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HORSE IMPROVEMENT
Having a good time
MARC GANZI
Good form in England
BUNCLODY POLO FESTIVAL
Ellerstina Polo Team ARGENTINE OPEN 2008
“It seemed like most people wanted us to win”
ELLERSTINA
Three into One
CHESHIRE POLO CUP
Flying to Victory
AUTUMN NATIONS CUP
The Autumn Cup marked the last day of the season
AUTUMN CUP
30 Years Later
ARGENTINA 1979 - 2009
England completes International Hat-trick
ENGLAND TEAM
The New HPA Chairman
CHAIRMAN CHANGE
Little England
BRITISH BOYS IN ARGENTINA
Third time lucky As Ellerstina beat La Dolfina
115TH ARGENTINE OPEN
Price £6
Winter Issue 2008 | Nº 66
Nicholaus Coquom THE NEW CHAIRMAN
54 56 66 72 74 80
88
94 98 106 112 114
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Next destination: Palm Beach
TRAVEL PALM BEACH
Pure Luxury
TRAVEL MONACO
Estancia Don Manuel International Ladies Tournament
Little Britain in Argentina INTERVIEW
INTERNATIONAL LADIES TOURNAMENT
Foreign victories in Argentina
PROFESSIONAL POLO
Spirit of fair play
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Olympia delayed
SPECIAL
An Englishman in Open Door
EDUARDO NOVILLO ASTRADA JR
Handicap changes, December 2008
AAP HANDICAP CHANGE
La Aguada celebrate his win at Hurlingham Club
115TH HURLINGHAM OPEN
The beginning of the Triple Crown
TORTUGAS OPEN 2008
Senior Service triumph
RUNDLE CUP
2008 World Polo Tour Ceremonies
WORLD POLO TOUR
Contents
WPT events WPT Awards 2008
119 120 128 134 136 138
PQ Staff Publisher
PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com
Editor
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell major@pqinternational.com
Contributing Editors
Roger Chatterton-Newman info@pqinternational.com Federico Levy federico@pololine.com
Lifestyle Editor
Sally-Anne Shrimpton sally@pqinternational.com
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell
Design & Production
TomĂĄs M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com
New Head Editor of PQ international
Photographs
PoloLine Media M&M Productions Centaur Photographic Images of Polo
Contributors
Horace Laffaye Eduardo Amaya Y.A. Teitelbaum
PQ international
Diana Butler
11 All Souls Road, Ascot,
Dara Williams
Berkshire. SL5 9EB,
Olivia Johnson
United Kingdom
Alejandra Ocampos Travel Editor
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FRONT COVER PHOTO - Facundo Pieres - Argentine Open 2008 - PoloLine Media Š 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.
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Welcome to the PQ Winter Issue
I
am delighted to have been asked to be Editor of PQ International. It is my intention to continue to enhance the long standing international reputation that has been built up since the first issue in 1991. We will always attempt to include the most topical international tournaments and accompany those articles with top quality photographs. I have been involved with polo since I first sat on a polo pony almost 40 years ago! I visited Argentina when I had my gap year after school (in 1970) and have played on and off since then achieving a modest 2 goal handicap as an amateur player, although my handicap is lower now! I have always admired those players who work so hard to achieve high handicaps and breed top quality ponies that are a wondrous sight on the polo field. Many of them are featured in PQ. This winter issue has all the news you’ve been waiting for about the Argentine Triple Crown of Open tournaments, a variety of other international tournaments, including England’s win in the FIP 8 Goal tournament in Germany, plus a number of interviews with international players. All of these are accompanied by some great action photographs. Everyone at PQ wishes you, our readers, seasonal greetings and, in these uncertain financial times, a prosperous and enjoyable 2009. Iain Forbes-Cockell (“The Major”) Head Editor
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Calendar January 11 Berenger Snow Polo, Klosters,
February 1
Switzerland
18 Invitational High Goal Challenge
Final 25th St Moritz World Cup on Snow, St Moritz, Switzerland 1st Test Match NZ vs Coronel Suarez, NZ
(12-15), RCBPC, UK
25 2nd S Club Snow Arena Polo World Cup, Courchevel, France
March 8 Final CV Whitney Cup (26), IPC, Palm Beach, US Final Savile Tournament (16), Auckland, NZ
Final Ylvisaker Cup (20), IPC, Palm Beach, US
14 Final USPA Northamerican Cup
2nd Test Match NZ vs Coronel Suarez, Kihikihi, NZ
27 Cartier International Dubai Polo
Final Polo Masters Megeve 2009, Megeve, France
7
Final HPA National Club Championship (8-12), RCBPC, UK
15 National University Arena Polo
(16-20), Port Mayaca, US
Challenge, Desert Palm, UAE
29 Final USPA Gold Cup (26), IPC,
Championships, Clevedon, UK
Palm Beach, US
Final Porsche NZ Polo Open Week, NZ
Final Lauherne Tournament (0-40), NZ
21 Final Arena Gold Cup (12-15), RCBPC, UK Westchester Cup, UK vs US, IPC, Palm Beach, US
22 Final 12th Goal Challenge (8-12), Fifield, UK Final Iglehart Cup (20), IPC, Palm Beach, US
10
11
THE WORLD´S
12
POLO CHANNEL watch it on-line at www.pololine.tv
pololine.tv 13
14
ARGENTINE SEASON - 115TH ARGENTINE OPEN
THIRD TIME LUCKY AS ELLERSTINA BEAT LA DOLFINA 13-12 IN OVERTIME Match report by Iain Forbes-Cockell (“The Major”)
15
There was an enormous cheer of approval from the spectators as an 80 yard shot from the Dorrego side of the ground by Gonzalito Pieres found the goal at the scoreboard end to clinch an overtime victory for Ellerstina in the third meeting of these two teams in four years and the third time the match has been resolved in overtime. On the two previous occasions, La Dolfina have had the luck to win. This time it was Ellerstina’s turn to get lucky and it prevented the final from being yet another predictable win for La Dolfina. A poll in a morning
newspaper had found 68% thought La Dolfina would win again. It was a tight, close and relatively low scoring game for the most part, with only one chukka, the fourth, where there was more than one goal between the two teams at the end of a chukka. La Dolfina scored the only goal of the first chukka after several failed attempts on goal by both teams. An interesting moment was when Juan Martin Nero, who after the match was named MVP, passed the ball to Pablo MacDonough, who hit the ball in
Agustin Merlos
the air four consecutive shots before passing to Facundo Pieres whose shot near goal was turned by Adolfito Cambiaso. He ran the ball and then passed to Mariano Aguerre to open the scoring (0-1).The second chukka saw Adolfito score a Penalty 2 and Facundo Pieres score three goals, two of which were Penalty 2s. At the end of the second chukka it was 3-2 to Ellerstina. A Penalty 2 by Facu and a Penalty 4 by Adolfito were the only scores in the third chukka, which ended 4-3 in Ellerstina’s favour. The fourth chukka saw Ellerstina put their foot down and score 3 goals, a lovely Gonzalito near side shot, a Penalty 3 by Facu and, after a great run from the lineout, Facu scored a field goal. Adolfito countered with a Penalty from the spot about five yards from 16
Above: Mariano Aguerre and Santiago Chavanne - Below: Guillermo Wellington (El Paraiso Polo Team)
goal. The score at the end of the fourth chukka was 7-4 to Ellerstina. In the fifth chukka, a great passing move from Mariano Aguerre to Lucas Monteverde ended in him scoring to close the gap to two goals (7-5). Facu then scored with an under the neck shot (8-5). A multi-player attack by La Dolfina resulted in Adolfito scoring and a Penalty 3 which Adolfito converted saw the score closed to 8-7 at the end of the fifth chukka. Juan Martin Nero had a run but the ball popped out over the boards, then Gonzalito’s shot went just wide and finally a fabulous under the neck shot from Gonzalito moved the score up to 9-7. A Penalty 3 scored by Adolfito brought La Dolfina back to within one goal at 9-8 by the end of the sixth chukka. After a spot hit from within their 17
Santiago Chavanne Handicap: 8 Birth: December 18th, 1977 Age: 31 Debut on Palermo: 2000 Open wins: Finals: Goals: 42
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Santiago Chavanne (Pilara Polo Team)
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Above: Bautista Heguy (Black Watch) - Below: Gonzalo Pieres jr (Ellerstina)
own half La Dolfina mounted an attack and Mariano Aguerre scored to tie the scores at 9-9. A Penalty 4 by Adolfito put La Dolfina in the lead for the first time since the first chukka. Ellerstina felt the pressure. Surely La Dolfina couldn’t sweep past them after they had held the lead and had the run of most of the plays, that would be too much to bear. As it happened, Pablo MacDonough launched another attack but his shot went just wide. A spot hit to Ellerstina saw a pass from Juanma to Pablo who levelled the scores. A big sigh of relief for Ellerstina. A spot hit by Adolfito was turned by Ellerstina who were then fouled. The Penalty 5B was taken by Juanma and Facu was fouled in the goalmouth. Facu then popped in the penalty shot to put Ellerstina back into the lead at 11-10 at the end of the seventh chukka. Right at the start of the eighth chukka, Adolfito attacked and passed to Mariano Aguerre who scored to make it 11-11. Nerves were beginning to kick in and the atmosphere was tense. 20
Above: Francisco de Narvaez jr and Javier Novillo Astrada - Below: Hilario Ulloa and Guillermo Caset jr playing close to the boards
There was that “it’s going to overtime feeling” creeping in. An Adolfito shot went just wide then a Penalty 4 taken by Facu missed! This was four minutes into the chukka. After a further 90 seconds of play, the scores were still level. Juanma had a great run and scored to put Ellerstina into a 12-11 lead with about 45 seconds of the chukka left. A foul in the lineout gave La Dolfina a spot hit from which Adolfito ran and scored to bring it back to 12-12 with only 9 seconds left! So, it was to be overtime again between these two giants of polo. At the throw in, Ellerstina managed to get the ball and Gonzalito ran to the left of the field, changed angle and struck his long range match winning shot through goal to win the Open for Ellerstina with the score at 13-12. In summary, the match was not always the fast flowing action one might have expected with 79 goals of players on the field and the pony power available to both teams. This could probably be put down to some nervousness by both sides but probably more by 21
La Dolfina
Adolfo Cambiaso jr Handicap: 10 Birth: April 15th, 1975 Age: 33 Debut on Palermo: 1992 Open wins: 7 (1994, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007) Finals: 5 (1992, 2008) Goals: 570
Lucas Monteverde jr
Mariano Aguerre
Handicap: 10 Birth: December 18th, 1976 Age: 32 Debut on Palermo: 2000 Open wins: 3 (2005, 2006, 2007) Finals: 1 (2008) Goals: 58
Handicap: 10 Birth: May 25th, 1969 Age: 39 Debut on Palermo: 1992 Open wins: 7 (1994, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007) Finals: 3 (1992, 2008) Goals: 159
22
Bartolome Castagnola Handicap: 10 Birth: June 16th, 1970 Age: 38 Debut on Palermo: 1993 Open wins: 6 (1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007) Finals: 4 (2000, 2001, 2003, 2008) Goals: 118
Ellerstina
Facundo Pieres Handicap: 10 Birth: May 19th, 1986 Age: 22 Debut on Palermo: 2003 Open wins: 1 (08) Finals: 2 (05, 07) Goals: 91
Gonzalo Pieres jr
Pablo MacDonough
Handicap: 10 Birth: December 17th, 1982 Age: 26 Debut on Palermo: 1999 Open wins: 1 (08) Finals: 2 (05, 07) Goals: 87
Handicap: 10 Birth: February 2nd, 1982 Age: 26 Debut on Palermo: 2002 Open wins: 1 (08) Finals: 2 (05, 07) Goals: 141
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Juan Martin Nero Handicap: 9 Birth: April 14th, 1981 Age: 27 Debut on Palermo: 2004 Open wins: 1 (08) Finals: 1 (04) Goals: 33
Below Ellerstina and Gonzalo Pieres on the podium with the Argentine Open trophy
115th Argentine Open Place: Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: AAP Date: November 15 - December 13, 2008 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: AAP WPT Category Ranking: Master Series
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115th Argentine Open La Dolfina
40
Ellerstina
39
Adolfo Cambiaso jr Lucas Monteverde jr Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola
10 10 10 10
Facundo Pieres Gonzalo Pieres jr Pablo MacDonough Juan Martin Nero
11 10 10 10
Indios Chapaleufu II
37
La Aguada
37
Alberto Heguy jr Ignacio Heguy Juan Ignacio Merlos Eduardo Heguy
9 10 9 9
Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
9 9 10 9
Black Watch
36
Pilara
37
Bautista Heguy Guillermo Caset jr Matias MacDonough Francisco de Narvaez jr
10 8 9 9
Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Marcos Heguy
10 8 9 10
El Paraiso
29
Trenque Lauquen
30
Julio Novillo Astrada
8
League 2
League 1
La Dolfina than Ellerstina as they had more to lose, as three time champions, than Ellerstina, who had to prove that they weren’t chokers. There were times when the game slowed and the sort of tapping antics one was watching were reminiscent of a pre-2008 English season 22 Goal level match and it was far from exciting. Then there were moments of absolute brilliance from both sides which brought you back to the drama and reality of matches at Palermo. History was going to be made in this final whatever the result. If La Dolfina won against Ellerstina (again), they would have been the first team to win four consecutive Argentine Open tournaments since La Espadaña. If Ellerstina won, it would be the first time since 10 years ago that Ellerstina had won the Open and it would prove that they should be a 40 goal side. Incidentally, 10 years ago Ellerstina’s winning team was Adolfo Cambiaso, Mariano Aguerre, Gonzalo Pieres and Lolo Castagnola! A delighted Gonzalo Pieres joined his two sons on the podium once they had received their trophies.
Hilario Ulloa
10
9
7
Ignacio Toccalino 7 Agustina Garcia Grossi 7 Guillermo Willington 7 Pablo Jauretche 8 Alejandro Novillo Astrada 7 Jaime Garcia Huidobro 8 In the first of the three league matches in the Open, Eduardo Novillo Astrada had to retire with an injured riding muscle and later in the match, Javier Novillo Astrada was also injured. Their places for the remaining two league matches were taken by Silvestre Donovan and Marcos di Paola.
25
Off the field -ARGENTINE OPEN Mark Tomlinson and girlfriend, Lucy Taylor Malcolm Borwick with a friend Albwardy father and son with a friend
Sybille and Pierre Genecand, Juan MartĂn GarcĂa Laborde, Philip Maeder and Corinne Schuler with husband
Argentine top model, Ivan de Pineda and Andrea Vianini
Anne-Marie and Andre van Gils with their daughter Sven Schneider, Henry Brett and a friend
Keith Gapp of EFG Bank and James Whisenand George Rawlings and his polo manager, Rosendo Usandisaga Jaime and Cata Garcia Huidobro
Melissa and Marc Ganzi with Brandon Phillips, Juan Bollini and friends
Carlos Gracida
The Marchiorello family
Oussama Abhougazale received the WPT award for his nephew Ahmed, with his manager Tono Iturriate
Off the field -THE 2 SIDES OF PALERMO
28
29
SPECIAL -BRITISH BOYS IN ARGENTINA
Little England The Editor finds out why some English professional players spent the winter at Murray Country Club near Pilar.
James Beim
I first came to Argentina around 98, 99. I hadn´t been here for nine years, and I came again last year with the MacDonoughs. I’ve been in Australia with Ellerston for a few years. I’m 7 goals in England and the best opportunity to improve my handicap is to play in Argentina. I came out here trying to play 28-30 goals level, that’s a big change, and not just playing the 15-20 goals in Argentina. The ideal thing in Argentina is to play the 28-30 level, I have to try to improve my handicap by playing at the highest handicap level I can here. My plan is to do this by playing with people who are better than me. As far as horses are concerned, I’d James Beim playing for Zacara
been talking to Matias MacDonough in England, and he’s giving me some of his younger horses, his second string horses, but in the future my idea is having my own string out here. I have 17 horses in England, but what I might do, maybe next year or during the following years, is bring some of my older horses from England. The ones that have got speed and are maybe less handy, perhaps I’ll bring three or four of them. I’m interested in using embryo technology to get the best horses. In England embryo transfer costs a lot of money, it’s very expensive. I started to do the embryo transfers more for fun than anything, because it takes a lot of time to get a good horse from an em-
bryo. I want to do some embryo transfer in Argentina, too. The technique is improving all the time and there are now several generations of polo ponies playing the Open. Next season in England I will play with Jerome Wirth, a French patron, who played a lot in England and with Malcolm Borwick, who runs his organization here. Matias MacDonough is the fourth player. We will be based near Cowdray. My best horses will play high goal as much as they can. I plan to play in the18 and 15 goal levels too. We will play the Gold Cup and then the French Open, and will go to St. Tropez to play the 14 goal with Jerome Normally I play in England in August until the end of September. This
Above: James Beim playing in Palermo field 1 - Below: “Beimy” during the interview for PQ International in his house at Murray Country Club, Pilar.
year I went to Australia and then I came here to Argentina. Probably I will need more time here, for my horse string to develop. I hope to play next Argentine season, coming year after year and getting things together. The heart of my organization is in England, but my goal is also being in Argentina, and playing this kind of faster open polo. I’d like to be in an England team or just any other team to get experience at this level. There´s no pressure to play together, which is the opposite to England. We had John Paul Clarkin play with us out here and the important thing is to play against different opposition who are used to playing the open fast type of polo. When I’m finished here in Argentina I´ll go to Australia. My girlfriend is from Australia, and maybe we´ll head for the farm in Sydney and play some tournaments, 15 or 16 goal level tournaments, or 18 goals maybe - I´m not sure about that. Sometimes the England team plays a test match in Australia or New Zealand. After that, I normally get back to England, to prepare the horses for the English season. 31
Roddy Williams
I’ve been coming to Argentina for a long time. The first time was when I was 15 years old, and I was in high school. Then I went back to school, but I came to Argentina a lot, and I started to work to get the money to buy horses. I wanted to have a basic string of horses. I have been staying at Murray Country Club for the last three years, and prior to that I stayed in Manzanares. I was playing the 24 goals and the last two years I played the 16 goal level, maybe 20 for the practices, but more of a patron type polo. This year I have a horse string for this kind of polo and I’m trying to organise playing next year, with Nick Manifold’s cooperation. I would like to bring some of my horses from England for the Camara de Diputados tournament. In the past I’ve had a BPP, Pea-
nut, who was played by Javier Novillo Astrada three times in the final of the Open. Peanut had a little problem in England with her nerves and she is not playing anymore, but she had a foal sired by Crafty Politician. I may bring Peanut here to do some more embryo transfer. Pelon Stirling knows Peanut very well and a number of other people will take embryos from her. I will be bringing my best mare, Bubbles, to Argentina, take embryos from her and start to build my own string in Argentina. I hope to have Bubbles play in the Camara and then in the following years, maybe to play in the Open. It takes a while, you have to work hard and spend a lot of time getting involved with the horses and making them improve the level of polo they play in. If the HPA sponsored a team to play the Camara in the next couple
Roddy Williams playing in Argentina
32
of years, to improve the quality of the better English players, I guess that would be fantastic. It has happened unofficially, anyway. All of the England team and some of the other members of the England squad have been out here this year. There is a difference between for instance the Gold Cup in Ellerstina or Diamante Cup, with the English polo season: I think the history of The Queen´s Cup and the Gold Cup in the UK has channeled a lot of people´s finances and energy for decades. Its main teams, Ellerston, Black Bears, Dubai & Les Lions have concentrated on these tournaments for a long time. The glory of winning the Queen’s Cup is special, but the Ellerstina Gold Cup here is fantastic for this level. Gonzalo Pieres has set up something really good with the Ellerstina Gold Cup tournament.
Jonny Good playing for HPA at the Coronation Cup 2008
Jonny Good
This is not my first time to Argentina, but I´ve only been here for three or four weeks at a time before. This time I arrived here on 6th October, and I’m leaving after the Open final. Luckily I’ve been working with Pite Merlos’ second string of horses. I´ve been playing pretty much every day. I´ve been playing 15 & 16 goal level with Roddy Williams and Guillermo Cuitino. I’ve been playing the Provincia de Buenos Aires Cup, which is a 23 goals tournament. I played the Provincia with Tom Morley, Malcolm Borwick and James Beim. The difference between this level
of polo and in England is that here in Argentina you have four evenly handicapped players. They don’t have patrons playing in the Provincia, in the 23 goals level. Another difference between here and England is that here you play for yourselves and in England you play for a living, it’s a job, and you’re under pressure all the time. Here it’s four man polo, it’s fast and it’s more competitive. Here I had time to play practices. In England I don’t because I play many levels at the same time. By that I mean that I play matches all the time. When you play practices most days with 33
people like Marcos Heguy, Pite or Sebastian Merlos, those 9-10 goals players, you improve a lot, you learn everyday. The game flows better here. Everytime you’re on the field playing practices, you’re improving your play, your horses, your tactics. About Palermo, when you walk up the steps and turn around you see what a huge event it is. You see how fast the play is, the fantastic atmosphere. You should see the league matches, and not just the final. To win Palermo you need a whole team, not just one star player. You also need the backup – the manager, the group, the trainers.
