Santa Rita Polo Farm

Audi Captures John T. Oxley Memorial Tournament; Nic Roldan Named MVP
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WELLINGTON, Fla., November 11, 2021—In an emotionally-charged final, Audi won the John T. Oxley Memorial Tournament Wednesday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

In front of a good crowd and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, Audi (Sugar Erskine, Nic Roldan, Marc Ganzi, Brandon Phillips) defeated Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Jeff Hall, Juan Bollini), 13-12, in overtime.

With the score tied 12-12 after regulation, Erskine lofted the ball from 45 yards out to score with 5:08 left for an exciting finish.


Juan Bollini of Seminole Coconut Creek Casino defends Marc Ganzi.

Roldan scored a game-high five goals, including three in the sixth chukker, and was named Most Valuable Player. Akiabava, owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Marc Ganzi was Best Playing Pony.

Since October 23rd Roldan had been plagued by a nagging left ankle sprain (sustained while hiking in Scottsdale, Ariz.) that had been hampering his playing until Wednesday.


MVP Nic Roldan of Audi goes for the big hit past Jason Crowder.

„It‘s good to be back on the field,“ Roldan said. „The ankle injury was nothing dramatic but a bit of a nuisance. Today was the first day I felt pretty good. I wouldn‘t say I was 100 percent but I felt good.“

In the evenly-matched fast-paced game, both teams had scoring opportunities to win in regulation.


Brandon Phillips of Audi pursues the ball with Jason Crowder defending.

The lead changed hands 15 times throughout the game with Audi leading by as many as three goals in the third chukker (7-4) and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek leading by two (10-8) in the fifth chukker and two in the sixth chukker (11-9).

Behind Roldan‘s hot mallet, Audi started to reel in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek early in the sixth chukker. Roldan scored at 5:02 to trail by one, 11-10. Two minutes later Roldan scored again to tie the game at 11-11.


Audi‘s Nic Roldan scoring one of his three goals in the sixth chukker.

Crowder scored the go-ahead goal (12-11) through a crowd of defenders with 2:11 left in regulation. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek had another chance to score but it sailed wide setting up Roldan‘s heroics with 23 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek had the first opportunity to score in the first minute of the game but was unable to capitalize. After Roldan was fouled with 5:15 left he hit a long ball from center field to Phillips who was called off by Erskine who had the clear shot and lofted it over defenders to clinch the game.


Jason Crowder of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek works the near side shot with Marc Ganzi defending.

„I thought it was really a great game to play,“ Roldan said. „It was open and very few fouls. I thought Seminole Casino had a better day. I think they deserved to win that game today. We got lucky in the end.

„We kept fighting. We just never gave up. They were tough and definitely made us work for that victory. With a little bit of luck and a good set play from midfield it was a good game. It was a fun game to play.“


Melissa Ganzi of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek works the ball past Sugar Erskine and Nic Roldan.

In addition to Roldan‘s five goals Erskine and Phillips each had three goals and Ganzi added two.

„It‘s great to win,“ Roldan said. „It‘s great for your confidence. It is a beautiful trophy and it‘s great to have it back.“


Jeff Hall of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek reaches for the ball out of the saddle.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek got balanced scoring from its‘ lineup. Melissa Ganzi, Crowder and Hall each had four goals.

In the Just For The Fun Of It subsidiary game, Newport (Gene Goldstein, Grant Ganzi, Santi Toccalino, Kris Kampsen) defeated WPL (Santos Bollini, Pablo Spinacci, Juancito Bollini, Tommy Biddle), 10-8.


Nic Roldan receives his MVP plaque from awards presenter George Dupont of the National Polo Museum Hall of Fame.

Playing well as a team, Newport had the upper hand for most of the game. WPL had its only lead (2-1) late in the first chukker. After that it was all Newport leading by as many as three (6-3) in the first half. 

Newport continued to dominate in the second half leading by three again (8-5) in the fifth chukker and four (10-6) to open the sixth chukker.


Best Playing Pony Akiabava owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Kampsen led scoring with a game-high seven goals. Grant Ganzi had two and Toccalino added one.

Biddle led WPL with three goals. Juancito Bollini and Spinacci each had two and Santos Bollini added one.

Hall of Famer John T. Oxley was a pioneer in polo. The founder of the now-defunct Royal Palm Polo Sports Club in Boca Raton played polo well into his 80s. He started playing at age 46 and won the U.S. Open twice, Sunshine League, Rolex Gold Cup, Monty Waterbury and Silver Cup.


Tommy Biddle of WPL works the ball downfield.

At age 83, Oxley became the oldest player ever to win a major polo event when his team won the International Gold Cup. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. Oxley died of a heart attack at his summer home in Tulsa, Okla. in 1996. He was 87.

