal, post-match Rob Jornayvaz commented on the winning goal, “To be honest he smoked it”. It went right in the centre. It went super high and just dropped right in the goal. I didn’t see who got a mallet on it, but it was already too late when it went in. Then it was just about running out the clock.” In recognition of the impressive equine talent during the tournament, three prizes were awarded; Moonshine played by Poroto Cambiaso in the third chukka was named Best Playing Pony for the Final, Festival a stallion played by Adolfo Cambiaso in the sixth chukka was chosen as Best Playing Pony of the tournament, Lufthanza played by Poroto Cambiaso in the fourth chukka and owned by La Dolfina was named American Polo Horse Association best registered horse of the game. Sterling Cup Final Teams: Colorado (20): Rob Jornayvaz (2), Santi Torres (6), Diego Cavanagh (9) & Nick Johnson (3) Valiente (20): Kian Hall (3), Robertito Zedda (4), Poroto Cambiaso (3) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) 13-year-old Poroto Cambiaso played alongside his father, Adolfo, for Valiente

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Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

USA 20-26 Goal Round-Up

Ylvisaker Cup Final

Photograph by ©David Lominska

The Ylvisaker Cup is the last of three tournaments to be played in the International Polo Club Palm Beach’s 20 goal series. Established in 2003, The Ylvisaker Cup is played annually as a tribute to William T. ‘Bill’ Ylvisaker, a polo pioneer who was responsible for developing the Wellington, Florida, area and creating Palm Beach Polo Club. Crowds gathered at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Sunday 10 February were treated to an exciting Final between Dutta Corp and Pilot. Dutta Corp were no doubt riding high after securing two 20 goal titles already this season, with The Herbie Pennell Cup and Joe Barry Cup already under their belts. However, Pilot were not a team to be underestimated with 10 goaler Facundo Pieres on their line-up and it was clear Dutta Corp needed to shut down Pilot’s set plays if they were to win the title – Timmy Dutta commented, “We lost a game against Pilot, but that was a learning curve for us and we figured out our mistakes and went to the drawing board to figure out how we could beat them.” Despite the build-up, the first chukka was goalless for both teams and finished 0-0, as Dutta Corp managed to shut down all of Pilot’s attempts on goal. At the start of the second chukka, Kris Kampsen opened the scoring for Dutta Corp, swiftly followed by a converted penalty from Facundo Pieres for Pilot, to which Dutta Corp replied with two penalty conversions of their own plus a powerful goal from Gringo Columbres. The goal scoring continued right up until the half-time whistle, with the scoreboard reading 6-3 in favour of Dutta Corp at half-time. Dutta Corp continued to dominate in the fourth chukka and effectively shut down Pieres’ attempts to get Pilot back into the game. Pieres did, however, manage to narrow the gap slightly to 8-5 with a penalty conversion going into the final chukka. Both teams launched themselves into the final chukka with all to play for – Pilot keen to notch up some more goals, whilst Dutta Corp were desperate to increase their lead. In the end, Dutta Corp managed to secure the win with an 11-7 score and with it the 2019 Ylvisaker Cup title. Dutta Corp’s Lucas Diaz Alberdi was named Most Valuable Player, he commented, “With Facundo running Pilot’s organisation we could not make any mistakes. The last game we played against them we missed two 40 yard penalties and a couple of goals, but today we were watching them and going to Pieres and Lucas James in every play. I think we had an amazing game.” Gringo Colombres’ pony Coquito received the honour of Best Playing Pony, having already been awarded the accolade earlier in the season in The Joe Barry Cup Final. Owned and ridden by Colombres in the second, fourth and half of the sixth chukkas, Coquito is a 10-year-old bay gelding from the Tomlinson breeding operation in England, sired by Vasco Mambo.

Dutta Corp’s Lucas Diaz Alberdi was named Most Valuable Player

Polo Times, March 2019

Ylvisaker Cup Final Teams: Dutta Corp (20): Kris Kampsen (6), Timmy Dutta (2), Lucas Diaz Alberdi (5) & Raúl ‘Gringo’ Colombres (7) Pilot (20): Curtis Pilot (0), Facundo Pieres (10), Lucas James (7) & Matias Gonzalez (3) www.polotimes.co.uk

C.V. Whitney Cup

On Thursday 21 February The C.V. Whitney Cup finalists were decided at International Polo Club, Palm Beach. Pilot were the first team to secure their place in Sunday’s Final after they defeated La Indiana 14-9. Las Monjitas was the second team to gain their place in the Final, following their 10-8 defeat of Cessna on Thursday. The C.V. Whitney Cup Final, the first Gauntlet of Polo Final, was played on Sunday 24 February at International Polo Club Palm Beach with Pilot dominating Las Monjitas with a final score of 13-6 and with it the $125,000 prize money. By capturing the first stage of The Gauntlet of Polo, Pilot are also now in with a chance to take home the $1,000,000 US Triple Crown prize money. Pilot came out strongly, effectively using the deadly duo of Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres, who both scored a goal apiece in the first chukka, and the brothers continued to play the two-man game they are famous for during the rest of the Final. The combination of accurate passing teamed with strong horsepower meant that Pilot led 5-3 at half-time. Although Pilot had shown their skill as a team, controlling possession throughout the first half, it was in the fourth chukka that they really began to storm ahead. As the Las Monjitas defence struggled to contain the attack, Pilot secured an impressive five goals in the fourth chukka, to no goals in reply from Las Monjitas. Two goals and two assists for both Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres left Las Monjitas searching for answers defensively. Hilario Ulloa received his second yellow

card in the chukka as his frustration boiled over, and to make matters worse he then rode onto the field before the two minute penalty was complete, resulting in a red card that forced him out of the game. Santiago Toccalino came on to replace the 10 goaler, but Pilot had built a large lead with the result all but confirmed with two chukkas to go. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Pilot, as they only managed to convert two out of seven field goal opportunities in the first half; but after some half-time pep talks, the team managed to bring this conversion rate up to an impressive seven out of seven in the second half. The statistics said it all, with Pilot converting 4/4 penalties and only committing five fouls, compared to 12 fouls from Las Monjitas. La Monjitas’ field goal conversion rate wasn’t any more convincing, with only one of their first 12 attempts at goal finding the posts. The Most Valuable Player was awarded to Pilot’s Matias Gonzalez, while the Best Playing Pony went to Facundo Pieres’ pony Open Pennsylvania. The second stage of the Gauntlet of Polo begins on Thursday 28 February with The USPA Gold Cup.

Reports

Photograph by ©David Lominska

USA 20-26 Goal Round-Up

C.V. Whitney Cup champions, Pilot

The C.V. Whitney Cup Final Teams: Pilot (22): Curtis Pilot (0), Facundo Pieres (10), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Matias Gonzalez (3) Las Monjitas (22): Hilario Ulloa (10), Francisco Elizalde (8), Camilo Bautista (0) & Matt Coppola (4)

20-26 Goal USA Schedule 20/02 – 03/03: WPL – The Founders Cup at Grand Champions & Valiente (26 goal) 24/02 – 24/03: GOP – USPA Gold Cup at IPC (22 goal) 01/03 – 16/03: GOP – John T. Oxley Memorial at Grand Champions (20 goal) 06/03 – 24/03: WPL – Palm Beach Open at Grand Champions & Valiente (26 goal) 27/03 – 14/04: WPL – Triple Crown of Polo at Grand Champions & Valiente (26 goal) 27/03 – 21/04: GOP – U.S. Open Polo Championship at IPC (22 goal)

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What about playing polo in Switzerland ?

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e ebsit dates! w r June 1-2: Zürich Championship Low Goal nts k ou Chec ourname k.ch June 21-22: Kensington Polo Trophy ore t opar for m ww.pol June 29-30: Zürich Championship Medium Goal w July 5-7: 20th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup August 31-sept 1: San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup september 7-8: Vecinos Cup

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Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019

Reports

The First Lady of Snow Polo T

Photography courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz: ©www.imagesofpolo.com & Kathrin Gralla-www.derrotedrache.de

he by-line of St. Moritz is ‘Top of the World’ and who can argue with that? As the birthplace of alpine sports, twice host of the Winter Olympics, home of the famous Cresta run and the pinnacle of winter chic it really is a truly remarkable destination. In addition to this already impressive list, every January the ‘Godfather of snow polo’, the enigmatic CEO Reto Gaudenzi welcomes the best players, along with record breaking crowds to the world’s oldest, biggest and most extravagant snow polo event – The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. An event that in its 35th year, is truly ‘Top of the Polo World’. To say this event is extraordinary is quite simply an understatement. No amount of hyperbole can even begin to describe what happens over three days on the frozen lake of St. Moritz in the heart of the Engadin Valley. St Moritz is truly the cradle of snow polo after the seemingly madcap idea of Reto Gaudenzi and Hanspeter Daunser, the then Tourism Director of St. Moritz, came up with the idea way back in 1983. From those early days the event has grown exponentially, with the infrastructure taking 40 men a total of 5,600 man hours to erect 2,600 tonnes of marquees, grandstands and hospitality to rival the best polo clubs in

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Three days of snow polo action see Melissa Ganzi make history as the first lady player to win this illustrious tournament the world. A mind-boggling 2,000 bottles of Perrier-Jouët champagne are uncorked, 115 litres of Royal Salute whiskey enjoyed, whilst 2,800 sushi rolls are served in the VIP marquee alone. The numbers don’t stop there – the event has over 150 staff catering to the 20,000 spectators and 200 members of the world’s press. As Official Media Partners, Polo Times correspondents were out in force reporting from the frozen lake on behalf of the event for translation globally in addition to our own media channels. Polo numbers are important too with 8, 9 and 10 goalers being regular participants to this event. 2019 was no exception as Juan Martín Nero, at 10 goals and fresh from his Argentine Open win with La Dolfina took to the ice, as did 8 goal powerhouse Alejandro Novillo Astrada. To add to the already awe inspiring spectacle, the crowds were entertained before polo each day by Azerbaijani Karabakh riders performing their truly breathtaking display ‘Land of Fire’ with the Karabakh mountain stallions in an exhilarating, acrobatic display, accompanied by the Sarhadchi dance ensemble complete with their flowing green robes and bejewelled headdresses.

Richenda Hine

reports from St. Moritz

Of course, it is not just about glitz, glamour and hospitality and as the four teams gathered on first day of the three day competition, enjoying warm weather and fantastic playing conditions, tensions were high as polo aficionados from around the globe agreed it was hard to call who would emerge victorious from this alpine polo bonanza. Azerbaijan Land of Fire, who had an exceptional year in 2018, were back to battle for the coveted trophy in the first match against 2017 and 2018 champions Cartier, who were keen to make it a hat trick this year with the addition of father/son duo Marc and Grant Ganzi in the number one and two shirts. However, Cartier’s dreams of an easy win were thwarted as Azerbaijan Land of Fire emerged victorious. Next up to show their form were Melissa Ganzi’s black shirted Badrutt’s Palace, keen to make a mark against the horsepower of Maserati. Max Charlton’s rise to 10 goals in the UK arena handicaps this season, teamed with Chris ‘The Prof ’ Hyde, seven-time

Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019

winner in St. Moritz, made Maserati a force to be reckoned with. However, Ganzi’s playing partnership with Alejandro Novillo Astrada, put up a good fight, but ultimately lost 6-5 after a dramatic battle of wills. The second day of competition saw Badrutt’s Palace take on Azerbaijan Land of Fire in a match that can only be described as one of the most unusual matches ever witnessed in St. Moritz. Let’s just leave the description as “thrills and spills” aplenty. Before the match, the flamboyant Thomas Winter replaced Isidro Strada due to illness, we saw Adrian Laplacette, the 6 goal cornerstone of the Azerbaijan line-up suffering a badly cut ear, and a tumble with a broken arm concern for Alejandro Novillo Astrada. After nearly 1½ hours of epic battle, Badrutt’s Palace emerged battered, bruised but ultimately victorious with a convincing final score of 7-3½ for The Maserati Cup. The sun was replaced with rather romantic flurries as Finals Day saw the culmination of three days of fierce snow polo. The first match of the day for the Subsidiary Final – The La Martina Cup – was between Cartier and Team Azerbaijan Land of Fire. Commentator extraordinaire, JanErik Franck ‘The Voice of Polo’ promised us that in polo, “Anything can happen”, and he was not wrong, as despite great play and teamwork, Cartier failed to score at all during the match, whilst their opponents found the posts three times to bring the final score to a surprising 5-0 defeat for Cartier at the hands of Team Azerbaijan Land of Fire. Despite his team’s loss, Juan Martín Nero was gracious in defeat, saying: “It is great to be back in St. Moritz. It is such a special tournament; the people, the snow, the great organisation. Everything is fantastic and I can’t wait until next time!”. And so to the big match of the event: The Final for The Cartier Trophy was a true snow polo epic as Melissa Ganzi’s Badrutt’s Palace faced up to the might of

1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

BADRUTT’S PALACE (16)

MASERATI (16)

Melissa Ganzi

(0)

Valery Mishchenko

(0)

Juan Bautista Peluso

(0)

Robert Strom

(5)

Alfredo Bigatti

(8)

Max Charlton

(6)

Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8)

Polo Times, March 2019

Chris Hyde (5) /substituted by Jack Hyde (4) in the Final www.polotimes.co.uk

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019

Reports

Tournament Action at a Glance

Friday 25 January The Royal Salute Trophy Azerbaijan Land of Fire defeated Cartier, 5½-5 The President’s Cup Maserati defeated Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, 6-5 Saturday 26 January The Maserati Cup Badrutt’s Palace Hotel defeated Azerbaijan Land of Fire, 7-3½ The Deutsche Bank Wealth Management Challenge Maserati defeated Cartier, 7½-6 Sunday 27 January La Martina Cup (Subsidiary Final) Azerbaijan Land of Fire defeated Cartier, 5-0 The Cartier Trophy (Final) Badrutt’s Palace Hotel defeated Maserati, 7-3

3RD PLACE

4TH PLACE

AZERBAIJAN LAND OF FIRE (14)

CARTIER (17)

Elchin Jamalli

(2)

Marc Ganzi

(2)

Agustin Kronhaus

(3)

Grant Ganzi

(3)

Adrian Laplacette Jr

(6)

Juan Martín Nero

(10)

Thomas Winter

(3)

Tito Gaudenzi

(2)

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Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019

Maserati. With all to play for, the question on everyone’s lips was, would Melissa Ganzi become the first female player to win The Snow Polo World Cup or would Chris Hyde secure his eighth title on the St. Moritz snow? The teams were equally matched in handicap and this was reflected as neither team found the posts for the first half of the initial chukka. However, the 8 goal might of Alejandro Novillo Astada soon swung into action putting two goals on the scoreboard in quick succession, so his team was in the lead 2-0 at the end of the first chukka. He was unstoppable, notching up goal after goal and neutralising the best efforts of the combative advances of the Brit duo of seven-time winner Chris Hyde and Max Charlton for Maserati. In a fast and furious game, it was action, controversy and rough play aplenty as the passion took hold and players battled each other for victory. Novillo Astrada was caught by Charlton’s stick and fell to the ground. Soon back up he was undaunted, coolly converting the resulting penalty at the beginning of the third chukka. The drama continued as Bigatti’s horse came down after a ride-off during a frenetic

Polo Times, March 2019

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019 had once again been a triumph at every level and a credit to Reto Gaudenzi and his team passage of play. ‘The Prof ’ Hyde was also soon off his horse, a nerve injury sustained in the previous day’s match flaring up, meaning he was unable to continue. Luckily there was more than one Hyde in St. Moritz, as his four goal son Jack put on his boots and came out competently in his father’s place, despite having never played on snow before. The start of the fourth chukka saw yet another goal from the goal scoring tsunami Novillo Astrada for Badrutt’s Palace and so the result seemed inevitable as the score was 7-3 with just minutes left on the clock. However, Charlton was not ready to give up and was firmly on the attack, resulting in Peluso being struck on the hand and falling to the ground in pain. Calls for a yellow or red card for Charlton for his continued aggression went unheeded by the umpires. Despite the

inevitability of defeat, Maserati remained on the offensive until the last seconds of play, but it was all too little too late, and history was made as Badrutt’s Palace secured the trophy for the first time in the history of the tournament. Nobody was more pleased than Badrutt’s Palace Team Captain Melissa Ganzi, who has made snow polo history twice – the first time back in 2016 when she became the first female player and Captain in St. Moritz and with her 2019 victory she is truly the ‘First Lady’ of snow polo being the first member of her sex to lift The Cartier Trophy. She was incandescent with delight, exclaiming, “It is an absolutely amazing feeling to be the first woman to win The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. I’m so happy and proud of my team – we had a great year. Our team has now won Aspen, Kitzbühel and St. Moritz, so perhaps next year it’s Cortina?” None of the thousands of spectators wanted the three days of thrilling polo action to end. The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019 had once again been a triumph at every level and a credit to Reto Gaudenzi and his team. The beautiful resort of St. Moritz had surpassed itself once more – alive with sun, hospitality and thrilling polo. Make a note now of The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2020 on 24, 25 & 26 January 2020!

