PT March 2013

Volume 18 • Issue 2 • March 2013 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Snow polo special St Moritz and China

Plus: Jamie Morrison, polo in Dubai and SUPA Universities

T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.

THE GRANDE MAISON It was in 1833, at the heart of the remote Swiss Jura valley, that Antoine LeCoultre founded the first workshop of what would become the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Swiss watch industry pioneer revolutionised the field of precision by inventing the first pinion-cutting machine. A decade later, he created the world’s first instrument capable of micron-level measurements: the Millionometer. The founder’s inventive spirit, perpetuated from generation to generation, has enabled the Grande Maison to register almost 400 patents and create 1,242 mechanical movements – an absolute record in the watchmaking world. United under one roof, over 180 watchmaking professions ranging from the rarest manual crafts to cutting-edge technologies enable the creation of exceptional timepieces from A to Z.

THE LIVING LEGEND The Reverso watch was born in 1931, at a time when British colonial army officers stationed in India dreamed of finding a timepiece able to withstand the rough and tumble of polo tournaments. In response to this daunting challenge, the Manufacture came up with a simple yet brilliant solution in the shape of the swivel case. The Reverso was nonetheless not solely destined to assert itself on polo fields. Its elegance and customisable case-back aroused immediate enthusiasm among devotees of Fine Watchmaking and aesthetes with a taste for Art Deco styling. Since 1931, the Reverso has acquired authentic iconic status and has been constantly reinvented by the Jaeger-LeCoultre artisans and watchmakers, in terms of both design and function. Within the Manufacture, cases and movements are simultaneously developed and produced, which means each calibre is perfectly fitted to the shape of the case, be it round or rectangular. Aesthetic

refinement and technical excellence go hand in hand, in harmony with one of the cardinal values of Jaeger-LeCoultre: integrity.

RARE SKILLS SERVING THE ICON The watchmakers’ talents are echoed by the virtuoso skills of the artists who transform the Reverso into a genuine work of art. The back of the Reverso provides unique space for personalisation. Family crests, monograms or initials: the engraver sculpts the metal to preserve the trace of a tender tie, a symbolic date, or a precious moment. Jaeger-LeCoultre also houses one of the world’s only workshops still exercising the discipline of enamel miniature painting, which calls for endless patience. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s gem-setters display peerless mastery of precious stones and have indeed developed their own gemsetting techniques in order to accentuate the beauty of the swivel case. By way of example, the “snow setting” technique created in the gem-setting workshop of the Manufacture gives pride of place to the sparkle of gems to light up a Reverso. Whether by an engraving, a miniature enamel painting or the radiance of precious stones, our artists will immortalise your legend. Choose the moment that belongs to you. A Reverso just for you.

1931 Reverso patent

GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN TRIBUTE TO 1931.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822.

YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.

Jaeger-LeCoultre London Boutique, 1A Old Bond Street, Mayfair, +44 207 491 6970 Harrods, Fine Watch Room, +44 207 730 1234 Selfridges, The Wonder Room, +44 207 318 3830 Wempe London, 43-44 New Bond Street, London, +44 207 493 2299 www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

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

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

Contents

24

34

Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk Deputy editor Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk

56

What’s inside...

March 2013 News

6 All the latest news 14 The big picture

Comment

Youth polo 56 SUPA Universities Arena Championships, Rugby

Knowledge 60 Know your game

Junior editor

16 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

Polly Bryan polly@polotimes.co.uk

18 Herbert Spencer’s Global view

Advertising manager

22 Your views: letters

Lily Cox lily@polotimes.co.uk

Sidelines

Features

66 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know

Art editor Nicki Averill nicki@polotimes.co.uk Marketing & PR

20 Umpire’s corner

24 Cover story: Interview with the Berkshire’s Jamie Morrison 28 Cover story: Polo in Dubai

Reports

PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk

34 Cover story: FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

Subscriptions

40 Cover story: Polo World Cup on Snow, St Moritz

Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660

www.polotimes.co.uk

46 HPA’s New Year National Club Championships, RCBPC

48 BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club 50 Thai Ladies’ International, Thailand 52 Home and abroad

62 Know your horse 64 Ones to watch

68 Social: Audi International launch, London; SUPA Universities, Rugby 70 Social: Polo World Cup on Snow, St Moritz; Thai Polo Open, Thailand; Scottish Polo party, Edinburgh 72 Social: FIP Snow Polo World Cup, China; Thai Ladies’ International, Thailand 74 What’s on in March 82 Passions: Roddy Williams

Cover photograph: Cartier’s Chris Hyde in action during his side’s victory over BMW in the final of the Polo World Cup on Snow in St Moritz. By Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

Polo Times, March 2013 5

from the Editor

News

Snow has been the word on everyone’s lips in the last month – both in the polo world and in the UK at large. The roads around the PT office have at times resembled an ice rink, so it seems somewhat ironic that we have travelled as far afield as St Moritz and China this month to cover the world’s biggest and best snow polo tournaments. Fittingly snow polo forms the nucleus of this issue with reports from the FIP Snow Polo World Cup (pages 34-38) and the Polo World Cup on Snow (pages 40-44).

England to play USA for Westchester Cup at Guards in July

Georgie May also caught up with Jamie Morrison out in St Moritz. With the Berkshire man set to star in the Arena Test Match at Hickstead this month and the third Gaucho International in May, her interview with him makes essential reading – see pages 24-27.

I have also written a feature about the growth of polo in Dubai. Thanks to all the patrons who have helped me to put this together, particularly Saeed Bin Drai, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Faris Al Yabhouni and Amr Zedan. A special thanks also to my former Reading Chronicle colleague Murrindie Frew, who is now based in Dubai, for her stunning pictures. See pages 28-33.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the launch of the Audi International Series (see right), which I am personally extremely excited by. Not only will the return of the Westchester Cup be a tremendous spectacle, but to have the impressive young South Africans back in England so soon after last years’ Coronation Cup and a Test Match against an Australasian side on the horizon should make for an unforgettable summer. I can’t wait.

Finally, I do hope you have all had a look at the magazine on our new app. Now that we have launched this we are committed to making it better and better each month, so please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

Have a good month and enjoy the magazine.

ENGLAND WILL TAKE on the USA for the Westchester Cup on the HPA’s Audi International Day at Guards Polo Club on 28 July. This will be the first time in 16 years that the UK has staged the Westchester Cup, one of polo’s oldest international trophies.

The contest will be the flagship fixture of this year’s Audi International Polo Series, which also includes two other international matches. On 15 June, England will take on South

The Westchester Cup will be the flagship event of the Audi Series Africa at Beaufort Polo Club and on 7 September – to conclude the series – England will play Australasia at Chester Racecourse.

The dates and opposing teams were announced at a special reception at Audi City in London on 7 February,

England – James Beim, Mark Tomlinson, Javier Novillo Astrada and Luke Tomlinson – lift the Westchester Cup in 2009 in Florida

attended by more than 100 guests from the polo world.

“We have an incredibly exciting season of Audi Internationals planned for 2013 – not least the Westchester Cup,” said HPA chief executive David Woodd at the reception. “We’re looking forward to a thrilling new chapter in this great story.”

Usually the Coronation Cup is played

Bloom London Dry Gin sponsor letters page Email me: john@polotimes.co.uk

EACH MONTH WE choose and publish a “Letter of the month”, for which the lucky winner receives a prize. This month we welcome a new sponsor, Bloom London Dry Gin, who will be providing a bottle of their gin to the winner each month this year.

Bloom was created by Joanne Moore, the only female gin Master Distiller in the world, whose inspiration came from her own English country garden.

Bloom is the title sponsor of the annual British Ladies’ Open Polo Championships at Cowdray Park. w See pages 22-23 for this month’s letters, including our Letter of the month sent in by Charlotte Verdon

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Polo Times, March 2013

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News Photographs courtesy of Audi and Greg Ratner

The Westchester Cup Key Facts Series record: USA 10, England 6 Player with most appearances: Devereux Milburn, seven appearances (for USA, 1909-1927) Largest margin of victory: 12 goals (England beat the USA, 14-2 in 1886) Last result in the UK (1997): England beat the USA, 12-9 Last result in the USA (2009): England beat the USA, 10-9

England’s James Beim (left) and South America’s Manolo Fernandez Llorente in action at the Audi International at Chester Racecourse in September 2012. This September, England will take on Australasia in Chester

for on International Day at Guards, which was sponsored by Audi for the first time last year, but with the USA coming over to take on England it seemed fitting for the teams to play for the Westchester. England currently holds the title, having beaten the USA 10-9 in 2009 in Florida. The cup was last played for in the UK in 1997, when England also won, 12-9.

However, the USA currently holds the record for the most wins since the trophy’s inception

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in 1886. “The American’s are experts at all kinds of horsepower and the drama of this prestigious match at Guards Polo Club will truly make it a national occasion,” said Jon Zammett, head of PR for Audi UK. The team line-ups for all three Audi Internationals will be confirmed later in the season but we are likely to see England regulars Mark and Luke Tomlinson, James Beim and Malcolm Borwick take to the field

on at least one occasion. Last year, England captured two of the three Audi Internationals, defeating South Africa and South America, but they lost to The Commonwealth in the first international match at the Beaufort Polo Club. w See page 68 for social photos from the Audi International Polo Series reception in London w See page 34 for England in action abroad

Polo Times, March 2013

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News

England to take part in Copa de las Naciones in Argentina

Aiming high LOOKING PLAYERS: < GtwoOOD young polo players, Dominic Woods and Will Seth-Smith, were among other male riders to be voted as “Hunting’s most eligible bachelors” by Horse & Hound

THE HPA HAS confirmed that it will send an England team to Argentina to play in the 22-goal Copa de las Naciones in April. The team will play as England this year, rather than the “Rest of the World” as was the case in 2012 due to rising tensions over the Falkland Islands.

The side will be made up of seven-goalers Mark and Luke Tomlinson, five-goaler Ollie Cudmore and three-goaler Matt Perry, who will be making his debut as an England player. All will play off their Argentine handicaps.

The round-robin tournament will take place at Palermo, Buenos Aires from 9-21 April.

The number of teams taking part is yet to be confirmed, but it is thought that there will be six. The three other teams that contested the tournament in 2012 – winners Argentina, Chile and Brazil – are expected to return.

This is the second year the HPA have sent a team to take part in the tournament, which is run by the Argentine Polo Association (AAP). The “Rest of the World” finished second in last year’s tournament, behind Argentina.

IN DUBAI: the handicap < PofOLO the Dubai Gold Cup Series

was raised to 16-goals this year, making it one of the highest-rated polo tournaments in the region

POLO: entries for < LtheOW-GOAL low-goal sections of the HPA National Club Championships were up this year, including the new 1-3 goal section, which attracted seven teams this January. See pages 46-47

and android devices, including iPads and iPhones. Subscribers can access all issues for free

Swinging low DOLFO CAMBIASO: the = A10-goaler was sent off during a league game of the 26-goal CV Whitney Cup at IPCPB while playing for Valiente ARLOS GRACIDA: the = Cformer 10-goaler was arrested in Florida in February and charged with drink driving after reportedly crashing into a lamppost

=

YNDON LEA: the Zacara = Lpatron was caught up in the horsemeat scandal, after his private equity firm Lion Capital was linked to Findus, whose beef lasagne was found to contain 100 per cent horsemeat.

Lion Capital’s stake in the food company is understood to be less than a third 8

Polo Times, March 2013

Mark Tomlinson will represent England in Argentina

w See pgs 34-38 for England in action abroad

Pepe Araya recovering from neck fracture JOSÉ IGNACIO ARAYA, also known as Pepe, is currently recovering from a nasty fall in Argentina.

The Argentine seven-goaler was trying out new ponies in Colonel Suarez in January when one bucked him off and he fell heavily, hitting his head and fracturing his second vertebra, temporarily leaving him without mobility in his left arm.

However, Araya, who represented South America at the Audi International at Chester Racecourse in September, is said to be recovering well but it will take at least five months for him to regain the strength in his neck and return to full mobility.

“When I first fell, I couldn’t move my legs or arms,” Araya said. “I was completely conscious but I couldn’t breathe and felt completely terrified.

My brother rushed over and kept me calm before the ambulance arrived to take me to a clinic in Suarez. I was then flown to a hospital in Buenos Aires and after consultation it was decided that I

should wear a neck brace.”

It is understood that 41-year-old Araya had polo commitments lined up in the UK this summer but those have now been put on hold until he is fully recovered. w S tory courtesy of Carlos Beer’s Click Polo (www.clickpolo.com.ar) Photograph by Carlos Beer

JASON CROWDER: the US six-goaler was arrested in February after he reportedly entered another man’s house, removed all his clothes and climbed into bed. He was charged with burglary and resisting arrest with violence

Photograph courtesy of Audi

ipad users: Polo Times is < now available to read on tablets

Pepe Araya, in his neck brace, with his wife Delfina

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News

Glen Gilmore unable to take up position at Guards support of the rest of the team at Guards.

Gilmore, who has captained the Australian polo team for ten years, playing off an eightgoal handicap at the height of his career, was appointed polo manager in November. He was due to succeed Oliver Ellis.

Gilmore has previously worked as chief umpire at Guards as well as being a board member there (representing high-goal professional players) and an occasional commentator. He has also had success playing at Smith’s Lawn, leading Australia to victory on Cartier International Day 2005. w For the latest news about Glen’s progress see www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Swiss Image

GUARDS POLO CLUB has announced that Glen Gilmore will be unable to take up the position of polo manager at the start of the 2013 season.

Australian Gilmore was due to join the team at Guards on 3 April but will now be delayed for health reasons. The seven-goaler was diagnosed with the recurrence of a melanoma, which has been absent for two years. He will now remain in Australia to undertake treatment and recovery and it is hoped that he will be able to begin the role at Smith’s Lawn later in the season.

Assistant polo manager Emma Leiva and secretary Tara Smith will continue to run the polo office on a day-to-day basis with the

Glen Gilmore will not be arriving at Guards in April

Retraining of Racehorses to host second polo challenge

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performance. The judges, who will be two or three leading international players plus a representative from RoR or the HPA, may request to ride ponies in the four-year-old and five/six-year-old sections.

The overall champion will win an additional

£1,500 and the Balding Trophy, awarded at the HPA dinner at Guards Polo Club on 25 July. w T o enter the competition please visit www.ror.org.uk and complete the entry form in the polo section Photograph by Georgie May

RETRAINING OF RACEHORSES (RoR) will hold its second Racing to Polo Challenge at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) on Monday 17 June. The competition is for RoR registered polo ponies who have previously raced.

The competition will once again be divided into three sections for three-year-olds, fouryear-olds and five/six-year-olds. Monetary prizes will be awarded down to tenth place in each section, with the winner of each receiving £1,000. Although there will be no appearance fee this year, as in 2012, classes will be limited to 10 entries each, so a cash prize is guaranteed.

Riders must hold a two-goal handicap or above. However, a new rule has been introduced allowing players of under two-goals to apply to ride if they are the owner/rider of the pony or if they ride for the stable. The application will be subject to approval by the panel. RoR can also provide two riders to show the pony on the day free of charge, if requested.

Riders will be required to perform a oneand-a-half minute freestyle display in the five/ six-year-old section, but this year, for the first time, a guide will be given for the routine and exercises expected in the three-year-old and four-year-old classes. Ponies will be judged on conformation, movement, responsiveness and willingness, with marks awarded for

English six-goaler Henry Brett was one of a number of pros who supported the inaugural challenge last year

Polo Times, March 2013

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News

Stockmen to take to the beach in Australia AUSTRALIA’S ONLY BEACH polo event, Pinctada Cable Beach Polo, held in Broome on 18-19 May, will feature the inaugural Kimberley Challenge. The match will see leading polo players team up with young indigenous stockmen, who will be vying for the Swan Valley Polo Club Scholarship. The award will be given to the stockman that demonstrates outstanding horsemanship and polo skills.

The challenge will feature three-a-side teams comprising a professional polo player and two stockmen on each side. Australian four-goaler Matt Welsh will oversee the training of the successful recipient of the scholarship, who will be given the opportunity to work, train and play at

Swan Valley Polo Club during the 2014 season.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the sport of polo available to everyone and I think the Kimberley Challenge is a terrific initiative,” Welsh said. “Our focus this year is on young indigenous stockmen, but in time we see the event developing to include all young people who grow up or work on the Kimberley stations. Hopefully they’ll take it back to the remote stations and start playing the game again. Polo was a popular pastime on the stations a century ago, but to the best of my knowledge it is rarely played now.”

The beach polo event will feature four matches, including an international game.

Action from a beach polo tournament in Australia

Polo art to feature at Terminal 5 recent sculpture depicting Adolfo Cambiaso, whom Lorne worked with personally on the project. Faye is a regular exhibitor at the T5 Gallery and her work has been displayed at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

The exhibition is open every day from 8am to 8pm.

THE T5 GALLERY at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal Five is introducing a polo exhibition featuring equestrian sculptor Lorne McKean and emerging equestrian painter Faye NasserJoley. The exhibition will be on display from 13 May to 26 June 2013.

Lorne has completed many public commissions during her career, including a half life-size bronze of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for Guards Polo Club, and a

Lorne McKean’s polo art, which will be exhibited in T5

Effective horsemanship requires perfect communication

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For stockists, call Equine Management: 01825 840 002 To buy, call: 01825 841 303 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk / www.worldwidetack.com 10

Polo Times, March 2013

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News

Tarquin Southwell gears up to run the London Marathon Tarquin Southwell taught keen youngsters at a Pony Club Polo rally at Ash Farm Polo Club on Tuesday 19 February, which helped to raise money for Make A Wish Foundation, the charity he will be representing when he runs the London Marathon in April. w F or more about Tarquin’s bid to run the London marathon see page 67

Polo-themed backgammon THE CHISHOLM GALLERY, based in the USA, has begun selling polo-themed backgammon boards. The 16x20 inch tabletop boards include a matching canister, which holds the colourcoordinated checkers, dice and dice cups inside.

Custom backgammon boards can also be designed with your own choice of fabric.

The polo-themed board costs $350 (£230).

Contact info@chisholmgallery.com for more information.

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News in brief w AN EVENING TO honour the Polo Hall of Fame inductees took place in February at the Museum of Polo in Wellington, Florida. Those receiving awards included Mike Azzaro, Robert Gould Shaw, Tim Gannon, Bill Gilmore and ponies Ever Ready and Fairy Story. wA NEW ORGANISATION aiming to improve opportunities and success of women and girls in polo held an official launch on 24 February at Emsworth Polo Grounds. Helping young women learn about the polo industry and supporting the provision of training packages, Women in Polo plans to raise the profile of all females in polo. Their flagship event – The Katie Piper Foundation Polo Day – will be held in August. w I NTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB Palm Beach (IPCPB) in Florida and its president, John Wash, have won a prestigious local award. They have been selected as the recipient of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s 2013 President’s Award. wD ON’T FORGET THAT all Polo Times subscribers get free access to the new Polo Times app. You will need your username and password to unlock the free content. If you do not know these, email sarah@polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2013

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News News in brief wT ICKETS ARE NOW on sale for the third annual HPA Gaucho International Polo event at The 02 Arena in London on Tuesday 21 May. Argentina will take on England in the main 22-goal international match and Scotland will play Mexico in an 18-goal game. There will also be a third match, played at the beginning of the evening. To purchase tickets, visit www.gauchopolo.com. wF OR THE FIRST time, a HighGoal All-Star Polo Challenge will be held in Florida on 16 March.

