PQ international Spring Issue 2008 #63 by .tom graphics

Jaeger-LeCoultre partner of

Luke Tomlinson, the only British player in the Argentine Open 2007

Contents Spring ISSUE 2008 Nº 63

THE TEAM 36 68

38 - 114th Argentine Championship

86 88

LEWIS LACEY A Master of Polo WORLD POLO TOUR A Brand New Year for the WPT ENGLISH SEASON Polo Aloud LA DOLFINA Hat-Trick La Dolfina

THE PONY LINES 120 124 142 148 154

142 Arena Gold Cup

INTERNATIONAL LADIES TOURNAMENT The Classic Ladies International established in Cañuelas SHANGHAI TANG WOMEN´S Hot Pink triumph 4th Women´s International Polo HICKSTEAD The International Areno Polo Test Match: England vs. South Africa ARENA GOLD CUP In the Awe of the Arena THAILAND OPEN A Day at the Thai Polo

THE FIELDS OF PLAY 14 26 30 38 52 62 96

14 Jaime Garcia Huidobro, St Moritz

106

Beauty on Hand

110

ST. MORITZ The Snow Show KLOSTERS Team eCRT wins Berenberg Snow Polo 2008 CORTINA Cortina Audi Polo Gold Cup Finals 2008 114th ARGENTINE CHAMPIONSHIP La Dolfina, three-times champion HURLINGHAM OPEN Ellerstina has done it once again, as in 2005 TORTUGAS OPEN Ellerstina were the best of the lot PALM BEACH Catamount opens Season with a Barry Memorial Cup Title PALM BEACH Isla Carrol takes C.V. Whitney Cup PALM BEACH 2008 Generosity Cup

THE LIFESTYLE 72 74 76 78 80 82 84

80 Mickael Weiss

TRENDS / FOR SPRING 2008 Feeling Blue MEN´S FASHION Cool and Casual / Fresh and Clean THE LOOK For Him / For Her GROOMED AND GLAMOROUS New Spring Ranges CHEFF INTERVIEW Mickael Weiss RESTAURANT REVIEWS Papillion WHO´S WHO...DESIGNER Karen brost

FRONT COVER PHOTO - Eduado Novillo Astrada, Las Monjitas Polo Team USPA Gold Cup 2008 - Bob Lubash

JP Clarkin, MVP St Moritz 2008

POLO QUARTERLY MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE NO. 63 Publisher & Editor PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com Contributor Editors Roger Chatterton-Newman info@pqinternaional.com Olivia Johnson olivia@pololine.com Beauty & Fashion Editor Sally-Anne Shrimpton sally@pqinternational.com Beauty & Fashion Contributor Tavy Mogridge Administration & Distribution Tony Ramirez tony@pqinternational.com Design & Production Tomas M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com Photographs PoloLine Media Centaur Photographic Kim Kumpart M&M Productions Alice Gipps Images of Polo Gillian Hughes Advertising Sales Julia Pasaron juliap@nbmp.net Printing Platt Printing Group PQ International 101 Western Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. BN6 9SY, United Kingdom Tel./Fax +44 (0)1273 835449 www.pqinternational.com E-mail: polo@pqinternational.com

Welcome to the Spring issue of PQinternational

e are proud to present you with the first issue this year, and what

management, which is proving to be a great success. We aim to provide you with the most recent and exciting polo activity available. Our ultimate goal is to bring you uninterrupted polo wherever you are, whenever you want. We hope that you are enjoying the heightened experience as much as we enjoy donating the satisfaction. Arena polo has taken off in England, enabling this spectacular sport to reach a variety of new enthusiasts. Over three hundred spectators filled the stands at the All English Polo Club in Hickstead, where the first International Arena Test Match was hosted in January. The HPA supported the match played for ‘The Bryan Morrison Arena Polo International Trophy’ to celebrate Mr Morrison’s great efforts in the promotion of arena polo prior to his accident. The International Test Match is to be played annually and is expected to become a landmark for the winter season. Arena polo is an ever expanding success, allowing this sensational sport to be enjoyed whatever the weather. A fantastic start to 2008 saw a tremendous increase in the popularity of snow polo. This was clearly seen by the stunning display at the 24th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow, held amongst the breathtaking Swiss Alps in St Moritz. An exhilarating atmosphere filled the January air with the tournament welcoming their first 10 goal player, the world renowned Bartolome Castañola, who played for Bank Julius Baer. However, the star of the show was JohnPaul Clarkin who was quite rightly awarded the MVP for his exceptional performance in both the final and the tournament, which enabled his team, Brioni, to uphold their championship title from 2007. From snow to sun, we have seen an eruption of activity in Wellington, Florida, where the American Triple Crown is currently taking place, having completed the CV Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup. The much anticipated US Open has just begun, bringing a phenomenal season to a close. PQinternational have high hopes for the forthcoming summer, not to mention the fast approaching, yet presently mysterious, UK season. We leave you now to enjoy all that PQ has to offer, bringing international polo to the comfort of your home. PQinternational

© 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.

Adolfo Cambiaso collided with Marcos Heguy at the Hurlingham Open 2007

THE WORLD´S

POLO CHANNEL watch it on-line at www.pololine.tv

pololine.tv 11

Gonzalo Pieres Jr at The Tortugas Open 2007

13 17

Audi. Official sponsor of the England polo team.

THE SNOW SHOW

As every year, St. Moritz was all decked out to receive the best polo on snow in the world. The 24th Polo World Cup on Snow was held on the frozen waters of Lake St. Moritz, where Brioni triumphed over Cartier in a very ecstatic and moving final. John Paul Clarkin was the great figure of the tournament.

ST. MORITZ

witzerland has got us accustomed to excellence as regards organising tournaments. After a complicated 2007, with waters which did not freeze completely, and the inconveniences this caused regarding the setting up of the club and the stands, 2008 began and the cold weather was back, so everything returned to normal in the Swiss Alps. And thus, once again the organisers were calm and the celebration was back at its best. Two 22-goal teams and two holding a 20-goal handicap were present at St.

game that this implies: higher speed as well as a higher risk for both players and horses. 2008 since, for the first time, a player holding a 10-goal handicap was present at St. Moritz. Recent three-timeschampion of the Argentine Open Bartolomé Castagnola was the first polo player to achieve a perfect handicap on snow in Switzerland. Milo Fernández Araujo had played there on two previous occasions, although back then he had

RECENT THREE-TIMES-CHAMPION OF THE ARGENTINE OPEN BARTOLOMÉ CASTAGNOLA WAS THE FIRST POLO PLAYER TO ACHIEVE A PERFECT HANDICAP ON SNOW IN SWITZERLAND. MILO FERNÁNDEZ ARAUJO HAD PLAYED THERE ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, ALTHOUGH BACK THEN HE HAD NOT YET ACHIEVED HIS 10-GOAL HANDICAP. WHEN HE PLAYED ON SNOW, HE DID SO WITH A 9-GOAL HANDICAP. Moritz. Originally, this tournament was up to 20 goals, but in 2006 it was risen to 22 goals, and what used to be a two patron/two professional player mix was turned into one patron and three professional players, with the change in

not yet achieved his 10-goal handicap. When he played on snow, he did so with a 9-goal handicap. Anyhow, handicaps are not proportional to the game level played on snow. Otherwise, let Lolo say so himself,

Julius Baer vs Maybach

since he could neither find his way around the field nor the ball and was, therefore, unable to show his talent on any of the four days. But, at least he took my thing…” Cartier, one of the 22-goal teams, was also starting off as one of the favourites. An expert in this type of polo, Chilean player José Donoso, who has played several times in St. Moritz, was on the same team with two talented Argentine players, Marcos Di Paola and Guillermo Terrera. Together with them, another Switzerland classic: Italian player Adriano Agosti. Bank Julius Baer was the other 22goal team, with two polo players who are used to being on the same team, as is the case with Argentine Bartolomé Castagnola and Chilean Jaime García Huidobro; together with them, the Hanbury brothers, George and Charlie; a team that promised to fight till the end. Maybach, one of the traditional polo entertainers in St. Moritz, were presenting their team with three Argentine players, namely Federico Bachmann, Pablo Jauretche and Ignacio Tillous together

with patron Philip Maeder; three Argentine players with a relatively high handicap seeking to win the Cartier Cup. And last but not least, Brioni, the team that would end up being the grand champion of the 2008 tournament, and which would have the most important figure of the tournament and the final

TEAMS Cartier

Adriano Agosti Marcos Di Paola José Donoso Guillermo Terrera

Maybach Phillip Maeder Federico Bachman Pablo Jauretche Ignacio Tillous

22 0 8 7 7

21 0 6 8 7

Julius Baer

George Hanbury Charlie Hanbury Jaime García Huidobro Bartolomé Castagnola

1 2 8 10

Brioni

Guy Schwarzenbach

Nacho Gonzáles John-Paul Clarkin Johnny Good

6 8 5

Brioni, winners of the 2008 World Cup on Snow

Strellson Trophy Maybach 5 vs Bank Julius Baer 6

TBA Trophy Cartier 9 vs Bank Julius Baer 4

Nespresso Trophy Brioni 3 vs Maybach 2

Mercedes AMG Cup Final Bank Julius Baer 3 vs Maybach 4

Cartier Cup Final Cartier 8 vs Brioni 8 1/2 2008 Champion Brioni Polo Team

Place: St Moritz, Switzerland Club: St Moritz Polo Club Date: January 24- 27, 2008 Level: 22 Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: Heinz Reber WPT Category Ranking: Snow Winner Points: 150 Finalist Points: 80 Semi Finalist Points: 40

Above: JP Clarkin has the ball glued to the mallet, followed by Adriano Agosti - Below: Bartolome Castagnola and Jose Donoso

playing for them: John Paul Clarkin from goal posts to goal posts, will go down in history; a ball that was always hit in the air and which was torn between the wind and a tack brandished by outstanding polo player Clarkin. Besides his triumph and his incredible performance, he was very well accompanied by young Guy Schwarzenbach and professional players Johnny Good and Nacho González. A peculiar detail: for the first time in a long time, there were no Argentine players in the champion’s line-up. in 2008. In 2007, Guy had also obtained this title but, on that occasion, he was accompanied by Charlie Hanbury, Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Milo Fernández Araujo. at St. Moritz has come to an end. And now, with time to spare and having left nothing to chance, they are going all out to organize the grand quarter-century Tournament will be commermorating its 25-year anniversary and Switzerland is already starting to get enthusiastic about the celebration. As always, with an impeccable organization and not a single detail left to chance. Above: Jose Donoso - Below: John Paul Clarkin going for a back shoot

Above: Guillermo Terrera - Below: Pablo Jauretche, Bartolome Castagnola and George Hanbury

Above: the final - Below: Jamie Le Hardy (Team Rotunda Tours)going for the ball

Nacho Gonzales

OFF THE FIELD

Jack Kidd at the final

KLOSTERS

SNOW POLO AT KLOSTERS

n a thrilling final, eCRT won the

consisting of patron John Manconi, John Bunn and Jack Kidd , who is a co-founder of Berenberg Snow Polo, defeated the Swiss title holder with six goals difference. Schloss Sihlberg with

patron Philippe Maeder, Stefan Roth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; president of Alpine Polo Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the extraordinarily talented Federico Bachmann lost 3-9 to the English/Canadian a nail-biting match in the wonderful mountain scenery of Klosters.

In the semi-final Rotunda Tours/SAA and Parmigiani were running shoulder protagonists, Jamie Le Hardy and Jamie Morrison, showed polo at its best by having a hard but fair fight which ended 10-all.

Dominique Thoenes fighting for the ball with Chris Warren

Rotunda Tours/SAA proved that polo with the two brilliant playing Kenyans Emma Beardshaw and Dominique the men. Captain of the mixed team, Jamie Le Hardy, who played on snow for the first time, was judged fairest player of the tournament. Team Hackett gained fifth place by beating team Berenberg 9-4 in the last game. Best playing pony was Federico Bachmann’s mare Pipa.

LADIES’ POLO ladies’ tournament on snow was a great over two days and performed a great show by Jack Kidd’s sister Jodie and her team B&B. Alongside the two patrons Louise Sandberg and Louise McLaren Tosh, she dominated the other teams. Parmigiani, with patron Sybille no victory for Stills with patron Nicola Hodges. Despite their strong playing Kirsty Craig. the second British team came last.

Final

Team Schloss Silberg

Philippe Maeder (CH) Federico Bachmann (ARG) Stefan Roth (CH)

1 6 2

Team eCRT

John Manconi (CAN) Jack Kidd (UK) John Bunn (UK)

1 5 1

Result: Team eCRT 9 vs Team Sclhloss Silberg 3 *handicaps on snow

Chas Taylor from Team Parmigiani

Above: Jack Kidd and Federico Bachmann playing tennis at the final - Below: Jamie Le Hardy going for the ball, followed by Chris Warren

Leroux Hendrix

CORTINA

Leroux Hendrix and Bautista Urbina

CORTINA WINTER POLO AUDI GOLD CUP FINALS 2008

fter a busy week of polo on Lake Misurina in the heart of the picturesque mountains of Dolomiti, close to celebrated Cortina dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ampezzo, the event has been deemed a massive success, and the 2008 victor has been crowned! Six teams entered the tournament, featuring a host of international players. of the tournament, which established in 1989, has now been played in Misurina has drawn international interest from seasoned snow polo players to snow polo debutants, keen to give the beautiful game a go on ice! Philipp Maeder is an

example of a true snow polo enthusiast. He has spent the winter travelling around Europe playing at the top events in Klosters, St.Moritz and Cortina. Tom Barrack and the Jaeger-LeCoultre team were the newcomers and took to the sport like ducks to water. In fact they seemed at one with the snowy conditions and managed to beat the odds by grasping the Winter Polo Audi Gold Cup title. Each player in the team had never hit a snow polo ball before the tournament began. You could argue it came down to experience, with Memo Gracida at the helm; a player that has dominated the grass sport for years and influenced generations of polo players. 31

Tom Barrack was so happy with his victory on his first trip to Cortina, in fact he seemed happy to simply be at the event, always with a smile on his face. Since his arrival in Cortina, he has had nothing but praise for the event and its well prepared this year, making it a superb playing surface and for the polo to be of an exceptionally high standard. people like Tom Barrack to combine his two biggest passions, polo and skiing, and for his family to enjoy themselves in the breathtaking environment. What more could you want? Well to win, and he has now done that too!

with how the tournament unfolded, not just in the quality of the teams and polo, but the weather was also superb. In fact all that could be heard after matches was sheer congratulations from the players and patrons about the quality of the playing surface. With all this in mind, it is understandable that the final was played in front of a massive crowd all enjoying the atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Seasoned spectators have said that it was the best picture perfect vista of Cortina and the snow polo in the last three years. Audi, take on snow polo novices Jaegerside, Rommy Gianni and Luca D’Orazio have been playing the tournament on opposite sides for the last seven years. As if that wasn’t enough in the way of “experience”, one of them has always won the tournament in that seven-year period. It is with this level of snow polo expertise that it becomes understandable why Tom Barrack was incredibly nervous of his opposition’s ability in the final.

Jaeger-LeCoultre was never an underdog despite never having graced the snow before, in fact far from it. One of the polo greats, Memo Gracida guided his team to the final, inspiring his patron Tom Barrack, and young protégé Leroux Hendrix.

Final

superb demonstration of team play and

Rommy Gianni (Cap) (Ita) Luca D’Orazio (Ita) Dario Musso (Arg) Eduardo Menendez (Arg)

far apart with each team taking a quick advantage only for the other team to fight back again. It was in the last seconds of the game that the title was decided. Audi receiving half a goal on handicap at the start of the game, ended up losing narrowly by a half a goal margin, the final score 7-6 1/2 to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Gracida having won tournaments all around the world was proud to be the winner on his debut outing, and looked as though he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tom Barrack praised his team captain, saying he was always so calm and quiet and was a superb director on and off the field. With this in mind it is understandable that he was the highest goal scorer of the tournament. Other

34 32

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Team 19 Tom Barrack (Cap) (USA) Guillermo Gracida (USA) Matias Torres Zavaleta (Arg) Leroux Hendriks (RSA)

Audi Polo Team

1 6 6 5

18 2 1 7 8

awards went to Goffredo Cutinelli R. for the best rider and Best Playing pony was awarded to Dario Musso’s horse, Iconia. Other results saw Ruinart Champagne defeat Green House in the final of the Ski Pass Gold Cup, and Hotel De La Poste beat Deutsche Bank for runners up of the Ski Pass Gold Cup. calendar is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Spring Gold Cup in Sardinia from 23rd April to 3rd May. If Cortina is anything to go by, Sardinia looks to be another great adventure and display of world class polo.

Pablo Jauretche followed by AudiÂ´s players

Charly Stisted and wife

Above: John and Alannah Horsewell - Below Left: Morgan and Simone Chiarella

Philipp and Sibylle Maeder

Above: Arthur Fitzwilliam and Emma Davidson - Below: Andres James, Patrick Pavlov, Pablo Jaureche and Naike

HISTORY

LEWIS LACEY: A MASTER OF POLO By Horace Laffaye

ewis Lawrence Lacey was born on 17 February 1887 in Montreal, Canada, the second son of William and Martha Brook Lacey. At age two, Lewis was taken to Argentina by his parents, and although a resident in Argentine for the rest of his life, he never relinquished his Canadian citizenship. William Lacey was a professional cricket player and the Hurlingham Club’s manager. Eventually, William established Lacey & Sons, the premier supplier of polo equipment in Buenos Aires. Young Lewis attended Buenos Aires English High School, that had been founded by Alexander Watson Hutton, the Scot educator who was the father of Argentine football and the first president of the Argentine Football Association. Lewis grew up with his four polo-playing brothers in the Hurlingham Club. By 1906, he had won the Anchorena Cup – now the Tortugas Open Championship – had participated in the Argentine Open and had taken the Handicap tournament. His polo career was meteoric. When individual handicaps were introduced in Argentina in 1911, the name L.L. Lacey was at the very top at 9-goals, together with John Argentine Campbell, Hugh Scott Robson and Joseph Edmund Traill. It fell to Johnny Traill, Joe’s cousin, the honor of being the first player in Argentina to receive the accolade of the maximun rating, 10-goals, in 1913. Two

Upon Lewis’ return to Argentina, he joined Jack Nelson to form Hurlingham teams that dominated local polo in the 1920s. Lacey had won the Argentine Open in 1915 with El Palomar; he would then go on the take the championship in 1920, 1921, 1925, 1927 and 1929, earning his last Open victory in 1937, twentytwo years after his first one. One of his teammates in the 1937 squad, Roberto Cavanagh, was only a few months old in 1915. in the limelight of world polo was the 1922 tour to England, later extended to America following an invitation issued by the U.S. Polo Association.

top individual handicap. rarily placed a parenthesis in Lacey’s polo endeavours. He joined the King Edward’s Horse Cavalry Regiment and saw service in France and Belgium, being demobilized with the rank of captain. Among the 528 volunteers from Argentina who were killed during the conflict, was his youngest brother Capt.

team, so named because the rival Polo Association of the River Plate refused to sponsor the tour, won all the matches they entered in England, including the Hurlingham Champion Cup and the Roehamptom Open Cup. After crossing the Atlantic, the same team took the U.S. Open Championship at Rumson Country Club. Juan Miles, Jack Nelson, David Miles and Lewis Lacey wrote one of the many golden pages in the history of Argentine polo. In 1926, when his friends had long thought Lewis would remain a life-long bachelor, he married Nora Frend, the beautiful daughter of a Rosario physician.

