Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

North America, Polo News

Lisle Nixon Memorial & Dean Mullins Finals

7. June 2022

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (May 29th, 2022) – On a gorgeous sunny day, the Santa Barbara Polo Club hosted two finals. Thousands of people flocked to the club to witness the action and enjoy the display of sportsmanship, athleticism, and horsemanship. The featured final took place at 4 PM between the seasoned Los Padres team and the newbies to a final, Mokarow Farms.

Los Padres took off with royal force and assertion in the first half, owning the scoreboard for three chukkers straight. 16 year-old Keko Magrini stood at the forefront of the offense, contributing seven goals total in just three chukkers.

Mokarow Farms kept in the mix, with a penalty conversion from Facundo Obregon and three goals total from brother duo Robert and Brendon Stenzel. However, Los Padres played impressive polo that put them in a commanding lead of five goals going into the second half.

The tides changed in the second half, after Coach Todd Offen for Mokarow Farms clearly made some strategy adjustments that proved advantageous. Robert Stenzel had an impressive fourth chukker, mounted on a large thoroughbred chestnut mare that allowed him to accomplish two goals and gain a penalty one for Mokarow Farms. This left the score at 11-8 to Los Padres at the end of the fourth chukker.

The fifth chukker displayed wide open polo with many near misses. During the entire seven and a half minutes of play, only a few spot hits were called. Facundo Obregon scored a running goal for Mokarow Farms, and Prince Harry made a stellar contribution of his own with an impressive goal. This made the score 12-9 to Los Padres going into the final chukker.

In the sixth chukker every player and horse came out with all the fire to win the game. Notably, Obregon mounted a chestnut gelding that changed the entire game. Obregon managed to pull off three goals and gain a penalty one while aboard this mare. He traded these goals with Magrini, but a final backshot goal from Brendon Stenzel in the last minute of play sent the game into overtime, tied 14 all.

The overtime was intense, yet quick and decisive. Off a broken play on the boards, Nacho Figueras saw the trophy in the future and kicked his horse into gear to steal the ball on the nearside and run all the way to goal, finishing the golden goal off a neck-shot. Los Padres won the Lisle Nixon Memorial Final 15-14.

For his consistent and passionate display of polo, Nacho Figueras was presented the Most Valuable Player award. The chestnut gelding played by Facundo Obregon and owned by Kevin Mokarow “Machitos Crawford,” was the Best Playing Pony of the match. “Casita Robada” played by Prince Harry was the Best Playing Amateur Pony.

Dean Mullins Tournament Final

The Dean Mullins Tournament Final was played between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Dundas II. Neither of these teams had made it to a finals before, so both came ready and motivated to the field. Farmers and Merchants Bank played with one substitution for sponsor, Danny Walker, with Bayne Bossom playing in his place.

The first chukker began with fast competitive polo. Wesley Bryan quickly put two goals up for Dundas II. Yet, Farmers and Merchants Bank capitalized on some mistakes from Dundas II, managing to secure a penalty two conversion and a penalty one. Lucas Criado also put a goal on the board to make it 3-2 to FMB after the first chukker.

For the rest of the first half, Dundas II took the reins back. Each player on the team had crucial plays and it was a high scoring two chukkers. In the third chukker, Cable Magness had a crucial assist stealing the ball off a knock-in with a nearside back shot that Fasetta was able to finish off. The half finished 8-6 to Dundas II.

Dundas II played classic polo that allowed them to dominate the rest of the game. FMB scored a few goals and garnered another penalty two conversion, but the match was decided. Dundas II came out on top 16-10.

Wes Bryan, the high goal scorer for Dundas II was awarded Most Valuable Player. The fourth chukker chestnut gelding, “Sargento,” owned and played by Santi Von Wernich was the Best Playing Pony. The next three weeks that finish the 12-goal spring series at Santa Barbara will be the Cheval Athletics USPA Intracircuit.

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. We welcome spectators back to our club to enjoy the matches in 2022. Please visit the “Spectator Information” page for more information. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website, www.sbpolo.com.

