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Europe, Polo News

Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup Day 7

16. August 2021

Park Place 10 – 9 Vikings

Andrey Borodin’s Park Place secured their place in the final of the first Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup by maintaining their unbeaten run after four league games. However Vikings almost spoilt Park Place’s clean sheet on The Queen’s Ground this afternoon. Despite trailing 8-5 at the start of the fifth chukka Vikings suddenly started to pile on the pressure. Juan Martin Zubia converted a penalty and after plenty of action in the Park Place goal, Sebastian Merlos scored. He then found the equaliser on the bell and it was now Park Place who were under pressure. Facundo Pieres received a yellow card at the start of the sixth and then some great play from Max Voelker and Chris Mackenzie saw Vikings take the lead, 9-8. With two minutes left to play in this heart-stopping sixth chukka, Pieres fired through the equaliser. Both sides had delivered a edge-of-the-seat game of polo and not surprisingly were determined that this game would not go into extra time. Britos and Mackenzie in particular were focused on keeping the other from the ball. Then with just seconds remaining Pieres launched a big hit to goal – the winning shot. So Park Place finish their league run as the first placed team in the tournament but they will have to wait until Wednesday to know who their opponents in Sunday’s final will be.

Next Games – Wednesday 18 August

12noon: Bardon Polo Team v Vikings

3pm: Monterosso v UAE Polo Team

Photos by IMAGES OF POLO

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Park Place 10 – 9 Vikings Andrey Borodin’s Park Place secured their place in the final of the first Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup by maintaining their unbeaten run…

Polo News, South America

2021 SPRING SEASON AT EN LA AGUADA POLO CLUB, PRESENTED BY RÍO URUGUAY SEGUROS

16. August 2021

Sunday, August 15, 2021 – La Aguada Polo Club unveiled the dates of the tournaments of the upcoming 2021 Spring Season, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, that will take place at the Novillo Astrada family’s club, set in Open Door, Argentina, through November and December.

Tournaments dates are as follows:

• Julio Novillo Astrada Cup (22-goal)
November 16-30

• La Aguada Ladies Cup (16-goal, ladies handicap)
November 29 – December 4

• Spring Cup (14-goal)
November 29 – December 8

For more information:

Polo Manager: Thomas Hume – thomas@laaguadapolo.com
+ 54 11 9 4157 1217

Prensa: Alejandra Ocampo – prensalaaguada@gmail.com
+ 54 11 9 5504-7998

www.laaguadapolo.com

Sunday, August 15, 2021 – La Aguada Polo Club unveiled the dates of the tournaments of the upcoming 2021 Spring Season, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, that will take place at…

Europe, Polo News

Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup – Day 6

16. August 2021

UAE Polo 13 – 8 Bardon

UAE Polo Team look stronger in each game in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup and today was no exception. They bore no resemblance to the team that were well beaten by Park Place last Sunday. Today they delivered a strong, big hitting performance against Bardon on the Duke’s Ground. Brilliant team-work plus some impressive two-man play from Alfredo Capella and Barto Castagnola delivered this win. With the 15-year-old Lucas Monteverde Junior delivering some outstanding play, including connecting with penalty shots in the air, the UAE team were in command from the third chukka. Sadly Andras Tombor’s team failed to convert some good play into goals, although they did keep fighting to the end. This result means that Bardon are still hunting their first win with just one match left for them ,to play while the UAE Polo Team are now looking like serious contenders for the final.

Next Match

Sunday 15 August at 4pm: Park Place v Vikings at Guards Polo Club

All games can be watched live at Guards TV

Photos by IMAGES OF POLO

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UAE Polo 13 – 8 Bardon UAE Polo Team look stronger in each game in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup and today was no exception. They bore no…

Europe, Polo News

Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup – Day 5

13. August 2021

Park Place 9- 8 Monterosso on The Castle Ground

Park Place are the only team to have secured three wins so far in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup and so are in a strong position to secure their place in the final on Sunday 22^nd August. Park Place initially showed their dominance in this match against Monterosso, who have one win under their belt, with Park Place leading 6-2 at half-time. Facundo Pieres, who scored seven goals in this match, was impressive in the third chukka, firing through four goals in this period of play Facundo Sola and Matt Perry started to make their presence felt in the second half for Monterosso, with Park Place suddenly looking vulnerable. Some good defensive play from Will Harper kept Monterosso at bay in the fourth but Sola, Perry and Cubi Toccalino all scored in the fifth to bring the scores level 7-7. Pieres converted a 30-yarder at the end of the fifth to give Park Place a narrow 8-7 lead going into the sixth, bur this was now anyone’s game. Juan Britos put Park Place two ahead with a lovely shot to goal in traffic only for Toccalino to get one back for Monterosso. With a huge hit from distance from Britos going wide, Toccalino was on a run to goal when the final whistle blew. As the commentators reflected, another minute could have easily sent this game into extra time., it was that tight at the end.

