Volume 17 Issue 4 May 2011
ÂŁ5.50
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Caribbean convergence British pros the big winners in Barbados and Jamaica Plus: the US Open, new rules and UK high-goal preview PT p1 cover.indd 1
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Contents
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36
Contacts Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk
May 2011
Editor
News
Publisher
James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Sub editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk Assistant editor Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk Advertising manager Harriet Kay harriet@polotimes.co.uk Art editor Nicki Averill nickiaverill@polotimes.co.uk Marketing & PR PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk Subscriptions Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk
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News special: Home-grown players
10 All the latest news
Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Youth polo 60 Senior School Arena Championships 62 Irish SUPA Tri-Nations, Wicklow
16 The big picture
Comment
Knowledge 64 Playing around: Vale of York
18 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
66 Know your horse
20 Herbert Spencer’s Global view
68 Know your game
22 Arthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner
71 Ones to watch
24 Your views: letters
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Features 26
Interview: Charlie Gordon-Watson
73 How to spend it Travel: Half Moon in Jamaica and Southern Palms in Barbados
76 Travel: Oaklands, South Africa 79 Products: Umpire’s kit
30 Machinery feature
81 Review: PoloSkilz website
34 UK high-goal season preview
82 What’s on in May 83 Top 10 - UK outdoor clubs
Reports 36
US Open
42 Barbados Open 46 Townsend Cup - US vs England 48 Jamaica Open 52 Australia vs New Zealand
Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk
74
55 Asian Beach Polo Tournament 57 Home and abroad
Sidelines 84 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know 85 Social: AEPC Hickstead awards 86 Social: Jamaica Open 89 Social: Townsend Cup 90 Social: Barbados Open 98 Passions: Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee
Polo Times, May 2011
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News
from the Editor Polo is a game of constant changes and innovation. The wise heads of Herbert Spencer and John Horswell expertly prove this very point when they lay out the HPA’s important proposed new rules (see right) and the likely implications of the movements of players between highgoal teams (see page 34) respectively. Herbert’s piece concerns the ongoing debate at the time of going to press about introducing a home-grown player rule for patrons forming high-goal teams, which is designed to help ensure our young players get every chance to develop into high-handicap players. Indeed, it is surely only by encouraging our own that we can realistically hope that Britain’s most promising talents are fulfilled and, ultimately, that our national sides can improve. However, the proposed home-grown player rule (and possible plans to unscrew the 22-goal cap on highgoal tournaments after 47 years) are amongst the most fundamental changes in HPA policy in many years. As such, they are worth careful consideration by all players in my view – and, those with views of their own, from the grass roots up, should weigh in with their opinions. I look forward to hearing from you: letters@polotimes.co.uk It must then be hoped that, when it comes down to it, the HPA stewards will make their decisions the best ones for the good of the game as a whole. They must resist all self-interested pressure from clubs, wealthy team patrons and job-hungry English pros, and must act strictly on what they believe best develops British polo, both as a fair and consistent environment for players and an improved spectacle for supporters. Changes are also afoot at Polo Times HQ, where we bid a fond farewell to the man whose work really keeps this magazine afloat, our advertising manager Tom House. Tom has overseen a record two years at Polo Times, where I hope you will agree the magazine and all our online content has gone from strength to strength.
HPA put Home Grown Players rule on hold Herbert Spencer reports
THE HURLINGHAM POLO Association (HPA) has failed to reach agreement on exactly how to provide new opportunities for its “home grown players” at high-goal level. At their meeting at the Cavalry & Guards Club on 19 April, the HPA Stewards postponed a decision on a specific proposal, widely circulated early in the month, for a Home Grown Player (HGP) rule along the lines of football’s recent rule giving some protection to players who have trained in the UK in their formative years. “The consensus of the Stewards was that the proposal requires further study,” said David Woodd, the HPA’s chief executive. “A small working group is being formed to study and report and the Stewards will reach a decision by
the end of May to enable an HGP rule, if approved, to come into force in 2012. “It was felt that an HGP rule will work only if it is accepted by most of the polo community here, including patrons and English pros,” Woodd added. The HPA is also considering a proposal to increase maximum team handicaps for tournaments in 2012 or 2013: 22-goal to 24, 18-goal to 20 and 15-goal to 16. These changes will be discussed and a final decision made at a Stewards meeting on 22 June, Woodd adds: “by which time we hope that all interested parties would have made their views known to the HPA.” Proposals for the new HGP rule and the raising of tournament handicaps were outlined in a letter of 4 April from HPA chairman Nicholas ColquhounDenvers, circulated to clubs, team patrons and professional and amateur players. In the letter, the chairman said the Stewards “consider that they have a duty to enhance the training and development of young polo players
His replacement, however, is equally capable, and I trust you will join with us in welcoming the utterly charming and ruthlessly efficient Harriet Kay to the fold. You can see her take her Polo Times initiation on page 79. And, finally, to complete the theme of changes, you’ll see on pages 18 and 20 that developments in fashion have also become an inadvertent topic this month for our columnists. I’m sure they’d be as interested as I am to hear your views. Here’s to a fantastic season.
Email me: jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk 8
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Uruguayan Pelon Stirling, who also holds a Spanish passport, challenged the HPA’s Overseas Sponsored Player rule in 2001, when playing with the Tomlinsons at Beaufort Polo Club
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News Special – Home Grown Players rule
here, to try to help young home grown players to develop into high handicap players and to achieve as competitive a balance as possible at international level.” The wording of the proposed HGP rule as it now stands, as approved by the HPA’s attorneys, is as follows: “For 22 goal tournaments, any sponsored player five goals or less must be a Home Grown Player (see Status Guidelines for Home Grown Players). For 18 and 20 goal tournaments, any sponsored player four goals or less must be a Home Grown Player (see Status Guidelines for Home Grown Players).” The Status Guidelines for HGPs are: “A Home Grown Player is a player who, irrespective of his nationality or current age, was an Associate or Junior Associate Member of the HPA for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons between the age of 12 (or the start of the season in which the player turned 12) and the age of 19 (or the end of the season in which the player turned 19). “A ‘season’ means a period between 1 April and 31 September.” Like the home grown player rule of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the HPA rule does not make nationality a condition, thus complying with EU law. In 1995, Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman went to the European Court of Justice
HPA chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers has played a central role in discussions about the proposed Home Grown Player rule
year, playing for the Tomlinsons’ Los Locos team at Beaufort Polo Club. Sterling was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, but was a long-time resident of Sotogrande, Spain. He held a Spanish passport and Spanish nationality and so was considered a EU citizen. In seeking counsel’s opinion on its existing Overseas Sponsored Player (OSP) restrictions as they might apply to Sterling, the HPA not only considered it appropriate to stay within the law but also wanted to avoid spending many
“The consensus of the Stewards was that the proposal requires further study” – David Woodd, HPA chief exec (ECJ) in Luxembourg to challenge his club’s refusal to allow him to transfer to a French club. In a landmark decision, the court ruled in Bosman’s favour, declaring that sportsmen (as well as the likes of doctors and plumbers) who are citizens of countries within the European Union (EU) have the right to work without restriction in all EU countries. It was not until 2001 that the HPA was faced with a challenge based on the Bosman ruling. It came from rising polo professional David “Pelon” Sterling, then 20-years old. That
thousands of pounds fighting what might be a hopeless case before the ECJ. The HPA’s counsel advised that, under EU law, its OSP restrictions could not apply to players like Sterling who were EU citizens. The association chose to remove EU citizen players from its OSP lists, thus opening the door to scores of Argentine players who, by virtue of ancestry, managed to obtain passports from EU countries. Over the years the vast majority of professionals playing on high-goal teams in England have been Argentine.
Home Grown Players rule timeline of key dates 2001 – Uruguayan with Spanish residency David “Pelon” Sterling challenges his standing as an overseas player using the Bosman Ruling. The HPA remove EU citizens from the Overseas Sponsored Players lists 2006 – After representation from English players, a committee was formed headed by Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers to consider the options available for the support of the national game
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4 April 2011 – Proposed Home Grown rule for the 2012 high goal season is sent to all players and patrons by HPA 19 April 2011 - HPA Stewards meeting defers judgement on proposed rule and forms a working group to investigate options May 2011 – A final decision by the HPA Stewards is expected on the Home Grown Players rule
News
Subsequently, in 2006, a further QC’s opinion was sought independently of the HPA. The QC advised that recent EU legal developments had clarified the position and that it was: “open to the HPA to determine legitimate sporting aims and objectives and to adopt such rules as are necessary and proportionate to achieve those aims and objectives. If, as a result, restrictions are created, then, so long as those restrictions go no further than is inherent in the pursuit of those aims and objectives, the provision of the EC Treaty will not be infringed.” The proposed new HGP rule now being considered by the Stewards is designed to correct the imbalance between Argentine and English pros as far as EU law allows. It is, however, known in polo circles that some of England’s highest rated players, several of whom already benefit from association subsidies, have written to the HPA complaining that the HGP rule as written does not go far enough and should do more to open up high-goal jobs for English pros in competition with the Argentines. However, as Colquhoun-Denvers said in his letter “The aim is to produce better players, not better job security.” F w Put your head above the parapet and send us your thoughts: letters@polotimes.co.uk
Overseas rules in other sports Football: Under UEFA legislation every club playing in European competition must have at least eight home grown players in their 25-man squad. A home grown player is defined as “a player, regardless of their nationality, who has been trained in the same national association for at least three years between the age of 15 and 21”. Rugby: In England’s Aviva Premiership, a team can only field two overseas players in any one match. An overseas player is defined as someone who is not a citizen of the EU or a Kolpac Treaty country (South Africa, Pacific Islands) and who has lived in England for less than five years. Cricket: In first-class county cricket in England a team is only allowed to field one overseas player in each match. An overseas player is a player who is not a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area, and is not a citizen of a country with an employment agreement with the EU (ie the Kolpac Treaty). Polo Times, May 2011
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Test selectors set for difficult WITH THE UK high-goal about to get underway, as the Queen’s Cup matches take place on 17 May, the first international on home soil also takes place this month in the form of the St Regis International Cup at Cowdray on 21 May, writes Georgie May. The Audi-sponsored England side will take on South America this year, looking to defend the cup after a thrilling extra-chukka victory over South Africa last summer. England last played a visiting side billing itself as “South America” at Cowdray in 2007, where the South Americans came out on top, 12-10. However, last June’s Beaufort Test Match against “The Americas” was, in the event, also a completely South American side (all from Argentina), when England also lost. As Polo Times went to press, only four weeks before the match, it still wasn’t possible to shed any light on who was likely to make up either of the sides. The England side for the Cowdray Test will be chosen on Wednesday 4 May by the HPA’s selection committee. “John Tinsley, Mark Vestey, Alan Kent and Andrew Hine will pick the team captain,” David Woodd said. “It is unlikely that Luke Tomlinson will be the captain for this game, as he is playing in the Queen’s Cup. However, whoever is picked will then join the committee and decide who will be the coach – likely to be Milo Fernandez-Araujo – who will help the other five select the rest of the team.” There does, however, appear to be some
Richard Le Poer, Mark Tomlinson, Tom Morley and Chris Hyde played for England in the Cowdray Test last season
confusion amongst the selection committee and the HPA as to which players will be in consideration for possible selection in the English side. Each year the committee decides on a squad of players, from which the line-ups for all three Test Matches – Cowdray, Beaufort and the HPA’s biggest day of the year, the Coronation Cup at Guards – are chosen. Most likely to be included are the country’s current crop of six and seven-goalers – comprising James Beim (7), Satnam Dhillon
(7), Mark Tomlinson (7), Luke Tomlinson (7), Malcolm Borwick (6), Henry Brett (6), Nacho Gonzalez (6), Oli Hipwood (6), Chris Hyde (6), and Tom Morley (6) – though Polo Times has received conflicting information suggesting some players on four of five-goal handicaps also have a chance this summer. “Satnam Dhillon is in the frame for the Cowdray Test,” said Woodd. “We’ll see how it goes and then will also decide whether to put him on the Beaufort and Cartier sides.”
Guards begins search for new CEO GUARDS POLO CLUB have begun the interviewing process for a new chief executive, to replace the late Charlie Stisted who held the position for 10 years. The successful candidate will lead and manage the club’s staff, maintain and develop the club’s reputation and promote and develop the commercial activities of Guards on a global basis. Charlie died in a helicopter crash last October with fellow Guards member Ian Wooldridge. A thanksgiving service for Charlie will be held at the Royal Military Chapel, London, on Thursday 5 May at 4pm, where everyone is welcome. Charlie worked as the club’s events 10
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manager for four years before becoming club secretary in 1995. In 2000 he was then appointed as chief executive at the club. “He will be a difficult act to follow,” HRH Prince Philip said, as quoted in the Guards 2011 Yearbook. “But I am sure that his legacy will live on and that, thanks to his vision, the club will go from strength to strength in the year ahead.” “I wish everyone a great season and I know that everyone at Smith’s Lawn continues to work hard to ensure that Charlie’s legacy – creating the best -2-22-goal club in Europe – is maintained,” Guards’ chairman Paul Belcher said in the Guards Yearbook.
Harcourt Developments’ Pat Doherty and his colleagues will be hosting the final of
“Charlie’s legacy lives on and, thanks to his vision, the club will go from strength to strength” – HRH Prince Philip the Harcourt Developments Queen’s Cup in memory of their colleague Ian Wooldridge and Charlie on 12 June. F w For all of the latest news from Guards see www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
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News
decisions this month As with previous years, the team that plays in the Beaufort Test Match, on 18 June, will most probably be the team that will also play in the Coronation Cup at Cartier. England will play New Zealand in the international at Beaufort, the team they beat in the
of who makes this summer’s England squad: www.polotimes.co.uk w See page 71 for more news from Satnam Dhillon in our Ones to watch section.
“Satnam Dhillon is in the frame for the Cowdray Test side” – David Woodd
w England plays South America at Cowdray Park Polo Club for the St Regis International Cup on 21 May, at the later-than-usual time of 3.30pm. The final of the British Ladies Open takes place beforehand, at 12.30pm. Contact the club directly for tickets, on 01730 813257. The new England Test shirt made by Joules
w Keep an eye on the Polo Times website for details of the teams for the Test Match and news
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w DUBAI HELD THEIR first 26-goal tournament as Polo Times went to press, on 22 April. The exhibition match featured two teams largely made up of the Novillo Astradas. Saeed Bin Drai, one of the tournament founders, played alongside Julio, Miguel and Javier Novillo Astrada, while Mohammed Al Habtoor played with Eduardo, Ignacio and Alejandro Novillo Astrada. More details will follow in the June issue of Polo Times. w ATTEMPTS ARE BEING made to revive planning consents for polo grounds at Greathouse Farm, Stedham, created by the late Ellerston patron, Kerry Packer. Chichester District Council gave permission in 2000 for a permanent stable building and relocated all-weather track. Two years later consent was also given to build a replacement house and bungalow at the property. However, the plans were never implemented and the property was sold to Filipino patron Bobby Aguirre. The applications to revive the old planning permissions were submitted by Polo Properties Ltd.
Coronation Cup last year, though the contest will be what David Woodd calls a “warm-up” for the big clash against Brazil on the centenary of the Coronation Cup in July. England will be playing in new-look shirts designed by Joules this season, who replace Crew, and the imminent all-but-signed deal allows the clothing company to sell England polo team shirts and merchandise in their stores. F
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News in brief
w ITALY IS TO host the second International Rome Challenge on 11 June. Organised by the Vladi Polo Association, the 6-8 goal event will feature three teams – Italy, Russia and USA – who will battle it out at Acquedotto Romano Polo Club. Last year, Russia won the tournament. There will also be a gala dinner the night before the event.
Polo Times, May 2011
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Aiming high < EQUINE CLIENTS: < CtheHILTERN veterinary clinic’s Warfield branch in Berkshire, Blueberry Farm, will start taking inpatients from this September. Good news for those based at surrounding clubs, such as Ascot Park, Guards and RCBPC. YNT POLO CLUB: new high< Lgoal patron, Australian Stirling McGregor, who is competing in the Gold Cup, will be based at Lynt in the build-up to the tournament. On his side will be Nico Pieres. ASLEMERE SHOPAHOLICS: < HUberPolo, originally an online polo shop, is opening its first store this month, in Haslemere, Surrey. The company will still be running their website alongside the shop to give customers both options for ordering.
Swinging low = ECHUZA CARACAS: After their = Lsuccess in the US Open (see page 36), Victor Vargas has withdrawn his team from the Queen’s Cup and will not be playing in the Gold Cup either, due to work commitments. Guillermo “Sapo” Caset and Miguel Novillo Astrada were both on his Queen’s Cup side.
=
NGLAND TEAM: the England E arena polo team, of Chris Hyde, Ryan Pemble and Seb Dawnay, lost to the USA in the Townsend Cup in March. See page 46 for the full report.
OHN GOODMAN: the = JInternational Polo Club Palm Beach founder is in court this month for the civil trial filed against
Audi Polo Awards upon us THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES for the 2011 Audi Polo Awards have been revealed and voting is now open. The annual awards ceremony will take place at the new Dorchester Hotel, Coworth Park, on Monday 16 May. All HPA members can cast their vote online and the winners will be announced on the night, which is hosted once again by Hamish McLachlan. Tickets for the new venue have reportedly sold out quicker than ever, as the game’s special night moves out of London for the first time. The event celebrates the achievements of the previous year’s season, as many of 2010’s heroes return to the UK for the start of the 2011 summer. However, though it includes recognition for many players from abroad, there are several top awards for Brits specifically and, pleasingly, many players from the UK have also infiltrated the wider sets of awards as well. Gold Cup finalist Max Routledge has been shortlisted by the Awards voting committee for Most Outstanding Medium Handicap Player and
Pleasingly, many players from the UK have infiltrated the wider sets of awards has also been nominated for Most Outstanding British Professional, along with James Beim, Malcolm Borwick, Nacho Gonzalez and Luke Tomlinson. British players dominate the nominations for Most Outstanding Low Handicapped Player, with Matthew Perry, Edmund Parsons, George Hanbury, Guy Schwarzenbach and Spencer McCarthy on the shortlist.
Last year’s winner of the Most Outstanding Lady Player, Nina Clarkin (pictured at the 2010 ceremony), is nominated again
Spencer McCarthy, winner of the Warwickshire and the Prince of Wales with his Emlor team, has also been nominated for the Most Outstanding High Goal Patron award. British player Nina Clarkin is in the running for Most Outstanding Lady Player again, the award she won last year. She faces competition from her sister Tamara Vestey, Rosie Ross, Emma Tomlinson and Sarah Wiseman. Nominated for the Outstanding Arena Team award are Michael Bickford’s Cold Smoke, Simon Holley’s Ocho Rios and Heiko Voelker’s Tchogan. The 2010 season Victor Ludorum winners will pick up their awards on the night. The 18-goal was won by Black Bears, the 15-goal by Emlor, the 12goal by Ferne Park and AFB won the 8-goal. w To see the full list of nominees and cast your vote, go to www.audipoloawards.com
Indian designer launches fashionable polo collection him for allegedly causing the death by dangerous driving of a 23-yearold student early last year. He’s pictured here at April’s US Open final, looking noticeably thinner than his former self.
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DESIGNER RINA SHAH launched a new polo-inspired collection, Rinaldi Polo, at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai in mid-March (right). The glamorous line includes equestrian and polo prints on large handbags with bamboo handles and high-heeled long boots. Three of India’s top polo players, Angad Kalan, Kamran Ahmed and Shrinivas Bobade, helped model the collection.
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News
Top young pros to come together for charity at Marriners Farm
Max Charlton, who played in the Gaucho International and the Arena Gold Cup final in February, will play at Marriners Farm
A FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE for the Hampshire Hunt is organising an exclusive charity polo match on Sunday 29 May at Amelia Northbrook’s private polo ground at Marriners Farm, Hampshire. The event will be raising money for the Hampshire Hunt and Action on Addiction. The gates will open at noon for picnic lunches and the afternoon will kick off with a champagne reception and tea at 3pm, during which an exhibition Pony Club match will take place with players from branches across southern England
competing in a fun two-chukka game. The main event, following on at 5pm, will feature three teams put together by Alan Kent. A collection of young British talent will be taking part, including Jack Richardson, Richard Le Poer, Max Routledge, Max Charlton, John Kent, George Meyrick, Lanto Sheridan and Nick Pepper. w For tickets, email info@poloatmarriners.com, or go to www.poloatmarriners.com for the full information on the afternoon’s activities
Polo Times loves... …Cool Iceboxes. The Cool Icebox Company offers a wide range of British built cool boxes, ideal for keeping your food and drink cold. With the summer polo season upon us, this handy bit of kit is essential for transporting your picnic and can also be used to sit or stand on. The Nomad range can hold full size wine or champagne bottles; up to two litres upright. They are lockable, Food Hygiene approved, waterproof, hold a five-year warranty and retain no smells or stains. They can also keep food hot. The Sherpa cool boxes, ideal for families or those with big picnics, are available with an attachable cushion as an added extra, allowing polo-goers to make it into a seat on the sidelines. For companies looking to take their colleagues out to a day of polo, Cool Iceboxes also offer corporate branding on their products. w Buy yours now by visiting www.coolicebox.co.uk
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Polo Times, May 2011
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News News in brief w THANDI WOOLDRIDGE AND her sister-in-law, Julie Wooldridge, are running in the Deep River Rock Belfast Marathon on 2 May in memory of Ian Wooldridge. The pair are raising funds for the Mourne Mountain Rescue team, who were the first people on the scene of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ian, Charlie Stisted and their pilot, AJ Smith. At the time of going to press, they had raised nearly £10,000. If you would like to donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/twelveoaks. w LOCAL RESIDENTS IN Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, have been pleading with planning officials to reject plans for a new polo club to be built on the local estate amid fears that an influx of horseboxes, players and spectators will cause misery for the village. Anthony Cecil plans to build an instructional club. However, the HPA are unaware of a new club being built, suggesting it may evolve as a private club.
Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Nations Cup - England vs Argentina England played Argentina on Thursday 21 April on the Palermo number one field as Polo Times was going to press. The England team played off their Argentine handicaps, as follows. England (28): 1. James Beim (7); 2. Mark Tomlinson (7); 3. Malcolm Borwick (6); 4. Luke Tomlinson (captain) (8). Argentina (27): 1. Tomas Gabarini (2); 2. Valerio Zubiaurre Jr (5); 3. Gonzalo Pieres Jr (10); 4. Facundo Pieres (10). The HPA would like to thank Harald Link and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club for supporting the team. See the June edition of Polo Times for a full report from Buenos Aires.
w NORFOLK POLO CLUB will be hosting their inaugural polo festival on 18-19 June. There will be four matches on the Saturday, with an exhibition match and dinner to follow. Finals day will be on the Sunday.
Welfare Booklets Welfare Booklets will be sent to all club welfare officers for distribution to members at the beginning of the season. They are produced in both English and Spanish. Please read them and pass them on to your grooms.
w SPA BRAND ELEMIS will be the title sponsor of Polo at the Manor, held at Celtic Manor on 2 July. A number of hospitality packages are available, including lunch and private polo pods with luxury picnic hampers. For more, see www.poloatthemanor.co.uk.
Membership Card All HPA members will receive a pocket rule-book and those with a handicap of –2 or above will be sent a membership card. The cards allow club managers to verify player’s handicaps and memberships easily and efficiently.
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The updated rules and umpire DVD will be put on the website. The above will only be distributed to players once the HPA has been both notified of their membership and given their correct postal addresses by their club. Please ensure your club has your full contact details. Handicap changes The end of season arena handicap changes will be effective from Sunday 1 May. These can be viewed in the latest news section on the home page of www.hpa-polo.co.uk Dates for the diary Monday 2 May 11am – Development Play Day, Cowdray Area Monday 9 May 11am – Development Play Day, Trewsbury, Nr Cirencester Monday 9 May 2.30pm – Council Meeting, Cavalry & Guards Club, London Wednesday 11 May 10am – Voluntary Assistants Course, Beaufort Polo Club Wednesday 8 June 9.30am – Seminar for Coaches, RCBPC Monday 13 June 10am – Mid-Season Handicap Meeting, Sunningdale Park Hotel Wednesday 22 June 10.30am – Stewards Meeting, Cavalry & Guards Club, London w Contact the HPA for more details of these events
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Obituary
Mike Richmond 1919-2011 Diana Butler pays tribute to a fond member of Guards Polo Club, who watched from the sidelines with his faithful Labrador Busby, which inspired him to sponsor a trophy at the club
Dog-lover Mike Richmond sponsored the annual 0-2 goal Labrador Trophy at Guards Polo Club. Here he is pictured taking an active role in the trophy presentation
M
ike Richmond had been a member of Guards Polo Club since 1971 and was often found watching many of the games with his faithful Labrador, Busby. His interest in the breed inspired him to sponsor the Labrador Trophy, an amateur 0-2 goal tournament. Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Mike joined the South African Army at the outbreak of World War Two. When they reached Tobruk, where he and members of his company hailed a Red Cross ambulance, only to find it was full of Italian soldiers, they became prisoners of war. He joined the South African High Commission in 1947 and remained there until his retirement. Mike lived in a cottage at Blacknest Gate, which his nephew Norman now occupies, and he was
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a familiar figure in park activities particularly in earlier days with his late wife Diana. Until the last couple of years, during the season he would report to the Guards polo office on a daily basis to collect his match card and give them the benefit of his somewhat humorous advice before continuing on his walk with Busby. Very little escaped his eagle eye and I greatly enjoyed the unofficial commentary at club games, which he and Roger Oliver from the Royal Mews (who also died this winter) provided. Mike was a successful golfer and played at Wentworth where, at one stage, he held a handicap of six. Mike died on 19 March, aged 91. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labrador Trophy, held on 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 May, will be dedicated to dogs, which he would have loved.
