Thomas Wirth

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot set to host 20th edition of ‘HH PRESIDENT OF THE UAE CUP’  with half million prize money!

10. March 2020

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) are leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to host the 20^th edition of the ‘HH President of the UAE Polo Cup’, one of the most highly anticipated, High handicap polo tournaments in the Middle East.

As many as six teams, comprising some of the best Emirati and international players, will be seen in action in the tournament. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The first match will be played on Wednesday, March 11 with the final scheduled for March 27. The tournament will be held over a league format with the teams with the highest wins contesting the Grand Final.

All games will be held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“The sport of polo in the UAE is going in the right way,” said HH Sheikh Falah in his address. “It is a historical occasion for Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of HH President of the UAE Polo Cup. “We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished at our club and the way the sport of polo has been supported, organized and carried forward into the new decade,” he added. “Creating a legacy is critical to any sport and this landmark year for the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup is testimony to what can be achieved if we do this together. This speaks volumes for the sport’s future in the country.”

HE Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Executive Director, echoed HH Sheikh Falah’s view and said: “Since it was founded in 1994, the Ghantoot Racing & Poloc Club has invested into the successful model created by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and which has been passionately carried forward by HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed.

“Through their collective vision, the club has grown steadily from humble beginnings into a proud and permanent headquarters for top-level polo in the country,” added Al Zaabi. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ghantoot is all set to host the landmark 20^th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Club at the magnificent Ghantoot Polo Club, which is the only Royal Polo Club in the UAE,” said Al Zaabi. “We can all look forward to two weeks of high-quality polo from some of the best exponents of the game in the UAE, together with some of the leading players from Argentina, and around the world. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners, sponsors and not least the fans for being with us over the past 20 years. “Good tuck to all the teams participating. I’m sure you will enjoy this just as much as well will watching you play.”

The 2019 edition of the HH President of the UAE Cup was won by Desert Palm who defeated the UAE Polo Team 10-8 in a thrilling final. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team earned a consolation prize when they defeated Abu Dhabi Polo Team 9-8 in the sub-final.

AT A GLANCE

What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament
When: March 11-27
Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
Teams: 6 Polo Teams
Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap
Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
In association with: Emirates Polo Association
Event Sponsors:
YAS Capital Investments
YAS International Properties LLC
YAS International Development
YAS International Holding
YAS International Investment
La Roche Pharmacy
Official Car:
Premier Motors – Maserati

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) are leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to host the 20th edition of the ‘HH President of the UAE Polo Cup’, one…

North America, Polo News

Houston Polo Club – Experience the Sport of Kings!

6. March 2020

2020 SPRING SUNDAY SCHEDULE

3/29 at 5PM
VAN CONOVER CUP
presented by ANDRÉ CLOUET
Spring Season Kickoff. See these 4 teams battle it out for the final 2 positions in this World class tournament!

4/5 at 5PM
VAN CONOVER CUP FINAL
Don’t miss this DOUBLE HEADER FINAL! May the best ponies and players WIN! BEST DRESSED COUPLE contest

4/12 at 5PM
BLUEBONNET CUP (EASTER SUNDAY)
THIS DOUBLE HEADER IS A MUST SEE! Halftime CANDY TOSS FOR KIDS! So kids bring a bag or basket for your goodies!

4/19 at 5PM
ST. REGIS CLASSIC
FEEL THE THUNDERING hooves of the thoroughbreds as they compete for the ball. GENTLEMAN’S BEST HAT CONTEST.

4/26 at 5PM
COWBOY CUP
presented by LAND ROVER HOUSTON NORTH
Experience the latest 2020 Range Rovers on the field at halftime. Special trophy presentation by Land Rover North Houston.

5/3 at 5PM
FIESTA CUP
THESE PLAYERS ARE IN IT TO WIN IT! 2 matches, 4 teams!