The John T. Oxley Memorial Tournament  was the fourth of five medium goal tournaments. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek won the season-opening Fall Classic; La Indiana won the Tackeria Invitational; and Zahedi Chogan won the Fall Plates last weekend.


Newport teammates Gene Goldstein and Kris Kampsen double team Santos Bollini.

„This has been the best fall season we have ever had,“ Roldan said. „We are playing 16 to 20-goal polo and it‘s very competitive. The weather is amazing and fields are great. We have a bunch of American players here supporting polo. This is really a good stepping stone for what‘s to come in the future.“

Team sponsor Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, a longtime supporter of polo, offers an energized and upscale local’s casino experience featuring Las Vegas-style Slots, live Table Games, live Poker, award-winning dining and live entertainment. 


Grant Ganzi of Newport leans into his shot past Juancito Bollini.

Rated No. 1 by Consumer Reports as the best auto brand overall, Audi is a valued sponsor with a rich winning tradition in polo. The German automobile manufacturer designs, engineers, produces, markets and distributes luxury automobiles throughout the world including West Palm Beach.  

The high goal tournament season begins Friday with the USPA North American Cup featuring Audi, Casablanca, Newport and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. The second high goal tournament, the USPA National 20 Goal is Nov. 16-21.


Gene Goldstein of Newport battles for the ball.

The highlight of the fall season is the Nov. 27 doubleheader with the Carlos Gracida Memorial Legends of Polo and 10th annual International Cup. Sponsorship packages are available.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 100-acre polo facility in Wellington with 120 stalls in five self-contained barns, exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and stick-and-ball fields.


Kris Kampsen of Newport goes for the hook on Juancito Bollini.

During fall, winter and spring seasons, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest club with 13 well-manicured, world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita Polo Farm, hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal including the 26-goal World Polo League in addition to special events. 

During the winter season, Grand Champions and Santa Rita will host 23 tournaments from Jan. 15 to April 15.


Juan Bollini and Jason Crowder with Andres Samper Seade CEO of Romero Merino Fashion displaying their swag.

The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its‘ mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. Scholarships are available. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099.

The entire fall season will be live-streamed on Wellington-based ChukkerTV, leaders in polo broadcasting with cutting-edge technology including 4K TV currently making its‘ debut. ChukkerTV also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.


Awards table for the John T. Oxley Memorial Tournament.

Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program, the only polo club in the U.S. to offer the unique program.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira for ChukkerTV

 

WELLINGTON, Fla., November 11, 2021—In an emotionally-charged final, Audi won the John T. Oxley Memorial Tournament Wednesday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. In front of a good crowd and worldwide…
Tonkawa Wins World Polo League Triple Crown of Polo-Aspen ; Gonzalito Pieres Named MVP
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV 

CARBONDALE, CO, August 30, 2021— Tonkawa defeated NetJets by 9-8 in overtime to take the Aspen leg of the World Polo League Triple Crown of Polo.

Yesterday NetJets (Alejandra Foster, Gussie Busch, Nic Roldan, and Nacho Figueres) met Tonkawa (Jeff Hildebrand, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres, and Juan Bollini) in the final match of the Triple Crown of Polo.


Gonzalito Pieres gets ready to drive the ball down the field ahead of opponent Nacho Figueras.

Play was off to a blistering start as Nic Roldan took the ball from the throw-in and passed it to Gussie Busch, who put it through the posts only 13 seconds into the first chukker. Both teams demonstrated an appetite for risk, taking long shots early in the game. Busch scored again in the second period, but Gonzalito Pieres converted a Penalty 2 and 3 to end the chukker in a 2-2 tie. In the third period, he converted a Penalty 4 to take the score up to 3, but an answer from Nacho Figueras ended the half in a 3-3 tie.


Tonkawa‘s Jeff Hildebrand prepares to hit the ball out of the air towards goal.

The second half started with Tonkawa commanding the field in the fourth chukker. Pieres was on fire, making an impressive run to goal at 3:29 and another at 2:42, this time with Roldan glued to his hip. Tonkawa frustrated NetJets’ attempts to score, while Marc Ganzi made a spectacular lofted shot to add one more goal just before the horn. Tonkawa started the fifth chukker with an encouraging three goal lead at 6-3, but NetJets fought back hard. Tonkawa’s Ganzi converted a Penalty 2 thirty seconds into the chukker, but that was to be Tonkawa’s only goal. Roldan added a pair of goals for NetJets, including a spectacular lofted shot at 1:08, to narrow Tonkawa’s lead to two goals, ending the period 7-5.


Netjets‘ Nic Roldan gains possession of the play.

