North America

Polo News

Blade And Bow Captures St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship; Tommy Biddle Named MVP; Event Raises A Record $100,000

22. December 2022

ASPEN, Colo., December 22, 2022—In a thrilling finish, Blade And Bow won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Wednesday at Rio Grande Park.

Blade And Bow (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9) rallied from a four-goal deficit to defeat St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 9-8, in front of a soldout VIP tent and worldwide ChukkerTV audience.

Biddle, making his fourth finals appearance, won the tournament for the first time and was named Most Valuable Player. „I am happy to finally win,“ Biddle said. „This makes it a very Merry Christmas. To be honest, I thought if we didn‘t win it they ought to kick me in the butt.“

The former 10-goal rated arena player had the play of the day scoring a goal off a knock-in the length of the field with 16 seconds left in the second chukker.

„I got very, very, very lucky because that ball is very tough to control,“ Biddle said. „When I hit it I went ‚what a crappy shot‘ because it looked like it was going to the right and going out of bounds. Then it curled back in and landed in and I went ‚oh wow.‘“

St. Regis, a 14-goal rated team, started with a 3-0 lead based on handicap against Blade And Bow. Melissa Ganzi made it 4-0 with a long goal just past center field. Biddle scored with 3:12 left in the opening chukker as Blade And Bow started to claw its way back into the game.

Grant Ganzi converted a 15-yard penalty to tie the game, 6-6, with 3:57 left in the third chukker. Melissa Ganzi then converted a 15-yard penalty to give St. Regis back the lead, 7-6. Hilario Figueras scored on a neck shot with 1:53 to tie the game again, 7-7. Nacho Figueras was awarded a penalty one for an 8-7 lead. Blade And Bow was also awarded a penalty one when Grant Ganzi was impeded with as he attempted to score and tied the game again, 8-8, in the third chukker.

In another big play, Grant Ganzi jumped on the line to draw a St. Regis foul and successfully converted a 15-yard penalty which turned out to be the winning goal for a 9-8 lead with 3:32 left in the game.

“We were clawing back the whole game,“ said Grant Ganzi after winning his third St. Regis title. „They got a cushion on us and then they scored a quick one, my mom scored an amazing goal. And they scored another goal. It was a lot of goals we had to make up. And I missed a couple of penalties. So, honestly, I was proud of my teammates. They fought really hard and I was happy I was able to knock the penalties down the second half when they were really important.

„I was just happy we were able to come back and not give up,“ Ganzi said. „It was an amazing game. Hats off to St. Regis. They played incredible. My mom played one of the best snow polo games I’ve seen her play in her life and Alejandro and Nacho battled their asses off to win. Kudos to them and all the love in the world to my teammates. They killed it.”

St. Regis had its chances to score late in the chukker missing two penalty shots and having a goal called back because of a foul. With 48 seconds left, Grant Ganzi stole the ball from Astrada and ran out the clock.

„I knew that having to give up three goals on handicap in the snow is a lot different from playing in the arena,“ Biddle said. „There was no sense to get upset. Just go and keep working and working and working. I figured we would get it worked out by the end.

„We really should have gone up by two goals and there would have been a lot less pressure but then we had to hang on for dear life because they had a couple of opportunities late.“

Biddle and Figueras each had three goals. Ganzi had two goals and was awarded a penalty-one.

Added Nacho Figueras, who has competed in all 10 St. Regis snow polo tournaments. “It’s always fun to see the kids excel. So that was fun. But I always like to win, so I wasn’t so happy about the result. But they beat us fair and square and I can’t wait until next year.”

In the second game of the doubleheader, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, 1, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10) defeated NetJets (Scott Wood, 2, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Sugar Erskine, 7), 6-4, for the Aspen Cup. MacDonough scored a game-high four goals and was named Most Valuabler Player.

In the battle for fifth and sixth place in the six-team tournament on Tuesday, CK Shack (Santos Bollini, 3, Martin Uranga, 7, Juan Bollini, 4) defeated Edmiston (Cable Magness, 1, Jason Crowder, 7, Jeronimo Del Carril, 9), 9-5. Juan Bollini was selected MVP.

In the Celebrity Polo Round Robin, Aspen Valley Polo Club (Sterling Jones, Marc Ganzi, Nacho Figueras) won the three-team round robin, 1-0, over Casablanca (Saul Sacca, Juan Bollini, Grant Ganzi). Lugano Diamonds (Joyce Bonelli, Martin Uranga, Vinny Sangaline) finished third.

Irenita Sofia, owned and played by Grant Ganzi, was the Best Playing Pony for the final.

Open Deliciosa, played by MacDonough and owned by Halo Polo, was the Best Playing Pony for the tournament.

Call of Duty, played by Zubia and owned by Halo Pony, was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony of the tournament.

The six-team event was the most competitive tournament in its 10-year history.

„You have really good players that are playing here,“ Biddle said. „And the patrons that are playing in the tournament play very well. The Ganzis shipped out three loads of horses to help mount everybody.“

Blade And Bow Blade is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced at the original site of the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The original distillery closed its doors in 1992, and the company Diageo re-opened the facility in 2014. In regards to the origins of the Blade and Bow name, it represents the two parts of a skeleton key, the blade shaft and the ornate bow.

