Autumn Issue 2013 - # 85 - Year XXI
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PQ Staff Publisher
PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com
Editor in Chief
Aurora Eastwood aurora@pqinternational.com
Design & Production
Tomás M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com
PR and Marketing
María Noel Raffo Antin noel@pqinternational.com
Contributing Writers Aurora Eastwood Editor
Alex Webbe Alejandra Ocampos Gonzalo Echeverry Daniela Dini Keep Rolling Eduardo Amaya
Contributing Photographers
PoloLine Media Ana Clara Cozzi Matías Callejo Images of Polo Alice Gipps Advent Print Group
Autumn Issue 2013 - # 85 - Year XXI
Printing
Deauville Coupe d´Or Dario Musso Photo by Ana Clara Cozzi
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PQ #85
Calendar
November
December
January
3 Hurlingham Open Final 40 goal Hurlingham Club, Hurlingham, Argentina
6 III La Aguada Guards Polo Cup 20 goal La Aguada PC, Open Door, Argentina
2 Herbie Pennell Cup 20 goal IPC, Palm Beach, USA
3 Pedro Morrison Memorial 15 goal Grand Champion PC, Wellington, USA
7 Argentine Open Final 40 goal AAP Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
5 Joe Barry Cup 20 goal IPC, Palm Beach, USA
9 USPA North America Cup Final 20 goal Grand Champion PC, Wellington, USA
8 Camara de Diputados Cup Final 32 goal AAP Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
6 HPA New Year National Club Championship 10-12 goal RCBPC, UK
16 Start of Argentine Open 40 goal AAP Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
14 VI Primavera Cup 12 goal La Aguada PC, Open Door, Argentina
20 Copa de Oro Ellerstina 22 goal Ellerstina PC, Pilar, Argentina
14 Ladies Cup La Aguada PC, Open Door, Argentina
24 The National 20 Goal Championship Final 20 goal Grand Champion PC, Wellington, USA 29 Americas Cup Final 20 goal Alegria-Polo One, Pilar, Argentina 29 X Julio Novillo Astrada Cup 22 goal La Aguada PC, Open Door, Argentina
22 World Snow Polo Championship Final Roaring Fork PC, Aspen, USA 22 Chile Open Final 22 goal Club de Polo San Cristobal, Santiago, Chile
18 All Asia Polo Cup 4 goal King Power PC, Thailand 18 Val d’Isere Snow Polo Event Final Polo Masters, France 25 Thai Polo Open Final 15 goal Thai Polo Club, Thailand 26 Megeve Snow Polo Event Final Polo Masters, France 29 Ylvisaker Cup 20 goal IPC, Palm Beach, USA 30 St Moritz World Cup on Snow 16 goal St Moritz PC, Switzerland 30 FCT Invitational High Goal Challenge 15 goal RCBPC, UK
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Autumn Issue 2013
Editorial
As the English season wound down, there was more polo in new countries - this time Azerbaijan staged its inaugural tournament together with an ambitious programme to have a team playing in the FIP championships in less than two years time. As summer ebbed away the action was no less frenetic. Important medium goal tournaments in the UK, plus high goal in the ever popular Sotogrande as well as plenty of action in France, both in Deauville and Chantilly with its colossal polo programme. The season also started in Argentina, with the Jockey Club Open going to the reformed Chapaleufu, who at the time of writing just won the qualifier to play Hurlingham and Palermo. This is the stuff of fairytales; one of the most legendary team names in polo and a family united once more, cousin Bauti playing with brothers Eduardo and Pepe. The Argentine season looks to be a corker, once again all eyes are on the mecca of polo and the best games the sport has to offer. I for one will be making full use of PoloLine’s live streaming on every occasion, as hopping across the ocean isn’t quite an option this autumn. I shall be staying in the UK and playing a bit of arena polo on the young horses in preparation for 2014. Aurora Eastwood Editor
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Autumn Issue 2013 Price £6
Tournaments
Off the Field
16
68
Sotogrande Gold Cup The Jewel in the Sotogrande crown
24
Deauville Season 2013
90
Coupe d´Or goes to Talandracas
34
Chantilly High Goal Season 2013
Kuwait Polo Association at Guards PC The Pioneering Sprirt of Polo
52
Warwickshire Cup Halcyon Gallery retained the title
54
Arena Polo World Cup Back to the roots
66
Jockey Club Open Chapa is back
Evolution of the English Polo Second Part of PQ´s exclusive article
92
La Quinta take the 16th Open de France
42
Argentine Season 2013 The much awaited Triple Crown
World Polo Tour 3rd Quarter of 2013
93
High Goal Pony Review 2013 Best pony of European Season
#85
Contents
Interviews
Lifestyle
80
94
John Wright The Chairman of the HPA speaks to PQ
82
Nicolas Pieres in Deauville "Playing with the Carmignacs was a good experience for me"
86 88
100 Event Jaeger-LeCoultre 180th Anniversary
104 Captured
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Icons Mrs. Claire Tomlinson. The Polo Queen
A Luxury Hotel Collection
108
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Icon Mr. Gonzalo Pieres. A family legacy
The Urban Hunter Project An Adventure for the Senses
Restaurant - Waku-Ghin A Truly bespoke experience of refined cuisine
112
Savoire Vivre Cannes Boat Show
116 Motoring Porsche 911 50th Anniversary
120
Travel - Scotland North to South by Road
Sotogrande Bronze Cup
dubai the takes
BRONZE CUP
the first tournament of the season
By Aurora Eastwood Photo by Gonzalo Etcheverry
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After a four-year absence, Adolfo Cambiaso had an ideal comeback to Sotogrande, as Dubai won the high goal Bronze Cup, after the very first big final of the season at Santa MarĂa Polo Club, in Sotogrande. They defeated Scapa 12-9. Following a very balanced first chukka, Cambiaso and Co. took control of the situation in the next chukka, which led them to take a big advantage and maintained the lead until the end of the game. As a detail, Dubai's lineup featured four professional players, as Luis Domecq filled in for patron Rashid Albwardy.
Sotogrande Silver Cup
Silver Cup goes to Ellerston By Aurora Eastwood • Photo by Ana Clara Cozzi Ellerston, with the mighty Pieres boys, beat the largely British Halcyon Gallery by 13 goals to 11. Halcyon Gallery had beaten UAE Polo by 11-9 to secure their slot, and Ellerston had beaten Scapa by exactly the same score at semis. Charlie Hanbury
had an impressive performance considering a badly broken ankle earlier in the season, not helped when a horse reared up over on him the first practice he played in Sotogrande!
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Sotogrande Gold Cup
The Jewel in the Sotogrande crown, the Gold Cup By Gonzalo Etcheverry • Photos by Gonzalo Etcheverry and Ana Clara Cozzi
Ellerston beat UAE polo by a single goal in epic showdown A spectacular match that was decided in an extra chukka, Ellerston took a narrow 18-17 win over UAE and won the Gold Cup at Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande. Facundo Pieres converted a 30-yard penalty shot in OT that secured them the win and the title. A huge number of people watched the final, and no one was disappointed: It was a thrilling and nailbiting game, with both Ellerston and UAE fighting hard chukka after chukka.
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Ellerston had a better start, mostly in the first two chukkas. Slowly, UAE Polo got closer in the score, commanded by their leading man Sebastián Merlos, and a very effective Lucas Monteverde when it came to converting the penalty shots. By half time, the scoreboard read 7-7. The momentum for UAE came in the fourth chukka, when they overwhelmed Ellerston's defence, and took an 11-9 lead. It seemed that the trend would continue in
Facundo Pieres “We had a better start in the first chukka, but then UAE woke up. I think they had a very good day, and we weren't working that well; they won all the throw-ins. We had to change our game plan, retain and dominate the ball between Gonza and I. Fortunately, it worked for us, even our horses worked much better during the second half. UAE was a tough team to play against, and I even think they were in better shape than us. But I also think we played well. The boys, John (Williams) and Ali (Patterson) did really well today. Otherwise, we couldn't have won.� PQ | 17
the fifth chukka, but Ellerston made a fierce comeback and made it a 14-14 tie, Facundo Pieres having scored most of the goals for his team. A very tight sixth chukka followed. UAE hit first and retook the lead, but a quick reply from Ellerston put things at 15-15; in the following minutes, both teams scored one goal apiece to set a new tie (16-16), but with only one and a half minute to go, UAE retook the lead (17-16). Ellerston never gave up, and put enough pressure on UAE to end up with a 30-yard penalty awarded to Ellerston and successfully converted by Pieres. At the bell ending the sixth chukka it was 1717, and the match went into OT… that's when Facu appeared again to convert another 30-yard penalty to secure the second title for Ellerston. Ellerston became double winners of the 42nd International Polo Tournament, as they had also taken the Silver Cup. On a personal note, this has been a year to remember for Facundo Pieres, having won his fifth consecutive competition, after the US Open, Queen's Cup, Gold Cup for the British Open and the Silver Cup. Sebastián Merlos, UAE's leading man, was awarded MVP, and Indultada, owned by Gonzalo Pieres and ridden by Facundo, took BPP honors.
Both Ellerston and UAE Polo were playing without their patrons in the Gold Cup. Instead, UAE Polo had the very talented Tommy Beresford, an absolute steal off 0 goals. Watch that boy, he’ll go far.
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Sebastian Merlos PQ | 19
Stephanie and Peter West, Kerry Clampton and Bret Badham
Loli Garrahan, Hernán Pieres and Santiago Garrahan
Astrid Munioz, Eduardo Novillo Astrada's wife
Luis Benjumea, Alejandro Peñafiel, Salvador Ulloa, Manuel Granados, Alejandro Peniafiel jr and wife Amaya Vivas
Mercedes Venancio Scalella with her son Milo and her parents
Paola Martinez Apeo and Ana Ballester
Kika Perestrello with Loiriña, Macarena de la Parra, Blanca Alvarez Nuñez, Tiago jr and Tiago Gallego
Luis Benjumea Llorente and Nacho Fernández
Belen Donovan and Matias Machado
Kika Perestrello, Isabel de Borbon and Roger Carlsson
Pablo Mora, his wife María and their kids Pablo jr, Martin and Jaime
Gerardo Mazzini and Russian Raya Sidorenko
Louis Castillejo, Pablo Jauretche, Temi Willington, Jake Zobel, Pablo Mac Donough, Alfonso Aracena and Alejo Taranco
Muzzio family Vicky, Alejandro,Santiago and Alejandro jr
The Horswell family Grania, Alannah, John, Chloe, Edward and Christabel
Martina de Estrada and Jorge Rios Martinez del Olmo
Sebastián Gomez and Jesus Jimenez
Mar Fuentes Cerón, Elena Ramos and Julia Asoray
Nacho Gonzalez and daughter Sofia
Maria Chavanne and daughter Mora Juan Pablo Quiroga, his wife Natalia with their kids Benja, Magui and Emi
Stefan Fuchs and Peter Silling
Marcelo Lopez Vargas, Santiago Torreguitar and Benjamin Araya
Juanjo Brané, his wife Mara and their kids
Michael Redding and family
Luis Herquicia, Pelayo Berazadi and Alvaro Alvarez
Gonza Pieres, wife María Rapetti and their lovely daughter Violeta
Roddy and Zoe Williams and their lovely kids Freddy and Ottilie
Tomás Fernández Llorente, Jaime Espinosa de los Monteros and Ramon Mora Ezequiel Ortíz Berne and María Vasquez
Daniel and Magdalena Boudou
Mansoor Abulhoul and Victoria Devin
Pelayo Berazadi, Robert Strom and Jaime Serra
Gonzalo Pieres Jr for PoloLine TV
John Williams and girlfriend Laura
Roger with daugther Courtney Carlsson and Mariam Asmar Cubi Toccalino and his family Lucio, Angie and Felix
Charlie Hanbury and Ali Patterson
Leandro Fernández and Cristina Martín and their kids Inigo and Beltran
Santiago Cernadas and girlfriend Anita
Jaime García Huidobro and Karan Thapar Guillermo Alvarez Pickman, Pascual Sainz de Vicunia and Keka Calleja
Alfonso Araneta, Alejo Taranco, Santiago Laborde and Daniel Gariador
Carolina and Tommy Beresford with their mom Teresa Juan Chavanne and wife Sharon
Lee Smits, Luz Duggan and Toti Jauretche Javier Porras, Pilar de la Puente and Luis Estrada Sebastian and Silvina Merlos
Andras and Emese Tambor Commentators for PoloLine TV, John Horswell and Sebastian Amaya and the club's commentator Daniel Gariador
Christopher Hanbury, David Woodd and Paul Greenand Luis Estrada
Isabelle and Alejandra Strom
Will Beresford , Charlie Hanbury, Jack Richardson and Lauren and Willow Beim Lupe Roldán and Martín Valent with their lovely little Santos
Patricio and Jeronimo Cieza
Ava Zobel, Lara Reynolds and Paola Zobel
Deauville Season 2013
Coupe d´Or
goes to
Talandracas By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi
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The legendary Gold Cup at Deauville has always been the most coveted trophy in France. Now held at a slightly lower handicap level than before, it is nonetheless highly competitive. Talandracas beat Murus Sanctus 13-12 and won the Coupe d'Or in an extremely very well played, very fast, game that was decided in extra time, when Nico Pieres converted a 60-yard penalty. Murus Sanctus, who received one goal on handicap, extended their lead to 2-1 by the end of the first chukka. Talandracas made it 3-all, through a couple of penalty
conversions by the Pieres cousins, Nico and Polito, while Juan Zubiaurre scored for Murus Sanctus. Talandracas captured their first lead of the match in a tremendous third chukka, with an overwhelming performance from Polito and Nico Pieres, and Facu Sola. Polito scored three consecutive goals (two great field goal and one 30-yard penalty), that took Edouard Carmignac's team to a 6-3 lead. Murus Sanctus replied quickly, with two goals by Facundo Sola (30yard penalty and a field goal), but there was Nico again who scored for Talandracas. The match went into half
Nico Pieres PQ | 25
time, with Talandracas leading 7-6, following a 60-yard penalty conversion by Facundo Sola.
