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Lifestyle, Polo News, Travel & Food

Six Senses Belize to Open with Secret Beach and Private Island

21. September 2021

BANGKOK – September 9, 2021 – Within just a few hours of the US, Belize is known for its warm and turquoise water, incredible snorkeling and diving, and active and vibrant culture. Guests and residents at Six Senses Belize will experience something out of this world as the team has worked tirelessly to strike the perfect balance between vivacious beach life and small-scale, secluded island bliss so that residents can enjoy either or both, any time they wish.

Exhilarating Adventure and Isolated Bliss

The resort and residences are uniquely set across two areas. The sun-drenched stretch of secret beachfront on Ambergris Caye, the most sought-after destination in Belize, offers an abundance of watersports, adventure and wild nights in equal measure. A five-minute boat ride away, or swim for the sporty, offers private island bliss for the secluded overwater villas, spa and wellness facilities.

This means, after hopping on a short flight, guests can check in to their desert island abode, enjoy a swim or massage in paradise and sundowners on the deck and then get dressed up to head over the water for a fun night out with family and friends all on their first day.

“Throughout, the emphasis has been placed on sensitive integration of landscaping to connect guests with nature and allow for greater privacy and coveted ‘desert island’ appeal,” says Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses. “We’ve drawn inspiration from local craft and Belizean life, capturing the spirit and history of Mayan architecture and local heritage. Everything has been done to embody a new generation of travelers, eager to make memories, while preserving the island for future generations.”

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is the main activities hub for Six Senses Belize. This 18-acre (7-hectare) part of the resort boasts a pristine stretch of private beachfront and is just up the coast from lively San Pedro on desirable Ambergris Caye. It offers an eclectic mix of daytime and nighttime amenities, anchored by the Experience Center. There are plans for organic gardens complemented by a labyrinth, mushroom hut, cooking school, food market and teens’ club. Another outdoor pool, ice cream parlor, overwater restaurant and Cinema Paradiso offer nightlife, socializing and Belizean culture galore. Secret Beach will also be the main location for watersports with a dive center, Marine Discovery and a wide range of activities on offer. Secret Beach is home to 24 residences, ranging from two-bedroom to seven-bedroom, available to purchase.

Guests will enjoy unspoiled horizon views from the overwater sunset bar at Six Senses Belize. © Six Senses Hotels Resort Spas

Island Life

There will be 45 resort villas and a handful of residences for purchase also located on a 10-acre (4-hectare) private island, 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the water from Secret Beach. During the short boat ride, guests pass a large sandbar, with unimaginably turquoise waters. This also belongs to the property and will be the setting for private picnics, reconnection experiences and “I do’s”. The current arrival to the southeast of the island is like entering an untouched, mysterious paradise and Six Senses Belize will maintain this sensation. It also stages the first glimpse into the island, where its inner wetlands and mangrove forests are at their most pristine. This landscape will be sustainably protected as a natural preservation area for the existing flora and fauna and will be made accessible to connect to the island’s biotope. The south of the island also enjoys unspoiled horizon views, which will be shared by an overwater sunset bar, All-Day Dining Village, BBQ Hut serving freshly cooked seasonal catches, communal outdoor pool, and children’s club.

Along its Eastern and Western shores, there will be 44 one- and two-bedroom resort villas and a three-bedroom retreat villa, most of which will be overwater bungalows accessed by jetties. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, they offer a place to reconnect that’s totally in tune with the mangrove reserve, sea, wildlife and nature all around.

Built around the natural lagoons to the north of the preservation area, the Six Senses Spa and Wellness Village will be the beating heart of the resort. This offers inward-looking, healing experiences among the existing mangroves at the edge of the wetlands. Initially, it will feature an Alchemy Bar, Holistic Anti-Aging Center, fitness center, indoor and outdoor treatment areas, Temazcal lodge and outdoor yoga pavilion. Spa treatments and wellness programs will focus on natural healing, energy medicine and traditional Mayan practices. Nestled within the organic gardens to the north is the plant-forward Leaf restaurant and a raised viewing lounge, offering a completely different experience, high in the canopy and framing the pure night sky.

Residences

An exceptional opportunity for a handful of owners, the island is also home to a collection of three, four, and five-bedroom residences, available for purchase. Organized along a central breezeway, and rising organically in and around natural foliage, the buildings allow for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is typical for Belize and the Caribbean climate. Loosely dispersed, they eliminate any sense of boundaries to form a continuous landscape experience as a barefoot sandy beach community while existing flora will protect privacy and shield the structures from each other.

Here “feet in the sand” has evolved into an architectural concept, living within the sublime landscape, protected and shaded in a casual yet refined way. Passive design strategies are employed to reduce energy consumption. Each residence is placed between the precious mangrove forest and estuary on one side and its own expansive stretch of beach on the other, framing wide views to each.

The design sets the stage for diverse experiences of the landscape, ocean and balance of community and seclusion. The western residences have ocean views from most rooms and beach access with a lifestyle that engages with the ground. The structures further east provide raised living rooms with access to wide horizon views and connecting to the pool gardens below. In addition to the generous master suite, there is a separate lock-off villa, which may be rented out separately at the owner’s convenience.

The residences are raised on stilts in a typical Belizean style, with open and spacious interiors that seamlessly blend the indoor with the tropical outdoor. © Six Senses Hotels Resort Spas

Sustainable Development

With longevity and low environmental impact in mind, renewable wood is the principal material used in the facades and buildings are modular and prefabricated to keep on-site construction to a minimum. Buildings are orientated to maximize passive solar strategies for energy efficiency and to capture cooling breezes. Green roof areas will provide an extra layer of insulation and thermal mass, while other areas will be covered with discreet solar panels.

