Volume 17 • Issue 4 • May 2012 • £5.50
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THE INSIDE STORY We review all the action and performances as polo returns to London’s O2 Arena
Plus: poetry, predictions for the season, and Brits abroad PT p1 cover JM JOS.indd 1
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Contents
44
28
Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Sub editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside...
May 2012 News
Youth polo
10 All the latest news
62 SUPA Tri-Nations, Polo Wicklow
18 The big picture
64 Longdole Junior Tournament
Comment 20 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
Assistant editor
22 Herbert Spencer’s Global view
Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk
24 A rthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner
Advertising manager
77
26 Your views: letters (and poems!)
65 Exeter Cup, Druids Lodge
Knowledge 66 Playing around: Lynt Polo Club 68 Know your game 70 Know your horse 72 Ones to watch 74 How to spend it
Duncan Wilson duncan@polotimes.co.uk
Features
Art editor
28 G et to know Cirencester Park’s Kuldip Singh Dhillon
Sidelines
34 C over story: Polo’s biggest names give their high-goal predictions
78 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know
Nicki Averill nickiaverill@polotimes.co.uk Marketing & PR PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk Subscriptions Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk
Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660
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Reports
77 Book review: The Polo Affair
79 PT’s secret professional NEW 80 Social: Barbados, Holders and Chile 83 Social: Dubai and launch of Polo Life
38 Cover story: Gaucho International, O2 Arena, London
85 Social: Gaucho and Asia Beach Polo
44 Cover story: International Series at Palermo, Buenos Aires
88 What’s on in May
48 Chile vs England Test Match
86 Social: HITS Dinner and PT Welfare day 89 End-of-season arena handicap changes 98 Passions: Lucy Taylor
50 Barbados Open 54 Australia vs South Africa Test Match, Windsor Polo Club – NSW 56 Home and abroad
Cover photograph: England’s Maurice Ormerod gets up close and personal with the crowd as he trots out at the O2 Arena. By Action Polo
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from the Editor In a blatant rip-off of the secret footballer column in the Saturday Guardian, this month sees the first in our regular new slot by polo’s very own undercover professional. It promises to be provocative, which is what I like, though hopefully not libellous. No names, no specific examples, but you might recognise some of the stories. Turn to page 79. On pages 34 to 37 we ask some of the UK’s best loved polo aficionados to run the rule over the teams in this year’s high-goal and give their predictions, which made me think I’d try my hand at being a psychic myself. Mystic Mullan. Yes, I like that. So, given the form book, I’ll predict that: 1) the most popular and the least popular person this season will be one and the same. One man. Cambiaso. Or perhaps Terry Hanlon. Nothing new there. 2) As usual, an under-handicapped player few of us have ever heard of will take the high-goal by storm. Of course, I don’t know who that is yet, but let’s try and guess. What about Zacara’s Manuel Plaza de Ayala? Sure, he sounds like a nice place to have coffee in Naples – he’ll do. 3) And, finally, because none of our experts have gone for them, I’m gonna really stick my neck on the line and say that I expect Richard Mille to reach a final... On our letters page, you’ll also notice the first in what I am assured is going to be a series of poems. Hopefully it will provoke some of the more lyrically minded of you to respond, with some verse of your own: There was a young lady from Buckingham, Who… No, wait, not that one. And so we’re excited with reason For the start of the summer season The weather is warming The teams are forming To miss it would almost be treason Weak. Facile. Turgid. There is an old pro called Horswell Whose favourite singer’s Adele But when he heard her speak And saw her physique, Her records he decided to sell Even worse. It doesn’t even work James.
News
Teeth injuries
A
leading Gloucestershire dentist is urging polo players to consider wearing gum shields after an alarming increase in the number of teeth injuries has been seen in recent seasons. In 2011 all seven claims made by playing members to the HPA’s Injured Players’ and Officials’ Fund were for dentistry work. This cost the sport’s governing body £9,782.35. Dr Ross Cutts, who is a general dentist with special interests in advanced restorative procedures and dental implants, has done work on several polo players in the last 12 months at Cirencester Dental Practice. He is not surprised by the number of polo related injuries he has seen. He said: “Last year we repaired – Dr teeth, gums and bony supporting structures from trauma related to highenergy impact injuries. “Polo is a particularly dangerous sport for teeth because the injuries can be caused by four different causes. Firstly, direct trauma from the ball; secondly, a hit from the stick; thirdly, contact with the horses head and fourthly, injuries related to impacting the ground. You only have to look at the number of people playing polo with damaged and repaired front teeth to
see how frequent the injuries are.” Polo insurance expert Piers Plunket of Lycetts believes that the increase in the incidents of teeth injuries in polo re-opens the debate about whether the HPA should provide personal injury insurance cover to all its members. However, while these discussions are ongoing, the HPA has sought the advice of dentists and has made the information on recent teeth claims public, to get players to think more carefully about the sorts of provisions they can take. “We wanted to get the information out there so that our members can make an informed decision for themselves based on the facts,” said HPA deputy chief executive Olly Hughes. In particular, it seems gum shields Ross Cutts are a cause of much debate in polo, dividing opinion because there is a belief among some members of the game’s community that, in some cases, wearing a gum shield can actually cause more damage than not wearing one. Having had first-hand experience dealing with polo injuries, Dr Cutts strongly refutes this: “Gum shields help prevent compound fractures to the teeth – the classic fractured front tooth,” he says. “Of course, if a trauma is of sufficient
“In my view, there are really no downsides to wearing a gum shield”
There was a nine-goaler called Howard Over all other players he towered A regular in Polo Times, For which it’s hard to find rhymes, As captain he was always empowered I give up. What have you got? Write to me.
Tweet me: @mullanitunder Email me: jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk 10
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X-rays show the damage to the mandibular central teeth, suffered by Sarah Hughes, above right
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costing HPA fund dear impact to fracture bones then it will make a real point of view, it sounds as though he makes a compelling argument for wearing one – but mess of the teeth in the process. However, in that is only my opinion.” my mind there are still really are no downsides Dr Cutts was also specific about the types to wearing a gum shield because, even in of gum shield that he believes are most the worst case, it will at least hold all the effective as a form of protection: teeth together, “splinting” them. In this case “Ideally players should have a customised the impact energy does dissipate through dentist-fitted gum shield,” he said. “Although the upper jaw bones, the maxilla, but these they are more expensive, the chances of them fractures can commonly repair themselves. moving on impact are nil. The shop-bought boil “If you are not wearing a gum shield and are unfortunate enough to suffer a polo injury, often in the bag ones lack retention and, therefore, multiple fractured sharp teeth can make injuries when you need them most, they can often fail to the lips and cheeks worse. The fragments of you. Yes, good gum shields are uncomfortable, broken teeth can be retained in the soft tissues they are tight and they do make you talk funny. However, they can frequently save you a lot of and sometimes need to be removed surgically. “Broken teeth often require very complicated time, discomfort and money.” One alternative to gum shields is wearing and costly dental procedures such as root a helmet with a metal grill, which is popular in canal therapy and crowns and, at worse, the USA. This will eliminate the risk of facial the broken teeth need to be extracted and trauma, but carries the possible risk of a more replaced with implant crowns. The costs can serious neck injury, in the event of a polo stick vary considerably, however, normally it ranges getting stuck in the grill. from £1,000 for a complicated root canal Given the dangers to the teeth and jaw in treatment and crown to £6,000 for implant playing polo, Piers Plunket is still anxious to retained crowns and in the extremes it could drive forward a mandatory blanket personal be up to £10,000.” accident policy similar to the one he last Indeed Dr Cutts points to the case of presented to the Cirencester Park HPA in 2009, zero-goaler Sarah which includes Hughes, right, who dental cover lost several teeth within the overall and did severe premium. damage to her “I applaud the lip as a result of a HPA’s initiative polo injury last year. – HPA to look at this, He suggests: deputy chief executive Olly Hughes even if it is as a “With Sarah’s result of losses injury, by wearing a experienced,” he said. “When I last made a gum shield her teeth would have been spared, presentation in 2009, insurers would only give though she would most probably have had the coverage if all members were included but, some fracture lines in her upper jaw. Her lip when discussing it with insurers recently, they would probably have been okay – it would agreed to maintain the £80 per member per certainly have been a “cleaner” split, thus year premium on a voluntary basis, provided cosmetically easier to repair. at least a third of the members took up the Given how much Dr Cutts evidence coverage. However, this could only work if the suggests that gum sheilds can spare players HPA went to a primary membership, it could from expensive dental bills, as well as serious not be organised through the clubs.” injury, we asked the HPA whether they would Thus far, this is not something the HPA have consider instigating a new ruling. elected to do. “The HPA does not have a specific stance Olly Hughes added: “For the HPA to extend on the use of gum shields at present,” said Olly Hughes. “We do not say that gum shields must the insurance policy to cover teeth, or personal injury generally, it would probably be too be worn and, even if we did, I’m not sure how costly. Again, I think this is something that our practical it would be and how easy it would members can look at on an individual basis be for us to police. However, from my own
Teeth claims made to the HPA Injured Players’ and Officials’ Fund in 2011: Name Naomi Sharp Steve Jones Sarah Hughes Harry White Brad Mallet Lucas Simcox James Rome Total
Amount £2,000 £632.35 £2,000 £1,200 £2,000 £425 £1,525 £9,782.35
“At present, the HPA does not say that gum shields must be worn and, even if we did, I’m not sure how practical and how easy it would be to police”
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Sarah Hughes lost several teeth in a polo injury last year
By the book The 2012 HPA Blue Book makes no mention of mouth guards in the section about players equipment and turnout (Section 5, paragraph 3). It does, however, state that “everyone must wear protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness correctly fastened” and that “goggles are recommended”. depending, essentially, how much they value their teeth, which I imagine will be quite a lot for most people!” w See also readers’ letters – page 27 Polo Times, May 2012
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Audi boosts English polo with huge Audi’s head of PR, Jon Zammett, with Prince Harry. Audi have signed up to sponsor the HPA’s International Day at Guards
building it up steadily and this sponsorship AUDI WAS CONFIRMED late last month as completes the wall. Cartier’s successor as the sponsor of the “To some extent there had been a gap in HPA’s International Day at Guards, as part of our portfolio and, when the opportunity arose a deal that will see a dramatic expansion of to sponsor such a prestigious event, we the luxury car manufacturer’s involvement in knew it was the right move for us. the English game. “It won’t be an exact clone of Cartier’s The German firm, which is already the sponsorship, we will bring our own ideas. official sponsor of the England team, has For example, we won’t have a sponsor’s signed a contract to become title marquee. We will do all of our entertaining sponsors of the prestigious July in the clubhouse. Like any new venture, we event for the next three years. need to feel our way into this.” At the same time, Audi has Before the International Day on Sunday also penned a deal to sponsor 22 July, Audi will sponsor the Beaufort Test the Beaufort Test until 2014, on Saturday 16 June. The final new Audi while it will also host a date of the summer season will be the Audi newly-created international match at Chester Racecourse International at Chester Racecourse. The details of the day are still to be confirmed in September. with the HPA, but Mr Zammett is confident Head of PR for Audi, Jon the day will be a great success. Zammett, believes this new He said: “We already have a private charity deal is the perfect addition to match with Prince William at Chester every the firm’s polo commitment. year, so we’re familiar with the place and we He said: “We are absolutely know how to host a good party there. It is not a delighted to be sponsoring huge leap for us to host a International more high-profile England Day at Guards. team event there.” “This is a The one England logical step for international on home soil us and it fits in – this summer that will not well with our Audi’s Jon Zammett be sponsored by Audi is sponsorship this month’s Test Match at of the England Cowdray Park on Saturday 19 May, which is team. We see our polo sponsorship still backed by luxury hotel firm St Regis. as a wall of bricks. We have been
“When the opportunity arose, we knew it was the right move for us”
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For stockists, call Equine Management: 01825 840 002 To buy, call: 01825 841 303 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk / www.worldwidetack.com 12
Polo Times, May 2012
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three-year commitment
Action from last May’s St Regis International Test, when England gave the Joules-sponsored shirts their first outing on home turf
The fifth Cowdray Test will see England take on a 24-goal American side led by Florida-based patron Marc Ganzi. It is not yet known who will represent the home side, but seven-goalers Mark Tomlinson and James Beim as well as six-goalers Nacho Gonzalez, Mark Tomlinson, Malcolm Borwick, Satnam Dhillon, Henry Brett, James Harper, Ollie Hipwood and Chris Hyde have all been named in the England squad. Polo Times understands that Ganzi will be joined by seven-goalers Nic Roldan, Julio
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Arellano and Jeff Hall for the Americans. On the same day at Cowdray Park, Young England will take on Young South Africa for the John Cowdray trophy. Throughout the summer, England will again be wearing shirts made by Joules, after the lifestyle clothing brand renewed their deal as the official outfitters to the team. w S ee page 74 for more details of the Official England Polo Collection, and on the facing page you’ll also see the Audi that selected members of the England squad will be driving this summer
News in brief wJ EAN GERARD LEIGH, the widow of Colonel William Gerard Leigh, chairman of Guards for 25 years, died in April, aged 88. Jean was a regular visitor to the club during her husband’s tenure – who made headlines for saving the Queen from a flying polo ball in 1971 – and after his death in 2008. Jean was also known for being the woman whose photograph was used to help trick the Germans into falling for one of the greatest deceptions of WWII – known as Operation Mincemeat. wA MEMORIAL SHOOT will take place on 30 May, in memory of Charlie Stisted. The clay pigeon shoot will be held at Brian Stein’s Ockwells Manor, Berkshire, and afterwards at Guards Polo Club. There is space for 15 teams – entry costs £1,000. Tickets for the lunch only are also available (£60 each). To book a space, contact Louise Blake Thomas on 01784 434212. wG UARDS POLO CLUB has secured Pommery Champgane as the new sponsor for the 8-goal Archie David Cup this year. wA POLO PONY class will once again be held at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 10 May, sponsored by Guards Polo Club. Lord Patrick Beresford and Oliver Hipwood will be judging the class.
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Aiming high UNDRAISING: a charity < Fevening, held in aid of Head Injury Through Sport (HITS), raised approximately £100,000 for the National Brain Appeal. See pages 86-87 for more EW POLO CLUBS: three < Nclubs have received provisional affiliation from the HPA – White Waltham, Lytchett Heath and Luton Hoo INFIELD HEATH: the < BOxfordshire-based polo club has more members than ever before enrolled and paid up this season SENTEBALE: Prince Harry’s < charity, along with William’s The Tusk Trust, will be the beneficiaries of Christie’s Important Watch Sale in Geneva in May. Polo sponsors Richard Mille donated one of their watches, RM033, for auction
Swinging low AGUIRRE: three of = BtheOBBY Filipino patron’s staff were shot dead at his home in Las Piñas City, in the Philippines, in mid-April. Aguirre was at home at the time but was unharmed ABLE BEACH POLO: the = Cannual Australian beach polo event, due to take place in May, has been cancelled due to disagreements between the two companies that run the event AMBRIDGE AND = CNEWMARKET MEMBERS: the Cambridgeshire polo club will not be active this season as Larry Le Ggatt has decided to step down as director POLO PLAYERS: = Da ISLOYAL recent survey on a dating website found that polo players are among the top 10 sportsmen most likely to cheat on their spouses
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New season, new positions his role as club liaison officer at Beaufort AS THE NEW season after five years on the club’s staff. He left the gets underway, many polo Gloucestershire-based club on 6 April and has clubs have welcomed taken over from Paul Maxfield Gullett and owner new members of staff, James Reeve, who have been holding the fort at including RCBPC, Beaufort, Leadenham over the winter months. Leadenham and RLS. Shortly before Underwood’s RCBPC welcomes Simon departure, he and the rest of the “Skinny” McDonald as polo Beaufort team were on hand to manager, replacing Louisa Miles Underwood welcome Andrew Brown as the club’s Dawnay. McDonald, who new polo manager (as published in has been a member at the the Jan/Feb issue), replacing Olly Berkshire since 2002, has long been Hughes, who now works as deputy involved in the polo world but his only chief executive at the HPA. previous management in the game was Also new to Beaufort is Victoria when working for Berkshire-based Simon Holley, managing his horses. He has also Simon “Skinny” McDonald Elsbury Legg, who moved from the Guards office to become events been a professional umpire at the club manager at the club last month. for almost four years so will be familiar with his Meanwhile, RLS have undergone a major surroundings and members. facelift in the last few months and will re-open this Meanwhile, Dawnay has gone on to pursue her summer as Dallas Burston Polo Grounds. They own private polo interests. will no longer be known as RLS, and will be led Polo manager James Stephenson left his by new polo manager Ian “Ginger” Hunt, who has position at Druid’s Lodge at the end of March to been joined by secretary April Baron-Harrison. The begin a career in events in London. Giles Ormerod has now taken over and is joined by Abi Meakin as season starts on the May Bank Holiday weekend with the Tusk Challenge Trophy and May Cup. assistant manager. Miles Underwood has become polo manager w See pages 56-60 for more club news at Leadenham Polo Club in Lincolnshire, leaving
IPCPB founder Goodman found guilty of manslaughter discussed the case together throughout. JOHN GOODMAN WAS found guilty of DUI The civil trial against Goodman was dropped at manslaughter and vehicular homicide at the end the request of Wilson’s parents, suggesting that a of March. The International Polo Club Palm Beach settlement has been reached out of court. This is founder was sentenced the week after the April rumoured to be as much as $46m (approx £29m). issue of Polo Times went to press, and he could face up to 30 years in prison. The court heard that the Florida polo mogul, 48, was twice the legal limit after the crash that killed 23-year-old engineering graduate Scott Wilson in February 2010. However, a few weeks after being found guilty, Goodman’s lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial, based on alleged juror misconduct. One of the alternate jurors told Goodman’s lawyers that the other jurors in the case had made up their minds before IPCPB founder John Goodman was found guilty of manslaughter in late March the trial had ended and had www.polotimes.co.uk
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Pony welfare worth knowing THE FIRST-EVER Polo Times Pony Welfare Day, held in association with Bailey’s Horse Feeds, was hosted by Lynt Polo Club on Saturday 31 March, when the 30 attendees – including some who had travelled from as far as Devon and Leicestershire – heard from six experts from various fields, who provided invaluable information about how best to look after their ponies this summer and answered numerous questions. The HPA’s Polo Pony Welfare chairman David Morley opened the day-long event, discussing current HPA rules and pointing out which pony welfare issues horse owners, grooms and players should be aware of. Sarah Wicks of Bailey’s – replacing Lorna Edgar who was expecting a baby – followed Morley, covering all the vital pointers about equine nutrition, explaining the importance of fibre, feeding before a game and, most interestingly, how much food your horse’s stomach can actually take and put to good use. Polo Times columnist and vet Mark Emerson covered the all-important subject of vaccinations – when they should be done, the rules in place and the effects it can have on your ponies if neglected – as well as teeth. Emerson took a number of questions and many took advantage of the lunch break to quiz the morning’s experts about their niggling queries. Farrier Mick McCormick kicked-off the afternoon and brought along various horseshoes for everyone to look at while giving his presentation about foot care. He also highlighted which studs should be used on what ground and, in particular, the care one should take with hard-playing surfaces. RJ Polo’s Richard Buckett and renowned
PT vet Mark Emerson, Bailey’s Horse Feeds’ Sarah Wicks, HPA Pony Welfare chairman David Morley and farrier Mick McCormick were the guest speakers at the welfare day
coach and umpire Jason Dixon then led everyone to the indoor arena for a joint demonstration with one of Lynt’s very well-behaved ponies. Buckett brought along various types of saddles and explained the difference between those from Argentina and England, before showing how a saddle should be fitted. Dixon then walked guests through match preparation – from getting to the polo ground, tacking the whole pony up, bandaging and getting on. He then hopped on and gave a brief demonstration on how best to warm up your pony. Polo Times received very positive feedback from the day and so will look forward to hosting another welfare event in the future. Watch this space. w S ee page 87 for photographs from the Polo Times Pony Welfare Day w O ur thanks go to all the speakers, Lynt Polo Club, Bailey’s Horse Feeds and Farmor’s School
Closing date approaches for RoR’s new competition ENTRIES FOR THE new polo competition run by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) and Henry Brett close on 1 June. Held on Tuesday 12 June, the competition for polo ponies who have previously raced will offer numerous cash prizes of up to £1,500. Riders will be required to give a two minute freestyle display showing the pony – who must have raced in the UK and be RoR registered – as he or she wishes. Ponies will be judged on conformation, movement, responsiveness and willingness by a panel of judges including several international players. The competition is divided into three sections: three-year-olds; www.polotimes.co.uk
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four-year-olds; and five-year-olds and older. There will be prizes for each of the three sections – £1,000 for each winner and £500 for second place. The pony judged to be overall champion will receive an additional cheque for £1,500 and the Balding Trophy. Appearance money of £100 will be given to every pony and there will be a limit of 30 entries (there will be a ballot if required). To enter visit the RoR website www.ror.org.uk. w S ee the What’s On section on page 88 to find out what other events are coming up soon Polo Times, May 2012
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News News in brief w CIRENCESTER PARK IS holding a new 26-goal tournament this season, from 1-12 August. The tournament was initiated by former chairman Christopher Hanbury. Find out more about the tournament and the club’s new chairman, Kuldip Dhillon, on pages 28-32. w AMIKA LONDON IS running the after-parties at this year’s Asahi British Beach Polo Championships on Sandbanks, from 6-7 July. “Swing the Polo” will take place on Friday night, while “Party the Polo” will provide an electric club night on the Saturday. Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be contesting the championships by day. w COWORTH PARK WILL host the annual Audi Polo Awards on Wednesday 16 May. All HPA members can vote for their favourite teams and players from last season by going to www.audipoloawards.com. Tickets for the black tie event cost £195 each. w CHINA WILL HOST a new beach polo tournament from 6-9 September. The Tianjin Rendez-Vous lifestyle event will incorporate the Beach Polo World Cup into its schedule. The tournament will also serve as the Asian leg of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup.
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Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters England overseas Chile: Test Match An England team captained by Mark Tomlinson was defeated 11- 9 by Chile on Sunday 25 March at Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal. The team played well and Mark was voted MVP. England (20): Ollie Cudmore 4; Charlie Hanbury 4; Malcolm Borwick 6; Mark Tomlinson 6. Argentina: International Series Congratulations to the “Rest of the World” team of Ollie Cudmore, Charlie Hanbury, Malcolm Borwick and Mark Tomlinson who came second out of the four teams in the AAP International 22-goal tournament played at Palermo. The tournament was played almost exactly 30 years after the invasion of the Falklands Islands and due to the political tensions in Buenos Aires (the British Embassy was attacked the night before the game against Argentina) the team did not play as England. Games on the Thursday and Saturday were postponed to Friday and Sunday due to a terrible storm in which a huge number of trees were blown down. All the players were mounted on their own ponies and played for no fee. Results: Tuesday 3 April: Argentina 12, ROW 6; Chile 11, Brazil 4; Friday 6 April: Argentina 15, Brazil 10; ROW 9, Chile 6; Sunday 8 April: ROW 11, Brazil 4; Argentina 7, Chile 6 (after extra chukka) Welfare booklets Welfare booklets will be sent to 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.
Membership cards All members will receive a pocket rule book and members with an HPA handicap of minus-two or above will be sent a membership card. The updated rules and umpire DVD will be put on the website. The cards allow club managers to verify player’s handicaps and memberships easily and efficiently. They will only be distributed to you once the HPA has been notified of your membership and given your correct postal address by your club. Please ensure your club has your full and upto-date contact details. End-of-season arena handicap changes These will be effective from 2 May and can now be viewed in the news section at www.hpa-polo. co.uk – and on page 89 of this magazine. Dates for the diary Tuesday 1 May – HPA select training match, Cowdray area Wednesday 2 May – Council meeting, London Wednesday 9 May – HPA select training match, Trewsbury, near Cirencester Monday 14 May – Seminar for coaches, White Rose Polo Club Wednesday 16 May – Voluntary assistants course, Beaufort Polo Club Saturday 19 May – St Regis International Cup and John Cowdray Trophy, Cowdray Park Wednesday 6 June – Seminar for coaches, RCBPC Friday 15 June – Mid-season handicap meeting, Sunningdale Park Hotel Saturday 16 June – Beaufort Test, Beaufort Wednesday 20 June – Stewards meeting, London
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News
Minus-one-goal handicap introduced for the arena THE HPA HAS introduced a new arena handicap that will come into effect at the start of the 2012/2013 arena season. The end-ofseason handicap changes (printed on page 89) have already taken the new handicap of minus-one goals into account, with many zero-goal players moving down. The handicap committee decided to introduce the new handicap after weighing up the huge numbers playing off zero goals in the arena. Until now, all players with
a minus-two or a minus-one-goal handicap outdoors were allocated a zero-goal rating in the arena, but the HPA has now recognised that this meant the disparity between those playing off that handicap was huge. “We found that the abilities of zero-goalers varied massively,” Michael Amoore, chairman of the Arena Polo Committee, told Polo Times. “Therefore, we felt that minus-two goalers outdoors should be minus-one indoors, rather than be rated the same as minus-one goalers (outdoors). If a weak zero-goaler – for example someone who is fairly new to the game – came up against a strong zero-goaler in the arena, the latter may be too scared to play to their best and therefore be put off entering tournaments where they feel over-handicapped.” Some existing arena players may not have been affected by the change, as it was up to the respective clubs to decide whether players should stay on zero-goals or move down to minus-one. w S ee the full list of end-of-season arena handicap changes on page 89 w S ee pages 38-42 for a report from the Gaucho International arena polo event
Employers must stick to the rules WITH THE 2012 season now underway, those that employ grooms from outside the UK – including Argentines, such as pictured – must be made aware of the HPA’s rule concerning migrant polo players. The Border Agency has laid down that only those that hold a handicap of two-goals or above may be granted a work permit as a player. Those that are below twogoals can only come to the UK in another capacity and cannot earn money by playing polo. However, they may still play, but only at a club where their employer/sponsor is a member.
It is up to their club as to what polo they will be allowed to play in but, as the Blue Book states, they may not play in any high-goal or Victor Ludorum tournaments. Grooms that are two-goals or below must take the rules test before they can be awarded a handicap by the HPA. The rules also state that this handicap shall not be less than zero-goals – even if they were given a lower handicap at the end of 2011. The HPA will be taking a strict view on players and grooms working without the correct legal requirements this season.
