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In the past month since our last issue there has been no polo worldwide, so hence no action image of polo that was suitable for our front cover. Of course it has been an unprecedented time of huge flux and change worldwide and the polo community has been impacted enormously too. However, Her Majesty The Queen remains a constant and reassuring figure to us all, particularly as at the time of press she is set to lead the country’s VE Day celebrations. So, for our May front cover we have celebrated this with a fantastic collage put together by polo photographer extraordinaire and Guards Polo Club Official Photographer Tony Ramirez to celebrate her 94th birthday.

As we go to press there is still deep uncertainty surrounding polo in the UK and indeed, worldwide. With air travel virtually at a standstill and travel bans in place it is certainly a time that leaves our polo community in an uncharted and uncertain territory

Yes, of course, due to the pandemic, the world order has been thrown into disarray; and yes, when the new ‘norm’ is finally among us every day, everyday life, and the polo world too will be different – but let’s focus on the positives and find the best in what is a hugely challenging global situation

Together let’s celebrate the British fighting spirit – almost 75 years ago, on Friday 8 May 1945, King George VI, made his radio address marking victory in Europe. In his own words, the nation was “War-battered, but never for one moment daunted or dismayed”. Due to sheer grit, determination, strong leadership and our forebears’ collective effervescent Bulldog spirit, the nation bounced back, in the face of adversity.

The relevance to this brief history lesson is that 75 years on, is that the same, I believe, can be said now as we start to turn the tide against the assault from the invisible assailant, which is Covid-19.

With the help of Tony’s images of Her Majesty at polo during happier times on our front cover this issue, we can all try to focus on the positives and look forward to the return of some degree of normality after the Coronavirus outbreak. Working together to defeat this dreadful virus we will meet again on the sidelines or playing on a newly mown polo field – and how sweet will that moment be?

Nick Hine, Publisher

Chestertons Postponed Until September Due to Government advice regarding the Coronavirus virus outbreak, Chestertons Polo in the Park will be postponed until 4 – 6 September 2020. All tickets for the initial June dates will be valid for September. Anyone who has already booked their June tickets will be able to receive a full refund should they not be available for our September dates.

New Zealand Handicap Changes On Monday 23 March, the New Zealand Polo Association (NZPA) announced their handicap changes for the 2019/2020 season, effective from 1 November 2020, the full list of handicap changes can be viewed on the NZPA website.

Congratulations to Jonny Coddington who moved up to 5 goals, Oli Jones who moved up to 4 goals and Lenny Kay who went to 3 goals. In the ladies polo section, Lerey Young, Georgina Duncan and Angela Norrie all moved up to 3 goals, while Robyn Evans and Jade Pinckney moved up to 4 goals.

Polo Rider Cup Postponed Game Polo, the official organiser of the Polo Rider Cup, have decided to postpone the event until 2021. The inaugural edition of the tournament was due to take place on 2 – 12 July 2020, but together with the FIP and Chantilly Polo Club it has been decided to postpone the tournament until next year. It is expected the tournament will be played between May and July 2021.

Federico Rooney Passes Away

Frederico Rooney playing in Barbados in 2015 Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

In late March, it was announced that Venezuelan polo player Federico Rooney had sadly passed away after succumbing to his injuries from a fall in a polo match in Argentina in June 2019. Rooney was a talented player and horseman, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Federico’s mother, Soledad Diez de Tejada commented “Fede went to heaven. My heart is broken, but my soul is peaceful. I love you and you will always be my unruly baby.”

Gstaad Gold Cup Postponed to 2021

Interestingly, in a surprising change of line-up, Ellerstina have deviated from their all-Pieres line-up with Hilario Ulloa replacing Polito Pieres, who has moved into La Natividad Monjitas.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2020 was due to be played between 20 – 23 August, but the organisers have announced that the 25th edition of the tournament has been cancelled due to Coronavirus. Pierre E. Genecand, President of the Organizing Committee commented on the decision, “We are living in unprecedented times, never in modern history has the entire world had to face such a break through [sic] in such a short period of time. As Organizers, we each need to shoulder our responsibilities. In the actual situation and existing terms, it was impossible for us to maintain the event in the best conditions while ensuring everyone’s safety. It was not an option to postpone it at a later date because of the airport’s activity, that has been making great efforts to welcome the competition year after year, which is why we have been obliged to cancel, with much regret”.

