PQ international | 1
The private bank for polo
Proud sponsors of: Away Team, Cartier International Polo, London EFG Bank Team, Palm Beach Season / 40 Goal Challenge International Polo Tournament, Sotogrande Heritage Polo Cup, Sandhurst Cambridge University Polo Scandinavian Polo Open
2 | PQ
Photos: Rory Merry (left page, left); David Lominska (left page, bottom right); Rodrigo Vergara (right page, top). international
Veytay Masters, Switzerland Desert Palm Nations Cup, Dubai Haryana Polo Club, Delhi Thai Polo Open Test match, Punta del Este Swiss Team, European Polo Championship 2010
Practitioners of the craft of private banking
EFG International’s global family of private banking businesses operates in over 50 locations in 30 countries. These include London,PQ Zurich, Geneva,| Paris, international 3 Monaco, Luxembourg, Stockholm, New York, Miami, Toronto, The Bahamas, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. www.efginternational.com
4 | PQ international
PQ international | 5
PQ Staff Publisher
PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com
Editor
Aurora Eastwood aurora@pqinternational.com
PR and Marketing Director
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell major@pqinternational.com
Design & Production
Tomás M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com
Photographs
PoloLine Media Ana Clara Cozzi M&M Productions Images of Polo Alice Gipps Alex Photography Matías Callejo
Contributors
Horace Laffaye Federico Levy Eduardo Amaya Diana Butler Alejandra Ocampos
Travel Editor
PoloLine Travel travel@pololine.com
Asia-Pacific Contact
Franco Forastieri asia@pqinternational.com
Printing
Advent Colour
PQ international 11 All Souls Road, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 9EB, United Kingdom Tel./Fax: +44 (0) 1344 620642 Mobile/Cell: +44 (0) 7590 455139 www.pqinternational.com Aurora Eastwood
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell
Editor
PR and Marketing
E-mail: info@pqinternational.com
FRONT COVER PHOTO - Facundo Pieres - Argentine Open 2010 - by Melito Cerezo © POLOLINE INC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part strictly prohibited without the permission of the publisher. Although the publisher makes every effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or guarantee an advertising insertion, date, position or special position. Views expressed may not necessarily be those of the editor or the publisher.
6 | PQ international
REVERSO. SWITCH TIME ZONES IN A SECOND.
GRANDE REVERSO 986 DUODATE. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 986. Created in 1931 for polo players, the legendary Reverso houses an ingenious patented system: two back-to-back dials driven by a single mechanical movement indicate two time zones adjustable by a single crown. The full measure of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s inventiveness in an upsized version of the reversible case.
YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, since 1833. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
PQ international | 7
Calendar January 2 Opening Day Palm Beach Season International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA
February 12 CV Whitney Cup Handicap 26 goals International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA
March 2 Dubai Gold Cup Handicap 12-15 goals Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Dubai, UAE
10 Four Nations Cup Level: Medium Desert Palm PC, Dubai, UAE
14 Cartier Cup Dubai Handicap 26 goals Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai, UAE
15 Argentine Republic Cup Handicap 0-40 goals AAP, Argentina
12 Thai Polo Open Handicap 12-14 goals Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, Thai
13 IX Snow Polo World Cup Level: Low Kitzbuhel, Austria
20 Ylvisaker Cup Handicap 20 goals International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA Megeve Snow Polo Tournament Level: Low Megeve, France
27 St Moritz World Cup on Snow Handicap 16 goals St Moritz, Switzerland
Metropolitan Polo Club Snow Tournament Handicap 26 goals Tianjin, Pekin, China
16 Iglehart Cup Handicap 20 goals International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA Dubai Silver Cup Handicap 12-15 goals Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Dubai, UAE
20 Cortina Winter Polo Gold Cup Handicap 19 goals Cortina d´Ampezzo, Italy
24 USPA Gold Cup Handicap 26 goals International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA
8 | PQ international
17 US Open Championship Handicap 26 goals International Polo Club, Palm Beach, USA National Polo Pony Show APHA, Palm Beach, USA Sierra Nevada Level: Low Santa Maria PC
T WO HEARTS. REAL PRECISION.
DUOMÈTRE À QUANTIÈME LUNAIRE. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 381. The Dual-Wing concept is a genuine horological revolution featuring two distinct mechanisms synchronised by a single regulating organ. The patented jumping stop-seconds function enables time-setting to the nearest 1/6th of a second.
YOU DESERVE A REAL WATCH.
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, since 1833. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
PQ international | 9
16
10 | PQ international
24
36
62
68
74
86
90
94
Pablo MacDonough
WPT #1 of 2010
96
British Players in Argentina
Ellerstina Polo Team
Argentine Triple Crown winner
Argentine Clubs
Ladies in Lobos
Las Hermanas Cup
Ladies Polo in Argentina
La Aguada Ladies Cup and Myriam Heguy Cup
Winds of victory for Techno Polo
La Picaza International Cup
Showcase for young talent
Camará de Diputados Cup
La Irenita, first to celebrate
Jockey Club Open
El Remanso Polo Cup
El Remanso Cup
São José took Gold Cup
Ellerstina Gold Cup
Ellerstina Triple Champion 2010
Argentine Open
Phase 2: Complete
Hurlingham Open
Ellerstina, winners of the first leg of the Triple Crown
Tortugas Open
Price £6
Winter Issue 2010 | Nº 74
98
100
104
106
108
112
118
120
124
130
138
WPT Lands in Orient
World Polo Tour
Bags for all occasions
Liefestyle
Obituary
Bags for all occasions Lifestyle
Charles Stisted
Crestview Genetics revoultionizes Polo
Horse Cloning
The Best Snow Polo 2011
St Moritz Preview
Horsemanship
Beau Skerret
Horse Power
Argentina High Goal Season Pony Review
Interview
Breeding by Batutista Heguy
Jack Richardson
Young British Player #2
Nick Pepper
Young British Player #1
Ellerstina´s fourth man for the Triple Crown in 2011
Argentine Preview 2011
Contents
Jack Richardson Young British Player
154
PQ international | 11
Welcome to the PQ Winter Issue #74 The Argentine high goal season has finally drawn to a close. We saw the first hat trick in years, when Ellerstina won the Triple Crown, yet we also saw this last 40 goal team disbanded. It will be many years before there is another, as four 10 goalers had their handicaps lowered and no new ones took their place. The weather was kind this spring; rain, a protagonist that featured so prominently last year, fortunately only caused a single day of delay – though it was the most important day of the season; the final of the Open! The unexpected postponement did not seem to affect players or ponies, as the final was undoubtedly the best that has been played for years. 2011 sees many changes, not only in team lineups on both sides of the Atlantic, but also changes to this very magazine. I have taken over as Editor from the Major, who is now head of PR and Marketing for the UK side of the magazine. The idea is for PQ to now become the world’s leading polo publication with distribution in all the hot spots of the global circuit. A new, fresher look, plus the addition of new sections, makes, I hope, for a more engaging read. We have shortened the match reviews and added more interviews and features with players and those involved in polo, be it breeding, playing or making horses. There is also a new lifestyle section, incorporating art, fashion and car reviews. I hope you like it – any feedback will be appreciated and I will listen! In the meantime, enjoy, and no doubt I will see many of you on and off the pitch somewhere in the world...
Aurora Eastwood Editor
PHOTO by Melito Cerezo - Camara de Diputados Cup
12 | PQ international
PQ international | 13
14 | PQ international
Argentine Season 2010 16
Tortugas Open 2010
24
117th Hurlingham Open
34
117th Argentine Open
62
Ellerstina Gold Cup
68
El Remanso Polo Cup
74
Jockey Club Open
82
VII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup
86
Cรกmara de Diputados Cup
90
La Picaza International Cup
94
Ladies Tournaments
98
Las Hermanas Cup
100
British Players at Pilar area
PQ international | 15
Argentine Season - Tortugas Open
Ellerstina, winners of the first leg of the Triple Crown By Federico Levy. Photos by Melito Cerezo, Matias Callejo and Ana Clara Cozzi. The 40-goal team won the Tortugas Open, beating Indios Chapaleufú II 21-11 having previously led Zone A after defeating Pilará and Chapa Uno.
Juan Martín Nero,. Pablo MacDonough, Gonzalo Pieres Jr and Facundo Pieres with their first cup of the season
16 | PQ international
The opening match of the 2010 season was played between Chapa Uno and Pilará, Marcos Heguy was unable to take part due to an injury to his right shoulder, and replaced by Agustín García Grossi. Chapa Uno showed their offensive power in an 18-12 victory. Indios Chapaleufú II were well prepared, having reached the final of Jockey Club Open. By the time they reached Tortugas they had used to the higher speed and better pace than the rest of the teams, defeating La Dolfina and La Aguada to make it to the final. Ellerstina dominated the match from the very first chukka. One minute into the game, Juan Martín Nero
Agustín Merlos, Juan Ignacio Merlos and Hilario Ulloa
Gonzalo Pieres Jr.: “We never expected to win by such a difference. We knew our team was doing well, and if we worked as a team we would win. We played this match (against Pilará) just like any other final, without letting a single opportunity go by, and we went all out from the first chukka to impose our pace and play our style of polo, and things worked out. Our string of horses worked perfectly. I have nothing but words of gratitude towards the people who work at Ellerstina. This is a great motivator for us, so I hope we continue along this path”.
PQ international | 17
Facundo Pieres Facundo Pieres and Sebastián Merlos opened the scoreboard with a 1-0 for the defending champion, and one minute later Matías Magrini, Indios Chapaleufú II’s latest addition, tied the game at 1-1. What seemed to be an even match at one point did not last long because Ellerstina stepped up their pace to win the chukka 4-1. From that moment on, Ellerstina did nothing but dominate the situation, taking full control of the game and the ball and, in addition to their players’ speed as well as a powerful string of horses, they became literally invincible. A couple of great goals scored by Facundo Pieres and some very skilfully combined plays between Facundo himself and Juan Martín Nero, allowed Ellerstina to take a 8-3 lead during the second chukka.
Adolfo Cambiaso chose not be take part in the Tortugas Open because after an intense year of polo and extensive travel, he decided to focus on the two most important Triple Crown tournaments, Hurlingham and the Open. He was replaced by Guillermo Caset, but as often happens at Tortugas, players still lack rhythm, and this was not one of La Dolfina’s best performances.
18 | PQ international
After closing the third chukka 10-4, Ellerstina went even further in the fourth, taking control of the situation and leaving Chapa II completely disorientated. The Heguy brothers’ team only managed to score one goal, a penalty shot converted by Eduardo Heguy, Ellerstina continued their progress to lead 14-5. During the following chukkas, Ellerstina continued to increase their goal difference, while Chapa II tried to stop their opponents’ overpowering pace in vain. Matías Magrin deserves a mention, as he showed skill throughout the tournament and fully integrated into the team, as does Eduardo Heguy’s usual effectiveness when the time came to convert penalties.
Guillermo Caset Jr
PQ international | 19
Javier Novillo Astrada
Tortugas Open Zone 1 Ellerstina Facundo Pieres Gonzalo Pieres Pablo MacDonough Juan Martin Nero
20 | PQ international
40 10 10 10 10
Pilarรก Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Juan Agustin Garcia Grossi
34 9 8 9 8
Chapa Uno Bautista Heguy Hilario Ulloa Juan Ignacio Merlos Matias MacDonough
35 9 9 9 8
Lucas Monteverde
Tortugas Open Zone 2 La Dolfina Guillermo Caset Jr Lucas Monteverde David Stirling Jr Bartolome Castagnola
37 8 10 9 10
La Aguada Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
37 9 9 10 9
Indios Chapaleufu II Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Matias Magrini Eduardo Heguy
34 8 9 8 9
PQ international | 21
Sebastiรกn Merlos 22 | PQ international
David Stirling Jr and Eduardo Heguy
Tortugas Open
Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr
Place: Tortuguitas, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Tortugas CC Date: September 28 - October 16, 2010 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open WPT Category Ranking: Master Series Winner Points: 100 Finalist POints: 50 Semifinalist Points: 25 Winner: Ellerstina Polo Team MVP: Facundo Pieres (Ellerstina) Top Scorer: Facundo Pieres BPP: Irenita Farsa (Pablo MacDonough)
Once they reached the last few seconds of the match, after an amazing run by Facundo Pieres, who scored his 11th goal and sealed Ellerstina’s final 21-11 victory, they won their fifth Tortugas Open, the first step on their way towards winning the Triple Crown.
PQ international | 23
Argentine Season - Hurlingham Open
Phase 2: Complete By Federico Levy. Photos by Melito Cerezo and Matías Callejo.
“During a year in which so much has been said about the traces of time reflected in our Republic and the Bicentenary… During this season, we have decided to emphasize the greatness of this club’s history. We sometimes mention these 117 years with such frivolity and refrain from focusing on the importance of the Hurlingham Open and its tradition” José Santamarina, Polo Captain at Hurlingham Club on the day the official presentation of the tournament took place.
Ellerstina and La Dolfina were clearly the favourites, with Chapa Uno, Pilará, Indios Chapaleufú II and La Aguada on the middle step. They all played even and keenly-contested matches, despite the fact that Bautista Heguy’s team and the Novillo Astrada brothers’ quartet made it through to the zone-defining game when they were defeated by Ellerstina and La Dolfina respectively. This last match, played between the La Aguada and La Dolfina, will go down in history as La Dolfina’s heroic comeback after a six-goal difference against them in the seventh chukka, they managed to take control of the game and win it in the extra chukka.
Ellerstina Polo Team, winner of Hurlingham Open 2010
24 | PQ international
David Stirling Jr and Gonzalo Pieres Jr
PQ international | 25
Ignacio Novillo Astrada
26 | PQ international
Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr and Adolfo Cambiaso Jr
[
Hurlingham Semifinal La Dolfina Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Guillermo Caset Jr David Stirling Jr Guillermo Terrera Jr
34 10 8 9 7
La Aguada Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
37 9 9 10 9
Progresion of the match 1 2 3 Chukka 2 2 La Dolfina 2 3 4 La Aguada 0
The match played between La Aguada and La Dolfina, will go down in history as La Dolfina’s heroic comeback after a six-goal difference against them in the seventh chukka, they managed to take control of the game and win it in the extra chukka.
4 4 7
5 5 8
6 5 11
7 8 11
8 12 12
Extra 13 12
PQ international | 27
Brothers Sebastian and Pite Merlos
Goal-Scorers at Hurlingham Open
The Eagerly Awaited Final
Facundo Pieres 29 Bautista Heguy: 27 Javier Novillo Astrada: 24 Adolfo Cambiaso: 22 Agustín Merlos: 18 Jaime García Huidobro.: 17 Matías Magrini: 16
All signs pointed to a high-speed final played by the two best teams of the past few years, but not everything turned out as expected. The first chukka showed no surprises. A 2-2 tie with two goals scored by Facundo for Ellerstina, and another two by Lolo Castagnola and Pelón Stirling for La Dolfina. So far so good. The black machine appeared in the second period, mercilessly crushing their opponents, who seemed disorientated and disorganised. Under a brilliant Facundo Pieres, more lethal than ever, Ellerstina won that chukka 7-2. During the two following chukkas, Ellerstina did nothing but prove their extremely high level, performing well-organised team plays and a spectacular synchronisation among their players, with combined
28 | PQ international
David Stirling Jr Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr “We played very well. I believe we did everything right and we managed to pull off every play. Anyway, winning by such a big difference against La Dolfina was pretty weird, as you always have to be alert when you are playing against them. Perhaps, today was our day and not theirs... But I am glad we won the Hurlingham Open once again� Facundo Pieres
PQ international | 29
Hilario Ulloa
30 | PQ international
Bautista Heguy and Santiago Chavanne
Hurlingham Open Place: Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Hurlingham Club Date: October 19 - November 6, 2010 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open WPT Category Ranking: Master Series Winner Points: 150 Finalist POints: 75 Semifinalist Points: 35
plays, ready to perform both in attack and defence, while La Dolfina encountered a wall on the opposite side of the field. The third chukka ended 9-3 and by half-time Ellerstina took an 11-4 lead. La Dolfina failed to wake up after this bucket of cold water. The 5th chukka ended 16-6, scored by BartolomĂŠ Castagnola. During the last three chukkas, Ellerstina only scored three goals, which were enough to secure the title. Facundo Pieres crowned his brilliant performance by scoring hia 12th goal for Ellerstina.