For the second consecutive day, actress and singer songwriter Kelley Jakle, sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and flag bearer Jenna Hammond carried the American flag on horseback during the pre-game ceremony.

During the awards ceremony, tournament co-host Marc Ganzi announced that $100,000 had been raised from record ticket sales (doubled from last year) and donations for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation and Calaway-Young Cancer Center.

„All of you showed up this weekend,“ said tournament co-host Marc Ganzi. „I know a lot of you came from a long distance to support the World Snow Polo Championships and part of that support is when all of you reached into your checkbooks and you bought VIP tickets to come. We blew this out. We raised $100,000 this weekend which is incredible. We were at $30,000 two days ago.“

Ganzi also praised the community support for the event.

„This week doesn‘t happen without a lot of important people,“ Ganzi said. „I have to give a lot of credit to Mayor Torre and the City Council. This city continues to support this event. We can‘t do it without the city of Aspen or without the help of Aspen Skiing Company. That‘s what this community does. It shows up and pulls for everyone and I want to give a great round of applause for the city of Aspen for their partnership in this event.“

For the tenth consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi hosted the world-class event which has joined St. Moritz as one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events. It was the final stop on the World Polo Tour and only snow polo event in North America.

Past winners were: 2021, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, Jesse Bray, Pablo MacDonough); 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn.; 2017, (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club continues to be one of the busiest and fastest growing USPA-sanctioned clubs in the nation. Aspen Valley Polo Club has become the world‘s destination spot for summer and snow polo.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi resurrected the club and polo in 2014, polo has increased in popularity in Aspen and surrounding cities with the club‘s offerings of various weekly grass and arena tournaments, Arena & Asado Nights, Kidz Polo, Kids Wheely Polo, The Polo School headed by former 8-goaler Juan Bollini, and Polo On Demand. In addition, the club offers practice sessions for teams competing in the club tournaments.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

ASPEN, Colo., December 22, 2022—In a thrilling finish, Blade And Bow won its first St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Wednesday at Rio Grande Park. Blade And Bow (Grant Ganzi,…

Polo News

CK Shack Wins High Alpine Cup At St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship; Final Day Action Wednesday

21. December 2022

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 21, 2022 — CK Shack rebounded from its two close losses on opening day to capture the High Alpine Cup Tuesday at the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship.

In the battle for fifth and sixth place in the six-team tournament, CK Shack (Santos Bollini, 3, Martin Uranga, 7, Juan Bollini, 4) was unstoppable jumping out to quick lead and never relinquished it for a 9-5 victory over Edmiston (Cable Magness, 1, Jason Crowder, 7, Jeronimo Del Carril, 9) at Rio Grande Park.

In Monday‘s qualifying round at Aspen Valley Polo Club, CK Shack lost to defending champion Richard Mille, 9-7, and Blade And Bow, 7-6.

„We‘re always happy to win and play our best,“ Bollini said. „I‘m always excited to play and Santos was on the field and that always gives me an extra push when I play with my kids.

„That team was a good team,“ Bollini said. „We started very strong in the beginning and everything went our way in the first two chukkers. Then they came back a bit. Then the fourth chukker we dominated again.“

CK Shack started off with a 2-0 lead on handicap and quickly built a 6-1 halftime lead. CK Shack led 8-3 after the third chukker. Edmiston tried to dig itself out a hole in the second half but ran out of time.

CK Shack got balanced scoring from its lineup. Uranga led with three goals and father and son Juan and Santos Bollini each had two goals. Magness and Crowder each had two goals and Del Carril added one for Edmiston.

In the Celebrity Polo Round Robin, Aspen Valley Polo Club (Sterling Jones, Marc Ganzi, Nacho Figueras) won the three-team round robin, 1-0, over Casablanca (Saul Sacca, Juan Bollini, Grant Ganzi).

Jones scored the winning goal with 23 seconds in the final chukker. Jones was leading scorer with two goals. Lugano Diamonds (Joyce Bonelli, Martin Uranga, Vinny Sangaline) finished third.

„It‘s fun to have new people in the game and show them how much fun and safe it is,“ Bollini said. „And celebrity people talk about it and help make it bigger.“

The High Alpine Cup was the first of three tournament finals. On Wednesday, the third and final day of the prestigious tournament, action continues with a doubleheader featuring the championship and Alpine Cup.

In front of an expected sellout VIP crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, Blade And Bow (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9) will play St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7) in the championship final at 1 p.m. MST.

Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, 1, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10) and NetJets (Scott Wood, 2, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Sugar Erskine, 7) will play for the Aspen Cup at 3 p.m. followed by the trophy presentation ceremony at 4:15 p.m.

„This tournament has been very competitive,“ Bollini said. „We saw really good games yesterday and today was a good game, too. The level of this tournament is getting better and better. The players and horses are better every year. The condition of the field today was fantastic.“

In the qualifying round on Monday, Blade And Bow advanced into the final with a 5-4 overtime upset over three-time defending champion Richard Mille. St. Regis defeated NetJets, 7-5, to advance.

It will be the second consecutive finals appearance for St. Regis. In last year‘s final, St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 1, Nacho Figueras, 6, Nic Roldan, 9) lost to defending champion Richard Mille, 9-6.

Five of the six player finalists have won the coveted cup at least once. Only Biddle, a former 10-goal rated arena player, has not won it. The final will pit father against son Nacho and Hilario Figueras and mother against son Melissa and Grant Ganzi.

