Grand Champions Polo Club

Instagram, Polo News

Kaia Polo Wins Opener In World Polo League Palm Beach Open

17. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 17, 2023—Kaia Polo, competing in its second World Polo League tournament, got off to a good start Thursday in its opening game of the Palm Beach Open.

Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Jero del Carril, 8, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8) led from start to finish to stun Richard Mille (Teo Calle, 1, Tincho Merlos, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8), 15-12, in Bracket II play at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Kaia Polo, playing its best polo, started off with a 3-0 lead based on its 23-goal rating. For most of the game Kaia Polo had at least a two-point cushion.

„Having a head start always feels good especially if you can use that time to relax and gain some rhythm as a team,“ Austin said. „They are such a talented team that we needed to focus every chukker.“

And focused they were. Whatever Richard Mille threw at them, including halftime adjustments with MacDonough going forward more in the second half, Kaia Polo had an answer for.

Behind a balanced attack and quickness off the throw-ins, Kaia Polo led 4-2 after the first, 6-3 after the chukker and 8-5 at the half.

Richard Mille outshot Kaia Polo, 10-9, and scored off four of Kaia Polo‘s five penalties (two 30s, one 40 and one 60). Kaia Polo led in knock-ins, 5-4, and throw-ins, 7-4.

The offensive barrage continued in the second half with leads of 10-6 and 14-9 after the fourth and fifth chukkers. Richard Mille tried clawing its way back in the final chukker, 3-1, but ran out of time.

Kaia Polo got balanced scoring from its lineup. Zubiaurre had five goals, Toccalino had four and Del Carril added three. The team picked up three goals on handicap.

Kaia Polo held MacDonough to two goals in the second half. Merlos led Richard Mille with seven goals, including six penalty conversions highlighted by an 80-yarder from 5A. Calle added three goals.

Kaia Polo dominated the throw-ins, 16-8, for the game. Shots on goal were even at 19-19 but Kaia Polo made the most of its scoring opportunities. Kaia Polo led in fouls, 11-5, which Richard Mille converted six of those penalties–four 30-yarders, one 40-yarder and one 60-yarder.

The third World Polo League tournament features eight teams including two making their WPL debut, Globalport and Dead End.

This year, the Palm Beach Open is being played on the handicap since some teams are lower than 26 goals. Like the Founders Cup, the two-point shot from midfield is being instituted.

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.

Two World Polo League champions have already been crowned. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

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

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open, one of the top 26-goal teams two decades ago, Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

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 events in addition to the Palm Beach Open are the 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, women‘s weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, 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 Palm Beach Open Schedule

Sunday 3/19
11am – Audi vs Brookshire
4pm – Globalport vs Kaia Polo

Monday 3/20
11am -Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen vs Casablanca
4pm – Richard Mille vs Dead End

Wednesday 3/22
4pm – Richard Mille vs Globalport

Thursday 3/23
11am – Audi vs Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen
4pm – Casablanca vs Brookshire

Friday 3/24
11am -Kaia Polo vs Dead End

Sunday 3/26
4pm – Final
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 17, 2023—Kaia Polo, competing in its second World Polo League tournament, got off to a good start Thursday in its opening game of the Palm Beach Open.…

Instagram, Polo News

Audi Captures Founders Cup In Overtime Thriller; Jeta Castagnola Named MVP

13. March 2023

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-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.

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).

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…

Polo News

Audi, Richard Mille Meet Sunday In Founders Cup Final; Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday

13. March 2023

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.

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

„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.

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.

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

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…

Instagram, Polo News

Grand Champions Polo Club Wins Top Pony Title In Overtime Thriller; Miki Novillo Astrada Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors

9. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 7, 2023—Grand Champions Polo Club needed an overtime chukker to capture the Top Pony 8-Goal Tournament Monday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Grand Champions Polo Club (Fran Spinacci, 0, Miki Novillo Astrada, 1, Antonio Aguerre, 1, Max Charlton, 6) defeated Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Justo Mourino, 3, Justin Daniels, 2, Mati Busquet, 4), for a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory.

Miki Novillo Astrada, 16, the son of Argentine great and former 10-goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada, was named Most Valuable Player.

Novillo Astrada scored back-to-back goals to tie the game, 9-9, at 2:17 sending the game into overtime and then scored the game-winner at the 7:08 mark in overtime.

Novillo Astrada‘s horse Arroba Magri earned Best Playing Pony honors.

The fourth generation player has been playing polo since he was six and has played with Spinacci and Aguerre several times. It was the first time he played with Max Charlton of Great Britain. It was Novillo Astrada‘s first tournament win of the season.

