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Gauntlet of Polo Countdown Begins: 2024 Teams Announced.

15. January 2024

The United States Polo Association (USPA) and the National Polo Center (NPC) are pleased to announce the nine teams that will compete in the 2024 Gauntlet of Polo. The prestigious Gauntlet of Polo returns for the sixth consecutive year, drawing the world’s greatest polo talent to vie for the three most sought-after American titles: the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship. Similar to last year, teams can also enter any of the three tournaments individually. One team will take advantage of this opportunity, competing exclusively in the USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship. While teams can enter individual tournaments within the series, they cannot win the entire Gauntlet of Polo if they choose to do so.

This year’s competition features many returning players and teams, including defending U.S. Open champions, Park Place. Five-time C.V. Whitney Cup winners Valiente will also be making a triumphant return. 2023 USPA Gold Cup winners Scone will return to compete under their new team name, La Dolfina. Pilot will attempt to soar back to the top of the podium for the first time since 2022, and remains the only team to capture the Gauntlet in the inaugural season in 2019.

Former USPA Chairman Chip Campbell returns to the competition under a new team name, Clearwater. Campbell has not competed in the Gauntlet since 2021 when he played for Cessna. Gillian Johnston, the only woman set to compete in the series, is hoping to achieve Gauntlet success having won the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2002. La Fe and The Dutta Corp boast a unique advantage, with both teams competing with identical 2023 rosters.

Additionally, four 10-goalers (Hilario Ulloa, Facundo Pieres, Poroto Cambiaso, Adolfo Cambiaso) will compete, representing the highest level of the sport. Facundo Pieres is fresh off his win in the 2023 Argentine Open with La Natividad, where he competed against the father/son Cambiaso duo who represented La Dolfina Saudi. Poroto Cambiaso will compete in his fourth Gauntlet of Polo season; just as in 2023, Poroto will play for La Dolfina while his legendary father, Adolfo Cambiaso, will compete for Valiente.

See below for the full list of team rosters to date**:

1. Coca-Cola (22)
Gillian Johnston (0)
Kristos “Keko” Magrini (6)*
Pablo “Polito” Pieres (9)
Julian de Lusarreta (7)

2. Pilot (22)
Curtis Pilot (0)
Santos Merlos (6)
Facundo Pieres (10)
Santiago Torres (6)

3. The Dutta Corp (22)
Timmy Dutta (4)*
Joaquin Avendaño (4)
Mariano “Nino” Obregon Jr. (6)
Tomas Garcia del Rio (8)

4. Park Place (TBA)
Andrey Borodin (0)
Hilario Ulloa (10)
TBA
TBA

5. La Fe (22)
Louis Devaleix (1)
Lucas Diaz Alberdi (6)
Francisco Elizalde (9)
Roberto Bilbao (6)

6. La Dolfina (22)
David Paradice (0)
Rufino Merlos (3)
Poroto Cambiaso (10)
Tomas Panelo (9)

7. Tamera (22)
Alejandro Poma (1)
Segundo Saravi (5)
Matias Torres Zavaleta (8)
Diego Cavanagh (8)

8. Valiente (22)
Bob Jornayvaz (0)
Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez Jr. (7)
Paco de Narvaez Jr. (5)
Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Team competing exclusively in the USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship:

1. Clearwater (22)
Chip Campbell (1)
James “Jared” Zenni (6)*
Lucas Criado Jr. (7)
Raul “Gringo” Colombres (8)

*Kristos “Keko” Magrini and Timmy Dutta are active Team USPA members. James “Jared” Zenni is a Team USPA alumnus. 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.

**All rosters are subject to change.

The 2024 Gauntlet of Polo will serve as the premier spectacle of the NPC season. The three-part series will begin February 9-25 with the C.V. Whitney Cup, continue with the USPA Gold Cup from February 23-March 24, and conclude with the U.S. Open Polo Championship from March 22-April 21. The prize money distribution for the 2024 season will follow last year’s format: $50,000 will be awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup and $100,000 will be presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

All Gauntlet of Polo games at NPC in the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship will be broadcast exclusively by the USPA Polo Network. Livestreamed games will be available on uspolo.org as well as across multiple USPA social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube. To learn more about 2024 livestreaming on the USPA Polo Network, please click here.

In addition to livestreaming on USPA Polo Network, Global Polo Entertainment and USPA Global Licensing extended their historic relationship with ESPN through 2024 to bring the finals of the top U.S. polo events to ESPN platforms. Games will be distributed on ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and available on-demand on the ESPN App. In 2024, games will include the most prestigious tournaments in North America, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

Tickets for Sunday Brunch and stadium seating for all Gauntlet of Polo tournaments on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field One can be purchased now at nationalpolocenter.com.

For more information on the Gauntlet of Polo series and rosters, please click here.

Text by United States Polo Association

The United States Polo Association (USPA) and the National Polo Center (NPC) are pleased to announce the nine teams that will compete in the 2024 Gauntlet of Polo. The prestigious…

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Casablanca stunned Aspen Valley to capture the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship 2023

9. January 2024

ASPEN, Colorado, December 17, 2023: Casablanca won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship 2023 at Rio Grande Park.