UK SEASON - CHAIRMAN CHANGE
the new HPA Chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers shares his views at the start of his Chairmanship
How did you get interested in polo? and back to the Regiment in Germany to make up the My passion stemmed from an early age in Australia, firstnumbers – I had three glorious years with the 42nd (also ly through my sister who went out with a polo player in known as Jasper’s Heavy Horse!) and managed to play Western Australia, my home state. In those days, particupolo all over Germany with the Regimental Team. We larly in Australia & NZ, polo was much more of a country were not the best of players; in fact I believe Banjo Patpursuit played by the rural set. It came to town once a terson summed it up in his classic poem: year at the annual Perth Royal Agricultural Show and the “Their way of playing polo was irregular & rash, speed and skill fascinated me. I was a rider of no particuwith mighty little science but a mighty lot of dash!” lar note but later in Canberra when I was working for the Government I had the opportunity to get involved with But by heavens we certainly enjoyed ourselves!! the local polo club through a friend whose Father played. I was able to exercise the ponies and after polo I recall After a tour in Northern Ireland I converted to a Regular we used to sit around a barbeque fire and listen to the Commission and was sent back to RMA Sandhurst. I bestories of John Gorman and Sinlieve it was on the basis that they clair Hill recounting their thrill- My passion stemmed from an thought that Mons had made us ing travels around the world to early age in Australia, firstly Officers but we needed to learn play. The seeds were sewn! A to be Gentlemen as well!! That through my sister who went out few years later when I was visitreally was fun! They insisted ing my Father, who was a Senior with a polo player in Western that we should be the same as Australian Diplomat with our Australia, my home state. the Cadets and play sport on Embassy in Moscow, I started Wednesday afternoons in our more formal riding at the Russian Equestrian Academy red T Shirts and plimsolls instead of being allowed to and all I wanted to do was to ride horses, preferably with go to London shopping for the afternoon like `proper’ my Father’s financial support! officers. So when I asked if I My Father however had other My first Regiment was commanded could at least organise for us all ideas – he made a discreet call to by Jasper Browell, a great to play bicycle polo on the front a friend with whom he had been lawn of Old College they made horseman who had been Officer a subaltern in the Army and who the foolish mistake of agreeing. was then a serving Brigadier as Commanding at the King’s Troop After several broken bones and the Military Attaché to the Brit- RHA for two tours and had also even more broken College bicyish Embassy and the next thing cles they reluctantly agreed that been a member of the Royal I knew I was on a flight back to we should go to London every the UK to attend the Regular Artillery team that won the Wednesday afternoon! It was at Commissions Board, passed, Inter-Regimental Tournament [...] that time that I joined Ham Polo straight to Mons and then into Club and the rest is history! my Father’s old Regiment in the Royal Artillery as a Short I was then posted 20 Regiment in the New Territories of Service Officer! Hong Kong where in addition to Regimental Duties I also My first Regiment was commanded by Jasper Browell, a had the job of running the polo stables along with Peter great horseman who had been Officer Commanding at Myers a fellow Subaltern. It was great fun playing on the the King’s Troop RHA for two tours and had also been tiny Timor Ponies who were robust, tough little monsters. a member of the Royal Artillery It was really sad when Polo in Hong team that won the Inter-Regimental After I left the Army my Kong finished and I really look forTournament at Tidworth back in handicap forced me to give ward to the time when some enthuthe 1960s and know as the `Gallop- up polo for a few years [...] siastic individual decides to re-start ing Majors’. On arriving in BAOR polo there. Colonel Jasper discovered that he had only three officers After I left the Army my handicap forced me to give up in the Regiment who could play polo and so I was immepolo for a few years – my handicap being my bank mandiately hauled off the Young Officers Course at Larkhill ager! But then some friends invited me to play on a polo 34
tour to Ghana – a country which has been playing since understand exactly how much benefit they get both ditheir first Governor started it in Accra back in 1902 – the rectly and indirectly from the work of the HPA. I would very aptly named Governor `Good Chukkers’ Guggenalso like to see more support and encouragement being heim. I then came back and purgiven to low goal players and clubs chased my first, very green, pony I believe that the current as they form the vast majority of the from Terry Hanlon and have been financial climate is enough polo community, I believe that we playing ever since. Over my polo should try and help them to proof a reason to say that the career I have been lucky enough to mote themselves and the sport to have played in Australia, Germany, sport is facing a difficult newcomers. Thailand, France, Ghana, Dubai, time for a few years. Another project I would like to inAbu Dhabi, Iran, India, Pakistan, vestigate is some way of harnessing Spain, Argentina, Nigeria, Brazil, Cyprus, Hong Kong and the buying power of the HPA. Each of our associated the USA – That is not to say that my play has improved, I Clubs spends vast sums each season on capital equipam still a low goal player and proud of it but it made me ment, seed, soil etc. If there was some centralised pursome wonderfully interesting and dear friends and cerchase or leasing system where the smaller clubs who tainly does bear out Winston Churchill’s comment about cannot afford to purchase such expensive ground care a polo handicap being the best passport in the world! equipment could call upon a pool of such tools as vertidrains, hollow-corers, over-seeders etc which may only be used once or twice a season where they could pay a transport and hire charge for an agreed period. What changes would you like to make? Although the HPA is an Association of Clubs, an extension of the HPA Membership Card scheme should be a start. For a visiting player to be able to produce an `in date’ card with all their details would save all the Club’s Polo Offices a lot of trouble – it would also save time and stress on the HPA office as usually these requests seem to come minutes before a visiting player is about to start a tournament game. Would you consider partial (or full)funding of an England team that would allow them to compete in 28-30 Goal tournaments (e.g. Camara de Diputados)in Argentina or perhaps some 26 goal tournaments in the USA? It has been appreciated by the Stewards and, I think, recognised by professional players that they need to play match polo at a level in which they are stretched and that, for players above 4 goals, this currently has to be in Argentina. The HPA is already helping some players to do that but they need access to horses, and that is not easy and takes time. We would like to see more English players in the high goal both here and in Argentina but, in Argentina, they will probably benefit more by playing with and amongst the Argentines than against them. An England team in the Camara is a nice idea at first sight but I am not sure how popular it would be; I think that national teams are perhaps best left for international matches.
What is the reason behind you saying that it’s a difficult time to take over? Is it the current financial conditions or are there other reasons? I believe that the current financial climate is enough of a reason to say that the sport is facing a difficult time for a few years. The knock-on effect of the economic downturn will be felt in all areas of our society and we should be planning for the impact that it might have on our sport. It is my hope that players at all levels will adjust to the current situation and rather than giving up completely until the crisis is over they will turn back to the basics, cut their costs and start to enjoy their polo a little more.
Will you recommend that all players registered with the HPA pay a premium for polo related personal injury insurance (or perhaps start something similar to the injured jockeys’ fund)? (I am aware that a survey was sent to clubs last year but have not heard anything further). It is the view of the majority of the Council that personal injury is a personal responsibility, and of course, unlike America and most other countries, we have got the NHS
What would be the one thing you would hope to achieve during your Chairmanship? I would like to see a formula that would allow the HPA to get closer to its Membership but without cutting out the current relationship with the Clubs. I believe in an electronic age such as ours we should be able to reduce the paper trail but at the same time increase the communication with the players at the grass root level so that they 35
which, for all its faults, is pretty good for accidents and emergencies. There is The Polo Charity which has been built up considerably over the last 10 years and Stewards recognised last year that insurance was a difficult, especially for professional players and last year the HPA did put in place an Injured Players and Officials Fund which can help quickly for various injuries up to certain agreed levels. The details of the scheme have been circulated to clubs.
diplomacy between those two august bodies. The Stewards have agreed that we should try to play polo to the same rules as they play in Argentina and we should be very close for the 2009 season. If we can align the HPA and AAP rules, then I believe that they will be adopted by the FIP as the International Rules which will be a big step forward. Interestingly, the USPA has made some rule changes recently which are more in line with the HPA and AAP rules so there is still some small glimmer of hope that they might come on board at some stage.
Pony Club, SUPA and Fast Track for a selected few offer great encouragement to those coming into Are you planning to keep high goal at the 22 goal polo to practice and improve but once the young level? Perhaps the answer in the current climate are out of the SUPA and Fast Track “umbrella”, might be a yes but what about when things improve? there appears to be less guidance and advice than I have heard some polo commentators’ state that there could be. What will the HPA do to encourage the 22 goal teams that compete in the UK season young British professionals? would do particularly well at the 26 goal level This is a very complex area. Encouragement to follow in the USA. any career is fine provided that the chances of succeedI believe that the economic climate has forced the issue ing are reasonable. To succeed in sport, or anything these on this for the present time. However when recovery is in days, usually requires huge talent, total commitment and the offing then it will be a subject well worth consideraa fair bit of luck. Polo is no longer very different except tion. Historically it was 1963 that British High Goal was perhaps that it is an expensive raised from 20 Goal up to 22 Goal game to play and therefore There is a British Professional but I have to direct you to one of carries considerable financial Players Association which is trying my predecessors comments in his risk when or if things do not Introduction to the 1964 HPA to establish itself as an organisawork out. Yearbook as I do not believe that There is a British Professional tion that can help all professional we have yet achieved what he was Players Association which is players but it has [...] alluding to even 45 years later: trying to establish itself as an “Much as I look forward to the organisation that can help all professional players but it day when we can raise the limit of our high goal tournaneeds the support of the professionals and is in a catch ments to 25 goals we must, in my belief, pause for a year 22 situation; they are reluctant to give it on a promise of or two in the hope that we can get more and more of our future benefits, and without their support, any progress is own players competing in the 22 goal tournaments” difficult. The HPA can assist those with potential by the Viscount Cowdray was the then Chairman of the HPA various support schemes but only up to a certain level and sadly due to various factors, not the least being the – beyond that, as in any other profession or livelihood, Rules & Regulations of the European Union, not a lot has it has to be up to the individual to put in the time, efchanged in this respect. fort and investment to ensure the success of their chosen career. PQ would like to thank Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers for his candid answers, particularly as he was asked the questions the day Are you considering broadening the HPA branded after his appointment as Chairman of the HPA. items range to bring in another revenue stream? As I understand it the USPA obtains a significant income from such a branding system and it is definitely something that we should investigate. How are HPA relationships with the Argentine Association of Polo (AAP) and the USPA? Do you believe that one set of rules could be adopted by all 3 Associations, or are there too many sticking points at present? (Maybe David Woodd has the answer to this?!!) Our relationships are good although it is a pity that we no longer have any Americans playing here in the high goal, or any other polo. However, they have polo in the US during our season so their players are fully occupied. I believe that you are right that David would be the best one to respond on the rules question. He has put an awful lot of time and effort carrying on a mission of shuttle
Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and wife
36
NZ SEASON - TEST MATCH
Coronel Suarez Polo team visit to NZ The team that will make their first ever visit to New Zealand from the most famous Club in Argentine Polo history Coronel Suarez has been selected. The team will be led by Gaston Laulhe 7 and with him will come Benjamin Araya jr 6, Ricardo Garros 6, Mito Goti 7 and Eduardo Zorrilla 6. vThis is the first time for the Polo fans of New Zealand to see the colours of the mighty Coronel Suarez take the field. They will play
two International’s against the New Zealand side. The first is in Christchurch on Saturday January 31 and the second a week later at Kihikihi on Saturday February 8. In the week before the Kihikihi match they will play along with the top players of New Zealand in a four team tournament. The Coronel Suarez club is the most successful winner of the Argentine Open winning the Title 26 times
between 1934 and 1983. The Club was founded in 1926 and in a few years became the most recongnised club in both Argentine and World Polo. Their best ever side was that of the two Harriotts Juan Carlos rated as the greatest ever and his brother Alfredo along with the two Heguy brothers Alberto and Horacio, they held a 40 goal rating for 5 consecutive years.
Eduardo Zorrilla - Ricardo Garros - Mito Goti - Gaston Laulhe - Benjamin Araya jr
37
OFF THE FIELD - CHAIRMAN DINNER
Ali Walker and Holly Smith
Francesca and Simon Wetton with friends
Mr and Mrs Ben Linstead
The Chairman and his wife, Col Paul & Sanda Belcher
Peter & Elizabeth Grace
Brian Stein & Platina Tong
Two ladies in their LBDs, Holly Smith & Becky Simpson
38
Guards Chief Executive Charlie Stisted and his wife Melissa
Becky Simpson and Major Iain Forbes-Cockell
Prize winners Ali Walker and Will Hine with Paul Belcher
Col Paul Belcher and Brian Stein
Lt Col George Cooper, Becky Simpson, Harold Bamberg
Col Paul Belcher with prize winner Tristan Pemble
39
UK SEASON - ENGLAND TEAM
England Completes International Hat-Trick
E
ngland took on and beat New Zealand at the Williams De Broe Test Match at Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury,Gloucestershire, earlier in the season (June) as well as dramatically defeating Australia at this year’s Cartier International (July) at Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park. It is an historic event and shows how far the England polo team has come in recent years. With generous funding in place, a top-flight coach
in the form of Argentine ace Javier Novillo Astrada was hired at the start of the season, alongside the very steadying Andrew Hine as team manager. The approach has been more along the lines of managing a football team with a proper fitness and coaching regime that has included team practices and video training sessions. The squad studied their play and that of their opponents in advance and managed to pick up on their own weaknesses and work on strengthening them, as well as
Marcelo Pascual trying to catch Jamie Le Hardy
46 40
seeing just where the opposition needed to improve. Thus, once again it was a confident, well prepared England team that rode out onto the soggy field at Cowdray Park. The quartet’s line-up changed slightly as both England players, Luke Tomlinson and Malcolm Borwick, were taking part in the Gold Cup in Deauville. It was Luke’s younger brother, Mark Tomlinson, who stepped up to the plate and became England captain for the afternoon. He was joined
Photographs by Clive Bennet
England completed a unique polo achievement at the St. Regis International Test Match at Cowdray Park Polo Club in Midhurst. In the third and final international match of the 2008 British polo season, England defeated Italy nine goals to six, thus completing an international hat-trick.
Above: England and Italy teams at the podium - Below: James Beim
by the on-form James Beim, a stalwart of the team and two high-goal newcomers, Satnam Dhillon and Jamie Le Hardy. Both have been part of the England squad but this is the first time they have played in an International Test Match at such a level this season. Both rose to the challenge with skill and confidence. The adverse weather conditions that prevailed throughout the day made play difficult and despite valiant efforts by Cowdray’s staff, the ground was like a skating rink and was badly cut up, making ball control difficult to say the least. However, both England and Italy rose to the occasion and provided spectators with a fast and exciting game of polo. It was a game of chances - England took almost all of theirs and turned them into goals, whereas Italy failed to find the posts on numerous occa-
HPA Chief Executive David Woodd said “England has achieved three victories from three matches. I am absolutely delighted” sions. However, it was Italy that got first blood, sinking a 60 yard penalty within the opening couple of minutes of the match. England’s Mark Tomlinson was swift to retaliate with a brilliant solo run that saw him find the posts and level the scores. James Beim then managed to snatch the ball from under Italy’s noses and after making
most of the running, left it to teammate Mark Tomlinson to slot the ball away, giving England a 2 - 1 lead at the end of the first chukka. Italy came out fighting and levelled the scores right at the beginning of the second chukka and Marcos Di Paola converted a penalty with an amazing shot that saw his team take a brief lead. James Beim 41
St Regis International Test Match 2008 England James Beim Mark Tomlinson Jamie Le Hardy Satnam Dhillon
Italy Marcos Di Paola Marcelo Pascual Bautista Sorzana Lucas Talamoni Final Result: England 9-6
25 7 7 5 6
24 8 5 6 5
Above: Lucas Talamoni and Satnam Dhillon - Below: England Polo Team with Audi UK’s head, Jon Zammett
wasn’t going to see England trail for long though, and cracked a stunning shot into the goal to bring the scores to an even 3 - 3. Another 60 yard penalty in favour of England was ably converted by Mark Tomlinson to end the second chukka 4 - 3 in front. Mark Tomlinson, showed how ably he can fill his brother’s shoes as captain, by converting yet another penalty that was the result of a foul by the Ital-
ians, to put England firmly in front by five goals to three at half-time. It was the turn of Satnam Dhillon to shine in the fourth chukka. Superbly mounted, he managed a breath-taking solo run the length of the field before finishing the play with a perfectly executed goal. Another couple of goals from England saw them firmly in front, with Bautista Sorzana clawing one back for the Italians. England 42
were three goals ahead (7 - 4) by the start of the fifth chukka. James Beim showed why he has been raised to a seven goal handicap by scoring yet another monumental goal for England, putting them 8 - 4 in front. Marcelo Pascual scored for Italy after several fluffed attempts by his team-mates to find the posts. At the start of the sixth and final chukka Italy seemed to rally briefly, when Marcos Di Paola scored, bringing them to within two goals of their rivals. England scuppered their plans, with another marvelous goal by Mark Tomlinson, bringing them to their 9 6 victory. Speaking after the game, Mark Tomlinson said “As a team we have been taking each game as it comes and I am glad to say the victories are becoming more and more frequent. We have a good basis of players and all credit to Satnam and Jamie for stepping up and playing so well at this level. James Beim also did really well to fly back and play Luke’s horses.” HPA Chief Executive David Woodd said “England has achieved three victories from three matches. I am absolutely delighted.”
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View of Cambiaso/Weisz barn from future Outback farm site. July ‘08
Andres Weisz Founding Member
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SPECIAL -ARGENTINA 1979-2009
30 YEARS LATER Major Iain Forbes-Cockell reflects on his first visit to Argentina since 1979.
English Clock Tower - Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
This was my fourth trip to Argentina; however, the first three had all been in the seventies. My first trip was in November/December 1970 in my gap year after leaving Eton College. I
player and his task was to purchase polo ponies for my father’s team, Lavender Hill, and try to educate me in polo related matters. A considerable part of our time was spent in the area around
This was my fourth trip to Argentina; however, the first three had all been in the seventies. was accompanied by Major Pradeep Mehra, officer commanding the Indian 61st Cavalry Squadron based in Delhi Cantonement. Pradeep was a 5 goal
Carlos Casares some 3 hours from Buenos Aires on the estancias of the late Eduardo Moore and his brother Sunny Moore. Eduardo was a 10 goal player 44
somewhat smaller than average in stature but definitely much bigger than average as far as his character was concerned. He was always a popular sight at Guards Polo Club, particularly when mounted on his favourite roan mare, Fabiola. Sadly Eduardo is no longer with us but for many years he and the late Hector Barrantes were lynchpins of the Vestey’s high goal team, Stowell Park. We ended up buying a considerable amount of ponies from Eduardo and Sunny as well as a few ponies from
Cacho Merlos (father of Pite, Sebastian and Tincho) in the Hurlingham area. Cacho was at that stage one of the members of the famous Santa Ana team, the other members being Daniel Gonzalez, Gaston Dorignac and his brother Francisco Dorignac, the current President of the Argentine Association of Polo. Their big rivals were, of course, the famous 40 goal Coronel Suarez team, consisting of two Heguys, Alberto Pedro and Horacio, and the two Harriotts, Alfredo, who played at Back and the legendary Juan Carlos, who some commentators said played to a 14 goal handicap on his good days! Watching Coronel Suarez playing against Santa Ana was the best polo education one could ever have. My second trip in 1977 was a somewhat shorter two weeks in duration, a couple of days of which were spent in Buenos Aires and the remainder of which I spent at Eduardo Moore’s house in Carlos Casares. It was here that I met the late world famous music publisher Bryan Morrison and his beautiful wife Greta. Bryan was out buying ponies and really enjoyed the
ever present, jovial atmosphere that was a feature of being with Eduardo and Sunny. My third trip was almost thirty years ago, in February 1979 when I stayed just over 3 weeks. A few days at the beginning and the end were spent in Buenos Aires but for about 20 days I stayed at estancia El Amparo just out-
laxing with Gonzalo and Cecilia Pieres accompanied by Gonzalo’s brothers Alfonso and Alvaro. My fourth trip started much the same as the others had. A 15 hour flight via Sao Paolo to Ezeiza airport situated to the west of Buenos Aires. It took a mere 30 minutes to get through immigration, a surprisingly short time when com-
Tribune C appeared to be much higher than I recall and watching the match from the top of Tribune C, enabled one to see the entire ground within one’s peripheral vision. side Lobos. In those days it took about 90 minutes to get there from Buenos Aires but nowadays with better arterial routes the journey is around an hour. I was fortunate to be staying with Hector (Juni) Crotto and played polo every day I was there. Neighbouring estancias were owned by relations and close friends. In particular his nearest neighbours were the Garrahans, Casets and the Pieres’, who had at that stage not moved out to Ellerstina near Pilar. Many a happy moment was spent re-
pared to the likes of struggling through immigration in the USA! Outside the airport there were cars and taxis all over the road; but I was glad to see a friendly and familiar face, Sebastian Amaya, pull in to take me to his apartment, where I was treated by him and his charming girlfriend Anita, as a member of the family for the next 4 weeks. I can’t recall there being a motorway from the airport to Buenos Aires when I was there in 1979 but now this and most of the arterial routes are toll Miguel Ayersa, Becky Simpson and Major
45
Above: Major playing polo in Lobos - Below: Chatting with Ian Scott after the chuckers in Lobos
motorways. This has cut journey times by about 30%. You approach Buenos Aires on motorway 1 (Autopista 25 De Mayo) then turn onto the magnificent eight-lane wide Av. 9 De Julio past the Obelisk heading down towards the popular Recoleta area. Here you turn onto Av. Del Libertador, parts of which are 12 lanes wide. There are still the tree-lined roads and parks that are familiar from previous visits; some things don’t change. However there are many more cars on the road than there used to be and I think the Department of Transport wasted money putting lane markers on the road because nobody pays any attention to them! Libertador leads to the Palermo area where the famous polo grounds are and the offices of the AAP. My visit this time was work-related but nevertheless a very pleasant experience. Since 2004 I’ve written the match reports in English on the Queen’s Cup, Gold Cup and Cartier International for an international website www.pololine.com . This year my trip was to write match reports on the Argentine Open at Palermo and a number of other tournaments running during November and December such as the Copa Julio Novillo Astrada at Open Door, the Ellerstina Silver Cup, the Diamond Cup at La Dolfina and the Camara De Diputados. A number 46
Horse statue at Polo Art Auction Dinner
of these tournaments had English players in teams competing. In addition to match reports for Pololine, there were a number of interviews I did with players such as Eduardo Novillo Astrada and a few of the English players namely James Beim, Roddy Williams and Jonny Good, which appear elsewhere in this copy of PQ. There were a number of work-related social events that I attended. I prepared the press release for the World Polo Tour awards, held at both the Jaeger LeCoultre party at the Park Hyatt hotel and La Casona de La Martina, where I hosted the remainder of the awards, the following night. Lando Simonetti, director of La Martina, kindly invited me to the Polo and Art Auction Dinner at Tango Porteño, where I witnessed the auction of approximately 20 horse statues decorated by a variety
of different artists for charity. The sum raised was in excess of 400,000 pesos, approximately £80,000! On one of the few days where I wasn’t watching polo, interviewing players or writing reports, I managed to pay a visit to the familiar area of Lobos. I had lunch at El Vaca Ataba, where your meat is grilled on an open fire in the middle of the restaurant; played a few chukkas at Eduardo Amaya’s lovely estancia El Molino Viejo; and then went to the famous Trapani ice cream shop in the centre of Lobos. This was a very enjoyable trip to an area I hadn’t seen for almost 30 years. As far as Palermo is concerned, there were some changes that I had noticed: the area between grounds 1 and 2 is now tarmac and has a number of trade stands and corporate hospitality areas for the main sponsors of the Argentine Open tournament in ad47
dition to several bars. La Martina has two trade stands there; one of which is sponsored by the AAP and the other is their normal retail outlet. Movistar provided the press facilities complete with PCs and refreshments. Tribune C appeared to be much higher than I recall and watching the match from the top of Tribune C, next to the ESPN crew, enabled one to see the entire ground within one’s peripheral vision and allowed observation of all eight players moving at speed on the field. I don’t think there’s a better place in the world from which to watch 80 goal polo! I’d like to thank all those in the Pololine and PQ office for making my stay such an enjoyable experience and it certainly won’t be another 30 years before I return.
