Polo Times Oct16

Volume 21 • Issue 9 • October 2016 • £6.50

JAMES HARPER INTERVIEW His Coronation Cup Debut & More GOLDEN SOTOGRANDE High, Medium & Low Goal POLO HOLIDAYS PLUS: Victor Ludorum Update & CBC Arena Polo World Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

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of the

Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

October 2016

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

28

Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

39

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Martin Perez, Kate Scurfield, Russell Parker BVSc. MSc. DECVS MRCVS, David Woodd

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016

Military Polo 24 News 6 12 14

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 16 17

Your Views: Letters Property Focus

Features 21

24

28

30

A Review of the UK Season: Highs and Lows of British Summer Polo Cover Story: Interview: James Harper RoR Racing to Polo Challenge: Ponies Cashing In Cover Story: Polo Holidays

Reports

36 Cover Story: CBC Sport Arena

Polo World Cup Azerbaijan 2016 39 Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Round-Up 44 Cover Story: Sotogrande Season Round-Up

Club Focus 47 Your Club News from Home

and Abroad

Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Cover photograph: Action from the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan 2016. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Women’s Polo 53 53

Youth Polo 56

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Polo Times, October 2016

5 Minutes With… Izzy McGregor A Round-Up of Women’s Polo All Aspects of Youth Polo

59

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Knowledge

61 Pony Power: Polo Times Best

Playing Pony Series 66 Bit Focus: Tongue Conformation 67 Stables 68 Vet Insight: Head Injuries 72 Know Your Game: Playing Tips

with Rege Ludwig 70 Fitness for Polo: The Cool Down

Sidelines 74

75

Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory: 85 86

What’s On in October?

Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell: 88

Passions: Max Hutchinson

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P O LO’S O RI G INAL SUPP O RT ER S , A N D M A S T E R S I N O U R F I E L D S I N C E 174 9 .

See all the leading events we’re sponsoring this season.

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fromthe thePublisher Editor from

News

As we go to press, the 2016 summer season has already begun to wind down, bringing with it the flurry of end of season parties, tack cleaning and battening down the hatches for the onset of winter. In this issue, we have worked hard to bring you a veritable treasure chest of polo action – from interviews with Coronation Cup star James Harper, to the cashing in at RoR Racing to Polo Challenge, plus all the regular faces.

On top of all this, we report from clubs across the country to find out just how their 2016 season has progressed, especially with the introduction of the new umpiring changes.

Turn to our Season Review to get the inside track and to find out more.

In many ways, this season has been the gift that keeps on giving with teams battling it out constantly all summer to be crowned Champions – and as the 2016 Victor Ludorum series nears its culmination, our round-up comprehensively spotlights the winner of each series. However, at the time of going to press, The Autumn League was still to be played, so you’ll have to watch this space for the 12 goal champions.

With polo taking many Brit-based players to the furthest corners of the globe, this issue also includes the latest from the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup in Azerbaijan – which saw the St Moritz organisers bringing their Swiss-chic, glitz and glamour to Baku. With tough, hot and intense polo, Richard Fagan’s Bogner side continued the luck of the Irish and took home the trophy. Continuing on this tack, we also report on Ireland’s win in the 2016 FIP European Championships, the Final of which was played in Maifeld, Berlin, the historic Olympic Stadium – where polo was last played as an Olympic sport in 1936.

Looking back, we round-up the success of the Brunei and Dubai polo teams in Sotogrande, which saw Brunei make a super strong comeback to the sport, with a trio of wins in the Casa de Campo Silver Cup, Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup and Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup. As if that wasn’t enough, with the end of summer upon us and the warmth retreating for another year, we have the perfect places to soothe your polo passion featured in our Polo Holiday section. So get comfy, sit back, and prepare to look back over another epic polo season.

Polo Pastures Partners Up

Photograph by Amélie Bés

Photograph by Sarah Tallants

POLO PASTURES HAVE announced that Total Equestrian in Beenham have now become their official supplier of all things equestrian.

They will supply Polo Pastures with feed and yard items and for all orders received, Polo Pastures will also receive a monthly discount, which means they will be able to buy even more feed at a reduced rate. If you would like to donate some feed, or a bucket or anything that you feel would help, then please contact Total Equestrian either by telephoning 01189 714554 or by emailing them (info@ totalequestrian.co.uk) Sarah Tallants has also received another excellent piece of news last Poo picking at Polo Pastures will be much easier thanks to this donation week; Sarah said, “Running Polo Pastures is a gift in itself each and every day, but just occasionally I am blown away by the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Today we received the most amazing, wonderful and generous donation of a mechanical poo collecter by the most amazing family. Anyone who has horses and lots of land will understand the significance of how important this will be to us and the ponies. I really cannot thank you all enough, Tom Harris, Tracey Harris and Harry Frampton you made my day.”

Action in front of the dramatic Alpine backdrop

Gstaad Glory

ON SUNDAY 21 August the picturesque Gstaad-Saanen Airfield became the stage for the final day of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Gstaad. The packed crowds were treated to a gripping Final, which saw Shilai Liu’s Team Hublot claim the coveted trophy with a score of 6½-6.

Nico Lopez Fuentes who played for Team Banque Eric Sturdza was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award and Cocinera who was part of the string for Team Hublot won the Best Playing Pony Award.

Tally Ho Groom of the Month

THE TALLY HO Groom of the Month for July went to Rachael Kearney for her tireless efforts in turning out ponies for Charlie Holley to an exceptional standard. Congratulations Rachael!

Nick Hine, Publisher 6

Polo Times, October 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

News Guards Host APSPH AGM Photograph courtesy of the Power of Polo

The Power of Polo participants and supporters at HPC, The London Polo Club

Powerful Polo

POWER OF POLO completed a successful day at HPC, The London Polo Club with partner Ebony Horse Club on Sunday 11 September. In a nail-biting two chukkas, the Power of Polo team captained by Ronnie won the day with two goals scored by Kelsey. Ebony team Captain Jordi scored a beautiful penalty, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Power of Polo.

If you would like to support the charity please visit powerofpolo.org.uk

GUARDS POLO CLUB will be hosting the forthcoming Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers Annual General Meeting on Monday 3 October. The meeting will begin at 11am and members and prospective members are welcome to attend. If you would like to go please email the APSPH (enquiries@apsphpolo.org.uk). The meeting will include a review of 2015 as well as short talks about first aid and legal lorries. Free worm egg count kits from Westgate Labs will also be handed out at the meeting. Members who are unable to attend will receive digital minutes after the event.

SUSSEX POLO CLUB patron, The Revd Doug Ross, participates with parishioners from Christ The King (Salfords) as they walk, bicycle and hack as part of the Church of England’s annual sponsored Ride & Stride event. The team stopped at Christ Church on Brockham Green in Surrey to take this photo while others from all over England walked or cycled between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside whilst raising money. The funds will help save historic churches, chapels and meeting houses for future generations by helping to fund urgent repairs and the installation of modern facilities. As far as we know Father Doug is the only polo playing vicar in the south, but we could be wrong!

Photograph courtesy of The Revd Doug Ross

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Ride & Stride participants

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7

News Handicap Ups and Downs

Photograph by Polo Times

THE HPA HAVE released the remaining list of Victor Ludorum handicap changes following their meeting on Tuesday 23 August. There have been 57 changes to handicaps with the majority of the higher handicap players seeing drops in their handicaps, whilst the young up-andcoming players have seen a flourish of upgrades.

Marcos Di Paola has gone from 8 to 7, whilst Jack Baillieu and Michel del Carril have dropped from 7 to 6.

Five 6 goalers have now become 5 goalers, including arena polo officianado Chris Hyde and the injured Tom Morley.

Former England Player Henry Brett now heads up the 4 goaler group with Oli Hipwood and Ed Hitchman also joining him, and his former England teammate Roddy Williams has gone down to 3 goals. There are only 10 players above 2 goals that have gone up in this year’s end of season list, this includes Jack Berner who is now on 3 goals, Juan Cruz Merlos has gone to 5 goals and Miguel Ayala, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player at the Tally Ho Polo Festival has gone up to 4 goals, as has JJ de Alba, and top HPA umpire Tim Bown has gone to 2.

The youngsters have seen the biggest shake-up, which will fuel the fire for the plans for all the high goal teams looking for a specific handicapped player for the 2017 English season. All three of the Cork brothers have gone up with Josh and Ollie now on 2 goals with youngest brother Marcus now on 1. Henry Porter, who has taken Sotogrande by storm also joins the brothers on 2 goals as does Tommy Severn and Guy Schwarzenbach. It doesn’t stop there, brothers Emil and Joe Arber have also gone up. Charles Cooney, James McCarthy, Hugo Taylor, Luke Wiles, Nico de Poligny, Terence Lent and Max Dear are all strong future contendors as they are now all 1 goalers. Rising ladies’ polo stars Lottie Lamacraft and Emma Boers have seen their hard work this season pay off as both girls have gone to 1 goals, a great end to the season. To read the complete list of changes turn to our HPA News page.

2016 Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz winners, Maserati

Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2017

THE FROZEN LAKE of St Moritz may feel like a long way off yet, but there is just five months to go until the 33rd edition of the tournament begins on 27 January 2017, so it’s time to pencil the date into your winter diary! The Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz is truly unlike any other polo event as the venue is the birthplace of snow polo, with the first tournament taking place on the frozen lake back in 1985. The glamorous crowds will gather over three days from 27 – 29 January in the super chic town nestled amongst the Engadin Valley. For the 2017 tournament, it has been confirmed that Rommy Gianni will be returning to defend last year’s title, with Melissa Ganzi, Richard Fagan and Joevy Beh competing to take home the Cartier Trophy. With Polo Times as official media partners, we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates, action and gossip from the Swiss Alps.

FIP Umpire Update

THE ROAYL MALAYSIAN Polo Association will be hosting National Association representatives for a FIP International Umpire’s Seminar to be held in Kuala Lumpur, from September 29 – 2 October 2016.

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Polo Times, October 2016

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News Be Prepared Before Sycamore Trees Shed

These are often confused with signs of colic. If you are at all worried you should call your vet as soon as Sycamore seeds have begun to fall already this Autumn possible.

The survival rates are thought to be at less than 25%, unless an early diagnosis is made. The Animal Health Trust and Irish Equine Centre are working together with the Université de Liège to extend understanding of the condition after such a dramatic rise in cases.

Prevention of the disease requires restricting horses from gaining access to sycamore seeds. To help prevent this condition make sure to: • Avoid using pasture with sycamore, maple and box elder trees • Fencing off areas where seeds/leaves have fallen • Reduce stocking densities down to ensure that there is enough grazing • Supplementing the pasture with extra forage

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Photograph by Chris Adkins

Clinical signs to look out for: • Weakness • Muscle tremors • Pain • Lethargy • Reluctance to walk • Recumbancy (lying down with difficultly standing) • Discoloured urine (brown-red) • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Photograph by Polo Times

IT WON’T BE long before Sycamore trees around the country begin to shed en masse as Autumn is fast approaching. Seeing the classic ‘helicopter’ seeds on the road reminded us that the threat of Atypical Myopathy is greatly increased at this time of year. Polo Times first highlighted the issue in the November/December 2014 issue.

Atypical Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease, most commonly seen in young horses out to graze in Autumn and Spring, in both the UK and Northern Europe. It causes severe damage to muscles, affecting postural and respiratory muscles.

Ben with his new Edition hat

Happy With His Hat

EARLIER THIS YEAR Polo Times in conjunction with Edition and Tally Ho Farm ran a competition for subscribers to win a bespoke Edition polo hat. The hat conforms to the new safety standards that are being brought in by the HPA in January 2018 so our lucky winner Ben Evans will not only look great, but be safe! Last week Ben popped into Tally Ho Farm to collect his very bright new hat, complete with his initials.

Congratulations Ben!

Polo Times, October 2016

9

News Prize Winning Ponies & Players

Photograph courtesy of Alice Gipps

Alice Gipps Professional photographer Alice Gipps won The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award at the Ranelagh Farm Polo Club’s Ladies’ Tournament on Sunday 21 August.

Belle Andrew Hine’s eight-yearold English Thoroughbred won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the Chairman’s Cup at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 11 September. She was bought from Milo Manton and Alex Webb played her in the third chukka.

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Polo Times, October 2016

Photograph by Tara Smith

Photograph by Thom Bell

Ned Hine The youngest player on the winning team Northwood in the Chairman’s Cup at Guards Polo Club Ned Hine took The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards after helping his team defeat Mad Dogs 7½-5 in the Final.

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

Poppy Owned and played by Ali Munnoch won the Polo Times Best Playing pony at the Bentley Cup at Perth & Kinross Polo Club. Poppy is a coloured mare that had previously been on the hiring circuit with Glynn Henderson, and much admired especially by the Polo Times crew at the SUPA University Nationals Arena Tournament last year, she was bought

by Ali earlier this year. Ali was playing for Edinburgh in the tournament and Thom Bell, Polo manager for the Club said, “Poppy has transformed her game.”

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

THE 2016 season’s The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award series are well underway with rugs and kitbags of goodies being handed out across the country to well deserved players and ponies.

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards include an RJ Polo kit bag plus plenty of The Polo Magazine merchandise, The Polo Magazine subscription, a Tally Ho jacket, a bottle of British Polo Gin (for the over 18s – sorry kids!), and dinner for two at PJ’s Bar and Grill.

Jack Berner Was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player in the Autumn Nations Cup at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 11 September. Jack, who started playing at Kirtlington Park Polo Club, played for Four Quarters Orange who just missed out on the trophy to BHC in the Final.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards & Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards

Bryony Taylor The Laurent-Perrier Women’s National Tournament was won by Profit and one of their team players Bryony picked up The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award.

To read more about these ladies’ tournaments, please turn to our Women’s Polo pages. www.polotimes.co.uk

News

Photograph by Molly Derbyshire

equestrian

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Alastair Harvey Not only was it his first tournament but the lucky young player waltzed away with a double whammy, a win for his team and The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award at the Chiltern Polo Club Out of Africa Tournament. To see some social pictures from the event turn to Sidelines.

Annita Van Der Hoeven At the Guards Ladies’ Charity Trophy Annita, who played for Jardine of London won The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. Her team defeated Breast Cancer Haven but lost out on the top title to British Polo Gin.

We have featured a number of Polo Times lucky equine athlete winners in our Pony Power pages, congratulations go to: Sebastian Chialvo’s Clarkson Dayna Weachter’s Oxiana Andrew Blake Thomas’ Betty Sarah Wiseman’s Brahma Juan Britos’ Tsunami James Douglas’ Berty Charlie Cadogan’s Little Billie Lolly Stanhope-White’s Calista To read all about these amazing ponies, and other Best Playing Pony winners turn to page 61 for our Pony Power section.

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Polo Times, October 2016

11

HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Coaching If you would like to attain an HPA Coaching qualification over the winter period please contact the HPA by emailing coaching@ hpa-polo.co.uk More details about the Individual Assessment – Pathway 2 can be found on the HPA website.

Equine Passports Now it is the end of the season, please ensure your equine passports are up to date and registered under the correct owner. All polo ponies with non-HPA passports should be registered with the HPA so that they are covered by the HPA insurance and will be stamped as such on the condition that the change of ownership is updated with the original PIO. For more information go to hpa-polo.co.uk/ponies/passports/ ROR Retraining of Racehorses held its popular event the ‘Racing to Polo Challenge Day’ at RCBPC on Monday 5 September. To read more about the competition turn to page 28.

The Whitbread Trophy – Rutland Polo Club – 17 August Young Scotland defeated Young England, 3 ½-3.

Young Scotland: Angus Rowan-Hamilton, Charlie Cadogan, Freddie Younger & Fiona Campbell Young England: Alexander Cooper, Charlie Townsend, Charlie Tighe & Florence Berner Alan Budgett Trophy – Kirtlington Park Polo Club – 29 August England 21 defeated Kirtlington, 6-3 Kirtlington: Charlie Peagram, Magnus Gilje, Chris Crawford & George Shelton England 21: Robin Ormerod, Lolly Stanhope-White, Thomas Coid & Charlie Hitchman

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Polo Times, October 2016

U18 England vs U18 Ireland – Guards Polo Club – 31 August Wednesday 31 August saw England U18 battle it out against Ireland U18 at Guards Polo Club. Some excellent polo resulted in an extremely tight score of 5 goals to 4½ in favour of England.

Ireland U18: Christabel Horswell (-2), Patrick Robinson (-1), Patrick Lodge (0) & Dominic Lodge (0) England U18: Oscar Luard (0), Tom Townsend (0), Livi Alderman (-1) & Henry Frisby (0)

End of Season Handicap Changes The recommendations for the end of season handicap changes have now been published and you can access them from our website hpa-polo.co.uk Please be aware that they are subject to endorsement by the Stewards on 25 October and will become effective as of 1 January 2017.

Jack Baillieu 7 to 6 Michel del Carril 7 to 6 Satnam Dhillon 6 to 5 Dirk Gould 6 to 5 Juan Cruz Guevara 6 to 5 Chris Hyde 6 to 5 Tom Morley 6 to 5 Henry Brett 5 to 4 Oliver Hipwood 5 to 4 Edward Hitchman 5 to 4 Joevy Beh 4 to 3 Garvy Beh 4 to 3

Dates for HPA Meetings Finance and Grants International Committee Stewards Polo Charity Council

Federico Boudou 4 to 5 Juan Cruz Merlos 4 to 5 Roddy Williams 4 to 3 Miguel Ayala 3 to 4 Tim Bown 3 to 2 Juan Jose de Alba 3 to 4 Tommy Morgan 3 to 2 Federico Gonzalez Bergez 2 to 3 Byron Watson 2 to 3 Dillon Bacon 2 to 1 Jack Berner 2 to 3 Nick Clague 2 to 3 Edward Morris-Lowe 2 to 3 Charlie Walton 2 to 3 Joshua Cork 1 to 2 Ollie Cork 1 to 2 Patrick Ephson 1 to 2 Terence Lent 1 to 2 Thomas Meyrick 1 to 2 Henry Porter 1 to 2 Guy Schwarzenbach 1 to 2 Thomas Severn 1 to 2 Padmanabh Singh 1 to 2 Joe Arber 0 to 1 Emma Boers 0 to 1 Charles Cooney 0 to 1 Marcus Cork 0 to 1 Nicolas de Poligny 0 to 1 Max Dear 0 to 1 Lottie Lamacraft 0 to 1 James McCarthy 0 to 1 Clive Reid 0 to -1 Britt Shaw 0 to -1 Hugo Taylor 0 to 1 Alex Webb 0 to 1 Luke Wiles 0 to 1 Emanuel Arber -1 to 0 Johnny Beck-Brown -1 to 0 Andrey Borodin -1 to 0 Alexei Calvert-Ansari -1 to 0 Segundo Darritchon -1 to 0 Will Harper -1 to 0 Ned Hine -1 to 0 Elio Leoni Sceti -1 to 0

Thursday 20 October 11am Thursday 20 October 2.30pm Tuesday 25 October 10.30am Thursday 17 November 11.30am Thursday 17 November 2.30pm

Cavalry and Guards Club, London Cavalry and Guards Club, London Cavalry and Guards Club, London Cavalry and Guards Club, London Cavalry and Guards Club, London

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Little Big FIP Picture During the FIP European Championships at Maifeld, Berlin at the Olympic Stadium the schedule also included the Tom Tailor Cup, featuring Engel & Voelkers with a family lineup of three brothers Christopher, Thomas and Oliver Winter with Brit Tim Ward who

Following Ireland’s win, Polo Times caught up with Mikey Henderson and Creighton Boyd on how the Championships had gone for them as a team

Creighton Boyd Handicap: 1

Mikey Henderson Handicap: 4

How did the tournament compare to your expectations?

Creighton: I didn’t really have any idea what to expect as this was the first championship I had attended. It was a wonderful experience, great to meet new friends from different countries with a common interest in polo. A special thanks 14

Polo Times, October 2016

played the Subsidiary Final. Tim is pictured here with one of his ponies outside the famous German stadium. He said, “It was an incredible place to play.

My groom Isabel dyed my pony’s mane red as it was her last day at work

where polo was last played as an Olympic sport in the 1936 Olympics.

The next challenge for FIP will be to oversee the play-offs for the FIP World Championship to be played in Sydney in October of 2017. Leading up to this, each of the five zones need to have produced a winner and in the case of the European Zone we will be allowing two finalists. It is intended that the Zone A play-offs will be in Casa de Campo, Zone B in Uruguay, Zone C in Chantilly, Zone D in Thailand (under the auspices of the Malaysian Polo Association) and finally we are hoping to play Zone D in Iran which should add to the international flavour of the tournament.

Finally, work is now building up for the next FIP General Assembly meetings, which will be held in Buenos Aires in December to culminate with the Finals of the Argentine Open and hopefully one or two Ambassadors Cups, as well as the annual FIP Golf Tournament.

has to go out to Moritz Gaedeke and his team who organised the event, they did a brilliant job.

Mikey: The tournament was far more organised that I ever expected, the tournament committee in Germany had worked very hard to make us feel very welcome and their attention to detail was second to none.

Did you get to explore much or was it focused on polo?

Creighton: We were there for 10 days, so we had plenty of downtime between matches.

We visited parts of Berlin and did the tourist things like ‘Checkpoint Charlie’ and the site of where the wall once stood. We got to sample a bit of the nightlife too, with a few

Photograph by Theresa Litzenhof

The XI FIP European Championships held in September in Berlin were a tremendous success and our sincerest thanks must go to the FIP Zone Director Piero Dillier, Chairman of St Moritz Polo Club and to Moritz Gaedeke and Carsten Erfurth and their team for laying on such an excellently organised, well attended and enjoyable Championships. Thanks must also go to FIP’s CEO and his team acting as Tournament Director. England, the past Champions, were regrettably unable to field a team to participate this time around although they have won the European Championships six times out of the past eleven since the trophy’s inception. This time it was Ireland’s turn to take the honours for the first time although they had been worthy runnersup to England in both the 1999 and the 2014 Championships. Led by the HPA Chairman, Stephen Hutchinson who was ably supported by his son Max, Creighton Boyd and with an outstanding Michael Henderson at the back door, the team sailed through to the Final, destroying all the teams in their league to meet a young but very talented French team. Ireland’s teamwork, experience and pony-power secured their convincing victory on the historic Olympic polo field of the Maifeld

social evenings organised for the polo.

Mikey: Creighton (Fenton) Boyd took us around Berlin for a day, however we remained focused on our non-play days, we watched the other matches and kept close watch over our horses who had travelled for 23 hours so needed extra care and attention to perform at their best.

Did you take your own horses?