The event, one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America, is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation and Calaway-Young Cancer Center. In addition to ticket proceeds, donations are welcomed.

For the tenth consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi are hosting the world-class event which has joined St. Moritz as one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events. It is the final stop on the World Polo Tour and kickoff to the holiday social season in Aspen.

Past winners are: 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn.; 2017, (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

The sport was first played on a frozen lake in St. Moritz, Switzerland, created by Swiss hotelier and polo visionary Reto Gaudenzi in 1985 and has been growing in popularity ever since, attracting thousands of spectators and top players from around the world.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

2022 Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

Schedule

Wednesday 12/21
12 p.m. VIP tent opens

1 p.m. Championship Final
St. Regis vs Blade And Bow

3 p.m. Aspen Cup Final
Richard Mille vs NetJets
at Rio Grande Park

Purchase Tickets

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 21, 2022 — CK Shack rebounded from its two close losses on opening day to capture the High Alpine Cup Tuesday at the St. Regis World Snow…

Polo News

Stunning Overtime Upset Highlights Opening Day Action At St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

20. December 2022

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 20, 2022 — Opening day action of the 10th annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship was one of the most competitive in tournament history.

In the biggest upset of the day, Blade & Bow (Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9) knocked off three-time defending champion Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, 1, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10), 5-4, in overtime, to advance into the championship final Wednesday against St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7).

Five of the six player finalists have already won the coveted cup at least once. Only Biddle, a former 10-goal rated arena player, has not won it. The final will pit father against son Nacho and Hilario Figueras and mother against son Melissa and Grant Ganzi.

„We got really lucky,“ Grant Ganzi said. „We beat two very, very strong teams. I think all the teams here are strong this year. We are very lucky to be in the final.

„It was really tight (against Richard Mille) the whole time,“ Ganzi said. „We just knew that we needed to play super simple and open and keep moving the ball.“

After 12 chukkers of hardfought polo in Aspen Valley Polo Club‘s indoor arena, the matchups have been decided for the next two days when action now moves onto the hard-packed snow at Rio Grande Park.

On Wednesday, in front of an expected sellout VIP crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, Blade & Bow will play St. Regis in the championship final at 1 p.m. followed by Richard Mille and NetJets (Scott Wood, 2, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Sugar Erskine, 7) playing for the Aspen Cup at 3 p.m.

„It‘s going to take everything to beat St. Regis,“ Ganzi said. „They have a lot of experience and don‘t make a lot of mistakes so we have to limit ours. It will be really tough to beat them.

„It‘s a totally different game from arena to snow,“ Ganzi said. „Arena has the big walls. Playing in the snow is a totally different ball game. The ball bounces out more and you have all the fans screaming. It takes a lot of getting used to it but it‘s always amazing to play in the snow.“

On Tuesday, CK Shack (Santos Bollini, 3, Juan Bollini, 4, Martin Uranga, 7) and Edmiston (Cable Magness, 1, Jason Crowder, 7, Jeronimo Del Carril, 9) will play for fifth and sixth place in the High Alpine Cup at 1:15 p.m. followed by the popular Celebrity Polo Round Robin at 2:30 p.m.

Celebrity team sponsors and lineups are: Lugano Diamonds (Joyce Bonelli, Martin Uranga, Vinny Sangaline); Aspen Valley Polo Club (Marc Ganzi, Sterling Jones, Nacho Figueras); and Casablanca (Saul Sacca, Grant Ganzi, Juan Bollini).

In Monday‘s Bracket One qualifying games, Richard Mille defeated CK Shack, 9-7; Blade & Bow edged CK Shack, 7-6; and in a true final Blade & Bow knocked off Richard Mille, 5-4, in overtime with Hilario Figueras scoring the game-winner on a back shot.

„I thought we had a shot at the final when I saw our team on paper, I‘m not going to lie,“ Ganzi said. „Having Biddle in the arena is a huge help and obviously Hilario is fantastic.“

In Bracket Two action, NetJets defeated Edmiston, 6-4; St. Regis topped Edmiston, 9-6; and in another true final, St. Regis led from start-to-finish to defeat NetJets, 7-5.

Among leading scorers: Uranga, 6 goals; Hilario Figueras, 6; Zubia, 6; Bray, five; Del Carril, 5; Nacho Figueras, 5; MacDonough, 4; and Melissa Ganzi, 4.

Last year Richard Mille made history at the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. In front of a soldout heated VIP tent, Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, 0, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10) won its third title with an impressive 9-6 victory over St. Regis (Melissa Ganzi, 1, Nacho Figueras, 6, Nic Roldan, 9). Richard Mille had won the tournament three of the last four years. MacDonough, the only player on all three winning teams, was named Most Valuable Player.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

2022 Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

Schedule

Tuesday 12/20
12 p.m. VIP tent opens

1:15 p.m. High Alpine Cup Final
Edmiston vs CK Shack

2:30 p.m. Celebrity Polo Round Robin
at Rio Grande Park

Wednesday 12/21
12 p.m. VIP tent opens

1 p.m. Championship Final
St. Regis vs Blade & Bow

3 p.m. Aspen Cup Final
Richard Mille vs NetJets
at Rio Grande Park

Purchase Tickets

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 20, 2022 — Opening day action of the 10th annual St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship was one of the most competitive in tournament history. In the…

Polo News

Let‘s Get This Party Started; St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Begins Monday

19. December 2022

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 19, 2022 — The stage is set for the 10th anniversary of the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship.

