championship

North America, Polo News

United States Defeats Argentina 13-12 to Win 2020 USPA Butler International Cup

2. October 2020

Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International Cup presented by Merrill Lynch. In front of a sold out and socially distanced crowd, the United States defeated Argentina 13-12, in the finals of the ten-day tournament where teams representing the United States, Argentina, Germany and Switzerland have been competing for a chance to engrave their name on the prestigious cup. Team rosters were as follows:

United States (3-1)
Champion
Mariano Gutierrez (4)
Tomas “Toto” Obregon (4)
Horacio Onetto (4)
Jim Drury (0)

Argentina (3-1)
Runner-Up
Larry Aschebrook (0)
Juan Martin Gutierrez (3)
Juan Martin Obregon (5)
Matias Obregon (4)

Switzerland (1-3)
Richard Harris (0)
Pedro Manion (3)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Miguel Gutierrez (3)

Germany (1-3)
Frauke Lueders (0)
Jan Lueders (0)
Anthony Garcia (5)
Mariano Obregon (7)

Argentina led the entire tournament winning each of its three preliminary matches, including the first match against the United States. Results of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup tournament matches are below:

Friday, September 18th:
Argentina (8) def. United States (7)

Friday, September 18th:
Switzerland (8) def. Germany (4)

Sunday, September 20th:
Argentina (9) def. Germany (7)

Sunday, September 20th:
United States (7) def. Switzerland (6)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
United States (13) def. Germany (10)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
Argentina (13) def. Switzerland (10)

Friday, September 25th:
Consolation – Germany (8) def. Switzerland (5)

Sunday, September 27th:
Championship – United States (13) def. Argentina (12)

The trophy was first played for in 1986 between Oak Brook and HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team. In response to this year’s enormous interest from international teams wanting to visit Oak Brook combined with the demand for tournament level competition, the Butler International Cup was transformed into a 12-Goal United States Polo Association (USPA) Nationally Sanctioned tournament. Prior to the 2020 Season, the tournament had commitments from teams representing six countries (United States, Canada, Jamaica, Wales, Switzerland and Argentina), however, due to COVID-19, travel restrictions and quarantine mandates, players traveling from multiple countries overseas were forced to cancel their participation.

“We knew this would be our most intense match of the season,” explains Jim Drury, President of Oak Brook Polo Club. “As the US team, we hoped to defend possession of The Butler International Cup. After losing our first match to Argentina. we were in a hole. To win the Cup, we would have to defeat each of the other countries in the final matches. Being able to hold the trophy at the end – was indeed a proud moment!”

The Championship match was held as Oak Brook’s historic Prince of Wales Field and began with opening festivities including the traditional team parade led by Ronald Vassar in a 2020 Corvette Stingray and Mark Weidman in a 1986 Mercedes-Benz convertible. Passengers included Reute Butler, President of the Friends of Conservation and granddaughter of Oak Brook Polo Club’s founder, Paul Butler, as well as Monica Patankar, Miss Illinois for America 2019. Prior to the introduction of players and ball roll-in, Oak Brook Polo Club President Jim Drury welcomed spectators followed by the Argentine anthem and United States anthem performed by The Singing Men of Oak Brook.

The first chukker got off to a quick start as both teams were competing to get on the scoreboard first and take an advanced lead. The United States’ Horacio Onetto claimed the first goal of the match, but Argentina’s Juan Martin Gutierrez answered back. Onetto would score again for the U.S. only for Argentina’s Juan Martin Obregon to return the favor and end the first chukker tied at 2-2. In the second chukker, Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would give the lead his team was looking for by putting up two goals for 4-2 lead. U.S.’s Onetto would go on to score his third goal, but J.M. Obregon would hold Argentina’s lead of two points and end the second chukker 5-3. In the third chukker, J.M. Obregon would extend the Argentine team’s lead to three, but U.S.’s Onetto would close that gap with two back-to-back goals to end the first half 6-5, Argentina.