In front of a soldout crowd. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 5, Nic Roldan, 9) held off Aspen Valley (Jason Crowder, 6, Marc Ganzi, 1, Adolfo Cambiaso, 10) for a hardfought 8-6 victory.

Nine-goaler Nic Roldan scored a game-high five goals including his first two-pointer in the three-day tournament and was named Most Valuable Player. It was Roldan‘s fifth St. Regis tournament victory in eleven years.

„Any win is a good win and this was a good win,“ Roldan said. „This is one of our favorite events of the year. Grant and Hilario played amazing and are two really competitive players. Kudos to them for stepping up and giving their all.“

Argentine 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, the sport‘s greatest all-time player, made his U.S. debut on snow. Unlike his 10-goal performance including three two-pointers, in Friday‘s indoor arena qualifier, Casablanca held him scoreless and shut down Aspen Valley‘s offensive attack that had scored 23 goals in four chukkers.

„Adolfo is the greatest of all time by far,“ Roldan said. „He keeps impressing us and blowing our minds with what he‘s doing. We didn‘t really think about playing against him. It was a very tough game and very competitive. It could have gone either way.“

It was Ganzi‘s fourth St. Regis title. Last year the Casablanca Ambassador teamed with Hilario Figueras and Tommy Biddle for Blade & Bow‘s first tournament victory.

„I think this was a bigger win,“ Ganzi said. „Having Adolfo‘s debut and making the final and being able to beat him is huge. Having a fun team to play with against a very good team, this was definitely a bigger win.

„It was a fun final,“ Ganzi said. „Shutting out Cambiaso was rare. I don‘t think he knew what to expect playing on snow. It was very different for him. If we could keep the ball away from Adolfo we knew that would benefit us greatly.

„A hundred percent having him here was huge and added to the tournament,“ Ganzi said. „Obviously, he is the best player ever. His accomplishments speak for themself. We were fortunate to get him to come this year and add another amazing player to a great list of 10-goalers. It seemed like he enjoyed it and adapted very quickly.“

In a hotly-contested game, Casablanca jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals by Roldan and Figueras. Roldan‘s two-pointer and another Figueras goal gave them a 5-2 advantage after two chukkers.

„Two-pointers are always tough,“ Roldan said. „I think there‘s a little bit of luck involved. You just have to try to hit it as softly as possible and hope that it just stays on line and it did.“

Aspen Valley clawed its way back in the third chukker for a 3-0 shutout to tie the game at 5-5. Going into the fourth and final chukker, the lead changed hands twice before Casablanca went ahead on Roldan‘s 15-yard penalty conversion to break a 6-6 tie with two minutes left. Figueras added an insurance goal for an 8-6 final.

„We got off to a quick start and then they started to work their way back in,“ Roldan said. „In the end the idea was to be patient and not give away any fouls. It worked out well.“

In addition to Roldan‘s five goals, Figueras had three. Crowder led Aspen Valley with three goals, Ganzi had one and they were awarded two penalty-ones.

Added Ganzi, „We wanted to defend them well and play pretty simple. We wanted to do the same things we did the other day defensively. Most of our tactics were defensive. In the end, playing pretty open polo and working a little harder for each other I think made the difference. We played a hard, smart game.“

Casablanca, the tournament‘s apparel sponsor, produces the world’s leading equipment for polo players with the highest safety ratings and supplies supreme quality clothing.

„It‘s great for Casablanca,“ Ganzi said. „I am happy for the brand and happy to get their name on the trophy. It‘s cool to be able to lead the team and do it. I think they should be happy.“

There were three Best Playing Pony blankets awarded. The BPP for the final was Nadia, a chestnut mare played and bred by Cambiaso and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm. The tournament BPP was Nobu, played by Roldan, bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm. The American Polo Horse Association BPP was Highlands, played by Hilario Figueras, also bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm.

In the Aspen Cup, St. Regis (Santos Bollini, 2, Juan Bollini, 6, Nacho Figueras, 6) defeated NetJets (Ricky Cooper, 3, Pete Webb, 6, Sugar Erskine, 7), 11-6, for third place. Figueras, St. Regis Connoisseur and team captain, scored a game-high 10 goals and was named MVP.

On Saturday, Edmiston (Teo Calle, 1, Pancho Bensadon, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), rallied for a 5-4 victory over Blade & Bow (Scott Wood, 2, Juan Martin Nero, 10, Pablo Spinacci, 6) to win the High Alpine Cup and finished fifth. Argentine Alejandro Novillo Astrada was MVP. He scored the only two-pointer of the game.

The inaugural Potamkin Charity Chukker was held in honor of beloved Aspen resident Robert Potamkin, the father of Melissa Ganzi, who passed away recently. Each goal scored in the chukker earned a donation to charity.

Potamkin Black (Grant Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini), earned $9,000 for the Calloway Young Cancer Center, winning 9-7 over Potamkin Yellow (Michael Calle, Sugar Erskine, Pancho Bensadon), earning $7,000 for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. Astrada led with a game-high five goals, Ganzi had three goals and Bollini added one.

In the Celebrity Polo Match, Sterling (Vinny Sangaline, Michael Sangaline, Aurora Figueras) defeated Lugano (Federico Farina, Sterling Jones, Michael Calle), 5-2. Vinny Sangaline and Figueras each had two goals for Sterling.

One of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo tournament held in North America, was the final stop of the World Polo Tour. It‘s also one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events, attracting fans from all over the world.

For the eleventh consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi hosted the world-class event in a holiday setting against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, kicking off the holiday social season in Aspen.

„Every year it seems to get better and better,“ Roldan praised. „Melissa and her team have done an incredible job of putting this event together. We‘re all hugely appreciative and very grateful to be able to experience this. It‘s an awesome experience and great way to end the year. The win is just a bonus.“

In last year‘s thrilling finish, Blade & Bow won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. Blade & Bow (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9) rallied from a four-goal deficit to defeat St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 9-8.

Other past winners are: 2021, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, Jesse Bray, Pablo MacDonough); 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); 2017, U.S. Polo Assn., (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club has become the world‘s destination spot for summer and snow polo.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the Carbondale-based club and polo in 2014, polo has increased in popularity in Aspen and surrounding cities with the club‘s offerings of various weekly grass and arena tournaments, Arena & Asado Nights, Kidz Polo, Kids Wheely Polo, The Polo School headed by former 8-goaler Juan Bollini, and Polo On Demand. In addition, the club offers practice sessions for teams competing in the club tournaments.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

ASPEN, Colorado, December 17, 2023: Casablanca won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship 2023 at Rio Grande Park. In front of a soldout crowd. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3,…

Polo News

Polo great Adolfo Cambiaso makes U.S. Snow Polo debut at this week‘s St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

14. December 2023

ASPEN, Colo., December 12, 2023—For the first time in the 11-year history of the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship, the world‘s greatest polo player will compete.

Adolfo Cambiaso will join fellow 10-goaler Juan Martin Nero among a star-studded field for the Dec. 14-17 event.

Cambiaso will be making his U.S. snow polo debut in the only snow polo tournament held in North America. He has competed on snow in Argentina

Cambiaso and Nero are coming off the final of the 130th Argentine Open at Palermo where their La Dolfina Saudi team lost to La Natividad, 13-10, in the final.

Cambiaso, born in Canuelas, Argentina, is ranked at 10 goals in Argentina, United Kingdom and United States at age 48. He has been ranked 10 since 1994. Since then he has won prestigious tournaments all over the world.

Cambiaso has won 18 Argentine Opens, 14 Hurlingham Opens, nine Tortugas Opens, nine U.S. Opens and eight British Opens. In 2000 he founded La Dolfina, which turned into a legendary team.

Nero, regarded as the best back in the sport, was born in Trenque Lauquen, Argentina. He made his Argentine Open debut in 2004 and since then has built an impressive resume. He is rated 10 goals in Argentina and the U.S.

Nero has won 12 Argentine Opens, 10 Hurlingham Opens, nine Tortugas Opens, two U.S. Opens and two British Opens as well as the Gold Cup Deauville in France, the Gold Cup in Sotogrande, Spain, Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland and Queen’s Cup in the UK.

Cambiaso will join Marc Ganzi and Jason Crowder on the 17-goal Aspen Valley team. Nero will play on defending champion Blade & Bow, an 18-goal team, with Scott Wood and Pablo Spinacci.

The snow polo event is one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and final stop on the World Polo Tour.

For the eleventh consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi will host the world-class event which has joined St. Moritz as one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events and social event.

The festivities begin Thursday with the draw party and traditional champagne sabering at the St. Regis.

Preliminary qualifying round robin games are Friday at Aspen Valley Polo Club‘s state-of-the-art indoor arena beginning at 1:30 p.m .

Action moves to Rio Grande Park on Saturday where the High Alpine Cup at 1:15 p.m., inaugural Potamkin Charity Chukker at 2:30 p.m. and Celebrity Polo Match at 3:15 p.m. will be held. On Sunday the championship final is 1 p.m. and Aspen Cup at 3 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony.

VIP tickets can still be purchased for the event. Ticket information can be found at aspenvalleypoloclub.com. The games are free for spectators standing around the arena sidelines. The event is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. Donations are welcome.

Winners of the past ten tournaments are: 2022, Blade & Bow (Grant Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Tommy Biddle); 2021, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, Jesse Bray, Pablo MacDonough); 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn.; 2017, (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club has become the world‘s destination spot for summer and snow polo.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

ASPEN, Colo., December 12, 2023—For the first time in the 11-year history of the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship, the world‘s greatest polo player will compete. Adolfo Cambiaso will…

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POLO+10 Issues 2024

11. December 2023

The next POLO+10 editions will be released in Spring and Autumn 2024.
For more information about media dates as well as corporate publishing and public relations by POLO+10 please visit the POLO+10 website: https://www.poloplus10.com/advertising-rates/

Download media kit POLO+10 WORLD

The next POLO+10 editions will be released in Spring and Autumn 2024. For more information about media dates as well as corporate publishing and public relations by POLO+10 please visit…

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Kempinski Hotels Unveils Plans for Chic Ski Resort in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains

8. December 2023

Hotel set to become the first five-star hospitality project in the year-round resort of Poiana Brasov

Geneva, 5 December 2023 — Situated in the mountains of central Romania, Kempinski Hotels reveals the latest addition to its European constellation: a contemporary ski resort that will transform the town of Poiana Brasov into a must-visit destination for trail-blazing travellers. With 120 guestrooms, Kempinski Poiana Brasov mountain resort will be the first five-star hotel in the Transylvania region and the debut Kempinski address in Romania.