Polo Times, May 2011
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the
Big
picture
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Flying without wings This shot captures both the tranquility of Kingston Polo Club’s beautiful setting and a sense of the speed of the polo that is played there. It shows Team Pegasus (in blue) against Bin 26 in the semi-final of the Jamaica Open last month. Bin 26, featuring England’s Jamie Le Hardy, went on to win this and the subsequent final, while Pegasus triumphed in the subsidiary final. The birds in the foreground found themselves constantly moved from one part of the ground to the other by the fast, end-to-end nature of the games, as the teams in the tournament all looked to play open, passing polo. It provided fantastic entertainment and encouraged the larger-than-ever crowd of spectators to stay on and celebrate long into the night at the after-party on finals’ day in Kingston’s clubhouse on the sidelines. ◗ See more photographs from the Jamaica Open on pages 48 and 86
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21/4/11 10:44:12
Comment
Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
Much talked-about rule must promote rather than protect home-grown talent
T
here’s a lot of chat about Home Grown Players (HGPs) and how we should nurture our own instead of picking from the crop of Overseas Players (OSPs) for the high-goal. I agree it’s a real shame that so few English players are in the Gold Cup this year – at the moment only six out of a total of 64 players across 16 teams – and I sincerely hope that the new rules proposed by the HPA (see pages 8-9 for full report) go some way to changing this for future years. But as the HPA rightly points out: “The aim is to produce better players, not better job security”, which leads on to the point of not confusing “protecting” a player with “promoting” them. Usually something that can stand on its own two feet doesn’t need protecting, but it may need promoting. I think it’s a bit like choosing any home-grown produce. With food, it’s down to what tastes better and is good value for money. So if the price reflects the quality, then, at the end of the day, the choice should be obvious. No more tweed Now that we have finally finished putting the long-awaited Cowdray Centenary book together, I have had time to reflect on some of
The sight of polo players donning overcoats and tweed jackets after the final chukka has long since disappeared from the game
season, and absolutely no arguing with the umpire, the other thing is tweed jackets (or tweed coats – I was once reliably informed that “Gentlemen wear coats, potatoes wear jackets”). Up until the 1970’s, all players seemed to change into their tweed jackets after a game and stride
Photograph courtesy of Horrace A Laffaye
As the HPA rightly points out – the aim is to produce better players, not better job security the things that have come to light which have completely disappeared from polo over the years. Apart from obvious things like polo ponies travelling to games on the train, wild parties every night of the week during the 18
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gallantly to the presentation in them. Even umpires wore them riding onto the field. Nowadays we have a dizzy array of hoodies, fleeces, and puffas – more practical, less itchy perhaps, but definitely more shabby than chic.
Getting in shape The problem about mainly playing polo during the English season and then only spasmodically during the rest of the year is that it takes a while for the body to re-adjust – particularly when that body is no longer 25. No amount of extra curricular activity such as running, cycling or skiing seems to make any difference when you find yourself back in the saddle after a few months off. So, I was fascinated to read about how amateur jockey and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sam Waley-Cohen, manages to keep so “riding fit” when he’s also running a chain of dental practices from London. Sam’s legs of steel
and core strength are apparently largely due to hours spent on his “simulated horse”. I decided to investigate this item further on the web and came across, amongst others, the dubiously named “Giddy Up” and “Joy Ride”. But far more alarming than the dodgy names was the YouTube video of a young Japanese lady who seemed to be finding the horse simulator considerably more exciting than she had bargained for. Somebody did once say that polo is the most fun you can have with your clothes on, but this is surely the giddy end. F w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 17:57:15
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21/4/11 10:45:38
Comment
Global view with Herbert Spencer
A dressing down for the scruffy stars of the polo world is long overdue
Photograph by Audi
G
entlemen’s attire at polo and après-polo may seem more appropriate as a subject for my fellow columnist Clare Milford Haven who, as former social editor of Tatler, knows much more about fashion than I do. But as the English season gets underway, I am suddenly hit by waves of nostalgia for the good old days when recommended “smart casual” dress for polo meant just that: casual as befits a sporting event and smart in keeping with the most elegant sport going. What has really prompted this GQ-style commentary, however, is the sight of high-goal polo professionals showing up at every kind of function, however important, looking as if they’d just come from the stables, wearing the scruffiest looking blue jeans and not-so-clean trainers. Whereas wives, girlfriends and lady players are taking pride in dressing up to the nines, a real fashion show, too many of the men are wearing clothes more suited to mucking out stalls. You don’t find this in any other sport. For example, footballers like David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand are fashion icons off the pitch, wearing the latest trendy gear, looking neat and oh-so-cool whether shopping in Sloane Street or attending a product launch or charity do. On the ground, polo players pay a lot of attention to presentation: well-polished boots, spotless whites, distinctive team shirts, custom-made body warmers and jackets to keep warm between chukkas. Even the ponies, so beautifully groomed, are often kitted out in matching saddle blankets and leg
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Last year’s Victor Ludorum 12-goal winners Apes Hill showed the high-goal players how to dress at the Audi Polo Awards
bandages. So why can’t polo’s stars look neat and fashionable off, as well as on, the field? I don’t think any generation gap is responsible for the leading polo professionals flouting convention and dressing like rebellious teenagers. Some of the offending players are in their
Why can’t polo’s stars look neat and fashionable off, as well as on, the field? thirties or forties. Nor can it be lack of cash to buy something more appropriate than jeans when the occasion demands it. Interestingly the derivation of “blue jeans” is the French “bleu de Gênes”, literally “blue of Genoa”. In past centuries the sailors of the Italian port wore trousers of a rough blue cloth, made in Turin,
to scrub the decks. This maritime version of work trousers predates Bavarian immigrant Levi Strauss’s development of the American cowboy’s jeans in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent times blue jeans have come in and out of fashion like a yo-yo. So-called “designer jeans” can cost a mint. But are they really appropriate for all manner of polo functions? I think not. So what will I be wearing to polo and après-polo this season? Sometimes I dream of a return to my favourite attire as a political writer in Atlanta, Georgia – a cross between “Southern gentleman” and Ivy League: cool seersucker suit, white buck shoes and bow tie. Well, maybe not, maybe instead my old but still respectable Haspel wash ‘n’ wear tan suit with a Panama hat. Or perhaps chinos and a classic navy blue blazer, tie-
less – this old fogy’s concession to the current fashion trend. Cooler or wet weather might require neat country corduroys, high-tech fleece jacket and waterproof – more casual but still, hopefully, smart. If it’s a black-tie do, I’ll follow convention and don the tuxedo I had tailored in Rome more years ago than I care to admit (but proud that it still fits), and a black bow tie I’ll tie myself. Please, no business suits and straight ties when the invitation states “black-tie”. I lay no claim to being a fashionable clotheshorse, but for sure what I won’t be wearing this season, whether to watch an important match or to party après-polo, are dirty trainers or the ragged Levis in which I’ve been digging in the garden. F w Read more from Herbert at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 17:56:34
COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB WELCOMES YOU TO
the 2011 Season Tournament
Handicap
Dates
British Ladies Open Tournament
OPEN
15 May – 21 May
Test match for The St. Regis International Cup
OPEN
Saturday 21 May
Tyro Cup
8-12
23 April-8 May
Dollar Cup
8-12
7 May-22 May
Duke of Sutherland
15-18
21 May-10 June
Cicero Cup
12-15
21 May-4 June
Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup
20-22
21 June –17 July
Holden White
4-8
16 July-30 July
Harrison Cup
12-15
18 July-31 July
Uberpolo 12 Goal
8-12
2 August-20 August
Challenge Cup
18-20
8 August-14 August
PSI Trophy
4-8
22 August-4 September
Autumn Cup
8-12
5 September-18 September
MEMBERSHIP
Please apply to the Polo Manager for details of playing membership. Non-playing membership enquiries are also invited. Please apply to the Polo Office 01730 813257
SPONSORSHIP
We offer many sponsorship opportunities, including tournament sponsorship, Best Playing Pony, Most Valuable Player, product placement and day sponsorship including a variety of exciting corporate hospitality opportunities. For further information please contact the Polo Office on 01730 813257.
Cowdray Park Polo Club, The Estate Office, Cowdray Park, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0AQ
Telephone: 01730 813257 www.cowdraypolo.co.uk e-mail: enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk PT p20-21 Global View JOS MB PJ.indd 3
21/4/11 10:49:06
Comment
Umpire’s corner with Arthur Douglas-Nugent
The updated Blue Book rules target better sportsmanship and quicker play
W
ith the season fast upon us and the Blue Book in print it is time to look at the changes to the rules. I have previously mentioned that the right of the captain to ask for an explanation after a penalty has been withdrawn. This brings us closer to the Argentine ruling that the players may have no discourse with the umpires. Under our ruling players are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, both to each other and to the officials. At no stage may a player, now including the team captain, approach or shadow either umpire after the whistle has blown. Nor may any player query a decision of the umpires; this includes any sort of gesture to another player, the officials or spectators. When the umpires agree that a foul has been committed they will announce only the name of the team that has fouled, what the foul was and the penalty awarded. Thus: “Foul by red for blocking. Penalty 4.” If unsportsmanlike behaviour occurs during play, the whistle will be blown and a technical penalty (Rule 38) will be awarded against the team of the perpetrator. If the incident occurs outside of play then the penalty, if one has been awarded, should be upgraded or, if not, a technical penalty given.
these circumstance, has the option of hitting it forward or playing a backhand shot. Should he cut the ball to his offside and take up the new line without slowing down he is also unlikely to be penalised.
The changes to the Blue Book rules this season have banned the kind of dialogue seen between Lolo Castognola and the umpires at the Argentine Open final.
In all Victor Ludorum matches a second personal or technical foul against a player will be accompanied by a yellow flag against that player (Rule 41). Another change I have discussed previously is the referee’s ability to award a technical penalty from the sidelines. In all cases when awarding a technical penalty the umpire should raise his hand. On the turn And so on to the rule on crossing and turning. There is really no change in the rule as a cross has always been a cross, but over the years there has developed a sort of divine right to cross an opponent if in the act of turning the ball. The rule as now written is very specific to this foul in that the
words “turn left or right across” (Rule 33a) have been included. Thus the moment the player in possession checks or slows down to turn the ball either way, the umpires should be alerted to the probability that he will commit a foul if there is an opponent following in close order.
Players are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner on the field For a foul to be awarded, the following player must remain committed at such a speed and distance that, were he to continue down the line, a collision or near collision would have resulted. The player with the ball, under
Mending the tap The third major change concerns the “One Tap” rule (Rule 33p), which is horribly artificial but does help to speed up the game. The distance from the player with the ball to an opponent who is deemed to be challenging has been increased from one to two lengths. Perhaps more significantly, the penalty for a breach of the rule has been raised from a Penalty 7 (a throw in) to a Penalty 5a (a hit from the spot). This will be policed with the usual proviso that it will not be awarded against a defender within his own 60 yard line. That is about it except that Annexes C (guidelines for tournaments) and D (conditions for official HPA tournaments) have been amalgamated to avoid unnecessary duplication. Please let the HPA know if you think any other rules need to be looked at. F w Read more from Arthur at www.polotimes.co.uk w See page 79 for this month’s Products featuring umpire’s kit
Play goes on until the whistle blows… This month’s puzzle Under what circumstances can a team play with three players?
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Last month’s solution A team is awarded a penalty and the striker goes off to change onto his steadiest pony. While off the ground a teammate places the ball as time is running short but, unaware of this, the penalty taker on return replaces the ball. This is a violation under Rule 39b that states that only one player may place the ball. The umpire should blow the whistle and award a Penalty 5a against the team about to take the penalty. www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 14:04:22
3$''2&.6 )25 +256(6
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6$/7 :$7(5 322/
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21/4/11 10:52:09
Comment
Your views
Letters letters@polotimes.co.uk or The Editor, Polo Times, East End Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX Please include your postal address or nearest town on all Letters to the Editor
Hooray for Herbert Sir, I wish to echo and strongly support Herbert Spencer’s call for a moral stand against “fake” internationals which practice damages the image and integrity of the sport. It is high time to put an end to the recruitment of polo mercenaries who parade as nationals other than their own and thus distort the level playing field of international polo
Letter of the month Pony welfare must be brought into the 21st century Sir, I just can’t take it any more! The final straw was receiving the minutes of the recent pony welfare meeting from the HPA. There, bold as brass, was the immortal line: “some fat which could then be turned into muscle”. Fat cannot be turned into muscle. Or into any other tissue, for that matter. This, and other absurd myths no longer have any place in an increasingly professional equestrian sport and, quite frankly, the cognoscenti should know better. Polo is light years behind eventing and racing in terms of a real understanding and knowledge of horses within the sport. Out-dated practices still abound – from poor feeding practice to bad management. Too many ponies are still fed very basic oat based diets (deficient in the correct vits and mins) based on nothing more than “tradition”. How many players understand the superior benefits of a high oil, high fibre, diet for improved stamina, performance, health and temperament? As for withholding hay, feed and even water for hours before a game – this is still common practice, despite overwhelming evidence that this has a detrimental effect. Another example is the practice of giving a horse “air” the day before a big game. A horse needs 72 hours after strenuous exercise for glycogen levels to return to normal. So by sprinting a horse and inducing anaerobic muscle activity 24 hours before a match, the horse will actually have less energy the following day and will tire sooner because glycogen levels will be low. [See page 66 - ed.] I could go on – overgirthing, overheating tendons etc – suffice to say that it has to come from the top down. Players and team managers need to step up and take the intelligent, scientific approach to the management of their horses. Of course there are well-informed owners in polo and to those I apologise for preaching to the converted – but the industry needs to set new standards. Aurora Eastwood Winchester, Hampshire The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of La Chamiza Argentine red wine
Marvellous memories of polo in Pakistan
competition. The Federation of International Polo (FIP) would be best placed to take the initiative and come up with some simple rules and penalties for those who break them. The “French” team which won the 27th Polo World Cup on Snow in St. Moritz might have been an example of entente cordiale but it made a travesty of true international competition. Dr Karl H Pagac France 24
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Sir, I was interested by your two recent items on polo in Pakistan; the letter from Ijaz Chaudry in the April edition and the article by Bina Shah in March. These two pieces reminded me of my own experiences of polo in Pakistan. In 2009/10 I was based in Islamabad and had the very great fortune of working with a true gentleman, polo player extraordinaire and now great friend, Agha Murtaza Ali; who was also a committee member at Lahore Polo Club. Clearly the two of us were delighted to find a kindred spirit in the other, and got down to the serious business of planning, and then playing some polo! Agha very kindly organised everything and I shortly found myself competing in, and in fact
Marcus Lawler (left) and his team from the 2010 Hanuf Rajput Cup in Lahore
winning, a local 4-goal Hanuf Rajput Cup. As well as leaving Pakistan with some silverware, I also left with my fondest polo memories to date as I found everyone incredibly tolerant and generous with their time. Polo in Pakistan, well Lahore at any rate, is played on very hard and dusty grounds at an incredible speed. The style of play does not allow for any tippy tapping of the ball and it is
all big booming shots and hard riding to win possession – the polo purists who often write in these pages would be delighted. In short, polo in Pakistan is a hard sport played by hard men. Despite this competitive nature I did not find a single player who was not a great sportsman and gentlemen, as Mr Chaudry described Hissam Ali Hyder to be. Ms Shah correctly writes that polo in Pakistan has some way to go, but then it faces unique challenges in a country still effectively run by the military. I have a burning desire to return and to one day host a team from Lahore in the UK. Marcus Lawler London www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:02:00
Your views
Comment
Hipwood’s tactical analysis a real treat Sir, It was refreshing to read Howard Hipwood’s instructive commentary on the final match of the International Snow Polo Championship in China between England and Argentina at Tianjin in the April edition of Polo Times (pages 44-48). It provided an intriguing and revealing discussion on the application and importance of adopting the correct tactics in closely fought matches. Behind the scene analysis like this is rarely
found in the normal polo report. Any chance of twisting Mr Hipwood’s arm to provide further polo commentaries? Hugh Brett Oxfordshire Editor’s note: We’ll certainly aim to persuade him. See page 40 for Howard’s brother Julian’s US Open views Howard Hipwood’s expert commentary proved popular
Some think the proposed HGP rule will be open to abuse
Home Grown rule sparks much debate Badly thought through Sir, in view of the lamentable number of Home Grown Players I am delighted that the HPA initiated the dialogue with patrons to try and address the situation. Unfortunately, I was amazed by the contents of Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers’ letter of 4 April as all the proposed changes will, in fact, have the reverse effect. They will simply make higher handicapped polo more inaccessible to most patrons. There is already a lack of 15-goal teams, and making it six chukkas will increase the cost enormously and put even more patrons off. Both patrons and pros will require at least three more ponies at a cost of £25,000. This is just not feasible for most young UK pros. Additionally, raising it to 16goal will increase costs further as higher handicap pros will be needed. The same logic goes for the 18-goal being raised to 20. Finally, the Home Grown Players scheme will simply mean wealthy foreigners sending their children to England to play for www.polotimes.co.uk
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free for three summers. This will leave even less space for young British players in teams at vital ages (12 to 20). The proposals have been really badly thought through. I have sent my concerns directly to David Woodd. I hope the proposals will be reconsidered. Martin Ephson, patron Marlborough, Wiltshire An insult to many Sir, while I think I understand the intention of the Home Grown Player Rule being a positive to support English players in the UK, I can’t help but think that it only supports those that were privileged enough to grow
up playing polo. What about the English guys that started as grooms and didn’t have the money or support to be able to play polo at such a young age? We have players that have represented England, played the high goal, promoted polo and are building businesses to support UK polo that would basically no longer be able to play high-goal here unless they make it to six-goals. What thanks or support is that? It is an insult to those who have worked so hard to get where they are, to now have no chance at a high goal contract simply because of their upbringing. Mat Lodder, four-goaler Berkshire Unnecessary elitism Sir, I just read the new rule update regarding ‘home grown players’ and I am strong in the opinion Under proposed rules, young overseas pros who play in the UK in their teens would count as homegrown
that this is a load of nonsense. What about the incredibly talented players who were not fortunate to play as youngsters due to their socio-economic status before later unearthing an amazing talent. Why exclude these people and make your sport unnecessarily elitist? Jessica Brooker Ascot, Berkshire It’s not all bad Sir, I have spoken to many polo people over the last two weeks who are fuming about the new Home Grown Player Rule, but I feel I have to stand up for the HPA a bit. The rule may not be the absolute ideal solution, but people must realise how the HPA’s hands are tied by EU legislation. Furthermore, while bringing through English talent is very important, there are other factors, such as the wishes of sponsors and patrons, which the HPA must also juggle. Rebecca Lacey Sussex Polo Times, May 2011
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Feature
Interview – Charlie Gordon-Watson
Not just another big-time
Charlie
Catherine Austen meets famed bloodstock agent and Cirencester zero-goal patron Charlie Gordon-Watson, and finds him to be passionate about re-training ex-racehorses and promoting young polo talent as he gears up for his one-off high-goal experience
When and why did you start playing polo? When I was 18 I spent a few months in Argentina with Hector Barrantes, working as a groom. Then, 22 years later, Madeleine Lloyd-Webber, who’s an old friend, phoned and asked me: “If I started a club, would you play?” I said yes. I was hunting all winter and I missed riding in the summer but I’m not someone who can just go for a ride and I wasn’t going to take up eventing. I like team games, ball games and physical things – polo has all that. I’ve been playing for 10 years now. What is your involvement? I have a team called Felix. Last year we played 42 games at Cirencester, more than any other team. I keep seven ponies at Sydmonton [Charlie lives in a house on the Lloyd-Webbers’ estate in Hampshire]. And how did you become involved in racing and become a bloodstock agent? I wanted to be a trainer and worked for Captain Ryan Price and Fulke Johnson Houghton before I decided training was too risky. I then got a job at Robert Sangster’s stud on the Isle of Man, but I instantly clashed with the chap in charge. After a year I went to see Robert and said: “Either he goes or I do.” I was on the next boat home, 26
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but it taught me everything – a real fast track experience. So, I set up on my own as a bloodstock agent when I was 25, which was very young, but you probably need to be that age to have the balls and the energy to do it. What have been your career highlights? In racing, buying nine Classic winners, including Derby winner Kris Kin, 30
is a chance that one of the mares could produce this year’s Derby winner; the foal that the mare was carrying at the time is currently third-favourite for the race. Baker [who was found guilty of fraud] was incredibly clever; he managed to dupe around £60 million out of his victims so I was only a bit part player with around £3 million of it – I hasten to add that it did not cost me that.
“I’d love to have an official involvement in the Retraining of Racehorses organisation as it’s something I really believe in” individual Group One winners and 20 Royal Ascot winners. In polo, winning any HPA tournament at our level is a great thrill and we have been lucky enough to win the six-goal Kingscote Cup at Cirencester in 2008 and 2009. And your lows? Undoubtedly the Michael Baker fiasco [where Charlie bought millions of pounds worth of bloodstock for a man who had no intention of paying for them]. Now, nearly four years later, it is still not unravelled but we are getting there and some good has come out of it – the horses bought have turned out to be good investments. There
Fortunately it did not stop me from doing anything I wanted to do, but it was very much a lesson learned. Are there any similarities or crossovers between racing and polo? The main similarity is that they both cost a lot! The crossover mostly occurs at the highest level, such as patrons who also own racehorses. Sumaya’s Ahmad Aboughazale, for example, has horses in training in America and Chile. Polo has opened up a few things for me. If a client from the polo world wanted to buy racehorses, he might go for me rather than another agent because we share a www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:03:45
Charlie Gordon-Watson (second from left) and his Felix team celebrate their 2008 Kingscote Cup success at Cirencester. They went on to retain the crown in 2009
What do you think racing could learn from polo? The amazing thing about polo is there really is no financial reward. In racing, you can buy an expensive yearling and, if it’s good, you can get some money back. If racing owners www.polotimes.co.uk
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had a high-goal polo team it would cost them as much, if not more, and you wouldn’t get any money back. Polo’s a one-way ticket. After polo, racing’s cheap! Believe me, I’ve had quite a few clients in racing who have been involved in high-goal polo, and they certainly take the attitude than polo is a hobby rather than a business investment. However, the best racehorse owners are those who have been in polo.They have a genuine interest in horses, because they ride, and they understand the whole thing better. And I would have thought for the patron who gets too old to play, the next thing is to own racehorses. Not that I’ve managed to move anyone across yet. Polo has a lot more glamour and racing
would love the sponsors polo has. It’s also very well run. The HPA is very efficient and there are no warring factions or divided interests, making it streets ahead of racing. Polo is run by people who understand the sport and are passionate about it. Racing could learn a lot from that.
Photograph by Christopher Fear
common interest. And here’s a funny story – about three years ago I recognised a grey thoroughbred gelding David Ashby was riding called Rimrock. It was a yearling I had bought for 120,000gns by Royal Applause, which had been sold out of racing for 800gns. He was a half-brother to [dual Group One-winning mare] Simply Perfect and there he was playing against me!
Emma Tomlinson’s Polo Studbook is being launched this year. Do you think this will significantly help the polo breeding industry? Yes. I’d like to know a lot more about the breeding of the ponies I buy. I asked someone recently which the best racehorse stallions for polo were, and no one seems to know – or if they do they won’t tell you. I’m a huge fan of ex-racehorses going into u Polo Times, May 2011
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Feature
Interview – Charlie Gordon-Watson
Photographs by Emma Berry
of 12-goals at the end of the year. The team will also play their first and last high-goal game. Last year, at an auction at the Westbury Cup, my friend Adrian de Ferranti and I got carried away and ended up buying a lot: “Polo nirvana – La Aguada versus Ellerstina, and you”. Andrew Hine is organising it, and I’m playing with Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres against Adrian and the Novillo Astradas. We are holding it at Sydmonton at some point between the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup.
Charlie Gordon Watson (right) in discussion with fellow bloodstock expert Ted Voute and trainer William Haggas
u polo – I have two myself – and there should be a careful record of every English or Irish thoroughbred that goes into polo so we can see which bloodlines work best. What type of ex-racehorse is best suited to polo? Polo ponies need to be flexible and agile, they need good bone, a good pastern angle, and to be relatively short-backed and compact with
“I’m playing in a charity high-goal game with Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres against the Novillo Astradas” powerful quarters — a sprinter, basically, with explosive speed. I have a mare that I bought from Claire Tomlinson who has sprinting blood through and through. She’s by Petong out of a Mummy’s Pet mare.