In the fourth chukker, Onetto and teammate Mariano Gutierrez would go on to score four goals while putting on an impressive display of defense, along with Tomas Obregon and Jim Drury, to keep Argentina scoreless and take the lead ending the fourth chukker 9-6. But the U.S. was caught off guard in the fifth chukker as Argentina proved that they were a worthy opponent. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would go on a four-goal streak to catch up and reclaim his team’s lead at 10-9. U.S.’s Onetto would re-tie the match 10-10, but Argentina’s J.M. Gutierrez would snatch that away, followed by another goal from U.S.’s Onetto tying it 11-11. I in the sixth and final chukker, it was anyone’s match. Spectators were on the edge of their seats witnessing the best polo play all season. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would score the first goal of the chukker and give his team a one goal lead at 12-11. After scoring ten goals for his team, Onetto would give the reins to his teammate, Gutierrez who would go on to help tie and score the winning goal for the U.S. to end the match 13-12.

Following a special thank you and season ending remarks by Gopal Lalmalani, President for the Village of Oak Brook, the awards ceremony began. Casablanca Polo’s “Most Valuable Player” was presented by Monica Patankar to Horacio Onetto for his impressive ten goals. Casablanca Polo’s “Best Playing Pony” was presented by Sheryl Srivastava to Chick, owned by Onetto. Runner-up trophies and gifts were presented by Chicago Tribune’s RaMeka Johnson and Tatiana Rybka, while the winners’ trophies and Butler International Cup were presented by Reute Butler. Butler also made a special presentation and awarded gifts to Jim & Peggy Drury, and Danny O’Leary for their continued support of the Friends of Conservation.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095 or visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Photos by Judith Coleman

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Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International…

North America, Polo News

Argentina Leads In 2020 USPA Butler International Cup Tournament

23. September 2020

Sunday, September 20^th marked the halfway point of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup where four teams representing four countries have been competing to determine who will play in the final match on Sunday, September 27^th. Argentina is currently in the lead of the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. Results and remaining schedule of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup are as follows:

• Friday, September 18^th: Argentina (8) vs. United States (7)
• Friday, September 18^th: Switzerland (8) vs. Germany (4)
• Sunday, September 20^th: Argentina (9) vs. Germany (7)
• Sunday, September 20^{th :} United States (7) vs. Switzerland (6)
• Wednesday, September 23^rd: Germany vs. United States
• Wednesday, September 23^rd: Argentina vs. Switzerland
• Friday, September 25th : @ TBA Consolation Final
• Sunday, September 27^{th :} Consolation Final or Championship Match

Presented by Merrill Lynch, the Butler International Cup, wraps up Oak Brook Polo Club’s 98^th Season as well as the Chicago Polo Association’s 12-Goal Season. The famous trophy was first played in 1986 between Oak Brook and HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team. This year the Cup has been transformed into a 12-Goal United States Polo Association (USPA) Nationally Sanctioned tournament.

As of Sunday, September 20^th, the current Butler International Cup standings are as follows:

Argentina (2-0)
Larry Aschebrook (0)
Juan Martin Gutierrez (3)
Juan Martin Obregon (5)
Matias Obregon (4)

United States (1-1)
Mariano Gutierrez (4)
Tomas “Toto” Obregon (4)
Horacio Onetto (4)
Jim Drury (0)

Switzerland (1-1)
Richard Harris (0)
Pedro Manion ( 3)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Miguel Gutierrez (3)

Germany (0-2)
Frauke Lueders (0)
Jan Lueders (0)
Anthony Garcia (5)
Mariano Obregon (7)

Argentina leads the field with two wins and zero loses, solidifying their spot in theButler International Cup championship match All eyes will be on Switzerland and the United States to see which team earns the second spot. If both teams win, a shootout will occur to determine who will be playing Argentina in the finals. If Argentina loses it will be three way tie and shootout.

“This is what we had hoped to achieve from this tournament,” explains Oak Brook Polo Club Managing Director, Danny O’Leary. “The culmination of a fun and competitive 12-goal season with participation from other countries who are also ending their professional seasons as well. These teams are playing at their peak, which makes for some of the best watched polo.”

The Butler International Cup tournament kicked off last Friday, September 18^thbetween Argentina and the United States at Las Brisas Farm & Polo Club in Elgin, Illinois. Argentina took an early lead in the first two chukkers before the U.S. grabbed a 5-4 lead at the half thanks to Horacio Onetto’s three back-to-back goals in the third chukker. Argentina’s Juan Martin Obregon would return the favor with three of his own between the fourth and fifth chukker, forcing the U.S. to play catch up. Argentina’s Matias Obregon would score the final goal for Argentina giving them the lead and win.

