Aspen Valley Polo Club

La Karina Captures Mount Sopris Cup; Torito Ruiz Named MVP
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CARBONDALE, Colo., August 15, 2022—-In front of a good crowd, La Karina won its first tournament of the summer polo season Sunday at McClure River Ranch Stadium.

The foursome of Lauren Sherry, Brian Boyd, Torito Ruiz and Tomacho Pieres led from start to finish for a thrilling 9-8 victory over NetJets (Melissa Ganzi, Vinny Sangaline, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini). Sherry and Pieres were tournament runners-up last year with Sopris Mountain Ranch.

Ruiz, 24, playing his third season in Aspen, was named Most Valuable Player. Ruiz scored a game-high six goals and was relentless on defense. He scored a total of 13 goals in the tournament.


La Karina‘s Torito Ruiz and Tomacho Pieres double team Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Photo by Candace Ferreira

 

„Torito just played so well,“ said sponsor-player Brian Boyd. „He is such a strong, young player and great teammate. He is a phenomenal young star. We are going to see a lot more of him in the high goal and Argentina.“

Fiesta, owned by Juan Martin Nero and played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada, was selected Best Playing Pony. 

„To be MVP is nice but what is important is to win with the team,“ Ruiz said. „The whole team played well and made me play better. It‘s always the team that makes you play better.“


Juan Bollini of NetJets tries to hook Torito Ruiz. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

La Karina took control early jumping out to a 2-1 lead with goals from Ruiz and Pieres. After a scoreless second chukker, La Karina had another 2-1 chukker to lead 4-2 at the half. 

„I am happy we won, it was a fun game,“ Ruiz said. „The game plan was to play as a team and be organized on the field.“

La Karina shut out NetJets in the fourth chukker and out scored them 3-2 in the fifth. With 5:05 left in the last chukker, La Karina led 9-6. Astrada and Ganzi scored back-to-back goals but ran out of time to rally.


Brian Boyd of La Karina goes for the big hit as Vinny Sangaline defends. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

„I am so happy to win such a great tournament with such tough teams,“ Boyd said. „That was a tough team, they play well together and reach each other well.

„We just went out there and had fun. Both Torito and Tomacho are so positive and encouraging. Any time we would have a broken play or make a mistake they were like ‚don‘t worry about it, get back in there, keep fighting.‘ It was a fun final.“

In addition to Ruiz‘ six goals, Pieres added three goals. For NetJets, Ganzi and Astrada each had a team-high three goals and Sangaline had two.


A good crowd enjoys Sunday game day at Aspen Valley Polo Club. Photo by Candace Ferreira

 

For the fifth consecutive Sunday, fans were treated to 18 chukkers in addition to Kidz Wheely Polo.

Boyd, who played all winter in Costa Careyes, Mexico, has been impressed with the level of play in Aspen since the July 3 season-opener.

„The pros are playing clean, open polo,“ Boyd said. „They are moving the ball instead of possession polo. The fields are playing so nicely and everyone is hitting the ball so well. Even the amateurs and patron players are hitting the ball well and running. Our Friday round robin games have been incredible and hardfought, so many teams advancing by just one or two goals. It‘s been competitive and fast with a lot of good horses.“


Torito Ruiz receives the MVP award from Juan Bollini. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

Boyd, also president of the Aspen Valley Polo Club, has watched the club progress over nine years into a summer polo destination.

„It took a small village of us to build the club up,“ Boyd said. „Each year the club just gets better and better and that makes for good polo. It is the most fun place to play good polo in the summer in the U.S. There‘s great camaraderie within the club. One week you are playing with a pro and the next you are playing against him.“

In the subsidiary Just For The Fun Of It Cup, Los Amigos defeated El Tiburon, 8-6. Los Amigos broke a 3-3 tie after two chukkers with a 3-1 third chukker to lead 6-4 at the half and never trailed after that. The teams played to a 2-2 tie in the fourth quarter and then were scoreless in the final two chukkers.


Best Playing Pony Fiesta played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

Los Amigos got balanced scoring from its lineup. Bensadon led with three, Figueras and Gooding each had two and Foster added one. Roldan led El Tiburon with four goals and Marc Ganzi added two.

In the Just For The Thrill Of It Cup, Brookshire/Victory (Scott Wood, Kevin Schmeits, Gonzalito Pieres, Jason Crowder) held on for a 10-9 win over Mountain Chevrolet (Michael Payne, Sugar Erskine, Pablo Spinacci, Stewart Armstrong). 

Brookshire/Victory led by as many as four goals in the fourth (8-4) and fifth chukkers (9-5) before Mountain Chevrolet started to reel them in but ran out of time.


Fans enjoyed Kidz Wheely Polo during a fun day of polo. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

For Brookshire/Victory, Schmeits had a team-high four goals, Crowder had three, Pieres, two and Wood added one.  Erskine led Mountain Chevrolet with four goals. Armstrong had three and Payne and Spinacci each had one goal.

In Friday‘s opening day qualifying round robin action, NetJets advanced into the final with a 4-3 win over Mountain Chevrolet and 5-3 victory over Los Amigos. La Karina qualified with a 4-4 tie with Brookshire/Victory and 5-4 win over El Tiburon.

Six teams competed over two days in the seventh tournament of the season.


Grant Ganzi of El Tiburon reaches to hook Pancho Bensadon. Photo by Candace Ferreira

 

Aspen Valley Polo Club kicked off its ninth season on July 3. In the season-opener Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Tomacho Pieres) won the Independence Cup with a round robin victory over Casablanca (Alejandra Foster, Grant Ganzi, Torito Ruiz, Nic Roldan) and NetJets (Melissa Ganzi, Nacho Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini).

Brookshire (Scott Wood, Jason Crowder, Nic Roldan, Juan Bollini) won its club debut in the ChukkerTV Cup with an 11-7 win over Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Vinny Sangaline, Gonzalito Pieres, Nacho Figueras). 

McClure River Ranch (Marc Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Pancho Bensadon, Stewart Armstrong) won the Craig Sakin Memorial with a 9-8 victory over Santa Rita (Melissa Ganzi, Vinny Sangaline, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini).


Nic Roldan of El Tiburon keeps his eye on the ball as Alex Gooding goes for the hook. Photo by Nick Tininenko

 

Brookshire (Scott Wood, Ale Poma, Nacho Figueras, Torito Ruiz) won its second tournament of the season in the Basalt Handicap with a 12-7 win over  Mountain Chevrolet (Michael Payne, Stewart Armstrong, Nic Roldan, Alex Gooding). 

Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Nic Roldan, Grant Ganzi, Blas Bensadon) won the Emma Challenge with an 11-8 victory over defending champion Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Vinny Sangaline, Nacho Figueras, Tomacho Pieres). Roldan earned his second MVP award of the season. 

Last weekend Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Nacho Figueras)won the High Alpine Cup with a 6-4 win over Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Brian Boyd, Nacho Novillo Astrada/Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Jason Crowder). Pieres was MVP.


Alex Gooding of Los Amigos attempts to hook Grant Ganzi. Photo by Candace Ferreira

 

Other summer tournaments are this week‘s   Rocky Mountain Open, Carbondale Classic, Triple Crown of Polo-Aspen, Silver Queen Invitational, Maroon Bells Cup and Ute Challenge.

The highlight of the season is the Aug. 28th Summer Polo Benefit for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. Last year‘s event raised more than $500,000 after a year‘s hiatus because of the pandemic. It is the club‘s summer marquis event and one of the city‘s most anticipated social summer events.

Wellington, Fla.-based ChukkerTV is live streaming the entire 2022 polo season Mountain Standard Time with announcer Dale Schwetz calling the action.


Kevin Schmeits of Brookshire/Victory and Michael Payne battle for the ball. Photo by Candace Ferreira

 

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the 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, Kidz Wheely Polo, Gymkhana, 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 on more than six world-class fields. There are also indoor and outdoor polo arenas.

The Polo School for all ages and ability levels operates in Carbondale July through September. For more information on tournaments or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or club manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Aspen Valley 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 family-friendly club welcomes spectators. All matches, food and refreshments are free and open to the public.

By Sharon Robb

 

 

2022 Aspen Valley Polo Club Schedule

August
Rocky Mountain Open 8/12 – 8/21
The Carbondale Classic 8/19-8/21
Triple Crown of Polo – Aspen 8/24-8/28 

September
Silver Queen Invitational 8/31 – 9/4
Maroon Bells Cup TBD
Ute Challenge TBD

Arena Tournaments & Asado – Tuesday Evenings
Kids Wheely Polo games during select tournament halftimes

Summer Polo Benefit
for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation
Sunday August 28, 2022

Visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com for more details.
Games live-streamed on www.chukkertv.com

CARBONDALE, Colo., August 15, 2022—-In front of a good crowd, La Karina won its first tournament of the summer polo season Sunday at McClure River Ranch Stadium. The foursome of…
High Alpine Cup Begins Friday At McClure River Ranch
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CARBONDALE, Colo., August 4, 2022 —- Six teams will compete in the High Alpine Cup that gets under way Friday.

Preliminary round robin action for the sixth tournament of the summer season will be held at McClure River Ranch Fields 1 and 2.

In the first round robin at 10:30 a.m., Los Amigos, El Tiburon and White Claw will compete on Field 2. In the second round robin at noon, Brookshire, Tonkawa and Victory will play on Field 1. Winners of each round robin advance to Sunday‘s championship final. 

On Sunday, the Just For The Thrill Of It Cup, Just For The Fun Of It Cup and High Alpine Cup will keep fans entertained for 18 action-packed chukkers.

Sponsors and team rosters are:

El Tiburon (14): Collen Clark, Michael Payne, Pancho Bensadon, Torito Ruiz.
White Claw (10): Melissa Ganzi, Vinny Sangaline, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini.
Los Amigos (15): Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Nacho Figueras, Gonzalito Pieres.
Tonkawa (13): Jeff Hildebrand, Brian Boyd, Jason Crowder, Nacho Novillo Astrada.
Victory Polo (13): Kevin Schmeits, Grant Gant, Nic Roldan, Alex Gooding.
Brookshire (14): Scott Wood, Stewart Armstrong, Tomacho Pieres, Sugar Erskine.

 


Michael Payne and Collen Clark

 

The winner of last year‘s High Alpine Cup was Santa Rita (Alejandra Foster, Lauren Sherry, Tomacho Pieres, Alejandro Novillo Astrada) with an 8-5 victory over Victory Polo (Kevin Schmeits, Vinny Sangaline, Nic Roldan, Horacio Heguy). Astrada was MVP.

The High Alpine Cup is named after a Snowmass ski area/lift and legacy of Gwyn’s, a longtime Snowmass favorite located mid-mountain where diners experience some of the tradition and favorites from years past, in addition to a newly-envisioned take on mountain dining. 

Aspen Valley Polo Club kicked off its ninth season five weeks ago. In the season-opener Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Tomacho Pieres) won the Independence Cup with a round robin victory over Casablanca (Alejandra Foster, Grant Ganzi, Torito Ruiz, Nic Roldan) and NetJets (Melissa Ganzi, Nacho Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini).

Brookshire (Scott Wood, Jason Crowder, Nic Roldan, Juan Bollini) won its club debut in the ChukkerTV Cup with an 11-7 win over Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Vinny Sangaline, Gonzalito Pieres, Nacho Figueras). McClure River Ranch (Marc Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Pancho Bensadon, Stewart Armstrong) won the Craig Sakin Memorial with a 9-8 victory over Santa Rita (Melissa Ganzi, Vinny Sangaline, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini). 

 


Jeff Hildebrand and Marc Ganzi

Brookshire (Scott Wood, Ale Poma, Nacho Figueras, Torito Ruiz) won its second tournament of the season in the Basalt Handicap ) with a 12-7 win over Mountain Chevrolet (Michael Payne, Stewart Armstrong, Nic Roldan, Alex Gooding). Last weekend, Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Nic Roldan, Grant Ganzi, Blas Bensadon) won the Emma Challenge with an 11-8 victory over defending champion Los Amigos(Paul Foster, Vinny Sangaline, Nacho Figueras, Tomacho Pieres). 

The world‘s destination spot for summer polo has attracted some of the world‘s top players, sponsors and world-class horses.

 


Alejandra Foster

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop under a bright summer sky, polo has returned to the valley July through September with a record thirteen tournaments.

Other summer tournaments are the Mount Sopris Cup, Rocky Mountain Open, Carbondale Classic, Triple Crown of Polo-Aspen, Silver Queen Invitational, Maroon Bells Cup and Ute Challenge.

The highlight of the season is the Aug. 28th Summer Polo Benefit for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. Last year‘s event raised more than $500,000 after a year‘s hiatus because of the pandemic. It is the club‘s summer marquis event and one of the city‘s most anticipated social summer events.

Wellington, Fla.-based ChukkerTV will live stream the entire 2022 polo season Mountain Standard Time with announcer Dale Schwetz calling the action.

Last summer Aspen Valley Polo Club finished a successful and historic season in club and Rocky Mountain Circuit history and hopes to top that this season. 

 


Gonzalito Pieres

The 2021 tournament champions were: Independence Cup, La Karina (Sugar Erskine, Brian Boyd, Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan); ChukkerTV Challenge, NetJets (Michael Payne, Alex Gooding, Sugar Erskine, Nacho Figueras); Craig Sakin Memorial, Casablanca (Lauren Sherry, Alex Gooding, Torito Ruiz, Grant Ganzi); Basalt Handicap Cup, Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Grant Ganzi, Torito Ruiz, Jimmy Seward); Emma Challenge, Rancho Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Juan Bollini, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Gussie Busch); High Alpine Cup, Santa Rita (Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Alejandra Foster, Lauren Sherry, Tomacho Pieres); Mount Sopris Cup, NetJets (Juan Bollini, Gussie Busch, Govinda Quish, Pablo Spinacci); Rocky Mountain Open, Casablanca (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Torito Ruiz); Carbondale Classic, White Claw (Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Vinny Sangaline, Gonzalito Pieres, Nacho Badiola); WPL Triple Crown of Polo-Aspen, Tonkawa (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hildebrand, Gonzalito Pieres, Juan Bollini); and Silver Queen Invitational, NetJets (Brian Boyd, Juan Bollini, Nacho Figueras, Pablo Spinacci).

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the club and polo in 2014, polo has increased in popularity in Aspen and surrounding cities and is the epicenter for polo in the valley. The club‘s offerings include various weekly grass and arena tournaments, Arena & Asado Nights, Kidz Polo, Gymkhana, Kidz 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 on more than six world-class fields. There are also indoor and outdoor polo arenas.

Aspen was founded as a silver mining town in the 1800s and was named for the abundance of aspen trees growing in the area and famous for their tall, thin trunks and golden leaves. Conde Nast Traveler‘s Reader‘s Choice Awards recognized Aspen as the No. 1 Small City in the U.S.

 


Sugar Erskine and Juan Bollini

The Polo School for all ages and ability levels operates in Carbondale July through September. For more information on tournaments or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or club manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Aspen Valley 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 family-friendly club welcomes spectators. All matches, food and refreshments are free and open to the public.

When not playing or watching polo, there‘s all kinds of outdoor activities in a true adventurer‘s playground including hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, water rafting, swimming, fly fishing and golf.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

 

 

2022 High Alpine Cup Schedule

Friday 8/5
10:30am Los Amigos vs El Tiburon vs White Claw
McClure River Ranch field 2

12pm Brookshire vs Tonkawa vs Victory 
McClure River Ranch field 1

Saturday 8/6
10am Just For The Love Of It Cup
WPL vs Santa Rita

11am Gymkhana & Kidz Polo

Sunday 8/7
Just For The Thrill Of It Cup
Just For The Fun Of It Cup

The Emma Challenge Cup Final

CARBONDALE, Colo., August 4, 2022 —- Six teams will compete in the High Alpine Cup that gets under way Friday. Preliminary round robin action for the sixth tournament of the…
Los Amigos Wins Season-Opening Independence Cup; Marc Ganzi Named MVP
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CARBONDALE, Colo., July 3, 2022—-The season-opening Independence Cup lived up to expectations Sunday at McClure River Ranch. 

After three competitive round robin games, Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Tomacho Pieres) won the coveted trophy for the first time in team history.

Los Amigos defeated Casablanca (Alejandra Foster, Grant Ganzi, Torito Ruiz, Nic Roldan), 6-2, to clinch the victory on goal differential in the third and final round robin game.

In earlier games, Los Amigos rallied to tie NetJets (Melissa Ganzi, Nacho Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini), 5-5, in the opening three chukkers. NetJets defeated Casablanca, 6-3, in the second game.


Marc Ganzi of Los Amigos avoids the hook of Nacho Figueras.

Marc Ganzi, who scored four goals in three chukkers including two full field runs and two in the final chukker, was named Most Valuable Player.

„The match that was really interesting was the first one for us,“ Foster said. „We were down three goals (5-2) and we ended up coming back and we tied it. That was the one that was really tough. If we hadn‘t done that we wouldn‘t have been able to win.“

In the third and decisive game, Los Amigos jumped out to a 2-0 lead with back-to-back goals from Foster in the opening chukker and never trailed. With great passing team work from Gonzalito and Tomacho Pieres, Foster and Ganzi took turns scoring in the second and third chukkers for 2-1 leads in each chukker.


Marc Ganzi of Los Amigos manuevers the ball out of a crowd.

Foster, who has been tuning up in practice games during the spring in El Paso, Tex., has played with all three of his teammates in past summer tournaments.

„I think we all felt pretty good,“ Foster said. „We played a little bit this spring trying to get ready so I think we are probably a little more ready than we usually are. It was fun. My wife was on the other side so I couldn‘t celebrate too much. We always have good-natured fun with each other out there.

„I have played with both Gonzalito and Tomacho before and they are both amazing,“ Foster said. „They played well as expected. The one that I think really excelled today was Marc. I think it‘s the best I have ever seen him play. I was actually hitting shots which is a little unusual for me. The four of us were just able to put it together today.“


Paul Foster of Los Amigos drives downfield.

In the opening game, NetJets led 3-1 after the first chukker and 5-2 with 1:18 left in the second chukker. Los Amigos rallied and outscored NetJets, 4-2, scoring three consecutive goals in the final two chukkers to finish in a 5-5 tie. 

In the second game, NetJets dominated Casablanca, 6-3, behind three goals by Melissa Ganzi. With 3:28 left in the second chukker, Astrada connected with Ganzi on a 140-yard pass for Ganzi‘s second goal of the chukker. Two minutes later, Ganzi passed to Bollini who scored from 90 yards out to take a 4-1 lead.

Figueras escaped serious injury in the third chukker when he slipped off his horse while reaching out of his saddle to hook Grant Ganzi.


Torito Ruiz of Casablanca attempts to ride off Nacho Figueras.

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop under a bright summer sky, polo returned to the valley for its ninth season with the first of a record thirteen tournaments.

„It looks like it‘s going to be a great summer,“ Foster said. „We have a full compliment of pros and players. It‘s nice to get started with a win at the beginning of July.“

Other summer tournaments are this week‘s ChukkerTV Cup, Craig Sakin Memorial, Basalt Handicap, Emma Challenge Cup, High Alpine Cup, Mount Sopris Cup, Rocky Mountain Open, Carbondale Classic, Triple Crown of Polo-Aspen, Silver Queen Invitational, Maroon Bells Cup and Ute Challenge.


MVP Marc Ganzi.

The highlight of the season is the Aug. 28th Summer Polo Benefit for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. Last year‘s event raised more than $500,000 after a year‘s hiatus because of the pandemic. It is the club‘s summer marquis event and one of the city‘s most anticipated social summer events.

Wellington, Fla.-based ChukkerTV will live stream the entire 2022 polo season Mountain Standard Time with announcer Dale Schwetz calling the action.

The family-friendly club welcomes spectators. All matches, food and refreshments are free and open to the public.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the 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 on more than six world-class fields. There are also indoor and outdoor polo arenas.


ChukkerTV announcer Dale Schwetz with announcers-in-training Facundo and Lorenzo Novillo Astrada.

The Polo School for all ages and ability levels operates in Carbondale July through September. The first lesson is free and polo scholarships are offered. For more information on tournaments or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099.

Aspen Valley 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.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

 

 

2022 Aspen Valley Polo Club Schedule

July
ChukkerTV Cup 7/6 – 7/10
Craig Sakin Memorial 7/13 – 7/17
Basalt Handicap 7/20 – 7/24
Emma Challenge Cup 7/27 – 7/31

August
High Alpine Cup 8/3 – 8/7
Mount Sopris Cup 8/10 – 8/14
Rocky Mountain Open 8/12 – 8/21
The Carbondale Classic 8/19-8/21
Triple Crown of Polo – Aspen 8/24-8/28 

September
Silver Queen Invitational 8/31 – 9/4
Maroon Bells Cup TBD
Ute Challenge TBD

Arena Tournaments & Asado – Tuesday Evenings
Kids Wheely Polo games during select tournament halftimes

Summer Polo Benefit for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation
Sunday August 28, 2022

Visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com for more details.
Games live-streamed on www.chukkertv.com 

CARBONDALE, Colo., July 3, 2022—-The season-opening Independence Cup lived up to expectations Sunday at McClure River Ranch.  After three competitive round robin games, Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito…
Grand Champions, Aspen Valley Polo Clubs Capture U.S. Polo Assn Junior Tournament Events At Santa Rita Polo Farm
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WELLINGTON, Fla., February 23, 2022—Grand Champions won the U.S. Polo Assn Junior Tournament Tackeria President‘s Day Cup and Aspen Valley Polo Club won the historic Avendano Trophy celebrating its 40th anniversary Monday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Grand Champions (Maeve Reicher, Harrison Reicher, Ava Nunes, Paquito de Narvaez) won an exciting 5-4 penalty shootout over Red Barn (Jack Whitman, Ethan Siekel, Elisabeth Brassart, Joaquin Vilgre de la Madrid). Grand Champions, Red Barn and Tackeria (Matteo Bilbao, Alea Crespo, Ava Hinkson, Joseph Schwartz) were the top three finishers in the round robin.


Teams Tackeria, Red Barn, and Grand Champions.

Paquito de Narvaez of Grand Champions earned Most Valuable Player honors. Jack Whitman of Red Barn was awarded the Sportsmanship Award and his horse, 8-year-old Pintada, was Best Playing Pony.

Aspen Valley Polo Club (Santiago Gonzalez, Francisco Spinacci, Cruz Bilbao, Artemio Figueras) dominated runner-up Power Group Total Care (Brock Bromley, Milo MacDonough, Antonio Aguerre, Valentina Tarazona) and third-place finisher GJ Racing (Jem Handler, Max Scott Barnes, Santos Teves, Finn Secunda) to win the second round robin and historic Avendano Trophy celebrating its 40th anniversary.


MVP Paquito de Narvaez and Pablo MacDonough.

Milo MacDonough of Power Group Total Care was Most Valuable Player. Lucama, played by Santiago Gonzalez of Aspen Valley Polo Club, was Best Playing Pony. Jem Handler of GJ Racing earned the Sportsmanship Award.

After the four-chukker Santa Rita-Alex Photo matchup, Antonio Villamil was named Most Valuable Player. Blueberry, played by Villamil, was Best Playing Pony. Silver Novillo Astrada of Santa Rita earned the Sportsmanship Award.


Teams GJ Racing, Aspen Valley Polo Club, and Power Group Total Care.

The Morning Line won its round robin over Tackeria and Cavaliers. Florencio Merlos of The Morning Line was Most Valuable Player. Myla Cambiaso of Cavaliers earned the Sportsmanship Award. Minla Sobre, played by Inda Pieres, was Best Playing Pony.

In the Huskies, Wahoos and Grand Champions round robin, Emilia Wulff of Wahoos was Most Valuable Player. Lorenzo Nero of The Morning Line earned the Sportsmanship Award. James Bond, played by Felix Pieres of the Huskies, was Best Playing Pony.


MVP Milo MacDonough and Polito Pieres.

After the ChukkerTV, Polo School and Red Barn round robin, Izzy Novillo Astrada of Polo School @ GC was Most Valuable Player. Milo Vilche earned the Sportsmanship Award. Perfecta, played by Kawai Dawson, was Best Playing Pony.

ChukkerTV (Azu Pieres, Lupe Pieres, Mia Pieres, Violeta Pieres) were 1-0 winners over Alex Photo (Isa Nero, Alba Figueras, Olivia MacDonough, Carmen Aguerre). Lupe Pieres, who scored the lone goal, was Most Valuable Player. Carmen Aguerre earned the Sportsmanship Award. Chevy, played by Alba Figueras, was Best Playing Pony.


Teams Santa Rita and Alex Photo.

The tournament featured 81 players on 19 teams competing at various levels. In addition to South Florida, players travelled from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, South Carolina and Sarasota to compete.

„I was very happy with the turnout and to see the numbers coming back up to where we had it back in 2012, 2013 and 2014,“ PTF Executive Director Jennifer McLeavy said. „Our record was around 119. Getting back up to 81 was magical.


MVP Antonio Villamil.

„These kids get better every year, especially seeing the lead line level,“ McLeavy said. „The number of kids in that group this year was exciting and points us toward higher numbers in the future.“

World Polo League players Polito Pieres, Juan Martin Nero, Pablo MacDonough and Mariano Aguerre took turns awarding  trophies to smiling faces.


Teams Huskies, Grand Champions, and Wahoos.

The day-long, fun event featured top caliber competition among boy and girl youth players. 

„I think it‘s playing opportunity,“ McLeavy said. „That‘s part of the reason we try to do these junior tournaments, getting kids playing with other kids. The more they play, the more they learn. More hours in the saddle, the better.


Sportsmanship Award recipient Lorenzo Nero and Pablo MacDonough.

„What I‘ve learned is even if they don‘t come up from a polo-playing family they will come to one of these events, let‘s say their first one and they will play and then they‘ll go home and they want to ride, they want to get better and want to go to the next one and do even better. It‘s very encouraging.“

Three different ChukkerTV announcers, Jan-Eric Franck, Dale Schwetz and Steve Lane kept the large crowd and world-wide stream audience entertained and informed. The post-tournament trophies and asado ended a perfect day of polo.


Teams Tackeria, Cavaliers, and The Morning Line.

Grand Champions Polo Club President, PTF Chairman and tournament host Melissa Ganzi is a longtime supporter of grass roots polo and PTF. Grand Champions provided the fields, staff, five umpires, and several horses for some of the players and umpires.

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.


Inda Pieres receiving Best Playing Pony award for Minla Sobre from Mariano Aguerre.

The PTF was created in 1967 by Palm Beach Polo and Country Club founder and former 7-goal amateur Bill Ylvisaker to teach the game of polo to youth by promoting youth clinics, interscholastic and intercollegiate competition, good sportsmanship and good will through friendly competition.

The Polo Training Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization and relies solely on tax deductible donations for financial support.


Teams Alex Photo and ChukkerTV.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and busiest polo club celebrating its 15th anniversary, is coming off its most successful fall season. Club officials hope to build off that success when it hosts 23 tournaments from January through April.

Grand Champions is host to the World Polo League, now in its fourth year and  only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina. Already underway with the All-Star Challenge, it has attracted a large international field from around the world.


Carmen Aguerre receiving her Sportsmanship Award trophy.

The world-class league will run through April 16. In addition to the All-Star Challenge which ends on Saturday, the remaining WPL events are the inaugural Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Feb. 27; Founders Cup, Feb. 23-March 13; Palm Beach Open, March 9-27; Triple Crown of Polo, March 23-April 16 and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach, April 29-May 1.

Grand Champions has also added  Sunset Chukkers and Cocktails, presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek held Tuesday late afternoon on Field One for players and guests.


Walking Class teams ChukkerTV, Polo School, and Red Barn.

The high goal club tournaments feature the Sterling Cup, $100,000 World Cup and Santa Rita Abierto.

The 16-goal league play includes the  Grand Champions Cup, Power Horse Invitational and Pedro Morrison Memorial. 

The 12-goal league continues with the current Sieber Memorial Trophy, the $50,000 National 12-Goal and Mar. 8-26 Top Pony 12-Goal.


MVP Izzy Novillo Astrada with Juan Martin Nero.

After January‘s successful Aspen Valley Cup, the 8-goal tournament schedule continues with the 5 Top Pony 8-Goal and Limited Edition 8-Goal. 

The 6-goal schedule features the  Metropolitan Cup, also underway; Halo Polo Trophy and Madelon Bourdieu Memorial.


Lead-line teams GJ Racing and Mayer Ranch.

There is also the Polo School Grand Champions Women‘s League, co-founded by Melissa Ganzi and Alina Carta, for all ages and playing ability held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 100-acre polo facility in Wellington with 120 stalls in several self-contained barns, exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and stick-and-ball fields.


Felix Pieres receiving the Matt Cohen Unsung Hero Award from Melinda Cohen.

During fall, winter and spring seasons, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest club with 13 well-manicured, world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita Polo Farm, hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal including the 26-goal World Polo League in addition to special events. 

The Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or General Manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.


Players and their families enjoyed an Asado after the day‘s festivities.

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 only polo club in the U.S. to offer the unique program.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

 

 

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 23, 2022—Grand Champions won the U.S. Polo Assn Junior Tournament Tackeria President‘s Day Cup and Aspen Valley Polo Club won the historic Avendano Trophy celebrating its 40th…
St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Announces Schedule, Players, Team Rosters
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ASPEN, Colo., December 8, 2021 — A Who‘s Who in polo players from around the world will compete in the much-anticipated Dec. 16-19 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship at Aspen Valley Polo Club and Rio Grande Park.

The star-studded lineup is headed by Argentine 10-goalers Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero; 9-goalers Nic Roldan and Tommy Biddle; and 8-goalers Juan Martin Zubia and Alejandro Novillo Astrada.


The stage is set for the ninth annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship.

In addition to returning as title sponsor, St. Regis will return as a team sponsor with team captain Nacho Figueras, the sport‘s ambassador and St. Regis Connoisseur. Figueras will play with  Melissa Ganzi and Roldan. 

The seven team sponsors and rosters are:

Casablanca (15): Grant Ganzi, 3, Juancito Bollini, 4, Juan Martin Zubia, 8.

Richard Mille (17): Sarah Siegel Magness, 0, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10.

Edmiston (16): Cable Magness, 2, Jason Crowder, 7, Sugar Erskine, 7.

Aspen Valley Polo Club (14): Alecia Seidler, 0, Juan Bollini 4T, Juan Martin Nero, 10.

ChukkerTV (14): Vinny Sangaline, 1, Martin Pepa, 4, Tommy Biddle, 9.

St. Regis (16): Melissa Ganzi, 1, Nacho Figueras, 6, Nic Roldan 9.

WPL (15): Riley Ganzi 1, Hilario Figueras 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8.

The celebrity teams will feature bull rider Landon Miller, actor and director Miss Saye Yabandeh and another player to be announced, playing for ChukkerTV and actor Sterling Jones, Vinny Sangaline and Nacho Figueras playing for Aspen Valley Polo Club.


2020 World Snow Polo Championship winners WPL Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Riley Ganzi, and Hilario Figueras.

Players will take center stage at one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America. It is one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events and kickoff to the holiday social season in Aspen.

For the ninth consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi, will host the event along with Figueras and his wife Delfina Blaquier.

In front of a local crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, four days of events will be held during the final stop on the 2021 World Polo Tour.


Jesse Bray and Riley Ganzi.

The week of activities begin with a virtual draw and traditional St. Regis champagne sabering on Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Regis Aspen Resort Hotel. 

Polo action will take place Friday with preliminary qualifying games at Aspen Valley Polo Club‘s indoor arena in Carbondale. Preliminary games are 1 and 2 p.m. followed by a round robin at 3 p.m.

On Saturday at Rio Grande Park the High Alpine Cup is 1:15 p.m. The round robin will determine the fifth, sixth and seventh place teams. A Celebrity Polo Chukker will follow at 2:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the final is 1 p.m. followed by the Aspen Cup at 3 p.m. The trophy presentation is 4:15 p.m. featuring all seven teams.


Juan Bollini, Vinny Sangaline, and Nic Roldan.

A check will be presented to Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation and Calloway Young Cancer Center. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, the designated philanthropic charity. Donations are welcome.

The event will follow COVID-19 guidelines. Per local state and county guidelines, all attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result (within 48 hours prior) before entering the event. 

Edmiston, a world leader in the super yacht industry will join world-class partners St. Regis, Aspen Valley Polo Club, Richard Mille, Casablanca, NetJets and World Polo League as major sponsors. Edmiston will also co-host the Dec. 28-30 Audi Ajax Cup at Highlands Mountain with Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club.


Deborah Breen, President and CEO of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation accepts a check for the Calloway Young Cancer Center.

Nestled at the base of the majestic Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen Resort, a five-star luxury hotel, is between the mountain‘s two primary base ski lifts and within walking distance to all of Aspen‘s shops, restaurants and entertainment. It delivers a benchmark of personalized service and attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. 

Richard Mille is the official timekeeper for the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. Mille created the RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo MacDonough for his Brand Ambassador.

NetJets will be an event sponsor for the second year. NetJets boasts a global network unmatched in private aviation. With more than 750 aircraft (equal to the world’s fourth largest airline), the company operates more than 313,000 flights annually worldwide. Figueras is NetJets Brand Ambassador.


Nacho Figueras and Grant Ganzi.

In addition to defending champion World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada), other past winners include: Richard Mille (2019, Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); Richard Mille (2018, Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn  (2017, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); Flexjet (2016, Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini);  U.S. Polo Assn. (2015, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); Piaget (2014, Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and  St. Regis (2013, Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips). 

The snow polo tournament is a major sports attraction for the local community and fans from all over the world. The breathtaking scenery, venue and great polo action is a major allure for the Aspen community and surrounding areas.

Rio Grande Park is Aspen‘s largest multi-functional park within the city‘s limits and just minutes away from the St. Regis Aspen Resort.


2020 World Snow Polo Championship awards table. 

In the U.S., snow polo is held exclusively in Aspen. 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.

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. In addition to St. Moritz, it‘s played in winter sports communities Aspen, Cortina, Italy, Kitzbuhel, Austria, Courchevel, France and Tianjin, China. In the U.S., snow polo is held exclusively in Aspen.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the 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

BUY TICKETS

 

 

2021 St Regis World Snow Polo Championship  Schedule

Thursday 12/16 
7 p.m. Team Draw – from St. Regis Aspen Resort

Friday 12/17 
Preliminary Games
1pm, 2pm. 3pm

Saturday 12/18
1:15 p.m. The High Alpine Cup
2:30 p.m. Celebrity Polo Chukker

Sunday 12/19
1 p.m. World Snow Polo Championship Final
3 p.m. The Aspen Cup
4:15 p.m. Trophy Presentation

All Games Live on https://www.chukkertv.com in Mountain Standard Time

 

ASPEN, Colo., December 8, 2021 — A Who‘s Who in polo players from around the world will compete in the much-anticipated Dec. 16-19 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship at…
Aspen Valley Polo Club’s Summer Polo Benefit Tops $500,000
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By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV

CARBONDALE, Colo., November 5, 2021 — After a year‘s hiatus because of the pandemic, the Summer Polo Benefit at Aspen Valley Polo Club raised more than $500,000 for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation.

The club‘s summer marquis event, hosted by owners Marc and Melissa Ganzi and Aspen Valley Hospital, held the capacity to 200 VIP attendees adhering to COVID safety precautions, but still managed to raise the second highest total since the event was created in 2016.

„That was kind of a surprise,“ said Deborah Breen, Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation President and CEO. „At one point when we were planning this early-on I was thinking let‘s not lose money. We didn‘t know how many people we were going to be able accommodate or how many people would be willing to come to an event while we were still grappling with COVID and still are.

„We were just delighted that people stepped up in such a big way and helped out,“ Breen continued. „As per usual the players just jumped in, in a great way. Nacho Figueras was great. He auctioned himself off three times and brought in $60,000 alone. Nic Roldan also did a package where he offered to do a private lesson for up to six and champagne picnic with them. They were just great.

„We had a couple of trips that sold including a trip to Bordeaux (France), that was the top auction item and sold for over $16,000. We had some other great packages from a lot of businesses. The community really stepped up to support some great sponsors including  Gucci and Lugano Diamonds. It was just a really great community event.“

Guest auctioneer John Sarpa, Chair of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, served as emcee and auctioneer. 

The fun, day-long event was held August 22 during the finals of the Rocky Mountain Open won by Casablanca (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, Torito Ruiz) and Carbondale Classic, won by White Claw (Waqqas al-Siddiq, Vinny Sangaline, Gonzalito Pieres, Nacho Badiola).

It was a winning combination of polo, sponsors, donors and live auction between matches raising much-needed funding for hospital projects.

Alpine Bank and Vectra Bank were the event‘s top two sponsors. Martin Engineering, Crown Chocolate, The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute and Lugano Diamonds were major supporters.

Other businesses and individuals who provided special underwriting support were: Alchemy Concert Systems, Aspen Times, Aspen Brewing Company, AVH‘s Castle Creek Cafe, Basalt Mini Storage, Beverly Hills Caviar, Catena Wine, ChukkerTV, Decorative Materials, Fiji Water, Flowers by Harrington Smith, Jay‘s Valet, Made Here Beer, Mountain Waste and Recycling, Piattelli Wine, Premier Party Rental, Corrine and Lenny Sands, Starbucks, Sundance Liquor and Gifts, Sharon and Todd Thaden and Vertex Close Protection.

Guests in the fieldside VIP tent enjoyed a lavish menu prepared with white-glove service and impeccable attention to detail by Caribou Catering.

The Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, now in its ninth year after being formed in 2012, is a non-profit solely focused on encouraging philanthropic support for the current and future needs of Aspen Valley Hospital. Breen was named the foundation‘s first president in January 2013 after working in the philanthropic field for 17 years.

„It just continues to grow and gain traction, and we are thrilled to be a part of it and honored to be working with the Ganzis,“ Breen said. „They always go above and beyond. They are so gracious and welcoming.“

Five years ago Breen and Event Chair Melissa Ganzi decided to turn the Community Day celebrating its anniversary into „something special“ with a „build it, they will come“ mentality.

Breen and her staff have already begun working on the August 2022 event. Dates are still being finalized. Before that, they are focused on the Dec. 16-20 Aspen World Snow Polo Championship. Aspen Valley Polo Club again has designated Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation as the philanthropic partner for the popular snow polo event.

Aspen Valley Hospital is an important asset that delivers excellent care to the small mountain community, thanks in part to the funds raised at the Summer Polo Event and World Snow Polo Championship. Aspen Valley Hospital has met important goals as evidenced by its high-ratings in patient satisfaction and quality of care.

Aspen Valley Hospital has been proudly serving the community for more than a century. In order to provide high quality healthcare the community deserves, the hospital continues to modernize and expand facilities, improve technology, and add space for clinics and medical specialties. 

With over 75 physicians on the medical staff, Aspen Valley Hospital has specialty services in more than 25 areas, with the most visible service areas being emergency/trauma, orthopedics, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, surgical services, physical and occupational therapy, oncology and infusion, lab/pathology, and maternity.

This past summer, Aspen Valley Polo Club finished another successful and historic season in club and Rocky Mountain Circuit history. 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 polo.     

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the 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 RobbPhotos by Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV CARBONDALE, Colo., November 5, 2021 — After a year‘s hiatus because of the pandemic, the Summer Polo Benefit at Aspen Valley Polo…
NetJets Defeats Quite on Z in Silver Queen Invitational, Brian Boyd MVP
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV

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

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


Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Nacho Figueras.

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


MVP Brian Boyd is closely defended by opponent Gussie Busch.

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


MVP Brian Boyd with wife Karen.

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


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

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


Nic Roldan squeezes between opponents for his shot on goal.

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


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

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

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV CARBONDALE, CO, September 6, 2021— On Sunday, NetJets bested Quite on Z by 8-4 in the newest tournament at Aspen Valley…
Casablanca Defeats Tonkawa in Rocky Mountain Open; Gonzalito Pieres MVP
VIEW POST
By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV

CARBONDALE, CO, August 23, 2021— On Sunday, Casablanca defeated Tonkawa in the final of the Rocky Mountain Open by a score of 10-6.

It was a special day at Aspen Valley Sunday, as the club hosted the annual Summer Polo Benefit for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. In addition to four fast and exciting matches, guests enjoyed an elegant catered luncheon and a live auction between matches. One of the auction’s highlights was a private tour of Nacho Figueras’s architecturally acclaimed stable in Argentina, which went for $40,000. Following the day’s four matches, guests were treated to a special equestrian performance by John Payne, the One-Armed Bandit.


Torito Ruiz gets hooked by Jimmy Seward.

In the first match of the day, Casablanca (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, and Toro Ruiz) met Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Jimmy Seward, Nic Roldan, and Nacho Novillo Astrada) in the final match of the Rocky Mountain Open.

Gonzalito Pieres put the first goal of the day on the board for Casablanca at 4:38. After another two minutes of play, Pieres swooped in for a steal and took the ball downfield to score again. The chukker ended at 2-0 for Casablanca, establishing a lead that the team held for the entire match. Jimmy Seward fought off Pieres to take the ball through at 2:45 and put the first goal for Tonkawa on the board. A minute later, Pieres intercepted a pass from Nic Roldan and left the finish for Toro Ruiz, ending the second period with Casablanca in the lead by 3-1. Seward scored the first goal in the third chukker, but Tonkawa failed to gain much ground as Pieres put another pair of goals on the board, and the half ended with Casablanca in the lead by 5-2.


Marc Ganzi races ahead of Jeff Hildebrand.

The second half started with Toro Ruiz picking up a loose ball and running to goal. After two minutes of back-and forth-play, Roldan was carrying the ball only to be hooked by Grant Ganzi. Recovering immediately, Roldan took the ball back to score at 2:37. At the beginning of the pentultimate period, Casablanca was still in the lead with a score of 6- 3. Roldan quickly added a pair of goals to put Tonkawa within one goal, but Ruiz answered Roldan, taking Casablanca to a 7-5 lead. A Penalty 3 shot from Marc took the score to 8-5, but another goal from Roldan ended the chukker with a score of 8-6.


MVP Gonzalito Pieres.

In the final period, Pieres scored his third pair of consecutive goals, taking his team up to 10. Tonkawa couldn’t get by the Casablanca defense, and Casablanca took the title with a final score of 10-6. Gonzalito Pieres was named MVP, while Ladybug, a 7-year-old dark bay mare, took Best Playing Pony honors. Owned and played by Jimmy Seward, she was bred by Stewart Armstrong.

In the second final of the day, White Claw (Waqqas al-Siddiq, Vinny Sangaline, Gonzalito Pieres, and Nacho Badiola) and Dundas (Sarah Siegel Magness, Gussie Busch, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, and Juan Bollini) vied for the title in the Carbondale Classic.


Kids uniwheel game in between finals.

Gussie Busch started the scoring by successfully converting a Penalty 2. However, White Claw didn’t make it onto the board in the first chuker, which ended 1-0. Playing his second match of the day, Gonzalito Pieres put his team on the board with the first goal of the second chukker. Gussie Busch and Sarah Siegel Magness took Dundas up to three goals, while Pieres put the ball through the posts to end the chukker 3-2 with Dundas in the lead. Just over a minute into the third period, Pieres deflected a shot on goal, but the ball bounced off the post, giving Vinny Sangaline the opportunity to tap the ball through and tie things up at 3-all. Pieres converted a Penalty 2, putting White Claw ahead for the first time in the game. Busch scored an equalizer and the half ended with the teams tied at 4-all.


2021 Carbondale Classic winners, White Claw‘s Waqqas al-Siddiq, Vinny Sangaline, MVP Gonzalito Pieres,  and Nacho Badiola.

White Claw commanded the field in the fourth chukker, keeping Dundas off the goal, while Pieres converted a Penalty 4 to put his team back in the lead. The White Claw defense held in the pentultimate chukker while Dundas was still unable to score. Nacho Badiola contributed two more goals to keep White Claw firmly in the lead at 7-4. Dundas fought back hard in the final period. Busch put the first goal in, and Badiola answered by scoring to take his team up to 10. Sarah Magness converted a Penalty 2, which was followed by a final goal from Gussie Busch. However, Dundas was unable to overcome White Claw’s lead, and the game ended with an 8-7 victory for White Claw. For the second time in one day, Gonzalito Pieres took the MVP title. Cruella deVille, played by Pieres and owned and bred by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was named Best Playing Pony.


Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Nacho Badiola.

In the subsidiary match of the Rocky Mountain Open, McClure River Ranch (Sugar Erskine, Tomas Pieres, Horacio Heguy, and Stewart Armstrong) met La Karina (Brian Boyd, Pablo Spinacci, Nacho Figueras, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada). Sugar Erskine started the action with a pair of goals for McClure River, while Nacho Figueras answered to end the first chukker with McClure River in the lead by 2-1. In the second period, Alejandro Novillo Astrada began the scoring, and Pablo Spinacci put two more balls through the posts to take his team up to four. McClure River Ranch’s Tomas Pieres knocked in the final goal of the period, which ended 4-3 with La Karina in the lead. Neither team was able to score in the third period, and the half ended 4-3.


Vinny Sangaline assists teammate Waqqas al-Siddiq in gaining possession.

As the second half began, Pieres put a goal on the board for McClure River, but a Penalty 2 conversion and a goal from Figueras saw 6 on the board for La Karina. Pieres put another ball through the posts to end the period 5-6 with La Karina in the lead. In the pentultimate chukker, Figueras took his team up to 7. Horacio Heguy found the uprights for McClure River and the period ended 7-6 with La Karina in the lead. In the final period Novillo Astrada converted a Penalty 2 while Sugar Erskine scored another goal and Pieres successfully shot from the penalty to end the period in an 8-8 tie and send the match into overtime. Nacho Novillo Astrada converted a penalty to win the match for La Karina at 9-8. Tomas Pieres was the high scoring player with four goals.


Nacho Figueras and wife Delfina Blaquier with auctioneer John Sarpa and Deborah Breen raising money for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation.

In the Just for the Fun of It subsidiary of the Carbondale Classic, NetJets (Alejandra Foster, Govinda Quish, Sugar Erskine, and Tomas Pieres) took on Rancho Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Michael Payne, Felipe Versallino, and Pablo Spinacci).  Alejandra Foster drew first blood, with an answer from Pablo Spinacci to end the chukker at 1-1. A penalty conversion by Michael Payne, followed by a goal from Govinda Quish for NetJets, saw the second period end with a score of 2-2. In the final chukker of the first half, Alejandra Foster put another goal on the board, while NetJets managed to contain Los Amigos and end the half leading by 3-2.


Guests enjoyed a special show by „The One-Armed Bandit“ John Payne.

Los Amigos continued to struggle in the fourth period and again failed to score, while a shot from the penalty line by Quish saw 4-2 on the board. The tables were turned in the fifth period, with NetJets failing to score while Michael Payne twice found the posts for Los Amigos and tied the match at 4-4 going into the final chukker. NetJets seemed to run out of steam, failing to get past the Los Amigos defense yet again. Payne scored the final goal to see Rancho Los Amigos prevail by 5-4. Michael Payne was the high scoring player of the match, scoring four of his team’s five goals.

 

2021 Aspen Valley Summer Polo Series

August
World Polo League Triple Crown of Polo 8/25-8/29

Arena Tournaments & Asado – Tuesday Evenings
Kidz Uni-Wheel games during select tournament halftimes

 Visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com for more details.
Games live-streamed on www.chukkertv.com

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV CARBONDALE, CO, August 23, 2021— On Sunday, Casablanca defeated Tonkawa in the final of the Rocky Mountain Open by a score…
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation Summer Polo Benefit Returns To Aspen Valley Polo Club
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by:  ChukkerTV

CARBONDALE, Colo., August 20, 2021— The annual Summer Polo Benefit fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation is set for Sunday August 22nd.

After a year’s hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aspen Valley Polo Club will host the annual Summer Polo Benefit fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation on Sunday August 22nd.

As the club’s premier event of the summer season, Sunday’s match is expected to draw a large crowd, although this year’s format will be slightly different given the continuing necessity for Covid precautions. Only reserved VIP tables will be available, and all guests must demonstrate proof of vaccine or present a negative Covid test.

The day will kick off at with the first match at 11 am, to be followed by a live auction and the next match at 1 pm. Caribou Catering of Aspen will be serving an elegant luncheon, while Beverly Hills Caviar will provide the caviar. Following the second match, guests will be treated to an exciting equestrian performance by John Payne, the One-Armed Bandit.


Players signing auction items for guests.

From Friday, August 20th through Monday, August 24, there will be an online silent auction to benefit the AVHF. Up for bid are a number of spectacular offerings to suit any taste, including a 6 day/6 night stay for up to 10 adults at a stunning chateau in the Bordeaux region of France. Also featured in the auction will be a 5-night stay for two in Iceland, a private tour of Nacho Figueras’ award winning stable in Argentina, and a one- year membership to the Snowmass Mountain Club as well as gift certificates for local restaurants and an assortment of jewelry and other attractive offerings.

Says Deborah Breen, President & CEO of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, “After a year off for Covid, we are grateful to the Ganzi‘s and the Aspen Valley Polo Club for once again hosting this event. Things may look different this year with advance reserved seating and vaccination/testing requirements. However, as a hospital, we‘re holding ourselves to a higher standard and we are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and successful event.“


„The One-Armed bandit „ John Payne.

The most recent Summer Polo Benefit, titled „Chukkers, Champagne, and Caviar“, in 2019, raised $600,000, compared to $537.200 in 2018 and $366,000 in 2017.

Melissa Ganzi, co-owner of the Aspen Valley Polo Club with husband Marc, says “We’re delighted to be able to host this spectacular event once again, and we hope to continue the trend of setting a new fundraising record each year.”


Guests enjoying the match in the VIP tent before the player auction in 2019.

Aspen Valley Hospital has been an integral part of the Aspen community for 127 years, boasting high ratings for patient satisfaction and the quality of care. In order to provide the highest quality of care, the hospital continues to expand facilities and improve technology.

With 75 physicians on staff, the hospital provides services in more than 25 specializations. The Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, supervises all charitable fundraising for the hospital, including through the Summer Polo Benefit, to support the hospital in its ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional level of care.

 

2021 Aspen Valley Summer Polo Series

August
The Carbondale Classic 8/18-8/22
World Polo League Triple Crown of Polo 8/25-8/29

Arena Tournaments & Asado – Tuesday Evenings
Kidz Uni-Wheel games during select tournament halftimes

Summer Polo Benefit
for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation
Sunday August 22, 2021

Visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com for more details.
Games live-streamed on www.chukkertv.com

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by:  ChukkerTV CARBONDALE, Colo., August 20, 2021— The annual Summer Polo Benefit fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation is set for Sunday August 22nd. After…
SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA POLO CUP 2021 RAISES NEARLY $3.5 MILLION IN CRITICAL FUNDS FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
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ASPEN, COLORADO, USA: On Thursday 19th August 2021, Sentebale hosted the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at Aspen Valley Polo Club, Colorado, USA and raised nearly $3.5 million in critical funding for the organisation’s core mission: to support vulnerable children impacted by extreme poverty, inequality, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa. Under guidance from a leading epidemiologist and in coordination with the local Public Health Department, a reduced version of Sentebale’s annual charity sports match took place for the sole purpose of raising vital funds to support Sentebale’s work.

This year’s Polo Cup, together with The Duke of Sussex’s generous donation, will allow Sentebale to operate at full scale and will mean more children and young people across Lesotho and Botswana will receive essential support, care, and build skills to be more resilient and self-sufficient in the future.

Joining Sentebale Ambassador and Argentine high goal polo player, Nacho Figueras, on the Sentebale Team was the charity’s Co-Founding Patron, The Duke of Sussex. The Sentebale Team battled it out in a round robin tournament against the Royal Salute Team and U.S Polo Assn. Team. The Sentebale Team proved unbeatable, taking the win with a score of 3-0. The Duke scored two goals.

U.S Polo Assn. took second place honours, and Royal Salute was third.

Sentebale is enormously grateful to sponsors and partners for making the day possible; ISPS Handa, Aspen Valley Polo Club, Royal Salute, U.S. Polo Assn., Caribou Club and Long Meadow Ranch Winery.
For more information on today’s event, please read the official announcement on sentebale.org.
 
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1188″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]
©SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA POLO CUP 2021
 
About Sentebale
Sentebale was founded by The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso in 2006. Sentebale means ‘forget-me-not’ in the Sesotho language, representing a pledge to remember the most vulnerable children in the Southern Africa.Sentebale aims to reach children and young people living with or affected by HIV, especially the most vulnerable, who are additionally challenged by issues of deprivation, exploitation, abuse or neglect. Sentebale’s vision is that all children and young people in Southern Africa are empowered, healthy and resilient and are able to thrive.Many of the challenges children and young people face have been exacerbated by COVID-19.  More children are dropping out of school and teen pregnancy and gender-based violence is increasing amongst adolescent girls. Sentebale continues to use its experience to adapt and respond to these challenges, ensuring its impact is relevant and innovative.Children and young people are at the centre of Sentebale’s work, ensuring they are listened to and the work is driven by their needs and expectations, protecting their rights at all times. Sentebale empowers young people, ensuring they are safe and confident, able to lead and advocate for themselves and their peers. The work is rooted in values of compassion, respect, sustainability and accountability.Sentebale has now reached the next stage in its development with a new five-year strategy, building on the platform established in recent years whilst responding specifically to the increased needs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sign up to receive Sentebale’s latest news at www.sentebale.org


About ISPS HandaThe International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS Handa) was founded by Dr. Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to further the transformative power of sport across the globe. ISPS Handa funds and promotes a wide-range of sporting events in archery, bowling, boxing, football, golf, polo, rowing, rugby, and swimming, with an emphasis on blind and disabled golf, and continues to lobby for golf to be recognised as a Paralympic sport.ISPS Handa believes in the power of sport to inspire and to change society for the better. They are proud supporters of the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, which raises funds for Sentebale – the charity founded by The Duke of Sussex, to promote the health and mental wellbeing of young people affected by HIV/AIDS.In addition to many other sporting events globally, ISPS Handa has also been a loyal supporter of the Invictus Games, founded by The Duke of Sussex, since the inaugural 2014 Games.ISPS Handa continues to further these socially responsible causes which adhere to its vision to inspire, create hope, unite and transform.www.ispsinternational.com

 

About Royal Salute 

Royal Salute is an exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, starting where others end at 21 years old. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her, the brand is steeped in tradition and proud of its royal lineage, but pushes the art of blending into the modern world with new, innovative and creative blends. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that is expanding in the modern era and supports more than 15 international tournaments globally.

www.royalsalute.com

www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com

ASPEN, COLORADO, USA: On Thursday 19th August 2021, Sentebale hosted the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at Aspen Valley Polo Club, Colorado, USA and raised nearly $3.5 million in critical funding for…
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