The natural vegetation along the beach zone will be left intact, preserving this natural barrier and there are plans to re-vegetate red mangroves and plant species to further preserve the beach and serve as a roosting and foraging habitat for birdlife. The overwater structures are built in such a way as to provide a benthic habitat to enhance productivity and biodiversity as well as fish life.

Design Principles

The resort and residences are the result of a design collaboration between architects Studio Caban, interior design house Maed Collective, landscape designer Maat Handasa, and sustainability experts XCO2.

The choice of materials and interior finishes is inspired by an understanding of the cultural and natural local resources, exuding a contemporary and casual island vibe. The soft materials and harmonious blending with the surrounding nature invite guests to intuitively unwind and become fully enveloped by the island.

John Turley, a member of the development team says: “Welcome to Six Senses Belize, a world more magical than you could imagine. You’ll be struck by the stunning 81-degree turquoise water, the laid-back vibe, and genuine smiles that greet you off the plane. Belizean hospitality is second to none, and you will not find a broader array of activities, experiences, and memories to be had in a smaller package! Our world has changed a lot, and increasingly we all crave an escape. Six Senses Belize offers a select number of families the chance to start a new legacy in a spectacular, safe, and accessible place. This project is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, and it’s right on your doorstep.”

Six Senses Belize is targeting an opening by mid-2025. Belize is just 1.5 hours from Miami and 5 hours from New York. There are several onwards transfer options including via boat or helicopter.

BANGKOK – September 9, 2021 – Within just a few hours of the US, Belize is known for its warm and turquoise water, incredible snorkeling and diving, and active and…

Europe, Polo News

OPEN DE FRANCE: La Magdeleine and Polo Park Zürich reach their dream!

20. September 2021

Open de France Engel & Völkers

A day of finals at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly is a day of celebration with a touch of nostalgia: once the winners are known, three weeks of beautiful polo, conviviality and interactions come to an end. The Argentinean professionals will take the plane back home to prepare and start the „alta temporada“, the great season, the 700 horses will gradually leave the club, the lights will go out… If, in the women‘s category, Polo Park Zürich was an expected winner, in the Open de France Engel & Völkers, the result was a little more surprising.

It was not so much the name of the winner, La Magdeleine, that was a surprise, but the way in which this beautiful team, led by a luminous Facundo Llorente, logically nominated most valuable player of the game, dominated this final from start to finish. On paper, the two teams started as equals: Kazak had won all their games and La Magdeleine had only lost one… to Kazak. But today, things went very fast: 4 – 1 in the first chukker, 11-3 in the fourth before La Magdeleine lifted their foot off the gas (12 – 5 at the final bell).

The key to this domination was clearly the horses ridden by Facundo Llorente, a loan from one of the world’s best players, Pablo Mc Donough (h10). The spectacular accelerations of these Formula 1 ponies for sure made the difference today. It was one of these mares, La Irenita Loli, who was crowned best playing pony of the tournament and of the final. After their first and only defeat in the qualifying phase of the tournament, La Magdeleine put things right: „It‘s true that we were a bit worried because we had lost that first game against today’s opponents,“ confirms Facundo Llorente. „Their team plays hard. But today I brought out my best mares and we clearly played our best game of the season, we quickly understood that this was our day.” This is the fourth time in his career that Facundo Llorente has lifted the Open de France Engel & Völkers Cup but he will hardly have time to celebrate this triumph as he is leaving for Buenos Aires: „Now we have to get ready and try to qualify for the Argentine Open with La Irenita.” It is the stud of La Irinita that entrusted him with these wonderful horses that delighted the dense audience that came to enjoy this sporting show under a beautiful blue sky.

© R&B Presse

French Women‘s Open: Polo Park Zürich, as expected

There was no chance of a surprise in the Women‘s Open, as Polo Park Zurich dominated the tournament from start to finish, and it was with a high score (11-3) that the French Venot sisters lifted the trophy for the second year running: „We were under a bit of pressure, but we had already played them in the qualifying round. At the beginning of the tournament, we had a bit of trouble because we hadn‘t played together for a long time, but we soon found each other again,“ says Elena, the eldest. Because the „secret weapon“ of the Venot sisters… is being sisters! “We know each other by heart and we know before anyone else what the other will do… or not do.” Elena Venot, who is France’s best female player, also has plans for Argentina as she has been invited to take part in the Abierto Feminino, the most competitive competition in the world: „It was Luisa Del Carril who asked me to join her in a new team, La Ensenada. It‘s an incredible opportunity. I‘m going to leave at the beginning of November to organize my horses and prepare myself to put all the chances on our side“. But the dream of the Frenchwoman, who is expected to move up to handicap 7 next season, goes even further: „The idea is that we can participate together with my sisters in this Argentine Open. I don‘t know if it will happen, but it is a goal we are working on.”

Polo is a story of dreams. That of two captains, Morgan Van Overbroek and Alexandre Garese, who saw their efforts rewarded today with this first title in the Open de France Engel & Völkers; that of the Venot sisters who are dreaming of Palermo; that of the defeated teams who are already thinking about the organization that needs to be put in place to win this beautiful trophy in 2022; and that of the great players and speedy horses who have offered the world of polo and the public pure magic during these three weeks. Now it‘s time for the French Championships, which will start next week on these same grounds of the Polo Club de Chantilly, which is also the federal polo center. A great way to enjoy the thrilling French polo season just a little longer.

