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Abu Dhabi Polo and UAE Polo Teams Notched Up Victories at the Gold Cup 2022
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The clash of sticks continued on the fourth day of the Dubai Open 2022 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Alfredo Cappella marked the scoreboard first with a penalty shot for the Dubai Wolves by CAFU but UAE Polo had the lead at the end of the first chukker. The team widened the gap in scores during the second from the penalty shots by Tommy Beresford. The Wolves scrambled for goals during the third chukker with Charles Cooney closing it at 5 goals for the team. UAE Polo had full possession of the game as they marked the penultimate chukker with an astounding 8-goal lead. The Dubai Wolves by CAFU made attempts for redemption at the fifth chukker and managed to score in 4 back to back goals, however the significant lead was enough to earn UAE Polo team their second win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6 – 2 | 8 – 5 | 13 – 5 | 13 – 9
Top scorer: Tommy Beresford, 8 goals

The next match was between Abu Dhabi Polo and AM Polo teams. Segundo Amadori scored first for Abu Dhabi Polo during the second chukker but the Urquiza‘s from AM Polo nicked the lead by the end of it. Jeronimo del Carril‘s consecutive goals during the third and Santiago Cernadas‘ evasive shots at the fourth chukker shifted the lead to Abu Dhabi Polo. AM Polo rushed to steal the win as the opponent had a 2 goal advantage mid of the final chukker. Pablo Urquiza squeezed in 1 goal but AM Polo was beaten by the buzzer and Abu Dhabi Polo won the game at 6 goals to 5.

Match Progression: 0 – 0 | 1 – 3 | 4 – 3 | 5-  4 | 6 – 5

The next round of qualifying matches will be on the 22nd of February between Habtoor Polo and Zedan at 14:00 followed by Bangash Dodson & Horrell against Ghantoot Polo at 16:00.

Images by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
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The clash of sticks continued on the fourth day of the Dubai Open 2022 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Alfredo Cappella marked the scoreboard first with a penalty…
Mystery Creek Tigers win NZ Polo Open
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Despite the BMW NZ Polo Open event being cancelled (due to current Covid-19 restrictions in New Zealand) that was to attract a crowd of over 6,000, the Polo competition was able to continue in an amended format with limited spectators. 

In a true competitive final that was held on Clevedon’s Smiths Lawn, Mystery Creek Tigers and 4CYTE contended for the prestigious trophy with Mystery Creek Tigers winning 12-8.

The win for team Mystery Creek Tigers was the 4th NZ Polo Open victory together for JP Clarkin and Kit Brooks and the first for Garth Fraser and Bianca Drake.

Player of the match went to JP Clarkin. 

Best Playing Pony went to ‘Duchess’ played by Kit Brooks. 

Best Thoroughbred went to ‘Coke’ played by JP Clarkin and owned by Garth McKenzie.

 

Edward Elworthy-Jones of 4CYTE and JP Clarkin of Mystery Creek Tigers. Action from the 14 goal final between Mystery Creek Tigers and 4cyte during the Auckland Polo Open, Ryburn Park, Clevedon, Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday 20 February 2022. Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz

 

Mystery Creek Tigers
JP Clarkin (C)
Kit Brooks
Bianca Drake
Garth Fraser

4CYTE
Jeremy Jones (C)
Edward Elworthy-Jones
Glen Sheriff
Craig Wilson

 

www.bwmedia.co.nz

www.aucklandpolo.co.nz

 

Despite the BMW NZ Polo Open event being cancelled (due to current Covid-19 restrictions in New Zealand) that was to attract a crowd of over 6,000, the Polo competition was…
Zedan Polo and Habtoor Polo Make Headway at the Dubai Open 2022
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Both teams inch a leg up on their competition as they scored their second win in the Gold Cup 2022 tournament.

