polo tournament

North America, Polo News

United States Polo Association and International Polo Club Palm Beach Unveil 2021 Polo Tournament Schedule

25. September 2020

The United States Polo Association and International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, are pleased to announce the 2021 high-goal polo tournament schedule. The season will begin on Sunday, January 3, 2021 with the Joe Barry Cup and conclude on Sunday, April 18, 2021 with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final.

Prior to the start of the 2021 GAUNTLET OF POLO® series, the remainder of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup® which was postponed due to COVID-19 will be played. The semifinals will commence Wednesday, February 10 and culminate with the final on Sunday, February 14. The 2021 GAUNTLET OF POLO® will return for the third year to the U.S. Polo Assn. Field on Wednesday, February 17, with the start of the C.V. Whitney Cup. IPC will also be welcoming back the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® beginning on Wednesday, March 10 and concluding with the final on Saturday, March 20. The closing date for teams for both the 18-goal series and GAUNTLET OF POLO® is Sunday, November 15, while the closing date for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® is Tuesday, December 15. Plans regarding spectators, stadium seating, and brunch in the Pavilion are still being finalized and will be released soon. The safety of staff, players and spectators are of the utmost importance, so the Club will be introducing various safety protocols. Please visit the InternationalPoloClub.com for updates regarding the new procedures.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 season was unexpectedly cut short with both the USPA Gold Cup® and U.S. Open Polo Championship® postponed. The four semifinalist teams will compete for the USPA Gold Cup® a year later for a chance to claim the second trophy in the 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO®. Contact Polo Manager Haley Bryan at (803) 215-3577 or hbryan2485@aol.com to discuss season plans. For more information, please visit uspolo.org. All tournaments except the Iglehart Cup will be livestreamed on Global Polo TV. Visit globalpolo.com to sign up today.

2021 IPC POLO SCHEDULE*

18-Goal

Joe Barry Cup (16-18 Goal)
Tournament Dates: January 3 – 17, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

Ylvisaker Cup (16-18 Goal)
Tournament Dates: January 20 – February 7, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

Iglehart Cup (16-18 Goal)
Single Elimination
Tournament Dates: February 10-21, 2021
Closing Date TBD
IPC will host this tournament provided there are enough teams and resources

22-Goal GAUNTLET OF POLO®
22 Goal Warm Up
February 1-14, 2021

2020 USPA Gold Cup®
Conclusion- Semifinal & Final
Tournament Dates: February 10-14, 2021

C.V. Whitney Cup (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: February 17 – March 7, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®
Tournament Dates: March 10-20, 2021
Closing Date: December 15, 2020
Limited to eight teams

USPA Gold Cup® (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: March 10-28, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

U.S. Open Polo Championship® (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: March 31 – April 18, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

*Please note dates are subject to adjustment

About the United States Polo Association®
The U.S. Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of polo. USPA is currently comprised of almost 300 member clubs with thousands of individual members, and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

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, Florida, each winter season to enjoy their love of the sport at the most prominent polo facility in the country. The 2021 Palm Beach Polo Season opens Sunday, January 3, 2021 and concludes with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final on Sunday, April 18, 2021. See more at www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Europe, Polo News

Silver Cup – the quirky surprise: Coupe d’Argent Diane Barrière Desseigne

18. August 2020

Maison Décalé (Quirly House), an essentially French team, were not really the favorites for this Silver Cup. Composed of three French players and an Argentinian who partly grew up in France (Ramiro Zavaleta, h4, is also bilingual), this close-knit team came up with a string of surprises.

It started with the victory over Talandracas last Thursday which allowed them to advance to the penalty play-off and then to the final where they would face the impressive Spanish team Marqués de Riscal and its two Argentinian stars, the 8-goaler Alejandro Muzzio and the 7-goaler Santiago Cernadas alongside two amateurs playing „very strong“, the Aznar father and son. In short, a big piece for the „little ones“ of Maison Décalé. But obviously, the victory over Talandracas had given wings to the young Thomas Rolland (best man of the match) and his acolytes. A united game, not giving up, with an impeccable back (Ramiro Zavaleta), a perfect organizer (Pierre-Henri Ngoumou, h6 and scorer of 5 goals) and a decisive Édouard Pan in the key moments.

It was a Hitchcock-style match scenario where neither team ever gave up, making it a blow for blow, so much so that at the end of regular time the score was still undecided: 9 – 9 and overtime! Pierre-Henri Ngoumou put an end to the suspense until the end with a third goal with a mare named Vaivia: „Basically, we are four friends which makes it easier to get along on the field,“ he explained. “I played with Édouard (Pan) at the beginning of the season, I had already won the Gold Cup with Ramiro (Zavaleta) here a few years ago. This team got organized very quickly, we were still in La Baule last week. After losing the first game against Barrière, we got back on track after a comeback against Talandracas, who had dominated us for a good half of the match. It was a structuring victory for the team. We then started to believe in it and we‘re winning today and it‘s always a joy to win here in Deauville“.

The first match between Barrière and Taladrancas will be played on Tuesday. A double for Maison Décalé? Why not?

Maison Décalé: Thomas Rolland (FRA, h2, 3 goals), Édouard Pan (FRA, h4, 2 goals), Pierre Henri Ngoumou (FRA, h6, 5 goals) and Ramiro Zavaleta (ARG, h4)
Marqués de Riscal: Luis Aznar (ESP, h1, ), Santiago Cernadas (ARG, h7.4 goals), Alejandro Muzzio (ARG, h8, 4 goals) and Alejandro Aznar (ESP, h0, 1 goal)
Best playing poney: British, 11 year-olds mare bred, owned and played by Alejandro Muzzio, dark bay by Theol and Franganzia.

www.deauvillepoloclub.com

Maison Décalé (Quirly House), an essentially French team, were not really the favorites for this Silver Cup. Composed of three French players and an Argentinian who partly grew up in…

North America, Polo News

Oak Brook Polo Falls to Good Thunder In a Heated Match During the Chicago Polo Open

18. August 2020

On Sunday, August 16th Oak Brook Polo Club hosted the finals of the prestigious Chicago Polo Open in front of a sold-out crowd. Presented by Heineken and Modern Luxury CS Magazine, the heavily contested 12-goal match featured Oak Brook Polo vs. Good Thunder.

Good Thunder’s team was comprised of Bill Paterson (Hcap 0), Miguel Gutierrez (Hcap 3), Lindor Novillo Corvalan (Hcap 4) and Tommy Collingwood (Hcap 5) while Oak Brook featured James Drury (Hcap 0), Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap 4), Tomas Obregon (Hcap 4) and Horacio Onetto (Hcap 4).

The match featured the traditional opening ceremonies and activities which included: team parade & roster announcements, national anthem performance by Reid Taylor, and champagne sabering by WGN TV’s Lauren Magiera.

The first chukker got off to a quick start with Oak Brook’s Obregon scoring the first goal of the match. Good Thunder’s Gutierrez would answer with a goal and to end the first chukker tied 1-1. In the second chukker, Oak Brook’s Gutierrez would give his team a two-goal league with two back-to-back goals while him and his teammates held Good Thunder to one goal scored by Collingwood and end the Chukker 3-2, Oak Brook. In the third chukker, Good Thunder would go on a three-goal streak beginning with Collingwood followed by Paterson and Corvalan. Oak Brook’s Obregon was able to squeeze one goal in before the first half ended 5-4, Good Thunder.

In the second half, Oak Brook’s Onetto would score his first goal and tie the match 5-5. But Good Thunder’s Corvalan would score two back-two-back and give his team a two goal lead to end the 4th chukker, 7-5. In the fifth chukker, Oak Brook would hold Good Thunder scoreless, while putting up two goals by Gutierrez and Onetto and tie the match 7-7 for a fourth time. In the sixth and final chukker, Oak Brook’s Obregon would help his team reclaim the lead 8-7, but only for a brief moment, before Good Thunder’s Corvalan put up his second back-to-back goals and give his team the lead and win, 9-8.

Casablanca Polo’s “Most Valuable Player” honors were awarded to Good Thunder’s Corvalan for his impressive five goals, including his team’s tying and winning goals in the final chukker. Casablanca Polo’s “Best Playing Pony” went to Avispa, ridden by Collingwood.

The match’s runner-up trophies awarded to Oak Brook were presented by NBC Chicago Reporter, Courtney Hall, and winner’s trophies awarded to Good Thunder were presented by Eva Gregersen, daughter of owner of Oak Brook’s Beyond Shades. The Chicago Polo Open trophy awarded to Good Thunder was presented by Lifestyle Magazine publisher, Candice Kuhnen.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s next home event will the Team Up For Tony tournament on Sunday, August 30th which will feature the finals of the 4-goal USPA Governor’s Cup and 8-goal USPA Master’s Cup tournaments. Proceeds collected from the match will contribute to the necessary everyday care and therapy for Tony Sekera. For general information, event scheduling, news, tickets and parking directions, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com or call 630.368.5095.

Photos by Andrew Meier

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On Sunday, August 16th Oak Brook Polo Club hosted the finals of the prestigious Chicago Polo Open in front of a sold-out crowd. Presented by Heineken and Modern Luxury…

Europe, Polo News

French Polo Open: 20 years already!

8. July 2020

The French polo season resumed last week with the first official tournaments. In Chantilly, 2 titles were already awarded last weekend and polo will now return to a cruising speed, close to what it used to be in „the world before“. With its traditional high point: The French Open and the celebration of its 20th anniversary this year!

More than 400 horses currently live on the grounds of the Ferme d‘Apremont, where the Polo Club is located. 300 more will arrive in September for the French Open, during which 3 other important tournaments will take place, including the Women‘s French Open.

Because polo is played by both men and women, especially in Chantilly during the 2 tournaments exclusively dedicated to female players: the Ladies Cup in August and the prestigious French Open in September, attracting the best players in the world for the most important women‘s competition outside Argentina.

At least 6 teams are expected for each version of the French Open, represented by players from 10 nations. For the men‘s Open, it will be a special year: created in 2000, we will celebrate its 20th anniversary! In the past 2 decades, this prestigious tournament has welcomed many great names of the sport, including living legends who have won the most coveted title: the Argentine Open.

The French Open is also the last step of the French Triple Crown, after the Silver and Gold Cups of Deauville. So far, only one team has achieved this triple crown, the Argentinean team of Cibao La Pampa in 2017.

Live a polo experience, a sensational sport par excellence: breathtaking accelerations at the speed of a racehorse – in the open air at the heart of the forests of the Domaine de Chantilly. This is a sport open to the world, open to everyone.

Come and breathe the air of South America… only 45 minutes away from Paris! Discover Argentina and its gauchos, its horses on the 160 hectares of greenery of the Ferme d‘Apremont, and its delicacy in the restaurant Estancia, the little jewel of the Chantilly Polo Club. Share the great moments with family and friends, whether during a weekday match or on the days of the finals. This is the ultimate definition of, the glamourous “country chic”!

During these 3 weeks of tournaments in September, the Polo Club de Chantilly will become a cosmopolitan where everyone is welcome to join!

Despite the exceptional circumstances this year, the loyal partners of the Domaine de Chantilly Polo Club and its prestigious tournaments have decided to renew their support.

A big thank you to RICHARD MILLE – COMMUNITY OF COMMUNES AIRE CANTILLIENNE – CREDIT AGRICOLE BRIE PICARDIE – DS AUTOMOBILES SAINT-MAXIMIM – ENGEL & VÖELKERS – MOËT et CHANDON – OMEDIA PARIS – PAPREC – WALLIMIK

www.poloclubchantilly.com

The French polo season resumed last week with the first official tournaments. In Chantilly, 2 titles were already awarded last weekend and polo will now return to a cruising speed,…

North America, Polo News

USPA Intra-Circuit Tournament

1. July 2020

This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final match was played between Antelope Jr., reigning champions from the Folded Hills Pope Challenge Tournament, and Dundas, who was undefeated in their bracket for this tournament.

Striking from the field to open up the first, Juan Monteverde was quickly countered by a series of three consecutive goals as Dundas fired between the posts. Adding their second tally to the scoreboard, Antelope Jr.’s goal was met once more by back-to-back goals from 7-goaler Santi Torres to close the second chukker 5-2 in favor of Dundas. “Our strategy was simplicity,” Siegel-Magness said. “Our game plan was playing man to man and making sure we each worked together to clear the space to make runs to goal. While defense was our first priority, we then transitioned to a strong offense.” Consistently producing a goal per chukker, Monteverde saw an opportunity to capitalize on a Penalty 2 conversion early in the third. Dundas sprung into action with another offensive attack to increase their growing lead by five and with all team members contributing to the scoreboard by halftime 8-3.

Returning in the second half with a Penalty 4 conversion, Monteverde continued to keep Antelope Jr. in the fight as the only member to score so far. Picking up another three, Dundas maintained their steady upward trajectory with undeniable strategy, concentration and determination. Rising to Antelope Jr.’s aid in the fifth chukker, Felipe Vercellino answered back with two goals, yet Dundas relentlessly added three more to their tally to end the fifth with a significant lead 14-6. Hammering in two final goals to bring his total to eight, Torres created a deficit virtually unconquerable by their opponents at such a late stage in the game. Launching three goals of his own in the final minutes, Monteverde’s effort could not overcome the disparity and Dundas was named 2020 champions winning 16-9.

“I’m extremely grateful to my team,” Siegel-Magness said. “Santi [Torres] was injured early in the season and having him come back so quickly and strong was amazing. Mariano [Fassetta] and I have been playing together for a few years and this win meant so much because he spends so much time working with me on drills and technique. Also, watching my pilot Juan Cruz [Marcos] shine in his first 12-goal tournament and seeing his personal progress was exciting for me.”

Responsible for five of Dundas’ total goals, Juan Cruz Marcos, was named Most Valuable Player. “For me it was a great experience, plus this was my first season in the United States and I‘m very happy to be participating in USPA tournaments,” Marcos said. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Cypress (River Dance x Magnolia), played by Santi Torres as a spare throughout the game with four appearances and bred and owned by Valiente.

In addition to the trophy, Dundas also received $2,500.00 in prize money from participating in the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. “I gave the prize money to my team to pass on to the grooms,” Siegel-Magness shared. “Our grooms make all this possible and they deserve to be recognized for a job well done. I appreciate them so much and they work so hard to keep both the players and horses safe!”

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. No spectators will currently gather for matches due to COVID-19. We are taking all precautions during the 2020 season including weekly testing, face-masks, and social distancing. Please visit the Spectator Information page for more information.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

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This Sunday held the sought after 2020 USPA Intra-Circuit final. This tournament holds great importance at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and with the United States Polo Association. The final…