In the final chukker, NetJets continued to outscore Tonkawa. At 3:50. Alejandra Foster took the ball downfield, handing it off to Busch for the goal. After another minute of back-and-forth play, Roldan took the ball to goal, drawing NetJets even with Tonkawa at 7 all. The last minute-and-a-half turned into a real nail-biter. Pieres roared past the crowd to score at 1:38, putting Tonkawa back in the lead, but with forty seconds left on the clock, Roldan scored the equalizer that send the match into overtime. It took less than 30 seconds to decide the outcome, with Pieres taking the ball toward the goal on a breakway and Juan Bollini finished the job to give Tonkawa the win at 9-8. Gonzalito Pieres was named MVP. Cruella deVille, ridden by Pieres and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, took Best Playing Pony honors.


Most Valuable Player Gonzalito Pieres.

In the subsidiary Just for the Love of It Cup, Quite on Z (Alicia Siedler, Vinny Sangaline, Felipe Vercillino, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada) met Mountain Chevrolet (Michael Payne, Tomas Pieres, Pablo Spinacci, and Horacio Heguy). Alicia Siedler, playing her first-ever match at Aspen Valley, started out on the right foot, scoring the only goal of the chukker. It took almost four minutes of play for Michael Payne put the first goal on the board for Montain Chevrolet, while Vinny Sangaline answered to end the chukker 2-1 for Quite on Z. Horacio Heguy tied the match at 2-2, but Felipe Versillino put Quite on Z back in the lead, ending the chukker 3-2.


Cruella deVille, owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and ridden by Gonzalito Pieres took Best Playing Pony honors.

Quite on Z got off to a fast start in the second half. Siedler and Sangaline scored consecutive goals, while Mountain Chevrolet couldn’t make it onto the board. The tables were turned in the fifth chukker, with Mountain Chevrolet keeping Z off the board. However, the team continued to play a strong defense and Mountain Chevrolet failed to score from the field, athough Michael Payne converted a Penalty 3 to end the period with Quite on Z leading by 5-3. Both teams were running to no result until Alejandro Novillo Astrada made a run downfield to take the ball to goal at 1:52. Despite a final Penalty 2 conversion by Payne, Quite on Z carried the day with a final score of 6-4. Felipe Versillino was named MVP. Kangarito, a stunning 8-year-old chestnut, was named Best Playing Pony. He is owned by Alicia Siedler and was played by Versillino in the fifth chukker.


Just For The Love Of It winner‘s Quite on Z‘s Vinny Sangaline, Alicia Siedler, Felipe Versillino, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada with the unique trophy designed by world renowned artist Romero Britto.

In the Just for the Fun of It Cup, La Karina (Nacho Badiola, Brian Boyd, Nacho Novillo Astrada, and Stewart Armstrong) took on Rancho Los Amigos (Paul Foster, Sugar Erskine, Toro Ruiz, and Alex Gooding). It was a frustrating first chukker for both teams as neither made it onto the board. Both teams were evenly matched, scoring two goals each. Brian Boyd started the scoring with an answer from Alex Gooding. Paul Foster followed up with a goal, while Sugar Erskine was responsible for the equalizer to end the period 2-2. La Karina finally gained the advantage in the third chukker with a goal from Nacho Novillo Astrada, ending the half 3-2.


Horacio Heguy hooks Phillip Versillino during the Just For The Love of It Subsidiary game.

Novillo Astrada started the scoring in the second half, taking La Karina up to 5 before Foster found the uprights. A goal from Erskine ended the fourth chukker 5-3 for La Karina. Unfortunately for the team in green, that was to be their last goal of the day, as they were unable to score in either the fifth or sixth chukker. Rancho Los Amigos was also unable to score in the fifth chukker, but Toro Ruiz and Alex Gooding each found the goal in the final chukker to end the match in a 5-5 tie.

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: Nick Tininenko for ChukkerTV  CARBONDALE, CO, August 30, 2021— Tonkawa defeated NetJets by 9-8 in overtime to take the Aspen leg of the World Polo…
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Wins Inaugural World Polo League Polo Pride Tournament at Grand Champions Polo Club
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: Candace Ferreira for ChukkerTV 

WELLINGTON, FL, June 2, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek won the first ever World Polo League Polo Pride tournament at Grand Champions Polo Club on Saturday, May 29th. They defeated Grand Champions by 5-6 in a closely fought match.

Grand Champions Polo Club kickstarted Pride month, which runs through the end of June, by hosting a spectacular dinner and polo match to promote the values of equality and diversity and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community (LGBTQ).


Josh Cohen, Marc Ganzi, Sidra Smith, Violet Camacho, Dani Campbell, and Omar Hernandez.

The Pride events began Friday evening with a dinner staged at Santa Rita Polo Farm. Following delicacies including a crispy skin duck breast, yellowfin tuna tart and Colorado lamb chops, each paired with a carefully curated wine selection, guests enjoyed a panel discussion titled „Inclusion and Healing“ moderated by ESPN West Palm broadcaster and personality Josh Cohen.


Grand Champions Polo Club members with Melissa Ganzi and acrobat performers.