The EUR 70 million project marks Bucharest-based developer Rock Holding’s first foray into the luxury hospitality space after successfully developing a collection of high-end residential projects in the Romanian capital.

“The mountains of Eastern Europe are some of the most spectacular in the world and we are thrilled to have found a new home in the enchanting village of Poiana Brasov,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG. “Together with Rock Holding, we hope to bring elevated levels of

luxury to the region’s hospitality scene and provide a truly five-star experience for well-heeled travellers heading to Romania.”

A collection of 120 lakeside rooms and suites in the main hotel will be augmented by extensive spa and wellness facilities that will tap into the healing powers of the mountain landscape, while three dining outlets will showcase the flavours of the Romanian and international cuisine. A conference centre and events space with stunning mountain views provide a blank canvas for spectacular corporate events and summer weddings.

Behind a sleek, contemporary façade, the hotel promises a minimal, naturalistic aesthetic, with natural building materials, flowing organic lines and interiors that reflect the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains.

“Poiana Brasov is without doubt one of the most attractive parts of Romania and holds great development potential,” says Mircea Cotiga, CEO and Founder, Rock Holding. “Our vision for Kempinski Poiana Brasov is to create a luxurious mountain hideaway where visitors can choose to do as much or as little as they like, with a host of in-house facilities and an abundance of outdoor activities at the doorstep. The Kempinski Hotel will provide a luxury accommodation for anyone looking for a slice of paradise in the Carpathian Mountains.”

Poiana Brasov is a gateway to some of the most spell-binding landscape in Central Europe and a magnet for outdoor afficionados. During the long summer days, well-marked trails between lush spruce forests and mountain meadows blanketed in wildflowers draw hikers, cyclists and horse riders, while the snowy peaks lure skiers and snowboarders from across Europe each winter.

“Our growing collection of European mountain resorts reflects the increasing demand from guests for holidays that immerse them in the natural world and provide a blank canvas for active adventures,” adds Bernold Schroeder. “From snow-packed winter ski holidays to adventurous summer escapes, Poiana Brasov provides a year-round destination for outdoor pursuits.”

Guests staying at Kempinski Poiana Brasov mountain resort will have direct access to almost 24 kilometres of ski slopes on the flanks of the Postăvarul Massif, one of the most picturesque areas of wilderness in Central Europe. The nearby medieval city of Brasov is home to gothic churches, cobbled streets and baroque townhouses that evoke the essence of Transylvania. In less than 45 minutes, guests can reach some of the other must-see sights of Romania, including Bran Castle, home of Count Dracula, the fairy-tale spires of Peles Castle and the mighty walls of Rasnov Fortress.

Direct flights from cities including Dubai, London, Brussels, Barcelona, Munich, Stuttgart, Tel Aviv and Geneva serve the new Brasov-Ghimbav International Airport, a 30-minute drive from the hotel, while the larger Bucharest International Airport can be reached in 2.5 hours.

About Kempinski

Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today the Kempinski Group operates 82 hotels and residences in 35 countries and currently has more than 26 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

www.kempinski.com
www.ghadiscovery.com
www.kempinski.com/loyalty

Hotel set to become the first five-star hospitality project in the year-round resort of Poiana Brasov Geneva, 5 December 2023 — Situated in the mountains of central Romania, Kempinski Hotels…

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Second title for La Natividad!

5. December 2023

The perfect scenario: 10-10, when the two teams entered the cancha for the final chukker after a botched seventh period for La Natividad in the words of its captain, Pablo McDonough. The suspense was just right to round off a magnificent match in which both quartets put on a great show of fast, fluid polo. A huge Cambiaso once again, but this year he will not be adding another chapter to his legend. No 16th title for La Dolfina and no 19th Abierto for Cambiaso. Will he add to his tally next year?

After a soporific women’s final, the final of the 130th Argentine Open seemed short, such was the quality of play. With little or no down time, few fouls (only 4 penalties converted), each of the eight protagonists really brought out the best in their polo: a “partidazo” as the Argentinians say. Two teams that were clearly better than one another, and in the end it all came down to the final period, even though La Natividad had led most of the time. But the chemistry between two experienced players aged 37 and 41, Facundo Pieres (who had played Cambiaso 13 times in the final) and Pablo McDonough (who had won against and with La Dolfina) and the two prodigies aged 22 and 20, Barto and Jeta Castagnola, worked. Pablo (MVP) organized the game and most of the goals were the result of teamwork, with everyone scoring. For once, it wasn’t Jeta Castognola who scored all La Natividad’s goals: just 4, but that didn’t stop him from finishing top scorer in the tournament with 38 goals, as he had done at Hurlingham and Tortugas (94 goals in all). Poroto Cambiaso, on the other hand, provided the bulk of the scoring with 7 of La Dolfina’s 10 goals, including an 80-yard golazo at 9-10.

The future?