Score Talandracas (Murus Sanctus 1-0): 1-2, 3-3, 7-6, 9-8, 10-11, 12-12. 13-12
Both teams were playing a fantastic level of polo, enjoyed by the large number of people who spent a great Sunday at Deauville Polo Club. The master class polo brought by Talandracas and Murus Sanctus continued in the next following chukkas, with both teams exchanging the lead. Talandracas maintained the lead in the fourth (9-8), and Murus Sanctus made a comeback in the fifth (11-10), with goals by Corinne Ricard and Facundo Sola (penalty from the spot and field goal). Meanwhile, Talandracas scored a single goal, courtesy of Nico Pieres, who converted a penalty from the spot. With Talandracas holding a tight onegoal lead, the sixth chukka was expected to be filled with drama and excitement.
MVP: Polito Pieres (Talandracas) BPP: Don Urbano Rolinga (Polito Pieres) Best amateur players: Hughes Carmignac and Lavinia Fabre
Nico Pieres hit first, with a 30-yard penalty, to tie at 11-all. Pelayo Berazadi replies with a field goal, which meant that Murus Sanctus were leading 12-11. The game was hotter than hell and there were only few minutes to go. Finally, Murus Sanctus' pressure ended up in a foul, and Talandracas were awarded a 30 yard penalty, successfully converted by Nico Pieres. The scoreboard read 12-all, and the match went into an extra chukka‌ that was when another foul from Murus Sanctus led to another 60-yard penalty in favour of Talandracas, converted by Nico, to secure Edouard and the boys their fourth Coupe d'Or in Deauville.
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Facundo Sola PQ | 27
Corine Ricard and Edouard Carmignac
Edouard Carmignac "It's my fourth Coupe d'Or. It's always great to win this tournament, but it's even better to win it with such talented players and with my son. Hughes is progressing a lot, and both Polito and Nico are fantastic players. It was a joy. It was a very tough match. Murus Sanctus' players are fantastic, with Facundo Sola leading them. It was a very powerful foursome. Anyone could win this match, it's been very tough and very even."
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redswoop falcons to a 9-4 victory
over mode b Once again deauville offered her bronze cup to a fast red falcon team By Aurora Eastwood Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Red Falcons, a 7 goal side with two four goal players, beat Mode B (also 7) with 5 goaler Pierre Ngoumou and 3 goaler Thibault Guillermin by a convincing 5 goal margin. In the two last qualifying games, Mode B defeated Body Minute 5 - 3½. Body Minute had Jean-Edouard Mazery filling in for JeanChristophe David. Red Falcons took a tight 6½-6 win against La Esperanza and had obtained the first place in the final of the 8-goal Coupe de Bronze. PQ | 29
Patrick Paillol and Aurelie Slavic
William Gadsby and Florence Attali
Polito, the Coupe d'Or and the Rafa Nadal style celebration
Tomas Ruiz GuiĂąazu and girlfriend Nazarena Smit
Lory Perrier and Sabrina Cristofano
TomĂĄs Reinoso and Gisele Lazo
Oscar Colombres and Nasser Al Shamsi from Ghantoot PC in Abu Dhabi
Philippe Augier, Deauville Mayor
Juan Zubiaurre and his little fan!
Matthieu Delfosse and wife Emilie and their lovely baby Leon
Estelle and Alice Garmond
Jules Legoubin and girlfriend Matilde Rousset
Dario, Mia and Pocho Musso with Anne Therese and Antoince Wolf Mr and Mme Jean François des Rosaies, Jean Edouard Mazery, Nathalie Benoit the French Paralympian, winner of the Silver Medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in Women´s single sculls rowing ; Amoury de la Heronniere, and the Constantin and Sylvie de Lencuqe
Edouard Pan, Aurelie Jaffres and Thibault Guillemin
Gregory Pesin, Octavio Marenzi, Corentin Maillet and Florian Godefroy
Marina de La Brosse, Edouard Pan, Nazarena Smit, Tomas Ruiz Guiñazu and Clement Delfosse
Alexandre and Joy Desseigne Lavinia Fabre, Justine Jacquemont and Miguel Blancpain
Fergus Gould and Lacey Winterton
Thomas Baptiste, Mirille Chloup and Jean-Charles Pitt
Benigno Bensadon and Martin Aguerre Jr
Sztarkman Family
Olav Mueller-Uri and wife Melanie
Jean Edouard Mazery, Beatrice Nicoll, Philippe Bouchara and Justine Jacquemont
Carmignac Brothers Charlie, Hugues, Amoury and Lucrece
Philippe Bouillot, Bruna Burslem, Olivier Auneau and Mrs O'Connor
Alice Garmond and Marina de La Brosse, who will be in Argentina with PoloLine this season
Laurent Dassault and Alejandro Battilana
Murus Sanctus team
Pelayo Berazadi and girlfriend InĂŠs De Cossio
The Macaire-Guillemin family
The Deauville Polo Club staff
Aurelie David and Laura Jaques
Charles Seavill and Phillippe Perrier
Blue haired Pelayo Berazadi and girlfriend Ines de Cossio
Jacque Horrent, Mr and Mme Molliere Arielle de Rothschild, Laure de Pourtales and Florence Attali Alice Garmond, Anne Therese Wolf, Ana Clara Cozzi, Annie Broussois and Carola Mohnblantt
Michel AdĂŠ and wife Veronique
Chantilly Hight Goal Season 2013
LA quinta
General Levalle take the 16th de openfrance By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi
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Dario Musso PQ | 35
Chantilly plays host to a plethora of tournaments as the season draws to a close. 4, 8 and 16 goal as well as the ladies open all run concurrently. The 16th Open de France is the jewell in the crown and always very competitive. This year saw six teams entered including an all-pro French side. The semi finals were slightly complicated affairs due to some teams being tied. Despite falling to Tom Tailor by a 5-3 score, La Quinta General Levalle secured the first spot in the final of the Open de France. Sainte Mesme beat Equipe de France 8-6. Following these results, there was a penalty shootout between Sainte Mesme, Tom Tailor and Lebeau Courally, on the Friday at 12pm, to determine La Quinta's rivals. Tom
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Tailor won the shootout and stood to play La Quinta once more (they had played one another earlier in the tournament and Tom Tailor had won. The final took a little while to get going, with no goals scored for either side for quite some time. The players seemed a little unsettled and play was very fragmented for the first couple of chukkas. Finally it opened up and some impressive goals were scored at the expense of the defence of the other side. However it was La Quinta’s day and they kept their heads to win the final 8 goals to 6 with impressive performances from Dario Musso and also the young Facundo Fernandez Llorente.
Thibault Guillemin and Rodrigo Rueda Jr
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Open de France Feminin 2013
Why Not take the title from
Tom Tailor
By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Seven teams across two leagues battled for the prestigious title in the 2nd year of the tournament. Split into the Chantilly Zone and the Murus Sanctus Zone, teams played thier own qualifiers and then met for the semi finals.
Semi Final Two Tom Tailor played AR Aesthetics at Murus Sanctus. In a very close game with scores incredibly tight, Tom Tailor scored the winning goal in the 5th minute of an extra chukka. Some confusion over HPA rules meant the win was somewhat controversial.
Murus Sanctus Zone The all English AR Aesthetics team beat Hecla to secure a semi final spot, as did the Caroline Anier led Body Minute.
Chantilly Zone With four teams in this zone they all had more games, with Why Not and Tom Tailor coming out on top to play their semi finals.
Semi Final One Body Minute travelled to Chantilly to take on Why Not, featuring Hazel Jackson. In an incredibly tight game with even scores throughout, Why Not just tipped the balance with a goal by Jackson and secured their finalist slot.
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Final In a low scoring but fast and open game, Why Not managed to keep their noses in front when it mattered, winning the trophy by 4 goals to 4 in the dying seconds of the game. An elated WHy Not team took home the spoils - Chopard watches among other lovely prizes.
Tahnee Schroder
Good points
The tournament is well run and little touches are nice - such as four chairs and a stool put out for each team, as well as water, coke and chocolate bars. The fields are very good.
Bad points
All games should have TWO professional umpires, not just one. And if using local umpires it ought to be ensured that they have read the HPA rule book. Sometimes teams didn’t know at what time they played until late the previous night or even the morning - this makes it very hard for all concerned.
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Patrick Guerrand-Hermes (President of Polo Club Chantilly) and Jean-Luc Chartier (President French Polo Federation) Mireille and Claude Solarz
Les petits Sztarkman fans Alice and Philippine Bureau
Latitia Guillemin and Caroline Anier Petits Starkman fans
Philippe and Benoit Perrier, the heart and soul of Polo Club Chantilly La Quinta celebrate with family and friends
Umpires and third man Juan Jose Diaz Alberdi, Stephan Macaire and Julian Appleby
Nina Schirrmacher, Denis Leukel and Celine Mueller
HervĂŠ Sztarkman and friend Yannick Cecil Colin, Alex Sztarkman and Alice Garmond at the La Quinta Party after polo
Edouard Pan with his parents and Cecile Colin
Stan Clavel and Greg Pezin
Max, Sacha Caumot, Cecile Colin, Sole Musso and Wahib Geagea
Sebastian Amaya and Aurora Eastwood, the commentators for PoloLine TV
Kuwait Polo A ssociation at Guards PC
The
pioneering
spirit of Polo
in Kuwait
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg • Photos by Alice Gipps In years to come, remember that you heard it here first, a new era is about to be born in both Kuwait and polo, as the sport of Kings takes the Country by storm.
The credit for this historical occurrence is almost solely due to two of the most enthusiastic, passionate and patriotic new players to the pitch. Representing PQ , I was honoured to be the first English journalist to interview Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet, President of the Kuwait Polo Association and Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Kuwait Polo Association and meet their distinguished guests in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smith’s Lawn on Sunday 7th September 2013, where two 12 goal teams, Shalimar and Los Lobos battled it out on the Queen’s Ground to win and hold aloft for the very first time The Kuwait Polo Association Trophy. Prior to this event, despite through research I only came across one short article about ‘polo and Kuwait,’ and this was about the upcoming event itself. Located next to the Persian Empire, which is now modern day Iran, the land where it is believed polo was first played in 600BC, the Country of Kuwait seemed yet to have experienced the thrill and passion of the game on its home soil, but all that is about to change as two 42 | PQ
determined thirtysomething Kuwaitis are truly flying the flag for their homeland and bringing polo to Kuwait. With both the Kuwait flag and the Union Jack fluttering in the breeze above the Royal Box, on a day where even the sun decided to shine in acknowledgement of this historical moment, Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet, the first Kuwaiti member of the HPA and his fellow countryman Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi, marched on horseback through the revered goal posts of the Queen´s Ground at Guards, leading the two teams of the day. Following in over fifty years of historic hoof prints from players such as Carlos Gracida, Gabriel Donoso, Howard Hipwood, Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso, and so many other polo legends whose names grace the most prestigious trophies across the world, the two founding members of The Kuwait Polo Association and the teams were presented to their esteemed Kuwaiti guests and the crowds in the stands, with much excitement and anticipation in the air, at the prospect of one of the oldest team sports in the world taking the first step towards being brought to a new land.
Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet, President of the Kuwait Polo Association and Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Kuwait Polo Association
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So what exactly was the story behind this monumental moment in their Country’s sporting history, how did they first become interested in polo? Salman explained that his polo story began by chance only a few miles up the road on the edge of Windsor Great Park, at Royal Holloway, University of London where he is a Postgraduate Research Student in the School of Management. It was here he tried to join a Riding Club, only to discover it was fully booked and the Royal Holloway Polo Club was suggested as an alternative equine pursuit. Despite only having been riding four years, he joined and began playing at Ash Farm Polo Club, with enthusiastic instruction from Charlotte Sweeney, and has never looked back. It was during this time that he decided to research the sport’s connection with his home Country and he found, despite asking numerous top Kuwaiti riders, that no seemed to have tried it, or even seen it being played. As it is a sport of challenge, with the special elements of speed, horsepower and the control of the mallet – everything a warrior needs, he realised that polo was truly a top horse activity for any equine country such as Kuwait. After entering a small tournament at Ash Farm, playing well, scoring and winning he asked Charlotte if his prize could be to put a Kuwait flag on his pony and take a photograph of it – and quite literally he then decided ‘to take polo home’. Subsequently, following another meeting of chance, in the 2013 season he has been gaining further experience, tremendous support (for which he is exceptionally grateful) and expert tutelage from the world-renowned player Ian ‘Ginger’ Hunt at Dallas Burston Polo Club and on Simon Arber’s fantastic pitches at Emsworth. Introduced to horses at the much earlier age of five years old, Hussam enjoys horse riding tremendously, and despite only having had a few polo lessons, his belief is that you have to find something you are passionate about and for him it is polo. In Kuwait, soccer is the most important national sport and he firmly believes that as soccer and polo are about teamwork, polo is a sport which will grow rapidly in popularity in Kuwait. Brought together through mutual friends and their passion for polo, the pioneering and patriotic spirit they both share is obvious as they talk about the game and the pride they have in introducing it to their Country. As Ex-President of The Kuwait Engineering Association, Hussam is confident that if they combine their backgrounds along with the great network of friends and business colleagues they have, they will gain much support for the game. Salman was also keen to explain that Hussam has built an exceptional business model for developing polo in Kuwait, as they are passionate that 44 | PQ
Kuwaitis from all different social backgrounds should have the opportunity to be involved in the sport. In reality, polo in Kuwait is set to develop in complete contrast to the rest of the world where it has organically evolved from its ancient roots without the application of much modern business acumen being applied to its development. In Kuwait they are starting in reverse, by building a modern business model to promote the popularity of the sport in their Country and generate support for the game. As Kuwait National Team Coach and Polo Manager, Ian ‘Ginger’ Hunt pointed out ‘The Kuwaiti DNA is perfect for polo. They have passion, over a thousand years of horses and they are great warriors. Add to this Salman’s excellent Social Media skills, Hussam’s business approach and the untainted and fresh view they both bring to the sport and you have a true recipe for success.’ And Ginger Hunt should recognise success when he sees it, as an exInternational player and Captain of the Australian Polo Team; he has played with Kerry Packer’s Ellerston team, and alongside HRH The Prince of Wales. Both Kuwaitis believe that Social Media will have a huge impact in attracting the younger generation to the sport, with the popularity of Facebook and Instagram in their Country. As they explain, it is rather ironic, if you walk down the street in Kuwait seventy percent of young people will be wearing a polo shirt, so there is already a lot of enthusiasm for the ‘style’ of the sport, in a Country where the polo fashion has arrived before
the sport itself. They are also extremely appreciative of the tremendous support shown to them by La Martina, Kuwait who provided their kit and equipment and Zain Communications, Dr Mustfa Behbehanid’s MBC and Algas Events for helping to turn their dream into reality.