Panel participants included: Violet Camacho, author and PR & Communications Director for Mr. Hospitality; Dani Campbell, a firefighter/paramedic for BSO Fire Rescue and reality TV personality; Marc Ganzi, CEO, Digital Colony, President & CEO of Colony Capital, and co-founder of the World Polo League; Omar Hernandez, founder of Omar’s La Boite, Omar’s at Vauvluse and the Saxony at Faena Miami Beach; and Sidra Smith, producer and founder of Gate Pass Entertainment.

After a lively discussion in which participants discussed the topics of inclusion and healing within the context of their personal experiences, guests were treated to an acrobatic performance by Les Farfadais & Co and music from the Telesca Band.


Les Farfadais & Company acrobat performers gave a thrilling show in the Santa Rita barn.

On Saturday afternoon, teams from Grand Champions and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek met on Grand Champions Field Two for a very competitive match.


Vinny Sangaline chases Louis Aguierre down the field.

The Grand Champion’s team included: Miami broadcaster Louis Aguirre; Gay Polo League tournament winner Ryan Cronin; Talbot Logan; and 4-goal professional Jorge Donovan.


Sterling Jones reaches for the ball with opponents closely defending. 

Playing for Seminole Casino Coconut Creek were Cale Newman, Grand Champions polo manager; actor Sterling Jones; Vinny Sangaline, and 4-goal professional and Grand Champion’s Director of Polo Operations Juan Bollini.


Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Grand Champions teammates with actress Rebel Wilson.

Just over two minutes into the first chukker, Talbot Logan drew first blood for Grand Champions, keeping his composure and evading a hook from Juan Bollini to score. It took another two minutes before Sterling Jones got the equalizer for Seminole Casino, while Vinny Sangaline came in with a neck shot in the last minute to put Seminole Casino ahead by 2-1. In the second chukker, Ryan Cronin got out in front to slice the ball in with 4:36 on the clock, tying things up until Vinny Sangaline put the ball through with only 32 seconds remaining to play. The half ended with Seminole Casino leading by 3-2.


MVP Vinny Sangaline and Rebel Wilson.

Grand Champions came back hot after the half, as Ryan Cronin smashed a cut shot down field to the center and finished with a smooth shot on goal. Talbot Logan took the ball out from under Sangaline to score, and Cronin quickly answered with another shot on goal. A goal from Sangaline with 1:28 left on the clock ended the chukker with Grand Champions in the lead by 5-4. Unfortunately for Grand Champions, Seminole Casino came back strong on defense in the final chukker and kept them off the board. With goals from Sangaline and Juan Bollini, Seminole Casino came from behind to edge out a 6-5 victory.


World Polo Pride Panelists Violet Camachi, and Dani Campbell with friends during the halftime divot stomp.

With four goals for the match, Vinny Sangaline took the MVP title, while Ryan Cronin was the high scoring player for Grand Champions with three goals to his credit. After the match, actress Rebel Wilson, a close friend of player/actor Sterling Jones, was on hand to award the prizes to the winner and runner-up.


Grand Champions Polo Club manager Cale Newman made history as the first transgender man to play polo.

Spirits were high on the podium, and Seminole Casino’s #1, Cale Newman, was beaming from ear to ear, saying “This is a fantastic end to the season, and I had a blast. I’m incredibly honored to be a part of World Polo Pride, not only as a member of the LGBTQ community but as a manager of the club. I would be honored to be part of this event playing or not.“


Sam Kennedy, Melissa Ganzi, Rebel Wilson, Marc Ganzi, and Griffen Bruehl.

Sponsors for the event included Seminole Creek Coconut Casino, Potions in Motion, Fernet Branca, Crystal Head Vodka, iLegal Mezcal, Republic National Distributing, Cucina Palm Beach, Mr. Hospitality Miami, and Renato’s Palm Beach.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6diMKxXUM64[/embedyt]
By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: Candace Ferreira for ChukkerTV  WELLINGTON, FL, June 2, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek won the first ever World Polo League Polo Pride tournament at Grand…
Sorrento Polo Team Wins Pedro Morrison Memorial Final; Nic Roldan MVP
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: ChukkerTV

WELLINGTON, FL, May 24, 2021— Sorrento Polo Team defeated Seminole Casino Coconut Creek by 12-11 to take the Pedro Morrison Memorial title, while Sebucan edged out Barbaroso Leather by 10-9 in the subsidiary.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Fran Spinacci, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada) met Sorrento Polo Team (Federico Parker, Tito Gaudenzi, Marc Ganzi, and Nic Roldan). Seminole Casino Coconut Creek ceded three goals to Sorrento Polo Team on handicap.


Tito Gaudenzi jumping the boards during play.

Juancito Bollini put Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on the board in the first chukker, while Nic Roldan was able to score from Penalty 5 from the spot to ensure that Sorrento Polo Team ended the first period with their three-goal lead intact. In the second chukker, Bollini found the goalposts twice, bringing Seminole Casino Coconut Creek within one before Roldan answered with a goal. A foul from Seminole Casino Coconut Creek gave Marc Ganzi the chance to convert a Penalty 3 and the chukker ended with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek trailing 6-3. In the third period, Bollini and Alejandro Novillo Astrada helped Seminole Casino Coconut Creek close in on Sorrento again, but Roldan swept the ball through in answer. A final goal from Grant Ganzi ended the half with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek behind by just one goal, at 7-6.


Alejandro Novillo Astrada reaches for the ball with Nic Roldan and Juancito Bollini close behind.

Roldan got Sorrento Polo Tam on the board first in the fourth chukker, with an answer from Novillo Astrada. Roldan scored yet again to end the period 9-7. The pentultimate chukker saw both teams battling ferociously to score, with Bollini putting the first ball through. Tito Gaudenzi and Roldan scored to take the total on the board up to 11-8 for Sorrento Polo Team , but Novillo Astrada came back with an answer and Grant Ganzi converted a Penalty 2. The final chukker began with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek still nipping at Sorrento Polo Team‘s heels. Bollini scored the equalizer and at 11-11, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek had victory within their grasp. An unlucky foul gave Marc Ganzi the chance to convert a Penalty 2, which won the game for Sorrento Polo Team 12-11.


MVP Nic Roldan with Arvo Katajisto.

Nic Roldan was named MVP, while Cortina, played by Tito Gaudenzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm took the Best Playing Pony award.

In the second match of the day, Sebucan (Gene Goldstein, Pablo Pulido, Tomacho Pieres, and Sugar Erskine) took the field against Barbaroso Leather (Leo Mandelbaum, Justin Daniels, Pablo Spinacci, and Juan Bollini).


Cortina, played by Tito Gaudenzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was awarded Best Playing Pony.

While Barbaroso Leather started with one goal on the board, they were unable to get past Sebucan’s defense to score from the field in the first chukker. Goals from Sugar Erskine and Gene Goldstein ended the period 2-1 for Sebucan. Play was back and forth during the second chukker and Barbaroso had no better luck getting on goal, with another great shot from Erskine put Sebucan in the lead by 3-1. Pablo Pulido put a goal through the posts, and it was finally Leo Mandelbaum who was able to get a goal from the field on the board for Barbaroso. A goal from Goldstein ended the half with Sebucan in the lead by 5-2.


Newport‘s Sugar Erskine hits a nearside buckshot while Leo Mandelbaum defends.

Both teams turned the power up a notch when they returned after the half. Leo Mandelbaum put the first ball through the posts, but Sebucan found themselves on an offensive streak, scoring four goals in a row. Goldstein led the charge, followed by Tomacho Pieres and Pablo Pulido. Pieres scored again, putting Sebucan in the lead by 9-3 before Justin Daniels was able to score and end the period with Barbaroso down by 9-4. Barbaroso started to gain momentum in the fifth chukker, outscoring Sebucan for the first time. Spinacci and Mandelbaum both scored for Barbaroso, while Pulido was responsible for Sebucan’s only goal in the chukker. Barbaroso played a spectacular final chukker, keeping Sebucan off the board while Daniels, Mandelbaum and Spinacci were all able to put the ball through. Unfortunately for Barbaroso, they found their rhythm too late and went down to Sebucan by 10-9.

 

 

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By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: ChukkerTV WELLINGTON, FL, May 24, 2021— Sorrento Polo Team defeated Seminole Casino Coconut Creek by 12-11 to take the Pedro Morrison Memorial title, while Sebucan…
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Sorrento Polo Team Advance To Pedro Morrison Memorial Final
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: ChukkerTV 

WELLINGTON, FL, May 22, 2021— Seminole Casino defeated Barbarosa Leather by 11-8 in the first match of the Pedro Morrison Memorial, while Sorrento Polo Team took down Sebucan in the second match of the day by a score of 8-7.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Fran Spinacci, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, and Alejandro Novillo Astrada) met Barbarosa Leather (Leo Mandelbaum, Justin Daniels, Pablo Spinacci, and Juan Bollini) in the first match of the Pedro Morrison Memorial on Friday morning. Seminole Casino ceded one goal to Barbarosa Leather on handicap.

Justin Daniels knocked in the first goal of the day, but the combination of Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Juancito Bollini looked unstoppable in the second half of the period. Novillo Astrada took control of the ball and passed it to Juancito, who put it through the posts with a near side shot. Sixty seconds later he passed the ball to Juancito again, and Bollini fils took the ball through the posts in two shots. Seconds later Juancito gained control of the ball once more and left it behind for Novillo Astrada, who passed it back for Juancito to complete the hat trick for the chukker with 1:10 left on the clock. The period ended with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek leading 3-2. Barbarosa Leather struck back in the second chukker, working hard to keep Seminole Casino Coconut Creek off the goal. Leo Mandelbaum converted a Penalty 2, while Pablo Spinacci scored a pair of goals that had Bábaroso in the lead 5-3 at the end of the period. The tables turned in the third chukker, with Seminole Casino keeping Barbarosa Leather away from the posts while Novillo Astrada put the ball through. The half ended with Barbarosa Leather leading 5-4.