Photos by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (May 29th, 2022) – On a gorgeous sunny day, the Santa Barbara Polo Club hosted two finals. Thousands of people flocked to the club to witness the action…

North America, Polo News

2021 PACIFIC COAST OPEN FINAL

3. September 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 29th, 2021) – After two thrilling semi-finals, Klentner Ranch and BenSoleimani.com became the two final teams for the 2021 Pacific Coast Open. Both the stadium side of the US Polo Assn. Stadium Field and the tailgating side of the main field were packed with eager fans awaiting the action. The match did not disappoint with both teams giving an all out effort to secure the title of 2021 Pacific Coast Open Champion.

Klentner Ranch came into the final with a line-up change due to an injury in the semi-finals, resulting in Tomas Garcia Del Rio taking the reins for Santiago Toccalino. Despite the new team dynamic, Klentner Ranch cut right to the chase, starting the first chukker up three to nothing for BenSoleimani.com.

BenSoleimani.com picked it up a bit in the second chukker to slow Klentner Ranch’s lead. This chukker saw defense as the dominating strategy, with only one goal scored off a penalty the whole chukker. Tomas Garcia Del Rio converted this penalty to end the second chukker 4-0 for Klentner Ranch.

The tide turned as BenSoleimani.com managed to put their first two goals on the board in the third chukker. Klentner Ranch maintained their style of play, capitalizing on BenSoleimani.com fouls and converting two more penalties of their own. This ended the third chukker 6-2 for Klentner Ranch.

The fourth chukker saw a battle between teams, BenSoleimani.com came alive and put a few more goals up on the board. Klentner Ranch returned the favor with one field goal from Jesse Bray. However, Santi Wulff stole the show for the chukker by putting in an unreal open back shot with a 90 degree angle into the goal. The chukker finished at a closer score of 7-5.

BenSoleimani.com utilized Tommy Alberdi’s accurate shot to convert four penalties throughout the fifth and the sixth chukker. This effort brought BenSoleimani.com within one goal with a minute left, but Jesse Bray grabbed the ball out of bowl-in and ran it in to score as time ran out to secure the victory for Klentner Ranch with a final score of 11-9.

This victory marked the third high goal title for Klentner Ranch, as they secured the USPA FMB Silver Cup and Robert Skene Memorial earlier in the season. Jesse Bray was awarded the Most Valuable Player for his consistent and impressive plays. Jesse Bray’s famous grey mare, Disney, was selected as the Best Playing Pony. The Best Argentine Bred horse in the match was Machitos Abeja, owned by Ben Soleimani and played by Inaki Laprida. Santiago Toccalino was awarded the 2021 Robert Skene Season MVP Bronze for his dominating performance throughout the season. The award for best overall string of horses went to Jesse Bray.

The Santa Barbara Polo Club thanks its sponsors, fans, players, and all additional supporters for an amazing high goal season.

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

Photos: ©David Lominska

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 29th, 2021) – After two thrilling semi-finals, Klentner Ranch and BenSoleimani.com became the two final teams for the 2021 Pacific Coast Open. Both the stadium side…

North America, Polo News

2021: THE YEAR OF KLENTNER RANCH

3. September 2021

Coming off an undefeated run to raise their first Silver Cup® and continuing their domination throughout Pacific Coast Open bracket play, Klentner Ranch (Jesse Bray*, Jacob Klentner*, Justin Klentner, Santiago Toccalino, Tomas Garcia del Rio**) established themselves as the team to beat. Although losing injured team captain Santi Toccalino unexpectedly in the semifinals, Klentner Ranch regrouped with Tomas Garcia del Rio and secured their spot in the Pacific Coast Open Final on Sunday, August 29, against Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, Tomas Alberdi*, Iñaki Laprida). Leading throughout the first half on penalty accuracy, the defending champions held off their opponents’ second-half drive to cap off the 16-goal season with their second consecutive USPA tournament title 11-9 and Klentner Ranch’s third Pacific Coast Open title.

“As we kept winning every game you would have expected a mounting pressure, but it wasn’t like that because Santi [Toccalino] was really instilling us to take it one game at a time.” – Jake Klentner

Although the final was the first full game with Tomas Garcia del Rio, Klentner Ranch found it easy to incorporate him into the team. “Coming into the semifinal and filling Santi’s [Toccalino] role is a testament to how good Tomas [Garcia del Rio] is and how much of a professional he is,” Jake Klentner said. “It was a privilege to play with both him and Santi. They are both such high-caliber players that every time I get to step on the field with them and learn something it’s a privilege and honor.”