dangerous game, it makes my heart jump, but Kuwait loves horses and equestrian activities I think this is going to be popular in our Country in the future.’ It did indeed seem that the newest polo enthusiasts and their esteemed guests, were truly delighted by their bespoke polo experience created by Louisa Dawnay, Events Director at Guards Polo Club, and watched with pride as The Kuwait Polo Association Trophy was lifted for the first time by the Los Lobos winning team patron David Lewis in front of the Royal Box. Awards were also presented to MVP, Will Emerson and to Neil Hobday, Chief Executive of Guards
So what did their guests think of the game of polo as they watched Shalimar and Los Lobos do battle on the Queen’s Ground? His Excellency Jassim Al-Kharafi (Former Speaker of the National Assembly of the State of Kuwait and Uncle to Hussam) used to ride, but had previously only seen polo on television before, he told me that ‘The reason for our participation in The Kuwait Polo Association Day is to send a message Kuwait Supporters and friends at the Royal Box to our people, the game of polo needs to be considered in sports activities in Kuwait. This day is a step in the right direction to seeing polo played in Kuwait. I am glad Kuwait is now connected with polo, I would like to see more players participating especially my nephew creating a team. I enjoyed the game – anything is possible including a polo pitch in Kuwait.’ With many top riders and show jumpers in Kuwait being female it was interesting to hear the views of Shikha Marium Alsabah (Mother in Law to Hussam) who too had watched polo for the very first time on this day, she commented that ‘It looks like a
Shalimar and Los Lobos at the Podium with Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet, “Ginger” Hunt, His Excellency Jassim Al-Kharafi, Al-Kharafi, His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi and Neil Hobday PQ | 45
Polo Club from The Kuwait Polo Association, and to His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan (Kuwaiti Ambassador to London) from Ian ‘Ginger’ Hunt to acknowledge his support of polo in Kuwait. After presenting the prizes alongside His Excellency Jassim Al-Kharafi, His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan spoke to me about his hopes for the future of polo in Kuwait, ‘Polo is a great game and I am proud to see our young people’s involvement in developing this game. I really hope it is taken up in Kuwait, the Government is interested to encourage this game, and it will do much to promote the excellent relationship between Kuwait and England.’ Alongside the newest aficionados to the sport, Eddie Arida, Life Playing Member, supporter of The Phoenician Cup Tournament for 32 years and the first Middle Eastern Player to play at Guards Polo Club was also a Royal Box guest, he offered a few insights into maximising the success of polo in Kuwait. ‘Young people in Kuwait are very progressive, they will see this as a good, rough game – gentlemen and ladies alike will want to be part of it and compete. Ginger Hunt is a great person to advise and coach the team and the sport. To get the sport to evolve it would be good to start by building an Arena, so players new to the game have the chance to be closer to the play and gain experience from good tackles more easily. Invite along a few celebrities and then the support for the game will go crazy.’ Looking to the future of polo in Kuwait, it does indeed seem that anything is possible in a Country with such great national pride and passion, and
now the first two HPA registered Kuwait players, both of whom have an unwavering determination to ensure that this sport succeeds at a national level. It seemed fitting therefore to ask them who they would eventually pick for their future ‘dream team’. For Salman it would be to play alongside Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso and his number one favourite player, Guillermo Terrera, who from his way of lifting the ball, to the tremendous way he battled cancer and came back to play epitomises the true warrior. Hussam would like to see a High Goal Kuwaiti team and he will be encouraging his eight year old son to be part of the writing of the story of Kuwaiti polo. So where do they envisage polo will be in Kuwait in five years’ time? Both undeniably agree that their aim is to bring pride to Kuwait and gather support for establishing the first Polo Club in Kuwait. Their plan is to play polo as the Kuwait Polo Team in the UK and in five years’ time they are visualising a 2 goal Kuwaiti player in a national team of four players. In the years beyond that there is the vision of an Arabian Polo Pony Breeding Program. It would seem that the dawn of polo as a national sport in Kuwait is just upon us, given the enthusiasm, passion and patriotic pride which is behind this pioneering venture, do not be surprised in the not too distance future, when you see the name’ Kuwait’ being etched in gold leaf alongside previous International winners, on the illustrious Coronation Cup Trophy Board, which takes pride of place in the Royal Box at Smith’s Lawn.
Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet, Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi, His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan, His Excellency Jassim Al-Kharafi and Neil Hobday 46 | PQ
Eddie Arida, Salman Khuraibet, Salman Khuraibet, His Excellency Jassim Al-Kharafi, Sir Redmond Watt, Eng. Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi
Hussam Fawzi Mohammed Al-Kharafi and Salman Assad Mohammed Khuraibet PQ | 47
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Series - Autumn Cup
The
“Revancha” of the
UK’s12best goal teams
By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com Cadenza Juniors beat Black Eagles by a mere half goal to take the last 12 goal of the season. The two most prolific 12 goal teams in the UK met for one last showdown, having battled in the league stages when Black Eagles won by ½. In an incredibly close game, Cadenza's early 2 goal lead evaporated going into the 4th as Black Eagles retook the game, and it was a combination of luck, skill and some quick ponies that turned the tables for Cadenza Juniors.
48 | PQ
Jack Hyde played out of his skin, showing his future potential against players rated far higher than he, but the experienced combination of Emerson and Webb just beat the 6 goal pairing of Chris Hyde and James Harper. Neither team will exist in its current format next season, with both teams having two players up in handicap - both in effect 14 goal teams. It shows the handicappers got it right though, each time the teams played one another victory was by just ½ a goal.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Series
Jaeger-LeCoultre at Cowdray harrison Cup Park Polo Club By Liz Higgins Eight teams entered the Jaeger-LeCoultre Harrison Cup, one of the series of Cowdray Park’s six HPA tournaments sponsored in 2013 by fine watchmakers Jaeger-LeCoultre. Played at 15 goal handicap, the Harrison Cup is a non-domestic tournament, open to all-comers. The cup was presented to the club in 1938 by Major J.F. Harrison, and originally called the Cowdray Junior Cup. It was brought into the series of tournaments played to coincide with the nearby Goodwood Festival of Horseracing in the 1950s. The Final on 3rd August was a closely fought and exciting match which saw Lamrei run out the winners against Cowdray Vikings, whom they had also met in the 2012 Final, on a score of 9-8. For Charlie McCowen’s Lamrei team it completed a hat trick of wins in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
50 | PQ
Clare, Marchioness of Milford Haven, and JaegerLeCoultre Ambassador, presented the Harrison Cup to Charlie McCowen, and individual prizes were sponsored and presented by Casablanca Polo. The Brooke Joynson Cup for the Best Playing Pony in the Final of the Harrison Cup was won by Santiaguena, owned and played by Santiago Gaztambide of the Cowdray Vikings team. Two other tournaments are played alongside the Harrison Cup - the Holden White and the Cowdray Park Challenge Cup - with four subsidiary Finals also featuring in the traditional Cowdray Park Goodwood Week tournaments. The final tournament in the 2013 Jaeger-LeCoultre HPA series at Cowdray Park is the Autumn Cup which starts on 9th September running through to 22nd September.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Holden White Cup
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Series
at Cowdray Park Polo Club By Liz Higgins
Twenty three teams entered the Jaeger-LeCoultre Holden White Cup, one of the series of Cowdray Park’s six HPA tournaments to be sponsored by fine watchmakers Jaeger-LeCoultre in 2013. The 8 goal tournament started on 15th July and is one of Cowdray Park’s most popular tournaments attracting entries from a wide area. The Final between John Gunn’s Inspirit and Paul Knight’s Windmill Farm was a thrilling match right up to the final bell with a hard-fought battle going on throughout between the Backs for each team - Peter Webb for Inspirit and Max Charlton for Windmill Farm. Inspirit were ahead at 3-2 at half time and increased their lead to 4-2 by the end of the third chukka. The final chukka had the crowd enthralled as Charlton was awarded a 60 yard penalty from which he scored, he then thundered down the field in the opposite direction to secure the next goal and equal the scores at 4-4.
Webb gained possession of the ball and tapped it forward enabling the number 1 to re-take the lead for Inspirit. Charlton entered the fray again and sent a good ball to Tim Bown but suddenly Brodie for Inspirit was part of the action once more. As he headed for the goal posts, the ball was left on the doorstep but Peter Webb was on hand to send it forward the final few feet needed to take Inspirit on to 6-4. A 60 yard penalty was lofted high and hard by Max Charlton and the one goal gap suddenly made the crowd wonder if there might be an extra chukka on the cards when a 60 yard penalty was again awarded to Windmill Farm. A little over-exuberance on the part of Inspirit stimulated the umpires to move the ball forward to 40 yards. With not a sound to be heard Charlton hit the ball but missed. The bell went and Inspirit ran out the winners on 6-5.
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Warwickshire Cup
Halcyon Gallery retained theWarwickshire Cup By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Tom Reynolds Halcyon Gallery repeat history to take the Bledisloe Warwickshire Cup for the second consecutive year beating Black Bears 10-9. Halcyon Gallery’s Ollie Cudmore was named MVP. It was Black Bears who were first off the mark though with Guy Schwarzenbach picking up a nearside ball, controlling it and hitting a near-side under-the-neck shot bang on target from about 75 yards within the first minute. This set the bar high and there it would stay; Halcyon Gallery replied no more than a minute later with Eduardo Heguy taking the direct route from a line out and going all the way. Ollie Cudmore proved himself well worth his 4 Goal handicap in the middle of the first chukka when he stole away with the ball from John-Paul Clarkin taking it half the length of the field with Clarkin by his side and still managed to pull out an incredible soaring shot from 50 yards which was bang on target and took Halcyon into the lead for the first time. In the second chukka Eduardo Heguy and Nachi du Plessis respectively converted 60yd penalties to make it 4-3. An impressive near side under the neck shot from George Hanbury edged Halcyon into the lead further, but not for long, the second chukka finishing equal at 4 goals a piece. Ollie Cudmore took a huge ball direct to the back
of the head, luckily hitting his hat but none-the-less requiring a check over by the medics. It obviously didn’t have too lasting an effect though as not long after he disappeared from a subsequent line out and raced to score, helping to give Halcyon an 8-6 lead at half time. Early in the fourth Juan Zavaleta entertained the crowds with his usual speed and skillful stick work taking the ball around the rest of the field switching effortlessly from near to off side and making his way to goal. A converted penalty by Nachi de Plessis was followed by another goal for Zavaleta who was able to recover the ball from Cudmore whose stick was broken amidst a big hook. Clarkin replied however taking the ball straight back to the same goal and despite Halcyon’s efforts to move the ball away again, Ollie Cudmore’s back hand did not get the distance he’d hoped for and found its way straight onto Clarkin’s stick, making it 10-8 to Halcyon at the end of the fourth. Both teams were held goalless in the fifth, a couple of missed penalties from du Plessis disappointing for Black Bears. He did convert one at the beginning of the sixth chukka however putting them well in touch of the cup with 5 mins left to go. A tense period of end to end polo ensued which could easily have gone either way. But time ran out for Black Bears and Halcyon took the trophy home once again.
Juan Gris Zavaleta and Guy Schwarzenbach
52 | PQ
Halcyon Gallery Polo Team: Juan Gris Zavaleta, George Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore and Eduardo Heguy PQ | 53
Arena Polo World Cup
Baltika are
crowned
inaugural champions By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi
54 | PQ
PQ | 55
Full view of the field
The first edition of the Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan saw Baltika defeat Chopard in the final, 8 goals to 7. Four 17 goal teams formed part of this tournament, held under the strapline “Bringing Polo Home”. It took place at the Elite Equestrian Centre in the capital Baku, from the 6th to 8 th September. The club, with its 40 boxes, fields and floodlighting, shone in the first Arena Polo World Cup on a field specially constructed for the event. Polo players like Adrián and Raúl Laplacette, Manolo Fernández Llorente, Pablo Miguens and Chilean Matías Vial formed part of the various teams - Chopard, Bentley, Montblanc and winners Baltika. The first day of competition saw qualifiers played to secure a spot in the final. The semifinals were played on the Saturday, as well as an exhibition game with teams from Azerbaijan, Karabagh & Gilbas, demonstrating that the game has its roots in Azerbaijan. This central Eurasian zone is called the cradle of polo, and in some parts of Azerbaijan you can find “Chovgan” being played, a primitive form of polo. However polo as we know it has not gained a place in this country by the Caspian sea, something the Arena World Cup Azerbaijan seeks to change. This all took place thanks to the initiative, drive and plans taken forward by the enthusiasm of M. Ahadpur Khanagh. This 60 year old businessman and engineer discovered his passion for polo when he studied in Newcastle in the UK. 56 | PQ
Since then he was hooked. Also a Manchester United fan, he took polo to Azerbaijan and wants the level of passion for the sport to reach that of football. “Our plans are very ambitious. We need players who will represent Azerbaijan on international fields and we need teams that can compete on both national and international levels. We are also working to extend the infrastructure of polo, including international standard fields that will allow us to play all year round. Given that Azerbaijan has lots of sunny days, we are optimistic about our projects. Another great opportunity surrounding this sport is to promote the Karabakh horses, famous for their strength, temperament and athleticism. We know throughout history that these horses have won prizes, now is the time to promote these famous horses outside the country once more.” The first Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan has been the first push for polo in this country to enter a new era. The success of the tournament, both in sporting and organisational terms, was in the hands of Reto Gaudenzi and his team at World Polo, as well as support from the sponsors which was key to achieve the objectives. “In Argentina this December Azerbaijan will be applying to join FIP, and in the following months will confirm a national team.”
