Polo Times May 2021 by Edit

Volume 26 • Issue 4 • May 2021 • £6.50

ENGLISH HIGH GOAL GUIDE A Look at the Teams & Tournaments ACTION ACROSS THE POND Gauntlet of Polo & World Polo League PLUS: RCBPC Junior Arena Cups & Polo Fitness

www.polotimes.co.uk

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“Polo Times is undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine” Horace Laffaye

Contents

What’s inside… May 2021

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk

Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Design Tony Ruddy

19 Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

56 News

Contributors: Lorna Edgar, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, India Parker-Smith, Tony Ramirez & Jason Warren

4 All the Latest News 10 Obituaries

Comment

62 Youth Polo

Cover photograph: Adolfo Cambiaso

celebrates his historic U.S. Open win alongside his son Poroto. By ©David Lominska

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2021 and Database Right 2021 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Polo Times, May 2021

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Features

Knowledge

16 19

54 56

Big Picture 2021 English High Goal Guide

Reports 30 33 38 42

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: The Dubai Cup Gauntlet of Polo: U.S. Open World Polo League: Triple Crown of Polo & Miami Beach Polo World Cup Lexus Urban Polo

58 60 62 64

Polodoc: In or Out Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Stability of The Hitting Platform Nutrition Focus: High Goal Q&A Chukka Wellness: Preparation is key Tola Polo: Is Fitness Important in Polo? Vet Insight: Castration Focus

Sidelines 66

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Club Focus

Polo Directory

45 48

67 What’s On in May 2021 69 Classifieds

Your Club News from Home and Abroad Ranelagh Club Focus

Women’s Polo

Final Bell

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Passions: Mikey Howe www.polotimes.co.uk

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MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

from the Publisher

Nick Hine, Publisher

Polo Times, May 2021

Name

USPA Outdoor Handicap Changes

2021 USPA ANNUAL OUTDOOR HANDIC AP CHANGES Current

Juan Britos

New

Camilo Castagnola Julian De Lusarreta Ezequiel Martinez Ferrar

Jorge Fernandez Ocamp

o Jr.

Mariano Gonzalez

8 and 9

Juan Merlos Adolfo Cambiaso III

On Tuesday 27 April, after the culmination of the high goal season in Palm Beach, the United States Polo Association (USPA) announced their 2021 Outdoor Handicap Changes. At the top of the list are Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola and Juan Britos, who will be raised from from 8 to 9 as of June 2022, an unsurprising raise for Britos following his successes in The Gauntlet of Polo (winning The C.V. Whitney Cup and runner up in The U.S. Open with Park Place). Poroto Cambiaso has also seen his handicap raised not once but twice in the same listing, from 1 June 2021 he will go from 6 to 8 and then again from 8 to 9 on 1 January 2022 – he is the only player to have received a double change this year. Other changes at the higher levels include: Tomas Panelo, Jorge Fernandez Ocampo Jr, Mariano Gonzalez Jr and Felipe Vercellino raised from 6 to 7; Marcos Alberdi, Matt Coppola, Nico Escobar, Lucio Fernandez Ocampo and Hilario Figueras raised from 4 to 5. To view the full list of changes, visit the USPA website. Page 1 of 5 of the USPA Handicap changes 6

Tomas Panelo

Felipe Vercellino

Bartolome Castagnola

Sr.

Nicolas Escobar II

Lucio Fernandez Ocamp

Hilario Figueras

Eugene Kneece III

Santino Magrini

Martin Valent

Juan Crotto

Juan Gonzalez

Miguel Gutierrez

Nick Johnson

Diego Larregli

Segundo Saravi

Dale Schwetz

As of 4/27/2021

5 5

6/1/21 Immediate Immediate Immediate 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21

1/1/22 6/1/21 1/1/22

Immediate

6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21

1/1/22 1/1/22

Lucas Escobar

Alejandro Gonzalez

Robert Payne II

Nicolas Diaz Alberdi

1/1/22

Benjamin Avendano

Ayrton Burnett

6/1/21 6/1/21 and 1/1/22

Eddy Martinez

Mackenzie Weisz

6/1/21 6/1/21

Francisco Guinazu

Luis Saracco

Marcos Alberdi

Santos Merlos

Matthew Coppola

1/1/22 1/1/22

Javier Guerrero Jr.

Federico Panzillo

When?

6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21

1/1/22 6/1/21 1/1/22 1/1/22 6/1/21 1

Photograph by Matías Callejo

After a long locked down winter, we are now emerging into a promising 2021 season and summer. With restrictions set to ease on Monday 17 May and the start of the English high goal season on Wednesday 19 May, with the ball being thrown in at The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, fingers are crossed that by the third week of May something resembling pre-Covid normality may have resumed. Below the 22 goal, polo has already resumed across the UK, albeit without spectators at the moment, but there are whispers on the wind that this could change as we continue to progress along Boris’ roadmap. Whilst the much awaited promise of spectators being allowed back to watch sporting events is tantalisingly close, it is, of course, dependent on cases remaining low through both the virus being suppressed and the vaccine programme continuing to be rolled out. Social interraction and collective behaviour, will also be pivotal in finally the winning fight. The hospitality industry is a seasoned barometer for the nation’s mood on all things covid-related. Our own family-owned business, the Polo Pub at Foston’s Ash, has been on a rollercoaster of open-closeopen-close-open these last 12 months, but, and incredibly reassuringly, since lockdown restrictions eased in mid-April’21, (albeit with outside dining only), we have seen a strong flow of customers eager to return – even when that means dining out wearing a woolly hat. With very few exceptions, all guests have been happy to adhere to the new rules that a little over a year ago would have been seen as a slight to our basic human rights. This issue very sadly includes the obituaries of four great men, who all gave immeasurable time and energy for the benefit of the polo community. One in particular is the now the late great, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who, in addition to heading up the renaissance of polo following the end of second world war, also selflessly contributed to the world being a better place. RIP polo’s fine gentlemen, we salute you all. And so, it is with sadness, but renewed optimism, that I feel that if we all acknowledge that we all have our own (selfless) part to play in vanquishing for good, this silent, yet deadly killer, that we will win the fight. If this means not going mad on hugging strangers or being crazy for an holiday overseas until everyone is vaccinated in a few month’s time, then surely, that’s a price worth paying.

News

Cuatro Vientos, winners of The República Argentina Cup

Cuatro Vientos Secure República Argentina Cup The República Argentina Cup is a unique competition which allows teams from 0 to 40 goals from across Argentina to compete against one another for a place in the Final which takes place at Palermo. The tournament was first established in 1929, and in 2020 the tournament was cancelled due to Covid-19. This year’s Final was played on Thursday 1 April between La Aguada and Cuatro Vientos and saw two father-son duos – Santiago Chavanne and his 13-year-old son Lorenzo for Cuatro Vientos and Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr and his 20-year-old son Cruz for La Aguada. With a handicap of just 19 goals compared to La Aguada’s 24 goals, Cuatro Vientos began with a five goal handicap advantage – the lower handicapped teams fully utilised this advantage and maintained their lead over all six chukkas, taking home the title with a 12-9 win. Ve Ocho Feliz, played by Santiago Chavanne was the Best Playing Pony. The República Argentina Cup Final Teams: Cuatro Vientos (19): Lorenzo Chavanne )1), Facundo Llosa (6) Santiago Zubiaurre (5) & Santiago Chavanne (7) La Aguada (24): Matías Machado (5), Cruz Novillo Astrada (4), Alfredo Bigatti (8) & Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr. (7) www.polotimes.co.uk

PADDOCK POWER POWERING PERFORMANCE

We are a polo management company and look after over 100 polo ponies. Since it’s arrival in the market place three years ago we have been using Paddock Power for both our ponies in the polo school and the ponies that play medium goal.

Through the winter the condition of our horses’ feet, coat and general health and wellbeing has vastly improved as they have access to the PP buckets which they can dip into when they fancy. We have been using it for 4 years now.

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We had no cases of rain scald or abscesses and it has completely eliminated us having to hard feed through the winter saving us both time and money. Even after a testing winter, the ponies came in looking and feeling great. Their muscle tone and top line were in great shape and this gave us a massive head start in getting them fit for the summer. During the playing season we use Paddock Power Rebalance as a combined feed supplement, balancer and electrolyte, to amazing effect. So many of the niggles through the season that we usually suffer, were non-existent and again this has saved us time and money. I am a huge fan and would urge people to try it…….you won’t be disappointed and your ponies will love you for it!

Suzie Meadows - Cool Hooves Polo Ltd For more information and a full breakdown of Vitamins, Minerals and ingredients visit www.paddockpower.co.uk Call 020 3409 0214 Email info@paddockpower.co.uk Paddock Power is manufactured by Tithebarn, the same stable as Rockies!!

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News

On Sunday 4 April, it came to light that there is a positive case of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC), also currently hosting the 2021 US Open. EHV-1 is a contagious virus, spread by direct horse-to-horse contact or by indirect surface contamination; IPC is working closely with the United States Polo Association (USPA), polo community and Palm Beach Equine Clinic to protect all the horses at IPC. The positive case at WEF has been isolated, but with the large numbers of horses at close quarters, this is still a worrying time, IPC commented, “This heightens our shared responsibility to take specific measures that will help keep each horse safe from the virus. We can work towards this by implementing two strategies: biosecurity and vaccination protocols. IPC is working closely with the competing teams and their vets to confirm all vaccinations are up to date, and are strongly encouraged to abide by specific protocols at their barns for the safety of their horses.”

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

EHV-1 at IPC

The AAP has postponed all polo due to the second wave of Covid-19

Argentine Spring Season Rescheduled The Argentine Polo Association (AAP) Board of Directors has made the decision to reschedule all official polo for the Spring season as of Monday 26 April, with official tournament dates being rescheduled. The decision was recommended by the Board’s Subcommittee on Medicine in response to the high demand currently being placed upon the country’s health system by the second wave of Covid-19. As polo is a high-risk sport, the AAP feels that avoiding playing will reduce the possibility of creating injuries which require medical attention and would put an extra demand on the healthcare system. The AAP has similarly advised all member clubs to cease competitive activity immediately.

2021 Polo Rider Cup

Another team has been entered into the 2021 Polo Rider Cup, which will be played 10 – 20 June at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. The Polo Park Zürich team joining the Chantilly Polo Club (FRA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Dos Lunas Polo Club (SPA), Moscow Polo Club (RUS), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Düsseldorf Polo Club (GER), Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA) and Deauville International Polo Club (FRA) teams already entered. The Polo Park Zürich team comprises of Min Podesta (7), Carlos Solari (4), Elena Venot (1) and Richard Harris (0).

POLO IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS 01798 343693 WWW.POLOPERMITS.CO.UK Authorised by the OISC Ref No F201400827

Polo Times, May 2021

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News Royal Salute Launches Polo Estancia Edition

US Helmet Safety Ruling The Rules Committee, Safety Committee and USPA Umpires have all agreed that players should keep their helmets on during the national Anthem as well as during any other pre or post-match ceremonies, with the helmet rules (Outdoor Rule 4a and Arena Rule 3.a) being applied. The announcement has caused some ripples across the pond, as it breaks from the tradition of removing your helmet in respect.

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Polo Times, May 2021

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Photography courtesy of Royal Salute

Photograph by David Lominska

US players will have to keep their helmets in place at all times

On Wednesday 28 April, Royal Salute launched a limited edition 21-year-old Polo Estancia Edition, the first blend in the Royal Salute range to be fully finished in Argentinian Malbec wine casks. The latest addition pays tribute to Argentina as the emblematic home of modern polo and is part of the Royal Salute Polo Collection which celebrates iconic polo destinations around the world. The blend delivers a full-bodied, fruity blend, offering The 21-year-old Polo Estancia Edition rich hints of raspberry and blackberry compote, notes of gently spiced cinnamon, followed by plum jam and dark chocolate ginger sweets. The new whisky comes in Royal Salute’s signature hand-crafted porcelain flagon, coloured in a deep terracotta glaze with gold details inspired by the warm hues cast by Argentinian sunsets, it will be available for a limited time from April 2021 at selected retailers for USD$150.

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Obituaries Obituary William ‘Bill’ Bond Elliott 28 November 1948 – 2 February 2021 With a fantastic sense of style, Bill will be sadly missed by all that knew him. As was recorded in the eulogy at his funeral by his ex-wife Amanda, “Bill will be remembered for never letting the world shape him and being one of those men who built the world around him. “His determination to work and make something of himself was boundless and his brilliance at discerning a deal and selling it was simply extraordinary. He left California where he had grown up in Pasadena, to work in a Wolf of Wall Street style organisation in New York where he learned about aircraft finance and soon decided that instead of the bank being the owner of an aircraft and receiving the vast interest involved, he would be the owner. He would, if you like, take the risk and the hit. He then became heavily involved in the, then new and innovative, aircraft inflight refuelling. “Part of his extraordinary success was his understanding of the value of appearances. No one had such exquisite style and taste as Bill. As his success in the aeronautical business continued to build he befriended the late Kerry Packer whose desire to own his own Gulf Stream put Bill into the refurbishment side of the aircraft industry. This design and build was a phenomenal business and he started with the Swiss in Zurich before moving the operation to Palm Beach in Florida. This latter place of course having the added attraction of the Polo Club in Wellington. “Bill took up polo when we moved the family to Ascot and Sunningdale. He was a fabulous sportsman who had excelled at ice skating, horse riding and skiing as a teenager and qualified for Olympic sports as a skier. He was a consummate horseman and he started to explore the world of Polo. Bill built up his own polo

Obituary Francisco Dorignac 1938 – 2021

Polo Times, May 2021

1975 alongside Gastón Dorignac, Gonzalo Tanoira, Horacio Heguy, Alberto Pedro Heguy, Juan Carlitos Harriott, Alfredo Harriott and Daniel González, Dorignac played the first 80 goal match at Palermo to commemorate the first polo match played in Argentina. Following on from his successful polo career, which included wins on the Mario Inchauspe, Republica Argentina, Campaña del Desierto, San Martín, Santa Paula, Anchorena, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Cámara de Diputados, Jockey Club, Balfour and Hipódromos Argentinos, Dorignac was the President of the Tortugas Country Club for over 40 years and President of the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) for three terms (1988-1991, 2005-2009 and 2013-2017). Throughout his career Dorignac received several awards, illustrating his success both on and off the field, receiving the Olimpia de Plata as the best polo player of the year in 1971, 1973 and 1982, as well as the Delfo Cabrera Award, presented by the Sports Committee of the Senate of Argentina, in 2005.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