© Justine Jacquemot

Teams and progressions

OPEN ENGELS & VÖLKERS :

LA MAGDELEINE 16
Alexandre GARESE 0
Lucas NOTTIN 2
Facundo F.LLORENTE 7 (6 goals)
Tito RUIZ GUIÑAZU 7 (6 goals)

KAZAK 16
Sébastien AGUETTANT CAP 0
Patrick PAILLOL 5
Jero DEL CARRIL 7 (4 goals)
Santiago IRASTORZA 4 (1 goal)

Progression La Magdeleine: 4-1 / 6-1 / 7-2/ 11-3 et 12-5

WOMAN‘S OPEN :

POLO PARK ZÜRICH 16
Morgan VAN OVERBROEK 2
Pearl VENOT 4
Lucie VENOT 4
Elena VENOT 6

DS AUTOMOBILE – DS STORE SAINT MAXIMIN 13
Romane JAMET 3
Ambre PLOIX 3
Sandrine DUBOIS 3
Anna- Maria CZEKAV 4

Progression Polo Park Zürich : 3-0 / 6-0 / 9-1/ 11-3

Best of OPEN ENGELS & VÖLKERS & WOMAN‘S OPEN

Open de France Engel & Völkers A day of finals at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly is a day of celebration with a touch of nostalgia: once the…

Europe, Polo News

The Vecinos Cup was played on September 3, 4 and 5 at Polo Park & Country Club Zürich.

14. September 2021

On Friday evening, Kensington Art hosted a vernissage of their collection, giving the opportunity for players and guests to admire many different pieces. Visitors and habitué enjoyed the evening until the last rays of sun set, sipping Perrier-Jouët and snacking on finger food.

As the last medium goal tournament of the season, this was also the last occasion for the professionals to enjoy polo in the club before flying back to sunnier destinations. Polo Park Zürich was happy to have 7 teams playing the two different levels. As from the medium goal, games already started on Friday, each team playing against each other. With Altaris winning over Equilibrium on the first day and Equilibrium defeating Los Lobos on Saturday, the Sunday game between Altaris and Los Lobos could go either way. Starting strong, Altaris took the lead with a strict 3-0 in the first half of the game before step by step Los Lobos nibbled their way back. Los Lobos won the game 4 to 3, butAltaris was sacred winner by goal difference, since each team won a game. Miguel Amieva was awarded most valuable player of the final.

In the low goal, the four teams, made up entirely of club members, competed over the two weekend days. From the first day of competition, two clear winners emerged: PPZ and Bio-R. On Sunday, in front of the cheering crew of Kensington Finest Properties and their guests, G-Squared imposed their game in a thrilling game against Benci Brothers. Katja Grauwiler was awarded MVP and received a beautiful bunch of roses from Sebastiano Cassia representing the Piaget Boutique in Zürich. In the final, the team BIO-R had a winning combination with the Strub sisters Sammy-Joe and Sue Ann helped by the talent of Anja Gutbrod and powered up by the long shots and tactics of Eduardo Greghi and Armand Le Page. Bio-R clearly imposed their pace and style to the game and won against a PPZ team overtaken by so much skills reunited in one team.

The tournament ended with the happy birthday singing to Ossi Robertson and sharing a tasty paella in the shade; while some of our guests were savoring Royal Salute cocktails and Perrier-Jouët champagne. The last guests left the club while the fire of the evening started to crackle and the grooms and players enjoyed the asado.

Ranking:

MEDIUM GOAL

1. ALTARIS
Jamal Nusseibeh GB (0)
Gonzalo Ambroselli IT (+1)
Miguel Amieva AR (+4)
Facundo Kelly AR (+3)
Total (+8)

2. KENSINGTON
Sébastien Le Page F (0)
Morgan Van Overbroek B (0)
Martin Podesta AR (+4)
Carlos Solari AR (+4)
Total (+8)

3. EQUILIBRIUM
Daniel S. Aegerter CH (0)
Thomas Aegerter CH (0)
Milos Ruszkowski AR (+3)
Francisco Fucci AR (+5)
Total (+8)

LOW GOAL

1. BIO-R
Eduardo Greghi CH
Armand Le Page FR
Sammy Joe Strub CH
A. Gutbrod CH / Sue Ann Strub CH

2. PPZ BLUE
Andrew Guthrie UK
Peter Mészàros AUS
G. Mannsdorff GER / Max Gnessi IT
Shiva Strub CH

3. G-SQUARED
Richard Harris USA
Katja Grauwiler CH
Gabriel Hatzung CH
A. Fetscherin CH / Janique Spillmann CH

4. BENCI BROTHERS
Stefan Roth CH
Konstantin Nikiteas CH
Claudia Ide CH / Alex Roudneva CAN
Ossi Köchli CH

MVP Medium Goal: Miguel Amieva
MVP Low Goal: Katja Grauwiler

Images: ©Tim Hughes 2021

Asia, Polo News

Polo in China is getting back: Tang Polo Club China hosted the JJ International Launch Tournament in Anping

13. September 2021

By Dr. Cinderella von Dungern

September 13^th, 2021

In ancient China, polo originated 2,000 years ago in the East Han Dynasty (207BC-AD25) when the traditional name for the game was “jiju” and peaked in the Tang Dynasty, who ruled China from 618-907 AD. Polo became the game of choice for the Chinese elite and was viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a competitive sport. Tang emperors used polo even as a tool of diplomacy.

