PT October 2010

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Polo Times October 2010

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Contents

POLO TIMES

Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor Yolanda Carslaw yolanda@polotimes.co.uk Deputy Editor James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Art Editor James Wildman james@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Tom House tom@polotimes.co.uk Editorial assistant Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk Marketing and PR PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk Accounts Debbie Mason accounts@polotimes.co.uk Intern Blair Abel Contributors Andrew Dent, Antje Derks, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, Tony Emerson, Alice Gipps, Sophia Heath, Corinne Hitching, Mike Hobday, Clare Milford Haven, Jamie Peel, Herbert Spencer, Caroline Stern, Carlie Trotter

Front cover Prince Louis Alphonse of Bourbon (in blue) with Santi Stirling (right) and Facundo Pieres (behind) in the final of the Gold Cup at Santa María Polo Club, Spain, by Tony Ramirez

10, 24, 86 & 98 FIP European Championships News 4

Comment 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 28 32 36 38 40

Printed by Stones – Banbury, Oxfordshire

50

East End Farm, North Leigh Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2010 and Database Right 2010 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade ISSN 1461-4685 mark of Polo Times Limited.

Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup, Sotogrande FIP European Championships, Austria Hublot Gold Cup, Gstaad, Switzerland Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship County Cup, Cirencester Park Akuma SUPA Tri-Nations, Cheshire At home and abroad: six pages of action

18 Ollie and Rob Cudmore

Features 46

Subscription per annum UK £55 Europe & Ireland £65 Rest of the World £75 Subscribe at www.polotimes.co.uk

Backchat with Clare Milford Haven Herbert Spencer’s Global view Arthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner Letters: strong opinions from insiders Interview: Rob and Ollie Cudmore reveal all

Reports

Designed and typeset by Wildman Design – www.wildmandesign.co.uk

Mailers Jordan & Co – Witney, Oxfordshire

All the latest news

Stallion families: proven male polo dynasties in Argentina and the UK Arenas special: tips for a perfect surface

The knowledge 54 56 59 60 63 64 68 71 72 74 76 77

Playing around: Druids Lodge Duty vet with Mark Emerson: allergies Your game with Jamie Peel: turning pro Pony power: Jack Richardson’s Melody Feeding with Lorna Edgar: box rest Travel: four Buenos Aires polo hotels Travel: are you covered for playing abroad?

Simon Keyte’s travels and As mad as polo Property: putting polo homes in order Gear: lovely luggage for long- and short-haul What’s on this autumn and club contacts UK autumn handicap changes

Out and about

46 Stallions

78

11 pages of sideline activity

64

98

A week in the life of Christopher Kirsch

Travel www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 3

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News

from the Editor

I checked out the 15th-anniversary staging of another Gold Cup, at Gstaad in Switzerland. You might think this four-team fixture would be something of a relaxed exhibition. Not a bit of it. Yes, it was jolly – Marcos Heguy had a go at playing the Alphorn at a mountaintop party, and prizes included giant chocolate bars – but the competitiveness of players had to be seen to be believed (though I have tried to convey it on page 28). In particular some of the Europe-based Argentines, some of whom we see little of in the UK, got very het up over a title that some might have thought wasn’t too “important”.

The Euro-event of 2010 was, of course, the FIP eight-goal championships near Vienna.

This was a brilliant gathering of colourful characters and “Eurocash”, including polo folk from emerging countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. PT’s Tom House, whose report is on page 24, was captivated by the enthusiasm and good humour of the hosts, participants and spectators. To my intense relief, so was our columnist Clare Milford Haven, who was not only part of England’s all-girls’ team but provided – in tandem with her husband George – the funds for England to be there at all, as the HPA budget wasn’t enough to bankroll the trip on its own.

Well done to the girls on their third place – and to Emma Tomlinson, also on the team, who has just gone to three goals.

Yolanda Carslaw

4 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Photographs by Alice Gipps and Audi

As the international spotlight moved from England to Europe in late summer, we at Polo Times followed the action on the Continent closely – and we were impressed by what we found. Deputy editor James Mullan headed to Spain, where, he reports, the game has become a very big deal indeed. It’s common knowledge that Sotogrande is a favourite among players, but did you know how desperately they want to win its big titles?

According to James, the misery of the losers after the semis and final – and the corresponding joy of the winners – was as heartfelt as post-Gold Cup at Cowdray or at the Argentine Open itself. Read his report on page 20.

Can Coworth continue alongside new hotel?

Action at Coworth Park’s Audi Polo Challenge and (inset) popular polo manager Roddy Wood. Will the Berkshire club continue as before, now a hotel is on site?

A QUESTION MARK is hanging over the future of Coworth Park Polo Club after the completion and opening of the Dorchester Collection hotel on the estate. The hotel is to take over yearround management of all aspects of the park, and members are unsure whether polo manager Roddy Wood, the popular New Zealander who has run the club for seven seasons, will continue in his role.

As Polo Times went to press, members had rallied around urging the hotel management to renew Roddy’s contract for 2011; meanwhile rumours were circulating that Coworth might become a corporate hub, a high-goal practice and exhibition centre or a polo school.

The club’s facilities, which include two top-class fields, are outstanding. Four-goaler Max Charlton, who has been based at Coworth for three years with his ponies, says: “There are amazing facilities at the club, the best in England in my view. It’s a perfect place for me to prepare my horses.”

Representatives from the Dorchester Collection – which is owned by the Brunei Investment Agency – assured the club’s 45 members earlier this season that polo was very much a part of Coworth and that it would continue. But members, who pay an annual subscription of around £1,800, say they have been kept in the dark about the shape of next season, and whether club polo and tournaments will take place. Wood, as well, could not confirm to Polo Times whether he would be working at Coworth next year.

Some members have written to Dorchester personnel urging them to keep Wood in place as polo manager. Aurora Eastwood, a member for three years, told Polo Times: “I encouraged members to email the general manager and her

boss in support of Roddy. Almost all members did so, many stating vociferously that, if he was not the polo manager, they would not return.”

Polo photographer and Coworth member Alice Gipps commented: “His laidback manner is what members love as it gives the club a fantastic, friendly atmosphere. He’s well organised, includes all the members and is valued and respected within the polo community. He’s invaluable to Coworth with his vast polo knowledge.”

During Wood’s tenure, the number of members and tournaments increased at the club and days such as the Audi Polo Challenge have thrived.

Charlton is optimistic the club will continue much as before. “I think the tournaments will stay the same and that polo will continue as normal. I certainly hope to be here in 2011,” he said.

The Dorchester Collection declined to comment on how polo would be run at the club next year, though it confirmed that Laura Richardson, an international dressage rider, was managing the non-polo equestrian side. The Coworth Park Equestrian Centre offers lessons and hacking around the estate. The estate has yet to complete its riding arena so, at present, lessons happen off-site.

In the past, high-goal teams were based at Coworth, though most high-goal players – including the Hanbury family team Lovelocks (now El Remanso) – left after the main yard closed in 2008 when development started on the hotel.

The former main stables are part of the new Dorchester set-up, which has 70 rooms in three buildings – the 30-bedroom Georgian-themed Mansion House, the “Stables” with 28 rooms, and the “Cottages” with 11 rooms. There are three restaurants, a luxury “eco-spa”, a pool and a gym.

Prices start at £215 per night excluding breakfast.

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Life’s great for lucky funded eight A HELPING HAND in the form of cash is being given to eight British players who will be working on their game in Argentina this winter. THE HPA/Audisponsored bursaries help players financially, to the tune of £2,500-£8,000, depending what the players will be doing and which tournaments they have committed to play in.

The eight players, ranging from one to seven goals in handicap, were asked to attend a day at Guards to be assessed by a panel including senior figures John Tinsley, Alan Kent, Andrew Hine and Simon Tomlinson.

Six players – James Beim, Tom Morley, George Meyrick, Max Charlton, Jack Richardson and Matt Perry – will receive the money direct. The money

allocated to three-goalers Lanto Sheridan and Nick Pepper, who will be based with the Argentine players Miguel Novillo Astrada and Pite Merlos respectively, will go direct to their hosts to pay for accommodation and so on.

Work experience bursaries were also awarded again this year. These are full- or part-bursaries for students looking to be based abroad during their gap year.

The players – Will Bracher, Jack Berner, Jamie Drummond Moray, Oliver Jones, Jack Mesquita, Alastair Paterson, Henry Amor and Robin Spicer – were chosen by the HPA Development Committee over a two-day assessment at Beaufort. The amount they receive depends on their ability and attitude.

Polo boots tread the catwalk at London Fashion Week EMERGING DESIGNER Elliot Frieze incorporated polo accessories into his new collection at London Fashion Week last month. The Welshman’s catwalk show featured boots, bags and belts provided by polo outfitters Pampeano.

Frieze, who comes from an equestrian background and worked for a while under racehorse trainer Henrietta Knight, was looking for classic leather products to complement his elaborately embroidered designs.

Pampeano’s boots, patterned belts and messenger bags made from Argentine leather certainly caught the eye – but would PT readers be seen at the sidelines in the outfits?

Pampeano’s leather polo boots, bags and belts appeared in the show

News in brief ◗ THIS WINTER ALL ladies’ tournaments in

Argentina will run under Argentine women’s handicaps, which were introduced in March this year. The two highest-rated players are Nina Clarkin and USA’s Sunny Hale, who will both play off nine goals, and it will mean every all-ladies tournament will be seen advertised at a higher-than-“normal” handicap level.

Among those to be played in the next few months is the 8-14-goal Miriam Heguy Ladies Tournament, which has been extended from one day to four (7-10 December) at Pilará Polo Club and is being co-organised by British polo player and photographer Alice Gipps.

Other women’s tournaments are to be staged on grounds at La Aguada, Palermo and Puesto Viejo. The Mirium Heguy tournament and the La Aguada Ladies tournament also form part of the Women’s World Polo Tour (www.worldpolotour.com). ◗ RESULTS FROM THE “commercial study”

carried out on behalf of the HPA this year by management consultants the Grand Plan Consultancy are due out this month. The firm’s brief was to examine the possibility of the HPA having a commercial arm.

The HPA is due to meet Grand Plan on 5 October to discuss the findings. The main three points that have been under scrutiny are the commercial value of polo in the UK; the ownership of various rights, and opportunities for revenue streams. Watch this space for a full report on the findings.

WANT TO LOOK AT a back issue of Polo Times? Or has someone pinched your current issue? If you’re a subscriber, wherever you are in the world, you can read our online editions, including more than a year of archives, by logging on at www.polotimes.co.uk. If you’ve lost your password, email georgie@polotimes.co.uk

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News AIMING HIGH

EMMA TOMLINSON: the poloplaying vet has gone to three goals – congratulations! Take note: on the HPA handicap list, she’s now Mrs Emma Wood but, when we asked what we should call her, she told us she’s still Tomlinson for the time being. You will find her listed as such on our complete handicap changes run-down on page 77.

BABY BOOMERS: Charlotte and Guy Verdon of Lynt Polo Club had a baby girl on 15 September. They have named her Florence, and mother, daughter and father are doing well. Watch this space next month for more polo arrivals.

GRENADIERS: a match at Smith’s Lawn on the August bank holiday Monday between Grenadier Guards past and present raised nearly £5,000 for the Colonel’s Fund. Experience trumped youth, as past Grenadiers, led by Howard Flood (–1), won.

WINTER POLO: arenas are going in left, right and centre in the UK. Sussex Polo is the latest club to invest: for more on making sure yours works properly, turn to page 50.

SWINGING LOW

SMASH-AND-GRABBERS: thieves were caught red-handed trying to rob the Polistas store in Shepherd Market, Mayfair, in the early hours of 17 September. Founder Johnny Lynn said: “The damage caused to the store was unfortunate, but it is a reflection of the prestige of the brand that we have been targeted.” Recent visitors pre-break-in included Sylvester Stallone.

Photographs by Michael Chevis, James Mullan, Peter James Photography and Audi

THE PICTETS: Swiss father and son Fabian and Sascha Pictet were off games simultaneously in August – weeks before they were due to defend their title in Gstaad. Fabian needed surgery on his elbow, then Sascha broke his knee. British player Jack Richardson stepped in to the re-formed team; to read more about the tournament turn to pages 28, 60 and 78.

BERKSHIRE’S POLO HAUNT: the car park at Don Beni in Winkfield Row, a popular Italian restaurant among polo folk, was the scene of a shooting on 9 September. The victim, a man in his 20s, was shot in the leg at about 7.30pm. Players who enjoy eating at Don Beni include Gonzalito Pieres – and plenty of RCBPC regulars.

6 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

La Dolfina and Ellerstina are favourites again, but new boy “Pelon” Stirling’s handicap makes La Dolfina “only” a 39-goal side

Triple Crown underway THE WORLD’S BEST polo teams have been busily gearing up for the start of their Triple Crown campaigns over the last few weeks, as players return from action in Europe and focus on the allprofessional Argentine season.

Ellerstina will be looking to exact revenge over Cambiaso’s reformed La Dolfina side at Palermo and will hope to bring his winning run to an end.

High-goal polo is already well underway and the Jockey Club Open final was due to be played as Polo Times went to press. The showdown was to feature the Heguy-heavy Indios Chapeleufú II team up against La Irenita, a side featuring Pablo MacDonough and Hilario Ulloa, getting some practice in before their respective Triple Crown campaigns with Ellerston and Chapa Uno. Indios Chapeleufú II will be fielding the same team from the Jockey in the forthcoming Triple Crown, as it was last year except for the introduction of eight-goaler Matias Magrini, who replaces David “Pelon” Stirling, who has moved “up” to La Dolfina to replace

Mariano Aguerre in the most highprofile team change from 2009.

New boy Magrini didn’t play the Triple Crown in 2009, nor did he try to qualify, but he impressed the Heguy family as his La Quinta side reached the semi-finals of the Cámera de Diputados last December.

When the first Triple Crown games get underway in the Tortugas Open on 28 September, Indios Chapaleufú II’s opening contest is against La Dolfina, so polo fans will get their first view of the defending Open winners’ 2010 line-up with their new signing Stirling facing all his old teammates from last season. It should provide a fruity encounter, which will be sure to set the tone for what looks set to be another keenly contested Triple Crown.

Elsewhere amongst the six main teams, only Ellerstina, La Aguada and Pilará Piaget remain unchanged from last year. Matias MacDonough makes his high-goal return after a year in the wilderness, as he lines up for Chapa Uno. MacDonough was offloaded by Ellerston after the 2007 final, when

they were beaten by La Dolfina, who won their third successive Open title.

As usual, the two top teams from the underway qualifying tournament will join the action for the Hurlingham and Palermo Opens. Notably, Luke Tomlinson will hope to play a part in the Triple Crown again, as he teams up with brother Mark and James Beim on La Quinta Beaufort’s team, also featuring Guillermo Willington.

Mariano Aguerre, scorer of the winning goal for La Dolfina in last year’s dramatic extra-chukka against Ellerstina, will also have to qualify this year if he wants to return to Hurlingham and Palermo – he is playing in Alegria’s new line-up, alongside Fred Mannix, Francisco Bensadon and Francisco de Narvaez.

Those that qualify will be decided in early October, before the Hurlingham Open begins on 19 October, with the final scheduled for 6 November. The Palermo Open is scheduled to run from 20 November to 11 December. ◗ Follow the results and see the teams in full at www.polotimes.co.uk

Emily continues family tradition THE LATEST MEMBER of the Cowdray family to take to polo played her first tournament last month. Emily Pearson (–2), who turns 21 in December, won the subsidiary final of the Hollist Arms Lodsworth 4-goal at Cowdray Park with fatherand-son Alan and John Kent and with Ralph Butler, son of club chairman Robin Butler.

Former eight-goaler Alan, who played for the third Viscount Cowdray’s team in the 1980s with Emily’s uncle Charles Pearson, said: “We put a team together to give Emily fun and experience. She gained confidence with each game, and she had a good understanding of the rules. She was a pleasure to play with.” Emily’s team name, Cowdray Hedonists, reflected her family heritage, too: in the 1960s her father Michael had a yacht named The Hedonist. Emily has been playing farm chukkas with Martin Glue for around three years and keeps ponies at his Midhurst base, Verdeley Farm; her cousins Carinthia (–1) and George (–1) are also players.

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Summer polo returns to St Moritz WITH THE ST MORITZ Polo World Cup on Snow still in doubt for 2011 due to “uncertainty over use of the lake”, it was perhaps ironic to see summer polo make a longawaited return to the Swiss Alpine resort last month.

The club behind the snow polo (St Moritz Polo AG) hosted the town’s first summer polo tournament in 14 years from 17-19 September, when three eight-goal teams took part in the St Moritz Arena Polo Cup, which organisers hope to make an annual event.

Familiar Swiss patron Philipp Maeder’s Corviglia Truffle Knights defeated Peach Property Group and Kempinski to claim the title. Maeder, a one-goaler, was joined by Argentine Martin Riglos (6) and Bert Poeckes (1). Riglos’s brother Pepe (7) played for opposing side Kempinski.

“I'm already looking forward very much to the next Polo Arena Cup in 2011,” said tournament organiser Thomas Wolfensberger, CEO of Peach Property Group. “The extremely high quality of the games, played in this superb alpine setting, and the enthusiasm of the spectators makes me very optimistic.”

Clear blue skies and glorious sunshine ensured St Moritz’s alpine backdrop was at its most breathtaking last month, where the first summer polo in 14 years was played

There is less optimism, however for the 27th St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, which was originally scheduled to take place in January 2011. Insiders say there may still be a chance some sort of winter tournament will take place, but it seems certain to be a vastly scaled-down version and Polo Times has yet to hear of firm plans.

Prince cleared in “spur-gate” PRINCE HARRY CAME under fire in September when the national press published photos of him riding a pony apparently bloodied in what looked like a spur-related injury. The royal (pictured) was riding a grey pony on the Duke’s Ground at Guards in the Inter-regimental final on 11 July when the pictures were taken.

After accusations of animal cruelty appeared in print on 3 September, David Morley, the HPA’s welfare chairman, asked a vet to examine the pony in question the following day. The vet reported that there was no sign of hair loss or scarring, and reports from the day indicated the damage only appeared on one side of the horse, suggesting that a collision caused a small puncture wound, rather than aggressive riding. A vet who saw the horse the day of the injury was satisfied the prince was not at fault.

David Woodd, chief executive of the HPA, said: “We don’t believe there was any suffering to the horse, and no rules were broken. The pony looked well after the event and continues to look well now.” The prince was cleared of wrongdoing.

HPA rule 37b states that a player may not “use his whip or spurs unnecessarily or in excess”. In May, Guards one-goal member Ollie Browne was asked by the club to refrain from wearing spurs for the rest of the 2010 season as a punishment for what was judged excessive use after he marked a horse during a game. The HPA was not involved.

Bears cling on tight

THEY’VE GRACED Goodwood, Marble Arch and Glyndebourne; Ellerston and Cowdray House have them; now, so does Hurtwood Park. We only hope that the majestic bronze – by Surrey sculptor Nic Fiddian-Green – will inspire rather than distract players as they race to goal.

BLACK BEARS RETAINED their 18-goal Victor Ludorum award this year. They scooped up the highest number of points by winning the Indian Empire Shield and Cirencester 18 Goal tournament, and coming runner-up in the Duke of Sutherland. Emlor won the latter, finishing second in the rankings. Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears won both the 18- and 15-goal Victor Ludorums last year.

In the 15-goal section, Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor won back their 2008 title, picking up points in the Eduardo Moore at RCBPC, the Harrison Cup at Cowdray and the National 15 Goal at Cirencester. Los Locos, who were runners-up, picked up points in the Arthur Lucas and Royal Windsor, also classified as Victor Ludorum tournaments.

Ferne Park beat Beaufort to the top spot in the 12-goal section, having picked up points in four of the six Victor Ludorum tournaments – the Dollar Cup, the John Prestwich Trophy, Prince of Wales Trophy and Cheltenham Cup. AFB also retained their title this year, and will once again be collecting the eight-goal prize at the Audi Polo Awards in May, when each Victor Ludorum winner will be recognised.

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News News in brief ◗ ENGLAND’S AWAY MATCH against South

Africa at the end of December was still to be confirmed as Polo Times went to press.

England have been invited to play South Africa in a Test match on 29 December at Kurland, Plettenberg Bay. Keep an eye on the news section at www.polotimes.co.uk for the latest, where we’ll also be reporting on forthcoming overseas match dates for the England and Young England squad, both of which are sponsored by The Mileage Company on foreign tours this winter. ◗ AN EQUESTRIAN INJURIES study is being

carried out by a postgraduate student at Leeds Metropolitan University, to form the basis of her Major Independent Study for her degree. The student, Kat Doodson, who is studying sport and exercise science, has formulated an online survey to examine the frequency and nature of injuries sustained by horse riders in various disciplines.

She hopes it will be published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine. To help Kat with her research, please go and fill in the survey at www.equestrianinjuries.org – it takes five to 10 minutes – before 20 December. ◗ A GROUP OF young players will be

travelling to Plettenberg Bay in South Africa for a week’s intensive training at Buster Mackenzie’s base this month. The eight schoolchildren were selected by the HPA’s Development Committee, and their trip will be partly funded by the HPA and the rest by themselves.

The players, aged 14 and 15, are Max Stacy, Charlie Walton, Tim Pearce May, Jack Severn, Hugo Lewis, Alex Boucher, Tomas Beresford and Tom Parry Jones.

They will spend the week improving their skills with Mackenzie, the former South African International player and father to rising young player Chris McKenzie. In February, the HPA sent its first group of young players to South Africa and the association aims to continue to organise trips every February and October.

8 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters End of season handicap changes The end of season handicap changes have now been published and you can access them from our website www.hpa-polo.co.uk. Please be aware that they are subject to endorsement by the Stewards. Turn to page 77 to read most of the changes.

Council, Thursday 18 November, 2.30pm: Cavalry and Guards Club, London

Groundsmen’s meeting The groundsmen meeting will be held on 25 October at Druids Lodge. Agendas will be circulated to all clubs in due course.

Victor Ludorum awards Congratulations to the following teams: 18 Goal Winners: Black Bears Runners Up: Emlor 15 Goal Winners: Emlor Runners Up: Los Locos 12 Goal Winners: Ferne Park Runners Up: Beaufort 8 Goal Winners: AFB Runners Up: Minatours

Overseas training The following young players have been selected for a week of training in South Africa with Buster Mackenzie during the October half term: Max Stacy, Charlie Walton, Tim Pearce May, Jack Severn, Hugo Lewis, Alex Boucher, Tomas Beresford and Tom Parry Jones.

Arena membership Membership cards will now be issued to all Arena members. In order to receive one your club needs to have notified the HPA of your membership.

Forthcoming meetings Stewards, Tuesday 2 November, 10.30am: Cavalry and Guards Club, London

Bursaries The following have been awarded HPA/Audi Bursaries for Argentina this winter: James Beim, Tom Morley, George Meyrick, Max Charlton, Jack Richardson, Lanto Sheridan, Matt Perry and Nick Pepper.

Overseas work experience bursaries The following have been awarded Overseas Work Experience Bursaries this winter: Will Bracher, Jack Berner, Jamie Drummond Moray, Oliver Jones, Jack Mesquita, Alastair Paterson, Henry Amor and Robin Spicer.

FIP European 8-goal Championships Congratulations to the England Ladies who came third out of 10 teams. They only lost one game.

See coverage of the championships on page 24. The team was: Nina Clarkin Emma Tomlinson Tamara Vestey Claire Millford Haven

4 2 2 0

Reserve: Claire Brougham Coach: John Paul Clarkin

Fleeing the country? This is how much it could cost SUNSEEKERS DECIDING where to head for a winter polo fix might be interested to discover how much a trip to the hotspots is likely to cost. As PT went to press, flights to Buenos Aires for the Open were £967 with American Airlines; flights to Cape Town in time for December’s England vs South Africa international were £1,078 (with Qatar Airways); and flights to Auckland in February were £880 (with Korean Airways). The SA rand and the US, Australian and NZ dollar have lost value against the pound, which is good news for polo travellers.

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Dean Lines wed Jade de Vere-Drummond, above, and Lorna Jowett wed Tom Edgar.

Both days had a strong polo element (right)

Polo pairs tie knot in fine style CONGRATULATIONS TO PT’s feeding guru Lorna Jowett, who tied the knot last month with her fiancé Tom Edgar, who runs a gardening business. The couple welcomed 100 guests to their Somerset wedding, many of whom were Lorna’s colleagues from Baileys Horse Feeds.

The weather was fine enough for their photos to be taken on the beach.

The entire day had a countryside theme and concluded with an Argentine asado, which was a big hit with polo guests.

A month or so earlier PT reader and

keen player Jade de Vere-Drummond wed three-goal professional Dean Lines.

Their wedding day was wholly polo orientated, from the tables named after the couple’s polo ponies to the seating plan for their 200 guests: each place was set with a “Jade and Dean” polo ball marked with a guest’s name, and decorative foot mallets quickly swung into action as kids’ toys.

While our feeding expert changes her name from Jowett to Edgar, Jade will be Drummond-Lines.

Polo Times loves…

AN EAST SUSSEX player is helping polo folk earn extra pennies by installing solar panels on stabling and outbuildings. Russell King, a new recruit to FHM and Hickstead, is behind the firm New Horizons Solar, which is piggybacking a government drive launched in April to take Britain solar by getting householders to tap into Britain’s famously, er, sunny skies.

Sounds baffling? Same here. Well, you spend – for example – £12,800 on panels and installation. Then you feed electricity into the grid via your house – and get paid, at a rate guaranteed by the government for 25 years. The return is eight per cent – giving you around £1,000 a year. Your bills are cut meanwhile, and after a dozen years you have an earner. The panels are guaranteed for 25 years but last up to 40, so they can lap up sunshine for your own use after the government drive expires. Depending on the size of your roof, you can have a lesser or greater outlay and return.

And why put them on stables instead of elsewhere? “If your house is listed, or doesn’t have the right aspect, or the roof isn’t large enough, you can use another building,” says King, 50, whose background is in solar equipment. “For horse people stables are a handy place to put them and earn money: I’m using my own system as part of my pension plan!”

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Comment Backchat With amateur player Clare Milford Haven, from the saddle and the sidelines

Why I relished England’s Austrian adventure the team introduction meeting where we were eyed with cautious suspicion by some and patronising amusement by others. We smiled back in return, realising we had stuck our heads above the polo parapet but feeling confident that we had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

We complied rigidly with the stringent vetting and the mountains

Photograph by Tom House

M

10 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

‘

courtyard, and owned by the very jolly Baron Richard Drasche-Wartinber.

In the evenings we spent many happy hours sitting around large oak tables in the local wine gardens where we renewed our energy levels with Wienerschnitzel , boiled beef and dumplings, and, when our games allowed, local schnapps to keep the heart rate up to a competitive level. On

Complying rigidly with the anti-doping code, we unwittingly put it to the test with the appearance of “the Pill” and various other female potions previously unheard of in such a competition

England’s all-female team created quite a stir on their way to third at the FIP fixture (l-r: Nina Clarkin, Emma Tomlinson, Tamara Vestey and Clare Milford Haven)

‘

ost of us have a vision of what we would like to achieve in a sport we do regularly, but the reality is that only too often those goals are not met and seem to fade as time passes. So, advancing reluctantly towards the twilight of my polo career, when I was asked to join an all-female England team to compete in the FIP VIII European Championships in Vienna, it was like a dream come true. The idea of taking on nine teams of men seemed not only an intriguing challenge of massive proportions, but it was also an offer I had no intention of refusing. All those good intentions of ending my season at the end of July, putting the horses out and taking up knitting went straight out of the window.

Our Austrian adventure began at dawn on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Two artics loaded up with 21 horses, feed, hay, tack and all our polo paraphernalia pulled out of the yard at Great Trippetts, bizarrely at the same time as the last stragglers were leaving my son’s “Funk and Punk”-themed 21st.

We, the team (myself, Nina Clarkin, Tamara Vestey, Emma Wood, team coach JP Clarkin and super subs Clare Brougham and Harry Tucker) left a couple of days later. While the lorries managed to find their way through France, Belgium and Germany without a hitch, we succeeded in losing ourselves on the brief 30km run from the airport to where we were staying in spite of every navigational aid known to man – TomToms, Blackberry Satnavs and at least three maps. I didn’t feel this was a good omen for what lay ahead.

We had been warned early on by a reliable FIP “mole” that there were nine teams of hot-blooded European men eager to beat us on and off the field.

This became more than apparent during

of paperwork; only the anti-doping code was put to the test by the appearance of “the Pill” and various other female potions previously unheard of in such a competition.

The very genial tournament doctor Gobert Skrbensky and his wife Jeanette kindly put us up in their large house on the outskirts of Vienna for the duration, but our days were spent out at Ebreichsdorf – the polo club with its own fairytale castle complete with Rapunzel-esque towers and arcaded

days off, we made our way into Vienna and visited the famous Albertina Museum, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the fabulous Lipizzaners at the Spanish Riding School.

We played our hearts out (Nina, Tamara and Emma were more than a match for any of their male counterparts), and convincingly defeated the Slovakians, Austrians and Italians, but sadly the Spanish got the better of us on a gloomy, rainy day and dashed our hopes of reaching the main final. We then set our sights firmly on third place, which we managed against the Swiss. Personally, I hadn’t received a medal since I was 15 and I haven’t had so much fun for as long as I can remember. Thankfully, my twilight days are over before they began. F ◗ Read PT’s own report on the action at

the tournament on page 26 (and page 86) Read Clare’s Backchat columns in our online archive. Subscribers can access current and back issues with their personal login. Contact georgie@polotimes.co.uk if you need to track down your password.

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PTOct 2010 p12-13 Herbert YC PJ

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Comment Global view With Herbert Spencer, who has been following polo around the world for 40 years

Watch that ball – even if you’re not on a horse not been more serious accidents involving spectators.

Not all polo clubs are as meticulous as the majors in patrolling the safety zones with stewards to prevent accidents, or indeed in ensuring that their safety zones meet regulations.

When I was a consultant on the revival of polo in Belgium, I was aghast

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12 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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play only slower, low-goal polo don’t hold water. An amateur player is more likely than a pro in high-goal to lose control of his or her pony or hit the ball out, into the spectators.

I can personally testify to the dangers of errant, hard-hit balls. Some years ago I was photographing chukkas at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo

There was a tree in the safety zone a few feet from the boards; it was wrapped in sacking and straw, but little good that would have done had a pony and player run into it

This spectator got a baseball in the eye – but at least he tried to catch it!

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ow many of you have ever bothered to read the spectator safety disclaimer on the back of a ticket to a polo event, for example, the HPA’s Cartier International? To quote from a ticket to Cartier: “Warning to Spectators: In attending polo at Smith’s Lawn the holder of this ticket recognises that polo is an aggressive, physical sport which, by its nature, involves a high risk of injury and damage to persons, animals and property, not only to the persons who are engaged in playing polo but also bystanders … The holder accepts full responsibility for his/her own safety…”

Lawyers must have carefully drafted this disclaimer, similar to that on tickets or other printed admonitions to spectators at other events, to get the host venue off the hook if a spectator gets hit by a ball or run down by a pony. It’s likely to stand up in court if anyone is thinking about suing.

Polo’s governing bodies concern themselves with the safety of nonparticipants as well as players and ponies. A polo ground has safety zones both at the end of the grounds and along the sides that are part of the playing area: a recommended 30 yards behind each goal and backline and 10 yards from the boards along each side.

This should be enough to protect spectators – if their eyes are on the action. Too often, however, many spectators are busy chatting or eating and drinking, ignoring the game and its inherent dangers.

There have only been a couple of significant accidents in recent years: a child was injured when hit with a ball at one club and a woman was off work for weeks after being run down by a pony at another.

One polo manager tells me he finds it “amazing” that there have

to find that organisers were allowing spectators to cross behind the goal just yards from the posts while play was in progress. On the main ground during the FIP European Championships (see page 26), there was a tree in the safety zone just a couple of feet from the boards; it was wrapped in sacking and straw, but little good that would have done had a pony and player run into it.

Any arguments that ground safety regulations can be relaxed at clubs that

Club, standing outside the safety zone at the side of the ground.

I had my Nikon with a heavy telephoto lens up to my eye and was focused on a hard ride-off to the left, away from the player with the ball to the right. I felt a shock and looked down to see my right hand streaming with blood. The player on the ball, unseen by me, had hit it out over the sideline and it smashed first into my camera and then into my knuckle.

Paramedics attended, I went to A&E for stitching and to confirm no broken bones, and my Nikon went off to be repaired. Had my camera not been up to my face, I would have certainly suffered a damaged eye or broken head. Rather scary when I think back on it.

And this little anecdote leads to a cliché admonition I’ve been dying to use: spectator, keep your eye on the ball. F Read past Global Views in our online archive. Subscribers can access current and back issues with their personal login. Contact georgie@polotimes.co.uk if you’ve lost your password.

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www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 13

PTOct 2010 p14-15 Umpire YC PJ

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Comment Umpire’s corner With Arthur Douglas-Nugent, deputy chief umpire for the HPA

How happy pairs could create domestic bliss introduce this system to domestic polo.

This may not work so well for the Queen’s or Gold Cup because of the sheer volume of matches over a restricted period and the spread of location but we could do so in many club tournaments in which all the matches are played at the same location at different times.

C

14 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

DEAUVILLE’S NUCLEAR DETERRENT The point above is well illustrated by the experience of Julian Appleby and Peter

rule at which we are still at sixes and sevens. The message that you are in danger of being penalised if you turn to the right with a player following seems to have sunk in but there is confusion as to what to do if a player turns to the left.

I understand that in the US this is counted as a foul though I still need a little convincing if the player so doing does not cross the old line.

What I am absolutely clear about is that most players lack the skill to carry

‘

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onsistency is one of the pillars of good umpiring, but how to achieve it? It is difficult enough during the course of a game but much harder across a season, with so many matches being umpired by so many at so many different levels. Evidence shows that we have failed, to the detriment of the game and the frustration of the players.

There are two elements here. The first – which should be easy – involves carrying out the rules as they are written. For example, when you award a Penalty 2 your first action is to give the captain of the team awarded the penalty the choice “Spot” or “30”; or when a player delays hitting in you warn him and then award a Penalty 6; or a captain queries a decision so you explain and if he continues you award a technical against him and so on.

All this is fairly black and white – in line with the shirt you are wearing.

Then there are the judgement calls, and it is on these that the umpire stands or falls. The key elements here are positioning and concentration. The wrong call may still be made but the chances of a mistake are greatly diminished if the umpires are focused and in close touch with the play.

Consistency is much easier to achieve across a tournament if the same two umpires operate throughout. This has become accepted practice when our umpires go abroad, but not here. The key is that players have to accept, like it or not, that they will be umpired by the same pairing and must get on with it even though they may on occasion feel hard done by.

The flip side is that the umpires have to perform, which they have a better chance of doing as they will generally be on the spot, get to know and trust each other and will be free from outside distraction and influence.

With the widening of the paid umpire group, a number of whom are no longer playing, we now have a chance to

Using the same two umpires for a whole tournament has become accepted practice when our umpires go abroad Wright at Deauville, covered in the last issue. Because they umpired all the matches over a four-week period they were able to impose the rule that if a team accumulates three technicals in a match the highest handicapped player is stood down for a chukka.

This so concentrated the minds of the players that they did not have to impose this penalty; the deterrent, like the atom bomb, that works without being used.

The other aspect is the turning-across

out this operation without being at a virtual standstill and using more than one tap to get round. Thus hammer them on the “one-tap” and let us not pussyfoot around but make this offence punishable with a Penalty 5a rather than the pathetic Penalty 7, with a special provision if the foul is committed by a defender within his own 60-yard line. F Read past editions of Umpire’s Corner in our online archive. Contact georgie@ polotimes.co.uk if you need your password.

Play goes on until the whistle blows…

This month’s puzzle A defender hits the ball upfield but it rebounds off a teammate's pony and crosses his own back line.

What should you award?

Last month’s solution When does the clock stop during a chukka?

The simple answer is when the umpire blows his whistle. It should also stop automatically at the end of a chukka; in other words, after the second bell in a normal chukka or the first in the last unless scores are tied and a result is required. It should not stop when the ball is hit over the sideline or boards, over the backline by a defender or when a goal is scored.

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PTOct 2010 p16-17 letters JM YC PJ

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Comment Your views

Letter of the month Beware of retiring ponies to a “loving home”

Letters letters@polotimes.co.uk or The Editor, Polo Times, East End Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX Please include your postal address or nearest town on all Letters to the Editor

How does Cambiaso’s record compare to Gretzky’s?

Apart from wanting to add my complete support to Hugh Dawnay’s letter in the August issue, I also thought I would add a little statistical weight to Hugh’s totally correct analogy with ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, just to illustrate how the best can inspire.

I was fortunate to take up a job in Los Angeles the year before “The Great One” arrived to play for the LA Kings, a National Hockey League franchise team bought by the rare coin collector and Thoroughbred owner Bruce McNall. I had played hockey for some years so as a solid fan of the sport I was ecstatic. I then happened to be in LA for the entire period that Wayne played for the Kings. McNall was a wonderful patron to both hockey and racing and encouraged many of his players to take shares in some of the very successful horses he had in training so I got to know some of them quite well.

Wayne was an exceptionally nice man and of course his prowess on the ice is now legendary. He had the uncanny ability of knowing where every player on the ice was, on both teams, at any time, such that he intimidated the opponent and raised the capability of his own team-mates. When Cambiaso retires, like Gretzky he will hold nearly all the personal records and, by seemingly doing the impossible, make himself worth tenfold his own scoring result.

16 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

As another season draws to an end and people consider what to do with any older ponies that they may not want to play any more, I would like to draw attention to what can happen to an old “retired” polo mount.

About five years ago, I bought a 16-year-old gelding from a young professional who had bought him from the high-goal. The gelding did me a great service in my low-goal polo for several years before suffering a tendon injury that led me to retire him from the game. I advertised him in the back of Horse & Hound, due to his injury, as a gentle hack or grazing companion for £1k. The most lovely family bought him. They were well spoken, knowledgeable and wanted him for their 12-year-old daughter to fuss on and to have the occasional hack on.

Unfortunately, six months later they emailed me photos of various people playing polo on him. I was sad after their promises of “no fast work” that they were playing him again when he deserved a quiet retirement. However, sadly, things got worse for him and over the years he must have continued the slide down the various levels of equestrianism We must take responsibility for because, four months ago, I received a our old ponies and perhaps letter from a woman (who had found only selling them cheaply or giving my name and address in the passport) who them away isn’t the answer had rescued him through the RSPCA, who had found him close to death without adequate shelter or food. He had become extremely thin during the snow earlier this year. She now has a permanent loan arrangement for him and has nursed him back to beautiful condition.

I feel we must take responsibility for our old ponies and perhaps selling them cheaply or giving them away to what seem like loving homes isn’t the answer. Who knows what happens next for them, or how they then get passed on?

Perhaps a better solution would be to give them a year on grass as a thank you for all their hard work before gently putting them to sleep at home or opting for retirement livery (of which there are many). We really must think hard about these wonderful animals that work so hard for us and who can live well into their twenties and many years beyond their polo usefulness. As I discovered, they deserve better than to be discarded into uncaring hands.

A horse lover Submitted anonymously by post Editor’s note: Yes – we’ve published another anonymous letter, I’m afraid, but we chose it as Letter of the Month because we feel it opens an important debate. What do you think is the kindest and most practical thing to do with old or retired ponies? How can you ensure that “retirement homes” or buyers of older ponies are bona fide? How do you decide when to send your beloved old friend to a stable in the sky? We will save this month’s bottle of wine for the winner of Letter of the Month in the November/December issue. So get scribbling – you will be sent two bottles of lovely La Chamiza if we pick your letter for our top spot! Deadline for Nov/Dec issue letters: Monday 22 November The writer of the letter of the month wins a bottle of La Chamiza Argentine red wine

However, it is Gretzky’s career statistics that I want to show, with particular emphasis on the last one, by contrast with what could happen to Cambiaso. As a pro player, Gretzky played 1,695 games over a 24-year period – an average of 70 a year. Each game is made up of three 20-minute periods in regular time; if tied there is one 20 minute sudden-

death overtime period. In playoffs, a tied game keeps going until someone scores: I watched a game that started at 7pm and ended at 2.30 the next morning! I could only hazard a guess at the total game time he spent on the ice – perhaps 2,300 hours.

The reason I tell you this is that in his pro career he amassed a total of 643 penalty minutes, or

10.7 hours – 2.64 minutes per game, but more staggering is that only about five per cent of that total penalty time was time served for argument with the ref, the rest was solely for technical fouls – an amazing record.

Now the uninitiated to ice hockey might say that all of the above is negated by the fighting in the sport, which hardly makes for a

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good example. They would be right if the activity permeated down through the leagues – but it doesn’t. From an early age players are focused on skills and finesse and they know that to lose their temper or question authority results in instant dismissal. The odd fight is just wrestling and part of the spectacle of the pro league.

In conclusion, Gretzky’s greatness was responsible for an explosion in hockey with the NHL going from 20 teams in 1990 to 30 in 2010, not dissimilar to polo.

Perhaps there are a few more lessons to be learned from a sport with many similar comparisons – and I wonder, what would happen to many of the pro players if NHL refs officiated polo?

Piers Plunket Marlborough Polo folk ignore grass sickness at their peril

Your article on page 10 of the June issue highlighted the loss of two valuable embryo transfer fillies to grass sickness at a leading high goal polo organisation in the south. The disease can strike anywhere, at any time and mostly with fatal consequences.

There is an understandable reluctance by owners or managers of many premises to make it known publicly that there has been a case or cases in their area. This leads to the problem that the prevalence of the disease is neither being highlighted nor discussed as openly as it should be.

There is no government funding available to finance research into grass sickness. All research has to be funded through donations. The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is unique in fundraising specifically for these research projects, all aimed at preventing this very dangerous disease.

Polo has a great reputation for fund raising for worthy causes.

There is no point asking, “Why isn’t someone doing something about this deadly disease?” We would like to turn it round and ask, “What is the sport of polo doing to support research into grass sickness?”

This research effort deserves your support. There is an opportunity for all those associated with polo – organisations, clubs, patrons, players, grooms and supporters – to help make a real

The England team, on song and at home in Austria difference as to whether this disease will continue to cause so much suffering in young, valuable and promising polo ponies.

Perhaps the loss of these two young fillies will make all participants in polo aware that the next time it might be their premises, their ponies, their loss.

For more information or to make a donation please visit www.grasssickness.org.uk

Philippa M Gammell Chairman, Equine Grass Sickness Fund Put up or shut up

John Wright is to be congratulated for his letter (Polo Times, August issue); openness has always been one of the many qualities of the polo world.

My words are somewhat less temperate, even though in the past I’ve contributed to these columns using the sobriquet Spud (common ‘tater!)

Roy Law Hampton Hill, Middlesex Rules, safety and falling

The HPA is never going to accept going back to basics, where they stop making new rules to overrule the last set, when they didn’t get the expected results. As Luke Tomlinson pointed out in his column in Horse & Hound, you have to be a

lawyer now to play polo!

I see children in Argentina having fun with just a mallet but here they have to wear body protectors that limit the action of the body, not allowing them to perform a swing or balance their bodies as they ride.

I understand what safety is but too much could be against it. The basic idea should be to teach how to ride before teaching how to hit.

No one in polo teaches how to fall, but in the schools of jockeys they do and it also appears in an old English book of polo (circa 1940).

Atilio Degrossi Berkshire What is a mishit?

When taking a penalty 60 the rules seem clear: Penalties 3, 4 and 6. The striker must have the intent to carry out Penalties 3, 4 and 6 in only one hit and may not make a preliminary hit for himself or a teammate. If he mishits or misses the ball, he or any member of his team may not subsequently hit or hit at the ball with more than a half shot until the ball has been hit or hit at by an opponent, nor in such a way that umpires consider dangerous. A half shot is defined as the head of the stick starting the downward swing below the shoulder of the striker. A Penalty 5a from where the penalty

was taken shall be awarded to the opposing team for any infringement by any member of the team taking the penalty.

However, what is counted as a mishit? If a player canters up to the ball, takes a full swing, clearly meaning for the ball to go through the goal and only succeeds in hitting the ball, say, 20-30 yards, is that a mishit? Clearly, if the ball sails wide of the posts that is just a miss and we all know what missing the ball is.

The question therefore is what is counted as a mishit with the player or his teammates then entitled to take a half shot at the ball?

Guidance would be very much appreciated.

David Harper Bolney, West Sussex Arthur Douglas-Nugent replies: In answer to the query “What is counted as a mishit?”, this is not really the question that should be asked. You have to go back a stage, and here the umpires have to decide whether the striker had the intent to hit the ball through the goal or not. If yes, then the fact that the ball was mishit or indeed missed completely is largely irrelevant as it is in play and the action will continue as outlined in the rule. If the answer is no, then the whistle should be blown and a Penalty 5a should be given in favour of the defending team from where the penalty was taken.

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PTOct 2010 p18-19 As I see it YC PJ

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Comment Interview

Rob and Ollie Cudmore Like father, like son The winner of 2010’s HPA Ferguson Award for best young player is 20, three goals and poised to play high-goal for Dubai next year. As Mike Hobday discovers, the work ethic of father Rob has rubbed off on Ollie Cudmore It’s meant to be the quiet time of year, for some that is. Not your family!

Rob Cudmore: Yes, I am off to Brunei, where I oversee the polo there. I go for four or five days a month and make sure everything is in order. It is mainly a management position. At Longdole, where I’m polo manager, ponies are off to winter livery, and the day-to-day club activities still take place.

Ollie Cudmore: This month I am off to Argentina and Australia. My brother Matt flies to Australia in mid-September to start work in Sydney, where he will get plenty of polo, despite concentrating on his career in economics. He’s going down the amateur playing route whereas I am going down the professional one – for now, at least.

Ollie, how has polo fitted into your studies over the years?

OC: Both Matt and I (he is two years older) went to Cheltenham College, where sport played a big part for us both – we are keen rugby and cricket players. Matt went to Durham University to get a business degree. Although I was offered a place at Durham, I feel there is plenty of time and polo is opening a few doors at the moment, so I would be silly not to take advantage of this.

RC: It was important to both Sue [Mrs Cudmore] and me that both boys were given every opportunity to have a good schooling and develop their own career paths. Both of us believe in a

18 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

strong work ethic so both boys have grown up with this. Even now they start on the yard at 7am every day.

This helps their development and keeps them ahead of the opposition.

With regard to polo, both boys played long before Cheltenham College but it was natural that as we had the Longdole facility we should forge a working relationship with the college, which happily continues.

Australian or British? Now that is the question.

RC: Well, although I have dual nationality like the boys, I confess I call myself Australian. Sue is 100 per cent British. We are fourth-generation polo players: my grandfather was two goals and my father seven; I got to five so it’s in the blood. An Australian “Heguy” dynasty, perhaps! Aussies are competitive by nature, and it runs in the family.

OC: Most certainly British. Although I travel loads, my roots are here, whereas my brother insists he is Australian. We are a confused family!

What changes have you noticed in the game over a generation in Australia and the UK? RC: When I was four goals in the 1980s I went back to Australia as I found it hard to establish myself in the UK. Now good two-, three- and four-goal players have opportunities in all

levels, especially in the lower reaches of the game. Better fields lead to better ponies which lead to better players. The HPA is forever striving to make the game more “user-friendly” and to up safety and standards, which is good for the game.

OC: Young players from Australia and New Zealand always want to come to Britain to play first and foremost; this is the aim of most rather than South America, and is more achievable too.

For me, playing out of Longdole has been brilliant: my father has insisted I play all positions at different levels and this, coupled with making and playing young ponies and developing with the game, has made me improve.

Some players seem happy to play certain positions, I don’t mind any. Sport has helped as I realise polo is a team game made up of lots of partnerships, just like many sports.

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Clockwise from top: Ollie Cudmore; Ollie receives the HPA’s Ferguson Trophy for best young player at Cartier Day in July; Rob and Ollie in September 2010 at Longdole, in Gloucestershire

This year

You won the Ferguson Award for best young player, Ollie. What of the future, in particular in high-goal?

OC: Playing with Zacara this season, with and against the world’s best, has been amazing.

Because I can be a ball player as well as a marker, I get opportunities others don’t. Having Andrew Hine as our coach helped: I can’t see why more sides aren’t coached at all levels. Polo must be one of the few sports not to use coaches as a matter of course.

I played against Adolfo Cambiaso this season, and I must have done something right (even though we lost) because it looks like I might be playing for Dubai next year.

In August I played the Sotogrande Gold Cup for Ayala, using six of my own ponies and three that were lent to me. We lost in the semis, but it was a great experience. My team-mate Pelon Stirling is a brilliant guy and player, and he gives loads of good advice. Much of this proved useful

side of polo but happily meet up with old friends as well for beer and parties.

How do you regard your Pony Club and SUPA days?

OC: I look back with happy memories at the opportunities both Pony Club and SUPA gave me to play with my friends and peers. Many of those friends will be with me for life.

RC: Both boys were lucky to be able to take advantage of both facilities, which promoted team

“I’m most certainly British. Although I travel loads, my roots are here, whereas my brother Matt insists he is Australian. We’re a confused family!” – Ollie Cudmore

in Soto. I try to ride as much as possible and stick and ball as often as I can, and now, being classed as a useful third player, I get to mark the best and am used as a ball carrier. It’s all good learning. Working with Dad has helped my all-round polo knowledge too.

RC: I agree with Ollie about coaching, although a 10-goaler is unlikely to accept advice from a four- or five-goaler as a coach. One coach told me he preferred to coach the lower handicapped players to allow them to assist the higher handicapped ones. This can be the difference in winning or losing.

Getting away from polo, do you have another life here in Gloucestershire?

RC: Polo is a seven-day, 24-hour job, running this club and breeding programme, in Brunei, in Argentina at El Remanso and so on. At Longdole we bring on 35 young ponies a year and with Christopher Hanbury I help our interests around the world.

Sue and I are competitive – she’s a very good tennis player – and we enjoy playing golf when we can and meet regularly with friends from polo and those made through the boys’ schooling. In Australia I have a 1953 pick-up truck which is a work in progress, but one day I’ll complete it and bring it over.

OC: I love cricket and play as often as I can for a touring team called the Gloucester Gypsies, made up of friends and old schoolmates. I like the social

bonding and coaching and the skills required for polo, equestrianism and life. Both are selfmotivated and happy to further themselves.

The development of good players is one matter but the opportunity to play and have fun is another. We should never take our eye off these different paths. Junior HPA gives a chance for the more gifted to be noticed but Pony Club and SUPA – especially – give that chance to all.

Was England right to send an all-girls team to the FIP championships in Austria last month?

RC: The HPA won’t send any team to any championships that they don’t think has a chance.

This was a strong team, trust me. So what if they were all female? A handicap is a handicap and this team always goes well, as they have proved on many occasions. Several of them play together locally, and I know first-hand how strong they are.

Do you prefer outdoor or arena polo?

RC: Outdoor every time. Arena has a place in helping players learn in a safe environment, and it’s good for young ponies, but the real game is on grass. For the development of beginners and novices, playing in arenas is necessary, and as well as supporting businesses that specialise in this area it keeps a steady flow of new people coming into the game.

OC: Although I’ve played loads of arena in Pony Club and SUPA, Dad is right! F ◗ Are you part of a father-and-son duo? What

have you learnt from each other in and out of polo? Write to letters@polotimes.co.uk

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Report Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup, Sotogrande

Ellerston clocked consecutive extra-time wins against princely foes to take Spain’s top title in August amid a boisterous social scene at one of Europe’s most splendid and manicured clubs, says James Mullan

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oing little to dispel the impression that polo is exclusively a rich man’s game, this year’s final of the 20-goal Gold Cup at Santa María Polo Club in Spain was fought between the owners of the two biggest yachts in Sotogrande Marina. Between them, they employed two of the greatest stars in the game, in the shape of 10goalers Facundo Pieres and Juan Martín Nero.

It was James Packer’s Ellerston that trumped with both assets, easily winning the super-yacht showdown thanks to the vast scale of the former ice-breaker converted by his late father Kerry, and narrowly scooping the Sotogrande season’s premium high-goal prize thanks to a decisive extra-chukka penalty from Facundo Pieres.

Packer and Pieres can count themselves lucky however, after they let slip a comfortable half-time lead and produced a largely unimaginative display thereafter that gave their opponents Lechuza Caracas plenty of chances to win the title for themselves. Lechuza’s patron, Venezuelan Victor Vargas, sat this tournament out after a full schedule in the English high-goal season and victory in the Silver Cup, but his place was taken by his Spanishborn son-in-law, Prince Louis Alphonse of Bourbon, Duke of Anjou.

After preliminary rounds between the six team entries, Lechuza beat Ayala – based around David Stirling and Nachi du Plessis – to book their place in the final, with the high-profile Duke scoring the golden goal in an extra chukka. There was further

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royalty present in the other semi-final, where Pieres secured the win over Prince Bahar Jefri’s allconquering Ahmibah side from 2008 in yet another extra-chukka showdown.

The presence of royalty predictably ensured massive media attention, as did another patron with ancestral interest in the shape of the publicity-shy Packer. However, the scale and splendour of the venue and the infrastructure and excitement of the event itself seemed to me to justify a vastly enhanced profile. Santa María Polo Club – which I was visiting for the first time – simply has to be

month of competition, as the action went end-toend in a genuinely thrilling encounter. In particular the first three chukkas were characterised by long shots and plenty of goals – good goals, too.

Ellerston opened up a three-goal cushion in the first chukka, with two quick-fire finishes from Facundo Pieres and a fine individual goal from patron Packer, and they maintained their advantage all the way to the end of the fourth. Then Lechuza finally came alive.

They dominated one of the most one-sided chukkas you are ever likely to see in high-goal and

Vargas’s place was taken by his royal son-in-law, Prince Louis Alphonse of Bourbon, ensuring massive media attention seen to be believed. It has a Palermo-like feel, with grand entrances, beautifully manicured grounds and walkways, a vast permanent structure, extensive viewing areas, close proximity to a passing highway and a knowledgeable, glowing, Spanish-speaking audience enjoying a breezy, smart-casual, sociable atmosphere. The photos just don’t do it justice.

However, for British visitors (and there were a number), it was disappointing that in losing both Ayala and Ahmibah by such narrow margins at the semi-final stage, we also lost the chance to see Englishmen Ollie Cudmore and Henry Fisher fight it out for the 39-year-old trophy.

As it was, Ellerston and Lechuza Caracas produced a compelling finale to a fast and frenetic

Ellerston suddenly looked like a pony with only one trick. When they couldn’t get the ball to Facundo, they simply didn’t look threatening. However, they rode their luck, as Lechuza’s at-times wayward finishing was only good enough to give them a onegoal lead going into the final chukka.

Packer’s apologies for his own mistakes were audible to those of us behind the goal as the teams changed ponies, and then his star signing showed his class to pry them back into the game and send it into an extra chukka.

It was the third consecutive golden-goal period after both semis also went to the wire, but this one will be remembered as much for Chris X Mackenzie’s incredible miss as for Facundo’s

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Report Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup, Sotogrande

Photographs by Tony Ramirez and James Mullan

Ellerston’s Facundo Pieres, cool under pressure from Lechuza’s Chris Mackenzie

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Sotogrande sub-plots ◗ SOTOGRANDE WAS THE European polo

Happy Gold Cup winners Ellerston (l-r): Santi Stirling, Nico Pieres, James Packer and Facundo Pieres

X eventual winner. Lechuza’s unfortunate South

African number one looked set to tap home a perfect pass from Nero, but he fluffed his lines and somehow failed to make any contact at all, allowing the ball to trickle harmlessly wide.

This came at the beginning of the seventh, after Nero himself had failed to fire home a 60yard penalty with his customary precision at the

a bad miss, but what can you do? I’ve made three finals this summer, so things can’t be that bad. It just would have been so much better to have won two rather than one. It’s no fun being on the losing side. But that’s life!

“My goal over winter [in Argentina and South Africa] is to practise every day and improve my game. You constantly have to keep trying to get

“It was a bad miss, but what can you do? I’ve made three finals this summer so things can’t be so bad” – Chris Mackenzie end of the sixth. Could Ellerston capitalise on this double-rollover of luck and make Lechuza pay?

“When they missed, I knew we had a chance,” said Facundo Pieres later. “Something told me it might be our day.”

So it proved. There was no need for multibillionaire gambling mogul Packer to use up his luck buying a scratch card, so instead his talisman Facundo pinched the ball from another Lechuza attack and, two minutes after Mackenzie made a mess of his big moment, the 10-goaler won a 40yard penalty. He fired it high and handsome to land Ellertson the biggest jackpot of the Spanish summer, 11-10.

“I guess you could say we were a bit lucky at that moment,” Facundo reflected in the aftermath.

“With Juan Martin Nero at his best, they were a very tough team. After keeping him quiet in the first three chukkas I think we thought we might be able to win more easily than we had expected.

“But Nero is too good a player not to find his way into the game eventually and he was the difference in the second half. However, I knew they would be frustrated by their misses and that, so long as we were patient and didn’t waste our own chances, we could still win.”

“It’s a disappointing end to what has otherwise been a good season,” said Chris Mackenzie. “It was

better. I’d like to be back next year, but with changes to handicaps and teams, you never know what might happen.”

One thing is for sure, Polo Times will be making every effort to be back next year. The facilities, grounds, weather and nightlife were all superb, and the polo was genuinely memorable.

It was well organised, professionally conducted and, even for the most seasoned of polo travellers, it was an utter pleasure to witness. F

Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup, 18-39 August; Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande – Spain Result: Ellerston beat Lechuza Caracas, 11-10 Number of team entries: Six Main sponsor: Nespresso Chukka scores (Ellerston): 4-1; 5-2; 7-5; 8-6; 8-9; 10-10; 11-10 Most valuable player: Facundo Pieres Best playing pony: Malaquita, owned and played

by Facundo Pieres Finalists Ellerston (20): Santiago Stirling 2; Nicolas Pieres 7; Facundo Pieres 10; Jamie Packer 1 Lechuza Caracas (20): Chris Mackenzie 4; Juan Ambroggio 5; Juan Martin Nero 10; Prince Louis Alphonse of Bourbon 1

community’s first glimpse of Packer’s Ellerston side since 2008, when a team featuring Gonzalito Pieres won England’s Queen’s Cup and lost out in the final of the Gold. James Packer has been developing a new UK base in the meantime opposite Ambersham polo grounds near Midhurst in West Sussex, and the side has vowed to make its UK high-goal comeback in 2012.

Hence, to see the side and their ponies back in action was rare, and a good taster.

The long association between the Packer family behind the Australian-based team and the Pieres polo dynasty from Argentina moved on again this month when tangible success in the form of silverwear came to James Packer (son of Kerry) and Facundo and Nico Pieres (sons of Gonzalo, and brothers to Gonzalito) in their thrilling trip to Sotogrande.

“This is the first time I have played this tournament,” said Facundo Pieres. “So it was amazing to win, but especially with this team. I have spent all my life around Ellerston, because of my father’s relationship with Kerry [Packer], so that made it special. We will be back next year to defend the title, for sure.” ◗ REPLACING VICTOR VARGAS with his

celebrity son-in-law looked like a bonus for the team, and the agile and powerful 36year-old Duke of Anjou scored the winner in the semi-final. However, by removing Vargas, Lechuza also disrupted their usual shape. The Duke preferred to play back, so the team’s four-goaler (in the Gold Cup it was Englishman Max Routledge) moved forward to the number one position. This gave Chris Mackenzie the golden chance to win it. But he missed, playing in Vargas’s normal position.

However, Mackenzie can have few excuses. He played number one for Les Lions II in the brilliant Queen’s Cup final back in June, when they finished second to eventual double-winners, Dubai.

Mackenzie finished his European season as the runner-up in the Queen’s Cup at Guards in June, he reached the semis in the Gold Cup at Cowdray in July, and he won and lost in the Silver and Gold Cup finals respectively in Sotogrande in August.

Vargas was inspired to pick him for his Sotogrande debut after losing to him in the semi-finals of the Queen’s Cup in the UK in June.

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Photographs by Tom House

Report VIII FIP European Championships, Vienna

The victorious French invaders (l-r): Edouard Pan, Alexis Pouille, Thomas Chouchanian and Robert Ström, who defeated Spain in the final in Austria last month

Le jour de gloire est arrivée Tom House watches a youthful French side narrowly overthrow the Spaniards in the final at FIP’s eight-goal showdown in Austria, where the all-female England team had an admirable run, too, ranking third s the sun was setting beyond the castle in the magical wooded parkland of Schloss Ebreichsdorf, a rowdy contingent of young French polo players sang their national anthem, the 19th-century hymn of defiance in the face of an invading Austrian/Prussian army, after themselves having conquered the FIP European Championships in Vienna.

Baron Drasche-Wartinberg, president of the Austrian Polo Association, played host to 10 eight-goal teams contesting the eighth European Polo Championships. The youthful French side, skippered from the back by 24-year-old Edouard Pan, took the top honours by defeating the inform Spaniards.

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Neither side had had an easy route to the final: Spain had to get past the English allfemale side, who had looked formidable as they crushed Slovakia and Austria in their opening rounds before succumbing to the Spaniards’ pace and power. France meanwhile had to deal with mounting problems: three of their ponies failed the pre-tournament vet inspection; they also had the Swiss and the unpredictable Germans to overcome.

The final began with serious French intent Edouard Pan (3) launched a huge penalty, only a fraction wide, but this gave the experienced Spaniards a chance to counter and score first through Jose Entrecanales (1) and then through their top scorer Pelayo Berazadi (3). The bullish

Spaniards allowed their aggression to get the better of them at times, with regular infringements permitting Les Bleues to keep in touch in the opening exchanges. The first chukka finished 3-2 to the Spanish.

The second period began with a virtuoso solo effort from Pan, who tapped the ball elegantly down the flank towards the castle before letting rip with a 45-yard field goal to tie the game.

Thereafter 19-year-old Robert Ström showed why, at three goals, he was a smart mover up front, taking the French to 5-4 at half time.

Alternating the penalty duties Pan and Ström were by no means faultless but their superior discipline allowed them to keep punishing the Spanish. Moments of brilliance from Berazadi,

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such as a goal that originated from a move beyond the halfway line, kept the Iberians in the game, although they had plenty to do going into the fourth trailing 8-6.

Where the previous three chukkas had been speedy and clean, the final chukka descended into a scrappy slugfest. The Spanish staged a comeback through clever passing from Nico Alvarez to the Entrecanales boys at the front, with the two three-goalers Alvarez and Berazadi both contributing to tie the game up at 8-8 with two minutes to go.

The French sought to squeeze every last watt of power from their strings, changing ponies with

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scared: we knew we would have to prepare to beat them.”

Did the French do much preparation before the tournament? He blushes: “Ah no, er, we only managed one or two practice games.” How splendid to see the audacity of youth triumphant!

In the third place playoff crowd favourites England, coached by JP Clarkin, held at bay the stylish Swiss (rec 1/2). The most consistent performer of the tournament, Nina Clarkin, continued the legacy of the Spice Girls and taught the Swiss a thing or two about girl power.

Cool and composed, she opened her account with a 40-yard penalty, soon adding a second off the

“We’re lucky to have such a young team. When you’re young you’re more hungry to win” – Robert Ström, France irritating frequency, but found what they were looking for to outpass and outrun the weary Spaniards. A clever turn from Alexis Pouille, Ström’s 18-year-old cousin, drew a penalty which Pan smashed home from 60 yards. In the final minute Ström ensured they would be singing La Marseillaise on the podium, wrapping the game up 10-8. The tactic of playing their two strongest players at one and four worked consistently well on the narrow field.

After the final Robert Ström, who had scored six goals, said: “We are lucky to have such a young team. When you are young you are more hungry to win. At the beginning of the tournament we saw Spain play and were a bit

post. Simon Luginbuhl hadn’t read the script and countered twice, after which one-goal Swiss player Gualtiero Giori tapped one in, set up by Martin Luginbuhl’s inch-perfect nearside backhand straight up the middle of the field.

England had clearly learned from their Spanish lesson about playing a physical brand of polo and they bullied and pushed the Swiss around the field in the second chukka. Clare Milford Haven and Tamara Vestey showed little mercy as they pulverised their opposite numbers in the ride off and the second chukka swung firmly in their direction.

Guy Schwarzenbach – a familiar face from the UK and international scene – took a tumble and X

Overheard in Österreich HOST BARON Drasche-Wartinberg, president of the Austrian Polo Association, single handedly got polo going again in Austria. After WWII polo had died out – the Nazis closed down the clubs in 1939 for their “decadent” English influence – the Baron resurrected the sport, restoring the parklands surrounding his castle and, as recently as 1991, founding Polo Club Schloss Ebreichsdorf. It was his grandfather, however, who was one of the founding members of the Reit- und Polo Klub Wien, one of the first in Austria in 1913.

THE CASTLE IS NO stranger to battles – and not just of a polo kind. It dates back to the mid-13th century when the Mongol hordes attacked it from the East. It fell in 1480 to the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus and later the Ottomans under Suleiman the Glorious.

The Castle was reclaimed and turned into a renaissance castle for influential Viennese courtiers, before the Turks attacked again in 1683 and only through some last-minute diplomacy managed to save the fort from destruction. Last century the Russian Red Army occupied the castle for 10 years before the Drasches moved back in.

EDUARDO HUERGO who became FIP (Federation of International Polo) president in April, presented France with their trophy. The 71-year-old has served in the FIP council of administration since 1987.

He was born in Buenos Aires and reached five goals before a back injury forced him to retire. Before that he played for Evelyn de Rothschild’s Centaurs in the Cowdray Park Gold Cup in 1964, and has also played in the Argentine Open.

THE TEAM TALLY of 10 was two more than the last FIP eight-goal championships, at Gut Aspern in Germany in 2008.This year, Belgium was a no-show but Slovakia, Hungary and Spain all competed this year.

England (in blue and white) head for the flags – and a goal – in their match against the similarly shirted Swiss

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Report VIII FIP European Championships, Vienna X suffered the ignominy of walking the length of

the field back to the pony lines as the grooms despairingly chased after his steed.

Nina Clarkin on her favourite grey, “Stacy the Wonder Horse”, sent home a 30-yard penalty and Emma Tomlinson soon added to her tally after some good work at the baseline by Clare, who soon after belted home a lovely shot from 30

game from start to finish. Slovakia had their chances and more than their share of territory, latching on the end of huge “hail Mary” passes from four-goal “Slovak” Jose Ramon Santamarina, though they lost 51/2-3.

The home side were spared the wooden spoon as they thumped Hungary 8-1, all four players registering on the scoreboard. The perpetually

The home side were spared the wooden spoon as they thumped the perpetually cheerful Hungarians 8-1

VIII FIP European Championships, 2-12 September; Schloss Ebreichsdorf, Vienna Result: France beat Spain 10-8 Number of team entries: 10 Final rankings: France, Spain, England, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Holland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary Best playing ponies: Morenita, played by Edouard Pan and owned by Fati Reynot; and Stacy, owned and played by Nina Clarkin Fairest player: Konstantin Rhomberg (Austria) FIP sports spirit prize: Hungary

yards, following several failed clearances from the ragged Swiss. The ladies scored five goals to Switzerland’s three before half-time. England maintained their lead after the break and took third place comfortably, winning 8-51/2.

In the other ranking games the tournament’s top goal scorer Julio Cesare Coria scored seven of Italy’s nine goals against a German side that could only manage 61/2. Christopher Kirsch scored four goals, and Eva Bruehl twice – once with a sensational under-the-neck shot; however, they seemed nervous and lacking in conviction in a disappointing climax to their campaign.

Holland were pleased to overcome the Slovakian side with Aki Van Andel controlling the

cheerful Hungarians managed their second field goal of the tournament, only trailing 2-1 after the first chukka but their inexperience was clear as play was slow and scrappy. One suspects that some of the players had been handicapped into the tournament – the difference in class between top teams and the bottom teams was clear – but it was nevertheless a wonderful and important experience for these emerging nations to be able to play with Europe’s big hitters. F ◗ Tom House travelled to Vienna courtesy of the

Austrian Tourist Board. For a complete holiday service call 0845 101 1818 or visit www.austria.info.

Top goal-scorers: Julio Cesare Coria, Italy, 26 goals; Nina Clarkin, England, 24 goals; Pelayo Berazadi, Spain, 24 goals; Edouard Pan, France, 19 goals; Emma Tomlinson, England, 18 goals Top four teams: France (8): Robert Ström 3; Thomas Chouchanian 0; Alexis Pouille 2; Edouard Pan 3 Spain (8): Jose Entrecanales 1; Gonzalo Entrecaneles 1; Pelayo Berazadi 3; Nicolas Alvarez 3 England (8): Clare Milford Haven 0; Tamara Vestey 2; Emma Tomlinson 2; Nina Clarkin 4 Switzerland (7): Gualtiero Giori 1; Guy Schwarzenbach 2; Martin Luginbuhl 2; Simon Luginbuhl 2

Action in the final in front of the majestic Schloss Ebreichsdorf, a private polo club with three grounds half an hour from Vienna

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Report Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Gstaad

altitude attitude

Where meets

At first glance the whole thing seemed so civilised, idyllic and – well – beautifully Swiss. But assemble four fiery Euro-Argentine quartets on a sunny Alpine meadow and sparks will fly, discovers Yolanda Carslaw Team Gstaad Palace was meant to be led bucolic Alpine valley quietly by father and son Fabian and Sascha Pictet, frequented by the super-rich who won with Alejandro Agote and Hector provided the genteel setting Guerrero in 2009 and 2008 and with in August for a feisty fourGuerrero and Milo Fernandez Araujo in day battle between a highly 2006. But injury scuppered their line-up. competitive band of European patrons and Agote explained: “We were due to come mostly Argentine professionals. A couple of with the same team. But Fabian needed miles from Gstaad town centre, on a level surgery on his elbow, so Jack Richardson meadow next to the airfield at the village [the only Brit in the competition] took his of Saanen, the contest took place for place. Then Sascha broke his knee so we Switzerland’s elite grass high-goal title, the had to change the team completely.” The 18-goal Hublot Polo Gold Cup, which Luxembourg player Bert Poekes, who is celebrated its 15th birthday this summer. based in Bern, came in instead. Agote Expressive Italian patron Stefano brought his ponies from Deauville while Marsaglia came out on top – but only after Justo Saavedra and Jack brought theirs a controversial final chukka and a taut from England. Both Pictets came to watch. period of extra time that left his opponents Despite heroic recent works on the field, spitting in fury at what they regarded as a wet July took its toll on the play area. In disastrous umpiring. The previous day, HPA particular a horrendous thunderstorm on 10 umpire Henry Stevens, who oversaw July devastated a side-valley just upstream proceedings with Argentine JJ Boote, had from the polo field – leaving cows told Polo Times there were lively characters swimming, cars floating and dwellings in the fray – but he couldn’t have predicted damaged – and the day before the fixture such a barrage: more on this later. an inch and a half of rain fell.

The four entries came from all sides of “The ground to start with looked the Alps, stabling their horses in temporary amazing, as they had done a lot of work lodgings next to the slightly smaller-thanThe magnificent backdrop of Switzerland’s Saanenland mountains levelling and re-seeding it,” said Henry regulation ground. Marsaglia, with Stevens. “After Wednesday’s rain it cut up longtime Azzurra pro Marcos Heguy in the first couple of games but they did a in 2006 and 2005. Giori’s lynchpins for 2010 were making his Gstaad debut, brought 22 horses from the Menendez brothers, Gstaad veterans. The party fantastic repair job, filling holes and re-mowing.”

West Sussex for the Bank Baring Brothers Sturdza Tournament organiser and Gstaad Polo Club headed to Zurich afterwards for the Swiss Open.

SA team, his campaign masterminded by Azzurra president Pierre Genecand confessed: “The Star Design’s Swiss patron Philipp Maeder, who manager Mariano Zimmerman. challenge here is to get the ground right. It’s plays all over Europe, brought his regular pro Hublot patron Gualtiero Giori, who lives in covered in snow till April, so it’s not easy!”

Federico Bachmann, plus Milo Fernandez-Araujo Geneva and Italy, brought 29 horses from near Thursday’s opening games provided a good if and Agustin Martinez, whose horses arrived from Siena, where he plays at his stepfather Ricardo rather boggy warm-up, and Saturday’s playoffs – St Tropez. “This is my favourite tournament,” Tattoni’s Villa a Sesta Polo Club. Giori and Tattoni both somewhat vocal – under glorious clear skies Maeder said. “I love the beautiful setting and the won at Gstaad in 2001 and were runners-up in determined the order of play for Sunday’s 2004; Giori was runner-up in 2009, as was Tattoni ambience: it’s so relaxed and friendly.”

Photographs by Helen Couchman

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Clockwise from left: Hublot horses, which travelled from Siena, Italy, for the tournament; Marcos Heguy (left) and Eduardo Menendez race to a play in extra-time; Bank Baring (in beige) and Hublot prepare for the last penalty; Marcos Heguy’s Chachacha; umpires Henry Stevens (left), from the UK, and Argentine JJ Boote

showdown. The crowd swelled for Sunday’s games, augmented by locals, Genevois and Zuricher, plus curious tourists, from bikers to hikers. With free entry, plenty of space for upright viewing along one side, orange signs pointing the way from the main road and a public bar and café, organisers make everyone feel welcome. The layout and small field size make sense, given the position of the Tarmac runway (metres beyond the scoreboard), although the safety zone (see Herbert Spencer’s column, page 12) felt rather narrow.

Commentators Alexander Schwarz and Chris Carr kept up a dual-language reportage from a tower above the VIP tent. Schwarz in particular – a former four-goaler from northern Germany – kept the locals informed, enthusing enigmatically

from Buenos Aires city, told PT on Saturday: “We’ve played in Gstaad more than a dozen times.

Tomorrow is a big day for us because we’ve lost a lot of finals: last time we won was 2001.” But how would they fare against “der Fuchs”, plus the ever-cool Gaston Laulhe and the unknown 17year-old, Juan Pablo Jauretche? (This nephew of Pablo Jauretche and a cousin of the Nero brothers and Lucas James was taken out of school for the seven-day trip – his first outside Argentina.)

Early on, the Menendez brothers’ hit-and-runstyle put them three goals ahead Jauretche

Why was Marcos Heguy “der Fuchs aus Buenos Aires”?

“Because he’s so cunning,” Alexander Schwarz told me about “der Fuchs aus Buenos Aires” whenever Marcos Heguy appeared. Why did he call him the fox? “Because he plays so intelligently, and with such cunning!” Schwarz told me.

In the subsidiary final, Star Design beat Gstaad Palace into third place before the final showdown between Hublot and Bank Baring, who paraded onto the field alongside a pair of Bentleys at 3pm.

Eduardo Menendez, the older of the brothers

equalised for Baring in the second, but Hublot rallied with good team goals and a 60-yarder by Franckie Menendez to lead 6-4 at half-time. A good tread-in followed, to feelgood music.

Hublot extended their lead to start the fourth 7-4, but the game was far from over. A 60-yarder

by Marcos Heguy, after being cleared, was re-fired between the posts. Moments later Hublot scored following a penalty – which was to be the last that

went their way. Sticks in the air, shouting and whistle followed the next throw-in, and Bank Baring converted the ensuing 40. Giori then found himself at the sharp end of a tirade by Heguy, whom he was deemed to have fouled. A spot hit that trickled between the posts made it 8-7.

Moments later another foul was called against Giori. With 90 seconds left, Heguy and Laulhe coaxed an equaliser between the posts. After the first bell a further whistle against Hublot gave Bank Baring a 5b, which Heguy narrowly missed.

Out they rode for extra-time, Hublot with disbelief that their lead had been eroded; Baring with the psychological advantage. Midfield scrabbles followed and it was only a matter of time before the next whistle. It came in front of X www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 29

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Report Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Gstaad

Mountain matters NINE TEAMS EXPRESSED an interest in playing in Gstaad this year – and organisers had to turn down all but four. Pierre Genecand, a 0-goaler and former show jumper who took over the organisation in 2005, said: “The maximum is four, because we have only one ground. We invited back the winners from last year.”

Genecand, who masterminded Geneva’s indoor World Cup jumping competition from 1990 to 2003, has played polo for 10 years, recently mainly at his estancia, El Mirasol, 300km from Buenos Aires, where he has 250 horses. Since taking over at Gstaad, Genecand – a passionate organiser – has settled the handicap firmly at 18-goal, established the tournament in the World Polo Tour, improved the ground and upped the event’s profile – which has led to a surfeit of potential sponsors, too.

THE FOUR TEAMS, plus entourage and sponsors in horse-drawn carriages, paraded through Gstaad town centre on the Friday, setting off from a square where tennis and beach volleyball tournaments were staged the previous month. Taking in the pedestrian zone, players passed celebrated Gstaad institutions such as Charly’s Tea Room; Hotel Olden – haunt of the great and glamourous nearly 50 years ago, now owned by Bernie Ecclestone and Posthotel Roessli, where horse teams used to change en route over the mountains.

Photographs by Helen Couchman

VILLA A SESTA, the club near Siena from which Team Hublot hailed, is becoming one of Italy’s polo hubs. It has three fields, 200 boxes, eight regular teams and a 15-goal tournament. Ricardo Tattoni, its owner, is a former Gstaad winner who plays all over Europe, including in Sardinia and St Tropez. Tattoni promises we’ll be hearing more about Villa a Sesta, so watch this space.

Gualtiero Giori (left) and Ricardo Tattoni

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The winners celebrate (l-r): Juan Pablo Jauretche, Stefano Marsaglia, Marcos Heguy and Gaston Laulhe

X the VIP terrace, from where spectators had a prime

view of the ensuing spot penalty. Tapping the ball at a controlled canter, Heguy kept possession as his teammates blocked the opposition, and to the horror of the Hublot helpless, the 10-goaler wove his way to goal and scored.

As Marsaglia let out a joyous roar, Hublot’s players rounded on the umpires. “How can it be that we had no fouls in our favour in the last eight minutes?” fumed Giori incredulously to Stevens.

And Frankie Menendez to Boote: “You know

“We were happy with the calls we made and with our consistency” – Henry Stevens nothing about polo!” No physical contact was made but this was the least inhibited outburst against umpires this writer has witnessed.

Henry Stevens said: “We made the calls as we saw them. We were happy with those calls and with our consistency: we’d blown the same call against Stefano Marsaglia – for turning the ball – minutes before in the fourth chukka. The patron of Hublot was understandably upset because they lost such a big lead, but Marcos Heguy outplayed them in the last chukka and a half.”

A stroll to the podium and a few deep breaths of mountain air calmed things – and organisers, perhaps, should take it as a compliment that players feel so strongly about the title. There was consolation for Giori – discernibly the best of the patrons, playing well up to his one goal – who was named most valuable amateur, while Jauretche picked up most valuable pro.

Heguy’s striking grey, Chachacha, especially prominent in the fourth chukka of the final, was named best playing pony. “She’s 11, from my own breed, and she’s been in the UK for five years,” said

Marcos, adding that she isn’t a horse he has sold (see news, September issue).

Both winners and losers picked up covetable items on the podium on both Saturday and Sunday, including the likes of iPads, pens by Bentley and giant 3.2kg Ragusa bars (from family-run chocolatier Camille Bloch). The best prizes, of course, went to the overall winners: each member of Bank Baring landed a Big Bang Evolution watch

by Hublot – worth fighting for indeed. F ◗ Our writer and photographer flew from London to

Geneva with Swiss (from £100 return; www.swiss. com; 0845 601 0956), travelled on a Swiss Pass (from £79; www.stc.co.uk; 020 7420 4900) and stayed at the Hotel Arc-en-Ciel (www.arc-enciel.ch). For more, look out next spring for our travel specials about polo’s European hotspots. ◗ Turn to page XX to see more pictures.

Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad, 19-22 August; Gstaad, Switzerland Number of team entries: four Result: Bank Baring Brothers Sturdza SA beat Hublot 9-8 Chukka scores (Baring): 1-3; 4-6; 4-7; 8-8; 9-8 Principal sponsor: Hublot Most valuable pony: Chachacha, played and owned by Marcos Heguy Most valuable professional: Juan Pablo Jauretche Most valuable amateur: Gualtiero Giori Highest scorer: Marcos Heguy (19 goals in three games) Teams Bank Baring Brothers Sturdza SA (18): Juan Pablo Jauretche 1; Gaston Laulhe 7; Marcos Heguy 10; Stefano Marsaglia 0 Hublot (18): Gualtiero Giori 1; Franckie Menendez 7; Eduardo Menendez 6; Julio Coria 4 Star Design (18): Philipp Maeder 0; Federico Bachmann 6; Milo Fernandez Araujo 8; Agustin Martinez 4 Gstaad Palace (17): Bert Poeckes 0; Justo Saavedra 6; Alejandro Agote 8; Jack Richardson 3

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Report Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship

Teenagers play the adult game

Photographs by Mark Beaumont

Commitment, talent and enthusiasm characterised 10 teams of youngsters at Hurtwood Park’s junior event, modelled on Argentina’s ‘Potrillos’ and galvanised by a dynamic new sponsor in its fourth year, says Margie Brett

William Batchelor in action for King Dragons in the final of the 15 and unders section

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What did the players think?

Camilla Beresford, Jack Taylor, Ralph Richardson and Tommy Beresford with Daniel Gerber (15 and unders)

en years ago it would not have been possible to gather together such a depth of talented young players as there were this year at the Junior Polo British Championships, hosted

by Hurtwood Park and sponsored by Julius Baer.

There would have been a smattering of good players spread out among the teams and the standard of pony would have been nothing like those playing this year at Hurtwood. Credit must surely go to all those whose dedication to running junior polo tournaments and events up and down

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contested the Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship at Hurtwood Park Polo Club.

Five teams entered the 19 and unders and five teams the 15 and unders. Games were played the week preceding 4 September and the finalists were Sangres Jovenes and Forgather for the 19 and unders and King Dragons and Jaeger-LeCoultre for the 15 and unders.

Proceedings on finals day started with a press conference with Kenney Jones, Daniel Gerber and the players. “Our aim is to give an all-round experience of being involved with a sport to the

“We beg, borrow, use our own, share ponies – anything to get ourselves out there” – Alex Jacob, 19 and under section the country is beginning to show results that 10 years ago could only have been dreamed of.

Kenney and Jayne Jones, founder owners of Hurtwood Park, have for the last 12 years tirelessly encouraged junior polo at their club, guiding newcomers through their tentative early days to low-goal adult polo and onwards. So when this year at the Audi Polo Awards Kenney and Jayne heard Daniel Gerber, CEO of Julius Baer International Limited, London, speak of his company’s wish to become involved with UK youth polo, it was music to their ears – the timing couldn’t have been better.

The junior tournament, founded originally by Julian Batchelor at Longdole Polo Club and previously sponsored by Sal Oppenheim, was in need of a new sponsor following the takeover of Sal Oppenheim by Deutsche Bank. Three months after the Audi Polo Awards ten teams of junior players

young players. It isn’t only about playing,” said Jayne Jones.

Ages ranged from 13 to 19; Izzy McGregor was the youngest and Alex Jacob the oldest – both impressive girl players. It was interesting that, asked which player they aspired to, apart from the girls citing Nina Clarkin, none cited English players and only two boys cited Adolfo Cambiaso.

Some competitors played their own ponies, but some were loaned from friends. “We beg, borrow, use our own, share – anything to get ourselves out there,” said Alex Jacob.

Both finals, on Hurtwood Park's number one ground, were close and keenly contested. Marginally too many fouls could be forgiven because of the refreshing lack of tapping and blocking so often present in our high-goal games in the UK. In the 19 and unders, Sangres Jovenes (rec 1/2) X

Ralph Richardson, 15, played on the winning Jaeger-LeCoultre side “The tournament was brilliant: it was the best thing I have ever played in and was well organised and planned.

Our team was made up of three of the Cowdray Pony Club team that played in the Langford.

“At the last minute someone couldn’t play so Camilla Beresford stepped in. Charles Beresford and David Taylor put the team together.

We got lucky in the final but we did all try hard and played well as a team.

“I’ve played at Cowdray and Knepp this summer. With the Rok Energy team we've reached five finals, and I played in the Holden White at Cowdray. My favourite pony is my spotty mare Evita, and my best new pony is a homebred called Teddy.

“I am about to go back to Millfield for my second year. I play football for the As so I concentrate on that in winter and polo in summer, though I'll play arena polo next term to give the ponies a run and so I can learn more.

“I am begging mum and dad to take me out of school because I want to play professionally. I want to get to 10 before my brother, Jack (3), but I have a lot of catching up to do.

“My inspiration is Sapo Caset: he is the best up-and-coming player. My grooms shout ‘Sapo, Sapo, Sapo’ at me, especially when I fall off!”

Alex Jacob, 19, number three for the winning Sangres Jovenes side “I played in the tournament two years ago when I was approached by Hurtwood. This year I put a team together. Originally it was to be the same as my Cranleigh School team, but one of the boys couldn’t play so Briony Taylor played for us instead.

“I start university at Cirencester this month reading agriculture and equine management. I'd love to play as a pro but I think as a girl it is not financially viable. I want to find a career where I will be able to support myself playing.

“On Saturday I played three of my own ponies and one I borrowed from my sister. We have five we share.

“I think the all-women’s team at the FIP championships is great. I really admire Nina Clarkin’s horsemanship and professional attitude.”

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Report Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship

What did the players think?

Harry Muddle, 17, played on runners-up team Forgather “On the whole I've been taking a break from junior polo this year. But this sounded like such a big deal and with such impressive sponsors I decided it would be fun to play – which it was. We were unlucky not to win and our team played well. We were in the lead until someone fouled in the last minutes.

“I left school after GCSEs. I am about to finish working for Jamie Le Hardy and then I will go to El Milagro in Open Door, Argentina, to play. I think I learn more in Argentina because it is a higher level. I am not sure if it was the right decision to leave school but it was what I wanted to do. I am not in polo to make money; I just love the lifestyle. I am doing a course in IT at the same time so I have something to fall back on.

“Most of my ponies came from Argentina with my mother’s former professional. I hope to bring a fourth back from Argentina this season.

“I really admire the way Ignacio Toccalino and David Stirling play.

Cambiaso is so much better than everyone else that his natural talent allows him to play almost on his own.

People find it boring because he just keeps winning, but he must be doing something right!”

Cody Jones, 15, played on runnersup team King Dragons “I really enjoyed the weekend. I've played quite a bit of SUPA polo, but this was definitely the best. It felt like normal polo and we all learnt a lot more as a result. It was great playing in front of a crowd and it made it feel like a real occasion.

“Will Batchelor and I played for the Cowdray Park team in the Langford this year where we lost in the semifinal. We really wanted to play again together so we rang around and organised a team.

“I go to Seaford College and I’ll take GCSEs this year. I come home on Tuesdays for chukkas and I play most weekends. I want to play professionally but I also want to study to become an equine vet.

“Eduardo Heguy is who I admire most. I really like his style of play.”

34 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

19 and unders winners Sangres Jovenes (l-r): Jamie O’Neill, Briony Taylor, Alex Jacob and James Hislop with Daniel Gerber. Top: Alex Jacob (in black, on the grey pony) in control in the final against Forgather

X – Jamie O’Neill, James Hislop and Briony Taylor –

were ably led by Alex Jacob in the number three slot. Their opponents, Forgather – Theo Banner, Tom St Aubyn, Harry Muddle and Maime Powell – put up a stout defence.

The contest was well reflected in the score, which showed Sangres Jovenes leading by half a goal at half time, trailing by half a goal at the end of the third chukka and only taking back the lead and victory in the dying minutes of the game through a 60-yard penalty, taken by Jacob and helped on its way through the posts by a teammate to give them a win of 51/2-5.

In the 15 and under the standard was impressive. King Dragons – Izzy McGregor, Cody Jones, Hector Fair and Will Batchelor – received half a goal on handicap and took on JaegerLeCoultre – Tommy Beresford, Jack Taylor, Ralph Richardson and Camilla Beresford. Again the contest was tight with Jaeger-LeCoultre squeaking home with a 30-yard penalty in the dying minutes of the final chukka. Cody Jones, formidable in his presence for King Dragons, did his best to regain the lead but his shot to goal went wide and Jaeger-LeCoultre were winners 5-41/2.

This was a most enjoyable tournament and

was impressive for its depth of players with a good knowledge of the game. A most interesting aspect of the finals were the girl players, who were notable, holding their own admirably in ride-offs, hitting the ball a good distance and reading the game with excellent anticipation. F

Junior Polo British Championship, 4 September, Hurtwood Park Sponsor: Julius Baer Result: 19 & under: Sangres Jovenes beat Forgather 51/2-5 15 & under: Jaeger-LeCoultre beat King Dragons 5-41/2 Number of team entries: five in each section Final teams in the 19 and unders: Sangres Jovenes (-3): Jamie O’Neill -1; Briony Taylor -1; Alex Jacob 0; James Hislop -1 Forgather (-2): Maime Powell -1; Theo Banner -1; Tom St Aubyn 0; Harry Muddle 0 Final teams in the 15 and unders: Jaeger-LeCoultre (-3): Camilla Beresford -1; Jack Taylor -1; Ralph Richardson 0; Tommy Beresford -1 King Dragons (-4): Hector Fair -1; Izzy McGregor 2; Cody Jones -1; Will Batchelor 0

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Why a Swiss bank is backing youngsters Julius Baer’s Daniel Gerber tells Polo Times why polo has become a vital part of the firm’s sponsorship portfolio – alongside art and music What is your personal responsibility regarding the Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championships?

The Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship and more importantly the Julius Baer Junior Polo Programme are a joint initiative between Julius Baer’s central sponsoring department in Zürich and Julius Baer International Limited in London.

My contribution was to initiate the idea and to bring the relevant people together and I will be involved in the further development and implementation of the Junior Polo Programme.

When did JB decide to sponsor polo?

Julius Baer first sponsored the Brioni Polo Challenge on the Brijuni Islands in Croatia in 2006. In 2010 we are involved in 10 polo activities around the world, including the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, the Audi Polo Awards in London and a charity event at Argentina’s Palermo Open.

Why did JB choose to sponsor polo?

Firstly, polo perfectly mirrors our corporate values of care, passion and excellence and has related attributes such as teamwork, trust and tradition.

Polo represents our philosophy to do business and reach our goals through flexibility, a strong team approach and a clear vision.

Secondly, polo is played worldwide and in all the regions where Julius Baer Group is active, namely Latin America, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Asia. Polo is an ideal global ambassador for Julius Baer.

Thirdly, the exclusive character of polo helps to position Julius Baer in the high-end segment of global private clients and to differentiate us from other financial institutions worldwide.

Why youth polo?

Julius Baer has identified three strategic sponsoring fields in sport and culture: polo, art and classical music. All these disciplines reflect our corporate values. As a part of our implementation, we focus on sustainability,

London-based Daniel Gerber, who will be involved in development of Julius Baer’s Junior Polo Programme

content and competence in each discipline.

Nurturing youth and young talent provides sustainability to polo.

Will this be an ongoing commitment?

The Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship is only one element of the Julius Baer Junior Polo Programme. Other modules will include education and mentoring for the future polo stars of Britain.

We are planning a programme of events throughout next season and aim to support young talented players in the UK.

forward to trying polo for myself at Hurtwood Park and maybe I’ll catch the polo bug! F ◗ Interview by Caroline Stern

Julius Baer’s 2010 polo sponsorships January St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, Switzerland February Audi Winter Polo Gold Cup, Cortina, Italy

What did you think of the tournament at Hurtwood Park?

The games I watched were of very high quality. It was just awesome: the performance of these young players on the field lost nothing in comparison to games played by adults.

March Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, Desert Palm

Do you play?

My family and I are keen sailors and I only encountered polo quite recently. Immediately, I was fascinated by its beauty and the interaction between player, horse and team. In a way it has much in common with sailing. But I am looking

August Julius Baer Argentina Snow Polo Cup, Chapelco, Argentina

May Audi Polo Awards, London June Julius Baer Polo Swiss Championship, Bern July Ascona Polo Cup, Switzerland

September Julius Baer Junior Polo British Championship, Hurtwood Park November World Polo Tour Polo Party at the Argentine Open

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Report County Cup

Cirencester stalwarts keep it in the family Herbert Spencer watches Britten-Long Jr claim the cup his father won last year, beating a husband-and-wife combo backed by a Mexican teenager ick Britten-Long’s Laird narrowly defeated Juan José de Alba’s Balvanera 8-7 in extra time to win the National 15-goal Championship for the County Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club in late August.

Former England captain Henry Brett, Laird’s lynchpin, provided the winning goal halfway through the sixth, sudden-death chukka when he converted a 30-yard penalty.

The finalists appeared evenly matched in player and pony power and it was a fast-moving, see-saw game in which the score was all tied up no fewer than six times.

This was the second year running that Laird captured the County Cup, England’s second oldest polo trophy, which dates back to 1885. Last year it was won by Laird/Corovest, the team fielded by Nick’s father Richard Britten-Long, chairman of Cirencester Park.

“We had just finished polishing up the cup for

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presentation today,” Richard said. “So I’m glad Nick managed to keep it in the family.”

Balvanera was notable for having a 14-yearold Mexican schoolboy as their patron; Juan José de Alba is a student at Cheltenham College. The side also stood out for having a husband-andwife combo playing at centre: New Zealand international John Paul Clarkin, at eight goals the highest-handicapped player on the ground, and Nina Clarkin, at handicap four the world’s highest-rated female competitor.

New Zealander Clarkin opened the scoring when he found the posts after his wife took it into the danger zone. Laird’s George Meyrick immediately equalised on a pass from Brett.

Another goal by each side left the game tied 2-2 at the chukka’s end.

The second period was scrappy with the only goal, from Laird’s Meyrick, coming only six minutes into the chukka. The third period ended 5-4 in Laird’s favour and the home team

increased their advantage to 7-6 in the fourth.

Balvanera held Laird scoreless in the fifth chukka of regulation time and John Paul Clarkin converted a 40-yard penalty to tie and push the match into extra time, when Brett fired in the winner for Laird. F

National 15-Goal Championship (County Cup), 10-22 August 2010; Cirencester Park Polo Club, Gloucestershire Result: Laird beat Balvanera 8-7 Principal sponsors: Intuition Publishing Handicap level: 12-15 goal Number of team entries: six Chukka scores (Laird): 2-2; 3-2; 5-4; 7-6; 7-7; 8-7 Final teams: Laird (15): Nick Britten-Long 2; George Meyrick 4; Henry Brett 6; Leroux Hendriks 3 Balvanera (15): Juan José de Alba 0; Nina Clarkin 4; John Paul Clarkin 8; Nicholas Petracchi 3

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Laird patron Nick BrittenLong approaches the ball as Henry Brett (left) takes out Nina Clarkin (red hat).

Juan José Alba is on the right in blue

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Report Akuma SUPA Tri-Nations

One island, three nations,

four winners A tremendous effort by organisers in the face of challenging weather gave four teams of English, Welsh and Scottish youngsters a highly competitive weekend of “home international” polo in Cheshire, says Mike Hobday hey say the “sun shines on the righteous”; well, the Akuma TriNations must be doing something right! On the August bank holiday, Saturday night and Sunday morning saw the heavens open at Cheshire Polo Club – and boy, did it rain. Officials cancelled all club polo but kept an open mind on the Tri-Nations tournament, thank goodness.

A player, committee and parent meeting at 1pm on Sunday resulted in a hastily re-arranged programme to suit all parties, and with a strong wind drying the ground and blue skies overhead, the tournament was back in business.

SUPA in conjunction with Pony Club Polo of Scotland had selected four teams to play over the weekend. Wales, as the holders of the TriNations, hosted the event at Cheshire Polo Club, where the powers-that-be more than went out of their way with hospitality and support to all teams and parents.

In the opening game, English SUPA took on Scotland Blue and after Mindy from club sponsor The Hollies Farm Shop threw in the ball it was like two heavyweight boxers slugging it out. Neither side opened the game,

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James Hudson (for English SUPA, in white) and Josh Woolley (for Welsh SUPA) battle fearlessly in the final

all the open play there were few goals and had Scotland seized their chances things might have been different but it was left to

Photographs by Sarah Clegg

Boy, did it rain! A player, committee and parent meeting hastily re-arranged the programme both intent on short balls and passing. In the second chukka Scotland were dominant and almost got away, but the English held on eventually squeezing home 4-3.

The second match was between the holders Welsh SUPA and Scotland Yellow and after a slow start both teams went at each other at full gallop. However, Despite

38 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Wales to defend their title the following day after a 2-1 victory.

Part of this tournament’s aim was to bring people together and with the help of a great asado hosted the members of Cheshire Polo Club, many new friendships were made and acquaintances renewed.

The re-arranged games on Sunday saw both

Scottish teams in action in two-chukka matches against both English and Welsh SUPA before Scotland Blue took to the field against Scotland Yellow in the subsidiary final, with three pairs of brothers in the fray.

This was a hard-fought game with neither side wanting to give the other an inch.

Matthew Dove showed great talent for the future, but the Dukes brothers ably assisted by Philippa Morris and Hugh Carnegie were too much for the Dove/Lindsay brother combination.

Arthur Dukes picked up the MVP for his stunning shots and supporting play.

The final, watched by supporters from both sides as well as Cheshire members, did not disappoint. Though the first goal went to the

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Akuma Tri Nations, 28-29 August, Cheshire Polo Club Number of team entries: four Result: English SUPA beat Welsh SUPA 3-2 Principal sponsors: Akuma, The Hollies Farm Shop, Dukes Veterinary Practice, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, La Tarde Most valuable player (final): James Hudson, English SUPA

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In the final, Robbie Dee and Tim Pearce-May were persistently playing into Welsh territory

Most valuable player (subsidiary final): Arthur Dukes, Scotland Pony Club Yellow Teams: English SUPA: Robbie Dee –2; Hilary Jackson 0; James Hudson –1; Tim Pearce-May –1 Welsh SUPA: Izzy Styler –2; Hannah Kate Davies –1; Charlie Walton –1; Josh Woolley 0 Scotland Pony Club Yellow: Arthur Dukes –1; Philippa Morris –2; Jess Dukes –1; Hugh Carnegie –2 Scotland Pony Club Blue: Alexander Lindsay –1; Matthew Dove –2; Jamie Lindsay –1; Adam Dove –2

Tim Pearce-May flies the flag for English SUPA, who beat Welsh SUPA 3-2 in an exciting final at Cheshire Polo Club

Welsh, the English marking, team play and tactics slowly took effect.

Wales’s Josh Woolley, whose long hitting can destroy the opposition, was kept tightly marked

by MVP James Hudson, as was Charlie Walton who was given a torrid time by Hilary Jackson.

Hannah Kate Davies and Izzy Styler, both strong support players, were unable to get to many plays, and Robbie Dee and Tim Pearce-May were persistently playing the ball into Welsh territory, keeping their opponents on the back foot.

A lofted 60 by Hudson was the turning point and after that it was a game with the Welsh forever playing catch-up.

All the sponsors (listed below) as well as the host club Cheshire must be thanked for their support of these young players from all the teams; several names of whom we will no doubt see in lights in future years! F www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 39

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Reports At home and abroad

Spectators watch on as the ball checks up for the Polo de Deauville side (in black) and Talandracas’s Matias Benoit (with the pink stripe) claims a foul behind

Deauville, France

Talandracas claim third Gold Cup after five-year wait The climax of the 20-goal Deauville Gold Cup came down to a straight shoot-out between youth and experience, with the latter triumphing for French patron Edouard Carmignac OLLOWING THEIR 2002 and 2004 wins, Talandracas finally reclaimed the Lucien Barriere Polo Gold Cup at Deauville on 15-29 August. After losing to Royal Barrière in last year’s final, the team came through convincingly to defeat Polo de Deauville 9-5 in the final on the last Sunday in August. The winning team were fortunate to have the tournament’s highest-rated player on their side, eight-goaler Lucas Monteverde, who raced back to Argentina to play in the Jockey Club Open immediately after the tournament, and will then go on to start his Argentine Triple Crown campaign with La Dolfina this month.

“We were able to improve our interaction within the team and our horses were less tired.

That made the difference,” explained Monteverde

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following their win. The young, talented Polo de Deauville side, led by patron Alexandre Sztarkman, were unable to pull through following a good start to the match. They provided good early resistance in the first two chukkas, but the new side couldn’t cope with Talandracas’s strength and it was Carmignac’s seasoned campaigners that then gradually overpowered them and romped to the title.

Three Brits took part in the 18-20-goal tournament, which was entered by six teams.

Charlie and George Hanbury, playing for their team El Remanso, did not have a successful tournament having been knocked out before the semi-finals. Seven-goaler Mark Tomlinson also failed to make it through to the semis with Ludovic Pailloncy’s HB Polo team. However, HB

Polo did go on to reach the final of the Castel Cup French Open in Chantilly – although without Tomlinson – in September, narrowly losing to Tres Marias, 7-6.

Deauville Gold Cup; 17-29 August; Deauville Polo Club, France Result: Talandracas beat Polo de Deauville, 9-5 Handicap level: 20-goal Number of teams: six Most valuable player: Guillermo Terrera Finalists Talandracas (20): Matias Benoit 5; Guillermo Terrera 7; Lucas Monteverde 8; Edouard Carmignac 0 Polo de Deauville (20): Diego Cavanagh 7; Valentin Novillo Astrada 5; Dario Musso 7; Alexandre Sztarkman 1

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Left: Mark Tomlinson strikes the ball for HB Polo in the early stages of the tournament. His side failed to make the semi-finals, as neither did fellow Englishmen, Charlie and George Hanbury

Photographs by Thierry Poussard

Above: Talandracas’s Edouard Carmignac, Guillermo Terrera, Lucas Monteverde and Matias Benoit celebrate their victory over Polo de Deauville in the final and lift the famous Gold Cup

St Tropez, France

Watch this penalty, Sezz Borwick Beaches and rosé don’t stop England’s 60-yarder specialist firing goal after goal, says Susan Stovall OUR COMPETITIVE AND cosmopolitan teams assembled in September at Polo Club St Tropez in the 14th century village of Gassin to vie for the club’s showpiece medium-goal tournament. A hop and a skip inland from the superyachts, beaches and beautiful people, two British pros were among those to capture the Riviera’s top polo prize. Hotel Sezz, a brand new venue in the district, fielded Malcolm Borwick and Henry Fisher, plus South African Gareth Evans and the hotelier patron Shahé Kalaidjian.

Over the summer Polo Club St Tropez has hosted more than 60 teams and players from 15 countries. Says Borwick: “This is the most beautiful place to play polo at the end of the long European season. The combination of the beaches, food and rosé wine make it a perfect holiday and polo destination.”

For the Gold Cup, the German cities of Hamburg and Munster sent Sebastien Schneberger (1) and Sven Schneider (3) plus Argentines Gaston Maiquiz (6) and Martin Podesta (5), while French patron Dean Clark (0), of Haras de Gros Bec, fielded Mathew Evetts (3), Cesar Freddi (3) and Juan Jose Araya (6). For the home team of St Tropez, the club’s chairman Corinne Schuler (0) brought in Juan

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Martin Garcia-Laborde (5), Francisco Irastorza (6) and 17-year-old rising star Alfredo Capella (4).

After an unwelcome storm blew in and forced the cancellation of one day of play, the tournament format was changed to three days. First, the German-based Los Nocheros fell to Hotel Sezz by three goals, Borwick scoring six of his team’s seven goals. Saint Tropez beat Haras de Gros Bec 7-5, with the home side’s “junior” players Schuler and Capella scoring five goals between them.

On day two, play pitted Saint Tropez against Los Nocheros: the winner was to go into the finals against Hotel Sezz, who had won both their games.

Play was close in the first two chukkas, and Los Nocheros led 3-2 at half-time, but Irastorza came alive in the third with three quick goals. St Tropez never looked back and won 10-7.

Both teams were ready for each other in the finals, having met in the earlier Silver Cup, which Hotel Sezz won by a goal. Play started with goal for goal scoring and at half-time it was 3-3. Goal-trading continued and at full-time the scoreboard read 6-6.

A tense few minutes of overtime followed: Francisco Irastorza made an incredible save as the clock ticked on, and Hotel Sezz landed a “safety” 60. Cool under pressure, Malcolm Borwick

demonstrated why he’s one of the best penaltytakers in the game. His shot was dead on, giving his teammates victory, and reason to celebrate.

Sebastien Schneberger won the high-scoring amateur prize and best playing pony was Silverado, a South African mare played by owner Gareth Evans.

Polo Club Saint Tropez is looking forward to next year, when new fields will be ready for tournament play and provide a better venue for the visiting players. Focus will be on low-goal, with 15-goal polo in July and September, and lessons and coaching throughout the season from April to September. ◗ To find out more, visit www.polo-st-tropez.com

St Tropez Gold Cup; 8-12 September; Polo Club Saint-Tropez Result: Hotel Sezz beat Saint Tropez 7-6 Handicap level: 12-15 goal Number of teams: four Finalists Sezz (15): Shahé Kalaidjian 0; Malcolm Borwick 6; Gareth Evans 6; Henry Fisher 3 Saint-Tropez (15): Corinne Schuler 0; Francisco Irastorza 6; Juan Martin Garcia Laborde 5; Alfredo X Cappella 4 www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 41

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Reports At home and abroad X

Russia and Surrey

Nomadic academy set to expand An impressive raft of coaches and specialists – from Alfonso Pieres to Roddy Williams to Winston Squire – has been galvanising youngsters in Russia and Surrey for a forward-thinking polo school

Above: International Polo Academy students at the inaugural UK course at Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey are put through their paces by England fitness coach Winton Squire Left: former 10-goaler Alfonso Pieres, brother to Gonzalo (and uncle of Gonzalito, Facundo and Nico Pieres), gives a Russian student some pointers ahead of an instructional chukka at Moscow Polo Club

ROMISING YOUNG PLAYERS from worldwide have been working on their game at a series of new clinics whose approach emulates that of mainstream sports. International Polo Academy (IPA), which launched in the spring in Argentina with its inaugural course, has delivered two further courses in August in Russia and the UK. The academy, which particularly aims at promising youngsters, is set to expand to further countries in 2011.

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success. Argentine Juan Britos, a 17-year-old threegoal player, was taken to Russia on IPA’s scholarship scheme, while Tasya Rodzianko, Russia’s emerging female player, was brought to the UK for the course at Hurtwood under the same scheme.

The Russian course saw Argentine legend Alfonso Pieres join the coaching line-up in Moscow. The former Indios Chapaleufu and Argentina coach spent a week with the Russian students at Moscow Polo Club’s new base at

At Moscow Polo Club’s new base at Tsleevo Golf and Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, two ski slopes and two immaculate polo grounds have been hacked out of the forests IPA “borrows” its approach from leading academies in other sports, aiming to work on every single element of a player’s game to improve general performance. The five-day courses cover all polo skills, including horsemanship, strategy, professionalism and mental and physical preparation.

The academy is on the lookout for new talent and has a policy of taking on coaches with varying skills and approaches.

IPA’s scholarship scheme, which takes up-andcoming players to the host clubs, has also been a 42 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Tsleevo Golf and Country Club where, in true Russian style, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, two ski slopes and two immaculate polo grounds have been hacked out of the forests north of Moscow.

“Moscow Polo Club is a club with an exciting future. It has a fantastic set-up with the fields and the new barns that they have installed. The owners are incredibly proactive and the club has been well managed allowing its players to reach their current level,” said IPA’s Charlie Froggatt.

The UK course was held in August at Hurtwood Park in Surrey, where two groups of students

(under-16s and over-16s) were taught simultaneously by some big-name coaches.

Eduardo Amaya was flow in in from Argentina, while Sebastian Dawnay, Roddy Matthews, Roddy Williams, Eddie Kennedy, Australian national player Rob Archibald, England fitness guru Winston Squire and sports psychologist Miranda Banks were all brought in to focus on different areas of the game.

Students had their swings and riding techniques analysed in high definition.

Amongst those students at the UK course were some of England’s most promising players, such as Terence Lent, Izzy McGregor and Cody Jones, while Rex Woodhouse was among the promising older players. But the courses aren't just for aspiring pros; patrons were there, too, to check out the emerging talent as well as to hone their own game.

“Everyone really enjoyed the week and learned a huge amount from all the coaches,” said Kay McGregor, Izzy’s mother. The training program is scientific in its approach and the students had all improved by the end. If there was another course the following week we would have done it!” ◗ IPA is now planning its course in the UK for next year. To book a place or find out more email admissions@internationalpoloacademy.com

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Home & abroad in brief ◗ THE PRO-AM CITY Championships were

greeted by warm late summer weather on Saturday 4 September, attracting a flock of spectators to the sidelines of Ascot Park Polo Club. Ten teams entered, split into five categories ranging from –5-8-goals. Teams Von Essen and Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP provided the most tightly contested match in the 6-8-goal, with the latter emerging victorious, 51/2-5. In the 2-4-goal section, Goldman Sachs defeated Norton Rose.

The six teams in the German Polo Masters celebrate the success of the event in Sylt, which attracted 12,000 spectators

Germany

Swiss patron Dillier scoops the German Triple Crown in style PIERO DILLIER TALLIED up three big wins this summer, claiming the German Triple Crown. His teams won the German Polo Masters in Sylt, the IDEA Polo Derby in Hamburg and the German high-goal championships in Berlin, writes Michael Lou. The 0-goal Swiss patron played all three 12-goal tournaments with his Argentine pro, Lucas Labat (6).

The finals of the German Polo Masters, held in the popular holiday destination island of Sylt, took place on 1 August and Dillier’s team GR.AN.DI.OS – sponsored by four Sylt restaurant owners whose initials make up the team name – defeated Koenig Pilsner 6-3. Overall, the event attracted 12,000 spectators.

Dillier moved on to the IDEA Polo Derby in Hamburg (6-15 August) to claim victory with team

Lanson, featuring a similar team line-up including Argentine Lucas Labat. They toppled the title sponsors’ team, Idee Kaffee, 9-41/2, in the final on 15 August. The runners up consisted of three poloplaying brothers – Thomas (5), Christopher (3) and Oliver Winter (2) – and their patron Matthias Grau.

Continuing his winning streak, Dillier went on to take the German high-goal championships in Berlin on 29 August. The finals were played on the “Maifeld” ground – where the polo at the 1936 Berlin Olympics took place. The game was particularly poignant for Argentine pro Micky Duggan (4), playing for the losing Engel &Voelkers side, as his grandfather Louis Duggan had played on that very field in the 1936 Olympics. Dillier’s BSS team defeated Engel & Voelkers 9-51/2.

Knepp Castle

Flash Jack finishes for the family FOUR TEAMS PLAYED in the Savills, Sotheby’s and Lycetts six-goal tournament at Knepp Castle over August bank holiday. In the group games, ROK Energy beat Parke Bradley’s Silver Fox by two goals and Robert Van Den Bergh’s Pluma Negra lost to Sciurus Walking with the Wounded, putting the two winning teams through to Sunday’s (29 August) final.

ROK Energy got off to a blistering start in front of a crowd of more than 100 spectators, with Jack Richardson on top form; they led 5-1 at half-time.

However, Sciurus came back fighting and, having adopted some new tactics at half-time, came back to equalise at 5-5 with just 40 seconds to play. An extra Winners ROK Energy with the six-goal tournament trophy, sponsored by Savills, Sotherby’s and Lycetts (l-r: Ralph chukka looked imminent but, fortunately for ROK, Jack Richardson, John Kent, and Jack and Kim Richardson) Richardson stepped up to score a 40-yard penalty and secure victory for his family-based side. half-time, Silver Fox went onto win 7-4. The best Fighting for the Savills Trophy in the subsidiary playing pony, sponsored by the charity Retraining of final were Pluma Negra and Silver Fox. Despite Racehorses, went to Jack Richardson’s electric X excellent play by Pluma Negra and a tight score at eight-year-old mare Elliebow.

◗ THE RUSSIAN OPEN,

at Moscow Polo Club ended in a draw on Sunday 29 August.

Three teams, each led by a pro, took part in a round-robin assault, ending in a draw between Land Rover and Ahmad Tea. Beluga’s Vodka finished third, having been defeated by both teams. Despite Misha Rodzianko goes torrential rain and devastating fires that on the attack for the Beluga’s Vodka team threatened the area in the run up to the event, the polo ground drained well enough for play to go ahead on finals day.

A courageous crowd turned out to brave the mud and rain to cheer on the teams, and later that evening the tournament was featured on Russia’s national sports channel. ◗ RUNNING WAS ON the agenda at West

Wycombe on 21-22 August. The Sponsor’s Cup weekend involved a number of games – running for champagne, lager and a golden corkscrew – as well as polo. The weekend hosted prominent local companies, who sponsored teams in the tournament. In the higher league, Jigsaw Equine Sports Psychology & Equilates Company claimed victory, even though the Fine and Country Estate Agents team and Bedford Girls’ School’s team both fought hard for the title. In the final of the lower league, Acentro Service and Support defeated Adrenalin Polo in the closing minutes of the game by one goal. ◗ VAUX PARK POLO Club had charity events

on the agenda in August. The club raised £1500 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer on the last weekend of August. It hosted a ladies’ tournament, which attracted 300 visitors, with Gurt Dog Cider from Ashcott Inn proving a great hit with guests and producing a few rosy cheeks by the end of the day. The previous weekend, on 21 August, the club held a children’s tournament in aid of bibic – a national children’s charity based in Bridgewater – providing a fun-filled family day of face painting, go-karting and wall climbing as well as polo.

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Reports At home and abroad Scotland

Haggis-filled hosts hold off invaders, twice

Above: Scotland (in dark blue) and New Zealand (in a nearby shade of black) go head to head in the eighth Festival Cup at the Gleneagles Hotel in August Left: one of the Scots successfully hooks an English stick on his near side as the action in the Calcutta Cup reaches its climax

SCOTLAND WON THE Calcutta Cup on 21-22 August. Hosted by the Border Reivers Polo Club, an amateur England team took on an amateur Scottish side in the 6-goal tournament. However, the English team did have two young Scottish players on their side, as two English players had to drop out due to other commitments.

England managed to take an early lead, stealing three goals in the first chukka before Scotland pulled their socks up. The teams were neck-in-neck at the end of the fourth chukka, 6-6, and Scotland’s revival continued thereafter, eventually triumphing 10-7. The Scottish captain, three-goaler Alistair Archibald, led by example with inspiring play, scoring five of the side’s 10 goals. Will Ramsay scored the other five, with one

in particular standing out, when he cut a beautiful 70yard strike from 45 degrees at full speed.

The match is designed as an annual amateur contest, and each year the tournament will alternate between a club near London and one in Scotland.

SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL CUP, hosted by the Gleneagles Hotel on 14 August, a week ahead of the Calcutta Cup, was won by the home side, 9-8. A Scottish team took on a side from New Zealand in the eighth edition of the arena international match.

Travelling all the way from New Zealand, the visitors came face-to-face with the same Scottish side that were triumphant last year – Douglas Munro (1), Peter Crawford (4) and Ben Foreman (1). New Zealand

were eager to make an impression early on, scoring two quick goals. However, just before half time the Scots began to move up through the gears with Munro – named MVP – and Foreman providing invaluable back-up to Crawford. The match was forced into extra time and a foul by New Zealand gave Scotland the chance to land the winning goal. They scored, triumphing 9-8 to the home crowd’s delight.

Prior to the international match, the Festival Cup Pro-Am match was played between Three Non Blondes and Vista De La Aquila, with the latter team running out the eventual winners, 6-5. The threechukka match was one to remember this year, with records broken for the most goals scored in the cup’s history.

Austria

Lederhosen, schnitzels and an airborne pianist meets polo THE VON MAGAZINE Polo Cup took place on 20-22 August in the idyllic Alpine retreat of Strobl in Austria, writes William Clothier.

Four teams, watched by 3,000 spectators over three days, played a round-robin tournament, in which the VON Magazine team claimed victory over Jaeger-LeCoultre in the final, 8-5.

The tournament is the brainchild of Uwe Zimmerman, a leading figure in Central European polo, and Paul and Andrea Harris of VON Magazine – a lifestyle magazine for central European readers.

Following its successful inaugural event last year, the second edition of the Polo Cup grew to attract players from Austria, Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland and Sweden.

Veuve Clicquot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Windhager, and the principal backer VON Magazine sponsored the four teams, who played in two games each day.

Following the games, many visitors – some clad in traditional Austrian “lederhosen” for men and “dirndl”

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The four teams parade before the public beside Lake Wolfgangsee in the beautiful Alpine resort of Strobl

dresses for the women – hit the lake for waterskiing, swimming and sunbathing before heading out to the evening parties.

Stroblerhof Hotel hosted Friday’s get-together,

while Saturday’s affair was hosted by Hotel Brandauers, featuring a local pianist playing live whilst suspended in a hot air balloon over the lake. ◗ See more action from Austria on page 24

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Cornwall

Faster than ever as beach polo enters fourth year AROUND 3,500 SPECTATORS last month witnessed some of the fastest beach polo ever played, according to Andy Burgess, organiser of Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach. The fourth year of the event, featuring some top UK names, was held on the evening of Thursday 16 September at Watergate Bay in Cornwall.

Locals and tourists watched Midas Construction convincingly defeat Joules 9-51/2. The score, however, did not reflect what was a fiercely-fought contest.

Starting with a half-goal advantage, the Joules team of five-goaler Jamie Le Hardy, Richard Blake Thomas (3)

and Andy Burgess (0) made an early run towards the goal-mouth and gave themselves a slender lead at the beginning. However, the lead changed half a dozen times before Midas Construction – Andrew Blake Thomas (4), Ed Olof (3) and Tim Vaux (2) – blitzed their opponents in the final chukka. The winners scored four goals in quick succession to give them an unassailable 41/2-goal lead.

“You’ve got two exceedingly well balanced sides out there,” commentator Peter West said. “It’s been fast and furious and a real treat for spectators. It’s a

great privilege to be able to commentate on something I would happily pay my own money to watch.” The hard-packed sand of the two-mile-long beach made for an ideal playing surface, allowing the game to proceed at a fast pace from the onset.

“This was beach polo at its best – some of the finest beach polo I’ve ever seen and a much faster game than last year,” West concluded.

Andrew Blake Thomas picked up the awards for most valuable player and best playing pony (for his horse Tibu) at the post-match presentations.

Jamie Le Hardy transfixes the seaside audience behind, but his side couldn’t avoid defeat

Tidworth

Servicemen square up as they show their support for SSAFA THE THIRD ANNUAL AGC Polo Cup was held at the end of August, on Bank Holiday Monday, in its usual setting at Tidworth Polo Club. Hosting a full day of matches, featuring players from all divisions of the armed forces, the event was held in aid of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), which has been unfailing in its commitment to the men and women of Britain's Armed Forces for 125 years.

In Division II, AGC White, the Royal Logistics Corps and two Royal Artillery teams fought closely to win a place in the final. It was the Royal Logistics Corp who met AGC White in the final, with the latter winning comfortably, 5-01/2.

Organisers were delighted to welcome the RLC back into the fold, particularly with so many new players on display.

In Division I, the Royal Navy, Infantry, AGC Black and the Honorable Artillery Company played hard in their two games, with AGC Black beating HAC and the Royal Navy triumphing over the Infantry.

Major General Andrew Cumming CBE kindly presented the RN with the AGC Polo Cup for the second year running.

The Infantry’s Air Commodore Tim Brown (on loan from the RAF, in red) gives chase alongside Lieutenant Nick Phillips of the Royal Navy. Commodore Richard Mason is providing support from behind

Generous thanks were poured on Brigadier John Wright CBE and his team at Tidworth Polo Club during the presentations, and Lt Col Simon

Ledger LD was also praised for his great tournament commentary on the day and for his strong support and encouragement.

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Feature Stallion families

When fathers breed fathers Interest in stallions is rising exponentially with the value of top performers.

Alice Gipps and Sophia Heath profile two proven male dynasties, each linked to a prominent family of polo players in Argentina and the UK uccessful polo bloodlines are invaluable at top level, writes Alice Gipps. A good mare playing the Argentine Open can be worth £200,000, but the genetics are so valuable to breeders, many of whom are highgoal players using the horses themselves, that the very best horses are often not even for sale at this price.

While a high-goal professional may dream of a string of mares to play the Open, a stallion who can consistently produce good offspring for

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having played the Open. The 2010 AACCP pony list for the Open will show that the Chapaleufu II team are still mounted on a vast majority of his offspring. Pepe has Chapaleufu Campanita, Gete Tango, Chapaleufu Nevada, Polo Cenicienta; Nachi has Chapaleufu Lanza, Chapaleufu Canidato and Bocha 34; and Eduardo has Polo Doradita, Vasca Emilia, Vasca Enigma and Vasca Especial.

So what has made Polo Nevadito such a tremendous polo sire? Well, his breeding was spectacular from the start. Nevadito’s sire was

Bred and broken by Alberto Pedro Heguy, Nevadito was already showing excellent potential at three years old, when Pepe Heguy asked to buy him from his father 40-goal is almost everything to a serious breeder (see our articles on cloning Califa in the Jan/Feb, May and June 2010 issues).

Unquestionably Argentina is home to the world's most legendary polo stallions, such as El Sol, Pucara, Rainbow Corner and Sportivo, all proven to produce excellent polo progeny.

One of the most famous and influential stallions in polo history, proven by his ability to sire numerous outstanding offspring, is Polo Nevadito, owned and played by Pepe Heguy. His breeding record is impressive to say the least: he has won the Stallion Ranking of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders' Association (AACCP; see box) from 2003 to 2009 inclusive and was named Grand Champion Stallion by the Association of Argentine Polo in 1996 and 1998.

Proof of his excellence as a sire is confirmed, with 64 of his sons and daughters already

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Puripayo, the son of Paya Voy, a stallion that played the Open with Marcos Heguy, while his mother was Violeta, an outstanding mare who played at least 10 Opens for Pepe’s father Alberto Pedro and brother Eduardo.

Bred and broken by Alberto Pedro, Nevadito was already showing excellent potential at just three years old, when Pepe asked to buy him from his father. Pepe recalls that Nevadito was very handy to the sides, with a fantastic mouth, good speed and a great temperament.

By five he was playing the Argentine Open, and did so for seven more years with Pepe, Nachi and Milo Fernandez Araujo for Indios Chapaleufu II. He was retired from the game in 2004, simply because he was proving such a promising sire. He now spends his days at the embryo transfer farm in Trenque Lauquen where all the Heguys use him on their mares.

Fathering more than 100 embryos each year for the last 10 years by both AI and natural covering, he is an invaluable asset to the Heguys' breeding programme.

His excellent genetics continue to pass on extreme talent to future generations and for Pepe he is the best stallion of his career, having produced at least 20 sons and daughters for X

The Heguy stallion dynasty Polo Nevadito Age: 17 years Colour: Bay Breed: Polo Argentino Height: 1.56 (15.2hh) Sire: Polo Puripayo Grandsire: Paya Voy (played the Argentine open with Marcos Heguy) Dam: Violeta ( 10 Argentine Opens with Alberto Pedro Heguy and Eduardo Heguy) Breeder: Alberto Pedro Heguy Owner: Pepe Heguy Vasco Chamuyo Age: 8 years Colour: Liver chestnut Breed: Polo Argentino Height: 1.50 (15.hh) Sire: Polo Nevadito Grandsire: Polo Puripayo Dam: Polo Bailanta (Eduardo’s best mare) Grand dam: Pureza (best mare of Pepe Heguy) Breeder and owner: Eduardo Heguy

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Clockwise from this photo: Vasco Chamuyo, being played by Eduardo Heguy; on the farm with Eduardo before his trip to England last February; Polo Nevadito with Pepe Heguy (in black) in the Open (cousin Horacio is in red); at the Heguys’ farm; playing with Pepe; aged three with Alberto Pedro Heguy at La Rural, Buenos Aires

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Feature Stallion families X Pepe to play in the Argentine Open. His relaxed

nature made him easy to teach and polo comes naturally to most of his offspring.

Vasco Chamuyo, one of Nevadito’s sons, has already proved himself as a playing stallion and has the potential to become a great polo sire like his father. Chamuyo is owned by Eduardo Heguy, Pepe’s brother.

Bred from Eduardo’s best mare Polo Bailanta, Chamuyo was produced by embryo transfer so Eduardo could carry on playing Bailanta, the best mare of his string for the last 10 years in the Open, often playing two chukkas a game.

“Chamuyo is little machine,” says Eduardo.

“He’s small but has very strong conformation, and, since day one, with someone on his back he showed good balance and an amazingly quiet temperament. Most importantly he was sensitive and responsive – all the right reasons to keep him as a stallion. His full brother Vasco Duende was also kept entire and sent to breed after proving himself on the polo field.”

Like his father, Chamuyo started chukkas aged three but he was given a little more time to mature, playing his first Argentine Open game age six. In 2009, age seven, Eduardo played him in all the 40-goal Argentine Triple Crown tournaments – Tortugas, Hurlingham and the Open – before bringing him to England to boost his string for the 2010 Queen's and Gold Cups, which he played with Les Lions.

Chamuyo has already sired around 45 foals in Argentina, his first generation finishing with the breakers now. For three years he has been to the embryo transfer centre, where they also

Stuart, who has been playing medium-goal and covered 12 mares this year

took semen to freeze so he can still be used on mares in Argentina while playing abroad.

Characteristics of his father have evidently been passed down; his calmness is a huge strong point, especially if it passes on to his offspring. “I always start a game on Chamuyo,” adds Eduardo, “ because he gives confidence and is a great platform for hitting penalties.” eanwhile in the UK, writes Sophia Heath, former eight-goaler Alan Kent is developing three young stallions in the hope of continuing the fantastic Comedy Star line, which he identified nearly 20 years ago as successful in polo.

Sussex-based Alan has spent much of his career playing ponies that originate from the Comedy Star line. This prize stallion was the sire

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with good bones and limbs. At the moment Alan is concentrating on developing them as polo ponies in their own right, before looking to use them commercially as stallions. This season they have mainly covered Alan’s mares and a few by word of mouth.

All three are showing good potential. Stuart has been playing medium-goal this season as well as covering 12 mares.

Alan comments: “He is very handy and good in the mouth, and his size makes him suitable for the larger-striding mare.” His half-brother All Gold has been slightly slower to develop and has played low-goal this season as well as covering 10 mares.

Finally there is Osh Kosh, arguably the most striking and already showing great potential as a polo pony. This five-year-old, the full brother

“They cover in the morning then go and play a match; they will cover again afterwards if needs be” – Alan Kent to two of his great high-goal ponies, Comic and Taffy. Alan and his sister bought one of Comedy Star’s progeny – the stallion Catisfield Kid – when the horse was 10, and Alan embarked on the “adventure” of keeping three young colts to continue the line.

He had anticipated castrating at least one of them but their temperaments have been such that he kept all three entire.

His three stallions are All Gold, Stuart and Osh Kosh. All three of these striking dark bays show signs of the proven Comedy Star pedigree,

to Stuart, has covered more than 20 mares this season. Some of his semen, via AI, has been put with some of the Hanburys' mares. He is one to watch for the future.

This is the first time in Alan’s 40-year career that he has played stallions. He comments: “It is a new experience but I have been pleasantly surprised by their temperaments. They cover in the morning and then play a match; they will cover again after the match if needs be.”

Alan watched and learnt from the breeding programmes in Argentina before embarking on

Kent’s brotherhood: spot the difference All Gold Age: 6 years Height: 15.1hh Colour: dark bay Breeding: sire Catisfield Kid; grandsire Comedy Star; great-grand-sire Tom Fool; grand-dam Pure Gold; dam High Court Action; grand-sire Mandanus; grand-dam Yogurt Stuart Age: 6 years Height: 15hh Colour: dark bay Breeding: sire Catisfield Kid (as above); dam Mullins (NZ TB); grand sire unknown Osh Kosh Age: 5 years Height: 15.1hh Colour: dark bay Breeding: full brother to Stuart

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The rise of the Polo Argentino

Five-year-old Osh Kosh, who is showing great playing potential and covered more than 20 mares this season

this venture. He argues that the worldwide breeding of polo ponies is becoming increasingly close-knit.

He explains: “In Argentina they are increasingly using more Thoroughbreds to breed from, so most Argentine bloodlines come back to an English bloodline at some point.”

An example of this is that Monjoe, another descendant of Catisfield Kid, is currently standing at stud in Argentina. Comedy Star was eventually exported to South Africa so many of

his descendants are also played there. Catisfield Kid, who lived to the age of 26, has produced other fantastic progeny – including Havana, who was named best playing pony at the 2008 Argentine Open.

Alan’s aim with the programme is to provide a future generation of top-quality ponies for his son John and himself to play – and, hopefully, for other UK players. It is exciting both for British breeding and British polo that these three young prospects are on home soil. F Alan Kent at home with six-year-old All Gold, who covered six mares in 2010

UNPARALLELED responsiveness combined with speed, agility and a calm temperament – very few polo ponies have all these essential traits and even fewer are exceptional enough to play the Argentine Open, writes Alice Gipps.

With today’s understanding of genetics it should be no surprise that the majority of these ponies reaching the pinnacle of their career are a result of well established and carefully planned polo breeding programmes.

Since the early 1900s people were starting to look for a specific type of pony suitable for polo but it wasn’t until 1984 that the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association (AACCP)

The AACCP’s founders had the forethought to create a modern, open breed, allowing the use of the latest reproduction techniques was founded as a result of progress made by breeders and the need to transform their success into a new breed, the Polo Argentino.

The AACCP’s founders had the forethought to create a modern, open breed, allowing the use of the latest reproduction techniques, such as artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), cloning and all other breed improvement techniques.

Embryo transfer has had a huge impact on the breed in a short time.

Breeders have been using ET for around 20 years and with big organisations producing around 100 embryos a year trends have quickly emerged, proving that bloodlines have huge significance and are undoubtedly responsible for passing down outstanding qualities for polo through the generations.

Taking embryos only from mares that are markedly superior for polo has rapidly improved polo bloodlines and the development of the Polo Argentino breed.

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Feature Arenas special

A SURFACE FOR ALL SEASONS

With winter approaching and interest in purpose-built playing plots on the rise, Herbert Spencer investigates the latest techniques for installing polo arenas renas: the former Millennium Dome is getting a temporary one next year, Sussex Polo is soon to complete one and high-goal patrons increasingly demand them.

But what does it take to produce a good one?

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And how much importance should owners put on their maintenance?

A polo arena, with just over 10 per cent of the playing area of a traditional grass ground, doesn’t get the long, racing runs one sees on grass, but the quick stops, turns and sprints of the ponies creates even more traffic in a more confined space.

That’s why, says Sarah Hosmer, the playing surface of an arena needs to be just right to stand up to the traffic. Sarah is the polo arena expert at Martin Collins Enterprises, one of the world’s leading suppliers of equestrian surfaces.

Over the past 30 years, Martin Collins has installed over a million square metres of artificial surfaces for racing, show jumping, dressage and X

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Feature Arenas special

“but if you are after a ‘Rolls-Royce’ installation, you might be looking at around £130,000 for the sub-structure and arena walls, £135,000 for the playing surface and £4,000 for the best maintenance equipment.”

With proper maintenance, a polo arena can last for years and years. “We find that we’re rarely called in to carry out any remedial work,” Sarah concludes. F

X polo, all over the world from Singapore to

Bermuda and points between.

In England, Martin Collins has installed surfaces for polo – exercise tracks as well as arenas – at almost a score of club and private facilities, from Great Trippetts Farm in the south to White Rose Polo Club in Yorkshire, including amongst others the Hanburys’ Longdole, Druids Lodge, Hickstead and Watership Down.

“For an arena, one has to consider not just the top surface but, equally important, what lies beneath, the sub-structure,” Sarah says. “One should keep in mind that a polo arena is a longterm investment. But once it’s in, it takes less maintenance than a grass ground.”

An arena’s sub-structure, Sarah explains, consists of several layers to make it playable in all weather conditions. The type of soil one is building on isn’t as critical as it is for a grass ground, although a permeable soil is preferred over clay.

“Drainage is provided by 4in-diameter perforated plastic pipes in gravel-filled ditches, laid longitudinally. Above this is a membrane to prevent contamination from the subsoil or blocking of the drains. Then 6in of compacted, sharp stones, often granite. Over this is a 2in layer of porous tarmac to lock the stones in place.”

Finally comes the playing surface. “Our preferred material for the base is our own Ecotrack,” Sarah says.

DOS AND DONT’S

Hugh Daly of Equibuild, a leading polo arena contractor who has just bought Softrack Surfaces (UK) Ltd, offers advice on planning, building and maintaining a polo arena

An arena game in full swing on the Martin Collinsinstalled surface at Watership Down in Berkshire

building polo arena walls. Among its other work, Curling installed the walls at the All-England Polo Club at Hickstead and recently completed a new arena at a private facility in Berkshire.

“The wooden walls of a polo arena are 1.7m high and are part of the game, with players using them to bounce their shots,” explains the firm’s founder Jeremy Curling. “We are very particular about the wood we use: it’s homegrown from sustainably managed forests

“Once a polo arena is fully installed, it takes less maintenance than a grass ground” – Sarah Hosmer “It’s a mixture of high-grade silica sand, small (2mm) bits of plastic and rubber and wax. We also offer a less expensive material, Colpf, but most clients go for Ecotrack for polo arenas, preferring the wax surface with no dust or need of watering.”

The playing surface is laid 5in deep, with the bottom 2in acting as a cushion and the top 3in compacted for play. “The polo pony needs to move off the top of the surface rather than into it,” Sarah says. “This applies both to matches and to stick and balling; one can only achieve this on a compacted, yet forgiving, surface.”

All this creates a sports facility that is useable in almost any weather, rain, shine or even snow.

And, unlike a traditional grass ground, there are no drainage problems or need for irrigation or grass renewal.

Martin Collins sometimes partners with Curling Contractors near Guildford in Surrey, specialists in

52 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

complying with standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

“One of our preferred woods is Douglas fir,” Jeremy adds. “We get it kiln dried and pressure treated with a 30-year desired service life.”

After installing supporting posts set in concrete, the walls are custom-built on site. “For a 100x50m arena, we’ll use about 2,500 boards and 16-20,000 nails,” Jeremy says. “It takes us about 10 days to build.”

Some arenas have separate entry gates, but another option, says Jeremy, is to combine one of the 5ft-wide goals with a gate. “For this we use a galvanized frame with a wood cladding. It’s important,” Jeremy emphasizes, “that wherever you site the entry, you keep the area outside the arena clean and tidy, otherwise the traffic in and out will contaminate the playing surface.”

So what about the cost of installing an arena?

“It all depends what the client wants,” Sarah says,

DO

◗ Ensure you have planning

permission for an arena in the location you’ve chosen. Player George Milford Haven came up against the planners with his Sussex project ◗ Make sure you carry out soil and

drainage tests before deciding what type of sub-structure to build ◗ Choose a playing surface material

manufactured specifically for stick and balling and playing polo. Some surfaces that are suitable for other horse sports aren’t right for polo ◗ Ensure the company installing your

arena gives you a credible warranty.

A well-built arena should last a very long time

DON’T

◗ Skimp on price. Building cheaply

can lead to immediate dissatisfaction and/or problems in the future ◗ Choose anything other than a

waxed playing surface, that’s the best there is for polo ◗ Skimp on maintenance. Once your

arena is in, the work doesn’t stop there. Be especially careful about regularly removing organic material that can break down wax surfaces ◗ Start your build until you’ve agreed

all specifications with your contractor or contractors

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WWW.EQUIBUILD.COM Tel: 01367 820 960

“Complete equine construction worldwide” Polo arenas indoor and outdoor, canter tracks, stabling – traditional and American barn, full design-and-build package

Indoor arena, Polo del Sol, Jerez

100m x 50 metre floodlit arena

Hugh Daly, MD of Equibuild, has been constructing equestrian facilities for some 20 years and has been involved with many prestigious projects.

Working throughout Europe, recent polo projects have included the resurfacing of the Emsworth Polo Club arena at Barton Lodge Farm with “Softrack Wax Polo” and resurfacing the canter track. Currently JeanFrançois Deceaux’s La Bamba team are training on the facilities and are extremely impressed; Hugh Daly also built “La Arena” at La Baille in France for Monsieur Decaux some 10 years ago.

Gallop/canter track in Deauville

Equibuild is also behind the new canter track at Anningsley Park for Christopher Hanbury’s El Remanso team and the canter track and arena at Todham stables for Jerome Wirth’s Enigma team. Both installations are considered first class by the owners and players.

Other achievements include a full-size outdoor floodlit polo arena at the Sowiniec Polo Club, Poznan, Poland, and the 100x50m covered polo arena at Polo del Sol, near Jerez, Spain, one of the largest covered arenas in Europe. Further projects are shortly to be underway as far afield as Sri Lanka and Oman. Construction is also

underway of the Mellon Stud Complex, near Oxford, for some £2.5 million.

Hugh Daly works closely with Softrack and is well placed to provide the perfect balance of ingredients to make the waxed polo surface required for the demands of polo. Owners and riders alike all comment on its unique ride and recommend us whenever possible. Hugh now splits his time between construction of world-class equestrian facilities and promoting the Softrack throughout the world for all equestrian disciplines.

Visit www.equibuild.com & www.softracksurfaces.com

www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 53

PTOct 2010 p54-55 Playing YC PJ

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The knowledge Playing around – Druids Lodge Our intrepid improver Carlie Trotter (–2) works her way around the UK’s clubs

Where magical mounts raise s I pass Stonehenge on a misty March morning, the memories of my last visit to Druids Lodge come rushing back. There I was, a SUPA fresher trembling with fear that I would go A-over-T in disgrace, and receive a swift druid funeral, having claimed to be good enough to ride one of the club owner’s best ponies.

This time, I’m mentally prepared to join the south-west’s arena stars – but the smell of bacon sarnies coming from the clubhouse eases the nerves anyway. (If only I’d known that plebs like me regularly get to ride high-goal ponies here.)

The seven-goal Corramore Trophy match is in full swing at full speed as I strap on the padding, though I’m only signed up for an instructional chukka. There may not be much crossover with nearby clubs in winter but Druids benefits from a posse of talented players, and when Viscount Rothermere’s Ferne Park makes it 17-15 against Dawson Walker the score line is nothing unusual.

I’m startled to hear players calling their own fouls, but polo manager James Stephenson says: “Giles [Ormerod, the owner] leads by example so it’s a gentlemanly culture here, and we have valuable discussions over gaps for interpretation in the Blue Book.” I experience this later when animal figurines and a whiteboard come out for a debate.

As I jump on dark bay Afrikano – one of the UK’s top arena ponies not long ago – teammate Hayley Hyde Andrews explains: “I’ve moved between various clubs in the last eight years and the quality of the ponies here in the winter season really makes the difference.”

I’m sceptical when Giles declares that he’s going

Photographs by Carlie Trotter and Nico Morgan

A

54 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

The stables at Druids Lodge, Wiltshire, which have a past life as a racing yard. Below: arena action last season

to improve our lofted forehands, as my repertoire only covers “fluff it” and “fluke it”, but by the end of the lesson my lofting muscles are satisfyingly achey. A master of the simile, Giles can phrase an instruction in a hundred ways to fit everyone’s thinking pattern. Between “keeping within the glass box”, “circling the egg”, and “looking at 5 o’clock then 12” it all starts to make sense.

When we’re told to practise our swings at top speed one over-excited polista hits the deck, but in the practice chukka Anna Brady, a London-based journalist who earned her uni colours at Druids, shows us how it’s done with calm and collected plays. The rest of us find composure at the Wheatsheaf pub afterwards.

Players with one mount easily get six weekday chukkas here, and most members hire from the club habitually, yet Druids registered its first –2 member only last year. This is perhaps owing to the

fact that, aside from a vibrant and affordable student scene, fees and fixtures are kept at a high level so as not to compete with nearby novicefriendly clubs such as Taunton.

Stephenson, a two-goaler, declares: ”A onegoaler can find no better club than this because you’re in three-goal chukkas every day.” But while matches are surely competitive, Giles’ wife Tae later assures me that teams are mixed up to keep things enjoyable.

Maybe I will come back in summer and really test my mettle in a six-goal match? Giles chuckles sympathetically: “If you’re brave enough…” F Read past editions of Playing Around in our online archive. Subscribers have access to back issues on the web using a personal login.

Contact georgie@polotimes.co.uk if you need to retrieve your password.

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the game Soundbites from the sidelines Giles Ormerod Club founder “When I started the club with four ponies and a Landrover my parents said I was mad because there was no polo industry, but teaching is the core of my polo. I spend as much time as I can bringing on young horses so that our school ponies are calm enough to be equally rideable by my son Eden (7 in the arena) or a novice: school ponies everywhere are better of late. We aim to be a base for people who want to play at a higher level year-round.”

Leon Allen Member “The attraction of Druids for me is the fast, high-level polo, which has brought my arena game up two goals in two years. The ponies are of such a high standard – definitely the best of the clubs I’ve been to – that I can rest mine over winter and just hire.

I started playing here when I was at Exeter University, but it’s easy to get to from the south in general, plus there are three pubs within 10 minutes’ drive.”

Di Jack Spectator “Druids has a real family atmosphere and a lot of people come to watch in winter because you can sit by the fire in the clubhouse, where there’s usually hot soup on the go. It’s a young age group so the parties can be pretty epic, and there’s a member’s dinner at the end of the summer. The club does a really good introductory membership, and chukkas are fun to watch because there’s always a pro on each team.”

Druids Lodge vital statistics Playing members 45 winter members, of which a third are year-round subscribers Non-playing members Uni supporters, mums and dads Facilities Floodlit 100x38yd (91x35m) eco-track arena, exercise track, horse walker, heated clubhouse overlooking the arena with licensed bar (including free tea and coffee), pony transport service, three full-size boarded summer grounds plus practice area and stick and ball field.

Location A stone’s throw from Stonehenge in the rolling Wiltshire countryside, 10 minutes from Salisbury (1hr 30 by train from London Waterloo), 40 minutes off the M3.

Philosophy A year-round base for high-level polo in the south-west, with flexible winter tournaments for whoever wants to play.

Running the show Club founder and HPA honcho Giles Ormerod spends six hours a day teaching and, with the help of Edgar Perez, controls every pace of pony training. Keeping it in the family, Mrs Tae Ormerod is secretarial and scorekeeping supremo, while sons Eden (arena hcp 7) and Maurice (5) lead the pro contingent.

Polo manager James Stephenson juggles SUPA and high-goal fixtures as well as the impromptu social scene, while yard manager Mel Mathieson keeps the club string in pristine condition. Abi Meakin has joined as polo secretary for this winter.

Crowd Mainly Wiltshire-based players, ranging from primary schoolers to media barons, with students often graduating to long-term members. Several migrate from elsewhere to take advantage of the quality hire ponies, with Leon Allen (4), Martin Ffrench Blake (6), and Lucien Moore (3) among the supporting winter pros.

Seasonal highlight Regular 7-12-goal tournaments and the popular 10-team university league.

Livery 80 stables and winter turnout are available, with full winter livery (excluding vet and farrier) priced at £138 a week (£550 a month), including grooming and feed.

Each groom is responsible for six ponies maximum.

Full membership £1,000 including chukka fees (£2,000 in summer), £500 for under 21s, or £350 per month.

Contact james@druidspolo.co.uk; 01722 782597

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PTOct 2010 p56-57 Duty Vet YC ME PJ

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The knowledge Duty vet Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet

Itch! Ouch! Atchoo!

Skin and respiratory allergies can affect performance, appearance and well-being. But treatment, and limiting exposure to the allergen in question, can alleviate the reaction n allergy can be defined as an overreaction of the immune system to normally relatively innocuous substances known as allergens (such as mould spores and pollens).

Upon initial exposure, the horse produces specific antibodies to a given allergen. Subsequent exposure results in the allergen binding to the antibodies. The antibodies are localised on special immune cells which are triggered to release potent inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

The inflammatory mediators have both local and far-reaching effects and can cause constriction of airways, dilation of blood vessels, and stimulation of the nervous system.

Equine allergies primarily affect the skin and respiratory tract. They can be painful, unsightly, and can affect a horse’s ability to perform. Not only is the allergy itself problematic, but secondary problems such as self-trauma (for example tail rubbing due to extreme itchiness) can occur that require treatment. Horses can develop allergies at any age and, once affected, tend to remain allergic to those substances for the rest of their lives.

Treating allergies

A

Above: this variation on hives is more typical of a drug reaction. Right: a horse with a respiratory allergy being treated with an inhaler

although the term RAO (recurrent airway obstruction) is now preferred.

Making a diagnosis Potential allergens in polo ponies Equine allergies are most commonly caused by biting insects, inhaled mould spores, plant pollens, certain feed ingredients and drugs. Skin irritation or contact dermatitis can be caused by direct contact with an irritant such as an item of tack.

Polo ponies are no less likely to be allergic than other horses.

Photographs by Mark Emerson

What are the typical signs of allergies?

Allergic reactions can range in severity from mild reactions affecting a small region of the skin to life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis which can cause sudden death.

Common signs of skin allergies include itching, rubbing, and scratching, hives (a lumpy-type of rash), thickened skin and hair loss. Signs of respiratory allergy include coughing, wheezing, laboured breathing and exercise intolerance.

Allergic airway disease is colloquially referred to as heaves, and used to be referred to by vets as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),

56 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Most vets diagnose allergies based on the presenting symptoms and a history of exposure to a likely allergen. A proper diagnosis of skin allergies may require skin biopsies to be taken to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms (although many non-allergic skin conditions such as rain scald also have an allergy-like hypersensitivity component to them).

Allergy testing can be done to identify specific allergens that may be causing particular trouble to an individual. Finding out what a horse is allergic to will help to manage the condition as well as potentially offer desensitisation treatment.

Two types of allergy tests are available, intra-dermal allergy testing and serum allergy testing. Intra-dermal allergy testing involves injecting small amounts of common allergens into the skin and then measuring the relative sizes of the different reactions. Serum allergy testing involves sending a blood sample away to a lab to identify the presence of antibodies to common allergens.

Treating allergies can be difficult and frustrating but the commonest approach is one of limiting allergen exposure in combination with symptomatic treatment. Sweet itch, for example, is an allergy to the saliva of midges.

Exposure to the allergen can be limited by using fine-mesh fly rugs and insect repellents and by stabling affected horses during peak insect activity (early morning and evening). Soothing shampoos, corticosteroids (both topical creams and injections or tablets) and a plethora of other drugs and supplements can be used to limit the symptoms.

The same principle is applied to treating respiratory allergies.

Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to likely allergens by using dust-free bedding, soaking hay, and so on, while at the same time corticosteroids (via inhalers, injections or tablets) and bronchodilators such as Ventipulmin™ can be used to treat inflammation and constriction of the airways.

Desensitisation treatment known as allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can be used to treat certain allergies such as heaves and sweet itch.

Once identified as the culprits, the specific allergens in question are combined in solution and injected under the skin in very small but increasing doses over several weeks to induce immunologic tolerance. If successful, treatment should in theory be life-long, however there is currently a lack of proper scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ASIT in horses. F â—— Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine

vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England. Tel: 07973 800358 or email: mark@emersonequine.com Read past editions of Duty Vet in our online archive. Contact georgie@polotimes.co.uk if you need your subscriber login and password.

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PERSONAL ESCORT

RECTOR

by MR PROSPECTOR – DANCE NUMBER.

This Chilean bred stallion won BPP in the Chilean Open, played by G Donoso. In UK Rector played the Queens Cup, Gold Cup and the Coronation Cup. Full brother to Africana, winner of BPP in the Prince of Wales Cup. First crop playing well.

Sire of many top New Zealand bred polo ponies, notably SPOOK played by Pablo Macdonough for Broncos.

– by MR LONG (TB).

MR COFFEE - by KUNDAKI. This Argentine bred stallion played in the USA with E Panelo and then in the UK for G Donoso, winning BPP in the Warwickshire Cup and playing many seasons in the Queens Cup and Gold Cup. He was a top horse when Gabriel led Chile to victory in the Coronation Cup. His first crop is now being broken in.

CLARK – by NIGHT OPERA (TB AUS) - out of CLARET. SIRE - 'Night Opera' Brown/black Australian TB DAM - 'Claret' - 'Monty' - 'Pinky' 'Claret' - Champion pony at Ellerston 2005. Played in the Argentine Open 2005 with Gonzalito Pieres. Champion Pony at Cowdray Gold Cup 2006. Full sister to 'Burgundy' and 'Champagne'.

Half sister to 'Dinghy' and 'Shiraz'. All playing for Ellerston UK.

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PTOct 2010 p58-59 Game YC PJ

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Arena Sticks, Arena Balls, Or if the Southern Hemisphere calls Take your kit out in our bags

ATS We’ve got everything for polo Look on our website:

www.satsfaction.com Phone us on: 01285 841 542 Fax us on: 01285 841 546 Email us on: sats@lineone.net South American Trade Services, Sandpool House, Sandpool Lane, Tarlton, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6PB

58 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Your game The knowledge Vital riding and playing tips from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner

Going professional: is it really for you? ecoming established as a polo professional is not as easy as we all think when we are starting out.

Every player at some stage will struggle as they try to climb the ladder; it could be when you are a 0 or 1-goal player or when you are further down the line.

Many people have tried and failed to make it as a pro but of those who have gone on to be successful a lot of hard work and patience has gone into their careers.

In the early days we all look at the established pros’ lives and dream that one day we will be in their shoes, playing high-goal, Cartier Day, travelling all over the world and making a living from a sport we love. The big question is how do you get there?

We all have different circumstances: perhaps you come from a polo family or you have started through Pony Club or schools polo. Finances are hugely important at all levels, and the more money you have the easier it is to get organised.

But this does not solve all your problems.

You need talent, desire and a willingness to learn. A strong personality is fundamental: we all love the highs but how do you cope with the

B

Mentors are crucial to a pro’s evolution in various sports: the big-winning Irish golfer Padraig Harrington (in blue) has acted as mentor to up-and-coming fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy (taking a swing on the right)

career you will have to make big decisions and having someone to bounce ideas off and give you impartial advice is priceless.

The standard of polo you play is key to your development as a player. Many young players struggle to get the opportunity to play in good polo and as a result their progress is restricted.

As a young player, riding, playing or making ponies for a quality organisation will give you a solid foundation on which to build your own string lows? Can you pick yourself up and move on?

How do you deal with situations that have a big impact on your career?

The saying “It's not what you know but who you know” could not be more true in polo. At all levels contacts are so important. When you are starting out you need to have an established pro or mentor looking out for you. I have been extremely lucky over the years to have had a number of people who have been a massive help in getting me to where I am now.

It is not just about having someone who puts you into teams or helps you with horses: to have an experienced pro that you can call for advice is also important. Throughout your

The HPA is running a bursary scheme that sponsors up-and-coming English pros to play in Argentina for part of the winter as a way of giving them the opportunity to play at a higher level. This is a fantastic idea and the players that get these opportunities should be extremely grateful.

In Simon Tomlinson's interview for Polo Times in August he outlined the targets for the HPA development committee. The targets are ambitious but the fact that people have set them is fantastic; it proves that the HPA is genuinely striving to develop young English players and they should be applauded for this.

Getting yourself well mounted is a problem

all players have but as a young player, especially one whose family does not play, it is even harder.

Working for an established player or organisation will give you access to horses to play but more importantly you will learn what a good horse really is. James Beim is a great example. He has worked and played for Ellerston for many years and as a result has been able to build a first-class string of ponies.

As a young player, riding, playing or even making ponies for a quality organisation will give you a solid foundation on which to start building your own string. Guillermo Willington has done this with the Pieres family in Argentina as did Gaston Laulhe with the Heguys. It is not easy and you will have to put in a lot of work for a small amount of money but it will be hugely beneficial. F ◗ Are you thinking about turning pro, or do you

have a son or daughter who is? What has been your experience, and do you agree with Jamie?

Write to letters@polotimes.co.uk Read past Your Game columns in our online archive. Subscribers can access current and back issues with their personal login.

Contact georgie@polotimes.co.uk if you’ve lost your password.

www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 59

PTOct 2010 p60-61 Pony power YC PJ

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Photograph by Helen Couchman

The knowledge Pony power

Melody Jack Richardson tells Yolanda Carslaw about one of his raft of ex-racers that made their first overseas trip in August

Vital statistics Name: Height: Age: Colour: Breed:

Melody 15.1hh 10 years old Chestnut English Thoroughbred

What is Melody's history?

She's an ex-racehorse who came from the Easterby racing family in Yorkshire. She had seven starts and didn't win anything, but she's fast. She's by Inchinor and out of Auntie Gladys. We bought her when she was three, and put her in the field for a couple of months before bringing her in for part of the winter then turning her away again. I have quite a few Thoroughbreds and of the six horses I brought to Gstaad, four are ex-racers (Melody, Paris, Magic and Watch). We bred the other two I brought, Weston and Waffle.

Why do you like her?

She is so relaxed and she has the smoothest action. She has become one of my favourite ponies – though it's difficult to have favourites – and she won best playing pony in the Eton vs Harrow match two years ago. She's very good at posing – she goes everywhere with her ears pricked!

Has she had any problems during her polo career?

Not really: she was always pretty simple to handle and train. She used to put her head down when she was stopping so we experimented with different bits. We have

found she goes best in a gag and crossed running reins, and doesn't lower her head any more.

Has Melody been abroad before?

No – and neither had the others: this was their first trip outside England, and I brought my best ones, which have been playing sixeight- and 12-goal at Cowdray. They left the Monday morning before the tournament, arriving on the Tuesday, and I arrived on the Wednesday. The stables are right next to the polo ground: there's a barn for each team and a grass exercise area nearby. The Thoroughbreds coped way better than I thought they would – normally mine are rather spooky with crowds, but they didn't pay much attention to them here.

What are you up to next?

I'm spending my gap year playing polo. First, I'm going to Pilar, with Azzurra manager Mariano Zimmerman; then South Africa, where I'll meet my family for Christmas (they were on the annual family trip to the Isle of Wight when I was in Gstaad); and then Australia. F ◗ Do you know a pony we should feature in Pony

Power? Write to jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk

Page sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds - experts in polo nutrition Tel: +44 (0)1371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk 60 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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PTOct 2010 p62-63 Feeding YC PJ

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Enter now!

Prizes

Last month Polo Times launched the magazine’s first amateur Polo Photo Competition, with some fantastic prizes to be won, including an Olympus camera with a super-powerful optical zoom. We’re looking for eyecatching, lively, bright and charismatic pictures to fit into our four categories (see right).

Best Overall An Olympus SP-800UZ camera Best Action Complete polo photography lesson with Vanessa Taylor, including tuition in editing and photoshopping: www.vanessataylorphotography.co.uk Best Horses An A3 mounted polo print by Alice Gipps: www.alicegipps.com Best Junior (U21) An outdoor polo photography lesson with Tony Ramirez and one of Tony’s polo prints: www.imagesofpolo.com Best At the Sidelines A case of delicious Soutiran Champagne

All you need to do to have a chance of winning is email your photos to competition@polotimes.co.uk. Photos must each be at least 500KB in size and each individual can submit up to five photos. No professional photographers may enter. The photo must have been taken between 1 July and 31 December 2010. With each submission you need to tell us which category you are entering and enclose a 30-word caption about when and where it was taken, who it features and why you like it.

Entries close on 31 December and judges will include Polo Times staff and several leading professional polo photographers. The best photos and the winners will be featured in our January/February edition. So what are you waiting for? Get clicking!

Email competition@polotimes.co.uk

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Feeding The knowledge Lorna Edgar, specialist equine nutritionist, gives expert advice on all things edible

All rest and no play y en español...

Even in the nicest of stables – like these at La Quinta, Argentina – ponies on box rest need correct feeding

Un caballo estresado va a tardar mas en recuperarse.

Usá un prebiótico para normalizar las bacterias beneficiosas en el intestino por estar encerrados, la primera reacción mas habitual es reducirles la cantidad de alimento drasticamente, haciendo que la dieta se torne desbalanceada.

Para evitar esto, dale de comer un balanceador que provea todas las vitaminas, minerales y proteínas que necesite para reponerse, sin calorías y energía adicionales.

A menudo, los caballos en reposo desarrollan vicios como caminar, amaqueo, chupar aire, etc, debido al aburrimiento y al estrés. Dale de comer forraje a discreción, no se lo cortes! Un caballo estresado va a tardar mas en recuperarse. Usá un prebiótico (Digest Plus de Baileys o Protexin) para normalizar las bacterias beneficiosas en el intestino.

Es posible que tu caballo pierda peso, generalmente si se tratara del tipo nervioso. De ser así, agregá aceites puros o suplementos a base de aceite (ej. Baileys Outshine) que agregados en pequeñas cantidades a un balanceador sirven de fuente de energía, preferibles a los cereales. F

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Photograph by Yolanda Carslaw

ensuring all protein, vitamins and minerals I have a pony on eight weeks’ box-rest. are provided for essential healing and repair What should I feed him? but crucially, the calories and energy are Your pony on box rest needs as much of a removed. nutritionally balanced diet as one in work. I Quite often vices such as box walking, usually emphasise protein being important for muscle build up and development but in weaving, crib-biting and so on can develop when a horse is on box rest, very often due your case, protein is now essential to aid to boredom and stress. To reduce this risk, repair and healing of the damaged feed forage ad lib – do not withhold it! musculoskeletal system.

A stressed horse will heal a Not providing a balanced diet lot slower than a relaxed of protein, vitamins and and calm horse. If your minerals to an injured Tip of the month horse is a “stressy” individual slows down individual anyway, the healing process.

Feeding ad lib forage is great, but to reduce then use a prebiotic Very often, those boredom why not put several hay nets dotted (such as Baileys on box rest have around the stable and one by the stable door Digest Plus or been very fit and so they can “graze”.

Protexin) to try are then confined Lo mejor es dar pasto a discreción para evitar and stabilise the to a small space, el aburrimiento. Aún mejor es poner varias hind gut bacteria. which can be redes de pasto en distintos rincones y en la Should weight stressful for them. puerta del establo para que el caballo camine loss be a problem, Take out high-energy de una punta a la otra simulando el usually for the feeds straight away movimiento natural que haría si stressy types, oils or oil and replace them with a estuviese suelto. supplements (such as high-fibre, low-energy cube Baileys Outshine) can be added or mix, feeding a minimum of in small quantities to the balancer as a 5-6lb per day, equivalent to approximately 1.5-2 round bowl scoops (weigh your scoop non-heating source of calories, in preference to cereals. F if in doubt).

What so often happens is that the injured individual either puts on too much Read past Feeding columns by Lorna in weight or is “climbing the walls” and our online archive. All subscribers have consequently their cubes/mix is reduced to access to back issues, using a personal a handful – meaning that the diet becomes login. If you’ve lost your details, contact unbalanced. In this instance feed a balancer, georgie@polotimes.co.uk.

Tengo un caballo que tiene que estar ocho semanas en reposo encerrado en un box. Que debería darle de comer?

Va a necesitar una dieta balanceada, al igual que un caballo que este jugando. Siempre hago hincapié en la importancia de las proteínas para el desarrollo y crecimiento de los músculos, pero en este caso las proteínas son esenciales para la reparación del sistema esqueleto-muscular.

Si no le das una dieta balanceada en proteínas, vitaminas y minerales, la recuperación va a ser mas lenta.

Por lo general, el reposo en box afecta a caballos que hubieran estado en actividad, es algo repentino que puede generarles estrés. Sacale de inmediato cualquier comida que sea alta en energía y reemplazala con alimentos, en forma de cubos o mix, altos en contenido de fibra y bajos en calorías. Dale como mínimo 2.5 kilos por día, equivalente a 1.5 a 2 cucharones.

Es común ver que caballos que se encuentran en reposo engorden demasiado o que se pongan locos

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The knowledge Travel

TheArgentime Yes, it’s that time again. As the Hurlingham and Palermo Opens loom, players are planning a pilgrimage to polo’s capital. But where to stay?

James Mullan checks out four highly recommended Buenos Aires hotels Trendy and tasteful

Legado Mitico Myriad hotels these days refer to themselves as “boutique”. However, at Legado Mitico you get the real McCoy. It feels less like a hotel and more like a smart shared house – one where the landlord is a fastidiously neat friend (with impeccable taste), who is giving you an amazing deal to stay in his lovely home. And it almost certainly is a “he”: the rich mahoganies and simple classical décor exude colonial masculinity from the moment you enter the heavy front door and pull back the thick velvet curtain to an understated reception area.

Sure enough, Legado Mitico is owned by two young entrepreneurial male friends, Javier Figueroa and Horacio Menendez. One or other of the pair is almost always on hand, and will happily relate the hotel’s history over a coffee and a muffin or some fruit.

This is the modern Buenos Aires, where the upwardly mobile image and health-conscious Argentine twenty- and thirtysomethings appear to have been lifted straight from Manhattan.

Where is it?

Legado Mitico sits at the centre of BA’s most exciting cosmopolitan food and fashion district, Palermo Soho, within dangerous proximity to Palermo's La Martina store, a 30-second walk round the corner. The Gurruchaga road itself, however, is generally quiet.

There is an up-market interiors shop opposite but generally the main source of passing traffic is the endless stream of taxis taking short-cuts round the shopping streets over Gurruchaga’s cobbles. Which is handy if you want to make the 10-minute journey to Palermo.

What is the vibe?

Contemporary flair meets the district's cultural history, with each room dedicated to a particular personality and his or her profession. None of the

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Legado Mitico’s main lounge and dining area, where the classical meets the colonial in sleek, understated style

11 rooms have numbers and, as such, my room was known as “El Pintor” (the painter), honouring famous Argentine artist Benito Quinquela Martín.

A huge framed print of one of his best paintings hangs above the bed, a fine example of his renowned passion for colour (he grew up in La Boca, after being abandoned as a baby), and provides the centrepiece of what is otherwise a simple design of rich woods and soft lighting. The bathrooms are equally slick and simple, with large sinks and a plentiful selection of toiletries.

When I visited, duing the Open, there was the expected mix of Spanish and English accents in the stylish main communal area (adorned with a polo painting on the wall), and guests greeted each other warmly.

Full marks for…

There has clearly been a lot of thought put into both décor and service at Legado Mitico. I loved the carefully chosen photographs, art and antique chests and bookcases, while WiFi internet access is free and the staff are all multi-lingual.

Could do better…

The food choices at breakfast are rather limited, and the stainless steel lift (with a loud electronic “voice”) is rather out-of-kilter with the lovely décor and feel of the rest of the building, though I suppose it’s a tribute to the owners that you expect some sort of early 20th century cage elevator! Also, the antique clock in my room, attractive though it was, resolutely told an entirely erroneous hour, which threw me a couple of times.

How’s the grub?

A buffet breakfast, included in the room price, is taken informally in the lounge areas. There's no restaurant as such, though sandwiches and light refreshments can be made to order, and with cafés and restaurants on the doorstep to suit all budgets, visitors tend to eat out for lunch and dinner.

Essentials Gurruchaga 1848, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires; +54 (11) 4833 1300; www.legadomitico.com; reservasbsas@legadomitico.com. Rooms from US$290 (£188) per night to US$363 (£235) for one of the “Deluxe Mythic Rooms”: La Primera Dama, El Idealista and El Tanguero.

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Walking or riding around Estancia Villa Maria’s extensive grounds affords its visitors beautiful views of the main house, which looks fantastic from every angle

City-limits convenience

Estancia Villa Maria It may seem odd to describe an 800-hectare estancia, which is out of town by definition, as convenient. However, this is not your usual estancia. It is no business venture looking to bring in tourists on two-week intensive polo courses, but rather a breathtakingly beautiful stopover for travellers on their way in and out of Buenos Aires.

Polo lessons are an optional extra, with the seemingly omnipresent polo player/fashion model Nacho Figueras as its official ambassador, but the main pleasure derived from Estancia Villa Maria is its tranquillity and affordable luxury.

Where is it?

Estancia Villa Maria lies 15 minutes from Buenos Aires’s Ezeiza International Airport. It's 45 minutes to an hour from Palermo, though traffic can make this journey a nightmare, so you wouldn’t necessarily want to stay the night before the final; rather as a relaxing stopover on the way in and out of the city at the beginning and end of your stay.

What’s the vibe?

The stunning main house was built over four years in the 1920s, with all the materials shipped from Europe. Designed in a colonial Tudor-Norman style by the Argentine architect Alejandro Bustillo, it features exposed beams, eyecatching turrets, dramatic entrances and large windows, all adorned with a wonderfully maintained selection of flowers, plants and creepers. Just like Figueras himself, the place looks fantastic from every angle,

and walking around it, marvelling, is a pleasure.

There are 11 rooms in three categories, separated according to size. Most have televisions and king-sized beds, but are otherwise traditionally furnished to reflect the period. The bathrooms in particular are memorable, preserved

Full marks for…

The proximity to the airport of such a peaceful and beautiful retreat makes this place a winner.

Just dropping in for one night on the way in or out is worthwhile, and Estancia Villa Maria's genuine character makes it memorable, even for frequent travellers. The service and presentation, too, are excellent.

Dinner feels like a cross between a medieval banquet Could do better… and the filming of another Breakfast is not really to an Englishman’s tastes.

There's a choice of sweet pastries but it isn’t Harry Potter sequel in all their 1920s “glory”, though you may need an instruction manual to avoid getting your clothes and the floor absolutely saturated.

As well as being a great spot for polo travellers, the estancia is popular for romantic retreats, and most guests stay two or three nights. Some 50 staff are on hand to serve the guests and maintain the grounds, lodgings, tennis courts, stables, golf course and its four polo grounds.

How’s the grub?

Guests dine in sumptuous style, with a choice of two starters, meaty mains and delicious desserts.

Dinner feels like a cross between a medieval banquet and the filming of yet another Harry Potter sequel, with guests seated either separately or in groups together on two huge antique tables in the glorious dining room. The dreamy environment, as mumbled conversations in a number of different languages fill the air, is heightened by a good dose of Malbec.

All food is included in the room costs, as is the breakfast buffet. “Standard” wine is also included, which I found tasty and more than adequate.

clear whether there's anything hot. If you ask, there is – but not in the form of bacon, eggs and black pudding, if that’s up your street.

If you use the televisions you'll discover there are few channels to choose from, and the “TV guide” button largely serves to show you what you could be watching, had the estancia invested in a fuller subscription.

Be sure to use mosquito spray liberally, as otherwise your romantic stroll to the lake could result in an insect harvest festival at your very own expense. On the plus side, mosquito repellent is thoughtfully provided.

Essentials Estancia Villa Maria, Ruta 205 – km 47.5, Partido de Ezeiza; +54 (11) 6091 2011; www.estancia villamaria.com; info@estanciavillamaria.com; cpremet@fiduciacg.com.

Full board, including wine, costs from US$360 (£233) to US$545 (£352) a night.

There are 200-plus plots planned on the land, many of which border the polo grounds: to enquire about buying one, contact realestate@ estanciavillamaria.com.

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The knowledge Travel

The lobby of the Alvear Palace, in the city-centre district of Recoleta, whose public areas are especially lavish. An extensive range of treatments (right) is available at the hotel’s well equipped spa

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Privacy and profile

Alvear Palace This is the answer that is guaranteed to make you popular when a pretty young polo-goer asks you where you are staying the night of the Palermo final. At least, I felt sure it would have been, had anyone fitting that description done so. Unless it is a townhouse rented to a group of shabby Australians in the wilderness halfway up Fulham Palace Road, between Hammersmith and Fulham, it seems that any address with the word “Palace” in the title is sure to set pulses racing.

And the experience at BA's premier five-star address certainly does not disappoint.

The entrance, reception and vast lobby areas feel positively Parisian in their 1930s scale and splendour, and there can be no mistaking that this is the city’s most prestigious hotel, given that several luxury boutiques have stores in the lobby area and its adjoining spaces. The Alvear reeks of wealth, status and exclusivity. However, despite its profile in this respect, its grandiosity also affords plenty of privacy for those who prefer it that way.

Where is it?

Slap-bang in the middle of BA’s most upmarket

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neighbourhood, Recoleta, the Alvear is just moments on foot from the Museum of Fine Arts on Avenue Libertador and some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and boutiques A trip to Palermo will take about 15 minutes by taxi. Easy.

What’s the vibe?

The guests on my visit included recognisable polo faces from the UK and elsewhere – mostly of the patron variety, international types in town on business, couples indulging in a smart romantic retreat, and well-off families that could afford to put their entire rabble in one of the Alvear's larger suites. It also attracts dignitaries and celebrities from home and abroad, who value discreet service and hotels with the painless ability to accommodate their at times unusual demands.

Arranged over 10 storeys, there are 196 guest rooms, each featuring opulent artwork and a remarkable attention to detail in the decadent design and finish of every skirting board, every lampshade and every door handle. The public areas include two restaurants and two popular bars, as well as complimentary wireless internet for all.

Spa facilities and treatments are extensive, and there's a vast fitness centre with personal

trainers available on request, plus a large indoor swimming pool.

How’s the grub?

I enjoyed the extensive buffet options at breakfast the morning after the 2009 Argentine Open final before hot-footing it to the airport for a flight home. There are no worries for those that crave a full English and it was a nice touch that staff had placed a copy of La Nacion, featuring the report from the final, on the breakfast table for my perusal with coffee. Buffet lunches and teas are available in the same room, with gourmet French food served (with a reservation) at Restaurant La Bougogne in the evenings. The hotel's literature makes the bold claim that its “exquisite” menu is one of the best in South America.

Full marks for…

From my point of view, the best thing about the Alvear was my room. I somehow hit the jackpot

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with the huge and palatial suite I was allocated. It featured two bathrooms, a spacious atrium and living room/study, a massive bedroom with a vast king-size and a walk-in wardrobe. Antique furniture and soft lighting blended seamlessly with modern conveniences, particularly in the bathroom, where I lay in a glorious bubble bath before the final watching Spurs in the Premiership on a plasma TV above my jacuzzi-style tub.

Standard rooms, however, are also sumptuous and well designed, with luxurious Eqyptian cotton or Frette Italian sheets and Hermès toiletries that are sure to leave you feeling special.

Could do better…

Some décor in communal areas – such as the paintwork on the lashings of gold leaf – is beginning to look slightly tired in places. For some guests, the marble-lined magnificence and gaudy gold at every turn may be over the top and almost kitsch. However, for most, the dated feel compliments the huge high ceilings and ancient chandeliers to create a sense of history that is all a crucial part of the Alvear experience.

Essentials Avenue Alvear 1891, Palermo, Buenos Aires; +54 (11) 4808 2100; www.alvearpalace.com; info@alvearpalace.com. There are 97 rooms and 100 suites, with prices ranging from US$800 (£520) for a night in a Palace Room to US$8,000 (£5,200) for lodgings in the Royal Suite. Cheaper deals may be available through promotional rates.

Service and sophistication

Hotel Magnolia Handy for visitors to Palermo is the Hotel Magnolia, which was opened just over a year ago by María Jordan, who spent two years developing a large late 19th-century townhouse into a contemporary hotel with a classical feel.

This a place with a sophisticated, grown-up ambience, set on a quiet residential street and

A sweeping staircase is illuminated by a gorgeous 1930s stained glass ceiling offering warmth, pleasing simplicity, cleanliness and privacy. Its eight rooms are in three categories according to size.

Staff guide you through how it was developed, if you are interested, with the kind of pride one might expect from an interior designer showing off her first show home. White walls

A room at the eight-room Hotel Magnolia, which has a roof terrace overlooking the Palermo Soho district

frame the colourful mix of contemporary and period furniture, and the sweeping wooden staircase that leads to the first-floor bedrooms and private roof terrace is illuminated by a gorgeous 1930s stained glass ceiling, which will be the first thing that greets you if you visit their slick and simple website.

Slick and simple pretty well sums up the Magnolia, and it’s a very relaxing place to stay.

Where is it?

The Magnolia is positively inconspicuous, on a quiet street, and you could walk past it several times before you had any idea it was a hotel. Just outside Palermo Soho, there is easy access by foot to several nearby shopping centres and, like Legado Mitico, it is within walking distance to Buenos Aires Zoo. A taxi-ride to the polo will take just 10 or 15 minutes.

What’s the vibe?

Two sets of guests I met (from England and Italy) were in town for the Argentine Open, so the Magnolia already seems to have established itself as an inner-city base for polo travellers.

The stylish decor is clean and generally minimalist, with a bold and simple red and white theme that runs throughout the whole hotel.

However, whilst uncluttered, it nevertheless offers every facility most guests would expect or require, including a lift to ferry people between the three floors of rooms.

How’s the grub?

Breakfast is included in the room price, with plenty of guidance about what is on offer, thanks to an extensive menu and the everhelpful staff. This means you don’t miss out on

the hot options, and there appears to be a virtually inexhaustible supply of croissants and pastries, almost like a conveyor belt, should you have worked up an appetite overnight. Fruit tastes super-fresh, and the home-made yoghurt is to die for.

However, there isn’t strictly a restaurant for the rest of the day (though light snacks are available on request), so guests are encouraged to dine at the numerous cafes and eateries nearby. Many are available via a five-minute walk back into the shopping district at Palermo Soho.

Full marks for…

The brilliantly warm welcome. On arrival the staff made me feel they'd been genuinely looking forward to seeing me – a rare experience!

I was offered a glass of wine with fellow guests, and subsequently greeted each time I passed reception. And though it's the service that makes this hotel stand out, the décor is beautiful too, and there's good disabled access and free WiFi. The very reasonable price, too, makes the Magnolia a winner.

Could do better…

If you prefer to remain anonymous and undisturbed, this won’t be for you. Its size and the thorough service means there is no escaping the energetic attentions of the staff.

Essentials Julian Alvarez 1746, Palermo, Buenos Aires; +54 (11) 6867 4900; www.magnoliahotel.com.ar; info@magnoliahotel.com.ar. Rooms in December range from US$218 (£141) for a smaller “Vitraux” room, to US$254 (£165) and US$290 (£188) for a patio and terrace room respectively. F

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The knowledge Travel insurance

Are you an accident waiting to happen?

Polo is considered a dangerous sport, but how many people who go abroad to play take out sufficient insurance cover? Corinne Hitching investigates housands of people pack their bags every year for a polo holiday abroad.

Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Spain and the US are the most popular countries for polo tourism, but while many of us wouldn’t consider going on, say, a ski holiday without travel insurance, insiders believe that some polo players are sailing close to the wind with the cover they arrange – or even setting off with wholly inadequate insurance.

Polo is deemed by insurers to be a hazardous sport – on a par with the likes of climbing, bobsleigh and shark cage diving. Therefore most general holiday policies will not cover you.

“The most important thing to have in place is medical insurance,” says Charlie Llewellen Palmer of Financial Private Clients Ltd, financial advisors who also provide insurance for polo players due to Llewellen Palmer's personal interest in the game.

T

the most expensive. In fact, it is impossible to travel to the US now without having medical insurance of some kind in place: if you try, you will be turned back at the airport.

Having sufficient medical insurance in place to cover the kind of injuries that are common in polo means selecting a policy that includes the sport – alongside other high-risk activities such as highaltitude trekking and rugby.

Some policies include evacuation cover, which could be useful to get you home quickly, but with many critical injuries the patient cannot fly, so you need sufficient insurance to cover all medical treatments in the country you are visiting. A bang on the head while playing on the pampa or in the outback may mean a day’s journey to receive treatment unless you have sufficient cover to ensure a helicopter can reach you.

Among “niche” considerations – if you are going somewhere really remote – may be kidnap

“The most common injuries on a polo trip are getting hit on the head or trampled by horse” – Charlie Llewellen Palmer “I am constantly amazed at how many people, particularly young players, travel abroad without it – which is just madness.”

The two-goaler, who has been playing polo since 1980, adds: “The risk of injury is just as big regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. The most common injuries are getting hit on the head or dragged or trampled by a horse. These injuries are rare but hard to prevent, so insurance is absolutely vital.”

While playing chukkas and tournaments is arguably more dangerous than stick and balling or having tuition, insurance companies do not distinguish between them. Therefore whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, whether you are travelling to stick and ball or to play chukkas and tournaments, the cover you need is basically the same.

The difference in the cost of a premium is based on age and destination. Those over 65 will pay more as they are deemed a higher risk. Europe is cheaper than the rest of the world and the US is

68 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

insurance; other elements to consider are flight cancellation and trip postponement. Llewellen Palmer advises taking cover for a day or two either side of your planned trip in case flights get cancelled or postponed.

“Particularly when time differences are involved, if a flight is delayed you could find yourself with additional time to play another chukka and it would be typical that it was then that you got hit on the head and needed your medical insurance to kick in,” he says. “Baggage insurance is usually included, although stick bags almost never seem to get lost – perhaps because they stand out.”

Wearing a hat and suitable footwear may seem like common sense but in many countries, including Argentina, players often mount up without helmets – particularly if they are “just” stick and balling. Many insurance policies have traditionally not included a clause that specifies hats must be worn, but if the insurers believe someone was “reckless” they may decide not to

pay up. In addition, more and more companies do now include a clause that specifies as much, so do check, even if you had a policy in the past that didn’t mention helmets. And talking of checking: once you've found a policy that suits your trip, don't forget to read the small print! F ◗ Have you had a good or bad experience relating

to cover for playing polo abroad, either on holiday or as a professional? Tell us by writing to letters@polotimes.co.uk

Who sells polo holiday insurance?

Polo insurance can be bought either direct from specialists such as IHI Danmark (Bupa), or through brokers. IHI Danmark has a straightforward travel insurance policy that includes polo, is clear and easy to understand and has unlimited cover on medical expenses. You pay a fixed rate of £29 plus a day rate of between £1.60 and £4.90 depending on age, regardless of where you are going in the world. Financial Private Clients Ltd offers policies that use IHI Danmark insurance. For more visit www.financialprivateclients.ltd.uk/ insurance/polo-players-insurance.php Another company that provides polo cover is SportsCoverDirect, which offers a Venture Guard policy (www.sportscoverdirect.com/ventureguard) for hazardous sports. Polo is included in Group 3 alongside most other horse-related activities, American football, climbing, bobsleigh, ski racing, rugby and shark cage diving, amongst others.

Only parachuting, hang-gliding, paragliding and skydiving are considered more dangerous. Their policy includes medical expenses up to £5million with a choice of gold, silver or bronze cover, depending on the additional benefits required.

Leading broker PJHayman (www.pjhayman.com) offers a hazardous sport insurance cover with a maximum medical cover of £10million and repatriation if deemed necessary. Your premium is calculated on the length of time you will be away and your destination; countries outside Europe are more expensive due to the distance from home.

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Riding into the Argentine sunset like this happy couple looks idyllic – but would they be covered if they hurt themselves?

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Special offers for Polo Times readers Stuck for what to do this winter? Well, not any more, thanks to these fantastic offers. Be sure to mention Polo Times when you book:

Enjoy the Palermo Open and stay at one of the best boutique hotels in the city, Legado Mìtico Buenos Aires. Explore the province of Salta at its best staying at Legado Mìtico Salta Stay 3 nights at the stylish Legado Mìtico Buenos Aires and enjoy a complimentary Argentine wine together with a very classic “picada argentina” and the very best of one of the most unique boutique hotels of Buenos Aires.

Stay 2 nights at the charming Legado Mìtico Salta and enjoy a complimentary highaltitude wine together with delicious empanadas salteñas, and experience the culture and traditions of the amazing Province of Salta.

Reservations: reservasbsas@legadomitico.com Web: www.legadomitico.com Valid from October 30th to December 3oth 2010. Conditions apply.

Enjoy a week of polo in Buenos Aires and don’t miss Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world. Stay at Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa: with its majestic views of the Beagle Channel and the unique wildlife, Ushuaia is a place well worth a visit Stay 2 nights at Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa and enjoy a delicious complimentary high tea at their Winter Garden, offering stunning views.

Reservations: reservas@loscauquenes.com Web: www.loscauquenes.com Around the hotel many activities take place throughout the year including horseback riding, trekking, birdwatching, 4x4 off lake, among others.

Valid from October 30th to December 30th 2010. Vacancies limited.

Enjoy Buenos Aires and the best polo in the world watching the Palermo Open and staying at 1555 Malabia House, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Palermo Viejo Stay 4 nights at the charming 1555 Malabia House and receive a complimentary Argentine wine and a selection of delicious local cheeses.

Reservations: reservas@malabiahouse.com.ar Web: www.malabiahouse.com.ar Valid from October 30th to December 15th 2010. Conditions apply.

Enjoy a week of polo in Buenos Aires at Estancia Villa Maria and pamper yourself at the Alvear Palace Hotel Stay 2 nights at stunning Estancia Villa Maria, 45 minutes from downtown Buenos Aires and 15 minutes from the international airport, and have a complimentary polo lesson with the Estancia Polo Master.

Reservations: info@estanciavillamaria.com Web: www.estanciavillamaria.com Stay 2 nights in the Premier Palace or Premier Junior Suite at Alvear Palace Hotel in Palermo and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast at L´Orangerie, one tea for two at L´Orangerie, and one 45-minute relaxing massage for two people.

Reservations: reservas1@alvear.com.ar Web: www.alvearpalace.com Valid from October 30th to December 15th 2010. Conditions apply.

Offers compiled by Branding Latin America: 0207 835 2239; www.brandinglatinamerica.com 70 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Travel and leisure The knowledge

My travels with Simon Keyte

Headshot photograph by centaurphotographic.com

Sophia Heath asks the cheeky New Zealand team player about managing an intercontinental life, his home on North Island and travel disasters might have to look into boats in future; maybe a Where have you travelled this year? fishing charter. But only on a lake: not on the My season in the UK ended with the ocean or anywhere that might make me feel sick.

Warwickshire Cup, when I headed to my farm in Cambridge, North Island New Zealand, for a Which is your favourite hotel? couple of weeks. I spent 10 days there but I got That’s a hard one, but I’d say Hotel Royal Barrière to see my son, have a look around and sort out in Deauville. I can’t disclose the memories from it the polo fields for spring. I then went to the sister but it is the one that stands out the most. It was club of Black Bears, Garangula in Australia. I am also probably the smartest and most expensive there until mid-November to play 14-goal and hotel I have stayed in. I was glad I wasn’t paying! get to work on producing Have you had a young horses. Then I go travel disaster? to New Zealand to spend When there was the Christmas and play the chaos with the NZ season. In February I volcanic ash cloud I return to Garangula, was stuck in a hotel where this year for the in Hong Kong for 10 first time I’ll be joined by days. It was the Guy Schwarzenbach stillest I have ever [Black Bears patron] who Hotel Royal Barrière, a favourite of Simon Keyte been in my life. I is going to play with me am not one for and JP Clarkin. sitting still: lock me in a room for any amount I’ve worked for Black Bears since 1991, but it of time and I go mad. It was made worse has taken me 20 years to persuade one of the because we couldn’t work out whether to go Schwarzenbachs to come and play polo in backwards or forwards and there was no Australia. I’ll stay in Australia until early April playing 14- and 16-goal. I will then grab a couple guarantee we’d make it to England. of weeks in NZ before I head to England.

Where are your favourite places in the world?

What or whom do you miss most My farm in New Zealand. But I have a soft spot when you are away travelling? for Garangula, which I called home for many That’s easy! My son Zachary. He comes to years. It is a tiny oasis which is like a paradise. It Australia for some of the time and normally has a real family atmosphere, with most spends a month to six weeks in England. I am employees having worked there 20 years. determined he is not going to play polo though In England Black Bears is the best place for and have been giving him tennis rackets, golf balls or anything I think of that might distract him. the life I lead. I also headed to the north recently.

Newcastle is wild; you stay in the club until the I don’t want him to become as broken as me. sun comes up. I don’t think I can go back there! I I also miss my farm in NZ and the way of life. am too easily led for that kind of nightlife. I was I am lucky my good friend Matt Smith looks after the farm for me whilst I am away. If I was gay, he also impressed by Durham Cathedral – it’s one of the smartest buildings I’ve seen. would be my lover!

What do you like doing other than playing polo when you are travelling?

I don’t do holidays! I am addicted to my sport. I love shooting and I have been pheasant shooting a couple of times in England, which is different to the sport in NZ. I play golf but am not that into it. I

As MAD as polo With adrenalin junkie Andrew Dent. This month: extreme campavanning I AM NOT A FAN OF HOTELS, but I like camping even less. My feet stick out of the tent and the damp and inconvenience outweigh the low cost and simplicity. Nor have I ever seen the point of the Volkswagen Caravanette – restored examples of which are now worth so much that VW has restarted production in Brazil. Slow, noisy and not especially crashworthy: Jamie Oliver can keep his.

A tour of New Zealand in a motorhome built on a Mitsubishi 3.5 ton chassis was enjoyable, overnighting in beautiful locations on sites with showers and power hook-ups. A Winnebago is superior, if bulky. It may be better just to park it up at Glastonbury or the Game Fair.

For extreme campervanning you need a robust 4x4 or 6x6 medium-duty commercial vehicle chassis – a Mercedes UniMog is a good starting point, or a larger Mercedes Actros unit. These

“These vehicles will get you up a mountain or into the jungle or desert” things compete in the Paris to Dakar Rally, so they’re tough. Bolted on, like a snail’s shell, is a full-spec accommodation pod; high-pressure shower, double bed that lowers from the ceiling, kitchenette, you name it. These can be Googled under the term “Expedition Vehicles”. They will get you to the top of the mountain, into the jungle or the middle of the desert, on any continent.

A friend has built one in such a way that the sides and roof retract so that it fits in a standard shipping container. He ships it to, say, South America, then arrives by air with a ready-made base for touring. When he’s done, he flies home and the vehicle goes back in its container and on to his next destination.

As you might expect, the Germans make the best. One can spend zillions of Euros if starting from scratch, but the canny thing to do is buy a secondhand vehicle that has just completed a trip.

It’s a great way to see the world without the need for a hotel room or a tent, and you can leave your slippers in the same place every night. F www.xor.org.uk/unimog/uksell/uksell.htm

What are your travel essentials?

Nowadays, my Blackberry. As children we used to travel with a pocket knife for any disaster such as horses getting stuck or girls’ bikini knots that couldn’t be untied! The airlines don’t seem to like that any more, which is a real loss. F

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The knowledge Property

In the best possible taste Alexandra Smallman, interiors guru to the West Sussex polo crowd, tells Caroline Stern how she found her vocation through a polo-playing boyfriend rumbling cornicing, sloping walls, hidden damp and probably something nasty in the woodshed as well. According to Midhurst-based building guru Alexandra Smallman, the above would reasonably describe many home counties polo players’ homes prior to revamping.

Alex’s 10 years in the business recently included a project for England player Tom Morley, who attributes his beautiful home to her “foresight, planning advice and undoubted skills”.

Tom’s stipulations included “an all-singing, alldancing shower room”, according to Alex, who also owns tiling business Light on the Tiles.

“Everyone we have worked for within the polo world has had excellent taste and high

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“When James Glasson wanted us to redo his cottage bathroom, he marched me down to Homebase” – Alex Smallman expectations in terms of quality and finish,” she continues, citing Nick Clarke and Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, whose kitchen and bathroom received “total makeovers”.

Polo was the indirect route to Alex’s career in home improvement. “I went to New Zealand with my ex-boyfriend who went to play in Hawkes Bay, where I started painting and decorating as a temporary job. When I came home, I told my startled parents I wanted to abandon my previous career in fashion, a complete career about-turn.”

Alex then worked on-site for a builder for two years, learning to tile, fit and finish. She soon became frustrated with “the hold-ups associated with construction resulting in additional costs and re-doing other peoples’ unsatisfactory work”.

“I saw a gap in the market for my new venture, Alexandra’s Finishing School, which aims

The Beresfords’ re-done kitchen (above). Tom and Jana Morley (far left), wanted Alexandra Small (left) to install an “all-singing, all-dancing” shower for them

to take the stress out of any build and offers a complete finishing service. I know how a build fits together and what it takes to achieve the end product, in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

Alex works with her builder fiancé Wayne Grove, doing “four or five big clients annually and four or five smaller ones”.

They work worldwide and locally, hitherto only through word of mouth. Under the Alexandra’s Finishing School banner, everything build-related is offered, from planning approval to plastering and colour consultation to landscaping.

She aims to show that a lot can be

For further information with regard to equestrian property sales contracts, please contact Mark Charter at Blake Lapthorn directly: on 023 8085 7116; via email, at mark.charter@bllaw.co.uk; or write to Mark Charter, Partner, Real Estate, Blake Lapthorn, New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 3LG

72 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

achieved on a reasonable budget.

“Alexandra’s Finishing School can make an inexpensive kitchen or bathroom look as though it cost £20,000.”

“One example was a great friend of ours, Cowdray player James Glasson, who wanted us to redo his cottage bathroom and marched me down to Homebase. We arrived there with a tiny budget but you would never know. “That was a perfect example of how a properly finished job doesn’t have to cost the earth. After all, these polo players have a reputation to uphold.” F ◗ Contact Alexandra Smallman on 07909 542280.

Email alex@alexandras-finishing-school.com

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The knowledge Gear

Clockwise from top right: Aston Martin Racing Globe-Trotter From Hackett (www.hackett.com; 020 7939 6800): This retro creation is the amalgamation of two iconic British brands, Globetrotter and Hackett, and will certainly get you noticed at baggage reclaim. Each case is formed, riveted, lined and leather trimmed by hand and you can have your initials painted on the exterior. Dimensions: trolley case is 53cm.

The damage: £750; initialling service costs £75 Gladstone Holdall From Pampeano (www.pampeano.co.uk; 0871 200 1272): a handsome and sturdy smaller travel bag, made from distressed leather and fitted with a hard 74 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

roll-top for longevity and form. Dimensions: 50x28x35cm. The damage: £269 Flight Travel Boarding Trolley Bag From Fur Feather and Fin (www.furfeatherandfin.com; 01243 811844): Wheeled, but still small enough to be carried as hand luggage on most planes, this represents an excellent affordable option. Dimensions: 51x31x33cm. The damage: £135 Albany Duffle From Mulberry (www.mulberry.com; 01761 234230) This multi-purpose larger case unites style and practicality. Shown here in “black-cogna scotchgrain”, the bag is effortlessly elegant in “classic Mulberry” style. Dimensions: 31x63x34cm). The damage: £595

Pampeano Polo Shoulder-Sack From Pampeano (as before): A striking, spacious holdall with a comfortable and attractive shoulder strap.

Dimensions: 70x30x30cm. The damage: £95 Leather Safari Duffle From Melvill and Moon (www.melvillandmoon.com; 07775 231430): Rustic-looking, yet with a waterproof interlining and zipped valuables pouch, this is stylish and sensible. Dimensions: 52x29x29cm. Damage: £275 Bulawayo From Melvill and Moon (as above): A handy, simple bag made from heavy-duty canvas, trimmed with leather finishings and complete with useful interior pockets.

Dimensions: 68x29x35cm The damage: £340

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Reading – Playmaker Polo The knowledge

From striking to strategy, a bible for improvers As Hugh Dawnay launches a reprint of his instructional classic Playmaker Polo, American player Caleb Smith praises the Irishman’s wisdom-packed guide His diagram of the Ball Clock and Pony Clock, for instance, is one I try to envision and consult at every approach to the ball. Dawnay also inserts amusing anecdotes and asides from his own experiences to underscore the easily forgotten nature of some of the more basic concepts, and the benefits of taking these lessons to heart.

In addition to all this, Playmaker Polo includes a large number of exercises the reader can practise individually on the stick-andball field, with a partner, or with an entire team to improve striking, horsemanship and tactics. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. F

here being a dearth of patrons willing to sponsor a -1 handicap, I find myself with plenty of time during the long off-season to hunt down and read as many books about polo as I can find. Over the last couple of years I’ve managed to build up quite the collection. Unfortunately, few of these books have proven helpful. Sure, there are plenty of coffee table books about polo and there are

T

Although dense with insight into the game, it is packed with amusing anecdotes and asides, so is by no means tedious plenty of books full of beautiful equestrian photography. The true polo instructional text, however, is rare indeed.

It is from within this rarefied atmosphere that the fortunate enthusiast will discover Hugh Dawnay’s book, Playmaker Polo; the single best book for the novice or intermediate player I have yet found. Dawnay is an internationally recognised polo coach and has been involved with the sport for many years. In Playmaker Polo he explores basics such as striking, beginner horsemanship, muscle memory, preparation on and off the field, and playmaking as well as more advanced concepts such as team strategy and formations, setpiece positions, learning to emphasise the strengths of your team (and the weaknesses of your opponents) on-the-fly and many more.

Dawnay has organised the book in such a way that the reader is best served by going

POLO TIMES RATING: ★★★★ Illustrations on subjects such as horsemanship (above) and the grip (below) inform and entertain

through from start to finish rather than skipping from chapter to chapter. Although dense with insight into the game, the book is by no means tedious. Indeed, even those sections that may seem remedial to some, commonly offer up gems of wisdom that you won’t find anywhere else.

I’ve read the book cover-to-cover twice now and I imagine I’ll read it many more times through the years. Dawnay highlights key concepts with excellent diagrams and “action” photographs of well-known players executing them in real play (Cambiaso, Gracida and Pieres are a few names you may recognise).

◗ Caleb Smith (–1) plays for the Detroit Polo Club in Detroit, Michigan. When he’s not on the field he spends his time editing PoloGringo.com and contemplating, or obsessing over, the myriad ways he can improve his game. ◗ This review first appeared on the website PoloGringo.com, which is a free resource that provides polo tips, tricks, and techniques for all levels of play. It is made possible by the professional players, trainers and coaches who have generously contributed their articles, videos and advice. To become involved, visit PoloGringo.com/contact/ and ask how you can help!

Playmaker Polo (368pp), by Hugh Dawnay, is published by J A Allen & Co Ltd. Hardcover only. Originally published August 2004. Find copies at www.amazon.co.uk, where new editions cost from £38.25 (RRP £45).

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The knowledge Dates for the diary

What’s on in October Principal fixtures at home and abroad

Club

contacts (UK and Ireland)

UK highlights Medium-goal Wicklow – Novice Cup (0-8 goal): 23-24 October RCBPC – Metropolitan Trophy (8-12): 19-28 Nov RCBPC – FCT Invitational High Goal Challenge (12-15): 20-12 November Druids Lodge – The Chatanooga Salver (8-10): 27-28 November Low-goal Epsom – The Columbus Cup (3-6): 9-10 October Vale of York – ABI Beach Challenge (Open): 24 October & 21 November Vale of York – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge (Open): 27 October & 24 November Maywood – Ladies Tournament (0-3): 30 October Druids Lodge – The Polo-Art.com Poppy Sunday Trophy (5-7): 6-7 November Epsom – Remembrance Cup (3-6): 6-7 November Ascot – Norway Trophy (2-6): 20-21 November AEPC – The AEPC Opening Season Tournament (3-6): 27-28 November Vaux Park – Challenge Cup (4-6): 27-28 November Youth Fife – SUPA Northern Challenge (Open) – 20-21 Nov Rugby – University Challenge (Open): 27-28 Nov

Overseas Argentina Tortugas Country Club –Tortugas Open (34-40 goal): 28 Sept – 10 Oct Pilar and Palermo – Cámara de Diputados Cup (24 goal): 10 Oct – 16 Nov Hurlingham Polo Club – Hurlingham Open (34-40 goal): 19 Oct – 6 Nov La Aguada – La Aguada Ladies’ Cup (Open): 20-23 Oct La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup (18-20 goal): 13-25 Nov Palermo, Buenos Aires – Argentine Open (34-40 goal): 20 Nov – 11 Dec Australia Ellerston – Ellerston 14 Goal Polo Club Tournament (14 goal): 1-11 October Garangula – Garangula Polo Club Tournament (14 goal): 16 Oct – 25 Oct Windsor Polo Club – NSWPA Hector King Trophy 10 Goal Championships (10 goal): 28-31 Oct Werribee Park – Stella Artois Melbourne Cup (Open): 31 Oct – 7 Nov Medium Goal RCBPC FCT Invitational High Goal RCBPC Metropolitan Trophy Druids Lodge The Chatanooga Salver Wicklow Novice Cup Druids Lodge The Polo-Art.com Epsom The Columbus Cup Epsom Remembrance Cup Rugby 2 - 6 Goal Tournament Ascot Norway Trophy Epsom The Churchill Cup AEPC The AEPC Opening Season

20-21 November 19-28 November 27-28 November 23-24 October 6-7 November 9-10 October 6-7 November 6-7 November 20-21 November 20-21 November 27-28 November

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China Nine Dragons Hill Polo Club – Royal Salute Gold Cup finals (12 goal): 15-17 Oct Singapore Singapore Polo Club – Shanghai Tang Women’s International Polo (Open): 6-10 October South Africa Val de Vie – Pink Polo Day (Open): 16 October USA 302 Polo Club, Aiken – Silver Cup (16-20): 3-17 Oct 302 Polo Club – Northrup Knox Cup (12-16): 17-31 Oct 302 Polo Club – Continental Cup (12-16): 31 Oct – 14 Nov Prestonwood Polo & Country Club – Southwestern Circuit Hall of Fame Cup (4-12): 11-13 Nov

Polo on TV Highlights on Sky Sports Digital 5 October, 8pm: England vs The Americas Test match (Sky Sports 4) 12 October, 10pm: British Open Gold Cup (Sky Sports 4) 19 October, 9pm: Coronation Cup (Sky Sports 3) 26 October, 8pm: Sotogande Gold Cup (Sky Sports 4) Highlights on Horse & Country TV (Sky 280) 22 October, 2am: 2009 Westchester Cup (USA vs England) 22 October, 4am: 2009 US Open (Audi vs Las Monjitas) 23 October, 2am: 2009 Queen’s Cup (Apes Hill vs Sumaya) 23 October, 3am: 2009 British Open Gold Cup 23 October, 4am: 2009 Coronation Cup (England vs Argentina) 24 October, 4am: 2009 Tortugas Open final 24 October, 5am: 2009 Polo in the Park, London

Other diary dates Bloodstock sales 5-7 October, 11-14 October and 14-16 October: Tattersalls Yearling Sales, Newmarket 25-28 October: Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training sale, Newmarket Art sale 11 November: Bonhams Sporting Sale, Edinburgh Vaux Park Challenge Cup Druids Lodge Lismore Trophy

27-28 November 20-21 November

Low Goal Epsom United Nations Cup Epsom All Saints Day Trophy Maywood Remembrance Day Trophy Rugby 0-4 Goal Tournament Ascot Tiki Trophy Epsom St Andrews Cup Maywood Ladies Tournament FHM The Polo Splice Tournament AEPC The AEPC Opening Season

16-17 October 30-31 October 6-7 November 6-7 November 13-14 November 27-28 November 30 October 27 November 27-28 November

AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 All Ireland – +353 (1) 6896732 Apsley End – 01462 712444 Ascot Park – 01276 858545 Ash Farm – 01932 872521 Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Belmont, Mill Hill – 01344 829955 Beverley – 01964 544455 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Border Reivers – 01890 840777 Brannockstown – +353 45483708 Barcombe – 07872 058095 Bunclody – +353 876605917 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 Carlton House – 01986 892231 Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01344 875155 Curraghmore – +353 51387102 Dedham Vale – 01473 280900 Donaghadee – 02891 882521 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 Dundee & Perth – 07831 365194 Edgeworth – 07879 825660 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 Epsom – 01372 748200 FHM – 07778 436468 Fifield – 01628 620061 Foxhill – 0115 9651790 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Guards – 01784 434212 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kinross – 07831 365194 Kirtlington – 01869 650138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07947 725305 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Limerick – +353 872373903 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Longdole – 01452 864544 Lynt – 07957 468220 Maywood – 01962 885500 Moyne – +353 851313224 New Forest – 02380 811818 Offchurch Bury – 07785 223383 Orchard – 01258 471000 Park Lane – 01491 411969 Ranksboro – 01572 720046 RMAS – 01276 412276 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 RLS – 01926 812409 Rugby – 01788 817724 Rutland – 01572 724568 Silver Leys – 01279 652652 St Albans – 07879 866 647 Stewarton – 01560 483411 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974 Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 Vaux Park – 01460 242684 West Wycombe – 01865 858475 White Rose – 01430 875750 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 ◗ To contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828 ◗ To contact SUPA, tel: 01344 625124

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End-of-season UK handicap changes These changes were agreed at the HPA meeting on 13 September. They are effective from the New Year and are still to be ratified by the Stewards. Brackets denote to be confirmed. The symbol # indicates players that have yet to pass their rules test, who will be restricted to playing polo within their own club until they have passed the test.

MOVING TO SEVEN Espain, Nicholas: 8 to 7 MOVING TO SIX Gaztambide, Santiago: 7 to 6 Guevara, Juan Cruz: 5 to 6 Hipwood, Oliver: 5 to 6 Riglos, Pepe: (6) to 6 MOVING TO FIVE Emerson, William: 4 to 5 Lucas, William: 6 to 5 Von Potobsky, Federico: (4) to (5) MOVING TO FOUR Antinori, Nicolas: 5 to 4 Bratley, Derreck: 5 to 4 Dixon, Jason: (4) to 4 Fernandez, Lucas: 3 to 4 Fisher, Henry: 3 to 4 Hendriks, Leroux: 3 to 4 Kidd, Jack: (4) to 4 Lodder, Matt: 3 to 4 Petracchi, Nicholas: 3 to 4 Zimmermann, Mariano: 5 to 4 MOVING TO THREE Alexander, Sebastian: (4) to (3) Boudou, Federico: (4) to (3) Casero, Pablo: (2) to 3 Collie, Marcus: 2 to 3 Crawford, Chris: 2 to 3 Crawford, Peter: (3) to 3 Donnelly, Niall: (3) to 3 Dowlatshahi, Niclas: (3) to 3 Elliott, Philip: 4 to 3 Fanshawe, Antony: 4 to 3 Funes, Sebastian: 4 to 3 Hine, William: 4 to 3 Lavinia, Fabio: 4 to 3 Matthews, Roddy: 4 to 3 Morgan, Tommy: 2 to 3 Pepa, Juan: (3) to 3 Rampello, Roman: (2) to 3 Roberts, Nicolas: (2) to (3) San Roman, Nicolas: 4 to 3 Smith, Howard: 4 to 3 Stirling, Santiago: (2) to 3 Tomlinson, Emma: 2 to 3 MOVING TO TWO Almond, William: 1 to 2 Aprahamian, William: 1 to 2 Appleby, Julian: 3 to 2 Brizuela, Pablo: (1) to (2) Baldwin, Mark: 1 to 2 Betz, Clark: (2) to 2 Browne, Henry: 1 to 2 Browne, Oliver: 1 to 2 Chiavlo, Sebastian: (1) to (2) Clayton, Thomas:1 to 2 Cottier, Hamish: (3) to (2) Daniels, Jacob: (2) to 2 Duff, Rupert: (3) to 2

Emmerson, Peter: (2) to 2 Fane, Tim: 3 to 2 Frias Silva, Pablo: (1) to (2) Gilks, Thomas: (2) to 2 Heywood, Dominic: 1 to 2 Joaquin, Martin: (2) to 2 Jolly Araya, Matias: 3 to 2 Kirkpatrick, Sam: (2) to 2 Leiva, Juan: (2) to 2 Llewellen-Palmer, Charlie: (2) to 2 Lopez-Valido, Max: 1 to 2 Mann, Jack: (2) to 2 Nadeem, Temur: (1) to (2) Pearl, Hugo: (2) to 2 Perez, Andrez: 1 to 2 Pitts, Matthew: (2) to 2 Purbrick, Arthur: (2) to 2 Roberts, Jaime: (1) to (2) Routledge, Guy: (2) to 2 Uras, Gerado: 1 to 2 White, Alec: (1) to 2 White, William: (1) to (2) Wood, Will: (1) to 2 MOVING TO ONE Amor, George: 0 to 1 Amor, Henry: 0 to 1 Badenhop, Christian: 0 to 1 Banner-Eve, Alec: 0 to 1 Batchelor, William: 0 to 1 Baxter, David: 0 to 1 Bazan, Gonzalo: (0) to (1) Bethell, Chris: 2 to 1 Brain, Ben: (1) to 1 Brasher, William: 0 to 1 Bromley-Martin, Giles: 0 to 1 Brougham, Claire: 0 to 1 Brown, Martin: 2 to 1 Butler, Ralph: 0 to 1 Clover, Joshua: 0 to 1 Cole, Rhys: 0 to 1 Cowley, Nicholas: (1) to 1 de Alba, Juan Jose: 0 to 1 Drummond Moray, Andrew: (0) to 1 Edun, Toby: 0 to 1 Ephson, Patrick: 0 to 1 Ferrarese, Luis: (0) to (1) Fiol Polanco, Matias: (0) to (1) Flavin, John: 0 to 1 Frankum, William: 0 to 1 Fry, James: 0 to 1 Gemmell, George: 0 to 1 Gomez, Felipe: (0) to 1 Gonzalez Bergez, Federico: (0) to (1) Haverhals, Stephanie: 0 to 1 Jefri Bolkiah, Bahar: (2) to 1 Keymer, Johnnie: 0 to 1 Lineham, Elliott: 0 to 1 Mana, Ignacio: (0) to (1) McCowen, Charlie: 2 to 1 McCraith, Stephen: 0 to 1 Meacher, Thomas: 0 to 1 Muzzi, German: (0) to (1) Newman, Charlie: (1) to 1

O’Dwyer, Patrick: (0) to (1) Pabarcius, Algis: 0 to 1 Paton-Philip, James: (1) to 1 Pitman, Tom: (1) to 1 Roberts, William: 2 to 1 Rojas, Jose: (0) to (1) Scott, Charlie: 0 to 1 Seavill, Richard: (1) to 1 Seller, Philip: 0 to 1 Small, Tom: 0 to 1 Suarez, Hugo: 2 to 1 Tooth, Matthew: 0 to 1 Vent, Alexander: 0 to 1 Vere Nicoll, Roderick: 2 to 1 Voelker, Heiko: 0 to 1 White, Douglas: (0) to 1 Wilson, Barney: 0 to 1 Wilson, Ben: 0 to 1 Zographos, Yanni: 0 to 1 MOVING TO ZERO Abel, Blair: -1 to 0 Al-Rifai, Faisal: -1 to 0 Armstrong, Jack: -1 to 0 Badr El Din, Raja: -1 to 0 # Barazer, Francois: -1 to 0 Beresford, Marcus: -1 to 0 # Beresford, Tomas: -1 to 0 Black, Dave: -1 to 0 Boher, Sue: -1 to 0 # Bowman, Lucy: -1 to 0 Bratley, Che: (0) to 0 Cary, Alex: -1 to 0 Castro, Juan Carlos (0) to 0 Cooper, James: -1 to 0 Copcutt, Nicholas: -1 to 0 Corbett, John: -1 to 0 Courage, Edward: -1 to 0 Dann, Nicholas: -1 to 0 Doyle, Kieran: -1 to 0 # Duarte, Juan: (-1) to (0) # Duff, Thady: -1 to 0 Eastwell, Marcus: -1 to 0 Eastwood, Aurora: 1 to 0 Fair, Hamish: -1 to 0 Gichuki, Moses: (0) to 0 Goodwill, Michael: -1 to 0 Gordon, Jamie: 1 to 0 Hankinson, Piers: (0) to 0 Herbert, Danny: -1 to 0 Hine, Richard: -1 to 0 Hislop, James: -1 to 0 Hoare, Michael: -1 to 0 Holland, Lucy: (0) to 0 Houston, Cameron: -1 to 0 Hudson, James: -1 to 0 Hughes, Sarah: -1 to 0 Hugo, Jeanine: -1 to 0 Hutton, Gaynor: -1 to 0 Jones, Oliver: -1 to 0 Karim, Kola: (0) to 0 Kean, Derek: (0) to 0 Kelleher, Colm: -1 to 0 # Kennedy (Jnr), James: (0) to 0

Koren, Eithan: (1) to 0 Latham, Abi: -1 to 0 Leach, Huw: -1 to 0 Leach, Kellie: (0) to 0 Lepeltier, Francois: (0) to 0 Llewellyn, Johnnie: -1 to 0 Lockhart, Crispin: -1 to 0 Loke, Tasmin: -1 to 0 McKenzie, Dominic: (0) to 0 McLean, Neil: (0) to 0 Marot, Guy: 1 to 0 Mirhamadi, Mehran: -1 to 0 # Mitchell, Alex: -1 to 0 # Mooney, Ryan: -1 to 0 Morrall, Christopher: (-1) to (0) # Morrell, John: -2 to 0 Nastasi-Grace, Maximilian: -1 to 0 Nimmo, Francesca: (0) to 0 Park, Robert: -1 to 0 # Pearce-May, Tim: -1 to 0 Pearson, George: -1 to 0 Pitman, Christopher: -1 to 0 Prendiville (Jnr), Peter: (-1) to (0) # Prymaka, Charlie: -1 to 0 # Raikes, Harry: -1 to 0 Rigby, Max: -1 to 0 Riordan, Ben: -1 to 0 Ronan (Jnr), Paul: -1 to 0 # Rowlinson, Anna: -1 to 0 Rumsey, Jayne: (0) to 0 Samaran, Nicolas: -1 to 0 Segura, Dardo: (-1) to (0) # Sunderland, George: -1 to 0 Sweet, Rory: (1) to (0) Taylor, Briony: -1 to 0 Taylor, Jack: -1 to 0 Walmsley, William: (0) to 0 Walton, Charlie: -1 to 0 Warren, Jason: -1 to (0) Welland, Nadine: -1 to 0 # Wethered, Orlando: -1 to 0 Wilson, Alan: -1 to 0 Woodhead, Vicky: -1 to 0 MOVING TO MINUS-ONE Ackroyd, Alexandra: -2 to -1 Amadeus, Philip: 0 to -1 # Anderson, Eric: (-1) to -1 # Anderson, James: -2 to -1 Anderson, Nicky: -2 to -1 Armstrong, Edward: -2 to -1 Armstrong, Patrick: -2 to -1 Ashby, Jimmy: -2 to -1 Astrom-Andrews, Paul: -2 to -1 Baarda, David: -2 to -1 Baletkova, Martina: -2 to -1 # Ball, Michael: -2 to -1 Barker, Guy: -2 to -1 Beitner, Mandie: -2 to -1 Benton-Jones, Alistair: (-1) to -1 # Bellamy, Edward: -2 to -1 Bernard, Katy: -2 to -1 Bilimoria, Amrita: 0 to -1 Boers, Emma Jayne: -2 to -1

Bowman, Christine: -2 to -1 Brown, Kevin: -2 to -1 Brown, Sarah: -2 to -1 Brown, Louise: -2 to -1 Cairns, Hugh: -2 to -1 Cawthorn, Zoe: -2 to -1 Cecil, Lydia: -2 to -1 Clevely, India: -2 to -1 Cork, Andy: -2 to -1 Corker, Steve: -2 to -1 Cramb, Mark: -2 to -1 Davis, Richard: -2 to -1 Dawson, Sally: -2 to -1 Denton, Fergus: -2 to -1 Dove, Matthew: -2 to -1 Dove, Adam: -2 to -1 Draper, Alaina: -2 to -1 Drummond-Moray, Jamie: (-2) to -1 Etchells, Alice: -2 to -1 Farnhill, Nick: -2 to -1 Gamble, Hannah: -2 to -1 Garcia Ladera, Sofia: -2 to -1 Garner, David: -2 to -1 Gibbons, David: -2 to -1 Gillman, Helen: -2 to -1 Grossart, John: -2 to -1 Hadland, Giles: -2 to -1 # Hammond, Piers: -2 to -1 Hancock, Willliam: (-1) to -1 Harris, David: 0 to -1 # Harris, Katie: -2 to -1 # Heard, David: (-1) to -1 Heavyside, Andrew: (-1) to -1 # Henderson, Jane: -2 to -1 Hoare, Harry: -2 to -1 Hodges, Theresa: -2 to -1 # Hodgson, Richard: -2 to -1 # Hogg, Charlie: -2 to -1 # Holley, Charlie: -2 to -1 Hopkins, Will: -2 to -1 Hudson, Clare: (-1) to -1 # Hunt, Rod: -2 to -1 Hutley, Isabelle: (-2) to -1 Hyde, Jack: -2 to -1 Iturete,Constanza: (-1) to -1 # Jones, Michael: -2 to -1 Junus, Zul: -2 to -1 Kahia, David: (-2) to (-1) # Keen, Lucy: -2 to -1 # Kemp, Christina: -2 to -1 Kerr, Charlie: -2 to -1 Kuhn, Matthias: -2 to -1 Kwiatkowski, Dan: (-1) to -1 # Latham, Stuart: (-1) to -1 Lett, William: -2 to -1 Lewis, Adele: -2 to -1 London, Lucas: (-1) to -1 # Lopez-Valido, Jasmine: -2 to -1 Lynch, Christopher: -2 to -1 MacRae, Owen: -2 to -1 Mair, Harriet: (-2) to (-1) # â—— Handicaps

continued

on page 97

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Out and about Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Switzerland, 19-22 August

Merriment in the mountains On the flattest piece of ground in the Saanenland, home to 8,000 people, 7,500 cows and soon-to-be four five-star hotels, four teams fought it out for Switzerland’s premier high-goal title over a warm August weekend. Suave young men from the business and banking giants of nearby Geneva and Zurich mingled with affluent locals in the VIP tent, while hikers descended briefly from their alpine adventures to see what was going on beside the airfield near Gstaad.

Attire in the VIP enclosure ranged from frocks to tweed – topped with Veuve Clicquot straw hats, a brilliant promotion by the champagne house on two of the sunniest days of the Swiss summer. Branded polo shirts (SF219 for the pink Star Design version) were also much in evidence. “This is the district’s most stylish event,” said Andrea Scherz, owner and general manager of the Gstaad Palace Hotel, which sponsored a team and looked after VIP catering. “There’s an elegant crowd, the setting is amazing and everyone’s in a good mood.”

Technicolour frocks brighten a trio of Veuve straw sunhats

The Palace’s team of chefs and waiters presided over one of the most impressive buffets on the VIP circuit. The spectacular array of sushi and sashimi was popular and PT can testify that the incredible spread tasted as good as it looked. Teams enjoyed a party at the top of the Eggli telecabin lift, a jolly Saturday evening complete with Alphornblowing. Spectators, too, had alternative entertainment at the ground, with a climbing wall and pony rides on offer – as well as a row of Bentleys to lust after. Turn to page 28 to read more.

Local ladies were out in force

VIP fare: tempting and tasty

Umpire Henry Stevens, Polo Ti m e s editor Yolanda Carslaw and tournament organiser Pierre Genecand, who is a keen player

Photographs by Helen Couchman

Gstaad style: the designer shirt

Team Gstaad Palace, which had to regroup after injury

78 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Sunday’s crowd was substantial

Polo Ti m e s rated this pair the most stylish canine-human combo

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In association with AprĂŠs Polo

Pierre Genecand and Chachacha Left: top scorer Marcos Heguy

Leather-clad bikers join in the fun

Cheery commentators Alexander Schwarz and Chris Carr Left: young chefs from VIP caterers the Gstaad Palace

The polo ground at Gstaad, used one weekend a year, is on a meadow next to the airport runway

MVP patron, one-goal Gualtiero Giori

Decor included ice sculptures

Gstaad Palace owner Andrea Scherz

Agustin Martinez, Milo Fernandez-Araujo, Federico Bachmann and Philipp Maeder, plus sponsors

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Out and about Jaeger-LeCoultre Charity Cup, Coworth Park

Royal blushes as CMH raises funds for fantastic cause The fourth Jaeger-LeCoultre charity cup on Friday 10 September lent generous support to the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Fund (www.jwsmf.org), raising awareness of depression and suicide risks in young men. The on-field action saw Clare Milford Haven, mid-way through representing England in Vienna, lead a strong Jaeger-LeCoultre side against Adriano Agosti’s ‘Altamira’ side. Her son Harry WentworthStanley collected the most valuable player in front of 250 guests.

The throng, fuelled by Perrier-Jouet’s finest, processed up to a huge marquee in the shadow of the new Coworth Park Hotel where dinner, auction and dancing got underway, but not before Clare opened proceedings with a very moving speech about the charity.

Humphrey Butler and “BA Baracus” auction a jeroboam of Perrier-Jouet

The auction, which followed a sumptuous dinner, raised a huge £36,500, partly due to the talents of gavel-weilding Humphrey Butler. Not shy to interact with the punters, on seeing Princess Beatrice look towards her mother, the cash-strapped Duchess of York, whilst bidding, Butler audibly declared “There’s no point in asking mummy, she can’t help you!”

Harry Wentworth-Stanley and Princess Beatrice share a hug Clare Milford Haven

Clare Milford Haven has to content herself with the runner-up flowers, presented by Guillain Maspétiol

Socialites Henry Conway and Immodesty Blaize arrive

Neil and Christine Hamilton

Photographs by Marcus Dawes

Astrid Munoz with boyfriend Eduardo Novillo Astrada

Model Sophie Anderton

Louisa Wentworth-Stanley (far left) with a group of school friends from Heathfield 80 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Lady in red: Richard Le Poer’s girlfriend, Flora Richardson

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess Lord Beresford watches his of York, caught the sharp end of auctioneer Butler’s great-nephew Richard Le Poer in action with interest quick-witted tongue

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Out and about End-Of-Season Charity Banquet Vaux Park Polo Club – 11 September

Waiters put fun into fundraising The inaugural running of a black tie charity event to mark the end of the Vaux Park polo season took place last month, held in the club’s own beautiful setting in Somerset, utilising the clubhouse beside the all-weather arena and the manor. Guests at the drinks reception spilled out on to the balcony of the clubhouse as music from an acoustic performance added atmosphere to the balmy evening.

When it was time to be seated in the Manor for dinner, guests were surprised by singing waiters, who burst into Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé songs, and which successfully warmed everyone up to make generous donations in the auction for children’s charity bibic that followed. Lots included sailing days, helicopter rides, rugby tickets, toy hampers and weekend breaks at romantic West Sussex hotspot, Cottesmore Lodges.

The club’s two-goal owner Tim Vaux (centre) with the next generation, Matthew Moger, Tiffany Riman, Robyn Apperley and Poppy Hemmings

There was a good response to James Green’s auctioneering and, in all, Vaux Park’s events team has been responsible for raising more than £11,000 for charity this season.

However, this was events manager Louisa Porter’s swansong, as she left the club last month to spend the winter in New Zealand. Next season she moves to Sussex and Vaux Park’s new appointment Cheryl Brown will have some big shoes to fill.

Paddy Selfe enjoying...him“selfe”

Tom and Melissa Worboys, watching the sunset on the clubhouse balcony with John Rogerson, Zeena Gorton and Johnny Porter

Joan Vaux adds some colour

Photographs by Justin Orwin and Charles Whitton Events Photography

Sue and Matthew Rogerson

David and Victoria Phillips share a drink with Susie Parry-Jones, with musicians behind

Adrian and Debby Aplin enter the manor for dinner 82 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

A casino night followed the auction

Robert Vaux and Catalina Martelli

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“Quintessentially Loves Polo” Members’ Day Royal County of Berkshire PC – 11 September

How To Spend It shows how to play it in surprise victory Global luxury lifestyle group Quintessentially hosted the third annual “Quintessentially Loves Polo” event last month, organised in conjunction with sponsorship firm, The Polo Agency.

