THE POLO SCHOOL

WELLINGTON, Fla., November 24, 2024—Newport saved its best for last, winning the final tournament of the fall season Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Newport (Gene Goldstein, Eliza Limehouse, Pablo Spinacci, Tomacho Pieres) held on for a 6-5 victory over Santa Rita (Miles Rich, Martin Jauregui, Rebecca Cohen, Juan Bollini) in the Fall Classic.

It was Newport‘s first tournament win of the season.

Newport‘s Gene Goldstein, the fall season‘s leading scorer, was Most Valuable Player. Goldstein missed only two goal-scoring attempts this season. He scored a game-high five goals to finish the season.

Royal, a 10-year-old Roan mare, played by Rebecca Cohen in the first and fourth chukkers, and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

Newport led from start to finish, but Santa Rita made it interesting.

Newport jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the opening chukker behind Goldstein‘s two goals.

Newport extended its halftime lead to 5-3 with a 70-yard goal from Pieres to open the chukker and two more goals from Goldstein.

Santa Rita cut Newport‘s lead to one, 5-4, when Miles Rich scored with a second remaining. Goldstein scored his fifth goal, a 63-yarder, to open the final chukker for a 6-4 advantage. Bollini cut the lead to one again with 3:11 left to play. Goldstein came up with the defensive play of the game to turn back Bollini and preserve the victory.

Santa Rita could not take advantage of its scoring opportunites in the second half. Rich led Santa Rita with a team-high three goals.

Grand Champions finished a successful season that featured both medium and high goal tournaments.

Looking back on the season, other 2024 fall champions were: Tackeria Invitational, Audi (Dominic State, Martin Jauregui, Marc Ganzi, Sugar Erskine); Pedro Morrison Memorial, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Teo Calle, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan); Banyan Cup, SebiLion (Sebastian Mandelbaum, Santos Bollini, Sugar Erskine, Jason Crowder); Fall Plates, Grand Champions (Miles Rich, -1, Grant Ganzi, 3, Martin Jauregui, 6, Pablo Dorignac, 4); Casablanca Fall Cup, Santa Rita (Rebecca Cohen/Phil Gutman, Jason Crowder, 5, Nic Roldan, 8, Juan Bollini, 3) and ChukkerTV Fall Challenge Cup, Santa Rita (Rebecca Cohen, Andres Fanjul, Martin Jauregui, Juan Bollini).

The family-friendly club welcomes spectators of all ages. All matches are open to the public and dogs on leashes.

In last year‘s Fall Classic, the Maltese Falcons won their team debut. Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8) led the two-day, 18-chukker round robin from start-to-finish. They defeated Casablanca (Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6), 7-5, in the final three chukkers to clinch the title on Aspen Field. Roldan was MVP.

The well-organized fall tournaments attracted players from all over the world. Roster lineups changed from tournament to tournament with evenly-matched teams featuring pro and amateur players.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) live streamed the entire fall season. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that live streams all its games.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 11 well-manicured world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita.

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 Polo School is for all ages and ability levels and operates in Wellington year-round. 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. The Polo School operates year-round in Wellington. For more information on the club‘s leagues or Polo School contact Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 18, 2024: The Polo School held off Bushwood Pink to win the Metropolitan 6-Goal Cup Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm‘s Aspen Field.

The Polo School (Rebecca Cohen, -1, Artemio Figueras, 1, Facha Valent, 3, Juan Bollini, 3) came from behind to defeat Bushwood Pink (Jen Buchan, -1, Scott Sorbaro, 0, Santiago Mayano, 2, Kris Kampsen, 6), 4.5-4, to win the four-team tournament.

Artemio Figueras, who scored three goals including the game-winner, was Most Valuable Player.

Dirty Sanchez, a 7-year-old American thoroughbred, owned and played by Kampsen in the third chukker, was Best Playing Pony. It was her second BPP blanket awarded at Grand Champions.

In the consolation game, Pony Express (Drew Quagliano, -1, Justin Daniels, 2, Santos Bollini, 2, Benji Daniels, 1.5) defeated Rafool Polo (Meredith Lovegrove, -1, Ray Rafool, -1, Garrett Smith, 2, Sugar Erskine, 5), 4-2.

It was the second time The Polo School defeated Bushwood Pink in the month-long tournament. In their first meeting, The Polo School defeated Bushwood Pink in the season-opener, 7-5.5. Figueras scored a game-high five goals including a 120-yard insurance goal in the closing seconds.

In Friday‘s game, Figueras scored the opening goal with 5:36 left in the first chukker for a 1.5-0 lead. Three minutes later, Sorbaro scored and Kampsen converted a 40-yard penalty to lead 2-1.5 going into the second chukker.