South America, captained by Facundo Pieres, will take on North America – led by Nic Roldan – in the match, which will be held at a private field. “In Argentina, we often play with allpro teams,” said Pieres. “But that style of play is not seen as often in the US. The skill level is much higher, more fast-paced. We think spectators will really enjoy the match.” w GENERAL ADMISSION AND grandstand tickets are now on sale for this June’s Mint Polo in the Park event in London.

Hospitality packages are also available. The three-day tournament takes place from 7-9 June at Hurlingham Park in Fulham, London, and attracts players from across the world.

To purchase tickets see www. polointheparklondon.com

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Polo Times, March 2013

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters International Arena Test Match On Saturday 2 March AEPC Hickstead will host the 2013 Arena Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy where England will play The British Isles.

The teams will be as follows: England (23) British Isles (22) 1. Tarquin Southwell 7 1. Maurice Ormerod 6 2. Roddy Williams 7 2. Sebastian Dawnay 8 Bk. Chris Hyde (captain) 9 Bk. Jamie Morrison (captain) 8 For tickets please contact: www.hickstead.co.uk/polo The HPA Gaucho International On Tuesday 21 May Gaucho will host an evening of International Polo at the O2 Arena. The matches will be as follows: 6.30pm: Team Merchant Hub v Team Hedonism Wines 7.30pm: Royal Salute Scotland v Mexico (three a-side 18-goal polo) 8.30pm: IG England v Cheval des Andes Argentina (three a-side 20–22 goal polo) There will be a limited number of discounted tickets available from the HPA, for further details please contact the HPA office.

Overseas Australia The HPA have been invited to send England teams to play various International matches in Australia throughout February, March and April.

Saturday 23 February: England will play Australia at the Werribee Park Club, Victoria. The team will be as follows: James Beim (7) (captain), Tom Beim (3), Sam Gairdner (4) and Ollie Cudmore (4).

Sunday 7 April: England will play Australia at Windsor, Sydney. The team will be as follows:

James Beim (7) (captain), James Harper (6), Ed Hitchman (5) and Tom Morley (6).

There will also be an England 21 team touring Australia from 21 March to 7 April, which will take part in three International matches. The team will be: Izzy Parsons (2), Harold Hodges (2), Charlie Scott (2) and Freddie Dear (2). They will play at Millamolong Polo Club, Garangula Polo Club, Ellerston and Windsor.

Argentina The following will represent England in the 22-goal Copa de las Naciones in Buenos Aires which is scheduled to be played from 9-21 April: Luke Tomlinson (7), Mark Tomlinson (7), Ollie Cudmore (5) and Matt Perry (3). The players are all playing off their Argentine handicaps, as listed here.

ROR Racing to Polo challenge Sponsored by Lycetts, Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) will once again be holding their Racing to Polo challenge this summer. The competition will take place at the Royal Country of Berkshire Polo Club on Monday 17 June. For full details please see the ROR website www.ror.org.uk HPA meeting dates Tuesday 9 April: Welfare AGM, Sunningdale Park Hotel Tuesday 16 April: Stewards, Cavalry and Guards Club, London Wednesday 17 April: Club Chief Umpires, Sunningdale Park Hotel.

Wednesday 1 May: Council, Cavalry and Guards Club, London

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Club News

Lynt to close down in March LYNT POLO CLUB has been forced to close due to the landlord’s development plans for the farm.

The club, near Lechlade in Gloucestershire, will continue to operate and teach until the end of March. A Farewell Tournament will take place on 16-17 March and the club will host the Easter HPA junior training programme as planned.

Guy and Charlotte Verdon have run Lynt Polo Club for the past three years and will move to Sussex in April to restart Knepp Castle Polo Club and set up a polo school.

“We are very optimistic about the future,” said Charlotte. “We have the backing of the former club committee at Knepp, but we are an entirely new business and hope to work carefully alongside the other local low-goal clubs, all of whom have been receptive to our ideas. We have to thank Corinium

Associates Polo Sponsorship for helping set us up with such a great opportunity.”

The Verdons, pictured below, took over the club – formerly known as Inglesham Polo Club – from the Williams family in 2010. Since then the club has grown year-on-year, with its membership now almost at 50.

August. Players may enter as a team or put their name forward as an individual and non-members are welcome. Just one one-goaler or two zerogoalers will be permitted per team. Please contact abi@druidspolo.co.uk for more information.

Becky Bazzard FHM host new joins Wycombe tournament WEST WYCOMBE PARK Polo Club has appointed Becky Bazzard as its new polo manager, replacing Charley Cudworth. The club is offering free individual tournament entry for all full summer members with their own ponies this year.

Members must be fully paid up by 28 February.

Individual tournament entry will be half price to full summer members who are not pony owners, or those who hold a joint, family, services, student, second club, Pony Club or under-18 membership.

A pre-season party and raffle will be held on 13 April at the club. Contact Hannah Gamble on hannagamble@hotmail. co.uk for more details or go to www. westwycombepolo. co.uk.

New polo manager Becky Bazzard

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News in brief wT IDWORTH POLO CLUB is planning to launch a free annual magazine. The club is looking for articles and photographs from its members about their winter polo experiences to publish in the first issue, and encourages anyone wishing to write about their experiences at Tidworth or their life in polo to get in touch.

Contact the club on tidpolo@ tiscali.co.uk or 01980 846705. wT HE ALL ENGLAND Polo Club at Hickstead will host the final of the Champagne Pommery Challenge on Saturday 9 March.

The open-handicap Champagne Pommery Challenge matches have been held throughout the arena season.

New summer league at Druids DRUIDS LODGE POLO Club will run a new summer league this season, from May to August.

The -4 to -2-goal league will have space for four teams, with each team playing three games leading up to the final weekend at the end of

News

FOUR EAGER LOW-GOAL teams lined up for the new 0-goal La Julia Challenge arena tournament at FHM Polo Club. Sarah English’s La Julia team, also featuring Dejan Borisaveljevic, Annette Bull and Meyrick Williams (who stood in for Bull in the final chukka) emerged as the winners. The team defeated FHM Blue – Jo Asquith, Marie Nickalls and Rupert Bull – 6-4 in the final. The winning team was named after the Argentine La Julia polo estancia, to which FHM Polo Club organises trips for its members.

wG ERMANY’S BERLINER POLO CLUB has opened a 5-star hotel and restaurant in its grounds. The Berlin-based club is now offering all-inclusive polo packages, which include stays of three nights or more. It can also provide wedding packages for up to 250 people.

The club was founded in 1906 and is now situated at Schluss Gut, Berlin. wT HE FOURTH ANNUAL International Gay Polo League Tournament at Marc and Melissa Ganzi’s Grand Champions Polo Club will feature a record number of teams this year. Six teams will take part in the event in Florida on Saturday 13 April, playing across two different levels. w I N THE JAN/FEB 2013 issue of Polo Times we incorrectly stated that Andres Perez is the founder of Eastwood Polo Club, near Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire. Andres is in fact the polo manager and the club was founded by the Frankum family. wP OLO TIMES WANTS to hear from clubs with news for this section. Please send any news from your club, as well as photographs (minimum 1MB) and details of your upcoming tournaments to polly@ polotimes.co.uk.

Polo Times, March 2013

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the

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Fireworks in China There was certainly no shortage of fireworks at the second annual FIP Snow Polo World Cup at the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China in late January and early February. A whole host of dignitaries, including new FIP president Dr Richard Caleel and Goldin Group vice chairman Harvey Lee, set off this colourful display to mark the start of the tournament. w See pages 34-38 for a report from the FIP Snow Polo World Cup and pages 72-73 for social pictures

Comment

Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

Can we improve the game by capping players’ salaries?

I

went to my first ever football game in February – Chelsea vs Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Apart from one live rugby game, I have clearly led a very sheltered life as I have only ever watched polo. It was fascinating to be a part of this tribal vibe pervading through the stands on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon.

So much heckling – at the £50m signing of Fernando Torres in particular – “50 million’s worth of s**t!” cried one angry and overrefreshed fan after Torres failed to score in the first half. Chelsea supporters expect a lot of these players and, to some extent, so they should when weekly salaries are in the hundreds of thousands and transfer fees in the millions.

But now, UEFA are introducing a Financial Fair Play concept to curb the excessive spending, inflated transfer fees and player salaries that have increasingly dominated football in recent years.

So, this got me thinking about polo. What would happen if player’s salaries were capped across the board, but with optional performance bonuses on the table? Would this create a more open, level playing field or would the differing levels of horsepower defeat the purpose?

Would there be more incentive to

Top footballers like Fernando Torres (in blue) could soon be paid less. Is it time to consider austerity measures in polo?

how, when a team is comfortably ahead, complacency can alter the tempo of the game so easily and so quickly and can be one of the deciding factors in winning or losing. When Chelsea were up by 2-0, they completely let their guard down leaving their goal wide open to the opposition, who seized the opportunity and promptly scored.

Photograph by Ronnie Macdonald

Would capped salaries create a more open, level playing field or would differing levels of horsepower defeat the purpose? give your all in every game with less likelihood of match fixing and consequently much better games from everyone’s point of view?

The other thing I noticed during the football game was 16

Polo Times, March 2013

How many times have we seen this in polo? That feeling of security when your team is three goals up; you start to relax a little, the focus becomes less sharp and then right in front of your nose

the other team scores three goals end to end in so many minutes.

You feel like kicking yourself.

With regular achievement, often a team can become a bit stagnant and the players begin to accept success as a “given”. What we need to remember is that it is always a mistake to take the weaker opposition lightly.

Knee pads worth buying As much as Fagliano is well known to be the ultimate brand in polo boots, so too does Logo Saddlery have the same cachet when it comes to knee pads. Geoff Oram has been making knee pads in Midhurst for the past 40 years.

His custom-made, hand-stitched and exquisitely monogrammed creations have been protecting everyone’s delicate knees from

Adolfo Cambiaso, through every single member of the Pieres family to Prince Charles. In August last year, Geoff ’s 28-year-old son Matthew became wheelchair bound following a major accident – something which has turned the Oram’s lives upside down.

One of the great things about the polo community is how it regularly rallies together around a friend in need. With that in mind, if anyone is in need of some stunning new knee pads, or has any tack, belts or leather-goods that need repairing, please get in touch with Geoff. The custom will be appreciated and you will not be disappointed! F

w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

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Comment

Global view with Herbert Spencer

Have my comments in this column encouraged any changes in the sport?

I

have been giving my opinions about polo on this page for six years now, writing as a non-player with more than 40 years working in the international polo community and, I hope, with the wisdom of age. Throughout I have tried to present a balanced global view, praising where praise is due and criticising where criticism is warranted.

Some polo people seem to want the world to view everything in the sport through rose-tinted spectacles. Players may complain about their sport in the pony lines and clubhouse bars, but most avoid putting their head above the parapet. In the sport’s governance, the emphasis is usually on consensus rather than healthy, democratic debate and decision-making.

I have sometimes been criticised for presenting negative aspects of polo in this column. My critical comments have made me a few enemies over the years, but on the whole, happily, more thoughtful readers seem to have welcomed my comments.

Here are some of my subjects that I believe would benefit from further consideration by the powers that be.

Photograph by Lynn and Jim Bremner/Polozone.com

Financial transparency How the sport raises money and spends it is of interest to the general public as well as everyone in the polo industry.

Are polo’s governing bodies

England’s Ryan Pemble and Chris Hyde appeal for a decision with their sticks during the 2011 Townsend Cup in the USA

Freedom of Information rules?

I once praised the HPA for its openness, but more recently the association, like the USPA, has declined to release budget details for publication. Would greater transparency not be a good thing for the sport’s public image?

Corporate branding of association activities The Argentine association never misses a chance to prominently display the AAP logo at all their events, keeping the association in the public eye. The HPA has argued for years to get top billing for its name and logo at its big events. With the HPA’s new “corporate partner”, Polofix, now managing the events, this may finally come about.

Players may complain about their sport but most avoid putting their head above the parapet “private” organisations with no obligation to reveal financial details or should they be viewed as governments are, subject to 18

Polo Times, March 2013

Payment to professional players on national teams Most associations now pay their players in one way or another,

especially where prize money is won and shared. But the associations will continue to be in competition with pro-am team patrons for the services of the top national pros. Associations and their sponsors must realise that more money will be required to get the best players. The pros will play where they can earn most for their time and talent.

more professional. This will come about only when the FIP is able to establish a permanent secretariat with an efficient, professional CEO managing its affairs.

Appealing for fouls

Respect for the global governing body

The HPA’s rules of the game prohibit appealing for a foul “verbally or with the stick”, but umpires are still not penalising players for frequently raised sticks. Why not?

It would be presumptuous of me to think that any of my comments on these and other polo subjects have been solely responsible for any changes in the sport. Real change can only come with changes of attitudes of players, team patrons, clubs and the sport’s governing bodies.

I can only hope that my words, in the past and in the future, may at least simulate some healthy debate in the international polo community. F

For 30 years the FIP has relied largely upon well-intentioned volunteers to administer the sport. The federation needs to be

w Read more from Herbert at www.polotimes.co.uk

The nationality rule for teams in international competition The major polo associations accept that their national teams should include only players who are citizens – passport holders – of their country.

But the world governing body, the Federation of International Polo (FIP), seems not to have got the message. See my column last month about polo in China.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Comment

Umpire’s Corner arena special with Simon McLaren-Tosh

New rules increase appeal of arena polo Three new rules, and a fourth new rule under trial, were introduced this arena season, with the aim to make arena polo safer and more open. Here, umpire Simon McLarenTosh provides his view on how successful each rule has been this winter Rule 14c – Riding Off: A player may only ride off another player if they are travelling at the same speed and are parallel and level to the other player so that the ride off is shoulder to shoulder.

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Simon says: Riding off has definitely improved this year. Everybody seems to understand that if you make a bad ride-off, either accidently or on purpose, you will be penalised for it and in some instances we have been very severe with the penalty awarded.

Cold Smoke’s Jamie Morrison and Black Eagles’s Chris Hyde abide by the rules with a shoulder-to-shoulder ride-off during the HPA National Club Championships

Rule 13 – The Hancock Zone: The Hancock Zone is an area that extends five feet from the side and back walls of an arena. The area also extends five feet in from the curvatures of the corners in an arena.

Any attacker entering this area and making a play on the ball with a defending player in a defensive position must have the intent to make a positive play. An attacker with a defensive player in position and/or being ridden off may only tap the ball twice before he must accelerate or hit the ball away. An attacker is to be considered to be any player in possession of the ball. Infringement of this rule will incur a penalty. The penalty will be awarded, by the umpire(s), in accordance to its severity, its location and effect on the game.

Simon says: This rule has actually been around for a while. Some years it seems to be adhered to more than others. This year the approach has certainly been stricter but the two taps part of the rule doesn’t seem to work. The attacker doesn’t want to go too fast in case they lose control of the ball and the defender doesn’t want to give the attacker too much space. The whole problem actually seems to start much earlier in the play with most players just heading straight towards the right hand wall from a hit-in. So, we seem to be in a bit of a catch 22.

In my opinion, it might be better to make the rule harder so that if the ball is in the corner you are only allowed one hit or even make it that you have to shoot from outside the 15-yard line. Alternatively the corners could be made more rounded so that if you hit the ball hard into the corner, it would probably go into the goal anyhow. The most radical approach would probably be that the defender, from a hit in, has to hit the ball or attempt to hit the ball past the half-way, thus stopping a tap play straight to the right hand wall. To summarise, we need to find a way to make the polo more open.

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Polo Times, March 2013

Arena playing area

Hancoc Zone Hancock Zone

(five feet wide)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Umpire’s Corner arena special with Simon McLaren-Tosh

Comment

Action from the All England Polo Club arena, where all the new rules have been in effect this winter, helping improve the game for all

Directive – Sin Bin: In situations of dangerous or persistent fouls a player may be sent to the Sin Bin for 90 seconds. The Sin Bin will be used in conjunction with a penalty hit, which can only be taken once the player has left the arena. The Sin Bin shall be for 90 seconds of play and shall then continue until the whistle is blown for a foul or the ball is hit out of play. A player returning in the same chukka must return on the same horse unless their team exercises the option under Rule 17 – Interruption of Play (page 87). A player returning in another chukka is entitled to change horse prior to returning to the field of play.

NB: An umpire may still send players out of the arena for the rest of the match but not for the rest of the chukka.

Simon says: At the time of writing, nobody has yet been “sin-binned”. A few have felt that there have been a couple of occasions when the Sin Bin could have been used, however, not for dangerous play but for persistent backchat. Many umpires tend to award 15 or 25 undefended penalties rather than using the Sin Bin as they feel that this is enough punishment.

Rules trial – Awarding two goals for scoring shots from distance: Two goals will be awarded when an attacking player scores a goal under the following conditions: i. A field goal scored directly from outside the defenders 25-yard line or when scored as a result of the ball deflecting off a single defender and/or their pony, or scored when the ball is deflected off the side/end wall or netting which deflects directly against the back board/netting within the goal area. ii. The same will be awarded when exacting Penalties 5 and 6 or as a result of the hit taken when the ball has been hit out of the arena between the two 25-yard lines.

To indicate that two goals have been awarded, the mounted umpire must raise an arm vertically with the “pick-up” stick in a horizontal position thus forming a “T”.

Simon says: This season a two-point rule has been trialed. It is quite hard to convert the two pointers – even scoring a 25-yard undefended penalty isn’t a “given” – so luck plays quite a large part in it. I don’t think it makes the players shoot for the two pointers but the crowd love them, so that can’t be a bad thing. www.polotimes.co.uk

Arena polo has evolved over the past 20 years. It started out as something to do over the winter months between a few friends on their semi-retired ponies or making ground on their youngsters. Nowadays it’s a hard-fought professional game of high-goal players on their highgoal machines.

The low-goal still seems to be a lot of fun without too much controversy but as you climb up the levels it seems to get more fraught. Is the arena too small to squeeze in all that talent? Have the players and the hard times combined resulting in games being “a must-win situation at any cost”? Do the patrons want to come on a Sunday with their family and be involved in a shouting match full of blame?

Of course they want to win and expect their professionals to try their hardest, but at what cost?

A few years ago a patron of mine reminded me that she played polo for the fun of it, irrespective of whether she won or lost. Polo is to all intents and purposes (apart form the very high levels) a leisure industry where we, as the professionals, are custodians of the game and the patrons are the financial life blood.

There are a few more problems with arena polo. For example, unlike outdoor polo, officials are in a much more confined space so it is much easier to “have a little chat” with each other which can be overheard by the spectators – fuel for a fire?

One thing most of the Arena Committee have agreed upon in the last month is that we must video the arena games more often so as to help players and officials come to an agreement on where we can improve the game for everyone. This has been used outdoors to great success. w Do you agree with Simon’s views? Join the debate by writing to letters@polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, March 2013

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Photograph by Images of Polo

Simon’s conclusion

Comment

Your views

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

Holbrook Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX

A very appy PT reader Sir, I have just downloaded the Polo Times app to my iPad and I just wanted to take this opportunity to say a big well done to you all for taking the plunge. I have been reading the Sunday Times on the iPad for some time now and I’ve always found it to be jolly useful, so I am delighted that I can now read the latest polo news on my iPad as well. Best of all, whether I’m at home or not when you publish, I can now read the magazine straight away.