That same afternoon, Switzerland would play Germany at Arranmore Farm & Polo Club in Oswego, Illinois. In this match, Switzerland’s Facundo Obregon would come out strong putting up three of his six goals in the first chukker. With help from his teammates Pedro Manion and Miguel Gutierrez, the Swiss team would hold their lead for the entire game, while holding Germany to four goals and ending the match 8-4, Switzerland.

On Sunday, September 20^th, Argentina would play Germany in the morning at Las Brisas Farm & Polo Club. Like Switzerland, Argentina would start the match strong by putting up three goals compliments of Matias Obregon, who would go on to score two more goals before the half. With support from teammate Juan Martin Obregon, the Argentina team would end the first half with a five-goal lead over Germany. In the second half, Germany made a strong comeback scorning five goals to Argentina’s two, coming within three goals shy of winning the match. A strong display offense and defense by Germany, but not enough.

That afternoon, the United States would play Switzerland at the Prince of Wales Field in Oak Brook, Illinois. This match started with a much slower pace as both teams defended each other well until the end of the second chukker which was tied 1-1. In the third chukker, the U.S. would breakaway with four goal lead thanks to Tomas Obregon and Horacio Onetto. In the second half, Switzerland would turn up the heat scorning five goals to the United States’ two goals. In the final thirty seconds, Switzerland’s Pedro Manion stole the ball from the U.S. and nearly tied the game in the final few seconds.

The tournament continues on Wednesday, September 23^rd with matches between Germany and the United States, as well as Argentina and Switzerland. These matches will be held at private fields and are not open to the general public. For match results, please follow the Oak Brook Polo Club on Facebook and Instagram.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago.A variety of ticket options are available at www.oakbrookpoloclub.com. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095 or visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Photos by Andrew Meier

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Sunday, September 20th marked the halfway point of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup where four teams representing four countries have been competing to determine who will play in the…

North America, Polo News

Aspen Valley Wins USPA National 20-Goal Opener

20. November 2019

The USPA National 20-Goal Championship opener lived up to expectations Tuesday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Playing together for the first time, Aspen Valley (Grant Ganzi, 3, Juancito Bollini, 4, Horacio Heguy, 6, Jeff Blake, 6) knocked Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Pablo Spinacci, 6, Camilo Castagnola, 6T, Juan Bollini, 5) out of the six-team, single-elimination tournament with a high-scoring 16-13 victory.

Aspen Valley now advances into Saturday‘s semifinal round against Sebucan (Pablo Pulido, 2, Kris Kampsen, 6, Jason Crowder, 6, Tommy Biddle, 5) at 10 a.m. The winner advances into the Nov. 27th final at 3 p.m. „Sebucan is a really tough team,“ Grant Ganzi said. „They are four guys that go. Hopefully, we will get another practice in with the horses before then.“

In Wednesday action, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8, Brandon Phillips, 4) takes on Montemar (Mackie Weisz, 2T, Pelon Escapite, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Sterling Giannico, 4) at 3:30 p.m. „The game spoke for itself,“ Ganzi said. „We just kept it simple. We were all getting the ball to each other and eventually it worked out. We played for each other and we did what we wanted to do.“

Aspen Valley started picking up steam in the second chukker winning most of the throw-ins and outscoring Flexjet 3-1, to take a 5-4 lead. The momentum continued in Aspen Valley‘s favor, leading at the half, 9-6, and 10-8 after the fourth chukker. Flexjet started clawing its way back in the fifth chukker, outscoring Aspen Valley, 4-2, to trail by only one, 13-12. With 6:30 left, Castagnola scored to tie the game at 13-13. The rally was shortlived, however, with Aspen Valley outscoring Flexjet, 3-1, in the final chukker with two goals from Heguy and one from Ganzi off the throw-in for three unanswered goals. „Today was perfect,“ said Heguy, a six-time Argentine Open winner. „The field was perfect, the weather was perfect. The team went well and we had a lot of fun. „The match was nice to watch and to play,“ Heguy said. „I am happy with the team. It was the first time we played together and we did well. Camilo was very good but our team was strong and we did well.“

Aspen Valley got balanced scoring with Ganzi, Bollini, Heguy and Blake each scoring four goals. „It was the first time I played with Horacio Heguy,“ Bollini said. „There is a learning curve the first two to three chukkers. He is a great player and it‘s always fun to play with one of the greats. My job was to learn as much as I could. „It was key we won the throw-ins because you are starting each play in attack,“ Bollini said. „As long as you have possession of the game you have a chance of winning always. That was a fun game. This tournament is exciting to play.“ In addition to Castagnola‘s five goals, Melissa Ganzi and Spinacci each had three goals. The past two years Casablanca has captured the coveted title.