There are no clues as to what will happen next for La Dolfina, or the make-up of La Natividad 2024. What will Cambiaso decide at the age of 48? Will he stick with it? Will he ‘free’ Poroto to join his cousins? And who would pay the price for La Natividad? Pablo McDonough, the main architect of Sunday’s victory in Palermo? There are rumors, but these are just rumors, that Cambiaso would reunite the great Dolfina of nine victories with Pelon Stirling, Juan Martin Nero and Pablo Mac Donough to end his career on a high. With 18 wins from 27 finals, the GOAT is still chasing the records set by Juan-Carlos Harriott (20) and Horacio Antonio Heguy (19). The next few weeks are going to be exciting.

Women’s Abierto: two chukkers and then the beautiful game leaves!

While some of the qualifying matches in the Women’s Open showed good play and a clear progression in women’s polo, the final was not the showcase. After two periods full of promise, notably with golazos from Hazel Jackson (El Overo Z7), the rest resembled French arthouse cinema. Fouls aplenty (17 penalties converted, including 10 for Cande Fernandez out of La Dolfina’s 12 goals – that’s a lot) and few exciting moves. What we will remember most about this final is the victory of a 100% non-Argentine team with three English players and one American, Hope Arellano, who made a big impression throughout the tournament. Will the universalisation of polo involve women? Let’s hope not: among the ten teams in the Men’s Open, there were only two foreigners out of the forty players, Uruguay’s Pelon Stirling (La Dolfina) and South Africa’s Nachi Du Plessis (Ellerstina)!

THE AWARDS

Gonzalo Heguy Trophy and Tipa y Caña Prize for the best player in the final(MVP): Pablo Mac Donough.

Javier Novillo Astrada Award for the tournament top scorer: Camilo Castagnola, 38 goals.

Rubén Sola Revelation Trophy: Lukin Monteverde (El Overo Z 7).

Juan Carlos Harriott Fair Play Award: Poroto Cambiaso (player with the fewest fouls).

Lady Susan Townley Cup, best horse in the final(BPP): Clone Cuartetera B06, played by Adolfo Cambiaso.

Argentinian Polo Horse Breeders’ Association (AACCP) prize: to the best horse registred in the stud book: Dolfina Roxy, ridden by Adolfo Cambiaso (h).

Finalist teams and progress:

La Natividad: Facundo Pieres 9 (3 goals), Jeta Castagnola 10 (4, including 1 penalty), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (3) and Barto Castagnola 10 (3). Total: 39.

La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (1), David Stirling 10 (1), Poroto Cambiaso 10 (7, including penalties) and Juan M. Nero 10 (1). Total score: 40.

La Natividad: 1-2, 3-2, 4-5, 7-6, 8-7, 10-7, 10-10 and 13-10.

Women’s Open:

El Overo Z7 UAE: Hope Arellano 9 (3 goals, including a Penal 1), Isabelle Parsons 9 (2, including a Penal 1), Hazel Jackson 9 (4) and Millie Hine 8 (8, including 5 penalties). Total score: 35.

La Dolfina: Mía Cambiaso 8 (1), Milagros Fernández Araujo 8 (1), Nina Clarkin 10 and Candelaria Fernández Araujo 9 (12, including 10 penalties). Total: 35

THE AWARDS

AAP and Tipa y Caña MVP Award: Millie Hine.

Motorola Award for the top scorer of the final: Candelaria Fernández Araujo.

Carolina Herrera Award to the Revelation player of the tournament: Hope Arellano.

Myriam Heguy and Municipality of Cañuelas Fair Play Award: Nina Clarkin.

AAP and Casa Libertas Award to the best horse of the final(BPP) : Lamore Que Ironía, played by Mía Cambiaso.

AACCP Award to the best registered player product Raza Polo Argentino: Don Ercole Cruz de Malta, played by Hope Arellano.

Duthie & Doille Award to the best ridden player of the final: Hope Arellano.

By RB Presse, Pascal Renauldon
Photos: RB Presse, Jan Zavazal

The perfect scenario: 10-10, when the two teams entered the cancha for the final chukker after a botched seventh period for La Natividad in the words of its captain, Pablo…

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A historical polo farm in southern Germany

4. December 2023

The polo farm Ettikoner Hof is situated in southern Germany, Baden-Württemberg, on the river Rhine and by the Swiss border.

Polo players and our Swiss guests have easy access to the farm via the close by border crossings in Waldshut and Rheinheim/Bad Zurzach. International guests would fly into Zurich Airport, which is only a 40 minutes car-ride away, to experience a relaxed polo weekend at the Ettikoner Hof.

There are many popular tourist sites and attractions, like the Rhine Fall in Schaffhausen, the city of Zurich and Basel and even the Black Forest, that are less than an hour car ride away.

The Ettikoner Hof polo community originates from the Schwarzwald Polo Country Club, which was established in 1986.

Many of today’s outstanding and promising young polo players started their career using the fantastic facilities and training conditions offered by the polo community at Ettikoner Hof. Furthermore, several home bread polo ponies played successfully in the English High Goal League.

The evenings after a long day of chukkers are legendary at the Ettikoner hof: in a family like atmosphere everyone is enjoying a classic Asado of lamb accompanied by a lovely bottle of Argentinian red wine.