WHEN INDIVIDUAL HANDICAPS WERE INTRODUCED IN ARGENTINA IN 1911, THE NAME L.L. LACEY WAS AT THE VERY TOP AT 9-GOALS, TOGETHER WITH JOHN ARGENTINE CAMPBELL, HUGH SCOTT ROBSON AND JOSEPH EDMUND TRAILL. years later, Lewis Lacey was the second player to achieve this enviable mark and also the last one one until 1943, when Enrique Alberdi, Luis Duggan and Carlos Menditeguy were elevated to the

William Lacey, Royal Air Force who had been decorated with the Military Cross. He was reported missing in action only one week before the Armistice was signed in November 1918. 36

v1937 Wining Team: E. Rojas Lanusse, J.D. Nelson, R. Cavanagh and Luis Lacey

married to Jean, now living in Chester, England; Ann, who married Willem Snouck Hurgronje, a Royal Dutch senior executive in Buenos Aires, now residing

“A very particular player, gifted with great individualism when necessary. What a player... At Palermo, I saw him score three goals from end-to-end, all alone, to win the match. What a fantastic player!”

LACEY HAD WON THE ARGENTINE OPEN IN 1915 WITH EL PALOMAR; HE WOULD THEN GO ON THE TAKE THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1920, 1921, 1925, 1927 AND 1929, EARNING HIS LAST OPEN VICTORY IN 1937, TWENTY-TWO YEARS AFTER HIS FIRST ONE. ONE OF HIS TEAMMATES IN THE 1937 SQUAD, ROBERTO CAVANAGH, WAS ONLY A FEW MONTHS OLD IN 1915. Nigel, who lives in Sydney with his wife Molly. When Lewis Lacey’s celebrated pony Jupiter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in America, Nigel and Molly flew over from Australia to receive the plaque on behalf of the family. In his prime, Lewis Lacey was considered the best back in the world. He represented England in the Westchester Cup and Argentina in the Cup of the Americas and was invited to play on many teams in Europe, among them some fielded by Alfonso XIII, King of Spain and enthusiastic polo player. A teammate of Lacey in the 1937 Open Championship team, Eduardo Rojas Lanusse, who played and taught in England for many years, once gave his opinion of Lewis as a player:

Lacey’s polo ponies were superb and perfectly schooled. Jupiter was sold for the unprecedented amount of 22,000 dollars; adjusted for inflation, it is still the highest sum paid at auction. FlickA-Maroo and Royal Flush were awarded the Lady Susan Townley Cup for Best Playing Pony in the Argentine Open. and Tobiano were some of the best. Lewis Lacey was a prime example of sportsmanship, fair play, advanced equitation and superb striking ability. His impeccable horsemanship, lightning speed and concept that the ball is faster than the mounted man are the characteristics of his style of play that made him a Master of Polo.

His Trophies Argentine Open 1915 - El Palomar: Dr. Lindsay Holway, Capt. Samuel Casares, Carlos Lacey, Luis Lacey 1920 - Hurlingham: Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Julio Negrón, Luis Lacey 1921 - Hurlingham: Same team 1925 - Hurlingham: Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Leonardo Lacey, Luis Lacey 1927 - Hurlingham: Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Julio Negrón , Luis Lacey 1929 - Hurlingham: Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Maj. Enrique Padilla, Luis Lacey 1937 - Hurlingham: Eduardo Rojas Lanusse, Juan Nelson, Roberto Cavanagh, Luis Lacey

Hurlingham Club Open Championship 1933 - Hurlingham: Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Ricardo Santamarina, Luis Lacey

Emilio de Anchorena Cup 1908 - Sociedad Sportiva: Dr. Pedro Díaz, Eduardo Reynolds, Barón Gastón Peers de Nieuwburg. Luis Lacey

1921 - Gregorio Torres, Francisco Ceballos, Vicente Kenny, Luis Lacey

Hurlingham Champion Cup

1928 - Arturo Kenny, Juan Nelson, Juan Miles, Luis Lacey

1922 - Argentine Polo Federation: Juan Miles, Juan Nelson, David Miles, Luis Lacey Ranelagh Open Cup 1926 - El Gordo: Duke of Peñaranda, Marquess of Villabragima, Lewis Lacey, John Traill

Westchester Cup British teams

Roehampton Open Cup

1924 - Maj. Thomas Kirkwood, Maj. Frank Hurndall, Maj. Eric Atkinson, Lewis Lacey For the second game, Lt.Col. T.P. Melvill and Maj. Geoffrey Phipps-Hornby replaced Maj. Kirkwood and Maj. Hurndall 1930 - Gerald Balding, Lewis Lacey, Capt. Charles Roark, Lt. Humphrey Guinness

1922 - Argentine Polo Federation: Juan Miles, Juan Nelson, David Miles, Luis Lacey 1924 - Freebooters: Alfred Grisar, Capt. Eric Atkinson, John Traill, Lewis Lacey 1926 - El Gordo: Duke of Peñaranda, Marquess of Villabragima, Lewis Lacey, John Traill 1926 - El Gordo: Duke of Peñaranda, Marquess of Villabragima, Lewis Lacey, John Traill 1928 - El Gordo: Same team U.S. Open Championship 1922 - Argentine Polo Federation: Juan Miles, Juan Nelson, David Miles, Luis Lacey

Cup of the Americas Argentine team

Coronation Cup 1926 - El Gordo: Duke of Peñaranda, Marquess of Villabragima, Lewis Lacey, John Traill 1928 - El Gordo: Duke of Peñaranda, Marquess of Villabragima, Lewis Lacey, John Traill

Bartolome Castagnola, Mariano Aguerre, Lucas Monteverde and Adolfo Cambiaso.

114th ARGENTINE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

LA DOLFINA, THREE-TIMES CHAMPION

The team led by Adolfo Cambiaso won the most important championship in the world for the third consecutive time and in an extra chukker, after a golden goal scored by Lucas Monteverde. With the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number 2 having been raised to 10 goals, they thus became the fourth team in history to reach a 40-goal handicap.

Adolfo Cambiaso

t seemed as though 2007 would definitively be Ellerstina’s year, but once again La Dolfina said ‘no’ to that in an extra chukker, and won the trophy that everybody wants to win, the Argentine Open, as in 2005 (the time Cambiaso scored a goal) and in 2006 (with a goal scored by Lolo Castagnola against La Aguada). Ellerstina repeated an incredible year, as in 2005, and when it seemed as though there would be a Triple Crown for them, yet again they suffered the terrible frustration of having been left at the gates of glory. One side brimmed with joy, with four champions hugging endlessly as well as some illustrious visitors, such as tennis players del Potro and

Nalbandian and football player Diego Armando Maradona, who was attending a polo match for the first time and was fascinated by the spectacle.

too recent and, furthermore, inexplicable. It was Matías Mac Donough’s last match wearing the black polo shirt, as well as,the sadness of knowing that it was his

IT HAS BEEN CALCULATED THAT BY NEXT YEAR THERE WILL BE SEVERAL CHANGES IN THESE TEAMS, AND ONLY LA DOLFINA AND LA AGUADA WILL MAINTAIN THE SAME LINE-UPS USED IN 2007. ELLERSTINA WILL BE STARTING OFF WITH JUAN MARTÍN NERO INSTEAD OF MATÍAS MAC DONOUGH Four players with their eyes fixed upon the ground, who were not in the mood for dialogue and reflection, and who did not feel like analyzing a defeat which was yet 40

last opportunity to play the Argentine Open with his brother Pablo. Adolfo Cambiaso has repeated several times that the three matches, which, interest him most during the year are

Above: Adolfo Cambiaso and Marcos Heguy - Below: Bartolome Castagnola and Agustin Merlos

those that are played on field 1 at Palermo. Winning those three matches implies winning the tournament and, therefore, his mind is focused on them, without him caring too much about what has happened before, especially at Tortugas and Hurlingham. And although it may sound slightly derogatory, with regards to the two tournaments prior to the Triple Crown, the feeling of happiness of La Dolfina and the sadness of Ellerstina portrayed the importance players give to the Argentine Open. Palermo had begun a month before, with the great presentation of their property located in the heart of Buenos Aires, having installed new infrastructure Polo Association has worked a lot in order to offer their visitors impeccable grounds, with brand new amenities and more space for those who enjoy the best polo in the world. In addition to the six teams that played the Tortugas Open, a further two teams that won the classification match joined the others at Tortugas: Santa MarĂa de offered a very good performance on field 2, with entertaining matches against 41

ZONE 1

La Dolfina

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Lucas Monteverde Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola

ZONE 2

Ellerstina

10 9 10 10

Facundo Pieres Pablo Mac Donough Gonzalo Pieres Jr. Matias Mac Donough

10 9 10 9

Chapa Uno

La Aguada

Bautista Heguy Juan Martin Nero Horacio S. Heguy Marcos Heguy

10 9 8 9

Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada

9 9 10 9

El Paraíso

Indios Chapaleufu II

Agustin Merlos Diego Araya Juan Ignacio Merlos Francisco de Narváez Jr

10 8 9 8

Alberto Heguy Ignacio Heguy Lucas Criado Eduardo Heguy

9 10 9 9

La Alegria

Santa Maria de Lobos

Jack Baillea Fred Mannix Jr Francisco Bensandon

7 7 8

Guillermo Caset Jr Gerardo Collardin Pablo Jauretche

7 7 8

Luke Tomlinson

Jaime Garcia Huidobro

Matias Mac Donough

the six principle teams: La Dolfina, Ellerstina, La Aguada, El Paraíso, Chapa I and Indios Chapaleufú II. A significant characteristic of this Open Championship was the amount of players who were injured or suffered physical ailments. La Dolfina started off with Lucas Monteverde who was injured at Hurlingham and was, therefore, off to whether Adolfo Cambiaso would be able to participate until the last moment. From the very beginning, Chapa II started off this Open Championship 2007 on the wrong foot, since less than three minutes into the game Lucas Criado was injured and was not able to play again, not only for that match, but, throughout the entire championship. Astrada tore a muscle leaving La Aguada without any possibilities in the match played under inferior conditions for over

five chukkers, until he could not take it any longer and so Alejandro Novillo replaced him, though it was too late to turn the result around. El Paraíso was also unable to play as a complete team due to Sebastián Merlos’ suspension in his first match at Hurlingham. Matías Mac Donough was prevented from playing the end of the semi-final match against Indios Chapaleufú II as a result of a fall. Out of the six big teams, five of them had their drawbacks and were unable to perform with the same four players throughout the tournament. Leaving these complications aside, a good tournament took place and there were considerably less complaints made to the line judges and intentional fouls, which is something that was gradually growing every year. Despite some specific controversy over some match or other, which may have been more controversial than usual (Ellerstina vs. Chapaleufú II), generally, the opposite goal posts were

Above: Facundo Pieres and Eduardo Heguy - Below: the sight from the Palermo VIP

the target as well as the game, rather than fouls or the line. Once again, after a whole decade, Palermo has a three-time champion, since the last team that managed to win three years in a row were Indios Chapaleufú with team’s achievement represents Adolfo Cambiaso and Mariano Aguerre’s seventh time around, Bartolomé Castagnola’s sixth and Lucas Monteverde’s third time. Both Cambiaso and Aguerre have won six Open Championships playing together and only one playing for different teams (Aguerre with Chapa I and Cambiaso with the Merlos brother’s of La Dolfina). Having achieved a triple championship title, La Dolfina reached a 40-goal

handicap, an accomplishment which only three teams had previously enjoyed throughout the entire history of polo: Coronel Suárez, La Espadaña and Indios in order to set La Dolfina in a historic context and acknowledge the importance of that, which, Cambiaso and Company have managed to achieve. But if we are talking about Adolfo Cambiaso, it is only fair to also make it clear that this triumph of La Dolfina’s was based on impeccable team work, in which each of the four players had an important and decisive role when the time came to explain their triumph; to such an extent, that the best player of the final was Mariano Aguerre and not Adolfo Cambiaso, which used to be more

Left: Eduardo Heguy - Right: Adolfo Cambiaso and Agustin Merlos

common in other years when La Dolfina won. In fact, the golden goal was scored by Lucas Monteverde. Another incredible occurrence produced as a result of this triumph, achieved by La Dolfina, is the fact that Mariano Aguerre has won six out of these seven titles at Palermo in an extra is an expert in dramatic definitions at Palermo. It has been calculated that by next year there will be several changes in these teams, and only La Dolfina and La Aguada will maintain the same line-ups used in 2007. Ellerstina will be starting off with Juan Martín Nero instead of Matías Mac Donough; Chapa I is yet a mystery and the only thing we know for

Above Left: Bautista Heguy and Mariano Aguerre - Right: Eduardo Novillo Astrada - Below: Mariano Aguerre and Gonzalo Pieres Jr

certain is Nero’s removal; with regards to Chapa II, we cannot confirm whether Lucas Criado will continue to form part of the team; El Paraíso is an important source of rumours of all types, including a change of name. Most of the teams’ lineups for next year are a mystery, although there are still several months to go… other performances throughout the year in Argentina, entailed several changes besides Lucas Monteverde’s 10-goal handicap. Ignacio Heguy´s and Pablo Mac Donough’s handicaps were also raised and, in Mac Donough’s case, it is the first time in his rising career that he reaches a 10-goal handicap. Although no new players have reached 9-goals, some were raised to 8 goals, such as Guillermo Caset, Luke Tomlinson, Jack Baillieu, Rodrigo Andrade and Jaime García Huidobro. In Argentina, there was also room for certain handicaps to be lowered, as is the case of Ignacio Novillo Astrada, who left the 10-goal-handicap group, and three “eight goals” who moved down to 7: Milo Fernández Araujo and the Gracida brothers, Carlos and Guillermo. Mark 45

Tomlinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handicap was also lowered. Both brothers used to hold a 7-goal handicap, but now one holds 8 goals and the other holds 6. Details that the Argentine Open Championship has yielded, the most important Open in the world, the one championship that everybody wants to watch and enjoy and the one that every player wants to win in order to contribute glory enjoyed by the four men from La Dolfina, with a triple championship title and 40 goals to boot.

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OFF THE FIELD

Gonzalo Pieres Jr

HURLINGHAM OPEN

Pablo Mac Donough

ELLERSTINA HAS DONE IT ONCE AGAIN, AS IN 2005

The Pieres and the Mac Donough brothers beat La Dolfina 15-12 in the final repetition of their double triumph achieved in 2005 (Tortugas and Hurlingham), and started getting excited about the Triple Crown. This would have allowed them to win the title at Palermo, finally won by Cambiaso’s team, and be the last title obtained by Matías Mac Donough, with great production and the wearing of Ellerstina’s polo shirt. By Juan Cruz Díaz de Céspedes

Pepe Heguy and Pablo Mac Donough

he Hurlingham Open turned out to be a marathonic event, since almost every match corresponding to the scheduled dates was several matches were played during the week. In order to get ahead of the bad weather the priority was placed on adment of the tournament was, therefore, Club and the Tortugas Country Club were two significant victims of the rain in Greater Buenos Aires. After the Tortugas Final and the enormous amount of rainfall during the weeks prior to the commencement of the Hurlingham Open, the only concern shared by the organisers, players and the general public, lay in the rain showing signs of abating in order to normalize the spring high-goal season in Argentina. an orderly tournament, including the addition of a new scoreboard set up at field 1. As a result of their efforts they received a well-deserved prize, with the finalising of the championship free from any weather inconveniences in the middle. throughout the tournament entailed a record of almost 400 goals, at a rate of over 30 per game. At this time, the championship did not include an unbeaten record for Ellerstina, since they lost their first match 20-18 in the inaugural encounter against La Aguada and the best production of the season for the Novillo Astradas. players as well as others suffering from aches and pains throughout the tournament, probably as a result of the was La Dolfina, who ended up playing the tournament with two substitute players: MatĂas Magrini and Rodrigo Andrade, who replaced Lucas Monteverde and Adolfo Cambiaso. Magrini had already been playing as a replacement for Monteverde since the previous match. As a result, in Chapa I, Horacito Heguy had to leave the field due to a certain discomfort and was replaced by Carlos Gracida in the match against El ParaĂso. and Chapa I was the most commented on of the season. With only a few seconds to go before the end of the match, SebastiĂĄn Merlos, who had reappeared 55

after serving a three-match suspension corresponding to the previous season, was expelled. Verbal aggression towards the referee resulted in him being given a red card. Only minutes before, he had been were probably much more inflexible with Sebastián than they habitually are with other player. As a result, the Merlos’ middle brother got landed without a season, due to his following three month suspension. Without a doubt, this was the most negative impact of the Argentine season, since Sebastián Merlos had been the great figure of the British season, leading his team, Lechuza Caracas, to gain the highest title in the British Isles: the Gold as well as El Paraíso, who faced the season as they had never done so before, with the idea of conquering the Palermo was utterly disappointed. In the final, Ellerstina beat La Dolfina 15-12, and thus won the 114th version Above: Juan Martin Nero - Below: Ignacio Heguy and Miguel Novillo Astrada

THE TEAMS

Above: Ignacio Novillo Astrada - Below: Juan Martin Nero

La Dolfina

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Lucas Monteverde Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola

10 9 10 10

Chapa Uno

Bautista Heguy Horacio S. Heguy Marcos Heguy Juan Martin Nero

10 8 10 9

El Paraíso

Agustin Merlos Sebastian Merlos Juan I. Merlos Francisco de Narváez

10 9 9 9

Santa María de Lobos

Guillermo Caset Gerardo Collardin Pablo Jauretche

7 7 8

Jaime Garcia Huidobro

La Aguada

Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada

9 9 10 10

Ellerstina

Pablo MacDonough Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Matias MacDonough

9 9 8 9

Indios Chapaleufu II

Alberto Heguy Ignacio Heguy Lucas Criado Eduardo Heguy

9 10 10 9

La Alegría

Jack Baillieu Francisco Bensadón Frederick Mannix Luke Tomlinson

7 8 7 7

THE GOOD LEVEL OF POLO DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT ENTAILED A RECORD OF ALMOST 400 GOALS, AT A RATE OF OVER 30 PER GAME.