Creighton: We took our own horses, which was quite a journey. The entire team are based in the Gloucestershire area for the summer season, so we travelled out in convoy. It took 23 hours on the way out, a combination of traffic and road works.

All the horses travelled really well, a great deal of thanks is due to our grooms, Jamie Tuck and his transport team and Fiona Jacob from Tomlinson Vets with her pretransport preparation. www.polotimes.co.uk

FIP News Mikey: I took three of my own, they travelled well despite being stuck in crawling traffic for four hours in the heat, Tayto and Neptune Group managed the transport aspect and their team of grooms and our team manager Martine Rodriguez are exceptional when it comes to horse welfare.

They didn’t miss a trick which was just as well as I was still busy playing over in the UK so had to miss our first team practice in Berlin, meaning I relied heavily on their expertise for which I am very grateful for.

Stephen and Creighton lent me the rest of my horses for the tournament which were all fantastic.... I just need to ‘borrow’ them for the UK 2017 season now!

What was it like playing in the Olympic stadium?

Creighton: Special – there is amazing history to the place. You can’t describe the scale and the design until you are there, it feels a bit like a polo amphitheatre. It’s incredible to think they had 90,000 people there watching polo in 1936.

Mikey: It was an incredible experience, we were very privileged to be playing in

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that atmosphere with so much history and culture surrounding us, all the pitches we played on were immaculate and helped us play good polo.

What was your highlight of the Championships?

Creighton: Seeing Mikey Henderson hit the ball 100 yards over the boards beside the French backline with 30 seconds to go. At this stage I knew we had won and the party could really start!

Mikey: Winning... For me I really enjoy playing for people like the Hutchinsons, they make it all about the enjoyment factor which takes all the pressure off, the results seem to come our way because of it.

How did your team gel?

Creighton: Very well, we really hit the ground running with our first match. We had really good communication on the field and everyone knew what their job was before the match. Martin Rodriguez managed the team well, keeping us focused, he knew when to rev us up or calm us down! I think it was an amazing feat for Stephen and Max

Hutchinson to win it as a father and son on the same team, it must have been very special for them.

Mikey: Really well, I have played for the Hutchinson family for eight years now so we know each other pretty well, I have played against Creighton over the years in the UK and obviously he is a long term family friend of Stephen, so there wasn’t much we don’t know about each other on field.

Who was the hardest opposition and why?

Creighton: Perhaps Germany in the Semi Final, the score really went back and forward and we had to come back from being down twice. They were well mounted, organised, young and very hungry. I think we just had the edge on them and perhaps had more experience of having to grind a result out. I was tired after the match, which generally means I found it tough.

Mikey: It had to be the Germans, they were well organised and had good horse power and being their home tournament they had a lot of support on the side lines.

Polo Times, October 2016

15

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As autumn approaches many enjoy the end of season parties held in Clubhouses up and down the country

Quick Question Recently the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup 2016 was held in Azerbaijan, which is the oldest country recorded for oil drilling. Which year did they start drilling for oil?

A: Turn to page 84 to check your answer.

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INTERVIEW

HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson RULES HARMONISATION

HPA, USPA, FIP &

AAP agree on rules

USPA GOLD CUP MIDLANDS FESTIVAL PLUS: Barbados - The

nson INTERVanIEW Stephen Hutchi

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HPA Chairm ONISATION RULES HARM on rules HPA, USPA, FIP

& AAP agree

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PLUS: Barbados PT May16 Covers.indd

- The Open, Ladies

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INTERVIEW

HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson

16

Polo Times, October 2016

RULES HARMONISATION

HPA, USPA, FIP & AAP agree on rules

USPA GOLD CUP MIDLANDS FESTIVAL

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PLUS: Barbados - The Open, Ladies International & Night Polo PT May16 Covers.indd 1

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Sales & Rental

Property Focus

I

am pleased to report that over the past month agents have reported that the market has gone from strength to strength.

Indications are that there is Brexit defying high demand for top quality equestrian, country and town properties all over the country which is certainly fantastic news.

It does appear that as with the classic car, wine and art market, buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a quality and sound investment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have advertised properties since the launch of the Property Section earlier in the year.

If you would like to advertise your property please do get in touch via your agent or personally, for a private and discreet conversation.

Tel: 01452 730 770/07969 456 214 Email: richard@polotimes.co.uk

For Rent Upp Hall, Braughing, Hertfordshire Detached cottage with stables, menage and grazing land £2250pcm

We are pleased to offer this three bedroom cottage in a rural location on the outskirts of the village of Braughing and part of the stunning Upp Hall Estate. The house is offered unfurnished and with the benefit of replacement windows.

The grounds include: • 8 stables • Menage facility • 5-10 acres of grazing land (flexible) • Tack Room • Feed Store • Purpose built muck heap • Direct off-road hacking • Post and rail fencing • Available now

Please contact Jac Hicks for more information: jac@russellpp.co.uk or 01279 501500 www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, October 2016

17

The most valuable thing you own is time; How will you spend it?

Golf, Polo, Tennis, Luxury Villa Sales and Rentals Family Owned and Operated with 385 years of Barbadian Heritage.

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Sales & Rental

Property Focus

Chiddingfold, Surrey

A superb yard with potential for polo 10 miles from Cowdray

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PERFECT FOR POLO 3 Vineyard Street is a charming two bedroom Grade II listed Cotswold stone cottage located just 300m from Sudeley Castle Gatehouse, in the ancient AngloSaxon town of Winchcombe.

Following a full, yet sympathetic refurbishment in June 2016, the cottage is full of historic charm combined with country chic, plus the rear garden is just perfect for post-polo BBQs and lazy afternoons lounging on the outdoor sofas.

With Gloucestershire polo clubs such as Cirencester (21 miles), Beaufort (35 miles), Edgeworth (20 miles) and Dallas Burston (39 miles) within easy driving distance and polo pooches more than welcome, 3 Vineyard Street is an ideal country retreat.

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Price: £495 per week/ £295 for long weekends Tel: 07792 422209 Email: 3vineyardstreet@gmail.com Web: Owners Direct Property Ref: 6750257

Polo Times, October 2016

19

A Review of the UK Polo Season

Feature

Highs and Lows As the UK polo season draws to a close, Lucy Wilson takes a look at what went right, and what went wrong this season

T

he polo industry is constantly evolving with positions on teams, polo office staff, ponies, patrons and professional players all in a constant state of flux.

Legislations change, authorities get tighter, governing bodies constantly review rules and regulations, which all add to the drama during the summer season as the international circuit comes to town. The subjects of debate amongst our community never really change, but perhaps now more than ever certain elements are under greater scrutiny as the growth of the sport seems to fluctuate. We contacted a number of clubs and officials, a few of which responded with their thoughts and statistics for the season.

-2 – 10

Handicaps

This subject continues to rumble on, showing no signs of abating. The handicapping powers have at times come under attack, being accused of unfair bias based upon nationality, and some critics feel that over and under handicapped low goal teams in the 0 up to 4 goal circuits are stunting the travelling team aspect of the summer. One 0 goal team might do well at its locally associated clubs, but further afield they find new 0 goal teams that play more like 4 goal, the end result, they are destroyed in the first round of the tournament and never go back.

Team Entries The Victor Ludorum series has seen a bit of a revival this season, with four more teams entered overall in 2016 with 262 participating teams in five different handicap levels. 2014 is the year to beat with 266 teams, however the 6 goal series is where the growth is, going from 30 entries in 2012 to the most ever entered this season of 52 teams. Only 20 teams entered the 18 goal series, a drop of six teams in the last five years. Yet the top two titles in the high goal have continued to suffer a steady decline over the last five years.

Victor Ludorum Tournament Entries 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

18 Goal

26

19

25

25

20

15 Goal

62

55

60

48

51

12 Goal

59

64

64

73

69

8 Goal

87

73

72

64

70

6 Goal

30

33

45

48

52

Total team entries

264

244

266

258

262

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Cartier Queen’s Cup

16

16

15

12

12

Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup

16

17

14

14

13

High Goal Top Title Team Entries

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Rules & Regulations Refinement, review and harmonisation are all words that have been bandied around the sidelines this season. The HPA had announced they had been working together to try and unify rules with the USPA and the AAP, after Arthur Douglas Nugent spoke about it initially at the Pony Welfare AGM it became apparent that only minor changes had been made.

The biggest impact was, the approach of a small group of umpires at the top of the game. The high goal, namely the Queen’s and Gold Cups, were where the greatest impact was felt, with fast, free-flowing action and barely noticeable penalty calls meaning the games were certainly fun to watch, although some serious horsepower was needed to win anything and the games were over in the blink of an eye. It seems in post-season coverage, the top players such as the Pieres brothers welcomed the change.

However, at the lower goal tournaments and clubs, some have felt the approach has had a less than desirable impact on lower goal polo. Not blowing fouls isn’t an option for all amateur polo, but the umpires, keen to adopt a softer approach, might be heading into dangerous ground as the game falls into scrappy and sometimes dangerous play.

Umpiring 0, 2 and 4 goal is not the same as 22 goal, the players and ponies are simply not skilled enough to play in the same manner. The arena community are waiting with baited breath as to what changes will come into force for the impending winter season.

Polo Times, October 2016

21

Feature

A Review of the UK Polo Season

Ella Cloake, Marketing & Events Coordinator, Dallas Burston Polo Club

Membership Numbers 2016 season the Club had 30 members, which is an increase on last year and this season has seen a more active membership.

Lessons and engagement in general at the Club has been a massive increase for us following our demonstrations at the Game Fair and Country File Live events.

Umpiring Dean Lines has been brilliant all season for us. However there seems to be a cry for

Photography courtesy of Dallas Burston Polo Club

Team Entry Levels Our best year yet, we’ve had 67 teams entered across five fixtures, with Polo in the Park (PITP) coming out on top with 24 teams entered across six tournaments. Our Victor Ludorum had eight teams across two divisions. Really positive response for the Ladies fixtures at PITP again this year, with both a Ladies 4 and 10 goal level.

Huw Beavan talking to spectators at the Country File Live event at Blenheim Palace

seeing more umpires and better umpiring, but why on earth would anyone go out and train to become an umpire with the level of abuse that’s sometimes hurled at them?

General Comment on the 2016 Season There are a lot of Thoroughbreds out there now even in the lower goal, rather than the stocky Argentine ponies. Also, all the Argentine ponies are really old – I know it’s been brewing for a while, but with fewer ponies coming over, it’s quite interesting the impact it’s having. Obviously with the

Gamefair DBPC stand, sharing contact sports with Wasps RFC

Thoroughbreds the game is getting faster, but where does that leave the Argentine style ponies?

Caspar West, Polo Manager, Beaufort Polo Club

Membership Numbers Membership numbers were definitely up this year as we have started a second Club option that allows players to join us with patrons to enjoy the facility of chukkas and practices with us, along with reduced entry fees to encourage a few more visiting teams to the Club.

Umpiring With the changes I think it has definitely made the high goal a much more attractive game to watch and to show off the skills and abilities of ponies and players. The risk in some cases has been as the handicap level gets lower some of this can create a small element of danger as the players and ponies are not as skilled and therefore the risk of danger I have suggested increases. I think it is just a case

22

Polo Times, October 2016

Photograph by Alice Gipps

Team Entry Levels It was a slow start to the grass season as it seems the seasons are changing with it being much colder at the end of April into May. Quite a few of our members opted to start later, however we still had consistent numbers with the more serious teams and players preparing for the high goal or the early Victor Ludorum tournaments. On the whole the entry levels were good throughout the season and it would be nice to see more visitors from further afield outside of the Victor Ludorum tournaments.

Ireland wining the Beaufort International at the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo was a 2016 highlight

that the umpires have to be mindful to make sure that the rules are followed correctly but at the same time that safety is paramount, whilst not losing the faster and attractive polo it creates.

General Comment on the 2016 Season With the rule changes, or adaptions to them, players are finding a much faster game and it is much more about the management of the horses to be strong throughout a game, which I think is very important. It is also making sure that there is nowhere to hide on the ground, which ensures a lot greater discipline too.

We are certainly, in the South West area, trying to create a chain of tournaments at all levels that never conflict to make sure we get as many competitive teams, but it is always nice to have teams coming from further afield. www.polotimes.co.uk

A Review of the UK Polo Season

Col Simon Ledger, Director of Army Polo, Army Polo Association

Tim Keyte, Polo Manager, Cirencester Park Polo Club Team Entry Levels At Cirencester we have seen team entries on the rise steadily in recent years, there are changes every year however in which levels are proving more popular. In 2016 we have seen less teams in the 8 goal, but the 10 and 12 goal have provem extremely popular, so much so that we are looking into having a 10 goal championship here next year… watch this space.

Coxwell have been extremely strong in the low goal and are currently on target to retain the title of Domestic Champion team at the end of this season.

Team Entry Levels Army teams played in 18 different tournaments this summer at a range of different clubs and locations against other military and civilian teams, as well as one off games such as The Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy at Kirtlington Park Polo Club back on Saturday 16 July. At the time of going to press, a group were heading out to play in Mongolia, and plans are already afoot for a tour of India in December. The larger tournaments, such as Captains & Subalterns at Tidworth, had 20 teams playing in five different divisions.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Membership Numbers Membership numbers are continuing to grow at Cirencester, in particular we are seeing a good influx of junior players as well as Academy beginners at the start of their polo journey, which is looking great for the future.

Membership Numbers 162 members in 2016.

General Comment on the 2016 Season Army Polo has seen a rise in activity over the 2016 season. Not only has membership risen by some 7%, since May there has been an Army Team out from Novice, Developing and Senior sides most weekends. It has been generally a successful season although losing both the Rundle Cup and the Inter-Regimental Final to the Royal Navy was a rare and unfortunate blip. Notably we sent out two 6 goal teams, we lost one to the WIP team in May and at Polo in the Park at Dallas Burston Polo Club. The highlight was without doubt the 8 goal game for the Balaclava Trophy at Druids Lodge in early July which we won by ½ goal against a strong team that included Australian 6 goaler Dirk Gould. The leading players in the Army are Billy Aprahamian and Johnny Sleeman both playing off 2 goals, but with some really sharp 1 goalers coming up quickly such as Jamie DrummondMoray, Paddy Selfe, Jamie Fry and Giles BromleyMartin there is now strength and depth.

Coxwell in action during the Final of the Kingscote Cup

Chris Bethell, Polo Manager, Cowdray Park Polo Club Team Entry Levels Tournament entry levels are up 5%.

Membership Numbers Remain buoyant (147 showing on the HPA website).

General Comment on the 2016 Season For several years I had been hoping that we could upgrade our Ambersham 3 ground and I am delighted to say that our Committee has agreed the investment and that work has started on a major improvement. Diplomatically, I wouldn’t want to single out any professionals from our 2016 season! However, I would say that the all round ability and temperament of Tommy Beresford makes him a very worthy playing member at Cowdray. And young Will Harper is showing himself to be more than a ‘chip off the old block’. Maiz Dulce cannot escape mention, winning the Barrett Cup and the new Petworth 12 goal Cup and after Peter Barfoot’s accident, his players were able to cheer him up by winning the Holden White for the first time and also the Brecknock Cup.

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Photograph by Andrew Yates

Photograph by Clive Bennet

Umpiring There was universal praise from spectators for the umpiring changes, which brought greater flow and more enjoyable matches throughout The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup.

Holden White winners, Maiz Dulce

Feature

Billy Aprahamian in action at Druids Lodge Polo Club for Hackett Army

Polo Times, October 2016

23

Feature

James Harper Interview

James Harper 36 Years Young

Richenda Hine

W

reports

hen I interviewed James Harper back in 2015 for The Polo Magazine he said that his ultimate polo goal was to be chosen for The Royal Salute Coronation Cup England team. This year his dream came true as he played against the Commonwealth on The Queen’s Ground. The 6 goaler’s selection validates his position as one of the stalwarts of the English pro scene.

From a non-polo background he was whisked from obscurity at just 13-years-ofage to represent Young England in Chile.

It was a close call between polo and a

career as a professional rugby player. Polo won. At 16 he left school and the rest, as they say, is history. His 20 years in polo have not been easy, with every notch up the handicap ladder being hard fought with his wife Shannon’s support. Not least when his rating was dropped from 6 to 5 in 2009. A difficult but worthwhile move from Gloucestershire to Cowdray resulted in something of a renaissance in his career, with a rise back up to 6 goals and a burgeoning diary in 2011 and ongoing.

Good times have kept on coming with runs in the 22, 18, 15 and 12 goals over the last few years.

Known for his horsemanship, he attributes his success firmly at his equine partners on the field, succinctly stating that “You don’t win games without that champion – you lose by a goal”.

A committed family man he has two sons, Wills and Jack. Wills is currently a leading light of the youth circuit and has just reached 0 goals at just the age of just 14.

At 36, Harps is in a good place, and long may it continue. We caught up with the quiet man of polo to find out a little more about the last few seasons, his horses and how it felt to play in The Coronation Cup at last.

2015 Season Let’s recap on the last year or so.

How did the 2015 summer season go?

The 2015 season started amazingly.

The horses felt great and I was feeling good.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

24

Polo Times, October 2016

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James Harper Interview

I was playing for La Indiana and we started with a win in The Queen Mother and The Prince of Wales. Then there was an article on Pololine saying I was the English player of the moment and I hardly won a game after that! Hahaha – I blame Pololine!

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup didn’t go as well as we would have liked. I think we lost 3 of our 4 games in extra chukkas.

Again the horses and I felt really good, but we just couldn’t get the results.

What was your highlight?

My highlight of 2015 was definitely going to Sotogrande with La Indiana. In truth we could hardly win a game, but it was an amazing experience. It’s a big ask for the horses to play in Spain after the English season, but mine just about managed it – luckily Sophie, Ellie and Lucy, my girls on the grooming team, did a great job.

After Soto I came back to England to play an 8 goal with Ray Fine. Then I headed off to Australia for seven weeks. Playing for Stanbroke polo team and looking for my next champion pony! Unfortunately I had to go without my family, which I’m hating more and more. It must be an age thing…

I came back to England at the start of November. I did very little apart from visit my horses in the paddock every day. I love seeing them in the winter when they are turned out.

This 2016 season – how has it gone for you?

Unfortunately I got a bad infection in my leg from a knock in Argentina and I missed about three weeks at the beginning of the season. I was in hospital for a week during The Trippetts Cup which was gutting, but luckily I got back in the saddle pretty quickly. Albeit with some ridiculous looking pads on my leg.

How has it been playing for Brittania El Remanso this year?

I feel very lucky to be playing the high goal with mates and a team like that it was a lot of fun.

Feature

We started really well and looked like one of the strongest teams in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. Then we had a shocker on a very wet day against RH Polo which put us out. That knocked our confidence a bit and took a few games to get over. We were starting to feel good in The The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup, but unfortunately we met King Power in the quarters and although we got very close, we didn’t quite make it over the line.

How does it feel to be playing at the highest level in the UK? I still pinch myself that I’m involved, I come off the field gutted that we lost, but absolutely loving every minute of the experience.

2016 Season Talk us through the beginning of 2016 Mid-January 2016 I went to China to represent Hong Kong in the snow polo with my old mate John Fisher. Unfortunately he got injured and we ended up playing with the better brother Henry (!) – it was a lot of fun.

Anyway we won that (against England in the Final) which was great. Having the England boys there with us was a lot of fun too. Jack Richardson is good fun on those tours and amazingly enough speaks very good Chinese.

After that I went to New Zealand to play their Open. We didn’t do very well, but again was a lot of fun. My family came with me, so it was like a holiday. Then I went to Australia to play for Stanbroke again and I played for Troika too. I found a few horses which I have my eye on now, so I will try them again when I go back this winter. Then I went to Argentina to play in The Nations Cup. Which was definitely the highlight of my winter. Playing for England in Palermo was a dream. Sadly we didn’t get the results we wanted and the weather was horrendous, but at least I can say I’ve played at Palermo now. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, October 2016

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Feature

James Harper Interview

The Coronation Cup Call-Up How did you find out that you had been selected to play in The Coronation Cup? Last year I was asked to play but I had my horses in Spain and I didn’t want to play unless I was on mine as I thought there were better options of people on their own horses.

So I was hoping I would get the call up again.

Why do you think the selectors chose you?

I’ve been pretty consistent the last 18 months and although I don’t have a big string of champions my horses have been doing a pretty good job. I also think it has a lot to do with people wanting to see different faces in the team and Luke had stepped down from being Captain, so there was an opening.

How did it feel to get the call up?

The Coronation Cup is the one game I grew up really wanting to play and although it doesn’t have the feel of what it has been, it still felt pretty special to me.

How did the game go?

Personally I felt I started well. I missed a few easy chances after doing the hard work, but I was feeling good. The game was a lot of fun and open. We really dominated at the start but then they came out stronger in the second half and managed to get a few in front. We were coming back but just ran out of time. It was great to play with my mate Beimy in it and Jack [Richardson] was having his first appearance and I thought he played really well, he’s got a lot of talent and could have a few more goals in him. He just needs to keep improving on the horses.

It was also great to play against Namu [Hissam Ali Hyder]. He had a big Pakistani following and it was a massive day for him too. I’m friends with a lot of the Pakistani guys that came over and it was good to celebrate the day with them afterwards.

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup was an experience I will never forget, but an experience I want to do again – but to win next time! I hope we can get the day back to what it was because that was something special.

Can you sum up playing in The Royal Salute Coronation Cup in five words?

NERVOUS, EXCITING, EMOTIONAL, RELIEF to be finally playing it.

And of course a small amount of DISAPPOINTMENT for not winning.

Winter Plans What are your plans for the winter of 2016/17?

I will go to Australia to play for Stanbroke 26

Polo Times, October 2016

and Troika again. While looking for a few more horses. There doesn’t seem to be much around in England without there being too many £0s on the price for me.

Then it will be back to China for the snow, maybe a short trip to Pakistan and onto Australia again. I’m hoping to get out to Argentina in April again to try and be ready and up to speed for the English high goal season… and maybe try a few horses.

Life after Ellerston You used to go to Ellerston every winter, how will the downsize impact on you?

Yeah, unfortunately Ellerston has changed for me. I’m not involved with the horses as I was and they have downsized a lot.

We used to have a lot of fun there with a great group of people working really hard, but we always seemed to manage to have a laugh at the end of the day, even when one of the Beims were having a sulk! Or Jimmy Gilmore would get us to ride just one more horse… The horses there were really a pleasure to work with and taught me a lot about a good horse. Hence why a lot of my horses have the Ellerston Z on them.

Pony Power Now that Ellerston has dried up as a source of ponies where do you source them from?

Horses are getting harder and harder to find and more and more expensive. I’m trying to find something now in England to top up my string. I have a few from Jim Gilmore for next season which I think are pretty special. I will also try and buy something in Australia.

It’s never ending looking for horses and seems more difficult to find the right ones.

But the reason for my improvement over the last few years is all about the horses. So if you want to keep doing well and getting the jobs you have to keep looking.

Who are your particular pony favourites at the moment?

I have a horse called True Colours from Ellerston who has won the Best Playing Pony at The Prince of Wales in 2015, she doubles most games and seems to be getting better. Gato is a 12-year-old old bay mare originally from the Woods in New Zealand she is really solid for me and will very rarely get passed or beaten in a ride-off. Elise is one I got off ‘Pelon’ Stirling that I knew from Ellerston, she has started to push herself into my top three and I think will be very important for me next season.

The Next Generation Your son Wills is going great guns and has just gone up to 0 goals at just 14-years-old.

Do you feel nervous when he plays?

Yeah, Wills has really surprised me and improved a lot quicker than I expected. I was nervous last year watching him, but now he has grown-up a bit and I can see he is really starting to understand the game.

How are you able to help Wills with advice?

I’ve learnt this year that’s it’s important not just to say “yes” to every team for him and pick the right ones that are going to help him.

How much of a bonus is it for Wills to have your contacts and experience on hand?

Obviously for him it’s a massive plus to have me and my mates looking after him and trying to get him polo with our contacts. I make sure he gets to ride and experience different ponies, so he can learn what a good horse is and how much difference it makes to your game.

How do you feel about him playing?

I try and make him work a bit to not make it too easy for him. He has to show me a bit www.polotimes.co.uk

James Harper Interview

of hunger and that he wants to do it and succeed. I think he’s got a very good chance of being better than me (not hard!) he just needs to keep working hard on his riding and playing. He’s only 14, so there’s no rush but as long as he keeps behaving and making some effort at school, it’s all good.

Are you having to fend-off Wills from your ponies?

Now the nightmare is trying to mount him too. Luckily for him I have four 14/15yr olds that I played in the high and medium this year that I was planning on retiring from my string. So he has them for next season. Along with a few other younger ones, he should be very well mounted for 0 goals.

He’s really starting to eye up my better ones and keeps asking when he can play them. It won’t be long until we will be fighting over the best ones, but at the moment he can’t complain.

36-Years-Old and Going Strong Your career has had an upward renaissance in the last few years, what else do you attribute this to?

I feel like I’m improving. Like I said, much of that comes down to the horses, but also I think experience has helped me a lot. I also think playing in teams with people you like helps a lot and I’m lucky to have some great patrons around me at the moment.

Plus, I get to play a lot of the time with my mates – I have a good understanding on the field with Beimy and I really enjoy playing with him.

www.polotimes.co.uk

How did your move to Cowdray in 2010 impact on your career?

I think my move to Cowdray was massive for me. I loved Cirencester and we all had a lot of fun for years there, but the time was right for a move and it’s been really positive ever since. Cowdray in my eyes is by far the best Club we have. The fields are incredible, especially how some of them can handle the rain. Unfortunately the money seems to be around Guards, and consequently they are looking very good at the moment, but in my opinion Cowdray has something special.

Lawns 1 has to be my favourite place to play polo. What a setting!

Would you consider retiring whilst you are at the top of your game (like AP McCoy) or will you take your chances and carry on into your 40s like Adolfo?

I’m not sure about my plans for the long term future at the moment and actually I’m very nervous about all that. As everyone knows I’m not from money and I use every penny I earn to keep improving my horses.

So I would say I will be working in polo in some way, way past my 40s!

Feature

I would like to get into management and also more into making and selling horses.

But at the moment I feel like I’m improving playing and I want to focus on trying to win something in the high goal and keep my patrons happy by winning in the low and medium goal, as well as playing for England as much as possible.

Are you still passionate about the game?

I’m loving polo right now and feel very confident (until I play against one of the big boys!).

I’m fired up for the 2017 season with El Remanso and looking forward to seeing Wills improve.

‘Thank You’ Anybody deserve a particular thank you?

I would just like to say a massive thank you to my groom Sophie. This will be our last season together. She has done an amazing job for me and cared for my horses better than I ever could. I feel like we have come from the low goal together to enjoy the last few years of high goal and a lot of that has to do with her.

And Finally…

Any last words?

I feel embarrassed when I get asked to do these interviews because in the world of polo I’m fairly choto! All I can say is that I think I’m still improving and loving my polo. In the words of Terry Hanlon “I’m still up-and-coming”!

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Feature

The Annual RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge

Ponies Cashing In A

ll the major title tournaments this year at the top grounds around the country have had retrained racehorses gallop across them, even at the junior levels. The emphasis on homegrown stock is beginning to grip the country, with many young players opting to convert track runner to top grade main string ponies with a modicum of the cost and risk of breeding their own. Jack Richardson, who played on the England team for this year’s edition of the Royal Salute Coronation Cup was entirely mounted on English Thoroughbreds.

On Monday 5 September, the latest producers on the circuit turned up to show-off their steeds at the fourth RoR Racing to Polo Challenge. This year’s competition included five classes and then in the selection for Overall Champion, there were also five classes. In

Open Class (Any age)

Mary Parameter, Three-Year-Old winner

Three-Year-Olds Class

1st Mary Parameter, Sebastian Chialvo (£1,000) 2nd Aim High, Ali Paterson (£500) 3rd Where it Began, Sebastian Chialvo (£300) 4th Edge Of The Forest, Sebastian Chialvo (£200) 5th Reutlingen, Will Brasher (£100) 6th Drawn To Be A Lady, Will Brasher (£100)

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

1st Broadfield Puddle, Richard, the Earl of Tyrone (£1,000) 2nd North Code, Roddy Matthews (£500) 3rd Cranberry Sky, Alan Kent (£300) 4th Corramore Sahara, Ali Paterson (£200) 5th Beauchamp Gem, Ali Paterson (£100) 6th Tinkerbell, Ali Paterson (£100)

each class the horses were required to pass a veterinary inspection and appear in front of two conformation judges, one of which was trainer Harry Whittington. Horse and rider then underwent a turnout inspection before the main phase of each class, the performance test. In this stage contestants were judged on transitions, lateral movement, checking and turning over the course of a two minute display.

This year saw the introduction of a new class for horses that have not raced in Great Britain.

This class was for all age groups and had ten entries, including some horses with fantastic pedigrees, which the commentator Piers Plunkett explained in detail. The judges did not have an easy start to the day, but Richard, the Earl of Tyrone, was chosen as Champion on his fouryear-old former Irish trained horse Broadfield Puddle, by Paco Boy, and the Reserve Champion was Roddy Matthews’ North Code.

The second class was a hotly contested class for three-year-olds. In this class, riders were additionally required to prove the introduction of the polo mallet and again there were ten entries. One of the most impressive horses in the class was Drawn To Be Lady, whose most recent race had only been in July this year. She was produced and ridden on the day by Will Brasher

Photograph courtesy of RoR

The Annual RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Showed a Popular Turnout

Open Class winner, Broadfield Puddle

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www.polotimes.co.uk

The Annual RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge

Feature

Four-Year-Olds Class

Wesies Dream, Four-Year-Old winner

Six-Year-Olds Class

1st Maria Medecis, Alan Kent (£1,000) 2nd Cool Light, Roddy Matthews (£500) 3rd Scooby’s Girl, Adele Lewis (£300) 4th Evey P, Philip Elliot (£200) 5th Talkin Italian, David Morley (£100) 6th Kodiac, Jason Parker (£100) entries, with 16 in total. The eventual Champion was Alan Kent’s Maria Medecis and Roddy Matthews’ Cool Light took Reserve Champion.

In the end, the Overall Champion for the Racing to Polo Challenge 2016 was Ivan B, ridden by Byron Watson and owned by Martin Glue. The winner received £1,500 as well as a crystal wine decanter and the Balding Trophy.

The overall Reserve Champion was Cool Light, owned by Roddy Matthews. They won an additional £250.

Five-Year-Olds Class

Maria Medecis, Six-Year-Old winner

Overall Champion Ivan B, Martin Glue (£500)

Overall Reserve

Cool Light, Roddy Matthews (£250)

Photograph courtesy of RoR

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

1st Ivan B, Martin Glue (£1,000) 2nd Patisserie, Alan Kent (£500) 3rd Jaga Time, Jack Richardson (£300) 4th Aussie Sky, Adele Lewis (£200) 5th Madame Giry, Philip Elliot (£100) 6th Bushy Glade, Dayna Weachter (£100)

Photograph courtesy of RoR

and despite her lack of experience the pair came an extremely respectable sixth place. However, the winner and Champion of this class was the filly Mary Parameter produced by Sebastian Chialvo, and the Reserve Champion was Alastair Paterson’s Aim High.

Next into the ring were the four-yearolds. There were nine entries for this class and the judges continued to be impressed by the performances of former racehorses. The Champion four-year-old was Ed Hitchman’s Wesie’s Dream and the Reserve Champion was Magic Time ridden by Rory Horne.

The final two classes were the main Championship Classes, where both the Champion and Reserve Champion of each class automatically qualified for the Overall Championship Performance Class. The first was the five-year-old class, which was won by Byron Watson’s Ivan B. The Reserve in this class was Patisserie shown by Rory Horne for owner Alan Kent.

The second class was for horses aged sixyears or older. This inevitably attracted the most

Photograph courtesy of RoR

1st Wesie’s Dream, Ed Hitchman (£1,000) 2nd Magic Time, Alan Kent (£500) 3rd Drastic Art, Dilip Rahulan (£300) 4th Loti, Jason Parker (£200) 5th Marti Ella, Philip Elliot (£100) 6th On Appro, Alan Kent (£100)

Overall Reserve, Cool Light

Ivan B, Five-Year-Old winner

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Find out more about RoR Website: ror.org.uk Email: info@ror.org.uk Tel: 01488 648 998 @rorlatest

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse

Polo Times, October 2016

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Feature Feature

Polo Holidays

La Quinta

La Quinta, set amidst 100 acres of beautiful pampas found in the heart of Pilar, is the winter base for several of the UK’s leading players and Winter home to two members of the England International squad, Luke and Mark Tomlinson. Their Club in Argentina has been a long established and well-respected location for high goal tournaments and as a base for both visiting and local players, with four full sized grounds, one stick and ball ground, stables and an exercise track.

Mark Tomlinson, Owner of La Quinta explains, “The atmosphere at La Quinta is not something that you buy or bottle – if we could we’d make millions. There’s a really supportive and excited feel in the place.” La Quinta, is Argentine Polo at its best. www.laquintapoloclub.com.ar

Polo Holidays

If the end of summer blues are already setting in, and the idea of British Summer Time officially ending in October is making you yearn for some sunshine and polo, then we have just the tonic. Polo Times has put together seven sunkissed, polo crazy destinations, perfect for an autumn break

La Mariposa

Located in 25 de Mayo, La Mariposa is one of the oldest polo schools in Argentina, established in 1986. From the moment you arrive in Argentina, La Mariposa look after you to ensure you have a memorable stay.

The set-up has 120 polo horses available to suit all abilities, three boarded polo fields, and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms within walking distance from the polo fields. Full board accommodation with all drinks inclusive.

In the morning you will have two hours of polo lessons every day and La Mariposa will 30

Polo Times, October 2016

work in all aspects of the swing, the shots, and riding for polo. Plus, you will have free time for stick and ball to practice what you have learnt. At La Mariposa, their lessons cater for all different levels – from true beginners to experienced polo players.

After a morning full of exercise, be prepared for special homemade food cooked by our staff. In the afternoons, usually four chukkas are played every day, but don’t be surprised that if you can manage it, you will be able to play six or eight chukkas. La Mariposa – a very good option for your polo in Argentina. www.lamariposapolo.com.ar

La Rosada

La Rosada’s new home, Estancia El Rocío, near San Miguel del Monte in the province of Buenos Aires, welcomes anyone with the Winter blues and polo withdrawal symptoms! The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and the days are wellstructured around stick and ball, chukkas… siesta and good food and drink! It is also the home of Ricky Truffer’s ‘Doc Polo Breeding’, producing fabulous registered ponies for purchase!

For more information, please contact Mandy on amandafontanarrosa@me.com

From left to right in black and white are Ricky Truffer, Martín Roman, Nico Fontanarrosa and Duncan Qiu.

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Polo Holidays

Feature

La Quinta Argentine Polo at its Best!

Luke and Mark Tomlinson are offering the opportunity for players to play at their club in Pilar, Argentina (45 minutes from BA).

A typical week’s stay would include: • • • •

Between 4 & 6 practices of a good standard on suitable ponies Stick and Ball whenever A couple of lessons with Luke or Mark (if wanted!)

An indoor arena and a polo field that dries out very quickly after rain - enjoy riding whatever the weather

Your time at La Quinta can be intense and structured, or not – it’s your choice! There is limited accommodation at the Club. Otherwise we can help you find a place to stay locally (house or hotel) or you may like to stay in a Hotel downtown Buenos Aires. Guide price for 1 week: US$3,000 (excluding accommodation). Longer/shorter stays possible.

Price depends on length of stay and on any personal requests.

You may have your own ponies or even ponies to try and are in need of a base to play and practice from. We can offer this too. Whatever your polo needs in Argentina are please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Early December 2016 Copa Cuatro Tacos – 12-goal tournament with an emphasis on enjoying fun polo on great fields

marcotomo@hotmail.com

www.laquintapoloclub.com.ar

Locations – 25 de Mayo & Pilar

Locations – Atlanta

Locations – Berkshire

Polo Holidays Polo School & Clinics Tournaments Lodge Golf, fishing Corporate Days Horse Sale +54 911 5180 1759

Polo School & Clinics Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +1 770 330 1459

Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +44 7947 725 305

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Polo School & Clinics

Polo Times, October 2016

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Feature

Polo Holidays

La Esperanza

Situated in the polo hot spot of Coronel SuĂĄrez, La Esperanza caters for players of all ages and abilities. With over 500+ horses available for rent and purchase, six grounds, a full time chef and five star accommodation, the Club really does have so much to offer. Beyond polo, tennis, golfing and shopping trips can all be arranged. Additionally, trips to the huge working estancia and vineyards producing top class sparkling wine that La Esperanza owns can also be organised. www.la-esperanza.com.ar

Apes Hill Polo Club

Mixing the gentle pace of the Caribbean with plenty of other sports activities, Apes Hill Club has become a hub for sports enthusiasts worldwide. The Waterhall Polo ground is the perfect place to indulge one’s love of polo; sharpening up with their resident coach, joining in chukkas or enjoying the international matches, all set off by incredible views and flawless sunshine.

Not just polo, Apes Hill Club is the first Country Club in Barbados and boasts a wide variety of fully equipped sporting facilities for golf enthusiasts, tennis fans, deep-sea adventurers and avid race goers. If all that sporting activity sounds a little too much like hard work, then head to the Clubhouse, where rare views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea provide the perfect backdrop to that well-deserved cocktail. www.apeshillpolo.com

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Polo Times, October 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Holidays

6 irrigated polo fields.

Polo from instructional chukkas to high goal polo Lessons/stick and ball sessions in morning Club/Match chukkas or slow instructional chukkas in pm Beginners/novice packages.

www.la-esperanza.com.ar www.facebook.com/esperanzapolo

Feature

All day polo instruction from our team of coaches: MARTIN FFRENCH BLAKE - HPA COACH JOSE AND PAULO BERTOLA We take pride in making sure all our guests improve and have fun and safe polo.

Martin ffrench Blake +44 7971 401144 martin_ffrench_blake@hotmail.com

We own some 500 polo ponies. A huge selection for sale to cater for all levels.

All sold with 5 stage vet and guarantee.

World wide shipping arranged.

All inclusive package: 5 Star accommodation.

4 meals a day with beverages. Maid and chef on site.

POLO/LESSONS

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José María Bertola +54 92926 492770 josebertola@infovia.com.ar Club + 0054 2926 423802 polo@la-esperanza.com.ar CP.7540 Coronel Suárez Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina The Bertola Family warmly welcome you to come and play at LA ESPERANZA POLO CLUB. You will be looked after in true Argentine Style on the family Estancia and will live in the middle of the polo Club. Wonderful gardens and very relaxing.

Great food and wine.Excelent ponies and fields.

POLO PARADISE Taking bookings now for the 2016/17 season.

Visit our working Estancia and vineyards.

Herd cattle and sample champagne.

Ride out as a Gaucho for a day.

Full season of tournaments at LA ESPERNZA AND CORONEL SUAREZ POLO CLUB. Personalised polo packages arranged.

All levels of polo player catered from beginner to high goal pro.

Polo Times, October 2016

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Feature

Polo Holidays

La Tarde Polo Club

La Tarde Polo Club offers the ultimate polo holidays.

‘As much polo as you can take’, with your personal training program, professional polo players and the Argentine atmosphere.

La Tarde is based right in the polo heart of Argentina, one hour outside of Buenos Aires, a family run Polo Club, it is the hotspot for all polistas. At the Club, guests can live their polo passion and experience the full polo lifestyle.

With 12 private cottages, three polo fields, an all weather arena, swimming pool, sauna, gym & spa and 120 horses at your disposal, La Tarde fulfils everything one needs for the perfect polo holiday experience. www.latardepolo.com

Polo Valley

With plenty of action and good weather, the increasingly popular polo destination of Sotogrande is definitely one to visit this autumn. Polo Valley, the newest facility in the area, specialises in polo holidays and courses. With a focus on delivering a high quality service, both on and off the polo field, we have heard great things about the latest polo venture. Sunshine, worldclass fields and great quality polo, all just a short flight away from the UK, is an all too tempting prospect for this Autumn or perhaps some pre-season polo during the Spring season of 2017. www.polovalley.co.uk

El Remanso

Home of the El Remanso High Goal Team, El Remanso has four boarded grounds, swimming pool, tennis court, gym and a range of well appointed accommodation.

Located just one hour from Buenos Aires International Airport, El Remanso offers bespoke polo programs for players of all standards. Enjoying an idyllic rural setting by the farming town of Lobos, El Remanso is the perfect place to relax and unwind, in between all the polo of course! www.elremansopolo.com

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Polo Times, October 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Holidays

Feature

Puesto Viejo Estancia & Polo Club

Far and Ride

The ‘Andes Grand Traverse’ is an epic thirteen night trail taking you from the endless pampas and mountains of Argentine Patagonia into the Chilean Lake District. Eleven days in the saddle bring serious adventure as you traverse glacial rivers and trek through ancient forests. The gauchos of Argentina will lead you from Bariloche to Lago Puelo where you will cross by boat to meet your Chilean guides (huasos). With excellent riding, sensational scenery and a real taste of local life, this is a considered one of the most iconic riding holidays around and one for the bucket list! www.farandride.com

Fully affiliated with the Argentine Association of Polo, the Club is located only 45 minutes from Buenos Aires, and offers everything a player needs, including six professional polo pitches, a stick and ball pitch, 400 metre exercise track and arena, stables with 100 boxes, individual and group corrals, plus 100 hectares of turnout land.

Practice matches are held four times a week and the club hosts 12 competitive and accessible tournaments throughout the year: from the Anna Isabella Cup that opens the season in September to the Farewell Cup that closes the season in May. www.puestoviejoestancia.com.ar

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, set in 250 hectares of stunning grounds with the beautiful rolling hills of Thai countryside as a backdrop, is pure polo heaven. Located only one hour from Bangkok and just twenty minutes from the happening Pattaya, this polo Mecca really does exceed every expectation.

The Club has stabling for over 250 horses, with 80 of these specially selected from Argentina, Australia and England and available to hire for any ability in any level of tournament on offer. Thai Polo can proudly boast that the Club is able to mount any standard of player including beginners and 7 goal pros alike with ease.

Three spectacular irrigated grounds and a stick and ball field that would rival the out-field of Lords, are tended to by a dedicated team of groundsmen.

From the intensive training on offer with legendary trainer, Rege Ludwig to the unsurpassable hospitality, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club is, and remains a unique and unrivalled polo experience; a worthy inclusion to any polo destination bucket list. www.thai-polo-club.com Polo Times, October 2016

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CBC Arena Polo World Cup, Baku, Azerbaijan

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

The victorious Bogner with the CBC Arena Polo World Cup

Experience Prevails Team Bogner Reign Unbeaten to Capture the World Cup

T

he Arena Polo World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is quite unique.

The arena is topped with grass in place of sand, which allows the horses to run at pace and the players to hit the ball cleanly. Furthermore, as the ground is flanked by two large tiered stands, full of passionate local and international supporters, a real cauldron like atmosphere is created. Reto Gaudenzi, tournament organiser summed up the atmosphere, “The unique aspect about polo in Azerbaijan is that it is horse country – if you look back into history, the Azeri have been playing ancient styles of polo for many years. The spectators are frenetic and the partners really engage with the polo.”

After two preceding days of intense play, Sunday 11 September, saw the Final of the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup, contested by teams from Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Spain and Argentina with matches played in front of a sold out crowd in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Finals were made all the more special as Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz provided fantastic Swiss hospitality and CBC Sports broadcast both games live to over twenty countries. As the Azeri team,

Rich Hine reports from Azerbaijan

Gilan Holding, had made the Final, it really did feel that the whole nation was watching.

Italdizain Group and Badrutt’s Palace had not found their rhythm until the second day of play and hence battled it out for The Garachay Holding Cup for third place.

During the qualifiers, both teams had worked out how to get the best out of each other, the horses and the ball, resulting in an end to end thriller, enhanced by umpire Mark Holmes’ spectator friendly umpiring. Italdizain Group were quickest out of the blocks and by the middle of the second chukka were leading 7-3. At times, it seemed that every shot taken by Pato Bolanterio and the Meier brothers found its way into the Badrutt’s Palace goal. However, by the middle of the third chukka, Badrutt’s Palace had rallied, with their side of the scoreboard turning over at a lightning pace. However, just as the Italdizain Group’s Fabian Bolanterio on the ball

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Polo Times, October 2016

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CBC Arena Polo World Cup, Baku, Azerbaijan

Reports

The patriotic crowds were keen to cheer on the Azeri players in the Gilan Holding teamway to goal

The Final was tightly contested, with both teams playing a direct and fast style of play, much to the delight of the impassioned crowd. But by the end of the third chukka, the result remained in the balance as both teams showed signs of nerves in front of goal. However, it was the combined team experience of Bogner, who frequently play together in Sotogrande, Spain, that eventually prevailed. Irishman, Richard Fagan, constantly put pressure on the Gilan Holding playmakers which created space for Santi Torreguitar and Mario Gomez to create intelligent plays together. This allowed the team to retain control of the ball and minimised the threat posed by the Gilan Holding players who were deft at carrying the ball the length of the arena to score.