In overtime, Novillo Astrada came up with the throw-in. „I got the ball, turned it and just ran with it to the goal,“ he said. „My horse ran fast so I passed them and I scored.

„I am very happy to win because it was a difficult match,“ Novillo Astrada said.

Miguel Novillo Astrada was in the players‘ tent watching his son. „I am very happy my father helps me, he gives me advice,“ Novillo Astrada said. „He came to the tent in the last chukker. He told me to be patient and to win the throw-in.“

The lead changed hands seven times during the game. Orea Polo started off strong with a 3-0 lead in the opening chukker. Grand Champions Polo Club bounced back with its own 3-0 chukker to tie the game after two chukkers.

In a defensive third chukker, Novillo Astrada scored the only goal to give Grand Champions a 4-3 halftime lead.

Busquet opened the fourth chukker with a penalty conversion to tie the game, 4-4. Spinacci scored back-to-back goals to give Grand Champions its biggest lead of the game, 6-4.

Grand Champions led by as many as three goals (8-5) before Orea Polo started clawing its way back. Busquet got hot in the sixth chukker scoring back-to back goals to take the lead, 9-8, with 3:32 left in regulation. After that it was all Grand Champions and Novillo Astrada with his back-to-back goals.

Spinacci led Grand Champions Polo Club with a team-high five goals, including four penalty conversions. Astrada had three goals. Aguerre and Charlton each had one. Busquet led Orea Polo with a game-high eight goals and Daniels added one.

Orea Polo outshot Grand Champions, 18-16. Grand Champions led in knock-ins, 9-6, and fouls, 12-9. Orea Polo led in throw-ins, 11-10. In the first half, Orea Polo outshot Grand Champions, 7-6. Grand Champions led in knock-ins, 4-2, throw-ins, 6-3, and fouls, 6-3.

In last year‘s final, Santa Rita (Fran Spinacci, -1, Antonio Aguerre, 0, Mia Cambiaso, 2, Pablo Spinacci, 6) led from start to finish for a 10-7 win over Rafool Polo (Ray Rafool, -1, Milo Dorignac, 2, Henry Porter, 4, Ciro Desenzani, 2/Manuel Prado, 2). Pablo Spinacci was MVP.

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 World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

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).

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 7, 2023—Grand Champions Polo Club needed an overtime chukker to capture the Top Pony 8-Goal Tournament Monday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. Grand Champions Polo Club (Fran Spinacci,…

Instagram, Polo News

Kaia Polo Remains Undefeated In WPL Founders Cup; Sapo Caset Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors

7. March 2023

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.

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

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…

Instagram, Polo News

Brookfield Farm Wins Halo Polo Trophy Thriller; Grant Ganzi Sweeps MVP, BPP Awards

7. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 6, 2023—Brookfield Farm rallied in the final chukker to capture the Halo Polo Trophy Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Brookfield Farm (Sophia Doble, -1, Facundo Frayssinet, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Alex Webb, 2) edged Santa Rita (Artemio Figueras, 0, Fran Spinacci, 0, Florencio Lanusse, -1, Pablo Spinacci, 4), 6-5.5.

Virginia-based Brookfield Farm finished the 6-goal league undefeated with a 4-0 record, defeating Polo School, 3-1, Orea Polo, 3-2 and Santa Rita, 7-5.5 in their first meeting.

Grant Ganzi, 24, swept Most Valuable Player after scoring five goals including the game-winner and Best Playing Pony honors for Ocasion.

After missing its first two goal attempts, Santa Rita controlled the game early and jumped out to a 3.5-0 lead early behind father and son duo Pablo and Fran Spinacci in the second chukker.

Brookfield Farm started clawing its way back slowly late in the second chukker taking advantage of Santa Rita penalties and Ganzi‘s two penalty conversions to trail, 3.5-2 going into the half.

„It took us too long to get going,“ Ganzi said. „I wanted to play the same way we played them the other day, but they had (substitute) Artemio, who is playing really well at the moment and changed the dynamic. We had to change the throw-ins a little bit, set plays had to change. We had to play a little more simple. We needed to be a little more consistent.“

Santa Rita maintained its leads, 3.5-3, 4.5-3, 4.5-4, 5.5-4 and 5.5-5 until the final minute of the game when Santa Rita fouled with 43 seconds left. Ganzi converted the 30-yard penalty to take the lead and clinch the win. Brookfield Farm then won the throw-in and ran out the final 30 seconds.