5/10 at 5PM
PONIES AND PETALS CUP
presented by BAYLOR MEDICINE STRATOS INTEGRATED HEALTH (MOTHER‘S DAY)
Special Mother’s Day match! Ladies BEST HAT CONTEST, door prizes By Baylor Medicine Stratos Integrated Health.

5/17 at 5PM
CELEBRITY CRUISES CLASSIC
ANOTHER DOUBLE HEADER! Watch these four teams battle for the win. May the BEST PONIES AND PLAYERS WIN!

5/24 at 5PM
USPA OFFICER‘S CUP
TWO TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT IN THIS HEART POUNDING USPA FINAL!

5/31 at 5PM
VAQUEROS CLASSIC
presented by ENGEL&VÖLKERS
THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS!! 8 Chukkers of thrilling polo, two matches, two teams.

6/7 at 6PM
USPA NYTS TOURNAMENT FINAL
presented by BILL FICK FORD
Watch these four final teams battle for control of the ball and FOR THE WIN. Extra special trophy presentation by Bill Fick Ford.

Purchase Individual Tickets or Box Seats for 2 to 20 Guests
Red Oak Lawn Tickets*

Enjoy covered seating, great parade views, champagne and divot stomp, delicious menu options from onsite concession Ruth‘s Chris and gorgeous up close view of the largest cherry red oak in Harris County!

*Food and drinks not included

Grandstand Box Seats*

Reserve a box by the day which includes seating for 2-20 guests, perfect for inviting that special someone or hosting a small group of clients or friends, enjoy up close views of the player parade, VIP access to champagne toast and divot stomp, waitstaff service from Ruth‘s Chris, direct access to trophy presentation and player meet and greet.

*Food and drinks are not included

GET TICKETS HERE!

© Thomas Wirth

2020 SPRING SUNDAY SCHEDULE 3/29 at 5PM VAN CONOVER CUP presented by ANDRÉ CLOUET Spring Season Kickoff. See these 4 teams battle it out for the final 2 positions in…

North America, Polo News

U.S. OPEN WOMEN’S POLO CHAMPIONSHIP™ BENEFITTING SUSAN G. KOMEN® FLORIDA RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA

6. March 2020

Partnering with the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) and Port Mayaca Polo Club in Southern Florida for the second year in a row, the United States Polo Association® (USPA) will host the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ (18- to 22-goals), March 12-21. Eight teams, including the 2019 champions, Hawaii Polo Life, comprised of women players from across the nation and around the world will be taking the field to compete in the most prestigious women’s tournament in the country. The U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ will benefit Susan G. Komen® Florida, the leading breast cancer foundation.

“The U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ represents the future of women’s polo as the number of women competing at the 18- to 22-goal level continues to climb,” said Robert Puetz, CEO of the USPA. “Bringing together the best American and international players, the tournament is both a showcase and a celebration of the achievements in women’s polo on a global scale. Since relocating to South Florida during the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, the apex of high-goal competition, the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ has attracted a record eight teams for the second consecutive year.”

The most celebrated cup in women’s polo in the United States, the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ has a profound history dating back to the 1930s in California. The first women’s U.S. Open tournament was presented by the United States Women’s Polo Association (U.S.W.P.A.) in 1937 at the Golden Gate Field in San Francisco, California. On the centennial anniversary of the USPA in 1990, a U.S. Women’s Open was officially sanctioned and held at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It was officially recognized as a national tournament in 2011 and has since become America’s largest annual women’s polo event.

Winning the 2019 championship in their first year, Hawaii Polo Life will be returning for the chance to defend the trophy, competing with two members of the original championship team.

BTA/The Villages and San Saba (this year co-sponsored by Polo Gear) will also be returning for the high-profile women’s event. The remaining five teams (Cowdray Vikings, Dundas, Iconica, Mint Echo Car Wash, Rocking P) will be competing for the first time for an opportunity to capture the title.

Arguably one of the best women’s players in the world, British 10-goaler Hazel Jackson will be competing, representing Rocking P. An international event, the tournament rosters boast players from four countries including the United States, Argentina, England and Kenya. One all-American team, BTA/The Villages, will be gracing this year’s competition. The USPA is also happy to announce that the tournament will serve as a Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT) Qualifier, The Sunny Hale Legacy.