THE HURLINGHAM FINALS FROM 2001 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Ellerstina La Dolfina Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufu I La Aguada La Dolfina La Dolfina

15 10 15 16 10 14 18

of the Mercedes Benz Hurlingham Club Open Championship. Once again, the General Rodríguez team defined a Triple Crown tournament; only they changed rivals this time. El Paraíso were no longer their opponents like at Tortugas, but rather La Dolfina, who gradually managed to play up to par with their candidate plate as the season moved on.

La Dolfina La Aguada La Aguada La Mariana Indios Chapaleufu I Indios Chapaleufu II Indios Chapaleufu II

12 9 11 15 9 12 14

Pieres explain it: “We practiced all week to play against Cambiaso and we were doing a pretty good job. When Adolfito went out onto the field we were suddenly lost and we did not know what to do. scoreboard”. After Adolfo Cambiaso was back on the field, in the seventh chukker, once

THERE WERE A GREAT NUMBER OF INJURED PLAYERS AS WELL AS OTHERS SUFFERING FROM ACHES AND PAINS THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT, PROBABLY AS A RESULT OF THE MATCH MARATHON. Managing to take control of the game cost Ellerstina two chukkers, and they only began to feel as lords and masters during the third, which concluded with to be smoothly heading towards the second step of the season, especially after Adolfo Cambiaso’s injury and him being replaced by Rodrigo Andrade. But an unbelievable thing happened, and what could be better than having Gonzalito

again the Pieres and the Mac Donoughs recovered their high performance and secured the match; especially after an amazing run performed by Facundo Pieres from goal to goal, establishing the difference in favour of Ellerstina, which would be essential when the time came for the final celebration. Yet again, Facundo Pieres was a determining factor towards the end, and this reflected on the scoreboard and

Below: Guillermo Caset Jr. - Right: Lucas Criado and Facundo Pieres

the match procedure, with three goals scored in the seventh chukker and two in the eighth; all of this drained the losing teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energies, since Adolfito was smartly marked and little able to contribute upon realizing he had not yet recovered from his ailment. Place: Hurlingham, Argentina Club: Hurlingham Polo Club Date: October 16 - November 3, 2007 Level: 28-40 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament type: Polo Masters

Above: Matias Mac Donough and Lucas Criado - Below: Jack Baillieu and Facundo Pieres

THE FINAL Ellerstina

Pablo MacDonough (1 goal) Gonzalo Pieres Jr (1 goal) Facundo Pieres (10 goals) Matias MacDonough (3 goals)

9 10 10 9

La Dolfina

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr (3 goals) Matias Magrini (2 goals) Mariano Aguerre (5 goals) Bartolome Castagnola (1 goal)

10 8 10 10

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. who, after being injured, was replaced by Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 7 (1 goal) 5 minutes and 12 seconds into the third chukker until the beginning of the seventh chukker. Ellerstina Etiqueta Negra: 0-2, 4-4, 7-4, 7-6, 9-7, 10-9, 13-10 and 15-12. Goal Judges: Matías Baibiene and Daniel Boudou. Referee: Juan José Díaz Alberdi.

Above: Adolfo Cambiaso Jr - Below: Agustin Merlos

49-64.indd 13

11/04/2008 03:18:54 p.m.

Pablo Mac Donough and Matias Magrini

TORTUGAS OPEN

ELLERSTINA WERE THE BEST OF THE LOT

The Jockey Club Open had already been suspended due to bad weather, and the Tortugas Open did not manage to escape the rain either. After weeks without a single match due to rain in Buenos Aires, the tournament calendar was reduced to two dates, and the semi-finals were played at Palermo. Ellerstina had no difficulty winning the championship after scoring a golden goal in the extra chukker.

verything possible was done to beat the bad weather, one of polo’s worst enemies, in almost

of September was one of the rainiest months we can remember in the province of Buenos Aires, where the Tortugas try Club is located on Panamericana, a little over 30 kilometres away from the city of Buenos Aires. However, and for the first time in history, not all matches were played there. Resorting to Palermo, the polo cathedral, became necessary in order to conclude a complicated championship.

Who would have said the Tortugas Open would be riddled with complications? As other years, once again the Novillo Astrada brothers’ La Aguada and the Merlos brothers’ El Paraíso were beginning the first Triple Crown tournament. Certain changes in the teams prevented the people’s interest in watching great polo in the Argentine spring season from fading away, especially after the Jockey Club Open was suspended due to bad weather. In the Novillos’ team, Alejandro replaced his brother Miguel, who was complying with his work commitments in the United States. In the Merlos’ team,

Ignacio Toccalino substituted Sebastián, suspended since the 2006 season; two talented players who were substituted by two great promising players (or realities) within Argentine polo. Agustín and Pite Merlos, together with de Narváez and Toccalino, achieved a victory with a flavour of revenge and took a significant step towards the classification match. variations though there were important structural changes in both teams. As regards the men in black, Pablo Mac Donough and Gonzalo Pieres took a step forward so that Facundo Pieres, who Pablo Mac Donough

formerly occupied a forward position in the team, moved over to number three. Whereas the men in red, that is to say, Chapa I, only had Bautista Heguy and Juan Martín Nero exchange positions. With the season having concluded, although this would correspond to another press release, we could say that both changes were positive. In that match, Ellerstina was also taking an important step towards reaching the final. Right after the championship began, came the inconveniences produced as a result of the weather. One downpour after another forced the third and fourth the moment came to take a decision and they were permanently suspended, directly moving on to the semi-finals of the tournament played between the winners of the first and second dates and the two teams that had not made their debut yet: Chapaleufú II and La Dolfina. to the first and second dates were automatically eliminated, that is to say, La Aguada and Chapa I. Open semi-finals were not played at the Tortugas Country Club but rather on were still in no condition to be played on and the development of the tournament could not be postponed any longer. tournament any way possible and having it played wherever possible. And that organisation was transferred to the city of Buenos Aires. Another important change: the semifinal matches would be played on the same day, in order to continue to gain time and avoid weather problems. As a result, the semi-finals were practically

Bautista Heguy

Back again at Tortugas, on field 7, Ellerstina and El Paraíso played a moving match. It seemed as though the Pieres and the Mac Donough brothers

IMPORTANT CHANGE: THE SEMI-FINAL MATCHES WOULD BE PLAYED ON THE SAME DAY, IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO GAIN TIME AND AVOID WEATHER PROBLEMS. a mere procedure for the two finalist teams, El Paraíso (who beat Chapaleufú II) and Ellerstina (who left La Dolfina the winning team had in their favour but which the losing team lacked, was probably the key element in getting into the rhythm and having had a little more previous movement in the season.

would win, but the Merlos-Toccalinode Narváez’s team came closer on the scoreboard until they evened the score and forced them to play another chukker. Ellerstina’s Facundo Pieres did a great job and this turned out to be a key element when the time came to analyse the factors involved in Ellerstina’s triumph. 64

performance were also good, though at times Ignacio Toccalino’s participation turned out to be noteworthy. Since he is the one with the lowest handicap among these eight players, this facilitated Juan Ignacio Merlos’ creative task and allowed him to work tirelessly to cut Ellerstina’s game circuits. winning team by Francisco Dorignac, president of the Tortugas Country Club AACCP prize for best registered playing product in Argentine Polo of the final was awarded to María Eugenia Virolita, owned and played by Agustín Merlos, bred at Estancia El Albardón, and delivered by notary public Guillermo Fornieles.

Ellerstina vs Chapa Uno

THE TEAMS

Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Ignacio Toccalino

IN THE NOVILLOS’ TEAM, ALEJANDRO REPLACED HIS BROTHER MIGUEL, WHO WAS COMPLYING WITH HIS WORK COMMITMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES. IN THE MERLOS’ TEAM, IGNACIO TOCCALINO SUBSTITUTED SEBASTIÁN, SUSPENDED SINCE THE 2006 SEASON; TWO TALENTED PLAYERS WHO WERE SUBSTITUTED BY TWO GREAT PROMISING PLAYERS (OR REALITIES) WITHIN ARGENTINE POLO.

Ellerstina

Pablo MacDonough Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Matias MacDonough

9 10 10 9

La Dolfina

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr Lucas Monteverde Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola

10 9 10 10

El Paraíso

Agustin Merlos Ignacio Toccalino Juan I. Merlos Francisco de Narváez

10 6 9 9

Indios Chapaleufu II

Alberto Heguy Ignacio Heguy Lucas Criado Eduardo Heguy

9 9 9 9

La Aguada

Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Alejandro Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada

9 9 7 10

Chapa Uno

Juan Martin Nero Bautista Heguy Horacio S. Heguy Marcos Heguy

9 10 8 10

Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr

Winner: Ellerstina Etiqueta Negra: 2-1, 4-1, 4-2, 5-5, 8-8, 10-10, 13-13 and 14-13. Goal judges: Augusto Gomez Romero and Daniel Boudou. Referee: Juan José Díaz Alberdi. Place: Tortugas, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Tortugas Country Club Date: 25 de septiembre al 13 de octubre Level: 28-40 hcp Tournament type: Open WPT Category Ranking: Polo Masters

The Final Ellerstina

Pablo MacDonough Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Matias MacDonough

5 3 6 (4) 0

El Paraíso

Agustin Merlos Ignacio Toccalino Juan I. Merlos Francisco de Narváez

6 (3) 1 5 1

So the Tortugas Open began and concluded with many complications due to the rain. Although having been able to complete it surely ended up being a relief, since we even doubted about organisers were relieved and Ellerstina celebrated after becoming champions.

Ellerstina winner of Tortugas Open 2008

A brand new year for the World Polo Tour

nother year begins, and the World Polo Tour continues in 2008 with some important novelties, after John-Paul Clarkin established himself as the player of the month of January, subsequent to his victory in the 24th Cartier World Polo Cup on Snow, together with the Brioni polo team. only world polo ranking, continues to grow and establish the best professional

and amateur players. And, in 2008, it will be as exciting as ever, while we follow closely the best players in the world. (www.worldpolotour.com) which is published in every specialized magazine constantly consulted by professional and amateur players, since both its prestige and its points-based system make it exciting to follow.

Alfio Marchini, Loro PianaÂ´s patron, NÂş 1 Amateur Player for 2007

On the one hand, the WPT 2008 has two important novelties in store. One of these is the creation of a new category, the Masters Series that will only include the three Argentine Triple Crown tournaments, the Tortugas, Hurlingham points added up in these three Open Championships will not count towards the British Open will continue to fall

within the Grand Slam category, whereas the rest of the tournaments will continue to be divided among the remaining categories: the WPT Cup, the Challenge Cup and the Snow Polo Tour.

the ranking within the Challenge Cup category. As regards the tournaments in Europe, the Prince of Wales Trophy will be changing categories. As from 2008, it will be changing from the Polo Masters

THE CREATION OF A NEW CATEGORY, THE MASTERS SERIES THAT WILL ONLY INCLUDE THE THREE ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN TOURNAMENTS, THE TORTUGAS, HURLINGHAM AND PALERMO OPENS. Race, a general ranking which will start from scratch every year, taking into account the results obtained during the latter. On the other hand, in 2008, two tournaments played in Argentina, the “La Araucaria” and the “La Cañada” Open Tournaments will be re-entering

Cup to the WPT Cup.

winners, Adolfo Cambiaso (professional player, 1392 points) and Alfio Marchini (amateur player, 451 points) will continue to compete and have no intentions of giving up their leading positions.

WPT Best Players

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Adolfo Cambiaso (1412 points)

Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (1044 points)

Facundo Pieres (987 points)

Mariano Aguerre (962 points)

Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr (958 points)

Pablo MacDonough (903 points)

Lucas Monteverde (875 points)

Juan Martin Nero (841 points)

Matías MacDonough (741 points)

Bartolomé Castagnola (727 points) (as for March 2008) Adolfo Cambiaso at Palermo final

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Ever wished your hair was just that little bit thicker, or are you at the growing out a short cut stage where it seems to be taking forever to gain any length? Well don’t panic! Cheat! Glenda Clarke is the number 1 in London for specialist hair extensions. Using real hair her colour matching is second to none, in fact Glenda is the first choice of some of the worlds leading super models and actresses often flown in especially for red carpet events, photo shoots and those bad hair day emergencies that even celebrities suffer from! Glenda’s philosophy is always to take care of the natural hair and keep it healthy. Glenda Clarke: 5a Normand Road, London, W14 5PT Tel: 020 7610 0245

HIGH BROW

Your eye brows frame your face and can completely change your look and style in a simple pluck! Whether your style is Dita Von Tease, Kylie Minogue or Liz Hurley your eye brows can change it in a second, so getting it right has never been more important! Cue brow guru Feroza one of London’s threading leading experts. Feroza’s 18 years experience ensures your eye brows are

PERCY AND REED 157C GREAT PORTLAND STREET, LONDON, W1W 6QS TEL: 0207637 4634 Hair by Phil Smith

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HAIR TODAY!

Percy & Reed may only be a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, yet, as a venue, it constitutes an oasis of calm and creativity. Intimate and low-key, this 12-chair salon boasts a chic, gallery feel. Witty, Seventies touches are juxtaposed with sleek modern design to create a 78

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The Look…Celebrity Chef Interview…

MICKAEL WEISS: FOOD, FAMILY, CHARITY.

Mickael Weiss Head Chef of Coq d’Argent in the City of London is charismatic, interesting and down to earth. This is a man for whom cooking is a passion yet family and charity play equally important roles in his busy life.

eiss isn’t your regular Head Chef. He doesn’t exude arrogance, yet his quiet assuredness in his field stems from a very real understanding of the provenance of food and the multifarious ways in which the dining experience can impact upon a person. Whether it is a high-powered business lunch or a celebration of 25 years together, the love he puts into his cooking can be tasted and enjoyed by all who dine in the fine establishment that is the Coq d’Argent where he has been Head Chef for over seven years. Born in Angers in the Loire region of France to a family descended from gypsies, food wasn’t always abundant and the family grew their own vegetables and

dropping in an amusing anecdote about the time he burnt his feet so badly on a dropped pan of boiling water he was out of work for a month. Ever the optimist, he mentions that it was at this time he met his wife Sophie with whom he has two children. I ask what he thinks of British cooking and whether it has influenced him at all

was on good, wholesome, nourishing food full of great flavours, something that stays with him today. Frustrated by the French system that allowed him to achieve the equivalent of an NVQ level 3 in cooking by the age of 16 yet wouldn’t allow him to progress until his age had caught up with his audacity and drive, he upped and left for London at the tender age of 18, arriving in Victoria bus station with little more than a suitcase and an address scribbled on a piece of paper. He made his way to Covent Garden where through a chance conversation in France and a little luck he had landed himself his first job in London at the Opera Terrasse Brasserie. A brief sojourn back to France in his early twenties for his compulsory spell doing National Service no doubt contributed to his grit and determination. Weiss talks animatedly about the various restaurants he subsequently worked in, from the Intercontinental on Park Lane, via Kartouche in Fulham and One in Farnborough and the delightful Bleeding Heart in Hatton Garden,

Mickael Weiss, Head Chef of Coq d´Argent

in his own work, which is seemingly quintessentially French. He tells me that our use of spice intrigues him and whilst he doesn’t use it to determine the flavour of his cuisine he nonetheless uses it as a seasoning. For him French food is not necessarily about French produce although he does source his fish from Boulogne, but in fact all about

grasshoppers. Moving on I ask whether British cooking has changed since he arrived in London and he says that since he started work in the capital he has seen the rise of the super chef and better produce in greater quantities becoming available, which both contribute to an improved reputation of cuisine in the UK of which he is proud to be a part. We talk further about his children and how they eat at home. Sophie and he share the cooking and between them they encourage the children to try new things and learn their way around the kitchen. He claims his son has such a developed palate that he can tell when ice cream has been over churned and even at 8 months old was enjoying the red wine jus at the Coq d’Argent. Watch this space, there is a Weiss mark 2 in the making. I ask the question that is hot on the lips of all foodies and parents alike - what is his take on organic food, air miles and farmers producing enough quality organic produce to supply a restaurant the size of Coq d’Argent and organic food from further afield doesn’t travel well thus compromising the quality, so he sources excellent well raised ingredients from as close by as possible. When using meat products he ensures to use the whole carcass, making reductions and jus for future dishes so waste is minimal, his carbon footprint is reduced and the flavours he creates are delicious. When out of the kitchen Mickael spends much of his energy absorbed in charity work. He works hard for Action Against Hunger and is currently preparing for a trip to Kenya to see how the money raised last year was being spent. For him it’s personal – he knows he can do his bit to help and, whether he designs a celebrity chef plate or auctions off a chef ’s table at the Coq d’Argent, he is helping many people far less fortunate than ourselves. www. actionagainsthunger.org Mickael Weiss, Head Chef, Coq d’Argent, No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ. Telephone: 020 7395 5000

