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Dubai Falcons Wins the Patrons Ramadan Cup 2023

18. April 2023

15 April: The first edition of the Patrons Ramadan Cup 2023 consisted of 4 teams of 4 patrons each, in a two games tournament – Dubai Eagles, Dubai Falcons, Dubai Lions and Tigers.

The subsidiary final of the tournament had seen Dubai Eagles taking the lead, as Tariq Al Habtoor opened the match with smashing goal in the first chukker with 3 goals to 1 by Dubai Tigers. The Eagles dominated the first half of the game, ending it with 5 goals to 1 by halftime. The Dubai Eagles scored 2 more goals by the end of the penultimate chukker as Dubai Tigers scored one more goal. In the end, it was Dubai Eagles who maintained its lead with 7 goals and sealed the win at 10 goals against 3.

Match Progression:

3 – 1 | 5 – 1 | 7 – 2 | 10 – 3

Sheikha Alyaa Al Maktoum of Dubai Lions opened the final match of the day, as she carved 0.5 goal lead in the first chukker for her team. The Dubai Falcons swpet in quickly and took a lead as Raja Abuljebain, Mohammed Al Habtoor and Khalaf M. Al Habtoor scored one goal each keeping a strong hold until the halftime, with 4.5 goals to 2 against the Lions. As the two teams battled on the field with only a 0.5 goal lead in the final chukker, ultimately it was the Dubai Falcons who ended the game at 6.5 to 6 goals, as the winners of Patrons Ramadan Cup 2023.

Match Progression:

1.5 – 2 | 4.5 – 2 | 5.5 – 4 | 6.5 – 6

Lukas Tremmel, General Manager of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort awarded the teams, with Raja Abuljebain of Dubai Falcons as the Most Valuable Player, and the Best Playing Pony was awarded to Maria, ridden by the MVP of the tournament.

© AL HABTOOR POLO CLUB

15 April: The first edition of the Patrons Ramadan Cup 2023 consisted of 4 teams of 4 patrons each, in a two games tournament – Dubai Eagles, Dubai Falcons, Dubai…

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Audi Knocks Off Defending Champion Pampa Norte Biotricity To Win Triple Crown Of Polo; Jeta Castagnola MVP

18. April 2023

WELLINGTON, April 16, 2023—In an emotionally-charged championship final, Audi, one of the sport‘s most successful and winningest teams, won the coveted Triple Crown of Polo Saturday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

On a hot, humid day, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) knocked off defending champion Pampa Norte Biotricity (Waqaas Al-Siddiq, 0, Facundo Llosa, 7, Gringo Colombres, 8, Pedro Falabella, 7), 18-14, in the season finale.

Audi finished the tournament undefeated at 5-0.. The combined 32 goals broke the previous record of 31 for most goals scored in a single game this season.

„It feels good,“ Ganzi said. „This team is a pretty good group of guys who have played together for a long time. Jeta, Paco and I have played together three years in a row.

„Right now I want to enjoy this,“ Ganzi said. „It‘s really fun for me to win again with Gonzalito. We‘ve won everything together and to have him back on the team is really special for me and I am happy for Gonza.“

Argentine 10-goaler Jeta Castagnola was named Most Valuable Player for the second time in two tournament finals. Castagnola scored a game-high 11 goals and finished with 26 for the tournament.

Three Best Playing Pony awards were given. Irenita Serrana, played by Castagnola, was the Argentino Polo BPP. Don Ercole Hayley, played by Llosa, was the Grand Champions Polo Club BPP. Moneda, played by Falabella, was the American Polo Horse Association BPP.

Pampa Norte Biotricity opened with a 4-0 lead based on handicap against 26-goal Audi and built a 7-2 cushion. Showing no signs of panic, Audi kept its composure and quickly bounced back to trail 7-5 at the end of the chukker after de Narvaez‘s great run to goal and Castagnola scoring with 10 seconds left.