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Reports FINA

25 27 JAN

BPP

JAN

Where: St. Moritz, Switzerland Pantera, played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada

MVP

Alejandro Novillo Astrada Alejandro Novillo Astrada was awarded the MVP aboard Pantera who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug

BPP

BEST PLAYING PATRON: Melissa Ganzi

Umpires: (two on the ice and one third man as in outdoor polo) Tim Keyte, Oli Ellis & Marcelo Garrahan

Melissa Ganzi has made history on the ice, she is the first woman to ever win the tournament, having been the first lady competitor back in 2016

Final Chukka Scores: 2–0, 3–2, 6–3, 7–3 to Badrutt’s Palace

CHF: 12,000,000 The estimated economic benefit to the St. Moritz region

CHF: 2,500,000

Official Timekeeper: Christian Dunkelberg

Commentator: ‘The Voice of Polo’ Jan-Erik Franck

Handicaps – Outdoor handicaps are used rather than arena handicaps. For example Max Charlton plays off 6 goals on snow but is 10 goals in the arena

TEN The highest handicapped player on the ice: Juan Martín Nero

2019 Tournament Budget

20,000 number of spectators over the three day event

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Polo Times, March 2019

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

Photograph by The Art of Polo

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Ed Banner-Eve in action

New Year Victories HPA National Club Championships continue

n Sunday 20 January, the crowds gathered on a glorious sunny winter’s day at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club to see the Finals of this years HPA National Club Championships 6 Goal and 15 Goal tournaments. For the 6 Goal Final, it was Louisa Watt’s Brown Rudnick team going up against RCBPC local side Cool Hooves Polo. Brown Rudnick, ably captained by young Ed Banner-Eve had a clean sheet of results in the run-up to the Final having won all their earlier stage matches. Cool Hooves Polo, made up of sisters Genevieve and Saskia Meadows accompanied by Nell Jacob made their way to the Final having only lost to Brown Rudnick in the earlier league stage of the tournament. This all-female combination had plenty of experience playing together with Saskia and Nell making it to last years’ Final together and previously having made it to the Final of The

www.polotimes.co.uk

Alex Jacob

reports from Berkshire

3 Goal HPA National Club Championships in 2015 alongside Genevieve. The first chukka was slow going with the Cool Hooves side struggling to find their rhythm, whilst Ed Banner-Eve rallied his team to make up the two goal handicap deficit and managed to even the scores at 4-4 by the end of the first chukka. Great support from team mate Ben Marsh gave Banner-Eve time and space on the ball. A few passes up to Louisa Watt also proved lucrative with Watt converting two goals in the first half. The second chukka went in the way of the

Cool Hooves Polo girls who through some great team play from Jacob and Genevieve on the ball, combined with Saskia working exceptionally hard on the marking of opposition Banner-Eve, saw them take a three goal lead going into half-time, 9-6. The second half was when the game started to really get going with BannerEve showing off his skills as the highest handicapped player of the match. The third chukka ended 12-11 in favour of Cool Hooves Polo, as they kept their cool, just holding onto their lead. The fourth chukka got underway, with the excitement mounting amongst the spectators. There was some very vocal support for both teams as Banner-Eve wowed the crowd with some aerial ball skills and quick goals, evening the scores and a long shot to goal scoring a lucky two-pointer to put his side in the lead for the first time in the match. Cool Hooves Polo were very unlucky with a number of penalty opportunities going unconverted just allowing Brown Rudnick to Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Photograph by Polo Times

The HPA New Year Club Nationals 6 Goal Final Teams: Brown Rudnick (6) Cool Hooves Polo (5) Louisa Watt (0) Genevieve Meadows (1) Ben Marsh (0) Saskia Meadows (2) Ed Banner-Eve (6) Nell Jacob (2)

Highest Scorer: Ed Banner-Eve (15)

BPP

Wendy, owned and played by Ed Banner-Eve

sneak in front in the last two minutes of play to clinch the win 17-14. Olly Hughes, Deputy Chairman of the HPA and Club Chairman Jamie Morrison were on hand to present the prizes. It was Saskia Meadows who deservedly collected The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player whilst Ed Banner-Eve’s 15-year-old Argentine mare Wendy was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. The Subsidiary Final, played on Saturday, saw Quintyn’s Polo defeat The Four Horsemen 17 – 14.

Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Polo Times, March 2019

Umpires: Marcus Hancock & Simon McDonald

The HPA National Club Championship 15 Goal Final The hotly anticipated 15 Goal Final was next in the arena with Regal Warriors going up against Casa La Vista Ibiza. There was a lot of talk amongst the crowd of the friendly Instagram ‘banter’ that had been going on the evening prior between the teams two top pros Max Charlton and Nacho Gonzalez. It was definitely going to be a fun, fast and furious Final with those players in the arena! Regal Warriors are a well-known force to be reckoned with, having earlier in the season won their third consecutive 12 Goal HPA Nationals title. Their score card was unblemished reaching the Final, despite a hard-fought attempt by Simon Arber’s 2017 and 2018 winning Four Quarters team in the Semi Finals, pushing them into extra time. Having suffered a nasty accident earlier in the tournament resulting in a broken femur, Josh Cork was replaced by Gaston Devrient for the remainder of the tournament. Casa La Vista Ibiza, Hilali Noordeen’s rebranded Sifani team, had new recruit in the form of Nacho Gonzalez to Captain the side, bringing a wealth of wisdom and experience to the RCBPC arena. Having had mixed results in the league stages, they found themselves in a penalty shootout to earn their place in the Semi Finals. The cool, calm and collected approach from Gonzalez and team mates Daniel Otamendi and Hilali Noordeen saw them proceed through to the Semi Finals where they defeated Tchogan 15-9, having suffered a

MVP Saskia Meadows

BPP

Twilight, owned and played by Max Charlton

loss to the very same team earlier in the tournament. As to be expected, both teams came out with fire in their bellies, wanting to take an early lead. It was Charlton who notched up a good lead early on with great support from his team in the form of Raph Singh and Gaston Devrient. The second chukka continued in similar fashion with Casa La Vista just not quite finding their form from earlier in the tournament, ensuring Regal Warriors led by six goals at half-time. The second half was much closer and saw Gonzalez and Charlton really going tit-for-tat, with the crowds wowed by both www.polotimes.co.uk

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

The HPA National Club Championship 15 Goal Final Teams Casa La Vista Ibiza (15) Regal Warriors (15) Hilali Noordeen (1) Raph Singh (2) Daniel Otamendi (6) Gaston Devrient (4) Nacho Gonzalez (8) Max Charlton (9)

Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

MVP Max Charlton

Highest Scorer: Max Charlton (14)

JAN

FINAL

20 JAN

players flair and character on the field of play. Despite Gonzalez’s best efforts, and great backing up from Otamendi, they only managed to close the deficit to four goals but Regal Warriors had got the better of them and the scoreboard read 20-16 in favour of the team in blue. The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player award was rightly awarded to Max

Umpires: Tim Bown & Howard Smith

Charlton for his outstanding performance throughout both the Final and the tournament as a whole. Twilight, owned & played by Max Charlton, who is no stranger to attending prize-givings, having only just won the same award just a few weeks earlier before Christmas for her performance in The HPA National Club Championships 12 Goal

Yellow Cards: Daniel Otamendi (1) Nacho Gonzalez (2) Max Charlton (1)

Final, and on many other occasions too, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. A truly outstanding pony! In the Subsidiary Final, Evgeny Chichvarkin’s Hedonsim Wines defeated Roger Carlsson’s FCT 21-16. Unfortunately, Carlsson was unable to make the game himself so a late substitution saw Hugo Singh step in for the match.

For more information about Wendy and Twilight, please turn to our Pony Power pages

Professional Farriery Services, Specialising in Polo and Competition Horses. - Hot Shoeing - Lightweight steel and aluminium shoes - Free lost shoe cover - Stud holes included Covering Berkshire, Tidworth & Beaufort areas

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Reports

Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy, Ash Farm Polo Club

Tenth Year’s the Charm Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy

Action from the Final

Sophie Morrison reports from Surrey

Polo Times, March 2019

Photography by Chloe Martin & Graham Morrison

n its 10th year, this tournament is a well-established and popular fixture in the arena polo calendar. Six teams had entered to play, but due to unforeseen circumstances one of them had to pull out, so the five remaining teams: HAC Saddle Club, Twelve Oaks, Windlebrook Farm, Goal Diggaz and Alegria/ J&R Polo, were left to play for the silver trophy and some wonderful prizes from Hurlingham 1875, Guards Polo Club, SATS Polo, The Polo Magazine and Polo Times. The first match took place on 9 February and saw Twelve Oaks play Windlebrook Farm in a fast, open and fun game with fantastic two-pointers scored by both teams. The teams were neck-and-neck for pretty much the whole game, then with less than a minute left on the clock, Windlebrook Farm scored. However, there were still a few seconds on the clock and a beautiful twopointer from Twelve Oaks secured them a place in the Final. With Twelve Oaks having already gained

Alegria/J&R Polo, The Paul Sweeney Memorial winners

their place in the Final, it was down to Goal Diggaz, HAC Saddle Club and Alegria/J&R Polo to play for the remaining spot as the weekend began. Saturday’s round-robin kicked-off with HAC Saddle Club against Goal Diggaz. It was a close-run game with both teams neckand-neck for the most part. A couple of unlucky penalties gave the game away and Goal Diggaz won by two goals. Next, Goal Diggaz faced Alegria/J&R Polo in another closely fought game which saw Alegria/J&R

Polo eventually winning. With everything still to play for, HAC Saddle Club returned to the arena this time to face Alegria/J&R Polo. Once again Alegria/J&R Polo were victorious, winning by one goal to take them through to Final. Ash Farm was as alive as ever and buzzing on Sunday for the Finals with friends, family and polo enthusiasts joining to watch the matches. Will Randal provided commentary, the wonderful Four Horseshoes were on site to supply drinks and a delicious www.polotimes.co.uk

Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy, Ash Farm Polo Club

BBQ added to the convivial atmosphere. The morning kicked off with the Subsidiary Final. First-up was the HAC Saddle Club team against Charley Howell’s Windlebrook Farm. An unlucky own goal in the opening minutes for HAC Saddle Club put Windlebrook Farm one goal ahead which is where they stayed across the two chukkas, winning 6-5. Mary Kelly’s Goal Diggaz played next against Windlebrook Farm, winning 9-5, with seven of the goals being scored by Kelly herself. HAC Saddle Club were up next, looking to make up for the marginal loss, they put up a tough fight with all team members scoring. They finished the game on a draw, and runners-up of the tournament. The Final saw another exciting game between Twelve Oaks and Alegria/J&R Polo. Twelve Oaks immediately took the lead with 4-3 in the first chukka, but Alegria /J&R Polo didn’t allow this to continue for long and came back extremely strong in the second and third chukkas scoring a whopping 11 goals. Twelve Oaks regained their mojo in the final chukka, but it wasn’t quite enough with the final score resting on 18-11 to Alegria/J&R Polo. Tatty Wooldridge was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours for her excellent marking skills, and for the second year running one of James Mann’s ponies, Pea, won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony award. www.polotimes.co.uk

The Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy Final Teams: Alegria/J&R Polo Tatiana Menshinna Riley Leake James Mann

(3) (0) (0) (3)

The 2019 Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy Finalists

Twelve Oaks Tatty Wooldridge Graham Wooldridge Charlotte Sweeney

(3) (0) (1) (2)

FINA

Will Randal

8 16

FEB

MVP

Reports

FEB

Where: Ash Farm Polo Club, Surrey

Tatty Wooldridge

BPP Pea, owned and played by James Mann For more information about Pea, please turn to our Pony Power pages Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

Winter Victor Ludorum Update

Conosco Conquer S Images of Polo Winter Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal

Photography by ÂŠwww.imagesofpolo.com

pectators gathered at the All England Polo Club, Hickstead for the 5-8 goal Images of Polo Victor Ludorum Final, sponsored by Images of Polo. Conosco had secured their place in the Final after narrowly defeating HB Lions 11-10 on Friday 8 February in very testing weather conditions. The following day, saw HB Lions make a comeback defeating Hickstead 12-7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however it was not enough to secure HB Lions a coveted place in the Final, and instead it was home team Hickstead who faced Conosco in the arena the following day. With free entry, promise of an exciting Final and a Sunday roast lunch being served in the afternoon, there was plenty to look forward to on Finals day for the spectators.

Conosco, winners of The Images of Polo Winter Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal Final

Conosco & Hickstead going head-to-head in the Final

Polo Times, March 2019

www.polotimes.co.uk

Winter Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

Top Scores for Taittinger RCBPC Winter Victor Ludorum

10 FEB

Seb Baker

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

MVP Ben Sim

BPP Gitana, played by Will Emerson

Where: All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Images of Polo Winter Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal Final Teams: Conosco (8) Hickstead (8) Finley Hyde (0) John Bunn (2) Jeremy Pemberton (2) Ben Sim (3) Will Emerson (6) Nino Maldonado (3) Chukka Scores: 3-2, 6-6, 12-10, 14-11 to Conosco Both sides were evenly matched, with all of the players giving 100 percent, however it was Will Emerson and Ben Sim who really shone throughout the match. Apart from one goal by Finley Hyde in the first chukka, all the goals for Conosco were scored by Emerson, including a two-pointer in the third chukka. Similarly, Hickstead had one main goal scorer – Ben Sim, besides a goal from John Bunn in the first chukka, all of Hickstead’s goals were scored by Sim, including a two-pointer in the second chukka, which levelled the scores 6-6, followed by another two-pointer in the third chukka. Therefore, it was no surprise when Sim was named as Most Valuable Player and Emerson’s pony Gitana was awarded Best Playing Pony honours. Emerson commented, “Gitana’s lovely! She came from Piki Diaz Alberdi’s breed”. After the match, players and spectators gathered in the Clubhouse, where the players were presented with a plethora of prizes from Images of Polo, British Polo Gin, ONA and Guards Polo Club. www.polotimes.co.uk

Taittinger, winners of 2019 RCBPC Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal

n Saturday 9 February, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club hosted the Final of The Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal. The February weather gods were in a good mood, as the rain abated and there was even the hint of sunshine during the match. The Final was played between Four Horsemen and 2018 finalists Taittinger. After losing out last-minute in an extra chukka in the 2018 Final, Taittinger were keen to take the top title. However, in the first chukka it was Four Horsemen who secured the advantage, scoring seven goals to just two from Taittinger. However, the second chukka saw Taittinger mount their comeback, scoring an impressive 10 goals to only two in reply from Four Horsemen. Taittinger continued to dominate the scoring after halftime, scoring a further 11 goals to just five from Four Horsemen, taking the final score to 23-14 in favour of Taittinger. At the presentations, Taittinger continued to succeed as George Cadogan received The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and Will Emerson’s Gitana being named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. To read more about Gitana, please turn to our Pony Power pages. Interestingly, Emerson also received the 2018 Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in the same Final for his pony Luna. RCBPC Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Final Teams: Four Horsemen Taittinger (8) Yaroslav Chichvarkin George Cadogan (1) Denis Antonov Will Newman (1) Jack Hyde Will Emerson (6)

(8) (1) (1) (6)

Chukka Scores: 2-7, 12-9,18-11, 23-14 to Taittinger Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Home Boys Secure Title Victory for local Prisk 528 team

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

s Saturday 23 February dawned, wall-to-wall sunshine, warm temperatures and the promise of a fantastic day of arena polo at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, had spectators in high spirits. Following the hotly contested Silver Cup Final, in which Casa La Vista Ibiza defeated Tchogan, local boys Prisk 528 took to the arena against one of the season’s strongest teams, Regal Warriors. In the weeks leading up to the Final, two out of the Regal Warriors trio had had their handicaps raised, firstly Gaston Devrient from 4 to 5 goals and arena high goal stalwart Max Charlton had become the youngest British 10 goal arena player in history. So, with the Regal Warriors total handicap now raised to 17 goals, Prisk 528 began their Parfums de Marly Arena

Polo Times, March 2019

Gold Cup battle with a huge 4 goal handicap advantage, one they were never willing to relinquish. Richard Blake-Thomas began the game’s scoring for Prisk 528, quickly extending their already hefty lead to 5-0, then 6-2, with goals from Max Charlton and Raph Singh in response. The goal scoring was quick and frenetic throughout the hour’s play. Royston Prisk came out into the arena having definitely had his Fruit and Fibre for breakfast, as he hooked 10 goal Charlton not once, nor twice, but three times on his way to goal, almost thwarting his attempt on goal, but just missing the all-important fourth and final hook in front of the posts. By the end of first chukka, the scores read 7-4 still in Prisk 528’s favour, with Regal Warriors hot on their heels. Charlton, playing all of

his 10 goals, began to break down the team plays from Blake-Thomas, Prisk and RCBPC Chairman Jamie Morrison in the second chukka. Regal Warriors' Gaston Devrient really came into his own in the second period, expertly turning the ball and riding rings around his opponents, but despite this excellent play, he just couldn’t convert the breaks into goals and despite small mistakes starting to surface, Prisk’s team still led 13-8 going into the half-time break. The third chukka was the complete antithesis of the first two, with considerably more whistle and stilted play, as tensions began to mount. Morrison, with a superb two-pointer, extended Prisk 528’s lead to 15-11, followed by another well placed goal to make it 16-11, putting much needed space between the two teams, and ultimately ending the third 17-12. www.polotimes.co.uk

Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

FINAL

12 23 FE

Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

FEB

Top Goal Scorer: Max Charlton

Prisk 528 (15) Royston Prisk (4) Richard Blake-Thomas (5) Jamie Morrison (6)

Regal Warriors (17) Raph Singh (2) Gaston Devrient (5) Max Charlton (10)

Chukka Scores: 7-4, 13-8, 17-12 & 20-18 to Prisk 528

Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography

The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup Final Teams:

Prisk 528 secure the 2019 Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup

BPP Jackie, owned and played by Jamie Morrison

Howard Smith & Nacho Gonzalez

It feels amazing. It is so nice to win it with my mates to be honest; that’s the best feeling. The tournament was pretty hard to this point. We lost the first game, Jamie got injured so we had to use a substitute for the second game, so we went into a four-way penalty shootout. We just won our place in the Final against a really tough side in the Semi Finals, so we were so happy to be here and to win it is the absolute best! Now for my longawaited honeymoon! Royston Prisk, Prisk 528 Captain

Silver Cup Final

MVP Richard Blake-Thomas

With the grandstand full to bursting, and the crowds cheering at the top of their lungs, the two teams burst into the fourth and final chukka. Charlton began proceedings with his trademark ball dribbling, circling the defensive line to score a 13th goal for Regal Warriors, but with four minutes left on the clock, Charlton missed a defended penalty. Aggressive play ensued and as the minutes ticked down, the possibility of Regal Warriors making up ground seemed like a pipe dream, despite a penalty one going in their favour in the closing minute. As Blake-Thomas secured another goal, worthy of his The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours later awarded, local boys Prisk 528 secured the 2019 Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup. Morrison’s pony Jackie was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. www.polotimes.co.uk

In the hotly anticipated Final of The Parfums de Marly Silver Cup, Hilali Noordeen’s recently renamed Casa La Vista Ibiza team ultimately battled to victory against Heiko Voelker’s Tchogan. It was a real battle of wills, but the seasoned Casa La Vista Ibiza side, sporting arena stalwart Nacho Gonzalez, overcame their opponents in blue 21-18. This match began an exciting day of polo at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club under glorious February sunshine. The Parfums de Marly Arena Silver Cup Teams: Tchogan (15) Heiko Voelker (2) Eden Ormerod (6) Sebastian Dawnay (7)

Casa La Vista Ibiza won The Parfums de Marly Silver Cup

Casa La Vista Ibiza Hilali Noordeen Daniel Otamendi Nacho Gonzalez

(15) (1) (5) (8)

read more about Polo Times Best Playing Pony Jackie, turn to our Pony Power Pages and for social To images, please turn to our Sidelines pages Polo Times, March 2019

Reports

Bellevue Polo Cup, Barbados Play was close and fierce throughout the Final

Balmy in Bellevue Teams draw in inaugural Bellevue Polo Cup

Photograph courtesy of Bellevue

s the weather took a turn for the ever-so wintery in the UK, a HACKETT Army team travelled to the sunnier climes of Barbados for the inaugural Bellevue Polo Cup, held in the heart of the island at Bellevue Plantation House and Polo Club, which saw them take on a local side of experienced players. The tournament has been designed to raise money for the Hurricane Irma cause and was held at the home of film producer Paul Astrom Andrews and his partner Sarah Jane Gaselee. Some may know Sarah as the daughter of famous jump jockey Nicholas Gaselee and bridesmaid to Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles at their wedding in 1981.

The teams were presented with their prizes in the Clubhouse

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On Valentine’s Day, the two teams had their first experience of each other’s playing style in a qualifier match which ended with the home team, Bellevue Barbados defeating the visitors 5-2 after four chukkas at the Holder’s Polo Field. But, despite the easy win for the home side, HACKETT Army were more than ready to reaffirm their strength in the final game on Saturday 16 February. As play commenced, the game looked comfortable for the home side, with Barbados holding possession throughout the first chukka, leading the scoreboard 4-1 against their British rivals. It was clear this match wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, moving into the second chukka, as HACKETT Army came back with a vengeance. Goals were scored tit-for-tat at both ends of the field. Amidst the goal scoring, fumbles were made, goal attempts failed, one even resulting in a collision with a goal post, but both teams rallied with British players Gaston Devrient and Captain Paddy Selfe riding like their lives depended on it, bringing HACKETT Army back into the game. After five chukkas and an extra 30 seconds ‘sudden death’ added onto regulation time, the scores were still tied at 7-7. Both teams tried their hardest to break the stalemate, but as the final bell sounded, all players agreed that the level scores were a worthy way to finish this new and exciting tournament. Bellevue Plantation House and Polo Club covers 60 acres of prime Barbados land with 10 luxurious suites in a unique 18th century setting. Guests can immerse themselves in this true Bajan oasis only five minutes from the beach, partaking in regular activities, such as yoga, nature trails and most importantly, polo tuition. Prices start at US$250 per night.

14 16

FINAL

FEB

Where: Bellevue Plantation House and Polo Club, Barbados The Bellevue Polo Cup Teams:

HACKETT Army Capt. Jess Wood Will Mawby Gaston Devrient Capt. Paddy Selfe

Bellevue Paul Andrews Rhys Odle Adam Deane Lucas Nicolao

Top Goal Scorers Rhys Odle (5) & Gaston Devrient (5)

www.polotimes.co.uk

• 11 SUITES • BAR • GYM • BREAKFAST AND DINNER SERVED EVERYDAY • ROOMS START AT US$250 A NIGHT

WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE TO IMPROVE THE HANDICAP AND TOP UP THE TAN?

FACILITIES: Private fields, ponies, pros and lovely, comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests in our beautiful 18th century Great House. Chef, barman and full staff to give you a unique experience.

TYPICAL DAY: Yoga, swim, breakfast, supervised stick and ball, beach, lunch, tactics, match in the afternoon, sunset Bellevue rum chukka punches and asados under the stars. With 365 days of tropical sunshine, miles of white beaches and warm Caribbean seas, wonderful restaurants, golf, fishing, diving and as much or little polo as you wish.

W W W. B ELLEV U EBAR BADOS .CO M B E S T K E P T S E C R E T S I N C E 173 5

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club Photograph courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Photograph by Dmytro Tarasevych & Khalil Ali

On Friday 8 February, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club hosted players and spectators alike for The Dubai Silver Cup Final. The action kicked off with Mahra vs Zedan for The Hildon Cup (Subsidiary Final), with Zedan taking an early 2½ goal lead over Mahra. Zedan maintained their lead all the way into the fifth chukka, but then Mahra made a comeback and took the lead 8½-8. As the fifth and final chukka wound down, both teams were eager to score the winning goal – in the end it was Zedan’s Rauli Laplacette who secured this and with it the win with a final score of 9-8½. The main event, The Dubai Silver Cup Final, certainly didn’t disappoint spectators, with both teams delivering a fast-paced performance. Although the first chukka finished with the scores tied 2-2, by half-time Ghantoot had managed to turn the game in their favour and held a 7-5 lead. Despite two goals from UAE Polo’s Tomás Panelo early in the fourth chukka, Ghantoot’s lead didn’t diminish as they managed to find the posts and maintained their advantage. Going into the final three minutes of the fifth chukka the scores were tied at 9-9, with both teams desperately trying to break the tie. In the end it was Alejandro Muzzio who scored the winning goal for UAE Polo. His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum led the prize-giving, with Martín Donovan named Most Valuable Player and El Overo Aries, played by Matias Benoit, awarded Best Playing Pony.

UAE Polo, winners of the 2019 Dubai Silver Cup

UAE Polo secured the second leg of The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

The Polo Masters Cup came to an end on Saturday 16 February with the Final between Bin Drai and UAE Polo. The Final took off with a fast lead for Bin Drai, with Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette scoring two goals for his team. The lead carried through to halftime as Bin Drai closed the second chukka ahead 6-3. UAE Polo came back in the third chukka with the Panelo brothers securing multiple goals to ultimately put the UAE Polo team in the victor’s spot 8½-7. Benjamin Panelo was named Most Valuable Player and Balada, ridden by ‘Lala’ Laplacette was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

The Dubai Silver Cup Final Teams: UAE Polo (18): HH Sheikha Maitha (0), Matias Benoit (6), Tomás Panelo (4) & Alejandro Muzzio (8) Ghantoot (18): Yousef Bin Dismal (0), César Crespo (4), Juan Gris Zavaleta (8) & Martín Donovan (6) The Polo Masters Cup Final Teams: UAE Polo (9): Habtoor Al Habtoor (1), Lukitas Monteverde (1), Tomás Panelo (4) & Benjamin Panelo (3) Bin Drai (10): Khalid Bin Drai (1), Mohamed Bin Drai (1), Ernesto F. Llorente (4) & Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette (4)

Empire Polo Club On Sunday 10 February, spectators at Empire Polo Club, California, were treated to two Finals with Lockton narrowly beating Ridgway Hemp 11-9 to claim the 8 goal Regional President’s Cup, while Hanalei Bay defeated Evergreen 8-4, taking home the 4 goal National Amateur’s Cup. Regional President’s Cup Final Teams: Lockton: Shane Rice, Nicolas Maciel, Tommy Costello & Jenny Benardoni Ridgway Hemp: Beau Staley, Meghan Gracida, Carlos Hernandez & Memo Gracida

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph by ©Jim Brember

National Amateur’s Cup Final Teams: Evergreen: Tom Sprung, Quinn Evans, Carlitos Galindo & Taylor Freeman Hanalei Bay: Krista Bonaguidi, Joe Coors, Ignacio Saracco & Luis Saracco

Regional President’s Cup winners, Lockton

Polo Times, March 2019

The Club has announced the date for their 125th Anniversary Ball. The date has been set as Saturday 29 June, with a 1920s glamour theme. Tickets are £125 which will include a champagne reception, dinner and silent auction plus music from the Chip Shop Boys. Please email info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk for more information or to secure your tickets. www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Barbados Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

The dust had barely settled after the Club’s Battle of the Sexes tournament, when The UNNA Canadian Tour got underway on Tuesday 5 February. Canada secured the first win of the tour, 5½-4 against Barbados. The action continued on Thursday 7 February at Apes Hill Polo Club with Barbados reversing Tuesday’s results with a 7-2 win against Canada. The Final was played at Holders Polo Field on Sunday 10 February which saw the visiting team, Canada, secure a 7-3 win against Barbados. UNNA Canadian Tour Teams: Barbados (4): Poppy Zive (-1), Luis Clerici (1), Lucas Nicolao (3) & Oliver Williams (1) Canada (4): Paul Knapp (-1), David Payne (1), Mike Egan (0) & Enrique Bauzada (4)

La Aguada Polo Club has announced the dates for the forthcoming 2019 autumn season. The dates are as follows: 18 – 23 March: La Aguada Ladies Cup (12-14) 18 – 23 March: La Aguada Autumn Cup (12-14) April: Argentine Amateur Championship (TBC)

‘Sapo’ Caset in action at The Lucchese 40 Goal Challenge

Future 10s Teams: US Polo Assn: Antonio Aguerre, Finn Secunda, Jack Whitman & Hope Arellano Port Mayaca Polo Club: Florencio Lanusse, Miki Novillo Astrada, Aiden Meeker & Milly Hine Lucchese 40 Goal Challenge Teams: Airstream: Nacho Novillo Astrada, Polito Pieres, Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset & Miguel Novillo Astrada. Pilot Catastrophe Services: Agustin Merlos, Mariano Aguerre, Hilario Ulloa & Facundo Pieres

Kihikihi International Day On Saturday 9 February, Kihikihi Polo Club, New Zealand, hosted an International Test Match between New Zealand and Argentina as part of the Kihikihi International Day. In 2018, the event was cancelled due to rain, and with the exception of Juan Martín Zubia, the Argentine team is the same as the 2018 line-up, with Genaro Ringa, Santiago Loza, Paco O’Dwyer and Matías Torres Zavaleta chosen to represent Argentina. “Whenever Argentina plays, be it anywhere in the world, it is an opportunity to promote polo as a whole,” commented Diego Braun, Argentine coach, “And if we want other teams to come to Argentina, we also have to travel over to them. We chose the same team as we had in 2018, when the match was suspended due to rain, to give the boys the chance to play and represent their country. It is also an advantage going to New Zealand with the same players, they already know some of the horses and they know the place.” On the day, over 3,500 spectators gathered for the event at Kihikihi Polo Club, which began with a New Zealand Colts match. The main event of the day saw New Zealand and Argentina battle it out, both teams put on a competitive display of fourman polo for the spectators gathered, but in the end Argentina ran out the winners with a

convincing 15-7 score to secure the win and The Rosebowl Trophy. Kihikihi International Day Test Match Teams: Fullerton AG Argentina (27): Genaro Ringa (7), Santiago Loza (7), Paco O’Dwyer (6) & Matías Torres Zavaleta (7) Piquet Hill New Zealand (24): Kit Brooks (5), Craig Wilson (6), Tom Hunt (6) & John Paul Clarkin (7)

TOURN

Copa Julio No 16/10 - 2 La Aguada - Cowdray Park New Zealand Colts Teams: 15/11 - 2 Team A (4): Lochie Watson (1), Aguada Dean Fullerton (2),La Oliver Parrott (1) - Guards & Ben Broughton (0) 26/11 Team B (3): Zane Browne (1), George Cronin (1), La (0)Aguada Cop Josh Diprose (1) & Ethan Wade 26/11 La Aguad 4/12 Photograph courtesy of International Polo New Zealand

La Aguada Polo Club

The Lucchese 40 Goal Challenge was played on Saturday 16 February at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Players and supporters alike turned out for the annual match which aims to raise funds for the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG) which provides financial support for seriously injured polo players and grooms. This year’s event raised an impressive $375,000. The day saw two matches played, the first was a junior, four chukka ‘Future 10s’ match which saw US Polo Assn beat Port Mayaca Polo Club, 4-3. Next-up it was the much anticipated Lucchese 40 Goal Challenge which saw four 10 goalers and four past 10 goalers make up the Airstream and Pilot Catastrophe Services teams. With close play between both teams, in the end it was Airstream who ran out the winners, 8-6. Former 10 goal player Mariano Aguerre commented, “Playing in the 40-Goal Challenge is a great opportunity to help others and I think that anybody in our situation would do the same thing to help out.”

Photograph by @Callie Clement/ Phelps Media Group

International Polo Club Palm Beach

Action from Apes Hill Polo Club

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Club Focus

Argentina defeated home side New Zealand at The Kihikihi International Day

Polo Times, March 2019

Only 45 minutes away from Buenos Aires, you will ﬁnd the best

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Grand Champions Polo Club The Limited Edition 12 Goal Series Final Teams: Newport (12): Gene Goldstein (1), Tomas Schwencke (2), Michel Dorignac (6) & Nick Manifold (3) Colorado (12): Rob Jornayvaz (2), Bautista Panelo (3), Nick Johnson (3) & Robertito Zedda (4) Sterling Cup Final Teams: Colorado (20): Rob Jornayvaz (2), Santi Torres (6), Diego Cavanagh (9) & Nick Johnson (3) Valiente (20): Kian Hall (3), Robertito Zedda (4), Poroto Cambiaso (3) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

The Newport team captured its first tournament title in two years on Sunday 3 February at Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida. Trailing by up to four goals in the first half, the team rallied to a 9-8 win against rivals Colorado in the Final of The Limited Edition 12 Goal Series. Michel Dorignac was named Most Valuable Player whilst Creciente, a nine-year-old bay mare, played by Robertito Zedda and owned by J5 Equestrian was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. On Monday 4 February, for the second consecutive year, Patagones captured The Aspen Valley Cup 8 Goal Final at Grand Champions Polo Club. Despite this tournament being the first time the team had played together, and with three teenagers in the line-up (Bollini 19, Avendano 18 & Dorignac 14-years-old) they managed to secure a 14-13 win over Altair Polo to take top spot in the tournament. Machitos Monserrat, played by Manifold in the third chukka, was selected Best Playing Pony and Santi Wulff was named Most Valuable Player, he commented, “It’s always nice to win this tournament. I think the key was this team beat us pretty good last time in the bracket. I thought we came more prepared and were ready this time. We adjusted a few things and the horses played really good.” On Wednesday 6 February, Colorado made history after qualifying for its first Sterling Cup Final following a 13-10 victory over Casablanca in the Semi Final stage. Colorado faced Valiente in the Final on Saturday 9 February. Going into the Final, both teams were undefeated, each with two wins under their belts and a goal total of 23 for Valiente and 21 for Colorado. Colorado continued to make history, when on Saturday 9 February, Colorado won its first major 20 goal tournament – The Sterling Cup. In front of a local crowd, Colorado rallied to secure a 9-8 and overthrow defending champions, Valiente. It was the first time each of Colorado’s players had won The Sterling Cup, Rob Jornayvaz commented, “This is our biggest win. The team all kind of came together at the last minute”. Colorado’s Diego Cavanagh was named Most Valuable Player after scoring four of his team’s goals, including the winning goal.

Newport won their first title in two years on Sunday 3 February

Photograph courtesy of Newport Polo Club

Newport Polo Club Newport Polo Club has announced that the Newport Music Festival will now be one of the beneficiaries of its 19th annual International Polo Charity Ball, this year themed Diamonds are Forever. The annual black-tie charity gala has become one of the social highlights of the summer season with over 400 guests due to attend on Friday 2 August, set to be held at Marble House mansion.

Tidworth Polo Club Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

Tidworth Polo Club will once again welcome spectators and players for the annual military extravaganza, Heroes Day, on 1 June 2019. Teams will be playing for The Duke of York Cup, The Heroes Cup (Para Polo) and The Women’s Charity Cup, with an abundance of exciting shops, refreshment stands and activities taking place throughout the day. Tickets begin at £5, with fundraising taking place throughout the day in support of Help for Heroes. For more information, please visit www.tidworthpolo.com In other news, on Sunday 17 February, Synergy defeated a tough Drybrook side 13-9 in the Seriously Cool Events Cup at Tidworth Polo Club.

Tidworth Polo Club will welcome teams and spectators for the annual Heroes Day on 1 June

Polo Times, March 2019

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Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068

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Specialists in groundcare & used equipment supply. Short, medium and long-term hire options available. For full listings and more equipment visit: www.greenheath.co.uk

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Beaufort Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Malaysian Polo

On Sunday 3 February, The B. Grimm Thai Polo Master came to an end at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club. The Thai Polo Master Final saw a rematch between Thai Open finalists, as La Familia and 22BR once again went headto-head. Despite the best efforts of 22BR, it was La Familia who again took to the winner’s podium, after securing the title with a score of 10-7½. Meanwhile, in the Subsidiary Final, home team Thai Polo secured a 7-6 win over Axus to take third place. Both The Thai Polo Open and Thai Polo La Familia secure the B. Grimm Thai Polo Master Master formed part of the Royal Malaysian Polo League which continues in August with three more tournaments. On Sunday 10 February, The Chinese New Year Cup came to an end with the Final between Macau and 22BR. Four 10 goal teams competed in this year’s tournament, but in the end it was Macau who secured a narrow victory with the final scores resting on 6-5½. Macau’s Cliff Punyanitya was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Vigil played by Claude Haberer was awarded Best Playing Pony honours. The match for third place saw a 7-7 tie between Axus and Thai Polo. B. Grimm Thai Polo Master Final Teams: La Familia (13): Imran Moiz (0), Shaik Reismann (2), Agustín Andrada (5) & Matías Vial (6) 22BR (12): William Zhao (0), Claude Haberer (0), Pedro Fernández Llorente (5) & Agustín García Grossi (7) B. Grimm Thai Polo Master Subsidiary Final Teams: Thai Polo (14): Caroline Link (0), Luciano Tattoni (0), Jacinto Crotto (7) & Facundo Fernández Llorente (7) Axus (14): Shilai Liu (1), Diego Gómez (4), Nicolás Pieroni (4) & Miguel Díaz (5) Chinese New Year Cup Final Teams: Macau (10): Agustín García Grossi (7), Damián Marcos (3), Gui Castro (0) & Cliff Punyanitya (0) 22BR (8): Pedro Fernández Llorente (5), Nacho Garrahan (3), Claude Haberer (0) & William Zhao (0)

Photograph courtesy of OKLEquestrian

Stewarton Polo Club OKLEquestrian held their inaugural Arena Polo Tournament on Sunday 10 February

OKLEquestrian Over the weekend of 9 – 10 February, OKLEquestrian held their inaugural Arena Polo Tournament. The aim of the tournament was not only for a bit of winter fun, but also to prepare for the forthcoming outdoor season. The overall winners were Beaufort Blue (Eleanor Matthews & Amy Nizolek), with Eleanor Matthews receiving Most Valuable Player award and Ponti, owned and played by Amy Nizolek, being named Best Playing Pony. 50

Polo Times, March 2019

With the spring on the horizon, Stewarton Polo Club has announced the dates for their upcoming tournaments. The dates are as follows: 2 March: Beginner’s Course Starts 2 March: Frostbite League 9 March: Frostbite League 23 – 27 March: Sotogrande Polo Holiday 30 – 31 March: Swansong Arena Tournament 1 – 2 June: Scottish Ladies Championships 3 – 4 August: Summer Tournament For more information, please contact the Club on info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club has announced their 2019 Dates for the Diary. The season will get underway in late April, but the high goal excitement will commence on Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 June with The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, for which tickets are now on sale. This will be followed by The Alzheimer’s Society Charity Polo Day on Friday 14 June and the Hunt Staff Benefit Society Charity Polo Day on Sunday 28 July. Following this the Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the annual Ball, date to be announced. To round off the season, the Forever Friends Charity Polo Day will take place on Sunday 1 September and the Hospitality Action Charity Polo Day on Sunday 15 September. For more information, please visit the Club’s website www.beaufortpoloclub.com

Guards Polo Club Guards Polo Club are currently recruiting a full-time Events Assistant to begin immediately. The candidate will report to the Events Manager and work closely with the Polo Office during the busy summer season, as well the Clubhouse caterers Mosimann’s. The Club is also looking for a temporary Ticket Office Co-Ordinator/Receptionist for the 2019 season. The role includes promoting and selling tickets and hospitality for all major events to both Club members and the wider public. If you are interested in either role, please send your CV and covering email to pam.manku@guardspoloclub.com highlighting the job you are applying for in the subject line.

The Guards Ladies’ Charity Day www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Windsor Polo Club is inviting members to the Official Shirt Presentation for the International on 4 April

Westcroft Park Polo Club On Sunday 10 February, Ojo Caliente faced Sifani in The Bolebrook Bowl Final at Westcroft Park Polo Club. The match had to be concluded after the third chukka due to adverse weather conditions, but it was enough time for Sifani to secure a 15-9 win. Jonny Good’s pony Zedan was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Nacho Gonzalez was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player. To read more about Zedan, please turn to our Pony Power pages. Bolebrook Bowl Final Teams: Ojo Caliente (15): Ana Escobedo (1), Ed Banner-Eve (6) & Jonny Good (8) Sifani (15): Hilali Noordeen (1), Daniel Otamendi (6) & Nacho Gonzalez (8)

In other news, Westcroft Park Polo Club have Australian-based Windsor Polo Club is announced their 2019 Summer Fixture list: inviting members to save the date on 4 April 20 April: 1st Summer Chukkas for the Official Shirt Presentation for the 4 – 5 May: Club Challenge Weekend (Open) upcoming International Test Match between 25 – 26 May: Summer Cup (4-6) Australia and Flannels England. Members 1 – 2 June: WIP Women’s League Weekend are invited to dinner in the Clubhouse to (Open) kick off the international weekend. For more 8 – 9 June: Westley Green Farm Cup (-2-2) information, please contact the Club on June: Chukka Lie Tournament info@windsorpoloclub.com.au Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout151– 16 3/3/10 10:10for Page 1

Bolebrook Bowl teams

Photograph courtesy of Windsor Polo Club

Windsor Polo Club

Club Focus

Sifani secured The Bolebrook Bowl with a 15-9 win against Ojo Caliente

(Cancer Research UK) (-2-0 & 4-8) 22 – 23 June: Club Challenge Weekend (Open) 29 – 30 June: Bolebrook Cup (-2-2) 6 – 14 July: Surrey Hills Summer Cup (0-2 & 4-8) 27 – 28 July: Windlesham Trophy (2-4) 3 – 4 August: Clubhouse Cup (4-6) 10 – 18 August: Westcroft Park Ladies Championships (4-6 & 8-12) 1 – 2 September: Club Challenge Weekend (Open) 7 – 8 September: Autumn Cup (-2-0 & 4-6)

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21 www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2019

Ladies’ Arena British Open

Women’s Polo

Supported by

Warrior Women Conquer

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Ladies’ Arena British Open

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

Regal Warriors secured the 2019 Ladies’ British Open

FINAL

19 23 FE

Regal Warriors Charlotte Christodoulou Genevieve Meadows Charlotte Sweeney

Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

FEB

MVP Genevieve Meadows

Simon McDonald & Howard Smith

BPP Jubilee, owned by Will Newman and played by Saskia Meadows

The Ladies’ British Arena Open Final Teams: Gliteratti Polo (4) Isabel Appen (-1) Saskia Meadows (2) Rosie Ross (3)

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Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography

This year’s Ladies’ Arena British Open was held on Saturday 23 February under the bluest skies and warmest conditions in recent memory and with the grandstands groaning under the weight of the extensive crowd, this year’s finalists, Glitterati Polo and Regal Warriors took to the arena. The play was fast and frenetic in the first chukka, with the teams matching each other’s plays and goal opportunities. Entering the second chukka the score reading 2-2, Genevieve Meadows really began to shine, expertly extracting the ball from tight situations and passing off to her nearby team mates, but the scoreboard continued to read an even score, as the ladies struggled to capitalise on their breaks and the chukka continued in the same ilk. At half-time, there was no obviously stronger team, with the scores resting on 4-4 going into the break. But, as if by magic as the third chukka commenced, Regal Warrior’s Charlotte Sweeney, ably assisted by Meadows and Captain Charlotte Christodoulou, considerably stepped up her pace scoring multiple goals to give her team the two goal lead needed to really break the goal scoring stalemate, 9-7. This renewed energy didn’t stop there, as Regal Warriors secured another six goals in the final chukka to only two in response from the might of Glitterati Polo’s Rosie Ross. So, as the final bell sounded, Regal Warriors secured their first title 15-9, to a roar from the assembled crowd. Regal Warrior’s number three, Charlotte Sweeney, said after the match, “This was a really tough match, but we could not have asked for a better result. The girls worked seriously hard throughout and in those third and fourth chukkas, we just shifted into a different gear. Thank you to the Glitterati Polo girls for a fantastic game and impressive Final!” Jubilee, owned by Will Newman and played by Saskia Meadows, was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony and Regal Warrior’s Genevieve Meadows was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours.

(4) (1) (1) (2)

Chukka Scores: 2-2, 4-4, 9-7 & 15-9 to Regal Warriors

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, March 2019

Women’s Polo

Supported by

International & Home

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. More than 12 tournaments each season. Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

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

On Saturday 16 February, Thai Polo & Equestrian Polo Club hosted their annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Final for the 11th year, which once again fundraised for The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer. The tournament is hosted by Thai Polo & Equestrian Club and was co-sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn which served as the official apparel sponsor, J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing commented, “We couldn’t be more honoured to participate in this wonderful event and collaborate with our partner, BVC International, to raise money and awareness for this incredibly important cause. Breast cancer touches all of our lives, and we’re committed, through our Pink Polo initiative, to doing everything we can to help find a cure.” Wednesday 13 February saw the tournament begin with 1003 Polo defeating San Eugenio, 5-4½; the action continued the following day with home team Thai Polo defeating La Familia, 8-5. The Semi Finals were played on Friday 15 February with Thai Polo vs Eugenio, 6-3½ and La Familia vs 1003 Polo, 6-8, which meant Thai Polo and 1003 Polo went head-to-head in the Final on Saturday 16 February. On the day, it was Thai Polo who secured the win 7-3, with Best Playing Pony Award going to Juana, played by Hazel Jackson-Gaona and owned by Thai Polo. In the Subsidiary Final La Familia defeated San Eugenio, 7-3½, with San Eugenio’s Morgan Van Overbroek being named Best Team Patron. Jackson-Gaona commented to Polo Times after the tournament, “The tournament was spectacular, the Finals day was incredible with a lot of people watching, show jumping, dog show, fashion show on horseback and all in aid of breast cancer. It was a really special tournament, the horses were phenomenal and we were lucky enough to bring the trophy home with two local players plus a lady from Malaysia. All in all, a really well organised tournament.”

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Thai Polo, winners of The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo

Thai Pink Polo Teams: Thai Polo (14): Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9), Caroline Link (2), Pornsupa Malapatthee (0) & Daryl Yeap San Eugenio (13): Eva Bruhl (6), Veronica Magnasco (4), Morgan Van Overbroek (1) & Steffi Von Pock (2) La Familia (14): Lía Salvo (9), Nurul Noorajala (1), Sonia Ping Couling (1) & Sofia Lorenzo (3) 1003 Polo (14): Clara Cassino (7), Paris Lou (0), Cara Brown Zavaleta (1) & Rebecca Walters (6)

The New Zealand team took the win against Australia in the Norris Ward McKinnon Ladies’ International at Cambridge Polo Club, New Zealand on Sunday 3 February. The international match was part of The Keyte Watson Memorial, which saw several matches from 22 to 0 goal played over 2 – 3 February. Norris Ward McKinnon Ladies’ International Teams: Australia (17): Indi Bennetto (5), Whitney Warren (4), Phillipa Fitz-Henry (4) & Alessia Russo (4) New Zealand (16): Missy Browne (5), Susie Hamilton (4), Harri McKelvie (4) & Laura Harris-Malone (3)

Battle of the Sexes

John Hardy secured the win in 2019

Photograph courtesy of Cambridge Polo Club NZ

On Sunday 3 February, the Final of The Diamonds International Battle of the Sexes was played at Holders Polo Club in Barbados. In the end it was the John Hardy men who secured a 7-4 win against the Diamonds International Barbados Ladies in the Final. Earlier in the day, Barbados UNNA defeated The Villages in the UNNA resort Villages Tour Final with a score of 4-2½.

New Zealand International women’s team line-up

Polo Times, March 2019

The Diamonds International Battle of the Sexes Final Teams: Diamonds International Barbados Ladies (5): Monique Archer (-1), Tiva Gross (2), Sarah Wiseman (2) & Rosie Ross (2) John Hardy (5): Paul Andrews (-1), Harry Manning (1), Salvador Duggan (2) & Pablo Crespin (3) For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

Norris Ward McKinnon Ladies’ International

Photograph courtesy of Robyn Evans

International & Home

Supported by

Women’s Polo

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. More than 12 tournaments each season.

also increased as with ladies’ polo I am a fundamental part of the team.

5 minutes with…

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Robyn Evans

How did your polo career start? I was introduced to Pony Club polo at the age of 11 through my best school friend Tilly and her family. I owned my first polo pony at 12 and began with Surtees and then Loriner levels. My first Club was the New Forest Polo Club, very close to home. Whilst throughout I have also been show jumping, I definitely feel most passionate about polo and there is something undeniably special about polo ponies.

Ladies’ handicap: 3 Mixed handicap: 0 Arena handicap: 1 Which lady players do you admire? Why? One of the lady players I admire the most would have to be Hazel Jackson-Gaona. She grew up playing at the same Club as I did, and she helped me improve my riding specifically for polo, which has really benefitted my playing. Hazel now being 10 goals in Argentina is the ultimate inspiration for ladies’ polo. What’s your favourite tournament/Club? Definitely Tidworth as I was made to feel incredibly welcome from the start and have had such fun there with a lovely bunch of people. My favourite tournament in 2018 was The Ladies Tournament at Black Bears where we won the 12 goal section. It’s a really friendly Club and the pitches are beautiful. PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

What’s your greatest achievement to date? Being asked to play for the Flannels England SUPA team and also being offered an HPA ladies’ scholarship to play in South Africa in March. I am beyond excited to have been given this opportunity! What’s your greatest ambition? My main ambition would be to have a career playing ladies’ polo professionally, as it is my passion, and to visit more incredible Polo Clubs around the world.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I love both, as they are exciting in different ways. Playing more ladies’ polo over the last two years has allowed me to learn to control the game better which has improved my polo tenfold. In addition, my confidence in my own ability and decision making has

On 27 January in the Final of The Minuty Ladies’ Tournament at RCBPC, Pink Power came up against Brown Rudnick, with sisters Alex and Nell Jacob facing each other on opposing sides. In the end, Pink Power rode out of the arena victorious 19-14 against their rivals, whilst in the Subsidiary Final, K-Law defeated Regal Warriors. The next phase of the WAPS was meant to be played at Westcroft Park over 2 – 3 February, however due to the snowy conditions the tournament had to Pink Power, winners of The Minuty Ladies’ Tournament be rescheduled, at the time of going to print, the new tournament date had not yet been confirmed. The Minuty Ladies’ Tournament Final Teams: Pink Power (3): Mandie Beitner (0), Kristy Otamendi (1) & Alex Jacob (2) Brown Rudnick (4): Louisa Watt (0), Saskia Meadows (2) & Nell Jacob (2)

Photograph courtesy of The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Women’s Arena Polo Series Continues

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I think there is room for improvement in pony welfare through the lower levels, particularly with regard to fitness of ponies, especially the older ones! If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? My sister used to play Pony Club polo when I started, and I would love for us to play on a team together again. Aside from that, my fantasy ladies’ team would have to be Hazel, myself, Nina Clarkin and Lía Salvo. 20/06/17 15:11 I

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? Without question my parents; my mum for grooming and driving for me in the early days of Pony Club polo and consequently allowing me to become addicted to the sport, and my dad for his continuous, unwavering support. For the last few years my groom Miguel, in addition to doing an incredible job looking after my horses, has been my friend, mentor and emotional punchbag. My parents are firm believers in following one’s dreams, so I hope to put this into practice once I have finished my university degree!

Women’s CAIH Dates

The Argentine Polo Association (AAP) have announced a date change for the inaugural CAIH Femenino. The 2019 date has now been confirmed as 18 – 21 April at Malagueño Polo Club, Córdoba.

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, March 2019

Women’s Polo

Supported by

International & Home

Mystery Creek NZ Women’s Open

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

From 17 – 21 January, All Manipur Polo Association hosted the fourth Women’s Polo International at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal, India. This year saw six teams compete from USA, Canada, Kenya, Argentina, India and Manipur. After several days of competitive action, it was Argentina and USA who made it into the Final on 21 January. The Final saw even scores throughout the match with each team replying goal for goal. This meant that by the end of the fourth chukka, the scores were tied at 7-7 and a penalty shootout was called to decide the winner. Catalina Ayerza, Elina Braun and Delfina Donovan found the target for Argentina, whereas the USA only managed one goal, meaning Argentina secured the win. This win saw mother-daughter duo of Fechi and Elina Braun win together for Argentina, with Elina Braun being named Most Valuable Player. 20/06/17 15:11 I

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Windsor Polo, 2018 winners of Mystery Creek NZ Women’s Open

Over 2 – 3 March, Mystery Creek Polo Club, New Zealand, will be hosting their annual NZ Women’s Open. There will be three sections 12-16 goal, 4-8 goal and 0-4 goal. This year’s tournament will be the first time two 10 goal players will participate in the tournament, with the Club welcoming Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Nina Clarkin.

Photograph by Kaylee Wroe Photography

US Women’s Open

2018 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship winners, Rocking P

The USPA has announced that eight teams will take part in this year’s U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. The preliminary games will be played at Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida, from Saturday 16 March with the Final played on Saturday 23 March at

Photograph courtesy of Pink Ribbon Ladies Polo Cup

Polo Times, March 2019

Argentina won the fourth annual Women’s Polo International

the International Polo Club Palm Beach. This year the tournament is sponsored by Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer foundation. U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Teams: BTA/The Villages (22): Maddie Grant (4), Paige McCabe (5), KC Kruger (7) & Courtney Asdourian Cabo Wabo (22): Ronnie Duke (2), Hope Arellano (5), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9) & Gillian Johnston (6) Cedar Croft Farms (19): Kylie Sheehan (4), Mia Bray (4), Tiamo Hudspeth (5) & Tiffany Busch (6) Crossfit El Cid (22): Malia Bryan (4), Cecelia Cochran (5), Tiva Gross (6) & Izzy Parsons (7) Grand Champions Polo Club (TBA): Melissa Ganzi (3), Delphina Figueras (TBA), TBA & TBA Hawaii Polo Life (21): Anja Jacobs (2), Pamela Flanagan (3), Mia Cambiaso (6) & Nina Clarkin (10) Icon Global (22): Mia Astrada (6), Olivia Uechtritz (3), Candelaria Fernandez-Araujo (8) & Clarissa Echezarreta (5) San Saba (22): Sarah Siegel-Magness (0), Dawn Jones (6), Lía Salvo (8) & Sarah Wiseman (8)

Pink Ribbon Ladies Polo Cup Pink Ribbon Ladies Polo Cup has been raising awareness across the polo globe

Photograph courtesy of All Manipur Polo Association

Photograph courtesy of Mystery Creek Polo Club

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Fourth Women’s International

cause, with pictures of ladies around the world supporting the cause on social media, including at January’s Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz!

