G O N Z A L O P I E R E S J R. TEN-GOAL PL AYER. INTERNATIONAL POLO C H A M P I O N . W I N N E R O F A R G E N T I N A’ S COVE TED TRIPLE CROWN. HE’S LIVED UP TO HIS NAMESAKE. AND MADE A NAME OF HIS OWN.
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Natuzzi and Antwerp Polo Club present a unique experience of luxury and comfort. We welcome you at the luxurious VIP summer lounge of Natuzzi at the renowned Antwerp Polo Club. Rejoice in the beauty of the symbiosis between man and animal while enjoying the comfort of the Italian leather expert. Natuzzi finds the same unique values of authenticity and passion in the fascinating world of Polo.
PQ Staff Publisher
PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com
Editor
Aurora Eastwood aurora@pqinternational.com
Design & Production
Tomás M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com
PR and Marketing Director
María Noel Raffo Antin noel@pqinternational.com
Photographs
PoloLine Media Ana Clara Cozzi M&M Productions Images of Polo Alice Gipps Clive Bennet Paul Froud Alex Photography Matías Callejo
Contributors
Iain “Major” Forbes-Cockell Horace Laffaye Federico Levy Eduardo Amaya Alejandra Ocampos Federica Marocci
Aurora Eastwood
Diana Butler
Editor
Dara Williams Travel Editor
PoloLine Travel travel@pololine.com
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PQ international 5 Charters Lane, Sunninhill, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 9NU, United Kingdom Mobile/Cell: +44 (0) 7590 455139 www.pqinternational.com E-mail: info@pqinternational.com Cover Photo - Alice Gipps By Alice Gipps © POLOLINE INC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part strictly prohibited without the permission of the publisher. Although the publisher makes every effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or guarantee an advertising insertion, date, position or special position. Views expressed may not necessarily be those of the editor or the publisher.
T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.
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Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, since 1833. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
PQ #75
Calendar Summer 2011
July
August
September
1_Sunset Polo Exhibition Ham Polo Club, London, UK
7_Dubai Trophy Final Low goal Ham Polo Club, London, UK
4_San Jorge Open Final Handicap 20 goal San Jorge Polo Club, Argentina
9_Argentine Night Inprotur St Tropez PC, St Tropez, France
7_Heritage Polo Cup 2011 Exhibition Sandhurst, Camberley, UK
4_Pacific Coast Open Final Handicap 20 goal Santa Barbara Polo Club, California, USA
10_International Polo Cup Handicap 15 goal St Tropez PC, St Tropez, France
14_Duke of Wellington Cup Final Handicap 12 goal Guards PC, UK
11_Autumn Nations Cup Final Handicap 12 goal Guards PC, UK
17_British Open Final Handicap 22 goal Cowdray, Midhurst, UK
14_Silver Cup Final Handicap 14 goal Polo de Deauville, Deauville, France
18_Beijing Open Handicap 12 goal Sunny Times Polo Club, Beijing, China
23_Coworth Park Challenge Handicap 15 goal Coworth Park Polo Club, Ascot, UK
14_USPA America Cup Handicap 20 goal Santa Barbara Polo Club, California, USA
18_Open de France Final Handicap 16 goal Chantilly Polo Club, Chantilly, France
24_Coronation Cup - Cartier Day Guards PC, UK
15_Beauty Cup Final Ladies Polo de Deauville, Deauville, France
24_European Playoffs for World Cup 2011 Handicap 14 goal Villa a Sesta, Italy
24_Open de Gazzin Final Handicap 15 goal St Tropez PC, St Tropez, France 30_Silver Cup Handicap 14 goal Polo de Deauville, Deauville, France 31_Bronze Cup Final Handicap 22 goal Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande, Spain 31_USPA Silver Cup Handicap 20 goal Santa Barbara Polo Club, California, USA
21_Gstaad Gold Cup Final Handicap 18 goal Gstaad PC, Switzerland 27_Platinum Cup Final Handicap 14 goal Polo de Deauville, Deauville, France 27_Gold Cup Final Handicap 20 goal Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande, Spain 28_Duke of Cornwall´s Trophy Final Handicap 16 goal Guards PC, UK
25_Jockey Club Open Handicap 40 goal Jockey Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina 27_Tortugas Open Handicap 40 goal Tortugas Country Club, Argentina 25_Hurlingham & Argentine Open Playoffs AAP, Pilar, Argentina
T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.
Whether it’s a transatlantic crossing on a sailboat with friends, or the birth of a child, there are precious, life-changing moments that deserve to be recorded forever. What will yours be? Let our engraving, enamelling and gemsetting artists immortalise your legend. A Reverso just for you. GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN TRIBUTE TO 1931. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822. Patent 111/398. Limited series of 500.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre in partnership with UNESCO to raise awareness and protect marine World Heritage. A real commitment to a precious cause. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
Summer Issue 2011 Price £6,00
Tournaments 18
Queen´s Cup 2011 If at first you don’t succeed...
32
victory is all the sweeter!
Lifestyle
Prince of Wales Trophy 2011
152
Traffic jams and road rage
36
Gold Cup for the British Open 2011
156 Venice
Sheer determination wins the Gold Cup
47
Coronation Cup 2011
The Magical city on water
160 Jaeger-LeCoultre
English structure defeats Brazilian flair
54
Indian Empire Shield 2011 Black Bears do the Triple
58 78
British Ladies Championship 2011 BHC Ladies are powerful combo
92
The Archie David Cup Showdown between teams from the two best clubs in the UK
106
Roma Summer Polo Gold Cup Last stage of Gold Polo Circuit
108
Reverso: celebrating a Legend in Paris
162
St Tropez International Cup 2011 Wasabi celebrate again
Equine Art Kate Harding
Queen´s Mother Centenary Cup Brazil´s got talent
Luxury Cars Another kind of horsepower
Damián Tesoriero
164
Body Care Summer 2011
166
Men´s Grooming In a Lather
168 Motoring Even the Loch Ness monster hid from this B-road beast
#76
Contents
Interviews Off the Field 16
Argentine Day - Guards Polo Club Showcasing the best that Argentina has to offer
86
Audi Polo Awards 2011 Audi Polo Awards 2011
88
Royal Wedding Willian & Kate: A Fairy-tale Wedding
114
Argentine Day - St Tropez Polo Club Argentine Night in Côte d´Azur
118
Zarah Hanbury´s Birthday Party Pirates Party
122
Book Review Cowdray Centenary Book
146
Tips from the Pros Cruz Rota
148 Veterinary Every breath you take
Alice Gipps Photography Talking polo with one of the sport’s leading
UK Season PJ’s start of season party
68
128
photographers
134
Kenny Jones Musician turned polo aficionado
138
Facundo Sola Argentina’s hottest export for 2011
142
Andrea Vianini Polo, Cars and Family
Summer Issue 2011
Editorial
Well, what a high goal season this has been. Tightening up the no turning rule has led to infinitely more enjoyable games to watch; truly flowing, classic polo is back. Horsepower is even more important now, as with huge passes come horse races; once again the fleet footed thoroughbred comes to the fore. The high goal pony needs to be a truly complete animal; handy, easy but with tremendous pace - now more so than ever. The season has also brought new names into the spotlight; both teams and players. Talandracas for the first time won a major tournament in the form of the Queens Cup, with truly outstanding performances from Milo, Lucas and the stunningly talented Facu Sola. The Gold Cup saw Les Lions have an incredible progression to the final, with outstanding play from the Merlos’s and the superb Chris Mackenzie. Zacara too, awesome to watch, they played with such speed, passion and “gana” and they just gave their all in every game. They truly deserved that final win. And now? Everyone packs off to Europe for the next leg of the high goal season, and here in the UK the HPA work through possible rule changes and tweaks - rumours abound about two tired handicaps and amendments to the Home Grown Player rule - but these things will not be decided overnight. Meanwhile, the UK still has important 8, 12 and 15 goal tournaments to play - and PQ will be at all! Aurora Eastwood Editor
Photo: Polo Club Chantilly, Paris, France
UK Season
PJ’s start of season party
view of the party from the 1st floor of the restaurante
Photos by Edward Lloyd. Once more, Brian Stein very generously opened his doors to an influx of polo payers and as always the restaurant was bursting at the seams, upstairs and downstairs. Free flowing alcohol and endless canapés meant that people were loath to leave and the party just kept going. Brian’s support of polo goes back many years and the polo community is very grateful to him. Shira Jones
Jan-Erick Franck with a Kira Werner
Guests
Guests
Harry Stancliffe and Elly Webster
Grace Hodder and Johnny Lynn
Andrea Vianini and Jodie Kidd
Brian Stein with the huge birthday cake
Guests
Sisters Aurora Eastwood, Giovanna
Dean Lines, Sarah de Vere Drummond,
Eastwood and Heloise Lorentzen
Naomi Swift, Jade Lines
Platina Tong and Brian Stein
Nicholas and Annie
Henry Brett and Andrea Vianini
Henry Brett and Andrea Vianini
Guests
Roddy Mathews and Clare Warrender
Colquhoun-Denvers
Guests
Nico Antimori and Caroline Filmore
Antonio Manzorro and Guests
Seb Dawnay and wife Louisa
Casey Jones with father Kenney Jones girlfiend Lourdes
Noah Silverschmidt, Jack Lindquist and Christian Langaard
PQ | 17
Eglatine Wiart and Juan Pepa
Queen´s Cup 2011
If at first you don’t succeed... victory is all the sweeter! By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
After many years of playing high goal in the UK, Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas side finally had their day. Played in appalling conditions – high wind and relentless rain, the final was nonetheless well attended (on the clubhouse side at least – the far side of the field had very few cars watching – as the rain was driving precisely in the faces of anyone on that side.
Edouard Carmignac
18 | PQ
Enigma opened hard, scoring 5 goals in the first chukka to Talandracas’s one – but Talandracas are the masters of coming back from behind, and come back they did. Enigma then didn’t score for the next two chukkas, as Lucas Monteverde worked harder than a Border Collie, not letting Juan Martin get any space, and worrying at the heels of any Enigma player who tried to attack. Milo’s superb captaincy saw Lucas playing better than he has for years, and with the uber talented Facu Sola settling into the game after some nervous (and subsequently inaccurate) penalty taking, Talandracas slowly edged back up the scoreboard, 5-5.
Talandracas Polo Team with Prince Harry, Milssa Stisted and Thandi Wooldridge
Queen´s Cup // Teams Zone 1 Enigma Jerome Wirth Matías MacDonough Juan Jauretche Juan Martín Nero
22 1 8 3 10
Richard Mille HRH PM Bahar Jefri Bolkiah Pablo MacDonough Alejandro Muzzio Max Routledge
22 1 10 7 4
Emlor Spence McCarthy Luke Tomlinson Mark Tomlinson Nacho Gonzalez
22 2 7 7 6
Piaget Joaquín Pittaluga Cristian Laprida Jr Ignacio Toccalino Stefano Marsaglia
22 7 8 7 0
22 0 10 10 2
1870 Adrian Kirby John-Paul Clarkin Ruki Baillieu Rob Archibald
22 1 8 7 6
Mansour Jaeger-LeCoultre Ben Soleimani Ignacio Heguy Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Francisco Elizalde
22 0 8 9 5
Aravali Karam Thapar Lucas Di Paola Marcos Di Paola Santiago Chavanne
22 1 6 7 8
22 0 8 8 6
Dubai Rashid Albwardy Lucas Criado Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Oliver Cudmore
22 2 7 10 3
Sumaya Oussama Aboughazale Juan Gris Zavaleta Javier Novillo Astrada Carlos Gracida
22 0 7 8 7
El Remanso George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury David Stirling Jr Jaime García Hudobro
22 2 4 9 7
22 0 9 9 4
Zacara Lyndon Lea Hilario Ulloa Nachi du Plessis Gonzalo del Tour
22 1 8 7 6
Loro Piana Alfio Marchini Lucas James Agustín Nero Nicolás Espain
22 2 7 6 7
La Golondrina Paul Oberschneider Diego Cavanagh Satnam Dhillon Tomás García del Rio
21 0 7 7 7
Zone 2 La Bamba de Areco Jean-Francois Decaux Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Matt Perry
Zone 3 Talandracas Edouard Carmignac Lucas Monteverde Milo Fernández Araujo Facundo Sola
Zone 4 Les Lions Joaquim Gottschalk Agustín Merlos Sebastián Merlos Chris MacKenzie
PQ | 19
Lucas Monteverde and Lucas Criado
20 | PQ
PQ | 21
Juan MartĂn Nero and Nachi Du Plessis
22 | PQ
Milo Fernandez Araujo
Talandracas 2010 Talandracas Edouard Carmignac Guillermo Terrera Lucas Monteverde Luke Tomlinson
22 0 7 8 7
2011 Talandracas Edouard Carmignac Lucas Monteverde Milo Fernández Araujo Facundo Sola
22 0 8 8 6
Enigma weren’t going to go quietly into that good night; and fought back hard, taking the lead again by two goals, following three goals from Juan Marín Nero, Pablo MacDonough and a spectacular goal from Juan Jauretche (perhaps sealing the decision to put him up to 4 goals). Talandracas, do or die now, equalised, ending the 6th 8-8 and meaning that all the cold, wet, spectators had to endure a few more minutes in the horrendous weather – but is was SO worth it. The extra, final chukka was dominated by Talandracas from start to finish. They won the ball from the lineout and it never even left Enigma’s 60; after two failed attempts at goal a desperate foul by Enigma resulted in a spot – Milo punched the air; he knew they’d done enough. Facu’s gentle tap through the goal sealed the deal and Talandracas held the cup aloft for the first time. MVP: Milo Fernandez Araujo BPP: Juan Martin Nero’s Oli Chicha
Talandracas had a major change in their lineup Milo, one of the most consistent players in the UK high goal scene for almost 20 years, took the helm. Lucas works brilliantly under his direction and Facu Sola was surely the find of the century. PQ | 23
Adolfo Cambiaso Jr
24 | PQ
Jean-Francois Decaux and JP Clarkin
Talandracas Polo Team // Latest Titles Year 2011 2010 2009 2004 2002 2002 2001
Tournament Queen´s Cup Deauville Coupe d´Or Prince of Wales Trophy Deauville Coupe d´Or Deauville Coupe d´Or French Open Sotogrande Gold Cup
Country United Kingdom France United Kingdom France France France Spain
Team Players Edouard Carmignac, Lucas Monteverde, Milo Fernandez Araujo and Facundo Sola. Edouard Carmignac, Lucas Monteverde, Guillermo Terrera and Matías Benoit. Edouard Carmignac, Guillermo Terrera, Alejandro Agote and Lucas Moteverde. Edouard Carmignac, Guillermo Terrera, Gerardo Collardin and Jaime García Huidobro. Edouard Carmignac, Mark Tomlinson, Juan Martín Nero and Milo Fernández Araujo. Edouard Carmignac, Pierre Henri N´Goumou, Gerardo Collardin and Juan Martín Nero. Edouard Carmignac, Gerardo Collardin, Milo Fernández Araujo and Juan Martín Nero. PQ | 25
Enigma was effectively an all Argentine side Beimy and Borwick out, Jauretche and Nero in. Something worked; they only narrowly lost the final and were very strong in all their league games.
Handicap changes Both Talandracas and Enigma had players raised, meaning that their subsequent Gold Cup campaign would be slightly more complicated as they were now both 23 goals.
Vive La France – a Hat Trick! French patrons dominated the final four; the top three teams were La Bamba, Enigma and Talandracas.
Big names out early Interestingly, the player’s own predictions of the teams to beat proved inaccurate; El Remanso, Les Lions and Dubai all failed to make the final – El Remanso and Dubai didn’t even make the semi finals. 26 | PQ
Max Routledge
Queen´s Cup // Info Place: Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park Egham, Surrey, UK Club: Guards Polo Club Date: May 12 - June 12, 2011 Tournament Director: Oliver Ellis Level: 22 goal
WPT Tournament: Championship Cup Winner Points: 120 Finalist Points: 60 Semifinalist Points: 40 Rest of Player Points: 20
Winner: Talandracas Polo Team MVP: Milo Fernández Araujo BPP: Oli Chica (Juan Martín Nero)
PQ | 27
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28 | PQ
Captions 1. Milo Fernandez Araujo and wife Fernanda. 2. Santiago Gaztambide and wife Veronica. 3. Roddy Wood and Aurora Eastwood. 4. Edouard Carmignac and son Hughes. 5. Royal Guard band. 6. PQ umbrella in the middle. 7. The Royal Guard Flugerhorn. 8. Kevin and Jane Rutheford with Debbie and
9
10
Peter Wilson. 9. PoloLine TV live broadcast. 10. Jerome Wirth 11. Julian Hipwood. 12 & 13. Exquisite elegance. 14. Lucas Monteverde. 15. Mr Louis Bacon at the Royal Box 16. Lucas James and Pablo MacDonough. 17. AgustĂn Nero.
11 12 13
14 15
16 17
PQ | 29
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30 | PQ
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Captions 1. Florencia Cavalieri, James Turner and Diana Butler. 2. Carlos Gracida reading PQinternational Spring 2011. 3. Clara MacDonough, María Rapetti and Cata García Huidobro. 4. Becky Simpson, La Martina, with her daughter Eva and Olga Ramirez. 5. Ángeles Pedreira and Agustín Nero’s wife. 6. Lucas Talamoni and his girlfriend Stefanie Elliot. 7. Gaston Laulhe and his son Rufino with Piki Diaz Alberdi, Pelón Stirling Santiago Chavanne and Agustín Nero. 8. Juan Pepa, Tomas Garcia del Rio and Ryan Pemble. 9. Jack Archibald with brothers Nachi and Jean Du Plessis. 10. Manuel Fernandez Llorente with his daughter. 11. Camilo Bautista and Miguel Ayerza. 12. Horacito Heguy and wife Florencia Sobrero. 13. Tomás García del Rio, Gonzalo del Tour and Magoo Laprida. 14. Philippe de Groutt and Fernando Monteverde. 15. Courtney Mokarow, Tamara Payne, Carlos Gracida and Michelle Careus. 16. Andrew Hine.
PQ | 31
Prince of Wales Trophy 2011
Traffic jams and road rage Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
Aravali vs El Remanso The Prince of Wales trophy has suffered in recent years from low entries – it is hard to schedule another high goal tournament with the “big two” taking priority over everything else – so the Prince of Wales has ended up sandwiched in before the end of the Queen’s Cup as a subsidiary tournament for teams who did not make the final stages of the Queen’s. There is no easy solution – perhaps to play it before the Queens Cup starts, as a warm-up? In addition, there were virtually no
David Stirling Jr and Lucas di Paola
32 | PQ
spectators – it seemed the crowds preferred to watch 2 goal University polo at nearby Guards Polo Club than a 22 goal final. The game started with a foul after only seconds of play, unfortunately setting a precedent for the rest of the game. Aravali capitalised on this opportunity and scored. The chukka was fairly uninspiring; the field was causing the ball to resemble one more commonly used in ping pong, making the players seem less talented
The Prince of Wales Trophy // Teams & Info El Remanso George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury David Stirling Jr. Jaime García Huidobro
22 2 4 9 7
Loro Piana Lucas James John Kent Horacio Etcheverry Martín Espain
Place: Ascot, England Club: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Date: June 4-12, 2011 Tournament Director: Michael Amoore Level: 22 goal
22 7 4 5 6
Mansour - JLC Ben Soleimani Ignacio Heguy Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr. Francisco Elizalde
WPT Tournament: WPT Cup Winner Points: 60 Finalist Points: 30 Semifinalist Points: 15 Rest of Player Points: 8
22 0 8 9 5
Aravali Karam Thapar Lucas di Paola Marcos di Paola Eduardo Heguy
22 1 6 7 8
Winner: El Remanso Polo Team MVP: Charlie Hanbury (El Remanso) BPP: Power (owned by Bautista Heguy, ridden by David Stirling Jr)
Charlie Hanbury: “It was a good game – the field was a bit bouncy, and the game started amicably but wasn’t by the end! We were really happy to win today, as that’s three in a row now, so hopefully that’s a positive sign for the Gold Cup”.
PQ | 33
than they actually are. A spot penalty to El Remanso equalised the score at 1-1, quickly cancelled out by a penalty scored by Eduardo Heguy for Aravali, quickly followed by another as Heguy streaked up the field from one end to the other. By the third chukka they game hadn’t really sped up – fortunately polo ponies have in built stop-start technology – as the game was so stop-start itself that the only comparable is driving along the Embankment in rush hour – frantic bursts of acceleration interrupted by equally rapid stopping for traffic lights – in this case the ping-pong ball was the cause of the sudden braking as players checked hard to try and let it settle before hitting it- to no avail. Play continuously broke down and the whistle was frequent. A 40 yd penalty to Aravali was converted by Heguy; famous for his accurate striking. After more fouls and a lot of shouting (tempers increasingly frayed) El Remanso scored from a spot hit to equalise 4-4, and a fantastic run by Hanbury ended the chukka 5-4 to El Remanso. El Remanso started the 4th chukka by hitting the ball long and hard, turning the game to their favour. They gradually increased their lead, and by the 5th chukka had scored five times to Aravali’s three. Pelon Stirling was a pleasure to watch, showing his class on some lovely ponies – incredibly handy and so quick off the mark. El Remanso Polo Team
34 | PQ
The final chukka started with a huge hit from the lineout by Stirling that went over the back line, giving a knock in to Aravali, who had significant ground to make up (literally) and were getting more and more vocal and frustrated – resulting in fouls and technicals against them. El Remanso scored twice more with no answer from Aravali, winning 12-7. BEST PLAYING PONY Power 8 Yo Dark Bay Mare Played by Pelon Stirling, Power belongs to the great Bauti Heguy, who bought her from Hector Gerrero in Argentina. “She lives up to her name! She has tremendous acceleration and is really good to the sides. Plus she is cute - her groom, Lou, practically sleeps in the stable with her” said Stirling
Chavanne scarpered Eduardo Heguy was filling in for Santi Chavanne, who had returned rather abruptly to Argentina once his team was knocked out of the Queen’s Cup. Eduardo, who was not planning to play any high goal this season in the UK found himself on his own ponies; he had rented them to Chavanne for the tournament.
Holidays in Andalusia? Sounds wonderful Can you feel it? It is a very special rhythm, the corners have music, the monuments make you pulsate, the beaches dance to your beat, and the joy... spreads its music everywhere
PQ | 35
www.andalucia.org
Gold Cup for the British Open 2011
Sheer determination wins the Gold Cup By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Once again attracting more teams than the Queen’s Cup; this tournament is the most sought after prize of the English season. It is a pleasing mix of the best fields of any club in the UK, together with (usually) better weather and superb organisation by Cowdray’s manager Chris Bethell and his team. Cowdray still feels relaxed and friendly – watching the games is a low key affair, surrounded by like minded people.
Sebastián Merlos and Hilario Ulloa
36 | PQ
Last Minute withdrawal Billingbear park; entered for the Gold Cup, pulled out after the draw took place; leaving several players without a job (including unlucky 4 British goaler George Meyrick) and a headache for Chris Bethell. Luckily Spencer McCarthy stepped up and put an Emlor side in at incredibly short notice.
Gold Cup for the British Open 2011 // Teams & Info Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
1870 Adrian Kirby John-Paul Clarkin Ruki Baillieu Rob Archibald
22 1 8 7 6
Enigma Jerome Wirth Matías MacDonough Juan Jauretche Juan Martín Nero
23 1 8 4 10
Richard Mille HRH PM Bahar Jefri Bolkiah Pablo MacDonough Alejandro Muzzio Max Routledge
22 1 10 7 4
La Bamba de Areco Jean-Francois Decaux Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Matt Perry
22 0 10 10 2
Talandracas Edouard Carmignac Lucas Monteverde Milo Fernández Araujo Facundo Sola
23 0 8 8 7
Zacara Lyndon Lea Hilario Ulloa Nachi du Plessis Gonzalo del Tour
22 1 8 7 6
Las Monjitas Camilo Bautista Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Ignacio Heguy Francisco Elizalde
22 0 9 8 5
Loro Piana Alfio Marchini Lucas James Agustín Nero Nicolás Espain
22 2 7 6 7
Dubai Rashid Albwardy Lucas Criado Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Oliver Cudmore
22 2 7 10 3
Thai Polo Harald Link Lucas Di Paola Juan Ignacio Merlos Marcos Di Paola
22 0 6 9 7
El Remanso George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury David Stirling Jr Jaime García Hudobro
22 2 4 9 7
Stella Artois Alejandro Agote Nicolás Pieres Gillon MacLachlan Stirling McGregor
21 8 7 4 2
Salkeld Nick Clarke José Donoso James Beim Mark Tomlinson
22 0 8 7 7
La Golondrina Paul Oberschneider Diego Cavanagh Satnam Dhillon Tomás García del Rio
22 0 7 7 7
Emlor Spencer MacCarthy Nacho Gonzalez Alejandro Diaz Alberdi Guillerno Cuitiño
22 2 6 8 6
Les Lions Joaquim Gottschalk Agustín Merlos Sebastián Merlos Chris MacKenzie
22 0 9 9 4
Piaget Joaquín Pittaluga Cristian Laprida Jr Ignacio Toccalino Stefano Marsaglia
22 7 8 7 0
Sumaya Oussama Aboughazale Juan Gris Zavaleta Javier Novillo Astrada Carlos Gracida
22 0 7 8 7
Place: Easebourne, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0AQ Club: Cowdray Park Polo Club Date: June 21 - July 17, 2011 Tournament Director: Chris Bethel Level: 22 goal WPT Tournament: Grand Slam Winner Points: 150 Finalist Points: 70 Semifinalist Points: 50 Rest of Player Points: 20 Winner: Zacara Polo Team MVP: Gonzalo del Tour BPP: Estrella (Hilario Ulloa)
PQ | 37
Pablo MacDonough
Inauguration of Ellerston’s new field Manor Farm, the new UK base for Ellerston, saw the first hooves mark the surface of their brand new polo field. Stella Artois, the Australian led team who are based there, were lucky enough to be the first to play on the new fields. After all, if there is grass on the pitch...
Quarter Finals La Bamba de Areco 13 vs. Sumaya 10 Set the beautiful ampitheatre of Trippetts main field; this game, though incredibly fast and open, lacked a little passion. An even first half turned into a La Bamba dominated 2nd half and they then steadily drew ahead. An interesting moment occurred when Decaux dismounted to retrieve his mallet but failed to hold on to his pony, which took off to the pony lines, leaving him stranded in the middle of the field as the game scorched past him. Huge shots from both Pieres boys and stirling work by Matt Perry saw them beat Sumaya by three goals. Carlos Gracida as ever looked the ultimate professional; cool as a cucumber and just flowing with his horses. Zacara 12 vs. Dubai 11 It ain't over till it's over! In a frenetic game that saw several falls, crashes and crunches, and Cambiaso retire hurt but then return, this game was testament to the sheer grit and utter determination of the Zacara boys. Way ahead 11-6 at half time, Dubai came back on the 38 | PQ
No action without consequence
Handicap changes in the two finalists of the Queen’s Cup, Enigma and Talandracas, saw both teams having to play off 23 goals. Enigma seemed somewhat disorganised after their superb play in the Queens Cup, losing their first two games. Talandracas lost their opener to Piaget by a single goal – the one they gave away on handicap... this proved to be very influential.
field without Cambiaso, limping after a hard ride off. Pablo took his place - and from then on, Zacara went for broke. Dubai didn't score another goal for the rest of the game, and Zacara clawed back the deficit, slowly but surely. In the final chukka Cambiaso decided his leg didn't hurt quite so much any more and came back on, but couldn't stop the boys on their flying thoroughbreds. With only 3 minutes to go, Zacara
Hilario Ulloa
PQ | 39
You need opposable thumbs to play polo... And Pelon Stirling broke one of his in his first game. Substituted in that and the next by the great Eduardo Heguy, El Remanso narrowly lost to Talandracas in their qualifier. Heguy is an instinctive back and it was a pleasure to watch him in that team.
...And collarbones JP Clarkin suffered a complete fracture to his collarbone in a fall during a practice at Trippetts. Thankfully he was back in the saddle in time for 1870’s 3rd game against Thai Polo. JP is one tough cookie and new that he has secured a place playing for Ellerston in 2012 is truly fantastic. No one deserves it more.
scored to equalise, and then with 90 seconds to go, they scored again; 12-11. Salkeld vs Piaget 11-10 The game started with a whistle at the very first throw in, which unfortunately set the precedent for the rest of the game. The first five chukkas were very scrappy, play continuously broke down and the players never really got running, as neither side wanted to release the ball and run. Finally, in the 5th chukka the players began to release the ball and play some more flowing polo, and mercifully the whistle was less prevalent. Salkeld, having trailed for most of the game, were even in the last chukka, and a golden goal by Luke Tomlinson in literally the Ruki Baillieu and Gonzalo Pieres Jr
40 | PQ
last 5 seconds of the final 30 seconds won the game for Salkeld. Luke Tomlinson for Salkeld was rock solid at back and Joaquin Pittaluga for Piaget deserves a mention for his incredibly high work rate. Les Lions vs Loro Piana 10-17 After the end of the first chukka, nothing was going to stop the incredible goal scoring machine that is Tincho Merlos. Les Lions were on fire from the very first throw-in, with the two Merlos brothers superb in partnership. Chris Mackenzie was having the game of his life; working incredibly hard and making life very hard for Loro Piana, who just couldn't get past to score. A crashing horse fall resulted in Alfio Marchini having
Nick Clarke and Joachim Gottschalk
to retire - it was a very heavy fall and looked pretty nasty. Fortunately he was able to get up and walk away, but couldn't go on and was replaced by Billy JacksonStops, who played incredibly well for the couple of chukkas at the end. Les Lions lead grew wider and
wider, and they were to be tough opposition indeed for Salkeld the following Thursday.
Semi Finals Les Lions vs Salkeld 12-10
Teams that raised their game:
Teams that dropped the ball:
Sumaya, Piaget, and Zacara all improved significantly on their Queen’s Cup performances. Piaget beat both Talandracas and Enigma in their first two qualifiers, having won no games at all in the Queen’s. Sadly for them they narrowly lost to Salkeld in the quarters.
Enigma lost two of their qualifiers, and Queen’s Cup winners Talandracas lost all but one of their qualifiers... one of which was to Enigma, and were knocked out. Dubai lost once more in the quarter finals...
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South Africans on both sides Both teams owed much to a South African influence – Nachi du Plessis for Zacara and Chris Mackenzie for Les Lions. In both cases their strings are made up of predominantly South African TB’s; largely sourced and produced by Chris’s father, renowned player, coach and horse maker, Buster Mackenzie. Nico Pieres and Hilario Ulloa
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Agustín Merlos
Salkeld got off to a slow start against Les Lions – ultimately costing them the game. Trailing by 8-1 at the end of 2nd chukka, they began to claw back the deficit due to absolutely superb performances by James Beim and Luke Tomlinson, but Salkeld had got their act together just too late – and despite coming within two goals of Les Lions’ lead, it was not to be. Zacara vs La Bamba 13-7 What a game. La Bamba took an early lead with two goals from penalty – and then their luck ran out. Literally nothing came off for them – bouncing balls, missed goals, missed penalties. Conversely, Zacara were unbeatable. Those boys absolutely flew, with spectacular performances from the entire team. Nachi du Plessis was spot on with his penalties and had some scorching runs to goal –there should have been two MVP prizes. Gonzalo del tour’s epic cut shot goal from seemingly 100yards out will be talked about for some time, as will Hilario’s goal, using the handle of his mallet after smashing the head off. Epic game.
Diamond goal scoring Tincho Merlos scored eight goals in the final, totalling an incredible 50 goals during the Gold Cup. An incredible feat – has anyone ever scored more? He is an instinctive and talented forward and a pleasure to watch.
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Final
Broken bones Lyndon Lea played the final with his left arm in a cast – it really can’t be easy to control a pony without full use of a hand!
Adrian Kirby and José Donoso
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Zacara vs Les Lions 12-11 For both teams, this is the first final they have made in UK high goal, so it meant an awful lot to both sides. Unfortunately the weather conditions were far from ideal; torrential downpours in the hours before the game left soaked spectators and an even more soaked field – but don’t underestimate the expertise of Cowdray’s groundstaff – the field, though saturated, was totally safe. It did however affect the pace of the ball. Resistance from the wet grass caused the ball to almost stop when rolling, meaning that the players timing was off – it took a chukka or two for them to find their rhythm. Zacara’s early lead was soon wiped out by Les Lions, who proceeded to lead for most of the game; the Merlos brothers working in absolute harmony with one another, helped by Chris Mackenzie’s tireless work both in offence and defence. Zacara’s Hilario had the game of his season; absolutely unstoppable on his way to goal. In the 2nd half Nachi Du Plessis made a huge impact, superb in defence and overwhelming in attack, with huge passes up the field. This in no small way turned things around for Zacara, who began to dominate the game, significantly aided by no less than six goals from Gonzalo del Tour. Equalising in the last chukka, they went on to win by a single goal.
SebastiĂ n Merlos
Juan Gris Zavaleta
HRH PM Bahar Jeffri
Nachi du Plessis
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Coronation Cup 2011
English structure defeats Brazilian flair By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi & Alice Gipps.
Joao Paulo Ganon and Luke Tomlinson
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This was to be the most hotly anticipated International for years. Brazil is a country with few players, but those few are very talented. Most are from wealthy backgrounds, allowing them access to the best horses, the best fields, the best polo. As a result there is a very high proportion of good players – for example Jose Eduardo Kalil, a patron, is rated 6 goals. On a truly summery July afternoon on this centenary year, a cohesive England team outclassed an individually talented but disjointed Brazil. Horsepower certainly came into play, as although Brazil had rented the best they could find, most of the best horses in the UK were either under the saddles of the England JosÊ Eduardo Kalil and James Beim
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players, or already in Deauville and Sotogrande. England took an early lead and never let it slip. Both teams were hampered slightly by a bouncy pitch, but Brazil more so - they found their rhythm more after half time, but it was too late. England flowed, with superb passing polo and seemingly effortless defence by the ever cool Luke Tomlinson. James Beim was superb in attack, switching direction at speed and leaving the Brazilian defence looking around in confusion. Mark Tomlinson at one point stole the ball and hard an amazing run to goal on the superb Hestenel, only for it to hit the post. No matter. England never looked in danger, despite
England Polo Team with Jon Zammett Brasil Polo Team
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Rumours had abounded that Brazil were flying horses in for the game, In the end, it just didn’t make financial sense to fly horses in for just one game, so they rented and borrowed ponies, aided by the organisational skills of Juracy Santos, a Brazilian who has been playing successfully in the UK for many years. James Beim
Earlier in the day, the Prince of Wales team defeated Hurlingham by a convincing 13-6, due in no small part to an outstanding performance by Nick Pepper, who scored no less than nine times. Nick was picked out by PQ in the winter as a good young British player to follow. It seems that we were right! 50 | PQ
Coronation Cup 2011 // Teams England Luke Tomlinson Mark Tomlinson James Beim Nacho Gonzalez
27 7 7 7 6
Brazil Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade Joao Paulo Ganon Jose Eduardo Kalil Luiz Paulo Bastos
29 8 8 6 7
Hurlingham Jack Richardson Jonny Good Chris Hyde Max Charlton
18 3 5 6 4
Prince of Wales Nick Pepper Edward Hitchman Malcom Borwick George Meyrick
18 3 5 6 4
Jose Eduardo Kalil will be probably playing high goal in the UK from 2012. He will be bringing a team and horses to play the Gold Cup. No word yet as to where they will be based but it will be a good thing for British polo.
Calao Melo
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Mark Tomlinson’s girlfriend Laura was watching from the stands. Laura is Laura Bechtolsheimer, Dressage Olympian, triple silver medallist at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, and currently number two in the world in the FEI dressage rankings. 52 | PQ
Coronation Cup 2011 // Info Place: Ascot, England Club: Guards Polo Club Date: July 24, 2011 Level: 29 goal
Winner: England Polo Team MVP: Luke Tomlinson BPP: Pelusa (ridden by James Beim, owned by José Donoso) Gabriel Donoso Award: José Eduardo Kalil
Nacho Gonzalez got his long overdue call up to represent England. Nacho is a very talented player and was worth every inch of his 6 goal handicap. Hopefully he will be a more regular team member in the future.
It is always an honour to lend ponies for the International and this year saw gleaming Emlor lorries at the pony lines. Among those ponies, Spencer’s McCarthy’s stallion Maquina was playing under Nacho Gonzalez.
England Polo Team
Luke Tomlinson taking an extremely hard ride-off and looking for a few moments unable to continue. Brazil’s Kalil retired at half time due to injury and was replaced by Calao Mello - who had to be brought down from the cherry picker to play! Brazil rallied in the last two chukkas but were consistently thwarted by England’s defence – they had a chance in the final minutes to close the gap but a failure to win the ball from the next lineout cost them the chance. HRH Prince Philip was presenting the prizes for both games. The Prince, 90 years old this year, was delighted to still be involved in a sport he loves so much.
Cartier’s 27 year sponsorship of the event has come to an end. No word yet on who will be next year’s title sponsor, but rumours are of a watch company. Cartier will instead sponsor the Queen’s Cup from 2012. The International is synonymous with the name Cartier – to the extent that most people simply call the even “Cartier”. However the vast majority of the public aren’t there to watch polo... PQ | 53
Indian Empire Shield 2011
Black Bears do the Triple Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. A rather different Black Bears line up rode on to the field for the final of the Indian Empire Shield at the Dorchester group owned Coworth Park. James Beim had suddenly taken ill, and finding a 7 goal substitute is no mean feat (and proved impossible), especially with the Queens Cup running at the same time. This meant that Harry White (1 goal) also had to step down, and the missing 8 goals of handicap was made up by the young and uber talented Jean Du Plessis (5) and Jack Archibald (3) . Emlor and Black Bears had met once in this tournament already – with Black Bears winning 6-2; History was to repeat itself once more.. In a fast, running game from the outset (thank you HPA for amending the turning rule) Black Bears’ incredible horses, coupled with superb defensive work and huge hitting by JP Clarkin and Jean Du Plessis’s aggressive plays and lightning quick reactions, Emlor just couldn’t quite get their noses in front. Black Bears took the lead and never let it go. JP scored a 60 yd penalty in the 2nd chukka to widen the
lead to 3-1, and despite some incredibly hard work from Nacho Gonzales, Du Plessis’s Ferrari style acceleration was beating Emlor’s defence. A 5b to Emlor was foiled by Du Plessis but a foul against JP saw a 40 yd penalty to Emlor – which unfortunately went wide. Emlor continued unable to capitalise on their opportunities as the game went on; however a 30yd penalty narrowed the scoreline to 3-2. Clinton McCarthy hit a massive shot that almost went in but was cleared from the goal mouth by JP at speed, the ball went all the way up the field and Jack Archibald scored, ending the 3rd 4-2 (following a huge unnoticed foul against Emlor). The last two chukkas continued the theme – Emlor still missing chances, and flat out runs by Black Bears. In the final chukka Black Bears scored twice more, with only one from Emlor. A final score of 6-3 to Black Bears. JP was charming in victory: “Emlor just didn’t quite finish their chances and we had lots of control, plus Jack and Jean played really well. The horses were absolutely fantastic, especially Brandy, a homebred
Pick of the players
Pick of the ponies
Jean Du Plessis
Maquina
The 20yo South African is the younger brother of Nachi, who is playing the high goal with Zacara. Jean first came to the UK aged 17 and rather ironically played for Black Bears that season, off 3 goals.
9 yo Dark Bay TB Stallion Owned by Spencer McCarthy Bought from Argentina Ex Racehorse Has been playing high goal
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Guy Schwarzenbach and Clinton McCarthy leading the action
gelding from our operation in Australia. The field played much better today – it was pretty unpredictable for the semi final”. Nacho Gonzales was playing one of Spencer McCarthy’s ponies – Maquina (Machine in English) a bay TB stallion, originally off the track in Argentina. Now 8 yrs old, the stallion has been in the UK for three years and Spencer was initially worried about buying him. “I was a bit concerned about having a stallion. I had tried
him in the November, liked him but was wary of the management issues. I went back to Argentina in the following February, tried him again and just had to buy him. He has a 6th gear – he just keeps accelerating and is really fast. He’s really easy to have around and even goes on sets with the mares.” Maquina will cover his first mare this year, Pregunta, a mare Spencer bought from the late Gabriel Donoso.
Indian Empire Shield // Teams & Info Zone 1 Black Bears Guy Schwarzenbach James Beim John-Paul Clarkin Harry White
18 2 7 8 1
Emlor Clinton MacCarthy Manuel Fernández Llorente Michel del Carril Nacho González
18 0 6 6 6
Laird Nick Brttien-Long George Meyrick Henry Brett Tom Morley
18 2 4 6 6
Winner: Black Bears Polo Team MVP: Nacho Gonzalez
Zone 2 Altamira Adriano Agosti Max Charlton Alberto Heguy Jr Gastón Laulhe
Place: The Polo Centre Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire Club: Coworth Park Polo Club Date: June 21 - July 17, 2011 Level: 18 goal
18 0 4 7 7
La Golondrina Paul Oberschneider Diego Cavanagh Juan Ambroggio Matías Benoit (Tomás Ruiz Guiñazú)
18 0 7 6 5
HB Polo Ludovic Pailloncy Sébastien Pailloncy Mark Tomlinson Luke Tomlinson
18 1 3 7 7
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Laureus Polo Cup
The winners are the children Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
WINDSOR, UK, June 18, 2011 – Some of the best players in the world served up a feast of exciting, worldclass polo at the highly successful Laureus Polo Cup, staged at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor. Argentinian stars Eduardo Heguy, Pablo MacDonough, Juan Martin Nero and Eduardo Novillo-Astrada took part in a thrilling match which raised over €75,000 for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Argentina. The action was watched by an enthusiastic celebrity audience including Laureus World Sports Academy Members Hugo Porta and Daley Thompson. They were joined by former England football player Jamie Redknapp and his wife Louise, plus radio broadcaster DJ Spooney. The victors were a team representing Laureus Global Partners IWC Schaffhausen, who won 5-4 against a team sponsored by Mercedes-AMG, the Performance brand of Mercedes-Benz – but the real winners were disadvantaged children all over Argentina, who benefit from the help they receive from Laureus. In addition to sponsoring one of the teams, renowned Swiss watch-maker IWC Schaffhausen donated a special Laureus edition Ingenieur Automatic watch from the IWC Vintage Collection in stainless steel, only 1,000 of which are being manufactured, which was auctioned to raise additional funds. Argentinian rugby legend Hugo Porta, President of Fundacion Laureus Argentina, said: “I am overwhelmed that so many people have been so generous to give us the means to change young people’s lives in my own country. This has become a great event. Everyone who has come to Windsor has not just had a great day out, but has contributed to an important cause. I would like
Laureus Cup // Teams & Info Mercedes-AMG 19 HRH Prince Bahar Jefri Bolkiah 1 Amr Zedan 0 Javier Novillo Astrada 8 Pablo MacDonough 10 56 | PQ
IWC Schaffhausen Kassem Shafi Saeed Bin Drai Eduardo Heguy David Stirling
17 0 0 8 9
to thank all the great polo players who took part and to thank all the individuals and companies involved who have shown such an enormous sense of social responsibility”. The mission of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is to utilise the power of sport to address social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives. Laureus supports 84 projects worldwide and since its inception in 2000 has raised over €40 million for projects which have improved the lives of more than one-and-a-half million young people. The Fundacion Laureus Argentina was founded in May 2003 by Hugo Porta, who is currently very much involved in its daily management, while also making time to visit the outstanding projects supported by the Foundation. The headquarters are in Buenos Aires with the Foundation’s work extending to distant Argentine provinces that greatly benefit from its backing. Currently, the Foundation supports six projects: Club Deportivo Barracas in General LaMadrid, Buenos Aires, which uses sport as well as a traditional Argentinian dance, the murga, to reinforce the importance of education, community, and values. Union y Amistad de San Isidro Project in Buenos Aires, which has set up sports activity sessions and educational workshops in an area where crime, drugs, alcohol, violence and firearms use is prevalent. West City Project in Mendoza, which uses football and hockey to address crime, delinquency and drug abuse. Club Atletico Platense, based in Laprida, which works with 400 children and young people promoting equal opportunities and a community spirit through sport offering figure skating, football and library activities. Fundacion El Desafio in Santa Fe, which aims to improve the quality of life of children and families from vulnerable groups and help to eradicate the causes of poverty by promoting community development. Virreyes Hockey which offers a curriculum based on education through sport for girls and young women from a vulnerable neighbourhood. Its general objective is to provide a space for integration and personal development by promoting the values inspired by sport. These sportinspired objectives include perseverance, friendship, respect, tolerance, responsibility and honesty.
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Queen´s Mother Centenary Cup
Brazil´s got talent Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Eight teams entered this very competitive 16 goal tournament. After some very close qualifying games, many won by a single goal, BHC came up against long term rivals Clarita Pink in the final. BHC, featuring team lynchpin Juracy Santos, were dominating from the start Juracy Santos
58 | PQ
and won convincingly; 10-6. Santos deservedly won MVP after a superb performance; plus his Brazilian pony Jo won best playing pony. Not bad for a day’s work – game, set and match!
BHC Polo Team
Queen´s Mother Centenary Cup // Teams & Info Zone 1 Asprey London Simon Holley Jonny Good Chris Hyde -
15 0 5 6 4
Clarita Pink Clare Mathias Rafael Villela Rosa Horacio Etcheverry Malcolm Borwick
15 0 4 5 6
Northchurch Pancho Moreno Andrew Dechet Des Byrne Alberto Heguy Jr
16 6 1 1 8
Jada Maurice Salem Ryan Pemble Alejandro Diaz Alberdi -
15 0 5 8 2
15 0 6 5 4
Mad Dogs Alan Fall Tommy Wilson Guillermo Cuitiño William Hine
15 0 6 6 3
Emlor Martin Fiol Nacho González Manuel Plaza Spencer McCarthy
15 4 6 3 2
Clarita Black Chris Mathias German Llorens Andrea Vianini Federico Von Potovsky
15 1 3 6 5
Zone 2 BHC Polo Momin Sheikh Henry Brett Roddy Williams Juracy Santos
Place: Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park Egham, Surrey, UK Club: Guards Polo Club Date: May 1st-15, 2011 Tournament Director: Oliver Ellis Level: 15 goal
WPT Tournament: Challenge Cup Winner Points: 40 Finalist Points: 20 Semifinalist Points: 10 Rest of Player Points: 5
Winner: BHC Polo Team MVP: Juracy Santos BPP: Jo (owned by Juracy Santos)
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Santa Barbara
Duke of Cambridge leads his team to victory in California Charity Polo Match Photos by WireImage. The Foundation team, led by The Duke of Cambridge and sponsored by luxury British brand, Royal Salute Scotch whisky, was victorious at The Foundation Polo Challenge on Saturday 9th July in California. Held at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, the Foundation team performed with skill and grace in a thrilling match which saw them triumph over the opposition against the stunning backdrop of the California sun. As The Duchess of Cambridge looked on in the stands during a tense game of real sportsmanship, The Duke came out on top to lead his team to a thoroughly convincing 5-3 victory against Team Audi.
The Duke of Cambridge and Marc Ganzi
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This exclusive event marked the start of the couple’s first official tour of the US that commenced on the 8th July. The royal couple were also joined by a host of VIP guests including actors Rob Lowe and Billy Zane, actresses Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Nicolette Sheridan and Molly Sims. Also in attendance was His Grace, Torqhill Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, a patron within the Scotch whisky industry and representative for Royal Salute. He said, “Both polo and Royal Salute share values of honour, nobility and leadership, virtues we’ve definitely witnessed on and off the pitch today.
The Foundation Polo Challenge // Teams & Info Royal Salute Glen A. Holden Jr Andy Busch Santi Trotz HRH The Duke of Cambridge
Duke of Agryll
The American Express Centurion Melissa Ganzi Glen Holden III Nick Roldan Patrick M. Nesbitt
Audi Weley Ru Marc Ganzi Juan Bollini Scott Devon
Jennifer Love Hewitt
“As a long-time friend of Royal Salute, it has been a real honour to be here representing the luxury British brand at this exclusive polo event. Royal Salute is very proud to be associated with The Foundation Polo Challenge, especially as it provides the opportunity to support such a very worthwhile cause; The American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.” The Foundation Polo Challenge support shown by Royal Salute further highlights the whisky brand’s
Club: Santa Barbara P&RC Date: July 19, 2011
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events currently spanning China, India, Dubai, Brazil and the UK. The Foundation Polo Challenge will raise funds for the American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. For more information visit: http://www.foundationpolochallenge.com/ PQ | 61
GCC Cup 2011
Towards a solution A home side won the King Abdullah Cup at Guards on GCC Day, as Dara Williams reports. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Played for the first time as trophy for the annual Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) tournament at Guards, the King Abdullah Cup was captured by a home team, thanks to a deciding shot by Peter Webb – and a half goal received on handicap. Guards' 5½ - 5 victory over GCC, based around Rodolfo Ducos, was the culmination of an excellent match, which saw good teamwork on both sides. The tournament was held in the presence of the Queen, who had come from Royal Ascot and was attended by Eton schoolboys, and Prince Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, after whose father, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the trophy is named. Also present was Basil Al Ghalayani, chairman of the BMG Foundation and inaugurator, fifteen years ago, of the tournament. Not only does the day promote international cultural links but the dedicated work of BMG in attempting to solve the water shortage problems in the Arabian Gulf. The Our Water Our Life programme, launch by Mr Al Ghalayani, very much involves Arab youth, by sponsoring a competition to find the most original and cost-effective method of conserving water in the long term. The band of the Irish Guards, not long returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, led the teams onto the field. As well as Peter Webb, Guards captain Clive Reid had recruited Habtoor Al Habtoor, a member of a leading Dubai polo family, and Konstantin Graf von Schweinitz, a playing director of Guards. Besides Rodolfo Ducas, GCC
captain Amr Zedan had enlisted two well-known Gulf players, Saeed Bin Drai and Faris Al Yabhouni. With half a goal already in Guards' favour, it was Zedan who opened the GCC account at the beginning of the four-chukka game. Reid replied with a penalty conversion but the start of the penultimate chukka saw GCC narrowly in the lead, 3-2 ½. Guards then went ahead for the first time, thanks to goals from Al Habtoor and Webb, although GCC recaptured their advantage after a goal from Al Yabhouni. With only a minute left on the clock it was Webb who sent the decider between the posts. Habtoor Al Habtoor received the King Abdullah Cup from the Queen, who was accompanied by Prince Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and Colonel Paul Belcher, chairman of Guards. Best Playing Pony was named as Rocca, played by Al Habtoor in the third chukka and owned by Argentine international Guillermo Cuitino. During the course of the afternoon, Basil Al Ghalayani paid a fond tribute to his friend, the late Charles Stisted, chief executive officer of Guards who died in a helicopter crash last autumn. The two had developed an extremely good relationship between their countries, and Charles Stisted was active in his support and encouragement of polo in Dubai. Wonderful developments in Middle Eastern polo were also noted by Mr Al Ghalayani, notably through the efforts of Ali Albwardy at his Desert Palm establishment and the Al Habtoor family at Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.
GCC Cup // Teams & Info Guards Polo Team Clive Reid Peter Webb Habtoor al Habtoor Konstantin Graf Von Schweinitz 62 | PQ
5 0 5 0 0
GCC Team Amr Zedan Faris Al Yabhouni Saeed Bin Drai Rodolfo Ducos
6 0 0 1 5
Place: Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park Egham, Surrey, UK Club: Guards Polo Club Date: June 15, 2011 Level: 7 goal
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The Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup 2011
Black Bears do it again Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Oli Hipwood
Last year’s winners Los Locos, with a unique mother/ son combination on the field (Clare and Mark Tomlinson) did not take part this year. This most prestigious 15 goal tournament had a strong entry of 14 teams and was fiercely fought throughout. The semi final between Salkeld and Mahra Polo team saw victory go to Salkeld by a single goal. Mahra, featuring brothers Mark and Luke Tomlinson and Al Habtoor family member Tariq unfortunately couldn’t quite do enough to ensure an Al Habtoor in the final. Black Bears vs Clarita was a more convincing scoreline; with Black Bears defeating Clarita 110 goals to 6. However charismatic Vianini for Clarita always makes for a colourful game! This year; it was Black Bears’s turn to add to their earlier season victory in the 18 Goal Indian Empire Shield. In a superb final on the Queen’s Ground at Guards, well recovered after being badly cut up in the previous week’s Queens Cup final, The Bears fiercely fought off Salkeld’s advances and won by 10 goals to 6. James Harper deservedly won MVP after a superb performance. Black Bears are superbly mounted and a pleasure to watch. Surely a foray into the 22 goal can’t be too far away?
Marcos Araya and Jonny Good
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The Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup // Teams League 1 Habtoor I Habtoor Al Habtoor George Meyrick Guillermo Cuitiño Marcos Araya
15 0 4 6 5
AFB Clive Reid Martín Valent Peter Webb Hissam Al Hyder
15 0 5 5 5
Jada Maurice Salem William Beresford Alejandro Diaz Alberdi Ryan Pemble
15 0 2 8 5
Clarita Black Chris Mathias German Llorens Andrea Vianini Federico Von Potovsky
15 1 3 6 5
15 0 4 5 6
Mad Dogs Alan Fall Juan Cruz Guevara Oliver Hipwood Willian Hine
15 0 6 6 3
Emlor Spencer McCarthy Manuel Plaza Martin Fiol Nacho González
15 2 3 4 6
BHC Polo Momin Sheikh Roddy Williams Henry Brett Juracy Santos
15 0 5 6 4
15 0 5 6 4
Dell Park Nikolai Bahlsen Nikolai Roberts Tommy Wilson José Ignacio Araya
15 0 3 6 6
Mahra Polo Team Tariq Al Habtoor Luke Tomlinson Ben Wilson Mark Tomlinson
15 0 7 1 7
Aravali Karan Thapar Howard Hipwood Marcos di Paola Jacob Daniels
15 1 5 7 2
15 0 2 7 5
Emlor Clinton McCarthy Manelo Fernandez-Llorente Michel Del Carril Eden Ormerod
15 0 6 6 3
Lamrei John Kent Juan Ruiz Guinazu Santiago Gaztambide Charlie McCowen
15 2 6 6 1
Salkeld Nick Clarke Tom de Bruin Jose Donoso Jamie Peel
15 0 5 7 3
League 2 Clarita Pink Clare Mathias Rafael Villela Rosa Horacio Etcheverry Malcolm Borwick
League 3 Asprey London Simon Holley Jonny Good Chris Hyde Max Charlton
Cowdray Qualifers La Golondrina Paul Oberschneider Edmund Parsons Diego Cavanagh Juan Ambroggio
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Guillermo Cuitiño and Germán Llorens
Black Bears vs Salkeld
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Andrea Vianini folowed by George Meyrick and Marcos Araya
José Donoso and George Meyrick
The Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup // Info Place: Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park Egham, Surrey, UK Club: Guards Polo Club Date: May 31 - June 19, 2011 Tournament Director: Oliver Ellis Level: 15 goal
WPT Tournament: Challenge Cup Winner Points: 60 Finalist Points: 30 Semifinalist Points: 15 Rest of Player Points: 8
Winner: Black Bears
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Argentine Day - Guards Polo Club
Showcasing the best that Argentina has to offer Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística de la República Argentina (INPROTUR), hosted the Argentine Day, that took place at Guards Polo Club, in a rare sunny and hot day in England. It was the years' second edition, following the successful one, held in Dubai, last February. Once again, polo is the vehicle to show the world the wonders, the tradition and the culture of Argentina. The day started with a cocktail a polo conference, held at La Martina Store, in Guards Polo Club. Following
68 | PQ
the matches of the Archie David Club and the Subsidiary Catherham Cup, guests enjoyed an Argentine asado, as well as the best Argentine wines, and a fabulous tango show with dancers Gisela and Stefano. Attending the event were Guards Polo Club Chairman, Col Paul Belcher and Mr. Mariano Mussa, representing the INPROTUR. The guests enjoyed a real Argentine day at Guards, and all of them were enthused to visit Argentina in the near future.
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Captions 1. Vieri Antinori, wife MarĂa JosĂŠ and little baby. 2. Maria, Ernesto and Candelaria Fernandez Llorente and Teresa Logarzo with Paz. 3. Alex Jacob, Gabby Cashmore and Sarah Emerson. 4. Hannah Gertzen, Alice Gipps and Aisleen Price. 5. Antonio Manzorro and girlfriend Lourdes. 6. Konstantin Graf Von Schweinitz, Posey Cottrell and Jamie Heywood. 7. Florencia Cavallieri (Guards PC), Ana Clara Cozzi (PoloLine) and Mariano Mussa (INPROTUR).
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Captions 1. Tristan Pemble, Alistair Walker and Holly Smith. 2. Argentina delicious “empanadas”. 3/4/7. Guests of the Argentine Polo Conference. 5. The Polo Book 2011-2012 Argentina. 6. Argentine original Asado. 8. Mariano Mussa (INPROTUR) with Col Paul Belcher (Guards Polo Club Chairman). 9. Guards Polo Club guests enjoying the Argentine “asado”. 10. KassemShafi and Hissam Al Hyder. 11. All guests of the Argentine Polo Conference.
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Sentebale Polo Cup
Charity day at Coworth Park Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
HRH Prince Harry
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Garrard was delighted to be the Official Jewellery and Silversmith partner to the Sentebale Polo Cup, attended by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, at Coworth Park, on the 12th June 2011. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho launched the Sentebale Polo Cup to focus attention on, and raise funds for, Sentebale – the Charity they founded to continue the legacy of their late mothers’ charitable work with children. Prince Harry played for a Sentebale team against his brother, the Duke of Cambridge, who played for a team in aid of Tusk Trust. It was the older sibling who was triumphant on the day though. In accordance with its magnificent sporting history, it is only apt that Garrard was official Jewellery and Silversmith partner to this prestigious polo event. Garrard provided the official trophy awards for the second and third prizes. In addition to the trophy-ware, each player received a special gift from the esteemed jewellers to commemorate the wonderful occasion. These gifts were presented to the players by Garrard CEO Eric Deardorff. Garrard’s sporting legacy dates back to the mid 18th century where it inaugurated a rich and glorious relationship with the sporting world that still remains evident today. From equestrian, sailing, cricket, golf, rugby and football; to snooker and greyhound racing: Garrard has endeavoured to remain at the forefront of the world’s most renowned sporting events, producing the finest and historic trophy-ware to date. “Garrard was delighted to be providing official trophyware for this prestigious event, in aid of such a wonderful and worthwhile cause. With our rich sporting heritage and continued commitment to charitable organisations, our affiliation with the Sentebale Polo Cup makes for the perfect partnership.” Eric Deardorff. This was the second Sentebale Polo Cup, after Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho launched the event at the Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados in January 2010.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Ibiza Beach Polo Cup! Sponsored by Fiesta Hotel Group, this event has already become a popular and eagerly anticipated tournament featuring top international players as well as Ibiza’s crème de la crème. Adolfo Cambiaso, currently ranked the world’s number 1 polo pro, won the Fiesta Hotel Group Cup along with his La Dolfina Polo Ranch team. The Casino de Ibiza team conquered the Custo Barcelona Cup in the first women’s beach polo tournament ever held in Playa d’en Bossa. Get your gear ready for next year’s 3rd Ibiza Beach Polo Cup!
www.fiestahotelgroup.com
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Sunset Polo 2011
Help through sport Dara Williams reports from the Gaucho Sunset Polo event at Ham Polo Club in England. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
Rashid Albwardy
Adolfo Cambiaso
Established after the Argentine crisis ten years ago, Ideas del Sur Foundacion is devoted to helping disabled and underprivileged young people and improvements in public health. Its work is channelled through four main outlets: Casa Cuna, a baby orphanage; Argentine Special Olympics; Caritas Laferrere, which develops nutritional centres in a city of whose population over a million live below the poverty line; and the City of Bolivar, birthplace of founder-chairman Marcello Tinelli, where the regional hospital has become a model health centre. Principal benefactor is Adolfo Cambiaso, the world's top polo player; and his wife, Maria Vasquez is the foundation's London ambassador. The polo worlds offers support and funds for the charity through the Gaucho Sunset Polo Days, the latest edition of which was held at Ham Polo Club – London's last remaining venue for the game – at the beginning of July. It was the second time Ham had hosted the event, which is the brainchild of Peter McCormack, and over £50,000 was raised. The five hundred guests included Ideas del Sur financial director Fabian Scoltore, who had flown over especially for the event. Of particular interest to guests was an opportunity to see a future generation of players in action on the field. They included Adolfo Cambiaso's five-year-old son Poroto and eight-year-old daughter Mia, who took part in a single-chukka match for the young. Joining them was Lucas Criado, also eight, the son and namesake of another leading player; and three Jordanian polo sisters, Catherine, Huzaima and Sumaya Al Rifai. Young Poroto is, without any doubt, following in paternal footsteps. He scored the sole goal of the match, with a magnificent hit between the posts. His father had brought over the Dubai team – himself, patron Rashid Albwardy, Lucas Criado senior and Desert Palm polo manager Martin Valent – to play 74 | PQ
Martín Valent
in the grown-ups' tournament of the evening. This was an American-style tournament, three teams playing two chukkas each against one another. Cambiaso donned the Gaucho Veuve Clicquot colours, Criado and Albwardy playing for Camino Real. Polo Wicklow's Tom McGuinness had flown over from Ireland for Horseware Ireland, recruiting Martin Valent. Yet more young talent was obvious in fifteen-year-old Faisal Al Rifai, the youngest patron in the polo world, who had brought his Nashama team from Jordan for the third year running. He was in Camino Real livery for Sunset Polo. McGuinness and Valent both scored for Horseware in the first chukka, Clive Read sending through two balls for Gaucho. The second chukka saw another goal from McGuinness but at the end of the first set Gaucho led, 5.3.
María Vazquez, Adolfo Cambiaso and Fabián Scoltore
Guests supporting the foundation
Samantha Godec and Yovan Dabee
Greta and Paul Visser
Fi Ramsden, Di Jeves, Philippa Harris and Lynsey Cade Davis
Stuart Woodward, Chris Beard and Matt Brooke
Gaucho met Camino Real in the third and fourth chukkas. Gaucho retained their lead, going ahead 3-2. Camino Real faced Horseware in the fifth and sixth chukkas, and this time it was very much to Camino's advantage, Faisal Al Rifai scoring half of his team's six goals. For Horseware, two balls were sent between the posts by Valent. At the end of the tournament, Gaucho Veuve Clicquot rode out the winners, receiving the trophy from Fabian Scoltore. Clive Reid was Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony was ridden by Horseware's Jo Stuart. Pete McCormack, Will Healy – grandson of Ham Polo Club founder Billy Walsh – and Alan Wyatt were umpires
Hayley Palmer and Zoe Davidson
Craig Darling, Natasha Sheridan, Cara Savar and Paul Williams
and Freddie Ventura was third man. Benjie Davis and Don Bosco provided an enthralling commentary. Ham's chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers – he is also chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association, governing body of the sport in the UK – thanked everyone for supporting the charity. All the children were presented by Adolfo Cambiaso with signed polo caps and, afterwards, guests enjoyed a magnificent asado, sponsored by Gaucho Restaurants, and an evening of dancing.
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International Match - Cowdray Park Polo Club
South America too quick for England in the Fourth Annual St. Regis International Cup Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Over three thousand spectators watched the Audi England team take on a JaegerLe-Coultre South American side, featuring Nacho Figueras, a St. Regis Connoisseur and polo player, for the St Regis International – the first test match of the season – at Cowdray Park Polo Club in Midhurst, West Sussex. As the continent renowned for producing some of the world’s best polo players, South America will always produce a very strong side and Saturday (21 May 2011) was no exception. “I don’t think there is any other country out there who can put a team together to play South America,” commentator Terry Hanlon informed the crowd. Sadly both sides had lost their main men for the Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Mark Tomlinson
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match. England Captain Luke Tomlinson was forced to pull out due to injury and Adolfo Cambiaso, the best polo player in the world, decided the risk of injury was too high and wanted to put The Queen’s Cup, a high goal tournament played here in the UK, first. Nevertheless, spectators were treated to a fast and competitive display of the sport. Following their defeat against an Argentine team in the ‘Copa de las Naciones’ (note one) in April, the England boys were desperate to win one back, but the team from across the Atlantic proved just too good. England started with a ½ goal handicap (note 2) but it was the South Americans who immediately took control of the game with Facundo Sola opening the scoring and
his team mate Jose Donoso following suit soon after. Within minutes they were up two goals to England’s half. However, a foul from the South Americans led to a penalty for the home side, which Malcolm Borwick, who was filling in for the injured Luke Tomlinson, converted with ease just before the bell rang to signify the end of the first chukka. With just a ½ goal difference in the score, England were very much still in the game. Great team play between Mark Tomlinson and James Beim added another goal to the scoreboard for the English side but a penalty converted by Sola took the South American side ½ a goal ahead once again. Not wanting their opposition to get any further ahead, James Beim, who was appointed as Captain for the match, ran the ball down the length of the pitch, flicking it through the middle of the goal. Obviously encouraged
desperately trying to get the ball down towards their respective goals. The first to succeed in the ambition was Donoso from Chile, who - on a very fast black pony - produced a very accurate nearside forehand shot, sending the ball exactly where he wanted to – straight through the centre of the posts. England produced shot after shot at goal but every time the South Americans were faultless in their defence and the home team could not add to the scoreboard; only Sola found the posts once again, cementing South America’s win seconds before the final whistle. Following the game, Jose Donoso said, “The game was a lot of fun. It was the first time we had played together as a team but we connected right away. I think the difference was made by playing simple polo and using Eduardo’s (Novillo Astrada) experience to lead us
Jose Donoso said, “The game was a lot of fun. It was the first time we had played together as a team but we connected right away. I think the difference was made by playing simple polo and using Eduardo’s (Novillo Astrada) experience to lead us through the game. On a personal note, I am normally more comfortable playing in the front but I had to play as back. It is great for me to play 28-goal polo, especially on the wonderful grounds at Cowdray Park. I wish we could do more of these games.” by loud cheers from the home spectators, Satnam Dhillon, playing for the first time up front for the main England team, proved why he had been put in that number one England shirt, taking the ball straight out of the line-out and sending the ball from at least 80 yards out straight through the posts. However, once again, the South American youngster, Facu Sola came back into the picture, adding two more goals to the board for the South Americans, giving them a half-time lead of 5 – 4 ½. The last two chukkas, it has to be said, belonged predominantly to the South Americans. Donoso continued where Sola had left off, finding the posts once again for his side. All eyes were then on Mark Tomlinson and his pony Hestenel, who was later announced as the Best Playing Pony, as they raced up the field, speeding past any opposing player to score. However, another penalty by Sola increased the South Americans lead, although moments later Malcolm closed the gap, converting for the England side. With just ½ a goal in it, the last chukka was all to play for – neither team could be sure who would hold the trophy. Seven minutes before the end, both teams were
St Regis International Cup South America Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Nacho Figueras José Donoso Facundo Sola
28 9 6 7 6
England Satnam Dhillon James Beim Mark Tomlinson Luke Tomlinson
28 7 7 7 7
through the game. On a personal note, I am normally more comfortable playing in the front but I had to play as back. It is great for me to play 28-goal polo, especially on the wonderful grounds at Cowdray Park. I wish we could do more of these games.” Team-mate Nacho Figueras, who played position one, added "I was thrilled to be invited to kick off England’s International Series with The St. Regis International Cup - it was a great game – fast and long with very few whistles. A real pleasure to play against the Audi England side. St. Regis shares my passion and commitment to the traditions and heritage of the sport of polo and I am excited to continue bringing awareness and appreciation to such an iconic international sport." Despite not claiming the victory, England’s Mark Tomlinson still felt the team had worked well together and it was just bad luck that they were unable to lift the trophy at the end of it. “It was a completely new look for England and it was always going to be hard to adapt. Having said that, the team played well on the whole and were unlucky in the end. Just when we got close in the last chukka, behind by half a goal and in with a sniff, we had a couple of debatable umpire calls which went against us and a really unlucky rebound off a horse into our goal!” David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA said, “It was a busy week with the various changes in both teams and my thanks go to all the players for treating us all to some fast polo played on an excellent ground. The South American team were quicker and more accurate with the length of their passes. It was a great run-out for our players.”
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British Ladies Championship 2011
BHC Ladies are powerful combo Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi and Alice Gipps. Initiated in 2009 by Alice Gipps and Roddy Wood, the Coworth Park Ladies International is now in its 3rd year and is one of the “top two” ladies tournaments in the UK along with the British Ladies at Cowdray. Despite a stiff entry fee, the tournament was well supported once more, with five teams entering. Last year’s winners, Heloise Lorentzen, Alice Gipps, Aurora Eastwood and Sarah Wiseman were playing together once more; this time flying the flag for The Belvedere Arms. Seeded top due to their win the previous year, this year it was not
Lucy Taylor
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to be. In their opening game they lost to Glasgow Polo, as the opposition goal seemed to have a Star Trek style invisible shield around it – no less than 8 goals went wide. Glasgow Polo got a ticket straight to the final; meeting BHC (with a powerful combo of Marianela Castangola and Lucy Taylor, together with Lisa Forster and Yasmin Sheikh) but it was not to be their day either. Any game with Marianela on the field will always be a vocal affair; yells of triumph accompanied goals scored, and score goals they did, beating Glasgow Polo 6-4.
MVP Final: Izzy Parsons. Izzy won a double magnum of Chateau de Sours rose and dinner for two, spa treatments and a night in the 5*Coworth Park Hotel, kindly donated by the Dorchester Collection. BPP final: “Cosita” owned by Amber Clutton-Brock, winning a rug sponsored by Chateau du Sours. MVP sub final: Sarah Wiseman (who also won the previous year), winning dinner for two at Coworth Park Hotel. Chateau de Sours Polo Team
BPP final: “Rosita” owned by Alex Jacobs
Belvedere Polo Team
Haekhead Polo Team
BHC Polo Team
Glasgow Polo Team
Coworth Ladies International Championship // Teams & Info BHC Yasmin Sheikh Lisa Forster Lucy Taylor Marianela Castagnola
1 -2 0 1 2
Chateau de Sours Nicky Anderson Alex Jacob Hazel Jackson Rosie Ross
1 -2 0 1 2
Glasgow Polo Gaynor Hutton Amber Clutton-Brock Stephanie Haverhals Izzy Parsons
2 0 0 1 1
Belvedere Aurora Eastwood Alice Gipps Heloise Lorentzen Sarah Wiseman
1 0 0 0 1
Haekhead Emma Treichl Sophie Burrell-Thompson Claire Maldonado Lia Salvo
2 0 0 0 2
Place: Coworth Park, Blacknest Rd., Ascot, Berkshire, SL7 7SE Club: Coworth Park Polo Club Date: June 21-25, 2011 Level: 2 goal Winner: BHC Polo Team PQ | 79
In the subsidiary final Belvedere still couldn’t regain the previous year’s form. Starting with a ½ goal on the board, they only scored twice, both from penalties taken by Eastwood. Repeated attempts at goal went wide or were foiled at the last minute, and Chateau du Sours won 5-2 ½. Thanks must go also to Polonetworks who assisted with the organisation, and ONA gloves who gave carbon gloves to the winning teams.
Coworth Park is now part of the Dorchester Collection; meaning an extremely smart country house hotel has been built at the club. The hotel was the venue for the cocktail party to welcome the tournament and is a genuinely nice place to be.
Izzy Parsons, who won MVP in the final against BHC has certainly been hiding until now! Where did she come from? Izzy is the sister of Ed Parsons, the young 2 goal player who was La Bamba’s 4th player last season. A very talented and quick player; she is certainly one to watch in the future.
Lia Salvo
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Amber Clutton-Brock manages to combine being a full time equine vet with being a very strong 0 goal player. No mean feat.
Left: Amber and “Cosita� receiving the Best Playing Pony Award.
Stephanie Haverhals and Aurora Eastwood
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The Pro Alvear Polo Cup 2011
Pro Alvear at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
Saturday 19th June 2011 A beautiful crowd congregated at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club for the annual Pro Alvear Polo Tournament, now in its sixth year. Six teams battled it out for the prestigious Asprey cup, with two teams, All Saints (captained by Lyndon Lea) and Automat (captained by Marc Noyer Maingard) meeting for the final. After an intense final chukka, All Saints victoriously lifted the cup. Guests were treated to a delicious Automat tea and pimms whilst watching the polo and listening to The Noisettes perform an acoustic set. Once evening set in the party gathered in the night marquee, greeted with Veuve Cliqueot champagne, a scrumptious Gaucho dinner and superstar DJ duo, DJ Bas and Princess Scilla Ruffo Di Calabria. The insatiably glamorous guest list included Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Arun Nayar, Poppy Delevingne, World number one polo player Facundo Pieres, Edouard Guerrand Hermès, Lydia Forte, Prince Ernst Hanover and model Florence Brudenell Bruce.
Auction »» Lot 1: The Great Genghis Khan package. A once in a lifetime opportunity to spend 10 days in Mongolia, visiting the Genghis Khan Polo Club. Valid for 2 guests £20,000 »» Lot 2: A fascinating weekend for a couple in Saint Tropez with VIP access to the Polo Gold Cup Final... A breathtaking experience £6,000 »» Lot 3: A weeks stay at Ellerstina during the High Goal polo season... The most exclusive and recognized polo experience in the world £22,000 »» Lot 4: 5 nights of Rainbow and Brown Trout fly fishing in a secluded Lodge in Patagonia. Valid for 2 rods £10,000 »» Lot 5: A limited edition Piaget watch designed especially for the polo season, and lesson with two of its Ambassadors £12,000 »» Lot 6: 5 nights at the World’s finest Pigeon shoot in Cordoba, Argentina. Valid for 4 guns £13,000 »» Lot 7: 5 nights of fly fishing in the Ibera Marshlands of Argentina, and the chance to challenge the Golden Dorado… Valid for 2 rods £10,000 »» Lot 8: Pampered in the Pampas – a week of pure indulgence in a private polo ranch. Valid for 6 guests £16,000
Press Contacts India Langton: India.Langton@roseproductions.co.uk
Facundo Pieres 82 | PQ
Amanda Sheppard: Amanda.sheppard@roseproductions.co.uk Juan Pepa: juan.pepa@lonestareurope.com
Poppy Delevigne and friends
Pro Alvear // Teams & Info Allsaints Spitafields Facundo Pieres Lyndon Lea Alexander Nix Mohammed Al Habtoor Gaucho Jaime García Huidobro David Luksic Roderick Vere Nicoll Olivier Lavigne-Delville
12 10 1 1 0
Generation Group Gonzalo Pieres Gualterio Giori Aron Harilela Paul Miliotis
12 10 1 1 0
9 7 0 1 1
Automat Magoo Laprida Mark Noyer-Maingard Michael Borrico Emmanuel de Noailles
9 7 0 0 2
Gabelli Partners Nicolás Pieres Martín Pepa Edouard Guerrand-Hermes Amr Zedan
13 8 5 0 0
Genghis Khan Nachi Heguy Jaime Morrison D´Artagnan Gierke Ich Tenger Gierke
13 9 4 0 0
Place: Ascot, Berkshire Club: Royal County of Berkshire PC Date: June 18, 2011 Level: 13 goal Tournament Director: Juan Pepa Tournament Type: Charity Cup
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Captions 1. Generation Group Polo Team. 2. Glamorous and trendy guests. 3. Automat players, Emmanuel de Noailles and Michael Borrico. 4. Gonza & Nico Pieres with Juan Pepa and Lyndon Lea. 5. Vicomte A team supporting Pro Alvear. 6. The Noisettes performing. 7. Felipe Morenes Botin, Pro Alvear charming commentator. 8. Mohammed Al Habtoor.
9. Amr Zedan 10. Bame Fierro March´s table. 11. All Saints fans. 12. Pro Alvear organizers Amanda Sheppard & India Langton with Arabella Noortman. 13. Davor Luksic´s girlfriend. 14. Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Lady Godiva 15. Olivier Badin’s fiancée & girlfriends. 16. The French invasion.
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Audi Polo Awards 2011
Audi Polo Awards 2011 In the new location at Coworth Park, rather than London, the event was well attended by the who’s who of polo; all of whom were delighted to not have to hike into town. Flanked by Audi’s finest offerings, the marquee in front of field number one even had stilt walkers to welcome the guests – and for petrol heads; an Audi R8; GT spec and carbon-fibred to the hilt. This year the event even made it on to the pages of OK magazine; a sure sign that it is firmly on the map!
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Captions 1. The Thai Dream Team - Howard Hipwood, Adolfo Cambiaso, Pablo MacDonough & Facundo Pieres. 2. James & Lauren Beim. 3. Matthew Perry. 4. Tony & Lisa Lutwyche. 5. Urs Schwarzenbach. 6. Ventriloquist. 7. Jon Zammet with Annie and Nicholas ColquhoumDenvers. 8. Fra & David Woodd. 9. Spencer & Bridget McCarthy. 10. Lord Patrick Beresford & Guest. 11. Adolfo Cambiaso receiving an special prize. 12. Malcom Borwick leading the table 5. 13. Dubai Polo Team. 14. Malcolm Borwick, James Beim & David Woodd. 15. Sebastian & Ana Clara Amaya. 16. Daniel Gerber & Hamish McLachlan. 17. Black Bears Polo Team. 18. Jon Zammet with Lisa & Tony Lutwyche. 19. JoaquĂn Pittaluga. 20. Chris Hyde & Guest. 21. Charlie Hanbury & Tilda Woodd. 22. Yuri Zhirkov and guests. 23. Nina and JP Clarkin. 24. Sam Tylor with Liza & Buff Crisp. 25. Lord Mark Vestey & James Beim.
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Royal Wedding
Willian & Kate: A Fairy-tale Wedding By Alejandra Ocampos. April 29th, 2011 was a very special day for England. It was also a day filled with memories which made a good few people shed a tear. Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding took place at Westminster Abbey. It was an important wedding as the bridegroom is the third in line to the throne, after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his father, Prince Charles. It was a very moving day, because it brought back memories of William’s mother, the beloved Princess Diana. Millions of people followed William and Catherine’s wedding, not only along the streets of London, where crowds followed the couple’s steps, but also on TV or through information provided by different media, via the Internet and social networks. And it’s no wonder, considering this is the first wedding of a future King since 1981, when on June 29th William’s parents, Charles and Diana, got married at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, a wedding which featured the same type of media impact. William met beautiful and charming Catherine while they were both studying at the prestigious St. Andrews University. Catherine, whom everyone calls Kate, has no blue or aristocratic blood running through her veins. On the contrary, like many other princesses these days, and future queens in Europe (Letizia, in Spain; Máxima, in Holland; Mette Marit, in Norway; and Charlene, who has recently married Albert of Monaco, among others), Kate is a normal girl, though her parents have been very successful with their party-supply business. Despite being very different, Catherine has not managed to avoid being compared to Diana; that shy young lady, a kindergarten teacher, who soon became a worldwide icon and the most photographed woman in the world, showing her own style which in time would become a point of reference as regards fashion. In a way, the same thing happens today with Kate. An example of this is the already famous blue dress she wore to meet the press in November, 2010, when her engagement to William was announced. On the following day, replicas of her dress were sold by the hundreds. As it could not have been any other way, Catherine’s wedding dress was a state secret. Prior to the wedding, no one knew what the design would be like and least of all who would be the creator, although the choice would supposedly fall back on a British designer. The mystery was finally revealed when Kate stepped out of the car, looking splendid, to enter Westminster Abbey arm-in-arm with her father Michael. Catherine dazzled everyone with her wedding gown designed by Alexander McQueen’s fashion house, created by the late talented designers’ successor Sarah Burton (as he passed away in 2010). Made of ivory silk, her dress featured a French lace appliqué over a bodice and skirt. Workers washed their hands thoroughly every 30 minutes in order to keep the lace and threads 88 | PQ
pristine. Furthermore, the needles used to stitch the lace were renewed every three hours, to keep them sharp and absolutely clean. The lace on Kate’s dress details a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock, and was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. It reminded many of the dress worn by another amazingly beautiful princess, Grace Kelly, on the day of her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. For his part, William arrived at Westminster Abbey along with his brother Harry wearing a red uniform, corresponding to his highest military rank, that is, Colonel of the Irish Guards. His brother Harry wore a blue uniform, according to his new rank as Captain of the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guard). Of course, all members of the House of Windsor were present; the groom’s grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and her spouse, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; his father, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; his uncles and aunt Anne, Andrew, and Edward, the latter accompanied by his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex; and his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. The couple were also accompanied by Catherine’s family, her parents Michael and Carole, her sister Pippa and brother James. After the bride, the maid of honour, Pippa Middleton, was the figure who captured most of the flashes, due to her white dress, also by McQueen, which accentuated her striking figure. The service, also attended by most of the Royal houses of Europe, as well as some celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, and Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, was conducted by John Hall, Dean of Westminster; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who was in charge of conducting the marriage ceremony; and Reverend Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, a personal friend of Prince Charles and the person responsible for delivering the sermon during Princess Diana’s funeral. Once consecrated husband and wife, William and Catherine, having already become Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, titles granted by Queen Elizabeth II, left Westminster Abbey and took a ride through the streets of London in an uncovered carriage, before millions of people. Subsequently, they stepped out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace together with their families. By popular request, the newlyweds kissed shyly. Towards the end, and before heading to their wedding reception, William and Catherine had a surprise in store: they drove around the streets of London in Prince Charles’ dark blue Aston Martin, a gift given to him by the Queen on his 21st birthday. The fun touch was contributed by Harry who, together with a group of friends, decorated the car for the newly-wed couple with the traditional tins, bows and balloons, bearing a license plate that read JU5T WED.
Chantilly Polo Club…
a unique exPerienCe within your reaCh.
Polo infrastruCtures
the Polo sChool
8 competition grass fields 1 «honor field» in «fiber» for competition finals 2 «all weather» sand fields 220 hectares 600 horses in high season 500 matchs per year
The school is open to every level polo player from beginner to expert. Classes are collective or individual.
Polo season You can play in the numerous tournaments that are organized, including women’s polo and junior polo. The schedule is available on the Chantilly Polo Club’s website
the Pony Club The Pony Club welcomes children from 3 years old, with pony polo, riding lessons, and rides in the domain’s forest.
horse rentals Quality polo ponies are available for rent at the club.
save the date for these finals French Open (14 – 16 goals) September 18, 2011.
Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly 60300 Apremont France +33(0)3 44 64 04 30 secretariat@poloclubchantilly.com www.poloclubchantilly.com
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British Polo Day Charity Cup
Richard Mille meets HRH Prince Harry On Saturday 2nd July, a quintessentially British day of polo took place on the grounds of Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber’s Berkshire Estate, Watership Down, to host The British Polo Day Charity Cup where Richard Mille was one of the title sponsors. Leading the Richard Mille Polo Team was 2010’s World Polo Tour #1 Pablo MacDonough who played against His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales to raise funds for Sentebale and Tusk Trust, Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge’s respective charities. At the end of four breath-taking chukkas, the Richard Mille team, which for this special occasion was manned by Prince Rashid of Jordan, Harald Link and Said Bin Drai, finally prevailed and received The British Polo Day Charity Cup Trophy by guest-of-honour Richard Mille. On the day Richard Mille also announced that a one-off RM 033 automatic calibre will be donated to support the charitable work of Tusk and Sentebale and the proceeds shared in equal parts between the two charities. The 18k red gold piece unique will come on a black rubber strap with red gold buckle and will be inspired by the colours of Sentebale, discretely
reproducing its logo on the back sapphire. The watch will be auctioned later in the year and is expected to raise substantial interest amongst auctioneers and collectors. The day attracted over 400 VIP guests and members of several royal families including prince Seeiso of Lesotho (Co-Patron with Prince Harry of Sentebale) and Prince Bahar of Brunei, Patron of the Richard Mille Polo Team. Richard Mille has entered the world of polo making its debut at Cowdray Polo Park in May to compete in UK’s most prestigious high-goal tournaments, the Queens Cup and the Gold Cup. Along with Patron Bahar, the official team is composed of Argentinians Pablo MacDonough and Alejandro Muzzio and talented young Englishman Max Routledge.
Said Bin Drai, Pablo MacDonough, Harald Link, Prince Rashid of Jordan, Richard Mille, Jack Mann, Alejandro Muzzio, Prince Harry of Wales, Caroline Link
British Charity Polo Day Cup Richard Mille Said Bin Drai Pablo MacDonough Harald Link Prince Rashid of Jordan 90 | PQ
Intercontinental Park Lane Jack Mann Alejandro Muzzio Prince Harry of Wales Caroline Link
RM 033 Sentebale
Beijing International Polo Open Tournament 2011 Polo is finally arriving to China September 15-17, 2011 Sunny Times Polo Club The only World Polo Tour approved tournament in China First ever Polo Summit in China Polo Parade at the Chinese Great Wall, Badaling Gate For more information: info@worldpolotour.com
www.worldpolotour.com PQ | 91
The Archie David Cup
Showdown between teams from the two best clubs in the UK Jack Richardson
Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The Archie David always attracts a big entry and this year fielded 22 teams. After no less than 24 qualifying games played, the quarter finals were played on Wednesday 22nd June. Shalimar, Apache, Black Bears and BHC made it to the semi finals two days later. Shalimar beat a strong Black Bears side by 3 goals to advance to the final on the 26th June; and Apache beat BHC by a single goal to secure their place. Cowdray based Apache, with a mother and son combination, as well as the young and talented Brit Jack Richardson, were a quick, young team and were too much for Guards based Shalimar; the two Antorini brothers just couldn’t shut them down. A convincing 11-7 victory saw an absolutely ecstatic Apache lift the coveted Archie David Cup.
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Shalimar and Apache at the Archie David presentation.
The Archie David Cup // Teams League 1 Puro The Eurasia Fund Peter Woods Jose Otto von Potovsky Federico von Potovsky Giampaolo Guarnieri
8 1 3 5 -1
Jada Edward Morris-Lowe William Beresford Ryan Pemble Maurice Salem
8 0 1 5 2
Inspirit John Gunn Will Emerson Thomas Brodie Max Routledge
8 0 4 4 0
Tashan Boys Stefan Sund Tomรกs Iriarte Gastรณn Devrient Vivek Rawal
8 0 4 5 -1
8 0 3 5 0
Mad Dogs Alan Fall Alistair Walker TBC Willian Hine
8 0 1 4 3
The First Group Gary Sheperd oliver Browne Lanto Sheridan Max Charlton
8 -1 2 3 4
Black Eagles Jonathan Munro Ford Nadine Welland Daniel Otamendi Gregory Keyte
8 -1 0 4 5
8 2 4 -1 3
BHC Shakib Polo Momin Sheikh Kaveh Shakib Juracy Santos Roddy Williams
8 0 -1 4 5
Ithaca Francois Le Barazer Yanni Zographos Edward Morris-Lowe Oliver Hipwood
8 0 1 1 6
Kilnwood Park Thilo Sautter Mark Emerson Hissam Al Hyder James Scott-Hopkins
8 1 2 5 0
8 0 1 4 3
Shalimar Kassem Shafi Thomas Benyon Vieri Antimori Nicolรกs Antimori
8 0 -1 5 4
Clarita Clare Mathias Chris Mathias German Llorens Rafael Villela Rosa
8 0 1 3 4
Dell Park Anuschka Bahlsen Jaime Roberts Oscar Mancini Nicolรกs Roberts
8 -1 2 4 3
8 -1 2 3 4
Four Quarter Black Romilla Arber Jake Daniels Richard Le Poer Matias Ballesteros
8 -1 2 4 3
Las Estrellas Guy Fox-Andrews John Martin Gareth Evans Ray Fine
8 0 3 6 -1
Apache Janie Dear Freddie Dear Jack Richardson Tom de Bruin
8 -1 1 3 5
League 2 Carisbrooke Jayne Rumsey Marcus Hancock Jonny Good TBC
League 3 Twelve Oaks Charlie Wooldridge Michael Howe Martin Davison Manuel Plaza
League 4 Polistas Paul Cuatrcasas Monty Gershon Andrew Blake-Thomas Richard Blake-Thomas
Cowdray Qualifiers Hollycombe Virginia Hoare John Kent Nick Pepper Alan Kent
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Nicolás Antimori
The Archie David Cup // Info Place: Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park Egham, Surrey, UK Club: Guards Polo Club Date: June 2 -26, 2011 Tournament Director: Oliver Ellis Level: 4-8 goal 94 | PQ
Winner: Apache Polo Team MVP: Nicolás Antimori (Shalimar) BPP: Paris (Jack Richardson)
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polo Club saint-tropez - route du Bourrian - 83580 Gassin tél. +33 (0) 4 94 55 22 12 - Fax +33 (0)4 94 56 50 66 - contact@polo-st-tropez.com PQ | 95
www.polo-st-tropez.com
III Valentine Caset Trophy
In the name of Valentin Caset By Federico Levy. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Over two whole days, Santa María Polo Club carried out the second edition of a tournament paying tribute to Valentín Caset. The current 2011 event had 14 teams divided into three categories in which players up to 16 years old took part. The well-deserved tribute paid to Valentín Caset, who died after an accident two years ago in the city of Punta del Este, Uruguay, continues to grow. From the very moment the tournament was created, many young players took part in the first edition of the cup named after him. This year, for two whole days, the fields at Santa María de Lobos Polo Club received future polo players within the framework of the most important Youth Polo Cup played in Lobos. With the presence of Guillermo “Sapo” Caset, who returned to Argentina after achieving a 10-goal handicap in the United States, and actor Tommy Lee Jones who refereed some of the games, 14 teams took part in the second edition of this event.
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“When I arrive in Lobos, I feel at home; people are very kind to me and, besides, Santa María is spectacular. I knew Valentín very well. He and my daughter grew up together. The kid was always very close to my family” said the North American actor. He always travels to Santa María de Lobos to rest, as long as his agenda allows him to do so.
The Tournament In Category 1, teams composed of players up to 11 years old took part, and it was Just Horse Polo Team who ended up winning. In Category 2, the Talabartería Gómez team beat Ver Polo Team and also celebrated in Lobos. As the afternoon was coming to an end, the final match in Category 3 for the Valentín Caset Cup began, and it was the Boating team, made up of Francisco Crotto, Facundo Llosa, César Polledo and Nacho Rohm, who beat Haras San Pedro, comprising Augusto
Valentín Caset Trournament // Teams & Info Up to 16 years old Haras San Pedro A. Aracama E. Giacovonni N. Pietratoni S. Toomey Boating III F. Crotto F. Llosa C. Polledo N. Rom
Deutsche Bank F. Rosa R. Paez M. Arteta B. Panelo
La Martina P. Somma G. Llorente J. Kuligowski T. Smith
Acuña Saddlery P. Somma J. Caceres F. Caceres M. Pereza
Pallarols F. Berninatet A. Mauhum M. Lafuente B. Panchillio
Talabartería F. Gómez B. Mignaquy J. Caeiro J. Calafell J. Lalor
Optica Ver A. Suarez A. Robledo F. Ferreira M. Paez
Casimira J. Figueroa O. Menendez E. Menendez M. Piñeiro
La Mejor Flor L. Vidal E. Vidal I. Abdala D. Pitcock
Place: Lobos, Buenos Aires Club: Santa Maria de Lobos PC Date: April 23-24, 2011 Winner Up to 16 years old: Boating III Polo Team Winner Up to 13 years old: Talabartería Gómez Polo Team Winner Up to 11 years old: Just Horse Polo Team
Up to 13 years old Boating II I. Galimberti M. Cuzuol R. Dominguez S. Solari
Up to 11 years old Boating I F. Aguilar B. Caset L. Pitcock L. Galimberti
Just Horse F. Wilson B. Fernández Llorente I. Poligny N. Poligny PQ | 97
Aracama, Emiliano Giacovonne, Nicolás Pietratuono and Alfredo Echeverría, 11-7. It was a very good match in which Facundo Llosa’s hard work stood out. He later received an award for best player of the final. Without a doubt, the spectators present at the event were able to enjoy a great tournament in which good vibes prevailed among players as well as the desire to continue learning. 98 | PQ
The second edition of the Valentín Caset Cup was certainly a success. It is gradually becoming one of the most important junior tournaments in Argentina. Undoubtedly, as his father Marcelo and his brother Constancio pointed out at the end of the day, the idea of the tournament is to remember Valentín Caset in the best possible way, because he deserves it.
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XXIV Argentine Interior Open Polo Championship with Handicap
El Chañar celebrated in Entre Ríos By Federico Levy. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The team from Córdoba won one of the most traditional Argentine tournaments in which clubs from all provinces take part. The Argentine city of Gualeguaychú, located in Entre Ríos, was the venue for one of the most important polo tournaments in Argentina, the 24th Argentine Interior Polo Championship with Handicap. In this tournament, eight 10 to 16-goal teams from seven provinces met at Las Margaritas Polo Club to take part in the competition. Facundo Flores
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The Finals After three interesting games, the 24th edition of the Argentine Interior Championship with Handicap (CAIH) concluded successfully in the Province of Entre Ríos where it was played for the first time. There had been an attempt to carry out this event in 1993 but was suspended due to rain. On this occasion, El Chañar (representing the Province of Córdoba) obtained the championship title after defeating Las Margaritas (Province of Entre Ríos) 10-5 and thus won the May
Javier Cabrera Castilla
Campeontato Argentino Abierto del Interior // Info Place: Gualeguaychu, Enter Rios Club: Las Margaritas Date: May 7-10, 2011 Level: 16 goal
Winner: El Chañar Polo Team MVP: Lucas Boccolini (El Chañar) BPP: Tosquita (Gustavo Flores)
Top Scorer of the Final: Sebastián Borghi Best Mounted Player: Agustín Anzorreguy AACCP: Fax Ceci (Félix Anzorreguy)
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Revolution Sesquicentennial Cup. As for the Roberto Cavanagh Cup, Las Rosas (Province of Santa Fe) beat Estancia Grande (Province of San Luis) 9-6, while Chapaleufú (Province of La Pampa) defeated Nueve de Caballería (Province of Corrientes) 10-6 and won the Friendship Cup. As regards the most important match of the day, in which El Chañar won the game played on field 2 at Las Margaritas Polo Club, it took the local team as little as two chukkas, the first two, to manage to tie the match and reduce the one-goal difference ceded due to their higher handicap. But the team from Córdoba (El Chañar) were not going to give up and in the following chukkas, owing to goals scored by Lucas Boccolini and Gustavo Flores, they took a 4 - 3 lead. From then on, the team from Córdoba delivered its very best and ended up winning the tournament. El Chañar began to control every single area of the field and blocked each and every one of Las Margaritas’ offensive manoeuvres, Felix Anzorreguy and Facundo Flores
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and thanks to two goals scored on penalty shots by Borghi and another goal scored by Flores, they took a 7-5 lead on the scoreboard. During the fifth chukka most shots were blocked, and it was a hard-fought period which ended in a tie. In the last chukka, after another two goals scored by Borghi, they managed to seal the match and have the trophy return to a team from Córdoba, who had not won since 2008, when Vicuña Mackenna established themselves as the champions in the Province of Salta.
A Confirmed Future After a meeting held by the Board of Directors of the Argentine Polo Association, they decided that the Hípico Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Riding Club) will be the venue for the Interprovincial Tournament in 2013. The Province of Corrientes is already working towards organising the next tournament.
El Chañar Polo Team
Argentine Interior Open Polo Championship // Teams Zone 1 Las Margaritas Tomás Garbarini Agustín Anzorreguy Félix Anzorreguy Javier Cabrera Castilla
16 2 4 6 4
Donovan Miraflores Bautista Garaycochea Guillermo Cavanagh Jr. Santiago Loza Gustavo Rapetti
15 4 5 4 2
Nueve de Caballería Segundo Roca Agustin von Wernich Walter Cardozo Sterling Grannico
14 4 5 3 2
Las Rosas Polo Club Federico Southam Federico Scopi Wulff Franco Gai Jr Enrique Miles
10 2 1 4 3
15 2 3 5 5
El Chañar Facundo Flores Sebastián Borghi Gustavo Flores Lucas Boccolini
15 4 4 5 2
Tapia Polo Felipe Corrotto Buffo José Frias Silva Jr. Juan M. Corrotto Buffo Gastón Lucero
13 3 2 3 5
Estancia Grande Mario Suarez Juan Manuel Alonso Mauricio Vicario Nicolás Corti Maderna
12 1 4 2 5
Zone 2 Chapaleufú Santiago Escudero Ignacio Lariguet Iván Lariguet Andrés Lariguet
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Test Match
England achieve a spectacular win over New Zealand Photo by www.imagesofpolo.com More than 1,000 spectators witnessed the Audi England team take their first victory of the season at the International Polo Test Match at Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, on Saturday 18 June. It was a fast and competitive match against four of New Zealand’s best players. Earlier in the season, England narrowly missed out on a win against a very strong South American opposition in the St Regis Test Match at Cowdray Park Polo Club, Midhurst. Since then, changes have been made to the England line-up. Having been injured, Captain and pinnacle member, Luke Tomlinson thankfully was back to full health and played alongside England regulars, Mark Tomlinson and James Beim, together with six goal player, Nacho Gonzalez. New Zealand, who received 1½ goals from handicap
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maintained a steady lead throughout the first chukka, with their Number One, Angus McKelvie, who was later awarded the Most Valuable Player award, playing well above his four goal handicap. It was England Captain, Luke Tomlinson, who led the way, opening the scoring. However, moments later, it was his opposing Captain, John-Paul Clarkin who swiftly followed suit, converting for the Kiwis and showing the crowd he is worth every bit of his eight goal handicap. An impressive run from McKelvie on an extremely fast pony added another to the scoreboard for the visiting side, increasing their lead to 3½ goals to England’s 1. A foul by New Zealand resulted in a hit from the spot for England, and not wanting New Zealand to get any further ahead, Mark Tomlinson took the penalty extremely quickly, tapping the ball through the posts.
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Roma Summer Polo Gold Cup
Last stage of Gold Polo Circuit Photos by Tony Ramirez. Forming part of the “Triple” (Snow Polo in Cortina, Beach Polo in Forte dei Marmi, and “normal” polo on grass in Rome), the final leg of the 2011 circuit was held at the picturesque Roma polo club. Like stepping back in time, the club is a lovely, quiet, leafy oasis in the middle of the city. Sharing the site with an equestrian centre, there were horses in every nook and cranny. The old fashioned clubhouse sits centrally between the smaller practice field and the larger match field – which unusually, is fully floodlit.
Pedro Fernandez Llorente and Martín Inchauspe
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The success of this circuit is a very good example of collaboration; between Audi, the title sponsors, for whom polo is an ideal fit, Julius Bear, now involved with the snow polo, and the combination of a good marketer and a good technical director to run the tournaments. Six teams entered the 12 goal tournament; most featuring a plethora of Argentines, for whom Italy is a second home. Played over 5 days; the final, won by Audi, was timed so that the game would be played under lights; adding tremendous atmosphere. It was followed by a gala dinner in the clubhouse, overlooking the field.
Audi Polo Team
Audemars Polo Team
Anacri Polo Team
Roma Polo Team
US Polo Assoc. Polo Team
Nuova Poncia Polo Team
Roma Summer Polo Gold Cup // Teams & Info Zone 1 Anacri Piero Dillier Darek Gardener Lucas Labat Martín Iturraspe
12 0 1 6 5
Audi Luca D’Orazio Max Elser Martin Inchauspe Juan Ruiz Guinazú
12 1 1 5 5
Roma Polo Club Stefano Ottaviani Peter Elser Pedro F. Llorente José Ortiz
12 2 1 5 4
12 0 2 6 4
La Nuova Poncia Giacomo Galantino Alberto Galantino Esteban Iturrioz Santiago Loza
11 1 2 4 4
US Polo Ass. Team Ginevra D’Orazio Franco Piazza Orazio Llorente Tito J. Ruiz Guinazù
11 0 2 4 6
Zone 2 Audemars Stefania Annunziata Edoardo Ferrari Eduardo Menendez Julio Coria
Place: Rome, Italy Club: Roma Polo Club Date: June 28 - July 2, 2011 Level: 12 goal Winner: Audi Polo Team Top Scorer: Eduardo Menendez (Audemars Polo Team - 28 goals) BPP: Pinky (Julio Coria) MVP: Edoardo Ferrari (Audemars)
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St Tropez International Cup 2011
Wasabi celebrate again By Federico Levy. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
In a season that was all about the growth of the club, Karen Brink’s team retained the most important trophy on the Cote D’Azur; as well as gaining points in the challenge category of the World Polo Tour. If you are looking for a place to relax, next to stunning coastline, St Tropez is the place to be. Excellent food and exclusive parties, plus superb polo which year on year is even more professional and better organised, with international players, St Tropez really is a Premium destination. PQ was therefore at the International Polo Cup, a tournament that is worth 40 points to the winners – this year, Wasabi. Before reviewing the tournament and the final, the hard work of the St Tropez Polo Club, under the Eagle eye of Corinne Schuler and Juan Martin Garcia Laborde cannot be overemphasised. This season Federico Español, the new polo manager, took over and his organisation of the season has been a great success – illustrated by happy players in each of the tournaments. “I bought the land in 1997 and began building the club from then on. At first, it was purely for fun but it slowly turned into a business. Today the Saint-Tropez Polo Club is one of the most active in Europe. The 108 | PQ
climate in this part of France is reliable and ideal in the summer, it was the climate that first attracted me here“ said Corinne Schuler on being asked as to the origins of the club. “The development was progressive. First, we opened the doors of the club to the public. At the same time, we built a whole club infrastructure with a Club House, a restaurant and a boutique. Then, we built an events area three years ago in order to host different types of polo, private and corporate events“. The club has 28 hectares with four polo fields, and can accomodate 1500 horses per season. The fixture list
comprises 14 tournaments, from April to September, with the intention of continued growth. Up until last year, the club only had two fields which were heavily used; however in 2011 the construction project was over, and two new fields were converted into reality. In the presence of Facundo Pieres, who had flown in from the UK especially, fields three and four were inaugurated; adding yet more appeal for the club to polo lovers. The new fields weren't the only reason the club is on the up; more teams, professional international umpires, visiting high goal players, plus new ideas such
Julián de Lusarreta and Pablo Llorente Jr
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as 6 goal leagues for novice players and an increase in the standard of players in the polo school are just a few indicators of how well the organisation is running. The tournament started with the customary parade through the streets of St Tropez, in the presence of the mayor, Mr Jean-Pierre Tuveri. 20 games were played in this most important triphy of the season. The fields were in superb condition and the standard of play very high, with players such as Clemente Zavaleta, Martín Garrahan and Guillermo Willington; the latter who said “The tournament was excellent this year. Like always, they strive to improve it and the two new fields have helped raise the level. Its all very well organised and as it is each year, the party was great fun”. After the qualifying rounds, Antelope, Sezz, Tres Marias and F Polo Team made the semis. Tres Marias beat Antelope 8-5 to make the final, and in the second semi Sezz beat F Polo Team by a close 8-7.
Martín Garrahan
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“
“The final luckily worked out well for us. We had a very good first chukka where we made the difference and from then we were able to maintain the lead throughout the game. I think our team was well balanced and the horses went really well” said Temi Wilington of the game. Temi played with Karen Brink, Santiago Zubiarre and Pablo Llorente. Due to the advantage in the first few chukkas, Wasabi worked on shutting down the advances of their rivals and won by a clear 11-5 1/ 2 margin.
Corine Schuller
St Tropez exudes enthusiasm and a desire to grow. The journey started years ago and continues to show the fruits of everyone’s labour and gives life to this French season. Corinne Schuller, delighted with the season so far, said: “With the two new fields, we will be able to play more tournaments. We also have several modernization projects such as the construction of 10 lodge residences with a total of 40 beds, Spa, tennis court, swimming pool, teaching space, better accommodation for the “petiseros” and the staff. We will also build 350 permanent stables, a covered arena in order to play the whole year, and extend the restaurant area. The whole project development should be finished in 2014”.
Jean-Mark Tybert and Karen Bink
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Antelope Polo Team
F Polo Team
Sezz Polo Team
Tres Marías Polo Team
St Tropez Polo Team
Easy Polo Team
Blackstorm Polo Team
Wasabi Marías Polo Team
St Tropez Polo Team enjoying PQ Spring issue 2011
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Santiago Tanoira, Nito Uranga and Tomás Lalor
“
“We were a good team. I chose the players, luckily Karen allows me that freedom. I’d played with Pablo last year over here and it worked well, and I invited Santi because he is a mutual friend. He and all his family are playing well so we thought we could make a good team and we did. I’m really happy” said Temi.
Wasabi Polo Team
International Polo Cup St Tropez // Teams & Info Zone 1 Sezz Shahé Kalaidjian Marcelo Amadeo y Videla Tomás Lalor Ignacio Garrahan
15 0 5 6 4
Tres Marías Pierre Henri Ngoumou Olavo Novales Edouard Pan Hugues Morin
15 4 8 3 0
Wasabi Guillermo Willington Santiago Zubiaurre Pablo Llorente Karen Brink
15 7 4 4 0
Saint-Tropez Santiago Irastorza Francisco Irastorza Clément Delfosse Corinne Schuler
15 5 6 4 0
15 2 7 6 0
Blackstorm Clemente Zavaleta Mariano Uranga Alexis Pouille Jean-Mark Tybert
14 6 6 2 0
Easy PoloTeam Julian de Lusarreta Bautista Ortiz de Urbina Agustín Martínez Philipp Maeder
15 5 5 4 1
F Polo Team Justin Gaunt Gonzalo Von Wernich Matías Nigoul Alshair Fiyas
15 4 7 4 0
Zone 2 Antelope Caroline Anier Fernando Reynot-Blanco Martín Garrahan Goeffrey Palmer
Place: Saint-Tropez Club: Polo Club Saint Tropez Date: June 30 - July 10, 2011 Level: 15 goal Tournament Type: Handicap
WPT Tournament: Challenge Cup Winner Points: 40 Finalist Points: 20 Semifinalist Points: 10 Rest of Player Points: 5
Winner: Wasabi Polo Team MVP: Alexis Pouille (Blackstorm) BPP: Mercedes (Clemente Zabaleta)
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Argentine Day - St Tropez Polo Club
Argentine Night in C么te d麓Azur Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The Instituto Nacional de Promoci贸n Tur铆stica de la Argentina - INPROTUR - hosted a new edition of the already famous Argentine Night. The event was held in St. Tropez, on the occasion of the celebration of a new anniversary of the Independence in Argentina, on July 9. This highly renowned event was a part of the
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most important polo competition in St. Tropez, the International Polo Cup, as part of the activities developed by INPROTUR all over the world, to conquer the premium markets. The idea, as usual, is to introduce the visitors and VIP's to the best of Argentina, such as destinations, products and services, as well as everything related to polo industry in Argentina. The Argentine Night in St. Tropez started with a cocktail for 350 guests. Among them were the Mayor of St. Tropez, Mr. Jean-Pierre Tuveri, and St. Tropez Polo Club's Corinne Schuler. All of them enjoyed an exquisite Argentine asado and the best Argentine wines. Of course, they were also delighted by an exclusive tango show. Mr. Mariano Mussa, representative of the INPROTUR, thanked all the polo players, who are the best ambassadors of Argentina. They always do their best to promote the culture, destinations and products of Argentina, something that gives the country a highly positive image. Something that was very important among the guests, who all look forward to visiting Argentina, and go in November and December to watch the world's most important polo tournament, the Argentine Open, in Palermo.
Left: Argentine Asado Below: Tango!
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Captions 1. Mariano Mussa, Corinne Schuler, Federico Español and Andreas Knapp-Voith and wife. 2. Marianna Picula, Cesare Grossi, Uberto and Emanuel Crivelli. 3. Argentine decoration with the Polo Book Argentina 2011-2012. 4. Nacho Garrahan and girlfriend Delfina Bilbao. 5. Guillaume Rava, Amanda Rosborg and Bertrand Boll. 6. Helena Lester, Alexandre Dimitri and Marie-Christine Rotati. 7. Elsa Paillard, Julie Cleranbourg and Ann Sophie Biberson.
8. Santiago Zubiarre and Pablo Llorente. 9. Conni Willington, Macarena Garrahan, Agustina Garrahan and Agustina Nigoul. 10. Carole Laborde, Isabelle and Detlef Bischoff and Christian Laborde. 11. The “Asadores”. 12. Mari and Yiorgos Tsakiris. 13. Yomi Afman and Karen Brink. 14. Martin Garrahan and wife Macarena. 15. Danielle Albertini, Mr Deperetti and Joselline Spada.
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Zarah Hanbury´s Birthday Party
Pirates Party
El Remanso, Lobos, Argentina. April 10th, 2011
Captions 1. Christopher Hanbury and family. 2. Charlie Hanbury, Matilda and Tabba Woodd. 3. Zahra, Bridget, Christopher, Jessica and Nick Copcutt, Arrabella Mackenzie-Smith. 4. Tatiana, Pedro, Andres, Teresa and Manolo Fernandez Llorente. 5. María Moy, Cata Garcia Huidobro, Federico Perez Iturraspe and Ernesto Fernandez Llorente.
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6. Zahra Hanbury with Urs Schwarzenbach. 7. Jaime García Huidobro and wife Cata. 8. Zarah with her huge cake. 9. Zahra and her sisters Arrabella and Jessica. 10. Pirate scenary. 11. Pirates Mark & Luke Tomlinson with Malcolm Borwick and the Tinkerbell James Beim.
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High Goal Pony Review 2011
Horse Power in UK
PQ international choose the 2 best horses of UK Season. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
Oli Chicha | Juan Martín Nero
Name of the Pony: Oli Chicha Name of the Player: Juan Martín Nero Birth date: 31/12/2003 Sex: Mare Colour: Bay Breeding: El Caburé Property of: Juan Martín Nero Sire: Fax Banquero Dam: Yasmin Awards:
Hector Barrantes Cup 2010, Trenque Lauquén
Best Product Registered Queen´s Cup 2011
Best Playing Pony
Estrella | Hilario Ulloa
Name of the Pony: Margarita Name of the Player: Hilario Ulloa Year of Birth: 2004 Sex: Mare Colour: Chestnut Breed: Polo Argentino Property of: Hilario and Carlos Ulloa Sire: Caro Simpre Dam: Esther Awards:
Gold Cup for the British Open 2011
Best Playing Pony
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WWW.POLODEDEAUVILLE.COM
POLO DE DEAUVILLE Depuis 1907 DEAUVILLE - 70, RUE DÉSIRÉ LE HOC
PARIS - 102, RUE DE LONGCHAMP
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Book Review
Cowdray Centenary Book This book, written and compiled by Clare Milford Haven, Roger Chatterton-Newman and Vanessa Taylor, was a true labour of love. Over a year of sifting through a hundred years of history, photos, stories, anecdotes and press clippings has finally been concluded. And what a conclusion! The book is an absolute masterpiece. A comprehensive history of the club, yet an uncluttered and engaging read. The book covers every aspect of the club; from the Cowdray family all
the way through to the pony club, and everything in between that shaped the evolution of the club. The rich, varied past is brought to life in such a lovely, easy to read way. Engaging and interesting forwards by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Prince of Wales (complete with a hilarious anecdote about Mike Azzaro) and the Viscount Cowdray make for a superb taster of what is to come. The content us wonderful. Highly amusing stories of the characters in polo sit alongside descriptions of serious sporting achievement. Isn’t that what polo is all about? The book captures absolutely the essence of the club, the people and ponies who have made it what it is over the years. The photographs are superb; from the polo of yesteryear, to snapshots of well known faces in their youth, right up to the current members who played at the club in its 100th year. Anyone who has any link with the club must surely buy the book. It is itself a piece of history and to have been a part that club of that is an absolute honour. There is a limited print run of this fabulous book, so don’t wait too long to own this lovely piece of Cowdray’s vibrant story. To buy the book visit: www.cowdraypolo.co.uk/thecentenarybook.cfm
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WWW.POLODEDEAUVILLE.COM
POLO DE DEAUVILLE Depuis 1907 DEAUVILLE - 70, RUE DÉSIRÉ LE HOC
PARIS - 102, RUE DE LONGCHAMP
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MADRID - CALLE SERRANO 7
Julius Baer International Polo Academy Zurich 2011
The Inaugural of International Polo Academy at Zurich Media Information Julius Baer International Polo Academy Zurich 2011 The inaugural Julius Baer International Polo Academy (IPA) Zurich 2011 took place over five days from 18-22 July at Polo Park Zurich, Switzerland. The course brought together specialist coaches from around the world to focus on both the key areas of the game including riding and ball striking, and new elements; player fitness, diet and psychology. Following highly successful courses run in Argentina, Russia and the UK, this was the first staged on mainland Europe. Sponsored by private bank Julius Baer, there was an international feel to it; players of all ages from Germany, Switzerland and the UK were put through Platina Tong and Brian Stein
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the mill by coaches from Argentina, Ireland, the UK and resident coaches from Switzerland. Sixteen students of varying ability took part in the course, including 13 year old Angus Johnston from the UK, as well as a number of talented young Swiss players such as 13 year old Tommy Graff. Polo Park Zurich is a hotbed for young players; with 60 members and over 150 privately owned horses, the club is rapidly growing a welldeserved reputation for being at the forefront of youth development of the game in Switzerland; it is also due to host the FIP European Championships in 2012. IPA describes its coaching as having “an institute of sport approach” to teaching polo. Every element of a player’s
game is analysed and worked on, with continued support on offer after the course. The programme also features the latest advancements in IPA training including video analysis, fitness and nutrition as well as mental conditioning. “I was really impressed with the appetite to learn from the Swiss students. They want to progress and there is quite a rich seam of young talent that is being nurtured really well by the club,” said IPA’s coach Eduardo Amaya – known by some Argentine Open players as “El Profe” or “The Teacher” - who has been instrumental in IPA’s growth since 2009. Julius Baer’s support of the course was not limited to Swiss players; fifteen year old Lukas Sdrenka, Germany’s up and coming talent, took part in the course alongside the Swiss and UK players. Sdrenka attended the course as part of IPA’s scholarship program which for this course was also sponsored by Julius Baer. Andrea Schneider from Julius Baer commented, “Julius Baer’s polo sponsorship is highly focused on talent development and the bank was delighted to support the first International Polo Academy to be staged in Switzerland. This academy allows for young players to improve their skills in collaboration with qualified coaches, and it has been inspirational to see
the students improve during the week. We hope that it is the first of many to be held both here in Zurich and around the world.” IPA is now offering a range of specialist services like mental conditioning, video analysis and fitness and nutrition, but its showcase courses give players access to coaches and specialists in all areas of the game in the space of five days. IPA also partners with Dartfish (www.dartfish.com), world leaders in video analysis for sport. Dartfish work with around 80 percent of national governing bodies for Olympic sport and the partnership between IPA and Dartfish will introduce high level video analysis into the polo industry. IPA Fitness Director David Smith paints a picture of IPA’s approach to training: “We don’t work on a generic fitness program, we look at how a player moves, what will make them more efficient, how to protect against injury, how their mind works during training and competition and design programs that make them more successful in polo. The movements of polo are complex, they require certain key muscles to be strong and flexible, without adding bulk, and it’s an advantage for a player to have great stamina, and carry minimal extra weight.”
Coach Eduardo Amaya The student and coaches
Fitness Coach Dave Smith
Professional Player and Coach, Roddy Williams
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World Polo Tour
Ranking Changes By Alejandra Ocampos. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The most important alterations after the UK season. July 21st, 2011. The high-goal season in UK has come to an end, meaning changes in the World Polo Tour. Juan Martín Nero, Queen’s Cup finalist with Enigma, remains at the top of the ranking, with 1003 points, followed by the Pieres brothers, Gonzalo and Facundo, in second and third place, respectively. The Top 5 includes Pablo MacDonough and Adolfo Cambiaso. Zacara earned their reputation in the Gold Cup which produced the most significant changes to the ranking: Hilario Ulloa climbed up from tenth to sixth place. Gonzalo del Tour, the MVP of the final, is now the professional player who has climbed the most places in the ranking, moving from position 104 to 39. Nachi du Plessis moved from position 44 to 21 and Zacara’s patron, Lyndon Lea, jumped from position 34 to 14, also becoming the amateur player who has climbed the most places in the ranking. Victor Vargas continues to take the amateur lead, and Lea is the current runner-up. Les Lions, Gold Cup finalist, Agustín Merlos has shown the sharpest rise up the ranking. He was the goal-scorer of the competition and moved from position 21 to 13. Meanwhile, his brother Sebastián climbed from position 22 to 17. Young Chris Mackenzie
World Polo Tour Top10
21st July, 2011
was placed in position 40, and Swiss team patron Joe Gottschalk, in position 83. Facundo Pieres, Gold Cup semi-finalist with La Bamba de Areco, displaced Pablo MacDonough to claim third place. They will both be determining who gets to stay in that position during the Sotogrande season. Polo shifts into first gear heading directly towards Sotogrande and other European destinations, where the World Polo Tour will continue its race to establish the best players in the world.
Gonzalo del Tour (July 2011 MVP and the best raise, 104 to 39) and Juan Martín Nero (#1)
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Points 1003 976 903 895 861 644 574 557 522 510
Player 1. Juan Martín Nero 2. Gonzalo Pieres Jr 3. Facundo Pieres 4. Pablo MacDonough 5. Adolfo Cambiaso Jr 6. Hilario Ulloa 7. Lucas Monteverde 8. Victor Vargas 9. Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr 10. Guillermo Caset Jr
Second Quarter 2011 Awards
Facu Sola May 2011 Queen´s Cup
Milo Fernandez Araujo June 2011 Queen´s Cup
Gonzalo del Tour July 2011 Gold Cup for the British Open
Hilario Ulloa (new top 10) taking the ball with a broken mallet.
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Alice Gipps Photography
Talking polo with one of the sport’s leading photographers By Aurora Eastwood and Federico Levy. Alice Gipps has spent her life around horses, and it shows in her photographs. Only someone who truly understands horses can capture them the way Alice does, every detail, every nuance, and always from the
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best angle. Photographing horses is notoriously hard, but Alice has the gift. A talented polo player herself, Alice’s travels around the world both playing and photographing has resulted
in a beautiful array of images, from the sharp, ice crystal filled air of St Moritz, to the soft, dusty light of the pampas, to the fierce intensity of polo at Palermo, and of course the gentle contours of the surroundings of polo at Cowdray park. Alice studied art at college, and travelled to Italy to study fine art in Florence, Venice and Rome. The dedication paid off; Her painting skills are superb; and an enormous life-size study of a racehorse adorns one of her family houses in Wales. Alice was spotted early on in her photography career by Polo Times, and since then has had numerous covers
on the best polo magazines and had work in Horse and Hound, the Daily Telegraph, Country Life and of course PQ.
Federico Levy asked Alice about her passion. How did you get into photography? “My father has always been keen on photography so from an early age I played around with cameras taking pictures of wildlife and animals on the farm as it interested me.�
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Where did your passion for horses come from? “I started riding around three years old and have always had ponies since then. I went to pony club so from an early age I learnt everything from jumping to dressage, cross country, hunting etc… until I discovered polo! Now I am only involved with polo ponies but I enjoy working with the young horses as much as playing.” When did you get into polo? “My father bought me a polo lesson for my 18th birthday. He thought it was a good idea as I liked horses - I’ve been hooked ever since and now have a collection of ponies including foals but its been a fantastic experience. I’ve met many interesting people and without learning polo I may never have discovered Argentina which would be terrible! I’ve been very lucky to spend a lot of time over there for the last eight years with both my photography and polo. With
place to take pictures with all the colour, vibrance and fantastic sights. St. Moritz snow polo is a breathtaking place for pictures but I’m not so keen on the cold!!”
Which
part of the world is the best for you to take
photos?
“Definitely Argentina is one of my favourites as the atmosphere at the Open is unbelievable. You can capture the energy in the polo images, especially at the finals when the crowds are going wild! Then, in contrast to powerful polo action at Palermo I love to be creative capturing early morning or late evening images of gauchos or grooms with the ponies on the farm. The right light and subjects make for dramatic atmospheric shots. I believe great pictures should capture the rare moments, tell their own short story, bring back memories or simply have the wow factor!!
polo photography you have visited a lot of places
in the world...what have been some of your favourites?
“One of the most memorable trips was to India to play a ladies polo tournament in Jaipur. We were invited by Colonel Garcha who was a fantastic host. We were very well mounted and had immense fun playing the tournament but also from a photography point of view India was stunning. Its an incredible
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Alice accepts commissions for both photography and horse portraits and has a vast selection of prints available on her website www.alicegipps.com. Her skill means that the value of her work will only ever go up – so invest in this young artist now. You will not be disappointed.
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Kenney Jones
Kenney Jones, 10-goal Drummer By Alejandra Ocampos. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. “The best compliment I can receive is that I’m a 10goal Drummer”. These words belong to Kenney Jones, a drummer by profession and a polo player by choice. Kenney Jones, one of the most influential rock musicians in England, has combined his love for music with his love for horses. He learnt how to ride horses and play the drums almost in unison. But it wasn’t until a few years later that he began playing polo, a sport he has a passion for. He made an incursion into polo under well-remembered Bryan Morrison, music publicist to bands as important as Pink Floyd among others, and creator of the Royal Berkshire Polo Club. Bryan was also responsible for introducing several rock stars to polo, such as Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford and The Police drummer Stewart Copeland, among others. Kenney Jones welcomed PQ International at his club, Hurtwood Polo Club, located in Surrey, for an interview that took place at its quaint clubhouse, featuring wonderfully beautiful rustic decor combined with pictures of legendary rock musicians.
When did you start playing polo? I started playing the drums when I was 13 years old, and at age 14 I started riding. I did not play polo back then. I was into general riding and jumping. In the course of time I met Bryan Morrison, who was a publicist within the music business, and with whom we share a great love for horses. Around 1986, 1987, I met Bryan at a club, namely Trumps, and he told me he’d bought some land to build a polo club, which then became the Royal Berkshire Polo Club. Bryan wisely told me ‘If you don’t start playing polo now, you’ll be too old to start!’ So it was Bryan who got me involved in polo, while he was still a member of Ham Polo Club. I later joined Royal Berkshire Polo Club, took a couple of lessons and I plunged into polo… Did
you find it difficult when you were learning to
play polo?
No, because I already knew how to ride a horse. It was a question of understanding the game and trying to adjust my body to the game as well as the knocks you get when playing polo. After a few months of playing at Royal Berkshire, I bought some land so I could have my own polo field.
When did Hurtwood Polo Club come into being? It was around 1990, little after Royal Berkshire. I’m very good friends with them, as well as with the people at Ham Polo Club; that’s where we all began. We all went through Ham Polo Club. Incidentally, years before meeting Bryan, around 1970, I went to Ham Polo Club and took a couple of polo lessons. And I think I did well. I hit the ball about 17 times in a row! (laughter). Back then, I was on tour with The Faces. But it was Bryan who made me start playing 134 | PQ
seriously years later; but way back then, I just couldn’t because I was very busy with the tour. I only dedicated time to jumping and whenever I could.
Do you consider yourself a good player? Who, me? Yes, when I used to play, I believe I was pretty good; as a player, I advanced rapidly. I never got passed a 1-goal handicap, but I think that if I hadn’t been on tour for so long, if I hadn’t been a musician, I could have reached a 3-goal handicap. Are you playing polo at present? No, I don’t play any longer; I can’t because I’m on tour with The Faces. My sons play polo. One of them, Jay Jones, is a professional player, and he plays at Hurtwood. He has a 2-goal handicap, and he may go even further. My other son, Cody, is 16 years old and plays very well. He’s always trying to get me to play, but if I happen to fall and hurt a leg or an arm, I can’t play the drums… so the band has forbidden me to play polo. They were emphatic – No more playing polo! (laughter) Do you remember your first tournament? (He thinks) It was probably in 1987, in Cowdray… A friend of Bryan’s organised it. Setting differences aside, what does the adrenaline of playing polo have in common with that of playing the drums? They are very different. There’s another drummer who plays polo, Stewart Copeland. He also met Bryan Morrison; and there’s also Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford. It was Bryan who introduced rock stars to polo. I think we should have a rock musicians’ team! We travelled to the United States and South Africa to play there, and it was a lot of fun. Most of the times we’ve played in England, for example, it has been for charity events. And we were a good team. Mike and Stewart play pretty well. Mike is very good as a back. And how are The Faces Gang doing polo-wise? For example, Ronnie Wood... Well, Woody’s new wife loves polo! So she travelled with Woody to Beaufort, the Tomlinson’s club, as a guest, to attend an event with Princes William and Harry. The press said that she was teaching polo at Ham, but that’s not true; she was there taking lessons. Who do you admire as polo players? When I started playing, I was able to do so with several 8 or 10-goalers at the time, as they played at Royal Berkshire. That’s what I like about polo. If you’re a beginner or if you have a low handicap, you can still play with all the great professional players. It’s a fantastic sport. Cambiaso has come to play at Hurtwood several
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times, and so has Ali Albwardy, who’s a great friend of mine. We’re a great big family.
Do you have any relationship with the Hurlingham Polo Association, as a Director, perhaps? Yes, I’m a steward, an HPA officer. What do you think about polo in England? I think there are good players, especially amongst the youngest, who are very good. Polo has changed a lot over the past years. It’s played a lot faster, horses are bigger, and the game per se has become much rougher. Personally, I don’t like how it’s being played nowadays. It’s very rough. To begin with, it has always been a rough sport, but I think it was never as rough as it is today. There’s a new rule, the backhander rule, which everybody is talking about. What’s your opinion in this respect? Personally, I think nothing’s going to change. For some reason or other, they’ve changed to rule, but oh, well, we’ll have to learn to live with it... How’s the Hurtwood Polo Club season coming along? Well, we have different handicap levels. There’s quite a lot of activity going on as regards tournaments being played here. And we also organise polo rock events, as we did on July 23rd, when we played at Hurtwood with The Faces.
MUSIC Kenney Jones is a rock icon, one of the most influential and respected musicians in this sphere. This drummer has been part of some of the most important British rock bands, namely The Small Faces, later The Faces, and The Who, which were considered to be the most significant bands within the Mod movement back in the 60’s in England. He also took part in projects with his own band, The Jones Gang, and formed The Law, together with legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers, who sang with Free, Bad Company, The Firm (along with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page) and more recently known after he got together with Brian May and Roger Taylor, in Queen plus Paul Rodgers. At present, Jones divides his time between Hurtwood Polo Club and The Faces’ reunion. He has planned to go on tour with the latter until August. “I’m a self-taught person. I learnt to play the drums on my own when I was 13 years old”, mentions Jones, who confesses that “actually, I wanted to play the banjo, but when I went to shop to buy it, it had already been sold!” In 1965, he formed The Small Faces, which became an iconic rock band back in those days, when he met bass player Ronnie Lane, and vocalist and guitarist Steve Marriott. The group also included keyboard player Ian McLagan. Subsequently, the band recruited two characters that would also become rock icons. 136 | PQ
“One day, Ronnie Lane brought a neighbour of his with him, a guitarist named Ronnie Wood”, mentions Jones. “We used to play with him once a week, until another friend of ours, Rod Stewart, joined in. He was a fellow musician of Woody’s (he refers to Ronnie Wood) in the Jeff Beck Group. Rod was a very good friend of Woody’s, and I recall how he used to watch us sitting on the amplifiers”. Rod Stewart’s husky voice, his trademark, made the members of The Small Faces think that they had become vocalist orphans, after Steve Marriott left in 1969. “When Steve left, Rod and Ronnie joined the band. Later, we started touring around the United States”, recalls Jones. Having become The Faces, the band gave their most important concert in 1970 during a Detroit festival before 200,000 people, which, as Kenney Jones mentions, “was the first time lighters appeared among the public”. The adventure lasted until 1975, when Ronnie Lane quit The Faces, Ronnie Wood joined the Rolling Stones, and Rod Stewart started off his career as a soloist. As for Kenney Jones, a great challenge awaited him… The Who, formed in 1964, was a British quartet, one of the most influential bands in history, creators of rock classics such as “My Generation”, “Won’t get fooled again”, “Pinball Wizard”, and the emblematic rock opera, “Tommy”, which then became a film. The band was formed by vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bass player John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. The Who were not only known for their music but also for their wild shows, which used to end with Townshend whirling his guitar round and smashing it to pieces against the stage, as well as much hotel room wreckage. It is likely that Keith Moon’s extravagant personality may have excelled in the latter department... Keith was that way all the time: adorable, a very good guy, but very crazy”, says Kenney. “In 1966, we went on tour around Australia with The Small Faces. I went out for a drink with Keith, and then we went up to his room, where he had about ten drums placed one behind the other. I asked him what that was for. And he said – ‘I’ll now show you what it’s for.’ We were on a fifth floor, and he got hold of one of the drums and threw it out of the window… the window was closed!!! (laughter) When we leaned out of the window, there was the drum. It had landed on the street… That was Keith’s attitude, on and off stage”. Keith Moon died in 1978, as a result of an overdose, when he was barely 32 years old. Daltrey, Townshend and Entwistle had no doubt whatsoever as to who could replace him. “I had already played together with them in the film Tommy”, recalls Jones, “I believe that’s the reason why they chose me. I found out they were wanting me to join the band, and as they hadn’t considered anybody else, I had no other option but to say ‘yes’, though at the time I was about to sign an agreement to make a record with a new band I had formed. But they insisted I join the band, that I could do something different. Well, I think there was nothing we did differently, but it was a lot of fun”.
It wasn’t easy replacing a character as particular as Keith Moon; the personalities and styles of both musicians were terribly different, but Kenney Jones was sure about something from the very beginning: “One thing is for sure. No one can be like Keith. No one can copy Keith. There were people who said that I wasn’t the same as Keith. But it’s simple, no one, absolutely no one (he stresses) can replace someone like Keith. So what I did was simply be myself and play the way I knew best”. After making a couple of records, “Face Dances” and “It’s hard”, plus a memorable performance at the first Live Aid, which was organised by the United States and England, in 1985, Jones quit The Who. “After The Who, I prepared a project with Paul Rodgers, a band called The Law. We were quite successful. We made a record, but never went on tour. We stayed together for about two or three years”. After the experience with Rodgers, Kenney Jones formed his own band in 2001, The Jones Gang, together with Rick Wills (ex-Foreigner, Small Faces, and Roxy Music, among others), and Robert Hart (ex-Bad Company). And, in 2009, The Faces reunion began to brew. Without Ronnie Lane, who died in 1987, former band members Kenney Jones, Ian McLagan and Ronnie Wood, received a very important accolade, the
Kenney Jones in the 60´s with the Small Faces
Performing Rights Society Award, at the Royal Albert Hall, in London. “It is a highly distinguished award, which has been received by people like Paul McCartney or Andrew Lloyd Webber”, explains Jones. During this event, as they did not have Rod Stewart as a vocalist, “we looked among those present to see who could sing”, said Jones, “and there was Mick Hucknall, Simply Red’s vocalist. He was glad to form part of the band. Mick is a great fan of The Small Faces and The Faces”.
CHARITY Polo and music are two channels used by Kenney Jones for charity purposes. He is the creator of The Small Faces Charity, an organisation that helps children with cancer and their families. “Of course, we have organised polo games in aid of this charity”, says Jones. “I had noticed that there were different charities, but there was one for each thing: leukaemia, breast cancer. And I’m against segregation - if there’s a child who has a brain tumour, a charity dedicated to leukaemia can’t help that child with a brain tumour. Therefore, the idea at The Small Faces Charity is to provide support and help to all children and their parents, whatever the disease they are suffering. I feel I need to do more, to become more involved. We have done so, but we need to do more, through polo as well as music”.
Kenney with Roger Daltrey (1981) -
Kenney with Ron Wood on Reunion Tour - The Faces
The Faces, after their big Polo Rocks event, at Hurtwood Polo Club, on Saturday July 23. The Faces, the legendary British band, made a comeback tour, that included original members Kenney Jones, Ronnie Wood and Ian McLagan, plus Glen Matlock (former bass player of the Sex Pistols), and Simply Red’s singer, Mick Hucknall.
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Facundo Sola
Argentina’s hottest export for 2011 By Aurora Eastwood It’s a cliché but in this case it’s true: 21 year old Facu Sola was the name on everyone’s lips during the Queen´s Cup, winning the World Polo Tour MVP award in May, winning the Queens Cup and seeing his handicap raised to 7 mid season – this is one nascent star. Not only that – Facu is literally one of the nicest people I have ever met. I went to interview him at Witley Farm, Martin Brown’s stunning high goal base and Talandracas’s home for several seasons now. Facu was in the barn with his horses; happy, genuine, relaxed and utterly, charmingly unaffected by all the attention he has been receiving.
me ready for school, pack my stuff and send me off with my Dad – who had snuck my boots into the car, and instead of driving me to school he’d squirrel me off to the farm and we’d spend the whole day out there. I progressed up to playing the Camara and the Jockey Club Open; Dad always told me to prioritise in terms of getting well mounted in Argentina; we have a small breeding/young horse operation, breeding about 25 per year. That will expand but not too much – otherwise you can’t dedicate enough time to each horse. Whenever I am home I help with the young ones. There just isn’t anything better than being around horses.”
So, Tell about your childhood.. “I grew up in Cordoba; our family farm is very close to Cambiaso’s place, so polo had always been all around me. I have two sisters, they ride but aren’t into polo. One is older, Delfina; she’s 22 and studying Economics. The other, Rosario is 14. I started riding at two or three years old; I had a little pony that my father (Ruben Sola) would lead me around the farm on. We were in the USA one year and I wouldn’t stop crying (I was only about two!), so Dad came in from stick and balling and picked me up to sit in front of him on the pony – who then spooked and took off – resulting in Dad holding me out to the side in one hand, whilst trying to get the pony back under control! Luckily he didn’t drop me... I wasn’t very academic – the teachers loved me but I didn’t love being taught! My mother, Ana, would get
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how come none of us in the
UK
had heard of you
before?
“Haha – I’ve been playing outside Argentina for years, but never in the UK. I have played the 20/22 goal in the USA with my father for a few years, from the age of 15 or so, and since I was 17/18 I’ve travelled by myself, playing 10/12 goal polo in France. It hasn’t always gone well – I broke my elbow very badly a few years ago and was out for 9 months (he has the scar to prove it) and then last September I broke my wrist in a fall at the end of the French season (and got another scar) and therefore missed the big season in Argentina.”
So how did you get this UK high goal job? “Well, it was all a bit last minute. Milo (my God Father) had mentioned something to me last November, that there was a possibility... but I didn’t want to get my hopes up as at the time I couldn’t even play as my arm was still in a cast. I was able to start playing again in January, at home in Cordoba, and in February was due to go to Dubai for a couple of months. Milo called me on February 1st and told me it was all confirmed – it was
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Name: Facundo Sola
WPT Ranking: 58 (updated: 11/07/2011)
Titles:
Places where he played:
Nationality: Argentina
WPT Award: May 2011
Argentine Juniors Open 2007/2008/2009
Colombia
Birth Date: November 23, 1989
Debut in UK High Goal Season: 2011
Queen´s Cup 2011
Dubai
Dubai Gold Cup 2011
France
Residence: Washington, Córdoba Province, Argentina
Palm Beach United Kingdom
like a gift from God. For me, the opportunity to play the high goal here was more important than money or than winning – even if I’d known I would lose every game I still would have come for the experience. The standard is incredible here – teams are so well organised, have amazing strings of horses and really good patrons. As for winning the Queen´s Cup – I really couldn’t have asked for more.”
The team seems to be going rather well.. “Milo and Lucas are the best team mates I could have hoped for; it’s an honour to play with them. Edouard is a great patron; I brought five of my own horses over and the rest I play belong to him. They are great; I really can’t complain. Unfortunately my best mare got injured early on, during the Trippetts challenge, so she’s out for the season. “ What do you do off the field? “Well I just love being around the horses, I spend all day with them, helping my boys whenever I can. It doesn’t leave much time for anything else, but I enjoy playing a bit of tennis, and Felipe (the team trainer) has us working out every single day. Its hard work but I
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honestly feel better than I ever have in my life. If I have time to go to the cinema I’ll watch a comedy or action film – and I don’t really go out clubbing. I take my polo seriously and can’t afford to lose the following day to a hangover. That said, obviously if there is something to celebrate, I’ll celebrate!”
What are you up to after the UK season ends? “I’m going to Deauville to play with Talandracas in August, and then the rest of the season will be spent at Chantilly. I’ll then go back to Argentina and play the Camara – I’d really like to play the Open but off 6 goals in Argentina it’s not really possible. I really hope I’ll get the chance some day.” That Facundo Sola will get the chance to play the Argentine Open is a given. He is incredibly talented, down to earth and a fundamentally decent human being. He will go all the way.
Polo America Expo will return to Las Vegas at the South Point Casino and Equestrian Center on September 30-October 2, 2011. Once again polo players from all over the world will unite in Las Vegas to see the latest in polo equipment, attend seminars, network, purchase horses, watch polo and enjoy the camaraderie of polo. Polo America Expo has two major additions this year. Lamborghini and Bally Switzerland present the finals of the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship in the 4600-seat South Point Arena on October 1. This is the first time polo has ever been played in Las Vegas. The second addition is a Polo Pony Sale held at the Polo America Expo, and will feature fifty horses. Players will be able to try the horses on September 30 and the morning of October 1 in the South Point Arena. The auction will be at 3:00 PM. The 2011 Polo Village has been increased to 80,000 square feet. This is double the size of the last Expo. The Polo Village has been billed as “one stop polo shopping.” Attendees can find everything from tack, saddles, boots, feed, barns, fences, insurance, clothes, helmets, mallets, real estate, tractors, Ford Trucks, polo clubs, feed, supplements, knee pads, shavings, instruction, barn
interiors, publications, polo vacations, polo schools, immigration information, equine art, polo organizations, photography, arenas, watering systems, arena rakes, goal posts, horses, horse transportation, stall mats, jewelry, trailers, field maintenance, and much more. The number of seminars has increased to 36 throughout the weekend. Seminars topics will range from horse hauling, hiring a pro, polo club management, future of women’s polo, barn management, purchasing a horse, polo instruction, and polo marketing to name a few. On the social side the Black Tie Blue Jeans Awards dinner will be held on September 30 to honor Polo Angels: Chuck Weaver and Sunny Hale, Polo Sponsor of the Decade: Ford Trucks and Polo America Lifetime Achievement recipient Tony Coppola. Throughout the weekend there are numerous cocktail parties, lunches and a Sunday brunch. For the ladies there will be a fashion show on Friday afternoon. Lamborghini will be offering test-drives throughout the weekend. Polo America Expo is sponsored by Lamborghini Las Vegas, Bally Switzerland and Ford Trucks. For Polo America Expo tickets call (803) 652-1181 and for updates go to www.poloamerica.com. PQ | 141
Andrea Vianini
Polo, Cars and Family By Alejandra Ocampos. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. Andrea Vianini – quite a character! Argentine, and a regular as regards UK polo seasons. With an outgoing personality, Andrea has dedicated his life to his two great passions, polo and racing cars, both of which are a family legacy. His mother, Dolores Blaquier, belongs to a traditional polo family, who founded La Concepción Polo Team and were pioneers in women’s polo back in the 70’s, among other achievements. And his father, Andrea Sr., was
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an outstanding racing car driver, whose life took a brutal turn after a terrible accident in 1970. At present, Andrea Jr. is enjoying a new phase in his life, living with British supermodel and polo player, Jodie Kidd, with whom he is expecting a baby in September. The baby boy will be named Indio and will be Andrea’s second son, as he is already a dad to Lucas who is seven years old.
Horses, cars and motorbikes So, what are you doing in England? I am playing the Royal Windsor Cup, a 15-goal tournament. Although I have played high goal before at some time or other, at the present time I’m playing medium goal, and as the years go by, I’ll end up playing low-goal polo! (laughter) How long have you been coming to England? Yes, I always come. I think it’s a lot of fun being here. The English have a great tradition of polo and horses. Well, obviously, so does Argentina, where the best polo can be enjoyed. I have played in many places but, personally, I like playing in England; in fact, it’s the only season I play.
Do you have an organisation and horses in England? I have a few, but my horses’ offspring and embryos are in Lobos, in Argentina. I will gradually dedicate more and more time to breeding horses, which will be a very good option when I decide to quit playing. I enjoy breeding horses and I breed from my best mares. Anything else aside from the Royal Windsor? I’ll be playing every 12 and 15-goal tournament. And I hope I’ll be able to continue playing for one more year. Have you been playing anywhere else more recently, other than England? No, not now. But when I first began, I played in Palm Beach. I later played in California, with the Malaysian Princes.
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Why did you decide to play polo? Because it runs in the family, on my mother’s side, that is, the Blaquiers. They all play polo. My grandfather had two teams that used to play the Open Polo Championship. And the Blaquier girls had their own team, La Concepción. When was the first time you travelled to England? It was a long time ago… though there were periods during which I played no polo at all because I was fully dedicated to motor racing. I dropped polo when I reached a 7-goal handicap, at age 22. I stopped playing polo for three years to become fully involved in motor racing. It is just something that runs in my blood, and back then, it was a lot of fun staying in Argentina. How
does the adrenaline rush of being mounted on a
polo pony compare to that of driving a racing car?
I think a horse a more dangerous because it is an animal that’s alive. You have to take care in terms of how you handle it. Cars are also very dangerous; but polo is even more perilous because it hasn’t progressed as regards safety. Perhaps some new rule or other may have been invented, but we continue to wear the same helmets, the same kneepads… polo helmets have changed a little, but the knocks we get are still the same. For example, most of the younger players wear goggles because they have been accustomed to do so since they were kids. But polo players my age do not wear them. And the fact is that if it rains, they’re useless, and you’ll have to take them off.
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That
is to say, safety in racing car drivers has evolved
far more than it has in polo.
We could say that the Jackie Stewart used to wear are not the same as the ones that Sebastián Vettel or Jenson Button wear nowadays… Obviously, it has evolved a lot, and not only in terms of helmets and clothing, but also as regards in-car safety. In polo, the worst type of knock you can get occurs when you’re standing, and your horse falls over. The least dangerous knocks occur when you roll with a vengeance. This is the reason why polo is a very risky sport, and safety hasn’t improved in the past 60 years. flame retardant clothing which
Why did you stop playing polo to begin car racing? I don’t know. I just wanted to satisfy a personal urge. Car racing is a very expensive sport. It’s very difficult for racing drivers. It’s very hard due to the amount of money required to race. At present, there are very talented young men who belong to lousy teams because they lack sufficient money in order to obtain a high-tech car; whereas in polo, despite being an expensive sport, it all depends on whether or not you have good horses and a good team. I’m very competitive, and although I did pretty well in motor racing, I never reached the highest level. The only way you’ll manage is if there’s a tremendous amount of money involved. Where have you raced mostly and in what categories? Always in Argentina, Formula Renault and South American Formula 3; I’ve never raced anywhere else.
Obviously, just like everybody else, I’ve dreamt of reaching Formula 1, but luckily I realised that it would be impossible and, before going completely broke, I decided to stick to horses which are my thing. And, besides, my father’s terrible accident, which occurred in 1970, has always been latent.
fighting spirit… I hope he manages to do some good business someday, which gives him satisfaction. It’s the only thing missing in his life, that is, to succeed as a businessman. El Tano is a delightful person, but I don’t see him being satisfied as regards this aspect. I think he needs some good financial support.
So
Why do you think he didn’t make it? (He thinks) Because of his personality. He has a very strong personality, and he’ll never change…
the story goes, you tried out cars at
Silverstone
with other polo players…
Yes, we had a patron who used to invite every year to Palmer Racing, a place with six racetracks that belongs to Jonathan Palmer, a former Formula 1 racing car driver. This patron used to take 15 of us, all polo players, and give each one a Formula 3000 racing car… various cars, eight different categories belonging to different car makes, including go-karts and rally cars. And you had a winner according to who achieved the best time throughout the day.
Is it possible that the winner was a so-called Andrea Vianini? (Laughter) Well, I did win in several categories, but I did poorly in the Rally… I lost by one point against one of the guys, who actually deserved to win because he drove slower than I did… (laughter)
Life, Family Andrea Jr. is Dolores Blaquier and Andrea Vianini’s son. Born in Milan, Andrea Vianini Sr., was a distinguished racing car driver in Argentina, until a drastic change took place in his life on October 4th, 1970, which was not only brutal but also unexpected. A terrible accident at Las Flores racetrack, in Argentina, while participating in a Sports Prototype race, left him on the verge of death. It was a tremendously hard blow to the whole family, as the consequences of that accident caused irreparable damage to his vertebrae, confining him to a wheelchair. But his will power and his desire to live were stronger. Andrea Vianini Sr. has become a role model for his whole family, and his son feels very moved whenever he talks about his father.
You
How do you get along with him? I get along very well. I worked with him for many years, but it came to a point when I had to start living my own life. You are now going through a very good phase in your life, with Jodie, and expecting a baby. Yes, Jodie and I have always been very good friends, as we’ve known each other for 20 years now. I used to play polo with her father and her brother Jack. We met up a year ago at her place, in Barbados… and here we are, expecting a baby, Indio, who will be born in England in September. How do you feel about Indio’s arrival? I’m very happy, and a lot more relaxed than I was before. My future? As always, divided between England and South America.
obviously get your passion for cars from your fa-
ther, Andrea
Sr., but how did that dreadful accident af-
fect your life?
It was terrible. My father was in a very serious car wreck when he was very young, at age 27. He hadn’t yet succeeded neither as a racing car driver nor as a businessman. It was very tough for my mother and my siblings. I was 4 years old back then. I am a motor racing as well as a motorbike fan, and I’ve always wanted to race, since I was very young, but I wasn’t allowed to do so. I ended up running away to race motocross, which is how I began. I left polo slightly aside, but my passion for horses was always there.
What example did your father set for you? My father is a role model for all of us, and I respect him very much. He’s a spectacular guy, with a great desire to live. Perhaps he should have done a little better than he did business-wise, because he faces life with great endeavour and shows an amazing PQ | 145
Tips from the Pros
Cruz Rota By Eduardo Amaya. Fracture (crushing) of the spinal apophyses of thoracic vertebrae – Flat withers or shaped like a table-top. Anatomically speaking, the horse’s withers are described as the most prominent part of the thoracic vertebrae (spinal apophyses) from the third to the eleventh, which is the crest between the shoulder blades, and this process measures approximately twelve inches. This area, which consists of thoracic vertebrae and both scapulae with their complementary cartilages, is not jointed though its strong muscle masses, the serratus, supra and infra-spinal muscles and an aponeurosis attach both forelimbs to the trunk. Horses have no collarbones, therefore their shoulders can move backwards. There is little abduction and adduction movement, though there is forward and backward motion, and the central axis of forelimb movement is the scapulo-humeral joint (shoulder). This area (the withers) is used to measure the height of a horse. A horse should have well-defined withers as they are considered an important attachment point for torso muscles.
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Withers of medium height are ideal, as high withers make it difficult to fit a saddle, (sores are produced due to friction) and are often associated with a narrow chest, while on the contrary, very low withers do not provide a crest to help keep the saddle in place, and these are usually wide chested animals. In turn, if the vertebrae of the withers are long from front to back (the vertebral body), the shoulder can move more freely in that direction, which allows for an increase in stride length thus increasing the horse’s speed. The area is shaped like a gable roof, with the ridge as the highest point of the withers.
Injuries They can occur at any age, though they happen more often in foals due to falls, through getting knocked about or falling over backwards, thus getting a knock on their withers. This accident occurs due to the crushing of the spinal apophyses of thoracic vertebrae, and the severity of the fracture will depend on the amount of vertebrae affected. Trauma produces pain and swelling in the
injured area
harmed area. At first, the horse will move with difficulty. The stride in both limbs will become shorter but after some time, approximately two weeks, the symptoms will return and only a slight deformity will remain in the withers area, known as table-top shaped withers. Not only does this injury affect the horse’s aesthetics (the topline becomes modified) but it also causes "mechanical impossibility of movement". The horse adapts to this circumstance by varying the normal movement of its forelimbs. However, it is usually noticeable that one of its steps becomes shorter and its neck loses mobility (flexibility) on one or both sides, though this will not affect its lifting or lowering movement. Forelimb movement does not take place parallel to the vertebral axis, but rather, as we mentioned before, the horse adapts to the situation and thus carries out a “swivel” movement in the withers area. This modifies the horse’s balance. In addition, what may also occur is that, given the impossibility of using its forefeet normally, when the horse comes to a halt it will do so abruptly using its hind-limbs, or it may not want to stop and become hard-mouthed.
order to prevent this type of accident from occurring. For example, tying the animal to elements that can give way or snap when exposed to certain traction, thus preventing the horse from rolling over backwards. As regards foals, there is little that can be done to prevent this, as it occurs many times when they are right beside their mothers, either simply gambolling or as a result of an accident in their pens or box stalls. I believe the solution has to do with a matter of wise management.
This is mostly a preventive solution to the problem if the horse is a “sitter” (as it is commonly known). Anytime it is tied to a fixed point, stockade, tree, thick rope, etc., we must think of the best way to do so in PQ | 147
Veterinary
Every breath you take By Dr David Marlin, Chair of the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology What characteristics would one be looking for in a good polo pony? Rapid acceleration, good top speed, ability to make tight turns, good temperament, ability to stay sound? These abilities generally relate to the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons and the nervous system, of which the brain is of course part. Some might be looking for a good strong heart. However, I wonder how many players would put a good respiratory system near the top of their list? Probably not many. Of course, we want a healthy respiratory system. A pony with an upper airway obstruction or lower airway (lung) disease, such as broken wind (referred to as equine COPD or Recurrent Airway Obstruction), is clearly unlikely to perform to its full potential. But few people still realise that, in equestrian sports that involve short periods of exercise, even a healthy respiratory system can be a limiting factor. In this article I’ll explain why. Of course to understand what role the respiratory system plays, we need to understand what it does. The first function is one that everyone knows: to bring oxygen in air into the lungs so that it can be taken up by the blood and delivered to the living cells in the body.
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It is also important for removing carbon dioxide from the body. The respiratory system also serves as a very important filter, removing clots and gas bubbles from the circulation. It is also important in the control of body temperature, hence why horses blow and pant when they are hot to get rid of heat. One problem with the respiratory system, it that the horses upper airway has a slight ”design fault”. The skin each side of the head just above each nostril is thin and poorly supported. When a horse breathes in this skin is sucked in, narrowing the air passage and the horse must put in extra effort to get sufficient air in. This does not matter in the wild as the horse rarely exercises for long periods and will usually put in short sprints to get away from danger. From a scientific perspective polo is a sport which involves short bouts of intense, maximal exercise interspersed with periods of lower intensity of exercise which allow the horse to partially recover, for example following a goal, when a penalty is awarded or when the ball goes out of play. We can clearly see the nature of the sport from a spectator’s angle but we can also get an interesting insight from measuring a polo pony’s heart rate during a chukka. The harder a pony is working
Heart rate trace from a pony playing in a low-goal match. WU = warm-up R1 = recovery period 1 R2 = recovery period 2 R3 = recovery period 3
the higher its heart rate will be. The figure below shows the heart rate of a low goal polo pony during warm-up and two chukkas. There is a tremendous amount that we can learn from this trace. The figure is from work that I carried out with Newmarket veterinarian and polo enthusiast Jeremy Allen back in the 1990’s and was published in the Equine Veterinary Journal in 1999. The heart has the ability to respond almost immediately to changes in activity, for example in the first stride the horse takes in a chase for the ball. The heart rate can also rise rapidly in response to anticipation even when the horse is standing still. But generally when the heart rate is up above 180 beats per minute, the main thing controlling the heart rate is the effort the horse is putting in. At the end of a sprint, as the horse is pulled up, the heart rate will also begin to drop rapidly. However, at the end of a chukka, the heart rate may stay high for a considerable amount of time. The hotter the horse, the longer it will take the heart rate to drop back to resting (around 30 beats per minute). But even in cool weather and when a pony has been washed off, it may take several hours for the heart rate to reach the same rate as before the chukka. Now back to the heart rate trace in the figure. The first thing we notice is that when the pony was tied-up in the lines (on the far left of the graph), it had a close to resting heart rate of around 40 beats per minute. During the warm-up before the 1st chukka, the heart rate ranged from around 80 to 150 beats per minute. We can also see that at the end of the warm-up (around 11 minutes) the heart rate drops rapidly back to around 50 beats per minute and then as the horse stands in the lines, by around 28 minutes it’s close to 40 beats per minute again. But we see that during the 1st chukka this pony is played in, its heart rate is much higher and ranges from 120 beats per minute to as high as 180 beats per minute. Now notice what happens at the end of this chukka. The heart rate drops rapidly as it did after the warm-up, but this fast drop settles out at around 85 beats per minute, whereas before it went nearly to 40
beats per minute. This slower heart rate recovery is a good indicator of how hard the pony has worked and how hot it is. We can see that the heart rate continues to fall and settles out around 55 beats per minute just before the pony is mounted and warmed up to play in it’s 2nd chukka of the match. We can see in the 2nd chukka that the heart rates reach around 220 beats per minute. This is likely to be this pony’s maximum heart rate; that is, it’s now working flat out. We can also see that at the end of this 2nd chukka, the heart rate only drops rapidly to around 120 beats per minute. So with each piece of exercise, the heart rate recovery becomes slower. We can see from this trace that whilst fit, this pony has done more than enough for one day. We can also see that the pony was ridden much harder in the 2nd chukka. This actually gives us a clue to one of the many ways in which we can use a simple tool such as heart rate measurements to understand what is going on inside a pony. A pony that seems to be struggling or unwilling or slow when pushed hard but has a heart rate of only 170 beats per minute could be suspected of being lazy. A pony with a heart rate of 230 beats per minute on the other hand when only being ridden moderately may have an issue with temperament, undiagnosed pain or lack of fitness. This is just a simplified example to illustrate how we can use something as simple as heart rate. The horse’s heart rate increases with increasing effort primarily to power the locomotory muscles.. The faster the heart beats, the more blood that is pumped around the body. During exercise, most of the body’s blood flow needs are for the muscles. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, to deliver oxygen. Secondly, to remove waste products from the muscles, such as lactic acid; Thirdly, to remove heat from the muscles (the muscles produce 4 units of heat for every unit of energy they convert into movement). Finally, the increased blood flow delivers energy to the muscles in the form of sugars and fats. PQ | 149
So let’s consider how this applies to polo Oxygen delivery. Because polo is a sport involving repeated near maximal sprints, the energy for the muscles comes mainly from anaerobic metabolism. This is the rapid breakdown of sugars stored within the muscle cells joined together in chains and known as glycogen. The important points about anaerobic metabolism are that it is a very fast way to get energy for muscle contraction, it’s not very efficient (we don’t get much energy for each sugar molecule used up) and most important of all, it does not need oxygen. So during a chukka when a pony is accelerating or sprinting, oxygen contributes very little to this. And therefore we might then deduce that the respiratory system is of little importance. This would be a mistake for several reasons. When a pony is cantering or galloping, the breathing and stride are linked one to one. The pony will take one breath exactly in time with each stride (Some ponies will hold their breath for several strides as they accelerate but they then must get into this locked rhythm). This relationship between breathing and stride means that even during a short burst any limitation of breathing has the potential to limit stride length and stride frequency, or in simple terms, performance! This happens even though the pony does not need oxygen for short bursts. The respiratory system and breathing also becomes critical when it comes to recovery. When the pace slows in a chukka, for example after a penalty has been awarded, the ponies have perhaps 30 seconds
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to partially recover. At this time, breathing is central to this recovery process. The breathing and heart rate both stay elevated and help to remove lactic acid, heat and supply oxygen; all essential for muscular recovery and to prepare the muscles for the next burst of exercise. In low-goal polo where ponies can play two chukka’s in a four chukka match, the heart and respiratory system are central to recovery before the next chukka is played. Delivery of energy to the muscles in the form of sugars and fats. The one aspect of increased heart rate and blood flow to the muscles that is irrelevant in polo is the supply of energy in the form of fats and sugars in the blood. All the energy that is used by a polo pony during a chukka comes from the sugars stored within the muscle cells as glycogen. So we should consider the horses’ respiratory system as being of major importance in polo. It can limit stride and it aids recovery within, and in low-goal between, chukkas. However, there are some aspects of the respiratory system that we should consider from a performance point of view. Firstly, the respiratory system does not improve with training. There is a widespread myth that the lungs move more air in and out after training. This is entirely false. Secondly, high intensity exercise, including polo, results in rupture of blood vessels in the lung. Even if blood is not seen at the nostrils, which is fortunately rare, training and matches result in bleeding deep in the lung which leads to cumulative lung damage. This will occur to some extent
in all ponies, ranging from mild to severe. The greater the damage, the poorer the function of the lungs. Interestingly, one factor that we believe does not directly impact the respiratory system is over-tight girths. Over-tight girths have been shown in studies in Australia to make horses tire earlier in races. This was widely believed to be due to limiting the expansion of the chest. However, it is now known that the negative effect of an over-tight girth is actually due to “crushing” of the muscles under the girth which are used to move the leg forward and back and not to limiting breathing. There is good evidence that the respiratory system is a weak point when it comes to performance. It is working at it limits, it is delicate and easily damaged, it’s not designed for medium to long periods of exercise, its common to find structural abnormalities (e.g. roaring and gurgling) and allergic and infectious respiratory disease are common. So, what steps can we take to ensure that the respiratory system does not limit performance in polo? Many apparently healthy horses will frequently show some signs of respiratory disease when ‘scoped (i.e. when we look into the windpipe with an endoscope) so ‘scoping even healthy well performing ponies periodically during the season is advisable. Any abnormal respiratory noise warrants investigation and if indicated, surgical treatment. Whereas this used to require training and examination on a treadmill there are now field endoscopes that can be used to examine the upper airway under natural conditions. One easy step to take is to give some help to the upper airways.
“
We should consider the horses’ respiratory system as being of major importance in polo.”
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Luxury Cars
Another kind of horsepower By Aurora Eastwood. A chance remark to Alan Morello that I was a bit of a petrolhead elicited an extremely enthusiastic response – and the revelation that he had quite the collection quietly stored away. This led to the idea of this feature; to discover the secret and not so secret examples of high end machinery that belong to some of the people involved in this amazing sport. As polo attracts such a diverse variety of people, so too are their interests. For those whose hearts lie in horsepower of an alternative kind, there was a broad mix. From elegant classics, to the ultimate hot hatch, to mid-engined supercars; examples of motoring perfection come in many forms.
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Martin Brown’s Fiat Abarth 500 1.4L turbocharged 157bhp 0-62mph: 7.2 seconds
Martin, winner of both the Gold Cup and Queens cup back in the day, owns a black Abarth 500. Interestingly, Abarth means Scorpion... and Talandracas, based at Martin’s farm, also means Scorpion. The Fiat 500 is a famous little car; the original Abarth 500 had a rear mounted engine which got rather hot in a race, so the cars used to race with the boot propped open to help keep things cool.
“I’ve had the Abarth about 18 months now. I’d always wanted a 500 but the original ones weren’t very practical, so when they finally built a useful one I had to have one. I wanted a black one but couldn’t find one anywhere, then one day I was in London, and in the window, sandwiched between two big black Range Rovers, was this little black 500. It’s like one of Pablo’s ponies; really handy and nippy with a capital “N”! Not a lot of fun for passengers though... “1st thing on a Sunday morning on an empty road on the way to Cowdray, it’s a lot of fun..plus I can park it in spaces that 75% of other cars can’t fit in to!“
Bettina Bahlsen’s Audi R8 4.2L V8 414bhp 0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Bettina has had her pearly blue R8 for a couple of years – chosen for her by her son Sascha. “Its like a gokart – very easy to drive and fast. I think a fast car is safer as you can get out of trouble. I’m actually not that interested in cars, so I left the decision of what car to buy up to Sascha. I think it’s nice for a son to choose the car for his mother. I didn’t like the carbon roof they normally come with, so I told Audi I wanted an unusual colour and they told me they had this as a one-off.
Nick Dowlatashi’s Maserati The provenance of this Maserati is an interesting one – as it was won (well, half of it anyway) in a competition at a secret spot in an airport.
“I was driving to my place in St Moritz in it a while ago and started being followed by three young guys in two Ferraris and a Porsche. They followed me all the way home and we ended up going to lunch together and having a really fantastic afternoon!”
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Angelos Damaskos’s Mercedes 190 SL Convertible 1.9L 102bhp
The 190 SL was Mercedes’ first convertible, built between 1957 and 1963. Angelos bought his beautiful SL when it wasn’t quite so beautiful; he saw it in a barn, rusting and forgotten, in 1991. Nine months of painstaking ground-up restoration later, and “Libby” was reborn.
My Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ 360 2.0L turbocharged 380 bhp (approx) 0-62mph: 4 seconds
The “Evo” has been the winner of countless World Rally Championships over the years, and the Evo X is its latest incarnation. I rather like the fact that unless you know what it is, you won’t give it a second glance. Until it has shot past you... with arguably the most precise handling in the world, it is almost unbeatable on a twisty road. Driving to Cowdray on the A272 has never been so much fun....
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“She won a concourse d’elegance in 1992; straight out of restoration - she came first in a field of 35. Since then she has been very simple to maintain, just an annual service. There are no electronics on these cars, and the engine is very simple. The engine was re-bored during the restoration so is now closer to 2 litres than 1.9. This is the less famous sister to the 300SLR which won the Mille Miglia a few times with Stirling Moss. She only has light use, maybe 1500 miles per year, and only when the sun is shining! I will never sell her; she has seen too much!”