This tactic came to fruition in the final chukka with Spanish player, Mario Gomez defying the vocal home supporters to score a sensational hat trick to take victory with a score of 5-4. Speaking after the game, Mario commented, “It was a very tough game, the Gilan Holding team played amazingly well. They are relatively new to polo, so next year will be even tougher as the Azeri players will continue to get better and better. To win the tournament for my country is a very special moment.”

To catch up on the social scene at the CBC Arena Polo World Cup turn to page 81.

Gilan Holding’s Agustin Kronhaus controls the ball on the way to goal

team were finding their groove, German ace and team captain, Patrick Maleitzke had to withdraw injured. Although Badrutt’s Palace did equalise 7-7, the loss of their Captain appeared to slow the momentum they had worked so relentlessly to build up. Fortunately, polo doctor, Andy Krüger was on hand to make sure that the leading German player was well looked after. The Final score was

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8-7 in favour of Italdizain Group, with the winning goal being expertly scored by Fabio Meier from the 25 yard spot.

Following the drama of the first game, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.

The crowd welcomed local favourites, Gilan Holding rapturously as they rode onto the turf to take on the undefeated Bogner for the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup.

CBC Arena Polo World Cup Cup Final Teams: Bogner (8): Richard Fagan (1) Mario Gomez (4) & Santiago Torreguitar (3) Gilan Holding (8): Tarlan Gurbanaliyev (2), Agustin Kronhaus (3) & Elchin Jamalli (3) Score: Bogner beat Gilan Holding, 5-4

Garachay Holding Cup Teams Italdizain Group (8): Luca Meier (2) Fabio Meier (2) & Fabian Bolanterio (4) Badrutt’s Palace Hotel (8): René Kleinlugtenbelt (1), Patrick Maleitzke (4) & Tito Gaudenzi (3) Score: Italdizain Group beat Badrutt’s Palace, 8-7 Polo Times, October 2016

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

2016 VICTOR LUDORUM RESULTS FINAL 18 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Black Bears – 160 points Max Charlton (7), Juan Cruz Merlos (4), James Lester (3) & Guy Schwarzenbach (1) 2nd = Marchfield – 160 points Saad Audeh (0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Manuel Plaza de Ayala (6) & Federico Boudou (4) 3rd = Ferne Park – 140 points

Mark Tomlinson prepares for a nearside shot

Victor Ludorum Round-Up Some complicated maths in the HPA office was the only way to decide the winner of the 18 goal series as both Black Bears and Marchfield had tied on points at the close of the tournaments. A very exciting series, which was ultimately taken by Black Bears, just goes to show consistent performance and goal scoring from your team wins out in the end.

In the 15 goal, although Apes Hill secured a convincing win in the Justerni & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup Final, they finished seventh overall, with Poulton/Blavanera taking the overall title as the team only needed to enter in order to tip their points in their favour.

The 12 goal is still undecided as one more tournament, The Autumn League at Cowdray Park Polo Club remains, however Maiz Dulce are in the lead with Beaufort Blackhound nipping at their heals. Chester/Stobart dominated the 8 goal overall title with a whopping 310 final points a full 200 points ahead of Sladmore/Twelve Oaks and Prestige Sport. In the 6 goal series, Peter O’Rorke had to settle for second place for a third year in a row as Max Kirchhoff ’s Snakebite sealed the deal by winning the Roehampton Cup at HPC, The London Polo Club. Our fingers and toes in the Polo Times office are crossed for your 2017 6 goal campaign Peter! The lucky top title team winners will all receive their overall trophies at the 2017 annual Polo Awards on 30 May 2017.

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Photograph by Tom Reynolds

NB. Championship Order of Merit If teams are equal on points for the Championship, the order of merit will be decided as follows: • If two teams are equal and they have played each other an uneven number of times: by who has won the most number of games between them, or if they have played each other an even number of games by goal difference.

• If the two teams have not played each other: by the goal difference in all the matches that they have played.

Black Bears and Marchfield played each other in the 18 goal three times: Black Bears won two of the games, Marchfield won one game, therefore Black Bears win.

FINAL 15 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Poulton/Balvanera – 210 points Ludo Ephson (2), Juan Jose de Alba (3), Glenn Sherriff (5) & Tomas Iriarte (5) 2nd = Black Bears – 180 points 3rd = Emlor S – 170 points FINAL 12 GOAL RESULTS One more tournament, The Autumn League at Cowdray Park Polo remains that will decide the winning team. The top five teams are as follows: Maiz Dulce – 300 points Beaufort Blackhound – 270 points Snakebite – 200 points Aryana – 180 points Clarita – 180 points FINAL 8 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Chester/Stobart – 310 points Cristian Chaves (3), Jonny Coddington (3), Katie Jenkinson (0) & Charlie Walton (2) 2nd = Sladmore/TwelveOaks – 110 points 2nd = Prestige Sport – 110 points 3rd = Maiz Dulce – 100 points 3rd = Renegade – 100 points FINAL 6 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Snakebite – 435 Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Meyrick (1), Jack Berner (2) & David Ashby (3) 2nd = Strategic – 350 3rd = CCPC – 150

Polo Times, October 2016

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup winners, Apes Hill

15 Goal Victor Ludorum Beaufort Polo Club – Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup Final – Sunday 28 August Number of teams: 4 Winners: Apes Hill Points: 80

The Finals of the Victor Ludorum 15 goal of the 2016 series brought together four strong teams. Despite Poulton/Balvanera taking the overall 15 Goal Victor Ludorum title just by the number of points awarded for just entering, the tournament was competitive.

With a massed crowd on the Bank Holiday Sunday, Apes Hill faced Justerini & Brooks on the No 1 ground and battle

commenced. Apes Hill took charge after the 1st chukka with a 3-1 lead and that was the order of the game, as Justerini & Brooks fought hard to stay with them, but to no avail. It seemed as if the Justerini & Brooks team had used up their best games in the league stages whereas Apes Hill had saved the best to last. With amazing team and individual skills Apes Hill kept on scoring despite the hard work coming from Heffron’s Justerini & Brooks team. By the time the bell went at the end of the last chukka, Apes Hill had run away victorious with a score of 7 goals to 3.

In the Subsidiary Final, a much tighter game was to be seen with Kirchoff ably supported by South African Chris Mackenzie, George Meyrick with regular team mate David Ashby against the newly crowned 15 Goal Victor Ludorum winners, Poulton/Balvanera featuring Captain Patrick Ephson, Tomy Iriarte and Glenn Sherriff with Roddy Stanning at the back. End to end polo came down to the handicap start to decide the result, with Poulton/Balvanera running out the winners 6½ to 6.

Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup Final teams: Apes Hill: Luke Wiles (0), Olly Tuthill (4), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Nico Antinori (5) Justerini & Brooks: Patrick Heffron (0), Ollie Cudmore (5), Luke Tomlinson (7) & Jack Hyde (3)

12 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester Park Polo Club – Cheltenham Cup Final – Sunday 2 September Number of teams: 3 Winners: Beaufort Blackhound Points: 60

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Polo Times, October 2016

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Maiz Dulce and Beaufort Blackhound were the two teams competing for the 12 goal Final in a very close game that ended up going to an extra chukka for a result.

Mark Tomlinson was the first to get a goal for Beaufort Blackhound, closely followed by two from the opposition to put Maiz Dulce into an early lead. Into the second chukka Maiz Dulce scored two more again, conceding none from Beaufort Blackhound, which took the score to 4-1 at half-time.

However, the Beaufort team responded in the second half of the game scoring two in the third with a great goal from Luke Wiles putting them just one goal behind. Early into the fourth, Mark Tomlinson scored the equaliser to level the teams at four all.

Smiles all round for Beaufort Blackhound

Neither team could get a final winning goal by the end of the fourth, which meant the game went to an extra chukka. When a penalty was given to Beaufort Blackhound, the opportunity was not missed and the final score was 5-4.

Cheltenham Cup Final teams: Maiz Dulce: Marcus Cork (0), Jack Berner (2), Glenn Sheriff (5) & Tommy Iriarte (5) Beaufort Blackhound: Luke Wiles (0), Nicolas Antinori (5), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Tommy Severn (1) www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

8 Goal Victor Ludorum Beaufort Polo Club – Wichenford Bowl Final – Sunday 21 August Number of teams: 6 Winners: Chester/Stobart Points: 90 For the last Victor Ludorum Final of the 8 goal series of the year, six teams from different parts of the country descended upon Beaufort Polo Club for the coveted Wichenford Bowl.

The Semi-Final stages saw Creighton Boyd’s Neptune Group defeated by Renegade, and Laird/Beaufort defeated

by Chester/Stobart, which meant that on Sunday 21st August, Duncan Wales’ Renegade, the current holders of the Wichenford Bowl and the 2015 VL champions faced Katie Jenkinson’s Chester/ Stobart. Renegade who had played all season together, gained a strong start with great team play between the tactical master Will Lucas, South African Shaun Brokensha and Rupert Lewis alongside their skipper Duncan Wales, which resulted in a 4-1 lead at half-time. However, the 3rd chukka saw the start of the Chester/Stobart comeback as the gap was closed to 5-3. As the teams entered the final chukka, Chester Stobart

A slightly soggy Chester/Stobart with the Wichenford Bowl

were continuing their positive polo between Chavez, Coddington and Walton and drew level with two minutes to go. The game then ran up and down the field, with both teams desperately close to taking the lead; however time was against them as the final bell went and so the match went to a deciding 5th chukka.

It was a rather tepid finish, as after only seconds in, a miss-hit to start the chukka from the Renegade hit-in saw Lucas lose the ball under his horse and a quick Christian Chavez forced a 30 yard hit to Chester/ Stobart. Chavez calmly stepped up and

converted with Chester/Stobart running out winners 6 goals to 5.

In the Subsidiary Final, Zencom streaked to a 4-1 lead through the first half, but Shibumi/Tayto came all the way back to level in a gripping 4th chukka. Zencom however dug deep once more and were able to seal the win by 5 goals to 4.

Whichenford Bowl Final teams: Chester/Stobart: Katie Jenkinson (0), Jonny Coddington (3), Christian Chavez (3) & Charlie Walton (2) Renegade: Duncan Wales (-1), Rupert Lewis (2), William Lucas (4) & Shaun Brokensha (3)

Photography by Ben Hastie

Charlie Walton on the run for Chester/Stobart

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Polo Times, October 2016

41

Reports

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Photograph by Richenda Hine

6 Goal Victor Ludorum HPC, The London Polo Club – Roehampton Cup Final – Sunday 21 August Number of teams: 8 Winners: Snakebite Points: 90 Benjie Davis reports on the Final of the penultimate 6 goal Victor Ludorum tournament, “Played for since 1902, the Roehampton Cup is one of the oldest trophies in the UK and Ham Polo Club’s most prestigious tournament. Sponsored in 2016 by London Square, the developers behind the restoration of the Star and Garter building on Richmond Hill. This year’s league games took place at the exceptional Black Bears grounds in Henley and the Finals were played at HPC, The London Polo Club. The tournament formed

Photograph by Robert Piper

Roehampton Cup winners Snakebite with runners-up Strategic

Max Kirchhoff and Peter O’Rorke battled all season for the 6 goal Victor Ludorum title

part of the Victor Ludorum circuit for the second year running and attracted some highly competitive teams as a result.

“Through to the Final were Strategic and Snakebite, two teams who were already vying for top place on the Victor Ludorum leaderboard. Strategic opened very well gaining a significant lead, a different start for them as their league games had all been won with strong fourth chukkas. Snakebite reacted well, although changing their style of play in the second half, David Ashby began holding the ball more and gradually they came back into the game. The fourth

chukka was neck and neck with scores rising in tandem. Snakebite gained the lead and though Strategic held possession of the ball, they couldn’t find the goal to equalise again. Max Kirchhoff was presented with the trophy as well as Frerejean Freres Champagne, the Club’s official champagne and prize sponsor.”

Roehampton Cup Final teams: Snakebite: Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Meyrick (1), Jack Berner (2) & David Ashby (3) Strategic: Peter O’Rorke (-1), Charlie Hitchman (0), Kelvin Johnson (4) & Matt Evetts (3)

Cirencester Park Polo Club – Kingscote Cup Final – Sunday 3 September Number of teams: 7 Winners: Supanova Points: 80 Both the top two teams in the 6 goal Victor Ludorum series, Strategic and Snakebite, entered the tournament but the Gloucestershire competition proved too much. Snakebite were defeated by both the finalists and Strategic also lost to Coxwell in the later stages of the tournament after winning against Foxcote, and Noon Giraffe.

In a very closely contested Final, Coxwell were up against Supanova who Supanova with the Kingscote Cup

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Polo Times, October 2016

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

Kingscote Cup Final teams: Coxwell: Tilda Woodd (0), Tabba Woodd (0), Rupert Lewis (2) & Will Lucas (4) Supanova: Sarah Hughes (0), Luke Wiles (0), Tommy Severn (1) & Ollie Tuthill (4)

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

had a half goal handicap start.

Coxwell were the first to score, however Supanova responded with two more in the first chukka. The score remained close for the entire match with the result at half time being 4½-3. The third chukka was equal with both teams scoring two goals each. In the final chukka Supanova were just able to keep hold of their lead and the final result was 7½-6.

The Woodd sisters battle to no avail against Supanova

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Polo Times, October 2016

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Reports

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

Sotogrande Success With the 45th INDI International Polo Tournament having reached its end, here we bring you a round-up of all the champions across the low, medium and high goal Gold Cups at Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande High Goal

June, the green and white shirts have now added another 2016 conquest with a second consecutive Cartier Gold Cup win, this time at Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande.

Although the final score of 12-7 may suggest Dubai had an easy ride against Iñigo Zobel’s Ayala Polo Team, the score was level until the fifth chukka with Dubai only taking control in the closing minutes of the game to extend their lead. However, with just three minutes remaining of the Final, Adolfo Cambiaso suffered a nasty collision with Ayala’s Tom Brodie which resulted in him having to call on a substitute. Juan Martin Nero, Cambiaso’s La Dolfina teammate, was the man to take his place and luckily for Dubai they were able to hold onto their already established lead until the final whistle was blown. Although Cambiaso departed the match early, he was still the top goal scorer with a total of nine goals, received Best Playing Pony for Dolfina Primicia and also received the Most Valubale Player Award.

Despite being part of the losing lineup, Jack Hyde must receive a mention as the only Brit to make it to the Final, an achievement in itself, but even more so considering the damaging injury Jack sustained to his hand earlier this season.

The Subsidiary Final, which took place before the main Final, saw Lechuza Caracas defeat Dos Lunas A&G Banca Privada 10 goals to 8.

Cartier Gold Cup Despite Dubai’s set-back in the Casa de Campo Silver Cup, which saw them lose out on a place in the Final, the Albwardy’s team once again

showcased the teamwork and horsepower which secures triumph time and again.

Following their victory in the Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club in

Cartier Gold Cup Final teams: Dubai (22): Rashid Albwardy (2), Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Alejo Taranco (6) & Santiago Stirling (4) Ayala Polo Team (22): Iñigo Zobel (0), Tom Brodie (3), Facundo Pieres (10) & Nico Pieres (9) Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Polo Times, October 2016

Casa de Campo Silver Cup: Brunei defeated Ayala, 14-12

Maserati Bronze Cup: Dubai defeated Lechuza Caracas, 11-7 www.polotimes.co.uk

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

Reports

Brunei and Golden Goose Deluxe Brand battle it out

Medium Goal

Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup the Casa de Campo Silver Cup, Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup and to top it all off, the Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup. The Subsidiary Final saw Twenty/20 defeat Royal Salute by a close one goal margin and final score of 11-10.

The Brunei team celebrate their win

All eyes were upon Brunei for the Final of the Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup as they sought to achieve a double win following on from their Silver Cup success, which saw them defeat Seven Sevens 12 goals to 8. Battling it out against Brunei for the Gold Cup on Saturday 27 August were Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, who had previously defeated Brunei 12-9 when the two teams faced each other on the second

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day of the Gold Cup qualifiers. However, on the day the Brunei brilliance could not be beaten and HRH Princess Azemah’s team added the Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup to Brunei’s collection of trophies from the 45th INDI International Polo Tournament with an 11-8 victory.

Brunei have had an amazing come-back to the Sotogrande scene across both the medium and high goal, with victories in

Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup Final teams: Brunei (14): HRH Princess Azemah (0), Facundo Fernández Llorente (6), Rosendo Torreguitar (1) & Guillermo ‘Temi’ Willington (7) Golden Goose Deluxe Brand (14): Ian Galliene (1), Christina Bernal (5), Gaetan Charloux (3) & Satiago Zubiaurre (5)

Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup: Brunei defeated Seven Sevens, 12-8

Bronze Cup: GSA defeated Kazak, 9-4

Polo Times, October 2016

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Reports

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

Lechuza-John Smith celebrate in style

Low Goal

Isolas 1892 Gold Cup Final Sunday 28 August saw Lechuza-John Smith and Foxcote line-up for the Final of the Isolas 1892 Gold Cup. Darko Horvat’s Foxcote British strong team had proven a strong opposition with convincing wins throughout the qualifying matches, and

had previously defeated Lechuza-John Smith earlier in the tournament 5 goals to 7. However, on the day of the Final, Foxcote’s luck appeared to have run dry as although the scores were a mirror of their first meeting, the victors were reversed with Lechuza-John Smith emerging triumphant on the Puente de Hierro fields 7-5. LechuzaJohn Smith’s Pelayo Berazadi was top scorer of the match, scoring 5 of his team’s 7 goals and was named Most Valuable Player.

The Subsidiary Final, played on the same day, saw Shakib Polo-Sotovila claim the Subsidiary Final after beating Valdeparras 13-7.

Isolas 1892 Gold Cup Final teams: Foxcote (6): Darko Horvat (0), Henry Jones (2), Tom Beim (3) & Tommy Severn (1) Lechuza-John Smith (6): Luis A. de Borbón (0), Fernando Primo de Rivera (1), Pelayo Berazadi (4) & Gabriel Aguirre (1)

Isolas 1892 Silver Cup Final: La Clarita defeated Lechuza-John Smith, 8-7

Isolas 1892 Bronze Cup Final: Sotovila defeated Jolly Rogers, 10-9

Foxcote’s Tom Beim on the ball

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Polo Times, October 2016

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Remembering Derwent Spark Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

THE OUT OF Africa Tournament was held at Chiltern Polo Club in memory of the late Derwent Spark, who was a prolific polo player and father to professional South African player JJ Spark. The Club had gone all out with South African-themed decorations, which included a life size sculpture of a rhino. Despite torrential rain and howling gales on Saturday 20 August, nearly all the games were played and as the weather subsided guests and supporters enjoyed a traditional braai barbeque in the newly refurbished Clubhouse. The final of the 2 goal on Sunday between Profit and Accentro was a speedy affair, but Sebastian Chialvo’s steeds were no match for local professional Andres Perez, as the orange and black shirts of husband and wife combo Nicola Hodges and Justin Neal with Cicely Colhurst stole the show with a score of 6½-2. Sebastian Chialvo was also awarded the Bombers Bits Most Valuable Player Award and his second chukka mount Clarkson, who is owned by George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug, to read more about Clarkson turn to our pony power pages. In the lower handicap section, the Frankum family foursome of Sarah, Larry, Will and Jamie defeated Pazuki to claim the top trophy. However, the real star of the low goal tournament was first time tournament player Alastair Harvey who scored three incredible goals in his debut for QB Team and was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player. To see who was going wild at Chiltern turn to our social sideline pages.

Harilela, winners of The Duke of Cornwall Trophy

Harilela Hail at Guards

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

The winning team, Profit

ARON HARILELA ADDED added his name to the Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Trophy for the second time on Sunday after his team found a golden goal to win. Although both teams failed to score in the first chukka, a thrilling and tight game ensued against Kola Karim’s Shoreline. A last-minute goal from Harilela in an extra chukka saw his team defeat Shoreline 6-5. Andrew Robb, a Director of Jaguar Land Rover, presented Aron with the trophy, which he had previously won in 2011. Thanks to Land Rover’s sponsorship of this 16 goal tournament, Aron also received the keys to Land Rover’s hospitality box at Twickenham, allowing him and some 20 plus guests to enjoy a Rugby Championship Final game featuring Argentina vs Australia in October, surely one of the best patron prizes in polo.

Shoreline’s Santiago de Estrada was named Land Rover’s Most Valuable Player and Tommy Beresford was awarded the Land Rover Best Playing Pony prize for his father, Lord Charles Beresford’s nine-year-old mare Julieta.

Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Trophy Final teams: Harilela: Aron Harilela (1), Tommy Beresford (4), Isidro Strada (5) & Manuel Fernandez Llorente (6) Shoreline: Kola Karim (0), Federico Boudou (4), Alfredo Bigatti (6) & Santiago De Estrada (6)

AT THE II Friends Cup, four international teams competed at Ampurdan Polo Club in Spain. On the first day, Luna Azul (Margo Weber 0, Amadeo Ferrajoli 0, Juan Carlos Puebla 0 & Pablo Guiñazú 4) beat CP Ampurdan (Jaume Rodriguez / Javier Eizaguirre 0, Jan Schonlau 0, Darío Campos M. / Pepe Crespín 1, & Pablo Campos 2) and Los Indianos (Paul Grabosch 0, Anton Grabosch 0, Emil Grabosch 0 & Santiago Schweitzer 5) played against Panorama 1526 (Kim Grabosch 0, Micky Grabosch 0, Eva Campos 0 & Darío Campos 2). On Sunday the results were a win in the Subsidiary Cup win for CP Ampurdan against Panorama 1526. And in the Final, victory for Los Indianos against Luna Azul. Anton Grabosch was named Most Valuable Player and Margo Weber’s pony Blanca took the Best Playing Pony accolade. The Spanish Club are gearing up for their Autumn calendar with tournaments scheduled to be played from 7 – 9 and 14 – 16 October for the VIII Tournament CP Ampurdan, Memorial Wolfgang Reber (0- 4) and from 21 – 23 October for the second Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Cup (0-2), with their final fixture from 28 – 30 October, XXXV Dario Campos’ Debutants Trophy (0-2). www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Claudia Quintana

Spanish Success

Celebrating the second Friends Cup

Polo Times, October 2016

47

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photography by Zahra Lucas

Zonkey Juniors & End of Season Round-Up

Sub Final teams in the End of Season Tournament

Final teams in the End of Season Tournament

ON FRIDAY 2 September Longdole held a junior tournament, which was kindly sponsored by Zonkey Polo. There were three divisions for the kids to play in, the 14 to 18-year-olds played first in a four chukka match with the Buster Boys taking a strong win on the Hanbury ground. Next up were the fluffies and the 12 to 14-yearolds who battled it out on the lower ground. The fluffy winners were the Lutheridge Loonies and Division 2 winners were the Four Cheeses and SOHS. The day was rounded off with the presentation of fantastic prizes supplied by Zonkey Polo, there were big smiles all round as everyone went home with an armful of hats and clothing.