Save the date for Pink Ribbon Ladies Polo Cup at Rhein Polo Club, Düsseldorf, on 29 – 30 June. The 10-12 goal charity event aims to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Organisers have already been spreading the word far and wide about their event and the For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

International & Home

Women’s Polo

Supported by

South Island Women’s Polo Tournament invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Photography courtesy of Amuri Polo Club

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Grade A winners, Douglas Spraying Agricultural Specialists

Grade B winners, Hilock Wines of Central Otago with sponsors Alyse McLellan & Dick Mclachlan

Over 2 – 3 February, Amuri Polo Club in Culverden, New Zealand, held the South Island’s first women’s tournament. The event raised funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation, with the sponsorship funds from the four main Grade A sponsors being donated to the Foundation. In the Grade A section, Douglas Spraying Agricultural Specialists Team secured the top spot (Ange Norrie, Bridget O’Sullivan, Skye Turner & Lottie Lamacraft) with British player

Lottie Lamacraft winning Most Valuable Player. Team Hilock Wines of Central Otago (Lucy Grigg, Sarah Kappelle, Sophie Yorke-Hadley, MacKenzie Brewin) were the winners of the Grade B section, with Lucy Grigg receiving the Most Valuable Player Award. Moonie, played by Lottie Lamacraft and owned by Pete Dormer was named Grade A Best Playing Pony, and the Grade B Best Playing Pony award went to Nina, played by Georgie Robson and owned by Dean Geddes. 20/06/17 15:11 I

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La Familia Marengo Secure Ladies International

Photograph by Malaysian Polo

Over the weekend of 22 – 23 February, international lady players travelled to Polo Escape in Pattaya, Thailand, owned by Robin Lourvanij, for The Ladies’ International Tournament. Three teams took part in the weekend’s tournament, with the play formatted into a round-robin. La Familia Marengo came out the winners on the first day so play commenced on Saturday with King Power taking on Polo Escape in two chukkas to ascertain who would go up against La Familia Marengo in the Final. King Power secured their spot against La Familia Marengo with a rollover score start of 3-2 from the previous day in the latter’s favour. Lía Salvo scored a goal in the first 30 seconds to make it 4-2 to La Familia Marengo. King Power came back with a quick goal and as the teams went into the final moments it was 4-4. The tournament winners were decided on goal difference in previous matches, so La Familia Marengo came out the overall winners. The Ladies International Teams: King Power (17): Kayley Smith (0), Ploy Bhinsaeng (3), Clara Cassino (7) & Sarah Wiseman (7) Polo Escape (12): Jane Ingleby (0), Alice Gipps (3), Robin Lourvanu (3), & Tiva Gross (6) La Familia Marengo (14): Datin Nurul Noorajala (0), Sonia Couling (1), Rebecca Walters (4) & Lía Salvo (9)

La Familia Marengo secured The Ladies International on goal difference

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Why not treat yourself or a friend to Polo Times? Call our friendly subscriptions team: 01452 730 770 or visit www.polotimes.co.uk All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, March 2019

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Winter Varsity Match

Photograph courtesy of SUPA

SUPA has confirmed the rescheduled dates for The SUPA Junior Championships. Following freezing temperatures in early February, the initial tournament was postponed. The SUPA Seniors National Championships will now take place on Sunday 3 March at Rugby Polo Club, whilst The SUPA Schools Girls National Championships will take place on Sunday 10 March at Black Bears Polo Club. For more information, please contact Gill Glimmerveen on gglimmerveen@heathfieldschool.net

SUPA has reorganised the postponed SUPA Junior Championships

Photograph courtesy of OUPC

SUPA Junior Championships Rescheduled

CUPC & OUPC members at the annual alumni dinner

On Friday 15 February Cambridge and Oxford University Polo Clubs faced each other in their annual Winter Varsity Match. The event saw two matches, the first match between the student teams was won by OUPC 9-8 and the second match was won by the OUPC alumni 11-4. However, CUPC took both Most Valuable Player honours with CUPC members Erik Rudicky and Francesca Smith being awarded. In the evening, both Clubs came together for their alumni dinner at Queen’s Club. Winter Varsity Student Match Teams: CUPC Student Team: Erik Rudicky, Eleanor Neyroud & Charlie Hamilton OUPC Student Team: James Coates, Freddie Schrager & Tamara Gibbons Winter Varsity Alumni Match Teams: CUPC Alumni Team: Francesca Smith, Nikolaus Roessner & Max Kirchhoff OUPC Alumni Team: Hilali Noordeen, Amir Farman-Farma & Alexander Plitz

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

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo Action from the outdoor arena

SUPA On the rise SUPA breaks records again

Polo Times, March 2019

Each year the biggest university tournament in the polo calendar, sponsored as ever by RJ Polo, brings students from far and wide to celebrate and revel in all things polo. This year saw the highest number of entries ever recorded, with over 190 teams, near on 700 students and 30 universities representing the 25 divisions, and what a competition it was! Throughout four days of action, in weather from all four seasons, teams across the board competed for their coveted trophies. The University of Warwick came out overall winners, securing four league titles: Beginner 3a, Beginner B2, Novice 2b and Novice 3a, but with so many students taking part the real winner was SUPA, who has seen a remarkable increase in entries over the past year. For Youth polo dates, please turn to our Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On pages

SUPA National Universities Winter Arena Championships

Youth

1 0 7 B FE

FEB

Universities enterd Where: Rugby Polo Club

Photography by Emmpix

700 Students entered

Record breaking numbers of students attended this year

MVP

BPP

MIP

Francis Douglas-Lamb

Alex Bartlam

Pooh Bear, owned by Conroy Polo

BPP Clover, owned by Glynn Henderson

To read more Pooh Bear, please turn to our Pony Power pages Rebecca Bray, University of Winchester “Storm Erik wasn’t stopping anyone over the 2019 University SUPA and SAPA tournament weekend with an outstanding number of teams attending this year, it was bound to be jam-packed. Over 190 teams playing over the course of four days meant the heat was on despite the cold weather at Rugby Polo Club. “Starting matches at 9.30am each morning, players arose and made their way to the Club grounds to start their day. The endless rush of ponies, riders and trainers heading in and out of the arenas filled the day with endless chatter. “The outdoor and indoor arenas were just filled to bursting, filtering in and out the Beginners, Novices, Intermediates and SAPA teams, all with one thing on their mind – victory. With lights filtering into the arena during the later hours of the day we still enjoyed watching the players try their hardest at the sport they love despite the dark evenings. Ending the third day on a win in the exhibition match, the Rob all Roy’s Blue Team, consisting of Robin Ormerod, Karl Ude Martinez and Tarek A El Ahmar, beat the Red Team, of

Alec Banner-Eve, Jeremy Pigeon and Sam Banks/James Glew by two goals, 13-11, once and for all proving who the top polo players at SUPA are, bringing the Saturday evening to a close for the horses and trainers. “However, Saturday night wasn’t over completely for the players as the weekend was certainly not all riding and walking in muddy boots and thick coats. The University teams joined together for an evening of music and laughter at the players’ party on Saturday evening. Dressing up in fancy dress, there was a mix of bumblebees, hippies and Hawaiian shirts dancing around the floor until the early morning, but that didn’t stop them from attending their morning chukkas with fervour the next day. “Ending the week on a high note, we witnessed some of the top players join together for the awards presentation. Each winner of their division smiled for a photo and was presented with their trophy by Thom Bell, SUPA Committee member, Steward and Coach. The feeling you gathered from the week was one of excitement and awe, as all teams played exceptionally well and supported each other in and out of the arenas when gathering horses and cheering on team mates from the sidelines. One thing’s for sure, we can’t wait to see the crowds of people swarm at the Summer SUPA Nationals to enjoy another season of polo.”

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

Polo Times, March 2019

Youth

National Universities Winter Arena Championships

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Winners

Beginner 1 1st – Exeter Marmite 2nd – Toto (St. Andrews) 3rd – Nottingham

Beginner 2 1st – Warwick B2 2nd – Nottingham B2 3rd – Cambridge B2

Beginner 3a 1st – Warwick B3a 2nd – Loughborough B3 3rd – Exeter Hexi

Beginner 3b 1st – Birmingham B3a 2nd – Cambridge B3 3rd – Exeter Claudia

Beginner 4a 1st – Exeter Luna 2nd – Surrey Blue 3rd – Regents

Beginner 4b 1st – Leeds Hippogriffs 2nd – Brighton Tigers 3rd – RVC B4

Combined Beginner 1st – Bristol/Cardiff/Harper Adams 2nd – Birmingham/Aberdeen 3rd – Portsmouth Snakebite

Median a 1st – Harper Adams M2 2nd – RVC Med B 3rd – Winchester

Median b 1st – Brighton Panthers 2nd – Oxford Brookes 3rd – Harper Adams M1

Combined Median 1st – Cardiff 2nd – UEA/Essex 3rd – London/Stirling

Novice 1 1st – Adventurers (St. Andrews) 2nd – Warwick 3rd – Regents

Novice 2a 1st – Liverpool N2 2nd – Surrey Stags 3rd – Liliputians (St. Andrews)

Polo Times, March 2019

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

National Universities Winter Arena Championships

Youth

Medium SAPA 1st – Bore Off, 2nd – Magic Mike XXL, 3rd – Uno Mas

Novice 2b 1st – Warwick N2 2nd – Exeter Gamble 3rd – Harper Full Send

Novice 3a 1st – Warwick N3 2nd – Exeter MonoMora 3rd – Oxford

Novice 3b 1st – Exeter Sobrana 2nd – Birmingham N3 3rd – Stirling N3

Novice 4 1st – RAU 1 2nd – Birmingham N4 3rd – Warwick N4

Combined Novice 1st – Stirling Combined 2nd – UWE/RAU 3rd – UEA/Kent

Lower Intermediate 1st – Edinburgh 2nd – Warwick LI 3rd – Durham Degenerates

Combined Lower Intermediate 1st – Stirling/Cambridge 2nd – Cambridge/London 3rd – Neigh Slayers

Upper Intermediate 1st – Oxford 2nd – Nottingham UI 3rd – Cardiff Dragons

Combined Upper Intermediate 1st – London Combined 2nd – Mayo-Neighs 3rd – UWE/Exeter

Open 1st – Cunning Stunts 2nd – Bristol/UWE 3rd – York Raiders

Lower SAPA 1st – Norwick 2nd – Indecisive 3rd – Knight Riders

Upper SAPA 1st – Dawson Group 2nd – Grunty Oaks 3rd – Hampshire Polo School

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

Polo Times, March 2019

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04/12/2015 14:58

Pony Power

Knowledge

Twiglett Height: 15.2hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Niall Donnelly Tournament: Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal at Druids Lodge Polo Club

Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She is an Irish Thoroughbred. How long have you had her? We bought her straight off the track from Ireland as a three-year-old. Tell us about her background? As far as we know, she raced a couple of times in Ireland, but wasn’t fast enough. She then came to me to start her new career! What are her strengths? She’s very quick! But has a great stop and never gets strong. She’s also a really lovely, easy horse to have on the yard. Definitely the grooms’ favourite! How has she gone this season? This is her first season playing arena. She’s been a great addition to my arena string, and

definitely helped us with both The Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Finals at both Westcroft and Druids Lodge. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first one! What are your plans for her in the future? She will play all the 8, 12 and 15 goal I have

at Cowdray this year. With possibly the view to sell her at the end of the year. Does she have any special quirks? She adores my son, Rory. She gently takes treats off him and allows him to sit on her in her stable. Rory is often found hanging out with Twiglett. Describe her in three words. Legs like Bambi!

Pantera Height: 15.3hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: Fernando Gomez Played by: Alejandro Novilla Astrada Tournament: The 35th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019 Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Where is she from/breeding? She is an Argentinian bred polo pony. How long have you had her? Two years. What are her strengths? She starts fast and turns even faster, and seems to love the snow. How has she gone this season? She had a very good summer season, a nice break and then is midway through a fantastic winter season. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won the Best Playing Pony honours at The 17th Bendura Bank

Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel in early January and that’s it, as far as we’re aware. What are your plans for her in the future? She is having a break now and will come into training in April to get her ready for the 2019 summer season.

Does she have any special quirks? She hates being alone and will run over you to get to her friends. Describe her in three words. Fast, easy, sound.

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Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

Pony Power

Gitana Height: 15hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Will Emerson Tournament: Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She was bred and made by Piki Alberdi. Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

How long have you had her? Three years. I bought her from Oscar Mancini. What are her strengths? She is very strong in the ride-off and quick on her feet to get around the arena. She gets you to a lot of plays and usually helps you win them. How has she gone this season? She has been consistently brilliant since I started playing her early January – she definitely stands out. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She once won a Best Playing Pony award at The Berkshire and at Hickstead in the same weekend. Sadly

for her, I don’t play her enough in the bigger tournaments on grass to give her a chance to shine and win any individual prizes. What are your plans for her in the future? She will play some low goal tournaments with me this summer, at 6 and 8 goal levels, and hopefully I get to play some arena again next winter, and then she

will play again in January and February. She has really taken to the arena! Does she have any special quirks? She likes to try and eat blackberries in the fields in late summer. Describe her in three words. Tough little bicycle.

Wendy Height: 14.3hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Liver Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: The Banner-Eve family Played by: Ed Banner-Eve Tournament: The HPA National Club Championship 6 goal at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Where is she from/breeding? Argentina – we got her from a stock farm in the North when she was three-years-old. How long have you had her? She’s been in our family about 14 years now. What are her strengths? Quick and sharp turns – she’ll turn at a gallop for you and pirouettes beautifully. How has she gone this season? In the 6 and 10 she is my best pony and plays her best in bigger arenas. With the new rules, with no negative play, we struggle to use her to her best abilities and so she finds it difficult against the big thumping Thoroughbreds, but that’s what the game is now. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, but outside and that was a

Polo Times, March 2019

while ago. For us she should have won it last year in The Arena Gold Cup, but that wasn’t to be. What are your plans for her in the future? She will continue playing under myself and my dad (David), but this year I think is her last year playing anything higher than 8 goal in the arena.

on walks around the old race track at The Berkshire without a lead rope and she walks alongside. Also, whenever she’s ridden, she will never walk, always having a bounce in her step. Describe her in three words. Fun, loyal, beautiful.

Does she have any special quirks? Yes. She loves humans! We take her out

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Trinidad

Pony Power

Knowledge

Height: 15hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: Stuart Craig Played by: Kirsty McBride Cup at Tournament: The Ladies Nations Club The Royal County of Berkshire Polo

Twilight is an

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She English Thoroughbred.

Twilight has once again won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in The HPA National Club Championship 15 Goal Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club She last won at The HPA National Club Championships 12 Goal in December.

have had How long have you had her? We her for four years.

We bought Tell us about her background? her from Austin Clark four-years-ago. so quick What are her strengths? She is can even and agile. She moves before you preempt it and loves riding off.

She has How has she gone this season? ! gone really well and it’s only the beginning Has she won any other Best Playing us. Pony Awards? This is her first with

like a her, she puts her ears back and grunts bite you. It camel, but she would never kick or her up! is a shock though when you first tack

the What are your plans for her in Polo Club future? We will keep her at Blueys and keep playing her.

Describe her in three words. Ginger pocket rocket.

Her Does she have any special quirks? touch nickname is Camel, as whenever you

Twilight

Knowledge

Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned and played by Max Charlton Tournament: HPA National Club Championships 12 Goal

This is How has she gone this season? and thus only Twilight’s second winter season any fault far she is unstoppable! I’m yet to find

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She is from Australia. Interestingly, she is the full sister of Twiggy, Gonzalito Pieres’ favourite pony he plays in all the big Finals.

How long have you had her? I’ve had her for almost three years.

What are her strengths? She is the turn. unbelievably agile and very fast on her! I’m not sure another horse could beat

Pony Power

Twilight

Where is she from/breeding? she is She is from Australia. Interestingly, Pieres’ the full sister of Twiggy, Gonzalito Finals. favourite pony he plays in all the big

came Tell us about her background? She for a to England in 2016, having played multitude of great, international players.

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Height: 15.1hh Age: 18-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare played Owned and played by: Owned and by Max Charlton Tournament: HPA National Club Goal Championships 12

How long have you had her? I’ve had her for almost two years. Tell us about her background? She came to England in 2016, having played for a multitude of great, international players. What are her strengths? She is unbelievably agile and very fast on the turn. I’m not sure another horse could beat her!

Playing Has she won any other Best awards Pony Awards? Yes. She has won last in Australia, this tournament’s award year.

How has she gone this season? This is Twilight’s first winter season and thus far she is unstoppable! I’m yet to find any fault with her.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes. She has won awards in Australia, but this is the first with me. What are your plans for her in the future? I’d like to take it easy with her as she’s getting older, but the ultimate plan is to breed from her. We’re currently taking embryos from her and are hoping she’ll go into foal for March.

Does she have any special quirks? She is a machine in the arena, but once she’s home, she’s a massive softy. Describe her in three words? Best dancing pony!

