Sébastien Le Page

In own affaires, Instagram

The new club magazine for the Polo Park Zürich

9. July 2024

POLO+10 special edition

Thrilling world-class polo, inspiring personalities and an unmistakable, vibrant lifestyle: these are just three of the many aspects that have closely linked POLO PARK ZÜRICH and POLO+10 for many years.

A connection that will continue to inspire polo fans in the future: “I am delighted that after twenty years of successful collaboration, we are continuing on our common path and are now publishing the new club magazine for POLO PARK ZÜRICH,” says POLO+10 publisher Thomas Wirth.

“POLO+10 stands for the highest quality and is the largest and widest-reaching polo magazine in the world. That’s why our club publication for POLO PARK ZÜRICH is in the best hands with Thomas and his team,” explains club president Sébastien Le Page.

You can look forward to exciting new stories from the world of polo – refined with the corresponding lifestyle and interviews. 132 pages full of polo passion and emotions, visions of the future and a deep love of horses.

POLO+10 special edition Thrilling world-class polo, inspiring personalities and an unmistakable, vibrant lifestyle: these are just three of the many aspects that have closely linked POLO PARK ZÜRICH and POLO+10…

Instagram, Polo News

25th Zürich International Polo Ladies Cup

4. April 2024

Polo Park & Country Club Zurich is celebrating 25 years of Ladies Polo this season, making it the oldest Ladies Cup in the world. Since 2017, the club has implemented ladies‘ handicap in Switzerland, offering one of the largest ladies-only tournaments in Europe, providing polo games from 12 to 0 goals. All levels and ages are welcome to participate in the tournament. Since its start, the club has had the pleasure of welcoming players from over 35 countries, united in their love for the sport and driven by their competitive spirit.

It’s hard to believe that it has already been 25 years since Polo Park Zurich began organizing a dedicated tournament for women’s polo. Even before the rise of female-only competitions, the former owner, Markus Gräff, had the brilliant idea of creating a ladies-only tournament, as the club had always had women players.

Every year, the level of the game fluctuated depending on the number of guests, players, and locals participating. However, there was always a minimum of two teams and a maximum of eight.

In 2016, the tournament organization reached a milestone. Sébastien Le Page invited Sunny Hale to speak and support the players, but little did he know that this would take the tournament to the next level. It was a unique and precious occasion to spend three days with Sunny, who constantly coached the players and encouraged them. She pointed out their weaknesses and gave them advice on how to improve, as well as how to take advantage of their strengths.

Sunny’s vibrant lecture about her journey from starting at a lower level to being chosen by Adolfo Cambiaso and winning the US Open with him, was an unforgettable experience for all attending members.
Her speech inspired many and still resonates in the hearts of many today.

In 2017, Morgan Van Overbroek made a significant change by introducing two different levels for the Ladies Cup – a low goal accessible to all players and a medium goal with a level of 8 to 12 goals. This allowed the Ladies Cup to be included in the Women’s Polo Tour rankings, allowing higher-ranked players to earn more international points. This was also the first season where players could use their ladies’ handicaps to play. Switzerland was one of the pioneering countries in Europe to officially implement this change. On the same weekend, Hazel Jackson, who was playing the 10 goals mixed was also a guest and motivational speaker for the ladies players. Her powerful playing style left a strong impression on all players.

And since 2017, the medium goal was launched and became an almost inevitable stop in the Ladies European circuit.

While at the club, they had the opportunity to witness several players transitioning from low to medium goal, enjoying the game at a different pace. These players had the opportunity to play alongside experienced international players and learned that not only having great polo skills was important, but also fitness and mental strength. It was a significant enhancement for the club to host such players, as it gave the local players the chance to interact with the guest players. The Ladies’ Cup is an incredible weekend where polo friendship transcends all borders, and the polo family grows even larger.

The Ladies Cup provides an opportunity for many players to experience the game of polo with all its challenges. They suddenly have to make decisions such as who will shoot penalties, quickly organize their teams, and adjust to a slower pace and shorter shots compared to mixed polo matches. This can make the game much more demanding for each player. Many players also come to realize the importance of maintaining good fitness levels for all levels of polo as every player’s contributions count at every moment of the game.

