players

Asia, Polo News

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club Gears Up for its 2020 – 2021 Equestrian Season

19. October 2020

11 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: An exciting line up of Polo tournaments, Show Jumping and Dressage competitions await equine sports enthusiasts in the region.

As a nod to the upcoming season, Al Habtoor Riding School and Polo Academy provided a full equestrian experience to the public. On the 18th of September, registered guests of the Riding School Open day participated in several complimentary activities which included riding assessment sessions, pony rides, and stable tours led by its highly qualified instructors and volunteers.

On the 2nd of October, the Al Habtoor Polo Academy welcomed polo enthusiasts on its Open Day led by its Head Coach. Individuals who registered for the Introduction to Polo session learned the basics of the sport. From learning how to hold a mallet and hitting the ball on the grass, they progressed to trying their swing on a hay bale and ultimately on a polo pony.

This season’s equestrian calendar features a series of AHPRC Show Jumping competitions scheduled to run monthly starting this October with monthly Dressage competitions from January 2021. Several pony camps are in place to welcome those who want to learn more about horsemanship from the ground and on the saddle.

The Club’s much-awaited polo tournaments will open with the Halloween Cup on the 23rd of October. Several low, medium and high-goal tournaments will run through the course of the season. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series will kick off on the 22nd of January 2020. The Silver Cup, Polo Masters Cup, Gold Cup (Dubai Open), Dubai Challenge Cup and Dubai Cup anticipates the participation of the world’s well-known polo teams and players capping off Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar.

* All tournaments and competitions are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

Photos: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

© Thomas Wirth

11 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: An exciting line up of Polo tournaments, Show Jumping and Dressage competitions await equine sports enthusiasts in the region. As a nod to the upcoming season, Al…

Asia, Polo News

Urgent Annoucement – HH President of the UAE Polo Cup 2020 to be postponded

19. March 2020

Due to the ongoing global health implications of the coronavirus and precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government, the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club have announced to postpone the ongoing 20^th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup with effect from Thursday, March 19.

The Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club released a statement on Thursday evening saying following the directives of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, it is decided to postpone HH President of the UAE Polo Cup of polo season 2019-2020 with immediate effect.

“As organiser of the prestigious HH President of the UAE Polo Cup, we have been in permanent contact with the government authorities in the UAE. The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the participants,” said HE Zayed Khalifa Al Aboudi Al Zaabi – Executive Director, adding that “safety comes at the top of all priorities. The decision has been circulated to all concerned entities and participating polo teams”

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot march on as brave UAE keep hopes alive

19. March 2020

Araya the star for the hosts in victory over Abu Dhabi.

Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team continued to display match-winning form as they defeated Abu Dhabi by 11 goals to 6 in the 20th HH President of the UAE Polo Cup on March 17.

It was the second successive win for Ghantoot after their thrilling victory over Bangash Polo Team. In the day’s second game of the day, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE Polo Team to a convincing 11-7 victory over Desert Palm. It was the first win for UAE following their narrow defeat to Al Habtoor, while Desert Palm suffered their second loss having the first one to Abu Dhabi in their previous match. HH President of the UAE Cup is being played behind closed doors and without the presence of any spectators in accordance with the regulations and guidelines issued by the UAE Government following the Coronavirus outbreak.

Only players and officials are present at the venue while the matches are contested and regulated in standard fashion with official umpires, and the results are recorded officially. Mr Zayed Khalifa Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s dynamic Executive Director commented: “We genuinely appreciate the understanding of our regular fans who are unfortunately deprived of watching world-class polo in the prestigious and signature event, the HH President of the UAE Cup 2020. “However, we continue to abide by the advice of our Rulers, Government and health authorities as we continue to put the safety of our society at the forefront of all our endeavors.” The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of half million DHS.

All games are being held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

AT A GLANCE
What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament
When: March 11-27
Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
Teams: 6 Polo Teams
Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap
Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
• Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
• In association with: Emirates Polo Association
• Event Sponsors:
• YAS Capital Investments
• YAS International Properties LLC
• YAS International Development
• YAS International Holding
• YAS International Investment
• La Roche Pharmacy

Official Car:
• Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

Araya the star for the hosts in victory over Abu Dhabi. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team continued to display match-winning form as they defeated Abu Dhabi by 11 goals to 6…

Asia, Polo News

AL HABTOOR LEAVE IT LATE TO OVERCOME GRITTY BANGASH

17. March 2020

Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5^th chukker.

Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in a tense final chukker to help hs team defeat a gritty Bangash 12-9 in the 20^th HH President of the UAE Polo Cup at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort on March 16.

Both team were lock at 8-goal each at the end of the fourth chukker, but it was Al Habtoot who came out stronger in the decider to strike four goals without conceding any, for a resounding victory. It was their second of the six-team 18-goal handicap tournament, following their 14-12 victory over the UAE Polo Team in an earlier game. One of the UAE’s leading polo clubs and tournament organisers, Al Habtoot comprise a strong team lead by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Felix Esian, Martin Podesta and the mercurial nine-handicapper, Solo. “I am delighted with the way the team performed under pressure,” said Al Habtoor. “The whole performance was very good right from the start. “We also won a tense match against UAE Polo Team which shows that we can handle the pressure. By playing this way and staying positive will also help the team to perform better. Overall out performance was solid and we look forward to our next match against Abu Dhabi (March 21).

“A win there will put us in a strong position in the tournament,” Despite losing two games on the trot Haider Bangash remained up-beat and said: “Full marks to our players for putting up such a spirted performance for the second consecutive match. “We lost both matches narrowly, which means that we can still mix it with the top teams. Perhaps we need to look at some things in our strategy and hopefully raise our game in the coming matches. Bangash play Desert Palm Polo Team in their third league match on March 21.

The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000.

The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27. All games are being held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, The Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

FORTHCOMING MATCHES

Tuesday, March 17

2.30pm Ghantoot vs Abu Dhabi

4.30 Desert Palm vs UAE

Friday, March 21

3.30pm Ghantoot vs UAE

Saturday, March 22

2.30pm Desert Palm vs Bangash

4.30pm Al Habtoor vs Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, March 24

Semifinals

Friday, March 27

Final

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament

When: March 11-27

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Teams: 6 Polo Teams

Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap

Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
In association with: Emirates Polo Association
Event Sponsors:
YAS Capital Investments
YAS International Properties LLC
YAS International Development
YAS International Holding
YAS International Investment
La Roche Pharmacy
Official Car:
Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5th chukker. Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in…

Asia, Polo News

Hosts Ghantoot rally late for exciting victory over Bangash

16. March 2020

HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start.

Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome a two goal deficit and defeat Bangash 9-8 on an action-packed opening day in the 2020 HH President of the UAE Polo Cup on Wednesday.

Ghantoot trailed their rivals 6-8 with less than seven minutes to play, but two goals each by their Argentinian professionals, Pablo LLorente and Marcos Araya, helped them turn impending defeat into a highly rewarding victory.

Both Llorente and Araya totally four goals each for the match played on a 18-handicap format over five chukkers. The star player for Bangash was the irresistible Manuel Elixalde who scores six of his team’s eight goals in a dominating display of high-quality polo at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. All the six participating teams were in action on a fun-filled opening day featuring competitive matches. Meanwhile, Al Habtoor’s Facundo Solo was in red-hot form scoring as many as 11 times in his team’s 14-13 victory over UAE Polo Team. The top scorer for the UAE was veteran Tomas Beresfors who struck eight goals in a match that could have gone any way.

The UAE were led by Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and also featured Benjamin and Tomas Panelo. In the day’s third match Abu Dhabi Polo Team dominated Desert Palm for most of the 35 minutes of action for a 8-3 victory. The leading scorer for the winners was Martin Donovan with four goals while Ramiro Cordero, Martin Valent and Manuel Toccalino scored a goal apiece for Desert Palm. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27.

Mr Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Managing Director congratulated the winners and wished the losers good luck for the remaining matches. “We could not have hoped for a better start to this prestigious tournament, which is held in the name of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament

When: March 11-27

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Teams: 6 Polo Teams

Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap

Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

• Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council

• In association with: Emirates Polo Association

• Event Sponsors:

• YAS Capital Investments

• YAS International Properties LLC

• YAS International Development

• YAS International Holding

• YAS International Investment

• La Roche Pharmacy

• Official Car:

• Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome…

Polo News, South America

THE VILLAGES CLAIMED LA AGUADA LADIES CUP

9. December 2019

The Villages defeated MJVH Polo by a 10 a 5,5 score and won the 2019 edition of La Aguada Ladies Cup, after the final that took place at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina, on Friday December 6.

Meanwhile, La Aguada took a 7,5-3 win over Agua Fria Ourofino, and earned the third place.

Lia Salvo was named MVP and Claudia Junqueira was presented with the Fair Play Award.