After Kampsen stopped a potential Bollini goal just in front of the goal mouth and The Polo School missed a penalty attempt, Facha scored the only goal of the chukker to give The Polo School back the lead, 2.5-2.

The seesaw battled continued in the third chukker with Mayano scoring at the 6:10 mark to give Bushwood Pink a 3-2.5 lead. Both teams had scoring opportunities for the rest of the chukker including Kampsen‘s 40-yard penalty conversion bouncing off the goal post.

Figueras hit a neck shot with four minutes left to give The Polo School a 3.5-3 lead. A minute later, he scored again for a 4.5-3 advantage. Kampsen hit Sorbaro who scored in the final minute to trail 4.5-4. Bushwood Pink had one final shot at regaining the lead but a goal attempt went wide.

For Cohen, an accomplished dressage professional, it was her first tournament victory in polo. Cohen is a Polo School student.

In last year‘s 6-goal final, Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Finn Secunda, 1, Justin Daniels 2, Matias Busquet) rallied in the final minute to win its first tournament of the winter polo season.

Orea Polo edged the Polo School (Meredith Lovegrove, -1, Santos Bollini, 2, Alex Webb, 2, Juan Bollini, 3), 3-2. Busquet, who scored the game-winner with 1:04 left in regulation, was  MVP. Orquideo, a 6-year-old homebred stallion, played by Daniels, was selected Best Playing Pony.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s busiest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, hosts a wide range of tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, The Polo School Women‘s Polo League, WCT Finals, several PTF junior tournaments, World Polo League, World Polo League Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The season‘s biggest highlight is the historic sixth season of the World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina that begins Saturday with the All-Star Challenge. It features some of the world‘s top players including 10-goalers Pablo MacDonough, Jeta Castagnola and Juan Martin Nero, former 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and hometown favorite Nic Roldan, the second highest ranked American at 8 goals.

Other high goal season highlights are the  Sterling Cup (20 goals), USPA Butler Handicap (18-22 goals), $100,000 World Cup (0-40 goals) and Santa Rita Abierto (20 goals). With the Aspen Valley 8-Goal and Metropolitan 6-Goal Cup completed, the Limited Edition 12-Goal Series will complete January league play on  Saturday.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 11 well-manicured world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita.

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 Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo 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. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.

For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or General Manager Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

AlUlA, Saudi Arabia, January 21, 2024: In a picturesque setting, Saudia won the highly-anticipated championship final of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Tournament Saturday at Al-Fursan Equestrian Village.

Saudia (Melissa Ganzi, Sayyu Dantata, Adolfo Cambiaso) defeated Richard Mille (Yoanna Hanbury, David Paradice, Pablo MacDonough), 9-5, in front of a packed house of dignitaries, celebrities and fans.

Following their victory, Saudia celebrated with the prestigious Desert Polo trophy presented to them by Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Amr Zidan, Chairman, Saudi Polo Federation (SPF).

Ganzi, who made history in 2022 as the first international woman to compete in the tournament, became the first woman to win the prestigious tournament. She was also named Top Female Player. „Being the first woman to play here in 2022 was special but it was even more special to be the first woman to win.

„It was amazing to play with Adolfo. It was special. He is such a great teammate as is Sayyu Dantata. This was an incredible magical spectacular tournament. I was honored to be invited to play.“

In addition to Ganzi‘s honor, other post-final awards were Dantata (Men’s Best Player) and  Cambiaso (Top Scorer). There were also awards for Pablo MacDonough (Best Goal), HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas (Most Promising Player) and Yohanna Hanbury (Sportsmanship). The Best Playing Pony awards went to Dolfina Absoleta and Dolfina Shayla.

In the opening round, Saudia defeated SAB, 8-5 and in the semifinals, Dadan 8-4.

Ganzi‘s husband Marc surprised his wife flying in for the final.

„It‘s a great moment for her, she works really hard at not only being a polo player, but being an ambassador for the sport on a global basis,“ Ganzi said. „She has introduced so many people to polo and making it accessible to women and children. So for her this is her passion. When someone‘s passion is executed it‘s a beautiful thing to see. So I‘m real happy for her.“

The third edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the one-of-its-kind organized polo tournament played in a desert, featured a star-studded lineup. Eight teams, double the number from 2022, featured some of the world‘s top players including the 26-goal World Polo League‘s Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero, was held in a purpose-built desert arena in the Equestrian Village.

The eight teams, featuring a record 24 players from 12 countries, were AlUla, Richard Mille, Saudia, SAB, Bentley, Dadan, Kaybar and Tayma. AlUla finished third and Tayma was fourth.

Top women‘s players Nina Clarkin of Great Britain and Lia Salvo of Argentina gave a ladies polo clinic to promote polo for women in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Ganzi was the only woman playing in the tournament. This year there were seven.