Bangash Dodson & Horrell nicked the first goal of the afternoon. Habtoor Polo matched that goal with successive goals from which closed the first chukker at a 3 goal advantage. Haider Bangash, the team patron, scored one for his team with Federico von Potobsky‘s pass from the throw-in. Bautista Bayugar placed Habtoor Polo at a comfortable 5 goal lead by halftime. The penultimate chukker saw   Bangash Dodson & Horrell get back in the game and narrowed the gap to 3 goals. The team closed in Habtoor Polo early in the last chukker but Juan Jauretche nailed the team‘s 11th goal – enough to secure the team‘s second victory.

Match Progression: 4 -1 | 6 – 2 | 8 – 3a | 9 – 6 | 11 – 9
Top scorer: Bautista Bayugar, 6 goals

It was a close start for the next match between Zedan Polo and Ghantoot Polo with the first chukker ending at 3 goals to 1. Tomas Panelo from the Zedan Polo team drove the advantage up to 4 goals by the end of the second. The gap in scores did not improve during the next minutes with the near goal saves and misses. The penultimate chukker had seen Amr Zedan, the team patron, deliver the ball close to goal and Gonzalo Ferrari finishing it for the team. At this point Zedan has a 4 goal advantage that Ghantoot Polo was not able to beat and the game ended with a final score of 10 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 3 – 2 | 6- 2 | 7 – 3 | 9 – 5 | 10 – 6
Top scorer: Tomas Panelo, 7 goals

The Dubai Open qualifying games will continue on the 20th of February, Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

14:00
UAE Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU

16:00
Abu Dhabi Polo vs. AM Polo

 

Phots by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
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Both teams inch a leg up on their competition as they scored their second win in the Gold Cup 2022 tournament. Bangash Dodson & Horrell nicked the first goal of…
PREUßISCHER POLO & COUNTRY CLUB BERLIN at the POLO RIDER CUP
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Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg (GER) (Berlin Polo Team) will be playing the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA), Polo Club of Chantilly (FRA), Polo Park Zürich (SUI), Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA), Araucaria Polo Club (ARG), Moscow Polo Club (RUS) and Polo Club Niederweiden (AUT) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).  

The Berlin Polo team will comprise the following players:

1. Kutlay Yaprak, (0) GER/TUR
2. Max Bosch, (+3) GER
3. Valentin Novillo Astrada, (+6) ARG
4. Moritz Gädeke, (+3) GER

 

Moritz Gädeke, Vice-President of Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg, comments: “We are very excited to represent our club in the second edition of the POLO RIDER CUP. It is a great tournament format, where we as a club can measure our abilities against other international polo clubs. I am very much looking forward to playing amongst good friends.  With Valentin N.A. and Max Bosch, we will uphold the good spirit of the first edition. New to the roster, Kutlay Yaprak will be joining us as our Team Captain. Many thanks to everyone involved in the great effort to organize this outstanding event.” 

Kutlay Yaprak, Captain of Berlin Polo Team, comments: “I am very happy to join the Berlin Polo team and I’m looking forward to playing the POLO RIDER CUP. I believe I am the only contestant with Turkish roots. This gives me great joy.” 

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are honored to welcome Berlin Polo Club. The club, led by Moritz Gädeke, is very active in Europe, organizing high-level competitions and supporting the Federation of International Polo. Kutlay Yaprak, their international team captain, will be taking part in the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time. The team is well balanced and they know each other very well, having played many tournaments together. Their pony organization is very strong.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg (GER) (Berlin Polo Team) will be playing the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA),…
150 years of Villa d’Este – bravo bellezza! The legend at Lake Como celebrates its birthday
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Glamorous personalities, influential politicians and illustrious people – the guest list of Villa d’Este is long and 2022 will be a birthday season full of surprises