In modern China, polo enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in the past two decades. Many clubs have opened, among them Tang Polo Club (founded 2010 by Shilai Liu, recently relocated from Beijing to Anping/Hebei), Beijing’s Sunny Times club (founded by Xia Yang), Shanghai’s Nine Dragons Club (2008) and Tianjin’s Metropolitan Polo Club (originally backed by Goldin Group, but since around two years operating on their own) with quite an active international participation, interaction and publicity. Many clubs have hosted 16-goal international tournaments with intense media coverage on their impressive grounds, and each club has imported more than 100 ponies from Australia, Argentina and Europe. Chinese players went to polo events worldwide and the sport was undergoing a resurgence in the upper classes of China. Although there are less than 100 amateurs, China seems to develop to an interesting new destination for Polo with much attention from international polo fans.

However, due to COVID restrictions, it has been a very silent polo period over the past 20 months. Since the pandemic started, the polo sport in China has been severely affected in various dimensions. Due to travel and visa restrictions, no foreign polo professionals, trainers or grooms can enter the country since more than one and a half years now. Domestic and international travel and transportation for Chinese polo players and horses are also highly limited due to national lockdowns, long isolated medical quarantine programs and many other restrictive government prevention rules that follow a zero-case policy. In addition to that, logistics for international horse transportation is challenging if not impossible. This is by far the most demanding part, as a good and high-quality polo pony is the basis for every player, especially if the player is just starting to learn or if experienced and wants to improve his/her skills. The horses that have been imported to China in the past 20 years are in excellent condition but of course are reaching their age limits. But importing new horses is extremely difficult since international cargo for horses to China is not easily available in times of Corona. Even if new horses were able to arrive in China, it would require professional international trainers and at least a few medium-goal tournaments in the country to keep the horse’s level high. A constant exposure to high quality chukkas and games would benefit both, horses and players. It seems that those restrictions for global commuting and visa permissions led to a temporary stand-still of the once exciting and very dynamic international polo scene in China.

Against this backdrop, it is encouraging to see that currently three active clubs (Tang Polo Club, Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club and Nine Dragons Club Shanghai) have continued to host some internal low-goal tournaments and club chukkas and are constantly developing the national scene. Of course, quite a few Chinese players could play higher handicap games and every active Chinese player is longing to get back to international playgrounds and exposure soon, but if there is no other choice, pushing the domestic market is a valuable investment in the longer term. Early September 2021, a special private tournament was organized by JJ International company, hosted by Tang Polo Club at the club’s fields in Anping (three hours from Beijing), to launch the company founding with the vision of promoting polo sport allover China. With an impressive cultural side program and many distinguished visitors from Beijing and the Chinese equestrian society, polo was introduced to the audience in a refreshing way.

Due to strict COVID-limitations the selected numbers of players and games had to be rather exclusive. Eight players competed on two days in two teams (each game with four chukkas). Among the players were three very experienced Chinese polo players: Yanyang Li (hcp 0), chief editor of of the Chinese publication “Horsemanship Magazine”, Yin Bao (hcp 2), manager of Tang Polo Club and Shilai Liu (hcp 2). Shilai Liu is the top polo player in China. Among many other passions and business activities, he is founder and owner of the Tang Polo Club and China’s first member of the International Polo Association. He has played in Argentina, Australia, the US, Europe, and Thailand and is one of the main promoters to establish a legacy for polo in China.

The game was competitive but very fair. Horses and players were in perfect shape, and despite being classified as a low-goal tournament, the level of polo was high and tight. Both teams were rather equally balanced and ambitious, hence the game became very speedy and sportive. The team of Tang Polo Club finally won the tournament with a 12:10 score (6:6 the first day) and received the award from the organizer Justin Jiang, founder of JJ International.

Teams:

TANG POLO CLUB
Jiping (James) Liu (-2)
Ketu Chao (1)
Yanyang Li (0)
Shilai Liu (2)

JJ INTERNATIONAL
La A Gu (-1)
Dr. Cinderella von Dungern (-1)
Justin Jiang (0)
Yin Bao (2)

Umpire
Bao Er

Images: ©JJ International

By Dr. Cinderella von Dungern September 13th, 2021 In ancient China, polo originated 2,000 years ago in the East Han Dynasty (207BC-AD25) when the traditional name for the game was…

Europe, Polo News

Teams Announced and U.S. Polo Assn. Official Apparel Partner for British Beach Polo Championships 2021

13. September 2021

Now in its 14^th year, the British Beach Polo Championships (Sandpolo) is pleased to be staging the delayed 2021 event on 17-18 September on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach, Poole, Dorset. The appetite from sponsors, players and supporters has been tremendous for this ‘end of season’ tournament. The 3,500-capacity beach stadium for each day is largely sold out.

Team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Ebe Sievwright, Adolfo Casabal ) and Team Lightning Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Jimmy Wood and Nick Rogerson) will be playing at 3.30 pm on each day. Fringe activities include the ever-popular 4×4 V pony charity race and the renowned beach after-parties.

U.S. Polo Assn. is to be the official apparel partner for the first time:

“U.S. Polo Assn., in collaboration with our U.K. licensing partner Brand Machine Group, is proud to serve as the Official Apparel Partner of the British Beach Polo Championships as it returns with great excitement after last years’ cancellation of virtually all sporting events,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The U.K. is a strong market for the U.S. Polo Assn. global brand and Sandpolo is a wonderful way to expose new fans to the historic sport of polo.”

Sandpolo Director, Johnny Wheeler commented: ‘We are thrilled to be finally hosting this year’s event. U.S.Polo Assn. is an excellent fit for Sandpolo and we are looking forward to working closely together to bring polo to the wider audience.’

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce. U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide. Recently ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

Brand Machine Group– United Kingdom

The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specialises in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

Now in its 14th year, the British Beach Polo Championships (Sandpolo) is pleased to be staging the delayed 2021 event on 17-18 September on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach,…

North America, Polo News

NetJets Defeats Quite on Z in Silver Queen Invitational, Brian Boyd MVP

8. September 2021

By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV

CARBONDALE, CO, September 6, 2021— On Sunday, NetJets bested Quite on Z by 8-4 in the newest tournament at Aspen Valley Polo Club, The Silver Queen Invitational.

On Sunday, NetJets (Brian Boyd, Pablo Spinacci, Nacho Figueras, and Juan Bollini) met Quite on Z (Alecia Siedler, Victoria Siedler, Gussie Busch, Tori Ruiz, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada) in the deciding match of the Silver Queen Invitational.

Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Nacho Figueras.

NetJets dominated the first chukker. Brian Boyd put the first goal on the board at 4:44 after picking up a pass from Pablo Spinacci. With under three minutes remaining in the period, Nacho Figueras swooped in to snatch the ball away from Toro Ruiz on the sideboards and take it downfield to score. Quite on Z made no progress in getting onto the board and the period ended 2-0 in favor of NetJets. Around a minute and half into the second chukker, Z picked up some steam. Gussie Busch took the ball and got out in front for an easy goal. After two minutes of back and forth, Figueras plucked the ball out from under Alejandro Novillo Astrada in a quick skirmish and sent it back toward Busch. Regaining the ball, he battled his way toward the posts.

MVP Brian Boyd is closely defended by opponent Gussie Busch.

Under pressure from the defense, Novillo Astrada left the ball behind for Ruiz to finish the play, scoring another goal for NetJets. As the clock ticked down toward the first horn, Figueras picked up a pass but broke his mallet in the process. Boyd took up the slack, shaking off his pursuers to escort the ball through with 20 seconds remaining on the clock. NetJets ended the period still in the lead at 3-2. The momentum contuinued in the third chukker as Pablo Spinacci contributed a pair of goals, one from a Penalty 2 and one from the field. The half ended with NetJets leading 5-2.

MVP Brian Boyd with wife Karen.

The fourth chukker was frustrating for all involved, with both teams playing a strong defense but neither making it onto the board. Play continued to be evenly matched in the pentultimate chukker, with Ruiz scoring for Z and Boyd contributing a goal for NetJets. Victoria Siedler started the final period by getting the ball on a breakaway to score at 5:09, putting Z within two goals of NetJets and giving their confidence a boost. Another goal from Boyd extended NetJets’ lead to four, and one last Penalty 2 conversion from Pablo Spinacci ended the match in victory for NetJets with a final score of 8-4. Brian Boyd was named MVP. Channing Tatum, an 8-year-old bay gelding, took Best Playing Pony honors. He was ridden by Juan Bollini in the first and fifth chukkers and is owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Best Playing Pony Channing Tatum ridden by Juan Bollini and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm.

The Just for the Love of It subsidiary match was played round robin, with Mountain Chevrolet (Michael Payne, Sugar Erskine, Tomas Pieres, and Stewart Armstrong) taking on Santa Rita (Alejandra Foster, Bauti Peluso, Horacio Heguy, and Nacho Novillo Astrada) in the first game of three chukkers. Michael Payne drew first blood for Mountain Chevrolet, with Horacio Heguy answering for Santa Rita. The second period saw Santa Rita dominate, with goals from Alejandra Foster and Bauti Peluso. Mountain Chevrolet didn’t make it onto the board. Although Mountain Chevrolet outscored Santa Rita with a goal by Tomas Pieres in the third chukker, Santa Rita won the first game 3- 2.

Nic Roldan squeezes between opponents for his shot on goal.

Mountain Chevrolet remained on the field to take on Rancho Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Nic Roldan, Vinny Sangaline, and Paco de Narvaez) in the second match. Mountain Chevrolet’s slow day continued, and they failed to score in the first chukker. However, Vinny Sangaline and Paul Foster each contributed a goal for Los Amigos. Michael Payne got Mountain Chevrolet on the board in the second chukker, taking the score to 2-1, but a goal from Nic Roldan ended the period with Los Amigos leading 3-2. Mountain Chevrolet made a strong comeback in the final chukker, with Sugar Erskine and Tomas Pieres each contributing a goal. However, another goal from Sangaline ensured that Los Amigos prevailed with a final score of 4-3.

Michael Payne, Paco de Narvaez, and Sugar Erskine all fighting for possesion of the play.

The final game of the round robin saw Santa Rita and Rancho Los Amigos battle it out. Horacio Heguy drew first blood, with an answer from Nic Roldan. Los Amigos kept Santa Rita away from the posts in the second chukker, while Roldan contributed another goal. The teams alternated scoring in the final period, with a start from Los Amigos‘ Paco de Narvaez. Heguy answered, and then the ball went back to de Narvaez. He took the ball through the posts to establish a 4-2 lead for Rancho Los Amigos. Despite a final effort from Nacho Novillo Astrada, Santa Rita was unable to squeak by Los Amigos. With a final score of 4-3, Rancho Los Amigos won both the game and the tournament.

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV CARBONDALE, CO, September 6, 2021— On Sunday, NetJets bested Quite on Z by 8-4 in the newest tournament at Aspen Valley…

North America, Polo News

Chaps vs. Yanks: Newport Polo Reliving a Historical Rivalry

8. September 2021

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major highlight of the Newport International Polo Series’ 30^th Anniversary Season.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 4PM at Glen Farm, minutes from the Newport waterfront where the British landed, the Labor Day weekend rivalry between the two nations has, since the Polo Series’ inaugural season, reconstructed the overseas power’s 1778 assault on the locals on this very week.