In 2018, Casablanca defended its title in a tightly-contested game. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 2, Whistle Uys, 4, Julio Gracida, 4, Pablo Spinacci, 6) defeated Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Jason Crowder, 6, Jeff Blake, 6, Juan Bollini, 5), 11-9. Spinacci was MVP. In 2017, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Mike Azzaro, Jeff Blake) defeated defending champion Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Pablo Dorignac, Juan Bollini), 13-6. Blake was MVP. Casablanca, one of the winningest teams in club history, ended up winning four of six tournaments during the 2017 fall season. The National Twenty Goal was first played at the Royal Palm Polo Club in Boca Raton in 2007. Won by Houston-based team BTA (Chrys Beal, Mariano Gonzalez, Francisco Lanusse, Santiago Trotz) in a narrow victory over Audi 13-12, the trophy then went on hiatus until 2011. Grand Champions resurrected the tournament and it has been played there ever since. The tournament has consistently fielded four to six competitive teams over the past seven years. Audi has dominated the competition with three total wins, including back-to-back victories in 2012 and 2013 with an identical team (Marc Ganzi, Carlos Gracida Jr., Nic Roldan, Carlos Gracida). With four titles to his name, Nic Roldan holds the record for most National Twenty Goal tournament wins. In addition to Casablanca, past winners of the USPA National 20-Goal Tournament include BTA, KIG, Audi, Flight Options and Flexjet.

The inaugural Wellington Open, the club‘s second 20-goal tournament, will be held Friday at 10 a.m. with the final on Sunday also at 10 a.m. The tournament fills the void left by the USPA North American Cup now at Aspen Valley Polo Club. The winners of the first five 2019 medium goal fall tournaments at Grand Champions were: Casablanca (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Pierre Henri Ngoumou), Pedro Morrison Memorial; Newport (Gene Goldstein, Jason Crowder, Kris Kampsen, Juan Bollini), Fall Plates Tournament; Sebucan (Santos Bollini, Pablo Pulido, Nic Roldan, Kris Kampsen), Fall Classic; Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Kris Kampsen, Pablo Spinacci, Juan Bollini), Tackeria Invitational; and Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Brandon Phillips, Jason Crowder), US Trust Cup. The Polo Gear Challenge final, was postponed by rain.

During the 2019 fall season, the nation‘s largest and busiest polo club, hosts both medium and high goal polo. It is highlighted by the International Cup featuring Team USA against France; Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial, inaugural Wellington Open 20 and USPA National 20 Goal Tournaments. The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the United States and world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, England, France, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uruguay, Switzerland, Nigeria and South Africa.

Grand Champions had its finest fall season in club history last year. It was the only club in the nation to stage two USPA-sanctioned 20-goal fall tournaments. The fall season serves as a tuneup for the winter season for players and green horses. The winter season will feature the second season of the highly-successful 26-goal World Polo League at Grand Champions and Valiente Polo Farm with the best polo players in the world. The Grand Champions Fall Invitational League is geared toward improving a player‘s polo skills at every level. Roster lineups change from tournament to tournament with evenly-matched teams featuring pro and amateur players. Club owners Marc and Melissa Ganzi, both accomplished players, take pride in teaching and sharing the exciting sport of polo with anyone interested in learning. The husband and wife team are coming off their most successful and historical summer season at Grand Champions‘ sister club Aspen Valley Polo Club.

By Sharon Robb

2019 Grand Champions Fall Schedule

USPA National 20 Goal
Wednesday 11/20 3:30. p.m
Audi vs Montemar

Saturday 11/23 10 a.m.
Semifinal Game 1
Aspen Valley vs Sebucan

12 p.m. Semifinal Game 2
Wednesday winner vs French Team

Wednesday 11/27 3 p.m.
USPA National 20 Goal Open Final

Wellington 20 Goal Open
Friday 11/22 10 a.m.

Sunday 11/24 10 a.m Final

Nov. 30 1 p.m.
Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial

Nov. 30 3 p.m.
2019 International Cup, USA vs. France

www.gcpolo.com

© Thomas Wirth

The USPA National 20-Goal Championship opener lived up to expectations Tuesday at Grand Champions Polo Club. Playing together for the first time, Aspen Valley (Grant Ganzi, 3, Juancito Bollini, 4,…

Polo News, South America

THE XVI JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP

20. November 2019

Las Monjitas took a 11-9 win over El Milagro, and captured the XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, following the championship match that took place at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina, on Tuesday November 19.

Therefore, Camilo Bautista’s foursome won the trophy for the fourth time, as they did in 2013, 2014 and 2017. Two of the members of the winning team – Facundo Sola and Guillermo Caset Jr – are currently playing the Triple Crown in Argentina with the orange jerseys. The lineup was completed with Matt Coppola.

Following two consecutive ties, Las Monjitas commanded the two next chukkas. Although El Milagro leveled at 8-all at the start of the fifth chukka, Las Monjitas wasted no time at all to re-take the lead through Facundo Sola, until El Milagro’s Santiago Solari produced a spectacular goal in the last seconds within the fifth chukka to tie at 9-all. But in the last chukka of play, Facundo Sola and Guillermo Caset Jr., managed to score one goal apiece to seal the win for Las Monjitas, that allowed them to claim La Aguada Polo Club’s premier competition for the fourth time (Score Las Monjitas: 2-2, 4-4, 7-5, 8-7, 9-9, 11-9).

The awards presentation was as follows:

• MVP: Shared by Guillermo Caset Jr and Federico Tomasevich
• Skeeter JohnstonFair Play Award: Francisco Irastorza
• Best mounted player: Santiago Solari
• BPP presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: Dolfi Educada (Guillermo Caset Jr)
• River Slaney BPP Award: Sunny (owned by Las Monjitas, ridden by Guillermo Caset Jr)

Meanwhile, the fourth place went to Power Infraestructure who beat Los Cocos by a close 10-9, and La Mancha Dutta Corp earned the third place after defeating Lovelocks Polo Stud by a 12-5 score.

The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, had a fantastic closing party, that included an exquisite asado and other delicacies, in a lovely friendly entourage, with everybody enjoying the hospitality and warmth of the Novillo Astrada family.

Special thanks to all the participating players and teams; to our sponsors, for the constant support; to the media, for the distribution of the news; and to all who came thoroghout the tournament. To each and everyone of you, thank you! We are very much looking forward to seeing you all next year!

XVI JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP, PRESENTED BY RIO URUGUAY SEGUROS – PARTICIPATING TEAMS

League A
Los Cocos: Rafael Zubillaga 0, Alfredo Bigatti 8, Miguel Novillo Astrada 8, Tomás Lalor 6. Total: 22

El Milagro: Federico Tomasevich 1, Santiago Solari 6, Francisco Irastorza 6, Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9. Total: 22

Power Infraestructure: Miguel Mendoza 1, Lerin Zubiaurre 8, Alejandro Muzzio 8, Jorge Fernández Ocampo 5. Total: 22

League B
Las Monjitas: Camilo Bautista 0, Matt Coppoloa 3, Facundo Sola 9, Guillermo Caset (h) 10, Matías Fernández Llanos 6. Total: 22

La Mancha Dutta Corp: Timmy Dutta 3, Lucas Díaz Alberdi 7, Mariano Obregón 6, Facundo Obregón 6. Total: 22

Lovelocks Polo Stud: Tommy Severn 3, Charlie Hanbury 6, Matt Perry 6, James Beim 7. Total: 22

XVI JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP, PRESENTED BY RIO URUGUAY SEGUROS – FIXTURE

Thursday November 7
Lovelocks Polo Stud 12 vs. Power Infraestructure 7

Friday November 8
Las Monjitas 10 vs. Los Cocos 7

Saturday November 9
El Milagro 12 vs. La Mancha Dutta Corp 10

Monday November 11
La Mancha Dutta Corp 10 vs. Los Cocos 6

Tuesday November 12
Las Monjitas 9 vs. Power Infraestructure 6
El Milagro 12 vs. Lovelocks Polo Stud 10

