Volume 20 • Issue 8 • September 2015 • £6.50
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CORONATION CUP PONY CLUB & YOUTH POLO SPECIAL: 18 pages of young polo features PLUS: Victor Ludorum Update & Sotogrande Silver Cup
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk
38 News 6 16 18
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All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update
Comment 20
Your Views: Letters
Editorial
Reports
Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
25 33
Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk
36 38
Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Round-Up Cover Story: The Royal Salute Coronation Cup RCBPC Polo Festival Cover Story: Sotogrande Silver Cup
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Club Focus Junior Editor
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Wiggy Bamforth wiggy@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design James Morgan
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Polo Directory
Women’s Polo
90 94
47 49
Final bell
Women’s Polo Update 5 minutes with… Emma Boers
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What’s on in September?
Polo Times Marketplace Passions: Ralph Richardson
Youth Polo Additional Design Tony Ruddy
50 54 62
Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk
Contributors
Bomber Nel, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lottie Goldstone, Liz Higgins, Francisco Tirado BVSc MRCVS, Charles Whittington, David Woodd
Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
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Military Polo 70
Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
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Langley School Polo Academy Cover Story: El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships HPA British Junior Polo Championships HPA Select Update Pony Power Youth Special
Pony Power Bit Focus: Understanding the Horse’s Head Acupuncture in Polo Ponies Equine Legal Advice: Legalities of Reportable Diseases
Sidelines 81 82
Gossip: Don’t be the last to know Sidelines: Social pages
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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: HRH Prince of Wales presents The Coronation Cup to England Captain James Beim. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Polo Times, September 2015
5
from the Publisher
News
As featured in this September issue, the England team convincingly beat South America in the 2015 Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 25 July. Out of England’s ten goals, to South America’s six, eight were scored as field goals, clearly demonstrating Captain James Beim’s characteristic hallmark to shoot at goal from field shots, rather than from penalties. As a consequence, the England team had 23 field shots, compared to South America’s 17, meaning that for most, this year’s Coronation Cup will be remembered for fast, open polo, with very little whistle. Completing his first year as Captain with a clean sweep hat-trick in the three Internationals, Beimy is to be applauded. This issue also has a burgeoning 18 pages of Youth Polo including the 2015 Pony Club Polo Championships. Fortunately, through El Remanso and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club’s support, the future long-term success of Pony Club Polo is assured. Looking ahead, the 22 goal and Victor Ludorum handicap changes for the 2016 season that were recently announced, have seen some unexpected fluctuations that will make for interesting machinations as next year’s teams are being selected, least not which, for the young talent. Whilst the hat safety ‘debate’ continues unabated – and for many, largely unanswered – Polo Times remains committed to bringing you the latest developments on this critically important area of our sport. Polo Times is delighted to have filmed the 2015 Royal Salute Coronation Cup and already, this year’s International on POLOLIVE TV by Polo Times has had almost 3,500 combined viewings. For helping make this happen, I would like to pay particular thanks to David Trotter from thepodacompany.co.uk for providing the stunning TV studio; James Poole and his team from www.txobs.co.uk for having the creative and technical wherewithal to make it all happen; and last but by no means least, to Charlie Froggatt and Greg Hughes for contributing the exclusive match analysis and drone footage respectively.
POLOLIVE TV Launched
THE ROYAL SALUTE Coronation Cup was broadcast live on POLOLIVE TV by Polo Times on Saturday 25 July. POLOLIVE TV was positioned in the pitch-side studio Poda between the Guards’ Clubhouse and the players’ tents. The live stream included footage of the game and interviews with past England Captains Alan Kent and Henry Brett. Commentary by Chris Hyde and John Kent during play also included match analysis and plenty of indepth information about both the players and the ponies. A taster edit of the day is available on the Polo Times website and its social media sites. Post-match analysis, including drone footage plus additional postmatch interviews by Karl Ude Martinez with the players and other polo aficionados, will be released soon. The final edit of the day will also be uploaded for you to view on your phone, tablet or computer. Watch this space for more updates.
The Power of Polo
Photograph by Dr Katy Hayward
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Nick Hine, Publisher
The POLOLIVE TV by Polo Times ‘Poda’ pitch-side studio at Guards Polo Club
6
Polo Times, September 2015
THE FLEDGLING CHARITY has completed its first training course with eight youngsters from London’s South Central Youth Charity. Power of Polo (PoP) has begun a quest to show disadvantaged youngsters that they can change their direction in life. The first training course was held at Fifield Polo Club with overnight stays at Combermere The participants on tour at Guards Polo Club Barracks in Berkshire, and included a huge range of polo related activities, including riding, stick and balling, as well as yard duties such as mucking out and grooming. They were also treated to a series of lectures from local vet Mark Emerson, horse therapist Petra Sones, mentor sessions from ex-military polo team members Elaine Corner and Clifford O’Farrell, as well as talks from Guards Polo Club Manager Antony Fanshawe, whilst on a visit to the famous Club to watch a match. Charity Founder Dr Katy Hayward wanted to thank the kind generosity of the Rumsey family, without whom the four-day course would not have been possible. The list of supporters for Power of Polo is extensive and includes, Julia Luke and her team at Fifield Polo Club where the course had primarily taken place, the PoP team; Vivek Rawal, Posey Cottrell, Stephanie Price, Fergal Cawley, Annabelle Maddison & Juliet Cockram, coaches Roddy Matthews and Josh Clover. @poloprinting stepped in to create shirts and caps for all involved and a promotional video directed by Elisabeth Kerr and produced by PoloCam will be on the PoP website soon.
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News
Will Tankard 26 May 1985 – 30 July 2015
Photograph courtesy of The USPA
American professional player killed in a tragic road traffic accident along with three of his horses The American polo community is mourning the loss of Will Tankard of Aiken, South Carolina. The professional 3 goaler died tragically along with his loyal canine companion, Chewy, and three of his horses in a traffic accident on Thursday 30 July in Ohio, while travelling from Lexington, Kentucky to Darlington, Pennsylvania. At the age of 17, after playing outdoor club polo in the southeast, Will found himself in Texas. It was here that he developed his arena skills, which helped lead the Fort Worth team to two National Interscholastic Championships in 2002 and 2003. After being awarded a Polo Scholarship to Texas Tech University, in 2006 he led his team to the only National Championship ever achieved by a Texas Tech Sports team. During this time Will also played many outdoor tournaments in Dallas and Houston, one of which, was the prestigious 12 goal Triple Crown of Polo which his team won in 2006. Will made his home in Aiken, South Carolina, where besides being mentored by players such as former 10 goaler Adam Snow, he continued to play and win many more tournaments including The 12 goal Copper Cup in 2012, with his step-brother Nick Snow, as well as The Smoak Family 8 Goal. Will continued his success at The Myopia Polo Club in Hamilton, Massachusetts, where his teams won The 2012 USPA 6 Goal Governor’s Cup, The 4 Goal Crossman Cup, and he was a finalist in The 2012 USPA 12 Goal Chairman’s Cup. International accolades also included winning The 2014 Bryan Morrison International Test Match at AEPC when the USA played England. Will was also part of the 2015 team that competed in the Finals of the FIP World Championship in Chile. In a statement from the USPA, he has been remembered as, “A true horseman and gentleman who set a wonderful example to our youth and was an inspiration to adults as well.” Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Will has been described as, “A genuine, passionate and caring human being who found his way into the heart of our polo family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family, especially his mom, Cissie Snow, his dad, Bill Tankard, his brother, Jason Melson, and his beloved partner, Samira Waernlund.” A celebration of his life is being planned for later this year (date to be determined) in Aiken, South Carolina.
Tortugas Open Draw and Match Schedule Released THE ARGENTINE POLO Association (AAP) has released the zone classifications and team line-ups for The Argentine Triple Crown for the Tortugas, Hurlingham and Palermo Opens to be played this year. The draw, dates and times have also been released for The Tortugas Open. On Tuesday 29 September the first game in The Triple Crown for the Tortugas Open will be between Alegría and Chapaleufú for Match 1. On Wednesday 30 September La Aguada Las Monjitas will play La Aguada for Match 2. On Saturday 3 October La Dolfina will play the loser of Match 1, whilst Ellerstina will play the loser of Match 2 on Sunday 4 October. On Saturday 10 October, La Dolfina will play the winner of Match 1 and the following day Ellerstina will play the winner of Match 2. The winner of Zone A matches will then play the winner of Zone B matches in the Final for the Emilio de Anchorena Cup on Saturday 17 October. For complete teams lists for all three Triple Crown Tournaments visit the tournament section of our website. Tortugas Open Zone A: La Dolfina, Alegría & Chapaleufú Zone B: Ellerstina, La Aguada Las Monjitas & La Aguada
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For stockists, call Equine Management: 01825 840 002 To buy, call: 01825 841 303 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk / www.worldwidetack.com 8
Polo Times, September 2015
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News The Harrison Cup, The Holden White Cup & The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series 2015 continues
THE POLO MAGAZINE Most Valuable Player Series continued this month at Cowdray Park Polo Club, Guards Polo Club and White Rose Polo Club. The 2015 award series will continue this month, with each lucky winner receiving a pair of Sporting Hare Sunglasses in addition to their RJ Polo kit bag crammed full of goodies including The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player gilet by Black Hound Sports, a bottle of Pinkster Gin, a pair of MacWet gloves, a dinner for two at PJ’s Bar & Grill and a magnum of red wine from Naked Wines.
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
The Duke of Wellington Trophy
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
PPhotograph courtesy of White Rose Polo Club
The White Rose Polo Club Charity Ladies’ Day Tournament
Alejandro Novillo Astrada with Lila Pearson
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Vieri Antinori The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Danielle Blackwood
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to 5 goaler Vieri Antinori who played for the winning team, Shalimar, at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 15 August, in the Final of The Duke of Wellington Trophy. Shalimar, featuring Kassem Shafi (0), Pedro Harrison (3) and Tommy Beresford (3), defeated Shoreline with a score of 8-4.
The Town and Country Championship In The Town and Country Championship 8 Goal at Guards Polo Club, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award went to the Guards Polo Club Manager, Antony Fanshawe who played for the winners of the Final, Mad Dogs. His team defeated Gaucho with a score of 9-7 on Sunday 9 August.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
On Sunday 2 August, Danielle Blackwood won The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award for her efforts in her ladies’ match at The White Rose Polo Club Charity Ladies’ Day Tournament. For more ladies’ action turn to our Women’s Polo pages.
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Antony Fanshawe
In The Harrison Cup 15 Goal on Saturday 1 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award went to 8 goaler Alejandro Novillo Astrada who played for Cowdray Vikings, which also featured Jose Araya (0), George Pearson (2) and Will Emerson (5). The tournament consisted of 12 teams split into three leagues and Cowdray Vikings defeated Halcyon Gallery in the Final for The Harrison Cup with a score of 8-7. For The Holden White Cup on Sunday 2 August, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was won by Jack Richardson who also played for Cowdray Vikings with a different line-up for this 8 goal tournament, featuring Lila Pearson (-1), Ralph Richardson (1) and George Pearson (2). At The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award went to Patrick O’Dwyer who played for Black Bears on Sunday 2 August.
APSPH Open Morning THE ASSOCIATION OF Polo Schools and Pony Hirers (APSPH), now listing 22 pony providers as members, will be holding an open morning in the Berkshire area on Tuesday 22 September at a location still to be released. The meeting is open to any club, Polo School or Pony Hirer that are already members of the APSPH, or looking to find out more about the association. There will be an opportunity to find out what the association has achieved in the last 18 months and what they are planning for the coming years. There will also be a Q&A session with the Directors and other polo industry figures. For more information contact the association by email on enquiries@apsph-polo.org.uk
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Polo Times, September 2015
9
News
THE MAJOR SWIFT Roller Mower range is not just a firm favourite with UK polo clubs; it is also the machine of choice for grass cutting in German polo clubs. Thomas Winter from the WIN Polo School in Hamburg took delivery of his MJ70-410 Swift Roller Mower in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. “We looked for an alternative to our reel mower because the annual running costs of this machine were unsustainable,” he Hamburg WIN Polo School’s Thomas Winter said the MAJOR roller mower’s endurance and low running costs were impressive. explained. “Our 4.1m MAJOR Swift roller mower is very strong and is designed to be low maintenance. Because it is tractor towed rather than self-propelled, we make good use of the tractor for other tasks including fertilizing and spraying,” said Thomas. The blades on the MAJOR Swift roller mowers float freely and simply fold back and out of the path of obstacles and do not easily break. “Our annual maintenance bill is now a few hundred euros at the most,” said Thomas “in comparison to several thousand euros to service our reel mower.” The rollers on the mower flatten any divots and hoof prints before cutting, so the surface is kept flat and then mowed evenly. Winter’s experience with his MAJOR roller mower has been very positive. “We mow the polo fields after every game. We get an excellent cut and an area that we can play on immediately.” For more information about the MAJOR range of roller mowers call 01524 850501 or visit www.major-equipment.com
Cedar Croft US Arena Open Triumph
Photograph courtesy of The USPA
CEDAR CROFT DEFEATED Equuleus with a final score of 13-10 on Sunday 26 July at Country Farms Polo Club in Medford, Long Island, New York, for the 2015 US Arena Open. The championship, with roots dating back to 1926, represents the highest level of arena polo competition in the United States. The 2015 tournament victory marks Cedar Croft’s third consecutive win, a feat that has never been achieved before in the history of The US Arena Open. Cedar Croft’s Kampsen was named Most Triumphant Cedar Croft with the US Arena Open Trophy Valuable Player, having scored 11 of the team’s 13 goals, whilst Tommy Biddle’s 9-year-old mare Pandora won Best Playing Pony. This year’s match featured several of the highest handicapped arena polo players in the world; Tommy Biddle (10), Felipe Viana (7) and Kris Kampsen (7). Viana, a USPA Interscholastic Champion, was also a core member of the USPA squad who nearly won the FIP World Polo Championship earlier this year. US Arena Open Final teams: Cedar Croft: Robert Ceperano (3), Felipe Viana (7) & Kris Kampsen (7) Equuleus: Joe Dimenna (0), Tommy Biddle (10) & Jonny Good (8)
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Polo Times, September 2015
Photograph courtesy of Tally Ho Farm
Mower Power Surprises German Polo Club
Chris Adkins boots are treated to a pre winter Duck Wax
Water Off a Duck’s Back AS WE ALL prepare for the onset of Autumn and Winter, a new product from English inventor Martin Chivers has arrived at Tally Ho Farm: Duck Wax. Chivers’ motivation for inventing Duck Wax stemmed from his need to wear his leathers in all conditions whilst out enjoying his motorbike. Chris Adkins, of Tally Ho Farm, has been trying to find a product to rejuvenate his tan boots without darkening the colour. After a trip to British Super Bike’s Thruxton, it became apparent that Duck Wax, manufactured in Somerset using 100% natural products, was the perfect solution for his boots, but also ideal for a plethora of other leather products from polo boots to yard boots or even your wax jacket!
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News
22 Goal and Victor Ludorum Handicap Changes Name
Handicaps
Name
Handicaps
Name
Handicaps
Sebastian Merlos
(9) to NR
Guy Gibrat
5 to 6
Jose Ramon Araya
0 to 1
Hilario Ulloa
(9) to NR
Jonny Good
5 to 4
Joshua Cork
0 to 1
Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario
(7) to 7
Dirk Gould
5 to 6
Aristide Faggionato
0 to 1
Tomas Pieres
(7) to 7
Patrick O’Dwyer
5 to 6
James Fewster
0 to 1
Alfredo Bigatti
(6) to 6
Santiago von Wernich
5 to 6
Tony Gerrard
0 to 1
Rodrigo Rueda
(6) to 6
Martin Ffrench Blake
4 to 3
D’Artagnan Giercke
0 to 1
Lucas Di Paola
(5) to 5
Lochie Hunter
4 to 5
Henry Porter
0 to 1
Gregori Gelosi
(4) to NR
Santiago Stirling
4 to 5
Gustav Rausing
0 to 1
Dirk Van Reenen
(4) to 4
Martin Valent
4 to 5
Thomas Severn
0 to 1
Juan Calafell Campos
(3) to 3
Tomas Beresford
3 to 4
Karim Sheikh
0 to 1
Calafell Campos
(3) to 3
Juan Cruz Merlos
3 to 4
Padmanabh Singh
0 to 1
Santiago Manuel Lujan
(3) to 3
Jamie Peel
3 to 2
Lucy Taylor
0 to 1
Tamara Fox
(2) to 2
Thomas Brodie
2 to 3
Romilla Arber
-1 to 0
Ahmad Aboughazale
(1) to 1
Juan Jose de Alba
2 to 3
Russel Brin
-1 to 0
Jack Kiely
(1) to 2
Jack Hyde
2 to 3
Charlie Cadogan
-1 to 0
Segundo Merlos
(1) to 1
Emma Tomlinson
2 to 1
George Cadogan
-1 to 0
Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha
(0) to 0
Dillon Bacon
1 to 2
Jasmine Calvert-Ansari
-1 to 0
Juan Nero
10 to 9
Ben Crowe
1 to 2
Marcus Cork
-1 to 0
Agustin Merlos
9 to 8
Andrew Dechet
1 to 2
Michel Granchi
-1 to 0
John Paul Clarkin
8 to 7
Ludo Ephson
1 to 2
Martina Lowe
-1 to 0
Jaime Huidobro
8 to 7
Sebastian Hancock
1 to 2
James Mann
-1 to 0
Juan Merlos
8 to NR
Charlie Holley
1 to 2
Jake Rigby
-1 to 0
Nicolas Roldan
8 to 7
Hugo Lewis
1 to 2
Duncan Wales
-1 to 0
Juan Cruz Guevara
6 to NR
Charlie Pidgley
1 to 2
Alex Webb
-1 to 0
Tomas Ruiz Guinazu
6 to 5
Ralph Richardson
1 to 2
Luke Wiles
-1 to 0
Bautista Sorzana
6 to 5
Philip Seller
1 to 2
Juan Martin Garcia Laborde
5 to 4
Jack Taylor
1 to 2
Up-and-Coming Players Flourish FOLLOWING THE HANDICAP meeting, on Wednesday 5 August, for all 22 goal and Victor Ludorum players (excluding the 6 goal) the changes have been announced. The younger generation of up-and-coming players have been recognised for their strong play this year, with nearly all of them going up. Not surprisingly, Hugo Lewis, after his double high goal win with King Power Foxes, has gone to 2, whilst his teammate at the King Power set-up, Kian Hall, remains on 1. Jack Hyde, despite a
rather more disappointing season with Zacara, has risen to 3 goals. Charlie Pidgley, Ralph Richardson and Phil Seller have all moved from 1 to 2. Josh Cork, who made his high goal debut for Dubai in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, along with professional umpire Martin Fewster’s son, Jimbo Fewster, and Mongolian player D’Artagnan Giercke have all gone to 1. Moving from -1 to 0 includes youngsters Marcus Cork, Jake Rigby, Luke Wiles and brothers Charlie and George Cadogan. The future looks bright for British polo with so many players coming through the ranks. In the more established players’ handicap lists, Juan Martin Nero, who is currently ranked as number five in the world behind
Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres and Pablo MacDonough, has gone down to 9 goals. Nero may not have won any major high goal titles, but he did defeat Dubai in the Semi Final of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup despite suffering fractures to his hand. JP Clarkin, Jaime Huidobro and Nic Roldan have all dropped from 8 to 7. Lochie Hunter, Santi Stirling and Martin Valent have all gone up from 4 to 5. Only seven players above 2 goal have gone up in the changes whilst 9 have gone down. Go to the HPA website where you can download the full list of changes. The changes will be ratified by the Stewards after the second handicap meeting on Tuesday 8 September and will come into effect from 1 January 2016.
JIM SMITH AND Martin Barosso, who work for Ryan Pemble, were awarded The Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month Award for July. Chris Adkins was on hand to award the rug and £150 cheque, which will go a long way towards buying carrots for the whole yard!
Photograph by Tara Smith
Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month
Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month for July
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Polo Times, September 2015
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Mark Taylor mataylor@savills.com
News
Cudmores’ Costa Lotta Wins Best High Goal Pony
Costa Lotta as a weanling at home
Photography courtesy of Nicky Randall
ON THE EVENING of Thursday 23 July, at the annual HPA dinner at Guards Polo Club, Ollie Cudmore was awarded the prize for his Best Playing High Goal Pony, Costa Lotta, which included a cheque from RoR for £1,000 and a silver cup. Polo Times spoke to Nicky Randall about Costa Lotta, “Costa Lotta was bred by Hon. Robert Hanson out of one of his Chilean mares, Olly Tuthill played her before Ollie Cudmore Costa Balena, by Statue of Liberty. I was his Racing and Stud Manager, coordinating all the breeding and racing of his horses in the UK. She was sent to Ed Dunlop to race, then came back to Gloucestershire where Olly Tuthill took over her retraining and rise to stardom. He played her and brought her on to a top level, then sold her to Ollie Cudmore who took her further.” Ollie bought her from Tuthill in August last year and has since played her in the Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup matches. After receiving the award, Ollie said, “I am delighted to win the award, I think the support from RoR is fantastic and it gives us all a great incentive to do more and more retraining of racehorses when such generous awards are to be won.” Jack Richardson was presented with the Young Producer award for his contribution to retrained racehorses in polo. Jack sources his ponies, along with Lord Manton from trainers such as Richard Fahey and the Easterbys. Jack currently has around 30 former racehorses, which range from two-year-olds to older playing ponies. His playing string of 12 ponies is made up of 10 former racehorses, which Jack has produced.
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Polo Times, September 2015
The next stage – being broken in by Charlie Vigors
Costa Lotta raced with Ed Dunlop before polo
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“A polo handicap is your passport to the world� Sir Winston Churchill
English Polo team at Palermo (Argentina)
Langley school polo academy is unique in its ability to provide polo coaching almost everyday all year round, without compromising academic performance.
The results speak for themselves.
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HPA News
Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters The Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club, Windsor Congratulations to England for their victory over South America winning 10-6. England: James Beim (7), Mark Tomlinson (6), Max Charlton (7) & Luke Tomlinson (7) South America: José Klabin (4), Manuel Fernández Llorente (6), Rodrigo Andrade (9) & Jaime Garcia Huidobro (8) International at Chester Race Course Polo Club The International of the season at Chester Race Course Polo Club will now not take place on 5 September. Super Nations There will not be a Super Nations 24 Goal Tournament in Tianjin, China this year. The How To Spend It British 10 Goal Championships Congratulations to Black Bears for winning The How To Spend It Diamond Jubilee Trophy on International Day. Black Bears: Charlie Pidgley (1), Jack Berner (2), Guy Schwarzenbach (1) & Simon Keyte (6) Tempest: Gustav Rausing (0), Faisal Al Rifai (1), Ryan Pemble (5) & Adolfo Casabal (4) Best Young Player Congratulations to 20-year-old Hugo Lewis, who was awarded the Ferguson Trophy
for the Best Young Player of the Year on International Day. HPA Select Following the Pony Club and British Junior Polo Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club, the HPA Development Committee selected players for various matches and a development course for the following tournaments and locations. Development Course at Longdole Polo Club on 12 – 13 August. (Target age 11 to 14-year-olds) The following players were selected to take part: Freddie Pritchard, Kiki Severn, Bella Dalton-Morgan, Squidge Grayson, Tom Baxter, Tom Jodrell, Marcus Speed and George Hobbs. The Colts Cup Tuesday 11 August at Billingbear Grounds and Thursday 13 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club. (Target age 15 years) The Stagshead Trophy, Ham Polo Club Sunday 16 August. (Target age 12 to 14-yearolds) The Whitbread Trophy, Rutland Polo Club Wednesday 19 August. (Under 21) The Whitbread Trophy was played between two young teams representing England Colts and Scotland Colts. The Alan Budgett Trophy, Kirtlington Park Polo Club Saturday 29 August.
(At the time of going to press the match had yet to be played. Results will be in the October issue) For a full report on these tournaments please turn to the Youth pages Date Changes – Umpire Grading Meeting & Club Chief Umpires Meeting The Umpire Grading Meeting will be held at 2.30pm on Friday 11 September at Sunningdale Park Hotel. The Club Chief Umpires will be held at 2.30pm on Tuesday 15 September, at Sunningdale Park Hotel. Coaching The three-day Coaching Course is due to take place at Beaufort Polo Club from 16 – 18 September 2015. For more information go to www.hpa-polo.co.uk. If you already hold a coaching qualification and have not yet attended a Coaching Seminar, please make sure you attend the last one of the season on Wednesday 23 September at Tidworth Polo Club. In order to register next year you will have to have attended a seminar the previous year. 22 Goal and Victor Ludorum Handicap Changes For a full list and details of these changes please turn to page 12. Handicap Meeting The end of season handicap meeting will take place at 10am on Tuesday 8 September 2015. Changes made at this meeting will be made public as soon as they are confirmed by the Committee, but please note that all handicaps are subject to endorsement by Stewards and that changes to handicaps can be made for any player still playing up until the end of the season. As usual, they become effective from 1 January 2016.
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FIP News
FIP Update Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world Thanks to a very successful social media campaign that has been running for the past six months across various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, an increasing number of people are becoming more aware of the aims, ideals and ethos behind FIP. I seem to be getting far more people asking how they can join the Federation. The answer is simple; if you are a member of one of the national associations then you are already a member of FIP! For those who would like to hear more or get more involved in the international polo scene, then please feel free to send your e-mail address to either felipe@fippolo.com or sandy@fippolo.com and they would be delighted to put you on the distribution list for our regular newsletter, which will keep you up to date with all the FIP activities. In late July, the Hurlingham Polo Association kindly hosted three days of meetings of the FIP Executive Committee during the week of the HPA’s International Day for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup. A progressive series of meetings were held at the Cavalry & Guards Club in Piccadilly with the attendance of the full Committee; Alberto Marina (AAP) Brigadier John Wright (HPA) Dr. Richard Caleel (USPA), Piero Dillier (Switzerland) and Francoise Berger (Guatemala) and a packed agenda. We have recently contacted all
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Polo Times, September 2015
our international association members to request confirmation of their officially nominated representatives, so as to improve communications between FIP and its members. Some have been somewhat slow in responding as is the nature of polo administration worldwide, but once we have established this network we will be in a better position to encourage our associations to participate more fully in our decision making process. Decisions were taken to interview and appoint a commercial agent to further enhance our marketing abilities by bringing in new commercial sponsorship partners. To this effect we have approved an international brand protection programme. Agreement was reached on the publication of various books promoting polo and FIP. The first covering the Federation’s 35 year history as well as books on ‘International Children’s Polo’, ‘Polo in the Olympics’ which is being researched and written by Nigel à Brassard and a FIP ‘Guide to Polo Commentating’ which William Crisp has kindly volunteered to write. We are currently working on an application for polo to be played in the PanAmerican Games and next year we will be holding the FIP European Championships in Germany and it is hoped that some of the matches and the Finals will be held in the Maifeld Stadium in Berlin, which would be a historic occasion as this was the last place polo was played in the Olympics at the
1936 Games. In December, at the annual General Assembly in Buenos Aires we will receive presentations from the various bidders for the next 2017/2018 FIP World Championships, currently Sydney, Australia and Florida in the United States are in the running. A decision will be made in December of this year. Finally, a decision was made to split Zone D, which you may recall in past articles that I mentioned stretched from New Zealand & Australia, through the whole of the Far East and Middle East and down through North Africa to the tip of South Africa. A vast Zone which it was felt was extremely difficult to administer. We will now have a Zone D covering New Zealand, Australia and much of Asia and Zone E which will cover India, Pakistan, the Middle East and the whole of the African Continent. We are now discussing the appointment of Zone Directors and how best to establish new national networks to efficiently administer these new zones. Hopefully it will allow us much more flexibility to proceed with the task of encouraging some lower goal FIP tournaments, which will benefit all those nations who cannot currently achieve the 14 goal level. Should anyone wish to contact me regarding FIP matters I would be delighted to hear from you on Nicholas@fippolo.com
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Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN
Letter of the month
The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin
Dear Sir, Now that the high goal season is over in the UK and high goal ponies are being turned out, it makes me reflect on the rest of us who are still going strong and continue to play. (Obviously, some of the high goal horses continue to travel the globe, and they must also be commended). Our ponies came in at the beginning of March to get fit to play at the end of April and they will continue to play until the end of September. Some horses even go on to play arena too, with only a small break, if at all. Everyone has their favourite one or two ponies, and these ponies know that, when the chips are down and the score is tight, they have to go out again. They give you that look as you girth them up one more time, as if to say, “Ok, I’ll try my best.” They do it day-in, day-out for five-odd months of the season. I am so proud of them all – they try so hard, just keep going, year-in year-out. These are the true heroes. Put simply, the length of our season, compared with that of the high goal, means that our horses have to endure a marathon rather than a sprint. This is not only each season, but over a longer period of time – years or even decades. Lower goal players cannot necessarily afford to keep adding to their string, so our ponies really do become old faithfuls. Obviously this requires different management, which puts me onto the other unsung heroes of the sport: our grooms. The grooms and managers strive continuously to keep these ponies on the road for this marathon, and there are a lot less of us per player than
Dear Sir, It was heartening to see such a big feature on helmet safety in the August issue of Polo Times. What wasn’t quite so heartening was the deafening silence from three of the leading brands with regards to the safety of their helmets. Have they submitted the helmets and they are failing, or have they not even applied for testing? Given that SNELL testing (for example) costs less than $1,000 USD, there really is no excuse – especially given all the claims they make and the money spent on marketing. . . With regards to which standard is safest, SNELL is widely considered to offer the highest level of protection. Only a handful of helmet manufacturers currently offer SNELL standard helmets – unfortunately none of these are for the polo market. One of the three manufacturers is Charles Owen – perhaps they can be persuaded to adapt their polo helmet to meet the SNELL standard? What Robin Spicer has designed is really exciting. I really hope he gets the backing and the helmet does indeed grace the heads of polo players in the not too distant future. How about some polo crowd funding? As for my safety campaign – it’s not over! Aurora Eastwood By Email Editors Note – At the time of going to press with our hat article (August 2015), safety information for other leading polo helmet manufacturers had not been provided.
there are in high goal. I think the amount of money available in the different levels has a part to play. Quite often, more money can be spent on vets etc. for ponies in the high goal when they have injuries, which is not necessarily available to all of us in the lower goal, meaning that even more careful management is crucial on every level. So, although praise for the high goal ponies is appropriate, let’s take a second to honour our unsung heroes of lower goal polo who, in my opinion, have the biggest hearts of all. Yours Sincerely, Emily Johnson By Email Editors Note – We agree with you. We do try to focus on a variety of ponies of variable ability and age. We hope you have enjoyed our Running Reports feature (finished with the August issue for the summer season) which focussed on steeds from the high goal down to low goal. We also run a Polo Times Best Playing Pony Rug Award Series, which rewards 50 valued ponies from the Jorrocks section of The Pony Club, through low, medium as well as high goal. Please turn to page 66 to read our special feature on The Pony Club Polo pony winners, including 16, 17 and 20-year-old veterans who are still enjoying the game.
Dear Sir, This is my third year of supporting the Festival of Polo at RCBPC and the first year under the new Ladies’ Handicaps. As a non-playing, occasional patron I am singularly unimpressed with the current Ladies’ Handicap system. Why has this been so ill thought out? Currently a 0 goal handicap achieved by a lady player in mixed matches can play a 0 goal handicap in a ladies tournament, provided that she holds this handicap as an International Handicap. This appears to create an unfair advantage over ladies that play only in the UK, where a similar situation would result in a 3 goal Ladies’ Handicap! Even worse, -1 HPA handicap for female players results in a 1 goal Ladies’ Handicap allowing the internationally handicapped opposition (as demonstrated during The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Festival) to minimise the goal difference. One could assume that lady players, that for some reason are/were unable to travel abroad, are less valued. I would strongly suggest that the HPA sort the situation ASAP before more patrons withdraw their support! Best, Petra Sones (FIT4Polo) By Email
Coronation Conundrum… Q: England have won The Coronation Cup three years consecutively on two occasions. In which sets of three years did this occur? A: Turn to page 91 to check your answer
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Polo Times, September 2015
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Your Views
Comment
Dear Sir, Guided at matches by A Jorrocks Pony Club polo team (under the same ex-army parent, the 12s) made up of members from four pre-match warm-ups always branches secured a clean sweep at the included a series of exercises Pony Club Polo Championships at as a train, and several sessions Hurtwood on Wednesday 5 August, of blood-warming riding off. having won every one of their nineteen The team’s clean sweep started matches this season – without conceding during a friendly hosted at a single goal. Frampton in Gloucestershire, Twelve months ago none of them where the newly-named knew each other, while two of the team Grafton showed very early on had never even played polo before. The what they might be capable of. composite team played as the Grafton Each break from the mêlée was Hunt and comprised of Leo Conway on pretty much converted into a Zelda from the Meynell, Toby Bradshaw goal with the players religiously on Disney from the Warwickshire, backing each other up. Over Sammy Vintcent on Blaize from the the next four weeks, there were Grafton Hunt and Lucas Stern on Jerry further friendlies at Hare Park from the South Oxfordshire Hunt, South. in Suffolk, and then qualifiers Last year, playing against the at Cirencester, Longdole and Cowdray A team as the South Tidworth. Oxfordshire Hunt South, they were Crunch time, though, came beaten 6:0 at Longdole. Such a drubbing at Cirencester. The team were convinced these pre-teenagers that they about to meet their nemesis: could actually use some help. In 2015, the Cowdray. The Grafton’s ten months on and having not seen each blood was up. They were other in between times, three of the four focused. They were prepped. came back together; one of the four was They were ready. The ragbag replaced by his brother, and another team won by two goals to nil of the team was on a new mount, one and were unlucky with two that had never played polo before – a other shots that went wide. The Grafton A, proud winners of Jorrocks Division I mounted games pony. Euphoria didn’t cover their One of the parents, a former lowsense of restitution. The nowlevel player during his days in the army, named Grafton had managed to lay a ghost. offered them a physical example. Lining up the four boys with a The team went on to win every other match in the round of ball each, he challenged them to hit the ball as many times down friendlies and qualifiers, not conceding a single goal throughout. the field as they could – as individuals. The maximum number of They were then heading for the magnificent ground at Hurtwood consecutive hits was three, maybe covering fifty yards. in Surrey for the 2015 Pony Club Championships. Then, to demonstrate the idea of the ‘train’, he tried the The pressure on the team was huge, and to most people hitting-it-down-the-field exercise again; this time, though, he would have induced little more than an “oh boo-hoo” of had them back each other up, peeling away as anyone missed, sympathy. Messrs Conway, Bradshaw, Vintcent and Stern had an encouraging them to rejoin the back. In no time they had hit the unbroken record to defend – after what they had achieved, they ball to the perimeter of the field and physically couldn’t go any did not want to let themselves down by throwing it all away at further. The penny dropped. They realised that – working together the last minute. – they could keep the ball going, far further than any of them The matches at Hurtwood were tighter and much tougher. The could achieve on their own. Cowdray, in particular, played a much more defensive game, but it The second simple technique was to encourage boys to be was not enough. The Grafton Jorrocks team prevailed, winning all boys: they were shown the concept of riding off, and not just four of their matches in Division I, and managed to secure the title. of the player with possession. Two of them got the fun of this, Sammy Vintcent, was named as the Most Improved Jorrocks boy, let alone its tactical value in matches; they immediately started being presented with the magnificent cup by Veronica Thorneloe, holding the other teams to very tight scores during the rest of the given in memory of her son Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe season. Sadly, they did concede some subsequent goals, but not MBE of the Welsh Guards, the most senior member of the British in play: their biggest shortcoming became their lack of familiarity Army lost in Afghanistan. with the line and the Right of Way: all the goals they subsequently The Grafton Jorrocks Pony Club polo team rounded off 2015 conceded were given away in penalties. having converted themselves from being a ragbag of strangers to Caroline Grayson, Polo Manager for the Grafton, hosted and an unstoppable force. ran an excellent three-day camp in the first week of the summer holidays. The new ragbag four were generously invited and Toby Vintcent came. Crucially, the syllabus included a concentrated session on By Email understanding the line and the Right of Way.
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Comment
Your Views
With all that kit anybody could be forgiven for mistaking the Finals of the Buckmaster for the high goal Dear Sir, I believe the whole publication has got so much better over the last year or so, with the range of reports and topics covered. It is great to see news from the main Clubs and teams, but equally from the grassroots Clubs. The inclusion of the Knowledge
and Legal section has also been very useful. Please pass on my thanks to the team for a good read. Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin By Email
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Victor Ludorum Victories
Reports
Victor Ludorum Update The 18, 15, 12, 8 and 6 goal Victor Ludorum tournaments have been continuing throughout the UK season. The series sees teams take part in an on-going league, with points awarded to each team in relation to their success, with an Overall Winner for each section. Polo Times’ Tilda Woodd, alongside Liz Higgins at Cowdray Park Polo Club, have been keeping up-to-date with the winners of these prestigious tournaments. In an attempt to persuade more teams to remain in the UK to play the final months of the season the HPA have introduced The Autumn Victor Ludorum Series for 15 and 12 goal teams. Both of these new series have now begun, with tournaments already played at Cirencester Park Polo Club and Guards Polo Club.
18 Goal
The Cowdray Challenge Cup The Cowdray Challenge Cup held at Cowdray Park Polo Club marked the end of the 2015 Victor Ludorum 18 Goal Series and saw Ferne Park crowned Overall Winner of the Victor Ludorum 18 goal series
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it wasn’t long before Tom Hunt was back in the play and achieved his second goal of the match. Cudmore managed a shot at goal, but it bounced off the goal post and went out, giving O’Dwyer a hit-in. Tom Hunt picked it up and passed the ball forward and it was left to Guy Schwarzenbach to send it through the posts to score his third excellent goal of the match, and additionally victory in The Cowdray Challenge Cup, with an impressive score of 13½-4. Nicci Bethell presented The Cowdray Challenge Cup to a delighted Guy Schwarzenbach. Jamie Gordon from
prize sponsors, Casablanca Polo, assisted with the presentation of individual prizes to the players. The Vickers Cup for the Polo Times Best Playing Pony went to Lily, owned by Guy Schwarzenbach and played by Paco O’Dwyer. The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award also went to Paco O’Dwyer. The Cowdray Challenge Cup; Sunday 2 August; Cowdray Park Polo Club Result: Black Bears beat Church House, 13½-4 Teams Black Bears (18): Guy Schwarzenbach 1; Tom Hunt 5; Patrick O’Dwyer 5 & Dirkie Van Reenan 4 Church House (18): Charlie Hanbury 4; James Wood 5; Ollie Cudmore 5 & Alec White 4
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears team met Charlie Hanbury’s Church House side in the 18 goal Cowdray Challenge Cup at Cowdray Park on Sunday 2 August. Schwarzenbach fielded the same team he had entered for the 15 goal Harrison Cup, meaning they received 2½ goals on the scoreboard as a result of handicap. Black Bears went on an all-out attack from the start, controlling the match and leaving Church House standing. By the end of the second chukka Black Bears’ exciting young team, with an on-fire Patrick ‘Paco’ O’Dwyer, had scored six goals to Church House’s single contribution. However, Black Bears failed to score in the third chukka allowing Ollie Cudmore to pull one back for Church House. The half-time score read 8½-2 in favour of Black Bears. An early 30 yard penalty in the fourth chukka gave Ollie Cudmore the opportunity to pull a goal back for Church House, but Dirkie Van Reenan’s classy third goal showed once again what Black Bears were made of. Church House benefitted from a penalty but an attempt at goal by Alec White went wide and as a result there was a hit in. O’Dwyer sent a huge pass forward but it went out. Swiftly, Black Bears were back onto the ball and a nifty goal resulted in Guy Schwarzenbach taking the score to 10½-4 to close the chukka. Schwarzenbach won the ball from the line-out at the start of the fifth chukka which Tom Hunt ran onto to create the play which finally rewarded him with a goal, and an 11½4 advantage for Black Bears. Schwarzenbach again won the ball from the line-out and again
Victor Ludorum 18 Goal Top Three Ferne Park 220 points Black Bears 175 points Four Quarters Orange 145 points Tournaments for 2015 all played for, so these are the final results
Black Bears, Winners of The 2015 Cowdray Challenge Cup
Polo Times, September 2015
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Reports
Victor Ludorum Victories
15 Goal
The Harrison Cup
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
Cowdray Vikings, winners of The 2015 Harrison Cup
The Final of The Harrison Cup took place on Saturday 1 August – the first of three Victor Ludorum Finals held at Cowdray Park that weekend. Ten teams contested in the final tournament in the 15 goal Summer Victor Ludorum series, with George Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings, making their fourth appearance in a Harrison Cup Final (so far without a victory) and Charlie Hanbury’s Halcyon Gallery, who secured an appearance on Finals’ Day. Cowdray Vikings’ 8 goaler, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, was quick off the mark
from the first line-out, scoring within the first 30 seconds of play. The quick start to the match continued with swift retaliation by Halcyon Gallery’s Ollie Cudmore to even the scores. Cudmore successfully scored again before the end of the chukka and took Halcyon Gallery into the lead. With some great end-to-end play, the second chukka ended with Cowdray Vikings leading 5 goals to 2. However, the orange shirts failed to match their previous goal-scoring form in the third chukka, enabling Halcyon Gallery to even the scores by half-time, 5-5. Hanbury was first to score in the fourth chukka, while a 30 yard penalty awarded to the Vikings enabled Will Emerson to level the scores once more. Astrada tapped and dribbled through the field, whilst Pearson saw off Cudmore, and Emerson was able to send a great under-the-neck shot through the posts to create a 7-6 lead to Cowdray Vikings. The orange shirts started the final chukka with a 30 yard penalty which Emerson sent through, giving his side an 8-6 advantage, but it wasn’t long before Cudmore escaped and was off with the ball, pulling a goal back for Halcyon Gallery. With just one goal in it, both sides fought hard until the final bell, each team sending shots wide as they fought for victory. However, Cowdray Vikings held on to their one goal lead and victory in The Harrison Cup was finally theirs.
The County Cup
Emlor S and Neptune in action
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Polo Times, September 2015
Victor Ludorum 15 Goal Top Three Delaney 140 points Clarita 130 points Emlor 110 points Final remaining in Summer league: Arthur Lucas (Beaufort Polo Club) still to be played The trophy was presented by The Hon. Lila Pearson to her son George and individual prizes were sponsored by Casablanca Polo with Jamie Gordon from Casablanca assisting in the prize-giving. The prize for Best Playing Pony, sponsored by Polo Times, was awarded to Silk, owned and played by Mark Tomlinson and the Most Valuable Player Award, sponsored by The Polo Magazine, went to Alejandro Novillo Astrada. The Harrison Cup; Saturday 1 August; Cowdray Park Polo Club Result: Cowdray Vikings beat Halcyon Gallery, 8-7 Teams Cowdray Vikings (15): Jose Ramon Araya 0; George Pearson 2; Will Emerson 5; Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8 Halcyon Gallery (15): Tommy Severn 0; Charlie Hanbury 4; Mark Tomlinson 6; Ollie Cudmore 5 Maidensgrove Final (Subsidiary Final): Black Bears beat Raglan International, 7-3 Aotea Final (Subsidiary Final): Emlor Black beat Sumaya, 7-3 To read more about the Polo Times sponsored Harrison Cup and Cowdray Challenge Cup Best Playing Pony Awards please turn to pages 73 & 74
Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 Goal Top Three Emlor S 90 points Halcyon Gallery 55 points Tayto 40 points Tournament remaining in league: Autumn 15 Goal Cup (Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club) The National 15 Goal Championships (County Cup) kicked-off the first ever edition of the HPA’s new Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 Goal League. This year’s tournament welcomed a total of five teams, with Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor S and Creighton Boyd’s Neptune reaching the Final. Fresh from victory with Cowdray Vikings in The Harrison Cup, Alejandro Novillo Astrada was a key feature in the Emlor S. Finals’ Day saw spectators treated to a parade by The RAU Beagles, who showcased the most recent litter of hound puppies – adding a slightly different aspect to the day for the public to admire. www.polotimes.co.uk
Victor Ludorum Victories
Reports
Photography courtesy of CPPC
The Neil Haig Cup (Subsidiary Final) proved to be a closer contest, with Halcyon Gallery taking an early lead with expert goals from Mark Tomlinson. However, a series of goals by Tayto followed suit and consequently saw them reduce the goal difference to just one goal after half-time. Despite confident attacks and strong defence from both sides, the score remained unchanged for the rest of the match, with Halcyon Gallery managing to hold Tayto off long enough, and the final score read 4-3 in their favour. Tommy Severn was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award. The County Cup; Sunday 16 August; Cirencester Park Polo Club Result: Emlor S beat Neptune, 5-2 Teams Emlor S (15): Spencer McCarthy 1; James McCarthy 0; Nacho Gonzalez 6; Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8 Neptune (15): Creighton Boyd 0; Tommy Morgan 3; Guy Gibrat 5; Luke Tomlinson 7 Subsidiary Final: Halcyon Gallery beat Tayto, 4-3
Emlor S, winners of The 2015 County Cup
Alejandro Novillo Astrada the match in style, giving Emlor S an early lead with the first goal of the match. Neptune remained persistent and determined, but it wasn’t until the second chukka that they were able to respond with a goal courtesy of Creighton Boyd. Despite Neptune’s reply, Emlor S
continued to dominate the remainder of the match, with both Nacho Gonzalez and Spencer McCarthy adding to the scoreboard. Tomlinson converted a late goal for Neptune but unfortunatedly for Boyd’s side, the damage had already been done, with Emlor S finishing the winners, 5 goals to 2.
12 Goal
The Duke of Wellington Trophy
Following the death of the 8th Duke of Wellington on New Year’s Eve 2014, this year’s Duke of Wellington Trophy, played at Guards Polo Club, was a particularly special one. The tournament, which was www.polotimes.co.uk
of 8 goals to 4, with the final goal scored by Fanshawe. The day’s action also saw Beaufort Black Hounds defeat Emlor 7½ goals to 6 in the Subsidiary Final before BHC Polo claimed victory against Tempest, 8-4. Shalimar’s main man, 5 goaler Vieri Antinori was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award, while Pedro Harrison’s 10-year-old New Zealand mare, Model T, was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Shoreline and Shalimar in action
the first ever edition of the HPA’s 12 Goal Autumn Victor Ludorum Series, was named in honour of the Duke. Having been a founding member back in 1955, the Duke regularly attended the Final in order to present the trophy to the winning patron, his last appearance seeing him award Mad Dogs’ Alan Fall with the trophy following their victory against Shoreline in last year’s Final. 13 teams contested this year’s title, with Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar and Kola Karim’s Shoreline reaching the Final on Saturday 15 August. In order to reach the Final, Shoreline had defeated fellow 2014 Finalists Mad Dogs, who they had also lost an earlier league game to in their Semi Final match, which they achieved 7 goals to 5. Meanwhile Shalimar beat Karim Sheikh’s Jaipur/BHC to secure their place in the Final. When it came to Finals’ Day, it appeared that Shalimar were the side who had the edge. Even an unfortunate incident, which saw their 3 goal professional Tommy Beresford replaced by Guards Manager Antony Fanshawe, didn’t interrupt their team cohesion. Shoreline put up a tough fight throughout, but unfortunately they had to settle for second place once again, as Shalimar secured victory with a score
Autumn Victor Ludorum 12 Goal Top Three Shalimar 95 points Shoreline 65 points Mad Dogs 55 points Tournaments remaining in Autumn league: Cheltenham Cup (Cirencester Park Polo Club) and Autumn League (Cowdray Park Polo Club)
Polo Times, September 2015
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Reports
Victor Ludorum Victories
The Duke of Wellington Cup; Saturday 15 August; Guards Polo Club Result: Shalimar beat Shoreline, 8-4 Teams Shalimar (12): Kassem Shafi 0; Tommy Beresford 3 (replaced by Antony Fanshawe); Pedro Harrison 3 & Vieri Antinori 5 Shoreline (12): Kola Karim 0; Matias Carrique 4; Santiago de Estrada 6 & Tristan Wade 2 Subsidiary Final: Beaufort Black Hounds beat Emlor, 7½-6 Subsidiary Final: BHC Polo beat Tempest, 8-4 To read more about the Polo Times sponsored Duke of Wellington Trophy Best Playing Pony Award please turn to page 72 Shalimar celebrate their win
The Holden White Cup The Holden White Cup and The Wichenford Bowl marked the end of the 2015 Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Series and saw Renegade crowned Overall Winner of the Victor Ludorum 8 goal series The 2015 Holden White Cup, which is just one of six HPA series tournaments played at Cowdray Park annually, was entered by 15 teams with Cowdray Vikings and Renegade making it through to the Final. The Final proved to be a closely fought and fast-paced match, with Lochie Hunter opening the scoring for Renegade. A penalty enabled Cowdray Vikings’ Jack Richardson to power through a 60 yard shot and equalise the score to end the first chukka 1-1. A splendid field goal by Jack Richardson followed in the second chukka, which took Cowdray Vikings ahead for the first time, followed by two further goals from Jack Richardson, giving the orange shirts a lead of 4-2 at half-time. The throw-in which started the third chukka saw Renegade win the ball and run towards the goal. Fouled by Cowdray Vikings, Lochie Hunter was able to tap the ball from 30 yards and pull a goal back. Unfortunately for Renegade, the team’s next attempt at goal went wide, which led to Cowdray Vikings bringing the ball in from the back line. However an interception enabled Rupert Lewis to send an amazing shot forward for Hunter to whizz through and equalize on 4-4. Play became a little heated as Cowdray tried to take the ball to Renegade’s goal. In the resulting melée, they were awarded a shot at open goal which Ralph Richardson popped through, 5-4. This was 28
Polo Times, September 2015
however followed by a foul by the Cowdray Vikings, which resulted in a 40 yard penalty and a chance for Hunter who capitalised upon the mistake to make the score an even 5-5. The fourth chukka opened with a hit from the boards taken by Jack Richardson who tapped, found a space and swiftly moved on. Losing the ball, it was suddenly picked up by his younger brother who forged ahead and scored a super field goal to take Cowdray Vikings back in the lead, 6 goals to 5. Renegade won the ball from the line-out, but George Pearson was swift to defend. Play continued at a fast pace until an injured Rupert Lewis had to leave the pitch and be replaced by his younger brother and Gold Cup winner, Hugo Lewis. Renegade won the ball from the ensuing line-out, with a foul awarding Lochie Hunter a 40 yard shot, which he sent sailing through. Once again the scores were even. Returning to the centre, Renegade were the ones to set off from the line-out once again, but the ball went out and the Vikings captured the ball from the hit in. A huge hit from Jack Richardson gave his brother a chance. But George Pearson picked it up and tried again, although the ball went wide and the chukka closed on 6-6, necessitating an extra chukka to decide the match. The fifth chukka started with a line-out near Renegade’s goal. Jack Richardson was
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
8 goal
The Cowdray Vikings with Mrs Jo Richardson
first to touch the ball, Ralph made a grab for it and George Pearson backed it as the umpire’s whistle blew. A foul by Renegade gave Cowdray Vikings a shot at an open goal, Jack Richardson sent it through and Cowdray Vikings won their second Final of the weekend! The Holden White Cup was presented by Mrs Jo Richardson, assisted by Jamie Gordon of Casablanca Polo, who had sponsored a generous array of prizes for the players. The Best Playing Pony award, sponsored by Polo Times, went to Conejo, played by Jack Richardson. Jack Richardson also picked up The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. The Holden White Cup; Sunday 2 August; Cowdray Park Polo Club Result: Cowdray Vikings beat Renegade, 7-6 Teams Cowdray Vikings (8): Lila Pearson -1; Ralph Richardson 1; George Pearson 2 & Jack Richardson 6 Renegade (8): Rupert Lewis 2; Shaun Brokensha 3; Lochie Hunter 4 & Duncan Wales -1 To read more about the Polo Times sponsored Holden White Best Playing Pony Award please turn to page 73 www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
Victor Ludorum Victories
The Wichenford Bowl Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club
Rupert Lewis in action for Renegade
The Wichenford Bowl Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Tournament, held at Beaufort Polo Club ended 2015’s Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Series. Six teams contested for the magnificent trophy donated to the Club by long standing Club supporters, the BrittenLong family and generously supported by Hotel La Tour. As the tournament started, two teams, Duncan Wales’ Renegade and Matts Ottoson’s La Rosada/Deutsch were the main contenders for the Victor Ludorum series title. Both teams arrived into the Final, with only a handful of points separating each of them. Renegade stormed to the front of their
league, winning their first game 11-5 against Neptune. They maintained their winning form right through the final stages, although they suffered a close call in their Semi Final match. La Rosada/Deutsch on the other hand had a harder route to the Final. Despite achieving a fairly straightforward win against Shibumi they proceeded to lose in the last seconds of their second league game to Beaufort Black Hound. Renegade took an immediate and strong lead, finishing the second chukka 3-0 up. This may have been due to La Rosada/ Deutsch’s alternative different line-up due to the absence of 4 goal regular, Pedro Harrison, who was replaced by Matias Carrique. However, by the third chukka however La Rosada/Deutsch had found their feet and the ever-cool Nico Fontanarossa started to pile on the pressure. By the end of the third chukka the score was tied three all. The fourth chukka brought an exciting and tense seven minutes, with La Rosada taking lead for the first time in the match with a score of 4-3, yet it wasn’t long before teams were level again with impressive team work from both sides. With scores locked at five apiece, Lochie Hunter converted a 60 yard penalty with only 40 seconds of play
6 Goal
The Kirtlington Park Polo Club tournament in the Victor Ludorum 6 Goal series was a great success, with the teams producing some really good games, in particular in the Semi Finals. Finals’ Day welcomed both Strategic and Stobart onto the field, and although both teams had fought hard to secure their place in the Final, the match didn’t turn out to be a high scoring one. From the sidelines it was Strategic’s Nick Pepper who stood out – he played well throughout the tournament, and in their Semi Final against Snake Bite he was unstoppable, but unfortunately for Strategic he was unable to match his previous goalscoring form. At the end of the first half the score read 2-1 in favour of Stobart. Strategic had opened the scoring with a 30 yard penalty, scored by Matt Evetts, but this early goal was followed by two in the second chukka 30
Polo Times, September 2015
Photograph courtesy of Kirtlington Park Polo Club
The Budgett Everett Trophy
Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Top Three Renegade 340 points La Rosada/Deutsch 310 points Mad Dogs 115 points Tournaments for 2015 all played for, so these are the final results
remaining and despite a run to goal by La Rosada/Deutsch in the dying seconds from the throw-in, Renegade won the Cup and it was confirmed afterwards, also the 8 goal Victor Ludorum series for 2015. Creighton Boyd’s Neptune took on Peter Baldwin’s Shibumi in the Subsidiary Final, with another exciting game resulting in four goals in the final chukkas with the lead constantly changing. It was only after 30 seconds of an extra chukka, that Shibumi managed to pulled through with an 8-7 win. The Wichenford Bowl; Sunday 9 August; Beaufort Polo Club Result: Renegade beat La Rosada/Deutsch, 6-5 Teams Renegade (8): Rupert Lewis 2; Shaun Brokensha 3; Lochie Hunter 4; Duncan Wales -1 La Rosada Deutsche Polo Team (8): Marcus Cork -1; Josh Cork 0; Nico Fontanarrosa 5; Pedro Harrison 4 Subsidiary Final: Shibumi beat Neptune, 8-7
Victor Ludorum 6 Goal Top Three CANI 250 points Strategic 165 points Stobart Polo Team 145 points Tournaments remaining in league: Roehampton Cup (Ham Polo Club) and Kingscote Cup (Cirencester Park Polo Club)
Katie Jenkinson broke away to make one final attack for Stobart, and although she successfully put the ball through the goal, time had run out and the score remained 3-1 in favour of Stobart. courtesy of Stobart’s Charlie Walton, one of which came as a result of a 30 yard penalty. The third chukka saw no change in the score – it seemed the players, for whatever reason, were struggling to get the ball through the posts – perhaps a result of Stobart’s Jason Warren and Strategic’s Mark Brown’s strong defensive work. The final chukka saw Walton score his third goal for Stobart with less than a minute to go. From the final line-out,
The Budgett Everett Trophy; Sunday 9 August; Kirtlington Park Polo Club Result: Stobart beat Strategic, 3-1 Teams Stobart (6): Katie Jenkinson -1; Charlie Walton 2; Jason Warren 2 & Cristian Chavez 3 Strategic (6): Peter O’Rorke -1; Mark Brown 0; Nick Pepper 4 & Matt Evetts 3 Subsidiary Final: Las Pulgas beat Rigby & Rigby, 5-2½ www.polotimes.co.uk
PJ’s Bar & Grill, Chelsea’s perennial favourite, was opened in 1990 by restaurateur Brian Stein as a tribute to his love of great food and the sport of polo. PJ’s plays proud host to the legendary ‘PJ’s Polo Party’ held annually to celebrate the start of the UK polo season. International dining seven days a week. Casually sophisticated.
PJ’S BAR
& GRILL | 52 FULHAM ROAD CHELSEA LONDON SW3 | 020 7581 0025 | WWW.PJSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK
La Quinta Argentine Polo at its Best!
Luke and Mark Tomlinson are offering the opportunity for players to play at their club in Pilar, Argentina (45 minutes from BA). A typical week’s stay would include: • • • •
Between 4 & 6 practices of a good standard on suitable ponies Stick and Ball whenever A couple of lessons with Luke or Mark (if wanted!) An indoor arena and a polo field that dries out very quickly after rain - enjoy riding whatever the weather
Your time at La Quinta can be intense and structured, or not – it’s your choice! There is limited accommodation at the Club. Otherwise we can help you find a place to stay locally (house or hotel) or you may like to stay in a Hotel downtown Buenos Aires. Guide price for 1 week: US$3,000 (excluding accommodation). Longer/shorter stays possible. Price depends on length of stay and on any personal requests. You may have your own ponies or even ponies to try and are in need of a base to play and practice from. We can offer this too. Whatever your polo needs in Argentina are please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
29th November – 5th December Copa Cuatro Tacos – 12-goal tournament with an emphasis on enjoying fun polo on great fields
marcotomo@hotmail.com
www.laquintapoloclub.com.ar
KING POWER FOXES 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P F I NA L S
KING POWER 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P S U B S I D IA RY F I NA L S THANK YOU FROM B OTH KING POWER TEAMS TO EVERYONE I N V O LV E D AT G UA R D S P O L O C L U B & C O W D R AY PA R K P O L O C L U B A N D T O E V E RY B O DY I N T H E K I N G P O W E R O R G A N I S AT I O N F O R MAKING THE 2015 SEASON SUCCESSFUL T WO TEAMS, T WO BRITISH FINALS & T WO SUBSIDIARY FINALS
Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com
Reports
England Triumph Lucy Wilson reports from a glorious day at Guards Polo Club for both England and inaugural International sponsor Royal Salute, as England dominated South America to win The Royal Salute Coronation Cup
E
ngland remained unbeaten in all three International Test Matches played this year. Thankfully, on Saturday 25 July, the monsoon-like weather took a break for the day and Guards Polo Club was bathed in glorious sunshine. The Royal Salute Coronation Cup was the last of the high profile matches in the UK polo calendar and was celebrated as the season came to a close, with everything from a brass band from the Yorkshire Volunteers Regiment, to The Royal Salute Secret Garden Party, which took pitch-side chic to a whole new level. Their Neolithic bar provided Royal Salute cocktails to www.polotimes.co.uk
HPA and Keith Prowse guests, whilst Guards Members enjoyed the exclusive surroundings of their Clubhouse. Even the Royal Salute programme had an artisan edge to it with an illustration of The Eternal Polo King by award winning British illustration artist Kate Scott gracing the cover. In 1953 the Coronation Cup changed format to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and became an International tournament. The tournament had been played annually since 1911, where it had been created to commemorate King George V’s coronation, and served as a final leg for the Hurlingham, Ranelagh and Roehampton
Open Championships. After a hiatus, the tournament returned in 1971, and since then England has had two more wins than all their opponents combined. In the 42nd game for The Coronation Cup, in its current format, the England team were strong, committed and their game plan was pretty much faultless. The line-up of James Beim alongside Mark and Luke Tomlinson already had previous form, having won the Cup three years in a row in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Despite pre-match worries that Beim and Charlton would struggle with horsepower, their strings having left already for Sotogrande, Polo Times, September 2015
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Facts and figures: Horsepower and team support for The Royal Salute Coronation Cup England 38 ponies in total, including 5 retrained racehorses Average age: 10 Oldest ponies: 16-year-old Marmite, a dark bay mare owned and played by Mark Tomlinson and 16-year-old RoR chestnut mare Gypsy, owned by Richard Blake Thomas and played by Max Charlton Mares: 28 Geldings: 10 Homebreds: 8
South America: 42 ponies in total, none of which were retrained racehorses Average age: 10 Oldest ponies: 15-year-old Cruiser, a dark bay mare from New Zeland owned by Roderick Vere Nicoll and played by Jose Klabin and 15-year-old chestnut mare Tekate owned and played by Jaime Huidobro Mares: 32 Geldings: 10 Homebreds: 3, one of which was Uva, an embryo by Atlantic owned and played by Manuel FernĂĄndez Llorente
English origin: 16 Australian origin: 7 New Zealand origin: 4 Argentine origin: 9 Irish origin: 2
English origin: 5 Australian origin: 3 New Zealand origin: 1 Argentine origin: 25 Irish origin: 2 South African origin: 1 US origin: 4 Uruguayan origin: 1
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a generous loan of impressive horsepower in fact left the South Americans struggling to keep up. This, combined with too many fouls in the opening chukkas arguably cost the visitors victory. It almost appeared by the fifth chukka that Jaime Huidobro and his team had submitted to defeat, and this relaxation let the play flow freely; giving the England players the opportunity to show off their skills to score more goals and entertain the pitch-side picnic goers. Max Charlton, playing in his first Coronation Cup, seemed to eat up the ground in the second half with a couple of fantastic goals, although his primary role in the early chukkas was to take out 9 goaler Rodrigo Andrade, which he did with some impressive ride-offs. James Beim, who has been appointed the England captaincy this year, was magnificent in attack, showing the spectator-delighting verve and style he is known for. Luke Tomlinson, the former Captain and penalty-taker extraordinaire did not disappoint, whilst his brother Mark kept a cool head, testament to his nine previous Coronation Cup appearances. Both brothers had quite a string of ponies at their command. Within Luke’s www.polotimes.co.uk
The Royal Salute Coronation Cup
Coronation Cup wins since 1971
Chukka by Chukka
England: 17 (Plus Westchester Cup played instead in 2013) Argentina & South America: 5 each America: 4 Rest of the World/ Chile: 3 each Mexico: 2 Australia/ New Zealand/ Rest of the Commonwealth & North America: 1 each
Chukka 1 Despite attempts by both Charlton and Beim, the score remained 0-0, until four minutes into the opening chukka when Charlton put the first score on the board following a penalty. A battle for possession between the two teams ensued, but it was former England Captain Luke Tomlinson who took the ball down the field to score following a spot hit awarded to England. 2-0 to England
Chukka 2
Photograph by © www.imagesofpolo.com
string of seven he rode five homebreds and one of five retrained race horses which made an appearance for the England side, an 11-yearold dark bay mare named, appropriately enough for The Coronation Cup, Queen. The South Americans swapped around their marking strategies, but they simply could not settle into a coherent game plan and England ran away with the game to finish 10-6. HRH The Prince of Wales presented The Royal Salute Coronation Cup to England Captain James Beim. Hugo Lewis, who did not play on the day, but was part of the winning King Power Foxes team for both the Queen’s and Gold Cups, was named the HPA’s Best Young Player of the Year and received The Ferguson Trophy. Prince Charles also presented The Diamond Jubilee Trophy to Guy Schwarzenbach for his Black Bears team’s victory in the How To Spend It British 10 Goal Championship, played earlier in the day. Black Bears defeated Gustav Rausing’s Tempest in a fast-paced game on The Duke’s Ground with a final score of 10-8. Faisal Al Rifai, a member of the Tempest team, received the Lycetts Retrained Racehorse Award for Mango. www.polotimes.co.uk
An incredible under-the-neck nearside shot from Andrade nearly spelled trouble for England, but none of his teammates were there to pick up the pass. With three minutes left, Luke Tomlinson took the hit-in, driving the ball and looking for Beim, but play ended in a penalty to South America, which Klabin converted for their first goal. England replied with another successful penalty and extending their lead by two goals. Unfortunately, both Beim and Mark Tomlinson missed shots at goal, leaving the score at 3-1. 3-1 to England
Chukka 3 James Beim scored out of the lineout with an impressive cut shot. Andrade converted a penalty to bring the scores 4-2. Despite attempts by both South America and England, the score remained unchanged until Andrade stole the ball from his opposition with a nearside tap out-running Charlton to score. A penalty 4 went to South America, but Huidobro’s pony jinxed the shot and left South America trailing by one goal. 4-3 to England
Reports
Chukka 4 Despite South America winning another penalty, Beim managed to score with a great neck shot, swiftly followed by Mark Tomlinson to take England further into the lead 6-3. Play paused for a few minutes as a loose horse galloped across the pitch as a groom fell in one of the changing boxes by the trade stands. Following some scrappy play, a foul was awarded and converted by Andrade with just seconds to go. 6-4 to England
Chukka 5 The penultimate chukka began with some exciting end to end polo, with Klabin hitting huge shots and Llorente making an attempt at goal, but it was Beim who picked up the ball and galloped the length of the pitch to bring the score to 7-4. Charlton, working with Mark Tomlinson, scored again for England. South America won another much-needed penalty, however it was saved by Charlton, and passed between the team and on to Beim who scored, however a foul was called in the process. South America took another penalty but Charlton once again stole the ball and scored. 9-4 to England
Chukka 6 The final chukka saw fast-flowing polo, with Beim and Charlton working together to score again for England in the first few minutes. Andrade made a last attempt at recovering the score for South America, but with Beim and Charlton on his tail the effort was somewhat futile. All four England players had an opportunity each to score again for England, but all attempts failed to make it between the goal posts. South America did manage two more goals, but ultimately time ran out and the match ended before they could make enough impact upon the English score. 10-6 to England
T he Royal Salute Coronation Cup teams: Result: England beat South America, 10-6 England (27): James Beim 7; Mark Tomlinson 6; Max Charlton 7; Luke Tomlinson 7 South America (27): José Klabin 4; Manuel Fernández Llorente 6; Rodrigo Andrade 9; Jaime Garcia Huidobro 8
ow To Spend It British 10 Goal Championship H teams: Result: Black Bears beat Tempest, 10-8 Black Bears (10): Charlie Pidgley 1; Jack Berner 2; Guy Schwarzenbach 1; Simon Keyte 6 Tempest (10): Gustav Rausing 0; Faisal Al Rifai 1; Ryan Pemble 5; Adolfo Casabal 4
Garrard Most Valuable Player: Max Charlton Gaucho Best Playing Pony: Silver Lining, owned by Harald Link played by Rodrigo Andrade. For more information on Silver Lining, please turn to our Pony Power pages
Lycetts Retrained Racehorse Award: Mango played by Faisal Al Rifai
Polo Times, September 2015
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Polo Festival Fun Thousands turn out for The Polo Festival at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
D’Artagnan Giercke and Jack Hyde in the Final of The Jeff Thomas 7 to 10 Goal Tournament
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www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
Photography by Gillian Hughes
The Polo Festival
The Jeff Thomas 7 to 10 Goal Finalists
O
-2 to 2 Goal Finalists
n Sunday 16 August 2015, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club hosted the Finals of The Polo Festival, supported by Tally Ho Farm, after 22 teams had battled in 38 matches across a fortnight. Over 2,500 people turned out to enjoy a day of sunfilled polo for Finals of The Jeff Thomas 7-10 Goal Tournament, The Open Ladies and The 2 Goal Tournament. Northern Irish television personality Eamonn Holmes and his wife Ruth Langsford were on hand to help Club Chairman, Jamie Morrison, to present prizes for the second match of the day as well as to the winning team of the five-a-side charitable football tournament, which raised money for The Bobby Moore Fund and Cancer Research UK. Jamie Morrison, spoke to Polo Times: “This year’s Polo Festival has been an absolute triumph with thousands of people attending.” The Polo Festival also remembered the late Jeff Thomas, the figurehead for Tally Ho Farm, Europe’s leading provider of equine equipment, with the introduction of a 10 goal memorial tournament. The Jeff Thomas 7-10 Goal Tournament was won by Broad Oak Farm, in an extremely hard fought Final with a score of 6½-5 against Alti Himalaya. Jack Hyde opened the scoring for Broad Oak alongside teammates Sebastian Dawnay and Lochie Hunter. Matias Ballesteros began the fight-back for Alti Himalaya, but the combined skill of Dawnay and Hunter, was hard to overcome, with Broad Oak Farm running out victors with a score of 6½-5. Sebastian Dawnay was named Most Valuable Player and Benjamin Urquiza’s Argentine gelding Tordo won Best Playing Pony. Louisa Watt’s team Cadwalader faced Alexie Calvert Ansari’s White Crane side in the -2 to 2 goal Final. The first half was a close affair with each side trading goals. Miguel Ayala opened the scoring for Cadwalader in the third chukka, which helped his team to edge ahead, with teammate Odle also making his mark on the score sheet. www.polotimes.co.uk
White Crane fought back with two goals in the fourth chukka, but they weren’t quite able to combat the talented Cadwalader who ran out winners 7½-6. Having scored five of his team’s goals, Miguel Ayala was awarded Most Valuable Player. The Best Playing Pony Award went to Dallas, owned by Charlie Pidgley and played by Hugo Lewis. The Open Ladies was won by Vardags Polo in the highest handicapped ladies game of the season. To read more about The Open Ladies Tournament please turn to our Women’s Polo pages. For social festival fun turn to our Sidelines sections.
The Jeff Thomas 7 to 10 Goal BPP Tordo owned by Benjamin Urquiza
The Jeff Thomas 7 to 10 Goal Final teams: Result: Broad Oak Farm beat Alti Himalaya, 6½-5 Broad Oak Farm (9): Sara Hale (-1), Jack Hyde (2), Sebastian Dawnay (4) & Lochie Hunter (4) Alti Himalaya (10): D’Artagnan Giercke (0), Jack Mesquita (2), Matias Ballesteros (3) & Benjamin Urquiza (5) Most Valuable Player: Sebastian Dawnay Best Playing Pony: Tordo played by Benjamin Urquiza The -2 to 2 Goal Final teams: Result: Cadwalader beat White Crane, 7½-6 Cadwalader (2): Louisa Watt (-2), Rhys Odle (0), Hugo Lewis (1) & Miguel Ayala White Crane (3): Alexie Calvert-Ansari (-1), Emma Boers (0), Phil Sellar (1) & Andrew Blake Thomas (3) Most Valuable Player: Miguel Ayala Best Playing Pony: Dallas, owned by Charlie Pidgley and played by Hugo Lewis Polo Times, September 2015
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INDI Silver Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club
Dubai Dominate in Spain A
Albwardy’s Dubai side appear invincible as they take home the INDI Silver Cup
Katie Vickery reports from Sotogrande, Spain
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s the UK outdoor polo season is set to draw to a close, things are just hotting up in Spain as Santa Maria hosts one of the biggest tournaments on the international polo scene. Home of the prestigious Gold, Silver and Bronze Cups, Santa Maria saw the arrival of some of polo’s biggest names and faces for the 44th Land Rover
International Polo Tournament. After several weeks of resting and acclimatising horses, it was time to get underway and Tuesday 28 July saw the first matches for the high goal INDI Silver Cup played on the beautiful fields of Los Pinos, headquarters of the Santa Maria Polo Club. This year the high goal INDI Silver Cup has been raised in the World Championship
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Cup rankings, the winners earning themselves the 90 points which makes this tournament one of the most important in the international polo calendar, up there with the US and UK Gold Cups, The Queen’s Cup (UK), the Hurlingham Open (Argentina) and the Gold Cup (also in Sotogrande in August). The Silver Cup is no longer the little brother of the highly coveted Gold Cup, but holds its own prestigious place in worldwide polo. This new importance was reflected in the battle between Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai Polo Team and Venezuelan Victor Vargas’s Lechuza Caracas which took place on Friday 14 August. The sun beat down on the eager spectators gathered at Santa Maria Polo Club, as the Dubai and Lechuza Caracas teams rode out flanked by Sponsor Land Rover’s latest models. As if the sight of the two teams advancing in perfect unison, to the sound of the Spanish National Anthem, with their Land Rover bodyguards wasn’t dramatic enough, add into the mix a backdrop of smoke and flames emanating from a controlled crop fire directly behind the field and you’ve got yourself a true battle scene. This battlefield was to be the setting for a win by Dubai Polo Team, the favourites in this exciting tournament. The seemingly invincible Adolfo Cambiaso, the driving force behind the team, has been unbeaten in Sotogrande for the last two years after he won the Bronze Cup, the Silver Cup and the Gold Cup in 2014 with Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente Polo Team. Dubai who have, in recent history, won more Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup titles than any other team have however, had a somewhat turbulent and disappointing English season, which saw them soundly beaten by King Power Foxes in The Queen’s Cup (Cambiaso was injured and replaced by Pablo McDonough in the Semi Finals) and failing to qualify for the Final of The British Open (Gold Cup). However, they have truly found their form in Sotogrande and have not lost a single game since coming out to Spain. The combination, which features Rashid Albwardy, son of the patron and owner of Desert Palm Polo Club, Ali Abwardy, alongside lifelong friends, Adolfo Cambiaso, Alejo Taranco and Martín Valent, are tough competitors for the double win – the Silver and Gold Cup trophies. Lechuza Caracas are familiar faces on the Sotogrande scene, having played last year as well. However, the team has been slightly revamped with 5 goaler Matt Perry
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Reports
Photography by Pablo Ramirez – SMPC
INDI Silver Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club
Dubai clinched victory in the INDI Silver Cup
swapped out for José Donoso of the same handicap and dynamic 6 goaler Julián Lusarreta given a shirt intead of Francisco Elizalde. Their lynch pin 10 goaler, Juan Martín Nero remained the same and was to be seen lining up opposite La Dolfina team mate Cambiaso as the ball was thrown in, all thoughts of comradeship out the window as each side played hard for the first title of the Sotogrande high goal season. It didn’t take long for the formidable Dubai to make their mark and two converted penalties in the first chukka put them straight into the lead. A textbook run down the boards and a quick goal at the start of the second chukka by Lechuza Caracas put them back in the game, closely followed by a foul awarded against Dubai giving the Lechuza side a much needed equalizer. A beautiful goal by Albwardy and a foul by Lusarreta soon put Dubai two goals up once again. Despite a brief pause for Lusarreta to remount after a high speed tumble, Dubai showed no mercy and no sign of letting up, as a neat run along the boards led to another goal, bringing the score to 5-2. The third chukka saw the two 10 goalers square up to each other, showing off their impressive skills and unbeatable pony power that resulted in one goal apiece. But that was the end for the Lechuza side, who seemed to lose their grip of the Dubai team and were incapable of stemming the flow of goals Dubai snuck past them in the fourth chukka. Dubai were relentless as always,
with goal after goal bringing the chukka to a seemingly unbeatable 10-3 finish. Despite some excellent plays in the fifth chukka by Donoso and Lusarreta, which resulted in two goals for Lechuza Caracas, Dubai continued their lead, and went in to the last chukka 11-5 up. Lechuza Caracas fought right to the end and brought the score up in their favour with two penalties in quick succession, plus a great goal from Nero which elicited roars from the spellbound crowd. However, several goals from the mighty Cambiaso and a long run down the field by Albwardy meant that Dubai came away victorious 148, despite all Lechuza Caracas’ best efforts. So it was a victory for Dubai in the INDI Silver Cup Final and we look forward to seeing what the powerful team have in store for the next stage of this exciting season as they do battle for the coveted Gold Cup. The INDI Silver Cup high goal Final teams: Result: Dubai beat Lechuza Caracas, 14-8 Dubai Polo Team (22): Rashid Albwardy 2; Martín Valent 4; Alejo Taranco 6 & Adolfo Cambiaso 10 Lechuza Caracas (22): Victor Vargas 1; José Donoso 5; Julian de Lusarreta 6 & Juan Martín Nero 10 Best Playing Pony: Delmay Gata Negra, owned by Diego Cavanagh and played by Alejo Taranco Please turn to our Pony Power pages to find out more about Delmay Gata Negra
Polo Times, September 2015
39
INDI Silver Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club
Photography by Pablo Ramirez – SMPC
Reports
The victorious Ayala team take the silverware
The Grey Goose Bronze Cup There have been slight changes this season in the organisation of the tournament in Sotogrande. One of these changes has been to turn the Bronze Cup for the high and medium goal levels into the Subsidiary Cup for the INDI Silver Cup. This has meant fewer games for teams and less strain on the horses. The Grey Goose Bronze Cup (Silver Cup Subsidiary) high goal Final Thursday 13 August saw a hard fought final between Iñigo Zobel’s Ayala Polo Team and newcomers Murus Sanctus for the Bronze Cup. The match remained tied throughout with Corinne Ricard’s Murus Sanctus side equalizing at every step, but Ayala managed to pull away in the last chukka and despite a great goal from Corinne Ricard in the last 30 seconds, they just couldn’t quite keep it up to the final and all important bell and Ayala won 10-9. The Grey Goose Bronze Cup (Silver Cup Subsidiary) Final teams: Result: Ayala beat Murus Sanctus, 10-9 Ayala Polo Team (22): Iñigo Zobel 1; Santiago Stirling 4; Ignacio Laprida 7 & David Stirling 10 Murus Sanctus (22): Corinne Ricard 0; Juan Gris Zavaleta 7; Guillermo Willington 7 & Facundo Sola 8
The victorious Opel-Royal Salute team celebrate their Silver Cup win
Malcolm Borwick led Opel-Royal Salute to victory in the medium goal Silver Cup Final on Saturday 15 August against BayswaterSapphire. A tight match, which resulted in an extra chukka, had people guessing until the end but a spot penalty from Borwick sealed the deal and meant him and teammates Irishman Richard Fagan, Pascual Álvarez and Santiago Cernada could proudly lift the impressive cup high in celebration. The Silver Cup Final teams: Result: Opel-Royal Salute beat SapphireBayswater, 9-8 Opel-Royal Salute(14): Malcolm Borwick 6; Richard Fagan 1; Pascual Álvarez 1 & Santiago Cernada 6 Sapphire-Bayswater (14): Pablo Mora Figueroa 1; Tomas F. Llorente 6; Tomas F. Llorente jr. 6 & Lawrence Isola 1 The Bronze Cup (Silver Cup Subsidiary) medium goal Final There were more British stars shining in the medium goal, as James Beim alongside fellow Brit and rising talent, Kian Hall held the Bronze Cup trophy aloft. Team Equus featuring James Beim, Juan Jose Britos, Peter Silling and Kian Hall beat Kazak 11-7, in the Subsidiary Final of the medium goal Silver Cup.