For the next five chukkers it was a hardfought physical game that featured Colombres injuring his right leg in a fourth chukker collision but returning to the game. Ganzi withstood a hard hit in the ribs and arm by Colombres‘ horse‘s head with 4:40 left in the sixth chukker but was also able to finish the game.

„It was a hard game, I‘m going to have some sore ribs in the morning,“ Ganzi said. „This team was a defending champion and we talked about treating them like a defending champion. You have to beat them because they are the ones who won the trophy last year. They play a very physical brand of polo and play very tight in close quarters. They are very clever.“

Audi tied the game at 7-7 with 2:38 left in the second chukker on another Castagnola goal before a quick goal by Falabella gave Pampa Norte Biotricity back the lead at 8-7.

Audi started taking control of the game in the third chukker. The lead changed hands three times before Pieres‘ goal with 31 seconds left gave Audi an 11-10 halftime lead.

„I think in the second and third chukkers we sort of broke their will a little bit,“ Ganzi said. „They had a little bit of a comeback in the fourth and then the game got kind of choppy.“

In the second half, Pampa Norte Biotricity was unable to control Audi‘s well-oiled rotation with Audi outscoring them 7-4 in the second half.

„In every polo match you want to try and impose your will and I think for four and a half chukkers we imposed our will,“ Ganzi said. „For a chukker and a half they got the better of us. We expected a very physical, tight defensive game and that‘s what we got.“

With Castagnola scoring from all over the field, Audi led 13-11 after the fourth chukker and 15-12 after the fifth with its open style of play. Early in the sixth chukker, Audi took a 16-12 lead with 6:41 left and Pampa Norte Biotricity never recovered.

„With this team with these three guys when we all run and hit the ball we‘re pretty effective in an open game and I didn‘t think those guys wanted to get into an open game today,“ Ganzi said. „Once we got it opened up again in the fifth I thought we had a pretty good chance to win the game. They were a good team. They played a great tournament.“

In addition to Castagnola‘s scoring barrage, Ganzi had four goals, de Narvaez had two and Pieres added one.

Llosa led Pampa Norte Biotricity with seven goals and finished with 21 for the tournament. Falabella had two goals and Al-Siddiq had one. The 22-goal team also picked up four goals on handicap.

Audi led in shots on goal, 24-13. The teams were even with throw-ins, 14-14. Pampa Norte Biotricity led in knock-ins, 6-3; fouls 10-9; and penalties scored, 5-2. Audi converted two 30-yarders and Pampa Norte Biotricity converted two 60-yarders and three 30-yarders.

Audi finished with 63 goals scored and 49 goals given up in the eight-team tournament. Pampa Norte Biotricity finished with 60 goals scored and 62 goals given up.

Audi advanced into the final with a 13-10 victory over Globalport (Mikee Romero, 0, Polito Pieres, 10, Sapo Caset, 10, Facundo Obregon, 6) and Pampa Norte Biotricity advanced with a 12-8 win over Dazos/La Fe (David Farache, 0, Nic Roldan, 8, Robi Bilbao, 6, Jero del Carril, 8).

Audi, winners of the Founders Cup, is the second team to win two WPL titles during the 2023 WPL season. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) also won two WPL titles with the All-Star Challenge and Palm Beach Open under their belts.

Audi‘s players will now have their names inscribed on the magnificent Tiffany & Co-designed trophy, comprised of three separate trophies that fit perfectly together to create an entire polo scene that is breathtaking in sterling silver.

The remaining WPL event is the April 20-23 Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

The four 2023 WPL grass tournaments during the league‘s fifth season have thrilled fans, worldwide livestream viewing audiences and sponsors on world-class fields.

The WPL‘s first three champions were. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) defended its title and finished undefeated (5-0) in the Founders Cup with a thrilling 14-13 overtime victory over Richard Mille (Patricio Mayor, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10). Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) also won the Palm Beach Open with a 14-13 victory over Dead End (Evan White, Jr., 1, Pedro Falabella, 7, Magoo Laprida, 8/Gringo Colombres, 7, Facu Llosa, 7). Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, The Polo School Women‘s Weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

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 Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo club, is thriving. It is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. November. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.