Morgan von Overbroek: „The Ladies Cup tournament is typically held on the first weekend of July. If one is available that weekend and enjoys playing with enthusiastic players of all skill levels, they are invited to join. A fun and competitive experience on the field is guaranteed.”

By PPZ
Photography Guadalupe Aizaga, Evelina Jakovlevskaja, Luca Mortari

Polo Park & Country Club Zurich is celebrating 25 years of Ladies Polo this season, making it the oldest Ladies Cup in the world. Since 2017, the club has implemented…

Instagram, Polo News

Hublot Polo Gold Cup 2023: Laplacette in his backyard … once again!

24. August 2023

Polo is a team sport. Wearing the colors of Gstaad, Sébastien Le Page and his Argentinian accomplices provide clear proof. On Sunday afternoon, they masterfully executed their game on the unique polo field at Saanen airport, winning the Hublot Polo Gold Cup for the second consecutive year.

Martincito Aguerre‘s genius was not enough today. Indeed, Raul Laplacette‘s team play proved unbeatable. Despite scoring eleven goals once again (Team Gstaad‘s daily rate since last Thursday), it was the fierce defense of the defending champions that made the difference. The Hublot players could never penetrate their opponents‘ defensive wall. When they did, Raul Laplacette calmly stole the ball from the audacious attacker, freeing up space for the men from Gstaad to advance and score on the other end. Martin Aguerre Jr.‘s only option was to try his luck from a great distance. He succeeded twice and scored his other three goals from penalties. Five goals were all the team could muster today.

Earning their second title in two years, the polo field at Saanen airport has become the domain of Raul Laplacette, the most valuable player of the final and the tournament‘s top scorer with 17 goals. „On this kind of field, you have to keep moving forward with the ball, attacking relentlessly,“ said Laplacette. „Thanks to our organization—good players and fast horses—we were able to play excellent polo.“

The Swiss organization was set up at Polo Park Zurich by team captain Sébastien Le Page. „This second victory is all the more pleasing because it‘s practically the same team as last year, proving that our organization is working exceptionally well,“ Le Page celebrated. „I‘m both exhausted and thrilled, and I‘m looking forward to savoring this victory with some champagne, something I‘ve abstained from for the past two weeks.“ The French captain also praised his star player, „Raul is incredible; he controls the game so effectively that it seems like he‘s doing nothing when, in fact, he‘s everywhere and scoring an incredible number of goals. I believe he‘s one of the best players on the planet.“ On the Gstaad field, he could easily be a 10-goaler!

The match for third place was much tighter, with Kielder Agro Group securing their first win of the tournament thanks to two explosive opening chukkers: 5-0. They maintained this lead by fighting hard until the end, allowing only one goal in the last two periods while Gstaad Palace scored five. The final score was 6-5.

This 26th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup was unanimously praised this year for its flawless and relaxed organization, technically excellent field, friendly reception, and above all, the attention given to the well-being of the horses. They were well-cared-for under new refereeing rules and, despite the weather, appeared to be in particularly good condition and eager to play.

Teams and progressions :

THIRD PLACE

Team GSTAAD: Sébastien Le Page (hcp 0), Facundo Kelly (hcp 4, 2 goals), Francisco Fucci (hcp 4, 2 goals), Raul Laplacette (hcp 6, 7 goals)

Team HUBLOT: Jürgen Schröder (hcp 0), Juan Correa (hcp 3), Matias Gonzalez (hcp 4), Martin Aguerre Jr. (hcp 7, 5 goals)

Progression GSTAAD: 3/1 – 6/2 – 7/3 – 11/5

FINAL

Team KIELDER AGRO GROUP: Cedric Schweri (hcp 0), Joao Novaes (hcp 5, 4 goals), Tomi Astelarra (hcp 3), Francisco Menendez (hcp 6, 2 goals)

Team GSTAAD PALACE: Peter Cromm (hcp 0), Pedro Fernandez Llorente (hcp 5, 2 goals), Teo von Neufforge (hcp 5), Segundo Condesse (hcp 4, 3 goals)

Progression KIELDER: 4/0 – 5/0 – 5/2 – 6/5

MVP: Raul Laplacette

BPP: Tintin, 8-year-old gelding, dark bay born in Argentina (by Cuarteto – a son of the famous Cuartetera – and Pollilla), played by Raul Laplacette.