Following the Draw Party on Thursday, March 5, at the 7^th Chukker Restaurant & Lounge at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida, play will begin March 12 at Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida. Co-sponsored by the official apparel brand of the USPA, U.S. Polo Assn., the official draw determines the playing order for the tournament. Additionally, U.S. Polo Assn. will giveaway custom designed Susan G. Komen® Florida t-shirts during the tournament final’s halftime divot stomp. The final will be hosted on Saturday, March 21, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field with gates opening at 11:00am EDT and the match beginning at 1:00pm EDT.

Coverage of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ matches will be livestreamed on Global Polo TV. Please register for free access on GlobalPolo.com. For more information on the tournament please visit uspolo.org. Spectators are encouraged to attend the preliminary matches at Port Mayaca Polo Club and the Championship Final at International Polo Club Palm Beach on U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1. General admission is free for all events. To purchase tickets for brunch, tailgate or box seats for the final, which will feature a pink tailgating competition, please click here.

About the United States Polo Association®

The United States Polo Association (USPA) was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association is the national governing body for the sport of polo. USPA is currently comprised of almost 300 member clubs with thousands of individual members, and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies. With a global footprint of $1.7B and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide. Recently ranked the 4th largest sports licensor and 36^th overall in License Global magazine’s 2019 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors”, U.S. Polo Assn. now takes its place alongside such iconic sports brands as Major League Baseball, National Football League and National Basketball Association.

About the International Polo Club Palm Beach

The International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) is the premier polo destination in the world, hosting the largest field of high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States. Polo enthusiasts descend upon Wellington, Florida, each winter season to enjoy their love of the sport at the most prominent polo facility in the country. The 2020 Palm Beach Polo Season opens Sunday, December 29, 2019 and concludes 17 weeks later with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating that includes elegant grandstand viewing, field tailgating, field-side champagne brunch at The Pavilion, and exclusive sponsor boxes. See more at www.internationalpoloclub.com.

About Port Mayaca Polo Club
Situated in South Florida, surrounded by vast sugar cane fields and the popular fishing body of Lake Okeechobee, Port Mayaca Polo Club has steadily become a destination for winter polo. Located on more than 600 sprawling acres, the club has eight regulation fields, club barns with 220 stalls, two exercise tracks, a stick-and-ball field, a clubhouse and several acres of pastures for turnout and trail riding. Quality polo is at the forefront of the club’s objectives and a tight-knit sense of community supports it.

www.uspolo.org

© Thomas Wirth

Partnering with the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) and Port Mayaca Polo Club in Southern Florida for the second year in a row, the United States Polo Association® (USPA)…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo Teams Will Go Head to Head at the Bentley Cup 2020

4. March 2020

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club that resulted to a win for Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo teams.

Habtoor Polo demonstrated a strong start until halftime while maintaining a two-goal advantage. Bangash Polo was able to close in on Habtoor by the end of the fourth chukker with goals from its patron – Haider Bangash and Frederico Potobsky created a tie early on the final chukker. Habtoor Polo matched this with two goals, and Facundo Sola’s 10th goal sealed the for Habtoor Polo team.

The second match opened with a goal from Juan Zubiaurre that was followed by a score from Habtoor Al Habtoor, patron of the Dubai Wolves team. The next chukker saw the Wolves took off and secured a three-goal advantage over Abu Dhabi Polo team. The match took an exciting turn when Martin Donovan delivered three goals in the next two chukkers. Alfredo Cappella started the last chukker with a goal. Juan Gris Zavaleta took the lead with a penalty shot, but Cesar Crespo levelled the game.

