Volume 24 • Issue 8 • September 2019 • £6.50
HANDICAPS The Ultimate Conundrum ARGENTINA REIGN Triumph at The Coronation Cup PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Young Guns Unite PLUS: Interview with Alfredo Bigatti, Sotogrande Update & Victor Ludorum Update
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside…
September 2019
Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk
22
Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
Club Focus 42
Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Sales
Women’s Polo
28
48 49
Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk
55 64 66
Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk Principal Design
67
Tony Ruddy
Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk
Contributors: Horacio Areco, Shane Borland,
Lorna Edgar, Hannah Freeland Photography, Alice Gipps, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Peter Meade, India Parker-Smith, Nico Pieres, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com, 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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© Polo Times Limited 2019 and Database Right 2019 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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Polo Times, September 2019
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
Knowledge
Additional Design
Financial Controller
Cover Story: Pony Club Polo Championships British Junior Polo Championships All Aspects of Youth Polo
Military Polo
James Morgan
Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk
A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 Minutes With… Mimi Figgins
Youth Polo
Subscription Sales
Subscriptions & Administration Assistant
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
55 News 6 8
All the Latest News FIP News
Comment 10
Letters: Your Views & Social Media
Features 12 14 22 26
Big Picture Cover Story: Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum Cover Story: Interview: Alfredo Bigatti Simply Learning Tuition
Reports 28 33 37
Cover Story: The Coronation Cup Cover Story: Sotogrande Bronze & Silver Cups Cover Story: Victor & Victrix Ludorum Update
69 74 76 78 80 82
Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Polodoc: Trauma & Arthrosis Nutrition Focus: Yard Focus – Tom Beim Rege Ludwig – Performance Insight: Stable Hitting Platform Chukka Wellness: Fitness in the Saddle Shane Borland: Preparation for Saddling
Sidelines 84 86
Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory 93
What’s On?
Final Bell 96
Passions: Nico Pieres
SUBSCRIPTION PRICES All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers
Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Argentina lift The Coronation Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. By Helen Cruden Photography
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from the Publisher
Polo Times, September 2019
The schedule for the 2019 Ambassador’s Cup has been announced by FIP. The first tournament, The 102nd Ambassador’s Cup will take place between 5 – 8 September at Roma Polo Club in Italy. This will be followed by the next instalment at Helvetia Polo Club in Brazil between 26 – 29 September. The third instalment will take place at Lahore Polo Club between 28 October to 3 November followed by the final tournament at La Ensenada Polo Club, Argentina between 6 – 9 December.
Ninth Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships On 2 November, The Ninth Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will return to Scottsdale, Arizona. Alongside the usual polo and hospitality excitement, this year’s event will also see the introduction of a new champagne and French fry experience courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Champagne and Jazz Lounge and M Culinary. The Ninth Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo The day will feature four polo matches as well as Championships is set to be bigger and better than a plethora of exciting fieldside events, with tickets previous years starting at $30.
Tally Ho Groom of the Month Team Luke Wiles were the winners of the Tally Ho Groom of the Month for July. Jose Montenegro, Natalie Barrett and Alcides Rojas were awarded for their superb efforts having the ponies perfectly conditioned for all levels of polo and having their post-match cooling and hydration on point.
Team Greenville Win Gladiator Polo
In a 2018 repeat win, Team Greenville took home the Gladiator Polo title, 9-8, against Team Charlotte at The Tryon Equestrian Center in the USA. The energy filled match took place in front of excited crowds, with Team Greenville taking an early lead and staved off their opponents throughout, to win the $21,000 prize. Felipe Viana was named Most Valuable Player.
Death Announcement Robert very sadly passed away unexpectedly on 7 August aged 67, much loved husband of 45 years to Betsy and adored father of Vanessa. Robert was appointed as HPA Chief Umpire in 2003 and joined the HPA Handicap Committee in 2004. He was responsible for the introduction of professional umpires and many other changes to improve the game for spectators and players. As a player he joined Cowdray in 1973 and reached 6 goals, playing the high goal with Greenhill Farm. He was a great supporter of polo and many young players had the privilege of spending the winter in Argentina under his watchful eye. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday 27th August, Easebourne Church, West Sussex. Letters to Waldegrove Farm, Milland, Liphook, Hants GU30 7NA
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
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2019 Ambassador’s Cup Schedule
Photograph courtesy of The Polo Party
It’s staggering to think that this is the September issue and that the UK summer season is nearly over, with just a few weeks of outdoor play left. It feels like just the other day I was writing for the March issue, looking forward and wishing all a successful season. As the Brexit deadline of 31 October looms, the issue of visas and foreign players has fallen eerily quiet, with the Home Office no doubt fending off more pressing crocodiles closer to their canoe. However, within polo, issues around handicaps continue to persist, which has prompted us to put together a Handicaps Feature, looking at this issue. Now, to be absolutely clear, we LOVE the Argentine players and the skill that they bring to polo – but the current handicap system whereby the HPA legitimately endorses overseas players playing in the UK, with full knowledge that they do so, playing 1 or 2 goals lower than their true handicap at home has to stop. Furthermore, and to get the proverbial white elephant out of the room, we know that money talks – and that clubs want as many entry fees as possible. However, whilst it is understandable for clubs to want to increase entry numbers, and thereby their balance sheet, their seeming complicity in maintaining the status quo of the current and evidently unreliable handicap system, will ultimately be to the detriment of polo, as it will prejudice the chances of the majority of the teams from ever reaching the winners’ podium. No wonder there’s no betting in polo… so it is welcome news that the incoming HPA Chairman, Nick Wiles, says he is tackling this, as the nettle must be grasped, no, better still, scythed at its very roots, before it is too late. Player and pony welfare are increasingly at the forefront of discussion, gone are the days of free-range kids careering around with just a headcollar at Pony Club, this focus on welfare is reflected in our ever expanding Knowledge section which is overflowing with playing tips, fitness insights, pony nutrition and much more. Following with pony welfare, the HPA has also introduced a ban on spurs in the arena for a trial period of 1 November – 16 December 2019 after consulting arena clubs. With the arena season nearly upon us, it will be interesting to see if this ban faces similar challenges to the helmet safety regulations. Of course, the September issue would not be complete without coverage of the Pony Club Polo Championships, with the famous parades of furry friends and polo talent of tomorrow. As always, a huge amount of appreciation must go to the supporters behind the scenes who make dreams possible. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this issue while soaking up the last of the summer sunshine and the remainder of the British summer polo season!
News
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FIP News
FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
FIP sponsored events Between July and August, we had two very successful FIP sponsored events. Australia’s first junior polo interstate competition/clinic was held on 12 – 14 of July at Queensland’s beautiful Kooralbyn Valley and then on the Sunday for the big match of states at the Custodian Polo Field. It was a great success with of over 35 children participating, loads of supportive parents and the best Australian coaches all coming together in Queensland to extend their polo skills from lead line to the fastpaced older juniors. The first two days of this FIP sponsored event was a clinic, with coaches Glen Gilmore, Anto White, Peter Grime, Stuart Gilmore and Damien Johnson aiding the young players. The kids carried out innovative drills on horses, wooden horse drills and Anto White with his fun sling shot, letting off coloured balls for the kids to hit on the move.
On the Sunday, it was off to the Custodian Polo Fields to put all those newly learnt skills to the test for a big interstate competition. There were three divisions, with juniors even coming over from Western Australia to be part of this magnificent event. The seven Western Australia juniors were kindly horsed and looked after by the lovely Queensland Polo Association members. The teams were from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia states. This newly formed interstate national competition is hoped to run annually with different states hosting the event and eventually adding in all levels (men/ women/youths/masters etc) to the national competition. The concept of developing an interstate competition allows all players to strive towards representing their state. Many players do not go down the professional level of polo, thus events
like this give players something to strive towards. It also brings many players together and creates many new friendships and connections for polo, this being an important part of FIP’s mission. Between 3 – 4 August we had the eight FIP International Kids tournament in Asunción, Paraguay sponsored by FIP. Thirty foreign kids from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and 20 local kids took part in chukkas divided in categories from seven to 20-years-old. All foreign kids were housed and mounted by the local families and enjoyed an extraordinary weekend where the local kids were able to meet new friends and reciprocate with their Argentine, Uruguayan and Chilean friends. Over 120 fully saddled horses were ready for the foreign kids to play during the weekend. They even had an official AAP Umpire, Fernando Schweitzer.
Photography courtesy of FIP
The eighth FIP International Kids Tournament teams
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Comment
Your Views
Letters
Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only
Dear Sir, I recently Googled “Randa Balding polo” and your magazine was associated with a mention of her. Randa’s father married my Great-Aunt in 1911. Four photographs in my family’s collection show: 1. Randa Balding with some polo ponies. Possibly taken in Cannes in the mid-1930s. 2. Her father, William Henry Balding, riding in Paris on his honeymoon in 1911. 3. Her mother (my Great-Aunt Mabel) on her hunter in 1912. Possibly riding with the Atherstone Hunt. 4. William and Mabel at a family reunion in December 1918. If Randa Balding and her father are of any interest to the polo fraternity, perhaps some of your readers would be able to share with our family some more information about her? Mr Stephen Marriot
1 2
3 Isn’t it sad when the ponies are turned away and the children go back to school
We follow them to save you the scrolling:
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Polo day off today for the heat wave! Give your ponies plenty to drink and even some electrolytes when working in the summer heat! You can even dress up your water bucket game like@lovelocks_polo_stud :) . #pololife #polohorse #poloponies#equestrian #instahorse #rootd#thisispolo #somopolo #poloplayer#abiertodepolo #luxurysport #goldcup#lovelockspolo #caballo #caballos #gallop #barnlife #horseback#greenwichct #argentinapolo #twohearts #polopassport #trophy #polomatch #poloclassic Image by @eaun_douglas #thoroughbred #connecticutlife #203local
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Quick Question Polo Times Readers – do you know anything about Randa Balding? Please email us on letters@polotimes.co.uk with any stories or anecdotes you may have.
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Polo Times, September 2019
Q: How many times have England come up against Argentina for The Coronation Cup title?
A: Turn to page 94 to check your answer.
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picture
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WHEAT FIELD UNDER XXXXXXXXX CLOUDED SKIES
XXXXXXXXXXXXX There is something magical about hazy summer afternoons, spent walking through the countryside, enjoying the clean country air. Time and again, artists, filmmakers and w XXXXXXXXXXXX photographers are drawn to wheat fields, rippling like a golden sea under the sun. Van Gogh’s Wheat Field Under Clouded Skies and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator are just some of the classic examples that spring to mind. Therefore, it is of no surprise that Hannah Freeland, who specialises in equine photo shoots, was drawn to capture this seemingly timeless image of Brutus, progeny of an Argentine mare and English stallion. w Photograph by Hannah Freeland Photography
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Polo Times, September 2019
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Feature
Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum?
Time for change Publisher Nick Hine considers the health of polo in 2019 as we all know, is an incredibly addictive GuestPolo editor special
was in fact fully supportive of the HPA, current hot topic of ‘handicaps’ – but and merely championing change for the with a changing guard at the top in the sport, not to mention one that exudes betterment of polo. form of Nick Wiles as the HPA’s incoming ‘sex’ to the newcomer who doesn’t quite Although I vividly recall some of the new Chairman, we are revisiting Mark understand how long and arduous the hours rhetoric that we received at Polo Times HQ Tomlinson’s feature from 2014: The HPA… are to even get a team close to being on the Focus Guest editor for running the article, “57special Old Farts”? winners’ podium. the points that Mark However, for made, are as relevant those already today, as they were fully immersed when he first penned in the sport, it’s the piece. This fact, the cost, the rules combined with the and handicaps sad reality that five that seem to be MARK SAYS... years on, polo has not the topics that evolved in the areas are perennially that really matter, we up for debate, encourage everyone and which, on that truly loves polo, occasion, get in England six-goaler and Polo Times guest editor How can one change anything or move For those of you who got beyond Mark’s forward in any way when it seems we to the way of our are read again The Mark Tomlinson offers his view on howheadline the poloand world much stuck our ways? I am, HPA… “57in Old Farts”? attention-grabbing readcan what so very enjoyment out there on the field. however, very conscious of how easy it is for and to Bob Reeves, the one You anything will find this feature on pages 20-21 hespeaks was actually saying – notpresident everyone As polo’s governing body, be themodernised, HPA Howofdid, can change or move us to bang on about all the problems and fail Rugby Union (RFU), find will out how and the at the end of this article. believe meto – you have polo immediately seen has a multi-faceted part to play in all Football this. to come up with any solutions and so here forward in any way when it seems we are are some suggestions for possible ways that into it was in cheek, and that Mark So in this issue, we not only explore the be brought HPA could linetongue with other professional sports so very much stuck in our ways? I am,
SAYS...
THE HPA... THE HPA... ...“57 OLD FARTS” ?
“57 OLD FARTS” ?
six-goaler and Polo Times guest editor mlinson offers his view on how the polo world can rnised, and speaks to Bob Reeves, president of the ootball Union (RFU), to find out how polo and the d be brought into line with other professional sports
forward. Let’s not forget either that the HPA very is Polo has to move forward with the times however, conscious of how easy it is for The ‘Twickenham’ of polo a miniscule organisation with one small and for this to happen there must be some bang on about thehave problems and The HPAall should its own facility and fail office in Oxfordshire andus withto only a major changes. We are still considered facility I mean a polo stadium with a handful of people on the payroll to carry the traditional rich man’s sport, and as far to come up withbyany solutions and so here restaurant, offices, conference area, polo/ out the long list of jobs. Chief executive as other sports are concerned we are the suggestions fortraining possible ways general fitness centre and perhaps David Woodd has beenare a rocksome for the HPA laughing stock. Commercially, we have even commercial property attached. The and the long hours he puts in should be stayed in the dark ages despite the amount forward. RFU own Twickenham and this is a vital greatly appreciated. Due to the fact that of wealth in polo and hence the potential for jewel in the crown for English rugby. It also simply doesn’t being financially viable. either that theitHPA Let’s not forget is have the manpower or owns the adjacent Marriot Hotel, providing infrastructure, it seems hard to expect or While I realise the title of this article The ‘Twickenham’ polo a miniscule organisation with one small a furtherof source of income. Not only does imagine how the HPA can make significant appears scandalous and completely out magnifiits centown stadium house the RFU’s I promise it is not my intention facility and offiof ceorder, in Oxfordshire and with onlychanges a to our sport. The HPA shouldthishave offices, it is a top venue selling out for every Compared to other sports, there is to administer a session of HPA-bashing. by facility a polo stadium with a handful people on the payroll toalsocarry England international and pop concerts an upside-down hierarchy in polo. I mean The title of is merely a reference to a gamethroughout the year, bringing in serious This might sound strange but the HPA event which took place in rugby restaurant, offi ces, conference area, polo/ outchanging the long list of jobs. Chief executive revenue for the RFU. It therefore doubles up actually holds no authority when it comes in the mid-1990s when the then England as the homecentre of the English team and the major decisions regarding polofiintness training captain, Will Carling, accused the a Rugby general andrugby perhaps David Woodd has been rock fortothe HPA a very profitable commercial entity in its own the UK. The hierarchy goes something like Football Union of being “57 old farts”. It even commercial property attached. The andis very themuch long hours he puts in should be right. In polo I think virtually every club prides this: patrons/sponsors, the patrons’ main my intention to draw what I itself on being the home polo, so professionals, followedown by theTwickenham believeappreciated. to be some valuable comparisons and this ofisBritish a vital greatly Due to the fact that the clubs,RFU where is the home of polo in the UK? Is it HPA. Now while some of you may differ in between what happened in rugby and what jewel in the crown for English rugby. It it simply doesn’t Smith’s Lawn, Cowdray Park or evenalso Ivy opinionor on the exact formation of this polo could happen in polo. have the manpower Lodge, who knows? hierarchy I don’t think anyone can dispute The HPA are obviously NOT 57 old farts. owns the adjacent Marriot Hotel, providing infrastructure, it seems hard to expect or The advantages of the HPA having its the fact that the HPA is not at the top. In Although the majority of the officials on of base income. NotForonly does imagine howbody’s the various HPAcommittees can make signifi cant own are endless. example, we football the FA and FIFA a rulefurther supreme; source the our governing have an issue with televising our sport: same goes for the RFU and the IRB in are over 60, as I said, I really don’t want to this magnifi cent stadium house the RFU’s changes to our sport. firstly that polo does not tend to get rugby and it is the same in all other criticise these individuals, especially as my televised and secondly that every it is equestrian parents are heavily to involved. These people there offices, it isPATRONS a top venue selling out for Compared other sports, is sports that work a hard sport to televise. With under the BEF and the FEI. In give up their time and put a huge amount SPONSORS England international and pop concerts alsoof effort an upside-down hierarchy in polo. our own stadium we could polo, sadly the FIP hardly into doing their best for our sport set up a features and I even furthermore, it is not as though but there the HPA throughout the year, bringingquite in easily serious Thisandmight sound strange PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS specialised filming forgot to add them is a queue of younger candidates lining up revenue for the RFU. It therefore system doubles actually holds no authority when ittocomes which up the above list. to take on this responsibility. Somehow we need to get some younger people onto POLOof CLUBS as the home the English rugby team and to the major decisions regarding polo in these committees, people who have more been involved in top-level sport, (not a very profitable commercial entity in its own therecently UK. The hierarchy goes something like necessarily just polo) and can bring some THE HURLINGHAM POLO ASSOCIATION right. In polo I think virtually every club prides this: patrons/sponsors, the patrons’ main fresh ideas.
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Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum? Alfonso Pieres tussles with Frasers England James Harper in The Coronation Cup
Feature
“unless handicaps are done at the same time across the world, there is always going to be a disparity�
Photograph by J Ridley Art & Photography
Handicaps The ultimate conundrum? Polo Times investigates
T
he worldwide handicapping system is arguably one of the most contentious subjects out there in polo. With a multitude of national associations, with their own seasons,
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their own boards and their own plans, as players travel around the world, following the play each year, there are undoubtedly going to be some issues that arise when aligning handicaps for globally attended
tournaments, such as the high goal season in the UK. The handicap system in the UK is governed by the Hurlingham Polo Association and broken down into four Polo Times, September 2019
15
Feature
Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum? The Cartier Queen’s Cup Handicap Comparison
categories: Outdoor, Arena, 22 Goal and Women’s. The majority of players will be handicapped in the first two categories, with the latter two reserved for the very best and the females of our species. The UK handicapping system first came under scrutiny at the same time as the visa crisis came to a head in the UK featuring the ban on visas for international players of less than 3 goals (to put it extremely simply). With this measure in place, a number of players and grooms were stopped from entering the UK for the season, thus leaving a potential shortfall of adequate players from permitted nations to plug the gap. So, here is where it gets interesting – in 2017, the HPA introduced the 22 goal handicapping system for players taking part at that level, after which widespread perplexity was the order of the day. Many asked why did the HPA feel it was necessary to introduce another handicapping system when the usual outside system was more than adequate at the time? In our article, dating from August 2017, following our receipt of the HPA’s Handicap Committee meeting minutes on Wednesday 26 July that year, we stated, “Talk on the street is that the HPA has been helping the careers of up-and-coming players by keeping their handicaps ‘competitive’ and therefore attractive to 22 goal team selectors. Consequently, some feel that outside 22 goal, these players are then dominating play at lower levels and have what some view as unfairly low handicaps. By having separate handicaps, the HPA objective seems to be that those playing off overly competitive handicaps at 22 goal will be effectively ‘put up’ for when they are playing at under 22 goal level.” But has this been the case? We have now reached the end of the second high goal British season under this handicapping system, and the general consensus seems to lean towards an unfair advantage for some visiting players having developed. The adjacent table clearly shows where several overseas players have joined organisations which in some cases have afforded their respective 22 goal teams, a 4+ goal advantage over other 22 goal teams – simply by not having been handicapped on their true home handicap. The frustration is that the HPA currently awards international players coming to the UK to play, a legitimate handicap based on receipt of their completed CV form, not on what their known handicap at home is. Whilst this undoubtedly leads to the UK high goal season being incredibly competitive and great polo to watch, this seeming ‘reverse-protectionist’ approach could be the death-knell to our own home-grown talent. Objectivity is sometimes difficult, but not in this instance, as again, the table is useful in highlighting the obvious disparity between some players’ handicaps in their home nation and here. The first pair to jump 16
Polo Times, September 2019
British Highest High Goal World Handicap Handicap Scone:
British Highest High Goal World Handicap Handicap Emlor:
David Paradice
0
0
Spencer McCarthy
0
1
James Beim
7
7
Agustin Merlos
8
8
Nico Pieres
9
10
Alfredo Bigatti
7
8
James Harper
6
7
Fred Mannix Jnr
7
7
22
24
22
23
La Bamba de Areco:
Murus Sanctus:
Jean-François Decaux
0
0
Corinne Ricard
0
0
David ‘Pelón’ Stirling
9
10
Facundo Sola
7
9
Juan Martín Nero
10
10
Gonzalito Pieres
9
10
Kian Hall
3
3
Tommy Beresford
6
6
22
23
22
25
La Indiana:
VS King Power:
Michael Bickford
1
2
Top Srivaddhanaprabha
0
1
Jimbo Fewster
3
4
Juan Martín Zubía
6
8
Rodrigo Andrade
8
9
Polito Pieres
9
10
Facundo Pieres
10
10
Marcos di Paola
7
7
22
25
22
26
Monterosso:
Dubai:
Alessandro Bazzoni
0
1
Rashid Albwardy
1
2
Ignacio Toccalino
8
8
Camilo Castagnola
5
6
Joaquín Pittaluga
7
8
Bartolito Castagnola
6
7
Juan Gris Zavaleta
7
8
Nachi Du Plessis
8
8
22
25
20
23
Park Place:
UAE:
Andrey Borodin
0
0
Lucas Monteverde Jnr
2
2
Juan Britos
7
8
Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset
9
10
Hilario Ulloa
10
10
Tom Brodie
3
4
Benjamin Urquiza
5
6
Santiago Toccalino
7
9
22
24
21
25
Talandracas:
Casa La Vista Ibiza:
Hugues Carmignac
0
1
Hilali Noordeen
0
0
Francisco Elizalde
8
9
Pablo MacDonough
10
10
Julian de Lusarreta
7
8
Mín Podesta
6
7
Alejandro Muzzio
7
8
Isidro Strada
6
7
22
26
22
24
Tom Meyrick, Cirencester Park Polo Club Polo Manager: “The HPA’s new proposed rule: ‘no player can be more than 1 goal less than their handicap held in home countries,’ will make handicaps fairer and remove any major disparity. We should be making every effort to help English pros get into the high goal and succeed within the sport without limiting foreign players from coming over or restricting who patrons can play with.”
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Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum?
out is the obvious one – the young and very talented Castagnola brothers, Camilo ‘Jeta’ and Bartolomé Jnr. Older brother, 18-yearold Bartolito is rated 7 goals in Argentina, whereas this British season, he has been riding out with just a 6 goal handicap for Dubai. His younger, 16-year-old brother Jeta began the 2019 UK season with a 5 goal outdoor and 22 goal handicap, again below his 6 goal Argentine handicap. Whilst it is genuinely great to see the Albwardy family bring its Dubai team to the UK again – and winning – viewed objectively from the sidelines, was it really any wonder that they won the Gold Cup, when even Rashid as patron, played in the UK, 1 goal less than his 2 goal handicap back home? The impressive Castagnola brothers are of course, not the only Argentine players to fall into the same bracket. Polito Pieres and Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset have been playing the UK circuit for over a decade, and whilst they have a 10 goal handicap in Argentina, they have played the most recent 22 goal seasons with just a 9 goal handicap. Slightly further down the handicap list is Juan Britos, who having ridden out for Park Place over the past two high goal seasons, has rested at 7 goals in the UK, whilst playing off 8 goals in Argentina. The most surprising of the lot
“the original 120 year old handicap system, simply cannot cope” though though has to be Facundo Sola, who rated at 9 goals in Argentina, plays off just 7 goals in the 22 goal in the UK. The most recent example of handicaps playing a significant part in the outcome of a match has to be The Coronation Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on Saturday 27 July, a report from which you can find on page 28. The match between Frasers England and Argentina was always going to be a challenge for the home team, with Argentina never having lost the illustrious title and fielding, on paper, a stronger team. But it wasn’t until the two teams were actually on the field that the difference in strength became apparent. The Argentine team, fielding three players whose handicaps did not match those of their home countries (Alfonso Pieres: 4 in UK, 7 in Argentina – Juan Britos: 7 in UK, 8 in Argentina – Bartolito Castagnola: 6 in UK, 7 in Argentina whilst Facundo Pieres: 10 in UK, and 12 if there were such a handicap, in Argentina), came flying out to score five
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Chris Bethell, Cowdray Park Polo Club Polo Manager “Handicapping is a very contentious issue. To start with, when the handicap system was designed 120 years ago, there were a maximum of 1,000 polo players worldwide. Now, there are 20,000 players. 20,000 players all being rated -2 to 10 goals (and 0 to 10 goals in Argentina) results in a bottleneck at both the lower and higher levels and does not work anymore. With that increase, the original 120 year old handicap system, simply cannot cope. It’s always been within the sport’s ‘armoury’ to raise any one’s handicap at any time. Move players up quicker, and conversely, down quicker, would make handicaps fairer. The counter argument is that some players, play much better at home – and I accept, that in certain cases, that’s true. But equally, some players are better suited to all-pro polo, and when they come to England, they find it harder to play pro-am polo. That’s why we should handicap on what we see – it’s as simple as that.”
Feature
Bartolito and Jeta Castagnola’s impressive play in the UK high goal brought their handicaps into question
goals in the first chukka and from there, held their own for the rest of the match. The main question that arose throughout the polo community following the match, alongside praise for the considerable courage it took for the Frasers England team to take on such a strong Argentine side was; ‘What was the HPA’s selection criteria for its own team with such a robust pool of British players to choose from?’ Whilst the Argentines are the main focus of the handicap disparities, it is worth noting, that their dominance of the high goal isn’t infinite. Scone Polo proved this with their win in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, fielding three out of four players from outside of South America. But even in this case, any succour to the situation is short-lived, in that the amazing Nico Pieres, their handy number three, was also underhandicapped in relation to his Argentine rating of 10 goals, but yet played off 9 goals. When asked to comment, David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA stated, “The big question is do you handicap people on how they play here or abroad? Lucas Monteverde Senior was 10 goals in Argentina but came here and didn’t have the same luck, so was handicapped accordingly. The same goes for
King Power Gold Cup action
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Polo Times, September 2019
17
Feature
Handicaps: The Ultimate Conundrum?