Photos by Kathrin Gralla / Der Rote Drache and R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

Polo is a team sport. Wearing the colors of Gstaad, Sébastien Le Page and his Argentinian accomplices provide clear proof. On Sunday afternoon, they masterfully executed their game on the…

Instagram, Polo News

Celebrating Brilliance…Swiss Medium Goal 2023

14. July 2023

How do they do it? Each year the Swiss Medium Goal at Polo Park Zürich just gets better and better. This year, for the first time, four female players were taking part and nine nations were represented. And the ponies! Given the strength of top-class polo, the pony lines were occupied by strings of equally top-class ponies, form Eduardo Greghi‘s string from Adolfo Cambiaso, over Thommy Gräff‘s power ponies to Ann-Katrin Brändle‘s little Sonadora, having her first medium goal in Switzerland. Immaculately turned out, a credit to both the grooms and owners.

So six well-mounted teams started the games on the Thursday 15 June. Friday was used as a buffer day, and players were able to meet up socially for an asado at the club house on Friday evening.

Saturday saw the teams fight for their spot in the finals. I love the Saturday games and enjoyed a devastating display of speed and skill which promised energy enthused entertainment for Sunday.

Close, closer, closest

Spectators started strolling in for the first game at 10:30 between Hato with Ann-Kathrin Brändle, Stefan Roth, Christopher Kiesel and Manuel Carranza versus Naoo with Sacha Djafarian, Thomas Wolfensberger, Walter Cortez and Andrew Guthrie. Walter Cortez, a battle-hardened, experienced player was the stand-out performer for Naoo but, despite able assistance from his team, was unable to match the combination of Christopher Kiesel and Manuel Carranza. Both Chris and Manu put on a relentless performance and matched Naoo‘s speed all the way. It was a half goal game with Hato coming in victorious 81/2 to 8. Doesn‘t get much closer than that.

High intensity

Midday was approaching, and in the hospitality tent a summer touch was being provided by Ecuadorian Hats who set up their colorful stand beside the Oona Caviar tasing area and ZigarrenKurier with Leno organizing a stylish cigar lounge field-side.

Chill-out music and champagne was the order of the day until, out on the field, the game for third place literally exploded. Seriously, it makes commentating fun when the game is this fast. Los Lobos/Gräff Capital (Thommy Gräff, Sébastien Le Page, Facundo Kelly, Markus Gräff) were up against Polo Club Zug (Aline Harry, Janik Oertli, Usman Ibrar, Fecundo Guevara). Aline, always a force to be reckoned with, was on her favorite pony, Wanda, in the first chukker getting her game on track and being set up for well-paced runs by Janik. Guevara gave us a vibrant performance full of attacking intent, but was matched by the opposite Nr.3, Kelly, whose adventurous style of play was sensational. This was a hard fought encounter but Los Lobos/Gräff Capital found just that bit more power and precision to come in at third place.

Focused and fearless

1pm, 32°C… the crowd left the tent, left their champagne glasses and grabbed their phones, because here were two teams with everything to play for and ready to provide us with a thrilling final.

Team Polo Park Zürich had two of the four female players in the tournament with Morgan Van Overbroek and Katja Grauwiler at positions 2 and 1 – both well mounted and with the character and composure to compete at top level. Martin Podesta directed play from his position as Nr.3, while Segundo Copello raced through the first chukker like a man possessed, before being tested in the second by that well mounted pair Daniel Aegerter and Eduardo Greghi for Team Equilibrium. Francisco Fucci was a dominant Nr.4 when the pressure was on, and able to deliver impressive defense in style.

But keeping the pot boiling for Equilibrium was the young player Manuel Maria Bereterbide, who was able to do it all and at full speed while making it look easy. He had that creative spark, and turned this game into a classic. A joy to watch. Both teams had the energy and quality to take the honors, but it was Equilibrium that had that edge, that intensity, that ability to keep possession of the ball just a bit longer and get it forward and between the posts more often. Massive cheers from the crowd as the final bell sounded and Equilibrium came
in victorious.

A canter past the spectators and both teams were applauded and congratulated.

By Jan-Marie Kiesel
Photos by Kathrin Gralla

How do they do it? Each year the Swiss Medium Goal at Polo Park Zürich just gets better and better. This year, for the first time, four female players were…

In own affaires, Instagram, Polo News

Club Magazine Polo Park Zürich

24. January 2023

POLO+10 will again produce the big special edition in the 2023/2024 season. Don‘t miss the chance to reach an exclusive top target group with your ad.

Rousing world-class polo, inspiring personalities and an unmistakable, vibrant lifestyle: just three of the key examples of what has closely linked POLO PARK ZÜRICH and POLO+10 for many years.

A connection that will continue to inspire polo fans in the future: „I am delighted that, after almost twenty years of successful collaboration, we will continue to tread common paths and publish the new club magazine for POLO PARK ZÜRICH in the 2023/2024 season,“ says POLO+10 editor Thomas Wirth.

„POLO+10 stands for the highest quality and is the largest and highest-reach polo magazine in the world. That‘s why our club publication for POLO PARK ZURICH is in the best hands with Thomas and his team“, says club president Sébastien Le Page.

You can expect new exciting stories from the world of polo – refined with lots of lifestyle, interviews or business talk. Would you also like to be a part of the new issue of the POLO PARK ZÜRICH club magazine? Then don‘t miss the chance to reach an exclusive top target group with your ad.

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Frequency: every two years

Reach: 8.250

Contact
Polo Park & Country Club Zürich Büro Rocio Podesta

Rietstrasse 12
8472 Seuzach
Tel: +41-52 335 0200
info@polopark.ch
www.polopark.ch

By Alexander Nebe

POLO+10 will again produce the big special edition in the 2023/2024 season. Don‘t miss the chance to reach an exclusive top target group with your ad. Rousing world-class polo, inspiring…

In own affaires, Polo News

The new POLO+10 WORLD is published

8. December 2021

The past months offered various highlights – among others in Zurich, Berlin or China – and even more unforgettable moments of happiness.

It‘s a philosophy of life that has inspired me a lot. Asked in an interview with POLO+10 about his view of things in life, Sébastien Le Page, President of Polo Park Zurich, quotes from a book by Nietzsche: „Master, what shall I do to be happy? The master answers: just be happy!“ In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we unfortunately too often forget to recognize happiness in the moment and to consciously enjoy it. That‘s why I plan to do just that much more in the future!

The past few months have offered various moments of happiness for polo fans and players: Special highlights included the Elasten Ladies Cup at PoloPark Berlin and the 22nd Zurich International Ladies Cup, where the women once again put on spectacular competitions. Polo is also finally making a comeback in China after the enforced break – and if the plans of hotel CEO Sanjiv Ramdanee are anything to go by, guests on the dream island of Mauritius will be able to watch polo show matches in the future.

So let‘s all look forward to the coming season in 2022, which will unfortunately have a few planning uncertainties due to the pandemic, but will nevertheless hold various new moments of happiness in store for all of us.

(Download of issues see below)

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POLO+10 WORLD 2022 I Print Version

POLO+10 WORLD 2022 I Mobile Version

Tournaments and people, polo science and lifestyle – the new issue of POLO+10 WORLD brings you stories from the whole polo universe.

