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La Fe Captures Banyan Cup In A Thriller; Louis Devaleix Named MVP

29. October 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 30, 2023—La Fe won its first tournament of the fall season Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

La Fe (Sebastian Mandelbaum, -1/Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Nic Roldan, 8, Grant Ganzi, 3, Louis Devaleix, 2) won the Banyan Cup by one net goal in a round robin over Victory I (Kevin Schmeits, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Martin Jauregui, 6, Sugar Erskine, 6) that finished with 0 net goal. Victory II (Becky Schmeits, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Pedro Gutierrez, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5) finished third with minus-one.

In the third and final round robin match, La Fe clinched the exciting nailbiter with an 8-6 win over Victory 1, which had closed the gap to one goal (7-6) with 3:52 left in the game but was unable to overcome the deficit.

Louis Devaleix, 42, who took his first polo lesson in 2020 and is playing fall polo for the first time in Wellington, was named Most Valuable Player for the first time at Grand Champions Polo Club and in Florida.

It was his second victory this season. Devaliex also won the Pedro Morrison Memorial playing with Amaro.

„I had a great time the last few weeks,“ Devaleix said. „I was not aware fall polo was even available…great polo, fast and good way to prep for the main season.

„What Melissa (Ganzi) does for everyone who stays here is second to none. Both her and her husband really go above and beyond for everyone and for the game of polo here in Florida and the U.S.“

Born in France, Devaleix‘s family moved to Brazil when he was a baby. He grew up in Rio de Janeiro, where he played golf. But in 2020 he was at Sunset Polo Club in Loxahatchee where he rode a horse for the first time and took his first polo lesson from Carlos Gonzalez. He was hooked and ever since he has been playing polo at every level, from 8 to the 26-goal World Polo League.

Karma, a 10-year-old mare played in the fourth and seventh chukkers by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

„It was great to get another Best Playing Pony blanket,“ said Ganzi, who has been playing her for three years in Aspen and Wellington. „She‘s been showing really well this fall.“

The fourth medium goal tournament was the most competitive this season. With well-balanced teams it was anyone‘s guess who was going to win.

In final day action, Victory I defeated Victory II, 9-7, in the first three chukkers. In the second round robin, Victory II edged La Fe, 7-6. Becky Schmeits, the only woman in the tournament, scored the winning goal in the final 20 seconds.

The top two scoring teams faced off in the third and final round robin. La Fe managed a two-goal lead for most of the three chukkers with Ganzi scoring three goals including a penalty conversion.

Victory I made it interesting with 3:52 left when Santos Bollini scored to cut La Fe‘s lead to one, 7-6. Ganzi‘s 30-yard penalty conversion gave La Fe back its two-goal cushion for the remainder of the game.

It was Ganzi‘s first tournament win of the fall season and first time he played with Devaleix.

„We just needed to maintain our lead from the other day and that was a tough task,“ Ganzi said. „It was tough. Pedro Gutierrez did a really good job filling in for Tomacho (Pieres). They were tough to play today. They played a lot better today than they did on Friday.

„In the end we got it but we struggled in our first three chukkers. We started off okay. There were moments in the game where things didn‘t go our way. We adjusted well. It was really nice to win.

„It was fun playing with Louis, he was a good teammate,“ Ganzi said.

In opening day action on Friday, Victory I defeated Victory II, 7-3; La Fe topped Victory II, 4-2; and La Fe edged Victory I, 5-3, with Ganzi and Roldan goals breaking a 3-3 tie in the final two minutes of the game. The scores carried over into Sunday‘s final.

In last year‘s Banyan Cup tournament, Roxbury Raiders (Josh Silverman, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Santos Bollini, 2, Tommy Biddle, 5) led from start to finish to defeat Aspen Valley Polo Club (Juancito Bollini, 4, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8, Tito Gaudenzi, 2), 8-6, to win their fall debut. Santos Bollini was MVP.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. In addition to this weekend‘s Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup the two remaining medium goal tournaments are the Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Winners of the first three medium goal tournaments are Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); and Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6). Roldan has been MVP for all three tournaments.

The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, England, France, India, Mexico, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, South Africa and United States.

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. It‘s also a great opportunity for players and sponsors to prepare for the winter season highlighted by the 26-goal World Polo League, now entering its sixth season at Grand Champions.

The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and USPA umpires for all tournament games; world-class polo fields; club-sponsored social events every weekend for all players; and top-of-the-line trophies for all teams every weekend.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater 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 at the turnkey facility.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 30, 2023—La Fe won its first tournament of the fall season Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. La Fe (Sebastian Mandelbaum, -1/Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Nic Roldan, 8,…

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Banyan Cup begins friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm

27. October 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 26, 2023—The fourth medium goal tournament of the fall season begins Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

The Banyan Cup opens with a preliminary round robin at 4:30 p.m. The scores carry over into Sunday‘s final at 10 a.m. The four-chukker Just For The Fun It game is Saturday at the Pony Express Field at 10:30 a.m.

The old USPA rules for round robin play will be used for the Banyan Cup. The game will be played on the flat. The winner of the first three chukkers will sit on Sunday.

Rosters and sponsors are:

Victory (His) (14): Kevin Schmeits, Santos Bollini, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6.

La Fe (13): Sebastian Mandelbaum, Juan Bollini, 3 (Friday), Louis Devaleix, 2 (Sunday), Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8.