For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or General Manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, April 16, 2023—In an emotionally-charged championship final, Audi, one of the sport‘s most successful and winningest teams, won the coveted Triple Crown of Polo Saturday at Grand Champions Polo…

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6th in a row, Manipur women’s polo tournament grows bigger by the year

14. April 2023

International teams from Luxembourg and South Africa participate supporting local players and ponies.

The 6th International Women’s Polo Tournament was played at the Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest known polo ground in the world situated in Imphal, Manipur. 5 teams participated in the tournament: India (Manipur – A), India (Manipur – B), India (Indian Polo Association), South Africa and Luxembourg.

The tournament was inaugurated on 15th February 2023, by Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The welcome address was given by Shri Pradeep Kumar Jhah, Commissioner of Tourism, Government of Polo. After welcoming all the honorable guests and participants, he stated, “This is a journey which began in 2016, and we are in the 6th edition of the event this year… but I am grateful to AMPA that with their active interest, we are able to organise it this year. I am sure that the next 5 days of this tournament will add to the golden history of Polo in the state of Manipur.”

The All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) and Manipur Tourism had a major hand in organizing the international tournament. “Polo is a crucial part of our history and culture. Because of its old military roots, Polo dominated my male players. Bringing a shift to that perspective, we want to provide a platform where all female players across oceans come together to celebrate and support one another. The exposure would lead to assimilation of techniques and ideas related to the sport across oceans, helping our players to familiarize themselves with how different versions of Polo are played worldwide.’ commented Dr. Konsam Saratchandra Singh, President of the All Manipur Polo Association.

Adding to this, Shri W. Ibohal Singh, Director (Tourism), Manipur commented, “The tournament is part of our endeavor to showcase women’s polo as a pioneer of this game and establish Manipur as India’s center for women’s polo. We are putting our best efforts to develop Manipur as an international destination for Modern Polo, and with this tournament in its 6th edition and also with the help of our celebrated women, we believe that we have come a long way towards making Manipur a home for women’s polo.”

“This tournament has successfully acted as a platform to uplift female Polo players and help them blossom. It is inspiring to catch a glimpse of the will and perseverance channeled by these women. We need to let them know that their highly-commendable efforts are admired and pave the way for the next generation. I was honored to bear witness to such an incredible initiative taken by AMPA and Manipur Tourism,” remarked Shivani Joshi, a polo enthusiast.

Player Salam Ngounu Chanu of IPA (India) stated, “Collaboration with International teams is necessary to get our girls more exposure and to enhance their talent by playing against more experienced teams from abroad. Organizing such tournaments frequently and exchanging players with other countries will help in making the sports accessible to women.”

The first game took place on 16th February between Teams Manipur B (India) and Luxembourg. Manipur B started the match strong, scoring 3 goals within the first chukker while Luxembourg scored none. One goal was secured during the second chukker by team Luxembourg, while during the 3rd chukker both the teams had their defenses strong, not letting each other score even one goal. 2 goals were secured by team Manipur B during the final chukker, winning the match at 5-1.

The next game was between teams South Africa and IPA (India), where the former team overpowered the latter at the winning score of 9-2.

The series continued with 2 matches held every day: IPA vs Manipur A (0-10), Manipur B vs South Africa (2-7), Luxembourg vs Manipur A (3-10), IPA vs Manipur B (3-4), Manipur A vs Manipur B (13-2) and Luxembourg vs South Africa (1-11).

For the final match, it came down to teams South Africa and Manipur A (India). The win was secured by South Africa, despite battling against the indigenous team of Manipur, with a score of 7-4.

A message from the South African Team stated, “This trip for us has been like a pilgrimage in learning its (Polo’s) roots, playing on the iconic grounds and legendary ponies. This tournament has no option but to get bigger and gain greater traction. We feel that this is the beginning of a long prosperous relationship between our countries for women’s polo. ”

Humble winners, the South African team proceeded by giving presents to everyone involved in the creation of this tournament, including all the rival team players. Moved by the Manipuri Ponies, who stole their hearts, the team decided to donate its winnings back to the conservation of the ponies. The Captain of the team, Amy Michelle Grace, stated: “We shall return home with gratuitous humble hearts, and shall spread the word to as many polo players as we can, that they must come to Manipur.”