Adriรกn Laplacette Jr PQ | 57
58 | PQ
Chovgan Match
Ahdpur Khangah, also has plans: “We will continue with our application and in the selection of the future Azerbaijan team. There will be 10 chosen players, who will go to Argentina to spend six months with professional Adrián Laplacette in his club, La Alegría. Thereafter, the Azerbaijan players will play in Europe for the season and take part in the 2015 FIP European Championships. Azerbaijan, the newest polo country, will request FIP membership at the meeting on the 5th December in Argentina.” The “return to the roots” of polo thanks to the Arena Polo World Cup is already a reality and polo in Azerbaijan has started to roll.
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Dallas Burston PC
DallasPolo Burston PC in the Park 2013 Photos by Janus Photography & Harald Joergens Photography were on the back foot after losing both of their matches. La Casa Loco sub Lucy Gibson had to be replaced half Dallas Burston Polo Club’s annual September way through after sustaining a suspected fractured arm, highlight DBPC Polo In The Park proved its ever whilst Charlie Bulmer’s side eventually finished second, increasing popularity as in excess of 3500 attended but it was Tessa Johnson’s seven strong side, Kangaroos, to enjoy a day of polo, jousting, mounted games, fun who were the overall winners. The Amaranther Trophy fair and a stunning side saddle display. The support (0) tournament followed with the subsidiary between from neighboring polo clubs was clearly seen with 56 Leadenham and Kingsbridge, but the former were the players in 13 teams partaking in the -2, 0 and 4 goal eventual winners 5-5 ½. Phil Baker’s Bucking Broncos tournaments, whilst there was also a wonderful Royal then took on Ian Donald’s The Inn Team in the Final and Artillery Exhibition Game. with excellent play from Hannah Henderson and Emma Nicholson, the Bucking Broncos won 5 - 3. The four The Southam Trophy (-2) was a late addition to the goal Tusk Trophy was undoubtedly the polo highlight. schedule, but it was a perfect display of promising polo The subsidiary saw C.A.N.I. face an inform Rutland, talent, with players of all levels from local clubs Rugby, patroned by Rupert Heggs, which was an incredibly close Offchurch Bury and DBPC competing. Saturdays matches encounter finishing in a 3 - 3 draw. High Point and Dawson left it wide open on Sunday, however Phil Baker’s Pololine Group faced off for the final, with Sebastian Funes overcoming a suspected fractured wrist that ruled him out of Saturday’s qualifier, whilst Mikey Henderson recovered after receiving a ball to the face, smashing his goggles the previous day. The final was an incredibly close game with strong play from MVP Dave Gardiner, leading to the final score 6 - 6, but the match was eventually decided by penalties - where The Dawson Group won with Grant Collett’s pony Zora receiving the accolade for BPP.
Polo gives way to jousting at DBPC Polo In The Park 60 | PQ
Subsidiary Final of the Amaranther Trophy, Leadenham v Kingsbridge Will Brasher hits up to Cameron Houston
Karl Ude-Martinez provided entertaining and helpful commentary of the polo throughout the day, before transforming himself into a Knight to host the jousting display, which provided a captivating and hilarious performance. The mounted games display followed shortly afterwards and kept the spirits high as youngsters flung themselves on and off horses to try and win this gymkhana style game. The long
established presence of the fun fair again kept the children entertained, whilst the polo and other equestrian activities including an elegant display by the British Side Saddle Association captured the hearts and attention of the mass majority. DBPC Polo in the Park was a fantastic success overall and enabled the crowd to enjoy a full day of entertainment, delicious food and glorious weather.
LA CASA LOCO Mark Weller Charlie Bulmer Lucy Gibson Paul East
KINGSBRIDGE Paul Clay Stewert Hickman Jon Hickman Ed Batchelor
THE INN TEAM Annie Whitehouse Katie McDonald Ian Donald Cris Mathews
RUTLAND Rupert Heggs Alex Boucher Phil Seller Marcus Collie
POLOLINE Gary Allen Marcus Ong Paul Semple Philip Baker
LEADENHAM Emma Atkin Francis Wilson Cameron Houston William Brasher
HIGH POINT Dave Gardner William Brasher Sebastian Funes Richard Hine
C.A.N.I. Louise Jebson Pedro Harrison Tomas Iriarte Medhi Mehra
KANGAROOS Jane Kang / Catherine Varney Shoib Chaudray / Amy Harper Tessa Collett / Del Kang William Spencer
BUCKING BRONCOS Samantha Banks Emma Nicholson Hannah Henderson Philip Baker
DAWSON GROUP Ben Marsh Freya Dawson Michael Henderson Grant Collett PQ | 61
V Argentina Snow Cup
Five years of
Snow & Polo Photos by NOUUEI
Chapelco Ski & Resort played host to the best snow polo in the southern hemisphere for the 5th year. The V Argentina Snow Cup, the only snow polo tournament in Argentina, took place on the 10th August with four man all-pro teams. The tournament forms part of the World Polo Tour snow polo circuit and is the only tournament on the continent to meet the criteria. The event started on the 9 th of August at the Hotel Loi Suites on the edge of San Martin de los Andes.
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The team presentation was held at the hotel followed by a cocktail for the players and invited guests representatives of the sponsors and executives from the resort. Galicia Eminent Polo Team and Hyundai Polo Team played for the V Argentina Snow Cup. The first chukkas saw Galicia Eminent lead 2-0, both goals converted by Santiago Solari. In the 2nd chukka Hyundai drew level
and in the last play a Santiago Garrahan put Hyundai ahead, converting an incredible goal with help from Javier Herrera. In the 3rd and final chukka the game was very tight and in hard fought plays Galicia turned the game around to win 5-4 with goals from Daniel Dartiguelongue and another was converted by Tomás Dartiguelongue; the 4th goal from Hyundai was scored by Martin Gandara. After the game a cocktail party took place in the VIP tent next to the field and immediately after was the prizegiving at the Hyundai stand, presented by executives from Chapelco Ski & Resort and Cecilia Pieres. Javier Herrera, president of the World Polo Tour said: “It was a great game, fast and fun. The field was nicely compacted with lots of snow and was well prepared. You could run end to end and hit the ball well.Thanks to Chapelco for preparing the snow polo field, we were able to play the Argentina Snow Cup for the 5th consecutive year, high handicap, 4 against 4, as it’s the only Snow Polo field with regulation sizes.” The Argentina Polo Cup is the most important snow polo event outside Europe, what differentiates it from other exhibitions is that it forms part of the World Polo Tour calendar. The tournament is on par with the St. Moritz Polo World Cup, Snow Cortina D´ Ampezzo Gold Cup and the Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup Courchevel. Teams Galicia Eminent Santiago Solari Daniel Dartilongue Tomas Dartilongue Diego Araya
Hyundai Santiago Garrahan Javier Herrera Martin Gandara Javier Cabrera PQ | 63
Diego Araya, Santiago Garrahan and Javier Cabrera Javier Herrera
Galicia Eminent Polo Team
Hyundai Polo Team 64 | PQ
HURLINGHAM - ARGENTINA
PQ | 65
WWW.FAGLIANO.COM
Jockey Club Open
Chapa is back
Beat La California, in OT, after a thrilling game By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by Matías Callejo On a cloudy, freezing and rainy Saturday, Chapaleufu and La California were due to meet to play the final of the Jockey Club Open, the competition that preceeds the Triple Crown, in Argentina.
At the awards presentation, Bautista Heguy was named best mounted player of the final. His mare, Chapa Iguana, was presented with the award of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association.
It was the comeback for Chapaleufu; after a very balanced, intense game, they the Heguys and Fran Elizalde beat La California 13-12, in an extra chukka, through a corner converted by Eduardo Heguy. La California was leading by two goals at the start of the sixth chukka, but Eduardo and Pepe Heguy - the latter scored a fantastic goal - tied the match to force an extra chukka.
In other awards, Eduardo Heguy was presented with the Gonzalo Tanoira Fair Play Award, while Diego Cavanagh took the Miguel Pando Award; Diego's Rumba took the Argentine Polo Association Award as the best horse of the final, and Polo Catástrofe, ridden by Pepe Heguy, was awarded by the Jockey Club as the best pony of the final.
Casablanca Facundo Sola Pablo Mac Donough Milo Fernandez Araujo Juan Martin Nero
36 8 10 8 10
Magual Alejandro Muzzio Ignacio Toccalino Marcos Di Paola Jaime Garcia Huidobro
32 8 8 8 8
Chapaleufú Alberto Heguy Jr Francisco Elizalde Bautista Heguy Eduardo Heguy
30 7 7 8 8
Cuatro Vientos Juan M. Zavaleta Jr Juan A. Garcia Grossi Alejandro Agote Santiago Tanoira
29 7 8 8 6
La Colifornia Diego Cavanagh Guillermo Terrera Jr Ignus Du Plessis Tomas Garcia del Rio
28 7 7 7 7
La Vanguardia Ignacio Laprida Gonzalo del Tour Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario Santiago Toccalino
28 7 7 7 7
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Eduardo Heguy PQ | 67
A rgentine Season 2013
much awaited Triple Crown
The
By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by Matías Callejo
Here we are again and more than a few people will be thinking how quickly the year went since that unforgettable final at Palermo where Ellerstina took La Dolfina. New alliances, many changes and the same expectations; what path will be taken by the teams,
all sharing the same goal – the final of the 120 th Argentine Open Championship at Palermo on the 8 th of December. Players and fans wait anxiously for the arrival of the month of September to see and admire the best players in the world playing 40 goal polo. This year it is just a name, as no teams reach the magic number, but it is still the pinnacle.
Ellerstina
for Revalidation Ellerstina (39), comprising the three Pieres brothers Facundo (10), Gonzalito (10) and Nicolas (9) plus brother-in-law Mariano Aguerre (10) had a season with highs and lows. They started well at Tortugas, winning the final for the 6th time. Hurlingham was a low, losing to La Aguada and then the final to La Dolfina. They reached the final at Palermo with a crowd believing they’d lose, but to everyone’s surprise (not least La Dolfina) they took the most wanted trophy. Mariano’s rise to 10 goals, plus Facundo’s successes both sides of the pond in the ensuing months mean that Ellerstina have more desire than ever to take the Triple Crown. Nicolás Pieres: "It’s very difficult to play in a high level the whole season. Of course, it would be the ideal thing, but something very tough to reach. We always start Tortugas the best we can, but the horses are new. Our goal is try to start the season as well as we ended the last one. The most important thing is keep our concentration and try to play each game as if they are finals. It’s more difficult, sure, but we’ll see how we work match after match." 68 | PQ
La Dolfina,
for revenge Everyone knows that La Dolfina (39) ARE Palermo. Not winning Palermo for Adolfo Cambiaso & Co (MacDonough 10, Stirling 9 and Nero 10) is failure. That must have been the sensation that stayed with the Cañuelas quartet when they lost the 2012 final when everyone thought they’d walk it. However it seems that La Dolfina are more motivated, starting the season with more attitude. Tortugas has ever eluded the team, but this year they have coach Milo Fernandez Araujo, ex 10 goaler. Eyes on the prize, Palermo. Pablo MacDonough: "We want to win Palermo again, but we are also looking forward to win Tortugas, which would give us more confidence. Our eyes are on Palermo, of course, but we want to try and win Tortugas this year. To reach it, we have to play at 100% every game. Having Milo as a coach is an extra motivation, we’re all very happy. He’s a very enthusiastic person, who makes you give the best of you, not only as a person but also as a player." PQ | 69
La Natividad
look for consolidation 2013 won´t be just another year for La Natividad (35), formed by 9 goaler Lolo Castangola last year. Following a great 2012 season, that ended up with the foursome as the third team in handicap, this year Lolo & Co, will go for more. Joined by Sapo Caset (9), experienced Nachi Heguy (9) and the talented Brazilian Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (8), they all bring an incentive to win games, especially Rodrigo who wants to follow up his brilliant UK season for Zacara. Lolo Castagnola: "I still don’t know if it’s my last Triple Crown; I thought about it at first, but we don’t know. Maybe I will tell you later. About La Natividad, the team is working really good with our new man, Sapo Caset. We know we can make it, despite we only had one practice. An extra motivation for us is Rodrigo’s brilliant season in England, that gave him a lot of confidence. Plus, we’re the third rated team, so we expect to give the best of us to have a great season." 70 | PQ
Alegria,
the long term project Towards the end of 2012 and when the new Alegria (35) lineup was confirmed, manager Clemente Zavaleta told PoloLine that the idea was for a young team with a long term plan. Canadian Fred Mannix (8) redoubled his efforts and aims to improve on the already good results from 2012. From last year’s formation (Agustin and Pite Merlos left) Lucas Monteverde stays and is joined by Polito Pieres (8) and Hilario Ulloa (9). With them Mannix aims to improve his achievements thus far and hopes to gain a victory at Palermo. Polito Pieres: "I am very happy with this team, there’s a lot of good vibes between all of us and the organization. We’ve already had two practices, the latest against Ellerstina, which was harder. Is tough to start the season and despite we all get along very well, we still don’t know each other that good, but I am sure the most we play the better we can get. I’ve played my first Tortugas Open and my first complete Triple Crown last year with La Natividad; I’m getting used to high goal polo slowly, so I guess I will improve what I’ve done last year." PQ | 71
La Aguada
double up for the Triple The “traditional” 34 goal La Aguada side of Javier (8) returning to his number one position, Miguel (9) and Ignacio (9) with the inclusion of the talented Facundo Sola (8) who played the previous season with Magual. The incorporation of 23 year old Facundo will give the team a breath of fresh air. It’s known that Javier won’t be playing the Tortugas Open, and his place will be taken by Guillermo Terrera (8). Miguel Novillo Astrada: "We decided to have Terre to play as 1 and Facu as 2. We still don’t know how we will work, as we only had one practice, so the idea is playing Tortugas as a preparation to get the team together. I guess we will improve our performance, as games go by. I’ve never played with Facu, but he is a young and talented player; he has a lot of potencial to get better and better. Maybe he still needs to play more high goal polo with a big team, but I know he will be able to give a lot of contribution to the team as well as organization-wise, because he’s very well mounted."