A thumbs up from me.

Jon Petchey London

Letter of the month

Polo’s first aid problem is finally solved Sir, having run Lynt Polo Club for the past three seasons, accidents were always my primary concern. Our members should have been seriously worried about my first aid skills! I prayed that I wouldn’t have to put what I had learned, during a brief course, into action. I was always delighted when one of our medical members signed up to play for the weekend, selfishly I knew I was then off the hook. Finances, of course, were the limiting factor, as is the case with so many low-goal clubs and when consulted, surprisingly our members opted out of paying for an expensive ambulance.

My prayers were answered. As I tried to take stock one Monday, following another standard weekend of 2012 low-goal action, which included bogged lorries, heated players, a pony falling over the boards, a thunderstorm and a concussed vet, Wolverest sent me an email, totally out of the blue.

These ex-military medics cannot only guarantee to remain calm during a crisis (between them they have been shot, blown up and bombed, which puts a game of polo into perspective) but they also time and score the match. As well as being competent and delightful, scoring a match ensures that they are concentrating fully at all times. The moment their services were required, no time was lost, they knew exactly what type of injury they were dealing with and they were well equipped (with authority to summon a helicopter).

With the launch of Wolverest, there is no reason for any club to go without proper medical cover, (they have military trained medics dotted all over the UK) their hourly rate is extremely reasonable and will fit into all polo budgets.

I am so pleased that polo, with all its military connections, can now support these fresh thinking, former service personnel.

Charlotte Verdon Lynt Polo Club, Wiltshire

Meet our new letter of the month sponsor The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin, official sponsors of the Women’s British Open. BLOOM London Dry Gin, was created by Joanne Moore, the only female gin Master Distiller in the world, whose inspiration came from her own English country garden. Chamomile, pomelo and honeysuckle were chosen as the three key botanicals for this delicate floral gin – each one helping in its own unique way to create a more delicate and subtle gin drinking experience.

Credit where credit’s due for Hurlingham’s Justin Sir, I am writing to you with regards to the article written by Chris Ashton based in Manipur.

We were very excited to see that there was a such a big feature written on this, yet I was shocked and appalled that he had completely forgotten/ ignored to mention Justin FarrJones’s name... it was as if he was not there!

There are no photos of him, and his name does not get mentioned as one of the team players even though he played in every single match for the Hurlingham team.

Justin took nine days off work to be there, (leaving me 22

Polo Times, March 2013

and our baby at home) so you can imagine how I feel that he is completely ignored.

Ana Farr-Jones London Editor’s note: Ana, thank you for your letter and please accept my apologies for missing out Justin’s name. I can imagine how disappointing that must have been. The purpose of the feature was to raise awareness of the plight of the Manipuri pony and the decline of polo in Manipur, with the hope that the international polo community will show their support. Justin

must be commended for his efforts. I am delighted to set the record straight and I hope he enjoys this photograph

Paul de Rivas, Justin Farr-Jones, Chris Sheppard, Rupert Duff and Josh Woolley all represented the Hurlingham team alongside Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers in Manipur recently

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your views

Comment

Tweets worth re-tweeting

We follow them on twitter, to save you bothering: Holly Baird @hollybaird – 17 Feb Sooo... I got a little excited this week when I saw polo lorries on the road and argentine grooms in the shops!!! #summeriscoming Akuma Polo @Akuma_Polo – 11 Feb Heres a good one.. Whats more dangerous, power boating or polo?

OJPolo @OJPolo – 9 Feb On a scale of -2 to 10, how excited are you about 2013’s Audi International Polo Series?

Pro Chukker @ProChukker - 4 Feb Spectacular shot of Polito Pieres in a bad collison with Miguel Novillo last summer. (+pic, right) Ameer Jumabhoy @ AmeerJumabhoy – 3 Feb No idea what all the fuss is about the #SuperBowl.

Just play #polo

“Anyone seen my pony?”

Suspicious scenes on the pony lines

Encouraging signs from abroad about polo sponsorship Sir, I thought your readers might be interested to hear about the two interesting polo trips I have been on recently – one to Abu Dhabi and one to Jodhpur.

Both of these locations have shown that important corporate sponsors are returning to polo to launch and publicise their

expertise. In Abu Dhabi, Coutts wanted to publicise the opening of their new offices in the Dubai International Financial Center.

Cleverly they tied up with Rory Heron and Daniel Fox Davies (the masterminds behind Polo in The Park) to host the “Coutts Polo at The Palace” at the

stunning Emirates Palace Hotel.

In Jodhpur, British Polo Day series formed a friendship with HH The Maharajah Gaj Singh II to host two matches at The Maharajah’s colossal Umaid Bhawan Palace. Constructed between 1926 and 1943, the Palace has been adapted into a

luxury hotel, which really gives you the impression of staying as His Highness’s personal guests.

An upturn in polo sponsorship like this could give a timely boost to the polo game.

Major Peter Hunter London

A reason to stay one more day on the St Moritz lake Sir, I recently attended the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. The polo crowd always pack up and leave town as soon as the final is over. But this year I stayed an extra day because of the Gourmet Festival. I cannot recommend it enough and think your readers would enjoy hearing about it.

After a very tender “lomo” cooked by the friendliest chef in town Reto Mathis at the Sunday polo tent, fernet and coca at the Stubli and a 3am finish of vintage Moet washed down with vodkas at King’s Club, I was looking forward to cure my sore www.polotimes.co.uk

head on the mountain.

Not even ghastly wind, low visibility and never ending snowfall could spoil my day of skiing. The empty piste, a welcome break from the tournament crowds leaving and the epicurean crowds arriving.

In the evening a whole new world awaits. The Gourmet Festival, now in its 20th year, opens the door to culinary heaven at 6pm on Monday night. The elegantly decorated Kempinski Hotel hosted the festival’s opening night cocktail party in its opulent ballrooms.

On arrival we were given a glass

of champagne, a silver spoon, and a menu of eighteen tapas sized dishes we were going to sample that would be put together in front of us by the world’s nine leading chefs. The first table that greeted me was rated three Michelin stars and included a beetroot coloured macaroon with a fois gras centre. The first is the best, I thought, until seeing that the next table’s chef had 3 Michelin stars too. I contemplated cheeky thoughts of returning for seconds, but after all the dishes you are absolutely full.

Sushi roll canapes floated

the room to cleanse the palate, offered with unlimited quantities of red, white wine and water.

The digestives awaited downstairs. I was most impressed with a 115 year old “Grandpa” grappa poured using a pipette, which I devoured in the smoking room hosted by Davidoff cigars. Despite the 9pm finish, the lobby rooms were buzzing with happy guests, private bankers and off-duty chefs. I think this was a perfect way to finish the weekend.

Natalia Danilochkina, Berkshire Polo Times, March 2013

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Feature

Interview – Jamie Morrison

The Berkshire’s main man Berkshire-based Jamie Morrison will captain the British Isles team in this month’s Bryan Morrison International Trophy. Here he speaks about his career highs, continuing his father’s legacy and why he’d rather play a low-key game with friends instead of the high-goal

Georgie May in Switzerland

Photographs by Georgie May

F

our-goaler Jamie Morrison has spent his life surrounded by polo.

Having followed his father, the late Bryan Morrison, into the music industry and into polo, Morrison has become one of Britain’s top polo professionals. Playing off eight goals in the arena, he will represent the British Isles team in the international Test Match at the All England Polo Club (AEPC), Hickstead this month. Taking on England, Morrison will be hoping to claim the trophy – named after his father – for the second time.

This May, he’ll then swap teams and captain England for the second consecutive year in the Gaucho International at the O2 Arena in London. As a supporter of trying to take polo to the masses, Morrison has been a familiar face at these types of events and has played at Polo in the Park and the British Beach Polo Championships in the past. Now a Steward of the HPA, Morrison hopes to inject some new blood into the sport and help create a better game for everyone, including at his father’s club, the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, which he now runs with his mother Greta.

How did you first get into polo?

I grew up with polo. My dad took up polo at 30-years-old after a friend invited him to a

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Polo Times, March 2013

charity polo day at Ham Polo Club. He was a proper Essex boy and didn’t know one end of a horse from the other. Then he saw eight lunatics galloping down the field, thought it looked fun, and took a lesson the next day.

Having loved the game so much he set up the Berkshire in 1985.

I went to the local riding school with my mum, which I didn’t enjoy very much, but as soon as I had a stick in my hand I just loved it. I played my first game when I was about 12-years-old and I took part in Pony Club Polo all the way up to Gannon.

Arena polo has always been a part of my life too. Dad brought the version of the game over here in the first place, after witnessing the game in America. He went to Chicago on business and when he looked through his hotel window he saw a great big neon sign saying “Polo”. As it was winter he was intrigued to find out what it was. He followed

“Winning the Prince of Wales Trophy with an all-English side in 2003 was the highlight of my career” – Jamie Morrison the signs and came across an indoor arena with around 2,000 people cheering on a polo game. The ponies lived underneath the arena for six months, were exercised in the arena and played games in the arena. Dad liked what he saw and decided to build an outdoor arena at the Berkshire in the early 90s..

What has been the highlight of your career?

In 2003, I was part of an all-English team which won the high-goal Prince of Wales

Trophy – when it was separate from the Queen’s Cup. It was the first time in more than three decades that an English team had won a high-goal tournament. I played alongside Luke Tomlinson, Satnam Dhillon and Roddy Williams. We played against Roger Carlsson, Ruki Baillieu, Henry Brett and Ernesto Trotz and we were 7-1 down at half-time. We went off the field and felt like giving up. But Clare Tomlinson just told us to go back out and have fun, which we did.

Everything seemed to go right for us and we ended up winning 11-10.

Which tournament do you most look forward to each year?

Whether it is a 2-goal match at the club or a high-goal game, I look forward to playing it all. We have a tournament at the Berkshire called the Leos Trophy where I get all my mates together and form two 18-20 goal teams. We play it every August just for pure fun. I used to play against dad – he’d be “big chop” and I’d be “little chop”. It’s one of the oldest trophies at the club.

What are your ambitions for the year ahead?

I’d love to win the Arena Gold Cup this month [the final was due to take place as Polo Times went to press]. It will be my fifth win if the team gets to the winner’s podium. Then this summer I just want to enjoy my polo and play with my friends. That’s what I’m in it for. My ambition was never to go totally pro as I have other interests outside polo, such as music. I followed my dad into the u Right: Jamie Morrison in St Moritz, where he played for Michael Bickford’s Ralph Lauren

www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Interview – Jamie Morrison

Jamie Morrison with Amika England teammates Roy Prisk and Charlie Wooldridge at the 2012 British Beach Polo Championships; Morrison in action for eventual winners

u music business and I have a small production company that I set up with a friend. So I always want to be able to do both. Polo has an amazing lifestyle but it’s tough and if you don’t make it to eight, nine or ten-goals you want to be able to make a bit of money elsewhere. I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket – this way polo is my passion and not my work.

Do you aspire to play in the high-goal?

I’ve played in the Cowdray Park Gold Cup a few times and the Prince of Wales Trophy but I’m not really bothered about playing in the Gold Cup again. I’d rather see some young players on a team. But it is difficult for them as polo is a bit of a mafia – you need to be well mounted and have the backing to

Do you think the HPA’s latest initiatives will help up-and-coming players?

We need to look after our own, which is what the Home Grown Player Rule has set out to do. We need to be as competitive as we can as a country and get more players into the high-goal. But initiatives only work if everyone gets behind them. The Polo Premier League could work but if people don’t care about it and only care about patrons then it will lose its way. In polo there is no steady fan base as it is never the same team competing throughout the season – hopefully the league can change this as well as provide more opportunities for British players.

I am now a Steward of the HPA so I hope to bring some new blood to it. The Stewards do a great job – everyone thinks

“Playing for a trophy named after my dad at this month’s Arena International at Hickstead makes me proud and a little emotional too – but that brings out the best in me” – Jamie Morrison, captain of the British Isles team at Hickstead this month reach that level. We must help more English players get into high-goal and get them the experience they need.

26 Polo Times, March 2013

they sit around the table arguing amongst themselves but they really do think about the development of the game. Polo is not your

average sport so you are fighting a bit of a battle when you are trying to take it to the masses. Events like the Gaucho International, Polo in the Park and the beach polo at Sandbanks are a great way to draw the public in. To get people interested in polo in any way is a good thing for the game.

How did you become involved with the Gaucho International?

I wasn’t involved in the first year but Gaucho approached me a few months before the last event and asked whether they could bring me in and help make the event bigger and better every year. Last year all the seats were pretty much sold out but because the bars were open during the games, the seats looked empty. So, this year we are going to close the bars during the games. With a few different touches like that, we can really make it a spectacle.

What is it like playing at the O2 Arena?

It’s an amazing venue, hosting major sporting events and concerts, so to play polo there is ridiculous! The arena is smaller than a conventional arena but it is about adapting to the space you are in and learning to play off the walls. In the next month we’ll be sitting down to discuss how we can make the www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature Photograph by Georgie May

Interview – Jamie Morrison

New York at Mint Polo in the Park in 2010; Morrison with his mother Greta at the 2013 St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, where his Ralph Lauren team finished third

game flow better, with quicker pony changes and making sure pony welfare is upmost.

We don’t want any accidents and we want everything to go right on the day.

Is it difficult to find international teams to compete in arena Test Matches?

It’s not too difficult to find opponents but it is difficult to get countries such as the USA and South Africa to bring their best teams. It’s different in the O2 because you are restricted with space, so you wouldn’t want it to be played at a crazy high level but for the Test Match at Hickstead we want to play at the highest level possible. At International Day at Guards, the best English pros take part but in the arena that doesn’t usually happen – instead we field a nine-goaler, six-goaler and four-goaler for example. What we really want to see is the best three English arena players taking part. They play their socks off all winter so they deserve to play.

Are you looking forward to this month’s international between England and The British Isles at Hickstead?

Yes definitely, the fact that we couldn’t get an international team to play is actually better for homegrown players. When England www.polotimes.co.uk

played Scotland in 2010 I think it was the best game of arena polo we had ever seen, with the top six arena players taking part.

Although a couple of our top arena players are absent from the line-up this year, it is still 23-goal and there will definitely be fireworks.

Playing for a trophy named after my dad makes me very proud and maybe a little bit emotional too – but that brings out the best in me. He did bring the arena game to England so it’s great to have a trophy named after him.

wanted it to be an official club so it was a real battle to begin with. White Horse Contractors put the fields in – the first polo grounds they had ever done. Now the club is dad’s legacy and we always want to be improving to meet today’s higher standards. This year we are putting in two new high-goal fields and at some point we want to try and build a bigger arena. The arena game has come a long way.

In the old days you used to play your old ponies or your young ones but now players are bringing in their best ponies so the game has got faster and a bit more space is needed.

What do you think about the new arena rules introduced this season?

They are working but it is difficult for the umpires. They do their best but it is hard to be consistent. The rules are trying to encourage patrons who were previously a bit scared of the arena to come in and give it a go. We are trying to make it a better game for them by making it less physical. The final of the HPA National Club Championships in December was a good game and less physical than the Arena Gold Cup final last year.

Do you have any interests outside polo?

My dad was my hero. He has left me the club and the music business so that keeps me busy. That’s the focus at the moment. I’m also helping my patron Michael Bickford with his company Eleven Experiences. The aim is to have luxury destinations all over the world. Currently the company owns a private mountain in Colorado, used for ski holidays, which attracts people like Tom Cruise and George Bush. F

What does the future hold for the Berkshire?

When the club was set up 28 years ago it was the first club to be set up post war. No one

w Jamie represented Ralph Lauren at the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow in January.

See pages 40-45 for a full report Polo Times, March 2012 27

Feature

Polo in Dubai

Photograph by Murrindie Frew

Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s polo fraternity aims for the sky Over the last decade Dubai has become one of the must-visit polo locations in the world and it now attracts the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top players every year. We look at how polo has developed there since the days when it was played on sand

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Polo in Dubai

John O’Sullivan reports

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ess than two decades ago Dubai, and indeed the whole of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), did not have a single grass polo field. But much like the sprawling and iconic skyscrapers that have sprung up in the Gulf city-state since the turn of the century, polo has enjoyed something of a meteoric rise in recent years.

While Dubai is located in the Persian Gulf, just a stone’s throw from where many polo scholars contend that the first ancient form of polo was played, the modern version of the game has taken some time to make its mark.

However, now that polo in Dubai is growing rapidly, the sky is the limit.

Dubai can now genuinely claim to attract the polo world’s top players, patrons and sponsors every season and the standard of the local patrons’s polo organisations and the tournaments are getting better every year.

Indeed, this year’s edition of the Dubai Silver and Gold Cup series at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club has risen to 16-goals, making it the highest handicapped non-international

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tournament in Asia. With all this in mind there is no doubt that exciting times lie ahead for polo in Dubai.

Dubai now attracts the polo world’s top players, patrons and sponsors every season The early years Modern polo was first played in Dubai during the late 1970s. Famed polo historian Horace Laffaye, in his polo bible The Polo Encyclopedia, includes a short entry that reads: “Dubai Polo Club was founded in 1975

by Charlie Schroeder and Teddy Hunter.” u

The stunning skyline at the Dubai marina

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Polo in Dubai

Photographs from the Bin Drai family archive

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Polo action on the sand field at the original Dubai Polo Club in Ras Al Khor

Photographs by Murrindie Frew

u

International players such as Schroeder, Hunter, Ralf Barber and Alex Ebeid were extremely influential in the early years, but to set up a club required land and to acquire land in Dubai meant making an appeal to the government. Schroeder and Hunter turned to local businessman Humaid Bin Drai for help in this matter and he went on to become chairman of the club.

His son, Saeed, is one of the leading patrons in Dubai today. He recalls: “Back then polo in Dubai was championed by international enthusiasts, people like Charles Schroeder and Ralf Barber. My father was the person that spoke to the late Sheikh Rashid (Sheikh Mohammed’s father, who was Prime Minister then) about the club. The land was then granted for the Dubai Polo Club.”

The original Dubai Polo Club bears little resemblance to Dubai’s modern clubs, which are blessed with immaculate grass fields. The Dubai Polo Club, based in Ras Al Khor on the edge of Dubai, had a basic sand field and the first ponies were brought in from Pakistan.

Egyptian patron Alex Ebeid, who won the British Open for the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park with Falcons in 1981 and 1983, presented the Geco Cup to the club in the late 70s. The club’s first proper tournament was played for this trophy.

Throughout the 1980s a number of lowgoal tournaments were held, which included a number of international players and in the early 1990s the club received a couple of very important visitors. Saeed Bin Drai reveals: “Prince Charles visited the club with Princess Diana. The Prince was supposed to play a 30

Polo Times, March 2013

Major Ronald Ferguson, Steve Lamprell, Sheikh Butti al Maktoum, Humaid Bin Drai, Oliver Ellis and Ralf Barber after a match at Dubai Polo Club in the early 1990s

Abras boats like this are the traditional mode of transport between the Deira and Bur Dubai areas of Dubai

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Polo in Dubai

tournament but, due to security concerns because of the Gulf War, Major Ronald Ferguson played instead alongside Steve Lamprell, Oliver Ellis and Ralf Barber.”

The transition to grass The mid-1990s brought the most significant development for polo in Dubai, with the introduction of the UAE’s first grass fields.

A short distance from Dubai Marina in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club was established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan in 1994. The club now has eight international standard grass fields and hosts dozens of annual tournaments featuring visiting teams from Dubai.

In Dubai itself, Ali Albwardy – known around the polo world as the regular sponsor of the La Dolfina high-goal team in

“Prince Charles visited Dubai Polo Club with Diana in the 1990s” – Saeed Bin Drai Argentina and as patron of the all-conquering Dubai team in the UK – was the man who introduced the first grass field at his exquisite polo club at Desert Palm, 20 minutes from Dubai city centre.

The 150-acre polo club at Desert Palm was established in 1994 with four polo fields, a designated stick and ball area and 180 horses.

The polo at Desert Palm was originally overseen by Englishman Robert Thame, but now Argentine five-goaler Martin Valent serves as polo manager, welcoming players six days a week between October and April. It was here that many of today’s leading patrons in Dubai, like Mohammed Al Haboor, first learned to play and many of the tournaments that put Dubai on the world polo map take place at Desert Palm.

One of the great successes of Desert Palm is that, using Albwardy’s huge influence in the polo world, the club has introduced many of the world’s top players and polo sponsors to Dubai.

Having already introduced sponsors such as Barclays to polo in Dubai, Desert Palm hosted the inaugural Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, run in conjunction with Guards Polo Club and sponsored by luxury French jewellers Cartier, in March, 2006. This has become an annual event and, u

Dubai’s iconic sevenstar Burj al Arab hotel

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Polo in Dubai

The four Bin Drai brothers – Saeed, Rashid, Khalid and Mohammed, who regularly play together

u as well as Cartier, has brought on board the likes of Swiss investment bank Julius Baer.

In January 2009 Desert Palm hosted the inaugural Nations Cup tournament.

This tournament has courted controversy over the years because of the presence of non-sanctioned international teams.

But, while this is might not be the most popular tournament with some national polo associations, the Nations Cup has been extremely significant because of the quality of players involved. In 2012 Argentine ten-goalers Adolfo Cambiaso, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero all took part in the tournament, fresh from their victory with La Dolfina in the 2011 Argentine Open.

Ali Albwardy is delighted with the legacy he has set up at Desert Palm. “It was a dream of mine to have a facility where we could all come together, practice, hold international tournaments and position the UAE at the forefront of the international polo scene,” he said.

“My dream was fulfilled thanks to the generosity of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who granted us the land to build Desert Palm.

“To play on grass was a great achievement for our small group of polo players and an even greater achievement we have realised is spreading our passion for the sport previously undervalued in the Middle East.”

Leading patron Faris Al Yabhouni, far right, at Desert Palm with his Abu Dhabi team, who are based there

The Gold Cup era In 2006 a second modern polo club was opened in Dubai – the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at Arabian Ranches.

Rashid Al Habtoor, current patron of the Mahra Polo Team, took up the position of club chairman and the first Dubai Gold Cup was held there at 12-goal level in 2010.

His brother Mohammed Al Habtoor is now the chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold 32

Polo Times, March 2013

The stunning view of the polo grounds from the clubhouse at Ali Albwardy’s polo club at Desert Palm

Cup Series, as well as patron of the Habtoor team, which won the Dubai Gold Cup title in 2012. Under his tutelage the handicap level rose to 15 in 2011 and this year the fourth annual series became a 16-goal tournament and attracted Argentine high-goal stars nine-

goaler Nachi Heguy (playing for Amr Zedan’s Zedan Polo) and eight-goaler Facundo Sola (playing for Ghantoot Polo).

Saeed Bin Drai, who has led a team in each of the Dubai Gold Cups, believes the series has gone a long way to encourage local www.polotimes.co.uk

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Mohammed Al Habtoor, chairman of the Dubai Gold Cup Series and patron of the Habtoor Polo team, lifts the 2012 Gold Cup at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

patrons to professionalise their polo setups.

“I must say Mohammed has set up the Gold Cup series in a great and transparent way.

He is always taking on board the patrons comments and, as you can see, it is getting bigger and bigger,” said Bin Drai, who currently has a string of 40 ponies. “We are also seeing more horses of high-goal quality each year. Many have played the Camara and some the Tortugas in Argentina.”

The Al Habtoors have recently added 50 stables and a polo field to their polo farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai. Mohammed Al Habtoor believes that tournaments like

and Tariq, both of whom have played in the UK high-goal in recent years to great success.

Faris Al Yabhouni, patron of the Desert Palm-based Abu Dhabi team who was voted best amateur player at the recent Dubai Silver Cup, was inspired to take up polo after watching his older brother Mattar play in the 1990s. He believes the legacy of polo in Dubai is in good hands.

“At the moment the level of sportsmanship is continuously rising. The level of referees has improved dramatically in the last three years and we are playing high-goal tournaments in all the clubs.

“In the near future we hope to see the establishment of more organisations and see more international teams playing. It is also on – Mohammed Al Habtoor the horizon to increase the handicap of some of the tournaments.

“I think we have the world’s best horses Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge at Desert Palm and promises to be an influential and best players playing for our teams, which hopefully will encourage the younger part of Dubai’s future. generation in the UAE to follow in our Many of today’s leading patrons are also footsteps and take polo to the next level.” F looking to the next generation. Mohammed Al Habtoor’s son, Habtoor, who is in his late w See page 54 for coverage from the Dubai Silver teens, is showing plenty of promise, while Cup at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Saeed Bin Drai’s teenage brothers Rashid, Khalid and Mohammed regularly join him to make up Dubai’s first all-brother team. Then w Don’t miss the April issue of Polo Times for of course there is Ali Albwardi’s sons Rashid more coverage from Dubai

A bright future

The good news for polo in Dubai is that the current boom-times look to be set on solid foundations and the next generation of patrons are already starting to make their mark.

Spectators at Guards Polo Club and Cirencester Park last summer witnessed the English debut of young Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum playing for Godolphin. The daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) she played in this year’s

“Before the Dubai Gold Cup people used to play for fun, now people are playing to be the best” the Gold Cup and the Presidents Cup at Ghantoot have transformed the polo scene in the UAE. “The reason why polo has suddenly taken prominence in the UAE is because of the Gold Cup Series, that we have been organising for the past two years. Before that, people used to play polo for fun. But once the Gold Cup started, people are playing to be the best.

And to be the best you have to bring the best horses and the best players.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2013

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Reports

The FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

Hosts Hong Kong China retain FIP snow polo title

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Polo Times, March 2013

The FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

Reports

English finish third for the second straight year as the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship tournament showed impressive signs of improvement

Polly Bryan reports from China

Hong Kong China Argentina

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s the Chinese crowd counted down the final seconds of the FIP Snow Polo World Cup final, Martin Inchauspe spun his stick wildly through the air to celebrate a second consecutive victory for his Hong Kong China team. It had all come together when it mattered for the tournament favourites, as they defeated Argentina 5-4 in the final.

The Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club hosted their second FIP-sanctioned Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup in Tianjin, China this January and the event was undoubtedly a success. Despite the results resembling last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, with Hong Kong China winning, Guillermo Terrera named most valuable player and England finishing third, it is impossible to ignore how far the club and the tournament have come over the last twelve months.

Tournament director Peter Abisheganaden had made several changes, which helped iron out some of the creases of 2012.

The artificial snow (created by the club especially for the tournament at a cost of US$2m), while being far from perfect and creating some slippery conditions early on, had nonetheless improved and allowed good, fast play by the final weekend. The number of qualifying games for each team was reduced from three to two and the number of ponies available was increased. The polo club is home to over 200 ponies, imported from poloplaying nations such as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Argentine Benjamin Araya, u

The colourful opening ceremony at the Goldin Metropolitan

Polo Times, March 2013

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Reports

The FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

The snow flies through the air during England’s group game against New Zealand. The Kiwis won 4-2, but England still advanced to the quarter finals of the Snow Polo World Cup

u who undertook the job of horse master, once again had a job on his hands to mount twelve teams on level footing, but this he managed to do, and the players were pleasantly surprised with the horsepower provided.

Another significant improvement was the larger field: “The size of the field was increased by 200 square yards to 170 by 80 yards,” explained Metropolitan’s Australian polo director Derek Reid. “We decided to give the players more space than last

year, as whenever they got going they got to the back line too quickly. The size this year is ideal for teams of three and they have been able to go flat out.”

The result was fast, competitive polo, played against a stunning backdrop of Goldin property development, confirming the tournament as a world-class event in an extraordinary setting.

And world-class it certainly was, with

twelve 16-goal international teams vying for the title.

The teams were seeded according to their position at last year’s tournament, with top seeds England, Argentina, South Africa and Hong Kong China all reaching the semi-finals once again. But the standard of polo across the board was generally acknowledged to be higher than in 2012.

“The main improvement for me this year was the standard of the teams,” said Reid.

“Last year the Hong Kong China team seemed markedly better than the others but this year the top teams were very evenly matched. You couldn’t call it.”

The tournament attracted high levels of attention, with international recognition and media coverage, as well as record numbers of spectators. The entire tournament was televised live on TVB – the main freeto-air television broadcaster in Hong Kong - as well as being shown on ESPN and broadcast in parts Hong Kong China’s John Fisher embraces Martin Inchauspe after their side’s semi-final win over England

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Polo Times, March 2013

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The FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

Reports

of South America. All efforts were made to encourage the Chinese public to attend and help them understand the polo, with helpful commentary by Jimmy Hilston explaining the action. There is no doubt that organisers and officials alike breathed a sigh of relief at Hong Kong China’s victory over England in the semi-finals, as without the “home” side in the final, the profile of the tournament in China would not have been so great, and spectators significantly fewer.

Great controversy was raised in 2012 over the players representing Hong Kong China – British ex-pat and director of stable operations at Metropolitan John Fisher and Argentines Guillermo Terrera and Martin Inchauspe. But despite the same team being fielded again as the home side, the atmosphere surrounding the situation had certainly cooled, with most other teams feeling there was nothing to be gained from making a fuss.

“Argentina is a strong team and it was a tough game, which could have gone either way – we were lucky” – victorious Hong Kong China player John Fisher

But the tournament did not escape its fair share of controversy, with questions raised this time over the other finalists: Argentina. The Argentine side which began the tournament – Tito Ruiz Guinazu, Dario Musso and Martin Joaquin – changed twice en route to their second-place finish. The dispute centred on the handicap of Dario Musso, who entered the tournament with a handicap of six, despite having recently played off a seven in Europe. Musso sat out of Argentina’s semifinal against South Africa, letting Chilean player Matias Vial, whose team were knocked out by England in the quarter-finals, take his place. Musso then played the final off his legal handicap of seven, meaning Rodrigo Bauzada – an Argentine one-goaler working at the club – was drafted in to ensure the team complied with the 16-goal handicap limit.

And so it was five Argentines and one Brit who took to the field, now covered with real snow, for the final showdown in front of a generous crowd. By half-time Hong Kong China were a goal down and threatening to u Hong Kong China’s Guillermo Terrera and England’s James Harper in action during the semi-final

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Reports

The FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Tianjin, China

The future’s bright, the future’s Goldin Polo is still new on the scene in China, but it is growing fast, with Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club spearheading the resurgence.

The club, which opened in November 2010, is holding three more international tournaments this year. In June four teams will contest a 26-goal exhibition tournament, designed to showcase top polo to the Chinese community. This will be followed by an inter-varsity tournament in July, in which two university teams from England will take on two USA college teams. October will once again see the staging of the competitive 24-goal Super Nations Cup, with an Under-16s tournament running alongside.

The club will also continue to run its Junior Equestrian & Polo Programme (JEPP) The Hong Kong China team of Martin Inchauspe, Guillermo Terrera, John Fisher and team manager Dennis Loh throughout the summer. The courses give 12-18-year-olds the opportunity to learn about u lose their title to this year’s most talked-about But the subsidiary final between England horses and polo, with several children going team. But the home side came out fighting and South Africa, played in a near-blizzard, on to have regular polo lessons. They also offer in the second half, Inchauspe scoring two was one of the most exciting matches of the the chance to learn skills such as cooking, excellent goals in quick succession to put them tournament, with both teams on great form thai chi and swimming, with the neighbouring ahead. The crowd had woken up, thanks to despite the tough conditions and deep going. hotel’s extensive facilities making it ideal for non-horsey parents. the score and Hilston’s encouragement and the A flurry of goals by Harper put England 4-0 ahead at half-time, but the South Africans were by no means finished, clocking up three goals in the third chukka, and piling the pressure on to England, who responded with goals by Meyrick and Hipwood to win the match 6-3.

While not the result England had hoped for, – Goldin Metropolitan polo they will be back fighting next year. And if the director Derek Reid number of skyscrapers that had have sprung up around the field in the last year are anything to go by, polo at the Metropolitan will only be club’s darling, Fisher, gave them more reason getting bigger and better. F to cheer when he scored his only goal of the tournament. As the final bell rang, confirming “We are being more ambitious this year to w See page 72-73 for social images from the FIP victory for Hong Kong China, it was smiles all encourage China’s association with polo,” said Snow Polo World Cup round, not least for Goldin Group chairman Goldin Group vice chairman Harvey Lee. “We Pan Sutong. are exactly where we want to be at this time.

But we are different from a pure polo club where “We were a bit loose coming into the there is nothing but polo. To attract people here tournament this year, and we felt the pressure u Fortune Heights FIP Snow Polo World Cup; we have to offer more.” of having the title to defend,” said Fisher after 25 January – 3 February 2013; Goldin Despite the high-level competition and money the final. “We didn’t really have a team plan Metropolitan Polo Club, Tianjin, China invested in the club, polo is just one part of the until after our first match when we realised Result: Hong Kong China beat Argentina, 5-4 huge Goldin Metropolitan project. Alongside the we should wake up. We made it hard for polo club, luxury apartments and villas are fast Number of team entries: 12 ourselves, just as we did last year. Argentina is being constructed by Goldin Properties Holdings Handicap: 16-goal a strong team and it was a tough game which Ltd, as well as a business district that will feature Most valuable player: Guillermo Terrera the 117-storey Goldin Finance Tower – set to could have gone either way – we were lucky.”

Chukka scores (Hong Kong China): (1-0, 1-2, 4-2, be one of the tallest buildings in China. Goldin If Hong Kong China’s tournament followed 5-4) Metropolitan will become a micro-city within the path of last year, so did England’s. George Tianjin, due to be completed in 2018. While Finalists Meyrick, Oli Hipwood and James Harper FIP-sanctioned international events such as the Hong Kong China (16): Guillermo Terrera 7; Martin showed themselves to be serious contenders early Snow Polo World Cup are helping put China on Inchauspe 5; John Fisher 4 on, securing themselves a place in the semi-finals, the polo map, polo is also helping put Goldin where, in a replay of last year, they were denied a Argentina (15): Tito Ruiz Guinazu 7; Dario Musso 7; Metropolitan on the Chinese map. F place in the final by Hong Kong China.

Rodrigo Bauzada 1

“The main improvement for me this year was the standard of the teams”

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Reports

St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

British boys rule the St Moritz lake

Photograph by Felix Frey and Tony Ramirez

Chris Hyde helped Cartier secure victory over BMW in the final of the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow in January, despite the side losing momentum in the second half which nearly cost them the game

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St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

Georgie May reports from St Moritz

Cartier BMW

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onathan Munro Ford’s Cartier team won the 29th St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow at the end of January. Chris Hyde led the team to a 5-4 victory over Andreas Knapp Voith’s BMW in the 18-goal final, securing the Cartier Trophy.

This year, four high-goal teams took to the frozen lake in the Engadine Valley for the first time in two years, after last year’s tournament was cancelled. Mild weather prevented the lake from freezing over sufficiently and with no “plan B” in place the organisers were forced to pull the plug. However, the Swiss winter didn’t disappoint this year and with nearly a metre of ice covering the lake, the committee got to work. Three weeks was spent compacting, harrowing, and laying down artificial snow to create perfect playing conditions for the tournament.

With pony welfare paramount, half chukkas were introduced to allow players time to

Reports

change their ponies. The clock was stopped at the three and a half minute point and players exited the ground to swap their charge. With the standard of polo exceptionally high this year and four of the six league games going into extra time, every string was pushed to the max and the half chukkas were a welcome relief. The majority of players mounted themselves, bringing around five ponies – most of which double chukka-ed.

Having won the Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup in Austria the week before, Richard Davis’ Sal. Oppenheim team was widely considered the tournament favourite.

Davis teamed up with Brits Jonny Good and u

Main image: The frozen lake in St Moritz hosted the high-goal snow polo tournament Trophy shot: Cartier lift the trophy – Jonathan Munro Ford, Max Charlton, Nacho Gonzalez and Chris Hyde

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Polo Times, March 2013

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St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

BMW’s Argentine six-goaler Lucas Labat takes a shot, closely followed by Cartier’s Nacho Gonzalez during the hotly contested final, which Cartier narrowly won by one goal

u Tarquin Southwell in Austria and the three were joined by nine-goaler Eduardo Novillo Astrada for the St Moritz tournament. As the highest rated player in the 2013 competition, Novillo Astrada was expected to bring a lot to the table. But with players including Chris Hyde, Ignacio Tillous and Marcos Araya on the opposing teams, his standard of play on the snow was matched and he failed to give his team the edge they were hoping for. After losing to Ralph Lauren in the subsidiary final, Sal. Oppenheim finished in last place.

playing patron of the competition, looking impressive throughout and scoring numerous goals for his side – which also featured Jamie Morrison and Argentines Nacho Figueras and Marcos Araya – during the four days.

BMW’s patron Andreas Knapp Voith didn’t have the best of starts to his St Moritz campaign. After falling off during the warmup games, and suffering from little more than bruising and a knocked ego, he sat out BMW’s first game on the Thursday. Much to his delight, commentator and one-goal player

Photograph by Tony Ramirez

As nine-goalers in the arena and experts on the snow, Chris Hyde and Nacho Gonzalez made a mockery of the six-goal handicaps that they played off in St Moritz One-goaler Michael Bickford patroned the Ralph Lauren team – the least experienced side in the competition, with three of the four players making their debut in St Moritz.

However, Bickford was by far the strongest 42

Polo Times, March 2013

Jan-Erik Franck was asked to step in. Having never played in St Moritz before, nor had the opportunity to practice with the team – which featured three strong Argentine pros – Franck had to step up to the mark quickly, which he

did brilliantly, helping the side secure their first win of the tournament over Ralph Lauren.

With three British professionals at the helm, Cartier proved to be the strongest team on the field. All players played off their outdoor handicaps, which meant Chris Hyde and Nacho Gonzalez both made a mockery of their six-goal handicaps. As nine-goalers in the arena and experts on the snow, they are all too familiar with hitting an inflatable ball and displayed better control of the ball than most – keeping it closer to the ground and avoiding big, high hits. They teamed up with 22-yearold six-goaler Max Charlton, who was very well mounted, and patron Jonathan Munro Ford – who was put up to zero-goals for the competition. The Australian is a minus-one player outdoors in the UK. Having won their first two league games – the only team to do so – Cartier had secured their place in the final, irrespective of whether they lost their final league game, which they did against BMW. Had they in fact won, this would have put the three other teams on level www.polotimes.co.uk

St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

Reports

How the World Cup on Snow unfolded...

Chukka one

Photograph by Felix Frey

Both sides had a quiet first chukka, although Cartier appeared to have the edge. After a few missed penalties, it was Chris Hyde who scored the first goal of the match, with a 30yard penalty conversion.

Cartier 1, BMW 0

Chukka two Jonathan Munro Ford’s wife Janette showing her support

Both canines and people were seen wearing fur coats

Following another penalty conversion, Hyde received a brilliant hit up field from teammate Max Charlton and with controlled precision Hyde put the ball between the posts. Nacho Gonzalez then followed this up with another field goal. Lucas Labat finally gave BMW their first goal after converting a 40-yard penalty with a high hit. Another perfect play by the Hyde-Charlton combination saw Cartier move 5-1 up before half time.

Cartier 5, BMW 1

Photograph by Tony Ramirez

Chukka three

Photograph by Georgie May

Andreas Knapp Voith’s nine-year-old pony Legenda, who was played by teammate Bautista Ortiz de Urbina during the tournament, was named Veuve Clicquot best playing pony

pegging and the umpires would have had to decide the second finalist on goal difference.

However, their time was spared and with BMW and Cartier both securing two wins and one loss over the first three days, they went through to face each other in the final.

Thousands of glamorous spectators, many donning floor-length fur coats, filled the stands on finals day. With a glass of champagne in one hand and a designer dog in the other, they witnessed what started out as a one-sided game.

Hyde worked his magic in the first half, helping his side secure a 5-1 lead by half time. From the sidelines it looked as though it was all over for BMW. Although BMW had beaten Cartier just 24 hours earlier, Cartier had appeared to have changed their tactics for the final. BMW’s three Argentine pros – Bautista Ortiz de Urbina, Ignacio Tillous and Lucas Labat – were still as strong as the day before but it was Cartier’s defence that shut them down and denied them vital opportunities at goal. u www.polotimes.co.uk

Labat and Ignacio Tillous flew into action at the start of the second half and, getting past Gonzalez, Tillous put the ball between the posts. Andreas Knapp Voith could have had his moment of glory after having possession of the ball right in front of goal but he fluffed it and the ball went out of play. All was not lost though as Bautista Ortiz de Urbina scored a goal before the end of the chukka.

Cartier 5, BMW 3

Chukka four

Cartier’s patron Jonathan Munro Ford

With Urbina scoring again at the start of the final chukka, it started to look dangerous for Cartier. Hyde charged down the length of the field with a very controlled attack and had an unlucky miss at goal, which he repeated a few minutes later. It looked as though BMW were going to score the equaliser when they were awarded an undefended 30-yard penalty but Labat missed and Cartier breathed a sigh of relief.

Cartier 5, BMW 4

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St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

Analysis

by Tarquin Southwell Four-goaler Tarquin Southwell gives his verdict on the final, which Cartier could have lost had one of BMW’s key Argentine professionals been on better form during the final

Photograph by Tony Ramirez

This year’s final was a classic game of two halves. Cartier had a good start and everything they touched turned to goals in the first half but this all changed when BMW got their act together in the second half.

Ignacio Tillous had a poor final and had he performed from the very start then I think BMW would have won. Both Tillous and Lucas Labat were presented with the opportunity to swing the game in their favour in the second half. Labat had barely missed a penalty all tournament but he missed an easy 30-yarder, which would have given BMW the equaliser.

With Cartier all out of position, Tillous also had an opportunity at goal but he ran over the ball and the pony knocked it out of play – for me Cartier’s 22-year-old Max Charlton was the youngest player taking part on the frozen lake this year that was the play that lost them the match.

BMW were a solid team all week and u However, after some exchanged words at and-coming six-goal player in the world,” Bautista Ortiz de Urbina and Labat were the concluded Hyde who was named World Polo half time, BMW came back out with some best mounted players of the final. They had some very fast, agile ponies but also had the Tour most valuable professional player. renewed energy and a better game plan. Two brakes, which is very important in snow polo.

Despite losing the subsidiary final, Sal. goals by Urbina and another by Tillous put That said, Chris Hyde also had some great BMW within a goal’s reach of their opponents, Oppenheim’s Richard Davis picked up two horsepower, including a very nice chestnut as Cartier failed to score a goal in the third and awards at the prize giving. He was named that he bought from Memo Gracida, which he World Polo Tour most valuable amateur player fourth chukkas. It was a nail biting finish for brought back out when he needed that bit extra. and was also named most valuable player Cartier fans as BMW came close to scoring the Hyde had an exceptional final. Even the day of the tournament by the St Moritz Polo equaliser but Cartier sat tight and held onto before – when they played BMW – he pulled Committee. The Veuve Clicquot best playing their lead until the final bell. out all the stops, even though Cartier didn’t have to win as they were already through to the pony prize was awarded to Andreas Knapp “The final was unbelievable,” said final. I don’t think the team drastically changed Voith’s nine-year-old Argentine mare Legenda, Gonzalez, who was also celebrating his their tactics for the final – having lost to BMW who was played by Bautista Ortiz de Urbina.

37th birthday. “We got away in the first two on the Saturday – they just had more heart Next year, the tournament will take place chukkas but I just knew they were going to on Sunday. While Max Charlton and Nacho from 30 January – 2 February, when it will be come back at us, which they did. We changed Gonzalez seemed to be more reserved on the celebrating its 30th anniversary. F our tactics after losing yesterday and played a Saturday, in the final they gave it their all to less physical game. Max and Chris put more back up Hyde and ultimately win the game. w See pages 70-71 for social photos from pressure on them when they were hitting There is a lot of luck involved in snow polo. the tournament Some days it just doesn’t go your way which in and I just had to pick up the runners. We is what happened to BMW. The orange ball is played a great game.” also very hard to control – although it is filled “We flew at the start,” Hyde told Polo Times. u St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow; 24-27 with air it is also a dead weight. In Kitzbuehel “I don’t want to say it was all me but it was!

January 2013; St Moritz, Switzerland they use a slightly lighter ball that hovers across BMW didn’t have a leg to stand on in the first the surface better than the ball in St Moritz. I Result: Cartier beat BMW, 5-4 two chukkas but then they had a bit of help think this is something the St Moritz organisers Handicap level: 18 to get back into the game. BMW are strong, should consider changing.

Number of entries: four tough competitors but luckily we held it off.

Overall the competition was really tight, Chukka scores (Cartier): 1-0; 5-1; 5-3; 5-4 with so many games going into extra time – Nacho was great in defence and set Max and any game could have gone either way. The Teams me up to get the ball down the field. seriously cold conditions – minus 26 degrees “We had a great team. Jonathan selected Cartier (18): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Max Charlton on one day – meant the surface actually played three really good players. He knows Nacho 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Chris Hyde 6 very well all week as it remained crisper and and I are experienced on the snow and BMW (18): Andreas Knapp Voith 0; Bautista Ortiz de firmer under hoof. F Max has got to be in my view the best upUrbina 6; Lucas Labat 6; Ignacio Tillous 6 44

Polo Times, March 2013

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Reports

Victorious Black Eagles players Howard Smith, Jonathan Munro Ford and Peter Webb hold aloft the 12-goal National Club Championships trophy after their latest win

Black Eagles continue their impressive arena season Photographs by Gillian Hughes

Jonathan Munro Ford and Phil Meadows guided their teams to victory at the HPA’s New Year National Club Championships at the Berkshire

Polly Bryan reports

Black Eagles Tempest 46

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his arena season has been one of changes, including the introduction of a second HPA National Club Championships, held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in January.

The post-Christmas championships featured a new 1-3-goal section in addition to the

12-goal. Jonathan Munro Ford’s Black Eagles continued their winning streak when they triumphed in the medium-goal while Phil Meadows’s Cool Hooves team enjoyed victory in the low-goal final.

Entries were up compared with the 15goal and 6-goal championships played before www.polotimes.co.uk

HPA New Year National Club Championships, RCBPC

Jack Hyde, Phil Meadows and Genna Meadows won the inaugural 3-goal title at the HPA’s Championships

Christmas. Seven teams in each section made for two very competitive tournaments. In the 12-goal, Munro Ford teamed up with Peter Webb and Howard Smith, a combination he has enjoyed much success with over recent months. The team defeated Gustav Rausing’s Tempest, which also featured Oscar Mancini and Marcus Hancock, 26-20. Tempest dominated the first chukka, going into the second with an 11-4 lead, but improved play

by Black Eagles and the scoring of a newly introduced “double goal” – where a team is awarded two points for a goal from over 25 yards out – allowed them to cut the deficit to 14-13 at half time.

“That double goal made all the difference,” said Smith, who received the most valuable

player award. “We also changed our strategy at half-time to play more openly and that meant we pulled away in the second half to win.”

In the low-goal final Meadows played alongside his daughter Genna and Jack Hyde on his Cool Hooves team, and they achieved a comfortable 23-13 victory over Red Kites in a match that belied its 3-goal level. Hyde put in a particularly impressive performance to be named most valuable player.

“I think people were surprised by the standard of polo in the 3-goal,” said Meadows.

“The final wasn’t at all sticky; it was fast, running polo. That’s what happens when you have plenty of up-and-coming players like Alec Banner-Eve and Jack Hyde. We were flying around. I actually had a premonition that we would win,” he added. “Cool Hooves is named after the film Cool Runnings, and it was on TV the night before the final, which seemed to be a good sign!”

Reports

Several new arena rules were introduced this season, one of which was the aforementioned “double goal”. A sin bin was also introduced, whereby players can be sent off for 90 seconds of play. The sinbin has yet to be used by umpires, but HPA Arena Committee chairman Michael Amoore thinks the rule has made an affect. “The fact that it is there is an axe over the neck of the players,” he said. “Because the sin bin has been in force, it hasn’t had to be enforced.”

According to Amoore, the new rule dictating that ride-offs can only take place when players are parallel and travelling at the same speed has also made a significant impact. “The rideoff rule has improved the game a lot,” he said.

“It has meant there are fewer opportunities to give a very hard ride-off and it has made play fairer, with less banging. It has been the most successful rule, and is another reason the sin bin hasn’t had to be used.”

But Black Eagles’s Smith is not convinced that the new rules have made much of an impact. He said: “As players we’re not worried about the sin bin and it makes no difference to how we play. The problem in arena polo is space, especially in the high-goal where players and ponies are getting better and it is just too cramped. The double goals do sometimes have an impact though, and they encourage you to take a shot.”

Amoore is already looking ahead to next year and plans to adjust the double goal rule so only scoring shots from the halfway line result in two goals. But the Club Championships will once again be run both before and after Christmas, and Amoore feels the 3-goal section has been a welcome addition. “It has been a very popular level,” he said. “Whatever the standard of play, it provides a lot of fun for people, many of whom can’t necessarily afford to play the game at 6-goal level.

“Players enjoy it whether they win or lose, which is not always the case in high-goal.” F w See page 64 for more about Jack Hyde in this month’s One to Watch

u H PA National New Year Club Championships; 11 January – 3 February 2013; RCBPC, Berkshire Result: Black Eagles beat Tempest, 26-20 Handicap level: 10-12-goal Most valuable player: Howard Smith

Jack Hyde in action for Cool Hooves during the 3-goal final

Final teams Black Eagles (12): Jonathan Munro Ford 0; Howard Smith 6; Peter Webb 6 Tempest (11): Gustav Rausing 0; Marcus Hancock 5; Oscar Mancini 6 Polo Times, March 2013

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BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open, Thai Polo and Equestrian Club

Harald Link and co hang on to win the Thai Open title The home supporters were thankful for a late penalty miss by Axus’s Horatio Etcheverry as Thai Polo won the Thai Open Thai Polo Axus

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here was plenty of drama at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in late January as home favourites Thai Polo won the 14-goal BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open.

For the second year in a row the flagship event of the Thai season went right down to the very final play. Brian Xu’s Axus team had a chance to steal the title with a last-minute penalty. However, Horatio Etcheverry’s 60-yarder sailed wide leaving Harald Link’s Thai Polo to lift the trophy.

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The home side sealed the win despite having to change their team midway through the final when Caroline Link (Harald’s daughter) was injured after a fall.

In the first half of the match there was no sign of the drama that would come later as Thai Polo took control. Harald and Caroline Link combined well their two Argentine pros, eight-goaler Juan Agustin Garcia Grossi and Lucas Labat, as they led 4-2 after the second of four chukkas.

The course of the game changed direction in the third chukka when zero-goaler Caroline

Link injured her arm and had to be replaced by one-goaler Juan Martin Gallago. This raised Thai Polo’s handicap to 15 and, under tournament rules, half a goal was added to Axus’s total. Suddenly, Brian Xu’s side were only trailing by one and

The beautiful clubhouse at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club

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BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open, Thai Polo and Equestrian Club

Reports

In the subsidiary final Tan Sri Hamdan’s Ranhill beat Royal Pahang 9-8 in a very entertaining match. At one stage Pahang trailed by five goals, but they staged a dramatic fightback in the final chukka, including two goals in the last minute by Tengku Amir, as they made a game of it. Ranhill’s 17-year-old prodigy Facundo Llosa was named tournament MVP. The four-goaler impressed throughout the tournament and scored 10 goals in one of the qualifying games. F w For social pictures from the BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open see page 71

Thai Polo’s Harald Link, Lucas Labat, Agustin Garcia Grossi and Juan Martin Gallago lift the Thai Open trophy

a half goals, and this gave them the impetus they needed to stage a second half comeback.

In the final chukka determined play by Axus’s three Argentine pros, Dario Musso, Diego Gomez and Horatio Etcheverry allowed the team to move back to within a goal of victory, trailing 7-6½. The late penalty gave Axus the ideal opportunity to win the match, but Etcheverry missed from 60 yards as

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Thai Polo held on.

Ironically, in the 2012 Thai Open final the boot was on the other foot for Harald Link and his Thai Polo team. On that occasion Thai Polo hit the post with a last-minute penalty as they lost by half a goal to Quzier Ambak’ La Sarita.

u T he 2013 BMW-B Grimm Thai Polo Open, 20 January 2013; Thai Polo and Equestrian Club, Pattaya, Thailand Result: Thai Polo beat Axus 7-6½ Handicap level: 14 Finalists Thai Polo (14/15): Harald Link 0; Caroline Link 0/Juan Martin Gallago 1; Lucas Labat 6; Agustin Garcia Grossi 8 Axus (14): Brian Xu 0; Diego Gomez 2; Dario Musso 6; Horacio Etcheverry 6

Reports

The Thai Ladies’ International, Polo Escape

La Bohème are on song at Polo Escape The Thai Ladies’ International attracted some stars of the women’s game and proved that polo can be played in paradise

Alice Gipps reports from Thailand

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he 2013 edition of the Thailand Ladies’ International at Polo Escape proved to be the most competitive so far. Brits Charlotte Sweeney, Claire Donnelly and Alice Gipps returned once again to the beautiful polo resort just outside the beach town of Pattaya and they were joined by some familiar faces from New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, as well as by newcomers Leah Hamdan from Malaysia and British born Chesca Hewson.

What made the 2013 event better than ever before, though, was the inclusion of two of the women’s game’s biggest stars – American Sunny Hale and Argentina’s Lia Salvo.

The tournament included four teams made up of three female players and one male professional.

Tournament rules banned the men from moving beyond the 60-yard line so, with the exception of the occasional impressive long-range field goal, the attack play was left to the ladies. Professional umpire and Cirencester Park manager Tim Keyte was present for his yearly visit to oversee fair play on the immaculate fields.

Many of the girls arrived a few days in advance to acclimatise, try horses and prepare with a team practice. The tournament itself took place over three days in late January, with a round-robin format.

Although there was a significant gap between some of the team handicaps on paper, on the field all the games were closely fought.

Ploy Bhinsaeng’s mighty King Power looked like the team to beat at the start of the tournament.

The combination of the experienced Sunny Hale, a former five-goaler, alongside Charlotte

The picturesque Sanctuary of Truth – a Pattaya attraction near Polo Escape, which has been carved out of wood by local artists

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The Thai Ladies’ International, Polo Escape

Reports Photographs by Alice Gipps

Sweeney and elephant polo champion Nattapong Pratumlee at back made a formidable team. King Power were made to work hard for a win in their opening game against Polo Escape’s hostess Robin Louvranij and her Kuppa team, however.

With Claire Donnelly on fine form, Kuppa more than held their own for the first two chukkas before two penalties in the third chukka secured a win for King Power.

Next up for King Power was the most anticipated match of the tournament against newcomers La Bohème. Lia Salvo’s skills in attack were brilliantly backed up by La Bohème’s patron Leah Hamden, while defensively Lynly Fong’s persistent marking and the passion of Shaffik Mustafa – who came up against a female player with a higher handicap that his own – gave La Bohème the edge. They won by half a goal and went on to beat Kuppa and reigning champions Polo Escape in their other two matches to claim the 2013 title with an undefeated record.

The Polo Escape team was once again headed by Panita Vongkusolkit, who played alongside talented Kiwi pro Kirsty Hawkins, British-born Thai-based Chesca Hewson and Argentine two-goaler Matias Orlando. The team put in a good performance as they beat Kuppa, but this was not enough to retain their title against an excellent La Bohème team.

Seasoned US pro Sunny Hale commented afterwards that the tournament was “fantastic, a unique destination”. This sentiment was echoed by all of the players, who are hoping to return next year. The 2013 proved once again that polo in paradise does exist! F w See social pictures from the Thai Ladies’ International Tournament on page 73 Ladies’ International Tournament winners La Bohème: Shaffik Mustafa, Lia Salvo, Lynly Fong and Leah Hamdan

u T he Thai Ladies’ International; Polo Escape, Pattaya, Thailand; 11-13 January 2013 Handicap level: 0-4 goal Number of teams: 4 Teams La Bohème (2): Leah Hamdan -1; Lynly Fong 0; Lia Salvo 2; Shaffik Mustafa 1 King Power (4): Ploy Bhinsaeng -1; Sunny Hale 3; Charlotte Sweeney 0; Nat Pratumlee 2 Polo Escape (0): Panita Vongkusolkit -1; Chesca Hewson -2; Kirsty Watson 1; Matias Orlando 2 Kuppa (3): Robin Lourvanij 0; Claire Donnelly 1; Alice Gipps 0; Cueto D’Andrea 2 Final league table (two points for a win) 1st La Bohème = 6 points 2nd King Power = 4 points 3rd Polo Escape = 2 points 4th Kuppa = 0 points Polo Times, March 2013

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Reports

Home and abroad

Polo Wicklow – Ireland v Spain International

Ireland notch up 30 goals to win international IRELAND TOOK ON Spain in a two-day international at Polo Wicklow, and it was the Irish who triumphed, defeating their visitors by an impressive 30-16.

The Ireland team of Siobhan and Michael Herbst and Carlos Caminito faced a Spanish side representing Barcelona Polo Club.

Captain Stephan Spengler teamed up with Dario Campos Reber, who was playing arena polo for the first time, and Jorg Becker. The visitors brought a large group of supporters to cheer them on.

Spain seized momentum from the very first throw-in, putting two goals in quick succession past the home team. Spengler and Becker showed the value of experience, with Campos Reber following their example.

The first chukka belonged to the Spanish, but the Polo Wicklow team responded to the challenge in the second, and methodically ground down their opponents. The experienced combination of Caminito and Siobhan Herbst, with Michael playing well in support, proved too strong for Spain, as Ireland interrupted every Spanish attack. Four chukkas later Ireland had opened up a tengoal lead to finish the first day of play.

