match

North America, Polo News

Newport Wins Top Pony 12-Goal Title; Michel Dorignac Named MVP

7. April 2021

WELLINGTON, FL, April 6, 2021— Newport defeated Ellipse by 17-13 on Sunday to take the Top Pony 12-Goal title.

Newport (Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac, and Nick Manifold) met Ellipse (Jack Whitman, Toly Ulloa, Robi Bilbao, and Louis Devaleix) Sunday morning to vie for the title in the Top Pony 12-Goal tournament. Newport ceded one goal to Ellipse on handicap.

The match started with a foul in the first 20 seconds of the game, setting the tone for what was a penalty-heavy match. Milo Dorignac put the first goal on the board for Newport, but Ellipse ended the chukker ahead 3-1 on penalty conversions by Robi Bilbao. Michel Dorignac converted a Penalty 2, putting Newport in striking distance, but field goals by Jack Whitman and Toly Ulloa kept Ellipse in the lead. Nick Manifold found the posts with 23 seconds on the clock and the period ended 5-4 with Newport nipping at Ellipse’s heels.

A goal by Robi Bilbao put the score up to 6 but it was quickly answered by Nick Manifold, keeping Ellipse’s lead down to one goal until Toly Ulloa converted a Penalty 2. Milo Dorignac evaded Toly Ulloa to put the ball through with 2:18 left on the clock but a final penalty conversion by Bilbao ended the half with Ellipse leading 8-6.

The penalties really started to stack up in the fouth chukker, with Ellipse adding two goals from the line. However, Newport was the greater beneficiary of penalities, with Michel Dorignac converting three penalties after starting the chukker with a goal from the field. Ellipse started the fifth chukker with a penalty conversion, but Michel Dorignac racked up another hat trick with one goal from the field and two successful penalty shots to put Newport into the lead for the first time in the match at 13-11.

Although Toly Ulloa and Robi Bilbao were able to score from the field, the continued fouling cost Ellipse the match as Dorignac converted another four penalties during the final chukker to win the match for Newport 17-13. With his baker’s dozen goals, Dorignac was named the MVP of the match. Purdon Guri Canina, ridden by Michel Dorignac and owned by Sebastian Merlos, took the Best Playing Pony award.

Images: ©Grand Champions Polo Club

WELLINGTON, FL, April 6, 2021— Newport defeated Ellipse by 17-13 on Sunday to take the Top Pony 12-Goal title. Newport (Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac, and Nick Manifold) met…

North America, Polo News

Bushwood Defeats Ellipse Polo In Top Pony 8-Goal Title ; Kris Kampsen Named MVP

10. March 2021

By Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by ChukkerTV

WELLINGTON, FL, March 9, 2021— Bushwood won a narrow 10-9 victory over Ellipse Polo to win the Top Pony 8-Goal title.

Bushwood (Nick McClelland, Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen, and Michael Armour) took to the field against Ellipse Polo (Pancha Terrera, Baldo Palomeque, Robi Bilbao, and Louis Devaleix) on Grand Champions Field 4.

Baldo Palomeque put the first goal of the day on the board, picking up a pass to put the ball through at 5:42. With 17 seconds left in the chukker, a powerful shot by Ellipse’s Kris Kampsen evened the score and the period ended 1-all. Play was back and forth for the first three minutes, until Baldo Palomeque swept the ball through the posts at 3:40. Kris Kampsen successfully converted a Penalty 4, bringing the score up to 2-all.

With just over a minute left to play, Pancha Terrera carried the ball downfield to goal, leaving it for Baldo Palomeque to nudge through and end the chukker with Ellipse in the lead at 3-2. Bushwood succeeded in keeping Ellipse off the board in the third chukker, while Kris Kampsen scored a goal from the field and converted a Penalty 2 to end the half with Bushwood leading 4-3.

The pressure started to show in the fourth chukker, with both teams earning goals on penalties. Ellipse wanted an early goal and Robi Bilbao delivered, running to goal with Kampsen in hot pursuit and putting the ball through within 30 seconds. At 4:55, Kampson restored Bushwood’s advantage, with 5-4 on the board. He followed up with a Penalty 4 conversion to extend Bushwood’s lead to 6. At 3:02, Kampsen completed a hat trick for the chukker with a cut shot to goal.

Ellipse was able to narrow the lead with two penalty conversions from Robi Balboa and the chukker ended at 7-6 with Bushwood narrowly in the lead. Kampsen and Bilboa each converted a Penalty 4, while a goal from Nick Manifold kept Bushwood in the lead, with the fifth chukker ending 9-7. Ellipse fought back in the final chukker, with Balboa and Palomeque scoring from the field to tie the match at 9-all. A costly foul put Kris Kampsen on the penalty line to convert a Penalty 3, and Bushwood squeaked by Ellipse at 10-9. Kris Kampsen was the high scoring player of the day with 9 goals.

WINTER 2021 COVID-19 POLICY: The GCPC property, facilities, and events are only accessible to polo players, their immediate families, and necessary staff. This policy will remain in effect until further notice.

The GCPC family is immensely grateful and humbled by the excitement and support shown by locals and new guests over the years. We wish we could welcome everyone to the sidelines to cheer our players on; however, in order to remain in operation amidst a global pandemic, we regret to inform you that Grand Champions Polo Club events and facilities are currently closed to the public. Ultimately, our goal as a Club is to keep polo going, but our goal as a community first and foremost is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

There is nothing we would love more than to have more spectators on the sidelines and to greet new and friendly faces to the Club. Unfortunately, we cannot operate as normal and have temporarily minimized the Club’s capacity in an effort to prioritize the health and safety of our community.