Thursday November 14
Lovelocks Polo Stud 9 vs Los Cocos 6
La Mancha / Dutta Corp 11 vs Power Infraestructure 9

Friday November 15
Las Monjitas 10 vs. El Millagro 9 (OT)

Tuesday November 19 – FINALS
Subsidiary I
Power Infraestructure 10 vs. Los Cocos 9

Subsidiary II
La Mancha Dutta Corp 12 vs. Lovelocks Polo Stud 5

Final XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros
Las Monjitas 11 vs. El Milagro 9

www.laaguadapolo.com

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Las Monjitas took a 11-9 win over El Milagro, and captured the XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, following the championship match that took place at…

North America, Polo News

Fall Classic presented by André Clouet

17. September 2019

What a beautiful opening Sunday at the Houston Polo Club! Four 6 Goal teams took to the field and put on quite a show for our first Sunday crowd.

The first game was between Bearsden/Tylee Farms versus Plank Companies/Sullivan Group. Bearsden/Tylee Farm‘s Francisco Rodriguez Mera dominated most of the game, showing off his talent using his smart game sense. His team maintained a lead throughout the game, and in the fourth chukker Mera stopped a goal attempt with an incredible nearside back shot, protecting his goal from Plank Companies/Sullivan Group‘s Nick Cifuni. Mera‘s teammates took advantage of his back shot and made another offensive push towards their goal. Cifuni intercepted their push and once again was making a run towards his goal but as the clock ticked down with only ten seconds left, the horn sounded before he could score and the game ended in favor of Bearsden/Tylee Farms.

As the teams shook hands, the Virnau Sealy Tractor Kubota rolled onto the field filled with complimentary champagne thanks to American National Insurance. As the divots were stomped, Land Rovers from Land Rover Houston Central were on display for the crowd to see, with also a bigger vehicle for livestock owners, a Bill Fick Ford F350 dually. After the crowd had a chance to stretch their legs, the players for the second game began to warm up on the field. The horn sounded, everyone returned to their seats, and it was time for the feature match!

Brown Bears/San Saba held on to a strong 2 goal lead for the first two chukkers against Pegasus/Propaganda. But in the second half, Pegasus/Propaganda stepped up to the plate. David Andras shot 2 for 2 on penalty shots, Paul Hobby, a normally defensive player, took advantage of a pass from teammate Mason Wroe and made a nearside goal from the field. Pegasus/Propaganda took a half goal lead after Andras‘s last penalty shot, and Wroe was dominating the last chukker on Best Playing Pony, June, as she displayed her ability to out turn and out bump the competition helping to score their team‘s last goal to give Pegasus/Propaganda a 1.5 goal lead. Brown Bears/San Saba‘s Ignacio Saenz converted a hard hit penalty 4 over the scoreboard with 1:30 left in the game. Saenz had one last offensive run in the last 30 seconds, but unfortunately the ball went out of bounds, over the boards and the game ended with a Pegasus/Propaganda win.

from left to right:
Picture 1: Plank Companies/Sullivan Group‘s Nick Cifuni with a shot on goal
Picture 2: Chino Payan with a neck shot, avoiding the hook from Martin Munoz
Picture 3: Winning team: Pegasus/ Propaganda: Paul Hobby, Mason Wroe, David Andras, Chino Payan pictured with André Clouet representative Pip Cardnell

Winner‘s Circle

Pro Am September Scramble
Winner: Stewart Title
Alexis Barker, Crystal Cassidy, *Chris Williams, Chad Bowman, Martin Munoz (*sub for Cindy Madole)

HPC Summer League
2 Goal and Margarita League players enjoyed our HPC Summer League. The players and ponies brought their A game, and the summer evenings were nice and breezy.

