Volume 17 • Issue 9 • October 2012 • £6.50
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Sotogrande success Victor Vargas’s Lechuza Caracas wins the Gold Cup in Spain
Plus: Chester Test, rise of La Dolfina and buying racehorses PT p1 cover JOS PJ.indd 1
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Contents
66
24
Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside...
October 2012 News
58 Home Nations Cup
14 The big picture
60 HPA round-up
Comment
Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk
16 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
Duncan Wilson duncan@polotimes.co.uk Art editor Nicki Averill nickiaverill@polotimes.co.uk
62 England in Zimbabwe 64 Longdole Junior Tournament
18 Herbert Spencer’s Global view
Knowledge
20 Arthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner
72 Know your game
22 Your views: letters
74 Know your horse
Features
66 Cover story: Buying ponies off the track
76 Ones to watch 78 H ow to spend it
24 Interview with HPA chairman-elect Brigadier John Wright
Sidelines
Marketing & PR
30 Cover story: The rise of La Dolfina
80 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know
PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk
Reports
Subscriptions
36 Cover story: The HPA’s Audi International, Chester Racecourse
Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk
40 Cover story: High-Goal Gold Cup, Sotogrande, Spain 42 European 8-goal Championships, Sotogrande, Spain
Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk
Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Youth polo
6 All the latest news
Deputy editor
Advertising manager
36
44 Hublot Gold Cup, Gstaad 46 Singapore Open, Singapore 48 France round-up 50 Home and abroad
82 Social: Watergate Bay and Chester 84 Social: PT’s best playing ponies; Kirtlington Park; RoR and Gstaad 86 Social: Sotogrande; Ham and Bluey’s 88 What’s on in October 90 End of season handicap changes 98 Passions: Alice Gipps Cover photograph: Lechuza Caracas’s Uruguayan duo Alejo Taranco and Santi Stirling embrace after winning the High-Goal Gold Cup in Sotogrande. By Images of Polo
Polo Times, October 2012 5
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News
from the Editor It was with a heavy heart that the Polo Times staff waved goodbye to our former editor James Mullan after the September issue. James made a huge contribution to the magazine during his five years here and he leaves big shoes to fill. However, I genuinely think that exciting times lie ahead for the magazine and I am looking forward to the challenge of taking up the reins as editor. I’m glad to report that the first magazine of the postMullan era is as action-packed as usual with three must-read features. I particularly want to point you in the direction of Georgie May’s feature about buying ponies off the track on page 66. It made me want to go out and start buying racehorses – not that I have anywhere to keep them! I can also recommend Herbert Spencer’s interview with HPA chairman-elect John Wright (page 24) while, with the season really starting to get going in Argentina, Carlos Beer looks back at the growth of La Dolfina (page 30). I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of you during my first two years at Polo Times and I hope to become acquainted with many more of you over the coming years. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you ever have anything to say about the magazine. All criticism – be it positive or negative – is welcome as we strive to make Polo Times the best magazine it can be. I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Email me: john@polotimes.co.uk
Charlton moves up to six goals
M
hard work is recognised AX by the HPA.” CHARLTON’S Other notable RISE from five changes included to six goals Argentine Marcos Araya, represents the highest rise who won the 18-goal for an English player in the Victor Ludorum with end-of-season handicap Emlor C this season. changes this year. The He has moved up from Guards-based player has six to seven goals. represented England on New six-goaler Max Charlton Michel del Carril and South numerous occasions and has African Tom de Bruin also moved up been a part of winning teams against from six to seven. Howard Hipwood New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa and Claire Tomlinson, once the and Thailand. His most recent win country’s highest-rated players in men’s was in June’s inaugural international and women’s polo, have gone down to match against Australia at the Suffolk four and zero goals respectively. Showground. Elsewhere, Oxford Polo School’s At the start of the summer Charlton David Ashby has moved from a three formed part of the winning team at to a four along with Cowdray Park’s Mint Polo in the Park, playing alongside Nick Pepper, Bradley Mallett and George Meyrick and Jamie Morrison. Cambridge’s Patrick O’Dwyer. He has also had a successful season For the girls, Burningfold’s Sarah playing for Poulton, Emlor, Dell Park Wiseman, who has represented and Four Quarters Black – who were England Ladies on a number of still in contention for the 12-goal occasions, has moved up to two goals Victor Ludorum as Polo Times went to and Hurtwood Park’s Bryony Taylor has press. This November and December, gone from a zero to a one goals. Charlton is heading to India and then In spite of a disrupted season, due on to St Moritz for the snow polo to the bad weather, many players have in January. He also plans to play in demonstrated their prowess on the Barbados in February. ground and the number of increases on “I am really looking forward to the the list is testament to that fact. challenge of playing up to my six-goal handicap and hope to continue to ◗ For a full list of the handicap changes improve,” Charlton told Polo Times. “It go to pages 90-91. is always very gratifying when all our
Polo community remembers Hugh Dawnay ON THE DAY that Polo Times went to press, a memorial service was being held for Major Hugh Dawnay at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Hundreds of people were expected to attend, including a large number of the polo community who had the honour of knowing the polo coach and respected polo author. Dawnay died at home in County Waterford, Ireland, on Monday 28 May,
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aged 79. During his lifetime he was well-known for opening up the world’s first residential polo school in Waterford in 1976. His polo clinics, which he also took to the other side of the Atlantic, were very popular and he wrote two polo books – Polo Vision and Polo Playmaker. He is survived by his sons, onegoaler David and four-goaler Sebastian, and wife Maria-Ines. www.polotimes.co.uk
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News
POLO IS HIGH on the agenda in China this autumn, with two major tournaments coming up in October. While Beijing Sunny Times Polo Club was hosting the final of the Beijing International Polo Open – as part of the Beijing British Polo Day – as Polo Times went to press, the nation will next be turning their heads to Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. From 1-5 October, the club will be hosting the first Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup. Sanctioned by the FIP, the 24-goal goal tournament will feature four international teams – England, Argentina, the USA and Hong Kong. The same four nations will also be taking part in a youth tournament at the same time. The same players that represented England in the Audi International at Chester Racecourse – James Beim (7), Mark Tomlinson (6), James Harper (6) and Ollie Cudmore (4) – will form the England side at the inaugural Chinese tournament. Hong Kong is fielding a strong side comprising South African Chris Mackenzie (5), Kiwi John-Paul Clarkin (8), Argentine José Donoso (7) and Brit John Fisher (4). Representing the USA is Mason Wroe (4), Kris Kampsen (6), Mike Azzaro (7) and Jeff Hall (7). Argentina is fielding a very balanced team of four six-goalers – Santiago Cernadas, Marcos Araya, Gaston Moore and Raul Laplaccette. The Super Nations Cup will be the first 24-goal
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tournament that Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan has hosted and it will be its second FIP-sanctioned event. The club held their first FIP-sanctioned event at the beginning of this year, when Hong Kong won the FIP Snow Polo World Cup. Shortly after the Super Nations Cup, Tang Polo Club, in conjunction with Guards Polo Club, will be hosting the first-ever 12-goal Cartier International China Polo Challenge from 10-14 October. Cartier officially launched the tournament with a media event in September, which was attended by Oliver Hipwood, who will be umpiring the tournament alongside his father, Howard. Event host Shilai Liu and Swiss player Adriano Agosti will co-patron the Cartier team – they will be supported by two Argentine professionals. The Tang team will feature Chinese patron Nan Lui and Thai patron Top Raksriaksorn. Dorchester Collection and Equus & Co will also be sponsoring teams, although the players are yet to be confirmed. This Cartier event follows on from the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, which is also co-organised by Guards Polo Club and held every February. This will be the first time Cartier has hosted an event in China. w K eep up to date with tournament schedules and team listings online – www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph by Audi
Inaugural tournaments in China this month
Ollie Cudmore will represent England in China this month
Polo Times, October 2012
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Polo ponies race to a HAVING BEEN POSTPONED on two previous occasions, Retraining of Racehorses’s (RoR’s) inaugural Racing to Polo Challenge finally went ahead on 3 September at RCBPC. Henry Brett, Dean Lines and Jonny Good each took home a £1,000 cash prize after winning their respective sections, while the runners-up won £500 each. The competition attracted 37 entries, which were each given a £100 appearance fee, and competed across three classes. Each rider had to perform a two-minute display, which counted towards 75 per cent of the marks – judged by Alan Kent and Chris Bethell, with Patrick Beresford overseeing. Conformation and turnout counted towards the remaining 25 per cent – judged by Charlie Gordon Watson and David Woodd. Henry Brett’s Vieira Da Silva impressed the judges in the three-year-olds class, beating Henrietta Seligman’s Sandbanks – ridden by Andres Perez – to first place.
Ralph Beckett. “She was still green when I bought her but she was ready to make the step up,” Good told Polo Times. “She was built for polo and is a natural athlete. I’ve played her in numerous mediumgoal tournaments this summer and Malcolm Borwick played her in the Coronation Cup in July. The competition is a brilliant step in the right direction,” Good continued. “The only change I would make is the age brackets for horses and what is asked of them. The three-year-olds could be asked to perform a small show with circle work, while the six-year-olds should be asked to perform like a proper polo pony.” Roddy Williams, who entered five horses, agreed that there should be separate age categories: “I think there should be a separate class for five-year-olds and then one for sixyear-olds and upwards. The judges should also take into account the playing ability of the pony.” “The competition was an excellent idea and
“The competition was an excellent idea and I take my hat off to Di Arbuthnot of RoR for her efforts” – Alan Kent In the four-year-olds class, Dean Lines and his pony I Dreamed A Dream were the winners, while Jonny Good’s eight-year-old mare Middleton Minx won the oldest section. The five-goaler bought the mare from Robert Thame who purchased her from racing trainer
I take my hat off to Di Arbuthnot [of RoR] for her efforts,” Alan Kent said. “It went very well, despite it not being held during the high-goal season. On the whole, I was very impressed with the standard. I look forward to next year.” “We hope it will be even better and slicker
Jonny Good on his winning pony Middleton Minx
next year,” said Piers Plunket of Lycetts Insurance, who were supporting the event. “I think each player should be given a brief about what is expected on the day, which should include pointers about turnout. It’s important for owners to know how to bring the best out in their horse, so grooms should learn how to trot up a horse correctly. “This year’s standard was fairly good and the horses were more correct as they got older. The difference between the three-year-olds’
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Polo Times, October 2012
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www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 16:18
News
new challenge Racing to polo winners u T hree-year-old section 1st Vieira Da Silva, owned and ridden by Henry Brett 2nd Sandbanks, owned by Henrietta Seligman and ridden by Andres Perez u F our-year-old section 1st I Dreamed A Dream, owned and ridden by Dean Lines =2nd Striking Love, owned and ridden by Oliver Hipwood =2nd Talkin Italian, owned by Stephen Biddlecombe and ridden by Carlos Maldonado u F ive-year-olds and upwards 1st Middleton Minx, owned and ridden by Jonny Good 2nd My Boo, owned by Louisa Donovan and ridden by Facundo Guevara Lycetts’s Piers Plunket and class winner Henry Brett
hooves and the five-year-olds’ was enormous – the three-year-olds’ hooves were atrocious. It’s Important horses are properly shod – bad hoof management can sour a horse much more than bad bitting, for example.” “It was a hugely successful day and I am so grateful for everyone that supported the competition including the HPA, the judges, the Berkshire’s Michael Amoore and all the players,” said Di Arbuthnot. “We will certainly hold the competition again next year and we will be holding
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a meeting to discuss potential changes we might make. In particular we will look at possibly changing the age groups for ponies and the handicap level for players. “Next year, we will aim to hold it again at the beginning of the season and hopefully we can get a few racehorse trainers along too.” w F or more about Retraining of Racehorses see our feature about buying ponies off the track on pages 66-70
News in brief w THE GRANDFATHER OF Gonzalito, Facundo, Nico and Polito Pieres died in September, aged 92. Alvaro, the father of Gonzalo Pieres (who is father to Gonzalito, Facundo and Nico), played polo during his youth at Los Ranchos and La Espadana in Argentina and also forged a successful career as an umpire. In more recent years he was often found on the sidelines supporting his family’s polo careers. w AFTER 17 YEARS, Brigadier John Wright is giving up his post as director of Tidworth Polo Club. The management will be taken over by current polo manager Jessica Andrews and her father Christopher. See pages 24-28 to find out more about John Wright. w IN AUSTRALIA THE Paspaley Polo in the City series, which holds events in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, was a finalist at the Australian Event Awards in the category of Best Sporting Event. It is the first time a polo event has achieved such a level of recognition in Australia. w FOR THE FIRST time in more than 20 years, a young England team travelled out to Zimbabwe See pages 62-63 for more.
Polo Times, October 2012
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Aiming high YNT POLO CLUB: Jason < LDixon will be returning to Lynt for the winter months. The HPAqualified coach will be providing tuition across all levels
ATY BERNARD: the minus< Kone-goaler received eight A*s and three As in her GCSE results this summer. The Woldingham School student joined the Guards Junior Academy this summer
ANTI STIRLING: playing for < SLechuza Caracas, the younger brother of David “Pelon” Stirling won the High-Goal Gold Cup in Sotogrande for the third time. See pages 40-41
POLO IN YORKSHIRE: White < Rose Polo Club has teamed
Young Brits shine The 41st BMW International Series saw a significant assignment of British players taking part and, promisingly, it was our younger players who achieved notable success, writes Kian Gheissari. Ralph Richardson, Edmund Haynes – both 17 years of age – and Nick Johnson (aged 21) won silverware in the low-goal, while Jason Warren triumphed in the medium-goal. Richardson who plies his trade at Cowdray Park played for a strong Silex side, which also featured fellow British player, Richard Fagan. The team enjoyed the
Swinging low SCOT PARK: the = Arescheduled UK National Women’s Polo Tournament was abandoned on the first day of play at the end of August, after heavy rainfall caused havoc during the first three matches. The IWPA re-launch party also had to be cancelled OLIVER HIPWOOD: the six= goaler has seen his handicap
OSIE ROSS: the two= Rgoaler was forced to miss the inaugural Ladies’ French Open after sustaining a nasty facial injury during a game at the end of August. Heloise Lorenzten replaced her – see page 50 AKE POLO CLOTHES: = Fthree people were arrested in Delhi for their involvement in selling fake US Polo Association clothes 10
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Sbu Duma’s killer gets 18 years However, problems with organising his visa THE MAN WHO murdered South African polo delayed him and on 1 May he was attacked by player Sbu Duma has been sentenced to 18 years Mchunu. Sbu represented South Africa in the in jail. During his trial in September, Sibongiseni Kurland International in 2009, where he was Mchunu pleaded not guilty to the attempted named most valuable player. murder of his girlfriend, Smangele Sondeza, and the murder of Sbu in May. Mchunu reportedly told the court that he had discovered “love messages” from Sbu on his girlfriend’s phone and confronted her, during which Sondeza grabbed a knife and, during a struggle, Sondeza was stabbed. In reference to Sbu’s murder, he said he was in a taxi at the time of the attack. However, the judge did not believe Mchunu’s version of events and sentenced him to 15 years for Sbu’s murder and three years for the attempted murder of Sondeza, who survived the attack. Sbu was due to travel to England in April for the summer polo season. Sbu Duma being awarded the MVP prize at the 2009 Kurland International
Photograph from the South African Polo Association
move down to five goals in the recent end-of-season handicap changes. On the up side, Max Charlton has gone from five to six goals. See pages 90-91 for the full list of changes
Jason Warren in action for Ayala
in Argentina. He then hopes to emulate his brother, Jack (4), who represented England in last year’s 8-goal FIP World Cup. Edmund Haynes and Nick Johnson
Photograph by Amanda Leeming
up with Pocklington School to introduce polo as an after-school activity – the first affiliation of its kind in Yorkshire
most success out of any team across the board, winning the Low-Goal Bronze Cup and Low-Goal Gold Cup, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Low-Goal Silver Cup. The 17-year-old has one more year left at school, and after leaving he intends to hone his skills
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 16:16
News
in the Sotogrande sun
Lawyers descend on Chantilly this month SIX POLO TEAMS are competing in the Lawyers Polo Association’s fifth annual polo tournament in France this month. The Emirates NBD Polo Cup will be held at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly from 10-13 October and will be kicked off by a black tie reception in central Paris. The teams will be formed by international and local polo players as well as lawyers from Argentina, Canada, France, India, Malaysia, Slovakia, Italy, Brazil, Venezuela, Austria, Switzerland and the USA. Lawyers Polo, which was set up by Eduardo Bérèterbide and Justin Fogerty, organises a polo tournament every year in a different city in conjunction with the IBA annual meeting. Previous tournaments took place in Buenos Aires (2008), Madrid (2009), Toronto (2010) and Dubai (2011). w S ee next month’s issue for a full report and pictures from the tournament www.polotimes.co.uk
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Photograph by Kian Gheissari
both played for El Fortin/Shakib Polo alongside British patron Kaveh Shakib and enjoyed similar success, winning the Low-Goal Silver Cup and the subsidiary final of the Low-Goal Gold Cup. Two-goaler Nick Johnson already has highgoal experience, having played for Talandracas in the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, and he also played in the medium-goal for Seven Sevens in last year’s BMW International Series. The talented Brit was instrumental in El Fortin/ Shakib Polo’s 9-3 win over El Castañar in the Low-Goal Gold Cup subsidiary final, having marshalled the team well – particularly the lesser experienced, but nonetheless skilled, Haynes. After an assured and confident display it will be interesting to see how Nick gets on in his first full season after having graduated from university this summer. Jason Warren (0) also had a fruitful summer season in Sotogrande as his Seven Sevens team won the Bronze and Silver Cups in the medium-goal sections. On route to their Bronze and Silver Cup success Seven Sevens won all bar one of their matches and they were unfortunate to lose their Gold Cup semi-final
Ralph Richardson, Edmund Haynes and Nick Johnson all enjoyed success in Sotogrande this summer
by just one goal to prevent them from having a chance of claiming all three trophies. The Cheshire-based 21-year-old, who started playing polo in the Pony Club aged 11, also gained high-goal experience after filling in for
Ayala’s patron Ignacio Zobel in the semi-finals and final of the High-Goal Silver Cup. w S ee page 40 for coverage of the High-Goal Gold Cup in Sotogrande
Victor Ludorum season is set for a thrilling conclusion AS THE SEASON draws to a close, all bar one of the Victor Ludorum results are in. The last tournament of the 12-goal Victor Ludorum series was due to conclude as Polo Times went to press. The 6-goal was won by Snakebite on 135 points, with Express Polo and Felix in jointsecond place. Max Kirchhoff’s Snakebite won the Budgett Everett in August and, although they lost to Felix in the Kingscote Cup final at Cirencester Park, they had picked up enough points to earn them the Victor Ludorum award. Richard Thomas’s San Miguel Fresca won the Gerald Balding Cup and reached the subsidiary semi-finals of the Holden White, which put them in first place in the 8-goal Victor Ludorum. However, it was a close contest with Supanova – winners of the Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup – finishing only 10 points behind Thomas’s team.
The McCarthy brothers, Spencer and Clinton, won the 15-goal and 18-goal sections respectively. Although Emlor S didn’t win any of the Victor Ludorum tournaments they took part in, having competed in five of the six tournaments earned them enough points to reach the top of the leader board. Emlor C on the other hand had an outstanding season, winning the Indian Empire Shield, the Duke of Sutherland and Duke of Beaufort, as well as winning the subsidiary final of the Apsley Cup at Cirencester Park – acquiring 230 points. In the 12-goal, Montana were at the top of the leader board as Polo Times went to press, but a victory for Four Quarters Black in the Autumn Cup at Cowdray Park could still be enough to deny Montana the overall title. w See page 54 for more Victor Ludorum news Polo Times, October 2012
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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 the website: www.hpa-polo.co.uk Please be aware that they are subject to endorsement by the Stewards. The full list can also be seen on page 90. Work Permits – Proposal for 2013 Anyone must have a registered handicap of at least two goals to obtain a work permit as a player. Anyone who is here on a work permit, other than as a player, may only play at a club where both they and their employer are members and shall not earn money as a player, either for themselves or their employer. The individual clubs must decide what polo they are allowed to play, but they may not play in any high-goal or Victor Ludorum tournament. Any person who does not have a work permit as a player must pass the rules test first. They may then be awarded a handicap, which shall not be less than zero-goal and which will be shown on the website with “R” (restricted) after their name to indicate that they may only play at a club where they and their employer are members. Overseas The HPA have accepted an invitation to send an England team and an England U16s team to play in international tournaments at the Metropolitan Polo Club in China from 28 September to 6 October. Both teams will be coached by Andrew Hine. England: James Harper 6; James Beim 7;
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Mark Tomlinson 6; Ollie Cudmore 4 England U16s: Ed Banner-Eve 0; Tommy Beresford 0; Seb Hancock 0; Thomas Brodie 0
Mark Duncan 1; Alex Rowland-Jones 1 England Under 21s: William Berner 1; Alex Mains 1; Izzy Parsons 2; Edmund Parsons 3
RoR Retraining of Racehorses held a popular new event – the Racing to Polo Challenge Day – at RCBPC on Monday 3 September. The competition was divided into 3 levels. threeyear-olds, four-year-olds and five-year-olds and upwards. For a full list of results see page 8.
21 August – The Gibley Cup at Cirencester Park; Result: England 7, New Zealand 3½ New Zealand: James Wood 2; Henry Jones 2; Mark Duncan 1; Alex Rowland-Jones 1 England: Rupert Lewis 1; Freddie Dear 2; Matt Perry 3; Max Hutchinson 2
HPA Select Development games 14 to 16 August – The Colts Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club; Final: Black 4, Blue 2½; Sub Final: White 3, Red 1 Black: Izzy McGregor 0; Ed Banner-Eve 0; Henry Letts -1; Charlie Holley -1 Blue: Tom Brodie 0; Joe Arber -1; Charlie Pidgley -1; Camilla Beresford -1 Red: Harry Hickmet -1; David Gibbons 0; Karim Sheikh -1; Lolly Stanhope-White -1 White: Seb Hancock 0; Alice Walsh -1; Robin Ormerod -1; Terence Lent -1 19 August – The Stagshead Trophy at Ham Polo Club; Result: Red 2, Blue 2 Red: Hugo Taylor -2; James Grayson -2; Max Dear -1; Charlie Day -2 Blue: Ollie Cork -1; Kian Hall -2; James McCarthy -1; John Dalton-Morgan -2 18 August – The Alan Budgett Trophy at Kirtlington Park; Result: England 6, New Zealand 2½ New Zealand: James Wood 2; Henry Jones 2;
22 August – The Whitbread Trophy Result: HPA Select England 8, HPA Select Scotland 3½ Scotland: Adam Dove 0; Matthew Dove 0; James Lindsay 0; Mungo Kilgour -2 England: Tom Abel Smith 0; Nick Winterton 0; Charlie Walton 0; Max Stacy 0 Dates for HPA meeting and courses Stewards – Tuesday 30 October at Cavalry and Guards Club, London at 10.30am Council – Thursday 15 November at Cavalry and Guards Club, London at 2.30pm Polo Times corrections: In the September issue of Polo Times we incorrectly stated that George Hanbury is the patron of 2012 Warwickshire Cup winners Halcyon Gallery. The team is in fact backed by Paul Green. In the Pony Club report we reported that José Araya’s father is called Marcos. It is actually Pepe. We also said that the Hipwood section is four chukkas. The Hipwood final is four chukkas, but the rest of the season is played as three chukkas.
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 16:17
Obituary
News
Charles Lousada DL 1938–2012 Polo patron, adventurer and entrepreneur CHARLES LOUSADA PASSED away on Monday 30 July after a short, sudden battle with illness, writes Chris Nimmo. He was the third of five sons to Air Commodore Roch Lousada DL, and educated at Cokethorpe School. He then became a chartered surveyor setting out on his own to become a highly successful property developer and entrepreneur at an early age. Charles was a successful sportsman and adventurer. He played rugby up until the age of 52 and was introduced to polo by his friend Charlie Mackenzie Hill basing himself at Kirtlington Park Polo Club with a string of up to 15 ponies. He could often be spotted landing or taking off in his Brantley B2B helicopter with polo mallets attached to the under-side. It didn’t take long for Charles to become a keen polo player. In the early days, playing alongside Charlie Mackenzie Hill with their Argentine professional Charlie Mayon and latterly under the masterful captaincy of Martin Fewster, his Crawley Park team dominated low-goal tournaments at Kirtlington Park for many years. Charles later became deputy chairman of Kirtlington Park, working closely with James Budgett and former HPA chairman John Tyler. He made two attempts to win the Holden
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White Cup at Cowdray Park, first with Crawley Park and then with Fat Cats – teaming up with Robert Thame, Martin Fewster and Chris Nimmo – who reached the semi-finals one year and the finals of the Ruins Trophy the following year. The same team members also represented Kirtlington Park to win the Oxfordshire Bowl, beating the Royal Berkshire Polo Club. More recently Charles spent the winter months at his farm in South Africa overseeing the wine production at his vineyard and playing polo when there was no sport to be had at home. It is a testimony to his fitness and spirit that he was still playing this year at the age of 73. Shooting was another of Charles’s keen pastimes. One of his late gun dogs, Springer spaniel Brogue, had a trophy named after him, which is presented to the best turned out pony at the Lousada Trophy tournament, held annually at Kirtlington Park. He tried his hand at other pastimes, and found that playing Good King Wenceslas on the trombone from his hot air balloon at Christmas did not encourage too many requests for encores. He could also play a number of favourite tunes on the piano, but was slightly more renowned for his yodelling skills and would often instigate yodelling contests at various pubs around the country when
visiting friends. His Boxing Day parties, playing bicycle polo on the tennis court at his home at Crawley Park with family and friends, were days in the calendar not to be missed. His skills at the bridge table and chess playing were also of some renown. When Charles fell ill in late June, he married Miss Jeannie Holmes, his long-term friend and confidante. As well as Jeannie, he leaves behind his children, Simon and Sasha, two grandchildren, a great grandchild and his two dogs Sandal and Suede. He was truly a one-off and an exceptional, upstanding man of character – the likes of which we will not see again and who will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends. A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s, Bedford, at 2pm on Thursday 11 October. Below, the Crawley Park team of John Martin, Chris Crawford, Martin Fewster and Charles Lousada
21/09/2012 16:17
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Cool Hooves girl shows a cool head Berkshire-based minus-one-goaler Saskia Meadows is caught here rewarding her pony Torcasa with a well received cool-down following a closely-fought Brecknock Cup 8-goal match on Cowdray Park’s Lawns 1, during a sweltering day in late August. Saskia, whose father Phil runs Cool Hooves Polo, is caught in a totally natural moment with her pony whose blissful expression completes the picture perfectly. With the onset of shorter, colder days we thought it would be nice to remember one our few truly beautiful days of summer this year. Cowdray-based photographer Colin Barker is drawn to polo by his passion for creating equine images. He admits finding polo ponies to be ‘the perfect shape’. wT o see further examples of Colin’s work or commission enquiries visit www.colinbarker.co.uk or call 07831 528100.
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24/09/2012 14:39
Comment
Backchat with Clare Milford Haven
The rescheduled RoR day certainly proved to be well worth the wait
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he long-awaited Retraining of Racehorses Racing to Polo event finally happened in the first week of September – four months after it was due to take place in May, when it was postponed due to persistent rain. As it turns out, it was a good time to do it. Polo-wise, things had quietened down considerably and consequently there was a really good turnout for each category. The three-year-old section had seven entries, four-year-olds had 14 entries and the five-year-olds and over had 16 entries. Each entrant was given £100 diesel money so there was an added incentive to turn up. I entered my four-year-old filly Fairy Tales, who raced for the last time a year ago. Cared for by my loyal groom José, schooled by Sheena Robertson and ridden by Nick Pepper, it was a tremendous team effort and a surprisingly nailbiting experience as she entered the ring. Nick rode her beautifully and she was very correct in her demonstration. It didn’t really matter that we didn’t win a prize as the whole experience was unexpectedly enjoyable and well organised. It also adds another dimension to the sport of polo. To retrain a horse from racing flat out to stopping,
Nick Pepper rides Clare Milford Haven’s four-year-old filly Fairy Tales at the Retraining of Racehorses day at the Berkshire
Time for action I know references to the Olympics might seem passé now but I think it’s important to remember what happened to the Chinese, Indonesian and South Korean women’s badminton teams when they made such an obvious and clumsy effort at match fixing in order to manipulate the draw for the knockout stage of the event at Wembley Arena. Sound
Photograph by Georgie May
It didn’t matter that we didn’t win an RoR prize – the whole experience was very rewarding turning, changing leg and being comfortable with a stick swinging around its head requires time and patience. But, I think more important than this, to give a failed racehorse another chance is hugely rewarding. 16
Polo Times, October 2012
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familiar? Their deliberate bad sportsmanship was rightly deemed ‘unacceptable’ by BOA Chairman, Lord Moynihan, and all eight players were disqualified and sent home in disgrace. Even their coaches were investigated.
Spectators who had paid good money and taken the day off work to witness sport at its best felt cheated and short changed. It is no different in polo and maybe it’s time for more stringent action against deliberate match fixing.
Parking problem There is a conundrum for the polo managers and committees of the larger clubs to mull over before next season – namely, the issue of some high-goal players joining smaller clubs in order to pay the minimum HPA membership fee, rather than joining the club where they are actually playing their high-goal tournament. This habit is known colloquially as “parking”. It has come to light that out of the 72 players taking part in the Queen’s and Gold Cups, only 38 of them
were members of either Guards or Cowdray Park. The rest had opted to join smaller clubs where the membership fee was in the hundreds, rather than in the thousands. Like all good loopholes, this was a sitting duck waiting to be exploited, but the problem is that it has a dire effect on the clubs where they are playing the majority of their games. The revenue that should be coming in to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the high-goal grounds is being lost and it will have to be replaced in some way. Green fees for nonmembers anyone? F w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk w See page 66 for a feature about buying horses off the track www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 13:40
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19/09/2012 13:09
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Comment
Global view with Herbert Spencer
Getting rid of many of the throw-ins would significantly speed up games
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ormally I would leave suggestions about the rules of the game to my esteemed fellow columnist, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, but Arthur has kindly agreed that I can have a go at this. As a spectator at polo, I like to see non-stop, end-to-end action with as few stoppages as possible interrupting the flow of a game. Too much dead time can not only be boring for those watching at the ground, but also makes it unlikely that entire polo matches will ever be broadcast live on TV. Some games that should last only an hour or so go on too long because of what are, in my opinion, quite unnecessary breaks in the action. Umpires’ whistles stopping the clock when a foul is committed, or when a player goes down, are unavoidable. But what about all those time-consuming line-ups of players for throw-ins? In the HPA’s Blue Book you will find Rule 21, which lists no fewer than nine circumstances in which the umpires must take the time to marshal the players from wherever they are on the ground, try to separate the teams with a corridor and throw the ball in between
A scruffy-looking throw-in during England’s International Test Match against New Zealand at Beaufort Polo Club last summer
teams must ride to midfield and line up for a throw-in to restart play. Goal ends are also changed; this can be confusing, especially in filming for TV. Time could be saved in a match if a defending team restarts play immediately by hitting in from their goalmouth after the opposing team has scored. The direction of play could be changed only at half-time.
Photograph by James Mullan
By changing the rules slightly, a significant amount of dead time would be cut out them to start or restart play. By changing the rules to eliminate even just a couple of those circumstances, specifically after a goal is scored and when the ball goes out over the boards, a significant amount of dead time would be cut out of a game. Firstly, present rules require that, after a goal is scored, both 18
Polo Times, October 2012
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Secondly, rules now require that players must be lined up for a throw-in when the ball goes out over the boards, regardless of which team hit it out, accidentally or deliberately. Logically, the team hitting out should relinquish possession to the opposing team, as in football for example. A player from the team given
possession could restart play by taking a hit from near the boards where the ball went out – without time lost to a throw-in. It was three years ago that former eight-goal Argentine professional Javier Tanoira published his comprehensive and much-respected, 94-page critique of polo. Getting rid of the throwin after a goal is scored and when the ball is hit out were among Javier’s proposed rules changes. He estimated that 95 percent of throw-ins in a game would be eliminated by just these two changes, serving to keep the action going without losing time. Two years ago one club tested Javier’s suggestions. Some players liked the proposed changes, others did not. The detractors argued that throw-ins provide breaks in the action for both ponies and players and that without them they would find it difficult to last out the seven minutes of a chukka.
Obviously pony welfare is paramount, but rules allow pony changes during a chukka, so good management should ensure that no mount is overstretched. And surely a fit player should be able to go the seven minutes despite fewer breaks in the action. I think proposals for eliminating a large proportion of time-consuming throw-ins are worth reconsidering by the HPA’s umpires and rules committee. The committee should resist any undue pressure from players and club managers and make judicious changes in the rules for next season, changes that would improve the rhythm of the game for players and spectators alike. F wR ead more from Herbert at www.polotimes.co.uk ead Herbert’s report from the wR Audi International at Chester Racecourse on page 36 www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 13:08
Projet1_Mise en page 1 19/09/12 10:57 Page1
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19/09/2012 11:19
Comment
Umpire’s corner with Arthur Douglas-Nugent
Our umpires are spread across the globe right now - this means progress
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recent request for two umpires for the International Test Match at Chester Racecourse unearthed the fact that all but one of our top umpires were spread around the globe on umpiring duty elsewhere. In this case, we were victims of our own success but this is indeed proof that we are doing something right. Nonetheless, there is much progress still to be made so perhaps once again we should return to the drawing board, not least to aid those who aspire to reach the top. But, you might ask, how can they break through? Are we too conservative and is there a need for new blood? Probably yes, but I am confident the next generation of umpires will come from those who are currently playing, who
The umpire keeps a close eye on proceedings in the Audi International at Chester
Patrick Beresford, Alison Schwabe and our veterinary officers P J McMahon and Simon Knapp. The focus has been on raising the awareness of pony welfare within clubs and in this they have been hugely successful. There are now rules specific to
Photograph by Audi
I am confident the next generation of umpires will come from those who are currently playing are not yet ready to commit to a full-time umpiring career. Another committee that has seen little change at the top over the years, but has served the HPA so well, is the Welfare Committee. This was initiated by and has been chaired by David Morley for the last 15 years, with help from
pony welfare in the Blue Book and some pretty comprehensive dictats on the use or non-use of drugs. Drug tests on ponies are carried out and sanctions taken against those players who flout the rules. Yes, the committee may be of long standing but is that necessarily a bad thing? I think not.
Foul or fair? In the Blue Book, Rule 27b states that: “If the referee rules ‘No Foul’ a throw-in will be taken from the spot where the ball was when the whistle was blown.”
The point has been made that this unfairly penalises a team in the vicinity of their goal if a foul is blown for at the same time as a defender hits the ball to the boards. The subsequent throw-in will be taken only ten yards out from the goal or back line, whilst the ball is brought back from the boards where it ended up. Well, too bad I say as you cannot have a rule which applies only to the vicinity of the goal without marking out a specific penalty area. And nobody wants that. The umpires have quite enough to think about without having to make that sort of judgement. F
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How do you rate? Once again I return to a familiar theme – learning from top officials in other sports. A new light was thrown on this in a lecture by Keith Hackett of the Football Association. He outlined the following areas in which umpires should rate highly:
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Reliability: consistency of decision making Communication: ability to convey decisions Decisive thinking: making decisions quickly Unflappable: remaining calm under pressure Integrity: Being impartial, independent of influence Common sense: understanding of the culture of the sport Confidence: self-confidence Motivation: enjoyment of the job, not just the financial rewards
Foul for thought… This month’s puzzle A player is galloping down the ground when a defender hits a backhand which gets lodged in his midriff just before he crosses the goal-line. Does this count as a goal?
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Polo Times, October 2012
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Last month’s solution Name the reasons for which a player will lose the Right Of Way. A reference to Rule 33 will provide the answers. They are: h. Player A checks and B nips in front safely i. Player A hits the ball past the offside stirrup of B, who is on the line of the ball. Player A only has a nearside play. j. Player A switches to take the ball on his nearside with B following behind on the line. k. Player A hits the ball but then deviates from the line giving the ROW to B who is following down the exact line.
www.polotimes.co.uk
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19/09/2012 13:00
Comment
Your views
Letters
Letter of the month
More women’s polo coverage please
Write to the editor in the following ways:
Sir, I have been reading Polo Times regularly for three years now and it just gets better and better. I think you do a great job of covering the whole scene from the glamorous Argentine 10-goalers, through club polo to the Pony Club Polo events. If anything there is too much to read! I only just get through one issue when the next one plops on the doormat. Perhaps you could put less words and more pictures in each issue and then you wouldn’t have so much work to do!
◗ letters@polotimes.co.uk ◗ Tweet: @PoloTimes ◗ The Editor, Polo Times,
Holbrook Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX
Being a girl, I would love to read more about women in polo and an in-depth interview with one of the top lady players – to see how they juggle playing with having a family etc. Oh, and I loved last Christmas’s fashion shoot feature – please do another one this year.
A covers controversy
Sarah Allan Norfolk
Sir, I do not know which is worse the front or the back cover of the August issue of Polo Times. The front cover suggests that polo is no longer a game for gentlemen, probably true but some of us do not like to be reminded of that fact. Volume 17 • Issue 7 • August 2012 • £6.50
www.polotimes.co.uk
The writer of the Letter of the month wins a bottle of Berry Bros & Rudd Champagne
PT on the front line in Afghanistan Sir, I thought your readers may be interested to see a photo of the four members of the 2013 King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) polo team reading Polo Times while out in Afghanistan. The team – Lieutenant George Walker, Lieutenant
GOOD AS GOLD
Yellow shines bright to put Kirby’s Cortium up on the podium
Plus: polo’s role in the Olymp ics & its heritage in Pony
Editor’s note: Sarah, thank you for your kind words. Rest assured our November/December issue will be packed with our usual round-up of the best Christmas gifts for your polo-mad friends and family (a subscription to Polo Times of course being one of them!). We also have a few features up our sleeves for 2013 about women’s polo, so please watch this space
Club
George Stephens, Captain Paul Cowell and Lieutenant Henry Foster – are all members of Tidworth Polo Club and return from Helmand at the end of the month. Having missed the summer season in the UK, we will be
dusting off our boots and travelling out to Argentina this winter for some well-needed practice before the start of next season. Lieutenant George Walker Lashkar Gar, Afghanistan
The back cover because of the twisted shoe on that poor pony. Did it break the hoof? Did a nail puncture the sole or was it spotted after the chukka? Someone should have told IG Index the first time they used the photograph.
HV LQGG
B [ PP B*HWB&ORVHUB3RORB7LP
Claudia Roche, Ireland Editor’s note: Claudia, sorry hear you didn’t enjoy the covers. We quite liked the raw passion shown by Cortium on the front. As for the back, we will certainly pass your concerns on to IG Index 22
Polo Times, October 2012
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www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 16:14
Comment
Your views
ng money from ng doesn’t make a r “professional”
Your views
Comment
wed issue, in which you intervie feature article in the July However, aside from his ” polo player James Beim. y earns his money by being mitments, Beimy typicall albeit – as a way of spending his ron, who forms a team makes him my view, this therefore – disposable income. In golf ng the same service as a of the leisure industry, providi in polo for the income an earn ki instructor. Many people they be a stupid question to suggest provide, but it seems to
A new career opportunity for polo commentator?
e called professionals. players the Argentine Open, where m the top four teams in teams capacity, those in all other on their individual playing to what benefit they bring on rather, but, p d on their handica him p of 15 in no way makes here, find out For a golfer to have a handica sail for the southern hemisp player polo al two-go As polo’s top pros set a to ent is played on pages 32-36 nal but this is roughly equival dge where else the game knowle golfing be paid for his as the golfer on 15 could s employ who benefits to the person because he offers special le of this. was Australia’s best examp o for polo. Kerry Packer lly ionals in the way that we at the junior levels – mercifu here are very few polo profess of are, on the other There sports. They just Sir, having seen the Duke eam – there is none of this. hem in more mainstr lorries part from Essex Polo, with horses, income from polo or in play, and it’s great to watch. ny people who earn their little. the in matters stuck not or ties the professional and celebri Credit should also go to ether we call some of them and consider which mud, water everywhere fact that a player can only umpiring of these games, in my view it is a simple Polo is e. In this a man from Scotland playing p in excess of eight goals. is generally very sensibl ite when he carries a handica we’ve seen the bagpipes, I wonder if that y, who elite athletes in each that Dawna the Seb only is was it it yet case, her games, be called ely the best g the tournament shouldn’t London – who are genuin did brilliantly, only blowin few weeks competing in instead. onal y the Duke of Wellington of elite you have to be excepti whistle when it was entirel oo! st. To be worthy of the title each case. In a few It was something like Waterl amongst the top few in necessary – an approach of port, having qualified as seen I’ve polo elite. best do The player cannot be called more senior umpires would r ms therefore, a seven-goal qualifie been Club have late was a Pony is that all our best players well to adopt. many in Australia, our problem country, which at Coworth Park. While money and promote the to the d overseas to earn their professionals now play tion and our clubs are associa si Our Degros home. at Atilio fouls to hing for the game play in rule book, manipulating but why do we care? We via email game, d up members of the HPA, help win themselves the side of the world! a and the UK is the other at the Carling, the “old farts” orrow a phrase from Will ion Federat d the Australian Polo an Polo Council (now rename a grip of community) need to get r, to save you bothering: discussion with the playing d players We follow them on twitte all, we only have 480 affiliate e game really works. After @amyguyno1 – 28 July APC delegates. @roystonprisk – 1 August nt lost on our pompous the of root key First game of polo the , with money I should be riding and have is in a period of conflict anonymous. today on my new horse am see why I’d rather remain many things to do... But m. Having read this, you she’s so On the Masquerita! reading @PoloTimes ... gorgeous :) (+pic) sweets Eating sofa... farmer -goal lia South Wales, Austra
Essex Battle re-enactment in
Sir, I am most flattered by Anon’s suggestion (in the September issue of Polo Times) eting that Russell J Larson’s rth re-tweepitaph Tweets wo might have been influenced by my verse (pictured below).
Roy’s poetry and a gra J Sir, I was amused by Roy Law’s poem in the August issue of Polo Times – and entitled “Last Rides” – it reminded me of the epitaph of well-known US American cowboy and
ve sentiment
Navy Veteran, Russell Larson, whose gravestone appears as pictured. Given that Roy says he wrote his poem in 1979, and that Russell James Larsen died in Utah in
1983, one wonders if perhaps somehow the former’s verse somehow made its way stateside in time to influence the latter?! Anon, London Polo Times, September 2012
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Alas, since my original inspiration was a phrase in either an obituary or a broadcast (either of which may well have been American), it seems far more likely that his descendants and I both used the same source. Maybe I should turn my hand to writing epitaphs? After all, one of my ex-wives gave me a copy of “A Small Book of Grave Humour”. Roy Law, Middlesex Editor’s note: First commentating, then poetry and now epitaph writing – you are clearly a man of many talents Roy. We hope to be able to publish another one of your poems some time soon
“My money-bags patron was so inspired by the RoR day he spent £100m on Frankel. Only problem is, he can’t stop him running past the post”
Are there a lack of seats on the Sotogrande sidelines? Sir, for many years I have watched the August Santa Maria Tournament, and my favourite venue still is Puente de Hierro (Iron Bridge), where most of the low-goal matches have been played. There have been some very close matches this season leading up to the final between Silex and Bisontes, which will be played at Los Pinos. One of my special memories of Iron Bridge this year must be the moment I captured on my www.polotimes.co.uk
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camera (right) of the boards at Cancha 1 being used as seating! I wonder what “Health & Safety” would have to say about it. Maurice FitzGerald, Jimena, Spain Editor’s note: Thanks very much for your contribution Maurice – you certainly don’t see that on the boards at Guards! You might be interested in our coverage from Sotogrande on page 40-42 Polo Times, October 2012
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21/09/2012 16:14
Feature
Interview â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brigadier John Wright
Photograph by Herbert Spencer
The Wright man
HPA chairman-elect John Wright in front of the clubhouse at his beloved Tidworth
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24/09/2012 14:54
Interview – Brigadier John Wright
for the job Brigadier John Wright is due to be elected as the new chairman of the HPA next month. We met up with him to find out about his military career, his family, his beginnings in polo and his hopes for his new role
Feature
By Herbert Spencer in Wiltshire
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fter a distinguished military career, a long period leading Pony Club Polo and 17 years running the country’s biggest little polo club, Tidworth, Brigadier John A Wright CBE is now slated to become chairman of the sport’s governing body in the UK and Ireland, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). The HPA Council elected John vicechairman in May this year and is scheduled to vote him in as chairman at its 15 November meeting, succeeding Nicholas ColquhounDenvers who retires after serving his fouryear term. As the new HPA chairman, John will also automatically become a vicepresident of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and a member of the global body’s Council of Administration. John, who turns 72 this month, is looking forward to the challenges of both posts. “I firmly believe the HPA to be the best-run and most respected of all the polo associations,” he says. “We are most fortunate to be supported by an excellent chief executive, David Woodd, and his small but dedicated team. After 10 years as a Steward, it will be a
“I firmly believe the HPA to be the best-run and most respected of all the polo associations” – John Wright pleasure to work with them as chairman. “As for the FIP,” John said, “I have not been involved with the federation before and so will be faced with a steep learning curve. I look forward to attending my first FIP General Assembly in Buenos Aires this December.” I recently spent a fascinating afternoon with the HPA chairman-elect at the home he shares with Christiane, his partner and now wife of 14 years. German-born Christiane is a jewellery designer and artist who has a studio at the property, a converted Edwardian coach house on the Kingsettle Stud near the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, a few minutes u drive from Tidworth. Polo Times, October 2012
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Feature
Interview – Brigadier John Wright
Major John Wright, centre front, with the 16th/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers in 1989
Sandhurst, December 1952
In Berlin with the 4th Royal Tank Regiment in 1961, days after the Berlin Wall was built
Commanding Officer of the 16th/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers in Denmark in 1984
Photographs from John Wright’s private archive
In the Falklands in 1988
Behind the gun in Borneo in 1965
With Queen Elizabeth at Tidworth in 1983
On the Green Line in Cyprus in 1974
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The house is filled with art and photographs as well as other memorabilia of John’s military career and polo. John related stories behind many of the objects with perfect recall and great humour. John Anthony Wright was born on 10
October 1940 in Peshawar in the NorthWest Frontier Province of India, near the Khyber Pass. His father was a career officer in the British Army, attached to the Indian Army’s Bengal Sappers & Miners. After Japan entered the war and moved against
“There were 45 playing members, military and civilian, when I took over Tidworth. Today the club has some 150 playing members, the second largest membership in the country” – John Wright 26 Polo Times, October 2012
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India, Wright senior served in Burma building communications for Allied forces halting the Japanese advance. At the end of the war John, then fiveyears-old, was sent to England to attend prep school. “Even at that age it was quite a culture shock, coming from a relatively comfortable life in the British Raj to the austerity of post-war England with food rationing,” he recalls. He remembers the excitement of spending holidays with his parents in Kenya and the Suez Canal Zone in Egypt – “fresh fruit again, www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 15:11
Interview – Brigadier John Wright
Feature
John with Lt Gen Sir Mike Rose in 1996 John in Chile with Young England in 1991
Buff Crisp and John in 1991 Alicia Wright aged two John with the third Viscount Cowdray
With Prince Charles at the 2003 Rundle Cup
John and his wife Christiane John in action in the QRIH Cup at Tidworth in 1989
With several future England stars in Argentina in 1992 Peter Wright, John’s son, won the Loriner title in 1987
nothing like it back in England then.” He went on to attend Wellington College and then the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. “My first commission after leaving Sandhurst in 1960 was in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment, where I served for 10 years. After that I transferred to the 16th/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers, another armoured unit.” During his 37 years as a career army officer, John served all over the world, from Berlin when the Wall was built to Northern Ireland during the troubles (receiving his first operational gong, an MBE), in Aden www.polotimes.co.uk
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and South Arabia, Malaysia and Borneo. In Operation Desert Storm, driving Saddam Hussein’s Iraqis out of Kuwait, the then Colonel Wright was Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for the British forces, “helping to plan operations from a bunker in High Wycombe.” He was awarded a CBE for his work during the Gulf War. John ended his army career in 1995 as a Brigadier, having been on the staff of the Chief of the Defence Staff, travelling with him to wherever British forces were on operational duty.
Cheltenham Cup winners in 1989
It was while serving in Cyprus in 1973 that John got his first, short-lived introduction to polo. “Sadly, just a week after we started learning the game, the conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots hotted up, so that was the end of our polo on the island,” he said. It would be another 10 years before John took lessons from the late Major Hugh Dawnay and became a proper polo player. “I managed to achieve a zero-goal handicap, played low-goal polo with friends and fellow officers and had a lot of fun,” John recalled. “In the end, however, with only u Polo Times, October 2012 27
21/09/2012 13:20
Interview – Brigadier John Wright
Photograph by Lucy Lewis
Feature
John Wright with HPA chief executive David Woodd at the HPA’s headquarters near Faringdon in Oxfordshire
u three ponies, I decided to let my son Peter pick up the ball. I haven’t played polo myself for 10 years now. Peter went on to achieve a four-goal handicap. He no longer plays, but is one of the HPA’s top professional umpires.” John’s daughter Alicia has also been involved with polo, recently assisting with the Pony Club Polo championships for several years. She now runs a growing polo establishment with her partner Shaun Brokensha in Plett, South Africa. In 1990, when Buff Crisp became secretary of the HPA (the equivalent of chief executive today), he asked John to succeed him as chairman of Pony Club Polo (PCP). “Buff had done a tremendous job expanding PCP and he was my mentor,” John says. “For the next eight years I was able to build on his work. I established a structured programme of training and coaching for the youngsters in the UK and took some abroad, to Argentina, Chile and the US. “There are two things that have made PCP 28 Polo Times, October 2012
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so outstanding, then and now” says John. “Firstly, it is a great leveller: a youngster doesn’t have to come from a wealthy polo family to participate, quite a few come from families with relatively modest incomes. Secondly, there are the hundreds of polo “mums” – dads too but mainly the mums – who volunteer their time helping to run the show, everything from grooming for their own children and organising
year that they could no longer afford to keep it going. So I took it on as a sole trader to sort out the funding and put the club on a sound financial footing. “There were 45 playing members, military and civilian, when I took over. Today the club has some 150 playing members, the second largest membership in the country. “I was able to build the membership over the years by concentrating on low-goal polo at a reasonable price. I initiated three-day courses for beginners and ensured that all the members got plenty of polo at an appropriate handicap level. “We also developed our Army-Navy game into a major event in the calendar. When I took over, the club was lucky to get 400 spectators. More recently we’ve had as many as 4,500, thanks in part to the participation of the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry.” Now, after 17 years, John is giving up his post as Tidworth director and turning the management over to the club’s current polo manager, Jessica Andrews, and her father Christopher. As the HPA’s chairman-to-be, John sees a bright future ahead for the association and for polo in this country – but he does have some reservations. “We now have 67 outdoor and 29 arena clubs, plus 31 overseas affiliates consisting of national associations and some individual clubs including new ones in China,” he said. “The HPA’s youth development programme, including Pony Club Polo, is the best in the world. Our high-goal season is the most cosmopolitan anywhere, drawing team owners and top professionals from across the globe. “We must recognise, however, that this country is in the middle of a recession with no end in sight. This seems to be having little effect on the big money, top end of polo, but it is changing the game at lower levels, with fewer places for established professionals or aspiring pros on teams. “Fewer people joined the game this year
“The recession seems to be having little effect on the big money top end of polo, but it is changing the game at lower levels. This is something we must address.” – John Wright teams, to overseeing the camps at the PCP championships. They do a fantastic job.” Meanwhile, in 1995, John stepped in to save Tidworth Polo Club, which had been the home of military polo since 1907. “The club had been run by the army,” he explained, “but they announced the previous
and that is a trend we must try and reverse as soon as possible. The majority of our low-goal clubs and the wider teaching establishments will depend on it”. F w For action from Tidworth Polo Club’s Ladies Tournament see page 50 www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 13:50
The Gold of Royalty Each piece of Clogau jewellery contains a touch of the very same rare Welsh gold used to create wedding rings for some members of the Royal Family since 1923. The tradition of Royalty using Welsh gold is over 100 years old. In 1911 when Prince Edward was invested as The Prince of Wales, his coronation regalia, known collectively as The Honours of the Principality of Wales, were fashioned from Welsh gold.
Wales Polo Clogau is proud to be official sponsor of the Wales Polo Team and Welsh Polo Association. From this collaboration, both Clogau and the Wales Polo Team are able to strengthen their most distinguished ties to both Wales and Royalty, with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales acting as patron of the team. Both the excitement and glamour of Polo, a sport steeped in rich heritage and tradition, has inspired the stylish Wales Polo collection.
Clogau is proud to be official sponsors of the Wales Polo Team
www.clogau.co.uk
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0845 606 88 77
19/09/2012 12:46
Feature
The rise and rise of La Dolfina
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Realising Adolfo’s dream After winning the Argentine Open title for the sixth time last year, La Dolfina’s star-studded team have reached the perfect handicap of 40-goals for the second time. Ahead of another Argentine high-goal season we look back at the history of Adolfo Cambiaso’s all-conquering club
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Polo Times, October 2012
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www.polotimes.co.uk
24/09/2012 15:01
The rise and rise of La Dolfina
Feature
Carlos Beer reports
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t was 1996; Adolfo Cambiaso was only 21-years-old, but he was already planet polo’s most famous star. He had one Argentine Open title under his belt, and was confident that many more would follow. He was playing in Palermo with La Martina, in a break from his first big love, Ellerstina. It was during this time that he made a decision that would change his future, and the future of polo. He took his horses to his beloved village of Cañuelas, 50 miles from Buenos Aires, and decided to found a club there – his club. He called it La Dolfina. “I wanted to create my own place, and it had to be settled in the village where I lived my whole life”, remembers Adolfo today, as he reflects on how his modest initiative has grown and expanded. Nowadays, what started as a few stables has developed into a modern high-goal polo organisation that hosts an annual competition for patrons, the
“I wanted to create my own place, and it had to be in the village where I lived my whole life” – Adolfo Cambiaso
Photographs by Alice Gipps
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Copa de Diamante (Diamond Cup). The latest addition to the calendar is the Copa Diamantitos (Little Diamonds Cup), a children’s tournament in which Cambiaso’s son, Adolfo Jr, made his debut last year. The club has become a symbol of Argentine polo, winning six Argentine Open crowns, including three of them consecutively in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Cambiaso’s team has also reached the perfect handicap of 40-goals twice – originally in 2007 when the main man was joined by Bartolomé “Lolo” Castagnola, Mariano Aguerre and Lucas Monteverde. This was a feat repeated by the current line-up after last year’s latest success at Palermo when Uruguayan David “Pelon” Stirling joined his star-studded teammates Juan Martín Nero, Pablo MacDonough and Cambiaso on 10 goals. u Adolfo Cambiaso gives his La Dolfina teammates a pep talk before 2011’s Argentine Open final
Polo Times, October 2012
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Feature u
The rise and rise of La Dolfina
The beginning While La Dolfina are now the kings of the Argentine high-goal, their journey to the top has involved several twists and turns along the way. In 1997, a year after the club’s official launch in Cañuelas, La Dolfina won their first important title, the Copa República Argentina. The team line-up was made up of Cambiaso, Lolo Castagnola, Guillermo Caset and Marianela Castagnola – the first, and to this day, the only, woman to win this prestigious competition, which allows teams to enter who are rated from 0 to 40-goals. That same year, Cambiaso and Lolo Castagnola won the Argentine Open, playing for Ellerstina alongside Mariano Aguerre and Gonzalo Pieres. This was an achievement
at one, with Lolo at back, so they quickly started looking around for two players who would fit into the midfield. “We’ve always been together and we decided everything in the team. Those were great years, because it’s always nice to create a project and go ahead”, remembers Castagnola, who will always be an extremely important part of La Dolfina’s history despite leaving the high-goal team in 2010. The Merlos brothers, Juan Ignacio and Sebastián, were the chosen ones who completed the foursome and La Dolfina headed to Palermo for the first time in 2000 with high expectations. They made it to the Argentine Open final in this very first year, but Cambiaso missed six penalties as they
“Beyond his talent as a player, what has always surprised me about Adolfo are his organisational skills” – Pablo MacDonough
Photographs by Carlos Beer and Images of Polo
that the duo would repeat 12 months later in 1998, but they would have to wait several years to reach these heights with their beloved La Dolfina. When Cambiaso made his decision to leave Ellerstina, it came as no surprise to his teacher Gonzalo Pieres. “He was always a very independent man and he always knew what he wanted, so I wasn’t surprised when he created his own project when he was a young boy”, said Pieres. Cambiaso learnt a lot from Pieres in his younger days and he used this to his advantage when setting up his own polo organisation.
Breaking away When they left Ellerstina after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the 1999 Argentine Open, Adolfo and Lolo had a very clear picture of how La Dolfina would play in the Argentine high-goal. Adolfo would play
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lost 16-13 against reigning-champions Indios Chapaleufú II. La Dolfina kept faith with the same lineup in 2001, only to finish as beaten finalists at Palermo again. It was third time lucky the following year, though, as Cambiaso, Castagnola and the Merlos brothers sealed La Dolfina’s first Argentine Open title after an ill-tempered final against their old foes Indios Chapaleufú II. The match included the first ever red card in an Argentine Open final – for Indios’s Eduardo Heguy – as well as eight yellow cards, but a record haul of 16 goals from Cambiaso led his side to a 20-16 victory.
Transition After La Dolfina’s first Open win, the team reached their fourth straight Argentine Open final in 2003, but they squandered a 9-6
lead in the sixth chukka as they lost 12-10 to Triple Crown winners La Aguada. This setback led to big changes at La Dolfina. The Merlos brothers moved to their own team, La Mariana, and Cambiaso and Castagnola turned to Santiago Chavanne and Mexican legend Carlos Gracida. Despite having plenty of talent, La Dolfina could never find a line-up that worked, with Gracida playing at one, two and three throughout the season. After a disappointing high-goal campaign, Chavanne and Gracida moved on. At this point, Cambiaso and Castagnola decided that they would choose one player each to complete the line-up for 2005. Cambiaso, remembering the good times at Ellerstina, called in nine-goaler Mariano Aguerre, with whom he had already won three Argentine Open titles. Meanwhile, Lolo chose another Cañuelas-born player, eight-goaler Lucas Monteverde. “It was a strange situation for me, because I was moving to the other side,” explains Aguerre. “I’d played with Ellerstina for many years, and besides, my wife Tatiana is Gonzalo’s daughter, and the sister of Gonzalito and Facundo. “But it was a great opportunity. Playing with Adolfito is always a plus, and so it proved to be in time.” Monteverde was also just as optimistic about the new team. He said: “It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I had to accept, no matter what”.
Instant success Success came quickly for the new-look La Dolfina team. They won the Argentine Open in 2005 in an unforgettable final. They beat Ellerstina 20-19 in a thrilling encounter, with Cambiaso
Left, the 1997 La Dolfina line-up of Lolo Castagnola, Adolfo Cambiaso, Guillermo Caset and Marianela Castagnola, who won the Copa Republica. Below, the 2003 Argentine Open winners – Castagnola, Juan and Sebastián Merlos and Cambiaso
Po
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24/09/2012 15:03
The rise and rise of La Dolfina
Changing times La Dolfina earned their fifth Argentine Open title in 2009 with another win against Ellerstina. Either side of this victory, however, came disappointing final defeats against the Piereses and co. The second of these in 2010 saw Pelon Stirling play in place of Aguerre, and afterwards Cambiaso was to make even A stunning aerial shot of La Dolfina’s polo grounds in Cañuelas, Argentina bigger changes. He decided that the time was right to split from scoring the winning goal in an extra chukka. his lifetime friend and brother-in-law, Lolo After this win, Castagnola and Aguerre Castagnola. It was not an easy decision for joined Cambiaso on 10-goals and Cambiaso to make, but he felt it was time to Monteverde moved up to nine. change the team’s style of play. In 2006, now as a 39-goal team, La Castagnola and Monteverde moved on Dolfina retained their crown with another and in their place came two of Ellerstina’s extra-chukka win. This time Castagnola star players of the 2010 final – Pablo scored the winning goal to beat La Aguada MacDonough and Juan Martín Nero. “I’d 14-13. This meant that La Dolfina entered played with Adolfito in England, so his the 2007 Argentine Open with a double aim call was a huge temptation for me”, said – to win their third straight title and to move MacDonough. “Beyond his talent as a player, up to 40-goals. what has always surprised me about him are They achieved this with yet another extrachukka win against Ellerstina. Fittingly, it was his organisational skills.” Pelon retained his place in the team and Monteverde who scored the winning goal the Uruguayan believes playing with these in the 16-15 win. After the game he moved great players has been the making up to 10-goals to make La Dolfina only the of him as a polo player. “I’ve fourth 40-goal team in the game’s history grown in polo at La Dolfina. I – following in the footsteps of the great settled there since my arrival Coronel Suarez, La Espadaña and Indios in Argentina, and Adolfito Chapaleufú teams of the past.
Feature
always helped me a lot,” he said. The Fab Four were undefeated at Palermo in 2011 as they claimed La Dolfina’s sixth Argentine Open title.
Bright future After Pelon went up to 10-goals, the team once again has a perfect 40-goal handicap. They are the favourites to win everything in the upcoming season, and rightfully so. Beyond the polo team, La Dolfina has also grown and improved a lot as a club, and now has four polo grounds as well as several tennis courts. Their competitions have become bigger every year and they now produce teams which play in low and medium-goal tournaments in Argentina. A 21-year-old’s dream is now one of the fundamental pillars of polo in Argentina. La Dolfina has earned its place in the history of polo as a team and, to Cambiaso’s delight, La Dolfina is making waves as a club now too. F w To find out about La Dolfina’s biggest rivals in this year’s Argentine high-goal season, turn over the page u La Dolfina’s current 40-goal line-up Juan Martín Nero, Pablo MacDonough, Pelon Stirling and Adolfo Cambiaso
The first 40-goal La Dolfina line-up of Castagnola, Mariano Aguerre, Lucas Monteverde and Cambiaso, left, in 2005 and, below, in 2009
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Argentine high-goal teams
La Dolfina’s Argentine rivals for 2012 La Dolfina will stick with the same 40-goal team of Adolfo Cambiaso, David “Pelon” Stirling, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martín Nero for this year’s Argentine Triple Crown. Here is a rundown of the other teams who will be looking to beat them: Teams playing in the qualifying tournament to claim the final two places in the Hurlingham and Argentine Opens La Aguada – Las Monjitas (33): Lucas James 8; Cristian Laprida 8; Eduardo Novillo Astrada 9; Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8
Photographs by Images of Polo and James Mullan
La Irenita (32): Lucas Criado 8; Santiago Chavanne 8; Matías MacDonough 8; Tomás García del Río 8 Magüal (30): Alejandro Muzzio 7; Marcos Di Paola 8; Facundo Sola 7; Jaime García Huidobro 8
Ellerstina 10-goaler Facundo Pieres in action against La Dolfina last year
Already qualified for the Tortugas, Hurlingham and Argentine Opens (38): Facundo Pieres 10; Nicolás Pieres 9; Ellerstina (38): Mariano Aguerre 9; Gonzalo Pieres 10 (36): Guillermo Caset 9; Javier Novillo Astrada 9; La Aguada (36): Miguel Novillo Astrada 9; Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9 Pilará (35): Hilario Ulloa 9; Francisco Bensadón 9; (35): Sebastián Merlos 9; Francisco de Narváez La Natividad (33): Pablo Pieres 8; Ignacio Heguy 9; (33): Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 8; Bartolomé Castagnola 9 Alegría (34): Agustín Merlos 9; Lucas Monteverde 9; (34): Juan Ignacio Merlos 8; Frederick Mannix 8
Indios Chapaleufú II Cardón (29): Alberto Heguy 7; Guillermo Terrera 7; Ignatius Du Plessis 7; Eduardo Heguy 8
Magüal’s Facundo Sola
Las Praderas (29): Santiago Toccalino 7; Joaquín Pittaluga 7; Diego Cavanagh 7; Ignacio Toccalino 8 Trenque Lauquen (29): Salvador Ulloa 7; Juan A García Grossi 8; Guillermo Willington 7; Agustín Nero 7 La Vanguardia (28): Juan M Zavaleta 7; Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario 7; Manuel Crespo 7; Diego Araya 7 Sauvaterre (28): Gonzalo Deltour 7; Gastón Laulhé 7; Ignacio Laprida 7; Joao Paulo Ganon 7
Above, Pilará’s former ten-goaler Sebastián Merlos, who played with La Dolfina a decade ago. Left, La Natividad eight-goaler Pablo Pieres, who won the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park this year
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Sauvaterre’s seven-goaler Gonzalo Deltour
www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 15:25
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20/09/2012 16:20
Photographs by Audi
Reports
HPA Audi International, Chester
England wins as Chester makes its Test debut Audi England recovered from an early deficit to beat South America after a nail-biting final chukka
Herbert Spencer at Chester
England South America
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he Hurlingham Polo Association’s new Audi International Polo Series reached a nail-biting finale in September when Audi England narrowly defeated an all-Argentine Veuve Clicquot South America team 8½ - 8 at Chester Racecourse Polo Club in Cheshire. This gave Audi England a three-one win-loss record in major at-home international Tests this season. In the Audi series, the national team beat South Africa to take the Coronation Cup, but lost to the Commonwealth in the England’s Mark Tomlinson on Roddy Williams’s re-trained racehorse Mr Cheers
www.polotimes.co.uk
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20/09/2012 15:49
HPA Audi International, Chester
Reports
England’s James Beim leads the charge with South America’s Manolo Fernandez-Llorente in hot pursuit during the inaugural Audi International at Chester Racecourse last month
Beaufort Test. Earlier, Audi England defeated the USA in the St Regis International. The Chester event marked the first time that a polo Test Match had ever been held in the north of England. In the past internationals have been confined to clubs in the south, at Guards, Cowdray Park and Beaufort. The affluent Cheshire crowd of some 2,500, most of whom were seeing international polo for the first time, switched sports to watch thoroughbred polo ponies pounding down the turf rather than thoroughbred racehorses galloping around the Chester track.
the city centre. The polo club’s main ground is in the centre of the racetrack. A large luncheon marquee with a viewing terrace occupied one side of the ground with space for other spectators alongside. The only snag was that, because the marquee faced west, most of the spectators were looking directly into the sun as they viewed the action. But the hot and sunny weather had allowed the club to get the ground in fine condition for the Test. Not all of Audi England’s top players were available, so the HPA fielded a 23-goal
“Chester is an excellent venue and has the potential to draw even bigger crowds at our Audi International next year” – HPA chief executive David Woodd Chester Racecourse is the country’s oldest racetrack that is still in use – the first race there having been run in 1539. It is also one of the smallest of any significance with a track of only one mile and a furlong (1.8 kilometres) with a short, one furlong finishing straight. As a polo venue it is superb, overlooked by Chester’s old Roman walls, a short stroll from www.polotimes.co.uk
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team with South America on 24-goals, giving England half-a-goal on the scoreboard at the start of the match. With scoring on the ground equal throughout, in the end it was the half-goal advantage that gave the home side their narrow victory. Two of Audi England’s players had to come back from the Continent to play in the
Test. With their ponies across the Channel in Chantilly, where they were playing in the French Open, James Beim and Mark Tomlinson were forced to play on borrowed ponies – sourced by Roddy Wood and Andrew Hine, the team manager. Beim, however, pronounced the teams’ pony power “pretty much equal”. The match was fast and largely open, but the players appeared to be less effective in their stick work than one might have expected at this level. Although there was some admirable hooking in stopping attacks, both teams missed scoring opportunities throughout the match. Audi England kept the ball in South America’s territory through much of the opening chukka, but were unable to score, missing several tries including a 60-yard conversion fluffed by James Harper. It was late in the chukka before the visitors drew first blood with a 30-yarder by Guillermo Cuitino. Manolo Fernandez-Llorente then took the ball from the throw-in to the posts to suddenly give South America a 2-½ lead at the bell. Cuitino scored from the field midway through the second chukka to increase South America’s advantage. Harper then pulled one u Polo Times, October 2012
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20/09/2012 15:49
Reports
HPA Audi International, Chester
England six-goaler James Harper rides off South America’s veteran six-goaler Pepe Araya as he prepares to play a near-sided backhand during the Test Match in Cheshire
u back for England with a 40-yard conversion. In the last minute Fernandez-Llorente scored with an under-the-neck shot to increase South America’s lead to 4-1½. Audi England held the visitors scoreless in the third chukka. Harper took a tumble as the chukka began although no damage was done to player or pony. Ollie Cudmore scored from the field midway through the chukka to decrease England’s deficit, leaving South America ahead 4-2½ with two chukkas to play. The home team out-scored the visitors in the fourth chukka to take the lead, with South America’s only goal coming from a 30-yard penalty conversion by Cuitino. For England, James Beim converted a 40-yarder, followed by a field goal from Harper, who took the ball into South America’s goal area, lost it, and then picked it up again to score. Cudmore took a pass from Harper to find the posts and finish the chukka with England 5½-5 up. Both teams pulled out the stops to make the fifth and final chukka a real cliff-hanger, with scoring equal. Cudmore struck first to increase England’s lead to 6½-5, having again been set 38
Polo Times, October 2012
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up by Harper. Cuitino converted a 30-yarder to pull one back for South America, who then briefly retook the lead with a field goal by sixgoaler Marcos Araya. With a minute left to play, Beim scored from the field to put England ahead again, then converted a 40-yard penalty shot to strengthen their advantage to 8½-7. South America’s Pepe Araya (uncle of Marcos) raced to goal and scored from the next throw-in, but the final bell tolled just as play was about to restart, leaving Audi England the winners, 8½-8. South America’s Marcos Araya was named most valuable player of the HPA Audi Test and his Argentine-bred mount Cocaine won the best playing pony prize. The Retraining of Racehorses award for best retrained thoroughbred went to Mr Cheers, who was played by Mark Tomlinson and is owned by Roddy Williams. “Generally, this was a fine Test between two well-matched teams,” commented David Woodd, the HPA’s chief executive. “Chester is an excellent venue and has the potential to draw even bigger crowds at our Audi International next year.” F
w To read more about the best retrained thoroughbred Mr Cheers, see page 66 for a feature about buying ponies off the track
Game rating
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u H PA Audi International Polo, 8 September 2012; Chester Racecourse Polo Club Result: Audi England beat Veuve Clicquot South America, 8½-8 Handicap level: 23/24-goal Most valuable player: Marcos Araya Best playing pony: Cocaine, played by Marcos Araya ROR best retrained thoroughbred: Mr Cheers, played by Mark Tomlinson Teams Audi England (23): Ollie Cudmore 4; Mark Tomlinson 6; James Beim 7; James Harper 6 Veuve Clicquot South America (24): Pepe Araya 6; Marcos Araya 6; Manolo Fernandez-Llorente 6; Guillermo Cuitino 6 Chukka scores (Audi England): ½-2; 1½-4; 2½-4; 5½-5; 8½-8 www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 15:50
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21/09/2012 15:23
Reports
High-Goal Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande
Lechuza Caracas’s Uruguayan three-goaler Santi Sterling and Dos Lunas’s six-goaler Rodrigo Ruedo cross sticks in front of a packed grandstand at Santa Maria Polo Club
Victory Vargas Popular Venezuelan patron Victor Vargas got his hands on the High-Goal Gold Cup for the first time as his Lechuza Caracas team benefited from a half-time change in tactics
Kian Gheissari in Spain
Photographs by Images of Polo
Lechuza Caracas Dos Lunas
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fter five weeks of intense action in the 41st BMW International tournament at the Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande, Victor Vargas’s Lechuza Caracas won the biggest prize of the Spanish season – the High-Goal Gold Cup title – with victory over Hublot Dos Lunas. The picturesque venue in southern Spain hosted nine tournaments in August – the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups at low, medium 40
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and high-goal level. It was evident from early August that Lechuza were intent on achieving success as they turned up with nigh on 40 horses. They put themselves in good stead for the Gold Cup by making it through to the High-Goal Silver Cup final. They carried this good form into the Gold Cup and duly beat Luis Domecq’s Dos Lunas 12-8 in the final. Dos Lunas on the other hand were considered by many as the underdogs for the Gold Cup final after they were resoundingly beaten 9-3 by Lechuza in the group stages. However, Luis Domecq’s team showed true grit and guile as they overcame Ayala in the semi-final and, as a welcome breeze picked up and the elegant spectators took their seats in the evening sun, they pushed Vargas’s side all the way in an intense final. After putting in an outstanding performance in Lechuza’s semi-final, many expected Juan
Martín Nero to dictate affairs once more. But it was his compatriot, the fired up Diego Cavanagh, who opened the scoring for Dos Lunas with a cracking 60-yard penalty. The Argentine seven-goaler controlled the opening two chukkas, using his crafty stick work to create space for himself before firing huge passes up field to Domecq. Meanwhile his teammate Pascal Sainz De Vicuña was doing a sterling job of keeping Nero at bay, marking him relentlessly and not allowing the Lechuza number three any time on the ball as Dos Lunas led 4-1 at the end of the second chukka. Nero managed to unshackle himself from his markers in the third and brought Lechuza Caracas back into the game as he began to resemble the Juan Martín Nero that took such control of the semi-final. He followed up an early goal with a successful 40-yard penalty and then, after a poor approach shot, he www.polotimes.co.uk
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High-Goal Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande played a masterful open backhand to bisect the posts and leave the game tied at 5-5 at half-time. A change in tactics in the second half for Lechuza saw patron Vargas drop back, taking some of the pressure off Santi Stirling. And from thereon in the team played with more fluidity. Nero opened the scoring in the fourth chukka with a remarkably astute goal, taking advantage of the intelligent positioning of his teammates. He maintained possession of the ball while his teammates created space in front of him, before suddenly accelerating past
“We changed some things in the fourth chukka. That was the key” – Juan Martín Nero a group of players, deftly cutting back inside, and then adding a fine finish. Not to be outdone, Diego Cavanagh posted a brilliant riposte moments later; he picked the ball up just yards in front of his back line, galloped the length of the boards whilst evading an attempted hook from Nero and expertly slotted the ball between the posts. This brought Dos Lunas level, at 6-6, but Lechuza soon regained the lead when Alejo Taranco converted a 40-yard penalty to bring the score to 7-6. Lechuza pulled away in the fifth chukka, scoring three goals to Dos Lunas’s one, but Dos Lunas never gave up. In the final chukka Cavanagh scored after just 30 seconds to reduce the deficit to 10-8, and they were
desperately unlucky to miss several chances soon after. Uruguayan Taranco added two further goals for Lechuza who went on to claim a 12-8 victory, and with it, the Gold Cup. Juan Martín Nero pinpointed the slight change in tactics at half-time as a decisive factor in their victory. “Dos Lunas played really well in the first three chukkas, then in the fourth we changed some things,” he revealed. “Victor started to play a little more back and I think this was the key for us.” Indeed, it was Lechuza’s ability and awareness to adapt at half-time, just as they did in their semi-final victory against Scapa, that lead to them winning this coveted trophy. F w See page 76 to read about Diego Cavanagh’s star pony, Delmay Pinta , who he will be playing in his native Argentina this month.
Game rating
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u 4 1st BMW International tournament – Nespresso High-Goal Gold Cup; 12-31 August 2012; Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande, Spain Result: Lechuza Caracas beat Dos Lunas, 12-8 Handicap level: 20-goal Most valuable player: Juan Martin Nero Lechuza Caracas (20): Victor Vargas 1; Santiago Stirling 3; Juan Martin Nero 10; Alejo Taranco 6 Hublot Dos Lunas (20): Luis Domecq 1; Pascal Sainz De Vicuna 6; Rodrigo Rueda 6; Diego Cavanagh 7
Reports
How did they perform in Sotogrande? We mark the players out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap
Lechuza Caracas (20): Victor Vargas (1) Although he was a tad wasteful in front of goal at times, the passionate Venezuelan patron scored a crucial goal at the start of the fifth chukka to put his team 8-6 ahead. Became increasingly involved after half-time. Alejo Taranco (6) The six-goaler shared penalty duties with Nero and had a fine day, recording a 100 per cent success rate. He came close to scoring with a cracking individual effort in the fifth chukka and scored the last goal. Juan Martín Nero (10) He had minimal impact in the opening two chukkas and although showing flashes of brilliance in the third it was not until after half-time that he took control. Despite having a wayward day with his penalties he scored six goals and demonstrated his huge talent.
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Santiago Stirling (3) David “Pelon” Stirling’s younger brother had a solid game and played more offensively in the second half. He made it a hat-trick of Gold Cup victories after winning the trophy with Dos Lunas in 2009 and Ellerston in 2010.
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Dos Lunas (20): Luis Domecq (1) A cracking pass and great riding-off from the Dos Lunas patron enabled De Vicuña to score in the second chukka. His opportunities were limited, but he missed a good chance in the sixth chukka.
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Pascal Sainz De Vicuña (6) He really did a job on Nero in the first and second chukkas; not allowing the ten-goaler any time on the ball. However he let the Argentine evade him at times during the third and struggled to adapt to the change in Lechuza’s tactics after half-time.
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Rodrigo Rueda (6) Rueda worked tirelessly off the ball creating space for Cavanagh to flourish. He had a big impact in the sixth chukka as Dos Lunas rallied late on and was desperately unlucky to hit the post with three minutes remaining.
Patron Victor Vargas and number two Alejo Taranco celebrate their Gold Cup success with the Lechuza Caracas staff
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Diego Cavanagh (7) Although Nero was awarded the MVP prize, Diego Cavanagh played well above his seven-goal handicap. The Argentine was absolutely everywhere in the first half, scored the best goal of the match and inspired his team to fight to the end.
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Reports
European 8-goal Championships, Santa Maria Polo Club, Spain
Viva Espaňa Unbeaten hosts Spain prove too strong for the other challengers in the European 8-goal Championships
The victorious Spanish team hold aloft the 8-goal European Cup at Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande
Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry
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pain beat Austria 8-2 in the final of the 9th European 8-goal Championships of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) held at Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande. Runners-up in the 2010 Championships, Spain dominated the tournament and were the only team to be unbeaten throughout. The line-up of Yago Espinosa de los Monteros (1), Louis Domecq (1), Pelayo Berazadi (4) and Gonzalo Entrecanales (2), worked in perfect harmony and were worthy champions. The young team, trained by Argentinian Benjamin Araya, opened the scoring in the final with an impressive field goal from Pelayo Berzadi two minutes before the end of the first chukka. From then on they left their Austrian opponents standing with Berzadi racking up another four goals. Austria were held captive throughout as Spain dominated possession to take their first title in the history of the continental tournament. In the subsidiary final, HPA-supported team Ireland beat Italy 5-4 to take third place. Although England are regular competitors in the bi-annual competition, this year the HPA chose to support Ireland as their designated team. The line-up of Stephen Hutchinson (2), his son Max (2), Richard
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Fagan (1) and Santiago Torreguitar (3) – polo manager at Santa Maria who holds an Irish passport – won two and lost two in the league stages to earn a place in the subsidiary final. Ireland’s two victories came against Austria, 7-6, and Germany, 10-9. They lost 10-4 to Spain and 4-4 to Italy in the group stages, before avenging the latter defeat in the subsidiary final. Ireland’s Stephen Hutchinson commented: “My present of Duty Free Marlboro Reds to coach John Horswell did not protect me from extremely focused comments on my performance at every stage. Although suitably humbled, I was carried along by three very able teammates.” The championships were due to take place in Germany, but were moved to Sotogrande after the organisers failed to secure sponsorship. F
The playing in Spain As another successful Spanish season draws to a close, Kian Gheissari talks to the players and patrons to discover why they flock to Sotogrande The Santa Maria clubhouse serves as a stunning visual backdrop and with fields and facilities of the highest class it is a wonder that more British players do not choose to play at Spain’s premier polo destination. The eight sun-drenched fields allow for a more expansive game as, with the ground not cutting up, the horses are sharper and fewer shots are missed due to the ball deviating less. This is an important factor for Juan Martín Nero who praised the playing surface. “The fields are really good; I think they are the best in Europe by far, and that’s why I think the games are faster, more open, and nicer to watch.” The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the BMW International and, although this may feature the only high-goal tournament of the year, there are many low and medium-goal ones held throughout spring and early summer. While it is important to support the UK domestic polo season, much can be gained for emerging pros and patrons who opt to play here, especially in light of this year’s dismal summer. British two-goaler Nick Johnson
“The fields are really good; I think they are the best in Europe” – Juan Martin Nero commented: “I think that a lot of people realise they can do a shorter season here. It’s going to cost the same but they get more games...it’s going to be huge next year.” Moreover, it is not just the splendid polo facilities that attracts players to Sotogrande. It is also a place for the whole family. British patron Kaveh Shakib remarked that provided you plan early it is an ideal destination. “It’s not just the polo, it is what the children can do during the day at the beach club and the rest of the recreation facilities that Sotogrande has to offer,” he said. “It is a fantastic place, and I would highly recommend it to my fellow English patrons.” F
u E uropean 8-goal Championships; 7-16 September; Santa Maria Polo Club, Spain Result: Spain beat Austria, 8-2 Handicap level: 8-goal Teams Spain (8): Yago Espinosa de los Monteros 1; Louis Domecq 1; Pelayo Berazadi 4; Gonzalo Entrecanales 2 Austria (8): Walter Scherb 1; Gerhard Herman 1; Martin Bleier 2; Diego Braun 4 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
Hublot Gold Cup, Gstaad, Switzerland
Starry eyes in Swiss Alps Defending champion Gualtiero Giori failed to retain his title in this year’s competition as his Hublot side narrowly lost to an extra-time goal by Star Design’s Argentine Pablo Jauretche Georgie May reports
Star Design Hublot
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even-goaler Pablo Jauretche led Star Design to a win in Gstaad, Switzerland, in August, scoring the golden goal for Albrecht Bach’s side in extra-time. They defeated Hublot, who included Italian Gualtiero Giori, winner of the tournament in 2011 with Gstaad Palace. Last year’s tournament consisted of only three teams after patron Philipp Maeder – who was due to field a team – died shortly before the event took place in the Swiss Alps. On that occasion the tournament was held as a round-robin, however, this year the three-day tournament featured its usual four teams and resumed to its normal knock-out format. In the semi-finals, Argentine Franckie Menendez successfully led Hublot to a win over Piero Dillier and Thomas Wolfensberger’s Gstaad Palace, 9-4½ to secure their place in the final. Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza were pitted against Star Design in the second semi-
final. After struggling in the first two chukkas, Star Design fought back in the third to turn the match around and claim their place in the final. The finalists had already faced each other in the preliminary round on day one of the tournament, where Hublot were the victors. With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees, Bach and his three Argentine team members – Manuel Cereceda, Pablo Jauretche and Juan Gonzales – got off to a better start than they did three days earlier and managed to secure an 8-3 lead after two chukkas. However, with four goals from Menendez and two from Tete Storni, Hublot reclaimed the lead. As the time was running down on the clock, Star Design’s Gonzales scored an equalizer to force the game into extra-time. Seconds into this extra chukka, teammate Jauretche scored his fifth goal of the game and clinched a 10-9 victory for his side. Gstaad Palace finished in third place after defeating Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza in the subsidiary final. This was sweet revenge for Gstaad after they lost to Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza in their opening game. As a consolation, the latter’s Sebastian Schneberger was named best amateur player
of the tournament. Meanwhile, Jauretche was named best professional player and Menendez was named top scorer – having scored an impressive 30 goals in three matches. For every goal scored during the tournament, 200 Swiss Francs was awarded to the children’s charity Just World International. In total, 54 goals were scored, amounting to 10,800 Swiss Francs. However, the donation was raised to 20,000 Swiss Francs after the Engelhorn family (who own Star Design) made up the difference. F w See page 85 for a set of glamorous social pictures from the Gold Cup in Gstaad u F inal teams Star Design (14): Albrecht Bach 0; Manuel Cereceda 3; Pablo Jauretche 7; Juan Gonzales 4 Hublot (14): Gualtiero Giori 1; Eduardo Ferrari 2; Tete Storni 4; Franckie Menendez 7 Star Design’s Argentine seven-goaler Pablo Jauretche (red shirt, blue hat) leads the charge against Hublot. His five goals sealed an extra-time win for his side
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Reports
The Singapore Open, Singapore Polo Club
British two-goaler wins inaugural Singapore Open Players from Argentina, Malaysia, Thailand and England graced the new flagship event at Singapore Polo Club, which was won by Ronnie Lim’s Paisano Polo Academy side Paisano Polo Academy Head Hunters
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Photographs by Singapore Polo Club
ingapore-based Brit Alex de Lisle won the inaugural Singapore Open title as a member of the victorious Paisano Polo Academy team. The two-goaler, who is rated at three in Singapore, teamed up with patron Ronnie Lim and Argentine pros Lucas Lujan and Nico Pieroni, in the 8 to 10-goal tournament, which attracted six teams. After three days of competition, Paisano beat Yeo Kuo Lee’s Head Hunters 5½-4 in a hard-fought final. Lujan and Pieroni have been playing together in Asia for many years, mainly at the VR Sports Club in Bangkok. They used their impressive understanding of each other’s game to good effect in the final and Lujan scored four of Paisano’s goals giving them the edge in an absorbing contest. The Head Hunters line-up included two professionals, playing alongside two amateurs. This meant they had one fewer pro than Paisano, but, they were able to call on the services of one of the two highest handicapped
Shaikh Reismann of the Malaysian-based AD+R polo team, who finished sixth in the inaugural Singapore Open
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British pro Alex de Lisle of Paisano Polo Academy plays an acrobatic shot in the final against Head Hunters
players in the tournament – six-goaler Pablo Dorignac – as well as the prodigiously talented local player Waqas Khan – an 18-year-old who plays off three goals. They brought in 11 ponies from their base in Malaysia and were widely regarded as the best mounted team in the tournament. With Dorignac and Khan impressing, Head Hunters were able to keep pace with Paisano for the first three of four chukkas. However, in the final chukka the experience of Paisano’s three pros shone through and Lujan scored the winning goal to secure the crown for Ronnie Lim’s side. The inaugural Singapore Open final attracted a crowd of 600 spectators as well as players from
Argentina, Thailand, Malaysia and, of course, England. The new tournament replaced the Singapore International on the club’s fixture list this year. In previous years, local players who wanted to play in the International were put into teams by the tournament organisers. However, with the launch of the Singapore Open, patrons
“The Open was the start of an exciting season of polo in Singapore” - Iqbal Jumabhoy are now invited to enter their own teams. It is hoped that this will encourage local players to make their polo organisations more professional and, ultimately, attract more interest from patrons from South East Asia and beyond. Club president Iqbal Jumabhoy was www.polotimes.co.uk
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The Singapore Open, Singapore Polo Club
Reports
Jumabhoy was delighted with the inaugural tournament. He said: “The Singapore Open 2012 was notable for the support of a number of new sponsors and maximum participation by our local players. “The tournament was the start of an exciting season of polo in Singapore; with the club set to host another two major events during October, including our annual ladies’ international polo tournament.” F w For a full interview with Mr Jumabhoy about his plans for the future of Singapore Polo Club see the September issue of Polo Times u S ingapore Open; 4-9 September 2012; Singapore Polo Club Result: Paisano Polo Academy beat Head Hunters, 5½-4 Handicap level: 8-10 goals Tournament’s most valuable player: Ang Ban Tong Best playing pony: Mighty Mouse, owned by Yeo Kuo Lee Teams Paisano Polo Academy (8): Lucas Lujan 4; Nico Pieroni 3; Alex de Lisle 3; Ronnie Lim -2 Head Hunters (9): Pablo Dorignac 6; Waqas Khan 3; Yeo Kuo Lee 0; Clifton Yeo 0
Edham Shaharudin of AD+R races against Veuve Clicquot’s Joevy Beh during the early stages of the tournament
A familiar face in Singapore Regulars at Guards Polo Club will have seen one of Singapore Polo Club’s leading patrons in action during summer when he played as a zero-goaler at the club. Here, Vinod Kumar, whose TATA Communications team finished fifth in the Singapore Open, talks about polo and his thriving business Where did you first start playing polo? I started with a week of intensive lessons from Mark Harris at his farm in Christchurch NZ, but my first real chukkas were at the Singapore Polo Club. How often do you get to play at Singapore Polo Club? I travel quite extensively, but when in town, I play thrice a week, four chukkas each time. What are you feelings about the inaugural Singapore Open? It was a great tournament, with quite closely matched teams, as proven by the tight results.
“Based on where I am with polo, I would love to win the Archie David” The new format, with member-fielded teams, is a good development. I am sure that each of us will come back next year with better organisations and horses.
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When did you first play at Guards? I joined Guards this season and first played there in June. So, this year. What are your fondest memories of playing at Guards? Since it was my first year, I was a freelancer – offering my services to any team that was missing a zero-goaler. It gave me the opportunity to play with many different teams, mostly in 4 to 8-goal. My highlight this summer was watching Adolfo Cambiaso and David “Pelon” Stirling. What are you favourite tournaments in England? The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup are outstanding. I was extremely impressed by the quality of the teams, the horsepower and the organisation that goes into fielding a team at that level of polo. What tournament in the world would you love to win? Based on where I am with polo, I would love to play and win the Archie David.
Vinod Kumar, MD and CEO of TATA Communications
Tell us a little bit about your business. TATA Communications is a global provider of cross-border communication solutions, serving multinationals who need their separate locations connected. We are a young and dynamic company, which has grown rapidly to US$3bn in revenues, because of our innovative services and extremely agile team, who are obsessed with providing a great customer experience. Do you often combine your polo with your business travel? I carry my boots and helmet around, and have managed to get riding and stick and ball woven into some of my travel. I had a fair bit of work in England this summer and played over the weekends. F
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Reports
French summer season round-up
British on fire in France The British dominated the French season this summer, with Ollie Cudmore winning the Deauville Gold Cup with Richard Mille, the Tomlinsons winning the Deauville Silver Cup with Mungo and Body Minute’s James Beim lifting the French Open trophy at Chantilly
Caroline Smail reports
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Photographs by R&B Presse/P.Renauldon
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he final of the 12th French Open at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly saw Jean-Christophe David’s Body Minute defeat André Fabre’s In the Wings to take the title, 14-9. James Beim, the only British player in this year’s final, played a key role in his team’s victory using his ability to organise the team to hold off the advances of nine-goaler Pancho Bensadon. After an initial failure against Luxembourg’s Blackstorm in the preliminary rounds, Body Minute re-organised themselves into action and didn’t lose a game for the rest of the tournament. Going into the final Body Minute’s patron Jean-Christophe David was philosophical about his teams chances: “If one thinks there is nothing to lose, and if that someone happens to have players with good fighting spirit, everything is possible.” And it certainly was. In The Wings led 3-2 after the first chukka but Body Minute took control in the second with four unanswered goals by James Beim and Édouard Pan putting them 6-3 up. A brief comeback by In The Wings in the fourth, with three goals by Bensadon and one from South African Chris Mackenzie, closed the gap to 10-9 in favour of Body Minute. However, Beim and his team pulled further ahead in the last, while their opposition remained scoreless, to convincingly win the game. In spite of the hard work done by Bensadon to get hold of the game, Body Minute had the edge throughout and with five-goaler Tomas Reinoso’s ability to breakthrough his
Body Minute’s James Beim beats Chris Mackenzie to the ball in the French Open final
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French summer season round-up
Reports
Thibault Guillemin, Luke Tomlinson, Mark Tomlinson and Patrick Eisenchteter of Silver Cup winners Mungo
opponents, the assertiveness of Édouard Pan and the overall harmonious team play, they ran out the winners. A few weeks earlier, in a similarly thrilling final that marked the end of the 2012 season at Deauville International Polo Club, Mungo beat Blackstorm 8-4½ to win the 17-goal Silver Cup. Having been awarded a half-goal start, Blackstorm managed to hold their advantage until half-time, leading 4½-3. Mungo, featuring Brits Mark and Luke Tomlinson, then stepped up the pace to leave their opponents scoreless in the fourth and
In recognition of scoring seven goals, Luke Tomlinson was named Silver Cup MVP took the lead for the first time when a couple of goals by Luke Tomlinson took the score to 5-4½. This pattern continued into the last chukka with three consecutive goals by Luke and brother Mark. In spite of their valiant efforts to come back into the game Blackstorm were once again held scoreless and Mungo ran out the winners, 8-4½. In recognition of him scoring seven of his www.polotimes.co.uk
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team’s eight goals, Luke Tomlinson was named most valuable player and his pony, Maria, won the best playing pony prize. The Tomlinson’s victory followed on from Ollie Cudmore’s win at the club in mid-August, when he won the 22-goal Gold Cup with Bahar Jefri’s Richard Mille. Joined by 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough and Guillermo Willington, the Richard Mille team took on Royal Barriere in the final in what was a very closely fought and exciting game. Richard Mille held a one-goal lead in the first two chukkas but, after a very tight third chukka, the score was tied at half time, 7-7. Richard Mille’s only goal in the fourth was scored by Cudmore while talented Argentine Facundo Sola put three unanswered goals through the posts for Royal Barriere to give them their first lead, 10-8. However, this was short-lived and after levelling the score by the end of the fifth, the score was once again tied, 14-14, at the final bell, forcing the game into extra time. A mistake by Royal Barriere gave Richard Mille a 60-yarder, which they duly converted to run out the winners, 15-14. F w For a report from the inaugural Ladies’ French Open turn to page 50
Four-goaler Ollie Cudmore, centre, in action for Richard Mille in the Deauville Gold Cup final in August
u F rench Open; Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly; 31 August – 15 September Result: Body Minute beat In the Wings, 14-9 Body Minute (16): Jean-Christophe David 0; Édouard Pan 4; Tomas Reinoso 5; James Beim 7 In the Wings (16): André Fabre 0; Florent Garaud 2; Chris Mackenzie 5; Pancho Bensadon 9 Silver Cup; Deauville International Polo Club; 14-26 August Result: Mungo beat Blackstorm, 8-4½ Mungo (17): Patrick Eisenchteter 0; Mark Tomlinson 6; Luke Tomlinson 8; Thibault Guillemin 3 Blackstorm (15): Jean Marc Tyberg 0; Martin Joaquin 2; Clemente Zavaleta 6; Juan Ruiz Guinazu 7 Gold Cup; Deauville International Polo Club; 31 July – 12 August Result: Richard Mille beat Royal Barriere, 15-14 Richard Mille (22): Bahar Jefri 1; Guillermo Willington 7; Pablo MacDonough 10; Ollie Cudmore 4 Royal Barriere (22): André Fabre 0; Facundo Sola 7; Juan Ambroggio 6; Francisco Bensadon 9 Polo Times, October 2012
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Reports
Home and abroad
France – Ladies’ French Open
Photograph by Thierry Poussard
Fab day for Fabre in France CENTRE PORSCHE WON the first ever Ladies’ French Open in September, held at Murus Sanctus and Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. Lavinia Fabre’s team defeated Hecla, which featured British players Heloise Lorentzen and Emma Boers, to take home the title, 5-4. The 8 to 12-goal tournament was played under its own handicapping system similar to that used in ladies’ tournaments in Argentina – where female players are awarded an additional handicap, higher than their official one. The eight teams included a number of British players, however, it was the combination of French patron Fabre, German sisters Tahnee and Naomi Schröder and Argentine Lia Salvo for Centre Porsche who remained unbeaten throughout (including one draw) and went on to win the tournament. In the final, Hecla and Centre Porsche remained neck-and-neck throughout, with never more than a goal between them. Hecla looked strong in the first chukka, with
Centre Porsche (in blue) in action against Hecla in the final of the inaugural Ladies’ French Open in Chantilly
Lorentzen – who was awarded a five-goal handicap – helping move her side into the lead. However, eight-goaler Lia Salvo soon put Centre Porsche back into contention. There was a moment of drama in the final
chukka as Centre Porsche’s Tahnee Schröder was hit by a stick, but managed to play on. Her sister Naomi then went on to score the winning goal, securing victory for Fabre and her team.
Tidworth Polo Club – Ladies’ Tournament
Andrews leads Silverwood to victory FOR THE SECOND consecutive year Tidworth polo manager Jess Andrews managed to persuade Brigadier John Wright to hold a female only tournament, and rightly so, given the increasing number of enthusiastic lady players, not only
at Tidworth, but around the country. Silverwood, featuring Andrews, were the overall winners, after beating Ice Lolly’s in the final, 3-2, on Sunday 9 September. The weekend started well on the Perham Down grounds, with some fast and furious
Legal Action’s Alice Etchells (in pink) and Saskia Weijand (in blue) chase the ball, while Etchells’ teammates Hannah Davies and Elspeth Talbot-Rice follow in close pursuit during the subsidiary final of the Ladies’ Tournament at Tidworth
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play. Silverwood were taking no prisoners in their match against Legal Action and after a high-octane game with some brilliant teamwork by Lottie Lamacraft and Jess Andrews, Silverwood claimed victory. Andrews lined up for The Persuaders in her second game of the day against Ice Lolly’s. Having travelled all the way up from Taunton, Lolly Stanhope-White and her Ice Lolly’s team were determined they were not going to return with the wooden spoon and managed to score enough goals to secure a place in the final. So, the final was set between Ice Lolly’s and Silverwood, while Legal Action played The Persuaders in the subsidiary final. In the latter, Legal Action’s Hannah Davies and Hannah Gebbie were solid in defence, while teammates Alice Etchells and Elspeth TalbotRice scored five goals between them to secure a 5-½ win for their team. In the main final, despite some solid play by the Ice Lolly’s Clare Macnamara and Sophie Turner, Silverwood’s double act of Lamacraft and most valuable player Andrews ultimately won them the game. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Home and abroad
Guards Polo Club – Duke of Cornwall Trophy
Dorsia dominate at Guards Richardson, Will Emerson and Rob Archibald – pulled ahead in the second by scoring two goals to BHC’s one. Dorsia continued to dominate the match in the second half, producing a further three goals in the third to give them an 8-5 lead going into the final chukka. A couple of goals from BHC brought them back into contention, but it was too little too late on this occasion as Dorsia ran out the winners. Graham Dennis, honorary archivist of Guards Polo Club and the owner of Blacklock’s Bookshop, the sponsor of the day, presented the Duke of Cornwall Trophy to the winning team. The subsidiary, for the Blacklock’s Trophy, was won by Nashama as they defeated Godolphin 7½-5. Nashama dominated this match, leading 4½-2 at half time and then Dorsia: Jack Mesquita, Jack Richardson, Rob Archibald and Will Emerson successfully pulling away in the second half to win the game. with Graham Dennis of Blacklock’s Bookshop and his niece Jasmine
Photograph by Images of Polo
RHYS COLE’S DORSIA will have its name on the wall of the clubhouse at Guards Polo Club for the first time following his team’s victory in the 16-goal Duke of Cornwall Trophy at the end of August. Dorsia defeated Mo Sheikh’s BHC Polo, 9-7, in an exciting game on The Queen’s Ground. The teams were all square, two goals apiece, at the end of the first chukka, but Dorsia – featuring Jack Mesquita, Jack
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Reports
Hurtwood Park Polo Club – Aviation Polo Challenge
Galloping Galanopoulos
LEA’s George Galanopoulos (left) and RotorMotion’s Philip Amadeus (right) fight it out at Hurtwood Park
LONDON EXECUTIVE AVIATION (LEA) defeated RotorMotion in the Aviation Polo Challenge at Hurtwood Park in September. Around 300 spectators turned out to watch George Galanopoulos’s LEA team – featuring Ali Wick, Nelson Bustamante and Martin Fiol – defeat RotorMotion, patron Philip Amadeus, Briony Taylor, Matt Pannell and Rod Gutteridge. LEA staged a late comeback in the final chukka of the pro-am match to secure a 6-4 victory. On the sidelines, a raffle to win a helicopter flight helped raise money for Children in Need.
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Reports
Home and abroad
Cowdray Park Polo Club – UberPolo Midsummer 12-Goal Tournament
Photograph by Clive Bennett
Montana win second consecutive title after two extra chukkas of play NINE TEAMS ENTERED Cowdray Park’s popular Midsummer 12-goal tournament in August, which is sponsored by UberPolo. Tony Gerrard’s Montana won the competition for the second consecutive year, after they defeated local team Maiz Dulce 6-5. Lining up for the Montana side was Freddie Dear, Michel Del Carril, Nicolas Antinori and Gerrard. On the opposing team was Peter Barfoot, Glenn Sherriff, Niall Donnelly and Tommy Wilson. The game got off to a quick start with both sides scoring two goals in the first chukka before a scoreless second chukka was played out. This meant the finalists remained level at half-time. Montana edged ahead in the second half, with great play from Del Carril and teammate Antinori. However, New Zealander Wilson picked up the pace in the final chukka, scoring two goals to level the score before the final bell and the game went into extra time. A tense fifth chukka saw many attempts at goal, but excellent defensive play by Montana and too many wide shots from Maiz Dulce meant neither side scored the decisive winning goal. Therefore, an epic sixth chukka
Montana’s Nicolas Antinori (in black) races to the ball in the UberPolo Midsummer Cup final against Maiz Dulce
with widened goal posts was called for. Finally, a 40-yard penalty was awarded to Montana and taken by Antinori, who scored to seal victory for Tony Gerrard’s side. UberPolo’s Leigh-Anne Moore presented the Midsummer 12-goal Cup to a delighted
Tony Gerrard who said: “It was great to get a second successive victory in the tournament. I’d love to come back next year with the same team.” In the subsidiary Final, Four Quarters Black resoundingly beat Indubitable, 11-4.
Cirencester Park Polo Club – County Cup
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
Sweet success for Vampire Bats
Vampire Bats lift the County Cup at Cirencester Park
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RORY SWEET’S VAMPIRE BATS and Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor S went headto-head on Cirencester Park’s Ivy Lodge ground for a hard and fast finale to the 15-goal County Cup in August. After a very close game, which could have gone either way, it was Vampire Bats who secured victory, 7-6. Emlor S were the first on the scoreboard with a goal by Marcos Araya. This was the start they were looking for, having been beaten 8-6 by their opponents in the league stages. The chance for Emlor to gain even more ground early on passed them by, however, as Araya sent two consecutive penalties wide of the posts.
Vampire Bats soon drew level in the second chukka but throughout the third and fourth chukkas, the game swung backwards and forwards with the score levelling on a number of occasions. Vampire Bats’s JohnPaul Clarkin snuck a goal in before the end of the fourth to put his team into the lead, while the crowd were momentarily distracted by a passing display of World War II Spitfires and Lancasters from nearby Kemble Airfield. Another goal by Clarkin in the fifth was enough to secure victory for his side, as Emlor S only managed one more goal. Earlier in the day Clinton McCarthy’s Emlor C had defeated Nick Britten-Long and Ben Vestey’s Laird/Foxcote collaboration to take the Neil Haig Cup in the subsidiary final. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Home and abroad
Reports
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, USA – Bombardier Pacific Coast Open
Cambiaso leads Lucchese to historic win in the US seconds and the game went into extra-time. Capitalising on a mistake by the opposition in the throw-in, Cambiaso pounced on the ball and ran down the field, scoring the winning goal for Lucchese.
Photograph by David Lominska
ADOLFO CAMBIASO SCORED the winning goal in extra-time to win the 20-goal Bombardier Pacific Coast Open for John Muse’s Lucchese at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Defending their title for the third consecutive year they took on Andy Busch’s Grant Farm and fought their way back from a six-goal deficit to run out the winners, 16-15. The tournament is the second oldest in the USA and is amongst one of the most prestigious in the country. No other team has won the tournament more than once, so Lucchese’s third consecutive victory will certainly go down in the history books. With fast-paced action and spectacular horsepower, the final was a fitting end to the west coast’s highest goal tournament. The teams were neck-and-neck in the first half with Jeff Hall successfully converting seven penalties for Grant Farm and Santiago Torres keeping Lucchese in contention with a number of spectacular field goals. Grant Farm’s one-goal advantage at half-time was increased to an impressive six goals by the end of the fourth chukka. Eighteen-year-old Torres instigated the U-turn in Lucchese’s fortunes with an impressive field goal at the beginning of the fifth and a further six unanswered goals put Lucchese in the lead 15-14 with one minute left to play. Fighting to the last, Grant Farm’s Polito Pieres scored the equaliser in the dying
Cambiaso also scooped up further prizes at the presentation, winning the most valuable player award and his pony Dolfina Noruega – played by Torres – was named best playing pony.
Lucchese – Adolfo Cambiaso, Andres Weisz, Santiago Torres and patron John Muse – claimed the impressive trophy
Tidworth Polo Club – AGC Polo Cup
Royal Navy claim fourth victory
Photograph by Peter Meade Photography
TIDWORTH POLO CLUB hosted the fifth AGC Polo Cup on Bank Holiday Monday (27 August), writes Captain Janet Johnston. Eight
RN's Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (in blue) and HAC's Sgt Tim Johnson
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teams competed in two divisions, with the Royal Navy and the Reserves winning their respective leagues. Contesting the AGC Polo Cup in division one (-6 to -4 goal) were AGC Red, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the Royal Navy (RN) and the Army Medical Services (AMS). The Royal Navy faced AMS in the first game, and big hitter Captain Adrian Aplin of the Royal Navy dominated the field and the team won 5-½. The HAC then defeated AGC Red, 3-0, which made for an exciting final between HAC and Royal Navy. The latter proved the stronger and won the AGC Polo Cup for
the fourth consecutive year. HAC finished second, the AMS third and the AGC Red team fourth. Division two personified what the AGC Polo Cup is all about with teams of -8 to -7 goals playing for the Plate. AGC Blue, the Reserves, Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) and Royal Artillery (RA) took part, with many teams fielding new players. Although few goals were scored, the smiles coming off the field were by far and away the best part of the day and it was clear that the polo bug had bitten hard. The Reserves were the overall victors with the RA runners-up, the RLC third and AGC Blue fourth. Polo Times, October 2012
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Reports
Home and abroad
Cirencester Park Polo Club – Kingscote Cup
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
Felix grab a lucky win THE KINGSCOTE CUP proved as popular as ever this year, with a remarkably strong field entering the 6-goal Victor Ludorum tournament. Charlie Gordon-Watson’s Felix defeated Max Kirchhoff ’s Snakebite 5½-5 in the final to take home the title. However, despite losing, Snakebite had done enough to secure the overall Victor Ludorum 6-goal title, finishing ahead of Express Polo in second place and Felix in third. In the Kingscote Cup, Snakebite and Felix dominated throughout the league stages and convincingly won their semi-final games. Snakebite – Hugo Lewis, Mike Henderson, Dave Ashby and Kirchhoff – defeated Cherry White, 8-4 in their semi-final, while Felix beat Salt & Pepper 9-5½. However, the final couldn’t have been closer as both teams
eventually met their match. Felix – Rebecca Walters, Matt Perry, Dave Miller and Gordon-Watson – dominated the first two chukkas, with goals from Miller, Perry and Gordon-Watson. By half-time they had secured a very comfortable 5½-1 lead. Snakebite made a staggering comeback in the second half and held Felix goal-less from then on, with Ashby and Henderson flourishing throughout the next two chukkas. Time was not on Snakebite’s side, however, and Felix held onto their early lead by the narrowest of margins. Blenheim Palace took home the Vale Bowl subsidiary trophy, beating Shibuminova 4-3. Snakebite’s Mike Henderson (left) and Felix’s Matt Perry battle it out in the Kingscote Cup final, won by Felix
Guards Polo Club – Grenadier Polo Day
Grenadiers help raise more than £2,000
Photograph by Images of Polo
GUARDS POLO CLUB hosted the Grenadier Polo Day on Sunday 9 September, helping raise more than £2,000 for the Grenadiers Charity. The Regiment’s Young Guns stepped out onto the manicured Princes’ Ground (number three ground) to do battle with
the Veterans for the Colonel Howard Flood Challenge. This year the Young Guns scored quickly in the first two chukkas with some disciplined team play. However, the Veterans managed to storm back in the final chukka, with
Lieutenant Colonel Howard Flood converting a penalty to equalise the score, before Lieutenant Nick Swift wove his way around the opposition to score the winning goal for the veteran team, as they ran out 5-4 victors. Much more importantly though, the annual challenge remembered yet another ongoing tour in Afghanistan for the Regiment and the recent tragic loss of Corporal James Ashworth, Guardsman Michael Roland, Guardsman Jamie Shadrake and Guardsman Karl Whittle. Also in their thoughts were 12 other Guardsmen with very serious amputation and/or blast injuries, who are now trying desperately to rebuild their lives. The money raised by the Grenadier Polo Challenge helps to provide a combination of financial, marketing and logistical support for any severely wounded Guardsman who decides that he wants to mount a personal and special challenge of his own. For those of you readers who would wish to provide further support please send an email to grenadierpolo@live.com.
Lieutenant Nick Swift of the Veterans (left) is put under pressure by opponent Captain Folarin Kuku in the Colonel Howard Flood Challenge at Guards Polo Club
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Home and abroad
Watergate Bay, Cornwall – Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach
Life’s a beach for Le Hardy
chukka but, with Le Hardy on top goal-scoring form, Joules pulled ahead to win the game. Le Hardy was presented with the HSBC most valuable player award following the game and the best playing pony prize went to Aceto – played by James Harper and owned by Rob and Jemima Brockett of Lychett Heath Polo Club, who supplied the majority of the ponies for the match. Before the main match, eventer and Olympic silver medallist Mary King took to the sand in a public polo lesson before taking part in a demonstration chukka. Teaming up with match umpire Caspar West, the pair went head-to-head with Will Ashworth and Andy Burgess. With the scores level at the end of the chukka, a penalty shoot-out ensued, which was won by King and West. w S ee pages 82-83 for social photos
News in brief w H urtwood Park – Banque Havilland held their first ever British polo event at Hurtwood Park at the beginning of September. The Banque Havilland sponsored team – Jay Jones, Cody Jones, Izzy McGregor and Bryony Taylor – took home the Havilland Cup, after they defeated John Ayton’s Bremont team 6-4. McGregor’s pony Roberbita won the Polo Times best playing pony rug (pictured below). Photograph by Mark Beaumont
A RECORD NUMBER OF spectators turned out to watch the Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach on Tuesday 11 September. Jamie Le Hardy led his Joules team to a 9-6½ win over First Great Western in the three-a-side beach polo event in front of more than 3,500 spectators. First Great Western, captained by Andy Burgess, were awarded a half-goal advantage on handicap, but Joules quickly notched up three goals, scored by Nick Clague, Tim Vaux and Le Hardy. A goal by James Harper was the only reply from First Great Western in the first half. First Great Western managed to put themselves into the lead in the second half, but the moment was short-lived as Joules answered back with more goals. Andrew Blake Thomas and Burgess found the goal posts for First Great Western in the final
Reports
w C oworth Park – the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy was won by Black Eagles on 27 August. The combination of Jonathan Munro Ford, Nick Pepper, Will Emerson and Peter Webb defeated Bramon, 9-8, in the final of the 12-goal competition. w Cirencester Park – Romilla Arber’s Four Quarters Black won the 12-goal Cheltenham Cup on 9 September. The team, which also featured Max Charlton, Matias Ballesteros and Richard Le Poer, defeated Steve Rigby’s Rigby & Rigby team, 7-3½. Brothers Cider/Indupitable won the subsidiary final. w K irtlington Park – Thirteen teams entered the Budgett Everett Trophy at Kirtlington Park in August. Snakebite and San Miguel Fresca reached the final of the 6-goal Victor Ludorum tournament. Snakebite – Hugo Lewis, Max Kirchhoff, Michael Henderson and David Ashby – were the winners, 6-4. Rigby & Rigby won the subsidiary final.
Photograph by Kristin Prisk
w S tewarton – The Scottish club held the first tournament on it’s new ground in August. Having cancelled their previous tournament, due to bad weather, it was with some delight that, despite the torrent of rain that fell before the weekend, it did not stop the tournament from going ahead. Burnfoot and Dalmahoy won the higher and lower sections respectively. Olympic eventer Mary King with Joules’s Jamie Le Hardy, who was named MVP after leading his team to victory in Cornwall
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Reports
Home and abroad
West Wycombe Park Polo Club – Ladies’ Charity Festival and Lakeside Cup
Photograph by Andrew Southard
Ladies take centre stage at West Wycombe SEVEN TEAMS ENTERED the Ladies’ Charity Festival at West Wycombe Park in August and were split into two leagues. The club joined forces with local business GE Healthcare and together helped raise £800 for local and national charities. More than 200 spectators watched the action, with commentators David Bazzard and Charles Betz keeping them thoroughly entertained – the more Pimms they drank the better the polo became! In league one, La Rufina – Charlotte Harris, Lucie Cowan, Vicky Griffin and Charlotte Sweeney – beat Adrenalin Polo, comprising Nell Jacob, Alysen Cork, Lucy Bowan and Georgiana Crofton, 6-5½. In league two, Crystal – Holly Butler, Amy Leggett, Lois Hutchings and Vicky Griffin – took the honours. In September, five strong teams entered the -4 to 0-goal Lakeside Cup. Gritty interplay between Phil Seller and Vicky Griffin led Malmaison to a win 5-5½ in the upper league
The end of the summer was a busy one for West Wycombe Park who hosted tournaments most weekends
over Acentro. The latter featured Andres Perez riding Sandbanks – a runner up in the RoR Racing to Polo Challenge. The lower league was won by Kennel Farm, who had the upper-hand over Advanced
USA – USPA Royal Salute Jubilee Cup
LED BY NACHO FIGUERAS, Bash Kazi’s Harry Winston team defeated Steve Lefkowitz’s Heathcote Polo, 11-10, to claim the inaugural 20-goal USPA Royal Salute Jubilee Cup at Greenwich Polo Club, USA, on 1 September. Hosted by His Grace the Duke of Argyll and club founder Peter Brant, the thrilling and closely fought match drew one of the club’s biggest crowds of the year who were kept on the edge of their seats to the last. Despite 17-goal Heathcote Polo receiving a handicap advantage at the start, Figueras and his teammates – Kris Kampsen, Matias Magrini and Kazi – produced the goods and claimed victory. Heathcote Polo’s Steve Lefkowitz was named most valuable player after the match. 56
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Nacho Figueras in full swing en-route to victory with Harry Winston
wT o read more about RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge, see this month’s news pages
Ham Polo Club – IG Index HAC 105 Invitational
Army deny Artillery full house HAM POLO CLUB hosted the IG Index Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) 105 Invitational on Saturday 8 September. More than 1,000 spectators watched the HAC take on three teams – the Hackett Army team (for the IG Index 105 Cup), Army Reserves (for the Bahamar Cup) and RAF (for the Finsbury Cup). The HAC came close to sweeping the board but were denied a third win after they were defeated by Hackett Army. LCpl de Rivaz (HAC) was awarded the most valuable player prize and Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf ’s pony Pintona picked up the Bahamar best playing pony prize. w See page 87 for social snaps
Photograph by Mark Beaumont
Kazi and co keep their cool
Equine, with Stuart Beetles and most valuable player Mel Waters performing well-drilled play.
HAC’s LCpl Ben De Rivaz (in blue) and Hackett Army’s Lt Doug White playing in the IG Index 105 Cup at Ham
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Polo Times, October 2012
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21/09/2012 15:45
Youth polo
The Pidgley Foundation Home Nations Cup
Presented by
Super SUPA England Charlie Walton and James Hudson led their SUPA England team to a convincing win in the Pidgley Foundation Home Nations Cup over the Bank Holiday weekend in August, after they crushed SUPA Scotland and SUPA Wales in the American-style tournament
Mike Hobday
Photographs by Sarah Clegg
reports from Cheshire
W
ith July’s Pidgley Foundation Festival postponed due to bad weather conditions, hopes didn’t remain high for the re-scheduled Pidgley Foundation Home Nations Cup at the end of August with the forecast looking bleak and rain all
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around Cheshire. However, for once the polo Gods were with us as both days welcomed sun and light winds – this, plus the superbly drained grounds at Cheshire Polo Club ensured that the three teams of young players had the best conditions available to play in. SUPA Scotland, fresh from their defeat against England in the Whitbread Trophy at Rutland the week before (see page 61), were hoping for a better run against SUPA England in the American-style, round-robin tournament, which also included SUPA Wales. On the first day, inexperience rather than lack of effort was SUPA
Scotland’s downfall as a succession of penalties and soft goals exposed them and the English quartet, spearheaded by Charlie Walton and James Hudson, piled on the goals. Wales fared the same against England as the latter managed four goals without reply and beat each team soundly. However, the game between Wales and Scotland was a much closer affair. Wales’s Jamie Thomas and Trini Woolley supported by zero-goalers David Gibbons and Tom Parry-Jones made life particularly difficult for the Scottish. With Wales ahead on a one and a half goal handicap advantage, it was Scotland’s William Barlow who got
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The Pidgley Foundation Home Nations Cup
the ball rolling for his team. With teammates Matthew and Adam Dove and Jamie Lindsay at last finding form, it was only the brilliant Welsh defending which kept the Scots from advancing too far ahead. At the end of the two chukkas, Scotland led 2-1½. True to form the heavens then opened, but fortunately only after all the polo finished on day one. Di Woolley, who had children playing in the tournament, as well as a club tournament on the same weekend, also agreed to host ponies and players on the Saturday night. Her hospitality made for a great weekend and many new friendships were forged. The first day’s scores were carried over to the Sunday, when chukkas three and four of each match were played. Both Scotland and Wales made inroads into the English score but again the combination of the superbly mounted Walton and the up-and-coming Hudson, ably assisted by Seb Heywood and Hal Anderton, easily reached victory in each match to secure the Home Nations Cup for the second time. The game between Scotland and Wales was a different affair with Wales’s Thomas taking the fight to the Scots. The backhands of Gibbons, the marking of Woolley and the breaks by Parry Jones put the Scottish on the back foot. However, Scotland’s Mungo Kilgour (who replaced William Barlow on the second day of play) converted a late penalty to give his team a narrow win, 3½-3.
The teams were paraded to the prize giving in cars provided by Infinity Cars, supporters of Cheshire Polo Club, where SUPA chairman Charles Betz was on hand to present all the prizes. The Polo Times best playing pony rug was awarded to Jamie Thomas’s Hormiga, although it was a tough decision between him and Charlie Walton who was also well-mounted during the tournament. Cheshire’s Sheryl Rollinson and Mark Cramb once again pulled out all the stops to assist SUPA in its goal to bring polo fun to all. F ◗ See page 84 for a rundown of this year's Polo Times best playing pony rug winners u Results 1st place SUPA England (-4): Hal Anderton -2; Seb Heywood -2; Charlie Walton 0; James Hudson 0 2nd place SUPA Scotland (-2): Matthew Dove 0; Mungo Kilgour S / William Barlow -2; Adam Dove 0; Jamie Lindsay 0 3rd place SUPA Wales (-4): Trini Woolley -2; Jamie Thomas -2; Tom Parry-Jones 0; David Gibbons 0
The Wales, England and Scotland teams show their appreciation after the enjoyable Home Nations Cup
Youth polo
Education from every angle Our education expert Adam Caller gives advice each month on dealing with the quandaries facing young players looking to balance their polo with their studies. The numbers of families around the world opting to home school their children rises every year. The reasons for taking this step vary enormously. Some families prefer the flexibility that home schooling allows for travel, or feel it fits better around a demanding sport. Others choose to educate at home because of bullying, support for a learning difficulty, or during a period of suspension or expulsion. Some just do it because they think it’s better. Many more, I suspect, want to, but don’t know how and don’t want the responsibility of doing all the teaching themselves. The laws governing the freedom to home school also vary. In Sweden and Germany, for example, it is illegal. In the USA the rules vary by state. The laws in the UK are the most relaxed of all, with there being no need even to inform a school or local authority. If this is something you are thinking about then it is important to investigate your local requirements. As an alternative to school, an education at home has many advantages. One-on-one or small group instruction means that teaching is highly productive and so fills less of the day. Children can progress at their own pace, spending longer on the parts that they need, or explore subjects they enjoy. There need not be any compromise on exam achievement – indeed children being taught at home by a full-time private tutor usually excel in public exams. The main criticism of home schooling is that it deprives children of social opportunities, but this need not be the case. Being educated at home is no reason for a child to miss out on playing team sports, music, or taking part in drama – indeed there is usually more time for these activities. ◗ Adam Caller has been the Senior Partner of Tutors International for 12 years. Tutors International is a specialist private tutoring and educational consultancy headquartered in Oxford Polo Times, October 2012
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Youth polo
Alan Budgett, Gibley Cup, Stagshead Trophy and Whitbread Trophy
England prove too strong for the Kiwis and Scots Three separate young England sides won all three of their games in August, seeing off the New Zealand Colts on two occasions and Scotland in The Whitbread Trophy. Meanwhile, there was tough competition in The Stagshead Trophy, which ended in a draw
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
with Ed Parsons scoring the only two goals. However, in the third chukka, goals from New Zealand’s Duncan – who had a spectacular fall from his horse in the first half – and Wood tied up the scores. England soon answered, with goals from all members of the team as well as an own goal from Henry Jones after the ball glanced off his pony. The home side eventually ran out the 6-2 winners. Three days later, the scoreboard was sadly similar for the New Zealand Colts in the Gibley Cup at Cirencester Park. The combination of Rupert Lewis, Freddie Dear, Matt Perry and Max Hutchinson romped home with a 7-3½ win over the Kiwis, taking home the cup for the third time. The visiting side started with a one-and-ahalf goal handicap advantage, which they had maintained at half-time, keeping them in the running. There was plenty of support for the Kiwis in the players’ tent as well as the stands,
Photograph by Steve McLaren
E
very August the highly coveted Alan Budgett Trophy, Stagshead Trophy and Whitbread Trophy are played for. This year there was a further addition to the calendar as the Gibley Cup made its return to Cirencester Park – having been played for in New Zealand for the past few years. The HPA Development Committee selects the teams participating in each, with the exception of the New Zealand Colts team who played England for the Alan Budgett Trophy and the Gibley Cup. New Zealand fielded the same team of Mark Duncan, Alex Rowland-Jones, Henry Jones and talented four-goaler James Wood in both matches, while England put forward two separate sides. In the Alan Budgett Trophy, held at Kirtlington Park, England comprised Will Berner, Alex Mains, Ed Parsons and his sister Izzy. The first half seemed to be a one-man show
The players tussle for the ball in the Stagshead Trophy
including mentors John-Paul Clarkin and Tommy Wilson. England pulled away in the second half as New Zealand gave away penalty after penalty, which were successfully converted by Dear and Hutchinson. Wood managed a conversion for his side but, with another goal from Hutchinson, England secured a second England's Max Hutchinson plays a nearside shot against New Zealand in the Gibley Cup at Cirencester
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comfortable victory against the Kiwis. Former Pony Club Polo chairman David Cowley and former New Zealand Polo Association president Gordon Gibson founded the Gibley Cup as an international match between their two nations. Cowley was also on hand this year to present the prizes. While the Alan Budgett and Gibley Cup are aimed at older players, the Stagshead Trophy has a target age of 13-years-old and pitches two HPA sides against each other. Despite there being a considerable discrepancy in size between players at this year’s match at Ham, the total weight of the four team members on each side was about the same. In front of a large crowd at the Richmondbased club, the teams – HPA Red and HPA Blue – inevitably took time to settle. The Blue team were the first to score with Jamie McCarthy providing some fine passes and Kian Hall invariably in the right place to make a play. In front of Hall was Olly Cork who hit the ball consistently well and John DaltonMorgan who worked hard and stayed close to the opposing back. For the Red team, Max Dear and Jamie Grayson combined well and Charles Day – who has not played in the Pony Club, where the Development Committee spend a lot of their time talent spotting – improved in every chukka. Their fourth team member, Hugo Taylor, was the smallest player on the field but this did not prevent him from posing a threat to the Blue team. Having trailed throughout, the Reds levelled the score in the last two minutes. Each team then missed good opportunities at goal before the final bell, as the game ended in a 2-2 tie. The last match during a busy week of youth polo was the Whitbread Trophy at Rutland. Young England – Nick Winterton, Tom AbelSmith, Charlie Walton and Max Stacy – came face-toface with Young Scotland, who were awarded a one-anda-half goal handicap advantage. Having scored the opening
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goal, Young Scotland got off to a better start than the England side, who looked nervous and disjointed. There were flashes of brilliance from England, particularly from Walton, but the team missed numerous chances at goal and the game looked as though it would finish in Scotland’s favour. However, after a half-time pep talk, England came out fighting and quickly found the goal twice, putting them into the lead and giving them the confidence boost they needed. As England started to play better, Scotland found it difficult to keep up. Watched by Jeremy Barber, Mike Hobday and the HPA’s David Woodd, Young England managed a comfortable 8-3½ win. F w For more action from the junior England teams see the next issue of Polo Times, which will include a report from the under16s tournament at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China
Charlie Walton in action for Young England Scotland in The Whitbread Trophy at Rutland in August
Youth polo
Julius Baer says keep your eye on... Seb Hancock, 15, Guards Polo Club It has been a successful summer for 15-year-old Seb who was picked as a sub for Les Lions and won the Junior HPA under-18 Langford Trophy with his Guards team. In addition he has played for Daniel Otamendi’s Black Eagles and won numerous tournaments at Guards. To cap off a remarkable year Seb has been chosen to represent England in an under-16’s tournament in China this month alongside fellow Guards players Tom Brodie, Ed Banner-Eve and Cowdray Park’s Tommy Beresford. The son of two-goal pro Marcus Hancock, Seb was introduced to the sport at an early age and picked up a stick aged nine at Longdole Polo Club before going on to play in the Pony Club Surtees Section with the Surrey Union. He has since won the Junior HPA Hipwood section and has been part of the winning Eton team in their annual match against Harrow for the last two years. Alex Brodie, father of Seb’s Guards teammate Tom, has been impressed by Seb’s performances this year, commenting: “Of the players in his year group, Seb has developed the strongest over the last twelve months as evidenced by him winning the majority of games he has played this season. Much of his improvement has been down to the coaching from Ryan Pemble last winter and his handicap change to one-goal is much deserved.” At 15 Seb is concentrating on getting through his GCSE’s at Eton but ultimately hopes to become a professional getting to the highest handicap he can. If this year’s performance is anything to go by he is undoubtedly one to watch out for in the future.
Polo Times, October 2012
Photograph by Images of Polo
Photograph by Nico Morgan
Alan Budgett, Gibley Cup, Stagshead Trophy and Whitbread Trophy
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Youth polo
England in Zimbabwe
England boys enjoy success and fine hospitality on historic Zimbabwe trip For the first time in more than 20 years, the HPA sent an England team to Zimbabwe in September. The young seven-goal side played two matches – notching up a win and a draw – and experienced the many delights that the Zimbabwe countryside has to offer
P
Bobby Dundas
reports from Zimbabwe
olo in Zimbabwe has taken a big hit over the past decade as economic and political unrest prompted a decline in the number of white farmers and polo suffered as a result. In the late 1980s and early 90s the
country had no problem fielding 15 to 20-goal sides, but now the African country would struggle to field a 10-goal team. However, polo in Zimbabwe is once again becoming a force to be reckoned with. Increased player participation post hyper-inflation means the sport is witnessing a recovery in fortunes and the England trip was definitely seen as further testament to the continued growth of polo in Zimbabwe. A limited knowledge of the events of the last decade left the England team anxious, but excited, for what was to come as they
prepared for their ten day trip. While Bobby Dundas’s arrival in Harare was delayed due to commitments in the UK, the other three members of the team – Alex Mains (1), Rupert Lewis (1) and Olly Powell (2) – were integrated into three different teams to play for the oldest cup in Zimbabwe at Thorn Park
The England team and their supporters at Victoria Falls – Alex Mains, Melissa Lilley, Bobby Dundas, Caroline Skinner, Maimie Powell, Rupert Lewis and Ollie Powell
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England in Zimbabwe
The England team of Rupert Lewis, Alex Mains, Olly Powell and Bobby Dundas pose before one of the matches
Polo Club just outside Harare. Mains, joined by Zimbabwe three-goaler Dave Meikel, ended up winning the tournament, having slotted six goals through the posts in the final to earn himself the most valuable player prize. Once Dundas arrived, the England team were driven to Bushman Rock Wine Estate in the Nyamasanga River Valley – a 40 minute drive from the capital. This was where the two international matches would take place the following weekend and, upon first inspection, the players were impressed with the beautiful surroundings and stunning views. Bushman Rock is hidden in a picturesque valley and provides luxury comfort and fine cuisine. Like many lodges in Zimbabwe it doesn't only depend on the appeal of the
given to those who chose to bungee jump over the crocodile infested waters below. Following an adrenaline boosting couple of days the team returned to camp at Bushman Rock to recuperate before trying horses the next day. Lewis and Dundas were given 16 ponies to allocate into players’ strings for the weekend and generous donations by Grant
Youth polo
Flanagan, Doug Walley, Tim Fennel and Johnny Campbell meant each player had seven horses to play in the five chukka matches. The first game was closely fought but England twice led by three-goals during the match and ran out overall winners, 8-6. This two-goal lead was carried forward to the next day’s game, watched by a 1,000-strong crowd, which included local dignitaries. Zimbabwe - Thomas Wood (1), Smart Kusiwa (2), Dave Meikel (3) and Gary Adkinson (2) – started strong and were quick out of the line-out, leaving England to play catch up. Loud vocals and calm play by both captains was not enough to secure the win and the game ended in a justified, and somewhat diplomatic, draw. Rupert Lewis earned the prize for best goal while Dundas was awarded the most valuable player prize. Best playing pony was awarded to Major, played by Dundas and owned by Doug Walley. Zimbabwe has had its share of internal upset like many African countries over the past decade but the hospitality, kindness and generosity shown to the England team was second to none. Friends and memories will be remembered for a long time and this trip was a testament to an incredible sport, loved and embraced the world over, that brings so many different cultures and people together. F
Polo in Zimbabwe is once again becoming a force to be reckoned with wildlife to lure visitors, as it is also one of the oldest vineyards in the country. With a few days to kill before trying ponies, Mosi the local chef d' equipe, suggested a trip to Victoria Falls. So at the crack of dawn on a Tuesday morning the team piled into a seven-seater turbo prop Cessna airplane built in the early 1960s and with over 40,000 hours in the air. Walking, white water rafting on the Zambezi river and bungee jumping were on the agenda on arrival and greatest respect was www.polotimes.co.uk
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Action from the historic match between England and Zimbabwe played in the Nyamasanga River Valley
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RJ Polo Junior Tournament
Hines head for victory Longdole Polo Club hosted 15 teams for their annual junior tournament, held at the end of the school holidays, with the Hine family having a particularly successful two days
Jo Beim reports from Longdole
S
Photograph by Georgie May
IXTY PLAYERS AGED between six and 18-years-old competing across three divisions took to the field to contest the sixth annual RJ Polo Junior Tournament at Longdole Polo Club at the end of August. Played over two days, the effort and enthusiasm of players and parents alike was astounding as they came from as far as Wales, Norwich and the south west to take part. The standard of polo across the board was impressively high and the weather did not impact on the great fun had by all in a fitting end to the summer season. Four teams entered the under-11 section, made up of Handley Cross and Jorrocks
Louis, Milly, Ned and Indi Hine won the under-11 section at Longdole as part of the En Famille team
My contact in London:
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players who played a one-day round robin tournament and put on a great display of polo and, at times, rather too much speed. The well-trained En Famille team, made of up four members of the Hine family – Louis, Indi, Ned and Milly – pulled out all the stops to take the title. The most popular section of the tournament was the 11-14-year-olds, which was entered by seven teams who were then split into two leagues. In league A, Rosanna Turk’s Bushstreet Kids took on Amelia Edmondson’s Elemonators in the final. With Bushstreet Kids adding a field goal to their half-goal handicap advantage, they ran out the winners, 1½-0. With only three teams in league B, a round robin was played – it was an exciting contest with many of the players riding match ponies for the first time. It was another victory for Ned and Milly Hine who teamed up with Monte McGregor and Kailesh Parmar for Northwood. Norfolk finished second, while Pink Panthers finished third. Four teams entered the eldest section of 14-18-year-olds, where each team played preliminary round matches on the first day to decide the next day’s finalists. FFREES – Henry Letts, Nick Tobin, James Grayson and Plum Schrager – took on young underdogs Charlie’s Angels, which comprised Tom Dalton-Morgan, John Dalton-Morgan, Charlie Hitchman and Ed Williams. It was a good, fast game and Charlie’s Angels fought valiantly against their opponents, who managed to hold the edge throughout to run out the winners, 3-½. The Polo Times best playing pony rug was won by John Dalton-Morgan’s Rascal. F
Youth polo
The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column While the Olympics showcased the incredible ethos of volunteering in the UK, The Pony Club is testimony to the power of long-term volunteering. The heart and passion of so many helpers has grown Pony Club Polo into what it is today; a training organisation for young players aged six to 21, which is the envy of most polo playing nations and a friendship network which spans 60 years and makes polo happen. Productive lunches The lunches on tournament days provide an invaluable forum for discussion, issue resolution, meeting everyone and thanking those who keep these happy days happening year in, year out. Thank you to all the parents who contributed to these delicious feasts throughout the summer. For 2013, we are looking at all aspects of cost minimisation and are so hugely grateful for the volunteer help with umpiring, time keeping, scoring, organising, grounds and prize/rosette sponsorship. Please let Laura Armstrong (laura@pcuk.org), know if you can help next year in any way. Breaking even Managing to make Pony Club polo breakeven during the recession is a challenge with fewer teams entering the friendlies. Next year we will try to organise two-day tournaments to help minimise mileage. In 2013 these tournaments will be based around four geographic areas:- Sussex/ Surrey/Berkshire; the West Country; Cambridge/Rutland/the Midlands; Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire. Season continues Please remember, junior polo does not need to end when everyone goes back to school. The arena season starts at the end of October and I look forward to seeing many players enjoying themselves at clubs around the country.
stuart.bates@juliusbaer.com, tel. +44 203 205 1609 Polo Times, October 2012
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Knowledge
Buying ponies off the track
From sale ring to polo ground Tattersalls in Newmarket hold sales all year round, however, the October sales are the best time of year to pick up a two or three-year-old to retrain for polo
Buying an ex-racehorse for polo is by no means a walk in the park but it’s fast becoming a popular trend, with many going on to reach the top of the game and proving that racehorses can have a very successful and lucrative life after racing
Georgie May reports
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ith their great stamina, speed and quick acceleration, it’s no surprise that racehorses are often found forging a new career on the polo ground. Last year, around 12,000 racehorses came out of training and a fraction of these will have been snapped up by polo players and retrained for polo.
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There is said to be no horse better than the thoroughbred and polo is fast becoming very much a thoroughbred’s game, not just in England but across the other side of the world too. In Australia and New Zealand, ex-racehorses are increasingly populating the polo fields and in South America some of the world’s best players, including Adolfo Cambiaso, are playing horses they have bought off the track. Here in the UK, buying ex-racehorses has become increasingly popular over the past 30 years and, having been retrained, many have gone on to play high-goal and can swap hands
for tens of thousands of pounds. It can be a lucrative business – a young racehorse can be picked up for as little as £500 and should it turn out to be good for polo, owners can make a tidy sum selling it on. During October there are a large number of sales held up and down the country, including Tattersalls (Newmarket), Brightwells (Ascot) and Doncaster, and autumn is a good time to pick up a two or three-year-old. It is also the time of the year that yards clear out their stock to make room for new horses so there is potential to pick up a bargain – particularly if you go direct to a trainer. www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 17:38
Buying ponies off the track
Knowledge
Sumaya’s Javier Novillo Astrada riding Roddy Williams’s 11-year-old ex-racehorse Ciendra Girl, by sought after stallion Rossini, in last year’s Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup
When it comes to choosing a racehorse for polo, it’s important to know what to look for. Flat fillies are more sought after than colts and a horse that is compact and has correct conformation is preferable for polo. “The younger the horse the better as it has learnt less habits and has had less wear and tear,” said Charlie Gordon Watson, patron of Felix polo team and a bloodstock agent. “They need to be compact, short in the back, have a
age – been in a horsebox, seen traffic, raced and been to the sales,” said Di Arbuthnot of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). “Many players have good contacts with trainers so they can go straight to them to buy a horse. HPA chief executive David Woodd has done a brilliant job of setting up a good pony welfare programme which has helped change people’s perceptions. I think flat trainers are much more comfortable with polo than they used to be.”
Photograph by Alice Gipps
The autumn is a good time to buy a two or three-year-old ex-racehorse and there’s opportunity to pick up a bargain short cannon bone, good pastern angle, strong quarters and good width.” “Ex-racehorses are not terribly expensive and make ideal polo ponies as they have seen and done a huge amount at a young www.polotimes.co.uk
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The great advantage of going to see a horse at a trainer’s yard is that the horse can be ridden and, if you have a good relationship with the trainer, it’s less likely they’ll sell you an unsound or badly behaved horse. Therefore,
going to the sales is much more “pay your money and take your chance”. It’s important to take someone with you who is more experienced than yourself, particularly if you are not going to have your purchases vetted. At some sales they have a repository where buyers can look at the horse’s X-rays but generally you get what you see. “Before going to the sales, I’ll look at the catalogue and thin it down,” Alan Kent said. “Then when I arrive at the sales I’ll go and see them in the pre-sales ring to check they are what I’m looking for. I usually go to the bigger autumn sales that last for two or three days. It’s the best time of year to pick up two-year-olds, which I’m most keen on. “I started buying off the track 30 years ago but they started to become very expensive so I stopped and concentrated on my homebreds. However, since the recession, you can now Polo Times, October 2012
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Knowledge
Buying ponies off the track
pick up a bargain – a horse that was once worth £4,000 can be bought for £400 – so I have started to go back to the sales.” The average spend on an ex-racehorse is usually between £500 and £1,500 so many will not get their purchase vetted, as it is an added cost. Vets are sometimes present at the sales so the potential new owner can have it vetted
Watson added. “It is an extra cost, but at the sales it can be done on the day. Otherwise, it’s important to look for clean limbs and avoid splints. Poor quality, flat feet can be improved, so that is not too much of a worry, but good symmetrical conformation is vital.” Something that must be judged is soundness of mind. A horse that is jumpy,
“One must be careful when buying direct from trainers – there are caveats on the use of drugs at sales but when buying from a yard there won’t be” – Piers Plunket, Lycetts
Photograph by Georgie May
before parting with their money. But if you buy straight from a trainer, they’ll usually say it’s a hassle as they’d rather a quick sale. “Trainers normally get rid of horses because they are too slow, rather than broken and when they are selling them for less than £1,500 it seems a bit pointless to pay £200 for a five-stage vetting,” said Piers Plunket of Lycetts Insurance. “Although one must still be careful – there are caveats on the use of drugs at sales but when buying from a yard there won’t be. “It’s up to the new owner if they want it vetted in order for it to then be insured, but my advice would be to insure it when you know it will be good enough to play polo. A minimum premium policy will cost around £1,500 to £2,000 so I think it’s best to save that money and put it towards good feed and shoeing and then one year later decide whether it’s worth insuring.” “If the purchaser has no veterinary knowledge then I would definitely have it vetted for at least wind and heart,” Gordon-
unsettled or nervous should be avoided. Bearing in mind that a racehorse will have seen and heard a lot, if it panics at something being dropped on the floor then it probably will not be able to cope with the rigours of polo life. Temperament is always hard to judge until you get it home but if it is seems sensible, easy to handle, attentive and isn’t fazed by what is going on around it, then fingers crossed it shouldn’t cause you too many problems.
Roddy Williams riding Mr Cheers at the RoR Racing to Polo Challenge
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When your new horse reaches its new home, one must remember that they have come from a completely different environment and must be allowed to adjust to their new regime. One of the first things to think about is what to feed it. “A horse that has come from the sales would have been prepped and fed a highcalorie diet,” said Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds. “Therefore, if it is then turned out on grass and nothing else, it will lose condition quickly. The quality of their hooves will also become poor if they do not continue to receive a balanced diet. Racehorses are often given little grass or forage so when they are faced with a lot of grass, feed them pre/probiotics to help their gut bacteria adjust. In October, the nutritional value of grass is low so feed hay or haylage as well. “When it comes to feeding a two-year-old that is still growing, feed it plenty of protein, vitamins and calories, according to body condition. For four to six-year-olds maintain a calorie-dense diet, even when turned out. They should receive two feeds a day, which can be reduced to one feed if they are maintaining their weight. Remember they have come from an environment where they have been fed four times a day.” Those that buy and retrain ex-racehorses will have their own retraining regime, but generally a horse will begin slow chukkas when it is three to four years old and then progress to playing the following year. “When I get them home they’ll be assessed and go through steady development and be on a completely different routine to the playing ponies,” David Morley said. “If the horse has been in regular work then I’ll get on and ride them, but if they’ve been on box rest or on the horse walker waiting for the sales then I’ll turn them away first to chill before riding. The first steps are to see how the horse rides and assess its stride, mouth, how lateral it is and how keen it is to go faster. Some will need good flat work to get them into shape before one can start to ask it questions.” The age of the horse depends on what will be done with it – a two-year-old will need time to develop, whereas a five-year-old may be able to start schooling straight away and be playing chukkas within a relatively short period of time. www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 18:00
Buying ponies off the track
10
Knowledge
tips when buying an ex-racehorse
1. Decide what you are willing to spend before attending the sales or going direct to a trainer 2. Study the catalogue before you go and select the horses you want to see 3. Take someone with you who is more experienced for a second opinion 4. Look for something that is compact and smaller than 16hh – be careful not to lose perception of height as there are a lot of tall horses at the sales 5. Bids are made in guineas (£1.05) 6. If you are going direct to a trainer, take the opportunity to ride it 7. If you don’t have it vetted then check the horse for soundness and clean legs 8. Judge whether it has a sound mind – if in doubt, move onto the next horse 9. When you get it home, don’t throw it out in the field and forget about it – continue to give it hard feed and plenty of forage to prevent it from dropping condition 10. Register it with Retraining of Racehorses When youngsters are turned away for the winter, it is important to carry on feeding them once or twice a day, as well as providing hay or haylage, to make sure they carry on receiving the nutrients they need to develop
“With the two and three-year-olds, I’ll ride them for the first two weeks to see whether they are barking mad!” Alan Kent said. “If they have quite a hot temperament you need to work out whether it is just the food they have been on, or if it is their mind. I might also swing a stick and tap a ball to see how they react. Then they’ll be turned away until spring and the summer will be spent retraining. They should be ready to play slow chukkas after 12 months. With an amenable five-year-old you should be able to get on with it straight away.” Racehorses will have been ridden in a racing snaffle so a gag will be too harsh to use straight away. Start with a snaffle before advancing to a balding gag or something
Retraining of Racehorses was set up to prove horses have a life after racing stronger. Before starting chukkas, the pony must be comfortable with stick and balling, neck reining and not leaning on the bit, which will not help when it comes to stopping. Twowww.polotimes.co.uk
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on-two chukkas in trot are a good way to start as you do not want to ask too much of a young, inexperienced horse. Young player Jack Richardson often buys horses off the track and one of his ponies Magic Genie, which he bought direct from Mick Easterby, is currently one of the best in his string. This summer, the 10-year-old mare won Retraining of Racehorse’s best playing ex-racehorse prize in the Queen Mother Trophy at Cirencester. “I like to buy directly from the trainers as I get to ride them,” Richardson said. “In September I bought five two-year-olds from Mick Easterby. First, I turn them out for a month before bringing them in for a month to ride around the farm and let them forget about racing. They’ll then be turned out again before they begin schooling. Next year, they’ll start stick and balling before hopefully starting to play the following year.” RoR currently has nearly 350 ex-racehorses registered as polo ponies, as well as providing prizes in not just polo but eventing, showing and show jumping too. The charity sets out to prove horses do have a life after racing.
Bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon Watson at the sales
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Knowledge
Buying ponies off the track
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
Four-goaler Jack Richardson playing one of the best ponies in his string, ex-racehorse Magic Genie, which he bought from trainer Mick Easterby and retrained for polo
“It’s important for the racing industry to have figures of horses leaving training and moving onto new careers,” Di Arbuthnot said. “Currently we have 7,000 horses registered with RoR, but only a fraction of these are polo ponies. In order to take part in our new Racing to Polo Challenge, ponies must be registered with RoR – which is free of charge – so I hope the competition will encourage more players to register their ponies.” RoR, which provides advice for anyone looking to retrain a racehorse, has been involved with polo for the past seven years, awarding cash prizes across all levels of the sport from Pony Club to high-goal. This year, Roddy Williams’s pony Ciendra Girl won the charity’s high-goal cash prize of £1,500. He bought the 11-year-old mare by Rossini – a sought after racing stallion for polo – from Ollie Browne when she was three-years-old and for the last two seasons she has been playing high-goal with Sumaya. “I saw her at Kirtlington Park, rode her and just had to have her,” said Williams, who 70
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currently has 18 ex-racehorses in training. “She had a great mouth and conformation but she was a bit delicate. But, over time, she became much stronger and is now a brilliant high-goal pony. Javier Novillo Astrada played her last season with Sumaya and this year Facundo Sola played her.” Williams also has another ex-racehorse, Mr Cheers, that was played by Mark Tomlinson in the Audi International at Chester Racecourse and won the RoR best playing pony award (see pages 36-38 for the report). “My wife Zoe bought Mr Cheers from Henry Brett with the plan to event him,” Williams continued. “She put some good groundwork in as he had come straight off the track but we realised he might make a better polo pony. It took a long time for him to become a good horse though – between the ages of four and six he was awful! I played him in the arena when he was six-years-old, which taught him a lot, particularly how to use his body. From then on he turned into a fantastic pony and is now one of my best.”
Arkangel, a South African thoroughbred which sadly died this summer after playing the UK high-goal season, was one of the best horses Nachi du Plessis had ever played. Her speed and powerful ride-offs played a major part in helping Zacara win the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup last year. Having raced five times, unplaced, in South Africa, Nicola Fitzgerald bought the mare and retrained her before she was sold to Stonefield Polo’s Guy Watson as a four-year-old. In 2009, du Plessis bought her. “She was the fastest horse I have ever played, the horse that I have played the most minutes in a season, a horse that I never felt tire, a horse that I will never forget and I will always be grateful to God that he lent her to me for a short while,” du Plessis said. “The thoroughbred really is the greatest athlete and it is a horse that must be celebrated,” Williams concluded. F w See pages 8-9 to read more about RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge and find out which ponies took home prizes www.polotimes.co.uk
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buy a racehorse at Tattersalls
TATTERSALLS AUTUMN HORSES IN TRAINING SALE October 29 - November 1, 2012 The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Horses in Training Sale Tel: +44 1638 665931, 665 65931 Fax: +44 1638 16 660850, sales@tattersalls.com, www.tattersalls.com
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www.tattersalls.com
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Knowledge
Know your game
The must-read professional-player’s perspective – from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner
Our players are paying the To say that it has been a difficult season is an understatement, to say that it has been a nightmare is probably unfair, somewhere in between would be more accurate. I have seen and heard the words “recession” and “rain” used more this summer than ever before in my life and sadly polo, as a sport, has really suffered mostly as a result of too much “R&R”. This season saw the much-anticipated return of Jamie Packer’s Ellerston to the high-goal bringing with it the promise of new jobs and much needed income for the sport. Polo manager Jim Gilmore and his team have worked around the clock since the end of 2009 to get organised, spending millions of Australian dollars on polo fields, stabling, houses, players and horses. However, no
Photograph by james Mullan
The number of jobs available is reducing annually and this is bad news for everyone sooner have we welcomed them than the wettest season on record has prompted their withdrawal, and with it numerous jobs and funding, from English polo. A sad loss which will have far reaching effects. Jamie Packer is not the only casualty; 2011 saw Camilo Bautista withdraw from English polo and now Prince Bahar Jeffri is following suit. These are three of the biggest patron’s worldwide –individually they spend millions a year on polo and we can ill afford
Losing big-spending patrons like Camilo Bautista has a big impact on all levels of the game in England
to lose them. The knock on effect of these losses is huge as their teams employ a considerable number of locals including; vets, farriers, grooms, ground staff, players and so on. How are they going to replace these valuable clients in an already tough climate? The honest answer is they can’t.
Over the last ten years there has been an increase in the cost of all aspects of life. House prices have gone up, horses are more expensive, the price of cars, grooms’ salaries, horse feed and fuel have all increased. Club memberships are more expensive than ever before, but what about
Playing tips with Rege Ludwig – Understanding Each month, renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game
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The most important concept in polo is the Line of the Ball (LOB), which is an imaginary line created by the ball as it travels down the ground and extends past the ball in the direction it is travelling. The LOB changes each time the ball is hit and the easiest way to get it in your mind is to imagine the ball is covered in white paint and that it paints a line down the ground as it goes.
The LOB is used to define who has the Right of Way (ROW). The ROW depends on the direction a player is moving in, their angle to the LOB and their speed and distance relative to other players. Generally the ROW belongs to the player travelling in the same direction as the ball who has established himself quickest on, or at the closest angle to, the LOB. It is not necessarily the last player to hit the ball.
www.polotimes.co.uk
24/09/2012 15:24
Know your game
Fitness
price
player fees? In direct contrast to all other areas of life they have gone down, I know you are all going to think that I am moaning about nothing, but ask around. In 2007 as a two-goal player I was earning £750 per game in the 8-goal. This season I know of three two-goal
with James de Mountfort
players who are playing the 8-goal for £450 per game. If players are earning less, then obviously they are going to spend less. This will have a direct impact on their development and also the people around them – their grooms, farriers etc – and ultimately the patrons will lose out. Why will the patrons be effected you might ask? If the player is losing money then they will have to sell or rent their good horses, to make up for the loss, and also make cuts in other areas. The result is that they will be unable to perform at the highest level they are capable of. I am genuinely concerned for all of us involved. The number of jobs available is reducing annually and this is bad news for everyone. Polo is a luxury sport that survives through the support and investment of patrons. Sponsors such as Audi, JaegerLeCoultre and Richard Mille are only involved at the top level, trying to attract them to low and medium-goal polo is much harder as the reduced exposure makes it a less attractive proposition. With costs of the sport as high as they are we need to find ways to subsidise our incomes. It is much easier said than done but, sadly, it has now become a reality. F w Have your say by emailing us at letters@polotimes.co.uk
the Line of the Ball (LOB) The main rule in polo is that the player on the LOB, which should be on their offside, has the ROW and other players cannot cross the LOB in front of that player. They may only be challenged by being ridden-off or having their stick hooked. Two players riding in opposite directions on the exact LOB have an equal ROW provided they both
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Knowledge
take the ball on their offside. This is similar to the rules on the road where the white line down the middle acts the same way as the LOB to create a safe path either side for cars to pass. wR ege Ludwig is a world renowned polo coach and author of “Polo in the 21st Century”
James de Mountfort, polo player and personal trainer to the Red Bull F1 Racing Team reveals the exercises and techniques that will help your polo Understanding heart rate Reading your heart rate (HR) can be useful if you are an endurance athlete looking to measuring your level of fitness. While a cynic would say that it is the pony that does most of the cardiovascular work in polo, there is no doubt that the endurance of the player is a key factor too. This becomes more true the higher the level you play at and the more chukkas in your matches. Measuring how long it takes to return to “resting” HR post-effort is a fine indicator of overall fitness. The “resting” number we generally use is 120 beats per minute. If you are banging in the high 170s or 180s, a recovery speed of two to three minutes indicates quite a high level of fitness. Some truly elite athletes may have an even quicker recovery. The recovery speed also depends on how long
of a period was spent at high value, but generally the slower the recovery speed the lower the level of fitness. When looking to build fitness, one must understand that a very solid foundation is needed, which can take six to 12 months of hard training. I always say that athletes do not start truly training until they have spent a year building their foundation. Patience is required, and a long-term view helps as well. In this day and age there are so many different pieces of equipment available to read your heart rate, ranging from the very simple to the very complex and expensive. So it really has never been easier. w Contact James on 07949 455712 or james@ personally-trained.co.uk
Polo Times, October 2012
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24/09/2012 15:24
Knowledge
Know your horse
Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet
Can scanning help assess I am frequently asked on yards to run my scanner over a horse to check it for injuries. It has history of lameness problems and the owner wants to make sure the horse is fine. However, a general scan is not the answer and their money is going to be better spent on a normal clinical examination and trot-up. If the horse is actually lame other diagnostic techniques would be better employed to locate the problem first. In this article I will explain the role of scanning within a lameness assessment. Ultrasonography is the most common type of scanning and most equine vets have access to an ultrasound scanner. It works via a handpiece, sending high frequency sound
Ultrasounds help assess eyes and joints, bone surfaces, the heart, lungs and abdominal and reproductive organs
Photograph by Hallmarq Veterinary Limited
An MRI scan of an injured horse is taken using equipment made by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Limited
waves into the tissues being examined, then listening for the echoes. The time taken for the echoes to be “heard”, and the strength of the echoes is interpreted to create an image on a screen, displaying tissue anatomy and density. When there is a soft tissue swelling or suspicion of an injury usually in the lower leg, a scan will help us assess the size and shape of a tendon or ligament and whether they are damaged or not. If the horse is lame but with no obvious heat or swelling a scan is not very
Feet first
Polo Times’s monthly farrier focus
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useful – a source of pain must be identified first. As well as tendons and ligaments, ultrasound can also be used to assess the insides of eyes and joints, bone surfaces, the heart and lungs and also the reproductive and abdominal organs. It is a relatively affordable and quick procedure and can be carried out on the yard. It is one of the best methods we have to answer the million-dollar question: “It’s got a big leg. Can it play next weekend?”
In some special lameness cases, a vet may refer a horse for “nuclear scintigraphy”, also known as a bone scan. This is a useful technique for dealing with difficult lameness cases such as pelvic fractures and neck or back injuries, which can be tricky to identify accurately. It is also useful in identifying the source of pain in a fractious horse that will not allow a vet to nerve-block them using needles. The horse is injected intravenously with a
When the polo season is over, is it best to take your ponies’ shoes off or carry on shoeing them while they are on winter rest? Although it might sound ridiculous to some, it is very common practice for many owners to turn their ponies out without shoes on and not have them trimmed or checked for the entirety of the winter, or until they start work again. At the opposite end of the scale, some owners will carry on shoeing their ponies throughout the winter.
If the horse’s hooves are in good condition and the land that they will be turned out on has good drainage and is soft then it should be no problem to turn them out without shoes on. Trimming the hooves every 8-10 weeks will keep the feet in shape and balance, ready for the next season. If the paddock, however, has a very abrasive surface (eg flint is present) the hoof will wear faster than it will grow, which can cause pain and lameness. Therefore, shoeing (even if it is not as often as during the polo season) is recommended.
www.polotimes.co.uk
24/09/2012 15:33
Know your horse
Knowledge
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
an injury?
An extremely useful MRI scan of a horse’s foot with damage to the navicular bone
radioactive drug that travels to the areas of inflammation, and emits radiation from those sites. A large gamma camera/ radiation detector is systematically moved over the entire horse to read the levels of radiation in different regions and record areas of inflammation. Once we know where these sites are, further tests can be carried out, or treatment of the condition is started. The drawbacks of bone scans are the expense and the lack of a specific diagnosis of the injury – it will tell you where the horse is sore but not necessarily what it has done to itself. Another increasingly popular form of scanning is MRI. A horse would normally be referred to a specialist centre for an MRI if a vet had been able to locate the area of an injury (eg foot), but nothing significant was found with other imaging techniques (eg X-rays, ultrasound). ◗ Performance Shoeing International is a collaboration of three-time world champion farrier Darren Bazin and Argentine player and farrier Luigi Ferrarese: tel 07896 991489. See www. highgoalfarriers.co.uk for full article
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An MRI machine is essentially a large magnet that the horse’s leg goes into. Protons in the horse’s limb all line up under the influence of the magnetic field and are then disrupted briefly by a burst of radio waves. As the protons return to their original position in the magnetic field, they emit a short burst of radio waves that are detected and interpreted into an image. MRI has revolutionised our understanding of the causes of foot pain in the last decade and now highly detailed images can be obtained of the complex anatomy within the hoof, pinpointing the precise site of injury, and showing the severity. This degree of accuracy means a treatment can be specifically formulated for the injury and a much more accurate prognosis can be given regarding the horse’s athletic career. The only problem with MRI is the expense involved. However, if it is able to give an accurate diagnosis to an injury and help a good horse return to playing polo, the cost may be considered worthwhile. F ◗ Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800383 or email mark@emersonequine.com
Feeding for feet The old saying “no foot, no horse” is so true and from a nutritional perspective we can help hoof growth. In the middle of the season when shoes are falling off and feet are cracking or crumbling, too often we curse the farrier or the weather. But, maybe we should look closer to home first. Polo ponies are generally fed hard feed in the summer months when in work so, by the time the foot growth reaches the area for shoes to be fitted, it is the end of the season or they are turned out for their winter holiday. Consequently, what the pony is eating over the winter is likely to determine hoof integrity during the summer. Why? Research has shown that a balance of good quality proteins, vitamins and minerals aid hoof growth and integrity, so maintaining a balanced diet all year round is necessary. A balanced diet should provide adequate nutrition to support foot growth and therefore supplementation may only be necessary if you are not feeding recommended quantities of hard feed and/or feeding poor quality forage. Rings/ridges on all four feet can be indicative of sudden/drastic changes in the diet, such as turn out over winter when hard feed suddenly stops and coming back into work when hard feed is fed again.
What can we do? • Feed a balanced diet all year round • Provide at least a field lick during winter turnout • Don’t rely on grass alone to provide a balanced diet in the autumn/winter months – its nutritional values deplete considerably and it lacks good quality protein, vitamins and minerals • Provide good quality hay/haylage to substitute grass (as shown below)
◗ Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, October 2012
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Knowledge
Ones to watch
John Fisher
Photographs by Images of Polo and Diego Cavanagh
is hoping to defeat his English rivals at his new home of Tianjin this month, says Caroline Smail English 33-year-old John Fisher has ridden since he was two and after moving to Midhurst aged seven developed a keen interest in polo. Working as a goal-judge at Cowdray furthered this interest, even prompting him to ask Kerry Packer if he could have a go on his horse, sadly to no avail. His opportunity came a few years later when Tom Morley offered him a ride and Tom’s father David Morley encouraged John to play with the Cowdray Pony Club. John’s career took off at 15 when he played the low-goal season with Peter Pattenden at Cowdray Park and was spotted by Eduardo Heguy and Brook Johnson. The next year was the highlight of his career when he won the Gold Cup with CS Brooks. In addition to this he played for Young England for three years and in the high-goal with Black Bears, Geebung, Dubai and Broncos – winning the Prince of Wales and Warwickshire Cup and also making it to the Queen’s Cup final. No longer able to afford the professional life, John has stepped into polo management as Director of Stable Operations at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China. Overseeing the stable facilities for 205 horses he has 76 staff. John was also involved in the organisation of the Snow Polo World Cup earlier this year, which he won as part of the Hong Kong team, alongside Martin Inchauspe and Guillermo Terrera. This month John will be playing for Hong Kong again alongside Chris Mackenzie, José Donoso and JohnPaul Clarkin in the 24-goal Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup. Four international teams including the English side of James Beim, Mark Tomlinson, James Harper and Ollie Cudmore are set to take part in what promises to be another thrilling tournament in China. 76
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Delmay Pinta
Height: 15.1hh Age: 10 Colour: Black Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Royal Empire Dam: Patrona Bred by: Thomas Cavanagh Owner: Diego Cavanagh
Seven-goaler Diego Cavanagh will be playing alongside Santiago Toccalino, Joaquin Pittaluga and Ignacio Toccalino for Las Praderas in the Hurlingham and Argentine Open Qualifiers this month. Here he talks about his favourite pony, Delmay Pinta, and explains why she is such a talent What is Delmay Pinta’s background? She was an embryo from a thoroughbred given to my mother by my father for their tenth wedding anniversary. We bred her and broke her in and since then she has played in some of the top games in Argentina including the Cámara Diputados, qualifying games for the Open, the Jockey Club Open, the Gold Cup, the Silver Cup and the Copa Republica. What is it that makes her so good and does she conform to your usual type? She is small and very handy, which means she can move around the ground faster than the bigger horses and she also has a great deal of speed and power. This is the perfect combination for a horse. She is very easy and anyone from zero-goal to a high-goal professional can play her. I usually have much bigger horses but I prefer her size as I am closer to the ball. Which has been your best game on her and why? The final of the Cámara in 2009 on field number one at Palermo. I played her two chukkas and they
were fantastic, she made me play my best and as well as winning the tournament my handicap went up to seven-goals, which was thanks to her. Have any other players ever played her and if so who and in what? No, but I have her sister that was played by Pablo MacDonough in the final of The Open at Palermo in 2008, which is a big achievement. Does she have any quirky traits? When she was green she used to put everyone on the floor but now she has grown up and is really quiet and well behaved. What do you feed her and does she live in or out? She has oats during the season and lives in the stables going out into pasture for a rest throughout the winter. What is her exercise regime? She is exercised morning and afternoon every day and plays in three practices a week. Finally, will you breed from her and would you sell her? I already have embryos from her that are playing. They are five-years-old, they are really good and showing great promise. I would never sell her because I have a special feeling with her and she is also a good mare to breed from. www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 16:24
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21/09/2012 18:01
Knowledge
How to spend it
A luxury ski break with Winter travel – Powder Byrne If you are taking a break from polo during the English winter, now is the time to think about booking your family skiing holiday. If you have children, look no further than Powder Byrne. They offer special babysitting services during the day to allow you to make the most of your time on the slopes. These include “Pb crèche”, for little ones aged four months to three years, which is complimentary outside school holidays in selected resorts, and “Yeti Primer” for adventurous three-year-olds who are keen to get a gentle introduction to skiing. Powder Byrne provides unique holidays in Switzerland’s polo resorts of St Moritz, Klosters and Gstaad, as well as in Italy and Austria. They offer private chalets, instructor courses for children and adults, and, new for 2013, a special concierge service which ensures that everything is arranged for you in advance – you don’t have to lift a finger on your holiday, except on the slopes of course. For more information about Powder Bryne see www.powderbyrne.com
Estancia – La Loma Polo Farm About 450km from Buenos Aires and just outside the pretty town of Concordia, lies La Loma Polo Farm – the perfect location to brush up your polo skills or just enjoy the breathtaking surroundings on either horseback or foot. Run by brothers and professional polo players Miguel and Kiko Delia the farm is dedicated to breeding and training polo ponies and specialises in teaching the sport to players at every level. The 10-person house is surrounded by 120 hectares in which there are two polo grounds, an all weather ground, stables and swimming pool. The Delia family are there to tend to your every need and their beguiling charm combined with the comfort and beauty of the surroundings makes it the perfect place to escape during the English winter. For more information call Miguel – 005493456265345 – or Mati – 00549-3454333339 – email: info@lalomapolo.com.ar or visit www.lalomapolo.com 78
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21/09/2012 17:44
How to spend it
the kids
Knowledge
Motor – the Range Rover Sport
New options, same award winning engine and design
Keen to consolidate the position of the Range Rover Sport as the most dynamic and luxurious sports tourer in its class, Land Rover are introducing some subtle changes to the popular model for 2013. The Midlands-based manufacturers will be offering new colours, a greater choice of interior trim and new alloy wheel designs. That is where the changes stop, though, as Land Rover are keen to stick to the triedand-tested formula, which has given the
model success in the last two years. This includes the high-performance 3.0-litre EU5 diesel engine.“The Range Rover Sport was substantially revised in 2011 to reinforce its capability. This year we’re going one step further, offering even more choice to enhance the levels of comfort and customer appeal,” says John Edwards, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director. From £49,795
This month’s watch – Hublot’s King Power 305 The Hublot brand always has a strong presence in the October – European glamour – issue of Polo Times. Not only do the Swiss watchmakers have a long-standing sponsorship deal with the Gstaad Gold Cup (aka the Hublot Gold Cup), where this year Team Hublot made it to the final, but this year the Hublot-sponsored Dos Lunas team were also finalists in the High-Goal Gold Cup in Sotogrande. With this in mind we thought it made sense to pay tribute to Hublot. Their latest offering – the King Power 305 – has been specially designed to immortalise Miami, where the Swiss watchmakers opened their first US boutique at the end of last year. The number 305 represents Miami’s famous www.polotimes.co.uk
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area code and the blue and white strap represents the sand and sea of the city’s famous beaches. Made from King Gold – 18 carat gold with 5 per cent platinum – the case-back is embossed with a view of the Miami skyline. Only 40 pieces have been made of this special edition watch. Price on application. For more information visit www.hublot.com Polo Times, October 2012
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Sidelines
Gossip
England star Mark pops the question to his golden girl
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
New additions to the polo community The abnormally cold weather we experienced last winter has prompted a baby boom in the polo world with the recession obviously forcing people to seek a cheaper alternative to heating. George and Tamara Fox (née Vestey) produced their first young cub Jack, 8lb 1oz, at the beginning of September. Jack, right, is the first boy of the new generation of young Vesteys and judging by his already sizeable appetite will grow into a strapping young polo player. “He’s a really good boy” said George “Always hungry and hasn’t dropped any weight since he was 80 Polo Times, October 2012
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Father and son, Paul and Ben de Rivaz, who are both members of Ham Polo Club, took part in the Mongol Derby in August. Helping raise money for Mercy Corps Mongolia, the pair completed 1,000km in 10 days on semi-wild Mongolian ponies. The derby is the world’s longest and toughest horse race, where riders must navigate their own way across rough terrain, riding between the hours of 7am and 9pm and stopping at a horse station every 40km to change mounts.
Photograph by Richard Dunwoody/The Adventurists
Our congratulations go to England player Mark Tomlinson and his wife-to-be Olympic gold dressage medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer, who got engaged at the end of August. Mark popped the question while the couple were out walking their dog, having asked Laura’s father pre-Olympics; “I had to wait for all the commotion of two medals to subside a little before getting down on one knee,” said Mark. “Gold and bronze is quite hard to compete with, even with a diamond and silver ring.” Laura and Mark have been together for the past three-and-a-half years and are planning a winter wedding at Laura’s grandparent’s place in Switzerland. Up until now Laura’s horse Alf has been the main object of her affections but after the recent news she was heard to comment: “Alf is still number one. But the gap has diminished!”
Father and son complete gruelling Mongolian horse race
born, which is unusual.” The couple are over-the-moon, if a little weary, with the latest addition to the family.
More recently Roddy Williams’s wife Zoe gave birth to Ottilie, who was born on the 15th September weighing 7lb 5oz. She is the couple’s second child after twoyear-old Freddie, pictured left with Roddy, and has already got her father wrapped around her little finger. The third baby of the month belongs to Lynt’s Stuart and Abi Latham who had a large 9lb 1oz son, name yet to be decided. Keen to get on the polo baby bandwagon Cheshire’s Lucy Taylor is expecting a baby with partner Jonny Coddington next year. www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 17:46
Gossip
Sidelines
Jersey match gets special approval
Photographs by Images of Polo
Organisers of Jersey’s first ever polo match had to apply to the States of Jersey for special dispensation to allow the event to be held on the beach at St Brelade’s Bay. Normally horses are banned from Jersey’s beaches between 10.30am and 6pm between May and September, but a special exception was made for this four-team competition, which took place on Wednesday 19 September. Familiar faces, including Andrew Hine, Tarquin Southwell and Danny Muriel, took part in the one-day competition, which was ultimately won by Hine’s team, Banjo.
Quote of the month Special rules for girls Factory woe for Tayto patron The 11th annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand featured an exhibition match between players from the New Zealand All Blacks and a few of the “ladies” from Pattaya’s famed Tiffany’s transvestite cabaret show. The tournament was put on to raise money to protect elephants and the rules of the game, although similar to normal polo, make for amusing reading. For example: ladies are allowed to use both hands to swing their mallets, which are around two meters long.
Look-a-likes
Our condolences go to popular Irish patron Stephen Hutchinson, whose Welsh factory was sadly burnt to the ground this month. Emergency services focused on preventing the fire from spreading to the other factories on the industrial estate in Caerphilly and protecting large storage tanks on the site. The cause of the fire at the Sirhowy Valley Food factory has yet to be established, but thankfully no-one was injured in the blaze.
“My present of Duty Free Marlboro Reds to coach John Horswell did not protect me from criticism” Stephen Hutchinson at the Euro 8-goal Championships – see page 42
Dressed to impress The best-dressed male and female spectators at Belfast’s Polo in the City event at the Lower Botanic Playing Fields at Stranmillis Embankment were both rewarded with £3,500 worth of House of Fraser vouchers. Una O’Brien picked up the girl’s prize and Chris Alexander won the men’s, see right. The event is held annually to raise money for the charity Mencap.
Rob Archibald and Tom Cruise www.polotimes.co.uk
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Sidelines
Jamie Le Hardy, Nick Clague, Tim Vaux, Andy Burgess, Andrew Blake Thomas and James Harper with Mary King
Rob Brockett
Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach; Watergate Bay, Cornwall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 September 2012
Record numbers reach the beach
Sally Dawson
More than 3,500 spectators turned out to witness Jamie Le Hardy lead Joules to a win over First Great Western on the beach at Watergate Bay. While the champagne flowed in the VIP area, the masses were treated to a barbecue on the beach and Olympic eventer Mary King took part in a polo demonstration before the main game. Emily King
w Photographs by Pete Cullum and Kristin Prisk Jamie Le Hardy
Phoebe Bocchinelli and Olivia Crowe Black
Andrew Blake Thomas, Nick Clague and James Harper limber up
Caspar West, Will Ashworth, Mary King and Andy Burgess
Sam and Katie Kitson with baby Minnie
Martin Menhinick and Florence Millard Mary King takes a shot
Arthur de Lencquesaing and Romain Herbelot
Lyndon and Jaqueline Barton with Bronwen and Tom Freake
Artist Tony Plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large scale sand drawing. Inset, Tony making the drawing earlier in the day
Andrew Blake Thomas showers James Harper
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21/09/2012 10:40
Treading-in at Watergate Bay
The teams line-up with Kaulai Harwood-Scorer of Audi and Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers
Rob Brockett with a passenger
Paul Roberts and Dara Williams
Richard Britten-Long, Simon Tomlinson and John Tinsley
Lucy Dell
Ollie Cudmore
Felix Wheeler
Young polo fans
Arthur de Lencquesaing of Veuve Clicquot Rob Brockett, Andrew Burgess and Major Ben Marshall
James Harper
Lucy Taylor
Audi International; Chester Racecourse Polo Club – 8 September 2012
Northern delight The sun shone on Chester Racecourse for the club’s first-ever Audi International, which was won by England. Guests dug into a sumptuous buffet lunch before settling down with a glass of Pimm’s to watch the match, held in the centre of the racecourse, unfold. wP hotos by Images of Polo and Audi
Peter West
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Laura Bechtolsheimer, and Tilda Woodd with Simon Tomlinson
Andrew Hine is interviewed after the game
James Harper, James Beim, Mark Tomlinson and Ollie Cudmore with Laura Bechtolsheimer
Andrew Blake Thomas and Andy Burgess Major Ben Marshall speaks to a spectator
Winners of the tread-in competition for 100,000 Avios with Mark Tomlinson
James Beim Herbert Spencer The marching band provided entertainment before the international
20/09/2012 17:30
Guy Schwarzenbach receives the BPP trophy from Rupert Hughes and the Countess of Bathurst for pony Marley at the Warwickshire Cup
Bryony Taylor with Argentine mare Luli at Sussex’s PT Summer Shield
Polo Times best playing pony rugs across the country – 2012 polo season
Ponies rug up x Julio Sepulveda’s Bohemia at Kirtlington Park
This season, Polo Times awarded rugs at a number of tournaments, including the Bledisloe Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park, where Guy Schwarzenbach was a proud winner with his pony Marley. Well done to all our winners!
Jess Andrews with groom Jen Collin and pony Pearla at Tidworth Max Charlton and BPP Leche at the Suffolk International in June
Tom Beim and Dino at Carlton House
w Photos by Christopher Pollard and Mark Beaumont
Tommy Severn with My Coco and groom Yoyo at Cheltenham College Polo Day
Lucy Taylor’s Mash won the BPP prize in the 1930 Wirral Polo Cup at Cheshire
Robert Fleming and Flora at Longdole in May
Harry Pittard and Pedro, winners at Taunton’s Lo Wu Cup
Lola’s Trophy BPP Mr Tea with Jay Jones and his groom at Hurtwood Park
Steve Corker of the Kencot Cavaliers with his winning pony at Lynt
Peagram Trophy; Kirtlington Park Polo Club – 26 August 2012
Top of the lot
Jose “Pepe” Riglos
Kirtlington Park Polo School and Oxford Polo School hosted the Peagram Trophy for nine to 14-year-olds. TOP were the victors after James Fewster – whose pony won the PT best playing pony rug – converted a penalty. Christian Oberschneider won the best youngest player award and a barbecue was hosted by Weston Manor Hotel afterwards. William Dunhill-Turner and Christian Alexander Oberschneider
Flora Douglas
Christian Alexander Oberschneider accepts the trophy from David Ashby KPPS (in red) and TOP in action at Kirtlington Park
Harry Campion, Ben Newbury, Christian Alexander Oberschneider and James Fewster PT p84-85 Sidelines GM JOS CS PJ.indd 2
20/09/2012 17:50
Charlie Gordon-Watson and Henry Brett
Di Arbuthnot Sheena Robertson and Facundo Guevara
A mounted band in Gstaad
RoR Racing to Polo Challenge RCBPC – 3 September 2012
Racing to victory Patrick Beresford, Alan Kent and Chris Bethell compare score sheets
Jonny Good with his groom and winning pony Middleton Minx
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) held a new polo competition in September. Having been postponed twice due to unseasonal weather, the event finally went ahead at RCBPC and 37 ponies were put through their paces in front of a judging panel. Patrick Beresford, Charlie GordonWatson, Alan Kent, Chris Bethell and David Woodd judged the winners in the three classes, where the owners won £1,000 each. w Photos by Georgie May
Winners Star Design
Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad, Switzerland – 19 August 2012
Flying high
David Woodd and Charlie Gordon-Watson talk to Facundo Guevara
Nicky Evans
Team Hublot
David Morley
High-up in the Swiss Alps, four teams took part in the Hublot Polo Gold Cup. Three days of medium-goal polo were combined with parades through the town by the players, delicious lunches and evening entertainment. w See page 44 for a full report The traditional parade of players through the town
Patrick Beresford shows Oliver Hipwood and Stephen Biddlecombe their cheques
Sebastian Alexander with Roddy William’s winning cheque
Olly Hughes
The Swiss Alps provided a stunning backdrop Guests enjoying the fine dining
Paul Oberschneider
William Dunhill Turner, Charlie Horne and Marcus Gijle look at PT
PT p84-85 Sidelines GM JOS CS PJ.indd 3
Evening entertainment
Ben Newbury Christian Alexander Oberschneider
William Dunhill Turner
Team Gstaad Palace
Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza
Hublot’s Tete Storni and Franckie Menendez
20/09/2012 17:50
Bisontes were runners-up in the Low-Goal Gold Cup and winners of the Low-Goal Bronze Cup
Sotogrande marina
BMW International Series Santa Maria Polo Club, Spain – 31 July – 1 September 2012
Mauricio Fajardo
Lechuza Caracas lift the High-Goal Gold Cup
Spanish charm The spectacular setting of Santa Maria Polo Club attracted a variety of spectators to the highlight of the Spanish polo season, based in glamorous Sotogrande. With matches being played from 5pm onwards the club proved to be the perfect place for guests to unwind and socialise after work. The ever-present early evening sun and Veuve Clicquot champagne bars created a relaxed atmosphere as the charm of polo shone through.
Arlene McMahon, Olivia O’Kane and Sarah Walkingshaw
Miriam Sandet Limon, Marta Gil-Fournier, Ana Cabrera and Lola Marquet
Simon and Annabel Wilson with baby Isabella and Trudy and Tony Rowe
Santiago Torreguitar and Richard Fagan with the Low-Goal Gold Cup
Javier Dominguez and Irene Rodriguez
wP hotographs by Kian Gheissari and Tony Ramirez
Alejo Tarranco and Santi Stirling
Augustus Callahan, Edmond Haynes, Lucy Woodnutt and Ralph Richardson
Lynn Verbreuken and Marta Laver
Santi Stirling and family supporters
IG Index HAC 105 Invitational Ham Polo Club – 8 September 2012
Hurray to HAC Anton RF Frisby
Tim Hughes and Col Geoffrey Godbold OBE
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) hosted a day of polo at Ham in September. Between the three matches, the crowd were treated to music from the HAC Band, a tent pegging display by the HAC Light Cavalry and were able to have a go on IG Index’s polo pony simulator. Once play was over, 200 guests filled the clubhouse and partied to music by pianist Carl Joseph and DJ Crispin Dior.
Beth Dean with the RAF’s Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewarf and best playing pony Pintano
Erin Shanson, Sophia, Paul and Julie de Rivaz
w Photographs by Peter Meade and Mark Beaumont Justin Chilton and Tpr Cain Hayward-Hughes
Enthusiastic treading-in Maj Michael Joy and HAC Col Robert Murphy
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LCpl Langan and Bdr Brierley in a Foxhound armoured vehicle
Rebecca Drought and Melissa Shepherd
20/09/2012 17:57
Victor Vargas and young fans
Supporters in the stands
Shaft Polo: Helene Wehtje, Sophie Heaton - Ellis, Melanie Hamilton and Natalia Danilochkina
Ladies’ Sugar Bowl Trophy; Bluey’s Polo Club – 9 September 2012
Heather Wigglesworth and bulldog Pablo
Natalia Danilochkina with the Sugar Bowl Trophy
Sugar ladies
Sainte Mesme were runners-up in the Medium-Goal Gold Cup Miriam Sandet Limon and Luis Mora
Sophie Heaton-Ellis helped lead her side to victory in the Ladies’ Sugar Bowl Trophy. They defeated A3 Design and Print 9½-7 in the final. Guests enjoyed tea, cake and a good helping of Pimm’s. w Photographs by Lucy Brooker Photography
Ralph Richardson with parents Jo and Kim
Shakib Polo won the Low Goal Silver Cup and the subsidiary Low-Goal Gold Cup Runners-up: Alex Jacob, Nell Jacob, Georgie Wood and Grace Cheyney
Marques de Riscal won the Medium-Goal Gold Cup
Sugar Bowl Trophy Blueys: Katie White, Hannah Gertsen, Alice Gipps and Charlotte Sweeney
HAC Light Cavalry Rider performs a tent pegging display
Rosie Trousdell
Major Ben Marshall
Katrina Thomas, Leonora de Ferranti, Elaine Hughes and Gena Helen Ashwell Ben Marsh, Matt Lodder, Paul McFarlane, and Stuart Craig help move the promotional shoe
Sgt Tim Johnson and Lt Doug White
PT p86-87 Sidelines GM JOS CS PJ.indd 3
Joanne Hayman
Nathalie Chamberlin and guest 87
20/09/2012 17:57
Polo directory
Dates for your diary
Club contacts UK and Ireland
South East AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 020 7318 4490 * Blueys Polo Club – 07930 323263 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 07533 213160 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01784 470009 Epsom – 07961 232106 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington Park – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07956 525222 Park Lane – 07976 242877* Ranelagh Farm – 01344 885697 RMAS – 07766 924101 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 07841 597045 * White Waltham – 07748 670587
East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 (back 2013) Carlton House – 01986 892231 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Luton Hoo – 07934 882713 Norfolk – 01508 480400 * Silver Leys – 07535 697854 St Albans – 07438 076644 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974
South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lynt – 07957 468220 * Lytchett Heath – 01202 623985 Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 07703 524613 * West Somerset – 01884 251632
Midlands Dallas Burston – 01926 812409 Offchurch Bury – 07816 830887 Leadenham – 01400 272885 Ranksboro – 01572 720046* Rugby – 01788 817724 * Rutland – 01572 724568
North Beverley – 01964 544455 * Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 * White Rose – 01430 875767 * Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602
Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 * Stewarton – 07974 706045
Ireland All Ireland – +353 (0) 1 6896732 Bunclody – +353 87 6605917 Curraghmore – +353 51 387102 Limerick – +353 (0) 87 2231690 Moyne – +353 85 1313224 Northern Ireland – 02890 727905 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 * Waterford – +353 51 595280 * denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828
88 Polo Times, October 2012
PT p88-89 What's on JOS CS PJ.indd 2
What’s on in October Overseas highlights Argentina Tortugas – Tortugas Open (34-40): 25 September – 14 October Various clubs – Hurlingham and Argentine Open qualifiers (29-34): 27 September – 9 October Hurlingham – Hurlingham Open (34-40): 16 October – 4 November Palermo – Argentine Open (34-40): 17 November – 8 December
Australia Doomben – Jeep Australia Open (12): 6-7 October Kurri Burri – Kurri Burri High-Goal (16): 6-7 October Windsor – Hector King Cup (0-8): 8-11 October Hawsbury – NSW 4-Goal Championships (4): 13-21 October Windsor – Spring Cup (0-8): 27-28 October Riverlands – Riverlands Ladies’ International (Open) 8-11 November Werribee Park – Jeep Melbourne Cup (Open): 11 November
China Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan – Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup (24): 1-5 October Tang – Cartier China International Polo Challenge (12): 11-14 October
International action from the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China during October 2011
France Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Lawyers Polo, Emirates NBD Polo Cup (Open): 12-13 October
USA Arizona – Scottsdale Polo Championships (Open): 20 October Houston – US Women’s Open Polo Championship (4-6): 1-11 November Grand Champions – North American Cup (16-20): 1 November – 1 December
Other dates Goffs – Orby Sale: 3-4 October Brightwells, Ascot – Flat and NH horses in and out of training: 9 October Tattersalls – Yearling Sales: 9-11 October; 15-18 October; 19 October Goffs – HIT and open yearling sale: 25-26 October Tattersalls – Autumn Hit Sale: 29 October – 1 November Doncaster Bloodstock Sales – Autumn HIT and yearling sale: 5-7 November Brightwells, Cheltenham – NH Breeze-Up and HIT Sale: 16 November
TV highlights on Horse & Country TV (Sky 280) 8 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 9 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 10 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 11 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 12 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 15 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 16 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 17 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 18 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights 19 October, 10pm: Argentine Open highlights www.polotimes.co.uk
20/09/2012 16:43
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19/09/2012 13:01
Polo directory
Handicap changes
Photograph by James Mullan
End-of-season HPA handicap changes The following handicap changes were agreed at the HPA’s handicap meeting on Monday 10 September 2012. These are subject to ratification by the stewards at their meeting on 30 October 2012 and will be effective from 1 January 2013. A player will only be awarded a handicap on the basis of having played sufficient polo competitively at a suitable level during the season. Inevitably, the higher the handicap, the more important it is that the player plays competitively at a suitable level and in a sufficient number of games. If in any doubt, the player will be Not Rated (NR), which will mean that they will come back on a CV. A handicap with a bracket around it signals that a player’s handicap was/is under review and is therefore more likely to be changed at any time. Players with a star (*) next to their name have yet to pass their Rules Test so will be restricted to playing polo within their own club until they have passed the Rules Test.
Moving to eight goals Roldan, Nicolas: (8) to 8
Moving to seven goals Araya, Marcos: 6 to 7 De Bruin, Tom: 6 to 7 Del Carril, Michel: 6 to 7
Moving to six goals Charlton, Max: 5 to 6 Garcia del Rio, Gonzalo: (6) to 6
Moving to five goals Hipwood, Oliver: 6 to 5 Llorente, Pablo: (5) to 5 Marin-Moreno, Francisco: 6 to 5
Moving to four goals Ashby, David: 3 to 4 Devrient, Gaston: 5 to 4 Donnelly, Niall: 3 to 4 Furno, Ricardo: 3 to 4 Hipwood, Howard: 5 to 4 Llorens, German: 3 to 4 Machado, Matias Hector: (4) to 4 Mallett, Bradley: 3 to 4 O’Dwyer, Patrick: 3 to 4 Pepper, Nicholas: 3 to 4 Raigal, Mariano: (4) to 4
Moving to three goals Atta, Adamu: (3) to 3 Beguerie, Agustin: (3) to 3 Blake Thomas, Andrew: 4 to 3 Cabrera, Carlos: (2) to (3) Darritchon, Mariano: 4 to 3 Fernandez, Tommy: (2) to (3) Gibrat, Guy: (3) to 3 Gonzalez, Carlito: (3) to 3 Guevara, Juan Facundo: (3) to 3 90 Polo Times, October 2012
PT p90-91 Handicap changes JOS PJ.indd 2
Hagedoorn, Zac: (3) to 3 Harrison, Pedro: (3) to 3 Higginson, Guy: (4) to (3) Kent, Alan: 4 to 3 Loe, Daniel: (3) to 3 McGregor, Stirling: 2 to 3 MacLoughlin, Guillermo: (2) to (3) MacLoughlin, Francisco: (2) to (3) Muzzio, Hernan: (3) to 3 Roberts, Nicolas: (3) to 3 Rome, James: 2 to 3 Rubinich, Ivan: 4 to 3 Vestey, Ben: 2 to 3 White, Jasper: (2) to 3 White, William: 2 to 3 Wood, Charlie: 2 to 3 Wood, James: (2) to 3
Moving to two goals Berner, William: 1 to 2 Blake Thomas, Richard: 3 to 2 Brasher, William: 1 to 2 Buchanan, Adam: (3) to 2 Chialvo, Sebastian: (2) to 2 De Alba, Juan José: 1 to 2 Diaz-Alberdi, Lucas: (1) to (2) Hodges, Harold: 1 to 2 Horne, Freddie: 1 to 2 Johnson, Nicholas: 1 to 2 Kidson-Trigg, Alistair: (2) to 2 Lamacraft, Tom: 1 to 2 Lucas, James: 3 to 2 McLeavy, James: (2) to 2 Maidana, Telmo: 1 to (2) Mains, Alexander: 1 to 2 Mathies, Oscar: 1 to 2 Mawaz, Hamza: (1) to (2) O’Leary, Daniel: (1) to 2 Paterson, Alastair: 1 to 2 Perez, Edgar: (3) to (2)
Young star Max Charlton has moved up to six goals
Scott, Charlie: 1 to 2 Sleeman, John: 1 to 2 Veronesi, Franco: (2) to 2 Wade, Tristan: 3 to 2 White, Hugo: (1) to (2) Wilson, Ben: 1 to 2 Winterton, Edward: 1 to 2 Wiseman, Sarah: 1 to 2 Woodhouse, Rex: 1 to 2
Moving to one goal Allen, Boyd: 0 to 1 Al-Rifai, Faisal: 0 to 1 Baker, David: 2 to 1 Beavan, Huw: 0 to 1 Beresford, Tomas: 0 to 1 Bossignon Temes, Joaquin: (1) to 1 Browne, Sam: 0 to 1 Carr, James: 0 to 1 Connolly, James: 0 to 1 Courage, Edward: 0 to 1 Drummond Moray, Andrew: (1) to 1 Fair, Hamish: 0 to 1 Flores Piran, Rufino: (2) to (1) Fox-Andrews, Guy: 0 to 1 Fraser, Garth: (1) to 1 Gomez, Anthony: (0) to (1) Hancock, Sebastian: 0 to 1 Harris, Tom: 0 to 1 Hepburn, James: 0 to 1 Hirson, Archie: 0 to 1 Holroyd, Katie: 0 to 1 Hutley, Francis: 0 to 1 Jones, Oliver: 0 to 1 Lowther, Patrick: (1) to 1 Meacher, Thomas: (1) to 1 Nicholson, James: (1) to 1 Oberschneider, Paul: 0 to 1 Padden, William: 0 to 1 Pearson, George: 0 to 1
Pitts, Toby: (1) to 1 Potter, James: 0 to 1 Santos, Gabriel: 0 to 1 Severn, Jack: 0 to 1 Simcox, Lucas: (0) to 1 Taylor, Bryony: 0 to 1 Taylor, Jack: 0 to 1 Walton, Charlie: 0 to 1 Warren, Jason: (0) to 1 Whittington, Harry: (1) to 1
Moving to zero goals Abdel-Ghaffar Plaza, Karim: -1 to 0 Al Habtoor, Tariq: (0) to 0 Al Maktoum, Maitha M: (0) to 0 Anderson, James: -1 to 0 Arber, Jo: -1 to 0 Armstrong, Patrick: -1 to 0 Ayton, John: -1 to 0 Baillie, James: (0) to 0 Bekken, Atle: (0) to 0 Bell, Nicholas: -1 to 0 Beresford, Camilla: -1 to 0 Bhatia, Ravi: -1 to 0 Bin Drai, Saeed: (1) to 0 Boers, Emma Jayne: -1 to 0 Brooks, Henry: (-1) to (0) Brown, Mark: 1 to 0 Casabal, Adolfo: -1 to 0 Chamberlain, Simon: -1 to 0 Clements, Antony: -1 to 0 Cornwall, Charles: (0) to 0 Davidson, Nicola: -1 to 0 Di Gianvittorio, Adriano: (0) to 0 Donovan Smith, Sean: -1 to 0 Drummond, Patrick: -1 to 0 Esiri, Albert: (0) to 0 Etchells, Alice: -1 to 0 Fair, Hector: -1 to 0 Farr-Jones, Justin: (0) to 0 www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 16:22
Handicap changes
Ferrarese, Luis: (1) to (0) Freeman, Ben: -1 to 0 Gomez, Miguel: (0) to 0 Gonzalez De Biase, Matias: (0) to 0 Gordon, Jamie: (0) to 0 Green-Armytage, Matt: (0) to 0 Greening, Greg: -1 to 0 Guy-Harding, Howard: -1 to 0 Hickman, Stewart: (0) to 0 Hickmet, Harry: -1 to 0 Holley, Charlie: -1 to 0 Hopkins, Will: -1 to 0 Hugh Smith, Peter: -1 to 0 Human, Byron: -1 to 0 * Hunt, Esther: -1 to 0 Hutley, Edward: 1 to 0 Hyde, Jack: -1 to 0 Johnson, Tim: (1) to 0 Kahia, David: (0) to 0 * Kamper, Maximilian: (0) to 0 Kennedy, Eddie: (0) to 0 Laverty, Daniel: -1 to 0 Leigh-Davies, Stuart: -1 to 0 Lent, Terence: -1 to 0 Lewis, Hugo: -1 to 0 Lindsay, Alexander: -1 to 0 Liu, Nan: (0) to 0 Liu, Shilai: (0) to 0 Mallach, Olivia: -1 to 0 Marchant, Simon: -1 to 0 Marlow-Thomas, Miles: -1 to 0 Marshall, Benjamin: -1 to 0 Mason, John: (0) to 0 McCreight, Jason: -1 to 0 McLean, Neil: (0) to 0 Mullan, Geoff: (0) to 0 Murphy, Nick: -1 to 0 * Noordeen, Hilali: -1 to 0 Odle, Rhys: -1 to 0 Ormerod, Robin: -1 to 0 Parker, Harry: -1 to 0 Pemberton, Jeremy: -1 to 0 Porter, Chris: -1 to 0 Raksriaksorn, Aiyawatt: (0) to 0 Raksriaksorn, Apichet: (0) to 0 Raksriaksorn, Vichai: (0) to 0 Rathore Singh, Kuldeep: (0) to 0 Rumsey, Jayne: (0) to 0 Scott, Hamish: (0) to 0 Severn, Oliver: -1 to 0 Shah, Hassenal: -1 to 0 Shakib, Kaveh: -1 to 0 Sheikh, Karim: -1 to 0 Singh, Raphael: 1 to 0 Skippen, Kiryon: -1 to 0 Smith, JosĂŠ Miguel: (-1) to (0) Spragg, David: (0) to 0 Stanhope-White, Lolly: -1 to 0 Stevenson, William: -1 to 0 Sweeney, Charlotte: 1 to 0 www.polotimes.co.uk
PT p90-91 Handicap changes JOS PJ.indd 3
Taylor, Charles: -1 to 0 Thomas, Alistair: -1 to 0 Thomas, Josh: -1 to 0 Tomlinson, Claire: 1 to 0 Tomlinson, G S: 1 to 0 Vadgama, Arun: (-1) to 0 Vadgama, Krishan: (0) to 0 Walters, Rebecca: -2 to 0 Whitehead, John: -2 to 0 Wightman, Chris: -1 to 0 Woodhouse, Rachael: -1 to 0 Yeo, Matthew: -1 to 0 Yeo, Oliver: -1 to 0
Moving to minus one goals Alexander, Fiona: (-1) to -1 Allton-Jones, John: -2 to -1 Barfoot, John: -2 to -1 Barlow, William: -2 to -1 Benyon, Freddie: -2 to -1 Bonito-Oliva, Nico: -2 to -1 Bressard, Jean-Luc: -2 to -1 Brockett, Richard: (-2) to -1 Brookes, Martin: -2 to -1 Buckley Hoyle, Lisa: -2 to -1 Bussey, Paul: -2 to -1 Carnegie, Hugh: -2 to -1 Cecil, William: -2 to -1 Chichvarkin, Yarislav: -2 to -1 Chichvarkin, Yevgeny: -2 to -1 Churton, Oscar: -2 to -1 Clark, Sarah: -2 to -1 Cork, James: (-1) to -1 Cuart, Crisobal: -2 to -1 Cullen, Matthew: -2 to -1 Dalton-Morgan, John: -2 to -1 Dalton-Morgan, Tom: -2 to -1 De By, Henri: (-1) to -1 De By, Robert: (-1) to -1 Dixon, Abbey: (-1) to -1 Dobson, Tim: (-1) to -1 Dowie, Alex: -2 to -1 Drummond, Greg: -2 to -1 Elkington, Susan: -2 to -1 Elliot, Laura: -2 to -1 Elsmore, Catherine: -2 to -1 Fallon, Ken: (-1) to -1 Finn, Rebecca: (-1) to -1 Fitzwilliams, Edward: -2 to -1 Fletcher, Luke: -2 to -1 Fontanarrosa, Amanda: (-1) to -1 Formasino, Enrico: (-2) to (-1) Fraser, Charlotte: -2 to -1 Frith, Adam: (-1) to -1 Fuller, Henry: -2 to -1 Galanopoulos, George: -2 to -1 Granchi, Michel: -2 to -1 Granchi, Sophie: -2 to -1 Gray, Duane: -2 to -1 Grayson, James: -2 to -1
Green, Paul: -2 to -1 Gregory, Dan: -2 to -1 Guarnieri, Giampaolo: (-1) to -1 Gwynn-Jones, Eleisha: -2 to -1 Hadley-Piggin, Jonathan: -2 to -1 Hall, Kian: -2 to -1 Hamilton, Rosie: -2 to -1 Hare, Melanie: -2 to -1 Hartley, Luke: (-1) to -1 Hedegaard, Natasha: -2 to -1 Henderson, Jayna: -2 to -1 Heywood, Sebastian: -2 to -1 Hiller, Alexander: -2 to -1 Holtzman, Tahl: -2 to -1 Houghton, Debbie: -2 to -1 Humphreys, John: -2 to -1 Hutchings, Harry: -2 to -1 Isted, Catherine: 0 to -1 James, Anna: -2 to -1 Jenkins, Stephen: -2 to -1 Jenkinson, Katie: -2 to -1 Johnson, Robert: -2 to -1 Kaute-Brown, Karina: -2 to -1 King, Holly: -2 to -1 Krasker, Sarah: (-1) to -1 Krishan, Vikas: -2 to -1 Kumar, Vinod: (-1) to -1 Lavigne-Delville, Olivier: (-2) to -1 Lea, Alexandra: -2 to -1 Leoni Sceti, Elio: -2 to -1 Lucas, Katie: -2 to -1 * McWilliam Herbert, Lisa: -2 to -1 Manderfield, Katherine: -2 to -1 Marshall, James: -2 to -1 Matthews, Cheryl: (-1) to -1 Mawby, Will: -2 to -1 McKechnie, Gail: -2 to -1 Metz, John: (-1) to -1 Middlemiss, George: (-1) to -1 Molyneux, Francis: -2 to -1 Mooney, Ryan: 0 to -1 Nash, John: 0 to -1 Newman, William: -2 to -1 Nicholas, Graham: -2 to -1 Nocera, Mattia: (-1) to -1 Pakenham, Dermot: -2 to -1 Parsons, Louisa: -2 to -1 Penfold, William: -2 to -1 Petragallo, Sebastian: -2 to -1 Price, Aislinn: -2 to -1 Prys-Roberts, Philip: -2 to -1 Rausing, Gustav: -2 to -1 Reeve, Willie: (-1) to -1 Richardson, Hugh: -2 to -1 Ronchei, Monica: (-1) to -1 Samoknvalova, Alya: -2 to -1 * Sharp, Steffi: -2 to -1 Skeggs, Robert: -2 to -1 Skinner, Claire: -2 to -1 Stein, Brian: 0 to -1
Polo directory Stellini, Flavio: -2 to -1 Swift, Camilla: -2 to -1 Taylor, Hugo: -2 to -1 Taylor, Justin: -2 to -1 Tempest, Ellie: -2 to -1 Thomas, Jamie: -2 to -1 Tobin, Hugo: -2 to -1 Townsend, Thomas: -2 to -1 Tucker, William: (-1) to -1 Turk, Rosanna: -2 to -1 Vadgama, Madhav: (-1) to -1 Weijand, Saskia: -2 to -1 Whitson, Roy: (-1) to -1 Wigglesworth, Heather: -2 to -1 Woodhead, Annabel: -2 to -1 Woodhead, Olivia: -2 to -1 Woodward, Matthew: -2 to -1
Moving to minus two goals Armstrong, Martin: (-2) to -2 Banks, Samantha: (-2) to -2 Burrows, Tom: (-2) to -2 Dean, Alexandra: (-2) to -2 Dyball, Craig: (-2) to -2 Fisher, Leigh: (-2) to -2 Fitzwilliams, Piers: (-2) to -2 Gaillard, Laurent: (-2) to -2 Patterson, Stewart: (-2) to -2 Puddifer, Emily: (-2) to -2 Pye, Sidney: (-2) to -2 Wilson, Lucy: (-2) to -2
Not rated (NR) Bachmann, Federico: (6) to NR Baillieu, Jack: 7 to NR De Estrada, Santiago: (6) to NR Keyte, Simon: (6) to NR James, Andres: 4 to NR Joaquin, Martin: 3 to NR Merlos, Juan Cruz: (1) to NR
Alex Mains has moved from one to two
Polo Times, October 2012 91
21/09/2012 16:22
Polo directory
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92 Polo Times, October 2012
PT p92-97 Polo directory and Classified.indd 2
www.polotimes.co.uk
21/09/2012 14:56
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21/09/2012 14:56
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To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 Eddlethorpe Farm, Stockton Road, Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1TB ALL VEHICLES ARE PLUS VAT FINANCE AVAILABLE
Following hounds? Following the sun? Whatever you are following We can send you the kit. Top quality ponies for sale young stock to proven high goal ponies Please call Henry Brett 07970 029927
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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
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Advertising
Polo directory
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Polo directory
Classifieds
Ponies STARS OF THE FUTURE Talented well bred 4/5 year old geldings from high goal stallions – brought on slowly now playing regular chukkas. For sale due to lack of grazing. Can be tried grass or arena. Sussex. £3,500 - £4,500. Tel: 01342 714920 SCHOOLMASTER PRICED TO SELL 15.2hh. 16 years young. Played up to 6-goal. English thoroughbred, always double chukkas, great to turn, ride-off and good speed. Perfect for upcoming or new player. Wiltshire/Gloucestershire. £2,000. Contact James 07881 528627 TWO FOUR YEAR OLD TB PONIES FOR SALE One mare, one gelding. Stick and balling, and playing slow chukkas. Good temperaments, easy in every way. Excellent winter projects. West Sussex. £2,000 each. Tel: 07860 245336 BRILLIANT 15.2HH IRISH TB GELDING 10 years old. Very fast, strong ride offs. Played winning Rendell PC Championships two years running. Plays 6-goal easily. Same home five years. Very sad sale as 0-goaler owner going to university. Wiltshire. £8,000. Tel. 01380 727180 FIVE YEAR OLD TB MARE AND 6 YEAR OLD TB GELDING 15.2HH Two very easy TB’s brought on slowly over 18 months for patron who has given up. Very good S & B and playing chukkas. A great investment. Oxfordshire. £2,950 each. Tel: 07800 517869 COMPACT 6 YEAR OLD GREY ARGENTINE MARE 15.1HH Fabulous compact handy mare, with a wonderful hand canter, tough ride off, easy. Suit good patron or low goal player. Imported 2011. Oxfordshire. £8,500. Tel: 07979 494553 or www. pharmapoloponies.com NINE YEAR OLD SUPER CHESNUT MARE 14.3hh Argentine mare. Fast and tough on the pitch, has played PC to high-goal. Very easy to
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handle, lovely nature. Sad sale as owner off to uni. Hampshire. £6,000. Tel: 07909 442997
2 years. Near Cirencester. From £1,500 £3,000. Tel: 07545501763
POLO PONIES FOR SALE Polo ponies for sale due to player giving up. All sound and fit to try. Call for more information. Oxfordshire. POA. Tel: 07980 639637
NINE YEAR OLD ENGLISH TB MARE Nine year old English thoroughbred for sale. Played high-goal last season. Fast and tough. Would suit a professional or up-and-coming player. Sound and ready to play. Currently with fourgoaler. Given up polo forces sale. £15,000 ono. Tel: 07816 417125
TWO TB GELDINGS Bay TB Gelding, 9 years old, 15.1hh, fit sound. Great mouth. Played -2 to 12 goal this year, would suit pro or patron. Chestnut TB gelding, 10 year old, 15.1hh, fit and sound. Strong and fast. Played -2 to 12-goal this year, would suit low goal pro or patron. Surrey. POA. Tel: 07770 840650 PLAYER GIVING UP Four Ponies for sale: Mirta = 7 years old 15hh. Ivon = 11 years old 15.2hh. Café = 13 years old 15.2hh. Picosa Dos = 11 year old 15.1hh. Would suit beginner/intermediate. All played up to 6-goal. One-goal player giving up. Priced between £2,000 and £6,000. Fit and ready to be tried at home in Worcestershire, Rugby Polo Club or RLS Polo Club. Call Stewart Hickman 07771 528822 BEAUTIFUL ARGENTINE BAY MARE Stunning 12 year old, 14.2hh bay mare. Would make great beginner pony. Very Honest, responsive, good confirmation. Player giving up, hence price, £2,000. Gloucestershire. Tel: 07779 359325 PERFECT PATRON PONIES FOR SALE Two Argentine bay mares, 11 years old (£5,000) and 14 years old (£2,000). Perfect patron/ teaching/ ponies. Suitable for beginner or low goal players. Available to try at Hurtwood. Email hugofonseca_polo2003@hotmail.com or call 07803 058387 ARGENTINE YOUNG POLO PONIES A selection of Argentine bred youngsters 3 - 4 years old some stick and balling and ready to go on, all are of fantastic temperament and great looking, all from the same stallion, must sell as to many mouths to feed through the winter so open to offers on inspection. Midhurst, West Sussex. Call 07887 525497 THREE BEGINNER PONIES FOR SALE Three bargain mares, age 6, 16 and 18. All very capable and perfect for -2 or young -1 or lady player. Played by 14 year old son for
12 YEAR OLD GREY MARE Twelve year old grey mare for sale. Played up to 8-goal outdoors and Arena Gold Cup. Fit and ready to play. Would suit keen young player. £2,000. Tel: 07786 985034
Transport VEHICLE FOR SALE – REDUCED FOR END OF SEASON SALE Carries up to six (it currently has three partitions). Rubber mats. Drives amazingly well. Plated until June 2013. New engine less than 25,000 miles ago. Fully Serviced. Needs to go to make room for the new one!! £3,500. Tel: 07736 060200 or email: alecbeve@btinternet.com
Equipment SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/ horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www. SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 POLO SADDLES, STICKS, TACK ETC FOR SALE/WANTED Polo saddles for sale from £50 to £300, sticks from £35, also tack, bridles, boots and accessories available. Used polo equipment also bought for cash. Please visit www.poloexchange.co.uk or email contact@poloexchange.co.uk or Tel 07909 965940
Livery WINTER GRASS KEEP WITH QUALITY HAYLAGE 200 ACRES near Cirencester, rural safe area, natural shelter. Tel: 07835 965972 / 01666 510841 / 07704 272613. £25 wk with top quality haylage.
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Listings
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WARWICKSHIRE
An Outstanding Grassland Farm with a Handsome Five Bedroom Victorian Home, Outbuildings and Mature Pastureland Situated Down A Half Mile Private Drive within 3 miles of Dallas Burton Polo Club. The property is currently used as a private polo yard, however would lend itself to any equestrian or agricultural enterprise. The Residence Entrance Hall • Kitchen / Breakfast Room • Porch / Boot Room • Dining Room • Study • Living Room • Sitting Room • Conservatory • Cellar • Five Bedrooms (Two En Suite) • Two Bathrooms • Swimming Pool • Attractive Lawned Gardens • Mature Trees • Large Garage Adjoining
Publishing Print & e-books Cover artwork Magazines Catalogues Project management
T: 01993 878541 M: 07885 285932 E: nicki@nickiaverilldesign.co.uk
Illustration Freehand & digital Book illustrations Maps Commissions
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Give a subscription A gift subscription includes: • Polo Times magazine (10 issues per year) delivered direct to your door • A weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox every Friday • Reduced classified advertising rates • Your unique password for the online version
Designed by www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk Printed by The Manson Group Contact details Holbrook Farm, East End, North Leigh, Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2012 and Database Right 2012 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Polo directory
Ancillary Building Six Rooms c.165 sq m Outbuildings Brick Barn • Eight Livestock Pens The Land Mature Pasture • Hedging to Boundaries • Access to Fosseway, Harbury Lane & Bridleway • Post & Rail Fencing • Canter Track • Stick & Ball Field PRICE GUIDES: Residence & c. 7 Acres – £1,200,000 Residence & c.55 Acres – £1,600,000 c.48 Acres of Land Only – £500,000
For further information please contact John Brewer on 01264 850700 www.ruralscene.co.uk
Are you looking for a gift for a keen player or fan? Whether it’s for an anniversary, a birthday or for Christmas, Polo Times is the perfect present
Call Sarah on 00 44 (0) 1993 886885
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Contributors – October 2012 Adam Caller, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Bobby Dundas, Captain Janet Johnson, Carlos Beer, Caroline Smail, Chris Nimmo, Clare Milford Haven, Herbert Spencer, James de Mountfort, Jamie Peel, Kian Gheissari, Lorna Edgar, Luigi Ferrarese, Mark Emerson, Mike Hobday, Theresa Hodges, Rege Ludwig,
Subscriptions UK: £65 for one year – £115 for two years (a saving of £15) Europe: £80 for one year – £140 for two years (a saving of £20) Rest of the World: £90 for one year – £160 for two years (a saving of £2)
Call Sarah Foster on +44 (0)1993 886885 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, October 2012 97
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Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Polo photographer and zero-goaler Alice Gipps’s...
Passions
Caroline Smail speaks to Alice Gipps about winning the British Ladies Open, her love of the sport and her ambition to see women’s polo develop in the UK as it has overseas Who taught you to play polo? Mark Hayden-Kellard gave me my first lesson and then passed me onto Steve Thompson, who ran the Berkshire Polo School. I helped out all week in exchange for one lesson. Favourite polo memory? Winning the British Ladies Open at Cowdray in 2010 and being awarded MVP – a big achievement as it’s one of the UK’s most prestigious women’s tournaments and attracts very good players. If you could change one thing about polo, what would it be? We need more support for women’s polo in the UK. It’s growing rapidly in the USA and Argentina – there is even a women’s tournament at Palermo – come on Guards!
Photograph by Christopher Dydyk
Best teammate? Sarah Wiseman, she’s always calm, highly effective and relentless on the field. Hardest opponent? Talking ladies, Nina Clarkin. But also Marianela Castagnola or Charlotte Sweeney. Favourite polo venue? Cowdray Lawns 2 where I played
the British Ladies Open final in front of the international crowd four times, winning twice, which I think is quite an achievement. Favourite pastime outside polo? My life revolves around polo, I’m either photographing it or playing and it’s a full-time job looking after my playing ponies, but I also enjoy working with my homebred youngsters.
“We need more support for women’s polo in the UK. It’s growing rapidly in the USA and in Argentina” What would you do if you didn’t play polo? If I wasn’t a photographer and not involved in polo I would still be involved with horses or something more adventurous like the RAF… it might have been fun to fly fighter jets! Who has been the biggest influence on your life? My parents and horses. My parents have always been supportive and introduced me to horses when I was three, my life has revolved around them since. Favourite holiday destination? Argentina is one of them as there are plenty of horses to keep me entertained. Person you would most like to meet? I’ve met him, Monty Roberts. I love learning about
young horse training so I was in awe when I had the opportunity to interview him for Polo Times. HM the Queen requested two copies of that issue, she’s always been a great supporter of his. Most annoying habit? Apparently I’m bossy and take too long getting ready. Most embarrassing moment? Late for a practice, I tacked up the horses super quick but, in haste getting ready myself stripped down I forgot to put on my whites, only realising once I had my boots on. Just polo boots and knickers could have made for an interesting game!?! Biggest crush growing up? Johnny Depp Favourite film? Any Bond movies. Favourite book/author? The Byerley Turk by Jeremy James. The story of the first thoroughbred. Guilty pleasure? Baileys – the drink, not the horse feed! Maté or English breakfast? Builders tea for me please!
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