UK SEASON - THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S TROPHY
Royal Occasion The Duke of Edinburgh’s Trophy for Equestrian Achievement was presented to Zara Phillips in a special reception attended by Guards Polo Club members.
Above: Duke of Edinburgh surrounded by Windsor Park Equestrian Club and Guards Members - Below: Zara Phillips receiving her trophy
S
mith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park, part of the Crown Estate provides a unique location for equestrian sports. Not only is it home to Guards Polo Club but also to Windsor Park Equestrian Club, which holds regular meets for show jumping, dressage and carriage driving enthusiasts, both adult and junior. The British Driving Society Show, the Coaching Club Meet and Smith’s Lawn Horse Trials all use these grounds, which are leased and maintained by the two clubs under the watchful presidency of the Duke of Edinburgh, who still drives his horses in the park, as well as judging the carriage driving dressage. The Household Cavalry also enjoy these facilities. Two years ago, to mark Prince Philip’s thirty-five years as President, 48
the club acquired a solid silver Armada dish, known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Trophy, to be presented to a club member for equestrian achievement. First holders were the World Champion Carriage Driving Team, three of whom were club members, and this year the recipient was Zara Phillips, the World Three Day Eventing Champion – and, coincidentally, granddaughter of the President. The presentation took place at a reception in the State Apartments of Windsor Castle, organised by the Equestrian Club, to which Guards Polo Club members were also invited. The Queen attended in a private, therefore unannounced, capacity and was preceded by Linnet her corgi, which was when the 325 guests realised to their great delight that they were to be honoured by her presence. The Royal guests circulated freely and chatted with members from both Clubs. Zara, still recovering from a broken collar bone and a year fraught with equestrian setbacks, thanked her grandfather, recalled how she had enjoyed competing at club events since she was very young and remarked that the trophy was particularly welcome in a year when she had not done very much. At the end of the evening the guests all had a short tour of the State Apartments, including the Grand Reception Room and the Waterloo Chamber. The specially commissioned programmes, with a watercolour of Zara jumping Toytown painted by Antonia Maas, were highly prized and in addition gave information on the rooms. Above: Zara Phillips - Below: State Apartments of Windsor Castle where the reception took place
49
UK SEASON - AUTUMN CUP
The Autumn Cup marked the last day of the season at Cowdray Park Polo Club Cowdray Park’s polo season finished on 21st September in the traditional way with the Finals of the 12 goal Autumn Cup, the 6 goal Farewell Cup and, one of the highlights of Cowdray’s Season, the annual Dog Show!
T
he Autumn Cup saw an entry of 10 teams with Carolyn Butler’s KGB and Charlie McCowen’s Lamrei making it through to the Final on Ambersham 2, the ground still in admirable condition for the final day of the season. Spectators were treated to a good match, with every goal hard fought. By half time the score was 4-3 in Lamrei’s favour with Pepe Riglos and Juan Ruiz Guinazu playing very effectively in the centre positions and making Lamrei look the stronger side. When the teams came back on after the tread-in, James Watson hit home his fourth goal for KGB to even the scores, but before the end of the chukka Riglos had again taken Lamrei ahead to 5-4. But the final chukka saw KGB take control of the match with young Chris McKenzie scoring a fine goal to even the scores. James Watson scored to take KGB ahead and Buster McKenzie sent two more through the posts to take the score onto 8-5 in KGB’s favour. A final goal from Freddie Instone saw Lamrei’s score increase - but all too soon the final whistle blew giving KGB a very satisfactory win at 8-6. The trophy was presented by the new Mrs McCowen, Charlie’s wife Sarah, who also presented a Best Playing Pony rug, sponsored by Roxton’s, to Lady played by Buster McKenzie. In the Farewell Cup, Biscay beat Cowdray Park 8-4. In the Dog Show, the Hanlon Rose Bowl for Best in Show was won by Pancho owned by Freddie Instone.
Juan Ruiz Guiñazu trying to catch James Watson during the final game
Buster McKenzie and Freddie Instone
50
The Autumn Cup Teams Emlor
12
Clinton McCarthy Peter Woods Gaston Moore Lochie Hunter
0 1 7 4
Hollycombe
12
Virginia Hoare Derreck Bratley Alan Kent Oliver Hipwood
Irongate James Scott Hopkins Tom Beim James Harper Andrew Blake Thomas
JADA Maurice Salem Ryan Pemble Tom de Bruin Hissam Ali Hyder
Jaeger Le-Coultre Clare Milford Haven Richard Le Poer Bautista Sorzana Mario Gomez
KGB Carolyn Butler Buster McKenzie James Watson Chris McKenzie
Lamrei Freddie Instone Pepe Riglos Juan Ruiz Gui単azu Charlie McCowen
-1 4 4 5
12 1 2 6 3
12 -1 5 4 4
12 0 3 6 3
12 0 6 5 1
12 0 6 4 2
Maiz Dulce
12
Peter Barfoot Lanto Sheridan Tommy Wilson James Glasson
0 1 7 4
Turquoise
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Hashem Arouzi Will Emerson Joaquin Pittaluga Martin Brown
0 4 6 2
Wild Boras
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Britt Shaw Enrique Avenda単o Nacho Gonzalez Max Charlton
KGB Polo Team: Chris McKenzie, James Watson, Buster McKenzie and Carolyn Butler
0 4 6 2
Pepe Riglos and Chris McKenzie
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PROFILES - COL GERARD LEIGH
THE OLD ORDER PASSES The death of Colonel W.H. Gerard Leigh MVO marks the end of an era at Guards Polo Club
COLONEL Gerard Leigh MVO, who has died at the age of 93, was chairman of Guards Polo Club from 1955 to 1981 and a foremost figure in the long-term development of post-war British polo. His term of office included the introduction of The Queen’s Cup, now an integral component of the British Triple Crown, in 1960 and the momentous decision to establish International Day at Guards in 1972. William Henry Gerard Leigh, known affectionately as ‘G’, was born in 1915, the only son of Lt Colonel John Leigh of Thorpe Satchville Hall, Leicestershire. It was at home that the young ‘G’ was introduced to polo, sitting astride a wooden horse while balls were pitched to him by Lord Wodehouse, one of the few British players to reach a 10-goal handicap. Educated at Eton and Cambridge – where he was Master of the Draghounds and a member of the university polo team – Leigh joined The Life Guards in 1937. During the winter
he kept his own hunter, together with two Life Guards chargers, at home, hunting with the Quorn, Cottesmore and Belvoir and earning a name as a ‘bold man to hounds’. In 1938 and 1939 he was a member of The Life Guards Captains’ and Subalterns’ team, playing on the old Household Cavalry ground at Datchet or at the Hurlingham Club (then the centre of high-goal polo), where the regimental polo ponies were stabled. In 1939 Leigh helped to capture the Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, in those days the principal trophy in Sussex polo. During the Second World War, Leigh served with the 1st Household Cavalry Regiment in Palestine, Syria, the Western Desert and Italy, before assuming command of a Squadron in the north-west Europe campaign. In 1946 he was appointed DAA and QMG at the Headquarters of the Household Brigade and London District; subsequently commanding The Life Guards 52
Mounted Squadron and then moving as Adjutant to the Territorial Regiment affiliated to the Household Cavalry, the Inns of Court. In 1953 Leigh took command of The Life Guards in Germany, being posted the next year to Egypt where he trained and captained a regimental polo team at the celebrated Fayid Club. Two years later he returned home to take over as Commander of the Household Cavalry and was also Silver Stick in Waiting, a ceremonial office that he held with immense dignity until 1959. In 1967 he became Gentleman Usher to the Queen. From the first season at Guards – then, of course, known as the Household Brigade Polo Club – he played an active part in affairs. Having retired from the Army in 1958 he took up polo seriously, playing off 3-goals and joining the Duke of Edinburgh’s medium-goal Windsor Park squad. Having succeeded his brother officer, Lord Douro – now the Duke of
Wellington – as club chairman, he devoted himself to building up Guards to become one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe. It was due to him that Rothmans became initial sponsors of the first high-goal tournament there – The Queen’s Cup – and donated the clubhouse, which is currently being rebuilt. During his quarter-century of stewardship, Guards expanded its programme enormously and although on several occasions during the 1970s he offered his resignation, he was persuaded to stay on. Quite simply, Guards would not have been the same without him, nor would it have established itself so early and so firmly in the postwar polo calendar. Leigh married, in 1946, Jean, daughter of Wing Commander Sir Norman Leslie, 8th Baronet of Wardis. It was Jean Leslie who, while serving with M15 in 1943, had been associated with a celebrated plot to deceive the Germans about the Allied landings in Sicily. Her photograph was used as that
of the girlfriend of a supposed Royal Marines officer killed in action, whose body was dumped in the sea near the Spanish coast. The ‘officer’ purported to be a courier, his briefcase containing bogus plans which ensured the Allies’ success.
His death means that yet another member of the ‘Old Brigade’ of polo players, who masterminded the renaissance of the game in the 1950s, has left us. We shall not see his like again but Guards Polo Club is his lasting memorial.
BLACKLOCKS Polo Books and Prints Antiquarian and leatherbound polo books All new titles from stock th th 19 & 20 Century polo prints and limited editions. Trophies, memorabilia and magazines.
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Tel: +44 (0)1784 438025 blacklocks.polo@ntlworld.com
UK SEASON - AUTUMN NATIONS CUP
Flying to Victory Laird captured the Autumn Nations title, which brought the 2008 season at Guards Polo Club to an end.
O
liver Hipwood was on flying form for Laird in the final of the Autumn Nations Tournament at Guards Polo Club, and was instrumental in seeing his team defeat Northchurch, 8-4. Hipwood was strongly supported in this 10 to 12 Goal match by two members of the Kent family – the former England international Alan and his son John. Northchurch, on the other hand, struggled to get into the game, despite some strong play from Robert Thame in the fourth chukka. He reduced the gap to just one goal at the beginning of that chukka but Laird were not to
be denied the honours. They just turned up the heat and pulled away once more to win. Hipwood was especially delighted to receive the Best Playing Pony Award from Brian Stein, as it was Hipwood’s own seven-year-old mare Snoopy that took the honours. This beautiful, Irish-bred grey had been played in the fourth chukka. There is always strong support for this medium-goal competition that traditionally marks the end of the season at Smith’s Lawn. This year was no exception and some sixteen teams took part. The tournament concluded with
Oliver Hipwood (Laird)
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a subsidiary final between Twelve Oaks and Asprey London, a much tighter affair than the previous final, with Twelve Oaks winning, 7-6. After the match presentations, Brian Stein, patron of the Ockholt team and a board member of the club, who has supported this tournament for many years, presented the club’s end of year awards. Holly Baird, the regular vet at Smith’s Lawn was named the Best Match Official; while Gaston Devrient took a break from umpiring duties in the Nations’ Final to receive the Best Umpire award. Mo Sheikh, patron of the Berkeley Health Care team, had
Above: Laird - Autumn Nations Champion 2008 - Below: (Twelve Oaks), Jonny Good (Asprey) and John Kent (Laird)
Autumn Nations Tournament 2008 Laird John Kent Alan Kent Oliver Hipwood Nick Britten-Long
Northchurch Des Byrne Mark Brown Pancho Marin Moreno Robert Thame
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Twelve Oaks
12
1 4 5 2
Charlie Wooldridge Joaquin Pittaluga Michel de Carril Ian Wooldridge
0 6 6 0
12
Asprey London
12
1 1 6 4
Simon Holley Johny Good Chris Hyde Eric Asker
0 5 6 1
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to make two forays into the presentation arena. He was named Best Handicapped Player and then returned, alongside his pro Juracy Santos, to receive the Most Successful Team award. Earlier in the day Angus Nimmo had received the Most Improved Player prize (MIP). Board member Susan Bailey once again generously donated the prize for the Best Amateur Groom. This year the honours went to Clare Miller and Luis Vivot Martinez, who work for Monty Gershon.
INSIDE THE CLUB - CHESHIRE PC
Three into one Cheshire Polo Club has one of the oldest pedigrees to be found in the history of the game in Europe, as Roger Chatterton-Newman discovered.
Cheshire Polo Club grand marquee
B
ased near the picturesque village of Little Budworth, Cheshire Polo Club can claim, by a form of polo intermarriage, to be the oldest in England, and one of the longest-established in the western world, although its present name is comparatively recent. Home to the second-oldest non-regimental British tournament, the Junior County Cup, it is actually an amalgamation of three clubs – Manchester, Bowdon and Wirral. Manchester Polo Club, by far the most senior of the three ‘partners’, was founded in 1872 by the Cholmondeley family, and was based initially in the park at Cholmondeley Castle, near Malpas, which is certainly a Cheshire town. Some forty years later, Lord Rocksavage, afterwards 5th Marquess of Cholmondeley (1883-1968) was to
be a celebrated 9-goal player. The new club, which followed quickly on the heels of England’s proto-club, Monmouthshire, suffered a lapse by 1877. Thanks, however, to the 18th Hussars it was reformed as Manchester Garrison Polo Club, based on Sir Humphrey de Trafford’s estate at Trafford Park, Manchester. In the 1880s it dropped the military connection from its title but remained at Trafford Park, despite increasing industrial encroachment. Sir Humphrey, 3rd Baronet (18621929), was one of the early presidents of the County Polo Association, a forerunner of the Hurlingham Polo Association, which oversaw the affairs of county clubs. In 1897 he sold Trafford Park for development, migrating to the purer air of High Leicestershire. Manchester Polo Club held on, as a 56
neighbour of Manchester United Football Club, until 1906, when it moved to a rented site at Ashley, eight miles on the Cheshire side of the city. While the new ground was being levelled and prepared, the club made its home with Bowdon Polo Club, founded near Altrincham in 1891. Around 1908, Bowdon merged with Manchester, and Ashley became the club’s base until 1939. Meanwhile, Wirral Polo Club had been founded at Clutterbridge in 1885, moving four years later to Hooton Park, Cheshire. Wirral was the club for one of the best-known Cheshire polo families, the Locketts, in particular for three brothers – George (1876-1950), Robert (1878-1939) and Vivian (18801962). Their uncle, also George (18551923) had business interests in South America, where he founded Lima Polo
Club. He also played at Liverpool Polo Club – founded in 1872 and based until its closure in 1914 at Wavertree. It was the youngest of the brothers, Colonel Vivian Lockett, 17/21 Lancers, who became an international player. One of the first British 10-goalers – he was rated at the ultimate level for a decade from 1913 – he was thrice a member of the British team in the Westchester Cup and in 1920 won a gold medal for polo in the Olympic Games. Robert Lockett was among the earliest winners of what is now one of Cheshire Polo Club’s most prestigious and coveted trophies, the 8 to 12goal Cheshire Champion Cup. Dating from 1911, it was presented originally to Liverpool Polo Club by lady members – presumably non-playing – ‘to be played for annually on the Liverpool Ground’. 57
Three of the inaugural winners – W. Paul, S.L. Watson and J. Crewdson – were members of Wirral Polo Club. The Crewdsons were pioneers of polo in this corner of England and it was one of them, A.F. Crewdson, a 4-goaler, who kept the Manchester club at the forefront of polo from 1908 until the outbreak of the First World War. He also helped to ensure its revival in 1920, at a time when so many other county clubs failed to reappear. Sadly, Crewdson died during the opening match of 1921, but his place as captain was taken by a member of another well-remembered Cheshire polo dynasty, Oswald Grange Moseley (1867-1948), of Agden Hall, Lymm. His elder son, Pat, together with Frank Spiegelberg, was responsible for the amalgamation of the Manchester and Wirral clubs in 1939, and for moving from Ashley to a new base at Oulton, near Little Budworth. The 1939 season was the first at Oulton, and could well have been the last for the club. After the war, national austerity did not bode well for the future of polo but, just as Lord Cowdray was to lead the renaissance in southern England, so did Frank Spiegel-
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berg, Pat Moseley and his younger brother Micky bring about a revival in Cheshire. By the late 1940s the club had returned to life as the Mid-Cheshire, still playing at Oulton and maintaining the combined traditions of Manchester, Bowdon and Wirral. In 1951 it was again reorganized, to emerge very much as it is today, with five good boarded grounds and over sixty playing members. Micky Moseley (1914-1997) was, in particular, to become synonymous with the Cheshire revival. He had played in Argentina before the war and encouraged young Argentines to come to England to improve their game. Such a policy was rare in British clubs at the time, apart perhaps from Cowdray and Cirencester Park, but in 1959 it resulted in the first high-goal tournament in north-west England since before the war. The tournament resulted in a draw between Cheshire’s 15-goal squad and 59
a 13-goal team representing the South, which then meant virtually the rest of England. Players included such giants of the game as Juan JosĂŠ Diaz Alberdi, Alex Mihanovich, Alec Harper and Charles Smith Ryland. The best players in their leagues continue to come to Cheshire Polo Club, not least for the Junior County Cup, played nowadays as the National 8-Goal Championship. Inaugurated by Blackmoor Vale Polo Club in Dorset in 1905, the trophy was presented to the County Polo Association two seasons later, in an attempt to reinvigorate the county game. It was restricted to teams outside the metropolitan area, and affiliated to the association. Team aggregate was not to exceed 12goals and no single player was to be handicapped at more than 5-goals. By 1921, the limit had risen to a 15-goal aggregate, presumably due to losses during the Great War. From around 1909 to 1939 the finals were held at Ranelagh Polo Club, one of the great London centres of the game, and a Manchester team was sev-
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eral times in the semi-finals. In more recent years, Manchester Polo Club saw a new chapter in its history open under the leadership of the Taylor family, of whom Oliver Taylor, currently rated at 4-goals, is one of England’s leading younger players and a former British Open champion. The Taylors continued a tradition, started by Micky Moseley well over a quarter of a century ago, of an annual tour of Barbados by a Cheshire team. Players and supporters from Barbados reciprocate during the season. Cheshire remains among the lesserknown counties of England, unless one lives there or plays polo. Although, in recent years, some of its unspoiled charm – with those ‘magpie’ villages of black and white cottages and mellow pink brick farms – has been disturbed by what might be described as the ‘Soccer Set’, deep down the basics are unaltered. Certainly not changed is the Cheshire Polo Club hospitality, which is legendary.
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BOOK REVIEW
‘HORSE WARRIORS’ PREPARE TO DO BATTLE Award-winning photographer Henry Dallal launching latest book on 19th November 2008 with an exhibition in London.
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HENRY Dallal announces the launch of his latest book, Horse Warriors: India’s 61st Cavalry, which celebrates one of the world’s last active mounted horse regiments portrayed in a magnificent collection of photographs. The book documents the cavalry in their native Rajisthan upholding ceremonial pageantry and equestrian skill, evoking an age-old world where the horse reigns supreme. The book follows Henry’s successful book on the British Household Cavalry, Pageantry and Performance, which inspired the BBC TV series The Queen’s Cavalry about the British Army’s equine base in London. “With Horse Warriors, I became captivated by the colours of India, by the sound of the hooves, by the traditions.
I wanted to create a fabulous book, in which I hope I have succeeded,” said Henry. “Naturally, I am deeply honoured to have worked so closely with the 61st Cavalry, and to have been given the chance to capture the intimacy of their daily lives in such detail. It was a huge privilege to experience their unique way of life and as a photographer I feel the play of light and colour in my work has reached new heights through my experiences in India.” Horse Warriors has been meticulously produced to the highest standard in large format, making it the perfect coffee table book for horse lovers, photography fans and India enthusiasts alike. The book includes images of the mounted warriors’ operational duties on patrol; its ceremonial functions
at the annual Republic Day Parade in New Delhi; India’s traditional horse and camel fairs in the Thar Desert; the Victorian Babugarh stud; the nomadic Nihang warriors mounted on India’s indigenous Marwari horses and the international polo grounds of Jaipur. Prints from Horse Warriors, along with a selection of Henry’s other photographs from around the world, will be on exhibit from 11th to 24th November 2008 at The Nehru Centre, the Cultural Wing of the High Commission of India, in Mayfair, London. HE Shri Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, the High Commissioner of India in London, will be hosting the launch on 19th November where Henry will present a multi-media show along with the exhibition.