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What are your own ambitions within polo? To win as many tournaments as possible! I would like to try and win the Gerald Balding Cup this year. We came close last year, losing in the semifinal. Mostly I’d like to stay competitive; I like to be good value for my zerogoal handicap.
Racing is your business; polo and hunting are your hobbies. Which do you prefer? Polo. At one time I had five or six hunters and hunted four days a week; now I have seven polo ponies and two hunters. I was jointmaster of the Cottesmore until three years ago and field mastered one of the best hunting counties in England for eight seasons. I don’t enjoy it like I used to. Nine times out of 10 you enjoy a polo match, whereas you get more bad days than good days out hunting. F
What are your playing plans for this year? Felix will play all the six and eight-goal tournaments at Cirencester, and possibly a couple
Photograph by Nicki Randall
Are you involved with Retraining of Racehorses at all? Not in an official capacity, but I do some judging for them and attend some of their days. I have judged the best playing pony at the Gold Cup semi-finals for the past two years. I would like to have an official
involvement as it is something I believe in and feel I am in a position to be of some value.
Who is playing for Felix this year? Rob Cudmore is my mentor and organises it all. We were lucky to have Ollie Cudmore two years ago and his brother Matt last year. This year, Dave Miller and Harry White will be playing for us and I hope Tom de Bruin will be able to fit us in to his plans; we have had a lot of fun with him ever since he arrived here from South Africa as a threegoaler. I am proud of the fact that Tom and Ollie have gone on to play in the high-goal having played most of their low-goal polo with Felix.
Charlie Gordon Watson in action for Felix at Cirencester
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PT p26-29 interview JM MB PJ.indd 5
Polo Times, May 2011
29
21/4/11 14:02:03
Feature
Machinery special
The A to Z that makes the season go ahead With outdoor polo about to get into full swing, clubs have been working round the clock to get their fields and equipment shipshape, for which they need a wide range of machinery behind the scenes that you may not know about, as Georgie May reveals
A is for aerators Aeration of polo grounds helps with both drainage and reduces turf compaction. Verti-drainers, or spike aerators, puncture the ground allowing water, nutrients and air to infiltrate the soil, keeping the grass in good condition. Over the season, thundering hooves compact the turf so clubs must make sure they aerate the ground regularly to relieve compaction. Core aerators are specifically designed to relieve turf compaction. B is for Briggs “We use Briggs Irrigation to irrigate our fields,” Beaufort’s head groundsman, Mark Neale, said. “We have two reels and two booms which means we can irrigate a whole ground on just one run.”
C is for costs Clubs may spend anything from £15,000 to £40,000 on equipment and machinery each year, however, the recent recession has meant some clubs have had to slash their spending, as Cotswold Turf Care’s and Cirencester’s groundsman Philip Cole explains: “At Cirencester, we’d usually allow ourselves £15,000 to £20,000 a year to spend on machinery. However the recession has meant we’ve spent barely anything in the past four years.” D is for depreciation As with any vehicle, machinery will depreciate over time. “When machines start costing a lot to service, such as gang mowers, it makes sense to trade them in for new ones,” Beaufort’s Mark Neale said. “When our service bills were reaching £5,000 we traded in our gang mowers. Although we’ve got rid of them all together now as we found the sand on our grounds was ruining them.” E is for engines The horsepower of a tractor engine must be taken into account when pulling equipment, such as mowers. Most clubs will invest in tractors with around 80-100 horsepower.
30
F is for flail collectors Major Equipment manufactures flail collectors, popular with polo clubs for cutting and collecting grass. The Major MJ2000 Flail Collector has a cutting width of 12mm to 250mm, making them ideal for cutting grounds or topping fields. Robustly constructed, the machine is guaranteed to withstand the rigors of continuous use. G is for Greenheath Greenheath, based in Newmarket, sells used machinery to various polo clubs around the country. Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club has bought mowers, tractors, top dressers and verti-drainers through the company, run by Thomas Clayton, a two-goal polo player. They sell tractors and mowers together, costing from around £6,000 for something cheap and cheerful, up to £50,000 for top-of-the-range second-hand items. H is for hire If budgets won’t allow you to buy all the machinery you need, hiring equipment or contracting the job out to firms such as Marshall Earthmoving is a popular option. Greenheath offer a “polo package” where customers can hire a tractor and mower for the season, costing anything from £4,000 upwards.
Polo Times, May 2011
PT p30-33 machines feature JM PJ.indd 2
21/4/11 11:42:33
Machinery special
Feature
The Major Rollermower comes in two different sizes and is a popular choice for many clubs, pictured above left mowing the Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club. Greenheath, founded by two-goaler Thomas Clayton (above right), buy and sell second-hand equipment including mowers and tractors, as well as offering a hire service
I is for irrigators Irrigation systems come in various forms. Most common are hose reels with cannons or rain guns attached to the reels. Boom irrigators are much more accurate that rain guns, saving 20 per cent more water, however, they are more expensive to buy. If you plan to irrigate your ground, a good drainage system must also be in place to avoid puddling on the ground. White Horse Contractors having many years experience installing fully integrated irrigation systems. J is for John Deere John Deere sell an extensive range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, mowers, sprayers, drills and utility vehicles. Particularly popular are their tractors, used up and down the country by the polo fraternity. K is for Kestrel Kestrel Contractors specialise in constructing new polo grounds from scratch as well as upgrading old or low-goal existing fields through renovation. The company can install irrigation and drainage systems, and have laser graders to create laser-levelled grounds.
L is for Logic Whether you need a paddock cleaner, a chain harrow, aerator, mower, spreader or arena equipment, Logic will have it. The compnay specialises in equestrian equipment and machinery, ideal for any polo club. M is for Major Equipment Major have been manufacturing equipment for 30 years and have been involved in the polo market for the past 15 years and offer something for everyone. “Although our 16000 and 20000 Rollermowers are most popular, for small clubs on a tighter budget we also sell a 8400GR Rollermower,” Eibhlin Murphy of Major Equipment told Polo Times. “It is the removable part of the 16000 mower which can be used on its own.” N is for Nicholson Machinery Nicholson Machinery have sold more than 500 of their Paddock Cleaners worldwide over the past five years, with a number of polo clubs on their list of customers. The robust machine collects droppings and other debris and is operable in all conditions, saving time and money by not having to clear
PT p30-33 machines feature JM PJ.indd 3
your paddocks manually. The low noise level also means it avoids problems with horses. O is for open eye Buyers must have an open eye when purchasing machinery from a private seller or a small, unknown company. “You must be careful when buying second-hand machinery,” as Greenheath’s Thomas Clayton explains. “Look how original it is, if it has been resprayed there is usually a reason for it. I have heard of people buying written-off tractors very cheaply from eBay, which were then bolted back together and re-sprayed. Be wary of VAT. Some sellers will charge it when they are not actually VAT registered. Lastly, when you are buying an enginepowered machine, it must come with a certificate of conformity, and implements must be stamped with a ‘C’ mark.” P is for prevention Prevent your machinery from breaking down by checking the oil and water regularly. Gearbox oils on mowers must also be checked frequently; a new gearbox for a mower will cost around £450. For every 10-12 hours a machine is used, make sure to re-grease it. Mower blades should also be checked and adjusted every working day they are used. u Polo Times, May 2011
31
21/4/11 11:42:44
Feature
Machinery special
Tractors, ideally 80-100 horsepower, and mowers are two pieces of equipment that are vital for any club, in order for them to keep their polo grounds in top shape
u
Q is for quadbikes Quadbikes are an essential piece of kit, useful for moving equipment around, harrowing arenas, feeding ponies out in the fields and putting up scoreboards and goal posts. They are easy to run and will be found in many polo club’s sheds. R is for Rollermower Cowdray, Cirencester, Hurtwood, Kirtlington and Guards all own a Major TDR Rollermower. As one of Major’s most popular mowers, it is available in two different models – either with a 16 foot cutting width or a 20 foot cutting width – and it has a rear deck that can be removed and used independently of the main machine. The roller in the mower helps level out divots on the ground, doing two jobs in one. S is for sand For those clubs that apply a top dressing of sand to their fields on a regular basis, for example Beaufort, purchasing a sand-spreader can be worthwhile. However, some clubs may opt to hire a sand-spreader or contract the job out to a company. T is for tractors Whether you need to pull a mower, harrow, sand spreader or paddock cleaner, you’ll need a tractor to do the job. Tractors 32
Polo Times, May 2011
PT p30-33 machines feature JM PJ.indd 4
with low ground pressure and floatation type tyres are best for using on polo grounds. New Holland tractors are a popular choice, with Cirencester and Beaufort both owning them. Greenheath offer a range of tractors including Massey Ferguson and John Deere. U is for utility vehicles “We have a sit-on line marker at Cirencester,” groundsman Philip Cole said. “It’s like a converted go-kart and it makes linemarking quick and easy.” The John Deere Gator utility vehicle also makes a good line-marking machine. Utility vehicles can include any motorised vehicle designed for a specific task, such as quadbikes, buggies, used to ship guests around polo grounds at events, and 4x4s. V is for vital For any club, large or small, there are always a few items of machinery that are vital. Firstly, some sort of tractor is a must. A ride-on mower and large rotary or gang mower are required to keep the grounds in top shape as, particularly during the summer, a club will need to mow their playing grounds on a weekly basis. A ride-on mower is handy to mow around the scoreboards and areas too difficult for a tractor and rotary mower to get to. An assortment of strimmers for strimming around the boards and tidying are also important.
W is for winter “We power wash all our machines in the autumn before putting them away in the sheds for the winter,” Cole explains. “We also make sure there is no water sitting in our irrigation reels before they are stored and we keep everything undercover.” “If you can keep your machinery on hard standing or undercover during the winter months then inevitably it will last longer,” says Major Equipment’s Eibhlin Murphy. X is for xcess (machinery) If you have excess machinery sitting around that you do not want anymore, Greenheath buy second-hand equipment, saving you time trying to sell it privately. Y is for yearly tasks Yearly tasks include renewing your insurance, taxing your vehicles – not forgetting your tractors – and having your machinery serviced as and when required. Z is for ze end of ze feature F
w Read our related feature in the April issue, which focuses on maintaining the perfect ground. Call for back issues on 01993 886885 www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:42:55
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PT p30-33 machines feature JM PJ.indd 5
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Polo Times, May 2011
33
21/4/11 11:43:05
Feature
High-goal season’s preview
You have to be in it to win it With plenty of changes at the top, and high-goal polo under the microscope more than ever in light of the ongoing discussions at the HPA, we ask the Sultan of Swing himself to analyse which sides are likely to be worth watching this summer
John Horswell in Berkshire
Photographs by Abi Walmsley and Yolanda Carslaw
I
have spent days studying the teams for this season’s high-goal tournaments, the previous year’s results, the players in form, pony power and every other factor imaginable. And, having done all this, I would like to be able to tell you that I am now absolutely certain of the eventual winners of what is potentially the last year for some time of the Queen’s and Gold cups at the 22-goal level. However, I would not wish to lie to you – I am probably more clueless now than I was before. Of course, I expect the traditional powerhouses to be competitive, as ever, but Dubai in particular have changed their line-up considerably. Lechuza Caracas have just come into form in the USA but have recently unfortunately withdrawn from the UK polo scene, hopefully only temporarily. Les Lions, who came good in the Gold Cup
34
Polo Times, May 2011
PT p34-35 grass season feature JM PJ MB.indd 2
Despite significant changes to the Dubai team’s lineup, Cambiaso should never be underestimated
last year, have concentrated their resources this season on just one team, moving the two Merlos professionals from Les Lions II to play with Joachim Gottschalk and promising young South African Chris MacKenzie. They could be useful. New entrants into the mix, particularly Ahmibah (calling themselves Richard Mille) and Las Monjitas, will also make things interesting and yet, all the while, I can’t help being distracted by the knowledge of the likely return of James Packer’s Ellerston next year. Indeed, with so few English players this
year (where have they all disappeared to?), and the recent news about the new homegrown player rules and a potential jump to 24-goal polo next year, it seems the 2012 season is already an elephant looming in the back of the room for everyone. It’s a very unusual position to be in, wondering about next year at the start of this season, but it seems we are – at the very least – in for potentially the most fluid (and hopefully interesting) couple of years we have ever seen in the English high-goal scene. This is a year where we have seen some patrons already cut some traditional ties and start building for the future. No more Heguys at Les Lions, the Novillos gone from Zacara and what must have been the biggest wrench of all, no Marcos Heguy at Azzurra. Couple that with the changing of the Guard at Enigma and the new teams mentioned above, and we are looking at only a handful of teams maintaining continuity. Silver Spring, El Remanso and of course La Bamba may well reap the benefits of that policy while the newer line-ups settle. Indeed, I think that the first two could be the teams to spring the surprises this year www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:45:56
High-goal season’s preview
Feature
The Gold Cup at a glance John’s top Gold Cup team picks: Dubai Tariq Albwardy Lucas Criado Adolfo Cambiaso Ollie Cudmore
2 7 10 3
La Bamba de Areco Jean-Francois Decaux 0 Gonzalito Pieres 10 Facundo Pieres 10 Matt Perry 2
New teams this season:
Spectators enjoying the action at the quarter-final stage of the 2010 Cowdray Park Gold Cup. As Horswell explains, who gets there this year is anyone’s guess, though he thinks Dubai are best placed to retain the title
and, if I was absolutely forced to show my hand, I would suggest La Bamba would be the number one seed for the Queen’s Cup at this stage. The hangover season after their win in 2009 is now out of the way and I think that the confidence boost of the
Targeting both the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup can sometimes be a team’s undoing, but Dubai’s ponies always have gas in the tank Triple Crown in Buenos Aires and some good performances in Palm Beach will bring the Pieres brothers to the boil early. The key question is which of the new formations can start playing good polo early on? Or, failing that, who will be ready to launch a good challenge in time for the Gold Cup? Juanma (Juan Martin Nero) is in the form of his life and, having looked somewhat discouraged at times last year, I think a change of air might help if he has the right help – if so, this could be his and Enigma’s season. I’ll also be watching as many of Pablo MacDonough and Alejandro Muzzio’s games as I can (for Richard Mille), as those two are likely to be QUICK! www.polotimes.co.uk
PT p34-35 grass season feature JM PJ MB.indd 3
Meanwhile, the teams where the three professionals are more evenly balanced are tricky to predict. Having worked with a few of them, they tend to take time to settle and, when they come up against a big player on form on the better grounds, they can easily have their perennial problem – their nemesis – one really bad chukka that kills their chances. So that really just leaves Dubai. Cambiaso IS still the man, make no mistake. If he wants to, he can make things happen, as his ponies have the gas in the tank. Add to that the fact that the handicappers have been very kind, then on paper they look good again, having added a bandit (Lucas Criado) and a cheap ringer (Ollie Cudmore). However, targeting both the Queen’s and the Gold cups can sometimes be their undoing. As the two Gordos (Moore and Barrantes) once told me, Stowell Park only played the Queen’s Cup (playing as Foxcote) to get the ponies fit for the Gold. And so, if they happened to win the Queen’s then great, but it was the Gold they really wanted. I suspect Dubai is the same and so, with that in mind, I’m going to predict La Bamba and Dubai to win one each. F w Do you agree with John? What are your predictions? Let us know at letters@ polotimes.co.uk
Richard Mille (Ahmibah) Prince Bahar Jefri 1 Alejandro Muzzio 7 Pablo MacDonough 10 Max Routledge 4
Stella Artois Stirling McGregor Nico Pieres Alejandro Agote Gillion MacLachlan
2 7 8 4
Los Monjitas Camilo Bautista 0 Nachi Heguy Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9 Francisco Elizalde 5
La Golondrina Paul Oberschnieder Guillermo Terrera Satnam Dhillon Diego Cavanagh
0 7 7 7
Also likely to be competitive: Les Lions Chris McKenzie Agustin Merlos Sebastian Merlos Joachim Gottschalk
4 9 9 0
Silver Spring Adrian Kirby Ruki Baillieu John Paul Clarkin Rob Archibald
1 7 8 6
Loro Piana Lucas James Alfio Marchini Nico Espain Agustin Nero
7 2 7 6
El Remanso George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury David Stirling Jamie Huidobro
2 4 9 7
Zacara Lyndon Lea Nachi Du Plessis Hilario Ulloa Gonzalo Deltour
1 7 8 6
Talandracas Eduardo Carmignac Facundo Sola Lucas Monteverde Milo Fernandez Araujo
0 6 8 8
Enigma Jerome Wirth 1 Juan Jauretche 3 Juan Martin Nero 10 Matias MacDonough 8
Rumoured at the time of going to press: • Thai Polo and Equestrian Club’s Harald Link considering forming a side for the Gold Cup • The Tomlinsons – who are taking part in the Queen’s Cup on Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor team alongside their patron and Nacho Gonzalez – were also still reportedly planning something. Keep an eye on the Polo Times website to find out all the latest: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, May 2011
35
21/4/11 11:46:05
Reports
US Open, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Florida
Cracking Caracas remind
PT p36-41 US Open JM MB PJ.indd 2
21/4/11 14:07:29
US Open, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Florida
Reports
England what they’ll miss Victor Vargas’s Lechuza Caracas completed a memorable and highly emotional victory at International Polo Club Palm Beach last month, though their rivals Audi proved to be disappointing competition in the final
Alex Webbe in IPCPB, USA
Lechuza Caracas Audi
8 6 Photographs by Gregory Ratner and James Mullan
I
t was just two years ago that the Lechuza polo team was devastated by the loss of 21 of their top ponies as they were preparing to compete in the semi-finals of 2009’s US Open. On Sunday 17 April, the team finally laid the ghosts of those horses to rest as they returned to the same field to capture North America’s most coveted trophy in a one-sided 8-6 win over a powerful Audi foursome. However, their victory came just Most valuable player
Juan Martin Nero days after Vargas was forced to announce that urgent work commitments with his banking businesses in Venezuela meant the side would u Lechuza Caracas and their buoyant entourage celebrate a particularly emotional victory in the US Open final on the podium at International Polo Club
Polo Times, May 2011
PT p36-41 US Open JM MB PJ.indd 3
37
21/4/11 14:07:43
Reports
US Open, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Florida
Huge flags bearing the two finalists’ logos led the teams out at Palm Beach before they went head to head for the coveted US Open trophy
Photographs by Sheryel Aschfort (The Polo Paparazzi)
u be missing this summer’s UK high-goal season in the UK. Having won the CV Whitney Cup and then only lost out on the USPA Piaget Gold Cup to a sudden-death goal in an extrachukka, even before the US Open it had already been a hell of a season for Lechuza. However, given the tragic history of the team’s participation in the tournament and the fact that the team they were beaten by in the Gold Cup was Audi, it was no surprise that Vargas’s men came into the US Open final determined to take home the famous 107-year-old trophy. “The first chukka of the game will be the most important,” said Rodrigo Andrade, the talented 8-goal Brazilian who has been 38
Polo Times, May 2011
PT p36-41 US Open JM MB PJ.indd 4
anchoring the Audi lineup from the back position. His words couldn’t have been more prophetic. Opening chukka goals from Victor Vargas, Guillermo “Sapo” Caset and Juan Martin
Audi would finally score a goal from the field, and the fifth ended with Lechuza holding a commanding five-goal lead at 8-3 going into the last. Juan Martin Nero and Sapo had dominated, restricting the hitherto free-
After tragedy and defeat, Vargas’s men unsurprisingly came into the Open determined to take home the 107-year-old trophy Nero were countered by a single penalty goal from Gonzalito Pieres, and Lechuza had an early 3-1 lead. Gonzalito Pieres added another penalty goal in the second chukka but Caset – surely a 10-goaler in the making – countered with a pair of goals in the third for a 5-2 half-time lead. It would be another two chukkas before
scoring Audi side (which had averaged nearly 13 goals a game in the build-up) to just three successful strikes in the first five chukkas. However, in the final chukka, facing a u humiliating defeat, Audi finally came to Right: Lechuza’s Juan Martin Nero nails a wonderful under-the-neck as Nico Pieres and Victor Vargas admire the flight of the ball behind
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 14:08:35
US Open
Reports
How did they perform? We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
Lechuza Caracas Victor Vargas (1) Vargas’s positioning was key, and he was superb, stretching the front end of the Lechuza attack to allow Sapo and Juanma plenty of room in which to work, whilst also posing a goalscoring threat himself Sapo Caset (9) The tournament’s leading goal-scorer, averaging six goals a game, played above his handicap all season and, with officially the “Best String in the Open”, he was a constant problem for the Audi defence in the final
7 9
Juan Martin Nero (10) The MVP in the Argentine Open continued to quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, go about his business. He was MVP again here and, working in tandem with Sapo, Nero orchestrated the attacks, including all four members of the Lechuza team
10
Martin Espain (6) Espain really stepped up for the finals. He was physical in defence and quick to attack. His constant pressure on Rodrigo Andrade proved invaluable in stemming the Audi attack and allowing Sapo and Nero to work the ball
9
Audi
u
PT p36-41 US Open JM MB PJ.indd 5
Marc Ganzi (1) It pains me to rate Ganzi so poorly, but the disciplined positioning that he exhibited in the CV Whitney Cup and the USPA Piaget Gold Cup went missing in the finals, though the whole side was collectively poor in this respect
5
Nico Pieres (7) After a fine season, it seems nerves got the better of him in the final. He had some good plays – on one occasion stealing the ball and running more than 170 yards – but his shooting was wayward and even his defence wasn’t extraordinary
6
Gonzalito Pieres (10) Hard to be critical of such a great player, but he clearly wasn’t on his game. And, since he is usually the glue that holds the side together, Audi really suffered for the fact that he wasn’t able to find his rhythm or find the posts from open play.
7
Rodrigo Andrade (8) He and Nico were the brightest stars of the 2011 Audi line-up, but Andrade also struggled to be such an effective weapon in the final. The hard-hitting back was held to a single goal, and particularly struggled to get control of the ball during the first half
7
Polo Times, May 2011
39
21/4/11 14:08:49
Reports
US Open, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Florida
Analysis by Julian Hipwood England’s former nine-goal captain acts as our professional pundit this month, pinpointing teamwork and horsepower as the decisive factors in Lechuza Caracas’s success Lechuza’s guys were exceptionally well drilled as a team. No one did anything spectacular, standing out for one incredible individual performance, because they played as a unit and were all doing their bit. Horse-wise, I also think Lechuza were in better shape. Generally, their mounts looked as though they had a little left in the tank, whereas the Audi horses looked to be running out of gas. Juan Martin Nero and Sapo Caset came out absolutely on fire, catching the Audi talismen a little flat-footed in the opening chukkas, and they didn’t ease up thereafter either. Lechuza were fantastic throughout. They kept the game open, brought a defending player to the ball and then released it. The pros also made great use of Victor Vargas. If he wasn’t carrying the ball down the field, he was in position to receive a pass.
Photographs by Sheryel Aschfort (The Polo Paparazzi) and Ami De La Mer (PoloPaparazzi.com)
The final was a typically patriotic occasion, and welcomed American glitterati, such as George Hamilton (inset)
Julian thought Guillermo “Sapo” Caset was particularly impressive
I was impressed with Martin Espain at back as well. He really stepped it up for the final, and always seemed to be there when it counted. He probably won’t be getting the recognition some of his teammates are enjoying, but he worked very hard and had a decisive impact on the match. Nevertheless, it would have been a closer game if Audi hadn’t had an off day, but that’s polo. At times it seemed as though Nico Pieres may have being trying to do too much, which let down what has been an otherwise impressive season from him, and Gonzalito – unusually – really struggled to get into the game. However, overall, I thought it was a great final game. F 40
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u life. They were like a new team. Throwing caution to the wind (and why not?!), they took off the brakes and began to play like the team that had been so impressive and successful in the earlier rounds of the threeweek-long tournament. Nico Pieres scored his first goal of the game, cutting the Lechuza lead to four goals after just 45 seconds, 8-4. Andrade then drove the ball through the goalposts a minute-anda-half after that, and the lead was now just three goals with four-and-a-half minutes left to play. The two teams battled for another two minutes before Nico Pieres scored again, but that would be where the rally stalled. The final horn sounded with Lechuza victorious and, after so many years of trying, the team’s elation at lifting the US Open Championship was a very emotional sight. F w See the full list of teams and results from the tournament at www.polotimes.co.uk
Game rating
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u U nited States Open Championship; 26 March-17 April, 2011; International Polo Club, Wellington, Florida Result: Lechuza Caracas beat Audi, 8-6 Handicap level: 20-26-goal Number of team entries: 12 Chukka scores (Lechuza): 3-1; 3-2; 5-2; 6-2; 8-3; 8-6 Most valuable player: Juan Martin Nero Best playing pony: Zoltan, 12-year-old chestnut, gelding owned and played by Rodrigo Andrade Finalists: Lechuza Caracas (26): Victor Vargas 1; Guillermo “Sapo” Caset 9; Juan Martin Nero 10; Martin Espain 6 Audi (26): Marc Ganzi 1; Nico Pieres 7; Gonzalito Pieres 10; Rodrigo Andrade 8 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
Barbados Open 2011
Home from home for Brits in Barbados Seven teams took part in the ninth Damiani-sponsored Barbados Open this March and April, as the improvements in the island’s horses, competitiveness and tournament infrastructure have made it almost as popular a fixture for Britons as the Cowdray Park Gold Cup
James Mullan in Barbados
Digicel First Caribbean
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the subsidiary final to give Sir Charles a one-two-three clean sweep at the top of the tournament’s leaderboard. To do so marked a fantastic achievement for the passionate Bajan, requiring the use of Most valuable player
Tom Morley more than 75 horses. However, its magnitude was cast into some doubt by cries of foul
Photographs by James Mullan
superb all-round performance from hard-working Englishman Tom Morley was the highlight of an Anglo-Saxon invasion at Clifton Polo Club last month, when he guided Digicel to victory in the Barbados Open final.
Digicel also featured Scottish ex-patriot Jamie Dickson, England’s George Gemmell and Sir Charles Williams’s easy-going 27-year-old grandson, Oliver. They beat First Caribbean, a side led by Oliver Williams’s uncle Teddy and bighitting Brit Jack Kidd. Sir Charles Williams mounted both sides, as well as a third side, Bajan Services – comprising Henry Brett, Teddy Williams’ brother Stephen, promising prospect Adam Deane and the island’s most improved player, Wayne Archer – who won
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Barbados Open 2011 play from the tournament’s three most successful patrons in recent years – Philip Tempro, Stewart Gill and Bruce Bailey. Their complaints came long before the final, when the semi-final line-ups were decided on the last day of the group-stage contests by several very convenient looking drawn matches for all Sir Charles’s unbeaten teams. The tied scores exposed a glaring failure in the design of the Open, which didn’t
However, while the debate is likely to rage on, what it gave us was four semi-final teams, featuring a largely unfamiliar set of patrons at this, the business end of the tournament, with each also employing at least one British pro. Thus, I watched with great interest as Tom Morley got one over the ambitious and industrious Bobby Dundas and then Jack Kidd won a personal friends-become-foes
Tom Morley got one over Bobby Dundas and then Jack Kidd won a personal friends-become-foes battle with Henry Brett require games to play for a result. Polo is unlike most other sports, in that it isn’t too much of a rarity for more than one side in any given tournament to be drawn from the infrastructure of the same umbrella organisation (in this case Apes Hill). And so – whether deliberate or not – the constant movement of players and horses between teams on a tournament by tournament basis means the most knowledgeable pros can broadly orchestrate their desired result. They know how each opposing pony or a certain player (often a good friend) is likely to play, and can make provisions for this. Since there was nothing in the rules to prevent their convenient stalemates, it should come as no great surprise that somehow those games, consciously or not, resulted in all three Apes Hill teams progressing to the semi-finals.
battle over Henry Brett in the two semi-finals on the fast and firm Lion Castle ground. It set up an all-Sir-Charles-Williamsmounted final at Clifton on the Sunday that promised more compelling sub-plots, as Oliver Williams faced up against his uncle Teddy, George Gemmell took on another wiry number one in the shape of born-andbred Bajan Marc Atwell, and Tom Morley and Jack Kidd vied for the bragging rights as the best penalty specialist. In the end, it was the horsepower of Morley’s Digicel side that edged out their opponents, helped by a strong first chukka. Just as they had ultimately proved too good for Jeff Evelyn’s Rugby Stables team in the semis, Jamie Dickson and George Gemmell’s superior knowledge of their string allowed them to see more of the ball than Kidd’s u Action in the semi-finals at Lion Castle, where all four teams included British pros
Reports
How did they perform? We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
Digicel George Gemmell (1) Declared by his step-father Sir Charles Williams as “the best mounted player on the ground”, Gemmell should have probably seen more of the ball. However, after a good semi-final, he was hindered from showing his best by the stop-start nature of the final.
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Jamie Dickson (3) Another obviously well-mounted player, as you would expect from the man in charge of the Apes Hill stables, Dickson did the lion’s share of attack for the side, drawing a lot of the penalties that Morley went on to score
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Tom Morley (6) The game’s top scorer, finding the posts for five of Digicel’s six goals. He lead by example throughout, giving encouragement and advice to his teammates, whilst also producing a superb individual performance himself.
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Oliver Williams (0) Took a bit of a battering from commentator Jonathan Simpson in the first couple of chukkas, when he barely had a touch, but marked up well at back and forced the opposition to shoot from range.
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First Caribbean Marc Atwell (1) Plenty of industry from the promising youngster, committing himself to his polo full-time for his first season since leaving university. His horses looked good and he did a fine job blocking and running to create space behind. Richard Gooding (2) Gooding failed to exploit the space in front of goal created by the clever runs of Atwell, though he did come up against Digicel’s Tom Morley in some of his best-ever form. He was largely crowded out and couldn’t get the ball.
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Teddy Williams (3) Having played well in the semi-final against his brother Stephen, Teddy also put up a good show against nephew Ollie, but he also had to contend with the excellent Morley and took a nasty horseshoe to the eye for his trouble in a freak accident in the last chukka.
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Jack Kidd (4) Kidd is always good value to watch as far as the spectators are concerned. He moved from a scrappy and frustrated first half to an electric final two chukkas, scoring all four goals. However, his passion also got the better of him, and his team polo suffered as a result.
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Barbados Open 2011
Bajan photographer Lisa Davies, whose husband and brother both play, captures the action in the 2011 Barbados Open. Lisa also photographed this month’s cover
u merry men (the almost anonymous Richard Gooding in particular), and they triumphed without ever conceding the lead. As mentioned at the top of this article, the Barbados Open has become a popular fixture for a great many British pros, with increasingly impressive polo to match the always-impressive weather, welcome and beautiful scenery. The island has vast popularity considering its relatively diminutive size, and its polo certainly suddenly seems to be pleasingly over-inflated
Poor Teddy Williams received a flying horseshoe to the cheekbone in the final chukka too, demonstrating great passion, vast investment and ever-escalating quality in spades. At times it is jaw-dropping. However, the competitive edge this year took over somewhat and, while Peter Fewster’s umpiring was said by general consensus to be the best the Open has ever seen, the importance of the tournament to its patrons undoubtedly meant he felt pressure to call almost everything. As a result, the final itself wasn’t the wonderful spectacle it might have been. It broke down, and suffered whistle after whistle. The horses barely got opened up properly at all and, when poor Teddy Williams was forced to take time out late in the game for medical attention after 44
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receiving a stray horseshoe to the cheekbone, it was frustrating rather than concerning. We were getting fed up. Nevertheless, Tom Morley shone in these circumstances, controlling the game from each whistle’s subsequent set-play, and landing almost all his penalties. He scored five of his team’s six goals. Only the big-hitting and typically fired-up Jack Kidd offered some resistance, taking the game by the scruff of the neck in the third chukka after a poor start to the game, and peppering the ball to goal from virtually anywhere on the small Clifton field. Morley, now something of a regular fixture in this tournament, arrived from a winter in Argentina and New Zealand, where he appears to have been working hard to build on his strengths. While he undoubtedly lacks the headline-grabbing flair of the enigmatic Henry Brett, Morley plays the percentages sensibly, rarely conceding possession and involving his teammates with precise passing and clear instructions. He played at number three for Digicel in the Open, but is also equally reliable at back, where his consistency in my view surely puts him in the mix for some England caps this summer, when it seems he will be up against fellow six-goaler Malcolm Borwick and new seven Satnam Dhillon for a place on the team. He hasn’t got a high-goal side to date but I’ll still be keeping one eye on Tom Morley this summer, make no mistake. F
w See colourful social photographs from the action off the grounds in Barbados on page 90 w Read about best playing pony Cherry Jam, expertly ridden by Jamie Dickson, on page 71
Game rating
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u B arbados Open; 23 March-3 April 2011; Apes Hill, Buttals, Lion Castle and Clifton polo grounds, Barbados Result: Digicel beat First Caribbean, 6-4 Sponsors: Damiani; Colombian Emeralds; Barbados Tourism Authority; First Caribbean; pbs; Casablanca; Courtesy; Southern Palms; Nissan; Absolut Vodka; Mount Gay Rum; American Airlines Handicap level: 10 goal Chukka scores (Digicel): 3-0; 3-0; 4-3; 6-4 Most valuable player: Tom Morley Best playing pony: Cherry Jam, owned by Sir Charles Williams and played by Jamie Dickson Finalists Digicel (10): George Gemmell 1; Jamie Dickson 3; Tom Morley 6; Oliver Williams 0 First Caribbean (10): Marc Atwell 1; Richard Gooding 2; Teddy Williams 3; Jack Kidd 4 Subsidiary finalists Bajan Services (10): Stephen Williams 1; Wayne Archer 2; Adam Deane 1; Henry Brett 6 Rugby Polo Stables (9): Jeff Evelyn 1; Shahmaire Quraeshi 1; Bobby Dundas 3; Jonny Coddington 4 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
Townsend Cup, California
Yanks make most of home advantage The hotly anticipated international arena match between the USA and England went the way of recent tradition and was won by the home side for the third time in a row
Herbert Spencer reports
USA England
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Photographs by Lynn and Jim Bremner/PoloZONE.com
T
he Yanks won this year’s arena polo international against the Brits, playing in the US under the rules of the US Polo Association (USPA). In the last arena competition between the two countries, England beat the USA, playing in the UK under regulations of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). This March the USA soundly defeated England 15-9 to retain the John R Townsend Arena Challenge Cup played at Empire Polo Club in Indio near Palm Springs, California. In 2009 England defeated the USA to take the Bryan Morrison Trophy played at the All-England Polo Club, Hickstead. The score, coincidentally, was 15-9. Before that the USA beat England in the 2008 revival of the 1923 Townsend at Great Meadow Polo Club in Virginia. This leads one to wonder whether the winner in this arena match isn’t all decided by the relative abilities of the teams but rather, at least in part, by the rules which are used. Unless and until the HPA and USPA agree to standardise their arena rules, this may continue to be so. By all accounts the USPA and Empire Polo Club were great hosts for the 2011 Townsend. Empire had just rebuilt its arena, which, strangely, has concrete rather than wooden walls as is the norm on both sides of the Atlantic. Big grandstands accommodated 46
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USA coach Billy Sheldon and players Tommy Biddle, John Gobin and Shane Rice with the Townsend Cup
some 1,000 spectators, before the chilly desert air drove many away at half-time. The Americans provided a “pool” of 30-odd ponies for the two teams, like the Most valuable player
Tommy Biddle Federation of International Polo (FIP) does for its international events. But rather than drawing team mounts by lots, as the FIP does, the Americans themselves chose which of the ponies each of the 22-goal teams would play. The USA
demonstrated their player and pony power early on in the first chukka as they chalked up a 3-0 lead with two goals by John Gobin and a third by Tommy Biddle before England responded with scores by Ryan Pemble and Sebastian Dawnay. The home team increased their lead to 8-5 in the second period with a free penalty, three goals by Gobin and one by Biddle, against England’s scores from Pemble, Dawnay and Chris Hyde. Shane Rice scored twice and Gobin once in the third chukka, while Hyde hit in England’s only goal, leaving the USA 11-6 up. In the fourth and final period the USA clinched their www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 17:55:58
Townsend Cup, California
Reports
England’s Ryan Pemble (left) and Chris Hyde appeal for a decision while USA’s John Gobin looks to move away with the ball and MVP Tommy Biddle (right) looks on
15-9 victory with two goals from Biddle and one each from Gobin and Rice, against two by England’s Dawnay and one from Hyde. Before the match, speaking on Palm Springs local TV, Hyde highlighted the rules differences, calling them “completely different from how we play in England”.
One does wonder whether this arena rivalry isn’t decided by the abilities of the teams, but by the rules adopted A bit of an exaggeration, but in the quick, close action of the arena, any differences can be distracting. After England’s defeat, the visiting skipper generously told the TV cameras: “the best team, the USA, won – but when they come over to England in two or three years, they’re gonna have to watch their backs.” Playing under HPA rules, that is... F www.polotimes.co.uk
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Game rating
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u J ohn R Townsend Arena Challenge Cup; Saturday 26 March 2011; Empire Polo Club, California, USA Result: USA beat England, 15-9 Handicap level: 22-goal Chukka scores: 3-2, 8-5, 11-6, 15-9 Most valuable player: Tommy Biddle Best playing USA pony: Kat, owned by Poway Polo and played by Shane Rice Best playing England pony: Soco, owned by Eric Wright and played by Ryan Pemble Teams USA (22): John Gobin 6; Shane Rice 7; Tommy Biddle 9 (captain) England (22): Ryan Pemble 6; Chris Hyde 9 (captain); Sebastian Dawnay 7
w See page 89 for all of the social action off the field at the Townsend Cup
Trans-Atlantic arena polo state of play Recently the arena rivalry between the USA and the UK has been dominated by the home sides, but, as Herbert Spencer finds, the Americans have a significant numerical advantage: USA (USPA) Clubs with arena polo: 98 Adult arena players (handicapped): 2,029 Interscholastic/Intercollegiate players: 870 UK & Ireland (HPA) Clubs with arena polo: 29 Adult arena players (handicapped): 458 Pony Club, schools/university players: 500 (est.) The USPA and HPA are the only associations with well-established arena-polo seasons. Polo Times, May 2011
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Reports
Jamaica Open 2011
Le Hardy Le Hero England’s well-travelled five-goaler Jamie Le Hardy last month made Jamaica the 26th country he has played in, endearing himself to their polo community and a record crowd with two sparkling performances that inspired his team to an unexpected victory
James Mullan in Jamaica
Bin 26 Scotia Bank
4½ 3
Photographs by James Mullan
J
amie Le Hardy’s decision to postpone his return from a month in Barbados to play in April’s 2011 Jamaican Open proved to be a good one. To say the least. The Englishman won most valuable player in the always enjoyable Jamaica Open at Kingston Polo Club, adapting impressively to the locals’ open, passing polo style and bringing the best out of the fine string of horses loaned to him by the club’s generous financier, Paul Lalor. Lalor himself lined up opposite Le Hardy’s Bin 26 team, yet still provided the Brit with best playing pony from last year’s final, Pumba, amongst a host of other exceptional mounts. However, Scotia Bank, the team bearing the name of the tournament’s main sponsors, were the strong favourites going into the final having stacked the side with talent and horsepower in an effort to bring success, after they failed to make the final in 2010. Scotia featured Lalor’s long-standing Argentine pro, Jorge Donovan, who spends eight months of the year in Jamaica, and the island’s top horse breeder Mark Wates at back, recently dropped from a four-goal handicap to three, yet still with a ruthlessly consistent backhand and more than enough big-hitting strength in his armoury to keep the ball at the other end of the ground and put the pressure on his opposition. Meanwhile, Bin 26 experimented with a largely untested combination, bringing first-time visitor Le Hardy together with Montego Bay’s Craig Russell, Kingston’s 48
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Winners Bin 26 (l-r: Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee; Craig Russell; Jamie Le Hardy; Sam Wates) celebrate their unexpected victory with senior representatives of the tournament’s main sponsors, Scotia Private Client Group
Sam Wates, returning to action in Jamaica after two years spent in the UK studying at Shropshire’s Harper Adams university, and surely one of the game’s most likeable and
Most valuable player
Jamie Le Hardy inspirational female players, Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee. They saw off Team Pegasus in the first semi-final on Thursday 7 April, with Le Hardy dominating as he propelled Bin 26 to the final with a 9-4 victory. The second semifinal was much closer, as Scotia Bank edged out American Airlines in an absolute thriller. AA led throughout but top Jamaican horse breeder Mark Wates equalised for Scotia
with just seconds left, to take the game into extra time. Scotia Bank then booked their slot in the final through a bit of magic by their number one Mitta Rousseau. He made up for some earlier mistakes with a remarkable deflection off the cane to send teammate Jorge Donovan’s wayward 60-yard penalty back on course and through the posts. Cue the perfect final on the Sunday, when the 500-strong crowd (many of whom were guests of Scotia Private Client Group) got to see Scotia play the defending champions. Bin 26’s Le Hardy was also apparently worth watching, even for those without the remotest idea about polo, after Jamaica’s leading Sunday newspaper (The Observer) ran a breakfast-in-bed feature with the Brit in its Style supplement, in which the 36-year-old posed in nothing more than his birthday suit and a bed sheet. www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:17:47
Jamaica Open 2011
A large crowd swelled during the course of the final day of the tournament, when they watched MVP Jamie
Bin 26 won the final by their handicap advantage, thanks largely to the team’s superior work rate, both on and off the ball, and their ability to play as a team and take their chances when it counted. Craig Russell followed the ball around well, landing two of Bin 26’s goals, and the formidable work of Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee to support
The Brit invited along a British Airways cabin crew that he met around the pool of his hotel Le Hardy meant between them they nullified Scotia’s superior horseflesh with intelligent tactics and a clear communal commitment to their cause. “Jamie Le Hardy was the difference,” said Scotia’s Mitta Rousseau, magnanimous in defeat. “Off the ball, he’s always 15 yards away, ready to back up the play whether the other players make the shot they’re aiming www.polotimes.co.uk
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to or not, and his anticipation to get there first is superb. Then, when he gets on the ball, he takes it at a different speed to his opponent, making him hard to ride-off. He’s a really clever player.” Le Hardy, who was also named MVP, endeared himself not only to the locals, but also to the British Airways Cabin Crew he had invited, having come across them at the pool of the Pegasus Hotel, which was his home for the week. Crucially, however, Paul Lalor was also happy with
Reports
Le Hardy, left, on top form
him, delighted at the way he looked after his horses, ensuring that he will certainly be invited back.
Yet, it was Lalor’s willingness to provide Le Hardy with some of the best of his own string that best characterises the whole modus operandi of the Jamaican polo community and is what will mean Le Hardy will want to come back. And how. Where Barbados has grown quickly to become cut-throat at times, with the emphasis on cheque books and winning at all costs (like the English high-goal Polo Times, May 2011
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Reports
Jamaica Open 2011
season), Jamaica has successfully maintained the traditional philosophies of its long polo heritage, whilst also balancing this with bringing the game on by importing top pros. However, these new arrivals quickly learn to play the Jamaican way, respecting the horses, respecting each other, playing fast,
Jamaica’s Sunday Observer ran a breakfast-in-bed feature with a topless Jamie Le Hardy open polo, and only aiming to win with a clear conscience. The terrific authentic vibe to Jamaica’s long-established polo means those pros are easily persuaded to sign up to it. Le Hardy did this, showing the depth of Britain’s polo talent, yet also playing the team polo that made Bin 26 the fitting victors of the tournament. And, while it seems certain he’ll be making a return trip in 2012, I would urge you to find your way over to the
home of Bob Marley and passing polo for yourselves. It’ll put a smile on your face. I guarantee it. Ye mon. F w Earlier on the Sunday, Pegasus won the see-sawing subsidiary final, toppling the much-fancied 12-goal American Airlines side featuring opinion-dividing Jamaican Cabinet Minister, James Robertson. American Airlines’ Tomas Gandara, the star of the 2010 Jamaica Open, was back to something like his best after a rather disappointing semi-final performance. However, he met Pegasus’s patron John G Byles in scintillating form. Byles scored a hat-trick and played some of the quickest looking horses of the day w See the social side of the tournament on page 86 w See Jamie Le Hardy’s 15 minutes of fame in the Jamaican media on page 84 w Discover more about Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee on page 98
Game rating
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u J amaica Open 2011; 7-10 April 2011; Kingston Polo Club, Jamaica Result: Bin 26 beat Scotia Bank, 41/2-3 Sponsors: Scotia Private Client Group; Pegasus; Bin 26; American Airlines; Wata; Appleton Rum Handicap level: 12 goal Chukka scores (Bin 26): 21/2-1; 31/2-2; 31/2-3; 41/2-3 Most valuable player: Jamie Le Hardy Best playing pony: Pumba, played by Jamie Le Hardy and owned by Paul Lalor Finalists Bin 26 (10): Craig Russell 2; Lesley-Ann FongYee 2; Jamie Le Hardy 5; Sam Wates 1 Scotia Bank (12): Raymond “Mitta” Rousseau 1; Paul Lalor 2; Jorge Donovan 6; Mark Wates 3 Subsidiary finalists Pegasus (12): John G Byles 2; Jordan Samuda 2; José Laritirigoyen 5; Marc Melville 1 American Airlines (12): Adam Laing 0; Jason Wates 3; Tomas Gandara 6; James Robertson 3
Tomas Gandara goes on the attack in the subsidiary final for American Airlines, but the tournament’s most valuable player from 2010 couldn’t prevent his side from slipping to two consecutive defeats and fourth place in last month’s Jamaica Open
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Tournaments for 2011
Binfield Heath Polo Club welcomes their new Club Manager Pedro de Lamare and Club Secretary Karyn Shuter.
7 May–8 May The May Cup 14 May–15 May The Coppid Cup 28 May–29 May Margaret Duvall 8 Goal 4 Jun–5 Jun Committee Cup 18 Jun–19 Jun Borough Marsh Farm 25 Jun–26 Jun Phillimore Trophy 2 Jul–3 Jul Sexy Kaftans and Vinyl Records Ladies 16 Jul–17 Jul BHPC 0 Goal 23 Jul Summer Festival 6 Aug–7 Aug Chairman’s Cup 13 Aug–14 Aug Alpha Suisse 27 Aug–28-Aug Corney & Barrow Cup 3 Sep–4 Sep Club Tournament 10 Sep–11 Sep Farewell Tournament
New irrigation system under way, to be fully operational by mid-season. First chukkas are on 30th April and run on Thursdays and weekends. Come and experience some of the best low goal grounds and polo in the country in a welcoming, friendly environment and beautiful setting near Henley on Thames.