On Saturday 24 April, the polo community was shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Francisco Dorignac following a heart attack at his home at the age of 82-yearsold. Frankie, as he was known, was both a renowned player and pillar of the polo community in Argentina. He achieved a 10 goal handicap in 1963 and was an attacking back player who was known for being difficult to mark and get past; alongside his long hits, he was known for his impressive organisational skills on the polo fields. Dorignac was part of the winning international team in 1966 and 1969 Cup of the America series. Dorignac won The Argentine Open three times (1971, 1973 and 1982), won The Triple Crown in 1973 with Santa Ana, as well as numerous Hurlingham and Tortugas Opens, and in

Team, Santa Fe which won, amongst other notable tournaments, the Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club in 1990. He frequented the Guards Polo Club and The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club run and owned by his dear late friend, Brian Morrison. After Santa Fe he found a sponsor in the form of Aston Martin which went on to win many more trophies.” A devoted father to Alexandra and Victoria and by a second marriage, Nicolas and Sabrina and grandfather to Maxim. Tragically he never got to meet Maxim in person, but they did have many FaceTime meetings – he would have been a wonderful grandfather. Bill will be missed by many all over the polo world, who have fantastic memories of matches won and lost with Bill as Andrew Hine recalls, “I had the very good fortune to play for Bill in his winning 1990 Queen’s Cup Team Sante Fe high goal team, alongside good friends, and great team mates Cody Forsyth and Juni Crotto. Bill always did things with tremendous style and enthusiasm, and loved nothing more than our team dinners, where he would inevitably finish by smoking one of his famous cigars!”

www.polotimes.co.uk

Obituaries Obituary HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021

Obituary Marcos Uranga

from 1982 – 1997 and as President Uranga created the Low Goal World Cup in 1985, the Youth World Cup, The Ambassador’s Cup and the Bodegueros Cup. Alongside his influence in the creation of FIP, Uranga also enjoyed success on the polo field, winning the first World Championship of Clubs in 1978, as well as winning The Juan Lavelle, Presidente and Independencia Cups. Polo prestige runs in the family, with Uranga’s father Carlos, the first player to score a goal at Palermo when it was inaugurated in 1928 and his family of seven children and over 20 grandchildren have inherited his legacy. Horacio Areco, the current FIP President commented, “His family and friends will dearly miss him. Everyone who knew him recognized his kindness, simplicity and true hospitality. He was a true gentleman of our sport.”

1936 – 2021 Marcos Uranga had a formidable polo influence during his career both as a player and as an innovator within the sport, “There is no one who has surpassed Marcos Uranga’s contribution to consolidating the widely different associations representing more than 70 countries into a cohesive, well-structured worldwide organization” Horace Laffaye’s Profiles in Polo: The Players Who Changed the Game. Uranga was most well-known for his influence in the creation of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), becoming both a founding member as well as the first President of FIP www.polotimes.co.uk

the appointment of Patron of the HPA in 1952. In addition, he was also a fine player reaching a handicap of 5 goals and achieving widespread success in a range of tournaments. He won the Gold Cup twice and many other important tournaments at Cowdray and Guards Polo Club which he founded in 1955. Along with the late Lord Cowdray, he was instrumental in the successful revival of polo post the Second World War, not just in this country but also overseas. The HPA has been immensely privileged to have Prince Philip as our Patron and as a player. The recent and extensive media coverage of his wonderful achievements highlighted just how lucky the HPA has been that Prince Philip gave polo so much of his time over nearly 70 years.”

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

powerful English team 15-5, but we then lost the Final against the Harriotts in the last minute. We provided the Prince with horses, and he played very well.” Such was his enthusiasm for polo, Prince Philip began to investigate the opportunity of creating a polo club closer to home (the journey from London to Cowdray Park in the days before motorways was an arduous event), and a former airfield in Windsor Great Park, with is flat surfaces, seemed like the perfect location – and so Guards Polo Club was founded in 1955 (known as the Household Brigade until 1969). As well as his impressive career playing polo, Prince Philip (alongside the late Lord Cowdray) was also instrumental in the revival of polo post-World War II and accepted the appointment of Patron of the Hurlingham Polo Association in 1952. Prince Philip’s playing career ended in 1971, but he could be regularly seen watching matches from the sidelines at Guards Polo Club and continued to support polo, presenting The Coronation Cup on several occasions. His passion with horses continued after polo via carriage driving which Prince Philip took up in 1973. As well as being an impressive player and a Founder of Guards Polo Club, Prince Philip was also Patron of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), David Woodd, Chief Executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association, commented, “Prince Philip’s association with the HPA was hugely significant for polo since he assisted in the restarting of polo in 1951 and accepted

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh sadly passed away on Friday 9 April at Windsor Castle. Prince Philip had a huge enthusiasm for polo, with his uncle Lord Louis Mountabtten who learnt to play in 1921 and reached 5 goals, encouraging Prince Philip to play. Prince Philip’s passion for the sport led him to form the Windsor Park team, with their distinctive dark green shirts with red trim, and at his peak also held a 5 goal handicap. Prince Philip secured The Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club in 1957 and 1966 with Windsor Park and also took several other key titles in England including: The Royal Windsor, Cowdray Park Challenge, SmithRyland, Chairman’s Cup, Combermere Cup, Westbury Cup and Junior County Cup. Further afield, Prince Philip was a finalist in The Hurlingham Open in 1966, Alberto Pedro Heguy reminisced, “In 1966, the Argentine Association of Polo asked Daniel Gonzalez, Horacio, and myself to put together a team to play a 30 goal Hurlingham Open with Philip. The Harriotts put a line-up together, that included Alfredo, Juan Carlitos, Gastón Dorignac and Gonzalo Tanoira. We qualified for the Final, where we were going to play against an English team, that included Lord Patrick Beresford and Patrick Kemple. We thought that in playing against an English team, the Prince would let us down. But before the game started, he summoned all of us and said, ‘I want to let you know that I have a special interest in winning this match today.’ In the end, we defeated the

Polo Times, May 2021

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Dear Polo Times At last, the beautiful sight of dancing daffodils amid an array of other springtime perennials to bring a few welcome rays of light after what seems an eternity of no outside visitors to sit on my back and the drabness that has been the yard for months on end. As I look outwards towards the new Summer season, ( for me that means here at Ranelagh Farm ) I hope that I quickly shed the last of my Winter coat, before I’m put through four glorious chukkas. I, like my human friends, hope that I never have to spend as much time not playing, ever again! So, patrons, players, patron players, grooms, Polo managers and fans, raise a glass of British Polo Gin, (other tipples are available I hear ) to a new and hopefully best ever Summer Polo season 2021. Let’s do this “

los médicos que lo ayudaron . Eterno agradecimiento ️

🙏🏻❤

[After almost 3 months Pedro returned home. Thank you very much for your prayers, good energy from him and all the doctors who helped him. Eternal gratitude]

Quick Question Q: HRH The Prince of Wales has supported Guards Polo Club’s new 22 goal tournament – Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup. HRH The Prince of Wales played a lot of polo during his younger years, what handicap did he hold? For a bonus point in which year did HRH The Prince of Wales represent Young England vs Young America? A: Turn to page 68 to check your answer.

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With restrictions easing the outlook for polo’s summer season looks bright. If only the same could be said for the British weather, which, as usual is doing its best to scupper plans with the old ‘four seasons in one day’ routine! 14

Polo Times, May 2021

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Flying High Goal One thing’s for certain, everything in America is bigger and bolder than here upon our Emerald Isle, and polo Finals seem to be no different. This sky-high display of patriotism was spotted flying over Grand Champions Polo Club ahead of The Palm Beach Open Final, which forms part of the 26 goal World Polo League, certainly one way to make a statement entrance! w Photograph by ChukkerTV

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Polo Times, May 2021

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2021 English High Goal Season

Feature

2021 English

High Goal Season

n many ways, 2021 is a year of fresh starts and new beginnings after the ravages of the pandemic over the past 18 months and it would seem the English high goal season is no different as this year sees a brand new high goal tournament – The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup – being announced, the first addition to the English 22 goal circuit since the creation of The Prince of Wales Trophy in 1986. In this feature, we have been digging through the archives to shed light on the history of each tournament as well as spotlighting the previous winners, which has had us all at Polo Times HQ reminiscing over the impressive feats of players past – did you know that the Vestey’s Stowell Park (Mark Vestey, Eduardo Moore, Hector Barrantes and Sam Vestey) team achieved triple success in 1973, winning The Queen’s Cup, The Gold Cup and The Warwickshire Cup? This year not only sees a new tournament addition, but also the introduction of new teams to the high goal roster, it is fantastic to see the highest level of British polo flourishing despite the difficulties of the last few months – all we need now is for spectators to get the green light from government and the equation will be complete.

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This year heralds a new addition 2021 English High Goal Teams: Thai Polo (Prince of Wales Trophy) (21): Louis Hine (2), Ned Hine (4), Rufino Bensadon (7) & Alejandro Muzzio (8)

Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (0), Facundo Pieres (10), Juan Britos (8) & Will Harper (4)

Thai Polo (Gold Cup) (22): Ned Hine (4), Louis Hine (2), Nico Pieres (9) & James Harper (7)

Talandracas (22): Camilo Castagnola (8), Edouard Carmignac (0), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Felipe Dabas (6)

Thai Polo (Queen’s Cup) (22): Ned Hine (4), Louis Hine (2), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Juan Gris Zavaleta (7)

Great Oaks/Les Lions (22): Barto Castagnola (9), Guillermo Terrera (7), Cruz Heguy (4) & Dillon Bacon (2)

MT Vikings (22): TBC (0), Sebastián Merlos (8), Juan Martín Zubía (8) & Chris Mckenzie (6)

Monterosso (22): Alessandro Bazzoni (1), David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (9), Ignacio ‘Cubi’ Toccalino (8) & Mackenzie Weisz (4)

Schöckemohle (22): Patrick Maleitzke (5), Clément Delfosse (5), Jack Richardson (7) & Santiago Tanoira (5)

Emlor (22) (Prince of Wales Trophy & Queen’s Cup): Spencer McCarthy (1), Agustín Merlos (7), Alfredo Bigatti (8) & Max Charlton (6)

Scone (22): David Paradice (0), Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Poroto Cambiaso (6) & Isidro Strada (6)

BP Polo (21) (Queen’s Cup): Dato’ Beh (1), Joevy Beh (3), Juan Martin Nero (9) & Alejandro Muzzio (8)

King Power (22): Hilario Ulloa (10), Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha (1), Francisco Elizalde (8) & Hugo Lewis (3)

UAE (TBC): HH Sheikha Maitha (TBC), Tomás Panelo (6), Tommy Beresford (7) & Polito Pieres (9)

Murus Sanctus / La Magdeleine (22): Corinne Ricard / Alexandre Garese (0), Facundo Sola (8), Sapo Caset (9) & Matt Perry (5)

UAE 2 (22): Hugo Taylor (3), Jaime García Huidobro (6), Alfredo Cappella (8) & Lukin Monteverde (5)

White Crane (21): Jasmine Calvert-Ansari (0), Andrew Blake-Thomas (4), Nico Pieres (9) & James Harper (7)

* At the time of going to print, HH Sheikha Maitha’s handicap had yet to be confirmed by the HPA and the fourth player for MT Vikings was still to be confirmed

Polo Times, May 2021

Feature

2021 English High Goal Season

The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

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Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

he Prince of Wales Trophy was first created in 1986 by The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and traditionally starts the English high goal season; the stunning trophy was designed by Theo Fennell, a British jewellery and silverware designer. This year sees a change in sponsorship for the tournament, with London Wine Merchants Justerini & Brooks taking on the title.

Action from the 2016 Prince of Wales Final between Valiente Dubai & Apes Hill

Polo Times, May 2021

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2021 English High Goal Season

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 1986 – Kennelot 1987 – Southfield 1988 – Hilton House 1989 – Tramontana 1990 – Tramontana 1991 – Munnipore 1992 – Ellerston White www.polotimes.co.uk

1993 – Maple Leafs 1994 – Cowdray Park 1995 – Alcatel 1996 – Alcatel 1997 – Geebung 1998 – Jerudong Park 1999 – Ellerston Park

2000 – Royal Pahang 2001 – FCT 2002 – Dubai 2003 – Buzzee Bees 2004 – Azzurra 2005 – Azzurra 2006 – Dubai

2007 – Cadenza 2008 – Broncos 2009 – Talandracas 2010 – Emlor 2011 – El Remanso 2012 – Dubai 2013 – Emlor

Feature

2014 – La Indiana 2015 – La Indiana 2016 – Valiente Dubai 2017 – RH Polo 2018 – Monterosso 2019 – Marchfield 2020 – Park Place Polo Times, May 2021

Feature

2021 English High Goal Season

The Warwickshire Cup

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Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Action from the 2018 Warwickshire Cup Final between Monterosso and Les Lions

Polo Times, May 2021

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Feature

he Warwickshire Cup has a long and varied history in English polo – it was first presented in 1894 to Warwickshire Polo Club by the people of Leamington; Warwickshire Polo Club was founded in 1884 by J Shaw, A Jones and Maj Green but was dissolved in 1914. The Warwickshire Cup was then dormant from 1914 to 1932, when the Cup was presented to the Roehampton Club where it was known as The Hargreaves Cup and was used in matches played between Roehampton and Hurlingham or a visiting Club from overseas; in 1959 competition was resumed and it currently is played for at Cirencester Park Polo Club.