Sticking to their original gameplan for the final, Klentner Ranch benefitted from the similarities between the two 8-goalers. “Santi [Toccalino] had a very long team meeting the night before the final,” Justin Klentner said. “He told us, ‘You can do it! Tomas plays like I do – very simple and classic. We’re going to play the way we’ve been playing and Tomas is going to fit into our group. We’re not going to try to adapt ourselves to his style.”

Showcasing his pinpoint accuracy from the penalty line, del Rio quickly created a significant lead with four unanswered goals for Klentner Ranch, including an open backshot made just before rolling over the end line. Silenced throughout the first two chukkers, Bensoleimani.com opened the third with a Penalty 2 conversion but Bray and del Rio immediately countered with a Penalty 2 each. Fighting to gain some forward momentum before the end of the chukker to get his team back in the game, Laprida forcefully broke up a Klentner Ranch play which enabled Wulff to hit a tailshot to goal. Tripled on the scoreboard, Klentner Ranch entered halftime up 6-2.

Reevaluating their offensive strategy, Bensoleimani.com came alive in the second half and quickly began to narrow the gap in the fourth chukker with three consecutive goals. Launching the ball high into the air, Alberdi made a long pass up to Laprida who was perfectly positioned to make the goal. Then, emerging from a pack of defenders, Wulff turned the ball and hit it downfield, arriving just in time to save it from the end line and add an epic open backshot goal to the tally.

Opening the fifth with his third goal of the game, Bray briefly extended the gap to three goals, but Alberdi retaliated with back-to-back Penalty 4 conversions to keep the game competitive. Firing on goal to end the chukker, del Rio gave Klentner Ranch the 9-7 advantage headed into the final chukker.

With the trophy still within reach for Bensoleimani.com, the battle continued in the sixth as Bray opened the scoring once more with a goal on 2021 Silver Cup® Best Playing Pony Cell Tower. Picking up another pair of penalty goals, Alberdi brought the scoreboard within one with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Jumping on a breakaway and sealing Klentner Ranch’s victory, Bray ended the game with a final score 11-9.

Ironically Santi Toccalino substituted for Tomas Garcia del Rio previously in the high goal at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida) when he suffered a similar injury. “Santi [Toccalino] helped win my semifinal in Florida when I pulled a muscle,” del Rio shared. “At least I could return the favor to him years later.” Playing in California for the first time, del Rio was eager to help his friend win the trophy. “I would have loved for him to have won, but I was happy to help him out any way I could,” del Rio said. “I want to thank Tomas [Garcia del Rio] for filling in for me, he’s a great friend of mine and he’s also a great player,” Toccalino said. “I was really happy that if I was not able to play that he was my substitute.”

Adopting the mindset of one game at a time, Klentner Ranch’s ability to focus worked in their favor. “We had to keep going forward one game at a time and putting our heads down, making a game plan for the team in front of us rather than the season as a whole,” Jake Klentner revealed. “Jesse [Bray] was instrumental in that. He and I would always send inspirational quotes back and forth to each other.”

Filling in for his father when Klentner Ranch won their first title in 2018, Jake Klentner was proud to raise the trophy on the family team. “I would attribute our success this season to my father because without him none of this would even be here,” Jake Klentner said. “He means so much to me personally, but he also means so much to the club [Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club]. For him to be able to win the Pacific Coast Open for a second year in a row and for him and I to win it together means everything.”

Contributing five goals to the tally, Jesse Bray was named Most Valuable Player. “It’s a great to win MVP, but it means the team did well,” Bray said. “It wasn’t just me out there, everyone played really well today and to win a final like this the whole team has to play well.”

Bray also received the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club award for Best String of the Season. “To receive Best String of the Season means a lot to me and it’s probably my favorite award to win,” Bray commented. “It shows all the hard work my grooms and I have put into my horses as well as everybody who is behind me. My dad [Graham Bray] has made four of the 12 horses I’ve been playing. I had two from Justin [Klentner] that I played for most of the season and the rest have been mine.”

Best Playing Pony honors were presented to 15-year-old Disney, a grey mare played by Jesse Bray as a spare in the first and sixth chukkers. Receiving her second blanket, Disney was previously named BPP of the 2017 Pacific Coast Open Final.

Setting his sights on another open trophy, Justin Klentner aspires to one day add the U.S. Open Polo Championship® to his list of accolades. “I want to win the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, it needs to be on my tombstone when I die!” Justin Klentner exclaimed.

Ending their 16-goal season undefeated, Justin Klentner credited chemistry as the key to their consistent success. “It’s a cliché but Jake [Klentner] is my son so we have great chemistry! Jesse [Bray] is our adopted son, and Santi [Toccalino] just fit right in there. To fit into our group is not an easy thing, we’ve been doing this for a little while now so it was really special. I’m so proud of all of them because they were never rattled and they never quit.” “We had really tough games and we could have lost many of them,” Toccalino added. “Many of them were decided in the last two plays and the same in the final which was decided on the last throw in. Sometimes you get a little bit of luck, but also I think that we built a good group of people, not just a good team with Klentner Ranch.”

*Jesse Bray is a Graduating Team USPA Member. Jacob Klentner and Tomas Alberdi are Team USPA Alumni. 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.

**Tomas Garcia del Rio substituted for Santiago Toccalino beginning in the fourth chukker of the Pacific Coast Open semifinal with two minutes remaining.

www.uspolo.org

Photos: ©David Lominska

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North America, Polo News

2021 PACIFIC COAST OPEN

27. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 22nd, 2021) – The past Sunday, Pacific Coast Open narrowed the six teams down to just four to go through to the semi-finals to be held on Friday. Therefore, all the teams came out with their best horses, best strategies, and best focus to secure a spot, or keep their spot, to advance in the tournament.

At 11 AM, Klentner Ranch and BenSoleimani.com played each other. Klentner Ranch had a strong first chukker with five goals between Santiago Toccalino and Jesse Bray.

BenSoleimani.com fired back in the second with four goals of their own, all from Inaki Laprida. The first half ended at a close 8-6. However, Klentner Ranch turned it on in the second half to pull away in score, ultimately coming out on top, 17-11.

The first afternoon game at 2 PM matched up Antelope and Farmers and Merchants Bank. Antelope held the lead after two chukkers, but remarkable play from Luqitas Criado pulled FMB ahead to finish the half. Good defense and strategic play dominated the second half with few goals, almost all of them off of penalty shots. After a hard-fought match, FMB took the win with a two goal margin, 11-9.

Wrapping up the day at 4 PM, Santa Clara and Lucchese battled it out on the US Polo Assn Stadium field. Santa Clara came out strong in the first and second chukkers with six total goals, Lucchese made it up by winning the third chukker three goals to none for Santa Clara. This made the score all tied up 6-6 at half-time. Lucchese used the fourth and fifth chukkers to gain a lead of one goal. Santa Clara pulled out all the stops in the final chukker, with equally impressive back to back goals from Nico Escobar to tie the game up. But it proved to be not quite enough as Jeff Hall scored the winning goal, ending the game 11-10 to Lucchese.

At the end of the day, BenSoleimani.com, Klentner Ranch, Lucchese, and Farmers and Merchants Bank continued on in the Pacific Coast Open. Klentner Ranch will face Farmers and Merchant Bank on Friday in one of the semi-finals and Lucchese will take on BenSoleimani.con in the second semi-final. The next press release will report the Pacific Coast Open Finals.

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. We welcome spectators back to our club to enjoy the matches in 2021. Please visit the “Spectator Information” page for more information.

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

Photos: ©David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 22nd, 2021) – The past Sunday, Pacific Coast Open narrowed the six teams down to just four to go through to the semi-finals to be held…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA AMERICA CUP

12. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) – The final of the USPA America Cup, served as the subsidiary for the Silver Cup. The match featured defending champions Santa Clara (Federico Escobar, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar, Luis Escobar) against Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, Ignacio “Iñaki” Laprida, Tomas Alberdi) on Sunday, August 8 at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Utilizing a family line-up, Santa Clara was in search of a second consecutive title, but ran into a determined Bensoleimani.com that overcame tough losses earlier in the season by changing their strategy and bringing Laprida forward in the game.

Entering the final with a one-goal advantage on handicap, Santa Clara used the opening chukker to extend the difference, beginning with a Penalty 2 conversion by Lucas Escobar. Santa Clara kept their lead at two, after Luis Escobar and Bensoleimani.com’s Laprida traded goals to end the first chukker. After facing three losses in the Silver Cup, all by just one or two goals, Bensoleimani.com were eager to snatch the victory, deploying Laprida at the front of the game attacking, leaving Wulff and Alberdi to man the defensive end.

The strategy proved to be effective as Bensoleimani.com produced six unanswered goals to finish the first half, beginning with two goals from Laprida in the second chukker on Open Kilovatio. Despite contributing on defense, Alberdi scored three straight opportunities at goal in the third chukker to leave Bensoleimani.com holding a 7-4 lead.

A competitive second half resulted in significant contributions from all eight players on the field, each finding the scoresheet. Nico Escobar helped end the drought for Santa Clara by accurately shooting to goal, scoring two field goals in the fourth chukker, but Bensoleimani.com’s Laprida continued to execute at the front of the game, matching the two goals to maintain the three-goal lead. Demonstrating unwavering resolve, Bensoleimani.com used the fifth chukker to cement their victory by playing end-to-end polo with Alberdi driving forward for two goals, while Soleimani added his first goal of the game.

“The second half of the game felt like we were all playing as a team” stated Soleimani, with Wulff also contributing a goal to give Bensoleimani.com the five-goal lead entering the final chukker. Santa Clara finished the game very strong with three consecutive field goals, but it was not enough to pull even with Bensoleimani.com, who raised the USPA America Cup® with a final score 14-11.

Finishing with five goals, Alberdi was named Most Valuable Player. The Team USPA Alumni explained the importance of the strategy shift for Bensoleimani.com, bringing Laprida forward in the game. “We switched it up a bit [at half] for Iñaki [Laprida] to be more upfront with the ball, which is our best player attacking and Santi [Wulff] and I switched up in the back, which I think really worked out.”

Best Playing Pony was awarded to Open Kilovatio (Ellerstina Picaro x Karenza), a thirteen-year-old Argentine dark bay gelding, owned by Ben Soleimani and played by Laprida in the second and sixth chukkers. Open Kilovatio was in Alberdi’s string for the earlier Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup games. “A few days ago, Tomy [Alberdi] came to me and said to try him…I played him in practice on Friday and it went well, so I played him again today and it went really well. I’m not giving him back [for the Pacific Coast Open],” he said with a smile. “He’s a big horse, a really strong horse and has the power to run. If you’re able to get a little bit of space to make a run, he’s the fastest one. Even though he’s bigger, you don’t mind him being that big and you feel like you are closer to the ground. The horse was suited well for today, running more and going forward.” – Cristina Fernandez; United States Polo Association

Photos by David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) – The final of the USPA America Cup, served as the subsidiary for the Silver Cup. The match featured defending champions Santa Clara (Federico…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA FMB SILVER CUP

12. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 8th, 2021) – One of the oldest United States Polo Association tournaments, the one-hundred-and-twenty-first edition of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup returned to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. After three weeks of play, the gripping final on Sunday, August 8, came down to undefeated Klentner Ranch (Jake Klentner, Santiago Toccalino, Jesse Bray, Justin Klentner) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (Daniel Walker, Lucas Criado Jr., Lucas Criado Sr., Matthew Walker).

Klentner Ranch asserted themselves early, highlighted by the play of Bray. “We attack, we hit the ball hard and we run. We play simple polo and make sure all four players are involved,” said Bray, as he led the charge with two goals in the first chukker. Farmers & Merchants Bank were awarded a Penalty 1 in the opening stages of the second chukker, involving two of the seven total yellow cards issued during the match. The exceptional play of Criado Jr., scoring two field goals in the chukker, helped tie Farmers & Merchants Bank 3-all, but Justin Klentner scored before the horn sounded to restore a one-goal advantage for Klentner Ranch. High speed, running and open style play highlighted the third chukker, the teams alternating three goals each with back-and-forth action. “The more we ran, the better we knew we would play, ” stated Bray. Jacob Klentner and Matthew Walker added a final tally each to leave the score 7-6 in favor of Klentner Ranch entering halftime.

The frenetic pace carried into the second half with nine combined shots between the two teams in the fourth chukker, but it was Klentner Ranch’s accuracy, finishing fifty-three percent from the field, that allowed them to extend their lead. “We took advantage of the opportunities we had. I thought we shot to goal pretty well and our goal percentage was high,” stated Bray.

Teammate Toccalino pushed Klentner Ranch’s lead to three after hammering two field goals to end the chukker. Desperate to pull within reach, Farmers & Merchants Bank team owner Daniel Walker scored on the opening play of the fifth chukker, but Klentner Ranch responded with Bray’s third goal riding Cell Tower.

A tense final chukker resulted in Farmers & Merchants Bank pulling within one goal after consecutive Penalty 2 conversions from Criado Jr., but Klentner Ranch maintained a narrow lead. Emotions ran high as three yellow cards were issued in the last three minutes, but a final Penalty 4 conversion from Toccalino sealed the victory, as Klentner Ranch celebrated the 14-12 triumph. “I’m really happy they brought me to the team,” said Santiago Toccalino on joining the Klentner Ranch organization this year. “This organization is a great organization, it’s a family organization. I’ve been received really well and I’m really happy to be here.”

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Jesse Bray for his six-goal performance. Bray attributes much of his elevated play to 8-goal teammate Santiago Toccalino. “The way he can take control of the game is incredible. I’m learning a lot playing with him this summer…I think he has a really incredible mind for the game and the way he plays is similar to the way I think I can play. He definitely makes me play better.”

Bray’s eight-year-old thoroughbred mare Cell Tower, played in the first and fifth chukkers was named Best Playing Pony. “I bought her as a four-year-old from Matthew Gonzalez. Last year was her first season of high goal. I feel very comfortable on her and know I can win any play I go to. She’s strong, has a really nice mouth and a lot of speed, those are her best attributes. She is a very complete mare”. – Cristina Fernandez; United States Polo Association

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

Photos by David Lominska

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 8th, 2021) – One of the oldest United States Polo Association tournaments, the one-hundred-and-twenty-first edition of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Silver Cup returned to the…

North America, Polo News

2021 USPA FMB SILVER CUP & 2021 AMERICA CUP

6. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) This weekend determined the teams qualified for the semi-finals of the USPA FMB Silver Cup to take place this Friday and the finals for the America Cup to take place on Sunday. All six teams had a lot on the line during these Sunday games so they all came out full force with something to prove.

The morning game took place at 10 AM between Lucchese and Antelope. Both teams needed to win to help their standing for the semi finals. Lucchese put the first two goals on the board with some dynamic polo between Keko Magrini and Jeff Hall. Penalty shots helped keep Antelope in the game with two conversions from Tomas Garcia Del Rio in the first half. After the third chukker, Lucchese had an advantage over Antelope 5-3. Antelope had a comeback in the fourth chukker with a beautiful goal from Grant Palmer and two more goals from Del Rio. However, Lucchese had a goal from each player in the fifth chukker to put them in the lead yet again. The final score was 12-9 to Lucchese.

The second game between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Klentner Ranch already had both teams secure in the semi-finals. Regardless, they both still fought it out for bragging rights and confidence. FMB took the lead in the first half 7-6. But, Klentner Ranch turned it on in the second half, especially Santiago Toccalino, with seven goals by himself in three chukkers. The result was 16-11 to Klentner Ranch.

The featured match at 4 PM had BenSoleimani.com vs. Santa Clara. Juan Curbelo took the place of Luis Escobar on the family team of Santa Clara. BenSoleimani.com had a good first half by capitalizing on the new team makeup of Santa Clara by catching them on some fouls and converting four penalty shots. After a good half-time pep-talk, Santa Clara came back in the fourth chukker with two goals from Juan Curbelo and a penalty conversion from Lucas Escobar. It came down to the last chukker with some very strong play from Santa Clara that won them the game 11-10.

At the end of these three games, Klentner Ranch will face off against Antelope and FMB will go up against Lucchese for the USPA FMB Silver Cup semifinals. The finals of the America Cup on Sunday will be between Santa Clara and BenSoleimani.com.

www.sbpolo.com

Photos by David Lominska /Polograpics.com

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 1st, 2021) This weekend determined the teams qualified for the semi-finals of the USPA FMB Silver Cup to take place this Friday and the finals for…

North America, Polo News

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club: 2021 USPA FMB SILVER CUP

5. August 2021

SANTA BARBARA, CA. (July 25th, 2021) The historic Silver Cup began with the first round of play on Sunday, July 25th. This tournament dates back to the year 1900 when it was first played and originally established as the Junior Championship. The Santa Barbara Polo Club has now hosted the Silver Cup many times throughout its 121 year history, but this will be its second consecutive year after it took place on the East Coast for two years. Farmers and Merchants Bank is sponsoring the tournament this year and it is also a USPA National Tournament.

The first two teams to face off in the USPA FMB Silver Cup were Klentner Ranch and Santa Clara. Santi Toccalino cut right to the chase with a goal for Klentner Ranch out of the lineup in the first chukker. Over the rest of the half, both teams battled it out, goal for goal, to finish the third chukker tied five all. Santa Clara had some difficulties with no goals in the fourth and fifth chukker, which let Klentner Ranch take a lead. Dynamic brother duo of Lucas and Nico Escobar scored three goals in the last chukker, but not it was not quite enough to secure a win. Klentner Ranch won the game 11-8.

The second game of the day was Lucchese vs. BenSoleimani.com, with a substitution of Carlos Leiva (one goal in handicap) for John Muse on the Lucchese team. The first half went by quickly with lots of goals and fast play. Facundo Obregon capitalized off of his penalty shots, converting six penalties total for Lucchese. On BenSoleimani.com, the eponymous patron, Ben Soleimani, had a great game scoring three field goals throughout the match. In the end, the experienced Lucchese team took the win 15-13 from the exciting, high scoring game.

The featured match at 4 PM had Antelope vs. Farmers and Merchants Bank. Thirteen year old Paquito de Narvaez substituted for Daniel Walker on FMB. This game had intense play with less goals and more defense. Tomas Garcia Del Rio did get the first goal of the game but the half ended with the low score of 3-2 to Antelope. FMB came back in the second half with four goals from Luqitas Criado alone to tie, Paquito de Narvaez showed talent beyond his years in scoring the game winning goal with under a minute left. The final score went to FMB, 8-7 after a close game.

www.sbpolo.com

Photos by David Lominska /Polograpics.com

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SANTA BARBARA, CA. (July 25th, 2021) The historic Silver Cup began with the first round of play on Sunday, July 25th. This tournament dates back to the year 1900 when…

North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Announced as Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor for the Illustrious Silver Cup and Pacific Coast Open in Santa Barbara

23. July 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 22, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced it will serve as the Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor for the illustrious Silver CupÒ and Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. U.S. Polo Assn. will provide stadium branding and apparel for both high-profile West Coast polo events.

The historic 2021 Silver CupÒ, which runs from July 23 – August 8, is recognized as one of the USPA’s most prestigious tournaments with a rich history spanning more than 100 years and with many of its winners hailing from the Polo Hall of Fame. In addition, the Silver Cup is one of the only tournaments in California that features the best polo players in the world, including those that play in the prestigious GAUNTLET OF POLO® in Wellington, Florida during the South Florida circuit.

“U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to be part of such historic events as the Silver Cup and the Pacific Coast Open amid the beautiful backdrop of the celebrated Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Supporting these high-profile events on the West Coast is yet another example of U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection and love for the sport of polo.”

Founded in 1911, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is one of the oldest continuing member clubs of the USPA as well as the largest and most active polo club on the West Coast. Positioned in between the Carpinteria Foothills and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club offers an unparalleled backdrop in the western United States.

“We are appreciative of the partnership and support of U.S. Polo Assn. for the historic tournaments played here, including the notable Silver Cup which was first played in 1900,” said Danny Walker, Board Member, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. “We hope that players and fans enjoy this season’s amazing west coast tournaments and experience the history and excellence of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, polo in paradise.”

USPA official events, Silver Cup and the Pacific Coast Open, will be live streamed on Global Polo TV at globalpolo.com. Also hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club will be the USPA America Cup.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 22, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced it will serve as the Official…

North America, Polo News

HISTORIC SILVER CUP® RETURNS TO SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB

23. July 2021

Hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) for the second consecutive year, the 2021 Silver Cup® has returned to the west coast where six teams will contend for the prestigious title, including defending champions Lucchese. Located just five miles south of Santa Barbara and 60 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club overlooks the Pacific Ocean providing an attractive backdrop to an active polo calendar.

The first USPA Official Event of the 16-goal season, the Silver Cup® will begin on Sunday, July 25, with the final set for Sunday, August 8. The high-goal season will culminate with the Pacific Coast Open, the only open trophy on the west coast, August 13 through 29.

Serving as the Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association, will provide stadium branding and apparel for both high-profile west coast tournaments.

The Silver Cup® has been called many names throughout its illustrious 121-year history. Originally established as the Junior Championship, it was first played in 1900. In 1938, the Junior Championship was renamed the National Twenty Goal® Championship and in 1974 the tournament took its present name, the Silver Cup®. A trophy which bears the names of many Polo Hall of Famers including Tommy Hitchcock and Cecil Smith, the Silver Cup® also features Lucchese (2020, 2014, 2012) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (2016, 2015, 2013) with three titles each. Antelope is the only other team in the lineup who has qualified for the Silver Cup® Final.

On Antelope’s heels throughout the first half of the 2020 Silver Cup® Final, Lucchese turned the scoreboard around in the third, gradually extending the lead to secure the coveted trophy 15-11 for the first time in six years. In 2021 the defending champions will be joined by Keko Magrini on Lucchese’s roster, while 2020 Lucchese teammate Nico Escobar will compete with his family’s Santa Clara this year. Featuring father-and-son combinations on multiple teams, the 16-goal rosters feature a variety of young rising stars including several active and graduating Team USPA members and alumni.

2021 SILVER CUP® TEAMS:

Bracket I

1. Santa Clara (15)
Luis Escobar (5)
Lucas Escobar (4)
Nico Escobar (5)
Francisco Escobar (0)
Federico Escobar (1)

2. Lucchese (15)
John Muse (0)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Jeff Hall (6)
Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini (3)

3. Farmers & Merchants Bank (16)
Danny Walker (2)
Matt Walker (3)
Lucas Criado (7)
Lucitas Criado (4)

Bracket II

4. Antelope (16)
Grant Palmer (1)
Santiago Trotz (4)
Tomas Garcia del Rio (8)
Segundo Saravi (3)

5. Bensoleimani.com (16)
Ben Soleimani (0)
Tomas Alberdi (4)
Iñaki Laprida (7)
Santiago Wulff (5)

6. Klentner Ranch (16)
Jesse Bray (6)
Jacob Klentner (1)
Justin Klentner (1)
Santiago Toccalino (8)

“The Silver Cup® is a trophy that every polo player strives to etch their name on,” said USPA Executive Director of Services and two-time winner of the Silver Cup®, Carlucho Arellano. “Our best clubs want to host it and our best players want to win it.”

Both USPA Official Events, the Silver Cup® and Pacific Coast Open, will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV with the purchase of the Polo Pass at globalpolo.com. All USPA playing and lifetime members who have paid their membership dues will receive the Premium Polo Pass complimentary while all USPA Social Members will receive the Polo Pass for free, once dues are paid in full. All games of the Silver Cup® and the Pacific Coast Open will be available with the Polo Pass or the Premium Polo Pass.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is now open to the public for spectating. To purchase tickets please visit sbpolo.com. For more information on the Silver Cup® and to view the schedule, please visit the Silver Cup® tournament detail page on uspolo.org. To purchase a polo pass please visit globalpolo.com/products.

www.uspolo.org

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Hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) for the second consecutive year, the 2021 Silver Cup® has returned to the west coast where six teams will contend…