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.
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:
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.”
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.
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, 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.
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.
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).
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