On March 3 it will be hoisted – the flag in front of Villa d’Este. This traditional ceremony heralds the 150th season of the luxury hotel on Lake Como. For 150 years now, discerning travelers and gourmets, royals, jet set and legendary Hollywood stars have resided here. They can choose between the Cardinal Building, once built as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the Queen’s Pavilion, named after Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and Queen of England and four private villas spread across the extensive estate. Three of them – Villa Cima, Villa Malakoff and Villa Garrovo – are ideal for families and friends and the Mosaic House is the romantic hideaway for couples. To celebrate its grand anniversary, the luxury hotel will be open for the first time over the Christmas season until January 2023. For more information, visit:

www.villadeste.com


© Villa d‘Este 

Villa d’Este is a place that has always captivated travelers. Once the noble summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the stately home is now a legend. In 1873, a group of Milanese businessmen bought the property and turned it into what it remains today: one of the most extraordinary luxury hotels in the world. Not only the location directly on the lake, but also the special atmosphere of the magnificent, ten-hectare park, which extends to the water, make the five-star hotel so special. The guest list is also legendary, from George Clooney, Robert de Niro, Naomi Campbell to Madonna, John Legend, Lady Gaga or Alfred Hitchcock – they all already went through the revolving door to happiness at Lake Como.

In the 150th season of Villa d’Este, guests can expect, in addition to the big birthday party on June 28, 2022, a mix of events, exhibitions and culinary highlights. Since 1873, the luxury hotel has been considered the chosen destination for distinguished events of. Once again, annual events known far beyond the country’s borders will take place, including the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (May 2022, 2022), Villa d’Este Style one lake one car (May 1, 2022), Villa d’Este Style Vintage Yachting (June 12, 2022), Villa d’Este Style Electric Yachting (September 17, 2022) and grand gala dinners (July 4 and August 15, 2022). All of them are dedicated to the 150 years and are a tribute to the traditions as well as the historical anecdotes of the hotel.


© Villa d‘Este 

That is also reflected in the menu. During this special season, Chef Michele Zambanini will create special menus featuring traditional dishes from 150 years of Villa d’Este. He personally harvests the ingredients, often early in the morning, in the hotel’s own kitchen garden. A small green paradise that many call the garden with the most beautiful view of Lake Como. Instead of eccentric creations, he relies on understatement in perfection: he spoils his guests with classic, authentic Italian dishes and thus remains true to his credo “authenticity instead of extravagance”. As delicate as the food is, as unparalleled is the panorama that guests enjoy in the restaurant La Veranda. The evening is perfectly rounded off with a refreshing signature cocktail. Five in number have been created especially for the anniversary season, each one dedicated to a famous owner of Villa d’Este.

Tradition and innovation have always defined the character of Villa d’Este. When guests arrive, they will find three charging stations for electric cars in the garage of the historic palace and a charging station for electric boats on the shore. In an exhibition organized especially for the anniversary season, travelers discover the historical roots of Villa d’Este from today’s perspective: “Then and Now” is the motto of the exhibition, which is spread over several stations throughout the luxury hotel and features pictures and notes steeped in history. Historical anecdotes are also promised by the themed evenings in collaboration with the Teatro Sociale di Como, which will take place on April 14 and September 22, 2022 and where culture lovers will spend an interactive evening with the actors. After numerous highlights throughout the year, the icon is pleased to welcome visitors for the first time also during Christmas season and for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve on Lake Como. And for those who also want to experience a piece of 150 years of Villa d’Este at home, a limited collection of noble accessories and travel companions can be found in the on-site store as well as in the online boutique of the luxury hotel.


© Villa d‘Este 

About Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este, which belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World, houses 152 rooms and luxury suites as well as four noble private villas and is located directly on the shores of Lake Como, which with its impressive landscape is considered the most beautiful lake in Italy and stands for a lot of glamour. The legendary residence impresses not only with its extraordinary atmosphere and listed architecture, but also with its extensive park, the famous Nymphaeum with its numerous fountains and water features, and the floating pool on the lake. Villa d’Este is about 40 minutes by car from Milan Malpensa airport. For more information, visit.

www.villadeste.com

Glamorous personalities, influential politicians and illustrious people – the guest list of Villa d’Este is long and 2022 will be a birthday season full of surprises On March 3 it…
Commanding Wins for UAE Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU at the Gold Cup 2022 Qualifiers
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16 February 2022: The qualifying matches of the Dubai Open 2022 are well underway, with the second day featuring Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series Polo against Abu Dhabi Polo and Dubai Wolves by CAFU versus AM Polo.