“With unequalled understanding of his subject, Henry Dallal captures the public and private world of the horsed regiment. Steeped in atmosphere and vivid with colour and movement, the kaleidoscope of images brings alive a world of chivalry in the modern age. The superb quality of this book reflects the excellence that the subject so rightfully deserves.” Dr Amin Jaffer International Director of Asian Art, Christie’s
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Henry Dallal has been commissioned to take portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and his wife, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan. He is currently working on a book on the Sultanate of Oman’s Royal Cavalry and Britain’s famed King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Other books to which he has contributed include Endurance Racing for His Majesty King Khalifa of Bahrain, Magic of Monaco for HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Horses and Flowers in the Park that commemorated the public’s mourning for Diana, Princess of Wales.
About Henry Dallal
www.henrydallalphotography.com Henry Dallal is as passionate about his travels, as he is about sharing his photographs of these places with others. Specialising in equine cultures and pageantry from around the world, he travels to remote areas to pursue his interests in mountaineering, adventure and experiencing foreign cultures. Henry was born in Iran in 1955 and lived in Colorado before moving to London in 1994. Developing his interest in mountaineering and man’s companionship with horses, Henry’s journeys range from the Household Cavalry in Knightsbridge to the nomadic tribes of the Turkaman Steppes. His father gave him his first camera
Horse Warriors - £50 per copy plus postage and packing - £90 per copy plus postage and packing for autographed edition in special slip case. - Available directly from the author at www. henrydallalphotography.com, distributed through I.B. Tauris in UK, Variety Book Depot in India and United Arab Emirates and available in selected bookshops. ISBN number 978-0-95440-831-2
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when he was nine during an outing in the mountains of Iran, and his mother taught him how to ride a horse in those early years. All of Henry’s photography is shot on film, as he sees it, without digital manipulation. His prints are high quality archival handprinted cibachromes.
Exhibitions include: • International Museum of the Horse - Lexington, Kentucky – 2009 • The Nehru Centre, London, 2008 • Harrods, London - 2006 • Blenheim Palace, UK - 2006 • Smithsonian Institute - Washington, DC - 2004 • Naples Museum of Art - Naples, Florida - 2004 • Weatherburn Gallery - Naples, Florida - 2004 • Windsor Castle - son et lumiere, UK - 2003 • Guildhall Windsor, UK- 2003 • Royal Geographical Society, London - 2002 • Kensington Palace, London - 1999
Henry Dallal Tel +44 207 225 0707 henry@henrydallalphotography.com Rosanne Blake – PR and Marketing – Tel +44 7833 561 102 rosieblake1@yahoo.co.uk
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INTERVIEW - ELLERSTINA
“It seemed like most people wanted us to win” It was Sunday evening in General Rodriguez at Ellerstina Polo Club, the day before they achieved stardom. Looking cool and relaxed, Gonzalo and Facundo Pieres, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martín Nero, the four team members of Ellerstina, greeted PoloLine after winning the Argentine Open at Palermo.
They’re definitely happy. That is for sure. After two failed attempts, their most desired wish finally came true: to lift the trophy at Palermo, the same one Gonzalo Pieres, (founder of Ellerstina) and Gonzalo’s and Facundo’s father lifted so many times with La Espadaña and his own Ellerstina. Without a doubt, it was very
How does it feel to have won the Open?
special for all four of them, but it was even more special for Gonzalito and Facundo, the sons of the great Gonzalo. In an exclusive interview, the four champions tell all about their feelings and how they experienced the most important match of the year.
Facundo: We were also very confident. I always thought we would win. JM: The best thing is winning the Open, which is every polo player’s dream. A few things could probably be changed, but the most important of all is the glory of winning the Palermo Open.
Gonzalo: It’s a very nice feeling, and most of all, after waiting for so long. Which was the key for Ellerstina? Pablo: Simply being concentrated throughout the match, which is something we weren’t achieving. The idea was to play, and that’s what we did. I think we did better, and despite having played an extra chukka, I think we should have won in regulation time.
JM, did you think you had already won when you scored the goal almost at the end of the match? JM: Not really, because I took a look and there was a minute
Champions enjoying the Argentine Open trophy at Ellerstina stables
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Pablo MacDonough, Gonzalo Pieres jr and Facundo Pieres at the top of the podium
and a half to go. But when La Dolfina scored their last goal… that was fatal!!!
Besides, it was very special for both Alejandroand the Pieres family. On Friday, Alejandro and Nico won the “Cámara” (Chamber of Representatives Cup) and on Saturday they won the Open... Gonzalo: Yes, for us it was an incredible weekend. We were denied this victory for several years and this time we made it; everybody from Nico to the rest of our team. I think we will always remember this weekend!
After that goal, and having to play an extra chukka once again, how did you feel about it? Facundo: I don’t know about the rest, but I felt as though it all happened very fast. Luckily, we had no time to think about it. We never even noticed. If we had thought about it, it would have been worse, and perhaps they would have scored the goal on Libertador, which is how they won the three last finals… We only thought about winning, because we had played well throughout the game.
How did you feel during the week prior to the final? Facundo: I think we were quite relaxed. Of course, we were nervous at times, but it is also pretty much an enjoyable week. We await this game during the whole year, so once it is time, I think it must be enjoyed. We went to a few therapy sessions, but we were also relaxed. It’s not like we depended on it. I think we found it useful and it came in handy.
So, how did you feel when you realised you had to play an extra chukka yet again? Facundo: I don’t know about them, but on my side, it all happened way too fast. Fortunately, we had no time to think. The idea was to keep on playing.
What about beating Cambiaso? You also beat him in England. Gonzalo: I think it gives you confidence, as he is always in a final or semi-final and you have to face him…
What did you talk about before that extra chukka? Facundo: We chatted a little… with Alejandro (Agote), with the idea of playing as we had done so far, and not risking the ball if they got hold of it.
Gonza, how did you approach the play prior to your golden goal? Gonzalo: First, I headed towards the boards, thinking I would be given a foul in my favour which we weren’t given in the end. Shooting the ball was my only opportunity. Otherwise, the doubt as to whether I could have scored or not would have remained. So I hit the ball.
Speaking of Alejandro Agote, your coach, who is different from Memo Gracida… Pablo: We’re very good friends with Alejandro, and we really wanted to have someone on the team to motivate us. He always suggests stuff, about both games and horses. I hope we can go on with him next year. 67
The Pieres brothers showing old team shirts
started to rain, but well, we must now continue to enjoy this celebration.
Before the extra chukka, what were your feelings while you were waiting at the ponyline? Gonzalo: Although they scored with only fifteen seconds to go, we were positive and relaxed at all times. On other occasions, we always seemed to be stuck saying to ourselves – well, what bad luck, they tied the game. This time, we were very positive. We were very confident that we would win.
How did you feel about people’s reaction? It seemed as though they were all cheering for you… Gonzalo: Honestly, I have to thank the people. It seemed like most people wanted us to win, and that makes me happy. Knowing that there were so many people cheering for us motivates us a lot.
In the particular case of Gonzalo and Facundo, how did you feel about winning the Palermo Open, just like your father (Gonzalo) did so many times with both La Espadaña and Ellerstina? Facundo: Much of our happiness is shared by both our mom and dad. Dad did everything for us to win the Open. He was very happy. He enjoyed watching us win. He was delighted.
Many said that Ellerstina were not playing that good, how do you feel about it? Pablo: Well, it’s true we didn’t play that well in every the chukkas, but the difference now is that we had a good start in both of our games on field 1 at Palermo. We took a considerable lead around the sixth chukka, and that allowed us to take care of our horses. The final was a different matter. We knew it would be a really tough match.
Who will you specially dedicate this victory to? Facundo: There are lots of people; lots of people who work with us all year round and who are a part of the fact that we won. Horse grooms, vets, all of them. We won the cup, but many of those who did not appear are a part of this. There are millions of them!!! I have a group of seven or eight horse grooms, starting off by Juancito Pérez… everybody at Ellerstina, those of us who form the group of people at Ellerstina. Pablo: It was honestly good. We had a party for all of them. When you win, it is so much nicer to share this with the people who are always by your side. At one point, it even
Is Ellerstina vs. La Dolfina already a classic? Pablo: Yes. Out of four finals, we played three against them. Perhaps it is the match many people want to watch, so that makes it a classic. Besides being a sports duel, it’s also a family thing, as Mariano (Aguerre) is Gonzalo and Facundo’s brother-in-law… Gonzalo: Well, at least he lost!! (laughter) Mariano has won 68
everything with each and every team he has played – Ellerstina, Chapaleufú and La Dolfina. He has always been a winner, but well, this time victory came our way... What did you think about La Dolfina? How would you say they played? Facundo: Obviously, they didn’t play well, because we did play well. We marked each one of them, not only Cambiaso, but also Lucas (Monteverde) who, in a way, was their best player, and so we did with Mariano and Lolo (Castagnola). We followed them everywhere, and that’s why they couldn’t play the way they usually do. So, winning at Palermo was the perfect end to a perfect year. You all won something at every place you played. JM: Yes, all of us… Facundo: Half, in my case… (NR: Facundo missed playing the Queen’s Cup final due to injury, and was replaced by Pablo) JM: Anyway, this is different. All year round, the only thing you think about is Palermo, and when the time comes to play the Open, the only thing you want to do is win it.
Above: Pablo MacDonough - Below: Juan Martin Nero, the last who join the team
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Facundo Pieres
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JM, do you actually realise you have won the Open, you are getting married this week and you are very close to a 10-goal handicap? JM: The truth is that many important things have taken place in my life... Facundo: And Pablo is also getting married, but don’t ask him about it because he still has a long way to go! (laughter) Pablo: We are having a registry office wedding on Thursday... It would have been ideal in April, but as I arrived late from Palm Beach, I brought it forward for several reasons and so we are having it now. So, now there is only you, Facu... Pablo: Oh, come on. Have him talk now!!! If we want to win the Open Tournament again, one of us will have to get married next year!!!
Goals scored at the Argentine Open Ellerstina Facundo Pieres Gonzalo Pieres jr Pablo MacDonough Juan Martin Nero
64 30 13 17 4
Above: Juan Martin Nero - Below: Pablo with the trophy and Gonzalo, Facundo and Gonzalo jr
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Good form in Ireland The 2008 Bunclody Polo Festival in Co Wicklow attracted a good entry. Report and pictures by Bunny Parsons.
Above: Michael Connolly of Tyrella and Tom Berney of Nurney ride each other off as they head for the ball. Below: Paul Ronan Jnr of Tipperary goes to hook Tom Berney of Nurney as he plays the ball.
Despite a weather postponement the previous weekend, no amount of rain was going to spoil the fun at the Bunclody Polo Festival, held at Ireland’s newest club in beautiful Co Wicklow. The festival attracted fourteen teams from around the country, making it the largest grass tournament in Ireland this season, with three different trophies for the levels of play. Four teams came down from Northern Ireland, while others arrived from Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary and of course Wexford. Play began on the Friday evening and carried on through Saturday, with close and exciting matches and some surprising results. The first final on the Sunday was the 0 to 2-goal for the Pat Cash Cup. This saw Paul Monaghan’s El Niño – with his wife Elaine, Francisco Vismara and Manuel Ghio – line up against Aiden Farrell’s Dancing Lions, which included Raul Ramirez, Denis Connolly and
son Michael, a team that had already won four successive tournaments. El Niño started with a half-goal on handicap by the Lions were quick to open their account, with a goal in the first minute from Ramirez. El Niño’s Ghio responded with a soaring penalty conversion, but the Lions edged ahead and half-time found them with a 4-3½ lead. 72
Increasing their advantage, they went into the last chukka 1½ goals ahead but El Niño were far from finished. Good work by Ghio saw them ride out victorious on the final bell, 6½-6. In the –1 to –4 goal Nurney Oil Cup, Hillsborough – Robert Park, Colm Kelliher, Federico Ferro and Jamie McCarthy – were all over the Tipperary
Photographs by Bunny Parsons
UK SEASON - BUNCLODY POLO FESTIVAL
Above: Sticks entwine as Sergio Valor of Roaring Jaguars hooks Ricardo Coria of Donaghadee. Right: Michael Connolly playing for Dancing Lions lines up a big shot in their match against Tyrone for the Pat Cash Cup. Below: Michael Connolly turns the ball for Tyrella in their match against Limerick.
squad – Peter Reilly, John Flavin, Paul Ronan snr and Paul Ronan jnr. Despite a gallant defence by Tipperary, Hillsborough were victorious, 6-1½. The last final of the day was the Eilis Quinlan Perpetual Cup for –5 goal and under. This was fought out between Donaghadee, consisting of Heather Day, Julie Ann Black, Jackie Rainey and Ricardo Coria, and the Roaring Jaguars Quartet – Tom Hickey, Marcus Davies and Sergio Valor with Sarah Baker and Charlie Hogg alternating. Donaghadee kept on the pressure from the outset and kept adding to their account, eventually gaining a notable 6-1 victory. It could have been a wider margin but for the Jaguars’ dogged defence. Presentations were made by the acting Argentine Ambassador, Señora Ana Pisano de Ashton. 73
INTERVIEW - MARC GANZI
HAVING A GOOD TIME If you are looking for fun in polo, go and find Marc and Melissa Ganzi at Grand Champions Polo Club, Palm Beach
Whenever you look for fun and good polo, go and find Marc Ganzi. He and wife Melissa have chosen polo as their lifestyle, with an emphasis on having fun all the while playing the game at the highest and most competitive levels in the US. Together they share a passion for polo and horses, as they run their own club in Wellington, The Grand Champions Polo Club of Palm Beach, which already had a couple of very successful spring and fall seasons. The idea of the club is quite simple: have good and competitive polo in Florida that benefits the local professionals and patrons. The Ganzi’s are great friends with the Pieres family, and in the next US season Marc will be playing the 26-goals season for his Audi Polo Team with legendary Gonzalo´s three sons: Gonzalo Jr., Facundo and Nicolás. Let´s say somewhat of an Ellerstina north branch, in Palm Beach. PQ met with Marc Ganzi in Palermo, moments before of the final match between Ellerstina and La Dolfina, for an exclusive interview.
good decisions on the field and is helping his teammates, so I have confidence now he will help the team as well in April. For me personally it´s a dream, because I´m going to play with the three brothers, who are also my friends. It is a unique opportunity as this may be the only chance for the three boys to play the Open together in the US. We talked about it with Gonzalo some years ago… I had the dream to play with the three brothers, and I think it is a dream that is shared by Gonzalo as well.
How did you start your relationship with the Pieres family? I met them through Juan Bollini, who has run our polo organization for many years. We trust Juan’s judgment a great deal and Juan told us that Gonzalo was the best and most honorable man to buy horses from in Argentina. When we arrived in Argentina for the first time in 2001, the first horse we´ve ever bought was from Gonzalo. The first day, we rode over 40 horses in Ellerstina, and every one of those horses was really nice. We tried horses from other people, but we always found that the quality and the consistency of Gonzalo´s suited us the best. Through Gonzalo, we had the invitation to play practices at Ellerstina where we then met Gonzalito, Facundo and Nico… It has been a great relationship over the last six years. We trust Gonzalo and his choices in horses and he has trusted us to play polo with his sons, and all of that relationship came because of Juan Bollini´s long friendship with Gonzalo.
The first question is obviously about the upcoming US 26 goals season, in which you will be playing with the three Pieres Brothers. How did that come about? Last year we played and won the 26 Goal Lechuza Caracas Cup together with Facundo and Gonzalito; they are a good combination in this level of polo. The last three years I´ve been playing with Gonzalito, and last year for the first time with Facu. Three years ago we brought Nico to his first US season, and he played really well. We have had the opportunity to watch Nico grow up; this year Nico is 18 - he just played a great final at the Camara, where he is making
That´s great, as everybody knows Gonzalo not only as a polo legend and horse breeder, but also as a fantastic businessman. Yes, he is very smart in so many ways. I´ve learnt a lot of things from Gonzalo, not only in polo but in organization and putting winning teams together. Whenever I have confusion, Gonzalo always says exactly the way it is – this is very refreshing in polo. What do you expect about the 2009 US season? For instance, Cambiaso and Crab Orchard are not playing the 26 goal anymore…. Well, whether Cambiaso plays or not it doesn´t matter to me. I mean don’t misunderstand me, he is a great player but my expectations are if Cambiaso is there or not, our plan is play our best and to hopefully win. You try to put the best team together, the best horses, the best organization and you go to compete against the best teams. All the teams next season are quite strong, as there are fewer
Marc Ganzi and Kevin Mokarow
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teams versus this year, so the teams that remain all have the best players. I have a lot of respect for White Birch with the addition of Jeff Blake they will be very powerful and super mounted. I think Las Monjitas is such a great team, they won the US Open three years ago with the same team with Adam Snow. Adam is so very good at this level and will be very ready to compete. Lechuza is another great team; they will have Juanma, Sapo (who just played really well here in Argentina this year) and Nico Espain, who I think is a fantastic team player. Oh, and there´s Orchard Hill, too, with Pablo MacDonough…it would be foolish to discount them. I am confident Pony Express will have improved as will Zacara – too many good teams this year – it is going to be an amazing Open.
How about Melissa? She´s playing the 20 goals in US, isnt´t she? Yes, with Juan Bollini, Brandon Phillips and Gonzalito. This was the same team we had great success with two years ago in the 22 goals. I am really excited for Melissa’s team – I think they have some great chances.
Do you imagine an Audi Polo Team winning the US Open? In sports you have to visualize success for it to happen. And our vision is to have the right horses, the right organization and the right players to give us the best chance for success. When all of these things come together, the opportunity should be there to make the finals. Then, anything can
Marc Ganzi in Palermo, just a few minutes before the Argentine Open Final starts
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happen on any given day, and our mission is to get to the finals and then we hope to have the chance to win.
Argentina and the United States is that there is plenty of polo at all levels for people to continue playing and people are choosing to continue to play.
You say there will be fewer teams this season. Do you think this financial global crisis has affect polo? As always, of course. It´s going to affect polo, it has affected polo, and it will continue to affect polo. If you look back through time and the history of recessions and polo, the sport always has always had some declines – we must all accept this reality. It will have an effect on polo in two ways: One is that for some patrons that run important businesses, now is not the best time to play polo. It sends the wrong message…people all over are having a tough time making ends meet and putting food on their table that for some patrons will not play because of that. The second point it that polo is a very expensive sport and to compete at the highest level requires an enormous commitment on horses, players and infrastructure. This game is a discretionary part of any amateur’s lifestyle and when faced with tough decisions, they can choose not to play polo and some will choose not to play given the large financial commitment the sport requires today.
How do you see the growth of polo in the US in the last years? In general polo has grown quite a bit in the US over the last decade. Last year there were 13 teams in the Open, and the year before that there were 16 teams. At the highest level it´s been decreasing, but in the medium and low level it has been increasing. A new generation is coming to polo, and the hope is that these new people who start at the low level and medium goal will continue to try in other levels. For Melissa and me, polo is great at all levels. This past November, we had an 8 goal tournament, the Turkey Trot in the last tournament at Grand Champions. It was all about having fun, we had teams that were made up of friends, kids, relatives and we all laughed having a great time. That is what polo is about, its being with your friends, and laughing and having a good time. That´s what we see about you and Melissa, and the atmosphere at Grand Champions, not only is play good polo, but it´s all about being with friends and have fun. It has to be. Polo is a game, but I think for people who play the game at the highest level its a lifestyle. We play polo all year, maybe there´s two or three months we don´t play, but we play all the time. With Melissa, as a husband and a wife, we play together, and it´s what we choose. We share polo as our hobby, that´s what we choose to do together versus other hobbies.
How about the tournaments at International Polo Club? They have added some new ones… Yes, there are three 20-goals tournaments at IPC, three 26-goals and some new tournaments for low and medium goal. I think the Outback league is 14 goals, but IPC is going to have an 8-goal as well. I think it´s a reflection of IPC adapting to the reality, making polo for everybody and making the club very accessible. We´re all going through a crisis, and my hope is people will keep playing. I mean if they don´t play the 26 level, they play the 20 goals, if they´re not playing the 20, they play the 14…. I credit John Goodman with seeing this new reality and adapting and being flexible. The good thing about polo here in
How did you get into polo? Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand you were a skiier… Yes, I competed in alpine skiing for many years growing up in the mountains of Colorado. I have been used to go-
Marc Ganzi was supporting Ellerstina from the ponylines
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Marc Ganzi playing for Audi Polo Team at Boca Raton in 2007
ing fast my whole life; in fact polo is a bit slow compared to downhill racing (laughs). The polo started through my father, he had a team in the US, about 14 years… and I was actually terrified of horses!! Not many people know this about me, but I had a bad accident when I was 13 years old, I was injured when a horse put me down quite badly… Many years later my dad was playing, and he kept asking… “you should play polo, you should play polo!” And I said – no, dad that is not a game for me why would I ever want to play polo (laughs). Then I married Melissa, who has been a great rider her whole life; growing up she competed in three day events. Melissa convinced me to get on a horse again, so I tried to ride again after we were married, but I have to confess I didn’t enjoy it one bit. She then started polo with my dad, and they used to stick and ball together and ride sets together; they kept asking me – hey, Marc, come, come and play. So finally in 2001 I started to play in the arena with them… and well the rest is history!!
and now he´s taking lessons with Juan, who is a very good teacher. It´s clear you don´t push the kids, which is great, but if they decide to play somewhat professionally, will you and Melissa support them? Yes, sure, whatever they do, they will have the opportunity. My passion when I was growing up was skiing and my dad gave the opportunity to compete. So if their passion is polo, art, tennis, whatever it is, you should give the kids the opportunity to pursue their passions. Now let´s turn to your “baby”, which is Grand Champions Polo Club… how was it born? The way we think of Grand Champions is that it is an extension of our home. First of all the club is located in our backyard, so when you look out the back of our house, the view extends to the polo fields. We have been looking at the polo fields ever since we moved to Florida, some seven years ago as our house looked over the old Fields 6, 7 and 8. Palm Beach Polo really is no longer a functioning polo club, so when the opportunity came to buy the fields we asked Mr. Straub if he had an interest in selling them and we agreed and purchased the fields very quickly. But even before we owned the fields, the club was a simple idea to keep polo going in Wellington in the spring and fall and to play polo at a good level, maybe not in the highest level, but a good level, 12-18 goals. Everybody can participate, everyone can play and it´s good for the pros in the United States because they can stay home during
You and Melissa have two children, right? Yes, one boy Grant, who is 10 years old and a girl, Riley, who is 8. Do they play polo? Yes, they enjoy it, but we don´t push them. It´s their choice for them, they have it all there. Grant is enjoying it a little more than Riley, because he´s older and he´s a boy. They´re quite young and they have a lot of time to decide if they like polo. Grant occasionally rides with Gonzalito, 77
What are the plans for Grand Champions in the near future? Well, the newest winter tournaments are 20 goals to compliment IPC’s 20 goal season, we will have the USPA North American Cup and this is very exciting and a very prestigious trophy we share with Port Mayaca. We will have the second year of the Master Series played at the same 20 goal level, with the Silver Cup and the $25,000 Cup of the Palm Beaches … we have very good tournaments, and very good levels. We also decided to stop at the 20 goal level, we really don´t want to have 26 goals. We think 20 goals is a nice complement to John Goodman, because when his 20 goals season ends in February, our starts. John is our friend, he plays in Grand Champions, Melissa and I play at IPC and we are long standing members, it´s all about staying together in South Florida and making every club strong and successful. If people don´t stay together, polo won´t survive. We have to work together, include everybody and make the sport accessible.
Marc Ganzi playing in Aspen, Colorado in 2006
the Palm Beach spring and fall, and improve their horses and their polo without having to travel a long distance to play and compete. By this time, Grand Champions have gone through two really successful fall and spring seasons, with good teams and good level of polo. Yes, there are good players here in the US. I want to see our U.S. pros be as successful as possible, and I want see the younger U.S. kids move up their level of polo and keep improving. There are really good young American players here at our club, such as Diego Arellano, Tommy Collingwood, Cachi García Velez and Mathew Coppola. Tommy is 17, as well as Diego and Cachi is 18; all of them have great promise. They need an opportunity to play all year round, play on great fields, with good horses and with good pros. It is the only way to improve their polo. The reason the younger Argentine players are doing better is because they´re supported by their families, by their friends and they stay home and play great polo and play great horses. We have to figure out how to do that in the United States and find ways to have our young pros improving.
This year you played in England. Have you thought about bringing an Audi team to play the UK season? We played a charity match in England last year with Prince Harry, and we brought an Audi team. We had a lot of fun, we love England, and we have been invited many times to play there. In 2001 Melissa played in the medium goal season and had the opportunity to play a charity match in England with Prince Charles; that stands as a great memory for her today. Melissa is working to bring a US team to English Beach Polo next year as well, to keep up the connection with England. She is also giving horses to the English Team to play the Westchester Cup February 21st, 2009 here in the US. It is very exciting to revitalize this polo tradition. We will continue to do things in England, but taking the entire organization there is very difficult with our commitments to Santa Barbara each summer. How do you see the Argentine season? It´s fantastic. If you like polo played at the highest level, the best place to see polo is in Argentina, because of the passion, and the people… to see 30 thousand people watching a polo match here is incredible, it´s a thrill. You drive to Pilar, Tortugas, Hurlingham, and there´s polo of all levels. It´s a lifestyle, there´s polo for everybody…. the Gold Cup in Ellerstina or the Silver Cup, the Camara, and that is what makes polo great here in this country, something for everyone.
Grand Champions have also organized a tournament together with the Orthwein´s Port Mayaca Polo Club. How did that partnership come about? Melissa has been friends with Steve Orthwein Sr., as they are on the board of the US Polo Museum. When we started Grand Champions, they started Port Mayaca. And we believe all the clubs here in South Florida should work together, and if you work together, everybody stays together and all of the polo improves and gets better. The Orthweins believe in sharing the tournaments, they don´t worry about who owns the tournament, they focus on the important thing; which is to have good polo. We all want people to walk away saying, “ah, that was a good experience, that was a good tournament, I want to come back and play here again…” When people play in our club, all Melissa and I care about is that people say – “I had a fun time, I had a great experience and my polo improved.” This is important to us. You have to enjoy polo, if you don´t enjoy polo, well, take another hobby…
Many people say that Facundo Pieres is Adolfo Cambiaso´s heir. What do you think about it? Facundo is great, but they both are great, in fact, today (the Finals of the Open) we will see many great players. Up to now it has been Adolfito´s time and maybe in the future it will be Facundo´s time; time will tell. They are both fantastically gifted players, great guys, good sportsman and they are a national treasure to Argentina, as they represent their sport and their country with class and dignity. Both are very similar, but at the same time they´re very different and they have both managed success in their own ways. 78
Join the elite, become a member
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www.pololine.com
TECHNOLOGY - HORSE IMPROVEMENT
POE (ANTI-IMPACT PROTECTION FOR EQUINES) From the year 600 BC, when Mongol nomads began riding horses, to the present day there has been a significant evolution in the quality of horses, horsemanship and garments. The later mainly is used for protection purposes. As regards to sports in those days, horses’ bodies were entirely covered to offer complete protection. Such as in the case of the medieval crusades’ mock attacks (tournaments). Specifically regarding Polo, from its origin to the present day there has been an increasing interest in protecting horses from the dangers implied by the game itself. From horse shoeing and dressing used as protection (at
first it was only hoof dressing but later it included hind limbs as well) to the present day where horses wear hoof boots, gaiters, shin pads, neoprene ankle boots, etc. The lack of eye protection is highly surprising; something so important that if a horse’s eyes were totally or partially affected, it would be barred specifically in this sport (in the Rules of Polo, subsection 2.B reads: “No oneeyed horse (or blind in one eye) will be allowed to play”. During the game, players decide whether or not to protect their eyesight; unfortunately, horses are more vulnerable due to their position on
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the ground and the fact that they cannot distinguish knocks that may cause damage. In turn, it is worth adding that during a match, animals are exponentially exposed by their riders while trying to block a play or each time a penalty shot is given, since players are allowed to have their horses in front of the goal posts to prevent the ball from entering the in-goal area. Our equine eye protection is intended to prevent a mallet or ball, coming into contact with eyes by a based frame anchored on the bones which constitute the horse´s eye sockets, without obstructing its central or peripheral
FOXPRO is formed by a team of professionals with vast experience who are aware of sports horses’ current needs. We develop products for horses’ protection and performance, designed by specialized engineers and manufactured using top quality materials which combine elegance, innovation and durability. For further information visit our website: www.foxproline.com
peripheral field of vision in any way. The possibility of protection could spreads to other sports or disciplines in order to prevent eye injuries as well as side factors which may affect horses while being transported in/on trailers, trucks, airplanes, etc. During the game, it is very difficult to prevent fractures, arthritis, tendonitis and desmitis. But there is one thing that can be avoided by means of protection and that is eye injuries caused by traumatisms.
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Fashion
“An Architectural Winter with Basso & Brooke” “Bruno Basso (Brazilian) and Christopher Brooke (British)—display their exuberant love of colour and drama with theatrically exaggerated silhouettes with the Basso & Brooke A/W 08 collection. Drawing on the architecture of the urban cityscape to inform shape and print.
PHOTOGRAPH provides the main starting point for the prints this season. Views of well known landmarks seen from various perspectives are digitally manipulated to form abstract representations of urban scenarios. Fractured, kaleidoscopic imagery seen from surrounding vantage points, reminiscent of Zaha Hadid’s chaotic vision, is reflected in rippling water and mirrored skyscrapers evoking a sense of movement, dizzying height, and the fleeting passage of time. The modern angular constructions of Norman Foster morph into a classic Argyle motif and solid structures have in places been melted into organic, fluid imagery giving a nod to the sinuous curves
of Gaudi’s “Arts and Crafts” aesthetic or the high octane ‘shape shifters’ of Frank Gehry; creating a visual paradox which suggests, at once, permanence and transience. The Architectural theme is evident in the cut and construction of the garments in various ways. In places, influences have been translated directly; Gaudi’s organic structures inform the darting and cutting of sleeves and waists, the whipped peaks of Moscow’s Basilica are evident in the shoulders of dresses and shirts, and the topographic shapes of Gehry become synthetic looking flounces on dresses. Proportions have been manipulated also; strategically placed cuts and folds cre-
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ate stark angles causing fabric to stand away from the body at certain places and to nip in sharply at others. Horizontal bands are ‘stacked’ into smooth hourglass coats, evoking the harmonious volumes of Oscar Niemeyer or in layered skirts and dresses, creating a fractured or rippled ‘Op Art’ effect. Shapes are subject to further variation owing to experimentation with different weights and textures of fabrics. Wool cocoon shapes are repeated in less structured, billowing silks and softer padded shapes. Textured woven raffia is juxtaposed with patent leather, embossed velvet and boucle jersey. Heavy embroidery resembling aerial city plans is dotted with glinting Swarovski; and woven lurex jacquard and shiny polyamide provide a ‘twilight’ accent to compliment the muted dusk colour palette of intense midnight blues, burnt oranges, dark greens, black, silver and ivory. The eclectic style of American socialite Iris Apfel is a major inspiration and provides a human element within the steel, concrete and glass framework of the collection, as do hats by Stephen Jones, which are inspired by naturally occurring forms in nature. Beauty by L’Oreal Paris focuses in on the eyes with heavy, diffused outlining in varying shades of grey evoking an ‘Opera Rock’ mood.”
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BOOK REVIEW - DOG IN ART
OUR OLDEST FRIEND Roger Chatterton-Newman reviews Tamsin Pickeral’s lavish new book chronicling five thousand years of the dog in art.
LORD Byron’s Epitaph to a Dog of 1808 is well-known, but worth repeating: ‘Strength without insolence, Courage without ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices’. Certainly, the Dog – and the genus deserves a capital letter – is an animal that more than any other has attached itself to mankind in a way that often seems uncanny. This is a view enlarged
upon by Tamsin Pickeral, whose outstanding new book, The Dog; 5000 Years of the Dog in Art, is a worthy companion to her volume on the Horse, which appeared in 2006. Although horses have been the subject of art, in one form or another, for at least thirty thousand years, the Dog beats them hands – or perhaps paws – down in sheer variety of immortal
poses. Dogs, being of various sizes, can insinuate, or integrate, themselves into situations barred to a horse, as even a cursory glance at Miss Pickeral’s catholic choice of illustrations will prove. A horse at the Last Supper would seem out of place, but a dog appears as if by instinct. Among the early depictions of man’s oldest, and certainly best, friend can be
The Dog: 5000 Years of the Dog in Art by Tamsin Pickeral Merrell, hardback, £29.95 ISBN 13:978-1-8589-4420-3 The Dog Cover
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The Dog, page130, Mr & Mrs Hallett
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Left: The Dog, page 133, Sarah Bernhardt - Right: The Dog, page 116, The Arnolfini Marriage
seen a curly-tailed and pricked-eared creature preserved in Saharan rock paintings of around 6000BC. By the 5th century dogs were well-established in classical literature, most notably in the form of Argus, faithful hound in Homer’s Odyssey, and for centuries retained a magical, almost supernatural, element to their being. The ancient Egyptians sculptured them as minor deities; Romulus and Remus owed their lives to a wolf – common ancestor of all dogs – and Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol empire and, incidentally, a keen polo player, traced his ancestry to the symbolic union of a grey wolf and a white doe. Dogs appeared in medieval religious paintings and tapestries, and by the end of the 14th century were widespread in European homes, their popularity, as Pickeral emphasises, ‘set on a path from which it now would not stray’. It would be wrong to say that their place in art was taken for granted, more correct to say that art benefited from their presence; that they became an essential element of the medium. One of the finest examples shown by Pickeral is the inclusion of a tiny, sleeping lapdog in Titian’s Venus of Urbino, painted around 1538. Oblivious of its
mistress’s curvaceous charms, still less of her deified status, the little creature slumbers at the foot of the rumpled bed, adding a beautifully domestic touch to a master’s work. Pickeral points out that the Dog came into its own as a subject of portraiture, one of the best-known, perhaps, being its presence in van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Marriage. But, to me, one of the finest and most evocative works portrayed is van Dyck’s portrait of James Stuart, Duke of Lennox and Richmond. The young Duke stands in Garter robes, with his hand on the head of what is obviously his favourite greyhound – a dog that has always lent itself to classical poses and which here gazes lovingly at its master. The Ducal expression is equally clear: ‘love me, love my dog’. While the 17th and 18th centuries saw dog portraiture reach new heights – particularly with Desportes and Oudry fils in France, Gainsborough and Stubbs in England – the Victorian era ushered in a still-remembered sentimentality. This was to reach its apogee with Landseer, royal favourite whose paintings and engravings were to be found in homes, high and 86
humble, throughout the land. It was a sentimentality epitomised in his Attachment of 1829, recalling the tragic tale of artist Charles Gough, who fell to his death on Helvellyn Mountain twenty years earlier. His little terrier remained by his body until it was discovered, giving birth to a stillborn pup in the process. We progress through the anthropomorphism of the 20th century, with examples such as the gramophone advertisement, His Master’s Voice of 1910, to the more recent Pop art of Warhol. The work of a contemporary artist has also been chosen for the dust jacket – George Underwood’s Leon, a head and shoulder study of his German short-haired pointer. More than anything else it conveys the nobility and soulfulness of a dog. Pickeral points out how the use of the dog in a symbolic capacity ranges from ‘devotion to fidelity to the opposite end of the scale … to being representative of lust and carnal urges’. Perhaps so, but devotion and fidelity outweigh the other, as the author shows, and nobly so, in this veritable feast of canine art.
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WPT
2008 WPT Awards The World Polo Tour celebrated its sixth annual awards with two ceremonies in Buenos Aires
Polo players from many countries attended these auspicious occasions which were held at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires and La Casona de La Martina respectively. Alfio
Marchini received the amateur player 2008, as Cambiaso was awarded for the best professional player and Pablo Mac Donough won the new Grand Prix category of the ranking. With the
victory in Palermo, Ellerstina ended the year on top of the Master Series Ranking with 395 points, followed by La Aguada, winner of Hurlingham, with 300 points.
Above: the World Polo Tour prize giving at La Casona de La Martina - Below: Pablo MacDonough receiving the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch
Ranking
In 2008 there were four levels of the main ranking; Grand Slam, Championship Cup, WPT Cup and Challenge Cup. The Masters Series and Grand Prix Series are sub-levels that were added in 2008. The Snow Polo sub-level has existed since 2004. In order to determine the category of each tournament, several aspects are taken into consideration; the handicap of the tournament, the place, the organization, the amount of teams entered, the level of players participating and the amount of spectators attending the tournament final. The list of tournaments is reviewed every year in order to reflect the reality of the International Circuit. The Masters Series includes the three most important Open Championships in the world: the Triple Crown of the Argentine Open, the Hurlingham Open and the Tortugas Open in Argentina. This is the only section of the WPT rank-
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Adolfo Cambiaso jr
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Gonzalo Pieres jr Pablo MacDonough Eduardo Novillo Astrada Facundo Pieres David Stirling jr Mariano Aguerre Juan Martin Nero Lucas Monteverde jr Bartolome Castagnola
1747 1362 1311 1288 1185 1102 1075 1056 985 902
ings that gives points to a team as opposed to individual players. It is an annual ranking. The Grand Prix section is an annual individual player ranking system for both professionals and amateurs but only awards points to the tournament winners. The tournaments that qualify for WPT points are listed in the tournament ranking spreadsheet that accompanies this press release. Snow Polo also has its own space within WPT. Players participating in this category obtain extra points in three of the tournaments comprised within this category: the Cartier World Cup on Snow, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the most important and prestigious polo tournament played on snow, the Moscow Tournament (Russia) and Aspen Tournament (US). On the other hand, the Cartier World Polo Cup on Snow is the only tournament that adds points in both rankings, that is to say, the general and the snow category. 88
During 2008, the Masters and Grand Prix sections have been added.
• Snow Polo Tour has one addition for 2009, Courcheval. Points as follows for the winners: St Moritz 150 Cortina D’Ampezzo 100 Courchevel 100 Aspen 100
The Masters section includes only the Argentine Triple Crown tournaments. This is the only section of the WPT rankings that gives points to teams as opposed to individual players. It is an annual ranking (January through December). Each January, teams start with zero points and their total at the end of December is compared, the team with the most points being the winner. The Grand Prix section is an annual individual player ranking system for both professional and amateur players but only awards points to tournament winners.
WPT CHANGES FOR 2009
• The Masters Series (points to the teams) will include the following tournaments, because the teams usually stay the same for them: USA UK CV Whitney Cup, The Queen’s Cup, USPA Gold Cup, The Gold Cup. US Open.
Javier Herrera (WPT) and Adolfo Cambiaso jr
HOW WAS THE WPT 2008 MONTHLY WINNER CHOSEN?
• The Grand Slam category will include Sotogrande’s Gold Cup (which has moved up from the WPT Cup category). This is due to the improvements to the grounds and facilities at Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande. The points awarded to the players have thus increased from 90 to 120 for the winners.
2008 Awards January 2008 John Paul Clarkin winner St Moritz Snow Polo
February 2008 Nicolas Roldan winner Palm Beach 20 goal tournaments
• The WPT Championship Cup is the new name for what in 2008 was called the Polo Masters. The name has been changed in order to prevent confusion with the new Masters Series section. The Sotogrande Silver Cup now moves up to this section. The CV Whitney and Prince of Wales tournaments will now move to the WPT Cup section.
March 2008 Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr winner USPA Gold Cup
April 2008 Adolfo Cambiaso Jr winner US Open
May 2008
• The WPT Cup changes are as follows: Camara de Diputados now gets 100 points (up from 90 points in 2008). CV Whitney now gets 70 points (down from 100 because of category change). Prince of Wales gets 60 points (no change to points but change of category).
Marcos Heguy semi-finalist Queen’s Cup
June 2008 Ahmad Aboughazale finalist Queen’s Cup
July 2008 David Stirling Jr winner Gold Cup
• The WPT Challenge Cup changes are as follows: Royal Windsor Cup now gets 60 points (up from 50 points) Deauville Silver Cup returns after a two year absence and gets 40 points. French Open now gets 40 points (down from 50 points). America Cup returns after two years and gets 40 points. Scapa Trophy returns after two years and gets 40 points.
August 2008 Pablo MacDonough winner Sotogrande Triple Crown
September 2008 Ignacio Toccalino winner Open qualifying tournament
October 2008 2008 Awards Professional Player of the year Adolfo Cambiaso jr Amateur Player of the year Alfio Marchini Winner Grand Prix 2008 Pablo MacDonough
Facundo Pieres winner Tortugas Open
November 2008 Agustin Merlos Argentine Open semi-finalist & top scorer
December 2008 Juan Martin Nero winner Argentine Open
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WPT AWARDS 2008 2 W O R L D P O L O TO U R
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1. Eduardo Novillo Astrada jr receiving his prize from Sebastian Amaya (WPT). 2. Ignacio Toccalino with his prize. | 3. Sebastian Amaya, Javier Herrera, John Goodman and Melisa Ganzi. | 4. Alfio Marchini, Best Amateur Player of the year. | 5. George Rawlings and Charlie Stisted . | 6. Presenter Iain ForbesCockell and Becky Simpson.
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7. Ignacio Toccalino and Federico Levy. | 8. Javier Herrera and Lando Simonetti. | 9. Patrick Boutellier, Claire Milford Haven and Eduardo Novillo Astrada. | 10. Alice Gipps and friends. |11. Luis Garrahan, Lando Simonetti and his wife, Pachi. | 12. John Goodman and Alfio Marchini.