La Aguada Ladies Cup, one of the most important competitions within the busy ladies polo calendar of the spring polo season in Argentina, featured four teams up to 18 goals (ladies handicap)

Following the awards presentation, teams, players, media and special guests enjoyed the warmth of the Novillo Astrada family at their home, with a great closing party and Argentine asado, in an ideal entourage to have fun and a great time with family and friends, the spirit of La Aguada Polo Club.

A very special thanks to our sponsors for the continuing support; to the participating teams and players, to the media, and all our friends who always come to La Aguada to enjoy our events. Thanks to you all, and we are much looking forward to seeing you all next year!

LA AGUADA LADIES CUP – EQUIPOS PARTICIPANTES

The Villages: Catalina Lavinia 1, Catalina Jantus 2, Paige McCabe 6, Lia Salvo 9. Total: 18

MJVH Polo: Alicia Woods 1, Sofía Sciutto 4, Stephanie Haverhals 4, Sarah Wiseman 7. Total: 15

La Aguada: Sarah Brown 1, Dayna Waechter 3, Mia Novillo Astrada 6, Emma Boers 5. Total: 15

Agua Fria Ourofino: Claudia Junqueira 1, Jeanine Hugo Menéndez 5, Courtney Asdourian 6, Sofía Taylor 3. Total: 15

LA AGUADA LADIES CUP – FIXTURE

Tuesday December 3

MJVH Polo 7 vs. Agua Fria Ourofino 6,5

The Villages 10 vs. La Aguada 5,5

Thursday December 5

MJVH Polo 7 vs. La Aguada 6 5

The Villages 7 vs. Agua Fria Ourofino 5,5

Friday December

La Aguada 7,5 vs. Agua Fria Ourofino 3

The Villages 10 vs. MJVH Polo 5,5

www.laaguadapolo.com

© Thomas Wirth

The Villages defeated MJVH Polo by a 10 a 5,5 score and won the 2019 edition of La Aguada Ladies Cup, after the final that took place at La Aguada…

Polo News

STAGE SET FOR 19TH EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL With $100,000 Prize Money

4. December 2019

The 19^th Emirates Polo Championships International kicks-off on Saturday, December 7 at the Ghantoot Racing &Polo Club with five top teams battling it out over the next two weeks. Who are the players to keep an eye on and who are the favorites to lift the prestigious trophy on December 20?

For many, the Emirates Polo Championships International signals the proper tart of the UAE Polo scene. It is a high-profile event that provides fantastic action, close matches, upsets and also produces some unsung heroes, like it did last season when Argentine’s exciting Tommy Panelo picked up the coveted Professional Player of the final award.

This year’s event has its share of star players, both from the UAE and overseas, with several big-name players from Argentine, ready to showcase their polo skills. The five participating teams are Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by long-time polo enthusiast and supporter, Abdullah Bin Desmal’s Ghantoot Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by Faris Al Yabhouni, Shaikha Alyaa Al Maktoum and the Al Habtoor Polo Team, Desert Palm Polo Team led by Rashid Al Bawardy and Heider Bangash’s Mahra Bangash Polo Team. The two highest rated polo players in the 10-12 handicap event are Santiago Cernadas (7) who represents a strong-looking Al Habtoor Team and Ghantoot’s six-handicapper Manuel Toccalino. A total cash prize of $100,000 is up for grabs with the winning team collecting $60,000 and the runner-up $40,000. The Emirates is widely regarded as one of the region’s most important polo events as it attracts some of the world’s top professional players.

THE TEAMS

Ghantoot (+12)
Abdullah Bin Desmal (0)
Mateo Lalor Bengolea (+2)
Esteban Costas (+4)
Manuel Toccalino (+6)

Al Habtoor (+11)
Shaika Alyaa Al Maktoum (+1)
Habtoor Al Habtoor (+1)
Santiago Cernadas (+7)
Tomas Iriarte (+4)

Desert Palm (+12)
Rashid Al Bawardy /
Cachilo Marty Hgguy (+2)
Martin Valeny (+5)
Sam Intstone (0)
Ramiro Cardero (+5)

Mahra Bangash (+10)
Heider Bangash (0)
Tariq Al Habtoor (+1)
Tuki Ruiz Guinazu (+4)
Federico Von Potobsky (+5)

Abu Dhabi(+11)
Faris Al Yabhouni (0)
Sergio Damian Quiroga (+2)
Hugo Barabucci (+4)
Martin Donovan (+5)

At A Glance

What: UAE Polo championships International

When: December 7th to 20^th,, 2019

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Watch all the polo games live : www.grpc.ae – via Polocam TV

For more infos: www.grpc.ae

Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

EVENT SPONSORS

Governing Partner
Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Emirates Polo Association

Official Sponsor
Yas International Properties
Yas International Holding
Yas International Investment
Yas International Development
Yas Capital Investment
La Roche Pharmacy

Official Car
Premier Motors – Maserati

Sponsors:
Cassells Al Barsha Hotel
Bin Ham Travels

© Thomas Wirth

The 19th Emirates Polo Championships International kicks-off on Saturday, December 7 at the Ghantoot Racing &Polo Club with five top teams battling it out over the next two weeks. Who…

Polo News

AM Polo Claims the UAE National Day Cup 2019

3. December 2019

The week-long tournament held to commemorate the UAE National Day was concluded with two exciting matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The subsidiary final kicked off with a promising start as Green Gates Polo team gained a fast lead over Habtoor Polo, 3 – 1. Both teams scored goals during the next chukker, and after half time the teams were tied at 6 – 6. JJ Diaz Alberdi took the lead that was seconded by a goal from Habtoor Al Habtoor that primed Habtoor Polo for the win. JJ scored another goal and closed the match at 9 goals to 8.

Before the final, the UAE National anthem was played followed by the presentation of the players of AM Polo and Bangash/Mahra Polo teams.

The first chukker ended with a 1.5 goal advantage for Bangash/Mahra. The succeeding chukkers were a flurry of goals from both teams with Bangash/Mahra still with the lead by the end of the third chukker. The excitement went up a notch as AM Polo tried to catch up to its opponent as Bangash/Mahra strongly defended its position with 2 more goals making its victory imminent.

With 90 seconds left on the clock, AM Polo surprised the crowd as Alejandro Gowland scored a goal and Tomy Iriarte sealed the win with a 60-yard penalty shot. The match ended with a final score of 7.5 – 7 in favour of AM Polo. HE Humaid Bin Drai, Founder of Bin Drai Enterprises awarded the teams. Travesura was named the Best Playing Pony and Tomy Iriarte as the Most Valuable Player.

This Friday‘s Polo Picnic was in full swing as guests watched the matches in picnic style and the children amused themselves in a dedicated kids area. Three lucky winners received prizes with a total worth of AED 10,000 in cash and gift items during the Run-N-Hunt competition. The UAE National Day Cup 2019 is sponsored by Zio Technologies, a system integration firm with 16 years of experience across the Middle East, India and Africa.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The week-long tournament held to commemorate the UAE National Day was concluded with two exciting matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. The subsidiary final kicked…

Polo News

Dubai Wolves Takes the AHPRC League Trophy in November 2019

18. November 2019

The AHPRC League, a week long tournament in November , had four teams compete on the fields of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The final day of the league was complemented by slightly overcast skies as Al Faisal and Mahra Polo teams opened the Subsidiary Final. Mahra played strong and steady taking the lead on their side until the end of the third chukker with a 2.5 goal advantage. Al Faisal Polo team demonstrated an impressive comeback on the final chukker as Pelayo Berazadi scored 4 goals including a 30-yard penalty shot and closed the game at 9 to 8.5 in favor of Al Faisal Polo team.

Dubai Wolves faced Dr. A / AM polo team at the Final. Habtoor Al Habtoor scored the opening goal for the Wolves and the team ended the first chukker with 2 goals. The team kept the lead until the third chukker at 5 – 2. Dr. A /AM polo team caught up with two successive goals from Tomy Iriarte and a penalty shot opened an opportunity for a tied game. The few seconds left on the clock was not enough and Dubai Wolves emerged victorious having a final score of 5 – 4.

Manu Madan, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Resort awarded the teams and Habtoor Al Habtoor as the Most Valuable Player.

This Friday‘s Polo Picnic was in full swing as guests watched the matches in picnic style and the children amused themselves in a dedicated kids area. Two lucky guests received prizes worth AED 2,500 during the Gold Coin hunt.

About the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo Calendar 2019-2020 for upcoming international-standard polo tournaments.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The AHPRC League, a week long tournament in November , had four teams compete on the fields of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. The final day of the league…

Lifestyle, Polo News, South America, Travel & Food

Polo in Brazil – The Helvetia Polo Country Club

28. October 2019

The Helvetia Polo Country Club is the epicentre of polo in Brazil.

Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Moroni, the Club inaugurated its new headquarters in 2014 in the city of Indaiatuba, near the Viracopos International Airport and less than 100 km from the capital São Paulo. Moroni’s idea in the 1970s had been to create a facility with both polo fields and condominiums. Two polo fields and a clubhouse formed the infrastructure of the Helvetia Polo Club in the late 1970s.

In search of support and assistance, Giorgio Moroni invited friends and acquaintances who already had experience in mana-
ging pole clubs to help him. Didi and Mauro Souza Aranha, Sylvio de Andrade Coutinho, José Luiz Herreros and Ronald Scott, José
Carlos Kalil, Luizinho Matarazzo, Antônio Moroni and PG Meirelles began to contribute to the development of the club. Today, the Helvetia Polo Country Club is Brazil’s most important polo club with ten of its own fields and around 20 private courts, making it a reference region for the sport of polo and home to the country’s most traditional polo tournaments with more than 200 players and 3,000 horses each year.

In addition to the major tournaments and regular club activities, the Helvetia Polo Country Club offers its members a polo school where children and adult beginners have the opportunity to learn how to play polo.

www.helvetiapolo.com.br

POLO+10 Interview with Antonio Giorgio Moroni,
grandson of club founder Giorgio Moroni:

Photo: Robson Senne

Can you please give us an overview about the history and development of the Helvetia Polo Country Club?
The club was founded in 1975 by my grandfather Giorgio Moroni with the purpose of gathering polo fields together with a condominium of houses. The club started with only two fields and few partners. Today it has 10 own fields and more than 200 members. Currently the club is the main center of the sport in the country, hosting more than 20 tournaments per year, among them the Brazilian Polo Championship and the Triple Crown of Brazil. Besides all the polo fields and structure, the club has a tennis and beach tennis court, a soccer field, a polo academy, a restaurant, one bar and a playground.

Which are the major tournaments at the Helvetia Polo Club?
The main Helvetia Polo tournaments in the first part of the season are the Brazilian Triple Crown, which consists of the Giorgio Moroni Cup (4, 12 and 20 goals), the Helvetia Open (4, 12 and 20 goals) and the State of São Paulo Open (4, 12 and 24 goals). In the second part oft he season the Brazilian Polo Championship are played – also in three modes: 4, 8 and 16 goals.

How many horses and active players has the HPCC?
The club already welcomed until August 2019 around 200 players taking part in the tournaments. They already played more than 1,500 horses in the club this year. In whole Brazil there are arond 500 players.

How much is a polo lesson and how many different polo classes are you offering?
The polo lessons take place here in the club and cost around USD 100 per class. Usually two to three lessons per week are offered. In the beginning, the coach works on the relationship between horse and rider. After that he begins with the stick & ball training on our wooden horse. Then the players get on the horse and into the saddle. The club coach is called Gilberto “Pateta” Rodrigues. He is an experienced teacher and a former 5-goal-player.

How many chukkers are played at the club per year?
Matches are usually held in 6 chukkers (2 goals tournaments are played in 4 chukkers and 4 goals tournaments in 5). In 2018 Helvetia hosted a total of 24 tournaments and 308 games. And also a lot of practices matches.

How many polo fields and stables do you have at Helvetia Polo Country Club?
Helvetia has 10 fields, 2 in its main social clubhouse and another 8 in a place called Helvetia Village. In addition, Indaiatuba, the city where the club is located, has more than 25 private fields. The club has 104 stables that can be rented by the players per day, month or season. The monthly price is approximately USD 65 (just for the space, the player must have his own groom). Most of the players have their own stables, some with attached fields – and some of them also rent some stables.

What are your aims for the club in the near future?
It is important to maintain and try to be continuously improving the quality of our fields and tournaments in order to always be the reference and the center of polo in Brazil. And of course to attract the best players of Brazil and from all over the World. We also want to gain more players for our sport and improve our polo classes. We are also investing in the club and social infrastructure to be attractive for the polo player’s families and polo fans.

Is there a major difference between polo in Brazil and in other countries?
One of the main differences of polo in Brazil is, that unlike to some of other polo places, especially regarding Europe, we play polo throughout the year. The Helvetia Polo season runs from March to October and we still have competitions in the south of the country between November and February. Also comparing to Europe, the polo here is easier to access and cheaper to play. Another important point is that we have a lot of good amateur and professional Brazilian players playing here. This year, as an example, we held a tournament of 20 handicap goals, the Giorgio Moroni Cup, with a total of 10 teams and only two foreign players. This shows the strength and quality of our players.

The Helvetia Polo Country Club is the epicentre of polo in Brazil. Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Moroni, the Club inaugurated its new headquarters in 2014 in the city of…