Some 300 VIP private members arrived to the sounds of sensational Flamenco guitarist Jackson Scott and his band, and were also met by champagne, cocktails and the briefest of showers. The rain cleared as the first of the two matches got underway, fought between the FT’s How To Spend It team, who went on to become the eventual winners, and a side supported by Dr Rita Rakus. Lloyds TSB Private Banking won the second of the matches, despite former England captain Henry Brett heading up the Quintessentially team’s challenge.

The How To Spend It team’s Minera Rakus, Allie Wick, Aurora Eastwood and Royston Prisk

Delicious barbequed food and drink was served all afternoon and following on from the prize presentations, private members club Raffles provided music and entertainment from 6pm followed by a late-night after-party back at their salubrious base in Chelsea.

Minera Rakus receives her winner’s prize from her aunt Dr Rita Rakus as an amused Michael Amoore looks on

Paul Knights and Martin Young canter back for a restart Fine weather after a short shower ensured a splendid afternoon

Henry Brett’s Polish Prize with groom Jorge Walter accept the best playing pony honours from representatives from sponsors, Iceberg

Live Flamenco music was provided by Jackson Scott

Above: Monopoly Rakus, Charlotte Sweeney, Jake Gordon and Simon MacDonald Left: Quintessentially’s Henry Brett strikes an under-the-neck

Above: RCBPC welcomed 300 Quintessentially guests Left: Allie Wick accepts the best playing pony prize for Yarla www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 83

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Out and about Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup finals’ weekend Sotogrande, Spain – 26-28 August

Going for Gold Sotogrande is fast becoming one of the top jobs to land in August as far as the game’s top professionals are concerned. Pablo MacDonough says it is his favourite venue for polo outside of Argentina. And, on the evidence of the climax of this year’s high-goal competition, it’s not hard to see why.

Reliably excellent weather, and Santa Maria Polo Club’s stunning grounds, serious infrastructure and a dedicated and knowledgeable local crowd make it a very enjoyable place to play and, away from the club, there is also plenty to keep the pros entertained. The invariably luxurious accommodation is just minutes from some of Europe’s finest golf courses, as well as the polo grounds, and there is a superb modern harbour for those patrons that can afford to bring down a boat, or rent one.

On the fields as well, the polo is fast paced and extremely exciting. This year’s high-goal series featured three 10-goal players (that’s one on every other team), three Brits and several notable patrons. They produced a compelling month’s worth of competition, with a different team winning each of the three cups available. This ensured a captive audience right to the last, where the final two days of action certainly did not disappoint.

Both semis and the final in the high-goal Gold Cup all went to extra chukkas and golden goals. It was thrilling.

Francisco Berenguer enjoys hospitality in one of the private boxes

Main tournament sponsors Nespresso threw a lavish after-party for a selected group of VIPs, before the bash moved on to another venue hosted

by European polo clothing label, Scapa Sports. ◗ To read James Mullan’s full report, turn to page 20

James Packer’s wife Erica Baxter, with son Jackson Lloyd

An Ellerston groom watches on

Photographs by James Mullan

Media attention in the tournament and its players was substantial

Javier Porras Claros, commercial director for Santa Maria Polo Club and the brains behind it 84 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Vargas’s WW2-like yacht, designed by Norman Foster, with Gibraltar in the background

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A dejected Chris MacKenzie seeks solace from Juan Martin Nero after narrowly losing in the Gold Cup final

Fine weather and beautiful surroundings provided a glorious atmosphere

English ex-pat James Peat, whose side Silex won the low-goal Silver Cup, with Dubarry’s Louise Bowran and Robert Jeltes, who founded the luxury clothing brand

Part of Sotogrande harbour, with a “Little Venice” feel

Well-travelled trucker, Charlie Bertrand

Snapper Snoopy takes a breather

Facundo Pieres unwinds after his semi

Colourful chicas, sharing a drink in the Dubarry tent

England’s Andrew Tucker, on “holiday”

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PTOct 2010 p86-87 FIP JM PJ

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Out and about FIP European Championship – 11-12 September Schloss Ebreichsdorf, near Vienna, Austria

Big hitters, on and off the field, form a united nations The host with most, probably, Baron Drasche-Wartinberg threw wide the gates of the usually private Schloss Ebreichsdorf to the European polo community and the local townsfolk as he hosted the final weekend of the VIIIth FIP European Polo Championship on 11-12 September. Baron Drasche is also the president of the Österreichische Pologesellchaft (Austrian Polo Association) after he reintroduced the game to Austria at Ebreichsdorf in 1991. International media attention was mainly trained on the action, though performances from local lederhosen-clad thighslappers, and oompah bands provided a welcome diversion and caught photographers’ eyes before the equestrian thrills got underway.

The grounds of the 13th-century castle played host to some of Europe’s finest polo playing talents and also brought together some of polo’s most influential figures from FIP and various national authorities. The tournament, featuring over 40 players and 200 ponies, was a huge administrative task, coordinated with no little skills by Chilean FIP secretary Carolina Donoso and Ricardo Murphy Mihanovich, the half-Irish, half-Austro-Hungarian tournament director (with an Argentine accent!).

Changing places: Hurlingham Magazine’s Roderick Vere Nicoll, Pace’s Christoph Curvers and PT’s Tom House inspect the opposition

◗ Read the full report on the action in Austria on page 24

FIP president Eduardo Huergo does his best George W Bush

Urs Schwarzenbach

Photographs by Christopher Missling and Tom House

Traditional Austrian entertainment amid all the polo ensured an authetic feel to the weekend and set the tone for the after-party

Action from England’s victory over Switzerland, with Schloss Ebriechsdorf behind 86 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Local fräuleins wear traditional dirndls

Isabelle and Keith Gapp, who were there supporting the EFG-sponsored Swiss side, who finished fourth

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Baron Drasche-Wartinberg, Ricardo Murphy Mihanovich and HansAlbrecht Freiherr von Maltzahn, president of the German Polo Association

A jolly-looking Netherlands side, who kept smiling all week, despite only finishing seventh from the 10 countries entered

England’s Claire Tomlinson and host Baron Drasche-Wartinberg

Carolina Donoso with Horacio Llorente

France’s Robert Ström & Edouard Pan

Spainish three-goaler Pelayo Berazadi nips in front of France’s Thomas Chouchanian

FIP founder Marcos Uranga and the hospitable Baron

Pace’s Annika Urbat with Peter Godanyi, who played Aiken Flyaway (the sister of Cambiaso’s Aiken Cura)

Austria’s Robert Kofler gives an interview to local television

Marcelo Monteverde, coach of the Dutch team and uncle of 10-goal La Dolfina star Lucas Monteverde

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Out and about Heroes and Villains Players’ and Grooms’ Party Guards Polo Club – Sunday 22 August

Smith’s Lawn welcomes the good, the bad and the ugly This year’s Players’ and Grooms’ Party at Guards encouraged heroes and villains from all walks of life to congregate together for warmth under one roof on a wet Sunday in late August. Polo-goers dressed up to their hearts’ content, covering a range of fictional characters including Buzz Lightyear, Jack Sparrow, Cruella De Vil, Dumbledore and even Santa to enjoy an entertaining evening in the clubhouse.

Fire-breathers, a bucking spider – as opposed to bronco – and snake performers displayed their skills throughout the night and a Twister mat and large-scale Jenga game provided some hilarity for the few hundred guests that turned out.

Rod Gutridge (voted best dressed male) and Ben Maitland

Prizes were awarded to Joker Rod Gutridge, an umpire at Guards, for the best-dressed male and Avatar heroines Olivia Malach and Katerina Stankova won the best-dressed girls award. The annual best groom prizes were also awarded during the evening, with Astrid Barber and Santiago Cuestes Acosta picking up main awards for their work with the horses of amateur and professional players respectively (Monty Gershon and Billy Jackson-Stopps).

Cocktails, champagne and wine flowed until midnight before partygoers braved the torrential rain and moved onto RCBPC for the afterparty that continued into the early hours.

Five-goaler Gaston Devrient with his wife Fransisco

Victoria Elsbury-Legg, Charlie Stisted, Billy Olive and Gerry Gibson

Dan Plested and Luke Melkyn

Photographs by www.centaurphotographic.com

The cat-fight never materialised

Scooby-doo Ali Walker and Roman James Leonard

88 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Tanya Gallimore shares a hug with Tomas Palacios Bacqué, dressed as Jack Sparrow

Issy Branch and Jane Ingleby

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Georgie French Le Selleur, Sophie Kyriazi and friends

Above: Holly Smith Left: Zoe Williams

Solaris and snake shake down on the dancefloor in the clubhouse

Olivia Malach, Tristan Pemble and Katerina Stankova. The girls won the prize for the best ladies’ fancy dress costume of the evening

This girl looks happy to have found the bar

Nicolas de Wolfe

Ben Maitland tests just how brave his heart is

PT’s Georgie May, with Tom Lockton, Jen Fawthrop and Jo Sweeney

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Out and about Pony parade – marvellous mounts from 2010

Polo Times celebrates the real heroes of your summer Time, gentlemen please! As the UK polo community brings the summer’s playing festivities to a close, Polo Times decided it would be an opportune moment to honour those horses that might not normally hit the headlines. With this in mind, early this season we distributed complimentary best playing pony rugs to more than 25 clubs up and down the country, from Scotland to Somerset, in medium- and lowgoal and asked their polo managers to award them to deserving recipients as they saw fit and send us a picture. As in previous years, the response was fantastic.

We’ve reproduced a selection of those received here, including ponies from England, Ireland, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand, and everything from young ex-racers playing with established professionals, 20-something ponies playing with emerging talents, and versatile loaned ponies mounting a selection of players.

John Kent wins best Gannon pony in the Pony Club champs for his Irish TB, Cranberry Sky

Gato, owned by Charlotte Sweeney, won at Binfield Heath’s celebrated Sexy Kaftans ladies’ event in July

Photograph by David Peate

The work that goes into the horses at all levels of the game should be recognised and, as such, we encouraged as many grooms as possible to also appear alongside their ponies in our snaps. Congratulations to all those pictured, those whose photographs we didn’t have space for, and all those with ponies that excelled this season, whatever the level of polo they play. They’ve deserved their rest this winter, and we hope they will wear their PT rugs next summer with pride.

Tayto five-goaler Tom de Bruin’s eight-year-old Thoroughbred Enhanced, a retrained racehorse from his native South Africa, won BPP at Beaufort’s 12-goal Prince of Wales Cup in July, chosen by Claire Tomlinson

Cristian Chaves, playing for Henbury Polo at Cheshire, with Jan Wilson, groom Guillermo Gottardi and best playing pony, Mouse Max Charlton played the West Sussex Cup at Cowdray, where his horse Ash won BPP, pictured here with groom Nino Janey and Teresa Beresford

Martin Fewster, Camilla Rossi and groom Ciara De La Cour enjoy the plaudits for Pom, owned by Robbie Simpson and played by Camilla in Kirtlington Park’s four-goal Gibbs Cup tournament in late July 90 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Beverley polo manager George Carter celebrates best playing pony for his mount Georgia at the end-of-season tournament in early September

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Gatta poses politely with her owner Harriet French, Polo Times publisher Margie Brett and Jeremy Barber at the SUPA Senior Schools Championships at Longdole

Johnny Beck-Brown receives our rug for the Pony Club best Jorrocks fluffy pony from editor Yolanda Carslaw in the Hurtwood Park clubhouse

Georgie Asplin with Bonus at Suffolk Polo Club in June

Pelusa won BPP at the Druids Lodge Polo Week in late July, where her owner Max Lopez-Vaildo’s side beat Ziani in the final

Photograph by Christopher Fear

Tidworth’s South African Owen MacRae poses with Caddy, a pony generously loaned to him by the Royal Navy

Tom Dalton-Morgan with his 21-yearold 13.2hh mare Rascal, named best Handley Cross pony at Cowdray

Ollie Tuthill’s eight-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred mare Mojo won BPP for the season at Cirencester Park last month. Ollie and Mojo are pictured here with groom Pite Romero and the club’s chairman Richard Britten-Long

Starseed won the Julian & Howard Hipwood at RCBPC, where Bobby Dundas’s Bamboleo (aged 7) won BPP, also seen here with groom Emiliano

There was consolation for an injured James Hislop in August’s inaugural International Polo Academy course at Hurtwood, where his pony won our rug www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 91

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Club information Maywood Arena Polo Season runs from 2nd Oct to March 27th • Membership from £250 • Half season and monthly rates • Chukkas Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays • Tournaments every two weeks from 2 goal upwards • Only 5 minutes from M3, A303 and A34 • New Martin Collins surface Info@maywoodpolo.com www.maywoodpolo.com Tel: 07734 116077

LIVERY

Rob Cudmore England Coach, 2 HPA Instructors • International Equitrack Polo Arena • Fantastic clubhouse with licensed bar & excellent viewing of the arena • Polo Pony Hire, School Ponies • Chukkas and Matches - call the office for Info • Individual Coaching, Group Lessons, Social & Corporate Events For information on membership, polo lessons and general enquiries please call: Tel: (office) 01452 864 544 Mobile: 07974 532 841 email: rob@longdolepolo.com Longdole Polo Club, Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8LH

LIGHTING

92 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Classifieds PROPERTY TO RENT

DESTINATIONS

TO RENT IN CENTRAL OXFORDSHIRE Up to 15 stables with super facilities. Horse walker, all weather exercise track, superb 60m X 40m all weather arena, polo/stick and ball ground, turnout and on site groom’s accommodation. Also beautiful 2 double bed barn. Tel: Brett family on 01993 886885 or email hugh.brett@btinternet.com DESTINATIONS

TRANSPORT

WINTERBORNE HORSEBOX C O

Builders of Bespoke Horseboxes since 1976 Newly built universal horsebox 3 or 4 horses / ponies + tack area Maximum flexibility with all partitions moveable Strong and durable Tilt cab luton and cab access 52 reg (2003) Iveco Tector 75E17 £19,600 + VAT

Valley Fabrications, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, DT11 0NT

Tel: (01258) 880490 / 881295 (eves)

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Classifieds ART

LIVERY

Polo Ponies taken for Fitness Work, Rest and Rehabilitation Excellent 5* facilities and treatment which include: indoor stables with storage and secure tack room outdoor school - indoor school individual turn out paddocks good hacking and all within easy access of Junction 11/M40 Please give me a call – each package tailored to your individual needs.

References available Abigail K Walters - Culworth Grounds Stables, Culworth, Oxon OX17 2HW Tel: 07792 311464 abiwalters@abiwalters.com

www.abiwalters.com INSURANCE

GROUND MAINTENANCE

94 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

SERVICES

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Classifieds EQUIPMENT

You could be advertising here

Call Tom on 01993 886 885

www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 95

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Classifieds

, It s really important that you... tell any advertiser you contact that you saw them in Polo Times PONIES

15HH 10 YEAR OLD ARGENTINE MARE Ideal patrons pony starting out in polo. Has played arena and upto 4 goal on grass.

Very easy to stick and ball, an easy platform to hit from, fantastic mouth, sadly outgrown, kind home for this fantastic mare £6,500 contact Helen - 07867 552130 TWO TB £2500 EACH OR PX CONSIDERED 15.2hh 6yrs chestnut mare, 15.2hh 5yrs bay gelding. Stick and balls, playing chukkas, easy to do. Currently playing in Chantilly with 2 goal pro, arriving in UK soon. Tel: 07985500118 WINTER CLEAR OUT NEEDED Three mares for sale, 9 yrs, 12 yrs and 14 yrs. All good to do.

Need to go for winter. All under £4000.

Tel 07731 845308 or 07786 985034.

CALL ME - EVERYTHING FOR SALE All ponies for sale. An opportunity to grab a lovely pony at a brilliant price. All offers will be considered. Hurry while they're still available. Cirencester Area.

07767 477207 STUNNING 4 YEAR OLD TB MARE Fantastic temperament, good mouth. Stick and balls, playing chukkas. £3750. 2yo filly, great polo type, very quiet £1500 Both retrained racehorses.

07989712104 15.1HH 13 YEAR OLD GELDING Ex high-goal pony with real ability and speed. Needs competent rider. Sadly for sale as owner giving up. Double chukkas. Never been lame. £5500 Please call 07763 772823/01962 776673 (Hampshire) FAVOURITA 15.1hh chestnut mare, 17 years arena pony, has played high goal arena,not novice ride, will not trailer only boxes.

West sussex, 01444 456651 / 07778757866, (BEFORE 9pm). £1250 ono POLO PONIES FOR SALE Three great ponies for sale. Costera - 8yrs 15hh palomino mare. Easy, agile, fast. £2500 ono. Maria - 7yrs 15.2hh bay mare. Fast, easy (not novice ride) agile. Lots of potential. £6000. Yiyo - 7yrs 15.3hh liver chestnut gelding. Real gentleman. Will play fast or slow. Very handsome hunter. Jumps and double chukkas. Lovely pony and a real favourite. £6000 ono. Tel 07901 561113

96 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

PONY CLUB/SCHOOLS PONY FOR SALE 15.1hh 16yrs appaloosa mare. played schools, pony club surtees to langford and regularly plays up to 4 goal. 100% to do in always, also plays arena. £2850. 07890 772607 MAGNIFICENT PIEBALD Lucy – 15.3hh, 10 yr old Argentine mare. Stunning in everyway and always gives her best, would suit patron or beginner/intermediate player to take to next level. Amazing ride off, great hitting platform and will double chukka. No vices or quirks to her name. Very sad sale to good home only for this much loved pony. £6,500 Tel: 07785 908908/01488 73734 NANOO - ROR - 7 YEAR OLD 15.1hh dark bay mare. First full season. Fast, hard riding off, easy to do, sound. Flat hitting platform. Ideal 0 goal.

Experienced home as still slightly green. Try at Rugby Polo Club. Jane 07855 967568. £5950.

15.1HH 9 YEAR OLD GREY ARGENTINE MARE 15.1hh 9 yr old grey Argentine mare for sale due to university commitments. Has played low goal and university level polo. Ideal ladies pony. £5000. 07894 434752(Bedfordshire) OWNER GIVING UP Grey mare English bred by Alan Kent played Pony Club from Surties to Gannon and up to 8 goal at Cowdray, 11 years old £4,500. Black gelding English bred by Lila Pearson played Pony Club and up to 15 goal at Cowdray £5,000. Both ponies playing and can be tried at chukkas. Nata, small black chunky Argentine mare £500. Tel 07771 967429 SUPERB 14.2 HH 8YR BLACK ARGENTINE MARE 14.2hh 8yr Mare, an absolute dream pony to own. 110% in every way, safe enough for a child/patron but talented enough for a good player. Fast, very agile and perfectly schooled, played up to 6 goal. Sad sale to good home only £7,000 Please contact 07889093887 SITUATIONS

MANAGER VACANCY FOR 2011 Taunton Vale Polo Club is looking for a manager who has a good knowledge of polo to organise tournaments, matches and club chukkas. Opportunities to expand the job and increase income, available to the right candidate. Initially email interest to the Club Secretary, Nick Harrison-Sleap, nhs@supanet.com or Roddy Stanning, polo manager, email: roddystanning@btinternet.com

TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY

IVECO 10 TONNE (HGV) P Reg (1997) 6 horse horsebox. 19ft body fully lined and rubber matted over aluminium and solid wood floor. Very reliable box which has been professionally maintained, no expense spared. Only 257,000 km Easy powerful drive. Can be downrated to 7.5tonne without any physical alteration MOT March 2011 Tax July 2011. More pictures available. Only for sale as need larger lorry with living £7750 Tel 07788 420340 (Somerset) POLO LORRY 5/6 NON HGV Takes 5/6 and tack with ease. Very good order, strong and reliable.

Serviced every Jan, 195K Miles, Plated Feb 2011. £6000.00 Tel 07545 501763 VOLVO FH 12 HGV N REG (1995) 12 Horse transporter, good condition, very reliable, fully serviced-maintained, easy-comfortable drive.

Comes with hydraulic lift and suspension, sleep cab with 2 bunks and amply under locker storage. £25000 ono. Tel 07725 242681.

EQUIPMENT

POLO SADDLE Polo saddle - Never used, won at Swaine Adeney Brigg event. Casa Villamil, Hurlingham. Low price (£350) for quick sale. Free Stirrups. Photos on request. stephanietheobald@btinternet.com or 07961 189984 SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes.

Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number.

Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 LIVERY

WINTER LIVERY IN KENILWORTH WARWICKSHIRE Winter grazing in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, on our 200 acre farm. 24 hr supervision. horses checked twice daily, hay included at £25 per week. Tel 07747 798610 or visit our website: www.natan.moonfruit.com

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End-of-season UK handicap changes continued from page 77 MOVING TO MINUS-ONE Mawdsley, Simon: -2 to -1 McDaide, Simon: 0 to -1 McGregor, Isabelle: -2 to -1 McGuinness, Tom: -2 to -1 Meyer, John: -2 to -1 Morley, William: (-1) to -1 # Morrin, Paul: -2 to -1 Muddle, Richard: 0 to -1 # Murphy, Nick: -2 to -1 # Nolan, David: (-2) to -1 # Oberoi, Brette: -2 to -1 Odle, Rhys: (-1) to -1 # Ormerod, Robin: -2 to -1 Patmore, Lynne: -2 to -1 Patterson, Alexander: -2 to -1 # Patterson, Barnaby: -2 to -1 # Phizackerly, Stephanie: -2 to -1 Piddington, Lisa: -2 to -1 Power, Greg: -2 to -1 # Purcell, Colm: -2 to -1 Purvis, James: -2 to -1 Revell, Harry: -2 to -1 Reynolds, Mary: (-1) to -1 # Rider, Geoff: -2 to -1 Rigby, Charles: -2 to -1 Roche, John: -2 to -1 # Rose, Steve: (-1) to -1 # Saville, Gillian: -2 to -1 Severn, Oliver: -2 to -1 Sheikh, Karim: -2 to -1

Sheikh, Yasim: -2 to -1 Shepherd, Arron: (-2) to -1 # Shepherd, Gary: (-1) to -1 # Speck, Camilla: (-1) to -1 # Spicer, William: -2 to -1 Stanhope-White, Lolly: -2 to -1 Still, Penny: -2 to -1 Sumption, Johnny: -2 to -1 # Swerling, Tom: -2 to -1 Talbot, Natalie: -2 to -1 Taylor, Tina: -2 to -1 Tucker, Pandora: -2 to -1 Vest, Debbie: -2 to -1 von Sachsen-Weimar, Constantin: -2 to -1 # Wakefield, Nick : -2 to -1 Wakeford, Frederick: (2) to -1 Weiler, Claudia: -2 to -1 Whyman, Paul: (-1) to -1 Wills, Nicholas: -2 to -1 Wilson, Robert : -2 to -1 MOVING TO MINUS TWO Andrew, Susannah: (-2) to -2 Aspen-Taylor, Mark: (-2) to -2 # Fincham, Matthew: (-2) to -2 # Finley, Sarah: (-2) to -2 # Grant, Alistair: (-2) to -2 # Guarnieri, Giampaolo: (-2) to -2 # Horner, Jane: -1 to -2 # Marshall Smith, Suzie: (-2) to -2

O’Riordan, Patrick: (-2) to -2 Perez de Herrasti, Andres:(-2) to -2 # Prescott, Nigel: (-2) to -2 # Puddifer, Emily: (-2) to -2 Richardson, Jo: (-2) to -2 # Sadjadi, Majid: -1 to -2 Shubart, Tira: (-2) to -2 # Tobin, Hugo: (-2) to -2 # Trousdell, Rosie: (-2) to -2 # Whyman, Lisa: (-2) to -2 Wilditz, Stacey: (-1) to -2 # Wiltshire, Jasmine: -1 to -2 Wooller, Kate: (-2) to -2 # MOVING TO NR (Not rated) Gomez Romero, Augusto: (5) to NR Iturrate, Jose Antonio: (5) to NR Rueda, Rodrigo: (5) to NR Goni, Santiago: (4) to NR Miles, Eduardo: (4) to NR Marcelo Soler, Jorge: (3) to NR Otharan, Juan: (3) to NR Gonzalez, Carlito: 3 to NR Nigoul, Matias: 3 to NR Fiuza, Leandro: 2 to NR Cabrera, Facundo: (1) to NR # Diaz Alberdi, Juan Jose: (1) to NR Flores Piran, Rufino: (1) to NR Ponse, Maximiliano: (1) to NR

Advertisers in October 2010 Ascot Park Polo Club 01276 858545 www.polo.co.uk Australian Stock Horses 07734 601135 www.australianhorsetraining.co.uk Baileys Horse Feeds 01371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Blake Lapthorn 023 8090 8090 www.bllaw.co.uk Bonhams 0131 240 2291 www.bonhams.com/sportingart Culworth Grounds Stables 07792 311464 abiwalters@abiwalters.com Druids Lodge Polo Club 01722 782597 www.druidspolo.co.uk EFG Private Bank www.efginternational.com El Venado Estancia +54 9 2 24 167 3320 fcendoya@polodays.com Equibuild 01367 820960 www.equibuild.com Equine Logistics Company 01264 810782 www.equine-logistics-company.com Far and Ride www.farandride.com Financial Private Clients 01242 820738 www.financialprivateclients.ltd.uk/polo Generations 01509 210321 gordon@generationsinc.co.uk Gladiator Sports 020 3371 8428 www.gladiator-sports.com Hololio +64 (9) 292 8650 www.hololio.co.nz Horselyx 01697 332592 www.horselyx.com Horserail UK 07932 995155 www.horserail.net Horseback Africa +27 12 735 9909 www.horsebackafrica.com Jeremy Curling Fencing 01483 894888 www.jcfc.co.uk

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www.polotimes.co.uk October 2010 97

PTOct 2010 p98 week YC PJ

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The last word

A Week

in the life of. .

ON TUESDAY 7 September our team – Robert Lindner (0), Eva Bruehl (1), Frederico Heinemann (2) and I – met to be photographed in Vienna city centre with two horses. The shoot was set up by our sponsor, jewellery company Kornmesser, which has just set up a shop on the famous Viennese street, Graben. The horses had to be out of the area by 11am as it is a pedestrian zone, but there was a big crowd and the sponsors were happy.

WE PLAYED HUNGARY on Wednesday.

It was on our favourite field – number two – where we beat Holland the previous Friday. The grass is old turf, surrounded by woods, making it drier in a rainy week. We tried to keep up the tempo as Hungary was the underdog and we were rewarded with a 17-3 win.

It was the Hungarians’ first time at the championships and they proved to be a lot of fun. Later in the week, they hosted a great goulash party.

Photograph by Christopher Missling, Pace Magazine

A WET NIGHT forced the organisers to postpone Thursday’s game to Friday. The grooms walked the horses, leaving the team to head back to our base in Vienna and look forward to the next day’s game.

During the tournament, we ate breakfast together every morning, then talked tactics at the stables.

I am captain and coach – something we will change in 2012. It’s essential to have an outside coach as you need to be able to tell people what to do in the breaks between chukkas – and that’s tricky if you’re trying to concentrate on your own game.

FRIDAY’S GAME against Switzerland was frustrating. We had some problems – one horse was injured travelling to the championships and another wasn’t right on the day. My grey horse, Daytona, was lethargic as he had unwrapped a straw bale and gorged on it overnight. Finally, my top horse, Midget – a brilliant American Thoroughbred – had been trodden on and couldn’t continue as he was bleeding. She is 16 and probably my

98 October 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Christopher

Kirsch

Martha Terry asks the German team captain Christopher Kirsch (4), a former FIP host, about his week at the European Championships in Austria best horse ever. She always makes a difference in the second chukka and was out of the game today.

Sadly we lost 5-3 with disastrous second and third chukkas – if we had lost by just one goal we would have played off for third place rather than fifth.

The Swiss had fantastic horses and, although these championships are only eight-goal, you need your top horses to compete. We just didn’t have our best out

there this time. We celebrated umpire Nicolas Scortichini’s birthday that evening – it was a good get-together with the grooms joining in.

WE PLAYED OFF against the Italians on Saturday – a rematch of the playoff we won in the 2008 European Championships, which were held at my place, Gut Aspern, Hamburg.

We played on field number one, in front of the castle. The downside is that it is narrow with lots of spectators, making safety an issue. We usually play up the “wings”, but after I nearly hit a spectator we had to keep the ball in the centre. It was a really exciting game, with us ahead until the final chukka. I hit a 60-yarder to lead 6.5-6, but two stupid fouls and one good goal meant the Italians took revenge for 2008.

We were disappointed. Before the tournament, I thought we had a chance of coming third, or even winning. But we quickly realised how strong the French and Spanish are, and the English ladies are also very well-mounted. It’s a shame we didn’t get to play them as we are the only other team with a girl.

There was a gala dinner in the castle that evening, but no dance, so we joined in a celebration in the village. At least we could party – but we’d have preferred to be playing in the final!

SUNDAY’S FINAL was interesting to watch as Spain and France were 7-7 in the final chukka [France won 10-8].

Polo is not that big in Austria, and it was encouraging to see so many spectators evidently watching for the first time. The sponsors wanted us to wear our kit, so everyone spotted us and asked questions.

At the end, the French and Spanish teams had a tussle throwing each other in the moat and lots of people ended up in the water. It was a great atmosphere and I’m pleased we stayed the extra day.

USUALLY I HAVE A DRIVER, but as he was unwell, I had to make the 16-hour trip back to Hamburg alone on Monday. I took eight horses; Federico Heinemann, Robert Lindner and Eva each took four.

The horses were lovely and quiet travelling, but when I let them out in their fields at Gut Aspern they tore around, thrilled to be home. F ◗ Turn to pages 10, 24 and 86 to read

more about the championships

PT Cover 5.5mm

24/9/10

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WHAT IS EXCELLENCE, EDUARDO FAGLIANO? “Excellence is following the unwritten rules handed down to us by our forefathers.”

Julius Baer is the proud title

Eduardo Fagliano, maker of polo boots, Hurlingham, Argentina

sponsor of a junior development programme which

Polo boots are always brown, never black, out of respect for the other players. The reason is that

commenced with the

the polish you use to clean black boots leaves marks on your opponent’s polo whites when you

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make physical contact – something that happens a lot in polo. Eduardo Fagliano knows what makes

Championship in the

an excellent polo boot from his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. And he also knows what

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makes a polo boot unique. At Julius Baer we recognise this sense of uniqueness and the importance

Country Club.

of traditions. After all, these are the very things on which our own philosophy of personal wealth management is based.

Julius Baer is the leading Swiss private banking group, with 120 years of tradition.

You can find the entire inter view with Eduardo Fagliano at www.juliusbaer.com/excellence The Julius Baer Group is present in over 40 locations worldwide. From Zurich (Head Office), Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Guernsey, Hong Kong, London, Lugano, Milan, Monaco, Montevideo, Moscow, Nassau, Singapore to St. Moritz.

Approved for issue and distribution in the UK by Julius Baer International Limited, London, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Approved for issue and distribution in Guernsey by Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd., Guernsey Branch, which is regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Services are provided by Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. in Switzerland and Guernsey and by all of the banking, investment advisory or broker/dealer entities of Julius Baer insofar as these entities are registered and regulated under applicable law in their respective jurisdictions. Investment services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the Bank. The audited financial statements of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. are available on request. Persons dealing with offices of the Julius Baer Group outside the UK will not be covered by rules and regulations made for the protection of investors under the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and under the rules of the Financial Services Authority.

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