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Fr
WPT AWARDS 2008 uhel a anck J
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UK SEASON - RUNDLE CUP
SENIOR SERVICE TRIUMPH The Royal Navy captured the historic Rundle Cup at Tidworth Polo Club but the Army did not surrender the trophy easily
The Band of the Royal Marines
ENCOURAGED by Prince George of Wales, later King George V, the Rundle Cup was initiated in Malta in 1910 and was named in honour of the island’s retiring Governor, Sir Leslie Rundle. The Royal Navy won 3-2. Almost a century on, the Rundle Cup, now sponsored by Hackett, is still played every year between the Army and the Royal Navy and is certainly one of the most historic trophies in the western polo world. The last game in Malta took place in 1966; the victorious Army brought the cup to England and it found a new permanent home at Tidworth Polo Club, on the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire. Founded as Salisbury Plain Polo Club in 1907, Tidworth has been the home of Services polo ever since, although today there is a large civilian membership and
the club is one of the largest in Europe. The encounter for the Rundle Cup takes place each summer in front of historic Tedworth House – the difference in spelling is quintessentially English – on the immaculate Fisher Ground, laid out between 1923 and 1925 on the orders of the commandant, General Sir Bertie Fisher. In recent seasons honours have been more or less even between the Army and Navy, although the Army won in 2006 and again last year and were hoping for a hat-trick this time round. The Navy were just as determined to adjust the balance of power and, as they received two and a half goals on handicap, the outcome of the four-chukka match appeared settled. As the great Duke of Wellington said of the Battle of Waterloo, it was 94
to develop into ‘a close-run thing’. Initially, though, the Navy dominated play, Commodore Richard Mason, a veteran player, scoring the first field goal, followed by Commander Adrian Aplin, who made what must have been the run of his life to goal in the dying seconds of the first chukka. The Navy were ahead by a resounding 4½-0. Lieutenant Matthew Blakiston, Light Dragoons, tried hard to open the Army account in the second chukka but his ball went wide. Commander Arnie Lustman added another goal to the Naval side of the scoreboard but then, as half time loomed, Lt Colonel Michael O’Dwyer upheld the polo traditions of the Irish Guards and scored the first military goal. Just before the bell, however, a pony
The Rundle Cup Teams Royal Navy
-1
BFF
5
Cdre Richard Mason Cdr Adrian Aplin Cdr Arnie Lustman Lt Cdr Allan Wilson
0 0 0 -1
Pedro Lopez-Valido The Hon Tristan Phillimore Ben Vestey Major Mark Cann
1 1 3 0
Army
3
CSPA
4
Lt Matthew Blakiston LD Capt Philip Kaye KRH Capt Quentin Hicks KRH Lt Col Michael O´Dwyer IG
0 1 1 1
Sqn Ldr Martin Adcock RAF Major Rupert Lewis RHG/D Major Tom Moon LD Col Justin Stanhope-White, late RLC
0 1 2 1
helped through another ball in favour of the Navy. The score stood at 6½-1. The penultimate chukka saw O’Dwyer add a second Army goal but it was in the fourth and final chukka that the apparent underdogs suddenly got into the game. It was to be too late
but was a magnificent effort. Captain Quentin Hicks and Captain Philip Kaye, both of the King’s Royal Hussars, scored a total of three goals and it was only lack of time and no chance of an extra chukka that saw the comeback fail. Ben Vestey
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The sun may have shone suddenly on the Army, after a period of torrential rain, but the Royal Navy captured the Rundle Cup, 6½-5. Commodore Richard Mason was named Most Valuable Player, and received the Heinz Dorler Memorial Cup. Best Playing Pony was his Montreaux, played in the third chukka, who was awarded the Berenberg Bank blanket. The Hackett Saddle, awarded annually to someone who has made a significant contribution to Services polo, went to Commander Adrian Aplin, Chairman of Royal Naval Polo. All in all, it was a good day for the Senior Service, and of course one must not forget that a member of the winning team for the inaugural Rundle Cup in 1910 was the future Admiral the Hon Barry Bingham VC, the first – and possibly only – Naval polo player to win the Victoria Cross. A presentation was also made to Peter and Wayne Dodsworth, the team Above: Cdr Arnie Lustman - Below: Major Rupert Lewis RHG/D
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Above: The Royal Navy Team - Below: Sqn Ldr Martin Adcock RAF
of father and son who maintain the Fisher and other grounds at Tidworth in superb condition. Earlier in the afternoon, the Combined Services Polo Association (CSPA) and the British Forces Foundation (BFF) had played for the Indian Cavalry Polo Trophy, another much-coveted prize at Tidworth. It was originally the property of the late Maharajah of Cooch Behar, a good player in his day, and had been presented to him to mark his silver jubilee on the ancestral gadi. The CSPA received half a goal in advance while the BFF certainly appeared to have a secret weapon in the shape of Ben Vestey, member of one of England’s most celebrated polo dynasties and wellknown as a demon player. Vestey certainly exhibited pure artistry during the game which, at treading-in time, saw the BFF ahead, 6-2½. The CSPA tried desperately to get into the game but without great success. Squadron Leader Martin Adcock, Station Commander of RAF Odiham, took a pass from Major Tom Moon, Light Dragoons, to give the CSPA a fourth and final goal in the last chukka, the BFF running out the winners, 9-4½.
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ARGENTINE SEASON - TORTUGAS OPEN 2008
The Beginning of the Triple Crown That high-speed celebration, and Adolfo Cambiaso and Diego Maradona’s endless hug, as well as the excellent level of polo enjoyed at the Argentine Polo Open final, made everybody happy on field one at Palermo. Some wondered how long they would have to wait in order to watch the best polo of all once again in Argentina.
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That high-speed celebration, and Adolfo Cambiaso and Diego Maradona’s endless hug, as well as the excellent level of polo enjoyed at the Argentine Polo Open final, made everybody happy on field one at Palermo. Some wondered how long they would have to wait in order to watch the best polo of all once again in Argentina. And, after several months, nine to be more exact, following the world cup calendar, the participating players arrived in Argentina and got their strings of horses in shape to face the Triple Crown 2008. As always, the Tortugas Open is the first tournament, which has the privilege of being the competition with the highest handicap level worldwide because six of the best teams take part in the Argentine season, whilst another six teams play the qualifying tournament to earn their way into the Hurlingham and Palermo Open Tournaments. The game played by Ellerstina and Pilará marked the commencement of a new Triple Crown Tournament. There,
the team formed by the Pieres brothers and Pablo Mac Donough presented their line-up with Juan Martín Nero, and on the opposite side we had Pilará, a completely new team just like Black Watch Polo Team, and nobody knew how they would get on during the rest of the season. With victories achieved by Ellerstina and La Dolfina in the first matches played by each group, La Aguada and Pilará were the teams that showed a good level and won the following games and, thus, polo lovers began gradually realizing what were the strengths and weaknesses of each line-up. Since only six teams played the Tortugas Open, there were two zones made up of three teams each in which those who come first in each zone are the ones qualified to play the most important match. Therefore, on the third game day, each group takes part in some sort of a semi-final, and at that instance Ellerstina played against Indios Chapaleufú II within Zone A and La Dolfina met La Aguada for Zone B.
Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Juan Martin Nero
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Seeking the Final
The first game was quite even at the start but Ellerstina dominated the final result. The great mobility of the Pieres brothers allowed the black team to take a considerable lead over the following chukkas, and by the time they reached the 5th period they were already winning 10-5. However, Indios Chapaleufú II were able to generate the necessary moves in order to get closer on the scoreboard towards the end of the match, but by then Ellerstina had already taken a significant lead and ended up winning 12-9. The match between La Dolfina and La Aguada was striking owing to the team’s tendency towards an offensive game which, in spite of not developing a dynamic match, caused the temperature of the game to rise resulting in friction among players. There, La Dolfina, featuring an inspired Cambiaso who, as always, proved to be forceful when the time came to score and allowed his team to take a 6-2 lead towards the end of the third chukka.
Above: Gonzalo Pieres jr - Below: Juan Martin Nero and Santiago Chavanne
However, La Aguada knew they could not allow the team from Caùuelas to continue getting ahead on the scoreboard and so they began to reduce the difference progressively. Thus, they were more and more even towards the last periods in which La Aguada managed to tie the game at 10-10 and once they reached the last chukka and the seven minutes were up, the scoreboard indicated a tie at 10-10. And so, when the final bell rang, another thirty seconds were added on before the break prior to the extra chukka. And this was when Javier Novillo Astrada was alert and saw his brother Ignacio, the team’s back, who ran behind all of them and went unnoticed, and he was the one who defined the match allowing his team to make it through to the final when exactly seven and a half minutes had already gone by. In a match where La Aguada won 1110, there were good goals, fast runs and even some interesting friction but, above all, there was passion in each play. Thus, the final was already made up for the following week when Ellerstina, the winner of Zone A would be meet101
Ellerstina with the fisrt trophy of the Triple Crown
ing La Aguada, the best of Zone B. Right up until that moment, everything seemed to be ideal at the Tortugas Country Club. There were only a few details regarding organizational mistakes but nothing came of them, allowing the Tortugas Open to be perfect. But the problem and the final were about to begin.
The Aguada Final
Field number seven was filled with spectators who had been standing in queues for over 45 minutes to be able to park their cars. They were all seated to watch the first great Triple Crown final and when the band was playing in the centre of the field and the players were already on their horses prepared to play the game, the sky just couldn’t take it any more and a torrential rain, with even a few minutes of hailstones, invaded Tortugas and the match was automatically suspended. With the possibility of playing the final on the following Wednesday, once again the rain ruined the calendar. But finally, exactly a week after that first in-
terruption, Ellerstina and La Aguada were able to play the match. The Novillo Astradas’ team had a better start, in a very good first chukka and La Aguada took a 3-0 lead, which turned into a 4-2 lead by the end of the second period. But as from the third chukker, Ellerstina with Pablo MacDonough back on the team after stopping for a while as he had injured his right shoulder, made up a 2-goal difference, and the third chukka ended in a 5-5 tie. This result was sealed six and a half minutes into the third chukka with a tremendous goal scored by Juan Martín Nero. After tying the game once again in the fourth chukker (6-6), Ellerstina began to define situations in their favour as from the fifth period, when, for the first time they managed to take a 7-6 lead at the beginning of that chukka, which the team from General Rodríguez ended up winning 9-6. With another four goals, Ellerstina stretched the difference and took a 12-6 lead against a La Aguada team who seemed to have lost their way. 102
Two chukkas went by with no goals scored by the Novillo Astrada brothers, in which Ellerstina crushed them 7-0 counting both periods. La Aguada began to reduce the difference in the seventh and last chukka, but in spite of their three goals scored by Javier and Miguel Novillo Astrada, the result had already been clearly defined. Ellerstina was clear and overwhelming during the second half of the match, and this allowed them to achieve a 13-9 victory and win the Tortugas Open title once again. A more than encouraging beginning, with sights set on the great objective of the boys in black, that is, to also win the Hurlingham and Palermo Open Tournaments. AACCP (Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association) Prize In Ellerstina’s victory against La Aguada, Power Confu Caracol, a mare played by Pablo Mac Donough was outstanding and received the prize to the best specimen registered at the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association. Furthermore, a donation was made
in recognition for services render by Remount and Veterinary because, for many years, they have collaborated in breeding polo ponies and, therefore, Lafuente Hermanos and the AACCP donated a stallion named Power Mariacho. Specimen’s Index Card POWER CONFU CARACOL Father: Ytacua Caracol Paternal Grandfather: Indulto Mother: Power Confusión Maternal Grandfather: Pimentón Owner: La Irenita Breeder: Lafuente Hermanos
(The Lafuente Brothers) Hair: Z A few words about this specimen by Pablo Mac Donough “Its name is “La Confusion” (The Confusion). It was bred by Lafuente Hermanos and it is a new mare. And today, it did very well, and I believe that this horse can be even better than it is. I will continue to use this horse during the Argentine season.” Above: Juan Martin Nero - Below: Marcos Heguy
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Tortugas Open 2008 League 1
Ellerstina
39
Facundo Pieres Pablo MacDonough Gonzalo Pieres Jr Juan Martin Nero
10 10 10 9
Indios Chapaleufu II
37
Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Juan Ignacio Merlos Eduardo Heguy
9 10 9 9
Pilara
37
Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Marcos Heguy
10 8 9 10
League 2
La Dolfina
40
Adolfo Cambiaso jr Lucas Monteverde jr Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola
10 10 10 10
La Aguada
37
Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
9 9 10 9
Black Watch
34
Bautista Heguy Ignacio Figueras Matias MacDonough Francisco de Narvaez Jr
10 6 9 9
2008 Champion: Ellerstina MVP: Facundo Pieres (Ellerstina) BPP: Power Confu Caracol (played by Pablo MacDonough)
Tortugas Open 2008 Place: Tortuguitas, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Tortugas Country Club Date: September 23 - October18, 2008 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: WPT Category Ranking: Masters Series Winner Points: 100 Finalist Points: 50
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ARGENTINE SEASON - 115th Hurlingham Open
La Aguada celebrate their win at Hurlingham Club The Novillo Astrada brothers’ team celebrated again at a Triple Crown Tournament, which is something they had not done since 2004.
As the season moves on, twelve teams have proved that the best polo of all is enjoyed during the Argentine High Goal Season. This occurred during the 115th Hurlingham Open, the oldest tournament in the world with an organisation in keeping with the tournament’s history. The first teams corresponding to Zone A and Zone B, that is La Aguada and Pilará, met at the tournament final. But, in order to reach this position, they first played the qualifying matches which were the key to the final stage. After a change in the fixture owing to a rain delayed Tortugas Open final, Hurlingham Club was forced to postpone the commencement of the tournament. Spectators were eager to watch the same teams that had played at Palermo, and on the first day were already able to enjoy good matches as La Dol-
fina made their 40-goal debut and beat Trenque Lauquen. Pilará did likewise against Black Watch Polo Team. Due to this change to the calendar, Hurlingham began with the games corresponding to Zone B. The day after these matches, came the debut of the previous year’s champion, Ellerstina, who beat El Paraíso, and so did La Aguada against Indios Chapaleufú II. Thus, the first match days were over. A week later, Pilará and La Dolfina achieved victory once again at Hurlingham. The former played against Trenque Lauquen and the Cañuelas team against Black Watch and, as a result, some sort of a semi-final was already made up within Zone B, since despite being the closing game of the group, neither the points obtained nor the goals scored counted because, as both teams had won their matches, when the time came for them
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to meet, the winning team would become the finalist. The same thing happened in Zone A, where Ellerstina defeated Indios Chapaleufú II and La Aguada beat El Paraíso and, therefore, both winners would meet a week later to play the other Hurlingham Open “semi-final”. Finally, the day came when all eyes were on the club’s main field where Ellerstina and La Aguada played the first match. These teams had already met at the Tortugas final when Ellerstina became champions. The game started and after a goalless first chukka, Ellerstina began to enjoy a goal difference in the third period and took a 4-2 lead. However, the Novillo Astrada brothers made sure they remained close to their rivals on the scoreboard, and although they were losing 11-10 by the time they reached the last chukka,
Santiago Chavanne and Miguel Novillo Astrada
they knew that turning the result around was possible. Everything was about to change at Hurlingham in those last seven minutes because after they tied the match, Javier Novillo Astrada placed his team ahead on the scoreboard and finally, playing at back, his brother Ignacio stretched their lead after hitting a 60-yard penalty shot. La Aguada won the game 13-11 and were already wondering which team would be their next rival. The best teams corresponding to Zone B met twenty-four hours later at the same scene. After an entertaining start, in which La Dolfina played better than their opponents from the beginning, they were able to take a 5-3 lead by the second chukka. Pilará played very well and managed to tie the end of the fifth chukka at 9-9 and both line-ups were even during the following periods of the match. But, once again, Adolfo Cambiaso marked a score difference in favour of his team, who were winning 1412 by the seventh-chukka break. Then came Pilará and La Dolfina’s
goals, and although the public were already watching one of the best games of the season, the match ended in a 15-15 tie and, therefore, it was time for an extra chukka. The first to score would win the match, and after a foul, it was Agustin Merlos who hit a 30-yarder and did not miss this penalty shot; thus, his team made it through to the Hurlingham Open Final 2008 after beating La Dolfina 16-15.
Seeking the Hurlingham Cup
The day dawned cloudy and nobody knew whether the game would be played or not. But the rain never came and into the bargain the sun accompanied us throughout the event. And at 5 p.m. La Aguada and Pilará were ready to begin the tournament final. During the first few minutes neither team was clearly dominating the match, and so the first chukka ended in a 1-1 tie. In the second period, a goal scored by Nacho Novillo Astrada allowed La Aguada to take a 2-1 lead, but Pilará’s 108
Santiago Chavanne, their number 2, tied the game once again, in a chukka which the Novillo Astradas would end up winning 5-3. The next steps of the match were seen as a constant coming and going, with La Aguada always ahead on the scoreboard, against Pilará who did everything they could to get closer, basically through their forward, Agustín Merlos, who would end up being the goal-scorer of the game having scored 12 goals and who proved to be very effective when the time came to hit penalty shots. Pilará began their recovery in the seventh chukka because after a goal scored by Miguel Novillo Astrada and reaching an 11-9 score, Agustín Merlos converted two consecutive 40-yard penalty shots which meant an 11-11 tie. They evened up the score as well as the game, and it all became even more appealing to the spectators. Nacho Novillo Astrada, La Aguada’s back, scored another 40-yard penalty shot allowing La Aguada to take a 12-11 lead and, finally, it was Agustín Merlos
who yet again scored a goal, and so, they moved on to the last chukka having tied the match at 12-12. Parity continued and time drew on. The eighth and last chukka began with a 60-yard penalty shot converted by Javier Novillo Astrada allowing his team to take a 13-12 lead but, once again, Pilará’s number 1, Agustín Merlos secured a 13-13 tie. The blue team knew they had to keep close tabs on their rivals. Soon came Eduardo Novillo Astrada’s response, yet again allowing La Aguada to take a 1-goal lead, and when there was exactly one minute and a half remaining in regulation time, Marcos Heguy failed to score a goal that would have tied the game. However, only seconds later, teammate Agustín Merlos achieved his aim after hitting a 60-yarder, and thus, besides reaching parity he proved his utmost effectiveness in converting 11 penalty shots. The game was tied at 14-14 and the bell rang announcing the end of regulation time, and so they entered the overtime period: the extra chukka. The clock began to tick. The ball was already rolling on the ground and there was a foul against La Aguada, and it was Nacho Novillo Astrada who was given the
possibility of making his team triumph. He took a run-up, hit the ball hard but it failed to rise as high as necessary. Then, Javier Novillo Astrada appeared and a foul was committed against him, and this is why the referees decided to give La Aguada an on-the-spot penalty shot and this time, 84 seconds into the extra chukker, Javier Novillo Astrada, barely touched the ball and the long-awaited golden goal finally came. La Aguada won 15-14 in a vibrant final played during a Hurlingham afternoon. Once the game was over, the image of the pony lines was clearly different. On one side, the joy of all the spectators who approached their team with flags to greet the champions. There, sitting in his chair, Javier Novillo Astrada was glad they had achieved their objective, but not that glad regarding the team’s playing level. “The good thing is that we won the Hurlingham Tournament which is one of the most important in the world. However, I consider it was a bad match, and for that reason I am not that happy. I believe we should have wrapped up the match sooner, but we experienced lapses in concentration at times, which is something we must avoid at Palermo. In
any case, winning always gives you more confidence, but I think we need to adjust a few things”. Back at their pony lines, Pilará were not able to celebrate. But, all the same, owing to the team’s performance, despite this being their first season, they are already thinking about Palermo as Agustín Merlos expressed: “It bugs me because we lost, and this was a game we could have won. I think we played very well, and they played at a high level. Palermo is coming soon and we are taking it one step at a time. We want to continue to improve in order to be just right. Points are added up for every game and the team’s overall results are positive”. Once they were on the podium, the teams received their prizes and La Aguada were surprised to be presented with a winner’s jacket for each player, just like those presented at the Augusta Golf Tournament. As from this edition, the Hurlingham Open has incorporated presenting a winner’s jacket as part of their tradition. Some horses also received prizes such as Califa and Gete Tacaña, two specimens belonging to Miguel Novillo Astrada, who was full of joy after obtaining this Mariano Aguerre and Sebastian Merlos
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Hurlingham Open 2008 Ellerstina
39
La Dolfina
40
Facundo Pieres Pablo MacDonough Gonzalo Pieres Jr Juan Martin Nero
10 10 10 9
Adolfo Cambiaso jr Lucas Monteverde jr Mariano Aguerre Bartolome Castagnola
10 10 10 10
La Aguada
37
Pilara
37
Javier Novillo Astrada Eduardo Novillo Astrada Miguel Novillo Astrada Ignacio Novillo Astrada
9 9 10 9
Agustin Merlos Santiago Chavanne Sebastian Merlos Marcos Heguy
10 8 9 10
Indios Chapaleufu II
37
Black Watch
34
Alberto Heguy Jr Ignacio Heguy Juan Ignacio Merlos Eduardo Heguy
9 10 9 9
Bautista Heguy Ignacio Figueras Matias MacDonough Francisco de Narvaez Jr
10 6 9 9
El Paraiso
29
Trenque Lauquen
30
League 2
League 1
recognition. “It is very nice having your horses win these prizes. I brought Califa from England though it is an Argentine horse, I brought it from there and I have been using this horse since 2003, and it is a polo breed. Gete Tacaña is a mare that has been playing since 2004, so having her win this prize brings joy to the Tanoiras, who are the breeders, and it also brings me joy. Both horses will be playing several chukkas at Palermo”. Thus, a new edition of the Hurlingham Open has concluded, and everything turned out very well as regards both organisation and the level of polo we enjoyed. Fine fields, details, punctuality served as the setting for this tournament to be played by the same teams that will take part in the Argentine Polo Open. The champions were presented with their jackets as well as the cup, which they will keep for a year until the 116th Hurlingham Open, the oldest tournament in the world.
Julio Novillo Astrada Ignacio Toccalino
8 7
Hilario Ulloa Agustina Garcia Grossi
7 7
Guillermo Willington Alejandro Novillo Astrada
7 7
Pablo Jauretche Jaime Garcia Huidobro
8 8
Adolfo Cambiaso and Santiago Chavanne, “ex team-mates”
Hurlingham Open 2008 Place: Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Hurlingham Club Date: October 19 - November 7, 2008 Level: 40 hcp Tournament type: Open Tournament Director: WPT Category Ranking: Masters Series Winner Points: 150 Finalist Points: 75 Rest of the teams: 35 2008 Champion: La Aguada Arelauquen MVP: Ignacio Novillo Astrada (La Aguada Arelauquen) BPP: Califa & Gete Tacaña (Miguel Novillo Astrada)
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Eduardo Novillo Astrada jr and Agustin Merlos
115th Hurlingham Open Statistics During the Hurlingham Open, 8 teams between 29 and 40 goals took part in the tournament. Twelve games were played and two ended in an extra chukka which resulted in a total of 98 chukkas, and high goal polo was played for slightly over 700 minutes. If we add up all the results of the fixture corresponding to those 13 matches we will reach a total of 330 goals, which means that an average of 25.3 goals were scored per game during the tournament. These statistics allow us to calculate that 3.11 goals were scored per chukka played at Hurlingham over a total of 106. Throughout the tournament, the qualifying matches corresponding to Zones A and B were played on different fields: the main field, number two, which has been named after Gonzalo Tanoira and field number four. During those 12 games, 301 goals were scored reaching an average of 25.8 goals per match. There, the best goal-scoring average was achieved by Pilará because they scored 54 goals and maintained an average of 18 goals per match. Four teams came second on the average score chart: La Aguada, La Dolfina, Ellerstina and Indios Chapaleufú II. Each of these line-ups scored 45 goals
over three games at a rate of 15 goals per qualifying match played. Black Watch Polo Team achieved an average of 13 goals per game, Trenque Lauquen scored 10 per match and lastly, El Paraíso, the team holding the lowest handicap, scored a total of 27 goals and their average was 9 goals per match. All these results were shown at the sponsors’ patio for the 115th Hurlingham Open presented by Citibank where, on the one hand, there was the match with the highest number of goals played on Sunday, October 19th, corresponding to Zone B, and Pilará defeated Black Watch 19-16 with a total of 35 goals. Spectators at this game were able to enjoy an average of 4.3 goals per chukka played. On the other hand, Black Watch also played the match with the lowest number of goals, because only 22 were scored in their 12-10 victory against Trenque Lauquen.
Final Tournament Statistics The 115th Hurlingham Open has come to an end and La Aguada beat Pilará 15-14 in a match defined in an extra chukka with a goal scored by Javier Novillo Astrada. Both teams showed the level of polo played during the Argentine High Goal Season in a dynamic game. The winning team dominated the scoreboard in spite of the fact that Pilará proved they have the necessary pace and level to play any tournament. That last goal scored by Javier Novillo Astrada which established his team as the champions of the oldest tournament in the world was goal number 330 in this competition and, therefore, the Hurlingham Open achieved an average of 25.3 goals per match.
The Last Hurlingham Open Champions 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
- La Aguada - Ellerstina - La Dolfina - Ellerstina - Indios Chapaleufú - La Aguada
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2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
-
La Dolfina La Dolfina La Dolfina Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú
ARGENTINE SEASON - HANDICAP CHANGE
Argentine Polo Association Handicap changes - December 2008 Polo sees an historic event, after the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Argentine Polo Association, held today. The world will have two 40-goals tournament for the first time, as Ellerstina´s back, Juan Martín Nero, has become a ten-goaler. This way, his team, the recent champions of the Argentine Open in Palermo, have reached the perfect handicap. Among the most important raises areJuan Agustín Garcia Grossi, David Stirlingh Jr, Ignacio Toccalino and
Hilario Ulloa, all of them from 7 to 8. Meanwhile, Facundo Castagnola, Manuel A. Crespo, Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario, Nicolás and Pablo Pieres, Guillermo Terrera (h), Santiago Toccalino, Mark Tomlinson y Juan Martín Zavaleta (h), went all from 6 to 7; and Agustín Canale, Santiago Cernadas, Juan Pedro Chavanne, Ignatius Du Plessis, Martín Espaín, Gonzalo García del Río, Luis María Gotelli (h), Julio Gracida, Tom Morley, Santiago Schweitzer, Santiago Tanoira, Gastón Ur-
turi and Clemente Zavaleta (n), were all raised from 5 to 6. Meanwhile, the most important lows were cousins Bautista and Ignacio Heguy, both from 10 to 9; and also Alberto Heguy Jr. and Matias MacDonough, from 9 to 8. Ellerstina becomes the fifth team in history to reach 40 goals, just like Coronel Suárez (1974), La Espadaña (1988), Indios Chapaleufú I (1992) and La Dolfina (2007), did before.
Highs Name
Prev New Hcp
Nero, Juan Martin
9
10
Garcia Grossi Juan Agustin Stirling David (H) Toccalino Ignacio Ulloa Hilario
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
Castagnola, Facundo Crespo, Manuel Alberto Martinez Ferrario, Ezequiel Pieres, Nicolas Pieres, Pablo Terrera, Guillermo Alfredo (H) Toccalino, Santiago Tomlinson, Mark Zavaleta, Juan Martin (H)
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Canale, Agustin Cernadas, Santiago Chavanne, Juan Pedro Du Plessis, Ignus Michael Espain, Martin Garcia Del Rio, Gonzalo Gotelli, Luis Maria (H) Gracida, Julio Morley, Thomas O Schweitzer, Santiago Tanoira, Santiago Urturi, Gaston Zavaleta, Clemente Raul (N)
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Rodriguez, Willem
4
6
Aguerre, Martin (H) Ali Hyder, Hissam Caset, Valentin
4 4 4
5 5 5
Name
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Prev New Hcp
Cieza, Patricio Colombres, Raul Corti Maderna, Nicolas Deltour, Gonzalo Harriet, Juan Carlos Kalil, José Eduardo Laprida, Ignacio Monsegou, Jorge Monteverde, Juan Negri, Ignacio Rodrigues, Leandro Saenz De Vicuña, Pascual Von Wernick, Santiago Zacharias, Pedro Enrique
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Dub, John Peter Duncan Hanbury, Charlie
3 3
4 4
Gallego, Diogo Gallego, Tiago (H)
2 2
3 3
Hanbury, George Larsonneur, Patrick Schear, Walter Tunku, Ismail Ibrahim Villarreal, Roberto
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2
Garvy, Beh
0
2
Barrack, Tj Carreira Candia, Roberto Doyle, Shawn Masterson, Larry Oberschnaider, Paul Tunku, Abdul Arman
0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1
Lows Name
Prev New Hcp
Heguy Bautista Heguy Ignacio
10 10
9 9
Heguy Alberto (H) Mac Donough Matias
9 9
8 8
Araya Benjamin Baillieu Jack Brane Juan Jose Trotz Ernesto
8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7
Brett Henry Goti Erasmo (H)
7 7
6 6
Name
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Prev New Hcp
Lalor Tomas Mannix Frederick (H) Rivas Jose H Sola Ruben
7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6
Anca Santos Ramon Bargallo Gines Courreges, Francisco Pando Carlos (H) Trotz Santiago Zavaleta Julio
6 6 6 6 6 6
5 5 5 5 5 5
INTERVIEW - EDUARDO NOVILLO ASTRADA JR
An Englishman in Open Door Lucio Novillo Astrada is a lovely two-year old boy, with black hair and blue eyes. He wants to get all the attention, and his careful father, who is nothing less than British born Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr, is devoted to him, as well as to his two other sons, the terrible twins Justo and Cruz, who are just coming and going to see what daddy´s doing, both with mallets in hands. It´s a very hot afternoon at the Novillo Astrada´s farm, La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina, where the finals of the V Julio Novillo Astrada International Cup are being played. It´s the club´s main tournament, a tribute to Mr. Julio Novillo Astrada, Eduardo´s much loved grandfather, and the man who founded La Aguada, in 1959. Eduardo looks cool and relaxed, despite the fact that he has missed most of the Argentine Open, due to an injury. With his team, La Aguada, he had a very good start of the 2008 Argentine season. They played the Tortugas Open final and then won the Hurlingham Open. They arrived at Palermo in their best shape ever, but the unexpected happened. In
the team´s debut match against Black Watch, Eduardo had to leave the field in the first chukka due to a pulled riding muscle. In the same match, his brother Javier also had to leave due to an injury to his shoulder. Consequently, both Eduardo and Javier missed the Open and their club´s tournament. But not everything is bad news for Eduardo. Being an Englishman, he will be playing for England in the much awaited re-instatement of the Westchester Cup. A bit of history says that the Westchester Cup were those legendary matches between England and the United States at the beginning of the 20th Century, when both countries dominated the world polo scene. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the US first victory, the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame is organizing and match between England and United States, which is due to be played on February 21, 2009 at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Eduardo wraps Lucio warmly and talks to PQ about being and Englishman living in Argentina.
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So, it´s true you were born in London? Yes, I was born in London, because my parents were living there. My father finished his University degree and he went to live in London for two years, where he worked and did a Masters. They´d been living in London for a year before I was born, because my father had a degree and wanted to live and work there. When I was born, I lived there for a year and a half. Then I came to Argentina, but I´ve never been an Argentine, I´m an English resident in Argentina. When I was asked to play for Argentina for the America´s Cup, some years ago, I had to make all the papers to become an Argentine, but as it didn´t work, I´ve never done the papers. My kids also have English passports.
Eduardo Novillo Astrada jr Handicap: 9 (UK, US, Argentina) Birth: November 7th, 1972 Age: 36 Birthplace: London Residence: San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2008 Highlights: Tortugas Open finalist, Hurlingham Open, US Open finalist, CV Whitney Cup finalist, USPA Gold Cup
How did the chance to play the Westchester Cup come about? I’ve talked to Luke Tomlinson and Andrew Hine, and yes, I will be playing the Westchester Cup for England, and I´m very happy about it. The team is Mark and Luke Tomlinson, James Beim and me. I hope we can do it, and we can win. It´s the first time this kind of level is going to be played in America. I think we can get very well organized. It´s very good for English polo, to promote some English players and maybe the USPA can give the English players a chance to play 26-goals too.
It´s known that you´re a fan of English lifestyle, the culture, the music, as you enjoy London a lot when you are playing there I love England, I love London, it´s a lot of fun. I love the cultural side of the city, the museums, the music, I go to a lot of concerts. I like that a lot, I take my kids to the museums. At the moment, everything happens in London. It´s a nice place to be.
Do you think that after this there would be some other invitations to play, for instance, the Cartier Day? I don´t know. It´s a good start, if they need me I will be there. It´s a lot of fun to play for England. To play the Cartier would be fun.
Have you ever thought about settling in England? No, I´ve never thought about settling outside Argentina. I really love living in Argentina, I love the farm, the country, the breeding, and a lot of things I have here. 115
Javier with the English team after winning the Coronation Cup
Have you ever being called to play Cartier Day? Well, the idea of the Cartier Day is having four English professionals playing together, and give the opportunity to the British boys to play together. I totally agree with that, because it´s the only time of the year when four professional English boys are playing together.
That´s where Lyndon Lea has his farm. Have the main fields improved? Exactly, but he will build another house across the road, as well as new fields, fantastic fields. He made a great job there. Anyone who went to play there was very happy. How about the 2009 Zacara team for the UK season? We will be playing with Jamie Peel, who won the Gold Cup with Loro Piana, so we´ll have the Zacara team with him, Lyndon and my brother Javier.
How do you feel about being coached by your brother, Javier? It´s great, Javier is a great coach and with Javier, England won the 2008 Cartier Day. He has a very good relationship with Andrew Hine and with Luke, they understand each other very well. He knows a lot about polo. In fact, Javier is the one who convinced me to play as a professional and who took me to Black Bears.
How many years will you and Javier play for Zacara? We have a three year contract.
How did you feel playing for the first time in another team? Seems like both you and Javier were somewhat identified with Black Bears… At first it was a little weird. I was sad at the start, because we stayed with Black Bears for so many years, we had an organization, many horses…. but our relationship was mainly with Urs Schwarzenbach and Guy wanted to do other projects. Of course I would be happy to play with Black Bears again, we have a great relationship with Guy
Do you have a setup in England just as La Aguada in Argentina? We have a place, yes. I played a lot of years for Black Bears, which is a beautiful place, and now I play for Zacara. We´re building a nice setup too. The atmosphere there is very nice but it´s nothing like home, only that we´re trying to build something similar.
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and all the family but I think Lyndon Lea trusted us for a nice project, and he´s doing very well. We have nice horses, great fields… it was sad to leave Black Bears, but these are things that happens. Maybe it was time to make a move and Guy needed to make it on his own.
Lyndon plays also in the States. Are you playing with him there? No, because we have a contract with Camilo Bautista to play for Las Monjitas. Javier is playing with Lyndon in the States. Besides the Triple Crown, which are the tournaments which gave you most pleasure to win? First comes the Gold Cup for the British Open, which I won twice with Black Bears and with my brothers, Javier and Alejandro. The US Open also, with Camilo, my brother Ignacio and Adam Snow. I think those two are the most important ones, after the Triple Crown. But I will put as the first one the Copa República Argentina, which I won in 1990, with my father, and my brothers Javier and Miguel. It was very special, as your grandfather Julio also won the Copa República Argentina, in 1948. That´s right, we were three generations winning the same cup, so it was really very special. How do you think British polo as evolved in the last few years? I think England is the second place next to Argentina, when it comes to polo, because of the amount of players. It´s not the same like in the US and Argentina, where polo Above: Zacara v Cadenza - Below: Zacara team between chukkas
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List of Championships
is played all the time, I think that´s the difference. But there are a lot of English boys who want to improve and get better, who also come to Argentina to keep that improvement. The English boys are getting more and more professional, they´re buying more horses and taking it more seriously, they do have a lot of potential. That´s why I want to play with them.
2008 - Hurlingham Open 2008 - USPA Gold Cup 2007 - Gold Cup Ellerstina 2007 - Gold Cup on Snow (St Moritz) 2006 - British Open 2006 - US Open
For most English players the limit is maybe 7 goals, as there hasn´t been a 9 or a 10 for a while. Do you think this potential can lead to a future 9 or 10goaler in England? I think there are a few players who can make it to 9. I see a lot of young players who are taking this very seriously, they keep going, improving, buying horses, so they get better all the time. The secret is to be very well mounted.
2005 - Warwichshire Cup 2005 - USPA Gold Cup 2004 - Tortugas Open 2004 - Warwickshire Cup 2003 - Argentine Open 2003 - Hurlingham Open 2003 - Tortugas Open 2003 - Palermo Masters Championship 2003 - CV Whitney Cup 2003 - Sotogrande Silver Cup
So they need to buy better horses to get to their best level, as now there are some English players doing it to play in the Camara de Diputados Cup, and who have got into the qualifying tournament for Hurlingham and Palermo, last year. It´s the only way to do it. For instance, we have John-Paul Clarkin, who plays in Argentina. OK, he plays in New Zealand, but he grew up playing polo in England. If you want to get better, you have to buy better horses and get very well mounted.
2002 - British Open
Teams he played for Ellerstina, Black Bears, La Cañada, Loro Piana, Las Monjitas, La Aguada, Zacara
Eduardo Novillo Astrada jr playing the Queen´s Cup with Zacara
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SPECIAL - OLYMPICS
Olympia delayed Polo has not been included in the IOC shortlist, despite lobbying by the Federation of International Polo
One of the priority projects of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) has been, and continues to be, having polo reinstated in the Olympic Games, of which it was a discipline from 1900 to 1936. In 1996, at the Atlanta Olympics, FIP was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the worldwide governing body for polo, with status as an IOC recognized sport. Currently, as Michael Scultz-Tholen, honorary secretary-general of FIP explained, the programme of Olympic Summer Games is limited to twentyeight sports, with a maximum of 302 events and 10,500 athletes. In 2005 the IOC deleted two of these sports - baseball and softball - a decision valid for the 2012 London Games.
Next year, at the IOC general assembly in Denmark, members will vote on the programme and the venue for the 2016 Games. Five selected IOC recognised sports – squash, karate, golf, rugby and roller sports – plus baseball and softball have the chance to fill one
Patrick Guerrand-Hermes, FIP president, said ”Some IOC members suggested that if polo was ready with a high level format, and financed participation as a founding sport as early as 1904, it could be included in the summer games directly by the IOC at any given time.”
cluded in the summer games directly by the IOC at any given time.” Michael Schultz-Tholen said: “FIP must improve its performance as to the number of national member federations and athletes worldwide, and in constant and effective media awareness. Increasing the number of female players and establishing more junior events could be additional steps to gain more popularity, one of the key criteria for Olympic sports.”
Olympic Gold Medallist Paris 1900 –Great Britain Capt The Hon John Beresford Foxhall Parker Keene Denis St. George Daly Frank Jay Mackey Alfred Toby Rawlinson
London 1908 – Great Britain of the two spots available but only on condition that they receive a majority of the votes. Unfortunately, polo was not selected for the shortlist. Patrick GuerrandHermes, FIP president, said ”Some IOC members suggested that if polo was ready with a high level format, and financed participation as a founding sport as early as 1904, it could be in-
Charles Darley Miller George Arthur Miller Patterson Wormersley Nickalls Capt. Herbert Wilson DSO
Antwerp 1920 – Great Britain Mayor Frederick “Rattle” Barret Lt.Col Philip Teignmounth Melvin DSO Major Vivian Lockett Lord Wodehouse
Paris 1924 - Argentina Arturo Kenny Jack Nelson Capt. Enrique Padilla John Miles 1936 Olympics Polo
Berlin- 1936 – Argentina (Beat Great Britain 11-0 in deciding match) Manuel Andrada Andres Gazzoti Roberto Cavanagh Luis Duggan
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INTERNATIONAL - EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Spirit of Fair Play The 7th European Championship took place in the magnificent setting of Schleswig-Holstein Polo Club, near Hamburg. THE European Championship is unique in the world thanks to the close proximity of the European countries. This facilitates the process allowing 8 national federations to send ponies and players to the host country ensur-
mous for horse breeding, great horsemanship, equestrian traditions and the quality of its public. Thanks to the President of the German Polo Association Baron Hans-Albrecht Freiherr von Maltzahn, along
Eight teams participated in 20 polo matches in Gut Aspern at the fields, magnificently prepared for this great tournament. ing the championship a very special quality and a unique show of international competition. Germany, the host country, is fa-
with Christopher Kirsch, President of the Schleswig-Holstein Polo Club, and the entire German polo community who made this tournament possible.
Draw between Netherlands Polo Team and Italy Polo Team
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This event would not have been possible without the support of Peter Streit, President of Rolex Germany. This year the venue for a glamorous and competitive championship was the wonderful grounds of SchleswigHolstein Polo Club in Gut Aspern near Hamburg, where the great polo player and President of the Organising Commission, with the support of Gudrun and Dietmar Kirsch, all of whom participated in the organizing committee, hosted the 7th FIP European Polo Championship and allowed a great number of spectators to appre-
Belgium Polo Team vs Germany Polo Team
England’s team of young players demonstrated discipline and enthusiasm on and off the polo field and together with a great spirit of fair play, enabled the team to emerge as winners of the championship surpassing 7 teams of athletes with similar ambitions.
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European Championship Place: Gut Aspern, Hamburg, Germany Club: Polo Club Schleswig Date: September 3-14, 2008 Level: 4-8 hcp Tournament type: Handicap Tournament Director: FIP
ciate some of the best 8-goal polo in Europe and to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. Eight teams participated in 20 polo matches in Gut Aspern at the fields, magnificently prepared for this great tournament. The athletic riders represented their countries with pride and enthusiasm, a combination that produces spectacular and a moving style of game. England’s team of young players demonstrated discipline and enthusiasm on and off the polo field and together with a great spirit of fair play, enabled the team to emerge as winners of the championship surpassing 7 teams of athletes with similar ambitions. Naturally whenever the German Team was playing, the enthusiasm and the cheers of the crowd could be heard from far away, especially when Christopher Kirsch, the host and Organizer of the tournament, and Eva Bruehl, the only women playing at the tournament, were heading towards scoring a goal. This European Championship was a great occasion for the Polo community of Hamburg, together with an International crowd, who travelled from all over the world to watch great polo. To welcome the international crowd and celebrate the event, various social events were organized such us a dinner in the most fashionable place in Hamburg, the Indochine, a cocktail party at the Side Hotel, an asado at the club etc. The closing gala was at the Rolex Tent where everyone celebrated with the English team, the new European Champions. On this occasion, Patrick GuerrandHermes, President of the Federation of International Polo congratulated the Champions and expressed their gratitude to the German polo community for their generosity, great hospitality and its unique facilities to make this 7th European Championship Hamburg 2008 unforgettable for players and spectators.
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Final Match: England Polo Team vs Belgium Polo Team
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7th European Championship
Belgium Gery de Cloedt Peter Holsbeek Mauricio Sanchez Andre Michael Redding Diego Steverlynck Bert van Deywze Patrick Larsoneur Filip van Hoeck Peter Quijo Fernando Morando
1 1 1 2 2 0 1 1 1 2
LEAGUE1 Austria
Nadine Kraus Tilman Kraus Gerhard Hermann Stefan Wenckheim Konstantin Rohmberg Eugen Sanchez de la Cerda
0 1 1 1 1 1
France Thierry Vetois Pierre Henri N’Goumou Gaetan Gosset Clément Delfosse Sebastien Pailloncy Stanilas Clavel Clément Toussaint Robert Storm Alexis Pouille Florent Garaud
European Championship Place: Gut Aspern, Hamburg, Germany Club: Polo Club Schwlesig Date: September 3-14, 2008 Level: 8 hcp Tournament type: Handicap Tournament Director: FIP
4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 0
Germany Max Bosch Eva Bruehl Christopher Kirsch Marco Kiesel Sven Schneider Moritz Gaedeke Antonius de Vaal
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1 1 4 2 3 2 1
Hamburg 2008 Teams
England Eden Ormerod Charlie Hanbury Oliver Cudmore Matt Cudmore Matt Evetts Nick Pepper Ed Magor Max Charlton Bobby Dundas Max Routledge
2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2
LEAGUE2 +
Switzerland
Guy Schwarzenbach Simon Luginbuhl Martin Luginbuhl S. Pietet Stefan Roth Victor Aerni Markus Graff Thomas Wolfensberger
Italy Manuel Toccalino Enrique Martelli Marcelo Caivano Alexandre Villela Junque Paolo Grillini Simone Chiarella Romolo Gianni Morgan Chiarella Constanza Marchiorello Santiago Buzzi
4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 2
Netherlands Edward de Koes Christian van den Brink
2 2
Pablo van den Brink Laurens Brouns Aki van Andel Nicky Grooss Maurice van Drouten
3 1 3 3 2
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4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0
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VII EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Qualifying Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Friday 5 September Friday 5 September Saturday 6 September Saturday 6 September Sunday 7 September Sunday 7 September Sunday 7 September Sunday 7 September Tuesday 9 September Tuesday 9 September Tuesday 9 September Tuesday 9 September Thursday 11 September Thursday 11 September
Austria England Netherlands Belgium Germany Belgium England Switzerland Switzerland England Belgium France Germany Austria
3,5 6 6 2,5 9 6,5 7 5 6 4 13 10 6 4,5
vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs
17 4 6 3 4,5 3 1 5 5 3 3,5 5 1 11
France Switzerland Italy Germany Austria France Netherlands Italy Netherlands Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Italy
Belgium
6
vs
4,5
Switzerland
England
10
vs
3
France
Austria
4,5
vs
12
Netherlands
Italy
5
vs
6
Germany
Switzerland
1,5
vs
5
France
3,5
vs
7
England
Round Semi Finals - 1 15
Friday 12 September
Round Semi Finals - 2 16
Friday 12 September
Round 7rd and 8th place match 17
Saturday 13 September
Round 5rd and 6th place match 18
Saturday 13 September
Round 3rd and 4th place match 19
Sunday 14 September
Round Final FIP VIII European Championships 20
Sunday 14 September
Belgium
European Champion England Polo Team Final Match between England Polo Team and Belgium Polo Team
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ARGENTINE SEASON - PROFESSIONAL POLO
Foreign victories in Argentina In the middle of the Argentine High Goal Season, besides playing at Palermo, polo players continue to practice for other types of lower handicap tournaments, which are none the less exciting. Thus, during the week it is possible to watch those same players, La Dolfina, Ellerstina and other teams participating in the Triple Crown Championship, wearing other Polo shirts. In Argentina, the high goal season -which is the only one with an unlimited level and therefore, teams up to 40 goals take part- is sport at its highest peak, and this is why it attracts so many foreign spectators; simply because tournaments played in other latitudes do have a handicap limit. And so, months go by until polo players and organizations arrive in September to take part in the Honorary Triple Crown Championship. It is named this way because those 40 goals held by each team which can be seen on the field, are only allowed in Argentina. Abroad, spectators may only enjoy these types of games in exhibitions. And whilst the action takes place over the weekends with the teams participating in the Triple Crown Championship at Hurlingham or Palermo, during working days, polo clubs in Buenos Aires receive many of those teams that play abroad and so team-owners hire players to be in the tournament and be able to play in Argentina during the high goal season. This is why, a few years ago, Gonzalo Pieres decided to change the Senior Cup’s name. A cup that he had created to have former polo players participate at Ellerstina. That’s when the Gold Cup came to be. It bears the same name as several regular tournaments played in many places worldwide. In the United States, the Gold Cup is the 129
second most important tournament after the Open. In England, it is the number one tournament, also known as the British Open. In Spain, the Sotogrande Gold Cup is the most important tournament in that country, and in France, the Deauville Cup is at the same level.
Seeking the Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is played at Ellerstina Polo Club where teams up to 22 goals take part, and so is the Silver Cup with 14-goal line-ups. In the 2008 edition, Ellerstina received 16 entries for the Gold Cup, and the same teams that played the defining match in 2007 are the ones that reached this year’s final. Sao José, a fully Brazilian team, and Las Monjitas, Colombian patron Camilo Bautista’s line-up, made it through to the final unbeaten. In the first chukkas, Sao José dominated the game and by the time they reached the third period, the Brazilian
team was winning 7-5. Despite Las Monjitas’ attempts through Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Alejandro Díaz Alberdi, Sao José continued to dominate the scoreboard taking a 8-6 lead in the fourth chukka; a difference that continued to increase throughout the rest of the match, and they finally won the Gold Cup 13-10. Las Monjitas were also able to celebrate because “Punto Preferido”, an Argentine Polo Breed specimen belonging to Camilo Bautista and bred by Jaime Bouquet, won the prize for the best specimen of the final. Eighteen teams took part in the Silver Cup, and the Villa Real team became the champions of the tournament after beating La Golondrina 9-8. Polo One is another club that brings life to the polo season played during the week, and every year they organize the traditional Polo One Open. In 2008, six teams will be taking part and, as always, it promises to be a closing event where no polo figures will be missing.
Brazilian Sao Jose Polo Team, Ellerstina Gold Cup winners 2008
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Business Polo
Action also takes place among businessmen during the High Goal Season since the Businessmens’ Cup has been held for four years now. On this occasion, the San Isidro Jockey Club fields are receiving eight teams attempting to win the tournament. For ten consecutive days, action does not only take place at San Isidro on the polo field, but also off the field after each game with closing events where polo players and businessmen enjoy spending time with friends. One of the organizers, Santiago Oliverá spoke to “El Federal” and mentioned what the last editions of the Businessmen Cup were like: “The teams’ response can clearly be seen. The tournament continues to grow year after year, not only regarding the teams but also the organizations. This year, some line-ups had to be left out because there is no place to put them. Even if the Jockey Club has more fields, playing within the racetrack isn’t the
Above: English El Remanso, Diamond Cup winners - Below: Portuguese La Varzea Polo Team winner of Estimulo Cup in Palermo
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same as playing within the polo area (fields 1, 2 and 3), as the idea is to get together, have a few drinks and something to eat accompanied by friends. If you have to get in your car and drive half way around San Isidro, you will end up leaving and the main idea will be lost, that is to say, being together and having a good time”.
Diamond
The Diamond Shines in Cañuelas It wasn’t in our plans, it wasn’t up on any calendar, but all of a sudden, the Diamond Cup came to be. It was held for the first time in 2003, when patron Eric Koch proposed to have a similar tournament at La Dolfina which provisionally would be known as the “Gold Cup”, a classic name given to tournaments played by patrons. But since the ideologist owned a diamond mine, they decided to name it the Diamond Cup. “I’ll have them bring two diamonds tomorrow and we can have them put on the cup”, said Kock with certainty, and so it was done. Above: Enigma winner of Polo One Open - Below: La Quinta Beaufort winner of Juan B. Miles Cup
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Above: Ellerstina Gold Cup, Eduardo Novillo Astrada and Rodrigo Andrade - Below: Rob Archibald playing in Palermo Field 1
From that moment on, every year this traditional tournament is carried out in Cañuelas. In its sixth edition, eight teams took part. In the final, French patron Frank Dubarry’s Technomarine line-up played against El Remanso, owned by English patron Charlie Hambury. After an even match, El Remanso became champions and won the 6th Diamond Cup. Just like the Gold Cup has the Silver Cup, the Diamond Cup has the Sapphire Cup for teams up to 16 goals. And this year, Gloria Polo Team will be taking part and making their debut in one of the tournaments. The team is owned by former football player Gabriel Omar Batistuta who over the past years has begun to show his passion for polo, and in his first tournament he is prepared to continue scoring goals to reach glory with his line-up. Finally, Diablos was the tournament champion closing the Cañuelas season.
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FEMALE POLO - II INTERNATIONAL LADIES TOURNAMENT
Estancia Don Manuel International Ladies Tournament 2008 By Alice Gipps
Once again set at the beautiful guest estancia in Cañuelas, the second year of the Don Manuel Ladies Tournament welcomed back many fantastic Argentine players as well as international players from South Africa, Holland, America and the UK. The super turn out of professional saw the return of Nina Clarkin, Maru Gimenez and Lucy Taylor as well as some new faces to the tournament: Marianela Castagnola, a local to Cañuelas, KC Beal from the USA, and Emma Tomlinson whose effort to play
the tournament around a busy work schedule was greatly appreciated. The six teams could then each be headed with one of the Worlds top women polo professionals. The levels ranged from 1-3 goals and the rest of the players were distributed throughout the teams by a draw system giving all the girls the opportunity to get to know different players. With beautiful sunshine all week and games running to schedule the polo was fought out on the excellent Bermuda grass field while spectators
Jeanine Hugo, La Mejor Flor
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relaxed in the shade on the sidelines under the eucalyptus trees. Three days of tournament games were preceded by team practices, plenty of stick and ball and chukkas so foreign guests staying at the estancia could get a feel for the horses and their team. The week’s schedule for the guests also introduced the girls to the Argentine national sport of Pato and trail riding to La Caledonia, one of the oldest and most beautiful estancias in Argentina owned by former Argentine President Juan Manuel de Rosas. Of course shop-
II International Ladies Tournament - Estancia Don Manuel League A PoloLine
2
Longiness
1
La Mejor Flor
3
Clare Hudson Maria Otonello Natascha Baecher Marianela Castagnola
0 0 1 1
Stephanie Preston Berny Haverhals Stephanie Haverhals Lucy Taylor
0 0 0 1
Sophie Kyriazi Jeanine Hugo Aurora Eastwood Nina Clarkin
0 0 0 3
League B Capital Lions
2
Estancia Punta Chica
2
Miguel Acuña Saddlery
2
Gaynor Hutton Mercedes Annabel MacNaught Davis KC Beal
0 0 1 1
Kymberly Gangnes Kat Thomas Brenda Myrjiam Boer Emma Tomlinson
0 0 0 2
Maria Elena Chavez Claudia Hodari Alice Gipps Maru Gimenez
0 0 0 2
ping until their hearts were content at the boot, mallet and hat factories was a must along with many traditional Argentine BBQ’s and an evening out at the Tango. The Finalists were Escorihuela Gascon/La Mejor Flor, an almost fully English team except for South African, Jeanine Hugo, which was headed by Nina Clarkin and backed up by Aurora Eastwood and Sophie Kyriazi against the Pololine team. Lead by one of Argentina’s best professionals Marianela Castagnola, the Pololine girls gelled instantly. Clare Hudson from the UK, Dutch player Natasha Beacher and Maria Otonello, a previous winner from the 2007 Tournament worked very well together. The game was closely contested and although a team victory by Pololine who beat Escorihuela Gascon 5-3, Marianela had the evident advantage of playing off her own ponies which earnt her the MVP prize of the Final receiving a Falcon polo hat. Two more hats were awarded to the MVP’s of the Subsidiary Finals, Gaynor Hutton and Alice Gipps. Nina Clarkin received a purple suede saddle made by Miguel Acuna for MVP of the Tournament. Her excellent play and solid performance throughout along with endless encouragement to her fellow team members had all her players working with her. Large crystal trophies and many prizes from the tournament’s generous sponsors Capital Lions, Longines and Estancia Punta Chica to name a few were well received. Everyone went home with a souvenir. Sushi, empanadas and plenty of beverages were supplied and the party followed shortly after the presentations.
Many special thanks to Emiliano Blanco who once again was charming host. His time and effort with the organising this event, lending ponies and of course the estancias and facilities for the tournament was much appreciated by all. For more information on future tournaments www.estanciadonmanuel.com
International Ladies Place: Buenos Aires, Argentina Club: Estancia Don Manuel Date: November 19-21, 2008 Level: 1-3 hcp Tournament type: Open Winner: PoloLine Polo Team MVP of the Tournament: Nina Clarkin MVP of the Final: Marianela Castagnola Marianela Castagnola
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TRAVEL - MONACO
Pure luxury In Monaco, people live in a prestigious dream world. Its exceptional location, between the sea and the mountains, its gardens, its sports and cultural events, and so many other things... make Monaco a magical place.
Monaco from Prince’s Palace at the top of the hill
The city of Monaco is normally known for its glamour, its boats, celebrities, the urban circuit and luxury. But Monaco is so much more than that. It is a beautiful city which can be enjoyed beyond the high standing it is famous for. While touring around Monaco, visiting La Condamine is a must. It is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the city, and the second oldest neighbourhood of medieval origin, which still has the touch of another period giving this place a special charm. Situated between Monaco and Montecarlo, it is characterized by being the commercial and residential centre of the Monaguesque Principality. There,
you may visit the municipal market, located on the “Place d’Armes” (Arms Park) and where typical products from Monaco can be found while contemplating an authentic architectonic jewel. Only a few metres away from the “Place d’Armes”, we find “Rue Princesse Caroline” (Princess Caroline Street) where the authentic store-andrestaurant paradise appears in an only pedestrian-street area.
Getting to know its history
After the Vatican, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, although it is also one of the prettiest. The “Rocher de Monaco” (Rock of Monaco) served as a shelter for nu136
merous primitive populations. Traces of these settlements have been discovered in the caves found in “Les Jardin Saint-Martin” (Saint-Martin Gardens). The “Ligures” (Ligurians), the first sedentary inhabitants of the region, were mountain-dwellers who were used to hard work and lead an exemplary frugal life. The coast and port of Monaco were the access to the sea used by one of these Ligurian Peoples, the Oratelli of Peille. Several hypotheses have been considered as regards the origin of the name Monaco. Some believe it comes from a Ligurian tribe known as the “Monoïkos”, who inhabited the Rock during the 6th century B.C. Others
consider it to have a Greek origin. In olden times, the port of Monaco was associated to Heracles (known to the Romans as Hercules) who received hero-cult and worship, although the name is often associated with the expression “Herácles Monoïkos”, which means Solitary Heracles. This version is confirmed by the current name given to the main port: Port Hercules. Towards the end of the 2nd century B.C., the Romans settled down in the region. Monaco became a part of the Maritime Alps Province. The Trophy
of Augustus, built in honour of the Roman military campaigns, can be found at “La Turbie”. Phoenician and Carthaginian sailors thrived during this period. After the fall of the Roman Empire (5th century A.C.), this region was invaded at regular intervals by different barbarian tribes. As from the 10th century A.C., after the Saracens were expelled by the Count of Provence, several peoples gradually settled on the coast. In Monaco, the same architectonic styles seen in France prevail. Among its
most significant buildings, there is the Monaco Cathedral built in 1875 using white stones from “La Turbie”, where a 12th century old church dedicated to Saint Nicholas was first built on this site. It is a Romantic and Byzantine style building and houses interesting art pieces. Another emblematic construction, besides the “Palais Princier” (Prince’s Palace), is the building which houses the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. Its amazing facade facing the sea is considered to be a masterpiece of monumental architecture.
Monaco Casino
F1 Destination
One of the oldest Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place in the Monaco Principality. The Monaco Grand Prix is held annually and was organised for the first time in 1929. The first race was won by William Grover-Williams who drove a green Bugatti and so, in time, this colour became the British racing drivers’ insignia.
Coinciding with Ascension Day, the Monaco Grand Prix takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo and has a great number of up and down twisting roads, sharp bends and narrow lanes, which is why it is probably the most exhausting circuit for both drivers and vehicles. It is also the most dangerous circuit among those used at present in Formula 1 competitions. On the other
hand, it is the most spectacular circuit of all and one of the most popular among TV spectators. Monaco is a magical place where you can enjoy doing everything you like, from sports to shopping. This city shines from every corner, and this is why we can assure you that Monaco is Pure Luxury.
Left: Cafe de Paris - Right: Monument of F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio
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TRAVEL - PALM BEACH
Next destination: Palm Beach History of the Island
Location
Central Palm Beach County extends from 45th Street to the north of West Palm Beach to Gateway Boulevard in Boynton Beach. Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington are to the west and Lake Worth, Lantana and Manalapan are to the south. The island of Palm Beach is to the east and directly on the ocean. They surround West Palm Beach which is the seat and center of Palm Beach County. For those who wish to fly into Palm Beach County, Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) is located in West Palm Beach.
About the Town of Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a barrier island sixteen miles long located 65 miles north of Miami. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean and to the west is the Intracoastal Waterway, which separates Palm Beach from the cities of West Palm Beach and
Lake Worth. The year-round population is 10,000 and the seasonal population is about 30,000. You can find accommodations for everything in the Central Palm Beach County area; including West Palm Beach hotels, museums, and worldclass dining. West Palm Beach hotels range from quaint bed and breakfasts in lavish tropical settings to luxury suites overlooking the blue green waters of the Atlantic. Palm Beach is a fully developed community, world-renowned for its extraordinary beauty, quality of life and small-town character. Palm Beach remains true to the inspired legacy of the founders, a Mediterranean-style mecca of stunning architecture and natural beauty, acclaimed shopping, restaurants and hotels, a cosmopolitan culture. 138
Palm Beach received its name from a shipwreck named the “Providencia.” The ship washed ashore in January of 1878 with a load of cocoanuts bound from Havana to Barcelona. Early settlers lost no time claiming salvage and planting the cocoanuts which were not native to South Florida in an effort to launch tropical South Florida on a commercial cocoanut industry. Henry M. Flagler, a millionaire industrialist and owner of the Florida East Coast Railway, began buying acres of land on the island of Palm Beach. Many early homesteaders found themselves very wealthy, as orders had been given to buy “at any price.” The Central Palm Beach area offers a cultural experience with many West Palm Beach museums, art galleries, ballet, opera, nature exhibits and botanical gardens. Shopping abounds from trendy Clematis Street and CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach to the famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. You can find it all when dining out from the traditional to the ultimate elegant gourmet experience. Fun in the sun for children and adults alike can be a day at the beach or exploring some of the area’s natural attractions .
Shopping
Antique Row
A collection of 50 antique shops on Dixie Highway, from Southern Blvd. for several blocks north on both sides of the street. After a day of incredible finds, stop for a cup of tea at Belle and Maxwell’s, a delightful cafe right in the center of the antique district.
Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard by Marriott lies at the central hub of West Palm Beach. 600 N. Point Pkwy.
Omni West Palm Beach Hotel Omni is just across the street from the Palm Beach International Airport-an ideal location for business or vacationrelated travel. 1601 Belvedere Rd.
Don Ramon’s Three West Palm Beach locations: 2905 N. Military Trail (561) 640-0042, 502 S. Military Trail (561) 687-0161 and 7101 S. Dixie Hwy. (561) 547-8704
Palm Beach County Parks and Beaches
Palm Beach Airport Hilton 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach.
John Bull English Pub Savor traditional English fare, like fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. A cheery fireplace and roomy banquettes line the walls, and an extensive selection of beer and ale awaits. 801 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach (561) 697-2
Coral Cove Park 19450 State Road 707. Tequesta, FL 33469 Developed oceanfront beach (600 feet) with rock formations and 600 feet of Intracoastal Waterway frontage.
Sheraton West Palm Beach Hotel 630 Clearwater Park Rd., West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County Dining Palm Beach County is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants. Whether you are looking for an elegant experience or something casual and cozy; Palm Beach restaurants will fit your bill.
Restaurants
Basil’s Neighborhood Cafe An eclectic menu full of fresh, homemade pastas and a dessert tray full of temptations. 771 Village Blvd., Ste. 211, West Palm Beach (561) 687-3801 Cafe Protege 2400 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach (561) 687-2433
Morton’s of Chicago 777 S. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach (561) 835-9664 Orchids of Siam 3027 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach (561) 969-2444 Pescatore 200 Clematis St., West Palm Beach (561) 837-6633 Sforza 223 Clematis St., West Palm Beach (561) 832-881
The Crab House Embassy Suites Hotel, 181 Ocean Ave., Palm Beach Shores (561) 840-7464
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Jupiter Beach Park South of Jupiter Inlet. 1375 Jupiter Beach Road. Jupiter, FL 33477
Lake Worth Municipal Beach Access from Ocean Boulevard and Lake Avenue. 10 South Ocean Boulevard. Lake Worth, FL 33460
Palm Beach Clubs & Nightlife
Palm Beach offers a variety of nightlife and entertainment options. West Palm Beach nightlife is famous for its diversity of entertainment: from laid back options to the best Palm Beach clubs the area has to offer, Palm Beach nightlife and entertainment offers something for every taste. Regarding nightlife in Wellington you shouldn’t miss the Players Club, located inside Palm Beach Polo & Country Club (11199 Polo Club Road Wellington, Florida)
Polo
Wellington, F lorida
With almost 47,000 residents reported in 2007, the Village of Wellington has come a long way from its original population of less than 100 residents in 1953. Estate homes, luxury apartments, and town houses cover this village of equestrian enthusiasts. Wellington sponsors the National Horse Show each year and hundreds of horses are entered into the longest running series of equestrian events. Wellington is a fascinating town of horse farms, agriculture, nurseries, specialty boutiques, and fine dining. Although Wellington tends to focus on its golfing and equestrian attributes, many residents are avid pilots. This is evident by the many airplane hangars that adjoin estate homes in the Wellington area
International Polo Club Palm Beach brings thousands of spectators to Wellington, including celebrities and royalty, who are loyal followers of the sport of kings. Spectators gather fieldside for tailgate parties and posh charity events, as the world’s best polo players ride their polo ponies in pursuit of the game’s most coveted trophies.
International PC Palm Beach 3667 120th Avenue South. Wellington, FL 33414. 561.204.5687 International Polo Club Palm Beach is a return to the way the game of polo is meant to be enjoyed. Where polo
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players and fans of all ages can gather together in a world-class venue for the sport and the lifestyle. Thousands of fans will be on hand to celebrate the 2009 Polo Season at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The season will feature a series of renowned polo tournaments attracting some of the world’s finest players. Palm Beach Polo & CC - Golf Wellington - 561.798.7405 Golfers at Palm Beach Polo will find the 36-hole complex in top playing condition, as the result of ongoing improvement projects that ensure maximum playability.
Accommodations in Wellington
Hampton Inn & Suites, Wellington 2155 Wellington Green Drive. Wellington, FL 33414 Brand new upscale Hampton Inn & Suites located just west of the Mall at Wellington Green. Hotel includes 32 one-bedroom suites for long term stays.
Holiday Inn West Palm BeachTurnpike 7859 Lake Worth Road. Lake Worth, FL 33467. 561.968.5000 | 800.325.8193 A full-service, Mediterranean-style hotel on six acres of lush Florida landscape featuring deluxe rooms, garden pool and Perkins Restaurant. Within minutes of Wellington’s polo, equestrian and sporting events.
Popular Attractions and Landmarks in or around Wellington: • Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club • International Polo Club Palm Beach • Lion Country Safari • South Florida Expo Center • Okeeheelee Park South • Mall at Wellington Green Major Annual and Ongoing Events in or around Wellington: Polo Season at International Polo Club Palm Beach:
• Taste of the West • National Horse Show • Winter Equestrian Festival
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