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 1894 – E.D. Miller’s Team 1895 – E.D. Miller’s Team 1896 – Rugby 1897 – Winwick 1898 – Winwick 1899 – Old Cantabs 1900 – W. Buckmaster’s Team 1901 – Old Cantabs 1902 – W. Buckmaster’s Team 1903 – Stockton House 1904 – Frizz Hill 1905 – Oakham House 1906 – Oakham House 1907 – Tigers 1908 – Old Cantabs 1909 – Tigers 1910 – Tigers 1911 – Thornby 1912 – Friz Hill 1913 – Friz Hill 1932 – Roehampton 1933 – Roehampton 1934 – Kashmir 1937 – Goulburn 1939 – Roehampton 1959 – Kirtlington 1960 – Argentina 1961 – Sud America 1962 – Ratanda 1963 – Buccaneers 1965 – Jersey Lillies 1966 – Windsor Park 1967 – Chequers Manor 1968 – Cirencester Park 1969 – Buccaneers 1970 – Todham 1971 – San Flamingo 1972 – Stowell Park 1973 – Stowell Park 1974 – Cowdray Park 1975 – Cowdray Park 1976 – Golden Eagles 1977 – Cowdray Park

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1978 – Stowell Park 1979 – Roundwood Park 1980 – Cowdray Park 1981 – Maple Leafs 1982 – Southfield 1983 – Boehm Team 1984 – Southfield 1985 – Centaurs 1986 – Falcons 1987 – Southfield 1988 – Black Bears 1989 – Southfield 1990 – Ellerston White 1991 – Black Bears 1992 – Los Locos 1993 – Ellerston White 1994 – Black Bears 1995 – Royal Pahang 1996 – Ellerston White 1997 – Black Bears 1998 – Lovelocks 1999 – Pommery 2000 – Woodchester 2001 – Dubai 2002 – Foxcote 2003 – FCT 2004 – Black Bears 2005 – Black Bears 2006 – Oaklands Park 2007 – Elysian Fields 2008 – Les Lions II 2009 – Emlor-CRL 2010 – Emlor-CRL 2011 – Laird 2012 – Halycon Gallery 2013 – Halycon Gallery 2014 – Halycon Gallery 2015 – Apes Hill 2016 – Black Bears 2017 – Bardon 2018 – Monterosso 2019 – Emlor 2020 – Lovelocks Polo Stud

Polo Times, May 2021

Feature

2021 English High Goal Season

The Cartier Queen’s Cup

he Queen’s Cup was first presented by HM The Queen in 1960 and last year, despite the pandemic, saw the tournament played for its 60th year; the tournament has only been cancelled one year – in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth Disease. It has been known as The Cartier Queen’s Cup since the luxury jeweller and watchmaker sponsored the tournament in 2012. The first title was won in 1960 by The Centaurs (Jorge Marin Moreno, John Lucas, Grabriel Gracida and Sir Evelyn de Rothschild), Claire Tomlinson became the first female player to win the tournament in 1979 with Los Locos (Claire Tomlinson, Simon Tomlinson, Hector Crotto & David Gemmell) and HRH The Prince of Wales was the first British royalty to win the tournament in 1986 with Les Diables Bleus (HRH The Prince of Wales, Guy Wildenstein, Rodrigo Vial and Guillermo Gracida).

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Guards Polo Club

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 1960 – The Centaurs 1961 – Silver Leys 1962 – Sao Silvestre 1963 – Cowdray Park 1964 – The Centaurs 1965 – Pimm’s 1966 – Pimm’s 1967 – Woolmers Park 1968 – Woolmers Park 1969 – Pimm’s 1970 – Cowdray Park 1971 – Stowell Park 1972 – Cowdray Park 1973 – Stowell Park 1974 – San Flamingo 1975 – Foxcote 1976 – Flamingo 1978 – Stowell Park 1979 – Los Locos 1980 – Stowell Park 1981 – Cowdray Park 1982 – Boehm Team 1983 – Cowdray Park 1984 – Foxcote 1985 – Centaurs 1986 – Les Diables Blues 1987 – Southfield 1988 – NPC Broncos 1989 – Hilditch & Key 1990 – Santa Fe 1991 – Ellerston White

Polo Times, May 2021

1992 – Ellerston White 1993 – Black Bears 1994 – Black Bears 1995 – Labegorce 1996 – Ellerston White 1997 – Isla Carroll 1998 – Ellerston 1999 – Ellerston 2000 – Geebung 2001 – Not Played (Foot & Mouth Disease) 2002 – Emerging 2003 – Dubai 2004 – Labegorce 2005 – Dubai 2006 – Dubai 2007 – Loro Piana 2008 – Ellerston 2009 – Apes Hill 2010 – Dubai 2011 – Talandracas 2012 – Dubai 2013 – Zacara 2014 – Zacara 2015 – King Power Foxes 2016 – Dubai 2017 – RH Polo 2018 – La Indiana 2019 – Scone 2020 – Les Lions/Great Oaks

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2021 English High Goal Season

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Feature

Polo Times, May 2021

Feature

2021 English High Goal Season

The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

he Gold Cup for the British Open at Cowdray Park Polo Club was first played for in 1956, which saw Los Indios (Jorge Marin Moreno, Pablo Nagore, Antonio Heguy and Juan Echeverz) secure the title; the original trophy was stolen in 1968 and was never recovered. The late HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh first won the trophy in its second year, in 1957 with Windsor Park (Juan Nelson, Ernesto Lalor and Lt. Col Humphrey Guinness), as well as in 1966 again with Windsor Park (Lord Patrick Beresford, Lord Waterford and Gonzalo Tanoira) and for a third time in 1969 with Windsor Park (Lord Patrick Beresford, Lord Waterford and Paul Withers). Over the years, the prestigious tournament has been supported by sponsors including Veuve Clicquot, Jaeger-LeCoultre and currently King Power.

Polo Times, May 2021

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Cowdray Park Polo Club

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Feature

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 1989 – Tramontana 1990 – Hildon House 1991– Tramontana 1992 – Black Bears 1993 – Alcatel 1994 – Ellerston Black 1995 – Ellerston Whit 1996 – C.S. Brooks 1997 – Labegorce 1998 – Ellerston 1999 – Pommery 2000 – Geebung 2001– Dubai 2002 – Black Bears 2003 – Hildon Sport 2004 – Azzurra 2005 – Dubai 2006 – Black Bears 2007 – Lechuza Caracas 2008– Loro Piana 2009 – La Bamba de Areco 2010 – Dubai 2011 – Zacara 2012 – Cortium 2013 – Zacara 2014 – Dubai 2015 – King Power Foxes 2016 – King Power Foxes 2017 – King Power 2018 – El Remanso 2019 – Dubai 2020 – Next Generation

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

1956 – Los Indios 1957 – Windsor Park 1958 – Cowdray Park 1959 – Casarejo 1960 – Laversine-Casarejo 1961 – Cowdray Park 1962 – Cowdray Park 1963 – La Vulci 1964 – Jersey Lillies 1965 – Jersey Lillies 1966 – Windsor Park 1967 – Woolmers Park 1968 – Pimm’s 1969 – Windsor Park 1970 – Boca Raton 1971– Pimm’s 1972 – Pimm’s 1973 – Stowell Park 1974 – Stowell Park 1975 – Greenhill Farm 1976 – Stowell Park 1977 – Foxcote 1978 – Stowell Park 1979 – Sonhai 1980 – Stowell Park 1981– Falcons 1982 – Southfield 1983 – Falcons 1984 – Southfields 1985 – Maple Leafs 1986 – Tramontana 1987 – Tramontana 1988 – Tramontana

Cortium (Adrian Kirby, Francisco Elizalde, Paul Pieres and Jamie Garcia Huidobro) celebrate their 2021 Gold Cup win

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Polo Times, May 2021

Feature

2021 English High Goal Season

The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

his year Guards Polo Club announced a new tournament for the English 22 goal season, The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup, with the tournament boasting the personal support of HRH The Prince of Wales. Played throughout August, it is hoped that this late-summer tournament will allow players to compete in the other major English tournaments as well as The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup. The addition of The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup to their fixture list means that 2021 will be the first year in the Club’s history that it hosts two HPA-approved 22 goal tournaments. Guards Polo Club Chairman Brian Stein commented, “We are honoured to have the support of His Royal Highness with regard to this tournament. He played much of his polo, including the high goal at Guards Polo Club, winning The Queen’s Cup in 1986 and it is wonderful that we can honour His Royal Highness in such an appropriate fashion. The successful introduction of the redeveloped Princes’ Ground in 2020 signalled to the global polo community that Guards Polo Club was investing heavily in its grounds, focusing on creating the very best possible playing surfaces.”

Guards Polo Club

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Photograph courtesy of Guards Polo Club/Mike Roberts

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The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup has the support of HRH The Prince of Wales

Polo Times, May 2021

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Reports

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

The Dubai Cup

Habtoor hold onto title

FINAL

16 APR

Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

Habtoor Polo, winners of The Dubai Cup

he Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series began in 2009 and started with just one tournament, The Gold Cup, 11 years later the tournament is now made up of five tournaments played from January through to April. The Dubai Cup is the fifth and final phase of The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series and this year saw five teams battle it out over five days of qualifiers to decide their place in the Final. Defending champions Habtoor Polo secured their place in the Final with two confident wins, 8½-5 and 7-4 against Am Polo and Dubai IMMO respectively, while Ankora Dr. A came into the Final with both a win and loss during the qualifying stages. Habtoor Polo were keen to add to their three previous Dubai Cup titles and put on a consistent performance throughout the Final, which saw Ankora/Dr.A struggling to catch up; Ricardo Garros managed to narrow the goal difference to 4-2 by half-time. Both teams scored a goal apiece in the third chukka, and the last chukka saw Aiti Garros threaten the win for Habtoor Polo as he levelled the scores to 5-5 in the middle of the last chukka. However, the strength of Habtoor Polo persisted and they managed to score two further goals to secure the win, 7-5. The win signified their fourth Dubai Cup title victory and no doubt they will be back next year, attempting a fifth.

Polo Times, May 2021

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Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Reports

2021 Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series Results The Dubai Cup Final Teams: Habtoor Polo (7) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Santos Iriarte (1) Habtoor Al Habtoor (1) Santiago Gomez Romero (5)

Ankora/Dr. A (8) Dr. A (0) Khalid Al Omran (-1) Ricardo Garrós Jr. (5) Tomas Iriarte (4)

Chukka scores: 2-0, 4-2, 5-3, 7-5 to Habtoor Polo

IFZA Silver Cup: Habtoor Polo beat UAE Polo, 11-8½ The Polo Masters Cup: UAE Polo beat Battistoni, 8-4½ The Dubai Challenge Cup: UAE Polo beat Battistoni, 7-6 The IFZA Gold Cup: Ghantoot Polo beat UAE Polo, 11-7 The Dubai Cup: Habtoor Polo beat Ankora/Dr. A Polo, 7-5

MVP Habtoor Al Habtoor

Photography by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Most Valuable Player, Habtoor Al Habtoor in action

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Polo Times, May 2021

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Cambiasos 2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Clinch It

Father-son duo secure U.S. Open

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US Open Polo Championship Final Teams Scone (22) Park Place (22) David Paradice (0) Andrey Borodin (0) Poroto Cambiaso (6) Juan Britos (8) Peke Gonzalez (6) Hilario Ulloa (10) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Matt Coppola (4) Chukka Scores: 2-3, 4-4, 7-5, 10-6, 11-8, 14-13 to Scone

Photography by ©David Lominska

oing into the third and final phase of the 2021 Gauntlet of Polo, both Scone and Park Place had a win apiece under their belts, with Park Place lifting The C.V. Whitney Cup and Scone securing The USPA Gold Cup. 2021 saw two U.S. Open Polo Championship Finals in one year, as the 2020 tournament was cancelled, for the first time since World War II, due to Covid-19, which meant the 2020 Final was rescheduled for February this year and saw La Indiana defeat Daily Racing Form. Two months later, on Sunday 18 April, Park Place and Scone faced each other at International Polo Club Palm Beach’s immaculate Field One for a rematch of The C.V. Whitney Cup Final – would history repeat itself or would the father-son Cambiaso duo create a win for David Paradice? Scone were certainly a side to be wary of, as the only team to have reached all three Finals of this year’s Gauntlet of Polo, but it was Park Place’s Matt Coppola who opened the scoring with an impressive cutshot. Throughout the second and third chukkas the scores kept tying as the evenly matched teams tried to establish their dominance, however, three consecutive goals from Scone meant they entered the half-time break with their strongest lead yet, with the scoreboard reading 7-5. With a plethora of penalties on both sides in the second half, accuracy was as crucial as ever and overall Park Place narrowly outperformed Scone with six out of seven penalties converted, both teams continued to battle for possession throughout the fourth and fifth chukkas and as both teams entered the sixth chukka, the score read 11-8 in favour of Scone.

A jubilant Adolfo Cambiaso following his ninth U.S. Open win

Polo Times, May 2021

Reports

2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Polo Times, May 2021

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2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Reports

Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

During the Semi Finals Park Place made a comeback in the last chukka, so Scone kept a watchful eye on their opponents, but Park Place made it difficult for them with persistence pushing the game into the final seconds as the scores drew gradually closer; Ulloa continued with his dogged attack, scoring his tenth goal of the match, but as the seconds slipped away Scone still held onto a one goal advantage and took home the win, 14-13. For Cambiaso, this was his ninth title, but probably his most memorable as he raised the trophy alongside his son, Poroto Cambiaso, who ties with Nic Roldan as the youngest winner of The U.S. Open Polo Championship at 15-years-old. This means that amongst other titles, the Cambiaso father-son duo have now secured together The San Jorge Open (2019), The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open (2020) and The USPA Gold Cup (2021). After the match, Adolfo Cambiaso commented, “Winning with my son is unbelievable. Ten years ago he was only fiveyears-old so it was a dream that was kind of far away and today it came true. I never thought that I was going to be in the position that I am now, playing in the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final with my 15-year old son and winning, so I’m really happy. I want to thank David Paradice for trusting me to play with someone who is so young.”

Scone, winners of The U.S. Open Polo Championship

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Polo Times, May 2021

Reports

2021 Gauntlet of Polo

IPC Horse of the Year & Tournament Best Playing Pony: Lovelocks Camusericht, owned and played by Adolfo Cambiaso

BPP

Gete Leonor, owned and played by Adolfo Cambiaso

MVP

Amateur Most Valuable Player: Michael Bickford

MVP Adolfo Cambiaso

STATS AND FIGURES SCONE Fouls Committed 11 Penalty Conversions 5/7 Field Shot Conversions 9/15

PARK PLACE 10 6/7 7/14

Hilario Ulloa & Poroto Cambiaso vie for the ball

Polo Times, May 2021

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Reports

2021 World Polo League

26 Goal Season Culminates Richard Mille enjoys WPL hat-trick

he World Polo League protects 26 goal polo in America, and consists of five tournaments played throughout February and April. So far in the league, Richard Mille has dominated the trophy cabinet, with three wins under their belts (AllStar Challenge, Founder’s Cup and The Triple Crown of Polo), while Casablanca (Palm Beach Open) and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Miami Beach Polo World Cup) have dashed Richard Mille’s perfect record for this year.