“The English have long held the upper hand over its colonies by going to battle well prepared, and likewise are bringing a crack team to challenge us this year,” evaluates Dan Keating, USA Captain and Polo Series Founder, “but defending our turf has its advantages, as we are nearly tied at 10 wins to 8.”

The history of the Anglo-American sporting matchup dates back over one hundred years ago, when a newspaper publisher, James Gordon Bennett Jr., viewed a Polo match in London and gathered his fellow American sports enthusiasts to try out the game at home. His ardor for Polo was indeed shared by his peers and thus was founded the first Polo Club in America, in Newport, RI. An international challenge was made in 1886, inviting the English to compete in Newport in the Westchester Cup, predating the modern Olympic games. The Westchester Cup continues to this day, as does its sailing counterpart, the America’s Cup, tennis’s Davis Cup, and golf counterpart, the Rider Cup.

Polo Match Lawn tickets are available online at www.nptpolo.com and at the gates. Pavilion seating upgrades will be available after the first chukker, with an admission purchase for Lawn seating. Standby seating options including Tailgates & Chalets at Gametime, 4PM at the Main Gate, first come first serve.

America’s oldest polo club hosts the 30^th season of the Newport International Polo, with matches every Saturday, in June through September. As one of the most unique and popular attractions in New England, the matches feature the home team competing against different international and US rivals each week, and a host of associated events.

This Saturday’s match will include a special holiday seafood celebration menu, by advanced reservation, as well as a Silent Auction at the Pro Shop, located in the polo grounds’ Vendor Village, which will feature vintage New England sports and British music memorabilia, and a stunning equine photographic work of fine art by internationally acclaimed international artist. Auction proceeds will bolster the record-breaking results of Newport Polo’s annual charity gala, benefitting the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports music and arts in Rhode Island schools as well as partners like the Amos House, St. Mary’s Home for Children & Family Services, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, and Button Hole. Items can be previewed here.

The International Polo Grounds are located on the acreage of Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off Route 138) in Portsmouth, RI, minutes from Newport’s bustling harbor. This bucolic setting along the East passage of Aquidneck Island, enjoys a moderating coastal effect in summer for pleasurable afternoon polo spectating throughout the summer. The property is the last 100 acres of a pre-colonial settlement from the 1600’s that became the Town of Portsmouth’s original gentlemen’s farm, an 800-acre manorial estate established during a Gilded Age movement of retreat from the high life into pastoral country acres.

Its classical 19th century stone barns and its park-like grounds were rehabilitated by Polo Series founder, Dan Keating in the early ‘90’s and continue to thrive as an equestrian and community recreational property, and home of the Polo Series. Read about its restoration.

The Newport International Polo Series is proud to roll out its 2021 sponsors including Brenton Hotel, Davitt Inc., TD Bank, Turkish Airlines, Modern Luxury Boston, Herb Chambers Exotics, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Veuve Clicquot, Polo House Privé, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, US Polo Association, Goslings, ROCKSTAR Limo, McGrath Clambakes and Catering, Classical 95.9 WCRI, and promotional partners including Newport Helicopter Tours, The Cocktail Guru, Hannoush Jewelers, Newport Jaguar Tours, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Newport Music Festival, Island Surf and Sport, Northeast Equestrian Life and Audrain Automobile Museum.

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Keating.

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo, home of America’s First Polo Club, celebrates the 30th Anniversary season of the Newport International Polo Series, featuring public exhibition polo matches every Saturday, June – September. Founded in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Association, Newport Polo offers year-round polo club membership and polo instruction.

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major…

Europe, Polo News

San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup 2021

3. September 2021

Polo Park Zürich: Last weekend, the traditional polo tournament “San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup”, sponsored since his first edition by Clara and Francisco Podesta, has taken place with 2 leagues and 8 teams.

One of the winners was G-Squared, the team of Richard Harris. For the passionate player 2021 will definitely be a particularly successful one: He previously won the Rider Cup in France and the two 8 goal tournaments at Polo Park Zürich in July. The mood was exceptionally good: „It was very nice for us to see that after a very challenging year things have returned to normal a little bit. The players and guests could enjoy the tournament in a more relaxed manner“, says Clara Podesta from Polo Park Zürich.

Even it the weather was not super nice the Family Style Lunch on Sunday with all players and their families turned out to be a very special highlight again. The atmosphere was so good that most of the guests stayed until the late afternoon – and enjoyed the time together with lively chats.

RESULTS:

Saturday, 28.08.2021

Low Goal results:

1^st game Benci Brothers vs. Polossi 1 : 6
2^nd game PPZ Red vs. San Francisco de Asis 2 : 5

Medium Goal results:
1^st game G-Squared vs. Hausammann 8 : 3
2^nd game Altaris vs. Champagne de Venoge 5 ½ : 3

FINAL: Sunday, 29.08.2021

Low Goal:
3rd & 4th place Benci Brothers vs. PPZ Red 6 : 6

Final Low Goal Polossi vs. San Francisco de Asis 3 : 3

Medium Goal

3rd & 4th place Champagne de Venoge vs. Hausammann 5 : 4

Final Medium Goal G-Squared vs. Altaris 5 : 3 ½

Ranking Medium Goal:

1. G-SQUARED (+6)
Vinicio Marciaj CH (-1)
Walter Cortez ARG (+3)
Carlos Solari ARG (+4)
Richard Harris USA (0)

2. ALTARIS (+5)
Jamal Nusseibeh GB (0)
Gonzalo Ambroselli IT (+1)
Miguel Amieva ARG (+4)
Stefan Roth CH (0)

3. CHAMPAGNE DE VENOGE (+6)
Sébastien Le Page FR (0)
Facundo Kelly ARG (+3)
Thommy Gräff CH(+3)
Markus Gräff CH (0)

4. HAUSAMMANN (+6)
Katja Grauwiler CH (-1)
Reto Hausammann CH (0)
Janik Oertli CH (+2)
Francisco Fucci ARG (+5)

Ranking Low Goal:

1. SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS
Sue Ann Strub CH
Annette Fetscherin CH
Gabriel Hatzung CH
Reto Gaudenzi CH / Michael Bagattini CH

1. POLOSSI TEAM
G. Martinez CH / Claudia Ide CH
Shiva Strub CH
Andrew Guthrie GR
Ossi Köchli CH / C. Schellenberg CH

3. BENCI BROTHERS
A. Gutbrod CH / J. Spillmann CH
Sammy Joe Strub CH
Beata Dudler CH
Konstantin Nikiteas CH

3. POLO PARK ZURICH RED
Elisabeth Schoch CH
Laure Morel FR
Ch. Adelmann CH / A. Roudneva CAN
Remi Dudler CH

Umpires:
Alejandro Roldan
Francisco Podesta

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Polo Park Zürich: Last weekend, the traditional polo tournament “San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup”, sponsored since his first edition by Clara and Francisco Podesta, has taken place with 2 leagues…

North America, Polo News

2021 PACIFIC COAST OPEN FINAL

3. September 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 29th, 2021) – After two thrilling semi-finals, Klentner Ranch and BenSoleimani.com became the two final teams for the 2021 Pacific Coast Open. Both the stadium side of the US Polo Assn. Stadium Field and the tailgating side of the main field were packed with eager fans awaiting the action. The match did not disappoint with both teams giving an all out effort to secure the title of 2021 Pacific Coast Open Champion.

Klentner Ranch came into the final with a line-up change due to an injury in the semi-finals, resulting in Tomas Garcia Del Rio taking the reins for Santiago Toccalino. Despite the new team dynamic, Klentner Ranch cut right to the chase, starting the first chukker up three to nothing for BenSoleimani.com.

BenSoleimani.com picked it up a bit in the second chukker to slow Klentner Ranch’s lead. This chukker saw defense as the dominating strategy, with only one goal scored off a penalty the whole chukker. Tomas Garcia Del Rio converted this penalty to end the second chukker 4-0 for Klentner Ranch.

The tide turned as BenSoleimani.com managed to put their first two goals on the board in the third chukker. Klentner Ranch maintained their style of play, capitalizing on BenSoleimani.com fouls and converting two more penalties of their own. This ended the third chukker 6-2 for Klentner Ranch.

The fourth chukker saw a battle between teams, BenSoleimani.com came alive and put a few more goals up on the board. Klentner Ranch returned the favor with one field goal from Jesse Bray. However, Santi Wulff stole the show for the chukker by putting in an unreal open back shot with a 90 degree angle into the goal. The chukker finished at a closer score of 7-5.

BenSoleimani.com utilized Tommy Alberdi’s accurate shot to convert four penalties throughout the fifth and the sixth chukker. This effort brought BenSoleimani.com within one goal with a minute left, but Jesse Bray grabbed the ball out of bowl-in and ran it in to score as time ran out to secure the victory for Klentner Ranch with a final score of 11-9.

This victory marked the third high goal title for Klentner Ranch, as they secured the USPA FMB Silver Cup and Robert Skene Memorial earlier in the season. Jesse Bray was awarded the Most Valuable Player for his consistent and impressive plays. Jesse Bray’s famous grey mare, Disney, was selected as the Best Playing Pony. The Best Argentine Bred horse in the match was Machitos Abeja, owned by Ben Soleimani and played by Inaki Laprida. Santiago Toccalino was awarded the 2021 Robert Skene Season MVP Bronze for his dominating performance throughout the season. The award for best overall string of horses went to Jesse Bray.

The Santa Barbara Polo Club thanks its sponsors, fans, players, and all additional supporters for an amazing high goal season.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 29th, 2021) – After two thrilling semi-finals, Klentner Ranch and BenSoleimani.com became the two final teams for the 2021 Pacific Coast Open. Both the stadium side…

North America, Polo News

2021: THE YEAR OF KLENTNER RANCH

3. September 2021

Coming off an undefeated run to raise their first Silver Cup® and continuing their domination throughout Pacific Coast Open bracket play, Klentner Ranch (Jesse Bray*, Jacob Klentner*, Justin Klentner, Santiago Toccalino, Tomas Garcia del Rio**) established themselves as the team to beat. Although losing injured team captain Santi Toccalino unexpectedly in the semifinals, Klentner Ranch regrouped with Tomas Garcia del Rio and secured their spot in the Pacific Coast Open Final on Sunday, August 29, against Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, Tomas Alberdi*, Iñaki Laprida). Leading throughout the first half on penalty accuracy, the defending champions held off their opponents’ second-half drive to cap off the 16-goal season with their second consecutive USPA tournament title 11-9 and Klentner Ranch’s third Pacific Coast Open title.

“As we kept winning every game you would have expected a mounting pressure, but it wasn’t like that because Santi [Toccalino] was really instilling us to take it one game at a time.” – Jake Klentner

Although the final was the first full game with Tomas Garcia del Rio, Klentner Ranch found it easy to incorporate him into the team. “Coming into the semifinal and filling Santi’s [Toccalino] role is a testament to how good Tomas [Garcia del Rio] is and how much of a professional he is,” Jake Klentner said. “It was a privilege to play with both him and Santi. They are both such high-caliber players that every time I get to step on the field with them and learn something it’s a privilege and honor.”