Next game
Saturday 14 August: Bardon Polo Team v UAE Polo Team
All matches are available to view live at Guards TV

Photos by IMAGES OF POLO

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Park Place 9- 8 Monterosso on The Castle Ground Park Place are the only team to have secured three wins so far in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup…

North America, Polo News

PACIFIC COAST OPEN: HIGHLIGHT OF THE 16-GOAL SEASON AT SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB

13. August 2021

The only outdoor open trophy on the west coast, the Pacific Coast Open is a staple of high-goal competition at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. Competing for the final 16-goal title of the season, six teams will leave everything on the field for a chance to win the impressive trophy, including two-time winners (2020, 2018) and defending champions Klentner Ranch. Located just five miles south of Santa Barbara and 60 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club overlooks the Pacific Ocean providing an attractive backdrop to an active polo calendar. The Pacific Coast Open will begin on Sunday, August 15, with the final slated for Sunday, August 29. On opening day the 7:00pm ET/ 4:00pm PT game between BenSoleimani.com and Farmers & Merchants Bank has been dedicated the Charles Ward Memorial Match, honoring Mr. Ward who was instrumental in club sponsorship. Games will be held on Sundays and Fridays.

Serving as the Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association, will provide stadium branding and apparel for the high-profile west coast tournament.

Standing at a striking height of five feet, the glorious silver-and-gold trophy for the Pacific Coast Open is a dazzling sight. Crowned with an eagle supporting a globe and adorned with semiprecious stones, the trophy is mounted on a redwood base, featuring side panels depicting lively polo scenes. Initially titled the All American Polo Trophy, the cup was commissioned in 1908 by friends and members of the Coronado Country Club in Southern California.

Throughout the late 1920s until the early 1940s the tournament was hosted by numerous clubs throughout California. After World War II, the Pacific Coast Open moved to the posh and glamorous Beverly Hills Polo Club until 1952, when it took residency at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where it remains today. Coming off a win in the Silver Cup®, Klentner Ranch’s 2020 teammates Justin Klentner and Jesse Bray are joined in 2021 by Justin’s son Jacob “Jake”

Klentner and 8-goal Argentine Santiago Toccalino. With four tournament titles, Lucchese holds the most wins of all teams competing (2015, 2012, 2011, 2010), followed by Klentner Ranch and Farmers & Merchants Bank with two (2019, 2017) and Antelope with one (2004). Featuring

father-and-son combinations on multiple teams, the 16-goal rosters feature a variety of young rising stars including several active and graduating Team USPA members and alumni.

2021 PACIFIC COAST OPEN TEAMS:

Bracket I
1. Santa Clara (15) Luis Escobar (5), Lucas Escobar (4), Nico Escobar (5), Federico Escobar (1)
2. Farmers & Merchants Bank (16) Danny Walker (2), Matt Walker (3), Lucas Criado (7), Lucitas Criado (4)
3. Klentner Ranch (16) Jesse Bray (6), Jacob Klentner (1), Justin Klentner (1), Santiago Toccalino (8)

Bracket II
1. Antelope (16) Grant Palmer (1), Santiago Trotz (4), Tomas Garcia del Rio (8), Segundo Saravi (3)
2. Bensoleimani.com (16) Ben Soleimani (0), Tomas Alberdi (4), Iñaki Laprida (7), Santiago Wulff (5)
3. Lucchese (15) John Muse (0), Facundo Obregon (6), Jeff Hall (6), Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini (3)

“The true challenge in Santa Barbara is to win all of the 16-goal tournaments,” said USPA Executive Director of Services Carlucho Arellano. “Most summers it seems customary that a different team win each trophy. Mainly because it is so difficult to keep a single team’s horses peaking for that long—prime fitness is tricky to maintain. Klentner Ranch just might be able to accomplish the feat and finish the Santa Barbara season with a Pacific Coast Open victory.”