Caspar West, Beaufort Polo Club Polo Manager: “I think the easiest way to look at handicapping is in two scenarios. Firstly, when we have an already organised handicapped player, in England, like a young gun that will hopefully go away for the winter and come back a goal higher, that’s the hope and dream. There is nothing wrong with that, in that situation. The second scenario and one with the most conflict, is when an overseas player is not addressed and is therefore handicapped incorrectly prior to coming over here, relative to our guys. Admittedly they often don’t have a lot to compare them to. But players arriving here with a 2, or maybe 3 goal handicap advantage, is blatant cheating and I feel it should definitely be considered that they are arriving in brackets, or at least the same handicap that they are in their home country.”
“players arriving here with a 2, or maybe 3 goal handicap advantage, is blatant cheating “ Poroto Cambiaso and Lucas Monteverde Jnr, who in the period prior to the British season have an almost two season run-up. Those considered 8 goalers across the Atlantic may not be worth 8 here. It is also a known fact that Argentines want to be higher in Argentina to qualify for The Open. The difficulty is that there are going to be underhandicapped players. Bartolito and Jeta will probably be under-handicapped next year. Barto could have gone to 8 goals this season, after his impressive play in The Gold Cup and The International, but he only came good at the back end of the season. It is a very different game here as to Argentina – different horses, different team make-ups etc. and so much is dependent on the team line-up”. Proposed incoming HPA Chairman Nick Wiles, released an HPA Consultation Paper to members on 9 August regarding his vision for polo over the next five years, “Adapting the sport and responding to the key challenges polo faces today”. Amongst these factors, is a manifesto to ensure, “The Handicapping policy and tournament conditions provide the framework for fair and competitive polo at all levels.” Whilst the manifesto looks to update the current handicap framework and continue to push the fairer rating of certain players, it still maintains the idea that a, “Player can be more than 1 goal lower in handicap than the handicap held in the player’s home country”, which, perhaps in general opinion, doesn’t go far enough to amend the underhandicapping issues. The manifesto does go on to push British values, encouraging 18
Polo Times, September 2019
“we should handicap on what we see – it’s as simple as that” patrons to make every effort to employ one British player on each team alongside the a proposed rule that a players’ minimum age of 15-years-old be enforced as well as a professional 3 goal handicap limit for nationals and a 4 goal limit for overseas players. The final notable mention of the 22 goal handicapping system relates to the 15 goal, with the proposal to extend this system to include the 18 goal. But with so many questions already present in relation to just the high goal, the addition of 50 further patrons and their accompanying teams could spell mayhem for not only the clubs, but the Handicapping Committee itself. The HPA has made positive steps to alleviate inequality in the lower handicap ranks, with their push to even out underhandicapped young players and those who have sat at -2 for longer than necessary, but perhaps the gunships now need to be turned to the other end of the spectrum, as this is the level of polo that appeals most to the masses, outside the polo fraternity and attracts the highest number of spectators. We all sit in the same boat, wanting to ensure
polo becomes more and more popular in years to come, but with potential disparity in the ranks, a globally cohesive answer needs to be found – one that ensures great polo from fairly formed teams for the foreseeable future. To be absolutely clear, we love the Argentine players and the skill that they bring to polo. But, to get the proverbial elephant out of the room – money talks – and clubs want as many entry fees as possible. However, whilst it is understandable for clubs to want to increase entry numbers, and thereby their balance sheet, their seeming complicity in maintaining the status quo of the current and evidently unreliable handicap system, will ultimately be to the detriment of polo, as it will prejudice the chances of the majority of the teams from ever reaching the winners’ podium. No wonder there’s no betting in polo… before it is too late, the nettle must be grasped. No, in fact scythed at its very roots.
“the handicap system is working. If you win a lot, whoever you are, then you go up ”
Antony Fanshawe, Guards Polo Club Polo Manager “It is much more difficult for an overseas player to play polo in the UK, than back home in Argentina – there, there’s no such thing as paid-for polo, instead, it’s friends and families that tend to play with and against one another. I feel that our handicap levels are reflective of the polo that’s being played here. Look at all the high and medium goal Semis and Finals this season, and the results were never more than a one, or two goal difference. The women’s handicap system is a different story – where teams this year have been winning by huge goal differences of six goals or more, that’s a problem. In mixed polo, it’s the same handicap ceiling for everyone – yes, there will always be a player who is a phenomenon, but fundamentally, the handicap system is working. If you win a lot, whoever you are, then you go up in handicap; if you lose, you go down. We need to encourage more players to actually play in one another’s countries for a reciprocal season – in effect, to co-sponsor one another, when in their country.
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Focus
Throwback from Polo Times June 2014
Guest editor special
MARK SAYS...
THE HPA...
...“57 OLD FARTS” ? England six-goaler and Polo Times guest editor Mark Tomlinson offers his view on how the polo world can be modernised, and speaks to Bob Reeves, president of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), to find out how polo and the HPA could be brought into line with other professional sports Polo has to move forward with the times and for this to happen there must be some major changes. We are still considered the traditional rich man’s sport, and as far as other sports are concerned we are the laughing stock. Commercially, we have stayed in the dark ages despite the amount of wealth in polo and hence the potential for being financially viable. While I realise the title of this article appears scandalous and completely out of order, I promise it is not my intention to administer a session of HPA-bashing. The title is merely a reference to a gamechanging event which took place in rugby in the mid-1990s when the then England captain, Will Carling, accused the Rugby Football Union of being “57 old farts”. It is very much my intention to draw what I believe to be some valuable comparisons between what happened in rugby and what could happen in polo. The HPA are obviously NOT 57 old farts. Although the majority of the officials on our governing body’s various committees are over 60, as I said, I really don’t want to criticise these individuals, especially as my parents are heavily involved. These people give up their time and put a huge amount of effort into doing their best for our sport and furthermore, it is not as though there is a queue of younger candidates lining up to take on this responsibility. Somehow we need to get some younger people onto these committees, people who have more recently been involved in top-level sport, (not necessarily just polo) and can bring some fresh ideas. 60
Polo Times, June 2014
How can one change anything or move forward in any way when it seems we are so very much stuck in our ways? I am, however, very conscious of how easy it is for us to bang on about all the problems and fail to come up with any solutions and so here are some suggestions for possible ways forward.
Let’s not forget either that the HPA is The ‘Twickenham’ of polo a miniscule organisation with one small The HPA should have its own facility and office in Oxfordshire and with only a by facility I mean a polo stadium with a handful of people on the payroll to carry restaurant, offices, conference area, polo/ out the long list of jobs. Chief executive general fitness training centre and perhaps David Woodd has been a rock for the HPA even commercial property attached. The and the long hours he puts in should be RFU own Twickenham and this is a vital greatly appreciated. Due to the fact that jewel in the crown for English rugby. It also it simply doesn’t have the manpower or owns the adjacent Marriot Hotel, providing infrastructure, it seems hard to expect or a further source of income. Not only does imagine how the HPA can make significant this magnificent stadium house the RFU’s changes to our sport. offices, it is a top venue selling out for every Compared to other sports, there is England international and pop concerts also an upside-down hierarchy in polo. throughout the year, bringing in serious This might sound strange but the HPA revenue for the RFU. It therefore doubles up actually holds no authority when it comes as the home of the English rugby team and to the major decisions regarding polo in a very profitable commercial entity in its own the UK. The hierarchy goes something like right. In polo I think virtually every club prides this: patrons/sponsors, the patrons’ main itself on being the home of British polo, so professionals, the clubs, followed by the where is the home of polo in the UK? Is it HPA. Now while some of you may differ in Smith’s Lawn, Cowdray Park or even Ivy opinion on the exact formation of this polo Lodge, who knows? hierarchy I don’t think anyone can dispute The advantages of the HPA having its the fact that the HPA is not at the top. In own base are endless. For example, we football the FA and FIFA rule supreme; the have an issue with televising our sport: same goes for the RFU and the IRB in firstly that polo does not tend to get rugby and it is the same in all other televised and secondly that it is equestrian sports that work PATRONS a hard sport to televise. With under the BEF and the FEI. In SPONSORS our own stadium we could polo, sadly the FIP hardly quite easily set up a features and I even PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS specialised filming forgot to add them system which to the above list. POLO CLUBS
THE HURLINGHAM POLO ASSOCIATION
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Throwback from Polo Times June 2014
Packed stands at Twickenham, the home of English rugby union would enhance viewing, making it possible to televise ‘properly filmed’ games every week. Television is crucial to promoting a sport and encouraging big sponsors. The AAP does have the issue of not owning Palermo, but even that set-up is of huge advantage to the AAP and polo in Argentina. The HPA needs to be sourcing a property within a close distance to London, the benefits are too great not to. A qualified executive team: The HPA has a limited budget and we are all clear on that. I believe that to move anything forward we have to invest in a revised executive team. David Woodd on his own as chief executive with a small group of assistants behind him has no chance. Rugby turned professional very recently and went through major changes, and there is so much we can learn from such examples. I know polo is very different but there are individuals out there who have changed sports from top to bottom; they have the manual and it could be of real benefit to involve such people in the ‘modernisation’ of polo. We have dabbled with getting advice over the years, but there has never been a structured plan in place to give this line of thought a realistic chance. Let’s employ two or three people on decent salaries who can work with David Woodd and the HPA over a three-year period, for example. Give them a specific remit explaining what polo wants to achieve by ‘modernsing’ and keep it simple. I appreciate that looking outside of polo may www.polotimes.co.uk
seem risky as it’s a hard sport to understand, but it’s our only chance if we want to succeed in this quest to move forward with the times. Of course this costs money and these highly-qualified experts need paying well. Each year the HPA puts a large amount of its funds towards both the development of young players and the England team. One suggestion could be to re-direct these funds, only for three years, towards an expert HPA executive team with the sole purpose of modernising our sport and changing the face of the game. I realise that developing future talent is of huge importance and as someone who has recently benefitted from this system it is easy for me to now suggest spending the money elsewhere. But firstly it is only for a short time, and more importantly, what is the point of developing and nurturing talented players in a sport that offers very little chance of a decent career? Surely the HPA are largely responsible for creating a sport that provides a viable career, especially if it wants to spend time and money on developing talent. Therefore I see no reason why this temporary but focused re-direction of funds can’t be justified. A Polo Premier League In rugby, and in football, the governing bodies do not own their major leagues. Rugby’s premier league in the UK is owned and run by a company called ‘The Premier Rugby League’. The RFU works very closely with this enterprise and it provides all the referees. It also provides grants for clubs
Guest editor special
Focus
according to the number of UK players on the books and to how many players are playing for England. The major polo tournaments in England might technically be the HPA’s but they are run and owned by the clubs. This is not a suitable system as each club has its own interests, and it is highly unlikely that these interests include the sport of polo changing and being modernised. Perhaps we could look into selling our major tournaments to such an enterprise who in turn would take on all the costs involved with running the games, subsidising the teams and marketing the events. There is no reason why this enterprise shouldn’t work closely with the HPA and the clubs just as they do in other sports. It would not be up to the HPA, clubs or even wealthy individuals to fund our sport and instead, polo would be under the banner of an elite management group. Thus the game could have a realistic chance of becoming a more legitimate sport. UK Sport Sport recognised by the government and forming part of UK sport are entitled to large grants every year in order to help ‘grow the sport’. To be in this category the sport has to show it is truly a nationwide sport and reaches people from all levels of the community. Needless to say, polo has never managed to cross this threshold and therefore misses out on valuable funds. It may well be a long shot to even consider, but have we even tried? Becoming part of UK Sport would be at the top of my list as far as the remit for a potential executive team goes and they should have experience in such a campaign. Of course, polo is unique but there are comparisons with other sports that we can exploit. Olympic sports also receive a considerable amount of lottery funding. This really is a long shot, but as a starting point maybe we should consider polo becoming part of the FEI, and the World Equestrian Games. In conclusion, for change to take place, people fundamentally must want it to happen, and my fear is that the people at the ‘top’ of our sport would rather polo kept its status quo. Any modernisation means major alterations, even major investment, and of course there will be criticism, but the HPA as a governing body in my view has no choice but to move with the times and my suggestions above could work towards helping this. Reproduced from Polo Times June 2014 Polo Times, June 2014 61
Feature
Interview: Alfredo Bigatti
Alfredo Bigatti Bigatti winning The Warwickshire Cup with Emlor
The future’s blonde
Jen Liggins
22
Polo Times, September 2019
T
here is one Argentine who stands out amongst the rest, for not only his talent, but also his bright, blonde locks – 7 goal Alfredo Bigatti. A young up-and-coming star, Bigatti has spent years honing his technique on and off the field.
With an abundance of famous polo team names under his belt – Park Place, La Aguada, Flexjet, Las Monjitas, the polo world has seemed to be a veritable banquet for Bigatti, with patrons chomping at the bit to see what this 7 goal powerhouse (8 goals in the USA and Argentina) can bring to their www.polotimes.co.uk
Interview: Alfredo Bigatti
Feature
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Alfredo (far left) with his Bardon teammates, win The Indian Empire Shield
Photograph by John Hankin Photography
mix. The 2019 British season saw Bigatti ride out in proud red for Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor side, having successfully shown his mettle on the fields of America, the Middle East and his home nation, Argentina over the past 12 months. And what a season it proved to be. With less than fortunate runs in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup, Bigatti didn’t find either of the two highest rated trophies propping up his mantelpiece, but he more than proved his worth, with a huge win in The Warwickshire Cup in late June. Bigatti does not hail from a polo family, but a sport loving family. His father never played polo himself, but was a great admirer of the sport, so integral to Argentina’s makeup. At just nine-years-old, Alfredo was given www.polotimes.co.uk
the opportunity to begin his polo career, with the help of his father. They actually began to play at the same time. In true Argentine form, as well as starting to play, Alfredo’s father set-up his own breeding operation. “I started my career because of my father. He didn’t play polo, but he loved the sport and horses. He started to breed and learnt to play alongside me when I was nineyears-old. We come from a small town called Chascomus, 200km from Bueno Aires, so there was abundant space to learn and little distraction to keep me from my ultimate goal. In my career, I think that the family support I have received has been one of the most important factors; a key incentive to keep going and never give up.” A mere two decades or so later, Alfredo is now playing with the best teams and players in the world. “I think my childhood was important to be a polo player, because we used to ride horses every day, but then I started to learn and improve in polo and here I am. When I was growing up and learning, I used to play a lot with Juan Britos, who I then went on to play at Park Place with. We are good friends and great teammates and have had the opportunity to play so much together.” In 2017, he was selected to represent the famous La Aguada, the Novillo Astrada’s family organisation. He is set to return to the La Aguada fold this winter, “I’m feeling great at La Aguada. They gave me the opportunity to play with them and I’m really happy to be there. It is one of the best polo clubs in the world and they have a big history in polo. Playing with the La Aguada organisation is like being in a huge a family. It is great for me to play in that organisation and learn from the experience
they have.” For those that are unaware of the La Aguada organisation, the Club is the home of the famous Novillo Astrada family, who have championed all levels of polo, on and off the field, for more than 60 years. Between the five brothers, they have won almost all of the highest international accolades out there, from The USPA Gold Cup, to The Gold Cup for The British Open, The Queen’s Cup, The Warwickshire Cup and so on. The list is seemingly endless. Eduardo Novillo Astrada, the eldest of Taio Novillo Astrada’s five sons, who Bigatti replaced when he was brought into the La Aguada fold, is the current Argentine Polo Association President, having taken some time off, out of the saddle, to turn his hand to administrative duties. Bigatti could not have asked for better role models. 2019 saw Bigatti take to a new form of polo, snow polo. In January he found himself in the winter sport mecca that is St. Moritz, Switzerland, not only trying his hand at this unique form of the sport for the first time, but also winning the title for the Badrutt’s Palace team alongside patron Melissa Ganzi and Argentine teammates Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Juan Bautista Peluso. “Playing in St. Moritz for The Snow Polo World Cup was a great and new experience. Whilst it was super fun, playing with friends and in an amazing new location, it was so difficult! The ground, the ponies, the ball – it is all so different and took some time to get used to. What’s more, it was a war, so I’m glad to have been on the winning side!” This year also saw Bigatti take to the pristine Floridian fields of Wellington for the first time, playing for Melissa Ganzi’s Flexjet team in The World Polo League, once Polo Times, September 2019
23
Feature
Interview: Alfredo Bigatti
In 2019 Emlor colours
Bigatti playing for Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz
again playing alongside his go-to teammate and pseudo family member, Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Having played for two years together before this appointment, as well as having taken on the snow polo 24
Polo Times, September 2019
challenge ‘à trois’ with patron Melissa Ganzi and Novillo Astrada, Bigatti had high hopes for the season. “It was an absolute pleasure to play as much of the spring polo with Melissa Ganzi and her organisation that I
did. America was great fun, and for my first experience there, I couldn’t have asked for better. We played 26 goal with amazing fields and it felt similar to Argentina in the sense of the weather and the fields. I’ve been playing in the UK for several years and I love it, but America felt more like home some days.” Bigatti, at heart, is just a relaxed and normal guy. When he’s not winning European titles or embracing the jetset high goal player’s lifestyle, he will always be found at home, with friends and family, watching a film, or just hanging out. “Whenever I can, I like to be at home, seeing my family, going out with friends, and just reconnecting. I feel great, playing polo, because it is my true passion, but there is nothing better than taking the time to wind down.” So, what next for this polo powerhouse? As is the dream for a multitude of these young, successful players, 10 goals is the ultimate goal. “I want to be 10 goals and win The Argentine Open. I feel great playing polo – it is my true passion, so why wouldn’t I push for the top?” There is little doubt that this player is going far. As the UK high goal season drew to a close, Bigatti stepped up to the medium goal plate, winning The Indian Empire Shield with Andras Tombor’s Bardon at Guards Polo Club before taking a well-deserved break ahead of the Argentine season. One thing’s for sure, we can’t wait to see what he brings to La Aguada on the other side of the Atlantic this winter. www.polotimes.co.uk
Feature
Simply Learning Tuition
I
n 2009, private tutor Nathaniel McCullagh founded Simply Learning Tuition to provide an education consultancy service as well as introductions to professional private tutors. But Simply Learning Tuition is so much more than that. It is a one-stop shop for all your children’s educational needs. Polo Times spoke to Director and Founder Nathaniel McCullagh about his expertise and how he became involved in polo. “I became a private tutor when I left university. I did a lot of tutoring for Common Entrance, to help pupils get into their senior school of choice. I found it was really good fun, I met loads of great families and did some travelling. I think it was at this point, just doing the work, that I worked out what could make it really successful. From the student or the child’s perspective, it is really just having someone who is not hugely older than them, not a stuffy, authority figure, but someone who is in maybe their
late twenties or early thirties who gets them and who can understand that it’s really difficult to learn. Someone who understands the challenges of trying to balance school, home life, friends, all that kind of thing, with or without a blossoming polo career, or even a learning difficulty – anything that makes it more challenging.” Alongside his obvious love of education, Nathaniel is an avid polo player, playing off a -1 goal handicap out of White Waltham Polo Club in Berkshire. “I got involved in polo when I was at Grad School in California. After I came back, I found it was too expensive to start playing at the same level in the UK, so I began playing with London Alumni polo.” In 2009, he wrote, directed and produced the film The Polo Kid, which followed Santiago Torres’s journey through the ranks of polo, from his rural beginnings to the American high goal season. “Santi Torres did it all on his own merit and I am of the school of thought that if you
“Jack came to tutor our 13-yearold son for his Common Entrance exam for Eton College. After a day or so his charisma has attracted all five children to request tutoring! He turned Timothy from a predicted/ mock grade C to achieving a grade A and the highest C.E. pass from his school”. Mrs. W, Eton 13+ Common Entrance Preparation (Easter and Christmas Holiday Revision)
really want something, you can make it work” explains Nathaniel. Even the most academic whizz kid, when excelling at a sport or activity in their youth, is going to see a shift in their
Nathaniel McCullagh
Simply Learning Tuition
Photography courtesy of Simply Learning Tuition
Education and polo – the golden ticket to success?
Simply Learning Tuition can cater to any educational needs
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Polo Times, September 2019
www.polotimes.co.uk
Simply Learning Tuition
Feature
The following tips might be useful for polo parents to help their children study more effectively.
Tuition is available across all levels
priorities, especially when that sport is one like polo, that takes so much time and energy. “Even just being a normal person, it is quite hard to do well at school. I think the trick that I picked up on was that, as long as you can win the child’s confidence, win their trust, they will do an awful lot more for you, than if they think you’re just there to make them work. I think one of the key paths to success for any tutor or parent, friend or
“We needed someone who could help Will in a short of period of time and would really focus on essay structure. With his focus on essay practice, Will pushed his grade up from a C to an A – we are so grateful for all of Sean’s hard work”. Mr. B, A Level Philosophy and Ethics Tuition
relative, someone who is helping the child to learn, is to actually try and show them that it is quite easy, and give them the ins they need to get to grips with work.” Just like a parent or mentor would hire a polo coach to ensure their child is getting the best money can buy and the greatest chance of success, so to a tutor can aid in a child’s development. “If you take this back to the guys who are trying to play polo, the children who are maybe in Pony Club and they love it, or perhaps they are a bit more senior and they actually have a shot of turning professional, or they are only 16 and already are professional. If you’ve got a real superstar
“We were amazed when Sadie got into Christ’s Hospital. Thank you Saskia for being a great tutor!” Ms. S, Christ’s Hospital 16+ Preparation
or potential superstar on your hands, then you can’t be quashing their dreams, as it may be an amazing opportunity for them, as well as what they really want to do. I don’t see that there is much of a conflict between becoming very good at a competitive sport like polo and keeping up the academics, if it’s done correctly. Schools in particular can be quite challenging about this – they can push to say it’s either one or the other, but if you can look at it and bring in tutors at weekends or exeats, or for an hour or two online to help with prep and things and in the holidays, you can get an awful lot done in just three to four weeks work a year. For those children who are travelling a lot, say they’re going to Argentina for the winter, you could bring a tutor with you and you could probably maintain the same level of learning so that they’re not out of sync when they go back to school. It’s like a muscle, just doing a couple of hours a day makes it so much easier when you get back. “The nomadic lifestyle of child actors and musicians that we have catered for before, is very similar to that experienced by polo players. You need a tutor who understands that academia is not necessarily the priority and they need to fit in around the mainstay. For years, we’ve provided tutors for lots of residential work, where we’ve sent people to Monaco, Thailand, Russia, all sorts of places and the tutors have to fit into family dynamics.” Simply Learning Tuition is all about tailoring the tutoring required to the needs of the child, be it ensuring they are razorsharp on exam techniques, or just ensuring the content has sunk in. They are passionate about helping families who have children who are dedicated to their sport, with parents who are also busy and working hard. If Simply Learning Tuition can make all the stars align, then they will.
1. Most of a child’s success comes from the parents not the school. Parents need to provide lots of encouragement, stress the importance of hard work and perseverance. Just like polo, success is not just down to innate talent 2. Try to apply your child’s work to things they care about – the physics of stopping and turning a horse, the costs of running a yard, the history of polo in different countries to teach geography 3. Make holidays more educational – give children a mission to explore and take photos of a local museum or historic site. It will give them more to think about when they go back to school 4. Plan carefully to remove pressure – summer, Easter or Christmas holidays fly past and work will often be left to pile up until the last few days of the holiday. See the academic year as a whole year and plan accordingly. If you are able to, book in a tutor for a couple of weeks to take off the pressure and build the virtuous circle of success that results in improved confidence, a stronger work ethic and happier children 5. Generally, the same stumbling blocks that challenge schoolwork will manifest in polo – taking the right approach, being confident, learning to listen are muscles that need training and work across both polo and academics 6. Encourage them to read polo books – The Maltese Cat, Jilly Cooper is fun, some biographies. And sporting stories such as bios of other sporting stars. 7. Encourage them to read something every day, even a short chapter, or a few pages of a novel. This will develop their imagination 8. Set aside a regular time each day for work, so that it is out of the way for the rest of the day. Then spend 10 minutes in the evening revising the morning’s work. But be flexible, if they need to miss a couple of days for a tournament, they can agree to pick up the work later 9. Be careful not to overdo it – make sure they still get a proper holiday and realise that doing their best is the only thing that they can control
Members of the Simply Learning Tuition team
“I am really pleased that Sebastian now comes out of his maths sessions with a smile on his – that’s something I’m not used to seeing, so well done! Matthew has found exactly what works to keep Sebastian engaged and we like that Matthew uses practical and fun examples to keep Sebastian focused”. Mrs. L, Maths Tuition
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Simply Learning Tuition 43 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 5FJ +44 (0)207 350 1981 simplylearningtuition.co.uk Polo Times, September 2019
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Reports
The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Argentina Continue Winning Streak
Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography
The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup
Young Bartolito Castagnola on the ball
T
he International Test Match for The Coronation Cup is the pinnacle of international prowess, taking place on the hallowed British polo fields, in its current format, since 1971. The Coronation Cup was first played for in 1911, with the winners of The London Open Tournaments (Hurlingham, Roehampton, Ranelagh and the InterRegimental) competing for the gleaming trophy until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Since 1971, and after two post-war revivals, the match became the highlight of The HPA’s International Day, whose home now finds itself at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. 28
Polo Times, September 2019
Following their first venture into the world of The International Test Match last year, with some unfortunately inclement weather, a lot was expected from The Berkshire this year. What’s more, this year’s opponent was an age-old ‘monster’. The might of the Argentines is the stuff of legend, with the world’s best polo players hailing from this iconic nation for more years than we’d care to mention. So, when the announcement came that Argentina would be coming up against Frasers England this year, there was a general feeling of apprehension. Despite Frasers England having an excellent squad list to pick from, how would they fare against a country of 10 goal powerhouses? Much
Jen Liggins
reports from Berkshire
to the relief of the English, the Argentines didn’t field two 10 goalers, choosing instead to field just one, in the form of high goal stalwart Facundo Pieres. This alone could have instilled fear in even the most accomplished English players, but alongside three further dynamos – Juan Britos (7), Alfonso Pieres (4) and King Power Gold Cup winning Bartolomé Castagnola Jnr (6), Frasers England had their work cut out. Luckily for the home www.polotimes.co.uk
The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Reports
Post Match Player Interviews Will Lucas, Frasers England Coach “Obviously, Argentina came out strong in the first chukka. I think the boys have got a lot to hold their heads up to. It was an incredibly strong 27 goal team that Argentina fielded. For four and a half chukkas, they played them level, and counted for themselves well. It was quite a difficult ground to get the goal at the top end of the field. We had a few chances to do that, which would have been nice if we’d got one of them. But, I feel it was a strong standard of game and hopefully a pleasure for people to watch. The ground was a bit heavy and I think the count stands that there were 10 goals going downhill on the field.”