A wet Wicklow arena hosted an international match between Ireland and Spain, which was won by the home team

A night of Flamenco dancing seemed to settle Spanish nerves in readiness for Sunday’s match as, now more familiar with the arena and the ponies, Spain started strongly, despite the damp conditions. Overnight they had become a team to respect, with excellent play by Campos Reber, strong leadership by

Spengler and some thrilling bursts of speed from Becker. But with long, powerful shots from Wicklow’s Caminito keeping the polo fast and open and some spectacular goals from Siobhan Herbst, the visitors just could not topple the Polo Wicklow team as Ireland finished the winners.

AEPC – Arundel Equine Hospital Polo Cup

Photograph by Images of Polo

Boscom prove the pundits right at Hickstead

Black Knights’s Sarah Wiseman and Boscom’s Nick Clague in action in the 5-6 goal final at AEPC

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THE WELL-SUPPORTED Arundel Equine Hospital Polo Cup was played at 3-4-goal and 5-6-goal levels at the All England Polo Club.

The Boscom team defeated Black Knights in the 5-6-goal section, following a win for the Red Tigers against Mrs B’s in the first final of the day, in the 3-4-goal section.

Boscom were the favourites going into the 5-6-goal final, with John Bunn and Nick Clague, who had played well together during the season, joined by Courtney Bosley. But it was the Black Knights team of Leigh Fisher, Harry Hickmet and Sarah Wiseman who finished the first chukka with a 5-2 lead.

Boscom fought back, though, attacking strongly and showing great defence to counter Black Knights’s attempts at goal.

The fourth chukka saw some exciting action with fast play and lovely teamwork.

The Black Knights were playing strongly but it was Boscom who ran out the winners 17-13.

The 4-goal Mrs B’s team, featuring Maxine Betteridge and husband and wife combination Duncan and Sarah Hotston, dominated the first three chukkas of the 3-4-goal final against the 3-goal Red Tigers side of Alex Grant, Zul Junus and Daniel Acosta.

Betteridge helped her team to a four-goal lead, clearing the ball in her goal mouth and carrying it the length of the arena to score a goal many professionals would have been proud of. But the determined Red Tigers came back fighting in the final chukka, tying up the scores at 14-14 to force the game into a penalty shootout.

Red Tigers proved to have the edge, and finished as the winners, 15-14. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Reports

New Zealand – Kihikihi International

All Blacks deny young South Africans victory THE KIWI HOSTS once again clinched victory at Kihikihi International Day, this year defeating a young South African team 11-10.

The Test Match, held at Paul and Jenny Kay’s Nga Rakau ground, attracted a large crowd hoping for an All Black victory.

The 26-goal South African side featured brothers Nachi and Jean du Plessis, Tom de Bruin and Duncan Watson, all of whom are under 25. New Zealand on the other hand fielded the more seasoned campaigners: JohnPaul Clarkin, Tommy Wilson, Sam Hopkinson and Thomas Hunt.

Both teams proved to be very evenlymatched, exchanging plenty of goals

throughout the first half to bring the scores level at 7-7 by half-time. But the team talks in the break must have changed the mindset of both teams as the game tightened up considerably in the fourth chukka, with no goals scored. South Africa enjoyed a brief two-goal lead in the fifth, before New Zealand tied it up once again with goals from Wilson and Clarkin.

The score remained level for much of the final chukka, with many expecting the match to go into extra time until Hopkinson suddenly broke free with the ball and headed for goal, scoring the winner for New Zealand to the delight of the home crowd.

Jean du Plessis picked up the most valuable player award, having not missed a penalty shot throughout the match.

This win continues New Zealand’s unbeaten run in International Test Matches at Kihikihi Polo Club, having defeated Australia in 2012, the ‘World’ in 2011 and England in 2010.

The curtain raiser match held earlier in the day between the North Island and South Island Colts was won by the South Island team of Henry Askin, Henry Wood, Brodie Ratcliffe and Ash Reader. w See April’s PT for the New Zealand Open Photographs courtesy of the New Zealand Polo Association

New Zealand lift the winning trophy at Kihikihi Polo Club

New Zealand’s eight-goaler John Paul Clarkin in pursuit of the ball, followed by South Africa’s Nachi du Plessis

New Zealand – Savile Cup

EIGHT 16-GOAL teams battled it out for the Savile Cup at Hawkes Bay Polo Club on New Zealand’s North Island in midJanuary. Victory went to Morningstar, who defeated Mystery Creek, featuring Brit Jack Richardson, 5-4, in a very competitive final.

Mystery Creek took an early lead, but the Morningstar side of Arthur Morgenstern, Paco O’Dwyer, Thomas Hunt and Simon Keyte fought back to go ahead 5-3 going into the final chukka. But within the first few minutes of the sixth chukka Mystery Creek – www.polotimes.co.uk

Richardson, Missy Browne, John Paul Clarkin and Alan Browne – scored twice to bring the two sides level.

As the clock ticked away it was all to play for in the final minutes and it was O’Dwyer who found himself clear with the ball, slotting it between the posts as the final bell rang, securing a narrow victory for Morningstar.

The winner of the subsidiary final was the Auckland A team of James Worker, Jasper White, Cody Forsyth and Sam Hopkinson, who defeated Waimai Piquet Hill 7½-7.

Photograph by James Mullan

O’Dwyer secures Savile Cup

Jack Richardson, who played for Mystery Creek in the final

Polo Times, March 2013

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Reports

Home and abroad

Austria – Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup

News in brief

British players retain title in Kitzbuhel

w I PCPB - Facundo Pieres’s Equus & Co team won the Outback 40-Goal Challenge, held at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPCPB). The tengoaler teamed up with David “Pelon” Stirling, Miguel Novillo Astrada and Gonzalito Pieres and the side defeated Adolfo Cambiaso’s EFG Bank team 7-3.

Cambiaso played alongside Guillermo “Sapo” Caset, Pablo MacDonough and Julio Arellano. Nine-goaler Arellano stood in for the injured Juan Martin Nero.

RICHARD DAVIS LED his all-British team to their second consecutive win in the Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup at Kitzbuhel, Austria, writes Leigh-Anne Moore. Davis once again teamed up with Jonny Good and Tarquin Southwell to play for Audi and the team defeated Luxury in the final of the 12goal snow polo tournament.

The pressure had been on for the British players to defend their title but this didn’t deter them as they beat Parmigiana 12-8½ in the semi-finals to secure their place in the final against the Luxury side of Sebastian Schneberger, Marty van Scherpenzeel and Valentin Novillo Astrada. Several Brits turned out to support Davis’s team, who did not disappoint.

Audi made an excellent start with a goal from Southwell within the first minute of the game eliminating the one-goal advantage Luxury began with due to handicap. This was quickly followed by two goals from patron Davis. Audi displayed more great teamwork in the second chukka to establish a comfortable 9-3 lead by half-time.

The second half started with all to play for but some narrow misses by Schneberger and Novillo Astrada had Audi still leading by six goals going into the final chukka. Luxury battled back, scoring three goals in the fourth

w A EPC - The Seico Cup was played at 4-goal and 6-goal level at the AEPC, Hickstead in February. Boscom – Keira Bosley, John Bunn and Nick Clague – were the winners of the 6-goal final, coming back from a four-goal deficit to defeat The Black Knights 14-12. The Red Tigers team of Zul Junus, Harry Hickmet and Daniel Acosta beat Boscom 11-10 in a very close 4-goal final. w F rance - The BMW Polo Masters Tour concluded in Courchevel in February, with Laurent Dassault’s team recording two out of three wins. Playing alongside Matthieu Delfosse and Patrick Paillol, Dassault won the first 8-goal tournament in Val D’Isere, playing as Barmes De L’Ours. The same line-up triumphed in Courchevel two weeks later, playing as the Julian Joaillier team. The winner of the second tournament, held in Megève and featuring 8-goal teams of four players rather than three, was Fer A Cheval-Assor – Gérard Bonvicini, Alexandre Starkman, Robert Strom and Thierry Vetois.

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chukka while holding Audi scoreless. But it was not enough and with a final score of 128, it was a second win for Davis and his team.

Davis, Good and Southwell teamed up with Eduardo Novillo Astrada in St Moritz the following week, to play as the Sal. Oppenheim team. Read about how they did on pages 40-44. w See social pictures from St Moritz on page 70

Dubai – Dubai Silver Cup

Habtoor Polo grab an extra time win HABTOOR POLO WON the Dubai Silver Cup in February. Mohammed Al Habtoor’s team, featuring Ignacio Bello, Guillermo Cuitino and Ezequiel Martinez, defeated Abu Dhabi in extra time, 10-9.

Six teams entered this year’s tournament, which was raised from 15 to 16-goal this

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

w D ubai - Great Britain won the UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup at Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai. The team of Sam Instone, Peter Webb, Thomas Ciasen and Henry Porter defeated Iraq 5-4 in the final. The inaugural 16-goal UAE Royal Salute Emirates Cup was played alongside, with British four-goaler Ollie Cudmore triumphing as part of the Godolphin team. Cudmore played alongside Rashid Albwardy, Lucas Monteverde and Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the ruler of Dubai). Godolphin defeated Hungary 6-5 in the final.

Audi’s Jonny Good, Tarquin Southwell and Richard Davis

Action from the Silver Cup final in Dubai in February

year. The competition was largely an Argentine affair with Middle Eastern patrons including Saeed Bin Drai, Amr Zedan, Rashid Al Habtoor and HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan heading up the teams.

Habtoor Polo led throughout the first half but Faris Al Yabhouni’s Abu Dhabi made a great comeback in the second half and managed to tie the score after being three goals down. Abu Dhabi had a chance to win the game but Mohammed Al Habtoor saved the goal and the game was pushed into extra time.

Following two misses at goal by Abu Dhabi it was Habtoor Polo’s Martinez that scored the golden goal and secured the Silver Cup for his team. He was also rewarded for his efforts and named most valuable player.

The Dubai Gold Cup followed the Silver Cup, which concludes on 15 March at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Ascot Park – National Women’s Arena Tournament

Pink Power leads the way at women’s nationals triumphed in the Battle of the Sexes, defeating the women’s Black Hound Polo side of Irena Squire, Alex Jacob and Sarah Wiseman 20-15. The teams were evenlymatched during the first half, with Jacob and Wiseman working well together to display women’s arena polo at its best. But as the

Crab Orchard return gave Crab Orchard the edge and despite Audi, which also featured Nico Pieres and Carlitos Gracida, continuing to press the attack, Crab Orchard held on to their lead to claim the title.

Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente, featuring Adolfo Cambiaso, won the subsidiary final for the Bobby Barry Cup.

with a bang Mariano Aguerre and George Rawlings celebrate the win

Photograph by LILA PHOTO

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w For more women’s polo action see the Thai Ladies’ International on page 50

Charlotte Sweeney, Mandie Beitner, Nell Jacob, Leigh-Anne Moore, Amy Guy, Lucy Bowman and Hazel Jackson

IPCPB – Joe Barry Memorial Cup

CRAB ORCHARD STOLE the lead from Audi to win the 20-goal Joe Barry Memorial Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPCPB) at the end of January. Patron George Rawlings and his team were absent from the high-goal at IPCPB in 2012 but made a successful return to the 20-goal this year, clocking their first win of the season.

Rawlings teamed up with Felipe Viana, Matias Magrini and Mariano Aguerre to defeat Marc Ganzi’s Audi, 11-9.

Audi’s Nic Roldan put his team in front, with three converted penalties in the first chukka, but by half-time the score was tied at 6-6. Goals from Magrini – who was named MVP – and Aguerre in the fourth chukka

second half got underway a number of goals scored by Beitner and Matthews from beyond the 25-yard line meant the men notched up several “double-goals” to finish in front.

Photograph by Peter James Photography

THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S Polo Association (IWPA) and Ascot Park Polo Club hosted the 25th National Women’s Arena Polo Tournament on 16-17 February. The tournament was played at 2-goal and 0-goal levels, and also featured a 6-goal Battle of the Sexes match.

The Pink Power team of Mandie Beitner, Nell Jacob and Charlotte Sweeney won the 2-goal section, defeating USN – Amy Guy, Lucy Bowman and Hazel Jackson – 12-11.

Pink Power took an early lead, but USN piled on the pressure to lead 8-7 at half-time.

They increased their lead to 9-7 in the third chukka but USN pulled out all the stops to draw level in the last minute of the match.

This led to a penalty shootout, which was won by Pink Power.

Hot Nellybets – Maxine Betteridge, Sarah Hotston and Claire Donnelly - beat Hertfordshire Polo 14-8 to win the 2-goal subsidiary final.

The 0-goal section was equally competitive and was won by Las Republica Czeka. The team of Katerina Zeka, Genevieve Meadows and Hazel Jackson faced Sau Wild in the final, and despite strong marking and skilful play from Sau Wild’s Charlotte Sweeney, Las Republica Czeka ran out the winners 16-10.

Fit 4 Polo won the 0-goal subsidiary final.

The men’s Santhosh team of Hilali Noordeen, Nick Beitner and Roddy Matthews

w The tournament was followed by the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup, which concluded at IPCPB on 24 February. Stay up to date with this on www.polotimes.co.uk 55

Youth polo

SUPA National Universities Arena Championships, Rugby

University polo gets bigger and better This Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SUPA National Universities Arena Championships hosted a staggering 129 teams from across 30 universities in four days of fiercely competitive action at Rugby Polo Club

Kian Gheissari reports from Rugby

T

Photographs by Peter James

his was the largest SUPA tournament to date, with 129 teams taking part, and it is testament to the hard work of SUPA and university clubs across the UK that the tournaments continue to be such an enormous success. University polo makes our sport, which many outsiders believe to be reserved solely for the upper echelons of society, accessible to so many individuals who would have otherwise never had the opportunity to pick up a

stick and play. It strives to keep costs down and fun enjoyable polo is at its heart.

This year saw 53 beginner and 44 novice teams participate and, bar only a sparse few, none of those players would have played polo before joining their university club. Not only is this important for the future of low-goal polo, but it is significant to reflect on its value to the industry, particularly equipment suppliers.

The polo on show across the four beginner sections was once again of a very high quality considering that the players had only had a few months of lessons and many of those will have never even been in the saddle before. Given that the tournament was based at Rugby it was fitting that three of the four beginner divisions

were won by teams from the Midlands.

Warwick A beat UWE A to win the Beginner 1 trophy by virtue of a penalty shootout and Harper Adams B and Birmingham D took the Beginner 2 and 3 titles respectively. However Portsmouth and Edinburgh spoilt a complete Midlands whitewash by sharing the Beginner 1A title.

The Novice 1 division was won by Imperial College London after they defeated Oxford Brookes in the final. Imperial found themselves staring at a two-goal deficit, but inspired

by John Matthews they staged a dramatic comeback and after levelling the score they then went on to win on penalties. After his imperious display throughout the tournament

Action from the Upper SAPA final between winners Bishops Stortford and EGF Polo

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Polo Times, March 2013

Youth polo

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

Options for short-term placements

Promising young Kuwaiti player Salman Khuraibet in action for Royal Holloway C against Warwick D

Matthews was duly awarded the most valuable player award for the Novice section.

The Lower Intermediate division was hotly contested this year with 10 teams battling it out in fast expansive matches. A strong Cambridge side ended up eventual winners.

The Upper Intermediate section was won by University of London after they beat Oxford University. Three teams also took part in the Combined section and Alec’s Angels ran out eventual winners.

In line with the rest of the divisions, the Open section saw a marked increase in entries this year as seven teams, with handicaps ranging from two to ten goals, took part. Stars of the Open included Santiago Stirling, three times winner of Spain’s High Goal Gold Cup, and Exeter’s Harold Hodges; both playing off five-goal handicaps. Appropriately the final pitted Stirling’s Royal Agricultural College (RAC) up against Hodges’s Exeter in a two-chukka match, and despite the driving rain it was still quite a spectacle.

The match finished 3-3 and rather than letting penalties decide the victor, both sides agreed that their horses had had enough and that it was only right for www.polotimes.co.uk

them to share the spoils.

In my eyes this aptly demonstrates the nature and quality of university polo; it can be immensely competitive but just as importantly the championships are about having fun. The fact that the Open section continually attracts players of such a high calibre indicates this.

After his excellent work across the four days, guiding his Birmingham side to third place in the Novice 1 division as well u A University of London player enjoys herself during the B2 final against Harper Adams

This period in the academic calendar is perhaps one of the busiest. With University finals, A levels and GCSE exams in just a few months, there isn’t long left to fill in any gaps and to make sure that students peak at just the right moment. A stint of short–term intensive tutoring can have remarkable outcomes even at this late stage. Typically at this time of the year we are asked for tutors who are available for a few weeks over the Easter break, and while we can help with some of these requests, I’m not sure that I really feel that 2-3 weeks of intensive support at that stage is really quite enough, unless recent mock exam results were on the grade borders. If this is something you would like to try then there are lots of companies I can recommend.

If recent practice grades indicate that the June targets may be out of range, even at this late stage, there is still plenty that can be done.

A period of home-schooling right through until the end of the exams is one option.

Revising alone is hard for most students, and harder still when it’s in subjects that are already suffering. Having someone on your side who you can rely on to find your weakest areas and eradicate them, across all your subjects, drilling you when needed and pushing you the rest of the way, can make a huge difference.

I’ve seen students heading for 10 low passing grades convert these into 10 good passing grades with just 10 weeks of immersive and intensive support.

Whatever you decide, please remember that the more foresight you can give the matter, the better the selection of the tutor, and the better the outcomes. w Adam Caller has been the Senior Partner of Tutors International for 12 years. Tutors International is a specialist private tutoring and educational consultancy headquartered in Oxford Polo Times, March 2013

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Youth polo

SUPA National Universities Arena Championships, Rugby

The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column With the snow, ice, rain, wind, cold and mud that we’ve been experiencing recently, it is almost impossible to believe that The Pony Club Polo Championships at Cowdray Park are less than 180 days away!

In the meantime, we have three overseas tours for young Pony Club and Junior HPA players in February to Argentina and South Africa. We will also have two Pony Club Arena Tournaments as well as sectionbased training days in April.

Overseas tours All thanks must go to Leppy RichmondWatson, Joe North, Bridget Baxter and Justin Stanhope-White for helping to organise and accompany the youngsters on these hugely beneficial tours.

Upcoming arena tournaments and section training Please note the extra dates for your diaries: Wednesday 3 April - Longdole and Sunday Bath Spa (in royal blue) in action in the indoor arena at Rugby Polo Club during the SUPA University Champs 7 April at Lynt.

For further information, please contact expand year on year and this trend seems only u as coming second in the Combined, Henry your Branch Manager, Jo Whittington set to continue. Pleasingly, 10 alumni teams Outtridge was chosen as the overall most (jmw@hillbarn.plus.com) or Laura Armstrong also competed in the SAPA competition as old valuable player and was awarded with a pair at PCHQ (laura@pcuk.org). boys and girls donned their university colours of polo boots kindly donated by RJ Polo.

once more. University polo is undoubtedly of Outtridge commented on the success of Pony Club and JHPA Sections great significance to the sport in this country. the tournament: “For me this was the best Just to remind everyone there have Long may we support it. F nationals I’ve played in. SUPA and Rugby Polo been one or two changes to the ages Club once again excelled themselves and it is of sections for this summer’s polo as so great to see so many people relishing this wF or social pictures from the raucous SUPA mentioned in the November/December fantastic sport.” party on the penultimate night of the four-day 2012 issue of Polo Times. All PC Branch University polo continues to improve and tournament, see page 69 Managers and JHPA Team Managers should be aware of these before making u S UPA National University Arena Championships; Rugby Polo Club; 7-10 February 2013 up their teams. Details can be found both Intermediate section Results on the Pony Club and HPA websites.

Lower Intermediate: 1st – Cambridge; 2nd – UWE Beginner section Upper Intermediate: 1st – ULU; 2nd – Oxford University B1: 1st – Warwick A; 2nd – UWE A Pony Welfare MVP: Ben Tubbs (Newcastle) B1A: 1st – Edinburgh/Portsmouth (joint) Please check your ponies for mud fever B2: 1st – Harper Adams B; 2nd – University of London and foot abscesses which the cold, Combined section Union C wet and mud of recent months have Combined: 1st – Alec’s Angels; 2nd – Howard’s B3: 1st – Birmingham D; 2nd – Stirling C caused, even if you have Heroes MVP: Lily Pallant (ULU C) well drained fields. Ask MVP: Alec Banner Eve (Alec’s Angels) your vet for advice on Novice section Open section treating mud fever as N1: 1st – Imperial; 2nd – Oxford Brookes treatment regimens are Open: 1st – Exeter/RAC (joint) N1A: 1st – Bristol; 2nd – Regents College changing and some new MVP: Alex Jacob (RAC) N2: 1st – Cambridge B; 2nd – Birmingham C approaches are working N3: 1st Edinburgh M & M; 2nd Oxford Brookes B SAPA section well on this particularly MVP: John Matthews (Imperial) Lower SAPA: Lin/Ed/Ex nasty variant/strain.

Upper SAPA: Bishop Stortford College MVP: Jayna Henderson (Rugby Old Girls) 58

Polo Times, March 2013

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Know your game

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

Get a good support team In my column last month I spoke about hunger and desire. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, when we pull on our whites we are all trying to perform to the best of our abilities. To be successful you must have belief in your ability and inevitably everyone will experience disappointment along the way. Dealing with disappointment is fundamental to maintaining your progression as a player.

Unfortunately it will happen to us all; Gonzalito Pieres was famously dropped

by Adolfo Cambiaso when playing for Geebung in 2000 and more recently David “Pelon” Stirling has had his handicap lowered in Argentina to nine. Obviously Gonzalito bounced back and it has made him a stronger player. I am sure Pelon will do the same and use his frustration to drive him forward and prove that he is worth a 10-goal rating in Argentina.

Ellerstina’s victory in last year’s Argentine open is a prime example. Their team coach Ale Agote revealed to Polo Times: “We got together every day the week before the final and agreed that we did have a chance and that it was not impossible for us to win.”

They believed in themselves and their organisation and as a result they produced the performance of the season to defeat La Dolfina. Milo Fernandez Araujo’s analysis of the match mentions that: “Ellerstina were able to put their irregular performances in the Hurlingham Open behind them.”

This shows their collective strength as a team to turn things around. I know that I am talking about four of the best polo players on

Ellerstina turned around their disappointing form in the Hurlingham Open and won the Argentine Open

A major factor that I can see in dealing with disappointment is having a good support team. For me this includes your family, friends, teammates and grooms. They are the immediate people around you who not only

Photograph courtesy of Royal Salute

Inevitably everyone will experience disappointment in their career. Dealing with this is fundamental to maintaining your progression as a player the planet and you might think that for them it is easier to be mentally strong. Clearly they have the experience and support team to help, but it is important to remember that at that level the pressure is enormous and they have a huge amount to lose.

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Polo Times, March 2013

look for your drive and enthusiasm but are also there for you when times are hard. I recently read an interesting article on confidence, which said: “Fill your life with people who respect you and treat you well.”

Having good people around you creates

a positive atmosphere and enhances your mental strength. We need to turn a negative into a positive and drive ourselves forward.

Sports men and women in other disciplines face far greater scrutiny than we do in polo, they are constantly subjected to pundits’ opinions. Footballers, possibly more so than anyone else, can be crucified by the media.

This includes the team managers, who can have their jobs pulled out from under them if they fail to stop a losing streak. They must learn to recover quickly and to bounce back stronger – and the same is true if you want to succeed in polo. F w Do you agree or disagree with Jamie’s views? Have your say by emailing us at letters@polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Know your game

Knowledge

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

Win throw-ins, boost your possession, increase your chances of winning As you would expect; throw-ins in high-goal polo have a key influence on possession and scoring opportunities.

On average there were 25 throw-ins per game that we analysed last season. The team that won more of their throw-ins, predictably, had more scoring chances; thus winning this set piece element is a key battle area for teams at any level.

It is true that in some cases the team that won the game had won fewer throw-ins than their opponents, which underlines how important it is to convert your scoring opportunities.

However, there is no doubt that by putting your team in a position to score, you are giving your team the best chance of winning. w Statistics powered by dartfish video analysis. For team video analysis or to purchase software email: dartfish@ipapolo.com

Photograph by Polly Bryan

Game analysis statistics in high-goal

Getting it right at the throw-in can have a massive effect on your team’s chances of winning a game of polo

The pro’s opinion At the throw-in, get close with your opponent before looking for the ball. Hanging your mallet between the horses is a futile exercise as all your opponent need do is hook your mallet, which is dangling enticingly in front of his nose. At the throw-ins I prefer players of equal ability marking each other and not the more old fashioned 1 v 4 etc. – Gavin Chaplin, South Africa national team coach. w To find out more about Gavin’s coaching technique or to book a session with him email: admissions@ipapolo.com

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig – Get ready for the season Each month, renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game For a large percentage of polo players in the UK who are coming off a relatively inactive winter, the end of March to the middle of May is the period for getting ready for the polo season.

Most players get to this point of the year with the mindset that this coming season is the one where they will get everything right and their game will come together like never before. If you want to get it right, the place to start the improvement is with the www.polotimes.co.uk

riding, controlling and playing of your polo horses. They are, after all, purported to be 80 per cent of your ability to play the game. With that being the case; how you ride, control, and play your horses is much more than crucial; it is defining as to how well you play the game.

One of the most critical aspects of this is your upper leg contact. That contact is so important because your upper legs support the centre of your horse at its shoulders, and this is essential to your ability to control the balance and movement of your horse.

Also, the primary basis of support

from which you control the use and movement of your upper body in the saddle also comes from secure upper leg contact.

To develop upper leg strength before the season starts, do a lot of rising trot work, mixed with intermittent periods of half seat positioning at a trot. If you really want to develop that strength, do a fair amount of that work without stirrups.

However, do not over do it. w Rege Ludwig is a world renowned polo coach and author of “Polo in the 21st Century”

Polo Times, March 2013

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Knowledge

Know your horse

A sight for sore eyes Moon Blindness, otherwise known as Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU), is one of the most common eye diseases affecting polo ponies. The condition is characterised by repeat episodes of pain and cloudiness in one or occasionally both eyes followed by varying periods of apparent normality. Eventually the episodes get worse and cause changes within the eye that lead to blindness. ERU is the commonest cause of blindness in horses with over half of those affected losing their sight in the affected eye within two years of the onset of the disease. This is particularly significant in

Photograph by Mark Emerson MRCVS

Equine Recurrent Uveitis is the most common cause of blindness in horses polo ponies as the rules of polo prohibit horses that are blind in one eye from playing.

ERU is thought to develop following an initial episode of ocular damage such as the trauma caused by a polo ball in the eye. Certain types of infection may also trigger ERU. The damage leads to a breakdown in the barrier between the eye and the blood stream, allowing specific types of immune cells to enter and remain in the eye. Recurrent episodes of ERU occur when the immune cells then periodically attack the eye.

On close examination of an affected eye you will find that the pupil remains much smaller than normal in a dark environment (in most cases it is easiest to compare the size of the pupil with the other normal eye), and occasionally blood or debris can be seen floating around in the front part of the eye.

Longer-term secondary changes include problems such as cataract formation.

If you notice your horse has a painful or cloudy eye, it is imperative that you have it examined by your vet as soon as possible so that they can make a diagnosis and prevent the problem from worsening. In the first instance your horse will not have ERU (unless 62

Polo Times, March 2013

A sore cloudy eye typical of a horse with ERU, one of the most common eye diseases affecting polo ponies

you are unaware of a previous episode) as the condition has to recur for it to be confirmed as ERU. Your vet will rule out other problems with the eye such as a scratched cornea or conjunctivitis.

The aim of treating any damaged eye, whatever the cause, is to minimise pain and to maximise visual potential, including reducing the chances of the horse developing ERU. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first episode of ocular pain and cloudiness or a recurrent episode of ERU, aggressive treatment with eye drops and anti-inflammatory drugs is required. Only eye drops prescribed by your vet after they have examined the eye should be used, as some drops have the potential to make certain conditions much worse. In the first instance

drops have to be applied as often as four to six times a day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not always an easy task in a horse with a sore eye.

As the symptoms improve the frequency of the medication can slowly be reduced and, once the horse becomes symptom-free for a month or so, medication may be stopped.

However, the nature of ERU is that it recurs, with the symptoms often becoming more difficult to eliminate with each recurring bout.

A surgical procedure to treat ERU has recently been developed in the US and is becoming increasingly available in the UK. The procedure involves the insertion of an implant into the eye that slowly releases a drug that suppresses the immune response that triggers bouts of ERU. www.polotimes.co.uk

Know your horse

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

The building block of life

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

Photograph courtesy of Brian Patterson MRCVS

An implant being surgically inserted into a horse’s eye to treat ERU

The drug is only effective when delivered into the eye as an implant.

The latest evidence suggests that

for most patients, a reduction in the frequency (by a factor of approximately six) and severity of ERU

A surgical procedure to treat ERU has recently been developed in the US and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, involving the insertion of an implant twice as many horses remain visual after two years with the implant as would otherwise be the case.

The implants are designed to work for just over three years but in some cases treated horses have remained symptom-free for far longer. However www.polotimes.co.uk

bouts is the most realistic expectation following surgery. F w Mark Emerson is an ambulatory equine vet in Ascot and has polo clients across the south: tel 07973 800383 or email mark@emersonequine.com

This month I want to talk about protein, a nutrient that is still misunderstood but is actually very essential to the horse. I will try to shed some light on its importance and dispel some myths.

Protein is known as the “building block of life” and is found in all body tissues. It is essential for good health and is present in enzymes, hormones and antibodies. It is built with amino acids, some of which have to be supplied in the diet as the body cannot manufacture sufficient quantities itself – these are called “essential” amino acids.

The protein quality of a feed is determined by the amount of essential amino acids it contains. Lysine, for example, is an essential amino acid which assists in muscle development and function but is also a very important component in growth and development of the foetus and youngstock.

Protein is found in cereals and forage, but quality proteins are not always present in adequate quantities. Oats for example are lacking in lysine, therefore it is essential for these deficiencies to be counteracted. A lack of muscle or muscle integrity can, at times, be caused by the lack of quality protein in the diet, and resorting to supplements may not always be necessary if a balanced ration is fed.

Dispelling myths of excess protein in the diet: • Causes over-excitability – protein is an inefficient energy source. Energy from starch/cereals is most likely the culprit of too much energy, plus energy levels in grass/ hay/haylage fluctuate throughout the year so should not be overlooked • Causes laminitis – research shows that starch/cereals or fructans (sugars in grass) are triggering factors for nutritional-related laminitis. Excesses of either creates an acidic environment in the hind gut, killing important bacteria, releasing toxins into the bloodstream, resulting in a disrupted blood flow to the feet harming the laminae • Causes tying up/azoturia/ERS – research proves that high starch diets contribute to muscle related problems.

There are many causes associated to ERS – reduced exercise, unbalanced diet, genetics, viral infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or management • Causes ‘protein lumps’ – very rarely is this the case, looking at the whole diet and outside factors is more likely to get rid of the lumps • The protein content in a feed reflects the energy the feed will provide – absolutely NO! This is a whole other topic for me to cover! w Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, March 2013

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Knowledge

Ones to watch

Photograph by Michael Tawroginski

Jack Hyde Jack Hyde, 15, RCBPC and Guards

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Polo Times, March 2013

Photograph by Lynn and Jim Bremner/Polozone.com

Berkshire-based teenager Jack Hyde has proved that he has what is takes to follow in the footsteps of his father, arena nine-goaler Chris, by starring at the HPA’s National Club Championships this winter.

The 15-year-old was one of the standout players at this year’s arena championships – winning two of the four categories. His excellence in the arena was acknowledged by the HPA, who quickly moved his handicap from one to two.

In December Jack teamed up with Jonathan Munro Ford and Howard Smith of Black Eagles to win the 6-goal title against Yevgeny Chichvarkin’s Hedonism. And he showed that this success was no flash in the pan in early February by winning the HPA’s new National Club Championships 3-goal title, this time teaming up with father and daughter duo Phil and Genna Meadows of Cool Hooves.

Following on from this success, Jack was one of six players selected by the HPA to travel to South Africa during the February half-term for a week-long training course with former South African international Buster Mackenzie. This was Jack’s second trip to South Africa in recent years, having also trained with Buster Mackenzie in December 2011. Another international polo adventure saw him travel to the famed Coronel Suarez Club in Argentina in February 2011 to play in the Torneo Internacional de Menores.

Like his father, who is a six-goaler outdoors, Jack’s talents are not restricted to the arena. He plays off zero on grass and has been turning heads at the Pony Club Polo Championships at Cowdray Park for several years now. Last summer he was awarded the Andrew Older Memorial Trophy for the most promising Langford player.

In 2010, after impressing at the Pony Club champs, he played in the Stagshead Trophy at Ham and the following year he was selected to play in the 21 Cup at Cowdray Park.

Blondie

Height: 15.2hh Age: 15 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: New Zealand Thoroughbred Sire: Flaming Arrow Dam: Unknown Owner: Sebastian Dawnay

Georgie May speaks to arena eight-goaler Sebastian Dawnay about one of his most experienced ponies that excels in the arena and is incredibly easy to look after When did you get her?

About four years ago I asked Martin “Sticky” Glue to look out for a solid arena pony for me and sure enough he found exactly what I was looking for.

Martin knew that Broncos were selling some of the older horses to make room for the new ones coming through and he got in contact.

What did you like about her?

Her conformation was exactly what I was looking for. She was a lean but tough-looking mare and her appearance translated through to her personality, which was great.

pointed her through the wall of the arena, she’d literally go through it!

What have you played her in so far?

She has played all levels of arena polo over the last four years including the Arena Gold Cups, the HPA National Club Championships and Internationals at Hickstead. She is a very important horse in my arena string. She will hopefully play for a few more seasons and one day I’d love to breed from her.

Is she easy to look after?

Blondie is impeccably behaved. She is wellmannered and very easy to have around the yard.

What is her exercise regime?

She goes out on sets twice a day with practices and singling during the week. I usually play tournament polo over the weekends.

What makes her so good?

Her spirit. Blondie takes ride-offs very personally and she has a great top speed. She is super agile which is perfect for arena polo, fast and very strong. She is my most confident chukka.

Has she won any best playing pony prizes yet?

This season she won the best playing pony prize at the Paul Sweeney Memorial Cup at Ash Farm.

What are her weaknesses?

She trusts me too much. By that I mean if I

Would you ever sell her?

No, she’s too important to my string. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Sidelines

Gossip Photograph by Georgie May

Babies on the same day for Figueras and Aurora Congratulations to zero-goaler and PQ Magazine editor Aurora Eastwood and her partner Matt Darwin on their new addition to the family, baby Felix (bottom right). Born on 19 January, weighing 8lbs10, Felix and his mother are said to be doing very well. We look forward to seeing them on the sidelines this summer.

On the same day as Aurora, Nacho Figueras’s wife Delfina Blaquier gave birth to their fourth child, daughter Alba, in Argentina. However, Nacho (top right) wasn’t able to be by his wife’s side for long as a couple of days later the Argentine player had to fly out to Switzerland for the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

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

Player to climb Mount Kilimanjaro Two-goaler John Sleeman, a member at Druids Lodge and Beaufort, will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on 8 September in a six-day trek with the London School of Economics Raising and Giving Charity. Sleeman (pictured left) hopes to raise £3,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

“I’ve never attempted anything like this before,” said 20-yearold Sleeman. “So this challenge is just as much about raising the ambitious amount of money as it is about the physical challenge of summiting the highest mountain in Africa!”

If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.myraising. com/johnny-sleeman/ lse_rag 66 Polo Times, March 2013

Getting hitched Congratulations to former Singapore Polo Club general manager Torrey Dorsey who married Jessamine Annalena Ihrcke at a ceremony in Hong Kong on 13 December (pictured above). Following the wedding, the pair – who got engaged last year – held a party at the Singapore Polo Club, attended by the club’s polo and equestrian fraternity.

Meanwhile in the UK, Binfield Heath Polo Club’s Tristan Phillimore is gearing up for his wedding this summer. He will marry Jemma Tuomey on 1 June in Shiplake, Berkshire.

And for anyone planning a wedding this year – how about getting married at a polo event in front of 15,000 polo fans?

Scottsdale Polo Championships, which is held on 2 November in Arizona in the USA, are looking for a couple to tie the knot on their polo fields during the event.

If this takes your fancy, then contact Jparks@RoseMoserAllynPR.com

Jules Knight leaves boy band Blake British vocal group Blake, who took up polo as a team last year, are bidding farewell to one of their band members Jules Knight (pictured above). After six successful years, Knight has decided to pursue a career in acting and has joined the cast of BBC soap Holby City as new doctor Harry Tresslar. The remaining three members of the group – Humphrey Berney, Ollie Baines and Stephen Bowman – will carry on as normal but it is not known whether they will seek a new fourth member.

The foursome featured in the June 2012 issue of Polo Times with England polo player James Beim. www.polotimes.co.uk

Gossip

Ed Magor has first racing win Former polo patron Ed Magor had his first point-to-point win during his first season as an owner-trainer in February. His horse, Broadwalk Empire, won a maiden’s race at Larkhill under jockey Mark Wall.

Magor was forced to give up polo in 2010 after dislocating his shoulder during the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup.

Sidelines

Beware of Mr Baker airs in the US A documentary about famous drummer Ginger Baker, who took up polo in the 1970s and owns a club in South Africa, is being screened this year in the USA. The film, which took three years to make, features stories from his ex-wives, children and many musicians that he worked with throughout his career. See www.bewareofmrbaker.com for more.

Schumacher spotted in St Moritz Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher was spotted watching the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow in January, sitting alongside Argentine ninegoaler Eduardo Novillo Astrada.

The seven-times F1 world champion also took advantage of lunch in the hospitality tent and was met by fans upon leaving, all anxiously trying to catch a glimpse of the racing star, who now lives in Switzerland.

Tom Morley and Martin Freeman www.polotimes.co.uk

Four-goaler Tarquin Southwell will be running the London Marathon on 21 April for Make A Wish Foundation. To help raise some money, Ash Farm Polo Club held a fundraising day on 19 February. Twenty-three Pony Club children, aged between five and 16-yearsold attended the rally and were taught by Southwell (pictured right), Rosie Ross and club manager Charlotte Sweeney. All the proceeds from the day went towards Southwell’s chosen charity.

Southwell, who has run the marathon on two previous occasions, has been fitting in his training around his polo – taking advantage of running at altitude while in Kitzbuhel (see page 54) and St Moritz (see pages 40-44).

“My best friend, who I went to school with from the age of 13, died last year of a brain tumour,” Southwell told Polo Times. “The Marie Curie nurses looked after him really well and I wanted to run for them but their allocations had already been filled. So, I decided to run for Make A Wish Foundation, which is another great charity.”

If you would like to donate, please go to http://www.justgiving.com/tarquinsouthwell.

Polo Times, March 2013 67

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Look-a-likes

Tarquin Southwell to run the London Marathon

Nacho Gonzalez and Spencer McCarthy Jake and Samira Parkinson-Smith Kenney Jones and Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

Audi International Series launch; Audi City, London – 7 February 2013

Piccadilly party

Dominie Cripps poses with the Audi R8

Audi invited the cream of British polo to their stunning central London showroom in Piccadilly to announce the launch of this year’s exciting Audi International Series. Players, patrons and sponsors rubbed shoulders with HPA staff and enjoyed drinks and canapés as the historic Westchester Cup took centre stage.

Louisa Dawnay and Karl Ude-Martinez

wS ee the news section for more information about the series

Becky Simpson, Kenney Jones, Lila Pearson and Iain Forbes-Cockell

Anna Chapman and Tony Lutwyche

Nigel à Brassard and Roderick Vere Nicholl

The Westchester Cup

Jamie Morrison, Jon Zammett and Nacho Gonzalez 68

Karl Ude-Martinez, Martin Williams and Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

Neil and Lise Hobday

Regents College ready to party Nacho Gonzalez, Mark Tomlinson and Jamie Morrison

Back: Layla Henshaw, Matt Woodhead, James Faulkner. Middle: Richard Felce, Katie Poulter, Maddie Martin Binks, Abi Swaffield, Amy Sharpe and Alicia Booth in front

SUPA National University Arena Championships; Rugby Polo Club 7-10 February 2013

SUPA-duper Around 400 students descended on Rugby Polo Club in February for four action-packed days of polo.

As is tradition, the night before the finals the club hosted a raucous fancy dress party, which went on until the early hours.

Carlo Carello, Paul Roberts and Jeremy Hartley

Emily Price and Rowan Saunders Georgia Hine and Pierre Chlabovitch

w Photographs by Peter James Photography

Kate Eadie, Lorna Chambers and Jess Briggs Bettina Bahlsen, Mark Tomlinson and Laura Bechtolsheimer

Back: Chris Noble, Will Blair, Will Cavazzini and Jamie-Rose Larkin.

Front: Alex Boardman, Daisy Kemp and Arissa von Geiso

Ranajay Chand, Luke Squire, Lucy Hall, Olivia Hurst, Sarah MystomHart and James Hallworth

Vanessa Wright, Andrew Tucker and Giaia Rener

Irene Onyeagbako

Amelia Kate Smith

A group from Birmingham and Harper Adams universities

Reading University students

Ben Bish, Lucy Mitchell, Grace Llewellyn and Justin Scott Taylor

Catherine Rawes, Arissa von Geiso and Kathryn McPherson

Sidelines

Sophie Good, Inez Wynn, Louise Blake Thomas, Emma Leiva and Carla Kyle

Francesca and Urs Schwarzenbach, Greta Morrison and James Scott

Max Charlton and Ebe Sievwright

BMW Switzerland’s Philippe Dehennin, Cartier Switzerland’s Arnaud Carrez, Urs Schwarzenbach, Carsten Kahl of Deutsche Bank Switzerland and Ralph Lauren ambassador Nacho Figueras

St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow; St Moritz, Switzerland – 24-27 January 2013

Fur-tastic final Cartier won the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow in January. More than 12,000 spectators gathered on the frozen lake over the four days of competition and enjoyed entertainment in the Piazza, including live music, a polo simulator and delicious food stalls.

Nespresso and Veuve Clicquot provided refreshment stands.

Sophie and Jonny Good

Tony Ramirez

w Photographs by Georgie May, Tony Ramirez and Felix Frey The Huw Lewis Duo entertain the crowds in the Piazza

Bentley showcased some of their vehicles

Petra Fausch

Andreas Knapp Voith

Carla Kyle

Ebe Sievwright and Jan-Erik Franck

Nacho Figueras A unique mode of transport

Jonathan Munro Ford Jan-Erik Franck and Ebe Sievwright giving a polo demonstration

The ambulance service’s St Bernard

70

Fur coats were a popular choice

BMWs lead the teams onto the field

Expat spectators

Thai Polo Open; Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – 20 January 2013 The winning Cartier team with some of their supporters

Caroline Link and Luciano Tatton

Success for Link Harald Link’s Thai Polo won the BMW-B.Grimm Thai Polo Open in January.

His team narrowly defeated Axus 7-6½.

Glamorous guests attended the finals day, which also included a subsidiary final. w See pages 48-49 for a full report and pages 50-51 for the Thai Ladies’ Open report

Emma Leiva, Louise Blake Thomas, Carla Kyle, Maggie Hyde, Georgia Munro Ford and Hannah Carlton

Georgia Rae and Siska De Paz

Sunshades for dogs A pug and his owner enjoy the polo

Chris Bethell and Tim Keyte

Kids polo demonstration

Harald Link

Santiago Bachmann, Nunthinee Tanner, Lucus Labat, Harald Link, Agustin Grossi, Juan Martin and Matthias Pfalz

Spectators enjoy the final

Philippa Morris’s 21st Birthday; The Atholl, Edinburgh – 15 December 2012

Coming of age Scottish polo player Philippa Morris celebrated her 21st birthday in December. Members of the Scottish polo community attended the bash including Archy Archibald and Edinburgh polo manager James Douglas.

A glamorous guest

Subsidiary final winners Ralph Lauren with the Deutsche Bank Trophy

Freddy Antabi, Jonathon Tidswell, Jane Archibald, Archy Archibald, Fraser Potter, James Douglas and Douglas Munro

Spectators donned in Veuve Clicquot attire

Sarah Middlemiss, Philippa Morris and Charlotte Bushby

Rebecca Archer, Philippa Morris and James Douglas All the attendees

Horst Edenhofer on the sidelines with a guest 71

Sidelines PT’s Polly Bryan with Goldin Metropolitan’s Trina Teo and Fiona Gu

Alan Kent and Santiago ‘Flaco’ Gaztambide

The Nordic Wonderland entertained children and adults alike

Donald Pennycook and artist James Gillick

Benjamin Araya Artist James Gillick with a painting from his ‘Horse Gods’ series

Hong Kong China’s Martin Inchauspe, Guillermo Terrera and John Fisher with Derek Reid after their victory

FIP Snow Polo World Cup Metropolitan Polo Club, China 25 January - 3 February 2013

Goldin glamour

Martin Inchauspe, Silvina Fisher, Christy Reid and Guillermo Terrera Winter sophistication

The Snow Polo World Cup at the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, Tianjin offered far more than just world-class polo. Guests were treated to rousing performances by the Buenos Aires Opera Company and Marching Band, as well as James Gillick’s ‘Horse Gods’ art exhibition. The exquisite Gala dinners provided evening luxury while the Nordic Wonderland alongside the polo field, complete with a carousel and snow slide, provided fun and entertainment for all ages in the day. w Photographs by Polly Bryan and Metropolitan Polo Club

Elsa Human, Jo Spilsbury and a friend

Canada’s Fred Mannix

Keeping warm inside the grandstand

Richard and Annette Caleel, Patrick Nesbitt and Ursula Beaton

The sparkling scale model showing Goldin Metropolitan’s future

A glamorous model welcomes guests

Goldin Group’s Harvey Lee with Jenny Pan

Dancers performing during the Opening Gala Dinner

Terence and Joanna Spilsbury and Campbell MacNab 72

Polo director Derek Reid and his daughter Christy with tournament director Peter Abisheganaden

Sidelines

Sean Fang

Luis Garrahan with his son

The beach at Pattaya

Ploy Bhinsaeng and Charlotte Sweeney Churo Pelligrini, Lynly Fong, Lia Salvo and her boyfriend Juan Amantegui Musical entertainment during the champagne reception in the hotel

Enjoying the action

Thai Ladies’ International; Polo Escape, Thailand 11-13 January 2013

Spoilt for choice

Guillermo Terrera and Martin Inchauspe lift the trophy accompanied by Dr Richard Caleel, Goldin Metropolitan chairman Pan Sutong (centre), John Fisher and son Milo Some avid South Africa supporters

Guests enjoyed fantastic hospitality at Polo Escape in January. Everyone took advantage of the stunning infinity pool, fantastic Thai cuisine, Thai massages, trail rides through the plantations and trips to the beach. There was live music in the evening, including Argentine folk songs sung by two of the players. w Photographs by Alice Gipps

Gerardo Ferrarini and daughter Valentina and Roderick Vere Nicoll

Horacio Etcheverry and Juan Amantegui take to the microphone

Robin Louvranij, Leah Hamdan, Alice Gipps and Sunny Hale

Tim Keyte

VIP guests in the Veuve Clicquot champagne lounge

Gail and Tim Keyte and Kirsty Hawkins

All the teams celebrate after the tournament

The Buenos Aires Opera Company performed to guests England’s George Meyrick, Oli Hipwood and James Harper with team manager Alan Kent Sunny Hale Robin Louvranij, Ploy Bhinsaeng and Robin’s daughter Panita Vongkusolkit

73

Polo directory

Dates for your diary

Club contacts UK and Ireland

South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 020 7318 4490 * Blueys Polo Club – 07930 323263 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 07533 213160 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01784 470009 Epsom – 07961 232106 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington Park – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07956 525222 Park Lane – 07976 242877* Ranelagh Farm – 01344 885697 RMAS – 07766 924101 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 07841 597045 * White Waltham – 07748 670587

East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 (back 2013) Carlton House – 01986 892231 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Luton Hoo – 07934 882713 Norfolk – 01508 480400 * Silver Leys – 07535 697854 St Albans – 07438 076644 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974

What’s on in March 2013 UK highlights Test Matches

Open

AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy, England vs The British Isles (22-24): 2 March

Rugby – The Onley Plate (6-10): 16-17 March

Wicklow – France (Deauville) vs Ireland (Open): 1-3 March AEPC – End of Season Champagne Pommery Challenge Final (Open): 9 March Vale of York – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge (Open): 20 March

Low Goal

Youth

Medium Goal

Ascot Park – Westcroft Park Plate (4-8): 2-3 March Druids Lodge – Forest Edge Bowl (0-3): 2-3 March Rugby – The OGEC Cup (2-8): 2-3 March Epsom – Mayflower Cup (0-2): 16-17 March Ranksboro – 0-2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 23-24 March FHM – Stickhedz Tournament (0-2): 24 March

Druids Lodge – Exeter Cup University League (Open): 19 October – 15 March Druids Lodge – Easter University Tournament (Open): 13 March

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

Main overseas tournament highlights

South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lynt – 07957 468220 * Lytchett Heath – 01202 623985 Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 07703 524613 * West Somerset – 01884 251632

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

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

Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 * Stewarton – 07974 706045

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

74 Polo Times, March 2013

Australia Ellerston – JD Macleod Cup (8 & 16): 6-17 March Werribee Park – Jeep Polo Cup (Open): 23 March Windsor – The Countess of Dudley Cup and NSW Club Championships (Open): 26-31 March

Barbados Holders – Cheshire Polo Tour (Open): 3 March Apes Hill, Lion Castle, Holders – Barbados Open (10): 10-17 March Apes Hill, Holders – Ladies’ Tournament (Open): 17-24 March

Dubai Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club – Dubai Polo Gold Cup (13-16): 25 February – 15 March Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club – British Polo Day (Open): 29 March

Jamaica Kingston – BNS Jamaica Open (12): 7-10 March St Ann – Marescaux Cup (Open): 19-23 March

St Ann – Willie Delisser Cup (Open): 28-30 March

New Zealand Rangitikei – Skene Trophy (Open): 9-10 March

Thailand Polo Escape – Patrons Challenge (8-10): 1-3 March VR Sports Club – King Power Gold Cup (4-6): 2-3 March Hua Hin – Beach Polo Tournament (Open): 22-24 March

USA IPCPB – CV Whitney Cup (26): 17 February – 3 March IPCPB – Iglehart Cup (20): 20 February – 3 March IPCPB – USPA Piaget Gold Cup (26): 6-24 March IPCPB – Maserati US Open Polo Championship (26): 27 March – 21 April

Other dates DBS (Newbury) – NH Festivals Sale at Newbury: 23 March www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for your diary

Polo directory Photograph by Matt Darwin

TV highlights on Horse & Country (Sky 280) 1 March, 9pm: Argentine Open 2012 (La Aguada vs La Natividad) 6 March, 8pm: Cowdray Park – The Home of Polo 7 March, 8pm: Argentine Open 2012 (Alegria vs La Dolfina) 10 March, 9.30pm: Cowdray Park – The Home of Polo 14 March, 8pm: Argentine Open 2012 (La Aguada vs La Aguada Las Monjitas) 18 March, 11am: Queen’s Cup 2012 (Dubai vs Ayala) 19 March, 11am: Cowdray Park Gold Cup 2012 (El Remanso vs Cortium) 20 March, 11am: Coronation Cup 2012 (England vs South Africa) 21 March, 11am: Coutts Norfolk Polo Festival 2012 21 March, 8pm: Argentine Open 2012 (La Natividad vs Ellerstina) 22 March, 11am: Sotogrande High Goal Gold Cup 2012 (Lechuza Caracas vs Dos Lunas) 28 March, 8pm: Argentine Open 2012 (La Dolfina vs Pilará) 31 March, 8pm: Cowdray Park – The Home of Polo

This year’s Barbados Open – pictured here at Lion Castle in 2012 – takes place from 10-17 March

Opened in 1990 by restaurateur Brian Stein as a tribute to his love of great food and the sport of polo, PJ’s Bar & Grill remains Chelsea’s perennial favourite.

International dining seven days a week.

PJ’S BAR

www.polotimes.co.uk

& GRILL | 52 FULHAM ROAD CHELSEA LONDON SW3 | 020 7581 0025 | WWW.PJSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK Polo Times, March 2013 75

Polo directory

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Polo directory

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Polo Times, March 2013 77

Polo directory

Advertising

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78 Polo Times, March 2013

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Polo directory

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www.truckbuildbodies.co.uk Polo Times, March 2013 79

Polo directory

Classifieds

Ponies TEN WELL BRED PLAYING PONIES High Goal sires including RECTOR. Selection from 4-10 years old. Sound and vice free and ready to try. Price range £3.5 to £12k. Suit ambitious PC or pro players. Sussex Polo Club. Please call for more info and photos 01342 714920 TWO SUPER PONIES 14.3HH, Mares, one 19 year old safe for beginner, looks fabulous, one six year old coming on great, suit -2 to -1 goaler. Grab preseason bargains. Selling as son aged 14 moved up a gear. Tel 07545 501763 IRISH BRED THOROUGHBREDS! Unmade Irish TB’s, fillies, colts and geldings.

Ranging from one to six years old. 14.2hh to 15.3hh. Broken and unbroken. Supplied 80 in 2012 to UK market, references available. Ireland. £600 - £1,200. Call on Des 00353 868 974355 or email dnomahousestud@gmail.com. Transport and trial periods included in price.

ARGENTINE POLO PONY 14.3hh 15 year old Argentine chestnut mare. Played by 0-goaler would suit PC home, fit and ready to try in the arena. Hertfordshire. £2,000. Contact: 07825 170313 VERY SAFE ARGENTINE MARE SMALL Very safe pony. 14.1hh. Great platform. never needed the vet. Great feet. Played Surtess and 0 goal.

She plays with her heart. £5000. West Sussex.

Call Paul 07776 253 907 or email paul@devassist.co.uk

Situations HELP NEEDED three polo ponies coming in from grass end February. Need someone who is a good rider, not necessarily a knowledge of polo

80 Polo Times, March 2013

but to get ponies fit. Driver essential. Live in/out.

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Accommodation available. Guildford, Surrey.

Email hutley@madasafish.com or call 01483 208693 POLO APPRENTICE Gap year, potential polo player/just want to have fun; come and join us for fun relaxed polo, apres polo, friendly atmosphere.

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online

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or contact Sarah

01993 886885 sarah@polotimes.co.uk

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Polo directory

Photo of the month

Send us your best images and we will select one for publication each month. Send them to georgie@polotimes.co.uk

A ball comes flying towards the camera during the FIP Snow Polo World Cup in China, which unfortunately hit the photographer right after capturing the shot

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

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Contributors – March 2013 Carlos Beer, Adam Caller, Gavin Chaplin, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, Murrindie Frew, Kian Gheissari, Theresa Hodges, Rege Ludwig, Simon McLaren Tosh, Clare Milford Havan, Leigh-Anne Moore, Jamie Peel, Herbert Spencer

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

In association with Aprés Polo

Roddy Williams’s...

Passions

Georgie May speaks to the five-goal professional about his high-goal memories, childhood heroes and producing great polo ponies What are your favourite polo memories?

Winning the Gerald Balding with my father in my teens; winning the Prince of Wales Trophy with Jamie Morrison, Satnam Dhillon and Luke Tomlinson in 2003, and reaching the Queen’s Cup semis with Oli Hipwood, Malcolm Borwick and Jonny Good in 2005.

Best teammate?

Any of my best friends. When you are playing with friends you always put in the extra effort and play above your handicap.

Hardest opponent?

I don’t like dirty players that hurt the horses unnecessarily but in terms of tough, clean players it would have to be someone like Eduardo Novillo Astrada or trying to mark Adolfo Cambiaso – that’s hard!

What is your favourite polo venue?

Ivy Lodge at Cirencester Park. I grew up there and it holds a lot of great memories for me. In the past my grandfather ran the club and we scattered his ashes there.

What would you be if you were not a polo player?

I was an art scholar at school and had a recommendation to the Royal Academy. My father

82 Polo Times, March 2013

and grandfather went to the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester so had I not taken up polo professionally I would have gone to one of those two. I’m a big rugby fan and sometimes like to think that I might have had a pop at professional rugby!

What do you get up to outside of polo?

I’m usually hanging out with my family at home or on the farm with my wife Zoe, son Freddy and daughter Ottilie.

Rob Cudmore had the biggest influence on my game Who has had the biggest influence on your polo?

Bautista Heguy was my hero through my late teens and early 20s, but it was Rob Cudmore who had the biggest influence on my game, particularly during my early teenage years. He was our club professional and I learned a lot from him.

Which is your favourite tournament?

The Harrison Cup at Cowdray Park, which I’ve won four times. It’s a nice level and played at a good time of year. Plus it’s played on the good grounds after the Gold Cup.

What is your biggest ambition?

I love producing thoroughbred youngsters.

Watching them progress into polo machines is very satisfying and eventually seeing them play the highest level of polo is hugely rewarding, whether under me or a top nine or ten-goaler.

Which person would you most like to meet?

Jim Morrison of the band The Doors

Which is your favourite film?

Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

What is your most prized possession?

The cottage that we live in at the moment, which we did up ourselves, and my four best ponies – Havanna, Mr Cheers, Julietta and Los Machitos Catinga.

New car or new horse?

It depends on the horse! But I’d always take a top horse over a flash car.

What was the first single you ever bought?

Adam and the Ants, Stand & Deliver.

What is your most surprising interest?

Probably my love of Michelangelo’s art.

Describe yourself in three words.

Tall dark handsome. Ha ha!

Photograph by James Mullan

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