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Europe, Polo News

5. October 2020

Upon careful consideration of the matter, attentively monitoring the course of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and the figures published by the Swiss Office of Public Health (FOPH), whilst looking for ways to implement the protective measures and directives imposed, the Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Snow Polo World Cup 2021 by one year. The event that was to be held at the end of January 2021 will now take place from 28 to 30 January 2022.

Several factors all contributed to the decision to cancel the tournament. Above all, the organisers of the Snow Polo World Cup take their responsibility towards visitors, partners, players, their staff and volunteers very seriously, all the more so in these difficult times marked by the pandemic. The global uncertainty surrounding the freedom to travel adds to the complexity. Sound planning has become all but impossible given the ever-changing entry restrictions and quarantine regulations, which would have rendered it equally difficult for partners, sponsors and guests from around the world to travel to St. Moritz for the tournament. Shifting consumer patterns and a marked booking reluctancy combined with unprecedented planning insecurity make it impracticable for the organisers to stage this event.

In own affaires, Polo News

We are working on the new POLO+10 World edition 1/21!

2. October 2020

The countdown is running and the voltage is rising: In a few weeks, the new edition of POLO+10 World will go to press. Despite Corona, there have been great tournaments around the world in the last six months.

As always, international topics from the polo community are included: a review of the most important events, new polo formats in the USA, new impulses in Africa, interviews, personalities, opinions and interesting lifestyle and travel topics.

And don’t miss it: You can subscribe to the new issue of POLO+10 World for spring and autumn 2021 here subscription@poloplus10.com

Or do you want to reach the worldwide polo community and present your company, club or tournament with an ad placement? Please do not hesitate to contact us: thomas@poloplus10.com.

The countdown is running and the voltage is rising: In a few weeks, the new edition of POLO+10 World will go to press. Despite Corona, there have been great tournaments…

North America, Polo News

United States Defeats Argentina 13-12 to Win 2020 USPA Butler International Cup

2. October 2020

Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International Cup presented by Merrill Lynch. In front of a sold out and socially distanced crowd, the United States defeated Argentina 13-12, in the finals of the ten-day tournament where teams representing the United States, Argentina, Germany and Switzerland have been competing for a chance to engrave their name on the prestigious cup. Team rosters were as follows:

United States (3-1)
Champion
Mariano Gutierrez (4)
Tomas “Toto” Obregon (4)
Horacio Onetto (4)
Jim Drury (0)

Argentina (3-1)
Runner-Up
Larry Aschebrook (0)
Juan Martin Gutierrez (3)
Juan Martin Obregon (5)
Matias Obregon (4)

Switzerland (1-3)
Richard Harris (0)
Pedro Manion (3)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Miguel Gutierrez (3)

Germany (1-3)
Frauke Lueders (0)
Jan Lueders (0)
Anthony Garcia (5)
Mariano Obregon (7)

Argentina led the entire tournament winning each of its three preliminary matches, including the first match against the United States. Results of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup tournament matches are below:

Friday, September 18th:
Argentina (8) def. United States (7)

Friday, September 18th:
Switzerland (8) def. Germany (4)

Sunday, September 20th:
Argentina (9) def. Germany (7)

Sunday, September 20th:
United States (7) def. Switzerland (6)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
United States (13) def. Germany (10)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
Argentina (13) def. Switzerland (10)

Friday, September 25th:
Consolation – Germany (8) def. Switzerland (5)

Sunday, September 27th:
Championship – United States (13) def. Argentina (12)

The trophy was first played for in 1986 between Oak Brook and HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team. In response to this year’s enormous interest from international teams wanting to visit Oak Brook combined with the demand for tournament level competition, the Butler International Cup was transformed into a 12-Goal United States Polo Association (USPA) Nationally Sanctioned tournament. Prior to the 2020 Season, the tournament had commitments from teams representing six countries (United States, Canada, Jamaica, Wales, Switzerland and Argentina), however, due to COVID-19, travel restrictions and quarantine mandates, players traveling from multiple countries overseas were forced to cancel their participation.