The ether of Lord Marjing’s urge for Women’s Power in the world through Polo has now reached South Africa and Luxembourg following the USA, the UK, Argentina, Australia, Kenya, and still the Lord wishes to spread the message to other parts of the planet.” added Dr. Saratchandra Singh.

© Shivani Joshi

International teams from Luxembourg and South Africa participate supporting local players and ponies. The 6th International Women’s Polo Tournament was played at the Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest known polo ground…

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The new issues of POLO+10 German and POLO+10 WORLD will go to press in just 4 weeks.

4. April 2023

POLO+10 offers the best opportunity to present your business or club to the niche market of the global polo community and their luxury lifestyle fans and followers.

Contact POLO+10 now to explore the options of sharing information about your high-end lifestyle products and offers, your club insights or tournaments with the exclusive polo market.

With POLO+10, you can flexibly combine print and digital media advertising to maximize your reach. The deadline for print advertisements is April 27th, 2023. As always, we will share the latest news from the international polo community: a review of the most important events, new polo formats in the USA, fresh impulses in Africa, interviews, personalities, opinions, and interesting lifestyle and travel topics.

Don’t miss out: Subscribe to POLO+10 WORLD for Spring and Autumn 2023 here: subscription@poloplus10.com

All media data for corporate publishing and PR can be found at

Download Media Kit POLO+10

POLO+10 offers the best opportunity to present your business or club to the niche market of the global polo community and their luxury lifestyle fans and followers. Contact POLO+10 now…

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AMERICA’S GREAT HOPE: SUPER-STAR HOPE ARELLANO WILL RISE TO 10-GOALS BY THE END OF 2023

4. April 2023

20-year-old Hope Arellano has taken the world of polo by storm. With a myriad of titles, championships and notable victories on her trophy shelf; Arellano’s dominance and dedication to the sport is an inspiration, especially for other young women.

A fourth-generation player, Arellano knew at just nine years old that she wanted to be a professional like her father, Hall of Famer Julio Arellano. Her first adult tournament at the age of 11 served as the catalyst for her polo career, and since then, the phenom is yet to slow down.

At 14 years old, Arellano was rated 3-goals in Women’s Outdoor. Now, six years later, she will achieve the ultimate mark of a professional with the coveted 10-goal handicap in both women’s outdoor and arena handicaps. Set to rise to 9-goals in May and 10-goals in December, Arellano’s achievement also marks a significant accomplishment for American polo. Arellano will be the first American woman to achieve a 10-goal Women’s Outdoor Handicap since the legendary Sunny Hale, and the first American to achieve any 10-goal status since Polito Pieres in 2015. She is also the youngest American to reach a 10-goal women’s handicap.

Arellano’s handicap raise came fresh off of her win in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Competing with La Fe, Arellano’s stellar performance contributed six goals in the final and earned her recognition as the Most Valuable Player. Arellano also won the prestigious tournament in 2017 with San Saba. Just 14 years-old at the time, she is still the youngest player to ever win the tournament.

Arellano also made headlines last fall with her participation in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, making history as the first woman to compete for the United States in the international contest. Her addition to the starting lineup continued USA’s forward momentum, allowing the red, white and blue to emerge with an electrifying 9-8 overtime win against defending champions and competition favorites, Argentina, to advance to the final. Hope’s contributions also helped the USA put forth a strong effort in the final, forcing the game into overtime. While they fell in a narrow 11-10 loss to Spain, the USA’s silver medal finish offered a great deal of hope for the future of American polo on the global scene.