The Look... Restaurant Reviews

BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY AT PAPILLON- CHELSEA’S ANSWER TO PETIT FRANCE

apillon, set in the heart of Chelsea, is an ideal choice for Sunday lunch. From the outside the restaurant looks reserved yet pretty with a couple of tables and heaters for the die-hard al fresco coffee sippers.

elegantly styled by British design guru Russell Sage which encourages informal dining with warm cosy overtones in a distinctly French way. Crisp white linen and polished crystal glasses let you know that this place warrants occasion but the friendliness of the staff and the layout of the room encourages brunch with friends and family and hi-falutin snootiness is nowhere to be seen. David Duverger, the head chef, and formerly of critically acclaimed Beauberry House, has a mischievous understanding of how to tickle taste

buds and my companion and I found our mouths watering as we read the offering over and again as we attempted to find the perfect lunch.

west of France sang out. Half a lobster sat beautifully arranged atop a high pile of finely sliced radish, courgette, artichoke, chicory, radicchio, snow peas, chunks of grapefruit, pear and quince dressed simply with a vinaigrette. Each colourful mouthful contained surprising combinations of texture and taste, a simple dish but with such complex flavours. black trumpet mushrooms and chorizo, (£7) which was so visually stunning it can be described only as a painting! A broth base, heavily perfumed by the Jerusalem artichoke roots was delicately 82

scented with whole black trumpet mushrooms the size and colour of which added drama. Whorls of chorizo oil on the surface offered further depth of flavour accompanied by breads, baked on the premise. Karen Ribier, the Head Sommelier offered excellent knowledge of cépages, soil types and climate upon which the flavours of wine is dependent, giving us a perfect selection of accompanying wines. Following just the right amount of time after savouring the entrées, our mains arrived. was tender and fragrant, melting off the spotted turbot didn’t disappoint at £25 and roasted simply, turbot is a fish that

doesn’t really need to be messed with and Duverger hadn’t. Accompanied by petits pois grand-mère, which are essentially peas with bacon and a robust meaty jus, these were good ingredients, cooked simply. In typical French fashion a cheese course followed comprising gentle goats cheese, Comté, Saint Nectaire and Bleue d’Auvergne. (£9) . And then desert. Sweet pineapple, unctuous mango, slightly sour plum slices and pretty dragon fruit pieces sorbet and the handsome homemade foursome of pineapple, pear, lemon and raspberr y hit the spot for a mere £6. Accompanied by desert wines this was fruity heaven. Papillon is the latest venture from restaurateur Soren Jessen, he of 1 Lombard Street fame, and his seemingly effortless ability to combine authentic Frenchness (Duverger, Caisson and Ribier) with relaxed brasserie style dining that the English so love. Disappointed? a wonderful way to while away a Sunday afternoon. Simply divine French food, fantastic wine. Papillion, 96 Draycott Ave, London SW3. 3AD Telephone: 0207 225 2555

Who´s who!... Karen Brost

BRINGING ROCK AND ROLL TO THE BOARD ROOM really come from my sudden immersion into the “business/city” crowd of London. My British beau is in the finance business and after moving here from New York, my social circle suddenly shifted from artists, musicians and photographers to powerful men and most importantly WOMEN in business. I guess since they knew I was a designer, they felt compelled to tell me everything that was missing from their wardrobes. It all kind of happened by accident, or was it fate.. Hmm?

merican born, London based designer Karen Brost evokes a love of all things sexy, polished, glam, with her debut collection for A/W 2008. Brost´s seductive take on modern power dressing brings elegance and sexy sophistication to the board room and ready caught the eye of the A-list including Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow and Dita Von Teese. Here Karen tells us how is all began and what’s next! W HAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOU TO START YOUR LABEL? Having studied and trained in America at Kent State University on a

HAVING

GROWN UP IN

SETTLED IN

LONDON

AMERICA

BUT

WHICH HAS THE

STRONGER PULL FOR YOU TO SHOW AT

LONDON, OR NY AND WHY? Well, I’ve heard that New York has more coverage in terms of press and international store turnout but quite frankly, I prefer London as it is truly the most individualistic culture I have ever encountered. Everyone is marching to the beat of their own drummer. It’s just refreshing to be so close to the global heartbeat. HOW

DO YOU BEGIN THE DESIGN

PROCESS…DO

YOU

HAVE

ROUTINE

WHEN BEGINNING A NEW COLLECTION?

I usually begin with fabric and one (or a few) inspirational photos that set the tone

the overall concept and direction. I then begin sketching as a way to brainstorm a million ideas. After hundreds of sketches covering every corner of the studio walls, I begin draping the “best” ideas on my favourite mannequin, named “madge!” W HAT

IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF

THE DESIGN PROCESS HIGH?

Sketching and taking time alone with

draping takes the creative process to a whole different level. It’s the process of idea, sketch, draping to the creation of an Italian made proto-type that really gives me the creative high. W HERE DO YOU SOURCE INSPIRATION

FOR YOUR TEXTILES?

I attend the Paris and Milan fabric shows for overall trend inspiration but the majority of my fabrications come from Italy. W HAT TYPE OF WOMAN DO YOU HAVE

IN MIND WHEN DESIGNING?

Powerful women in business or

philosophy is 80% Classic and 20% Rock and Roll. I think there is a unique niche of women who want to look powerful, glamorous, polished and sexy but who do not want to compromise their integrity in the boardroom by showing too much

T&A. KBL is rooted in the “illusion” of sexy and the overall power of tailoring. W HO

IS YOUR PREFERRED MODEL

AND WHY?

W HAT

WITHOUT?

DO YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME

Dior Hand Moisturizer.

I don’t really have a favourite model. I’ve always preferred a bit of strong character and charisma over the generic “pretty face”. I had a blast casting for my

W HAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? Navy Patent Leather Anya Hindmarch Bag.

ethnicity, attitude, body shape. It ended up looking like the United Nations of Fashion.

YOURSELF OTHER THAN YOUR OWN?

W HICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU MOST

LIKE TO DRESS AND WHY?

We have been fortunate enough to dress loads of Hollywood’s A-List over the past year. Amazing and lovely women such as Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dita Von Teese, and Charlize clothes on these flawless movie stars, I think my overall intention is to create “real life” ambassadors of the brand. It’s mind blowing when you look at the vast amounts of incredible women running our planet at the moment. Women like Clara Furse (President of the London Stock Exchange), Anne Mulcaly (Chairman and CEO of Zerox), Nicola Horlick (Hedgfund Manager and mother of 5), JK Rowling (self-made billioniare and mother), Tracey Emin (iconic artist.)

W HICH

DESIGNERS DO YOU WEAR

Lots of Vintage and bits of Balenciaga, Westwood and McQueen. W HAT

HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST

ACHIEVEMENT?

Launching my collection during London Fashion Week a few weeks ago. W HERE DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL? For pleasure, the island of Fuerte Ventura in the Canaries for surfing or

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR DRESSES AND

SUITINGS TO BE WORN WITH CONFIDENCE, ANYTIME FOR ANYWHERE?

from the “boardroom to the ballroom”.. and possibly to the boudoir, à la our foundation of the collection is suitings and they are then surrounded by day to evening dresses, cashmere knitwear, evening coats, etc. Most of the pieces from the collection can also be paired with a pair of great jeans and worn ANYTIME... WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM

YOUR DEBUT COLLECTION AND WHY?

elegant, dramatic and even comfortable with hidden sideseam pockets so the wearer can work the enormous sweep on a dance floor. It’s Cinderella meets SinCity. 85

Verbier for skiing. For inspiration, I would have to say Paris or the vintage markets in London. W HAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE AMBITION? I’d love to develop the collection into a powerful woman’s lifestyle brand and open a store or two. If all goes to plan I’d eventually like to expand to menswear using my design formula of 80% Classic 20% Rock and Roll. I think there is a very similar niche of men that want to look polished, classic with hints of rock and roll chic. W HAT IS NEXT FOR KAREN BROST? We are off to Paris to show our new Autumn Winter 2008 collection at the Ritz Hotel and then back to Florence to begin the cycle all over again. I am due to handoff the Spring 2009 collection to our lovely factories scattered all around Tuscany.

ENGLISH WINTER SEASON

Polo Aloud!!!

here was never any doubt that Sarah Harding LOVES a challenge; after all she shot to fame as part of the band ‘Girls Aloud’, having battled it out against thousands and thousands of other hopefuls. However there is a challenge, and then there is what some might consider down right foolhardy… not only learning to play polo in two weeks, but agreeing to be filmed doing so!!! Under the expert tuition of Tarquin Southwell, Sarah had been learning to play in the UK for just two weeks before she jetted off to Argentina to have her new skills really put to the test. However heavy, relentless October rains rendered all polo cancelled and she was unable to play a single game! All was not lost however and it was the AEPC, Hickstead to the rescue, who were set the challenge of organising a day of intensive training,

a string of ponies and a 10-Goal match, all in just three days! So it was then that on 20th October 2007, the rest of Sarah’s Girls Aloud band mates joined over 100 spectators on a glorious, autumnal day to watch the action unfold. Hickstead provided the perfect backdrop for the filming, with the club set in lush Sussex countryside, boasting unrivalled arena club facilities. Sarah coped admirably adapting to the altogether new game of arena, enjoying the easy hitting surface of the Martin Collins Ecotrack A nail-biting match, there was no easing Sarah in with the ‘softly softly’ approach. In fact her presence only seemed to spur the boys on further to a fast and furious game, as they showed off their polo prowess in front of her and her

team, Tarquin Southwell for Polistas, and Jamie Morrison for Hickstead, and it wasn’t long before Hickstead’s John Bunn regained his competitive spirit to put a few more in goal for Hickstead, after a lengthy absence from the sport spent recovering from a nasty fall in the summer. However, there was plenty of girl power on the pitch and Charlotte Christodoulou proved more than a capable match for the boys supporting Sarah, who scored a great 15 yard penalty to tie the scores at the end of the third chukka. With the teams neck-and-neck, the fourth chukka started with an electric atmosphere and the crowd were seriously impressed by Sarah’s confident displays

early on in the game by the pros on each

Polistas surged forward to take the lead

Charlotte Christodoulou, John Bunn and Jamie Morrison

the match really was wide open, and the

Above: The Teams - Below: Sarah Harding, the star of the day

at 9-8 as the competition reached boiling point, Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horse stumbled. Disaster! After bravely attempting to regain her balance, she decided that in fact the best course of action was to gracefully dismount mid-gallop! Never a quitter, Sarah was desperate to finish the game, but amongst some concern that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hit her head, and in the interest of safety, Hickstead captain John Bunn generously conceded the match to Polistas. Sarah played superbly, fully embracing the high-octane thrill of the sport and the spirit of the game. A great advertisement for arena polo, exposing it to a whole new audience, when the show was screened by ITV2 on 21st March.

TEAMS Polistas

Sarah Harding Charlotte Chrsitodoulou Tarquin Southwell

0 1 7

Hickstead John Bunn Sarah Wiseman Jamie Morrison

10 1 2 7

foto podio 1- Adolfo Cambiaso Jr 2- Lucas Monteverde 3- Mariano Aguerre 4- Bartolome “Lolo” Castagnola

LA DOLFINA´S HAT-TRICK

t is highly unlikely that Adolfo Cambiaso, Lucas Monteverde, Mariano Aguerre and Bartolomé “Lolo” Castagnola will forget the month of December, 2007. Not only because on December 8th, La Dolfina won their fourth title at Palermo (they won the first in 2002) which, in turn, is their third consecutive title –a feat last achieved by the Heguy brothers’ legendary Indios Chapaleufú in 1991, 1992 and 1993but also because on Monday 19th, with Lucas Monteverde having been risen to 10 goals, La Dolfina, a young club with only a 10-year history, reached the peak in their career upon becoming the fourth team in history to achieve a perfect share the “Polo Mount Olympus” with three teams nowadays considered to be myths: Coronel Suárez, La Espadaña and Indios Chapaleufú. In this one-on-one interview with PQ, La Dolfina’s four team members analyse their successful present, and they tells us what it is like rubbing shoulders with the legends.

ADOLFO CAMBIASO JR – “WE HAVE NO TACTICS. WE USE OUR INTUITION.” AT

SOME POINT YOU SAID THAT YOU

WERE NOT INTERESTED IN STATISTICS, BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT ON SEVEN OCCASIONS YOU WON THE

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP,

A COMPETITIVE TOURNAMENT IF EVER THERE WAS ONE…

Yes, and I would say that the last three are the most important ones because it has become even more competitive. I think this triumph is very important to our team because we are the ones who play, but behind us there is a very good working group that collaborates throughout the whole year for these people. IS ONE THING THAT IS VERY

CLEAR TO YOU GUYS, AND IT IS THAT YOU FOCUS ON THE FINAL AND THE SEMIDID

NOT

IS SAID THAT

WORK

WELL

LA DOLFINA

DURING

THE

SEASON AND THAT YOU WERE SUFFERING

BUT YOU ARE ALSO

PLAYING AS A TEAM WITHOUT DEPENDING EXCLUSIVELY ON ONLY ONE PLAYER.

many different ways of playing. One thing about the first tournaments which helps a lot is noticing that you can adjust and improve in order to start off at Palermo using different tactics. Having lost the Hurlingham final was useful to us because we had no play or tactics with them. In that match, Ellerstina did what La Dolfina usually does, they played top-notch polo. WERE

YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR

PHYSICAL AILMENTS?

DID

YOU THINK

YOU WOULD BE UNABLE TO GIVE THE FINAL?

THERE

FINALS.

PHYSICAL AILMENTS.

100% IN

No, I was already feeling fine in the semi-finals, and during the final I felt perfect. My physical ailment worked against me during the entire season; not only physically speaking but also mindwise, because your mind is set on your body rather than the plays.

HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THE EXTRA CHUKKER IN THE FINAL? WERE THERE ANY TACTICS? DID YOU TALK ABOUT IT AMONG YOURSELVES? No, we had no tactics. During the week, we merely talked about changing a little, for example – if I am trapped, you guys play. But we don’t pay much attention to tactics because if we did, we would have 200 goals scored against us! An extra chukker simply has to do with a lot of enthusiasm. No tactics at all. Our team works more on the lines of intuition, because we know each other. AS

REGARDS

HORSES,

WORRIED

ABOUT

CONSIDERING

THEY

WERE

YOU

ELLERSTINA,

WERE

MOUNTING

“JETS”? No, on the contrary, it never worried me. I focus more on my team. I knew we had everything to win. I was only worried about playing our game, because that way we had the same chances they

had of winning, or even more. I think they were lucky to make it through to the extra chukker. AT

SOME POINT, WE THOUGHT YOU

WOULDN’T MAKE IT THROUGH TO THE EXTRA CHUKKER BECAUSE IT SEEMED TO BE A CLEARLY DEFINED MATCH…

Palermo is never over till it’s over. It is long, and your mind plays an important role. Anyhow, I think they were lucky. If you think about it, from the first up to the last chukker, I think they tied the game twice and then they never took more than a 1-goal lead. I think we were superior in that final. DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE WON PALERMO BUT, BY THE SAME TOKEN, OTHERS HAVE NEVER MANAGED TO ACHIEVE THIS? I don’t know. I think about my team. I can’t answer something the rest think. For our part, we, the four of us, want to win Palermo. I think Ellerstina will THE TRIPLE CHAMPIONSHIP AT

win at some point. I have absolutely no doubt… though I hope we continue winning it. THERE

WAS

MUCH

COMMENT

DIEGO MARADONA ON LA DOLFINA’S SIDE. DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO TALK TO HIM? Yes, but mostly while celebrating. He gave me a call that night and we chatted a little more. But he was fascinated. He thought it was spectacular, and he said it had been one of the best days of his life, which is very good coming from him. REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF

DAVID

PRESENT.

NALBANDIAN

WAS

ALSO

Yes, he was surely going to be there. I have a closer relationship with him. We see each other in England. HOW DO YOU INTEND TO GO ABOUT 2008? I will be travelling to Palm Beach, England and I assume I will be going La Dolfina´s petiseros

back to Sotogrande in August. THERE IS STILL A LONG WAY

TO GO,

BUT WE HAVE ALREADY HEARD RUMOURS ABOUT CHANGES.

LA DOLFINA’S

IDEA THAT THE FOUR OF YOU SHOULD CONTINUE PLAYING AND TRY FOR YOUR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE PALERMO OPEN?

We need to think, sit down and talk. Nothing is for certain, but it would be difficult to make a change considering what our previous seasons have been like, and the fact that we get along ver y well. In 2006, lots of things were said and all teams remained the same. LOLO CASTAGNOLA AND LUCAS MONTEVERDE –“WE SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE”

THIS IS YOUR SIXTH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, RIGHT LOLO? YOU HAVE CAUGHT UP WITH TROTZ, HORACITO AND MARCOS. ADOLFITO SAYS HE IS NOT INTERESTED IN STATISTICS, BUT CATCHING UP WITH THOSE GIANTS ISN’T AN EVERYDAY MATTER… Lolo: No, certainly not. When I won my first Open, I set a goal. I wanted to win seven Open Championships….

ONCE YOU WIN SEVEN, DO YOU INTEND

TO RETIRE?

Lolo: I don’t know... I said it quite some time ago and I intend to achieve it. Seven is a key number in my life, and I like it very much. WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS WITH ADOLFITO. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO WIN THE OPEN. BEFORE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE TIME OF EL TRÉBOL AND VENADO TUERTO, THERE WERE ONLY TWO TEAMS, BUT NOWADAYS THERE ARE SEVERAL, ALTHOUGH OUT OF THE LAST 9 FINALS, 8 WERE PLAYED BY ONLY ONE TEAM. IS IT REALLY SO THAT ONLY 6 TEAMS CAN WIN THE OPEN? Lolo: them can win the Open. Take a look at the last two champions before us, that is to say Chapa II and La Aguada. I always say that the three games played on field 1 at Palermo are three finals. If you lose that first final, you are out and you start thinking too highly of yourself, of the matter.

Bartolome Castagnola

LUCAS,

WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR

MIND WHEN YOU HAD THE BALL AND YOU RAN TO SCORE THE GOLDEN GOAL?

Lucas: Nothing. I just moved for ward.

missing the ball…. OVER AND ABOVE WINNING THE OPEN,

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE FACT THAT YOU HAD A VERY GOOD YEAR?

AS LOLO SAYS,

YOU PLAYED VERY WELL IN THOSE THREE FINALS.

Lucas: I was just thinking about that. You are talking about a good year, but if you stop and think about it, at Tortugas we were appalling, I did not play at Hurlingham, our first game at Palermo was going entirely the wrong way round, and on field 1… that was the one! It is to that. SO WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT TORTUGAS AND HURLINGHAM? BECAUSE THE MESSAGE YOU ARE SENDING OUT IS

CLEAR: YOUR GOAL IS TO WIN PALERMO. IN FACT, IF YOU SPOKE TO PABLO MACDONOUGH, HE SAID HE DIDN’T

TRIPLE CROWN, HE WANTED PALERMO. ARE TORTUGAS

WANT THE TO WIN AND

HURLINGHAM

EXTINCTION?

DANGER

Lolo: useful tournaments. We go to Tortugas to try and play polo but, perhaps, we are there with Lucas, it is 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and we don’t even know which horses we will be playing that At Hurlingham, you already start getting your horses ready, as we say – let’s see how we play polo today. And if you make it through to the semi-finals or the final, you gradually start getting into shape. And then, once you start playing at Palermo, you stop travelling to the countryside, you don’t want to attend to to do. If you needed to do this same thing for every tournament, your head would explode!!! And that is the truth of the matter. Besides, we need to save our horses for Palermo. We know how the honest truth. Lucas: Crystal clear. LUCAS, WHEN YOU WERE INJURED, DID

YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY

OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH TO PALERMO?

Lucas: No, not at all. I stopped playing immediately after I felt that pulled muscle and I quit for 15 days. I tried to see if I could play the final at Hurlingham, and as I felt a slight pain, I quit and I decided not to play. It served me well to become enthusiastic, and take a look at everything I had and everything I had achieved from the outside. A

YOUR

COMPULSORY TOPIC REGARDING

GOALS:

DOES LA DOLFINA

DESERVE THOSE 40 GOALS?

Lucas: Yes, absolutely. Over and above Lucas Monteverde’s personal 10 goals, La Dolfina deserves 40 goals. Lolo: I don’t give much importance to handicap, but I am interested in these 40 goals because this implies being among the best four teams in history. And having achieved 40 goals with Lucas, with La Dolfina, is spectacular. W HAT

IS THE SECRET BEHIND THE

FACT THAT

LA DOLFINA

CONTINUES TO

MOVE AHEAD, IN SPITE OF THERE BEING

NO BLOOD RELATIONSHIP AMONG YOU, WHICH IS VERY COMMON IN POLO?

Lucas Monteverde

Lolo: speak the same language. We get up and we live this through and through, we are at the stables… We say all sorts of things to one another, but we also support one another at all times. With the exception of Mariano who is at Centauros, the three of us almost live together. We see each other during most of the day. Lucas: I have been spending 24 hours a day here for the last six years… Lolo: I sometimes get into a bad mood after seeing him all day long, but what can I do!!! (laughter) YOU LATER VENT IT ON THE FIELD… Lolo: It ’s nothing. Ever ything is fine. Once you have vented it, everything is ok. 91

Lucas: As long as Lolo swears and curses, everything is fine. Beware the day when he swears and curses no more... (laughter) Lolo: When this happens, it is because I am really annoyed and I am fed up of everything… besides, they already know say I am too calm… We swear at one another, we get mad, we say all sorts of things to one another, and this is our way of being, and we haven’t done badly at all… Check out the results. W HO DO YOU SHARE THIS MOMENT OF

SATISFACTION WITH BOTH PERSONALLY AND SPORTS-WISE?

Lucas: With Loli, my wife, who stands

by me unconditionally, with my children, with my working group, with the horse grooms… I dedicate it to them. Lolo: With my family, my children, my wife, my grandmother, my old lady, my sister, everybody, and my working group. And my old man, the most important of all. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today. MARIANO AGUERRE – “THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIZE? THE GOLD CUP!” TWO

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

AND YOU WILL HAVE CAUGHT UP WITH

YOUR FATHER-IN-LAW, GONZALO PIERES, WHO HAS WON 9…

DO YOU REALIZE THE OPEN

IMPORTANCE OF WINNING THE SEVEN TIMES?

I give it little as well as a lot of importance. I give it little importance

because I don’t want to rest on my laurels, and a lot because I think that in the future, when I retire, I will realize all I have achieved throughout my career.

able to cheer her brothers on more the day they play the Open final. But they have their whole lives ahead of them.

HOW DID YOU FEEL DURING THE PALERMO FINAL, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT YOUR FAMILY SITUATION, SINCE YOU ARE MARRIED TO TATIANA, FACUNDO AND GONZALO’S SISTER? It is a bittersweet situation because, over and above the achievement itself which cannot be marred depending on the team we have beaten… because on the other hand I see Tatiana… because with her brothers… and besides, the people from Rodríguez are all for Ellerstina. But, this is the way things are. We have to play the cards life has dealt us, and these are the ones I have been given. Perhaps, she would like to enjoy my achievements more and also be

time do the healing, and we should try to enjoy our achievements with humbleness

Bartolome Castagnola and Lucas Montverde

of life and death. We have managed to compete against each other at a place where very few have made it. IN

A TIME WHEN IT IS SAID THAT SIX

OPEN, DOES THE LA DOLFINA HAS PLAYED 8

TEAMS CAN WIN THE FACT THAT OF THE

9 FINALS AND HAS WON A TRIPLE

CHAMPIONSHIP MAKE YOU THINK THAT SIX TEAMS CAN WIN THE OPEN?

I think that the final was played between the two teams with the best chances of winning. Both Ellerstina and La Dolfina were the best teams of the

year. I wouldn’t say there are six teams that can win the Open. I would say there are less. A LOT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT THE TRIPLE CROWN AND PALERMO. IT IS AS

IF YOU GUYS GIVE MORE IMPORTANCE TO

1 PALERMO, BUT AT THE BEGINNING OF

THE THREE GAMES PLAYED ON FIELD AT

THE SEASON THERE IS MUCH TALK ABOUT

LA DOLFINA’S

DOUBTS.

PERHAPS

SECRET IS FOCUSING ON PALERMO?

YOUR

We know we have to invest in Tortugas. Due to a question of organisation we can’t compete against certain teams at Tortugas. I think the horses can’t make it through to the Triple Crown. If you play with your group B against other teams playing good horses, you can’t compete. You may win a game or make it through to the final, but you will never win it. We were doing well at Hurlingham. We made it through to the final with two substitute players, so I don’t think there are many doubts. If you don’t play with a complete team, you will be giving other teams a very big advantage.

Adolfito had no contact at all with the ball in the extra chukker, so what mental control could he have had? In that case, Bauti hit the ball, Marcos received it, I hit a long ball, Horacito received it, he passed it on to me and that was that. You need to be given the possibility of a play in which you can apply your strategy and everything turns out well. HOW DO YOU END UP PHYSICALLY SPEAKING, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT

YOU

38,

FEEL

PHYSICALLY

AS COMPARED TO

You start little by little at Tortugas

better mounted than I was 15 year ago,

PRACTICE GAMES?

Mariano Aguerre

PALERMO FINAL. AND, PERHAPS, HAVING BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO LA DOLFINA BEING THE CHAMPION, WITH CAMBIASO AS THE STAR PLAYER, IT IS A PLEASANT SURPRISE TO SEE THAT YOU WERE THE

DID YOU GUYS FEEL IT THIS

WAY ON THE FIELD?

Yes, that was the plan, but if Adolfito was going to have a more personal mark and he could start the game passing the ball to another player, it would open doors we continued doing so and this is how we ended it. W HAT

15 YEARS AGO, WHEN YOU WERE ALREADY PLAYING THE OPEN?

I WAS VERY SURPRISED BY THE TEAM-

CHUKKER?

HOW

SPEAKING AT AGE

CHUKKERS, IN BOTH MATCHES AND

THAT DURING THE YEAR YOU PLAY SIX

PLAY PERFORMED BY LA DOLFINA AT THE

BEST PLAYER.

with seven chukkers. Later, practice games with nine or ten. You gradually get into shape. Besides, I am training with Beto Imaz, an out-of-this-world professional. We work on thinkingunder-pressure exercises and several things that have helped me a great deal. So much so, that I never end a match feeling tired.

IS THE SECRET TO AN EXTRA

IS IT A MENTAL MATTER? I think it is luck. In my case, I don’t think I have any mental control over anybody, only my dog, which must be the only living being I can control mentally!!! (laughter). I think there is an element depends on. It could have gone either way, but luck was on our side. ARE TACTICS USEFUL IN THIS CASE? Tactics are surely useful. We had tactics for the final. And Ellerstina also had theirs. For example, in the 2001 final which I won playing for Chapaleufú, 93

THE GONZALO HEGUY PRIZE WHICH MVP IS VERY GOOD,

GOES TO THE

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT

YOU PLAYED AGAINST GONZALO AT PALERMO. W HAT DID YOU TALK ABOUT WITH NORITA HEGUY WHO PRESENTS THIS PRIZE? It was very moving. I told her she was going to make me cry. I was highly emotional and so was she. I don’t know, I saw my wife crying, my brothers-in-law were sad… it was a ver y special moment. I think there is no other sport in which so much is at stake as in polo because everything is based on a result. We are now celebrating, and the truth is that we played well in two matches, since three weeks ago we were being questioned about our performance. People have short memories and, if you stop and think about what defines the entire championship, it is the two last games at Palermo. And, if you make it through to the final, few people in fact remember the semi-final. It is slightly unrewarding. A lot of things are defined in a very short period. And when the definition comes with an extra chukker, you have a feeling that you are left empty-handed

difference between a champion and a runner-up is very big, and the difference between Palermo and Hurlingham, the two most important tournaments in the world, is also very big. Palermo is definitely very special. THERE ARE ALSO PLAYERS WHO HAVE OPEN, BUT GOING BACK TO THE BEGINNING, YOU HAVE WON IT SEVEN TIMES. ARE YOU AWARE OF THE NEVER WON THE

FACT THAT JUST LIKE YOU HAVE WON IT SEVEN TIMES, THERE ARE PLAYERS WHO HAVE NEVER MANAGED TO WIN IT?

Mariano Aguerre

and that makes things easier. If at age 38 I continue to run the way I used to do when I was 20, then I have not learnt a single thing! As I said, I am now training and I travel with my personal extend my career and, mentally speaking, it will do me good. THE

PRIZE TO THE BEST MOUNTED

PLAYER IS THE ONE YOU ENJOY THE MOST, RIGHT?

I enjoy them all, but the one everyone

rest, the Jazz individual prize is really something. It was ver y important to me.

Having been given the Gonzalo Heguy prize, playing with guys such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Gonzalo Pieres and Facundo, is very important. It is every single one of them. None overshadows any other, but the one I have come to win is the little golden cup!!! AND

IF YOU COME SECOND AND YOU

ARE GIVEN THE PRIZE TO THE BEST MOUNTED PLAYER?

A consolation prize… It happened to me in 2004, when we lost against Chapa II. A month later you realize and you say, “Oh, it was good!” But at the time you feel like, “this is not what I came for!” 94

grateful to polo and the opportunities that life has given me. W HAT

DID

DIEGO MARADONA’S

PRESENCE ON YOUR SIDE MEAN TO YOU?

was there when the game ended. I did see David Nalbandian, but I did not see Diego. Later, he said hello to all of us. ADOLFITO

IS CRITICIZED A LOT FOR

THESE ATTITUDES, ALTHOUGH

DIEGO

BEHAVED IN AN EXEMPLARY MANNER.

AND HE IS CRITICIZED BECAUSE POLO IS A VERY PARTICULAR ENVIRONMENT WHICH

FINDS IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN UP THE GAME TO POPULAR PEOPLE LIKE DIEGO.

It has nothing to do. Some people are very foolish… in order to avoid being criticized you need to be someone who is that he is constantly in the spotlight. He is observed and studied. And people don’t realize that we are contemporaries of a figure that is very difficult to equal in polo. Adolfito can invite him to his event, and anybody with access to something of the sort would do so. THE

VERY

AUCTION YOU ORGANISED WAS

SUCCESSFUL

GREAT IMPACT…

AND

HAS

MADE

IT WAS A LOT OF HARD

WORK AND GAVE GREAT SATISFACTION AS REGARDS RESULTS.

Unfortunately, the results of an auction can only be seen on the economic side, because if everything is great but people don’t buy your horses, it is a failure. As regards the rest, it took a good many years of work in connection with dedicated professionals; a very united group working towards meeting the same objective. Above: La Dolfina at Palermo´s podium - Below: Adolfo Cambiaso Jr and Lucas Monteverde

PALM BEACH

CATAMOUNT OPENS SEASON WITH A BARRY MEMORIAL CUP TITLE By Alex Webbe

here were two major changes in the early 2008 Florida polo

lowered in the Joe Barry Memorial Cup and the Ylvisaker Cup from 22-goals to 20-goals, and not a single member of last year’s defending teams was in any lineup. an effort to allow more young American players an opportunity to break into the high-goal rosters, and although there were fewer overall teams entered in the season’s first two tournaments, there were several more American players appearing in the lineups. With the absence of Adolfo Cambiaso and Russ McCall’s New Bridge Polo Team there was no defending champion returning to the fields for the first two tournaments of the season. In fact, not a single member of last year’s championship New Bridge team appeared on any of the Joe Barry or Ylvisaker Cup teams. 2008 Joe Barry Memorial Cup, and not Above: Sugar Erskine and Carlos Avendaño - Below: Pablo Mac Donough

Left: Tomas Goti and Brandon Phillips - Right: Gillian Johnston

tournament’s handicap level had teams looking for more balanced attacks, and it didn’t take long to see new combinations making an immediate impact on the competition. Catamount, Isla Carroll, Skeeterville and Pony Express made their way through early competition with identical 2-1 records. Catamount made short work of an outgunned Pony Express team 15-8 while Isla Carroll upset a veteran Skeeterville team 13-12 in overtime. all-time high in the finals, as they seemed to have a talented Isla Carroll team outgunned at every turn. Nick Roldan led the Catamount attack with six goals as they rolled past Isla Carroll 13-8. final score indicated, however, as Isla Carroll kept it close in the first half, trailing by a single goal, 5-4. Catamount appeared to gain its rhythm in the second half, outscoring Isla Carroll eight to four for the final 13-8 win. Catamount’s Todd Offen was named MVP while teammate Brandon Phillips’ horse Fiji was named Best Playing Pony.

YLVISAKER CUP

With the dust hardly settled from the opening tournament, Melissa Ganzi’s Audi team, Gillian Johnston’s Bendabout foursome and Neil Hirsch’s Black Watch crew joined a field of eight for the 2008 Ylvisaker Cup. In view of Catamount’s recent win in the finals of the Joe Barry Memorial, Scott Devon’s team was the pretournament favorite, but there were a

to the semifinals. Boasting a perfect 3-0 record in earlier play, Skeeterville looked like the team to beat until its sister team, Bendabout, upset it 13-11 in the semifinals. Catamount flexed its muscles again by easily defeating Isla Carroll 15-10. In the end it would be a balanced scoring attack and a coordinated team effort that powered Catamount to a 12-9 win in the finals. Relying on the talented

CATAMOUNT PLAYER-COACH TODD OFFEN WAS NAMED TOURNAMENT MVP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TIME. MIGUEL NOVILLO ASTRADA’S SERRANO WAS NAMED BEST PLAYING PONY. number of teams, which had improved greatly from the opening of the season. Bendabout scored an exciting, opening round 12-11 overtime win over Pony Express, and the Ylvisaker Cup competition was underway. Skeeterville amassed a perfect 3-0 record in preliminary play. Catamount, Bud Light/ERG, Mt. Brilliant and Isla Carroll all compiled 2-1 records. As the teams battled their way through February, Bendabout, Skeeterville, Isla Carroll and Catamount found their way 99

8-goaler Nick Roldan and a supporting cast that includes high-scoring Brandon Phillips and a hard riding, mallet savvy patron in Scott Devon. Catamount player-coach Todd Offen was named tournament MVP for the second consecutive time. Miguel Novillo Astrada’s Serrano was named Best Playing Pony. Opting not to play in the 26-goal competition this year, Catamount ended its season at IPC with a sweep of both 20-goal tournaments. New team

alignments would decide the fate of the following 26-goal tournaments.

LECHUZA CARACAS UP

Reacting to the shift from 22-goal to 20-goal limits in the season’s opening tournaments, Venezuelan Victor Vargas organized a 26-goal tournament of his own at his Lechuza Caracas Ranch that would run concurrent to the Ylvisaker Cup. “We have the best polo players in the game here right now,” he offered, “we have the top horses and impeccable playing the best polo.” teams and included 10-goalers Sebastian Merlos,Mariano Aguerre,Facundo Pieres and the legendary Memo Gracida. one another with the two best records playing in the finals. In the opening round of play Marc Ganzi’s Audi team, featuring brothers Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres, downed the host Lechuza foursome 10-8 on the Lechuza Caracas Field. Peter Brant’s White Birch team scored a win in its opener, making Memo

Ylvisaker Cup Black Watch

Neil Hirsch Ignacio Figueras Pablo MacDonough Iñaki Laprida

20 A 7 9 5

Bendabout

Gillian Johnston Miguel Novillo Astrada Alejandro Novillo Astrada Orrin Ingram

1 10 7 2

Bud Light / ERG

Pablo Mac Donough followed by Iñaki Laprida

San Saba

Scott Wood Roberto Gonzalez Hector Galindo Julio Gracida

1 6 8 5

Pony Express

Audi

Bob Daniels Matias Magrini Matias Machado Tomas Goti

0 10 3 7

Melissa Ganzi Gonzalo Pieres Jr Juan Bollini Stevie Orthwein

Mt. Brilliant

Hutton Goodman Kris Kampsen Jeff Hall Jeff Blake

A 6 8 6

Tommy Lee Jones Francisco de Narvaez Gerardo Collardin Iñaki Echezarreta

1 9 7 3

Patagones Gonzalo Avendaño Carlos Avendaño Carlucho Arellano Mariano Gonzalez

Isla Carroll

20 1 6 5 8

A 9 7 4

Shane Rice Sugar Erskine Silvestre Donovan John Goodman

5 7 7 1

Catamount

Skeeterville

Scott Devon Brandon Phillips Nick Roldan Todd Offen

2 5 8 5

100

Will Johnston Julio Arellano Owen Rinehart Chris Nevins

1 8 7 4

Above: Miguel Novillo Astrada - Below: Orrin Ingram and MarianoGonzales

101

Above: Lucas Monteverde and Nico Pieres with a broken mallet - Below: Audi´s Nº 2 Gonzalo Pieres Jr

Gracida’s La Herradura team the victim of a 17-11 rout. White Birch play to an 13-13 tie on the White Birch field at Palm Beach Polo before rains forced the postponement of the balance of the game. Lechuza evened its record at 1-1 by handing La Herradura a hard-fought 11-10 defeat. Lechuza improved its record to 2-1 by scoring a 12-10 win over White Birch while Audi scored its second consecutive win in a 15-8 contest with La Herradura, and earned a trip to the finals against Lechuza. Lechuza scored nine of its ten goals from the penalty line. A single goal from the

field was scored in the opening chukker of the game by Pite Merlos. Audi scored the 11-10 win on the strength of nine goals from the field and two penalty conversions, with the final penalty goal deciding the game in the sixth chukker by Gonzalito Pieres. Facundo Pieres led the Audi team with six goals while Nacho Figueras and Marc Ganzi accounted for single goals for the win. Seven goals from Sebastian Merlos led all scorers. Pite Merlos accounted for three goals. met with great enthusiasm, and it is expected that the tournament will grow in years to come.

Lechuza

White Birch

Victor Vargas Sebastián Merlos Juan Ignacio Merlos Nicolás Espain

1 10 9 6

Peter Brant Lucas Monteverde Mariano Aguerre Martin Aguerre

3 9 10 4

Audi

La Herradura

Marc Ganzi Gonzalo Pieres Jr Facundo Pieres Ignacio Figueras

1 9 10 6

Guillermo Gracida Kris Kampsen Nicolás Pieres Pelon Escapite

8 6 4 5

102

Above: NicoPieres and Lucas Monteverde - Below: Lucas Monteverde alone with the ball

103

Above: Carlos Avenda単o - Below: IPC Main Tribune

104

Above: Gonzalo Pieres Jr - Below: Ignacio Figueiras

105

Photographs by Bob Lugash

Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr

106

PALM BEACH

ISLA CARROLL TAKES C.V. WHITNEY CUP T he C. V. Whitney Cup is the first of the USPA’s “triple crown”, and the 2008 version was represented by 11 teams. Like the two 20-goal tournaments that preceded it, the C. V. Whitney Cup had no defending champion, as Catamount had decided to pass on the 26-goal competition this year.

George Rawling’s Catamount team, featuring everybody’s favorite 10-goaler, Adolfo Cambiaso, but the players who filled out last year’s winning Gold Cup and Open teams were no longer a part

of the team. Nachi Heguy (9) and Jeff Blake (6) filled out the Crab Orchard roster while handicap changes moved former teammates Matias Magrini (10) and Pelon Stirling, Jr. (8) to Bob Daniels’ Pony Express squad where they were joined by a talented young Nicolas Roldan (8). Melissa Ganzi would be making her first appearance in 26-goal competition with her Audi team of Gonzalito Pieres (9), Paco de Narvaez (9) and Juan Bollini (7).

but many of the same teams were back again. Lechuza Caracas opened the tournament with a win over Black Watch followed by a real shocker when Melissa Ganzi’s Audi team defeated Adolfo Cambiaso and Crab Orchard 15-13. Camilo Bautista’s Las Monjitas lineup of Eduardo, Javier and Nacho Novillo Astrada displayed their years of experience by handing White Birch its first loss before Audi scored its second victory with a 9-8 win over Bendabout. Isla Carroll rode over Orchard Hill, Ignacio Novillo Astrada

107

Audi vs Isla Carroll

12-7 and later that same day, Crab Orchard rebounded to take a 13-12 overtime win from Black Watch. Skeeterville needed overtime to dispense with Lechuza, 12-11, and Las Monjitas built up a head of steam as it easily handles Pony Express 13-7. a little time to adjust to teammates and strategies, but Isla Carroll continued to win, dropping Audi in the semifinals, 11-10. Las Monjitas secured a berth in the finals by edging Skeeterville 8-7. Going into the finals, Las Monjitas

Novillo Astradas had spent their entire lives playing polo together and Bautista made certain that the team was well mounted. Isla Carroll hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t competed last year as team captain John Goodman lineup included young 10-goaler Facundo Pieres, Marcos di Paola (9) and Magoo Laprida (7), a talented combination, but not as impressive as Las Monjitas. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the game is played. Javier Novillo Astrada scored the first goal of the game, but after that it was from Pieres in the first half paced the Isla 108

Carroll attack that charged out to a 6-3 halftime lead. Five goals in the fourth chukker gave Isla Carroll an 11-6 lead, and Las Monjitas would spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. Isla Carroll led by six goals in the final chukker before Las Monjitas made a last ditch rally that gave then four goals. Pieres scored his eighth goal for a 15-11 lead with Javier Astrada adding a meaningless goal as time ran out. Facundo Pieres scored eight goals for Isla Carroll and was named MVP. His horse, Once Catorce was named Best Playing Pony.

109 www.graffdiamonds.com

PALM BEACH

2008 GENEROSITY CUP

he success of the Generosity Cup wasn’t measured by the Quilmes win in the round-robin, three team event. It was a success made possible by the thousands of supporters who traveled from the Miami area to the horse friendly community of Wellington in the West Palm Beach area in order to support the many projects of Fundacion Manos del Sur throughout Latin Amerfounded in Miami in 1999 by a group of nization began its efforts in Argentina as a response to the severe economic crisis that the country was enduring.

Manos del Sur’s mission is to provide the children with the opportunity to grow into healthy, self-sufficient adults, integrating into society and leading accomplished lives for their families and themselves. From the organization’s initial successes in Argentina, working with local organizations to provide vital nutrition, health, education and social support services, the scope of its efforts grew. With each success came the opportunity to extend assistance to even more children in other countries such as Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua and

Quilmes

110

at the Generation Cup, these efforts funds raised, Fundacion Manos del Sur, together with other organizations, financially supports hundreds of children in the areas of nutrition, education and health. In its sixth year, the Generosity Cup was hosted by Gonzalo and Bemarda Avendano at their Patagones Polo Club in Wellington. Gonzalo was quick to point out that he was merely participating as a member of the organization and had no aspirations to take to the field. An accomplished polo

Above: Adolfo Cambiaso at Pilara´s tent - Below: Lucas Criado

player himself, Gonzalo said he was content lend his support and assistance to the event organizers. Initially staged on the grounds of Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, the event moved to the International Polo Club Palm Beach for a year before finally finding a home at the Avendano’s Patagones Polo Club.

David Sterling, Jr. (8) for Pilara. While Rich Rothenberg (0) joined Mariano Aguerre (10), Lucas Monteverde (9) and Nick Roldan (8). At dawn volunteers from Fundacion Manos del Sur began organizing a dinner for 200 guests in a tent located on the fairy tale grounds of the beautiful

IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE GENEROSITY CUP WAS HOSTED BY GONZALO AND BEMARDA AVENDANO AT THEIR PATAGONES POLO CLUB IN WELLINGTON. GONZALO WAS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT HE WAS MERELY PARTICIPATING AS A MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION AND HAD NO ASPIRATIONS TO TAKE TO THE FIELD. the teams, with Marcelo Young (0) joining teammates Nachi Heguy (9), Matias Magrini (10) and Pablo MacDonough (9) on the winning Quilmes team. Two-goaler Francisco Pereyra Iraola saddled up with professionals Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Lucas Criado (9) and

lounges invited guests to relax and enjoy good food and music as Argentinean rock legend Nito Mestre regaled the evening partiers with some of his most famous songs. People started arriving just after noon in anticipation of the 4pm polo 111

competition, but there was plenty for them to do in the meantime. “It’s really a great opportunity for families to spend a day in the country and raise money for a worthwhile cause,” said Montes. Food stands of Kouzine (Latin American specialty foods), La Estancia Argentina (gourmet deli and café) and Argentine Brewery Quilmes were part of the festive atmosphere while the children had their own space just beside the polo field where they played on inflatable slides and jumping mats. A rock climbing wall entertained others while the pristine polo grounds served as so many junior soccer fields for the more active youngsters. cup,” said Montes, “It’s our biggest single fundraising activity of the year,” she added, “and everyone involved has really come through for us.” Gonzalo Avendano, quick to downplay his part in the event, furnishes the facility Above: Pilara Polo Team with PGA Golfer, Pato Cabrera - Below: Matias Magrini and David Stirling

112

Above Left: Mariano Aguerre - Right: Adolfo Cambiaso and son - Below: Nick Roldan

and polo’s greatest active player, Adolfo Cambiaso, organizes the players. “I think it is really important to support the people who do charity events,” said Cambiaso. “If each of us makes a little effort, we can improve the lives of many children,” he explained. Argentine models Maria Vazquez and Loli Lopez were some of the celebrities who supported the event, and a surprise guest was Argentinean golf champion Pato Cabrera, the man who beat Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk to win the 2007 U. S. Open last year. “I was in Palm Beach participating in a tournament and Adolfito (Cambiaso) invited me to this charity event, so I immediately showed up,” said Cabrera. Cambiaso welcomed his friend and the two sportsmen discussed their respective projects for the current year and about the about which one had the more accurate stroke, and before you could shout Fore, golf balls and golf clubs were presented to the two South American athletes. After taking several shots from the side of the field to the goal posts, Cambiaso drove the ball directly through the middle of the goal, and amid laughter and cheers, 113

the competition was over. take a more direct approach with horse and rider charging from one end of the field to the other. Following the trophy presentations, in an effort to raise additional monies for the cause, Gonzalo Avendano auctioned a number of items, including a La Dolfina t-shirt signed by Cambiaso (for $800). All in all, it was a great day for the players, the spectators and the children who will benefit from the event.

Above: Cinque Terre - Below: Francisco Pereyra Iraola

Place: Wellington, Palm Beach, Florida, USA Club: Patagones Polo Club Date: March 1, 2008 Level: 29 hcp Tournament type: Open Description: The Generosity Cup is a special event to benefit Fundacion Manos del Sur, the non-profit organization which provides aid to needy children in Latin America, living in extreme poverty - www.manosdelsur.org

114

Quilmes

Marcelo Young Nachi Heguy Matias Magrini Pablo MacDonough

0 9 10 9

Pilara

Francisco Pereyra Iraola Adolfo Cambiaso Lucas Criado David Stirling

2 10 9 8

Cinque Terre

Rich Rothenberg Mariano Aguerre Lucas Monteverde Nick Roldan

0 10 9 8

Join the elite, become a member

115

www.pololine.com

BRITISH SEASON PREVIEW

INTO THE FUTURE Roger Chatterton-Newman ponders on the forthcoming British high-goal season

ptimism is an enduring – and endearing – trait of the British sporting character, and is much in evidence as we prepare for another high-goal season. It is to be hoped, therefore, that optimism will be rewarded, and that 2008 will not be an action replay of last season. Yet, it might reasonably be asked, does sport in general, polo in particular, ever profit from its mistakes? No one could claim that 2007 was appalling weather, of course, upset schedules across the board – but by now we should have learned to live with British summer climatic conditions, so day after day of rain is no excuse for what culminated in a one hundred and eleven carat farce.

the British Open Championship for the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray short of three long hours, surely a record in modern polo annals, and was memorable for all the wrong reasons. resulted in many spectators leaving for home long before the final whistle – would perhaps have been bearable had the match proved to be exciting, or an exposition of superb polo play. It was neither: from the first to the long awaited last bell, the game failed to shine. In fact, it was probably the dullest British Open final ever played. Also, it was poorly staged. Because the handicap of the patron of favourites Loro Piana had been raised a fraction 116

during the course of the tournament, the final saw Lechuza Caracas awarded a goal on handicap. In an Open? Surely the entire point of an Open is that handicaps no longer count. Furthermore, when a player on either side was injured it took an inordinate length of time to find substitutes. Surely, the first rule of an Open final should be to have potential replacements waiting, booted and spurred, on the sidelines. If it is the duty of a patron to provide an umpire, it should also be a duty to have substitutes lined up. An extra player on the payroll would hardly break the bank. In the bitter end, Lechuza Caracas won on their received goal, which was marginally better than coming second. the British Open could be extended by

a fortnight this year – in an attempt to foil the weather gods, one presumes. It hardly seems necessary and would, in any case, affect the Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park. and players may moan about the ‘long journey down to Gloucestershire’, but then why come to England in the first place? Motorways and helicopter landings are to be found, even in deepest Cotswold country, and it should be remembered that Cirencester Park, founded in 1894, is the oldest of the British ‘Big Four’ clubs. In recent years, more and more players have relocated to Gloucestershire and that beautiful part of the world can lay claim to being the ‘polo county’, as Warwickshire was before the last world war. Sussex and Berkshire, despite Cowdray Park and Guards, have never seen polo on anything like the same scale. No, every support should be given to Cirencester Park to rebuff any attempt to interfere with the Warwickshire Cup.

feet (or hooves?) after some seasons of uncertainty and it is, after all, integral to the British Triple Crown. is, of course, the Queen’s Cup at Guards, a tournament that seems always to run smoothly and with a happy outcome. Now that the Prince of Wales Trophy at Royal Berkshire is run in conjunction with the Queen’s Cup it would seem that the weather gods have been hoist with their own petard; although one can never be certain about their methods of revenge. Combining the two tournaments worked excellently in 2007, although it should not be used as an excuse for trying something similar with the British Open and the Warwickshire Cup. Not that anything of the sort has been suggested, at least openly, but one never knows. With any luck, this coming season will see an end to the seemingly perpetual, or at any rate hardily annual, moaning about ‘hired assassins’ and ‘lack of opportunity’ for home-grown professionals. It has

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become boring, and is unnecessary. Although a number of South American players have taken advantage of the European Union and procured passports for their ancestral countries – notably Italy – the high-goal circuit has not altered. At the end of the day, it is the patrons who call the tune to which the piper dances, because without them (as every polo governing body knows only too well) there would be no high-goal polo sponsorship are light years away, because commercial sponsors have to their shareholders, who would not understand their directors expending a couple of million pounds on a sport producing that produces no material benefits. Patrons want the high-goal, highprofile, high-powered South Americans, as they have done since those, mainly Argentine, prima jugadors, first became available. What would British polo have been without the likes of Carlos Gracida, Gonzalo and Alfonso Pieres, Pikki Diaz Alberdi and, today, the consummate

Adolfo Cambiaso and Juan Martin Nero? Of course it seems unfair to nativeborn British professionals that they are not all picked for the British Triple Crown. Life is unfair, especially in sport it seems, and even Shane Warne is said to have considered taking out a German passport (on maternal grounds) so that he could continue to play cricket for Hampshire. Let us hope that the sun shines, that falls and injuries are minimal and that we see some first-class polo on the 2008 high-goal circuit. Otherwise, one can understand the crowds deserting the grandstands and moving en masse to counties such as Gloucestershire, where several of the new, non-affiliated, clubs have grown up. In fact this is probably the long-term way ahead for British polo. When the patrons run out of money, it will be a case of back to the country for good, oldfashioned, country house polo. In the meantime, we continue to be optimistic â&#x20AC;Ś

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INTERNATIONAL LADIES TOURNAMENT

Paseo Alcorta Polo Team rising the trophies

THE CLASSIC LADIES INTERNAIONAL ESTABLISHED ITSELF IN CAĂ&#x2018;UELAS By Tanya Garvin

t was with great expectation and excitement that I set off to play in the Don Manuel International Ladies Tournament. Although a regular player in the UK, this was my first trip abroad to play. Fortunately, our host, Emiliano Blanco, could not have been more helpful or kind. Having first opened his family estancia in 1998 to International visitors wishing to develop their polo skills, the facility has since grown considerably with luxurious accommodation, stunning grounds and a fabulous swimming pool.

Set in beautiful countryside, you would not think that Don Manuel is so close to the city of Buenos Aires or to the local town of CaĂąuelas. Just a 40 minute drive takes you into the centre of B.A. and Palermo. Superb rooms and friendly staff made you feel immediately at home. Timing our arrival for lunch was also a happy coincidence, as the food proved to be fabulous with too many courses to count! ponies for the imminent tournament, until torrential rain halted play for two 120

the rain and cursing at Don Manuel, however. Hours were spent on the wooden horses with Kit Collins, a highly reputed North American polo coach, rightly renowned for his insightful swing analyses. Aided by video technology, he was able to show all of us where we were going wrong and how to improve our connection with the ball. We were also taken for lunch in Palermo, shopping in central B.A, to a tango show and to the Ellerstina pony sales. So, although soggy, we

THE TEAMS Vique

Vivi Martinez (Arg) TBA Annabel Mac Naught Davis (UK) Maria Laura Gimenez (Arg)

0 0 1 1

Country Polo

Bryony Barraclough (UK) Brenda Myrjam de Boer (Holland) Amy Flowers (USA) Mumy Bellande (Arg)

-2 0 0 2

La Union

Amber Clutton Block (UK) Karin Mihanovich (Arg) Agatha Herrero (Arg) Mercedez Von Neufforge (Arg)

0 0 0 0

Trebol Argentina

Jessica Masimani (Arg) Belen Monguzzi (Arg) Clelia Crespo (Arg)

0 0 1

Teresa King (USA)

Pololine

Tanya Garvin (UK) Bernadette Havehals (UK) Fiona Turney (UK) Nina Clarkin (UK)

-2 -1 0 3

Paseo Alcorta

Kata Bunge (Arg) Alice Gipps (UK) Maria Ottonello (Arg) Lucy Taylor (UK)

0 0 0 1

Above: La Union Polo Team - Below: Nina Clarkin and Anabel Mc Naught Davis

were happy! Due to the unseasonable rainfall, it was decided to condense the tournament into two days, rather than the originally planned three and to play over the weekend. Saturday’s finals were therefore moved to Sunday, with practices played on Friday. extremely hard to ensure that, on paper, all the teams were as even as possible, with higher rated players such as three goaler Nina Clarkin and two gaoler Mumy Bellande teamed with the available -1s and -2s, leading to six teams in a 0 to 2 goal level. Friday’s practice gave all visiting players a final chance to decide which ponies we ‘clicked’ with and wished to use during the tournament. With a wide selection of horses available, all levels of player were catered for and all came away happy with their choices. 121

fantastic polo, with fast, open play the order of the day. After the first round of league games, Country House Polo, led by Mumy Bellande, came out as clear winners, making it through to the final. proved much more closely fought, with Paseo Alcorta eventually winning through following a closely fought match against Pololine, ably captained by Nina Clarkin. Sunday dawned bright and clear with blazing sunshine. High levels of enthusiasm coupled with the beautiful weather ensured fantastic polo ahead.

Above: Mumy Bellande playing for Country Polo - Below: Viviana Martinez

privileged to be a member, benefited greatly from the presence of Nina Clarkin at back who, through her coaching and encouragement, galvanised the team to take 3rd place overall. Nina’s excellent team organisational skills and clear directions saw us run out the winners 6 - 4 against a very strong Vique team led by Annabel McNaught-Davis. polo. Steady and reliable penalties taken by Lucy Taylor and excellent team play from Alice Gipps, Maria Ottonello and Kata Bunge meant Paseo Alcorta held a commanding lead of 9 - 2 after 2 chukkas. and furious marking by her team-mates left Mumy Bellande with room to move. A superb run up to goal was unlucky to see her send it wide. However, the revitalised team kept up the pressure to bring the score to 9-4 after the final bell.

Below: Vique Polo Team vs Pololine Polo Team in the Subsidary Final

prizes fantastic, with a beautiful pink suede saddle kindly donated by Miguel Acuna Saddlery up for grabs, stunning trophies for all participants, many generous sponsors including Trebol Argentina, Country Polo and Paseo Alcorta piling prize upon prize it was with great appreciation that Nina Clarkin, Mumy Bellande and Lucy Taylor were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the tournament’s success. Drinking and dancing until 4am followed, with very sore feet the next day! support of women’s polo by Pololine who provided a years free subscription to each member of the winning team; coverage can be viewed on www.pololine.com. Congratulations and deepest thanks for a most memorable time must also go to

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Emiliano Blanco and Alice Gipps. players as Nina Clarkin, Argentina’s

Nina Clarkin considered the event to be “very well organised and a fantastic tournament to be involved in” believing that “it will only go from strength to

SET IN BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE, YOU WOULD NOT THINK THAT DON MANUEL IS SO CLOSE TO THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES OR TO THE LOCAL TOWN OF CAÑUELAS.

USA, to name but a few, should ensure the development and popularity of this tournament in years to come.

strength, Emiliano is a fantastic host and looked after every one really well.” As for next year, the ticket is booked Alice Gipps going alone with the ball

and forewarned is forearmed! Emiliano needs to prepare for the British invasion as it was so much fun I intend to invite all female players I know to come and enjoy the hospitality and excellent facilities of Don Manuel, whilst playing in a truly international experience.

Subsidiary Final Pololine Vique

Final

Paseo Alcorta Country Polo

6 3

9 4

Place: Cañuelas, Argentina Club: Estancia Don Manuel Date: November 17 - 18, 2007 Level: 2 goals handicap Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: Alice Gipps, Emiliano Blanco MVP: Lucy Taylor and Mumy Bellande For more information on how to be part of the tournament this coming November contact alicegipps@hotmail.com www.estanciadonmanuel.com Tanya Garvin of PoloLine Polo Team playing against Vique Polo Team

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SHANGHAI TANG WOMEN´S CUP

Lesley Ann Masterton

HOT PINK TRIUMPH AT 4th WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL POLO Team Hot Pink defeated Team Ebony in the 0 – 2 goal Shanghai Tang Women’s International Polo on 28th October at the Singapore Polo Club. The score was 5 – 4.

he 4th Women’s International Polo tournament, held last Sunday at the Club’s Mount Pleasant grounds, saw exciting polo action between Hot Pink and Ebony. It was indeed competitive play and tight defense during every chukka between the teams and in the end Hot Pink, captained by local polo player, Linda Lim, together with team mates Camille Beinhorn, Isabelle Larendaudie, and professionals Kirsty Sullivan and Lesley Ann Masterton, edged out their opponents by just one goal to win the title. Kirsty Sullivan was awarded the Most Valuable Player while the Best Playing Pony went to Princesa,

which is owned by Ebony team captain, Charlotte Marson. three teams playing in the preliminary rounds, which started on 24th October and were played in a ‘round-robin’ overseas professional players and eight have representation from Argentina, Australia, France, Jamaica, United States of America and Zimbabwe for this tournament and is grateful to all players who took time off their busy schedules to support this tournament. Says Mr. Raphael le Manse de Cher124

mont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai is encouraging to Shanghai Tang, who has been avidly promoting Polo in Asia, where the sport is originated. Our participation in this event provides an opportunity for Singapore to witness the match between world-class female polo players, highlighting the fact that Polo is steadily gaining popularity as a top woman’s interest as well.” At the end of the three days play of the preliminary rounds, Team Amethyst captained by Justine Tan, could not quite match Hot Pink and Ebony and they failed to enter the Finals held on

preliminary rounds was initially scheduled to be played on Saturday, 27th October, but was brought forward to Friday due welcomed by the players as they could enjoy a day of rest and also get prepared for the Saturday night party at Bar was part of the IndoChine Festival 2007 celebration and all invited guests were treated to fabulous food, beer and wines as well as a special music performance by international DJ Abigail Bailey. Sunday arrived and everyone at the Club was getting ready for the tournament Finals but a sudden downpour after four days of perfect weather was not welcome! However, the rain did not dampen any enthusiasm and invited guests stayed on to watch the Finals match while more guests started strolling into the Club in the midst of the heavy rain. Everyone at the VIP area was treated to a generous spread of canapés and beer from the IndoChine Group and great champagne sponsored by Mumm while watching the fabulous “Khotan” collection featured at the fashion showcase specially put on by Shanghai Tang.

Melissa Tiernan

Fortunately, the dark clouds cleared off just before the match started at 5pm with Mr. Raphael le Manse de Chermont, Executive Chairman of

steadily mounted on the scoreboard during the first three chukkas. Despite the heavy ground, each team put up a spirited and determined performance.

Shanghai Tang, throwing in the first ball, accompanied by the Club’s President, Mr. Wee Tiong Han. It was a tough fight between the two teams as the scores

and applauded when both Kirsty and Lesley Ann from Hot Pink scored two goals each. Ebony fought back with four

THE TOURNAMENT ENDED WITH AN INFORMAL ASADO PARTY BY THE SIDE OF THE POLO FIELD.

The teams presentation at the field

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TEAMS Ebony

Charlotte Marson (c) Melissa Tiernan Caroline Anier Mumy Bellande

-1 -2 2 2

Team Manager: Gary Tiernan

Hot Pink

Lind Lim (c) Camille Beinhorm/ Isabelle Larenaudie Kirsty Sullivan Lesley Ann Masterton

-1 -2 2 2

Team Manager: Alston Beinhorn

Amethyst

Justine Tant (c) Anna Lowndes/ Henrietta Gourlay Erica Gandomcar

-1 -2 1

Sherry-Lin Hensman

Team Manager: Graham Cox

goals but in the final minutes of the last chukka, Lesley Ann scored her third goal to bring victory to Hot Pink. informal Asado party by the side of the polo field. All players, officials and guests had a sumptuous spread specially prepared from Michelangelo’s Restaurant and free flow of beer and sparkling juices compliments of Pacific Beverages. Says Mr. Tony Cousens, General Manager of Marina Mandarin Singanational Polo tournament organised by the Singapore Polo club was world class and an exciting event despite the initial tournament continues to garner top class sponsors such as Shanghai Tang and the Marina Mandarin, as well as well-heeled audience!”

Above: Lesley Ann Masterton - Below: Melissa Tiernan

ABOUT THE SINGAPORE POLO CLUB in 1886, strives to promote the sport of polo locally and regionally as well as more generally promoting equestrian activities. Its history dates back to Singapore’s colonial period and the Club has had an illustrious list of members. Several members of the British Royal family have at various times played polo at the 126

Hot Pink, Amethyst and Ebony players

grounds at Mount Pleasant Road. Over the years, the Singapore Polo Club has hosted many prestigious higher goal polo tournaments, many of which are attended by regional royalty and dignitaries who often themselves play the game. encourage more Singaporeans to take up polo is now to be recognised regionally for the first time as a competitive sport at the 2007 SEA Games due to be held this

ABOUT SHANGHAI TANG

Shanghai Tang is the first and leading luxury lifestyle brand emerging from China. Since its inception in 1994, it has advanced the expression of modern Chinese Chic by fusing current design concepts with innovative Chineseinspired elements. Offering ready-towear for women, men and children, as well as accessories and home ware, Shanghai Tang supports an international network of 30 boutiques in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious shopping districts.

Above: Best Playing Pony: Princesa, owned by Charlotte Manson - Below: Hot Pink

Courtesy of Singapore Polo Club

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The Treaty of Windsor Cup

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PORTUGAL

THE TREATY OF WINDSOR CUP

Over the last weekend in March the oldest diplomatic alliance in history, “The Treaty of Windsor” and the oldest team sport in the world, polo, were formally brought together at La Varzea Polo Club in Portugal, with an exciting tournament resulting in a win for Portugal.

he history of polo is well versed and its origins can be traced back to before 600 B.C. Perhaps sor, which was entered into between Portugal and England on 9 May 1386 and signed in St George’s Chapel, Windsor ried out on England’s behalf by John Duke of Lancaster, also known as John of Gaunt, who was the Protector for the infant king of England, and King Joao 1 of Portugal.

diplomatic alliance in history.

in 1387, when John of Gaunt brought his daughter Phillipa of Lancaster,

Cup will now be played annually over the last week end in March and will remain a low goal tournament, with 4 chukka matches, for players to get together before the European season, in the relaxed and congenial surroundings offered by La Varzea Polo Club, just half an hour from Portugal’s vibrant capital city, Lisbon.

are buried side by side in what is now in the ultimate expression of harmonious relations between Portugal and England, which have lasted for over 620 years and which have formed the longest

by the marriage between Charles II and Catherine of Bragança. More recently of the initiative to commence each polo Windsor Cup, and responded favourably, wishing La Varzea Polo Club continued success in hosting international polo in Cup was held on 29 and 30 March 2008.

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organize a number of players, supporters and other polo enthusiasts to join those already in Portugal. Such was the demand by the Portuguese to take part that at the last minute a fourth team was found by Members of La Varzea Polo Club. Guests started to arrive from Wednesday, first to touch down at Lisbon were Rajendra Kumar Jain and Arpana Agarwal. Soon after leaving the airport Arpana was fully kitted out for her first ever ride, whilst Rajendra was well into his first stick and ball practice. Next to arrive were Tariq Dag Khan and Alison Davies. Tariq set a new record for La Varzea by checking in on the saddle and playing his first chukka within half an hour from leaving Lisbon airport. Alison accompanied him, sipping chilled white wine on the touch line. and Susan Linstead and their young son

Lucas with his Nanny. Ben Linstead had previously been playing polo in Portugal some 10 years ago, and is a regular player in Sotogrande. Later that evening Peter Hunter, the event organizer arrived and the teams were drawn, Bernard Hornung, Commercial Director, appointed as the Tournament Director assisted by Alfredo Ontiveros, Polo Manager, who was appointed as the Tournament Manager. Esteban Iturrioz was appointed as Umpire. City and the arrival of the remainder of the guests from London. Among those who had made a quick getaway ( Easyjet from Gatwick to Lisbon) were Tristan Phillimore, Harriet Mallinson, Mark and Emma Cann, David Acres, Freya Howard, Patrick Lowther, Teresa Ivens, Ali Stow and Lucy Northmore from Polonetworks. Howard Flood arrived by car with Marco Dias from business meetings in Oporto, and later in the evening we were joined by Emilie Pons and Nick Kotze. Following a warm welcome by the owners; Tiago and Kika Gallego and their son Diogo, guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner masterminded by Rui Mata, Resort Director. By midnight the discotheque was in full swing thanks to Marco Dias, who put his previous

straw hut with a thatched roof hidden deep in the woods next to the kennels. Here they met others who had been hunting on the last day of the season, who then came to watch the polo at La Varzea Polo Club By Saturday afternoon all was ready and the tournament began with Howard Flood, Joaquim Mota, Ben Linstead and Simon Holland playing for Canada/ USA versus Tariq Dag Kahn, David Acres, Patrick Lowther and Tristan Phillimore playing Great Britain. Later that afternoon Rajendra Kumar Jain, Mark Cann, Tiago Gallego and

to good use. Saturday included an early start for Bernard Hornung and Simon Holland de Santo Huberto, the last remaining pack to be found in the Iberian Peninsular. Simon Holland was thus able to complete a hat-trick, having ridden

Peter Hunter

day, having shot and played polo on the same day and now having hunted and played polo on the same day. Hounds killed towards the end of the day and Simon was presented with the brush of a grey fox. A unique experience and a great trophy from Portugal. Meanwhile Alfredo Ontiveros provided the rest of the group with riding lessons, stick and ball practice, polo lessons and practice chukkas. Others had Spa treatments; sun bathed and enjoyed the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere The Teams

energetic also used the gym and went for a run around the beautiful estate. Bernard Hornung and Simon Holland went for lunch at the hunt pavilion, a 130

Tiago Gallego

Peter Hunter played for La Varzea against Miguel Freitas, Joao Rufino, Federico Cannas and Diogo Gallego who played for Portugal, and who won by 8 to 6. hot tub on the side of the polo ground, followed by a gala dinner at which the trophy adorned the table of the President. Garrards, London in solid sterling silver and presented to La Varzea Polo Club by the Hornung family, who have had and who now once again continue to have, very strong links with Portugal. Soon the discotheque was once again the main event this time with many Portuguese players and guests joining those who had come from England and adding a new and more intimate dimension to the diplomatic alliance. (U.K. and Portugal are in the same time zone) failed to dampen the enthusiasm for polo and despite a shower of rain to bring the grounds back to optimum playing condition, the matches began promptly at 11:00 a.m. Canada/USA beat La Varzea by 7 goals to 6. match between Great Britain and Portugal and by the afternoon the sun

was shining and the spectators sipping Champagne as they watched the goals being scored with amazing accuracy by Portugal who beat Great Britain by 8 goals to 4, and a first ever win for Joao Rufino, who has been one of the most loyal members of La Varzea Polo Club. No polo event could be complete without the Prize-Giving and the Cup was presented to the winning team, Portugal, and the other prizes to all the players who gave La Varzea such an exciting start to the season. afternoon on the grass lawn around the swimming pool was a perfect end to a memorable weekend and gave the guests an opportunity to meet and thank all the grooms and professionals. Among those who attended was Jorge Ferro Ribeiro who had kindly arranged for the cup to be cleaned and inscribed. Tiago and Kika Gallego have pioneered the success of La Varzea Polo Club and firmly re-established such a noble and aristocratic sport in a country which offers all the best natural conditions for it to be practiced and enjoyed, and Portugal needs to diversify and upgrade its tourism offer. 131

La Varzea Polo Club will be hosting

and Friday 25 April 2008. (www.cavgds.co.uk). to this exhibition must first respond to Bernard Hornung at La Varzea Polo Club by e-mail: bernard@lavarzeapolo.com

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SOTOGRANDE

PRESENTATION OF FURTHER ACTIONS 2008 AT THE SANTA MARÍA POLO CLUB

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he Santa María Polo Club (SMPC) is already considered to be one of the best polo clubs in the world and, needless to say, in Europe. in the world circuit (the World Polo Tour) and it heads one of the four seasons (summer) in which this circuit takes place. Its facilities are divided into three areas: Sotogrande and surrounding areas (El Río, Los Pinos and Puente de Hierro) and cover around 100 hectares. polo club in the world and, therefore, has drawn up a strategic-type document, known as the “Director Plan” establishing the actions which shall be carried out in order to achieve said objective. On the other hand, the Club is aware of its responsibility as regards equipping the area, increasing its high standing sports and tourist appeal, deseasonalizing tourist flows, creating wealth and employment, and raising the level of sports and professional training; all of this within a special segment in Andalusia as the horse world. In order to develop the previously mentioned objectives, the Los Pinos Area was created a few years ago by means of a Special Plan, approved by the San Roque Town Council and the Board of Andalusia, which included the construction of 4 new world class fields. Now, the idea is to continue down the path of creation and facility enhancement. Precisely, over the last few weeks, the Club presented a series of projects at the San Roque Town Council aimed at adapting and enhancing the Los Pinos facilities and creating a sports and tourist centre in the Puente de Hierro area, complementary to the three existing fields. As regards Los Pinos, it is worth mentioning the setting up of a very large two-story Gazebo/Pavilion covering 1.280 m2 per floor, which can be dismantled and will be installed between fields 3 and 4, as well as a new landscape treatment of said area.

Above: Sight of the coast - Below: Ramon Mora

Los Pinos to be considered the main club area during the summer season, as this place will solve all space, access and, above all, parking problems which have continued to increase over these last few years in the El Río area and, moreover, seemed to have no solution whatsoever. As from this year, the Los Pinos area 134

will have an enhanced connection with both the Marina road and the N-340 service road. During the rest of the year, the new Pavilion will not only be a valuable resource for the Club but also for the San Roque tourist area and the entire Gibraltar Countryside, as this implies a large amount of equipment (which did not exist in the area), for polo-related events and meetings, and open to a wide range of business sectors which find in polo a strong communication and image reference. As regards the Puente de Hierro area, the Action Plan presented includes the implementation work to achieve 5-star stables, consisting of 4 modules with 40 stalls each (a total of 160), in addition to the existing 60 stalls. It also includes building a fullyequipped rural lodge, in keeping with

Aereal view of the new Santa Maria Polo Fields

stables will jointly have the capacity to accommodate 4 high-goal teams. Finally, this Action includes a Club House for members, patrons and polo players, for those who belong to the Club and for teams staying at the Rural Lodge and/or making use of the stables. and Tourist Centre will be open all year round and will imply an increase in tourist Below: Scapa John Smith, winners of Memorial Domecq main final

135

and sports equipment in the San Roque area, as well as an enhancement of its appeal and image, always in keeping with the highly interesting horse segment. in compliance with the San Roque Town Development Plan (PGOU), the Law regulating town-planning ordination in Andalusia (LOUA), the Director Plan for Sports facilities of Andalusia (PDIDA’2007), the Land Ordination Plan in Andalusia (POTA), and Order 21/03/06 regarding equine facilities and, therefore, both the proceedings and approval of the Town Council and the Board are expected promptly. Both Actions (regarding Los Pinos and Puente de Hierro) will imply an investment of over 10.000.000 €. About 40 direct jobs will be generated and another 70 indirect jobs will be generated or sustained, contributing towards maintaining all-year-round tourist and sports activities in this area, and increasing its appeal both qualitatively and quantitatively. And their promoters consider that the latter can be qualified as especially important and appropriate, at a time when other segments within the tourist and sports activity are withdrawing.