The tournament will continue next year, scheduled for 19 – 22 August 2021. The 2020 Argentine Triple Crown team line-ups have been announced, with the two remaining teams for the 2020 Triple Crown also confirmed. One is a new version of La Irenita (Juan Martín Zubía, Min Podesta, Juan Gris Zavaleta & Facu Fernandez Llorente) and the other, which is still to be officially named (Francisco Elizalde, Alfredo Capella, Facundo Sola & Guillermo Caset), is a mixture of players from last year’s La Albertina and Las Monjitas. Photograph by Helen Cruden

Action from The Argentine Open Final in 2019, Ellerstina vs La Dolfina

2020 Argentine Triple Crown Teams:

La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso, David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Pablo Mac Donough & Juan Martín Nero Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres, Nico Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres & Hilario Ulloa La Dolfina Polo Ranch: Guillermo Terrera, Juan Britos, Diego Cavanagh & Alejo Taranco La Natividad Monjitas: Ignatius Du Plessis, Bartolomé Castagnola, Camilo Castagnola & Polito Pieres

Name Awaiting Confirmation:

Francisco Elizalde, Alfredo Capella, Facundo Sola & Guillermo Caset

Name Awaiting Confirmation:

Agustín Merlos, Ignacio Toccalino, Santiago Toccalino & Mariano Aguerre La Irenita: Juan Martín Zubía, Min Podesta, Juan Gris Zavaleta & Facu Fernandez Llorente

Name Awaiting Confirmation:

Segundo Bocchino, Matias Torres Zavaleta, Alfredo Bigatti & Jero Del Carril

African Horse Sickness Hits Thailand Authorities have acknowledged that there have been more than four outbreaks of African Horse Sickness (AHS) in Thailand, the first known case that has occurred in Southeast Asia. Currently there have only been reported cases in Thailand, with sick horses quarantined as AHS is a highly infectious and deadly virus spread by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Action from the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

On Friday 17 April the Hurlingham Polo Association amended their tournament fixture list for this season, which remains dependent on any Government conditions regarding Coronavirus and will not alter the HPA’s policy of providing a month’s notice for tournament polo. The HPA has published a revised draft for their 2020 Victor Ludorum tournaments (8 goals and above), while the 6 and 4 goal Victrix Ludorum are still being reviewed. The Prince of Wales and Trippetts 22 goal tournaments will begin the UK high goal season, but The Cartier Queen’s Cup and King Power Gold Cup have swapped positions with The King Power Gold Cup being played first (23 June – 19 July), followed by The Warwickshire (18 – 26 July) with The Cartier Queen’s Cup being played last (28 July – 23 August).

Nick Wiles, HPA Chairman, commented “In this unprecedented situation we are all working closely together, here in UK and internationally. Representatives of the Argentine Polo Association, Hurlingham Polo Association, United States Polo Association, French

Polo Federation, Spanish Polo Federation and the Federation of International Polo recently met by conference call and all agreed to work together in order to help all associations to have the best possible polo season, while minimizing the effects of the pandemic and prioritizing the health and safety of the players, umpires, grooms and everyone who helps put on polo events. Further digital meetings will be held regularly. As the season progresses we will hopefully have more freedom but that is likely to be still limited. The holiday month of August is going to look different this year so it is a great opportunity to play and hopefully watch some top class polo here through August and September in what is usually our best weather. Playing our key tournaments and enabling polo to be played nationally for a worthwhile period of time will help to maintain the fabric of our sport and those who are reliant on it for either their livelihood or recreation”.

To see the full list of proposed Victor ludorum fixtures, please turn to our What’s On pages.

HPA Equine Influenza Update

On Friday 17 April, the Hurlingham Polo Association, announced an update on Equine Influenza vaccinations, with full details to be posted on their website in due course: “Vets have now been advised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that they can administer vaccinations to maintain the health status of animals.

Covid-19 regulations on social distancing are still relevant and your vet will make a risk assessment prior to the visit to limit everyone’s risk. This procedure is best discussed with your own vet.

Horses that were vaccinated last year in March and April had until the end of April this year to receive their yearly booster.

Next year all annual boosters must be given within 365 days of the last vaccination. When playing or umpiring, the last vaccination must have been given within 6 months and 21 days.

Horses not correctly vaccinated will need a course of three vaccines – the second 21- 92 days after the first and the third 150-215 days after the second. Horses can play 7 days after the second vaccine.”

Argentina Bans Flights Until 1 September On Monday 27 April, as a direct result of the Coronavirus outbreak Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration issued a decree banning all ticket sales for commercial flights within, to or from Argentina, until 1 September. Many other countries in the region have also stopped commercial flights, but none to the extent of Argentina and it is thought the bans could result in over 300,000 jobs being put at risk in the country.

This decision of course could have a direct impact upon polo across the globe, as well as here in the UK as Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration’s decision may well put some of the top teams in the 2020 polo season under threat with many depending upon overseas players to bolster their line-ups. With players such as Facundo Sola and Adolfo Cambiaso currently in Argentina, as this issue went to print, on the polo grapevine there was talk of a private charter flight.

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Adolfo Cambiaso, pictured here in the 2014

Coronation Cup playing for Argentina, may not be allowed to travel on a public flight from Argentina until September Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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USPA Covid-19 Relief Programmes

On Friday 24 April, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) published their fifth update for Clubs and members (below), following on from their announcement the Friday before (17 April) which outlined their adjusted 2020 fixture list. 1. Virus Outlook. The lock down is now until 7 May. It looks to be working but is unlikely to be lifted before 7 May. 2. Factors Affecting Start Date. The following factors will be taken into consideration prior to any decision affecting the start of polo: • The rules and conditions laid down by Government for travel, social distancing, and gatherings. • The medical cover required and the risk of injuries that require A&E/hospital treatment. • What other sports are doing, eg; racing, cycling, cricket, golf, tennis, football, eventing. • Availability and acceptability of testing. • International and regional travel restrictions. • The welfare of the ponies; the time needed to get them ready. • The risk of reputational damage if polo is perceived to be in breach of the conditions. • One Month Warning for VL Tournament Polo. The HPA will make a clear announcement when the notice of one month starts. • The month does not start until the HPA has made that announcement and there will be no VL games played before that month is up. Therefore, if there has not been an announcement by ‘Day X’, no VL games can be played before ‘Day X’ plus one month. • Until the HPA has made that announcement or an announcement to the contrary, no chukkas may be played at any affiliated club. • Any announcement regarding the start of polo will also set out the rules and guidelines for chukkas, practices and domestic games prior to that date so that teams and players are able to prepare.

An updated draft of the 8 goal VL and above is now on the website and it hoped to add a draft for the 6 and 4 Goal and Victrix shortly. 3. Social Distancing and Club Hygiene Procedures. • Possible rule changes to allow adherence to social distancing requirements are being considered. • It is planned to produce a draft for the procedures that clubs are likely to have to put in place in order that polo can be played. 4. FAQs. The FAQs have been updated. [To read the HPA’s FAQs visit www.hpa-polo.co.uk] 5. Insurance. Those stick and balling at a club are not covered by the HPA membership unless they have signed up as HPA members.

HPA Blue Book Out Now The Hurlingham Polo Association’s yearly publication, the Blue Book, has been published online only. The Blue Book is available to download via the HPA’s website.

The USPA have announced a range of relief programmes to help USPA Members who are struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic Photograph by USPA

The United States Polo Association (USPA) have announced that they will be delaying USPA Tournaments and Events until Friday 15 May, as well as the approval of three USPA funded assistance programmes.

The three assistance programmes are detailed below and include a substantial commitment from the USPA, which has yet to be matched by other Polo Associations around the world:

USPA Covid-19 Equine Welfare Relief Programme (ERP)

– Aimed at aiding USPA Members who are struggling to maintain proper upkeep of their horses and are in desperate assistance will be able to apply in order to provide their horses with proper nutrition.

USPA Covid-19 Distressed Club Relief Program – Designed to support USPA Member Clubs which have experienced financial difficulty from 15 March – 31 May due to Covid-19, with support focused on non-equine care related costs.

Covid-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package – Aimed at post-crisis aid to support Club activity, for the first two USPA tournaments held at the USPA Member Club the tournament fees will be waived, umpires will be provided by USPA, $2,500 prize money per tournament and Clubs will either be provided with trophies or reimbursed.

Bob Puetz, USPA CEO made the following announcement: “As we continue to face these unprecedented challenging and stressful times, the USPA would like to assure our members and clubs across the nation of our commitment to continue to support the sport of polo. As part of these efforts, the USPA has extended the suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events through Friday, May 15, 2020.

“We have not overlooked the fact that the immediate needs of the sport and polo communities we promote and serve are ongoing. In an effort to help alleviate the financial strain being placed on the sport and polo community, the USPA Board of Governors approved three assistance programs during the Spring Board of Governors Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2020: the USPA COVID-19 Equine Welfare Relief Program (ERP), the USPA COVID-19 Distressed Club Relief Program and the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. Each program has been developed to meet specific needs. The Equine Welfare Relief and Distressed Club Relief programs will be accepting applications for immediate disbursement while the Tournament Stimulus Program will be available to assist clubs transitioning back into tournament play.

“It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay healthy, positive and safe. All program information is available below. Please do not hesitate to reach out to USPA staff and leadership at any time if you need any assistance.”

To read the guidelines and to make an application visit www.uspolo.org

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