Arellano is also quickly becoming a mainstay in the Women’s Argentine Open, competing the last two years in the prestigious competition. In 2021, she played with La Irenita Libra Seguros, placing third and receiving the Revelation Award for her performance. In 2022, she played with La Irenita E-Movility and advanced to the final, falling to La Dolfina in a hard-fought match. In 2023, she will compete with El Overo Z7 UAE, one of the strongest women’s polo organizations in the world.

A shining beacon of hope for the advancement of American polo, Arellano’s accomplishments pave the way for many other young professionals, showing that hard work and determination can flourish into a successful career in the sport. With a long career ahead of her, the USPA commends Hope Arellano on her soon-to-be 10-goal handicap and looks forward to watching her continue to break barriers and records in the years to come.

20-year-old Hope Arellano has taken the world of polo by storm. With a myriad of titles, championships and notable victories on her trophy shelf; Arellano’s dominance and dedication to the…

In own affaires, Polo News

Time journey through 20 years of POLO+10 work

3. April 2023

Time journey through 20 years of POLO+10 work. Not only the main issues but also a big number of tournament magazines for international polo organisers rank among the “best of” covers.

20 years POLO+10 not only contain a lot of information, interviews and stories, but also a lot of creativity. Again and again we have received great praise from all over the world for how „different, surprising and new“ polo is shown on the covers of our issues. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all the photo-graphers and creative people who have created POLO+10 with us over the past 20 years and who have accompanied us through the many creative processes.

Cover Parade Gallery:

Time journey through 20 years of POLO+10 work. Not only the main issues but also a big number of tournament magazines for international polo organisers rank among the “best of”…

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U.S. Polo Assn. Outfits USA Team in Prestigious Westchester Cup, Airing on ESPN

30. March 2023

United States and England to Compete in the Oldest Rivalry in the Sport of Polo

WELLINGTON, Fla. (March 28, 2023) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), is the Official Apparel Sponsor for the USA Team in the biggest rivalry in the sport of polo, the Westchester Cup. Held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington, Fla. on Friday, March 31, 2023, the United States will host England in this prestigious international competition.

The illustrious Westchester Cup has a 137-year-old history where the United States and England have challenged each other a total of 19 times, with the last match played in 2019. Luxury designer Tiffany & Co. created the coveted, sterling silver Westchester Cup trophy for the first game dating back to 1886, and the trophy is currently held by the USA Team.

U.S. Polo Assn. is proudly outfitting the USA Team in the Westchester Cup with custom-designed performance jerseys and USPA Pro apparel. Official event merchandise will be available at the Retail Shop at NPC, open Friday, March 31 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. EST next to the 7th Chukker, as well as online at USPAPro.com. Official Westchester Cup merchandise includes event branded tee shirts, hoodies, and caps.

“Bringing the Westchester Cup rivalry, with its great athleticism and sportsmanship, back to United States soil for the first time since 2019 is going to be a memorable experience for players and sports fans alike,” said Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the USPA. “We’ve seen so much growth across the sport of polo in recent years so it’s thrilling to have this highly competitive and exciting event at the new NPC, plus airing on ESPN for the first time in polo’s history.”

Played on the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field 1, fans can watch the competition up close from either the stadium, private boxes, field side tailgates or reservable hospitality tents. For those unable to attend, ESPN allows sports fans to tune into the action of the 2023 Westchester Cup for the first time ever on ESPN’s family of brands. Check your local listings for air times and channels.

A victory in 2019 marked the first win for the United States after four consecutive losses to England. The USA Team has emerged victorious on 12 occasions in the competition’s history and is currently defending the winning title in the upcoming 2023 Westchester Cup.

“Hosting the Westchester Cup, one of the biggest rivalries in polo, on American soil and connecting with sports fans around the globe through our relationship with ESPN is a major highlight of the 2023 Polo Season here in the United States,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the company that oversees the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are proud to support the USA Team as the Official Team Sponsor and root them on for yet another victory in 2023.”

