tournaments

Asia, Polo News

Jaipur Riding and Polo Club (JPRC) revives polo tradition

4. March 2021

Jaipur Riding and Polo Club (JPRC) reinvokes the tradition of Polo at its full sized green ground, marked by two tournaments beginning in January 2021.

For polo enthusiasts it was a welcome thrill to watch the matches after a rather long and sombre period imposed by covid. The club house too resumes full-fledged operations.

JRPC is creating opportunities for players in its home city Jaipur that has a long and regal association with the sport. It’s an affirmation of its dedication to fostering talents in Polo. Budding as well as seasoned players from Jaipur, India and overseas can learn, practice and play Polo at JRPC. The Polo packages include stick and ball, chukers, tour of the horse lines, sessions on horse management, working and feeding of the polo ponies. JRPC also helps players form teams and participate in tournaments. JRPC’s polo ponies are some of the best in the world, trained and kept fit with regular visits from professional Argentine trainers. Visiting players can rent their polo ponies too. JRPC’s own polo teams have been running under both Garcha hotels and Jaipur Polo Club for many years in England, Spain and Argentina.

Spearheaded by Col K S Garcha and the entire Garcha clan, JRPC is widening its scope of engagement and involvement with the sport and its fraternity, to foster the continuity of the game, and the community that has such a symbiotic relationship with Polo. JRPC’s pioneering step in this direction is the introduction of an inclusive paradigm that connects riders, horses, spectators and community to take the engagement with Polo beyond the confines of tournaments and polo seasons which lasts for a few best months a year, into the very fabric of their lives.

JRPC is ushering in a new wellness dimension that extends farther than the familiar fine horsemanship and sporting spirit. JRPC in partnership with Wellness Lifestyle by Christina Watson has launched Equine connect. It turns to our loyal and intelligent companions and real superstars – the horses, and their ability to influence human wellbeing. Wellness Lifestyle is a multidimensional wellness brand and company, with an impressive panel of holistic health and wellness experts from various disciplines, across the globe. https://www.wellnesslifestyle.com. Christina Watson, a much respected and seasoned wellness professional, has personally crafted an intuitive protocol, emerging from her own first-hand experience, in re-discovering the therapeutic potential of human-horse connect on the ground. With this unique element woven into its special wellness stays, JRPC ushers in a way back to a refreshing club style living, claw back to nature and to healing horses.

Accentuated by the pandemic and its devastating impact, JRPC recognises the relevance of personal health care. JRPC’s collaboration with Wellness Lifestyle facilitates proactive care amongst the players and community. JRPC gives access to polo players, friends, community and guests for wellbeing stays at the club, to help take care of their health with personalised consultations and treatments from holistic health experts, special clinics and interventions for faster recovery, healing from injuries, and improving sporting performance

JRPC’S clubhouse has spacious and tastefully appointed rooms to stay. They overlook the polo ground or the lawn and stables beyond. JRPC is conducive for long stays and for remote working with a chance to enhance health. Those seeking short or long breaks from the chaos and cacophony of cities appreciate the outdoors, chirping birds and neighing horses, colourful dawns and dusks, comfortable living spaces and a relaxed club life. Freshly cooked wholesome and delicious Rajasthani local fare or a choice of international gourmet cuisine, nutritiously balanced, is served by JRPC’s culinary associates.

Though situated just on the outskirts of Jaipur less than 10 miles from the city center, it feels like a world far away, of its own, and a charming one for that! For those who like to explore, there are excursions to Sirsi village, Amber village, Jaipur city, a jungle safari and several other options for those who stay longer. JRPC also hosts dinners and social events for discerning small groups with local cultural performances and corporate offsites.

JRPC has installed sustainable water management system, with rain water harvesting and use of gray water. It has re-emerged from a hiatus of nearly seven years due to water issues in the arid region of Rajasthan.

JRPC is launching the new format of wellbeing stays in April, but already hosting pre-launch stays and taking bookings. JPRC’s annual calendar will be published soon.

www.jaipurpolo.com

Images: JAIPUR RIDING AND POLO CLUB

Jaipur Riding and Polo Club (JPRC) reinvokes the tradition of Polo at its full sized green ground, marked by two tournaments beginning in January 2021. For polo enthusiasts it was…

Polo News

Hesketh Polo Team Wins the U.S. Polo Assn. Ladies Charity Cup 2019

4. November 2019

It was a pink day at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, as the first edition of the U.S. Polo Assn Ladies Charity Cup 2019 in association with Pink Caravan declared Hesketh Polo Team as its champion after winning against AM Polo and DPEC Saman.

This special polo event was held to promote and support the breast cancer awareness initiative by gathering the strength of women in sports. Three teams participated in round-robin games between the following teams:

Hesketh Polo: Kim Roche (-1), Lauren Dickson (-1), Pearl Venot (0), Tomas Palacios (3)
AM Polo: Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum (-1), Petra Spanko (-1), Sandra Schneider (0), Alejandro Gowland (3)

DPEC Saman: Lee Slimming (-1), Lise Bernard (-1), Alyazi Al Muhairi (-1), Maxi Malacalza (3)

The first match resulted in a 2 goal win in favour of Hesketh Polo against AM Polo team. The next game saw Hestketh Polo beat DPEC Saman with 4 goals to 1. The last match for the second and third place had AM Polo defeat DPEC Saman with 4 goals.

The afternoon was filled with free activities such as beauty treatments, clinical breast examinations, and pink pony rides for kids. Two Best Dressed Females were given prizes from Biologique Recherche, La Perle, Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel, Kitmate and Essentially Juices. Run-N-Hunt prizes for two pink coins and a pink ribbon amounted to AED 7,500 in gift items.

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to benefit Pink Caravan under the non-profit organization Friends of Cancer Patients.

Sponsors:

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.

Al Fanar Gas Services Group
AL FANAR is one of the UAE’s leading gas and oil company. Our sophisticated distribution systems provide liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG) to thousands of homes, businesses and a lot of the UAE’s most iconic projects.

Dusoul – A Brand by Dhamani
Launched by the illustrious Dhamani Group, Dusoul is a passionately crafted jewelry label from a city revered for its inimitable fervor, stands out with its innovative personality immersed with the awe-inspiring spirit of Dubai.

Biologique Recherche
The Biologique Recherche Methodology has a reputation for astounding effectiveness based on a clinical approach to beauty care using intentionally pure, concentrated, raw ingredients, as well as innovative and meticulous protocols and procedures.

Charity Partner:

Pink Caravan
Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative that falls under Friends of Cancer Patients’ umbrella “Kashf” for early detection of cancer. Launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Pink Caravan has garnered widespread recognition locally, regionally, and internationally, and therefore, has appointed ambassadors from different walks of life to promote and advocate its mission.

About the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo and Riding School 2019 – 2020 calendars for upcoming international-standard tournaments, competition and events.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

It was a pink day at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, as the first edition of the U.S. Polo Assn Ladies Charity Cup 2019 in association with Pink…

Polo News

Habtoor Polo Takes the First Trophy of the Season

4. November 2019

The Halloween Cup 2019 concluded with Habtoor Polo beating Dubai Wolves with 8 goals to 5. The subsidiary match saw Mahra Polo win with a 3 goal lead over Hesketh / AM Polo team.

The Subsidiary Final between Mahra and Hesketh / AM polo teams was one-sided from the start until the end of the 2nd chukker in favour of Mahra. Past half time, the other team was able to score in goals, but Mahra polo team kept the lead until the end of the buzzer with a final score of 8 goals to 5.

The Dubai Wolves demonstrated a strong start at the Final match as it closed 1st chukker with a 2 goal advantage over Habtoor Polo. Succeeding chukkers saw Habtoor Polo race to close in on the Wolves and reached a tied score halfway through the final chukker. Mohammed Al Habtoor broke the tie with a goal and Raja Abuljebain sealed the win for Habtoor Polo team with two consecutive goals closing in the match at 8 goals to 5.

Nassim Abu Yousef, Vice President of ASSA ABLOY Opening Securities Middle East awarded the teams. Edgardo Montoya was named the Most Valuable Player and Macho as the Best Playing Pony ridden by Mohammed Al Habtoor.

Tournament Results:

Match Date Teams Scores

25th Oct Habtoor Polo vs. Hesketh / AM Polo 8 – 5

Dubai Wolves vs. Greent Gates Polo 6 – 5

28th Oct Mahra Polo vs. Hesketh / AM Polo 6 – 5

30th Oct Habtoor Polo vs. Green Gates Polo 9 – 6

Dubai Wolves vs. Mahra Polo 9 – 4

01st Nov Mahra Polo vs. Hesketh / AM Polo 8 – 5

Habtoor Polo vs. Dubai Wolves 8 – 5

About the ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Middle East
The strength of ASSA ABLOY Opening Securities Middle East lies in its brands, which include some of the best-known and most trusted names in security. In Middle East, we are promoting a one stop solution for complete project requirements to designers and consultants. Each of its brands complement the others with its different strengths, allowing the company to offer tailored solutions for all its customers and end users within the construction market.

About the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo Calendar 2019-2020 for upcoming international-standard polo tournaments.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The Halloween Cup 2019 concluded with Habtoor Polo beating Dubai Wolves with 8 goals to 5. The subsidiary match saw Mahra Polo win with a 3 goal lead over Hesketh…

Lifestyle, Polo News, South America, Travel & Food

Polo in Brazil – The Helvetia Polo Country Club

28. October 2019

The Helvetia Polo Country Club is the epicentre of polo in Brazil.

Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Moroni, the Club inaugurated its new headquarters in 2014 in the city of Indaiatuba, near the Viracopos International Airport and less than 100 km from the capital São Paulo. Moroni’s idea in the 1970s had been to create a facility with both polo fields and condominiums. Two polo fields and a clubhouse formed the infrastructure of the Helvetia Polo Club in the late 1970s.

In search of support and assistance, Giorgio Moroni invited friends and acquaintances who already had experience in mana-
ging pole clubs to help him. Didi and Mauro Souza Aranha, Sylvio de Andrade Coutinho, José Luiz Herreros and Ronald Scott, José
Carlos Kalil, Luizinho Matarazzo, Antônio Moroni and PG Meirelles began to contribute to the development of the club. Today, the Helvetia Polo Country Club is Brazil’s most important polo club with ten of its own fields and around 20 private courts, making it a reference region for the sport of polo and home to the country’s most traditional polo tournaments with more than 200 players and 3,000 horses each year.

In addition to the major tournaments and regular club activities, the Helvetia Polo Country Club offers its members a polo school where children and adult beginners have the opportunity to learn how to play polo.

www.helvetiapolo.com.br

POLO+10 Interview with Antonio Giorgio Moroni,
grandson of club founder Giorgio Moroni:

Photo: Robson Senne

Can you please give us an overview about the history and development of the Helvetia Polo Country Club?
The club was founded in 1975 by my grandfather Giorgio Moroni with the purpose of gathering polo fields together with a condominium of houses. The club started with only two fields and few partners. Today it has 10 own fields and more than 200 members. Currently the club is the main center of the sport in the country, hosting more than 20 tournaments per year, among them the Brazilian Polo Championship and the Triple Crown of Brazil. Besides all the polo fields and structure, the club has a tennis and beach tennis court, a soccer field, a polo academy, a restaurant, one bar and a playground.

Which are the major tournaments at the Helvetia Polo Club?
The main Helvetia Polo tournaments in the first part of the season are the Brazilian Triple Crown, which consists of the Giorgio Moroni Cup (4, 12 and 20 goals), the Helvetia Open (4, 12 and 20 goals) and the State of São Paulo Open (4, 12 and 24 goals). In the second part oft he season the Brazilian Polo Championship are played – also in three modes: 4, 8 and 16 goals.

How many horses and active players has the HPCC?
The club already welcomed until August 2019 around 200 players taking part in the tournaments. They already played more than 1,500 horses in the club this year. In whole Brazil there are arond 500 players.

How much is a polo lesson and how many different polo classes are you offering?
The polo lessons take place here in the club and cost around USD 100 per class. Usually two to three lessons per week are offered. In the beginning, the coach works on the relationship between horse and rider. After that he begins with the stick & ball training on our wooden horse. Then the players get on the horse and into the saddle. The club coach is called Gilberto “Pateta” Rodrigues. He is an experienced teacher and a former 5-goal-player.

How many chukkers are played at the club per year?
Matches are usually held in 6 chukkers (2 goals tournaments are played in 4 chukkers and 4 goals tournaments in 5). In 2018 Helvetia hosted a total of 24 tournaments and 308 games. And also a lot of practices matches.

How many polo fields and stables do you have at Helvetia Polo Country Club?
Helvetia has 10 fields, 2 in its main social clubhouse and another 8 in a place called Helvetia Village. In addition, Indaiatuba, the city where the club is located, has more than 25 private fields. The club has 104 stables that can be rented by the players per day, month or season. The monthly price is approximately USD 65 (just for the space, the player must have his own groom). Most of the players have their own stables, some with attached fields – and some of them also rent some stables.

What are your aims for the club in the near future?
It is important to maintain and try to be continuously improving the quality of our fields and tournaments in order to always be the reference and the center of polo in Brazil. And of course to attract the best players of Brazil and from all over the World. We also want to gain more players for our sport and improve our polo classes. We are also investing in the club and social infrastructure to be attractive for the polo player’s families and polo fans.

Is there a major difference between polo in Brazil and in other countries?
One of the main differences of polo in Brazil is, that unlike to some of other polo places, especially regarding Europe, we play polo throughout the year. The Helvetia Polo season runs from March to October and we still have competitions in the south of the country between November and February. Also comparing to Europe, the polo here is easier to access and cheaper to play. Another important point is that we have a lot of good amateur and professional Brazilian players playing here. This year, as an example, we held a tournament of 20 handicap goals, the Giorgio Moroni Cup, with a total of 10 teams and only two foreign players. This shows the strength and quality of our players.

The Helvetia Polo Country Club is the epicentre of polo in Brazil. Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Moroni, the Club inaugurated its new headquarters in 2014 in the city of…