All eyes on the ball! Leo Mandelbaum is laser focused.

The fourth chukker demonstrated how evenly matched the teams were, with Seminole Casino Coconut Creek scoring first and Barbarosa Leather responding with an answer to maintain their one goal lead each time. Grant Ganzi scored the first equalizer early in the chukker, but Juan Bollini came back with a goal of his own less than a minute later. With 2:10 left on the clock, Juancito Bollini scored with a strong assist from young Fran Spinacci. Leo Mandelbaum found the posts with a spectacular angled shot, but with seven seconds left to play, Alejandro Novillo Astrada tapped the ball in to end the period with a 7-7 tie. Seminole Casino gained the upper hand in the fifth chukker, drawing ahead on a Penalty 3 conversion from Grant Ganzi and Novillo Astrada scoring to solidify the lead. Despite a well-placed shot on goal from Pablo Spinacci, Seminole Casino led 9-8 at the beginning of the final chukker. Barbarosa Leather lost the momentum they had enjoyed earlier, failing to get on the board, and goals from Fran Spinacci and Alejandro Novillo Astrada won the game for Seminole Casino Coconut Creek with a final score of 11-8.


Sugar Erskine getting a pep talk from wife Brigitte before the game.

In the second match of the day, Sebucan (Gene Goldstein, Pablo Pulido, Tomacho Pieres, and Sugar Erskine) took the field against Sorrento Polo Team (Federico Parker, Tito Gaudenzi, Marc Ganzi, and Nic Roldan). Secbucan ceded three goals to Sorrento on handicap.

Sebucan seized control of the field early in the first chukker and Gene Goldstein drew first blood with 5:43 on the clock. Nic Roldan fired a powerful shot downfield that was snatched off the doorstep by Sugar Erskine, but he blasted the ball through the posts in a similar shot on the next play at just under four minutes. Neither team was able to find the posts again and the period ended with Sorrento Polo Team leading by 4-1. Pablo Pulido and Marc Ganzi each put the ball through in the second chukker, which ended 5-2 in favor of Sorrento Polo Team. Goldstein put another goal on the board in the third chukker while a strong defense from Sebucan kept Sorrento from scoring. The half ended with Sorrento Polo Team in the lead by 5-3.


Sebucan‘s Tomacho Pieres ready to defend Sorrento Polo Team opponent Nic Roldan.

The fourth chukker played out much like the third, with Sorrento Polo Team still unable to make it past Sebucan to score. Tomacho Pieres put a goal on the board to narrow Sorrento Polo Team‘s lead to one goal at 5-4. The pentultimate chukker was Sorrento Polo Team‘s finest six-and-a-half minutes, as it was the only chukker in which they outscored Sebucan. It was Marc Ganzi they had to thank, as he converted a Penalty 2 and put the ball through from the field. Sugar Erskine held up the side for Sebucan, and the period ended with Sorrento Polo Team leading by 7-5.


Tito Gaudenzi rides off Sebucan‘s Pablo Pulido.

Erskine scored again in the sixth chukker and with two minutes on the clock Sebucan could see the win within their grasp. However, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity. With just five seconds remaining on the clock, a Penalty 6 safety saw Tomacho Pieres tie the score at the buzzer and send the game into overtime. In a sudden death seventh chukker, with 3:05 left on the clock, Nic Roldan capitalized on a broken play and took the ball to goal to win the day for Sorrento with a final score of 8-7.

The Final of the Pedro Morrison Memorial will take place on Sunday May 23 at 11:30 am. The subsidiary game, Just For The Fun Of It Cup will be at 10:00 am, where Sebucan will meet Barbarosa Leather. Both games will be streamed live on ChukkerTV.

 

 

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: ChukkerTV  WELLINGTON, FL, May 22, 2021— Seminole Casino defeated Barbarosa Leather by 11-8 in the first match of the Pedro Morrison Memorial, while Sorrento Polo…
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Sebucan Advance to Sun Cup Final
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By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: ChukkerTV 

WELLINGTON, FL, May 8, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek defeated Orea by 9-8 in the first match of the Sun Cup, while Sebucan bested Newport by 10-7 in the second match of the day on Friday.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, Horacio Heguy, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, and Juan Bollini) met Orea Polo Team (Petra Sobotova, Justin Daniels, Sugar Erksine, and Pablo Spinacci) Friday morning in the first match of the Sun Cup. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek ceded three goals to Orea on handicap.