Manuel Crespo, the new incorporation of Scapa

THE PUENTE DE HIERRO AREA, THE ACTION PLAN PRESENTED INCLUDES THE IMPLEMENTATION WORK TO ACHIEVE 5-STAR STABLES, CONSISTING OF 4 MODULES WITH 40 STALLS EACH (A TOTAL OF 160), IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 60 STALLS.

Pedro Fernandez Llorente and Manuel Crespo, the main due of the final

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Above: Scapa John Smith at the podium after winning the most important match of the Spring season - Below: Ramon Mora

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138

BEACH POLO

THE BRITISH BEACH POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS AT SANDBANKS

he official launch of the British Beach Polo Championships took place at Sandbanks, Poole on the 8th April, where the organisers and two top players, Roddy Williams and Peter Webb, unveiled and explained the programme of the two day tournament which will take place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July 2008. kind in Europe with similar events only having been held in Miami and Dubai. So what is beach polo? Beach Polo is played in a temporary arena (100m by game consists of 4 chukkas/periods of

is to bring beach polo to the spectator.

Each team will be sponsored corporately so all the corporate guests will have their

tournament is going to be 8 to 12 goals, consisting of two professionals and one amateur. most exclusive beach community in the UK, with property prices being the most expensive in Europe. With easy access from London and a great infrastructure this is the ideal location to hold this watch the Beach Polo Championship from a specially designed and built arena stand. All seats will be ticketed, consisting of corporate hospitality and

ticket only, restricted to 1,000 guests. players and supporters from across the country (as well as International interest), and will provide an opportunity for those new to the game to learn more and enjoy the excitement, skill and camaraderie of Beach Polo. beach, which will be in association with “Café Shore” bar and “2020” night club. Original, exciting, mildly extravagant and fun are words that have been used to describe this event, which is guaranteed to be all this and more. For more information please visit www.sandpolo.com

Terence Spilsbury tries to steal the ball from Chris Hyde

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Photographs by Atul Sharma

INDIAN OPEN

ALL FOR ROYAL JOHOR The team of Prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim RMJ, Royal Johor, won their fourth consequtive Open

Kingfisher First started with Andrade scoring the first goal but Santiago de Estrada fired back with the equaliser for Royal Johor a little later in the 1st chukkar. Satinder Garcha and Ubajara Andrade both scored in the 2nd chukkar to put Kingfisher ahead 3-1. Estrada scored again in the 2nd to make it 3-2.

Estrada again scored at the start of the 3rd chukkar to equalise the score. In the 4th chukker Royal Johor scored 3 goals while Kingfisher First scored 2 goals. During 5th chukker Royal Johor scored 2 goals while Kingfisher First favour of Royal Johor. In the last and 6th

chukker both teams came forward with their best horses and played superbly. Kingfisher First scored 2 goals during this chukker to reduced the margin by 8 goals to 9 but the Royal Johor teams held into its lead and won the Indian Open Polo Championship for the 2nd consecutive year.

Royal Johor

THE TEAMS 20

Simran Shergill Vishal Singh Santiago de Estrada Francisco Menendez

3 4 6 7

Kingfisher First

Satinder Garcha Angad Kalaan Ubajara Andrade Will Lucas

2 5 7 6

APRC / Sixty First Cavalry Mar Navjit Sandhu Uday Kalaan Manupal Godara Samir Suhag

16 3 4 4 5

THE FINAL

Royal Johor APRC / Sixty First Cavalry

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9 8

Royal Johor flew in Frankie Menendez (+7) for the match. Scorers for Royal Johar: Santiago de Estrada 4, Simran Shergill 2, Vishal Singh 2, Frankie Menendez 1 Scorers for Kingfisher First: Ubajara Andrade 4, Satinder Garcha 1, Angad Kalaan 1, William Lucas 2.

Peter Webb

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HICKSTEAD

Terence Spilsbury tries to steal the ball from Chris Hyde

THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA POLO TEST MATCH: ENGLAND vs SOUTH AFRICA 12th January 2008, AEPC Hickstead

omeone was definitely smiling down on the AEPC, Hickstead, when they hosted one of the first ever International Arena Polo Test Matches, England Vs South Africa, in association with the HPA. Sandwiched between two days of horrendous January weather, over 450 spectators basked on and around the vast viewing deck of the brand-new Redmire Stables clubhouse in glorious, unseasonal sunshine.

to be a showcase for arena polo, both in the UK and internationally, with a lower goal tournament preceding it in order to encourage and foster the sport’s talent from grass roots level. And what a showcase it was…

pretty evenly contested at the beginning with Team Tschogan leading 8:6 at half time. However, Team Autodex (who had a stronger team on handicap by 2-goals) really upped the pace in the third chukka, and the pressure proved too much for

the exciting Neo-Ice 12 Goal Challenge, which saw Richard Fagan’s Team Autodex pitted against Heiko Voelker’s

the match saw a flurry of dropped sticks and nearly unseated players, with Autodex finally charging to a 13:11 victory.

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Peter Webb catch the ball

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Peter Webb and James Kane-Berman

Guests were then treated to a display by international dressage rider Dane Rawlins, who demonstrated the finer points of the sport alongside his son Daniel, himself a keen polo player and member of the AEPC. Despite the fact that the horsey fraternity was well represented in the large crowd, they still looked on in awe as he wowed them with his seemingly impossible halfpasses and pirouettes… strangely, Dane’s challenge to the polo players to produce similar results from their ponies was never taken up!!

come up with the experience of England, their players certainly weren’t lacking in skill: Captain Selby Williamson (7) is an experienced arena player but Terrence Spilsbury (5) and James Kane-Berman (5) had not played arena until they touched down in the UK a week earlier! Never the less both were determined to take up the challenge, and spent the week leading up to the game visiting the RCBPC and Ash Farm, trying out ponies and getting a feel for the game!

the nail-biting test match, and it was excellent to see so many South African supporters hollering from the sidelines, not to be outdone by the particularly vocal English fans.

England retrieved their 2-goal handicap disadvantage swiftly, taking the lead with 6 goals in the first chukka, with Hyde clearly dominating proceedings. However, Williamson rallied his team and by the third chukka they were playing with sheer determination to bring the score back. Still behind in the last chukka, Williamson led the charge scoring five goals, with the constant support from his team clearing the

coming arena player Eden Ormerod (5), experienced Peter Webb (6) and captained by Chris Hyde (8), arguably England’s best arena player. Whilst South Africa struggled to

146

way and allowing him to score goals in quick succession. England’s well structured team with Hyde covering the back, Webb fighting in the middle and Ormerod supporting with his quick play, proved to be too much however as England romped to victory 16 – 13. South Africa did not go away empty handed however as Selby Williamson was delighted to be named Most Valuable Player, and Terence Spilsbury’s pony the best retrained racehorse, kindly supported by the sponsor, the charity Retraining of Racehorses. After the excitement of the English win, a lucky 250 of arena polo’s most recognisable faces who’d been able to get tickets to the sold out lunch, partied on until the early hours. A glittering success, it has already been confirmed that the event, played for the Bryan Morrison Arena Polo International Trophy, will go ahead at Hickstead next year.

The Neo Ice 12 Goal Challenge Team Autodex 13 Richard Fagan Gavin Turner Tim Brown

Team Tschogan Heiko Voelker Paul Sweeney Jaime Morrison

1 4 8

11 1 3 7

The International Test Match England 19 Eden Ormerod Peter Webb Chris Hyde

Southafrica

5 6 8

Selby Williamson Terrence Spilsbury

7 5

James Kane-Berman

Above: Gavin Turner and Paul Sweeney - Below: Heiko Voelker followed by Tim Bown

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ARENA GOLD CUP

IN AWE OF THE ARENA!

he Royal County of Berkshire Arena Gold and Silver Cups

saw a record level of seven team entries, conveying the enhanced popularity of ment’s seven teams included last years champions Heiko Voelker’s Tschogan, Simon Holley’s Asprey London, the Ormerod family, who were representing Druids Lodge, Stephan Sund’s Lost Boys, Stuart Ditcham’s Merlin, Richard with a team representing Tally Ho Farm. further league of three teams with semi

finals across the board for those who won the first and second places within the competition. was played between Druids Lodge, in black and yellow, and Merlin in black. Druids Lodge conveyed a strong family commitent, with brothers Eden and Maurice Ormerod playing with their father, Giles Ormerod, each sporting five goals. Playing for Merlin was Stuart Ditcham with one goal, Marcus Hancock with five and Roddy Williams with six goals. Although a very capable team, Merlin was underhandicapped with 12 goals between them and, thus, began the

Chris Hyde

148

game with a six goal lead. As a result, the Ormerods had to dive in with a tremendous effort to level the score from the word go! However, despite the initial distance in score, Druids Lodge’s quick thinking and seeming family telepathy enabled them to close the gap 6-2 by the end of the first chukka. Within the first minute of the second chukka the outstanding Ormerods scored an incredible four goals to equalise! Merlin desperately tried to fight back but each attempt was successfully blocked by the Ormerod boys, who’s defence seemed unyielding. phenomenal high goal arena polo.

Chris Hyde and Johnny Good

Both teams showed this great sport as it should be played. By the end of the fourth chukka the crowds were on the edge of their seats as Giles Ormerod took the ball through the posts. His goal brought the score to 18 a piece in the last fourteen seconds of the chukka, forcing went wild as the teams rode on to the field for the final time. Unperturbed by the cheering, each player was focused on the task at hand. After an exhilarating demonstration of skill from both teams, the game was soon decided by a winning goal from Marcus Hancock, which gave the victory to an overjoyed Merlin. Maurice Ormerod was awarded the much deserved MVP, whilst Chapeca, Marcus Hancockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groom, collected the award for the Best Turned Out String. surprised Stuart Ditcham after Merlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 19-18 success over a bemused Druids Lodge. Following this exceptional display of arena polo the Gold Cup was played at midday with Asprey London, in purple and white, against the Lost Boys in green and yellow. Playing for Asprey London 149

was Simon Holley with one goal, Peter Webb with six goals and Chris Hyde with eight, playing back. On the Lost Boys team was Stefan Sund with one goal, Howard Smith with six and Jonny Good with eight goals. Both teams shared an equal handicap of fifteen goals, as well as an equal distribution of goals between the players, proving the final to be a real battle of equal skill. soaring ahead with four goals within Lost Boys were furious with the umpire’s seeming miss judgement and were awarded a penalty when play restarted, which took the score to 4-1. A superb shot through the legs by Jonny Good raised it 4-2, promptly answered by Chris Hyde’s goal, which was followed by another penalty to the Lost Boys and

The Final Match between Asprey and Lost Boys

their play. Smith jumped at the first opportunity and scored, raising the score to 18-11. A whistle blew and once again Smith looked at the Umpire in confused

MAURICE ORMEROD WAS AWARDED THE MUCH DESERVED MVP, WHILST CHAPECA, MARCUS HANCOCK’S GROOM, COLLECTED THE AWARD FOR THE BEST TURNED OUT STRING. THE SILVER CUP WENT TO A VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED STUART DITCHAM AFTER MERLIN’S 19-18 SUCCESS OVER A BEMUSED DRUIDS LODGE. a goal to Asprey London ending the first chukka 5-3. erruption of excitement as Asprey scored two consecutive goals just before Jonny Good swooped in taking the score to 74. Following this great play there was a sudden clash of sticks and a disastrous moment when the Umpire’s pony spun around, having supposedly been hit by the oncoming ball. Once the activity had subsided and the Umpire had remounted, the game relaunched with

anger but managed to control himself, avoiding the risk of another technical! A very wise move, considering the situation his team was in. Two 15 yd penalties followed as the pace quickened alongside Johnny Good

concluded 10-7 with Asprey in the lead, both teams having scored a further two goals. sign of hesitation. A quick goal by Webb closely followed by Good took the score series of penalties for both sides and a technical to Asprey, due to some furious words from Smith towards the Umpire. soaring ahead 18-10. Lost Boys living up to their name! With the final in the last section of play the team realised they were far from winning, however, this did not hinder 150

the ominous tick of the clock. Halfway through the chukka the score had risen to 18-13, thanks to Jonny Good, however, his luck was short lived as he was soon off his pony. Once re-mounted, without injury, he was awarded a 25 yd penalty, which, unfortunately for the Lost Boys, went wide. Pete Webb wasted no time with a fantastic shot, which took the chukka saw both teams careering around the field, each raising their scores by one with the Gold Cup being awarded to the victorious Asprey London with a well earned 22-15.

Above: The winning team, Asprey, at the podium - Below: Simon Holley

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THAI POLO OPEN

A DAY AT THE THAI POLO

y my own admission a polo novice, I was excited to experience

culminating on Saturday, January 12. It was the fifth installment of tournament that is growing rapidly in stature, now guaranteed to provide competitive, topfight competition and a pleasant day out for all and sundry.

Competing this year were seven polo teams from five countries: Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and discovered that polo teams are anything but fixed, so donÂ´t imagine them to be similar to football or basketball teams. In polo, players change teams regularly, but is done in a structured manner to ensure that matches and tournaments are evenly balanced. For example, the victorious

154

Royal Selangor Polo Club in Malaysia, but a majority of players were not even Malaysian. Instead, consider that the team was created under the auspices of Royal Selangor Polo Clubs. polo are the Argentines. Rugged horsemen, civil genteleman - whatever the reason, the South Amertican country now produces many of the worldÂ´s best

polo players. Chino Estrada, an Argentinian whose magnificent playing nearly stole the show for Indonesia. As they went toe to toe, or hoof to hoof with the Malaysian team in the grand final, Indonesia were always just a goal or two away from snatching the lead. Estrada struck some magnificent goals, one most memorable literally flying through the goal posts from at least 30 metres out, on an angle, and hit at extreme speed while being pursued by an opponent. As it happened, Indonesia were not able to catch Royal Selangor, who ran out victors 8.5 goals to 7. It was without doubt an exciting and hard-fought final, and a great showcase of the sport of polo. is striking - they are mounted on ripling 15-hand horses after all (although they prefer to call them Â´poniesÂ´). Besides riding, the other great skill required to strike the ball with the long mallet, particularly when travelling at speed and swingingit with just one arm. the ball is thrown in by an umpire, after which a brief melees ensues as up to six horseback riders struggle to deliver a decent strike on the ball. When this occurs, the riders in the best position charge after the ball, sending divots of grass flying in their wake. Tremendous runs can occur, with a rider sometimes managing to traverse the entire length of the 300 yard field, delivering consecutive blows to the ball with the tiny mallethead before, hopefully, sending it through the goal. Competitors can attemp to snare the ball away, even push their running horse sideways into the other, but under no conditions can they cross the line created between the ball and the rider currently in possession of it. taken to the field against Singapore in the featured former England captain Andrew Hine and was led by Harald Link, CEO Grimm Group. Link has been investing Polo Club venue, and he is credited with leading the gameÂ´s resurgence in recent years. Unfortunately Link had to retire mid-way through the match with a slight 155

THE TEAMS Royal Pahang

+11

HH Prince Amir HH Shazril HRH Prince Abdullah Lamarque Amran

1 2 2 4 3

Royal Selangor Polo Club Abiesheganaden Peter Reismann Shaik Shaharndin Edham Mohamed Moiz Dato Hayudin Nat

Jogo Polo Jumabhoy Asad Cereceda Manuel Ambak Quzier Bargallo Gines

Singapore Polo Club Sattar Garcha Sattinder Von-Potobsky Mcreary Scott

1 2 4 2 2 1

+9 1 2 0 6

+9 4 2 3 1

Thai Polo

+10

Hine Andrew Crespo Juan

6 4

Link Harald Merivale-Austin Bruce

0 0

Hamburger Polo Club Anca Eduardo Caivano Marcelo Lousi Stefan Link Caroline Kosmatos Nicholas

Indonesia Polo Estrada Santiago Qublai Alam Momongan Alba Novel Krisnandar Acep Mohammad Harrifar Syafar Billy Barsel Limitang

156

+10 6 4 -1 -1 1

+8/9/10 6 4 0 -1 0 -1

but it was another close match. Caroline Link, daughter of Harald and field in a different match. Watching was a venerable group of you can see in the pictures, most guests eschewed colours in favour of black and white out of respect for the late Princess Galyani, but many still sported some fascinating outfits. Some watched the action from under long white tents while others sunk int the luxurious leather chairs at the Chukka Bar, an historic watering hole literally transported from London´s Langham Hotel by Nunthinee Tanner, a local polo enthusiast and a key Nearby the pitch was a collection of booths, including one from Prestige, from which many copies of the magazine were dispensed, along with sizeable load of chocolate. All participants also bought and sold raffle tickets, the proceeds of which went to the Chitralada Vocational School Proyect under the patronage of HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. As the sun began was edging its way to the horizon, a low key award ceremony was held for players and organizers. Dato Mohd Moiz from the Royal Selangor Polo Club graciously received the winner´s cup, and there were several gifts flowing Harald Link´s way too - it was his birthday after all. And I´m sure for Harald, one of the greatest gifts he received was the pleasure of watching the players and

Royal Selangor Polo Club at the podium

set for another great year of polo in the Kingdom, which will hopefully culminate Open 2009.

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