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La Aguada Las Monjitas sees Eduardo and Alejandro Novillo Astrada (9 and 8) join Magoo Laprida (8) and Lucas James (8). However, the foursome will start the season with a change: Agustín Merlos (8) will replace the still injured Lucas James in Tortugas. They acquitted themselves well in 2012 in a hard draw. They caused upset at Palermo, beating their brother team with “that goal” from Alejandro. Lets not forget that Magoo helped Zacara to retain the US Open also. Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr: "Our goal will do it better than last year. Fortunately we didn’t play the qualifiers, so the idea is get to the Triple Crown in better conditions. We know we are the lowest rated team, but we want to be among the four first teams, and maybe give a surprise… But the most important thing is play good and add more experience for next year. Following the expectation of last year, we want to give a next step to consolidation; we’re very much looking forward to the season, and you know, play the Triple Crown without thinking if the horses are in good conditions, is a great advantage. At least, that’s a ’handicap’ in our favour!!!!" PQ | 73
A season with notable absences Aside from the usual analysis of the teams, it is important to remember those key figures who are no longer with us: Norita Heguy, Juan Sauro and Gonzalo Bunge. On 26th February Nora Madeo y Videla de Heguy died unexpectedly. She was known to most as Norita, the “mother of polo” who probably saw more polo games than any other woman in the world. Born in Coronel Suarez, she was mother and wife to champions of polo – married to Horacio Heguy of the legendary Coronel Suarez (the first 40 goal team) and mother to Horacio Jr, Gonzalo, Marcos and Bautista of the unforgettable Indios Chapaleufu. She lived for her sons and was their right hand, at the pony lines and the first to run out on to the field should one of them fall off. On the 3rd of April Juancito Sauro, the press officer for the AAP for over 50 years and an unerring presence in the press stand at Palermo. A master of journalists and passionate about his subject,
74 | PQ
and man of extreme generosity and a unique sense of humour. He imparted his infinite understanding of polo to his colleagues, dedicating hours to preparing information to be dispersed via the various media as well as each edition of Centauros, the AAP’s magazine and a veritable encyclopaedia and a publication he was very proud of. Finally, on the 6th of May, the highly respected umpire Gonzalo Bunge died due to complications caused by his injuries sustained in a fall whilst umpiring in Germany last September that left his paralysed from the collar down. Despite the seriousness of his injuries he never gave up fighting, day after day, with the unconditional support of the whole polo family. Norita, Juancito and Gonzalo, three great personalities of polo, all of whom will be greatly missed in the 2013 season. They deserve the recognition for having contributed so much to this sport.
The Qualifiers,
always an added attraction The Qualifiers are more competitive every year as teams battle to be included in Hurlingham and Palermo. 2013 sees six teams of up to 32 goals, spearheaded by Magual who qualified last year and who have Ignacio Toccalino instead of Facundo Sola. A mixture of youth and experience in all the teams - Las Overas (winners of the Camara in 2012), La California, Cuatro Vientos and La Vanguardia, and Chapaleufu show a united family front, with Eduardo and Pepe Heguy, Bauti Heguy and Fran Elizalde. 2012 was the first time in 25 years that a Chapaleufu team had not been in the Open, so the team want to make sure this does not happen again; mostly after the extra motivation after winning the Jockey Club Open.
PQ | 75
Piaget Hamptons Cup
from coast
coast, Piaget celebrates
to
the sport of Polo
Swiss luxury brand hosts The Piaget Hamptons Cup and The USPA Piaget Silver Cup on same day
Piaget dominated the US polo scene last week, simultaneously hosting the Piaget Hamptons Cup at the Equuleus Polo Club in Watermill, NY, along with the finals of the prestigious USPA Piaget Silver Cup tournament at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Santa Barbara, CA. Both events drew some of the world’s top polo players together to compete for two highly sought-after cups.On the East Coast, Piaget partnered with polo superstar Nacho Figueras and polo enthusiasts, Joe and Diana DiMenna, to host the second annual Piaget Hamptons Cup, an exhibition match benefiting the Robin Hood Foundation, one of New York City’s most respected charitable organizations. Many of the Hamptons’ most notable came out to celebrate and support, including Donna Karan, Gabby Karan DeFelice and husband Gianpaolo DeFelice, celebrity chef Eric Ripert, Kelly Klein, Olivia Chantecaille, and Jean Shafiroff.
Famers & Merchants Bank wins USPA Piaget Silver Cup 76 | PQ
Fans watched an exciting match between Team St. Regis, featuring captain Joe DiMenna, Mariano Aguerre, Nacho Figueras and Mariano Gonzalez, and Team Credit Suisse featuring co-captains Stefano Natella and Alainn Bailey, along with Magoo Laprida, Francisco Ayala and Juan Martin Nero. St. Regis ultimately emerged victorious with a 9-8 win and was presented with the perpetual trophy by Piaget’s North American President, Larry Boland. Alainn Bailey received the MVP award and for scoring three times in the three chukkas, while Best Playing Pony went to Mariano Aguerre’s horse, Patilla. The biggest winner of the day was certainly the Robin Hood Foundation, raising more than $500,000. In addition to the day’s polo action, guests were treated to a special Piaget Polo Lounge where the House showcased the latest Piaget Polo FortyFive timepieces and Piaget Rose jewelry. The centerpiece
was a life-size polished steel polo pony and rider filled with hundreds of fragrant, pink Yves Piaget Roses. Following the match, everyone enjoyed a traditional Argentine asado barbecue and a breathtaking sunset. At the same time on the West Coast, Piaget hosted the finals of the USPA Piaget Silver Cup tournament, the oldest polo trophy awarded in the United States. It was an intense competition between Farmers & Merchants Bank (FMB) and La Herradura and a true family affair with both teams boasting brothers— Memo and Carlos Gracida playing for
La Herradura and Danny and Henry Walker playing for FMB The two teams were evenly matched and tied throughout much of the day, but FMB pulled ahead in the last three minutes and finished with a 12-11 win. Lucas Criado scored 8 goals and was named MVP, while his mare, La Bamba, was named Best Playing Pony. On-hand to enjoy the action was Piaget’s US polo ambassador, Jeff Hall, along with his wife, Michelle Hall. Piaget has been associated with the sport of kings for over three decades and has participated in tournaments in the US, Argentina, China and throughout Europe. Piaget most recently hosted the USPA Piaget Gold Cup in Palm Beach where the brand has been a principal partner of the International Polo Club Palm Beach since 2006.
Mariano Aguerre, Joe DiMenna, Mariano Gonzalez, Nacho Figueras
Lucas Criado
PQ | 77
USPA Piaget Silver Cup
Lucchese USPA Piaget
winsSilver Cup final Piaget Hosts Polo Celebration at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
The final match of the USPA Piaget Silver Cup offered fans a thrilling afternoon of polo, as Lucchese came from behind to beat Mansour in the final chukka, winning by a score of 11 to 10. Mansour had been leading throughout the match, but thanks to some exceptional play by Santi Torres and Adolfo Cambiaso, Lucchese rallied from three goals back to emerge victorious in the final four minutes. Piaget president of North America, Larry Boland, congratulated the winning Lucchese team and presented them with the coveted USPA Piaget Silver Cup, the oldest polo trophy awarded in the United States. Santi Torres received the MVP award and Best Playing Pony went to Adolfo Cambiaso’s Dolfina Diana. Throughout the afternoon, Piaget hosted a VIP field side lounge for Santa Barbara’s best and brightest to enjoy the polo action, as well as experience the full collection of Piaget Polo timepieces. Several Los Angeles notables also made the trip up the coast to join in the festivities. Among them, Decades co-owner, Cameron Silver, who sported an 18-carat rose gold Piaget Polo watch in honor of the occasion. In addition to hosting the USPA Piaget Silver Cup, Piaget is currently the Official Timekeeper of Bridgehampton Polo. The firm will also host the upcoming Piaget Hamptons Cup in partnership with Nacho Figueras and the Robin Hood Foundation.
John Wright
The
Chairman of the
HPA speaks to PQ
PQ had an exclusive interview with the charming Brigadier John Wright, ex 16/5 The Queen’s Royal Lancers and a true polo connoisseur on his polo past and polo’s future.
How did you get involved with polo? It was 1973. I was based with my squadron in Cyprus and there was a small military polo club near the barracks. We thought it would be fun to have a go. About half a dozen of us did so and we had a great time. Two weeks later the Turks invaded and that was the end of that! About ten years later I was commanding my regiment (16/5 The Queen’s Royal Lancers) at Tidworth and obviously as a cavalry regiment we had to run the polo there. Hugh Dawnay and Johnny Rogers taught us. It really changed my life. I’d ridden a bit before that but not much. Tidworth comprised about a 50/50 split between military and civilians and there was a huge amount of polo. What were the key years in your polo career? I restarted the Royal Artillery branch of the pony club in 1984, which was very successful with 8 teams. I continued to play a bit over the years until my son Peter became heavily involved and then took over the ponies! How did your involvement with the HPA begin? Buff Crisp asked me to take over as Chairman of Pony Club Polo in 1990 so that he could take on the role of Chief Executive of the HPA. I did that for eight years,
and in the meantime had retired from the army in 1995 and took over Tidworth Polo Club. In 2001 Mark Vestey asked me to become a steward of the HPA following Howard Taylor resigning over the EU player ruling.
And how did you come to be the Chairman? David Woodd and Nicholas Colqhoun Denvers persuaded me! The Stewards have to elect you and the then the council have the final say. I took on the role in November 2012 and will hand over in 2015. What is the role? To support the HPA, where necessary give advice, and use the collective knowledge of a highly qualified band of stewards representing every part of polo in this country. What do you see as your key challenges? The first one is to come through the recession. Without doubt the polo schools, coaching, low goals clubs and so on have all taken a knock. The majority of people who take up polo come via those routes. We are coming through it - Tidworth for example has been very busy. The second one is very important. I want a closer, more open and more equal relationship with Argentina. We
John Tinsley, Chairman of the HPA International Team selection committee; David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA and Brigadier (Retired) John Wright, the Chairman of the HPA. 80 | PQ
have a huge amount to offer – it is financially very rewarding for the Argentines to come here and they have a lot to offer us – the best horses, the best players, the best polo. Yet there is a slight resentment on our part and some reserve about bringing on our young players on their part. On another level their kids make friends with English kids, and some come to school over here. It’s a wonderful way to make friends. As Marcos Uranga said “Friendship first, polo second”. I’m not quite sure how to go about this, but there has to be a degree of trust between us and a more generous acceptance of what each country has to offer the other. Lastly it is important to remember that 70% of players are 0 goals or below. High goal is the window though which the rest of the non polo world see us, but most players are people who want to play among friends. Clubs mostly just want to be left alone to get on with running polo on their own terms within the framework set by the HPA and we have the fullest polo programme in Europe and probably the world.
What about FIP and the FEI? FIP hopes for polo to gain more acceptance within the wider equestrian world. The polo involvement at the 2014 World Equestrian Games at Deauville is a step forwards. What is your opinion on the rise of exhibition games and “Park Polo”? Provided they live up to our standards and are licensed, I have no objections. The Gaucho Polo at the O2 was excellent and exciting polo. …and Internationals? The fact that there are four Internationals now somewhat reduces the impact of the main event. However it
is great for the teams and Audi’s support has been immeasurably helpful. After peaking in 2006 with almost 20,000 people, attendance at the International at Guards has been in steady decline since 2007. This was more or less the time that other polo events came on stream. The challenge is to make it more attractive to our own members and the wider public so they come and support the English team. There is a lot of work to be done ahead of next year’s event.
In
other equestrian sports the leading riders al-
ways do some coaching and teaching but in polo that doesn’t happen.
What
are your aims for bringing on
young players?
I want to encourage the development committee to get players teaching. The Development Committee, Junior HPA, SUPA and Pony Club are the envy of the polo world – and almost all positions within them are voluntary. The most talented young players are sent abroad and they will hopefully go on to become 7/8/9 goal players. The SUPA 4 chukka schools league is an HPA initiative. There were about eight or nine whole school teams and hopefully next year another seven or eight made of children whose schools can’t field an entire team. We want to put together a programme so that young players can play with a 5/6 goal player and really learn how to think.
