Cartier Queen's Cup 2024

QUEEN’S CUP 2024

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 4

by Laurent Feniou, Managing Director, Cartier UK

THE BIG PICTURE 6

SPORTING LEGACY 8

Exploring polo’s great dynasties

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP TEAMS 2024 15

ACTION REPLAY 23

Round up of this year’s league matches

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL 61

VIEW FROM THE FIELD 62

Pictorial album from team tents or sidelines

FABULOUS 40 68

It’s more than a number

SHOT LIST 73

Deconstructing the game

HONOURS BOARD 77

Queen’s Cup Results 1960 - 2023

The Cartier Queen’s Cup Programme is published by Publications UK. T: +44 (0)20 8238 5023 | E: info@publicationsuk.co.uk | www.publicationsuk.co.uk

EDITOR Diana Butler

MANAGING DIRECTOR, PUBLICATIONS UK Stewart Lee

PROGRAMME DESIGN David Hicks

ADVERTISING Curtis Ross, Erik Norat

PRODUCTION Angela Brown

ON THE COVER: The Band of the Grenadier Guards on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club. Photograph: © Sam Churchill Thank you to all the photographers who have supplied images to this year’s programme: Clive Bennett, Sam Churchill, Images of Polo, Pablo Ramirez, Mike Roberts

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication, and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and the promoters will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. ©Publications UK Limited 2024. Guards Polo Club and the publishers make no recommendation in respect of any of the advertisers, and no recommendation may be implied by way of the presence of their advertisements.

FOREWORD

This year Cartier UK is celebrating 40 years of polo sponsorship at Guards Polo Club. This is an incredible anniversary and one which Cartier is immensely proud. The Maison has, without doubt, helped the sport to develop into the stunning pro/am game that we will see today. I have been honoured to be part of this special occasion for more than a decade. The game has changed immeasurably – the fields, the horses, the remarkable ability of the players – delivering a game that highlights Cartier’s own principles of dedication, passion and commitment.

The 2024 edition of the Cartier Queen’s Cup has been a perfect example of these developments. We have been treated to more than three weeks of remarkable polo. Nineteen teams entered this year’s competition and each day’s sport has been magical.

The hallmarks of high-goal polo are speed, ability, pony power, teamwork, and focus. Today’s final is the culmination of all of these elements and will ensure that our brilliant finalists – and their incredible horsepower – will be at their peak. Cartier recognises and praises each team’s commitment and determination to be at their finest on this day and we look forward to a superb Cartier Queen’s Cup Final this afternoon.

Whoever lifts the Cartier Queen’s Cup this afternoon will be a worthy winner and I salute them and all the teams who have played this year. May the best team win.

Laurent Feniou Managing Director Cartier UK

Laurent Feniou, Managing Director Cartier UK, presents Corinne Ricard of Murus Sanctus with the Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2023

PLEIN AIR POLO

Guards Polo Club’s resident artist Nick Botting captures the view from the Clubhouse Lawn during a semi-final match of the 2023 Cartier Queen’s Cup competition. The action on the field of play is Murus Sanctus v King Power, while Club Members and guests relax on the Lawn. In the distance one can just spot the roof of the Royal Box and the commentators’ tower, rising high over the grandstands to give them an uninterrupted view of the game. A selection of Nick’s work will be on show in the Searcys Clubhouse Marquee during this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals and Finals.

Painting by NICK BOTTING

HM The Queen makes a presentation to Adolfo Cambiaso, when playing for the Dubai Polo Team, in 2012.

CREATING A SPORTING LEGACY

Many names are repeated in the team lists engraved on the Queen’s Cup. During the past 64 years some of polo’s biggest sporting families have taken part in this world-famous competition. The Cup has always been one of the most important polo trophies in the global polo calendar and this year’s competition is no exception. So we take a look at some of these polo dynasties that always impress in this great game?

Albwardy

Ali and Rashid Albwardy, a competitive father and son combination, find themselves in action on opposing teams in this year’s tournament. Ali is the patron of both the Desert Palm and Dubai polo teams but it is his son Rashid who is wearing the dark green shirt of Dubai. The Dubai team is no stranger to success in the Queen’s Cup. They have won it six times with Ali or either of his sons, Tariq or Rashid, at the helm. In addition to playing polo here in the UK, Ali has also been instrumental in developing polo in Dubai. His vision and passion for the game has resulted in the creation of the outstanding Desert Palm Polo Club, which was home to the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge event for more than a decade.

Cambiaso

Without doubt one of the most famous names in polo. The 2024 team list features both Adolfo Cambiaso Senior and Junior on different teams, both distinctive on the field thanks to their striking, Argentine flag helmets. Adolfo Snr is playing for La Dolfina Scone alongside his eldest daughter, Mia, while his 18-year-old son, known to all as Poroto, has impressed for La Dolfina Great Oaks. At the time of writing these two La Dolfina teams, named after the family’s polo team and

Laurent Feniou, Managing Director Cartier UK, presents the Cartier Queen's Cup to Rashid Albwardy after Dubai's win in 2016.

Photo: Tristan Fewings

clothing brand, were preparing to face each other in a quarter-final! This is one seriously talented polo family. Adolfo Snr broke all records when he became the youngest 10-goaler in history in 1994. He then maintained this incredible handicap for almost 30 years. Just shy of 50 this polo superstar still plays off a nine-goal handicap. To put it in perspective the UK has not had a 10-goal polo player since the Second World War. Adolfo Snr also holds the record for the most Queen’s Cup wins – 10. Poroto is now following in his father’s enormous footsteps. He currently holds the record for being the youngest 10-goaler in Argentine polo history – an accolade he took from his cousin Camilo Castagnola (see below) – and looks likely to hit the Queen’s Cup record books and a UK 10-goal handicap before too long.

Castagnola

It is not surprising that Bartolome and Camilo Castagnola excel in this sport. They have pure

polo blood running through them from both sides of the family. Their father, also Bartolome but known to everyone as Lolo, was a 10-goal player and won the Queen’s Cup with Dubai in 2003. The boys’ mother is Camilo Cambiaso – the sister of the polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso Snr (see above left). In this year’s tournament the Castagnola brothers are on opposite teams, Desert Palm Polo Club and Dubai. Both squads have qualified for the quarter-finals.

Heguy

Another name synonymous in polo is Heguy. This family has been in high-goal team line ups for more than 50 years. Our team sheet this year features the third generation of polo-playing Heguys at the highest level of the game. Cruz Heguy is playing for Gaston while his cousin, Antonio Heguy, is hitting the quarter-finals for Dubai. Cruz is the 20-yearold son of Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy, a former 10-goal player who has achieved global polo

Cruz Heguy

Barto and Jeta Castagnola with their mother Camilla Cambiaso.

Lolo Castagnola

Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso

success, although victory in the Queen’s Cup eluded him. Antonio is the 20-year-old, twin son of Ruso’s brother Alberto, known by all as Pepe. Keep an eye on these boys' careers. They have a great pedigree and bags of talent.

Pieres

Gonzalo, Facundo, Nicolas and Pablo (Polito) have all featured in this year’s competition. They have added their name to the trophy over the years too. However these brothers/ cousins are not the first members of the Pieres family to receive Queen’s Cup glory. Gonzalito, Facu and Nico, as they are all affectionately known, are the sons of the former 10-goaler Gonzalo Pieres Snr. He was the lynchpin of Kerry Packer’s mighty Ellerston teams in the 1990s. Gonzalo Snr’s victories in this cup include a win with his brother Alfonso in 1991.

Gonzalo Snr went on to win the Cup three more times. His middle son, Facu has gone one better than Dad, with five wins under his belt already. Meanwhile two-times winner Polito, who last year was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2023 Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, is the son of Pablo Pieres Snr, Gonzalo and Alfonso’s brother, and a seven-goal player who regularly played in Argentina and the USA. The patriarch of this mighty polo clan is Alvaro Cesar Pieres, known to the polo world as Bary. He was considered one of Argentina’s finest umpires. All the Pieres boys reached the quarter-final stages this year, with Gonzalito and Facu pairing up for Black Bears, Nico playing for King Power and Polito delivering a stand-out performance for Talandracas.