The End of Season 4 goal tournament was a great success with four quality teams playing to win the very fetching SunGod sunglasses in Longdole’s blue and yellow colours.

On Sunday 4 September, Finals day and the last day of summer polo saw Longdole and Lodge Services playing the Sub Final in a very competitive game with the lead changing every chukka but Longdole clinched the win with a final score of 7-6. The prize giving was extremely entertaining, with the Lodge Services team winning themselves a men’s full body wax, we hope they enjoy these prizes to the full. The Final with Los Chinos playing against Walker Construction didn’t disappoint with a fast-paced, action-packed game, it was great to see the younger members of the team thrive and really make a difference in the game. Los Chinos battled it out

to eventually win the game with a score of 7-4. Tom Beim won The Most Valued Player Award and Ed Walker’s MR P won the Best Playing Pony. To see some fun outfits for their end of season party turn to the Sideline pages.

All the junior teams with their Zonkey Polo stash

Photograph by Robert Piper

A Helping Hand

Katrin Burke-Smith, CEO of the charity accepted the cheque from the Chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Chair of the Ball Committee Charles Schrager

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Polo Times, October 2016

HPC, THE LONDON Polo Club were very privileged to be asked to assist the incredible charity, Facing the World, who set about changing the lives of those in greater need. It often takes just a small sum to change a life and as a members Club, HPC, The London Polo Club is always ready to help make a difference by donating to worthy causes. This year the Summer Ball was a great success with such wonderful support from Club members, their friends and supporters of Facing The World, which gave the Club the platform to raise the sum of £14,193.91. Katrin Burke-Smith, CEO of the charity, accepted the cheque from the Chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Chair of the Ball Committee Charles Schrager. Live auction donors were ,The King Power Group, The Ritz London, Westmont Group, Transparent Television with Vietnam Airlines as donors of the main auction lot of two return Business Class flights with Vietnam Airlines nonstop from London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City and five nights’ accommodation for two at The Reverie Saigon. www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Triumphs and Trophies

Mount Loftus winners of the International Polo Trophy

Telemark, winners of the Mar Del Plata Tournament

Photography Courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

Telemark, the Six Chukka Challenge winners

Maple Leaf, winners of the Saunders Davies Trophy

THERE HAVE BEEN a busy few weekends at White Waltham Polo Club who have played a host of tournaments. On the weekend of 3 – 4 September they played a 2 Goal Six Chukka Challenge. There where some fabulous goals all weekend, the best goal was scored by Sarah Grant in the Cedar Team who were runners-up. Carlito Gonzalez for Telemark sealed the deal in the Final after he took a free hit from halfway and accurately aimed the ball through the goal to make sure they won the last match by two goals.

The last tournament Final of the previous Bank Holiday weekend was hard fought, with two teams both communicating well

4 Goal Final winners, Mount Loftus

Telemark, winners of the Mountgerald Quaich Tournament

with each other. Mount Loftus gained an amazing three goal lead in the first chukka, Conroy Polo fought back, but just failed to get in front and Mount Loftus where presented with the beautiful International Polo Trophy. The Mar Del Plata 2 Goal tournament Final was won by the Telemark team. Also included in the Bank Holiday bonanza, the Saunders Davies Trophy was won by Maple Leafs after a very competitive weekend. The last Final of the weekend was the 4 Goal Final which was won by Mount Loftus, who were losing by one goal throughout the match, and then just before full time they scored an equalising goal.

Leaving the teams at four goals each, the

bell rang for a further thirty seconds and Jonathan picked up the ball from the lineout and left the Grand Cru team standing whilst he scored the winning goal to clinch win the Tai Tai Polo tournament, sponsored

by Alexandra Skeggs and her family. Kim Sherman wrote about the latest tournament at White Waltham Polo Club, “Well done Telemark who won the 4 Goal Mountgerald Quaich Polo Tournament on Sunday 11 September. The Quaich is a traditional whisky drinking vessel used in Scotland, so it had to be done. That was followed by a fabulous BBQ for players, family and friends.

Finally, thank you to everyone who enjoyed the polo and fabulous sunshine.”

THE ANNUAL RANDOX Polo Event was held on Saturday 10 September at the Herriot Maitland family seat, Errol Park in Perthshire. The lavish affair was kicked off with the Red Devils parachute display as they delivered the ball for the throw-in between a trio of international teams. England galloped to success for a third year in a row defeating Scotland and South Africa. James Douglas from Edinburgh Polo Club was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award for his 14-year-old homebred gelding Berty. James said, “He has gone so well for me this season, normally he bucks a lot but he was fantastic today.” Sebastian Funes took the Most Valuable Player accolade and the second Best Playing Pony went to Marc Coppez’s Rifle. Guests and players moved to the evening’s entertainment on the lawns overlooking the Tay river, to enjoy music from the Methill and District Pipe Band, a celidh band, DJ, dinner, fireworks, and of course a breakfast for the hardy party goers of haggis, neeps and tatties at 2am. Turn to Sidelines for party pictures and to Pony Power for more information about Berty.

Randox Polo Event teams, in order of merit: England: Sebastian Funes (3), Ashley Foreman (1), Helen Gray (-1) & Abbey Foreman (0) www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

Perthshire International Polo

Randox winners, England

South Africa: Peter Fitzgerald (0), Alastair Archibald (2), Marc Coppez (0) & Freddie Younger (-1) Scotland: Matthew Dove (0), Mike Goodwill (1), Jim Dukes (1) & James Douglas (2) Polo Times, October 2016

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Rutland’s Ruddles team and Stapleford Park. Great team play from Alex Wood and Ida Thore subbing in for Shuif, allowed the Stapleford Park lynch pins Henry Browne and Tom Collie plenty of space on the ball and after the third chukka, they led 7-1. Both Marlow-Thomas brothers had been very unfortunate in front of goal, but in the third chukka Angus Marlow-Thomas hit one in nearly from the half-way line to cap a much better second half performance for the Marston team.

Despite their best efforts, they lost the game 8-3, and Stapleford Park were the Ruddles Cup winners.

Photography by Clive Bennett

THE RUDDLES CUP was contested by three teams, and was played over three days from 26 – 28 August. Friday’s game was contested between Shuif Hussain’s Stapleford Park and Guido Basile’s Specsavers. Having started strongly, Stapleford Park allowed Specsavers back into the game in the third and fourth chukkas. Strong individual play by Alex Boucher and some good solo runs from Marcus Speed were not enough to win the day, and Stapleford Park won by half a goal, 6-5½. The next game, played in overcast conditions, was between the Marston family

Winners BHC and Stephen Biddlecombe of Gel-Eze

Owen Kenny Brecknock winners, Maiz Dulce

Cowdray Midsummer Polo Cups THE GEL-EZE Midsummer 12 Goal Tournament came to its conclusion with Gardenvale facing BHC in the Final on Saturday 20 August. With the fourth chukka ending on 6-6, play went into extra time.

The throw-in saw Harper come away with the ball, but hassled by Van Reenan, it went out over the boards. When the ball was rolled in, Ralph Richardson was straight onto it and gave Van Reenan the chance to score, which gave victory to Mo Sheikh at 7-6. The Cup and prizes were presented by Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd, owners of Gel-Eze. The award for Best Playing Pony went to Sapphire owned and ridden by Jack Richardson. Dirkie Van Reenan was awarded the prize for Most Valuable Player and received a gift of leather polo boots from Stephen Biddlecombe.

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Polo Times, October 2016

The next day the 8 goal Owen Kenny Brecknock Cup was entered by five teams with Maiz Dulce and The Import House making it through to the Final. With Peter Barfoot still hospitalised through injury, his team spot was adopted by the young Marcus Cork. Maiz Dulce won the Owen Kenny Brecknock on a score of 7-4. The Cup and prizes were presented by Emily Allchurch and David Small of The Owen Kenny Partnership. They also presented the award for Best Playing Pony, which went to Lola owned and ridden by George Meyrick.

In the Subsidiary Final of the Owen Kenny Brecknock Cup, GCN ran out the winners 9½-4 against Nipas.

In order to complete the 1921 Cup, abandoned when Club Chairman Peter Barfoot was seriously injured on 16 July, an extra chukka added on to the Semi Finals

of the Owen Kenny Brecknock Cup played between Sea Breeze and Maiz Dulce saw Ray and Wilf Fine’s Sea Breeze team run out the winners to claim victory in the 1921 Cup with a score of 5-4.

Midsummer 12 Goal Tournament Final teams: Gardenvale: Shane Finemore (-1), James Harper (6), James Beim (7) & Hugo Taylor (0) BHC: Mo Sheikh (0), Ralph Richardson (2), Dirk Van Reenen (4) & Jack Richardson (6) Owen Kenny Brecknock Cup Final teams: Maiz Dulce: Marcus Cork (0), Matt Pits (2), Terence Lent (1) & Glenn Sherriff (5) Import House: Justin MacRae (0), Tom Townsend (0), George Meyrick (6) & Alan Kent (2)

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Mega Midlands Polo

Davidsons, winners of The Burma Bowl with Dr and Mrs Burston

Photograph by Gail Braznell Reflected Images

A GRAND TOTAL of 24 teams entered into Dallas Burston Polo Club’s Polo in the Park across the weekend of 10 – 11 September. Over 3,000 spectators, 90 players, and uncountable numbers of ponies, descended on the Club to play in six tournaments; The Dallas Burston Gold Cup (6) sponsored by Davidsons Group, The Burma Bowl (4), The Croft Trophy (0), The Emily Rose Bowl (10), The Liz Taylor Trophy (4), and The Jordan Military Shield.

The highlight match, was the Dallas Burston Gold Cup Final sponsored by Davidsons Homes. An extremely close call between Coombe Place team of Daisy Hatfield, Hazel Jackson, Byron Watson and Michael Henderson, and Lynne Patmore’s CBAS team, supported by Jimbo Fewster, Archie Smyth-Osbourne and Nico Fontanarrosa. With only a half a goal in it, CBAS clinched the Gold Cup with 6 goals to 5½, claiming prizes worth £250 from Leamington-based tailors Clements & Church. Most Valuable Player, sponsored

by Core Clinics (Hatton, Warwick), was awarded to Archie Smyth-Osbourne, whilst Best Playing Pony, sponsored by Hannah Oliver-Byrne of Combined Physio Ltd, went to Hazel Jackson’s pony PeeWee. In the Burma Bowl, the Davidsons’ team of Nick Mayhew, Rob Wilson, Michael Henderson and Josh Clover played an incredibly strong game, and beat Chris Bell’s Twisted team with a score of 9-3. The Protexin Equine Premium Croft Trophy, which was first won last year by the late Ian Donald, passed to Andy Cork’s team Print on Demand, who stole victory from the home team of Siminetti Sky, 6-4. To read about the The Jordan Military Shield turn to the Military Polo pages and for The Liz Taylor Trophy and The Emily Rose Bowl turn to our Women’s Polo pages.

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Polo Times, October 2016

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The Latest Women’s News

Women’s Polo

We catch up on all the action from ladies’ polo around the UK Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps unless stated otherwise

5 minutes with…

Izzy McGregor Handicap: 4 women’s, 1 mixed

official game that day. It made my entire season for her to have been picked!

How did your polo career start?

My parents moved out of London right after I was born, and my dad had a midlife crisis so decided to take-up polo. I was dragged to every game and my weekends and summers are a blur of my parents’ matches. When I was five-years-old, I was asked to fill in for the season in a team in the Jorrocks section of Pony Club Polo.

It was a lot of fun; I just sat on a fluffy, grumpy pony at the centre of the pitch and waited for a line-out that would never come.

What’s your greatest ambition?

To be a five goal patron.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

The end of this season was very special for me, as not only did I win the Guards Ladies’ Charity Day with British Polo Gin, but my five-year-old horse Pope was selected

by Lord Beresford as Best Playing Pony. I have had her for 18 months and she is an ex-racer who was only playing her second

Which lady players do you admire? Why? It’s the obvious one of course, but Nina Clarkin has always epitomised what I think ladies’ polo should be. She is not just considered a phenomenal lady player, she is a phenomenal player in her own right.

reasons. Ladies’ polo forces me to be an integral part of the team; playing back and learning to control the game has really brought on my polo this year. Mixed polo on the other hand usually sees me playing further forward as I am normally the lowest handicap off 1. They both bring on different parts of my game, and I consider myself very lucky to be able to play both.

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport?

I think changes for ladies’ polo are already underway, with the new handicapping system and more and more sponsors joining the sport, it’s a very exciting time for ladies’ polo.

What’s your favourite tournament?

For sentimental reasons I always love the Holden White at Cowdray as it was the first 8 goal I ever played, aged 14 and we made it to the Semi Finals. I also love the Archie David at Guards as it is such a fierce competition and draws in players from all over the country.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why?

My fantasy ladies team would have to be half-Argentine, half-English with Nina Clarkin, Lia Salvo, Mia Cambiaso and myself. Outside of ladies’ polo, if I could blackmail the Pieres family it would have to be Facundo, Gonzalito, Polito and myself… watch this space.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or girls’ polo? And why?

I enjoy them both but for very different

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

Czarby my first polo pony, he was only 14.1hh but he’s still the best horse I’ve ever had.

Bravo La Brava

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Alice Gipps

On the weekend of 20 – 21 August Ranelagh Farm Polo Club in Berkshire held the La Brava Ladies tournament. Proving ladies’ polo is truly alive and kicking, the tournament was oversubscribed and entries were turned away. Six teams with handicaps between 8 and 12 goals competed fiercely across the weekend. The tournament saw some of the UK’s top lady players such as Rosie Ross, Sarah Wiseman, Lucy Taylor, Claire Brougham and Annabel McNaughtDavis compete, as well as showcasing many more talented female players. After some closely fought matches on Saturday, the Final saw Hope play the home team, La Brava Polo, on Sunday afternoon.

Despite being the lower handicapped team, Hope came out strong from the very beginning with Bryony Taylor demonstrating excellent defensive skills in order to ensure her team kept hold of their

Finalists Hope and La Brava Polo

1½ handicap goal start. Alice Gipps played with consistent accuracy and couldn’t miss the goal posts, increasing Hope’s lead to eventually secure a victory of 6½-2. Alice Gipps was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, and Oxiana both played and owned by Dayna Waechter of the La Brava Polo team won Polo Times Best

Playing Pony award. Other tournament sponsors included Tally Ho Farm and Leo Mancini Hair & Beauty Salon.

Hope: Camilla Swift (1), Aislinn Price (1), Alice Gipps (3) & Bryony Taylor (4) La Brava Polo: Elodie Avarguez (0), Dayna Waechter (1), Rebecca Walters (4) & Annabel McNaught-Davis (6)

Polo Times, October 2016

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Women’s Polo

The Latest Women’s News

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

Laurent-Perrier Ladies Nicola Hodges’ team Profit were the winners of the 2016 Laurent-Perrier Ladies’ National Championships at Westcroft Park Polo Club. Nicola was substituted earlier in the week by Cicely Colehurst, after a fall left her with a broken collarbone, we hope you get well soon Nicola! Despite the substitution, Profit defeated Hope with a final score of 8-6 to claim the title. Sarah Wiseman’s pony Brahma was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award and Bryony Taylor who was part of the Profit team took The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. La Alegria defeated Charley Howell’s team KHHP in the Subsidiary Final with a score of 8-5.

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Bryony Taylor

10 & 4 Goal at DBPC

Girls on Tour

Photograph courtesy of Lottie Lamacraft

Dallas Burston Polo Club hosted two women’s polo tournaments at their Polo in the Park event on the weekend of 10 – 11 September. Four teams in the Ladies 10 Goal competed for The Emily Rose Bowl, and four teams in the Ladies 4 Goal vied for The Liz Taylor Trophy. Although Saturday’s rain made for difficult playing conditions, the teams continued regardless and saw Senzaltro and Pro Fit qualify for the 10 goal Final and Ladera and DJ Itchy & The Sandy Box for the 4 goal Final. Sunday brought with it some welcome sunshine and the first victory of the day went to Senzaltro who took home gorgeous goodies from AromaWorks London after beating Pro Fit 5-3. Later in the day, the Ladies 4 Goal Final saw Ladera beat DJ Itchy & The Sandy Box, with prizes generously provided by DBPC member Liz Taylor. In the Subsidiary Final of the 10 goal, Los Gordos beat Offchurchbury with a score of 3-1, whilst the Subsidiary Final of the Ladies 4 Goal saw SFR GB beat Toasty Tipis 3½-2.

10 Goal Final teams: Senzaltro: Sarah Van Vegchel (0), Sarah Henderson (3), Heloise Wilson-Smith (4) & Hannah Henderson (3) Pro Fit: Sarah Frankum (1), Hannah Parry-Jones (1), Sam Buckles (3) & Lucy Taylor (5)

England and Zambia ladies line-up

4 Goal Final teams: Ladera: Jos Habershon-Butcher (0), Holly Butler (0), Hannah Buckenham (1) & Hannah Henderson (3) DJ Itchy & The Sandy Box: Angela Robb (0), Ann-Marie Cavanagh (0), Camilla Williams (0) & Sam Buckles (3)

Photograph courtesy of Steve Allen

An England Ladies team featuring Emma Boers (4), Lottie Lamacraft (4)/ Hilary Jackson (3), Hazel Jackson (7) & Tiva Gross (5) ventured out to Zambia for an International Test Match in August.

We spoke to Emma Boers about how the team got on in Zambia, “They were really tough, intense games, plus it was six chukkas which is so different for us English ladies. There was no time to relax and they made it tough for us to play the game we planned to play from the beginning.

The hospitality and the people were just so incredible, and I’ve never had so much choice of horses to choose from. The whole team tried out 100 horses before the main game which was amazing – we were so spoilt! Poor Lottie broke her toes in the 2nd chukka of the first game against Zambia A team on Saturday afternoon, which meant that Hilary Jackson played as our reserve for the rest of the game which was split over two games. The first game we won 4-2, then the second 7-5. So both games were tough and super close.” Extra congratulations to Emma who was also awarded Most Valuable Player and received Best Playing Pony too!

Ladies’ 10 Goal finalists, Senzaltro & Pro Fit

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Polo Times, October 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Latest Women’s News

Women’s Polo

Guards Polo Club hosted the 4th Ladies’ Charity Polo Day on Saturday 27 August in aid of Breast Cancer Haven. The charity was founded in 1997 by Sara Davenport, the mother of Sophie Kyriazi, who played for Breast Cancer Haven team on the day.

The three teams, British Polo Gin, Jardine of London and Breast Cancer Haven, competed in a round-robin match which saw British Polo Gin emerge triumphant.

The Best Playing Pony Award went to Izzy Mcgregor’s Pope, who was presented a beautiful floral headcollar by Lord Patrick Beresford. Guards Polo Club patron Annita van der Hoeven impressed the judges in both of Jardine of London’s matches and was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. Additionally, The Victoria Elsbury-Legg Trophy, awarded for great sportsmanship, was presented to Cappi Granchi. Thanks to some wonderfully generous support from players, sponsors, members and everyone who donated the amazing auction prizes, which

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo For Good

Ladies’ polo in aid of Breast Cancer Haven

included a Jardine of London handbag, Breast Cancer Haven boosted its fundraising total for 2016 by some £20,000.

1st – British Polo Gin: Polly Anderson (1), Nicola Anderson (1), Sophie Granchi (1) & Izzy McGregor (4)

2nd – Jardine of London: Cappi Granchi (0), Annita van der Hoeven (1), Genevieve Meadows (1) & Sandra Schneider (T) 3rd – Breast Cancer Haven: Sophie Kyriazi (1), Mindi Byrne (0), Livi Alderman (1) & Louisa Donovan (3)

Bank Holiday Fun Photography by Alan Lawrence

The annual Thorneloe Ladies Tournament was held at Kirtlington Park Polo Club on 27 – 28 August. In the first match of the tournament QB Pazuki defeated Panteras 6-3½, which was promptly followed by a deluge of rain. Luckily for the next contenders, a break in the clouds allowed Guns n Roses to win the second game of the day, with a 9-2½ victory over Stratton. The action continued on Sunday, which saw the rain disappear for the Final between QB Pazuki and Guns n Roses.

Thorneloe Ladies winners, QB Pazuki

A competitive match saw QB Pazuki score two goals in the last chukka, which secured their win with a final score of 4-2. The Thorneloe family kindly donated prizes, which were presented by Sue Hay. QB Pazuki: Melissa Waters (0), Marie-Clare Thomas (0), Tilly Holt (1) & Vicky Griffin (3) Guns n Roses: Catherine Young (0), Mandy Fontanarrosa (1), Sarah Rippon (T) & Sam Buckles (3) find out more about Polo Times Best To Playing Ponies Brahma and Oxiana, plus Izzy McGregor’s Pope, please turn to our Pony Power pages QB Pazuki versus Guns n Roses

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, October 2016

55

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

15 minutes with…

Durham University Polo Club formed by Malcolm Borwick in 1996, during his time as a student. The Club went on to win the National Championships many times. Sadly after 2009 the Club numbers dwindled due to some of the strongest players graduating and eventually it stopped being a Durham sport.

Helena: Then, in 2015 a small group got together and went on a polo taster day to see whether we could revive the Club, and we haven’t looked back since.

Ben: I’d played at school, but I hadn’t played for a few years so I was keen to get back into the saddle. The Club is now a mix from complete beginners who have never ridden prior to starting at Durham, to those who have been playing from a young age at school.

We catch up with Durham University Polo Club President Jess Roche, and Publicity Officers Helena Casson and Ben Evans about the revival of the Club following a long dormant period, with Club members increasing by over 40 in the last two years.

Where do you have your lessons and games?

Helena: Our beginners train at White Rose Polo Club just outside of York and our more experienced teams play at Beverley Polo Club near Hull, where we are looking forward to hosting the northern regionals of the new University National Polo League later this year, which is really exciting!

How many members do you have?

Total: 61 Girls: 49 Boys: 12 So it looks like we are in a bit of a need of a male recruitment drive at our Fresher’s Fair in October!

What are your aspirations as a Club?

Ben: To continue to attract new members and players so we can keep growing, and of course to win more competitions in the upcoming year! We’d also love to secure some new sponsorship to help subsidise the costs of kit, travel and competitions.

Jess: I think we’d all like to keep up with this year’s amazing track record of Club outings, perhaps going to St Moritz to watch the Snow Polo World Cup will become an annual fixture. We bumped into Malcolm Borwick, DUPC alumni, in St Moritz and it was really interesting to hear how a former student has gone on to achieve such success in the sport. Hopefully a Club holiday to the Riviera Polo Club in the south of France for some extra summer training!