She Does she have any special quirks? but once she’s is a machine in the arena,Polo Arena Construction home, she’s a massive softy.

the What are your plans for her in her as future? I’d like to take it easy with plan is to she’s getting older, but the ultimate

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Describe her in three words? pony! Best dancing ĂŶĞ ŵĂůůĞƚƐ

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breed from her.

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with her.

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tz Special Pony Power St. Mori

Best Playing Pony Zedan, and groom Louise Hall

Knowledge

Zedan

with Dario Musso

Zedan has won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in The Bolebrook Cup at Westcroft Park Polo Club He last won at The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018.

y type horses and a not one of those spook the UAE. he’s got more gas than

Zedan

St. Moritz? No, he’s Is this his first time in times previously. been here three or four

Height: 15.2hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding o Played by: Dario Muss World Cup Tournament: Snow Polo St. Moritz 2018 a New

snow polo? He How does he play in well because he’s adapts to snow polo really

Zedan chilling out in the marquee after the Final

cosy ponies’

ial quirks? No Does he have any spec ionally kicks out and special quirks – he occas cousins’ accents… isn’t a fan of our European Describe him in three legend.

words? St. Moritz

tes with Groom Louise Hall celebra Zedan after the Final

Photograph courtesy of Jonny Good

Very agile – He’s What are his strengths? horse for riding off, but not the most powerful and very athletic. he’s super-fast, very easy

for him in the What are your plans Moritz next year for future? He’ll back in St. not sure. we’re that, sure, other than

Photography by Polo Times

ding? He is Where is he from/bree Zealand Thoroughbred.

Best Playing Pony Has he won any other can’t name them all Awards? Yes, lots – I hand. off

Louise proudly leads Zedan back to the stables

Hine, presents Dario Musso Polo Times Publisher, Nick Playing Pony rug with the Polo Times Best

Polo Times, March 2018

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Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

Pony Power

Pooh Bear Height: 13.2hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Dun Sex: Mare Owned by: Conroy Polo Tournament: SUPA University Winter National Championship at Rugby Polo Club

Photograph by Polo Times

Where is she from/breeding? She worked in a riding centre and was bored stupid, following round tracks etc, which made her quite mischievous, so my mum bought her and gave her to me to re-train her for polo. How long have you had her? I’ve had her for two years. She tends to play with beginners, but she has played up to Novice One in SUPA. What are her strengths? She always gives 100 percent, which brings great confidence to new and beginner players.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first.

How has she gone this season? She has been amazing. She just comes out and tries for everybody. She never stops giving.

What are your plans for her in the future? We want to keep her in the school for as long as we can.

Describe her in three words. Cheeky, hungry, amazing.

What are your plans for him in the future? He is going on a break now and may play some of the summer otherwise, he will definitely be back for the next arena season.

Does he have any special quirks? He is one of the simplest horses I have to look after, apart from if he knows he is going to the field, he then has a tendency to pull off and beat you there.

Does she have any special quirks? She’s just one of the nicest horses out there. Not a bad bone in her body!

Pea Height: 15.1hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: James Mann Tournament: The Paul Sweeney Memorial Tournament at Ash Farm Polo Club Where is he from/breeding? He is from Chile originally. Photograph by Chloe Martin

How long have you had him? He was one of my first ponies, so almost four years now. What are his strengths? He is quick off the mark and handy, making him very agile in plays. He is also pretty strong, as he is built like a tank. How has he gone this season? Really great, he hasn’t missed a day and often comes out multiple times for short bursts in games. Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with me, but I’m sure he may have some time before.

Polo Times, March 2019

Describe him in three words. Strong, tough, agile.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Jackie Height: 15.1hh Age: 19-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Jamie Morrison Tournament: The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She is an Australian Thoroughbred. I bought her from Michael Bickford, Captain of La Indiana Polo Team. She used to play the high goal with him. I believe before Michael she came from playing with Ellerston in Australia. How long have you had her? Not long enough! What are her strengths? She has an incredible mouth and is seriously strong in the ride-off. She is so slight, but never loses a ride-off. How has she gone this season? She has been brilliant this season. I haven’t played a lot of tournaments, so she hasn’t had too many outings, but she has been great. I have had

enough energy in this last few weeks of the season to really put some work in with her.

might have to come out for one last hurrah next year!

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I’m aware of.

Does she have any special quirks? She is just an angel, or so my grooms tell me!

What are your plans for her in the future? I was going to retire her, but having just won The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup, she

Describe her in three words. Intelligent, tough, calm.

Jubilee

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned by: Will Newman Played by: Saskia Meadows. Tournament: The Ladies’ Arena British Open at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? I’m not entirely sure of her breeding. How long have you had her? Since the middle of last summer (2018). Tell us about her background? Before me James Crossley had her and she was at Bardon Polo Team before that. Has she won any other Best Playing What are her strengths? She’s the fastest on Pony Awards? This is her first while I’ve had the field and loves a ride-off. her, but hopefully not the last. How has she gone this season? Amazingly. What are your plans for her in the I was worried she would be too much for the future? I’m just going to enjoy her. arena, but if anything, she’s even better.

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Does she have any special quirks? She doesn’t like to be tied up. In the summer I usually build her a corral on the end of the pony lines. Describe her in three words. Crazy, fast, strong.

Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question on ported bits and drop nosebands

Ported Bits & Drop Nosebands

A. Ponies sometimes move or circle the jaw to relieve pressure, which is why ported bits can help – with no joint, the port acts to reduce pressure over the middle of the tongue, instead creating more pressure on the bars of the mouth – so it is useful for those ponies with a sensitive tongue or a strong jaw. The ported bit is also highly useful as a corrective bit for those equines which have learned to get their tongues over the bit during the excitement of a game! Some players who like drop nosebands end up with their ponies wearing a cavesson and a drop noseband, so that a standing martingale can attach to the cavesson; how-

The Happy Tongue T Bar 3 Ring has the same effect as the traditional Fulmer and was designed for polo

ever sometimes it is worth stripping back the tack, and starting from scratch. A drop is a good idea for a rider who wants to prevent the mouth from circling or crossing, as the pressure in the curb groove at the back of the jaw encourages some ponies to lower their heads. However, as you have presumably solved the issue, as it seems the pony was circling the jaw to relieve mouth pressure, a cavesson is a good idea. The Stephen’s Polo Snaffle Bridle comes with a plain leather cavesson; or there’s the

Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits

Q. My pony was circling his jaw, however since successfully following some advice in Polo Times about choosing a ported mouthpiece, I am keen to try switching my drop noseband to a cavesson – I feel however that the drop is a good reminder for my pony to keep his mouth closed and not cross his jaw in play. He’s not a youngster now so should know the job. He’s in a sweet iron Bombers Happy Tongue 3 Ring. Should I stick with the drop noseband? R. Armstrong-Jones

Stephen’s Rope cavesson, which matches the bridle in dark havana with white stitching, and has a high-quality rope noseband. The brand also has cavessons in round or square rawhide, which are all available from the website detailed below. Congratulations on finding a bit that works for your pony; the Bombers Happy Tongue 3 Ring is an excellent polo bit. The Happy Tongue T Bar 3 Ring is pictured – this cheek piece has the same effect as the traditional Fulmer, and was designed for polo.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages salivation. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Message my Facebook page – facebook.com/SBBITS - or email me at info@equineman. com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Polo Times, March 2019

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Polodoc Bag Medical essentials needed for a perfect tournament Life-threatening medical emergencies are possible following irregular accidents on the polo field. Proper preparation, emergency medical planning and timely access to emergency equipment are required to prevent catastrophic outcomes. In a continuing commitment to polo player safety during tournaments, the Medical Emergency Bag is designed to directly aid the injured player on the field and to prevent ongoing harm to the player when being initially treated. These recommendations are intended to create a standard for emergency preparation and the medical response to serious or catastrophic on-field injuries in polo.

The sidelines medical bag

Polo is one of the oldest but fastest team sports in the world. Medical emergencies on the polo field are not common but, if and when they occur, most injured players need primary treatment on the field and a secondary transfer to the hospital, with half of injuries needing medical attention in the operating theatre, therefore it is imperative that immediate acknowledgement, direct on-field response and acute medical management are available to the player. Such emergency treatment is most efficiently administered by on-duty medical personnel using the appropriate equipment, until such time as emergency medical services arrive on scene to assist with additional treatment and/or transfer of the player to the nearest, most appropriate medical facility.

Medical bag contents

Essentials pitchside include oxygen and a mask

Polo Times, March 2019

Adequate preparation is essential. For sports that involve body contact, the minimum equipment a doctor should have access to is a bag and mask, cervical collars and an intravenous cannula. The mandatory ambulance will have an emergency pack (comprising cervical collars, airways, oxygen and a bag and mask) for the team or venue, although polo is a notable, and concerning exception in many countries. Before accepting responsibility as the doctor on the sidelines, the physician must consider these issues, as adequate preparation is vital to satisfactory and safe care of injured players in both amateur and professional sport.

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

Introduction

Handheld ultrasound gear for immediately ruling out abdominal injuries

The contents of a typical medical bag for a doctor on the sidelines has been described in authoritative sports medicine textbooks but will vary depending on the type of sport. Broad categories include: • Basic diagnostic instruments (stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, auriscope) • Wound care items (dressings, sutures, gloves, sharps disposal facility) • Medications (analgesics, bronchodilators) • Simple injury aids (slings, splints, tapes) • Emergency equipment (cervical collar, intravenous cannula) • Personal handheld devices (ultrasound for lung injury, infrared brain scanner) Doctors on the sidelines of a mass participation event, need to be prepared for the manifestations of sudden cardiac death, heat stroke and all manner of medical emergencies, including asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. Access to resuscitation equipment and facilities may be required, and this should be organised well in advance. At such www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

The 10 Commandments of a Polodoc

By Prof. Exadaktylos & Dr Krüger 1. Know your bag 2. Pack your bag yourself 3. Track your material with a checklist 4. Make sure that you comply with doping rules 5. Make sure that you comply with custom laws if you have to travel abroad 6. Be observant during a game at all times 7. Listen to your gut feeling, things usually deteriorate quickly 8. Don’t let a player overrule your decisions 9. Don’t let a player with a head injury go back into a game 10. Don’t believe the organisers when they say they have everything ready for you! The concept of the Polodoc bag is in accordance/guidelines with the University Hospital Emergency Department Bern, with Prof. Aris Exadaktylos

InfraScan can be used to perform fieldside secondary checks for intra cranial bleeding

Dermbond for small skin lacerations

Soft tissue injuries of the head are common. Simple laceration can be treated fieldside

events, doctors may be asked to assist in emergency treatment of a collapsed crowd member and this also requires adequate preparation and a formulated plan to deal with such an emergency. Effectively managing on-field emergencies is an essential part of athletic team care in many body contact sports, not only polo. Serious body contact emergencies or falls and overruns that may be encountered include head, neck as well as thoracic and abdominal injuries. Although catastrophic injuries in polo are rare, a general principle of management is that all players with on-field head injuries should be treated as having concomitant neck injuries until proven otherwise. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains the leading cause of sudden death at sport events. The infrequent yet regular occurrence of SCA on the polo field can to a large extent be prevented, and if necessary, effectively treated by immediate cardio-pulmonary resuscitation www.polotimes.co.uk

Concomitant injuries to the skull should be checked

(CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. To support and promote a standardised and consistent level of polo safety, the next steps need to be defined. In polo there is recognised risk of life-threatening trauma or of medical emergency during play or training activities. Medical professionals are in agreement that optimising field side immediate trauma and medical care (ICIP – Immediate Care In Polo) should be a cornerstone of injury risk management. Therefore it is a well-defined need for doctors, physiotherapists and other health professionals looking after players and teams to be personally equipped with the skills and equipment required to enable the delivery of immediate care at the field side. Not only do these professionals need to be prepared for match/event days, but also to work at training grounds where injuries or medical problems may occur.

Outlook

The most evident role of a doctor on the sidelines of both amateur and professional sports is appropriate recognition and management of injury. As the professionalism and level of the teams increases, so does the need for the team doctor to have additional skills to help minimise time lost from injury and maximise sporting performance. Doctors for both amateur and professional teams require competence in the ability to recognise the need for emergency care and coordinate it. Care and management of less seriously injured athletes will often depend on the experience and skill of the polo doctor. However, the old sports medicine saying of, “If in doubt, sit them out”, is still a reasonable guide to team management. For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

Vet Insight

David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS started playing polo with The Wilton Hunt Pony Club at the age of 10 and went on to both play and groom in South Africa and the U.K, before setting off for The Royal Veterinary College. He graduated in 2010, and currently works at the Three Counties Equine Hospital in Gloucestershire, the practice that looks after the Polo Times string. He deals with everything from miniature Shetlands to performance sport horses, although he does have a particular interest in anesthesia and older horse management. David regularly plays polo at Edgeworth’s Wednesday evening chukkas and once held a 1 goal handicap, but lack of time and money has curtailed his polo habit

Biosecurity

rectal temperature below 38oc. Anything above 38.5oc may indicate IRD. • Nasal Discharge – a small stream of clear to white watery discharge from the nostrils is expected, especially postexercise. Creamy or green, thick nasal discharge is indicative of disease. • Repeated coughing • Dullness and inappetence One horse showing any of these signs warrants isolation, monitoring and further investigations. Two more horses in a yard showing similar clinical signs warrants immediate concern that there is an infectious respiratory disease present, and contact should be made with your veterinary surgeon.

Infectious Respiratory Diseases

Prevention – Biosecurity

Photography courtesy of Three Counties Equine Hospital

A horse receiving a health check prior to being unloaded

Polo, like horse racing, involves the movement of large number of horses both regionally and internationally. The risk of disease spread was highlighted by the influenza crisis in British Thoroughbred racing in February 2019, with yards affected in Europe as well as the UK and Ireland. With influenza being just one of a number of readily transmissible diseases, what can be done to help prevent enforced shut downs on the polo world?

The diseases

There are four main transmissible diseases of adult horses – equine influenza virus, 74

Polo Times, March 2019

equine herpes virus, Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus zooepidemicus. For the purposes of simplicity in this article, as they all have similar ways of spreading, clinical signs and preventative measures, they can be termed Infectious Respiratory Diseases (IRD).

Clinical signs of Infectious Respiratory Disease

With all the diseases, clinical signs become apparent within five days of exposure to the causative agent and spread via respiratory secretions. • Pyrexia – a healthy horse should have a

1) Risk assessment Knowing the origin of any new arrivals to a yard is paramount, even before unloading. Horses imported from non-EU countries are likely to have been tested and quarantined, however horses coming from within the UK, Ireland and the EU may pose a higher risk as they are unlikely to have been as thoroughly checked. Horses from unknown yards (especially ‘dealers’) pose particular concerns. 2) Health checks Most people will subconsciously check their horses over every time they see them; however, ensuring everyone on the yard is aware of what to look for, and not ignoring signs of injury or disease, will allow problems to be detected sooner. A daily routine health check should consist of taking the temperature, looking for swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, coughing and nasal discharge, as well as monitoring for lameness and injuries. All new arrivals should have a health check before being unloaded onto the yard. 3) Vaccination (see protocol) Only one of the diseases, equine influenza virus, has a regular vaccination requirement for competing horses in polo, though herpes virus can also be vaccinated against. It is recommended that all horses are vaccinated for influenza from six months of age. Given that you may not play an incorrectly vaccinated horse, checking your vaccinations are up to date should form part of your pre-season preparation. www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

HPA Vaccination Protocol (for ponies first vaccinated after Jan 2016) The Equine Passports of ponies first vaccinated against Equine Influenza after 1 January 2016 must show that they have received two primary vaccinations against Equine Influenza given no less than 21 days and no more than 92 days apart, plus a third booster within 90 to 215 days after the second vaccination. Thereafter, they must have been given booster injections annually. No polo pony will be allowed to play at a Club or in a tournament until at least seven days after they have received their second primary vaccination or their annual booster. Herpes vaccination From five months of age, an initial vaccination should be followed by a second vaccination 4-6 weeks later, with booster vaccinations every six months. Nasal discharge can be indicative of disease

4) Quarantine New arrivals onto a yard should be quarantined for two weeks – this should be a separate set of stables or a field away from other horses, but at a minimum nose to nose contact with other horses should be prevented, as well as ensuring equipment, feed buckets and water sources are not shared. 5) Isolation Any horse showing signs of infectious respiratory disease should be isolated away from other horses and ‘barrier’ disinfection protocols instigated. Horses in quarantine or isolation should be dealt with last to prevent disease spreading to healthy horses, with separate overalls and boots.

Conclusion

Polo is part of the interlinked equine world. Infectious disease is an ever-present problem and preventing spread is about applying common sense and acting responsibly – always scrutinise new arrivals and do not take your horses out to play if you suspect IRD on your yard. David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS Three Counties Equine Hospital Email: info@tceh.co.uk Tel: 01684 592099 www.tceh.co.uk A horse having a nasopharyngeal swab

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Playing Tips

Knowledge

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig

Understanding Polo Rules Better

Right of Way and Line of Ball

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

When reading the rulebook, I find myself sometimes confused by what I read. A large portion of that confusion is related to understanding the meaning of the words – Rule, Enter, and Cross, and the phrases Line of Ball and Right of Way. When I find myself confused, I resort to the dictionary in an effort to develop a clearer understanding of the message the rulebook is espousing. My understanding of teaching polo comes from the common sense of what safety and fairness for all players’ means, human and equine. I derive my understanding from what I read in the rulebook and the words I look up in the dictionary. I do not present my teaching methods as representing a legal, or binding, interpretation of any rules put forth by any group espousing an interpretation of the rules. My intention is to express what I understand about the rules from having read and studied the rulebook on many occasions. The place to begin my discussion around confusion is by defining the word Rule, which according to the Oxford Dictionary of English, is: 1. “… a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity.“… or 2. ” a law or principle that operates within a particular sphere of knowledge, describing or prescribing what is possible or allowable.” I start with the word rule because of the book of rules (laws, regulations, principles) that describes and prescribes what is possible and allowable; or more to the point, what is not possible or not allowable. Keep those definitions of Rule in the forefront of your mind as you read on; they will prove to be critical in understanding what is allowed, or not allowed, when playing the sporting game of polo. The next definition is for the phrase Line of Ball, (LOB). There is no definition in the dictionary for that phrase; therefore, I use a definition that I perceive as being generally accepted throughout the world of polo. The LOB is an imaginary line projected onto the ground by the ball. The LOB follows the direction the ball is travelling either on or above the ground. The LOB is not necessarily a straight line; it curves to www.polotimes.co.uk

the degree that the ball curves within the process of traveling above or on the ground. To take that definition a step further; the portion of the line ahead of the ball in the direction the ball is travelling is referred to as the extended, or projected, line, while the line behind the ball, from the direction in which the ball has already travelled, is referred to as the established line. Those two terms (projected and established) will prove to be significant to the purpose of determining how the LOB effects the playing of the game. The primary purpose served by the imaginary LOB is that it serves as a dividing line between two imaginary Rights of Way (ROW), one on either side of the LOB; with each ROW extending the length of the LOB and running parallel to it. The next definition is that of Right of Way (ROW). The term ROW unfortunately is often equated to the LOB, and that is truly unfortunate, as the two are entirely separate entities serving their own unique function to the safe and fair playing of the game. With that point having been established, I refer to the Oxford Dictionary of English to develop a more accurate understanding as to what a ROW is, and how it can be and should be used to play the game of polo safely and fairly. The definition of Right of Way has two distinct explanations as applied to polo: 1. “…. the legal right, …. , to pass along a specific route… a path or thoroughfare… .” 2. “…. the legal right … to proceed with precedence over others in a particular situation or place….” Relative to the game of polo, the ROW is first and foremost, a lane or path on either side of the LOB that runs adjoining with the length of the LOB, is parallel to it, and leads directly to the ball. Secondly, the ROW is a precedence allowing the player who is safely positioned within the physical established ROW the priority to continue forward to the ball in that ROW without encountering the slightest risk of danger from an opposing player. Once safely positioned within the established ROW, that player has the right to continue within that lane, ROW, over other

players who have yet to safely enter within the established ROW in front of the player already positioned there. A difficulty in recognising the ROW and correctly applying its function to the game of polo is that each ROW is an imaginary lane defined partially by an imaginary LOB. Those two imaginary factors combined can make the physical aspect of the ROW difficult to realise; thereby, making the precedence aspect even more difficult to discern. With my having grown up in the world of polo under the rules of the United States Polo Association (USPA), my understanding of the ROW is greatly influenced by – USPA Rule 24, Right Of Way, which states: a. At each moment of the game there shall exist as between any two or more players in the proximity of the ball a Right of Way, which shall be considered to extend ahead of the player(s) entitled to it, and in the direction in which that player or those players is or are riding. b. The Right of Way, …, is not to be confused with the line of the ball, nor does it depend on who last hit the ball. c. No player shall enter or cross the Right of Way except at such speed and distance that not the slightest risk of a collision or danger to any player is involved. The problem I have with USPA Rule 24 is that it does not describe what a Right of Way is. It was not until 2009 that the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) defined in their rulebook that the ROW is, “a five-foot path extending from the ball to the players nearside foot.” HPA Rule 32 c. Possession of the Ball. A player may not block the progress of an opponent in possession by positioning himself in such a way that his opponent cannot move forward. A player in possession should be allowed approximately five feet wide measured from the ball to the player’s nearside leg to continue down the LOB. Preventing the player from moving forward (shading) is done at all speeds and should be blown straight away and any penalty must be moved up the field. From the way I read HPA Rule 32 c. and USPA Rule 24; if an offensive player is safely positioned within the established ROW, is Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

Playing Tips

parallel to the LOB, and has the ball on their offside; they have the precedence to hit the ball. Consider that if there is a defensive player on their nearside of the offensive player with the precedence to hit the ball; and, if the last layer of chrome added to the defensive player’s stirrup enters into the ROW, either established or projected, in front of the offensive player, that defensive player is running the risk of fouling. And, the closer to the offensive player that entry occurs, the greater the risk that the defensive player is fouling. The operative word is enter, not cross, and the operative phrase is ROW not LOB. For my purpose of teaching polo, I make a distinction between being in the ROW (path or lane) and having the right, precedence, to hit the ball. I do that because, you can be in the ROW and near the LOB; however not completely within the ROW, and/or you are at an angle to the LOB (not parallel), and under both conditions, you could be fouling; thereby negating your right, to hit the ball. HPA Rule 24 - Line of Ball, Subparagraph d. When no player is on the exact LOB and two or more players ride in the same general direction, whether following or meeting, the player riding at the lesser angle to the LOB has precedence. If the players are at equal angles, the player that has the LOB on his off side has precedence. The physical aspect of the ROW, path or lane, gets you safely to the ball. While the precedence of being in the ROW, path or lane, gives you the right to hit the ball upon arriving at it. Two other words that confuse me are:

One must firstly safely enter the established ROW

Photography courtesy of Rege Ludwig

Illustration of the LOB and ROW

Polo Times, March 2019

‘enter’ and ‘cross’. Unfortunately, those two words are often used interchangeably, and should not be, because each has its own meaning and serves its own function to the process of playing the game of polo. According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, ‘enter’ is defined as - “Come or go into (a place) … penetrate.” In other words, pierce or penetrate either of the two borders of the physical lane or path (ROW), whereas the word ‘cross’ is defined as – “denoting movement … across something… . passing from side to side. V. [with obj.] 2. go or extend across or to the other side of (an area, …)” By way of those two definitions, it should be obvious that entering the ROW and crossing the LOB are entirely different sets of circumstances. As a matter of fact, on either side of the ball, you will have entered the ROW before you cross the LOB. Relative to developing the right to hit the ball, that right revolves around satisfying the stipulations associated with both the ROW and the LOB; consequently, you must first safely enter the established ROW, or lane; then position your horse to be at the least angle to the LOB as possible, i.e. parallel, then stay within the confines of the ROW, (lane), up to point of contact with the ball. From my perspective as a teacher, there are three distinct sets of circumstances under which a ROW can be occupied: 1. Having the Absolute Right to hit the ball 2. Having the Primary Right to hit the ball

3. Having the Secondary Right to hit the ball 4. Having the Absolute Right necessitates satisfying four criteria: A. Enter the established ROW without having created the slightest risk of danger to any player (human or horse) B. Be positioned completely within the established ROW, and parallel to the LOB C. Have the ball on your offside D. Be the first player to arrive at the ball having satisfied the first three criteria When you have satisfied all four criteria of having the Absolute Right to hit the ball, no other player on the field has a greater right to hit the ball than you. HPA Rule 24 b, 2018. A player on the exact LOB with the ball on his off side, whether following or meeting, has precedence over all other players except when meeting two players ... The Primary Right comes with a limited right access, and can be executed under the conditions that you: A. Have entered the established ROW safely B. Have the ball on your offside C. Have your horse positioned within the ROW; however, at an angle to the LOB. Under such conditions, you could be fouling, thereby, negating your right to hit the ball D. Are much closer to the ball than the opposing player positioned within the established ROW behind you The Secondary Right comes with even greater restrictions than the Primary Right. www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips The Secondary Right falls under the conditions of: A. Having safely entered the established ROW on the right side of the ball B. Having the ball on your nearside C. Being as parallel to the LOB as possible D. Being the player closest to the ball under the above three conditions, with no opposing player coming from the opposite direction with the ball on their offside CAUTION – Utilise extreme care when hitting the ball on the nearside, because, if an opposing player is riding to the ball from the opposite direction at any angle to the LOB with the ball of their offside, that player has a greater right to hit the ball than you. That holds true even if you are positioned completely within the established ROW, you are parallel to the LOB, while the opposing player is at an acute angle to the LOB, coming against the direction of travel of the ball, and is completely outside of the lane, or ROW. HPA 2017 RULE 24 b. A player on the exact LOB with the ball on his offside, whether following or meeting, has precedence over all other players…

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USPA 2017 Rule, 24 e. No player may have the ball directly in front or on the nearside if by doing so an opponent is endangered who could have safely attempted to hook the player or to hit the ball had the original player been placed with the ball on the offside. Compare that to your travelling in a car on a two-lane highway and wanting to pass a slow-moving car from the right lane. Just as you decide to pass, you realise that a car from a side street has entered the same lane that you are in but is traveling in the opposite direction as you. At that point, your passing without the slightest risk of danger has been severely comprised. Over the years, the rule that I have found to be the easiest to understand is USPA rule 26e Dangerous Riding, Subparagraph e. Exhibiting a lack of consideration for the safety of one’s self, one’s mount, or for another player or mount. That rule is straightforward and is stating that anything a player does that could be construed as presenting the slightest risk of danger to any player, (human or equine), is a foul! A similar rule in the HPA rulebook is from Part 2: HPA Regulations & Supplementary

Knowledge

Rules for Polo, Rule 15 - Blowing to Stop the Clock, subparagraph c. For Players or Ponies. The umpires have a responsibility to do all that they can to prevent accident or injury to players or ponies and to protect the image of the sport. Relative to the image of the sport, as a consequence of modern-day perceptions of polo within the horse industry, I strongly urge that protecting the image of the sport should become a much greater concern than it appears to have become. The essence of the rule situation is, a rule is a law, or a set of explicit or understood regulations, or principles prescribed to govern the conduct or procedure of play for the purpose of ensuring the safety and fairness of play for all players, human and equine. The acceptance of that understanding does not seem to have resonated throughout the world community of polo the way it should. If you have not been confused by what you have read up to this point, then you should be pleased to know that this information lays a foundation for my next Polo Times editorial instalment, dealing with making the game of polo a faster and safer game to play.

Polo Times, March 2019

Knowledge

From Fresh Filly to BPP with Shane Borland

Zimbabwean born Shane Borland has made a name for himself backing and developing young horses for some of the UK’s most illustrious yards. Having begun his equine career in polocrosse and later gone on to champion the world stages in reining, Borland has spent his life pursuing knowledge of exceptional horsemanship and refining his training programme accordingly. Over the next few issues, Shane will share the details of his successful Pro Start Polo Programme with our readers and in this second instalment, he delves into stage one, round pen or ground work

From Fresh Filly to BPP with Shane Borland

Stage one – the Round Pen

Round Penning Key notes

The first stages of the programme are in the round pen

In the previous issue of Polo Times, I shared with you the outline of my ‘Pro Start Polo’ Programme. With this programme, I have started hundreds of horses and with every one of them, the goal is the same. I aim to develop a horse that is confident, willing and safe to be around, with the necessary foundations in place to ensure a successful future for them, in this case, being a polo pony. The programme is divided into three stages and areas of work. • Round pen • Arena • Outside During each stage the young horse is introduced to concepts and lessons which are built upon, to ensure smooth transition from one stage to another. In this issue we are going to focus on stage one – the round pen (ground work). I will take you through a series of steps which are introduced in the confines and safety of my round pen and explain the goal, why and how these steps work and the practical reasoning behind them.

Polo Times, March 2019

• My round pen is 55ft in diameter, any larger and you will do more running than the horse, any smaller and the horse will find it difficult to canter around you • It is between six to eight feet high, preventing horses getting their heads over the top and potentially wanting to jump out • The walls of the round pen are solid at the bottom to a height of 4.5ft and open railed from there upwards • It is free draining with a good safe footing that does not freeze during winter months. The surface is eight to 12 inches deep and made up of a sand fibre mix

Goal

• To teach the young horse to move his feet backwards, forwards, left and right in a direction of my choosing, not his! • To teach him to catch you rather than you having to catch him • To teach him that being with you at the centre of the round pen is a place of comfort and rest

Why?

• The round pen is the safest place to build a relationship with a horse, gaining control of how, when and where he moves his feet will establish a fundamental understanding a respect between horse and handler • You will be able to teach him to become a more reasonable individual rather than an over reactive individual • These exercises will improve your horse’s attitude and will help him become more attentive

Practical reasoning

• Because you are not connected through a halter and lead rope the horse is able to move further away from you making the early stages of lunging much safer for you • When working with a lead rope or on a line, you are relatively close to your horse and are therefore at risk of being kicked, bitten or possibly run over • A few initial sessions off-line will help establish a higher level of understanding before you begin to work on-line • Working in the round pen will allow you the chance to assess what type of horse you are working with, his general attitude and temperament (i.e. is he willing stand, relax and reason or is he the type who is full of run and reaction?)

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From Fresh Filly to BPP with Shane Borland

Knowledge

There is nothing more “rewarding for a horseman than starting a young horse prospect

”

Shane Borland

Photography courtesy of Shane Borland

The relationship between horse and handler is formed early

There are seven steps in the round pen stage, each having their own goals and learning phases: Step One – Establishing control of movement, direction and changes in direction Step Two – Desensitising the horse to objects that move and have sound Step Three – Introduction to the snaffle Step Four – First introduction to weight and rider Step Five – Preparation to first saddling Step Six – Bridle and biting Step Seven – First ride

Round Pen, Step One

Establishing control of movement, direction and changes in direction

Goals

A. To be able to move the horse around the round pen in a direction and gait determined by me and not one which is determined by them. They need to stay in that direction and gait until I ask them to turn and change direction and gait B. To teach my horse to turn to the inside, towards me when changing direction and not out and away from me C. To establish a consistent change in direction to the inside drawing them off the fence in a figure of eight pattern D. To create draw by teaching the horse to turn and face me and walk up to me when asked E. To teach the horse to follow me around the round pen through a series of direction changes and to stop when I stop

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Why?

A. I want to teach my horse to move in a direction speed and gait of my choosing. He must maintain this until I tell him otherwise. I want to teach him to be responsible for where and how he is moving his feet B. I always want my horse to change direction inside towards me, showing me his two eyes and his face. When a horse stops and turns out towards the fence, they are basically running away from you rather than looking towards you for guidance and assurance. Causing your horse to turn towards you builds confidence and attentiveness. Turning away leads to a lack of respect or fear C. I want to be able to consistently change the direction of my horse to the inside creating a figure of eight pattern in front of me. This will in turn encourage your horse to change leads before changing direction, encouraging him to stay balanced and allows you to see just how naturally balanced your young horse prospect actually is at a very early stage in his career D. Causing your horse to draw in to you is the step that will teach your horse to catch you rather than you having to catch him. This in turn shows that your horse is acknowledging your presence and respects you and feels safe and comfortable being around you. Horses that turn away from you and show their hind quarters are generally fearful or disrespectful

One aim is to teach the horse to turn to the inside, towards you

E. If I can encourage my horse to follow me freely, he is making a conscious choice to be with me and is paying attention to my every movement and is not afraid to be with me. The greater the draw, the easier the catch. This first stage of the round pen takes approximately two days, although I never put a time frame or limit on any horse as each one is very different. Achieving success with these initial exercises goes a long way to ensuring a safe smooth transition to further steps in the round pen programme. In the next issue, I will take you through the second step in the round pen stage. desensitising the horse to objects that move and have sound.

Shane Borland Coverwell Farm Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire CV35 0QA +44 (0)1789 740119 www.shaneborland.com

Polo Times, March 2019

Sidelines

Gossip

CONGRATULATIONS!

Polo Times’ overseas reporter Katie Vickery announced on Valentine’s Day her engagement to Fitness for Polo’s Martin Perez whilst the couple were soaking up some sun in Palm Beach, Florida. Huge congratulations to you both!

BABY ZAVALETA

I DO!

Georgia Hutchinson, daughter of HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson, tied the knot with fiancé David Bishop at Quintin Castle on 2 February. We hear it was quite the shindig! Congratulations to you both!

SNOW PLACE BETTER

Whilst the snowy weather caused havoc across the UK at the end of January, with arena polo tournaments being rescheduled at the last minute, Druids Lodge shared this epic snow pony created by Olivia Bolesworth!

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

WEDDING BELLS!

Love was well and truly in the air on Valentine’s Day as British professional Ollie Cudmore proposed to his long-term girlfriend Posy Ash in Australia, who obviously said yes! Congratulations guys!

Isabelle and Clemente Zavaleta have welcomed baby Assia to their growing family. Congratulations!

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INTERVIEW Helen Cruden THE HURLINGH Ellerstina VictoriousAM OPEN REPORTING FROM RCBPC The 3 & 12 Goal HPA National Club Champs

INTERVIEW Helen Cruden PLUS: USA International

INTERVIEW Helen Cruden

Cup & 12th Manipur

Polo International

AM OPEN THE HURLINGH Ellerstina Victorious RCBPC REPORTING FROM National Club Champs HPA Goal 12 & 3 The ional ional Cup & 12th

PLUS: USA Internat

THE HURLINGHA Ellerstina Victorious M OPEN

REPORTING FRO M RCBPC The 3 & 12 Goal HPA National Club Cha mps

Manipur Polo Internat

PLUS: USA Internatio

nal Cup & 12th Mani

pur Polo Internatio

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

Alex Lebedev & Rao Toby Cairn

Anna-Clara Daussy, Robert Horney, Alessia Lucifora & Hari Gogna

Josh Yard & Zak Wagman

Ashleigh Evans & Jenny Down

Warwick Polo Club Annual Charity Ball; Victoria House, Leamington Spa; Saturday 26 January

Charity Ball Shenanigans

Bianca Sassow & Gabriel Eyre

The University of Warwick Polo Club Annual Charity Ball is the highlight of the Club’s social calendar. This year the event supported Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington Spa, which works with local homeless people to get them back into work, find homes and be more active in the community. Together the Club raised over £600 in the charity raffle where a series of wonderful and kindly donated prizes were given away, including a polo stick from Polo Splice and highly sought-after tickets to Chestertons Polo in the Park. As well as enjoying delicious food and drink, the Club got up to their usual shenanigans on the dance floor and an amazing night was had by all – bring on next year!