Pepe Heguy v Adolfo Cambiaso Hildon Queen's Cup Final in 2003.

Ellerston's Gonzalo and Alfonso Pieres with HM The Queen.

Facundo Pieres receives a Cartier watch from HM Queen Elizabeth ll after Zacara’s win in 2014.

Polito Pieres celebrates winning the Cartier Queen's Cup in 2021 with the UAE Polo Team.

Photo: Alamy

QUEEN’S CUP 2024 TEAMS

The depth of talent on display in this year’s tournament - 19 world-class teams have taken part - ensures that the pace was fast from day one. Some 38 league games were played across the past two weeks in a bid to reach the all-important quarter-finals. Three games were so tight they went into extra time. Of course these top players are always accompanied by their incredible ponies. On finals day Cartier awards a prize for the Best Playing Pony. So collect a pony list and see if you can spot the winner.

DESERT PALM POLO CLUB

Bartolome Castagnola (9)

Ali Albwardy (0)

Rufino Laulhe (4)

Matias Torres Zavaleta (8)

GASTON

Jean Paul Luksic (0)

Oliver Cudmore (6)

Jean Martin Nero (9)

Cruz Heguy (7)

GROUP ONE BLACK BEARS

Guy Schwarzenbach (2)

Hazel Jackson (2)

Gonzalo Pieres (8)

Facundo Pieres (10)

GREEN GATES

Noor Khadra (1)

Cesar Crespo (6)

Francisco Elizalde (8)

Isidro Strada (7)

LA DOLFINA

LA DOLFINA/SCONE

Mia Cambiaso (2)

Charlie Hanbury (4)

Alfredo Bigatti (7)

Adolfo Cambiaso Snr (9)

SHORELINE

Adebayo Karim (2)

Hugo Taylor (4)

Facundo Sola (8)

Alfredo Capella (8)

THAI POLO/ GET A DRIP

Louis Hine (5)

Ned Hine (5)

Martin Podesta (7)

Tommy Severn (5)

THAI POLO

DESERT PALM POLO CLUB

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DUBAI

Camilo Castagnola (10)

Rashid Albwardy (2)

Beltran Laulhe (5)

Antonio Heguy (5)

LA DOLFINA/ GREAT OAKS

Dillon Bacon (2)

Kian Hall (3)

Diego Cavanagh (8)

Adolfo Cambiaso Jnr (9)

FERNE PARK

Jonathan Rothermere (0)

Cristian Laprida (7)

Joaquin Pittaluga (7)

David Stirling (8)

KING POWER

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (1)

William Harper (4)

Nicolas Pieres (8)

Pablo MacDonough (9)

GROUP TWO

PARK PLACE

Andrey Borodin (0)

MARQUES DE RISCAL

Alejandro Aznar (0)

Guillermo Caset (9)

Santiago Cernadas (7)

Chris Mackenzie (6)

SUJAN SUJÁN 1 INDIAN TIGERS

SUJAN INDIAN TIGERS

Jaisal Singh (1)

Matthew Perry (6)

Rufino Bensadon (7)

Juan Martin Zubia (8)

Juan Britos (8)

Hilario Ulloa (10)

Rufino Merlos (4)

LA MAGDELEINE

Alexandre Garese (0)

Santiago Laborde (6)

Facundo Fernandez Llorente (8)

Jeronimo Del Carril (8)

CIBAO LA PAMPA

Juan Pepa (1)

Gonzalo Ferrari (7)

Benjamin Panelo (7)

Guillermo Terrera (7)

LEAGUE THREE

UAE POLO TEAM

HH Sheikha Maitha bint

Mohammed bin Rashid

Al Maktoum (0)

Teodoro Lacau (7)

Lucas Monteverde Jnr (7)

Tommy Beresford (8)

TALANDRACAS

Hugues Carmignac (0)

Rosendo Torreguitar (5)

Polito Pieres (10)

Alejandro Muzzio (7)

WHITE CRANE

Alexie Calvert-Ansari (0)

Lucas Criado (6)

Tomas Panelo (9)

James Harper (7)

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CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP 2024

ACTION REPLAY

In the following pages we recall the wonderful drama that makes up the league stages of the 2024 Cartier Queen’s Cup. With scores published for each game, readers can track the finalists’ early journey to finals day

Photographs by PABLO RAMIREZ

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 1

The Cartier Queen’s Cup 2024 kicked off with three strong games. First up was Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai against Dillon Bacon’s La Dolfina Great Oaks. The latter had won the Prince of Wales Trophy at the Berkshire a few days earlier but Dubai were too tough a challenge in this match. Some great teamwork delivered an impressive 13-6 victory and certainly highlighted Dubai as a team to be feared in this contest. However as Lolo Castagnola said to Polocam TV post-match, there is a long way to go and “you have to take every game like a final.”

Next up was a really close affair between King Power and Sujan Indian Tigers. Things remained tight until the final minutes of the final chukka. Nico Pieres fired through a goal to give Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha’s team the edge. Sujan’s Juan Martin Zubia continued to battle but struggled to get through a King Power defence in time to push this match into extra time.

The final of the match of the day saw Park Place and Marques de Riscal go head to head at Guards Polo Club. With light rain in attendance too, this was another tight and tense game. Plenty of penalties and a couple of yellow cards, including Marques de Riscal’s

Santiago Cernades taking a two-minute visit to the sin bin. Like the previous contest, this was a constant battle to the final whistle, with victory going to Andrey Borodin’s Park Place.

A great start to this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup and with 19 top tier teams in the mix we are in for a treat across the next three weeks.

La Dolfina Great Oaks’ Dillon Bacon battles with Dubai’s Rashid Albwardy

Aiyawatt

Srivaddhanaprabha of King Power v Jaisal Singh of Sujan Indian Tigers

Juan Britos of Park Place v Santiago Cernadas of Marques de Riscal

–– CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP 2024 ––

Juan Martin Nero for Gaston

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 2

The second day of the Cartier Queen’s Cup saw some big scores, some even bigger hitters of the ball and a handful of yellow cards. First up was Black Bears v Desert Palm on the Castle Ground at Flemish Farm with its backdrop of Windsor Castle. This season Guy Schwarzenbach is playing alongside Gonzalo and Facundo Pieres and they did not disappoint. Even Facundo in his post-match interview admitted to being slightly surprised at how well the Bears were playing so early into the tournament. Desert Palm were a strong team but the Black Bears delivered some impressive four-player polo and the result was an 15-8 win.

The master of the Queen’s Cup, 10x winner Adolfo Cambiaso was in action at Coworth Park, playing alongside his daughter Mia for the first time in this tournament, in the La Dolfina Scone team. Their opponents, Adebayo Karim’s Shoreline may have been making their Queen’s Cup debut but they were not fazed by their opponents and stayed in contention until the latter stages of the game.

The final match of the day was a feisty contest at Guards Polo Club between Thai Polo/Get A Drip and another Queen’s Cup team making its tournament debut, Gaston. The rain was pretty much continual, while the

teams were pretty evenly matched until the fourth chukka. Two yellow cards for Gaston’s Juan Martin Nero saw him head to the sin bin for two minutes in this chukka and Thai Polo took advantage of their player superiority. Gaston then struggled to recover from this setback although they remained focussed until the final whistle.

Desert Palm’s Barto Castagnola v Facundo Pieres for Black Bears

Alfredo Capella for Shoreline in action against La Dolfina Scone's Alfredo Bigatti

Black Bears’ Hazel Jackson

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 3

The battle between Cibao La Pampa and the UAE Polo Team has been the standout match of the tournament so far. Everyone’s money would have been on the hugely experienced UAE Polo team, winners of the Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2021, but Juan Pepa’s squad believed differently. They never let UAE pull away and went on to take the lead for the first time 11-10 in the fifth chukka. UAE went ahead once more but it was now a battle of wills and a race against the clock.