Will you be going to the SUPA University Nationals this year?

Helena: Of course, what else would we be spending our student loans on? We hope to bring even more players down next year, and secure some more wins! I think our camping skills are improving too, we can even put up a tent now without referring to Youtube videos.

Tell us a bit about your players?

Helena: Jess Roche is our fabulous Club President who does all the behind-thescenes work, on and off the pitch. As a

How many matches/ chukkas have you played?

Ben: Last season we tried to enter as many tournaments as possible. Early in the year we travelled down south to play London and Kent and we played St Andrews on grass in April. We entered three teams for winter SUPA and a massive seven teams for Summer Nationals!

How did you all get started as a Club?

Jess: Durham University Polo Club was

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Polo Times, October 2016

Photograph by © VAF Photography

How many lessons have you had?

Helena: We’ve run twice weekly slots for members since last October, with all sessions growing hugely in popularity.

And although our nearest clubs are well over two hours in the car, it never seems to deter our players.

Jess: Spending five hours a day in a car with other members has really helped us bond as a Club and you should hear some of our harmonies when we sing along to the radio!

DUPC was originally created

by Malcolm Borwick in 1996

www.polotimes.co.uk

All Aspects of Youth Polo

What do you love most about the sport as an activity at university?

Jess: It’s a great way to meet new people who all share a love for horses and the adrenaline rush of polo. Our members come from a variety of colleges and subjects, so it has been a great way to meet people that you may never have come into contact with.

Ben: Our Club Socials always prove to be rather memorable, from a ‘fox and hound’ fancy dress bar crawl to attending charity balls at Leeds Castle and Blenheim Palace.

Any advice for other universities who are thinking about forming a Polo Club?

Helena: Definitely go for it! But be prepared to put the hard work, time and effort in. We’ve certainly all made unforgettable memories with DUPC. The whole polo community has been so welcoming to us! It’s a real privilege to be part of it.

Jess: Yes, it’s worth all the effort and paperwork to set up a Club. I actually didn’t want to go to Durham originally, because they didn’t have a Polo Club and it was one of the sports I really wanted to learn!

Ben: The other universities were great at supporting us when we re-started the Club and offered us lots of advice. And even if your local Club isn’t that near, don’t worry – we travel five hours roundtrip, and we still have students queuing out of the stable door to play.

Young Scots Triumph

Photography by John Rowley

Number 4 she is a big hitter, and I think she would agree the Club comes second to none, including her own law degree.

DUPC would not be the same without her!

Jess: I hope my mum doesn’t read that I put polo before my law degree! We have an exec of seven students, some of whom played before coming to Durham and some were new to the sport in their first year. Ben and Helena are our Publicity Officers, but they are also a massive help to me in other ways, as President, as there is just so much to do!

Ben: Daryl Higgins and Giles BromleyMartin are our most experienced players, competing in the open category, both with handicaps of 1. Giles was recently selected to represent Ireland in the International exhibition against the USA and GB.

Youth

The Whitbread Trophy teams line-up at the presentation

Following on from the youth bonanza in The Pony Club Championships, Stagshead Trophy and Colts Cup, the youth action continued at Rutland Polo Club with The Whitbread Trophy as Young England battled Young Scotland.

David Woodd, Chief Executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association reported on the contest. “Although the game flowed up and down the field, very few balls crossed the back line between the goal posts and it wasn’t until the final seconds of the first chukka that the scoring was opened by Young Scotland’s Freddie Younger. The second and third chukkas were somewhat marred by fouls, mainly by Young England in white, and although they missed opportunities to extend their lead, the blue team went into the last chukka with a marginal lead of 2½-1. A spot hit in front of goal extended their lead to 3½-1, but a last minute fight back by Young England, which included a good nearside goal by Alexander Cooper put Young England within just half a goal. With seven seconds to go, a foul gave Young England the chance to win from a 60 yard penalty but a well hit and straight ball was stopped and cleared to the boards giving Young Scotland a win for the third year with a final score of 3½-3.”

The trophy was presented by Lady Tollemache whose father originally presented it, and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award went to Little Billie, a retrained racehorse, owned and ridden by Charlie Cadogan.

Whitbread Trophy teams: Young Scotland: Angus Rowan Hamilton (0), Charlie Cadogan (0), Freddie Younger (-1) & Fiona Campbell (-1) Young England: Alexander Cooper (0), Charlie Townsend (0), Charlie Tighe (-1) & Florence Berner (-1)

Young England and Young Scotland battle it out

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Polo Times, October 2016

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Colourful Kenya

Photograph courtesy of Michael Camm

Saturday night’s paint party

The Kenya Polo Association (KPA) hosted Zambia for an International Schools Tournament from 26 – 28 August at Gilgil Polo Club, with Kenya generously lending ponies to mount the visiting teams. Friday 26 August saw Kenya C lose 7-4 despite a 4 goal advantage, however Kenya B triumphed the following day and Sunday 28 August saw the home team win 7 goals to 4. Players and guests alike enjoyed a fun-filled weekend of polo, plus a Holi festival themed paint party on Saturday!

Zambia vs Kenya Schools teams: Zambia: Tristan Kirby (0), Chris Higgins (0), Jamie Henderson (1) & Simon Taylor (0) Kenya A: Ben Stonewigg (0), Omwakwe Arungah (0), Megan Griffiths (0) & Harry Griffiths (0) Kenya B: Tom Stonewigg (-1), Cheza Millar (-1), Harry Stichbury (-1) & William Millar (-1) Kenya C: James Grammaticas (-1), Georgina Millar (-1), Toby Grammaticas (-1) & Izzy Stitchbury (-1)

SUPA Cheshire tropical beach themed party – for a full report of the social, turn to our Sideline pages.

SUPA England (-4): George Smith (-2), Henry Smith (0), Harry Irlam (-2) & Jamie Thomas (0) SUPA Scotland (-4): Amy Nizolek (-2), Joshua Charlton-Briggs (-2), Matthew Dove (0) & Adam Dove (0) SUPA Wales (-7): Oliver Conway Johnson (-2), Connor Kay (-2), Harry Rourke (-1) & Ryan Ollerton (-2) SUPA Ireland (-8): Dermot Hewson (-2), Toosie Forbes (-2), Daniel McManus (-2) & Tom Branigan (-2)

Photograph by Sarah Clegg

The SUPA Home Nations Cup was held at Cheshire Polo Club on the weekend of 27 – 28 August, with Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales competing. The Final saw SUPA England defeat SUPA Scotland 6-0, however the score did not reflect the level of polo, with Scotland holding England for a large part of the match, but unfortunately England managed to capitalise when they were near the goal. Jamie Thomas was named Most Valuable Player, and Henry Smith’s Priceless received the Best Playing Pony Award. The Subsidiary Final saw SUPA Wales defeat SUPA Ireland 10-1½. The day’s polo was followed by a

George Smith of SUPA England receiving the Home Nations Cup from Charles Betz

England Secure Victory

Kirtlington: Charlie Peagram (-1), Magnus Gilje (0), Chris Crawford (3) & George Shelton (1) England 21: Robin Ormerod (1), Lolly Stanhope-White (1), Thomas Coid (1) & Charlie Hitchman (0) 58

Polo Times, October 2016

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

On Monday 29 August, England 21 took on Kirtlington on home turf at Kirtlington Park Polo Club for The Alan Budgett Trophy. The Kirtlington team started well and made the most of the time it took the England team to gel in the first chukka. However by the second chukka, England began to dominate, and with David Woodd’s coaching the England teamwork began to gain efficiency. A foul in the dying second of the third chukka meant that Kirtlington started the final chukka with a penalty 2 spot-hit in front of the English goal and a chance to close the gap to 5-3. Following another penalty against England, Chris Crawford took the opportunity to bring the scores to 5-4 – however Charlie Hitchman plucked the ball from the sky and cleared the goal in some lovely defensive play. The English team managed one final goal in the remaining six minutes, to take the trophy with a score of 6-3. Lolly Stanhope-White’s pony was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award after the match.

England 21, winners of The Alan Budgett Trophy

To find out more about Charlie Cadogan & Lolly Stanhope-White’s Polo Times Best Playing Ponies, please turn to our Pony Power pages

www.polotimes.co.uk

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

Photograph by Andrew Yates

Didn’t Hackett

Action from The Jordan Shield Photograph by Gail Braznell

the ball, but it came down to horsepower in the third and fourth chukkas as Amber cruised into the lead with a score of 7 goals to 3.

Hackett Army Polo Team with Amber, with Major Richard Carney and Peter Cutress

Dallas Burston Polo Club welcomed the Hackett Army Polo Team to Polo in the Park for The Jordan Shield Military Trophy. The team of Lt. Rishi Ahluwalia, O/Cdt Jamie Drummond-Moray, O/Cdt Johnny Sleeman and O/Cdt Henry Amor put up a hard

Indian Invasion for Invitational

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took place was undoubtedly one of the best displays of polo we have seen this season at the Club. The Indian Sherdills played balanced four-man polo and executed perfect team plays one after the other. The local side played as Swordpoint Polo Team and their patron Ba

Pataudi looked in his element. Swordpoint’s Juan Cruz Araya was undoubtedly man of the match lifting his game noticeably. The scores rose in tandem and eventually Swordpoint were the winners but only by their half goal handicap advantage.”

Photograph by Mark Beaumont Photography

Benjie Davis reports on the HAC 105 Cup Polo Invitational held at HPC, The London Polo Club on Saturday 10 September, “A splendid display of military polo and ceremony now in its sixth year. The day commenced with a game between the Honourable Artillery Company and the Welsh Guards. It was the debut game for the Welsh Guards at the Club and thanks to some good teamwork and strong play from Capt. Alexander Major they emerged victorious. Next up the HAC took on the Kings Royal Hussars. The HAC’s Tim Johnson worked hard tussling with Hero Suzuki for the ball, however it wasn’t to be the HAC’s day as the game finished with the Kings Royal Hussars in front.

“The programme then moved on to the much anticipated Saragarhi Cup featuring a 13 goal team from India and a 12 goal team comprised of players from HPC, The London Polo Club. The game that

fight on Red Ground against the Amber team of Domingo Cuadra, Ed Batchelor, Josh Clover, and 4 goaler Zac Hagedoorn.

Hackett Army team were impeccably turned out and ably commentated by Col Simon Ledger. They had some excellent plays on

Jordan Shield Military Trophy teams: Hackett Army: 2Lt Rishi Ahluwalia (0), O/Cdt Jamie Drummond-Moray (1), O/Cdt Johnny Sleeman (2) & O/Cdt Henry Amor (2) Amber: Domingo Cuadra (-1), Ed Batchelor (1), Josh Clover (2) & Zac Hagedoorn (4)

Action from the Saragarhi Cup

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Tidworth

on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August 2016.

The Final of Division 1 between the Royal Navy and the Army Reserve A team was a nail biting game to watch. Both teams

Photograph by Peter Meade

Major Janet Johnston reports on the Adjutant General’s Corps Polo Cup 2016 at Tidworth Polo Club, “Congratulations once again to the Royal Navy for their win

Col Simon Ledger making a speech at the presentation of prizes

were well matched and the two chukka Final could have gone either way at any point. The final result was a draw, which was decided on penalties, the Royal Navy kept their heads slightly cooler than the Army Reserve team and maintained their almost unblemished record of winning the tournament. Congratulations also go to the Royal Air Force for winning Division 2 and the Adjutant General’s Corps B team for winning Division 3.

“The day was a spectacular success for the Adjutant General’s Corps with beautiful weather and a record attendance of 12 military teams concluding an epic year for the Corps team. Special mention to Lieutenant Fiona Rew, Sergeant Lorraine Reid and Private Siana Hartwell who only started this year and were members of the victorious B team in the AGC Polo Cup 3rd Division.

Congratulations also to Captain Mariane van Straaten for receiving her Corps Colours for polo this year. A special thanks to Colonel Andrew King, the Regimental Colonel of the Adjutant General’s Corps for his unfailing support to the team and for presenting the prizes.”

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

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Polo Times, October 2016

Registered Charity No. 1084787

Has played: Argentine Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada Hurlingham Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada USA open and 26 goal with Las Monjitas in 2008 Argentine and Hurlingham open again in 2008 Hurlingham and Tortugas Open in 2009 to 2012 Retired for breeding - 2013 Now playing medium and low goal in UK with Eclipse.

Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina.

For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or William on 07768 651959 / williamlainsbury@gmail.com

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Sebastian Chialvo tells us about George Spencer-Churchill, the Marquess of Blandford’s RoR gelding Clarkson, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the Out of Africa Tournament at Chiltern Polo Club What are his strengths? Good mouth, plenty of run, he is a very fast horse and strong in the ride off.

How has he gone this season? He has been playing with George at Cirencester Park Polo Club in the 4 and 6 goal. He has been playing very well. George finished his season in the middle of August, so he let me play Clarkson for the last few weeks of the season.

Photograph by Molly Derbyshire

Has he won any other awards? He came second in the RoR Awards at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club when he was four-years-old.

What are your plans for his future?

George will continue to play him.

Clarkson

What is his breeding? By Jeremy, out of Gold Marie.

Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Owner: Owned and played by George Spencer-Churchill, the Marquess of Blandford, and played by Sebastian Chialvo

Tell us about his background? Clarkson came to us when he was three-years-old from racing. I retrained him and at the end of the 2015 season George started playing him.

He is so easy to do everything with at the yard, but sometimes he is too calm. He has the same temperament now as when he was a three-year-old, and that is very important.

Andrew Blake Thomas tells us about his mare, Betty, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in The President’s Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Does he have any special quirks? Every morning when you are making up the feeds, he starts walking around the stable until he gets his breakfast, if you don’t feed him quickly he makes a big mess in the stable.

Describe him in three words? Calm, easy, fast.

her before Tincho finished her schooling.

Tincho brought her over to England and she played many years over here in the high goal with him.

How long have you had her? I bought her one year ago and I played her in only a couple of tournaments as I bought her at the end of the season.

Photograph by © www.imagesofpolo.com

What are her strengths? She has an amazing mouth and fantastic sides and is so soft to ride!

How has she gone this season? This year she has been my first chukka at every game, as I love starting on her as she is always good and gives me great confidence.

Betty Age: 13-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Andrew Blake Thomas www.polotimes.co.uk

What is her breeding? Argentine Thoroughbred.

Tell us about her background? Agustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos’ father bought her off the racetrack in Argentina where he retrained

What are your plans for her future? Her future with me hopefully will be long and I am intending to take some embryos from her next year.

Describe her in three words? Kind, soft, awesome!

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Photograph by John Rowley

Photograph by Katherina Cadogan

We get to know Little Billie, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at The Whitebread Trophy, a retrained racehorse owned and ridden by Charlie Cadogan

How has she done this season? She has had a busy season and has been going really well throughout and I can definitely rely on her to have a great chukka. I have played her in everything from school polo to 12 goal. Since I have had her she has got better every year.

Little Billie Age: 10-years-old Colour: Dapple Grey Height: 15.3hh Sex: Mare Owner: Charles Cadogan What is her breeding: Billie is an English Thoroughbred, sire Elfisio out of Kembla.

Tell us about her background? We have had her for three years. Billie is a retrained racehorse and we bought her from Evelyn Williams near Lambourn as a seven-year-old.

What are her strengths? She has a big engine behind her and is strong in the ride-offs due to her size, speed and power. She has striking looks and people always notice her and comment on her.

Sarah Wiseman tells us about her mare, Brahma, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the Laurent-Perrier National Women’s Tournament at Westcroft Park Polo Club

What are your plans for her future? Looking to the future, I hope she will get better and better as she has done in the last few seasons.

She is definitely a valuable asset in my string and I love riding her.

Does she have any special quirks? She is very cheeky in the yard and always makes the girls laugh.

Describe her in three words? Honest, reliable, striking.

first with me, I’m not sure what she has won in the past! She deserves it having carried me around all season and given her best.

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

What are her strengths? She is super tough and won’t back out of anything. Every game she gives 100% and she is pretty fast as well! She tries so hard and always seems to get to the plays I ask her to get to.

How has she gone this season? She has been great, one of the best in my string, I can always rely on her to be solid every game. I am very lucky to have found her last year.

Brahma Age: 13-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Sarah Wiseman What is her breeding? No idea, she is from Argentina and was bred and brought over by an Argentinian professional to play here in the UK. 62

Polo Times, October 2016

Where is she from? I bought her at the very end of last season. She belonged to Ricardo Furno an Argentine 4 goaler that had bred her and brought her to the UK to play in his string here. He was giving up playing in the UK at the end of last season.

Tell us about her background? Sadly I don’t know much about her history. I’ve only had her less than a year. This has been my first season playing her and she has been great.

Has she won any other awards? This is her

What are your plans for her future? She will stay with me for the foreseeable future!

I can’t imagine my string without her. If I could find a few more Brahmas I would be very happy.

Does she have any special quirks? She is very chilled out around the yard, but she is definitely the boss in the field, all the other horses are a bit scared of her!

Describe her in three words? Tough, reliable, superstar! www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Pony Power

Photograph by Alice Gipps

Photograph by Dayna Waechter

Dayna Waechter tells us about her pint-sized pony, Oxiana, who won Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at La Brava Ladies’ Tournament at Ranelagh Farm Polo Club

Oxiana practicing circus tricks in her free time

Oxiana Age: 15-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 14.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Jillian & Dayna Waechter What is her breeding? Oxiana was bred by the Podesta family in Argentina.

How long have you had her? Eight years.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not since she has been with us.

Tell us about her background? She was brought over from Argentina to Switzerland by Markus Gräff, but she was just too small for him and his family. A very generous friend then bought her and gave her as a present to me and my sister.

What are your plans for her in the future?

My dream is to clone her, but it is probably more realistic to play her a few more seasons and then hopefully she can have a foal.

What are her strengths? She is super handy and has an explosive acceleration.

Does she have any special quirks? She likes to rear in throw-ins and she hates vets and tries to press them to a wall when they come near her!

How has she gone this season? Very well, she has always given 100% and has finished the season sound.

James Douglas tells us about his homebred gelding Berty, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at the Randox Polo Event at Errol Park

Describe her in three words? Tiny, cheeky, amazing.

What are his strengths? He is very strong in a ride-off and very handy, he has great transitions.

How has he gone this season? He has been excellent this season, it’s been his best season so far, he just gets better and better.

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

Has he won any other awards? No, this is his first award.

What are your plans for his future? He is a gelding so I will carry on playing him for a few more years, then he will probably do some work in the polo school.

Berty Age: 14-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Gelding Owner: James Douglas

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What is his breeding? Out of Peg by a Yorkshire based part Thoroughbred stallion previously owned by the Haighs.

Tell us about his background? He is very co-dependent with his full sister and two half sisters, they have been in the same field for the last seven years, so when they get separated they can be quite vocal.

Does he have any special quirks? He has bucked me off more than any horse I have ever had. Training him was quite interesting. He didn’t take any longer than anyone else to make but he did require a lot more schooling, just to keep him level, pushing him through lots of transitions, which is why he is so handy now.

Describe him in three words? Strong, light, agile.

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Izzy McGregor talks to us about her fiver-year-old mare, Pope, who won Best Playing Pony at Guards Polo Club’s 4th Ladies’ Charity Polo Day

Pope Age: Five-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Izzy McGregor What is her breeding? She was bred by L. McCabe in Ireland from Papal Bull and Pareesa. Her full name is Papal Blessing, but it is shortened to Pope.

What are her strengths? She is the sharpest horse I have ever ridden, she’s had me a couple of times when I’m not paying attention and the play changes!

How has she gone this season? She has a tendency to be quite hot, so I didn’t want to push her but around mid-way through the season I realised I had something really special with her. She ended the season on a high winning the Best Playing Pony at the Ladies’ Charity Polo Day at Guards in what was only her second official match.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Tell us about her background? 18 months ago John Horswell found her and suggested I go have a look and I loved her straight away. She spent six months with Josh Clover who brought her on and got her to the level of starting young chukkas. This season I’ve brought her along very slowly and played quiet practices, but finished the season with a 6 goal game where she was my best chukka!

What are your future plans for her? She has the potential to be the best horse I’ve ever had so I want to take it slow. She is sat in the field at home at the moment, getting fat and happy.

Has she won any other awards? No as she is only five and this is her first season.

Describe her in three words? Clever, agile, adorable.

Does she have any special quirks? She is more like a puppy than a horse. She’ll knock you over trying to get a head rub if you’re not careful.

Lolly Stanhope-White tells us about her brand new mare, Calista, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the Alan Budgett Trophy at Kirtlington Park Polo Club Gloucestershire. She came from a great family friend Janie Dear, based at the Beaufort Polo Club. I grew up playing Pony Club polo for the Beaufort with her son, Max. Janie had Calista from Ben Wilson who had made her and had her for over eight years and played her up to 15 goal. We connected on day one.

Photograph by Olly Hughes

What are her strengths? Strong in the ride-off and extremely agile on the pitch; she seems to know where the ball is and is determined to get there first.

Calista Age: 16-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Lolly Stanhope-White What is her breeding? Out of 64

Polo Times, October 2016

Copiawina (The Hon R Hanson) by Hector (Claire Tomlinson) How long have you had her? Five days!

Tell us about her background? Having lost a lovely polo pony on the Tuesday morning,

by Wednesday my Dad, Justin, had Calista in the lorry heading home to Somerset from

What are your plans for her future? It’s early days but we certainly have got off to a great start and I adore playing her and I am looking forward to next season, after she has had a well deserved winter break.

Does she have any special quirks?

When leading her out she shys at the silliest things resulting in me being ridden off with determination into the hedgerow!

Describe her in three words? Strong, agile, eager. www.polotimes.co.uk

Pony Power

Max Hutchinson tells us about The One That Got Away, who won Best Playing Pony at the FIP XI European Championships in Maifeld, Berlin

Knowledge

a great mouth. She also has unbelievable stamina. She can play two chukkas easily.

How has she gone this season?

She has gone very well this season and is always so consistent. We were all very happy when she was awarded Best Playing Pony in Berlin.

Photograph courtesy of Max Hutchinson

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards?

I’m not too sure, but she may have won an award in Plettenburg Bay as I know she was very highly rated when Tom had her there.

The One That Got Away Age: 11-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Stephen Hutchinson What is her breeding? I’m not too sure of her breeding.

How long have you had her? Three years.

Tell us about her background? She is a South African TB brought over to the UK by Tom De Bruin. She played the medium goal in England with Tom and was also rented to Juan Martin Nero for the Gold Cup. She is now being played by me in the 4 to 12 goal, probably wondering where it all went wrong.

What are her strengths?