Sticking to their original gameplan for the final, Klentner Ranch benefitted from the similarities between the two 8-goalers. “Santi [Toccalino] had a very long team meeting the night before the final,” Justin Klentner said. “He told us, ‘You can do it! Tomas plays like I do – very simple and classic. We’re going to play the way we’ve been playing and Tomas is going to fit into our group. We’re not going to try to adapt ourselves to his style.”

Showcasing his pinpoint accuracy from the penalty line, del Rio quickly created a significant lead with four unanswered goals for Klentner Ranch, including an open backshot made just before rolling over the end line. Silenced throughout the first two chukkers, Bensoleimani.com opened the third with a Penalty 2 conversion but Bray and del Rio immediately countered with a Penalty 2 each. Fighting to gain some forward momentum before the end of the chukker to get his team back in the game, Laprida forcefully broke up a Klentner Ranch play which enabled Wulff to hit a tailshot to goal. Tripled on the scoreboard, Klentner Ranch entered halftime up 6-2.

Reevaluating their offensive strategy, Bensoleimani.com came alive in the second half and quickly began to narrow the gap in the fourth chukker with three consecutive goals. Launching the ball high into the air, Alberdi made a long pass up to Laprida who was perfectly positioned to make the goal. Then, emerging from a pack of defenders, Wulff turned the ball and hit it downfield, arriving just in time to save it from the end line and add an epic open backshot goal to the tally.

Opening the fifth with his third goal of the game, Bray briefly extended the gap to three goals, but Alberdi retaliated with back-to-back Penalty 4 conversions to keep the game competitive. Firing on goal to end the chukker, del Rio gave Klentner Ranch the 9-7 advantage headed into the final chukker.

With the trophy still within reach for Bensoleimani.com, the battle continued in the sixth as Bray opened the scoring once more with a goal on 2021 Silver Cup® Best Playing Pony Cell Tower. Picking up another pair of penalty goals, Alberdi brought the scoreboard within one with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Jumping on a breakaway and sealing Klentner Ranch’s victory, Bray ended the game with a final score 11-9.

Ironically Santi Toccalino substituted for Tomas Garcia del Rio previously in the high goal at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida) when he suffered a similar injury. “Santi [Toccalino] helped win my semifinal in Florida when I pulled a muscle,” del Rio shared. “At least I could return the favor to him years later.” Playing in California for the first time, del Rio was eager to help his friend win the trophy. “I would have loved for him to have won, but I was happy to help him out any way I could,” del Rio said. “I want to thank Tomas [Garcia del Rio] for filling in for me, he’s a great friend of mine and he’s also a great player,” Toccalino said. “I was really happy that if I was not able to play that he was my substitute.”

Adopting the mindset of one game at a time, Klentner Ranch’s ability to focus worked in their favor. “We had to keep going forward one game at a time and putting our heads down, making a game plan for the team in front of us rather than the season as a whole,” Jake Klentner revealed. “Jesse [Bray] was instrumental in that. He and I would always send inspirational quotes back and forth to each other.”

Filling in for his father when Klentner Ranch won their first title in 2018, Jake Klentner was proud to raise the trophy on the family team. “I would attribute our success this season to my father because without him none of this would even be here,” Jake Klentner said. “He means so much to me personally, but he also means so much to the club [Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club]. For him to be able to win the Pacific Coast Open for a second year in a row and for him and I to win it together means everything.”

Contributing five goals to the tally, Jesse Bray was named Most Valuable Player. “It’s a great to win MVP, but it means the team did well,” Bray said. “It wasn’t just me out there, everyone played really well today and to win a final like this the whole team has to play well.”

Bray also received the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club award for Best String of the Season. “To receive Best String of the Season means a lot to me and it’s probably my favorite award to win,” Bray commented. “It shows all the hard work my grooms and I have put into my horses as well as everybody who is behind me. My dad [Graham Bray] has made four of the 12 horses I’ve been playing. I had two from Justin [Klentner] that I played for most of the season and the rest have been mine.”

Best Playing Pony honors were presented to 15-year-old Disney, a grey mare played by Jesse Bray as a spare in the first and sixth chukkers. Receiving her second blanket, Disney was previously named BPP of the 2017 Pacific Coast Open Final.

Setting his sights on another open trophy, Justin Klentner aspires to one day add the U.S. Open Polo Championship® to his list of accolades. “I want to win the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, it needs to be on my tombstone when I die!” Justin Klentner exclaimed.

Ending their 16-goal season undefeated, Justin Klentner credited chemistry as the key to their consistent success. “It’s a cliché but Jake [Klentner] is my son so we have great chemistry! Jesse [Bray] is our adopted son, and Santi [Toccalino] just fit right in there. To fit into our group is not an easy thing, we’ve been doing this for a little while now so it was really special. I’m so proud of all of them because they were never rattled and they never quit.” “We had really tough games and we could have lost many of them,” Toccalino added. “Many of them were decided in the last two plays and the same in the final which was decided on the last throw in. Sometimes you get a little bit of luck, but also I think that we built a good group of people, not just a good team with Klentner Ranch.”

*Jesse Bray is a Graduating Team USPA Member. Jacob Klentner and Tomas Alberdi are Team USPA Alumni. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

**Tomas Garcia del Rio substituted for Santiago Toccalino beginning in the fourth chukker of the Pacific Coast Open semifinal with two minutes remaining.

www.uspolo.org

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