Low Goal The Valecuatro Bronze and Silver Cup low goal Finals The Bronze Cup for low goal level remains a separate tournament and it was the same team who claimed the trophy on Sunday 2 August as went on to win the Silver Cup two weeks later. La Clarita, having beaten Opel-John Smith 11-9, went on to beat them again on Sunday 16 August, this time with an even closer match, scraping by with a 9-8 win. The team, which features young British player Freddie Horne alongside Juan Cruz Merlos, is headed by Clare and Chris Mathias who, when not busy winning international trophies, are based in Surrey. The Valecuatro Bronze and Silver Cup Final teams: Results: La Clarita beat Opel-John Smith, 11-9 and 9-8 La Clarita (6): Clare Mathias 0; Chris Mathias 0; Juan Cruz Merlos 3; & Freddie Horne 3 Opel-John Smith (6): Carlos Piñal 1; Gabriel Aguirre 1; Diogo Gallego 4 & Luis Alfoso de Borbon 0
Photography by Pablo Ramirez – SMPC
Medium Goal The Silver Cup medium goal Final It was a success for Britain as 6 goaler
The Bronze Cup (Silver Cup Subsidiary) medium goal Final teams: Result: Equus beat Kazak, 11-7 Equus (14): Peter Silling 0; Juan Jose Britos 6; James Beim 7 & Kian Hall 1 Kazak (14): Sebastien Aguettant 0; Gaetan Charloux 3; Juan Ambroggio 7 & Patrick Paillol 4
Equus, winners of The Bronze Cup medium goal
40
Polo Times, September 2015
The victorious Clarita team
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Cotswold Hunt Win The Inter Hunt Trophy
News in brief BIKE POLO FUNDRAISER On the evening of Monday 21 September, Kirtlington Park Polo Club will be hosting another Bike Polo Fundraiser for The Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Team entries are £20 or £5 per person and refreshments will include home cooked pizzas by Lucabuca. To enter, email
NOTTINGHAM’S NORTHERN TOURNAMENT The Nottingham University Tournament will be played for this November and will run over three days at Rugby Polo Club in
Photograph by Tom Reynolds
vanessa.whiteley@outlook.com
Warwickshire. Six midlands universities are
The Inter Hunt Polo Day teams at the presentation
already confirmed to play. To find out more
THE INTER HUNT Polo Day was hosted for the third year running by Cirencester Park Polo Club on Sunday 9 August. The day began with a parade of The Vale of the White Horse hounds, before fast and furious polo from the four teams entered. The teams were The Duke of Beaufort Hunt, The Cotswold Hunt and The Vale of the White Horse Hunt, of which there were two teams competing for the trophy. Plenty of people turned up to enjoy the polo with a picnic and watch the Final between The Cotswold Hunt and The Duke of Beaufort Hunt. The Cotswold Hunt were victorious following a field goal from the 60 yard line by Oliver Jones, beating Duke of Beaufort 2-1. The trophy was presented to the team by The Countess of Bathurst. If you would like to enter your hunt team for next year’s trophy, please contact Mahesh Parmar on 07779 090 008 or email mahesh@parmar.co.uk
about the tournament email bettyedwards.contact@yahoo.co.uk HORSES AT HORNBÆK Denmark played host to the first edition of The Scandinavian Beach Polo World Cup in front of 8,000 spectators from 23 – 25 July. Team line-ups included La Martina’s Brand Ambassador and British player,
International Line-Ups in Italy
George Pearson, as well as Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club regular Roy Prisk.
ARGENTARIO POLO CLUB in Italy opened the 2015 Polo Season with the International Polo Tournament Silver Cup 2015. Seven teams competed in the first weekend, which led to two teams, the Bardon Polo Team from Hungary and Chateau Nine Peaks from Germany, going through to the Final. Playing in front of a large audience, the Hungarian team fought right through to the end, but it was Nine Peaks who won the prestigious trophy. The next event at the Club will be The International Polo Tournament Gold Cup 2015 (6 -10 goal) now in its 25th year, which will be played simultaneously with The Summer Cup 2015 (4-6 goal).
RUSSIANS IN CHOBHAM Westcroft Park Polo Club, formerly Ascot Park Polo Club, will be hosting The Russian Polo Day on Sunday 6 September. This will be the second major event for the newly established Club, following their Surrey Hills Summer Cup in aid of the Surrey Air Ambulance at the end of August. For more details contact richard@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk RUTLAND UPDATE Tony Gilks Trophy Final at Rutland Polo Club at the end of July. The -2 Ranksboro Cup was won by Marston, who beat Rutland 6-3½. Polo Manager, Tom Collie expressed his thanks to the Gilks and North families for kindly sponsoring their respective tournaments.
Photograph courtesy of Argentario Polo Club
Deane Bank beat Trident 6-4 in the 1 goal
Alexander Hauptmann, Joaquin Maiquez, Octavio Olmedo, Leon Hauptmann, Luisa Galantino & Generale Filippo Palomba
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Polo Times, September 2015
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
DBPC Polo In The Park
SPN Dutch Polo Championships
Photograph courtesy of Vreeland Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Tustains
THIS YEAR, FOR Dallas Burston Polo Club’s Polo In The Park weekend on 12 – 13 September, the Club will be running two ladies’ tournaments: The Elizabeth Trophy (10 goal) and The Emily Trophy (4 goal). These two tournaments will be run alongside the mixed tournaments: The Dallas Burston Gold Cup (6 goal) and The Fairwell Cup (0 goal). The Club has also announced that Tustains will be presenting The Emily Rose Bowl Trophy and Tissot Watches as prizes to the winners of The Ladies’ 10 Goal Polo Tournament during Polo In The Park on Sunday 13 September. The Warwickshire Club has attracted between four and five thousand people in past years and looks set to grow again.
Hublot Polo Gold Cup
Nederland.FM raised the SPN Dutch Polo Championship Trophy
Photograph by Amélie Bès
ON SUNDAY 16 August 2015, The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Trophy came to an end with the Final between E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds and SIR. However, the much anticipated Competitive play was made impossible by water-logged fields Final almost didn’t happen after a downpour of rain flooded the field. Umpire Tony Keyte told Polo Times, “The pitch was too waterlogged to play a safe match and our top priority is always the safety of the horses and the safety of the players. The decision was discussed at length with the players and the committee and everyone agreed an exhibition match would be the best option to replace the Final.” The teams remained head-to-head throughout each chukka, until the final whistle blew with a finishing score of 7-7. The best play of the match was undoubtedly the impressive teamwork between Hublot Polo Gold Cup favourite, Eduardo Menendez, who has now played in the tournament 16 times, and home favourite Michael Brüggler. An aerial shot from Menendez opened up the field for Brüggler to accelerate down the pitch and strike a powerful shot cleanly through the posts. Gasps echoed among the crowds at the unbelievable display of talent from both players. Third place was decided by penalties between Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA and Gstaad Palace, with a final score of 5-4 to Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA.
THE FIRST TOURNAMENT at the new PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club in the north of Morocco took place between the 6 – 16 August. Six teams of five different nationalities played in the 6-8 goal tournament. The newly formed Club facilities include three new fields located in front of the sea with a lovely view of the sand dunes, beach and surrounding landscape. Guests stayed in a typical Moroccan bivouac tented village, installed at the Club
to give visitors an authentic experience. Lunches and dinners were served in a large Moroccan tent both inside the Club or on the beach. Other activities included polo lessons, beach rides and watersports. Teams were very much a family affair with former FIP President and founder of the Club, Patrick Hermès’ nephew Edouard Guerrand-Hermès playing with friends Mani Boni and Juan Pepa, and Alejandro Aznar forming a team with his son Luis and sonin-law Jose Trenor. The Hurlingham Media team were comprised of father and son Roderick and Elias Vere Nicoll, playing with Brieuc Rigaux and Willy Lopez. The Final Day on Sunday 16 August was an important day for the Club’s history, as it saw the official inauguration of the Club,
THE SPN DUTCH Polo Championship 2015, played at Polo Club Vreeland on 15 – 16 August, were split into two levels. The low goal section was won by MiddenNederland, with Tiempo De Oro coming in second followed by Groenhof in third and Vreeland in fourth place. In the top section Nederland.FM took first place defeating Mendoza/HV Polo who took second place, followed by Amsterdam in third place and QM/Waalre in fourth place. Top Section Winning Team: Nederland.FM (5): Wilfred/Wernard Borstlap (1), Jim Souren (1), Martijn van Scherpenzeel (1) & Aki van Andel (2) Low Goal Winning Teams: Midden-Nederland (-1): Julia Hiebeler (-1), Brenda de Boer (0), Pascal Zantman (1) & Armand van Eeken (0)
PPhotograph courtesy of PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club
The PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club
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Club Focus
The Moroccan bivouac tented village
with Coronel Badaoui representing the Polo Federation in Morocco, before the games. There was also a parade of the teams followed by a race with local horses ridden bareback by local children. Polo Times, September 2015
43
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Charity Games Canines Photograph by Simon Paparazzi
TEAM GALET TOOK victory in the inaugural Inner Circle Summer Polo Cup at Ham Polo Club on Saturday 8 August. An exceptionally hard-fought first match saw Galet beat InterOffice. Close play and equally matched teams saw the balance tipped in the favour of Galet by the outstanding performance of Hector Worsley, whose skill drove the team Victorious team Galet along, and eventually led to him being presented with the Most Valuable Player Award. In the second round, CRC-Mahiki beat the all-female line-up of Michael Poppel’s Haushang Skis team, featuring Rosie Ross. However, Haushang Skis then went on to defeat InterOffice in the Subsidiary Final, securing their third place. The Final saw CRC-Mahiki face Galet, captained by Thijs Povel. After a strong match, it was Galet who walked away the 2015 winners. Four hundred members attended the exclusive event run by Inner Circle, where guests were entertained until the small hours by Barons de Rothschild Champagne, international DJ Per Pedersen on the decks and Chris Sharp – one of the most electric and entertaining saxophonists in Europe.
Inaugural Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation Day THE NICHOLLS SPINAL Injury Foundation (NSIF) hosted its first event at Guards Polo Club on Thursday 13 August. On-the-field action included the Subsidiary Semi Finals of The Duke of Wellington Trophy. Beaufort Black Hounds defeated Black Eagles in the first game of the afternoon with a score of 6½-5, followed by Emlor who beat Four Quarters Black with a final score of 4-3. There have been 13 teams battling against one another since 30 July for this 12 goal title. The tournament is also part of the newly formed Autumn Victor Ludorum Series. Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar defeated Shoreline with a convicing score of 8-4 in the Final on Saturday 15 August. Vieri Antinori was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player and Pedro Harrison’s mare Model T was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award. NSIF guests enjoyed an auction in the Clubhouse, raising much needed funds for the charity, which included many money-cannot-buy lots. Guests were able to bid for a golf trip for four at St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, a day in the Mosimann Club kitchen with dinner for four, a luxury eight day trip to Hong Kong and Macau, a romantic trip for two to Florence, plus a fun, learn-to-play day at the Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park. Money raised will go to NSIF’s efforts to support the work of Professor Geoffrey Raisman and his team at the UCL Institute of Neurology, whose research on successfully repairing spinal injury was the focus of a recent BBC Panorama programme. The charity also supports Dr Pawel Tabakow and his team in Poland, who are pioneering the clinical implementation of Professor Raisman’s research.
Sunny Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez Polo Club hosted the 28th Edition of Polo Masters – Open de Gassin on 25 – 26 July. Geoffrey Palmer’s Antelope team took home the Polo Masters silver mallet in the 12-15 goal, whilst in the 8-10 goal match La Concepcion defeated The Tides by 5-4 to win the Richard Mille Cup. Domaine La Rouillère won against both La Concepcion and Julian Joailliers in an American tournament for the Julian Joailliers Ladies Cup. 44
Polo Times, September 2015
Photograph courtesy of The Vale of York Polo Club
Galet Step Into Inner Circle
The Charity Canine Partners dogs, their handlers and the teams
THREE TEAMS COMPETED in The Dickinson Wood Trophy at The Vale of York Polo Club to raise money for The Charity Canine Partners, who train dogs to assist with a range of practical tasks for people with disabilities. The money raised should be sufficient to buy and train a dog for this valuable service. At the first count, the Club has raised £3,750. The Club would like to thank the supporters that supplied some great auction items, including Time for Diamonds who donated a 0.5 carat engagement ring, amongst many other great items. Three teams battled for the honours: Time for Diamonds, Crown Hotel and main sponsors, Dickinson Wood Solicitors. Time for Diamonds, Captained by Paul Piddington took first place, with Lisa Piddington’s Crown Team coming second and Dickinson Wood in third place. The Club’s Annual Fancy Dress Polo and Jump Match will be coming up in September in honour of Sophie Tompkins’ birthday. The event has caused carnage at the Club since 2009. Polo Times spoke to Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin about the event, “Essentially we start with The Jump Challenge, where each entrant has to do two lengths of the pitch, starting between the goals, hitting the ball through a couple of jumps in between, jump the jumps, score at the other end and come back doing the same. The quickest time after faults wins. This is followed by a polo match, which of course is in fancy dress as well.”
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Club Focus
Photography and styling by Bricks and Velvet, 07764 406 310
Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Buckinghorse After a two-year project to renovate The Mews, James Ruig and Peter and Tihana Webb have finally opened their doors for business Buckinghorse, the new luxury polo lifestyle shop, gallery and event space at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, opened officially on Saturday 6 June and was greeted with a wealth of support from the local polo community. Buckinghorse kicked off their launch with a gallery exhibition, entitled ‘Horses in Art,’ which featured stunning work from polo photographers Gillian Hughes, David Sinclair, Alice Gipps and Images of Polo. The images looked all the more impressive against the backdrop of the gallery and venue space created in The Mews. The showcase of the artists’ work was a thoughtful and innovative way to launch the company’s new venue. The shop is a treasure trove of luxury artisan products sourced from all over the world, including South Africa, Argentina, America and Europe. Nestled amongst antique bridles and vintage equine paraphernalia, is the newest equipment for today’s top class players. Hand selected to meet the exacting standards of professional polo player Peter Webb, the store features its own brand of polo whites which have been met with great approval from the local players for superior fit, quality and comfort. Polo Times understands these will be the first of many products in Buckinghorse’s own polo range. Of course, for those among us more concerned with the safest and highest quality equipment, perhaps the greatest feather in Buckinghorse’s cap came with a www.polotimes.co.uk
visit from Floriano Falcon, manufacturer and designer of the pioneering technology behind Falcon Polo helmets. Now, Buckinghorse is the UK’s leading distributer and brand ambassador for Falcon products. With specific interest and instruction on the construction of the best helmets, Buckinghorse offers some eye-watering demonstrations on the superior quality, strength, design, fit and protection of Falcon helmets. Each helmet can be customised and fitted to the specific requirements of every player, with a range of samples at the shop ready to try. Falcon has become a name of great significance on the polo field as, if all goes well, they are shortly to become the first dedicated maker of polo helmets to achieve the Kitemark certification. With recent discussion regarding the safety of the game, it has been widely speculated that a Kitemark certification will soon be compulsory for all polo helmets amongst professional players, a decision that has received huge endorsement. Polo Times have commissioned a Falcon Polo helmet, and every new Polo Times subscriber will be entered into a draw to win their own bespoke Falcon Polo helmet. Keep an eye out for more new and exciting products, as well as looking out for Buckinghorse’s future events, which are sure to become regular fixtures in the polo calendar! This luxurious space is available to hire for private functions, meetings, corporate days and social events. Contact Peter or Tihana with your enquiry.
Opening hours: Monday Closed Tuesday 10am-5pm Wednesday 10am-5pm Thursday 10am-5pm Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 1pm-6pm Sunday 1pm-6pm www.buckinghorse.co.uk Buckinghorse At The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club North Street Winkfield Berkshire SL4 4TH Phone: 01344 891 422 Mobile: 07733 467 389 tihana@buckinghorse.co.uk peter@buckinghorse.co.uk
Polo Times, September 2015
45
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International
Women’s Polo
Wiggy Bamforth reports on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad
Silver for Prestmo
The White Rose Polo Club Charity Ladies’ Day Tournament, in aid of Macmillan and Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, was held on Sunday 2 August and won by Broadgate Pink (Becky Mulgrove, Kate Halstead, Beth Barber Atkinson and Sophie Wesche). Danielle Blackwood won The Polo Magazine The Hiho Silver Beaufort Ladies’ Most Valuable Player Award and Abbi Foreman’s Bonita won The Best Playing Pony Award. Tournament took place on Saturday 1 August. The first game saw Tayto take on Siri Evjemo-Nysveen’s Prestmo. Despite Tayto’s early lead, Prestmo soon came back with a quick reply, and a brilliant goal by Emma Wood finished the game with a 2-2 draw. In the second game Tayto were the first to score against Deva, opening up a commanding lead by the end of the first chukka. The second chukka saw Lia Salvo dominate the game and, with superb teamwork, Deva scored in quick succession to take the lead. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Tayto, who ran out the winners with a score of 3½-3. The final match in the tournament left Deva to face Prestmo, with both teams The teams at The White Rose Polo Club Charity Ladies’ Day Tournament appearing equally matched and the goal difference staying close. With Prestmo’s Sarah Hughes applying pressure against Salvo, Taylor, Wood and Fox were able to win the game for Prestmo with a score of 3½-1. Using the mathematics of goal difference, it was decided that Prestmo were the winners of The Wood Cup. Round three of the Women In Polo Ladies’ League saw a clear winner for the New Forest home team, with Greylands coming in second after putting up a strong fight. Inglesham were third, with Mhairi Gould awarded The Most Valuable Player Award. New Forest’s Sarah Coupe was named The Most Improved Player and Esther Hunt’s Ventisca modelled The Best Playing Pony rug. The New Forest weekend was run in conjunction with a charity match for The Women’s Trust.
News in Brief
WIP Tournament
Women’s Spanish Championship
Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande welcomed back The Women’s Spanish Championship. The tournament, which took place over 24 – 26 August, welcomed six teams. The Final saw Bayswater and Atlanterra fight for the title. Bayswater achieved an early lead but Atlanterra seemed determined not to let them sail to victory and, with just a few minutes remaining, the score was an even 4-4. With seconds left on the clock, Lia Salvo coolly converted the penalty to secure Bayswater the victory and the title.
Unstoppable Clarkin
Nina Clarkin, along with regular teammates, Lottie Lamacraft, Lucy Taylor and Stobart’s Katie Jenkinson, stormed to victory in the recent Cirencester Ladies’ Tournament. Despite playing in far from perfect conditions, the girls continued to keep their focus on the title and after four chukkas of competitive polo Clarkin had secured another ladies’ title.
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Photograph by Gordon Lindsay
Photograph courtesy of White Rose Polo Club
Think Pink!
Prestmo with The Wood Cup: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen, Sarah Hughes, Tamara Fox and Emma Wood holding Bertie
As Polo Times went to press, the England Ladies’ International team were flying out for the Test Match in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday 23 August. The team of Hazel Jackson, Emma Boers, Lottie Lamacraft and Claire Brougham will have also played a Ladies’ Tournament on 21 – 22 August. A full report will follow in next month’s Polo Times, so watch this space!
Polo Times, September 2015
47
Women’s Polo
International
SUSSEX POLO CLUB hosted The Pinkster’s Ladies’ Trophy on Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 August. The first round of the tournament began on Saturday with Hertfordshire’s QB Polo playing Pazuki. Whilst the game was nail-bitingly close, Pazuki managed to clinch the final score to win 5½-5. Sussex Polo’s home team, La Ballena, claimed the second win of the day against Epsom’s Ibicus. Sunday’s polo began with a novice ladies 3-a-side mini match, with The Pony Club’s Lucy Martin and Sara Jane Winter taking home the first prizes of the day, sponsored by The Polo Shop and WIP. The Final saw fierce play throughout between Pazuki and La Ballena, but the cohesive side of La Ballena were ultimately triumphant with a final score of 5-3½.
Photograph by Christopher Pollard
Tickled Pink
TThe winning team, La Ballena
Luck of the Irish It was the toss of a coin that the result of Ireland’s Ladies’ Tournament was decided upon. After two days of play there was no clear winner from the round robin tournament – Germany, Ireland and USA
had all won and lost a game by half a goal. Adding up the goals scored, Ireland and Germany were tied on 11 goals for and 11 against. The decision was made by third man Micky Herbst to toss a coin, which declared Ireland the winners, with Germany taking second place and USA in third. The Best Playing Pony Award went to Caroline Keeling’s Fantasma, a 10-year-old Argentine mare.
Photograph by Annemieke Goos
European Women’s Summer Tournament Dates The winning Irish Ladies’ Team celebrate their victory
Dates for the Diary Taunton: DBPC: West Wycombe: La Aguada, Argentina:
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WIP Ladies’ League (Open): Ladies Tournament (Open): Ladies Mixed (Open): Ladies’ Cup (16):
12 – 13 September 12 – 13 September 19 – 20 September 14 – 18 December
Polo Club La Mata del Herrador, Sevilla, Spain: Copa Internacional Femenina, 18 – 20 September Contact: Klarina Pichler (Tel: +34 611209011, klarina_pichler@hotmail.com) Club de Polo Ampurdan, Figueras, Spain: II Ladies’ Autumn Polo Cup 24 - 25 October Contact: Eva Campos (eva@villacampos.com) www.polotimes.co.uk
Women’s Polo
Photograph by Gillian Hughes
International
Finalists Fit 4 Polo and Vardags Polo
Victory for Vardags Four teams contested The Ladies’ Tournament during The Royal Berkshire Polo Festival, supported by Tally Ho Farm on Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 August. The Final saw 14 goal Vardags Polo face the 9 goal Fit 4 Polo team. With Fit 4 Polo receiving a 3½ goal handicap
advantage, Vardags were keen to reduce the deficit, with three goals scored in the first chukka by Sarah Wiseman. Fit 4 Polo were constantly on the defence, with a solitary goal courtesy of Lucy Bowman, and the match finished 8-4½ to Vardags. Wiseman was named Most Valuable Player, whilst teammate, Lottie Lamacraft won The Best Playing Pony Award for Asia, owned and made by Glenn Sheriff. Tally Ho Farm, Bucking Horse and Dry Brow donated prizes.
5 minutes with…
Emma Boers EMMA BOERS, WHO started playing in The Pony Club and recently played for the England Ladies’ Team at the Test Match in Johannesburg, talks to Polo Times about horses, handicaps and the highs of her career. How did your polo career start? “I was in hospital when I was younger, and I saw the Princes playing polo on TV. My Mum said I could have a polo lesson once I got myself fit and healthy again – I bet she regrets saying that now!” What do you like/dislike about polo? “I love the horses, I believe they are a big part of the game. Playing on good grounds makes a difference too. The opportunity to travel is very exciting – I’ve met many great friends through polo. However, I don’t like the injuries (to players and horses), along with the vet bills!” Which lady players do you admire? Why? “Nina Clarkin due to the way she plays, plus her horses are incredible. She’s great to watch but seriously tough to play against! I also admire Sarah Wiseman and Hazel Jackson. I think they
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are both great players. Wisey gives 110% in every game and Hazel has taught me a lot.” What are your personal aims within the sport? “My aim is to be as strong a player as possible, with the highest handicap I can achieve, and also to build up my string of horses. To represent England in South Africa is a really great achievement.” Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? “I prefer mixed polo – I find it more open and skilful and, I think it toughens you up playing with men. Ladies’ polo is really good fun, but it’s a very different game compared to men’s.” More girls are playing polo every year, why do you think this is? “I think there are a lot more opportunities with ladies’ tournaments both in the UK and abroad. There are also a lot of young females coming through The Pony Club and SUPA as women’s polo becomes a lot more popular, which is great to see.”
Do you think women’s handicaps are a good thing? “Yes I think it’s great. It makes ladies’ polo fairer. For sure, it will take a season or two to sort everyone’s handicap out – it’s not going to happen overnight.” How do you see the future of women’s polo? “I think the future of women’s polo will just keep growing, all over the world! Now, with the new handicap system in England, it should attract more sponsors and exposure.” Are there any other changes you would like to see in the future of women’s polo? “I would love to see another female playing in the high goal in England. It would be great to get more sponsors, support and recognition along with more opportunities for women to play in larger events overseas. If the HPA could help us to host more International teams, it would also give the younger generation something to aim for.” What’s your favourite tournament/ Club? “Cowdray Park is my favourite Club – it’s such a beautiful setting. I love The Gold Cup, there’s an exciting, buzzing atmosphere and the parties are always pretty crazy too!”
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Live and Learn One year on from its inception, The Langley School Polo Academy is now a well-established part of Langley School, offering a side-by-side programme of elite training and an exemplary academic education
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eptember time is, for many children, filled with gloom and that backto-school feeling. Not so for the pupils of The Langley School Polo Academy, for whom a new term brings a chance to return to the Norfolk School and commence another year of training. The Langley School Polo Academy at Langley School is the brainchild of Chris and Rebecca Townsend, together with former England International player Jason Dixon, and strives to combine a traditional boarding school experience at Langley School, with academic excellence and the opportunity to specialise in an intensive training programme. In polo, as we see so often from the Argentine example, the early experience in the saddle is key. The Academy provides two different programmes of training, alongside the usual academic studies, which allows up to 16 hours a week of polo training to take place around the child’s timetable. After its first year, the Academy’s results speak for themselves – despite in its inaugural season only having a small, elite intake (just eight pupils), the Academy boasts players who have represented their country both at home and abroad, most www.polotimes.co.uk
Langley School Polo Academy
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Chris Townsend Norfolk Polo Club The driving force behind the concept is Chris Townsend of Norfolk Polo Club. Polo Times caught up with him to discuss the origins and future endeavours of the Academy Where did the idea for the Academy come from? “There seemed to be a market for a school-based academy that took polo seriously. The fact that The Norfolk Polo Club is under 5 minutes away from the school means the children are out of the classroom and onto a pony in no time – they can ride every day without compromising schoolwork.” What would a standard week see for a pupil? “As soon as the final bell goes, the Academy children are collected by the Club and straight on a pony most days. They also spend all games afternoons with us as well as weekends. Time is spent riding, playing, on the wooden horse and in the classroom learning about the game. The children will play chukkas two or three times a week, often with members of The Norfolk Polo Club. The Academy has access to the Club’s string of over 50 ponies so we can mount every ability.” What do you think are the most important assets the LSPA offers? “The LSPA has it all! Jason Dixon as the coach, over 50 horses, fantastic irrigated and sanded grounds and a full-size arena, all minutes from the school. Even the classrooms are worth mentioning – set in a former monastic gatehouse at Langley Abbey.”
notably the U15 Copa de las Naciones, match at Palermo in May, as well as members selected for the prestigious HPA Select initiative teams, who went on to win both The Colts’ Cup and The Stagshead Trophy this August. However, the pupils are not, as one would imagine, just at Langley for the sporting facilities. The school takes pride in its core values of commitment, opportunity, respect and excellence; ideals its pupils exhibit in every aspect of their time there. Indeed, academic matters for the Polo Academy pupils, seem to be just as high on the agenda as their training programmes. In developing the idea for the Academy, the main concept for Chris, Jason and Dominic Findlay, the Headmaster, was that achieving sporting excellence should not have to be to the detriment www.polotimes.co.uk
of academic achievement. Not only that, but polo, in becoming part of the timetable, should be subject to the same academic rigour as usual lessons (as seen below in the polo curriculum outline). As the Headmaster of Langley School explains in his Mission Statement, “Langley School exists to provide a first-class, all round education within a friendly, inclusive and supportive community. By focusing relentlessly on improving standards our students will learn to be independent, valued citizens and develop their abilities to the full.” So far, the pupils at Langley School Polo Academy have achieved much in just a year. With the new intake arriving in September, the hope is that the 2016 season is going to be filled with Norfolk stars.
How does the academic side of the school integrate into that of the sporting side? “One important principle of our Academy is not to let the polo get in the way of academic studies. The children all attend full school hours and complete a full curriculum. Polo takes place during games and activity sessions or at weekends. In fact, last year one Academy child came top of his year – proof that nothing is compromised and parents can rest assured.” What are the Academy’s most notable achievements this year? “We have had Academy players represent their country both at home and abroad, with one of them selected to play for England at Palermo against Argentina. Academy members also won The HPA Colts’ Cup and The Stagshead Trophy. However, I think the most notable achievement this year has been the unbelievable progress young players make when they do something everyday. Receiving regular coaching from one of the world’s best is bound to have a positive effect and we can see it. At the Norfolk Polo Festival this year we pitted two Academy teams against each other and many spectators said it was the best match played all day!” Polo Times, September 2015
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Langley School Polo Academy Jason Dixon Director “We realised that if you can give young players access to the facilities a club like Norfolk can offer, only a few minutes from the school, then there is a very good opportunity for them to develop as players. There are plenty of schools that offer two-hour polo activity sessions every week, but we are talking about much more: up to 16 hours a week, so that when the students are not at school, they are at the Club. The impact upon their performance is, obviously, considerable.”
Dominic Findlay Headmaster of Langley School “One year down the pathway and the results of the Langley School Polo Academy speak for themselves. In a year they have achieved great things, a testament to the dedication of Jason Dixon, their coach, and to the hard work of the kids themselves. “The key element of the Academy, which follows on the format from our other successful academies, including partnerships with Norwich City Football Club, Leicester Tigers and GB Kayaking, is that the children do not miss a single academic lesson – sporting and academic achievements go hand in hand.”
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Langley School Polo Academy
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Langley School At A Glance • • • • •
For ages 2-18 Specialist teaching from Year 6 Scholarships for the exceptionally able Outstanding learning support department Wide range of subjects available, including Modern Languages, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Media Studies, Music and complete Sciences • Sporting facilities including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, rounders and athletics venues, as well as floodlit Astroturf, netball and tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course, sports hall and purpose-built gymnasium • Extensive activities programme including Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, First Aid courses, Debating, Kayaking and Design Technology and Arts courses • At both GCSE and A level, pupils gain on average about half a grade higher than those predicted from the results of standardised tests
Timi Badiru Pupil Why did you choose to come to Langley? “I wanted to come to Langley because it gave me the opportunity to pursue both my academic studies and polo career at the same time, without having to compromise.” What’s your favourite thing about Langley? “Being able to play polo! The facilities mean I can get out and train and develop my polo all year round, which is great.” What’s your biggest polo achievement to date? “My greatest achievement in polo so far is winning The Most Valuable Player Award at The SUPA Schools Championships on my first official outing as an LSPA player, which was an amazing moment.” What’s your favourite academic subject and why? “My favourite subject is Science, because I enjoy being able to do all the different experiments. I find it really interesting.” What do you plan to do when you leave Langley? “I’m working hard so that when I leave Langley I can to go to University and get a degree, but most of all I want to play high level, professional polo alongside the best of the best.”
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Core Training Topics
The Langley School Polo Academy sees a very different approach to that of any other school. The one-of-a-kind training establishment has its own curriculum for the Polo Academy protégées, which gives them a full education in everything polo, ensuring the next generation of top players have an all-round exemplary schooling. • Stable Management – Involving Personal Responsibility for Equine Welfare and Management, Nutrition, Hydration, Anatomy, Exercise Regimes, Fitness Programmes, Veterinary Care, Schooling Techniques, Fitting Equine Equipment and Bitting, Polo Pony Breeding. • Riding – Polo Riding, Conventional Riding, Differing Styles, Optimising Performance of the Pony & Rider, Understanding the Polo Pony, Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses. • Stick and Ball Skills – Hand Eye Co-ordination, Reaction/Response Exercises, Close Range Skill Exercises, Long Range Distribution, Dead Ball Striking, Extra Ordinary Shots, Improving Strength and Technique. • Tactical Education – General Polo Theory, Pressure Zones, Team Philosophy, Team Terminology and Communication, Identifying Weaknesses and Playing to Strengths, Developing Personal and Team Responsibilities, Designing Specific Strategies. • Personal Fitness – Exercise and Strengthening Regimes to Enhance Personal Performance, Nutrition and Diet. • Rules and Regulations of Polo – Full Knowledge of HPA Rules, (eventually other Association Rules as well like AAP, FIP, USPA), Ensuring Safety and Personal Responsibility, Welfare Issues, Enhance Performance through Superior Knowledge of Rules. • Umpiring – Full Knowledge, Ability and Responsibility to Umpire Matches, Appreciation of Match Officials, How to Interact with Match Officials to Maximise Performance/Minimise Error. • Cultural Education of Polo – Understanding the Evolution of the Sport, Awareness of Social and Cultural Interaction in the World of Polo (both On and Off the Field of Play).
To find out more contact 01508 480400 or email office@norfolkpolo.co.uk. www.langleyschool.co.uk Polo Times, September 2015
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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
Pony Club Made Proud Lucy Wilson and Wiggy Bamforth report on a beautiful week of polo at Hurtwood Park Polo Club and Cowdray Park Polo Club, which saw The Jorrocks Pony Club Polo Championships and The El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships, supported by The Hurlingham Polo Association and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club
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“All the ponies were beautifully turned out, the players were wonderful and the chukkas were very exciting. A big thank you to everyone, sponsors and to Charles Whittington. It’s been a brilliant day, I hope you all enjoyed it because I certainly have.”
“We were very excited when the opportunity to sponsor The Pony Club Polo Championships came about as it was a genuine chance to give something back to The Pony Club. We at El Remanso have always aimed to inspire and encourage the next generation of polo players and so this seemed like the perfect fit. It was fantastic to see so many young players enjoying their polo, having fun and making new friends, that’s really what it’s all about.
Dawn Taylor, Vice-Chairman of The Pony Club
El Remanso, Sponsors
his year’s El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships saw a reduced entry in most sections, but on the whole, a higher standard of polo played. The Pony Club provides a fair and supportive platform for children of all ages and background to access the training and opportunities they need to develop as players. In Mike Hobday’s words, “We don’t have polo players without youth, so we’ve got to support these guys and give them the best help we can.” This year, a wealth of players who have started their careers in the lower levels of The Pony Club dominated the UK season, most especially in the top levels of play. Furthermore, it only takes a glance at the England International squad to realise how vital The Pony Club is to the beginning of players’ future careers, as every single member started their polo careers in The Pony Club. A wonderful weekend of polo was testament to the hard work, dedication, skill and pride that The Pony Club instills in its members
Photography by Michael Chevis, Midhurst, official Pony Club & Polo photographer. Galleries at www.michaelchevis.com
The Pony Club Jorrocks Polo Championships 2015; Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Wednesday 5 August
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Jorrocks Number of chukkas played: 1 (6 minute duration) Player age limit: 11 years and under Height limit of pony: 13.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Chris Eaton Entries for 2015: 9 teams
Charles Whittington reports from Surrey
Jorrocks Division I winners, Grafton Hunt A, with The Pony Club Chairperson, Mary Tuckett
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Winners of The Jambo Trophy, Barney Hughes and ‘Spook’, with Amanda North
Fortunately the forecast showers held off at Hurtwood Park Polo Club for the Pony Club Jorrocks Championships. The player/pony combinations typically do a range of Pony Club activities and many go
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out hunting. We had a very enjoyable day watching nine teams battle out the honours in three divisions, with a full commentary on Ground 1 at Hurtwood, a very special treat for these young players. I spotted several current players and professionals amongst the parents urging on their children, which is a very healthy pointer for the future of Pony Club Polo. Richard Blake Thomas was there, urging on his daughter Imogen who, remarkably, was playing on the same pony, Freddie, which Richard played in the Handley Cross many years ago! We were also treated to a fantastic lunch by Jayne and Kenney Jones, who continue to be the most enthusiastic supporters of Pony Club Polo, and we are very grateful to them. We wish them well in their planning application for new facilities, which will also benefit youth polo. Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club, presented the Texaco Trophy for The Best Turned Out Team to Grafton B.
The Best Turned Out team at Hurtwood, Grafton Hunt B, with Charles Whittington, Mary Tuckett and Chris Eaton
Most Improved First Year Player, Ollie Southern, with Mary Tuckett
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We were well supported by our sponsors, El Remanso with the HPA and Thai Polo, plus SATS and Polo Times were present on the day. Finally, Mrs Chris Eaton, the Jorrocks section manager, who had organised the whole day, masterminded the prize-giving in which all players received at least a rosette! Major and Mrs John Thorneloe presented the Rupert Thorneloe Trophy for The Most Improved 10-Year-Old Boy to Sammy Vincent of the Grafton. The award is a fitting memorial to Rupert, who played polo all the way through the Pony Club and in the Army, in which he served with distinction in the Welsh Guards in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and latterly in Afghanistan, where he was the most senior officer to be killed in action, aged 39. After terrific play all round, it was the Grafton Hunt A who were victorious in Division I, the Old Berkshire Hunt who conquered Division II, and Division III was won by the combined Royal Artillery/ Old Surrey & Burstow team. For full results turn to page 60 For coverage of the five Polo Times Best Playing Pony awards turn to page 66 To read the story behind the Grafton A victory, turn to our Letters page
Most Improved Jorrocks Girl, Ruby Hickmet, with Mary Tuckett
The Rupert Thorneloe Trophy for the Most Improved 10-Year-Old Jorrocks Boy, Sammy Vincent, with Veronica Thorneloe
The Jorrocks parade of ponies at Hurtwood
Jorrocks Division II winners, Old Berkshire Hunt, with Mary Tuckett
Jorrocks Division III winners, Royal Artillery Hunt/ Old Surrey & Burstow, with Mary Tuckett
Best Jorrocks Pony & Player Combination, awarded to Will Hillard and his pony Pebbles, with Mary Tuckett
Sportsmanship Award recipient, Billy Cooper, with Mary Tuckett
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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
The El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships 2015; Cowdray Park Polo Club, Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August
Handley Cross II winners, Cowdray Hunt Navy, with Section Manager Amanda North and Vice-Chairman of The Pony Club, Dawn Taylor
Handley Cross Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: 9-years-old and over, but under 14 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: 14.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Amanda North Entries for 2015: 6 teams This year’s Handley Cross Final saw Cowdray Hunt Gold play the Old Surrey & Burstow in a fantastic match that exhibited great play. Cowdray Gold ran out the winners 1-0 after an excellent goal, which saw the team work seamlessly together to combat the opposition.
Handley Cross I winners, Cowdray Hunt Gold, with Amanda North and Dawn Taylor
Section Manager Amanda North told Polo Times about this year’s Handley Cross Section: “My section has gone very well this season, I’m very pleased with everything, especially to have seen the weaker teams grow. Obviously I’m very impressed with all my players, but this year I’ve been keeping an eye specifically on two players from the Meynell, Connor Kay and Oliver ConwayJohnson, who played for the OS&B team. They’ve both come on in leaps and bounds this year, and are brilliant sportsmen. As for ponies, my two to watch are Warrior and Spook (who won The Jambo Trophy with Barney Hughes). For a most improved player, I’d have to mention Lily Finch, who throws herself into all Pony Club activities and just keeps getting better and better every time I see her.
Cowdray Hunt Gold after their win in the Final
Next year I’d like to keep as many of these players as I can. I’m on a drive to get Handley Cross back up to what it used to be, where we could play 9am - 6pm on Lawns V! They’re really good players and sportsmen, and they all played really well.”
Surtees Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: Under 14-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Jo Whittington Entries for 2015: 11 teams The Surtees Final saw a ferocious match between the all-sibling South Berkshire Hunt team of Indi, Louis, Ned and Milly Hine and the Cotswold Hunt line up of Aleksander Horvat, Brina Horvat, Zac Beim and Monte Swain Grainger. A goal in the first 30 seconds from Milly Hine put the Surtees I winners, South Berkshire Hunt, with Dawn Taylor
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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
South Berkshire team in the lead, followed by Indi Hine who fished the ball out of the melée after an enthusiastic field ovverran it in their haste. However, excellent teamwork from Zac Beim and Monte Swaine Granger saw the South Berkshire attack foiled, and soon resulted in a goal for the Cotswold team. Furious play followed for both teams, with Ned Hine and Monte Swaine Grainger taking the ball the length of the pitch in a struggle to get the upper hand. However, after a penalty in favour of South Berkshire, it was Ned Hine who made it a winning goal for his team.
Loriner Number of chukkas played: 1 Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: 12-years-old and over, but under 16 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Clare Musgrave Entries for 2015: 9 teams The Taunton Vale Hunt started two goals up against the Grafton Hunt in the Loriner Final, but this lead was rapidly erased in one of the closest matches at the Championships. At the throw-in Jasmine Stanhope-White headed a Taunton Vale attack on the ball, with impressive stickwork displayed by Harry Hunter and Jack Aldridge. Despite some overriding, the ball was eventually
Surtees II winners, Royal Artillery Hunt, with Dawn Taylor
backed out of trouble by Taunton Vale. However, Frank and Freddie Barlow liberated the ball and carried it down the end of the pitch for a Grafton goal. A lovely shot from George Deverall set up the next run from Grafton. After a 60 yard penalty in favour of the Grafton, the ball hovered tantalisingly on the line, before being tapped in to take the score to 2-2. The final score was decided in a rundown, which saw the Grafton keep play smooth and polished to get the ball over the line ahead of Taunton Vale and clinch the match. Clare Musgrave, Loriner Section Manager explained to Polo Times, “We had nine teams in two Divisions in the Loriner. The Taunton Vale and the Grafton ran out the winners after playing a round robin. This year has been a really good team effort from all of the Loriner players, and a lot of encouraging play.”
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Milly Hine, winner of the Young Telegraph award for the Most Promising U14/15 player, with Jo Whittington
Loriner I winners, Grafton Hunt, with Dawn Taylor and Dr Nigel Berman
Loriner II winners, Beaufort Hunt, with Dawn Taylor and Dr Nigel Berman
Jasmine Stanhope-White, winner of The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy for the most promising U16 girl, with Dr Nigel Berman and Section Manager Clare Musgrave
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Frankie Barlow, 2015 El Remanso Award Winner, with Zahra Lucas
Loriner League winners, Royal Artillery Hunt, with Dawn Taylor and Dr Nigel Berman
Polo Times, September 2015
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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
Langford Number of chukkas played: 2 or 4 (but designed to be played with 2 ponies) Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: Under 17-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Janie Dear Entries for 2015: 9 teams
Katharine Yates Award winner, Rosanna Turk, with Dawn Taylor
Section manager Janie Dear spoke to Polo Times about the Langford section: “There were nine teams, so we decided to run it as three leagues, with the winners of each league going through to the Semis and then Finals at Cowdray. The reason for this is that was quite a big variety in the handicap levels, so in putting them into divisions, one didn’t want to assume anything without having seen them play. So each team had two league matches prior to Cowdray and they were four chukka matches, which was great because it was proper polo, and great for the children, particularly those who are playing adult polo all the time, it gives them a chance to get stuck in properly. The standard was incredibly good. There were some outstanding matches, and there were some less quick ones, but on the whole, the standard of play was outstanding, and the four stronger teams did win out and end up in the Finals. Regarding players to watch, Rob Fleming who won the most promising Langford player last year, played outstandingly; Eric Appen who is quite young played really well, and there was a very young Heythrop Hunt White team , who ended up winning the Division II round robin. Everyone did really well and
Jack Gannon Trophy winners, Heythrop Hunt, with Dawn Taylor
Heythrop Hunt White, winners of the Langford American Tournament, with Dawn Taylor
played incredibly organized, good polo, which is great, especially in this section where quite a lot of the players are already participating in adult polo. Overall I’m really impressed this year.”
Rendell Number of chukkas played: 1 (6 minute duration) Player age limit: Between 17 and 20-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Christopher Price Entries for 2015: 3 teams Section Manager, Christopher Price talked to Polo Times about the 2015 Rendell Championships: “Despite sadly only three teams playing this year, the Rendell section remains a good standard. This year we ran qualifiers in a league system, and then at the Championships each team played each other and then aggregated up all the points of each match. Vine Hunt came out on top over the New Forest Hunt. Although the New Forest have a one goal player, the rules of Rendell state that they give away half a goal to make it fairer, which is probably what scuppered them, as otherwise they were a strong team. Although it was disappointing that so few teams played Rendell this year, the standard remains especially good, and hopefully next year will see more teams contesting the division. 58
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Rendell League winners, Vine Hunt, with Dawn Taylor and Section Manager Christopher Price
Player-wise, all teams were really good, although I would say 1 goaler Robin Ormerod stood out especially, but also Toby Small, Sam Boreham and Ellie Tempest all
played very well – their Vine team played together last year and their teamwork is excellent. Next year we hope to have a bigger entry!” www.polotimes.co.uk
El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
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Gannon Number of chukkas played: 4 Handicap limit: Minimum handicap of 0 goals, no maximum (for 2015 -1 players were allowed to play, but had to play off 0 handicap. This was to try to encourage more entries). Player age limit: Under 21 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Justin Stanhope-White Entries for 2015: 6 teams After hard fought first rounds against the Hampshire Hunt, the North Cotswold Hunt, the Old Surrey & Burstow Green and the Royal Artillery Hunt, it was the Cotswold Hunt who lined up against the Old Surrey & Burstow Blue team for the Final. The first chukka was exceptionally fast, and quite a few players overran the ball in their haste to get going with the game. Having settled, excellent teamwork was exhibited by the Severn brothers, and their cousin Oscar Luard, who formed the Cotswold team. However, their efforts were held at bay by hard work from the OS&B and the play soon became more coherent, which allowed Best Player of the Season, Cody Jones, to get a couple of really impressive hits in, sending the ball flying down the field while Harry Hickman harried the opposing team out of the way. The first chukka ended 3-2 to the Cotswold, but the second chukka saw a goal from Hickman to pull the score 3-3 after a successful 30 yard penalty, followed shortly by another OS&B goal which put them in the lead. A run of exciting play in the third chukka finished in a ride off between Oscar Luard and Harry Hickman that could have been used to flatten out the M4 roadworks. Katie Bernard picked up the ball after a few Cotswold mistakes, but unfortunately lost it in the ensuing melĂŠe in the corner of the pitch. After another tussle in front of goal, the OS&B came away with another goal. At the start of the fourth chukka, a battle down the pitch resulted in a superb backhand shot into goal from Harry Hickman to level the score 6 all. However this was quickly righted by Ollie Severn who stole the ball from the throw-in, and fought off Hickman to take it up the pitch to Oscar Luard, where suddenly the ball found its way between the posts to finish the match 7-6 to the Cotswold.
Gannon winners, Cotswold Hunt, with Brigadier Justin StanhopeWhite and Dawn Taylor
Subsidiary Final winners, Grafton Hunt, with Dawn Taylor
Cody Jones, awarded The SATS Saddle for Best Player of the Season, by Tony Emerson
North Cotswold Hunt, winners of The Jaguar Trophy, with BrigadierJustin Stanhope-White and Dawn Taylor
Action from the Gannon Final, Cotswold Hunt against the Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Blue
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Polo Times, September 2015
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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
Pony Club Polo Championships 2015 Results: Gannon: The Daily Telegraph Trophy 1st Cotswold Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Blue The Jaguar Trophy (Winner of Gannon League) 1st North Cotswold Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Green The Martin Trotter Trophy (Winner of Gannon Subsidiary Final) Grafton Hunt Rendell: The Frank Rendell Cup 1st Vine Hunt 2nd New Forest Hunt 3rd Heythrop Hunt
Loriner: The Loriner Challenge Trophy (Winner of Loriner Division I) 1st Grafton Hunt 2nd Taunton Hunt 3rd Royal Artillery Maroon Hunt 4th Cowdray Hunt 5th Heythrop Hunt The Hillingdon Hall Cup (Winner of Loriner Division II) 1st Beaufort Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 3rd Wylye Valley Hunt 4th Royal Artillery White The Gig Horsewell Trophy (Winner of Loriner League) Royal Artillery Hunt
The Bank of Ireland Trophy (Winner of Rendell League) Vine Hunt Langford: The Jack Gannon Trophy 1st Heythrop Hunt 2nd Berkeley Hunt 3rd Grafton Hunt 4th Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt The Langford Plate (Winner of Langford American Tournament) Heythrop Hunt White
Surtees: The Cooper Cup (Winner of Surtees Division I) 1st South Berkshire Hunt 2nd Cotswold Hunt 3rd South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) 4th Heythrop Hunt 5th Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Mendoza 6th Grafton Hunt 7th Cambridgeshire/ Surrey Union Hunt
Handley Cross: The Handley Cross Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division I) 1st Cowdray Hunt Gold 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 3rd South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) 4th Royal Artillery Hunt
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The Pardy Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division II) 1st Cowdray Hunt Navy 2nd Beaufort Hunt Jorrocks: Division I 1st Grafton Hunt A 2nd Cowdray Hunt 1 3rd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Division II 1st Old Berkshire Hunt 2nd Cowdray Hunt 2 3rd Beaufort Hunt Division III 1st Royal Artillery/Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 2nd Grafton Hunt B 3rd Royal Artillery Hunt
The Surtees II Trophy (Winner of Surtees Division II) 1st Royal Artillery Hunt 2nd Taunton Vale Hunt 3rd Beaufort Hunt 4th Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Salta
Individual prizes: The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award: For the most organized Team Manager, Caroline Grayson – Grafton Hunt The Ledner Trophy: For the highest ranked Langford or Gannon team that is not a mixed team, Cotswold Hunt Young Telegraph Award: For the most promising player in the U15/14 Sections, Milly Hine – South Berkshire Hunt The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy: For the most promising Langford Player of the Year, Eric Appen – Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy: For the U16 girl who shows most promise, Jasmine Stanhope-White – Beaufort Hunt (Playing for Taunton Vale)
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Catherine Yates Prize: For the U21 girl who shows most promise, Rosanna Turk – Berkeley Hunt
SATS Saddle Award: For The Best Player of the Season, Cody Jones – Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt
Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Jorrocks Pony, Topic – Rufus Uloth (Cowdray Hunt)
The Jambo Trophy: For the best pony/player combination that both hunt and play polo, Barney Hughes & The Phantom (“Spook”) from South Oxfordshire Hunt, South
Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Handley Cross Pony, Tennyson – Connor Kay (Meynell Hunt, playing for Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt) Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Surtees Pony, Zara – Louis Heard (South Oxfordshire Hunt, South) Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Loriner Pony, Tequila – George Deverall (Grafton Hunt) Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Gannon Pony, Farr Dancer – Harry Hickmet (Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt)
Tic Tac Trophy: Best Jorrocks Pony/Player Combination Will Hillard & Pebbles from Cowdray Hunt Best Stable Management: Katrina Stanhope-White – Taunton Vale Hunt
Jorrocks Cup: Most Improved Jorrocks Girl Ruby Hickmet – Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Jorrocks Sportsmanship Award: Billy Cooper, for helping another player when their saddle slipped The Texaco Trophy: For Jorrocks Turnout Grafton Hunt B Jorrocks Most Improved First Year Player: Ollie Southern – Grafton Hunt B
El Remanso Prize: Frankie Barlow – Grafton Hunt
Jorrocks Pony Club Polo Manager’s Prize: Elspeth Talbot Rice
Thorneloe Trophy: Most Improved Jorrocks Boy Sammy Vincent – Grafton Hunt
Jorrocks First Year Players each received a polo ball signed by Chris Hyde, ex-Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt
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Youth
HPA British Junior Polo Championships
Young Champions
Photography by Lucy Wilson
This year’s HPA British Junior Polo Championships, held at Cowdray Park Polo Club saw some incredible play
The Buckmaster Final: the victorious Emlor Juniors with El Remanso Juniors in front
The standard of polo was way beyond that expected of the age of the players, with the well matched teams formed allowing the young players to really experience polo at the highest standard that they are able to play in. The purpose of HPA Junior programmes is to facilitate the development of young players, creating a pool of young talent that feeds into professional and international adult polo. As per HPA team rules, one Overseas Player is allowed for each team. The British Junior Polo Championships (BJPC) is just one of the formats which runs concurrently to Pony Club Polo, and bridges the gap between Pony Club and adult polo, and allows these players the opportunity to play with their peers. Organiser Jilly Emerson, commented to Polo Times on the development of the British Junior Polo Championships, “As far as the HPA are concerned, the BJPC were a great success. By the time we got to the Finals after four weeks of matches, most of the players had improved immensely.”
Buckmaster • Under 18 • Four chukkas • Team handicap: -2 – 1 goals The Buckmaster Trophy is named after Walter Buckmaster, the first ever English 10 goal player, who competed in the 1900 and 1908 Summer Olympics and also won The 62
Polo Times, September 2015
Buckmaster Subsidiary Finalists: Oatleys and the Surrey Union team
Westchester Cup in 1902. However, polo wasn’t Buckmaster’s only talent; in 1895 he founded Buckmaster & Moore, a London stockbroker, and continued his career in the stock exchange whilst playing polo. HPA British Junior Polo Championships Buckmaster Teams 2015: Cirencester Park Polo Club (0): Dominic Lodge (0), Patrick Lodge (0), Milo Sweet (0), Jimbo Fewster (0) El Remanso Juniors (1): Thomas Coid (0), Oscar Luard (0), Ollie Severn (1), Tommy Severn (0) Surrey Union (-2): Valentine Hutley (-1), Angus Rowan-Hamilton (-1), James Emlyn (0), D’Artagnan Giercke (0) East Anglia (-1): Charlie Townsend (0), Tom Townsend (0), Ollie Cork (0), Marcus Cork (-1) Emlor (1) Terence Lent (1), James McCarthy (0), Jose Araya (0), Robert Fleming (0) Oatleys (0) Jamie Grayson (0), Henry Letts (0), Charlie Hitchman (0), Harry Hickmet (0) Blackhounds (-1) Hugo Taylor (0), Charlie Cadogan (-1), William Penfold (0), Charles Cooney (0) Kirtlington/Guards (-2) Magnus Gilje (-1), Charlie Peagram (-1), Max Rumsey (0), HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur (0)
The Final of the Buckmaster Championships, umpired by Ollie Ellis, saw a fierce match with some incredible play from these young superstars. Emlor won the toss to score towards Midhurst, but Ollie Severn of El Remanso Juniors stole the ball from Robert Fleming with a nifty backhand. Just two minutes in, Araya had already scored for Emlor, a pattern that emerged as Ollie and Tommy Severn for El Remanso battled up the field, only to lose the ball to Araya or have their shots blocked by Robert Fleming. A penalty to El Remanso gave an opportunity for the team to up the score, but at the end of the first chukka, the score remained 3-1 to Emlor. The second chukka saw a fast and much more flowing game. Tommy and Ollie Severn’s teamwork paid off, and they narrowed the score to 3-2 to Emlor with a penalty, before drawing ahead 3-3 with a nice run from the throw-in. Fleming took a spot hit up to James McCarthy, but Luard backed the ball out, before a time-out for an El Remanso injury. The pony power on the pitch made for a serious standard of polo, and when the game restarted, Ollie Severn scored to take El Remanso further into the lead 4-3. However, the relief was short lived as Jose Araya steamed down the pitch on his unstoppable bay pony to make the score 4-4. The start of the third chukka saw events unfold in quick succession. A spot hit for Emlor became a penalty 5b for El Remanso. www.polotimes.co.uk
Hipwood • Under 15 • Three chukkas • Team handicap: -8 – -5 goals The Hipwood section was named after Julian and Howard Hipwood. Formerly both 9 goal players, the brothers were the pinnacle of English polo throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. Taking part in The Argentine Open and playing in over 20 Coronation Cups between them, they are two of the most successful English players in polo history and both started in Pony Club Polo. HPA British Junior Polo Championships Hipwood Teams 2015: Longdole (-7): Kiki Severn (-2), Arthur Luard (-2), Cruz Heguy (-1), www.polotimes.co.uk
Henry Frisby on the ball for Beaufort
Semi Finals by Beaufort 4-3½. The SubSubsidiary Finals for The Daily Mail Trophy saw Longdole beat Taunton Vale, having qualified with a 6-3½ win over Foxcote on Friday 31 July, and the opposition with a 9-2 win over Beaufort Highlander. In the last match, Beaufort Highlanders beat Foxcote. Jilly Emerson commented to Polo Times, “The Hipwood section is the right progression for the younger players from one-chukka Pony Club polo through to adult polo, while many of the players in the Buckmaster section are already playing in adult polo – Buckmaster allows them to play with their peers and gives them a chance to play ‘four man’ polo and to make their own decisions on the field instead of playing in front of a professional player. We are very lucky to be able to play our matches on so many of the best grounds in England, which also helps the players to improve their game.”
Monte Swain-Granger(-2)/Marcus Speed (-2) Kirtlington (-7): Christian Oberschneider (-2), Zak Beim (-2), Jose Riglos (-1) , Johnny Beck Brown/Frank Barlow (-2) Northwood (-5): Milly Hine (-1), Ned Hine (-1), Luke Wiles (-1), William Harper (-2) Taunton Vale (-5): Tamara Gibbons (-1), Charlie Turk (-1), Jaz Stanhope-White (-1), George Hobbs (-2) Beaufort (-6): Freddie Jodrell (-1), Henry Frisby (-1), George Deverall (-2), Ed Walker (-2) Dalmahoy (-7): Freddie Younger (-2), Lorna Fleming (-2), Ben Barnes (-2), Capucine Granchi (-1) Beaufort Highlanders (-8): Willa Gravell (-2), Tom Jodrell (-2), Archie Fuller (-2), James Baillie (-2)/Nick van Oppen (-2) Foxcote (-8): Brina Horvat(-2), Aleksander Horvat (-2), Freddie Pritchard (-2), Jack Aldridge (-2) The Hipwood section saw really ferocious polo from all players. In the Hipwood main Final for The Smail Trophy, Northwood beat Beaufort at the start of a winning weekend for Ned and Milly Hine which would also see them taking home the Pony Club Surtees Division I title. Luke Wiles and William Harper, who both exhibited some excellent shots in a high quality Final, joined them on the team. The final score of 7-2½ had not changed since half time, with an early lead from Northwood countered with a redoubling of effort from Beaufort in the second half. However, it wasn’t enough to alter the score, and Northwood remained victorious. Ned Hine’s Pepa won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award. In the Subsidiary Final for the Emerson trophy, the Kirtlington team beat Dalmahoy by 7-2, having been knocked out in the
Photograph by Robyn Hine
With the score 5-4 to El Remanso, Terence Lent then took a 60 yard penalty to equalise, followed by another Emlor goal from McCarthy to take Emlor into the lead 6-5½. At the end of the third chukka, anything could still have happened in the fourth, with no clear advantage to either side. The pressure of the fourth chukka seemed to get to the players as it opened with fairly scrappy play and a lot of fouls. The deafening El Remanso sideline support merely seemed to encourage Emlor to fight harder, though the ball still pinged around the pitch like a bagatelle. With one minute to go, the game opened up with some huge hits from both sides, and Terence scored a fantastic goal to keep a safe margin from El Remanso. With just seconds left on the clock, Emlor won a 40 yard penalty, and in the dying seconds of the game, Araya put it between the posts to ride out the winners, 8-5. Ollie Severn’s Sambo was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award. The Subsidiary Final saw Surrey Union lose out to Oatleys by 5-4, despite starting with a 1½ goal advantage. In the first chukka, goals came thick and fast. Notable play from D’Artagnan Giercke couldn’t foil the skill of Jamie Grayson and Harry Hickmet however, and Oatleys forged ahead. Despite a pug on the pitch stopping play, an excellent run from Grayson upped the score for Surrey Union in the closing seconds. The fourth and final chukka saw huge hits back and forth, but bouncing balls and mis-hits from Surrey Union were picked off by Oatleys. A huge team effort eventually saw Valentine Hutley get a goal to make the score 5-4, but with victory less than a point away, Surrey Union couldn’t pull back the match in the closing stages, and Oatleys ran out the winners.
Youth
Photograph by Rosanna Turk
HPA British Junior Polo Championships
The victors, Northwood, with their trophy
Polo Times, September 2015
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Youth
HPA Select HPA Select Comment – David Woodd “The HPA Select tournaments and matches are designed to provide a further opportunity for the young to play with and against their peer group, and for those involved in the Development Programme to see them playing. The different games are designed for different age groups and it is not all about those who look the best at first sight.
The Colts’ Cup
The Stagshead Trophy
age group. Young players don’t always have the opportunity to play in different line-ups and The Colts’ Cup allows them to experience this. There are some good young players out there; Hugo Taylor, Millie and Ned Hine, Terence Lent and Eric Appen to mention a few, from a very talented group.” The Colts’ Cup Teams 2015 HPA Select Blue: Terence Lent (1), Henry Frisby (-1), Florence Berner (-1) & Eric Appen (-1) Coach: Ryan Pemble HPA Select White: Tom Townsend (0), Charles Cooney (0), Milly Hine (-1) & Freddie Jodrell (-1) Coach: Tom Morley HPA Select Red: Hugo Taylor (0), Dominic Lodge (0), Ned Hine (-1) & Jasmine Stanhope-White (-1) Coach: Tom Morley HPA Select Black: John Dalton-Morgan (0), Charlie Townsend (0), Johnny Beck-Brown (-2) & Tamara Gibbons (-1) Coach: Ryan Pemble
On Sunday 16 August, at Ham Polo Club, two teams of 12 to 14-year-olds played for The Stagshead Trophy. The result saw HPA Blue beat HPA Red 6-4, in a nailbiting match that pitted two keen teams against each other. Though strong defence from the HPA Red team, the higher handicapped HPA Blue team eventually got the upper hand, running out the victors by two goals. David Morley explained to Polo Times, “The Hipwood and Buckmaster, Colts’ Cup and Stagshead Trophies bring the best of all age groups together and shows the polo community how our young players are developing. English players have done well in the high goal this year, all of whom came through the development programme, I can see an even larger impact from the current group in the future.” The Stagshead Trophy Teams 2015 HPA Blue: Charlie Townsend (0), Monte Swaine-Grainger (-2), Ned Hine (-1) & Freddie Barlow (-2) Coach: Charlie Wood HPA Red: Louis Heard (-2), George Deverall (-2), Ed Walker (-2) & Milly Hine (-1) Coach: David Morley
Photography By Ollie Hughes
Four teams contested The Colts’ Cup this year, at the King Power grounds, Billingbear Park on Tuesday 11 August and Thursday 13 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club. In the preliminary rounds, HPA White, with good teamwork, beat HPA Blue 5-4, despite the talents of Henry Frisby and Eric Appen. HPA Red then proceeded to beat HPA Black, also with a score of 5-4, in a close match which saw good play from all, but most notably Jasmine Stanhope-White and Hugo Taylor. However, HPA Red’s skill on the pitch was not enough to stop HPA White beating them 7-6 in the Final later in the week, while HPA Blue lost out to HPA Black 4-3. The closeness of the final scores is a credit to how hard and well matched these teams are. Tom Morley, Coach, commented to Polo Times, “The Colts’ Cup is a great way for the up-and-coming stars of our sport to play with and against the best of their
Obviously some get to play more polo than others and we try to take this into account. We start with a pretty long list of players to look at and that gradually gets shorter. Sadly, not all those selected are able to play and I think that we need to somehow give them a longer warning time, but every year there are a couple of players that do not
get noticed until Cowdray, and we are very keen not to miss anyone who is playing Pony Club Polo. Thanks to Jeremy Barber and Jilly Emerson who, as well as running Junior HPA, also watch as much of the Pony Club Polo as they can. I think that very few escape their notice. Every year, the most surprising aspect is how much some of the players improve game by game and much credit for this goes to the coaches to whom the players appear to listen. Although the parents pay for those invited to go to Buster Mackenzie in South Africa in December and February, we do use the games to look at them as the HPA makes a contribution of just under one third of the total cost of any player selected by the HPA.”
The teams of The Colts’ Cup
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HPA Blue beat HPA Red for The Stagshead Trophy
Polo Times, September 2015
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Youth
Pony Power Pony Youth Special
Zara
The Polo Times Surtees Best Playing Pony Owned/played by: Owned by Laura Heard, played by Louis Heard (but Laura’s looking forward to being able to play her soon!) Height: 14.3hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine How long have you had her and where is she from? We’ve only had her for two weeks! She came from Hannah Kate Davies. We went to see her at Cowdray, and Louis hopped on and we had such a feeling about her that we had to take her straight away. There’s going to be a Heard family fight over who gets the ride when Ollie comes up from Handley Cross! What are her strengths and how has she gone this season? She has great acceleration and lateral movement – she’s fast for a small pony and she’ll just go. She’s just an awesome hitting platform for Louis. Despite only having her for two weeks, so far she’s also played at Cirencester, Longdole and Tidworth at the qualifiers. We went to pick her up on the Monday and took her out to play again on the Tuesday, where she drew against a strong team.
Photograph by Robyn Hine
Photograph by Michael Chevis
As Polo Times knows only too well, horsepower is one of the most important parts of polo. Here, we take a look at the Polo Times Best Playing Ponies from The El Remanso Pony Club Championships and The HPA British Junior Polo Championships, to see who the stars of the future are riding
Pepa
The Polo Times HPA BJPC Hipwood Best Playing Pony Owned/ played by: Ned Hine Height: 14.3hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine How long have you had her and where is she from? This is Pepa’s second season with us. We bought her on the recommendation of James White, from Dom and Sarah David. She’s originally from Argentina. What are her strengths and how has she gone this season? Pepa is a little pocket rocket with amazing acceleration and, being closer to the ground, she gives me great confidence carrying the ball. She plays particularly well in the faster Junior HPA polo, and played especially well in the Hipwood Final where she won The Best Playing Pony Award. She’s always bursting with energy and quick off the mark.
Does she have any special quirks? We do have to take her bridle apart to put it on.
Does she have any special quirks? No real quirks, although it’s rather amusing when she is in her stable for more than 30 seconds – she’s down and asleep before you can blink! She obviously knows how to conserve her energy! She also absolutely hates the rain; as soon as it starts, even if it’s warm or she has a rug on, she just stands there and shakes!
Describe her in three words? Fast, clever & amazing!
Describe her in three words? Little pocket rocket!
Photograph by Michael Chevis
Height: 13.1hh Age: 20-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Breeding: Welsh Cross How long have you had him and where is he from? We have had him for two years now; he came from another family in the Meynell Pony Club. What are his strengths and how has he gone this season? He only started playing polo with Connor 18 months ago! They’ve been learning the game together. Apart from polo, he does most other Pony Club disciplines – before he came to us he was just an allround Pony Club pony.
Tennyson
The Polo Times Handley Cross Best Playing Pony Owned/played by: Connor Kay 66
Polo Times, September 2015
Does he have any special quirks? No, not at all but he is inordinately fond of apples. Describe him in three words? Funny, easygoing, lad. www.polotimes.co.uk
Youth
Photograph by Michael Chevis
Photograph courtesy of the Hickmet family
Pony Power Pony Youth Special
Coquita
The Polo Times Loriner Best Playing Pony Owned/played by: George Deverell Height: 15hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Liver Chestnut Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine How long have you had her and where is she from? We bought her from Billy Aprahamian, about three years ago now. We’re not too sure of her background before that (rumour has it she came from Mark Tomlinson), but she’s not going anywhere now as she is George’s favourite pony. What are her strengths and how has she gone this season? At the beginning of this season she had absolutely no brakes! We’ve changed her bit now though and it’s made an improvement. She’s fast, good at riding-off and loves the game. Coquita came to George after my daughter Lottie gave up polo, which was lucky for George! Does she have any special quirks? Yes she’s very quirky! She gets very excited before games and while you’re getting her ready, and whips round – she can’t wait to be on the pitch! Describe her in three words? Beautiful, talented & fun
Farr Dancer
The Polo Times Gannon Best Playing Pony Owned/played by: Harry Hickmet Height: 15.1hh Age: 7-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: English Throughbred How long have you had her and where is she from? We bought her from Alan Kent a year ago. Harry went to try her at Alan’s yard and fell in love. She was bred as a racehorse but never raced as far as we can tell. She’s turned out amazingly though – Harry’s come back from chukkas before and said “We didn’t buy this mare, we stole her!” What are her strengths and how has she gone this season? She was turned away and has come back stronger than ever, so much so that she’s a bit of a thug, which is quite useful sometimes! She’s so useful – speedy, handy and loves the game – she stands on the sidelines waiting to join in. Does she have any special quirks? Not at all! She’s so sweet even a nine-year-old can look after her. Describe her in three words? The mean machine!
Height: 15.3hh Age: 7-years-old Colour: Dappled Grey Sex: Gelding Breeding: Out of James Beim’s Salsa, by Titch, Mrs Llewelyn Palmer’s stallion.
Photograph by Michael Chevis
How long have you had him and where is he from? We’ve now had him for a year; he came from Tom Beim, and was one of their homebreds.
Sambo
The Polo Times HPA Buckmaster Best Playing Pony Owned/ played by: Ollie Severn. Also played by Tommy Severn and ex-English International player William Lucas
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What are his strengths and how has he gone this season? He has unbelievable power behind him, but is so light in the hand and very, very flexible in the turn for a horse his size. He’s also tough and always puts in a shift on the field, and has a strong back end on him, which gives him exceptional power. This season my brother has mainly played him and he seems to be going well. He’s won two Best Playing pony prizes so far, and is an asset to any string. Does he have any special quirks? He’s a little bit nervous with big crowds and new fields. He also has a habit of taking a liking to other horses – it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female! Describe him in three words? Powerful, light & legend! Polo Times, September 2015
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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Military
Military polo action around the country from the Royal Navy and Hackett Army polo teams
Talent Coming Through the Ranks at The Captain’s and Subaltern’s Trophy Reserve Team convincingly in the Final, whilst Division Three was won by The Royal Lancers, who had travelled down from Catterick to win against The Royal Logistic Corp, who last year were in Division Five. Division Four saw the Sandhurst A team beat The Household Cavalry by 10 goals to one. Division Four also saw a great display of talent coming through, with -2 player OCdt Jonathan Quicke scoring 15 goals in just eight chukkas of polo. Division Five was unique in that it featured the first All Rank Army Polo team who came third. The winners, however, were the Royal Artillery B Team. The director for Army Polo, Simon Ledger, spoke to Polo Times to express his, “Thanks to Lt Col Tim Wakefield of Team Army for his support and for presenting the prizes.”
The King’s Royal Hussars against The Royal Navy
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Most Valuable Player went though to King’s Royal Hussar player Lt Oscar Churton. In Division Two, The King’s Royal Hussars claimed glory as their B team beat The Army
Photography by Peter Meade
The largest combined military tournament in the diary took place at Tidworth Polo Club over the weekend of 25 – 26 July. Some of the worst weather of the season descended with torrential rain, however the Tattoo and Fisher Grounds were available to play on and, although wet and a bit cut-up, the fields held up well. There were a record 20 teams in total, with 17 from The Army, two from The Royal Air Force and one from The Royal Navy. Teams were organised into five different handicap divisions playing four chukkas each day. The tournament also commanded a record number of pony providers to satisfy demand for the weekend. Excellent polo was played with exciting and close games in all divisions. Division One was particularly narrow, with the result only decided in the last five seconds of play by The Royal Navy’s 2 goaler, Lt Hiro Suzuki, who scored the winning goal to make the score 5½-5 against The King’s Royal Hussars. Success by The Royal Navy was richly deserved as they had lost The Inter Regimental Final and The Rundle Cup by a similar margin. The Ledger Cup for The
Division One Final teams: The Royal Navy (-2): Capt Dean Bassett (-2), Surg Cdr Harry Rourke (-1), Lt Hiro Suzuki (2) & Lt Cdr Bob Santrian (-1) King’s Royal Hussars (-1): 2Lt Alex Walch (-1), Lt Oscar Churton (-1), Capt George Walker (0) & 2Lt Paddy Selfe (1) Result: 5½-5 to The Royal Navy Most Valuable Player: Lt Oscar Churton
Division One winners The Royal Navy
Combined Services Dates for the Diary: Tidworth – University Officer Training Corps Tournament (Open): 2 September Ham – Combined Services, HAC 105 Polo Invitational: 5 September Taunton – Faulkner Cup (Royal Navy vs Taunton) (Open): 6 September Polo Times, September 2015
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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Photography by Sam Churchill Photography/www.samchurchillphotography.co.uk
Military
Hackett Young Army defeated Cambridge in The Sandhurst Cup
Excellent Entertainment at The EFG Bicentennial Trophy
T
he EFG Bicentennial Trophy on Sunday 2 August was a glorious affair at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), with a guest list to rival The Royal Box at Guards. Past and present military polo personalities enjoyed on and off-field entertainment. EFG is widely known as the private bank for polo and supports numerous events around the world from university polo to high goal. Keith Gapp, Head of Strategy and Marketing, spoke to Polo Times, “We support polo at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, as well as Army polo, helping with coaching and scholarships. The latter is designed for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
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This remains a particularly special event as it showcases two venerable institutions, both of which we are proud to support.” Two Cambridge University alumni teams took to the magnificent ground at RMAS to play against EFG/British Army Select for The EFG Bicentennial Trophy and Hackett Young Army for The Sandhurst Cup. Guests were provided with a pre-match pitch-side lunch by Major General Stuart Skeates, the Commandant of RMAS and Keith Gapp before The Sandhurst Cup was played. Guests included HPA top brass and former Army polo players Brig John Wright and Col David Woodd. The tone was set for the afternoon as a very good match was played at pace, by Hackett Young Army with Billy Aprahamian guiding his team to a comfortable victory.
Aprahamian didn’t appear rusty at all, despite the fact he has swapped his polo saddle for a point-to-point saddle for the past three years, after having had quite a successful polo-playing career at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. Some effective marking by the two -2s against Jamie Hepburn and Alex Rose effectively let Aprahamian and Ahluwalia through and each scored 3 goals apiece with Jonathan Quicke scoring the seventh point with a fine run to goal on the nearside. Polo Times spoke to RMAS polo supplier and Greenpoint Polo coach JJ Spark, who commented, “The cadets this year have worked hard. It has shown in the standard of polo that has been played and the achievements and victories that they have had to date.” www.polotimes.co.uk
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Military
For more on the Polo Times Best Playing Pony turn to the Pony Power pages
Robert Mehm was named Most Valuable Player
Guests and spectators enjoyed a short interlude in the afternoon with some musical entertainment from The Band of The Parachute Regiment before the main match began. Dean Lines had been billed to play for the Cambridge team, however he suffered an injury to his rein hand a day before the game, meaning former England Captain Henry Brett was called up to take his spot. A tense match for the third edition of The EFG Bicentennial Trophy, a magnificent silver tiger, ensued. The two lynchpins of each team, Henry Brett and Army polo coach Gaston Devrient, fenced with each other and scored a goal apiece by the end of the first chukka. Some excellent play and long passing saw the EFG/Army Select team ahead by half a goal at half-time. EFG/Army Select successfully won two lineouts in a row by Mehm and Selfe, who both scored a goal each, taking them into the lead. Cambridge’s Browne and Brett applied a lot of pressure to add two goals to their score, however EFG/Army Select broke away and scored a flurry in the final chukka to take the victory. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony was awarded to Gaston Devrient’s mare Milonga, who he played in the first chukka and 1 goaler Robert Mehm was named The Most Valuable Player. For further information about Milonga please turn to Pony Power and for off-field action turn to Sidelines pages. www.polotimes.co.uk
EFG Bicentennial Trophy teams: Cambridge (9): Max Kirchhoff (0), Sam Browne (1), Josh Morris-Lowe (3) & Henry Brett (5) EFG/Army Select (6): Ocdt Rishi Ahluwalia (0), 2Lt Paddy Selfe (1), Robert Mehm (1) & Gaston Devrient (4) Result: 7½-5 to EFG/Army Select Most Valuable Player: Robert Mehm The Polo Times Best Playing Pony: Milonga, owned and played by Gaston Devrient
EFG/Army Select took home the EFG Bicentennial Trophy
The Sandhurst Cup teams: Cambridge (0): Nick Roesner (-1), Sam Outridge (0), Jamie Hepburn (1) & Alex Rose (0) Hackett Young Army (0): Ocdt Tom Windsor-Clive (-2), Ocdt Jonathan Quicke (-2), Ocdt Billy Aprahamian (2) & Ocdt John Sleeman (2) Result: 7½-3 to Hackett Young Army
The Band of The Parachute Regiment in front of the Old College
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Knowledge
Pony Power
The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award winners
The 2015 series of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award winners continued last month, with success for ponies at all levels from The Pony Club to The HPA Select games and club tournaments around the country. Here are just a few more ponies that won a Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award
Photograph by Polo Times
sister who was a five-year-old, she was taken to trial in La Aguada for Miguel Novillo Astrada. He bought the five-year-old and didn’t agree on the price for Milonga, so the owner took her back to his farm in Balcarce. I got a tip from a friend that this mare would be worth the four-hour drive to try her. The trip was worth it just for the beautiful estancia, fantastic polo field, and hospitality from the domador (horse breaker) and grooms. I schooled her for a bit, and she was clearly special, so I asked the domador and the groom if we could do a two-against-one chukka so I could see what Milonga would do and despite being so young she was fantastic! She didn’t put a foot wrong so I bought her on the spot.
Gaston Devrient, coach for Army Polo talks to Polo Times about Milonga the Polo Times Best Playing Pony at The EFG Bicentennial Trophy at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Milonga Height: 15.1hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Argentine Thoroughbred Owner: Gaston Devrient
Where is she from? Balcarce, Buenos Aires Province. How long have you had her? 9 years, so this is her 10th season in the UK with me. Tell us about her background? As a four-year-old, and together with her full
What are her strengths? A total 4X4, with incredible balance, a mouth as soft as butter, six gears, perfect temperament – you ask and she just gives. What are your plans for her future? I would love to breed from her, but it may be time for me to pass her on to a five star home, but only someone who can appreciate how special she is. Does she have any special quirks? She is a super moody mare! She absolutely loves polo, when she is waiting to come in she watches on the side following all the plays with perky ears and shiny eyes. Describe her in four words? Heart of a Lion!
Model T
Tournament: The Duke of Wellington Trophy Date: 15 August Location: Guards Polo Club Owner: Owned and played by Pedro Harrison
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Pony Power
Knowledge
good lateral movement at any speed. She is also very calm, so anyone could ride her. Next year she will be the complete horse.
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
How has she gone this season? Very good, I played her gently at the beginning as it was her first proper season, but she has gone from strength to strength and ended on a high winning Best Playing Pony at The Holden White Cup. I have now turned her out for the winter as she deserves a break.
Jack Richardson talks to Polo Times about his retrained racehorse Orrell Post, known on the yard as Corneja, who won The Holden White Cup Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Guards Polo Club.
Height: 15.2hh Age: 6-years-old Colour: Bay with a white stripe on face Sex: Mare Breeding: By Kyllachy out of Dame Blanche Owner: Jack Richardson Where is she from? I bought her as a 4-year-old in Yorkshire.
Lily
How long have you had her? Two and a half years. Tell us about her background? She is a retrained racehorse that I bought as a 4-year-old in Yorkshire. She was very easy and calm and I thought she had a lot more to give. Dean Marks and my brother, Ralph played her for a season and she turned out even better than I first thought. So I guess they will take the credit! What are her strengths? She is still young, so she is improving every time I play her. But she has a lot of power and very
Tournament: The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup Date: 2 August Location: Cowdray Park Polo Club Owner: Owned by Guy Schwarzenbach and played by Paco O’Dwyer Details: Lily was also awarded The Vickers Trophy for the Best Playing Pony of the match
Have you won any other Best Playing Pony awards with her? The Holden White was her first one as it was only her 6th tournament with me, but I am sure there will be many more to come. What are your plans for her future? To carry on playing her, as she has become my best horse and I feel I play a lot better on her. Hopefully she will be able to compete with the best horses in the UK in the high goal next year. Does she have any special quirks? None really, she is so laid back. You can notice her though as she always has her ears back when she plays. Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? In racing I am sure she does, but I don’t think so in polo. Describe her in three words? Wins me games.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Corneja (Orrell Post)
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
White Foot
Tournament: Town and Country Championships Date: 9 August Location: Guards Polo Club Owner: Owned by Jonny Good and played by Jack Hyde Details: White Foot is a 14-year-old English bred gelding
More information on Lily will feature in our October issue
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Pony Power
Silver Lining
Silver Lining, played by Rodrigo Andrade in The Royal Salute Coronation Cup and named Best Playing Pony, we caught up with owner Thai Polo’s Harald Link and renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig to find out more
Height: 15.3hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breeding: USA Thoroughbred Owner: Harald Link Where is she from? USA
What are her strengths? She has lots of character, and is a real personality. She is very strong and willing in a ride off, and can also play for both a top player (such as Rodrigo Andrade) and a 0 goal amateur and both will get great performance from her. She has great stamina for two chukkas if necessary and great speed. How has she gone this season? Silver Lining is Harald’s best pony in his string and his favourite to play. She is consistently reliable in every chukka.
Photograph by Lucy Wilson
Tell us about her background? Rege Ludwig bought her from the US racetrack in California as a 3-year-old and re-trained her for polo.
Has she won any other awards? She hasn’t won any other BPP awards other than this, but she was played by James Beim in the 2013 Westchester Cup and by Malcolm Borwick in 2013 The Coronation Cup.
What are your plans for her future? She is consistently brilliant for Harald and he has always hoped that a top 8/9 goal player would show others her real calibre, as her talent is slightly overlooked playing with him – a shame for such an outstanding horse.
highly successful trainer Roger Charlton, which is where Ollie picked her up as a 2-year-old.
Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club
What are her strengths? Very comfortable, serious speed and power with a great mouth. How has she gone this season? Silk is still new to me, but she has adapted really well and as a 7-year-old there should be more improvement to come. Has she won any other awards? Not yet!
Mark Tomlinson talks to Polo Times about Silk, his 7-year-old mare who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at The Harrison Cup
Silk Height: 15.2hh Age: 7-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Striking Ambition / Sand Sprite Owner: Mark Tomlinson 74
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Where is the pony from? Silk is an ROR bred in England.
What are your plans for her future? Hopefully I will win lots playing her! Does she have any special quirks? She is quite bouncy and unsettled when the play is stopped, but otherwise she has a very calm temperament.
How long have you had her? I bought her from Ollie Hipwood in July this year.
Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Her sire Striking Ambition has been pretty successful in the racing world.
Tell us about her background? She was bred near Northampton and then in training with
Describe her in three words? Fast, gutsy and beautiful.
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Photography by Katie Vickery
Delmay Gata Negra won INDI Silver Cup Final Best Playing Pony Award, Polo Times caught up with Alejo Taranco in Sotogrande who is currently playing the 8-year-old mare at Santa Maria Polo Club
Delmay Gata Negra Age: 8-years-old Colour: Light Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Caskill out of a thoroughbred mare that Diego is playing in Argentina called Larga Noche Owner: Owned by Diego Cavanagh and played by Alejo Taranco in Sotogrande
Where is she from? Argentina How long have you had her? I played her for the first time in the UK during the last Queen’s Cup when I played instead of Diego, and now he has lent his string to Dubai for Sotogrande and I’m playing her again.
Have she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I know of. What are your plans for her future? I think that she will go back for breeding after she has finished playing in Europe. She already has a couple of five-year-old fillies that are doing well. Describe her in four words? Two chukkas every game!
What are her strengths? Speed, power and a strong ride off. How has she gone this season? Very well, she played two chukkas in the Semis and the Final of The Queen’s Cup and if necessary she will do the same here.
Delmay Gata Negra relaxing with groom Hector Cordero and player Alejo Taranco in Sotogrande
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Polo Times, September 2015
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Equipment Focus: Bits
Knowledge
The Horse’s Head In a continuation of the Polo Times bitting series, Bomber Nel, the renowned South African lorinor writes on behalf of www.bombersbits.co.uk
South African loriner, Bomber Nel
The unique physiology of each pony should be taken into account when considering bitting options
It is vital to understand the horse’s head physiology when considering bitting. Horses respond to pressure in their mouth, and bits can apply that pressure in different areas; the bars of their mouth (which are the gaps between the incisors and molars) the tongue, and even the roof of the mouth. Every horse has different sensitivities in each of those areas. It goes without saying that every horse should be seen by an equine dental technician or vet on a regular basis, in order that their teeth be checked.
When bits were first introduced, the skull of the horse was used to see the position of the bars, and the size and shape of the tongue. Since then, with some of our horses’ breeding having been refined, there have been some changes. The mouths have become narrower, the cheeks have become very fleshy, and the bars have even come together, creating more ‘tongue’ than we had previously, which is resulting in major tongue sensitivity problems in many of today’s working horses. When a ‘tongue-relief’ bit is fitted, you must check where the bars are in relation to the bit. The bit has to lie on the bars, and the port for the tongue should be sufficiently narrow to ensure that the bit does not run over the edge of the bars, creating rubbing and pain for the horse.
So, what does the bit do? In simple terms, it passes on requests from the rider to the horse, regarding speed and direction. The mouthpiece of a bit is selected to suit a horse’s requirements – what fits their mouth conformation and what they are comfortable and happy in. The bit rings, or cheek pieces, help the rider communicate with the horse. Bits come in different widths and lengths, most commonly 5 or 5½ inches long. If a bit is too tight, the pressure on the sides of the mouth will be too severe. Too loose, and the bit can swivel in the mouth, clanging on teeth and being ineffective. Conformation and dentistry issues, such as a large tongue, a low palate, overshot or undershot jaws, hooks and tushes on the teeth, all affect mouthpiece choice. Horses with small mouths and short bars will actually find a thicker bit more uncomfortable, simply because there is not enough room for it – those with low palates may have similar difficulties with ported bits, so the height and shape of the port chosen is critical. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.
Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using the ‘design your own bit’ service at www.bombersbits.co.uk. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002.
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Polo Times, September 2015
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Veterinary Focus
Francisco ‘Fran’ Tirado BVSc MRCVS Francisco ‘Fran’ Tirado BVSc MRCVS, and a Member of IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society), graduated at Cordoba University, Spain in 2002. After completing internships in Spain and Ireland, Fran continued to work at a referral equine hospital in Ireland. Fran joined Shotter & Byers Equine Veterinary Services in 2009 and started training in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2013. He has gone on to complete the ABVA (Association of British Veterinary Acupuncture) foundation course and is currently completing the IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) Certification Course. After successfully passing his exams, Fran is now in the process of submitting his final case report.
Acupuncture in Polo Ponies What is acupuncture? Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for three thousand years to treat many conditions. The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventive medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supports the body’s ability to heal and rebalance itself. In Western terms, scientific research has proven the merits of acupuncture for pain relief, as having anti-inflammatory effects, for reproductive hormonal regulation and treating gastrointestinal disturbances, amongst many other uses.
What conditions can acupuncture be used for in polo ponies? Most commonly acupuncture is used for enhancing performance in competition horses. It is an excellent drug-free modality for relieving musculoskeletal pain. Neck and back pain Gastrointestinal problems Laminitis Navicular Disease Hormone/metabolic disease Behavioural issues Respiratory problems like heaves (COPD/RAO) • Preventive treatment • • • • • • •
Back and neck pain is a condition that is commonly found in polo ponies and will lead to different riding problems. In this way, neck pain means loss of flexibility, resistance to bend sideways and abnormal carriage of the head. Back pain causes an inability
A polo ball displaying four different sizes of acupuncture needles to turn quickly, slow take-off, difficulty stopping, uncontrollable running away, bucking and change of temperament. Acupuncture is also used successfully in the treatment of osteoarthritis, either as the primary treatment or as an adjunct to conventional veterinary treatment. For instance, a primary hock problem may be treated with an injection directly into the joint, however this may not completely resolve the entire complaint the owner has and the horse still might ‘not be right’. It is very common to find secondary compensation of the original problem which results in back or neck pain that remains unresolved; acupuncture therapy can be used quite successfully to treat the secondary effects of the primary hock problem. Acupuncture can also be very effective for gastrointestinal problems (chronic diarrhoea, frequent spasmodic colics, weight loss and inappetence) and even long term degenerative conditions such as Laminitis and Navicular Disease. Polo ponies often have minor injuries that go unnoticed by both the player and the groom, but it is these minor problems that lead to gait abnormalities and/or more serious
A needle that has been placed on the Bai-Hui acupuncture point
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Veterinary Focus
Knowledge
The first examination and treatment can take from 45 to 90 minutes. Initially, your accupuncture practitioner will discuss the pony’s full history followed by a complete inspection, including a careful palpation of diagnostic acupuncture points and examination of the tongue and pulse. Sometimes I will also include an assessment at walk, trot and canter. Once this process is complete, a diagnosis is established and strategic treatment is planned. Treatment involves very small fine needles placed in specific points. Sometimes the needle can be heated with a herb called moxa (moxibustion) or a small volume of vitamin B12 and blood or homeopathic remedies can be injected on the acupuncture points.
This needle has been placed on BL1, which is the first point on the bladder meridian
injuries if not recognised and treated in the early stages. Routine acupuncture can avoid ponies retiring early from the season from, for example, injuries to suspensory ligaments that develop secondary to a minor hind limb injury. Acupuncture is an excellent diagnostic aid as an adjunct to conventional lameness examination. This is based on the level of sensitivity to palpation of particular acupuncture points (indicator points) that have been found to correspond with certain conditions or pain in specific anatomical regions. Photography by Thomas Alexander
Needles are left in place for 10 to 15 minutes
What does the treatment look like? Most ponies will accept acupuncture treatment very well. Some animals will become sleepy or lethargic up to several hours post-treatment, so we recommend exercising your pony before treatment commences and not to resume work until the following day.
TRISTAR
How many treatments are required? The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation. Usually, an acute condition may require only one or two treatments, whilst a chronic condition may require a series of treatments over a period of four to six weeks. It is not uncommon for owners to notice an immediate improvement in their pony, however more often than not, acupuncture needs to be performed several times over the course of a few weeks in order to attain the maximal benefit. Your horse may need monthly or quarterly treatments or he/she may never need an acupuncture treatment again. Francisco ‘Fran’ Tirado BVSc MRCVS Shotter & Byers Equine Veterinary Services Furzen Cottage, Furzen Lane, Walliswood, Surrey RH5 5QE Tel: 01306 627706 Email: info@shotterandbyers.co.uk Web: www.shotterandbyers.co.uk
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Equine Legal Advice
Struggling With Strangles Lottie Goldstone, a Solicitor Advocate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, picks apart the legal ramifications of reportable diseases in the polo community We have all heard of the horror stories around yards shut down due to an outbreak of strangles or other types of notifiable diseases. Strangles is one of the most common equine diseases in horses in the UK. It is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacteria. Horses, ponies and donkeys of all types and ages can be affected, but young horses typically develop more severe signs. Strangles can sometimes produce more subtle signs in a healthy adult horse, who may only display a slight short-term increase in temperature, a brief loss of appetite and a clear nasal discharge. But, as we know, if you suspect your horse may have strangles, it should be immediately isolated and veterinary advice sought. The bacteria are primarily transferred between horses by direct contact or shared environments such as water troughs, with discharge from any draining abscesses being highly infective. It can also be transferred via a third-party such as people’s hands or clothing, or tack and yard equipment. The strangles bacteria will not be blown far in the wind, unlike some viruses (such as foot and mouth), which can travel long distances by that route. A vaccine against strangles is now available. It is best given to all the horses on a stable yard and requires regular boosters. Sadly, the main issue is the unfortunate negative impact that an outbreak can have on the yard as a whole, commercially, as well as on the horses. This in turn leads to people being increasingly secretive about the outbreak, which inevitably leads to a wider spread of infection. We all have a duty as horse-owners to share the news openly with the local equestrian community to prevent the disease spreading further. A yard with an outbreak of strangles should limit contact with external horses as much as possible. Isolation is vitally important, but equally difficult to maintain, and should last for up to a month after the last case occurs. Inevitably this can lead to a loss in income and a possible action against the horse owner responsible for bringing in the disease to the yard. There is a list of notifiable diseases 80
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and these are animal diseases that you are legally obliged to report to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), even if you only suspect that an animal may be affected. Interestingly strangles is not one of them. The list does include such diseases as swine ‘flu, foot and mouth, African horse sickness and rabies. Notifiable diseases can be endemic (already present in the UK), such as bovine TB, or exotic (not normally present in the UK), such as foot and mouth disease. If you suspect a notifiable disease you must tell your nearest APHA office immediately – failure to do so is an offence.
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• What happens if you suspect a notifiable disease? If you suspect an exotic notifiable disease: 1. Report it to your nearest APHA office. 2. APHA vets will investigate – they usually visit your premises and carry out an enquiry. The APHA duty vet will tell you what restrictions should be applied to your premises before the APHA veterinary inspector arrives. 3. If the APHA veterinary inspector suspects a notifiable disease, they will take samples for testing (this may involve killing the suspected animal before taking samples). 4. They put restrictions on your premises. This means you must at least stop moving animals susceptible to the disease on or off the premises. It can also include stopping the movement of anything that can transmit disease, like meat products, equipment or vehicles. 5. If certain diseases are suspected (particularly foot and mouth disease or African horse sickness) a temporary control zone will be introduced around your premises. This restricts the movements of animals susceptible to the disease. 6. Restrictions remain in place until the investigation is complete and an exotic notifiable disease is ruled out. For strangles, the practical recommended precautions include: • Disinfectant foot bath outside isolation stables and at the yard entrance • People looking after affected/isolated horses should change all their outer
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clothing and wash their hands before handling other horses The strangles bacteria will be destroyed by a hot wash, so changing and washing clothes will reduce the risk of spread Cases of suspected strangles should be taken seriously and horses should be isolated until proven not to have the disease Monitor rectal temperature twice daily in all horses you are concerned about. A raised temperature may be the first clue that they may be about to develop symptoms Let people such as the blacksmith, dentist, vet, saddle fitter, feed delivery man know before they come to the yard. They may prefer to make you the last visit of the day to avoid any chance of spreading the bacteria to other yards Warn horse owners using adjoining fields or who ride close to the yard to keep their distance Behave responsibly and avoid taking in-contact horses to events where they may spread the disease to other horses and yards
There is the possibility that there could be an action against the person who introduces the disease to the premises, which in turn leads to a loss of income and other ramifications. The financial loss can be pursued in the usual way. The perpetrator can mitigate his or her case by the level of knowledge that he or she had regarding the likelihood of infection. But if the sole cause of the infection, which can in some cases lead to an extensive period of shut down, is linked to the one horse then the horse owner needs to be aware that a legal action could commence against them for loss of income in that period. For more information call Lottie on 07725 240233 or email her at lgoldstone@hcrlaw.com. As the recognised legal partner of the HPA, all HPA members are entitled to 15 minutes of free legal advice with Lottie and a 10% reduction in fees upon initial instruction. www.polotimes.co.uk
Gossip
Sidelines
NATIONAL PARK NUPTIALS
©www.imagesofpolo.com
Lion Capital co-founder and Zacara patron, Lyndon Lea has wed Sophie Dickens at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania on Saturday 1 August surrounded by family and friends.
GET WELL SOON JAKE
Jake Gordon, a well-loved low goal player from the Berkshire area, is recovering in hospital after a fall from a pony he was schooling on Friday 14 August.
CRACKS FOR CUDMORE Ollie Cudmore has fractured his elbow, following a stray ball hit by Lochie Hunter in a 10 goal match at Beaufort Polo Club on Friday 7 August. He was spotted sporting his sling at The El Remanso Pony Club Championships – get better soon Ollie!
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EXCITEMENT FOR EPHSON Congratulations to former player, Ciara Ephson, who got engaged to Will Mason on Monday 17 August.
CONGRATULATIONS Cambridge University alumni player, recently on the fields at the EFG Bicentennial Trophy at RMA Sandhurst, Sam Outtridge, has got engaged to Dr Pippa Dwan at Holkham Beach in Norfolk whilst riding ponies across the sands.
MINI MILLER
Dani and Dave Miller welcomed new arrival, Maddison Ivy on Thursday 13 August at 7lb13. Congratulations guys!
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PUPPY POWER NAP
This baby Beagle obviously isn’t too fussy where he catches forty winks at the Honiton Show. If it fits, he’ll nap!
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Sidelines
Grooms & ponies in the changing zone
Tunde Karim, The Hon. Sanusi Dagash, The Hon. Habeeb Fashinro & Santiago de Estrada
Royal Salute Coronation Cup; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 25 July
Coronation Cup Celebrations James Beim & Chloe Vestey Danielle Ward & Elizabeth Hart Humphreys
The rain Gods appeared to be smiling on Saturday 25 July, as supporters and players alike gathered at Guards Polo Club to watch England and South America battle it out for the prestigious Coronation Cup. 2015 heralded Royal Salute’s inaugural year as title sponsor, and they certainly know how to do things in style; with a beautiful garden party and a Neolithic bar carved out of an impressively antique, 8,000-year-old piece of petrified wood which served non-stop Royal Salute to HPA and Keith Prowse guests. Meanwhile Guards guests and Members enjoyed an elegant lunch and drinks on the pitch-side terrace throughout the day and early evening. Polo Times’ live coverage division, POLOLIVE TV was also celebrating its maiden outing, with pundits John Kent, Chris Hyde, Henry Brett & Alan Kent keeping viewers up to speed as the day unfolded, all hosted live at www.polotimes.co.uk (visit the site to view a short edit and complete coverage). From the pitch side gazebos to the HPA tent, the day certainly celebrated the best of British polo as England made victory look easy.
Winston Squire & Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Photographs by Lucy Wilson & © www.imagesofpolo.com
Alison Criado-Perez & Simon Tomlinson Sanchia Blake Thomas, Sophie Kyriazi & Heather Lodder
Zoe & Roddy Williams, Susan James & Dusan Beim
Sarah Clark & Camilla Swift
Karl Ude Martinez, Times, September 2015 Cata &82 JaimePolo Huidobro
Andrew Hine, John Kent & Nick Hine at the POLOLIVE TV Poda
Amy Guy, Richard & www.polotimes.co.uk Imy Blake Thomas
Sidelines
Toby Clowes, Amelia Scott-Hopkins, Maimie Powell, Olivia Hutchinson, Dougie Gittins, Tabba Woodd, Tilda Woodd & Rupert Lewis
HRH Prince of Wales
Malcolm Borwick & Rodrigo Andrade
Victoria Williams Gray, Harry Hall www.polotimes.co.uk & Nicki Williams Gray
Howard & Lucy Taylor
POLOLIVE TV pitch-side ‘Poda’ TV studio
Georgia Sweeney, Charlotte Sweeney, & Chris Benford
Eduardo ‘Ruso’ Heguy
Kate & Lauren Beim
Christopher & D’Artganan Giercke
The Hon. Mark Vestey
Polo Times, September 2015 John 83Wright Brigadier
Louisa Watt & Suzie Meadows
Flower faces at The Polo Festival
Verity Adkins & Linda Hayden-Kellard
The Polo Festival; The Royal County of Berkshire; Sunday 16 August
Fun and Frolics
Hugo Lewis & Saskia Meadows
The Polo Festival, supported by Tally Ho Farm, finished in a flurry of festival fun for over 2,500 people on Sunday 16 August. Plenty of polo action on the grounds entertained the masses and a show of up to 100 supercars, plus an extensive Kids’ Zone kept youngsters busy, with face painting and foot mallets. Spectators were treated to three Finals for each tournament played, as well as a five-a-side charity football tournament to raise money for The Bobby Moore Fund and Cancer Research UK. Over 30 local businesses supported the day, which also included a food and drink court for guests that served everything from cocktails to wood-fired pizza, Indian curry and Caribbean taste sensations. Guests were entered into a prize-draw with winnings including the Land Rover Off-Road Experience and a polo lesson for a family of four. Eamonn Holmes, Northern Irish journalist and broadcaster, best known for presenting Sky News, Songs of Praise and This Morning, with his wife Ruth Langsford, were both on hand to present the prizes with Club Chairman Jamie Morrison.
Greta Morrison & James Scott
Leila Sajaad & Sergio BaselliÂ
Photography by Gillian Hughes and Georgia Sweeney
Lesley Sweeney & Catherine Turner
Gavin Turner, Luigi Cirilli Raccagni, Leon Allen & Chris Benford
Lisa Wyman & Lucy Sophie Enyon & Annie Hoy Northmore
Ruth Langsford, Eamonn Holmes & Jamie Morrison
Face painting and foot mallets kept the youngsters entertained
Lucy Northmore & Annie Hoy
Sarah Wiseman, Lottie Lamacraft, Georgie French, Aislin Price & Alice Gipps
Mike Koltes, Martin Lentil, Maha Audeh, Katie Lentil, Chris Adkins, Fee Lentil & Karina Audeh
Commentator for the day Greg Keating
Sidelines
Sandhurst cadets striding forth
Alex Rose
Nick & Karen Cook
Melody Corbin & Dean Gregory
EFG Bicentennial Trophy; Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; Sunday 2 August
Entertaining EFG
Nicola Gapp & Emma Munro-Wilson
EFG hosted a wonderful day of polo overlooked by the magnificent New College. The sun shone down as guests assembled pitch-side to enjoy a welcoming champagne reception. Then it was into the marquee to be welcomed by EFG’s Head of Stratey and Marketing, Keith Gapp and the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Major-General Stuart Skeates. A wonderful three course lunch was enjoyed by all as anticipation rose for the first match of the day. In suitably military style the umpire’s whistle blew promptly at 2.45pm exactly with Cambridge Select One taking on a Hackett Young Army team, which saw the Officer Cadets score an easy victory. Spectators vied for shade, and cooled off with chilled glasses of Pimm’s as the sun beat down, whilst they enjoyed musical entertainment from The Band of The Parachute Regiment between matches. The second contest of the day was a thrilling, high speed affair, played between Cambridge Select Two vs EFG/British Army Select. To round off a truly memorable day, guests were then treated to champagne and canapés on the steps of the Old College. A quintessentially English and fantastic day all round.
Lt Col Simon Ledger, Field Marshall Sir John Chapple & Lady Annabel Chapple
Photographs by Sam Churchill Photography
Job done!
Brod Munro-Wilson & Keith Gapp
Summer suits!
Major George Tyson & ladies
Brigadier John Wright & Major General Stuart Skeates
Johnny Wheeler & Samantha Lopez
www.polotimes.co.uk Bob & Max Mehm
Lt Col Dan Rex & Major Oukbah Malik
Nicola Gapp & Col David Woodd
Sam Browne & 2015 85 Polo Times, September Army Polo Coach Gaston Devrient
Sidelines
Kate Campion, Alex Younger & Gilly Younger
Zac Beim, Tom Beim, Robert Thame, Freddie Thame & Jo Beim
Laura Armstrong & Bronté Wadge-Dale
The El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Friday 7 – Sunday 9 August
The Generation Game
Liz Wicks & Julia Friend
The sun shone down all weekend at Cowdray, leaving nearly 200 children distinctly more dusty and suntanned, but nonetheless wreathed in smiles. From the gloriously green pitchside, miniature superstars could be seen playing some impressive chukkas on ponies with bigger fan clubs than most celebrities. Attendees included Mike Hobday having an icecream and setting the world to rights, Rosie Ross with her beautiful dog Possum, and Ollie Cudmore sporting an arm in a sling. Also spotted, were a few cheeky players taking the oppourtunity to play bike polo on the hallowed grounds of Lawns II in their pyjamas – only at Pony Club! A peek at the campsite saw whole marquees and bunting-clad teepees decked out to accommodate the BBQ needs of hungry teenagers and, rumour has it, the thirst of their parents as well! Spotted in the crowds were representative of every UK polo family, from Severns to Stanhope-Whites, Hines to Horswells, Beims and Barlows to Berners, plus a few new faces. Of course, the best sight of the weekend was the Parade of the Pony Club Polo Players, who all looked spectacular as they charged off Lawns I, to cheering from the crowd, already eager for next year. Please turn to our Youth section for full coverage of the weekend. Photographs by Lucy Wilson & Wiggy Bamforth
John & Jill Rogan
Libby & Jackie Steer, Paddy Court, Kass Court & Jack Court
Possum enjoys a good Polo Times read
86 Polo Times, September 2015 The prizegiving at The 2015 El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships
Abby Oakton, Connor Holt & Ed Montgomery
Christoph Weissberg, Freddie Cooper, Noah Hyde, Martha Crosdil & Nonie Uloth
Cristabel & Honour Horswell
www.polotimes.co.uk
Sidelines
Will & Thom Hawthorn & Tilly Fitzwilliams
The Mordaunt Family
Max & Josh Hyde, Caragh Norris, Mia Cartwright & Eva Humphries
Kitty Clarry, Lydia Eastwell, Nereda Parry-Joyner & Harry Alexander
Emily Golding, Kate Golding & Amy Stokes
www.polotimes.co.uk
Mike Hobday, George Marsden & Rosie Ross
Tanya Thompson & Sue Fricker
Grace Holley & Charley Howell
Jack Court, Mimosa & Harry Campion
Richard Fuller, Harry Fuller & Lady Fuller
Andrew & Janet Groom
Emma Boers & Ciara De La Cour
Polo Times, September 2015 Alan & Eric Appen
87
The packed out marquee
Rory Bremner entertains the guests
Annual Summer Party; Beaufort Polo Club; Friday 14 August
Stetsons and Smiles Pete & Emma Dormer
The Beaufort crowd love a good party and they certainly embraced the Western theme of this year’s shindig in aid of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity with an outstanding array of outfits. The night kicked off with arrival drinks, followed by a hog roast and Argentine Asado with sides provided by Thymechef. Guests got bidding for the five lot auction, which consisted of two places on a two day Hunting Course with Harry Meade, a seven night stay on the Dabulamanzi boat in New Zealand or Fiji, three nights in a luxurious junior suite for two guests at one of three five-star hotels in Switzerland, a polo lesson for two with Mark Tomlinson and an Apes Hill Barbados Holiday. Following this, comedian Rory Bremner had everybody in stitches with a great set. Afterwards, Devious got the dance floor going before a DJ carried on until the early hours. Photographs courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club
Peter West
Beth Howlett, Caspar West, Emily Shiach & Melissa Atherton
Western themed table plan
Laura Tomlinson, Louisa de Carvalho, Hugo Brassey & Tom Faber join in the fun
THE FINEST SMOKED ATLANTIC SALMON FROM THE ISLE OF LEWIS
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88
Polo Times, September 2015
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Polo directory
Club Contacts
Club contacts UK and Ireland
* denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828
CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
00353 1 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Leadenham Polo Club
01400 272885
jameshreeve@hotmail.com
All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Little Bentley
01206 250435
fred@littlebentleypark.co.uk
Ascot Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@polo.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Luton Hoo
07934 882713
info@poloprive.com
Apsley End
01462 712444
peter.pollak@btopenworld.com
Lychett Heath
01202 623985
office@lytchettpolo.co.uk
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alec@mhfpolo.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Moyne
00353 85 1313224
moynepolo@hotmail.com
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
New Forest Polo Club
02380 811818
info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk
Blueys Polo Club*
0771 0558485
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club
07831 867334
robert@hellomxb.com
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepolo@icloud.com
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
Cambridge County Polo Club
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
polo@ranelaghfarm.com
Cirencester Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Ranksboro Polo Club*
01572 723755
polojoe@hotmail.com
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbp.com
CSPA
01672 5649114
markcann@cspa.org.uk
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Royal Navy Polo Club
07950 328097
jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 812409
ella@dbpoloclub.com
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Rutland Polo Club
07920 521285
polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk
Rockett’s Castle
00353 87 2520301
rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com
Eastwood
07875 743475
secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk
Rowley Park Polo Club*
07971 200160
carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Silver Leys Polo Club
07535 697854
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
St. Albans Polo lub
07535 697854
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Suffolk Polo Club
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Sussex Polo Club
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
FHM Polo Club
07778 436468
fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk
SWF*
01962 885500
info@maywoodpolo.com
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs@supanet.com
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Heathfield Polo Club*
07762 069 420
info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
Vale of York Polo Club
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Higham Polo Club
07788 753948
sarah@highampoloclub.com
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com
West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Inglesham Polo Club*
07818 508136
mattevetts@hotmail.com
White Rose Polo Club
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
Knepp Castle Polo Club
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Wicklow Polo*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Lacey Green Polo Club
07947 725305
manager@laceygreenpoloclub.com
Located in the heart of the New Zealand Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and experienced players alike, together with an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience. Chukkas, matches and tournaments at the famous Waimai Club plus farm chukkas trekking and beach rides. Holidays tailored to suite your requirements. Reduced rates for early bookings, Groups, Schools and Universities.
Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts – NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts – UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts – UK 07514433033 email – amberwood.nzph@gmail.com
www.polotimes.co.uk
Temporary Stables G N O
R T S
01837 810209
Rent Or Buy Back to Back American Barns
West of England Stabling Polo Times, September 2015
Polo directory
Dates for Your Diary
What’s on in September 2015 UK highlights – Listed in date order Autumn Victor Ludorum Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 25 – 6 September Cowdray – Autumn League (8-12): 8 – 20 September
Intermediate 10-12 Goal
Guards – Autumn Nations (10-12): August 23 – 13 September
10 Goal
Guards – The President’s Trophy (6-10): August 19 – 6 September RCBPC – The Lambourne Trophy (7-10): 12 – 19 September
8 Goal
Chester – Roodee Challenge Cup (8): 4 – 5 September Druids Lodge – Balaclava Trophy (6-8): 5 – 6 September RCBPC – 4-8 Goal Open Tournament (4-8): 1 – 6 September Cirencester – Gouldsmith Bowl (4-8): 8 – 20 September
6 Goal
Cirencester – Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 25 – 5 September Lacey Green – La Mariposa Cup (2-6): 5 – 6 September Beaufort – The Sidebottom Cup (0-6): 5 – 13 September DBPC – The Dallas Burston Gold Cup (2-6): 9 –13 September Kirtlington – Hunter Jones (2-6): 8 – 13 September RCBPC – 4-6 Goal Open Tournament: 9 – 13 September Cowdray – Farewell Cup (6): 5 – 20 September
4 Goal
Beaufort – Solitaire Salver (0-4): August 25 – 6 September Cowdray – Park House Cup (4): August 25 – 6 September Edgeworth – Hayden-Tovey Trophy (0-4): 5 – 6 September Offchurch Bury – The Collett Cup (0-4): 5 – 6 September Ranelagh – Copa Familiar (2-4): 5 – 6 September Suffolk – Raging Bull Tournament (-4-4): 5 – 6 September Cambridge County – Farewell Tournament (0-4): 12 – 13 September Lacey Green – The September Shield (0-4): 12 – 13 September Dundee – Autumn Tournament (0-4): 19 – 20 September Kirtlington – Groundsman’s Trophy (0-4): 17 – 20 September 90
Polo Times, September 2015
Lacey Green – Sponsors Cup (2-4): 19 – 20 September Ranelagh – Copa Los Techos (2-4): 26 – 27 September RCBPC – The John Houghton Tournament (0-4): 22 – 27 September
3 Goal
Ham – Billy Walsh Tournament (0-3): 15 – 20 september
2 Goal
Fifield – La Alameda Trophy (0-2): 5 – 6 September Kirtlington – Colquhoun Cup (-2-2): 3 – 6 September Lacey Green – La Mariposa Cup (0-2): 5 – 6 September Longdole – Longdole Mate Trophy Tournament (-2-2): 5 – 6 September New Forest – Holly Hill Cup (-2-2): 5 – 6 September Sussex – Innovent Trophy (-2-2): 5 – 6 September Tidworth – Full Swing Polo (0-2): 5 – 6 September Beverley – End of Season Tournament (0-2): 12 – 13 September Binfield Heath – Corney & Barrow Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 September Cheshire – Lovatt Claret Jug (0-2): 12 – 13 September Druids Lodge – Wolverest Cup (1-2): 12 – 13 September Guards – The Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 2 – 13 September Hurtwood – September Cup (-2-2): 12 – 13 September Ranelagh – Copa De Otoňo (0-2): 12 – 13 September Tidworth – Polo Captain’s Trophy (0-2): 12 – 13 September White Waltham – Esperanza Trophy (0-2): 12 – 13 Trophy Cirencester – Associates Trophy (-2-2): 8– 20 September Beaufort – 2 Goal Festival (-2-2): 19 – 20 September Burningfold – Combe Cup (0-2): 17 – 20 September Hurtwood – End of Season (0-2): 19 – 20 September Lacey Green – Sponsors Cup (0-2): 19 – 20 September Rugby – The 2 Goal Championship (-2-2): 19 – 20 September Tidworth – Cavalry Cup (-2-2): 19 – 20 September Tidworth – Valete Cup (-2-2): 26 – 27 September
0 Goal
Hurtwood – Stable Challenge (0): 5 – 6 September Kirtlington – Kirtlington Fisheries Tournament (-6-0): 5 – 6 September
Offchurch Bury – The Collett Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 September Silver Leys – Harvest Cup (-2-0): 5 – 6 September White Waltham – Hollister Polo Challenge (-6-0): 5 – 6 September Cambridge County – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 12 – 13 September DBPC – The Farewell Cup (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Eastwood – Autumn Trophy (-2-0): 12 – 13 September Edgeworth – The Last Chance (-2-0): 12 – 13 September Kirtlington – Autumn Plate (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Lacey Green – The September Shield (-2-0): 12 – 13 September Ranksboro – Ranksboro 0 Goal (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Rutland – Seavill Bowl (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Sussex – Harvest Challenge (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Taunton – Sarafand Cup (-3-0): 12 – 13 September Tidworth – Polo Captain’s Trophy (-4-0): 12 – 13 September White Rose – Amigo Tournament (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Wicklow – End of Season Tournament (-4-0): 12 – 13 September Binfield Heath – BHPC Tournament (-4-0): 19 – 20 September Heathfield – The Challenge Trophy (-4-0): 19 – 20 September Ranelagh – Copa Ranelagh Farm (-2-0): 19 – 20 September Rugby – The Mountbatten Cup (-4-0): 19 – 20 September Silver Leys – Survivors Challenge (-2-0): 19 – 20 September Sussex – Farewell Challenge (-4-0): 19 – 20 September Taunton – Mountgerald Quaich Cup (-2-0): 19 – 20 September Binfield Heath – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 26 – 27 September Hurtwood – Farewell Cup (0): 26 – 27 September West Wycombe – Final Chukka Cup (-2-0): 26 – 27 September White Waltham – Georges Trophy (-2-0): 26 – 27 September
Below 0 Goal
Silver Leys – Harvest Cup (-6- -2): 5 – 6 September Sussex – Innovent Trophy (-6- -2): 5 – 6 September Tidworth – Full Swing Polo Trophy (-6- -2): 5 – 6 September West Wycombe – Newcomers (-8- -4): 5 – 6 September Beverley – End of Season Tournament (-6- -2): 12 – 13 September New Forest – Farewell Match (-6- -2): 12 – 13 September Epsom – St Francis Day Cup (-6- -4): 12 – 13 September www.polotimes.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary Ranksboro – Ranksboro -4 Goal (-8- -4): 12 – 13 September Rugby – The -2 Goal Championships (-6- -2): 19 – 20 September Silver Leys – Survivors Challenge (-6- -2): 19 – 20 September Tidworth – Cavalry Cup (-6- -2): 19 – 20 FHM – FHM Gold Cup (-8- -4): 19 September Tidworth – Valete Cup (-6- -2): 26 – 27 September West Wycombe – Final Chukka Cup (-8- -2): 26 – 27 September FHM – FHM Rose bowl (-8- -4): 26 September
OPEN
Tidworth – Grooms Tournament: 4 September Cambridge – Exhibition Polo Match and Ball: 5 September Taunton – Wickham Trophy: 5 September Taunton – Ethiopian Shield: 5 – 6 September Vale of York – Pollards Coffee Cup: 6 September Vaux Park – Autumn Challenge: 5 – 6 September Vale of York – Prestige Plate Air Ambulance: 13 September
www.polotimes.co.uk
Druids Lodge – Clock Tower Trophy: 19 – 20 September White Rose – Puddleduck Trophy: 20 September Vale of York – Marcon Polo Cup: 27 September Lacey Green – Farewell Tournament: 27 – 28 September
Overseas Highlights Argentine spring dates San Jorge Military Riding Club – San Jorge Military Riding Club Open: 1 – 12 September Jockey Club – Jockey Club Open: 15 – 27 September Tortugas Country Club – Tortugas Open: September 29 – 18 October La Aguada – Novillitos Cup (Junior tournament): 30 October Hurlingham Club – 122nd Hurlingham Open: October 20 – 8 November La Aguada – XII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup (22): November 23 – 3 December La Aguada – III La Aguada Cowdray Park Trophy (16): November 23 – 3 December La Aguada – La Aguada Selection Sale: 25 November
Polo directory
Palermo – 122nd Argentine Open: November 21 – 12 December La Aguada – III La Aguada Guards Trophy (16): 7 – 11 December La Aguada – VII Spring Cup (12): 7 – 11 December
Coronation Conundrum… Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page
Answer – England have won The Coronation Cup three years consecutively on two occasions: 1988, 1989 and 1990 and again in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates and for all SUPA, Pony Club and Young England dates please turn to the Youth Polo section of the magazine.
Polo Times, September 2015
91
13A Lower St Haslemere GU27 2NY Tel. 01428 642 671 Email: info@uberpolo.com Social: facebook.com/uberpolo Zorro 2003 Liver Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest
Available for Stud Available Available for for Stud Stud
Zorro 2003 Liverby Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest Jointly owned Mark Tomlinson he is now in his sixth Zorro 2003 Liver Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest season used as both a breeding and playing stallion. Jointly owned by Mark Tomlinson he is now in his sixth Jointly owned by both MarkaTomlinson he isplaying now installion. his sixth season usedForrest, as breeding and His Dam, for Ellerston in thestallion. UK. season used as bothplayed a breeding and playing Hissister, Dam, Forrest,owned played for played Ellerston the UK. His full byin Sapo Caset in His Dam,Sativa, Forrest, playedand for Ellerston in the UK. the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony His full sister, Sativa, owned and played by Sapo Caset in His full sister, Sativa, owned and played by Sapo Caset in in the 2011 USPA 26 goal Piaget Gold Cup and went on to the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony excel in the Argentine Open in December 2012. in the 2011 USPA 26 goal Piaget Gold Cup and went on to in the 2011 in USPA 26 goal Piaget Cup and 2012. went on to the OpenGold in December Zorro isexcel currently atArgentine stud with Beaufort Embryo Transfer excel in the Argentine Open in December 2012. Centre in Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, or frozen Zorro is currently at stud with Beaufort Embryofresh Transfer Centre Zorro is currently at stud with Beaufort Embryo Transfer Centre semen is available on request. in Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, fresh or frozen in Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, fresh or frozen semen is available on request. semen isMark available on request. for more Please contact Tomlinson
information – Tel:Tomlinson 07971873599 Please contact Mark for more Please contact Mark Tomlinson for more information – Tel: 07971873599 information – Tel: 07971873599
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Polo Directory
Classifieds
Marketplace
Wooden Polo Pony made in the UK by Madera Polo Available to buy online at www.woodenpolohorse.com
Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com
15.2 POLO MARE ‘Shadow’ grey mare, 16 yrs, fast, knows her job. Suitable for a pro. £2,000 Contact 07791 642865 Stokenchurch. Buckinghamshire
‘ORANGE’ POLO MARE 15.1, 12yrs, Suitable for pro or able rider. Fast, forward going, responsive. Good mouth. Wins all ride offs. Ridden by 2 goal pro. Easy to handle. £2,500. Contact 07791 642865 Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire
2 LOW GOAL PONIES TO RENT South American. 14.3hh & 15.1hh. Match-fit, ready to take away to rent for rest of the season. Very easy. Price to be discussed. Contact 01271 373466, 07766 700904 or email: carolinewrey@gmail.com Devon
15.1 POLO ARGENTINO GELDING 8 YRS Currently playing up to 6 goal with lady patron. Fast powerful and agile but very easy to manage. £15,000. Contact Claire on 07831 529680 Lingfield, Surrey
14.3HH QUARTER HORSE 8YRS Super, genuine polo pony. Played up to 4 goal. Suit anyone who likes a compact agile pony. Good turn of speed and tough in a ride off yet easy enough for someone new to the game. £6,000. Contact 07980 586694 Cambridgeshire
image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007
Ponies
OUTSTANDING TB POWERHOUSE Rocky, 15.3hh 7yo gelding played in winning University team to 8 goal but will do more. Featured in 2014/2015 PT running reports. Excellent pedigree. Has amazing power, top speed and is a wonderful hitting platform. Never hot and stunning to look at. Will suit a young and up and coming player or patron playing at high level. £10,000 owing to high talent. Contact Rich on 07969 456214 Gloucestershire
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Polo Times, September 2015
15.2 TB GELDING ‘Nescafe’ playing his first season, suitable for someone able to finish his training. Not novice ride, started late, low mileage. Showing great potential. 10 years. £1,000 Contact 07791 642865 Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire 15.2HH 7YO GREY GELDING Handsome dapple grey gelding. Easy to ride and steady hitting platform. Confidence giver, suitable for beginners. Completely clean, would pass vetting. £5,000. Contact 07772 396652 or rubiaizzy@gmail. com Somerset/Devon
GREY MARE 14 YEARS 15.1hh Experienced, safe, genuine polo pony Reads the game well, good hitting platform Vice free, hacks alone or in company, easy to do.Confidence giver so suit patron or PC player. £3,500 including tack. Contact 07808 372086 for more details. Gloucestershire
THOROUGHBRED POLO PONY 15.2hh 10-year-old bay mare currently fit and playing. Strong in a ride off and fast, easy to do. £6,000. Contact Ed Batchelor on 07745 783330 Oxfordshire
16YRS 14.1HH CRIOLLO MARE Experienced and tough little mare, to suit decent rider getting in to polo. Always reads the game well. Cherished pony so potential homes will be vetted. Cambridge area. £2,000 Contact 07980 586694 Cambridge
Transport
2006 IVECO EUROCARGO ML180E21/P 18 Ton, 11 Horse, Sleeper Cab, Water Tank, Fans, Sold with FULL TEST. £21,500+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649
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Classifieds
POLO RAT 9 HORSE BOX VOLVO FL618 1998, S-Reg. MOT valid April 2016. TAXED to July 2015. Sleeping bed behind driver. Lockable storage both sides, accessed from outside. £9,500 ovno. Contact 07585 779338 Gloucestershire
DAF TRUCK One year test certificate, registered 2004 automatic ramp, partitioned for 6, battery disabler. A clean and easy lorry. £17,000 Contact 07740 774158 Oxfordshire
Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Contact 07860 906032
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 directory
Polo Ponies for sale Due to semi-retiring as a professional player, I have a selection of ponies for sale. They have been bred from my best playing ponies using stallions to match their size, conformation and temperament. Most of them have played in all levels up to 15 goal and I hope there’s a pony to suit both amateur and professional players. I have listed a few notes on them all below but please give me a call for more information:
Martina
Pretty
8yrs old, another really pretty compact dark bay pony, 15.1hh, easy with a good mouth, very good across the neck and quick to stop and turn. £10k
8yrs old bay mare, out of my best Argentine mare, 15.2hh, easy, quick to stop and turn and is a joy to play. She’s getting better year on year and I feel has the potential to be seriously good. She has been playing 2 to 15 goal this season. £15k
Salta
Tex
A very pretty 13yr old black mare, 15.1hh, fast and easy with a light mouth. She has won numerous pony prizes this year and last. She is very smooth and comfortable to ride and has played 2 to 15 goal this season. £8k
10 yrs old bay gelding, 15.2hh, very athletic with a light mouth. He’s very agile and quick off the mark, has played in all levels from 2 to 15 goal this season. £15k
2005 MAN 8.155 7.5 Ton, 5/6 Horse, Newly Painted, Test Until March 2016. £9,750+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649
WOODEN POLO PONIES made in the UK by Madera Polo. Available to buy online at www.woodenpolohorse.com 2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 Carry 8 Large Horses, 12 Ton, Automatic, New Alloy Body With Water Tank, Fans, Certificated to carry horses over 12 hours, Sold with FULL TEST. £26,500+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649
Situations WINTER LIVERY for Polo Ponies Excellent grazing and hay/haylage available in Somerset. Contact 07588 963038 Somerset
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© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015
Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Supressa 8yr old chestnut mare, 15.1hh, solid and compact, with an easy and kind light mouth. She is good across the neck and easy to stop and turn. She’s great in the short plays and played in all levels from 2 to 15 goal this season. £12k
Cleveland A very kind gentle dark bay gelding, 14yrs old, 15.3hh and carries his head up so feels very steady and secure to ride. He’s quick and good in the short plays and is compact for a tallish pony. He’s been mainly playing 2 to 6 goal but has played in some 15 goal this season. £6k
Monty 8yr old gelding, dark bay, 15.2hh, easy and comfortable ride, been playing club chukkas and stick and balling this season. Needs more polo time but has lots of potential to be a lovely pony. £4k
Pimenta 8yrs old bay mare with a white blaze. She is 15.1hh, has great conformation easy and smooth to ride, is a little behind the others and has been playing club chukkas this season. She needs more polo time but is improving each chukka. £6k
All are in good health, easy to shoe and box and have no vices.
If you are interested in trying any of the above,
please call me on 07778 917209 or email willhine@tiscali.co.uk Polo Times, September 2015
95
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk
Ralph Richardson, 2015 Holden White Winner
Ralph Richardson may be 19-years-old, but he has already reached the Semi Final stages of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup this season with Apes Hill Club. Here Ralph talks to Polo Times about his favourite place to relax, pre-match supersititions and the fun of playing with his brother, Jack. What is your biggest passion and why? It has to be polo for sure, I love the horses and the competitive side. I am just lucky that it happens to be something that I am able to do as a job.
Which sports do you like outside of polo? I like all sports really, but I play croquet and bike polo tournaments.
What is your all time best polo memory? This year playing The Gold Cup with Apes Hill Club and getting to the Semi Finals has been something I have dreamed about so getting to play in the tournament was just incredible.
Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk
Favourite film? Step Brothers.
Who are your favourite teammates and why? My Pony Club team in 2013. With Jack Taylor, Tommy Beresford and George Pearson. We are all great friends and work well together. Also my brother Jack, he loves to win and it’s great just to be able to play with your brother. Hardest opponent? Lucas Monteverde – I have only played him once but he is still the toughest player I have ever played against .
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Polo Times, September 2015
Favourite song? Macarena. Favourite food/dish? Any good curry. Favourite hobby outside of polo? Hunting in the winter when I have time, as a good day’s hunting is unbeatable.
Most prized possession? My phone. Favourite celebrity? Kenny Powers. Best holiday destination & activity Best holiday destination would have to be St Tropez and of course polo. Best pony and why? Teddy, he is a homebred. I have played him since the age of 6, and he has never given me a bad chukka. Are you passionately superstitious? My kit always has to be in the same place each time I play, and leaving for games, I can’t be late… one thing I can’t handle would be to miss a game! Describe yourself in three words… Kind, happy and annoying!
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PICTURE©MARK BEAUMONT
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