-2 – 2 -2 – 0 0 Goal & 8 Goal -2 – 2 -4 – 0 4–6 Open -4 – 0 8 Goal 0–4 -2 – 2 -4 – 0 -6 – -2 -4 – 0
Contact bhpcmanager@gmail.com or 07792211259 / 07817 058711 • www.binfieldheathpoloclub.co.uk
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Reports
Australia vs New Zealand Test Match, Sydney
Rainy day doesn’t drive the Aussies away Australia laid down a marker for June’s Zone D World Cup qualifiers as they recorded a resounding victory over their near neighbours and bitter rivals New Zealand
Sarah Martin in Australia
Australia New Zealand
W
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Photographs by Rural Press
ith the Zone D play-offs for the FIP World Championship taking place in Malaysia in June, this year’s international Test match at Windsor Polo Club served as an opportunity to put the Australian World Cup squad through their paces. And the team didn’t disappoint, defeating New Zealand by a convincing six goals, 11-5. Rain threatened to ruin play early on, but largely cleared by the end of the first chukka and the horses handled the wet conditions well. Fresh from his 16-goal victory at Ellerston the previous day, where he was named most valuable player, Ed Goold scored a quick, early goal, getting the Aussies off to a strong start. Two penalties were subsequently awarded to the New Zealanders, but neither was converted and the score remained 1-0 at the end of the first chukka. Strong defence on both sides resulted in a rather uneventful second chukka, although a foul against Gary
Zac Hagedoorn in full flow against New Zealand in March
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Vickers at the beginning gave New Zealand the chance to get on the scoreboard, with Angus McKelvie perfectly executing a 40-yard penalty. At the end of the chukka, Alec White succeeded in escaping from the pack and put his Australian side back into the lead. Both teams came out firing in the third and Australia’s three-goaler Zac Hagedoorn was quick to capitalise on a pass by the opposing team that was not anticipated, carrying the
“This was a combination that we feel will be effective in Malaysia” – Glen Gilmore ball at high speed from the centre of the field to goal, widening the score. Gary Vickers replied soon after with a similarly spectacular goal scored from sixty yards out, which was followed by another from McKelvie, who weaved his way past two Aussie defenders and sent a perfectly placed, long-range shot between the posts. However, the Kiwis’ hopes of getting ahead were dashed when a penalty awarded to the Aussies took the
Australia’s Zac Hagedoorn rides off New Zealand’s Gary Vickers during his side’s 11-5 Test victory
score to 4-3. Another foul in the final seconds enabled Australia to start the fourth chukka with a 30-yard penalty. Hagedoorn ran in another fast goal from the first line-out, increasing Australia’s lead and, having then claimed a whistle in his favour, would have increased it further were it not for a brilliant save by McKelvie. Throughout the match, Australia’s anticipation and team play was exceptional and this was demonstrated best in the fifth chukka, with three members of the team each chalking up a goal. Having failed to make it to Mexico for the 2008 FIP World Cup, the Australians are particularly keen to qualify for the www.polotimes.co.uk
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Australia coped better with the difficult conditions brought about by the torrential rain during the Test Match in Sydney against their fierce local rivals New Zealand
October finals in Argentina and their strong form in this Test match must have Most valuable player
Zac Hagedoorn bolstered their confidence for the campaign. “This was a combination that we felt
could be effective in Malaysia and they proved themselves worthy adversaries,” Australia coach, Glen Gilmore, commented. “On the back of their month at Ellerston, they were extremely quick and played well as a team.” All was not lost, however, for New Below: the Australia team of Ed Goold, Matt Grimes, Alec White and Zac Hagedoorn lift the trophy in Sydney
Zealand, whose junior players beat Young Australia 7-4 earlier in the day, with MVP for the Colts match awarded to the South Island’s James Wood. F w For more news from around the polo world see our Home and abroad section on pages 56-59
Game rating
• • • • • • • • • •
u 2 011 Range Rover International Polo Test, Australia vs New Zealand; 27 March 2011; Windsor Polo Club, NSW, Australia Result: Australia beat New Zealand, 11-5 Sponsor: Range Rover Supporting sponsors: Goldman Sachs, Stella Artois, Classic Safari, The Strand Arcade and La Martina Handicap level: 14-goal Chukka scores (Australia): 1-0; 2-1; 4-3; 6-3; 9-3; 11-5 Most valuable player: Zac Hagedoorn Best playing pony: Sumatra, owned by Ellerston and played by Matt Grimes Teams Australia (14): Zac Hagedoorn 3; Ed Goold 4; Matt Grimes 5; Alec White 2 New Zealand (14): Glen Armstrong 2; Gary Vickers 4; Angus McKelvie 5; Simon McDonald 3 www.polotimes.co.uk
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54 Polo Times, May 2011
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www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:21:11
Asian Beach Polo Championship, Hua Hin Beach, Thailand
Reports
The Links Thai up beach title The father and daughter partnership of Harald and Caroline Link won the top prize at Asia’s only beach polo championship while Princess Pa delighted the crowd John Leicester reports
T
he second Asian Beach Polo Championship attracted teams from Macao, Singapore and Thailand this year, who battled for bragging rights on the sun-bathed sands of Hua Hin beach on Saturday 9 April. The 4-goal tournament was played as a round robin over two chukkas, with lots of water remaining on the arena to make each match somewhat tricky. In the end, the Thai Polo trio of Harald and Caroline Link, plus Augustin Martinez won the trophy. As host to the only beach polo tournament in Asia, the royal resort of Hua Hin was chosen for its historical link to horses and for its spectacular wide, flat beach. This year, the event was particularly special as HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, popularly known as Princess Pa, graciously agreed to present a trophy in her name – the Princess Pa Cup – to the winning team. She delighted spectators by getting very involved in the tournament by leading the teams out on horseback and throwing in the ball for the opening match. The Princess, who has represented Thailand in numerous international equestrian events, is now learning to play polo. Event organiser Nunthinee Tanner of Thai Polo & Equestrian Club made the day very much a festive and social event for the many socialites, celebrities and
Harald Link (centre) was on the winning Thai Polo team with his daughter Caroline and Augustin Martinez
spectators that attended. There were many activities and a tented city for sponsors on the beach in front of the InterContinental Hotel. Funds raised during the day were donated to Princess Pa’s “Inspire” project, which helps to improve the lives of female prisoners after their release. The afternoon began with a colourful parade of Hua Hin horses led by a school marching band along the beach. A fashion parade on horseback, with models wearing the latest from Escada, Burberry and La Perla was followed by a race of local horses. F Above: Princess Pa displays her equestrian skills. Below: She throws in the first ball of the beach final
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21/4/11 11:22:15
Home and abroad
Reports
Argentina – Argentine Republic Cup, Palermo
La Estrella Enigma make the most of their nine-goal handicap lead in Republic Cup Photograph by Sergio Llamera
The 15-goal La Estrella Enigma team, captained by Matias MacDonough, won the 83rd Argentine Republic Cup at Palermo by defeating a 24-goal side from La Dolfina, which included young British brothers George and Charlie Hanbury. La Estrella Enigma started the game with a nine-goal head-start because of the handicap difference between the two sides. They used this to their advantage to record an 18-14 win. The two sides had met earlier in the tournament, where they drew 10-10. On that occasion La Dolfina were without their nine-goal pro David “Pelon” Stirling (replaced by seven-goaler Guillermo Terrera) so La Estrella Enigma only started with a seven goal lead on handicap. Uruguayan Sterling was restored to the team for the final, while Chilean Jamie Huidobro completed La Dolfina’s Argentinefree line-up. Although La Dolfina made a strong start, scoring four goals, La Estrella Enigma also put four on the board before the end of the second chukka, putting the boys in black ahead 13-4.
Juan Zubiaurre, Juan Jauretche, Valerio Zubiaurre Jr and Matias MacDonough of La Estrella Enigma celebrate
The Hanburys and their two teammates closed the gap in the third and fourth chukkas, bringing them within four goals of their opponents heading into the closing stages. Great defence by La Estrella Enigma, which also featured Juan and Valerio Zubiaurre and Juan Juaretche, kept La
Dolfina’s goal-scoring to a minimum and, even though a few goals were exchanged, La Estrella Enigma remained ahead, 18-14. The Hanburys were not the only Brits in the competition. Mark and Luke Tomlinson won the subsidiary final with El Guanaco, beating El Rincon 15-10.
Rutland Polo Club, UK – 40th anniversary season preview
Club celebrates 40 years of polo
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continue to function as it has in the past. The previous landlord had leased three of the match grounds to the club. However, only two of the grounds were tied into a lease that expires in September 2014. On the up side, the new landlord is happy for the club to remain and has even offered to extend the lease on the two full-size boarded grounds. The polo schedule for the season is busy and varied with a variety of polo ranging from -2 up to 6-goal, with the first tournament having taken place at the end of April. The flagship
Photograph by Robert Howden
Rutland Polo Club begins its 40th year of polo in 2011 with as much enthusiasm as when the club was first conceived in 1971 by the late Tony Gilks and Mike Seckington. A few of the original members are still at the fore whilst the current crop of young players are proving themselves at home and abroad with trips as far abroad as New Zealand and Argentina. Although the club lost the use of its third polo ground at the end of 2010, following the sale of Sharrads Farm – the property where Rutland Polo Club is based – the club will
The Rutland committee in 2006, before the death of founder Tony Gilks: Left to right: Trevor North, John Tinsley, Rupert Heggs, Jane Winterton, Edwin de Lisle, the late Tony Gilks, Andrew Collie, Johnny Weatherbey, Robert Dale and Anna Hunt.
tournament, the 6-goal Assam Cup will be played on 6-10 July. The Rutland Cup (4-goals)
takes place on 14-15 May, with the club’s excellent Polo Ball staged on the Saturday evening. Polo Times, May 2011
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Reports
Home and abroad
The KH Marshall Trophy, Kurri Burri Polo Club, Australia
Nice win for Gilmore and co
T
he autumn season in Richmond, an hour northwest of Sydney, got underway at the beginning of April, with 12-goal, 6-goal and 2-goal tournaments hosted by the Marshall family at their idyllic Kurri Burri Polo Club, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The KH Marshall Trophy 12-goal tournament, commemorating John Marshall’s late father, has been run for the past four years and was previously won by Sandalford, Jemalong and Ellerston. This year’s final, however, was probably the most exciting yet, with the hosts’ team, Marshall, taking on Ruki Baillieu’s La Indiana in glorious autumn sunshine. On a superbly maintained field that provided excellent playing conditions, both teams came out firing and the second chukka concluded with a 4-4 draw. However, with Glen Gilmore bringing out his super seven-year-old homebred mare, Nice, in the third chukka and scoring two 5b penalties and a field goal, Marshall were able to claim the lead. Sam Hopkinson also scored a field goal for the side to bring the score to 8-4 at half-time. Not giving up, La Indiana pulled out all the stops in the fourth and fifth chukkas. However, every time La Indiana were able to close the gap, Marshall would respond, with
The winning Marshall team: Sam Hopkinson, Adam Marshall, John Marshall and Glen Gilmore, with Mrs Marshall
Gilmore and Hopkinson combining brilliantly and strong defence provided by their back, John Marshall. Going into the last chukka, Marshall were once again leading by four goals but a series of near misses by Baillieu suggested that a comeback by La Indiana was possible. However, a long pass from
Hopkinson that was picked up and converted by Adam Marshall sealed the win for the home team. A late goal by La Indiana resulted in a final score of 14-10. Best playing pony was awarded to Glen Gilmore’s Nice, who will be playing with the Aussie star in the UK this summer.
Edgeworth – UK grass season preview
Summer season will be a ball This year Edgeworth Polo Club will be celebrating its 20th year of competitive polo. Although the club was founded by John P Smail in the 1970s, it only became HPA affiliated in 1991. Since then, the facilities and membership have grown every year and the club currently features three full-size grounds, two practice grounds and holds 15 tournaments throughout the season. On 2 July, the club will hold the Edgeworth Summer Ball, which will be larger than ever before in celebration of the club’s anniversary. The Field Barn Cup, held on 21-22 May, the 6-Goal Championships on the 11-12 58 Polo Times, May 2011
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June and the Isa Trophy on the 25-26 June are some of the club’s biggest tournaments, where travelling teams are always welcome. Most recently, Edgeworth has acquired some well-known high-goal ponies: Noche, played by Juan Martin Nero; Blondie, played by James Beim, and Crispen, played by Carlos Gracida. On average the club keeps 140 horses on the yard, some of which are school horses used for clinics and group lessons. They also hire out to patrons and pros throughout the summer. Edgeworth’s very own stallion, Diesel, has begun his breeding programme and this year his third year of foals will be produced.
Jono Smail, the son of founder John P Smail, who now runs Edgeworth, with new polo manager Sarah Ingham
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:23:29
Home and abroad
Argentina – La Aguada Autumn Cups
News in brief
Ladies join the gents at La Aguada
w Dubai – the inaugural Sunset Polo International concluded at Desert Palm on 25 March, on the eve of the Dubai World Cup. Tariq Albwardy secured victory for Jaeger-LeCoultre in the closing seconds of the game against Equestrio, captained by Tariq’s father Ali Albwardy, 7-6.
a place in the final. La Golondrina, featuring Paul Oberschneider and Valentin Novillo Astrada, made a big impression from the start, winning all their league games and put themselves through to the final. They were met by San José, who they beat in a previous game, 12-9. Scoring a goal in the closing seconds of the final, San José managed to retain the cup they won the previous season, defeating their opponents 11-10. In the La Aguada Autumn Ladies Cup, the teams played four days of games after which the winner was decided by a league table, rather than by a grand final. British players Annabel McNaught-Davis and Stephanie Haverhals featured on the Pilará team who won two of their three games. La Ginevra won all of their games and claimed the cup, while McNaught-Davis picked up the most valuable The La Ginevra team of Ginevra d’Orazio, Malena Colombo, Mary Gené player award. and Lia Salvo, who won the inaugural La Aguada Autumn Ladies Cup For the first time, a ladies La Aguada Autumn Cup ran alongside the usual men’s tournament this year, at La Aguada Polo Club in the second half of March. Four teams entered each cup, with the ladies’ teams playing under the Argentine Polo Association’s ladies handicap system. The men’s La Aguada Autumn Cup kicked off first, with the four 10-12-goal teams battling it out over four days in order to win
Photograph by Sebastian Baroncini
Reports
w Lynt – A former ground will be brought back into action and the club is joined by three-goaler Corin Gibbs, his wife Amber and daughter Olivia. Also joining the club is “polo pony maker” Chris Wightman, who will work on the yard bringing on youngstock and difficult ponies. This year’s 6-goal tournament will support Horses Help Heroes and chukkas will take place every Thursday evening and weekends. w Abu Dhabi – On the final day of a threeday tour of the UAE, the Hackett British Army Polo team lost to Ghantoot 4-2 in an exhibition match at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Philip Kaye (1), Nick Hunter (2), Jack Mann (2) and Gaston Devrient (5) represented the British team, with Kaye and Hunter scoring the two goals for their team. w Argentina – After a strong start by La Quinta HPA in La Cañada Open, the all-British side of Ollie Cudmore, Mark Tomlinson, Malcolm Borwick and Luke Tomlinson lost to La Alegria in the semifinals. La Alegria, featuring Australian six-goaler Rob Archibald, went on to beat Las Praderas in the final, 8-7. El Remanso, starring George and Charlie Hanbury, did not have a successful campaign, losing their first match and not playing the second, instead giving away their points.
Cheshire – UK grass season preview
Northern stalwart celebrates its 60th birthday Cheshire Polo Club, based near Tarporley, is celebrating its 60th year anniversary this year. Although the club can claim, by a direct line
Action from Cheshire Polo Club’s packed schedule
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of succession, to be the oldest club not only in England but also in Europe, founded in 1872 by the Cholmondeley family, Cheshire in its current form dates from 1951. It is the successor to three clubs that have played in the north west for well over a hundred years, namely Manchester, Bowdon and Wirral. The Moseley family were responsible for the amalgamation of the three clubs and for moving to a new base at Little Budworth. In 1951 it was reorganised as the Cheshire Polo Club and began to play the traditional club tournaments and the foundations of the club as it is today started to emerge.
For the past six years the club has grown considerably under the chairmanship of David Irlam, attracting many players and visitors from around the world. The club hosts around 30 tournaments each season including the HPA National 8-Goal Junior County Cup, which will take place on 29 June to 3 July this year. The club has five boarded grounds and over ninety playing members and is famous in the world of polo for its fantastic parties and fun atmosphere. In celebration of the club’s 60th anniversary, a Polo Ball will be held on Friday 12 August to commemorate the occasion. Polo Times, May 2011
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Youth polo
National Senior Schools’ and Arena League finals, Rugby Polo Club
Welly claim new winter league League success for Wellington College came on the same day as Eton triumphed in the Senior Schools’ Tournament at the conclusion of the SUPA arena season Jane Phelps
reports
A
t the AGM in November 2010 the SUPA Assembly agreed to run a winter arena league as a pre-cursor to the summer league. And the inaugural arena finals, won by Wellington College, proved a great success. The aim was to provide an opportunity for schools to meet for four-chukka matches which would count towards a league total and create a final and subsidiary final at the National Senior Schools’ Tournament day on 20 March. In many ways this proposal had much appeal – the matches already arranged would take on a competitive edge, rather than just the school friendlies of the past, and there would be more practice of four chukka polo and the recognition of being the League Champions. Initially 10 schools volunteered to be part of the league, giving a neat two divisions of five, and offering, on paper, the realistic expectation of four good matches between the beginning of term and March’s finals’ day. In practice, logistically it was a nightmare for the schools and two teams quickly dropped out as they were unable to play
Photograph by Peter James
The finals were a real treat, with tough, competitive, and hard-fought matches the schools in their division because of a mismatch of school polo days, the inability to travel to play and absorb the attendant financial constraints. This left two rather unbalanced divisions of three and five teams respectively, who all played each other. In the five-team division all matches bar one took place, providing much enjoyment for those involved. The results meant that, after the semi-finals on 13 March, the league totals were tallied and set up a final between division winners Cheltenham College and 60
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SUPA Arena League winners Wellington College with John Gale, polo manager at the Berkshire-based school
Wellington. The second-placed teams in each division – in this case Stowe and Rugby – qualified for the subsidiary final, which was won on 20 March by Rugby. They fought a very competitive battle to take victory over Stowe, 15-11. In the main final, which was a real treat, Wellington triumphed over Cheltenham, 18-14, to win the League shield. Wellington’s victory was particularly impressive as they had to play last in the day, after their horses were accidentally sent to Longdole instead of Rugby. This meant the teams had to wait for them to travel the extra two hours to arrive. It was hoped that other teams in the league would play in the traditional three-chukka challenge at the National Senior Schools’ day. However, only one league school entered and the tournament produced just five teams – Bradfield, Eton, Marlborough, Shrewsbury and Wycliffe College – instead of the usual 20-plus in the non-league National Open. With so few teams, it became necessary to arrange for each team to play four individual chukka matches. It was a shame to have less polo, though what remained proved to be thrilling. The result was hanging on the last match between Eton and Marlborough,
which Eton won 6-2 to take the National Senior Schools tournament. In the course of the day, George Pearson from Eton was awarded the most promising player award and Andreas Papoyans of Wellington was named the most valuable player. Other players considered as most promising were Will Berner of Stowe, Emma Boers of Wycliffe and James Hudson of Rugby. F u S UPA Arena League finals; 20 March 2011; Rugby Polo Club, Warwickshire Result: 1st – Wellington College 2nd – Cheltenham College 3rd – Rugby 4th – Stowe u National Senior Schools; 20 March 2011; Rugby Polo Club, Warwickshire Result: 1st – Eton 2nd – Marlborough 3rd – Shrewsbury 4th – Wycliffe 5th – Bradfield www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:24:52
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Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 11:25:06
Youth polo
Irish SUPA Tri-Nations, Wicklow
English topple opponents England held off stiff competition from Scotland and Ireland to finish top of the league after two days of polo and partying at Wicklow in the third annual Tri-Nations event Tom Branigan
reports
F
Photographs by Edward Bellamy
or the third consecutive year, Polo Wicklow in Ireland hosted the SUPA Tri-Nations. England, Scotland and Ireland took to the arena over the Irish St Patrick’s Day bank holiday, where the visiting England side were named the overall champions. For the first time in three years, blue, cloudless skies greeted the visiting teams, consisting of Alec Banner-Eve, Amy Young and Josh Woolley from England and Edward Bellamy, Jamie McCarthy and Millie Bagnall from Scotland. The Irish squad consisted of Tom Branigan, Fiona Seager, Siobhán Herbst, Gregory Gaughran and Jack Woods, most of whom play for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which is still the only Irish university polo team to date. After wolfing down a delicious welcome lunch provided by hostess Wendy Herbst, the first chukkas of the round-robin tournament were played. Ireland started the day with a
Scotland, England and Ireland line-up for the SUPA Tri-Nations tournament, where England claimed victory
McCarthy, the Scots ended the day very much in the driving seat, ahead of England and Ireland who were almost inseparable behind them. The usual tradition of beers in the Polo
Major Hugh Dawnay introduced a statistics panel to demonstrate to players their strengths and weaknesses three-goal handicap deficit to both visiting teams, who each played off the same handicap of two goals. After some dominating play by Scotland, mainly thanks to team member Jamie
Wicklow sauna were suggested following the close of play. However, this idea was quickly overruled in favour of a spontaneous Tri-Nations beach foot polo tournament at nearby Brittas
Bay. Goals and injuries quickly mounted up and great fun was had by all, without ever establishing the foot polo champions. As the sun went down behind the sand dunes, players and spectators limped back to Ballinacarrig Holiday Resort to assess the damage to their shins and start the evening’s barbeque and festivities. In previous years the second day started with an early morning swim in the Irish Sea but, despite it being a beautiful day, the players chose to give it a miss and get on with the tournament. The first chukka resulted in the English
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21/4/11 11:26:21
Theresa Hodges has her say
Youth polo
The grass-roots view
Photograph by Faruq Pradhan
The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column
MVP Fiona Seager, who plays off a two-goal handicap, scores for Ireland. Ireland eventually finished in third place overall in the two-day tournament. Fiona is also pictured in action below left, against Scotland
thumping the Scots 4-1, with Alec Banner-Eve leading the charge in goal scoring. England then needed to beat the Irish in order to win the tournament and with that knowledge, they played a gruelling chukka and finished 6-5 up. The final chukka pitted Ireland against Scotland, with the latter starting the chukka with a four-goal handicap advantage. Despite several convincing goals by Seager, Herbst and Woods, it was not enough to overturn the deficit and Scotland took second place with a final score of 9-8. Famed polo coach Major Hugh Dawnay attended the awards ceremony and commended all players on their team spirit, precise passing and clever play-making. He introduced a statistics panel to demonstrate to players their strengths and weaknesses on the field. Based on those statistics, Fiona Seager won the MVP award. All the prizes were sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland, who have sponsored the event for the last three years. With the awards distributed, and photos
taken, all teams departed for Dublin city centre to partake in the typically riotous St Patrick’s Day celebrations. F u SUPA Ireland Tri Nations Arena tournament; 16-17 March; Polo Wicklow, Ireland Result (1st-3rd): England, Scotland, Ireland Handicap level: 2-5 Principal sponsor: Horse Sport Ireland Chukka scores: Day 1: 1-1 (Sco vs Eng); 3-5 (Eng vs Ire); 3-7 (Ire vs Sco) Day 2: 1-4 (Sco vs Eng); 6-5 (Eng vs Ire); 8-9 (Ire vs Sco) Most valuable player: Fiona Seager Teams England (2): Alec Banner-Eve 1; Josh Woolley 1; Amy Young 0 Scotland (2): Jamie McCarthy 2; Edward Bellamy 0; Millie Bagnall 0 Ireland (5): Siobhán Herbst 3; Fiona Seager 2; Tom Branigan 0; Jack Woods 0; Gregory Gaughran (0)
Keep your eye on Ned Hine, 8, South Berkshire Pony Club Young South Berkshire Branch Pony Club member Ned Hine has showed plenty of promise this year. After impressing with a confident display at Longdole last month he was on the winning Old Berks A team in the Jorrocks section of the Watership Down tournament in mid-April. Ned is the son of former England captain Andrew Hine. He only started stick and balling last summer before playing his first polo competition in Cirencester last July. But with the help of his trusty pony Punk, he has taken to the game extremely quickly and is certainly one to keep your eye on.
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Ned with his idol, 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres
Longdole and Watership Arena events All thanks to Cisy Chamberlain and Jo Beim for a fun day of competition at Longdole Arena and to SATS and the Cotswold Hunt for their generous donation of prizes. There were 22 teams who battled it out with some good competitive matches. Congratulations to Cotswold Hunt who won Jorrocks and Handley Cross, North Cotswold Hunt who won Surtees, as well as to Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt who won Loriner and the Royal Artillery Hunt who won Rendell. On a glorious day, Watership Down again provided a most wonderful venue for our second arena tournament in April. Very many thanks to Hinny, Joe, James and Harry White for their hard work and for making it such a lovely day. Although team numbers were down, congratulations to the winning teams: the Jorrocks section was won by Old Berks A, North Cotswold won the Surtees section and Loriner was won by Royal Artillery. 2011 teams update We have had many requests this year to break section age rules. Not one request has been accepted and other acceptable teams have been found for most players still wanting to play. Please can all players and parents work with their Branch Managers so we get clear logic for team selection coming through to the Section Managers. This helps with discussion and decision making. Polo at Marriners On 29 May a very special day of polo has been arranged featuring many of the best under-25 polo players – all of whom play Pony Club and Junior HPA Polo. Please come along and support them and the two chosen charities, Action for Addiction and the Hampshire Hunt. More details from www.poloatmarriners.com. Exhibition matches The Pony Club have been asked to put on two exhibition matches from the lower sections at the Rundle Cup Day at Tidworth on 13 July and on 29 May at Marriners. Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 11:26:35
Knowledge
Playing around – Vale of York Polo Club
Our intrepid improver Carlie Trotter (-2) works her way around the UK’s polo clubs
Life’s a beach at Vale Carlie Trotter travelled to Yorkshire to meet up with the fun-loving bunch at Vale of York and found a whole host of action on the beach, in the field and in the clubhouse I’ll admit to feeling some trepidation when I set off for The North. How would I measure up against coal mining millionaires and cut-throat footballers’ wives in a ride off? Would they mock my estuary accent? I certainly didn’t expect to find myself in a horse yoga lesson with Essex boy club founder Paul Piddington and guzzling champagne on the beach an hour later. Having just celebrated its second anniversary, Vale of York Polo Club seems to be thriving in every sense. As a purely low-goal club – no six-goal trophies up for grabs here – training is a big part of the schedule, with some members taking four lessons a week. Paul is a calm, quiet teacher even as he pulls me up on my rarely-practised nearsides. And when I try to dribble the ball around a set of cones and up onto a tee I realise why my fellow minus-twos
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Main picture: the Vale of York members line up on the beach at Cleethorpes before retiring to the wellstocked clubhouse (inset). Right: Photographer Karen Nuttall and Lisa Piddington
are so accurate with their shots. Paul explains: “Schooling the ponies this way is like yoga for them and it’s amazing how often my guys win the ball in a melee because they have such strong wrists and ball control.” Many members took their first ever lesson with Paul several years back when he was managing other UK clubs and his ethos is to give zero-goal patrons, such as Steve Radford, the chance to be playmakers. Members are guaranteed a spot in tournaments, with matches at 2pm each weekend, and teams are often picked blindly to ensure one team doesn’t dominate. Yard manager Lisa Piddington says: “A lot of our members only have one pony so they half-man a lot and people enjoy the blind draw because it’s sociable and there are no entry fees.”
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21/4/11 11:27:35
Playing around – Vale of York Polo Club
Considering my relationship with the aniseed-flavoured liqueur, I thought I’d met my nemesis in a pony called Sambuca, but as one of around 15 club ponies reconditioned after a racing or high-goal career, she turns out to be a quick but easy ride.