Remember: you can also read your copy online at
www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
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Bollywood, and jolly good This photograph shows Bollywood star Neha Dupia throwing the ball in for the start of the third annual Asia Cup Polo International Day on Saturday 17 March this year. The tournament, which is played for the chance to win the Ajit Singh Medtia Trophy, is the curtain-raiser to the Mumbai polo season, which runs for a month until mid-April. Held at the city’s only polo club, which sits within the confines of Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the Amateur Riders Club hosted a visiting team featuring the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ireland’s Niall Donnelly, Polistas owner Johnny Lynn and India’s own Abhimanyu Pathak. They played an all-Indian team, watched by a large crowd and some notable faces in the VIP area. The day, designed by consultancy firm The Sen Group, proved popular with the Maharaja of Jaipur, who wants to hold a similar event at his own club, which is set to join a series that will also travel to Singapore, Dubai and England. w Read more about the day on page 60 w Neil Sen is chairman of the Sen Group, which is the parent company for polo organisers Celebrasian. Those wishing to learn more about polo in Mumbai and the Indian event he has planned in Berkshire this June – or to see what other photographs he has – can reach him on 07969 954919 or via email at neil.sen@xrl.co.uk
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25/4/12 10:41:45
Comment
Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
Sports nutritionists give plenty of food for thought for polo players
I
t’s that time of year again. The start of another polo season is here. It seems to come around so quickly. Or is that just a sad admission of getting older? Either way, it’s imminent and, personally, I have only just finalised my teams (hampered somewhat by the new HGP rule, but I’m not going to bang on about that again). I have yet to stick and ball and our first game is in about two weeks. I think I can safely say that we are ill-prepared but looking forward to it all as much as someone with vertigo might a first attempt at sky diving – with a heightened sense of anxious anticipation. With the horses nearly fit, the onus is now on the rider and a part of this is concentrating on diet as much as it is on exercise. So, I popped round to Lomax, a bespoke fitness, nutrition and wellbeing centre around the corner from me in London to talk to their specialists about sports nutrition. Coincidentally, all the in-house food is created by True Deli, a London-based catering company founded by Cowdray two-goaler Alexander Baillieu and former one-goaler Henry
Making sure you get your five-a-day fruit and veg will ensure that you take in enough electrolytes to get you ready for action
to address the psychological aspect of the sport as an integral part, but what we seem to have completely ignored is diet. I explained all of this to Olu Adepitan, one of the Lomax nutritionists, and he swiftly pointed out that if we are treating our horses individually, when it comes to feeding, why are we not doing it for ourselves? “Any sport,
Photograph by Valentyn Volkov
In polo we have accepted that training is a key element of game preparation, but what we seem to have completely ignored is diet O’Grady. Alexander tells me: “We tailor-make our food for people’s individual needs – for weight loss, skin problems, detox or sports performance enhancement.” As I see it, in polo we have only just got around to accepting that training – core stability, endurance fitness and upper body strength – is a key element of game preparation. We have also begun 20
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even bowling, requires the correct food combinations for ultimate performance,” he added. So when I confessed that the world’s best player, Adolfo Cambiaso, reputedly snacks on Haribo Golden Bears at half time, he looked at me as if I had just suggested we go out and get a Big Mac with extra fries. “Eating too much sugar will
affect your decision making and concentration. The right food will help your mood, provide a level of injury protection and enhance performance,” he informed me. In short, the most important thing is hydrating yourself – dehydration can affect your performance by up to 10 per cent, so 48 hours before a game you should start the process of consuming as much liquid as possible (and sadly we’re not including alcohol here). Coffee is okay in small quantities but perhaps not on its own before a game, which used to be Julian Hipwood’s staple pre-match meal of choice. Your five-a-day fruit and veg will provide all the electrolytes you will need (and will subsequently lose in a game through sweating) and drinks like Lucozade Sport get the thumbs up at half time as putting some of these back into the system. About one to three hours before a game you should have
your starchy carbs – Olu is a big fan of quinoa and sweet potatoes. If you’re going to have rice or pasta, it should be brown. Brown has better “slow release” energy value, which will be useful in case you go into that extra chukka! You should have your protein after the game – the amino acids it contains are the building blocks of muscle repair after a long day in the saddle – and obviously fish and chicken are better for the waistline than a large slab of bife de chorizo. I doubt we will witness a sea change in eating habits from most players, whose staple diet consists of white bread, red meat, and Coke without a leafy green vegetable in sight. But you never know, there’s a lot of debate about home grown produce in polo at the moment, so it might just catch on! For more info contact Olu Adepitan on olu@lomaxpt.com F w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
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COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB WELCOMES YOU TO
the 2012 Season Tournament
Handicap
Dates
Test match for The St. Regis International Cup
OPEN
Saturday 19 May
Tyro Cup
8 - 12
28 April - 7 May
Dollar Cup
8 - 12
12 May - 27 May
Duke of Sutherland
15 - 18
22 May – 10 June
Cicero Cup
12 - 15
20 May – 4 June
Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup
20 - 22
19 June – 15 July
British Ladies Open Tournament
OPEN
16 July – 21 July
Holden White
4-8
20 July – 5 August
Harrison Cup
12 - 15
21 July – 4 August
Uber Polo Midsummer 12 Goal
8 - 12
9 August – 26 August
PSI Trophy
4-8
28 August – 9 September
Autumn Cup
8 - 12
10 September - 23 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 CMH.indd 3
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Comment
Global view with Herbert Spencer
The FIP needs minimum standards for granting membership to a polo country
T
he Federation of International Polo (FIP) lists among its “Full Member” countries the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, a semiautonomous enclave within Italy. Have any of you readers ever played polo there? No? Why am I not surprised? Although I lived in Italy for three years, I never visited San Marino. I know, however, that it is the world’s third smallest “state” with an area of 24 square miles. Its topography is dominated by Italy’s Apennine mountain range and is rugged without any naturally flat land. Someone in the republic would probably have to move a mountain, or at least a hill, to install a polo ground. No one has done so. There is no polo in San Marino. How then does it qualify as a member of the FIP? Surely not simply because some Italian polo players happen to live there? Now, I gather, the Principality of Monaco, the second smallest state, has applied for membership of the FIP. I do know Monaco, having played roulette (and won!) at the Monte Carlo casino and interviewed Prince Rainier and Princess Grace in days gone by. The principality
As beautiful as Monaco undoubtedly is, the mountainous terrain of the principality does not exactly lend itself to hosting polo
it be before the cardinals of Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state with only 110 acres of territory, are tempted to apply for membership? Arena polo in St Peter’s Square anyone? The FIP’s long-standing practice of accepting virtually any country as a member, regardless of whether there is actually any polo in that country, dates back to the years when the federation was playing a numbers game with the International Olympic Committee
In 2010, I proposed that the FIP tighten up on membership. To qualify a country would have to have a national polo association in which its athletes (players) have a voice; rules of the game and a handicapping system; polo grounds or arenas; a fixtures list of regular tournaments; and a minimum number of registered players who are citizens of the country (excluding foreigners playing there). There would be a new Provisional Member category
Photograph by Monaco Press Centre Photos
How long will it be before the cardinals of Vatican City are tempted to apply for membership? Arena polo in St Peter’s Square anyone? occupies less than a square mile on the Mediterranean, its steeply winding streets crowded with very expensive real estate. Where would they put a polo ground? How could anyone in Monaco possibly think the principality should qualify as a member of the FIP? And how long will 22
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(IOC). To gain recognition by the IOC as a prerequisite to getting polo back into the Olympic Games, the federation wanted to show the global spread of the sport with as many “polo-playing nations” as possible as members. Come one, come all, never mind that a country had no polo.
giving an aspiring country two years to develop its polo before being eligible for full membership. Nothing came of my proposals almost two years ago. Now, finally, the Council of Administration of the FIP is reassessing the federation’s rules – or rather lack of meaningful rules – for admitting
a country to membership. At its meeting in Florida in April, the council was looking at the logistics of introducing “minimum requirements” for becoming a member of the federation. If the FIP decides to adopt sensible and realistic membership requirements now, what will happen to those existing members, some of long-standing, which still have no polo facilities at all? Perhaps they should be given a final period of time to get their act together – then, if no results, be shown the door. Membership of the FIP should be considered an honour and a privilege. For the federation to keep non-polo playing “countries” like San Marino on its books makes the sport’s global body look less than serious. F w What do you think? Email letters@polotimes.co.uk w Read more views from Herbert at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
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Comment
Umpire’s corner with Arthur Douglas-Nugent
Umpires must make pony welfare one of their top priorities this season
A
little neglect may breed mischief – for want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe, the horse was lost.” These salutary words were written by Benjamin Franklin in 1755 and remind us of the importance of horse or pony welfare, which will be the theme of this month’s Umpire Corner. This is a subject that is vitally important to the future of the game of polo. Racing has been in the spotlight recently, with some untimely deaths of horses on racecourses, but we in the polo world cannot afford to be in any way complacent. Rather surprisingly considering the stresses involved, statistically there have been very few injuries on the polo field that have led to ponies having to be put down. However, there has been a worrying increase in the number of equine heart incidents,
“
New rule changes in 2012 • A tongue tie is now permitted, if applied under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon • The cheek piece of a pelham bit may not exceed six inches
Pony welfare is an integral part of an umpire’s duties on the field of play at all levels
Important role What has all this pony welfare business got to do with umpiring, you might be thinking. The answer is quite a lot. As a first call it is the club welfare officer who can, and should, monitor the condition and turnout of ponies in the lines. This includes all aspects of welfare including
Photograph by John O’Sullivan
What has pony welfare got to do with umpiring? The answer, actually, is quite a lot which cause distress and can lead to a serious injury to pony and rider. Currently the HPA recommend that all ponies of 20-years-old or over be given a pre-season check by a veterinary surgeon. Perhaps the wise owner should lower the age level to 15-yearsold, when the likelihood of heart problems increases.
checking that the correct studs are fitted, that bandages have been tied properly and that ponies have been properly watered and tied to the lines. It is also important to check that the horsebox has a sound ramp and adequate ventilation. These duties are outlined in the Blue Book at Annex B, paragraph 4. But it does not end there, as a
club welfare officer should also watch the game and report any dangerous or aggressive play to the polo manager or the referee, so that it can be relayed to the umpires on the ground. Of course, the umpires have the main responsibility for pony welfare on the field of play and it is a very important part of their remit. They should be on the lookout for distressed or lame ponies and for players who are consistently dangerous or aggressive in their play. They must understand their responsibility if a pony is seriously injured – taking charge until an experienced vet arrives on the scene. They must ensure that a fallen pony is checked for soundness before being allowed to continue and ultimately the decision about whether a pony is truly lame – therefore allowing all players to have a free change – is the umpire’s.
• A hexagonal stud (of similar dimensions to the square stud) is permitted as long as it is correctly fitted on the last inch of the outside heel of the hind shoe • A pony may only be played at two locations in a day At the same time as all this, the umpires must follow the play and make instant decisions on which player has the right of way based on speed, distance and angles. If the job is done properly, those who get paid deserve all they get. As a final thought, the umpire ponies are very important and therefore they should be a credit to the team that produced them and enhance the image of the sport. We umpires don’t ask for much, but please do your best so that we can concentrate on umpiring, rather than trying to tame a green pony or urging a reluctant one into a canter. F ◗ Read more from Arthur at www.polotimes.co.uk ◗ Turn to pages 15 and 87 to see Polo Times’s Pony Welfare Day
Foul for thought… This month’s puzzle For what offences should the umpires award a Penalty 7?
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Last month’s solution Q: A penalty is awarded by the umpires. Under what circumstances can the penalty be taken without preliminary action? A: This question highlights the new ruling that, for Penalty 5a (hit from the spot) and 5b (hit from the centre), the
umpire places the ball ensuring a good lie and the penalty taker has to hit the ball without the option of replacing it. This, of course, also applies for the Penalty 1, when the umpire throws in the ball after a goal has been awarded, and for the Penalty 7 (throw in). www.polotimes.co.uk
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Comment
Your views
Letters Write to the editor in the following ways: ◗ letters@polotimes.co.uk ◗ Tweet: @PoloTimes or
@mullanitunder ◗ The Editor, Polo Times,
Holbrook Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX
England straining Argentina Sir, following Clare Milford Haven’s column in the last issue and looking ahead with a broad vision for the season, there is another side to the ongoing “Home Grown Player” debate that should be considered. If the HPA restricts the numbers of jobs for pro players from abroad at all levels, it not only leaves many of them in a sticky situation – they arrive with nothing and improvise, renting and playing just for a coke and a hotdog (pancho y coca cola) – but will also I think create problems for the British pros as well. Many English travel and play in Argentina so, if they stop the foreigners, they may quickly discover they have no place to play. The changes are going to put additional strains on people’s commitments between the two nations. The links between Argentina and England are, of course, longstanding and I even discovered a programme the other day from a game in Buenos Aires, in which the UK was represented by Major Ferguson playing alongside the two Hipwoods, both of whom had nine-goal handicaps at the time! Those were the days... Atilio Degrossi, via email 26
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Letter of the month
The HPA shouldn’t mix politics with sport Sir, it is stupid that the English team were playing as “The Rest of the World” in the International Series in Argentina. Everyone knows that the four players are British and it was an English highgoal team. I feel that the four players should have worn proper English shirts and been proud that they were representing their country. They’d have looked completely foolish if they’d won the tournament and received the trophy as “The Rest of the World”. These days I divide my time between the UK, Sotogrande and New York, but learned my polo originally in Pakistan, where I am part of a large and very old polo-playing family. Over in Pakistan, we have similar problems with India. Our countries are either at war with each other or are having unbelievable political problems. We have learned not to mix politics with sport. It is not possible for Pakistan or India to play as “The Rest of the World” with four of their nationals representing their country. The polo managers would be immediately dismissed. Yusuf Baig, Pakistan representative to the HPA and a former FIP Ambassador Editor’s note: turn to page 44 to read how the Brits did get on The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of La Chamiza Argentine red wine
Hero Harry heard the hype?! Reg’s balls coverage the incident has Sir, I was interested to read light up York received since, as stories with about Prince Harry’s game this March in Brazil in aid of his Sentebale charity, which you covered in the last issue. In recent weeks, footage has emerged showing apparent heroics from the 27-year-old Prince, who drew on his army training to leap to the aid of one of his opponents, Bash Kazi. The 41-year-old American businessman fell and was briefly knocked unconscious, prompting Harry to administer first aid, putting him in the recovery position and checking to see that his breathing was unimpeded. An ambulance rushed to the scene of the accident, but Kazi was able to walk off and then even rejoined the game later. It is believed he suffered a mild concussion, though he didn’t go on to have a CT scan. Harry’s actions were undoubtedly honourable and showed his quick-thinking and concern for his fellow player. However, even he will surely have been amused by the media
varying degrees of hyperbole have snowballed following the release of the video showing it. The best of these was surely the headline I came across – thanks to my daily google alert about all things polo – that appeared on Turkish news site The National Turk, which read “Prince Harry saves businessman from certain death.” We shouldn’t be surprised I suppose. The capacity for stories about the royals to generate interest appears to be growing rather than diminishing, and so perhaps we should be grateful that they have an involvement in polo. It certainly helps the game get more mainstream coverage than it would otherwise, though the media so rarely focuses on the strengths of the actual play itself. Instead it is concerned with the personalities and stigmas that surround it. Is that a positive? What do your other readers think?
Sir, on the question of balls [see letters, April issue], our oldest member Reg Fear (74 years) has kindly donated four bright orange wooden balls from Cyprus to the club. We’ve played a match with them as a tribute to his generosity, which prompted his wife Gwen to remark how “it was lovely to see Reg’s old balls flying around the ground again!” We all agreed, and had no problems seeing them despite the tears of laughter in our eyes! The photograph shows one of the balls on the grass.
Rupert Hughes, London
Paul Piddington, Vale of York Polo Club www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 10:28:25
Your views
Comment
Poetry corner – month one Sir, I thought the readers of Polo Times might enjoy a collection of polo poems I have written over the course of the last year or so. With that in mind, I’ll submit one each month for the duration of the season. Here is my first offering (right), as no doubt players in the UK are already experiencing the familiar usual problems, now that their grooms are back and have had the horses in work for a few weeks. I hope you enjoy it, and one day I’m hopeful there may be scope to publish the lot as a collection. I’ll be parodying a stereotype of a different member of the polo community each month: “In hindsight, I’m not sure bringing the ponies to save time in the morning was such a good idea”
Reasons to shield your smile Sir, as your readers polish their boots and dig out their whites for the forthcoming season, I would like to suggest they also consider adding a mouthguard to their kit bags. After receiving a blow to the face last August, I am now left with dentures until bone graphs are finished on my jaw in preparation for implants. It’s a long process, and I can assure you that the last thing a university student wants to do when they wake up in the morning is wonder where they left their teeth the night before. Fixodent wasn’t something I thought I would be buying aged 20! Gumshields don’t just protect your pearly whites; they also act as a shock absorber, thus reducing the likelihood of concussion from a blow to the lower face. Perhaps they take a bit of getting used to, but they are well worth it. I am fortunate that my teeth were the only things that I damaged. I am also totally indebted to Mike Biccard, a fellow polo payer who kindly opened up his Parkfield dental surgery late on a Friday night to put the teeth that we had found back in. So, please www.polotimes.co.uk
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consider buying yourselves a mouthguard – they are much more cost effective and far less painful than the process of replacing missing teeth! Lottie Lamacraft, Durham University Editor’s note: Lottie’s letter could hardly have been timed better, as you’ll notice from our news story on page 10. Advised by dental experts, the HPA is anxious to echo Lottie’s advice, since the costs of teeth injuries ran into five figures in payouts for the association in 2011 alone
Chap on gap Sir, I’m an 18-year-old Argentine polo player looking for a stint in the UK over the summer as part of my gap year. I’ve just finished at my English school, and would love to hear about any opportunities there might be to play polo or work with anyone. I climb to a two-goal handicap at the start of May, but grew up on a farm and so would be very happy helping working with horses too. My email is agustinburgos_12@hotmail.com and I’d love to hear from any of your subscribers who might have something for me. Thanks! Agustin Burgos, via email
Tweets worth re-tweeting @carlie_trotter (Carlie Trotter) – 12 April Yessss! UK summer polo season kicks off today. All warmed up after my visit to @lyntpoloclub in the Cotswolds last wknd. @playmakerpolo (Seb Dawnay) – 11 April Chukkas starting tomorrow @GuardsPolo – time to say goodbye to the orange ball and hello to the white one! @stewartonpolo (Scottish polo club, Stewarton) – 3 April Poor horses. The temperature has dropped from 23 degrees to three degrees in a week. Rode out in a blizzard this morning. @mullanitunder (James Mullan) – 28 March Is size zero back? Cos it’s official: Skinny’s in at the Berkshire! Good bye and good luck to @LouisaDawnay
Grumpy Grooms The mornings start like every day, Wet, muddy and covered in hay, Why do we bother I always say, Everything’s lame including the pay. Hungover again in a fragile way, Can I make it through the day? Freezing cold, loading the tack, Dare I say I long for the sack. We’re ready for polo in a flash, Right away we’re made to dash, The breeze is rising, threatening rain, This is such a bore, not just a pain, Straight to work, shouting and screaming, Forgotten all about, how I was feeling. Time for a burger, they are the best, A great big fat one, and no less, Now I can take on the world first hand, It must be time I made a stand. The game a loss, time to go back, Ponies turned out and I clean tack, But night is close and I’m nearly done, Then I’ll be free to go and have fun, Its getting dark, so let me be clear, On my time now, so bring on the beer! Dressed to scare mankind away, Round up the girls and out to play, Where do we go? The pub of course, There we wrestle with all the best sauce. Its been a long night, morning is close, I’ve tempted fate with an overdose, Grab my clothes and the rest of my clobber, Jump in the car and burn some more rubber. So back to work, I need the pay, Wet, muddy and covered in hay, Everything’s sore for the whole day, Regretting the drunken roll in the hay, But it’s not just a terrible strain, Tonight we can do it all over again... Mountstuart Hungerford-Jackson, Gloucestershire
Polo Times, May 2012
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20/4/12 17:19:54
Feature
Ciren’s call impossible to resist for Kuldip Dhillon
Diplomatic Dhillon looks to the future Expected to be confirmed as Cirencester Park’s new chairman this month, Kuldip Singh Dhillon reflects on the course of his life to this point, on a dramatic period at the polo club over the winter, and on how he hopes to spearhead positive change in the future
Herbert Spencer at Cirencester Park Polo Club
I
Photographs by James Mullan and Herbert Spencer
t has been quite a journey for Kuldip Singh Dhillon, from his birth in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, to his youth in an immigrant family selling from market stalls, to his life today as a wealthy international businessman and acting chairman of one of the UK’s “big four” polo clubs. The ever-dapper Kuldip, 62, is expected to be confirmed as chairman of Cirencester Park Polo Club (CPPC) at its Annual General Meeting this month. CPPC is England’s oldest polo club, founded in 1894 on the historic Bathurst estate in Gloucestershire, whose president is the ninth Earl Bathurst. Kuldip and I have been good friends for years. I always called him “Sooty”, as many of his other polo friends did, which he happily accepted without taking racial offence. He always called me “Herbie”, which I have
This ebullient Sikh makes no bones about his humble beginnings in India and is indeed proud of how the immigrant Dhillon family built its fortunes. Kuldip was born on 31 July 1950 in Amritsar, the Punjabi city that is home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the Golden Temple. Dhillons trace their ancestry back to Hari Singh Dhillon, the 18thcentury Maharajah of Amritsar and Lahore, powerful leader of the Jat Sikh sect. “Our 20th century Dhillons were a farming family and my father also served in the Patiala Lancers where he played polo,” said Kuldip. “My polo came much later.” He was only five years old when the family emigrated from
“We have had our problems but, the fact is, we are sorting out the club’s finances” – Kuldip Dhillon never liked. So when we met at the club last month to talk about his life and his plans for CPPC, I suggested a names pact. I would henceforth call him Kuldip, in deference to his new positions as club chairman and a steward of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) – so long as he drops the Herbie and calls me Herbert. He laughingly agreed. 28
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India to England, settling in Warrington near Liverpool. “My father started in the demolition business and, in the family’s early years, we also had market stalls selling clothes,” he said. “I went to state schools, but skipped university
to work in the family businesses.” Eventually the Dhillons moved into real estate and, as they grew prosperous, purchased an estate in Cheshire. “We lived near Cheshire Polo Club and watched matches there. A fellow Sikh, Colonel Kuldip Singh Garcha, was over from India and playing there at that time. He talked me into taking polo lessons, even though I didn’t even ride at the time.” Kuldip was 28 when he took up the sport, buying his first four ponies from Terry Hanlon – oldies that were very good “teachers”. He eventually achieved a two-goal handicap and played with his own team, which he called Satnam, a Sikh greeting meaning “one true god” (sat, truth, and naam, name). Over the years Kuldip’s Satnam team competed at all levels of polo including in the high-goal Gold, Queen’s and Warwickshire cups. High-goal success eluded them, but they won numerous low- and medium-goal tournaments including the Archie David, Dollar, Cheltenham, National 8-Goal and CPPC 12-goal. “One of Satnam’s earliest line-ups was me, former Olympic show jumper Johnny Kidd, American musician Stewart Copeland and Tim Keyte from New u Zealand,” Kuldip recalled. Right (Cirencester Park’s new men): Dhillon with the ninth Earl Bathurst, president of the club, and executive polo manager Tim Keyte
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Feature
Ciren’s call impossible to resist for Kuldip Dhillon
Kuldip Dhillon with his wife of 43 years, Jacqueline, at a gala dinner in London in March in aid of recently founded charity, HITS (Head Injury Through Sport). See also page 86
Photographs by Katie Macrae, Howard Baker, Mike Roberts, Bryan Berkeley and the Dhillon family
u
Kuldip has also played extensively abroad, all over the USA and in Argentina, Brazil, Barbados, Kenya, India, Thailand, Brunei, and other countries. Along the way he served as chairman of the HPA’s Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA) and brought another Dhillon generation into the sport, his son Satnam. Now 34, Satnam started in Pony Club Polo and is currently a member of the England national squad. He works full-time in his father’s international
Cirencester Park,” Kuldip said. “So in 1988 Jacqueline [his English-born wife of 43 years] and I left Cheshire and moved down to Gloucestershire, buying Trewsbury Farm just five minutes from CPPC.” Trewsbury, adjacent to the source of the River Thames, has its own polo grounds and stabling for some 30 ponies. Kuldip first joined the CPPC committee in 1990 and has been a member of the club’s governing body since then, save for three years when he took up residence in Switzerland.
“We will inaugurate a 26-goal tournament in August, which will take the form of a single match funded by the Vesteys and the Hanburys if we can’t get enough teams” – Kuldip Dhillon real estate business and last year became the world’s highest-rated amateur player with a handicap of seven, although he has now been dropped back to six goals. “I played at a number of clubs in England including Cowdray Park and Guards, both great clubs, but I really fell in love with 30 Polo Times, May 2012
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He returned in May last year and was made a director and designated as the next chairman. “When I was asked if I was willing to serve on the board again,” Kuldip said, “I couldn’t say anything but yes. Having got so much out of polo for more than 35 years, I am keen to give back what I can.”
“During the 2011 season there was quite a bit of dissatisfaction with how the club was being run” Kuldip said. “So the board decided it was time for change.” He was installed as acting chair last year in place of Richard Britten-Long, whose chairmanship ended early, and Tim Keyte has joined as executive polo manager, replacing the longserving Nick Musgrave. “We were able to recruit a new manager from in-house so to speak,” Kuldip said. “Tim, who once ran the Melbourne Polo Club in Australia, is one of the HPA’s top professional umpires. More importantly, he has been at CPPC for years, knows everyone here and is well respected. He has already reorganised the polo office with all new staff, ready for the 2012 season.” On Kuldip’s recommendation, the CPPC board now has its first two female directors, Tamara (née Vestey) Fox and Alison Clarke. Meanwhile, the eighth Earl Bathurst died last October and his son Allen succeeded to the title. www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 17:31:12
Ciren’s call impossible to resist for Kuldip Dhillon
Feature
Below: Kuldip Singh Dhillon at polo with the Queen Right: Dhillon looks every inch the proud father following son Satnam’s victory in the Golden Jubilee Trophy on International Day at Guards in 2009
“The new Lord Bathurst, our president, is the real key to the future of CPPC,” Kuldip said. “I know of no one here who is a stronger supporter of the club and he shares the directors’ vision of how CPPC can really grow.” Kuldip and I were joined in the polo office by the president and I asked 51-year-old Allen if he himself had ever played polo. “Yes, I was playing at age 15 or 16,” he said. “But, when I told my father I needed to buy four polo ponies and a lorry to transport them, that was the end of my playing career.” Allen confirmed everything Kuldip had been telling me about their plans for the club. Kuldip was deliberately diplomatic about the old regime at CPPC, declining to comment on personalities. When I asked about reports over the winter that the club u www.polotimes.co.uk
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Left: Kuldip Singh Dhillon and Prince Charles Right: Dhillon shows his charismatic side at a charity auction at Cirencester Park Below: Dhillon and an 8-year-old Satnam inspect their horses in Cheshire, before they moved to Gloucestershire in 1988
Polo Times, May 2012 31
19/4/12 13:25:46
Feature
Ciren’s call impossible to resist for Kuldip Dhillon
This photograph brings back memories for Dhillon and his new colleague Tim Keyte, with the two going head to head at Cirencester Park in the late 1990s: Dhillon teamed up Stewart Copeland, Andrew Parrott and Adrian Laplacette (front row) to face JP Smail, Simon Keyte, Tim Keyte and Prince Charles (wearing Cirencester Park’s traditional colours behind)
Photographs by Bryan Berkeley and David Lominska
u was in serious crisis, he responded with equal and extreme diplomacy: “These reports were based mainly on unfortunate rumours. We have had problems, but we, the directors, hope that all our members will now pull together to solve them. “The fact is,” he said, “we are sorting out the club’s finances, we will be playing more polo at all handicap levels this season and we hope to attract more entries to our 20-goal Warwickshire Cup. We want to bring on the next generation at the club. The HPA has agreed that we can inaugurate a 26-goal tournament in August, an initiative of our former chairman Christopher Hanbury. If we don’t have enough teams for a full tournament, we’ll start this year with a single match between teams fielded by two of the families that have been great long-standing supporters Right: Satnam Dhillon, having just played for Robert Hanson’s Bulldogs, pictured with his father in 1991
32 Polo Times, May 2012
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of the club – the Hanburys and the Vesteys.” Meanwhile, the club and Lord Bathurst are awaiting probate of the late earl’s estate to complete negotiations with the two trusts that control Cirencester Park. “We hope the trustees will grant the club longer licensees for our seven grounds in the park – not just yearly,” Kuldip said. “This
would give us more flexibility in advance planning. We also hope the trustees will give permission, previously refused, to irrigate the grounds.” Currently only the club’s two grounds outside the park, at nearby Aston Downs, are irrigated. Kuldip Singh Dhillon is not your typical orthodox Sikh with uncut hair wrapped in a turban. He only wears a turban for religious observances and a dagger broach to represent the kirpan, the ceremonial sword or dagger meant to be worn by every devout Sikh. He does, however, consider himself “spiritual”, ascribing to Sikh religious precepts of family, work ethics and honesty. Not bad traits for upholding the traditions of England’s oldest polo club. F w What should be at the top of Kuldip’s agenda for change at Cirencester Park this season? Tell us at letters@polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 17:31:48
C�r��t�s P�l�
Celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubiliee at Carlitos Polo on Sunday 3rd June The Big Jubilee Lunch & Polo Tournament
Tournaments at Carlitos Polo this summer Q
30th June 1st July Canadian Bear Trophy
Q
7th & 8th July Tai Tai Tournament
Q
4th,5th & 6th August Belmont Vets Challenge Cup
Book your place in the POLO tournament to raise money and awareness for the Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes, one officer in each team. Q ‘Grenadier Grandees”, “Cameron Highlanders’, ‘Gurkha Warriors’ or ‘Licentious Lancers’ Q After The Big Jubliee Lunch we have an experienced auctioneer who has offered his services for a Charity Auction. For details of the auction go to www.playpolo.co.uk/id21.html Q Bid for Category A Olympic Tickets plus many other fantastic donations to raise money for Help for Heroes
07748 670587 www.playpolo.co.uk kim@playpolo.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, May 2012 33
Feature
UK high-goal predictions 2012
Which teams have g As all eyes turn to the Cartier Queen’s Cup this month, we have a closer look at the team line-ups and ask a number of well-known polo personalities who they think will clean up in the UK high-goal this summer season
George May talks to those in the know
Photographs by James Mullan and Andrew Tobin
A
lthough the teams for the Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards and the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park are yet to be absolutely confirmed, our preliminary list of high-goal contenders (right) gives a strong indication as to who will be playing in the UK this summer. Since first publishing the list in the March issue, Polo Times has discovered some of the additions to teams with players that were then only listed as “TBA”. Excitingly, we have also learnt of two more potential entries that are still being finalised and which, if confirmed, will be likely to include a number of British professionals. We can’t say any more at this stage but, as we went to press, at least one of these sides was looking very likely to get the go-ahead. Another largely British line-up, Salkeld, returns to the fold and, as it stands, are the only team to be fielding exactly the same foursome as last year. With Luke Tomlinson and James Beim representing Nick Clarke’s side, one would expect them to do well – last year they reached the Gold Cup semi-finals. Meanwhile, Luke’s brother Mark has a team for the whole of this season, with Karan Thapar making the decision to play his Aravali side in both the Gold and the Queen’s Cups. Right: Zacara’s winning Gold Cup patron in 2011, Lyndon Lea
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British brothers George and Charlie Hanbury will be returning with David “Pelon” Stirling to field their El Remanso side. Seven-goaler Guillermo Terrera will be joining them, playing in England for the first time since 2010 after suffering with serious illness throughout 2011. Terrera played with the Hanburys earlier this year in Argentina but this will be the first time that he’ll be representing their team in England – in previous years he played for Talandracas. Three-time Gold Cup winners Dubai, who endured a poor season by their standards last year, are reportedly set to include Australian Alec White as their two-goaler (see page 54) as they field a drastically changed side. He replaces Ollie Cudmore, who has reunited with the side that played in Sotogrande last August, Prince Bahar Jefri’s Richard Mille. It is understood that last year’s Gold Cup winners, Zacara, will be joined by fourgoaler Manuel Plaza de Ayala this season. With all three of last year’s team’s pros, Hilario Ulloa, Ignatius Du Plessis and Gonzalo Deltour, going up to nine-goals, eight-goals
and seven-goals respectively at the end of last season, patron Lyndon Lea made the decision to drop Deltour, who is now absent from the high-goal in 2012. How well Plaza de Ayala will perform remains to be seen but it looks like a clever signing, as he plays off a six-goal handicap in Argentina.
“Ellerston have contributed so much to UK polo in the past, so it’s fantastic to see them back” – Howard Hipwood Edouard Carmignac returns this season with current Queen’s Cup titleholders Talandracas. However, Facundo Sola, who took the UK highgoal by storm last year, has been replaced by young South African Chris Mackenzie. Sola will play alongside Javier Novillo Astrada for Sumaya this summer. James Packer’s Ellerston will attract plenty of attention this season as they return to the UK high-goal for the first time since 2008. However, Polo Times has learned that Packer will sit the Queen’s Cup out, with Iñigo Zobel taking his place, and only play in the Gold Cup. The side could prove interesting with the talented Gonzalito Pieres and John Paul Clarkin forming the core of the team, joined by three-goaler Tomas Garbarini (see page 72). They’ll be hoping to be back with a bang. With Gonzalito Pieres moving over to Ellerston, younger brother Nico has filled his boots in the La Bamba de Areco lineup. Facundo and Nico Pieres have plenty of experience playing together, most notably for Tortugas Open winners Ellerstina in the 2011 Argentine Triple Crown. They are joined by British five-goaler Max Routledge, who rarely disappoints and is always well mounted. Emlor are not expected to field a high-goal team this year as patron Spencer McCarthy is taking a year away from the top level to play with his son James. The team will be seen playing the 12-goal Victor Ludorum tournaments, as well as some low-goal. u www.polotimes.co.uk
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UK high-goal predictions 2012
Feature
got what it takes?
England international Nacho Gonzalez thinks both Dubai and Les Lions, pictured here contesting the 2010 Queen’s Cup final, will be strong challengers again in 2012
El Remanso George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury David Stirling Guillermo Terrera
2 4 9 7 22
Lora Piana TBA Augustin Nero Lucas James TBA
0 6 8 8 22
Sumaya Ahmad Aboughazale Facundo Sola Javier Novillo Astrada Matias Vial
1 7 8 6 22
Aravali Karan Thapar 0 Mark Tomlinson 6 Eduardo Novillo Astrada 8 Marcos di Paola 7 21
Enigma Jerome Wirth TBA Juan Martin Nero Matias MacDonough
1 3 10 8 22
Piaget Joaquin Pittaluga Magoo Laprida Negro Zavaleta Stefano Marsaglia
7 8 7 0 22
Talandracas Edouard Carmignac Chris McKenzie Lucas Monteverde Milo Fernandez Araujo
0 5 9 8 22
Dubai Tariq Albwardy Ignacio Heguy Adolfo Cambiaso Alec White
La Bamba de Areco Jean-François Decaux Nico Pieres Facundo Pieres Max Routledge
0 7 10 5 22
Richard Mille Bahar Jefri Tomas Garcia del Rio Pablo MacDonough Ollie Cudmore
1 7 10 4 22
Thai Polo Harald Link 0 TBA TBA TBA 22
Les Lions Matt Perry Agustin Merlos Sebastian Merlos Joachim Gottschalk
3 9 10 0 22
Salkeld Nick Clarke James Beim Luke Tomlinson José Donoso
0 7 7 7 22
Zacara Lyndon Lea Ignatius Du Plessis Hilario Ulloa Manuel Plaza de Ayala
1870 Adrian Kirby Francisco Elizalde Polito Pieres Jaime Huidobro
1 6 8 7 22
2 8 10 2 22
Ellerston Tomas Gabarini 3 Gonzalito Pieres 10 John Paul Clarkin 8 James Packer (Gold Cup) 1 Iñigo Zobel (Queen’s Cup) 2 22 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Polo Times, May 2012
1 8 9 4 22
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Feature u
UK high-goal predictions 2012
The experts’ views Satnam Dhillon (left) – “I think Dubai and Enigma are strong contenders this season. Enigma are well established, having played together last season, and Dubai have always got a good chance – they’ve got Cambiaso! They’ve also got Nachi Heguy on their team this year – he’s a very experienced player, particularly as he’s a former 10-goaler. I’m not sure how Talandracas will perform this year without Facundo Sola – he made the difference last year. It’s inevitable that all the big teams will make it through to the quarter-finals and semi-finals and it will be interesting to see how Ellerston perform in their first season back.”
Alan Kent (below) – “Many of the teams have changed dramatically this season – particularly the fourth players. La Bamba will be strong contenders with Nico Pieres having a proper set up alongside brother Facundo, and Max Routledge produces the goods every year. El Remanso effectively has a four-man team this year. We haven’t seen Guillermo Terrera for a while but he’s a good, strong player. The team is likely to give any opponent a scare. The core of the Zacara side is the same as last year, so I think they’ll be competitive again. It will be great to see Ellerston back too. Their horsepower is unknown – although JP Clarkin is likely to be on his own horses – but I imagine they will be well mounted. However, it is their first season in a while so they might need some time to gel. I suspect they’ll perform better in the Gold Cup. Those teams with new line-ups, such as 1870 and Aravali, may struggle in their first season playing together. Piaget is also fielding two new players this season but I’d like to see them do well – Stefano [Marsaglia] has been a big supporter of English polo down the years and it will be interesting to see how Magoo Laprida and Negro Zavaleta get on in the same side. Matt Perry has a tall order, replacing Chris Mackenzie on the Les Lions team. Mind you, the same applies to Mackenzie as he fills Facundo Sola’s shoes for Talandracas.”
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Nacho Gonzalez (below) – “My three top choices for this season are La Bamba, Dubai and Les Lions. Nico Pieres plays like a nine-goaler, and with Facundo and Max Routledge, La Bamba are very strong. They’ve got good horses too. Dubai are always good – I just don’t think they gelled last year. With the addition of Nachi Heguy, who is very good value on eight-goals, they should be competitive. Les Lions are strong every year and usually reach the semi-final stages. Perhaps their time will come this year. Ellerston could be strong but I’m not sure how well Gonzalito Pieres and JP Clarkin will get on. They played together in Argentina last year, I believe, and the team didn’t get anywhere. I’m not sure how well Zacara will do this year with a different line-up. Gonzalo Deltour was a great player so, without him, they might perform differently.”
20/4/12 15:44:32
UK high-goal predictions 2012
Howard Hipwood (above) – “The teams are very evenly matched this year so it’s impossible to say who each of the winners will be. Looking at the team list, I don’t think any one team will stand out above the rest. It’s fantastic that Ellerston are coming back. They’ve contributed so much to UK polo in the past so it will be good to see them competing here again.”
John Horswell (left) – “As usual, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and last year’s Queen’s and Gold Cups were full of surprises. I expect this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup to be as open but, with there being fewer players that we have not seen before, the more established teams may come to the fore yet again. If Nachi Heguy brings his customary commitment and gels with Adolfo Cambiaso, I cannot count them out for the Queen’s Cup and, if Zacara have found an under-handicapped fourgoaler [Manuel Plaza de Ayala], they have the horsepower to do well again. I am not sure but Ellerston should hit the ground running, despite their recent hiatus. However, the changes to Talandracas and La Bamba may blunt their swords. My one to watch is 1870, who have good players. However, it will be the chemistry and the ponies that will be the key.”
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Feature
David Woodd (left) – “There’s been quite a few changes this year and all the teams look competitive. However, if I had to put my money on someone, it would have to be La Bamba. They are a very strong side, particularly with Nico Pieres playing off seven-goals – I think he’s probably under handicapped. They will be a well-mounted team too. Any team with a strong player, such as Cambiaso, the Pieres brothers or Nero for example, will have an advantage. They will hold the team together in the early stages. However, in the Gold Cup it will come down to horses. Ellerston should certainly have the horsepower and I think they could be pretty good. Aravali could be good if they play well as a team. New lineups have a disadvantage if they haven’t played together before – they will need time to gel. Other teams I don’t think should be written off are: Enigma, if their three-goaler is favourable; Talandracas; El Remanso; and Salkeld. But both tournaments will be quite open.”
Chris Hyde (below) – “It’s tricky to pick out who will stand out this season as it is quite a balanced list of teams. However, I think La Bamba will do well. They are a very well-balanced side with lots of strength throughout. I would expect El Remanso to reach the semis and finals – they too have two players, Stirling and Terrera, who play better than their handicaps. There are a few entries who have great potential to do well but it depends how well the lower-handicapped pros perform, such as Matt Perry for Les Lions and Alec White for Dubai. The Merlos brothers and Cambiaso are great players but they’ll need to combine with the rest of their teams. Ellerston have put forward an interesting combination. We’ll have to see who ends up playing where. It would have been nice to see them include a Brit on their side but it is great to see them back in the UK high-goal.” F
20/4/12 17:35:33
Reports
Gaucho International 2012: London’s O2 Arena
Argentina pay the penalty Whilst Scotland celebrated a win over Ireland in the enjoyable early game, it took a late comeback and a nervy penalty shootout for England to claim an unlikely victory in their emotionally charged game against Argentina
James Mullan at London’s O2
England Argentina
15 15
Photograph by Matt Cheetham of KK Communications
England won 1-0 on penalties
T
here was a carnival atmosphere at the O2 late this March, as England beat Argentina for the second consecutive year in the fixture, despite never having the lead at any point in their Test Match. From four goals down, and chasing the visitors throughout, England somehow forced a draw in a frantic final chukka, which meant the game was decided by spot hits from 20 yards. However, the winner-takes-all shootout was reminiscent of Liverpool’s Carling Cup
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Gaucho International 2012: London’s O2 Arena
Reports
triumph over Cardiff City in February, when the team in red eventually won, despite missing their opening two penalties. With the weight of almost 8,000 supporters inside what was formerly called the Millennium Dome, only the hosts’ captain Jamie Morrison was able to stay cool under the pressure. He scored, meaning Argentina’s blue-shirted captain Nacho Figueras had to score to take the shootout to sudden-death. Figueras had played magnificently, producing a stunning turnaround in his form from a disappointing arena debut last year, scoring in every single chukka and from all round his horse as he wowed the crowds. However, his penalty attempt was laughable and England’s players, fans and almost-hoarse commentators celebrated wildly. No one will have been more relieved than Morrison himself, who will see his penalty heroics as redemption at the end of an otherwise below-par performance. He cut a frustrated figure at times, particularly in the second half, when ironically he surrendered the penalty-taking duties to teammate Maurice Ormerod after several disappointing misses. Ormerod was a surprise inclusion by the HPA in the England side, as was Berkshirebased arena four-goaler Gavin Turner, but the pair stepped up admirably – at least from an attacking perspective, landing all of England’s second half goals. However, arguably the increased freedom enjoyed by Nacho Figueras this year was an indication that the English defence wasn’t
Figueras proved this year that he’s not just a pretty face, scoring six stunners so solid. Perhaps we underestimated the role played by Tim Bown in 2011, when the nononsense English number two marked the Ralph Lauren model out of the game, and used all his experience as an umpire to shut him down without being blown for foul play. This year, England’s number three Morrison was at times left to do much of the defending on his own. He did this to increasingly good effect in the second half, gradually minimising the formidable threat of Argentina’s virtually unknown ringer, Juan “Chino” Leiva, as well as helping to force a couple of key penalty ones going forward. But, with Figueras swapping with Oscar Mancini to play in the midfield, u Left: Argentina’s captain Nacho Figueras squares up to England’s hero Jamie Morrison, the only player to keep his nerve in the decisive penalty shootout
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25/4/12 10:46:29
Reports
Gaucho International 2012: London’s O2 Arena
our grandstand. Quite. It was a good question. u at number two, the Argentines still carried a He was certainly under-handicapped. sizeable attacking threat. However, Chino was strangely subdued in Figueras has always been a crowd pleaser, the final two chukkas, perhaps because of the with his natural charm and unmistakable good increased attentions of Jamie Morrison, or perhaps looks. However, at the O2 this February he because England were always meant to win. proved he’s not just a pretty face and, having Encouraged by the event’s logistical The home team’s comeback was certainly a slated him in my match report last year, I’ve organiser Louisa Dawnay, the Gaucho’s surprising one. In fairness, Gavin Turner and been forced to eat my hat. He had far more top brass worked more closely with David Maurice Ormerod suddenly looked particularly impact, both from open play, and with his Woodd, Michael Amoore and Nicholas Colquohoun-Denvers this year to ensure well mounted at the end of each half, in the ruthless finishing in attack. He scored at least the format of the event worked as best it second half of the second and fourth chukkas, six of Argentina’s 15 goals – though, such was could for the venue. As such, the spectacle the pace of the contest, there are a few more in and they demonstrated just how quick the was undoubtedly improved by instigating my notes that are ambiguous and so might well game of polo can really be when you have the stringent use of the “penalty one” award, momentum. And this did play rather a crucial have been finished by him as well. which gives the attacking team a goal when role in bringing them back into the game. Argentina’s new guy – Chino – was also denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by But Argentina did also seem suddenly to stop impressive. He tore around in the first half, a foul. This avoided the tedious string of playing mid-way through the final chukka. showing both strength and skill as he opened 20-yard penalties that were a feature in the Whoever was behind Horse & Hound’s the scoring in the Test, Gaucho’s inaugural year, 2011. “The polo was more open this year news report clearly didn’t believe England’s continually barged and moved along at a better pace, which comeback was a bona fide one, calling the England off the ball kept the crowds interested,” said Martin result “predictable”, but whatever your view, and was first to every Williams, operations director at Gaucho there can be little doubt that this year’s match loose ball as he raced Restaurants. “It helped that we didn’t was fought with more aggression, particularly up and down. “Who allow any exit and re-entry to the arena by the fiery Argentines. Indeed, the AAP would is this guy?” queried once spectators had scanned in with their certainly have something to say if they felt the one knowledgeable tickets, so people hung around. The players game was rigged, especially in the light of spectator in remarked on how much the atmosphere the emotive rhetoric in Argentina at the was improved as a result. It was electric, and that also encouraged them to show moment surrounding the English on plenty of flair.” the 30th anniversary of the Falklands All four teams looked to be well conflict. So it seems unlikely. matched and well mounted, which helped ensure that all 12 players made a sizeable here were certainly no contribution in the two games. The sides awkward questions had good balance and it was certainly a following the earlier positive that the organisers of the Irish side Test Match, in which chose to include the event’s first female Scotland triumphed over Ireland player – Siobhan Herbst aptly demonstrated how the sexes compete on an equal level in in a good tempered and free-flowing polo, which went down well. game. Ireland’s number one Siobhan Polo Times felt that the commentary was also improved this year, with the inclusion Siobhan Herbst, the first of Tarquin Southwell to provide analysis of female player to take part the game alongside Karl Ude-Martinez’s in the Gaucho event enthusiastic blow-by-blow explanation of each play. It was also given a more interactive feel with the help of a live twitter feed, which encouraged the audience to Martin Williams talked in excited tones before this year’s final about how much we’d enjoy the participate directly with their own opinions acts he’d picked to perform the anthems, but most didn’t have anything positive to say about and questions. the rearrangement of God save the Queen, as it meant it wasn’t a version the audience could Well-known arena three-goaler Roy sing along to. Prisk, formerly polo manager at Ash Farm, And, while ticket sales were up, it was still disappointing to see so many empty seats in the was drafted in to coordinate the “players’ grandstands. Part of the problem appears to have been that many of those who’d received afterparty” at Indigo2, an onsite club, corporate freebees from their employees simply didn’t turn up, and because even those that adjacent to the Gaucho Restaurant inside did come were never all sitting down at the same time. With the company credit card tab open, the O2. He put together a top DJ line-up, most were constantly hopping up and down to buy more booze. Next year organisers would including James Park and teenage polo undoubtedly benefit from over-allocating tickets to sponsors, and perhaps by closing the bars player Sascha Bahlsen. for half an hour during the second half of the main game, to encourage spectators to take their “There was a great vibe this year,” said seats and allow everyone an undisrupted period of action. If licensing laws allow, they could Williams. “I think ensuring the players were perhaps include mobile vendors with beer backpacks. involved in helping Roy create the party meant it was the natural place for everyone Another worrying thing Polo Times learned was that the veterinary vehicles weren’t allowed to head after the games, and tickets proved access to the inside of the dome, meaning that there would surely be a delay if anything to be really popular.” happened to one of the horses (turn to page 70).
What was better in 2012?
Photograph by Matt Cheetham of KK Communications
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And what could still be improved for 2013?
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www.polotimes.co.uk
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Gaucho International 2012: London’s O2 Arena
Herbst successfully demonstrated polo’s unisex nature, performing amongst many experienced and much-admired male players and doing so with utter aplomb. Scotland’s own less-experienced pick – Kirtlington-based George McCorkell – also gave a good account of himself. Like Siobhan, he scored at least five, though the manner of their goals was generally quite different. Whilst Siobhan produced England’s victorious side – Gavin Turner, Maurice Ormerod and Jamie Morrison – lift the Churchill Cup
several sensational strikes, including a goal from very long range, a stunning nearside backhand, and an acute-angled nearside neckshot, McCorkell’s role was that of a more traditional number one, prodding the ball in consistently after fine, sensible approach play from his teammates. Howard Smith and captain Jamie Le Hardy – the latter riding rental ponies, having only just returned from holidaying in Barbados – showed the u
Reports
How did they perform at the Gaucho? We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
England Gavin Turner (4) Turner is basically an amateur and so was certainly a surprise inclusion, but he impressed more and more as the game went on, scoring in the second, third and fourth chukkas. He missed his penalty but it was by no means the worst.
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Maurice Ormerod (5) Ormerod’s increase in handicap just days later was said to be based primarily on this performance. Offensively, he was a cool head and he led the English revival with two goals in the third chukka and the team’s final two goals to equalise the scores in the fourth. He took over the penalty duties from Morrison, but was then still guilty of several disappointing misses, including his penalty in the shootout.
Photograph by Matt Cheetham of KK Communications
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Jamie Morrison (8) Scored a lovely nearside backhand in the second chukka but, otherwise, it was not really a vintage evening from the side’s most experienced arena player. He was generally wasteful from the penalty spot, yet still made himself a hero when he hit the winner as the only player to score in the penalty shootout. Redemption!
The penalty shootout at a glance
Gavin Turner narrowly wide right
Maurice Ormerod another wide attempt
Jamie Morrison Scores, 1-0 England! www.polotimes.co.uk
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Juan “Chino” Leiva also shoots just wide
Oscar Mancini miles left
Nacho Figueras trickles wide right, and it’s all over
= scored = missed
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Argentina Juan “Chino” Leiva (4) At times he made his four-goal handicap look absurd, scoring the goal of the day from virtually the whole length of the arena amid a series of good goals and dominating in the early stages whilst riding a couple of Clive Reid’s horses. But he was quieter in the second half, when he looked as though he was not so well mounted, which meant he had to work a lot harder, and Morrison was able to keep him under wraps.
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Oscar Mancini (6) The pick of the players last year was his usual determined and boisterous self, but was rather outshone by the much-improved Nacho Figueras (whom he mounted). Mancini was also guilty of almost as many penalty misses as the English, including a penalty in the last seconds of the final chukka that would have won the game 16-15. He then failed to redeem that miss with a disastrous attempt in the shootout.
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Nacho Figueras (7) Interchanged positions with Mancini to great effect, and looked far more determined this year than his disappointing showing in 2011. He was Argentina’s top scorer, despite not taking any of the penalties (though we realised why he wasn’t given that responsibility when he made a complete mess of his attempt in the shootout).
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Reports
Gaucho International 2012: London’s O2 Arena
Analysis by commentator Tarquin Southwell England’s late momentum gave them the edge in the shootout says the arena seven-goaler, and their calm and collected comeback justified the HPA’s decision to leave out the UK’s top arena player Chris Hyde in favour of selecting a more balanced side
Photograph by Gillian Hughes
“I missed the Gaucho last year, but did make it to the ATP tennis in the O2, and so was excited to see how polo would work in such a great venue. However, I’d heard the space was tight and so I’m pleased to say the polo worked better there than I’d actually been expecting. The only major disappointment of the main game between England and Argentina was just how poor the penalties were throughout, and of course particularly in the shootout. You’d expect the pros that play the high-goal to be hitting about 95 per cent from that range, so it just shows what the pressure can do. Ultimately, England’s ability to handle the pressure of the occasion was the difference. They were totally outplayed throughout the first half but didn’t panic and, having tightened up their tactics slightly at half time, showed great strength of character to chase Argentina’s lead down. They built momentum at just the right time and, in arena polo when goals can be scored so Scotland’s captain Jamie Le Hardy heads to goal under pressure from Ireland’s Richard Le Poer, wearing green quickly, it’s often actually better to be behind u same guile and intelligence that helped them but with the pattern of the game going in Game rating • • • • • • • • • • both to victory over South Africa at the same your favour than to be ahead. venue last year. Jamie Morrison had been a bit flat for u Gaucho International Test Matches; Wednesday much of the game but, because he’d been Ireland, meanwhile, in many ways played 21 March 2012; The O2 Arena, London picked ahead of nine-goaler Chris Hyde, it more with passion – less well organised than Result: England beat Argentina on penalties meant England was able to select a higherthe Scots but, at times, more spectacular to Scotland beat Ireland 15-12 handicapped number one – Gavin Turner – watch. As well as Siobhan’s memorable goals, Sponsor: HPA, CITY AM, IG Index, Welbeck, and the team had good balance. Turner and Richard Le Poer scored a perfect nearside Merchant Hub, Auchentoshan, Veuve Clicquot, Ormerod chipped in well with the goals. backhand from long range and captain Seb Tanqueray gin, Quilmes, Polistas, Mantis, Martin Nevertheless, the player I was most Collins, Wines of Argentina Dawnay hit one of the goals of the day from in impressed with was Nacho Figueras. I’ve Handicap level: 17-goal front of his own goal at the other end. Dawnay known him for more than 20 years and Chukka scores: (England): 3-4; 6-8; 10-13; 15-15 was superbly mounted. have watched him play a lot, and I really (1-0 in the penalty shootout) However, that they had to score such didn’t expect the format would suit him. (Scotland): 2-2; 5-6; 9-8; 15-12 impressive goals adds weight to the feeling Outdoors he’s the kind of player who likes to pass the ball and read the game, rather that the side weren’t so well set up as their Test Match sides: than someone with fantastic stickwork or opponents. Despite having the edge in terms England (17): Gavin Turner 4; Maurice Ormerod 5; dribbling ability. I expected him to look really of horses, they seemed to have to work a lot Jamie Morrison 8 over-handicapped, but he was superb. harder and, at times exposed by Le Poer’s Argentina (17): Juan Leiva 4; Oscar Mancini 6; In my mind though, the future of the lack of regular arena action, the Irish threat Ignacio Figueras 7 Gaucho is as a two-a-side event, as there subsided in the second half. F will be more chance of better passing polo, Scotland (17): George McCorkell 4; Howard Smith fewer unattractive melees and more space w See more photographs from the Gaucho 6; Jamie Le Hardy 7 to see the top players really show their full Ireland (17): Siobhan Herbst 3; Richard Le Poer 6; International and the after party organised by range of skills.” F Roy Prisk on page 85 Sebastian Dawnay 8 42
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Reports
International Series, Buenos Aires
Hosts rise again on Easter Sunday Argentina underlined the quality of their players and horses by winning the overall International Series title, while a team of four Brits – playing as the Rest of the World – were the surprise package at Palermo, finishing second
Alejandro Comero in Buenos Aires
Photographs by Sergio Llamera
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fter three action-packed days of play, Argentina triumphed in the first edition of the International Series at La Catedral del Polo – Palermo – winning all of their games against the Rest of the World, Brazil, and Chile with an expansive display of four-man polo. The two words that come to mind most readily to describe this young team from Argentina – Matías Torres Zavaleta, Juan Zubiaurre, Juan Ruiz Guiñazú and Facundo Sola – are bold and courageous. Their intention to play winning polo was evident from the beginning of their opening game against the Rest of the World who, despite their ambiguous name, were made up exclusively of English players – Mark Tomlinson, Malcolm Borwick, Ollie Cudmore and Charlie Hanbury. The British quartet, who played their own ponies at Palermo, impressed in the latter stages of the tournament to secure second place, but they simply couldn’t stop the rhythm of the Argentine play in their first game. Led by most valuable player Facundo Sola, who
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announced his presence on the world polo stage by winning the Cámara de Diputados on the same ground in December, Argentina cruised to a 12-6 win in that match. After Chile thrashed Brazil by seven goals, 11-4, in the other game on the first day of play, the tournament looked to be heading towards a duel between the young hosts and Chile, who boasted the experience of José Donoso and Jaime Garcia Huidobro in their ranks. However, the second day of the competition did not go entirely to the form book. Argentina did not disappoint as they continued their excellent play against Brazil, but the Brit boys in the Rest of the World produced an excellent performance to shock Chile. Well mounted and well prepared, Malcolm Borwick and Mark Tomlinson controlled the pace of the game. Borwick, the experienced English back, once again demonstrated his surgical precision from penalties and he scored
three from 60 yards as England won 9-6. For Argentina, several perfectlyweighted long passes and clever combination play involving Sola and 24-year-old Guiñazú
two games in four days, Argentina faced the last day of competition on Easter Sunday with optimism: only a catastrophic defeat against Chile could snatch away the title. The Rest of the World knew that a win against Brazil
in the first game of the day would give them a small chance of winning the overall title, if Argentina slipped up later, and they responded with their best team performance of the tournament. Cudmore and Hanbury helped to control possession and generated plenty of attempts at goal in a very one-sided contest. Borwick scored six goals and Cudmore helped himself to three as the Rest of the World ran out comfortable 11-4 winners and
The British quartet, who played their own ponies at Palermo, impressed in the latter stages of the International Series to secure second place ahead of Chile and Brazil were the highlights of an entertaining 15-10 win against a spirited Brazil side. With most of the horses tired after playing
kept alive their slim title hopes. This set up a nervy final match for champions-elect Argentina who, despite an u
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International Series
Reports
Rest of the World ratings Alejandro marks the Brits on their performances throughout the International Series, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
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Ollie Cudmore (4): The 22-year-old youngster was solid throughout. Playing in this kind of international competition will only help him to improve, and he showed that his instinct and speed of thought are already very good. He was very well mounted and played a brilliant game against Brazil, scoring three goals and connecting with his teammates with a string of superb long passes. After winning the Copa Diamante in 2011 with his teammate and friend Charlie Hanbury, this second place in the International Series means another step forward in Ollie’s promising career.
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The victorious Argentine team of Facundo Sola, Juan Ruiz Guiñazú, Juan Zubiaurre and Matías Torres Zavaleta lift the International Series Trophy at Palermo
Charlie Hanbury (5): Arguably, the style of play of the team did not suit him and he did not have the opportunity to show his true quality. Having said that, some of his ponies were among the best at the tournament and this made a huge difference against Chile, which was his best game. He performed brilliantly against Jaime Garcia Huidobro, when Charlie's inside knowledge of how the Chilean plays was obvious for all to see. His experiences at Palermo will certainly help to nurture his undoubted talent.
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Mark Tomlinson (7): It was a pleasure to watch Mark linking up with Malcolm Borwick and setting the tempo of the team's play. He continually moved his side from defence to attack with seamless ease, while capitalising on his opponents' mistakes. Mark's high point came against Chile, when he played José Donoso out of the game with a tough defensive performance. His ponies were in excellent shape, which was crucial in the later games.
/10
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Seven-goaler Facundo Sola, the tournament's most valuable player, shows off his incredible athleticism during Argentina's win over the Rest of the World
Malcolm Borwick (6): Consistently the best performer for the Rest of the World throughout the tournament. Although he struggled to link up with his teammates in the first match against Argentina, experienced Malcolm took the lead thereafter and produced some excellent modern polo. His measured movements kept the opposition away from the ball and he scored 15 of the team’s 26 goals, with only six from penalties. If he continues to play at this level, there would be no surprise if his handicap goes up at the end of the year.
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Reports
International Series, Buenos Aires
The Rest of the World team after their convincing win over Brazil
Photographs by Sergio Llamera
u epic fightback from Chile, maintained their 100 per cent record in the tournament to secure the overall crown. Sola, undoubtedly the star of the show, played with the guile and skill of a far more experienced player. He was cool and calm from the beginning, not only when shooting penalties, but also when defending valiantly and distributing the ball wisely to set his side on the attack. Helped by Juan Zubiaurre and Matías Torres Zavaleta’s fearless play, Argentina led 4-1 at half time. With Tincho Ruiz Guiñazú’s fantastic stick work dictating the pace in the middle of the field, an Argentine win looked a foregone conclusion. However, in the second half Chile gradually started to grow into the game, thanks in part to some tough defensive work from Jaime Garcia Huidobro, while José Donoso showed why he plays high-goal polo around the world. Now in the ascendancy, Chile levelled the scores at 6-6 in the final chukka to force extra time. Argentina would not be denied, though, and ultimately their talent and impressive ponies made the difference. Fittingly it was Sola, 46
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the tournament’s most outstanding player, who scored the goal that gave the hosts a 7-6 win over Chile and secured them the overall title. F u I nternational Series; 3-8 April 2012; Palermo, Buenos Aires Results: Tuesday 3 April: Argentina 12, ROTW 6; Chile 11, Brazil 4; Friday 6 April: Argentina 15, Brazil 10; ROTW 9, Chile 6; Sunday 8 April: ROTW 11, Brazil 4; Argentina 7, Chile 6 Overall winners: Argentina Handicap: 22-goal Number of team entries: four Teams: Argentina (22): Matías Torres Zavaleta 6; Juan Zubiaurre 3; Juan Ruiz Guiñazú 6; Facundo Sola 7 Rest of the World (22): Ollie Cudmore 4; Charlie Hanbury 5; Mark Tomlinson 7; Malcolm Borwick 6
Brazil's number four Carlos Francisco Martins Bastos prepares to play a nearside shot in his side's game against Chile
Chile (22): Felipe Vercellino 2; José Rafael Zegers 5; José Donoso 7; Jaime García Huidobro 8 Brazil (21): Joao Gaspar Martins Bastos 5; Luiz Paulo Martins Bastos 7; Angelo Antonio Martins Bastos 5; Carlos Francisco Martins Bastos 4 www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 10:22:04
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Reports
International Test Match – Chile vs England, in Santiago
English preparations shaken up in Chile A new-look England team battled with an earthquake and the hosts’ horsepower in Chile this March as the quartet built towards the International Series at Palermo 10 days later John O’Sullivan reports
Chile England
Photographs by Felipe Poblete Gamboa and Charlie Hanbury
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he English quartet who represented “The Rest of the World” at the International Series in early April warmed up for that trip to Palermo with an eventful weekend of action in Chile in late March, playing off their English handicaps. A 20-goal side captained by Mark Tomlinson – and also featuring Malcolm Borwick, Ollie Cudmore and Charlie Hanbury – beat a young team from Chile in a warm-up game at Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal on Saturday March 24 before losing the main event against a more experienced Chilean side the next day. The drama did not end there, though, as Chile was hit by an earthquake during Sunday’s prize presentation, causing panic among the England entourage, which included HPA chief executive David Woodd. Fortunately no one at San Cristóbal was injured, just slightly shaken. Saturday’s game saw England take on a 15-goal team of up-and-coming Chilean youngsters made up of three four-goalers and one three-goaler. England comfortably won by three goals as they got to grips with the Chilean ponies they would be playing the next day. Sunday’s Test Match proved a sterner test against a much more experienced Chilean side made up of six-goalers Juan Ignacio Vercellino, Matias Vial and Martin Zegers and 15-year-old two-goaler Andres Vial. Chile made their home advantage pay dividends in the first chukka as they eased into a 3-1 lead, but thereafter England improved
The stunning views at Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal and, inset, the victorious home team from Chile
and matched their hosts for the remaining five chukkas. Having closed the gap to 10-9 midway through the sixth and final chukka, England sensed an unlikely victory could be on the cards. But the hosts soon dashed these hopes with their 11th goal to send the local Chilean fans home happy. England newcomer Charlie Hanbury thought the match was a great experience for the new-look England team, and felt that, ultimately, the host’s superior horsepower was the difference between the sides. He said: “I think we played well as a team. It’s always difficult when you don’t know the horses you are playing and I think we did extremely well considering this. The Chileans were all on their own horses. This gave them an advantage, as did the fact they were playing at home. “The Chileans looked after us very well and made us feel at home. We had a fantastic driver, Silvio, and a tour guide, Raul, who made sure we were in the right place at the right time. “The Chilean Association looked after us very well.” One thing that the Chilean hosts could not have foreseen was the 7.1 The England team take to the field at the San Cristóbal club in Chile 48
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magnitude earthquake that hit central Chile on Sunday evening, about 130 miles from the San Cristóbal club. David Woodd added: “The whole ground moved and initially I thought, like others did, that I was having some sort of attack and was going to pass out or something. “I was desperately trying to work out how much I’d had to drink when I suddenly realised what was happening!” F w For more pictures from the Test Match in Chile, see page 81 in our Sidelines section
Game rating
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u I nternational Test Match – Chile vs England; 25 March 2012; Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal, Chile Result: Chile 11, England 9 Handicap level: 20-goal Chukka scores: 3-1; 5-3; 6-4; 8-5; 10-7; 11-9 Most valuable player: Mark Tomlinson Teams Chile (20): Juan Ignacio Vercellino 6; Matias Vial 6; Martin Zegers 6; Andres Vial 2 England (20): Oli Cudmore 4; Charlie Hanbury 4; Mark Tomlinson 6; Malcolm Borwick 6 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
Barbados Open 2012
Jack Kidd proves to be Teddy’s boy Teddy Williams finally secured the victory that had alluded him for four consecutive years of playing the Barbados Open, in a team powered by burly big-hitting Brits Jack Kidd and Ollie Taylor rom the moment the teams for the
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James Mullan in Barbados
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Photographs by James Mullan
CIBC First Caribbean Bulova
First Citizens Barbados Open 2012 were announced, one side stood out. It was clear patron Teddy Williams was anxious to put last year’s disappointing defeat in the final behind him, no doubt egged on by CIBC First Caribbean (his team’s title sponsor for the third consecutive year). Williams recruited Jack Kidd to join him again in midfield, and boosted the side with the introduction of long-established
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Barbados Open 2012
Reports
How did they perform in this year’s final? We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
CIBC First Caribbean
Losing finalists in 2011, Jack Kidd and Teddy Williams teamed up again to play the Barbados Open, to great effect
visiting professional Ollie Taylor (winner of the Cowdray Park Gold Cup in 1994) at back and increasingly influential patron Stewart Gill (who was quite clearly underhandicapped on minus one). Williams and Kidd were the most highly regarded members of the side from the 2011 final, both awarded seven out of 10 for their effectiveness in terms of handicap in last May’s issue of Polo Times. Whereas then they were undone by the superb performance of Tom Morley, in this year’s final they faced up against another wellmounted British six-goaler, in the shape of Dave Allen, playing off his New Zealand handicap. He joined the remarkable Sir Charles “Cow” Williams (Teddy’s 79-year-old father), plucky one-goaler Jeff Evelyn, and Apes Hill polo manager Jamie Dickson,
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the only survivor of the victorious Sir Charles Williams-mounted side last year. Cue the fireworks. CIBC First Caribbean’s Ollie Taylor rolled back the years, continuing his fine form all tournament by opening the scoring – his first of three decisive finishes. Dave Allen equalised in peculiar fashion for Bulova midway through
Most valuable player
Stewart Gill the first chukka, with a 60-yard penalty that looped up as if he’d struck it with a sand wedge. It somehow deceived all the defenders in front of the goal with its spin, u Lion Castle’s stunning facilities provided the perfect new venue for this year’s Barbados Open final and subsidiary final (below)
Stewart Gill (-1) Gill made a mockery of his reduced handicap, and was deservedly MVP in the final, hitting the ball from all round his horse, including a couple of memorable cut-shots that helped set-up Teddy’s two goals.
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Teddy Williams (3) Williams certainly had his long-range radar turned on, picking out the posts for two stunning strikes in the final that helped them to a quick-fire 4-2 lead. And he also struck a wonderful under-the-neck from a tough angle in the first chukka. It narrowly missed but helped pile the pressure on to Bulova right from the off.
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Jack Kidd (4) Always a threat, with his power and determination, Kidd’s passionate personality is in evidence on the polo ground as much as it is in everything else he does (see the Holders Festival on page 81). Interchanging well with Taylor, and setting up his teammate for his opening goal, together they propelled the side forward from the back.
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Ollie Taylor (4) The surfing fanatic is usually the most chilled out man on the island (which is saying something). But Taylor was well up for this one and his three goals made him the final’s top scorer, though two of these came from penalties (from 30 and 40 yards).
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Bulova Sir Charles Williams (0) The 79-year-old had a number of early touches in the final and, just as I was wondering if his stamina would still allow him to compete at this level after a quiet third chukka, he produced a terrific defensive backhand midway through the fourth as his side chased the game.
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Jamie Dickson (3) Though probably guilty of failing to take enough of the chances given to him by the intelligent passing of Allen, he still scored two of their four goals, and had a wonderful run early in the fourth chukka on his favourite pony Cherry Jam, which led to Jeff Evelyn’s stunning goal.
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Dave Allen (6) Though given the tough task of playing to his New Zealand handicap, Allen was superbly mounted and had been the leading light of the tournament before the final. However, at Lion Castle he was afforded little space by four-goalers Taylor and Kidd, who did a good job of keeping his dangerous attacking instincts subdued.
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Jeff Evelyn (1) Evelyn’s hard work behind the scenes – making all his own ponies at his Rugby Stables complex – is clearly paying dividends. He rides off with confidence, covers a lot of ground and hits the ball off his horses with great assurance: perfectly demonstrated when he scored a wonderful nearside backhand early in the fourth chukka.
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Reports
Barbados Open 2012
u and got them on the scoreboard – but, in truth, that was really the last time Sir Charles’s side had a sniff of the 2012 Barbados Open title. Whereas extra chukkas had typified most of the contests in the tournament up until that point, the drama at Lion Castle looked set to be short, sweet and satisfying for CIBC First New sponsors First Citizens Bank Caribbean. Particularly so for Teddy Williams were the main investors at the 2012 Barbados Open, encouraged to lend and Jack Kidd, for whom revenge was a dish their support because of the game’s best served cold (or as cold as it’s possible historic significance on the island. to get in the Caribbean). Their victory never Sharon Christopher, the bank’s deputy honestly looked in much doubt, and their chief executive officer of corporate determined and rousing polo got them the administration, explains: result they wanted, avenging their defeat 12 “Our sponsorship of polo marks quite a months earlier. significant departure from the sort of events Short in stature but with one of the and schemes we typically invest in, but it’s best long shots in the tournament, Teddy
The sponsor’s view
been a successful initiation and I expect we’ll renew our commitment to the tournament as we look to the future. We got behind the polo because of the role the game has played in the traditions of the island. It’s been a part of life on Barbados since the 1880s and, as First Citizens Bank is new to the island, we wanted to invest in something sustainable that shows our intentions to become as much as a part of the fabric of the community as polo so clearly is. Our head office is in Trinidad, and we operate across the complete financial services sector throughout Trinidad and Tobago, where we support more urban projects that are aimed at helping getting kids off the street, which is a big problem
Photographs by James Mullan and Matt Darwin
“We wanted to invest in something sustainable, and polo has been part of life on the island since the 1880s” – Sharon Christopher
off minus one. So, with the rest of his team also playing well, and with Dave Allen expected to play a goal higher than his fivegoal handicap in the UK, it was no surprise CIBC were the favourites. Gill is not working at present, having sold off many of his business interests early last year, and the extra time he’s been able to dedicate to his polo was certainly evident in the final. He was lifting the trophy for the second time, having recorded a surprise victory in 2010, when his Courtesy/Nissan team reached the final on a technicality but then were inspired to the title by the stand-out performance of England’s Roddy Williams. However, “Hot Rod” was in rambunctious and argumentative form this year, playing in
English professionals remain de rigueur amongst Bajan patrons, with seven in the tournament’s five starting line-ups, compared to just two players from Argentina Williams displayed his superb eye for goal on two occasions, scoring the most memorable strikes of the day in the second and third chukkas. His goals exemplified the open nature of the game, and the fiercely competitive streak all the patrons on the island have, determined to make meaningful contributions in all their games. No one did this more in 2012 than Stewart Gill. He didn’t score, but his work rate and range of shots made him remarkably cheap
the subsidiary final with fellow five-goaler Max Charlton and Dubai-based British patron, Gary Shepherd. The two pros saw plenty of the ball for their First Group team but too often ran the ball when they should have passed it, and Stephen Williams – playing at number one – rarely got a look in. Their policy might have worked, had they scored the penalties they inevitably won with this technique. It had been effective earlier in the tournament, with Max striking the longer
there. We’re probably best known for our long-standing sponsorship of cricket. Barbados is quite different. There’s obviously plenty of cricket here too, but at present we only have the corporate arm of the business available to the Bajan community, which we launched in 2009. Polo seems a better fit with that investment side of our business, which is what we want to encourage. We’re the highest investment-grade rated bank in the Caribbean region, and we see the success with which polo has persisted and is now growing in Barbados as having a good strategic synergy with us as a strong, safe institution. It’s also fun for us, as there’s no polo in Trinidad and Tobago, and none of the tourism that Barbados thrives on, so it’s great to be involved in something new and glamorous. F 52
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Barbados Open 2012
shots from 60 yards and Roddy hitting the 30s and 40s. However, though Max scored all four of First Group’s goals, they missed an absolute hat full from their set plays. Their apparent nervousness to play open polo was an odd policy, given that they generally looked to have the edge in terms of horsepower. Max demonstrated this in the final chukka, when he raced away to score his final goal, prompting colourful commentator Jonathan Simpson to proclaim: “Max Charlton is to polo what Bobby Charlton was to football!” But it wasn’t enough, and the Brits lost the subsidiary final 5-4 to Jaguar, led by patron Philip Tempro. Tempro’s fellow patron Bruce Bayley was replaced by Martin Martinez after suffering a broken jaw from a ball in the face
Game rating
fired at him – inadvertently – by Ollie Taylor earlier in the tournament. Nevertheless, English pros remain de rigueur amongst Bajan patrons, with seven in the tournament’s starting line-ups, and fewer Argentines than ever before: only Pablo Crespin and Simon Crotto can claim any significant affiliation to the game’s leading nation. The strength of the island’s polo also continues unabated. Upon arrival to play for Cow Williams, England’s Dave Allen was told he’d better start trying Apes Hill horses: he had 108 to pick from. Remarkable. F w See social photographs on page 80 w If you were in Barbados in March, tell us what you thought: letters@polotimes.co.uk
• • • • • • • • • •
u T he 10th Barbados Open; 8-18 March 2012; Apes Hill, Buttals, Holders and Lion Castle polo grounds, Barbados Result: CIBC First Caribbean beat Bulova, 5-4 Number of entries: five teams Main sponsors: First Citizens Handicap level: 10-goal Chukka scores (CIBC First Caribbean): 2-1; 3-2; 4-2; 5-4 Most valuable player: Stewart Gill Best playing pony: Acencion, owned by Sir Charles Williams and played by Dave Allen
Finalists CIBC First Caribbean (10): Stewart Gill -1; Teddy Williams 3; Jack Kidd 4; Ollie Taylor 4 Bulova (10): Sir Charles Williams 0; Jamie Dickson 3; Dave Allen 6; Jeff Evelyn 1 Subsidiary finalists Jaguar Land Rover (10): Martin Martinez 1; Philip Tempro 2; Simon Crotto 4; Danny Atwell 3 The First Group (10): Gary Shepherd -1; Max Charlton 5; Roddy Williams 5; Stephen Williams 1
Reports
79 years young As sprightly as ever, Apes Hill owner Sir Charles Williams reflects on this year’s final and vows to win the trophy back next year, when he’ll be 80 “We lost this year’s final simply because all four of their players were on top form, more so than us. I’ve never seen Stewart Gill play so well. He hit the ball hard, he hit the ball straight, Jack Kidd played well all tournament, and it didn’t help that we missed our penalties and they hit theirs. I didn’t think I played well at all but, let me tell you, it was exciting. I’ll be back next year. Polo is my life. It’s my passion. When you think that, of the horses that went on the field for the final, those played by me, [son] Teddy, Dave Allen and Jamie Dickson are all mine, as are the majority of those played by Ollie Taylor and Jack Kidd, it’s a special feeling. These are my horses that I’ve bred and had schooled, a lot of which I’ve ridden myself. Dave Allen was on the best of them. He’s a marvellous lad and played so well, and that mare he played that won best playing pony – Acencion – is some horse. I bought her in Argentina five years ago and she’d be about 10 years old now. I had to have her, as she’s so natural to play on. But she’d be one of the last ponies from Argentina I bought, because now we’re producing just as good here, as you saw from the horses Teddy was riding. I have around 32 still to come in, as the season finishes – all being schooled for polo, and aged between three and seven. It’s an exciting time. Polo in Barbados is growing so fast, and it’s a fantastic sports tourism project. At Apes Hill, our intention is to create the headquarters of 10-12 goal polo in the winter. We have enough ponies now that we can mount several teams. And you saw the interest in the game here at the final: we must have had around 500 cars, so Lord knows how many spectators – it would have to be close to a record polo crowd in the Caribbean. It helped that Lion Castle is such a fantastic facility. It’s a better, fuller ground than [the former venue] Clifton ever was, and the beauty of the setting and its infrastructure is attractive to sponsors. We can’t exist without sponsorship. But, with a little luck, polo is going places in Barbados.” F
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Reports
International Test Match – Australia vs South Africa
Cool, clear and convincing After two years of misery, the New South Wales rains stayed away long enough this March to allow a fast and free-flowing Australian side to show exactly what they are capable of
Sarah Martin in Australia
Australia South Africa
Photographs by Joe McInally
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ine years after their last Australian tour, the South Africans returned to Windsor Polo Club, Australia, for a 19goal International Test Match on Saturday 31 March. The home side, Australia, emerged victorious after maintaining the lead throughout the six-chukka match. With weather-system La Niña’s two-year presence having wreaked havoc on the New South Wales’ polo calendar this year, it was a miracle the event was able to go ahead. Hundreds of polo ponies had to be evacuated from the region at the beginning of March following predictions of major flooding. However, the 3,000-strong audience enjoyed glorious sunshine and, despite having received another 15mm of rain less than 48 hours before, Windsor Polo Club’s number one field played well. South Africa got off to a strong start, demonstrating excellent defence and quickly claiming the first goal of the match. However, this was quickly followed by a spectacular goal for the Australians by Robert Archibald, who carried the ball down the field at pace and scored with an under-theneck shot from about 40 yards out. Less than a minute later, Archibald scored again. An opportunistic,
Australia’s Rob Archibald (centre) in pursuit of the ball and, below (second from right), with teammates Alec White, Jock Mackay and Will Gilmore after their victory against South Africa in March’s International Test Match
unmarked Jock Mackay then increased Australia’s lead, bringing the score at the end of the first chukka to 3-1. An early foul by Australia in the second chukka gave South Africa a penalty 5a, which Joe Henderson almost converted with a single strike, but an unlucky subsequent shot hit the goal post and the play quickly changed direction. The next goal was to be for the Australians, with an impressive display by Will Gilmore. South Africa were quick to reply, however, preventing Australia increasing their lead. Strong defence on both sides resulted in a scoreless third chukka, but, early in the fourth, Archibald succeeded in breaking away from the pack to pick up a pass from Mackay, which he carried three quarters of the length of the field and hit between the posts. Gilmore then chalked up another to secure a four-goal lead for his team.
After a quiet fifth chukka, where the sides managed a goal each, South Africa battled hard to make a comeback in the final chukka. Despite managing two more goals, including the last goal of the day by Davey Evans, South Africa couldn’t deter the Australians and lost by four goals. F w For more news from down under, turn over the page for action in the Countess of Dudley Cup
Game rating
• • • • • • • • • •
u I nternational Test Match – Australia vs South Africa; Saturday 31 March; Windsor Polo Club, Australia Result: Australia beat South Africa, 9-5 Principal sponsor: Ausure Insurance Brokers, The Classic Safari Company and South African Airways Handicap level: 19-goal Chukka scores (Australia): 3-1; 4-2; 4-2; 6-2; 7-3; 9-5 Most valuable player: Robert Archibald Best playing pony: Squeak, owned by Bobby Hannon, played by Robert Archibald Teams Australia (19): Alec White 3; Will Gilmore 4; Robert Archibald 7; Jock Mackay 5 South Africa (19): Davey Evans 4; Brad MacGibbon 5; Joe Henderson 5; Duncan Watson 5
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Reports
Home and abroad
USA – Piaget Gold Cup, International Polo Club Palm Beach
Joy for Jornayvaz junior chukka after sustaining an injury to his right hand. He was replaced by 10-goaler Juan Martin Nero, his fellow Argentine, who didn’t disappoint in the final chukka. Cambiaso opened up the scoring in the first chukka and his side remained ahead throughout the first half, despite Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente I team cutting
Photographs by LILA Photo
ROBERT JORNAYVAZ HAD his revenge in the final of the Piaget Gold Cup, after beating his father Bob’s team, Valiente I, at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPCPB) on 25 March. Robert’s Valiente II side lost to Valiente I in the 26-goal CV Whitney final at the beginning of March but returned with a vengeance at the end of the month, beating Valiente I 11-9 in the Gold Cup. Valiente II didn’t have a smooth run to the winner’s podium however, with their star player, 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, forced to leave the game in the fifth
Adolfo Cambiaso in action during the Piaget Gold Cup final before he was forced off with an injury
the lead to a single goal on two occasions. Valiente II looked in trouble in the fourth chukka as Valiente I’s Nacho Novillo Astrada converted two penalties to level the score, 7-7. However, Valiente II’s Alejo Taranco quickly responded to put his side back in the lead. But this was short lived, with Novillo Astrada levelling the score once more. Taranco hadn’t finished, however, and scored another, ending the chukka 9-8 in Valiente II’s favour. Both sides upped their defence in the fifth chukka, with Cambiaso scoring the only goal of the period. The goal would be his last, as moments before the end of the chukka a ball struck the mallet hand of the Argentine 10-goaler and, after consulting with the medics, he decided to sit the rest of the game out. Nero, having played with David “Pelon” Stirling during last year’s Argentine high-goal season, quickly slotted into the team and the pace picked up in the final chukka, with Valiente I trying to take advantage of the new Valiente II line-up. However, with another goal from Valiente II, their opposition struggled to fight their way back into the
Australia – Countess of Dudley Cup, Windsor Polo Club
Photographs by Joe McInally
Guy’s Garangula win much-coveted trophy
Guy Schwarzenbach, Simon Keyte, Thomas Hunt and Jack Archibald of Garangula hold the Countess of Dudley Cup
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GUY SCHWARZENBACH WON the Countess of Dudley Cup on Easter Sunday, 8 April, after his side, Garangula, defeated Scone 11-10 in extra time. The trophy, which was first presented in 1910 and has since become one of the most coveted prizes in Australian club polo, was played for earlier in the year than usual so that some of Australia’s top players could take part. The Countess of Dudley Cup final between Scone and Garangula featured three Archibald brothers – Rob and Ed on the Scone team and Jack representing Garangula. Scone were awarded a one-goal handicap advantage at the start of the match and held onto this lead for the first two chukkas. By half time, however, the two sides were neck-and-neck, 6-6. A goal each in the fourth chukka moved the score up to 7-7 before www.polotimes.co.uk
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Home and abroad
Reports
Dubai & Abu Dhabi – British Polo Days
British Army beaten in UAE
Action from the game in Dubai between the British Army and local patron Rashid Al Habtoor’s team Habtoor Polo
The victorious Valiente II team celebrate their Piaget Gold Cup win as their supporters, front, hail Adolfo Cambiaso
game and, despite a goal from Polito Pieres, Robert Jornayvaz’s team ran out the winners. w Cambiaso was back in action for the Nespresso US Open Championships,
Garangula managed to get ahead in the fifth chukka. Scone then put one through the posts to level the scores in the final chukka, pushing the game into extra time. Shortly into the extra chukka, Jack Archibald scored the golden goal to win the trophy for Garangula. In the day’s other finals, South East Queensland Polo Club (SEQP) took on Ellerston in the LT Watson Memorial Cup (played between the losers of the semifinals), where the latter – which featured British player James Beim – were the clear winners, 11-5. The JJ Garvan Cup final (played between the first day’s losers) was contested between Goulburn and NSWPA. With the scores tied in the sixth chukka, it was Goulburn’s Guy Kirkpatrick who made himself a hero, coming through to score the winning goal for his side, 8-7. Scone’s Sam Gunn won the Curtis Skene
although he only played in a couple of games before Valiente II were knocked out in the quarter-finals. The tournament concluded on 22 April. A full report will feature in the June issue
Trophy for the tournament’s most improved player and Ed Archibald was named most valuable player in the final. Spencer Young’s pony Joker – played by Rob Archibald – was named best playing pony.
Ed Archibald (in red) races Guy Schwarzenbach to the ball in the final
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THE BRITISH ARMY polo team had their work cut out at the end of March when they undertook a three-day tour of the UAE, taking part in two British Polo Day events. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club hosted their fourth British Polo Day on Friday 30 March, while Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club held an evening floodlit British Polo Day event on Sunday 1 April. In Dubai, following a camel polo contest, the British Army played Habtoor Polo, where the latter were victorious, 6-4, taking home the Thales Thesiger Trophy. Two games followed on in the afternoon, which saw Harrow defeat Eton, 8-4, and Oxford beat Cambridge by a five-goal margin, 6-1. Oxford’s Jacqui Hooper won the best player prize for her outstanding play. The British Army team continued their run of bad luck in Abu Dhabi. The side – which this time featured HRH Prince Rashid of Jordan, who qualified by virtue of time spent at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and his attachment to the Light Dragoons – lost to Ghantoot Polo, 6-4, after a thrilling contest. A charity auction was held after both events, raising £9,500 and £11,600 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. The money will go towards HRH Prince Charles’s Pakistan Recovery Fund.
The British Army team at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club with Sheikh Shakhbhoot bin nayan al nayan
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Reports
Home and abroad
News in brief w A rgentina – La Esquina, a 26-goal side, secured victory in the Copa República Argentina on Sunday 25 March, beating 17goal La Alexandra, 20-19. Pascual Sainz de Vicuna scored the winning goal for his team, which also featured Rodrigo Rueda, Diego Cavanagh and Alejandro Agote. British players Charlie and George Hanbury, who represented Indios Chapaleufú II El Remanso, won the subsidiary final. w A rgentina – Los Cocos, featuring sixgoaler Tomás Lalor, defeated Sowiniec 14-11 in the final of the La Aguada Autumn Cup at the end of March. Eduardo Novillo Astrada Sr and Rafael Zubillaga took home the most valuable player awards. w B infield Heath – the Oxfordshirebased club has been busy this winter constructing a reservoir to feed the irrigators used on the number one and two polo grounds. This will be the first time in the club’s history that it has had two fully irrigated fields. w R ussia – Moscow Polo Club kicked off their 2012 season with their annual Russian Snow Polo Championship. Three teams contested the title in a round-robin format – Land Rover, Beluga and President’s Polo Club (PPC). Land Rover claimed the title after defeating Beluga 3-1 and PPC 4-2. Land Rover’s Evgeniy Ovcharov was voted most valuable player and MPC President Alexis Rodzianko’s pony Rocket won the best playing pony prize. w S pain – Santa María Polo Club in Spain hosted the 12-goal Memorial José Ignacio Domecq tournament in April. Scapa Los Dragones, featuring Brit Andrew Nulty, defeated Bayswater London Gin 13-12 in the final. w U SA – Lazy 3 Ranch in Texas held their annual Polo on the Prairie event at the end of April. More than 1,000 spectators turned out to watch eight teams contest the tournament, which raises money for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre. Over the past 26 years, the annual event has raised $4m (£2.5m) for cancer research and patient care at the centre. w U SA – The third annual International Gay Polo League tournament took place at Grand Champions Polo Club on Saturday 14 April. Four teams took part, with each side consisting of three zero-goalers, who are part of the Gay Polo League, and one well-known professional. Pros Nic Roldan, Jason Crowder, Juan Bollini and Joey Casey all took part.
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South Africa – Val de Vie 5 Nations Invitational Polo Classic
Visiting Brits crushed by South Africans in 5 Nations THE HOME TEAM walked away with the Val de Vie 5 Nations Invitational Polo Classic title at the end of March. They beat “Great Britain”, 7-3, in the final of the six-goal tournament at Val de Vie Polo Club near Capetown. Five countries took part in the week-long competition – Nikon Great Britain, iClyps Holland, Hästens Pakistan, Absa Wealth Zimbabwe and Carrol Boyes South Africa. Representing Great Britain was three-goaler Shaun South Africa’s Martin Venter, Joseph Bronn, Kevin Rixon and Tom de Bruin Brokensha, Mike Griffith, Brits, and they went on to win by four goals. Jannie Steenkamp and Justin Snaith. In a much closer match, Zimbabwe defeated In the opening chukka of the final, both Holland by half a goal, 7½-7 to finish in third sides looked evenly matched, with Great place. Zimbabwe were awarded a half goal Britain and South Africa scoring a goal handicap advantage at the start of the game each. However, with none of the opposition and in the end this made the difference and matching his six-goal standard, Tom de ultimately won them the game. However, Bruin was able to help his side edge ahead Holland didn’t go home empty handed as as the game progressed. Kevin Rixon, who their two-goaler Turco Puga was named most captained the home team, combined well with valuable player on finals day. de Bruin and the side proved too strong for the
Abu Dhabi – HH President of UAE Polo Cup
Heguy leads Zedan to victory
IGNACIO “NACHI” HEGUY scored seven goals in the final of the UAE Polo Cup, leading his side – Zedan – to a 9-6 victory over Dubai Gold Cup winners Habtoor. Although Zedan
Action from the UAE Polo Cup final between Habtoor (in black) and Zedan (in white), who won the game 9-6
fielded a strong side, Dubai-based Habtoor made sure that Heguy and his teammates had to fight for every goal. After a busy half of goal scoring, Zedan were leading by three goals at half time. Determined play from Habtoor limited Heguy to just one goal in the third chukka, while Habtoor’s Francisco Elizalde scored two. However, in the fourth and final chukka, Heguy was back to his goal scoring ways and, despite Elizalde scoring two more goals, Zedan ran out winners by three clear goals. Heguy was named most valuable player and also claimed the prize for the tournament’s highest professional goal scorer. The prizes didn’t end there for Zedan as Heguy’s patron, Amr Zedan, was the highest goal scorer among the amateur ranks. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
Home and abroad
Thailand – Asian Beach Polo Championship
Seaside joy for the Links OVERCOMING THE HOT summer sun and a gallant China Polo team, Thai Polo successfully defended their Asian Beach Polo Championship title in mid-April, writes John Leicester. The side beat China Polo, 4-2, in front of a supportive crowd on Hua Hin beach and claimed the Princess Pa Cup for the second time. Asia’s only beach polo tournament, sponsored by InterContinental Resort Hua Hin and B. Grimm Group, was co-organised by Suwat Liptapanlop, advisory chairman of the organizing committee, and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club’s Harald Link. With four teams participating and an encroaching afternoon tide, it was decided to hold the event over two days. On the first day, Thai Polo took on India Polo, winning 5-4½, and China Polo beat Macau Polo 5-4. The winning teams went through to contest the final, while the two losers played for third place. The final was a hotly contested affair – in more ways than one – played over three chukkas under the midday sun. The father and daughter combination of Harald and Caroline Link were strengthened by young Suphachai Sukhampha, who graduated from the Kids Polo team. Riding and playing polo since the age of nine, Sukhampha showed his skill by scoring twice in the final and helping secure victory for his side.
In the contest for third place, a twogoal Indian side – comprising Claudia Zeisberger, Vorajit Wongkasoh and Bhawani Kalvi – proved too strong for minus-one goal Macau Polo, winning with a score of 6-3½. The tournament is a charitable affair, raising funds for the Inspire project of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha to help rehabilitate female prisoners. The day ended with cocktails and a sumptuous dinner on the beach under the setting sun.
Thai Polo Club’s Harald Link lifts the Princess Pa Cup
w Turn to page 85 for more photographs
Thai Polo’s Suphachai Sukhampha breaks away during the final against China Polo
India – Asia Polo Cup International Day
Hosts share trophy with international side
Photograph by The Sen Group
THE AMATEUR RIDERS CLUB hosted the third annual Asia Polo Cup International Day
Action from the Ajit Singh Medtia Trophy in Mumbai
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on Saturday 17 March. Two teams, India and International, played each other for the Ajit Singh Medtia Trophy and after a draw of 8-8, the teams shared the title. Players travelled from far and wide to the club – which is the only polo club in Mumbai – to take part in the 8-goal tournament. The International side was captained by Maharaja Narendra Singh of Jaipur. He was joined by Polistas owner Johnny Lynn, Ireland’s Niall Donnelly and India’s Abhimanyu Pathak. They came up against an equally matched Indian side of Dhruvpal Godara (MVP of the match), Lt. Col. Joginder Sheikhawat, Shyam Mariwala and Harsh Piramal.
The sides remained close throughout the four-chukka match but it was India that held the lead in the final chukka. However, with just a minute left on the clock, the International team fought back and equalised. No extra chukka was played due to fading light and both sides were happy to share the title. The Asia Polo Cup is due to hit the polo fields of Singapore and Dubai in the near future in order to broaden the event’s international calendar. The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) will be holding England’s sixth annual Asia Polo Cup on 23 June, where the Maharaja of Jaipur will be entering a team. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Youth polo
SUPA Tri-Nations, Polo Wicklow
Presented by
English trio secure win in annual Tri-Nations event Polo Wicklow hosted three university sides for the annual SUPA Tri-Nations tournament in mid-March, where the well-favoured England side took home the honours unbeaten following a clean sweep of victories over hosts Ireland and a team representing the Scots
Siobhan Herbst reports from Wicklow
N
ow an annual St Patrick’s Day weekend event at Polo Wicklow, this year’s SUPA Tri-Nations tournament between Scotland, Ireland and England not only highlighted the massive improvement seen in the student game recently, but also exhibited some top quality and entertaining polo. England, who fielded a strong and competitive team of Robin Spicer, Harold Hodges and Alice
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Etchells were the overall victors, beating hosts Ireland by the skin of their teeth. Vicky Stockings, Ed Bellamy and India Hall were selected from Edinburgh University and St. Andrew’s University to form the Scottish team, while the Ireland team comprised
England proved to be a class act, with Spicer leading his team brilliantly Siobhan Herbst, Jack Woods and James Kennedy from Kildalton College, the Royal College of Surgeons and Limerick respectively. The first match on the Friday evening saw a hard-fought tussle between England and
Ireland. The hosts jostled for possession as soon as umpire Micky Herbst threw in the first ball, but the English were having none of it and stuck like glue to the Irish, thwarting opportunities and making the most of their own chances. In a low-scoring chukka, England battled to a close win, 4-3. The English team stayed in the arena to challenge the Scots and although Scotland dug deep, England won by two goals. Ireland returned to face Scotland in the last chukka of the first day, and the game proved to be very
Ireland's Siobhan Herbst on horseback with England's Harold Hodges, Alice Etchells and Robin Spicer
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SUPA Tri-Nations, Polo Wicklow open. Ireland had the upper hand throughout and went on to win 8-3. A night of “craic agus ceol” (“fun and music”) ensued, but this did not seem to inhibit play the next day. The scores were carried over from the previous evening’s encounter as Stockings, Bellamy and Hall for Scotland once more faced Spicer, Hodges and Etchells for England. Riding the same ponies, the players oozed confidence and the match began at speed. Despite impressive team play from Scotland, they were ground down by an ever-improving English side who eventually grabbed victory, 11-6. Scotland then had to face Ireland, and the latter knew they needed to win and score
a number of goals to be in with a chance of claiming the trophy. Ireland’s strategy of hounding the Scots worked very well. The home trio pursued their opponents from the start and clocked up 15 goals to beat the Scots by a dozen, 15-3. The last match and the decider was between Ireland and England. This was a sensational encounter and both teams rose to the occasion. From the throw-in England proved to be a class act, with Spicer leading his team into a fast and furious confrontation. The score remained level up until the closing moments, when a missed opportunity by the Irish and a last-second strike by England, secured victory for the Brits. F
The Inter-Schools Trophy, Kingston Polo Club, Jamaica
Schools polo takes off in Jamaica
Lesley Fong-Yee (AISK coach), Reuben Hussey, Alejandro Crowther, Chris Olsen (AISK director of sport), Helen Young (former EFJ President), Daniel Crowther and Savannah Hussey after the inaugural Inter-Schools Trophy
OVER THE LAST decade, polo has become increasingly popular with youngsters in Jamaica and, due to demand, a new interschool tournament was played for the first time this year. Children who had previously participated in Kingston Polo Club’s annual polo camp approached the club last summer to see whether they could formalise a programme that would be recognised in their school’s curriculum. The American International School of Kingston (AISK) and Hillel Academy of Kingston joined the programme, with students ranging from nine to 16 years old. Following a term of training with Lesley Fong-Yee (AISK) and Jorge Donovan (Hillel) and extra lessons from Kingston www.polotimes.co.uk
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coach Mark Wates, the teams were ready to represent their schools for the first time. The match, held at Kingston Polo Club, was slightly adapted and consisted of two 10-minute chukkas with a 10-minute half time, played on a shortened field. Both teams missed several goals in the first chukka but AISK proved to have the edge, and were ahead by a single goal by half time. In the second half, Hillel came out fighting, with Dylan Wong quickly scoring to tie up the scores. Although AISK had lost some of its rhythm, they managed to prevent Hillel scoring another goal and the score remained level at full time. A penalty shoot out ensued, where AISK’s Savannah Hussey was the only player to convert her penalty, securing the first Inter-Schools Trophy for her side.
Youth polo
Education from every angle Our education expert Adam Caller gives advice each month on dealing with the quandaries facing young players looking to balance their polo and their studies. One question I’m frequently asked is whether or not a student should take a year away from formal education before university – a so-called gap year. Attitudes among adults are generally polarised on the subject, while students are almost unanimously in favour. It’s easy to see why a young person would be attracted to a gap year. It is a chance to travel, to find themselves without their parents. Others want a break before embarking on a degree. And who wouldn’t like to take a year off!?! The usual arguments by young people are that they are tired, that a gap year will help them mature, that universities and employers like well-rounded students, and that they may never have another chance. On the other hand, parents ask – why would I let my kids go travelling to mess around before university? How will a gap year help them study? Will they do something constructive? And, is it safe? Many of my clients, themselves highly successful, do not recommend gap years. They prefer people who go straight through: school – undergraduate – masters – job. They think maturity is acquired from responsibility, not lack of it. Universities, too, are mixed. The top US universities are not, on the whole, impressed. They take the business approach – that students who are driven are better for their institutions. In a competitive job market, these are important considerations. For competitive sportsmen and women, an academic break can allow for an intensive period of training, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Whatever the decision, it is best that a gap year has a carefully considered purpose, and it’s essential that arrangements are safe. ◗ Adam Caller has been the Senior Partner of Tutors International for 12 years. Tutors International is a specialist private tutoring and educational consultancy headquartered in Oxford Polo Times, May 2012
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Youth polo
The RJ Polo Junior Tournament, Longdole
Julius Baer says keep your eye on... Lanto Sheridan, 22, Cowdray Park
Ollie Cork, Harry Hutchins and Marcus Cork of Division B winners Hertfordshire Cubs at Longdole in late March
Lanto started polo when he was eight years old and, in true grass-roots fashion, did so by joining the Pony Club, writes Amy Lodowski. He played in the Pony Club Polo Championships until he was 20, when he won the Gannon section with the much-lauded Cowdray Park team in 2009. He also won the Baileys Saddle award that year, given to the best player of the season. Now a three-goaler, Lanto has developed into a true highgoal prospect, with many notable achievements under his belt. He cites captaining the Young England team in 2010 as one of his proudest achievements, and no doubt the side’s wins over New Zealand at Ham Polo Club and in front of the Gold Cup finals day crowds at Cowdray Park in the John Cowdray Trophy made this experience even more enjoyable. Over the winter, travelling supporters may have spotted him playing in Thailand and Dubai, though he's more commonly seen in the North Island in New Zealand during the colder months. His first major outing of the UK season will be at Polo at Marriners on May 27, where he will play as part of the event’s Best of British Under 25’s showcase. Having proved himself as an excellent amateur player, Lanto looks set to continue his success as he progresses on the professional circuit. He'll be hoping to prove he’s worth keeping an eye on. 64
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Bushpigs and Cubs finish first LONGDOLE POLO CLUB hosted eight junior teams for a one-day tournament at the end of March. The teams were divided into two age groups, with four teams in each division, and Bushpigs won Division A while Hertfordshire Cubs won Division B. Two Division A teams played each other in the first one-chukka match. The vibrant Hitchman duo, Charlie and Ella, combined with an effective Toby Edmondson in the Bushpigs team. They faced an equally welldrilled visiting Hertfordshire Foxes team. A fast paced match ensued, and a draw of 2-2 was a fair result for all their hard work. Bushpigs went on to win their other two games to secure the overall win. The most exciting match of the day saw David Gibbons inspire eventual runners-up Groveridge to a 3-1 win over the Foxes. The first of the Division B clashes was between Hertfordshire Cubs and the Longdole-based Warriors. Despite valiant attempts by the Warriors’ Charlie Turk to rally together his novice team, the Cubs achieved an easy 4-0 win. The dynamic Rosanna Turk, who is turning into one to watch on the female circuit, was instrumental in guiding her Division B team Bushstreet Kids into second place. They conceded only one goal as they finished behind Hertfordshire Cubs. Longdole finished third in this section, with only one win under their
Charlie Hitchman, Ella Hitchman and Toby Edmondson, who won the Division A title at Longdole as Bushpigs
belt – against the Warriors, who finished fourth. Overall, 12 chukkas were played, with the Hertfordshire Cubs the top scoring team of the day, with an impressive tally of 15 goals. Most of the 24 players will now be looking forward to Longdole's summer Junior Tournament on 30-31 August. u R J Polo Junior Tournament Final standings: Division A: 1 st – Bushpigs 2nd – Groveridge 3rd – Hertfordshire Foxes 4th – Frampton Division B: 1 st – Hertfordshire Cubs 2nd – Bushstreet Kids 3rd – Longdole 4th – Warriors www.polotimes.co.uk
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The UberPolo Exeter Cup, Druids Lodge
Royal Ag students retain Exeter title STUDENTS FROM THE Royal Agricultural College (RAC), sponsored by Polo Times, once again proved to be a cut above their university foes by retaining the Exeter Cup trophy at Druids Lodge for the third straight year. Having won the Exeter Cup league in 2010 and 2011, RAC started this season’s university arena league campaign, which ran from November to March, as favourites. They justified this billing by winning the title once again defeating Exeter in the final in late March. The final was a hard fought affair and provided a great spectacle for supporters on both sides. At the end of the first chukka RAC – Jake Lomberg-Williams, Nicky Hewer and Adrian Clay - had edged ahead by one goal. Tempers flared in the second chukka as Exeter fought back to level at 5-5. RAC retained their cool after that and, despite some very strong defence from Exeter, they ran out 8-6 winners. Cambridge, who were the only team to beat RAC in the league stages, saw off a fine fight-back from the University of London Union (ULU) to win the subsidiary final 8-7. The most valuable player awards for the
The winning RAC team – Jake Lomberg-Williams, Nicky Hewer and Adrian Clay – on the Druids Lodge balcony
tournament – sponsored by UberPolo – were awarded to Alex Rose of Cambridge and to Adrian Clay of RAC. Druids Lodge polo manager James Stephenson hailed another successful year for the university tournament. He said: “The league has grown to full strength this year, and it is fantastic to see teams making what can be a six hour round-trip to play. “It is great that we can offer students the opportunity to play regularly on such a competitive platform. Other than Varsity matches it is not often that University Polo is taken so seriously by established players.”
Pony Club at Lynt A DOZEN PONY CLUBBERS enjoyed a special polo treat during the Easter Holidays with a two-day training camp at Lynt Polo Club. Jorrocks section manager Chris Eaton arranged a packed schedule of activities for the youngsters at the Wiltshire-based club. Lynt Polo Club coach Guy Verdon passes his expert advice to the Pony Clubbers
Youth polo
The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column Branches and all that The Pony Club in the UK has over 31,000 members divided between 345 branches. Pony Club polo is played by over 300 members in 30-plus branches (and there's plenty of room for expansion!). The reason for the branch structure is geographic and means members can easily and cheaply get to the average of 38 working rallies each branch offers per year and also make friends locally. Competition in all disciplines is branchbased, although a couple of factors work against this in polo. The first is that for safety and standard of play reasons, there are now nine sections working across the ages of 6-21 and this sometimes makes it tricky to make up teams at branch level if there are not enough players in that area. Secondly, to keep training costs down and improve standards of polo coaching, the main centres of junior polo training are based at Beaufort, Cowdray, Druids, Kirtlington, Longdole, Rugby, Rutland, Tidworth, Taunton, Scotland and Vaux. This areabased training approach – which also leads into players playing at these clubs – means that some players would like to play with the friends they make at area training rather than other members at branch level. In praise of section managers To overcome these anomalies and make team formation as fair and equitable as possible, all thanks must go to our section managers and tournament director Jeremy Barber. Their expertise and unbiased observation of players' skills shapes mixedbranch teams which compete on a level platform with single-branch teams. In doing so, they avoid over-competitive or highlyambitious parents, players or branch managers producing unbalanced teams, unfair competition and/or dangerous play. Our thanks to them all for helping grow polo so fairly in the UK.
Excellence in polo meets excellence in private banking. Your contact in London: daniel.gerber@juliusbaer.com, tel. +44 203 205 1611
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Knowledge
Playing around – Lynt Polo Club
Our ambitious amateur Carlie Trotter (-2) works her way around the UK’s clubs
Wiltshire polo is on the rise Carlie travelled to Wiltshire in early April and found Lynt to be a flourishing young club that is really making inroads with the local community Someone with more of a flair for the dramatic might suggest that Lynt Polo Club has risen like a phoenix from the flames. But the welcoming Wiltshire venue is actually a new species altogether; distinct from Inglesham Polo Centre, which was run on the same site between 1995 and 2009. For one thing, only one original member remains, though the club anticipates about 55 subscribed players and 100-odd visiting challengers for this, its third summer season. Most of the change has to do with the sensitivity that current managers Guy and Charlotte Verdon have towards what recession-hit players, young people and the local community really want from a year-round club. When I arrived for my refresher lesson with HPA instructor Guy (who managed the club for a spell a decade before he was Tournament winners from the 2011 summer season at Lynt Polo Club – Diana Wilkinson, Alex Lea, Pepe Riglos, Paolo Garavelli and Josh Thomas
asked to re-launch it in 2010), I prepared my fuzzy brain and fuzzier muscles for the usual sugar-coated criticism and confusing analogies. But this couldn’t have been further from the reality. Prefacing most instructions with “I’m not very good at these shots because..” or “like me, what you tend to do wrong is..”, Guy instantly puts me at ease and, before I know it, I’m practising nearside forehands while narrating my life story. When he observes that “like a lot of girls” I shift my grip for a backhand (instead of treating the shot like a karate chop) he spends 20 minutes apologising for the implied sexism. I can’t help but giggle that this is the harshest criticism he has for me. He goes on to tell me I’m too hard on
myself, even though the flat-back ears of my fit and shining mount Cookie suggest otherwise, and I leave the indoor arena feeling more confident than I have in a while. It’s easy to understand why schools and pony club polo is taking off in this nurturing environment, with half a dozen more groups coming onboard this year, including nearby Farmor’s comprehensive school. Charlotte has also been furiously promoting “have a go” and “have another go” coaching days to get the word out. Strong links with nearby Lambourn racetrack can be seen clearly on the spotless yard, which recently played host to a Polo Times Welfare Day as part of the club’s aim for better all-round understanding and transparency in the sport. Partly because Charlotte came straight from HPA HQ, the focus in person and on the club’s revamped website is on by-the-
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Playing around – Lynt Polo Club
Knowledge
Vital statistics
once again book safety and welfare standards. She explains: “The more you put into welfare, the more you get out.” The couple are aware that transparent pricing (no chukka fees) and cash prize tournaments are a big draw for people nowadays, especially one and two-goal City types who have scaled back their play. The main boarded ground also attracts a fair number of pros, and the Cotswolds setting makes the club a popular one for overnight stays. After a difficult arena season for many
clubs in the vicinity, it’s exciting to see the Verdons as passionate as ever. Next on the agenda is surely an increase in manpower. “We haven’t had a honeymoon yet,” explains Charlotte (who married Guy three years ago), “but we’re having so much fun, and lots of locals don’t know about the club so I’m working on that.” I’d hazard a guess that big things lie ahead for Lynt. F ◗ For more about the Polo Times Welfare Day see page 86
Soundbites from the sidelines Charlotte Verdon Club manager “When we took over we had to start the club from scratch but we’ll now be hosting matches every weekend for the next six months and it’s exactly what Guy and I want to be doing. We realised we needed to open the club up more to locals, including nearby state schools, and we’re just at the stage of needing to hire another instructor. Some evenings we have 20 chukkas ranging from children’s chukkas to Gold Cup practices, and as long as the sun shines we’ll have a barbecue afterwards. Lynt is a teaching zone but we also get competitive teams visiting from Berkshire and Gloucestershire, and we try to encourage spectators to take advantage of our beautiful picnic spot.” Major Matt Eyre-Brook Travelling player “Since learning to play at Sandhurst I’ve been a member of various clubs over the last 12 years depending on where I’m posted. Last winter at Lynt was the first time I’d played arena polo and the clubhouse meant my wife and one-year-old could come and watch. The inclusive membership allowed me to play in tournaments every weekend through the summer and I slotted into different teams easily because the club is well organised, without being stuffy. Lynt’s very welcoming but more competitive than most smaller clubs. The 0-goal matches are great for training young ponies, while the 4-goal fixtures are good practice for army tournaments.” Dr Abi Latham Member “I started playing again in 2004 when I became a GP partner, after many years off, and I joined Lynt because it seemed very friendly and offered quite a high level of polo. Charlotte used to babysit my newborn daughter while I was playing, and now I’m pregnant again it looks like my husband will be making the most of our six playing ponies this year. Tidworth is our nearest summer club and we live next to Maywood, but it’s only just over an hour in the lorry to Lynt from Andover. We kept a few ponies on livery at the club last summer and they were beautifully looked after.” www.polotimes.co.uk
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Playing members 55 Non-playing members Villagers, pony clubbers and toddlers-in-tow. Facilities Two full-size fields, a chukka ground and practice area, all-weather exercise track, full-size outdoor and smaller indoor arena overlooked by recently refurbished clubhouse, training cage and on-site accommodation. Location Set on 350 manicured acres just off the A40 at the southern edge of the Cotswolds, near the village of Lechladeon-Thames, 20 minutes from Swindon (55 minutes by train from London Paddington), neighbouring Asthall Farm and within an hour of Edgeworth and Longdole. Philosophy Supporting grassroots polo and high standards in low-goal around the clock. Running the show As one half of the husband and wife dream team responsible for rescuing the former Inglesham polo club from extinction, unflappable two-goaler Guy Verdon heads up Lynt’s jam-packed coaching schedule and weekly tournaments when he’s not retraining racehorses. Meanwhile, Charlotte can normally be found coordinating pony clubbers, wooing locals and lapsed players, or Facebooking the latest club gossip and chukka times. They are assisted by a troupe of helpful, young grooms and local scouts-turned-goal judges. Crowd Newbies of all ages and backgrounds mix with pros on the hunt for decent grounds and rusty two-goalers from London with second homes in the area. Supporting players include Pepe Riglos (6). Seasonal highlight The mid-June charity tournament is the club’s main event, while The Potting Shed Families Cup is the most highly coveted silverware. Livery With stabling for up to sixty horses, owners can choose from full livery, including exercise and overnight turnout, or DIY, working, or re-schooling livery. Grooms’ lodging is available and there is accommodation for visiting players. Membership Full membership is £750 (excluding HPA) including all match fees, with the exception of cash prize tournaments, while professionals or chukka champs pay £450. Pony hire is £80 per match chukka, an hour’s tuition is £60, or £35 each for a children’s group lesson. Contact charlotte@lyntpoloclub.com Polo Times, May 2012
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Know your game
The must-read professional-player’s perspective – from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner
Spring in Spain is great for My time in Sotogrande is coming to an end and it is with great sadness that we are about to pack up the organisation and head home to England. I was last here in 2008 when I was lucky enough to be invited to play the medium goal tournaments in August by Craig MacKinney. It was a fantastic experience and we ended up winning the Gold Cup. Obviously the majority of credit was awarded to our coach, the Sultan of Swing John Horswell, but with Craig at the helm we had great team spirit and it left me always wanting to return to Sotogrande. This year I have been playing with Nick Clarke at Ayala Polo Club. It is the first time that I have been to Sotogrande at this time
Photograph by James Mullan
Our young horses have benefited hugely from the Sotogrande experience of year and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Our plan was to come to Sotogrande to prepare for England and to get an extra season in to our young horses. We have had a great programme with 10-goal practices four times a week from the beginning of March. The fields have been spectacular and the company even better. Our young horses have benefited hugely from the experience and I would strongly recommend this to anyone making polo
Action from last year’s Gold Cup final in Sotogrande on the pristine grounds of the Santa María Polo Club
ponies in the UK. Obviously you have the cost of transport, but once you are here it is no more expensive than it is at home. The difference that it has made to our horses has been incredible. The young horses arrived playing slow chukkas on the farm and are now ready to play tournaments when we get home – they are almost unrecognisable.
This is the same advantage that they have in Argentina and for those of you producing horses commercially at home, you should seriously look into trying to get down here. Ayala Polo Club is privately owned by Indio Zobel. The club boasts three incredible polo fields and stabling for around two hundred horses. There is an indoor arena for those
Playing tips with Rege Ludwig – Harder does Each month, renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game
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More often than not when a player wishes to hit the ball further, the thinking is – swing the mallet harder. That is all well and good, as long as the additional power is delivered into the ball. When it comes to hitting the ball further, the key is not how much power you generate prior to contact with the ball, it is how much power is released into the ball after contact.
A major stumbling block related to the release of power is having tight muscles. The muscles you really need to pay attention to are the muscles of the shoulder, arm and hand of your right side. It is unfortunate that those muscle groups naturally become tight at the beginning of the down swing phase. If those muscles are
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Know your game
your polo a real talent on the parilla (the grill used for Argentine asados). At this time of year there are also tournaments being held at Santa María. The club boasts arguably the premier polo fields in Europe and they are possibly used the least. I simply cannot understand why more people are not here playing. The club is open to everyone and at this time of year they are playing
Santa María boasts arguably the premier polo fields in Europe
rainy days and an all-weather exercise track. The moment that you arrive, everything is taken care of. They provide all the feed, hay and shavings, and for me it is the dream polo facility as they make your stay so easy and the place is always immaculate. The icing on the cake is their restaurant Cancha Dos. Argentine chef Manoco is a great character and
8-goal and 12-goal tournaments. Apart from Argentina, which is 13 hours away from England, I don’t know where you could be playing this level of polo on such fantastic fields. It’s amazing to think it’s only two hours away from home. It would be fantastic to see a greater English representation playing here and I am sure that people would enjoy themselves and see the benefits to their game. F ◗ Do you agree or disagree with Jamie’s views on Sotogrande? Have your say by emailing us at letters@polotimes.co.uk
not necessarily mean further allowed to remain tight after contact with the ball, the release of their power into the ball will decrease. Therefore, in order for the power of those muscle groups to be fully realised into the hit of the ball, they should be made to soften, or release, upon the mallet having made contact with the ball.
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Knowledge
Fitness with James de Mountfort 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 With the English season very much upon us, here is another exercise that will ensure that you are getting the most out of your shot. This will improve your grip strength as well as your lower abdominals and hip flexors. It will improve the strength of your shot and, by giving you a very strong anchor to play your shots from, should also improve your accuracy. Using chin-up handles, which can This exercise will strengthen your be found in all gyms, start by hanging forearms and lower from the bar (as shown in picture one). abdominals Then bring your knees up to your elbow (as shown in picture two) before returning to the starting position. This movement requires both good grip strength and strong lower abdominals. If you can’t get this high, start with your knees coming up to hip height and progress from there. A good target is three sets of 30 reps, with a one minute rest in between sets. Good luck and enjoy your polo! ◗ Contact James for your own fitness needs on 07949 455712 or james@personally-trained.co.uk Picture one, left, shows your starting position, while picture two, below, shows the desired lift position
From my perspective, hitting the ball a greater distance is more a matter of releasing the existing power, rather than creating additional power. ◗ Rege Ludwig is a world renowned polo coach and author of “Polo in the 21st Century”
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Knowledge
Know your horse
Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet
Photograph by Mark Emerson
First aid must be priority Last month I was asked to provide veterinary cover for the Gaucho International polo event. I had heard mixed reviews about the event in 2011 but I can honestly say I was really impressed with what I saw this year. It is a striking venue and the polo, although not for the purist, was glitzy and entertaining without any over-the-top razzmatazz. I thought the organisers of the polo side of the event did a great job and the vets were made to feel both welcome and central to the polo. However, it was a little alarming that due to some ridiculous health and safety ruling, the O2 authorities did not allow us to bring a vehicle to park alongside the rollers by the entrance to the playing area – we had not been included in the risk assessment and our car with essential veterinary equipment was an unaccounted risk in the event of a fire. It was only a last minute threat by the polo players to refuse to play that managed to persuade the authorities to allow the horse ambulance in and we loaded our most essential kit into the trailer. Fortunately the event went ahead successfully without the need for any emergency veterinary treatment. Only one can of our silver wound spray was requested – to spray paint the goal lines! The high-profile nature of the event made it only too apparent how catastrophic a serious or fatal injury to a horse could be to the sport. Clubs and event organisers must prioritise
Feet first
Polo Times ’s monthly farrier focus
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Players and clubs should have a decent, regularly re-stocked, veterinary first aid kit that allows one to deal with injuries
veterinary cover and horse ambulances with properly trained staff in order to protect the welfare of the horses and the game. The HPA rules stipulate that for all recognised tournaments a vet should be present or at the very least immediately contactable – it’s the clubs’ responsibility to organise this. In regards
to horse ambulances, the rules say that a trailer or low-loading lorry with a functioning winch and screens must be available near to the ground at all times during play. I would also recommend that all players and clubs have a decent veterinary first aid kit that is regularly re-stocked. The best bit of
Polo ponies can be hot or cold shod, depending on the condition of the ponies feet and the farrier’s preference. When done well there is little difference – hot shoeing just allows the farrier to alter the shape of the shoe more easily. The shoe is fitted to allow the nails to enter the white line directly – any deviation from this will result in either broken up and weakened feet or lameness. If toe clips are used on the front feet, the shoes should fit the perimeter of the foot. With
quarter clips, the shoes should be set back under the toe fractionally – this also applies to hind shoes with quarter clips, although the toe should also be safed (angling the shoe) to reduce the chance of interference with the front limbs. The inside heel of the hind shoe should also be safed, making it less likely to brush the other hind limb. Toe clipped hind shoes fit the perimeter of the hoof and the clip should fit neatly into the hoof wall to reduce the possibility of over-reaching.
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Know your horse
Knowledge
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
at clubs advice to anyone treating a horse with a wound is to treat it no differently than if the wound was on you. The following is an example of first aid equipment that should allow one to deal with minor injuries or help stabilise more serious problems until a vet is able to attend to the horse. Bandaging material: • Sterile wound dressings e.g. Melolin™ or Zorbopads™ (no soggy Animalintex™ on fresh wounds, please). • Soffban™ or cotton wool or gamgee • Vetrap™ (care must be taken with this material as it is easily put on too tight) • Gaffer tape – useful for everything from truck repairs, to attaching splints to potentially fractured limbs • Animalintex™ – only for hooves. Wound cleaning: • Hibiscrub™ or povidine iodine (must be used diluted, otherwise it is harmful to damaged skin) • Gauze swabs (don’t fall apart like cotton wool tends to) • Salt to add to water Lotions and potions: • Aluspray™ (great to use as temporary spray-on dressing for fresh grazes and small wounds that have been cleaned) • Flamazine™ (antibacterial ointment great for mud-fever, cuts, nicks, etc.)
The heel of the hind shoe on the outside may continue past the heel buttress a little to offer more support. Correctly fitted shoes will give ponies confidence to perform to their best athletic ability. ◗ Performance Shoeing International is a collaboration of three-time world champion farrier Darren Bazin and Argentine player and farrier Luigi Ferrarese: tel 07896 991489. See www.highgoalfarriers.co.uk for full article
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• Hydrogels (e.g. Dermagel™, Intrasite™, etc.) (Good for passively debriding dirty wounds under dressings) NO purple spray, ‘wound powder’ or green oils please. They don’t work. Drugs: • Bute and antibiotics – these are prescription only and should only be administered after consultation with a veterinary surgeon • Sedalin™ gel – slow in onset but can be helpful to manage an anxious horse awaiting a vet
Don’t be afraid to feed fibre I have not had my little say in an article for sometime now on my favourite subject, fibre, so I thought a re-cap would be necessary. Fibre sources we commonly feed our ponies are hay, haylage, grass, alfalfa and chaff. We bed them down on straw but this is not an ideal fibre source for a working polo pony. Here are some pointers as to why you should feed fibre: • The horse has evolved to trickle feed (i.e. eat little and often), unlike humans who are “meal eaters” • Good quality fibre will NOT cause heaviness, pot/grass bellies or sluggishness, so can be fed the morning before a game or match • Feeding coarse and indigestible fibre (i.e. straw, long grass or hay/haylage with a lot of stem present and not much leaf) takes longer to ferment in the hindgut and can cause problems with heaviness
Other: • Electrolytes – if given soon after playing can minimise risks of tying up • Clean bucket • 1-2 clean dry towels or kitchen roll • Disposable latex gloves • Shoe removal kit • Torch • Penknife, saw and scissors • Thermometer
• Fibre is essential for the digestive system of the horse as they are hindgut fermenters and not just grain (cereal) eaters. Restricting fibre increases the risk of tying up, ulcers, loose droppings, an acidic gut, a lack of saliva, disrupted gut bacteria and consequently, a lack of energy and performance
All of these should be kept in a dampproof, sealable container. F
• Fibre is essential for the psyche of the horse – restriction can lead to boredom, stress, box walking, weaving, cribbing (pictured below), depression and, ultimately, a lack of performance
◗ Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800383 or email mark@emersonequine.com
• Fibre is a slow-release source of energy and stamina
• Fibre helps prevent colic – imagine the gut as sausage casing. When the casing is empty, it is thin and easy to twist; when stuffed it is harder to twist. Fibre plays this “stuffing” role to keep the gut moving and healthy, helping to reduce the chance of colic and twisted gut
• Fibre works as a reservoir in the hindgut, reducing the risks of dehydration when working. • Plenty of fibre in the diet allows the horse to synthesise vitamins B and K in the hindgut, which are involved in energy transfer within the body. A lack of fibre can result in a lack of B vitamins, which affects energy levels and appetite. This makes lethargy and reduced performance very likely. ◗ Contact Lorna Edgar of Bailey’s Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, May 2012
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Knowledge
Ones to watch
Tomas Garbarini will prove to be good value for his handicap once again this summer, says John O’Sullivan Tomas Garbarini is set to make his long-awaited return to the English high-goal this month and he will no doubt be looking to make up for lost time as a member of Jamie Packer’s returning Ellerston team. In the Cartier Queen’s Cup, which starts at Guards on Tuesday 22 May, the 24-year-old three-goaler will team up with Gonzalito Pieres (10), JP Clarkin (8) and Inigo Zobel (1). Patron Jamie Packer will then replace Zobel for the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park. Garbarini, a 2009 Gold Cup winner, has not graced the English highgoal since hitting the heights with Jean-Francois Decaux’s La Bamba De Areco three years ago. On that occasion the Argentine, playing off one, teamed up with the French patron and 10-goal brothers Gonzalo and Facundo Pieres as they beat the might of Adolfo Cambiaso and Dubai in the final at Cowdray Park. After this success the HPA raised his handicap from one to three and
Acorn
Height: 15.2hh Age: Seven Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: English TB Sire: Hunting Lion Dam: Efficacious Owner: George Meyrick
Photographs by Sergio Llamera and Alice Gipps
Five-goaler George Meyrick, who won the Queen’s Cup in 2006 alongside Adolfo Cambiaso, speaks to Georgie May about one of the younger horses in his string, who played her first season last year and who he thinks has a promising future
subsequently he has not featured in the English high-goal since. Last year he had been due to feature alongside Guillermo “Sapo” Casset and Miguel Novillo Astrada for Lechuza Caracas, until patron Victor Vargas withdrew the team. Despite this disappointment, Garbarini did manage to make his mark in 2011. He revived his partnership with the Pieres brothers at the Nations Cup in Palermo. The trio teamed up with Valerio Zubiaurre to beat a 28-goal England team 13-8. In November 2010 he was also a member of the winning Los Cocos team in the 20-goal Copa Julio Astrada at La Aguada, where he was awarded the MVP prize in the final. 72
Polo Times, May 2012
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How did you come to buy Acorn? Every year I buy a small group of young horses. She was one of three that I bought in 2009 from a racing yard in Yorkshire. She was three-years-old and initially she wasn’t my favourite but she’s a good looking horse and her – abilities quickly became more and more apparent.
the short plays. I have ridden a lot of horses but, up until playing her, I hadn’t experienced quite the feeling that she gives. She’s so easy too to look after and to ride – anyone would get on with her.
“Acorn’s easy to ride, but I’ve honestly never experienced power quite like hers” George Meyrick
What have you done with her since you bought her? Santiago Chappetto, José Vivas and myself brought her on slowly. She had already been broken in but we spent the first year just riding her before we started stick and balling the second year. She played her first slow practice chukkas here on the farm at the end of 2010 before playing her first proper season last year. What are her strengths? She is generally a really easy horse but I would say her main strength is the power that she has in
Does she have any weaknesses? No, not really. Her only weakness is that she is of course still quite new to the game, although she doesn’t feel it when you play her. What level of polo did you play her in last season? I played her in the low-goal and medium-goal in England. She played particularly well in the Holden White (4-8 goal) at Cowdray and the County Cup (12-15 goal) at Cirencester. It was in these tournaments that I first really pushed her and realised just how good she actually is. I will be playing her in all my games this year, including at Polo at Marriners later this month, and I am expecting great things of her. www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 11:24:46
3:6
3$''2&. :22'6 67$//,216
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Crafty has been in the High Goal for the last 3 years, playing in the English, Spanish and French Gold Cups, winning 3 times the Best Racehorse Retraining Prize. Crafty retired to stud in 2011 after playing the French Gold Cup. Fresh, chilled and frozen semen available.
Visit WWW.PWSTALLIONS.CO.UK for more info
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photo by tony ramirez
From the bloodlines of the very sought after and respected sire Mr Prospector. Crafty raced till the age of 7, taking him from the USA to Europe, Japan and the UK. He was bought in May 2004 and was playing matches 6 weeks later.
FDOO 0D[ 5RXWOHGJH 678' )(( Â&#x2026;
12/4/12 15:24:39
Knowledge
How to spend it
Dress like a pro on and off British lifestyle clothing brand Joules has re-affirmed its commitment to polo by signing up for another year as official outfitters to the England team. Not only will Joules shirts be worn by Messrs Tomlinson, Beim, Borwick and Gonzalez at this summer’s big Test Matches at Cowdray Park, Beaufort and Guards, but the Market Harborough-based company has also launched the 2012 Official England Polo Collection, so that polo enthusiasts can also look the part on and off the field. The range includes a gilet (pictured top left, £89.95), cap (bottom left, £24.95), hooded polo sweater (top right, £79.95) and the England playing shirt (bottom right, £59.95). Joules CEO Tom Joules said: “We are thrilled to be working, once again, with the England polo team in 2012. The history of polo and the importance of the sport today means that our designers could bring to life the heritage of the king of games. “We wish the team all the best for the season ahead.” For more information visit www.joules.com
Photographs by Joules
Clothing – Joules Polo Collection
Fine dining – The Palm
Jewellery – Christie’s Jewels for Hope
As focus shifts from the American high-goal season to the English summer season, there seems no better time to try a piece of classic Americana right in the heart of London. The Palm Restaurant in Belgravia offers the taste and feel of a classic New York
A charity auction in Geneva this month offers a rare opportunity to purchase a range of much sought-after pieces from some of the world’s most exclusive jewellers, including Cartier and JAR. The Jewels for Hope auction at Christie’s on Monday 14 May will see 70 pieces from the private collection of philanthropist Lily Safra go under the hammer. The most desirable item is a pair of 19.43 and 19.16 carat pearshaped diamond ear clips, pictured right middle, expected to fetch in the region of £3.5m. Other lots include a diamond and emerald Eglantine necklace by Cartier, top right, a Ruby Camellia brooch by JAR, below, and a stunning collection of ruby, diamond and Sapphire rings, bottom right. All proceeds from the auction will go to charity.
steakhouse with lashings of prime beef, lobster, creamed spinach and cheesecake. The original Palm Restaurant was set up by John Ganzi (the great-grandfather of American patron Marc Ganzi) in New York in 1926. There are now over 29 restaurants around the world and the London location opened in 2009.
See www.christies.com for more
From £40 per head for a hearty meal 74
Polo Times, May 2012
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www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 11:26:39
How to spend it
the field
Fashion – The Asprey Polo Silk Square Regular polo sponsors Asprey have unveiled an elegant ladies accessory that will allow you to show your allegiance to the King of Games long after you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the field and the mud of the stables behind. Ideal for the polo after-parties (which will be coming thick and fast now that the English season is upon us) the polo silk
Knowledge
Motors – Audi A4 quattro
Everything a polo player needs from a new car During last year’s English polo season, it seemed that you couldn’t walk around any of the country’s most famous grounds without stumbling upon a horde of impressive-looking, beautifully polished Audis. Remarkably, the luxury German car manufacture has upped its sponsorship of the English game even more in 2012, with the recent announcement that it will sponsor International Day at Guards, the Beaufort Test and an event at Chester Racecourse (see News for more).
square combines fashion with a love of polo. The 90cm by 90cm navy silk twill square is bordered by hand-rolled hems and features a screen-printed design, which includes a polo stick, polo belts, and many common equine bells, whistles and other paraphernalia. From £285
Watches – Jaeger LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin SQ Famed Swiss watchmaker Jaeger LeCoultre has released a limited-edition version of one of its classic timepieces that will make you look the part in your local polo clubhouse this summer. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin SQ encases all of the character, style and durability of the classic Reverso watch, but in a more light-weight package. The Reverso was first released in 1931, very much with the polo player in mind. Famously, the watch-face can be flipped (or reversed) to protect it from damage during high-octane battles on the polo field, before being restored to its full glory once the match has ended. The limited-edition Ultra Thin SQ, of which only 50 have been made, boasts an 18 carat gold case and an alligator leather bracelet. The openwork dial shows off all of the intricate inner workings of the much sought-after timepiece. From £5,000 www.polotimes.co.uk
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This will certainly make its presence at the summer’s most glamorous events even more apparent and if you want to join Audi’s polo revolution look no further than the extremely functional A4 allroad quattro. Billed by Audi as a “go-anywhere car”, the elegant and spacious saloon is the car of choice for the England team this summer. The 490 litres of boot space makes the quattro ideal for transporting all of your polo gear, while it can tow up to 4,190 pounds for anything you can’t fit in there. With a top-speed of 130mph and a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, it can certainly move a bit too. Powered by Audi’s legendary quattro technology, the allroad quattro is equally at home on the motorway, taking part in offroad pursuits, or simply looking good by the polo field. What else do you need? From £31,380 Polo Times, May 2012
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20/4/12 11:27:11
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Book review – The Polo Affair by Sean Hennessey
Knowledge
A readable first novel, if not riveting Our reviewer settles down with the newest piece of polo fiction on the market, and decides that, though it has its faults, she still expects it to sell
Amy Lodowski gives her verdict
S
ean Hennessy seems well placed to write a book about an Irish polo player in Mexico. Because he’s exactly that himself. Having lived in Merida, Yucatan for the past seven years, Hennessy is an avid polo player and The Polo Affair is his first novel. When the 362-page sample copy arrived on my desk, I must admit I was sceptical about reading it. The tag line comment reads as though it might have come from a Jilly Cooper novel and the flouncy font of the title is certainly
as David meets a friend off the plane from Dublin. A lot of information about David’s passion for polo and his patron, the elderly Fernando, is presented in the first couple of pages and feels shoehorned in. It seems as if Hennessy was in a rush to establish the situations of his central characters instead of having snippets revealed through plot points or dialogue. This makes the opening pages feel clumsily written, with focus on back-story as opposed to establishing a strong setting. Cancun is mentioned here at length,
Despite some clumsy writing at times, a strong and complex plot nevertheless makes this a fulfilling read in keeping with this preconception. However, mentions of political corruption and the Mexican mafia in the blurb stoked my intrigue and I started the first chapter with an open mind. An airport provides the opening scene
but again, the focus seems to be on Mexico’s tourist history as opposed to an immersive description of the location. That said, the writing soon finds its stride and the descriptions become simple, yet rich and effective. The initial description of the hacienda illustrates this perfectly and instantly establishes the lush landscape in which the novel is set. The line breaks after each paragraph are an early indication that this is a book that is meant to be dipped in and out of, perfect for the Left: Irishman Sean Hennessy takes one of his polo ponies for a swim in Mexico, where his debut novel is set
www.polotimes.co.uk
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busy professional who may not have hours on end to spare curled in front of a fire. That said, this is still a fulfilling read. The plot is complicated enough to keep you guessing, but simply enough presented so you’re not constantly lost. In all, The Polo Affair provided an entertaining, if not riveting, read. The writing at times felt clumsy, but a strong plot is what makes this novel worth picking up. “You will never forget The Polo Affair”, boasts the website. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that, but an interesting read nonetheless. F
The Polo Affair by Sean Hennessy 362 pages, in paperback ISBN: 9780976653202 Discover more at www.thepoloaffair.com
PT Rating
D D D D D Polo Times, May 2012
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20/4/12 11:29:09
Sidelines
Gossip
Female players finish top in charity horserace Polo players Sheena Robertson and Aurora Eastwood finished first and second, respectively, in a charity flat race at Hackwood Park Point-to-Point at the end of March. Members of the Hampshire Hunt, including Sheena, Aurora and ex-Pony Club Polo chairman David Cowley, were invited to participate in a one mile and two furlong race, in aid of Sport Relief. Donning their hunting gear, Sheena and Aurora, pictured right, were neck-and-neck until the final furlong when Sheena’s bigger mount, an ex-show jumper, allowed her to steam ahead of Aurora who rode her polo pony, Cuervo. “Once he started, he settled well” Aurora told Polo Times. “He travelled brilliantly, keeping up with the winners, and he’s definitely caught the racing bug. As have I! I want to do it again on a proper racehorse. Maybe I’ll buy a point to pointer.”
Climbing mountains and rowing rivers
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
George Hanbury and two of his friends, David Vincent and Stuart Homewood, rowed the length of the Thames in April, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the MS Society. The three guys, pictured, were due to complete the 210 miles – from Lechlade
Baby boom April was a busy month for babies. James and Lauren Beim welcomed Willow Margaret into the world on 17 April at Randwick Hospital in Sydney, Australia, weighing 8lb3oz. James travelled back to the UK at the end of April, while Lauren and Willow, pictured below with James, will come back home in mid-May. Three-goaler Ben Malasomma’s wife, Gemma, gave birth to baby Otto, pictured above, on Monday 2 April, weighing 7lb2oz. After spending the winter playing polo in Australia, Ben is still undecided as to where he’ll be based this summer in the UK. “We are currently in Cheshire with my family and we’re not sure yet where we’ll based this season,” Gemma told Polo Times. “Last season Ben was a member at Cirencester and Lynt. I’m not sure if I’ll be playing this year – we’ll have to see how well behaved Otto is! Although I’m already getting itchy feet to start riding again.” Congratulations to Tony and Jilly Emerson who have become grandparents. Their son Ed – brother of five-goaler Will and two-goaler Mark (PT’s ( vet columnist) – and wife Natalie had a baby girl, Zoe, at the beginning of April. PT columnist Lorna Edgar was due to have her first baby on 14 April. However, the Bailey’s equine nutritionist was still weigh laden by the time Polo Times went to press a week later. We hope that by the time this magazine reaches subscribers’ doorsteps, she and husband Tom will have had a healthy boy or girl! Polo Times also understands that two-goaler Danny Muriel and his girlfriend Katie Bateman are expecting a baby in May. 78 Polo Times, May 2012
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to London – the day after Polo Times went to press on Saturday 21 April after seven days of “leisurely rowing” in a wooden rowing boat – reminiscent of the famous Three Men in a Boat. By Friday 20 April, they had raised an impressive £11,500. If you wish to donate, see http://www.justgiving.com/StueyGeorgeDave On the subject of fundraising, one-goaler Jakob Lindquist has stepped down from his role as chairman of Guards Polo Club’s Finance Committee in order to complete his and his girlfriend’s year-long intrepid challenge. Jakob and Mikaela Mustad have been climbing various high-altitude mountains over the past nine months, including the Alps and Kilimanjaro, but they began their biggest challenge yet – climbing Mount Everest – in April. The couple, pictured right, aim to raise £50,000 for UNICEF by June 2012. For more information, visit http://www. mandjpeaks.com www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 14:19:14
Gossip
Sidelines
Torrey puts a ring on it Former Singapore Polo Club general manager Torrey Dorsey has popped the question to Jessamine Annalena Ihrcke, who was a polo-playing member at the club. The pair, pictured right, left Singapore last year when Torrey took up a job at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, where he has taken up an international commercial role, finding sponsors for their high-profile sailing events. Jessamine has taken a job working at an equestrian centre on Hong Kong’s desirable Clearwater Bay peninsula, drawing on her previous experience working in collaboration with the Equestrian Federation of Singapore, where she was also a dressage rider and show jumper. “I gave Jessamine a ring, as I figured every girl likes a diamond,” Torrey told Polo Times. “However, initially it wasn’t so well received without the anticipated proposal of marriage.” We’re not quite sure if he’s joking but, sure enough, he did then ask and sought out permission from her German father. “He consented, but explained that it was also necessary to get the approval of her Hong Kong Chinese mother,” said Torrey. “Therein lay the challenge! But, mission accomplished, and off we go!” The pair will be legally married on 8 August, though they’re planning a full-scale celebration back in Singapore later in the year, likely to be held at the Singapore Polo Club.
Look-a-likes
Quote of the month “The whole ground moved and initially I thought that I was having some sort of attack and was going to pass out or something. I was trying to work out how much I had had to drink when I realised what was happening!”
Jack Richardson and Louis Tomlinson (from One Direction)
Here’s Juan more from Eddie the artist After publishing one of artist Eddie Kennedy’s drawings – of the Sultan of Swing – last month, he brought to our attention another of his favourite pieces, right. This portrait shows Argentine horse breaker, Juan Muriel. Eddie took a sneaky photo of Juan while he was grooming for his son Danny at RCBPC last year. Using the photo as inspiration, Eddie then did this drawing. Eddie first met Juan in Ireland some 30 years ago when the Argentine was working for Hugh Dawnay, breaking in horses that were part of Dawnay’s breeding programme. Juan has also worked with the Vesteys and the Graces. www.polotimes.co.uk
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David Woodd on the earthquake that hit Chile during the Test Match. See pages 48-49 for the report
PT’s secret professional blows the lid on the game’s burning issues
Brazen, bold, uncompromising, undercover I’m going to forgo any foreplay and cut straight to the chase: this sport has a beautiful facade masking certain unsavoury practices and individuals. Any industry that relies on the wealth of the few to line the pockets of many is going to suffer from corruption – it’s only the scale that varies. The list of unethical and controversial codes of conduct is an extensive one but, as everything has to start somewhere, this column will start with one of the biggest issues in polo: match fixing. Match fixing in the high-goal by professional players, and, occasionally, umpires, is endemic and only the tip of the iceberg. This is the situation: polo relies on patrons. The higher up the food chain, the more important the patrons are. Therefore, pandering to their every whim is a given. The wealthier they are, and more importantly how many seasons they propose to play, the more games they are likely to win. A patron who scrapes together a last minute one-off team to play one of the two major tournaments, or makes it clear he is only going to play one season of high-goal, won’t win so much as a wooden spoon. Why? The pros have an understanding, an unwritten rule: 1) If the patron isn’t seriously, seriously wealthy and isn’t dropping millions into their polo by hiring the best pros, buying the most expensive horses and so on, don’t let them win as this upsets the patrons who are. 2) If they aren’t in it for the long haul, it isn’t in anyone’s interests to allow them to win games for the aforementioned reasons. Pros want contracts lasting more than a season, and the associated income stream from patrons who go for it in a big way – i.e. those that buy horses, set up breeding programmes, buy farms in Argentina etc. Make no mistake; this is right from the horses’ mouths. No conjecture here. One friend (a patron) was told in no uncertain terms by British umpires that, unless he planned on playing several seasons of high-goal, it would be ensured that he never even made the quarter finals. Another friend (a pro this time) explained that his team was throwing the game in the latter stages of a 22-goal tournament in order to ensure their handicaps did not go up for the next season, even though this meant they didn’t make the quarters. Having a job for the next season is more important than winning games for the patron. Those are the facts. As always, the politics of appeasing patrons and enticing new ones is a tricky one. Polo needs wealth, but sadly the pursuit of same brings greed. Polo Times, May 2012 79
20/4/12 14:19:28
Sidelines
Sir Charles Williams keeps a keen eye on proceedings from beside the pony lines
Oliver Williams, a winner last year
Kate Godfrey and Sophia Simons
English five-goalers Roddy Williams and Max Charlton
Melissa Lilley, Bobby Dundas and Steph Targett
Barbados Open finals day; 18 March 2012 Lion Castle Polo Ground, St Thomas – Barbados
Local guests
Winners framed in “watch-gate” saga There was joy for England’s Jack Kidd and Ollie Taylor at the presentation ceremony for the 10th Barbados Open this March, when they lifted the island’s most prestigious trophy and each received silver picture frames as the sun set on the stunning new venue for this year’s final. Nevertheless, eyebrows were also raised, because the runners up took home sparkly Bulova watches each that looked to be worth considerably more. Polo players can be a fickle bunch but they had a point – if the Bulova side were always going to receive a watch from their sponsors, whatever happened, then why not award them before the tournament? However, the new location for the final (moved from Clifton to Lion Castle) was seen as a great success, with the large well-equipped ground-side clubhouse providing the perfect home for the late-night after party that followed. Typically raucous, players, sponsors and fans mingled and danced to the sultry tunes of DJ Patris Gero, who was flown in especially from St Barth’s.
The party in full swing in the superbly equipped clubhouse
w Read how Kidd and Taylor won with their CIBC First Caribbean side on page 50 Matt Darwin and Aurora Eastwood
George Gemmell
w Photographs by James Mullan The finalists line up to receive their prizes as the sun sets
Bobby Dundas and Dave Allen
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20/4/12 18:15:01
The jubilant Chile players soak everyone in champagne at the prize giving
Jeff Evelyn
England captain Mark Tomlinson
Sir Charles Williams and Howard Taylor
Spectators chill out on the sidelines
Chile vs England Test Match; 25 March Club de Polo San Cristóbal, Chile
Lionel Soffia, president of Federación Chilena, and match sponsor Alfonso Ossa
Anything but Chile
Tournament organiser Karen Kranenburg, Ollie Brown, Max Charlton and Rebecca Walters
DJ Patris Gero Jack Kidd warms up
The England team received a warm welcome in Chile in late March. They were beaten 11-9 by their hosts on the field in their second Test, but enjoyed a fantastic time off it. w Photographs by Felipe Poblete Gamboa and Federación Chilena de Polo
A spectator re-fuels with burgers and beer
Lucy Taylor consoles injured local patron Bruce Bayley Chile coach Tono Iturrate, right, alongside the commentators
A polo fan multi-tasks, reading and watching
The national anthems
Cole Porter tribute evening; 19 March Holders Festival Season, Barbados
Joe Stilgoe
Broadway’s big hits Tamara Fox, Dave Allen, George Fox and Steph Targett
On the weekend of the Barbados Open final, the 19th annual two-week Virgin Atlantic Holders Season got underway at the Kidd family’s beautiful polo venue and plantation mansion, near the island’s West Coast. On the night PT was there, amongst guests eulogising about the performances was 90s comedian Russ Abbott. w Photos by Matt Darwin and James Mullan The breathtaking Holders setting
Jack Kidd Hannah Waddingham
A reluctant-looking Bajan goal-judge
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Simon Crotto, Martin Fewster and Philip Tempro
20/4/12 14:32:22
3.00 pm Invitation match featuring promising young players 4.30 pm Best of British under 25’s match
POLO AT MARRINERS Bramdean, Alresford SO24 0JP By kind permission of Amelia, Lady Northbrook
SUNDAY 27TH MAY 2012 Gates open at 1pm
The best of British under 25 polo players
www.poloatmarriners.com
This is a rare opportunity to see some of our most talented young players taking part in one event, on a beautiful private polo ground. Reserved pitch side parking Front row: £40 per car 2nd row: £25 per car
Car Park £15 per car
Bring a picnic, watch the polo and party! See website for details No dogs, no refunds
Lead sponsorship generously provided by
Hattingley Valley Wines
Europe’s Largest Polo Supplier
Tally Ho Farm
Tally Ho Farm Ltd. Crouch Lane, Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4RZ
Store: 01344 885373 Email: enquiries@tallyhofarm.co.uk Web: www.tallyhofarm.co.uk 82
Polo Times, May 2012
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www.polotimes.co.uk
18/4/12 15:26:46
Sidelines
Caitlin Cheadle
Jessica Hudson and Nina O’Donnell
Fashion show by Rivaage
The after-party
British Polo Day; 30 March 2012 Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
VIPs in the UAE Two days before a similar event took place under floodlights in Abu Dhabi, Tom Hudson and Ed Olver created the British Polo Day in Dubai – which included both polo and camel polo.
Jeremy Hackett and Tom Hudson
Francis Boulle and Sophie Toh
w Read more on page 57
George Farha and Billy Farha
British Army vs Habtoor Polo
Rashid Habtoor
Colonel Simon Ledger
Amir Sadr
Victoria Honey and Simon Pugh
Gaston Devrient
Neil Bugler
Commentator Tom Urqhuart
Damian O’Reilly, Claudia Shapiro and Hugh O’Donnell
Action on the dance floor
Polo Life launch; The Brompton Club, London; 18 April 2012
There at birth: Polo Life begins
Alice Amies
Some 150 guests joined host Charley Law last month to celebrate the launch of his new venture, Polo Life, which provides bespoke polo consultancy services for highnet-worth individuals and businesses that are seeking to involve themselves in the game. Sponsored by Pommery and Smatt’s Rum, the evening welcomed a selection of polo people, friends and potential clients, who relaxed to the sounds of live Latin music whilst eating canapés at one of London’s most stylish private members clubs.
The Polo Life team
w Photographs by KK Communications
Amy Guy Orlando Hamilton and Ed Taylor
James Middleton and Charley Law
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Latin music
Maurice and Laura Ormerod
20/4/12 14:35:25
By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers of Synthetic Riding Surfaces Martin Collins Enterprises Limited Berkshire
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The Hickstead arena
Ellerston Polo
Polo arena and training tracks
El Romaso Polo
The Metropolitan Polo Club
Four Quarters Polo Polo Del Sol
18/4/12 15:28:10
Sidelines
Rodolfo Milesi Argentine band Bajofondo light up the stage between the games
The four Gaucho International teams
The second Gaucho International London’s O2 Arena, 21 March 2012
Nacho Figueras changes mounts
Party organiser Roy Prisk with Kayleigh Gurneen and Charlotte Blower
Howard Smith celebrates Scotland’s victory
Dome delight Two-goal party organiser Roy Prisk was drafted in this year to ensure the “Players’ after-party” was an authentic polo experience. White jeans was the dress code, and IndiO2 was the venue. w Read our full match report on page 38
Denise van Outen
England’s Gavin Turner gives a TV interview
Assunta and Caroline Link
Katie Price
Pananya Tardthong, Pimpan Pookaiyaudom, Thitikarn Chongvatana, Aroonnapa Panichjaroon and Pimlaor Pookaiyaudom
The players prepare in the restaurant
Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Gaucho’s Martin Williams
Part of the horseback fashion show
Asian Beach Polo, Thailand; 5-7 April 2012
A model performance Runners up, Claude Haberer, Juan Martin Gallego and William Zhao
A fashion show and colourful parade formed part of the Asian Beach Polo event in April. The championships also raised funds for Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s charity Inspire. w See page 60 for a report from the tournament
The opening parade
Winners, Thai Polo: Caroline and Harald Link with Suphachai Sukhampha
Luckana Champa and Jitrsumarn Amatyakul Vee Marr and Nunthinee Tanner
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Pimlaor Pookaiyaudom
Models enjoy the sunshine
20/4/12 14:37:59
Urs and Francesca Schwarzenbach
Lord (Clifton) and Lady (Sasha) Wrottesley
Julie and Jeff Thomas
Hon Mark Vestey and Rosie Vestey
Karina Audeh and Michael Bickford Comedian Alastair McGowan James Scott
Founders Francesca Schwarzenbach, Sandra Cronan and Greta Morrison
H.I.T.S Charity Gala Evening; 22 March 2012 The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, London
Gala evening a big hit
Paolo Mariotti
The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair hosted a black tie charity gala evening in London in March, to raise money for H.I.T.S (Head Injury Through Sport) – a charity set up by Greta Morrison, Francesca Schwarzenbach and Sandra Cronan. More than 200 people, including a large number of polo’s famous faces, attended and around £100,000 was raised through ticket sales and an auction. The money will go to the National Brain Appeal, which in turn raises money for the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery. Comedian Alastair McGowan provided after-dinner entertainment with his wonderful array of impressions.
Lord and Lady Phillimore
w Photographs by Katie Macrae Mr and Mrs Karan Thapar
Annabel and Simon Holley
Mr and Mrs Peter Virdee
Kevin Cheshire and Meggie Thomas
Mr and Mrs Martin Ephson Nicholas and Annie Colquhoun-Denvers
86
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Henry Brett and Joanne Salley Jason Dixon addresses some of the audience Lady Fellowes
Polo Times Pony Welfare Day Lynt Polo Club; 31 March 2012
Ponies come first Mr and Mrs William McAlpine
Susie Buchannan and David Lewis
The inaugural Polo Times Pony Welfare Day, in association with Bailey’s Horse Feeds, was held at Lynt Polo Club in late March. David Morley opened the day, with equine nutritionist Sarah Wicks, Polo Times vet Mark Emerson and farrier Mick McCormick providing all their expertise. Jason Dixon and Richard Buckett covered match preparation and saddle fitting in the afternoon, concluding a very successful and enjoyable day.
Sarah Wicks talks equine nutrition
Farrier, Nick McCormick
w See page 15 for more
Mr and Mrs Macpherson
Colonel and Mrs Seddon-Brown
RJ Polo’s Richard Buckett and top coach Jason Dixon
Lynt Polo Club’s Charlotte Verdon David Morley fields questions
The Earl and Countess Bathurst
Mr and Mrs Roy Moed
Showing how to fit a saddle correctly
Graham and Vicky Wooldridge with Jamie Morrison and Danica Thrall
PT’s Duty vet, Mark Emerson 87
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20/4/12 15:01:12
Polo directory
Dates for your diary
Club contacts UK and Ireland
South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 020 7318 4490 * 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 Norfolk – 01508 480400 * 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
88 Polo Times, May 2012
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What’s on in May UK highlights this month Test Matches
For a full list of all the tournaments see www.polotimes.co.uk
Cirencester Park – Cirencester 0-40 Goal Tournament (0-40): 28 April – 13 May Hurtwood Park – The Polo Masters (18): 1-13 May Coworth Park – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): 1-18 May Cowdray Park – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): 22 May – 10 June Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22): 22 May – 17 June
Cirencester Park – Gerald Balding Cup (4-8): 15 May – 3 June Vaux Park – Sponsors Weekend (2-6): 1920 May Hurtwood Park – Jubilee Cup (0-4): 22-27 May RCBPC – 4-8 Goal Open Tournament (4-8): 22-27 May Edinburgh – Edinburgh Spring Tournament (0-4): 26-27 May Lacey Green – The Revolution Cup (2-6): 26-27 May Sussex – May Cup (0): 26-27 May Burningfold - Burnt Hill Cup (0-2): 31 May – 3 June
Medium Goal
Open
Cowdray Park – St Regis International, England vs USA (Open): 19 May
High Goal
Guards – La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Centenary Trophy (15): 5-20 May Beaufort – Westonbirt Aboretum Tournament (8-12): 7-20 May Cowdray Park – Dollar Cup (8-12): 12-27 May Beaufort – Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 22 May – 4 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): 29 May – 10 June
West Wycombe – WWPPC Friends Cup (Open): 5-6 May New Forest – Mawaz Khan Cup (Open): 19 May
Low Goal
Schools and universities
Binfield Heath – The Coppid Cup (-2-0): 5-6 May Tidworth – Kingsett Cup (-6-2): 5-6 May Kirtlington Park – James Budgett Trophy (0-4): 9-13 May Longdole – 4-8 Goal Tournament (4-8): 11-20 May Edgeworth – The 4 Goal Shield (0-4): 12-13 May Lynt – Polo Times Tournament (0-4): 12-13 May Offchurch Bury – Bury The Oak Cup (-6 – -2): 12-13 May Hurtwood Park – Polo Times Lola’s Trophy (0-2): 15-20 May
Dallas Burston (formerly RLS) – SUPA Team Britain Trials (Senior Schools) (Open): 20 May Longdole – SATS National Junior Schools Tournament (Open): 20 May
Youth Cowdray Park – John Cowdray Trophy (Open): 19 May
Combined Services Tidworth – Adm Kumar Cup, RN v Eton (Open): 5 May
Ladies Taunton – Ladies Tournament (Open) 20-21 May Lacey Green – Ladies Tournament (Open) 26-27 May
Special Events Marriners Farm, Hampshire – Polo at Marriners (Open): 27 May
Overseas highlights Argentina
Germany
Puesto Viejo – Copa Vicky Baker (2-6): 1-13 May Puesto Viejo – Farewell Cup (0-4): 22-27 May
Sylt – Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup (Open): 26-29 May
Australia
Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Coupe de Patrick Guerrand-Hermés (10-12): 5-10 May Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Coupe Laversine Challenge Elie de Rothschild (10-12): 26 May – 10 June
Kurri Burri – Jeep Kurri Burri Classic Polo Tournament (Open): 13 May Windsor – Windsor Annual (0-8): 17-20 May Windsor – Riverlands Autumn Ladies (0-8): 26-27 May
France
www.polotimes.co.uk
20/4/12 15:06:26
Polo directory
Handicap changes
Other dates
TV Highlights on Horse & Country (Sky 280)
Tattersalls – Guineas Breeze Up and HIT Sale: 3-4 May Brightwells – Cheltenham National Hunt Sale: 25 May Doncaster – Spring Sales: 29-31 May
3 May, 6pm: Cowdray Park (a behind the scenes look at polo at the club in the 21st century) 6 May, 9.30pm: A repeat of the above
End-of-season arena handicap changes The following changes were agreed at the handicap committee’s meeting on 22 March and become effective 2 May – read about the new minus-one-goal arena handicap on page 17
Moving to seven Charlton, Max: 6 to 7
Moving to six Ormerod, Maurice: 5 to 6
Moving to five Ashby, David: 4 to 5 Baker, Philip: 4 to 5 Crawford, Chris: 4 to 5 De Lamare, Pedro: 4 to 5
Moving to four Baker, David: 3 to 4 Clague, Nick: 3 to 4 Collett, Grant: 3 to 4 Douglas, James: 3 to 4 Henderson, Glynn: 2 to 4 Wiseman, Sarah: 3 to 4
Moving to three Morris-Lowe, Twm: (2) to 3 Amor, George: 2 to 3 Beavan, Huw: 2 to 3 Bickford, Michael: 2 to 3 Eyre Brook, Matt: 2 to 3 Potter, James: 2 to 3 Shelton, George: 1 to 3
Moving to two Baillie, James: 1 to 2 Banner-Eve, David: 1 to 2 Boers, Emma Jayne: 1 to 2 Brooman-White, Alex: 1 to 2 Carr, James: 1 to 2 Edmondson, Toby: 1 to 2 Gadea, Juan Carlos: (2) to 2 Gibbons, David: 1 to 2 Herman, Richard: 1 to 2 Hudson, James: 1 to 2 Johnson, Tessa: 1 to 2 Kahia, David: 1 to 2 Lamacraft, Lottie: 1 to 2 Lomberg-Williams, Jake: 1 to 2 Mullan, Geoff: CV to (2) Ormerod, Robin: 1 to 2 Parish, Anton: 1 to 2 Pearce-May, Tim: 1 to 2 Potter, Fraser: 0 to 2 Squire, Alice: 1 to 2 www.polotimes.co.uk
PT p88-89 What's on JM PJ MB.indd 3
Stanhope-White, Lolly: 1 to 2 Turner, Sophie: 1 to 2 Watson, Natalya (Fifi): 1 to 2 Williams, Evelyn: (2) to 2
Moving to one Anderson, James: 0 to 1 Banner-Eve, Edward: 0 to 1 Brown, Jackie: 0 to 1 Campruli, Tomas: CV to 1 Dalton-Morgan, John: 0 to 1 Dalton-Morgan, Tom: 0 to 1 Daniels, Jack: CV to 1 Dare, Tim: 0 to 1 Dee, Robbie: 0 to 1 Dove, Adam: (0) to 1 Dove, Matthew: (0) to 1 Dudd, John: 0 to 1 Fagan, Richard: 1 to (1) Hadley-Piggin, Jonathan: 0 to 1 Hancock, Sebastian: (0) to 1 Harris, Liam: 0 to 1 Hemmings, Poppy: 0 to 1 Hickmet, Harry: 0 to 1 Hitchman, Charlie: 0 to 1 Hitchman, Ella: 0 to 1 Holley, Charlie: 0 to 1 Howes, Sally: 0 to 1 Hutchings, Lois: (S) to 1 Jebson, Louise: 0 to 1 Kang, Delwar: (0) to 1 Kang, Jane: 0 to 1 Letts, George: 0 to 1 Letts, Henry: 0 to 1 MacDonald, Katie: (1) to 1 McKechnie, Gail: 0 to 1 Morrin, Paul: 0 to 1 Newman, Richard: 0 to 1 Parry-Jones, Hannah: 0 to 1 Pollard, Steph: (S) to 1 Rigby, Steven: 0 to 1 Salter, Jamie: 0 to 1 Seaton, Tom: CV to 1 Severn, Oliver: 0 to 1 Severn, Thomas: 0 to 1 Thomas, Josh: 0 to 1 Tucker, William: 0 to 1 Wathes, Georgina: 0 to 1 Weston, Harry: 0 to 1 Wightman, Chris: 0 to 1
Moving to zero Corrick, Stephen: (CV) to 0 Herbst, Michael: 1 to 0 Houston, Michael: CV to 0 Manduca, Sarah: CV to 0 van den Bergh, Robert: 0 to (0)
Moving to minus one Addison, Georgia: 0 to -1 Alderman, Livi: 0 to -1 Asquith, Jo: 0 to -1 Banks, Melanie: 0 to -1 Barlow, William: 0 to -1 Barnes, Christian: 0 to -1 Batty, Vicky: 0 to -1 Baughan, Linda: 0 to -1 Baughan, Russell: 0 to -1 Bearpark, Tim: 0 to -1 Brin, Russel: 0 to -1 Brough, Ralph: 0 to -1 Brown, Jenny: 0 to -1 Caddy, Sean: 0 to -1 Cashinella, Damien: 0 to -1 Chandler, Steve: 0 to -1 Coats, Peter: 0 to -1 Coid, Thomas: 0 to -1 Colvert, Graham: 0 to -1 Cork, Marcus: 0 to -1 Cowan, Lucie: 0 to -1 Dickinson, Diana: 0 to -1 Dowie, Antonia: 0 to -1 Edmondson, Amelia: 0 to -1 Fairbank, Samantha: 0 to -1 Fear, Reginald: 0 to -1 Gibbons, Kate: 0 to -1 Graham, Beth: 0 to -1 Graham, Roddy: 0 to -1 Gray, Duane: 0 to -1 Greenshields, Damian: 0 to -1 Gwynn-Jones, Eleisha: 0 to -1 Hargreaves, Sarah: 0 to -1 Hawes, Mandy: 0 to -1 Haycock, Kerry: 0 to -1 Haycox, Jenny: 0 to -1 Hoey, Derville: 0 to -1 Hutchings, Harry: 0 to -1 Johnston, Susi: 0 to -1 Jones, Hazel: 0 to -1 Jones, Richard: 0 to -1 Keeling, Caroline: 0 to -1
Knight, Lauren: 0 to -1 Lawler, Marcus: 0 to -1 Longmore, Hannah: 0 to -1 McAlister-Martin, Richard: 0 to -1 McEwan, Sarah-Jane: 0 to -1 McIntosh, Sheila: 0 to -1 Mikkelsen, Claus: 0 to -1 Monahan, Elaine: 0 to -1 Morton, Earl of: 0 to -1 Mulgrove, Sophie: 0 to -1 Nagle, Wendy: 0 to -1 Naylor, Virginia: 0 to -1 Nicholls, Harriet: 0 to -1 Northgraves, Melanie: 0 to -1 Phillips, David: 0 to -1 Randall-Coath, Mia: 0 to -1 Rickard, Mike: 0 to -1 Robinson, Hayley: 0 to -1 Sanders, Brent: 0 to -1 Sheen, Marie: 0 to -1 Simpson, Chloe: 0 to -1 Tait, Elaine: 0 to -1 Thomas, Clare: 0 to -1 Thomas, Marie-Clare: 0 to -1 Tompkins, Sophie: 0 to -1 Vivian, Kathy: 0 to -1 von Barloewen, Daniel: 0 to -1 Wathes, David: 0 to -1 Watson, Todd: 0 to -1 Williams Gray, Victoria: 0 to -1 Wood, Antony: 0 to -1 Young, Amy: 0 to -1
Moving to NR Glock, Marcello: CV to NR Sarah Wiseman, below, has moved up from three to four goals in the arena
Polo Times, May 2012 89
20/4/12 18:17:17
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20/4/12 12:36:42
Advertising
Polo directory
Located in the heart of the New Zealand Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and experienced players alike, together with an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience. Chukkas, matches and tournaments at the famous Waimai Club plus farm chukkas trekking and beach rides. Holidays tailored to suite your requirements.
Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts – NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts – UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts – UK 07514433033 email – amberwood@farmside.co.nz
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Polo Times, May 2012 91
20/4/12 18:24:54
Polo directory
Advertising
Rob Cudmore England Coach, 2 HPA Instructors • 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
Exclusive Offer! £10 off Polo boots Quote on ordering: POLO1
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Stunning Spanish leather Polo boots! £265 Made to measure option available* *Exclusive offer discount not available on made to measure
thespanishbootcompany.co.uk
92 Polo Times, May 2012
PT p90-97 Polo directory and Classified.indd 4
0845 313 8167
Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007
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20/4/12 12:34:55
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Polo directory
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Polo Times, May 2012 93
20/4/12 12:37:31
Polo directory
Advertising
Polo Arena Construction
C O N T R A C T O R S
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Manege Construction Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks Equestrian & Stock Fencing Roads & Tracks Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs Special Projects
for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.co.uk
94 Polo Times, May 2012
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Polo directory
Scania Polo Horsebox HGV Sept. 1998 Reg.
Front & Rear Air Suspension with drawbar. Very clean tidy cab. New body conversion by Tristar Jan. 2007 which will carry up to 9 horses. Interior lighting. Rubber matting and Kickboards with large lined & carpeted tackroom with rear twin lockers. Recently serviced and MOT April 2013.
07779 581518 01628 670500
Executive helicopter charter service Heli Air can make your day at a polo match an even more memorable experience. Fly by helicopter to the events of your choice, from wherever you live or are staying, on the day with speed and comfort.
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Private Yard Ideal for Polo Available a.s.a.p for sole use in Binfield, Berkshire
Contact Annie Lindquist: 07920 047989 annie@annielindquist.com
TRISTARHHH Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes
This revolutionary horsebox is designed to achieve a payload of approximately 3 tons – which means you can legally carry:
IDEAL TRANSPORT FOR POLO TEAM
New 9 horse transport with large tack locker, water tank, storage lockers, electric fans, night lights, mounted on scania 300hp, sleeper cab, year 2002, air suspension front and rear, on low profile tyres, tax and tested, draw bar coupling. £35,000 +Vat Sold together or separate with new 9 horse trailer to match,storage lockers, water tank, electric fans, mounted on 2004 sdc 18 ton trailer, air suspension, to be painted to match scania or colour of your choice, £20,000+vat Other lorries available.
www.warrenclarke.com warren@warrenclarke.com 01257793762 / 07802399233
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.
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 www.polotimes.co.uk
2005 MAN TGA 18.350 9 Horse full spec. Air suspension with drawbar trailer to carry 7 horses.
2006 MAN 12 ton Carry 8 Horses, Twin Sleeper, Air Suspension 210 Engine, With London Low Emission Zone
2003 MERCEDES 1823L 10 horse, tack lockers, on air. Choice of VOLVO, IVECO’S
2004 DAF TRUCKS FA LF55.180, 7 Horse, 8 Ponies/ Cobs, with new alloy body On Air, Sold with 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 FINANCE AVAILABLE Polo Times, May 2012 95
Polo directory
Classifieds
Ponies PLAYING STRING FOR SALE Pro giving up, a selection of horses from fantastic machines to quiet easy caring horses! £2,000 to £15,000. Tel: 07816 257532 STEADY POLO PONY FOR SALE Davina is a good natured pony who is fun on the field and played by my husband in tournaments at Ham. I use her for gentle polo and even hacked her when pregnant as she is very safe indeed! She is 14 and so would be a safe pony for someone looking to improve their polo. She is 15.3hh so is a good size. Ham Polo Club. £4,500 Tel: 07932 622988 EASY IN EVERY WAY 15.1hh mare, comfortable, quiet perfect pony, would suit a child beginner to a 0 goal man, lovely hitting platform, good legs, knows and loves her job, takes you to the ball, £4,250 complete with all tack etc. ALSO quiet, fast and very handy 15.2hh TB mare, will do anything you ask her to. She has a very fast turn and very great stop. I have taught complete beginners to play on her and then played her in the 15 goal. She would suit a novice up to a 3 goal pro, a must try! No vices. £5,000 ono Tel: 07816 257532 FANTASTIC ANIMAL Easy, very fast, very agile, 7 year old, 15.2hh quiet chestnut mare, she turns very well, stops very nicely, all round lovely horse. She is a little star. Would suit a beginner or a pro. A must try! No vices £12,000 ono. Tel: 07816 257532 STUNNING ARGENTINE GELDING - 9 YEARS OLD 14.3hh, 9 year old Argentine gelding. Played up to 8-goal, with -2 player and 1 goaler. Good double chukka pony, very safe and sound. Ready to try in April. Very sad sale, cutting down string. Herts/Beds. £7,000 ono. Tel: 07961 848083 HANDSOME 10 YEAR OLD 15.2HH BAY GELDING FOR SALE Very Handsome boy, behaves perfectly in every situation. Would suit beginner. Plays arena and grass up to 6-goal. 100% sound. Will Vet. Wind sucks occasionally but 100% in every way. Fit and ready to try now. Fifield. £6,500. Contact Debbie, 07881 823527 TWO QUALITY ARGENTINE MARES Appaloosa 15.1hh. 9years old. Fast and easy Argentine mare, 100% sound/vet. Nice looking and powerful, suit any level polo. Bay mare quality 15.2hh. 12 years old. Very easy and fast, suit any rider at any level, played by beginner and 4-goal player. Both in and can be viewed now. Windsor. £4,500 - £8,000. Tel: 07802 835105
96 Polo Times, May 2012
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TWO POLO PONIES - OWNER GIVING UP Awesome little pony, 14hh Argentine TB bay mare, 10 years old. Extremely handy, very fast, perfect for small lady or ambitious PC player. Coloured 13 year old Criollo gelding, easy and kind. Godalming, Surrey. £8,000 and £3,000. Tel: 07005 970156 BIG SOLID POWERFUL ARGENTINE CHESTNUT GELDING 15.3hh 10 year old, Big solid powerful horse, wins every ride off, fast with handle, clean limbed no vices, hacks out alone, for sale as overstocked. Fit & ready to try on private outside ground in Oxfordshire. £6,500. Tel: 07979 494553 FOUR YEAR OLD BAT TB PLAYING FARM CHUKKAS Very well bred bay TB mare, by Stardan (IRE) out of Macs Diamond (IRE). Stick and balls well, neck reins, played steady farm chukkas last year. No vices, stunning confirmation, great nature. Ready for more. Oxfordshire. £3,250. Tel: 07800 517869 14.1HH APPALOOSA MARE 14.1HH, Argentina Appaloosa mare. 13 years old, Played Pony Club, SUPA and Low Goal. Very nippy, gutsy and determined pony. Would suit young, up and coming player. Easy to shoe, clip, box etc. Gloucestershire. £4,500. Please call 07912 516132 or 07808 931325 14.3HH AMAZING ARGENTINE GELDING 10 YEARS OLD Amazing pony, plays two chukkas, so much handle, great ride off. Played all the low goal for the last 4 years. If you want the advantage. Cirencester. £4,500. Call me 07767 477207 THREE TOP CLASS THOROUGHBRED MARES ready to try on grass or arena at Sussex. Ages 7-13 years. Priced to sell £4,000 - £6,000. First to try will buy. Sussex Polo Club. Please call for more details and photos 01342 714920 EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED compact 15.1hh 7 year old mare out of RECTOR. Ready to play grass or arena @ Sussex. Powerful, fast & agile. £9,000 OVNO. Sussex Polo Club. Tel: 01342 714920 SCHOOLMISTRESS 12 year old compact 15hh ideal ladies first pony. Gently forward going, never puts a foot wrong. Played Young England – now it’s time for a quieter life. Loving home essential for this special lady. £5,000. Sussex Polo Club Tel: 07747 020808. SMART BAY CHILEAN POLO PONY 7 YEARS OLD brought on slowly. Played low-goal last season but low mileage, clean legs, easy ride. Nice uncomplicated lady, approx 15 3hh. West Sussex. £5,500. Tel: 01798 875702 TWO GENUINE SCHOOLMISTRESSES - SUIT PONY CLUB/UNI/CLUB PONY (NEW JOB FORCES SALE) Dorita: 15hh. Knows her game, light mouth and very easy. 14 years old. £3,500. Annie: 15.2hh. Her game defies her age, she will adapt her pace to whatever level. Very sweet natured. 20 years old. £1,500. Both 100% sound. Tel: 07809 296014
GREAT FIRST PONY PLAYED UP TO SIX GOAL Kind, easy, handy dark bay Argentine mare. 14.2hh, 9 years old. Suit pony club or small patron. Playing fit and ready to try anytime. No vices. Can double chukka. Edgeworth, Glos. £6,500. Tel: 07909 615252 BEGINNER/PONY CLUB Black gelding 11 years old played up to 12 goal really easy and comfortable. Grey mare Argentine quick played pony club. Chestnut mare, really easy, played pony club, suit nervous rider hacks alone. Sussex. £6,000, £1,500, £1,500. Tel: 07771 967429 or 07766 732952 YOUNG HORSE FOR SALE - RISING 6 YEAR OLD TB Scopey and powerful TB mare, 15.2hh. Good to do and calm to ride, has hunted and played arena, plus 1 season outside with pro. Needs a good rider to bring her on as still green. Recently passed a full vetting. Near Reading at private yard. £3,500 ono (keen to sell pre season) Call 07743 963247 /or email edwardjonkler@gmail.com RE-TRAINED RACE HORSE 7 YEARS OLD 15.2hh bay mare kind nature, very fast, last year played chukkas and low goal tournaments, now ready to go on to an experienced home. Banbury. £3,500. Tel: 07740 774158 Transport VEHICLE FOR SALE Carries up to six (it currently has three partitions). Rubber mats. Drives amazingly well. Plated until June 2012. New engine less than 25,000 miles ago. Fully serviced. Needs to go make room for the new one!! £4,995 ono. Tel: 07775 511555 or email workland3@gmail.com N REG (1995) VOLVO HORSE LORRY 8-speed split gear box. Air con, power steering, CCTV to horse compartment, twin bunks in cab, air suspension. Partitioned for 12 horses (metal/ wood with rubber skirts). Rubber lined floor throughout. Comfortable ride for both people and horses. Gloucestershire. £18,000 ono. Please contact Karen on 01793 648603. N REG (´95 ) FORD IVECO 7.5 TON MOT 2013, tax till Sept. 6 speed, two new batts, tyres nearly new. Carries 5/6 horses. Rubber floor. Very good condition. Maintenance record. Very clean and tidy. Berkshire. £5,600. Tel: 07900 336098 MERCEDES 814 7.5 TON 1997 Partitions for seven. MOT April 2013, taxed. Solid floor, rubber mats, aluminium sides fully lined, lights, roof vents. Large tack locker, water tank. Two new batteries isolator switch, immobiliser. Well maintained, FSH very reliable owned for 7 years. Berks/Suffolk. £6,250 ono. Tel: 07788 718095 or email lynnperry82@hotmail.com SCANIA POLO HORSEBOX HGV Sept. 1998 Reg. Front and rear air suspension with drawbar. Very clean tidy cab. New body conversion by Tristar Jan. 2007 which will carry up to nine horses. Interior lighting. Rubber matting and Kickboards with large lined and carpeted tackroom with rear twin lockers. Recently serviced and MOT April 2013. Tel: 07779 581518 /01628 670500
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Listings Situations GROOM required for polo ponies. Must be able to drive non-HGV lorry (failing that pull trailer) and ride jumpy horses. Apr-Sep. Scottish Borders. £6.08 per hour. Tel: 01890 840777 POLO / RACING GROOM Mark Johnston Racing Ltd requires a full time Groom / Rider for polo ponies alongside racehorse duties. The successful candidate must have good schooling ability, polo experience and be able to provide references. Experience in a racing yard and an HGV licence is beneficial but not essential. Excellent salary and bonuses for the successful candidate. Accommodation available. TO APPLY: email your CV to: michael@ markjohnstonracing.com (or) send your CV and covering letter to Michael Flory, Mark Johnston Racing Ltd, Kingsley House, Middleham, North Yorkshire. DL8 4PH 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 POLO SADDLES, STICKS, TACK ETC FOR SALE/WANTED Polo saddles for sale from £50 to £300, sticks from £35, also tack, bridles, boots and accessories available. Used polo equipment also bought for cash. Please visit www.poloexchange.co.uk or email contact@ poloexchange.co.uk or Tel 07909 965940 ADVERTISE ON A BOOT JACK Affordable, Effective. Different. Reach your target audience today! Find out how at www.giveittheboot.com or call 07503 876573 POLO SADDLE SET AND TWO BRIDLES FOR SALE Pampeano Argentine leather saddle with suede seat, over and under girth, stirrups and leathers, breastplate. Used for one season. Selling as pregnant so unable to play. See http://www.pampeano.co.uk/polo-equipment/ complete-polo-saddle. £450. Also selling two complete Pampeano bridles for £150 each. Ham Polo Club Tel: 07932 622988 Designed by www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk Printed by The Manson Group Contact details Holbrook Farm, East End, North Leigh, Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk
Advertisers in May 2012 Akuma Polo 0844 488 9002 www.akumapolo.com New Zealand Polo Holidays 0772 191 9465 amberwood@farmside.co.nz
Polo Bloodstock Agency 07855 742909 www.polobloodstockagency. com Heli Air Wellesbourne 01789 470476 www.heliair.com
Asprey Polo 44 (0) 20 7493 6767 www.aspreypolo.com
Holmes Travel 01473 610666 www.holmestravel.co.uk
Asthall Farm Polo Club 01367 860207 www.asthallfarm.co.uk
Hurlingham Polo Association 01367 242 828 www.hpa-polo.co.uk
Audi www.audi.co.uk Baileys Horse Feeds 01371 850 247 www.baileyshorsefeeds. co.uk Berney Brothers Saddlery 353 (0)45 481228 www.berneybrossaddles.com Casablanca Polo 07710 073 910 www.casablancapolo.com Cowdray Park Polo Club 01730 813257 www.cowdraypolo.co.uk Druids Lodge Polo Club 01722 782 597 www.druidspolo.co.uk Edgeworth Polo Club 01285 821 695 www.edgeworthpoloclub. co.uk Equine Logistics Company 01798 867 301 www.equine-logisticscompany.com
IG Index 0800 195 3100 www.igindex.co.uk Images of Polo 01273 834159 www.imagesofpolo.com Jackson-Stops & Staff www.jackson-stops.co.uk Jaeger Le Coultre 0203 107 1833 www.jaeger-lecoultre.com Jeremy Curling Fencing Company 01483 894 888 jeremy@jcfc.co.uk Julius Baer & Co Ltd www.juliusbaer.com Jumping Jack Flash 01803 844833 www.jumpingjackflash.co.uk Kates Art 07887 678421 www.katesart.com
Equine Management Ltd 01825 841 303 www.worldwidetack.com
Kestrel Contractors Ltd 01256 880488 www.kestrel contractors.co.uk
Far and Ride Horse Riding 0845 00 66 552 www.farandride.com
Longdole Polo Club 01452 864544 www.longdolepolo.com
Contributors to the magazine – May 2012 Jo Beim, Adam Caller, Alejandro Comero, James de Mountfort, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, Luigi Ferrarese, Siobhan Herbst, Theresa Hodges, John Leicester, Amy Lodowski, Rege Ludwig, Sarah Martin, Clare Milford Haven, Jamie Peel, Herbert Spencer, Carlie Trotter
www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2012 and Database Right 2012 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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PT p90-97 Polo directory and Classified.indd 9
Polo directory
Intern Amy Lodowski
Lycetts Limited 01672 512512 www.lycetts.co.uk Major Equipment Ltd 01524 850501 www.major-equipment.com Martin Collins 01488 71100 www.mceltd.com Nicholson Machinery Ltd 01366 377444 www.nicholson-machinery. co.uk Paddock Woods Stallions 07845 328422 www.pwstallions.co.uk Palmita Polo 07793 074748 www.palmitapolo.com Pampeano 0871 200 1272 www.pampeano.co.uk Performance Shoeing International 07896 991489 luigi@psiequine.com PJ’s Bar and Grill 020 7581 0025 www.pjsbarandgrill.co.uk
The Polo Affair www.thepoloaffair.com Shahira Industries +92-52-4566966-67 www.shahiraind.com Spanish Boot Company 0845 3138167 www.thespanish bootcompany.co.uk Sussex Polo Club 01342 714920 www.sussexpolo.co.uk T&S Harker Horse Boxes 01325 332649 www.tandsharke rhorseboxes.co.uk Tally Ho Farm 01344 885373 www.tallyhofarm.co.uk Drom UK 01932 355655 www.dromuk.com The Palm 0207 201 0710 www.thepalm.com
Play Polo 07748 670587 www.playpolo.co.uk
Metropolitan Polo Club +86 22 8372 8888 www.metropolitanpoloclub. com
Polo at Marriners info@poloatmarriners.com www.poloatmarriners.com
TriStar Horseboxes 01570 422250 www.tristarhorseboxes.co.uk
Polo Escape +66 818 389 322 www.poloescape.com Polo Gear USA +1 561 795 1719 www.pologearusa.com Polo Permits 01798 869496 www.polopermits.com SATS 01285 841542 www.satsfaction.com
Tutors International 01865 435135 www.tutors-international. com Warren Clarke Horseboxes 01257 793762 www.warrenclarke.com Wood Mallets +64 6856 8119 www.woodmallets.com
Subscriptions UK: £55 for one year – £99 for two years Europe: £65 for one year – £115 for two years Rest of the World: £75 for one year – £135 for two years
Call Sarah Foster on +44 (0)1993 886885 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, May 2012 97
20/4/12 18:26:48
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
One-goal England international Lucy Taylor’s...
Passions
Georgie May speaks to the talented Cheshire-based female player about her tournament highlights, her 1980s music collection and her polo crush growing up
What is your favourite polo memory? Winning the Holden White at Cowdray in 2008 with Diamonds International, with Nina Clarkin, Tamara Vestey and Emma Tomlinson. We were the first all-girls team to win. I felt very much involved in the team’s success – in comparison to the Gerald Balding final in 2007 where it would have been better if I had stayed in the pony lines!
Photograph of Lucy by Matt Darwin
Best teammate? Either Grant Collett, Martin Rodriguez, Nina Clarkin or Jonny Coddington – they all work their socks off, seemingly have no fear and pass to their teammates at every opportunity. Hardest opponent? James Harper. I don’t think I have ever been on a team that has beaten him. His reactions are so quick and he’s a great player. Is it just me or was he underrated for a very long time? What is your favourite polo venue and why? Cowdray’s Lawns one and two. The surface is consistent and I know the horses are happy to run there. It’s a shame it’s so far away from where I live. And your favourite polo tournament? The Cheshire Tour in Barbados because its so much fun! Cheshire’s new chairman is really keen to get the social side of the club going again and
this year we had about 60 supporters out in Barbados for the seven-day tour, which was brilliant. I usually go out for about six weeks.
Who first taught you to play polo? In the early days my dad taught me but, in all honesty, I pretty much knew nothing tactically until 2008/2009 when the Tomlinsons helped me out and explained everything to me. If you could change one thing about polo, what would it be? The cost! This would give everyone an equal opportunity. What would you do if you didn’t play polo? A party/event organiser as that’s what I used to do before polo took over my life! What was the first single you ever bought? I used to spend all my pocket money on singles from Woolworths. They were records too, not even tapes. I still have them all in the cellar: Wham, (Wake me up before you go-go); Madonna (Into the groove); A-ha; Pet Shop Boys; Michael Jackson. What is your favourite pastime outside polo? Other than music, I love to sleep! But once I feel organised and have had enough sleep my favourite pastime is socialising with my friends. Although I think I will have more time for this when I play less polo!
Who was your biggest crush growing up? I had a few crushes at school but I am guessing you would like me to embarrass myself within the polo world and I laugh about it now! My polo crush was Peter Webb when I was 15 and, unfortunately, although I recovered from this by the time I was 17, the rest of the Cheshire Pony Club polo teams teased me about it until I was about 22. I can see Julian Camm, my brother, Ollie, and James Rollinson as they were in 1992 sniggering away! What is your favourite film? More recently, The Lincoln Lawyer, but Shrek is a classic. What is your most prized possession? My geldings – Dublin, who I bred myself, and Hollywood, who I bought from New Zealand. Hollywood’s very talented – I should sell him really, as he could easily do high goal, but I’m a bit of an idiot when it comes to those things! But everyone needs a good horse in their string. Who was your childhood hero? Bruce Willis. I used to love watching him in Moonlighting when I was younger. What is your guilty pleasure? Sushi Describe yourself in three words Ask someone else!
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