Zhongyu Astrid Cao, Scarlett Ziwei Zhang, Tara Sharp & Waleed Ahmed

Photography by Keyana Mouhitzadeh Tom Golding & Bridget Carey

Leonie Remm & Chloe Morton

Rose Hugh-Smith, Anna-Clara Daussy, Katia Kondrashova & Julie Deschaud

Bianca Sassow & Gabriel Eyre

Diana Öpik & Dhari Alsaleh

Ollie Knox & Izzie Smith

Shinemon Akiyama, Brad Howe & Antoine Llor

Teshan Wijesuriya

Fiona Watt, Tessa Collett, Niamh Howe & Grant Collett

Rhianna Walton, Louise Norrie & Charlotte Richmond

Reto Gaudenzi

Adrian Laplacette

Jan-Erik Franck & Nicole Obermeier

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz; Engadin Valley, St. Moritz; 24 – 27 January Sasha Bahlsen & Jack Hyde

Record Breaking St. Moritz The heart of the Engadin Valley was once again buzzing with the roar of Maseratis and the assembled 15,000 strong crowd as the 35th edition of The Snow Polo World Cup thundered into action in bone-chilling -20 degree temperatures. But, clad in top-to-toe layers, there was no way the excited crowds were going to be kept away from the pristine St. Moritz lake for the highlight of the Swiss snow polo season. The sun beamed down for the first two days of exciting action, but as the snow set in on Finals day, making the lake seem as if it was at the very heart of a perfect winter wonderland, Cartier blankets and bubbling glasses of Perrier-Jouët were passed around the stands to the delight of the assembled throng. Tensions were high on the field, but the tone in the VIP tent was one of complete elation with delicious treats and refreshments aplenty.

Nikolai & Anuschka Bahlsen

Bunny & Oliver Ellis

Martín Estrada

Jennifer Leebow & Tito Gaudenzi

Max Charlton & Sophie Brogan

Thomas Winter

Dorigo Pedrolini

Marc Ganzi

Juan Bautista Peluso, Alfredo Bigatti, Melissa Ganzi & Alejandro Novillo Astrada

Katja Grauwiler & Nils Rüstmann

Marc Ganzi, Kaethy Dobers, Boutique Director of Cartier St. Moritz & Juan MartĂn Nero

Reto Gaudenzi & JĂźrg Reinger

Chris Hyde

Azeri dancers entertained the crowds

Toby Clowes & Stephen Hutchinson

Christian Dunkelberg

Melissa Ganzi

Finley Hyde

Peter Prentice & Torquhil Ian Campbell, The Duke of Argyll

Lali Black & Niki Laplacette

Agustina & Marcelo Garrahan

Isidro Strada

Malcolm Borwick

Sonja Billi & Enrico Roselli

Valery MIshchenko

Niall Donnelly

Plenty of prizes for the players

Hannah Johnson & baby Rory Images of Polo Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal; All England Polo Club, Hickstead; Sunday 10 February

Conosco Champion With free entry, a slap-up Sunday roast lunch and the promise of an exciting Final between home team Hickstead vs Conosco, there were plenty of reasons to spend Sunday 10 February at All England Polo Club, Hickstead for the annual Images of Polo Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal Final. Despite the wet and windy weather, spectators were not disappointed with the polo action, nor the delicious morsels inside the Clubhouse which included roast beef, pan-fried salmon and winter vegetable strüdel – and that was just the main course!

Patrick Fullerton

John Bunn & Pam Manku

Jeremy Pemberton

The Images of Polo Sunday lunch table Ben Sim

Nino Maldonado

Josh, Maggie, Finley & Florence Hyde

Guy Verdon

Ladies enjoying lunch

Will Emerson

Richard Buckett, RJ Polo

Thom Bell

Students cheer on their team

National Universities Winter Arena Championships; Rugby Polo Club; Sunday 10 February

SUPA Smashes Records! Students preparing to play

Nearly 700 players from over a record breaking 190 teams gathered at the Midlands hub of arena polo, Rugby Polo Club, for the annual SUPA Winter University Nationals over a weekend of all four seasons. As the polo highlight of the SUPA winter season, the weekend welcomed players from across our island Nation, all vying for the top spot and the opportunity to get a leg up on the opposition. Following three days of polo, parties and pearls of wisdom from assembled coaches and parents, the teams were presented with their prizes to a resounding cheer from the assembled throng â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another record breaking SUPA Winter Nationals complete.

Hector Worsley & Fleur Allcorn

Photography by Polo Times & Emmpix

Nigel Mercer & Beckii Bradley

Susie Meadows & Louise Hall

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Lulu Saunders

Tracy Martin & Lucy Stevenson

Hannah Matthews & Paul Knight

Charlie Holley

Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; Sunday 17 February

Paul Sweeney Remembered

Sophie Morrison, Jen Hazel-Smith & David Banner-Eve

Georgia Sweeney

Robert Burke

Jemma Byrne

Each spring, arena polo fans and spectators gather at Ash Farm Polo Club for the annual Paul Sweeney Memorial Tournament with a weekend of competitive polo and renowned Ash Farm hospitality. This year was held to mark the 10 year anniversary of the tournament, with a plethora of fantastic players and spectators making their way to the heart of Surrey for a special day. Delicious food and drinks kept guests warm in the toasty Clubhouse, whilst thrilling action kept them entertained outside in the arena. Following a fantastic win for Alegria/J&R, the teams and their friends and families celebrated into the late hours with smiles and handshakes all round. Photography by Graham Morrison & Chloe Martin

Angus McTaggart

Kiki & Katie Bateman

Stefan Rastovic

Mary Kelly

Liz Ross, Tatty Wooldridge & Josh Cork

Greg & Christian Gregory

Lydia Loveridge

Georgia Toffolo

Graham Wooldridge

Danny Muriel

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – March’s UK Club Fixtures Club AEPC Stewarton Vaux Park DBPC Tidworth DBPC Epsom Tidworth Ash Farm Polo Rugby Druids Lodge DBPC Westcroft Park SWF Druids Lodge Rugby Stewarton Rugby Rugby

Tournament Name The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Test Match) Frostbite League Spring Challenge The Charlotte Trophy The Challenge Cup The Charlotte Trophy 4 Goal Tournament The Challenge Cup Ladies Tournament SUPA Senior Schools Tournament Club Match for the Lismore Trophy AmateurTournament National School Girls Championship Spring Tournament The Watersfield Trophy The Sworders’ Trophy Swansong Arena Tournament The Final Arena Challenge The Final Arena Challenge

Handicap Start Date End Date Open

02/03/19

Open Open 15 4-8 4 2-4 -3 - 0 Open Open TBC Open

02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 09/03/19

02/03/19 02/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 09/03/19

Open

09/03/19

10/03/19

0-3 8 -2 - 2 Open 2-6 -3 - 0

16/03/19 19/03/19 23/03/19 30/03/19 13/04/19 13/04/19

17/03/19 27/03/19 24/03/19 31/03/19 14/04/19 14/04/19

Black Bears Polo Club

Senior Schools National Arena Championships Schools Girls Arena National Championships

Open

03/03/19 03/03/19

Open

10/03/19 10/03/19

Sarasota Women’s Challenge USPA Ash Farm Ladies Tournament Women’s CAIH Tournament III San Eugenio Ladies’ Cup Ladies Tournament

2-4, 8 & 12-16 Open 0-8 12 Open 0-4 & 10-14 12-14 Open 8-12

AAP

Copa de la Mujer

La Aguada Plett Puesto Viejo

La Aguada Ladies Cup Plett Polo Ladies Tournament Puesto Viejo Ladies’ Cup

18/03/19 23/03/19 20/03/19 24/03/19 30/03/19 31/03/19

Heritage Cup

12-16

01/03/19

16/03/19

National President’s Cup Continental Cup John T. Oxley Memorial WPL Palm Beach Open Butler Handicap Carlos Gracida Cup Rossmore Cup USPA Gold Cup U.S. Open Polo Championship WPL Triple Crown of Polo Eastern Challenge Gay Polo League

4-8 4-8 16-20 26 22 20 8-12 22 22 26 10-14 Open

01/03/19 01/03/19 01/03/19 06/03/19 07/03/19 14/03/19 15/03/19 14/03/19 27/03/19 27/03/19 01/04/19 04/04/19

31/03/19 31/03/19 30/03/19 24/03/19 11/03/19 31/03/19 24/03/19 01/04/19 21/04/19 14/04/19 30/04/19 07/04/19

10/03/19 10/03/19 10/03/19 10/03/19

0,2 & 4

01/03/19

03/03/19

Eynesbury Tournament

8-10

01/03/19

02/03/19

Open

02/03/19

03/03/19

02/03/19 02/03/19 02/03/19 03/03/19 09/03/19 09/03/19 09/03/19 16/03/19 16/03/19 16/03/19 23/03/19

03/03/19 10/03/19 03/03/19 03/03/19 10/03/19 10/03/19 10/03/19 17/03/19 17/03/19 17/03/19 24/03/19

23/03/19

24/03/19

30/03/19

07/04/19

30/03/19 30/03/19 04/04/19

30/03/19 31/03/19 04/04/19

Serpentine Classic & Pooh Bear Tournament Basin Basin Polo Club Tournament Ellerston Ellerston Polo Club Strathalbyn Strathalbyn Heritage Cup Victorian Polo Club Flinders Polo Final Victorian Polo Club VPC Club Cup Windsor Windsor Polo Club Tournament Perth Perth Cup & International Swan Valley Swan Valley Polo Club Tournament Victorian Polo Club VPC Club Cup Windsor Windsor Polo Club Tournament Goulburn Goulburn Polo Club Mingela Windsor

0,4 & 8 8 & 14 Open Open 0, 4 & 8-10 0, 4 & 8 Open Open 0. 4 & 8-10 0, 4 & 8 Open 0, 4 & Mingela Daylesford Cup 8-10 Australian Open & Windsor 14, 0, 4 Tournament &8 Dunkeld Polo 2019 Open WA Open Open International Test Match - Eng v Aus Open

BARBADOS

27/02/19 03/03/19 09/03/19 06/03/19 07/03/19 08/03/19

Yarra Valley Polo Club Tournament

Western Australia

Holders

WOMEN’S POLO Sarasota Polo Club Ash Farm AAP San Eugenio Val de Vie

Yarra Valley Eynesbury Polo Club

Hexham Western Australia Windsor

Arena Youth Key Dates Rugby

Australia

Cheshire Tour Final

Open

03/03/19 03/03/19

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Casa de Campo Casa de Campo

Sapphire Cup HSS Medical Gold Cup

Open Open

28/02/19 09/03/19 14/03/19 30/03/19

Open 0, 2 & 8 Open Open

06/03/19 08/03/19 14/03/19 30/03/19

10/03/19 10/03/19 17/03/19 31/03/19

18 18 10

18/02/19 15/03/19 02/04/19

08/03/19 30/03/19 12/04/19

Open Open Open Open 6 2&8

02/03/19 03/03/19 10/03/19 13/03/19 25/03/19 29/03/19

02/03/19 03/03/19 10/03/19 17/03/19 31/03/19 31/03/19

4-6 Open

16/03/19 17/03/19 29/03/19 30/03/19

NEW ZEALAND

15/03/19 17/03/19 Ellwood Port Hills South Island Auckland

Savile Cup Radford Cup Gould Cup Brinks Polo Tournament

America Port Mayaca Polo Club Grand Champions Port Mayaca Grand Champions Grand Champions IPC, Palm Beach IPC, Palm Beach Eldorado IPC, Palm Beach IPC, Palm Beach Grand Champions Grand Champions IPC, Palm Beach

DUBAI Al Habtoor Al Habtoor Al Habtoor

SOUTH AFRICA Val de Vie Plett Plett Plett Plett East Rand

Argentina La Aguada La Aguada

Autumn Cup Argentine Amateur Championship

www.polotimes.co.uk

Julius Bär Gold Cup Dubai Challenge Cup Dubai Cup

Veuve Clicquot Masters Plett Club Match Plett Club Match Nations Cup Tournament Plett Polo Match Macnab Tournament

THAILAND 12-14 TBC

18/03/19 23/03/19 18/03/19 23/03/19

Thai Polo Club Thai Polo Club

Thai Polo Cup Princess PA’s Cup Beach Polo

Polo Times, March 2019

Polo directory Beach Polo Intercontinental Hua Hin

10th Asian Beach Polo Championship 12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup 2019 British Beach Polo Championships

Hörnum Sandbanks

Open

27/04/19 28/04/19

Open

08/06/19 09/06/19

Open

12/07/19 13/07/19

Social Events Tidworth London Cirencester

Heroes Day Chestertons Polo in the Park 125th Year Anniversary Ball

01/06/19 07/06/19 09/06/19 29/06/19

International Test Matches Club Beaufort RCBPC

Tournament Gloucestershire Festival of Polo Coronation Cup

Start Date 08/06/19 27/07/19

End Date 09/06/19 27/07/19

2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal RCBPC Cowdray Guards Cirencester Cowdray 18 Goal Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cowdray

Prince of Wales Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge Cartier Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

04/05/19 09/05/19 21/05/19 17/06/19 25/06/19

18/05/19 19/05/19 16/06/19 22/06/19 21/07/19

Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Challenge Cup

20/05/19 12/06/19 02/07/19 22/07/19

09/06/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19

15 Goal Guards RCBPC Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort Cirencester Guards Cirencester Cowdray 8 Goal Cirencester Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Beaufort Kirtlington Ham Cirencester 4 Goal Rutland Cheshire Druids Lodge

Royal Windsor Cup Eduardo Moore Trophy Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas

04/06/19 25/06/19 15/07/19 07/08/19 20/08/19

23/06/19 14/07/19 03/08/19 17/08/19 01/09/19

Dollar Cup John Prestwich Prince of Wales The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League

13/05/19 01/06/19 17/06/19 01/07/19 03/08/19 27/08/19 09/09/19

05/06/19 15/06/19 29/06/19 13/07/19 18/08/19 08/09/19 22/09/19

Gerald Balding Archie David Julian & Howard Hipwood Holden White Wichenford Bowl

14/05/19 04/06/19 03/07/19 22/07/19 13/08/19

27/05/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19 25/08/19

Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Trophy Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup

04/06/19 01/08/19 13/08/19 26/08/19

15/06/19 11/08/19 25/08/19 07/09/19

Assam Cup Junior County Cup Rose Bowl

24/06/19 08/07/19 30/07/19

30/06/19 14/07/19 04/08/19

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: It is a common misconception that polo stick shafts are made of bamboo, when in fact the vast majority are made from manau cane, as it is not hollow like bamboo.

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Polo Times, March 2019

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Livery PRE SEASON FITNESS - POST INJURY FITNESS Packages tailored to your horses requirements. Facilities include all rubber horse walker, quiet roads, hill work, woodchip gallops and sand arenas.Livery is available for the coming season.. References available. Price: POA To discuss further please call 07811 880448 or email drakec053@gmail.com Location: Wiltshire

Marketplace

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Winter Nationals

MANAGER/GROOM AVAILABLE UK SEASON 2019 Argentine 2 goal pro looking for work UK 2019. Novisa or flight required. HGV license. English speaking. Price: NEG Contact pologroom1@ gmail.com for more info. UK TWO GROOMS WANTED FOR UK SEASON Two experienced polo grooms needed for coming season in the UK. Excellent package on offer. £1,200.00 p/w Please email for more details or send CV to krpropolo@outlook.com Cirencester

& Winter Victor Ludorum

LADIES BRITISH OPEN Warrior Women Conquer PLUS: USA Action, SUPA University Winter Nationals & Winter Victor Ludorum

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, March 2019

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

With blonde hair as bright as the sun and stick skills to rival the polo masters, 8 goal Alfredo Bigatti is fast becoming a high goal legend, having recently won The 35th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz during his first outing on snow with Badrutt’s Palace and formed part of the La Aguada foursome who broke records and hearts, reaching the Semi Finals of The 126th Argentine Open, losing out to the ultimate champions La Dolfina. We spoke to him before he jetted off to America to take part in the inaugural 26 Goal World Polo League at Grand Champions Polo Club. What is your biggest passion and why? Without doubt horses and football.

Hardest opponent? La Dolfina and Ellerstina.

What is your all-time best polo memory? My debut in The Argentine Open.

Favourite film and why? Gladiator – it’s great. I could watch it 200 times. Favourite song/album? I like everything. I don’t have a favourite song. Most prized possession? My family and friends.

Who were/are your favourite team mates and why? Juan Britos, because we play really well together and have known each other for years. But, also the Novillo Astradas, because we are like a family during the season and its very simple to play with them.

Polo Times, March 2019

Favourite celebrity and why? Catherine Zeta Jones – she’s beautiful! Best holiday destination & activity. Anywhere by the sea! Best pony and why. Luna, because I’ve played her from the very beginning. Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? I believe on working hard and making things happen. Describe yourself in three words… Generous, affectionate and easy-going. One thing which would surprise us about you? I get really emotional when I finish games during The Open, because it makes me think of my father.

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DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE POLO EXPERIENCE WITH POLO VALLEY SOTOGRANDE

Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned professional, playing polo at Polo Valley is an experience you will never forget. Play polo just minutes from the beaches of Sotogrande on well-schooled ponies and immaculate ďŹ elds that will give you no excuses for missing that ball. With over 300 days of sunshine, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the opportunity to get out onto the grass early this year. Disconnect and take in the peaceful surroundings by staying at our on-site Guesthouse, enjoy late night asados and breathtaking views all just 65 steps from the main stables.