Lucas Monteverde Jnr levelled the scores (14-14) with a minute left of this match only for Cibao La Pampa’s Benjamin Panelo to fire through the winner with just seconds remaining. The stand-out player was Juan

The second match saw a win for Talandracas. Polito Pieres reminded everyone why he was named Cartier’s Most Valuable Player in last year’s final, delivering some fabulous fast-paced runs up The Queen’s Ground. Perhaps he was inspired by the person watching some of this game from the Royal Box as the Club was delighted to welcome its new President, HM The King, to an informal visit. White Crane kept themselves in contention, ensuring the scores were level (5-5) at the end of the fourth. However this just encouraged Talandracas to turn up the heat, pulling away from Alexie Calvert-Ansari’s squad to win the match 12-7.

UAE Polo Team’s Lucas Monteverde Jnr duels with Cibao La Pampa’s Gonzalo Ferrari

Cibao La Pampa’s Juan Pepa goes to goal

Taladracas’ Polito Pieres leads the chase

Pepa, firing through a hat-trick of goals.

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CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 4

Another packed day of high-goal which began with an impressive victory for Sujan Indian Tigers. They defeated the hugely experienced Park Place squad 10-9 on the Castle Ground at Flemish Farm. Park Place dominated the first few minutes and were up 3-0. Sujan’s patron, Jaisal Singh, decided to put a stop to that and fired through two back-to-back goals. Juan Martin Zubia added his own contribution and the teams were now level, 3-3, at the first bell. Both teams then traded goals for the next five chukkas, getting ahead by one only for the other side to level. Then with just a minute left on the clock and the scores now reading 9-9 Zubia was awarded a spot hit. Cool under pressure he delivered the perfect pass to Matt Perry who managed to escape his minders and fired through the winner.

La Dolfina Great Oaks lost their first game by just one goal but this time the advantage was in their favour. They kept their cool against a continually improving Ferne Park to win this match 10-9. Ferne Park, playing in their first Queen’s Cup game of 2024, had not had the best starts as injury had forced them to change personnel at the last minute. Cristian Laprida and Pelon Stirling are both

injured and so into the team came talented subs Benjamin Panelo and Fran Elizalde respectively. Both players slotted into Vere Harmsworth’s team with ease and helped keep Ferne Park in contention in the latter stages of this match.

The final match of the day was a demonstration of 10-goal excellence by Camilo Castagnola, who was on fire for Dubai. This big-hitting superstar, who is still only 21, produced some huge shots to goal that seemed almost impossible. Brilliantly backed up by his equally talented team-mates, Dubai delivered a convincing 14-6 victory over King Power. A secret of Dubai’s success today was some excellent man marking. Both Nico Pieres and Pablo MacDonough struggled to find space to shine for King Power. Dubai impressed in their first game on Tuesday and did not disappoint again today.

Poroto Cambiaso goes to goal for La Dolfina Great Oaks

Sujan Indian Tigers Matt Perry and Rufino Bensadon

King Power’s Pablo MacDonough v Dubai’s Camilo Castagnola

Juan Martin Zubia of Sujan Indian Tigers v Rufino Merlos of Park Place

Ferne Park v La Dolfina Great Oaks

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha on the attack for King Power

Sujan Indian Tiger's Jaisal Singh

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 5

Black Bears had to work really hard to win their second game of the tournament. Noor Khadra’s Green Gates, playing in their first match of the competition, kept Guy Schwarzenbach’s Bears at bay until the final chukka at Noel Farm. Some brilliant teamwork from Fran Elizalde and Isidro Strada ensured that Green Gates were leading 6-3 at half-time. The fifth chukka was the turning point when Black Bears fired through four goals to none in reply from Green Gates. So with all to play for the final chukka was electric. Strada started it with a penalty to put Green Gates ahead once more only for Facundo Pieres to beautifully weave through traffic to goal. Back level again both teams sent penalties wide. With less than a minute on the clock Gonzalo Pieres fired through a 60-yard penalty - the first time Black Bears were in the lead and then confirmed victory by firing through a penalty four with just seconds remaining.

Next up was another close contest, this time between La Dolfina and Desert Palm Polo Club. Again it was hard to call who would come out on top in this battle. Desert Palm Polo Club found some air at half-time, thanks to a penalty three by Barto Castagnola. This

Desert Palm’s Barto Castagnola v La Dolfina Scone’s Charlie Hanbury

Adebayo Karim of Shoreline v Louis Hine of Thai Polo/ Get A Drip

La Dolfina Scone’s Alfredo Bigatti and Mia Cambiaso

Fran Elizalde for Green Gates

was crucial as it gave them the advantage, 5-4, at the break. The second half was a replica of the first, with the teams matching each other goal for goal. So, at the final whistle, Desert Palm won the game by just one, very important goal.

The final game of the day had the added attraction of some silverware for the winners - the Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup. Thai Polo/Get A Drip claimed the cup but not without some drama. The team’s number two, Ned Hine, was injured in the first chukka and had to retire from the match. Jose Araya stepped in to sub and despite this shake-up in personnel, Thai Polo/Get A Drip stayed tight and in control against Adebayo Karim’s Shoreline Polo Team. They were 3-1 up at the end of the first and never relinquished the lead. Shoreline did deliver a scare in the fifth though, fighting back hard and adding four goals onto the scoreboard. Louis Hine received the Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup from Nicola Cole, highlighting the close relationship between Guards Polo Club and the worldrenowned Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place in Windsor Great Park every May.

Isidro Strada for Green Gates v Facundo Pieres for Black Bears

Louis Hine receives the Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup from Nicola Cole

Thai Polo/Get A Drip and Nicola Cole with the Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup

Gonzalo Pieres for Black Bears

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 6

The first overtime of the 2024 Cartier Queen’s Cup occurred on this day. A thrilling game, almost an exact copy of last year’s final, resulted in a win for Talandracas. However, Edouard Carmignac’s squad had to work hard for this victory as La Magdeleine were a tough and committed opposition. With both teams level (2-2) at the end of the first, the lead then switched between teams almost chukka by chukka. At the half-time break it was Alexandre Garese’s La Magdeleine who were leading, 6-4. Talandracas then fired through four goals to give them the lead (8-6) at the end the fourth. This was edge-of-the-seat polo for players and spectators alike. La Magdeleine’s problems increased in the fifth when Facundo Fernandez Llorente was sent to the sin bin for two minutes. Incredibly, Talandracas could not take advantage of player superiority, although they did find a goal later in the chukka. So with the scores reading 9-8 in favour of Talandracas there was all to play for. The teams did not disappoint, seven goals were scored in the sixth chukka. Talandracas were still ahead, 11-9, with four minutes left on the clock. La Magdeleine then delivered an

impressive comeback, scoring four goals in as many minutes. With the clock ticking down, Alejandro Muzzio won the throw-in and fired a shot up to Pablo Pieres. He lost the ball but Muzzio was there to fire through the equalizer to ensure extra time. The seventh chukka had a few minutes of up and down play before Talandracas were awarded a penalty. Pieres fired this through to make it two out of two for Carmignac’s team.

The second game of the day was another tussle between two evenly matched sides. Alexie Calvert-Ansari’s White Crane won the game 11-9, but Juan Pepa’s Cibao La Pampa fought them every step of the way. The latter were ahead after two chukkas (3-2), only to lose their advantage at the half-time bell; the scoreboard was reading 5-4 to White Crane. The scores were all tied 6-6 in the fourth and now the pressure was on both sides to push ahead. The fifth chukka belonged to Cibao La Pampa, firing through three goals to none in reply from White Crane. However, it was a very different story in the sixth. As Tommy Panelo said to Polocam TV in his post-match interview: “The fifth chukka was really bad. We needed to go for it [in the sixth].” Go for it they did, not only scoring five goals but stopping Cibao La Pampa from scoring either. This goal-rush gave White Crane their first win with a scoreline of 11-9.