The Pacific Coast Open, will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV with the purchase of the Polo Pass at globalpolo.com. All USPA playing and lifetime members who have paid their membership dues will receive the Premium Polo Pass complimentary while all USPA Social Members will receive the Polo Pass for free, once dues are paid in full. All games of the Pacific Coast Open will be available with the Polo Pass or the Premium Polo Pass.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is now open to the public for spectating. To purchase tickets please visit sbpolo.com. The club will host Happy Hour after each public match with drink specials, and food available for purchase at the Fieldside Grill. For more information on the Pacific Coast Open and to view the schedule, please visit the Pacific Coast Open tournament detail page on uspolo.org. To purchase a polo pass please visit globalpolo.com/products.

Photos by David Lominska

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The only outdoor open trophy on the west coast, the Pacific Coast Open is a staple of high-goal competition at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. Competing…

Europe, Polo News

Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup – Day 4

13. August 2021

UAE Polo Team 11 – 8 Vikings

The UAE Polo Team’s first game in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup last Saturday had seen them struggle against an in-form Park Place. The team did not appear to gel but it was the first time that this quartet – HH Sheikha Maitha, Lucas Monteverde Junior, Barto Castagnola and Alfredo Capella – had played together. That match report concluded with the words “UAE will build on that experience for their next match”. Build they did today, the UAE Polo Team delivering some strong, cohesive play to win this match and put themselves very much back into contention in this new high-goal tournament.

Vikings, again playing Max Voelker at one in place of their patron and with a win already under their belts, offered a tough opposition. They might have been trailing 4-2 at the end of the second chukka but had put themselves comfortably ahead by two goals (7-5) at the end of the fourth, with Chris Mackenzie, who scored a hat-trick in this match, and Juan Martin Zubia delivering strong performances.

The direction of this game changed again in the fifth when the UAE Polo Team were awarded three penalties. These were successfully converted by Castagnola and Capella to put UAE ahead once more (8-7). Perhaps more importantly Vikings failed to score at all in this chukka. Although at this level of polo it was still very much game on, even when Castagnola delivered a lovely angled shot to goal at the very beginning of the sixth. Zubia converted a 30-yard penalty with four minutes left on the clock to keep Vikings’ hopes alive. However, when the UAE Polo Team were awarded a couple of penalties in the final two minutes – successfully converted by the huge hitting Capella – the UAE Polo Team’s victory was assured.

Next Game

Thursday 13 August at 3pm: Park Place v Monterosso on The Castle Ground, Flemish Farm
All matches streamed live at Guards TV

Photos by IMAGES OF POLO

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UAE Polo Team 11 – 8 Vikings The UAE Polo Team’s first game in the Talacrest Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup last Saturday had seen them struggle against an in-form…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA AMERICA CUP

12. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) – The final of the USPA America Cup, served as the subsidiary for the Silver Cup. The match featured defending champions Santa Clara (Federico Escobar, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar, Luis Escobar) against Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, Ignacio “Iñaki” Laprida, Tomas Alberdi) on Sunday, August 8 at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Utilizing a family line-up, Santa Clara was in search of a second consecutive title, but ran into a determined Bensoleimani.com that overcame tough losses earlier in the season by changing their strategy and bringing Laprida forward in the game.

Entering the final with a one-goal advantage on handicap, Santa Clara used the opening chukker to extend the difference, beginning with a Penalty 2 conversion by Lucas Escobar. Santa Clara kept their lead at two, after Luis Escobar and Bensoleimani.com’s Laprida traded goals to end the first chukker. After facing three losses in the Silver Cup, all by just one or two goals, Bensoleimani.com were eager to snatch the victory, deploying Laprida at the front of the game attacking, leaving Wulff and Alberdi to man the defensive end.

The strategy proved to be effective as Bensoleimani.com produced six unanswered goals to finish the first half, beginning with two goals from Laprida in the second chukker on Open Kilovatio. Despite contributing on defense, Alberdi scored three straight opportunities at goal in the third chukker to leave Bensoleimani.com holding a 7-4 lead.

