Autumn 2023 by Hurlingham Polo Magazine

POLO

AUTUMN 2023

SHEER DELIGHT

An exhibition of recent sculpture by

Nic Fiddian Green February – March 2024 Wellington, Florida

For further information, please contact: nfg@sladmore.com | www.nicfiddiangreen.com

HURLINGHAM THE AUTUMN ISSUE

CONTENTS 0 7_ P O N Y L I N E S

6 6 _M A N A B O U T T O W N

The latest polo news, including game results from around the word

How Griswold Lorillard, a young society man in the US, became the catalyst for the very first Westchester Cup held in 1886

14 _ F R O M T H E G R O U N D U P How Greg Glue grew Polo Splice from a small business in a stable to a limited company serving the polo community worldwide 16 _O N T H E B A L L Professional umpire Julian Appleby discusses officiating the most prestigious high-goal polo games around the world

O N T H E C O V E R , F R O M L E F T : A L E J A N D R O M U Z Z I O A N D P O L I T O P I E R E S C E L E B R A T I N G T H E I R Q U E E N ’ S C U P V I C T O R Y. T H E A R T O F P O L O . T H I S PA G E : T H E A R T O F P O L O / H U R L I N G H A M P O L O A S S O C I AT I O N

18 _ CLOSE CONNECTION Nick Clarke describes Friend’s Polo, a venture that brings friends and families closer together through the sport 2 0 _P E R F E C T F I T The U.S. Polo Assn. brand will again serve as official apparel partner for the Federation of International Polo’s top events 22 _T H E E N D O F A N E R A Justo Santamarina pays tribute to the late Juan Carlos Harriott, a polo legend who left his mark on the game 2 4 _P R A C T I C E M A K E S P R O G R E S S Charlie Froggatt looks at how player training is made more

accessible through the efforts of the International Polo Academy 26 _W I N N I N G A G A I N S T T H E O D D S Simon Arber on how it takes more than just money to achieve success on the polo field – a good team dynamic is key 3 0 _ O F F T H E B E AT E N T R A C K Alston Beinhorn describes a polo experience like no other at a retreat in the heart of the Mongolian mountains

Tommy Beresford holding the Coronation Cup

3 6 _ FAMILY AFFAIR Ali Albwardy reflects on his journey with polo – from sand to grass – even founding a club of his own 4 2 _ A F LY I N G S TA R T

S H O W M E D I A Editorial

H U R L I N G H A M M AG A Z I N E

Rosie Vestey has been involved in Pony Club as a mother, now as

Managing Director Peter Howarth

Publisher Roderick Vere Nicoll

a grandmother and explains why it is a springboard for young players

1-2 Ravey Street, London EC2A 4QP

Executive Editor Peter Howarth

+ 44 (0) 20 3222 0101

Editor Jemima Wilson

info@show.london show.london

Designer Jason Morris

4 6 _P U S H I T T O T H E L I M I T Jemima Wilson speaks to Andrey Borodin about all types of horsepower and high-goal polo success

Chief Copy Editor Holly Quayle H U R L I N G H A M M E D I A Sales

Copy Editor Polly Rappaport

+44 (0) 771 483 6102

Contributing Photographer

A round-up of the action from the summer season, including

magazine@hurlinghampolo.com;

Tony Ramirez

reports from the Coronation Cup, the Gold Cup, the

hurlinghampolo.com

Queen’s Cup, the French Open and the Jockey Club Open

Printing Gemini Press; gemini-press.co.uk

5 3_A C T I O N

If you would like to unsubscribe or change your postal address, please send an email with your old and new address to magazine@hurlinghampolo.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. All the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press. The HURLINGHAM Polo magazine (ISSN 1750-0486) is published by Hurlingham Media. The magazine is designed and produced on behalf of Hurlingham Media by Show Media Ltd. The products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by or connected with the publisher. The editorial opinions expressed in this publication are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Hurlingham magazine welcomes feedback from readers: magazine@hurlinghampolo.com. Hurlingham is compliant with GDPR regulations.

follow @hurlinghampolo

HURLINGHAM

FOREWORD generation of his family take up the game. Andrey Borodin speaks about his passion for all types of horsepower and his formula for a successful high-goal team. Finally, in Features, if you are looking for some exotic polo see what Alston Beinhorn has to say about playing in Mongolia. In the Action, read how England won the King’s Coronation Cup against the Commonwealth. The team was captained by Tommy Beresford who also won the Gold Cup playing for UAE. If you want to see the next generation in full force, read the report on the Jockey Club Open where Poroto Cambiaso teamed up with his cousins the Castagnolas, to dominate the opposition. David Paradice had the best seat in the house. On a personal level, I had the pleasure of playing Friend’s Polo (page 18) where my teammates were + 50 years younger than me. It was great fun! I hope you enjoy the Autumn issue.

RODERICK VERE NICOLL PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTORS

J E M I M A W I L S O N is the editor

Having lived internationally and

A L I C E G I P P S has been involved

With degrees in Art History and

of Hurlingham. She is a freelance

played polo for over 40 years as a

with polo for over 20 years through

Anthropology, photographer A L I N E

luxury editor and consultant, and

local player in the US, UK, Singapore,

her photography, writing articles and

C O Q U E L L E is always travelling

is contributing editor at Gentleman’s

Australia, Malaysia, Brunei, India and

training youngsters. She also enjoys

the world. Her photography has been

Journal, specialising in writing about

Mongolia, A L S T O N B E I N H O R N

playing the sport with her string of

commissioned by luxury brands and

cars, travel, watches, style and art.

is a long-term breeder of polo ponies

homebreds during the UK summer

published in the most prestigious

A passionate equestrian, she has

in Texas. He is currently developing

seasons, and working within polo

publications. She devotes her time

been surrounded by horses all her

his own polo breeding, training and

often takes her travelling abroad

to fine-art photography, worldwide

life. She started playing polo around

playing facility near Houston, TX.

during the winter months.

assignments and books. Her work

three years ago.

sanysidropolo.com

often supports philanthropic causes.

hurlinghampolo.com

MIKE GARRARD; © ALINE COQUELLE

This has been an exciting summer of polo. Once again, the “Next Generation” has dominated the playing fields. However, there was an exception in the Queen’s Cup where a grandmother won with three veterans. On the cover, we have Alejandro Muzzio and Polito Pieres celebrating their Queen’s Cup victory. Have a look in Ponylines and the Action to discover how Murus Sanctus won the Queen’s Cup. Putting together winning teams is an art. In Opinion, Simon Arber describes how he has been able to win the Royal Windsor (the toughest medium-goal tournament) four times. You will be surprised to see that some other amateurs have won it a number of times as well. One of the most successful organisations in the past 20 years around the world and at all levels is Dubai. Ali Albwardy reflects on how he and his sons have won so many tournaments. He is looking forward to watching the next

welcome to st barth

22 unique, independent, self-standing ultra-comfortable Villa Suites. Each one offering a private pool, large terrace and overlooking wonderful Toiny Bay.

Le Toiny - Anse de Toiny, 97133 St. Barthélemy, French West Indies - (00 59) 0590 27 88 88 - www.letoiny.com - reservations@letoiny.com

hotelletoinystbarth

U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to extend our partnership with the Federation of International Polo as the Official Apparel Supplier!

@USPOLOASSN | USPOLOASSNGLOBAL.COM

PONYLINES

ONE TO WATCH CYRIL LIGNAC

Cyril Lignac playing in Chantilly during the Spring Cup 4/6-goal tournament in April 2023. Below: Lignac in his first London restaurant, Bar des Prés

WORDS: JEMIMA WILSON. IMAGES: JUSTINE JACQUEMOT; ©GERALDINE

Cyril Lignac is a man of many talents. In France, he is a household name as a chef, having established his eponymous restaurant group there in 2005, and he is now the owner and chef of various French restaurants, including Le Quinzième; Le Chardenoux, a bistro in the 11th arrondissement of Paris; another bistro located in the Saint-Germaindes-Prés district, Aux Prés; and two pastry shops, La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac. He opened his first restaurant in London, Bar des Prés, on Mayfair’s Albemarle Street in 2021. Growing up in the French countryside in a town between Toulouse and Montpellier, he later moved to Paris, where he worked in the three Michelin-starred restaurant Arpège, under Alain Passard. He trained as both a pastry chef and a regular chef, because he felt he simply couldn’t pick between the two.

Lignac started playing polo 10 years ago while he was participating in show jumping, and he now has a 0-goal handicap and plays in tournaments at 10-goal level. ‘I was offered an invitation to polo, and I immediately liked the team nature of the sport, and took the time to learn how to play,’ he says. ‘Polo

follow @hurlinghampolo

is special for me because, above all, it represents a team sport that can be played between friends, and it is a certain art of living. There is technique and there is elegance in polo.’ When asked what the perfect game of polo is for him, he replied, ‘The perfect game of polo takes place in Argentina. It’s a friendly match with Pablo Mac Donough, Facundo Llorente and Lucas Nottin. And of course, an asado after the game!’ His most memorable game was watching the Open final in Buenos Aires last year, when Adolfo Cambiaso won alongside his son Poroto. ‘They went down in history together. We also had a lunch at La Dolfina organised by my friend Pablo Mac Donough. At the table, it was incredible, a timeless moment shared with Adolfo, Poroto and Pelon!’

PONYLINES

POLO FOR THE CURE The second edition of Polo For The Cure, a women’s charity 12-16 goal event, took place in early July 2023. The event began with the women players parading from Piazza del Popolo along Via del Corso in Rome, accompanied by the fanfara of equestrian band the Carabinieri a Cavello. Teams played at the Acquedotto Romano Polo Club, located at the last stop of Rome’s Metro C subway, with the final match taking place in front of over 600 people. The proceeds of the event went to the Komen Italia Breast Cancer Foundation. The US Ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, threw the first ball, and the final was won by a significant margin by the Nicava team, captained by Kristina Wiedelmann against the valiant US team captained by Julia Kline. Ending the day, celebratory fireworks took place to honour the US Independence Day.

THE FIRST POLO N AT I O N S C U P 8

FLAMINIA CUTURI; R&B PRESSE/ADÈLE RENAULDON

Launched by the Fédération Française de Polo and the Polo Club de Chantilly, the first Polo Nations Cup was a great success. This first and “young” Nations’ Cup is destined to become a major event. Its concept has already won over a number of new nations, who have signified their interest in taking part next year, the Olympic year. Eight teams took part over 10 days of games and the magnificent final was won by PACA France, a team made up of four young players, all of French training. This first final pitted France against South Korea, a young polo federation eager to develop the sport in its country and position itself on the international polo map, but Korea had to contend with an ambitious young French team, who took control of the game right from the start with a goal from Dorian Bulteau. It was in the fourth chukka that the team in blue broke the deadlock, thanks mainly to a collective effort (all French players scored today). MVP Julien Reynes said: ‘It really is above all a team victory, as this was a team tournament, we played all our games as a foursome and we won all our victories as a foursome.’

hurlinghampolo.com

GENGHIS KHAN RETREAT

JOIN US

ACTIVITIES

August,2024 4-6 Goal Tournament in the Mongolian Steppe

Mountain Biking

WELLNESS

ARCHERY

@genghiskhanretreat

www.genghiskhanretreat.com

PONYLINES

DUBAI’S WIN IN SOTOGRANDE After an emotional final in Los Pinos, Sotogrande, Dubai became champion of the 22-goal Copa de Oro for a second time, beating MB Polo 9 to 8. While the start had been favourable for the MB Polo team, who returned to Sotogrande after four years, Dubai was gradually getting back to its best form, finding its strongest play in the fifth chukka, with three unanswered goals that put them in front on the scoreboard. In the final chukka, despite MB Polo’s attempts to close the gap, Dubai held the difference of one goal, following goals scored by Camilo Castagnola and Pablo Mac Donough. They celebrated their two-time championship, something that has not happened in the Copa de Oro in Sotogrande since Dubai achieved the same feat in 2016.

HOOKED ON POLO CORINNE RICARD

HOWARD HIPWOOD The polo world is mourning the loss of one of England’s greatest polo players, Howard Hipwood, who sadly passed away on 6 June 2023. Howard played off a handicap of 9 goals for more than 10 successive years and was regarded as one of the best backs in the world. An England captain from 1992, he played in the Coronation Cup 21 times. He was also part of England’s 1997 winning Westchester Cup team; won all England’s major high-goal tournaments; and later became an umpire, voted 2006’s Best Professional Umpire in England.

hurlinghampolo.com

I started show jumping competitions aged 10, competing in regional then national events. One of my mares won the World Championship with Frédéric Cottier. I then got married and stopped show jumping. Being around horses is still my preferred lifestyle, and I started playing polo around 15 years ago, first at Hubert Perrodo’s Labégorce in Bordeaux with Carlos Gracida, Pepe and Horacito Heguy, and Gaston Laulhe, then at Ruso Heguy’s in Chapaleufú. I now play against their children, and my grandchildren are starting to show jump. I like playing 22-goal polo for many reasons: it is less dangerous than lower levels, the teamwork is more sophisticated and the horses are paramount, which I find great pleasure in. I follow genetics, sires, embryos and clones. I breed in Argentina and follow La Rural, an annual agricultural and livestock show held in Palermo, Buenos Aires, with a passion. When I told Polito Pieres in June that I thought that he would be going to 10 goals, he just said he was going to have to buy more horses. This is the world of horses at its best, as even low-goal amateurs can participate in high-goal polo. I do not pretend to play well; I scored six goals in the Queen’s Cup because the passes that I received were works of art. I am conscious that a team may have a sort of emotional existence that one can build upon to liberate energy. Talent in players is necessary, but there are many ways to work as a team, and exert the effort needed to win. Some patrons will apply pressure, or specialise in under-handicapped players, or have no limits in buying horses or the more obvious best players. I like nurturing togetherness to the point that, when we won the final, we had 30 people in tears, even the vet, the coach, the grooms, Polito, Cacu and Ale.

M AT I A S C A L L E J O ; PA B L O R A M I R E Z ; I M A G E S O F P O L O

‘When grandmothers win the Queen’s Cup, some explanation has to be given,’ says Corinne Ricard, winner of the 2023 Queen’s Cup

WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE

whites 2.0

A performance white like no other made with 4-way stretch ISKO ultra dry fabric that keeps you cool and includes an inner grip panel to reduce friction. Professional Polo Player Hope Arellano

Moisture-Wicking Performance Fabric

360˚ Stretch for Ultimate Player Mobility

Rubber Saddle Gripping Gusset at the Inside Leg

25% off CODE: USPAPro25

uspapro.com

SHOP NOW

PONYLINES

CHUKKAS In July, the Princess of Wales watched her husband William play in the 12th Royal Charity Polo Cup on the Castle Ground in Windsor. Over the years more than £12 million has been raised for the causes William and Kate support, with the Game of Kings as a backdrop.

The 36th Annual Harriman Cup, featuring alumni from Yale and the University of Virginia was played on 9 September at the Meadow Brook Polo Club at the Bethpage State Park. Former 10-goaler and 1987 Yale graduate Adam Snow was honoured with the 2023 Harriman Cup Award.

SADDLE UP WITH… P O L I TO P I E R E S

Aspen Snowmass is the official sponsor of the 130th Open of The Hurlingham Club. The finals will be played at The Hurlingham Club on 7 October. The APP has changed the order of the Triple Crown

C O U N T RY: A R G E N T I N A H A N D I CA P: 10 ( E N G L A N D ): 9 ( A R G E N T I N A & U S A )

with the Hurlingham Open being played before 12

the Tortugas Open.

In May, at the La Carona Polo Club in the province of Buenos Aires, France won the inaugural FIP Arena Polo Championship by beating the USA in extra time 9-8. Uruguay defeated Austria for third

When and where did you start to play professional polo? My uncle Stefan Panelo took me to play my first professional tournament in Austria when I was 18. It was a late start for me, but I will always be grateful to Stefan for that first opportunity.

Who do you respect most in polo? There are many, many people I respect in polo. Nacho Novillo Astrada is one of them. Nick Manifold has always been there for me and helped me a lot throughout my career, as has Los Machitos.

Which pony has been your favourite and why? Choosing one favourite is not easy! But if I have to choose one for all time, maybe Rolinga, who was not my best pony, but he was with me for many years, and I achieved my first Gold Cup win with him in 2012. He played unbelievably in that tournament. He was special throughout my career. We have now retired him and he is enjoying a quieter life. My favourite pony currently is Discente, who played the quarters, semis and finals of the Queen’s Cup, and she was brilliant.

Do you have your own breed of ponies or do you just buy the best? I’ve spent a lot of money buying horses over the years, for the Argentine Open and to play in the USA and England. For the past two or three years I also started

What made winning the Queen’s Cup for the second time so special? This year it was the most difficult season ever in England. There were so many good teams playing, and it was my first time playing for Murus Sanctus.

place. Six nations competed; Argentina, Austria, France, Morocco, USA and Uruguay.

What makes polo special for you? For me it’s my whole life, because all my family play, and we are used to travelling around the world to play.

The third Polo Rider Cup was played in SaintTropez in June. Exclusive content of the 28 games was delivered to 45 broadcasters and platforms. The stars of the show were 13-year-old Pedro and 15-year-old MVP Lorenzo Chavanne, who won with their father Santiago, and Nicky Sen.

The White Birch Polo Team was founded by Peter Brant in 1979. He played for 38 years, reached a 7-goal handicap, and won all the major tournaments in the USA. His son Christopher has announced his retirement, and as result, White Birch will not be fielding a team in the 2024 season.

breeding a lot, and I hope in the next few years I will have my home-breds playing in the Open, in Palm Beach and England. I’m really excited as the results are looking good.

hurlinghampolo.com

PONYLINES

IBERIAN POLO TOUR Three editions of the Iberian Polo tour are organised throughout the year – Spring, Summer and Autumn editions – played at a very competitive level on some of the best fields in the world; the Santa Maria Polo Fields (known as ‘Los Pinos’); Ayala and Dos Lunas. The aim of the tour is to take advantage of the amazing weather and fields in Iberia during these months. It is not only about playing polo, but the social side of it is also very important, with celebrations for team presentations, dinners, events and asados. Horse rentals for teams can also be organised for all levels, as well as players, transport and accommodation.

TOURNAMENT OF H.H. THE MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR IN ASILAH, MOROCCO The latest international tournament to be held in Morocco was the Tournament of H.H. the Maharaja of Jodhpur in Asilah IMAGES OF POLO; @ANDES_AGENCY; PABLO RAMIREZ; ANKUR MISHRA

at the PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club. Organised by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès (below right), founder of the PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, in honour of His Highness Gaj Singh II Maharaja of Jodhpur (below left), it was played from August 28 to 31, 2023. There were four countries representing four continents: India for Asia, the Kingdom of Morocco for Africa, the Czech Republic for Europe and the USA for America. The

LOVE OF MY LIFE BY PABLO MACDONOUGH

competition also saw His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh Maharaja of Jaipur take part. India emerged as the winner.

PONY’S NAME: KIOSQUERA SEX: MARE ORIGIN: ARGENTINA Kiosquera is from the La Irenita breeding line, by Escriba Sensación and Irenita Golosa. She is so good that you kind of forget you are riding a horse while you play her, as she understands everything I want to do. She’s very special to me as she’s extremely handy, and that’s the main thing I like from horses. My plan for her, so far, is to keep her in England and then bring her back to Argentina. This summer I think she won eight Best Playing Pony awards, including in the Queen’s Cup Final, Indian Empire Shield Final and in the Copa de Oro. She is definitely among the best ponies I have ever had.

follow @hurlinghampolo

TA L K

FROM THE GROUND UP 14

Polo Splice company secretary Kim Phillips tells the story of Greg Glue, who grew the business, from setting it up in a stable to becoming a limited company serving the polo community worldwide

Tucked away between Ambersham and Midhurst polo fields, Polo Splice has been based at Cowdray Park for some 35 years, making and repairing polo mallets. Greg was involved in polo from a very young age, as his mother, Vi Glue, was a groom in the UK and America. He also started out as a groom and played polo in the UK and USA, working winters in Florida and summers in the UK. While in Florida, a friend had a polo mallet business in Wellington, and Greg would go over in the afternoons and give a helping hand. On returning to the UK, he started to repair a few mallets as a sideline, as during the mid-1980s it could take anything up to six months to get his own mallets fixed. Initially setting up in a stable, within a couple of years he got inundated with mallet repairs until it became impossible to play polo and grow the business at the same time. He had reduced the repair time down from six months to six weeks – these days repair turnaround is six days or fewer, depending on the queue. For many years Greg travelled to Malaysia and Indonesia sourcing the special rattan semi-processed raw cane used to produce polo mallets. However, now we have such a good rapport with these suppliers we no longer have to make that journey, they know our requirements and keep specially

selected good canes to one side. These days most mallet companies are using the same suppliers, so we all cross paths. In 2007, Polo Splice became a limited company with four employees on a yearround basis. From 1992 we also started to build up our tack inventory to run alongside the mallet business, and this has also been very successful – first with a mobile van, then on to a much larger purpose-built truck and trailer, driving around the country attending various clubs and events. The main event takes place in July at Cowdray Gold Cup, supplying all polo equipment, from English leather bridles, saddles, bits, helmets, polo whites, gloves and other items from the UK, USA and Argentina. We also carry everything you would need for the stables, right down to basic cleaning products. We have always prided ourselves in providing a high-quality service with a quick turnaround on all new mallets and mallet repairs. Our mallet repairs are quality checked before leaving the shop to ensure they are returned to the customer as good as new. Having four team members allows for the quick service. Setting up our website, polosplice.co.uk, was a great thing, allowing customers to order directly online. We also brought in our new Online Polo Mallet Configurator, which allows customers to design their own mallets, from the colour of the tape/slings to fancy designs on the mallet heads, which can be done from anywhere in the world. Everything we sell is by no means restricted to the UK, we ship mallets all over the world and offer competitive shipping prices. We have been sending mallets to the USA within 10 days of ordering and many into Europe and the Middle East, operating a year-round service. We welcome visitors to stop by our shop to discuss their requirements.

Left: the Polo Splice shop in Little Todham stocks a wide range of polo accessories. Opposite: Polo Splice founder Greg Glue in the brand’s mallet workshop

hurlinghampolo.com

TA L K

MARK BEAUMONT

follow @hurlinghampolo

TA L K

ON THE BALL Professional umpire Julian Appleby describes what it’s like to umpire the most prestigious high-goal polo games around the world

hurlinghampolo.com

TA L K

I have been a professional umpire since 2001, and since then I have had the privilege and honour to have been all over the globe. The pinnacle for me was 2015, when I was invited to Argentina by the AAP to work alongside a fantastic group of umpires, including our own Peter Wright who, the year before, became the first non-Argentine umpire to officiate the final in Palermo. A great achievement for Peter. I also officiated finals in Hurlingham and Palermo, which I will never forget. The atmosphere at Palermo is like nothing I have ever experienced before; I have been very fortunate to have umpired in many arenas in many countries, but nothing compares to a final in Palermo. It was also the third Triple Crown that La Dolfina had won, so to be there for that historic season made it even more memorable.

IMAGES OF POLO

A SMALLER GROUP OF HIGH-GOAL U M P I R E S C R E AT E S A REAL FEELING OF CAMARADERIE AND TOGETHERNESS I have now moved to the United States and call it home. Until this year, I travelled to the UK for the season there. I have had some of the best times in the UK: a smaller group of high-goal umpires creates a real feeling of camaraderie and togetherness, which you really need in the job of professional high-goal umpiring. This will be my first missed UK season since I started this career. The most interesting thing for me is the difference in players’ attitudes when umpiring in the US for the first four months of the calendar year, to then umpire the same personalities a few weeks later on the fields in the UK. I get the feeling the players have a certain respect for the HPA – the history and grandeur of playing on the Queen’s Ground in a league, semi-final or even in the final of the Queen’s Cup. It has a very

different atmosphere to playing in BA, all the more unique to Guards Polo Club. And then on to the Gold Cup on the magnificent fields at Cowdray. Lawns 1 on Semi-Finals day is one of the most fantastic days anyone can have. And if your heart can take it, Finals day goes a step further. I am fairly sure that after the Argentine Open, this is the one the top players want their names engraved on. Rules are a wee bit different, too. In the UK we use one set of rules, almost the same as Argentina. In the US, there are many variances that clubs can use: whether to defend penalty 3s, riding into a full shot as long as you are shoulder-to-shoulder and at the same speed, substitutions and the challenge, which I will return to next. Instead of a fair play dropped ball, umpires will line up the teams as a normal throw-in and give the ball back to the team last in an uncontested position, with the ball playing to the second bell or horn in the last chukka. Also new this season is the buzzer beater, which is the same as in Argentina. Clubs can use any of these variances with the permission of the USPA. So, if there is a challenge in the Gauntlet of Polo, there must be in place at least three different camera positions, and a team can challenge, once per game, an umpire call or ball placement. This is sent to the third man, who will check all the different camera angles. If the call is overruled, then the team will keep their challenge. If the game goes to an extra chukka, another challenge is given to the teams. The process has become a lot quicker now that the third man has the tools to make the correct decision fieldside, instead of going to a studio with an instant replay official, which had been the case up until this year. There are many more professional umpires here in the US, as one would expect. These umpires are self-employed as in the UK, and run by Umpire’s LLC, headed by Fergus Gould, the UK’s equivalent of chief umpire. It is an extremely busy year, and an umpire would normally start the calendar year in either Florida or in California. A pro umpire is more likely than not to be working for 11 months straight. When I’m not working, I have an interest in falconry, and like to play golf when time allows.

follow @hurlinghampolo

LIFE OFF THE POLO FIELD As a hobby, I am a general falconer. This takes two years as an apprentice with a sponsor. You have to trap a juvenile red-tailed hawk, such as Grace (pictured). You then have to train with the bird. The next step is to actively hunt with it for five months, after which you can release it, or keep it for however long. I released Grace after five months, as she was a great hunting bird. Unfortunately, 70 per cent of juvenile birds don’t survive their first year, mainly due to humans. They get shot or hit by traffic, and poisoning is also a major factor. Falconry is very strictly regulated here in the US.

Opposite: Julian Appleby umpiring a game at Guards Polo Club, 2021

TA L K

CLOSE CONNECTION Nick Clarke explains how the Friend’s Polo venture is a feel-good experience that brings friends and families closer together, and builds confidence in young players

Friend’s Polo was played for the fourth year this summer, hosting a series of challenges where patrons and professionals came together to enjoy competitive, open polo. José Donoso and his wife, Elina Blaquier, founded Friend’s Polo in 2017. On noticing how opportunities to enjoy polo with friends and family were dwindling, Donoso decided to create a space where parents could play alongside their children, and friends could compete among each other – a style of playing where the score is secondary and

quality time spent among horses and loved ones is paramount. What I like most about it is that you can organise games exactly when you want, with the people you want to play with, and on the field you want to play on. So you can schedule it at a really nice time – without being told you have to play in the rain on a Monday, for example! It’s also done in a spirit where you can be competitive, as there are proper umpires, so the rules are abided by, and there is an ambulance, so it’s all done in

hurlinghampolo.com

a safe environment, but as it’s with friends, it can also be a bit instructional – all the games are filmed for instructional purposes – and you can help each other with your game and different plays. All my games took place at Great Trippetts Farm Ground 1 in West Sussex, and warm weather and impeccable fields meant the challenges were sporting and the post-game social events were fun. Friend’s Polo proved once again that the clubhouse camaraderie many players pine for can be

A L I C E G I P P S ; VA N E S S A TAY L O R

TA L K

revived – without sacrificing playing level. It really is a lovely experience, where you can invite other people to join, and it’s good for business, as you can make it like a special occasion, where you can invite business associates and get to know people better in a positive and friendly environment. It has really helped me in my polo in many ways, as you can practice different scenarios, and at the end of it, you can all get together, meet new people, have something to eat and drink and enjoy a presentation. Awards are presented after each fixture, with competitors taking home prizes provided by Frangipani Style, Polo Splice and Weyborne Wines. It is amazing to play alongside professionals such as Donoso; Gold Cup winner Tommy Beresford; Queen’s Cup winner Cacu Araya; MVP of the Coronation Cup Chris MacKenzie; and former captain of England James Beim, as well as friends including Musab Al Wandawi, Khalid Al Omran, Rayyan Al Ajaji and Rico Richert, among others. The stars of the show were undoubtedly my 13-year-old son Orson Clarke and 13-year-old Leon Donoso, along with 10-year-old Andino Donoso. Friend’s Polo has definitely helped my son Orson to build his confidence and play better polo and ride better. As the play is generally open, we’re not crashing into other people and it’s not intimidating, which often happens in competitive polo. It’s about the quality of ballskills, reading the game and passing the ball to each other, which is much more enjoyable than a war of attrition or tactical game. Friend’s Polo will continue its international circuit in Argentina, with specialised polo weeks and tournaments, including their defining event, where two parent-child duos couple up to win the ultimate Friend’s Polo title. The polo school, for riders of all ages, will also be active throughout the Argentine spring season. Donoso’s stance on the game of polo is as alluring as it is admirable, with Friend’s Polo providing a version of the sport that enriches the family as a whole and builds a supportive community around a shared love of horses – it’s a true gem of a venture. @friendspolo

IT’S ABOUT THE QUALIT Y O F B A L L-S K I L L S , R E A D I N G THE GAME AND PASSING THE BALL TO EACH OTHER, WHICH I S M U C H M O R E E N J O YA B L E T H A N A WA R O F AT T R I T I O N

Opposite: On flying form, Orson followed by his father Nick Clarke. This page, from top: Maxi Fernandez, Andino, José and Leon Donoso, Nick Clarke and Tommy Beresford; Chris MacKenzie, Nick and Orson Clarke, José and Leon Donoso, Maxi Fernandez, Andino Donoso and Roderick Vere Nicoll

follow @hurlinghampolo

TA L K

PERFECT FIT The global, sport-inspired U.S. Polo Assn. brand will once again serve as official apparel partner for the Federation of International Polo’s top events

DAVID LOMINSKA; JENNIFER LORENZINI

hurlinghampolo.com

TA L K

Opposite: Nico Escobar in the final of the World Cup at the National Polo Center. Below, from left: Gaia Bulgari, Clarissa Marggraf, Marie Haupt, Eva Brühl, Svenja Hölty and Piero Dillier at the FIP Ladies European Championships

Polo is a lifestyle for many, and whether you are a top player, keen amateur, or a social follower of polo for pure admiration of the game, your clothing on and off the field says a lot about your passion for the sport. Plus, it can help you to play and feel at your best. Recently, having once again supported the Gold Cup at Cowdray for the third consecutive year as the Official Apparel Sponsor, USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) announced the U.S. Polo Assn. brand (the official brand of the USPA), has extended its global partnership with the Federation of International Polo (FIP) until 2026. True to the heritage of the brand, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to support polo around the world, and the extension of this strategic partnership between FIP and U.S. Polo Assn. represents the strong alliance that has thrived since the partnership’s inception in 2015, marking a continued commitment to its global promotion of the sport. ‘We’re looking forward to continuing our strategic relationship with FIP over the next four years,’ said J. Michael Prince, president & CEO of USPAGL, the company that manages and oversees the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. ‘This meaningful partnership underscores our continued efforts to help grow the sport of polo around the world and aligns with our strategy as a brand to authentically connect with our global markets as we continue to execute our aggressive international growth strategies.’ In 2022 the shared vision of FIP, the USPA and U.S. Polo Assn. culminated in the historic XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship, held at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington. The 2022 FIP tournament was only the second time in history the competition was

held in the United States, and was its first time being broadcast on ESPN to millions of households around the world. As the Official Apparel Partner for top FIP events, U.S. Polo Assn. will continue to support the sport’s leading events, including the FIP World Polo Championship, FIP European Polo Championship, FIP Ladies World Polo Championship, and FIP Ladies

THIS MEANINGFUL PAR TNERSHIP UNDERSCORES OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO HELP GROW THE SPORT OF POLO

follow @hurlinghampolo

European Polo Championship, as well as supply custom performance jerseys for all teams, alongside other apparel items such as hats and shirts, for players and officials. This partnership will also encompass brand support for the highly anticipated Ambassador Cups, set to take place this year in Brazil and Italy; the FIP Arena Polo World Championship; as well as other international polo events, such as potential Olympic Exhibition Games. ‘We are thrilled by this renewed partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and their continued support of the sport of polo, which goes far beyond supplying jerseys and gear for our players,’ said Piero Dillier, chairman of FIP. ‘With the support of U.S. Polo Assn., we are now able to reach so many new polo fans globally through ESPN. This is a dream come true for us, and we are excited to use this platform to help broaden interest, access and exposure to polo around the world.’

TA L K

THE END OF AN ERA 22

Justo Santamarina pays tribute to Juan Carlos Harriott, whose remarkable career and achievements will forever be celebrated

hurlinghampolo.com

P E P E S A N TA M A R I N A

TA L K

The polo world is mourning the loss of an icon, Juan Carlos Harriott, who passed away on September 11, 2023. We bid farewell to a legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on October 28, 1936, in Coronel Suárez, Argentina, Juan Carlos Harriott was destined for greatness in the world of polo. He hailed from a family with a deep-rooted passion for the sport, and his early exposure to the game ignited a lifelong commitment to excellence. He married Susana Cavanagh and they had two daughters. Harriott’s journey to becoming a polo icon began on the fields of Argentina. He exhibited extraordinary talent and dedication from a young age, quickly rising through the ranks in polo. His exceptional horsemanship and strategic prowess made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. One of the defining moments of Harriott’s career came in 1957 when he led the Coronel Suárez polo team to victory in the prestigious Palermo Open, the most coveted title in polo. This historic win marked the beginning of an era of Argentinian dominance in international polo. With Harriott at the forefront as captain and inspiration to his teammates, they won 10 Argentine Opens in a row, and achieved a total of 20 Open victories. Throughout his illustrious career, Harriott achieved numerous accolades – he led the Argentine team to four Copa Américas. His ability to read the game, work seamlessly with his teammates and connect with the horses set him apart as a true polo maestro. Indeed, he held a 10-goal handicap for 25 years in a row. Off the field, Harriott was a charismatic figure who inspired both seasoned players and newcomers with his love for the horses and the camaraderie of the polo community. He was not just a polo player but a cultural ambassador for the sport, spreading a passion for polo to all corners of the world. In 1976 he was named Argentine Sportsman of the Year and was awarded the ‘Olimpia de Oro’ while in 1984 he won the International Fair Play Prize in Paris. The world of polo has lost a luminary, but Juan Carlos Harriott’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the championships he won, and the enduring impact he had on polo.

Opposite: Colonel Suárez, Argentine Open winners, 1957. From left: Bertil Andhino Grahn, Enrique Alberdi, Juan Carlos Harriott Snr and Juan Carlos Harriott Jr (the latter’s first Open win). A young Alfredo Harriott joins the celebration. Left: Juan Carlos, aged 18. Below: Juan Carlos with his wife Susana Cavanagh

HIS EXCEPTIONAL HORSEMANSHIP AND S T R AT E G I C P R O W E S S M A D E H I M A F O R C E TO BE RECKONED WITH ON THE FIELD Juan Carlos Harriott’s name will forever be etched in polo history. He was a sportsman, a leader and an inspiration to generations of polo enthusiasts. As we remember his unparalleled contributions, we celebrate the enduring legacy of a true polo legend. Pepe Santamarina and Ade Adedeji previously wrote a three-part series on Colonel Suárez’s success as a sporting organisation. You can read the articles at: • issuu.com/hurlinghampolomagazine/docs/ winter_2014, page 32 • issuu.com/hurlinghampolomagazine/docs/ spring_2015, page 32 • issuu.com/hurlinghampolomagazine/docs/ hurlinghampolo_winter_2015, page 30

follow @hurlinghampolo

TA L K

PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS Charlie Froggatt explains how player training is now available internationally and online through the International Polo Academy

The accessibility of player development resources and high-quality training is becoming more and more open via the International Polo Academy’s Polo Development Programme, endorsed by the Federation of International Polo (FIP). The IPA has been working to deliver programmes for players, coaches and umpires since 2009, with analysis and insights into horsemanship, riding, swing, game time and strategy, rules, physical and mental preparation all at the core of the programme, with player pathways and qualifications available. Support for players and services for clubs have been developed, with an increasing number of opportunities for players to travel abroad to learn and play.

Programmes in Argentina, the USA and the UK are available, where players have the opportunity to learn from world-class instructors at estancias and clubs committed to an excellent standard of horses, fields, accommodation and coaching. Through a holistic approach to training, the programmes are tailored to all player levels, while focussing on cultural immersion for individuals and groups. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to master the basics of polo, or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, the various on-site programmes are designed to deliver excellence and, above all, are built for enjoyment. Online, the programme continues to deliver pathways via the Polo Development app and platforms, which provide players with hundreds of videos covering all areas of the sport of polo. Contributors include legendary players such as Memo Gracida, a host of current professional players, polo experts and leading umpires. Whether you dream of getting started in polo or are aspiring to compete at higher levels, these player training programmes and online services provide the ideal platform to reach your polo goals. For clubs looking to offer their members a higher level of training and resources, support is available, and for players and clubs looking to access the information for their members, please contact info@ipapolo. com or register your interest at ipapolo.com. You can also search for ‘Polo Development App’ in the App Store.

hurlinghampolo.com

Left: a selection of skillbuilding options on the IPA’s Polo Development app. Above: Memo Gracida in one of the many instructional videos available via the app

TA L K

PROGRAMMES IN ARGENTINA, THE USA AND THE UK A R E AVA I L A B L E , W H E R E P L AY E R S H AV E T H E OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM WORLD-CLASS I N S T R U C T O R S AT E S TA N C I A S A N D C L U B S

follow @hurlinghampolo

OPINION

Winning against the odds Simon Arber explains how it takes more than just money to achieve success in polo I L L U S T R AT I O N : P E T E R J A M E S F I E L D

GUTTER CREDIT IN HERE

Simon holding the Royal Windsor, which he has won 4 times. William Lucas won it 8 times, Claire Tomlinson 4, Alan Kent 4, Eric Moller 4, Edward Horswell 3 and Simon Tomlinson 3 times

hurlinghampolo.com

IMAGES OF POLO

t feels like much has changed since my wife Romilla and I started playing polo in 2007, but does this comment bear scrutiny? Certainly, the quality of the horses has improved, umpiring has become more professional, if not accountable, team entries are at an all-time high, and the UK’s position as a world-class polo venue has been further consolidated, despite the efforts of some parties and the lack of forward planning by others. If the relevant parties make the right decisions going forward, the future of UK polo looks bright. When we started playing there was no particular goal, no plan. My career as founder and CEO of a now public company was behind me. My wife, a lawyer, had taken an extended career break to have four children. Without discussing it, we decided we needed something we could throw ourselves into. Both from inner-city backgrounds – Basingstoke and Bristol – the only horses in our lives had police on their backs. It was just a strange combination of circumstances. I came to the sport with little idea, less knowledge and no preconceptions. I think this helped me to approach things slightly differently. To use talent-show jargon, our “journey” was fairly standard. Wooden horse, stick and balling, club chukkas and low-goal matches. Being press-ganged into playing a charity 12-goal match changed everything. It seemed like it was time to get serious, commit more time and resources and see what happened. Sixteen years on, with four Royal Windsor wins and numerous 18-, 15-, and 12-goal trophies in the cabinet, it feels like a good time to reflect. Both mine, and my wife’s team have had success well beyond our reasonable expectations. All four of our children play, but none intend to be more than gifted amateurs, pursuing their education and careers. So, how have we achieved this? The first thing to say is it’s not money. Of course, we’ve spent – far more than we ever intended. But it’s a bit like the biggest boat in the marina. It doesn’t matter how big yours is, there’s always a bigger one. It doesn’t matter how much you spend, someone will always spend more. What we’ve tried to do is bring the best of what we’ve learned from our careers and other sports – tennis, rugby, football – and apply it to polo. I feel the team dynamic in polo is not given enough importance. Building a strong team always has its challenges, but due to the nature of polo-handicap changes, tournament by tournament rather than a seasonal league, this is even more difficult. As soon as you get in the groove and start winning, someone’s handicap (never mine) goes up and the team line-up has to change. Your punishment for success. We choose key players and do all we can to stick with them. When we have to change the line-up, we work extra hard to help new players integrate. The quicker they feel comfortable, the better they perform. We pass on players who have exceptional levels of skill for their handicap if, on a personal or tactical level, they are not a good fit. And ultimately, we are only playing for a tin cup, so it’s essential to like, respect and have fun with the people we choose to play with. I’m not sure how other teams approach the captaincy. For me it’s crucial. Captains must be, game by game, and sometimes chukka by chukka, tacticians, knowing the opposition’s line-up, its strengths and weaknesses. They must have a clear plan and communicate it well. I need to know what my job is on the field, and even if it’s not

follow @hurlinghampolo

OF COURSE, WE’VE SPENT – FAR MORE THAN WE E VER INTENDED. BUT IT’S A BIT LIKE THE B I G G E S T B O AT I N T H E MARINA. IT DOESN’T M AT T E R H O W B I G YO U R S I S , T H E R E ’ S A L W AY S A BIGGER ONE. IT DOESN’T M AT T E R H O W M U C H YO U SPEND, SOMEONE WILL A L W AY S S P E N D M O R E

Simon Arber on the field in the 2022 Autumn Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club

England’s Most Exclusive S pa r k l i n g W i n e E s tat e

Become a member here

w w w.w e y b o r n e .c o m

OPINION

IMAGES OF POLO

Above: the 2023 Royal Windsor Cup. From left: S. Prado, I. Negri, C. Novillo Astrada and Simon. Below, from left: Joe, Romila and Simon Arber with Tom Morley

the job I’d ideally like, this will still help me play better. The same for the rest of the team. The captain always has the final say. The patron’s role is often quite opaque. What do we bring to the game apart from money? I’d like to think I’m the spirit of the team, that I bring a positive energy and help to keep negative pressure to a minimum. If you’ve chosen the right players, they will hold themselves to account. It’s a bit late to demand more once you are on the field. That’s the place for support and encouragement. Most teams playing 12-goal and above have a manager of some kind. For me this is the most important person in our set-up. Our manager’s duties are far-reaching. Scouting players, agreeing terms, knowing the quality of a player’s string of horses, working closely with the captain, as well as the day-to-day managing of grooms, horses and logistics. Looking back over our 16 years of success, the only constant has been the manager. Other sports value the position highly, but I doubt even the most avid polo fan can name a single team manager. I put a great deal of importance on the whole environment that players are asked to operate in. From youngsters just starting out as professionals to seasoned pros, they all benefit from having a good time, knowing their wider situation is understood and being part of an inclusive operation. Early on in my polo journey I was offered the advice, ‘If you come across a good horse don’t wait, buy it’. I have taken this to heart. None of this is advice, just the thoughts of someone whose team has consistently punched well above its weight. Feel free to take it or leave it.

follow @hurlinghampolo

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Alston Beinhorn describes a polo experience like no other at the Genghis Khan Retreat in the heart of the Mongolian mountains 30

hurlinghampolo.com

Opposite: Imihintiam is norum te, nont.Am ad ciondeporbi contert iliquam nostilis di intiam at, saticae facita rentis cum. Sus, ut L. Avervit,

GUTTER CREDIT IN HERE

n central Mongolia, 325 kilometres southwest of Ulaanbaatar, lies an attractive cluster of 40-odd, traditional, white woollen, felted gers (tents), high on a bluff above the Orkhon Valley. Down a steep hill, one sees below the large riding tack ger and the pony line, tethering some of the retreat’s 75 sturdy Mongolian ponies. From here, the soft green steppe and distant mountains stretch out for 150 kilometres in every direction, all under the eternal, blue Mongolian sky. It is here that the Genghis Khan Retreat, having celebrated its 25th anniversary this past August, quietly beckons polo players and outdoor enthusiasts with their families to encounter the very best of what ancient nomadic Mongolia can offer the 21st-century travel enthusiast. For guests who may not play polo, there are other activities including riding out into the immediate, spectacular steppe (beginners welcome). There’s also kayaking on the Orkhon river, mountain biking, hikes, rock climbing, archery, two massage gers and morning yoga on the polo field. Transportation to these activities is no longer needed, except perhaps on a side-trip to Karakorum, where you can see the remains of the first capital of Genghis Khan’s 13th-century empire. The retreat’s guest accommodations in traditional felted gers – which sport woollen carpets, cashmere blankets and cast-iron

GUTTER CREDIT IN HERE

follow @hurlinghampolo

MEALS ARE SERVED F A M I LY- S T Y L E I N T H E LARGER DINING GER, WITH CANDLE-LIT DINNERS ON LARGE, COLOURFUL R O U N D TA B L E S

Previous page: Genghis Khan Polo Club field. Playing teams: Young Riders of the World vs The Herders. Above: D’Artagnan, Batzaya & Otchko

stoves for cooler evenings – are spacious and luxuriously authentic. Meals are served family-style in the larger dining ger, with candle-lit dinners on large, colourful round tables with white tablecloths and silver cups. Once guests are seated for dinner, there is often a concert on the ger’s grand piano by the Mongolian classical pianist Odgerel Sampilnorov, who was discovered and trained further in Perugia, Italy with support from the retreat and some of its guests. Meals are prepared from local produce by Mingmar, a talented Sherpa chef who has come seasonally for 18 years from the noted Happy House Hotel of Beyul Experiences in Nepal. It was here that the retreat hosted the first Raj Kalaan Memorial Polo Cup in August. Five teams of mostly local players competed for the Cup in probably the best polo ever played there. The high calibre was due to the 16 summers that Raj Kalaan, a retired Indian Army Colonel and 5-goaler, came to run the polo and coach many Mongolian youth into proper polo players, possibly awakening their ancient roots as horsemen in Genghis Khan’s armies almost 800 years ago. Raj, known also as the Silver Fox, had an easy but effective coaching style with local nomadic youngsters. A local group of his earlier charges returned from tending their livestock to play for his

follow @hurlinghampolo

FIVE TEAMS OF M O S T LY L O C A L P L AY E R S COMPETED FOR THE CUP IN P R O B A B LY T H E BEST POLO E V E R P L AY E D THERE

Memorial Cup as The Herders and, while slightly rusty, they would have made him proud. Raj’s two professional-player sons, Uday and Angad, came to play as well in the Cup games, along with their mother Sunny Kalaan who presented the trophy. The three children of camp-founders Christopher and Enke Giercke, now adults, Ich Tenger (0), D’Artagnan (Retreat Manager and 2 goals), and KristinaAlegra Giercke (0) and other local polo successes such as Rentsen (3), Palam (2) and Doda, an accomplished 0-goal woman player, now professionally a large-animal vet thanks to retreat and guest support, also played hard for the Cup. It was a valley-wide, family affair. Over its 25 years, the retreat, which is a non-profit organisation, has worked to improve the lives of its local community, not only through jobs and health services, but also its summer youth programme, which offers riding, polo, music, painting, games and language with social skills. The retreat has sponsored young Mongolian teams to play in Thailand, India, the US, New Zealand and Singapore, where your correspondent made their first international invitation as captain of the Singapore Polo Club in 2010. The Retreat’s long-term humanitarian success is evident in the quality of local players, staff, and in the advanced education levels of some in the nomadic families.

hurlinghampolo.com

ALINE COQUELLE COURTESY

Left: Christopher (Giercke) D’Artagnan (Giercke), Sunny Kalaan & Enkhe Giercke Below: Garth Mackenzie & Batbaatar riding off

o l o P Arena LET’S PLAY

Activate your FREE Arena Membership! Full outdoor members can enjoy a free arena membership in the same season. Visit hpa-polo.co.uk/membership to activate yours!

AEPC - HICKSTEAD West Sussex RH17 5NU

ARENA POLO CLUBS

TEDWORTH POLO CLUB Wiltshire SP9 7AH

ASH FARM Surrey KT16 0LA

EDINBURGH POLO CLUB Edinburgh EH14 4AF

BEAUFORT POLO CLUB Gloucestershire GL8 8QW

EMSWORTH POLO GROUNDS Berkshire SL4 4RL

RANELAGH FARM POLO CLUB Berkshire SL4 4TN

TWELVE OAKS POLO CLUB Surrey GU20 6AT

BEVERLEY POLO CLUB East Yorkshire HU17 9RX

EPSOM Surrey KT19 8PL

RC of BERKSHIRE POLO CLUB Berkshire SL4 4TH

TRISKELION POLO CLUB Isle of Man IM9 3BD

BLACK BEARS POLO CLUB Oxfordshire RG9 3NN

FIFIELD POLO CLUB Berkshire SL4 4QF

RUGBY ARENA POLO CLUB Warwickshire CV23 8AJ

VAUX PARK POLO CLUB Somerset TA13 5LP

RUTLAND POLO CLUB Rutland LE15 7HZ

WESTCROFT PARK POLO CLUB Surrey GU24 8SN

CAMBRIDGE ARENA POLO CLUB HERTFORDSHIRE POLO CLUB Hertforshire SG14 2NU Cambridgeshire CB23 7AT

OFFCHURCH BURY POLO CLUB THORESBY PARK POLO CLUB Warwickshire CV33 9AR Nottinghamshire NG22 9EL

DALLAS BURSTON POLO CLUB Warwickshire CV47 2DL

KINROSS ARENA POLO CLUB Kinross KY13 0PN

SILVER LEYS POLO CLUB Hertfordshire SG11 2ED

WHITE ROSE POLO CLUB East Yorkshire YO43 4XB

DRUIDS LODGE POLO CLUB Wiltshire SP3 4UN

LONGDOLE POLO CLUB Gloucestershire GL4 8LH

STEWARTON POLO CLUB West Lothian EH52 6QJ

POLO WICKLOW Co. Wicklow A67 R240

DORSET POLO CLUB Dorset BH16 6BB

OAKWOOD PARK POLO CLUB East Sussex TN22 2AQ

SWF ARENA CLUB Hampshire SO21 3HL

SUPA (Schools & Universities) www.supa.org.uk

Family affair Ali Albwardy reflects on his longstanding affinity with polo – from founding Desert Palm Polo Club, to winning the most prestigious tournaments in the UK with his team Dubai – and looks forward to watching the next generation of his family take up the sport and win more trophies in the future

Left: Ali Albwardy and his grandsons Nasser and Ali. Opposite: Ali playing at Desert Palm in 2018

hurlinghampolo.com

HELEN CRUDEN; IMAGES OF POLO

first started playing polo on the sand in Dubai nearly three decades ago. That was a lot of fun, but when I first tried playing on grass in Europe, I knew it was for me, and I never looked back! My first polo game was my most memorable one, when I realised I would like to do this for the rest of my life. Polo is also much more than just a game for me, it’s a way of life. It’s something I can enjoy with friends and family, plus, to be able to compete alongside the best in the world, on amazing horses, makes it extra incredible. When I founded Desert Palm Polo Club in 1994, I wanted to bring to Dubai what I was lucky enough to experience in Europe, and to have first-class facilities in a welcoming environment was key. Today, we have over 50 playing members, and the extra passionate ones even live at the club. We have created a beautiful club together, where everyone can enjoy the sport in a friendly but professional environment. I enjoyed playing polo the most in England, as you can’t beat competing for the Queen’s or the Gold Cup at Guards and Cowdray. But now, I like to play at Desert Palm, where I play four times a week with my family and friends. For me, the perfect game of polo is a game that is won, and there is no better feeling than winning with

GUTTER CREDIT IN HERE

follow @hurlinghampolo

I LOV E TO C OMPE TE , A ND I H AV E LOVED GIVING BOTH OF MY SONS THE CHANCE TO DO THE SAME

friends and relatives. I have been lucky to play with some fantastic players over the years, such as Adolfo Cambiaso and Lolo Castagnola, but my best teammates will always be my family. My sons share my passion for the game, and the best feeling for me is enjoying polo with them. I never pushed them, (I promise!), but they both adore polo and work hard for their place in the team As soon as I realised our team could compete with the best, I was given the opportunity to name my team Dubai Polo Team by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, with only one condition – we must always win! I have since played at all levels and won all the big trophies in the UK – some of them multiple times – inlcuding the Archie David, Royal Windsor, Gold Cup and the Queen’s Cup, which I believe is an unmatched record. I love to compete, and I have loved giving both of my

sons the chance to do the same. Because our set up can be enjoyed by my whole family, that keeps me going. And now it is a joy to have third generation players starting, as my grandchildren start playing polo. When you want to win, you must find winners, which is why I picked Adolfo Cambiaso to play with me 20 years ago in England and Argentina, and more recently, Jeta Castagnola. Amazing horses and winners are key to any team’s success. I do not have patience for players who do not put in maximum effort to win. After horses, the most important thing is having people who want to win, and I mean who really, really want to win, not just enjoy winning – there’s a big difference. Therefore, the most important thing we look for when looking at young players is their work ethic – we cannot tolerate spoiled behaviour or any inflated ego; no matter how much natural talent

hurlinghampolo.com

HELEN CRUDEN; IMAGES OF POLO

Opposite, from left: George Meyrick, Piki Diaz-Alberdi, Arnaud Bamberger, The Queen, Tariq Albwardy and Adolfo Cambiaso. This page, clockwise from top: Lolo and Jeta Castagnola, Rashid Albwardy, Barto Castagnola, Nachi Du Plessis and Ali Albwardy; Tariq, Ali and Rashid Albwardy; Lolo Castagnola, Ali Albwardy, Pancho Bensadon and Gaston Laulhé

I D O N O T H AV E PAT I E N C E F O R P L AY E R S W H O D O N O T PUT IN MA XIMUM EFFORT TO WIN. AFTER HORSES, THE M O S T I M P O R TA N T T H I N G I S H AV ING PEOPLE WHO WA NT TO W I N , A N D I M E A N W H O R E A L LY, R E A L LY W A N T T O W I N

they have. Players who make it, know they will always have to work hard to stay at the top. Having Jeta and Barto Castagnola playing for Dubai feels natural, because they were born with us. I have seen them grow and I have loved supporting them on their journey, so to have them play with us is how it is supposed to be. I really believe in 2019, when we won the Gold Cup, it changed polo in the UK forever. Now everyone is looking for the young players, and I didn’t notice that so much before! Apart from faster, more powerful horses and becoming more professional, the biggest difference I have noticed in polo over the years is the young players. Players are coming into the sport much earlier, having their families support and experience to guide them. This is exciting – similar to football and F1, I guess, where players and drivers are getting younger and younger.

follow @hurlinghampolo

I A M V E RY IN VO LV E D IN P U T T IN G TOGETHER THE TEAMS, AS I LIKE TO M A K E S U R E W E H AV E O N E S TA R I N E A C H

Below, from left: Alejo Taranco, Adolfo Cambiaso, HM King Juan Carlos, Ali and Rashid Albwardy with Santiago Stirling

I am very involved in putting together the teams, as I like to make sure we have one star in each team, and then we look for people who can work well with them. This year the team we have playing in the Triple Crown is something different, I can tell you that! Having Barto and Jeta play with Facundo Pieres and Pablo Mac Donaugh will be special. That’s a lot of experience, with the talent and the horses, and it will be amazing to watch. We are looking forward to an exciting year. Also next year we will have two teams playing in England. Rashid and Jeta will play together and Tariq and Barto will join forces. In the middle we are still figuring it out, but we will have the Laulhe boys, too, as we have really enjoyed having them play with us this year. I respect all players – from players starting out in the game to professionals. It’s a dangerous and exciting sport that needs commitment, so my respect goes to those who fight for their place

in the sport. Going forward, I would like to see a patron in each team. It’s so amazing we can have this composition in high level sport, so let’s protect it. When choosing horses, I tell you what I don’t look for – one breeding source. I like to find champions and buy them no matter where they are from. My favourite horse of all time was a little Corcho type horse called Negrita, who gave me the confidence to play! Now, I would say my best horse is Olivia, who is played by Jeta. She’s a big powerful black mare and in most opinions, the best horse in UK for 2023. When he plays her, he appears alone on the field! My vision for the future of the Dubai Polo Team is continuing to build our breeding and see more of my horses in the team. To see my grandchildren play would give me immense joy, and winning more trophies is of course the plan!

hurlinghampolo.com

IMAGES OF POLO

A flying start Rosie Vestey reflects on how Pony Club Polo has developed over the years, and how it continues to provide a supportive foundation and endless fun for future polo stars

hurlinghampolo.com

Opposite: From left: Sam Farmar, Satnam Dhillon, Ben Vestey and Nina Clarkin (née Vestey) with the Handley Cross Cup in 1987. Left: Stowell Park/Foxcote won the Queen’s Cup 7 times, the Gold Cup 6 times and the Warwickshire 4 times. From left: Sam Vestey, Eduardo Moore, Mark Vestey, and Héctor Barrantes

JOHN HANKIN

THE QUALIFIERS, O N B E A U T I F U L LY PRESENTED GROUNDS AROUND THE C O U N T R Y, A R E E A G E R LY A N T I C I PAT E D A ND B R IL L I A N T LY ORGANISED

f you should ever find yourself on the Lawns at Cowdray Park Polo Club on the second weekend in August, you would be met by a remarkable sight. The Pony Club Polo line-up following the Gannon Final, is the largest mounted-parade staged in this country (that includes the Household Cavalry) and it is unbelievably impressive. Forty-eight teams of children and young adults aged from 6 to 21, astride their ponies, polo sticks aloft, a riot of colour, proudly sporting their Hunt shirts celebrating the end of a summer of fiercely fought competition. The qualifiers, on beautifully presented grounds around the country, are eagerly anticipated and brilliantly organised, but it is The Cowdray Championships that fire the imagination and the zeal and no Pony Club Polo child will permit their summer holiday to begin until after prize-giving on that final Sunday. Pony Club Polo started in 1933, but it wasn’t until 1959 that it emerged in its modern format. Brigadier Jack Gannon and Major Claude Davenport organised five Branch teams to play at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot. Since then, it has grown exponentially and has become the fastest-growing discipline in the Pony Club. In 2003, three Pony Club players, Luke and Mark Tomlinson and Nina Vestey and one Kiwi, JP Clarkin, all under the age of 26, contested the British Open and took home the Gold Cup. In 2019 all four members of the England team in the Coronation Cup played Pony Club Polo. In the case of my family, polo can be blamed for all four of our marriages, one of them from a romance that began at Pony Club. All my children play and now seven of my eight grandchildren have fallen in love with the game. Florence Clarkin, 3, is a dead cert to make up the full-house. God knows how we are going to manage the logistics in the future, but that is for us to worry about another day – for the moment, we can sit back and enjoy the fun. It all started with my late husband, Mark, who played to a four-goal handicap and, along with his brother Sam, their teams

follow @hurlinghampolo

T H E PA R E N T S A N D G R A N D PA R E N T S S TA N D ON THE SIDELINES AND EMBARRASS THE CHILDREN BY SCREAMING ENCOURAGEMENT

Stowell Park and Foxcote won countless high-goal tournaments. I, myself, didn’t have the advantage of Pony Club, but I was eventually persuaded to take up the game, aged 50, on beautifully schooled ponies given to me by my children. As all polo players know, polo is an incurable disease and it afflicted me for 20 years. Last summer I finally achieved playing a game with all three of my children, and then one with my grandchildren. It was all going so well. I took the ball from the line-out almost to the goal only to hear ‘sorry Grandma!’ and to have my stick expertly hooked by Elizabeth Clarkin, 11. The perfect moment to call “time”… But, back to the children and the phenomenal institution that is the Pony Club. The tournaments, run in July and August, are a miracle of organisation by the powers that be, with as many as 50 chukkas played in a single day on two grounds. The timetable is army precision and the children, socialising with friends, skidding round

hurlinghampolo.com

ZAHRA LUCAS; JOHN HANKIN

Left: Rosie with her children. From left: Nina, Tamara and Ben, in 2022. Below: Rosie‘s grandchildren*. Lying down, front row, left: Lola Lucas. Lying front row, right: Nina Vestey*. Standing middle row, from left: Jack Fox*, Taylor Coddington, Cisi Armitage Lyon, Patrick Clarkin*, Mila Henderson, Otti Williams, Melba Fox* (kneeling). Back row: Delphi Dickens. Opposite: Nina Clarkin (née Vestey), Mark Tomlinson, Luke Tomlinson and John Paul Clarkin after winning the 2003 Gold Cup

on bikes or hurtling about on one-wheels and somehow manage to turn up on time. By prize-giving they are dirty, tired and mostly through the bridle (as are the grown-ups) but the general feeling of happiness, satisfaction and a day well spent is palpable. So, what has changed over the years? The numbers grow, the grounds are better, the Cowdray Campsite has showers, the children in my day are now the parents and we old-hands look proudly on, holding the odd pony and mopping up the odd child. But really it is all still pretty much the same. The games in every division are competitive and exciting, particularly so at the Championships. The parents and grandparents stand on the sidelines and embarrass the children by screaming encouragement, there are grins of triumph and tears of defeat, there are lifelong friendships forged, ice creams by the dozen and the general feeling that there is nowhere anybody would rather be than on the polo grounds at Cowdray Park.

There are multiple heroes involved in this glorious circus: the managers who devote weeks of their time to ensuring everything runs smoothly and every child gets a place in a team; the parents who drive miles to turn out their ponies and children in the right place at the right time; the Clubs who allow us to play on their excellent grounds; and the extraordinarily long-suffering and infinitely patient umpires, who undoubtedly have a special place reserved for them in heaven. But, of course, the real stars of the show are the ponies. Whether it is looking after their tiny charges in the Jorrocks and the Jops, or giving their all for the older enthusiasts in the upper divisions, they have our respect, our admiration and our thanks. And oh! The Parade… No one watching that magical spectacle could be anything but confident that the future of English Polo is in good hands.

follow @hurlinghampolo

push it to the

hurlinghampolo.com

limit

Jemima Wilson speaks to Park Place patron Andrey Borodin about his passion for all types of horsepower, his formula for a successful high-goal polo team, and his views on UK umpiring decisions

Left: Andrey Borodin playing in the 2020 Queen’s Cup at Black Bears

nderstandably it’s generally difficult to arrange an in-person interview with a high-goal polo patron in June or July amid the busy timetables of Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup fixtures, before they head to Sotogrande for August. Especially when they are also competing on the GT3 motor racing circuit. Which is why, when I approached Park Place’s Andrey Borodin about this interview, I am grateful that, despite his hectic schedule, he obligingly found a window of opportunity to speak with me. Finding out that I, like him, am a fan of fast cars as well as horses, he suggested we meet at Silverstone racetrack on the last Sunday of July, at a GT3 race he was driving in before he flew to Sotogrande later that day. When I arrived and parked next to his impressive RV motor home (a smart and comfortable retreat where he can relax and focus between races, painted in Park Place’s blue and yellow livery, of course), Andrey was still out on the track. He emerged from the garage having just recorded one of his best times, and instantly went to fetch a coffee for me before we settled into our conversation. As he was fresh from the racetrack, rather than diving straight into questions about polo, it seemed fitting for me to start by asking him how he got into racing cars, and if he had always loved driving. ‘It was four years ago, the polo season was over, and I told my friend I was missing an adrenaline fix,’ he recalls. ‘My friend suggested I try car racing, as he also races, and he put me in touch with his coach. That’s when I started racing cars. I drive in GT3, and there are different types of GT cars, but I drive a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo. It’s called customer racing, so you normally drive together with a professional driver.’ ‘I always thought I was a good driver,’ he added. ‘But when I was on the track for the first time, I realised there is a lot to learn! You are always learning and discovering something new. It’s a good challenge.’ As someone who thrives on speed, adrenaline, challenging himself and mastering new skills, it’s no surprise Andrey was attracted to the exhilarating world of polo. But, before he started playing in 2012, his only experience observing the sport was watching his wife and daughter when they started having polo lessons. Initially, he wasn’t inspired to take it up himself. ‘At first, when I watched my wife and daughter having polo lessons, it looked pretty boring, as they were just sitting on the horses trying to hit the ball. At that time, I was competing in waterski slaloms, and it was very physically intense, so a seemingly slow-paced sport wasn’t very appealing to me. But then I started taking polo lessons myself, and the more lessons I had, I realised the

follow @hurlinghampolo

Above: Andrey Borodin and Hilario Ulloa after winning the US Open in 2023. Opposite: Andrey Borodin riding off with Charlie Wooldridge in the Royal Windsor Cup Final at Guards Polo Club, 2017. Below: Andrey driving his McLaren GT3, at the GT Cup Championship at Brands Hatch GP in April 2023

pony can go a lot faster. Once I’d picked up speed, I got the feeling of fun and adrenaline.’ And it’s the thrill of the game and his desire to win that has kept Andrey in polo for over 10 years, progressing from a low-goal novice to a high-goal champion. ‘I didn’t start with a vision as such, I just decided to start playing tournaments, because prior to that I was only playing practices for the first two or three years. Then we named our team Park Place, which is the name of our home ground in Henley, where we’ve been based since 2011, and we started in the low goal, then the second year we played medium goal and achieved quite a lot at 18-goal level, then we moved to high goal.’ It's clear he enjoys the challenge and pressure of high-goal polo, as his most memorable games are the ones in which his mental and physical stamina has been tested the most. Firstly, in the final of the US Open earlier this year, which Park Place eventually won, when the game was stretched out over two days due to rain postponement. Another particularly memorable game he mentions is a league game at Guards during the Queen’s Cup in 2021, where he ended up playing eight chukkas against King Power, before winning in the end. ‘That’s probably the only time I’ll be playing eight chukkas in high goal!’ he says. ‘It was the year when the HPA tried to limit the number of horses, and after our game they decided not to continue this rule, as with only eight or nine horses, playing eight chukkas at high-goal level is too demanding on the horses.’ Indeed, he describes his perfect game of polo as when his team is playing great polo against tough opposition, when the outcome is not clear, and the game gets decided in the last minute. He therefore embraced the competitive, closely fought contests of this year’s Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup matches. ‘This year in England, we had a season where you would go to the game and you didn’t know if you would win or lose, as many teams have been playing very well. It was very possible that former winners could be knocked out in the league games.’ I remarked that the two teams in the final of the 2023 Queen’s Cup were not necessarily expected to be finalists – and Andrey was quick to praise the winning patron of Murus Sanctus, Corinne Ricard, on her victory. ‘The winners played very well and the patron Corinne deserved that achievement, as she’s been involved in polo for a long time. She deserved to win something big.’ Talking of winning big, Andrey has played the 22-goal for a number of years now, winning the Cowdray Gold Cup and the US Open in the past few years. So, what changed for him and his team dynamic to claim these two big titles?

hurlinghampolo.com

AGUS FONDA @AGUSFONDAPL; @GTCUP; IMAGES OF POLO

WE HAD A SEASON WHERE YOU WOULD GO TO THE GAME AND YOU DIDN’T KNOW IF YOU WOULD WIN OR LOSE

‘I think the most important factor is the combination of players,’ he says. ‘You want the players who are trying hard and giving everything, but you need good chemistry between the players. Sometimes you see good teams, but the chemistry isn’t there, and they don’t get the results.’ He explains he puts the teams together himself and finding complementing personalities and combinations of players who like playing with each other are the most important aspects of building the team. Indeed, his formula for a successful team is having good chemistry and understanding between players and a shared determination to win as many games as possible. He goes on to describe how having Facundo Pieres playing for Park Place is incredible, as he’s a brilliant player with amazing skills, but playing with him can also be a challenge, because how he plays can decide the game – winning or losing. ‘With Facundo, it’s important to help him to play his best. Some other players I have played with such as Hilario Ulloa use the patron and the whole team more, but Facundo can do everything on his own. Over the years he has played fantastic polo, and I look at

10-goalers like Facundo and I see how good a human being can play polo. It’s very exciting to play with the top players in the world. The most important thing I look for when I’m choosing players is that they have potential to play one or two goals higher than their handicap. Of course, with a 10-goal player that’s more difficult, but sometimes 10-goal players can play at 11 or 12 goals, it depends on the day.’ Looking back at some of his best teammates over the years, Andrey played for many years with the combination of Hilario Ulloa and Juan Britos, both of whom he describes as very honest and hardworking. This season Hilario played for his daughter Varvara’s team, Park Place Vaara, and coincidentally, the two Park Place teams did not face each other in any games this season. An accomplished horsewoman, Varvara is tough, fearless and very determined, but show jumping is her main equestrian sport and the discipline she’ll be more focused on in the future. When it comes to choosing horses, Andrey has worked with his pilot Fran for many years, who selects the horses in Argentina along with one of the Park Place pros who’ll be playing the next season with him, and they look for horses that are very handy and stop well,

follow @hurlinghampolo

soft and easy to control but fast enough to keep up with the best horses on the field. During our conversation, he broaches the matter of umpiring, and having had recent high-goal success in both the UK and the US, he prefers to play the US season, as he believes they are trying harder to make good umpiring decisions there. ‘They are bringing in umpires from Argentina, and Argentine umpires are helping American umpires to understand high-goal better,’ he explains. ‘I think this is something they should be doing in England too – maybe British umpires could be sent to Argentina and the US, and have some exchange on how high-goal is different from medium-goal. I would like to see this more on the field. ‘In the US they are also using drones, and there is a right to challenge, which we don’t have in England. Every umpire is a human and can make a mistake, and if you feel there has been a mistake you can challenge any decision of the umpire. Using the drones and different cameras you have a better picture of every moment of the game. Sometimes a foul at the end of the game can be a game-changer, and the difference in winning or losing a match, so it's good to have the right to challenge if you feel a questionable decision was made. In England they have started using cameras, but there are no drones and there are not enough cameras. I’d like to see a camera built into the goal post so we can clearly see if there was a goal or not. Uncertainty about these things happens too often.’ Above: Andrey Borodin with his daughter Varvara and son Nikolay after winning the US Open in 2023. Left: Andrey Borodin with his mare Open Carilina (Open Cabernet x Open Carismatica) winning BPP in a Queen’s Cup game against Clinova

Another development he would like to see going forwards in polo is more transparency around handicap changes. ‘The topic of handicaps is very debatable, as sometimes in the US and the UK it is difficult to understand why players are given certain handicaps, and I would like this process to be more transparent, so the opinions of teams are taken into consideration. For example, in America the central bank (the Fed) publishes minutes from meetings every time they come together. I’d like to see this in polo so we know the rationale behind every handicap decision, and we can understand what principles they’re applying. I’d like to have something like Zoom in the handicap meetings, which everyone can listen to, so we can understand the decisions that have been made.’ But he also acknowledges there has been a lot of positive progress in polo over the past 10 years, with teams getting stronger, horses getting better and faster, and polo becoming more competitive. He is pleased there were high numbers of high-goal teams playing this year, as it’s ‘good for the sport and makes the game more interesting’. Despite winning several of the most prestigious high-goal tournaments in the world, there are still tournaments Park Place hasn’t won in the UK and the USA. One thing’s for sure, while there are still high-goal titles for Park Place to clinch, Andrey will be pushing himself and his team to the limit to attain them. In his words: ‘It’s still a challenge for me to put our name on a couple of Silvers…’ Watch this space.

hurlinghampolo.com

T H E A RT O F P O LO @T H E A RTO F P O LO; AG U S FO N DA @AG U S FO N DA P L

SOMETIMES YOU SEE GOOD TEAMS, BUT THE CHEMISTRY ISN’T THERE, AND THEY DON’T G E T T H E R E S U LT S

B E S P O K E S I LV E R S M I T H S

Unique Designs Hand Crafted Special Commissions Replica Trophies Silver & Bronze Models

TELEPHONE +44 1892 535109 MOBILE +44 7973 824 464 EMAIL:SANSON@BEZANTLTD.CO.UK WWW.BEZANTLTD.COM

ACTION EVENT NAME LOCATION DATE

Polo & Sporting Art Specialists Established in 1978

LORNE MCKEAN, Nearside Forehand Bronze 33 x 22 x 8 inches Edition 17/25 Signed & Numbered

info@chisholmgallery.com | 845.505.1147 | www.chisholmgallery.com

ACTION THE LATEST POLO ACTION FROM AROUND THE WORLD

From right: Jeta Castagnola on the ball as his brother Barto and Lukin Monteverde eye him in the final of the Gold Cup

MARK BEAUMONT

THE ACTION 5 4 _ C O R O N AT I O N C U P July saw a tough final match between team Commonwealth and team England, who both fought hard to claim the King’s Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club.

58_QUEEN’S CUP Beating 17 competing teams to make it to the final, Murus Sanctus claimed the title in a closely fought match against La Magdeleine on the Queen’s Ground.

56_GOLD CUP Spectators enjoyed a neck and neck final between UAE and Dubai that saw UAE take a 12-11 victory in the Cowdray Gold Cup, helped by the skills of Barto Castagnola.

60_FRENCH OPEN Two finals completed the Open de France 2023, with TTR Sotheby’s playing La Mariposa Polo Team and Kazak taking on Amanara, with decisive results.

follow @hurlinghampolo

62_ E U R O P E A N C H A M P I O N S H I P Spain took on Azerbaijan to win the cup, beating 8 other nations at the XIV FIP Polo European Championship 2023, held at the revamped facilities of Polo Club Düsseldorf. 64_JOCKEY CLUB OPEN Champions of the Jockey Club Open Thai Polo Cup for the second time, Scone battled La Dolfina for a convincing 16-11 victory.

ACTION K I N G ’ S C O R O N A T I O N C U P, G U A R D S P O L O C L U B , 2 9 J U LY 2 0 2 3

KING’S CORONATION CUP Storm Johnson reports how the England team kept the King’s Coronation Cup on English soil in an action-packed match at Guards Polo Club

Heading into the match, the Commonwealth were keen to extend the 2-1 record against England in this match, while England captain Tommy Beresford left no doubt that his team were determined to even the score. The Commonwealth team started with a goal on the board, as it comprised Garvy Beh (5), Chris MacKenzie (6), JP Clarkin (6) and captain Fred Mannix (7) for a total of 24. The home side fielded a 25-goal team of Max Charlton (6), Ollie Cudmore (6) and James Beim (6), led by Tommy Beresford (7), who the week before had won the Gold Cup.

It was all Beresford in the first chukka; starting the match with a well-lofted penalty to equalise, and then winning a big ride-off to move the score in England’s favour before adding another confident penalty. Chris MacKenzie, representing South Africa, prevented a clean sweep by hammering home a goal in the final 30 seconds. It was a great start for the home side, looking well-structured and extremely strong, while the Commonwealth team took time to find their feet.

hurlinghampolo.com

The second chukka opened with some missed early chances for the Commonwealth, despite Chris MacKenzie playing a strong attacking game. England’s Ollie Cudmore ran well ahead of the field to fire a goal in from 60 yards out, before sending the ball down to Max Charlton with a huge hit for his teammate to take forward and score. A single goal from Commonwealth captain Fred Mannix, who fought off the defence of James Beim, in the closing stages gave the Commonwealth supporters

THE ART OF POLO/HPA

ACTION

reason to celebrate. The 30-second bell went, but that didn’t stop England powerhouse Max Charlton from firing the ball down the field to the waiting James Beim, who tapped the ball despite a tussle close to the line. His efforts were well rewarded, as the goal was good and the England team finished the second chukka ahead 6-3. The second half started with an action-packed chukka that saw five goals added to the board. James Beim swooped in to take the ball from Malaysian debutant Garvy Beh, sending it home for 7-4, before Chris MacKenzie sent the ball down field to find JP Clarkin, who opened his account at high speed, with a late charge from Beresford not enough to keep him from scoring. Goals from Charlton and Mannix added to each team’s tally before Cudmore rode another flier down the field to score again with just seconds to go and end the fourth chukka 9-6. The Commonwealth had found their rhythm, but would need a stronger attack to swing this match their way. The fifth chukka demonstrated exactly why England have enjoyed a fantastic international season, and coach Luke Tomlinson encouraged the brilliant teamwork between the home-side players that would prove the key. Beresford converted a penalty with confidence before Cudmore, fighting a ride-off from Mannix, found Beim at the goal to draw five goals ahead. Mannix kept his team in the hunt with a high, smooth penalty hit, meaning Commonwealth would head into the final chukka trailing 7-11.

The Beim-Cudmore alliance swept through the field once again at the start of the final chukka, with Beim scoring through an open goal thanks to Cudmore’s strong riding. Mannix scored again to bring the score to 12-8, but the England team proved too strong for the Commonwealth horsepower, and despite fighting all the way to the end, the visiting team could not see off the home side, who had maintained their promise of keeping the King’s Coronation Cup on English soil. It was Chris MacKenzie who took home the award for Most Valuable Player, having played a brilliant attacking game. The Best

Playing ROR also went home with MacKenzie, being awarded to his own Biento (racing name Badalona Breeze), who was formerly trained by Mick Appleby. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Tommy Beresford’s own Teddy, with his groom Raul Mora picking up the cash prize. Tommy’s mother, Teresa Beresford, was on hand to present the Donoso Trophy, traditionally awarded to the captain of the opposing team, to Fred Mannix in memory of her late brother Gabriel Donoso, whose name appears twice on the Coronation Cup after wins in 1998 and 2004. 55

T H E C O M M O N W E A LT H H A D F O U N D T H E I R RHYTHM, BUT WOULD NEED A STRONGER AT TA C K T O S W I N G T H I S M AT C H T H E I R W AY

Opposite, from left: James Beim and MVP Chris MacKenzie on the field. This page, from left: Tommy Beresford, Max Charlton, Ollie Cudmore and James Beim with the King’s Coronation Cup

follow @hurlinghampolo

ACTION G O L D C U P, C O W D R AY PA R K P O L O C L U B , U K , 2 3 J U LY

GOLD CUP UAE’s structured attack staved off Dubai’s comeback bid to deliver UAE a 12-11 triumph in the Cowdray Gold Cup

hurlinghampolo.com

MARK BEAUMONT; ALICE GIPPS

ACTION

Following four weeks of intense and elite competition, the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup culminated in an unforgettable final between UAE (Kayley Maria Smith, Lucas Monteverde Jr., Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., Tomas Beresford) and Dubai (Camilo Castagnola, Rashid Albwardy, Beltrán Laulhé, Rufino Bensadon). Closely contested from the outset, a narrow lead established from UAE in the first half was just enough separation to stave off Dubai’s comeback bid, as UAE secured the hard-fought victory by the slimmest of margins, 12-11. Despite being outshot in the field 19-13, UAE made the most of their opportunities at goal, displaying 50 per cent shooting accuracy, with Lucas Monteverde Jr. accounting for three goals in open play. Although Dubai successfully generated turnovers to launch their counterattacks and create scoring chances led by Camilo Castagnola, they ultimately couldn’t match the efficiency of UAE, as the formidable partnership of Tommy Beresford and Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. tipped the scales to earn UAE their first British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup title. Making a statement in the opening chukka, UAE seized an early three-goal lead courtesy of a balanced attack from Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., Beresford and Monteverde Jr. Swapping scores from the field in the second, an impressive push from Bensadon and Camilo Castagnola kept Dubai in contention but the skilful play of Beresford, which earned his second goal of the half, ensured UAE’s narrow 5-4 lead at the break. Maintaining pressure, UAE were back on the attack to open the second half, as goals

from Beresford and Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. rallied to outscore two from Dubai’s Camilo Castagnola at the line. Trading goals once more in the fifth, two off the mallet of Dubai’s Laulhe in open play were answered by two successful conversions from UAE’s Beresford. Entering the final chukka of play trailing by two, Camilo Castagnola provided

M A I N TA I N I N G PRESSURE, UAE WERE BACK O N T H E AT TA C K TO OPEN THE SECOND HALF

a late surge accounting for three unanswered goals, to vault Dubai into the lead, but back-to-back goals from Beresford and Montverde Jr. capitalised on UAE’s structured attack to stave off Dubai’s comeback bid to deliver UAE the 12-11 triumph. ‘U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to once again support the Gold Cup for the third consecutive year as the Official Apparel Sponsor in one of the historic venues of British polo,’ said J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multibillion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. ‘As our global footprint expands, we are honoured to continue this partnership and highlight the sport of polo in the United Kingdom, which is one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s fastest-growing markets.’

Opposite, from left: Barto Castagnola on the nearside, Rufino Bensadon, Lukin Monteverde and Beltrán Laulhé. Left: Tommy Beresford on the ball with Jeta Castagnola on his hip

follow @hurlinghampolo

ACTION Q U E E N ’ S C U P, G U A R D S P O LO C U P, 1 8 J U N E 2 0 2 3

QUEEN’S CUP Murus Sanctus emerged victorious from a closely fought final against La Magdeleine for the Queen’s Cup on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club, reports Diana Butler

Navigating a deep field of 17 teams over four weeks of elite competition, Murus Sanctus and La Magdeleine went headto-head on the historic Queen’s Ground to crown a new Cartier Queen’s Cup champion. After La Magdeleine’s Santiago Laborde opened the scoring with an early penalty conversion, Murus Sanctus went on the attack, hitting three in the first chukka, including a Penalty 2 from Alejandro Muzzio to take a 3-1 lead. Taking advantage of Murus Sanctus’s foul-troubles in the second chukka, three penalties from

La Magdeleine’s Pablo Mac Donough were answered by two goals in open play from a driving Polito Pieres to maintain Murus Sanctus’ narrow one-goal advantage. With five field shots between the two teams in the third, the accuracy of these evenly matched opponents was on full display before the half-time bell. Mac Donough and Facundo Fernández Llorente found the goal in the third chukka, as Marcos Araya and Pieres delivered for Murus Sanctus. Thus the teams made their way into the tents tied 7-7 at the break.

hurlinghampolo.com

Emerging with a charge, Murus Sanctus opened up a gap over their opponents at the start of the second half. Pieres and Muzzio worked beautifully in tandem from the field to combine for three goals and give Murus Sanctus a 10-7 advantage. Generating only two shots with no opportunities to score from penalties, La Magdeleine was forced to make a late push in the sixth chukka. With back-to-back goals from Mac Donough and Santiago Laborde, La Magdeleine managed to cut their deficit to one. Stifling La Magdeleine’s sudden

PABLO RAMIREZ

ACTION

momentum, a brilliant drive from Pieres was all Murus Sanctus needed to hold off Mac Donough’s final effort and ensure they held on for an electrifying 11-10 victory to capture their first Queen’s Cup title. Murus Sanctus’s Corinne Ricard received the Queen’s Cup from Cartier’s managing director, Laurent Feniou. And thanks to an impressive, seven-goal performance, including six in open play, Polito Pieres was named the Cartier Most Valuable Player, while the Cartier Best Playing Pony prize went to Irenita La Kiosquera, played by Pablo Mac Donough. Earlier in the day, Vikings defeated Twelve Oaks 10-9 in the sub final for the Cartier Trophy on The Duke’s Ground. This was a stop-start game full of penalties, highlighting the tension and determination from both teams to secure a win on the last day of the competition. A Cartier Most Valuable Player prize was awarded to Juan Martin Zubia of the Vikings team.

PIERES AND MUZZIO WORKED B E A U T I F U L LY I N TA N D E M FROM THE FIELD TO COMBINE FOR THREE GOALS

Opposite, from left: Alejandro Muzzio, Marcos Araya, Polito Pieres and Corinne Ricard after winning the semi-finals. Right: Polito Pieres riding Fanta won the Queen’s Cup Most Valuable Player

GUTTER CREDIT IN HERE

follow @hurlinghampolo

ACTION F R E N C H O P E N , C H A N T I L LY P O L O C L U B , F R A N C E , S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3

FRENCH OPEN Two memorable finals completed the Open de France 2023, with TTR Sotheby’s clinching the women’s title and Kazak emerging victorious in the mixed tournament after an intense game that went into extra time, reports Jemima Wilson After a three-week qualifying phase that gave rise to some sublime battles during the 50 games played between 18 mixed and eight women’s teams, four strong teams faced each other on Sunday afternoon at the Ferme d’Apremont, home of Chantilly Polo Club. Team Kazak has been competing in the French Open for four years, winning its first title this year with the lineup of Sébastien

Aguettant (0), Beltrán Laulhé (3), Antonio Heguy (5) and Nico Pieres (8). Playing against Amanara, with Nicky Sen (0), Lorenzo Chavanne (4), Santiago Chavanne (7), and Benjamin Panelo (6), it was an incredibly intense game of the highest quality, thanks to some horses worthy of Palermo, and the teams maintained only one goal difference, with neither managing to get the upper hand.

hurlinghampolo.com

As is often the case in such matches, the game went to extra time, and after a decisive pass from Nico Pieres, Antonio Heguy scored the golden goal in front of his father, polo legend Pepe Heguy. MVP honours were awarded to Beltrán Laulhé. For Nico Pieres, it was his first participation in the Open de France: ‘I’m happy, obviously, but I’m especially happy

ACTION

ADÈLE RENAULDON/R&B PRESSE

Opposite, from left: Antonio Heguy, Sébastien Aguettant, Nico Pieres and Beltrán Laulhé. This page, from left: Nina Clarkin, Lucy Coddington, Laura Farrell and Margaux Guillemin

for this fine Kazak team, who gave themselves the means to win this title by investing in the right horses. It was a very complicated game to win and I knew it was going to be tough because I have watched Amanara’s games. I knew the score was going to be very close. In the extra chukka, I had to be patient and not rush things and that worked. It is the first time I have played polo at this level, and the first time I have played a tournament with 18 teams, and I was surprised by the level of polo that was played here. It is good preparation for the Argentinian Triple Crown.’ In the women’s final between TTR Sotheby’s (Margaux Guillemin (0), Laura Farrell (1), Lucy Coddington (5) and Nina Clarkin (10)) and La Mariposa Polo Team (Annalise Phillips (1), Nina Fruehaufn (0), Rebecca Walters (5) and Hazel Jackson (10)),

two of the best female players in the world were on the field, both of whom have won the Argentine Open. In the end, the two English female 10-goalers Nina Clarkin and Hazel Jackson came face to face, as they did in Palermo last year, and in Chantilly in 2018. After a slow first half, the game took off in the third chukka, with an intense battle

AFTER A SLOW F I R S T H A L F, T H E GAME TOOK OFF IN THE THIRD CHUKKA, WITH AN I N T E N S E B AT T L E

follow @hurlinghampolo

between Clarkin and Jackson. Ultimately, Nina Clarkin’s experience clinched the win. ‘It was a great tournament this year with some very good teams. We were lucky enough to be able to bring our own horses here, and some of the games were very tough, like this final, but it is a fantastic tournament with a great organisation,’ she said. ‘A game against Hazel is always difficult, as she is a great player and very combative. We really had to fight. They got the better of us at the start of the game, but we recovered at the end of the second half to hold on. Little Margaux (Guillemin) has really helped us and she is a great surprise. We needed a fourth player with a handicap of 0, and the organisers suggested this young French woman, who we didn’t know, but who has a lot of talent. I don’t think she’ll remain unknown for long.’

ACTION X I V F I P E U R O P E A N C H A M P I O N S H I P, P O LO C LU B D Ü S S E L D O R F, G E R M A N Y, S E PT E M B E R 2 0 2 3

EUROPEAN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 In a breathtaking final between Spain and Azerbaijan, Spain became new European Champion at the XIV FIP European Championship 2023 at Polo Club Düsseldorf, with a 9-6 victory, reports Jemima Wilson Over 200 horses and players from eight nations participated in the 2023 European Championship at Polo Club Düsseldorf, which culminated in the final attracting hundreds of spectators, where reigning world champions Spain also became European champions. Team Spain, Joaquin Castellvi, Manuel Lopez, Luis Domecq and the outstanding Mario Gómez, who was later awarded MVP of the tournament, left no doubt from the start they wanted to bring home the victory. While the Azerbaijanis had won all their games in the group matches of the preliminary round, and also defeated later final opponent Spain, Elchin Jamalli, Tarlan Gurbanaliyev, Joaquin Copello and Andrés Fernandez Llorente were unable to find an answer to the Spaniards’ outstanding playing strength on Sunday. The match for third place, in which Team Germany with brothers Paul, Anton and Emil Grabosch with Ken Kawamoto faced Austria, also released enthusiastic emotions, not only among the players but also for the Düsseldorf audience. There was jubilation when the young German team, which had only narrowly missed entry into the final, finally secured the bronze medal with a score of 7-5.5. After exciting matches in this strong international field of participants, the final results were: Italy (5th place), England (6th place), the Netherlands (7th place) and Switzerland (8th place). Tournament organiser Otto Blank said: ‘We are overjoyed and proud to be able to conclude this XIV FIP European

Joaquin Castellvi in the final. Opposite: the Spanish team celebrates

hurlinghampolo.com

ACTION

POLO CLUB DÜSSELDORF; FIP 8 GOAL

T E A M S PA I N , J O A Q U I N C A S T E L LV I , M A N U E L L O P E Z , L U I S DOMECQ AND MARIO GÓMEZ LEFT NO DOUBT FROM T H E S TA R T T H E Y WA N T E D T O B R I N G H O M E T H E V I C T O R Y Championship here at the Polo Club Düsseldorf so successfully. Spain played overwhelmingly well today and we congratulate the new European champions.’ Blank has expanded Polo Club Düsseldorf (established in the 1970s) since 2018, turning it into one of the most beautiful polo facilities in Germany through extensive renovation work, and should receive the highest recognition that he had been commissioned by the FIP to host a European Championship. In addition to the world federation FIP, whose representative Alex Taylor was on site in Düsseldorf as tournament director during the entire European Championship, the German Polo Association (DPV) is also co-host of the European Championship in Düsseldorf. DPV president Oliver Winter commented: ‘We look back on 120 years of

polo history in Germany, in which Polo Club Düsseldorf has played a leading role for over 44 years. We are all the more delighted that Germany has now been entrusted with hosting a European Championship here for the third time. We are thrilled about this fantastically beautiful facility with its Polo Academy, which offers the best training opportunities for the German sport of polo and especially for the young generation of players. A sensational achievement by Otto Blank, his family and his team.’ On the organiser side, professional polo player Tito Gaudenzi has provided significant support for the organisation of the 2023 European Championship. The Swiss-born polo player is the organiser of the world-renowned Snow Polo event in Kitzbühel, organises beach polo in Miami

follow @hurlinghampolo

and is a successful polo player himself. Tito Gaudenzi, founder and CEO of Lifestyle Polo and captain of the Swiss national polo team: ‘First of all, we would like to thank all the participating teams and the organisation. Congratulations on Spain’s victory at the XIV FIP Polo European Championship at Polo Club Düsseldorf. It was a privilege for Lifestyle Polo to work with Otto Blank and Polo Club Düsseldorf to organise such a monumental event. Thank you also to the German Polo Association (DPV) and the International Polo Federation (FIP) for their support. We look forward to continuing to grow the sport of polo around the world.’ All team jerseys were again provided by the global, sports-inspired brand U.S. Polo Assn. as the official apparel partner of the FIP and the European Polo Championships.

ACTION JOCKEY CLUB OPEN, SAN ISIDRO, 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

M AT I A S C A L L E J O

hurlinghampolo.com

ACTION

JOCKEY CLUB OPEN Scone was crowned champion of the Jockey Club Open Thai Polo Cup for the second time, winning 16-11 against La Dolfina, reports Jemima Wilson

It was a vibrant final day on 23 September on field number 1 of the Jockey Club, in San Isidro, for the 58th Jockey Club Open Thai Polo Cup, in which Scone and La Dolfina came head to head for the coveted title. Scone, which arrived with the intention of revalidating the crown it obtained in 2022, dominated the first few chukkas, with David Paradice and his three 10-goal players Camilo Castagnola, Bartolomé Castagnola and Poroto Cambiaso managing to tilt the field in their favour. The La Dolfina team of Mariano González (7), Paco De Narvaez (4), Diego Cavanagh (8) and Tomás Panelo (9), sought to counteract the attacks of its rival, and

at times it succeeded, but after the fourth chukka, the difference was 12 to 6 to Scone. From there, and despite the fact that La Dolfina was gradually finding a better performance, Scone managed to extend its lead on the scoreboard and secured the championship for the second time. After the match, it was time for the awards ceremony, in which authorities from the Jockey Club, the Argentine Polo Association, the Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders and representatives of Thai Polo were in attendance. There, Daniel González, the glory of Argentine polo, dedicated a few words to the memory of the recently deceased polo legend Juan

SCONE, WHICH ARRIVED WITH THE INTENTION O F R E VA L I D AT I N G THE CROWN IT O B TA I N E D I N 2022 , D O M I N AT E D THE FIRST FEW CHUKKAS

Opposite: In the final, Mariano Gonzalo on the ball with Poroto Cambiaso chasing him. This page, from left: Jeta Castagnola, David Paradice, Poroto Cambiaso and Barto Castagnola

follow @hurlinghampolo

Carlos Harriott, one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Guillermo Strada, representing the Jockey Club, presented the trophy to the champions, while Delfín Uranga, the president of the Argentine Polo Association, presented the runner-up awards to La Dolfina. MVP honours went to Bartolomé Castagnola, while the Final Fair Play Player Award was presented to David Paradice. The Best Horse of the Final was Iberia, played by Diego Cavanagh, and the award for Best Horse of the Final by the Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders was won by Don Ercole Eleonor, ridden by Poroto Cambiaso.