With over 50 boxes, a polo field with a professional irrigation system, a sand track around the polo field, a training arena and a cosy clubhouse with a view over the polo field, the Ettikoner Hof offers everything a polo heart desires. Club Chukkers are played several times a week. In addition, four tournaments of different levels will be hosted in the 2024 season. And watch this space for more exciting news to be released soon…

Whether summer or winter, your horses can stay 365 days a year at the Ettikoner Hof. In summer, the focus is on intensive polo training, followed by a recovery and regeneration phase of your horses in winter. Depending on the weather, the polo ponies can stand in the pastures all day and recover from the active polo season. The team at Ettikoner Hof pays attention to small group sizes and values harmony in the herd.

If you are interested in winter pasture and stables please contact:

Mrs Dr. Sophie Senf
Telephone / WhatsApp: +49 163 4447799

Address:
Ettikoner Hof 117
79790 Ettikon- Küssaberg
Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Website: www.ettikonerhof.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ettikonpolo/

News and highlights at the Ettikoner Hof for 2024

We are delighted to introduce our new polo managers at the Ettikoner Hof!

After four enriching years at a club in Aargau Switzerland, Jonatan, Julika and Brina Purvis are moving to the Ettikoner Hof from the start of the 2024 season and will take care of the polo management.

Jonatan Purvis was born with a passion for horses. He grew up with horses and discovered his love for horses and polo early in his childhood. At the age of 17 he travelled to England for the first time to work with a professional English polo player. After many years in England, he returned to Argentina and concentrated on training young horses, which he still does with great dedication today. Julika Purvis & Jonatan Purvis met in a polo club in Switzerland through their shared passion for polo. Since the beginning of their relationship, they have been traveling back and forth between Europe and Argentina. The family grew with the birth of their daughter Brina 3 years ago.

Polo Academy
It has been Jonatan and Julika Purvis’ shared dream for many years to build a business in polo. In 2022 they took the step and founded the Polo Academy Switzerland (PAS). By founding PAS, they set themselves the goal of spreading and promoting the sport of polo and getting many new people excited about this fascinating sport. Through Jonatan’s work in other polo schools and training as a polo instructor at the AAP (Asociacion Argentina de Polo), he was able to gain experience as a polo trainer over the years. He also discovered how much he loves teaching. In addition to the polo school, PAS polo focuses on the rental and sale of polo horses, as well as the organization of events, tournaments and polo holidays abroad.

Our new managers at the Ettikoner Hof
Jonatan and Julika Purvis

Contact us for everything about POLO:
Website: www.paspolo.com
Email: info@paspolo.com
Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/_paspolo/

Telephone / WhatsApp:
+ 41 76 217 60 39 // +54 9 2227 53 12 79
(German, English, Spanish)

The polo farm Ettikoner Hof is situated in southern Germany, Baden-Württemberg, on the river Rhine and by the Swiss border. Polo players and our Swiss guests have easy access to…

Instagram, Polo News

2023 Argentine Open final Cambiaso‘s last?

30. November 2023

The final of the 130th Argentine Open, to be played on Saturday (weather permitting) in Palermo’s emblematic ‘cathedral’, will be the third edition of what could have become the new ‘clásico’ between La Dolfina and La Natividad, but with the change of generation, nothing is less certain. In any case, this will be the third meeting between the two cousin teams, and so far, each has won a match (La Natividad in 2021 and La Dolfina last year).

If there’s one man who will be happy once again and won’t lose on Saturday, it’s Adolfo Cambiaso, the first of the name, who will see his son and one of his grandsons, Adolfo ‘hijo’ and Adolfo ‘nieto’, aka Poroto, face off against two other grandsons, Barto and Jeta Castagnola, the sons of Camila, Cambiaso’s sister and wife of Lolo Castagnola.

For the ‘great’ Adolfo, at the age of 48, this will undoubtedly be his last. In any case, there are whispers that he may well announce this at the end of the match that could consecrate him for the eighteenth time in his career since he was 19. A final in which he will give his all, just as he did in the semi-final against Hilario Ulloa’s La Hache… in which he mischievously sought out his opponent’s fouls. Sixteen penalties were converted during the match, which also saw five yellow cards handed out. That’s a lot. But the main thing was there: twentieth final for La Dolfina.

With Poroto (only 18 since Sunday and already in his second final), the Cambiasos have been practicing penalty kicks particularly this week. This gives you an idea of the kind of game La Dolfina intend to play in this final.

La Natividad’s victory over a flamboyant La Ensenada side in the other semi-final was clearly more impressive. Fluid play, great actions from both sides, golazos, notably two from Juan Martin Zubia, eight penalties converted and only two yellow cards.

The day was also marked by a feeling of sadness towards the Pieres. Sure, they won all their games, but not together. Nico and Gonzalito had fought hard before this semi-final on Field #2 to ensure that Ellerstina would remain in the Open 2024. Mission accomplished, but it was a shame to see this team on cancha 2 for its final match of the 2023 Open to ensure its survival, when it had been a finalist thirteen times against La Dolfina (with three wins). Facu, but with La Natividad, won the right to face Cambiaso in the Abierto final for the fourteenth time in his career, but without their brothers. At the end of the match, only his petisero was there to give him a hug, while the Castagnola family rejoiced.

