Founders Cup

Audi Captures Founders Cup In Overtime Thriller; Jeta Castagnola Named MVP
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WELLINGTON, Fla., March 13, 2023—Audi won the battle of unbeatens to defend its title and capture the World Polo League‘s Founders Cup Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

After dominating most of the game, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) needed an overtime chukker to defeat Richard Mille (Patricio Mayor, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10) 14-13.

Audi finished the eight-team tournament undefeated with a 5-0 record. Richard Mille finished 4-1.

Richard Mille was playing with a makeshift lineup after losing two starters to injuries in the semifinals. Patricio Mayor replaced patron Gilberto Sayao and Lucas James replaced Alejandro Novillo Astrada.

Down by as many as five goals (13-8) late in the fifth chukker, Richard Mille scored three goals in the first two minutes of the sixth chukker with Mayor scoring the tying goal with 4:10 left. Both teams had scoring opportunities in the final minutes of regulation play but it took a 30-yard penalty conversion by Ganzi to clinch the win in overtime.

„That sixth chukker happened so quick I don‘t know what happened,“ Roldan said. „We kind of got comfortable. They scored two quick goals and came out really strong in that sixth chukker and we were a little bit soft.

„But look, at the end of the day we won and we‘re happy about that because we know we played well and we deserved it,“ Roldan said. „It‘s always good to be on the podium and it was fun to win. Our team feels good and everyone is playing great. It‘s a fun team to play with.“

Jeta Castagnola was named Most Valuable Player. „Jeta is just an animal,“ Roldan said.

Three horses earned Best Playing Pony honors.

Open Sauza, played by Gonzalito Pieres in the second and sixth chukkers, was awarded the Polo Argentino Best Playing Pony.

Irenita Pizza, played by Pablo MacDonough in the third and sixth chukkers, was the World Polo League Best Playing Pony.

Catwoman, played by Jeta Castagnola in the second, fourth and seventh chukkers was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony.

Until the sixth chukker Audi looked to be in the driver‘s seat with its fast-paced aggressive offensive attack, winning nine throw-ins to Richard Mille‘s four in the first half. Audi had at least a two-goal cushion in the first three chukkers and led 7-5 at the half.

Audi looked even stronger in the fourth and fifth chukkers with its good rotation and positioning on the field. Audi dominated plays and moved the ball well and built a 13-8 lead with 1:02 left in the fifth chukker before Richard Mille clawed its way back to force an overtime chukker.

Ganzi scored a game-high seven goals including six penalty conversions and the game-winner. Castagnola added three goals, Mannix had two and Roldan one.

Gonzalito Pieres and Pablo MacDonough each scored five goals for Richard Mille. Mayor and James each had one. The team was also awarded a penalty-one.

Audi outshot Richard Mille, 21-18, including 11-8 in the first half. Audi dominated throw-ins, 9-4 in the first half, and 17-11 overall. Richard Mille led in fouls 11-9, with Audi converting seven of those penalties (four 30-yarders, two 40-yarders and one 60-yarder).

In the semifinals, Audi advanced with a 15-12 win over Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Sapo Caset, 10, Santi Toccalino, 8) and Richard Mille advanced with a 14-10 victory over All-Star Challenge tournament champion Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomas Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7).

In last year‘s 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.

The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The remaining WPL events are the Palm Beach Open which gets under way this week, Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

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

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

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

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, Fla., March 13, 2023—Audi won the battle of unbeatens to defend its title and capture the World Polo League‘s Founders Cup Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club. After dominating…
Audi, Richard Mille Meet Sunday In Founders Cup Final; Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday
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WELLINGTON, Fla., March 11, 2023— Audi will attempt to defend its title while Richard Mille looks for its first title of the season in the championship final of the World Polo League‘s Founders Cup Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Game time for the battle of unbeatens is 4 p.m. for the feature game. Sunday is also the first day of Daylight Saving Time where clocks spring forward one hour welcoming an extra hour of sunlight in the spring and summer.

In Friday‘s semifinal action, defending champion Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) looked impressive in its 15-12 victory over Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Sapo Caset, 10, Santi Toccalino, 8) to remain undefeated at 4-0. Kaia Polo finished 3-1 in its WPL tournament debut.

„It was a good victory and we‘re very happy and excited,“ Roldan said. „We had a slow start to the season but we understand each other now. The four of us are really jelling much better. Sunday will be an exciting game.

„We played against them in the first tournament, we know what we have to do,“ Roldan said. „They are a very good team. It‘s going to be a tough game, but we are feeling really good and confident.“

Audi‘s offensive attack and solid four-man rotation broke open a close first half with Audi leading, 8-6. Trailing 5-4 after two chukkers, Audi outscored Kaia Polo, 4-1, in the third to lead at halftime. Audi had three quick scores before the courtesy change at 4:03.

„I think the first chukker and a half they had much more control of the game,“ Roldan said. „We were chasing and didn‘t get much possession of the ball. But I think we started to organize ourselves better in the third chukker and scored a few goals and were able to get a lead. We were able to turn it up in the last three chukkers.

„It was a tough game, they were a good, very solid team. We played well. We didn‘t make stupid fouls or give away easy goals. We focused on our positions today and it worked out.“

Audi continued to control the momentum in the second half increasing its lead to 10-8 after a 2-2 fourth chukker. Audi shut out Kaia Polo, 3-0 in the fifth chukker to extend its lead, 13-8. Audi had a seven-goal lead, 15-8, midway in the sixth chukker before Kaia Polo scored the last four goals of the game in the final three minutes.

Ganzi led scoring with a team-high six goals including three penalty conversions. „The Cobra was on fire today,“ Roldan said. „He had a great game, hit some good penalties, scored some important goals from the field and made some important defensive plays as well.“

Castagnola had five goals and Roldan added four. Caset had a game-high nine goals for Kaia Polo and Toccalino had two in the final chukker. Kaia Polo also received one goal on handicap.

Audi outshot Kai Polo, 23-15, and led in throw-ins, 13-11. Kaia Polo led in knock-ins, 8-4. Audi took advantage of Kaia Polo‘s eight fouls, converting three 30-yarders and one 60-yarder.

In the second semifinal game, Richard Mille (Milo MacDonough, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10) avenged its All-Star Challenge finals loss, with a 14-10 victory over Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomas Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) to remain undefeated at 4-0.

The game marked the starting debut of 13-year-old Milo MacDonough, the youngest player to start and compete in the five-year history of the 26-goal World Polo League.

MacDonough, the son of 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough, replaced an injured patron Gilberto Sayao in the fourth chukker of the Kaia Polo game and got the starting nod for the semifinals. Lucas James replaced an injured Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Despite two new players in the lineup, Richard Mille adapted quickly.

After a 2-2 opening chukker, Richard Mille led for the rest of the game. Richard Mille shut out Casablanca, 3-0, in the second chukker for a 5-2 lead. Casablanca regained its momentum in a 3-3 third chukker but Richard Mille still had a three-goal cushion at the half, 8-5.

Casablanca continued to dig itself out of a hole with a 1-0 fourth chukker but Richard Mille seemed to have an answer for everything Casablanca tried in the final two chukkers. Richard Mille maintained its rhythm and continued to rotate well. Casablanca had scoring opportunities but was unable to capitalize at the penalty line and from the field.

MacDonough, who has been playing  Polo Training Foundation and low goal tournaments, made a smooth transition playing against the best players in the world at the 26-goal level. He finished as his team‘s leading scorer with five goals in the final two chukkers.

In addition to Milo MacDonough‘s five goals, James had four goals, Pieres had three and Pablo MacDonough added two. For Casablanca, Castagnola had six goals. Ganzi and Bray each had two.

Richard Mille outshot Casablanca, 24-20. Casablanca dominated the throw-ins, 16-10, but couldn‘t capitalize. Each team had 10 knock-ins and Richard Mille led in fouls, 9-8.

In last year‘s 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.

The second World Polo League tournament featured eight teams in bracket play. 

The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

„This is probably one of the best years team-wise for the WPL,“ Roldan said. „All the teams are very evenly matched. It‘s been very competitive and fun.“

The world-class league will run through April 16. In addition to the Founders Cup final on Sunday, the remaining WPL events are the  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  tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, weekly Polo School Ladies League play, WCT Finals 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   $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, Sieber Memorial, John T. Oxley Memorial and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including 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).

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.

2023 World Polo League Founders Cup Schedule

Sunday 3/12
4pm – WPL Founders Cup Final
Richard Mille vs Audi
GCPC 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
WELLINGTON, Fla., March 11, 2023— Audi will attempt to defend its title while Richard Mille looks for its first title of the season in the championship final of the World…
Kaia Polo Remains Undefeated In WPL Founders Cup; Sapo Caset Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors
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WELLINGTON, Fla., March 6, 2023—Kaia Polo, making its debut in the 26-goal World Polo League, remains undefeated in the Founders Cup.

Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Sapo Caset, 10, Santi Toccalino, 8) led for most of the game to knock off Brookshire Polo (Scott Wood, 0, Pipe Vercellino, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Jero del Carril, 8), 10-8, in the Sunday feature game at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Ten-goaler and playmaker Sapo Caset, also making his WPL debut, scored a team-high five goals and was named Most Valuable Player. His fifth chukker horse, Don Urbano Penalty, was selected WPL Best Playing Pony. „Sapo is such a great captain,“ Austin said.

Kaia Polo is now 2-0 after defeating Pampa Norte Biotricity, 14-13, and Brookshire, two seasoned teams with WPL experience.

„I‘m very happy with the chemistry of the team organized by Nick Manifold,“ said Austin, who named his team Kaia after his Rhodesian Ridgeback. His first polo team, Zuma Polo, was name after his first Rhodesian Ridegback. „They are fast, graceful animals with a gait similar to a horse so I thought it was very fitting for a polo team.“

The teams started off with a 1-1 opening chukker with Pieres, after Zubiaurre turned away his first goal attempt, converted a safety-60 for its only lead of the game, 1-0. Three minutes later, Toccalino scored to tie the game.

For the next five chukkers it was all Kaia Polo with its accurate shooting, opportunistic defense and selfless leadership of Caset, setting up goals for his teammates.

Kaia Polo led 4-2 after the second chukker and 5-3 at the half. The stats were close in the first half between the two well-balanced teams. Kaia Polo outshot Brookshire, 8-7; led in knock-ins, 4-3, throw-ins, 6-4; and fouls, 4-2. All three of Brookshire‘s goals were penalty conversions.

Kaia Polo, with great chemistry and anticipation, continued its momentum in the second half. Brookshire changed its rotation in the second half but was still unable to take advantage of its scoring opportunities.

Kaia Polo led 6-3 after the fourth chukker and led by as much as four (7-3, 9-5) and five goals (8-3, 9-4, 10-5) in the fifth chukker. Brookshire scored its first second-half goal with 4:57 left in the fifth when Vercellino took the throw-in and scored. Brookshire kept attacking in the final chukker outscoring Kaia Polo, 3-0, but it wasn‘t enough to beat the rookie team.

In addition to Caset‘s five goals, Zubiaurre and Toccalino each had two goals. There was also a pony goal.

Vercellino led Brookshire with a team-high five goals, including three penalty conversions. Pieres added two goals and del Carril had one.

 

In the final stats, Brookshire outshot Kaia Polo, 18-14, but Kaia Polo led in knock-ins, 10-4, and throw-ins, 10-9. Kaia Polo led in fouls, 9-6, with Brookshire scoring off three of those penalties from 30, 40 and 60 yards out in the first half.

In other games this past week: Richard Mille edged Brookshire, 9-8; Audi defeated Casablanca, 15-11; Casablanca topped Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen, 11-6; Audi defeated Travieso, 14-13; and Richard Mille nipped Pampa Norte Biotricity, 12-11.

The second World Polo League tournament features eight teams in bracket play.

The WPL, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

The popular WPL has been filling  the void created when the U.S. Polo Association, the sport‘s governing body, announced it was lowering high goal polo to 18-22 goals and would not have 26-goal polo.

In the 2022 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.

In addition to the Founders Cup, other WPL tournaments are the Palm Beach Open, Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach. The world-class league runs through April 16.

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

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting  tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, women‘s weekly league play 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 Sieber Memorial, currently underway; $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament,  John T. Oxley Memorial, WCT Finals and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including World Polo League Polo Pride, Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails and Great Futures Polo Day featuring Celebrity Polo.

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

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

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

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

2023 World Polo League Founders Cup Schedule

Tuesday 3/7
11am  Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen vs Audi
4pm Travieso vs Casablanca

Wednesday 3/8
11am  Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Brookshire
2pm  Kaia Polo vs Richard Mille

Friday 3/10
11am  WPL Founders Cup Semifinal 1
4pm  WPL Founders Cup Semifinal 2

Sunday 3/12
4pm – WPL Founders Cup Final

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
WELLINGTON, Fla., March 6, 2023—Kaia Polo, making its debut in the 26-goal World Polo League, remains undefeated in the Founders Cup. Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Sapo…
Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen Wins World Polo League Founders Cup Opener; All-Star Challenge Final On Sunday
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WELLINGTON, Fla., February 25, 2023 — On a hot day, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen won its first game of the World Polo League season Saturday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Lucas James, 7, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Juan Martin Nero, 10) controlled most of the game for a 10-7 victory over Travieso (Teo Calle, 1, Tincho Merlos, 7, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8, Poroto Cambiaso, 10).

On Saturday, March 4, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen will now face Casablanca at 11 a.m. and Travieso will play Audi at 1 p.m. in Bracket Two play.

Founders Cup action continues on Wednesday with Brookshire playing Richard Mille at 11 a.m. and Audi facing Casablanca at 4 p.m.

The WPL All-Star Challenge championship final featuring 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7) and Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) is Sunday at 4 p.m.

Against Travieso, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen found its momentum and cohesiveness it was searching for in its All-Star Challenge opening 13-9 loss to La Fe.

Travieso, playing with substitute player Poroto Cambiaso, kept the game close in the first half, but got into foul trouble and couldn‘t find its offensive scoring punch in the second half.

Zubia and Nero did a good job of containing Cambiaso in the second half, holding him to one goal. It was the first time Nero played against Cambiaso since the teammates won the Argentine Open with La Dolfina Saudi.

After a 4-4 opening half, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen outscored Travieso, 3-1, in the fourth quarter to take a 7-5 lead. Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen never trailed after that, outscoring Travieso 6-3 in the second half.

Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen got balanced scoring from its lineup. Zubia led with four goals and Ganzi, James and Nero each had two goals. For Travieso, Cambiaso had four goals, three in the first half, and Calle had two. The 25-goal team was awarded one goal on handicap.

Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen outshot Travieso, 19-11. Travieso led in knock-ins, 7-5, throw-ins, 10-6 and fouls 9-5.

The second World Polo League tournament features eight teams. The WPL plays with a player‘s highest handicap in the world.

The two-point conversion is in play during the Founders Cup. If a goal is scored from half field or farther and the ball is untouched by another player that goal will count as two points.

The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

In last year‘s 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.

The world-class league will run through April 16. In addition to the Founders Cup, the remaining WPL events are the 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  tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies League weekly play 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, the inaugural Richard Riemenschneider 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 will be live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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

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

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

 

2023 World Polo League Founders Cup Schedule

Wednesday 3/1
11am Brookshire vs Richard Mille
4pm  Audi vs Casablanca

Thursday 3/2
11am Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Kaia Polo

Saturday 3/4
11am Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen vs Casablanca
1pm  Travieso vs Audi

Sunday 3/5
1pm  Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Richard Mille
4pm Kaia Polo vs Brookshire

Tuesday 3/7
11am  Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen vs Audi
2pm Travieso vs Casablanca

Wednesday 3/8
11am  Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Brookshire
2pm  Kaia Polo vs Richard Mille

Friday 3/10
11am  WPL Founders Cup Semifinal 1
4pm  WPL Founders Cup Semifinal 2

Sunday 3/12
4pm – WPL Founders Cup Final

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
WELLINGTON, Fla., February 25, 2023 — On a hot day, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen won its first game of the World Polo League season Saturday at Grand Champions Polo Club.…
Audi Captures Founders Cup For Second World Polo League Title; Paco de Narvaez Named MVP
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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. 

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.


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.

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.

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.

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

 

 

WELLINGTON, Fla., 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)…
WPL Founders Cup Begins Thursday With Doubleheader
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WELLINGTON, Fla., March 2, 2022—After successful All-Star Challenge and Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial Tournaments, the World Polo League resumes Thursday with the Founders Cup.

The two-week, nine-team tournament opens at 10 a.m. with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek playing Audi. The second game at 1 p.m. features Brookshire Polo against Pampa Norte Biotricity.

After five days of bracket play (Thursday-March 8), the semifinals are March 10 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. with the championship final on March 13 at 4 p.m.

Pampa Norte Biotricity with patron Waqaas Al-Siddiq, 8-goaler Inaki Laprida and 7-goalers Pipe Vercellino and Pedro Falabella will make its 2022 WPL season-debut.

The eight remaining teams and sponsors are:

Alegria (+26)
Juancito Bollini (+4)
Clemente Zavaleta (+7)
Tincho Merlos (+8)
Freddie Mannix (+7)

Audi (+26)
Marc Ganzi (+2)
Jeta Castagnola (+9)
Barto Castagnola (+9)
Paco de Narvaez (+6)

Brookshire Polo Team (+23)
Scott Wood (0)
Rufino Bensadon (+8)
Nic Roldan (+8)
Pancho Bensadon (+7)

Catamount (+26)
Scott Devon (+1)
Polito Pieres (+10)
Toro Ruiz (+7)
Nacho Novillo Astrada (+8)

NetJets (+24)
Nacho Figueras (+6)
Tomacho Pieres (+6)
Pablo Spinacci (+6)
Sugar Erskine (+6)

Pampa Norte Biotricity (+22)
Waqaas Al-Siddiq (0)
Inaki Laprida (+8)
Pipe Vercellino (+7)
Pedro Falabella (+7)

Richard Mille (+25)
Santos Bollini (+2)
Grant Ganzi (+3)
Pablo MacDonough (+10)
Juan Martin Nero (+10)

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (+26)
Melissa Ganzi (0)
Juan Martin Zubia (+8)
Gonzalito Pieres (+10)
Alejandro Novillo Astrada (+8)

White Birch (+22)
Chris Brant (0)
Lerin Zubiaurre (+7)
Santi Toccalino (+8)
Mariano Aguerre (+7)

In the season-opening 26-goal tournament, powerhouse 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.


Waqaas Al-Siddiq.

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.

Founders Cup defending champion is Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Pablo MacDonough, Paco de Narvaez) which defeated Hawaii Polo Life (Santi Torres, Gringo Colombres, Jejo Taranco, Chris Dawson), 12-6. MacDonough was MVP. 

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.


Pablo MacDonough.

The World Polo League, now in its fourth year, is the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina. It has attracted a large international field from around the world.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The World Polo League is preserving the highest level of polo and its rich tradition in the U.S. 

The remaining WPL tournaments are the Palm Beach Open; 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.


Coco Cabana offers a variety of food for guests.

The 12-goal league is currently underway with the Sieber Memorial Trophy; $50,000 National 12-Goal and  Top Pony 12-Goal.

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

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

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


Jeta Castagnola.

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.

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.


Polito Pieres.

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

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

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

 

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

 

 

2022 World Polo League Founders Cup Schedule

Thursday 3/3
10am Seminole Casino Coconut Creek vs Audi
1pm Richard Mille vs Alegria

Friday 3/4
11am  Brookshire vs Pampa Norte Biotricity

Saturday 3/5
11am  Richard Mille vs White Birch

Sunday 3/6
10am Audi vs NetJets
4pm Catamount vs Brookshire

Tuesday 3/8
11am  White Birch vs Alegria
1pm  NetJets vs Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
4pm  Pampa Norte Biotricity vs Catamount

Thursday 3/10
11am & 4pm  Semifinals

Sunday 3/13
4pm Founders Cup Final

 

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 2, 2022—After successful All-Star Challenge and Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial Tournaments, the World Polo League resumes Thursday with the Founders Cup. The two-week, nine-team tournament opens at…
Richard Mille Captures World Polo League Founder’s Cup Title
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WELLINGTON, FL, March 16, 2021— Richard Mille defeated Hawaii Polo Life by 12-6 to win the World Polo League Founder’s Cup, their second World Polo League Victory in 2021.

On Sunday, Hawaii Polo Life (Santi Torres, Gringo Colombres, Jejo Taranco, and Chris Dawson) faced off against Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Pablo MacDonough, and Paco de Narvaez) at Grand Champions Polo Club. Hawaii Polo Life rated 25 goals, started with one goal on the board to match Richard Mille‘s 26 goal handicap.

Just a minute into the match, Jeta Castagnola put the first goal on the board for Richard Mille, with Jejo Taranco answering for Hawaii Polo Life. Marc Ganzi and Pablo Mac Donough were able to both tally goals to end the first chukker 3-2 in favor of Richard Mille.

Richard Mille continued to dominate in the second period, keeping Hawaii Polo Life off the board. Marc Ganzi found the goalposts to put the tally up to 4-2. In the third chukker, Hawaii Polo Life outscored Richard Mille for the only time in the match, with Gringo Colombres converting a penalty four and Jejo Taranco putting the ball through the posts. Ganzi scored on a penalty three, and Richard Mille led 5-4 at the half.

Richard Mille dominated the play in the second half, with Hawaii Polo Life unable to get on the board in either the fourth or fifth chukker. Jeta Castagnola converted a penalty four, while Pablo Mac Donough scored an impressive pair of back-to-back goals in less than a minute.

The final chukker began with Richard Mille in the lead by 9-4. Two successful runs by Pablo MacDonough and a shot through the posts by Jeta Castagnola took Richard Mille up to 12-4. Santi Torres scored the final two goals for Hawaii Polo Life, and the team went down to Richard Mille 12-6.

Pablo MacDonough was named the Most Valuable Player, while the pony he played in the second chukker, Irinita Rastrogera, was named the Argentine Breeding Association Best Playing Pony. Chalo Kayla, played by Jeta Castagnola in the sixth chukker, was the World Polo League Best Playing Pony, while the American Horse Polo Association Best Playing Pony was Galleta Grande, played by Paco de Narvaez in the third chukker.

Founded by Grand Champions owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi, and Valiente owner Bob Jornayvaz the World Polo League is the only 26-goal polo in the world outside of Argentina. The WPL was created to preserve the highest level of polo and its rich, hallowed tradition in the United States. The WPL, boasting 13 tournament quality fields to play on, will continue to the season with the Palm Beach Open that began on Monday March 15, 2021, and The Triple Crown of Polo, and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach April 22-25.

The World Polo League attracts the sport’s top players from every corner of the world, including: Australia, Chile, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Argentina, Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Switzerland, France, Germany, Uruguay, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique polo facility in Wellington with 120 stalls in five self-contained barns, an exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, a vet room, staff quarters, a guest house and three polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation including one field for stick-and-ball and plans to build more in the future.

World Polo League matches will continue to be closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We closely adhere to Florida state and CDC guidelines, and take all measures possible to maintain a safe environment that will allow us to continue playing. We look very forward to the day we can welcome our fans back. In the interim, please visit www.worldpolo.or gfor more information. Matches can be viewed on www.chukkertv.com

 

WELLINGTON, FL, March 16, 2021— Richard Mille defeated Hawaii Polo Life by 12-6 to win the World Polo League Founder’s Cup, their second World Polo League Victory in 2021. On…
Richard Mille Wins World Polo League Founders Cup Debut, Second Round Play Begins Wednesday
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WELLINGTON, Fl., March 2, 2021 – On Monday Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Pablo Mac Donough, Jeta Castagnola, Paco de Narvaez) overcame White Birch (Chris Brant, Facu Llorente, Mariano Aguerre, and Santi Tocalino) to advance in the WPL Founders Cup.

White Birch started off with a three-goal lead on handicap and maintained their lead throughout the first three chukkers. Brant, Tocalino, and Aguerre all tallied goals for White Birch while Castagnola, Ganzi, and Mac Donough rallied to bring the score within one point of White Birch 5-6 at the end of the third chukker.

In the second half Richard Mille dominated immediately scoring five goals in the fourth chukker, while White Birch’s Chris Brandt was only able to tap one goal in for his team, leaving the score 10-7 in favor of Richard Mille.

Play slowed in the fifth and sixth chukkers with scoring staying even between both teams. Aguerre added three goals for White Birch, and Tocalino one more, but it still wasn’t enough to overcome the persistence of Richard Mille who was able to come out on top ending the sixth chukker 12-11.

Successfully answering five penalties, Jeta Castagnola was the high scorer of the day with six goals.

Second round play will continue with a doubleheader on Wednesday. Casablanca who sits 1-0 after defeating Santa Rita last week will face off with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek at 11am. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek defeated Hawaii Polo Life 9-8 in overtime play during their Founders Cup first round game.

The second game of the day at 4pm will feature Great Oaks and Richard Mille who also won their first round games.

Thursday will feature another doubleheader at 1pm and 4pm. Hawaii Polo Life will meet Santa Rita and Pampa Norte will be facing off with White Birch.

Founded by Grand Champions owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi, and Valiente owner Bob Jornayvaz the World Polo League is the only 26-goal polo in the world outside of Argentina. The WPL was created to preserve the highest level of polo and its rich, hallowed tradition in the United States. The WPL, boasting 13 tournament-quality fields to play on, will continue to follow the season opening All-Star Challenge with a number of top-level tournaments that will include: Founder’s Cup, Palm Beach Open, Triple Crown of Polo, and Beach Polo World Cup, Miami Beach April 21-25.

The World Polo League attracts the sport’s top players from every corner of the world, including: Australia, Chile, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Argentina, Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Switzerland, France, Germany, Uruguay, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique polo facility in Wellington with 120 stalls in five self-contained barns, an exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, a vet room, staff quarters, a guest house and three polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation including one field for stick-and-ball and plans to build more in the future.

World Polo League matches will continue to be closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We closely adhere to Florida state and CDC guidelines, and take all measures possible to maintain a safe environment that will allow us to continue playing. We look very forward to the day we can welcome our fans back. In the interim, please visit www.worldpolo.org for more information. Matches can be viewed on www.chukkertv.com

 

 

World Polo League 2021 Founders Cup Livestream Schedule

Wednesday 3/3
11am Casablanca vs. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
4pm Richard Mille vs Great Oaks

Thursday 3/4
1pm Hawaii Polo Life vs Santa Rita
4pm Pampa Norte vs White Birch

Saturday 3/6
4pm Seminole Casino Coconut Creek vs Santa Rita

Sunday 3/7
11am Richard Mille vs. Pampa Norte
4pm Great Oaks vs White Birch

Tuesday 3/9
11am Hawaii Polo Life vs Casablanca

Sunday 3/14
4pm Founders Cup Final

WELLINGTON, Fl., March 2, 2021 – On Monday Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Pablo Mac Donough, Jeta Castagnola, Paco de Narvaez) overcame White Birch (Chris Brant, Facu Llorente, Mariano Aguerre, and…
Casablanca Defeats Santa Rita to Advance in World Polo League Founder’s Cup
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: ChukkerTV

WELLINGTON, FL, February 28, 2021— Casablanca defeated Santa Rita by a score of 15-10 in the third match of the WPL Founder’s Cup.

Casablanca (Juancito Bollini, Grant Ganzi, Barto Castagnola, and Juan Martin Nero) met Santa Rita (Sugar Erskine, Nacho Figueras, Pablo Spinacci, and Horacio Llorente) on Field One at Grand Champions Polo Club yesterday. Casablanca had a team handicap of 26 goals, while Santa Rita was rated at 24 goals. Santa Rita started the match with two goals on handicap.

Play was back and forth for just over three minutes until Barto Castagnola put the first goal of the day on the board. With slightly more than 30 seconds remaining, Horacio Llorente took a Penalty 5 from the spot, dribbling the ball and then smashing a long shot to goal just as the buzzer sounded. The period ended with Santa Rita leading 3-1.

The second chukker was more challenging for Santa Rita, as a strong defense from Casablanca kept them from scoring. Barto Castagnola converted a Penalty 2, followed by a goal from Juan Martin Nero. Castagnola scored a pair of goals from the field and Casablanca ended the period leading 5-3.

In the third chukker, Santa Rita dominated their end of the field in the first two minutes of play, with Sugar Erskine evading Barto Castagnola to find the uprights. With three minutes remaining, an uneven rideoff gave Castagnola the opportunity to convert a Penalty 4 for his fifth goal of the game. At 2:17, Grant Ganzi picked up a loose ball and took it to goal. With two seconds on the clock, Juancito Bollini put the ball between the posts to end the half 8-4 for Casablanca.

Grant Ganzi put his second goal of the game on the board with just over 4:30 on the clock, putting Casablanca in the lead by 9-4. Santa Rita roared back to life, and following a Penalty 2 conversion by Horacio Llorente, Sugar Erskine knocked the ball in to cut the lead to 9-6. At 1:00, Llorente took control of the ball, taking it down the field and through the uprights to end the chukker 9-7 and cut Casablanca’s lead to two goals.

Barto Castagnola started the fifth chukker by converting a Penalty 3 just before the clock ticked past seven minutes. At just under 6 minutes, Pablo Spinacci got out in front on a breakaway with Grant Ganzi in hot pursuit. At the last moment Spinacci checked up and left Ganzi run by, then turned to put the ball through the posts. Moments later, Nacho Figueras scored for Santa Rita, shaving Casablanca’s lead to one. A pair of back-to-back goals from Castagnola ended the period 12-9 for Casablanca.

Down by three goals, Santa Rita faced an uphill battle in the final chukker. In the first minute of play, Barto Castagnola took advance of a misread play by Santa Rita to take control of the ball and score. With 3:16 remaining, Nacho Figueras put the ball through for Santa Rita’s final goal of the day. Juancito Bollini found the goal for Casablanca, taking the score up to 14-10. With 16 seconds left in play, Castagnola made a successful shot on goal to end the match 15-10 for Casablanca. Castagnola was the high scoring player, responsible for 10 of Casablanca’s 15 goals.

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: ChukkerTV WELLINGTON, FL, February 28, 2021— Casablanca defeated Santa Rita by a score of 15-10 in the third match of the WPL Founder’s Cup. Casablanca…
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Great Oaks Win Founders Cup Openers; Casablanca Plays Santa Rita Today
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WELLINGTON, FL, February 27, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Great Oaks both stand 1-0 after a perfect weather first day of Founders Cup Play.

In the first game of the day, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, and Juan Martin Zubia) took to the field against Hawaii Polo Life (Chris Dawson, Diego Cavanaugh, Poroto Cambiaso, and Jejo Taranco). Seminolo Casino, with a 24-goal handicap compared to Hawaii Polo Life’s team handicap of 25, started the match with one goal on the board but still came out ahead in overtime play, winning 9-8.

In the second game of the day, Great Oaks Oaks (Dillon Bacon, Clemente Zavaleta, Torito Ruiz, and Nacho Novillo Astrada) held victorious over first time World Polo League team Pampa Norte (Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Santiago Loza, Matias Zavaleta and Pedro Falebella) winning 11-10.

Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero) is scheduled to face off with Santa Rita (Pablo Spinacci, Nacho Figueras, Sugar Erskine, Horacio Llorente) this afternoon at 1pm.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek 9 – Hawaii Polo Life 8

Despite a pitched battle and several shots on goal by both teams, neither Seminole Casino Coconut Creek nor Hawaii Polo Life succeeded in getting on the board in the first chukker. Within seconds of play in the second chukker, Jejo Taranco was able to take the ball to goal for Hawaii Polo Life. With 3:21 left in the second chukker, Taranco made a another shot on goal, which bounced off the post and rolled just over the line for his second goal of the day, bringing Hawaii Polo Life ahead 2-1. Alejandro Novillo Astrada was able to convert a penalty for Seminole Casino Coconut Creek at 1:14, tying the score 2-2.

In the third chukker, Poroto Cambiaso gained possession of a long shot ball from Nic Roldan to put another goal on the board for Hawaii Polo Life. A pair of fouls from Hawaii Polo Life allowed Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s Astrada to put two more goals on the board, and the half ended with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in the lead by 4-3.

In the fourth chukker, Diego Cavanaugh and Poroto Cambiaso each found the uprights for Hawaii Polo Life, but they continued to foul, allowing Novillo Astrada to convert a penalty two and a penalty three to take back the lead. Both teams played a strong defense in the fifth chukker, and neither was able to score from the field. Poroto Cambiaso put the only goal of the chukker on the board with a penalty three.

The sixth chukker saw plenty of action with Poroto Cambiaso, Astrada and Roldan all scoreing bringing the score to 8-7. With 4 seconds left to play Poroto Cambiaso made a long shot to goal and tied the match sending the game into overtime.

Fifteen seconds into the overtime chukker, Diego Cavanaugh was called on a foul, which was challenged by Hawaii Polo Life. The challenge failed and Seminole Casino took a shot on a penalty six that went just wide. The winning shot came from Juan Martin Zubia, who converted on a penalty four, giving Seminole Casino Coconut Creek a 9-8 win over Hawaii Polo Life. Alejandro Novillo Astrada was the high scoring player of the day, with six goals.

Great Oaks 11 – Pampa Norte 10

In the second game of the day, Great Oaks (Dillon Bacon, Clemente Zavaleta, Torito Ruiz, and Nacho Novillo Astrada) took on Pampa Norte (Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Santiago Loza, Matias Zavaleta and Pedro Falebella). Pampa Norte, with a team handicap of 21, started the match with three goals on the board. Great Oaks had a team handicap of 24.

Pampa Norte got off to a good start with Matias Zavaleta scoring the first goal of the day. Clemente Zavaleta, converted a penalty two to put Great Oaks on the board and the first chukker ended 4-1 for Pampa Norte.

Great Oaks dominated the second chukker putting 3 goals on the board leaving Pampa Norte unanswered resulting in a tie 4-4.

In the third chukker, Clemente Zavaleta was able to convert a penalty adding another goal for Great Oaks which was quickly answered by Santiago Loza keeping the score neck to neck. Play was back and forth with Torito Ruiz, Santiago Loza and Pedro Falebella all scoring for their teams, leaving the first half with Papa Norte leading 7-6.

Pampa Norte maintained their lead in the fourth chukker with a goal from Mattias Zavaleta, while Clemente converted a penalty two to keep the margin at one goal. Clemente dominated in the fifth chukker, scoring 3 goals.

In the last minute, Santigo Loza scored to narrow Great Oaks’ lead to 10-9. With 3:47 on the clock, Torito Ruiz picked up a pass from Nacho Novillo Astrada to put Great Oaks ahead 11-9. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Mattias Zavaleta scored the final goal of the match. Great Oaks defeated Pampa Norte by 11-10. Clemente Zavaleta was the high scoring player of the day with 6 goals.

Images: Grand Champions Polo Club
www.gcpolo.com
WELLINGTON, FL, February 27, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Great Oaks both stand 1-0 after a perfect weather first day of Founders Cup Play. In the first game of…
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