Lucas Monteverde Jr. scored first for UAE Polo with Segundo Amadori settling the first chukker at 1 goal each. Abu Dhabi Polo team took the lead by the end of the second chukker with goals from Jeronimo del Carril but UAE Polo managed a 5-goal advantage in the next two chukkers. The final chukker saw Abu Dhabi make a comeback as Jero and Santiago Cernadas narrowed the gap in scores. However, the lead UAE Polo had was enough to seal the win for the team at 9 goals to 6.

Match Progression: 1 – 1 | 2 – 3 | 5 – 3 | 8 – 3 | 9 – 6
Top scorer: Tommy Beresford, 7 goals

AM Polo showed early dominance in the next match as the first chukker closed at 2 goals to nil. Dubai Wolves by CAFU made up for its slow start with back to back goals during the second. The third chukker was a scuffle for the Wolves to extend their lead and the team successfully carved a 3-goal advantage with its Patron – Habtoor Al Habtoor – picking up a long-range pass from Alfredo Cappella. The team kept the momentum during the penultimate chukker, ending it with a 5-goal lead. Alejandro Muzzio placed AM Polo back on the scoreboard with consecutive goals during the final chukker.

But the commanding lead of the Dubai Wolves by CAFU plus the additional goals it landed earned them their first win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 0 – 2 | 4- 3 | 7 – 4 | 9 – 4 | 12 – 8
Top scorers: Carlos Ulloa, Alfredo Cappella, Alejandro Muzzio, 5 goals

The Dubai Open matches will continue on the 19th of February on Field 1 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

14:00
Habtoor Polo vs. Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo

16:00
Ghantoot Polo vs. Zedan Polo

 

Photos by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
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16 February 2022: The qualifying matches of the Dubai Open 2022 are well underway, with the second day featuring Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series Polo against Abu Dhabi Polo and…
Habtoor Polo and Zedan Polo Teams Take First Win at the Dubai Open 2022
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Habtoor Polo, fresh from its glory at the Silver Cup 2022, faced the defending champions of the Gold Cup – Ghantoot Polo – on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Marcos (Cacu) Araya opened the match with a goal for Ghantoot and, Mohammed Al Habtoor, the patron of the Habtoor Polo team, closed the first chukker with a 1-goal advantage. The team continued the streak of goal shots and extended its lead with 2 goals. Cacu placed Ghantoot back on the scoreboard during the third chukker but Bautista Bayugar managed to keep the lead to Habtoor Polo‘s side by halftime. The penultimate chukker saw the team carve a 4-goal lead which Ghantoot closed in on but did not manage to beat. The game ended with a final score of 8 goals to 7 in favour of Habtoor Polo.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 4 – 1 | 6 – 4 | 8 – 4 | 8 – 7
Top scorers: Bautista Bayugar and Marcos Araya, 5 goals

Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo team took the lead quickly from Zedan Polo at the second match of the day. Amr Zedan, the patron of the opposing team shifted the advantage by the end of the second chukker and the team kept its lead through halftime. Benjamin Panelo from Bangash levelled the game during the fourth chukker with penalty shots. His brother, Tomas Panelo, saw to it that the final chukker belongs to the Zedan Polo team as he scored 3 goals and the team took their first win in the tournament.

Match Progression: 1 – 2 | 3 – 2 | 3 – 5 | 5 – 5 | 8 – 6
Top scorers: Tomas Panelo & Benjamin Panelo, 5 goals

The next round of qualifying matches will be on the 16th of February, Field 3 of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

 

Photos by Tony Belot and Shine TV

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Habtoor Polo, fresh from its glory at the Silver Cup 2022, faced the defending champions of the Gold Cup – Ghantoot Polo – on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo…
Bin Drai Polo Clinches Victory at the Polo Masters Cup 2022
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12 February 2022, Dubai, UAE: The afternoon opened with a penalty shot from Ernesto Trotz at the subsidiary final of the tournament. Estancia Lamar Polo team dominated the first half of the game against El Basha Polo and maintained a 3-goal advantage at the end of the third chukker. Tommy Beresford for El Basha Polo managed to close the gap in scores during the last chukker, but the win still fell in the hands of Estancia Lamar as the game ended with a final score of 6 goals to 5.

Match Progression:  2 – 0 | 5 – 2 | 6 – 3 | 6 – 5

The final featured a match between Bin Drai Polo and Ankora Polo teams, and Raul Laplacette closed the first chukker with a 1-goal lead for Bin Drai. Laplacette‘s consecutive goal shots placed the team in a comfortable lead by halftime.Ricardo Garros for Ankora Polo nicked 2 goals for the team, but the advantage stayed on Bin Drai‘s side. Mohammed Bin Drai stole the ball and converted it to a point making Ankora‘s work cut out for them at the last chukker of the game. Faisal Yabroudi‘s last-second goal sealed the win for Bin Drai at 9 goals to 6.

Match Progression:  2 – 1 | 6 – 3 | 7 – 5 | 9 – 6

Philippe D‘Amat, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel awarded the teams of the day. Pico Flor was the Best Playing Pony ridden by the tournament‘s Most Valuable Player – Ricardo Garros.

 

Photos by Khalil Ahli
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* All tournaments are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

ABOUT DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (DPGC) was founded in 2009 by Mohammed Al Habtoor, patron of the Habtoor Polo team and Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation DPGC Series started out with one tournament – the Gold Cup (Dubai Open) – and has grown into a series five premier Polo Tournaments in the Middle East – the Silver Cup, Gold Cup, Polo Masters Cup, Dubai Challenge Cup and the Dubai Cup. The tournaments under the DPGC are recognized by World Polo Tour (WPT), ranking it among the best polo tournaments worldwide. The Gold Cup is one out of the four tournaments in the world that is played in the WPT Championship Cup category, on a par with world-class events held in Argentina, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.

The DPGC Series is one of the most important annual tournaments in the region having its home ground in the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, annually attracting VIP’s, dignitaries, local and international media, society figures, and famous personalities.

12 February 2022, Dubai, UAE: The afternoon opened with a penalty shot from Ernesto Trotz at the subsidiary final of the tournament. Estancia Lamar Polo team dominated the first half…
Richard Mille announces title sponsorship of AlUla Desert Polo Tournament
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As a result of the continued collaboration and partnership between Richard Mille, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille is delighted to present the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in the desert. Taking place on 11 – 12 February, the iconic event will bring together polo patrons and professionals from around the world who will partake in an exhilarating global event that celebrates the highest levels of talent, sportsmanship, and dedication in the international polo community. 

Organised by RCU in partnership with the SPF and Richard Mille, the event marks the second season of the enthralling two-day tournament, which was first introduced by RCU in 2020. An avid supporter of the prestigious sport and the development of polo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Richard Mille played a pivotal role in the inaugural season of the Desert Polo tournament as the official Timekeeper of the event. 

Sharing a unified vision with RCU and SPF to establish the historic city as a premier destination for polo enthusiasts worldwide, Richard Mille has deepened its involvement with the pioneering tournament as Title Sponsor and Timekeeper. As a result, the high-profile annual event will now be known as the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo. 

Pablo Mac Donough, one of the world’s greatest polo players, will be playing in the tournament alongside his teammates Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling and Juan Martin Nero in a specially built arena close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. A member of the Richard Mille family and partner of the brand since 2011, the 10-goal polo icon will wear his RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough throughout the entirety of the tournament as he leads one of four teams through the action-packed games of the tournament. Comprising of invited guests and patrons, each of the four competing teams will showcase the precision, speed and teamwork demanded by the ‘King of Sports’ as they compete for the chance to win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy. 

“The 2020 tournament was a milestone event for both Richard Mille and the Saudi Polo Federation. Hence, we wanted to deepen our involvement this year as we are committed to supporting the development of the sport in Saudi Arabia. This year’s event is certain to be nothing short of remarkable as we will have the chance to witness some of the best polo players in the world in action as they compete against the iconic backdrop of the AlUla terrain. It is an exciting moment for the global polo community. I’m looking forward to watching the games and seeing who will win the first-ever Richard Mille AlUla Desert Trophy,” commented Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA. 

“We are incredibly honoured to have this partnership with Richard Mille for yet another season of AlUla Desert Polo. As a global supporter of this powerful sport, it’s a perfect match as two iconic master pieces meet between progress and tradition. I also look forward to welcoming back Richard Mille partner, Pablo Mac Donough who will be returning to AlUla to lead the Richard Mille Polo team in our tournament. I am sure he will inspire many of our young Saudi players as the great role model he is.” Commented Amr Zedan, President of the Saudi Arabia Polo Federation. 

 

About Winter at Tantora

Winter at Tantora festival is considered as the Kingdom’s first-ever music and cultural festival. This year, it will run from 21 December 2021 to 12 February 2022. It will offer both international and local visitors an exciting six weeks of music, cultural events and equestrian events. Winter at Tantora is the first part of AlUla Moments festivals which include three other distinguished festivals of AlUla Arts festival, AlUla Skies, and AlUla Wellness festival. 

About Saudi Polo Federation 

The Saudi Polo Federation (SPF) was established in July 2018 as a means of developing the sport across the Kingdom and establishing international best practice from grass roots to elite levels. Aligned with key government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Sports, the SPF works to further establish Saudi polo in a global context, continuing the work already undertaken by Saudi’s private polo patrons on the international stage. 

Chaired by renowned Saudi polo player and businessman, Amr Zedan, the SPF seeks to encourage the sport among young Saudi men and women in accordance with the goals set out in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, while reflecting the transformational journey taking place in Saudi Arabia. 

www.richardmille.com

 

Photos by Royal Commission of AlUla
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As a result of the continued collaboration and partnership between Richard Mille, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) the Saudi Polo Federation (SPF), Richard Mille is delighted to present the Richard…
World Polo League Announces Team Rosters, Virtual Draw Set For Monday On ChukkerTV
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WELLINGTON, Fla., February 5, 2022—Three members of reigning Argentine Open champion La Natividad highlight the team rosters for the highly-anticipated World Polo League‘s fourth season at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Ten-goaler Polito Pieres, the highest ranked American player, will make his World Polo League debut. La Natividad teammates and brothers Barto and Jeta Castagnola will also compete.

In its first final on the hallowed Palermo Field One, La Natividad won the 128th Argentine Open with a thrilling 15-13 victory to end the Adolfo Cambiaso-led La Dolfina Saudi Polo Team‘s eight-year reign.

Cambiaso‘s young nephews, Bartolome (Barto) and Camilo (Jeta) Castagnola combined for 12 goals and five assists including a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the penalty line and never trailed in the game. Pieres was making his sixth appearance in the finals. Barto Castagnola was named MVP. All three were raised to 10 goals in Argentina.

The La Natividad players are expected to bring that same brand of excitement to the star-studded World Polo League competing on two different teams, Audi and Catamount, in the only 26-goal polo being played outside of Argentina.

In the late 1990s and early 2000, Scott Devon‘s Catamount was one of the sport‘s top teams featuring a pair of 10-goalers, Mike Azzaro and Carlos Gracida. In 2004, Catamount made it to the semifinals of the U.S. Open, narrowly missing the final with an overtime loss to White Birch. White Birch (2005), Audi (2009) and Alegria (2014) have all won U.S. Open titles and have hallowed traditions in polo.


Polito Pieres

Eight teams will compete when the season gets under way with the All Star Challenge. The virtual draw will be held Monday night at 6 p.m. and live streamed worldwide by ChukkerTV with veteran polo announcer Jan-Erik Franck, the voice of polo. The games will begin play based on team schedules with the championship final set for Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.

Three other 10-goal players will compete in the WPL including Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero for Richard Mille and Gonzalito Pieres for Seminole Coconut Creek Casino.

 

Team sponsors and rosters are:

ALEGRIA
Juancito Bollini (+4)
Clemente Zavaleta (+7)
Tincho Merlos (+8)
Fred Mannix (+7)

AUDI
Marc Ganzi (+2)
Camilo Castagnola (+9)
Barto Castagnola (+9)
Paco de Narvaez (+6)

CATAMOUNT
Scott Devon (+1)
Polito Pieres (+10)
Toro Ruiz (+7)
Nacho Novillo Astrada (+8)

RICHARD MILLE
Santos Bollini (+2)
Grant Ganzi (+3)
Pablo MacDonough (+10)
Juan Martin Nero (+10)

NETJETS
Nacho Figueras (+6)
Tomacho Pieres (+6)
Pablo Spinacci (+6)
Sugar Erskine (+6)

SEMINOLE CASINO COCONUT CREEK
Melissa Ganzi (0)
Alejandro Novillo Astrada (+8)
Gonzalito Pieres(+10)
Juan Martin Zubia(+8)

WHITE BIRCH
Chris Brant
Mariano Aguerre
Santi Toccalino
TBA.

BROOKSHIRE POLO TEAM
Scott Wood
Rufino Bensadon(+8)
Nic Roldan(+8)
Pancho Bensadon (+7)

 


Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero

The successful 26-goal World Polo League was co-founded by Marc and Melissa Ganzi and has attracted a large international field of players from all corners of the world.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The World Polo League is about the preservation of the highest level of polo and its rich, hallowed tradition in the U.S. The WPL has its own set of simpler fan-friendly rules to improve the flow of the game and world-class umpires.

The All-Star Challenge opens the high goal season followed by the inaugural Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Feb. 27; Founders Cup, Feb. 23-March 13; Palm Beach Open, March 9-27; Triple Crown of Polo, March 23-April 16 and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach, April 29-May 1.


Barto Castagnola

Grand Champions has also added  Sunset Chukkers and Cocktails, presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek held Tuesday late afternoon on Field One for players and guests. 

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is coming off its most successful fall season. Club officials hope to build off that success when it hosts 23 tournaments from January through April. 

The high goal club tournaments feature the Sterling Cup, $100,000 World Cup and Santa Rita Abierto.

The 16-goal league play includes the Feb. 14-Mar. 5 Grand Champions Cup, Mar. 8-26 Power Horse Invitational and Mar. 29-Apr. 16 Pedro Morrison Memorial.


Camilo Castagnola

The 12-goal league is the Limited Edition 12-Goal Series currently underway, Feb. 15-Mar. 5 Sieber Memorial Trophy, Feb. 16-27 $50,000 National 12-Goal and Mar. 8-26 Top Pony 12-Goal.

After January‘s successful Aspen Valley Cup, the 8-goal tournament schedule continues with the Feb. 15-Mar. 5 Top Pony 8-Goal and Mar. 8-26 Limited Edition 8-Goal. 

The 6-goal schedule features the  Metropolitan Cup, also underway; Feb. 15-Mar. 5 Halo Polo Trophy and Mar. 8-26 Madelon Bourdieu Memorial.

There is also the Polo School Grand Champions Women‘s League, co-founded by Melissa Ganzi and Alina Carta, for all ages and playing ability held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Santa Rita Polo Farm.


Nic Roldan

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 100-acre polo facility in Wellington with 120 stalls in several self-contained barns, exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and stick-and-ball fields.

During fall, winter and spring seasons, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest club with 13 well-manicured, world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita Polo Farm, hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal including the 26-goal World Polo League in addition to special events.


Mariano Aguerre

The Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility owned by Melissa and Marc Ganzi, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or General Manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program, the only polo club in the U.S. to offer the unique program.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Federico Lopez Claro

 

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 5, 2022—Three members of reigning Argentine Open champion La Natividad highlight the team rosters for the highly-anticipated World Polo League‘s fourth season at Grand Champions Polo Club.…
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POLO+10 01/2025
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