Gonzalo Ferrari of Cibao La Pampa v James Harper of White Crane

White Crane’s Tomas Panelo

Talandracas’s Polito Pieres v La Magdeleine’s Santiago Laborde

Facundo Fernandez Llorente on a run for La Magdeleine

Alejandro Aznar’s Marques de Riscal registered their first win in the tournament with a convincing victory over Vere Harmsworth’s Ferne Park. The latter were again fielding their super subs, Bejamin Panelo and Fran Elizalde in place of the injured Cristian Laprida and Pelon Stirling respectively. Aznar’s squad were impressive from the start, leading 4-0 after the first chukka and an impressive 10-1 at the half-time break. Ferne Park had a better second half but could not make much impact on Marques de Riscal’s already commanding lead. Guillermo Caset went on to emphasise Marques de Riscal’s superiority in this game by firing through two outstanding goals in the final minute of the match.

The second game of the day looked initially as if it might deliver a major upset. Jaisal Singh’s Sujan Indian Tigers, who have already registered one win in this competition, were 3-0 up against the mighty Dubai team in the first chukka. Dubai soon found their stride though, levelling the scores (3-3) in the second and then a huge hit, from

some distance, by Camilo Castagnola, gave them the lead for the first time, a minute into the third. By the half-time break it was business as usual for Dubai, showing a two-goal lead on the scoreboard (6-4). The second half was a similar story; Dubai built up their lead, while Sujan Indian Tigers consistently worked hard to keep themselves in contention, scoring four goals in the sixth chukka alone. Rufino Bensadon was particularly impressive for the Tigers. However, cohesive team-work from every member of the Dubai team not only made them a fearsome opposition but ensured they remain unbeaten. Dubai are the first team to win three games in this year’s competition.

Alejandro Aznar of Marques de Riscal keeping the ball clear of a Ferne Park attack

Dubai v Sujan Indian Tigers

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 7

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Desert Palm secured their second victory in Group One with a tough win over Adebayo Karim’s Shoreline team. Desert Palm were favourites on paper to win this match – they already have a win under their belts - but Shoreline made them work hard to secure this victory. They kept pace with Desert Palm for much of the match, ensuring that they could capitalise on any opportunities that might come their way.

However, Shoreline failed to make the most of Barto Castagnola being sent to the sin bin for two minutes in the fifth when the score was reading 8-7 to Desert Palm. In fact it was Matias Torres Zavaleta who found the flags for Desert Palm! The sixth was a tense affair as both teams had chances. With two minutes left of this match Rufino Laulhe, cool under

pressure despite his young age – he is only 14 – fired through a penalty two to give Desert Palm a comfortable, three-goal advantage. Then in the final minute of the match

Castagnola delivered a big hit to secure Desert Palm’s second win of the tournament, with an 11-7 scoreline.

The second match of the day was an equally tense affair with both teams looking for that all-important first win of the competition.

Noor Khadra’s Green Gates took the honours but only just. In fact this game was marred by endless whistles and penalties, denying both teams the opportunity to play open, fastflowing polo. Green Gates had a narrow advantage, 6-5 at half-time. Meanwhile, Jean Paul Luksic’s Gaston battled every step of the way and brought themselves level (12-12) with just 30 seconds left to play. So when the bell rang the teams had to play the additional 30 seconds, during which Fran Elizalde fired through the winner for Green Gates.

Isidro Strada for Green Gates v Gaston's Cruz Heguy

Adebayo Karim for Shoreline in their game against Desert Palm

Gaston’s Jean Paul Luksic v Noor Khadra for Green Gates

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 9

Cibao La Pampa secured their second victory in this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup after a tough match against last year’s finalists, La Magdeleine. The teams were neck and neck in the early chukkas, matching goal for goal. However, Alexandre Garese’s La Magdeleine secured a slender, one goal advantage (6-5) at the half-time bell. Juan Pepa was determined that his Cibao La Pampa squad should take command in the second half though and fired through two goals himself. His team-mate, Gonzalo Ferrari followed suit and fired through four more, appropriately riding a horse called Messi. La Magdeleine had no reply to this onslaught and were trailing by four goals (10-6) at the start of the fifth. Incredibly, they fought back in the last two chukkas, regularly assaulting Cibao La Pampa’s goal, but could not push this game into extra time.

The second game of the day saw a first win for Sheikha Maitha’s UAE Polo Team but had to battle until the final whistle. Brigitte Boher was playing in place of the Sheikha and this UAE team were 3-2 up after the second chukka. Things changed massively in the third with White Crane firing through goal

after goal off the sticks of every member of the team, Alexie Calvert-Ansari, James Harper, Lucas Criado and Tomas Panelo. At the break White Crane were leading 7-4. UAE got themselves back into contention in the fourth (8-8) and then these two teams traded goals, desperately looking for that much-needed advantage. With very little time left in the sixth chukka - and the scores reading 9-9Tommy Beresford and his pony Kenya, a lovely, dark bay/black gelding, made the most of some unexpected space to score. Then with just 40 seconds of game time left the umpires’ whistles blew. A penalty two was awarded to UAE, which Beresford fired home to give UAE their first win (11-9) in this year’s competition.

Cibao La Pampa v La Magdeleine

UAE Polo Team

Facundo Fernandez Llorente for La Magdeleine

Alexie Calvert-Ansari of White Crane v Briggitte Boher for UAE Polo Team

UAE Polo Team v White Crane on the Castle Ground

Flower side table. A tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Award winner

© Benjamin Chelly

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CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 10

With only a few days left of the league stages of the Cartier Queen’s Cup 2024 victories have never been more important. Few teams remain unbeaten and the quarter-finals are just a week away. King Power is a case in point. They have won a game and lost one so this match against Ferne Park was important. However it did not start as they had planned. Vere Harmsworth’s Ferne Park, looking for their first win, dominated the early part of this match. They were leading 4-1 at the end of the second chukka. At last Ferne Park was able to field its intended line-up as both Pelon Stirling and Cristian Laprida were back in the squd after being injured pretournament. King Power got themselves back in the mix at the half-time bell (4-4) but Ferne Park stayed with them at the start of the second half.

This was still anyone’s game with the scoreboard reading 6-6 at the start of the fifth. This chukka was dominated by King Power though, with Pablo MacDonough and Nico Pieres firing through three goals to none in reply from Ferne Park. Both players made the

most of any space they found to put King Power in control. MacDonough started the sixth with a huge hit to goal to add to King Power’s lead and then converted a penalty four to secure a five-goal lead. This was now too big a stretch for Ferne Park, despite the best efforts of Joachim Pittaluga and Laprida to close the gap.

Next up was an equally tough match with both La Dolfina Great Oaks and Marques de Riscal looking for their second win in Group Two. Dillon Bacon’s team were in control from the first chukka and were comfortably leading 5-2 at the half-time break. Some strong play from all of the La Dolfina Great Oaks team in the second half saw them push even further ahead 10-6. With such a commanding lead the final result was of little surprise, La Dolfina Great Oaks winning the match by five goals.

The final game was another great display of four-man polo by Dubai. They overwhelmed Park Place to win this match 13-5. This victory also ensured that Dubai headed into the next weekend’s quarter-finals unbeaten. In addition to playing superb, four-man polo, Camilo Castagnola gave another display of outstanding 10-goal sport. He makes the most of any space, can negotiate his way through traffic superbly and fires through shots from distance. Park Place struggled to get into the game, even failing to score in two chukkas. So if polo were a betting sport Dubai’s odds would have shortened substantially.

Will Harper for King Power

Cristian Laprida for Ferne Park

Chris Mackenzie of Marques de Riscal

It might have been the 1st June but the weather was unseasonally cold and blustery as the teams took to the fields for these league games. First up was La Dolfina Scone versus Green Gates. This was very much a game of two halves. Noor Khadra’s team started strongly and were leading 7-3 at the half-time break. Some great play from Fran Elizalde and Cesar Crespo in particular put Green Gates in the driving seat. But it all changed in the fourth. A goal spree from La Dolfina Scone saw them take a one goal lead (9-8) at the end of this chukka. In fact they fired through 11 goals in the final three chukkas to only three in reply from Green Gates. Such an onslaught was hard to overcome and La Dolfina Scone registered their second win in this tournament.

The match between Desert Palm and Thai Polo/Get A Drip was a bit more even in that the lead swapped between these two fast-paced teams. Desert Palm led after the first chukka (1-0) only for Thai Polo/Get A Drip - fielding Jose Araya once more as Ned Hine was still injured following his fall - to take control in the next two chukkas. They were narrowly leading 5-3 at the half-time bell. Desert Palm pushed themselves ahead

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 11

Action from the game featuring Green Gates and La Dolfina Scone

(7-6) after the fourth. They prevented Thai Polo/Get A Drip from scoring at all in the fifth - crucial in such a tight game - and then pulled further ahead (12-7) to win the match. This gives Desert Palm their third victory - their only loss came in their opening game - and has them looking strong in Group One.

The final match of the day delivered the second overtime of the tournament. Jean Paul Luksic’s Gaston won this golden goal scenario, winning 11-10 thanks to a massive hit from Cruz Heguy. It had looked as if it was going Black Bears’ way in the first half. They headed into the half-time break with a 7-5 lead.

Gaston swapped things around in the fourth to go ahead by one (9-8). With all to play for both teams gave it their all. They levelled the scores (9-9) in the fifth and with a minute left on the clock in the sixth the scoreboard was reading 10-10. When a penalty three was awarded in favour of Black Bears everyone thought that was the match done and dusted but Facundo Pieres sent it wide, pushing the game into extra time. Even the best players can feel the pressure. Soon into this seventh chukka, the 20-year-old Cruz Heguy fired through a huge shot from distance to give Gaston their first win.

Hazel Jackson for Black Bears

Ollie Cudmore for Gaston

Thai Polo/Get A Drip’s Louis Hine v Rufino Laulhe of Desert Palm

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 12

Warm sunshine greeted the players in Sunday’s games, a stark contrast to Saturday’s wintry conditions. First up were Talandracas and UAE Polo Team in action at Cowdray Park. The Carmignacs’ Talandracas were in control throughout this match, beating Sheikha Maitha’s UAE Polo Team 13-12 after six frenetic chukkas. Some great four-man polo from the French team, with flashes of brilliance from Polito Pieres, Alejandro Muzzio and Rosendo Torreguitar, kept Talandracas ahead 8-4 at half-time. UAE Polo Team had been in the mix from that first whistle, but Talandracas had the edge. It was not until the fifth chukka that UAE put themselves level (11-11). Some great play from both sides ensured this was now a race to the final bell. A brilliant backhand from Torreguitar added to Talandracas’s score while some fabulous teamwork from Lucas Monteverde Jnr, Teodoro Lacau and Tommy Beresford, put the scores level once more. This was just the first two minutes of the sixth chukka.

With the clock ticking down Torreguitar

sent a shot to Pieres who kept control of the ball to fire through another goal for Talandracas. This turned out to be the winner as Beresford sent a penalty four wide and neither side could find the flags again, despite their best efforts. This victory keeps Talandracas unbeaten with one game to play.

Queen’s Cup action moved back to Guards Polo Club for the second match of the dayWhite Crane v La Magdeleine. This was a more stilted affair on the Queen’s Ground, probably because both teams needed a win. White Crane were 2-0 up early into the second. However by the end of this chukka La Magdeleine were 4-2 ahead. With James Harper scoring for Alexie Calvert Ansari’s White Crane and Jeronimo del Carril finding the flags after some lovely play for Alexandre Garese’s La Magdeleine, the scoreboard was reading 5-3 at half-time in favour of La Magdeleine.

This was still anyone’s game, but strong defensive play from both teams ensured that La Magdeleine were able to maintain their advantage and register their first win of the tournament, 10-8. There were some lovely plays from both sides throughout this match - Garese himself produced a good run to goal in the fourth and team-mate Facundo Fernandez Llorente delivered a brilliantly angled shot to goal from some distance, while White Crane’s James Harper delivered a huge hit to reach the flags, having gained possession from a throw-in in the fifth chukka. Despite these moments, this game never really flowed, such was their compatibility.

Victory did mean that Garese received the Richard Watt Cup from General Sir Redmond Watt at the post-match prizegiving. This trophy is traditionally played on the second Sunday of the Queen’s Cup competition.

James Harper of White Crane v Santiago Laborde of La Magdeleine

La Magdeleine’s Jeronimo del Carril on a run down the Queen’s Ground

General Sir Redmond Watt with the La Magdeleine team

Talandracas v UAE Polo (image courtesy of Clive Bennett)

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 13

The final league games in Group Two took place on this day. Dubai Polo Team have already impressed in this League thanks to their unbeaten run across all four matches. However winning was vital for the remaining teams, all playing today. Both La Dolfina Great Oaks and King Power headed into their final games with two wins and one loss under their belts. Sujan Indian Tigers, Marques de Riscal and Park Place all have a win each, while Lord Rothermere’s Ferne Park was hunting its first victory. So there really was all to play for.

First up were La Dolfina Great Oaks and Sujan Indian Tigers. Jaisal Singh’s team led after the first chukka (3-1) only for La Dolfina Great Oaks to level the scores (4-4) in the second. From that chukka Dillon Bacon’s team never relinquished the lead. On the final bell La Dolfina Great Oaks were ahead 11-8. Sujan Indian Tigers never gave up though - a hallmark of their Queen’s Cup competition is to stay in the game until the very last whistle. This was the team that gave Dubai their biggest scare - only going down by one goaland they also played a great game to win against Park Place.

Next to play were King Power versus Marques de Riscal. The latter needed a win while King Power knew their closest rivals La

Dillon Bacon of La Dolfina Great Oaks stays ahead of Sujan Indian Tigers' Juan Martin Zubia

Sujan Indian Tigers’ Juan Martin Zubia v La Dolfina Great Oaks’ Poroto Cambiao

Matt Perry of Sujan Indian Tigers goes to hook Adolfo Cambiaso Jnr of La Dolfina Great Oaks

Park Place’s Rufino Merlos v Ferne Park’s Pelon Stirling

added a third win to their tournament tally. This was a tough game for both sides and ended up going into extra time - the third overtime of the tournament. Nico Pieres found that much needed golden goal in the seventh chukka for King Power. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanapraba’s King Power had dominated the first half, leading 6-4 at the break. La Magdeleine got themselves not only back in contention, but into the lead in the fourth (7-6). The lead swapped back again to King Power in the fifth but it was all tied, 11-11, at the end of the sixth chukka. However it was Nico Pieres who got free in the seventh to fire through the winner.

Attention turned to the final match of the day, Park Place v Ferne Park. This was very much a game of two halves. Park Place, looking for their second win, dominated the first half, in control for all three chukkas. Everything changed in the second with Joaquin Pittaluga and Pelon Stirling focused and determined to give Lord Rothermere his first win in this year’s tournament. This they did with Ferne Park firing through five goals in the fourth to give them a 9-7 lead. This team then built on thisresurgence to the win the game.

Dolfina Great Oaks had

Ferne Park’s Lord Rothermere

Pablo MacDonough v Santiago Cernadas

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 14

The penultimate day of league matches featured teams who were looking to get closer to winning a ticket through to the next stage of this year’s tournament. First up was Thai Polo/Get A Drip against Green Gates. Thai Polo/Get A Drip already had two wins under their belt and knew that a third could make them a little more confident of making the last eight. The good news for them was that they were had Ned Hine back in the team. He had been subbed by Jose Araya for the previous match due to an injury he’d received in an earlier Queen’s Cup game.

Meanwhile, Noor Khadra’s Green Gates knew victory was essential to at least have a hope of going through to the next round and so were focused from the first chukka. In fact, Green Gates finished ahead in every chukka.

Thai Polo/Get A Drip v Green Gates

–– CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP 2024 ––

Ned Hine of Thai Polo/ Get A Drip v Green Gates Isidro Strada

Gaston’s Jean Paul Luksic

Louis Hine on a run for Thai Polo/Get A Drip

Adolfo Cambiaso Snr on the attack for La Dolfina Scone

They were ahead 7-4 at half-time and then just built on this advantage, sensibly never letting Thai Polo/Get A Drip get any kind of foothold in the scoreline. Green Gates’ 12-9 win today means that both of these teams finish the league stages on two wins out of four.

The second game, featuring La Dolfina Scone and Jean Paul Luksic’s Gaston was a much slower affair in terms of goals scored. The Guards TV commentator, Greg Keating, confirmed that the first half was the lowest scoring three chukkas in this year’s competition! There was some great play from every member of the La Dolfina Scone team, with Charlie Hanbury in particular making the most of any space. In addition, La Dolfina

Scone features Adolfo Cambiaso, the player who holds the record for the most Queen’s Cup wins. Watching today’s game, it is clear he is eager to add to his record. The problem for Cambiaso today was that his long-time friend, Juan Martin Nero - they have won 10 Argentine Opens together - was a member of Gaston. Nero knows Cambiaso’s play probably as well as he does and would try to shut him down whenever he could. Hanbury and Gaston’s Ollie Cudmore are great friends too and so also know each other’s game inside out. That said, La Dolfina Scone were 4-1 up at half-time and never relinquished their lead. They went on to win this game 9-4, their third win of the competition.

Gaston v La Dolfina Scone

La Dolfina Scone v Gaston

Gaston’s Ollie Cudmore

This was the date for the last of the league matches in the 2024 edition of the Cartier Queen’s Cup. There were wins for Black Bears, La Magdeleine and Talandracas. Black Bears had to win their game to guarantee a place in the weekend’s quarter-finals as they were on two wins in League One. Thanks to a strong victory over Shoreline, who were fielding Segundo Darritchon in place of Hugo Taylor - Guy Schwazenbach’s team can head to the quarter-finals.

Next up was a friendly game featuring La Magdeleine and the UAE Polo Team. Both teams knew their Queen’s Cup campaigns were over as they had registered one win and two losses, to Talandracas and Cibao La

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP DAY 15

Gonzalo Pieres for Black Bears

Facundo Pieres for Black Bears

Shoreline’s Alfredo Capella v Hazel Jackson and Gonzalito Pieres for Black Bears

Pampa. So even though La Magdeleine won the match 10-7, it was to no avail. However the big news from this high-goal game was that it was played successfully on Ground 6 - one of Guards Polo Club’s newest grounds.

So all eyes were on the last match of the day. Talandracas and Cibao La Pampa knew that they had qualified, it was just a matter of where they finished in the league. Talandracas won the match 12-11, giving them an unbeaten run to the quarter-finals. The only other team to have achieved that this year is Dubai. Talandracas’s victory today sets them up for a quarter-final clash with Desert Palm Polo Club. Meanwhile, Cibao La Pampa will play in the final quarter-final of the weekend, against Black Bears.

Facundo Fernandez Llorente going to goal for la Magdeleine.

Juan Pepa of Cibao La Pampa v Hugues Carmignac of Talandracas

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CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP QF DAY 1

King Power and La Dolfina Great Oaks were the first teams confirmed for Wednesday’s Semi-Finals. King Power, playing Estanislao Darritchon, in place of their patron Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, who had injured his hand, were ahead for most of this match. This surprised many as Dubai had finished unbeaten after the league stages and when these two teams met a couple of weeks ago Dubai won the match 14-6. However, Rashid Albwardy’s team struggled to replicate that form and were trailing for much of the match.

Match experience paid off for Nico Pieres and Pablo MacDonough, neither a stranger to Queen’s Cup success. They helped the King Power keep their cool and this duo made the most of any space. By the end of the fifth King Power were leading 13-8.

It was all change in the sixth though. It was as if Camilo Castagnola had just realised the importance of this match. This talented, 10-goaler suddenly found his mojo. He scored five goals on the bounce to bring this match level and force it into extra time. However it was Pieres who found some space seconds into the seventh chukka and powered a huge hit to goal to win this game King Power.

The second game featured a plethora of Cambiasos. Adolfo and his daughter Mia in action for La Dolfina Scone while Adolfo Junior, known to all as Poroto, was playing for Dillon Bacon’s La Dolfina Great Oaks. This was a close game. Scores were level (5-5) at half-time. Alfredo Bigatti was invariably in the right place to pick up an Adolfo Snr pass, while Charlie Hanbury was impressive in defence. Meanwhile, Mia Cambiaso worked hard to keep her brother off the line of the ball. In reply, Kian Hall, Diego Cavanagh and

Poroto consistently fired through goals to keep La Dolfina Great Oaks in contention. This team pulled away a little in the fourth (8-6) thanks to three goals from Cavanagh.

Goals from Bigatti and Adolfo Snr kept La Dolfina Scone’s hopes alive, but Poroto and Cavanagh were on top form and maintained their team’s two-goal advantage. In the final moments Poroto raced off to goal, with Adolfo Snr chasing. Poroto kept his cool, evaded his father’s hook and calmly slotted through the final goal of the match.

In addition to winning through to Wednesday’s semis, Dillon Bacon received the Platinum Jubilee Trophy from the Club’s Chairman, Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer.

Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer presents the Platinum Jubilee Trophy to La Dolfina/Great Oaks’ Dillon Bacon

King Power celebrate reaching he semi finals

Nico Pieres for King Power

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP QF DAY 2

The final two semi-final tickets for 2024 have been won by Talandracas and Black Bears. Hugues Carmignac’s team put up a strong performance over Desert Palm Polo Club to win their quarterfinal 12-8. Talandracas’s Polito Pieres was the top goal scorer of the tournament coming into this match and added to his tally today. Team-mate Rosendo Torreguitar, who had a standout game, also excelled at finding the flags. In fact Talandracas’s consistency put them ahead 3-2 at the end of the first chukka and kept them in front for the rest of the match. Talandracas failed to score in the

fourth but had created enough of a barrier to protect themselves from such a situation. Desert Palm had several opportunities to get on terms with Talandracas - this game was closer than the scoreline suggests - but Desert Palm sent too many penalties wide. They were more cohesive in the second half but could not get themselves ahead to win.

The second match saw Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears come from behind to win this quarter-final 10-7. Juan Pepa's Cibao La Pampa were leading 4-2 after the second chukka, thanks to four goals from Benjamin Panelo. Fortunes reversed in the third and Black Bears seized a 6-4 lead at half-time. Facundo and Gonzalo Pieres fired

through two goals apiece, while team-mate Hazel Jackson did a great job in keeping Panelo away from the play. There was still all to play for though. Black Bears failed to score in the fourth, but Cibao La Pampa struggled to make any major inroads into their opponents’ scoreline. Then, thanks to some memorable play from Jackson in the fifth, plus some accurate penalty taking by Facundo Pieres, the Bears now found themselves ahead 8-5 going into the final chukka. With both teams scoring in this period, the Black Bears claimed the win. Schwarzenbach stepped up to receive the Gerard Leigh Cup from James Gerard Leigh, grandson of the Club’s former Chairman, Col William Gerard Leigh.

Team Talandracas will meet Black Bears in the second semi-final

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL

Cartier Queen’s Cup Quarter-Finals

Saturday 8 June 2024

Match A, 12pm

KING POWER 14 DUBAI POLO TEAM 13

THE PLATINUM JUBILEE TROPHY

Match D, 3pm LA DOLFINA/GREAT OAKS 11 LA DOLFINA/SCONE 9

Sunday 9 June 2024

Match B, 12pm

TALANDRACAS 12 DESERT PALM POLO CLUB 8

Cartier

Match E, 12pm

THE KERRY PACKER TROPHY

THE GERARD LEIGH CUP

Match C, 3pm BLACK BEARS 10 CIBAO LA PAMPA 7

Queen’s Cup Semi-Finals

Wednesday 12 June 2024

KING POWER v LA DOLFINA/GREAT OAKS

Match F, 4pm THE HUBERT PERRODO TROPHY TALANDRACAS v BLACK BEARS

Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

Sunday 16 June 2024

WINNER MATCH E v WINNER MATCH F

The winner of this game will receive the Cartier Queen’s Cup. The 47th game of this tournament.

A VIEW FROM THE FIELD

Everyone’s attention is on the action on the field but our photographers, Pablo Ramirez and his son Patricio, also capture those moments off the field that highlight the camaraderie that is a hallmark of polo. The majority of the Cartier Queen’s Cup players travel the world together, chasing polo glory in Argentina, the USA, Spain, France and here in the UK. Many polo families are interconnected through marriage and players’ children are old friends having spent many a hour together fieldside. Here one can find the true heart of polo and what makes it stand out from other sports.

Photographs by PABLO RAMIREZ

Juan Britos with members of the Park Place support team

Park Place's Polo Manager Ash Price with Jemima Walker

Lucas Monteverde Jnr with HH Sheikha Maitha of the UAE Polo Team

Good to start them young!

Mia and Adolfo Cambiaso Snr

Tommy Beresford and Teodoro Lacau

Gaston's Cruz Heguy, Ollie Cudmore and Juan Martin Nero warm up before a match

Polito Pieres

Lucas Monteverde Jnr

Adolfo Cambiaso Snr in the Desert Palm Great Oaks team tent

White Crane grooms in the pony lines

Pre-match warm-up routine

Camilo Castagnola Sujan Indian Tigers’ Rufino Bensadon

Dillon Bacon and Kian Hall

Juan Martin Nero getting ready to play

Cristian Laprida and Pelon Stirling

Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup match umpires Gaston Lucero and Henry Fisher with Nicola Cole from the show team

Juan Pepa of Cibao La Pampa Vere Harmsworth talks tactics

Andrew Blake Thomas and Jasmine Calvert-Ansari

Gonzalo Ferrari Cibao La Pampa

Alexie Calvert-Ansari, White Crane patron

Benjamin Panelo

FABULOUS 40

In this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup programme we are including a celebration of the number 40. This is because it is exactly how many years Cartier has been a generous sponsor at Guards Polo Club. The Maison first supported the Cartier International Day here at the Club, built around two of the sport’s biggest trophies (literally) – the Coronation Cup and the Westchester Cup. Cartier sponsored this outstanding day of international polo, always featuring the England Polo Team, from 1984 –2011 inclusively. The Maison then moved its focus to the Cartier Queen’s Cup as part of its aim to support a more tournament-focused event. So Guards Polo Club has been honoured to work closely with the incredible Cartier brand and its own amazing team for four fabulous decades. This anniversary also allows us to take a light-hearted look at the number 40.

HRH The Prince of Wales, now HM King Charles lll, with the US Polo team after a Coronation Cup win at Guards Polo Club. Photograph © Mike Roberts

FOURTY

For the pedants among us this is how it really should be spelt. However the “modern” spelling of 40 was actually introduced in the 16th century. Even Shakespeare did not use the fourty version. There were many variants of 40 in medieval times, such as fourtie, fourtye and even vorty, but these were all gradually replaced with our more familiar forty. Also forty is the only number in English whose letters appear in alphabetical order!

40 winks

This popular phrase, meaning a short nap, dates back to Dr William Kitchiner. He wrote a self-help book in 1821 with the incredibly wordy title, The Art of Invigorating and Prolonging Life by Food, Clothes, Air, Exercise, Wine, Sleep and More. It is believed that this publication is the first use of the phrase 40 winks. The Literary Chronicle and Weekly Review of London reviewed this book of Dr Kitchiner’s in 1821 and included this passage: “Sleep is a subject on which our author acknowledges his feelings are tremblingly alive; he is fond of a ‘fortywinks‘ nap in an horizontal posture, as the best preparative for any extraordinary exertion, either of body or mind.”

-40 degrees

Interestingly this really cold temperature reading is unique in that it is the only one that is the same in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

Quarantine

When the plague was prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages, ships would have to isolate in harbour for 40 days before passengers were allowed to go ashore. The Italian word for 40 is quaranta, and today we use the word quarantine to mean a restriction on the movement of people, animals or good to prevent the spread of disease.

Monopoly

There are 40 squares on a Monopoly board. Guards Polo Club itself features in the Royal Windsor special edition of this perennially popular board game? You can purchase the Club if you land on one of the pink squares – Whitehall on a traditional board.

WD40

Anyone with a classic car – or an old house – knows the value of the wonderfully magic spray WD40. It can loosen the tightest of bolts or start the crankiest of engines with ease. However, did you know that the name derives from its creation? It took chemists 40 attempts to develop the spray and the initials literally mean Water Displacement 40th Formula. Who knew?

St Swithin’s Day

Folklore says that if it rains on St Swithin’s Day – 15 July – it will rain for 40 days non-stop. There is no statistical evidence that this has ever happened since weather reports began in the 18th century but the myth still lingers. Equally if it’s a lovely day on this date in July it will be lovely for the following six weeks. If only that was true. St Swithin himself was the Bishop of Winchester in Hampshire in the early 800s. Apparently, he didn’t want to be buried in a prominent place in the cathedral but outside in a simple tomb “where the sweet rain of heaven may fall upon my grave”. Maybe that is how this tale began?

Ruby wedding anniversary

If you’ve been married for 40 years, then you’ll know that this year you will be celebrating your ruby wedding anniversary!

“Life begins at 40”

We

have a gentleman called Walter Pitkin to thank for making this phrase popular. He was an American author and university professor who wrote a best-selling book with this title in 1932. This self-help book shot to the top of the non-fiction best sellers list in 1933 in the USA.

The Top 40

The best-selling singles across the UK have been compiled into an official weekly chart since 1952. Pop music radio stations and streaming platforms then promote the 40 most popular songs. So 40 years ago today, on June 16 1984, the UK’s number one single was Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Two Tribes, which stayed at the top for nine weeks. Did anyone else here today record their favourite tracks to make compilations?

16 June 1984

Here is a mini list of who, what, where and when on or around 16 June 1984 – 40 years ago to the day.

Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher

President of the USA: Ronald Reagan

Top film: Ghostbusters – launched in the USA on 8 June 1984

Top Album: Legend by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Top book on Times Bestseller List: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera Queen’s Cup winners: The Vestey family’s Foxcote team

Cirque du Soleil was founded on this day in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Canada by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.

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SHOT LIST

Although players and ponies move at pace and, to the uninitiated, a game might seem a bit of a blur, there is an array of key shots in every match that, when successfully executed, will leave the spectator spellbound. In front of you today will be some of the world’s best players so keep an eye on the highest handicapped player on the field – remember the higher the number the better the player – and see if you can spot them perform some of these shots.

Photographs by PABLO RAMIREZ

THROW IN

The start of the chukka. The teams of four players each line up, facing the umpire. He throws the ball through the middle of the field, inciting a spirited rush to gain advantage.

NEARSIDE NECK SHOT

The rider must bend forward and drive the shot under the neck of the horse. A challenging shot, however indispensable as it can clear the ball down the field.