Horacio Heguy steals the play from Petra Sobotova

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek got off to a good start by consistently winning throw-ins, but it took almost four minutes of play before Melissa Ganzi put their first goal on the board. With just over a minute left on the clock, Petra Sobotova took the ball from the nearside to the right and put it through to maintain Orea’s three-goal margin and end the chukker 4- 1. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek kept Orea away from the goal in the second period, while Ganzi scored her team’s first goal with a neat under-the-neck shot. Alejandro Novillo Astrada contributed back-to-back goals to even things up and the period ended 4-4. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek‘s strategy of keeping Ganzi in front to score paid off again in the third chukker as she took the ball through to put another goal on the board, but a Penalty 2 conversion from Petra Sobotova ended the half at 5-all.


Juan Bollini defends Petra Sobotova

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek picked up the pace in the fourth chukker, with Ganzi offering up a pair of goals to put her team in the lead for the first time during the match. Orea was frustrated yet again and the chukker ended 7-5 in favor of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. In the pentultimate chukker, Pablo Spinacci picked up a pass from Sugar Erskine and hit it home, but Juan Bollini made sure that Seminole Casino Coconut Creek maintained their two-point lead.


Marc Ganzi going for the play with teammates ready to assist

With just over three minutes left in the match, Ganzi found the posts again to put Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in the lead by three, but Justin Daniels quickly answered with a tail shot on goal. With just 38 seconds left on the clock, Petra Sobotova made a coast-to- coast run for the final goal of the match, with Orea losing to Seminole Casino Coconut Creek by only one goal with a score of 9-8.

Melissa Ganzi was the high scoring player with six goals to her credit.


Nic Roldan goes for the long hit with Grant Ganzi ready to hook 

In the second match of the day, Sebucan (Pablo Pulido, Nic Roldan, Marc Ganzi, and Juancito Bollini) met Newport (Gene Goldstein, Grant Ganzi, Santi Chavanne, and Tomacho Pieres). Newport ceded one goal to Sebucan on handicap.

Sebucan capitalized on the one-goal head start quickly, playing a strong defense to keep Newport away from the uprights. Pablo Pulido was the first to score from the field, with Juancito Bollini following up. Pulido knocked the ball through the posts one more time to end the first chukker with Sebucan in the lead by 4-0. Newport fared no better in the second chukker, while Marc Ganzi took Sebucan up to five. Finally, in the third chukker, Newport’s Grant Ganzi scored the first goal of the day for his team. However, two more goals by Pulido and Bollini ended the half with Sebucan leading by six goals at 7-1.


Pablo Pulido hooks Santi Chavanne

There must have been a rousing speech in the Newport tent at halftime because the team in white came back energized. Gene Goldstein put the first goal of the second half on the board, with a follow-up from Grant Ganzi. Turning the tables on Sebucan, Newport rallied with a strong defense to prevent them from scoring. Each team managed only one goal in the pentultimate chukker, but Newport came back on fire in the final with Goldstein, Pieres and Grant Ganzi scoring consecutive goals to pull Newport within two at 7-9. A final effort from Marc Ganzi saw Sebucan win the match 10-7.

 

 

By: Rebecca Baldridge Photos by: ChukkerTV  WELLINGTON, FL, May 8, 2021— Seminole Casino Coconut Creek defeated Orea by 9-8 in the first match of the Sun Cup, while Sebucan bested…
Let The Countdown Begin: Grand Champions Opens Fall Season With Tackeria Invitational
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Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club, opens the highly-anticipated fall season in ten days with the Tackeria Invitational. In addition to 20-goal action, a medium goal schedule features six tournaments including the Tackeria Invitational. The tournament has a special place in club history as the inaugural tournament when the club first opened in 2007. „We are excited about the fall season,“ said Polo School Director of Operations Juan Bollini said. „The fall season is important to us because it is a continuation of the sport and shows the world you can play polo all year. „We have some great players coming in for the 20-goal and medium goal tournaments. It‘s good, competitive polo and best time of the year with great weather and great fields in October and November after five months of rest.“ Among players expected to compete are Nic Roldan, America‘s top-rated player at 8 goals; Sugar Erskine, Kris Kampsen, Jason Crowder, Pablo Spinacci, Horacio Heguy, Pablo Pulido, Marc Ganzi, Melissa Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini and Juan Bollini. The fall season serves as tuneup for the winter season for players and green horses. The 2020 winter season features the second season of the successful 26-goal World Polo League at Grand Champions and Valiente Polo Farm with the best polo players in the world.