There will be more family hugs on Saturday evening, but it is hard to say whether they will be from the green Castagnola side or the blue Cambiaso side. And no doubt, if Aldofo announces his retirement as is widely expected, the cousins will probably be wearing the same jersey in 2024. So which team will be able to stand up to them in the years to come? That will be the big question after Abierto 2023. In the meantime, there’s a great final to enjoy next Saturday.

The semi-finals

La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (6 goals, including 2 penalties and 1 corner), Pelon Stirling 10 (1), Poroto Cambiaso 10 (7 penalties) and Juan M. Nero 10 (2). Total score: 40.

La Hache La Roca: Polito Pieres 9 (8, 4 penalties), Hilario Ulloa 9 (1), Sapo Caset 9 (1 Penal 1) and Fran Elizalde 9 (2, including 1 penalty and 1 Penal 1). Total: 36.

Yellow cards: Juan M. Nero (Chukker 1), Adolfo Cambiaso and Polito Pieres (Chukker 5), Poroto Cambiaso (Chukker 7) and Polito Pieres (after match)

La Dolfina Saudi: 1-2, 2-2, 5-3, 7-4, 9-8, 11-9, 12-11 and 16-12.

La Natividad: Facundo Pieres 9 (3 goals), Jeta Castagnola 10 (9, including 2 penalties and 1 Penal 1), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (2) and Barto Castagnola (h) 10 (3). Total score: 39.

La Ensenada Brubank: Juan Britos 9 (3, including 1 penalty), Alfredo Bigatti 9, Juan M. Zubía 9 (3) and Jeró del Carril 8 (8, including 5 penalties). Total: 35.

Yellow cards: Juan M. Zubia (Chukker 5) and Barto Castagnola (h) (Chukker 6).

La Natividad: 3-0, 5-3, 6-4, 8-7, 11-9, 14-10, 16-13 and 17-14.

Match for the “survival”:

Ellerstina Yellow Rose: Bautista Bayugar 8 (4 goals including 2 penalties), Gonzalito Pieres 9 (4, including 2 penalties), Nicolás Pieres 9 (4) and Nachi du Plessis 9 (1). Total score: 35.

La Irenita Clinova: Facundo Fernández Llorente 8 (6), Tomás Fernández Llorente 8, Matías Torres Zavaleta 8 (1) and Isidro Strada 8. Total score: 32.

Ellerstina Yellow Rose: 3-1, 5-2, 6-2, 7-2, 8-4, 10-5, 11-5 and 13-7.

NB: La Esquina and La Irenita Clinova are not automatically qualified for the 2024 Open and will have to play the qualifiers again, while El Overo Z27 (Lukin Monteverde 7, Victorino, Ruiz Jorba 7, Cruz Heguy 7 and Teodoro Lacau 7), 8th in the rankings, will have to play a play-off match against the winners of the Copa Camara, a team from La Irenita, to qualify.

The final of the 130th Argentine Open, to be played on Saturday (weather permitting) in Palermo’s emblematic ‘cathedral’, will be the third edition of what could have become the new…

Instagram, Polo News

Countdown Under Way For St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship; Tickets On Sale

28. November 2023

ASPEN, Colo., November 27, 2023—The much-anticipated St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship returns to Rio Grande Park on Dec. 16-17, kicking off Aspen‘s festive and social season.

VIP tickets are on sale now for 11th annual star-studded event. Ticket information can be found at www.snowpolo.net.

Last year‘s tournament raised $100,000 from record ticket sales (doubled from 2021) and donations for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation and Calaway-Young Cancer Center.

The event is one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments, only snow polo tournament in North America and final stop on the World Polo Tour.

In a holiday setting against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, the three-day tournament is a major attraction for fans from around the world and major allure for the Aspen community and surrounding areas.

In last year‘s thrilling finish, Blade And Bow won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. Blade And Bow (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9) rallied from a four-goal deficit to defeat St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 9-8, in front of a soldout VIP tent and worldwide CTV audience.

In addition to the championship final, other games at Rio Grande Park are the High Alpine Cup, Celebrity Polo and Aspen Cup final. The games are free for spectators standing around the arena. Preliminary qualifying games are Dec. 15 at Aspen Valley Polo Club‘s state-of-the-art indoor arena.

Among the player field are Nic Roldan, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Sugar Erskine, Jason Crowder and Grant Ganzi among others. The sport‘s ambassdor and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras returns as captain of the St. Regis polo team. Figueras has played a role in the event‘s growth and development.

„To be able to play polo there with Aspen Mountain in the back is pretty special,“ Figueras said. „From a player standpoint, it keeps getting better. The players that have been coming the last few years have been amazing.“

NetJets and Edmiston return as sponsors. Casablanca is the apparel sponsor.

Other past winners are: 2021, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, Jesse Bray, Pablo MacDonough); 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn.; 2017, (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

From the VIP tent, guests can watch from an exclusive St. Regis alpine-inspired chalet with chandeliers fashioned from antlers and bedecked with evergreens, leather furniture and cozy fur throws. In true St. Regis spirit, guests enjoy the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary from the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar (the original drink was perfected at the King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York in 1934).

The sport was first played on a frozen lake in St. Moritz, Switzerland, created by Swiss hotelier and polo visionary Reto Gaudenzi in 1985 and has been growing in popularity ever since, attracting thousands of spectators and top players from around the world.