Tied at 8 goals, both teams raced to gain the lead that resulted in a sixth chukker. The strike for the golden goal was taken by Cappella within the first 10 seconds, and Abu Dhabi Polo claimed victory at 9 goals to 8.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 5 – 3 | 6 – 4 | 7 – 6 | 10 – 8
Top scorer: Facundo Sola, Habtoor Polo, 6 goals

Match Progression: 0 – 2 | 3 – 6 | 4 – 6 | 6 – 7 | 8 – 8 | 8 – 9
Top scorer: Martin Donovan, Abu Dhabi Polo, 4 goals

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club…

North America, Polo News

Scone Polo Team Secures Founders Cup Victory

3. March 2020

Adolfo Cambiaso named most valuable player

On a perfect day that featured sky divers, a one armed bandit, and great polo, Scone Polo team won it’s first World Polo League Tournament, The Founders Cup.

This year’s Final was set to be a hot bed of phenomenal polo talent, with players travelling from as far afield as Australia to compete for the coveted $60,000 prize money and honor of lifting the Founders Cup Trophy. Going into the match, both David Paradice’s Scone and Sayyu Dantata’s SD Farms had secured resounding victories against their Semifinal opponents, proving they were more than worthy to have trounced the other eight teams and potentially, each other.

Going into the Final however, it was clear SD Farms had their work cut out, with legendary father/son duo of Adolfo Cambiaso and his 14-year-old son Poroto coming off of their win in the World Polo League’s first tournament, The All Star Challenge, were raring to show their powerfully intuitive play, backed up by the more than capable Diego Cavanagh and British Queen’s Cup winning David Paradice – quite the force to be reckoned with.

Following the first throw-in from the legendary John Payne,, the one-armed bandit, play ensued with a penalty conversion from Scone’s Cavanagh to put Scone 4-0 ahead within just 30 seconds, adding to their 3 goal handicap advantage. With a somewhat choppy beginning, it took time for the teams to settle into a rhythm, showcasing the very best of international polo talent. Cavanagh, the penalty genius, carried on building the handicap advantage, using the 3 goal spring board, with one conversion success, then another, making it 6-0. SD Farms’ Juan Martin Zubia found the uprights for their first foray onto the scoreboard, but as the chukker closed, SD Farms were flummoxed, trailing 7-1.

Teams:

SCONE
David Paradise – 0
Poroto Cambiaso – 4
Diego Cavanagh – 9
Adolfo Cambiaso – 10

SD FARMS
Sayyu Dantata – 2
Santi Torres – 7
Guillermo Terrera – 8
Juan Martin Zubia – 8

© Thomas Wirth

Adolfo Cambiaso named most valuable player On a perfect day that featured sky divers, a one armed bandit, and great polo, Scone Polo team won it’s first World Polo League…

Asia, Polo News

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020

25. February 2020

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 concludes with memorable elegance as outstanding female riders win The Queen Mother’s royal cup

For the 12^th consecutive year, the highly anticipated all-female charity polo tournament Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 once again concluded on a high note. Organized by Dr. Harald Link, president of B.Grimm and Thailand Equestrian Federation, and Nunthinee Tanner, vice president of Thailand Equestrian Federation in association with U.S. Polo Assn., the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 was a tournament to win The Queen Mother’s royal cup and raise fund for The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation on Saturday 22 February 2020 between 12pm to 6pm at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya.

Nunthinee Tanner, vice president of Thailand Equestrian Federation, head of the organizing team, said that, “breast cancer is the number one cause of death of Thai women, and the casualty keeps increasing. A lot of breast cancer patients struggle with this illness without help or support, while many lack funding for treatment and spend their lives without home or caretakers. The charity Queen’s Cup Pink Polo that has been held for the past 12 consecutive years plays a crucial role in providing support for breast cancer patients through The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation. We truly hope that with this all-female polo tournament, polo will be recognized and known more widely to the public and that women can come together to play sport and support a good cause.”

Contenders for this year’s tournament included four international teams, namely Marengo, La Familia, Ethiopian Airlines and the home team Thai Polo. The last two teams entered the semi final at 4.45pm to compete for The Queen Mother’s royal cup.