Team Land Rover Houston Central
Agustin Arrayago, Stacey Somerville, Colleen Williams, Cindy Madole, and Chris Williams

Women‘s Pacific Coast Open
Congratulations to HPC Member Kendall Plank for taking home the win for the inaugural Women‘s Pacific Coast Open!
Plank & CO:
Kendall Plank, Ina Lalor, Dayelle Fargey, Cory Williams

Tournament Series Championship
After a tough battle in the semifinals against the eventual tournament winner, the Central Region took home the Consolation Winner title for the 2019 NYTS Championship! Congratulations to Grayson Price for being selected to represent the Central Region another year!
Central Team: Joe Post, Vance Miller III, Grayson Price, Regan Smith

What a beautiful opening Sunday at the Houston Polo Club! Four 6 Goal teams took to the field and put on quite a show for our first Sunday crowd. The…

North America, Polo News

2019 East Coast Open Final This Sunday

9. September 2019

The 2019 East Coast Open Final is set: Postage Stamp Farm (Annabelle Gundlach, Brandon Phillips, Lerin Zubiaurre, Tomas Garcia del Rio) will take on Monterosso (Alessandro Bazzoni, Igancio Toccalino, Naco Taverna, Santino Magrini) each earning a chance to win this historic tournament for the first time.

In the semi-final round, Audi and Monterosso played a thrilling overtime match. Audi led for most of the game, and with less than a minute to play and trailing by a goal, Monterosso scored a clutch penalty 4 from 60 yards to tie the game at 11-11 forcing overtime. Both teams had early chances to score in the sudden death chukker, with Monterosso making some key saves in front of their own goal. The winning score was made by Santino Magrini sending Monterosso to the final, with a 13-12 score.

Postage Stamp Farm made a statement in their semi-final match against Monterosso Vikings, leading by as much a four goals in the second half. Monterosso Vikings staged a valiant effort to pull back and catch up within two points difference with goals by promising young player Barto Castongola. Postage Stamp‘s 8-goal superstar Tomas Garcia del Rio provided half the offense scoring six goals en route to their 12-10 victory.

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Congratulations Sacotinxxxx@gmail.com please email us to claim your pass.

www.greenwichpoloclub.com

Europe, North America, Polo News

Oak Brook welcomes the return of Wales Polo Team this weekend!

6. September 2019

HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team Returns to Oak Brook for Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup

The Centtrip Wales Polo Team (owned by HRH Prince Charles) returns to Oak Brook on Sunday, September 8^th at 3:00 p.m. to compete for the prestigious Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup at the Prince of Wales Field. Spectators are invited to don their ‘British best’ as both teams face off in a 9-goal, four chukker, international championship match.

Oak Brook Polo Club has a long history of hosting teams from other countries and is honored to have the Wales team return for its third year. The Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup was inaugurated in 1986 when the England Team, captained by Prince Charles, played against Oak Brook. It was Michael Butler who invited the Prince to play, which turned into a four-day visit to Chicago and Boston. A 4-goal polo player at the time, Prince Charles would play his premier U.S. appearance with a British team at Oak Brook.

“We are thrilled to have the Wales Team return to Oak Brook for a 3^rd straight year,” explains Jim Drury. “The old days of Oak Brook Polo are re-emerging and re-establishing the club as a plant for international polo competition.”

Centtrip Wales will be captained by Ricky Cooper (Hcap 0), and includes Pete Webb (Hcap 5), Rupert Lee-Uff (Hcap 0) and Tomas “Toto” Obregon (Hcap 4) on loan from the Oak Brook team. Merrill Lynch Oak Brook is led by team patron and captain Jim Drury and includes Horacio Onetto (Hcap 4), Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap 4) and Chris Vangel (Hcap 1).

“On behalf of Prince Charles, we are thrilled to see this relationship and match re-emerge to become an annual fixture on our team’s calendar,” explains Cooper. “Last year’s visit was a memorable experience and we’re honored to be invited back for a rematch for the coveted Butler International Cup.”

In addition to Sunday’s polo match, the afternoon will be filled with many festivities, including a pre-event LOUIS XIII tasting ($75 per person) beginning at 11:30 AM in the Saddle Club & Polo Lounge. Guests will be welcomed with champagne followed by the ultimate LOUIS XIII experience including history, flavors and aromas of the century-years-old cognac. A limited number of tickets are available.

An on-field rally of 10-20 awarding winning Ford Model T’s from members of the Ford Model T Club of America will be on display for guests to view. In addition, event sponsor Perillo Downers Grove, will be showcasing new Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini cars.

The match welcomes charity partner, Jackson Chance Foundation (www.jacksonchance.org) which provides families access to the best hospitals, neonatal specialists, surgical abilities and nursing staff that they otherwise may have to turn down because of the high cost of parking. Guests will have the opportunity to donate directly or take part in a series of raffles for luxury prizes.

As with each match, guests can take part in the J Vineyard & Winery halftime “Divot Stomp,” Hinsdale Living’s “Best Hat Contest” or visit Burning Bush Millinery to purchase a headpiece. Tailgaters are welcome to decorate their spot and compete for Heineken’s “Best Tailgate” to be awarded at the end of the polo match.

The national anthem will be sung by 15-year-old Mirabella Logan and the Wales and Great Britain anthems will be performed by bagpiper, Christopher Coomes.

The match, which is part of the International Polo Series, is sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Perillo Downers Grove, Hinsdale Living Magazine, Centtrip, Chicago Luxury Beds, New Castle, Heineken, and The Hyatt House Oak Brook / Chicago. In the last three years, Oak Brook has featured matches with teams from Jamaica, India, Mexico and Great Britain.

2019 marks Oak Brook Polo Club’s 97th season as one of the nation’s oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. Once considered the “polo capital” of the world Oak Brook was the destination for American Polo players and enthusiasts.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago. A variety of ticket options are available at www.oakbrookpoloclub.com. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095.

HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team Returns to Oak Brook for Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup The Centtrip Wales Polo Team (owned by HRH Prince Charles) returns to…

Polo News

17th Annual Copa de Careyes Polo Highlights

17. January 2019

Players came to the beachside resort of Costa Careyes located on the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the annual holiday tournament. Brazil, the Marcos Schallbach family and Gustavo Garcia Reveiro – Peru, Guillermo Li – USA, Gary Magness and the Chris Falk group – Italy, Milo Ardissone – Argentina, Nico Milan – England, Nicola Hodges and Elliot Sands – Hong Kong, Phillippe de Caraman and Mexico, the Aguilar brothers, Guillermo Steta, President of the Mexican Polo Federation, Diego Solorzano, Tomas Elliot, Raul Ramirez and Guillermo Jimenez were represented on the field.

Four teams from the 7-9 goal level and 5 chukkers played each other to gain entry to the championship final. Steta/Brazil – Steta, Schallbach, Tomas Elliot and Solorzano (9 goals) with a 3 win-zero loss record were pitted against Guadalajara/Agua Alta (7 goals) – the Aguilar brothers, Ardissone and Jimenez. Their record was 2 wins and one loss – the only loss was to the Steta team during the playoffs.

Solorzano scored the first goal right out of the first throw in and with that quick goal – looked like it might be a runaway. No one scored the second chukker but Guadalajara/Agua Alta alive and scored 4 goals in the 3^rd chukkers to one for Steta/Brazil – at half time after the 3^rd chukker score was 5 ½ to 2 in favor of the Guadalajara foursome. From then on Pancho Aguilar was on fire scoring 3 goals for the winners and Solorzano the same but not enough. Guadalajara ended up the champions – 10 ½ to 6. A tequila toast for all players organized by Giorgio Brignone, owner of the Careyes club, during the trophy presentation. Subsidiary was won by Magness, Li, Milan and Ramirez against De Caraman, Reveiro, Chris Falk filling in for Robert Payne who had played the first 4 games and had to leave and Henrique Schallbach.

Another tournament going on at the same time was for lower goal players. The Falk family, Katie, Chris, Josh and Sidney of Fresno, California were the winners over a 2 day tournament against Sebastian Wiliamson, Tomas Elliot, Charlotte de Caraman and Gian Carlo Brignone, grandson of the founder of Careyes, Sr. Gian Franco Brignone.

To end the visit for the out of country players –Careyes put together a match game . The 2 Aguilar Brothers with Tomas Elliot and Jimenez against Steta, Schallbach, Solorzano and Reveiro – 10 goals against 10 goals. The Aguilars, Jimenez and Elliot scored a repeat win against Schallbach, Steta, Solorzano and Reveiro – 7 to 5.

Over 40 head of horses were shipped in for the event and the remaining players were mounted by Careyes Polo Club, Hans Giebeler and the Ardissones. Careyes Club is open for polo from November through April.

Please see www.careyes.com

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Players came to the beachside resort of Costa Careyes located on the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the annual holiday tournament. Brazil, the Marcos Schallbach family and Gustavo Garcia Reveiro –…