On Sunday night, the draw party featuring player and sponsor introductions was held during a cocktail reception at St. Regis Aspen Resort in a fun and festive atmosphere highlighted by St. Regis‘ traditional champagne sabering.

Several players were still celebrating Argentina‘s win in the World Cup with Nacho Figueras waving an Argentine jersey as he was introduced and Pablo MacDonough and Santos Bollini wearing Argentine jerseys.

„Ten years we have been doing this event with St. Regis and our good friends at Marriott,“ said tournament host and emcee Marc Ganzi. „It‘s really exciting because when you reach ten years in an event in this town it becomes institutional of sorts.

„We have overcome a lot of challenges and it‘s taken a lot of hard work and a lot of people from the community to get us to where we are today.“

Ganzi thanked the City of Aspen and Parks and Recreation Department. „Without their support and without the field we don‘t have snow polo,“ Ganzi said. „It‘s really important we continue to make this a community event.“ Ganzi also thanked the City Council.

„I think this has really become a great event and it‘s one the locals support,“ Ganzi said. „It‘s a great way to kick off the holiday season. This year will be better than ever. We have got six amazing teams.“

After the draw for bracket seeding, three-time defending champion Richard Mille, CK Shack and Blade & Bow are in Bracket One. Edmiston, NetJets and St. Regis are in Bracket Two. Round robin matches will be held at the club‘s indoor arena in Carbondale Monday at noon (Bracket One) and 2 p.m. (Bracket Two).

Team sponsors and rosters are:

Blade & Bow (18): Grant Ganzi, 3, Hilario Figueras, 6, Tommy Biddle, 9.
Richard Mille (18): Sarah Siegel Magness, 1, Jesse Bray, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10.
Edmiston (17): Cable Magness, 1, Jason Crowder, 7, Jeronimo Del Carril, 9.
NetJets (18): Scott Wood, 2, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Sugar Erskine, 7.
St. Regis (14): Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nacho Figueras, 6, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7.
CK Shack (14): Juancito Bollini, 4, Martin Uranga, 7, Santos Bollini, 3.

Celebrity team sponsors and lineups are: Lugano Diamonds: Joyce Bonelli, Martin Uranga, Vinny Sangaline; Aspen Valley Polo Club: Marc Ganzi, Sterling Jones, Nacho Figiueras; and Casablanca: Saul Sacca, Grant Ganzi, Juan Bollini.

After Monday‘s qualifying at Aspen Valley Polo Club, action continues Tuesday and Wednesday at Rio Grande Park in front of an expected sellout crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience.

On Tuesday and Wednesday from noon-4 p.m., action moves to Rio Grande Park in downtown Aspen where the semifinals and celebrity matches are Tuesday and final and Aspen Cup consolation game and trophy presentation are Wednesday.

On Tuesday at 1:15 p.m., the High Alpine Cup for fifth and sixth places will be held followed by the popular Celebrity Polo Round Robin Cup. On Wednesday, the championship final is 1 p.m. followed by the Aspen Cup at 3 p.m.

The art of sabrage is the signature ceremony of the St. Regis Evening Rituals series. Dating back to the battles of Napoleon Bonaparte, who along with his soldiers, opened champagne with his saber in both victory and defeat, Napoleon once said, “Champagne: in victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it.”

The event, one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America, is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. In addition to the ticket proceeds, donations are welcomed.

Richard Mille has won the tournament three of the last four years. MacDonough, the only player on all three winning teams, was named Most Valuable Player.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Nick Tininenko

2022 Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

Schedule

Sunday 12/18 6:30 p.m.
Team draw at St. Regis Aspen Resort

Monday 12/19 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Preliminary Games
at Aspen Valley Polo Club

Tuesday 12/20
12 p.m. VIP tent opens
1:15 p.m. High Alpine Cup Final
Celebrity game
at Rio Grande Park

Wednesday 12/21
12 p.m. VIP tent opens
1 p.m. Championship Final
3 p.m. Aspen Cup Final
at Rio Grande Park

Purchase Tickets

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 19, 2022 — The stage is set for the 10th anniversary of the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. On Sunday night, the draw party featuring player…

Polo News

Team Sponsors, Rosters Announced For 10th Anniversary Of St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

17. December 2022

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 17, 2022 — One of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America, will feature six teams competing for the coveted winners‘ trophy.

The tournament teams and rosters are:

The celebrity team sponsors and lineups are:

Lugano Diamonds: Joyce Bonelli, Nito Uranga, Vinny Sangaline.
Aspen Valley Polo Club: Marc Ganzi, Sterling Jones, Nacho Figiueras.
Casablanca: Saul Sacca, Grant Ganzi, Juan Bollini.

In front of an expected sellout crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, action begins Monday, Dec. 19, with qualifying games at Aspen Valley Polo Club and continues Tuesday and Wednesday at Rio Grande Park.

The festivities kick off Sunday at 6:30 p.m. with the draw and team introduction during a cocktail reception and traditional champagne sabering at St. Regis Aspen Resort where team pairings and sponsors will be announced.

On Monday, qualifying round robin matches will be held at the club‘s indoor arena in Carbondale at noon and 2 p.m.

The event is a fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation. In addition to the ticket proceeds, donations are welcomed.

For the tenth consecutive year, Aspen Valley Polo Club owners Melissa and Marc Ganzi, will host the world-class event along with polo ambassador and St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina.

The event has joined St. Moritz as one of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and one of Aspen‘s major international sporting events. It is the final stop on the World Polo Tour and kickoff to the holiday social season in Aspen.

The snow polo tournament is a major attraction for the local community, attracts fans from all over the world, and is a major allure for the Aspen community and surrounding areas.

Richard Mille has won the tournament three of the last four years. MacDonough, the only player on all three winning teams, was named Most Valuable Player.

Bray earned the High Scorer Award after scoring 12 goals in the tournament. The 29-year-old scored a game-high five goals in the championship. He also scored four goals in his team‘s 10-7 opening tournament win over Aspen Valley Polo Club and three goals in a 3-2 win over defending champion World Polo League.

It was the most competitive final in the nine-year history of the prestigious tournament.

Past winners are: 2020, World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras, Alejandro Novillo Astrada); 2019, Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough, Louis Jarrige); 2018, Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Pablo MacDonough); U.S. Polo Assn.; 2017, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan); 2016, Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini); 2015, U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini); 2014, Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan); and 2013, St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips).

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club continues to be one of the busiest and fastest growing USPA-sanctioned clubs in the nation.

Aspen Valley Polo Club finished another successful and historic season in club and Rocky Mountain Circuit history this past summer. Aspen Valley Polo Club has become the world‘s destination spot for summer and snow polo.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira & Nick Tininenko

2022 Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

Schedule

Sunday 12/18 6:30 p.m.
Team draw at St. Regis Aspen Resort

Monday 12/19 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Preliminary Games
at Aspen Valley Polo Club

Tuesday 12/20
12 p.m. VIP tent opens
1:15 p.m. High Alpine Cup Final
Celebrity game
at Rio Grande Park

Wednesday 12/21
12 p.m. VIP tent opens
1 p.m. Championship Final
3 p.m. Aspen Cup Final
at Rio Grande Park

Purchase Tickets

CARBONDALE, Colo., December 17, 2022 — One of the world‘s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America, will feature six teams competing for the coveted…

North America, Polo News

Successful First Weekend Of The World Polo League Palm Beach Open

12. March 2020

Richard Mille Rallies Over Amaala To Win Sunday Feature Game

Over the weekend, The Palm Beach Open has been portraying polo prowess in the heart of Florida’s polo mecca, Grand Champions Polo Club, with the first five matches in the exciting third installment of the 2020 World Polo League gracing the pristine fields.

Following two epic matches between Alegría and SD Farms, followed by Colorado and J5 La Dolfina, to start the weekend’s entertainment, on Saturday 7 M arch,Seminole Casino fought tooth and nail to defeat their rivals STM, 10-7. Melissa Ganzi’s side and her band of long-time friends and 8 goaler extraordinaires, Lucas James, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and American number one, Nic Roldan, were all power, proving three 8 goalers is exactly what the doctor ordered in this high stakes, high goal thrill of a tournament.

With three goals to her name, Melissa led her team to a resounding victory despite their lower handicap, and to put the icing on the cake, Nic Roldan, for all his offensive plays and cohesive fervor, was named Most Valuable Player. What a start for this exciting team in The Palm Beach Open!

Valiente vs Casablanca 13-8

To commence a thrilling Sunday, the powerhouse foursome of Valiente, fresh from a victory under the Scone banner in The Founders Cup, came flying out the starting blocks, up against Grant Ganzi’s Casablanca. With Hilario Figueras stepping in for Valiente patron Bob Jornayvaz, polo fans on the sidelines were keen to see what magic this team could bring, up against the well-drilled Casablanca side.

From the off, both teams tested the mettle of their opponents, with power plays and lofty shots up field, but it was the Casablanca Captain, Ganzi, who was the first to find the uprights, putting his boys in black ahead 1-0, with 5 minutes to go. Valiente spent the first chukker forming two man plays, then three man plays, each time extending their time in front of goal, getting closer and closer to a conversion. Diego Cavanagh was the first to convert for Valiente, against increasingly strong wind, placing a set of ones on the board, with plenty of more action to come. He quickly followed with a second penalty, and a neat field goal from the main man himself Adolfo Cambiaso, putting Valiente ahead, 3-1, so as the first chukker ended, the play, having seemingly slowed down due to numerous whistles blown, started to pep-up, with Valiente going strong.

It was clear Valiente meant business going into the second period, but Casablanca had synergy and they meant to use it. The father/son Cambiaso duo had settled into a nice rhythm, but Hilario Ulloa and Rodrigo Andrade, Casablanca’s own perfect pairing, ensured they made hard work of any Valiente gains. The penalty whizz Cavanagh put a fourth goal on the scoreboard for Valiente and as the chukker continued, the goals mounted. Following some stern words, with extra passionate gesticulation thrown-in from Andrade and Cambiaso, Valiente headed into the third chukker with 6 goals to Casablanca’s 2.

A lot can happen in polo, so with seven and a half minutes before half-time, perhaps Casablanca could turn this around? Would the polo fates be that kind? Unfortunately for Casablanca; no. As the teams wound down to half-time, Valiente still led, 8-3, with a veritable whitewash underway.