She has everything to be honest. It really is a pleasure to play her. She is very fast and has

What are your plans for her in the future?

We will continue to play her for as long as we can and then she will go back to Ireland for breeding. We are considering taking some embryos from her quite soon as we feel she is definitely good enough to justify the expense.

Does she have any special quirks?

She is a very friendly, relaxed horse and is so easy to look after.

Describe her in three words?

Fast, handy, powerful.

We get to know more about Tsunami, who was ridden by Juan Britos in The Autumn Nations at Guards Polo Club, where the young mare won Polo Times Best Playing Pony

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Has she won any other awards?

Not yet as this was her first season playing tournament polo.

What are her strengths?

She has amazing sides, very fast with great acceleration, really strong in the ride-off and she’s close to the ground! She has the whole package!

Tsunami

Age: Six-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Andrey Borodin What is her breeding?

She is a hombred embryo from Andrew Hine, born in the UK, out of an Australian mare called Nigella and by the well known Ellerston stallion, Clark, now owned by Pablo MacDonough. www.polotimes.co.uk

Tsunami’s mother Nigella was bred by Jim Clarke in Australia and played by Andrew and Santi Chavanne and Andrew eventually sold her to Eduardo Novillo Astrada who has taken her back to Argentina to breed from.

Tell us about her background?

Andrew sold her to Andrey at the start of this season just before she turned six. I have played her in 8, 10 and 12 goal with Park Place this year and she has been consistently one of my best mares in each tournament.

How has she gone this season?

For her first season playing match polo, she has been amazing and continues to get better and better. I am looking forward to seeing how she comes back next year as a seven-year-old.

What are your plans for her future?

We will continue to play her in faster polo and hopefully eventually breed from her.

Does she have any special quirks?

She is incredibly laid back and chilled out – like an oversized puppy!

Describe her in three words?

Not for sale!

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Importance of Tongue Conformation Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd shares some information on bitting polo ponies

It is important when considering the bitting of polo ponies to look at the tongue conformation of the equine. Polo ponies have lineage from Thoroughbreds, Quarter horses and Criollo horses; breeds with relatively compact heads, as a general rule. These types are not widely known for conformational issues in the mouth, and tend to have sufficient room between the tongue and the upper palate, with pleasingly average-sized tongues.

Conversely, the amateur or school player who has a horse that has crossed over from another discipline, or that has multiple riding uses – perhaps a small Warmblood-type or an Arab-cross – may face conformational challenges. For example, Warmbloods tend to have larger tongues than TBs, while Arab crosses often have a lower ‘upper palate’ (e.g. the roof of mouth).

However, even the typical polo pony with its desirable mouth conformation has changed as breeding practices have developed and been refined. In most domesticated equines, their mouths have become narrower, the cheeks have become fleshier, and the bars have moved together somewhat, creating more ‘tongue’ that can lead to tongue sensitivity.

Plus, there are sometimes just random issues that are not necessarily linked to breed, such as an unusually low palate, an overshot or undershot jaw, and aspects like hooks and tushes on the teeth, which will affect bit mouthpiece choice.

Tongue facts The tongue is made up of many different muscles that allow movements such as swallowing, tongue retraction and elevation. Specialised bumps called papillae, which are a feature of the tongue’s mucous membrane and cover the entire upper surface of the tongue, are designed to help guide food into position. They also sense touch and taste, while the frenulum plays a vital role in chewing and swallowing, and connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Because of the ‘real’ job of the tongue, we can see why it is so sensitive when the pony is bridled!

All equines must be able to have release from pressure when they are ridden in a bit, and a thick bit in a small equine mouth, or a bit that compromises a large or sensitive tongue, may make this impossible. If a polo pony is showing signs of discomfort when bridled, then

Polo Pelham 55 Bomber Blue

a different shaped mouthpiece, or a bit made from a different material, may create a more palatable and pleasant feeling for the equine – thus lessening the likelihood of unwanted signs of discomfort on the field, such as sucking the tongue back or trying to put the tongue over the bit.

The Bomber Blue range from Bombers Bits is popular with riders of ponies that have sensitive tongues, as it features a rubber-nylon material that promotes salivation. The Bombers Blue Pelham for polo is ported for tongue relief, and is very light, and can be made with your choice of cheek piece.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

TRISTAR

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For our current stock please visit our new & updated website

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

Polo Times, October 2016

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Stables

Knowledge

Building Better Stables Graham Heath Equestrian manufactures premium quality, steel framed equestrian buildings, internal and external stables, as well as arenas for everything from personal use to horse livery yards and equestrian centres.

Aware that every horse and owner has different requirements, Graham Heath

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Equestrian offers bespoke, tailor-made equestrian buildings with specific elements, such as roof lights and light ridges, or controlled air flow in a structure. With a particular focus on the development and sourcing of materials, Graham Heath Equestrian ensures it provides buildings of the highest standards, paired with the latest developments in the industry.

A recent example includes the working partnership with suppliers to provide plastic boarding instead of timber in horse stables.

This product reduces the upkeep of the stables, which can be chemically cleaned to prevent the transfer of infection.

Head of Equestrian, Paul Hanson, comments, “We have been working hard to develop our premium quality buildings, whilst satisfying the needs and requirements of those within the equine industry. We aim to provide a wide range of building solutions; from every day use to livery yards or equine arenas used by young riders who are the champions of the future.�

Courtesy of Graham Heath Equestrian

Graham Heath Equestrian buildings, headquartered in Nantwich, are used by a wide variety of customers for equestrian, agricultural and industrial uses. The experienced team offers advice and assistance on every aspect from design to build, to ensure each building is tailored to the individual.

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Knowledge

Russell Parker BVSc. MSc. DECVS MRCVS Russell graduated from the University of Bristol in 2004 and initially worked in equine practice before starting a residency in equine surgery at the University of Edinburgh in 2008. In 2012 he became a diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and stayed on at Edinburgh as a lecturer in Equine Surgery. Prior to joining the LEH, Russell was working as an equine surgeon in a Berkshire based equine practice. His professional interests include all aspects of equine surgery, lameness investigation and diagnostic imaging. Russell is one of five specialist surgeons at the Liphook Equine Hospital and is an RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Surgery. Russell is kept busy by a young family, dogs and horses but is keen to get back into polo after a few years away from the sport

Head Injuries in Horses immediately and these cases can be difficult to manage due to the size of the horse and the safety issues that this poses.

As a general rule veterinary intervention is recommended in the following situations: • The horse is dull, wobbly or lying down • There is significant blood from the nostrils or from the wound itself • The horse is having difficulty eating • The eye is closed, or appears painful • There is a full thickness skin wound Your vet will examine the wound and or swellings and depending on its location may decide if investigation of deeper structures is required. X-rays of the head are a good starting point if bony trauma is suspected and can detect fractures or the presence of fluid (blood in the case of trauma) within the sinuses. However the head is a very complex structure and a two-dimensional x-ray provides limited information on many areas. Ultrasound examination is cheap and easy to perform and can be very useful to detect disruption to the contour of the bones (as occurs with

Photography courtesy of Liphook Equine Hospital

Head trauma from a ball or mallet is a common injury in polo ponies, and can also occur off the pitch through kicks or blunt trauma. The head is highly vascular and even the smallest of wounds can lead to an alarming amount of bleeding but the benefit of this is that even extensive wounds can heal very quickly after repair compared with those of a similar size on the legs. Figure 1 shows a traumatic head injury. Many small wounds can be left to heal by themselves or simply require suturing, but some can be serious and require more involved veterinary intervention. In some situations there may not even be a wound but significant damage to the underlying structures may have occurred, requiring treatment.

The size of the equine head and the large air filled sinuses act as an effective shock absorber and horses very rarely lose consciousness as a result of head trauma. In the rare cases where a loss of consciousness, loss of balance or seizure behaviour is seen veterinary treatment should be sought

Figure 1: Head wound in a polo pony sustained during transport. Despite the size of the wound, which did involve the sinuses, it healed well after repair

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depression fractures of the skull) and damage to the soft tissues. However it is limited to the superficial structures as the ultrasound beam cannot penetrate through bone. Endoscopy of the nasal passages allows identification of the source of any bleeding which can be coming from the nasal passages, the sinuses or further back in the pharynx or trachea.

In many cases these first line imaging options are sufficient to provide a diagnosis, but where doubt remains computed tomography (CT) of the entire head is now widely available in the UK and can be

Figure 2a & b: Transverse CT scan of a polo pony following a mallet injury to the right eye. The eye was uninjured but CT scans revealed a fracture of the orbit with a small fragment, which was removed at surgery

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Figure 3: Severe ocular trauma in a young horse, suspected to be a kick wound. Further investigation revealed a fracture of the orbit and rupture of the eye, which had to be removed

accomplished in the standing horse under sedation. CT scanning provides detailed 3D imaging of the head (see Figure 2) and is very cost effective in achieving an accurate diagnosis, which allows appropriate treatment.

Many fractures will heal without the need for repair, but those affecting the jaw may need stabilising with wires or

plates if they are preventing the horse from chewing. Loose fragments of bone are ideally removed prior to wound repair, but may not be obvious in the early stages and if left in place without a blood supply (called a sequestrum) they can lead to a discharging, non-healing wound until they are removed. Where a fracture has occurred involving the sinuses, repair of the bones is rarely necessary and they will often heal well given time. However, when this injury occurs the sinuses can fill with blood with a risk of secondary infection (sinusitis). Your vet may elect to place a tube in the sinuses to wash out the blood and a course of antibiotics is usually started.

Unlike other equestrian sports, the need for two functional eyes in polo means that trauma to the orbit (eye socket) and eye should be taken seriously at all times. The eye itself should be carefully assessed and may require frequent medication to settle inflammation, which if untreated can lead to a persistent problem. Cuts to the eyelids should be carefully repaired straight away so that their function in keeping the cornea clean and lubricated is not impaired. Sharp

lacerations of the cornea may be repaired surgically to save the eye, but unfortunately blunt trauma, which is a more common occurrence can lead to irreparable damage.

Any horse with a painful or swollen eye after trauma should receive veterinary attention as damage to the eye is hard to detect behind the swelling In summary, most head injuries heal very well with minimal long-term impact to the horse, but those involving deeper structures or the eyes can have serious implications and should receive immediate veterinary attention. Advanced imaging is now widely available improving the accuracy of the diagnosis and allowing more effective treatment.

Russell Parker BVSc. MSc. DECVS MRCVS Liphook Equine Hospital Forest Mere Liphook Hants GU30 7JG Tel: 01428 727200

Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068 Fax: +44 (0) 1842 861 936 Email: info@greenheath.co.uk www.greenheath.co.uk

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Polo Times, October 2016

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Knowledge

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014, he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

The Cool Down

We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo In last month’s article we focused on one of the most important and simple additions to your polo routine that can help to improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury significantly – the warm up. This month the focus is on recovery after polo.

Another very simple habit to get into which can make a big difference to your polo.

Polo is a strenuous and physical activity and matches can put a lot of strain on your body. In order to avoid injuries, muscular aches and pains after playing it is very important to cool down properly, stretch effectively and help your body recover. A good cool down should focus primarily on stretching and relaxation. This will not only make you feel better in the short term by aiding muscle recovery (no more aching

lower backs and walking like John Wayne after too long in the saddle), it will also help you long term to improve your flexibility and your overall polo fitness as well as to help avoid any more serious injuries caused by muscular imbalances. Just five minutes of post-match stretching can make a long term improvement and you will see the difference in your game.

The Benefits of a Cool Down An effective cool down and stretching routine can aim to improve physical performance by increasing flexibility levels. A more flexible joint has the ability to move over a wider range of motion and requires less energy to do so. This makes the body more efficient and reduces the risk of injury through overstraining.

Slow, static stretching helps reduce muscle soreness after activity. Static stretching involves stretching the muscle slowly, in a gradual and controlled manner, holding for 15 to 30 seconds in the farthest and most comfortable position (without pain).

Post-match stretching not only decreases muscle soreness and improves performance, it also helps to relax both body and mind, offering a sense of wellbeing and personal gratification during competition.

Make Time While many pros have a fitness coach to help them stretch out and recover after each match, this is not the case for the majority of players. Luckily a quick five minute stretching session is very easy to do on your own and does not require anything more than a little bit of concentration. While the ponies are cooling off, while you’re waiting for prize giving or during your post-match team chat and performance breakdown, don’t just stand or sit, use the time to perform static stretches. Stretching as a team will make you all feel better and will encourage you to do so.

If you know you have a long journey ahead of you to get home, a short recovery session is even more important. Sitting in a car or lorry will stiffen overworked muscles and cause aching muscles that can be strained easily.

Photography by Gillian Hughes

Post-Match Cool Down Here are some great static stretches that will help you to recover faster after polo and to increase your long term flexibility levels:

Exercise 1 Roll backwards and forward holding your knees, relaxing your lower back. After five repeats, hold your knees tight against your chest and hold that position for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.

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Exercise 2 Sit with your back straight and the soles of your feet together. Gently hold your ankles and push your legs down to the ground to achieve greater stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and relax. Repeat twice.

Exercise 3 The starting position is the same as the previous exercise, but this time you are going to bend forwards from the waist until you reach the floor with your elbows. If this is too difficult, reach the furthest with your hands. Hold for 30 seconds. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Exercise 5 Stand with your legs straight and wide apart. Slowly bend from the waist towards the floor holding your elbows and relaxing your neck. Hold for 30 seconds and stand back up in a controlled way. Hold for 30 seconds, relax and repeat.

Exercise 6 Lunge forward, gently resting your back knee on the floor and bring your hips forward. Once you feel your groin stretching, raise your arms, hold your hands and lean to the side of your front leg. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other side.

For more great stretches and ways to improve your polo through fitness solutions head to our Challenges page: www.fitnessforpolo.com/challenges Great challenges to test you and help you improve key areas in your polo fitness plus a good resource for exercises, drills and training programmes specially tailored to polo.

Exercise 4 Sit with one leg bent and one straight adopting a ‘4’ shape. In order to stretch your lower back and hamstring, you are going to try to reach the foot in front with your opposite hand. Use the other arm to push against the floor to achieve greater stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on both sides.

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Know Your Game

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Stability Of Hitting Platform Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game Quite a few years ago the Canadian Polo Association conducted a hitting analysis. If memory serves me correctly, eight players ranging in handicap from 1 to 8 goals hit approximate 200 balls and each hit was then analysed. A significant factor of the study was that there were two 8 goal players and at least one 6 goal player within the group assessed. The aspect of the analysis that intrigued me the most was the fact that 90% of those hits demonstrated an identifiable degree of instability in the players’ hitting platform.

Instability is significant because, every degree is typically manifested in the outcome of the hit.

There is little doubt in my mind that within any game, if 200 hits of the ball were analysed, it would reveal close to the same percentage of hits demonstrating similar instability.

The intention of this article is to make you aware of some of the more common and influencing causes of an unstable hitting platform.

The first cause is – failure to establish and maintain a secure hitting position before arriving at the ball. The vast majority of polo players initiate the hitting process far too late, thus causing that process to become rushed, miscalculated, and more often than not, unstable.

The second cause is – failure to develop the correct and secure hitting platform appropriate for that hit. Relative to creating that platform, there are three mechanical factors to be concerned with.

Number 1 – Your Heels They should be lower than your toes, which causes your upper body balance to move back and over your hips. With your upper body centered over your hips, you have greater control of upper body movement, i.e. stability. Compare that to the situation of your toes turning down to where they are lower than your heels. That causes upper body balance to fall forward creating a loss of upper body control, i.e. instability.

Another favourable effect of Heels Down is – the muscles, tendons, and ligaments on the back of your legs are caused to

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Number 2 – Feet Wider At the point of contact with the ball your feet should be wider apart than your knees. To accomplish that, turn your heels out and away from the horse’s sides, push your foot out and away, and lift the lateral side of your little toe up toward the sky. All of these maneoeuvres cause the weight of your feet in the stirrups to be on the big ball, or medial side, of your foot; not on the little ball, or lateral side, of your foot, which is disastrous to a stable hitting platform.

A favourable effect of feet wider apart than knees is – it creates a wide foundation, or Pyramid Effect. The wide foundation makes it much easier to establish and maintain stability of hitting platform. stretch down; thereby, creating the ability to grip more strongly with your upper legs.

A strong upper leg grip is essential to establishing and maintaining a stable hitting platform.

Another favourable effect of having your feet wider apart than your knees is – it pushes your upper legs into your horse’s shoulders enhancing the ability to grip more strongly with your upper legs. Strong upper leg contact is absolutely essential to a stable hitting platform.

It would be prudent at this point to contemplate the significance that the feet play in producing a stable hitting platform.

They are the foundation of your hitting platform and stabilising source to the balance of your upper body.

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Number 3 – Bolt through knees Squeeze your knees into your horse’s shoulders with a firm to strong upper leg gripping pressure to create the bolt through knees effect.

The upper leg gripping pressure is the most direct contact you have with your horse and, as such is the strongest source of gripping power you can use for attaching yourself to your horse. Because of that, upper leg gripping strength is the primary source from which you establish and maintain a stable hitting platform.

It is most unfortunate that within the process of hitting the polo ball there has been developed the generally accepted concept of turning the toes down and away from your horse’s side. I am reasonably certain that has been accepted because doing so makes rotating for the hit easier to accomplish. However, and unfortunately, it is also the initial step leading to the creation of an unstable hitting platform.

Additionally, when your foot turns out and away from the horse’s side, your knee is caused to do the same, and to the same degree.

When that happens, you are in the process of decreasing the gripping strength between your upper legs, which leads to a loss of control of upper body movement, i.e. instability.

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Know Your Game

Even though the concepts of toes turned down, foot and knee turned out and away from the horse have been around for centuries, common sense dictates that the physics of those mechanics just cannot, in any way, compare favorably to the mechanics of establishing and maintaining your heels down (Bungee Effect); your feet wide, (Pyramid Effect), and your upper legs gripping (Bolt Through Knees).

You, the polo player, should realise that hitting the polo ball is a mechanical process and is similar in procedure to hitting a golf

Knowledge

ball, a baseball, or even a tennis ball. If you understand the similarity of the mechanical process for hitting those balls then you understanding the mechanical process for most effectively hitting the polo ball.

In summary, I emphasise – to the effect of establishing and maintaining a stable hitting platform, the concepts of initiate hitting process early, heels down, feet wide, upper legs gripping are much more than important, each is vital and should be worked at diligently.

Polo Times, October 2016

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Sidelines

Gossip

A ROCK ON A CLIFF Richard, the Earl of Tyrone has had a busy month, breaking his arm was a bit of a downer, but asking Flora Richardson for her hand whilst walking along the cliffs of Salcombe was a definite upper. No messing around for these two, they have already set the date for 23 September 2017.

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

Congratulations to Nina and John Paul Clarkin on the arrival of their second child! Patrick Paul Clarkin was born on the 1 September weighing 8lbs 8.

TINY TAYTO Congratulations to Saffron (née Hutchinson) and Andy Oliver on the arrival of their first baby boy Samuel Stephen Oliver. The tiny tot entered the world on 19 August weighing 7lbs 2.

DOUBLE OUCHY Nicola Hodges had to be substituted by Cicely Colhurst this month when she broke her collarbone after a fall, that’s the second time this season after returning to the saddle in July from her break in May. Hope you’re mending well!

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Polo Times, October 2016

HE’S BACK The notorious Rupert Campbell Black has returned to the bookshelves! Jilly Cooper, author of Polo, Jump, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous and many other naughty novels set in the fictional Rutshire has launched her latest raunchy read, Mount! Go grab a copy now; it’s the end of the season so perfect to hide away and read cover-to-cover or for those long haul flights to sunnier climes. www.polotimes.co.uk

Louise Mcgrath & Caroline Ward

April Banbury & Anna Dodiya

Poliana De Souza & Oliveira Espinosa

Conor O’Gorman & Tom Bates

Brechje Hertoghs, Ali Scott, Richelle Boon & Vincent Gaemers

City Polo Championships; HPC, The London Polo Club; Saturday 13 August Mirko live on the guitar

London’s Finest Polo players from across the City and the Alumni Polo network fought for the honour of the City Polo Championships on a gloriously sunny day.

Once the victors, Bodos Schloss were crowned, the party really kicked off with DJ Per Pedersen on the decks, Chris Sharp on the sax and Mirko live on the guitar. Members of exclusive dating app The Inner Circle, plus Alumni Polo guests celebrated the summer and one of Britain’s most beautiful sports. It was an unforgettable day with an electric atmosphere at the magical HPC, The London Polo Club.

The plans are already underway for next year’s Inner Circle Summer Polo Cup. Expect it to be bigger and better. Coachella watch out!

Photography by Lily Bungay Pierre Banon, Elise de Carolis & Michael Krayenhoff

Carla Murray, Sarah Mo Kenthin, Laura Wilson & Monika Ondovcikova

Chris Sharp on the sax

Hannah Van Ross, Georgie Dunn, Rhiannon Van Ross, John Connick & Stewart Less

Antoin Commane & Ollie Chambers

Celebrating a win

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JJ Spark

Tom Peterson & Marcus Eastwell

Nicola Hodges, Vicky Griffin & Amy Leggett

Stephanie Watterson with Biltong

Alison & Katy Webber

Millie & Hattie Podmore, Oli Green, Matilda Podmore, Florence & Grace Green

Molly Barlow & Terji Gilje

Winners Profit: Sebastian Chialvo, Nicola Hodges, Justin Neal & Cicely Colhurst

Out of Africa Tournament; Chiltern Polo Club; Sunday 21 August

Chiltern Goes Wild

Will Frankum

Alex Wheeler & Olivia Barlow

The Out of Africa Tournament held at Chiltern Polo Club in memory of the late Derwent Spark, who was a prolific polo player and father to professional South African player JJ Spark. The Club had gone all out with South African-themed decorations, which included a life size sculpture of a rhino. Despite torrential rain and howling gales on Saturday, nearly all the games were played and as the weather subsided, guests and supporters enjoyed a traditional braai barbeque in the newly refurbished Clubhouse. The Finals day was bathed in glorious sunshine as the crowds gathered at the Buckinghamshire Club for super speedy low goal polo. A few of the braver youngsters had embraced the wilderness of the hills and camped out after the party and were glad for the sunny Sunday.

VW Lancaster from Aylesbury were also on hand to offer test drives in Tiguans and Beetles around the grounds. The presentation of the magnificent rhino trophy was made in front of a life size replica by the Clubhouse, Sebastian Chialvo’s Polo Times Best Playing Pony Clarkson luckily didn’t seem fazed at all by the statue.