Triple Crown of Polo FINAL

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n Saturday 17 April the fourth title of the league, The Triple Crown of Polo, culminated at Grand Champions Polo Club between Tamera and Richard Mille. Tamera received a one goal handicap advantage and Diego Cavanagh scored another for Tamera within the first 40 seconds of action, followed by a goal from Jejo Taranco, while Richard Mille got off to a slow start in the first chukka, with just one goal from a penalty conversion from Jeta Castagnola, which meant Tamera led 3-1 going into the second chukka.

APR

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida

Richard Mille, winners of The Triple Crown of Polo

Polo Times, May 2021

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2021 World Polo League Richard Mille soon woke up with an early goal from Pablo Mac Donough and a last-minute goal from Castagnola, with just one in reply from Tamera’s Taranco, so the second chukka ended with Tamera only just in the lead, 4-3. Taranco converted a Penalty 5 at the start of the third to increase their lead and a lucky break from Santi Torres saw him score two goals within a minute to maintain Tamera’s lead into half-time, with the scores resting on 7-5. However, Richard Mille flew into the fourth chukka and blocked Tamera from scoring with a strong defence and the chukka ended with the scores tied at 7-7; to and fro action between both teams saw the scores tied once again on 9-9 going into the last chukka. In the final chukka, Tamera lost an umpire challenge and Castagnola converted a penalty, followed by a field goal to take Richard Mille to 11-9; while Tamera were able to add one more goal to their tally, it was Richard Mille who emerged victorious with an 11-10 win.

Reports

BPP American Horse Polo Association Best Playing Pony: Molapata Tinta, played by Marc Ganzi

MVP

Argentine Breeding Association Best Playing Pony: Irenita Suspicasia, played by Pablo Mac Donough

Pablo Mac Donough

The Triple Crown of Polo Final Teams: Richard Mille (26) Marc Ganzi (2) Jeta Castagnola (8) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Paco de Narvaez (6)

Tamera (25) Ale Poma (1) Santi Torres (7) Diego Cavanagh (9) Jejo Taranco (8)

World Polo League Best Playing Pony: Irenita Subaru, played by Pablo Mac Donough

Photography by ChukkerTV

Jeta Castagnola takes a shot at full speed ahead of Jejo Taranco, Paca de Narvaez & Santi Torres

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Polo Times, May 2021

Reports

2021 World Polo League

Miami Beach Polo World Cup

he Miami Beach Polo is the fifth and final phase of the 2021 World Polo League and saw some of the best names in polo compete, including Poroto Cambiaso, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Jeta and Barto Castagnola. On Sunday 25 April, not one but four matches were played and the day began with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek vs Land Rover in the Beach Polo title and saw Land Rover begin with a two goal handicap advantage. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek were quick out of the blocks and by the end of the first chukka had secure themselves the lead, 3-2. The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek trio continued to dominate the Final and going into the last chukka held a convincing 8-4 win; Land Rover attempted to close the gap but Seminole Casino Coconut Creek continued to reassert their lead, which saw the match end 9-6 in favour of Melissa Ganzi’s team. The second match of the day saw The Setai (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini and Torito Ruiz) face World Polo League (Vinny Sangaline, Jeta Castagnola and Juan Bollini) for The Casablanca Trophy. Father and son, Juan and Juancito Bollini, were on opposing teams, and the ball flitted between the pair as they both notched up goals for their respective teams, both sides were evenly matched which was reflected in the relatively low scoring match, which saw The Setai clinch the win, 4-3.

Photography by ChukkerTV

Polo Times, May 2021

2021 World Polo League

Reports

Juancito Bollini & Jeta Castagnola in action in The Casablanca Trophy

Miami Beach Polo World Cup Final Teams: Land Rover (13) Philip de Groot (13) Barto Castagnola (9) Tito Gaudenzi (2)

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (15) Melissa Ganzi (1) Nacho Figueras (6) Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8)

FINAL

2 5 1 2 MA

APR

Where: Miami Beach, Miami The third match of the day was the Celebrity Charity Cup to benefit Give Back for Special Equestrians, which saw the shirts worn by all of the players auctioned to raise $23,000. The fourth and final match of the day was played for The Villa Collection Cup between The Villa Collection/GFI (Marc Ganzi, Horacio Heguy and Nic Roldan) and Italkraft (Govinda Quish, Juan Martin Zubia and Pablo Spinacci). The first half saw plenty of attacks on goal by both sides but no results, with only The Villa Collection/GFI’s Nic Roldan finding the goalposts. Roldan’s success continued in the second half with back-to-back goals, a penalty conversion by Govinda Quish levelled the scores and in the end Marc Ganzi took the ball to goal to secure a 4-3 win for The Villa Collection/GFI.

MVP

Alejandro Novillo Astrada

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Polo Times, May 2021

Reports

Lexus Urban Polo

Lexus Urban Polo Auckland

VIVA defeat CENTURIA in Lexus High Goal Challenge

20 MA

n Saturday 20 March, thousands of polo fans swarmed to Auckland’s most iconic venue, The Auckland Domain to watch the best of what New Zealand polo has to offer. Team VIVA and team CENTURIA went head-to-head in a game of F3 polo in front of the historic Auckland Museum. Team VIVA took home the Lexus High Goal Challenge title with a final score of 7-5. Lexus Urban Polo is an unforgettable fusion of sport, music, fashion and food. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the game of polo is now more accessible than ever before. Using a smaller field for better visibility, the Urban Polo brings a modern twist to the traditional sport creating a unique experience for spectators.This year has been all about harnessing home-grown talent. With Covid 19 restrictions, The Lexus Urban Polo was minus some of its international stars (New Zealand is well renowned for having some of the best players in the sport), but this just provided an opportunity for young, up-and-coming talent to showcase their skill.

Team VIVA & Team CENTURIA go head-to-head in Auckland

Polo Times, May 2021

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Lexus Urban Polo

Reports

The Lexus High Goal Challenge Final Teams VIVA (10) Indi Bennetto (1) Nick Keyte (4) Simon Keyte (5)

CENTURIA (10) Ross George (1) James Worker (4) Kit Brooks (5)

BPP Where: Auckland Domain, Auckland, New Zealand

Tinkerbell, played by Indi Bennetto and owned by Tony Van Den Brink

Photography by Sarah Weber Photography/ sarahweberphotography.com

Team VIVA celebrate after taking home the Lexus High Goal Challenge Cup

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Polo Times, May 2021

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photography by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

El Basha Polo, winners of The AHPRC March League

The Club hosted their first End of Season Polo Awards

On Friday 2 April, El Basha Polo secured The AHPRC March League title, following a 7-5 win against Tratok-Hesketh with El Basha’s Juanji Diaz Alberdi was named Most Valuable Player. The Subsidiary Final saw Baylandi defeat IFZA Mahra 5-2. The next instalment of the 2021 AHPRC League will continue from 23 – 30 April and is the last tournament of the Club’s season. AHPRC March League Final Teams: El Basha (6): Hani Jabshe (-1), Santos Iriarte (1), Justo Cuitiño (3) & Juanji Diaz Alberdi (3) Tratok Hesketh (6): Lauren Dickson (-1), Raja Abuljebain (0), Tomas Palacios Bacque (3) & Tomas Iriarte (4) The club hosted their first End of Season Polo Awards at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Hotel, to celebrate the Club’s season which comprised of 14 tournaments from October 2020 to April 2021.

The results from the awards were: Young Best Polo Player: Allegra Kelly Rookie of the Season: Mohammed Khalid Best Polo Player (Low Goal): Raja Abuljebain Polo Player of the Season: Mohammed Al Habtoor Most Outstanding GCC Player: Khalid Al Omran Polo Special Recognition Award: Hesketh Polo Most Outstanding Contribution to the World of Polo: International Free Zone Authority Progress Award for Most Improved Polo Academy Student: Khalaf Al Habtoor Rising Star: Rayyan Al Ajaji Most Outstanding High Goal Teams: Ghantoot Polo Most Outstanding High Goal Paton: Habtoor Al Habtoor Female Polo Player of the Season: Sheika Alia Al Maktoum Best Polo Organisation: UAE Polo Best Team of the Season: Habtoor Polo

Kings Polo Club On Saturday 3 April, The Port Ghalib Polo Cup Final was played at Kings Polo Club, Egypt. Four teams, up to 12 goals competed in the tournament, with the Final played between Port Ghalib and Kings Polo. Kings Polo took an early three goal lead and their strong defence throughout saw them secure the title with a 7-6 win. Meanwhile, Piramide defeated OS Polo, 6-5 in the Subsidiary Final. On Saturday 10 April, Pyramide defeated Mangroovy in The Kings Easter Cup at Kings Polo Club, Egypt, with a final score of 5-3. Francisco Bensadon was chosen as Most Valuable Player and Dominguera, played by Edu Menéndez was the Best Playing Pony.

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Photography by Kings Polo Club

Kings Polo Club The Port Ghalib Polo Cup Final Teams: Kings Polo (11): Mohanad El Afandy (0), Mohamed El Sewedy (1), Guillermo Terrera (9) & Marwan El Afandy (1) Port Ghalib (12): Hussam El Khorafi (0), Segundo Condesse (3), Silvestre Fanelli (4) & Marcelo Pascual (5)

The Kings Easter Cup Final Teams: Piramide (12): Ibrahim Awadalla (0), Mohanad El Afandy (0), Franciso Bensadon (7) & Eduardo Menéndez (5) Mangroovy (12): Segundo Condesse (3), Silvestre Fanelli (4), Fernando Miño (5) & Robert Szücs (0)

Pyramide, winners of The Kings Easter Cup

Kings Polo, winners of The Port Ghalib Polo Cup Final

Polo Times, May 2021

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Port Mayaca Polo Club

Gardenvale/Horseware, winners of the 2021 Regional President’s Cup

Photograph by Port Mayaca Polo Club

Photograph by ©Laura Linfoot Townsend

Garangula Polo Club

Old Hickory Bourbon, winners of The Monty Waterbury 18 Goal

Photograph by Stephen Mowbray Photography

The Final of The Regional President’s Cup was played on Monday 29 March at Port Mayaca Polo Club between Gardenvale/Horseware and the undefeated Skaneateles. Gardenvale/ Horseware faced an added challenge of a heavily altered line-up, with Juanse Olivera being joined by three substitutes – despite this, the amended team managed to gel and served Skaneateles their first loss of the tournament, with a 10-9 victory for Gardenvale/Horseware. Nachi Viana, who scored five of Gardenvale/Horseware’s goals including the winning shot, was chosen as Most Valuable Player and 27, owned and played by Olivera, was named Best Playing Pony. On Sunday 18 April, Old Hickory Bourbon (Cody Ellis, Santino Magrini, Matias Magrini & Stevie Orthwein) and Postage Stamp Farm (Annabelle Gundlach, Facundo Obregon, Matias Gonzalez & Mariano Aguerre) faced each other for their second 18 goal Final of the season for The Monty Waterbury 18 Goal at Port Mayaca Polo Club. Old Hickory Bourbon narrowly secured the win with a score of 8-7, with Santino Magrini named Most Valuable Player and Facundo Obregon’s Sapphire the Best Playing Pony. Darriwill, winners of The Mulhall Memorial Trophy

On Sunday 4 April, Darriwill (Ned Hine, Louis Hine, Ruki Baillieu & Monty McGregor) secured the 14 goal Mulhall Memorial Trophy with an 8½-5 win against AZ Polo at Garangula Polo Club.

Leadenham Polo Club

Regional President’s Cup Final Teams: Gardenvale/Horseware: Juanse Olivera, Shane Finemore, Ignacio ‘Nachi’ Viana & Juan Bautista Crotto Skaneateles: Marty Cregg, Valentino Echezarreta, Constancio ‘Costi’ Caset & Joao Pedro Souza Aranha

Sarasota Polo Club

Going into The National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup Final, Tito’s Handmade Vodka were the only undefeated team and they managed to continue their winning streak, with six converted penalties securing them a 13-9 win against Hillcroft on Sunday 28 March. Alan Martinez was named Most Valuable Player, having scored ten goals for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, while Phoenix, owned and played by Martinez, was the Best Playing Pony. National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup Final Teams: Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Maddie Grant, James Uihlein, Alan Martinez & Joe Wayne Barry Hillcroft: Vaughn Miller Jr., Herndon Radcliff, Mason Wroe & James Miller

Polo Times, May 2021

Photograph by Julio Aguilar

After a year in lockdown, Leadenham Polo Club are ready to party with their Prohibition Summer Ball on Saturday 3 July. Early Bird tickets (booked before 31 May) are £80. To book your ticket, email events@leadenhampoloclub.com

Joe Wayne Barry playing the ball on the nearside with Hillcroft’s Mason Wroe in defence

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Club Focus

Grand Champions Polo Club

Photography by Grand Champions Polo Club

Newport (Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac & Nick Manifold) defeated Ellipse (Jack Whitman, Toly Ulloa, Robi Bilbao & Louis Devaleix) 17-13 in The Top Pony 12 Goal title on Sunday 4 April. Michel Dorignac was named Most Valuable Player and Purdon Guri Canina, played by Michel Dorignac and owned by Sebastian Merlos, was chosen as Best Playing Pony. Tuesday 13 April saw Smithfield Farms (Craig Callen, Bauti Crotto, Julio Ezcurra, and John Klopp) defeat Rafool Polo (Raymond Rafool, Nico Harriot, Henry Porter, and Gussie Busch) 8-7 in The Madelon Bourdieu Memorial 6 Goal Final; Bauti Crotta was named the Most Valuable Player of the match with six goals under his belt, while La Suerte took the Best Playing Pony award. The following day, Wednesday 14 April, saw Woodmere Polo defeat White Birch 1110 in the Limited Edition 8 Goal Final; Santos Merlos was named Most Valuable Player and Guri Amalia was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Newport, winners of The Top Pony 12 Goal

Smithfield Farms, winners of The Madelon Bourdieu Memorial 6 Goal Final

Santos Merlos & Chris Brandt in action in The Limited Edition 8 Goal

Thoresby Park Polo Club

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Photograph by Thoresby Park Polo Club

The weekend of 24 – 25 April, saw opening chukkas for the members of the newly opened Thoresby Park Polo Club. Located close to the A1, the Club attracts members from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire and is situated on the glorious Thoresby estate between the towns of Newark and Worksop. Over the opening weekend, professional umpire Henry Browne ran a rules and tactics classroom session each morning to refresh everyone before 23 members participated in chukkas. Lessons and instructional chukkas started on Monday 3 May, please contact Amy (info@ thoresbyparkpoloclub.co.uk) to book in or for more information.