Victory (Hers) (16): Becky Schmeits, Jason Crowder, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Tomacho Pieres, 6.

The Banyan Cup is named after the Banyan Tree which can cover about 14,500 square feet of space, grow branches as high as 80 feet and thrive over two and a half centuries. As it grows, the banyan tree produces aerial roots that hang down and take root wherever they touch the ground.

In last year‘s International Cup, GCPC USA won its 11th consecutive title with a 6-5 win over Switzerland. Tomas Ruiz Guinazu, 39, a member of the 2022 Swiss National Team, was named Most Valuable Player after dominating the game.

Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

2023 Banyan Cup Schedule

Friday 10/27
4:30 p.m. Victory Polo His vs La Fe vs Victory Polo Hers
at Santa Rita Polo Farm

Saturday 10/28
10:30 a.m. Just For The Fun Of It
at Pony Express

Sunday 10/29
10 a.m. Banyan Cup Final
at Santa Rita Polo Farm

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 26, 2023—The fourth medium goal tournament of the fall season begins Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. The Banyan Cup opens with a preliminary round robin at…

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

18. April 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program.

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

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

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Dundas Three-Peats Sieber Memorial; Mia Cambiaso Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors

17. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 15, 2023—-Dundas won the 33rd annual Sieber Memorial Tuesday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

It was the third consecutive year Dundas has won the second 12-goal tournament of the winter season at the nation‘s largest club.

Dundas (Miki Novillo Astrada, 1, Mia Cambiaso 2, Roberto Zedda, 3, Geronimo Obregon, 5) broke open a close game in the second half to defeat Senvest Excalibor (Richard Mashaal, 0, Evan White Jr., 1, Santiago LLavallol, 5, Pedro Falabella, 6), 13-6.

It was the second time Dundas defeated Senvest Excalibor during the six-team tournament.

Mia Cambiaso, the oldest daughter of Argentine great Adolfo Cambiaso, was selected Most Valuable Player. Her horse, Dolfina Fantasia, was Best Playing Pony.

„I am so proud of Mia, I am so proud of my entire team,“ said Dundas patron Sarah Siegel Magness. „I think Mia is getting better and better every day. I‘m playing with Mia in the 12-goal in Santa Barbara so this is our warm-up.

„I love seeing women pros playing mixed tournaments. I hope it becomes a regular thing with other people besides me. I truly believe women need a shot in the mixed and you don‘t see women pros in the mix very often. It will be super exciting the more we see women in the mix coming in, it‘s going to be awesome.“

Siegel Magness watched the game from the sidelines with her husband Gary and dog Rosie. Magness broke her right leg while playing in the U.S. Women‘s Open at Port Mayaca. Teenager Miki Novillo Astrada, 16, replaced her in the Dundas lineup.

„I play with Robert and Geronimo all the time,“ Siegel Magness said. „I was just really happy to see a woman on the field. You never see women on the field besides me especially in the 12 and 16. This year we had three women.“

Four women competed in the tournament including Hope Arellano, Alecia Siedler, Cambiaso and Siegel Magness.

„I am just so proud to play with Mia and continually play with Geronimo and Robert,“ Siegel Magness said. „And we had a fantastic sub today. We played them before with me playing and we did well.“

For the U.S. Women‘s Open, Ana de La Fuente will replace Siegel Magness on undefeated Dundas (2-0) and join teammates Nina Clarkin, Mia Cambiaso and Erica Gandomcar-Sachs. Siegel Magness is expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

It was a defensive battle in the first half with both teams playing well defensively inside the 60 resulting in a close halftime score with Dundas leading, 5-4.

Dundas found its offensive game in the second half reeling off six unanswered goals in the fourth and fifth chukkers for an 11-5 lead. Even with a sub, the chemistry was evident among Dundas teammates in the second half with great anticipation and rotation.

„I told them congratulations and I was so glad they played so well,“ Siegel Magness said. „I was proud of everyone.“

Obregon was Dundas‘ leading scorer with a game-high six goals including four penalty conversions. Astrada had three goals and Cambiaso and Zedda each had two goals. For Senvest Excalibor, Falabella led with three goals, Llavallol had two and White Jr. added one.

Dundas outshot Senvest Excalibor, 21-12, led in throw-ins, 10-9, and fouls, 9-7. Senvest Excalibor led in knock-ins, 8-6. Each team scored off four penalties.

The tournament is named in honor of polo player Robert J. Sieber, Jr., who died in a polo-related accident August 22, 1984 at Oak Brook, Ill. He was 29. His legacy continues with the annual tournament. The tournament was resurrected by Melissa and Marc Ganzi ten years ago.

„It‘s a whole new tradition,“ said Rob‘s brother John Sieber, who handed out awards during the post-game ceremony. „Two of Rob‘s grandkids came down for some of the games last week so it‘s kind of nice to keep that tradition.

„It was two good teams and in the end they pulled away. The horses are unbelievable. For the captains to sponsor the teams to play, it‘s just a lot of work and I appreciate that. All the players were nice and had a good time.

„There is an old saying, ‚give from your heart and it will come back to you,‘“ Sieber said. „I hope for the Ganzi family, and not just for this tournament, but for all the polo they have given so much to, I hope it comes back to them tenfold for everything they have done.“

In last year‘s tournament, Dundas (Sarah Siegel Magness, 0, Juan Cruz Marcos, 3, Geronimo Obregon, 5, Roberto Zedda) was awarded a forfeit victory from Excalibor (Robert Mashaal, 0, Matias MacDonough, Santi Llavallol, Martin Jauregui, 5). Zetta was MVP.

In 2021, Dundas (Cable Magness, Juan Cruz Marcos, Hugo Taylor, Tatu Gomez Romero), defeated Newport (Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac, Nick Manifold), 12-10. Romero was MVP.

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

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

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, John T. Oxley Memorial Cup and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including the Nic Roldan Sunset Polo and White Party, Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

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

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 15, 2023—-Dundas won the 33rd annual Sieber Memorial Tuesday at Grand Champions Polo Club. It was the third consecutive year Dundas has won the second 12-goal tournament of…

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Casablanca, Richard Mille Meet Sunday In WPL All-Star Challenge Final At Grand Champions

24. February 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 23, 2023—Casablanca will play Richard Mille Sunday in the championship final of the All-Star Challenge in what promises to be one for the World Polo League history books.

In a heart-stopping semifinal, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) escaped with a thrilling 11-10 victory over Dazos La Fe (David Farache, 0/Louis Devaleix, 1, Robi Bilbao, 2, Nico Pieres, 9, Francisco Elizalde, 9) Tuesday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Casablanca will face 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 15-11 winners over Brookshire (Scott Wood, 0, Pipe Vercellino, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Jero Del Carril, 8), in the opening semifinal.

„When I saw the teams come out I thought Richard Mille would be the toughest,“ Ganzi said. „It‘s going to be tough. It‘s not going to be easy at all. I‘m really happy we made the final. It‘s always the best way to start out the season to come out and play well especially in knockout tournaments it‘s tough.“

Tuesday‘s game came down to the final minutes when Bilbao scored after a long run to trail Casablanca, 11-10, with 2 minutes left on the clock.

„Oddly enough, I told people in the tent and they looked at me like I was a little crazy, but I wasn‘t that worried,“ Ganzi said. „I was worried when we gave up two goals fast, we were a little careless with the ball. But when we started playing better and we got more organized I was like, ‚we got this.‘

„I knew it was going to be a really, really tough game but I did think we had the potential to make the final. I always believed in the team and believed we could do it.“

With 1:30 left, Casablanca lost their challenge on a foul called against them setting up Elizalde‘s penalty three which probably would have sent the game into overtime but instead sailed wide. Elizalde stole the ball but was quickly swarmed by Casablanca‘s suffocating defense in the final 30 seconds. „I thought we defended our tails off,“ Ganzi said.

Working well together as a team, Casablanca kept the game close. After Dazos La Fe led for most of the first two chukkers, Castagnola‘s goal with a minute left tied the game at 5-5 going into the third chukker.

Dazos La Fe gave up a goal when 1-goaler Devaleix replaced 0-goaler David Farache in the lineup giving Casablanca a brief 5-4 lead. Dazos La Fe picked up two more goals from Elizalde to lead 6-5 until Castagnola converted his second penalty of the game to tie 6-6 at halftime.

The close battle continued in the second half with Casablanca outscoring Dazos La Fe, 2-1 to lead 8-7 after four, and shut out Dazos La Fe, 2-0, to take a 10-7 lead going into the final chukker.

Dazos La Fe clawed its way back with back-to-back goals to trail, 10-9. Castagnola added another penalty conversion for an 11-9 lead with 3:25 left. A minute later Bilbao‘s goal cut the lead to 11-10 before the final two heart-stopping minutes.

When Ganzi, Brand Ambassador of Casablanca, put his team together there were a few raised eyebrows, but Ganzi had played with all three players and saw the chemistry on paper.

„I knew Tomacho would shine with the opportunity and he played lights out today,“ Ganzi said. „He has always been an amazing rider and understands the game so well. I always enjoyed playing with Jesse back in the day and when I saw he was available I wanted him to play with us. Obviously, my first selection was Barto. I always want to play with him. To me, he is one of the best players in the world.“

The final game statistics illustrated just how close the game was and how well-balanced the teams were. Casablanca outshot Dazos La Fe, 19-17 and led in throw-ins, 15-10. Dazos La Fe led in knock-ins, 8-7. Each team committed 10 fouls and each team scored off four penalty shots, all 30-yarders.

Castagnola scored a game-high 10 goals including four penalty conversions. Ganzi scored one. For Dazos La Fe, Pieres led scoring with four goals, Elizalde had three and Bilbao added two.

In last year‘s All-Star Challenge final, Audi and White Birch renewed their 30-year rivalry. In an explosive game, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) defeated White Birch (Chris Brant, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Mariano Aguerre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8), 17-12. Jeta Castagnola scored a game-high nine goals and was named MVP.

In addition to the All-Star Challenge, the remaining WPL events are the Founders Cup, Palm Beach Open, Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

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

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

Grand Champions tournaments attract a large international field of players from all corners of the world including Argentina, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Switzerland, France, England, Germany, Uruguay, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Venezuela, Chile, and England.

Season highlights for 2023 are the Sterling Cup, $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, Sieber Memorial, John T. Oxley Memorial Cup and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

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

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

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

2023 World Polo League All-Star Challenge Schedule

Sunday 2/26
4 p.m. All-Star Challenge Final
Casablanca vs Richard Mille
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 23, 2023—Casablanca will play Richard Mille Sunday in the championship final of the All-Star Challenge in what promises to be one for the World Polo League history…

North America, Polo News

La Fe Tops Audi In U.S. Open; Aspen Valley, Grand Champions, Santa Rita Play Wednesday

31. March 2022

WELLINGTON, March 29, 2022—In a wild opening game, La Fe defeated Audi in the 118th edition of the U.S. Open Tuesday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

La Fe (Louis Devaleix, 0, Robi Balbao, 5, Francisco Elizalde, 9/Poroto Cambiaso, 9, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, 6) led Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jason Crowder, 5, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) for most of the game for a 12-8 victory.

Audi is the first of seven Grand Champions Polo Club-based pro teams to play in the 2022 U.S. Open. On Wednesday, Aspen Valley, Grand Champions and Santa Rita will compete.

At 10 a.m., Aspen Valley (Vinny Sangaline, 0, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Tommy Collingwood, 5) plays G-String (Gillian Johnston, 1, Nico Escobar, 5, Nico Pieres, 9, Julian de Lussaretta, 7).

At 4 p.m. Grand Champions (Riley Ganzi, 0, Juan Martin Zubia, 8, Gonzalito Pieres, 10, Juan Bollini, 4) plays Santa Rita (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Polito Pieres, 10, Hector Guerrero, 3) at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Poroto Cambiaso and Barto Castagnola.

The game got off on the wrong foot for La Fe when umpires discovered Elizalde was wearing an improper helmet. Elizalde was penalized for delay of game when he returned from the players‘ tent with a new helmet.

Less than a minute later, Alberdi was called for delay of game. Castagnola converted the first of four 60-yard penalties to give Audi a 1-0 lead. Elizalde came right back on a breakaway to tie the game at 1-1. From then on, it was all La Fe.

La Fe took advantage of Audi mistakes, missed scoring opportunities and penalties in the first half. La Fe scored three consecutive goals for a 4-1 lead with 1:51 left in the opening chukker. Castagnola scored back-to-back goals to cut the lead to one, 4-3, early in the second chukker.

Jason Crowder and Francisco Elizalde.

Audi lost its challenge early in the second chukker disputing a one-meeting-two penalty. Elizalde converted the 30-yard penalty for a 5-3 lead.

Audi tried to find its rhythm and regain momentum but missed two goals midway through the second chukker. Elizalde then took advantage of a broken knock-in for a 6-3 lead going into the third chukker.

With 5:26 left in the third chukker, Elizalde made it 7-3 after scoring on a breakaay after Bilbao bumped Castagnola out of Elizalde‘s path to goal.

Lucas Diaz Alberdi and Barto Castagnola.

With 4:36 on the clock Elizalde left the game with an injury to his midsection. Elizalde, plagued with injuries this season including shoulder and chin, was replaced by 9-goaler Poroto Cambiaso, son of 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, who will be replaced by Sapo Caset on defending champion Scone, after sustaining an injury and undergoing surgery.

After the injury timeout, Castagnola won the throw-in but missed a scoring opportunity with 4:21 left. Audi was getting its share of chances but couldn‘t capitalize. Midway through the chukker, La Fe already had four knock-ins. With 3:38 remaining in the half, Castagnola converted another 60-yarder after Crowder was fouled to cut the lead to 7-4.

Audi missed three more scoring chances and lost possession on a great steal by Catagnola going into halftime.

In the second half, Audi could get no closer than two goals, 7-5, with 5:31 left in the fourth chukker. Cambiaso scored back-to-back goals, a 30-yard penalty conversion and one from the field for a 9-5 advantage. With 1:39 left in the chukker, Ganzi hit a great neck shot through open field to trail 9-6.

Paco de Narvaez, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, and Marc Ganzi.

La Fe shut Audi out in the fifth chukker, 1-0, with Cambiaso scoring the only goal on a 30-yarder for a 10-6 lead.

The teams played evenly, 2-2, in the final chukker, but Audi‘s scoring frustrations continued. Audi missed 10 shots from the field while La Fe missed eight. After Bilbao received a yellow card for dangerous riding Castagnola converted another 60-yarder to cut the lead to 11-8, but La Fe came right back with another goal when Alberdi‘s back shot pass reached Bilbao for the score and 12-8 final.

Castagnola scored a game-high seven goals, including four 60-yard penalty conversions. Ganzi added one. Elizalde had four goals and Bilbao and Alberdi each had three goals for La Fe. Cambiaso had two.

In the second game of the day, Old Hickory Bourbon/Airstream defeated Dutta Corp/Show, 11-9. Joaquin Panelo had five goals for Hickory Bourbon/Airstream and Tomas Garcia del Rio had five goals for Dutta Corp/Show.

Lolo Castagnola and Marc Ganzi.

Audi‘s next bracket game is Saturday at 11 a.m. against La Indiana (Stuart Armstrong, 3, Jeff Hall, 6, Lucitas Criado, 5, Mariano Aguerre, 7).

For the first time in U.S. Open history, a record 20 teams are competing. Grand Champions Polo Club‘s seven team entries that feature four 10-goalers, enabled the record-breaking accomplishment.

With the prize money doubling from the previous two tournaments, the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup, the U.S. Open winner will pocket $100,000. U.S. Polo Assn will award an additional $2,500 donation to the finalist teams‘ polo charity of their choice. The U.S. Open is being livestreamed on GlobalPolo.com.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is coming off its most successful fall season. The club is hosting 23 tournaments through April.

Barto Castagnola.

Grand Champions is also hosting various levels of polo including the 26-goal World Polo League, now in its fourth season and only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina.

The high goal club tournaments feature the Sterling Cup, $100,000 World Cup and Santa Rita Abierto. There are 16, 8 and 6-goal tournaments scheduled for April.

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 that will culminate with the April 2 Sunny Hale Legacy Final.

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.

Audi teammates Paco de Narvaez, Barto Castagnola, Jason Crowder, and Marc Ganzi.

During fall, winter and spring seasons, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest club and ultimate polo destination with 18 well-manicured polo fields including 13 world-class tournament grade, 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 Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 29, 2022—In a wild opening game, La Fe defeated Audi in the 118th edition of the U.S. Open Tuesday at International Polo Club Palm Beach. La Fe (Louis…

North America, Polo News

Brookshire Wins WPL Triple Crown Of Polo Tournament Opener; Action Continues This Week

28. March 2022

WELLINGTON, March 27, 2022—In a thrilling opening game, Brookshire rallied in the final chukker to win its first game in the World Polo League‘s Triple Crown of Polo Tournament.

Brookshire (Rufino Bensadon, 8, Valentino Echezarreta, 3, Pancho Bensadon, 7, Nic Roldan, 8) defeated Alegria (Tincho Merlos, 8, Juancito Bollini, 4, Juan Sanchez Elia, 6, Fred Mannix, 7), 15-13, Saturday in the single-elimination game at Jan Pamela.

The game went back-and-fourth with the lead changing hands ten times in the second half. With Brookshire leading 6-3 in the second chukker, Alegria clawed its way back to trail by only one at the half, 7-6.

Brookshire jumped out to an early 10-6 lead with 4:49 in the fourth chukker after an incredible angle cut shot by Roldan, but Alegria rallied for four unanswered goals including a penalty-one to tie, 10-10, behind Bollini‘s back shot after a great pass from Mannix from center field with 4:54 left in the fifth chukker.

The lead changed hands six more times between the teams that have developed quite a rivalry during the World Polo League. With the game tied 13-13, with 3:10 left, Alegria fouled, setting up Rufino Bensadon‘s 40-yard penalty conversion to go ahead 14-13.

Merlos‘s goal run with 1:08 gave Alegria another opportunity to tie, but before he could score Alegria committed another foul to hand over possession. With 42 seconds left Roldan worked his way out of a crowd of defenders to score and ice the victory.

Tincho Merlos and Pancho Bensadon.

Brookshire got balanced scoring from its lineup including Valentino Echezarreta, who subbed for patron Scott Wood. Rufino Bensadon scored a team-high six goals. Roldan had four goals, Pancho Bensadon three and Echezarreta two.

Alegria was led by Merlos with a team-high six goals. Mannix had three goals and Bollini and Elia each had one goal. The team was also awarded a penalty-one.

Teams are playing for the magnificent trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. The trophy is comprised of three separate trophies that fit perfectly together to create an entire polo scene that is breathtaking in sterling silver.

The WPL tournament winners will be inscribed on the trophy and added to an impressive list of teams that feature several top players including Sebastian Merlos, Mike Azzaro, Tommy Biddle, Adam Snow, Nic Roldan, Matias Magrini, Jeff Hall, Mariano Gonzalez, Michel Dorignac and Kris Kampsen.

Juancito Bollini and Pancho Bensadon.

The spectacular trophy was created for the ESPN2 television Triple Crown of Polo series created in 2005 with stops at Sarasota Polo Club, Las Colinas Polo Club in Dallas and Santa Barbara Polo Club the first year in 2006 and Sarasota and New Bridge Polo and Country Club in Aiken, S.C. in 2007 during its heyday before it went on hiatus.

The first four WPL tournaments during the league‘s fourth season have thrilled fans, worldwide livestream viewing audiences and sponsors on world-class fields at Grand Champions, Santa Rita Polo Farm and Jan Pamela.

Last year‘s Triple Crown of Polo winner, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Pablo MacDonough and Paco de Narvaez) defeated Tamera (Ale Poma, Santi Torres, Diego Cavanaugh, Jejo Taranco), 11-10, for their third title of the WPL season. MacDonough was MVP.

In the season-opening 26-goal All-Star Challenge tournament, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) defeated White Birch (Chris Brant, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Mariano Aguerre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8), 17-12. Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

Juan Sanchez Elia.

Seminole Coconut Creek Casino (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 10, Juan Martin Zubia, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8) defeated Brookshire Polo (Scott Wood, 0, Rufino Bensadon, 8, Nic Roldan, 8, Pancho Bensadon, 7), 10-9, to capture the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial. Pieres was MVP.

In the Founders Cup, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) defeated Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 10, Juan Martin Zubia, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8), 13-9. De Narvaez was MVP.

During the 2021 WPL season, Richard Mille qualified for a record four championship finals, winning three of them.

The World Polo League, now in its fourth year and only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, has attracted a large international field from around the world. The world-class league will run through April 16. The World Polo League has preserved the highest level of polo and its rich tradition in the U.S.

Valentino Echezarreta and Fred Mannix.

After the Palm Beach Open concludes on Sunday with Catamount taking on Richard Mille at 4 p.m., the remaining WPL tournaments are the Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

The WPL‘s new Coco Cabana features polo fare, open bar, rose bar, cigar experience with Montecristo, Worth Avenue retail Pop-Up, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek giveaways and unique photo opportunities. Guests have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets at $250 per person inside the air-conditioned tent or a patio lounge for four guests at $1,000 which includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

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 at 4:45 p.m.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is coming off its most successful fall season. The club is hosting 23 tournaments from January through April.

Nic Roldan.

Grand Champions is also hosting various levels of polo. The high goal club tournaments feature the Sterling Cup, $100,000 World Cup and Santa Rita Abierto. There is also 16, 8 and 6-goal tournaments scheduled for April.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 27, 2022—In a thrilling opening game, Brookshire rallied in the final chukker to win its first game in the World Polo League‘s Triple Crown of Polo Tournament. Brookshire…

North America, Polo News

Richard Mille Stuns Audi, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Wins Palm Beach Open WPL Opener; Doubleheader Action On Saturday

21. March 2022

5WELLINGTON, Fla., March 19, 2022—In the biggest upset of the World Polo League season, Richard Mille knocked off previously unbeaten Audi while Seminole Casino Coconut Creek cruised to a victory over Brookshire Polo.

Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Paquito de Narvaez, 2, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10) stunned Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6), 12-11, in sudden death overtime Thursday at Grand Champions.

Nero scored the game-winner when he picked up a short pass and found an opening for a quick goal run at the 5:03 mark.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 10, Juan Martin Zubia, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8) controlled most of the game for an 11-9 victory over Brookshire Polo (Scott Wood, 0, Nic Roldan, 8, Rufino Bensadon, 8, Pancho Bensadon, 7) Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

On Saturday, WPL Bracket II action continues with a doubleheader, NetJets (0-1) plays Richard Mille (1-0) at 1 p.m. at Santa Rita. Pampa Norte Biotricity (1-0) plays Audi (0-1) at 5 p.m. at Grand Champions Field 3.

Audi was undefeated after winning back-to-back All-Star Challenge and Founders Cup tournaments.

Winning the early bowl-ins, Audi jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first chukker with penalty conversions from Ganzi and Jeta Castagnola and de Narvaez goal.

The second chukker was a complete turnaround for Richard Mille, winning every bowl-in, capitalizing on eight Audi fouls and being awarded two penalty ones for a 6-2 chukker and 6-5 lead. MacDonough scored the go-ahead goal on a 60-yard penalty conversion with 36 seconds left after Audi lost its challenge.

Pablo MacDonough and Barto Castagnola.

The lead changed hands three times before Audi regained the lead for a 9-7 halftime advantage.

Richard Mille outscored Audi, 4-2, in the second half while shutting Audi out in the fourth and fifth chukkers. Back-to-back goals by MacDonough cut Audi‘s lead to one, 9-8, and then tied 9-9 in the fifth chukker.

The lead changed hands three more times in the sixth chukker before Jeta Castagnola‘s 60-yard penalty conversion tied the game at 11-11 with less than a minute left. Both teams missed scoring opportunities sending the game into overtime.

For Richard Mille, Nero scored a game-high six goals. MacDonough added four goals. The team was also awarded two penalty ones. Jeta Castagnola led Audi with four goals, Ganzi had three, Barto Castagnola had two and de Narvaez added one goal.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek controlled the fast-paced game after 2-2 opening chukker. Ganzi, Pieres and Astrada was all the firepower needed for a 3-1 second chukker to take a 5-3 lead.

Santos Bollini.

The well-balanced team never relinquished the lead taking a 7-5 halftime advantage and leading 9-6 and 10-7 after the fourth and fifth chukkers.

Rufino Bensadon came up with a clutch steal and scored with 2:20 left to cut the lead to 10-9. Zubia, playing one of his best defensive games, won the following throw-in and after losing the ball intercepted Roldan‘s pass downfield for possession and started eating up the clock. With 49 seconds left, Brookshire Polo fouled and Pieres converted a 40-yard open goal penalty to ice the victory.

Pieres scored a game-high four goals including two penalty conversions. Zubia and Novillo Astrada each had three goals. Ganzi added one goal. For Brookshire Polo, Roldan and father and son Pancho and Rufino Bensadon each had three goals.

After successful All-Star Challenge, Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial and Founders Cup Tournaments, the Palm Beach Open features eight teams separated into two brackets of four with teams playing within the brackets. The top two teams in each bracket advance into the semifinals.

Marc Ganzi and Juan Martin Nero.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero) upset Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Pablo MacDonough, Paco de Narvaez), 12-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

During the 2021 WPL season, Richard Mille qualified for a record four championship finals, winning three of them.

Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Pancho Bensadon.

After the Palm Beach Open, the remaining WPL tournaments are the Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

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 at 4:45 p.m.

Gonzalito Pieres and Juan Martin Zubia.

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

Grand Champions is also hosting various levels of polo. 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‘s Top Pony 12-Goal tournament is currently under way.

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

The 6-goal schedule, after a successful Metropolitan Cup, continues with the Halo Polo Trophy and Madelon Bourdieu Memorial.

Rufino Bensadon.

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.

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.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

2022 World Polo League Palm Beach Open Schedule

Saturday 3/19
1pm NetJets vs Richard Mille at Santa Rita
5pm Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Audi at GCPC 3

Sunday 3/20
10am Seminole Casino Coconut Creek vs Alegria at GCPC 1
4pm Brookshire vs Catamount at GCPC 2

Monday 3/21
11am Richard Mille vs Pampa Norte Biotricity
4pm Audi vs NetJets

Tuesday 3/22
10am Catamount vs Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
2pm Alegria vs Brookshire

Thursday 3/24
Semifinals
10am & 4pm

Sunday 3/27
4pm Palm Beach Open Final

5WELLINGTON, Fla., March 19, 2022—In the biggest upset of the World Polo League season, Richard Mille knocked off previously unbeaten Audi while Seminole Casino Coconut Creek cruised to a victory…

North America, Polo News

Audi Captures Founders Cup For Second World Polo League Title; Paco de Narvaez Named MVP

15. March 2022

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 14, 2022 — Audi continues to dominate the World Polo League‘s fourth season.

Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) broke open a close game in the fifth chukker to defeat Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 10, Juan Martin Zubia, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 8), 13-9, Sunday at windswept Grand Champions Polo Club.

Audi finished the two-week, nine-team tournament undefeated with a 4-0 record. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, the wildcard entry, finished 2-2.

Paco de Narvaez.

„It feels really good to win another tournament,“ Ganzi said. „The team is functioning really well. Everyone played a long list of horses today so now it‘s about preserving the horses and making sure we can get to the next one and one more after that.“

Paco de Narvaez, playing one of his best games of the season, particularly in the second half, was named Most Valuable Player.

Nelita, played by Barto Castagnola, was selected the World Polo League Best Playing Pony.

Gonzalito Pieres and Barto Castagnola.

Open Lujuria, played by Gonzalito Pieres, was selected Associon Argentina Criadores de Caballo de polo.

Catwoman, played by Jeta Castagnola and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek jumped out to a 2-1 lead behind goals by Zubia and Pieres, the first of his five penalty conversions. Audi had a 2-1 second chukker with a Ganzi penalty conversion and goal by Jeta Castagnola to tie 3-3 after the second chukker.

Juan Martin Zubia and Jeta Castagnola.

Audi, dominating the bowl-ins, took a 7-5 halftime lead outscoring Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 4-2. Pieres cut Audi‘s lead to one, 7-6, with another penalty conversion but it was the closest Seminole Casino Coconut Creek would get.

Audi, winning 80 percent of the bowl-ins throughout the game, was a well-oiled machine in the fifth chukker with a 4-1 chukker and 11-7 lead headed into the final chukker.

DeNarvaez, working hard on defense setting up the Castagnola brothers, scored to open the sixth chukker for a 12-7 advantage. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek was unable to mount more than two offensive attacks for goals.

Guests enjoyed a delicious cake from Beth Townsend at Cake Effects Bakery.

„They had a couple of chances to go up by one or two and they missed a couple penalties,“ Ganzi said. „I think we‘ve always demonstrated that we can capitalize on other teams‘ mistakes. The boys jumped on a couple loose plays and we got two quick goals off two plays where they should have scored goals.

„If you think about it in a game that‘s pretty tight that‘s a four-goal swing really fast and I think that was the big difference. Both teams played really hard. It was a really close game. In the fifth chukker had they gotten those two penalty fours it‘s tied going into the sixth and it‘s anyone‘s game. Instead, we go the other way and we score a goal and get that two, three-goal cushion and it was tough for them to recover.“

„The Borin Brothers“ treated guests to live music during halftime.

Audi got balanced scoring from its lineup. Jeta Castagnola scored a team-high five goals. Barto Castagnola and Ganzi each had three goals and de Narvaez added two second-half goals.

Pieres scored a game-high six goals for Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Novilla Astrada had two goals and Zubia added one.

Last year Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola and de Narvaez were members of the winning Richard Mille team in the Founders Cup.

Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Jeta Castagnola, and Barto Castagnola.

Audi and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek advanced into the championship with one-goal wins in the semifinals.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek knocked off previously undefeated Brookshire Polo (Valentino Echezarreta, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Rufino Bensadon, 8, Pancho Bensadon, 7) in the final second, 8-7. Audi defeated defending champion Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Paquito de Narvaez, 2, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 10-9 in overtime.

Audi begins its quest for a third WPL title this week when it opens play Wednesday against Richard Mille. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek‘s first game is Thursday against Brookshire.

In the WPL season-opening 26-goal All-Star Challenge tournament, Audi defeated White Birch (Chris Brant, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Mariano Aguerre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8), 17-12. Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

Marc Ganzi.

During the 2021 WPL season, Richard Mille qualified for a record four championship finals, winning three of them. In the Palm Beach Open, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero) defeated Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Pablo MacDonough, Paco de Narvaez), 12-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

The World Polo League, now in its fourth year and only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, has attracted a large international field from around the world. The world-class league will run through April 16. The remaining WPL tournaments are the Palm Beach Open, currently underway; Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

MVP Paco de Narvaez.

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 at 4:45 p.m.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest 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 also hosting various levels of polo. The high goal club tournaments feature the Sterling Cup, $100,000 World Cup and Santa Rita Abierto.

Associon Argentina Criadores de Caballo de polo Open Lujuria played by Gonzalito Pieres.

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

After January‘s successful Aspen Valley Cup, the 8-goal tournament schedule continues with the Top Pony 8-Goal and Limited Edition 8-Goal. The 6-goal schedule, after a successful Metropolitan Cup, continues with the Halo Polo Trophy and Madelon Bourdieu Memorial.

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.

World Polo League Best Playing Pony Nelita, played by Barto Castagnola.

During fall, winter and spring seasons, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest club and ultimate polo destination with 18 well-manicured polo fields including 13 world-class tournament grade, 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.

American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony Catwoman, played by Jeta Castagnola.

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.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 14, 2022 — Audi continues to dominate the World Polo League‘s fourth season. Audi (Marc Ganzi, 2, Jeta Castagnola, 9, Barto Castagnola, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6)…

North America, Polo News

Stage Hill Wins Grand Champions Polo School Ladies League Final; Ava Hinkson Named MVP

25. February 2022

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 24, 2022–Stage Hill held off Running Iron and Spencer Ranch to capture the Grand Champions Polo School Ladies League Final Wednesday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Stage Hill (Ava Hinkson, 1, Ava Nunez, 1, Malicia van Falkenhausen, 2, Alyson Poor, 4) defeated Running Iron (Pamela Flanagan, 4, Ari Dogani, 2, Annalise Philips, 0, Rileigh Tibbott, 1), 2-1.5, and Spencer Ranch (Rachael Spencer, 0, Valentina Tarazona, 0, Marisa Bianchi, 4, Heather Soto, 4), 1-0. In the other matchup, Running Iron defeated Spencer Ranch, 4.5-1.

Hinkson, who just turned 18 on Feb. 19, was selected Most Valuable Player.

„I have been MVP a handful of times, but it‘s always such an honor to get it, especially today,“ Hinkson said. „There were so many other incredible women out there. I was really surprised.“

Ava Hinkson and Marisa Bianchi.

Foxy, played by Heather Soto in the first chukker, was Best Playing Pony.

„The February final went really well,“ said Ladies League co-founder Alina Carta. „The girls had so much fun. They had a great time. They are all super nice girls. We are really lucky.

„Ava played well today,“ Carta said. „She has been playing better and better. She is very engaged, very on the ball and quick. I thought she played consistent.“

Pamela Flanagan and Ava Nunez.

Hinkson, a home schooler, has been playing polo since she was 12. She has honed her skills in Polo Training Foundation tournaments and Polo School Ladies League games. She is also competing in the 8-Goal League at Grand Champions.

Hinkson comes from a horse family. Her family has a 60-acre horse farm in Ocala. Her father played polo for years and her mother competed in three-day eventing. She first tried her mom‘s sport and then started playing polo.

„I started with the PTF and fell in love with it,“ Hinkson said. „I am definitely committed. I have two full strings of horses now. It‘s a lot but I love it. I want to go as far as I can with it.“

Heather Soto.

Her first tournament was the 2015 WCT Finals created by Hall of Famer Sunny Hale, who took Hinkson under her wing.

„She was an incredible person,“ said Hinkson of Hale, who died in 2017. „I remember she took us to Adolfo Cambiaso‘s barn one day and shared so many experiences. She was such an icon to me. She always took time for everyone. She really helped me find my love for polo. After that 2015 event I knew this is what I wanted to do. I have just fallen in love with it.“

Hinkson played a key role in her team‘s success on Wednesday.

„That was such a fun game,“ Hinkson said. „I love playing out there so much with those girls. There was a lot of running.

Ava Nunez and Ari Dogani.

„The four of us really click together. It was really competitive games. You had to be on and be cooking. We were a little bit slow in the first half, but started coming along a lot better. I love playing with the other three girls. We get along really well, we all communicate really nicely. We play off each other‘s strengths which is something I really enjoy.“

The Grand Champions Polo School Women‘s League, now in its sixth year, continues to play a key role in developing women players. The league, for all levels of playing ability, is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. through April.

„I think it‘s definitely helped me, I really enjoy it,“ Hinkson said. „I played with Pam and Alyson and all these great women. They have really helped me on different things. Alyson tells me to work close to the man. Pam tells me she wants me to work with the ball more. They have all helped me round my game out. Every week I feel like I have gained a little more traction on putting everything together.“

The only full-time weekly women‘s polo league in the world was created by Carta, a polo pioneer and one of the highest ranked women in the U.S. in the 1980s, and Melissa Ganzi, Grand Champions Polo Club President, World Polo League co-founder and avid player. Ganzi is the first woman in history to win the prestigious 35th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz and first international woman to compete in the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo and earn MVP honors.

„It provides a place for them to really have fun, work on their game and play competitively,“ said Carta, who has several new players coming into the March League. „We have had a lot of new young girls.“

Pamela Flanagan and Ava Hinkson.

All team entry fees benefit The Polo School, a stand-alone USPA-sanctioned club located at the former Pony Express facility. The Polo School offers lessons to men, women and children of all ages and ability levels and offers scholarships.

The women‘s league, along with the March 30-April 3 WCT Finals at Grand Champions, honors Sunny Hale, the all-time greatest women‘s polo player, mentor and Hall of Famer.

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.

Valentina Tarazona and Ari Dogani.

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.

The world-class league will run through April 16. In addition to the All-Star Challenge which ends on Saturday with the final, the remaining tournaments are the Founders Cup, which will hold its draw on Thursday; 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.

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.

Valentina Tarazona and Ari Dogani.

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.

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.

Heather Soto and Best Playing Pony Foxy.

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 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.