„Once we settled in and started playing the way we should have played we played well,“ Ganzi said. „It was a tough game. We were very lucky to win. It was tough to play this team twice in a row. They probably deserved to win more than we did today. The other day we played them a little better and fouled less.“

Ganzi has been honing his polo skills playing every level of polo including six goal this season. His Casablanca team won the 26-goal WPL season-opening tournament All-Star Challenge and currently competing in the Founders Cup.

„For me it‘s so different, I love both levels,“ Ganzi said. „I love being able to do both at the same time. The biggest difference for me is I play back and captaining the team in the 6-goal.

„In the 26, I am like a sponge. I am listening to everything I can hear. I am playing with three amazing guys and one of the best players in the world right now. The difference is the positioning on the field and the mentality. It‘s good to have that difference and play all levels of polo.“

In addition to Ganzi‘s five goals, Webb added a goal. Pablo Spinacci led Santa Rita with two goals. Figueras, Lanusse and Fran Spinacci each had one goal. The team picked up .5 on handicap.

In last year‘s final, Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Finn Secunda, 0, Matias Busquet, 4/Jake Klentner, 1, Justin Daniels, 2) defeated Casimiro (Steve Cox, 0, Antonio Aguerre, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3), 7-2.

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 World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 6, 2023—Brookfield Farm rallied in the final chukker to capture the Halo Polo Trophy Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. Brookfield Farm (Sophia Doble, -1, Facundo Frayssinet, 2,…

Instagram, Polo News

Scone Captures Sterling Cup; Poroto Cambiaso Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors

3. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 2, 2023—Scone won its second Sterling Cup title in three years Wednesday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

In front of a good crowd, Scone (Sarah Siegel Magness, 0, Cody Ellis, 4, Poroto Cambiaso, 9, Pelon Stirling, 9) led for most of the game for a 13-10 victory over Valiente (Chris Dawson, 0, Paquito de Narvaez, 3, Tomas Panelo, 8, Adolfo Cambiaso, 10).

Poroto Cambiaso, 17, earned Most Valuable Player honors after scoring seven goals and finishing with 14 for the tournament. It was the fourth time Cambiaso won the tournament.

„I have played with Poroto many times,“ Siegel Magness said. „He is a very gracious player. He wants you to have fun. He hits very long balls and keeps it very simple.“

Cambiaso also swept the Best Playing Pony awards. Cambiaso‘s fifth-chukker horse Irenita Insignia earned the American Polo Horse Association award and his second-chukker horse Dolfina Lapa Clone CO5 was the Grand Champions Polo Club Best Playing Pony.

In the fast-paced open game, the score was tied four times in the first two chukkers before Scone found its momentum to take a 6-3 lead at the end of the second chukker and 7-5 advantage at halftime.

Scone came out blazing in the fourth chukker for a 4-0 shutout including three goals by Cambiaso, and 11-5 lead. Valiente shut out Scone in the fifth chukker, 2-0, to close the gap and trail 11-7 but Scone never lost its composure or the lead.

„I felt very grateful that they allowed me to sub,“ said Siegel Magness, competing in only her second 22-goal game. „It was super fun. I‘m very happy. Hopefully David (Paradice) will be happy that we won.

„It was only my second 22-goal team so I needed to get use to the speed. When my mallet broke it was such a bummer. I kept hitting it and thinking why is it not doing what I want it to do. And then boom.“

In addition to Cambiaso‘s seven goals, Sterling, Ellis and Siegel Magness each had two goals. Panelo led Valiente with four goals. Dawson and Adolfo Cambiaso each had two and de Narvaez had one goal. The team was awarded one goal on handicap.

For the game, Scone outshot Valiente, 19-12 and led in throw-ins, 10-9. Valiente led in knock-ins, 5-3. Each team was assessed four penalities, with Valiente converting three of theirs. In the first half, Scone outshot Valiente, 9-5 and led in throw-ins, 6-4.

In the opening semifinal, Scone (Cable Magness, Cody Ellis, Poroto Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling) defeated Audi (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Barto Castagnola) to advance with a 14-11 victory.

In the other semifinal, Valiente (Robert Jornayvaz, Peke Gonzalez, Luckitas Criado, Adolfo Cambiaso) advanced with a thrilling 11-10 overtime victory over upset-minded Tamera (Ale Poma/Miguel Novillo Astrada, Pedrinho Zacharias, Diego Cavanagh, Secundo Saravi).

The prestigious Sterling Cup was resurrected seven years ago after a 22-year absence. It was brought back by Grand Champions President Melissa Ganzi in hopes of recapturing polo‘s glory days.

In the 2021 final, Scone held off La Indiana, 14-13, to capture the prestigious trophy. Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, Peke Gonzalez and Australian patron David Paradice came from behind to defeat La Indiana (Nico Escobar, Jeff Hall, Polito Pieres, Milo Dorignac) in a battle of unbeaten teams. For the second consecutive year, Adolfo Cambiaso was named MVP.

In 2020, Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz 2, Gonzalo Ferrari 4, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Adolfo Cambiaso, 10) won its second Sterling Cup in three years with a 12-9 win over Santa Clara (Henry Porter 3, Matias Magrini 7, Nachi du Plessis 8, Luis Escobar 4). Adolfo Cambiaso was MVP. In 2019, Colorado knocked off Valiente, 9-8, in the final.

In the 2018 Sterling Cup tournament Adolfo, Mia and Poroto Cambiaso made history by winning their first-ever high goal tournament together. Along with teammate Magoo Laprida, Valiente knocked off pre-tournament favorite Audi, 10-4, in the final. Mia Cambiaso was MVP.

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 World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The biggest highlight of the season is the fifth season of the World Polo League currently underway with the Founders Cup. The nation‘s only 26-goal league features some of the world‘s top players including 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough and team sponsors. The 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.

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 2, 2023—Scone won its second Sterling Cup title in three years Wednesday at Grand Champions Polo Club. In front of a good crowd, Scone (Sarah Siegel Magness, 0,…

Instagram, Polo News

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

24. February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023 World Polo League All-Star Challenge Schedule

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

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

Instagram, Polo News

Richard Mille Wins WPL All-Star Challenge Semifinal And Inaugural Richard Riemenschneider Memorial Cup

21. February 2023

Richard Mille Wins WPL All-Star Challenge Semifinal And Inaugural Richard Riemenschneider Memorial Cup; Pablo MacDonough MVP

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 20, 2023—Richard Mille dominated Brookshire to win the first semifinal of the World Polo League All-Star Challenge Tournament Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7) led from start-to-finish for an impressive 15-11 victory over Brookshire (Scott Wood, 0, Pipe Vercellino, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Jero Del Carril, 8).

Richard Mille will play the winner of Tuesday‘s second semifinal between Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) and Dazos La Fe (David Farache, 0,/Louis Devaleix, 1, Robi Bilbao, 6, Nico Pieres, 9, Francisco Elizalde, 9) in the championship final set for Feb. 26.

Pablo MacDonough, Brand Ambassador for Richard Mille, scored from just about everywhere on the field for a game-high ten goals and was named Most Valuable Player.

Coquetora, an 8-year-old mare, owned and played by Gonzalito Pieres, was selected the World Polo League Best Playing Pony.

Richard Mille, after needing an overtime chukker to beat Audi, 10-9, in the quarterfinals, took better control of the fast-paced game early against Brookshire.

Richard Mille outshot Brookshire, 10-7, and led in throw-ins, 10-6, in the first half. The teams exchanged leads nine times before MacDonough scored with a minute left for a 6-5 lead in the second chukker. Richard Mille never trailed after that.

Richard Mille maintained at least a two-goal cushion in the third chukker. Astrada opened the chukker with a goal at the 5:44 mark for a 7-5 advantage followed by MacDonough‘s steal and goal for an 8-5 lead. Richard Mille maintained its momentum and MacDonough continued to hammer away at goals for a 9-7 halftime lead.

The open run-and-gun play continued in the second half with Richard Mille reeling off three goals for a 12-8 lead going into the fifth chukker. Pieres had the „goal of the game“ when Sayao sent a 20-yard offside pass to Pieres for the score and 13-8 lead early in the fifth chukker. Brookshire could get no closer than four goals in the final chukker.

In addition to MacDonough‘s scoring barrage, Astrada and Pieres each had two and Sayao added one.

For Brookshire, Vercellino scored a team-high five goals, Pieres had three and Del Carril added two. The 25-goal team picked up one goal on handicap.

Richard Mille outshot Brookshire, 17-16, and led in knock-ins, 6-3. The teams each had 12 throw-ins. Brookshire led in penalties, 10-5.

The opening semifinal game also marked the inaugural Richard „Remo“ Riemenschneider Memorial Cup. Richard‘s wife Andrea chose a silver plate that had been given to his parents on their wedding anniversary to be the perpetual trophy.

On Sept. 23, 2022, the polo world lost the former Polo Training Foundation Chairman and longtime supporter. His years of service to the Polo Training Foundation, Virginia Polo Center and the USPA through volunteering, fundraising and mentoring showcase a lifelong commitment to the sport of polo. In 2016, Remo was inducted into the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame for his lifelong dedication to the sport.

„Dick Riemenschneider was a friend of mine for over 60 years…a great friend and great supporter of polo,“ said USPA President Tony Coppola. „He dedicated his life to this sport. Andrea summed it up the other day. She said ‚Dick lived a great life.‘ „He did. He was a great guy and wonderful friend.“

Andrea and daughter Robin presented the perpetual plaque and WPL awards in the post-game ceremony. A moment of silence was held for „Remo“ after Tom Blake‘s stirring rendition of the National Anthem.

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

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

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

Richard Mille Wins WPL All-Star Challenge Semifinal And Inaugural Richard Riemenschneider Memorial Cup; Pablo MacDonough MVP WELLINGTON, Fla., February 20, 2023—Richard Mille dominated Brookshire to win the first semifinal of…

Instagram, Polo News

Orea Polo Wins Metropolitan Cup; Matias Busquet Named MVP

16. February 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 13, 2023—Orea Polo rallied in the final minute of the Metropolitan Cup 6-Goal final to capture its first tournament of the winter polo season Sunday at windy Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Finn Secunda, 1, Justin Daniels 2, Matias Busquet) edged The Polo School (Meredith Lovegrove, -1, Santos Bollini, 2, Alex Webb, 2, Juan Bollini, 3), 3-2, in the thrilling final.

„What a day,“ Daniels said. „It was a day to remember. I feel like I shared the field with many friends and family from the whole Orea team, the opposing four players and my brother who supported me at the palenque.“

„A day like this is one to remember and celebrate, win or lose. It is an example of one of the main reasons I love the sport.“

Busquet, who scored the game-winner with 1:04 left in regulation, was named Most Valuable Player.

Orquideo, a 6-year-old homebred stallion (mother/ Orquidea and father/Chapa Aquario), played by Daniels, was selected Best Playing Pony.

„The best playing pony award is super nice to compliment all the hard work my young horses and I have put in over the years,“ Daniels said. „I am reminded of my father every time I step onto the polo field with Orquideo. I know he would be so proud of us today.

„It is a dream come true to be able to play with a team of horses that I have made and brought up myself. Alinea, Campeon, Velvet, Gigi and Orquideo, from homebreds to off the track projects.“

Orquideo was born the year after his father, Pony Express patron Bob Daniels, died. Daniels „has trained and raised him from the moment he was born.“

The victory avenged an early tournament loss to The Polo School. Orea Polo finished with a 2-1 record.

„We played well as a team today,“ said Sobotova, also a show jumper who showed at Wellington International before the polo final. „In our first match with them we just hadn‘t clicked together as a team for the season quite yet. Going into the final we were playing better as a team. Mati and Justin rounded out the back really nice and Finn and I were playing in the front. Finn is a great little player.“

The Polo School took an early lead with 1:24 left in the opening chukker with the first of two goals from the veteran Juan Bollini. Bollini made it 2-0 early in the second chukker with 2:54 left. A minute later Sobotova connected with Daniels, who scored on a cut shot to trail by one.

In the third chukker, Santos Bollini saved Finn Secunda‘s first goal attempt but Secunda made good his second attempt with 2:13 left to tie the game. After two missed scoring opportunities by each team, Busquet took the ball from one end of the field to the other to score the game-winner on a breakaway with 1:04 left.

Orea Polo got balanced scoring from its lineup with Secunda, Daniels and Busquet each scoring one goal. Juan Bollini led The Polo School with two goals.

In the first half, The Polo School outshot Orea Polo, 4-1, but Orea Polo turned it around and ended up outshooting them 6-5. The remaining stats, knock-ins, throw-ins and fouls were all even, 3-3.

Third-year team Orea Polo is coming off a successful summer season in Kentucky winning 4- and 6-goal tournaments with Busquet, Daniels and Sobotova. Last season at Santa Rita, Orea Polo won the Halo Polo 6-Goal and Aspen Valley 8-Goal Cup.

Orea Polo is planning on competing in the remaining 6- and 8-goal tournaments at Grand Champions.

In last year‘s Metropolitan Cup final, first-year team Casimiro (Steve Cox, 0, Miki Novillo Astrada, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Santi Llavallol, 3) defeated The Polo School (Diego Morales, 1, Hayley Schaufeld, -1, Bauti Peluso, 2, Juan Bollini, 4), 8.5-5. Santos Bollini was MVP.

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 World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

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 World Polo League Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The biggest highlight of the season is the fifth season of the World Polo League currently underway at Grand Champions. It is the only 26-goal played outside of Argentina.

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

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

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira