Cowdray Park Polo Club

North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner of the Cowdray Gold Cup

27. July 2022

Both Ladies and Gold Cup Championships were Hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (July 20, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn. served again as the Official Apparel Partner of the Cowdray Gold Cup. The event was hosted at the historic Cowdray Park Polo Club from June 21 to July 17 and is considered one of the premier polo tournaments in the world. The Gold Cup players included some of the top names in the sport of polo, including 10-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres and Hilario Ulloa.

U.S. Polo Assn. created a Cowdray Park Capsule Collection that was sold exclusively on-site at the event in the merchandise store. The collection included U.S. Polo Assn.’s classic, sport-inspired style embellished with Cowdray colors and emblems featured on quarter zip hoodies, hats, short sleeve polos and T-shirts. In collaboration with Brand Machine Group (BMG), U.S. Polo Assn.’s brand partner in the U.K., the brand hosted social media contests, giveaways, and additional contests on-site for event attendees.

U.S. Polo Assn. also served as the Official Apparel Partner for the Ladies Championship, which took place July 4 to July 16 at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The iconic sport-inspired brand provided apparel for staff of both events and promoted both tournaments globally. U.S. Polo Assn. gifted the finalists of both the Gold Cup and Ladies Championships apparel from the brand’s newest line, USPA Pro. The USPA Pro line includes performance product for players, designed in collaboration with polo players.

“The historic Cowdray Gold Cup represents the tradition and heritage of the sport of polo, which is a shared distinction for U.S. Polo Assn.,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Cowdray Park Polo Club for this year’s events, to further connect with our U.K. consumers and sports fans who love our authentic, sport-inspired brand and the sport of polo.”

Inaugurated in 1956 and played on the illustrious Cowdray Estate boasting 16,500 acres, the Cowdray Gold Cup remains one of the most prestigious high-goal awards in the United Kingdom and globally today. Steeped in history and tradition and located in the heart of England, Cowdray Park is recognized as the Home of English Polo with its first competitive polo tournaments dating back to 1910.

“Our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. has been a significant success for the sport of polo in the U.K. and I look forward to continuing our work together for years to come,” said Andrew Swaffield, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club. “Our members and spectators were also thrilled that this year’s Cowdray Gold Cup featured an exclusive apparel collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn., the Cowdray Park Capsule Collection.”

Cowdray Park prides itself on its strong heritage of sporting excellence, welcoming some of the top polo players from around the world. Guests caught the action as VIPs or spectators and enjoy the highest level in the sport of polo while experiencing the English charm of Cowdray Park.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 190 countries worldwide. Today, U.S. Polo Assn. is ranked the 28th largest licensor in the world and within the top five sports licensors, according to License Global magazine’s 2022 list of “Top Global Licensors.” Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and its exclusive worldwide licensor. USPAGL manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand and is the steward of the USPA‘s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, the world’s leading digital platform with polo and lifestyle content. In addition, USPAGL partners with ESPN and beIN Sports globally to share the sport of polo broadcasts on television and on-demand to millions of viewers around the world. For more polo content visit globalpolo.com.

About Brand Machine Group–United Kingdom

The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports and outdoor brands including U.S. Polo Assn., across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories. With more than 35 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering quality product whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

Both Ladies and Gold Cup Championships were Hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (July 20, 2022) – U.S. Polo Assn. served again as the…

Europe, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Announced Official Apparel Partner of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship and British Ladies Open Championship

30. June 2021

Both Premier Events to be hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (June 29, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn. has announced it will serve as the Official Apparel Partner of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship. The event will be hosted at the historic Cowdray Park Polo Club from June 29 to July 25 and is considered one of the premier polo tournaments in the world. In collaboration with Brand Machine Group, the U.S. Polo Assn. brand partner in the U.K., the tournament will offer a sweepstakes to win tickets to attend, as well as official sport inspired apparel on-site.

The Gold Cup includes some of the top names in the sport of polo, including 10-goal players Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres and Hilario Ulloa. U.S. Polo Assn. will also serve as the Official Apparel Partner for the British Ladies Open Championship which takes place July 5 to July 17 at Cowdray Park Polo Club as well. In addition, the iconic sports brand will provide apparel for staff of both events as well as promote both tournaments globally.

“The historic Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship represents the heritage, tradition and competition of the sport of polo, and we are honored for U.S. Polo Assn. to partner with Cowdray Park Polo Club for this year’s event,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The U.K. is one of the most important and fastest growing markets in the world for our brand and this amazing venue provides us yet another opportunity to connect with the U.K. consumers and sports fans who love our authentic, sport-inspired brand.”

Inaugurated in 1956 and played on the illustrious Cowdray Estate boasting 16,500 acres, the Gold Cup remains one of the most prestigious high goal tournaments in the United Kingdom and globally today. Steeped in history and tradition and located in the heart of England, Cowdray Park is recognized as the Home of British Polo with its first competitive polo tournaments dating back to 1910. Cowdray Park prides itself on its strong heritage of sporting excellence welcoming some of the top polo players from around the world. Guests can catch the action as VIPs or spectators and enjoy the highest level in the sport of polo while experiencing the British charm of Cowdray Park.

“I’m delighted that Cowdray Park Polo Club and the U.S. Polo Assn. brand have entered into this partnership,” said Andrew Swaffield, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club. “Both organisations have such a rich polo heritage and I’m certain we will be able to collaborate on some special apparel items for our members and spectators to enjoy. I look forward to many years of successfully working together.”

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Both Premier Events to be hosted at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./MIDHURST, U.K. (June 29, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn. has announced it will serve as…

Europe, Polo News

King Power Gold Cup 2019

29. October 2019

In the final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019 at the Cowdray Park Polo Club the teams VS King Power of Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Ali Albwardy‘s Team Dubai faced each other.

To commemorate their beloved patron Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash at Leicester City FC Stadium in October 2018, Team King Power put the VS addition in front of his name. For VS King Power, Vichai‘s son ‚Top‘ Srivaddhanaprabha played alongside Polito Pieres, Marcos di Paola and Juan Martin Zubia. Team Dubai started with 16-year-old Camilo Castagnola, team captain Rashid Albwardy, Bartolomé Castagnola and Ignacio du Plessis.

After VS King Power took the lead in the first chukker, the brothers Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola scored three goals in the second run. With only one goal from Polito Pieres for VS King Power, the chukker ended with a 4-3 lead for Team Dubai. A fast and tough third Chukker equalised VS King Power, but Bartolomé Castagnola scored two goals to make Dubai 6-4 at the end of the first half.

In the fourth chukker, VS King Power was able to follow through with some successful actions to equal the score of 6-6. Another fantastic goal by Top Srivaddhanaprabha and a 30-yard penalty by Polito Pieres brought VS King Power into the lead 8-6. VS King Power also remained dominant in the fifth chukker and extended his lead to 10-7. But in the sixth round, the tide turned and Team Dubai passed their opponent 11-10 after scoring four goals. From now on, Rashid Albwardy and his team-mates did not let this lead be taken away.

With 13-12 Dubai finally won the King Power Gold Cup 2019. Jon Rudkin, director of Football for Leicester City FC, presented individual prizes to all players, referees and commentators before handing over the coveted Gold Cup to Rashid Albwardy.

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

© Thomas Wirth

In the final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019 at the Cowdray Park Polo Club the teams VS King Power of Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Ali Albwardy‘s Team Dubai faced…

Europe, Polo News

Cowdray Park: British Ladies Championship

29. October 2019

A total of eleven teams entered the British Ladies Polo Championships at Cowdray Park, running concurrently with the final phase of the King Power Gold Cup. Six teams were eligible for the 18 goal British Ladies Open Championship and five were entered into the 12 goal British Ladies Handicap Championship.

The 18 goal British Ladies Open Championship concluded with HH Sheika Maitha al Maktoum’s UAE team and Lila Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings reaching the final. Playing alongside Sheikha Maitha were Milly Hine, Hazel Jackson and Catalina Lavinia at Back. Hannah Parry-Jones took the number 1 position for Cowdray Vikings with Lila Pearson, Lottie Lamacraft and Sarah Wiseman at Back.

First mark on the scoreboard came from Sarah Wiseman for Cowdray Vikings. Wiseman won the ball from the next throw-in but a good clearance from Hine turned into attacking play from UAE. Lamacraft for Cowdray Vikings finally steered the ball away from UAE and raced away but her shot at goal missed. A whistle brought a free hit for Cowdray; Wiseman tapped the ball on but Millie Hine pounced on it giving Hazel Jackson the chance to charge forward and equalize as the chukka bell sounded. In a pacey second chukka, there was plenty of action but little in the way of goals, Millie Hine finally seeing the ball between the posts to take UAE 2-1 ahead at half time.

Catalina Lavinia raced away to score for UAE in the first minute of the second half. Sarah Wiseman failed to score from a 60 yard penalty and a good cut shot from Hazel Jackson also went wide but she didn’t miss on her next attempt and UAE were 4-1 ahead by the close of the third chukka. In the final chukka, Hine kept up the pressure on Sarah Wiseman who found it difficult to play her usual strong game. A 30 yard penalty awarded to UAE enabled Sheikha Maitha to increase her side’s score to 5-1 and a lovely run to goal by Hazel Jackson gave UAE a final score of 6-1.

Mrs Diana Wiseman presented the winners’ silver salver to Sheikha Maitha and prizes of luxury leather bags generously sponsored by Aspinal of London to the players. Kala owned and played by Hazel Jackson was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize and her pony Farsons picked up the RoR award for best re-trained racehorse.
The prize for Best Horsemanship, presented by Aurora Eastwood, went to Lottie Lamacraft.

In the 12 goal British Ladies Handicap Championship Final, Coombe Place met Carlton House. Sophie Kenna played at 1 for Coombe Place with Sammy Luff at number 2, Dayna Waechter at 3 and Lottie Lamacraft at Back, making up an 11 goal team. Carlton House’s line-up comprised Rebecca Servaes at number 1, Hannah Parry-Jones at 2, Alice Servaes at 4 and Stephanie Haverhals at Back, making a 12 goal team and giving Coombe Place a half-goal advantage on the scoreboard to start the match.

Hannah Parry-Jones scored for Carlton House in the first chukka. Alice Servais went on to make two field goals for her side in the second chukka taking them to a 3-½ goal lead. However a 40 yard penalty gave Lamacraft for Coombe Place the chance to recoup a goal and the first half ended with Carlton House ahead 3-1½. Fortunes changed in the second half with Lamacraft making a great field goal and another from Waechter taking Coombe Place into a half goal lead of 3½-3. Try as they might Carlton House could not pull back and a lovely third goal from Lottie Lamacraft gave the victory to Coombe Place on 4½-3. Sehr Ahmad presented the prizes generously sponsored by Aspinal of London, the Best Playing Pony of the match was judged to be Yonkie owned and played by Stephanie Haverhals who also picked up the prize for Best Horsemanship presented by Aurora Eastwood.

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

© Thomas Wirth

A total of eleven teams entered the British Ladies Polo Championships at Cowdray Park, running concurrently with the final phase of the King Power Gold Cup. Six teams were eligible…

Europe, Polo News

Thrilling final of the King Power Gold Cup 2019

25. July 2019

Two exciting semi-Finals between VS King Power and Park Place and Dubai and Scone Polo saw victories for Top Srivaddhanaprabha’s VS King Power team and Ali Albwardy’s Dubai taking them to Sunday’s Final. The two sides last met in a Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park in 2014.

VS King Power, who have added VS to the team’s name in memory of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who lost his life in a helicopter crash at Leicester City FC stadium in October 2018, altered their line-up for the Final. Vichai’s son ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha played at number 1 as usual, but Polito Pieres took the number 2 slot, Marcos di Paola moving up to 3 and Juan Martin Zubia playing at Back. Dubai kept their line-up unchanged with 16 year old Camilo Castagnola at 1, Rashid Albwardy at 2, Bartolomé Castagnola at 3 and Ignacio du Plessis at Back.

Chukka 1 opened with Pieres immediately on the attack, his first attempt at goal going wide. A couple of minutes of frantic action resulted in a penalty being awarded to Dubai which Camilo Castagnola sent from 30 yards to secure the opening goal of the match for his side. A lovely steal by Polito was the making of goal number 2, with Zubia picking up the ball and sending it between the posts. Polito won the ball from the throw in and tore all the way to Dubai’s end to make it 2-1 for King Power to close the chukka.

Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola produced three goals in chukka 2, and, with just one from Pieres for VS King Power, the chukka ended with Dubai 4-3 ahead. A fast and tough chukka 3 saw a spot penalty awarded to KVS King Power right in front of Dubai’s goal, which Polito sent through to equalize, but Bartolomé answered with two goals for Dubai and at the end of the first half the score stood at 6-4 in Dubai’s favour.

The massive crowd went out to tread-in, so large in fact that the commentators’ cries for them to return to their seats were swamped by the excited spectators’ comments. When the fourth chukka got underway, a fantastic piece of play saw Polito Pieres leave the ball for Zubia who obliged with a huge lofted shot to score goal number 11 for VS King Power. Rashid Albwardy won the ball from the throw-in but di Paola grabbed it back, Zubia stopped Bartolomé from snatching it while Marcos came through and passed to Top who made a superb goal to even the scores on 6-6. Another fantastic goal from Top and King Power were ahead. A 30 yard penalty awarded to King Power just as the chukka was drawing to a close enabled Polito Pieres to extend the lead to 8-6.

A frantic fifth chukka saw spot penalties produce a goal for each side before a fantastic shot, hit from way back, saw Polito Pieres take VS King Power on to 10-7. His next goal came from a 60 yard penalty and it was 11-7 in VS King Power’s favour. Dubai won the next throw-in but with Bartolomé challenged by Pieres, his young brother coolly slipped through and scored, the chukka ending at 11-8 to VS King Power. The sixth chukka opened with a swift goal from Camilo, then it was his brother’s turn to shoot a mighty goal. Camilo won the ball from the throw-in and there was a scramble in front of VS King Power’s goal which resulted in a whistle. Bartolomé calmly sent the ball through the posts from 60 yards and it was 11-11. The excitement in the crowd was palpable. VS King Power won the throw-in and Polito scored to take his side into the lead again. Top saved the ball from Dubai’s next attempt at goal, but, aided by the power of du Plessis, Bartolomé was able to find a way through and even the scores at 12-12 before the whistle blew.

The match went into a seventh chukka and started with a throw-in. Away went Zubia with the ball, but du Plessis was having none of it and struck out for the other end. Top made a great clearance, the ball taken on by Marcos di Paola, Polito Pieres and then Zubia who raced away to Dubai’s goal only to send the ball wide. In came the ball from the back line and off down the boards raced Bartolomé, the wonderfully intuitive combination with his brother which we have seen throughout this Gold Cup tournament coming to the fore as Camilo dived forward with the ball and put it through. Dubai had won the King Power Gold Cup on a score of 13-12 in truly breathtaking finish.

Jon Rudkin, Director of Football for Leicester City FC, presented individual prizes to all players, the tournament umpires and commentators before handing the coveted Gold Cup to Rashid Albwardy, son of the Dubai patron. The Most Valuable Player of the match award went to Polito Pieres of VS King Power, Open Chacota, owned and played by Top Srivaddhanaprabha, was voted Best Playing Patron’s Pony, and Rebalde, owned and played by Camilo Castagnola, was awarded Best Playing Pony of the match, with a rug presented by The Hon Lila Pearson.

Following the match, Ali Albwardy, patron of Dubai said, “It was such an exciting match. I’m proud of all the boys in this young team, they played fantastically – in fact, both teams had a wonderful match. The game was entertaining to watch, hard, fast and exactly what polo should be. I thank Cowdray Park Polo Club for their fantastic organization of the tournament.”

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Photo: Mark Beaumont

Two exciting semi-Finals between VS King Power and Park Place and Dubai and Scone Polo saw victories for Top Srivaddhanaprabha’s VS King Power team and Ali Albwardy’s Dubai taking them…

Europe, Polo News

Cowdray Park Polo Club opens its 2019 season

8. April 2019

Cowdray Park Polo Club opens its 2019 season on 27^th April with over 400 thrilling matches taking place before the season ends on 22^nd September.

An early highlight is the Trippetts Challenge for the James Wentworth Stanley Cup played as the first fixture of the UK ‘high goal’ season. As the name implies, ‘high goal’ is the highest level of polo and spectators will get their first view of the leading international players in action when the Trippetts Challenge opens on 9^th May leading to the Final on 19^th May.

The King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship, Europe’s leading tournament, opens on 25^th June with nine different trophies being presented during four weeks of full-on action. One of the trophies to be played for is the Midhurst Town Cup on Sunday 30^th June, when brilliant polo and a family day out are offered to local spectators for a special price. Admission is just £5 per adult, under 12s free, and a selection of entertainments, stalls, food and bars make for a great introduction to the sport. Newcomers to polo can expect a warm welcome and a fun, informal day.

Gold Cup action ramps up through the Argentine Ambassador’s Cup on 7^th July, Quarter Finals, including the Hungarian Ambassadors Cup and the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Cup, over the weekend of 13^th/14^th July, Semi Finals on 17^thJuly and the high octane Final on Sunday 21^st July. Finals day is a gala occasion when you can expect to find a fabulous shopping village, carousels, food outlets and bars as well as pre-match entertainment. Picnics and fizz are very much the order of the day! The all-important British Ladies Polo Championship also reaches its conclusion on Saturday 20^th July.

The season continues with hard-fought matches over the weekend of 3^rd/4^th August when three Finals and six subsidiary finals in the Harrison, Holden White and Cowdray Challenge Cups are played. And don’t miss Friday night polo on 7^thJune and 16^th August when you can watch an exciting match at 5.30 pm, access to the Members Bar and food stalls and fantastic live music with Brando and The Tommy Guns respectively,. Admission at the gate for non-members is £5 on the night.

Polo continues every weekend right up to the season’s close so why not take a picnic and enjoy everything that the thrilling sport and the club’s amazing location have to offer?

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Cowdray Park Polo Club opens its 2019 season on 27th April with over 400 thrilling matches taking place before the season ends on 22nd September. An early highlight is the Trippetts…

Europe, Polo News

Cowdray launches Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Cup

4. December 2018

Following the tragic loss of King Power Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash at the King Power football stadium in Leicester on Saturday 27^thOctober, Cowdray Park Polo Club announces the launch of the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Cup in 2019.

The new trophy will be presented for the first time to the winning team of the Quarter Final match in the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship taking place at 3.00 pm on Sunday 14^thJuly 2019, and thereafter annually.

The King Power Foxes polo team won the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship in 2015, 2016 and 2017, having first entered the Gold Cup in 2014. In 2018 Cowdray Park Polo Club was delighted to see King Power take over sponsorship of the prestigious 22 goal British Open in a three year contract.

Club Chairman Roderick Vere Nicoll comments: “We know that Vichai Srivaddhahaprabha loved being at Cowdray Park with his King Power team that included his sons ‘Top’ and ‘Tal’ in alternate years. We are honoured to be marking his polo legacy by playing for his trophy during the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship.”

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Photo: Mark Beaumont

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha with his sons ‘Top’ and ‘Tal’ alongside Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres.

Following the tragic loss of King Power Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash at the King Power football stadium in Leicester on Saturday 27th October, Cowdray Park Polo Club announces the…

Europe, Polo News

Epic win for El Remanso in the King Power Gold Cup

23. July 2018

Epic win for El Remanso in the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship. Approaching 15,000 spectators gathered to watch the Final of the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park on Sunday 22^nd July in arguably one of the most thrilling Finals of recent times.

Following two spectacular Semi Final matches four days earlier, the Hanbury family’s El Remanso team faced up to Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco and few would have been confident enough to predict the outcome. El Remanso comprised the close-knit line-up of four Englishmen, Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper, playing to the same line-up as 2017 when they reached the Final but lost to King Power. Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco side comprised the enormous talent of 3 goal player Byron Watson, with Polito Pieres substituting for an injured David Stirling and 10 goaler Juan Martin Nero at Back. The popular home-based El Remanso team had come through the tournament without dropping a match but it was not to be plain sailing for the Englishmen as the game changed fortunes between the first and second halves.

The Patron, Charlie Hanbury, playing the match of his life, stormed away from the first throw-in to mark the scoreboard with the opening goal. His second goal of the match gave El Remanso a 3-2 lead to close the first chukka. With no answers from La Bamba during the second chukka, El Remanso went into the third with a lead of 4-2, consolidating the lead at 6-4 at half time.

The second half opened with a hit-in from Watson for La Bamba de Areco, Beim returned the ball which Nero tried to secure but Harper won the ball and his neat back-hand shot took El Remanso on to 7-4. However, the tables began to turn as exciting play from Watson for La Bambe de Areco, strong attacking play by Pieres and the gift of two 30 yard penalties which Juan Martin Nero had little difficulty in sending through, saw La Bamba finally ahead at 12-10 by the close of the fifth chukka.

The action raced on through the final chukka, with El Remanso fighting for every ball. Awarded a 30 yard penalty, Ollie Cudmore sent the ball between the posts to pull the side up to within a goal of their opponents. Beim won the ball from the throw-in and great teamwork saw Harper move it on and Hanbury then leave it for Harper who coolly sent it between the posts. To an enormous cheer from the crowd, the scores were level on 12-12. Cudmore took the ball away from the throw-in and, challenged by Decaux, he carried on going but the ball went out. Nero for La Bamba de Areco passed the ball to his patron but Decaux failed to get the goal they desperately sought. Harper brought the ball in and sent it to Beim who, despite being challenged, calmly turned it and found Cudmore who sent it between for posts for El Remanso as the final bell sounded. It was the sweetest victory for El Remanso and the crowd went wild.

A new prize for the Best Playing Patron’s Pony, donated by sponsors King Power, was presented by Marcos di Paola of King Power to Charlie Hanbury’s pony Lovelocks Sex, the award for Best Playing Pony of the match, presented by the Hon Lila Pearson, went to Blanca Nueve, owned by Pelon Stirling and played by Polito Pieres. Jon Rudkin, Director of Football for Leicester City Football Club, owned by sponsors King Power, stepped forward to present individual and team prizes on behalf of King Power. Charlie Hanbury was voted Most Valuable Player of the Final with four brilliant goals to his credit. As well as generous prizes to both finalists and winners, John Rudkin also presented gifts to the four umpires who had done stirling work through the four weeks of the British Open campaign. The commentators, Karl Ude Martinez and John Kent, were also presented with gifts. Corinne Ricard, on behalf of Pernod-Ricard, presented a Jeroboam of Perrier-Jouët, Cowdray Park’s Official Champagne, to the winning Patron, Charlie Hanbury. Finally Jon Rudkin presented the Gold Cup to a proud Charlie Hanbury who shared the moment with his parents Christopher and Bridget.

Roderick Vere-Nicoll, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club said: “This was a tremendous day for the club – a great crowd, great sponsors, great weather, a wonderful vibe and superb polo from both sides. If it was a Hollywood script, we couldn’t have written it better.”

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Epic win for El Remanso in the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship. Approaching 15,000 spectators gathered to watch the Final of the King Power Gold Cup…

Europe, Polo News

APPL huge success as 40-Goal Match dazzles crowds

27. June 2018

History was made at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Saturday, June 23rd, as the All Pro Polo League (APPL) gave the club its first ever 40-goal match. Eight 10-goal players took to the field to showcase a set of rules, proposed by APPL founder Javier Tanoira, which intend to make polo a more dynamic and spectator friendly sport. Saturday’s event proved that Tanoira’s vision has the potential to transform modern-day polo.

Action kicked off at 4:30 pm with an 18-goal “Young Guns” battle, which saw up-andcoming players from England, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Australia play a competitive, fast flowing match. Kings and Hurlingham Polo 1875 fought hard to claim the victory, but Kings managed to score in the last minute to win 7-6. “The rules are really simple and well thought out,” shares Hurlingham Polo 1875 Captain Jack Richardson. “I loved the hit-ins after the goal because it keeps the game flowing, and from what people said on the sidelines it was entertaining to watch. It was amazing to play on Lawns 1 and there was a really good crowd there.”

Up next, eight of the world’s best players rode onto Lawns 1. Representing Hurlingham Polo 1875 were Facundo Pieres, Pelon Stirling, Gonzalo Pieres and Juan Martin Nero. They took on Cowdray Park, composed of Polito Pieres, Sapo Caset, Hilario Ulloa, and Nico Pieres. The 10-goalers put on a fantastic spectacle, much to the delight of the viewers, many of whom had never witnesses this level of polo before. After six full speed chukkas, Cowdray took the win to claim the APPL Eagle trophy.

“It was a great event and it was a lot of fun to play 40-goal polo,” says Cowdray Captain Sapo Caset. “I had never played that level here in England and it was a pleasure to do so. We have been working on the rules and improving certain aspects of the league to make it better for spectators, players, and horses. This is my third APPL event this year and I am very happy to be a part of it. The feedback between the players and Javier is very positive. He is always open to new ideas, which is great because at the end of the day we all want the best for the sport.”

“We are very happy,” says Tanoira. “It was a historic day for the APPL and for Cowdray. Both exhibitions were fantastic to watch. The 10-goalers played hard and fast, it was clear both sides wanted to win. It was the best possible way of showcasing the rules. I got a lot of positive feedback from people who are very involved with polo. I want to thank everyone who worked to make this event a success.”

Roderick Vere Nicoll, Chariman of Cowdray Park Polo Club and an early supporter of the APPL, recognised the significance of the event: “What a tremendous day for polo at Cowdray! I salute Javier Tanoira for his vision. What better endorsement than to have eight of the world’s best players play under the APPL rules! I would like to thank the players and their patrons for allowing them to play on the eve of the Gold Cup. There was a wonderful vibe and I hope we can do it again next year!”

www.allpropololeague.com

“Young Guns” Battle:

KINGS (18 goals)
O Cork (2)
S Stirling (5)
B Castagnola (6)
P Villela (5)

HURLINGHAM POLO 1875 (18 goals)
T Brodie (4)
J Daniels (4)
J Richardson (7)
F Horne (3)

40-GOAL Challenge:

COWDRAY PARK (40 gols)
P Pieres (10)
H Ulloa (10)
G Caset (10)
N Pieres (10)

HURLINGHAM POLO 1875 (40 goals)
F Pieres (10)
D Stirling (10)
G Pieres (10)
J M Nero (10)

History was made at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Saturday, June 23rd, as the All Pro Polo League (APPL) gave the club its first ever 40-goal match. Eight 10-goal players took…

Europe, Polo News

12 Teams for the King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park

21. June 2018

12 Teams compete at the King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park from 26 June to 22 July 2018. The Draw for the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship was held in the historic surrounds of Cowdray House on the evening of 11 June. The recent signing of Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor team brings the number of entries for the 2018 British Open Polo Championship, to twelve.

Last year’s finalists El Remanso return with the same all-English player line-up of Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper. Michael Bickford’s La Indiana returns with the addition of Facundo Pieres, and with Alec White also a newcomer to the side. Nic Roldan continues as the team’s number 3. Past winner Jean-Francois Decaux has a completely new team with Pelon Stirling, Juan Martin Nero and Byron Watson joining his La Bamba de Areco side. Ben Soleimani retains Rodrigo de Andrade and adds Sapo Caset and Min Podesta to his RH team.

Talandracas returns with Hugues Carmignac replacing his father Edouardo and a new line-up comprising Fran Elizalde, Julian de Lusaretta and Alejandro Muzzio. Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso is back with Ignacio and Santiago Tocccalino and the addition of Juan Martin Zubia. Harald Link brings back Thai Polo with Guillermo Terrera, Joaquin Pittaluga and Jaime Huidobro. Playing alongside Spencer McCarthy in the Emlor team will be Agustin Merlos, Diego Cavanagh and team regular Nacho Gonzales. Park Place is the team of Andrey Borodin who enters the Gold Cup for the first time with Hilario Ulloa, Juan Britos and Tommy Beresford.

Three other teams feature young English players. The Alfi Investments polo team of Alshair Fiyaz, entering the Gold Cup for the first time, sees Jack Hyde playing alongside cousins Polito Pieres and Nico Pieres. Adolfo Cambiaso features in Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente side along with Christian Laprida and Englishman Hugo Lewis. The Murus Sanctus team sees Corinne Ricard, the only woman playing in the Gold Cup, joined by Facundo Sola, Gonzalito Pieres and English player Ed Hitchman.

The Draw saw the four semi-finalists in the Queens Cup drawn and placed at the head of Leagues A,B,C,D. A representative of each team entered in the King Power Gold Cup then came forward to draw a place within the Leagues.

Highlights of the Draw may be seen on cowdraypolo.tv. The King Power Gold Cup opens on Tuesday 26 June with Quarter Finals on 14/15 July, Semi Finals on 18 July and the Final on 22 July. The schedule of matchplay will follow shortly.

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

King Power Gold Cup Teams

King Power Gold Cup 2018 match schedule

12 Teams compete at the King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park from 26 June to 22 July 2018. The Draw for the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open…