James Beim, Frasers England Captain
“We’re really disappointed. We started really badly, or they started amazing. They went 5-0 up in the first, but we did ourselves proud for most of the rest of the game. It was a tough ask. I think there is something fundamentally wrong with the handicapping system, because next year our team is 28 and theirs is 29, but they just beat us by eight goals. So, I feel there is something absolutely wrong in this country with our handicapping system if you ask me. They were always going to beat us, but something needs to be done.”
James Harper
“We always knew that was going to be tough. Everyone kept talking about how we were the massive underdogs and starting like that in the first chukka was the worst thing possible. We literally didn’t
side, all four English players had a number of international showdowns under their belts, with homegrown high goalers James Beim and James Harper leading the charge, alongside the two livewire players Ollie Cudmore and Jack Richardson. As the day dawned on Saturday 27 July, the wonderfully sunny weather present in the week prior took flight, replaced by cooler breezes and typically British drizzle. The action on the field was going to be hard fought for Frasers England, but perhaps their knowledge of the ground and meteorological conditions would work in their favour? Suffice to say, there was little doubt that they had their work cut out. As the teams were led on by The British Imperial Marching www.polotimes.co.uk
Band and the National Anthems rang out, the tense atmosphere was clear on the faces of all eight players. The first chukka went by in a blur of goals, unfortunately for the Frasers England side, entirely off the sticks of the Argentines. The boys in white were noticeably shaken, with every single member of the Argentine side finding the uprights in the first seven minutes and the chukka ending 5-0 to Argentina. Something needed to happen in the English camp, and it needed to happen fast. Frasers England were rattled, and it took until midway through the second chukka for Richardson to put the home team on the scoreboard. Frasers England had stepped up their defence and it looked like more of a game plan was forming, but Argentina were still the noticeably stronger team. The most markedly missing element in the first three chukkas was the whistle. In three chukkas, the whistle had only been blown three times. Surely this was a record for an
know what was going on, and they got five goals on us and then ended up with about eight goals. After that, we regrouped and, within reason, we were in the game if you take away that first chukka. We needed a few goals to keep us there, but they were just the better team. They were quicker, the horses were better. Unfortunately, Ollie and Jack haven’t played the high goal all season, but I thought in the second half they played really well and stepped up. I wasn’t hitting the ball well. We changed a little bit and got Beimy to come back to get involved a bit more and it worked, but it was scrappy. They were just the better team.
Juan Britos
“It was an amazing game and I enjoyed everything about it. We had a very fun team and it was great. The whole week – the team practice, the time before the game. We played really well as a team and I’m really happy.”
Facundo Pieres, GRM Argentina Captain
“It wasn’t our game plan to go in and score lots of goals very quickly. It was something we didn’t expect. We just wanted to play well and concentrate on the six chukkas. We started very well in the first chukka and that made a big difference. We were concerned that we hadn’t played together before, so I didn’t know what was going to happen as the England team have played together so much. So, I didn’t expect to score six goals in the first chukka. Argentina haven’t lost a Coronation Cup yet, so we couldn’t disappoint our country.” international match, or was this just down to the encouragement of a ‘free-flowing’ style of polo from the powers that be? Going into half-time, Argentina were leading 9-3, seemingly making no mistakes from which Frasers England could find solace, but following a stern team talk with coach Will Lucas during the break, Frasers England came back with two goals in the fourth from Captain James Beim and Richardson consolidating seemingly strong team play, but it was too little too late for the home team. Argentina outwardly slowed up on their attacking form, with a strong 10-5 cushion, leaving more space for Frasers England to connect passes and form consistent plays. But despite a couple of foul bounces for Facundo Pieres, with the crowd shouting, “God bless the English divot!”, Argentina were streams ahead, leading 11-6 going into the final chukka. As the bell sounded to end the fifth chukka, Frasers England were saved by the bell, with Polo Times, September 2019
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Reports
The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography
Frasers England’s James Harper on the ball
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Polo Times, September 2019
murmurs of discontent from the home crowd, not to mention within the ranks of the Frasers England team itself. Handicaps has been a ‘hot’ topic for a number of years, with questions raised as to whether adequate reflection is taken when considering the handicaps given to international players who come in for the season. We take a closer look at this in our Handicap Feature on page 14 and would love to hear your views. Following the match, the teams gathered for the presentation in front of The Royal Box, which began with a touching video tribute to the late Bryan Morrison, who was also presented with this year’s HPA Lifetime Achievement Award, which was received by his son and daughter, Jamie and Carina Morrison. Following this, The Ferguson Trophy Best Young British Player, traditionally awarded at The International, was presented to this year’s winner, Ollie Cork. Argentina’s Juan Britos was named Most Valuable Player alongside the two Best Playing Ponies of the day – Twitter, owned by Jim Gilmore and played by Facundo Pieres was named the Best Playing Pony, whilst Harmony World, owned and played by Jack Richardson, was named the RoR Best Playing Pony.
The Ferguson Trophy The Ferguson Trophy, each year awarded to the Best Young British Player, who has made a real mark on the season, was this year presented to Ollie Cork
Photograph by Polo Times
Facundo Pieres forced to halt another epic run to goal by the end of play whistle. Going into the final period, Argentina were leading 11-6 and it would have taken a polo miracle for the Frasers England boys to be able to make up the deficit this late in the day. There was little chance of this being allowed to happen, as Argentina cemented their victory with three more goals in the final seven minutes, despite some very strong defence from the Frasers England side, to once again take home The Coronation Cup with a 14-6 final score. On reflection post-match, the Frasers England team were really handed a poisoned chalice. The Argentine team were always going to be the stronger side and it was going to be a challenge to match their strength, but the English foursome put up one heck of a fight. The only point of contention following the match was in relation to handicaps. The Argentine team’s handicaps did not reflect the unquestionable talent on the field. With Alfonso Pieres rated at 6 goals in Argentina and just 4 goals in England, as well as Bartolito Castagnola’s rating sitting at 7 goals in Argentina and just 6 goals here in England, there were, unsurprisingly,
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The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
27LY
Reports
Argentine Captain Facundo Pieres lifts the colossal trophy
JU
Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Julian Appleby & Peter Wright with Tim Bown third man
MVP Juan Britos
Chukka Scores: 5-0, 7-1, 9-3, 10-5, 11-6, 14-6 to GRM Argentina
Frasers England James Beim Ollie Cudmore Jack Richardson James Harper
(27) (7) (6) (7) (7)
GRM Argentina (27) Alfonso Pieres (4) Juan Britos (7) BartolomĂŠ Castagnola (6) Facundo Pieres (10)
Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography
Photograph by J Ridley Art & Photography
BPP Twitter, a chestnut mare owned by Jim Gilmore and played by Facundo Pieres
Photograph by Helen Cruden
Harmony World, owned and played by Jack Richardson www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, September 2019
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48th MANSION International Polo Tournament, Santa María Polo Club
Reports
Brunei and Ayala battle
The Bronze and Silver Cups Sotogrande successes so far With the British season still in full swing, Santa María Polo Club flung open its doors for The 48th MANSION International Polo Tournament, welcoming players from across the globe. With the potent pull of beach, world class polo and Spanish sunshine, it’s no wonder players, patrons and fans flock to Sotogrande each year in their droves.
At an initial glance, the Club’s International Polo Tournament can be a confusing array of matches, with play nearly every day from 25 July to 31 August, however in reality there are three handicap levels, all competing for The Bronze (Bronce), Silver (Plata) and Gold (Oro) Cups at their own level.
So far, The Bronze and Silver Cups have both been played for and at the time of going to print, the competition for The Gold Cup is still in full swing. Here, we bring you the results so far from The Bronze and Silver Cups across the low (bajo), medium (mediano) and high (alto) goal.
Key Dates Bronze Cups The Copa de Bronce Isolas 1892 Final – Thursday 1 August; Rhone Hill defeated Stripes, 8-7 The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Mediano Final – Friday 2 August; Ayala defeated Brunei, 10-8 The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Alto Final – Sunday 28 July; Dos Lunas defeated La Indiana, 9-7 www.polotimes.co.uk
Silver Cups Copa de Plata Isolas 1892 Final – Friday 16 August; La Esperanza defeated Rhone Hill, 9-8 The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata Mediano Final – Friday 16 August; Ayala defeated Royal Salute, 14-9 The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata Alto Final – Saturday 17 August; Brunei defeated MB Polo, 10-9
Gold Cups Copa de Oro Isolas 1892 Final – Friday 30 August; TBC Copa de Oro LG Signature Mediano Final – Friday 30 August; TBC Copa de Oro LG Signature Alto Final – Saturday 31 August; TBC * The Gold Cup results will be included in the next (October) issue of Polo Times
Polo Times, September 2019
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Reports
48th MANSION International Polo Tournament, Santa María Polo Club
Bronze Cup Results with the scores constantly tied. However, in the end it was 2018 winners Ayala who secured the win, 10-8.
Photography by Snoopy Productions/Santa María Polo Club
The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Mediano Final Teams: Ayala (14): Íñigo Zobel (0), Mackenzie Weisz (3), Lucas James (7) & Santiago Gómez Romero (4) Brunei (14): HRH Princess Azemah (0), Matías González (3), Benjamín Panelo (4) & Guillermo Willington (7)
Dos Lunas, winners of The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Alto Final
The Copa de Bronce Isolas 1892 Final The second Final of The 48th MANSION International Polo Tournament at Santa María Polo Club was the Bronze Cup Final between Stripes and Rhone Hill on Thursday 1 August. The Final was closely fought, but in the end, Stripes managed to secure the title with an 8-7 win. Meanwhile, in the Subsidiary Final, La Clarita defeated Foxcote 13-4. The Copa de Bronce Isolas 1892 Final Teams: Stripes (6): Fernando De la Infiesta (0), Pascual Álvarez (1), Yago Espinosa (2) & Rosendo Torreguitar (3) Rhone Hill (6): Patrick Heffron (0), Nicolás López Fuentes (3), Gonzalo López Vargas (4) & Charles Heffron (-1)
Stripes, winners of The Copa de Bronce Isolas 1892 Final
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Polo Times, September 2019
The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Mediano Final In 2018, Ayala managed to secure themselves The Sotogrande Triple Crown in the medium goal. Returning once again this year, with a similar line-up, the team only differs by one player, with Mackenzie Weisz taking the place of Tomas Iriate, due to handicap increases. Ayala dominated throughout the qualifiers with high scoring defeats of their opposition, therefore it was no surprise they found themselves lining up for the Final. Their fellow finalists, Brunei, had a similarly successful route to the Final with 12-9 and 12-7 wins over Esso and Rock Savage respectively, in the qualifying stages. Brunei secured an early advantage in the first chukka, but by half-time Ayala had managed to level the scores to 6-6. Throughout the second half both teams went head-to-head
The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Alto Final In 2017, Santa María Polo Club decided to drop the high goal handicap from 22 to 20 goal in order to increase the number of team entries. However, in 2017 and 2018 only three teams took part in the high goal Bronze Cup and this year saw just two team entries – Dos Lunas and La Indiana – which meant there was just one match, the Final. The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Alto Final was the first Final of The 48th MANSION International Polo Tournament and Dos Lunas led from the outset and by half-time they had managed to secure a seemingly impenetrable 8-2 lead. However, after some serious team talks, La Indiana managed to muster a flurry of goals in the final two chukkas, whilst Dos Lunas’ offensive plays were effectively shut down. However, La Indiana’s comeback wasn’t enough and in the end Dos Lunas secured a 9-7 win. Dos Lunas’ Joaquín Pittaluga was named the Most Valuable Player. The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Alto Final Teams: Dos Lunas (19): Pascual Sáinz de Vicuña (5), Luis Domecq (1), Joaquín Pittaluga (8) & Martín Iturraspe (5) La Indiana (20): Michael Bickford (2), Bautista Ortiz de Urbina (6), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Rosendo Torreguitar (3 – replaced Jimbo Fewster)
Ayala, winners of The Copa de Bronce Heineken 0.0 de Mediano Final
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48th MANSION International Polo Tournament, Santa María Polo Club
Reports
Silver Cup Results
La Esperanza, winners of The Copa de Plata Isolas 1892 Final
The Copa de Plata Isolas 1892 Final On Friday 16 August, Rhone Hill once again found themselves in the Final, this time for The Silver Cup. Fellow finalists, La Esperanza, took to the field to take on The Bronze Cup champions head on. Rhone Hill dominated the match until the fourth chukka, when La Esperanza managed to shorten the goal deficit, but still trailed 8-6 going into the final chukka. By the last chukka, despite the odds, La Esperanza continued to rack up goals and when the final whistle sounded, they ran out the winners with a narrow 9-8 win to take home the 2019 Copa de Plata Isolas 1892. La Esperanza’s success continued post-match with Rosendo Torreguitar taking home the Most Valuable Player prize and Raqueta, played by Pascual Alvarez awarded the Best Playing Pony honours. The Copa de Plata Isolas 1892 Final Teams: La Esperanza (6): Fernando de Infiesta (0), Pascual Alvarez (1), Yago Espinosa (2) & Rosendo Torreguitar (3) Rhone Hill (6): Patrick Heffron (0), Nico Lopez Fuentes (3), Gonzalo Lopez Vargas (4) & Jemima Heffron (-1) The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Mediano Final Also played on Friday 16 August, Ayala faced Royal Salute in The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Mediano, with crowds gathered to see if Ayala could defend the trophy for another year. The match began with a disappointingly goalless first chukka, but both teams woke up in the second chukka and started to add their marks to the scoreboard. By half-time however, Ayala had managed to secure a 6-4 lead over Royal Salute, which they didn’t relinquish throughout the second half – despite the best efforts of Royal Salute. Much to the disappointment of the British spectators, cheering on homegrown talents Malcolm Borwick and Jamie Le Hardy, Ayala www.polotimes.co.uk
Brunei, winners of The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Alto Final
built upon their Bronze Cup triumph and took home the Silver Cup with a final score of 14-9. The President of Santa María Polo Club, Antonio Ortiz, and the President of the Royal Spanish Polo Federation, Jaime Espinosa de los Monteros presented the Most Valuable Player prize to Lucas James and Iñigo Zobel’s Regalona received the Best Playing Pony honours. Will Ayala be able to emulate their 2018 success and secure the Sotogrande Triple Crown 2019? The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Mediano Final Teams: Ayala (14): Mackenzie Weiss (3), Lucas James (7), Santiago Gómez-Romero (4) & Iñigo Zobel (0) Royal Salute (14): Rafael Cabezas (0), Jaime Le Hardy (5), Diogo Gallego (5) & Malcolm Borwick (5) The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Alto Final The Silver Cups came to an end at Santa María Polo Club on Saturday 17 August with The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Alto Final between MB Polo and Brunei. Crowds flocked to the Club to enjoy both the Spanish sun and a 10 goal bonanza, with both Juan Martín Nero and Polito Pieres lining up for the Final, followed by the Club’s White Summer Festival. This was not the first time the two teams had met, earlier in the tournament Brunei had faced MB Polo in a qualifier on Saturday 3 August, in which Brunei won 14-9 – MB Polo’s only loss during the entire tournament. With this previous win and an unbeaten Copa de Plata record under their belts, Brunei confidently dominated the Final from the first throw-in and by the end of the first chukka had created a 4-0 lead. After a half-time break, MB Polo flew
into the second half and quickly managed to turn around the scores, meaning the scoreboard read 7-7 at the end of the fourth chukka. Both teams continued to battle for dominance and the scores tied once again, 9-9, in the dying minutes of the final chukka. However, Brunei secured their victory with a winning goal on the final bell, ending the Final 10-9. 10 goaler Juan Martín Nero was named Most Valuable Player, with his team patron Bahar Jefri receiving the Most Valuable Patron award. Open Exon, played by Tommy Beresford was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours, a small consolation for runners-up MB Polo. The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Alto Final Teams: Brunei (19): Bahar Jefri (1), Camilo Castagnola (5), Juan Martín Nero (10) & Santiago Stirling (3) MB Polo (20): HRH Matheen Bolkiah (0), Tomas Panelo (4), Polito Pieres (10) & Tommy Beresford (6)
Ayala, winners of The Royal Bliss Copa de Plata de Mediano Final
Polo Times, September 2019
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Victor Ludorum Update
Reports
Photograph by ©Mark Beaumont
Monterosso take home The Challenge Cup
Victor Ludorum Update It’s all action across the British Isles
W
e are slowly turning towards the twilight time of the British season, with clubs looking towards the end of the season and winding down their affairs, but in the Victor Ludorum, the past month has been nothing but exciting, with tournaments taking place across the length and breadth of the country. In the 18 goal, Cortium have secured the 2019 title, following their win in The Challenge Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club, but across the remaining five divisions, the top spot is still up for grabs. Snakebite are narrowly leading the charge in the 15 goal, whilst Confido lead in the 12 goal. Saracens are currently just 30 points ahead in the 8 goal, with only one tournament to go, whilst in the 6 goal CANI are in the top spot. In the 4 goal, Print on Demand and AVIAA are neck-and-neck in
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the top position at the time of going to press and finally, in the Victrix Ludorum, it’s all hail La Ruleta, who have recently overtaken Tarantula to hold first position.
18 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Challenge Cup Final – Sunday 4 August Number of teams: Five Winners: Monterosso Points: 80 In the last high goal match of Cowdray Park’s 2019 season, the Final of the historic Challenge Cup, first presented in 1911, was played between Jonathan Rothermere’s Ferne Park and Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso. Five frantic minutes of non-stop action opened the match until a lofty pass from
Ignacio Toccalino to José Ramon Araya resulted in the first goal for Monterosso. In the second chukka, Toccalino started the drive for the next goal, with Bartolomé Castagnola picking up the ball and sending it to Alessandro Bazzoni who finished the play with the team’s second goal. Once again Toccalino went on the attack accurately passing the ball to Bazzoni, but unfortunately the patron’s shot went wide. The Earl of Tyrone saved the next Monterosso attempt at goal and end-to-end play saw Tyrone’s own attempt at goal thwarted by Toccalino. Rodrigo Rueda swooped in to try and regain possession for Ferne Park, but fouled Castagnola in the process. A free hit sent the ball to Bazzoni via Castagnola and another great goal from the patron put 3-0 on the scoreboard for Monterosso. On the way Polo Times, September 2019
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Reports
Victor Ludorum Update
to Monterosso’s goal mouth Rueda left the ball for Tyrone who backed through a perfect shot to give Ferne Park their first goal, but from the throw-in, Toccalino and Castagnola had full possession of the ball taking it all the way to 4-1 to end the chukka. Shortly into the third chukka, Araya stole the ball from Tyrone, with Castagnola picking it up and making it 5-1 to Monterosso. His next attempt went wide giving Tyrone the chance to race off and pass to Joaquin Pittaluga in the hope of making it to the Monterosso goal, but the ever-present Castagnola snatched it away and was soon running through the posts again to make it 6-1 in Monterosso’s favour. Following a foul, a 30 yard penalty was awarded which Tyrone put through and the first half ended at 6-2 to Monterosso.
Tyrone stole the ball from under Castagnola’s stick and raced away to score to begin the second half. Hard and fast play continued with Toccalino playing to all of his 8 goals and Castagnola the expert back-up. Together they ran the ball again to Ferne Park’s goal mouth with Araya waiting to flick it through for a 7-3 scoreline. Ferne Park won the next throw-in, but in the tussle two consecutive whistles finally gave the side a much-needed penalty which Pittaluga accurately sent through from 40 yards. Castagnola raced off from the next throwin but lost the ball. Toccalino was on hand to see it between the posts and Monterosso ended the fourth chukka 8-4 ahead. The final chukka saw Rueda on the move from the off, fighting all the way to the goal mouth to pull one back for Ferne Park. Tyrone tried desperately for another goal but his
attempt went wide and following Toccalino bringing the ball back in, Bazzoni was set to carry it forward but was fouled in the process. Toccalino scored from the 40 yard penalty awarded and it was all over for Ferne Park, Monterosso victorious at 9-5. Mrs Emma McRae presented the trophy to a delighted Alessando Bazzoni and prizes to all players. The Most Valuable Player prize went to Ignacio Toccalino and the Best Playing Pony rug went to Merengada played by Jose Araya. The Challenge Cup Final Teams: Monterosso (18): Alessandro Bazzoni (1), José Ramon Araya (3), Bartolomé Castagnola (6) & Ignacio Toccalino (8) Ferne Park (18): Jonathan Rothermere (0), The Earl of Tyrone (5), Joaquin Pittaluga (7) & Rodrigo Rueda (6)
15 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Harrison Cup Final – Saturday 3 August Number of teams: 14 Winners: CPG Nightingale Points: 100
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Polo Times, September 2019
Photograph by ©Mark Beaumont
The Final of the 15 goal Harrison Cup is always the first to be played over Cowdray’s bumper Goodwood weekend and was an exciting contest which saw 14 teams compete, culminating in the title between Sally Turner’s CPG Nightingale and Momin Sheikh’s Berkeley Healthcare (BHC). Juan Gris Zavaleta made the opening goal for CPG Nightingale, his score swiftly answered by Matt Perry for BHC. Zavaleta’s next attempt went wide but he was accurate in his following attempt and also made the pass that enabled young Will Harper to make goal number three for CPG Nightingale. The second chukka started with a roll-in and the ball came out on a BHC stick. Jack Richardson went on the attack and a brilliant pick-up by Lachie Gilmore saw him send a mighty shot between the posts to pull a goal back for BHC. George Meyrick finished a hit towards goal by Zavaleta and once more CFG Nightingale had a two goal lead, but not for long. A goal from Matt Perry helped to close the gap and Richardson made the goal that levelled the scores on 4-4. In a terrific all-action chukka, another massive shot from Gilmore enabled BHC to take the lead, but their party was spoilt when Turner made an accurate pass to Zavaleta and the scores were equal again at 5-5 as the chukka closed. Harper’s talent came to the fore with two great goals in the third chukka, while BHC failed to make a dent on the scoreboard, with the first half ending 7-5 in CPG Nightingale’s favour. Within 15 seconds of the fourth chukka opening, Zavaleta had taken CPG Nightingale on to 8-5 and it wasn’t long before he was charging away again, his
CPG Nightingale win The Harrison Cup
attempt at goal finished off by Harper. Zavaleta’s huge shot downfield accurately landed with Turner who aimed, hit the goal post, the ball then trickling through to put her side into double figures at 10-5. Zavaleta obliged with another huge hit and it was seven goals on the trot for CPG Nightingale before a goal from Richardson saw the score at the end of the fourth chukka, 11-6. The final chukka saw a rally from BHC with goals from both Perry and Richardson, the latter. Gris Zavaleta finished off a blistering performance with two more
goals to give Turner’s CPG Nightingale side a commanding victory of 13-8 and unsurprisingly picked up the prize for Most Valuable Player. To round off his afternoon, Zavaleta’s pony Oli Vercera was awarded the rug for Best Playing Pony of the match. The Harrison Cup Final Teams: CPG Nightingale (15): Sally Turner (0), Will Harper (2), George Meyrick (6), Juan Griz Zavaleta (7) Berkeley Healthcare (15): Momin Sheikh (0), Lachie Gilmore (2), Matt Perry (6) & Jack Richardson (7) www.polotimes.co.uk
Victor Ludorum Update
Reports
12 Goal Victor Ludorum
Guards Polo Club – The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final – Sunday 18 August Number of teams: Eight Winners: White Crane Points: 90
8 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Holden White Final – Sunday 4 August Number of teams: 10 Winners: Maiz Dulce Points: 100
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White Crane win The Duke of Wellington Trophy
did not head home empty-handed though. He was named the Most Valuable Player, whilst Harper’s pony Lobster, an 11-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred, whom Harper had played in the final two chukkas of this match, was named The Images of Polo Best Playing Pony. Earlier in the day the Subsidiary Final had concluded, 7-6. This time it was Andrew Dechet and Alan Fall’s Kildare Dogs, one of eight teams that had entered this year’s
tournament, that came out best. They beat Gustav Rausing’s Tempest on The Duke’s Ground.
7-4 to Maiz Dulce, but a lovely shot from Fisher was picked up by Fine and the young patron scored just as the chukka came to a close. The fourth chukka saw plenty of effort from Sea Breeze, much of it spoilt by an ever-active Will Harper who was finally rewarded with a goal and a score of 8-5. Another attempt at goal by Clague failed as he was squeezed by Harper. Harrison came away with the ball and scored a lovely goal to take Maiz Dulce onto 9-5, the whistle blowing as yet another ball went between the posts a fraction too late.
Mrs Jenai Clague presented The Holden White Cup and prizes to all players. The Most Valuable Player of the match was Maiz Dulce’s John Martin and the Best Playing Pony award went to Neptune owned and played by Pedro Harrison.