Besides the thrill on the polo pitch, Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 also included a string of Saturday fun such as performance by RPCA Black Pipe Band and Yorkshire terrier parade by Yorkshire Terrier Club Thailand, led by Khun Namhom, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s dog.

As sport spirits were high, so was the fashion of the distinguished celebrity guests who were all dressed in pink accented with the signature accessory of the polo tournament – hats of different shapes and styles. At the opening ceremony, Nunthinee Tanner, Thailand’s first lady polo player and head of the tournament organizing team, gracefully led riders into the pitch, followed by a parade of Thailand’s top celebrities. After the second chukka, the tradition of Stomping Divots commenced to smoothen the grassy pitch and erase the horses’ footprint. The stomping was also delightfully joined by female spectators of all ages. This year, luxury supercar McLaren led the riders into the pitch of Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 for the final round.

The event culminated to the award presentation of Best Dress Award and Best Hat Award for guests with stunning outfit and hat respectively. Winner of Best Dress Award Men was Chalin Hattakijkowit, while Peerapatra Chaovalit won the Best Dress Award Women. As for the Best Hat Award, the winner was Narisa Kubota. Last but not least was the award ceremony for the winning team of Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020, which was La Familia that beat Marengo at 7-5. The event concluded with magnificent firework show that capped off the yearly polo showdown with memorable fun and extravagance.

12 years on and the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo never loses its style, fun and grandeur. Most importantly, it’s the unique event where the guests get the chance to enjoy professional polo in warm, inviting atmosphere and at the same time raise fund for a good cause every year.

Photos: Dominic James

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Photos: Thai Polo

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”1014″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]www.thai-polo-club.com

© Thomas Wirth

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2020 concludes with memorable elegance as outstanding female riders win The Queen Mother’s royal cup For the 12th consecutive year, the highly anticipated all-female charity polo…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News

World Polo League Founders Cup Begins Friday With Tripleheader at Valiente

21. February 2020

After a successful All Star Challenge season-opener, the World Polo League season continues Friday with the Founders Cup.

Three games will open the second tournament of the season at Valiente Polo Farm. Scone will make its season debut against J5/La Dolfina Breeding at noon on Field 3; Valiente plays Alegria at 2 p.m. on Field 2; and Seminole Casino meets Richard Mille at 4 p.m. on Field 1.

Ten teams, including new team sponsors Amaala, Scone and STM, will compete in the first of three WPL tournaments offering major prize money. Scone competed last year in the WPL‘s inaugural season.

The WPL is coming off a successful opening and fun All Star Challenge where Valiente defended its title with a new lineup.

Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz 2, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Diego Cavanagh 9, Adolfo Cambiaso 10) led for most of the game to defeat SD Farms (Sayyu Dantata 2, Santi Torres 7, Guillermo Terrera 8, Juan Martin Zubia 8), 12-10. Poroto Cambiaso, 14, the only returning player off last year‘s winning team, has now won back-to-back tournament titles. His father, Adolfo, was Most Valuable Player of the game.

„We have seen some great polo,“ WCT Commissioner Dale Smicklas said. „We have seen some thrilling games and some expected results as well as some upsets. And there is so much more ahead of us.“

Team sponsors and rosters for the Founders Cup are:

Amaala (25): Nacho Figueras 6, Tincho Merlos 7, Facu Llorente 7, Juan Bollini 5.

Alegría (25): Henry Porter 3, Matias Magrini 7, Fred Mannix 7, Nachi du Plessis 8.

Casablanca (25): Grant Ganzi 3, Rodrigo Andrade 8, Hilario Ulloa 10, Juancito Bollini 4.

J-5 La Dolfina Breeding (23): Gonzalo Ferrari 4, Isidro Strada 7, Jerónimo Del Carril 7, Robertito Zedda 5.

Richard Mille (26): Camilo Castagnola 7, TBA 2, Barto Castagnola 7, Pablo Mac Donough 10.

Scone (23): David Paradice 0, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Diego Cavanagh 9, Adolfo Cambiaso 10.