The four-day desert tournament was a collaboration between the Saudi Polo Federation, Royal Commission for AlUla, title sponsor and tournament timekeeper Richard Mille and La Dolfina Polo Team. The tournament is a part of the commission’s commitment to promote the country’s heritage, culture and arts in addition to its equestrian commitment to reinforce Saudi Arabia‘s historic ties to its horsemanship heritage. The tournament was also held in 2020 and 2022.

„We are incredibly proud to have hosted the third edition of Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, it was a brilliant occasion for everyone connected,“ said Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). „The on-field competition was magnificent and players, visitors, and media alike really enjoyed a unique experience, one exclusive to AlUla that can’t be found elsewhere on the international polo circuit.

„We are working towards Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo being a world-class competition that people travel to from all over the world.  It’s true that we’re in the early stages of this endeavor. However, we’ve reached our development targets to date.

„Improvements were made to the competition, arena, and entire set-up this time around, and we have big ambitions for the future. We are committed to bringing more of the best players and teams to compete while increasing interest, attendance, media coverage and international exposure. We are growing the sport in AlUla and this competition is central to our efforts and progress.“

Throughout the tournament, luxury hospitality and live entertainment with local musicians honored Arabian culture and heritage for the complete desert polo experience.

Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of SPF, said the strong audience attendance was instrumental to the tournament’s success, pointing out the local community’s enduring relationship with equestrian sports dating back thousands of years.

„Polo has remained firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of the Saudi population,“ he said. „Interest in the sport is as high as ever and we are looking forward to presenting more opportunities four our people to participate and compete in the near future.“

In 2022 AlUla won. AlUla (HRH Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Adolfo Cambiaso) rallied from a three-goal deficit to defeat Richard Mille (Noor Abu Khadra, Melissa Ganzi, Pablo MacDonough), 5-4.

Ganzi will finish her overseas competition at the Jan. 26-28 39th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz along with her son Grant and husband Marc. Melissa Ganzi will play with Adrian Laplacette Jr., Alejandro Novillo Astrada and her son on Team World Polo League. Marc Ganzi will play with Santos Bollini, Martin Jauregui and Freddie Mannix on Team Flexjet. Ganzi finished runner-up with her Bentley teammates Martin Jauregui and Alejandro Novillo Astrada in the 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbuehel in Austria earlier this month.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, hosts a wide range of tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, GCPC Polo School Women‘s Weekly Polo League, WCT Finals, several PTF junior tournaments, World Polo League, World Polo League Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The season‘s biggest highlight is the sixth season of the World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, featuring some of the world‘s top players including 10-goalers Pablo MacDonough, Jeta Castagnola and Juan Martin Nero, former 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and hometown favorite Nic Roldan, the second highest ranked American player at 8 goals. The WPL filled the void created when the U.S. Polo Association, the sport‘s governing body, announced it was lowering high goal polo to 18-22 goals and would not have 26-goal polo.

Other high goal season highlights are the Feb. 1-11 Sterling Cup (20 goals), Feb. 1-March 31 USPA Butler Handicap (18-22 goals), Feb. 7-24 $100,000 World Cup (0-40 goals) and Feb. 27-March 10 Santa Rita Abierto (20 goals).

Other January tournaments are the Metropolitan 6 Goal Cup, Aspen Valley 8-Goal and Limited Edition 12-Goal Series. The GCPC Women‘s Weekly Women‘s Polo League also gets under way Jan. 24 and runs through April. It is the longest running women‘s league in the world.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and short work arena. The club has 11 well-manicured world-class fields at GCPC and Santa Rita.

The winter season will be live-streamed on Wellington-based CTV Sports. Grand Champions is the only USPA club live streaming all of its tournaments.

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 Polo School, now located at the former Pony Express facility, operates in Wellington January through May and September through November. The stand-alone USPA-sanctioned polo 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. The Polo School has nurtured several junior, men and women polo players now playing in the pro and amateur ranks since its inception.

For more information on leagues or Polo School contact Director of Operations Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Alexander Sherwin and Saudi Polo Federation

The much-anticipated high goal season gets under way Monday with the USPA North American Cup at Grand Champions Polo Club.

The single-elimination, four-team tournament opens Monday with two games at 10 a.m. (Casablanca vs. Audi) and 3 p.m. (Maltese Falcons vs. Grand Champions) on Field 3 with the winners advancing into the championship final on Wednesday at 3 p.m. on Field 2.

Team rosters are:

Maltese Falcons (18): Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7, Nic Roldan, 8, Juan Bollini, 3.

Casablanca (20): Grant Ganzi, 3, Jason Crowder, 5, Martin Jauregui, 6, Sugar Erskine, 6.

Audi (18): Marc Ganzi, 1, Kris Kampsen, 6, Pancho Bensadon, 7, Brandon Phillips 4.

Grand Champions (20): Pablo Spinacci, 6, Pablo Dorignac, 4, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Juancito Bollini, 4.

The USPA North American Cup is the club‘s first of two 20-goal tournaments of the fall season with a rich tradition in history dating back to 1974. The second high goal tournament is the upcoming USPA National 20 Goal.

The tournament has been a mainstay in American and Canadian polo for decades at the 16- to 20-goal level. The inaugural winner was Tulsa with Hall of Famers John T. Oxley and Billy Linfoot, Corky Linfoot and Jim MacGinley.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s Calgary Polo Club hosted the tournament with Millarville dominating the competition. The tournament has been held at Grand Champions since 2011 and in 2019 made its debut at Aspen Valley Polo Club before returning to Grand Champions in 2020.

Last year Santa Rita knocked off two-time defending champion Casablanca. Santa Rita (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Nic Roldan, 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7, Juan Bollini, 3) led from start to finish for a 12-9 victory over Casablanca (Tomacho Pieres, 6, Jason Crowder, 5, Grant Ganzi, 3, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5). Roldan scored a game-high five goals and was MVP.

In 2021, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Kris Kampsen, 6, Jeff Hall, 6, Tommy Biddle, 5) took a 7-3 halftime lead and went on to defeat Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Santiago Toccalino, Juan Bollini, sub. Brandon Phillips, sub. Pablo Spinacci), 12-7. Biddle was MVP.

In 2020, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, Henry Porter, Juancito Bollini, Nic Roldan) defeated Newport (Gene Goldstein, Sugar Erskine, Michel Dorignac, Juan Bollini), 14-9.

In 2019, Aspen-based La Karina (Brian Boyd, Carlitos Gracida, Sebastian Merlos, Kris Kampsen) led from start-to-finish to defeat McClure River Ranch (Hilario Figueras, 3, Pablo Spinacci, 6, Nic Roldan, Stewart Armstrong) with a stunning 15-12 victory to win its‘ 20-goal tournament debut at Aspen Valley Polo Club. It was the first USPA 20-goal tournament ever played in the Rocky Mountains.

In 2018 in a wild finish, Travieso rallied in the second half to win. Trailing by five goals at halftime, Travieso (Tony Calle, Grant Ganzi, Juan Cruz Merlos, Pite Merlos) staged an incredible comeback for a stunning 14-13 overtime victory over Audi (Wes Finlayson, Brandon Phillips, Pablo Spinacci, Marc Ganzi) in one of the most exciting finishes in tournament history.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free (except for special events) and open to the public.

Wellington-based CTV Sports is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. CTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos Candace Ferreira

Cup Schedule

Monday 11/13
10 a.m. Casablanca vs Audi
at GCPC 3

3 p.m. Maltese Falcons vs Grand Champions
at GCPC 3

Wednesday 11/15
3 p.m. USPA North American Cup Final
at GCPC 2

WELLINGTON, Fla., November 6, 2023—Amaro won its second medium goal tournament of the fall season Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Amaro (Kevin Schmeits, Scott Sorbaro, Pedro Gutierrez, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 4) defeated Victory (Becky Schmeits, Patricio Paz, 2, Govinda Quish, Martin Jauregui, 6), 8-4, and La Fe/Dazos (David Farache, Santos Bollini, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Louis Devaleix, 2), 7-5, in the round robin final. Victory defeated La Fe/Dazos, 7-6, in the other game.

Amaro, in the midst of its fall season debut, also won the Pedro Morrison Memorial with Sorbaro, Devaleix, Nic Roldan and Kris Kampsen earlier in the season.

Sorbaro, 25, who scored three goals including two penalty conversions, and played well defensively, was named Most Valuable Player. Sorbaro just started playing polo four years ago and has made remarkable progress.

The Best Playing Pony was 4get Me Not, a 9-year-old mare played by Martin Jauregui in the first and sixth chukkers and bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm.

It was the fifth of six medium goal fall tournaments as Grand Champions Polo Club heads into the high goal part of its schedule with two upcoming USPA tournaments and International Cup featuring much-improved Spain and GCPC-USA. The Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup is the final medium goal tournament.

On Sunday, Sorbaro, Jauregui, Dorignac and Bollini shared scoring honors, each with three goals.

Going into the third and final round robin, Amaro was sitting pretty with a net goal advantage of four while La Fe/Dazos was minus-four. La Fe/Dazos needed five goals to tie and six to win. Amaro led by as many as three, 6-3, in the first chukker. La Fe/Dazos clawed its way back into the game to cut the lead to one, but fell short.

In Friday‘s preliminary round robin where scores were carried over into Sunday‘s final, Amaro defeated Victory, 4-2; La Fe/Dazos and Victory tied, 3-3; and Amaro defeated La Fe/Dazos, 4-3. Erskine and Dorignac led scoring with three goals and Schmeits, Gutierrez and Bollini each had two goals.

On Saturday, in the Just For The Fun Of It, World Polo League (Jony Castillo, Martin Jauregui, Patricio Paz, Meredith Lovegrove) defeated Grand Champions (Sugar Erskine, Haley Schaufeld, Santos Bollini, Gaston Dorignac, 3-2. Lovegrove scored the winning goal with 3:40 left in the fourth chukker.

The game marked the fall season playing debut of world-renowned umpire Gaston Dorignac who played well during the four-chukker game.

In last year‘s Fall Plates Tournament, Sebucan (Jason Crowder, 5, Pablo Pulido, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Leo Mandelbaum, 2) scored the winning goal with 40 seconds left to defeat NetJets (Larry Austin, 0, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5, Nic Roldan, 8, Marc Ganzi, 1), 6-5. It was Sebucan‘s first win of the season. Mandelbaum scored five goals and was named MVP.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain. In last year‘s International Cup, GCPC USA won its 11th consecutive title with a 6-5 win over Switzerland.

Winners of the first four medium goal tournaments were Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6), and Banyan Cup, La Fe (Sebastian Mandelbaum, -1/Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Nic Roldan, 8, Grant Ganzi, 3, Louis Devaleix, 2) by one net goal in a round robin over Victory I (Kevin Schmeits, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Martin Jauregui, 6, Sugar Erskine, 6).

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based CTV Sports is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. CTV Sports state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla.—The fifth of six medium goal tournaments of the fall season begins Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

The Fall Plates begin with a preliminary round robin at 3:30 p.m. The scores carry over into Sunday‘s final at 10 a.m. The four-chukker Just For The Fun It game is Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

The old USPA rules for round robin play will be used for the Fall Plates. The game will be played on the flat. The winner of the first three chukkers will sit on Sunday.

Rosters for the tournament are:

Victory Polo: Becky Schmeits, Govinda Quish, Martin Jauregui, 6, Patricio (Tuco) Paz, 3.

Amaro: Scott Sorbaro, Kevin Schmeits, Pablo Dorignac, 4, Pedro Gutierrez, 5.

La Fe/Dazos: David Farache, Santos Bollini, 2, Louis Devaleix, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6.

The best news for polo players, trainers, fans and horses will have an extra hour to sleep in before heading out for the games. Daylight Saving Time ends 2 a.m. on Sunday when the clock will „fall back“ and now the morning commute will have more daylight. 

In last year‘s Fall Plates Tournament, Sebucan (Jason Crowder, 5, Pablo Pulido, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Leo Mandelbaum, 2) scored the winning goal with 40 seconds left to defeat NetJets (Larry Austin, 0, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5, Nic Roldan, 8, Marc Ganzi, 1), 6-5. It was Sebucan‘s first win of the season. Mandelbaum scored five goals and was named MVP.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

In last year‘s International Cup, GCPC USA won its 11th consecutive title with a 6-5 win over Switzerland. Tomas Ruiz Guinazu, 39, a member of the 2022 Swiss National Team, was named Most Valuable Player after dominating the game.

Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. In addition to this weekend‘s  Fall Plates, one medium goal tournament remains, Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Winners of the first four medium goal tournaments are Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); and Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6). Banyan Cup, La Fe (Sebastian Mandelbaum, -1/Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Nic Roldan, 8, Grant Ganzi, 3, Louis Devaleix, 2) by one net goal in a round robin over Victory I (Kevin Schmeits, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Martin Jauregui, 6, Sugar Erskine, 6) that finished with 0 net goal.

The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, England, France, India, Mexico, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, South Africa and United States.

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. It‘s also a great opportunity for players and sponsors to prepare for the winter season highlighted by the 26-goal World Polo League, now entering its sixth season at Grand Champions.

The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and USPA 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 is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

2023 Fall Plates Schedule

Friday 11/3
3:30 p.m.  Victory Polo vs Amaro vs La Fe/Dazos at Santa Rita Polo Farm

Saturday 11/4
10:30 a.m. Just For The Fun Of It

Sunday 11/5
10 a.m. Fall Plates Final at Santa Rita Polo Farm

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 30, 2023—La Fe won its first tournament of the fall season Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

La Fe (Sebastian Mandelbaum, -1/Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Nic Roldan, 8, Grant Ganzi, 3, Louis Devaleix, 2) won the Banyan Cup by one net goal in a round robin over Victory I (Kevin Schmeits, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Martin Jauregui, 6, Sugar Erskine, 6) that finished with 0 net goal. Victory II (Becky Schmeits, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Pedro Gutierrez, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5) finished third with minus-one.

In the third and final round robin match, La Fe clinched the exciting nailbiter with an 8-6 win over Victory 1, which had closed the gap to one goal (7-6) with 3:52 left in the game but was unable to overcome the deficit.

Louis Devaleix, 42, who took his first polo lesson in 2020 and is playing fall polo for the first time in Wellington, was named Most Valuable Player for the first time at Grand Champions Polo Club and in Florida.

It was his second victory this season. Devaliex also won the Pedro Morrison Memorial playing with Amaro.

„I had a great time the last few weeks,“ Devaleix said. „I was not aware fall polo was even available…great polo, fast and good way to prep for the main season.

„What Melissa (Ganzi) does for everyone who stays here is second to none. Both her and her husband really go above and beyond for everyone and for the game of polo here in Florida and the U.S.“

Born in France, Devaleix‘s family moved to Brazil when he was a baby. He grew up in Rio de Janeiro, where he played golf. But in 2020 he was at Sunset Polo Club in Loxahatchee where he rode a horse for the first time and took his first polo lesson from Carlos Gonzalez. He was hooked and ever since he has been playing polo at every level, from 8 to the 26-goal World Polo League.

Karma, a 10-year-old mare played in the fourth and seventh chukkers by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

„It was great to get another Best Playing Pony blanket,“ said Ganzi, who has been playing her for three years in Aspen and Wellington. „She‘s been showing really well this fall.“

The fourth medium goal tournament was the most competitive this season. With well-balanced teams it was anyone‘s guess who was going to win.

In final day action, Victory I defeated Victory II, 9-7, in the first three chukkers. In the second round robin, Victory II edged La Fe, 7-6. Becky Schmeits, the only woman in the tournament, scored the winning goal in the final 20 seconds.

The top two scoring teams faced off in the third and final round robin. La Fe managed a two-goal lead for most of the three chukkers with Ganzi scoring three goals including a penalty conversion.

Victory I made it interesting with 3:52 left when Santos Bollini scored to cut La Fe‘s lead to one, 7-6. Ganzi‘s 30-yard penalty conversion gave La Fe back its two-goal cushion for the remainder of the game.

It was Ganzi‘s first tournament win of the fall season and first time he played with Devaleix.

„We just needed to maintain our lead from the other day and that was a tough task,“ Ganzi said. „It was tough. Pedro Gutierrez did a really good job filling in for Tomacho (Pieres). They were tough to play today. They played a lot better today than they did on Friday.

„In the end we got it but we struggled in our first three chukkers. We started off okay. There were moments in the game where things didn‘t go our way. We adjusted well. It was really nice to win.

„It was fun playing with Louis, he was a good teammate,“ Ganzi said.

In opening day action on Friday, Victory I defeated Victory II, 7-3; La Fe topped Victory II, 4-2; and La Fe edged Victory I, 5-3, with Ganzi and Roldan goals breaking a 3-3 tie in the final two minutes of the game. The scores carried over into Sunday‘s final.

In last year‘s Banyan Cup tournament, Roxbury Raiders (Josh Silverman, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Santos Bollini, 2, Tommy Biddle, 5) led from start to finish to defeat Aspen Valley Polo Club (Juancito Bollini, 4, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8, Tito Gaudenzi, 2), 8-6, to win their fall debut. Santos Bollini was MVP.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. In addition to this weekend‘s  Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup the two remaining medium goal tournaments are the Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Winners of the first three medium goal tournaments are Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); and Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6). Roldan has been MVP for all three tournaments.

The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, England, France, India, Mexico, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, South Africa and United States.

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. It‘s also a great opportunity for players and sponsors to prepare for the winter season highlighted by the 26-goal World Polo League, now entering its sixth season at Grand Champions.

The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and USPA 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 is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 26, 2023—The fourth medium goal tournament of the fall season begins Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

The Banyan Cup opens with a preliminary round robin at 4:30 p.m. The scores carry over into Sunday‘s final at 10 a.m. The four-chukker Just For The Fun It game is Saturday at the Pony Express Field at 10:30 a.m.

The old USPA rules for round robin play will be used for the Banyan Cup. The game will be played on the flat. The winner of the first three chukkers will sit on Sunday.

Rosters and sponsors are:

Victory (His) (14): Kevin Schmeits, Santos Bollini, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6.

La Fe (13): Sebastian Mandelbaum, Juan Bollini, 3 (Friday), Louis Devaleix, 2 (Sunday), Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8.

Victory (Hers) (16): Becky Schmeits, Jason Crowder, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Tomacho Pieres, 6.

In last year‘s Banyan Cup tournament, Roxbury Raiders (Josh Silverman, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Santos Bollini, 2, Tommy Biddle, 5) led from start to finish to defeat Aspen Valley Polo Club (Juancito Bollini, 4, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8, Tito Gaudenzi, 2), 8-6, to win their fall debut. Santos Bollini, 24, a senior at Palm Beach State College, was MVP. Bollini scored a team-high five goals, all in the first half.

The Banyan Cup is named after the Banyan Tree which can cover about 14,500 square feet of space, grow branches as high as 80 feet and thrive over two and a half centuries. As it grows, the banyan tree produces aerial roots that hang down and take root wherever they touch the ground.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

In last year‘s International Cup, GCPC USA won its 11th consecutive title with a 6-5 win over Switzerland. Tomas Ruiz Guinazu, 39, a member of the 2022 Swiss National Team, was named Most Valuable Player after dominating the game.

Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. In addition to this weekend‘s  Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup the two remaining medium goal tournaments are the Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Winners of the first three medium goal tournaments are Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); and Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6). Roldan has been MVP for all three tournaments.

The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, England, France, India, Mexico, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, South Africa and United States.

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. It‘s also a great opportunity for players and sponsors to prepare for the winter season highlighted by the 26-goal World Polo League, now entering its sixth season at Grand Champions.

The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and USPA 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 is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

2023 Banyan Cup Schedule

Friday 10/27
4:30 p.m.  Victory Polo His vs La Fe vs Victory Polo Hers
at Santa Rita Polo Farm

Saturday 10/28
10:30 a.m. Just For The Fun Of It
at Pony Express

Sunday 10/29
10 a.m. Banyan Cup Final
at Santa Rita Polo Farm

WELLINGTON, Fla., October  23, 2023—Amaro, making its fall season debut, won its first tournament Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm‘s Aspen Field.

Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6) dominated round robin action to win the Pedro Morrison Memorial.

Amaro defeated Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, 9, Sugar Erskine, 6, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Martin Jauregui, 6), 7-4, and Casablanca (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Jason Crowder, 5) , 8-5, in the final. Casablanca topped Aspen Valley 10-6 in its round robin qualifier.

Arvo Katajisto, longtime friend of Pedro Morrison, was the awards presenter for the tournament and was emotional talking about Morrison. Several of Morrison‘s friends attended the game in his memory.

„I‘m sorry Pedro‘s not here laughing with us,“ he said. „Thank you all very, very much.“

Roldan, the second highest ranked American and most decorated player at Grand Champions Polo Club, was named Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive week. Roldan finished with six goals and played well defensively.

„Pedro was a dear friend to all of us and his legacy will always be remembered within the polo world,“ Roldan said.

Pitkin, played by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

In the preliminary round robin games on Friday, Amaro edged Aspen Valley, 3-2, and Casablanca, 4-2; and Aspen Valley and Casablanca tied 5-5. The scores carried over into Sunday‘s final.

In the opening three chukkers, Amaro led from start to finish against Aspen Valley. Amaro extended its lead to 4-2 with Sorbaro‘s opening goal in the first chukker. Amaro pulled away for a 6-3 lead in the second chukker behind back-to-back Roldan goals, including a penalty-one. Amaro outshot Aspen Valley, 14-11.

In the final three chukkers, Amaro once again extended its lead, pulling away for a 5-3 advantage after the opening chukker. Amaro led by as many as four, 8-4, in the third chukker after Kampsen converted a 60-yard penalty.

„It was great to share the field with my teammates,“ said Roldan, who played with Sorbaro and Devaleix for the first time. „Scott and Louis both played really well. It was a fun weekend.“

Casablanca outshot Amaro, 14-13. Amaro led in knock-ins, 9-5, and throw-ins, 5-2. Each team had five fouls.

In addition to Roldan‘s six goals, Ganzi scored three for Casablanca including a penalty conversion, Santos Bollini had three for Casablanca and Kampsen had two including a 60-yard penalty conversion for Amaro.

On Saturday, in the Just For The Fun Of It round robin, Victory I (Becky Schmeits, Louis Devaleix, Juan Bollini, Patricio Paz/Tomacho Pieres), Victory II (Kevin Schmeits, Tomacho Pieres, Lion Mandelbaum, Sebastian Mandelbaum) and World Polo League White (Johnny Castillo, Patricio Paz, Martin Jauregui, David Farache) competed in a fun but competitive six-chukker round robin.

Kevin Schmeits, who also competes at Grand Champions sister club Aspen Valley Polo Club, returned to action after sitting out for nearly a year recouperating from knee surgery.

Brothers Sebastian and Lion Mandelbaum returned to Grand Champions. The pair have been competing in polo at GCPC since their lead line days.

In the opening round, Victory I and Victory II tied, 1-1. In the second round, Victory II and World Polo League White tied, 2-2. In the third and final round WPL White and Victory I tied, 2-2.

Castillo led in scoring with three goals. Becky Schmeits and Sebastian Mandelbaum each had two goals.

In last year‘s tournament, Barbarossa Leather won the Pedro Morrison Memorial  at Santa Rita. Trailing by two goals going into the final chukker, Barbarossa Leather (Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Tommy Biddle, 5) rallied for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Casablanca (Nick Manifold, 3, Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5). Mandelbaum was  MVP.

The tournament is named in honor of Pedro Morrison. Born in Spain and University of Miami alum, Morrison died Dec. 11, 2003 in Wellington at age 49. He was an avid polo player, patron of The Sympatico Polo team and helped develop Wellington into a thriving community.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. The remaining medium goal tournaments are the Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup, Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and inaugural Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: 13444 Southfields Road, on the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington, 33414.

WELLINGTON, Fla., October 16, 2023—In a thrilling finish, Aspen Valley won the Tackeria Invitational Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8) edged Casablanca (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6), 10-9.

With four seconds left, Roldan scored the game-winner on an incredible lofted angle shot from the sideboards to win the club‘s oldest tournament.

„Basically, there was only one play left,“ Roldan explained. „Casablanca hit the ball out inside the 60, so that took the ball back to the 60-yard line where the ball went out which was basically right by the boards. I had a much smaller angle to shoot from and put it right through the middle with a little bit of luck. I just closed my eyes and shot and it went straight through.

„I find those shots, the ones that are much harder angles, sometimes I find them a little bit easier. You don‘t really think that much about it. Keep your head down, try to make good contact and hope that it goes in.“

The nation‘s second highest ranked American player at 8 goals (behind 10-goaler Polito Pieres) was named the game‘s Most Valuable Player. Roldan is the most decorated MVP in the club‘s 17-year history.

„It never gets old,“ Roldan said. „You always want to win. No matter what game it is, no matter how important it is or how unimportant it is, I still always want to go out there and do my best to win.

„I am constantly trying to improve no matter what the level is in whatever area I can. There‘s always room for improvement as an athlete. You‘re always learning new things.“

At age 40, Roldan said he has set a goal to play another 10 years. His consistent training with well-respected trainer Jeremy Fedoruk, director of Wellington-based Athletic Enhancement Group, has helped prolong his career.

„I think I am in the best shape that I‘ve ever been,“ said Roldan, at 15 the youngest player to win the U.S. Open. „I think I am playing better than I did 10 years ago. I have better horses, I‘m wiser, I have more experience and I am a little bit more relaxed on the field.

„Everyone goes through those different chapters in life, there are completely different stages in a career,“ Roldan said. „All those workouts that I do is because I want to continue to prolong my career. I feel mentally and physically I am in a great place. I am still given the opportunities to compete at the top level and still want to compete at the top level given the right opportunity.“

Casablanca jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening chukker. Aspen Valley reeled them in by the end of the third chukker, tying 4-4 just before the half. After that, the clean, open control game was tied four more times and the lead changed hands twice.

Aspen Valley led 7-5 going into the fifth chukker before Casablanca bounced back to tie, 8-8. Quish converted a penalty with 5:07 left to give Aspen Valley back the lead at 9-8. With 1:37 Pieres scord on a broken play after the knock-in to tie the game 9-9 and set up Roldan‘s heroics.

„The game could have gone either way,“ Roldan said. „The other team played really well. We were back and forth, up chukkers, down some chukkers. It was a fun game for both teams and a great game for the fall season. It was a much faster-paced game than we usually play.“

Roldan led Aspen Valley scoring with four goals. Quish had three goals, Crowder two and Erskine one. Jauregui led Casablanca with five goals.

Aspen Valley outshot Casablanca, 20-13, and led in throw-ins, 12-6. Casablanca led in knock-ins, 10-4.

China Clay, a dark bay mare played by Erskine and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.

The Tackeria Invitational has a special place in club history as the inaugural tournament when the club first opened in 2007. The Tackeria was founded in 1975 by Tony Coppola.

In last year‘s Tackeria Invitational, NetJets (Larry Austin, 0, Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5, Tommy Biddle, 5) held off Travieso (Teo Calle, 1, Santos Bollini, 2, Tony Calle, 3, Sugar Erskine, 6) in the final chukker for a thrilling 10-9 victory. Hall of Famer Tommy Biddle was MVP.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is  hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season.

Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.

The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. The remaining medium goal tournaments are the Oct. 17-22 Pedro Morrison Memorial, Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup, Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and inaugural Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.

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.

Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games.

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. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at  561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.

Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

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