“We knew this would be our most intense match of the season,” explains Jim Drury, President of Oak Brook Polo Club. “As the US team, we hoped to defend possession of The Butler International Cup. After losing our first match to Argentina. we were in a hole. To win the Cup, we would have to defeat each of the other countries in the final matches. Being able to hold the trophy at the end – was indeed a proud moment!”

The Championship match was held as Oak Brook’s historic Prince of Wales Field and began with opening festivities including the traditional team parade led by Ronald Vassar in a 2020 Corvette Stingray and Mark Weidman in a 1986 Mercedes-Benz convertible. Passengers included Reute Butler, President of the Friends of Conservation and granddaughter of Oak Brook Polo Club’s founder, Paul Butler, as well as Monica Patankar, Miss Illinois for America 2019. Prior to the introduction of players and ball roll-in, Oak Brook Polo Club President Jim Drury welcomed spectators followed by the Argentine anthem and United States anthem performed by The Singing Men of Oak Brook.

The first chukker got off to a quick start as both teams were competing to get on the scoreboard first and take an advanced lead. The United States’ Horacio Onetto claimed the first goal of the match, but Argentina’s Juan Martin Gutierrez answered back. Onetto would score again for the U.S. only for Argentina’s Juan Martin Obregon to return the favor and end the first chukker tied at 2-2. In the second chukker, Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would give the lead his team was looking for by putting up two goals for 4-2 lead. U.S.’s Onetto would go on to score his third goal, but J.M. Obregon would hold Argentina’s lead of two points and end the second chukker 5-3. In the third chukker, J.M. Obregon would extend the Argentine team’s lead to three, but U.S.’s Onetto would close that gap with two back-to-back goals to end the first half 6-5, Argentina.

In the fourth chukker, Onetto and teammate Mariano Gutierrez would go on to score four goals while putting on an impressive display of defense, along with Tomas Obregon and Jim Drury, to keep Argentina scoreless and take the lead ending the fourth chukker 9-6. But the U.S. was caught off guard in the fifth chukker as Argentina proved that they were a worthy opponent. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would go on a four-goal streak to catch up and reclaim his team’s lead at 10-9. U.S.’s Onetto would re-tie the match 10-10, but Argentina’s J.M. Gutierrez would snatch that away, followed by another goal from U.S.’s Onetto tying it 11-11. I in the sixth and final chukker, it was anyone’s match. Spectators were on the edge of their seats witnessing the best polo play all season. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would score the first goal of the chukker and give his team a one goal lead at 12-11. After scoring ten goals for his team, Onetto would give the reins to his teammate, Gutierrez who would go on to help tie and score the winning goal for the U.S. to end the match 13-12.

Following a special thank you and season ending remarks by Gopal Lalmalani, President for the Village of Oak Brook, the awards ceremony began. Casablanca Polo’s “Most Valuable Player” was presented by Monica Patankar to Horacio Onetto for his impressive ten goals. Casablanca Polo’s “Best Playing Pony” was presented by Sheryl Srivastava to Chick, owned by Onetto. Runner-up trophies and gifts were presented by Chicago Tribune’s RaMeka Johnson and Tatiana Rybka, while the winners’ trophies and Butler International Cup were presented by Reute Butler. Butler also made a special presentation and awarded gifts to Jim & Peggy Drury, and Danny O’Leary for their continued support of the Friends of Conservation.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095 or visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Photos by Judith Coleman

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Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International…

Polo News

NOTES ON POLO & RIDING

1. October 2020

NOTES ON POLO & RIDING provides instructions on the sport of polo and riding. It was originally written in French and illustrated by Captain H. Lavergne, an instructor in the elite Cadre Noir de Saumur in France and an avid polo player. He completed the manuscript for polo in 1938 and riding in 1923, but it was never published due to the outbreak of the Second World War. Sadly, Captain Lavergne was injured during a cavalry charge and died in a prisoner-of-war camp in 1943.

From his passion for the sport of polo and collecting first editions, Tim Zee came across this author’s proof nearly a century later in a rare bookstore in New York City. Now it is translated into English and published in honor and memory of Captain Lavergne.

Highlights include original artwork and illustrations by Captain Lavergne, principles of polo from the legendary American 10-goaler Tommy Hitchcock, handwritten notes in English and French attributed to Lord Louis Mountbatten, and complete facsimiles of the original French manuscripts on polo and riding.

The book is printed in a limited edition of 500 hardcover copies with all proceeds from the sale of this book to be donated to the sport of polo and riding in memory of Captain Lavergne.

ABOUT TIMOTHY ZEE

Tim Zee is a private equity investor and polo player. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Tim started playing polo there in his teens. He continued playing polo in Argentina and England in his early twenties. After hanging up his mallet for nearly twenty years to focus on career and family, he picked it up again in 2018 and now plays at the Singapore Polo Club.

Tim currently resides in Singapore with his wife, their son and daughter. His elder twin daughters are completing their undergraduate studies abroad.

ON POLO & RIDING IS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2020

Copies of the book may be purchased from the exclusive worldwide distributor:

James Cummins Bookseller 699 Madison Ave., 7th Floor New York, NY 10065, USA PHONE: +1 (212) 688-6441 FAX: +1 (212) 688-6192 EMAIL: info@jamescumminsbookseller.com

6 x 9 inches, illustrated, 192 pages, Smyth-sewn, full cloth binding with printed dust jacket, printed by Puritan Press and binding by Superior Bindery, Copyright © 2020 by Timothy Zee, Library of Congress Control Number: 2020916009, ISBN 978-1-7354310-0-0. Designed by Stephanie Johnston.

NOTES ON POLO & RIDING provides instructions on the sport of polo and riding. It was originally written in French and illustrated by Captain H. Lavergne, an instructor in the…

Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, POLO+10 TV

Gonzalo Quesada, Ambassador for the 2021 POLO Rider Cup

1. October 2020

Gonzalo Quesada, born May 2, 1974 in Buenos Aires, is an Argentinian rugby union player and coach. He played mainly as half-fly, winning 39 caps for the Argentina national rugby team between 1996 and 2007, which included playing in two World Cups (1999 & 2003). He was best scorer and won the Golden Boot at the 1999 World Cups.

As a player, Gonzalo Quesada started his career playing with the Hindù Club (ARG) where he played till 1999. He then moved to France from 1999 till 2007, and played for R.C. Narbonne, A.S. Béziers, Stade Français Paris, Section Paloise and R.C. Toulon. From 2007 till 2008, he returned to Argentina to end his career with his debut club, the Hindù Club.

After a very successful career as a player, Gonzalo Quesada was appointed Assistant Coach of the French national rugby team (2008-2011). In such capacity, he won the 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam and was Finalist of the 2011 World Cup. He then moved on to become Head Coach of the French teams Racing Métro 92 (2011-2013), Stade Français Paris (2013-2017), and Biarritz Olympique (2017-2018). In 2015, he won French Championship with Stade Français Paris and in 2017, with the same team, he won the European Rugby Challenge Cup, In 2019, he was appointed Head Coach for the Super Rugby team Jaguares, and brought the teamto the final of the 2019 Super Rugby. In 2020, Gonzalo Quesada returned to Stade Français Paris to take up a new challenge.

Gonzalo Quesada (polo handicap 0) has had a real passion for the sport of polo from a very young age on. He was taught by his father, also a rugby and polo player. Gonzalo Quesada put this passion for polo on hold during his rugby career, but in the last couple of years, he has resumed playing again and enjoy the game.

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME Polo, comments: “We are delighted that Gonzalo has agreed to become the Ambassador for the POLO Rider Cup. His passion and love for polo made him an obvious choice and we are excited to be working with Gonzalo on the promotion of the POLO Rider Cup.”

Gonzalo Quesada comments: “It’s an honour for me to become the Ambassador for the POLO Rider Cup as I have a real passion for the game. As an Argentinian, polo is in our DNA. Also, the concept of the POLO Rider Cup is similar to that of the Rugby Champions Cup, a club competition.”

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKj7KrO_juc[/embedyt]

Gonzalo Quesada, born May 2, 1974 in Buenos Aires, is an Argentinian rugby union player and coach. He played mainly as half-fly, winning 39 caps for the Argentina national rugby…

Europe, Polo News

The Lions devoured the 20th French Open!

25. September 2020

We were expecting a lot from Les Lions Panarea… and they didn’t let us down. In front of the boiling spectators, the team of the traditional British club, led by the American captain, Dillon Bacon, triumphed in the 20th edition of the French Open – a victory that will be forever staying as a grand cru, THE grand cru of this French tournament.

Les Lions Panarea
Aristide FAGGIONATO (ITA, h1)
Dilon BACON (USA, h2, 1 goal)
Barto CASTAGNOLA (ARG, h8, 5 goals)
Tommy BERESFORD (IRL, h6, 4 goals)

Talandracas
Nick ROGERSON (GBR, h1)
Jeta Castagnola (ARG, h7, 3 goals)
Fran Elizalde (ARG, h8, 2 goals)
Édouard CARMIGNAC (FRA, h0)

Progression Les Lions Panarea : (0/1) – 3/2 – 5/2 – 7/4 – 9/6 – 10/6

MVP : Barto Castagnola (Les Lions Panarea)

MVP amateur : Dillon Bacon (Les Lions Panarea)

BPP : Federico played by Barto Castagnola

The Women’s French Open: tough win for Maison Décal

In the Women’s French Open, the Venot sisters and Caroline Anier were surely not expecting such a formidable resistance by DS Automobile DS Store St Maximin. After their heavy defeat during the qualification phase, Lia Savo organized a new strategy which is more defensive, allowing their team to lead during two chukkers, before losing at the end of the match, essentially because of the fouls whistled by the umpire against them.

A tiny difference of a goal and a half in conclusion. A small consolation prize for Lia Salvo, she could be the best scorer of this 9th edition of the Women’s French Open, firing 12 goals in 4 matches.

Progression Maison Décalé : 1/1 ½ – 2/2 ½ – 4/3 ½ – 6/4 ½

MVP : Elena Venot (Maison Décalé)

BPP : Bacana jouée par Lia Salvo

Fotos: @R&B Presse/P.Renauldon

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We were expecting a lot from Les Lions Panarea… and they didn’t let us down. In front of the boiling spectators, the team of the traditional British club, led by…

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.

North America, Polo News

Argentina Leads In 2020 USPA Butler International Cup Tournament

23. September 2020

Sunday, September 20^th marked the halfway point of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup where four teams representing four countries have been competing to determine who will play in the final match on Sunday, September 27^th. Argentina is currently in the lead of the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. Results and remaining schedule of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup are as follows:

• Friday, September 18^th: Argentina (8) vs. United States (7)
• Friday, September 18^th: Switzerland (8) vs. Germany (4)
• Sunday, September 20^th: Argentina (9) vs. Germany (7)
• Sunday, September 20^{th :} United States (7) vs. Switzerland (6)
• Wednesday, September 23^rd: Germany vs. United States
• Wednesday, September 23^rd: Argentina vs. Switzerland
• Friday, September 25th : @ TBA Consolation Final
• Sunday, September 27^{th :} Consolation Final or Championship Match

Presented by Merrill Lynch, the Butler International Cup, wraps up Oak Brook Polo Club’s 98^th Season as well as the Chicago Polo Association’s 12-Goal Season. The famous trophy was first played in 1986 between Oak Brook and HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team. This year the Cup has been transformed into a 12-Goal United States Polo Association (USPA) Nationally Sanctioned tournament.

As of Sunday, September 20^th, the current Butler International Cup standings are as follows:

Argentina (2-0)
Larry Aschebrook (0)
Juan Martin Gutierrez (3)
Juan Martin Obregon (5)
Matias Obregon (4)

United States (1-1)
Mariano Gutierrez (4)
Tomas “Toto” Obregon (4)
Horacio Onetto (4)
Jim Drury (0)

Switzerland (1-1)
Richard Harris (0)
Pedro Manion ( 3)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Miguel Gutierrez (3)

Germany (0-2)
Frauke Lueders (0)
Jan Lueders (0)
Anthony Garcia (5)
Mariano Obregon (7)

Argentina leads the field with two wins and zero loses, solidifying their spot in theButler International Cup championship match All eyes will be on Switzerland and the United States to see which team earns the second spot. If both teams win, a shootout will occur to determine who will be playing Argentina in the finals. If Argentina loses it will be three way tie and shootout.

“This is what we had hoped to achieve from this tournament,” explains Oak Brook Polo Club Managing Director, Danny O’Leary. “The culmination of a fun and competitive 12-goal season with participation from other countries who are also ending their professional seasons as well. These teams are playing at their peak, which makes for some of the best watched polo.”

The Butler International Cup tournament kicked off last Friday, September 18^thbetween Argentina and the United States at Las Brisas Farm & Polo Club in Elgin, Illinois. Argentina took an early lead in the first two chukkers before the U.S. grabbed a 5-4 lead at the half thanks to Horacio Onetto’s three back-to-back goals in the third chukker. Argentina’s Juan Martin Obregon would return the favor with three of his own between the fourth and fifth chukker, forcing the U.S. to play catch up. Argentina’s Matias Obregon would score the final goal for Argentina giving them the lead and win.

That same afternoon, Switzerland would play Germany at Arranmore Farm & Polo Club in Oswego, Illinois. In this match, Switzerland’s Facundo Obregon would come out strong putting up three of his six goals in the first chukker. With help from his teammates Pedro Manion and Miguel Gutierrez, the Swiss team would hold their lead for the entire game, while holding Germany to four goals and ending the match 8-4, Switzerland.

On Sunday, September 20^th, Argentina would play Germany in the morning at Las Brisas Farm & Polo Club. Like Switzerland, Argentina would start the match strong by putting up three goals compliments of Matias Obregon, who would go on to score two more goals before the half. With support from teammate Juan Martin Obregon, the Argentina team would end the first half with a five-goal lead over Germany. In the second half, Germany made a strong comeback scorning five goals to Argentina’s two, coming within three goals shy of winning the match. A strong display offense and defense by Germany, but not enough.

That afternoon, the United States would play Switzerland at the Prince of Wales Field in Oak Brook, Illinois. This match started with a much slower pace as both teams defended each other well until the end of the second chukker which was tied 1-1. In the third chukker, the U.S. would breakaway with four goal lead thanks to Tomas Obregon and Horacio Onetto. In the second half, Switzerland would turn up the heat scorning five goals to the United States’ two goals. In the final thirty seconds, Switzerland’s Pedro Manion stole the ball from the U.S. and nearly tied the game in the final few seconds.

The tournament continues on Wednesday, September 23^rd with matches between Germany and the United States, as well as Argentina and Switzerland. These matches will be held at private fields and are not open to the general public. For match results, please follow the Oak Brook Polo Club on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Photos by Andrew Meier

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Sunday, September 20th marked the halfway point of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup where four teams representing four countries have been competing to determine who will play in the…

Europe, Polo News

A great French Open!

10. September 2020

The match on Tuesday evening which opposed the two brothers Jeta and Barto Castognola in Chantilly, through their teams of Talandracas and Les Lions Panarea, will remain forever engraved in memories. „The most beautiful match in the history of the club“, „The most exciting game ever played in France for decades“, „Incredible speed, dream horses“. The public, rather numerous for a Tuesday, left this match of anthology with stars in their eyes.

29 goals in 5 chukkers, extraterrestrial actions motivated by the healthy competition between the two Castagnola brothers who were playing against each other for the first time. 8 goals from Barto, 10 from Jeta who could have extended the party if he has scored that 30-yard penalty at 30“ from the end… when he had strung on like pearls all the 60-yard penalties and other corners he wanted! „This game deserved an overtime,“ lamented Talandracas‘ manager Santiago Gastambide. A great show. Polo has crossed a new milestone in Chantilly.

It was the first time that the two brothers, aged 16 and 18, perfectly trained by their father, Lolo Castagnola, former handicap 10 and back of La Dolfina, were face to face. A discovery: „I didn‘t know Jeta played so well, I had a hard time countering him“, confided the man of the match, Barto Castagnola to his manager. Sweet! The two brothers, who tomorrow will be a legend in this sport, are bitten to the bone. When they‘re not playing, they go to every possible match currently taking place at Chantilly Polo Club*, even the low-goal games, in case there‘s a horse to be found, they take every opportunity to try out horses or play practices with borrowed horses. No time for PlayStation!

If this match was the highlight of this Open, but also of the club‘s life, the other matches did not disappoint, on the contrary. With 11 players of the level of the Argentine Open, we had something to enjoy since the kick-off last Friday, when Marquard Media took its revenge for the Deauville Gold Cup final by inflicting a bitter 13 – 8 on the Spaniards of Marqués de Riscal (who then signed a victory on Sunday against Sainte-Mesme).

Another team also makes a big impression: that of the Dutch Nicky Sen, with notably the former handicap 9 and semi-finalist of the Argentinean Open (with Pilara), Santiago Chavanne. Amanara clearly won her two matches against Le Pommeray(11-8) and Sainte-Mesme (9-4), who lost so her second match of the tournament.

See you now on Friday for three more matches: Talandracas who will face this Dutch team Amanara (15H00); at 13H00, neither Majoa Paris nor Sainte Mesme will have the right to make a mistake; and at 16H30, it will be hot for Marquard Media, undefeated for the moment, who will meet… Les Lions Panarea: Another great day in perspective. Abandon your offices and come to Chantilly!

Progression Les Lions Panarea: 1/5 – 4/9 – 9/9 – 13/12 – 15-14

* At the moment, there is polo for all levels in Chantilly with two other tournaments in parallel… which allows you to see polo from morning to evening throughout the weekend…

www.poloclubchantilly.com

Open de france
14/16 goals
Du 4 au 20 septembre 2020

ZONE A

AMANARA (16)
Nicky SEN CAP (0)
Segundo CONDESE STANGA (3)
Santiago CHAVANNE (7)
Santiago LABORDE (6)

MARQUES DE RISCAL (16)
Alejandro AZNAR CAP (0)
Luis AZNAR (1)
Santiago CERNADAS (7)
Alejandro MUZZIO (8)

MAJOA PARIS (16)
Sam SZTARKMAN (1)
Pierre-Henri NGOUMOUCAP (6)
Guillermo TERRERA (8)
Alex SZTARKMAN (1)

LES LIONS PANAREA (17)
Aristide FAGGIONATO (1)
Dillen BACON CAP (2)
Barto CASTAGNOLA (8)
Tommy BERESFORD (6)

ZONE B

MARQUARD MEDIA (16)
lgnacio KENNEDY (4)
Juan Pedro CHAVANNE (5)
Martin AGUERRE H (7)
Tommy RINDERKNECHT CAP (1)

LE POMMERAYE (16)
Victoria SMITH (0)
Tito RUIZ GUINAZU (7)
Juan GRIS ZAVALETA (7)
Derek SMITH CAP (1)
Clement SMITH (0)
Caroline ANIER (1)

SAINTE-MESME (16)
Robert STROM (5)
Birger STROM CAP (0)
Clemente ZAVALETA (7)
Santiago ARA YA (4)

TALANDRACAS (16)
Edouard CARMIGNAC CAP (0)
Nic k ROGERSON (1)
Fran ELIZALDE (8)
Jeta CASTAGNOLA (7)

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The match on Tuesday evening which opposed the two brothers Jeta and Barto Castognola in Chantilly, through their teams of Talandracas and Les Lions Panarea, will remain forever engraved in…

North America, Polo News

La Herradura shines in Women’s Pacific Coast Open Debut

9. September 2020

Making their debut in the second annual 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) La Herradura joined three returning teams, Dundas, Timing and Polo Gear/Coffee Company, but proved to be a step ahead of their opponents in the final on Sunday, September 6. After narrowly defeating Dundas in the semifinal, La Herradura used efficient 55% shooting from the field and three goals from Meghan Gracida to defeat Timing 7-4 and capture their first Women’s Pacific Coast Open title.

“We watched Timing play a very strong game in their first match. Our plan was to try and shut them down early, be quick in the transitions and use all four members of our team. We were also very fortunate to have Memo [Gracida] as a coach and I was spoiled to play La Herradura’s horses.” – Izzy Parsons

Played at the 18-goal level, the elite level of women’s polo was on full display throughout the weekend, culminating with the performance of La Herradura (Suzette Yamani, Meghan Gracida, Izzy Parsons, Dayelle Fargey) against Timing (Nicole Ball, Mia Bray*, Mia Novillo Astrada, Sofia Lorenzo). A quick start for La Herradura saw them hold the possession advantage in the first chukker as Parsons opened the scoring with back-to-back field goals on a gelding named Elvis, giving La Herradura the 2-0 lead. The beginning of the second chukker saw La Herradura extend their lead to three on Gracida’s first goal of the game, taking advantage of extra possessions and shot attempts at goal. Timing brought the deficit back to just one by halftime, converting both shot attempts on field goals from Mia Novillo Astrada and Sofia Lorenzo. La Herradura led headed into the second half 3-2.

The well-rounded La Herradura attack began the second half strong, restoring their three-goal advantage, led by Suzette Yamani contributing a goal in the number one position. Gracida’s second goal quickly put Timing on their heels as they were in need of an offensive strategy in order to challenge Timing over the final chukkers of the game. “Our strategy headed into the final was to put pressure on Timing and really mark the man,” Gracida said. “Sofia Lorenzo and Mia Novillo Astrada like to play the ball and turn it rather than hit backhand so we tried to capitalize on that and really mark our man.” Before the end of the third, Mia Bray found her stride, cutting the lead down to two with just one chukker remaining. The intensity increased in the fourth as pressure was applied on both sides of the ball, but Fargey’s Penalty 3 conversion extended the lead and landed all La Herradura teammates on the board. Answering back for the second time, Bray kept Timing in the game by maintaining the gap. An impactful player in the game, Gracida provided to be the answer the La Herradura needed with her third field goal which sealed the victory 7-4 and the 2020 Women’s Pacific Coast Open trophy.

Playing in the Sunny Hale Invitational a week prior, the tournament proved to be good preparation for the Women’s Pacific Coast Open. “This is a huge win for myself and for our organization since we are now based here in California,” Gracida said. “I didn’t have the opportunity to play in the inaugural Women’s Pacific Coast Open last year so I made it a goal of mine to put a team in this year and I was very determined to get organized so we would win. We worked very hard before we got to this point and it was with the help of Memo’s [Gracida] amazing organization La Herradurra and the horses.”

Most Valuable Player was presented to Dayelle Fargey. “She completely deserves to win MVP,” Gracida said. “She played so well and was the true leader on the field. I’d argue that she is the best U.S. women’s player.”

Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Galguita (Galgo x Lechuza), a homebred grey mare owned by Patagones Polo Team and played by Mia Novillo Astrada in the third chukker. “She was very comfortable, fast, powerful and has a really good mouth,” Novillo Astrada said. “Also she is great in the ride off and I really enjoyed playing her.” “She was bred by my brother Carlos Avendaño and now Gonzalo [Avendaño] owns her,” Anita Avendaño added. “Galguita’s dam Lechuza was an Argentine Thoroughbred which Carlos played in high goal in Argentina including the Copa Cámara de Diputados. In the U.S. she has also played in the Silver Cup®, Ylvisaker Cup, C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup®.”

Originally from Kenya, Izzy Parsons was happy that her international trip paid off. “I’ve played in a number of tournaments in the U.S. making it into a few finals here and there, but I’ve never won so it was great to get this win!” Parsons expressed.

www.uspolo.org

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*Mia Bray is a member of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.