The USA Team boasts accomplished players, each with a decorated career in the sport of polo. Team Captain and newly inducted Polo Hall of Famer Jeff Hall (7), returns to compete in the Westchester Cup, alongside Jared Zenni (7) who is the only U.S. player returning from the victorious 2019 USA Team. The two remaining players, Nico Escobar (6), who just last year helped USA Team win Silver in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, and Matt Coppola (5), are both making their Westchester Cup debut. The England Team consists of Team Captain Tomas Beresford (7), James Beim (6), Max Charlton (6), and Mark Tomlinson (6).

“It’s an honor to be competing for the third time in the Westchester Cup alongside other high-goal polo players and teammates,” said Jeff Hall. “Together with my team, we are honored to represent the United States in such an historic and patriotic game and hope to again bring home a USA victory.”

United States and England to Compete in the Oldest Rivalry in the Sport of Polo WELLINGTON, Fla. (March 28, 2023) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United…

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BANG & OLUFSEN provides sounds for the POLO RIDER CUP

30. March 2023

GAME POLO is proud to announce that Bang & Olufsen will be again the official sound partner for the 2023 POLO RIDER CUP and Ladies POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 14 to 24 June 2023 at the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin.

Bang & Olufsen is a global luxury-lifestyle brand founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, whose devotion and vision remain the foundation for the company.

For nearly a century, Bang & Olufsen has been pushing the boundaries of audio technology and the company continues to sit at the forefront of acoustic innovation. Today, every Bang & Olufsenb product is still characterized by a unique combination of beautiful sound, timeless design, and unrivaled craftsmanship.

Bang & Olufsen will be also again the Partner of the “Rookie of the Year” for the POLO RIDER CUP and Ladies POLO RIDER CUP and present at the event, offering a great sound experience to all polo fans.

Alexis Le Prado, Bang & Olufsen CEO France & Italy, comments: “We are delighted to announce that Bang & Olufsen will be the official sound partner of this 2023 POLO RIDER CUP Edition in Saint-Tropez. Bang & Olufsen shares the same passion for excellence and performance as this unique competition that brings together some of the most talented polo players in the world. This partnership represents a great opportunity for our brand to strengthen its ties with one of the finest sporting communities in France, known for its high-end sensitivity and long-lasting heritage.”

Olivier Godallier, President & Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Bang & Olufsen on board again as the Official Sound Partner of the POLO RIDER CUP and Ladies POLO RIDER CUP. We both have a lot in common, sharing the same passion for excellence and outstanding quality.”

About BANG & OLUFSEN (www.bang-olufsen.com)

Bang & Olufsen is a global luxury-lifestyle brand founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen whose devotion and vision remains the foundation for the company. The rich heritage built around the relentless determination to create products that push the boundaries of audio technology continues to place the company at the forefront of audio innovation.

Today, every Bang & Olufsen product is still characterised by the unique combination of beautiful sound, timeless design, and unrivalled craftsmanship. The company’s innovative and progressive audio products are sold worldwide in Bang & Olufsen monobranded stores, online and in multibranded stores.

About GAME POLO (www.poloridercup.com)

GAME POLO is a French sports marketing agency with activities in event management, marketing & sponsoring, licensing & merchandising, TV & digital distribution, and hospitality. GAME POLO is also the Organizer and Promoter of the POLO RIDER CUP and Ladies POLO RIDER CUP.

GAME POLO is proud to announce that Bang & Olufsen will be again the official sound partner for the 2023 POLO RIDER CUP and Ladies POLO RIDER CUP, which will…

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USA Overfinch Captures Sunset Polo Match; Rapper 50 Cent Headlines White Party In Front Of Record Crowd At Grand Champions

28. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fl., March 25, 2023—The Polo Training Foundation and Kids Cancer Foundation were the biggest winners of the fifth annual Nic Roldan‘s Sunset Polo and White Party Friday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

While rapper 50 Cent stole the show at the White Party and USA Overfinch won the Sunset Polo perpetual Neil and Laura Hirsch trophy before a sellout crowd, it was the two deserving foundations that benefitted the most from the generosity of sponsors and fans.