+++ Polo Park Zürich 22nd Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup: “Bringing in international players to mentor our youngest club members, gathering our local- and guest players to grow our polo family and celebrate our love of polo together; this defines the spirit of the Ladies Cup.” +++ Interview with Sébastien Le Page: He is the president of Polo Park Zurich and one of the most colorful minds on the scene. At the end of the 2021 season, POLO+10 met Sébastien Le Page and talked to him about his very personal season review, plans for 2022, highlights, low points and his philosophy of life. +++ ELASTEN Ladies Cup PoloPark Berlin: Team Ingo Pyko Immobilien wins ELASTEN Ladies Cup 2021. Six ladies polo teams with over 100 polo horses took part in the ELASTEN Ladies Cup at PoloPark Berlin. +++ Open de France: La Magdeleine and Polo Park Zürich reach their dream! +++ San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup: The classical San Francisco de Asis tournament is always played after the August break. +++ Polo in China: Polo in China is getting back: Tang Polo Club China hosted the JJ International Launch Tournament in Anping. +++ Sandpolo: Sandpolo returned to Sandbanks for a September weekend of beach arena polo and after parties. The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18). +++ SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA Polo Cup: SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA Polo Cup 2021 raises nearly $3.5 million in critical funds for vulnerable children in southern africa. +++ 100th Anniversary Oak Brook Polo Cup: The year 2022 marks the 100th Anniversary since the Oak Brook Polo Club was founded in 1922 by businessman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul Butler. +++ Argentina`s Polo Dynasties: The best polo players in the world come from Argentina. POLO+10 takes a look into the history books and presents famous Argentine polo dynasties +++ Polo in Numbers: Argentina, USA and Europe are the big polo nations. More than half of all clubs and players can be found here. But what about the other countries? And how many clubs and players can be found worldwide? POLO+10 did some research and presents the polo universe in terms of numbers. Many thanks to everyone for the great support! +++ The Big Polo History: Playing technique, speed and team spirit – the fascinating sport of polo is attracting more and more people all over the world. An insight into the world of polo. +++ Polo Rules: As in other ball games there are a variety of penalties for fouls in polo. It is important to understand these so as to better follow a game. POLO+10 explain the different foul-situations according to the official rules of the German Polo Association. +++ Windsor Polo Club: Windsor Polo Club had a successful 2020 Spring Season after recovering from bushfires and COVID, and with events slowly returning to “normal”, everyone thought that brighter days were ahead in 2021. Boy, how we were so wrong. +++ Animal physiotherapist and -osteopath Julia Greb: 6 tips how to improve your horse’s health in everyday life! +++ Mauritius: Timeless luxury on the Indian Ocean: The „Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa“ on Mauritius stands up to even the highest demands. A conversation with „Maradiva“ CEO Sanjiv Ramdanee about hotel highlights, breakfast in the afternoon, polo plans and new markets. +++ Long Island: Long Island allows you to travel back to the golden 20s. +++ Six Senses: Six Senses Belize to Open with Secret Beach and Private Island. +++

© Thomas Wirth

The past months offered various highlights – among others in Zurich, Berlin or China – and even more unforgettable moments of happiness. It‘s a philosophy of life that has inspired…

Europe, Polo News

Production for Polo Park Zürich starts

11. November 2019

POLO+10 is more than delighted to start the production of the new highclass Magazine for the Polo Park & Country Club Zürich 2020. The new magazine will come out in spring 2020. PPZ – these three letters stand for Polo Park Zurich and at the same time for entrepreneur spirit, innovation and development. Since it was founded in 1998, Polo Park Zurich has developed into the Polo Club with the largest headcount and the most important training centre for polo in Switzerland. Morgan Van Overbroek and Sébastien Le Page direct the club into a bright future and celebrated a glamorous 20 years jubilee with the opening of the new club house in 2018. They bring so much passion to the sport and travel the world for new polo experiences which they transform and adapt to take the polo in Switzerland on a new level. “It is the harmony in every detail that makes this club unique and unforgettable for its visitors.“ We are grateful to share this passion, to be part of their team and support them with this contemporary documentation of their work for the sport of polo.

www.polopark.ch