Snow polo is a modified version of regulation polo. Games are played on a snow-packed field surrounded by fencing to keep the ball in play. Teams have three players instead of four as in typical polo. Play consists of four chukkers. The horses have special cleated shoes to provide better traction. The ball is larger and lighter and a specific color for visibility on the snowy surface.

Aspen Valley Polo Club finished a successful season in club and Rocky Mountain Circuit history this past summer and is coming off an unprecedented eighth title at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships in front of a record crowd of 12,873, the most attended polo event in the U.S. With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club has become the world‘s destination spot for summer and snow polo.

By Sharon Robb

ASPEN, Colo., November 27, 2023—The much-anticipated St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship returns to Rio Grande Park on Dec. 16-17, kicking off Aspen‘s festive and social season. VIP tickets are…

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Bardon Claimed the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup 2023 Spring Season in Argentina

27. November 2023

Andras Tombor lineup defeated El Milagro and won the flagship tournament of the Novillo Astrada’s family club

Bardon earned a 13-7 win over El Milagro and claimed the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, following the championship match, that took place at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina, on Tuesday November 21m, on a cold and rainy afternoon. The Julio Novillo Astrada is the opening tournament of the 2023 Spring Season, at La Aguada Polo Club, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros.

El Milagro’s Lukin Monteverde opened the scores in the first chukka; but Bardon replied quickly through Jeta Castagnola and Rufino Lauhlé, who secured the 2-1 advantage for Bardon at the end of the first chukka. From then onwards, the match belonged to Bardon, who remained in the lead throughout the six chukkas of play; by halftime, Bardon was 7-3 ahead of El Milagro. In the second half, Andras Tombor’s lineup dominated their opponents, who struggled to remain in the game, but their efforts didn’t pay off.

By the start of the sixth chukka, the deal was said and done, with Bardon 12-5 up. At the end of the day, and after a very well played contest, Bardon produced one last goal to secure the 13-7 victory that led them to win the XIX Edition of the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup.

Meanwhile, the Subsidiary Trophy went to Forbes Plunkett, who defeated Santa Clara 14-12.

FINAL JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP. TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21, LA AGUADA POLO CLUB

Subsidiary: Forbes Plunkett 14 vs Santa Clara 12

Final Julio Novillo Astrada Cup: Bardon Polo Team 13 vs El Milagro 7

Bardon Polo Team: Andreas Tombor 0, Rufino Laulhé 3, Alfredo Bigatti 9, Camilo Castagnola 10. Total: 22.

El Milagro Polo: Federico Tomasevich 1 (Gonzalo Lozano 1), Santiago Solari 6, Benjamín Panelo 7 (Lucas Monteverde Jr. 7), Ignacio Novillo Astrada 8. Total: 22.

Score Bardon: 2-1, 4-2, 7-3, 9-5, 12-5, 13-7.

Awards Presentation:
MVP: Rufino Laulhé.
River Slaney BPP: Luca Cartagena, ridden by Alfredo Bigatti.

Best Polo Argentino Bred, presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: Siempre Mala Fama (Open Iphone x Luca Mara), ridden by Alfredo Bigatti.

Skeeter Johnston Fair Play Award: Gonzalo Lozano.
Best mounted player: Alfredo Bigatti.

Following the awards presentation, there was an after polo, that included asado, music and other delicacies, in which the attendants enjoyed the warmth of the Novillo Astrada family, and had a great deal of fun with family and friends.

The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, the opening tournament of the 2023 Spring Season hosted by La Aguada Polo Club Presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, was underway at La Aguada Polo Club, the Novillo Astrada family’s club located in Open Door, Argentina. The contest is the club’s premier competition, and has been played since 2004, as a tribute to La Aguada’s founder, Mr. Julio Novillo Astrada, affectionately known as Yayo within his family. The 2023 edition of the tournament saw four teams up to 22 goals in participation.

2023 JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP – TEAMS

Bardon Polo Team: Andreas Tombor 0, Rufino Laulhé 3, Alfredo Bigatti 9, Camilo Castagnola 10. Total: 22.

El Milagro Polo: Federico Tomasevich 1 (Gonzalo Lozano 1), Santiago Solari 6, Benjamín Panelo 7 (Lukin Monteverde 7), Ignacio Novillo Astrada 8. Total: 22.

Forbes Plunkett Polo Team: Brandon Plunkett 0, Nicolás Escobar 6, Jerónimo del Carril 8, Miguel Novillo Astrada 8. Total: 22.

Santa Clara: Lucas Escobar 5, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 7, Cruz Novillo Astrada 5, Lucas Bosch 4. Total: 21.

2023 JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP – FIXTURE

Monday October 30
Bardon Polo Team 12 vs Santa Clara 8
El Milagro 13 vs Forbes Plunkett 9

Monday November 6
Forbes Plunkett 12 vs Santa Clara 11

Tuesday November 7
Bardon Polo Team 16 vs El Milagro 11

Thursday November 9
El Milagro 11 vs Santa Clara 10
Bardon Polo Team 13 vs Forbes Plunkett 11

FINALS – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21
Subsidiary: Forbes Plunkett 14 vs Santa Clara 12
Final Julio Novillo Astrada Cup: Bardon Polo Team 13 vs El Milagro 7

Photos by ADRIAN MELO