The Tackeria Invitational has a history of exciting finishes. In last year‘s tournament final, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Julio Gracida, Mariano Gracida) won a hardfought 10-9 overtime game over Flexjet (Santos Bollini, Lucas Escobar, Kris Kampsen, Juan Bollini). In 2017, Audi (Marc Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Brandon Phillips, Carlitos Gracida) rallied in the final chukker to defeat Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Andres LaPlacette, Pablo Dorignac, Juan Bollini), 11-10, in overtime at Santa Rita Polo Farm. In 2016, Flexjet (Riley Ganzi, Melissa Ganzi, Juan Bollini, Jason Crowder) defeated Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Jared Sheldon, Carlitos Gracida, Juancito Bollini), 7-6, on Melissa Ganzi‘s winning goal just before the 30-second bell in the final chukker. „The Tackeria Invitational is the perfect way to kick off the season,“ said Tackeria owner Tony Coppola,  legendary voice of polo and USPA President. „We are proud to be a returning sponsor with the Tackeria Invitational.“ The Tackeria, a longtime supporter of polo and Grand Champions, carries one of the most complete selections of equestrian equipment in the world, importing goods from all over Europe, the Far East and South America to create the best selection of quality items for its customers. It is a go-to source for equipment, supplies, fashion and gifts for the hunter/jumper, dressage and polo disciplines. The Tackeria is located on the corner of Pierson Rd. and South Shore at 13501 South Shore Blvd. All this week, the Grand Champions Polo Club staff has been putting the finishing touches on its fields at Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm in preparation for the season-opener.

The 2019 season is highlighted by the International Cup featuring Team USA against France; Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial, inaugural Wellington Open 20 and USPA National 20. The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the United States and world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, England, France, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uruguay, Switzerland, Nigeria and South Africa. Grand Champions had its finest fall season in club history last year. It was the only club in the nation to stage two USPA-sanctioned 20-goal fall tournaments and again is hosting two 20-goal tournaments this season. The Grand Champions Fall Invitational League is geared toward improving a player‘s polo skills at every level. Roster lineups change from tournament to tournament with evenly-matched teams featuring pro and amateur players. Club owners Marc and Melissa Ganzi, both accomplished players, share a passion for teaching and sharing the exciting sport of polo with anyone interested in learning. The husband and wife team are coming off their most successful and historical summer season at Grand Champions‘ sister club Aspen Valley Polo Club.

The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and umpires for all tournament games; world-class polo fields; club-sponsored social events every weekend for all players; and top-of-the-line trophies for all teams every weekend.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.

The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its‘ mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. Scholarships are available. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV will live stream the entire fall season with Dale Schwetz calling the action. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

By: Sharon Robb

 

2019 Grand Champions Fall Schedule

 

Medium Goal:

Oct. 11-13, Tackeria Invitational

Oct. 18-20, US Trust Cup

Oct. 25-27, Polo Gear Challenge

Nov. 1-3, Fall Classic

Nov. 8-10, Fall Plates

Nov. 15-17, Pedro Morrison Memorial

 

High Goal:

Nov. 13-16, Wellington Open 20

Nov. 20-23, USPA National 20

Nov. 30, Legends of Polo and Carlos Gracida Memorial

Nov. 30, 2019 International Cup, USA vs. France

 

www.gcpolo.com

©Thomas Wirth

 

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club, opens the highly-anticipated fall season in ten days with the Tackeria Invitational. In addition to 20-goal action, a medium goal schedule features six…
Sebucan captures USPA Eastern Challenge at Santa Rita Polo Farm
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Sebucan dominated the USPA Eastern Challenge championship final from start-to-finish to capture the prestigious title Sundayat Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Playing together for the first time as a team, Timmy Dutta, 1, Pablo Pulido, 2, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, 5, and Juan Martin Obregon, 5, defeated ChukkerTV (Josh DuBarry, 0, Piki Diaz Alberdi, 7, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Julio Gracida, 4), 16-10.

Pablo Pulido, playing well above his two-goal rating, was named Most Valuable Player. Pulido, a former collegiate player at Cornell, scored four goals and was one of the most dominant players on the field. It was Pulido’s first MVP award since October 2017 when Sebucan knocked off Casablanca to win the USPA Fall Plates tournament during the fall season at Grand Champions.

Cupid, a 5-year-old owned and played by Julio Gracida in the third chukker, was selected Best Playing Pony.

Sebucan started with a 3-0 lead on handicap and quickly built 6-1 and 7-2 cushions after two chukkers. Chukker TV cut Sebucan’s lead to two behind Gracida’s clutch penalty conversions to trail 8-6 at the half but could get no closer.

The second half Sebucan regained its momentum and offensive running attack to extend its lead to 13-7 after the fifth chukker. “They were a very tough team with very strong players,” Pulido said. “We just kept on playing. We kept on rotating all the players going in. We all played the ball and scoring the goals and that made the difference. “It was just our team’s grit and our day,” Pulido said. “Everybody just kept on going and going the whole time. That helped out and of course me making it to the end of the line making goals made a difference.”

www.gcpolo.com

 

Sebucan dominated the USPA Eastern Challenge championship final from start-to-finish to capture the prestigious title Sundayat Santa Rita Polo Farm. Playing together for the first time as a team, Timmy…
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