To summarise? The only constant in life is change. The HPA must try to be proactive and not merely reactive. Of this I am very aware.
John Wright with Claire Tomlinson PQ | 81
Nicolas Pieres in Deauville
"Playing with the Carmignacs
was a good
experience for me" Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi
82 | PQ
PQ | 83
Definitely, 2013 was a "Pieres year" for international polo. Facundo, the absolute number 1, won five consecutive major tournaments; Gonzalito won the Silver Cup and the Gold Cup, in Sotogrande; and Nico added another achievement for the family: he was the runner up of the Gold Cup for the British Open, with the powerful Dubai, a lineup that included no less than Adolfo Cambiaso, and in his following step he went to Deauville where he won the Coupe d'Or, with Talandracas, something that was almost unexpected: Lucas James, who was due to play with the team, had to resign his place due to an injury, so he asked his good friend Nico to replace him. And how well he did it, the results were fantastic in his first experience with the Carmignacs. PQ met up with Nico in Deauville, to talk about his days in Talandracas, prior to the upcoming Triple Crown in Argentina, with Ellerstina.
How did you get the chance to play in Deauville? Lucas James, who is a great friend and almost a brother-in-law (NB: he's the boyfriend of Nico's sister, Cecilia), asked me to play. He was due to play in Deauville, but he got an injury on his elbow, so I replaced him during the two weeks of the Coupe d'Or, with Talandracas. There was an issue with the handicaps, because with you in the team, Talandracas had one more goal... Yes, it was a bit difficult, because they didn't allow us to play. They allowed me to play as a 9-goaler in a last minute decision.
84 | PQ
The Coupe d'Or is a very traditional competition, with teams like Ellerston who won it in previous years. Does it move you the tradition or history of every tournament you play overseas?
Well, this is one of the tournaments you always want to play and win. Despite it's 16 goals, the level of play is very good and it's always great to have the opportunity to play a tournament that has much history and tradition and many teams want to win.
How was your experience to play with Edouard and Hughes? It's my first time playing with them. I didn't know Edouard and Hughes that much, just because we have played against each other. They always help to make the team work OK, which is something difficult, because their job is to put a mark on 4-goalers up. The experience was really good. How about horses? Did you bring your best ones? No, all the horses are Lucas'. I didn't bring mine. I came with mallets and gloves. The rest, belongs to Lucas, from boots to horses! Those were the horses he was playing in England, aren't they? Yes, and they are very good horses. Is there any news regarding the Dubai team for England next year? There's nothing confirmed yet, I'm still in the waiting game, mostly due to the handicap issue. I guess I will have news in the next few days.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Icons
Mrs. Claire Tomlinson
The polo queen Claire Tomlinson, born in 1944, is an English player and former coach of the England National Team. She married Simon Tomlinson with whom she has three children. Claire, who reached a hcp of 5 goals, became Chairman of the Beaufort Polo Club, founded in 1872, where HRH Prince Charles and his son, Prince William, usually play and managed to be the most influential female player in history. In 1979 she was allowed to play one of the most important tournaments in the UK, the Queen´s Cup, which she won with her team Los Locos. Her last win was the Royal Windsor Cup with her son Mark in 2010.
What has been your most memorable moment in polo? My best moment in polo was winning the Queen's Cup, which was the first high goal tournament I was allowed to play in England. Originally I wasn´t allowed to play high goal because I was a woman: I finally persuaded the HPA to allow me to play in 1979, when I first won the tournament with Juni Crotto. Which was your best horse and why? Well, I was lucky to have many good horses, so I have to think about the comparison of my best. I usually had good horses, because my father used to breed polo ponies. When I reached 5 goals, I played many horses that were bred at home. You get to know them better. However, if I have to ask someone else, it should be Carlos Gracida. I will choose my mare, China. Who did you have real pleasure to play with? Playing with Juni Crotto was a real pleasure, as well as with Milo Fernández Araujo; both are very good friends too. I played with Juni and then Milo came when he was a 7-goaler; he's always been a nice person. Both used to call me their "English mother" ! What values and qualities does polo have as a sport that other sports don't have? In polo you can't just think of yourself, but you have to be fit yourself, You have to be riding and sympathetic to give the best of your skills to ride a horse. And you have to work as a team, that leads you to think and use your brain. You can't use just you own power and strength. Probably, polo is the sport which allows you to use more abilities than any other: it's about riding, hitting the ball, you do many different things.... What
is the best thing polo has given you either as a
player and in life?
It gives you focus, it gives something to dedicate on. Polo also brings good friends and a great relationship with horses, as well as the possibility to visit places all over the world, that you wouldn't other way.
Which is the story or memory which you would like to capture for ever and engrave on the back of your Reverso? It's something I always regret. When I reached 5 goals, the same day, just after they finished the handicap meeting, Carlos Gracida invited me to play in high goal the next year. I thought nobody wanted to play with me and Carlos, who I think is a great player. I always regretted that: I've didn't accept because my husband didn't want me to…
86 | PQ
PQ | 87
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Icons
Mr Gonzalo Pieres
A Family legacy What has been your most memorable moment in polo? I guess it was my first Argentine Open, in Palermo with La Espadaña, in 1984, against Indios Chapaleufu. Back then, we've been playing the Open for seven consecutive years. Gonzalo Pieres was born in Argentina in 1956. He's married to Cecilia Rodriguez Piola and have five children: Tatiana, Gonzalo Jr, Facundo, Nicolás and Cecilia. He reached 10-goal status, and won a total of nine Argentine Opens, with two of the most important teams in history, La Espadaña and Ellerstina. During his career in England, he won the Queen's Cup, the Coronation Cup; he also won the Coupe d'Or, Deauville, all of them on many occasions. He's considered the best number 3 of his generation. His great mentor was the late Australian patron, Kerry Packer, the owner of Ellerston. Together they founded Ellerstina, a name that combines Ellerston and Argentina. Today, Gonzalo's heritage continues through his sons, Gonzalo Jr, Facundo and Nicolás, who formed Ellerstina's new generation. Today, Gonzalo Pieres is one of the most renowned horsebreeders worldwide; everybody agrees, the best polo horses of the world come from Gonzalo's creation, Ellerstina.
88 | PQ
Which was your best horse and why? My mare, La Luna, without doubts. She had everything, she was complete and a total winner. I could also name La Lechuza, a mare I've ridden between 1984 and 1988 and never failed. Usually, I always played good horses, but those two are historical. Who did you have real pleasure to play with? My brother Alfonso's been the best team mate I've had during the first six years, as well as Kerry Packer. There has never been a patron like him. We built a great friendship. It was a pleasure to play with him. What values and qualities does polo has as a sport that other sports don't have? It is the most complete sport. Not only is it a team sport but also an individual sport, that it's completed with the horses, who sometimes are an extension of your legs. It is difficult that polo becomes a popular sport, because it requires important investment, but without doubt it has all the good qualities a sport must have.
What
is the best thing polo has given you either as a
player and in life?
Definitely, polo gave me everything I have: my profession, the 10-goals I've reached, the possibility to win the Argentine Open as well as all the international tournaments. My kids are currently following my steps. It couldn't be better. Polo gave me absolutely everything.
Which is the story or memory which you would like to capture for ever and engrave on the back of your Reverso? I would engrave each and every one of the most important tournaments I've won, with their respective years.
Gonzalo Pieres playing for La Natividad in the Dia de la Bandera Cup PQ | 89
Evolution in Polo
The Evolution of English Polo By Victoria Elsbury-Legg • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com -SECOND PART[...] Popularity in Polo on the pitches of England has continued to grow since the 1980’s, as the glamorous image and royal connections helped the resurgence of the game, encouraging patrons from an eclectic range of backgrounds to participate and fund the sport. The biggest change in English Polo according to David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA since he started playing in 1971 is, ‘The number of clubs, players and ponies. When I started there was really very little choice where you could play, half the number of those playing were above 0, and anyone who owned more than 3 ponies was considered a big time player! And there were very few ponies available to hire so starting or trying out the game was not easy’. Paul Withers cites the 1980’s as a truly significant period in the recent history of English Polo, as ‘Before the game turned professional in the early 80’s teams were made/played with a totally different spirit. Teams stayed together, now if play is bad professionals are asked to move on. It’s become a money game. Top professionals earn lots of money and deserve it, but now if you are an English professional and below 5 goals it is difficult to make money. Nowadays, too many young Englishmen turn professional before thinking Luke Tomlinson and the Westchester Cup
90 | PQ
through giving up potentially successful careers in the City, because unless they reach 7 goals or above they will really make no money’. With the increase in investment in the sport by individuals who often feel they have a right to win, the game of English Polo has changed significantly in recent years. It would be unfair to generalise, as the true gentleman players still exist, but as in so many sports, the ‘job’ of a professional player has all too often become solely about winning, in what has evolved into a frequently money-driven game, and sadly, the true nature of sportsmanship is often the sacrifice. Of course professional players have to earn a living out of their game, but this has become harder for English professionals in recent years, as Luke Tomlinson, England Team Captain acknowledges; ‘In terms of professional Polo I think with European Law opening up the flood gates there has been an oversupply of pro's within the UK and that has made it tricky for low and mid -range professionals to obtain job security… moving forward I think that there will probably be a re-hash with a blank sheet of paper assessing everyone's needs within the sport. Allowing for the tournament structure and schedule to be more organised and also maximising the potential for commercial sponsorship and continuity of brands within the sport’. One highly significant area to evolve within the sport in England in the last few years is personal mental and physical fitness. Frequently before High and Medium goal games players can now be seen performing a whole variety of interesting moves and stretches pitchside, specifically designed for warm up, prevention of injury and to enhance team building and moral prior to the start of a game. Winston Squire, England Polo Performance Trainer comments that, ‘Since 2008 I have noticed a change in attitude towards fitness and flexibility within the sport. Patrons and players have recognised that preparing for the game has mental as well as physical benefits and the High Goal teams are now employing trainers and physiotherapists… stretching after a game assists the body with recovery and delays onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is particularly important if players have another match the same or following day. It's good to see that the sport is taking fitness seriously just like other professional sports like golf, rugby and football and is now benefitting from these practices’. The welfare of ponies in English Polo has also been dramatically improved, as Vet Shane Fouhy explained, ‘Some of the recent HPA rule changes over the last few years, controlling walking and turning, have led to a
England´s Coach Andrew Hine and David Woodd, ChiefExcecutive of the HPA
significant reduction in injuries. I believe the HPA have a very enlightened view on the judicious and responsible use of medication in the sport’. Combine the rule changes at the very top of the sport with clubs such as Guards Polo Club leading the way, through modernising pony lines, providing maximum shade and water for ponies, and ensuring a Vet is always present alongside the ambulance when play occurs at Smith’s Lawn and it can clearly be seen that Polo ponies have benefited from the attention which is now given to them both on and off the pitch. Recent innovations in breeding, feeding and training of Polo ponies has led to faster and more exciting Polo, as players have had to learn how to adapt techniques and rules. In past years professional players would have been happy with a couple of exceptional ponies in their string. Now top players frequently own twelve or more highly skilled, outstanding ponies, many being born from the transplantation of embryos. Looking to the future evolution of English Polo, Andrew Hine, Coach of Zacara believes ‘Corporate sponsorship and increased PR will be hugely important in the game. Matches like the Audi International Series and Cartier Queen’s Cup will continue and increase their significance in the sport, which will also see more international matches televised’. This seems to be the view of many others at the top of the game. With the launch of the Polo Premier League in 2014, England will be the first country to introduce an InterClub Polo League, aimed at complimenting the current High Goal Polo, helping polo to grow and develop a new generation of players whilst maximising media coverage for players and sponsors within the sport. The Pony Club in England also continues to encourage new young talent into the game. Whilst technology increases the safety of a sport with an
Motor cars have made the world faster, given players more distractions, pre-War, I would often see eight or ten players on a London practise ground before breakfast, now this is uncommon until later in the day. This is due to motor cars allowing them to socialise more and have later nights, which is not good for a Polo player's eye. ever increasing speed, through the use of cuttingedge materials to develop new hats and sticks. Many individuals in English Polo believe that fundamentally polo will change little, as David Morley, Chairman of HPA Polo Pony Welfare and on the HPA Development Committee says when looking to the future of polo in England, ‘In this country there is currently a very successful formula of patron based Polo which should be left unchanged, why change something that works’. Since its introduction to England over 144 years ago, English Polo may have undergone rule changes, embraced new breeds of ponies and seen changes in names and nationalities engraved on the trophies at the top of the sport, but one thing remains certain in the future of the sport - it will continue to hold the interest of those already addicted, and grab the attention of those who chose to pick up a stick and discover for themselves the magnificence and athleticism of Polo ponies, the adventures, personal challenges and passion that is evoked in all those fortune enough to be a part of this most beautiful of sports. PQ | 91
World Polo Tour
Facundo Pieres
stays at thetop
The World Polo Tour steers towards the Argentine Season By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Straight after the Open de France, the last tournament of the international WPT series, focus is once more on the 40 goal polo in Argentina. As the Triple Crown starts, the ranking continues to be led by Facundo Pieres with 1317 points, followed by Adolfo Cambiaso with 1082. They both face a great duel throughout the Argentine season via Ellerstina Piaget and La Dolfina, after which one of them is likely end the year having been crowned best in the world. The podium is completed by Pelon Stirling, the talented Uruguayan who finished his international season as a finalist in the Pacific Coast Open with Luchesse. Right after Stirling, the slots goes to Gonzalo Pieres Jr, Juan Martin Nero, Pablo MacDonough, Lyndon Lea, Nicolás Pieres, Cristian Laprida Jr. and Hilario Ulloa. Lyndon Lea is the leading amateur in 7th place and
The World Polo Tour enters its final straight with the last tournaments, all of which are in Argentina. Eyes are on the most hotly anticipated of all, the final of the 120 th Argentine Open in Palermo.
World Polo Tour Top 5 Points 1317 1082 932 930 830
Player 1. Facundo Pieres 2. Adolfo Cambiaso 3. David Stirling Jr 4. Gonzalo Pieres Jr 5. Juan Martín Nero September, 2013
MVP AMATEUR AUGUST 2013
MVP PRO AUGUST 2013
SOTOGRANDE GOLD CUP 2013
SOTOGRANDE GOLD CUP 2013
TOMMY BERESFORD
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stays at the top of the amateur rankings in first place, followed by Victor Vargas.
FACUNDO PIERES
High Goal Pony Review 2013
Best ponies of the European Season The Argentine Polo Pony Breeder's Association choose the best horses of the European High Goal Season. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
ALAZANAS INDULTADA FACUNDO PIERES
SOTOGRANDE HIGH GOAL GOLD CUP Alazanas Indultada Played by: Facundo Pieres Owner & Breeder: Gonzalo Pieres Jr
Sex: Mare Age: 11 year old Colour: Red Chestnut Sire: Foro Romano Dam: Alazanas Montonera
don urbano rolinga Played by: Polito Pieres Owners: Polito & Hernán Pieres Breeder: Alfonso Pieres Sex: Stallion Age: 7 year old Colour: Chestnut Sire: Vasco Mambo Dam: Celosa
DON URBANO ROLINGA POLITO PIERES
DEAUVILLE COUPE D´OR PQ | 93
THE URBANHUNTER PROJECT AN ADVENTURE FOR THE SENSES
An
adventure for the
Senses
In this edition, adventure is key. By Daniela Dini. www.urbanhunterproject.com
From world capitals like London, Buenos Aires or Mexico City, to the depths of the Dominican jungle, the secret is getting the adrenaline going through the tastebuds, markets and experiences in nature. Tailormade for inquisitive spirits. 94 | PQ
City: London, UK
Experience: Tastes of the world, in Borough Market. If there is a Mecca for gastronomes, it’s the legendary Borough Market in Southwark, a few minutes from London Bridge. This London corner offers not just flavours from all over the world but also history. Borough Market - one of the largest food markets in London - can be dated back to 1276, but it’s thought it may have been running since 1014 and possibly before, its cobbled streets would have resonated to the sound of horses hooves and vendors plying their trade. A thousand years later you can still buy local produce including organic and other varieties, as well as all sorts of food from all over the world, from a French eclair at Ion Patisserie to baklava at the Turkish Deli, where you can also get a falafel. Relax at one of the picturesque cafes, like the Globe with its original 1872 facade, and watch the flow of people in the market as it gradually fills up with traders, tourists and gourmands.
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City: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Experience: Slide down waterfalls in the caribbean jungle. Less than an hour from Puerto Plata, 200km north of the capital Santo Domingo, awaits a landscape far removed from the paradise beaches, and an experience for those who fancy something a bit more extreme than sunbathing. Swap the salty waters of the Caribbean for the myriad waterfalls and freshwater pools of the river Damagua, a natural monument of tropical jungle fauna. Ditch the beachwear, don your helmet and lifejacket, and head for adventure. After a short walk following the river, you reach the first of the 27 pools - each formed by a waterfall, some up to 13m in height. The beautiful emerald water is crystal clear and you have to swim, dive, climb and scramble up each waterfall to reach the next pool. The way back is the way you came, but the waterfalls which you just climbed now become natural slides carved out of rock. Cross your hands over your chest, take a deep breath, and jump. www.27charcos.com
The Twenty Seven waterfalls have existed for millennia but were only recently discovered by the outside world. The first tourists began arriving at the Falls in 1994. 96 | PQ
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City: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Experience: On the town, visiting the best bars in the city. The return of classic mixology in its modern incarnation, spirits and wines are all part of the trends and mystique of Buenos Aires. No bar listing in BA would be complete without Aldo’s, the wine bar restaurant of sommelier Aldo Graziani which is a temple for oenophiles (wine lovers). Nearly 600 labels rigorously selected by blind tastings, and wines by the glass from exclusive wine producers. One of the big new openings this year is Florería Atlántico, a speakeasy hidden behind an elegant shop window on Calle Arroyo, which displays flowers, wine and vinyl. After 7pm, the doors open to reveal a room which recreates the immigrant bars of the 1900s, and at 18m, the longest bar in the city. The menu is a melting pot which reflects the essence of Argentina. Drinks are divided up by country: Spain, Italy, France, UK and Poland. You can’t leave without trying a cocktail made with Príncipe de los Apóstoles, a gin produced by Tato Giovannoni (one of the owners and barmen) using maté and other herbs. www.aldosvinoteca.com.ar www.floreriaatlantico.com 98 | PQ
City: México city, México
Experience: Immerse yourself in the markets. The intensity of the Mexican capital is reflected in each of its markets. There you can find no shortage of colours, flavours of all kind and friendly traders. A visit to the Mercado de la Cuidadela is a must in any visit to the city, where you can find a huge variety of souvenirs and handicrafts from all 22 Mexican states, among 355 colourful stalls. For over four decades, you can find objects that represent the entire country right in the middle of the city between la Plaza de la Ciudadela y Balderas, in the Delegación Cuauhtémoc. The San Angel bazaar opens only on a Saturday, and is located in the picturesque colonial neighbourhood of San Angel. Dozens of little shops are concentrated in a 17th century house, offering crafts, embroidery, ceramics, woodwork, blown glass and all kinds of works of art. We recommend you dedicate a whole day and start early to walk the streets of the colonial quarter, which retains enough period charm to transport you back in time. For more secrets from the world’s cities, visit: www.urbanhunterproject.com PQ | 99
LUXURY JAEGER-LECOULTRE 180ยบ ANNIVERSARY
The
s d n u soof Fine king a m h c t Wa At Teatro
La Fenice
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Jaeger-LeCoultre 180 anniversary Gala at La Fenice Theatre Venice Ph. S. Pessina-Lomartire
s ate r b e l e c e r t Jaeger-LeCoul e th an ni v er sa ry in Venic its 180 September 2, 2013 – Venice. One could hear the ticking of watches at The Teatro La Fenice last night as Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, the reference in Swiss Fine watchmaking and an official partner of the Venice Film Festival for close to a decade, celebrated its 180 th anniversary with over 250 international guests. The opera theatre, boasting excellent acoustics, acquired its reputation in the 19th century when it staged the world premieres of numerous masterpieces by
Rossini, Bellini and Verdi. At around the same period Antoine LeCoultre, the legendary genius born in the Swiss Vallée de Joux, orchestrated the creation of the Grande Maison, gathering under one roof all the watchmaking artisans to create pocket watches of unprecedented quality. The 19th century creations inspired JaegerLeCoultre artisans to create the Jubilee collection of three mechanical masterpieces that represent the epitome of the Grande Maison’s inventions today. PQ | 101
CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre Daniel Riedo and friend of the brand Diane Kruger Spanish Actor Miguel Angel Munoz wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Elisa Sednaoui wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 watch
Carmen Chaplin with Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie watch
Daniel Riedo and Alberto Barbera director of Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica - Ph. S.Pessina
Director Paul Schrader Jaeger-LeCoultre
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180 years of mastery were celebrated in the presence of Diane Kruger, a friend of Jaeger-LeCoultre and the face of its ladies’ collections, Joshua Jackson, President of Biennale Paolo Baratta, Venise Film Festival Director Alberto Barbera, Carmen Chaplin, Cristiana Capotondi, Riccardo Scarmacio, Director Paul Schrader, Matteo Ceccarini and Eva Riccobono, Kseniya Rappoport, Elisa Sednaoui, Scott Haze, Spanish actor Miguel Angel Munoz, Carlo and Giulia Puri Negri, and other distinguished quests. As part of its 180 th anniversary celebrations, Jaeger-LeCoultre called upon Eric Serra to set its epic adventure to music. After an immersion in the Vallée de Joux and a visit to the Manufacture workshops, where Eric Serra had a chance to discover with various artisans and watchmakers their respective work on sound, the famous film soundtrack composer reorchestrated his “Diva Dance” piece from the Luc Besson film The Fifth Element. This techno opera piece featuring music from Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor opera – created like the Manufacture itself in 1833 – came to include a number of playful nods to the iconic sounds of Fine Watchmaking. The performance by Eric Serra
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre The Inventors of the Vallée de Joux
Christian Laurent master watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre
Riccardo Scamarcio and Cristiana Capotondi - Ph S.Pessina-Lomartire1
A leading player in watchmaking history since 1833, JaegerLeCoultre is celebrating its 180 th anniversary. At a time when the Swiss horological industry was still built around home-based workshops, Antoine LeCoultre and his son Elie decided to unite under one roof the many forms of expertise involved in making a watch. LeCoultre & Cie thus become the first Manufacture of the Vallée de Joux. It now houses the over 180 skills required to develop and produce the most prestigious timepieces. Committed to a constant quest for excellence and supported by a uniquely inventive spirit, Jaeger-LeCoultre perpetuates the tradition of Grande Complication models introduced by the Manufacture through a succession of extraordinary creations: Atmos Mystérieuse (2003), Gyrotourbillon 1 (2004), Reverso grande complication à triptyque (2006), Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 (2007), Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 (2008), Duomètre à Grande Sonnerie (2009), Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication (2010), Reverso Répétition Minutes à Rideau (2011) and Duomètre Sphérotourbillon (2012) and Master Grand Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee (2013). www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger with Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 watch
set an enchanting atmosphere and set the stage for the reveal of exceptional mechanical creations. The guests had a rare chance to see the 10 masterpieces of the Hybris Mechanica collection presented in the showcases worthy of a theatre set – as to see the creations one had to step in the centre of a giant watch wheel. Unique gem-set creations were being born in front of the guests as the gem-setters who flew from the Vallée de Joux for the evening demonstrated their intricate skills. For the first time, Jaeger-LeCoultre showcased a timepiece featuring an unprecedented technique of miniature painting on the sapphire glass of the watch: The Master Tourbillon Enamel. The watch featured cranes, the ancient symbol of longevity, enamelled on the dial, that seem to be surrounded by the green leaves enamelled on the sapphire glass on top.
Matteo Ceccarini and Eva Riccobono with Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoplan watch
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CAPTURED PARK TOWER BUENOS AIRES
AHotel Luxury
Collection
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Reinventing the experience of luxury
Park Tower Buenos Aires opens a new chapter in its history. The spectacular renovation project comes to reinstate the prevalence of Park Tower as the most elegant, singularly classic and stylish address. Located right across Plaza San MartĂn, in the business district of Buenos Aires and in the heart of this cosmopolitan city, Park Tower stands as a
symbol of distinction, elegance, luxury and warmth. Demanding travelers exploring for sophisticated accommodations will value its elegance and beauty. Refined accommodations, pleasant surroundings, and a warm ambiance - combined with unparalleled service make Park Tower a paradise of comfort and distinction. PQ | 105
Governor Suite Bath
Stylish facilities Renovation and re-design work involved all guestrooms and suites, with new furniture, curtains, carpets, wallpaper and upholstery for sofas and armchairs, and new 42" LCD TVs. The project also included the St. Regis Restaurant, the Business Center and meeting rooms and the Martin Fierro and Gomez Losada function rooms, in addition to hallways, the Lobby and Lobby Lounge. Park Tower offers guests 181 spacious Biedermeyer-influenced rooms and suites that reflect style and elegance in every detail. The 14 Corner Suites in English style décor have a working área, and separate living rooms with comfortable couches and armchairs are ideal for business executives. The impressive Italian marble bathrooms with separate shower and WC booths are equipped with a Jacuzzi, a welcome relaxing idea after a long day. Eating time is an experience at St. Regis, the hotel’s main restaurant. This place is the perfect choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, served in a pleasant atmosphere. Every evening, the best Gourmet dishes are prepared by Chef Manuel de Luca, who specializes in authentic international cuisine. On the other side, the Lobby Lounge is the place for live harp and piano music, with a cigar bar, teatime, cocktails and special liqueurs. The Lounge features an original 17th century tapestry on an antique Chinese Folding Screen. The Lobby Lounge is the place to enjoy afternoon tea or a special cocktail as you relax listening to soothing harp music or live Jazz. To enjoy a relax and healthy moment, The Neptune Pool & Fitness Center comprises a 106 | PQ
gym equipped with the latest technology and supervised by trained professionals. Wet and dry saunas, massage therapy, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 2 lighted tennis courts, a putting green, and snack bar. In addition, Park Tower offers a luxurious VIP Gym, located on the 3rd floor, with an offer of brand new seasonal beauty treatments, facials and massage sessions.
Hot Spots Park Tower is synonymous to unique services, meeting and even anticipating our guests’ demands. The hotel’s British-style trained personal Butlers are willing to help and assist guests, 24 hours a day, always attentive to detail. Consistent with the quality of their attentive service, Park Tower Buenos Aires has introduced innovative, creative details. These include an exclusive welcome service for Japanese guests and the “Great tea-time” at the Lobby Lounge, with a selection of cakes and pies, Apfel Strudel, Belgian chocolate cakes, exquisite sandwiches, fruit pies, freshly squeezed juices, coffee varieties, and Indian and Chinese tea selections. Park Tower´s "Welcome Tea" service warmly welcomes all guests with a special tea blend prepared with a selection of Andean and Mesopotamian herbs, rich in invigorating and energizing nutrients. An inspired combination of elegance, discretion and modern technology, ideal for business and leisure travelers, Park Tower stands out among other choices, with the most delicate, hand- made articles carefully selected from the finest stores.