The new club hosted chukkas this weekend

Polo Times, May 2021

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Ranelagh Club Focus Ranelagh Farm Polo Club, Crouch Lane , Winkfield, Berkshire SL44TN

Thai Polo Equestrian Club Congratulations to Thai Polo who secured The B.Grimm Polo Cup, defeating Iron Fist in the Final. The event raised funds for The Nabha Foundation under HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

La Aguada Polo Club

The Argentine Amateur Championship was well underway at La Aguada Polo Club, with wins for Lista Blanca, Miralejos and Esmowing on Thursday 22 April, however the 24 goal tournament has now been postponed ahead of the Finals (due to be played on Sunday 25 April) due to bad weather and also under the recommendation of the Argentine Polo Association regarding the second wave of Covid-19 in Argentina. 48

Polo Times, May 2021

Photography courtesy of Roy Moëd

Kirtlington Polo is launching the Kirtlington Park Polo Club App, you will need this to enter the Club and it has all the information for polo and events for an exciting summer of polo 2021. The Club is also planning to host The Mad Hatter Ball on Saturday 31 July, tickets start from £90.

New drained 500m Ransfords equestrian wood-fibre exercise track

The club’s exciting post-21 June private ‘Unlock-Down’ events will run during the summer for private groups and companies wanting to meet for the first time in a safe space and enjoy a Polo Experience and an Argentinian asado and all the wonderful dishes that the famous Arturo has to offer. Arturo loves his food and loves creating fabulous dishes for his guests. From the perfect cappuccino or fresh fruit salad to his Milanese or goat cheese and balsamic wrap, there is something for everyone. Plus, his delicious asado, cooked in the Club’s charcoal oven, it’s not to be missed! Offered as an ‘Unlock-Down event in a box’ post-21 June for 50 – 100 people with safe separate covered outdoor eating and seating areas bookings are via Roy (roymoed@mac.com) Facilities

Answer

Clubhouse

Yes

Pony Hire (+ number of ponies available)

Yes 30 +

Wooden Horse

Coaches/Instructors

Livery

Yes

Exercise Track

500 meter new equestrian surface

Indoor School

Stables to Hire

Turn out Fields

Arena

Size of Arena (in metres) Grooms’ Accommodation

Number of Members

30 +

Number of Grounds

Ground 1 HPA Field Ground 2 Stick and Ball

Polo Manager

Oscar Mancini (07957167429)

Club Chairman

Roy Moëd (roymoed@mac.com)

LifeBook home team plays visitors La Mariposa Polo on Ground 1

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photography by Houston Polo Club

Houston Polo Club

W-S, winners of The Bluebonnet Cup

Sunday 11 April saw Houston Polo Club host their first Sunday 8 Goal of their spring season with The Bluebonnet Cup Final between Pegasus/Propaganda and W-S. Excitingly, the match was pushed into an overtime, golden goal, chukka to decide the winner, with W-S clinching the win. Juan Jo Gonzalez was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Lady Luck,played by Nick Chifuni, was named as Best Playing Pony. Sunday 18 April, saw spectators treated to an 8 goal Final between Pegasus/Propaganda and Horsegate at Houston Polo Club for The Centennial Cup. Horsegate flew out of the starting blocks with three back-toback goals in the first chukka and their success continued through the Final, with Horsegate eventually securing a convincing 10-5 win to take the title. Toto Collardin was named Most Valuable Player and Elegante was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

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Toto Callardin, The Centennial Cup MVP

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Polo Times, May 2021

Women’s Polo

International & Home 2021 USPA ANNUAL WO ME

Photograph by Buitre TV

Los Sauces, winners of The Ladies Masters Cup Gold Cup

Los Sauces Succeed in Ladies Masters Cup On Friday 16 April, the inaugural Ladies Masters Cup Final was played at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar headquarters, in Pilar. The ladies tournament was played in a similar style to The República Argentina Cup, with seven teams rated from 0 to 40 goals competing against one another. The seven teams were grouped into two zones for the qualifying stages, after which the winners of each group qualified for the Final for The Gold Cup, while the second and third teams played for the Silver and Bronze Cups respectively. Los Sauces-Brubank GMO claimed the Gold Cup following a 12½-12 win against Pilará – Why Not, Cuatro Vientos-Legión Extranjera defeated Thai Polo – Nearside 7½-7 to take The Silver Cup title and LD Polo RanchAmanara secured a 5-4 win over El Metejón 303 Polo Ranch in The Bronze Cup Final. El Overo Z7 Tía Claret, played by Hazel Jackson and bred by Lucas Monteverde, received the AACCP blanket for the Best Polo Argentino Bred of the Final. The Ladies Masters Cup Final Teams: Los Sauces – Brubank GMO (19): Francesca Moretti (3), Agustina Imaz (3), Milagros Sánchez (7) & Fátima Balzano (6) Pilará – Why Not (26): Martina Díaz (1), Hana Grill (5), Hazel Jackson (10) & Lía Salvo (10) Cuatro Vientos – Legión Extranjera (18): Elina Braun (4), Azucena Uranga (5), Esperanza Uranga (4) & Jazmín Dupont (5) Thai Polo – Nearside (23): Camila Rossi (5), Maitena Marré (6), Sol López Llames (7) & Sofía Lorenzo (5) LD Polo Ranch – Amanara (14): Olivia Zucchi (2), Juana Deramo (1), Verónica Magnasco (4) & Paola Martínez (7) El Metejón – 303 Polo Ranch (14): Clara Martínez Ferrario (3), Luisa del Carril (3), Mercedes Prario (4) & Ginevra D´Orazio (4)

First Name Hope Dayelle Milly Paige Sofia Malia Madelyn Catlin Sophie Kirsten Amanda Belinda Shelley Breanna Cristina Hannah Kristina Anna Emily Josephine Anna Elizabeth Eliza Robyn Reagan Lillian Miranda Raeann Stephanie Margaret Megan Kaile Micaela Sherry Alexandra Jessica Susan Sarah Jenifer Alea Ariadne Josephine As of 4/21/ 2021

Last Name Arellano Fargey Hine Boone Lorenzo McCoy Cobb Dix Grant Ludw ig Poor Brody Geiler Gunnell Parr Reynolds Karailieva Alworth Bold Giannico Hale Humphreys Jacobellis Leitner Leitner Lequerica Luna Magill Massey Colburn Papka Rahlfs Roos Saracco Sheldon Gibson Vaughn Wales Adam s Bellack Bossert Crespo Dogani Dorsey

N'S OUTDOOR HANDICAP

Nickname

Jofi

Lily Rae Maggie

Ally Jessica

Ari Josie

Current HCP 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4T 3 3 3 3 3T 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

New HCP 8 7 7 6 6 4 3 5 5 3T 5 4 2 4 2 4 4 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 2 0 2 2 2 2

CHANGES

When 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 Immediate 6/1/21 Immediate 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 Immediate 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 6/1/21 1/1/22 6/1/21 Page 1

USPA Women’s Handicap Changes On Thursday 22 April, the United States Polo Association (USPA) has announced their 2021 women’s outdoor and arena handicap changes. Hope Arellano has seen her handicap raised from 7 to 8 goals, Dayelle Fargey’s and Milly Hine’s handicaps have increased from 6 to 7 goals, while Paige Boone and Sofia Lorenzo have both been raised from 5 to 6 goals. To view the full list of changes, visit the USPA website.

Copa de la Mujer Final

Polo Times, May 2021

Photograph by BuitreTV

On Wednesday 31 March at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters, the undefeated Namuncurá – Fundación Schoonem continued their winning streak and defeated Polo del Parque Lincoln – La Suerte 7-6 in the high handicap Copa de la Mujer Final. High Handicap Copa de la Mujer Final Teams: Namuncurá – Fundación Schoonem (17): Pauline Schär (2), Martina Díaz (1), Catalina Lavinia (4) & Lía Salvo (10) Polo del Parque de Lincoln – La Suerte (17): Camila Rossi (5), Konstanze Kofler (3), Clara Martínez Ferrario (3) & Maitena Marré (6)

Namuncurá – Fundación Schoonem, winners of the high handicap Copa de la Mujer

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

International & Home

Women’s Polo

The Sunny Hale’s Legacy Women’s Championship Tournament

Photograph by ChukkerTV

The Sunny Hale’s Legacy Women’s Championship Tournament is now in its 14th year and was created by Sunny Hale, who was the first woman in American history to win the U.S. Open (Outback, 2000), who died in February 2017 due to complications from breast cancer at the age of 48-years-old. The tournament is held each year in her memory at Grand Champions Polo Club. In the WCT Open Final, Santa Rita (Nina Clarkin, Riley Ganzi, Mia Novillo Astrada & Mia Cambiaso) fought back from a four goal handicap deficit to defeat WPL (Alyson Poor, Clara Cassino, Milly Hine & Tiffany Busch) 10-6 to take the title; Riley Ganzi commented, “It’s a very special tournament. I would say it’s grown in terms of numbers of female players and also just spirit and support today. The WCT has attracted a lot more women to play polo. For me, it was always a friendly and welcoming environment to play in. It’s fun playing in an all-girls league and dominating the field in a male-dominated sport.” Novillo Astrada, who scored four goals, was named Most Valuable Player and Clasiquera, played by Mia Cambiaso and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, and Cuartetera Classified, owned by Adolfo Cambiaso, were the Best Playing Ponies. The 8 Goal Final saw Casablanca (Lauren Bilsky, Mary Wright, Ariadne Dogani & Alyson Poor) defeat Grand Champions (Dolores Onetto, Malicia Von Falkenhousen, Jofy Giannico & Olivia Merlos) 2-0, with Poor named Most Valuable player and Giannico’s Chrome

Santa Rita, winners of The Sunny Hale’s Legacy Women’s Championship Tournament

chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The day also featured a 2 goal youth match, which saw Santa Rita defeat WPL 4-2, with Begona de Narvaez’s horse, Torda, chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

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

Polo Times, May 2021

SPECIALISTS IN EQUESTRIAN AND RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND BUILD All weather polo arena planned, designed and constructed by Equus Design & Build for

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Junior Arena Gold & Silver Cups

Photography by Gillian Hughes

Neogem Asian Art, winners of The Junior Arena Silver Cup

To round off the arena season, over 10 – 11 April, junior players battled it out for the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Junior Arena Silver (U14) and Gold (U16) trophies. Neogem Asian Art, led by Captain Charlie Hipwood took The Silver Cup, winning 18-13 against Harris Hound Art, led by Leander Sauter, with Neogem Asian Art’s Rafi Bruckner the Most Valuable Player. The Gold Final was a hard-fought battle between Neogem Asian Art, led by Captain Josh Hyde, supported by Hipwood and Bruckner against the Oxford Polo Team, led by Captain Hector Rogberg supported by Ulysses Hu and Archie Hesseltine. Strong leadership and lots of positive coaching from Hesseltine ultimately meant Oxford won 15-11 and took the title. Great team play on both teams with

improvement from Ulysses Hu and skilful technical play from Josh Hyde, continuing the Hyde arena legacy. Oxford’s Rogberg won the Most Valuable Player trophy. The Gold Subsidiary Final was won by New Forest Stags 12-5 to Mono Lilienbach. A comfortable win for George Williams, Jacob Watson and Lucas Stern; a few ‘proglory’ moments for Hamish MacLennan with Bonnie Barnes and Nico Hiller holding up the Lilienbach Mono team. The organisers gave a special mention to the upcoming under 14s Hipwood, Bruckner and Nico Hiller for playing in both tournament Finals and surviving eight back-to-back chukkas, and to Scarlett Picksley and Barnes for giving the boys lots of stick, and the committee commented, “We were particularly

Junior Arena Silver Cup Team Captains, Leander & Hipwood battle it out

Oxford Polo Team, winners of The Junior Arena Gold Cup

impressed with the camaraderie and team spirit between all players and parents on the day. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!” The Junior Gold Cup Teams: Mono Lillenbach (0): Hamish MacLennan (0), Nicholas Hiller (0) & Bonnie Barnes (0) Neogem Asian Art Jnrs (1): Rafi Bruckner (0), Charlie Hipwood (0) & Josh Hyde (1) New Forest Stags (1): Jacob Watson (0), George Williams (0) & Lucas Stern (1) Oxford Polo Team (1): Archie Heseltine (0), Ulysss Hu (0) & Hector Rogberg (1) The Junior Silver Cup Teams: Neogem Asian Art Jnrs (0): Rafi Bruckner (0), Charlie Hipwood (0) & Nico Hiller (0) Harris Hound Art (-3): Scarlett Picksley (-1), N Watson/T Williams (-1) & Leander Sauter (-1)

Action from The Junior Arena Gold Cup

Pony Club Polo Summer 2021 The Polo Committee has published a Spring/Summer 2021 Pack which is packed full of useful information, to view the entire Pack visit pcuk.org and select Polo from the dropdown menu. Some of the pertinent points include that this year, the Polo Championships will be joining in with the main Pony Club Championships at Offchurchbury, which allows siblings to attend different disciplines without extra

camping and travel, there are two ‘money pts’ for starters and training available for distribution through branches and Centres and Pony Club Polo has access to a travelling coach who has equipment which can be used for taster sessions. To find out more, contact Laura (polo@pcuk.org) or Charles Whittington (chw@hillbarn.plus.com).

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

Polo Times, May 2021

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

In or Out

Missed hits, hitting in the ground or fouls are the major causes for injuries and can lead to impaired shoulder function with instability. Morphologic injuries of the musculoskeletal system through these actions are well studied and understood. The complex interaction of neuronal networks and perfect function of sophisticated steering programs remains a large field of research. One of the biggest challenges is achieving swift and full stability and free range of motion, so that precise and powerful hits after injury are possible whilst playing the game without mental restrictions.

Stabilty & mobility of the shoulder

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

A shoulder brace can support the joint post-injury

A free range of motion in the shoulder is key for a strong and correct swing during polo, just a small limitation of range of motion or instability can decrease the performance. Hypermobility in the joint or weakness in the rotator cuff can also open the door to injuries. The flawless interaction between the motor cortex in the brain (where the action is created) and the muscle contraction in the extremity (where action happens) after an injury or surgery is key. Until now, many shoulder rehabilitation protocols missed focused work on this important area. With new training and rehabilitation technologies, neuroplasticity can build up new neural networks. The brain changes through growth and reorganisation of individual neuron pathways, thus making new connections, 54

Polo Times, May 2021

The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated joint of the body. Dislocated shoulder signs and symptoms may include a visibly deformed or out-of-place shoulder with swelling or bruising. The shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward, completely or partially, though most dislocations occur through the front of the shoulder. Mostly intense acute pain and inability to move the joint is present. Shoulder dislocation may also cause numbness, weakness or tingling near the injury, such as in the neck or down your arm. The muscles in the shoulder may spasm from the disruption, often increasing the intensity of your pain. With clinical examination on the field, a locked arm and the deformed shoulder are important symptoms of a shoulder dislocation. Further assessment is performed with standard X-ray in the hospital. Examination of the nerve injuries, especially of the axillary nerve, is mandatory.

and systematic adjustments like cortical remapping which leads to faster recovery and higher performance.

Injury Pattern

Dislocation of the shoulder is an injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that is part of the shoulder blade. This happens when the swing is suddenly stopped or when a player falls on the shoulder or arm. The most common is the anterior (front) dislocation. The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, which makes it susceptible to dislocation. A dislocated shoulder needs prompt medical attention. Players with a hypermobile joint may encounter little popping symptoms due to subluxation without full dislocation.

X-rays provide further assessment of the injury

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Medical Insight: Polodoc Secondary MRI/CT of the shoulder is required for precise diagnosis and later management of the injury.

Treatment

Currently, most of the first dislocations are reduced under soft skilful traction and medical sedation in a hospital setting. A conservative treatment is mostly the gold standard for first dislocations. Early physiotherapy is key to regain motion and strength in safe and stable parameters. Most important is to prevent a second dislocation, which is opening the door for chronic instability and early degeneration of the shoulder joint. New techniques and gadgets can improve the eye-hand coordination and reaction time with exercising. Here key movement pattern can be trained in a safe environment with full surveillance of the correct training moves through sensors on all extremities. Before a return to play on the field regaining a perfect bilateral function should be analysed and aimed for. For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch

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Expert Opinion

Stephan Niedecken, Anna Martin–Niedecken & Dave Baucamp, Founders of Sphery.ch The Zurich-based FitTech startup Sphery Ltd specialises in game-based, personalised and multimedia training concepts and technologies, which are combined with innovative and unique hardware and software designs. ExerCube is the core product of our firm – an immersive and adaptive fitness game setting where rewards can be activated and friends around the world can be challenged. Sensor on the arms and legs as well as a heart rate band are needed on the player. With the app the training successes can be tracked.

Stephan Niedecken

Advantages for users: The functional body & brain training, which can be individually adjusted in real time, offers scientifically proven training and therapy advantages compared to traditional dual-task or single-task training and is suitable for players with all fitness level with or without impairments suitable. The appropriate exercises can be put together individually depending on the target like high intensive workout as well as regeneration and recovery. The burpees can also only be used at a later point in time and serves, among other things, to improve the supporting force of the shoulder. By calibrating the patient at the start of the game, the range of motion, for example, the height of the goals to be achieved and the resistance of the exercises (shadow boxing, light touch or strong blows into the padded walls) is also determined. The continuous processing of visual and auditory stimuli and a corresponding reaction through the appropriate exercise, ensures an unconscious increase in hand-eye coordination and promotes massively the neural networking. Through the functional exercises based on their own body weight, the patient not only improves mobility and strength of the shoulder, but also strengthens the rest of the body and reduces the risk of imbalances or poor posture developments.

ExerCube provides adaptive and immersive fitness

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2021

Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Stability of Hitting Platform

The foundation for hitting the polo ball accurately Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game Instability of the hitting platform is a common negative factor associated with not hitting the polo ball accurately. To highlight that point, I recall an article I read many years ago that referenced a hitting analysis conducted by the Canadian Polo Association. If I remember correctly, the study included eight players ranging in handicap from 1 to 8 goals, with two participants having an 8 goal handicap. An interesting discovery of that study was, of the 200 balls hit by those eight players, approximately 90% demonstrated an identifiable degree of instability within the players hitting platform. Within this article I address two factors directly related to instability of the hitting platform. The first is feet, or the foundation upon which your hitting platform is constructed. One of the more important factors to be aware of is, turning your toes up facilitates having your heels down. Your heels down causes the muscles, tendons and ligaments on the back of your legs to stretch down; creating what I refer to as the, Bungee Affect. The significance of the Bungee Affect is, it increases the gripping strength of your upper legs, which allows for a more secure hitting platform to be created. From that more secure hitting platform, greater stability can be realized. Another result of heels down is that your hips are pulled down, causing your center of balance to have been lowered. At the same time, your upper body is beginning to move

back and over your hips, which increases control of upper body balance. That, in turn, helps in the creation of increased stability of your hitting platform. Unfortunately, in polo toes down/heels up is the more commonly seen way of positioning the feet. The negative affect of toes down and heels up is that your hips are rolling forward, which causes your upper body to begin falling forward. Your upper body falling forward renders upper body balance and stability difficult to control. Additionally, as related to your feet, the majority of the weight in the stirrups should be on the medial, or inner, side of your feet (big ball). To accomplish that, turn your heels slightly out and away from your horse’s sides and push them ever so slightly further out and away. At the same time, turn your little toes up toward the sky to where the soles of your boots are beginning to face out and away from your horse’s sides.

Pyramid Affect

Heels Out/Knees In

Heels Down/Torso Back for increased balance control and greater stability

Polo Times, May 2021

Doing all three causes your feet to be wider apart than your knees, creating what I refer to as the Pyramid Affect, i.e., a wide foundation.

Majority of weight in Stirrups on inner side of Foot (big ball)

The Pyramid Affect, in turn, pushes your upper legs more strongly onto your horse’s shoulders, facilitating an even stronger connection of you to your horse. With that strong connection of you to your horse, you have created a most crucial aspect of establishing a stable hitting platform. To stress strong upper leg contact, I use the analogy of Bolt Thru Knees. The imaginary bolt is to keep your knees from softening their gripping effort into your horse’s shoulders when rotating in preparation of hitting the ball. That is important because, strong upper leg contact enhances upper body balance control, which lends itself to a stable hitting platform. Conversely, a softer upper leg grip by way of your knee turning out and away from your horse’s shoulder during the swing preparation process allows for a proportionate degree of instability to set in. Another analogy I use relative to gripping with your upper legs is, Nut Cracker Affect. I use that analogy to point out that the strongest point with which you can grip with your upper legs is at the top of your legs where they meet at the hips. www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips

Knowledge

4. Your upper arm will have moved which your heels are down one inch as compared to the mallet head and turned out and away having moved close to six inches. from your horse sides, the As observed in the Canadian Polo greater will be your upper Susie Godwin & Barrie Upton Association hitting analysis, instability of your leg gripping strength. hitting platform can produce a similar effect Additionally, the more your Joss Ridley, Jayne Darling-Parks & Claire Allen on the swing of the mallet that is going to hit upper legs turn in toward of the ball. your horse’s shoulders, the A delicious lunch I fully appreciate that this could be seen more secure your seat will as stretching the understanding of the hitting be; enhancing the stability of process a bit far. However, I assure you, your hitting platform. the stability of your hitting platform, and the To identify an Cheltenham; effect of CPPC Christmas Party; Cowley Manor, power of your swing are each affected by Friday 13 December instability on your hitting how your feet are positioned in the stirrups platform, experiment as (Bungee and Pyramid Affects); and, by follows: how strongly your upper legs maintain their 1. While standing on Christine Williams & Duncan Branch the ground with a mallet in With Christmas on the horizon, Cirencester Park Polo Club gripping effort into your horse’s shoulders your to hand, extend arm, Peter O’Rorke, Matt Evetts & Tony Haynes members and friends gathered celebrate theyour festive season(Bolt Thru Knees and Nut Cracker Affect). If you consider the games of golf, 33 inches, anda at the iconic Cowley Manorapproximately near Cheltenham. Alongside baseball and tennis, those players do not the mallet, approximately 52 delicious lunch, served to perfection by the lovely Cowley raise their heels up to be on their toes when inches, straight out to where staff, there was laughter and festive cheer aplenty, as guests Nut Cracker Affect your areturnedpreparing to hit the ball. Neither do they exchanged Christmas tidings of arm greatand joy! the Withmallet all eyes extended forward (anthe 85-inch To maximize the gripping strength with to the 2020 season, straight gossip flew around room –shaft). who will turn their supporting knee out; because both situations lend themselves to creating 2. Next, hold your left index finger up that part of your legs, you must have strong the next big Ciren star be? Which pros will play for which where it is approximately one inch to the core muscles (lower abdominal, lower teams nexttoyear? Who will take the most falls? Suffice to say, instability within the hitting platform. leftlunch of your arm.perfect way to begin a back, Gluteus Maximus [butt muscles], aand For that same reason, polo players wonderful wasright had upper by all; the Next, move your mallet arm in adductor muscles located on the inner side should not turn their toes down, or soften thrilling festive 3. season. toward your left index finger until it touches of your upper legs). their supporting knee grip into their Photography John Hankin that by finger. The essence of creating a stable hitting horse’s shoulder when preparing to hit Moseley, Georgie Seddon-Brown platform is: the greater the degree to any of Maureen the twelve shots used in polo.

Ciren Does Christmas

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Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

High Goal Q&A How do we prepare to play in a higher level of polo? What a strange question you may be thinking, but for some players making that exciting transition up to the next level of polo, and particularly high goal, it can be quite daunting and intimidating having a string of horses that need to step up to the mark. Although I have made this relevant for those stepping up to high goal, there is no reason why the answers cannot be adapted to those playing in 12 goal when usually playing in 4-6 goal, for example. I thought I would share some questions with you that I have been asked over the years for some advice on ensuring their horses are well prepared for that step up ….

Q: What do I need to change in my horses’ diets to give them enough energy and make them fast enough?

A: You shouldn’t need to change too much if you are playing a lot of polo anyway on their current diet. All I would suggest doing is increasing their ‘plane of nutrition’ – essentially increasing their existing cubes or mix or topping up the diet with a balancer. You may need to consider a higher starch ration for those that are likely to need it, stepping up from a Horse & Pony Mix to a Conditioning Mix perhaps, or opting for more oat-based energy from a Competition Mix. I always like to think about stamina, knowing that if you need to be on your horse for a full chukka, it will last a full chukka. Alongside the quick release energy from the starch based feeds such as oats, I would encourage using oil supplements – such as Baileys Outshine or Saracen Equi-Jewel, which allows you to top up the existing ration in ‘mug fulls’ rather than feeding a whole different feed.

Q: Should I be feeding oats?

A: Not necessarily, it really depends on the individual. If you have some horses that are never on the higher starch feeds then absolutely not, I wouldn’t encourage you to begin adding oats to their diets. However, if you have some that may lack a bit of quick releasing energy and you would like them to be a bit more ‘fired up’ then you could add a few oats to their current feed – but you cannot just add oats and leave the rest of the diet as it is. As you know I am always talking about the BALANCED diet, so in this instance we 58

Polo Times, May 2021

also need to take into consideration that oats need to be fed alongside an increase in vitamins and minerals to compensate for nutritional deficiencies in the oats and to allow the horse to efficiently utilise its energy. What I would therefore suggest is adding a balancer or increasing the amount of an existing balancer to ensure the diet is balanced and the nutritional deficiencies of the oats are being catered for. In return, you should then have a horse that is able to utilise the energy in the oats more effectively.

Q: Do you think my horses are looking fat?

A: I doubt it! But this is a question I get asked a lot and not just related to playing in the high goal. So much of this comes down to conformation and my answer to this question is to look at where the horse stores fat and how it’s playing/running? If you are worried about the ‘tummy’, stand back and look at the conformation and the way it carries itself, looking at the horse as a complete athlete and not focusing on one area – THE TUMMY! You will not make a deep girthed and wide sprung horse look like a tubular shaped horse. A bit like standing me next to a super model and expecting us to both move the same – it won’t work, believe me! If your horse is fit, is running well and recovering quickly, then you have nothing to worry about and nothing to change. If, however, it is recovering slowly and not running well, the diet needs to be addressed to enhance fitness and performance.

Q: Should I feed electrolytes before & after the game?

A: Absolutely YES! Whatever level of polo you are playing in electrolytes are essential. You, as a player will be focusing on your hydration and electrolyte intake, so absolutely your horses must be considered as well. Where the horses will benefit from the most is giving them electrolytes either in water or a sloppy beet or chaff within two hours before they play – such as when you arrive at the grounds. Research has shown this can reduce the onset of fatigue by up to 22%. Providing electrolytes after they have played will aid recovery, but again must be

given with water. Electrolytes in a syringe form is absolutely fine, but the horses must be allowed to drink before and after.

Q: So, if I am giving them electrolytes, does this mean they are OK to drink water before and after the game?

A: Again, as with any level of polo, but not always seen in high goal, it is absolutely OK to allow the horses to drink water when they come off the lorry, (not a full bucket but ‘some’), and again when they come off the field – little and often will help with their recovery, especially in the hot weather. I see no difference to the racehorse in the winners’ enclosure being offered buckets of cold water to drink to your polo pony coming off the field from a chukka!

Q: How do I manage their forage intake?

A: We don’t want horses to be ‘heavy’, but we need to make an emphasis on their fitness. The majority will be fine with ad lib forage, but for those good doers restrict their intake by double netting or using trickle feeding nets. Whatever we can do to allow them to trickle feed is so much more beneficial for their body and mind. I think the key thing to remember in the answer to this question is that the horse’s stomach produces 1½ litres of gastric acid per hour so we, as grooms and players, need to allow them as much time eating as possible. The acid does not just disappear, it makes its way through the digestive tract causing all sorts of problems – acidosis, ulcers, discomfort, loose droppings and psychological problems etc. Finally, my advice would be – you know your horses, continue treating them in the same way, but make an emphasis on their fitness and a balanced diet to suit the individual for their increased workload. It is OK to do things differently, that isn’t seen in the pony lines at high goal, if that is part of your routine! All the time science is evolving which encourages new ideas and hopefully ideas that will benefit the performance and the longevity of your horses’ playing careers! And, if in doubt speak to a nutritionist or a feed company help line to give you some guidance. www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus

Luke Wiles

Last year Luke had a run in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and, alongside the high goal, he also had other tournaments to play in. With a string of 12 horses, he needed to focus on their individual needs to ensure he had consistent performances from them for a very busy couple of months of polo. Before the high goal last year, I met with Luke and his head groom, Jose, and we discussed the individual needs of his horses, especially those that could drop off condition and become quite ‘hot’. We ensured the focus was on a low starch but high calorie diet by using Baileys Ease & Excel. Jose was keen to continue with their ad lib haylage and still ensure they all received a scoop of alfalfa chaff as they were having their bandages done at the polo grounds – and offered water and electrolytes as well, which are

energy levels and the right body condition can be harder when playing just the high goal when games are not as frequent, but energy is always needed. At the end of the day, energy and calories are the same thing!

always offered again after they have played. Jose said, ‘Although they were playing in the high goal, some of the horses were also playing in the lower goal polo so we had to really support their recovery to ensure they were on form, especially with all the travelling, and at times, the hot weather’. When considering their hard feed, Jose kept the majority of the horses on a combination of Competition Mix and Conditioning Cubes, varying the amounts of each depending on the energy requirements of the individual (because Jose uses greater quantities of cubes and mix for the majority of his horses we didn’t need to add a balancer). When possible, they had their feeds divided into three meals per day, so their feeds did not become too big, which really helped them to maintain their condition.

Photography by Nat Barret

The fortunate position for Zac and Luke that have I used as examples, is their horses had other polo running alongside the high goal, which I personally believes helps their match fitness levels and enables their diets to be consistent. Maintaining fitness,

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Luke Wiles’ grooms

Luke Wiles’ ponies getting ready for high goal

Zac Beim

Photograph courtesy of Zac Beim

Zac & Mati worked with Lorna to review Zac’s string’s diets

Last year Zac had a run in the high goal, but alongside the high goal had other tournaments to play in as well. He had eight horses that were the main stay to his string, but knowing the demands of high goal I reviewed their diets with Zac, Tom Beim and Mati (Tom’s head groom) going into more detail, and made adjustments to suit their energy and calorie requirements. Zac’s horses live out at night and this is something that he was keen to keep going to allow them to walk and stetch and be kept in a routine they were familiar with. They did, however, the night before a game stay in, thus reducing the risk of the greedy ones overindulging and their forage intake monitored. Zac said, “I was keen to keep the horses living out – that has always been our routine here and we didn’t want to make too many changes for them as we know what works. Mati is keen to feed plenty of haylage, but keeping them in the night before polo

enabled the greedy individuals to have their small-holed nets and pick at the haylage overnight rather than pig on it!” For a couple of the horses, Mati introduced some oats into their diets, and therefore we increased the balancer they were already on and kept the Conditioning Cubes the same. One that can hold her weight quite well and usually runs on just balancer had some Conditioning Cubes added to her diet to ensure she had enough energy and she held her condition – not only were they playing a lot they had a lot of travelling to do as well. For all the horses that played the high goal the main addition to their diets was the use of Outshine, the oil supplement. I really wanted to ensure the energy in their diet was going to support their stamina as much as the quick release energy that the Conditioning Cubes and oats would provide. They all received two measuring mugs (450gms) of Outshine per day.

Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2021

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Chukka Wellness

India Parker-Smith is the founder and owner of Chukka Wellness which provides the leading training and movement methodology designed for the equestrian athlete to enhance suppleness, stability and strength in the saddle.India is a Personal Trainer who offers online and offline fitness training designed to elevate the well-being of the equestrian athlete. Using her knowledge of seven years she has created a series of masterclasses, a virtual membership hub and online training programmes all designed to complement the equestrian’s health and wellness both in and out of the saddle. You will find more information on India’s services on her website www.chukkawellness.co.uk and Instagram page @chukka_wellness

Preparation is Key Stay prepared to stay ahead of the game As we have mentioned in our last couple of articles; preparation is key in any aspect of life. The more prepared you are physically and mentally for a task; the more likely you are to succeed! Game days are usually very hectic and busy times – so by prepping as much as you can in the days, weeks and months leading up to important games reduces stress creating a better athletic performance. Here are a few steps to help prepare you for those busy polo days…

Nuts, seeds & protein shakes are great snacks for busy polo days

1. Prepare any snacks and meals that you will need to take with you on game days. Ensure these snacks are nutrient dense and full of protein to aid in muscle repair post riding. Snack Suggestions - Protein Bar - Protein Shake (our favourite brands are Essential Gains (10% off with code: chukkawellness10 and Missfits) - Banana - Handful of nuts and seeds - Lots and lots of water! 2. Is your body supple, stable and strong? Rider physical preparation should begin months before the season starts. Preseason training is essential to bulletproofing the body for polo. Top polo Pro Hazel Jackson stated, “It is crucial to incorporate pre-season training into your training to improve your game.” Hazel adapts her training regime depending on the time of year; pre-season she focuses more on reaction time and training under fatigue. During the season her training turns to body maintenance and lots of recovery. Post-season she takes time to focus on repairing her muscles and joints. If you are not sure where to start with your own pre-season fitness journey – why not begin by adding in some mobility routines to your workout regime and game day warm-ups. For further guidance download our FREE ‘Become a More Supple Rider’ e-book (link in Instagram bio) full of mobility routines. Each exercise has been designed to warm-up the necessary polo muscles and keep you playing for longer! 60

Polo Times, May 2021

Take 10 minutes out of your pre-game routine to: 1. Breathe (in for four, hold for four, out for four) 2. Focus on your game strategy 3. Positive Thinking – a bit of self-talk never hurt anybody… ‘I am a great player’, ‘I can do this’, ‘I am physically prepared’, ‘I have good ponies’, ‘I have great team mates’.

Mobility routines are a great place to start for pre-season fitness

3. Mental Focus and Reflection Polo is a mental sport and very rarely do we see players take time out of their busy schedule to mentally prepare for action or even reflect on their performance post game.

Then take 10 minutes out of your post game routine to reflect on your performance, your string’s performance, your shooting technique, your shot accuracy. From this what do you need to work on in order to prepare for the next game? For more mental game preparation, we recommend contacting Nick Dann; a mental skills coach based down in Midhurst.

Chukka Wellness has just launched their 8 Week Pre Season Training Programme. Their tried and tested formula aims to help riders become twice as supple, stable and strong in preparation for their next season. Benefits include: enhancing the control and power of the swings, improve overall balance and control in the saddle, recover quicker after games, improve flexibility and reduce risk of injury. You will gain access to daily 25 minute follow-along workouts, daily mobility routines and meal plans, PLUS discounts on associated equestrian brands! Start your seven day free trial now and head over to www.chukkawellness.co.uk

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Tola Performance

Photograph by Emily Gordon

Jason Warren is a performance coach, helping professional polo players and athletes redefine their season by thinking outside the box through their mental and physical performance on and off the field

Is Fitness Important in Polo? What is being polo fit?

Photography by Jason Warren

Polo is becoming more professional which in turn creates more focus on priming the body

Polo fit is playing polo without physically or mentally fatiguing. In this article I’m discussing the impact of fitness on professional players who will by definition have a base level of fitness particularly ‘polofitness’. Realistically the only way to become fully polo and riding fit, is to play and ride. There is nothing you can do in the gym that will completely prepare you for getting on a 62

Polo Times, May 2021

In polo, the horse is more the athlete than the player

horse and playing well. If you watch a good polo player, they do not use much energy to ride. They are ‘with’ the horse and naturally conserve energy due to the way they ride. Same with any top sports person, they conserve energy because of their increased ability. My point here is how much fitness is required when playing polo. How many professional polo players do

not follow a fitness programme outside of riding and playing? I think quite a lot, polo is far behind other sports in that respect, and many do not feel the need or have the motivation to have one. But there are some reasons for this: Firstly, the horse is more the athlete than the player! Sure, the player is riding and making the plays, but most of the athlete is the horse! Unless you’re riding Usain Bolt www.polotimes.co.uk

Tola Performance you’re going to need a horse to be the athlete for you (I hope no one is offended by this sentence). Secondly, there’s a lot to organise. There aren’t many sports with as much organisation as polo. This means a large part of a professional’s time is spent managing, riding, practicing, making young horses, transporting and so on. This makes it harder to prioritise personal performance. Thirdly, there are an array of professionals in polo – from the 10 goalers playing high goal to the 5 goalers playing every tournament England has to offer (the ultimate polo P.I.M.Ps). Being 10 goals with a professional set up, team manager and onsite personal trainer allows more time and focus to be purely on performance. The 5 goal player driving the truck, riding young ones, managing the team and reaching for a fag to get them through won’t be as focused on their fitness. These factors will have a large influence on how much time a player can put into their personal fitness and performance. Having said this polo is becoming more

professional which in turn creates more focus on priming the body.

Is there space for fitness in polo? If you look at any athlete or professional sportsperson, they will focus on all areas of their performance. Let us look at a Formula 1 driver, it is clear the ability to win comes as much from the car as the driver. But at the same time, they will focus on their mindset, resilience, fitness, strategy, diet, pit stop and many other facets that get someone to starting on the grid. Without all this they cannot utilise the machine. Imagine the driver and car are on fire for 90% of the race (not literally!) and then the driver starts to fatigue towards the end, that could be the difference between first and nowhere near first. If you are looking to become a better polo player then this approach would also be the obvious thing to do! Focus on all areas of your performance, fitness being a part of that. Being fitter, stronger and more mobile of course will help you to become a better polo player, not to mention helping prevent injury. Having said that would fitness be as

Knowledge

important to a rugby player or to a larger extent a 400m sprinter as it would to a polo player? I would say no. A 400m sprinter’s whole focus is around their physical speed and stamina, without that they are nothing. If you look at a professional polo player, being slightly under par in physical fitness will not have as a dramatic effect as it would on the sprinter. Like any profession, to get to the top every facet of the sport requires attention. Fitness is important to a polo player but maybe not as important as say, a rugby player or track athlete to the overall performance and effectiveness.

Find Jason on Instagram: @tolaperformance or contact him at tolaperfomance@gmail.com www.tolaperformance.com

WTR Horse Transport Specialising in the safe transport of Polo Ponies from short UK journeys to European long journeys. Based in Berkshire.

18 tonne auto, 11 stall Tristar • Front and rear cctv of horses • Roof fans • On-board pumped water tanks • 3.5 tonne stallion box • Operators’ licence • DEFRA approved for international transport • Drivers CPC • Type 2 long journey animal welfare transport certified • Level 2 City & Guilds long distance transport (driver) • Fully insured

Please call Dave 07958479896 WTRhorsetransport@gmail.com

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Polo Times, May 2021

Knowledge

Castration Focus

Straightforward castrations can be performed whilst standing and will usually last around 30 minutes

Where? Photography by Polo Times

Standing castrations can be performed in situ with sedation

Castration Focus

When & where?

For small scale home breeding, there can be lots of questions you may have surrounding bringing up your foal in the best way possible; for those with colts the topic of castration is an inevitable bridge which will need to be crossed. Different disciplines and vets have varying opinions, but here we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions.

When?

Castration is usually done in spring of the yearling year, before the summer and the onset of flies which can cause infections and complications post-castration. If you cannot perform the castration in the spring, then it is best to wait until the autumn in order to avoid flies but before the conditions become too wet and muddy, which increases the risk of infection. You should also consider what is suitable to you and your set up. If you have limited access to separate paddocks or do not have a suitable ‘bachelor’ group for the colt to mature with, then you may wish to castrate earlier rather than later in order to ease management – some brood mares are not sufficiently tough with their colts and allow their offspring to run roughshod over them and (sexually) bully them in the paddock. This can cause issues such as injury to the mare, 64

Polo Times, May 2021

as well as the colt becoming more stallionlike in its behaviour and difficult to handle. If castration isn’t an immediate option due to reasons such as age or the wrong time of year, weaning the colt and moving in an older, gelding companion can be a good way to teach the colt some manners and begin to teach them herd etiquette. Although colts can technically be castrated at any age, opinions differ across different disciplines and locations – some suggest you should wait as long as possible in order to allow the colt to mature, while others believe that foals should be castrated at a younger age such as just before or just after weaning. In general, the consensus is that castration should occur between six to 18-months-old, as younger colts tend to recover faster and have fewer post-operative complications. If you leave castration until later then the colt will be more likely to develop stallion-like behaviours, and may require more advanced surgical castration. It is important to check before castration that both testicles have descended, if you can only feel one (the colt is a “rig”) then you can either give the colt more time for the other testicle to descend (as this should happen before the colt reaches one-yearold) or have the castration performed at an equine clinic.

Different veterinary practices prefer general (field) anaesthetic over standing sedation and local anaesthetic, this depends on your vet’s preference. Standing sedation and local anaesthetic have the advantages of reduced costs, no travelling required and none of the risks involved with general anaesthetic; most owners prefer the option of standing sedation and local anaesthetic at home in order to reduce stress for the colt, but this is not possible in every scenario, such as with rigs, older stallions or scrotal hernias (gut in the scrotum). For an at home castration, you will need a flat and dry field, or an indoor/ outdoor school, but the surface should not be too dusty, and a bucket of clean water. Once sedated, the operation is relatively quick, lasting about 30 minutes, unless complications are discovered. Generally, recovery is uncomplicated remarkably quick, but it is still important to check daily for signs of swelling, bleeding or herniation (gut protruding from the incision). Gentle exercise is highly recommended, this is usually covered by self-exercise in the paddock. There will be bleeding from the area, but this should be a slow dripping not a constant flow of blood. Your vet will likely prescribe a short course of painkiller/anti-inflammatories for the first 5-7 days after the procedure in order to reduce swelling. If you notice excessive swelling or fast flowing bleeding, then you should contact your vet. Castrated colts should not be turned out with mares for at least six to eight weeks in order to ensure they are no longer fertile.

Waterlane Equine Vets Tel: 01452 770268 www.waterlaneequinevets.co.uk waterlaneequine@gmail.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Sidelines

Gossip

LITTLE LEWIS

Congratulations to homgrown talent, Hugo Lewis, and Tiffany Luckett, who welcomed baby Ophelia Anjä Lewis into the world on 5 March, weighing in at 6lbs 8oz!

CONGRATULATIONS!

SPOTTED!

‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein was spotted at The World Polo League Miami Beach Polo World Cup, in high heels despite the deep sand. The socialite earned the monika ‘Catwoman’ after having plastic surgery to make her look more cat-like.

Captain Jamie Drummond Moray and Miss Annabel Edwards have announced their engagement. A serving officer with the Scots Guards and one goal player, Jamie continues to play polo and regularly represents the Army and Foot Guards Polo Teams. Annabel and Jamie plan to marry in Spring 2022 in Kent – congratulations!

PENNY FARTHING POLO

The England Penny Farthing Squad were seen training Upper Beeding’s Memorial Playing Fields in the sunshine, much to the delight of onlookers and supporters.

PHOENIX BIKE POLO

The Arizona Hardcourt Bike Polo group are bringing the community together, with this version of polo being more accessible, the group are welcoming new players to the group which has been playing together since 2007.

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

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

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk 66

Polo Times, May 2021

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Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures UK

Club 22+ Goal RCBPC Trippetts Guards CPPC Cowdray Park Guards 18 Goal Black Bears Cowdray CPPC Guards Cowdray 15 Goal Beuafort Guards RCBPC Cowdray CPPC 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort CPPC CPPC Guards 8 Goal CPPC Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Dallas Burston Beaufort Binfield Heath KPPC Ham CPPC 4 Goal KPPC Rutland Silver Leys Cheshire Druids Lodge Dallas Burston Victrix Ludorum Black Bears Knepp Castle Cowdray CPPC Beaufort RCBPC Guards

Tournament

Handicap

Start Date End Date

Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trippetts Challenge Cartier Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup King Power Gold Cup The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

22 22 22 22 22 22

19/05/21 11/05/21 01/06/21 15/06/21 29/06/21 24/07/21

29/05/21 15/05/21 27/06/21 26/06/21 25/07/21 15/08/21

Oxford Cup Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Cowdray Challenge

18 18 18 18 18

04/05/21 18/05/21 09/06/21 29/06/21 19/07/21

16/05/21 06/06/21 19/06/21 17/07/21 01/08/21

The Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Royal Windsor Eduardo Moore Harrison Cup County Cup

15 15 15 15 15

18/05/21 22/06/21 01/06/21 12/07/21 03/08/21

29/05/21 11/07/21 20/06/21 31/07/21 14/08/21

Dollar Cup John Prestwich The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Queen Mother Cheltenham Cup Duke of Wellington

12 12 12 12 12 12

10/05/21 31/05/21 14/06/21 28/06/21 14/07/21 31/07/21

30/05/21 12/06/21 26/06/21 10/07/21 25/07/21 15/08/21

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

8 8 8 8 8

10/05/21 04/06/21 30/06/21 19/07/21 09/08/21

23/05/21 27/06/21 17/07/21 01/08/21 22/08/21

Stoneythorpe Cup Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup 6 Goal Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup

6 6 6 6 6 6

10/05/21 01/06/21 05/07/21 29/07/21 10/08/21 24/08/21

22/05/21 12/06/21 11/07/21 08/08/21 22/08/21 05/09/21

4 Goal Assam Cup 4 Goal Junior County Cup Rose Bowl 4 Goal

4 4 4 4 4 4

02/06/21 15/06/21 28/06/21 05/07/21 26/07/21 24/08/21

08/06/21 27/06/21 04/07/21 11/07/21 01/08/21 29/08/21

Black Bears Women’s Tournament Knepp Castle Ladies Tournament Ladies British Open Cirencester Ladies Beaufort Ladies RCBPC Ladies Victrix Ludorum Guards Ladies Charity

12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18

15/06/21 30/06/21 05/07/21 20/07/21 26/07/21 09/08/21 17/08/21

27/06/21 04/07/21 17/07/21 31/07/21 07/08/21 15/08/21 28/08/21

The below dates for April and May have been confirmed by Clubs Guards Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy 8 to 12 Guards Spring Tournament 2 to 4 Beaufort & CPPC Badminton Cup 4 to 8 CPPC The RJ Polo 4 Goal 0 to 4 Cowdray Barrett Cup 4 to 8 Cowdray Tyro Cup 10 to 12 Dallas Burston Get into the Swing Spring Tournament Open KPPC James Budgett Trophy 4 Ranelagh Copa Primavera –2 to 0 Silver Leys May Cup Cowdray May 4 Goal Spring Cuup 0 to 4 Guards Quen Mother’s Centenary Trophy 12 to 15 Longdole Longdole Cup League 6 Goal 6 Offchurch Bury Spring Forward Cup –2 to 2 CPPC The Cirencester 12 Goal 8 to 12 Beaufort The Kernow Cup 0 to 6 Cowdray Jubilee Cup CPPC The áBrassard Trophy 0 to 4 Edgeworth The Edgeworth Shield 4 Ranelagh Asado Challenge Trophy 0 to 2 Offchurch Bury Silver Jug –6 to –2 Druids Lodge Aspiga Trophy 1 to 2 Guards The Committee Cup 4 to 8 Cowdray Cicero Cup 12 to 15 Ranelagh Copa La Reconquista –2 to 0 Silver Leys Blue Riibbon Cup & Courtauld Trophy Edgeworth Fieldbarn Cup 2 Guards Labrador Trophy Open Druids Lodge Spring League –4 to 0 Cowdray Easebourne Cup 4 to 8 CPPC The Committee Cup 2 to 6 CPPC Cirencester 2 Goal 0 to 2 Edgeworth The 1 Goal Tournament 1 Ranelagh Founders Cup 2 to 4 Druids Lodge June Trophy 3 to 4 goal Beaufort & CPPC The NPM Babdown Cup 6 to 10 Beaufort The Henderson Rose Bowl –2 to 2 The Non-Playing Members Beaufort 0 to 10 Babdown Cup Cowdray Jersey Lilies Cup 0 to 6 Cowdray June 4 Goal Cup 0 to 4 Edgeworth The Edgeworth Challenge 2 Ranelagh Copa Fin De Mayo 0 to 2 & 4 to 6

20/04/21 20/04/21 22/04/21 23/04/21 24/04/21 24/04/21 26/04/21 29/04/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 03/05/21 04/05/21 04/05/21 07/05/21 07/05/21 08/05/21 08/05/21 08/05/21 08/04/21 08/05/21 10/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 18/05/21 19/05/21 21/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21 25/05/21 25/05/21

08/05/21 09/05/21 09/05/21 03/05/21 16/05/21 09/05/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 03/05/21 03/05/21 15/05/21 16/05/21 30/05/21 09/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 23/05/21 16/05/21 09/05/21 09/05/21 09/05/21 09/04/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 30/05/21 20/06/21 05/06/21 31/05/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 30/05/21 04/06/21 05/05/21

25/05/21 05/05/21 26/05/21 29/05/21 29/05/21 29/05/21

13/06/21 20/06/21 31/05/21 31/05/21

USA Grand Champions Continental Cup Houston Regional President’s Cup Southeastern Circuit Aiken Sportsmanship Cup Southeastern Circuit Arena Triangle Area Sportsmanship Cup Two Wishes Southwestern Circuit Amateur Cup

12 to 16 4 to 8

15/04/21 15/05/21 28/04/21 16/05/21

2 to 6

24/04/21 09/05/21

0 to 3

28/04/21 01/05/21

–1 to 4

30/04/21 31/05/21

0&4 0&4 0&4

08/05/21 08/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 22/05/21 29/05/21

AUSTRALIA WOMEN’S Chantilly, Fr Riverlands, Aus Beaufort Rutland

Ladies Polo Cup Riverlands’ Women’s Ladies Nations Cup WIP Escalina Cup

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4 to 8 0&4 14 to 16 8 & 12

01/05/21 08/05/21 29/05/21 29/05/21

02/05/21 09/05/21 31/05/21 30/05/21

Scone Goulburn Scone Killarney Windsor Windsor

Muswellbrook Cup Goulburn Polo Peisley Cup Killarney 4 & 0 Windsor Polo Hawkesbury Autumn League

09/05/21 09/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 23/05/21 06/06/21

Polo Times, May 2021

Polo directory FRANCE Saint-Tropez Saint-Tropez Chantilly Chantilly Saint-Tropez Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly Saint-Tropez Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly

SPAIN

Easter Cup Coupe de l’Hippocampe Les Classiques de Chantilly Coupe Espirit Chantilly Members Cup Coupe PGH Trophée d’Apremont Trophée du Bois Lieutenant Sun Trophy Trophée Bourbon Coupe Polo Alumni Trophée Champlatreux Nam’s Cup

8 to 10 8 to 10 4 to 6 0 to 2 8 to 10 10 to 12 0 to 2 4 to 6 8 to 10 10 to 12 –1 to 1 6 to 8 0 to 4

01/04/21 22/04/21 24/04/21 24/04/21 06/05/21 07/05/21 08/05/21 08/05/21 20/05/21 21/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21

05/05/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 30/05/21 06/06/21 23/05/21 06/06/21 30/05/21

Santa Maria

XXAndrés Parladé

28/05/21 30/05/21

CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

07971 072336

james.dgls@gmail.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: HRH The Prince of Wales held a four goal handicap and mostly played at back. In 1972 he represented Young England in a match against Young America.

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Polo Times, May 2021

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Polo directory

Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

ARIAT BOOTS Quantum Devon Pro size 5 in like new condition £200 brand new. £100. Tel: 07712 411468

2010 MAN TG-M 18 TON MOT until April 2022. Partitioned for 10. 380k KMs Approx. Built a year ago, lightly used, currently in use. Built to meet DEFRA long journey/ Type 2 requirements (currently hold GB certificate, not EU Certificate). Automatic gearbox. Air suspension. Sleeper cab, 3 seats in cab. 4 skirt lockers and large water tank with hose attachment. £45,000. Tel: 07890 567458

MOBILE TACK ROOM Protect your saddles and tack with this convenient, mobile tack room “Cancheros by Polo”, available in the U.K. through Performance Polo. It will accommodate up to four saddles, eight bridles, bandages, tendon boots, etc. £960. Tel: 07487 548242

AIR DEFLECTOR KIT ISUZU N75 Air/wind deflector kit. All complete all fittings. Ready to fit back on. Selling due to change of use of lorry. No crack dings or damage. £300 ono. Tel: 07908 473126

Ponies POLOCROSSE PONIES WANTED Looking for something that could play polocrosse with an experienced rider, bit of ability and can pass a vets, budget of £4,000-£5,000. Tel: 07557 336811

Equipment

SADDLE PAD & BANDAGES Western pro choice saddle pad for sale. Can supply more pics/ info on request. Can post at buyers expense. £69. Brand new white polo bandages, can post at buyers expense. £10. Tel: 07572 855366

18” SADDLE Riccardo Navarro 18 inch saddle. Good condition comes with stirrups and leathers. Cowdray area. £100. Tel: 07880 588539

TENDON BOOTS Tendon boots, £8 a pair. Tel: 07855 742909

Misc

2000 MAN 8.163 MAN 8.163 (7.5 ton), set up for 4 / 5 horses, 5 speed gearbox (no limiter), internal and external wireless camera’s, large tack area and battery immobilizer fitted. Stored undercover and has been to polo and pony club rallies during this time . Currently plated and will be plated in mid-May for the next 12 months (towards end of May). 229,000 KMs. £7,500. Tel: 07885 399433

LA PAMPA GIRTHS Brand new La Pampa Polo leather girths. Dark brown and never used. £30 each. Tel: 07852 807528

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6FT3 ZILCO SUPASTOP FLY RUG 6ft 3 Zilco fly rug. Good condition with some small repairs as shown. Silky liner in chest area and built in neck. Leg straps. Buyer pays postage or picks up (Godalming). £50. Tel: 07966 626439

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Following a successful international polo career, which included reaching 5 goals in Argentina and being part of the multiple overseas trips such as being part of the HPA England team visit to Pakistan in 2016, Mikey Howe is now a 3 goal professional, who is now based in Gloucestershire out of Longdole Polo Club I play tennis and golf right-handed, but I play ping pong left-handed! With my left foot I’m horrendous but with my right foot I’m quite good, I also chop with my right hand when I’m cooking – a bit all over the place.

What is your all-time best polo memory? Best memory, well it’s a bad one, missing my tenth 5B on Ambersham 2 of the season, I got nine 5Bs that season and I missed the tenth one by about a foot, so a bad memory but an amusing one.

Best pony and why? At the moment, it is a mare called Yellow, because she is the best and because I made her!

Who were/are your favourite team mates? My favourite team mates right now are Tom Beim, Ollie Jones and Will Lucas. Favourite food/dish? Right now, it is proper homemade dauphinoise with roast beef Favourite hobby outside of polo? I just play pool these days, I used to play in a pool league in Berkshire. I also love cooking.

agesofpolo.com

Hardest opponent? Will Lucas! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Snooker, I would’ve pursued a career in snooker if I hadn’t played polo. I also love squash and motor car racing. Favourite song/album? I like Jimi Hendrix and Purple Haze was my favourite one.

Most prized possession? It’s a keyring that somebody gave me who died. Favourite celebrity and why? I like Michael Owen, when he played for Liverpool he was a very selfless player. Best holiday destination & activity? That’s got to be polo in Pakistan! That was the best hosted trip I’ve ever had. Are you passionately superstitious? Yes, very! I’m a great believer in Karma, good and bad it gets you. One thing which would surprise us about you? I’m left-handed, right footed and left eye dominant, which puts me in six per cent of the population apparently. I shoot left-handed, I play snooker left-handed,

Polo Times, May 2021

Describe yourself in three words… Obsessive, petulant and ambitious (far too honest)! www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times May 2021

Articles inside

Passions: Mikey Howe

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know

Vet Insight: Castration Focus

Tola Polo: Is Fitness Important in Polo?

Chukka Wellness: Preparation is key

The Hitting Platform Nutrition Focus: High Goal Q&A

Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Stability of

Polodoc: In or Out

All Aspects of Youth Polo

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Polo & Miami Beach Polo World Cup Lexus Urban Polo

Ranelagh Club Focus

World Polo League: Triple Crown of

Letters: Your Views & Social Media