RIGHT OF WAY

A player hits the ball and the direction of its travel establishes the line of the ball. Opponents may enter the line of the ball if they do so safely.

RIDING OFF

A thrilling, defensive move designed to strip the opponent of the ball. The player gallops up alongside his opponent. The heated contest is successful if the player can move the opponent or gain control of the ball.

HOOK

A defensive play where the player can block an opponent’s swing by hooking his mallet. This clever move must be executed with caution. If, for example, a player reaches over the opponent’s mount, a penalty shot will be awarded to the other team.

OFFSIDE NECK SHOT

The rider leans forward and drives the shot underneath the horse’s neck.

OFFSIDE FOREHAND

This forward drive to the right of the horse propels the ball forward, making it the most universal and powerful shot in polo.

NEARSIDE BACK SHOT

The second most powerful shot which is difficult to master. The rider must twist to the left and hit the ball backwards on the nearside, trying to set up a counter attack for his team.

OFFSIDE TAIL SHOT

This shot is played with the ball on the horse's offside. It is normally a defensive shot but well executed it establishes a counter attack. A good tail shot should be 240 degrees from direction of travel of the hitter.

QUEEN’S CUP RESULTS 1960-2023

HONOURS BOARD

Reading this list of players is the equivalent of studying the history of polo over the past six decades. Some of the biggest names of the game are referenced here and one can track the development of the sport by the teams who have achieved victory in the Queen’s Cup. For example, the Hertfordshire-based Woolmers Park, winners in 1967 and 1968 were at that time one of the leading polo clubs of the day. Meanwhile, Ellerston White’s introduction to the list in 1991 highlights the rise of a more professional game, with influential patrons like Kerry Packer and Black Bears’ Urs Schwarzenbach going on to dominate the sport around the world. More recently we are seeing the influence of the next generation of polo dynasties, with names like Beresford, Pieres, Heguy, Cambiaso, Merlos and Castagnola heading up the team lists and delivering polo’s legacy for new fans of the sport.

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP RESULTS 1960 – 1991

1960 Centaurs

Dr J Marin Moreno, J Lucas, G Gracida, E de Rothschild

1961 Silver Leys A Boyd Gibbons, H Pitman, Maharajah Prem Singh, G Singh

1962 Sao Silvestre W Sionsen, J Adua, JJ Diaz Alberdi, A Mihanovich

1963 Cowdray Park Lt Col A Harper, P Withers, S Hill, B Bethell

1964 Centaurs Dr J Marin Moreno, J Lucas, D Goodman, E de Rothschild

1965 Pimms

1966 Pimms

Earl Brecknock, Dr J Marin Moreno, J Lucas, D Gonzalez

Earl Brecknock, Dr J Marin Moreno, J Lucas, C Garros

1967 Woolmers Park Dr J Marin Moreno, E Sorilla, J Lucas, C Garros

1968 Woolmers Park Dr J Marin Moreno, J Lucas, E de Rothschild, H Valenzuella

1969 Pimms

Earl Brecknock, A Soldati, D Gonzalez, B Bethell

1970 Cowdray Park Lt Col A Harper, J Hipwood, H Hipwood, Hon M Vestey

1971 Stowell Park Lord Vestey, Hon M Vestey, E Moore, H Barrantes

1972 Cowdray Park W Linfoot, H Hipwood, Dr W Linfoot, Hon M Hare

1973 Stowell Park Lord Vestey, Hon M Vestey, E Moore, H Barrantes

1974 San Flamingo R Driver, H Hipwood, J Hipwood, W Ylvisaker

1975 Foxcote Lt Col A Harper, Hon M Vestey, E Moore, S Mackenzie

1976 San Flamingo C Driver, H Hipwood, A Herrera, J Horswell

1977 Foxcote P Palumbo, Hon M Vestey, E Moore, D Devrient

1978 Stowell Park JN Williams, Lord Vestey, E Moore, H Barrantes

1979 Los Locos Mrs C Tomlinson, S Tomlinson, H Crotto, D Gemmell

1980 Stowell Park Hon M Vestey, E Moore, H Barrantes, P Elliott

1981 Cowdray Park Hon C Pearson, C Juraeguiz, P Withers, S Harper

1982 Boehm Team Lord Patrick Beresford, H Hipwood, S Mackenzie, Hon M Vestey

1983 Cowdray Park Hon C Pearson, C Forsyth, P Withers, Churchward

1984 Foxcote Lord Vestey, Lord Charles Beresford, S Novaes, P Elliott

1985 Centaurs D Yeoman, A Kent, O Rinehart, D Jamison

1986 Les Diables Bleus G Wildenstein, R Vial, G Gracida, HRH Prince of Wales

1987 Southfield J Yeoman, A Kent, O Rinehart, M Bown

1988 NCP Broncos The Marquess of Milford Haven, C Forsyth, G Donoso, M Glue

1989 Hilditch & Key A Hine, J Hipwood, R Walton, G Weston

1990 Santa Fe Bill Bond Elliott, A Hine, C Forsyth, H Crotto

1991 Ellerston White A Pieres, G Pieres, A Archibald, K Packer

CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP RESULTS 1992 - 2023

1992 Ellerston White H Brett, B Heguy, A Heguy, A Archibald

1993 Black Bears U Schwarzenbach, S Merlos, P Merlos, J Dixon

1994 Black Bears U Scharzenbach, S Merlos, P Merlos, T Southwell

1995 Labegorce H Perrodo, M Brown, P Heguy, M Fernandez-Araujo

1996 Ellerston White J Daniels, J Novillo Astrada, G Pieres, K Packer

1997 Isla Carroll M Pannell, M Gracida, P Merlos, J Goodman

1998 Ellerston White J Beim, A Cambiaso, G Pieres, J Fisher

1999 Ellerston White J Beim, A Cambiaso, G Pieres, T Wade

2000 Geebung D Allen, A Cambiaso, B Heguy, R Stowe

2001 No match played due to foot and mouth outbreak in UK

2002 Emerging F Pictet, H Guerrero, M Fernandez Araujo, L Tomlinson

2003 Dubai A Albwardy, L Castagnola, A Cambiaso, M Lodder

2004 Labegorce H Perrodo, F Mannix jnr, C Gracida, L Tomlinson

2005 Dubai

A Albwardy, P Diaz Alberdi, A Cambiaso, R Pemble

2006 Dubai T Albwardy, P Diaz Alberdi, A Cambiaso, G Meyrick

2007 Loro Piana D Stirling, A Marchini, J M Nero, M Espain

2008 Ellerston M Routledge, G Pieres jnr, F Pieres, J Packer

2009 Apes Hill C Hanbury, M Tomlinson, JG Zavaleta, L Tomlinson

2010 Dubai F Vizmara, R Albwardy, A Cambiaso, P MacDonough

2011 Talandracas F Sola, L Monteverde, M Fernandez Araujo, E Carmignac

2012 Dubai R Albwardy, A White, A Cambiaso, I Heguy

2013 Zacara F Pieres, L Lea, R Andrada, M Perry

2014 Zacara F Pieres, L Lea, G Deltour, M Perry

2015 King Power Foxes

A Srivaddhanaprabha, H Lewis, G Pieres jnr, F Pieres

2016 Dubai K Hall, R Albwardy, A Cambiaso, JM Nero

2017 RH Polo B Soleimani, T Beresford, A Cambiaso, R de Andrade

2018 La Indiana M Bickford, A White, N Roldan, F Pieres

2019 Scone Polo D Paradice, J Beim, N Pieres, J Harper

2020 Les Lions/Great Oaks C Castagnola, D Bacon, B Catagnola jnr, S Laborde

2021 UAE Polo Team HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, T Panelo, P Pieres, T Beresford

2022 Great Oaks LL D Bacon, J Beim, J M Nero, C Heguy

2023 Murus Sanctus C Ricard, F Fernandez Llorente, P Pieres, A Muzzio

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