A competitive second half resulted in significant contributions from all eight players on the field, each finding the scoresheet. Nico Escobar helped end the drought for Santa Clara by accurately shooting to goal, scoring two field goals in the fourth chukker, but Bensoleimani.com’s Laprida continued to execute at the front of the game, matching the two goals to maintain the three-goal lead. Demonstrating unwavering resolve, Bensoleimani.com used the fifth chukker to cement their victory by playing end-to-end polo with Alberdi driving forward for two goals, while Soleimani added his first goal of the game.

“The second half of the game felt like we were all playing as a team” stated Soleimani, with Wulff also contributing a goal to give Bensoleimani.com the five-goal lead entering the final chukker. Santa Clara finished the game very strong with three consecutive field goals, but it was not enough to pull even with Bensoleimani.com, who raised the USPA America Cup® with a final score 14-11.

Finishing with five goals, Alberdi was named Most Valuable Player. The Team USPA Alumni explained the importance of the strategy shift for Bensoleimani.com, bringing Laprida forward in the game. “We switched it up a bit [at half] for Iñaki [Laprida] to be more upfront with the ball, which is our best player attacking and Santi [Wulff] and I switched up in the back, which I think really worked out.”

Best Playing Pony was awarded to Open Kilovatio (Ellerstina Picaro x Karenza), a thirteen-year-old Argentine dark bay gelding, owned by Ben Soleimani and played by Laprida in the second and sixth chukkers. Open Kilovatio was in Alberdi’s string for the earlier Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup games. “A few days ago, Tomy [Alberdi] came to me and said to try him…I played him in practice on Friday and it went well, so I played him again today and it went really well. I’m not giving him back [for the Pacific Coast Open],” he said with a smile. “He’s a big horse, a really strong horse and has the power to run. If you’re able to get a little bit of space to make a run, he’s the fastest one. Even though he’s bigger, you don’t mind him being that big and you feel like you are closer to the ground. The horse was suited well for today, running more and going forward.” – Cristina Fernandez; United States Polo Association

Photos by David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) – The final of the USPA America Cup, served as the subsidiary for the Silver Cup. The match featured defending champions Santa Clara (Federico…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA FMB SILVER CUP

12. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 8th, 2021) – One of the oldest United States Polo Association tournaments, the one-hundred-and-twenty-first edition of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup returned to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. After three weeks of play, the gripping final on Sunday, August 8, came down to undefeated Klentner Ranch (Jake Klentner, Santiago Toccalino, Jesse Bray, Justin Klentner) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (Daniel Walker, Lucas Criado Jr., Lucas Criado Sr., Matthew Walker).

Klentner Ranch asserted themselves early, highlighted by the play of Bray. “We attack, we hit the ball hard and we run. We play simple polo and make sure all four players are involved,” said Bray, as he led the charge with two goals in the first chukker. Farmers & Merchants Bank were awarded a Penalty 1 in the opening stages of the second chukker, involving two of the seven total yellow cards issued during the match. The exceptional play of Criado Jr., scoring two field goals in the chukker, helped tie Farmers & Merchants Bank 3-all, but Justin Klentner scored before the horn sounded to restore a one-goal advantage for Klentner Ranch. High speed, running and open style play highlighted the third chukker, the teams alternating three goals each with back-and-forth action. “The more we ran, the better we knew we would play, ” stated Bray. Jacob Klentner and Matthew Walker added a final tally each to leave the score 7-6 in favor of Klentner Ranch entering halftime.

The frenetic pace carried into the second half with nine combined shots between the two teams in the fourth chukker, but it was Klentner Ranch’s accuracy, finishing fifty-three percent from the field, that allowed them to extend their lead. “We took advantage of the opportunities we had. I thought we shot to goal pretty well and our goal percentage was high,” stated Bray.

Teammate Toccalino pushed Klentner Ranch’s lead to three after hammering two field goals to end the chukker. Desperate to pull within reach, Farmers & Merchants Bank team owner Daniel Walker scored on the opening play of the fifth chukker, but Klentner Ranch responded with Bray’s third goal riding Cell Tower.

A tense final chukker resulted in Farmers & Merchants Bank pulling within one goal after consecutive Penalty 2 conversions from Criado Jr., but Klentner Ranch maintained a narrow lead. Emotions ran high as three yellow cards were issued in the last three minutes, but a final Penalty 4 conversion from Toccalino sealed the victory, as Klentner Ranch celebrated the 14-12 triumph. “I’m really happy they brought me to the team,” said Santiago Toccalino on joining the Klentner Ranch organization this year. “This organization is a great organization, it’s a family organization. I’ve been received really well and I’m really happy to be here.”

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Jesse Bray for his six-goal performance. Bray attributes much of his elevated play to 8-goal teammate Santiago Toccalino. “The way he can take control of the game is incredible. I’m learning a lot playing with him this summer…I think he has a really incredible mind for the game and the way he plays is similar to the way I think I can play. He definitely makes me play better.”

Bray’s eight-year-old thoroughbred mare Cell Tower, played in the first and fifth chukkers was named Best Playing Pony. “I bought her as a four-year-old from Matthew Gonzalez. Last year was her first season of high goal. I feel very comfortable on her and know I can win any play I go to. She’s strong, has a really nice mouth and a lot of speed, those are her best attributes. She is a very complete mare”. – Cristina Fernandez; United States Polo Association

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

Photos by David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 8th, 2021) – One of the oldest United States Polo Association tournaments, the one-hundred-and-twenty-first edition of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup returned to the…

North America, Polo News

Oak Brook Polo Defeats Beaver Creek in first match of Chicago Polo Open

12. August 2021

Oak Brook Polo Club’s third tournament of the 2021 Season got underway this past Sunday (August 8), with the start of the Chicago Polo Open presented by Heineken. Returning for its sixth year, this signature polo match took place at the legendary Prince of Wales Field and was between Oak Brook Polo and local rival Beaver Creek.

The afternoon’s theme was “Horses and Hops” which featured the first of two beer festivals presented by Tapville Social. While watching the thrilling polo match, spectators had the opportunity to taste local and Midwest craft brews from a field-side beer garden.

The match-up between Oak Brook and Beaver Creek was the second time these two teams met in the 2021 season. Beaver Creek’s team was comprised of Captain Chris Vangel (Hcap 1), Chad Bowman (Hcap 2), Alfredo Guerenno (Hcap 3), and Lindor Novillo Corvalan (Hcap 4). Oak Brook’s team was led by Jim Drury (Hcap 0), alongside fellow players Tomas Obregon (Hcap 4), Horacio Onetto (Hcap 4), and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap 4).

Sunday’s match began with the Club’s traditional opening ceremonies presented by Lincoln Way Attorney, Mark Weidman, which included welcoming the hosts of NBC’s Chicago Today show, Courtney Hall and Matt Rodriguez, followed by Chicago food & lifestyle personality D.C. Crenshaw. Approximately a dozen vintage Land/Range Rovers from members of Chicagoland Rover Club were also present onsite for a pre-match on-field car show and part of the opening ceremony parade. Oak Brook Polo Club president Jim Drury welcomed everyone to match followed by the National Anthem, sung by Alondra Arreola and player introductions.

To begin the match, Beaver Creek was up two goals due to the handicap difference between the teams. Oak Brook’s Obregon scored the first goal of the game followed by two goals form his teammate, Onetto. Beaver Creek would remain goalless giving Oak Brook a one-point lead going into the second chukker. Oak Brook’s Gutierrez would expand that lead to two and from there, Oak Brook and Beaver Creek would play a game of cat and mouse with Beaver Creek’s Corvalan scoring three goals against Oak Brook’s Obregon and Gutierrez. At the end of the second chukker, Beaver Creek would close Oak Brook’s lead to one. In the third chukker Oak Brook’s Onetto and Obregon would score back-to-back goals expanding their team’s lead to 3. Beaver Creek’s Corvalan would answer back with a goal to end the first half 8-6, Oak Brook.

In the second half Beaver Creek got off to a hot start as they held Oak Brook scoreless while putting up two goals by Guerenno and Corvalan to tie the match 8-8. Corvalan would continue that hot streak going into the fifth chukker by putting up another two goals and giving the Beaver Creek team a two-goal lead over Oak Brook. But Oak Brook’s Onetto and Obregon would answer back with two goals of their own re-tying the match 10-10 going into the 6^th and final chukker. Beaver Creek’s Corvalan would be the first to score in the final chukker and give his team a one goal lead and his 8^th goal of the match. But that didn’t stop Onetto and Obregon teaming up again for fourth time putting up back-to-back goals and Oak Brook the win with a one goal lead, 12-11.

The Casablanca Polo “MVP” went to Oak Brook’s Obregon while the American Stalls “Best Playing Pony” went to Obregon’s mare. U.S. Polo Assn. gifts for the match’s runner-up was presented by Alexandra Singer with the Lyon Family Foundation. Runner-up gifts were presented by Marissa Nelums, with Glasshouse Interior and winner’s gift were presented by Lincoln Way Attorney, Mark Weidman.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s next match will be the Championship match of the Chicago Polo Open, presented by Heineken, on Sunday, August 15^th @ 3:00 PM. For general information, event scheduling, news, tickets, and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.

Match photos by Andrew Meier

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Oak Brook Polo Club’s third tournament of the 2021 Season got underway this past Sunday (August 8), with the start of the Chicago Polo Open presented by Heineken. Returning…

North America, Polo News

KLENTNER RANCH ESTABLISH THEIR POLO DYNASTY WITH SILVER CUP® VICTORY

11. August 2021

One of the oldest United States Polo Association tournaments, the one-hundred-and-twenty-first edition of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup® returned to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. After three weeks of play, the gripping final on Sunday, August 8, came down to undefeated Klentner Ranch (Jacob “Jake” Klentner*, Santiago Toccalino, Jesse Bray*, Justin Klentner) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (Daniel Walker, Lucas Criado Jr., Lucas Criado Sr., Matthew Walker). Building off an early and impressive offensive attack, Klentner Ranch delivered at least two goals each chukker, maintaining the lead throughout to capture their first ever Silver Cup® title, 14-12.

“The Silver Cup® is hard to win because it doesn’t come here very often. Being on that cup is very special. I feel like it puts you into polo history. We’re trying to build a family team that plays for generations and it’s important to be a part of a history that’s already taken place.” – Justin Klentner, Klentner Ranch Team Owner

“We attack, we hit the ball hard and we run. We play simple polo and make sure all four players are involved.” – Jesse Bray

Teammate Toccalino pushed Klentner Ranch’s lead to three after hammering two field goals through to end the chukker. Desperate to pull within reach, Farmers & Merchants Bank team owner Daniel Walker scored on the opening play of the fifth chukker, but Klentner Ranch responded with Bray’s third goal riding Cell Tower.

Having played Farmers & Merchants Bank three times already this season Klentner Ranch knew their opponents well and Toccalino commented on their winning mindset. “It was really close, as every game we play against them [Farmers & Merchants Bank]. They are a great team and really well mounted. It was important to be positive until the end. We were winning by three, then it was tight and you felt the pressure. But I think we played really well and really calm.”

The Silver Cup® has been played at numerous clubs throughout its illustrious history including Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas), Greenwich Polo Club (Greenwich, Connecticut) and Aspen Valley Polo Club (Aspen, Colorado), but returning to Santa Barbara for the eighth time, Klentner Ranch finally added their name to the elusive trophy. “The Silver Cup® is hard to win because it doesn’t come here [Santa Barbara] very often. Being on that cup is very special. I feel like it puts you into polo history. We’re trying to build a family team that plays for generations and it’s important to be a part of a history that’s already taken place,” stated team owner Justin Klentner.

“I’m really happy they brought me to the team,” said Santiago Toccalino on joining the Klentner Ranch organization this year. “This organization is a great organization, it’s a family organization. I’ve been received really well and I’m really happy to be here.”

Entering the Pacific Coast Open, Klentner Ranch is on an impressive run with two USPA tournaments titles after also capturing the Pacific Coast Circuit Intra-Circuit. “We’re having one of those dream seasons. Every time you win, it gets harder and harder because everyone brings all their best horses, all their best strategy,” described Justin Klentner. However, experiencing the season with his son Jake has made it that much sweeter. “It’s truly unbelievable. I’ve been planning this for twenty years. It’s taken me a long time and I have son number two coming up next” Justin Klentner continued. “It means everything to us,” echoed Jake Klentner. “It is a testament of what my dad has built through all these years. He’s a person that got into polo out of pure interest at forty years old and really found a love and a passion for it. Luckily that passed down to me. To win it as a family, it’s massive. I’m getting flashbacks to the [2018] Pacific Coast Open. One more to go.”

The Pacific Coast Open begins on Friday, August 13, with all games to be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV.

*Jesse Bray is a Graduating Team USPA Member and Jacob Klentner is a 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.

uspoloassnglobal.com

globalpolotv.com

www.uspolo.org

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