The Duke of Wellington Final Teams: White Crane (12): Alexie Calvert-Ansari (0), Marcus Cork (1), Andrew Blake Thomas (4) & James Harper (7) Shoreline (12): Santiago de Estrada (6), Tunde Karim (0), Henry Porter (3) & Adolfo Casabal (3)
The Holden White Cup Final Teams: Maiz Dulce (6): Marcus Speed (0), Will Harper (2), John Martin (2) & Pedro Harrison (4) Sea Breeze (6): Wilf Fine (0), Angus Rowan-Hamilton (1), Nick Clague (3) & Henry Fisher (4)
Photograph by ©Mark Beaumont
10 teams entered the 2019 Holden White Cup at Cowdray Park, with Peter Barfoot’s Maiz Dulce reaching the Final to face Wilf Fine’s Sea Breeze. A lovely little flick through the posts from Pedro Harrison gave Maiz Dulce their first goal. He failed to capitalise from a 60 yard penalty, but the side continued to show great teamwork. Nick Clague scored for Sea Breeze before the chukka ended. The second chukka brought a trio of goals from Maiz Dulce’s John Martin before Henry Fisher’s hard work was rewarded and he could add a goal to Sea Breeze’s scoreline. Clague battled to increase it further but Martin managed to turn the ball and race off, lofting a big shot between the posts for his fourth goal of the chukka and 5-2 on the scoreboard for Maiz Dulce. In the second half Harrison continued to play strongly, but it was Martin who once again marked the scoreboard for Maiz Dulce. Fisher won the ball from the throwin, Clague picked it up but was fouled and a 40 yard penalty enabled Fisher to pull a goal back for Sea Breeze before shortly sending another one through to secure just a two goal gap. Harrison soon made it
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Alexie Calvert-Ansari’s White Crane team won The Duke of Wellington Trophy in a close fought match on 18 August, however they had to fight every inch of the way to wrestle victory from Tunde Karim’s Shoreline. The winning score was 7-6, but both teams struggled to gain a clear advantage at any time in the game. They had met in the league stages of the tournament – White Crane had won that match, 8-6 – but this Final was a much tougher affair. CalvertAnsari’s team was were leading 4-3 at half-time but Shoreline levelled, 5-5, at the end of the third chukka. Frasers England International and Queen’s Cup winning James Harper, gave White Crane the lead once again early in the fourth thanks to a penalty and then fired through a field goal soon after. Henry Porter found the flags for Shoreline just on the bell to close the gap once again, but this time it was too late and White Crane collected the trophy. Karim, who had a brilliant game at number two,
Maiz Dulce champion The Holden White Cup
Polo Times, September 2019
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Reports
Victor Ludorum Update
6 Goal Victor Ludorum
Kirtlington Park Polo Club – The Budgett Everett Trophy Final – Sunday 11 August Number of teams: Six Winners: CANI Points: 90
Photograph by Alan Lawrence
The 2019 Budgett Everett was a rollercoaster of a tournament. Six teams battled it out in the league stages for spots in the Semi Finals, with CANI being the only team to win all their league games. The weather kept the teams on their toes with heavy downpours and gale force winds to contend with through the week, but the elements were well handled by the players and close games ensued. The Final was set to be a rematch of a previous Victor Ludorum tournament, between CANI and Three Oceans. It was an absolute nail-bitter from start to finish, with both teams throwing everything into it, to be crowned this year’s Budgett Everett Trophy with prize sponsors Gospel Green Cyder Company. With four chukkas down, the two teams were equally matched on skill and some outstanding team and solo goals. The match went into a golden goal extra chukka. A full five and a half minutes were played and the crowd were on their feet, cheering at every attempt and some almost hoping for a
CANI win The Budgett Everett Trophy
getting off to a strong start with the score 3-0 at the end of the first chukka. The middle two chukkas were a much more even affair, but in the last, Killyfaddy Beef accelerated away with a trio of goals from Brook Bishop. The score at the final bell was Killyfaddy Beef 8 to Druids Lodge 4.
Druids Lodge Polo Club – The Druids Rose Bowl Final – Sunday 4 August Number of teams: Four Winners: TAMAC Points: 45 The 4 goal Victor Ludorum Druids Rose Bowl took place at the beginning of August with TAMAC and Property Makers making it to the Final on the Sunday. This was a very close game with TAMAC first to get on the scoreboard, but Property Makers were never far behind. A strong third chukka for Property Makers had the score at 3-3 going into the last. However, it wasn’t to be and a goal from TAMAC’s Chris Thome secured victory for his team, the final score 4-3. The Subsidiary Final was between Druids Lodge and Killyfaddy Beef, Killyfaddy Beef
The Druids Rose Bowl Final Teams: TAMAC (4): George Thome (-1), Christine Thome (1), Chris Thome (1) & Roddy Stanning (3) Druids Lodge (4): Vicky Woodhead (0), Jazz Stanhope-White (1), Johann Spendier (1) & Robin Ormerod (2) Cheshire Polo Club – The Junior County Cup Final – Sunday 14 July Number of teams: Two Winners: A.W Jenkinson Points: 35
Photograph courtesy of Druids Lodge Polo Club
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Polo Times, September 2019
Warm sunshine greeted spectators and players alike for the Final of The National 4 Goal Championship taking place on Sunday 14 July between A.W. Jenkinson and rivals Clinova for the sought-after Junior County Cup. A.W. Jenkinson quickly showed their superiority and by half-time were leading by 4-2. Although Charlie Walton scored and converted a penalty in the fourth chukka, Ben Malasomma sealed victory for A.W. Jenkinson by scoring late on to win by 7-4.
The Budgett Everett Trophy Final Teams: CANI (6): Louise Jebson (0), Celio Garcera (0), Jack Aldridge (1) & Matias Amaya (5) Three Oceans (6): Tim Rose (0), Lola Barlow (-1), Charlie Walton (3) & Nico Fontanarrosa (4)
Photograph courtesy of Cheshire Polo Club
4 Goal Victor Ludorum
TAMAC win The Druids Lodge Rose Bowl
Player and Best Playing Pony honours went to Nico Fontanarrosa and Aguilla a 10-yearold homebred from his polo DOC breeding operation in Argentina. Both were awarded this honour after three goals in quick succession at the start of the third chukka tied up the game going into the fourth.
sixth chukka and widened goals. However, a CANI attack started on the halfway point, close to the boards, followed by the pressure of a four player attack on the Three Oceans goal. It saw the ball cleared off the line illegally and the umpires had no choice but to award a spot hit to CANI – with a tap through to win the game Louise Jebson’s CANI were crowned once more victorious in the 6 goal Victor Ludorum series. The stand out performance throughout the tournament went to Lola Barlow and Celio Garcera who will undoubtedly see end of season handicap changes. The Most Valuable
A.W Jenkinson win The Junior County Cup
The Junior County Cup and prizes were presented to the winning team by Kanchan Tooray on behalf of the sponsors Parfums de Marly Paris and to George Smith the Most Valuable Player and to Best Playing Pony ‘Lolita’ owned and ridden by Charlie Walton. The BFSS Trophy Final was won by Three Oceans who beat Specsavers and Relay Engineering in an American Tournament. The Most Valuable Player was Paul Thomason and Rod Scammell’s ‘Wiggle’ won Best Playing Pony. The Junior County Cup Final Teams: A.W. Jenkinson (4): Katie Jenkinson (0 substituted by Oliver Conway-Johnson), George Smith (-1), Ben Malasomma (2) & Cristian Chaves (3) Clinova (4): Sally Schwartz (0), Issa Dasu Patel (0), Henry Smith (1) & Charlie Walton (3) www.polotimes.co.uk
Victor Ludorum Update
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
Victrix Ludorum
The 18 goal winners, La Ruleta
Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Cirencester Ladies 18 Goal Final – Saturday 3 August Number of teams: Four Winners: La Ruleta Points: 80
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The Cirencester Ladies 18 Goal Final Teams: La Ruleta (18): Alicia Woods (0), Olivia Uechtritz (3), Lucy Coddington (5) & Nina Clarkin (10) Tarantula (18): Celine Lawrence (2), Heloise Wilson-Smith (5), Jess Andrews (5) & Rosie Ross (6) Beaufort Polo Club – The Vault Aesthetica Ladies 12-18 Goal Final – Saturday 10 August Number of teams: Three Winners: La Ruleta Points: 70 The Final of The Vault Aesthetica Ladies 12-18 Goal started with less than pleasant weather. Yellow weather warnings were
issued throughout Gloucestershire, but despite the howling winds and torrential rain, the ladies were not put off and took to the field to battle it out for The Wood Trophy. La Ruleta were the first to open their account against Tarantula with a goal in the first chukka. A fierce ride-off between Olivia Lamphee and Nina Clarkin saw Lamphee take a tumble, but after a brief pause she remounted to help Tarantula level the score 1-1 in the second chukka. La Ruleta replied with a goal of their own, which was followed up with Lucy Coddington taking an impressive run to goal and leaving the finish to Clarkin making it 3-1. La Ruleta continued their streak with a further two goals and they were sitting comfortably at 6-1 in the third chukka. Tarantula finally found success with a hard hit to goal by Jess Andrews making it 6-2. Heloise WilsonSmith attempted to continue to claw back the deficit for Tarantula with another strike at goal, but it was swept away by Clarkin. La Ruleta were awarded a penalty, which Clarkin sent running along the ground to goal, but Tarantula knocked it wide. By this point the clouds had parted and the sun shone down as Coddington made it 7-2. Tarantula were offered a chance with a penalty, Wilson-Smith wound up and took her shot. For a second it looked certain to go straight through, but it just caught the edge of the goal post and went wide. In the fourth, Tarantula managed to notch up a third goal, but Clarkin once again chased the ball down the field, sending it to Olivia Uechtriz who neatly secured La Ruleta’s eighth goal. Despite having a mountain to climb, Tarantula dug deep and secured a team goal to bring it 8-4, then 8-5 with a penalty by Rosie Ross that was completed with a backhand by Lamphee. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to catch up and La Ruleta ran out the winners. This tournament was sponsored by Vault Aesthetica, a local aesthetic practice run by midwife Emma due to open in October, not far from the Beaufort Polo Club. The Dodson & Horrell Best Playing Pony went to Nina Clarkin’s Heidi, who received a branded rug, bag of feed and a free nutritional consultation.
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
The 18 goal Victrix Ludorum was the highlight match of a jampacked day of polo at Cirencester Park Polo Club. Despite the inclement weather, the field was holding and the teams ready for the off. La Ruleta were supremely well organised, having played together all season, and were well acquainted with how the others played. This was evident as the teams began their competition for the trophy. Alicia Woods, in her first season, has gone from strength to strength, very much belying her 0 goal handicap by scoring three goals in the first chukka and a half, with no answer from Celine Lawrence’s Tarantula, until Jess Andrews played a perfect backhand to Lawrence, who scored. Tarantula looked slightly outplayed and out-horsed at times, with the sheer quality of ponies under Nina Clarkin and Woods showing their class as they out-accelerated and out-turned the others. The second chukka saw Woods score again, followed by a goal from Lucy Coddington and one more to end the chukka, 5-1. Tarantula were under pressure to slow the relentless La Ruleta attacks and score some goals of their own going into the half-time break. The third chukka was something of a comeback for Tarantula, despite Coddington scoring twice in quick succession, increasing the lead to 6-1, then 7-1. Tarantula began to respond, with goals from Heloise WilsonSmith and Andrews, ending the chukka with a more hopeful scoreline, 7-3. In with a chance now, the pressure got to Tarantula, who conceded a penalty to
La Ruleta, converted by Clarkin, 8-3. The shoe was then on the other foot as Wilson-Smith then neatly scored a penalty for Tarantula, keeping the dream alive – but not for long. Clarkin scored another penalty, 9-4. Two more goals from Tarantula were too late – they closed the gap but ran out of time to do anymore, ending the game 9-6 to La Ruleta, much to the delight of Woods. “It was so much fun” she said, “and my ponies were just brilliant”.
Reports
The Vault Aesthetica winners, La Ruleta
Polo Times, September 2019
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Aspen Valley Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club
Argentario Polo Club
Casablanca win The United States Arena Handicap Polo Championship
The United States Arena Handicap Polo Championship Final Teams: Casablanca: Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini & Nic Roldan Flexjet: Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada & Juan Bollini The Mount Sopris Cup Final Teams: La Karina: Brian Boyd, Lauren Sherry, Carlitos Gracida & Sebastian Merlos Audi: Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Nacho Figueras & Fran Spinacci The 119th USPA Silver Cup Final Teams: Tonkawa: Jeff Hildebrand, Juan Martín Obregon, Sapo Caset & Mason Wroe Casablanca: Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Lucas Lalor & Nacho Novillo Astrada
Photograph courtesy of Argentario Polo Club
In the Final of The United States Arena Handicap Polo Championship at Aspen Valley Polo Club on Tuesday 6 August, Casablanca upset two-time defending champions Flexjet, to take home the winning honours. The young Casablanca team dominated from the off, ultimately winning 16-11. Grant Ganzi was named Most Valuable Player whilst Kik Kat, a seven-yearold mare played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada was named Best Playing Pony. In the Final of the second tournament of the summer season at Aspen Valley Polo Club, The Mount Sopris Cup, La Karina El Porteño win The XXXII Coppa d’Oro Monte Argentario Alberto Galantino Trophy
Beaufort Polo Club Photograph by Gordon Lindsay
On Sunday 28 July, the Final of The XXXII Coppa d’Oro Monte Argentario Alberto Galantino Trophy took place at Argentario Polo Club in Italy. Five teams competed in the tournament, including the British Great Oaks side, but at the end of the four day event, El Porteño came out the ultimate winners. Next up, the Club will welcome teams for the XII Coppa Italia F.I.S.E 4-6 goal tournament.
defeated Audi in an 11-10 overtime victory. Sebastian Merlos was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Rebecca, a 12-year-old mare owned by Melissa Ganzi and played by Fran Spinacci, was named Best Playing Pony. On Sunday 11 August, tournament favourites Tonkawa won The 119th USPA Silver Cup, 15-10 against rivals Casablanca. Argentine 10 goaler Sapo Caset was named Most Valuable Player.
The Bat Cup Winners
The Bat Cup Final Teams: Senzaltro (10): Jules Vanvegchel (0), Luke Wiles (2), James Emlyn (2) & Mark Tomlinson (6) DWF Polo Team (9): Steffan Groch (-1), Charlie Walton (3), Luke Tomlinson (6) & Henry Smith (1) The Whatley Manor Non-Playing Members Babdown Cup Tournament Final Teams: Tafia Mafia (10): Dom David (0), Sebastian Chialvo (2), David Allen (4) & Tom Beim (4) Senzaltro (10): Jules Vanvegchel (0), Marcus Speed (0), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Olly Tuthill (4)
Asthall Farm & Kencot
Senzaltro defeated DWF Polo Team 8-4 in the Final of The 10 goal Bat Cup and Tafia Mafia defeated Senzaltro in the Final of The Whatley Manor Non-Playing Members Babdown Cup Tournament on Sunday 11 August.
On 27 July, Asthall Farm & Kencot held an exhibition match with two teams, Remain and Leave, taking part in the match. The Remain team were victorious 4-1, with the match followed by a Dog Show and Tug of War.
Cirencester Park Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Lynda Walker
The Remain team defeated the Leave team at Asthall & Kencot
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Polo Times, September 2019
The RJ Polo Jack Williams Cup Final Teams: Los Chinos (4): Alison Clark (-1), Stephen Hutchinson (0), Ed Walker (1) & Tom Beim (4) Virgo Stone (4): Kevin Greenleaves (0), Oli Fanshawe (0), Jack Aldridge (1) & Michael Howe (3)
Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
In the Final of The RJ Polo Jack Williams Cup on Sunday 11 August, Los Chinos defeated Virgo Stone 5-4.
Los Chinos take home The RJ Polo Jack Williams Cup
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Binfield Heath Polo Club On Sunday 28 July, Binfield Heath Polo Club hosted their annual Charity Day, with six matches across six different handicaps taking place throughout the day alongside hospitality and family activities. The results were as follows: 0 Goal: Prosperity defeated Pharma Finance, 7-6. Most Valuable Player – Katie McDonald and BPP Flea, owned by McDonald 2 Goal: Ausherra defeated Scot’s Farm, 5-4. Most Valuable Player – Tasha Oakhett and BPP Argentine, owned by Tom Swerling
6 goal teams
15 goal
4 Goal: BHPC defeated Sapphire/Acid Jazz, 7-4½. Most Valuable Player – Necu Atawoodi and BPP Rosita, owned by Tommy Llorens 6 Goal: Belina defeated Sola Gropu, 6-2. Most Valuable Player – Mark Emerson and BPP Prince, owned by Greg Keyte 8 Goal: Wildcats defeated Bolebec, 2-2½. Most Valuable Player – Andrew Burk and Polo Times BPP Play Boy, owned by Michael Mylonas 15 Goal: Coppid Owls defeated Tresbury Farm 6-5½. Most Valuable Player – Tristan Phillimore and BPP Toro, owned by Satnam
8 goal teams
Play Boy
Prince
Club Focus
Dhillon. What’s more, in the Final of The De Havilland Chambers Trophy on Sunday 4 August, Wildcats defeated Belina. Furthermore, in the Final of The Chairman’s Cup on Sunday 11 August, Knightsbridge defeated Doyen Financial 7-4 to take home the trophy. Edwin MorrisLowe was named Most Valuable Player and Tanguera, owned by Lisa Spiers was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours. The Chairman’s Cup Final Teams: Knightsbridge (3): Brent Sanders (-2), Benji Hickman (0), Marcus Collie (2) & Ed Morris-Lowe (3) Doyen Financial (3): Katie MacDonald (0), Peter Hugh Smith (0), Lisa Spiers (0) & Roddy Matthews (3)
15 goal teams
Toro
Cambridge County Polo Club Pony, whilst the Most Valuable Player award went to Francis Molineux. In the second Final of the day, Mansfield defeated Dervento 5-3½ to take home The Antonio Salver honours. Mansfield Captain Victor Chua worked very hard to bring victory to his team alongside 1 goal lynchpin Jaspar Upton. The Dervento team saw the debut of a number of players, who substituted in throughout the match.
The Anthony Camplin Cup Final Teams: Zhivago (2): Laura Shumiloff (-1), Ed Whitechurch (0), Fabio Lavinia (3) & Salvador Arrastua (0) Galleys Farm (0): Belinda Schofield (-1), Francis Molineux (1), Katie Jordan (-1) & Jasper Upton (1) The Antonio Salver Tournament Final Teams: Mansfield: Brian Tyler (-1), Victor Chua (-1), Dominic Wright (-1) & Jaspar Upton (1) Dervento: SJ McEwan (-1), Philip Storr (-1), Judy Storr (-1), Lydia Le-Gatt (-1), Toby Le-Gatt (-1) & Byron Human (1)
Photography by nataliefreephotography.co.uk
On Sunday 4 August, Cambridge County Polo Club hosted the Finals of The Anthony Camplin Cup 2 Goal and Antonio Salver 0 Goal Tournaments. Anthony Camplin and his family organised this tournament to honour his contribution to polo and to mark his retirement after a major polo accident breaking his pelvis in May of 2018. In the very competitive 2 Goal Final, Zhivago defeated Galleys Farm 6-2½. Bruito, played by Ed Whitechurch was named Best Playing
Mansfield take home The Antonio Salver Final honours
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Zhivago win The Anthony Camplin Cup
Polo Times, September 2019
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
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Edgeworth Polo Club Over the weekend of 3 August, Bluestone Dutch, Tom Beim (4), Miguel Delia (4), Jerry Slager(-1) and Pauline Rushton (-1), succeeded in winning The 6 Goal Championship. The Club also celebrated the summer with their inaugural Edgefest, with plenty of celebrations – we hear rumours of an Edgefest 2020!
Photograph courtesy of Edgeworth Polo Club
Dundee & Perth Polo Club
Bluestone Dutch, winners of The 6 Goal Championship Sunday 1st September 2019 First chukka 11 o'clock, lunch served at 12.30
Dundee and Perth Polo Ground, Errol Park, Perthshire PH2 7RD
Buy tickets here
Tickets include a reception drink, lunch & half bottle of wine
£35pp
Supporting Riding for the Disabled Association Charity no: (No SC039473)
On Monday 29 July at Greenwich Polo Club, Postage Stamp Farm defeated Reelay, 9-8, in the Final of the inaugural American Cup. Annabelle Gundlach’s Floridian team also picked up the MVP and BPP honours, with Martin Gandara receiving the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst Tomas García del Rio’s pony Giudadana was named Best Playing Pony.
Photograph by Peter T Michaelis
On Sunday 1 September, Dundee & Perth Polo Club will be hosting the Scottish Polo at 50 event, celebrating 50 years of polo in Scotland, in aid of the RDA. The day will consist of two League matches of different handicap levels, with players from across Scotland invited to participate. Tickets are available now and include a reception drink, lunch and half a bottle for just £55. For more information, please email georgydm@hotmail.com
Greenwich Polo Club
Postage Stamp Farm win the inaugural American Cup
Guards Polo Club
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
In the Final of The Crawford Cup, Tex8n Polo defeated Mad Dogs/Wall Design 7-6 to take home the honours. In the Subsidiary Final, Los Alquimistas/Home Farm came out the victors 6-5 over Harum Scarum. In the Final of The Town & County Championship on Sunday 11 August, Carisbrooke defeated Previse, 7-5. The Chairman of Guards Polo Club, Mr Brian Stein, would like to inform all members, sponsors and stakeholders that the CEO,
Guards Polo Club has announced that Neil Hobday will leave Guards at the end of this season
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Neil Hobday, has decided to leave the Club at the end of the season. Neil arrived in June 2011 and has been instrumental in improving the grounds, delivering the grounds at Flemish Farm and securing the grounds at Coworth Park. The financial performance of the Club has seen steady growth and the clubhouse hospitality has been a great success under Mosimann’s management. Neil would like to add the following: “I am very proud of my nine seasons at Guards, I made a lot of friends and I look forward to coming back to Smith’s Lawn to watch the best polo on the best fields. I must thank Brian and his fellow directors for their support and encouragement during my time here.” The Club continues to push forward its ambitious plans for grounds development and as always seeks to improve all operational areas. Brian adds: “We wish Neil and his family a successful and prosperous future and look forward to welcoming Neil back in the years ahead as a member” Neil will attend his last official function at the Chairman’s Awards Dinner.
The Crawford Cup Final Teams: Tex8n Polo (4): Mindi Byrne (0), Emanuel Arber (0), Will Melvile-Smith (1) & Nico San Romàn (3) Mad Dogs/Wall Design (4): Alan Fall (0), Oliver Powell (2), Segundo Darritchon (2) & Octavio Pinto (0) The Town & County Championship Final Teams: Carisbrooke (9): Peter Webb (5), Ludo Ephson (2), Max Rumsey (0) & Patrick Ephson (2) Previse (8): Stefan Sund (0), Hugo Taylor (2), Nick Pepper (4) & Luke Wiles (2)
Tex8n Polo take home The Crawford Cup honours
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T EC AR F R YE s PE AP 25 G R E R FO UND &
ESTANCIA EL ROCIO
POLO WISE LEARN. WORK. PLAY. From Mandy & Nico at La Rosada Polo Team in the UK:
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Polo Times, September 2019
45
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Ham Polo Club The historic Hurlingham Perpetual Challenge Cup took place at Ham Polo Club on Sunday 11 August, in which the two teams fought admirably for possession. With the scores even in the fourth chukka, it came down to the final moments, but a last minute goal from Ed Courage took home the trophy for the Hurlingham team. The Hurlingham Perpetual Challenge Cup Final Teams: Hurlingham (4): Lindsay Smallbone (0), Simon Chamberlain (1), Ed Courage (1) & Gus Prentice (2) Ham Polo Club (4): Jinni FeatherstoneWitty (-1), Hugo Davis (1), Benjie Davis (2) & Will Healy (2)
Photograph courtesy of Ham Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of The Outside Organisation
The historic Hurlingham Perpetual Challenge Cup was played last weekend
Ham Polo Club welcomed guests and players for the second annual Lux Afrique Polo Day
New Forest Polo Club
Photography courtesy of New Forest Polo Club
Anybody who went to New Forest Polo Club’s feature Blue Jackets tournament of the season, over the weekend of 17 – 18 August, was able to enjoy some of the best polo seen all season, with visiting teams and players taking on the locals on both days. The lower level 0 goal tournament Final, for The Cadnam Cup was won by Coombe Place Ladies who were victorious over the locally based Hurst Marine team. The winning team, which has had a very successful season around the country in womens polo, were able to use their extensive experience as a team, to gain the edge over the boys. On Sunday 18 August, both the higher level 4 goal Finals were close affairs. In the
Maiz Dulce, winners of The Blue Jackets Cup
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Polo Times, September 2019
Subsidiary Final for The Gieves Cup, Stitched Kit gained a well-earned victory over the visiting Fyfield Flyers. In the Final, The Blue Jackets Cup was won by Maiz Dulce, who ran out the winners over the local Coombe Place team in a fast and furious game. The whole weekend was sponsored by Rathbone Brothers Investment Managers, with long term Club supporters St. Magnus Healthcare sponsoring the two Coombe Place teams. Dayna Waechter was judged to be Most Valuable Player in The Cadnam Cup and long term Club stalwart Simon Jackson took the honours in The Blue Jackets Final. In The Cadnam Cup, the Best Playing Pony Award went to Cam, played by Lottie
Photograph courtesy of Sarah Wiseman
On Saturday 3 August, Ham Polo Club welcomed the second annual Lux Afrique Polo Day. A sea of well-heeled guests, sporting their best African inspired outfits, turned out at the Club for a day of polo fun, with a match accompanied by African cuisine, a shopping lounge and entertainment on the sidelines. On the field, Team Africa narrowly defeated Team Rudo, 4-3, with the Most Valuable Player award going to Louise Brown and the Best Playing Pony rug to Illuminado. Furthermore, a Best Dressed award was also handed out to the worthy spectators. The event was held in aid of the Malaika charity, an initiative to bring education, water and health to the poorest communities in The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Knepp Castle Polo Club
TLC Unlimited/LBF (Andew Porter, Jamie Murray, Nick Clague & Will Brasher)
Over the weekend of 10 – 11 August, Knepp Castle hosted The Evolution 2 Goal Tournament. Four teams battled it out, but in a very close Final TLC Unlimited/LBF ran out the winners 5-4 against Hickstead/Highden.
Lamacraft, and Poppy played by Roddy Stanning took the eye of those looking on in The Gieves Cup. The Cadnam Cup Final Teams: Coombe Place Ladies: Sophie Kenna, Sammi Luff, Dayna Waechter & Lottie Lamacraft Hurst Marine: George Williams, Jason Crane, Jeff Picksley & Mark Deacon The Blue Jackets Cup Final Teams: Maiz Dulce: Noah Hyde, Simon Jackson, John Martin & Derreck Bratley Coombe Place: Nii White, Kayleigh Blackwell, Mark Deacon & Jack Berner
Coombe Place Ladies win The Cadnam Cup
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Polo Club Polo Club Saint-Tropez du Domaine de Chantilly Photograph courtesy of Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly
On Sunday 11 August, the Finals of The Cote d’Azur 10 and 18 goal Tournaments took place at Polo Club Saint-Tropez. Chateau d’Aulne took home the 18 goal honours, 10-7, against Las Plantas, whilst in the 10 goal category, Amanara defeated Dark Ice 10-4½.
The 18 Goal Cote d’Azur Final Teams: Chateau d’Aulne (17): Fabio Meier (1), Marcos Harriott (3), Agustín García Grossi (7) & Nito Uranga (6) Las Plantas (17): Matías Nigoul (4), Peter Kis (0), Tete Fanelli (4) & Nico Pieres (9) The 10 Goal Cote d’Azur Final Teams: Amanara (10): Marcos Harriott (3), Nicky Sen (-1), Jeanine Hugo (1) & Santiago Chavanne (7) Dark Ice (9): Helen Goddard-Watts (-1), Martijn Van Scherpenzeel (1), Santiago Zubiaurre 95) & Juan Martín García Laborde (4) Photography courtesy of Polo Club Saint-Tropez
The Open de France de Polo 2019 will be a highlight of the French season
Between the 7 – 22 September, The Open de France de Polo 2019 will take place at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly in France. On the Finals day, lucky guests will see not one, but two high-octane matches, with The Ladies’ French Open Final taking place at 11.30am, followed by The Paprec French Open Final at 3pm. For more information, please visit www.poloclubchantilly.com A full report from The French Open will be featured in a future issue of Polo Times.
Photography courtesy of Polo Wicklow
Polo Wicklow
LHK Polo win The Two Horse Trophy, whilst Work Pal take home The ME Herbst Perpetual Cup
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Amanara win the 10 goal
Rugby Polo Club
Warwickshire-based Rugby Polo Club have announced their 20192020 season. Play will continue on grass through September with The Casa Loco Cup on 9 – 10 September and end with The Toft Triathlon on 29 September, whilst play in the arena will commence on 26 October with The Lagrima Trophy. The arena season will continue until the beginning of March 2020.
Rutland Polo Club On Sunday 11 August two Finals took place at Rutland Polo Club. Firstly, The Sandicliffe Cup, sponsored by the Woodhouse family, saw Holmefield beat Marstons, 6-3½. The Best Playing Pony rug was presented to Beau, which was played by Marston’s Milo MarlowThomas in the first chukka. Ed Winterton showed off to spectators with some great close at hand play, but a number of misses too! Following a deluge of rain, The Hartopp Trophy Final saw Print on Demand win 5½-5 against Deane Bank. Martin Reason was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours for two amazing goals for Deane Bank. The Sandicliffe Cup Final Teams: Holmefield (-1): Camilla Ross-Wilson (-1), Alex Ross-Wilson (-1), Ed Winterton (2) & Paul Girdham (-1) Marstons (-3): Simon Marlow-Thomas (-1), Claire Durrant (-2), Alex Telfer (0) & Milo Marlow-Thomas (0)
The Hartopp Trophy Final Teams: Print on Demand (1): Andy Cork (0), Amy Leggett (-1), Stuart Beetles (2) & Vicky Griffin (0) Deane Bank (2): Andrew Collie (-1), Martin Reason (0), Tom Collie (2) & Rob Shearman (1)
Photograph courtesy of Rutland Polo Club
In late July, at Ballyhenry Polo Fields, three teams competed for The Two Horse Trophy 4 goal tournament. Following two tough days of play, LHK came out on top with their final 5-4½ win over Pegus. In the Final of The ME Herbst Perpetual Cup, which took place alongside, The Two Horse Trophy, newcomer Ian Megahey’s Work Pal team were victorious with a 10½-8 final score over El Nino.
Chateau d’Aulne win The 18 Goal Cote d’Azur Cup
Print on Demand pick up The Hartopp Trophy honours
Polo Times, September 2019
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Women’s Polo
International & Home
Zambia vs Kenya 2019 “This year has been a very exciting year for polo in Zambia, so far our men’s and ladies’ teams have competed at home and away in Kenya. We are awaiting the arrival of the School Boy’s teams from Kenya and Florida to take on our Zambians from 22 – 24 August at the time Polo Times goes to press. “Kenya pulled out all the stops for our Zambian girls, taking them on game drives to see the white and black rhinos, hacks around the farm, sunsets at the top of hills overlooking a picture perfect scenery, a trip to see the local beading factory where all the beads are handmade and the best part, gin tasting! “The Zambian team toured to Kenya in July to take on the Kenyan Ladies in a one day Test Match. The first two days, the girls were split up into different Kenyan teams to play a small women’s tournament and then on the final day, Sunday 21 July, they played in their international teams. Starting at number one, Megan Viljoen (4), playing at two and the Captain of the Zambian side, Pammy Greenshields (4), Tiki Brown at three (5) and Nunu Henderson playing a defensive four (3). “After some unexpected rain on the Saturday evening before the big game on Sunday, the Kenyans assured us that, “the
Photography courtesy of Kenyan News Reporters/Megan Viljoen
Megan Viljoen reports from Kenya
Zambia & Kenya took part in a one day Test Match
field will be just fine”, and sure enough they were right. The match started around lunchtime on Sunday afternoon and
the teams played from scratch with no advantages, despite the Zambians being a little lower in handicap. The girls battled it out on the field in a five chukka game making sure to half chukka all their horses so they constantly had fresh legs. The game was an intense and fast match, leaving no dramatic leads to the oppositions. When the final siren sounded, the game ended with the Kenyan ladies leading by two goals, leaving the field with a win of 8-6. “The girls were mounted on horses that gave our horsepower in Zambia a run for its money. All the ponies were well turned out and all were in immaculate condition! It was great to see the girls so happy with the horses they were given and as they were able to play to their best of their ability which made for a fair test match. “The hospitality of the Kenyans made the girls feel right at home and they all said what an incredible tour they had. Zambia will be looking forward to the next time we meet on the field against our fellow Kenyan friends.
“The only way to have a friend is to be one” Ralph Waldo Emerson The hospitality of the Kenyans made the visitors feel right at home
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Polo Times, September 2019
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages To read about the results from the ongoing Victrix Ludorum, please turn to our Reports pages
International & Home
5 minutes with…
Mimi Figgins Ladies Handicap: 1 Mixed Handicap: -1 How did your polo career start? My family has no horsey history, nevertheless, I got my first pony and started riding when I was about fiveyears-old. I did all things Pony Club: show jumping, eventing, showing, etc, but never polo. I had no idea it was something I could ever do. Then sixyears-ago, I came across an advert for a Have-A-Go-Day at Taunton Vale Polo Club (TVPC). I took part on Saturday, became a member on Sunday and got my first polo pony (for free) by the following weekend! I completely converted and haven’t looked back since. The idea of doing a XC course now petrifies me! What’s your greatest achievement to date? Winning the wooden spoon at TVPC for being consistently late to polo! Nothing great to date, but I’m working on it! This summer has been pretty good. After two seasons in Argentina, I’m feeling some improvement and enjoying the game even more. I took part in ladies’ tournaments, travelled to different clubs, lots of wins, including Black Bears 12 goal, and all on two ponies! What’s your greatest ambition? I have a lot, though probably too ambitious to reveal! In terms of polo, I’d just love to get a couple more ponies, a lorry, become a better player and thereby have more opportunity to play in both mixed and ladies’ polo. I would also add that since I started polo, some of the
stories I’ve heard or experienced have been so entertaining that maybe I’ll pen the next Jilly Cooper polo-based book – or 50 Shades of Bay? Which lady players do you admire? Why? All the high goal ladies. I love following women’s polo. I particularly enjoy watching Candelaria Fernandez Araujo. She has a lot of flair and is very handy on the ball, something to envy in a female player, especially as she is so young. I must add Heloise Wilson-Smith. I played with her this summer and I really admire her attitude towards the game. She is a fabulous sportswoman. She keeps fit and healthy, always training and trying to improve her game. What’s your favourite tournament/Club? The Women in Polo summer league – it is really inclusive and great for meeting other players, visiting different clubs etc. I’ve mostly been to clubs in the UK or Argentina, but Ayala in Sotogrande definitely stood out. Great pitches, great views, great restaurant, plus air con in the stables! Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I enjoy both, for different reasons, but ultimately prefer mixed polo as it is usually more open and flowing. However, I do seem to get more competitive when playing ladies’ polo. Perhaps because I consider myself more equal and therefore more effective, rather than battling for the ball alongside a strong male player who can send it from the centre line!
Women’s Polo
Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? As polo is one of the few patron-based sports, it’s always going to be expensive to play but I would like to see more affordable polo. It is great that ladies’ polo is expanding and becoming more accessible with so many tournaments, but it is still difficult into to get as a low goal player without recourse to a large bank balance! I would definitely love to play in more games, but in some cases this would involve paying between £2,000-£4,000 per weekend for even a low goal tournament. I believe it has been suggested there is a cap on pro fees for low goal games, and maybe this would work, but it’s definitely a tricky one. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? The two Castagnola brothers – everyone is talking about them! I have seen them play at both Guards and Cowdray; they seem completely fearless, always making bold risky moves, like playing nearside on the back of the mallet across the opposition’s goal in full gallop. Yet they both appear so calm and confident – pretty impressive for their age. I would pair them with Hilario Ulloa and Sapo Caset both of whom I saw play in Argentina. They were brilliant to watch and threw a great after-party with unlimited free alcohol – Vamos Las Monjitas! “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My driver… aka mum. Mum has also forgotten the life that exists outside horses at the weekend. Also, my ponies of course! And to all ponies who double chukka. They play their hearts out!
Deauville Ladies Polo Cup Deauville International Polo Club hosted its first Final of 2019 on Saturday 10 August – The Fifth Ladies Polo Cup. Four 14 goal teams from across the globe took part, with Brok Café the overall winners, defeating Folie Douce 9-5 in the Final. Meanwhile, in the Subsidiary Final, Les Filles Du Pacha took home third place with a 6-2½ win over Maison Décalé.
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Photograph by Sandrine Carole
The Ladies Polo Cup Final Teams: Brok Café (14): Françoise Okala (0), Ambre Ploix (1), Clara Cassino (7) & Rebecca Walters (6) Folie Douce (11): Isabel Milojevic (0), Sabrina Bosch (3), Marie Luise Haupt (3) & Ginevra d’Orazio (5) The Ladies Polo Cup Subsidiary Final Teams: Les Filles Du Pacha (11): Marion Ambrosetti (0), Romane Jamet (2), Maria Laura Gimenez (6) & Lavinia Fabre (3) Maison Décalé (10): Carole Muir (0), Annita Van Der Hoeven (1), Alice Servaes (3) & Izzy McGregor (6) Brok Café, winners of The Fifth Ladies Polo Cup Polo Times, September 2019
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Women’s Polo
International & Home
Black Bears 12 & 18 Goal “The continuing interest in women’s polo has resulted in clubs across the country doing their best to provide polo to cater for this need, but has undoubtedly caused some congestion in the calendar. In the case of Black Bears, the 12 goal and 18 goal tournaments were moved from August to June, but in order to not conflict with Victrix Ludorum tournaments, the request was made to truncate both into a six day period. As entries came in, it became evident that factoring in nine teams into six days with at least three games each, across two tournaments with a number of teams and players committed to both, was going to be a mathematical impossibility – especially given that so many of the players work full time to fund their polo and therefore the no play dates due to work and family commitments were fairly complex! In the event, the draw was finalised to everyone’s satisfaction and teams came to Black Bears and were delighted to find immaculately presented grounds enabling them to really open up their game. “With five teams battling it out for the honours in the 18 goal, it was always going to be a tough competition. Tarantula showed good early form to power through against Team Tonic and held their own against La Ruleta in their first round to concede 3-4. However, the well-organised and well-mounted La Ruleta team were very impressive against Access Bank and continued to hold their form in the Final against Tarantula. They eventually won 7-5 with teams taking it in turns to score throughout each chukka, but the goals slotted away in the second and third chukka by Nina Clarkin meant that Tarantula were not able to get ahead.
Photography courtesy of Lisa Hughes
Lisa Hughes reports from Black Bears
12 Goal finalists Polo Quarterly & Carlton House
“In the Subsidiary Final the competition was tighter than the final score would suggest with Team Tonic running out the winners against Pink Power by 6-3½. “The Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Clarkin’s homebred eight-year-old Red Band and in the Subsidiary Final Kirstie Otamendi’s California took the award. “The Most Valuable Player was awarded to Heloise Wilson-Smith with Izzy McGregor being given it for her sterling performance in the Subsidiary Final. “The 12 goal was no less fiercely contested and with the Finals following straight on from the 18 goal, Alice Servaes, Celine Lawrence and Rosie Ross had a swift turn around to get back out onto the field to fight it out. For the second year in a row, Polo Quarterly emerged triumphant after a thrilling game with goals galore, giving
them a 7-4 win over Carlton House, and in the Subsidiary Final Twyford edged the win ahead of Tarantula. “Alice Servaes’ wonderful old champion Nevadito was awarded his first Best Playing Pony rug at the age of 17 and Alice’s 13 year partnership with him was evident, with the judges saying that they were both simply outstanding in the second chukka and consequently awarding her Most Valuable Player. In the Subsidiary Final the award went to another grey, Alicia Woods’ GPS, bred by Pité Merlos and by Granado out of Solitaria. “Despite the complications of the draw it was an absolute pleasure to host both tournaments and to see the fields at Black Bears being so greatly enjoyed and plans are being made to both tournaments bigger and better for 2020!”
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Polo Times, September 2019
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HANDICAPS
The Ultimate Conundrum ARGENTINA REIGN Triumph at The Coronation Cup PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSH Young Guns Unite IPS
HANDICAPS rum The Ultimate Conund ARGENTINA REIGNtion Cup Triumph at The Corona PIONSHIPS PONY CLUB CHAM Young Guns Unite PLUS: Interview with
Alfredo Bigatti, Sotogrande
HANDICAPS The Ultimate Conu ndru PLUS: Interview
with Alfredo Bigatti,
Sotogrande Update
& Victor Ludorum
Update
m ARGENTINA REIG Triumph at The Coro N nation Cup PONY CLUB CHA Young Guns Unite MPIONSHIPS
Update & Victor Ludorum
Update
PLUS: Interview with
Alfredo Bigatti, Sotogra nde Update & Victor
Ludorum Update
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
International & Home
IV Ladies First Polo Cup Photograph by Club de Polo Ampurdan
Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club
Sotogrande Success
Women’s Polo
Rhone Hill, winners of the 2019 Campeonato de Polo Femenino de España
Between 12 – 14 July, Santa María Polo Club hosted the 2019 Campeonato de Polo Femenino de España, which saw five teams between 14-17 goals compete. The first day of the tournament saw wins for Marengo, El Abero and Rhone Hill. Rhone Hill’s success continued the following day, Saturday 13 July, with Marengo and Tarantula also securing wins. Marengo and Rhone Hill arrived at the Final with a tied number of points, but on Sunday morning
Rhone Hill secured a 7½-3 win over Marengo. The 2019 Campeonato de Polo Femenino de España Final Teams: Rhone Hill (16): Lia Salvo (9), Siobhan Herbst (4), Beanie Bradley (2) & Jemima Heffron (1) Marengo (17): Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10), Rebecca Walters (6), Ines Vandeputte (1) & Sonia Pim Couling (0)
Teams and supporters celebrating a successful weekend of polo
On 27 and 28 July, Club de Polo Ampurdan hosted three teams taking part in The IV Ladies First Polo Cup. After some fierce competition, La Julia were the overall winners after defeating CP Ampurdan and Hotel Mas Bosch 152, with Sofia Schonlau chosen as the Most Valuable Player.
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All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, September 2019
51
Women’s Polo
International & Home
Colombia – A Destination for Women’s Polo Katriona Shrives
spoke to Polo Times about women’s polo in Columbia
Los Pinos Clubhouse
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Polo Times, September 2019
Photography courtesy of Katriona Shrives
WIP vs Columbia Tournament teams
“One thing you immediately notice about playing here is the altitude. A gentle canter from one end of the field to the other will get you wondering what happened to all that oxygen! After a few days practice you get used to it and the real fun can begin. “The girls played in a round-robin tournament on the first day of the tournament allowing all the girls at the time to have a go at playing. We managed to get together two Colombian teams, though some of the girls were very new to playing, but it was great to get them on the field. On the second day we had a thrilling game where the best of Colombia took on the UK. It was a fantastic game with all the girls playing hard. After a hard fought four chukkas the UK team came out on top. “Not only did we have a lot going on on the field, but we also got to spend time getting to know Colombia, exploring the countryside and being entertained by the players. “When we were there earlier this year, we saw another ladies’ tournament where there were five strong ladies teams playing a good level of polo. There were also ladies playing in the 8 and 10 goal holding their own against the boys. It’s amazing to see such progression. This has come from a passion for polo and to progress the game to everyone. “Andrea Quintero is now Colombia’s best female player. She plays off a good 1 goal and has been part of the Colombian ladies’ polo scene since the beginning. She has played in Argentina and Mexico and is one of the driving forces behind ladies’ polo in Colombia. She said, ‘Women’s polo in Colombia has grown incredibly over the last few years with most tournaments attracting five to six teams. We hope to see it grow more over the next few years and hope to attract players from other countries to play with us and show them our beautiful country.’
“During our last trip we also played at another Club closer to Bogota, it’s got plenty of fun polo, four full-sized fields and another beautiful Clubhouse. After the polo we drove a couple of hours to another spot called Villetta. Colombia’s temperature is dictated by the altitude and not the seasons, so a few hours’ drive down and you are hit by almost tropical conditions. Here we were able to relax for a few days post polo. We went off to explore sugar cane farms and rode through rivers on tiny criollo horses. This is the real Colombia that is rarely accessible and makes the experience that much more special. We also headed to the coast to swim in the Caribbean sea and play in the jungle. Every time we go back there are new things to see and places to explore. “Andrea and Katriona are planning a ladies’ week to include a tournament in February of 2020. We hope it will be possible to attract more ladies from around the world to join us. If you are interested in details, you can contact Katriona via AdAstra Adventures for more details – www.adastraadventures.com”
Photograph by Mayra Naum
“Colombia is not a destination many people would associate with polo, but after another incredible few weeks playing there, it’s fair to say this is a destination people need to discover. During this two week escape we played polo in Bogota, rode through incredible countryside and explored Caribbean beaches in the North. What is most exciting to see is how much the polo scene has grown since our first trip there four-yearsago, especially for the women of Colombia. “Our first Colombian adventure saw us teaming up with Women in Polo (WIP) to take a team of UK ladies out to compete against the best of the Colombian ladies. At the time women were only just starting to play there and it was very rare to see them mix in with the men. “Our team consisted of Jess Andrews, Robyn Evans, Clare MacNamara and India Hall. None of the girls had ever played polo in Colombia, but many of them had played in other destinations around the world. One of the first things you find when you arrive in Colombia is the hospitality of your hosts is second to none. They are passionate about everything they do, whether that is playing polo or finding you the best places to dance in Bogota. “We stayed in local players’ country houses and we played polo at the Bogota Polo Club which is about an hour outside of Bogota. This is a members only Club and we were incredibly privileged to be invited to play. The Club has seven full sized fields that are all perfectly manicured, 700 stables and one of the best Clubhouses I have ever seen. It is surrounded by stunning polo farms where many of the players stay from Thursday to Sunday during the season, on these days you can find polo happening on all the fields and you can sit back and watch while sipping on a glass of wine in the Clubhouse.
A ladies’ week of polo is planned for 2020
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
Youth Photography by Ellie Cooper Photography
Youth Reigns Supreme The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
W
hat would the summer be without the annual Pony Club pilgrimage to Cowdray Park Polo Club? The highlight of the youth polo season was once again awash with junior polo talent from the far-flung corners of the British Isles during three days of exciting competition in the heart of West Sussex in early August. In true British form, the hardy young players, and their parental entourages, were treated to all four seasons over the course of the qualifying days, but with glorious sunshine in our midst on Finals day, there couldn’t have been a better scene for those riding out in search of Pony Club victory. In a change to the usual format, the Jorrocks Division Final began proceedings on Saturday 10 August, this year at Cowdray Park alongside the older divisions. It was a great start to the Finals, with the Beaufort Hunt showing their mettle against their rivals, scooping up the ultimate prize. The following day, the Finals of the Surtees, Handley Cross, Langford, Loriner/Rendell and Gannon Divisions were the highlight features on the dance card. In a change to format, the Loriner and Rendell Divisions were combined this year, in the hope that it would attract more players. Unfortunately, the change didn’t have the anticipated effect, but the Pony Club are exceedingly keen to find a solution to this ahead of next season,
with the hope of bringing in more young players following the winter season. The Gannon Final, the highest rated match of the day, was a very close four chukka showdown between The Cotswold Hunt and South Oxfordshire Hunt South. Following a dramatic injury to The Cotswold’s Monte Swain-Grainger, who had only just returned from injury, and a swift trip to A&E, South Oxfordshire Hunt South ultimately won the title. Angus Rowan-Hamilton’s gelding Taboo was unanimously awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug, much to his surprise. As the sun beat down and the gusty breeze subsided, the awards and prizes were handed out to all the section winners and respective runners-up, with cheers from jubilant, and undoubtedly exhausted, parents as each team received their honours. Amongst the awards, The Handley Cross Polo Times Best Playing Pony went to Into The West, owned and played by Mimi Evans from the Woodland Hunt. Bel McLaughlin and her pony Phoenix were awarded the 2019 Jambo Trophy in front of the legendary parade on Lawns 2 and given the honour of leading the teams off the field. With more prizes and awards than you could shake a stick at, to round the presentations off, Imogen McClaren was awarded The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy for the Most Promising U16 Girl and Kiki Severn received The Catherine Yates Prize for the Most Promising U21 Girl.
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Jen Liggins
reports from West Sussex
Angus Rowan-Hamilton, who has made real swathes not only in the Pony Club world, but at Cowdray this season, was presented with a beautiful Sats Saddle, winning the Pony Club Player of the Year award. Having begun in the Pony Club aged eight, he said on receipt of his award, “I am very pleased to win this award. I have been playing Pony Club Polo since I was eight and this is a fitting end to my last year in Pony Club polo. Pony Club has allowed me to play with friends and win with friends, there’s nothing quite like it.” Pony Club polo remains one of the cornerstones of British polo, with a healthy amount of youngsters taking to the field each year to learn and improve on their beloved ponies. What made this year even more special, is the amount of young players whose parents are still involved in, or are playing, professional polo now, having gone up through the ranks of the Pony Club themselves. If El Remanso’s 2018 Gold Cup win or James Beim and James Harpers’ 2019 Queen’s Cup wins are testament to anything, it’s the bond of friendship that this amazing institution instils and maintains. Long may it last! Polo Times, September 2019
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
Charles Whittington Pony Club Polo Chairman
Charles Whittington introduces The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships “We were fortunate this year to be hosted by very generous clubs and private grounds who provided us with excellent grounds. We are very lucky, for the support of clubs and our very generous sponsors, the HPA, Flannels, Thai Polo and of course, the Polo Times, who provide rugs for Best Playing Pony in three of our sections. RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) also generously provide a bridle for the Best Playing retrained racehorse. We are grateful to Sats for providing the saddle for
the Player of the Year and to Polo Splice and RJ Polo for their support. You will see and read about these awards elsewhere in this issue. “My impression is that families still love Pony Club polo as it provides the biggest range of competition for young people, from those owning their own pony to those with larger strings or the budget to hire. However, we need to do much more to attract the younger Pony Club players so that we get the widest possible range of intake. We run sections by both age and by ability. Section Managers will help players to find a team if their local Branch doesn’t have a suitable one. We are taking steps to organise competitions into half days to allow busy families and non-playing siblings more flexibility. “We had a packed Finals weekend by kind permission of Cowdray Park Polo
Club and the Cowdray Estate, where we camped, dined and partied. It was the 60th anniversary of Pony Club Polo as well as the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the National Pony Club, and now we find that a significant number of parents played Pony Club Polo themselves. These families tell me that they are thrilled that their children are enjoying Pony Club Polo as much, if not more, than they did. “We will always welcome new members and would like to increase our membership at all ages. Young players start aged six but can start at any age. Many Pony Club Branches now run arena polo and camps before our season starts in the summer – even in Scotland! So if you are interested, please contact the Pony Club via the website or telephone 02476 698322 or email Bronte WadgeDale on bronte.wadge-dale@pcuk.org.”
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: Jenny Blake-Thomas Entries for 2019: Seven Jenny Blake-Thomas, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Jorrocks Section, “This year, instead of being arranged in the week before the Cowdray weekend, the Jorrocks Championships were held alongside the other sections at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Saturday 10 August. A friendly tournament was arranged for them on Friday 9 August followed by the Championships the following day. “Teams had to battle against strong winds and heavy downpours of rain as well as their opponents, but they all managed admirably. Seven teams were divided
Action from the Jorrocks Division
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The Jorrocks Division winners, The Beaufort
into two sections, Division One with three teams and Division Two with four teams. All matches except for the last chukka of Division One were played in the morning on Lawns 4 followed by the traditional Jorrocks parade at 1pm on Lawns 2. As it was lunch break for other sections, the parade was watched by many more parents and players than usual, which was thrilling for the parading teams and they finally came to a halt facing the commentary box where they were closely inspected for turnout. Beaufort were the team to win The Texaco Trophy for 2019, looking immaculate in their blue shirts and pale blue bandages. “Fourth in Division Two were the Crawley & Horsham, a team which was totally made up of first year players. Third were the Royal Artillery who after having a slow start at the beginning of the day were scoring well in later chukkas. South Oxfordshire Hunt South came second in this Division with the goal scorers for their team being Freddie Williams and Cecily Townrow. Archie Roche and Jonty Hodges were delighted to lead their Beaufort team to victory for Division Two, well supported by Nancy Mclaughlin and Agatha Roche. “Following the parade on Lawns 3, the
crowd were treated to a very good display of Jorrocks polo between Hampshire Hunt and Cotswold. This was the final chukka of Division One with the winning team taking the trophy. It was an amazingly fast and exciting chukka for this section, with Bartholomew Bell from the Hampshire Hunt
The Most Promising First Year Player, Freddie Williams
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships and Wilf Copcutt for Cotswold taking the ball from end-to-end. Wilf’s teammates, Elizabeth Clarkin, Hector McPherson and Valentine McPherson put up a strong defence, but the Hampshire Hunt were the winners with all four boys – Bart Bell, Freddie Frampton, Nathaniel Watson and Tom Williams contributing to the team’s success. “The third team in Division One were Cotswold Vale Farmers, who were playing Hors Concours. They had some very exciting matches during the day scoring some skilful goals and were a credit to their branch. “The Thorneloe Trophy for Most Improved Player, presented by Veronica Thorneloe, was awarded to Wilf Copcutt from Cotswold who played very well on his
pony Dove throughout the qualifiers and the Championships. “The Jorrocks Cup for the Most Improved Girl was awarded to Bronte Hotston from Crawley & Horsham. Although a first year player, she worked well with her pony Mini Dolly. “The Tic Tac Trophy for the Best Pony/ Player Combination was awarded to Bartholomew Bell and his small, strawberry roan pony Rhygwillem Misty. Sophie McPherson (née Sophie West) whose family donated the trophy, made the presentation. “The prize of a polo handstick was awarded to Freddie Williams of SOHS as the Most Promising First Year Player.
Youth
“The Polo Times Rug for the Best Playing Pony was awarded to Nacho, played by Archie Roche for the Beaufort. Nacho, a 13.2hh, 16-year-old grey pony is very much a Pony Club Pony. His skills include hunting and XC jumping, and Archie has learnt to play polo with him. “Three special awards of rosettes and a polo ball were given to Valentine McPherson of the Cotswold for perseverance, Nancy Mclaughlin for offering to stand down when their opposition was reduced to three players and Henry Whittington for being very courageous when his pony left the field at a very fast gallop! The Jorrocks teams were invited to stay at Cowdray for Sunday and parade with the older players.”
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 2019: Six Amanda North, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Handley Cross Section, “This year has been more exciting than normal what with the weather but with six teams of HX children and ponies. “At the start of the Pony Club polo summer, teams were competing at friendlies all over the country in anticipation ahead of the Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club. I was looking at ponies and children as I like to see what my seedings would be ahead of the qualifiers and then in to Cowdray. This year it was extremely hard to judge, as each team played the scores and placings would be different. “Beaufort Hunt, Cottesmore Mixed Team, Crawley & Horsham, Hampshire Hunt, Old Surrey & Burstow and the Royal Artillery made up my six teams for this
The Handley Cross Division One winners, Old Surrey & Burstow
summer. They all played extremely well and improvements were plain to see. Crawley & Horsham came storming through on the Sunday with some great tactical play. Cottesmore Mixed Team and the Hampshire Hunt must have been chatting all night about tactics and play because by Saturday afternoon and Sunday they were storming through. The Beaufort and the
The Handley Cross Division Two winners, The Beaufort
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Royal Artillery were jostling for the placing to play in the Final on the Sunday. Old Surrey & Burstow kept a steady progression from the beginning, with heads down and concentration throughout the competition to win The Handley Cross Trophy on Sunday afternoon against the Royal Artillery. It was a game of great flowing play with good shots and big hits. “Crawley & Horsham came out the winners of The Pardy Cup for the winners of The Handley Cross Division Two. “The Jambo Trophy for the Best Player/ Pony Combination which has regularly hunted and played polo went to Bel McLaughlin from the Beaufort and her pony Phoenix. “The Polo Times Best Playing Handley Cross Pony went to Mimi Evans from the Woodland Hunt and her pony Into the West (Dreamer). “These two ponies had stood out to me from the beginning and it was a close call as to which way I gave the prizes. All the ponies I watched were amazing along with their riders. I look forward to seeing you all again playing HX along with some new players.” Polo Times, September 2019
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
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 2019: 10 Jo Whittington, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Surtees Section, “10 teams entered the Surtees Section this year, with three of them novice teams, all playing in their first year of Pony Club polo. This was great to see. “During the friendlies, a lovely two days of camping and play at Vaux Polo Club, followed by a very enjoyable day at Frampton. It gave those that were able to a chance to practice in their teams, have some fun with their teammates, and be seeded. The Strathearn and Inverness from Scotland then arrived for the Qualifiers and this showed that the polo was going to be very hotly contested by a good many teams. “The Heythrop did consistently well, but they always had the Strathearn in the top three, the Taunton Vale winning at Longdole Polo Club, and the Grafton, Royal Artillery and Inverness knocking at the door. So,
The Surtees Division One winners, Strathearn
going into Cowdray there was a division of seven as the OS&B joined them proving a force to be reckoned with in Division Two. The Crawley & Horsham, the Cotswold and the South Oxfordshire Hunt South were then left to fight it out in Division Two. “The seven teams then all played each other over Friday and Saturday, resulting in some very exciting matches, with some interesting results, so it was very close right up to the end of the chukka. But the Heythrop had shown lots of talent to get to the Final, with three teams tying, on identical points, goal differences and goals for etc. Which meant a three-way sudden death penalty shootout first thing Sunday between the Strathearn, the Grafton and the OS&B all who had got better and better over the weekend. Very nail-biting for the teams! The OS&B, sadly for them, were the first to go out, perhaps because of their inexperience, but they will be back! Which left the Strathearn and Grafton carrying on in a very exciting finish, with some amazing goals scored, with a lot of cheering from their supporters, but with the Strathearn running out the winners to go through to the Finals. “The Heythrop then went a goal up in the first chukka before lunch, so going into the second chukka in front of a good crowd in the afternoon, the Strathearn had their work
cut out to fight back. However, undeterred they fought back very hard in a very exciting chukka to equalise, with both teams having some excellent play, in four man teams. So, this meant of course, a Pony Club run down! To the delight of the crowd with much cheering on from the sidelines, it resulted in a very close run down. But Mack McCaffery showed his skill with the ball, taking it all the way to the line to finish first for the Strathearn, who ran out the winners. Congratulations to them and the Heythrop who had also played consistently well throughout. “The play-off for third and fourth were exciting chukkas too, with the Grafton running out the winners over the OS&B, and the Royal Artillery running out fifth in their playoff against the Taunton Vale and Inverness. Congratulations to them all. “Division Two was played over the three days, with all the teams steadily improving, but the Crawley & Horsham stood out as the overall winners, not losing a chukka! Very well done to them. But the scores got closer, the Cotswold improved consistently and the SOHS showed some amazing backbone, as they were a very young team, and I know they will have come on and be back next year! So well done to everyone. The Best Playing Pony in Surtees was Maruka, played by Mack McCaffery.”
The Surtees Division Two winners, Crawley & Horsham
Loriner/Rendell Number of chukkas played: 1 Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: 12 years 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: Christopher Price Entries for 2019: Three Christopher Price, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Loriner/Rendell Section “At last year’s Branch Managers’ meeting at Cowdray, it was decided that the Loriner and Rendell Sections would be 58
Polo Times, September 2019
The Loriner/Rendell Division winners, Royal Artillery
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships amalgamated in 2019 to encourage more players. Sadly, that turned out not to be the case and the combined section only had three teams; a mixed Heythrop team, a mixed Poole & District team and a team from the Royal Artillery. “Although the Pony Club polo rules stipulated that teams should play in three Qualifier tournaments, all three teams were only able to play in two for the Loriner
League prize, which was won by the Heythrop, with the Royal Artillery a very close second based on the number of chukkas won and goals for. “At the Championships it was decided that each team would play each other once each day and that they would play the equivalent of a three chukka match of seven minutes per chukka, against each other over the three days. Again, the final result was
Langford
the last minute due to handicap changes and substitutions. “We managed to schedule the league games so that every team played one another at the qualifiers staged at Longdole, Cirencester and Black Bears, with the final two chukka match for each team played on Friday at Cowdray. The weather threw everything at us, from boiling sunshine at Longdole, to torrential rain at Cirencester and near hurricane winds at Cowdray, but the teams were very stoical and the Meynell A team of Oliver Conway Johnson, Leo Conway Johnson, George Smith and Toby Bradshaw ran out the eventual winners of The Langford Plate. From an early stage, it was obvious how well these four boys played as a team and worked so well together. They won most of their league games convincingly, with fast, slick play. “From the results of the league, the teams were split into two divisions, where each team then played each other within their respective division. The Finals/playoffs for each division were played on Sunday morning on Lawns 1 and 3, as a four chukka match with a break after the first two chukkas. It was great to see some huge improvements in teamwork and
Number of chukkas played: 2 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: Bethan Hitchman Entries for 2019: Eight Bethan Hitchman, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Langford Section, “This year, the Langford section took on the same format as the previous two years – each team playing two x two chukka matches each day, with team handicaps ranging from -6 to -2. The age limit was raised to under 21 from under 18, which gave several children (young adults!) the opportunity to play more than one chukka, but without the pressure of playing four chukkas – all feasible with only two ponies. The section was well supported, with eight teams coming forward, and the standard of play was exceptional, despite some teams having to change their line-up at
The Jack Gannon Trophy was awarded to the Meynell A team
Gannon Number of chukkas played: 4 Handicap limit: Minimum handicap of 0 goals, no maximum 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: Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White Entries for 2019: Three
Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Gannon Section, “Gannon this year was contested by three teams: Cotswold Hunt, Heythrop Hunt and South Oxfordshire Hunt South. The Heythrop Hunt side of Tom Barlow, Jonty Barlow, Lola Barlow and Lorna Fleming, a 0 goal side, played against The Cotswold Hunt, Toby Bradshaw, Kiki Severn, Monte Swain-Granger and Oscar Luard, a strong 2
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Youth
very close, with the Royal Artillery beating the Heythrop by one goal and the Poole & District taking third spot. “Overall there was very little between all three teams and it was great that members of all three teams enjoyed their polo and all improved their standard of polo markedly over the Pony Club Polo season. Well done to all players.”
The Langford Division Two winners, Meynell B
individual play from the beginning of the Pony Club marathon and the division results went down to the wire. “The Meynell A beat the Cambridgeshire Hunt team in a very tough, hard fought final, very commendably umpired by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White, in the sunshine, to win Division One. The result could have gone either way. Division Two was won by the Meynell B team but made up of players from the south! Their result was not a given either, with the Beaufort putting up a commendable fight. “Individual awards, in this section, were given to Ruby Hickmet (The Young Telegraph Award) who proved she was just as tough and skilful as the boys, and Ralph Robson (The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy) whose game improved hugely over the two weeks but, most noticeable was his tremendous ability to galvanise his team and play an exemplary Captain’s role. Angus Rowan-Hamilton won the Sats saddle as Pony Club Player of the Year and was a hugely popular winner of this prize. He won himself a huge fan Club, captaining a team of relatively inexperienced players who under his guidance improved in leaps and bounds. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the players, team managers, branch managers, parents, grooms and ponies who all came together to make 2019 another memorable year.”
goal side at the Longdole Qualifier and lost in a hard fought game. The Heythrop Hunt team then played the South Oxfordshire Hunt South, Louis Heard, Ollie Heard, Fred Thame and Angus Rowan-Hamilton another strong 2 goal team, at the Cirencester Qualifier. South Oxfordshire Hunt South pushed hard from the start with the Heythrop Hunt battling for every play, with some superb polo being played by both teams. In the end, South Oxfordshire Hunt South’s superior handicap Polo Times, September 2019
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
won though with them running out the clear winners. “The Gannon Final saw the two 2 goal teams pitted against each other; Cotswold Hunt versus South Oxfordshire Hunt South. The Gannon Final got underway on Lawns 2 at Cowdray and within minutes the Cotswold Hunt unfortunately lost one of their key play makers, Monte Swain-Granger, who retired injured. He was most ably substituted by Frank Barlow and both teams worked hard over successive chukkas to get the upper hand. This ultimately was claimed by South Oxfordshire Hunt South who were steered to victory, 4-2 by the impressive Angus Rowan-Hamilton. Rowan-Hamilton hails from the Strathearn Hunt, but was on loan to The South Oxfordshire Hunt South for the competition. Congratulations to all the teams especially South Oxfordshire Hunt South, the 2019 Gannon Champions.”
The Gannon winners, South Oxfordshire Hunt South, presented by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White
Frequently asked Questions: How do I start my child off playing Polo? Contact Pony Club Head Office on 02476 698300 and ask for Bronte Wadge-Dale who will put you in touch with a nearby Branch Manager. Can I play with my Pony Club pony? Yes! There are two divisions that cater for those with one small pony. Where do I find an instructor or coach? Either the HPA website (www.hpa-polo. co.uk) or the Pony Club instructor database. Instructors with Polo expertise should be on both registers.
The Polo Times Best Playing Jorrocks Pony, Nacho, with the Beaufort team
Can I start playing if I don’t own a pony? Yes, contact either the Pony Club or the HPA and they will put you in touch with one of the many Polo Academies around the country. What will my child learn? Teamwork, how to win and lose, physical coordination, mental analysis for individual and team tactics, respect for animals and humans alike. Is it social? Pony Club Polo is very social and your child will make lifelong friends in the Pony Club. For more information about Pony Club Polo and how to get involved, please visit www. pcuk.org
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Bel McLaughlin and her pony Phoenix, winner of The Jambo Trophy, presented by Handley Cross Section Manager Amanda North
For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
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Pony Club Polo Championships 2019 Results: Gannon: The Daily Telegraph Trophy (Gannon I) 1st South Oxfordshire Hunt South 2nd Cotswold Hunt The Jaguar Trophy (Gannon II) 1st Heythrop Hunt Langford: The Jack Gannon Trophy 1st Meynell A 2nd Cambridgeshire 3rd Old Berkshire 4th Cowdray Hunt
Loriner: The Gig Horsewell Trophy 1st Heythrop Hunt Loriner/Rendell: The Loriner Challenge Trophy (Winner of Loriner Division I) 1st Royal Artillery 2nd Heythrop Hunt 3rd Poole & Dorset
The Langford Plate (Winner of Langford League) 1st Meynell A
Surtees: The Cooper Cup (Winner of Surtees Division I) 1st Strathearn 2nd Heythrop Hunt 3rd Grafton Hunt 4th Old Surrey & Burstow
The Martin Trotter Trophy 1st Meynell B 2nd Beaufort Hunt 3rd Old Surrey & Burstow 4th Heythrop Hunt
The Surtees II Trophy (Winner of Surtees Division II) 1st Crawley & Horsham 2nd Cotswold Hunt 3rd South Oxfordshire Hunt South
Handley Cross: The Handley Cross Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division I) 1st Old Surrey & Burstow 2nd Royal Artillery The Pardy Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division II) 1st Beaufort Hunt 2nd Crawley & Horsham 3rd Cottesmore O F F I C I AHunt L S P O N S O R O F T H E E N G L A N D P O LO T E A M 4th Hampshire
Credit: The Art of Polo
W W W. F L A N N E L S .C O M
Jorrocks: Division I 1st Hampshire Hunt 2nd Cotswold Hunt Division II 1st Beaufort Hunt 2nd South Oxfordshire Hunt South 3rd Royal Artillery 4th Crawley & Horsham
Individual prizes: The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award: For the most organized Team Manager – Molly Barlow, Heythrop Hunt
Catherine Yates Prize: For the U21 girl who shows most promise – Kiki Severn, Cotswold Hunt
The Jambo Trophy: For the best pony/player combination to both hunt and play polo – Bel McLaughlin and her pony Phoenix
The Ledner Trophy: For the highest ranked Langford or Gannon team that is not a mixed team – Royal Artillery, Surtees
Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Handley Cross Pony – Into the West, owned and played by Mimi Evans, Cottesmore Hunt Mixed Team
Tic Tac Trophy: Best Jorrocks Pony/Player Combination – Bart Bell and his pony Rhyfwillem Misty
Ledner Awards: For highest ranked team that is not a mixed team – Beaufort Hunt, Handley Cross Young Telegraph Award: For the most promising player in the U15/14 Sections – Ruby Hickmet, Beaufort Hunt The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy: For the most promising Langford Player of the Year – Ralph Robson, Meynell B The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy: For the U16 girl who shows most promise – Imogen McClaren, Heythrop Hunt
Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Jorrocks Pony – Nacho owned and played by Archie Roach, Beaufort Hunt Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Gannon Pony – Taboo owned and played by Angus Rowan-Hamilton, South Oxfordshire Hunt South The RoR Prize For the Best Playing Pony – Brenda Duke, played by Ralph Robson, Meynell B
Most Promising First Year Player: Freddie Williams, South Oxfordshire Hunt South Thorneloe Trophy: Most Improved Jorrocks Boy – Wilf Copcutt, Cotswold Hunt Jorrocks Cup: Most Improved Jorrocks Girls – Bronte Hotson, Crawley & Horsham The Texaco Trophy: For Jorrocks Turnout – Beaufort Hunt Best Stable Manager: Royal Artillery
Sats Saddle Award: For The Best Player of the Season – Angus Rowan-Hamilton, Strathearn Hunt & South Oxfordshire Hunt South
T o find out more about the Polo Times Best Playing Ponies turn to our Pony Power section Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Polo Times, September 2019
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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships
Bart Bell and his pony Rhygwillem Misty were awarded The TicTac Trophy
Bronte Hobson, winner of The Jorrocks Cup for Most Improved Jorrocks Girl
The Thornloe Trophy for Most Improved Jorrocks Player, Wilf Copcutt, Cotswold Hunt
Angus Rowan-Hamilton wins The Sats Saddle Award, presented by George Amor
Ruby Hickmey, winner of The Young Telegraph Award
The Best Playing Surtees Pony, Maruka, owned and played by Mack McCaffrey
Imogen McClaren wins The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy
The RoR rug winner, Brenda Duke, played by Ralph Robson
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Kiki Severn wins The Catherine Yates Award, presented by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White
The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award winner, Molly Barlow, Heythrop Hunt
The Ledner Trophy awarded to The Royal Artillery Hunt Surtees team, by Charles Whittington
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The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships
The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships
We catch up with Jilly Emerson following three exciting youth Finals – The Hipwood, The Rocksavage and The Buckmaster
Hipwood – Under 14, with handicap between -8 to -5 goals The main Final for the Hipwood (The Smail Cup) was between Park Place and La Oma. The Park Place team was very strong with Louis Hine and Catalina Lavinia well supported by Varara Boradina, who scored two of their goals, and young Tani Darritchon. Unfortunately, the main player in the La Oma team, Beltran Laulhe, had had to go back to school in Argentina, but Noah Hyde played really well and managed to score all his team’s goals. Park Place ultimately won, 7-4. The three remaining teams in the Hipwood played an American-style tournament for The Emerson Trophy, with the team from Cowdray winning both their matches against Twyford and the young Oxford Polo team. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Louis Hine’s pony Supressa.
Photograph courtesy of Andy Hine
The Hipwood Teams: Park Place (-4): Tani Darritchon (-1), Varvara Borodina (-2), Louis Hine (0) & Catalina Lavinia (-1) La Oma (-6): Tallulah Murphy (-2 – replacing Beltran Laulhe), Talan Dudd (-1), Billy Cooper (-1) &Noah Hyde (-2) Cowdray (-4): Ruby Hickmet (-1), Ollie Drewitt (-2), Will Millard (0) & Rufus Ulloth (-1) Twyford (-6): Shrey Rawal (-2), Aramaya Sheikh (-2), Lucas Stern (-1) & Hector Rogberg (-1) Oxford Polo (-8): George Copcutt (-2), Archie Heseltine (-2), Billy Barlow (-2) & Marcos Pejkovic (-2)
The Hipwood winners, Park Place
Rocksavage – Under 17, with handicap between -5 to 0 goals The Rocksavage Final was won by the team from Cheshire, who had won all their league matches and were well-deserved winners. They beat the Home Farm team by 7 goals to 4½. The remaining three teams played an American-style tournament for the Subsidiary Final, which was won by Madams Farm, who drew with Henley in their match. Both teams beat the all-girls team Stoneyhill, but the Madams Farm team scored more goals overall. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Robbie Slatter’s pony Galaxy.
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Photograph by The Art of Polo
The Rocksavage Teams: Cheshire (-1): George Smith (-1), Connor Kay (0), Ollie Conway-Johnson (0) & Ed Morris (0) Home Farm (-2): William Drewitt (0), Ollie Heard (0), Catalina Lavinia (-1) & Robbie Slatter (-1) Madams Farm (-1): Timi Badiru (0), Bilal Dantata (0), Tomi Ojora (0) & Olly Davis (-1)
Henley (-4): Barney Hughes (-1), Ruby Hickmet (-1), Minty Clarry (-2) & Benji Mancini (0) Stoneyhill (-2): Jemima Walker (-1), Lucy McLaughlin (-1), Kiki Severn (0) & Beanie Bradley (0)
Cheshire win The Rocksavage
For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships
Youth
Buckmaster – Under 19, with handicap between 0 to 4 goals This year only three teams entered Buckmaster, the Final was between Longdole and Kirtlington, with both teams having beaten Cirencester. It was a very fast and exciting match with both teams going into the last chukka with three goals apiece. It was 4-4 in the fourth chukka with only seconds on the clock, when the Kirtlington team fouled, giving Longdole a penalty which they converted with no time left for Kirtlington to come back. Longdole won the title 5-4.
Photograph by Zahra Lucas
The Buckmaster Teams: Longdole (3): Kiki Severn (0), Monte Swain-Grainger (1 – replaced by William Drewitt in the third chukka), Alfie Hyde (1) & George Deverall (1) Kirtlington (3): Toby Bradshaw (0), Fred Thame (0), Johnny Beck-Brown (1) & Lucas Monteverde (2) Cirencester (3): Denis Antonov (0), Louis Heard (1), Ed Walker (1) & Jack Aldridge (1)
The Buckmaster winners, Longdole
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Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Guards vs Cowdray
The Guards vs Cowdray Match Teams: Cowdray (7): Daniel Batchelor (1), Marcus Cork (1), Terence Lent (2) & Ollie Cork (3) Guards (7): Manny Arber (0), Jamie Grayson (2), Charles Cooney (2) & Henry Porter (3)
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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Since 2015, youth teams from Cowdray and Guards Polo Clubs have been coming together to compete on an annual basis. Five-yearsago, Polo Managers Chris Bethell (Cowdray) and Antony Fanshawe (Guards) devised this match to pit the top youth players from the two clubs against each other, offering the rising stars the opportunity to experience a high level match against their peers on some of the best polo fields in the country. 2019 saw Guards Polo Club host the annual match, with the current series tied at two matches apiece. Despite very close play from the home side, it was Cowdray who took home the 2019 honours, 4-3, on The Duke’s Ground. Ollie Cork’s pony Surucata, was named the Best Playing Pony.
Cowdray win this year’s youth honours
For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
A Round-Up of Military Polo Action
The Inter-Regimental Tournament 2019
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
There were four teams in the mix for this year’s tournament, celebrating the 150th anniversary of polo in Britain, with the Royal Navy beating the Queen’s Royal Hussars surprisingly in the Semi Finals and the Foot
Guards defeating an Army Reserve side to reach the Finals. Thus, the Foot Guards completed an historic hat-trick of victories in the Inter Regimental, the oldest polo tournament in the world, on The Duke’s ground at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 14 July. They beat an understrength Royal Navy team by 12-4. Despite the closing score, this was fast, open polo with the Foot Guards playing attractive and well-constructed moves in front of a good crowd. Against the flow, the Royal Navy scored in the first period when a rising Royal Navy star (and Secretary of the RNPA) scored a fine field goal. This woke up a slightly
Military
off-colour Foot Guards team and suddenly they sparked, with 2Lt Oli Powell on a fine run scored from long range, this was backed up by a soaring 30 yard penalty by Capt Jamie Drummond-Moray. Thereafter the Foot Guards really put the pressure on with Capt Tom Windsor-Clive marking the tough Royal Navy back Steve Spiller out of the game thus releasing the talent of Lt Giles Bromley-Martin and Powell to seemingly score at will. With DrummondMoray playing very strongly at back with some well angled back handers the play flowed with some exciting and skilful runs. Victory was never really in doubt for the Foot Guards, but they played some wonderful polo that the crowd appreciated. The Most Valuable Player honours went the Lt Giles Bromley-Martin Irish Guards and the special ‘Forbes-Cockell’ prize for Fair Play went to Capt Jamie DrummondMoray Scots Gds. The Inter-Regimental Final Teams: The Royal Navy (-1): Surg Cdr Harry Rourke (0), Lt Max Cosby (0), Capt Al Wilson (-1) & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (0) The Foot Guards (2): Capt Tom Windsor-Clive CG (-2), Lt Giles Bromley-Martin IG (1), 2Lt Oli Powell WG (2) & Capt Jamie Drummond-Moray (1)
The Foot Guards win The Inter-Regimental honours at Guards
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Polo Times, September 2019
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Into the West (Dreamer) Photograph by Ellie Osborne Photography
Height: 13.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned by: Carina Evans Played by: Marina Evans Tournament: The Handley Cross Trophy Final at The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club Where is he from/breeding? He is an Irish sports pony (green passport). How long have you had him? Since he was nine-years-old. Tell us about his background? Into the West, aka Dreamer, came on Piers and Nikki Plunkett’s recommendation. Their son Benji ADORED hunting him and I saw a picture of him at a lawn meet looking just my type. I asked Nikki to let me know if he ever came up for sale, she did and almost without seeing him we bought him. Judging by his character I would imagine that he was an Irish bog pony, probably tethered on a Dublin housing estate, he is so tough and must have been terribly difficult to break but he is just the most fantastic hunter and character. He is mellowing as he learns to trust and we absolutely adore him as a family. He is one of the best hunting ponies I have ever seen or come across. I just wish I could have a 17hh stamp similar to him, we would be blessed. He is a sort terribly difficult to find and has pure Irish bloodlines, I won’t have anything that has a hint of European! We are all very proud of him!
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What are his strengths? He is a brilliant hunting pony and is very quick off the leg or whip (a good old fashioned and well conditioned Irish pony!). He is as tough as nails – there is no way you could get him down, he has a fifth leg at all times and is like a cat if he needs to be in terms of getting himself out of trouble. He goes on and on and on all day and there is no tiring him. He is one in a million on the hunting season. We played Jorrocks on him two-years-ago (he had not seen a stick until the day before) and he played qualifiers and the Championship this year. The only practice he had was going on a hack holding a polo stick. I guess the fact that he turns quickly and is quick off the leg helped him win this award! How has he gone this season? Well we played three qualifiers and three days of the Championships. I had a brilliant team and we had LOTS of fun. Two of my teammates, Jasmine and Angus, had not played before and I was really proud to have represented a
proper hunting Pony Club in the Cottesmore. It was SUCH fun and I think we improved each game we played! Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No! It was so exciting to win Handley Cross – I was so surprised! What are your plans for him in the future? Well I would like to play Handley Cross next year on Dreamer again and I hope I will be able to continue in Surtees if we can beg, borrow or steal some polo ponies! Does he have any special quirks? Dreamer is a great all-rounder, a really good Pony Club pony and he did a week of camp before the Championships. The only thing is that he is quite cheeky and will run out if I don’t have my whip in my left hand! Describe him in three words. My best friend.
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Play Boy Height: 15.3hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Michael Mylonas Tournament: The Binfield Heath Charity Day 8 Goal at Binfield Heath Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Binfield Heath Polo Club
Where is he from/breeding? He was bought from Valiente having been bred by Adolfo Cambiaso from Bruma. How long have you had him? Just a year. What are his strengths? He is very fast and light to play. He stops and turns on a pin and is great in a ride-off. How has he gone this season? Outstanding. He was played quite hard before and Gallo (who works for me) has calmed him down, so he’s relaxed playing lower goal polo and he’s a different horse this year – chilled and easy. Gallo is always very calm with the horses, both riding and on the yard, which makes them all happier. Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet, but give us another season!
What are your plans for him in the future? Keep him. He’s the only gelding I have in a great string of ponies. I prefer to spend time to buy good horses and keep them, rather than trading horses in and out. With the horses I have now, there’s not a single chukka that I don’t look forward to getting on one of them. That hasn’t always been the case...
Does he have any special quirks? He loves watermelon!
Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is his first one with me.
Does he have any special quirks? Rolling in the mud. He could probably find mud in the Sahara! A groom’s worst nightmare!
Describe him in three words. Fast, agile, characterful.
Taboo Height: 15.2hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Angus RowanHamilton Tournament: The Gannon Trophy Final at The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club
Photograph by Ellie Osborne Photography
Where is he from/breeding? He was bred by the Coops in Hawke’s Bay. He’s a New Zealand Thoroughbred. How long have you had him? I bought him at the end of last season. Tell us about his background? Originally, he was brought over by George Milford Haven before spending time with Cortium and I eventually brought him from James Harper. I’m very lucky to have him. What are his strengths? He’s so quick in the short plays, has great sides and loves a ride-off. How has he gone this season? He’s been amazing – I can always rely on him. 70
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What are your plans for him in the future? Keep playing polo… He definitely doesn’t feel like he’s 16!
Describe him in three words. Quick, powerful, easy. www.polotimes.co.uk
Pony Power
Knowledge
Edna Height: 15.2hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: John Paul Clarkin Tournament: The County Cup Final at Cirencester Park Polo Club Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography
Where is she from/breeding? She is an English Thoroughbred, out of Walt Mc Don (IRE) and by Papal Bull (GB). How long have you had her? For four seasons so far. What are her strengths? She is very fast and strong. How has she gone this season? Although she’s nine-years-old, she has not played a lot of polo. She has played well, but is still slightly inconsistent. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No. This is her first with me.
What are your plans for her in the future? My plans are to keep working on her and put some more polo under her belt. Hopefully we’ll end up with a champion that can potentially win more prizes!
Does she have any special quirks? She is very grumpy to groom and is especially not a fan of being brushed.
Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I’m aware of. Not yet! What are your plans for him in the future? Archie will probably continue to ride him, perhaps in Handley Cross next year and his younger sister Agatha might be next.
with Gypsy-Rose, another of our horses. Unclipped, he has very big hairy feet. He does cute baby rears when you wash him or after a goal and finally, he has two different coloured eyes, one of which is bright blue. Granny thinks he’s ugly, but we think he’s beautiful!
Does he have any special quirks? A few. He really hates being on his own. He’s in love
Describe him in three words. Clumsy, loveable, (a) legend.
Describe her in three words. Fast, grumpy chestnut.
Nacho Height: 13.2hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Skewbald Sex: Gelding Owned by: The Roche family Played by: Archie Roche (11-years-old) Tournament: The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships, Jorrocks Division
Photograph by Ellie Osbourne Photography
Where is he from/breeding? We’re not sure, but there is definitely some cob in him How long have you had him? Since August 2018. Last year he was played by Charlie Hodges and for the five years prior to that, he was owned and played the Handley Cross with Jemima and Ed Walker. What are his strengths? Nacho has been very patient and has given Archie the most amazing year, hunting, hacking, learning to play polo and taking him to The Junior Pony Club Camp with the Beaufort. They have developed a really wonderful relationship. How has he gone this season? Really well. He’s very steady and very happy in walk and trot, which suits the Jorrocks section, but Archie has learnt to get him going a bit more forward. He seems to love playing and has been a very willing teacher.
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Polo Times, September 2019
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Galaxy Height: 14.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Robbie Slatter Tournament: The Rocksavage Final at Flemish Farm Photograph courtesy of Jilly Emerson
Where is he from/breeding? He is Argentine but was born in the UK. We think he was an accident as his mother (Luna), came over to the UK pregnant! How long have you had him? Two years. What are his strengths? He is incredibly easy to control and very aware of the game. What are your plans for him in the future? To teach him to jump and hunt. I know, sacrilege!
How has he gone this season? Exceptionally well! Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes. He won one at Beaufort Polo Club.
Does he have any special quirks? He likes to drink straight from the hose pipe! He
is very dependent on the company of his friends and he’s scared of umbrellas… Describe him in three words. Handsome, one (of a) kind!
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Knowledge
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013
Pure pain?
Photography courtesy of Polodoc
Trauma & Arthrosis
Tito Gaudenzi’s knee MRI showing a cartilage lesion, bone bruise & LPFL lesion
The knee joint is very exposed during a ride-off and even if protected, is prone to injury. The patella-femoral joint is a unique and complex structure consisting of static elements (bones and ligaments) and dynamic elements (neuromuscular system). The load, which is transferred from the massive quadriceps to the tibia over the patella, is extreme. The triangle configuration of the patella points inferiorly. Superiorly, it articulates with the trochlea, the distal articulating surface of the femur, which are the main articulating surfaces of the patellafemoral joint. Nearly every stop and go, or jumping sportsman or woman, has some problems with degeneration, which can be stressed while playing polo when additional impact is added.
Anatomy
The articular cartilage of the patella is similar to that of other joints, in that it contains a solid phase and a fluid phase that is mostly composed of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Any damage to the articular surfaces causes subsequently higher stresses and more vulnerability leading to possible breakdown to the matrix. The patellar retinaculum tendon is an important stabiliser of the patellofemoral joint, mainly its medial and lateral components. The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) originates on the medial femur and has a ‘sail-shaped’ attachment on the patella and quadriceps tendon as dynamic stabiliser. 74
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The lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) is an important lateral stabiliser of the patella against medial subluxation or dislocation. Some authors describe the lateral patellofemoral ligament as a palpable thickening of the joint capsule between the patella and femoral epicondyle.
Muscles
Medial movement of the patella is controlled by the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. Lateral tracking is guided by both the vastus lateralis and the iliotibial band. Patellar motion is further constrained by the patellofemoral ligament, the patellotibial ligament and the retinaculum.
Function
The patella lies within the quadriceps tendon and thereby increases the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps mechanism. Not only does the patella increase the force of knee extension by 50 percent, but it also provides stability to the patellar tendon and minimises the forces placed on the femoral condyles. Tracking of the patella begins with the lower patellar border lying in contact with the suprapatellar fat pad when the knee is fully extended. With knee flexion, the patella moves proximally with a lateral shift. During normal patellar tracking, the patella engages in the trochlea at around 30 degrees of knee flexion and remains stable thereafter due to the bony constraints of the trochlea. The
Sterile infiltration of PRP to the knee
patella is engaged with the trochlea at 2030 degrees of knee flexion. At 90 degrees the patella contacts the lateral and medial femoral facets within the condylar fossa.
PF Arthrosis
Due to the fact that this articulation is one of the most loaded in the human body, breakdown of the cartilage (arthrosis) can result in relevant reduction in knee performance while riding and even in day-today life, when climbing stairs or sometimes even in a relaxed or sitting position. On the other hand, many jumping sport athletes have relevant cartilage alterations without impairment in performance. www.polotimes.co.uk
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Knowledge
Direct trauma to the knee
In polo, the patella-femoral joint is at risk during the ride-off when the opponent tries to impact the player from the side, whilst knee protectors are largely effective for direct impact from the front. When impact comes from the side, the protection is limited due to the minor resistance to rotational forces. The lateral impact is dangerous for the dynamic stabilisers of the knee, like the MPFL und LPFL, and can lead to patella dislocation. In the case of ligamentous injury and pre-existing cartilage damage (frequent patellofemoral arthrosis) and unstable and painful function can be the result.
Diagnosis and treatment in international players
Electric stimulation and pain treatment with Compex®
Patella bracing with Compex® Web Tech Bandage
Tito’s injury and treatment
Playing in a tournament in Ascona, Switzerland, Tito Gaudenzi was hit on the knee by a horse from the side. The lateral suspension of the kneecap was severely disrupted in this traumatic contact with an additional bruise of the bone of the lateral femur on the level of the knee joint. After the correct immediate clinical and radiological examination with X-rays, including a long leg standing view and high resolution 3T MRI, a personalised conservative treatment plan for speedy recovery was designed.
A crucial key is the immediate meticulous work up of the injury with an X-ray, MRI and long leg standing X-ray. The degree of damage must be identified to design the personalised treatment plan with a stage-based return to play, whilst the physiotherapist has an important role for the regain of function. Additional fitting of braces and bandages, well designed for riding and infiltration of the knee joint with Hyaluronic acid, PRP (ACP) and Non-steroid drugs (such as Toradol) will be a recovery catalyst. If you have the appropriate notes, you can maintain your treatment wherever you are.
Initial Phase
In the initial phase, a reduction in swelling and joint effusion is key to optimise the pain free range of motion. This was realised by punction of the knee and infiltration with a cocktail consisting of pain killers (non-steroid anti-inflammatory – NSAID Ketorolac – Toradol®, Hyaloron, Ostenil® Plus and PRP, ACP Arthrex®). This cocktail was injected into the knee joint intra-articular and PRP and NSAID were put in the disrupted area at the lateral retinaculum at the patella. Additional cooling with compression (Gameready®) and analgesic treatment with electric stimulation (TENS Compex®) was administered multiple times daily. Elastic bracing with webtech patella (Compex®) with tracking control of the kneecap was fitted to Tito’s knee. The webtech Patella Brace features an innovative system that helps address symptoms of anterior knee pain. The unique patented silicone web structure works to hold, align and cushion the knee joint, acting as a shock absorber and evenly distributing the pressure over the Quadriceps and Patella Tendons. ‘Chondro food’ optimisation with Swiss Alp Health was used, recommended by the international Cartilage Repair society. This ExtraCellMatrix-ECM Drink is a unique combination of high dosed ingredients like Swiss collagen peptides (Type I, II, III) Collagen type I and III for bones, tendons, ligaments, skin and connective tissue and Collagen type II for hyaline cartilage. Hyaluronic acid and Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate and additional natural antioxidants from fruits and alpine plants as well as Vitamins and minerals are the main ingredients.
Intermediate Phase – intercontinental collaboration Polodoc & MSM After returning to his home in Miami, Tito was co-treated by Dr. Fernando Hernández, from Miami Sports Medicine (MSM). The facility is also capable of providing all relevant steps of world leading sport orthopaedic treatments. The PRP treatment was continued and the daily routine of his recovery training was supervised. With a personal trainer, the step-based improvement in motion and strength was advanced with regards to swelling and pain. Neuromuscular training was started to help improve the control of the knee and increase patella stability.
Return to Polo
After a positive complex test for function, Tito returned to riding and playing after six weeks. For the return to polo the bandage size is reduced with Trizone knee (Compex®). This is a low-profile performance product designed to keep you moving with improved stability at the knee joint. A specific warm-up routine was performed to prepare the knee for action and reduce the risk of re-injury. www.polotimes.co.uk
Dr. Fernando Enrique Hernández, MD Primary care sports medicine specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and conservative management of musculoskeletal injuries. For the treatment of anterior knee pain, a complex treatment plan is recommended with precise initial diagnostics. All techniques of conservative treatment need to be used in a well-concerted way for the current situation of the athlete. A personal contact to the athlete and his staff with individual recovery schemes fitted to the demand of sport is key. The newest regenerative medicine techniques bring faster return to play and long-lasting performance. miamisportsmedicine.com/our-team For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Polo Times, September 2019
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Knowledge
Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar
Yard Focus – Tom Beim (4 goals)
Three of Tom Beim’s string
At the beginning of August, I visited Jo and Tom Beim’s yard to make sure their ponies are still performing well and holding their condition, and to look at new ponies that have arrived plus adjust diets wherever necessary.
Both Tom and his groom Matias Bitar provide as much information as possible on how the ponies are going on in the field, what they are eating and how much or how well they are eating – both forage and concentrates.
There are three ponies that I was delighted to see, and after a busy season so far and after already playing approximately 85 games, there are still six weeks of the season to go for this yard.
in from the winter holding her condition very well, with fat pads behind her shoulders, over her tail head and a slight crest on her
neck – she didn’t require any more calories! She started the season on 675gms/3 measuring mugs of Stud Balancer per day, her haylage wasn’t restricted and she continued to go out at night, but was in during the day. By my next visit three weeks later, the fat pads were diminishing and she was developing some muscle. It wasn’t until she began playing chukkas that her Stud Balancer was increased to 1.125kg/5 measuring mugs per day – still with ad lib access to haylage and out at night. My most recent visit showed she was continuing to hold her top line and body condition well, and whilst she’s so far had adequate energy, Tom felt she would benefit from a little more for the remainder of the season. Consequently, she’s had one round bowl Stubbs scoop of oats introduced per day (which we can be flexible with if necessary and increase if more energy is required, but they must be reduced on quieter days and days off). She continues to be on ad lib forage and turned out at night.
Samarang
Samarang is a big 16hh, eight-year-old mare who was bred by Lovelocks Stud. When I first met her in March, she had come 76
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Nutrition Focus
Knowledge
Samurai is a 15.2hh six-year-old, bred by Lovelocks Stud. Being a young horse, we didn’t want to overfeed her a high energy feed, so we started off gradually on the Conditioning Cubes that Tom uses for the majority of his horses. As her work increased and she was playing regularly we increased her feed to 5.4kgs/3 Stubbs scoops of Conditioning Cubes per day with 450gms/2 measuring mugs of Stud Balancer per day. Her forage has been ad lib and she is turned out at night. I am delighted with her condition and her energy levels seem to be just right – not too excitable and strong, but she has the stamina and endurance to play for as long as she is required to in a chukka. Samurai
Massetta is a 15.1hh veteran. She has been in Tom’s string for at least 10 years and continues to be a mare that provides reliable contribution of play to a chukka. She is a mare that I have worked with for the last five years and maintains her condition well. Her energy levels always seem to be met and as the season continues, we keep her diet the same – 5.4kgs/3 Stubbs scoops of Conditioning Cubes per day with 450gm/2 measuring mugs of Stud Balancer per day. When she plays a lot and gets a little hollow, or at the beginning of the season when hard feed is initially introduced, she receives a prebiotic to help stabilise the beneficial bacteria in the hind gut. She receives ad lib haylage and is turned out a night. Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
Massetta
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Knowledge
Performance Insight
Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Stable Hitting Platform
The perfect foundation
Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game
Instability of hitting platform is one of the most negative factors associated with hitting the polo ball accurately. To highlight that point, I refer to an article I read many-yearsago related to a hitting analysis conducted by the Canadian Polo Association. If my memory serves me correctly, the study included eight players ranging in handicap from 1 to 8 goals, with two participants having an 8 goal handicap. An interesting feature of that study is – of the approximate 200 balls hit by the eight players, at least 90 percent demonstrated an identifiable degree of instability in the players hitting position. In this article I will be addressing two critical factors associated with an unstable hitting platform. The first is the foundation upon which your hitting platform is constructed, i.e. your feet. One of the more important aspects of your foot placement is that your toes are turned up to facilitate your heels being down. With your heels pushed down, the muscles, tendons and ligaments on the back of your legs are stretched down increasing your ability to grip more strongly with the upper legs. That, in turn, creates a more secure seat from which greater stability can be realized. Another effect of those muscles, tendons, and ligament stretching down is that the back of your hips is being pulled down, which causes your center of balance to be lowered. At the same time, your upper body is being moved back and over your hips. Both situations allow for greater upper body balance control, i.e. stability. Unfortunately, for most polo players, toes down/heels up is the more commonly seen scenario when hitting the ball. The negative affect of toes turned down and heels lifted up is that your hips have been rolled forward causing your upper body balance to be falling forward to some degree. That, in turn, makes upper body balance control, or stability, difficult to maintain. Additionally, as related to your feet, the majority of your weight in the stirrups should be on the medial side of your feet, i.e. the big ball. To accomplish that, turn your heels ever so slightly out and away from your horse’s sides, push your feet ever so slightly further away from your horse’s sides and then turn your little toes up toward the sky. Doing all 78
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Heels Down/Torso Back
three movements causes your feet to be wider than your knees, in effect creating a wide foundation, or what I refer to as the pyramid effect. The pyramid affect, in turn, pushes your upper legs more strongly into your horse’s shoulders facilitating an even stronger connection of you to your horse. From that connection, you are addressing the second of the two most critical factors associated with establishing and maintaining a stable
hitting platform, i.e. strong and secure upper leg contact, which is the most critical aspect of riding a horse for purpose of playing polo. To stress that point, I use the analogy of imagining a bolt passing through your knees and your horse’s shoulders. The purpose of which is to keep your knees from softening their grip into your horse’s shoulders when rotating your hips, torso and shoulders in preparation of swinging the mallet to hit the ball. www.polotimes.co.uk
Performance Insight
Pyramid Affect
Nut Cracker Affect
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Knowledge
The reality of the hitting situation is that a softer upper leg grip allows for a proportionate degree of instability to set in within the hitting process. While, a stronger upper leg grip more greatly ensures the ability to control your upper body balance, i.e. stability. Another analogy I use relative to gripping with your upper legs is the Nut Cracker Affect. I use that analogy to point out that one of the strongest points at which you can grip with your upper legs is at the top of your legs where they meet at the hips. To maximize the gripping strength with that part of your legs, you must have strong core muscles i.e. lower abdominal, lower back, Gluteus Maximus (bottom muscles) and the adductor muscles on the medial side of your upper legs. Those muscles allow you to maximize the squeezing effort with your upper legs. The essence of creating a stable hitting platform is: the greater the degree to which your toes turn down and/or out and away from your horse sides, the greater the instability of your hitting platform. Add to that, the more your upper leg, on the hitting side, turns out and away from your horse’s shoulders to facilitate the rotation of your hips, torso and shoulders the less secure your seat will be, thereby, increasing the chances of instability setting in within the movement of your hitting platform. To identify the consequence of instability on your hitting platform, experiment with the following: 1. While standing on the ground with a mallet in your hand, extend your arm and the mallet straight out to where the mallet head is pointing at a particular spot on any object (mallet 52 inches/arm approximately 33 inches making an 85 inch shaft). 2. Next, hold your left index finger up to where it is approximately one inch from the medial side of your right upper arm. 3. Now move your right upper arm in toward your left finger until it is touching that finger. Your upper arm will have moved one inch as compared to the mallet head having moved close to six inches, yielding an approximate one to six inch difference from shoulder to mallet head. Any unintended move of your shoulder and arm that might be caused by instability of your hitting platform will produce a similar effect on the hitting process as was detected in the Canadian Polo hitting analysis. That might seem to be a bit of a far reaching way of thinking, however, I assure you, the stability of your hitting platform and the power of any hit are each affected by how you position your feet in the stirrups, and the strength with which you are gripping with your upper legs into your horse’s shoulders.
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Knowledge
Chukka Wellness
India Parker-Smith founded Chukka Wellness – a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. For several years, India worked as a Personal Trainer at one of Chelsea’s premier Private Members Clubs and began to train some of the world’s leading sportsmen and women. Now, India regularly travels to Argentina for two months each winter to train polo players on all aspects of their fitness and wellness. India trains both international and UK polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advises clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance. Having ridden since she was a child, India also plays polo, which helps her better understand the specific requirements of players regarding their fitness and wellbeing
Chukka Wellness Fitness in the saddle
You may not know it, but the ‘wooden horse’ is a very versatile piece of equipment – not only can it be used to practice the different swings and riding positions, but it can also be used as a tool in an exercise training programme, for both warm-ups and strength training. During the busy polo season, getting to the gym can be difficult which means exercise may be low on a rider’s priority list. As most clubs have a wooden horse, why not use it as an alternative to the gym on which to perform some creative and beneficial workouts. There are distinct paybacks of using the wooden horse over ground work, particularly for a rider. By performing certain exercises
on it, for instance, riders are able to identify biomechanical weaknesses and then concentrate on correcting these problem areas. All this whilst enjoying being in their customary saddle. Players can use a mixture of resistance bands, weights and balls to simulate the movement patterns of polo more so than is possible in the gym. The static wooden horse allows the rider to reinforce the correct standing riding position. Once balanced they can then start to focus on emphasising the upper body movement patterns through a variety of planes of motion, rotation and resistance. For example, they can simulate the twisting action needed to prepare for a swing
by performing oblique twists in conjunction with a resistance band. Not only is the structure useful for strengthening but also for stretching and mobilising muscles and joints in a pre-chukka warmup. A good starting point is to use a resistance band which helps open up the shoulder and hip joints allowing for an improved range of movement and thus a far more effective and powerful swing. Every player wants to get to a point where they can perform the perfect swing automatically without thinking about the necessary cues. The following exercises provide players with polo movements in the saddle whilst strengthening and stabilising the necessary parts of the body.
Exercises 1. Shoulder Mobilisation WHY – Helps to mobilise the shoulder joint for a bigger range of movement in preparation for the swinging action. HOW – Attach a resistance band around the base of the structure and place one arm through the band until it is resting on the shoulder
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joint. With the palm facing the body, start moving the extended arm up and down keeping it as close to the ear as possible. Try and move the arm back passed the ear a little more every time. Perform this exercise for around one minute per arm.
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Chukka Wellness
Knowledge
2. Touching Different Parts of the Horse WHY – A useful warm-up exercise which involves moving around in the saddle and stretching the body. This helps to identify any tight muscles and engages the core and inner thigh muscles needed for balance. HOW – Have a partner call out different areas of the structure for example – “Right back leg with left hand,” “The horse’s nose with both hands” etc. Do the motions in a considered way, not fast and dynamically. 3. Rows in Standing position WHY – This is a great exercise for simulating the standing position in the saddle whilst improving scapular stability and strengthening the back muscles. This offers more control to the player during the swinging action and when ‘checking’ and ‘turning’ the horse. HOW – Tie the band around the head of the structure and stand up into the correct riding position, pull the band back slowly flexing the elbows so that they brush past the torso. Keep the shoulders down and squeeze the shoulder blades together during the movement. Try 20 slow and controlled repetitions.
4. Oblique twists WHY – These twists improve core control and scapular stability which is needed in the preparation phase of the swing. They also test the rider’s balance when elevated out of the saddle. HOW – The resistance band can be placed at either the head or tail of the structure. Stand up out of the saddle and hold the band with both hands slowly rotating the torso away from where it is tied and until the core muscles are engaged. Keep the shoulders down throughout the movement. Repeat 15 times per side and hold the tension for three seconds per rep..
5. Ball Throws WHY – Mentally this exercise focuses on reaction time and mental alertness. Physically the core is tested along with inner thigh strength as the rider is encouraged to reach away from the wooden horse to catch the ball. HOW – Stand up out of the saddle and have a partner throw a tennis ball at different heights and distances from the wooden horse. The idea is to make the rider stretch and reach to catch the ball. 10 catches per side. Website: www.chukkawellness.co.uk @chukkawellness Chukka Wellness Email: india@chukkawellness.co.uk
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Preparation to First Saddling
Zimbabwean born Shane Borland has made a name for himself backing and developing young horses for some of the UK’s most illustrious yards. Having begun his equine career in polocrosse and later gone on to champion the world stages in reining, Borland has spent his life pursuing knowledge of exceptional horsemanship and reining his training programme accordingly. Over the next few issues, Shane will share the details of his successful Pro Start Polo Programme with our readers
Preparation for First Saddling A horse’s most important experience In my sixth entry into Polo Times, I shared with you a desensitising method, helping prepare the young horse to the weight of a rider and introducing him to the concept of having someone on his back, and being above and behind his eyes. In this issue I am going to take you through the fifth step of my round pen stage, Preparation to First Saddling. During this process, I will break
divide this process into four exercises – 1) girth prep and simulation, 2) introduction to saddle pad, 3) sursingle and bumpers and 4) first saddling. All four stages are designed to introduce and desensitise the young horse to pressures, actions and objects that have weight, sounds and movements which will simulate wearing a saddle. The first time you
saddle a horse it is extremely important that the experience goes well and that he learns that being saddled isn’t something to fear but is just normal procedure. These first few saddling sessions will set the stage for the rest of the young horse’s career and I want to create and ingrain the best possible habit to ensure he is filled with confidence when being saddled. This can be a dangerous stage in starting a young horse and there are many safety precautions you should take. It is important that you yourself are competent with your skill set, experience and programme. During all four exercises, I will be using approach and retreat methods as well as ground work exercises previously taught in earlier stages of my round pen programme, as once I have the saddle on his back, I will want to move his feet in all directions to allow him to get comfortable wearing his new piece of equipment.
Exercise One – Girth Preparation and Simulation
Desensitising the horse using a lead rope around his belly
Goal – To be able to apply pressure to the horse’s girth and flank areas with the lead rope, simulating the feel of a front and back girth and have him stand still and relaxed. Why – It is important to prepare him for the feeling of pressure around his girth area so that when you go to girth him up, he doesn’t overreact. Any time he feels pressure around his girth or flank area, he is likely to overreact because he feels trapped and claustrophobic and may feel the need to protect himself by jumping forward, possibly even bucking and kicking. It is my job to teach him that he doesn’t need to react when I saddle him and tighten the girth, and that he should stand still and relax because I am not going to hurt him. The best way to teach him to do this is to desensitise him by using an approach
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and retreat method. Using my lead rope looped around his belly, I will gently seesaw the rope along his back starting from just behind his shoulder working towards his flank. If he tenses up and becomes defensive and even begins to move his feet, I will not stop seesawing the rope until he relaxes, begins to soften or even comes to a standstill. Once he is comfortable with this drill, I will begin desensitising him to pressure around his girth area. Using both hands, I will pull up on the rope with one and down with the other and gently squeezing his barrel. I will hold the pressure until he stands still and relaxes and then retreats. Going back to the seesaw motion, I will continue this process working my way up to a pressure as tight as I can make it whilst he remains standing and relaxed. I will repeat this exact process moving onto his flank area.
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Preparation to First Saddling
Knowledge
Exercise Two – Introduction to the Saddle Pad
Introducing the saddle pad
Goal – To be able to throw it on and off his back and eventually position it upon him while he stands still and relaxed. Why – Rather than just throwing the saddle on his back and hoping for the best, I will
desensitise him to the sight, movement and action of the pad being thrown up onto his back and touching his body. Lots of youngsters will get scared when they first see an object swinging up onto their
back, so if you take the time to desensitise them to this movement, when you go to saddle them it will make the job a lot easier.
Exercise Three – Surcingle and Bumpers Goal – To introduce the saddle pad, surcingle and later attach bumpers in order to simulate the experience of wearing a saddle, whilst he remains standing and relaxed. I then aim to move him around the round pen at a trot and canter. Why – My surcingle differs greatly from most conventional surcingles, as it has both front and rear girth attachments. Having both attachments helps overcome any desires for the horse to be girth proud and builds his confidence and understanding of how the girth is going to feel when being saddled. It also desensitises the rear parts of the rib cage and flanks which are often sensitive to touch. It is a great follow up to what was done in exercise one. If the horse remains standing and relaxed, I will then attach the bumpers, these prove to be extremely useful in that they add substantial amount of weight to them and simulate the feeling of a hanging, flapping stirrup and later the leg of a rider. Once these
Introducing bumpers to add weight and a flap motion
are attached, I will then begin to lunge the horse at a walk trot and canter, allowing the bumpers to swing and bounce along the rib cage of the horse. This movement goes a long way in preparing the horse to what the saddle is going to feel like during movement. It is a great desensitising exercise.
Exercise Four – First Saddling Goal – To be able to saddle the horse whilst he remains standing still and relaxed, if the experience goes smoothly, I then aim to move him around the round pen at a trot and canter. Why – Having gone through the previous three exercises, I feel I have prepared the horse as best as possible to go ahead and put the saddle on his back and do up the girth. Once I saddle him up, it is really important to get his feet moving so he can get used to the saddle moving on his back and the stirrups moving on his sides. It is important I give him the opportunity to get used to the new equipment, both at a standstill and on the move, and I will only take the saddle off when he is quiet and relaxed and I see there is no overreaction to wearing it. In some rare cases, I may even leave the saddle on for a few hours to really allow this type of horse to get used to wearing and carrying the saddle around on his back. Unsaddling – It is important to pay attention when removing the saddle for the first time, as quite often a young horse may want to www.polotimes.co.uk
move or run from underneath the saddle when it is first lifted off his back. I tend to rock the saddle back and forth across his back a few times, then undo the girth and gently slide it off. If he moves a little, I will simply replace the saddle pad and saddle for a few moments and then remove it. I will repeat this process until he stands still and relaxes.
The first saddling and motion with the saddle
Shane Borland Coverwell Farm, Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire, CV35 0QA +44 (0)1789 740119 www.shaneborland.com Polo Times, September 2019
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Sidelines
Gossip
CONGRATULATIONS
Harry Wentworth-Stanley, son of Marchioness of Milford Haven, is engaged to actress Cressida Bonus. Harry proposed whilst on holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts and she unsurprisingly said yes! Congratulations you love birds!
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
NEW POLO COUPLE
Rumour has it that Topshop heiress Chloe Green has been spotted canoodling with previous Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz winner Rommy Gianni in the Mediterranean aboard Sir Philip Green’s $150 million yacht!
GOLD CUP COUPLE
Cowdray Estate received the happy news that Tabitha & Joe got engaged at this year’s King Power Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The couple met at The Gold cup four years ago and have attended every year since, plan to marry the Saturday before The Gold Cup Final 2021, with plans to celebrate their wedding the following day at the Final!
SPOTTED! BEST WISHES DIOGO
Polo Valley coach and 5 goal powerhouse Diogo Gallego took a nasty fall whilst playing in Sotogrande for Royal Salute in The Copa de Oro Mediano. We wish him a swift recovery.
Nigel Farage was spotted swapping Brexit for champagne in Montenegro at Polo in the Port, alongside Made in Chelsea and I’m A Celebrity star Georgia Toffolo – it’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it!
WELCOME WORSLEYS!
KPPC members Hector Worsley and Fleur Allcorn tied the knot in East Sussex on Saturday 27 July, surrounded by KPPC friends and family. Congratulations!
OUCH! DREAM POLO PROPERTY
Described in its sale particulars as “the most desirable private polo ground in England”, Les Lions Farm is up for sale including 108 stables, two boarded polo grounds, two all-weather exercise tracks, Clubhouse, 49 acres, groom’s accommodation, plus much more. If only Christmas wasn’t so far away!
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Creighton Boyd was recently injured, having taken a ball to the face. Ouch! Following four weeks, 12 screws, three plates, one infection and one surgeon, he is finally on the mend. Good work Creighton!
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Mark Tomlinson
Piers Plunkett
Rupert Lewis
David Woodd
Jason Dixon & Tim Bown
The International Test Match for The Coronation Cup; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 27 July
Berkshire Goes International International showdowns are a highlight of the UK summer season, whatever the weather, and this year’s International Test Match, which saw Argentina trounce Frasers England, was set under distinctly stormy skies in the heart of Berkshire. What would the British summer be without fluctuating weather conditions? How else would the hardy home spectators be kept on their toes? Despite the sadly one-sided affair on the field, off the field, guests enjoyed a myriad of hospitality, from the delicious food served in the HPA tent, to the cocktails and canapés served alongside excellent entertainment in the Tiki-themed Mahiki tent following the match. In true Berkshire fashion, the day ended with a rip-roaring after-party, with many using the opportunity to not only show off their best dance moves, but reacquaint with their nearest and dearest from polo days gone by. Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography
Hazel Jackson-Gaona & Rebecca Walters
Eduardo Heguy
Sophie McPherson
Will Lucas
Bartolomé Castagnola Jr
John Paul Clarkin
Facundo Pieres
Helen Cruden & Salsita
Luke Tomlinson
Christopher Price
Olly Hughes
Nina Clarkin
Stephen Hutchinson
Matt & Dawn Rogers, Richard Patterson, Sally Richards, Hannah & John Mears, Joanna Donaghy & Simon Powell
Alana Chalmers & Jorge Velasco Suarez
Philippa & Mark Brown
The White Polo Ball; Kirtlington Park Polo Club; Saturday 3 August
Extravagance Galore!
Martin Foulkes & Rachel Tanner
Kirtlington Park Polo Club is at the very heart of Oxfordshire, welcoming their nearest and dearest to celebrate all things polo every August. This year’s summer ball was the perfect seasonal celebration, with opulence and extravagance as the mainstay in the beautiful setting of Kirtlington Park. With glasses of bubbly in hand for all, and a canapé or six, the night’s festivities were elegant and glamorous with a hint of white thrown-in. The men flaunted their best white-tie, whilst the ladies sashayed around the marquee and Clubhouse in their finest white-themed attire. Dinner was followed by an exciting charity auction, but the highlight of the evening was the entertainment provided by Jaspar Blakeley magic and his alter-ego Binky.
Claire & David Ashby
Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography
Will Tuley with Charlie & Lucy Budgett
Louise Jebson, Neil & Kim Cox
Jaspar Blakeley & Amanda Fontanarrosa
John Simpson, Andy Cork & Stuart Beatles
Steve Imber & Sebastian Petragallo
Fleur Worsley & Gus Dalla Mura
Lucy Wilson & Olee Morris
Andrew & Sarah Barlow
Pumpkin Haigh
Hector Worsley
Greg Glue, David Woodd, Olly Hughes & Andrew Barlow
George Amor
The Bell Family
The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championship Finals; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 11 August
Youth Polo at its Best Cowdray Park Polo Club was once again awash with young guns, their patient parents and ponies galore as The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championship Finals graced their hallowed turf this August, the pinnacle of British youth polo. Following what can only be described as ‘hot’ competition in the days leading up to the Final, the lucky participants who found themselves competing for the top honours, sported their Pony Club colours with pride, as the mêlée of children and pristine ponies paraded in front of the grandstands before taking to Lawns 2 for the Finals of the Gannon and Surtees divisions. The tempestuous rain that had soaked the teams the day before, stayed away, so with smiles and sunshine galore, this year’s teams were presented with their cups, rosettes and copies of Polo Times and The Polo Magazine, as well as a host of other treats, before hugs were exchanged and the mammoth journeys home underway. Greg Keyte
Photography by Polo Times & Ellie Osbourne Photography
Jeremy Barber
Amanda North
Charles Whittington & Dr Nigel Berman
Charlie Hitchman & Mike Smith
Jo Whittington
Olly Hughes & Lolly Stanhope-White
Angus Rowan-Hamilton
Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White
Fans out in force
The Stranglers
Rock ‘n’ Horsepower; Hurtwood Park Polo Club; Saturday 17 August
Rolling Stone Meets Polo With a few days rain well and truly in the past, the sun shone for Kenney and Jayne Jones on Saturday 17 August, as friends, family and polo fans gathered for The Golden Stone Years Rock ‘n’ Horsepower event. It was a day packed with polo, classic cars and a whopping seven hours of non-stop music, all in celebration of the life and soul of Brian Jones, the founding member of The Rolling Stones. On the field, Centtrip defeated Auctus 5-2 in an action-packed match and with classic tunes resonating from the stage, from the likes of Donovan, Julie Felix, The Stranglers, The Waterboys, Steve Harley, Lola Lennox, Earl Slick, Glen Matlock, not forgetting Brian Jones’s grandson Joolz Jones, it was a wonderful day in aid of The Racehorse Sanctuary and The David Lynch Foundation. To top it all off, Kenney Jones himself took to the stage with his The Jones Gang group, a wonderful end to an event bringing ‘polo to the people’. Kenney Jones
Donovan
Robert Hart
Steve Harley & Lonley Lee Skye
Joolz Jones
Julie Felix
Photography by John Periam
Lola Lennox
Stephanie Rainey
The Waterboy’s Mike Scott
Glen Matlock
Earl Slick
Mhairi Gould, Anne Smith, Lucy Jones & Lisa Smith
Henry Jodrell & Anna Wiles
Tilly Bruce, Jo Greenaway & Ben Barnes
Hannah Gardner, Annette McPherson, Peter Baldwin & Leah Tuck
Fi Jacob, Charlie Dando, Brooke Gardener Wollen & Jen Baber
Evie Macken
The Indian Summer Ball; Beaufort Polo Club; Friday 16 August
Fit For a Maharajah Continuing the 30th year Anniversary celebrations, Beaufort Polo Club hosted an Indian Summer Ball on Friday 16 August. Despite the weather being more Indian monsoon than scorching summer, guests were warmly greeted in the marquee with canapés and a Justerini & Brooks Champagne and Cobra Beer reception. The excitement began when four waitresses appeared to have an argument only to reveal themselves as covert Bollywood dancers and did a fantastic performance to the guests. Food made by the Clubhouse caterers, The Spiced Hawk, was aplenty on the night – with pudding even featuring a chocolate polo mallet! A live and silent auction with great lots, including an Alejandro Moy painting, helped to raise over £9,500 for the Club and band 29 Fingers kept the party going until the early hours, with an energetic set that got everyone on the dancefloor. Joss Ridley & Catherine McGee
Mark Tomlinson, Shaun Brokensha & Jamie Tuck
Eden Ormerod & Sophie Lindsay
Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography
Harry Meakin, Monica Meakin, Ali Criado-Perez & Simon Tomlinson
Phil & Alison Foster
Rupert Lewis
Ben Wilson, Sarah & Jules Van Vegchel with Nick Wiles
Luke Tomlinson & Owen Inskip
Tessa Foot & Tom Morley
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01462 701110
Polo directory
What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club
Tournament Name
Handicap Start Date End Date
Club
Tournament Name
Handicap Start Date End Date
Beaufort
The Arthur Lucas Cup
12 – 15
20/08/19
01/09/19
White Waltham
JP Morgan Challenge Match
-6 – -4
14/09/19
14/09/19
Guards
The Flemish Farm Trophy
2–6
20/08/19
01/09/19
Emsworth
The Regions Cup
4
14/09/19
15/09/19
Guards
The President’s Trophy
6 – 10
20/08/19
07/09/19
Tidworth
Full Swing Polo Trophy
0–4
14/09/19
15/09/19
Cirencester
Kingscote Cup
0–6
26/08/19
07/09/19
White Waltham
The Adamas Polo Tournament
-2 – 2
14/09/19
15/09/19
Cirencester
Cheltenham Cup
8 – 12
27/08/19
08/09/19
Edgeworth
2
14/09/19
15/09/19
Cowdray
PSI Trophy
4–8
27/08/19
08/09/19
The Merry del Winter Tournament
Cowdray
Park House Cup
0–4
27/08/19
15/09/19
Cheshire
Secretary’s Cup
-4 – 2
14/09/19
15/09/19
Intro Tournament
-2 – 2
14/09/19
15/09/19
Beaufort
The Solitaire Salver
0–4
28/08/19
08/09/19
Beaufort
Kirtlington
Colquhoun Cup
4–6
29/08/19
01/09/19
Taunton
Polo Managers Choice
-1–- 1
14/09/19
15/09/19
Survivors Cup
-2 – 0
14/09/19
15/09/19
RCBPC
0 - 4 Goal Open
0–4
29/08/19
01/09/19
Silver Leys
Taunton
Wickham Trophy
Open
31/08/19
31/08/19
Eastwood
September Tournament
0
14/09/19
15/09/19
Tidworth
Full Swing Polo Trophy
-4 – 0
14/09/19
15/09/19
Leadenham
End of Season Tournament
-6 – -4 & -2 – 0
14/09/19
15/09/19
Druids Lodge
Forest Edge Rose Bowl & Charity Day
0–8
31/08/19
01/09/19
Black Bears
Black Bear’s Farewell
8
31/08/19
01/09/19
Binfield Heath
Polo Manager’s Trophy
4–6
31/08/19
01/09/19
Druids Lodge
Clock Tower Trophy
Open
14/09/19
15/12/19
0 Goal
0
15/09/19
16/09/19
Edgeworth
Hayden-Tovey Trophy
0–4
31/08/19
01/09/19
Emsworth
Suffolk
Raging Bull Tournament
-4 – 4
31/08/19
01/09/19
RCBPC
The Lambourne Trophy
7 – 10
15/09/19
21/09/19
Billy Walsh Tournament
0–2
15/09/19
22/09/19
Cheshire
Polo Player Trophy
-4 – 2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Ham
White Waltham
The Mountgerald Polo Tournament
0–2
31/08/19
01/09/19
White Waltham
JP Morgan Challenge Match
-6 – -4
21/09/19
21/09/19
Emsworth
The Emsworth Silver Cup
6
21/09/19
22/09/19
Rutland
Seavill Bowl
0–2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Emsworth
2 Goal
2
21/09/19
22/09/19
Silver Leys
Print on Demand
-2 – 0
31/08/19
01/09/19
White Waltham
Youngs Farm Polo Tournament
0–2
21/09/19
22/09/19
Binfield Heath
Polo Manager’s Trophy
-4 – 0
31/08/19
01/09/19
Binfield Heath
Treasurer’s Cup
-2 – 2
21/09/19
22/09/19
Silver Leys
Print on Demand Cup
-4 – -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Tidworth
Cavalry Cup
0–2
21/09/19
22/09/19
Tidworth
Polo Captain’s Trophy
-6 – -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Taunton
End of Season Tournament
-4 – 0
21/09/19
22/09/19
Rutland
The Wilkinson Sword
-6 – -2
31/08/19
01/09/19
Tidworth
Cavalry Cup
-4 – 0
21/09/19
22/09/19
Cheshire
Club Plate
-8 – -5
31/08/19
01/09/19
Moor Farm
End of Season Tournament
-8 – -2
21/09/19
22/09/19
Taunton
Faulkner Cup (RN v Taunton)
Open
01/09/19
01/09/19
RCBPC
The John Houghton
0–4
22/09/19
29/09/19
Cowdray
Farewell Cup
0–6
03/09/19
22/09/19
Tidworth
Valete Cup
29/09/19
Major Generals Trophy
-2 – 2
06/09/19
08/09/19
-6 – -2 & -2 – 2
28/09/19
Guards White Waltham
JP Morgan Challenge Match
-6 – -4
07/09/19
07/09/19
White Waltham
-2 – 2
28/09/19
29/09/19
Emsworth
Arber Extravaganza
8 – 10
07/09/19
08/09/19
Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Cup
Tidworth
Frost Cup
4–6
07/09/19
08/09/19
Binfield Heath
Farewell Tournament
-4 – 0
28/09/19
29/09/19
Cambridge County
Indian Summer Tournament
0–4
07/09/19
08/09/19
Druids Lodge
Polo Art Trophy
3–4
07/09/19
08/09/19
Junior Polo Tournament
Open
02/09/19
02/09/19
Binfield Heath
Corney & Barrow Cup
0–2
07/09/19
08/09/19
Cheshire
Lovatt Claret Jug
-4 – 2
07/09/19
08/09/19
WOMEN’S POLO
White Waltham
Divot Trophy
-2 – 2
07/09/19
08/09/19
Chantilly
12 – 6
17/09/19
22/09/19
Edgeworth
The Second to Last Chance Cup 0
07/09/19
08/09/19
Taunton
Sarafand Cup
-2 – 0
07/09/19
08/09/19
Cambridge County
Indian Summer Tournament
-4 – 0
07/09/19
08/09/19
Tidworth
Frost Cup
-4 – 0
07/09/19
08/09/19
Cheshire
Lovatt Cup
-8 – -5
07/09/19
08/09/19
Beaufort
The Sidebottom Cup
0–6
07/09/19
15/09/19
Cowdray
Autumn League
8 – 12
09/09/19
22/09/19
Guards
The Chairman’s Cup
0–2
10/09/19
15/09/19
Cirencester
Gouldsmith Bowl
4–8
10/09/19
22/09/19
Cirencester
Associates Trophy
-2 – 2
10/09/19
22/09/19
RCBPC
6 Goal Open
4–6
12/09/19
15/09/19
www.polotimes.co.uk
YOUTH Longdole
Open de France Feminin
America Santa Barbara
Silver Air Pacific Coast Open
14 – 20
15/08/19
01/09/19
Greenwich
East Coast Open
14 – 20
25/08/19
08/09/19
Brandywine
Gerald Balding Cup
6–8
30/08/19
01/09/19
Houston
Keleen and Carlton Beal
12 – 16
01/09/19
01/11/19
Houston
Texas Open
10 – 14
01/09/19
30/09/19
Mt. Brilliant
Kentucky Classic
14
01/09/19
30/09/19
New Bridge
Northrup Knox Cup
12 – 16
15/09/19
30/09/19
Polo Times, September 2019
93
Polo directory France Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Gold Cup
8 – 10
29/08/19
08/09/19
Chantilly
Coupe du Luxembourg
-1 – 1 & 0–4
31/08/19
01/09/19
Chantilly
Coupe Internationale
6–8
31/08/19
01/09/19
Chantilly
Open de France
14 – 16
07/09/19
22/09/19
Italy
Bergville
2 & 4 Goal Tournament
2&4
20/09/19
22/09/19
East Rand
Highveld League
2 & 12
27/09/19
29/09/19
Underberg
Weekend Tournament
Open
27/09/19
29/09/19
4–8
07/09/19
08/09/19
Switzerland Polo Park Zurich
Vecinos Cup
Snow Polo Dates
Villa a Sesta
Coppa Sorleone
6–8
05/09/19
08/09/19
Kitzbühel
Snow Polo World Cup 2019
Open
16/01/20
19/01/20
Villa a Sesta
Gold Cup
10 – 12
12/09/19
22/09/19
St. Moritz
Snow Polo World Cup 2019
Open
23/01/20
26/01/20
Kenya
Social Events
Nairobi
Kenya International
6
13/09/19
15/09/19
Beaufort
End of Season Party
15/09/19
Nairobi
Kenya International
14
20/09/19
23/09/19
Tedworth Park
End of Season Ball
28/09/19
Rutland
End of Season Party
28/09/19
South Africa East Rand
Pony Lenders Tournament
Open
06/09/19
08/09/19
Karkloof
Spring Tournament
Open
06/09/19
08/09/19
Inanda
Nedbank International Polo
Open
14/09/19
14/09/19
Inanda
Inanda Gold Cup
0 & 16
20/09/19
22/09/19
Quick Question Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page A: Argentina have played England for The Coronation Cup just five times, but a South American combination team has played six times
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
00353 01 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Home Farm Polo Grounds
07807672120
rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com
Apsley End Polo Club*
01462 712444
tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Knepp Castle Polo Club
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Barfold Polo Club
07778 808853
mborwick@gmail.com
Leadenham Polo Club
07429 299026
office@leadenhampoloclub.com
Bawtry Polo Club
01302 773282
info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494 114190
shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
New Forest Polo Club
07977 224404
annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Blueys Polo Club*
07930 323263
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy
07811 993316
emmadvh@btinternet.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club
07803 020577
info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Cambridge County Polo Club*
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Polo Wicklow*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Carlton House
07901 561113
harrietservaes@hotmail.com
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
ranelagh@labravapolo.com
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
Chiltern Polo Club
07973 174542
info@chilternpoloclub.com
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Cirencester Park Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Rutland Polo Club
07772 040668
secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Silver Leys Polo Club
07730 060200
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 812409
polo@dbpoloclub.com
St. Albans Polo Club
07956 017090
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Dorset Polo Club
01202 623985
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club
07974 706045
info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
jamesscrawford@aol.com
Sussex Polo Club*
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Eastwood Polo Club
07875 743475
frankums@googlemail.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs.wheelers@gmail.com
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Emsworth Polo Grounds*
01344 883112
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Triskelion Polo Club*
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
FHM Polo Club*
07778 436468
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
Vale of York Polo Club*
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Great Trippetts Polo Club
01428 741916
charles@trippetts.com
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
White Rose Polo Club*
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
94
Polo Times, September 2019
* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter
www.polotimes.co.uk
Marketplace Equipment
Transport
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Team Tristar (UK) Ltd
Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes
For details of our current stock or for a new build, please phone or email or visit our website.
www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, September 2019
95
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
With a name like Pieres, there was never anything but success expected from young 9 goaler Nico Pieres. Over the past decade, he has slowly but surely picked up every major title around the world, some on occasion numerous times, with the UK top of his priority list this summer. Sporting the striking red of Scone Polo, Nico quite firmly came out of his older brothers’ shadows this year, with his surprise Cartier Queen’s Cup win and reaching the Semi Finals of The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open alongside David Paradice and two British greats; James Beim and James Harper. This exciting player has some serious fire in his belly, with the perfect combination of good genes and inextricable talent – quite the polo force to be reckoned with! What is your biggest passion? My biggest passion is polo and the life we have around this amazing sport.
Who were/are your favourite teammates? I have had fun teammates playing around the world, but there is nothing better than playing with my brothers!
Most prized possession? My family!
Hardest opponent? La Dolfina! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Golf, of course! Favourite film and why? Stepbrothers. What is your all-time best polo memory? For sure wning The Argentine Open with my brothers and Mariano Aguerre in 2012.
Best holiday destination & activity Punte del Este in Uruguay.
Favourite hobby outside of polo? I love playing golf and spending time with my family. Favourite song/album? Anything that Diego Torres has done. Favourite food/dish? Milanese with mash potatoes.
Best pony and why. Guillermina, my favourite horse.
Photograph by Alice Gipps
Are you passionately superstitious? Nope! Favourite celebrity and why? I’m not really a celebrity follower!
96
Polo Times, September 2019
Describe yourself in three words… Just another Pieres!
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