Three chukkas to go and plenty of time to climb the scoreboard for Casablanca and Juancito Bollini had just the ticket, beginning the long road back to potential victory for Casablanca with a converted penalty 3. But unsurprisingly, the Cambiaso duo, with the help of young Figueras well and truly put their foot on the throttle with field goals and penalties off Cavanagh’s mallet, ending the fourth chukker 10-4 ahead, followed by the fifth with 12 goals to Valiente’s name to only 5 in response from Casablanca. Passions were flying, but despite a perfectly placed neckshot goal from Ganzi just a minute into the sixth and final chukka, Casablanca didn’t have the gumption needed to overpower the sheer Valiente might. So, with one qualifying match under their belts, Valiente had the win 13-8.

Richard Mille vs Amaala 15-7

Up next, thrilled spectators on the sidelines were set to see a clash of titans, with Richard Mille up against Nacho Figueras’s Amaala. And wow, these spectators were not disappointed. Amaala began the showdown with some quick stickwork, but the young might of the Castagnola brothers, Camilo and Barto, was sure to be a force to be reckoned with, a fact they proved in the first minute of play. Barto, with a handy, lofty shot, placed the ball perfectly through the posts, with no one on his tail to make the first, all-important mark on the scoreboard. Richard Mille continued their initial onslaught with a second goal, completely dismantling Amaala’s defense. The 8 goaler Tincho Merlos however, came back for Amaala with a beautiful penalty conversion, and as if by magic, Amaala were back in the game. As the clock wound down to the chukker end, with Richard Mille leading 3-1, a small mistake from Camilo Castagnola saw Facu Llorente find a gap, racing towards goal, ensuring his Amaala side was back in the game, 3-2 to finish the first period.

The ever-present Castagnola brothers were first out the gates in the second chukker, with older brother Barto receiving a perfectly poised pass from Camilo to open scoring in the period and putting Richard Mille 4-2 ahead. Camilo, keen for a slice of the pie, wasted no time in scoring his third goal of the afternoon and so began Richard Mille’s ongoing assault. Figueras was determined to ensure Richard Mille didn’t run away with the match too easily, but with two missed goal opportunities, it was seemingly impossible for the cascade of Castagnola power shots to falter. Furthermore, when you’re backed up by one of the best players in the world, in the form of 10 goaler Pablo Mac Donough, it’s going to take some serious collaboration to overcome this mountain of horsepower and skill.

Going into the third, Amaala were on the back foot, letting Richard Mille play their game, and Camilo Castagnola was more than happy to add salt to the wound with a fourth goal from a converted penalty 4. With fresh enthusiasm, Amaala’s Llorente and Merlos went for power play over close-range stick work, but Barto Castagnola’s horsepower ensured Merlos’ efforts were all effort with no cigar, making matters even worse for Amaala as Camilo Castagnola scored a goal from a seemingly impossible angle to make it 7-2 to Richard Mille. This was Richard Mille’s game and they weren’t going to let anyone take their thunder. As one of the WPL’s newest additions, these new kids on the block meant business – could The Palm Beach Open title be within their grasp at such an early stage?

The Mille might was as fresh as a daisy going into the second half. With an 8-2 lead, Amaala had a lot of ground to make-up and a Castangola blitzkrieg to overcome, but one thing’s for sure; they were keen to make ground. Llorente had his head in the game, coming back with the first score of the second half for Amaala, 8-3, but Mac Donough had other ideas, capitalizing on a little error from Amaala and scoring a ninth goal for Richard Mille. And on and on it went; with three minutes left to play in the fourth, Barto found the posts again to make double figures, thus ending the period 10-5, still in Richard Mille’s favor.

Despite trying with all their might, Amaala just couldn’t convert effort to goals, trying time and time again to out maneuver Richard Mille’s power foursome. Play in the fifth continued along the same tack, as the boys in black continued to power through Amaala’s handy work.But, with a nice little penalty conversion from Amaala, they narrowed the score to 10-6; could they narrow it further? If the Castagnola’s had anything to do with it, no they could not! It was to and fro up and down the field, until Barto ultimately overcame Juan Britos to run away with an 11th goal, 11-6.

With only one chukka to go, Richard Mille remained 5 goals ahead, a large, but not insurmountable score to overcome for Amaala, or so it seemed at the outset. Unfortunately for Amaala, it was one, two, three for Richard Mille who, with 1½ minutes remaining were ahead 14-6. Llorente secured a seventh goal for Amaala, but Richard Mille did exactly what they had planned to do; win their first Palm Beach Open match and win they did, with a whopping 15-7 final score.

As the sun began to set on Grand Champions Polo Club, Woods, a beautiful grey, owned and played by Nacho Figueras was named the World Polo League Best Playing Pony, whilst Subaru, played by Pablo Mac Donough was awarded the American Horse Association Best Playing Pony rug. Young Barto Castagnola picked up the Most Valuable Player honors, a sure sign of things to come in this exciting tournament.

2020 WORLD POLO LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Palm Beach Open

Wednesday 3/11 10:30AM Richard Mille vs Casablanca

Wednesday 3/11 4PM STM vs SD Farms

Thursday 3/12 10AM J5/LaDolfina vs Seminole Casino

Thursday 3/12 1PM Alegria vs Colorado

Thursday 3/12 4PM Valiente vs Amaala

Saturday 3/14 1PM J5/LaDolfina vs SD Farms

Saturday 3/14 4PM Seminole Casino vs Alegria

Sunday 3/15 10:30AM Casablanca vs Amaala

Sunday 3/15 1PM STM vs Colorado

Sunday 3/15 4PM Richard Mille vs Valiente

Semifinals 3/18-3/19

Mar. 28-Apr. 18, Triple Crown of Polo

Apr. 6-12, U.S. National Mixed Doubles Polo Championship

Apr 9-12 World Polo League Beach Polo World Cup, Miami Beach

World Polo League

Co-founded by Grand Champions owner and president Melissa Ganzi and Valiente Polo Farm owner Bob Jornayvaz, the World Polo League is the only 26-goal polo in the world outside of Argentina. The WPL is preserving the highest level of polo and its rich, hallowed tradition in the U.S.

The WPL, with 11 tournament-quality fields to play on, featured the Feb. 6-16 All-Star Challenge won by Valiente; Feb. 19-March 1 Founders Cup, March 4-22 Palm Beach Open and March 28-April 18 Triple Crown of Polo.

The WPL schedule also features the unique April 6-12 U.S. National Mixed Doubles Championship, created by Jornayvaz. It pairs men and women players. There is also the April 9-12 WPL Beach Polo World Cup in Miami Beach.

The World Polo League attracts a large international field of players from all corners 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 England.

www.gcpolo.com

www.worldpolo.org

© Thomas Wirth

Richard Mille Rallies Over Amaala To Win Sunday Feature Game Over the weekend, The Palm Beach Open has been portraying polo prowess in the heart of Florida’s polo mecca, Grand…

North America, Polo News

Sunday Upsets Highlight Thrilling Start to Third Round of USPA Gold Cup®

12. March 2020

An action-packed start to the third round of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup® featured three games, with upsets occurring in each game including Dutta Corp handing Las Monjitas their first loss of the season with an impressive 20-11 victory. Santa Clara defeated C.V. Whitney Cup finalist La Indiana 10-7, while Equuleus narrowly edged Coca-Cola 8-7 for their first victory of the tournament at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

The opening game featured a stunning performance from Dutta Corp, who produced the highest goal total of the season thus far with 20 goals against previously undefeated Las Monjitas. Dutta Corp was efficient from both the field and the penalty line, where they shot 86% and 80% respectively, in what provided to be a foul-ridden game with 29 fouls. Limiting Las Monjitas’ opportunities from the field, Dutta Corp completed the dominant 20-11 victory.

Eight fouls in the opening two chukkers from Las Monjitas resulted in five penalty goals for the duo of Facundo and Mariano Obregon as Dutta Corp raced out to a large lead. Conceding possessions, Las Monjitas was kept off the scoreboard, while Dutta Corp produced six goals, receiving at least one goal from each player for a quick 6-0 lead. After a penalty 2 conversion from Francisco Elizalde, Dutta Corp went on another goal run, scoring four unanswered goals, three from Mariano Obregon to finish the second chukker with a 10-1 lead. Playing at a lightning quick pace, Dutta Corp overwhelmed Las Monjitas across the entire field and took advantage of each opportunity to lead by 10 goals at halftime.

Entering the game as the lone undefeated team, Las Monjitas was stunned by Dutta Corp’s relentless attack that continued to extend their lead further. The umpire’s whistle slowed play in the second half as scoring turned to the penalty line, with Facundo Obregon adding two more penalty goals. Finishing the fourth chukker and still yet to score from the field, a frustrated Las Monjitas side were left facing an insurmountable 16-4 deficit with two chukkers remaining. Sitting back defensively over the final two chukkers, Dutta Corp finally conceded their first field goal to Bautista Panelo, who replaced an injured Mackenzie Weisz, but Dutta Corp cruised to the convincing 20-11 victory, improving to 3-0 in the tournament.

The second game of the day featured 2-0 La Indiana against 1-1 Santa Clara, but it was Santa Clara who controlled play throughout the match. Five goals each from Ignatius Du Plessis and Polito Pieres led their respective teams, but it was an organized defense from Santa Clara, holding La Indiana to 3 for 10 shooting from the field that proved to be the difference in the victory. Luis Escobar opened the scoring for Santa Clara, but a penalty 3 conversion from Pieres, along with a field goal from Jeff Hall gave La Indiana the early 2-1 lead. In one of the most decisive chukkers of the match, Santa Clara produced four goals in quick succession, led by two from Du Plessis and an impressive goal from Henry Porter to race into a 5-2 advantage on the scoreboard. Fouls from Santa Clara slowed their momentum to finish the half, but they maintained their three-goal lead heading into halftime.

Focused on making their comeback, La Indiana fought to create chances at goal, but Santa Clara’s strong defense made their shot attempts difficult. Converting just one of their first six shot attempts, La Indiana saw their deficit grow to four with Du Plessis pacing the Santa Clara attack. The duo of Pieres and Hall combined for three goals as La Indiana found their footing in the fifth chukker, pulling within two goals as excitement rose around the field in a potential comeback. A clutch penalty 4 conversion from Du Plessis to begin the final chukker gave Santa Clara a commanding three-goal lead, which they didn’t give up, capturing the 10-7 victory, matching La Indiana’s 2-1 record atop Bracket I.

The final game of the day on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 displayed a defensive battle between Coca-Cola and Equuleus that came down to the final second on a penalty conversion from Mariano Gonzalez. Despite inaccurate shooting from the field and the penalty line, Equuleus outshot Coca-Cola 17-10, with the extra attempts leading them to the narrow victory. A back and forth start to the game resulted in the two teams trading goals, deadlocked at 2-2 after the first chukker. The duo of Inaki and Magoo Laprida combined for a three-goal run that gave Equuleus control of the game, but before the end of the half, Coca-Cola responded with back-to-back goals from Nico Pieres and Julian de Lusarreta.

Defense highlighted the second half of the feature game, leaving the teams within one goal of each other over the final three chukkers. Steve Krueger’s second goal of the game tied the score at 5-5, but scoring was hard to come by for the remainder of the game, with five of the final six goals coming from the penalty line. Penalty goals from Gonzalez and Pieres sent the outcome into the final chukker as spectators were treated to a close finish. Drawing a foul in the final seconds, Equuleus had a penalty 2 attempt for the victory as time was expiring and Gonzalez converted the chance, sending Equuleus to the thrilling 8-7 victory. Magoo Laprida captured MVP honors, while his mare „Nike“ was named the Best Playing Pony.

The USPA Gold Cup® – the second leg of the GAUNTLET OF POLO™, continues today, March 9 at 11:00 a.m. with Postage Stamp Farm vs. Daily Racing Form on field 5 and at 3:00 p.m. with Cessna vs. Patagones on field 3. For the full daily game schedule, click here. All games can be watched live at GlobalPolo.com.

About the International Polo Club Palm Beach

The International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) is the premier polo destination in the world, hosting the largest field of high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States. Polo enthusiasts descend upon Wellington, FL each winter season to enjoy their love of the sport at the most prominent polo facility in the country. The 2020 Palm Beach Polo Season opens Sunday, December 29, and concludes 17 weeks later with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final on Sunday, April 19. Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating that includes elegant grandstand viewing, field tailgating, stadium seating, field-side champagne brunch at The Pavilion, and exclusive sponsor boxes. See more at www.internationalpoloclub.com.

© Thomas Wirth

An action-packed start to the third round of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup® featured three games, with upsets occurring in each game including Dutta Corp handing Las Monjitas their first…

Art & Design, Lifestyle, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News

Federation of international Polo & Art Collection

13. December 2019

In a joint initiative the Federation of International Polo, Polo & Art and Squinkbox in San Diego, California, the world of polo may have the opportunity to enjoy the art of polo.

Marcelo Decoud, ( an international veteran polo player) Ceo of Polo & Art and Patricio Lloret, Ceo of Squinkbox Printing ,together with FIP (Federation of International Polo) will launch in 2020 a web page with new and renowned artists dedicated to illustrating in their works different scenes of the sport of kings.

The Polo & Art website will feature an online art gallery, where polo lovers will not only appreciate the works of different artists, but also access them through high quality certified collectable limited edition giclee prints.

MELINDA BREWER , ART DIRECTOR OF POLO & ART
The artistic direction of the project is in charge of the renowned polo artist Melinda Brewer.

Melinda has been painting professionally since 1982, recognized as one of Canada’s foremost wildlife artists.Since 1992, Melinda has concentrated on her passion on one of her favorite subjects, equine art, both commissioned portraits and specifically the art of polo. Her paintings have been featured in exhibitions at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the American Academy of Equine Art, and in polo clubs across North America. Her polo pony portraits were featured in an annual exhibition and in the permanent collection of International Polo Club Palm Beach. She is represented in the permanent collection “Horses to Remember” at the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame since 2000. Her artwork has been featured in several polo magazines, including Hurlingham, and the USPA Polo Players Edition. She has contributed artwork and sponsorship to the American Polo Horse Association, the Polo Training Foundation as well as the Polo Players Support Group. Her work has been acclaimed and recognized by many polo players and polo enthusiasts as well as renowned art collectors. Her work is appreciated for the sensitive understanding and detail in watercolor portraiture and for capturing the elegance and nuance of polo scenes.

THE POLO STARS PROJECT
Melinda is the author and creator of Polostars® a book published annually since 2002 featuring her polo art and polo pony portraits and biographies. She is currently working on the thirteenth volume in the series. In partnership with the National Museum of Polo she has produced three books, Poloart, a season of polo and art. She is currently working on the fourth book, available in early 2020.

Also the initiative make available to polo lovers the access for commissioned works requests which allows to create a personalized original artwork from a photograph.

www.fippolo.com

Polo & Art Collection:

Melinda Brewer, Melinda horses, ( the five polo ponies in B&W)

Guzman Garcia Lenguas, a novel artist from Uruguay.

© Thomas Wirth

In a joint initiative the Federation of International Polo, Polo & Art and Squinkbox in San Diego, California, the world of polo may have the opportunity to enjoy the art…

Lifestyle, Polo News, Real Estate

Cape Negro Island: One of the largest private islands in North America!

26. November 2019

The beautiful Cape Negro Island is located along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, at the same latitude of the South of France.

Take a look at this two-minute video.

The property is available for EUR 999,000-
This sensational island is on sale for less than the price of a flat in one of London’s more popular districts.