Having celebrated its second anniversary, Vale is thriving in every sense The free-draining sandy grassland of the Vale of York means the club is the earliest in the country to play outside but, when I visit on the final winter weekend, the tide is out at Cleethorpes so we’re battling for the Beach Cup, surrounded by intrigued locals. Ryan Mooney (1) has
no trouble chipping the ball into goal over my head despite the sticky surface, but I’m most concerned with staying out of the Mud Book – the club league table for unplanned dismounts. I wouldn’t want to rob the top spot from accident prone Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlisterMartin (whose propensity for Hobgoblin ale at club events became so legendary the brand sponsored him). My ABI Blue teammates are very kind in placing the ball on the end of my stick so that we go on to a solid win, cheered on by the Beverley massive. As the roast pork sandwiches and champagne come out, Beverley member and spectator Karen Nuttall sums up the atmosphere when she says: “Forget about polo, just come for the party.” F
Soundbites from the sidelines Paul Piddington - club manager “Weekends here merge into one and the clubhouse sofas are well slept on because the on-site facilities allow players to kick back immediately after a match - as the saying goes: “we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time”. We’re lucky to have sand track hacking for two miles in every direction so most members like to keep their ponies here. We’ve got members from as far as Newcastle, London and even Barbados because we’re easy to get to, but I’m careful not to let in players who just want to kill everyone for the silverware.” Gary Robinson - travelling player “I discovered polo about five years ago and like playing in different surroundings so I’m a half member of both Beverley and Vale of York. This club may not boast the best players in the country but the members are all pissheads and tournaments here are good craic. I planned to take a year off and sold two ponies before heading to Thailand for the winter but came back keener than ever and have started my own polo jeans brand called Polostar. I leave the schooling of my young mare to Ryan Mooney at Vale of York and hope to patron a team this season.” Sarah Hargreaves - new member “I used to work in racing and only discovered polo last June when I went for a taster day at White Rose. I followed that up with a group lesson with Paul and was hooked, so now I’m saving for my first pony. The lessons are a good hour and certainly worth the investment, including the hour and a half drive I have from home in Skipton. Everyone’s really friendly here and my favourite club pony, Pascalina, takes great care of me out on the field. I can’t wait to get involved in more matches this summer.” www.polotimes.co.uk
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Vale of York Vital statistics Playing members 50 Non-playing members Significant others and champagne chasers Facilities Full-size sand soil polo field in use from first weekend of April to end of September, small covered schooling arena, large arena rented nearby, permission to play on Cleethorpes beach (which is only an hour away), plus a big sociable clubhouse with a lovely log fire and “dirt-cheap” bar. Location Set on the 1,000 acre Highwood Farm and former dairy, which straddles Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire on the southern tip of the Vale of York, the club benefits from established grassland 15 minutes drive from Doncaster (one hour, 35 minutes by train from London Kings Cross), just off the A1 and an hour from York. Leadenham and Beverley polo clubs are both within 75 minutes drive. Philosophy Private members low-goal haven that’s big on banter and après polo. Running the show Club founder and esteemed coach Paul Piddington runs the club strictly by the Blue Book and to a foolproof schedule so members never need to ask what time they’re playing. When not teaching, Paul can be found raising team sponsorship or manning the clubhouse bar. His wife Lisa manages the yard and chukka admin, supported by five locally-employed grooms who take weekly polo lessons to keep match-fit. Crowd Polo newbies and low-goalers that want to captain their own team. A distinctly Argie-free zone, Vale of York sees solicitors and civil engineers mix with racing converts, army officers and students from Sheffield University and Worksop College. Regular inter-club matches with Toulston and Leadenham make for a lively social scene. Seasonal highlight The family polo day at nearby Doncaster Racecourse in June is the biggest of several exhibition matches fielded by the club to raise money for charity, and the mid-season ball is not to be missed. Livery Full livery including exercise and daily turnout on the club’s 50 acres of grazing is £100 per week, or £55 for working liveries. Membership Full membership is £500, or £250 for students. Hour-long group lessons are £40 (£25 for students) and chukka hire is £25 flat rate. The club does not charge tournament entry fees to its members, enabling 12 teams to play out of Vale of York currently. Contact info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 11:27:53
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Know your horse
Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet
Well fed and watered Last month’s HPA Polo Pony Welfare AGM raised a few interesting topics for our duty vet, including the hot discussion about feed restriction and offering water at polo games
I
am writing in early April having recently attended the HPA Polo Pony Welfare AGM. As a club welfare officer, I have attended the meeting for a number of years now. The meeting is hosted by the HPA disciplinary sub-committee on pony welfare and aims to advise club welfare officers of their duties and to keep them informed of current HPA welfare policy. Unsurprisingly, the agenda varies little from year to year as the meeting serves to inform new welfare officers of their particular responsibilities. However, there are occasionally one or two new topics that are discussed, and I have noticed a very gradual shift with regard to veterinary issues that is slowly bringing polo more in line with other equestrian sports. This year, for example, there is a tightening on the rules with regard to flu vaccinations – although I have my concerns that change is more politically driven than evidence based (scientific 66
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The real problem with muzzles is the deprivation of food and, in particular, forage [El problema clave con las trompetas es la privación de alimentos, especialmente de pasto]
evidence suggesting that it should go much further). At previous AGMs the muzzling of stabled polo ponies for long periods of time was often a hot topic and the committee generally regarded that the custom should be discouraged. One of the main concerns was the use of Vetrap or tape over the nostril holes and around the rim – a common practice amongst Argentine grooms to stop ponies from shovelling shavings into their muzzles thereby preventing them from eating their bedding. During the meetings there was generally a failure to understand, or at least acknowledge, that the real problem is the deprivation of food, and in particular forage. Horses are only likely to get a taste for eating shavings when they are denied forage – let stabled horses have palatable ad lib hay from the day they are first stabled and they are very unlikely to eat shavings, let alone need
muzzles. And with the exception of the odd gluttonous Criollo, a properly exercised, fit polo pony is very unlikely to get fat on ad lib hay – in fact they will be far less likely to develop stomach ulcers, colic, behavioural problems or become dehydrated. Talking about dehydration, there was a lively debate at this year’s AGM on the subject of access to water at polo, particularly during hot weather. There was no argument about ponies being offered water shortly after playing, however I was dismayed about the opinions of some to the watering of horses before polo. As with deprivation of forage, depriving horses of water can only be detrimental. Dr David Marlin of the Animal Health Trust, who led the ground-breaking research into competing in hot and humid conditions prior to the Atlanta Olympics, strongly advocates that horses should have free access to water up to 15 minutes before exercising. This is not necessarily practical while tied to pony lines prior to a match, however there is absolutely no evidence that offering water to horses when they first arrive at polo is detrimental. On the contrary there is strong evidence that performance is impaired by dehydration. Isn’t offering water to a horse only after playing not a case of “shutting the stable door after the poor thing has bolted”? I would argue that access to water before a game is as important as after a game. They may not necessarily drink but at least let them have the opportunity to, both back at the yard and when they arrive at polo. F ◗ Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800358 or email mark@emersonequine.com www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:29:00
Know your horse
Physio for thought
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Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
by Australian high-performance vet Nicola Jagger, specialist in chiropractics and cohesive equine physiotherapy
Are muzzles beneficial or detrimental?
Tying up can vary from severe to sub-clinical. It is important not to ignore it, even subtle cases, in order to prevent muscle damage. Signs of tying up, within two hours of exercise, include: dark urine; patchy and profuse sweating; increased heart and respiratory rates; stiff, short stepping gait, especially behind; cramping painful muscles. Mares are four times more likely to tie up than geldings and unfit and fatigued horses at the end of the season are also susceptible. Some forms of tying up have an underlying genetic predisposition.
The sun is shining, summer is around the corner and hoorah, the outdoor season is about to begin. I hope for most of you chukkas have been straight forward without too many rodeo displays! I have been asked a couple of times recently of my opinion on muzzles. Personally, I do not like them and would not recommend their use.
Don’t ignore tying up
Prevention: 1. Rehydrate by adding electrolytes to water 2. Warm up and cool down is invaluable to get the lactic acid out of the system 3. Susceptible horses should be walked every day 4. Feed magnesium, vitamin E and selenium 5. Keep grain (oats, corn, barley, wheat) to a minimum
Gaucho
tips for grooms and players
Arrive at a tournament at least forty-five minutes prior to the start of your game if you don’t have to tack up and an hour and three quarters if you do. This will give you time to get ready, meet your opponents, discuss tactics with your teammates and warm up your horses and yourself properly. When you first get on, start by walking rather than going straight into canter and don’t swing at the first ball you see. Once you are comfortable with your position and the horse is settled, practice gentle swings to get your eye on the ball. Practice all shots including backhanders and under the neck shots. This will prepare the horse for the match and will warn you of any potential issues that may arise. If you are renting horses, arrive early to find out what horses you will be riding, adjust the length of the stirrups and find out from the grooms what to expect from your steeds. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Stopping the horse from chewing increases psychological issues Stopping the horse from chewing has been scientifically proven to increase psychological issues such as the development of stereotypical behaviour and physical issues like impairing the digestive tract. The psychological and/or physical stress are both likely to compromise the performance. The horse has
evolved to be a trickle feeder, not a meal eater so we need to try and imitate this as best as we can for the stabled performance horse. In many yards now, I am seeing ponies fed ad lib forage – they self regulate their forage intake as if they were grazing. Because the forage is not restricted they don’t “binge”, so they have no use for a muzzle. Ponies that are good doers have three or four small amounts of forage throughout the day, so they are still able to trickle feed to maintain a healthy digestive tract and a happier pony. I often wonder whether muzzled ponies drink as much as they would without them? Slurping though holes can’t be easy. Having to play slightly dehydrated would be like running with a hangover, and is detrimental to their performance, recovery and health. So, try it, put your muzzles away and see how your ponies play!
Es el uso de trompetas, bueno o malo? Salió el sol, el verano esta a la vuelta de la esquina y por fin, el polo de verdad esta por comenzar! Espero que hayan podido jugar chaquers sin problemas a esta altura y sin demostraciones de rodeo! Últimamente me han preguntado varias veces mi opino sobre el uso de trompetas. En lo personal no me gustan y no las recomendaría. Esta comprobado científicamente que evitar que el caballo mastique tiene consecuencias psicológicas y fisiológicas que afectarán el rendimiento del animal. El caballo necesita comer poco y seguido y tenemos que tratar de recrear esta característica lo mejor posible, especialmente para caballos a box. Recientemente he visto en muchas organizaciones caballos a box con acceso ilimitado a forraje. Esto hace que el caballo
se auto regule y que coma poco y seguido, como si viviera afuera. El simple hecho de estar disponible hace que no coman en forma desesperada hasta terminar la ración. Aquellos caballos que estén gordos o que sean mantenidos reciben pequeñas cantidades 3 o 4 veces por día para mantener un sistema digestivo saludable y un caballo feliz! A menudo me pregunto si caballos entrompetados tomarían la misma cantidad de agua sin trompetas. Me imagino que no les debe ser fácil tomar sorbos de agua con viruta, paja o mugre flotando adentro de la trompeta. Para los caballos tener que jugar parcialmente deshidratados es comparable a que vos tengas que correr una maratón con una terrible resaca. Probalo, guarda las trompetas y fijate que efecto tiene sobre el rendimiento de tus caballos!
◗ Contact Lorna Edgar on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 11:29:08
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Know your game
Must-have tips for players – from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner
Photographs by James Mullan
Prepare to be confident In all sports that we watch regularly on television the pundits are constantly debating the form of the players. In football a striker such as Fernando Torres is constantly in the spotlight. After his £50m move to Chelsea he was given around forty five minutes of match time before the pundits started to debate his performance. As he was not immediately on the score sheet he was deemed to be short of form, in bad touch, not fit enough etc. England’s rugby players have exactly the same problem. If Jonny Wilkinson throws a few loose passes or, dare I mention it, misses the majority of his attempts on goal, Stuart Barnes and the rest of the retired rugby community start to debate whether he’s still got it. The truth is that everyone who plays a sport, regardless of what level you are competing at, will at some stage experience a drop in form. It could be for one game, two games, a month or even a season, but at some stage it will happen. What we are really talking about here is confidence. Confidence is the key to every sports person, it is fundamental to your performance on and off the field. It affects your whole way of life. Being high on confidence is one of the greatest feelings that we can all experience. Everything clicks into place, things happen naturally, successfully and without difficulty. When you are low
Even top players like Argentine Triple Crown winner Facundo Pieres need to prepare correctly for each game to stay in form and full of confidence
on confidence life is very different. You can begin to question your entire career and your ability to succeed in your chosen profession. When this happens how do we cope with the situation? What can we do to turn things around? We can lose our confidence for any number of reasons – it could be that you a player is struggling with his backhanders or having difficulty scoring goals. As a rule, when things are not going our way, us players tend to beat ourselves up and slam our own performances. Spending time away from polo can also cause you to lose your confidence.
With this I do not mean taking a holiday or short break, but many of us do not play all year round and those first couple of rides and pre-season chukkas can be very difficult as you search to find some rhythm and start to rebuild your state of mind. In sport people are very quick to judge and any criticism can be very damaging when you are low on confidence. Trying to block external pressures out can be very difficult for both professionals and amateurs. You must be able to concentrate one hundred percent on the job in hand so playing with a clear head is fundamental. Polo Times’s psychology expert Miranda Banks told me: “The foundation of building confidence is creating the perception of having done sufficient preparation. “Once that is established it is important to focus on the process of what you need to do rather than just the end result. Finally it is important to have sufficient relaxation time and to remind your brain of what you have achieved in the past.” We all have are own ways of building confidence and I would love to hear what our readers do. F ◗ Do you have a sure-fire method for breaking a confidence crisis? Tell us at letters@polotimes.co.uk
Mind games Mind games Min Sports psychologist Miranda Banks on what polo players need to think about to optimise Effective training is not just about how best to enhance your skills or school your horses. You also have to train your brain to be effective. Having set your goals, you need to analyse your weekly timetable and ensure
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you’re planning for success. List your “projects” on one side of a blank page and the corresponding tasks involved in them on the other. Prioritise those tasks and then allocate them time in your schedule. It is important to insert what I call “buffer
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:30:18
Know your game
Avoiding injury
Fit for purpose James de Mountfort, polo player and personal trainer to the Red Bull F1 Racing Team reveals the exercises and techniques that will help your polo This hip-opening exercise will help you to maintain a neutral lumber curvature, which allows your body naturally to adopt the least stressful position while sitting, walking, standing or, of course, riding a pony. 1. Start in the press up position with your arms fully extended, then move your right foot to the outside of the right hand as you exhale. Hold for two breaths then step your foot back. 2. Exhale and then move your left foot to the outside of your left hand and hold for two breaths. Then return to the starting position. If you can’t step your foot next to your hand in one step, (your muscles are tight) you may need to lift your hand off the floor. As a static stretch hold for a minimum of one minute, then to improve conditioning jump from one position to the next for anything up to five minutes. Enjoy!
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Essential tips from equestrian and extreme sports biomechanics fitness expert, Linda Byrne To up your game and avoid injury, you must have excellent upper body stability and strength, particularly in the shoulder area. Simple traditional exercises such as chest and shoulder presses are limited when training for sports such as polo. They only use one plane of movement, which is an ineffective way of improving all-round stability in your shoulder joint. Speed Ladder Shuffles are a more functional exercise for polo players as they build multi-planar shoulder stability and core integration, which will prove to be far more beneficial when it comes to game-time.
◗ Contact James on 07949 455712 or james@personally-trained.co.uk to put together your own regime to get you fit for purpose.
Mind games Mind games
1.
Start at one end of the ladder in a high plank press-up position
2.
Engage your abdominals by drawing your belly button in
3.
Move yours hands along to the next section of the ladder, shuffling your feet along at the same time. It is important to keep your back straight and hips square to the ground for the length of the ladder.
4.
When you have reached the end of the ladder, repeat in the other direction.
5.
Keep going back and forth until one minute has elapsed.
6.
Complete three lots of one minute sets to feel the benefit
their performances. This month – training your brain to be effective time” between tasks. You want your brain fully focussed on each task, rather than losing time by being distracted. Analyse your timetable on a weekly basis – stick to your plan as
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much as you can and it will minimise crisis development and maximise a sense of being in control. ◗ Contact Miranda on 07789 933936 and miranda@mirandabanks.com
◗ Contact Linda on 07535 655338 and linda@lvbinc. co.uk. See www.lvbinc.co.uk for more information Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 17:38:47
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Ones to watch
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Satnam Dhillon
Photographs by James Mullan
looks set for his most-impressive summer yet, says John O’Sullivan
Cherry Jam
Height: 15.2hh Age: 9 Colour: Flea-bitten grey Sex: Gelding Dam: Cherry Sire: Restless Regent Owner: Sir Charles Williams
Jamie Dickson (inset) tells James Mullan what made the Sir Charles Williams-bred gelding Cherry Jam the best playing pony at the Barbados Open last month What is Cherry Jam’s background? He is the first in a line of five out of Cherry, all bred in Barbados, though he is the only one by Restless Regent. The other four are by Saville Row. All are called Cherry something, and have been made by Nico Roberts, though now I do most of the work with them. I ride Cherry Jam at least twice a week. What are his strengths? He has a heart like a lion. He doesn’t look that tough, but he is an incredible fighter. Cherry Jam never loses a ride-off, and always has the ability to give you that little bit extra, even at the very end of a chukka. Sir Charles won’t allow us ever to double Apes Hill’s horses, so they know to give it everything until they come off and can rest. Cherry Jam is one of the quickest, and is definitely one of our best, so I always tend to use him in the final chukka of a game, as I did in the Open. Sounds as though it’s a shame you can’t breed from him?! Yes, definitely. But we’ll keep him playing as long
as possible. In fact, he’ll be turned out the week after the Open and will rest until November, because he’s such a good horse. There’s no sense risking him and burning him out in anything but the best tournaments at this late stage of the season. Hopefully that way we’ll keep him in top form at the top of the Apes Hill string until he’s 15 or 16. Does he have any weaknesses? Not really – I suppose he could be a bit bigger, but he’s easy to hit the ball off. And, because he hits top speed and levels off quickly, he’s lovely to play on. He is an incredibly graceful mover and turner, yet with amazing athleticism, and he loves polo. I guess his only other weakness is that, when there’s no ball to chase, he can be a bit lazy on exercise. But he’s generally very easy. Is this the first major award he’s won? Yes, actually. Sir Charles has 150 polo ponies in total, not to mention his racehorses, and there are 108 ponies in work throughout the season, so there’s plenty of competition to stand out as one of the best. However, even with all the Apes Hill horses, and all those of our opposition, it’s encouraging that our hard work with him has been justified, and it’s a great thrill to have him win this award.
England’s newest seven-goaler Satnam Dhillon is hoping to force himself into the reckoning for the Coronation Cup by impressing during the high-goal season. The Cirencester member has moved up from six since last season to put him level pegging with England trio Mark and Luke Tomlinson and James Beim. In the high-goal he will be playing in Paul Oberschnieder’s La Golondrina team alongside Argentine seven-goal duo Guillermo Terrera and Diego Cavanagh. He hopes a good showing here could lead to inclusion in the England team on Cartier Day. He said: “I am really concentrating on the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup this year. We are a young team, but I think we are a good one and have a chance of doing well. “When you look down the list of teams, there are a few obvious favourites, but generally I think they are all pretty equal. I will be using all my own horses. They are looking good, so now it is all about making sure they peak at the right time. “It would be great to do well in the high-goal and then play in the Cartier. That would have to be the highlight of the career of any English pro.” Dhillon’s last appearance in an England shirt was as captain in February’s 14-goal defeat against India in Delhi. The HPA are keeping tight-lipped over the England sides for the summer’s three Test Matches. But Polo Times understands that Dhillon is in line to captain an experimental side in May’s Cowdray Test against South America.
England hopeful Satnam Dhillon
Page sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds – experts in polo nutrition Tel: +44 (0)1371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
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Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 14:12:05
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21/4/11 11:32:01
How to spend it
Adrenalin alternatives with Andrew Dent
Watch
This month: Tank driving With a huge bellow from the engine and a sickening lurch, the front of your vehicle rises and falls accompanied by the sound of crushing metal and breaking glass. You’ve just driven right over the top of a car, without even losing momentum. Sometimes Britain’s driving standards, not to mention road conditions, do make one dream of being in an invincible vehicle – it’s welcome news, therefore, that there are now several companies offering the chance to drive a tank. On an off-road driving course, mind you - not, sadly, down London’s King’s Road. But it’s no less fun for that. Visibility in these beasts can be restricted – in some types one looks through a slot or a periscope. There are a lot of hard edges visible around the cockpit and no airbags, but sheer might and armour plating are a pretty good substitute when it comes to safety. There’s plenty of noise, and steering is accomplished by pulling on levers for differential braking, which takes a bit of practice to get right. You can’t help respecting the men who drive these things in combat for real, often under concentrated enemy fire. Nowadays tanks are
Knowledge
powered by less flammable diesel fuel, but in WW2 they ran on high-octane AvGas, so being on the receiving end of an incendiary bullet carried a very real risk of explosion or fire. If it’s the real thing, it will probably be a Chieftain, about 55 tonnes of sheer might and mainstay of the British Army for over 30 years. Other operators offer the Abbot FV433, technically a self-propelled gun rather than a battle tank, and Russian types are available too. Car crushing is extra, and you will probably get dirty so don’t take your best clothes. Most operators have other military vehicles available, such as 432s, Humvees and amphibious trucks, and can offer a really fun-filled day out. Prices vary but generally the bigger the hardware, the more it costs. And, interestingly, if she’s feeling particularly flush a polo bride can arrive at her wedding in a tank – Queen Boadicea, aka Britain’s Warrior Queen, would have been envious! www.exhilaration.com www.tanks-alot.co.uk
Richard Mille Black Night Glamorous Swiss watch manufacturers Richard Mille has been associated with the world’s most extreme and luxury sports since being launched 10 years ago. The brand is synonymous with tennis and Formula 1 and this year
they are making their move into polo by sponsoring a team in the English high-goal season. The Richard Mille Polo team is owned by Prince Bahar of Brunei and will be led by Argentine 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough. The team will all be wearing the limited edition RM 010 Black Night (pictured). Available from £25,000
Lower Nash Farm, Nutbourne, West Sussex
The glorious view across the South Downs National Park from Lower Nash Farm. Right: the five bedroom farmhouse, which is 2,666 sq ft
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Twenty acres of glorious Sussex countryside, complete with a substantial five bedroom farmhouse, two bedroom barn conversion and a one bedroom annexe, have just come on the market with Henry Adams. Lower Nash Farm in Nutbourne is situated just outside the country village of Pulborough, but less than 28 miles from Gatwick and 50 miles from London. Being also within a few miles of Knepp Castle and around 20 minutes’ drive from Cowdray Park, it is well based for any polo enthusiast. “The location is particularly good for equestrians,” said Philip Jordan, partner at Henry Adams Storrington. “Not only is there excellent polo almost on the doorstep, there are racecourses at Goodwood and Fontwell, beautiful
riding country, and the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray and Crawley & Horsham Hunt.” Currently operating as a small farm, the estate has a series of outbuildings including a cattle yard and stabling with six chalk-floor Lodden boxes Contact Philip Jordan on 01903 742535 or pjordan@henryadams.co.uk. Available from £1,795,000 Polo Times, May 2011
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21/4/11 11:32:46
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Travel - Caribbean hideaways
Tickled pink James Mullan considers the two beachside hotels in Barbados and Jamaica that he made his home last month, and recommends them both, but for very different reasons
A
fter three years in hotels in and around Holetown on the west of the island, the lengthily-named “Southern Palms Beach Club & Resort Hotel” gave me my first experience of staying on Barbados’s south coast. As well as being considerably nearer the airport, this parish (Christ Church) can expect some of the island’s best weather and surf, and St Lawrence Gap also provides some excitable nightlife to rival Holetown’s. “The Gap”, as it is commonly known, is basically a milelong stretch of road with shops, pubs and hotels, and access to a series of beautiful beaches. Southern Palms exists off the middle of one of these sandy paradises, and the beach is perhaps the hotel’s best feature. Which isn’t to say the accommodation, communal areas and food are bad, because they’re not. The rooms are simple, but spacious and comfortable, the meals offered are filling without being remarkable, and the hotel offers all the usual services you would
you won’t be going on holiday to play online FarmVille or watch TV, but to socialise and spoil yourselves. And the communal atmosphere was pleasant amongst the guests, who appeared to be predominantly British and American, with both couples and families mingling happily, as well as a couple of large groups of friends. The evening entertainment on the beachside terrace appeared to be popular each evening, as it was also on Sunday afternoons. Half Moon meanwhile sits in 4,000 acres of private gated land just ten minutes from the international airport at Montego Bay, on the north-west tip of the far larger island that is Jamaica. And it’s beautiful. At any one time, there are always as many staff as there are guests and, at full capacity, Half Moon can accommodate around 850 lucky, lucky people, though the place is
Above: the main pool at Southern Palms Beach Club & Resort Hotel in Barbados, with the beautiful St Lawrence Gap beach behind Right: the view from the outdoor area in front of one of the Southern Palms’ rooms opening up onto a communal garden and the beach beyond Below: the spot on which 15 refugees from Cuba landed in 1996 in the boat pictured, at Half Moon Jamaica. The hotel’s swimming with dolphins experience happens on the same beach
Photographs by James Mullan
The Queen has stayed at Half Moon on at least three occasions expect. However, because the frontage of the hotel is so long across the beach, and some of the rooms are quite spread out, I had some problems connecting with the wireless internet, which was frustrating, and the cable television signal was also rather unreliable at times. Nevertheless, hopefully most of 74
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Travel - Caribbean hideaways
Knowledge
One of the Hibiscus Suite rooms at Half Moon, which comes with a balcony and huge bathroom
so big you would rarely be conscious of most of them. This secluded privacy is presumably what makes it the go-to destination for the British Monarchy when they’re visiting on state business. The Queen has stayed at Half Moon on at least three occasions, Prince Charles has also been several times, but it does not appear to have been somewhere considered as a honeymoon destination for Prince William and his new bride. The accommodation spaces, the food and the service are all fantastic and it’s hard to find faults to pick in much of it. But I’ll try. The choice of food in the main restaurant for lunch and dinner isn’t unbelievably extensive, though it’s all so fresh and succulent that it almost doesn’t matter what you pick anyway. However, during the evening meals, you are denied the enjoyment of hearing the waves lapping lazily in the background by the musical “entertainment” that croons throughout the evening. It is all perfectly in tune and recognisable stuff, but played with an electronic synthesiser in almost every case and supported by keyboard backing tracks that remind me of fooling round in the music room at prep school. They’re not quite right here. Nevertheless, if you’re eating alone, as I was, at least you can distract yourself with some work, thanks to the wireless internet (as it isn’t wireless in the rooms). For those who require their fix of polo even while holidaying, Trina De Lisser and her team at the hotel’s Equestrian www.polotimes.co.uk
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Centre can offer stick and ball in a modest arena used loosely for polo. The main polo space was converted a few years ago for football, but there are still a few polo ponies amongst all the horses used mainly for beach rides and swimming in the sea. All the grooms I spoke to were knowledgeable on the game, and know many of the island’s players, so it’s a connection that many will appreciate. Verdict Half Moon is the better hotel in itself by leaps and bounds but, because it is so self-sufficient, you end up experiencing a lovely but very insulated version of Jamaican life and culture. Southern Palms, on the other hand, is close enough to everything touristy that has made Barbados so attractive to holiday-makers, whilst also allowing for a break from the giant theme-park feel with access on foot to the St Lawrence Gap local community, which appeared to be a very friendly one. A short walk reveals a football pitch and basketball court, both of which appear to be a constant, vibrant hub of activity.
One of the pools in the onsite Half Moon spa, the largest spa in Jamaica
In short, Jamaica as an island offers the more authentic traditional Caribbean experience in my view, in both a good and a bad way, but staying at Southern Palms in Barbados will still probably expose you to more of that way of life because you tend to venture out of its confines. The comprehensive luxury of the huge Half Moon site means this idea barely occurs to you, and so that is where you stay, allowing yourself to be spoilt lavishly. It’s simply a case of which type of holiday appeals to you more. F w See more from the Caribbean on pages 42, 48, 84 and 90
Above: Trina De Lisser runs the Half Moon stables, in which there are several polo ponies
Essentials At Southern Palms, my room –which came with a double bedroom, closet, bathroom, kitchinette and living room – will cost you US$520 per night throughout the polo season. Visit www.southernpalms.net Half Moon is considerably more expensive. The Hibiscus Suite near to the hotel’s reception and restaurant is a minimum of US$1,000 a night, and prices go up steadily from there, with huge private villas with a live-in butler, maid and cook, also available from US$2,500 per room per night. Visit www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com Polo Times, May 2011
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Travels – Your experiences: Oaklands Country Manor, South Africa
A perfect taste of South Africa One of PT’s subscribers finds Oaklands Country Manor to be a little piece of African paradise with excellent hospitality, scenery, food, wine and – of course – polo
Georgiana Crofton in South Africa
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umpy calls out: “Oh my God, the cows are on the tennis court come quick and we’ll divert them.” And sure enough three sleepy cows are heading straight for centre court. I have been here for a week now, so events like this come as no surprise. Oaklands Country Manor Hotel and Polo Club is, in its own unique way, a piece of paradise. It’s background is colourful to the extreme. Owned by tycoons, clairvoyants and trophy hunters, it was finally bought some 15 years ago by the late Sir Hervey James Hugh Bruce-Clifton, ex British Army officer, known to friends as Jamie. His passion for Oaklands inspired his relentless drive to create a dream. An oasis of
They are hugely energetic, great fun and ferociously passionate about their environment and the hotel. Their guests are treated like royalty, their staff like family and their animals are treated like demi-gods! On arrival we were greeted by Annie and a troupe of oversized dogs; three huge Great Danes followed closely by three very small terriers. We were then paraded through the bar and pool room to meet Simon, the barman, Prisca the head waitress and Johnson the assistant chef. Their broad smiles and genuine joy at meeting new arrivals made us feel instantly at home. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and the décor is very stylish but you get the feeling you’re in someone’s home rather than a hotel – it is wonderfully welcoming. As one might expect, the views from the veranda are also stunning. Our polo schedule was perfectly civilised. Terence Spilsbury (South African four-goaler) put us through our paces at 10am with theory, wooden horse, video assessments and stick
Oaklands is an oasis of sparkling hospitality and picture book vistas blended with a formidable polo experience sparkling hospitality, picture book vistas and all blended with a formidable polo experience. Oaklands sprawls along the lower slope of a deep valley with steep and rocky hillside towering above. It’s setting is spectacular. It is perfect horse country, rich and fertile. Three hours drive from either Johannesburg or Durban is the beautiful Van Reenen region in which Oaklands is set. It is run by Caroline, Jamie’s widow (or Mumpy as she is affectionately known) and her two sisters, Kathy and Annie.
and ball practice on horseback for two hours. In the afternoon chukkas range from novice to six-goal, so the standard is very good. For non-polo players there is also a full range of outdoor activities, including safaris, water ski-ing, hiking, cycling and fishing, as well as an excellent spa. In the evening the “sundowner” – a trip on horseback, quad or 4x4 to get a front row seat of the sun setting armed with a glass of your favourite tipple – is the perfect way to wind
The stunning view of Oaklands at night and, below, the panoramic view of the surrounding valley
down after a long day. In the restaurant, the food is superb, the wines sublime, the service is immaculate and all delivered with smiles and good humour. On a more serious note, the Oaklands enterprise supports the local village. Not only do the employee salaries sustain their children and grandparents, but staff are provided with full training in skills such as gardening, grooming, hotel management, secretarial, to name just a few. It is refreshing to feel that even the polo activities here provide practical support to local African families. Oaklands is a retreat, a celebration of home and family values and a humming hive of effortlessly efficient activity. A fine tribute indeed to Jamie’s vision. F w See www.oaklands.co.za for more information about Oaklands
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Polo Arena Construction
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• 15hh Argentine TB • Registered Polo Argentino • Offspring proven at all levels up to high goal • Sisters played the Argentine Open
£600 Frozen semen only
For full information visit www.eastwoodstud.com Tel: 07970 697 593 aurora.eastwood@btinternet.com
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/4/11 11:59:30
Products
Knowledge
Black and white essentials As part of her initiation to the Polo Times team, we asked new girl Harriet Kay to model some of the current umpire kit available on the market. Whether you are an umpire starting out or in need of some new kit, Georgie May selects the essentials
Thunderer whistle, £5
www.polosplice.co.uk USPA umpire shirt, £46.50
www.polosplice.co.uk Timer clock, £28.50
www.polosplice.co.uk
Air horn, £20.50 (refill, £16.75)
www.polosplice.co.uk
Leather ball carrier, £65
Pick-up stick, £61.50
www.satsfaction.com
www.polosplice.co.uk Leather ball carrier, £95
www.pampeano.co.uk
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21/4/11 10:38:27
Review – Poloskilz
Knowledge
Skilz site offers top tips Polo Times runs the rule over the impressive new PoloSkilz Network website, which offers top coaching advice in the comfort of your armchair
John O’Sullivan takes a look
W
hen the staff at Polo Times heard that an innovative website is aiming to revolutionise the way polo is taught, we simply had to find out what all the fuss is about. The recently launched US-based PoloSkilz venture offers an impressive and ever-growing range of online instructional videos aimed at everyone from beginners to seasoned veterans. A quick glance at the site shows that everything from pony welfare and horsemanship to tactics and psychology are covered. To deliver this, Kim Snider – the brainchild behind the site – has assembled a mouthwatering cast of top players and coaches. The key to the website, as US seven-goaler Tommy Biddle puts it in one of his videos, is that “you never stop learning” and Miss Snider believes PoloSkilz offers something for all players. She said: “I created the PoloSkilz Network to give serious polo players a state-of-the-art online instruction community. “You get checklists, interviews, videos, and tips from polo’s best which you can use
Screen grabs from the PoloSkilz Network
their advice really hits the spot. While Major Dawnay’s advice, as well as the roll-back displayed by US nine-goaler Julio Arellano and the flying lead change of Dale Smicklas, are geared to the experienced player, there is plenty on offer at the other end of the scale too. The contributions of Robin Sanchez from the Polo Training Foundation are particularly useful for beginners, while for the intermediate player the drills of Canadian five-goaler Brandon Phillips are great for improving speed, agility and accuracy.
PoloSkilz has recruited some of the world’s most learned coaches and players, so their advice really hits the spot. wherever you are. Regardless of your current level you can take your skill and love of the game to the next stage.” I start my tour of the site by watching one of the several videos supplied by Playmaker author and renowned polo coach Major Hugh Dawnay. Once I get over the fact that Major Dawnay is illustrating the six tips for performing the perfect ride-off using what appear to be My Little Pony dolls, I realise just how insightful his knowledge is. His analysis of what to do when you don’t have the ball is priceless for players looking to find that extra edge. This is where PoloSkilz excels. Miss Snider has recruited some of the most learned coaches and players out there, so www.polotimes.co.uk
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This brings me on to the most powerful feature of the website – the swing library. This features seven-goal pro Luis Escobar demonstrating every swing from the offside forehand to the nearside backhand tail shot. The slow-motion replay is the key to showing players of all levels exactly how Luis positions both himself and his pony at each stage of the shot. The soon-to-be expanded Game Film section also features the slowmotion option and will offer even more power to evaluate the world’s best players. As I’ve outlined, there is no doubt that PoloSkilz is an impressive resource that can offer top-tier advice to learners of all levels.
I must admit, though, my biggest concern is the price tag. While patrons around the world are unlikely to baulk at the $997 (approx £610) annual subscription, it is difficult to see your average club player shelling out that kind of money. Having said that, the $97 (£60) monthly membership is no more than you would pay for a standard lesson from a good coach and would certainly be a good gift. This leaves just one question lingering in my mind – how successfully can one be taught polo from the comfort of one’s own home? While there is no doubting the quality of the advice on offer at PoloSkilz, it remains to be seen whether it’s possible to have the same affect on a student as a hands-on coach who can spot all of your mistakes and guide you as you are sitting in the saddle. What is for sure, though, is that PoloSkilz is a very ambitious and unique undertaking and Miss Snider should be applauded for dragging polo coaching into the 21st century. F Visit the site at www.poloskilz.com; Annual membership $997 (£610), monthly membership $97 (£60)
PT Rating
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What’s on
What’s on in May 2011 UK and Ireland tournaments Test Matches Cowdray – St Regis International Cup, England vs South America (Open): 21 May High Goal Cirencester – Cirencester 0-40 Goal Tournament (0-40): 23 April – 8 May Hurtwood – Polo Masters (18): 30 April – 8 May Coworth – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): 3-20 May Guards – Queen’s Cup (17-22): 17 May – 12 June Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): 21 May – 10 June Medium Goal Guards – Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15): 30 April – 15 May Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 7-22 May Beaufort – The Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 17 May – 4 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): 24 May – 5 June Guards – Mountbatten Cup (12-15): 27 May – 19 June Guards – Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): 29 May – 19 June Low Goal Druids Lodge – Full Swing Trophy (4-6): 7-8 May
Lynt – SATS Trophy (-2-2): 7-8 May Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussar’s Cup (-2-2): 7-8 May Cirencester – The Gerald Balding Cup (4-8): 10-29 May Hurtwood – Jubilee Cup (0-4): 17-22 May Ascot Park – Waterloo Cup (-2-2): 21-22 May Cheshire – Chairman’s Cup (2-4): 21-22 May Lacey Green – The Revolution Cup (2-6): 21-22 May Kirtlington – The Oxfordshire Bowl (4-8): 24-30 May Edgeworth – Edgeworth Challenge (0-2): 28-30 May RLS – The Warwickshire Polo Centenary Cup (0-4): 28-29 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (4-8): 30 May – 12 June Guards – The Archie David Cup (4-8): 31 May – 26 June Youth/Ladies Cowdray – British Ladies Open (Open): 15-21 May Cowdray – Young England vs England Ladies (Open): 21 May Longdole – SATS National Junior Schools Tournament (Open): 22 May Open Taunton – Inter Hunt Cup (Open): 7-8 May West Wycombe – WWPPC Friends Cup (Open): 7-8 May Tidworth – Royal Navy Weekend (RN vs Millfield; RN vs Taunton): 28-29 May
Main overseas tournaments Australia Windsor Polo Club – Countess of Dudley Cup (12): 12-15 May Broome – International Beach Polo Festival (Open): 8-15 May
USA Grand Champions – Spring Classic (14-16): 22-24 May Grand Champions – Memorial Cup (16-18): 28-31 May
France Polo Club de Chantilly – Coupe Raversine Challenge Ellie de Rothschild (Open): 21 May – 5 June
Special events The Royal Military Chapel, London – Thanksgiving service for Charlie Stisted: 5 May, 4pm Marriners Farm, Hampshire – Polo at Marriners: 29 May, 3pm
Other dates Goffs, Punchestown – National Hunt Sale: 5 May Brightwells, Ascot – Two year old Breeze-Up Sale: 7 May Brightwells, Cheltenham – Bloodstock Sale (form horses, NH end of season consignments and store horses): 11 May Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – Spring HIT Sales (NH horses in training): 24-25 May Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – Spring Store Sales: 26 May
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21/4/11 14:16:51
What’s on
Correction
Emlor celebrating their 2010 Warwickshire Cup win (l-r: Spencer McCarthy, Nacho Gonzalez, Joaquin Pittaluga and Luke Tomlinson)
10
of the biggest UK outdoor clubs by playing members 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Despite the huge crowds, Cowdray Park actually has fewer playing members than military clubs, Tidworth and Guards
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Guards Tidworth Cowdray Park Cirencester Park Ham RCBPC Kirtlington Park Cheshire Beaufort Lacey Green
(198) (173) (160) (135) (131) (111) (104) (97) (88) (84)
NB: based on 2010 data supplied by the HPA
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
Club contacts
It has come to our attention that, in the March 2011 issue of Polo Times (page 25), we mistakenly labelled a photograph of Emlor lifting the 2010 Prince of Wales Trophy as that of their victory in the Warwickshire Cup. The winning Emlor team in the Prince of Wales at RCBPC was, as labelled, Spencer McCarthy, Joaquin Pittaluga, John Paul Clarkin and Nacho Gonzalez. However, Emlor’s victorious team in the Warwickshire Cup that same year was Spencer McCarthy, Joaquin Pittaluga, Nacho Gonzalez and Luke Tomlinson.
TOP
Knowledge UK and Ireland
South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 01344 829955 * Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 01273 400179 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01344 875155 Epsom – 01372 748200 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07946 360569 Park Lane – 01491 411969 RMAS – 01276 412276 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 01865 858475 * East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 Carlton House – 01986 892231 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Silver Leys – 01279 652652 St Albans – 07879 866647 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974 South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lynt – 07957 468220 * Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Orchard – 01258 471000 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 01460 242684 * West Somerset – 01844 820432 Midlands Foxhill – 0115 9651790 Offchurch Bury – 07816 830887 Leadenham – 07816 216356 Ranksboro – 01572 720046 RLS – 01926 812409 Rugby – 01788 817724 * Rutland – 01572 724568 North Beverley – 01964 544455 * Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 * White Rose – 01430 875767 * Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602 Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 * Stewarton – 07974 706045 Ireland All Ireland – +353 (0) 1 6896732 Bunclody – +353 87 6605917 Curraghmore – +353 51 387102 Donaghadee – 02891 882521 Limerick – +353 (0) 87 2231690 Moyne – +353 85 1313224 Northern Ireland – 02890 727905 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 * Waterford – +353 51 595280 * denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828
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Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk
Sidelines
Topless Jamie up on top Photograph by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice
This month’s cover star Jamie Le Hardy will no-doubt be enjoying the boost to his media profile as he prepares for the UK season and seeks sponsorship for the Scotland team he hopes to lead in more regular internationals. However, it’s not the first time he’s made a splash in print this year, after appearing as pictured last month in Jamaica’s leading weekend paper, The Sunday Observer. Charlie and Binkie Peacock, who first met at Pony Club polo, were married in Gloucestershire in mid-April
Two more polo-playing sweethearts tie the knot though the newlyweds were wrapped in marital Cowdray and Ash Farm-based players Niall bliss at the time of going to press and so were Donnelly and Claire Broom married in Niall’s uncontactable to tell us more! native Northern Ireland on 16 April, the same Charlie and Binkie Peacock (neé weekend as former Pony Club polo West), both 28, first met on the sweethearts Binkie West and Pony Club circuit when they Charlie Peacock tied the shared a kiss in their early knot just outside Tetbury, teens. They have been in Gloucestershire, near Binkie’s parents home. back together two-and“If we’re not ahead in the third The Donnellys, who a-half years. Binkie, who and fourth chukkas, we’ll lose” is the sister of Casper met in New Zealand at Audi captain Marc Ganzi with an and Crispin West and the a friend’s 21st some four honest and accurate pre-match HPA’s Sophie McPherson, years ago and now live assessment of his side’s chances reached the Gannon final near Hurtwood, married in in the US Open final Belfast and had a reception for playing with George Meyrick – see page 36-41 at Cowdray in 2005 and around 200 guests at the privatehas also played at Knepp Castle walled 18th-century Larchfield Estate and Beaufort. Her father, Peter West, now in County Down. commentates regularly at Beaufort, after he and Polo Times understands they have also recently set up their own yard for polo livery, wife Stephanie moved from Sussex nearly 10 years ago, where Binkie and her polo-playing siblings were all brought up.
Quote of the month
Look-a-likes
Prince William and Oliver Hipwood
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Meanwhile, at Lynt Polo Club, minus-onegoaler Diana Massey is marrying fiancée Richard Wilkinson in July and club members Abi and Stuart Latham are celebrating the birth of their first child, Lyra Innes Phoebe, on 15 April. Also expecting are Daniel and Kirsty Otamendi, who will welcome their first baby in early June. The couple are both based at Ascot Park, where Argentine Daniel is one of the club’s four-goal professionals. Elsewhere at the club, IWPA’s Mia Randall-Coath’s 20-year old son Will has had one of his films selected for the Cannes Film Festival which will take place next month.
It was all part of publicity for the final of the Jamaica Open on Sunday 10 April, which Le Hardy went on to win and gain all the plaudits as the tournament’s MVP He also took part in the Barbados Open, though without the same success. In that, fellow Brits Tom Morley, Jamie Dickson and George Gemmell took the spoils. ◗ Read all the action from Barbados on pages 42 and 90, and see more from Jamaica on pages 16, 48 and 86 Akuma Polo Clothing director Thomas Aldersley and his fiancée Polly Barber are expecting their first child, a baby boy, due in mid-August. They hope to marry next year and are already choosing names for their imminent new arrival, with the slightly unusual Harley the apparent front-runner! Finally, in case you’ve been living under a rock, one-goal polo player Prince William married his long-term girlfriend Catherine Middleton at the end of last month and, in honour of the national celebration, we’ve suggested his nearest polo look-a-like (left). It also seems Wills and Ollie may well share style advice as well! www.polotimes.co.uk
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Sidelines
nes
Sarah Hotston, David Morley, best turned-out player Katie Jenkins and Maxine Betteridge Sydney Hickmet, accepting an award on behalf of her brother Harry
Club commentator Seb Baker and Elizabeth Seward
AEPC, Hickstead end-of-arena-season awards The Redmire Clubhouse – 12 March 2011
Jodi Streeter, Leigh Anne Moore and Elizabeth Seward
Honours at Hickstead As another season in the All England Polo Club arena drew to a close and chairman John Bunn began planning his annual spring break to Barbados, Hickstead’s members congregated at the club for the presentation of their annual awards. Long-serving groom Daniel Acosta was the recipient of the club’s highest accolade, awarded to the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the club throughout the season. w Photographs by Tony Ramirez: www.imagesofpolo.com
Hickstead boss John Bunn presents the chukka champion prize to Duncan Hotston
Daniel Acosta, who won the award for the most outstanding contribution to Hickstead’s season
Binfield Heath – big changes at Oxfordshire club
New management unveiled for season Binfield Heath welcomed new polo manager Pedro de Lamare to the club last month. Originally from Brazil, Pedro is a three-goal player who has lived and played polo in the Berkshire area for the last 10 years. He will be assisted by New Zealander Karyn Shuter, an accomplished three-day eventer, who will act as club secretary. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Pedro and Karyn bring many years of experience organising tournaments around the world from low-goal to internationals. Work has commenced on a new irrigation system which the club anticipates will be fully operational by mid-season. In the meantime, the first tournament gets underway early this month, with the -2-2
goal May Cup, to be held on 7 May. Club chukkas have been underway since early April, on Thursdays and weekends. Tournaments are held regularly throughout the season, 0-8 goal, and this year’s popular Festival of Polo takes place on 23 July. Right: new man, Pedro de Lamare Polo Times, May 2011
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Sidelines
Steve Fong-Yee
Francisca Donavon, Vicky Gandara and Karen Kranenburg The after-party raged late into the night in the Kingston clubhouse
Jamaica Open, Kingston Polo Club – 7-10 April 2011
Non-stop, day and night
Brothers Sam and Hamish Wates try and look tough
After the 2010 Jamaica Open afterparty closed up lamentably early, tournament organiser Karen Kranenburg was anxious to ensure there would be no repeat performance in the sixth year of the Scotia Private Client Group-sponsored event. Cue celebrated professional DJ Patris Gero, flown in specially for the event from St Barth’s. Gero spends half his year coaxing people onto the dancefloors of the Caribbean and the rest DJing back in his native France, principally in the coolest clubs and bars of St Tropez. Sure enough, with block-rocking beats and an already-sozzled set of guests (thanks to the Scotia VIP tent and sponsorship from Jamaican rum producers Appleton), the 2011 afterparty moved up through the gears and carried on long into the night. And all this after the record crowd had witnessed the excitement of a victory for the underdogs in both the final and the subsidiary earlier in the day, when all four teams played typically fast, open, passing polo. The Jamaicans each seem to hit more backhands than Rafa Nadal in a five-set thriller with Roger Federer, providing terrific-to-watch polo on a remarkably consistent basis. Both on and off the ground, the action is non-stop.
Paddy and Sandra Masterton Jack Lalor and Aliana Masterton playing with two of the club’s canine residents
w Words and photographs by James Mullan w Read the full report from the Jamaica Open on page 48 Guests look out on the action from the Scotia VIP marquee
Max Dougall
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The Hon Dennis Lalor and his son Paul
Cabinet minister James Robertson of the Jamaican government
James Mullan and Jamie Le Hardy with members of the British Airways cabin crew that attended the final
Top international DJ Patris Gero, who arrived from St Barthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially for the party
A moody groom
Eight of the huge polo-playing Wates family clan
Heidi Lalor
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333¢ 2� , , ** ( ¢ ¢-
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Best playing pony Kat with Billy Sheldon, Russ Sheldon (back), Shane Rice, Alex Haagen III and Denny Geiler
Match organiser Ed Armstrong makes an announcement in a packed commentary box
The bar area at the event was a hive of activity Billy Sheldon, Tommy Biddle, John Gobin, Shane Rice, Alex Haagen III, Denny Geiler, Alex Haagen IV, Ryan Pemble, Chris Hyde, Seb Dawnay and Tarquin Southwell Denny Geiler, the USPA x Pacific Coast Circuit Governor x amongst a sea of polo fans
The Townsend Cup â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 26 March The Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
Polo party in the desert Matt Syme and Steve Lane umpired the game
Hosts USA may have won the hotly-anticipated showdown with England at the Empire Polo Club in California, but the real winner was arena polo as the event attracted a bumper crowd to the desert venue. Over 1,000 spectators flocked to the newly built arena where a packed grandstand and buzzing bar area created a carnival atmosphere for the Townsend Cup. The event certainly captured the imagination of the California polo community and the visiting England players were treated like royalty. Captain Chris Hyde was interviewed on the local Palm Springs TV station before and after the game. The English contingent were also invited to the Pacific Coast USPA Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party hosted by Denny Geiler. w See page 46-47 for report from the game
The Empire arena
Ebe Sievwright and Kevin Ittig
w Pictures by Lynn and Jim Bremner of PoloZONE.com
Tournament organisers Russ Sheldon and Ed Armstrong of the USPA
Shane Rice takes the ball out of the air
The England support team in California of Maggie Merriman, Elizabeth Ross and Louisa Dawnay
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George Gemmell takes a well-earned drink in the back of his car after Digicel’s victory in the Open semi-final
Jack Richardson looks on with interest at Lion Castle
Local patron Jeff Evelyn
Barbados Open, 23 March – 3 April 2011 Lion Castle and Clifton polo grounds, Barbados
Bajan highlight’s ironic influx There was a carnival atmosphere at this year’s Barbados Open, as all the island’s familiar polo faces returned for the ninth year of the tournament, and record numbers of British players also arrived to get in on this increasingly important and competitive fixture in the international polo calendar. Ten winter-weary Britons gleefully accepted the opportunity to play in the sunshine for a few weeks when there is little to occupy them back home, save for bringing their horses back into work before the start of the European summer season, which begins this month. More Brits meant less South Americans and, in an ironic twist with the concerns voiced elsewhere in this magazine about the make-up of the teams in the English high-goal, Barbados’s main event of the season is becoming a fantastic source of employment for medium-handicapped British pros. Between them, they took centre stage in many of the tournament’s matches, and provided a series of compelling sub-plots as friends and regular teammates fought it out on opposing sides, with Tom Morley ultimately having the last laugh. w Words and photographs by James Mullan w Read more from Barbados on page 42 Digicel’s Oliver Williams, Tom Morley, George Gemmell and Jamie Dickson
Bajan two-goaler Harry Manning Strong winds before the finals proved tricky for some especially
Stephen Williams and Cheshire’s Howard Taylor 90
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Roddy Williams and his young son, Freddie
Teddy Williams and Jack Kidd
Polo wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ball sport on display
Chris Davies and his girlfriend, UberPoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leigh-Anne Moore
Jamie Le Hardy and Peter Fewster on umpiring duty
Jana Morley www.polotimes.co.uk
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Henry Brett, who was one of the 12 players mounted by Sir Charles Williams (right)
Entertainers in the VIP marquee 91
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Clubs
Cambridge & Newmarket Polo Club Now based at High Summer Polo, Lode, Cambridgeshire www.cnpc.co.uk 07769 976781 Team building days • Affordable polo for everyone • Family atmosphere
• Excellent pitches • Livery • Lessons • Corporate days
18ft-deep Fen peat pitches
• Stick & ball ground
Fast growing, professional surfaces
• 400 acres of riding
Polo lessons – the perfect gift
•
Close proximity to Cambridge
Vaux Park Polo Club Rob Cudmore England Coach, 2 HPA Instructors
www.vauxparkpoloclub.com
• International Equitrack Polo Arena • Fantastic clubhouse with licensed bar & excellent viewing of the arena • Polo Pony Hire, School Ponies • Chukkas and Matches - call the office for Info • Individual Coaching, Group Lessons, Social & Corporate Events For information on membership, polo lessons and general enquiries please call: Tel: (office) 01452 864 544 Mobile: 07974 532 841 email: rob@longdolepolo.com Longdole Polo Club, Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8LH
Affordable polo for everyone • Friendly family atmosphere • Corporate days • Schools, colleges and universities welcome
• 3 grass pitches • Stick and ball ground • Canter track • Pony hire at all levels • Full livery service • Chukkas and matches • HPA coaching at all levels • Professionals onsite • Clubhouse/fully licesnsed bar
Tel: 01460 242684 / 01460 240490 Vaux Park Polo Club, Wigborough Manor, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5LP
CHESHIRE POLO CLUB SCHMITZ CARGO BULL NATIONAL 8 GOAL (THE JUNIOR COUNTY CUP) VICTOR LUDORUM TOURNAMENT Wednesday 29th June – Sunday 3rd July 2011 Entry Form available from The Polo Manager Tel: 01270 611100. Fax: 05601 129583 Email: info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk Website: www.cheshirepoloclub.com Entry Fee: £1000. Entries Close: Wednesday 22nd June 2011 BACK TO SCHOOL BARBECUE & DISCO Friday 1st July 2011 NATIONAL 8 GOAL FINALS LUNCH Sunday 3rd July 2011 Event sales, bookings and enquiries contact Wendy Smith Mobile: 07917 617968
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Transport
FOR SALE Audi Allroad
2001/Y, 2.5 TDi Quattro, manual, 130,000 miles, two-tone leather seats, removable Audi tow bar, 11 months tax and MOT. £6000 ono. Tel: 07885 285932
TRISTARHHH Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes
We have a large selection of NEW & SECOND-HAND Luxury Horseboxes
New body conversions with new coach built bodies, luxury living that offers the best in appliances and workmanship.
2001 FORD IVECO 2005 FORD IVECO 75E17 5 Horse, conversion, tilt cab, 5 Horse, new alloy body, full living, awning, sleeps 6. kick board, alloy floor, 2.5 running generator on board. rubber matted. Sold with 12 months MOT. (Choice 2). Full test. Choice of RENAULT.
2002 ford iveco 75E17 5 Horse, changing room only. Test until Sept 2011.
2003 MERCEDES 1823L 10 Horse, tack lockers, on air.
7 horse: 2005 IVECO EUROCARGE 75E17 With new 20ft alloy body, 6 partitions, kick board, alloy floor, rubber matted, tow bar. Full test.
2001 VOLVO FM7 290 12 Horse, day cabs, tack lockers, 26 ton, on air.
To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 Eddlethorpe Farm, Stockton Road, Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1TB ALL VEHICLES ARE PLUS VAT
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This revolutionary horsebox is designed to achieve a payload of approximately 3 tons – which means you can legally carry: 5 medium weight 16hh horses – around 600kg each, or 6 polo ponies of an average 460kg each – and this also includes all tack! Clever design and use of material have enabled us to manufacture a horsebox which combines strength, low maintenance and a smart appearance.
The above weights are based on a 17’6” horsebox, with a Luton over the cab, fitted onto a chassis such as a Leyland Daf 45.130 would have an estimated payload of 3 tons. This innovative body can be produced in any length from 10’ – 30’, with the same variations in specification as any other vehicle in our range.
Tel: 01570 422250 Fax: 01570 423842 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk
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Classifides
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Classifides
Rental Sotogrande Polo Valley 8L LED Medical Box
The ultimate non-powered cool box Country house to rent July/August Sleeps 10, 12m pool, tennis court 7 mins from beach, stabling for up to 40 ponies Mins from Santa Maria and Ayala polo clubs Tel: 07740 942 042 www.cortijopicante.co.uk
• Extreme cold longevity (10 days) • Holds 12 bottles of champagne upright • Extremely strong, • Lockable, water tight • 5 year warranty, • Choice of 9 colours • Branding available • Medical coolers and gel packs.
www.coolicebox.co.uk
Tel: 01598 740 685 Graphic Design Corporate literature Branding & logo design Advertising Web design Publishing Print & e-books Magazines Catalogues Project management Illustration Freehand & digital Book illustrations Maps Commissions
www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk T: 01280 812193 M: 07885 285932 E: nicki@nickiaverilldesign.co.uk
Emily Llewellyn Currently seeking rides and owners for the 2011 season Would you like to be an honorary owner of our already established advanced horses Junior, and Pardon Me who competed at Badminton 4* 2011? Do you have a talented horse and want to see it ridden to its full potential and would you like to be part of an extremely successful and professional, yet friendly family team? Emily is the only rider to have won U16, U18, U21 and U25 national championships. She has won multiple medals representing GB. Produced Junior II to 3* and Pardon Me II to 4*. Never been out of the top 25 at Badminton and Burghley. All by the age of 21. Fantastic opportunity for you to become involved: Call Emily now 01435 830218 / 07809 533603 www.emilyllewellyn.co.uk / emilyllew@hotmail.com
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Classifides Ponies SELECTION OF PLAYING PONIES AND YOUNGSTOCK Number of playing ponies. Clean legs and easy, can play low and medium goal. Also youngsters at various stages of training. Can be tried first week of May. £20008000. Contact: 07899 862200 or ajnpaterson@ gmail.com PIEBALD ARGENTINE MARE 14.2hh. 12 year old. Stick and balls quietly. Alert, responsive and nippy during play. Great temperament, easy to clip, box and shoe. Hunted with the Woodland Pytchley. £4,500. Email edwindelisle@barnsdaleoffice.co.uk or call 01536 770585 LOVE GELDINGS! SCHOOLMASTER AND FRIEND Two wonderful geldings. Schoolmaster 15hh bay, rising 13 years £3750 and 14.3hh chestnut rising 10 years £6000, or £8000 for both. Great opportunity for kind home. No time wasters. Call Robert 07767 477207 SELECTION OF 10 QUALITY AUSTRALIAN TB POLO PONIES FOR SALE From 4-goal player, all played 4-15 goal last year. 7-11 years old. For more information contact Sam via email sgairdner@ me.com or call 07932 995155. (Sam is looking to play half as much polo this year due to a new venture) EXCEPTIONAL APPALOOSA PONY Bombproof kind 8yo 15h pony, played Surtees to men’s 12 goal, ideal Ponyclub to men’s.100% reliable, easy with everything, no vices. Polo fit and shod. Totally dependable. Never missed a chukka. Gloucestershire £7,750. Tel: 07860 906032 or 07889 916777
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SELECTION OF HORSES FOR SALE to suit all abilities from beginner to medium goal, reasonably priced, ready to try without obligation. Call Harry 07816 257532 STUNNING 8-year-old 15.2hh bay thoroughbred. Quiet, easy to handle, fast and turns quickly. Clean legs. No vices. Tel: 07816 257532 FOUR PONIES FOR SALE - FIT AND PLAYING Four ponies for sale fit and playing now. All easy with no vices aged between 9-13 years. Have all played up to 12 goals or above. £3500 - £9000. Call Chris on 07762 069420 STRING OF PONIES FOR SALE All Ponies played by child to two-goaler, ages from 10 - 14 years old, priced to sell, can try any time, will be fit after 15 April, from £2500 to £3900. Tel 07957 833955 TWO POLO PONIES FOR SALE 15.3hh bay gelding, 13 years old. Very easy and uncomplicated, suitable for up and coming player. Played Pony Club, SUPA and low goal past three years. Safe hack, and excellent in traffic, easy to box, shoe, clip etc. Fully vaccinated. 15.1hh cheeky little grey mare, 15 years old, loves to do her job, not a novice ride. Suitable for Pony Club polo, SUPA, and low goal etc. Played last two years with 15 year old female, has given her a lot of confidence to get her to the next level. Easy to box, shoe, clip etc. Up to date with vaccinations. £5000-£6000 ono. Please contact for more information: 07808 931325 STUNNING BLACK MARE Baleria Alien. 11 year old, 15.2hh, black mare. A real player who loves the game! Very reliable and has played from zero to high goal (Spain). Vice less. Ready to play and can be tried. £4995. Email davidbeve@gmail. com or 07775 511555 14.3HH ARGENTINE MARE - POLO/HUNT/ JUMP/SCHOOLMISTRESS - 11 years old. Safe, sound, uncomplicated and genuine. Ideal P.C pony for young rider or mum to have fun. Played medium goal and Loriner. Agile and easy. Wonderful jumper/hunter. Complete pleasure to own. £3,500. Tel: 07879 636508 15HH CHILEAN MARE 13 YEARS OLD Very fast athletic pony that will be an asset to serious young players string. Played by Andrew Gebbie. Only for sale as over stocked. £3200 ono. Tel: 07786 475123/01794 323195 FIVE YEAR OLD GELDING Chesnut, good to box, catch, shoe, box, vet, live in or out, neck reining, rides sets, stick and balling, polo conformation, wants a season, fantastic temperament, nice pony, £2,000. Tel: 07969 992085
TWO YEAR OLD TB WITH FABULOUS BREEDING by Cool Cat (USA) and out of Fee Faw Fum (IRE), 15.2hh quality mare. Has seen the stick and ball and starting to learn to neck rein. Tel: 07800 517869. £2,750. FOUR ENGLISH THOROUGHBREDS aged 4 – 5, some second season – all quality horses, sound and fabulous natures and well mannered with no vices. £3,750 - £10,000. Call 07800 517869 – Oxfordshire area. EX GOLD CUP WINNING TEAM 2003 Due to player’s injury attractive 15.1hh 15yrs chestnut mare for sale. Played PC Rendel last 2yrs. Before that 15 goal. Also good arena. Must sell. Not playing fit hence price. £1,800 OVNO Tel: 07534 409350
Transport HORSEBOX - CARRIES SIX HORSES - 12T HGV H Reg, Leyland DAF 50 160 Turbo, 12 Tonne HGV with tilt cab with a Jennings built body. Structurally and mechanically sound, a really good runner, easy to drive, very reliable, starts first time, well maintained and regularly serviced. Full Height Partitions for six horses with a tack area and a storage area above the cab. Hydraulic rear ramp, side ramp and rubber floors. £7500. Tel: 07881 820961 1997 MERCEDES 814 7.5 TON Reliable, serviced, owned five years. MOT April 2012, taxed August. Partitions for seven, large tack locker, solid floor, rubber mats, roof vents, lights, water tank, immobiliser, isolator, new batteries. £7000. Tel: 07788 718095 LEYLAND DAF HORSE BOX 1993 7.5T compact Horse Box. New batteries, tyre, recently re-painted. Very good condition and reliable winter and summer. New MOT on purchase. Stalled for four with tack room and Luton. £4,250. Tel: 07843 515709 TRISTAR 1996 IVECO/CARGO 75E15 PARTITIONED FOR SIX Renowned robust build quality of the Tristar body. Fitted with towbar and winch, 6 cylinder engine. MOT till December 2011. Maintained regardless of cost. VGC. £9200 ono. Tel: 07786 475123/01794 323195 HORSEBOX FOR SALE Leyland DAF 150, green 7.5 ton 4 horse lorry, aluminium cattleback with partitions. Recently taxed and serviced £3500. Tel: 01624 382979 (work) or 01985 845365 (home). Wilts PROFESSIONAL HORSE TRANSPORT DEFRA approved. Hants/Wilts based. 20+ years horse and transport experience in UK and Europe. Also freelance drivers/grooms. Tel: 01794 323195 or 07786 475123/07786 255538
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Classifides RENAULT 7.5 TONNE 55 PLATE AND IVECO 7.5 TONNE 1996 Renault, 55 plate, immaculate with cattle back, currently with tack area and partitioned for four horses but would take six easily £12,750. Also Iveco Ford great runner with cattle back also partitioned for four and tack but will take six £5,500. Both taxed and plated until 30 Sept 2011, both rubber floor, easy ramps, battery isolators, solid partitions. Tel: 07800 517869.
Property POLO YARD TO LET OR FOR SALE IN NORTH STREET, WINKFIELD Polo Yard to let or for sale in North Street, Winkfield, near the Berkshire. Nine acres, six stables, tack room, floodlit manège, storage containers, secure access. Please call 07836 242884
Livery STABLES TO RENT Four stables and turnout paddock in DIY polo yard very close to Fifield. Also convenient for Guards and Berkshire. Stick and ball pitch and exercise track. £40 per stable per week inclusive. Phone Phil on 07968 152250 or email phil@coningsbyfarm.co.uk FULL/SCHOOLING LIVERY Full livery, pre-season fitness, breaking/young horse preparation. Excellent facilities including stick and ball field; polo pitch; exercise track; all weather arena; mechanical horse. 10mins from Beaufort Polo Club. Onsite care and training by professional Argentinean. Packages tailored to individuals. Please call 07910 388097 or 01453 298015
Equipment SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217
Miscellaneous HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE Best quality small and big bale hay and straw for sale. Free local delivery on 30+ bales. Price dependent on size and quantity. Phone: 01628 580414 or 07850 739699 GAUCHO CLOTHES - BOMBACHAS DE CAMPO The real gaucho pants. The most comfortable trousers ever made and the ultimate riding ones as proved by many years of use by the gauchos. www.gauchoclothes.com
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Advertisers in May 2011 Akuma Sports www.akumapolo.com Apes Hill Club, Barbados +1 246 262 3286 www.apeshillclub.com Audi Baileys Horse Feeds 01371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Binfield Heath Polo Club 07792 211259 www.binfieldheathpoloclub.co.uk Blake Lapthorn 023 8090 8090 www.bllaw.co.uk Briggs Irrigation 01536 260338 www.briggsirrigation.co.uk Bulldog Polo 07920 038790 www.bulldogpolo.co.uk Bunkabin 0845 456 7899 www.bunkabin.co.uk Cambridge & Newmarket Polo Club 01223 811422 www.cnpc.org.uk Cheshire Polo Club 01270 611100 www.cheshirepoloclub.com Chiltern Equine Clinic 01494876555 www.chilternequine.com Cool Ice Box 01598 740685 www.coolicebox.co.uk Cotswold Turf Care 01865 883 256 www.cotswoldsturfsupplies.com Cowdray Park Polo Club 01730 813257 www.cowdraypolo.co.uk Druids Lodge Polo Club 01722 782597 www.druidspolo.co.uk
Eastwood Stud 07970 697 593 www.eastwoodstud.com
Keep-a-Level 01359 250384 www.keep-a-level.com
Reddogs Polo 01488 670484 www.reddogspolo.co.uk
EFG Private Bank www.efginternational.com
Kestrel Ltd 01256 880488 www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk
Richard Mille www.richardmille.com
Emily Llewellyn 01435 830218 www.emilyllewellyn.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club 01452 864544 rob@longdolepolo.com
RJ Polo 07909872488 www.rjpolo.com
Equibuild 01367 820960 www.equibuild.com
Lycetts 01672 512512 www.lycetts.co.uk
Equine Logistics Company 01264 810782 www.equine-logisticscompany.com
Madams Farm 07860 245336 alanjkent@btinternet.com
Far and Ride www.farandride.com
Major Equipment 01524 850501 www.major-equipment.com
Flair Equine Nasal Strips 763 972 9056 www.flairstrips.com
Marshall Earthmoving 01264 782176 marshall. earthmoving@virgin.net
Greenheath 01638 507785 www.greenheath.co.uk
Metropolitan Polo Club + 86 22 8372 8888 www.metropolitanpoloclub.com
Heli Air Wellesbourne 01789 470476 www.heliair.com
Nicholson Machinery 01366 377444 www. nicholson-machinery.co.uk
Henry Adams 01903 742535 www.henryadams.co.uk
Oaklands Polo and Country 01476 550183 www.oaklands.co.za
Horserail UK 0808 234 4766 www.horserail.net
Paddock Woods Stallions 07845 328442 www.pwstallions.co.uk
HPA 01367 242828 www.hpa-polo.co.uk
Pampeano 0871 2001272 www.pampeano.co.uk
Images of Polo www.imagesofpolo.com
PJ’s Bar & Grill 0207 379 6132 www.pjsbarandgrill.co.uk
Jackson-Stops & Staff 01730 812357 www.jackson-stops.co.uk
POLO AT MARRINERS www.polo@marriners.com
Jeremy Curling Fencing 01483 894888 www.jcfc.co.uk
Polo Bloodstock Agency 07855 742909 www. polobloodstockagency.com
Kate’s Art 07887 678421 www.katesart.com
Polo Permits 01798 869496 www.polopermits.co.uk
Santa Margarita +54-9 11 3337 6535 www.harassantamargarita.com SATS 01285 841542 www.satsfaction.com Sortogrande Polo Valley 07740 942042 www.cortijopicante.co.uk T&S Harker Horse Boxes 01325 332649 www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Tally Ho Farm www.tallyhofarm.co.uk 01344 885373 The New Muscovy www.newmuscovy.co.uk The Thai Polo and Equestrian Club +66 2 650 3055 www.thai-polo-club.com Tidworth Polo Club 01980 846705 www.tidworthpolo.com Tristar 01570 422250 www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Vaux Park Polo Club 01460 240490 www.vauxparkpoloclub.com White Horse Contractors 01865 736272 www.whitehorsecontractors.co.uk Wood Mallets +64 6 85 68119 www.woodmallets.com YARDANDGROOM 020 81441636 www. yardandgroom.com
Contributors – May 2011 Hernan Alvarez, Catherine Austen, Miranda Banks, Tom Branigan, Diana Butler, Linda Byrne, Georgiana Crofton, Andrew Dent, James de Mountfort, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, The “Gaucho”, Teresa Hodges, John Horswell, Nicola Jagger, Clare Milford Haven, John Leicester, Sarah Martin, Jamie Peel, Jane Phelps, Herbert Spencer, Carlie Trotter, Alex Webbe Cover photograph Jamie Le Hardy in Barbados by Lisa Davis Designed by www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk
Contact details East End Farm, North Leigh Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk
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© Polo Times Limited 2011 and Database Right 2011 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
Polo Times, May 2011
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Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Globe-trotting Jamaican Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee’s...
Passions
James Mullan discovers how the tough-playing and hard-partying two-goaler got her break in the game, and finds out what she does when she’s not playing it What’s your favourite polo memory? I totally lost my nerve in my early 30s after a nasty accident and so, having started again from scratch to rebuild both the strength in my injured shoulders and my shattered confidence, winning all Jamaica’s top tournaments the following year [in 1998] as complete underdogs was an incredible moment. My fellow teammates that year – Troy Brennan, Andy Vernon and Ramon Vernon – were incredible, slowly coaxing me back into playing and grinding out my insecurities, and I’ll always be grateful to them. What other sporting passions do you have? I love all sports. I played everything growing up, as Jamaicans put a lot of emphasis on the outdoors, particularly athletics, and my main pastime in my teens was eventing. I even qualified for the Pan-American Games, though Jamaica withdrew their team that year. These days I watch a lot of Formula One and tennis. I especially like Lewis Hamilton, as he has Caribbean roots. So how did you get into polo? My family are polo people, and I rode, so I stick and balled anyway but, when I was young, women didn’t play
competitive tournaments. However, I fell into it by accident one day, when I had to cover for someone and help make up a team. Soon, because Jamaica’s polo was in a bit of a lull then, the other players realised they needed me and I joined the club. By the mideighties, I had reached three goals, was one of our top players, and represented the island.
What do you do outside of polo? Well, I work for a living, doing the bookkeeping and accounts for the family business, which takes up a lot of my time – but my favourite alternative to polo is reading. I always have a book somewhere nearby, though it’s usually something light, as work and polo gives me enough to think about as it is!
And what about Jamaica’s polo now? Because it’s relatively small, the polo here is always cyclical, tied to the economic and political pressures of the day. I was lucky that there was a dip when I got started, as that is what gave me the chance, but I’m happy to report that – despite the global financial problems – these days our polo is booming again. Things are very optimistic right now.
Do you do any breeding? Yes, I’ve always played some of the horses made from my father’s string, but I’ve been doing it long enough now that I’m now playing my own breeds that have come out of them. I typically like goofy horses – the ones that are athletic but difficult! I’m famous for it.
What’s been your favourite place to play polo that you would like to go back to? I’ve played polo in more than 20 countries worldwide, on five continents, and have loved travelling to all of them, so it would be impossible to place one above all the rest. However, the top grounds I’ve played would probably be the high-goal grounds in Wellington [Florida], though I’ve not yet played in Australia and Thailand, where the grounds at places such as Ellerston and Thai Polo Club are supposed to be amazing.
Who’s been your hardest ever opponent? Mark Wates, over the course of a lifetime! He (pictured, below centre) and his brother Riki have both got to four-goal handicaps and are really tough competitors. New horse or new car? New horse, definitely. Bottle of beer or bottle of wine? Beer man! What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Who would you most like to meet? The actor Robin Williams (left), as he makes me laugh, and I like funny characters. Describe yourself in three words? Oh, difficult. But, well, I’m definitely passionate, I’m probably considered gregarious, and I’m the most organised scatterbrain you’ll ever meet. www.polotimes.co.uk
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The private bank for polo
Proud sponsors of: Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup EFG Bank Team, Palm Beach Season / 40 Goal Challenge Gaucho International Polo Heritage Polo Cup, Sandhurst Cambridge University Polo EFG Bank Scandinavian Polo Open Veytay Masters, Switzerland Desert Palm Nations Cup, Dubai Haryana Polo Club, Delhi Thai Polo Open Swiss Team, European Polo Championship 2010 Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup
Photo: David Lominska
Practitioners of the craft of private banking
EFG Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global family of private banking businesses operates in over 50 locations in 30 countries. These include Zurich, Geneva, London, Paris, Monaco, Luxembourg, Stockholm, New York, Miami, Toronto, The Bahamas, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. www.efginternational.com
PT p100 backcover.indd 1
EFGInt - polo - eng â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 230 x 300 mm +3 mm bleed - quadri - publication :Polo Times, June 2011 issue (20.04.2011)
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