„We have been working on this for a year,“ said Grant Ganzi, who played a integral role in the event‘s success. „I can‘t even express how impressed I am with the big turnout and everyone supporting the two amazing foundations that we are raising money for.“

USA Overfinch (Marc Ganzi, 1, Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Polito Pieres, 10) rallied in the final two minutes to defeat Hurlingham 1875 (Henry Porter, 4, Max Charlton, 6, Freddie Mannix, 7, Tommy Beresford, 7), 5-4.

Divina, played by Grant Ganzi, was Best Playing Pony.

The fast-paced game pitted two well-balanced teams with USA Overfinch featuring the top two-rated American-born polo players, Pieres and Roldan. USA Overfinch took a 2-0 lead in the second chukker when Grant Ganzi scored on a nearside neck shot with nine seconds left. The first goal was awarded on handicap.

With a goal from Marc Ganzi with three seconds left in the third, USA Overfinch took a 3-1 halftime lead. Charlton scored back-to-back goals to open the fourth chukker to tie the game, 3-3. Grant Ganzi scored again with 1:02 left in the fourth. Charlton‘s goal early in the fifth tied the game again, 4-4, before Marc Ganzi clinched the win.

USA Overfinch was led by father and son Marc and Grant Ganzi, who each scored two goals with Marc Ganzi scoring the game-winner with 1:35 left in the game. Charlton led Hurlingham 1875 with a game-high four goals. Mannix added one.

The event was kicked off by a spirited Kids eWheels three-on-three game. The Red team (Silver Novillo Astrada, Fran Spinacci, Inda Pieres) and White team (Lorenzo Nero, Milo MacDonough, Florencio Lanusse) battled to a 2-2 tie and shared the Robert I. Goldman Sunset Polo Junior Cup presented by Goldman‘s daughter Olexa Celine.

PTF alum Jack McLean and Andrianna (Alex) Harstad, a Kids Cancer Foundation volunteer and Dreyfoos School of the Arts vocal major, kicked off the polo match with stirring renditions of each country‘s national anthem. Popular DJ Adam Lipson provided background music throughout the game.

After the five-chukker match and post-game awards ceremony featuring loads of top-shelf swag from golf bags to custom-made jackets for the players thanks to the generosity of sponsors, fans were treated to great food, drink and entertainment.

American rapper, actor, record producer and businessman 50 Cent, wearing his trademark New York Yankees baseball cap, got the party started with his award-winning music that had the crowd dancing late into the night.

The Polo Training Foundation is dedicated to the future of polo in the U.S. The PTF has been instrumental in the growth of junior and youth polo players by encouraging the sport‘s development with training programs, lessons and tournaments for boys and girls.

The Kids Cancer Foundation is a non-profit charity founded in 2001, whose mission is to provide hope and support to local children and families battling childhood cancer.

„We‘re here to support two great causes,“ Roldan said. „All the contributions go straight to them. We just want to thank everyone who was a part of it. We worked our asses off to make it as beautiful as possible. Grant did an amazing job, working day in and day out.“

Hurlingham Polo 1875 is the world’s only polo brand representing the authentic home of the sport and the Hurlingham Polo Association. For over 145 years, Hurlingham Polo has supported the ‘game of kings’ as the premium lifestyle brand, it is authentically British and absolutely international.

Overfinch is the original Land Rover enhancement and tuning company redefining and creating exclusive bespoke stylish vehicles. As the originator of after-market Range Rover tuning, Overfinch has an unrivaled history of achievement and ground-breaking product development. Famed for the pairing of handcrafted gun boxes with luxury cars, Overfinch has the expertise to commission lifestyle boxes for any passion, from cigar connoisseurs to champagne aficionados and avid polo players.

Among other sponsors were: BrainJuice, Nic Roldan‘s High Goal Gin, Arthur Sleep, London‘s first shoe factory complemented by the made to measure stylings of New York‘s Angel Ramos; Casablanca Polo, who donated shirts for the USA Overfinch and eWheel players; Hurlingham 1875 which donated the Alegria team shirts; and Folded Hills Lilly Rose.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies Weekly League play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal final on Sunday, John T. Oxley Memorial, $100,000 World Cup Tournament, WCT Finals and special events including the Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WCT Finals, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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 Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo club, is thriving. It is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. November. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.