MORE UPDATES TO COME SOON: For potential GCPC policy changes, we encourage our fans to continue to check our Instagram and website for more updates to come.

In the meantime, we thank you for your cooperation in this team effort to ensure we can keep playing polo, as well as keep playing our part in the community to minimize risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We appreciate your loyalty and understanding and hope to see you back on the sidelines soon!

By Rebecca Baldridge Photos by ChukkerTV WELLINGTON, FL, March 9, 2021— Bushwood won a narrow 10-9 victory over Ellipse Polo to win the Top Pony 8-Goal title. Bushwood (Nick McClelland,…

North America, Polo News

Aspen Valley Wins USPA National 20-Goal Opener

20. November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sharon Robb

2019 Grand Champions Fall Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday 11/24 10 a.m Final

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

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

www.gcpolo.com

© Thomas Wirth

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

Polo News, South America

THE XVI JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP

20. November 2019

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

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

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

The awards presentation was as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday November 8
Las Monjitas 10 vs. Los Cocos 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.laaguadapolo.com

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1006″ display=”basic_thumbnail”]

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

Europe, Polo News

King Power Gold Cup 2019

29. October 2019

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

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

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

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

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

www.cowdraypolo.co.uk

© Thomas Wirth

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

Europe, Polo News

Clinique La Prairie wins Hublot Polo Gold Cup in Gstaad

29. October 2019

The 24^th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad at the Saanen airfield saw spectacular polo matches against the breathtaking alpine backdrop. Polo Grandsigneur Dr Piero Dillier and his team could take the victory home.

With perfect weather and unforgettable alpine views it was only fitting the final be equally spectacular, and as expected, the teams boasting some of the world’s best, didn’t disappoint. Finally it was team Clinique La Prairie with Piero Dillier, Bautista Beguerie, Juan Manuel Gonzales and Lucas Labat who made it to the very top of the 24^th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. They defeated opponent Team Hublot with Marco Elser, Marcos Antinori, Nicola Antinori and Julio Novillo Astrada by a clear 10-5.

The best amateur player of the tournament, American Marco Elser, wore his trademarked grin while explaining that despite the clear defeat (10-5) there was no place for disappointment at the awards ceremony: “Being a finalist is already a great success in and of itself, and the winner was a beautiful team which produced a beautiful game with effective team organization and very good horses.”

Lucas Labat, Clinique La Prairie’s backbone, admitted it wasn’t that difficult to win with a team which has both, talent and chemistry. “I think this team is one of the best I’ve played with here in Europe, where I’ve been playing since 1998. The team worked together perfectly, the conditions were ideal, and the organization a well-oiled machine. For me, Gstaad is one of the best tournaments in Europe. My job was to send the ball to my forwards, who could then chain the goals. This is the type of polo I believe in, and I am convinced that in the future, we must return to this kind of open game.” In the match for 3^rd, Banque Eric Sturdza made good on their promise to try for the best result despite being dethroned of their title by Clinique La Prairie. In a much tighter game, they beat Gstaad Palace. In August 2020 this unique polo event will celebrate its 25^th anniversary. With Pierre Genecand and his teams at the helm, the quarter century celebration is sure to amaze team.

www.polo-gstaad.ch

© ThomasWirth

The 24th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad at the Saanen airfield saw spectacular polo matches against the breathtaking alpine backdrop. Polo Grandsigneur Dr Piero Dillier and his team could take…

North America, Polo News

Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup 2019

2. October 2019

Six teams are playing for the chance to win the 2019 Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup. We welcome Highwood Polo Team from Calgary Alberta as our sixth team. The other five teams remain the same.

The morning started off with a matchup between Klentner Ranch / El Llamado and Dundas Polo Team. The match started close in the first few chukkers. However, Marcos Alberdi from Klentner Ranch could not be stopped as he scored ten goals during the six chukker match, dominating the field. The game finished with a score of 11-8. Klentner Ranch will move on into the tournament with a 2-0 record.

Highwood Polo Team and bensoeimani.com/JC Polo competed in the second game on Sunday afternoon. Highwood began with one goal on handicap, helping them keep a lead by one for most of the game. Remy Muller scored two goals in the last chukker for bensoleimani.com to push the game into overtime. In the seventh chukker Muller scored the golden goal winning the match 10-9. Bensoleimani.com/JC Polo move on in the tournament undefeated after the first week of play.

The featured match on the grandstand field was between Spindrift and Sapa/Gipsy. Sapa/Gipsy dominated the field in the first half with three notable goals by Igor Seyranov. The team put a total of 10 goals on the board in the first three chukkers, making it an unusually high scoring game. Spindrift recuperated at halftime to make a comeback in the fourth chukker. Goals by Spindrift’s Curbelo and Bossom brought the score within one. Unfortunately, Spindrift could not contain Sapa/ Gipsy’s scoring power and the game finished 16-11. Sapa/Gipsy is the third team to continue in the tournament with an undefeated record.

About Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for summer polo. Players and Patrons from all across the globe call Santa Barbara their home for the summer, bringing world class polo to the Southern California coast. Spectators gather for matches on Friday and Sunday afternoons from mid-April to October. Polo matches are open to the public with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating. All are welcome to join for an exciting afternoon of heart pumping action. www.sbpolo.com

By Mia Bray

Photos: © David Lominska

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Six teams are playing for the chance to win the 2019 Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Wickenden Cup. We welcome Highwood Polo Team from Calgary Alberta as our sixth team. The…

North America, Polo News

Fall Classic presented by André Clouet

17. September 2019

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

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

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

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

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

Winner‘s Circle

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

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

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

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

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

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

North America, Polo News

2019 East Coast Open Final This Sunday

9. September 2019

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

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

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

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Europe, North America, Polo News

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

6. September 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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