Indoor Pool
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RESTAURANT
a TRULYBESPOKE EXPERIENCE OFREFINED CUISINE WAKU GHIN - SINGAPORE
Alaskan Crab Leg Preparation
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Waku Ghin Main Dining Hall
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Opened in 2010 to rave reviews, Waku Ghin showcases the brilliance of Chef Tetsuya Wakuda in his only establishment outside of his world-famous Sydney restaurant. Located on the Level 2 of the casino building, this 8,000-square-foot restaurant seats 25 people at any one time, providing a truly bespoke experience. The restaurant includes a sake bar and caviar lounge, a dining hall, private dining rooms, an extensive wine collection and a drawing room which serves desserts, coffees, teas and cognacs. From the restaurant name, which reflects the use of silver in the kitchen, to the small wall niches that hold his works of art, the chef´s personal imprint is found throughout Waku Ghin. The award-winning restaurant´s dining concept is based upon a multi-faceted use of space, where diners can move from room to room, luxuriating over a bespoke experience of refined cuisine and exemplary service. The 8,000 square feet restaurant features an intimate lounge at the entrance for aperitifs before guests head to the private dining rooms. Each private enclosure is helmed by a chef, bringing forward the season´s best to the Chef´s Table. Diners then move on to the main dining room or drawing room to relax over desserts, coffee and digestifs, while soaking in the sensational floor-to-ceiling view of the Singapore skyline. Waku Ghin’s European/Japanese menu boasts new creations sourced from the freshest ingredients
Head Bartender Akihiro Eguchi
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from the region and beyond. Signature items include Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Caviar and the Australian Wagyu with Wasabi and Citrus Soy. A 10-course degustation menu is available for dinner in this gastronomic gem of a restaurant with only 25 seats, promising a truly private and exclusive experience. On Fridays, the restaurant opens during lunch with a lavish 6-course degustation menu. In May 2012, Waku Ghin made its debut on the coveted S. Pellegrino “World´s 50 Best Restaurants” List, landing in 39 th place. This was hailed as a “rare feat” by the organizers of the prestigious guide, a nod towards its debut in just under two years. The chef Chef Tetsuya Wakuda grew up in the Japanese town of Hamamatsu. At the age of 22, with only a very limited grasp of English, his adventurous spirit led him to Australia. In 1982, Chef Tetsuya arrived in Sydney, with nothing more than a small suitcase and a love of food. From his humble beginnings as a kitchen-hand, it did not take Chef Tetsuya long to discover he had a flair for cooking. Considered by many as Australia´s finest chef, he ventured into Singapore in 2010 and has won critical acclaim for Waku Ghin since then.
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda
Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Caviar
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SAVOIRE VIVRE CANNES BOAT SHOW
festival de la
plaisance
de cannes 112 | PQ
the ultimate yachting rendezvous PQ | 113
On the glittering Bay of Cannes, famed for glitz, glamour and international premieres, was held the 36º edition of the festival de la plaisance de Cannes – the cannes boat show, between 10 th -15th September. This Unique Showcase for Pleasure Boats and Luxury Yachts Worldwide is the most prestigious event on the yachting calendar and Europe’s leading in-water boat show being the first one international on the boat show calendar. The Festival de la Plaisance enjoys a reputation which now extends beyond European borders attributed to the quality of products, exhibitors and international visitors which flock to the Festival every year. With more than 50% of foreign exhibitors coming from 34 countries, the Festival has established itself firmly on the yachting calendar as a renowned
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international boat show. Along with key European countries – Italy, Spain, UK and Germany – the show and the French yachting industries have welcomed a growing number of international exhibitors from the United States, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Asia, with the emergence of Turkey offering vessels built and finished to a very high standard. Spread over the Vieux Port and the Port Pierre Canto, the show offered over 550 inspiring new models and products over the six day event. The venue enables shipyards to welcome the most demanding visitors in exceptional conditions that reflect the luxury of the eminent yachts on display. Take a look to the most high-end sophistication and specialist innovations to get luxury into the sea.
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MOTORING PORSCHE 911 50TH ANNIVERSARY
porsche 911 50th
anniversary special edition
Commemorative 50 Years Edition of the Porsche 911 coupĂŠ celebrates launch of the car in 1963
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Porsche celebrated a special anniversary of the 911 sports car at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt with a commemorative 50 Years Edition half a century since the iconic coupĂŠ made its debut in the German city. Appropriately, the special model will be limited to 1,963 cars. In 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public. Since this first announcement - initially as the type 901 - the 911 has excited automotive fans across the globe. Porsche will unveil the limited edition model to coincide with the 50th anniversary
of the 911 at the IAA in Frankfurt, which opens its doors to the public on 12 September, 2013. Like the first coupĂŠ, the 911 50 Years Edition combines a distinctive silhouette with a rearmounted, flat-six engine and rear wheel drive. Yet its efficient performance, active sports suspension and exclusive body styling add contemporary appeal. Over seven successive generations, the Porsche 911 continues to resolve apparent contradictions - such as between tradition and innovation and performance and efficiency - and has become renowned as the
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quintessential benchmark sports car. This special anniversary 911 is based on the 911 Carrera S, but is clothed in the wider body - 44 mm broader across the rear wheel arches - that is typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. The unique exterior styling is combined with features that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the car. For example, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with special tuning to complement the increased track width, adds to the exceptional cornering dynamics. The car also features a sports exhaust system for increased emotional character. Powered by a 400 hp 3.8-litre flat-six engine, the 911 50 Years Edition sprints from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds (4.3 secs with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 mph with PDK). The NEDC Combined fuel consumption is 29.7 mpg (32.5 mpg with PDK), which equates to CO2 emissions of 224 g/km (205 g/km with PDK). Giving a clear indication to the rear-mounted location of the flat-six power plant are bespoke chrome strips on the fins of the engine compartment grille. These are complemented with special trims on the front air inlets, and in a strip across the car between the rear lights. A further contemporary interpretation of 911 leitmotifs are the unique five-spoke cast alloy wheels whose style has been inspired by the so-called ‘Fuchs' wheels, a legendary rim that was in fact a Porsche design and first fitted to the 911 in 1966. The new 20-inch diameter wheels are finished in matt black paint with machine-polished centres. Two unique colours are available for this anniversary 911; a darker Graphite Grey and a lighter Geyser Grey metallic. Black is also available. Each of the cars has a ‘911 50' badge finished in two-tone 3D-style on the rear lid, which is repeated in three-colour embroidery on the head restraints and as a two-colour logo on the rev counter and the aluminium door sill plates. It is also displayed on the passenger side fascia strip together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle.
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Based on the 911 Carrera S, with rear-mounted, 400 hp flat-six engine Features exclusive wider body combined with two-wheel drive chassis
Other exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and SportDesign exterior mirrors. A technical highlight is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which adds a dynamic cornering function to the already standard-fit Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are further styling touches reminiscent of the original 911 such as green labelling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins. Another special feature are the centre panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a fabric pattern that evokes the ‘Pepita' tartan design from the 1960s. The leather interior can be specified in Agate Grey or Black with decorative stitching. Sports seats with 14-way adjustment are standard, with 18-way Sport Seats Plus available as an option. The gear shift or selector lever - which, like the decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and centre console, is trimmed in brushed aluminium - comes from the Porsche Exclusive custom tailoring programme.
The 911 50 Years Edition is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from ÂŁ92,257. First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in September. In addition to the bespoke equipment of the anniversary model, standard equipment on the 911 Carrera S includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, 4.6-inch colour touchscreen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty. Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone PQ | 119
TRAVEL NORTH TO SOUTH BY ROAD
NORTH TOSOUTH
ROAD
BY
Exploring Britain’s most spectacular scenery by car By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Matt Darwin
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England and Wales have some pretty countryside and rolling hills, but for a true spectacle you need to go much further north - to Scotland. Mountains, valleys, lochs, moors - Scotland has them all in abundance. It also has rain in abundance, but the rain only seems to add to the mystery and atmosphere of the surroundings. We flew to Inverness, in the north west to collect the car that BMW had kindly lent for the trip - the very comfortable new 4 series coupe. Even the airport is quaint (tiny) and Inverness itself is only a few miles down the road and is utterly charming. The main attraction in this area is slightly further down the A82 the most fabled of them all - Loch Ness. The A82 follows the contours of the loch, and unlike most A roads has little traffic and plenty of places to pull in and photograph the loch. Winding on for some 23 miles, it is the biggest loch in Scotland by volume due to its depth (230m at one point) and by far the most famous, due to the enduring mystery of the loch ness monster. We stopped to have lunch at Fiddler’s - taking the plunge and ordering haggis for the first time. Revelation - Haggis is delicious! Even Felix, aged 7 ½ months, loved it. Piling back into the car we headed on to the hotel for the night - Glenfinnian House, on the shores of Loch Sheil that was used as the location Howgarts in the Harry Potter films. Glenfinnian House is pure Fawlty Towers - a good looking old building that is crumbling away, weeds poking up through the gravel. Our room was at the very top, and whilst it was huge, it has to be accessed via the staff stairs and was cold. The travel cot they lent us was broken so Felix slept on the equivalent of a hump backed bridge PQ | 123
Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway
History of Drumlanrig Castle
(right photo) Location: Thornhill, DG3 4AQ
Though it is called a castle, Drumlanrig is a baroque country house which had no military function since its construction between 1684 and 1691, at the time for the 1st Duke of Queensberry, William Douglas, to distinguish the Douglas family’s status as one of the most powerful in Scotland. Drumlanrig is now the private residence of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry, as well as home to an impressive art collection, the internationally renowned Buccleuch Art Collection, which includes Rembrandt’s The Old Woman Reading.
Drumlanrig Castle is a large country house near the ruins of Morton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, near the village of Thornhill. The approach to this ‘Pink Palace’ castle is magnificent, with a wide avenue leading to the front of the house, and the interior includes grand reception rooms, parlours, impressive staircases and a stableyard. The exterior is made of pink sandstone, making it visible for miles in the Nith Valley.
The Fort William to Mallaig steam train “The Jacobite” does the 84 mile return trip throughout summer months. The line passes through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, lochs and mountains alike. It has payed an important part in maintaining a scenic route that would otherwise have gone unused.
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- not comfortable at all. The food was good and the restaurant atmospheric, but for £150 per night they need to do some repairs. Matt asked for a fried egg and the Polish waitress barked “What?” at him three times before literally grunting and walking off. We continued on south, passing Ben Nevis (shrouded in mist) and Fort William (small, ugly) and taking the road towards Loch Lomond. The road wound up the mountains, bordered by brooks and little waterfalls, before opening up into spectacular moorland. Loch Lomond approached and we stopped for lunch at a local pub - a truly bizarre place with the greatest collection of stuffed animals on the walls I’ve ever seen. Average food so we continued on towards Glasgow, cruising gently along the shores of Loch Lomond. South of Glasgow we inadvertently happened upon one of the best driving roads I’ve ever seen - a glistening tarmac ribbon winding down the valley and not a single other car to be seen. Let’s just say the handling and performance of the 420d were respectively perfect and surprising. Two litre diesel cars used to be really slow. Not anymore…. A little closer to the hotel we saw a sign for a castle and thought we’d go and have a look - cue spectacular quasi French style “chateau”. Felix didn’t like the architecture and began to cry at the lack of turrets so we continued to the next hotel. By now the topography was looking much less Scottish and much more English - flatter and plainer but pretty nonetheless. A delicious dinner and superb helpful service was a pleasure after the Polish grunting of the night before. Day Three - the Lake District. Gorgeous slate stone cottages, Beatrix Potter and exhausted triathletes - if you don’t like hills, don’t cycle near Lake Windermere! The fact that one of the hills PQ | 125
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is called “The struggler� says it all. We stopped for the view at the top of a hill, to see red faced and spent triathletes battling up. A few windy lanes later and we were at the fabled Holbeck Ghyll - a country house hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant. The service was impeccable and food worthy of the star. We spent the day on a cruise boat on the lake - fun for the first half hour then a bit tedious - but there is a 10mph speed limit on the lake so high speed fun is nowhere to be had. A brisk walk around some local hills was much needed to burn off the calorific breakfast - clad in jeans and converse trainers we were on the receiving end of disdainful looks from walkers clothed in head to toe North Face complete with walking poles. Cumbria is only about four to five hours by car from Hampshire, so we just cracked on and did it in half a day - or it would have been half a day had Felix not realised that staring at the headrest was indeed exceedingly boring and descended into inconsolable howling with remarkable regularity. Tip: Get an ipad and hang it from the headrest!
Places to stay Loch Ness Inverlochy Castle www.inverlochycastlehotel.com Lake District Holbeck Gyhll www.holbeckghyll.com 420d provided by BMW UK www.bmw.co.uk
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RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW JAMES BEIM
Right HERE , Right NOW
MY RESTAURANT
“Renang”, Thai restaurant in Rozelle, Australia.
RayBan Wayfarer
my bar
Hamilton arms, my local pub.
my night club
“The Rock”, Cirencester.
my music
Anything 80´s.
Brand/designer
Diesel.
Casablanca Boots
my sunglasses
Rayban.
my watch
Devon works timepiece.
my helmet
Casablanca.
my boots
Casablanca.
Aqua di Gio
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my scent
Aqua di Gio.
My horse
Twinkle, my best mare in Uk for years. Now retired and breeding.
my pet
“Flashman”, my dog.
Audi A6
my car
Audi A6.
my favourite place
My house in Stedham, UK.
my caffeine
I drink Mate.
my sports
Football, Rugby.
my date
April 17th, my daughters birthday.
my icon
Roger Federer.
my magazine
PQ international, obviously.
my dream
Play and win Argentine Open!
The Argentine Open Championship Cup
T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.
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