SD Farms (25): Sayyu Dantata 2, Santi Torres 7, Guillermo Terrera 8, Juan Martin Zubia 8.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (24): Melissa Ganzi 0, Lucas James 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8, Nic Roldan 8.

STM (26): Robert Strom 5, Pablo Spinacci 6, Corcho Zavaleta 7, Nacho Novillo Astrada 8.

Valiente (27): Bob Jornayvaz 2, Gringo Colombres 8, Sebastian Merlos 9, Jejo Taranco 8.

Last year‘s Founders Cup winner was Grand Champions. In one of polo‘s biggest upsets, Grand Champions knocked off Valiente, 12-11, in overtime at Valiente.

In front of an overflow crowd, Argentine 10-goaler Juan Martin Nero scored the winning goal in the first two minutes of overtime to upset previously unbeaten Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, 2, Agustin Nero, 6, Santi Torres, 6, Adolfo Cambiaso, 10). Nero was MVP.

Playing together for the first time in the tournament, Grand Champions finished the eight-team 26-goal tournament undefeated at 4-0. Nero and teammates Rodrigo Andrade, Grant Ganzi and Juancito Bollini earned $60,000 in prize money.

2020 WORLD POLO LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Founder‘s Cup Feb 19 – Mar 1

Friday 2/21 12 p.m. Scone vs J5 La Dolfina at Valiente 3

Friday 2/21 2 p.m. Valiente vs Alegria at Valiente 2

Friday 2/21 4 p.m. Seminole vs Richard Mille at Valiente 1

Saturday 2/22 12 p.m. SD Farms vs Casablanca at SD Farms field

Sunday 2/23 10:30 a.m. Amala vs Winner Valiente/Alegria at GCPC 1

Sunday 2/23 4 p.m. STM vs Winner Scone/J5 La Dolfina at GCPC 2

Mar. 4-22, Palm Beach Open

Mar. 28-Apr. 18, Triple Crown of Polo

Apr. 6-12, U.S. National Mixed Doubles Polo Championship

© Thomas Wirth

After a successful All Star Challenge season-opener, the World Polo League season continues Friday with the Founders Cup. Three games will open the second tournament of the season at Valiente…

North America, Polo News

Polo Players Support Group Raises Over $425,000 at Annual U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge

21. February 2020

The PPSG is very grateful to U.S. Polo Assn. our Title Sponsor for their financial support as well as their desire to help us take the event to the next level, similar to how they have taken their brands to ever increasing new levels.

This year‘s event saw Team Pilot Catastrophe Services close the gap on the rivalry with a hard fought 6-4 victory. Many people in the crowd including former 10 goal player, and PPSG supporter, Eduardo „Ruso“ Heguy said this was the hardest fought 40 goal game they remember.

Pelon Stirling won this years Tito‘s Handmade Vodka 2 Point Shot of the day award, a 40-Goal Polo Challenge fan favorite. Nico Pieres was voted the Jetcraft MVP, and the 5 Star Builders Best Playing Pony award went to Lavinia Coronacion, bred and owned by Carlos & Hilario Ulloa.

Prior to the 10 goal players taking the field, the Future 10‘s Match took place and featured the children of current and former 10 goal players as well as children of generous supporters of the PPSG. The Future 10‘s game players were extremely excited to be on the U.S. Polo Assn. field and in front of a crowd. They didn‘t disappoint, putting on a great show of up-and-coming talent.

Following the 40 goal game, over 400 people attended the dinner & auction which was co-sponsored by Mark Edward Partners and Keith & Michelle Whitman.

Highlights of the auction included, Curtis Pilot‘s winning bid of $70,000 for the horse cloning donated by the Crestview Group of Companies, Don & Carol Pennycook winning the island vacation retreat: Ilha do Japao, and Facundo Pieres‘ jersey raising $9,000 each from Lisa Falcone and the partnership of Mike Egan and Jim Kravitz. Facundo and the Pilot Catastrophe Services crew offered to play a practice with Liliana Falcone and Mike Egan while Jim Kravitz will photograph.

The biggest applause of the night went to Juli Ezcurra who auctioned his vest, and Curtis Pilot who bought it. Curtis very kindly gave Juli his vest back and gave Juli his Pilot team jacket.

The PPSG is very grateful to U.S. Polo Assn. our Title Sponsor for their financial support as well as their desire to help us take the event to the next…

Polo News, South America

Global polo star Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA ultra-luxury resort destination

29. January 2020

Argentinian polo legend to help develop world-class equestrian facilities at AMAALA

Global polo star and Ralph Lauren model, Ignacio Figueras, has been named a brand ambassador for AMAALA, the ultra-exclusive tourism destination under development on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

More commonly known as ‘Nacho’, Figueras is ranked one of the top 100 polo players in the world. A regular on international TV programmes, the star has a huge global following and was once voted the second most handsome man in the world by the readers of Vanity Fair magazine. In his latest role, Nacho will help shape the world-class polo facilities at AMAALA and represent the brand at international polo matches.

“I have always said my mission in life is to bring polo to the world a little more, so the chance to help shape what will be the world’s best polo facilities is an incredibly exciting opportunity and one that I simply could not turn down,” commented Figueras. “I will consult on the overall strategy including design, construction, operations, marketing and event planning of polo facilities at AMAALA.”

As an AMAALA Ambassador focused on the sport of polo, Nacho will be tasked with establishing prestigious polo events at AMAALA, as well as around the world through team sponsorships and other activations. He will help establish the AMAALA Polo Training Academy, encouraging youth participation in the sport and provide select guests with the chance to train with him as their personal polo coach.

Commenting on the agreement, AMAALA Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Naples said, “Our partnership with Nacho demonstrates how seriously we view polo as a component of the AMAALA sport and lifestyle experience. Nacho regularly ranks among the world’s top players with a profile that transcends the sport itself earning him the moniker as the ‘David Beckham of polo’. He is the ideal ambassador for the world-class facilities that will help grow the sport of polo in Saudi Arabia.”

Design of all polo facilities will be based on international benchmarks, and will include a suitable number, size and location of polo assets and other equestrian facilities to make it a world-class venue. Amenities will include an equestrian-themed hotel and a country club, paddock villas and estates, horse stables, horse-boarding facilities and horse spa/recovery treatment areas. The facilities will also feature visitor areas, horse trails and horseback riding for recreational purposes. There will also be pony camps for children.

“This is very exciting for the sport of polo in the Kingdom,” commented Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation Amr Zedan. “The facilities being planned at AMAALA are truly world-class and will inspire a new generation of young Saudis to take up the sport and to learn from global stars like Nacho.”

Following the official partnership signing, Nacho led an AMAALA polo team to victory at the historical AlUla Desert Polo Championship. The first match organised in association with the Saudi Polo Federation, as well as the Royal Commission for AlUla, was staged as part of the Winter at Tantora festival. Featuring four teams of three players including Team AMAALA, Team AlUla, Team Al Nahla Bentley and Team Richard Mille, the championship saw Team AMAALA’s historic victory, culminating in an award ceremony presented by His Royal Highness Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal the chairman of the General Authority for Sports.

AMAALA is anchored around the three pillars of wellness and sports, arts and culture, and sun, sea and lifestyle. It is also dedicated to sustainable building and operational practices, with environment preservation and enhancement paramount to the success of the ambitious project.

Photos: AlUla Saudi Polo Federation

AMAALA Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Naples pictured (l-r) with Polo Superstar Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras.

AMAALA Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Naples signs Polo Legend Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras as first AMAALA Brand Ambassador.

© Thomas Wirth

Argentinian polo legend to help develop world-class equestrian facilities at AMAALA Global polo star and Ralph Lauren model, Ignacio Figueras, has been named a brand ambassador for AMAALA, the ultra-exclusive…

Europe, In own affaires, Lifestyle, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, Real Estate

POLO+10: Your specialist for polo properties worldwide

24. January 2020

by Stefanie Stüting

Top real estates, the most beautiful premises, the most luxurious properties and most interesting investment objectives worldwide – POLO+10 knows the property market and is your specialist for polo properties worldwide. You are searching for a buyer of your estate? Or you would like to profit from the worldwide POLO+10 community as a real estate agent? Send us your properties and POLO+10 Real Estate will support you in selling them.

We watch with great interest what currently is happening in Portugal: The sunny country in the very west of Europe is right now evolving into the new polo hot spot in Europe. POLO+10 gives an overview of the fascinating developments and the most beautiful properties.

Portugal/Comporta – a new polo community arises

Searching for the perfect polo estate in Comporta?
Portugal is probably the most diverse and beautiful country in Europe and also one of the oldest countries in Europe. POLO+10 knows Portugal and especially the Comporta region inside out and offers you the best estates.

About an hour ́s drive due south from colourful, vibrant Lisbon, a region that so far has escaped the hectic crowds of sun-thirsty beach goers and loud party people is just waking up. Comporta is more commonly associated with “Herdade da Comporta”, the 43-kilometer-long strip of land on the Alentejo coast with its seemingly endless sandy beaches languishing under an azure blue sky and traditional white-washed cottages dotted around the unspoilt countryside. With around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Comporta has retained its vast, quiet, untouched beauty, unlike the inter- national jet set destinations on the Côte d ́Azur, Costa del Sol and Ibiza.

The potential of this Atlantic west coast region was first discovered by José Manuel Espírito Santo, descendant of a wealthy Portuguese dynasty, who first laid eyes on it from his yacht. He went ashore and shortly afterwards acquired more land in the region. When the Banco Espírito Santo, one of Portugal ́s largest banks, including its owner José Manuel, went bankrupt a few years ago some of the land was acquired by the state. Since then the region together with the seven villages of Pego, Carvalhal, Brejos, Torre, Possanco, Carrasqueira and Comporta has been gently introduced to the type of premium tourism that favours nature conservation, exclusive hotels and holiday homes. The Comporta region is a place of longing as in “saudade” from the Portuguese which implies the longing for a reunion. Endless beaches, sweeping horizons and the sea. Quietly secluded. This place of socalled longing – the new Hamptons of Portugal – has already attracted a number of prominent millionaires who are fascinated by this unique and still almost “secret” beauty spot.

In this touching and incomparable nature, both wide, flat ground as well as the perfect ground conditions offer 100% best conditions for a unique polo destination. Only a stone’s throw from the extensive beaches of Comporta, a paradise for polo enthusiasts will be created, who will find a sunny polo home and the best conditions for their sport here all year round.

This year a new polo destination is being created in Comporta, which will be relevant as a centre for the international sport of polo throughout Europe, if not the whole world. In addition to the new Polo Club, the location and landscape, geographical features and climate are perfect for the establishment of further private polo estancias, polo fields and stables. The polo horses spend the winter here perfectly and it is possible to play all year round.

Polo facts Portugal/Comporta

• Portugal is the most hospitable country in the world
• The Polo Club is located in the Comporta region, one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal
• Portugal has a long and experienced horse tradition
• The new “Hamptons” of Europe
• Best climate for man and horse all year round
• Short distance to international transport lines
• Perfect infrastructure
• Portugal is the third most peaceful country in the world
• Portugal has the most stable government in the world
• Portugal has the lowest inflation rate 2019 in Europe
• Portugal is on the radar of investors from all over the world • Tax advantages for investors and new residents
• Forbes: Alentejo is one of the most diversified and Portugal’s most irresistible landscapes
• 15 titles won at the World Tourism Award 2019
• Forbes calls Portugal “the best European country to live in”

For more information about polo in Comporta, please click here:
www.poloplus10.com/the-new-polo-mecca-in-portugal-78424/

www.poloplus10.com/portugal-calling-78016/

Are you interested in finding a polo finca in Portugal/Comporta? POLO+10 will assist you.
thomas@poloplus10.com