Winner: Ellerstina Polo Team MVP: Facundo Pieres (Ellerstina) BPP: Open Pandora (owned by Ellerstina S.A., ridden by Facundo Pieres) Tournament BPP: Grappa Galera (owned by Ellerstina S.A., ridden by Gonzalo Pieres Jr) Tournament Top Scorer: Facundo Pieres (41 goals)
PQ international | 31
32 | PQ international
Jaime GarcĂa Huidobro and AgustĂn Merlos
PQ international | 33
Juan Martín Nero | Ellerstina Polo Team
Hurlingham Open Zone A
Zone B
Ellerstina Facundo Pieres Gonzalo Pieres Pablo MacDonough Juan Martin Nero
40 10 10 10 10
Chapa Uno Bautista Heguy Hilario Ulloa Juan Ignacio Merlos Matias MacDonough
35 9 9 9 8
La Dolfina Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Lucas Monteverde Jr David Stirling Jr Bartolome Castagnola
39 10 10 9 10
Indios Chapaleufu II Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Matias Magrini Eduardo Heguy
34 8 9 8 9
Pilará Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Tomás García del Rio
33 9 8 9 7
São José Pablo Pieres Jr Nicolás Pieres Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade Jaime García Huidobro
30 7 7 8 8
La Aguada Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
37 9 9 10 9
Alegría Fred Mannix Jr Francisco Bensadon Mariano Aguerre Francisco de Narvaez Jr
34 7 8 10 9
34 | PQ international
Nico Pieres | São José Polo Team
PQ international | 35
Argentine Season - 117th Argentine Open
Ellerstina triple champion 2010
By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Melito Cerezo, Matías Callejo and PoloLine.
36 | PQ international
The Open is the undisputed holy grail of polo anywhere in the world. The ultimate goal for the world’s best polo players and a true test of skill and horsepower. Preparation for it is a year round process; for which the huge young horse programmes all around the country are testament - because being superbly mounted is the most key ingredient of all. To see the best players in the world on the best horses in the world – come to Palermo. Only eight teams were allowed to enter; two of which had to qualify back in September – Sao Jose and, much to Mariano Aguerre’s chagrin, Alegria. Of the six who did not have to qualify, really the only two contenders for the title were defending champions La Dolfina, and of course the only 40 goal team, Ellerstina. La Aguada and Pilara were certainly not going to go down without a fight however, and Chapa 2, having made two finals this season, looked strong.
Above: Gonzalo Pieres Jr and Nachi Du Plessis Left: Gonzalo Pieres Jr and David Stirling Jr on Saturday Final
Final Postponed The final between Ellerstina and La Dolfina was postponed by 24 hours due to heavy rain. They played for just two minutes on the Saturday and continued from where the clock had stopped on the Sunday.
PQ international | 37
Facundo Pieres
Gonzalo Pieres Jr
Handicap: 10 Date of birth: 19 May, 1986 Goals: 40 Highlights Argentine Open 2010, 2008; Hurlingham Open 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005; Tortugas Open 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005; US Open 2009, British Open 2009, Queen´s Cup 2008, Jockey Club Open 2006
Handicap: 10 Date of birth: 17 December, 1982 Goals: 13 Highlights Argentine Open 2010, 2008; Hurlingham Open 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005; Tortugas Open 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005; US Open 2009, British Open 2009, Queen´s Cup 2008, Jockey Club Open 2006
38 | PQ international
Pablo MacDonough
Juan Martín Nero
Handicap: 10 Date of birth: 21 February, 1982 Goals: 3 Highlights Argentine Open 2010, 2008; Hurlingham Open 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005; Tortugas Open 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005; British Open 2010, Queen´s Cup 2010, Jockey Club Open 2010, St Moritz World Cup on Snow 2009.
Handicap: 10 Date of birth: 14 April, 1981 Goals: 5 Highlights Argentine Open 2010, 2008; Hurlingham Open 2010, 2009; Tortugas Open 2010, 2009, 2008; British Open 2008, Queen´s Cup 2007, Hurlingham Open 2004, British Open 2004.
PQ international | 39
Argentine Open
First time on Palermo Field #1 for umpire Nicolas Scortichini.
Place: Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Palermo Date: November 20 - December 11, 2010 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: AAP WPT Category Ranking: Master Series Winner Points: 200 Finalist Points: 100 Semifinalist Points: 50 Winner: Ellerstina Polo Team MVP: Juan Martín Nero (Ellerstina) Top Scorer: Adolfo Cambiaso (42 goals) Gonzalo Tanoira Award: Adolfo Cambiaso (La Dolfina) BPP (Lady Susan Townley Award): Dolfina Cuartetera (Adolfo Cambiaso) Argentine Polo Horse Breeders Association Award: Dolfina Toro (Bartolomé Castagnola)
Adolfo Cambiaso Jr and Juan Martín Nero
40 | PQ international
Chapa 1, featuring young talent Hilario Ulloa and the indomitable Bauti Heguy also seemed promising on paper. Unfortunately many of the games were somewhat lacklustre as disparities in horses and team play led to some big differences on the scoreboard – no one wants to see teams losing by 10 goals in the Open. A couple of games stood out – Chapa 1 vs La Dolfina was the first good game of the tournament as Chapa 1 played some fast, classic polo and could have won the game..Ellerstina vs La Aguada was another game
Javier Novillo Astrada and Eduardo Heguy
PQ international | 41
Backhander by Ignatius Du Plessis
Pablo´s Helmet Pablo MacDonough played the first match of the Argentine Open with a faceguard on his helmet due to an injury sustained when playing the Ellerstina Gold Cup.
42 | PQ international
that was a pleasure to watch; both teams playing classic passing polo. And so on to the superb fast, open final, once again Ellerstina vs La Dolfina. Ellerstina were under immense pressure to win, not only as the only 40 goal team, but also as they were only one last, immense step away from winning the triple. Under menacing skies, ever darker, the ball went in and simultaneously the heavens opened. After two minutes, during which Ellerstina had scored twice and La Dolfina once, the game was stopped. Restarting the following day, Ellerstina continued their ferocious pace, leading the game 7-5 in the third chukka. They made some mistakes in the fifth and coupled with superb attacks from La Dolfina, Ellerstina trailed 8-10. Every member of Ellerstina scored in the sixth chukka, with no answer from La Dolfina. The seventh chukka saw a single goal from Gonzalito, one from Lolo and Cambiaso scored two unstoppable field goals to end the chukka an even 13-13.
Backhander by Rodrigo Riberiro de Andrade
PQ international | 43
Gonzalo Pieres Jr | Ellerstina Polo Team 44 | PQ international
PQ international | 45
Hilario Ulloa | Chapa Uno Polo Team 46 | PQ international
The final chukka literally had everyone on the edge of their seats as it was do or die for Ellerstina, who were leading by a single goal after Facundo after a minute of play; the biggest prize in their lives literally seconds away, as every last iota of power was asked from those incredible ponies, every reserve of energy from the players. The final bell must have never sounded so sweet for the boys in black‌
Mariano Aguerre and Miguel Novillo Astrada
PQ international | 47
48 | PQ international
Lucas Monteverde and Facundo Pieres
All change for 2011... Ellerstina lose Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin and instead will feature Nico Pieres and Nachi Heguy. La Dolfina lose Lolo and Lucas who will play with Sebastian and Tincho Merlos. Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero will play with Adolfo Cambiaso Jr and David Stirling Jr in La Dolfina. Chapa 2 have lost Nachi and so far have not confirmed his replacement... PQ international | 49
Hilario Ulloa and TomĂĄs GarcĂa del Rio
Substitutions Marcos Heguy was still unable to play for Pilara due to his shoulder injury and so his place was filled by the very capable Tomas Garcia de Rio. Deservedly raised to 8 goals, Tomas fitted in perfectly and Pilara played extremely well throughout the Open.
50 | PQ international
More substitutions
Tomás Pieres | São José Polo Team
Nico Pieres injured his neck and back during the match against Chapa Uno, the last match of the tournament for São José. He was replaced by cousin Tomás, in his Open debut.
PQ international | 51
52 | PQ international
Adolfo Cambiaso Jr and Bautista Heguy
PQ international | 53
Joaquín Pittaluga
And more substitutions Nachi du Plessis and Joaquín Pittaluga debut in Palermo in the match between Indios Chapaleufú II and Ellerstina, filling in for Eduardo Heguy and Ignacio Heguy respectively who got two yellow cards each in the match against La Aguada.
54 | PQ international
Nachi Du Plessis
117th Argentine Open Zone 1 La Dolfina Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Lucas Monteverde Jr David Stirling Jr Bartolome Castagnola
39 10 10 9 10
Chapa Uno Bautista Heguy Hilario Ulloa Juan Ignacio Merlos Matias MacDonough
35 9 9 9 8
Pilará Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Tomás García del Rio
35 9 8 9 7
São José Pablo Pieres Jr Nicolás Pieres Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade Jaime García Huidobro
30 7 7 8 8
Santiago Chavanne | Pilará Polo Team
117th Argentine Open Zone 2 Ellerstina Facundo Pieres Gonzalo Pieres Pablo MacDonough Juan Martin Nero
40 10 10 10 10
Indios Chapaleufu II Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Matias Magrini Eduardo Heguy
34 8 9 8 9
La Aguada Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
37 9 9 10 9
Alegría Fred Mannix Jr Francisco Bensadon Mariano Aguerre Francisco de Narvaez Jr
34 7 8 10 9
Young players take centre stage Due to yellow cards for both Eduardo and Nachi Heguy against La Aguada, they both received a one match ban and could not play the game against Ellerstina. Eduardo was replaced by South Afica’s best player and undisputed future star, Nachi Du Plessis, who at only 21 and now 7 goals, could go all the way. Nachi was replaced by one of Argentina’s best up and coming players, 25 year old 7 goaler Joaquin Pittaluga, who also certainly has more to show. They both deserve to be here again next year in their own right. “Playing in the Open was absolutely amazing. I’m currently putting all my resources into buying the right horses and doing the right things in order to try and get a team next year” said Pittaluga
PQ international | 55
Argentine Open | Zone I
La Dolfina Polo Team 1. Adolfo Cambiaso Jr 2. Lucas Monteverde 3. David Stirling Jr 4. Bartolomé Castagnola
39 10 10 9 10
Pilará Polo Team 1. Agustín Merlos 2. Santiago Chavanne 3. Sebastián Merlos 4. Tomás García del Rio
33 9 8 9 7
*Guillermo Caset Jr filled in for Adolfo Cambiaso Jr in the Tortugas Open, and for Lucas Moteverde in the Hurlingham semifinal. Guillermo Terrera filled in for Bartolome Castagnola at the Hurlingham semifinal.
*Tomás García del Rio filled in for Marcos Heguy before the Argentine Open began due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery.
São José Polo Team 1. Pablo Pieres Jr 2. Nicolás Pieres 3. Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 4. Jaime García Huidobro
Chapa Uno Polo Team 1. Bautista Heguy 2. Hilario Ulloa 3. Juan Ignacio Merlos 4. Matías MacDonough
30 7 7 8 8
*Tomás Pieres filled in for Nico Pieres in last the match of the Argentine Open due to an injury during the first chukka.
56 | PQ international
*The same formation played in the Tortugas, Hurlingham and Argentine Opens.
35 9 9 9 8
Argentine Open | Zone II
La Aguada Polo Team 1. Javier Novillo Astrada 2. Eduardo Novillo Astrada 3. Miguel Novillo Astrada 4. Ignacio Novillo Astrada
37 9 9 10 9
Ellerstina Polo Team 1. Facundo Pieres 2. Gonzalo Pieres Jr 3. Pablo MacDonough 4. Juan Martín Nero
40 10 10 10 10
*Alejandro Novillo Astrada filled in for Javier in the Argentine Open semifinals.
*The same formation played in the Tortugas, Hurlingham and Argentine Opens.
Indios Chapaleufú II Polo Team 1. Alberto Heguy Jr 2. Ignacio Heguy 3. Matías Magrini 4. Eduardo Heguy
Alegría Polo Team 1. Fred Mannix Jr 2. Francisco Bensadon 3. Mariano Aguerre 4. Francisco de Narvaez Jr
34 8 9 8 9
*Nachi du Plessis and Joaquín Pittaluga filled in for Eduardo and Ignacio in the second match of the Argentine Open due to a double yellow card for both of them.
34 7 8 10 9
*The same formation played in the Hurlingham and Argentine Opens.
PQ international | 57
2
1
4
3
5
6
8 7
1. Corinne Schuler, Juan Martin Garcia Laborde, Lia Salvo and Ludovic Pailloncy | 2. The Caset girls, Celina, Belen and Nicole | 3. Argentine “Comparsa” in the rain | 4. Piero Dillier and friend Christina | 5. Camilo Bautista and wife Rocio 6. Ali Albwardy and Martin Valent | 7. Ricardo Mansur and Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade | 8. Cata Garcia Huidobro and Inés Bensadon.
58 | PQ international
9
12
10 11
13
14
16 15
17
18
9. Isa Shuaib and Musa Icari, from Nigeria | 10. Milo Fernandez Araujo and Alfio Marchini | 11. Fred Mannix and wife 12. The Trotz sisters, Barbara and Paulina | 13. Henry Brett | 14. Lolo Castagnola, Juan Bollini and Melissa Ganzi 15. Anthony Schaub from Rolex, Javier Herrera Director of WPT and Merrick Haydon from Revolution Sports, UK 16. Fred Coleridge-Cole, Francesca del Balzo, Clare Milford Haven and her son Harry Wentworth Stanley | 17. Philipp Maeder and Pablo Jauretche | 18. Pierre and Sybille Genecand PQ international | 59
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
60 | PQ international
10
9
11
12
13
14 15
1. Enrique Ruete from Pilará and Marcos Heguy | 2. The top model Valeria Mazza and sons | 3. Jose Carlos Kalil, Jaime Garcia Huidobro, Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade, José Eduardo Kalil and Felipe Prata | 4. Chenmuqiao, one of the new polo players in Beijing; Shane Chin, one of the main promoters of polo in Jamaica; Sebastián Amaya, Director of PoloLine; Chinese polo player Huogang; and polo instructor Eduardo Amaya | 5. Javier Herrera, Director of WPT with Jean-Noel Bioul, Director of Sponsoring of Rolex, Oscar Garcia from Rolex Argentina, and Santiago Garrahan from PoloLine Argentina | 6. Gabriel Batistuta, ex football player, now playing polo | 7. Marcos Heguy and wife Gloria | 8.The Military band “Regimineto de Patricios” | 9. Maria Rapetti de Pieres with daughter Violeta | 10. María Vazquez de Cambiaso | 11. Frank Dubarry and Ernesto Gutierrez | 12. Philippe Perrier, Piturro Zavaleta and André Fabre | 13. Memo Gracida and friends | 14. Argentina polo balls for everyone, courtesy of INPROTUR | 15. INPROTUR girls PQ international | 61
1
2
3
5
4
1. James Beim, Marc and Melissa Ganzi, Gonzalo Pieres Jr and Pablo Erbin | 2. Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade and Juanca Echeverz | 3. Marcos Heguy Jr | 4. Tatiana Pieres and Mariano Aguerre, with their daughter Lola and Tatiana’s sister, Cecilia | 5. Nacho Figueras and son Artemio | 6. Sebastián Amaya and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Franck Juhel | 7. Constanza Marchiorelo and mom Roberta | 8. Gonzalo Pieres and Luis Garrahan | 9. Memo Gracida (La Aguada Manager) and Alejandro Novillo Astrada | 10. Roxana and Jorge Pittaluga | 11. Three former members of the legendary Santa Ana team Gastón Dorignac, Francisco Dorignac and Cacho Merlos 62 | PQ international
6
7
8
10
9
11
PQ international | 63
Argentine Season - Ellerstina Gold Cup
São José Polo won the Gold Cup By Federico Levy. Photos by Melito Cerezo and Ana Clara Cozzi. Sao JoseTeam defeated La Hormiga 16 to 10 in the final match of this 22 goal tournament held at Ellerstina, home of the Pieres family. Ellerstina Polo Club, Pilar, was once again home to the Gold Cup. 13 22 goal teams entered and played extremely well organized qualifiers, which showed an excellent standard among the three team zones. Just as the Gold Cup is played in England, United States and Spain, Ellerstina has its own trophy created thanks to Gonzalo Pieres’ innovative projects. All these competitions, which are already a worldwide registered trademark, mean a demonstration of the excellence regarding patron polo standards. Polo fans
64 | PQ international
have not only an opportunity to enjoy the game of the best polo players in the world during the Argentinean high goal season, but also the chance to live said experience themselves. With a luxurious cup designed by Argentinean famous silversmith Juan Carlos Pallarols, and the aim of giving the audience a unique sporting event, the tournament has already turned into a classic in the international polo calendar.