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Venice
The Magical city on water By Federica Marocci. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
Mystery and Splendor in the Floathing city Ludicrously beautiful, atmospheric and fascinating, Venice is one of Europe’s top five must-see destinations. The trick is to wander in this unique and romantic fairytale water city of winding canals and labyrinthine alleyways . The best weather in which to visit the city is in April, May and October but Venetian people love the foggy days tourist-free of January. “Land woven by Air, Water, Earth and Sky” so the famous German poet Goethe called the beautiful city of Venice which is one of the most colorful cities in Europe. Venice has been and is still a phenomenon with its beauty, rich cultural heritage and romantic feelings that the “Queen of the Adriatic” inspires in its visitors. This is Venice, the city of the Lagoon, the romantic place for young and old, the interesting spot with its old bridges: Rialto and the Bridge of Sights; the Palace of the Doge, the palace Dandolo, Cà Rezzonico, Ca`d`Oro, Ca’ Vendramin with its Casino; the Cathedral
Grand Canal
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of St. Marco, the pigeons (symbols of freedom) on San Marco Square; the city of masked balls, the city of rich architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque and Byzantine with splendid mosaics, old gondolas and gondoliers with their songs… We think that one of the lovely periods to discover the soul of Venice is during the Carnival (Feb/Mar), and the Biennal Art (June) which is major contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years (in odd years), so too is the Venice Biennale of Architecture, which is held in even years. During the Carnival you must try to gain an invite to the most prestigious and famous venetian party:‘Il Ballo del Doge’, which is considered the most magnificent party of the Venetian Carnival, immersed in the sumptuous scenery of Palazzo Pisani Moretta illuminated with hundreds of candles, on the Grand Canal. Among the frescoes by Tiepolo and Guarana, music and dancing, fairies and stars flying in the air dissolve
View from Rialto Bridge
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magical golden sparks to allow guests to enter one of the most fascinating pages in the history of the eighteenth century. The 54th International Art Exhibition, directed by Bice Curiger, is opened since the 4th of june 2011. The exhibition is titled ILLUMInations and sets up in the Central Pavilion at Giardini and the Arsenale, forming a single itinerary that features 83 artists from all over the world. The vernissage week attracts artists, curators, collectors, actors, politicians and rock stars coming from everywhere. The ‘headquarter’ of every edition is the Hotel Bauer, an ancient convent in the past, now a sumptuous and sophisticated hotel with its restaurant De Pisis and the beautiful terrace where you can see the sunset for an aperol or attend the sunrise for a ‘cappuccino’. Close to the Bauer you can taste the popular drink ‘Martini’ shaken by Antonio, the barman of Harry’s Bar. On the way to Giudecca Island you can’t help but see Punta
Palazzo Barbarigo
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della Dogana. The center for contemporary art presents a permanent exhibition of works from the François Pinault Collection, the institution who sponsered a great restructuration by the japanese archi-star Tadao Ando. Visit the show In Praise of Doubt, curated by Caroline Bourgeois, a presentation of historical pieces and new works including several site-specific projects that question the idea of uncertainty. It coincides with the other exibition “The World belongs to you” set in the majestic scenary of Palazzo Grassi. Unmissable collection of works of the ‘Queen’s of Contemporary Art’ at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. For a typical lunch you can choose the restaurant Harry’s Dolci on Giudecca Island or Locanda Cipriani on Torcello Island, of course the owner is the same: Arrigo Cipriani. A timeless romantic experience: Palazzo Barbarigo, squeezed as it is down the narrow lane. The ‘private’ hotel is hidden behind a rosy 16th century façade far
from the madding crowds of San Marco. you should walk to Rialto market, such as hot to trot canalside Naranzaria and ancient Cantina Do Mori, and you’re also not far from Michy-starred Da Fiore. Then you can enjoy the simplicity and taste seafood dinner at Alla Madonna. Afterward you can visit the inspirational Scuola di San Rocco and its church for several Tintoretto moments, before grabbing truffles and chocolate at Vizio Virtù or take a coffee at the institutional Caffè Florian. A 14th century palazzo, Ca’ Sagredo, one of the most excellent hotel, leaning majestically on the banks of the Grand Canal, between Ca’ D’Oro and the Rialto Bridge, is a real treasure: its 5 ballrooms and its rooms are home to important artworks, including paintings by the most representative Venetian painters of the 17th and 18th centuries, Usually during the Festival of Cinema (Sept.) a Vip who wants a very private atmosphere, ‘takes refuge’ on the Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island.
The San Clemente Island lies in the centre of the lagoon and the San Clemente Palace Hotel gives you an unique view of Piazza San Marco, Giudecca island and the Lido. La Serenissima hides a myriad of historic wonders and artisanal treasures, and naturally we’ve probed and plucked the very best. To buy the precious venetian tissues we recommend Tessuti Artistici Fortuny or Bevilacqua for the sumptuous damask and brocade. Murano is the cradle of the glass artisan, visit Archimede Seguso or the laboratory of the masters Barovier &Toso. Since June a new service starts in Venice: that is a panoramic tour flying over Venice and its Lagoon on board of a sea plane. Heliar Venice to explore the city from the sky or by the sea with JLT Yacht Agency or Tour in Gondola.
View from San Marcos Bell Tower Classic building on Grand Canal
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Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso: celebrating a Legend in Paris 28th June 2011, Paris: Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates the 80th anniversary of the iconic Reverso There are stories that deserve to be captured forever: the Reverso story in Paris is one of them.
Les Beaux Arts, Paris It is in this symbolic structure, with its blend of timeless and contemporary artistic creativity, that Jaeger-LeCoultre chose to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its cult watch, the ‘iconic’ Reverso. A fitting symbol for this watchmaking legend, whose Clive Owen and Adrien Brody
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story began on 4th March 1931, in Paris… It was on precisely that date that the patent for the invention of a watch capable of sliding on its base and flipping over on itself was officially filed. A unique and ingenious invention: the Reverso was born! The Reverso has enjoyed 80 wonderful years of stories, anecdotes, aesthetic variations and technical innovations, which have served only to beautify the watchmaking world's premier cult watch — an
achievement celebrated in fitting style on 28th June 2011. The retro-chic venue was the perfect setting for this latest unveiling of the 80 year-old watch’s rich heritage to 800 Brand guests, including such prestigious dignitaries as Ambassador Diane Kruger, Clive Owen, Catherine Deneuve, and also Adrien Brody, Inès de la Fressange, Julien Doré. This unique celebration highlighted not only the iconic watch's origins and success and the stories of the celebrities who have worn it… but also its myriad identities, as crafted by the exceptional engravers,
enamellers and gem setters at the Manufacture, whose talent for personalising the timepiece knows no bounds. Such personalisation is now available to all Reverso owners thanks to the on-line personalisation service! Reverso, the celebration of a legend in Paris: view the videos with highlights of the celebration, as well as the glamour of the red carpet through the photo reports! And keep up with all the latest Jaeger-LeCoultre news: exclusive content in real time on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube!
Jerome Lambert with Vahina Giocante
Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr and wife, Jerome Lambert, Dennenesch Zoude, Adrien Brody, Diane Kruger, Clive Owen and Carice van Houten and Agustín Pichot.
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Equine Art
Kate Harding The modern sports horse is an awesome creation, an athlete crafted to express the deepest desires of man whilst manifesting some of his strongest emotions. Polo offers a unique psychological combination of herd and tribe delivering at its upmost the finest level of competition through breeding and training known in any equestrian sport. Kate Harding's paintings are borne from this appreciation of the sport and the horses that play it. Horses are tricky subjects to capture. Their deepest appeal to us is in their movement, their grace and also in their character. To create this in a two dimensional image is a skill developed through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the subject. Kate’s work exhibits not only a profound talent with a brush but also an enduring respect and fascination for the equine. Some of Kate’s earliest steps were taken on a horse and she has worked with them in one way shape or form all her life. In paint though, she has found the perfect method to express her understanding and deep admiration for creatures who have given her, and also some of the patrons of her paintings the greatest pleasure in life through their sporting excellence or simply by being themselves. Her work as an artist is diverse but always returns to question the relationship that man has crafted with his surroundings or in this case with one of the building blocks of civilization; the horse.
Dandy Constancio
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Dandy Constancio
Further images of work can be viewed by requesting to join the facebook group for Kate Harding Artist. Paintings can be commissioned by emailing katehardingartist@hotmail.com or call 07717400548 to arrange a consultation. If the client's existing images are available (due to location and or absence of the subject), feel free to email high quality jpeg files for preparatory sketches.
Damián Tesoriero Damián Tesoreiro lives in La Cumbre, in the Córdoba Mountains, where his studio is located. “La Cumbre” (The Summit) is filled with artists who find in this spot a place that is far away from the big cities which helps them to produce their art in a more neutral way. Damián presents his works of art at fairs, cultural centres, art galleries and museums. His work is focused on observation, and his most important artistic expression is captured in his drawings. Since he was interested in portraying people and landscapes, he thus became interested in polo as the harmony achieved between man and horse in certain moves creates majestic elegance in a context of demanding competition. This attraction awakens the true inspiration reflected in his works. Sculpture is a pending issue in his life, although every now and again he does create some very interesting and high quality sculptural works.
Above Rico Mansur 156 x 125 cm Graphite 2011
Below José Eduardo Kalil, São José Polo 180 x 150 cm Graphite 2011
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Body Care
Summer 2011 THREE OF THE BEST – SUNSCREEN Sunscreen is a tricky product. You need ingredients to stop harmful UVA and UVB rays, but not too much as it can cause sensitive skin to flare. 40% of people don’t bother with any sun protection, but we’re smarter than that, aren’t we? Here are our top three sunscreens for your handbag or kit bag this season.
La Roche POSAY Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid – SPF 50 Named after a small town in France and using spring water sourced locally, this is a superb sunscreen that focuses on offering coverage for sensitive skin. Their clinical trial results are excellent and the high protection factor helps avoid age spots, which none of us need. 50ml - £16.50 www.laroche-posay.co.uk
Riemann P20 - SPF 20 This is my ultimate sun protector for polo players. Apply once and you get 10 hours of top quality sun protection from this non-greasy, water resistant blend. Their SPF 20 claims to absorb 95% of the suns UVB rays and is clear, so you don’t get any annoying white marks. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and then forget about it for the rest of the day – bliss. 200 ml - £24.46 www.p20.co.uk
Skinceuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense – SPF50 I’ve chosen this product as there is an increasing movement towards Zinc based sunscreens. As I say, there is a real balance between the chemicals that protect you from the sun and putting too many of them on your skin. This mineral sunscreen uses Zinc (as do many organic brands) and so unlike chemical filters which can absorb into the skin, this cream protects by staying on top of the skin to absorb and reflect the sun’s rays. The Zinc filter, known for its high safety profile, make this suitable for even very sensitive and intolerant skin. A brilliant alternative that’s non greasy and effective. 30ml - £28.00 www.skinceuticals.co.uk
Balmain Hair Range SV Get a touch of French fashion house Balmain in your haircare routine with these bathroom beauties. Not only do they look beautiful, but the range works fantastically well too offering a 10% increase in hair volume. However, as they look so gorgeous would you ever use them? Of course you would, they smell divine and allegedly last 35% longer than other shampoos. Shampoo £37.00 Hair Masque £39.00
PaperSelf Lashes I know, I know, these are not for everyday, but they are so beautifully crafted and so unusual that I cannot resist. I saw these in Bologna at the World’s biggest beauty show and they are so mad that they just stand out. Hand cut from paper, the delicacy of these designs is something to behold, and if you’re going to a wild party, these could be just the thing. www.lalalashes.co.uk £14.95 per set 164 | PQ
FRAGRANCES
Daniel Vaudd, Cosmetic Scientist and bespoke Perfumier has selected the following fragrances for the season: Summer – the season of fun and nude skins. Often many brand suggest fresh scents and though one understands the rationale, most fresh fragrances worn in the summer time have little depth and lasts on the skin for a fleeting moment. I would recommend fragrances with fresh notes but a substantive, rounded base.
Pour Homme This summer, pour Homme, I would suggest Terre D'Hermes. Intrinsically smooth with flashes of citrus sparkle; a fragrance created by Jean-Claude Ellena for the House of Hermes. A fragrance celebrating the noble Orange, Terre is citrus fruity-fresh but in the most wearable way. The base notes of Cèdre, Vétiver and Benzoin keep the dry down close to the skin like a passionate lover. A man who wears Terre d’Hermes is truly a man a la mode and a man of substance. Eau de Toilette Natural Spray 100ml - £70.00 www.hermes.com
Pour Femme I could recommend Editions de Parfum’s IRIS POUDRE. A Floral Aldehydic, IRIS POUDRE is less crisp but more atmospheric. Exceptionally soft and sensual yet light; this perfume by Pierre Bourdon, Tonka bean, musk and vanilla captures the memory of nude skin - whilst a base of sandalwood and vetiver resonates an internal depth which carries through-out the day. 50ml - £100.00 www.Liberty.co.uk
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Men´s Grooming
In a Lather Shaving can be an absolute chore, but these products evoke the gentlemanly art with many a neat modern day twist. If you have to undertake a chore. It should be with the very best tools.
Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap This is so quintessentially English, having been around since 1805, that it must be an incredible product to have stood the test of time. Shaving soap needs to offer “slip” and this glycerine-based, hard luxury shaving soap is renowned for its fine quality (voted the best of its kind in the world in a poll in Denmark, if you’re interested) and guaranteed to give a perfect, smooth shave every time. It is supplied in a beautiful, hand-turned, hand-polished wooden bowl and scented with a subtle classic fragrance with a hint of Lily of the Valley, for discerning gentlemen. 99g - Price £16.00 www.truefittandhill.co.uk
Super Badger Travel Shaving Brushes I’m drawn to this brush because of the great case that comes with it, making it perfect for travel. However, its credentials are also impeccable as this Classic Imitation Ivory Travel Brush is hand made in England, with the highest-grade badger hair. Not only is it extremely soft and dense, but also helps provide the perfect lather and smooth application of Shaving Cream. If you must travel, takes life’s little luxuries with you. Price £39.95 www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk
Merkur Vision 2000 Wet shave razors are incredibly satisfying, but cutthroat or safety? Each has its challenges, to the point where even safety razors need calibrating to ensure that you don’t take off more than you bargained for. The choice here is vast, but I’ve plumped for The Merkur Vision 2000, a double-edged Safety Razor that is perhaps the most technically advanced safety razor currently available. Butterfly opening, calibration, angle and the balance of this tool make it an all round winner with precision German steel and engineering. Price £89.99 www.nivenandjoshua.co.uk
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As Lutwyche launches new collection in Saks Thursday 7 July. A truly British invasion is due to take place, as Beverley Hills awaits the eagerly anticipated arrival of the new Ready to Wear collection by leading ‘Made in England’ tailor Lutwyche. The full range of Lutwyche suits, jackets and shirts will be unveiled in the Saks Wilshire Boulevard store this weekend, to be swiftly followed by its New York debut, with the collection going on sale in Saks Fifth Avenue at the end of July. The suits will start at $3,500. As official tailor to the British Polo Team, the launch of Lutwyche’s new collection has been expertly timed to coincide with Foundation Polo Challenge, which will see the polo elite, from around the world, descend on Santa Barbara’s Polo & Racquet Club to watch Prince William take part in the charity tournament. To celebrate the launch, Lutwyche and Saks will play host to some of the store’s premier customers at the high profile event, when the Duke of Cambridge’s team, Royal Salute, will take on teams Audi and American Express Centurion. Already an established name within the luxury market, Lutwyche founder, the quintessentially English Tony Lutwyche, is internationally renowned for his
ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke ranges and, as the owner of the only UK workshop capable of making authentically English suits available at the luxury end of the market, he has long been hailed as the man who saved English tailoring. Speaking ahead of his US launch, Tony Lutwyche said: “We set out to achieve the pinnacle of excellence in terms of fine English tailoring when we founded Lutwyche in 2000, and are extremely proud to be the only UK business capable of delivering these standards to the international market. “The Americans have long been fans of what we’re all about at Lutwyche; our constant striving for the very highest levels in suit construction has put us firmly on the map. Saks will be the perfect platform for our suits and we’re thrilled to be working with them.” The Lutwyche range will be available to buy in Saks, Beverley Hills, from Thursday 7th July. The Lutwyche store in London is based in Mayfair’s Clifford Street. For further information please contact Sofia Lord or Erica Sutton-Teague at Redleaf Polhill on 020 7566 6700 or email sc@redleafpr.com
About Lutwyche An established name within the luxury market, the celebrated tailor and Lutwyche founder, Tony Lutwyche, is internationally renowned for his ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke suits. By taking on board the very best in luxury fabrics and the finest English tailoring skills, Tony Lutwyche has been described by FT How to Spend It as ‘The most important figure in English tailoring’. Having built up a formidable reputation over the last 10 years, Lutwyche has become the suit of choice amongst leading lawyers, bankers and businessmen.
Lutwyche irrevocably changed the fate of English tailoring when, in 2006, he acquired England’s last remaining tailoring workshop in Crewe; placing him in the enviable position of making the only 'Made in England' suits available internationally. The Lutwyche store opened in London’s Mayfair (15 Clifford Street, London, W1S 4JZ) in November 2010, marking the UK launch of Lutwyche’s elegant hand-finished ready-to-wear suit range, now sold alongside its bespoke and made-to-measure services. www.lutwyche.co.uk PQ | 167
Motoring
Even the Loch Ness monster hid from this B-road beast By Aurora Eastwood.
The 1 series BMW M coupe. The name is a bit of a mouthful, so what to call it? Not the M1; not only is that a rather dreary motorway, but it was also the name of the M1; BMW’s epic mid engined supercar from the 1980’s. So: 1 series M coupe it is then! The first real live one I saw was one of 10 identical bright orange, shouty looking small things parked at Inverness airport. Think Jack Russell terrier meets Tigger. This car is significantly wider than the 135i on which it is based, with flared arches, more air intakes, fatter tyres and a general air of cocky confidence. Four tail pipes on the wide, pert rear coupled with the M badge confirms its place in the illustrious M stable of performance cars. 168 | PQ
It’s really not very big. However, good things can come in small packages. Frankie Dettori, Salma Hayek, ipod nanos and certain bullet shaped things from Ann Summers. Anyway, it’s not the size, it’s what you do with it that counts… most of the time. Anything that can hustle its way from 0-62mph in less than 5 seconds does, in my opinion, deserve to be called a true performance car. The M coupe does it in 4.6, with joyful, noisy eagerness – imagine the Tigger/Jack Russell hybrid bounding away after seeing something it wants to bounce on. The exhaust note is absolutely superb. BMW have managed to keep the roar of that flat six despite the addition of the two turbos (and there is NO turbo lag)
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and there is absolutely consistent power all the way up the rev range – with the engine sounding its best at about 5500 rpm. The car is simple; a 6 speed manual box, unfiddablewith suspension. Being a purist myself, I honestly don’t think you can call yourself a driver unless you can use a manual box properly (don’t get me started on relying on sat nav, though the system in this car is excellent) so the absence of any kind of flappy paddle gearbox is definitely a good thing. The highlands around Inverness couldn’t have been a better place to drive this car. There is literally every possible permutation of road; narrow, wide, straight, twisty, uphill, downhill. Nature rather obligingly also
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provided both wet and dry tarmac, so I was able to ask some questions of the grip – if you don’t see the traction control light flashing at you on a test drive you aren’t trying hard enough – though if it’s flashing all the time you will probably get rather well acquainted with the bottom of a loch. I’d never been to Scotland before and I’m sad to say I still have absolutely no idea what it looks like, even after 170 miles of driving. I was having so much fun, and going so quick, my recollection of the scenery is split seconds of WOW interspersed with OHMYGODTHATSALONGWAY DOWN! Get it wrong on those roads and the car will be interestingly remodelled by a tree, a cliff or a large mass of water. You however, will be interestingly dead. It doesn’t go wrong though. The car is so balanced, so agile, has so much grip and is just so GOOD that you can drive it flat out and not give yourself a heart attack. Yes, there are louder, faster, more aggressive cars out there – but you don’t buy this if that is what you want. You buy this car if you want to have a lot of fun in a car you can live with and use every day. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, has a lovely, high quality interior (Alcantara trim on the dash and doors, leather seats with orange stitching) and there is perfectly adequate space in the back for actual humans.
There are only 450 available for sale in the UK and 300 of those have already been ordered. If you want one you better be quick! PS: I wish to apologise to the multitudes of cyclists I screamed past. I’m sorry for spraying you with water and for the deafening howl of that glorious 6 cylinder engine. I’m sorry too to the MG owners club for the feelings of inadequacy you must now have. I think I overtook about 10 of you at once at twice the speed you were travelling. I do believe there is a number you can call to talk about the trauma you have suffered at the wheels of a bright orange B road beast.
Tech Specifications 6cy/24 valves 340bhp MPG: urban 20.9 extra urban 38.7 combined 29.4 Co2: 224g/km Speed-up: 0-62mph 4.9 seconds Top Speed: 155mph (limited) On the road price from £40,020
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Quality green horses and young stock for sale. Playing Ponies for sale. Horses taken for backing and schooling.
Ponies from Eastwood Stud were sold and played: Queen´s Cup 2010 Gold Cup 2010 Warwickshire Cup 2010 The best source for quality ponies in the UK.
Stallions for 2011
Kalankari
15.3hh Irish TB Broke course record at Kempton Park. Timeform rating of 103. Superb athleticism and incredible temperament. £450 NFFR
Dandy Constancio
15 hh Argentine TB Registered Polo Argentino Offspring proven at all levels up to high goal. Sisters played the Argentine Open. £600 NFFR
For full information visit www.eastwoodstud.com | Natural covering or AI 172 | PQ
Tel: 07970 697 593 aurora.eastwood@btinternet.com
The Old Stables, South Wonston Farm, South Wonston, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 3HL
BLACKLOCKS Polo Books and Prints Antiquarian and leatherbound polo books All new titles from stock 19th & 20th Century polo prints and limited editions. Trophies, memorabilia and magazines.
Tel: +44 (0)1784 438025 blacklocks.polo@ntlworld.com
Showcase
8 Victoria Street, Englefield Green, Surrey TW20 0QY www.blacklockspoloart.com
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Showcase
Unit 1A The Hermitage High Street Ascot SL5 7HD tel: 01344875053 john.pye@thefitnessspace.com www.thefitnessspace.com
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Showcase PQ | 175
Polo Quarterly
Almost 20 years of Polo tradition, excellence and glamour, all in one magazine. 176 | PQ
Ascot Berkshire, SL5 9NU, United Kingdom Mobile/Cel. +44 (0) 7590 455139 www.pqinternational.com info@pqinternational.com
2009 Argentine Open BPP Cuartetera
The Equation In Polo Has Always Been: Best Players + Best Horses = Winning Results. If your dream has been to own the finest polo ponies in the history of the game, you can open your eyes now, because Crestview Genetics can make it real. Crestview Genetics is the global leader in cloning the finest polo ponies in the world. This year, we will witness the birth of over 50 foals – exact genetic duplicates of legendary winners, including Cuartetera, Lapa, Small Person, Aiken Cura and Raptor. We have specific mirrored training protocols in place for each of the ponies. Alternatively, the purchaser may opt to take delivery of and train the foals to his high-goal standards. If polo is your passion, owning an exact genetic duplicate from Crestview Genetics is a big step toward realizing your high-goal dreams. Call +1 817-737-2525 or email info@crestviewgenetics.com to learn more.
crestviewgenetics.com