For more information on 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 Sunday March 26, 2023 Schedule

9:30 a.m. Madelon Bourdieu 6 Goal Final
Smithfield vs Limehouse
GCPC Field 3

10 a.m. $50,000 National 12 Goal Final
Dracarys vs Rafool Polo
GCPC Field 1

4 p.m. World Polo League
Palm Beach Open Final
Casablanca vs Dead End
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fl., March 25, 2023—The Polo Training Foundation and Kids Cancer Foundation were the biggest winners of the fifth annual Nic Roldan‘s Sunset Polo and White Party Friday at Grand…

Instagram, Polo News

Casablanca Wins WPL Palm Beach Open In Thriller; Barto Castagnola MVP

28. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 27, 2023—Casablanca captured its second World Polo League tournament of the season Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

In front of a good crowd, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) held on for a 14-13 victory over Dead End (Evan White, Jr., 1, Pedro Falabella, 7, Magoo Laprida, 8/Gringo Colombres, 7, Facu Llosa, 7), 14-13.

Dead End made it all the way to the championship final of the eight-team tournament in its 26-goal WPL debut.

For the second time in two tournaments, Argentine 10-goaler Barto Castagnola was Most Valuable Player. The playmaker scored a team-high six goals and had some clutch plays in the final minutes to clinch the game.

Three horses earned Best Playing Pony honors. Chalo Nina Loly, owned and played by Castagnola, was the Argentino BPP. American thoroughbred Girl Power, owned and played by Ganzi in the second and sixth chukkers, was the American Polo Horse Association BPP. Incari Uvita, owned and played by Falabella in the sixth chukker, was the World Polo League BPP.

Casablanca also won the season-opening All-Star Challenge with a stunning 14-9 victory over 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7).

Unlike its first tournament win, Casablanca survived a rollercoaster ride in the last two chukkers with Dead End overcoming a four-goal deficit to tie the game twice (12-12 and 13-13) before succumbing to Casablanca‘s tenacity.

Pieres scored the game-winner off a broken play with 4:15 left in the sixth chukker. Both teams had scoring opportunities from the field and penalty line in the final minutes before Castagnola came up with a loose ball in the final seconds.

„It was an amazing game,“ said Ganzi, who also won the Madelon Bourdieu Memorial 6-goal tournament with Limehouse Properties teammates Eliza Limehouse, Marc Ganzi and MVP Miki Novillo Astrada earlier in the day. „It was a fun, open game. We scored a bunch of goals and everyone played their hearts out.“

Dead End lost the services of LaPrida with 1:25 in the third chukker to a pulled groin muscle. He was replaced by Gringo Colombres who kept Dead End in the game.

„My hats off to Dead End, they were an amazing team,“ Ganzi said. „Evan White played a fantastic tournament and it‘s fun to play against him. I wish the best for Magoo and a quick recovery. He‘s one of the nicest guys in polo.“

In addition to Castagnola‘s six goals, Ganzi and Pieres each had three goals and Bray added one for Casablanca. The team was also awarded a penalty one in the third chukker.

Llosa led Dead End with a game-high eight goals and Laprida added one. Dead End received three goals on handicap and one penalty one in the fifth chukker.

Casablanca led all statistics: 20-17 shots on goal; 7-6 knock-ins; 11-10 throw-ins, 13-12 fouls; and 3-2 penalties scored with Casablanca converting 30, 40 and 60-yard penalites.

The third World Polo League tournament featured eight teams including two making their WPL debut, Globalport and Dead End.

Casablanca now adds its name again to this year‘s WPL champions.

Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The remaining WPL events are the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Women‘s Weekly League play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the John T. Oxley Memorial, $100,000 World Cup Tournament and special events including Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WCT Finals, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or General Manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira