THE POLO SCHOOL

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Grand Champions Polo Club Opens 17th Fall Season With Fall Classic At Santa Rita

9. October 2023

Polo returns to Grand Champions Polo Club for the fall season that gets under way Friday with the Fall Classic.

The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club, is celebrating its 17th anniversary.

The season-opener will feature three teams: Maltese Falcons, Casablanca and Aspen Valley Polo Club. Opening day action is Friday at 10 a.m. at Santa Rita Polo Farm. The final is Sunday, also at 10 a.m. The games are free and open to the public.

The team rosters are:

Maltese Falcons (16): Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Nic Roldan, 8, Juan Bollini, 3.

Casablanca (15): Marc Ganzi, 1, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6+, Martin Jauregui, 6.

Aspen Valley Polo Club (17/15): Santos Bollini, 2/Govinda Quish, Sugar Erskine, 6, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Patricio „Tucu“ Paz, 4.

The Maltese Falcons, the club‘s newest sponsor, is named after the 1941 film The Maltese Falcon, featuring Humphrey Bogart playing Sam Spade, Mary Astor and Peter Lorre, seeking a stolen statuette made of gold and jewels by the 16th century Knights of Malta as a gift to the King of Spain.

In last year‘s Fall Classic, NetJets (Jason Crowder, 5, Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Larry Austin, 0, Nic Roldan, 8) led from start to finish in the final round robin game to defeat Sebucan (Nick Manifold, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5, Tommy Biddle, 5), 8-6. Austin was named MVP, his second MVP honor since returning to play in 2021 after a 10-year break.

Grand Champions will host 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. 25 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. Grand Champions has been the only club in the nation to stage two USPA-sanctioned 20-goal tournaments in the fall.

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 the Fall Classic the others are the Oct. 10-15 Tackeria Invitational, Oct. 17-22 Pedro Morrison Memorial, Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup, Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and inaugural Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.

The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, 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) will live stream 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.

Photos by ChukerTV

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

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

Polo returns to Grand Champions Polo Club for the fall season that gets under way Friday with the Fall Classic. The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club, is celebrating…

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Audi Knocks Off Defending Champion Pampa Norte Biotricity To Win Triple Crown Of Polo; Jeta Castagnola MVP

18. April 2023

WELLINGTON, April 16, 2023—In an emotionally-charged championship final, Audi, one of the sport‘s most successful and winningest teams, won the coveted Triple Crown of Polo Saturday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

On a hot, humid day, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Paco de Narvaez, 6) knocked off defending champion Pampa Norte Biotricity (Waqaas Al-Siddiq, 0, Facundo Llosa, 7, Gringo Colombres, 8, Pedro Falabella, 7), 18-14, in the season finale.

Audi finished the tournament undefeated at 5-0.. The combined 32 goals broke the previous record of 31 for most goals scored in a single game this season.

„It feels good,“ Ganzi said. „This team is a pretty good group of guys who have played together for a long time. Jeta, Paco and I have played together three years in a row.

„Right now I want to enjoy this,“ Ganzi said. „It‘s really fun for me to win again with Gonzalito. We‘ve won everything together and to have him back on the team is really special for me and I am happy for Gonza.“

Argentine 10-goaler Jeta Castagnola was named Most Valuable Player for the second time in two tournament finals. Castagnola scored a game-high 11 goals and finished with 26 for the tournament.

Three Best Playing Pony awards were given. Irenita Serrana, played by Castagnola, was the Argentino Polo BPP. Don Ercole Hayley, played by Llosa, was the Grand Champions Polo Club BPP. Moneda, played by Falabella, was the American Polo Horse Association BPP.

Pampa Norte Biotricity opened with a 4-0 lead based on handicap against 26-goal Audi and built a 7-2 cushion. Showing no signs of panic, Audi kept its composure and quickly bounced back to trail 7-5 at the end of the chukker after de Narvaez‘s great run to goal and Castagnola scoring with 10 seconds left.

For the next five chukkers it was a hardfought physical game that featured Colombres injuring his right leg in a fourth chukker collision but returning to the game. Ganzi withstood a hard hit in the ribs and arm by Colombres‘ horse‘s head with 4:40 left in the sixth chukker but was also able to finish the game.

„It was a hard game, I‘m going to have some sore ribs in the morning,“ Ganzi said. „This team was a defending champion and we talked about treating them like a defending champion. You have to beat them because they are the ones who won the trophy last year. They play a very physical brand of polo and play very tight in close quarters. They are very clever.“

Audi tied the game at 7-7 with 2:38 left in the second chukker on another Castagnola goal before a quick goal by Falabella gave Pampa Norte Biotricity back the lead at 8-7.

Audi started taking control of the game in the third chukker. The lead changed hands three times before Pieres‘ goal with 31 seconds left gave Audi an 11-10 halftime lead.

„I think in the second and third chukkers we sort of broke their will a little bit,“ Ganzi said. „They had a little bit of a comeback in the fourth and then the game got kind of choppy.“

In the second half, Pampa Norte Biotricity was unable to control Audi‘s well-oiled rotation with Audi outscoring them 7-4 in the second half.

„In every polo match you want to try and impose your will and I think for four and a half chukkers we imposed our will,“ Ganzi said. „For a chukker and a half they got the better of us. We expected a very physical, tight defensive game and that‘s what we got.“

With Castagnola scoring from all over the field, Audi led 13-11 after the fourth chukker and 15-12 after the fifth with its open style of play. Early in the sixth chukker, Audi took a 16-12 lead with 6:41 left and Pampa Norte Biotricity never recovered.

„With this team with these three guys when we all run and hit the ball we‘re pretty effective in an open game and I didn‘t think those guys wanted to get into an open game today,“ Ganzi said. „Once we got it opened up again in the fifth I thought we had a pretty good chance to win the game. They were a good team. They played a great tournament.“

In addition to Castagnola‘s scoring barrage, Ganzi had four goals, de Narvaez had two and Pieres added one.

Llosa led Pampa Norte Biotricity with seven goals and finished with 21 for the tournament. Falabella had two goals and Al-Siddiq had one. The 22-goal team also picked up four goals on handicap.

Audi led in shots on goal, 24-13. The teams were even with throw-ins, 14-14. Pampa Norte Biotricity led in knock-ins, 6-3; fouls 10-9; and penalties scored, 5-2. Audi converted two 30-yarders and Pampa Norte Biotricity converted two 60-yarders and three 30-yarders.

Audi finished with 63 goals scored and 49 goals given up in the eight-team tournament. Pampa Norte Biotricity finished with 60 goals scored and 62 goals given up.

Audi advanced into the final with a 13-10 victory over Globalport (Mikee Romero, 0, Polito Pieres, 10, Sapo Caset, 10, Facundo Obregon, 6) and Pampa Norte Biotricity advanced with a 12-8 win over Dazos/La Fe (David Farache, 0, Nic Roldan, 8, Robi Bilbao, 6, Jero del Carril, 8).

Audi, winners of the Founders Cup, is the second team to win two WPL titles during the 2023 WPL season. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) also won two WPL titles with the All-Star Challenge and Palm Beach Open under their belts.

Audi‘s players will now have their names inscribed on the magnificent Tiffany & Co-designed trophy, comprised of three separate trophies that fit perfectly together to create an entire polo scene that is breathtaking in sterling silver.

The remaining WPL event is the April 20-23 Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

The four 2023 WPL grass tournaments during the league‘s fifth season have thrilled fans, worldwide livestream viewing audiences and sponsors on world-class fields.

The WPL‘s first three champions were. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) defended its title and finished undefeated (5-0) in the Founders Cup with a thrilling 14-13 overtime victory over Richard Mille (Patricio Mayor, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10). Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) also won the Palm Beach Open with a 14-13 victory over Dead End (Evan White, Jr., 1, Pedro Falabella, 7, Magoo Laprida, 8/Gringo Colombres, 7, Facu Llosa, 7). Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, The Polo School Women‘s Weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions 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 thriving. It 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. November. 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

WELLINGTON, April 16, 2023—In an emotionally-charged championship final, Audi, one of the sport‘s most successful and winningest teams, won the coveted Triple Crown of Polo Saturday at Grand Champions Polo…

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USA Overfinch Captures Sunset Polo Match; Rapper 50 Cent Headlines White Party In Front Of Record Crowd At Grand Champions

28. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fl., March 25, 2023—The Polo Training Foundation and Kids Cancer Foundation were the biggest winners of the fifth annual Nic Roldan‘s Sunset Polo and White Party Friday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

While rapper 50 Cent stole the show at the White Party and USA Overfinch won the Sunset Polo perpetual Neil and Laura Hirsch trophy before a sellout crowd, it was the two deserving foundations that benefitted the most from the generosity of sponsors and fans.

„We have been working on this for a year,“ said Grant Ganzi, who played a integral role in the event‘s success. „I can‘t even express how impressed I am with the big turnout and everyone supporting the two amazing foundations that we are raising money for.“

USA Overfinch (Marc Ganzi, 1, Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Polito Pieres, 10) rallied in the final two minutes to defeat Hurlingham 1875 (Henry Porter, 4, Max Charlton, 6, Freddie Mannix, 7, Tommy Beresford, 7), 5-4.

Divina, played by Grant Ganzi, was Best Playing Pony.

The fast-paced game pitted two well-balanced teams with USA Overfinch featuring the top two-rated American-born polo players, Pieres and Roldan. USA Overfinch took a 2-0 lead in the second chukker when Grant Ganzi scored on a nearside neck shot with nine seconds left. The first goal was awarded on handicap.

With a goal from Marc Ganzi with three seconds left in the third, USA Overfinch took a 3-1 halftime lead. Charlton scored back-to-back goals to open the fourth chukker to tie the game, 3-3. Grant Ganzi scored again with 1:02 left in the fourth. Charlton‘s goal early in the fifth tied the game again, 4-4, before Marc Ganzi clinched the win.

USA Overfinch was led by father and son Marc and Grant Ganzi, who each scored two goals with Marc Ganzi scoring the game-winner with 1:35 left in the game. Charlton led Hurlingham 1875 with a game-high four goals. Mannix added one.

The event was kicked off by a spirited Kids eWheels three-on-three game. The Red team (Silver Novillo Astrada, Fran Spinacci, Inda Pieres) and White team (Lorenzo Nero, Milo MacDonough, Florencio Lanusse) battled to a 2-2 tie and shared the Robert I. Goldman Sunset Polo Junior Cup presented by Goldman‘s daughter Olexa Celine.

PTF alum Jack McLean and Andrianna (Alex) Harstad, a Kids Cancer Foundation volunteer and Dreyfoos School of the Arts vocal major, kicked off the polo match with stirring renditions of each country‘s national anthem. Popular DJ Adam Lipson provided background music throughout the game.

After the five-chukker match and post-game awards ceremony featuring loads of top-shelf swag from golf bags to custom-made jackets for the players thanks to the generosity of sponsors, fans were treated to great food, drink and entertainment.

American rapper, actor, record producer and businessman 50 Cent, wearing his trademark New York Yankees baseball cap, got the party started with his award-winning music that had the crowd dancing late into the night.

The Polo Training Foundation is dedicated to the future of polo in the U.S. The PTF has been instrumental in the growth of junior and youth polo players by encouraging the sport‘s development with training programs, lessons and tournaments for boys and girls.

The Kids Cancer Foundation is a non-profit charity founded in 2001, whose mission is to provide hope and support to local children and families battling childhood cancer.

„We‘re here to support two great causes,“ Roldan said. „All the contributions go straight to them. We just want to thank everyone who was a part of it. We worked our asses off to make it as beautiful as possible. Grant did an amazing job, working day in and day out.“

Hurlingham Polo 1875 is the world’s only polo brand representing the authentic home of the sport and the Hurlingham Polo Association. For over 145 years, Hurlingham Polo has supported the ‘game of kings’ as the premium lifestyle brand, it is authentically British and absolutely international.

Overfinch is the original Land Rover enhancement and tuning company redefining and creating exclusive bespoke stylish vehicles. As the originator of after-market Range Rover tuning, Overfinch has an unrivaled history of achievement and ground-breaking product development. Famed for the pairing of handcrafted gun boxes with luxury cars, Overfinch has the expertise to commission lifestyle boxes for any passion, from cigar connoisseurs to champagne aficionados and avid polo players.

Among other sponsors were: BrainJuice, Nic Roldan‘s High Goal Gin, Arthur Sleep, London‘s first shoe factory complemented by the made to measure stylings of New York‘s Angel Ramos; Casablanca Polo, who donated shirts for the USA Overfinch and eWheel players; Hurlingham 1875 which donated the Alegria team shirts; and Folded Hills Lilly Rose.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies Weekly League play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal final on Sunday, John T. Oxley Memorial, $100,000 World Cup Tournament, WCT Finals and special events including the Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WCT Finals, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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 thriving. It 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. November. 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.

Grand Champions Polo Club Sunday March 26, 2023 Schedule

9:30 a.m. Madelon Bourdieu 6 Goal Final
Smithfield vs Limehouse
GCPC Field 3

10 a.m. $50,000 National 12 Goal Final
Dracarys vs Rafool Polo
GCPC Field 1

4 p.m. World Polo League
Palm Beach Open Final
Casablanca vs Dead End
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fl., March 25, 2023—The Polo Training Foundation and Kids Cancer Foundation were the biggest winners of the fifth annual Nic Roldan‘s Sunset Polo and White Party Friday at Grand…

Instagram, Polo News

Casablanca Wins WPL Palm Beach Open In Thriller; Barto Castagnola MVP

28. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 27, 2023—Casablanca captured its second World Polo League tournament of the season Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

In front of a good crowd, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) held on for a 14-13 victory over Dead End (Evan White, Jr., 1, Pedro Falabella, 7, Magoo Laprida, 8/Gringo Colombres, 7, Facu Llosa, 7), 14-13.

Dead End made it all the way to the championship final of the eight-team tournament in its 26-goal WPL debut.

For the second time in two tournaments, Argentine 10-goaler Barto Castagnola was Most Valuable Player. The playmaker scored a team-high six goals and had some clutch plays in the final minutes to clinch the game.

Three horses earned Best Playing Pony honors. Chalo Nina Loly, owned and played by Castagnola, was the Argentino BPP. American thoroughbred Girl Power, owned and played by Ganzi in the second and sixth chukkers, was the American Polo Horse Association BPP. Incari Uvita, owned and played by Falabella in the sixth chukker, was the World Polo League BPP.

Casablanca also won the season-opening All-Star Challenge with a stunning 14-9 victory over 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7).

Unlike its first tournament win, Casablanca survived a rollercoaster ride in the last two chukkers with Dead End overcoming a four-goal deficit to tie the game twice (12-12 and 13-13) before succumbing to Casablanca‘s tenacity.

Pieres scored the game-winner off a broken play with 4:15 left in the sixth chukker. Both teams had scoring opportunities from the field and penalty line in the final minutes before Castagnola came up with a loose ball in the final seconds.

„It was an amazing game,“ said Ganzi, who also won the Madelon Bourdieu Memorial 6-goal tournament with Limehouse Properties teammates Eliza Limehouse, Marc Ganzi and MVP Miki Novillo Astrada earlier in the day. „It was a fun, open game. We scored a bunch of goals and everyone played their hearts out.“

Dead End lost the services of LaPrida with 1:25 in the third chukker to a pulled groin muscle. He was replaced by Gringo Colombres who kept Dead End in the game.

„My hats off to Dead End, they were an amazing team,“ Ganzi said. „Evan White played a fantastic tournament and it‘s fun to play against him. I wish the best for Magoo and a quick recovery. He‘s one of the nicest guys in polo.“

In addition to Castagnola‘s six goals, Ganzi and Pieres each had three goals and Bray added one for Casablanca. The team was also awarded a penalty one in the third chukker.

Llosa led Dead End with a game-high eight goals and Laprida added one. Dead End received three goals on handicap and one penalty one in the fifth chukker.

Casablanca led all statistics: 20-17 shots on goal; 7-6 knock-ins; 11-10 throw-ins, 13-12 fouls; and 3-2 penalties scored with Casablanca converting 30, 40 and 60-yard penalites.

The third World Polo League tournament featured eight teams including two making their WPL debut, Globalport and Dead End.

Casablanca now adds its name again to this year‘s WPL champions.

Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The remaining WPL events are the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Women‘s Weekly League play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the John T. Oxley Memorial, $100,000 World Cup Tournament and special events including Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WCT Finals, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 27, 2023—Casablanca captured its second World Polo League tournament of the season Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club. In front of a good crowd, Casablanca (Grant Ganzi,…

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Dracarys, Rafool Polo Will Play For $50,000 National 12-Goal Title At Grand Champions

24. March 2023

WELLINGTON, FL., March 23, 2023—Dracarys and Rafool Polo will battle for the title in the eighth annual $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Rafool Polo (Ray Rafool, -1, Jack Whitman, 2, Henry Porter, 4, Felipe Viana, 7) advanced into the championship with an impressive 12-11 victory over Loudmouth (Andrew Siebert, 0, Scott Sorbaro, -1, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Kris Kampsen, 6), 12-11.

In the other semifinal, Dracarys (Chetan Krishna, -1, Leon Schwencke, 3, Facundo Obregon, 6, Brandon Phillips, 4) edged Casablanca (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Juancito Bollini, 4, Wes Finalayson, 3), 12-11.

The date and time for the final is still to be determined.

On Thursday at windswept Grand Champions, Rafool Polo controlled the first four chukkers of the game, leading 4-1, 7-4, 8-6 and 10-7.

Loudmouth roared back with a 4-0 fifth chukker to overtake the lead, 11-10. Rafool Polo regained its momentum and clinched the win with two huge back-to-back goals by Viana, a last-minute lineup replacement for Salva Ulloa.

Viana, who won the tournament in 2021 with the Parrotheads, will finish out the tournament with Rafool Polo.

„We found out Ulloa wasn‘t available last evening so Henry and Jack convinced Felipe that it would be a good idea to play with us,“ Rafool said. „It was a lucky coincidence. I practiced with Felipe at the Arellanos two years ago so I was familiar with him. I was ecstatic to have him on our team.

„He did an amazing job with the guys. They really played quite well together. They had great chemistry. Felipe stepped into a management role and did a great job. The communication on the field was great. He was a wonderful addition and really made a difference.“

Viana scored the tying goal with 4:25 left in the sixth chukker and clinched the win with an incredible shot just past midfield. Viana tapped the ball once and then hammered it through the goal posts with 1:38 left in the game.

„Isn‘t this the best way,“ Rafool said. „You have no idea what‘s going to happen and then you are like wow, this is great.“

Porter and Whitman then went to work defensively with Porter winning the throw-in, Whitman stealing the ball and running down the clock and Porter clearing out a last-ditch goal attempt in the final seconds.

It will be Rafool Polo‘s first 12-goal final in the team‘s 12-goal tournament debut.

„It feels great to be in the final,“ Rafool said. „I didn‘t know what we were going to get and expect. It feels really good. I like our team. Henry did a great job in putting it together.

„I know Dracarys is a very good team team and have some really good skilled players,“ Rafool said. „They are a lot more balanced than the team we played today. I still think we have a good team and I think we can win. If we‘re not going to win I think we will be very competitive. At this point my team feels very confident. They were already strategizing today what they did right and wrong.“

Rafool, 56, started playing polo eight years ago. In his first polo lesson from a groom he was dressed in tennis sneakers and jeans at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, where he and his wife Vicki were chaperoning their daughter‘s senior high school trip.

„My wife thought I was nuts,“ Rafool said. „She still thinks I‘m nuts although she knows the game better than I do. She knows all the pros.

„I grew up in Central Florida doing Western-style,“ Rafool said. „I‘ve always loved horses. I saw Casa de Campo had equestrian and I thought why not, nobody knows me here if I look like a fool, no big deal. I saw the horses and they were beautiful. The rest is history. The next day I was so sore I could hardly squat to get into the plane to go home.“

Porter led Rafool Polo with four goals. Whitman and Viana each had three goals and Rafool added one. The team picked up one goal on handicap. Kampsen led Loudmouth with eight goals including five penalty conversions. Zubiaurre had three goals.

Loudmouth outshot Rafool Polo, 19-15. Rafool Polo led in knock-ins, 8-4, throw-ins, 14-10 and fouls, 14-9, with Loudmouth converting six of those penalties, five 30-yarders and one 40-yarder.

In the opening semifinal on Tuesday, Dracarys had control for the first four chukkers, leading 2-1, 4-1, 5-2 and 8-5. In the fifth chukker, Casablanca found its firepower for a 4-1 chukker, scoring four unanswered goals to go ahead, 9-8. Schwencke‘s goal with 21 seconds left tied the game at 9-9.

It was the closest Casablanca would get. Dracarys regained its composure in the final chukker and took advantage of Casablanca penalties with Obregon converting two 30-yard penalty shots. Dracarys had a two-goal cushion until the final 21 seconds when Bollini scored the final goal.

Phillips led Dracarys with five goals, Obregon had five, Krishna had two and Schwencke added one. Santos Bollini and Finlayson each had four goals for Casablanca. Ganzi had two goals and Juancito Bollini added one.

Dracarys outscored Casablanca, 16-14, and fouls, 14-6, with Casablanca converting four of those penalties, two 30-yarders, 1 40-yarder and 1 60-yarder. Casablanca led in throw-ins, 15-6, but couldn‘t capitalize, and also led in knock-ins, 4-3. Dracarys converted three 30-yard penalties.

The last tournament winner was the 2021 champion Parrotheads (Nachi Viana, Roni Duke, Jason Wates, Felipe Viana) who defeated Beverly Equestrian (Bill Ballhaus, Keko Magrini, Tolito Ocampo, Hilario Figueras), 12-8. Nachi Viana was MVP. The tournament was not held in 2022.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies Weekly League play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Remaining season highlights for 2023 are the John T. Oxley Memorial and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament, WCT Finals and special events including Nic Roldan Sunset Polo and White Party, Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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.

2023 $50,000 National 12 Goal Schedule

$50,000 National 12 Goal Final TBD

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, FL., March 23, 2023—Dracarys and Rafool Polo will battle for the title in the eighth annual $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament at Grand Champions Polo Club. Rafool Polo (Ray Rafool,…

Instagram, Polo News

Kaia Polo Remains Undefeated In WPL Palm Beach Open; Jero Del Carril Named MVP; Doubleheader On Monday

21. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 20, 2023—For the second consecutive World Polo League tournament, Kaia Polo is off to a great start.

Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8, Jero del Carril, 8) improved to 2-0 with an impressive 15-12 victory over Globalport (Mikee Romero, 0, Polito Pieres, 10, Sapo Caset, 10, Anthony Garcia, 5) on Sunday in the feature game at Grand Champions Polo Club. Kaia Polo also defeated Richard Mille, 15-12, in its tournament opener.

Del Carril, a defensive standout, was named Most Valuable Player. Escriba Copada, played by Caset in the fifth chukker, was selected WPL Best Playing Pony.

„I don‘t really have words,“ Austin said. „To win against two of the most talented 10 goalers in the world is crazy.

„Everyone on the team played above their handicap. Jero was like a wall and his passes were incredible today. The field helped a lot. The grass was very smooth and fast, and it helped us to get an early advantage.“

Kaia Polo also had a 2-0 start in the Founders Cup. But it didn‘t get any easier going against two 10-goalers in a rollercoaster game that had Kaia Polo sitting pretty with a 6-1 lead in the first chukker and 7-3 lead in the second chukker before Globalport dug itself out of a hole and trailed 8-6 at the half.

With 1:42 left in the fourth chukker, Garcia scored off a perfect pass from Caset to tie the game at 9-9.

Kaia Polo settled back into its rotation and took advantage of Globalport penalties. Toccalino scored three goals including two penalty conversions to regain the lead, 12-10, going into the sixth chukker.

Globalport had its share of scoring opportunities but could get no closer than one goal after Caset converted a 30-yard penalty to trail 12-11. Kaia Polo came right back with Toccalino taking out a defender to enable Zubiarre to score and restore a two-goal cushion, 13-11.

Toccalino had a game-high nine goals. Zubiaurre had three goals and del Carril added one goal. Kaia Polo picked up two goals on handicap. Caset led Globalport with five goals. Pieres and Garcia each had three goals and Romero added one.

Kaia Polo led in shots on goal, 19-17, and throw-ins, 14-11. Globalport led in knock-ins, 6-5 and fouls 11-6, with Kaia Polo scoring off five of those penalties with three 30-yarders and two 60-yarders.

The Palm Beach Open continues Monday with a doubleheader. Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen plays Casablanca at 11 a.m. and Richard Mille takes on Dead End at 4 p.m.

In the early Sunday game, Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) bounced back from its 13-10 loss to Casablanca (Scott Wood, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pipe Vercellino, 7, Miguel Novillo Astrada, 8) with a 13-11 victory over Brookshire. Audi is now 1-1 and Brookshire is 0-2 in bracket play.

After a sticky opening chukker, Audi came up big in the second chukker with a 5-1 advantage. Audi never trailed, leading 7-5 at the half, 9-8 after four and 12-10 after five.

Audi got balanced scoring from its lineup. Castagnola led with five goals, Ganzi had four goals and Roldan and Mannix, who bounced back quickly from a hand injury sustained in Audi‘s opener, had two goals. Vercellino led Brookshire with four goals, Pieres had three and Astrada had two. Brookshire picked up two goals on handicap.

Audi outshot Brookshire, 20-13, and dominated throw-ins, 16-8. Brookshire led knock-ins, 7-4.

The third World Polo League tournament features eight teams. This year, the Palm Beach Open is being played on the handicap since some teams are lower than 26 goals. The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season.

Two World Polo League champions have already been crowned. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) defended its title and finished undefeated (5-0) in the Founders Cup with a thrilling 14-13 overtime victory over Richard Mille (Patricio Mayor, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10). Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open, one of the top 26-goal teams two decades ago, Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The remaining WPL events in addition to the Palm Beach Open are the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, women‘s weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, John T. Oxley Memorial and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including Nic Roldan Sunset Polo and White Party, Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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.

2023 World Polo League Palm Beach Open Schedule

Monday 3/20
11am -Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen vs Casablanca
4pm – Richard Mille vs Dead End

Wednesday 3/22
4pm – Richard Mille vs Globalport

Thursday 3/23
11am – Audi vs Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen
4pm – Casablanca vs Brookshire

Friday 3/24
11am -Kaia Polo vs Dead End

Sunday 3/26
4pm – Final
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 20, 2023—For the second consecutive World Polo League tournament, Kaia Polo is off to a great start. Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Santi Toccalino,…

Instagram, Polo News

Globalport Wins World Polo League Debut In Palm Beach Open; WPL Doubleheader On Sunday At Grand Champions

18. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 18, 2023—It was only fitting the World Polo League‘s newest teams would go down to the wire in their opening game of the Palm Beach Open.

Globalport (Mikee Romero, 0, Polito Pieres, 10, Sapo Caset, 10, Anthony Garcia, 5) rallied in the final two minutes for a thrilling 14-13 victory over Dead End (Evan White Jr., 1, Facu Llosa, 7, Magoo Laprida, 8, Pedro Falabella, 7) Friday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

The Palm Beach Open continues Sunday with a doubleheader. Audi plays Brookshire at 11 a.m. and Globalport meets Kaia Polo in the feature game at 4 p.m.

The lead changed hands eleven times before Caset scored the game-winner with 1:41 left on a 30-yard penalty conversion. Pieres picked up a loose ball and was fouled by Llosa setting up Caset‘s heroics. In the final minute, Caset and Pieres had two more scoring opportunities but couldn‘t finish.

Globalport needed the first chukker to find its rotation rhythm with Romero playing well at the front, Garcia playing defense and the two 10-goalers working the middle.

Trailing 3-1 after the opening chukker, Globalport tied the game at 4-4 on Caset‘s great run to goal with 3:41 left and went ahead, 5-4, on Pieres‘ rebound off Caset‘s missed attempt. Globalport outscored Dead End, 4-1, in the second chukker and found its rhythm, leading 7-6 at the half, tied 9-9 after four and regained the lead, 11-10, after five.

„We had some fun,“ Garcia said. „I thought the game went well. We let them come back. Those guys are super talented. It‘s to be expected. These guys are super rated players and everyone comes prepared. At this level, it‘s kind of like a coin toss, it can go any way. He who has the momentum at that specific moment when they ride it gets the advantage. It‘s nice to win the first one. I hope we win more but we‘ll take this one for sure. We‘ll take one step at a time.“

Romero and his longtime teammate and manager since 2010 are missing the Asian polo season (December-March) to compete in the 26-goal World Polo League and Grand Champions Polo Club for the first time.

Garcia is returning to Florida since 2001. He played for the 1998 FIP USA team in Santa Barbara with Carlucho Arellano, Andy Busch and Jeff Hall. Garcia, from Santa Barbara where he started playing at age 13, played throughout California and moved to Chicago in 2002. Garcia had played 26-goal in the late 1990s.

„I never thought I would come back to Florida because I play polo in the Philippines,“ Garcia said.

„We were talking and I said we should try it out,“ Garcia said. „We played around the world in England, Argentina and all over southeast Asia. In 2012 we played in St. Louis, Mo. and Chicago. The stars aligned and we went to Argentina to play the 22-goal. Mikee said maybe we can experience something better in the states and I said sure.“

Garcia and Romero built the team around Caset. Garcia has known Caset since he was 10-years-old and played with Pieres when he was rated 6 goals in 2004. Pieres is Caset‘s Argentine Open teammate and Garcia said the opportunity for them to play together on Globalport in the WPL came up.

„That‘s how we put the whole thing together to get over to Florida,“ Garcia said. „Grand Champions was quite interesting and Sapo said we might want to try it and see how it goes. Melissa and Marc have been such great hosts and everyone has been super phenomenal and friendly and very accepting of us and now we are here.

„What the WPL has that we quite enjoy is the camaraderie among the players. Everyone is so friendly. The group of pros that are here are the people you want to be around. The fields have been fantastic. Everyone involved with the WPL is treating us with open arms which we love.

„I think we are here to stay,“ Garcia said. „It will be mainstay for the next couple years that we are going to come. I think my sponsor Mr. Romero really enjoys it and it‘s been a long time coming. We have played polo together for 13 years and I am just glad I was able to convince him to take that step and come to North America and give it a shot.“

Romero got off a 32-hour flight 48 hours before his first game that was rescheduled Friday to make sure he was fully-rested for his opening game.

„Those are priceless gestures that a big organization makes for you that are greatly appreciated,“ Garcia said.

Dead End outshot Globalport, 20-17, but was unable to take advantage of key scoring opportunities. Globalport led in knock-ins, 8-3. Each team won 14 throw-ins. Dead End led in fouls, 8-6, with Globalport converting five of them with four 30-yards and one 60-yarder.

The game‘s 27-goal total tied the WPL record for most goals scored in a single game.

Caset led Globalport with a game-high seven goals. Pieres had five goals and Romero and Garcia each had one goal.

Llosa led Dead End with five goals, Laprida had four and White Jr. and Falabella each had one.

In the other two Friday games:

All-Star Challenge tournament champion Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated Founders Cup champion Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7/Sugar Erskine, 6), 13-10.

In the opening game of the tripleheader, Santa Rita Trenque Lauquen (Melissa Ganzi, 0, Lucas James, 7, Juan Martin Zubia, 9, Juan Martin Nero, 10) edged Brookshire (Scott Wood, 0, Pipe Vercellino, 7, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Miguel Novillo AStrada, 8), 10-9.

The third World Polo League tournament features eight teams. This year, the Palm Beach Open is being played on the handicap since some teams are lower than 26 goals. Like the Founders Cup, the two-point shot from midfield is being instituted.

The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

Two World Polo League champions have already been crowned. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

Audi (Marc Ganzi, 1, Jeta Castagnola, 10, Nic Roldan, 8, Freddie Mannix, 7) defended its title and finished undefeated (5-0) in the Founders Cup with a thrilling 14-13 overtime victory over Richard Mille (Patricio Mayor, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Lucas James, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10). Jeta Castagnola was MVP.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open, one of the top 26-goal teams two decades ago, Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The World Polo League is preserving the highest level of polo and its rich tradition in the U.S.

The remaining WPL events in addition to the Palm Beach Open are the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, women‘s weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Season highlights for 2023 are the $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, John T. Oxley Memorial and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including Nic Roldan Sunset Polo and White Party, Great Futures Celebrity Polo, WPL Polo Pride and Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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 thriving. It 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. November. 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.

2023 World Polo League Palm Beach Open Schedule

Sunday 3/19
11am – Audi vs Brookshire
4pm – Globalport vs Kaia Polo

Monday 3/20
11am -Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen vs Casablanca
4pm – Richard Mille vs Dead End

Wednesday 3/22
4pm – Richard Mille vs Globalport

Thursday 3/23
11am – Audi vs Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen
4pm – Casablanca vs Brookshire

Friday 3/24
11am -Kaia Polo vs Dead End

Sunday 3/26
4pm – Final
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 18, 2023—It was only fitting the World Polo League‘s newest teams would go down to the wire in their opening game of the Palm Beach Open. Globalport…

Instagram, Polo News

Kaia Polo Wins Opener In World Polo League Palm Beach Open

17. March 2023

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 17, 2023—Kaia Polo, competing in its second World Polo League tournament, got off to a good start Thursday in its opening game of the Palm Beach Open.

Kaia Polo (Larry Austin, 0, Jero del Carril, 8, Lerin Zubiaurre, 7, Santi Toccalino, 8) led from start to finish to stun Richard Mille (Teo Calle, 1, Tincho Merlos, 7, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8), 15-12, in Bracket II play at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Kaia Polo, playing its best polo, started off with a 3-0 lead based on its 23-goal rating. For most of the game Kaia Polo had at least a two-point cushion.

„Having a head start always feels good especially if you can use that time to relax and gain some rhythm as a team,“ Austin said. „They are such a talented team that we needed to focus every chukker.“

And focused they were. Whatever Richard Mille threw at them, including halftime adjustments with MacDonough going forward more in the second half, Kaia Polo had an answer for.

Behind a balanced attack and quickness off the throw-ins, Kaia Polo led 4-2 after the first, 6-3 after the chukker and 8-5 at the half.

Richard Mille outshot Kaia Polo, 10-9, and scored off four of Kaia Polo‘s five penalties (two 30s, one 40 and one 60). Kaia Polo led in knock-ins, 5-4, and throw-ins, 7-4.

The offensive barrage continued in the second half with leads of 10-6 and 14-9 after the fourth and fifth chukkers. Richard Mille tried clawing its way back in the final chukker, 3-1, but ran out of time.

Kaia Polo got balanced scoring from its lineup. Zubiaurre had five goals, Toccalino had four and Del Carril added three. The team picked up three goals on handicap.

Kaia Polo held MacDonough to two goals in the second half. Merlos led Richard Mille with seven goals, including six penalty conversions highlighted by an 80-yarder from 5A. Calle added three goals.

Kaia Polo dominated the throw-ins, 16-8, for the game. Shots on goal were even at 19-19 but Kaia Polo made the most of its scoring opportunities. Kaia Polo led in fouls, 11-5, which Richard Mille converted six of those penalties–four 30-yarders, one 40-yarder and one 60-yarder.

The third World Polo League tournament features eight teams including two making their WPL debut, Globalport and Dead End.

This year, the Palm Beach Open is being played on the handicap since some teams are lower than 26 goals. Like the Founders Cup, the two-point shot from midfield is being instituted.

The World Polo League, the only 26-goal polo played outside of Argentina, is in its fifth season with a star-studded lineup that features six 10-goalers including Pablo MacDonough, Barto Castagnola, Juan Martin Nero, Jeta Castagnola, Polito Pieres and Sapo Caset.

Two World Polo League champions have already been crowned. Casablanca won the season-opening All-Star Challenge. Casablanca (Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Barto Castagnola, 10, Jesse Bray, 7) defeated 2021 champion Richard Mille (Gilberto Sayao, 0, Gonzalito Pieres, 9, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, 7), 14-9. Barto Castagnola was MVP.

In last year‘s Palm Beach Open, one of the top 26-goal teams two decades ago, Catamount (Scott Devon, 1, Toro Ruiz, 7, Polito Pieres, 10, Nacho Novillo Astrada, 8) knocked off Richard Mille (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Pablo MacDonough, 10, Juan Martin Nero, 10), 9-7 to win its first-ever WPL tournament title in a battle of unbeaten teams. Polito Pieres was MVP.

The world-class league will run through April 16. The World Polo League is preserving the highest level of polo and its rich tradition in the U.S.

The remaining WPL events in addition to the Palm Beach Open are the Tommy Hitchcock Legacy Memorial, Triple Crown of Polo and Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, women‘s weekly league play and 26-goal WPL tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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.

2023 World Polo League Palm Beach Open Schedule

Sunday 3/19
11am – Audi vs Brookshire
4pm – Globalport vs Kaia Polo

Monday 3/20
11am -Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen vs Casablanca
4pm – Richard Mille vs Dead End

Wednesday 3/22
4pm – Richard Mille vs Globalport

Thursday 3/23
11am – Audi vs Santa Rita/Trenque Lauquen
4pm – Casablanca vs Brookshire

Friday 3/24
11am -Kaia Polo vs Dead End

Sunday 3/26
4pm – Final
GCPC Field 2

By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, Fla., March 17, 2023—Kaia Polo, competing in its second World Polo League tournament, got off to a good start Thursday in its opening game of the Palm Beach Open.…

Instagram, Polo News

Grand Champions Polo Club Wins Top Pony Title In Overtime Thriller; Miki Novillo Astrada Sweeps MVP, BPP Honors

9. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 7, 2023—Grand Champions Polo Club needed an overtime chukker to capture the Top Pony 8-Goal Tournament Monday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Grand Champions Polo Club (Fran Spinacci, 0, Miki Novillo Astrada, 1, Antonio Aguerre, 1, Max Charlton, 6) defeated Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Justo Mourino, 3, Justin Daniels, 2, Mati Busquet, 4), for a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory.

Miki Novillo Astrada, 16, the son of Argentine great and former 10-goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada, was named Most Valuable Player.

Novillo Astrada scored back-to-back goals to tie the game, 9-9, at 2:17 sending the game into overtime and then scored the game-winner at the 7:08 mark in overtime.

Novillo Astrada‘s horse Arroba Magri earned Best Playing Pony honors.

The fourth generation player has been playing polo since he was six and has played with Spinacci and Aguerre several times. It was the first time he played with Max Charlton of Great Britain. It was Novillo Astrada‘s first tournament win of the season.

In overtime, Novillo Astrada came up with the throw-in. „I got the ball, turned it and just ran with it to the goal,“ he said. „My horse ran fast so I passed them and I scored.

„I am very happy to win because it was a difficult match,“ Novillo Astrada said.

Miguel Novillo Astrada was in the players‘ tent watching his son. „I am very happy my father helps me, he gives me advice,“ Novillo Astrada said. „He came to the tent in the last chukker. He told me to be patient and to win the throw-in.“

The lead changed hands seven times during the game. Orea Polo started off strong with a 3-0 lead in the opening chukker. Grand Champions Polo Club bounced back with its own 3-0 chukker to tie the game after two chukkers.

In a defensive third chukker, Novillo Astrada scored the only goal to give Grand Champions a 4-3 halftime lead.

Busquet opened the fourth chukker with a penalty conversion to tie the game, 4-4. Spinacci scored back-to-back goals to give Grand Champions its biggest lead of the game, 6-4.

Grand Champions led by as many as three goals (8-5) before Orea Polo started clawing its way back. Busquet got hot in the sixth chukker scoring back-to back goals to take the lead, 9-8, with 3:32 left in regulation. After that it was all Grand Champions and Novillo Astrada with his back-to-back goals.

Spinacci led Grand Champions Polo Club with a team-high five goals, including four penalty conversions. Astrada had three goals. Aguerre and Charlton each had one. Busquet led Orea Polo with a game-high eight goals and Daniels added one.

Orea Polo outshot Grand Champions, 18-16. Grand Champions led in knock-ins, 9-6, and fouls, 12-9. Orea Polo led in throw-ins, 11-10. In the first half, Orea Polo outshot Grand Champions, 7-6. Grand Champions led in knock-ins, 4-2, throw-ins, 6-3, and fouls, 6-3.

In last year‘s final, Santa Rita (Fran Spinacci, -1, Antonio Aguerre, 0, Mia Cambiaso, 2, Pablo Spinacci, 6) led from start to finish for a 10-7 win over Rafool Polo (Ray Rafool, -1, Milo Dorignac, 2, Henry Porter, 4, Ciro Desenzani, 2/Manuel Prado, 2). Pablo Spinacci was MVP.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies League weekly play and 26-goal World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

Grand Champions tournaments attract a large international field of players from all corners of the world including Argentina, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Switzerland, France, England, Germany, Uruguay, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Venezuela, Chile, and England.

Season highlights for 2023 are the Sieber Memorial, currently underway; $50,000 National 12-Goal Tournament, John T. Oxley Memorial, WCT Finals and $100,000 World Cup Tournament, a unique 0-40-goal, winner-take-all single-elimination tournament and special events including World Polo League Polo Pride, Sunset Chukkers & Cocktails and Great Futures Polo Day featuring Celebrity Polo.

The biggest highlight of the season is the fifth season of the World Polo League currently underway with the Founders Cup. The nation‘s only 26-goal league features some of the world‘s top players including 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough and team sponsors.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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 Candace Ferreira

WELLINGTON, March 7, 2023—Grand Champions Polo Club needed an overtime chukker to capture the Top Pony 8-Goal Tournament Monday at Santa Rita Polo Farm. Grand Champions Polo Club (Fran Spinacci,…

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Brookfield Farm Wins Halo Polo Trophy Thriller; Grant Ganzi Sweeps MVP, BPP Awards

7. March 2023

WELLINGTON, March 6, 2023—Brookfield Farm rallied in the final chukker to capture the Halo Polo Trophy Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.

Brookfield Farm (Sophia Doble, -1, Facundo Frayssinet, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Alex Webb, 2) edged Santa Rita (Artemio Figueras, 0, Fran Spinacci, 0, Florencio Lanusse, -1, Pablo Spinacci, 4), 6-5.5.

Virginia-based Brookfield Farm finished the 6-goal league undefeated with a 4-0 record, defeating Polo School, 3-1, Orea Polo, 3-2 and Santa Rita, 7-5.5 in their first meeting.

Grant Ganzi, 24, swept Most Valuable Player after scoring five goals including the game-winner and Best Playing Pony honors for Ocasion.

After missing its first two goal attempts, Santa Rita controlled the game early and jumped out to a 3.5-0 lead early behind father and son duo Pablo and Fran Spinacci in the second chukker.

Brookfield Farm started clawing its way back slowly late in the second chukker taking advantage of Santa Rita penalties and Ganzi‘s two penalty conversions to trail, 3.5-2 going into the half.

„It took us too long to get going,“ Ganzi said. „I wanted to play the same way we played them the other day, but they had (substitute) Artemio, who is playing really well at the moment and changed the dynamic. We had to change the throw-ins a little bit, set plays had to change. We had to play a little more simple. We needed to be a little more consistent.“

Santa Rita maintained its leads, 3.5-3, 4.5-3, 4.5-4, 5.5-4 and 5.5-5 until the final minute of the game when Santa Rita fouled with 43 seconds left. Ganzi converted the 30-yard penalty to take the lead and clinch the win. Brookfield Farm then won the throw-in and ran out the final 30 seconds.

„Once we settled in and started playing the way we should have played we played well,“ Ganzi said. „It was a tough game. We were very lucky to win. It was tough to play this team twice in a row. They probably deserved to win more than we did today. The other day we played them a little better and fouled less.“

Ganzi has been honing his polo skills playing every level of polo including six goal this season. His Casablanca team won the 26-goal WPL season-opening tournament All-Star Challenge and currently competing in the Founders Cup.

„For me it‘s so different, I love both levels,“ Ganzi said. „I love being able to do both at the same time. The biggest difference for me is I play back and captaining the team in the 6-goal.

„In the 26, I am like a sponge. I am listening to everything I can hear. I am playing with three amazing guys and one of the best players in the world right now. The difference is the positioning on the field and the mentality. It‘s good to have that difference and play all levels of polo.“

In addition to Ganzi‘s five goals, Webb added a goal. Pablo Spinacci led Santa Rita with two goals. Figueras, Lanusse and Fran Spinacci each had one goal. The team picked up .5 on handicap.

In last year‘s final, Orea Polo (Petra Sobotova, -1, Finn Secunda, 0, Matias Busquet, 4/Jake Klentner, 1, Justin Daniels, 2) defeated Casimiro (Steve Cox, 0, Antonio Aguerre, 0, Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3), 7-2.

Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest polo club celebrating its 16th anniversary, 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 13 well-manicured fields including nine world-class fields at GCPC and four at Santa Rita.

During the winter polo season, Grand Champions, the nation‘s largest and most innovative USPA-sanctioned polo club, nestled in the heart of the world‘s winter equestrian capital, is hosting tournaments: 6, 8, 12, 20, and 26-goal leagues, WCT Finals, Polo School Ladies League weekly play and 26-goal World Polo League tournaments at both Grand Champions and Santa Rita.

The winter season is being live-streamed locally and worldwide on Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports).

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 Candace Ferreira