Photography by Molly Derbyshire

Freddie McCarthy, Forest Onderka-Lang, Lydia Harris & Georgie Haycraft

Lydia Harris & Alistair Harvey

Polo Times Best Playing rhino

Mr & Mrs Heath

Nicky Green, Matt & Zoe Podmore

Isobel Bradford-Jones

Philippa Bailey & Lydia Eastwell

Fedi Gilje & David Barlow

Freddie McCarthy & James Stanwick

Josh Charlton-Briggs, Matthew Dove & Amy Nizolek

Annette & Robin Sturch

Caddi Earl & Ann Whaley

Matt Beckett & Tara Burrough

Paul & Grace Clisby & Jill Fairhurst

Olivia, Tracy & Nick Roberts

George Smith (record holder)

SUPA Home Nations Beach Party; Cheshire Polo Club; Saturday 27 August

SUPA Surf Cheshire turned into a hive of beach activity after dark for the SUPA Home Nations Beach Party. Revellers rocked up in bikinis and board-shorts ready to see how steady they could be on a surf simulator after scoffing a well stocked build-your-own-burger BBQ. The Cheshire crowd were out in force to enjoy a DJ as well as beach games, whilst the of-age guests partook in a glass of two of Prosecco at the Clubhouse bar.

Photography by Mark R. Heath John Wheeldon & Nicola Shaw

Ben Malasomma & Rod Scammell

Sarah Blakeley, Pat Hall, Sara Davies & Rachel Kidd

Brodie Watts & Katie Jenkinson

Janet Harbour & Christina Burchell

Spencer Atkinson & Deryn Nicholls

Cristian Chaves surf simulator

Katherine Haig, Veronica & David Oldham

Hannah Wythe & Agnes Stamp

Julie & Neil Taylor

Jo Hales & Bob Cropley

Robert & Chicky Whiteley

Thames Valley Air Ambulance Summer Ball; Kirtlington Park Polo Club; Saturday 27 August

Kirtlington Carousel

Toby & Melanie Pejkovic

Tim Pollock (TVAA) Trustee & Nicky Blanchard

Helen Anderson, Belinda Whiteley & Sean Anderson

Nico Fontanarrosa & Sue Birkbeck

The Shadow Monkeys rocking it

Chris Crawford & Eric Asker

Katherine Leefe & Mrs Ruth Dashwood

The 140 strong guest list enjoyed a brilliant band, not one but two ‘Dastardly’ DJs, and a fabulous auction.

The champagne and canapé reception was provided

by NG Catering’s Nick and Caroline Godden, as well as the delicious three course dinner. The event is the brainchild of Club member Vimmy Whiteley after she had a nasty fall whilst playing and the TVAA came to her rescue. Vimmy has made a full recovery, is playing again and now spends her free time fundraising for TVAA. Vimmy said, “With my brilliant Uncle Mark (Miller) standing as auctioneer, the bidding process began fruitfully – despite already having ten lots for our keen bidders, there were two last minute donations which were sold for £400 each.”

Photography by Molly Derbyshire

Melissa Wadley, Catherine Young, Ripper Ripon & Denis Baker

Vimmy Whiteley, Ciara de La Cour & Puff Whiteley

Duncan Qui & Mandy Fontanarrosa

Corinne Smith, Beccy Stafford-Allen & Gemma Prata

Sam Shadbolt & Ingrid Straume-Brown

Ellie & Robbie Simpson

Matt Kine & Lois Kelly

Charlotte Ballard & Clayton Hemstock

Brian & Ange Anderson

Sarah Randall & Jayne Ochel

Daniel Cary & Caroline Oates

Josh Tuthill & Ed Deeley

Jemma Shepherd & Sophie Davies

Jo Clark, Debbie Trafford, Henry Jones, Austin Clark & Ollie Jones

James, Thomas & Mauna Wood

Lucy Taylor & Gen Garth

End of Season Party; Longdole Polo Club; Sunday 4 September

Wild in the West Sexy squaws and cool customer cowboys flooded the Longdole Clubhouse in a riot of colourful outfits. The members really went to town for their fancy dress get-ups. The cowboys and Indians, dancing to Beaufort Steve’s fab disco whilst a wagon’s worth of tequila, sambuca and some unnamed horrid green stuff was swash-buckled by guests.

There were Mexican bandits causing a frenzy with the ladies, rumour has it under the sombrero’ and stuck-on moustaches the daytime faces of Rupert Lewis and Ryan Robertson lurked. A funny last fling in the Longdole Clubhouse… roll on the next season!

Haden Trueman-Greinke

Richard & Gwyn Bucket, Tome Beim & Will Lucas

Photography by Zahra Lucas

Patrick Lodge & Daisy Ruprecht

Katie Mackeith, Fern Lorne, Heather Sheriden & Hetty Blake

Shannon Stephson

Tommy Severn, Ryan Robertson & Rupert Lewis

Bichett, Dougie Gittins, Tilda Woodd, Tabba Woodd & Tom Meyrick

Maimie Powell

Helena Robson, Mathew Dove, Kat Ball, Katie Liddell & Will Howlett

Sebastian Aloysius & Hannah Middleton-Cope

The Methill & District Pipe Band

Most Valuable Player Sebastian Funes & Thom Bell

Thom Bells’ ponies waiting to play

Helen Gray, Gillian Lockhart, Jim Dukes

The Red Devils collecting their parachutes before the game

Randox Polo Event; Errol Park; Saturday 10 September

Kilts Ahoy!

Nuailin & Peter Fitzgerald, MD of Randox

Fede Martin, Gonzalo Calisaya & Bautista Funes

The Heriot Maitland family seat, Errol Park in Perthshire, played host to the lavish annual affair, with the Red Devils parachute display delivering the ball for the throw-in between a trio of international teams. England galloped to success for a third year in a row defeating Scotland and South Africa. Guests and players moved to the evening’s entertainment on the lawns overlooking the Tay river after the games. Post dinner, a raffle was drawn for a selection of prizes, the proceeds of which went to nominated charity for 2016, The Prince’s Trust Scotland. Post dinner entertainment began with music from the Methill and District Pipe Band followed by a fireworks display to music. Reeling to a fantastic ceilidh band ensued before a spot of dance music from a DJ, followed by another live band and of course a breakfast for the hardy party goers of haggis, neeps and tatties at 2am.

Photography by Polo Times

Cameron Humphries & Shaun Harte

James Heriot Maitland & Katharina Chelsea

Dr Henry Sunption, Nicola Norman & Dr Tommy Walters James Meaton, Abbey & Ashley Foreman

Linda Dukes & James Douglas

Jane & Alasdair Archibald

The Red Devils swooping in formation with the ball for the throw-in

The ceilidh band in fine fiddle

Jürg Reinger

Mark Holmes, Jan-Erik Frank & Reto Gaudenzi

Rene Kleinlugtenbelt & Enno Grams

Santiago Torreguitar

CBC Arena Polo World Cup, Elite Horse and Polo Club Bina, Friday 9 September – Sunday 11 September

Azerbaijan Hots Up

David Srivastava & Andi Krüger

Players, supporters and aficionados were enthusiastically welcomed at the Elite Horse and Polo Club in Azerbaijan to contest the CBC Arena Polo World Cup. The tournament was played over three days in front of a sell-out crowd, who enthusiastically cheered on all teams at all times, especially when international DJ Ray Douglas was on his decks. A particular highlight of the World Cup was Saturday night’s entertainment where Badrutt’s Palace hotel hosted a Baku Mortitz night party for players, sponsors and fans that went on well into the early hours!

Photography by Polo Times and © www.imagesofpolo.com Mario Gomez

Agustin Kronhaus & Laura Black

Reto & Irina Gaudenzi

Elchin Quliyev

Heide-Rose Grams

Christian Dunkelberg

Richard Fagan & William Redford

Volkan Ust

DJ Ray Douglas

Fabio Bolanterio, Fabio, Werner & Luca Meier

Nico Hartmann & Moe Bdeir

Saskia Braunholz

Nigar Nazarova & Luca Meier

Patrick Maleitzke

Taiko Drummers entertained the guests

Howard Smith, winner of Best Umpire 2016

Major Iain Forbes-Cockell, Becky Simpson & Ebe Sievwright

Chris Mathias, Jock Green-Armytage, Momin Sheikh & Neil Hobday

Alan Fall, winner of Best Team 2016

British Polo Gin supplied Chukka Cocktails for all guests on arrival

Ralph, Flora & Jack Richardson

Chairman’s Awards Evening; Guards Polo Club; Friday 9 September

Annual Awards Over 150 Guards’ members, players and friends arrived at the Club to be welcomed to the annual event as guests had a chance to mingle for one last time this season in the Clubhouse. For dinner, Laurent Perrier champagne flowed and sushi & oriental bowl foods were enjoyed with unique entertainment provided by Taiko Drummers. After dinner, much reliving of the 2016 season’s ‘highs and lows’ took place before discussion moved to winter polo plans.

This year’s winners were announced by Guards Chairman, Jock Green-Armytage: Best professional player – Nico San Roman Most Improved – Hamza Mawaz Best of Handicap – Phil Seller Best Umpire – Howard Smith Best Team – Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs Best of the Year (staff member) – Vet Holly Baird Chris, Maggie & Jack Hyde

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Holly Baird, winner of Best Staff Member 2016 & Jock Green-Armytage

Guards Polo Club was beautifully decorated

Heather Lodder, David Singleton, Annie Hoy & Gillian Hughes

Hugo Lewis & Saskia Meadows

Ed Horswell & Jonny Good

Freddie Horne & Sascha Bahlsen

Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

What’s On in October 2016 Key UK Arena Season Dates RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3): 12 – 27 November RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (10-12): 12 – 27 November RCBPC – HPA Christmas National Club Championships (5-8): 2 – 11 December Rugby – Midlands Polo Festival (4, 8 & 15): 9 – 11 December RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (4-6): 6 – 22 January RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (13-15): 6 – 22 January Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Open): 9 – 12 February RCBPC – The Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 25 February AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Open): 4 March Rugby – SUPA National Senior Schools (Open): 5 March

Low Goal 8 Goal

Wicklow – Novice Cup (0-8): 22 – 23 October

4 Goal

Epsom – United Nations Cup (2-4): 8 – 9 October Epsom – All Saints Trophy (2-4): 22 – 23 October Rugby – Lagrima Trophy (0-4): 29 – 30 October SWF – Remembrance Day Trophy (2-4): 29 – 30 October

Open

Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 5 October Ash Farm – Challenge Matches: 5 – 6 October Vale of York – ABI Beach Challenge: 16 October Vale of York – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge: 19 October Ash Farm – Varsity Match (Royal Holloway vs Exeter): 29 October

Military Polo

India – Hackett Army Tour: 4 – 12 December

Youth Polo

Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Royal Holloway vs Exeter): 29 October

International Ladies Polo

Virginia – Women’s Arena Championships (3-6): September 28 – 2 October www.polotimes.co.uk

Aiken – USPA Aiken Women’s Challenge (4-12): 12 – 16 October RSPC – Women’s International (2-4): 18 – 23 October La Aguada – Ladies’ Cup: 24 – 28 October SWF – Ladies Tournament (0-2): 29 October La Dolfina Polo Club – Ladies International Diamond Cup (14-16): 14 – 18 November Westcroft Park – Ladies’ Winter Championships (0-2, 3-4 & 4-6): 25 – 26 February Westcroft Park – SUPA National School Girls Championships (Open): 6 March

Argentina

Tortugas – Campeonato Abierto Del Tortugas Country Club: September 25 – 15 October Hurlingham – 123rd Campeonato Abiertos Del Hurlingham Club: October 18 – 5 November AAP – 123rd Campeonato Argentino Abiertos De Polo: November 10 – 10 December La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup: 14 – 25 November La Aguada – La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Cup: November 26 – 2 December La Aguada – La Aguada Guards Polo Cup: 3 –10 December La Aguada – La Aguada Spring Cup: 3 – 10 December

Thailand

Thai Polo – First Chukka Cup: 11 – 13 November Thai Polo – Copa Republica Argentina (2-4): 2 – 4 December Thai Polo – La Posta Cup (5-8): 15 – 18 December Thai Polo – Thailand Equestrian Federation Cup (8-10): 27 – 31 December Thai Polo – Thai Polo Open (12-14): 4 – 14 January 2017 Thai Polo – FIP World Cup Zone D Play-Offs (10-14): January 24 – 4 February

America Santa Barbara – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): September 22 – 2 October Houston – Southwestern Circuit Masters Cup (0-4): September 23 – 2 October Houston – Regional Presidents Cup (48): September 27 – 15 October Willow Bend – Icon Global Cup (4-6): September 30 – 2 October Skull Valley – Border Circuit Players Cup (0-4): 1 October New Bridge – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): 1 – 15 October New Bridge – Bronze Trophy (8-12): 1 – 15 October Grand Champions – The US Trust Cup: 4 – 9 October Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Constitution Cup (0-4): 5 – 9 October Houston – H. Ben Taub Memorial (12): 5 – 12 October Willow Bend – USPA Southwestern Circuit Congressional Cup (4-6): 7 – 9 October Grand Champions – USPA Fall Classic (12-16): 11 – 16 October Grand Champions – USPA North American Cup (16-20): 11 – 29 October Willow Bend – USPA General Brown (4-6): 13 – 16 October Wagener – USPA Master Cup (6): 13 – 29 October Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Governer’s Cup (0-4): 14 – 16 October Bluewater Creek – Southeastern Circuit Governor’s Cup (4-6): 15 – 16 October Grand Champions – USPA Eastern Challenge (12-16): 18 – 23 October Willow Bend – Southwestern Circuit Governor’s Cup (0-4): 21 – 23 October Grand Champions – Pedro Morrison Memorial: 25 – 30 October Honolulu – Hawaiian Island Circuit Player’s Cup (0-4): 26 – 30 October Willow Bend – Halloween Club Match: 28 – 30 October Orange County – National Arena Amateur Cup (28-30): 28 – 30 October

Polo Times, October 2016

83

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

Bloodstock Sales Singapore

RSPC & Putrajaya – RMPA International Test Matches: 1 – 2 October RSPC – Club & Novice Tournament: 8 – 9 October

Australia

GCPC – Gold Coast Polo Club League: 1 – 2 October NSW – Ellerston Spring Tournament: 1 – 9 October NSW – Winten Cup (4 & 0): 1 – 9 October NSW – NSWPA J K Mackay Memorial Tournament (8): 1 – 9 October GCPC – Gold Coast Polo Club League: 8 – 9 October NSW – Sydney Polo Gold Cup (8, 4 & 0): 11 – 16 October NSW – Garangula Tournament (8 & 16): 14 – 23 October NSW – Timor Polo Club Tournament: 15 – 16 October NSW – Windsor Spring Tournament (8, 4, 0 & sub-zero): 22 – 23 October NSW – Gundalong Tournament: 22 – 23 October NSW – Killarney Summer Tournament (4, 0 & sub-zero): 29 – 39 October

South Africa

East Rand – Highveld League: 16 – 16 & 21 – 23 October Oaklands – Fuimas Cup: 28 – 30 October Val de Vie – Pink Polo: 11 – 13 November Val de Vie – 4 Goal Tournament: 11 – 13 November Plett Polo – Plett Polo Kids Clinic: 2 – 4 December Plett Polo – Plett International: 29 December

Quick Question Answer -

Tattersalls – October Sale (Book 1): 4 – 6 October Tattersalls – October Sale (Book 2): 10 – 12 October Tattersalls – October Sale (Book 3): 13 October Tattersalls – October Sale (Book 4): 14 October Ascot – November Sale: 3 November Cheltenham – November Sale: 11 November Ascot – December Sale: 5 December Cheltenham – December Sale: 9 December

Snow Polo Dates Kitzbühel – 15th Snow Polo World Cup: 12 to 15 January 2017 Megève – The Megève Polo Masters: 19 – 22 January 2107 St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2017: 27 – 29 January 2017 Tremblant – Snow Polo Tremblant International: 2 – 4 March 2017

Social Events RCBPC – Chairman’s Drinks: 19 November Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May 2017

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: In 1803 at Bibi-Heybat Bay, 18 metres from the shoreline, the first wells continued to be worked until 1825 when a huge storm destroyed the wells.

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 (0) 1 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Apsley End

01462 712444

peter.pollak@btopenworld.com

CSPA

01672 5649114

markcann@cspa.org.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

ella@ixlevents.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

0771 0558485

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Eastwood

07875 743475

secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepolo@icloud.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Polo Times, October 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

FHM Polo Club

07778 436468

fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

polo@ranelaghfarm.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ranksboro Polo Club*

01572 723755

polojoe@hotmail.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbp.com

Heathfield Polo Club*

07762 069 420

info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Royal Navy Polo Club

07950 328097

jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk

Higham Polo Club

07788 753948

sarah@highampoloclub.com

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Rutland Polo Club

07920 521285

polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Rockett’s Castle

00353 87 2520301

rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Rowley Park Polo Club*

07971 200160

carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07535 697854

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 272885

jameshreeve@hotmail.com

St. Albans Polo lub

07535 697854

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Little Bentley

01206 250435

fred@littlebentleypark.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Sussex Polo Club

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Luton Hoo

07934 882713

info@poloprive.com

SWF*

01962 885500

info@maywoodpolo.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 621486

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alec@mhfpolo.co.uk

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Moyne

00353 85 1313224

moynepolo@hotmail.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

New Forest Polo Club

02380 811818

info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07831 867334

robert@hellomxb.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

White Rose Polo Club

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Wicklow Polo*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

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Polo Times, October 2016

85

Polo directory

Classifieds

DEALS STOCKGREAT TO CLEAR DUE TO SEMI RETIREMENT

Marketplace Ponies

AVAILABLE NOW!

AND RE-LOCATION - PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Equipment 2005 DAF TRUCKS 2001 SCHMITZ SK020L ToTrailer, carry 617 large horses 40ft Artic Horses, New conversion New fitted18ft withAlloy fans,Body water tanks On Air. Water Tank. Fans.

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7 YO IR./ENG. TB GELDING. High Goal (Black Bears) but comfortable at all levels. Exceptional balance as well as fast and light. Can be ridden by anyone - a gentle and well behaved giant who will be sorely missed. Too good to keep. £10,000 Contact 07584 624990 Surrey

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn.

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2006 12.183 To MAN carry 8 Large FRC/C Horses 4.5 ToTon, carry 8 Large Horses, 12 Body ton, 12 Automatic, New Alloy Automatic, New Tank, Alloy Body, With Water Fans. with Certifi catedFans. to carry horses to Water Tanks, Certificate over 12over hours.

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To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk

WINTER LIVERY FOR POLO Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 PONIES Safe, secure winter grazing.

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Transport 15.2H 13YO TB BAY MARE “Swifty”Fast, soft mouth, kind but strong in a ride off. Currently played by 1 goal player. £3,250 Contact 01858 432553 Leicestershire

Marketplace

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Ponies • Equipment • Trucks • Tack • Situations Vacant • Property

FREE Classified Advertising for subscribers

& FREE or very LOW COST advertising for non subscribers (non-trade only) On our website – over 44,000 hits per MONTH Printed without charge in Polo Times magazine – mailed directly to all subscribers

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DRUIDS LODGE POLO are looking for a

GROUNDSMAN/FARM WORKER.

SUBSCRIBERS

PL

AM

EX

This is a year round job.

Must have some agricultural experience. Job includes tractor driving, fencing, feeding ponies and general farm maintenance. Salary plus on site accommodation and polo for the right person.

Contact Giles or Tae Ormerod on 01722 782597 or email tae@druidspolo.co.uk Published by: Polo Times Ltd Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016

E

Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

E PL

AM

Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

Good to shoe, box, clip. Winters well and has always played sound. Full vetting welcome. Reluctant sale £8,000.

Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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NON-SUBSCRIBERS

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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

FREE

PL

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text advert up to 30 words

EX

FREE

text advert up to 30 words

FREE FREE

text advert up to 45 words 1x photo in the magazine

E

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L MP

Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

Reluctant sale £8,000. Northants.

Tel: 0123 000000

EX

text advert up to 30 words 1x photo in the magazine

£2 for any additional text up to 45 words FREE

FREE

text advert up to 30 words 1x photos online

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Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685 Classified CarrierSheet V2.indd 1

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21/03/2014 17:10

www.polotimes.co.uk

18:46

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Max Hutchinson recently triumphed as part of the Irish line-up at the FIP XI European Championships in Berlin. Here we get to know what makes this young 3 goaler tick What is your biggest passion and why?

My biggest passion is definitely polo and I have been addicted ever since I started playing at the Northern Ireland Polo Club when I was 11-years-old. I also really enjoy travelling and I’ve been very fortunate that polo has given me the opportunity to visit lots of cool places all around the world to play.

What is your all time best polo memory?

I’ve had lots of great memories throughout my time playing polo. For example, I’ve played on some of the best fields in the world such as Palermo one and the Ellerston home field which was incredible.

Winning the FIP European Championships will stay in my memory for years and to do it playing on the same team as my old man, Stephen Hutchinson, was very special.

I was also delighted to get two games in the Gold Cup with UAE. I got to play against Facundo Pieres in the first match and Cambiaso in the second match, so obviously that was a huge privilege. I owe a lot to Ollie Cudmore for helping me out massively with that and providing his own horses for my trial.

Who were/are your favourite teammates and why? Martin Rodriguez and my Dad, we play a lot of polo together and it’s always great fun. This year was Martin’s 22nd year playing polo for Tayto so we have shared many great moments on the field together. I’ve also had a lot of fun over the years playing with my good friend Freddie Dear.

We won Surtees and Loriner in Pony Club together and also got to the Final of Gannon.

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Polo Times, October 2016

I also have to mention the Grunty T Boners (Ollie Cudmore, Rupert Lewis and Freddie Horne). This is our future medium goal team.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Elijah Wood from Lord of the Rings because apparently I would look like him if my nose wasn’t four times the size as his.

Hardest opponent?

Tom De Bruin. I remember when I was about 15 playing against him in a 15 goal in Cowdray and he hit me in a huge rideoff on a 16hh Thoroughbred mare called Rapper. After the match I honestly felt like I had gone 12 rounds in the ring with Anthony Joshua.

Best holiday destination & activity Post-beers beach volley ball in Barcelona.

You’ve got to try it!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Rugby and also a bit of golf. It’s always very entertaining watching Caspar West wallop 90% of his drives at a 90 degree angle into the trees.

Favourite film and why?

Gladiator. Great film and great soundtrack.

Favourite song/ album?

Will Griggs, On Fire.

Most prized possession?

Molly, my Labrador.

Favourite food/dish?

Spaghetti Carbonara.

Best pony and why?

The One That Got Away. She is the best horse I have ever ridden. Tornado, a sevenyear-old gelding is not too far behind.

Describe yourself in three words…

Big Grunty Oke. One thing which would surprise us about you?

I’m really superstitious.

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