Rain did not stop play This year rain did not interfere this season and thanks to that the Gold Cup final could be played on a Saturday, meaning that many more people were then able to attend. The game was very even at first between Sao Jose and La Hormiga. The key of the Brazilian team’s eventual triumph was their complete control during the last three chukkas when Sao Jose managed to get the lead, obtaining their second triumph at Ellerstina, after winning the same tournament in 2008.
Antonio Eguiguren (Sao Jose) and Pablo Jauretche (Elevation)
It was an unquestionable victory, 16 to 6. After an even start, La Hormiga managed to lead 4-0 in the third chukka. Sao Jose started to take control of the ball and with the help of Joao Paulo Gannon´s effectiveness and precision the team scored seven penalties. The team played also an excellent game in the middle with excellent performances from Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade and Jose E. Kalil. The fourth figure was the Chilean Antonio Eguiguren who in defence managed to stop each one of Hilario and Salvador Ulloa´s attempts to attack. PQ international | 65
66 | PQ international
Ellerstina Gold Cup Place: Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Ellerstina Polo Club Date: November 1-16, 2010 Level: 22 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: Tatiana Pieres WPT Category Ranking: Challenge Cup Winner Points: 60 Finalist Points: 30 Semifinalist Points: 15 Rest of the Teams: 8
Left: Annabelle von Winterhalder (Tupungato Winleands Polo Team)
Winner: SĂŁo JosĂŠ Polo Team
Below: Malcolm Borwick (Enigma Polo Team)
PQ international | 67
Ellerstina Gold Cup Zone A
Zone B
Miramar Alejandro Muzzio Juan José Brané Diego Araya Alejandro Quentin
22 7 7 7 1
São José Antonio Eguiguren Joao Paulo Gannon Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade José Eduardo Kalil
22 2 7 8 5
Techno Polo Frank Dubarry Pablo MacDonough Lerin Zubiarre Joaquín Pittaluga
22 0 10 5 7
Enigma Jerome Wirth James Beim Malcolm Borwick Matias MacDonough
22 1 7 6 8
Ellerstina James Packer (Mark Ganzi) Gonzalo Pieres Jr Nicolás Pieres Santiago Irastorza
22 1 10 7 4
Cabreuva Ricardo Portugal Ignacio del Tour Lucas Criado Juan Martín Nero
22 0 3 9 10
Elevation Satinder Garcha Héctor Guerrero Pablo Jauretche Manuel Fernández Llorente
22 2 6 8 6
Mansour Ben Soleimani Diego Cavanagh Tomás García del Rio Mariano Gonzalez
22 0 7 7 8
La Picaza Carlos Reyes Terrabusi Ignacio Heguy Ignus du Plessis Francisco Elizalde
22 1 9 7 5
La Alegría Julian Mannix Facundo Sola Juan Gris Zabaleta Clemente Zabaleta
22 3 6 7 6
Tupungato Winelands Annabelle von Winterhalder Juan García Laborde Julián Lusarreta Lucas Monteverde
22 1 6 5 10
La Hormiga Hilario Ulloa Salvador Ulloa Guillermo Willington José Luis Bravo
22 9 6 7 0
ERG Scott Wood Santiago Torres Guillermo Caset Jr Francisco de Narvaez Jr
21 0 4 8 9
José Eduardo Kalil | São José Polo Team
68 | PQ international
Zone C
PQ international | 69
Argentine Season - El Remanso Cup
El Remanso Polo Cup By Federico Levy - Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Located in Lobos, El Remanso Polo Club welcomed the second edition of El Remanso Cup with the participation of eight 15-20 goal teams. After the 12 qualifying games, El Remanso and Valiente made it through to the final by taking different roads. The former won every single match they played, whereas Valiente lost on one occasion, on the 4th game within the first stage against El Remanso and were now seeking their rematch when the time came to play the final. The last day of the tournament began with a game for 3rd place between La Araucaria and La Tortuga. It was a fast-paced match but neither of these teams managed to be accurate to goal. However, thanks to a job well done by Juan Dartiguelongue controlling La Araucaria’s game, the team comprised of four players bearing the same surname (Tomás, Daniel, Gastón and Juan) achieved a 7-6 victory. The final began with Valiente taking a 3-0 lead due to the handicap difference (18 vs. 15), but once they started playing the first
George Hanbury | El Remanso Polo Team
70 | PQ international
Guillermo Caset Jr | Valiente Polo Team
PQ international | 71
Thomas Winter | La Alegría Polo Team
72 | PQ international
chukka they soon managed to step up their game. After taking a 6-0 lead, the white team never quit their constant attack, owing to Santiago Bottaro’s fastpaced play and Agustín Von Wernich and Zenon Cardoner’s effective attacks. Valiente were winning 10-5 by the end of the 4th chukka, at which point El Remanso decided to bet all or nothing. Despite Jaime García Huidobro and Manuel Fernández Llorente’s constant attempt to attack, the team was unable to tie the game and Valiente celebrated a 14-7 victory.
After the prize-giving, where the four teams received their well-deserved awards, one of the event organisers, Catalina García Huidobro, also received prizes for her efforts over the days the matches were played. Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Santiago Bottaro, and Zenón Cardoner’s Manteca received the award for Best Playing Pony of the final.
Jaime García Huidobro | El Remanso Polo Team
As the sun gradually went down, the volume of the music went up and over three hundred people who were present at this event began to celebrate a successful tournament.
PQ international | 73
Valiente Polo Team
El Remanso Cup Place: Lobos, Argentina Club: El Remanso Date: October 25 - November 7, 2010 Level: 20 hcp Tournament type: Handicap Tournament Director: Manuel Fernandez Llorente Winner: Valiente Polo Team MVP: Santiago Bottaro Top Scorer. Santiago Bottaro (5 goals) BPP: Manteca (ridden by Zen贸n Cardoner)
74 | PQ international
Nachi Du Plessis
El Remanso Cup Zone A La Soñadita Andrés Fernandez Llorente Fernando Cucullu Marcos Panelo Pedro Fernandez Llorente
20 3 3 5 5
El Remanso George Hanbury Ollie Cudmore Manuel Fernandez Llorente Jaime García Huidobro
20 3 3 6 8
La Tortuga Raúl Laplacete Jr Gastón Beguerie Andrés Laplacete Agustín Canale
20 6 4 4 6
Valiente Zenón Cardoner Roberto Zeda Santiago Bottaro Agustín von Wernich
15 3 3 5 4
18 5 5 4 4
La Araucaria Tomás Dartiguelongue Daniel Dartiguelongue Jr Juan Dartiguelongue Gastón Dartiguelongue
19 5 3 6 5
Zone B Lovelocks Polo Studs Charlie Hanbury Dave Miller Mariano Uranga Nachi du Plessis
20 4 4 6 6
Bien Mirada Bautista Ortiz de Urbina Fabián Bolanteiro Agustín Martinez Alejandro Piccini
15 5 2 4 4
La Alegría Adrián Laplacette Jr Thomas Winter Simón Crotto Pablo Miguens Jr
La Soñadita Polo Team
Lovelocks Polo Team
El Remanso Polo Team
Bien Mirada Polo Team
La Tortuga Polo Team
La Alegría Polo Team
Valiente Polo Team
La Araucaria Polo Team
PQ international | 75
Argentine Season - 46th Jockey Club Open
La Irenita, first to celebrate During the Argentine season, as the Triple Crown draws closer, some players seek some competition in order to find their rhythm. The Jockey Club Open is ideal, a tournament that has been played for 46 years.
“
Pablo Mac Donough said, after receiving the cup:
“
“The great thing is that
we have made up a team of friends”.
For quite a few years now, several players who take part in the Hurlingham and Palermo Opens have decided to participate in the Jockey Club Open in order to gain rhythm, try out new horses and adapt to the speed of play in Argentina. “In England and Hilario and I talked about the possibility of playing a tournament together before the high goal season began and that was when, luckily enough, we got a chance to play with his brother Salvador and Tomás Gándara, who is a friend of ours” Pablo Mac Donough. As well as La Irenita, the Novillo Astrada brothers took part playing for La Aguada, but with Alejandro replacing Ignacio. Chapa Uno also participated with a line-up including Lolo Castagnola and Lucas Monteverde, who played with Bautista Heguy and Marcelo Frayssinet. The Jockey Club Open also comes in useful for teams who plan to play the qualifying games for Hurlingham and Palermo, as in the case of Pilará 2 and La
La Irenita winner of Jockey Club Open2010: Tomás Gandara, Pablo MacDonough and brothers Hilario and Salvador Ulloa
76 | PQ international
Baronesa who played the qualifying matches with the same line-up but under a different name (Sao José). kick-off
The Novillo Astrada brother’s team was beginning to look like a candidate as their line-up was almost complete and had a five-goal advantage over their opponents. However, La Irenita knew exactly how to play against them and based on Pablo Mac Donough and Tomás Gándara at back they won by a goal. La Baronesa was another surprise in this tournament, with Nicolás and Pablo Pieres, Rodrigo Andrade and Jaime García Huidobro, beating Chapa Uno in the ¼ final 13-5, despite Chapa’s six-goal advantage over them. After five qualifying games, Indios Chapaleufú defeated Trenque Lauquen 11-7 to make the final. La Irenita beat La Baronesa 11-10 and also made it through to the most important match of the year in San Isidro.
“
“I think we played very well. Both Salvador and Tomás played very well throughout the tournament. We played against an Open Championship team in
“
Tournament
Matías Magrini | Indios Chapaleufú II
the final match, so I am very happy with
the results we achieved. We began playing this tournament just for the fun of it and we ended up winning” Hilario Ulloa.
PQ international | 77
Jockey Club Open Chapa Uno Bautista Heguy Lucas Monteverde Jr Marcelo Frayssinet Bartolomé Castagnola
36 9 10 7 10
La Baronesa Nicolás Pieres Pablo Pieres Jaime García Huidobro Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade
30 7 7 8 8
Pilará Diego Cavanagh Cristian Laprida Jr Joaquín Pittaluga Tomás García del Rio
29 7 7 7 7
Indios Chapaleufú II Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Eduardo Heguy Matías Magrini
36 8 9 9 8
La Irenita Pablo MacDonough Tomás Gandara Hilario Ulloa Salvador Ulloa
31 10 6 9 6
Trenque Lauquen Agustín Nero Lucas James Juan Martín Nero David Stirling Jr
33 7 7 10 9
La Aguada Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Miguel Novillo Astrada Alejandro Novillo Astrada
36 9 9 10 8
La Mariana Agustín Merlos Sebastián Merlos Juan Ignacio Merlos Norberto Pinheiro
31 9 9 9 4
Trenque Lauquen II Tomás Pieres Agustín García Grossi Pablo Jauretche Hernán Tasso
30 7 8 8 7
The Final With the sun high in the sky, spectators assembled at the Jockey Club on the first Saturday of spring. The 2009 champion, who played with David Stirling on that occasion and Matías Magrini replacing him this time, met La Irenita in the final match. Despite the
fact that Indios Chapaleufú II had a three-goal advantage over their opponents, La Irenita managed to find their path towards victory. After a first few chukkers of uneventful and boring polo, they move on to the fourth chukker and La Irenita began to display high speed, stick-and-ball and
Lucas James | Trenque Lauquen
Jockey Club Open Place: San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Jockey Club Date: September 7-25, 2010 Level: 36 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: Guillermo Alvarez Fourcade WPT Category Ranking: WPT Cup Winner Points: 70 Finalist Points: 35 Semifinalist Poinst: 20 Rest of the Teams: 1O Winner: La Irenita Polo Team MVP: Salvador Ulloa (La Irenita) BPP: Abrojito (Pablo MacDonough)
78 | PQ international
Tomás Gándara | La Irenita
good goals. Based on team organisation under Pablo Mac Donough in addition to Hilario Ulloa’s strength, the formula served to make spectators enthusiastic about the High Goal season kick-off. During the fifth and sixth chukker, La Irenita found more and more gaps and began to take the lead on the scoreboard, until they reached the seventh chukker having achieved a 13-8 advantage. While playing the last few seconds of the match, Indios Chapaleufú II’s efforts allowed them to reduce the goal difference, but La Irenita’s lead was already secure and so they won the 2010 Jockey Club Open final 13-10. “I think we played very well. Both Salvador and Tomás played very well throughout the tournament. We played against an Open Championship team
in the final match, so I am very happy with the results we achieved. We began playing this tournament just for the fun of it and we ended up winning” mentioned Hilario Ulloa regarding their participation in the tournament and the team’s good performance in the final game. The Jockey Club has a new champion: the team comprised of the Ulloa brothers, Hilario and Salvador, together with Pablo Mac Donough and Tomás Gándara, which after defeating previous champion Indios Chapaleufú II 13-10, won the San Isidro title, and as Pablo Mac Donough said, after receiving the cup: “And the great thing is that we have made up a team of friends”.
PQ international | 79
Argentine Season - VII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup
Homestead By Alejandra Ocampos. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi. The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup was created in 2004 as a tribute to Dr. Julio Novillo Astrada, founder of La Aguada Polo Club in 1959. “Yayo”, as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren and creators of the cup, was both a polo lover and breeding enthusiast. Dr. Astrada was the winner of Argentine Republic Cup 1946, privileged witness of several great moments in polo history and main promoter of his children and grandchildren in polo. This tribute was offered by his family just one year before Astrada´s death on October 3rd 2005, when he was 91 years old.
Through the years, this 20 goal championship has placed itself as one of Argentina’s most important tournaments of the season. The Cup relies on the presence of Novillo Astrada brothers and also several national and foreign patrons and higher handicap players who, year after year, play on La Aguada’s fields, Open Door, only 60km from Buenos Aires. This was the 7th edition of the tournament, and eight teams (divided in two zones) took part. After the qualifying rounds, Los Cocos and Patagones reached the final.
Los Cocos Polo Team
80 | PQ international
Santiago Wulff and Clemente Zavaleta Jr PQ international | 81
Julio Novillo Astrada Cup Place: Open Door, Argentina Club: La Aguada Polo Club Date: November 15 - 24, 2010 Level: 20 hcp Tournament type: Open Winner: Los Cocos Polo Team MVP: Tomás Garbarini (Los Cocos) BPP: Arroba Mansa (breed and ridden by Miguel Novillo Astrada) BPP River Slaney Award: Esperanza (Paul Pieres Jr.) Skeeter Johnston Fair Play Award: Carlos Reyes Terrabusi (La Picaza)
Pablo Pieres Jr | Los Cocos Polo Team The game was played over six chukkas with an even first half. At the end of the first chukka Los Cocos led the match 3-2. The second chukka them up again, 6-4. During the third chukka Patagones managed to place itself at only one goal behind Los Cocos, after Memo Gracida scored. Then Gonzalo Avendaño did his part scoring again and leaving the board 6 - 6 just before half time. Three minutes after the beginning of the fourth chukka Miguel Novillo Astrada scored for Los Cocos, 7-6. Just one minute before the end of the chukka Miguel added another to create a difference of two goals (8-6). 82 | PQ international
At the fifth chukka Santiago Wulff scored for Patagones, but two consecutive goals (one backhander) scored by Miguel placed Los Cocos again ahead, 10 - 7. During the last chukka Paul Pieres increased the score difference in favor of Los Cocos 11 - 7. That would be the last goal for Los Cocos, and during the last minutes of the game Patagones tried to revert the scoreboard after two goals from Santiago Wulff and Carlos Avendaño, 11-9. A last minute goal from Memo Gracida was not enough. End of the game and victory for Los Cocos - the second year in a row they had won the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup.
Zenon Cardoner | Valiente Polo Team
Julio Novillo Astrada Cup Bracket A
Bracket B
Los Cocos Rafael Zubillaga Tomás Garbarini Miguel Novillo Astrada Pablo Pieres
20 1 2 10 7
Bendabout Aruba Will Johnston Stevie Orthwein Alejandro Novillo Astrada Martin Tassara
19 2 4 8 5
Las Monjitas Camilo Bautista Santiago Cernadas Clemente Zavaleta Alejandro Diaz Alberdi
20 1 4 6 9
La Golondrina Paul Oberschneider Juan Ambroggio Diego Cavanagh Dario Musso
20 2 5 7 6
La Picaza Carlos Reyes Terrabusi Santiago Solari Javier Novillo Astrada Fabio Lavinia
20 1 6 9 4
Marchiopolo Constanza Marchiorello Paulo Bertola Silvestre Garrós Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr.
20 0 5 6 9
Patagones Santiago S. Wulff Carlos Avendaño Guillermo Gracida Gonzalo Avendaño
20 5 6 7 2
Valiente Zenon Cardoner Stewart Armstrong Ignacio Novillo Astrada Santiago Bottaro
20 3 3 9 5
PQ international | 83
Argentine Season - Cámara de Diputados Cup
Showcase for young talent By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Melito Cerezo.
La Aguada winner of Cámara de Diputados Cup 2010
After Tortugas, Hurlingham and the Open, this is undoubtedly the next most important fixture of the season. Just one level down from the best polo in the world at around 30 goals, the teams comprise an interesting mix of players who didn’t qualify for, or find teams, for the Open and up and coming young players. Play well in the Camara, and you could find yourself being scouted for the Open itself the following year... 17 teams entered, from 24 to 30 goals. Divided into four leagues, the qualifying games varied from examples of well mounted, organised teams to some 84 | PQ international
very underhorsed and frenetic combinations. As usual, the cream rises to the top. Notably, La Quinta Beaufort, the only team with three foreign players, who got to the quarter finals undefeated, having won heavily 23-9 and 16-6 in the qualifying rounds. Similarly named La Quinta Aventura, featuring the incredibly talented Nachi Du Plessis and powerhouse Milo Fernandez Araujo were interesting to watch and also got to the quarter finals undefeated. Magual and La Aguada made it to the final, Magual having beaten Loro Piana 15 -10 in the semi, and La Aguada overwhelming La Esquina 16-8.
Cámara de Diputados Cup Bracket A
Bracket B
Bracket C
Bracket D
La Quinta Beaufort James Beim Mark Tomlinson Guillermo Willington Luke Tomlinson
29 7 7 7 8
Magual Diego Cavanagh Joaquín Pittaluga Marcos di Paola Lucas di Paola
29 7 7 8 7
Sol de Agosto Alejandro Muzzio Martín de Narvaez Silvester Donovan José Donoso
28 7 6 8 7
La Aguada Julio Novillo Astrada Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario Manuel Crespo Alejandro Novillo Astrada
30 8 7 7 8
Coronel Suarez Sebastián Harriott José Rivas Ignacio Tillous Juan José Brané
27 7 6 7 7
La Quinta La Aventura Ignacio Badiola Gastón Laulhé Milo Fernández Araujo Nachi du Plessis
27 6 7 8 6
La Matera Guillermo Terrera Joao Paulo Gannon Michel Dorignac Hernán Tasso
28 7 7 7 7
Black Watch Tomás Pieres Ignacio Figueras Ruki Baillieu Ricardo Mansur
27 7 6 7 7
La Virgencita Loro Piana Alfio Marchini Lucas James Agustín García Grossi Agustín Nero
27 4 8 8 7
La Mariana Norberto Pinheiro Cristian Laprida Jr Santiago Toccalino Ignacio Toccalino
27 4 8 7 8
La Esquina Pascual Sainz de Vicuña Rodrigo Rueda Jr Juan Gris Zabaleta Alejandro Diaz Alberdi
26 5 6 7 8
Chapa Uno Héctor Guerrero Tomás Goti Federico von Wernich Gonzalo von Wernich
27 6 7 7 7
La Cañada La Margarita Marcos Llambias Pablo Dorignac Carlos Arellano Mariano Obregon Jr
24 6 6 6 6
La Picaza Benjamín Araya Jr Marcos Araya Santiago Solari Diego Araya
25 6 6 6 7
Martindale Tomás Fernández Llorente Diego White Iñaki Laprida Juan Losada
26 7 7 6 6
Venado Tuerto Francisco Fucci Juan Ruiz Guiñazu Jr Tomás Ruiz Guiñazu Santos Anca
24 6 6 6 6
La Araucaria Luis Gotelli Jr Agustín Canale Manuel Fernández Llorente Raúl Laplacette Jr
24 6 6 6 6
Alejandro Diaz Alberdi | La Esquina Polo Team
PQ international | 85
Lucas James and Ignacio Tillous The final was a curious contrast – played on ground one at Palermo the day after the final of the Open, workmen demolished stands and pop up shops and the stands were empty but for a few hundred committed spectators. The game was incredibly balanced from the start, with the first (penalty) goal 5 minutes into the first chukka to La Aguada, swiftly followed by another 60 yarder to La Aguada. Magual were slightly on 86 | PQ international
the back foot, appearing slightly nervous and missing seemingly easy balls, but started to recover in the 2nd chukka, some good team play and long passes resulting in the first field goal of the game for Magual. A 40 yard penalty taken by Di Paola evened the score for Magual, and then went into the lead 3-2 with an excellent goal from a well placed backhand. The third chukka was a disaster for Magual and ultimately cost them the game, as Alejandro Novillo Astrada played
Agustín Nero | La Virgencita Loro Piana
every bit of his 8 goal handicap, scoring or helping to score five goals in a single chukka, three of which were from three consecutive lineouts. Magual managed to score at the end of the chukka from a huge pass at the hit in from Pittaluga to Cavanagh ending the chukka 7-4. The fourth chukka saw some clever play from Pittaluga who unfortunately couldn’t find the posts, and after some slightly scrappy play Magual were awarded a spot right in front of goal to score, 7-5. A quick goal for Magual straight from the lineout in the 5th chukka saw them start to claw back up the scoreboard, but a little too much dribbling and then slightly panicked hitting saw Magual miss some chances. Pittaluga, showing flashes of brilliance, got the ball close to the goal, and a penalty converted by Di Paola evened the score at 8-8. The pace was upped in the last couple of chukkas, with several spectacular
[
La Quinta Beaufort featured an unchanged lineup from the team that narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Hurlingham and the Open – Mark and Luke Tomlinson, James Beim and Temy Willington.
PQ international | 87
Alfio Marchini | La Virgencita Loro Piana Polo Team
[
A few foreign players played the Camara: Rico Mansur (Brazil), Alfio Marchini (Italy), Nachi Du Plessis (South Africa), Ruki Baillieu (Australia) plus of course the aforementioned British contigent.
88 | PQ international
Cámara de Diputados Cup Place: Pilar(Qualifying) and Palermo, Argentina Club: Asociación Argentina de Polo Date: November 16 - December 12, 2010 Level: 30 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: AAP WPT Category Ranking: WPT Cup Winner Points: 100 Finalist Points: 50 Semifinalist Poinst: 30 Rest of the Teams: 15 Winner: La Aguada Polo Team
horse races up the field, but with neither team managing to complete their attacks. The last chukka saw La Aguada pull into the lead by one goal, and a last ditch attempt to even the score saw Cavanagh take the ball up the field absolutely flat out on the nearside as the crowd literally held their breath..but to no avail. Di Paola then fluffed a critical 60 yard penalty and the chance to go to an extra chukka in the final minute – and La Aguada won by a single goal, 10-9.
Marcos Di Paola | Magual Polo Team
PQ international | 89
Argentine Season - La Picaza International Cup
Winds of victory for Techno Polo By Federico Levy - Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Techno Polo got victory at La Picaza after defeating Los Cocos in the most important competition at the club. The tournament was a triumph of ever improving organisation and development at the club. The tournament was contested by eight teams divided into two zones, all between 15 and 16 goals. It was a very windy afternoon in Open Door for the Techno Polo winner of La Picaza International Cup
90 | PQ international
final - The wind was so intense that the teams found it really difficult to play. . It was a fast game in which Techno Polo performance led the match thanks to Mac Donough´s team control and Valerio Zubiaurre´s speed which helped the team to get a good advantage over their rivals during the first minutes of game, with an eventual 10-8 win.
AgustĂn Merlos | El CaburĂŠ
PQ international | 91
There was also eager anticipation regarding the subsidiary cups played among second, third and fourth teams of each group. El Caburé got victory after defeating La Vanguardia by 11 to 7 and obtained Porsche Cup; Nuestra Tierra defeated La Esperanza 11 – 10 and hold Equidiet Cup; and in quarters Miramar defeated La Ginevra by 11-9 and took the 30 Yards Cup in La Picaza Polo Club podium. Manuel Elizalde from Los Cocos was awarded MVP and Irenita 21, belonging to Pablo MacDonough, was elected best playing pony of the tournament.
La Picaza International Cup Place: Open Door, Argentina Club: La Picaza Polo Club Date: October 23 - 31, 2010 Level: 16 hcp Tournament type: Open Winner: Techno Polo MVP: Manuel Elizalde (Los Cocos) BPP: Irenita 21 (Pablo MacDonough)
Pablo MacDonough | Techno Polo
92 | PQ international
La Picaza International Cup Group A
Group B
Techno Polo Frank Dubarry Pablo MacDonough Valerio Zubiarre Jr Juan Zubiarre
29 0 10 5 1
El Caburé Federico Virasoro Agustin Merlos Julián Diaz Sebastián Force
15 1 9 5 0
La Esperanza Kevin Korst Santiago Solari Carlos Solari Juan Manuel Harriet
16 2 6 6 2
Miramar Alejandro Quentin Juan José Brané Diego Araya Juan Presa
16 1 7 7 1
La Vanguardia Raúl Colombres Jr Williem Melchior Manuel Carranza Martín Iturraspe
15 5 0 5 5
Nuestra Tierra Sebastián Sorbac Nicolás Sorbac Marcos di Paola Lucas di Paola
15 0 0 8 7
Ginebra Luca D´Oracio Juan Ruiz Guiñazu Jr Martín Itarruspe Francisco Elizalde
16 0 6 5 5
Los Cocos Rafael Zubillaga Tomás Lalor Diego Cavanagh Manuel Elizalde
15 1 6 7 1
Pablo MacDonough | Techno Polo
PQ international | 93
Argentine Season - La Aguada Ladies Cup & Miriam Heguy Tournament
Ladies polo in Argentina By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Ignacio Corbalan. Ladies polo is slowly improving in Argentina - the success or failure of any given tournament being largely down to the organisers. The standard of horses used could certainly be raised, which would make for better games, and more consistency is needed with the organisation of tournaments. The introduction of womens handicaps to address the disparity of ability in the 0 goal bracket has led to some changes, and whilst arguably starting with minus handicaps rather than a whole new system that effectively segregates men and women would have been a better option, at least something was done.
La Aguada Ladies Cup 21st to 22nd October
Bearing Capital with Javier Novillo Astrada
The third running of this tournament was held at the beautiful base of the Novillo Estradas, close to Open Door. Held using the slightly controversial new womens handicapping system, eight “16” goal teams entered and Argentina’s best women players were out in force – Mumy Bellande, Lia Salvo, Marianella Castagnola and Maru Gimenez. England was well represented also, featuring no less than five players including Heloise Lorentzen and Alice Gipps.
La Aguada Ladies Cup
Agustina Zubia | Bearing Capital
94 | PQ international
Kawasaki Patricia Panzarasa Ryan Roy Celeste Gimenez Josefina Anca
13 0 4 4 5
BMW / Jaeger-LeCoultre Cecilia Vigo Lynly Fong Lia Salvo Maria Gimenez
16 0 2 7 7
Unlimited Trade Jessica Massimiani Cecilia Pieres Camila Rossi Sophie Taylor
14 2 2 5 5
Millas de Polo Lucia Junqueira Magdalena Escriña Lucia Escriña Dolores Bunge
14 2 3 4 5
Pestelli Heloise Lorentzen Jeanine Hugo Aurora Eastwood Alice Gipps
14 2 3 5 4
Bearing Capital Ginevra Visconti Teresa Zuberbuhler Agustina Zubia Natacha Baecher
15 0 4 5 6
Pilará Malena Sicilia Colombo Marianela Castagnola Stefanie Haverhals María Otonello
16 1 8 4 3
Unbike Pia Vogel Clara Cassino Ina Lalor Catalina Bunge
16 2 4 4 6
Final picture, all the girls together at La Aguada Ladies Cup
Myriam Heguy Cup
La Aguada Ladies Cup
Mayling Fuchi Donovan Kata Bunge Carolina Dodero Giga Dodero
14 3 6 3 2
PoloLine Lucia Escriña Annabel MacNaught Davis Jane Ingleby Hazel Jackson
12 4 4 0 4
Place: Open Door, Argentina Club: La Aguada Polo Club Date: October 21 - 22, 2010 Level: 16T hcp (Ladies Hdc Argentina) Tournament type: Open
Kawasaki Mumy Bellande María Ottonello María Helena Chavez Jessica Masimiani
16 7 4 2 3
Salvatore Ferragamo Ginevra Visconti Stephanie Haverhals Camila Rossi Sophie Taylor
14 0 4 5 5
Winner: Bearing Capital Polo Team MVP: Clara Cassino (Unbike)
Pestelli Eva Bruhl Isabel García Pochelu Malena Colombo Cecilia Rosa
15 6 5 2 2
Escorihuela Gascón Alexandra Kingsley Annabel MacNaught Davis Dolores Bunge Mariana Gaztambide
15 2 4 5 4
Myriam Heguy Cup Place: Open Door, Argentina Club: La Aguada Polo Club Date: October 21 - 22, 2010 Level: 8T-16T hcp (Ladies Hdc Argentina) Tournament type: Open Winner: Mayling Polo Team MVP: Lucila Escriña (PoloLine)
The final between Bearing Capital and Unibike was very close, with Bearing Capital winning by one goal in an extra chukka. The handicap final between Pestelli (with three British players) and Pilara (Castagnola) was also very close, Pestelli winning by just half a goal.
Miriam Heguy tournament at Pilara 8th to 10th December
The final was postponed from Friday 10th to Tuesday 14th due to heavy rain in the morning – unfortunately this delay caused problems as many people had to turn their horses away, so the final saw Hazel Jackson on green horses and didn’t see Aurora Eastwood at all, who was replaced by Annabel McNaught Davies. Unfortunately the changes didn’t help Pololine, who lost the final to Mayling, 7-5.
This was the first ladies tournament held at Pilara, with six 14 goal teams. Played over two days, teams played a round robin on the first day to try and secure a place in the final. Pololine, again featuring three British players (it should have had four but Alice Gipps broke three vertebrae in her spine three days before) won both their games in their league to meet Mayling in the final, who also won both their matches. PQ international | 95
Argentine Season - Las Hermanas Cup
Ladies in Lobos By Federico Levy. Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.
San Francisco Polo Team with David Wood (HPA)
The pristine fields at El Remanso Polo Club welcomed the Women’s Polo Tournament for the “Copa Las Hermanas 2010” (2010 Sisters Cup). In the final, San Francisco defeated La Espadaña 3-1 to scopp the trophy. San Francisco featured Lucía and Verónica Podestá (who was named MVP of the final) together with Elisa Gómez and Candelaria Fernández Llorente. On the opposite side of the field, the other team, La Espadaña, had Delfina Piccardo, Rosario Balmaceda, Verónica Guerrero and Verónica Magnasco to defend the colours of the most traditional polo club in Lobos.
96 | PQ international
With the spring polo season having come to an end at El Remanso comes the culmination of a stage in which organisational excellence has been displayed at the tournaments at the best polo club in the Lobos area, owned by the Hanbury family. Prior to the final for the Copa Las Hermanas, the Subsidiary Cup final was played in which El Remanso thrashed Longdole 8-1. The winning team played with Milagros Martínez, Zahra Hanbury, Matilda Wood and Tabba Wood; while Longdole was comprised of Alison Clark, Emma Born, Blair Able and Gabriela Benoit.
Las Hermanas Cup Place: Lobos, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: El Remanso Polo Cup Date: December 13, 2010 Winner: San Francisco Polo Team MVP: Vero Podesta (San Francisco)
Vero Podesta
Luli Podestá
Las Hermanas Cup El Remanso Polo Club La Espadaña Vero Guerrero Vero Magnasco Rosario Balmaceda Delfi Piccardo
El Remanso Tilda Woodd Tabba Wood Zahra Hanbury Mili Martinez
San Francisco Luli Podestá Vero Podestá Elisa Gómez Candelaria Fernández Llorente
Longdale Alison Clark Emma Born Blair Able Gabriela Benoit
PQ international | 97
Argentine Clubs - UK Players
British Players in Argentina By Aurora Eastwood the ruta 28 that connects the Panamericana and Accesso Oeste sees a constant stream of polo players vehicles going to and fro to practices, games... and Chapa Bar! From 0 goalers to 8 goalers, PQ marked the chosen locations of the British players who based themselves in the area this season.
From mid September, almost every LHR-EZE flight will usually feature at least one polo player on board, escaping the onset of autumn and heading to the home of the best polo in the world to improve their own polo. And where do the majority go? Those than can, go to clubs based close to Pilar, the undisputed centre of polo during the big season. With literally hundreds of polo fields and thousands of horses,
Pilar
Enigma Malcolm Borwick James Beim Matt Perry
La Varzea Jack Richardson
28
3 7 2
La Quinta Beaufort Mark Tomlinson Luke Tomlinson Tom Morley Aurora Eastwood Billy Jackson-Stops
7 8 6 0 2
La Mariana Nick Pepper Yanni Zographos
2 0
La Alex andra Kat Thomas
0
Centauros Max Charlton
3
3
alo
nz
Go a Ro ira no Ta
Chapa Uno Antony Fanshawe
4
d
28
General Rodriguez 98 | PQ international
PQ international | 99
Argentine News 2011 - Nachi Heguy
Ellerstina´s fourth man for the Triple Crown in 2011 By Aurora Eastwood. Photos by Melito Cerezo.
Nachi Heguy is to be the fourth member of Ellerstina’s new line up for 2011 – and the only non-Pieres of the team. Aurora spoke to Nachi about his departure from his family team after 16 years, and what the move means to him and his brothers. How many years have you played with Chapa 2? Since 1994 – we reached the final with Piki Diaz Alberdi, and lost to Ellerstina. Since then I only missed one year, 2003, when I broke my leg snowboarding. How many times have you won the Open? We won the Open four times – 1994, 1999, 2000 and 2004. How did the opportunity with Ellerstina come about? They called me in August, saying they wanted to incorporate Nico into the team, and would I be interested in joining. 100 | PQ international
Was it a difficult decision? Obviously I am sad to leave after 16 years. My brothers are happy for me though, it’s a great opportunity to join the team with the best organisation in the world - of course there are two sides – a great opportunity vs leaving the family team. Who could turn down the opportunity to play with Facundo – who is if not THE best in the world now, is certainly number two. We will see after the Open who is number one... Do you know what Chapa 2 will do next year? They don’t know what the lineup will be yet, they are looking for players at the moment. There will be a
lot of changes next year, in polo you just never know, there are so many rumours.. How do you think Ellerstina will perform with you in the team? That’s a big question! They have the best of everything – the best fields, the best horses – of course it will take some time as it is a new team, plus Gonzalito and Facundo have been playing together for a long time so I will feel very much like the new kid in town. What is your situation with regards horses? We haven’t really spoken about that much, I will play some of my own and for sure they will lend me some. I will go and try a few in the new year and work out which suit me best. Jijiji I will definitely keep playing, she’s my best pony. I bought her from a guy who works for Marcos in La Pampa a few years ago. She is 10 now and still the best.
Ignacio Heguy Nickname: Nachi Handicap: 9 (Argentina, United Kingdom and United States) Birthdate: 09/09/1974 Highlights: 2009 - Jockey Club Open 2008 - US Open 2006 - Tortugas Open 2004 - Argentine Open, Jockey Club Open Final 2003 - Argentine Republic Cup Finalist 2002 - Argentine Republic Cup, Tortugas Open, Arg Open Finalist Tournaments won: Argentine Open (4), Tortugas Open (3), Argentine Republic Cup (2), US Open, Camara de Diputados Cup, Prince of Wales Trophy, Jockey Club Open. Teams he played for: El Paraiso, Shawford Park, La Irenita, Indios Chapaleufu II, Les Lions I, Crab Orchard, ERG, La Picaza.
What are your plans for the next year? I’m going to Palm Beach in January to play for Melissa Ganzi with Lolo and Juan Bollini in the 26 goal. I will go to the UK for the season, I am just tying up the details now but it looks like I will play the Queens Cup and the Gold Cup but with different teams. After the UK season I will be back here to start preparing for the Triple Crown. PQ international | 101
Interview
Nick Pepper The Hampshire based player spoke to Aurora Eastwood at La Mariana Polo Club during his stay in Argentina, he had come to Argentina with the help of the HPA bursaries.
PQ aims to highlight up and coming young players in each issue. This time the focus was on British players playing in Argentina so Aurora Eastwood interviewed Nick Pepper and Jack Richardson, both talented players who have taken the plunge and spent the season in the midst of the best polo there is.
102 | PQ international
Nick Pepper Handicap: 3 goals Age: 23 years old Club: Cowdray Park Polo Club How/When did you start playing polo? I was eight years old, I was at the Hampshire Hunt pony club camp and they had a little polo demo, I had a go and then went to a rally. We were two hours late as we thought the clocks had gone back when actually they had gone forwards..it wasn’t the best start!
the Presidente (24 goal), the Estimulo (12 goal) and maybe I’ll play something at La Aguada.
How supportive have your family been? Very – ridiculously in every way. My Grandparents bought me my first pony – which I agreed to as long as I didn’t have to do dressage! I keep all my horses at home, my Mum still winters them for me, Dad often drives me to polo and never misses a match. My brother and both my sisters play also.
What do you like about the being here in the big season and about the country? Good polo, it’s a very good place to learn and the weather is fantastic. And Cinndor chocolate milk is just incredible!
When did you decide to turn professional? When I didn’t like being at University. I did a course in building surveying for a year but really didn’t like it – so I left to focus on polo. What’s the highest level of tournament polo you have played? I’ve played 24 goal out in Argentina this season, back in the UK I’ve played some 18 and 15 goal. How did you get the HPA scholarship? I asked David Wood – they considered a proposal that I had put together, then they gave me advice on where to go. I have to write a report and present it to them when I get back.
Has it benefitted you? Yes definitely. Pite has taken an interest in what I’m doing and has been very helpful.
Any dislikes? Not being able to speak Spanish... And everyone seems to smoke alot and not eat..though maybe that’s just the grooms. What are your plans for the 2011 season in the UK? I’ve got a lot of 8 and 12 goal at Cowdray plus all the Victor Lodorum. I’m hoping for some higher level polo of course. And beyond? What are your ambitions? Just to get better, and find a way of making polo a realistic career that I can sensibly live off.
Where have you been playing in Argentina? La Mariana, the Merlos’s place in Pilar. I’ve also played at few practices at Yacare and San Diego – plus PQ international | 103
Interview
Jack Richardson Aurora Eastwood caught up with Jack Richardson who had come to Argentina for the season with the help of HPA bursaries.
How did you start playing polo? Well, Dad (Kim Richardson) had started a polo club (Knepp Castle), so I was born into it. I used to run around in a helmet, with a whip and a hand mallet when I was tiny. At 6 years old I played Jorrocks, on a pony called Nachi – who I named after my hero, Nachi Heguy. We won the tic tac trophy a year later for the best pony/player combination – a year after Nick Pepper won it! How supportive have your family been? Very supportive. My sister comes to all my games if she can, my Dad helps me alot, and my mother is also involved – she runs the farm and the horse side of things. It’s very much a family operation. When did you decide to turn professional? I’ve always wanted to be a professional, but 2010 was my first fully professional season as I had finally left school. How did you get the HPA scholarship? They shortlisted lots of players, then we had interviews and I was lucky enough to get a grant. Where have you been playing in Argentina? La Varzea, owned by Tiago Gallego. I have also been playing a bit at La Indiana and La Vuelta. I’ve played a few tournaments, some internal club ones plus the Estimulo (12 goal) and some 14/16 goal. 104 | PQ international
Has it benefitted you? Yes, playing better polo here has made me think faster –and watching the higher goal players playing the better tournaments is very useful, seeing how they make plays and so on. This year was a bit of an experiment, next year I will be better organised and play higher level tournaments. What do you like about Argentina? Being able to watch the triple crown tournaments is amazing, plus you get to see so many people who have come from all over the world to watch – plus the weather is good and the fields are fantastic. I really like BA also, and all the clubs and fields around PiIar are just insane. Any dislikes? The condition of the roads, the driving is terrible and getting around isn’t that easy... What are your plans for your 2011 season in the UK? I want to get to 4 goals! I’m playing quite a bit of medium goal all around the country with Tom Morley and Richard le Poer, for Simon Arber. And beyond? What are your ambitions? I’d like to get to 8 goals – then I’d be happy. I’d like a really good string of horses, to have a good setup in Argentina and ultimately I’d like to play the Open.
Jack Richardson Handicap: 3 goals Age: 19 years old Club: Cowdray Park Polo Club and Knepp Castle Polo Club
PQ international | 105
Interview - Bautista Heguy
Breeding by Bautista Heguy
Aurora Eastwood visited Chapa Uno Polo Club. Photos by Alice Gipps and Melito Cerezo. With no ponies, there is no polo! The breeding industry is a huge, multimillion dollar industry in Argentina, producing thousands of horses per year. Aurora Eastwood spoke to one of the most passionate breeders in polo, Bautista Heguy, who puts his money where his mouth is and produces world class horses. Still on a quest for perfection, Bauti spoke about the things he has learned over the years and how his methods have changed.
When did you start breeding? When I was eight years old my father gave me a broodmare for my birthday... then I started breeding seriously in the 90’s. What bloodlines did you originally use? I used mares I had played the Open on, and put thoroughbred stallions to them. It was a case of trial and error, using stallions such as Huachito, Latigazo, Early Chief and Ugandez. They were all Argentine thoroughbreds off the track, but the percentages were low. The geldings weren’t any good, and the mares weren’t light enough either – whether this was down to genetics or the way we used to break them in back then, I don’t know.
What bloodlines have you subsequently introduced? Capo Maximo, a champion racehorse who won 14 times on the flat, Ecoracado, who I bought as a yearling, and Perugino, an ex racehorse. What horses have had the biggest influence on your results? Perugino without a doubt. He changed my breed completely. His offspring are all a good type, tough, talented, with good bone and sound. All the typical problems I had encountered in breeding thoroughbreds were no more. How many foals do you breed per year? About 60 – and of these about 30 are embryos and 30 are bred naturally. What is your opinion about cloning horses? I feel that it’s a betrayal to breeding. If people clone horses, they won’t breed any. As I see it, the only
106 | PQ international
reason to clone is if you have an exceptional gelding and you want to realise its genetic potential by bringing it back as a stallion.
never beaten. It has made a huge difference. How talented the horse ends up being is down to how it is broken in.
What is your opinion about playing stallions? I like to play them early on to test their ability, soundness, temperament and so on – to get a feel for them. I don’t play them beyond five years old, as playing a stallion at the top level is hard, they get heavy, their necks get very thick and they aren’t comfortable.
What is the most important factor in bringing on a young horse? Time! Not pushing them too early. In the first year they aren’t schooled at all, I just want them moving nice and calmly. By the second year I like to see them being asked a little more, and by the time they are four years old they will start stick and balling and more serious schooling.
How have your preferred methods of breaking in changed over the years? In the early days it was done the traditional way, with low percentages as I mentioned. The guy I use now is very intelligent, using techniques from New Zealand, Australia and the USA. He is open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. The young horses are ridden in snaffles, I certainly never use the bocado any more, they aren’t frightened at any time, PQ international | 107
At what age do you put your horses into competitive polo? They start playing farm polo when they turn five. A year later they have their first season in Buenos Aires, where they get used to the routine of being stabled as well as playing faster practices. In the third year, at seven years old, they are ready to go – subject to ability of course.
What are your plans for your breeding operation once you retire from professional polo? I will continue as I am, but I will have more time. I have travelled so much over the years that I have been unable to really dedicate myself to it. I will be able to really enjoy what I am doing, improve my organisation, narrow down the mares and stallions that produce the very best foals. Finally, who have been the best horses of your career? There are two. Chapa Tricota, who I am playing right now. She is by Perugino and out of Inga, a throughbred who won best playing pony in the Open in 1992. The other is Chapa Lady, who I played in the Open in 2006/2007. She is by Chapa Clarito and out of Willow, an English thoroughbred I bought from Kim Richardson and who played the Open in ‘96/97.
108 | PQ international
WWW.POLODEDEAUVILLE.COM
POLO DE DEAUVILLE Depuis 1907 DEAUVILLE - 70, RUE DÉSIRÉ LE HOC
PARIS - 102, RUE DE LONGCHAMP
PQ international | 109 MADRID - CALLE SERRANO 7
Argentine Season - Handicap Changes
Lots of surprises Following the meeting of the Board of Directors, led by President Luis Lalor, the Argentine Polo Association announced the handicap changes effective December 2010, after the Argentine season has come to an end.
Pieres, Gonzalo Pieres Jr., Pablo MacDonough, Juan Martin Nero and Marcos Heguy. Other significant drops are those of Bautista Heguy, Eduardo Heguy, Juan Ignacio Merlos and Francisco de Narvaez Jr., all from 9 to 8.
The most important news is the lowering of four ten-goalers, which means that only six players remain on 10. Bartolomé Castagnola, Lucas Monteverde, Miguel Novillo Astrada and Mariano Aguerre have all been lowered from 10 to 9. Therefore, the players who remain as 10-goalers are Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo
Among the top increases; the most important concern Tomás García del Rio, Nicolás Pieres y Pablo Pieres Jr, all from 7 to 8; plus Ignus du Plessis and Salvador Ulloa, from 6 to 7.
Main Raises
Main Decreases
Argentine Handicaps
Argentine Handicaps
Player García del Rio, Tomás Pieres, Nicolás Pieres, Pablo
Nationality Argentina Argentina Argentina
Hdc 7 7 7
New Hdc 8 8 8
South Africa/UK Argentina
6 6
7 7
Bourdieu, Gonzalo Curbelo, Juan Enrique Franco, Tomás Fucci, Gonzalo Negri, Ignacio Jr Toccalino, Manuel Torres Zavaleta, Matiás
Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Bigatti, Alfredo Falabella, Pedro Jr Favilli Siquini, Caio Gutierrez O´Farrell, Pedro Ivanissevich, Guillermo Jr Lorea, Agustín Obregon, Facundo Plaza de Ayala, Manuel Torres, Santiago Von Potobsky, Federico Zubiarre, Ezequiel Irusta, José Crespo, Andrés
Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Du Plessis, Nachi Ulloa Salvador
110 | PQ international
Player Aguerre, Mariano Castagnola, Bartolomé Monteverde, Lucas Novillo Astrada, Miguel
Nationality Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
Hdc 10 10 10 10
New Hdc 9 9 9 9
De Narvaez, Francisco Jr Heguy, Bautista Heguy, Eduardo Merlos, Juan Ignacio
Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
9 9 9 9
8 8 8 8
Donovan, Silvestre Jauretche, Pablo
Argentina Argentina
8 8
7 7
Araya, Santiago Bollini, Juan Castagnola, Facundo Del Carril, Miguel Jr Garros, Silvestre Goti, Tomás Harriot, Sebastián Pieres, Gonzalo Tillous, Ignacio
Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Garrahan, Alejandro
Argentina
7
3
Aguerre, Martín Garros, Nicolás Garros, Ramiro Riglos, Marcos Ruiz Guiñazú, Juan Zabaleta, Agustín Vidou, Martín Diniz Junqueira, José Eduardo Schweitzer, Santiago
Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
WWW.POLODEDEAUVILLE.COM
POLO DE DEAUVILLE Depuis 1907 DEAUVILLE - 70, RUE DÉSIRÉ LE HOC
PARIS - 102, RUE DE LONGCHAMP
PQ international | 111 MADRID - CALLE SERRANO 7
High Goal Pony Review 2010 - Argentine Season
Horse Power PQ international’s Editor, Aurora Eastwood, chose the best two ponies of the Argentine Season.
Name of the Player: Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Name of the Pony: Cuartetera Year of Birth: 2001 Sex: Mare Colour: Dark bay Breed: Adolfo Cambiaso Property of: La Dolfina S.A. Sire: Sportivo Dam: Lambada
112 | PQ international
Awards: Lady Susan Townley Cup Argentine Open Championship 2010 Best registered Polo Argentino Argentine Open Championship 2009 Lady Susan Townley Cup Argentine Open Championship 2009 Nomination x3 Argentine Open Championship 2009 Nomination x1 Hurlingham Open 2008 Nomination x3 Argentine Open Championship 2007 Best registered Polo Argentino Argentine Open Championship 2006
WK 67 025,7= 32/2 :25/' &83 21 612: ² -$18$5<
PQ international | 113
%22. <285 32/2 7,&.(7 12: 21 ::: 32/267025,7= &20
High Goal Pony Review 2010 - Argentine Season
Horse Power PQ internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Editor, Aurora Eastwood, chose the best two ponies of the Argentine Season.
Name of the Player: Gonzalo Pieres Jr Name of the Pony: Grapa Galera Year of Birth: 2001 Sex: Mare Colour: Dark bay Breed: Ellerstina S.A. Property of: Ellerstina S.A. Sire: Rainbow Corner Dam: Magia
114 | PQ international
Awards: Best registered Polo Argentino Hurlingham Open 2010 Nomination x2 Hurlingham Open 2009 Nomination x1 Argentine Open Championship 2009 Nomination x1 Hurlingham Open 2008
Join the elite, become a member
www.pololine.com PQ international | 115
Interview - Beau Skerret
An Australian in Argentina Starting horses the Antipodean way.
P onies are the axis upon which polo revolves . Supremely talented ponies lift a players game, and the bad ones lower it. How good a pony becomes is partly genetic, but mostly environmental – ie, training and handling. This goes some way to explain the “failure” rate of many of the big organisations, as many do not use rational, consistent techniques to “break” horses. The verb “to break”, or “domar” in itself conjures up images of a horse being forced into submission, never a willing partner. There is another way. Not for nothing are ponies produced by Australian and New Zealand organisations coming to the fore. There, horses are “started”, not “broken”. A sympathetic, empathetic approach is used, with vastly improved results. A resolute advocator of this approach, Beau Skerrett is not (yet) a household name. The supremely talented 23 year old Australian is on a meteoric rise and already making his mark in Argentina and the UK, starting young horses for polo with startling results. Growing up on a cattle station in New South Wales, Beau has already led a remarkable life, excelling in several different sports and business ventures before pouring heart and soul into horses and polo. PQ caught up with Beau in the UK and in Pilar, Argentina. When did you get involved with horses? From birth! Before I could even walk, my parents would muster the cattle with me strapped on to their backs in a baby bag. They had a big farm, raising cattle, thoroughbreds and polo ponies. What did your childhood consist of? Life off the station? 116 | PQ international
Aside from the horses, I was very sporty – I played Rugby Union, Cricket, Soccer, Tennis and Rowing – I held the number one ranking in schools rowing. I actually wanted to be a pro bull rider when I grew up, at the time I thought polo was a bit “soft”! Why did you turn to polo? I’d been around polo my whole life as my father was a pretty good player (John Skerrett, ex 5 goals) and had played with Sinclair Hill, as well as running the King of Malaysia’s equine operation, so polo was already part of my life, but I didn’t play. In 2006 I was working as a personal trainer and already owned a couple of my own gyms in Brisbane, when a friend of mine, a patron called Andrew Northcott, invited me down to have a go. That was it, I was hooked from the first day! Within 6 months I’d sold both my gyms and was involved in polo full time. Why the interest in starting horses? Well, I’d been surrounded by horses my whole life, even helping the Jackaroos back young horses when I was eight years old. I also wanted to emulate my father, he was one of the most respected trainers at the time. Who are your influences? I really owe a lot to Ross and Kel Ainsley, they really moulded me into what I am today. I spent the 2008/2009 season with them in New Zealand - they helped me so much and pointed me in the right direction.
What is the connection with Argentina? I went back to Australia after working in New Zealand and started working for Ginger Hunt, playing his 5 year olds near Sydney. I didn’t feel I was really progressing, whereupon Ginger sent me to Argentina to literally “suck it and see”. I went over in November 2009, and bumped into Ale Muzzio, who I’d met a few years back when he came and played for Ronnie Wanless. I was still a personal trainer at the time and was keeping Ronnie’s team fit, and Ale and I had become friends. He invited me to spend Christmas with him, and on the way to Mar del Plata we were chatting about horses, he mentioned that he was struggling to produce horses correctly through lack of good “breakers”, and that he wished he had someone to start them the Australian/NZ way. I suggested that he give me one to start while I was there – he gave me a colt, and within 10 rides I had him changing leg and stick and balling. On the strength of that one colt Ale asked me to take over and run his whole young horse operation. We are now partners with a serious plan in place to produce world class horses.
[
Ale Muzzio is one of Argentina’s most talented young players, playing off 8 goals with successful seasons in Europe, Australia and Argentina. His aim is to play the Argentine Open and he recognises that it is all about the horses – and the need to produce carefully and slowly – hence the partnership with Beau.
What brought you to the UK last season? I met Niall Donnelly in Pilar, and he said he needed someone to play his four year olds as he had so much polo. So I went for the first time. How many horses did you start last summer in the UK? I started about 25, plus retrained about eight older ones that had issues. I also worked with six eventers that also had issues. What is your approach to starting horses? It’s very simple really. I keep sessions short, I’m very patient and I can read what the horse is telling me. I can understand what the horse is feeling and thinking and therefore it’s easy for me to keep them relaxed and concentrating. If the horse trusts you, it’s amazing how much more it will do for you. Once the horse is ready to go back to its owner I give them a ridden demonstration so they know exactly what to work on. What are your plans for the next year? I will be in Argentina until the end of March to back horses, plus an ex 10 goaler also wants me to start some young ones for him, and then I will go back to the UK ready for the start of the season to prepare Ale’s string and back some horses for selected clients. I will also be selling my playing string and my youngsters in order to go back to Argentina to concentrate on working on Ale’s young horses. And your future plans? I’d like to get to 5 goals, and I want to be making and selling the best horses in the world. I also want to help Ale get to 10 goals!
To get in touch with Beau about starting young horses in the UK or Argentina email him on: beauskerrett@hotmail.com PQ international | 117
Preview 2011 - St Moritz
The Best Snow Polo 2011 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow presents forward-looking novelties. The St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is famous for its vibrant and unique combination of professional sport, the sparkling atmosphere of mundane St. Moritz and the breathtaking panorama provided by the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrounding mountains. A fact well known by the world cupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizers, St. Moritz Polo AG, one of the leading expert companies in equestrianism. Since they took matters in their hands in 1999, they successfully tried to improve the tournament in every possible way.
118 | PQ international
Forward-looking concept for infrastructure and sustainability Aware of the natural beauty of the Engadin, St. Moritz Polo AG decided to make an ecological approach to hosting polo tournaments one of their top priorities. The decision was made with providence: The winter polo tournament in St. Moritz owes much of its popularity to its charming high-alpine setting. A unique atmosphere prevails on the frozen lake when the four teams meet on ice and snow, unequalled by
any other competition. Accordingly, the fate of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is intimately bound up with the local climatic conditions. It is therefore safe to say that locating a polo tournament with dozens of horses, extensive staff and a fully occupied tribune on a frozen lake and under changing climatic conditions helped sensitizing St. Moritz Polo AG for the importance of finding environmentally friendly, sustainable solutions for the glamorous event. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament was therefore the first one to be partially provided with solar energy. This year, Tritec, a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems, will provide special lamps on the surface of the lake, illuminating the paths with energy gained 100 percent from daylight. St. Moritz Polo AG is determined to continue its efforts for a completely climate friendly tournament in the near future.
[
Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament was therefore the first one to be partially provided with solar energy. This year, Tritec, a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems, will provide special lamps on the surface of the lake, illuminating the paths with energy gained 100 percent from daylight.
PQ international | 119
“
New standards of equine welfare
“We want to concentrate more on polo as a sport,”
“
explains St. Moritz Polo
AG’s Bernhard Poellinger.
Another top priority is equine welfare. In September 2008, a new animal welfare act came into force in Switzerland with three central points: Horses must have social contact (see, hear and smell other horses) and be able to move freely (no chaining, minimum horsebox sizes), and the holder of the horse must meet certain training requirements. These specifications were taken into account by St. Moritz Polo AG back when it purchased new boxes to accommodate the polo ponies in the Engadin. The boxes are
St Moritz World Cup on Snow Teams 2011 France Francois Le Barazer FRA Oscar Mancini ARG Oli Hipwood GBR Nacho Gonzalez ARG
16 0 4 6 6
17 Germany Thomas Wolfensberger GER/SUI 1 3 Manuel Cereceda ARG 7 Pablo Jauretche ARG 6 Gonzalo Bourdieu ARG 120 | PQ international
Great Britain Vivek Rawal GBR Jonny Good GBR Chris Hyde GBR Tarquin Southwell GBR
15 0 5 6 4
15 Switzerland 0 Philipp Maeder SUI 6 Federico Bachmann ARG Bautista Ortiz de Urbina ARG 5 4 Augustin Martinez ARG
considerably larger than mobile stalls known in the past – and thanks to an ingenious double-roof system are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, both in winter and in summer.
Patrons competing for their countries of origin But the most recent innovation will be the teams for next year’s tournament, which will take place from 27 to 30 January 2011. Unlike previous editions, where teams sponsored by international luxury brands such as Cartier, Maserati, Bank Julius Baer and Brioni challenged each other, in 2011 patrons will represent their countries of origin instead as they compete for victory. “We want to concentrate more on polo as a sport,” explains St. Moritz Polo AG’s Bernhard Poellinger. “It adds to the excitement if two nations play each other in each match. Here in St. Moritz, we welcome participants from all over the world. So we hope this reorientation will bring us long-term success. Exciting matches, in turn, offer an attractive platform for sponsors.” A Swiss team is already definitely competing. Given the global recognition the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow has earned for itself in a quarter century of high-goal polo, one can count on ambitious competitors from all over the world, eagerly tackling the challenge of playing on snow.
[
Unlike previous editions, where teams sponsored by international luxury brands such as Cartier, Maserati, Bank Julius Baer and Brioni challenged each other, in 2011 patrons will represent their countries of origin instead as they compete for victory.
PQ international | 121
Cloning - Crestview Genetics
Crestview Genetics revolutionizes Polo
The much-anticipated era of reliable equine cloning has arrived in the world of polo; this quantum leap in the application of state of the art genetic science promises to change the game of polo for posterity. Until now, polo enthusiasts desiring new ponies with championship potential have had to rely on traditional breeding and embryo implantation technologies, the success rate of which, in terms of producing champions, has been consistently in the neighborhood of two percent. Now, with the advent of Crestview Genetics’ use of superior cloning technology, exact genetic duplicates (EGDs) of legendary, tournamentwinning champions promise to make the propagation
122 | PQ international
of winners much less of a gamble. Additionally, after weaning, each pony is trained using the same training protocol and by the same trainers who worked with each original championship mount. This aspect of the Crestview Genetics program further reduces the conjecture surrounding each EGD’s ability to perform like its forbear. Chief among the aficionados of Crestview Genetics’ state-of-the-art cloning technology is legendary Argentine champion Adolfo Cambiaso, who, on seeing the first Crestview Genetics clones in Argentina, exclaimed, “They’re perfect!” Crestview Genetics chairman Alan Meeker reports that two EGDs of Cuartetera and three EGDs of Lapa are now alive and well in Argentina, with many more of these two on the way, along with EGDs of other champions currently in-utero. Although many of these horses have already been purchased, one Cuartetera may be available for sale very soon. Following established Crestview Genetics standards, the remaining ponies are being trained by the trainers who worked with the original champions in accordance with the same protocols that generated these winners. Simultaneously, in Aiken, South Carolina, Crestview Genetics personnel and former tengoal player and Polo Hall of Fame member Owen Rinehart are training ten EGDs of Raptor. Additionally, seven Small Person EGDs are on the ground and will
Lapa and Cuartetera clones growing up
soon be on their way to Argentina. Currently, there is no officially sanctioned protocol for transporting equine tissue for cloning to the United States. Additionally, the Argentine tariff for importing cloned horses is prohibitively high – in excess of fifty percent of each animal’s value. For the foregoing reasons, Crestview Genetics has taken the decision to establish a cloning lab in Argentina. The facility will open likely in the first quarter of 2011, and, besides being available for equine cloning, the lab also intends to provide services for the cloning of beef cattle and other farm animals as the need arises. Crestview Genetics’ Argentine lab already counts several eight to ten-handicap players on its list of clients who are ready to duplicate their most prized champions. Although the world of polo presents one of the most interesting and compelling opportunities for Crestview Genetics, the company is pursuing several significant initiatives that involve other domesticated livestock. Crestview Genetics and its partner companies are currently employing this revolutionary technology to improve humanity’s food supply on a global scale. In China, Crestview Genetics is working with authorities to increase the milk yield of the nation’s fifteen million-head dairy herd. Also in China, the company is working with its partners to create a best-ofbreed English beef cattle herd. Crestview Genetics and its partner companies are now pursuing similar
opportunities in Pakistan and Turkey, and they are evaluating yet another large-scale effort in Tanzania. With its high-profile equine cloning work in the field of high-goal international polo, and its largescale initiatives to improve the global food supply through the judicious and targeted application of its state-of-the-art mammal cloning technology and expertise, Crestview Genetics and its affiliated international partners are bringing higher quality and greater abundance to growing agri-business marketplaces throughout the world. In sum, Crestview Genetics is a game changer – both in polo and worldwide agri-business.
PQ international | 123
Interview - AA2000 Vip Club
The Pleasure of Flying PQ international interviewed Juan Medo, Business Manager at Aeropuertos VIP Club, the only service that offers everything VIP passengers need.
Airports are very busy places and thousands of people pass through them day after day while waiting for their flight. In the month of August 2007, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 created a VIP lounge system enabling passengers to travel more comfortably while speeding up their security procedures and, thus, Aeropuertos Vip Club came into being.
“The idea of providing a premium service at airports has always been in our plans. Based on the latter, we inaugurated Aeropuertos Vip Club, a VIP lounge service whereby we offer customers the possibility of saving time when carrying out procedures and feeling comfortable prior to flight departure and after landing. Once passengers have completed their check-in, they will go to the VIP lounge where immigration and security procedures are sped up” Juan Medo. This exclusive system came into being in August 2007 when the first VIP lounge was inaugurated at the Ezeiza International Airport. As a result of the positive response from customers, in November 2008 the company decided to incorporate VIP lounges at airports in Córdoba, Bariloche and Aeroparque, Buenos Aires.
124 | PQ international
At first, the company focused on announcing its assistance offering membership to special customers. Undoubtedly, they have made no mistake in their strategy because everyone who has had the possibility of getting his/her passport stamped in only a few minutes and being able to enjoy various services while waiting until the moment comes to board the plane, has decided to get an annual membership to become part of Aeropuertos Vip Club. “There are two types of membership” mentions Juan Medo, “Personal membership allows for only
“
“Polo is a sport practiced worldwide. Patrons, polo players and fans spend a lot of time at airports and that is where Aeropuertos Vip Club has found its place. Our relationship with polo also comes as a result of the fact that Aeropuertos
“
“We are planning to inaugurate more VIP lounges in Mendoza, Neuquén and San Fernando in the future. The idea is to deliver our service to more destinations in order to offer our passengers the greatest comfort” said Juan Medo.
Argentina 2000 is highly related to this
sport where we have found a wonderful sphere.” as Juan Medo explains.
PQ international | 125
one holder with unlimited assistance and the possibility of travelling accompanied by two other passengers free of charge. These memberships are valid for one year. There are also corporate memberships which consist of an impersonal pass package generally acquired by companies for personal trips, gifts for clients or simply to be used by their directors”.
Aeropuertos VIP Club’s connection with Polo Polo is the sport of kings. Seasons are played in different parts of the world. Juan Medo explains the relationship between said service and this wonderful sport: “Polo is a sport practiced worldwide. Patrons, polo players and fans spend a lot of time at airports and that is where Aeropuertos Vip Club has found its place. Our relationship with polo also comes as a result of the fact that Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 is highly related to this sport where we have found a wonderful sphere.”
126 | PQ international
Without a doubt Aeropuertos Vip Club was a brilliant idea; a place where passengers can feel comfortable while speeding up procedures shortly before boarding the plane and enjoying a relaxed and top-level environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At present, our goal is to continue to improve our level and acquire more VIP lounges at airports to improve the service we offer passengers who are already customers of ours and to obtain new onesâ&#x20AC;? says Juan Medo. We can now understand, without a doubt, why it is a real pleasure to travel.
PQ international | 127
Obituary
Charles Duncan Stisted 1963 - 2010
Iain Forbes-Cockell pays tribute to Charlie Stisted.
Guards Polo Club’s Chief Executive died in a helicopter crash alongside Ian Wooldridge and their pilot, Anthony Joseph Smith, on 23 October 2010. It is impossible to put into words the shock that resounded through the polo community as they heard this sad and distressing news.
128 | PQ international
Charles Duncan Stisted was educated at Fettes. He joined the Army in September 1982 before entering Sandhurst in 1983. He then served seven years as a Scots Guards Officer, and saw service in Belize, Cyprus and various home stations. In addition, he was equerry to the HM Commissioners of the General Assembly to the Church of Scotland. He became a member of The Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers), a role he still held at the time of his death. Charles Stisted was first associated with the Polo Club in 1989, at the age of 26 when he was brought in by his fellow Scots Guardsman Colonel Julian Lancaster, the Club’s senior Vice Chairman, to run Cartier International Day. This appointment had been prompted by Charlie’s exemplary organisation of the celebrations surrounding the presentation of new Colours to the Second Battalion Scots Guards at Hopetoun House in that year.
Charlie then spent the next four years as an innovative events manager (1990 – 1994) before being appointed Club Secretary in 1995. Charlie continued to maintain close links with Cartier and in particular, Arnaud Bamberger, the executive chairman of Cartier UK, who paid tribute to Charlie saying “Charlie was keen to do well, not only for his club but for Cartier too. You could tell how proud he was to be the host of Cartier International Day and his vision was to push and further develop the event, making it bigger and stronger every year.” It was during this time that he started to develop programmes to create worldwide licences and trademarks for the sale of merchandise bearing the Club’s trademarks. He also negotiated firstly for Roxtons, then La Martina, to provide a Club polo shop. This first opened in 1999 at Smith’s Lawn, the area of Windsor Great Park which is home to Guards Polo Club. In 1999-2000, Charles oversaw The Guards Polo
Charlie with Colonel Paul Belcher
Charlie was keen to do well, not only for his club but for Cartier too.
PQ international | 129
Charlie with HM The Queen in 2009
Charlie oversaw the refurbishment of The Royal Box and the creation of an iconic new Clubhouse, which was opened by HM The Queen in 2009.
130 | PQ international
Club’s conversion from military control to a civilian administration programme. At this time he was appointed the Club’s Chief Executive – a role he retained until his untimely death on 23 October 2010. Early in his tenure as Chief Executive, a potential major problem occurred as Foot and Mouth disease forced a ban on polo at the club in 2001. However, aware that there was increased use of private grounds, many of which were of a very high quality, Charlie encouraged the board to use this period to rebuild the club’s two main grounds. Once the club’s finances had recovered, Charlie oversaw the refurbishment of The Royal Box and the creation of an iconic new Clubhouse, which was opened by HM The Queen in 2009. In addition, Charles’s consistent leadership enabled the Club, and Cartier, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cartier International Day in 2009. During the current season (2010) the Club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its premier tournament – The Queen’s Cup – with a dinner attended by the Club’s President HRH Prince Philip. Charlie encouraged, expected and achieved very high standards in a wide variety of events at the club. He was proud of Guards Polo Club’s reputation and worked hard to maintain its status as the number one club in Europe. He also encouraged the sports’ roots by developing the Jack Wills Varsity Polo day and a number of special events, such as the Ivan the
Terrible Twilight Polo Challenge, the Gulf Co-operation Council Day and the Jaipur Trophy Day, which he felt reflected polo’s truly global reach. In addition to polo events at Guards Polo Club, Charlie was instrumental in the creation of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge event at Ali Albwardy’s Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai, historically attended by HRH Princess Haya. This is the number one invitation in this emirate and will be celebrating its sixth anniversary in 2011. Charles was also the tournament director for the St Moritz World Polo on Snow Championships, held in the Swiss resort every January. Many of the people who had dealings with Charlie remarked that he was always generous with his time and listened attentively to proposals. He had the ability of assessing situations accurately and rapidly and you could be sure of a quick response. Colonel Paul Belcher, Chairman of Guards Polo Club said of Charlie “He was probably the best loved and best known executive in British polo and his death was a huge shock. Charlie was synonymous with energy and a determination to succeed. His magnetic personality, kindness and popularity made him many friends, both at home and overseas. The feeling amongst his team was that we were privileged to work with such a charismatic character.” Charles is survived by his wife Melissa and their two children, Freddie and Allegra and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
Charlie with Patrick Guerrand-Hermès
Charlie was synonymous with energy and a determination to succeed.
PQ international | 131
Obituary
Ian James Wooldridge 1957 - 2010
A long standing friend of the Wooldridge family, John Horswell pays tribute to Ian Wooldridge.
Ian always worked incredibly hard to ensure success, no matter what he was doing.
132 | PQ international
Ian James Wooldridge was born in 1957, the middle child of Brian and Betty, brother to Julie and Graham and later to Charlotte. Their background in farming was the launch pad for what became a very successful and well regarded business, with Ian as a very charismatic and dynamic figure at the helm. The family has always been an incredibly close unit and remained the same right up until Ian was tragically taken from them last month. They were a group of individuals that always worked together, who, with the redevelopment of Twelve Oaks and the families living on the same property also spent much of their recreation time together. It is this close-knit support that will surely help not only them but also Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife of eleven years Thandi and his sons Charlie and Rhett, to overcome their tragic and premature loss. When I first met Ian and Graham towards the end of the seventies, they were involved in agricultural contracting. As a friend with similar interests, I had a ringside seat and watched Ian drive Team Wooldridge into developing the Wooldridge Group that we know today. The business has developed and evolved not
by luck but through the vision, drive and determination of an extraordinary man. Ian always worked incredibly hard to ensure success, no matter what he was doing. Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in polo began in his twenties and this interest not only endured but became a prominent feature of his business life. He developed Twelve Oaks, his own polo farm, which is widely regarded as one of the premier polo properties in Europe. He was instrumental, in conjunction with Charlie Stisted, in having the vision for the redevelopment of Flemish Farm and his affection for Guards Polo Club saw him become not only a well respected playing member of the club, but also become the instigator for Harcourt Developmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sponsorship of The Queens Cup. Ian was a great contributor to and supporter of the polo fraternity and his presence will be sorely missed. Ian was an enthusiast with a ready smile and the ability to laugh at jokes as if they were the funniest thing he had ever heard and at the same time make the teller believe that too. He was a hugely charismatic individual. He was truly a lover of life and
Ian with HM The Queen in 2009
He was truly a lover of life and passionate about enjoying it.
PQ international | 133
134 | PQ international
passionate about enjoying it. He had his first Ferrari at the age of twenty-one, took up polo not long afterwards, and had his helicopter pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license at thirty. Ian and Thandi travelled widely, this and his love of all sports, always ensured a healthy work life balance. Unlike some who travel paths similar to his, he was also generous to a fault. You would have to work very hard to buy him a drink or to pay your way if you were ever out and about with him. Ian was also a remarkably charitable man and very conscious that his was, indeed, a good life. It was only last year that Ian and Thandi agreed to become Patrons of the Children with Special Needs Charity, a charity which that they had supported since its inception. He was also a generous contributor to many other local charities and sponsored events. Above all else, Ian was a family man. His brother and sisters meant the world to him and their closeness and love and support of each other was something to be marvelled at over the years. Ian monitored his son Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress in polo and hated to miss a match that he played and seldom did. Fortunately, Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm for the game also drew Ian back into playing more regularly himself, he enjoyed the sport but especially when he was playing with his son. Ian and Thandi were together for fifteen years and it was a relationship that was spirited and fun. They were a prominent and popular feature on the social scene, rarely without each other and happy
Ian talking with HRH Duke of Edinburgh
He was instrumental, in conjunction with Charlie Stisted, in having the vision for the redevelopment of Flemish Farm. that way. Ian showed real love and devotion towards her and their son Rhett, and it is so sad that he will not get to know the man we all did. It will be our job to remember him, and to remind Rhett of who his father was and what he stood for in the years to come.
PQ international | 135
Lifestyle - Handbags
Bags for all occasions Designed and made in Argentina.
The Weekend bag is a classic design. ideal for a weekend get away, each hide (pattern) is unique to the bag. The Ancho Bag is a big, voluminous handbag with hand braded handles. The junior Bag has the Ancho Bag's same design but smaller, a more standard size. The Ani bag is a perfect size, everyday bag with tassles. The Maxi Envelope is a big, chic clutch bag. The Picnic Bag is a fun handbag made with patchwork of diferent leathers. Each cow hide is different which makes each bag one of a kind.
136 | PQ international
ancho pelos bag
weekend bag
Catalinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey into fashion began in 2001. After completing a fashion degree in Buenos Aires she started working for Martin Churba. From there she was inspired to create her own clothing line, Miahziga. Even though she really enjoyed creating a fashion label, with time she found her real passion was in creating accessories, specifically handbags. She followed her heart and here she is today! Cata sources all of the materials locally here in Argentina and hand picks each piece personally to suit the design in her mind.
picnic bag
junior bag
The unique experience in owning one of the bags lies in the natural original print of the cowhide, which ultimately guarantees the individuality of your bag. The aim is to keep the designs simple and elegant, so that the individual pattern on the hide brings a new and original aesthetic to each bag. The quality of the leather and how it is produced is a high priority. Cata wants to ensure that you have a bag that will last and build character over time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope you like my designs and get as much joy and happiness out of having one of my bags as I did creating themâ&#x20AC;? Catalina Zavaleta.
antiflecos bag
www.catazavaleta.com
PQ international | 137
Lifestyle - Car Review
BMW 530D By Aurora Eastwood.
Beauty has since time immemorial been in the eye of the beholder, fluctuating and changing with time and trends. Beauty in women for example – over the centuries what was considered ideal has changed back and forth from buxom to slim, pale to tanned, scantily clad to fully robed and back again. Beauty in design too is subjective – particularly in architecture – there have been a couple of blips in recent times – certainly most of the post 1940’s design left much to be desired in terms of aesthetics – bland facades and expanses of concrete whilst cutting edge then, have not stood the test of time. Elegance however is eternal. Elegance is beauty with class and is therefore timeless. Georgian architecture, Jackie Onassis, the thoroughbred horse, Stubbs, the Jaguar E type, Concorde, Rivas motor cruisers that have had the same design for over 100 years, beautiful and desired to this day. All examples 138 | PQ international
of elegant beauty that has endured, everlasting, beyond reproach. For successful design, said elegance is key and the new BMW 5 series is a triumph. Gentle, sweeping lines from the beautiful scalloped bonnet to the soft lines of the boot. The car flows even when it isn’t moving, every panel and detail blending together like silk. The interior has nuances that give it the feel of an expensive yacht – subtle touches such as dark wood panelling, soft, expensive leather for the seats, and a gearstick so ergonomic and tactile that all you want to do is hold it. Unsurprisingly the car is brimming with technology, but discreetly. Cameras positioned all around provide a bird’s eye view on the screen 360 degrees around the car, automatically switching on when reverse is selected. The dashboard is display is digital, but soft matt instead of bright and shiny, adding to the
ambience of refinement and quality the car already has. A gauge under the speedometer shows when the car is regenerating energy from braking and conversely when a heavy right foot is causing less than efficient fuel consumption. The icing on the cake is the Head-Up display, which although is no longer new technology, still makes the driver feel like the pilot of an Apache helicopter... Practically, this car is easy to live with. Five adults will sit in comfort, front or back, the boot is huge and will accommodate polo sticks, kit bags, golf clubs or Luis Vuitton luggage – whatever lifestyle choice the driver has made. To drive, it is a delight. It is fast (0-100kph/62mph in 6.4 seconds, top speed of 155mph/250kmh )but whisper quiet – diesel engines have come a long way in the last few years. There is plenty of power all the way through the (eight if you choose the tiptronic
auto) gears but without being silly about it – to the extent that you simply don’t notice how fast you are going until you realise everyone else seems to be going slower... It has an active chassis, with settings from Comfort to Sport Plus, subtle differences that alter the suspension and steering response – Sport Plus also switches off the traction control, and the result, if you want to have a bit of fun, will put a smile on your face – this beautifully refined car has a naughty side! The coup de grace..it’s incredibly frugal for a car of its size, and with the best emissions ratings in its class, you can be stylish and conscientious at the same time. Perfect.
From $99,000 USD in Argentina/£40,400 Sterling in the UK
PQ international | 139
Lifestyle - Art in Polo
Eugenia Laprida Fresh new talent in polo art
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The polo world was the environment where I grew up, I thought of the challenge and felt the need to join this sport and everything that goes with it, to my studies and passion for art. I wanted to break with the pre established styles, to contribute to art through/ with polo. It is time to stop making paintings that can sell, or for specific polo players or patrons, I want to represent polo in the art world, paint the present and future of this sport. If we take a look throughout history, one of the points where these parallels collide was when Andy Warhol, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, produced and exhibited 100 polo screen prints in1985. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation of polo players and the ones to come in the future, such as Adolfo cambiaso, the Pieres brothers, Nacho Figueras with Ralph Lauren, among others, are changing the sport on and off the 140 | PQ international
field, and with these changes, art in this field has to take a step foward as well. In my recent work I revert away from the competitive side of the sport, the speed, the players and horses with names and context, rather, my intention is to focus on representing and transmitting whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beyond the match, other factors that determine the sport, and how these factors have taken it to becoming a lifestyle. Polo has grown incredibly the last few decades, brands have seen the potential market in this world and use it as a sales tool because of its glamour, luxury, status and exclusivity. Polo paintings throughout history in paralell with art, have never changed or evolved, they are the same as they were 50 years ago, decorative paintings. They dont change the standard imagery, only
the technique, so that it is still understandable and in polo people’s interest. I sustain that we shouldnt underestimate them, polo paintings that say something, critise or tell us a story, would be apreciated by many and also reach a different variety of spectators. In the series “Into the gold” my objective was to create moments, freeze, immortalise and submerge them into an inmense golden space. No distractions, just the figures and the open, the infinite. Characters that wait, that observe, that contemplate a scene which we have the freedom to imagine. Every moment in polo is important, the strategy talk in between chukkas, the grooms, friends and family waiting, following the game from the outside; the preparation of elements of use, fresh air, nature… lifestyle. Large scale canvases were needed to communicate the proportion of the space required for this sport. The landscape, the context, the country, are PQ international | 141
not important, I just want to keep the essence of the atmosphere. The idea of nature as overwhelming, beautiful, magnificent, enormous, powerful and intense that we could appreciate in paintings of Romanticism movement is the way I chose to describe the greatness of landscapes where polo takes place. This is what the Gold in this series represents. I chose this element because it also represents immortality, is tímeless, exclusive and luxurious, as the sport itself”. 2009/2010 has been the beginning of a new stage in my career, where I make a commitment to polo and dedication to do what hasn’t been done, to take chances, to critisise, valídate and begin 2010/2011. www.eugenialapridapolo.com
142 | PQ international
Quality ponies for sale, from young stock to playing ponies.
Ponies Sold
Guaraso
Milly
Argentine gelding by Dandy Constancio.
Retrained English Thorougbred ex racehorse.
SOLD in 2010 and played the Duke of Wellington final,
SOLD in 2010 and played the Queen´s Cup,
the Gold Cup for the Bristish Open and the Warwickshire Cup.
the Gold Cup for the British Open and the Warwickshire Cup.
Stallions for 2011
Kalankari
15.3hh Irish TB Broke course record at Kempton Park. Timeform rating of 103. Superb athleticism and incredible temperament. £450 NFFR
Dandy Constancio
15 hh Argentine TB Registered Polo Argentino Offspring proven at all levels up to high goal. Sisters played the Argentine Open. £600 NFFR
For full information visit www.eastwoodstud.com | Natural covering or AI
Tel: 07970 697 593 aurora.eastwood@btinternet.com
PQ international | 143
The Old Stables, South Wonston Farm, South Wonston, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 3HL
Polo Party - Black & White
Black and White Party The second running of the Black and White party was tremendous â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone who was anyone was there, enjoying the stunning vaulted building that was the setting for the dinner, surrounded by narrow mock Parisian streets, which, filled with partygoers and champagne, made for a fantastic atmosphere. Half way through dinner the WPT awards were presented by Sebastian Amaya and Javier Herrera, with Cambiaso deservedly winning the trophy for best Professional Player and Victor Vargas best amateur. Hours of dancing and much raucous behaviour followed the dinner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but those stories are for another kind of magazine!
1
3
144 | PQ international
2
4
5
6
1. Mr. Gustavo Raitzin, CEO of Julius Baer for Latin America, Spain, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and Israel with Father Santiago Rostom Maderna, Director of the Movimiento Cristiano del Polo 2. Front door of La Rural, Palacio Frers 3. A view of the packed room 4. Sebastian Amaya and Javier Herrera, Directors of WPT giving Best Player of the Year Award 5. Best Amateur of the Year (WPT) was Victor Vargas and it was received on his behalf by Miguel Novillo Astrada 6. Adolfo Cambiaso, wife MarĂa Vazquez, Camilo Bautista and wife Rocio received a special prize
PQ international | 145
1
2 3
4
146 | PQ international
1. Music Show
5
2. Pepe Heguy 3. Bautista Heguy and Hilario Ulloaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlfriend Clarita 4. Party train 5. Magoo Laprida and girlfriend 6. Gonzalo Pieres Jr and friends 7. Nico Pieres and girlfriend Angie 8. All girls on the scenery.
6
7
8
PQ international | 147
1
2
3
4
148 | PQ international
1. Miguel Novillo Astrada with wife Marina and friend
5
2. María Vazquez de Cambiaso 3. Luis and Maria Lia Garrahan 4. Maria Bensadon and husband Pablo Carranza 5. María Inés Castro, Javier Herrera and wife Agustina Fonda 6. Julius Baer representatives: Santiago Abdala, Flavio Kreplak, Gustavo Raitzin and Jorge Araujo. 7. The Heguy family
6
7
PQ international | 149
1
Jaeger-LeCoultre Party
The Jaeger Le Coultre party took place on Tuesday 3rd December at Tattersalls in the Jockey Club at Palermo. Jeager’s brand ambassadors were present – Adolfo Cambiaso, Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Clare Milford Haven and Lia Salvo, together with other high profile players and important figures in polo. The event raised $21,800 for the charity Ideas del Sur, which seeks to provide healthcare for disabled and deprived children. The party continued after the presentation of the cheque – rather unfortunately the black and white party had started so many guests left straight away. Hopefully next year the organisers will deconflict the dates.
2
4
150 | PQ international
3
5 6
7
8
1. Jaeger-LeCoultre reception 2. Nicolas Colquhuom-Denvers and wife Annie 3. Fred Coleridge-Cole, Clare Milford-Haven and son Harry Wentworth-Stanley 4. Alberto Heguy and wife Paula Uranga with Sebastiรกn Merlos and wife 5. David Stirling Jr with wife 6. Lia Salvo and Francesca del Balzo 7. Adolfo Cambiaso in an interview round of journalist 8. Gabriel Iglesias, Mariano Mussa, Florencia Cavallieri, Sebastian Amaya and Aurora Eastwood
PQ international | 151
2
1
3
1. Eduardo and Paz Heguy 2. Marcos Heguy and JoaquĂn Pittaluga 3. Jerome Lambert, Astrid MuĂąoz and a friend and Jaeger-LeCoultre Ambassador Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr 4. The Tattersall in Palermo ready to start party 5. Alice Gipps, Nacho Valenti and Aurora Eastwood 6. Singer Lola Ponce 7. Gabriela Galaretto, Adolfo Cambiaso and Jerome Lambert 8. Sisters in law: Gloria Pavlosky-Heguy, Paula Uranga-Heguy and Paz Manau-Heguy 152 | PQ international
4
5
6
7
8
PQ international | 153
World Polo Tour Awards 2010
The World Polo Tour arrives in the Orient The Argentine season has just come to an end, and the World Polo Tour awarded the best players of 2010, as well as presenting some big news for 2011.
Pablo MacDonough WPT #1 of 2010 with all the trophies obtained this year: Quuen´s Cup, Gold Cup for British Open, Jockey Club Open, Tortugas Open, Hurlingham Open and Argentine Open Championship
154 | PQ international
The most important is that the official ranking of polo is about to arrive in the Orient for the first time. This big achievement will be formalized in late 2010/ early 2011, when the World Polo Tour will confirm with some of the most important clubs of the area which are to be incorporated to the ranking.
The World Polo Tour awards the 2010 winners The winners, presented with their awards at the Black and White party, were Pablo MacDonough and Victor Vargas. Pablo was named as the new #1 player in the world, both in the general ranking and the professional ranking. He was also the winner of the EFG Annual Race. The best amateur of the year was Victor Vargas. His award was received on his behalf by Miguel Novillo Astrada. Following the end of the Argentine Open, the top 10 of the ranking features relevant changes. Not only is Pablo the world’s new number 1; he is followed by Facundo Pieres (up from 3rd to 2nd) and Adolfo Cambiaso (who now comes third). The Top 10 is completed with Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (4th), Juan Martín Nero (5th), Hilario Ulloa (down from 5th to 6th) David Stirling Jr (up one to 7th), Lucas Monteverde (also up one to 8th), Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr. (9th, down two) and Bartolomé Castagnola (who entered the top 10 from the 13th position). This is a review of the year’s best, the details of the players who received awards and news of the ranking that keeps everybody talking season after season.
Final Ranking 2010 Season Ranking Top 10 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Player Pablo MacDonough Facundo Pieres Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Gonzalo Pieres Jr Juan Martín Nero Hilario Ulloa David Stirling Jr Lucas Monteverde Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr Bartolomé Castagnola
Nationality Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentine/Italy Argentina Uruguay Argentina Argentina/UK Argentina
Points 1560 1536 1532 1451 1295 848 801 777 774 643
*From January 2010 all players´ points will halve
2010 Winners General ranking This ranking features all the points each player has earned since 2003. Professional – Pablo MacDonough. Winner of the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup for the British Open (UK), with Dubai. Back in Argentina, he won the Jockey Club Open with La Irenita, and took the Triple Crown, comprised of the Tortugas Open, Hurlingham Open and Argentine Open, with Ellerstina. He has a total of 1560 points.
PQ international | 155
Amateur – Victor Vargas. Semifinalist in the USPA Gold Cup and US Open (US). Semifinalist of the Queen’s Cup and finalist of the Gold Cup for the British Open (UK). Winner of the Silver Cup in Sotogrande, and finalist of the Gold Cup in Sotogrande. Vargas earned a total of 564 points.
EFG Bank Annual Race This category awards the players who earned the most points during the current year. Professional – Pablo MacDonough is the year’s winner, as he took the most points (780). He is followed by Adolfo Cambiaso (610) and Facundo Pieres (570). The top 5 is completed with Juan Martín Nero (520) and Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (450) Amateur – Rashid Albwardy. The son of Dubai’s Ali Albwardy is the winner of the Amateur EFG Bank Annual Race. Winner of the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup of the British Open with 270 points.
Teams In this category, the WPT gives points to the teams according to their performance in qualifying tournaments. Ellerstina was the year’s winner (450 points) after winning the Triple Crown. Crab Orchard, winners of the Triple Crown in the US – CV Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and US Open – comes second with 320 points. In third place is Dubai, winners of the Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup of the British Open, with 270 points.
MVP by Month Month January February March April May June July August September October November December
Player David Stirling Jr Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Hilario Ulloa Julio Arellano Sebastián Merlos Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Pablo MAcDonough Facundo Pieres Salvador Ulloa Gonzalo Pieres Jr Pablo MacDonough Juan Martín Nero
News for the 2011 season Most tournaments remain the same, with the exception of two that have been lowered in category: CV Whitney Cup: will award a total of 113 points. Prince of Wales Trophy: will descend from WPT Cup to Challenge Cup and will award 90 points.
About the World Polo Tour The World Polo Tour is the international ranking of polo players, in which each player is ranked according to their performance in the course of the year. The system came about in 2002, in order to quantify the players, both amateurs and professionals, and teams in the world’s most important tournaments, in a circuit that reflects the best polo in the world. All the information can be found on the official WPT site. www.worldpolotour.com, including the points earned by each player, as well as the results of the different tournaments.
156 | PQ international
SHOWCASE
New Website! Prints - Commissions - Albums - Canvases - Cards
t:+44 (0)7855 742 909 e:alicegipps@hotmail.com
PQ international | 157
SHOWCASE BLACKLOCKS Polo Books and Prints Antiquarian and leatherbound polo books All new titles from stock 19th & 20th Century polo prints and limited editions. Trophies, memorabilia and magazines.
8 Victoria Street, Englefield Green, Surrey TW20 0QY www.blacklockspoloart.com
158 | PQ international
Tel: +44 (0)1784 438025 blacklocks.polo@ntlworld.com
Project3
12/4/10
14:48
SHOWCASE SHOWCASE Page 1
PQ international | 159
ALMOST 20 YEARS OF POLO
Polo Quarterly International Magazine Polo, tradition, excellence and glamour all in one magazine 160 | PQ international
11 All Souls Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9EB, United Kingdom Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1344 620642 info@pqinternational.com | www.pqinternational.com
2009 Argentine Open BPP Cuartetera
The Equation In Polo Has Always Been: Best Players + Best Horses = Winning Results. If your dream has been to own the finest polo ponies in the history of the game, you can open your eyes now, because Crestview Genetics can make it real. Crestview Genetics is the global leader in cloning the finest polo ponies in the world. This year, we will witness the birth of over 50 foals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exact genetic duplicates of legendary winners, including Cuartetera, Lapa, Small Person, Aiken Cura and Raptor. We have specific mirrored training protocols in place for each of the ponies. Alternatively, the purchaser may opt to take delivery of and train the foals to his high-goal standards. If polo is your passion, owning an exact genetic duplicate from Crestview Genetics is a big step toward realizing your high-goal dreams. Call +1 817-737-2525 or email info@crestviewgenetics.com to learn more.
crestviewgenetics.com
A PERFECT FIT CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY THE WEARER. Eduardo Fagliano, maker of polo boots, Hurlingham, Argentina
Eduardo Fagliano, who comes from a long line of polo bootmakers, knows what it takes to make the perfect footwear. A boot thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique to its owner, and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rub. Julius Baer also understands distinctive craftsmanship. Our wealth management services are tailored by skilled professionals to your individual needs. Fittings available at any office. Julius Baer, established in 1890, is the leading Swiss private banking group.
In over 40 locations worldwide, including 15 Swiss offices: Zurich (Head Office), Basle, Berne, Brig/Zermatt, Crans-Montana, Geneva, Kreuzlingen, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano, Sion, St. Gallen, St. Moritz, Verbier and Zug. www.juliusbaer.ch