No 63
May/June 2015 AED 20
SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI
PRINCE BISHOP TAKES GOLD IN DUBAI WORLD CUP
BRILLIANTLY BRITISH POLO DAY
www.equestrio.com
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EDITORIAL
W
From the editor
ow, what an exciting season we have had. With the running of the 20th renewal of Dubai’s greatest racing showcase, the Dubai World Cup, as well as the conclusion of the prestigious Dubai Gold Cup Polo series, raised to 18-goal for the very first time, it really has been backto-back action. And now, with all eyes and energies focused on the UK as we look towards the first of the classics and the start of the eminent British polo season, there’s barely been time to catch our breaths. The Dubai World Cup and Meydan hosted a spectacular show as it celebrated rolling into its third decade and we were delighted to get a home winner, thanks to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Prince Bishop (ridden by William Buick) who caused a huge upset by racing past the favourite California Chrome and scooping the $6million prize purse. In a heartwarming gesture, Sheikh Hamdan swiftly donated the winnings to the Dubai Autism Centre and we extend both our congratulations and admiration to the Crown Prince of Dubai and everyone involved in Prince Bishop’s triumph at Meydan. Over on the polo fields, play was non-stop with the highly anticipated final of the Dubai Gold Cup Series, the Julius Baer Gold Cup 2015, where Zedan were crowned winners. Wrapping up the season at Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the Emirates Open saw the hosts finish in first place in a match that bore witness to some excellent sportsmanship. Dubai’s Beach Polo Cup also got underway and attracted a huge crowd thanks to it’s central location at SkyDive Dubai. The inaugural Dubai Cup also took place, with Bin Drai coming out on top. The fact that we have so many Emirates-based patrons and teams able to contest such a relentless run of tournaments is testament to the high standard of sport here and we want to say a big congratulations to all the teams. British Polo Day took place in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the quintessentially British event was perfectly timed as, with things heating up in the desert, the next few months are really all about the UK. While we perhaps can’t expect perfect riding conditions thanks to the good old British weather, we can expect first-class racing and top polo action. Laura King reports on all the action from The Guineas and we expect to see Godolphin leading the way for UAE racing. Ali Albwardy’s polo squad will be participating in all the high-goal English polo tournaments and it’s hoped that Sheikha Maitha’s UAE team will also make an appearance in the UK. We wish them all every success. Here’s to a fantastic summer of sport.
Hayley Senior Editor
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HAYLEY SKIRKA
January/February 2015
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contents 20 28
10 EDITORIAL 20 DIARY 28 NEWS 34 SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI 2015 42 POLO DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP
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EMIRATES INTERNATIONAL OPEN POLO
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BRITISH POLO DAY
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DUBAI POLO CUP 2015
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UK SEASON PREVIEW
66 SPOTLIGHT DUBAI WORLD CUP
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UAE ROUND-UP
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THE GUINEAS
88 LEGENDS TAGHROODA 94 PORTFOLIO IRINA KAZARIDI 104 ESCAPE CALIFORNIA DREAMING 104
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The private bank for polo Proud supporters of leading polo teams and events worldwide.
facebook.com/EFGInternational
Photo courtesy of Singapore Polo Club
Practitioners of the craft of private banking
EFG is the marketing name for EFG International and its subsidiaries. EFG International’s global private banking network includes offices in Zurich, Geneva, London, Channel Islands, Luxembourg, Monaco, Madrid, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Taipei, Miami, Nassau, Grand Cayman, Bogotå and Montevideo. www.efginternational.com
contents LCM PUBLISHING LLC PO Box 50954, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 351 8380 Fax: +971 4 351 8390 E-mail: arabia@equestrio.com www.equestrio.com @EquestrioLive PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Michael Lahyani
PUBLISHER AND CEO Gerard Belicha gerard@swissmg.com EDITORIAL Hayley Skirka Senior Editor
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Mary Keenan Junior Editor DESIGN Kaha Abdisalam Senior Designer Sheetal Jayaram Junior Designer
CONTRIBUTORS
Laura King, Oliver Eliot, Dara Williams COVER PHOTO Š Irina Kazaridi
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May/June 2015
SPORTING TALK WITH FELIX WELLER
ADVERTISING Ladan Rahbary Managing Director ladan@swissmg.com Melroy Noronha Senior Sales Manager melroy@swissmg.com PRINTED BY
Printwell Printing Press LLC While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
COVER STORY No 63
May/June 2015 AED 20
SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI
PRINCE BISHOP TAKES GOLD IN DUBAI WORLD CUP
BRILLIANTLY BRITISH POLO DAY
www.equestrio.com
Carpe Diem: Irina Kazaridi
S
port, emotion and human connection combine in this remarkable series of images by photographer Irina Kazaridi taken at the Dubai Gold Cup 2015. Based in Monaco, her polo photography takes her across the world as she captures the action from St. Moritz to Dubai, from Palm Beach to Argentina. Capturing the essence of these stunning horses is all about following the lead of the animals and working on instinct. We’re delighted to feature her captivating work in our Portfolio section and on our cover. www.irinakazaridi.com
CONTRIBUTORS LAURA KING needs no introduction to Equestrio readers. From her Dubai base she has travelled the world reporting from racing’s major venues for many years. For this issue she gives us a detailed recap of the Dubai World Cup, reports from The Guineas Festival in England and gives us travel tips for California.
ANDREW WATKINS has contributed to Equestrio since the title’s launch. A regular on racecourses and polo fields around the world, his photography has brought life and vibrance to these pages for a decade. www.andrewwatkinsphotography.com
NEVILLE HOPWOOD is a photographer with a truly international portfolio. From his base in Dubai he has travelled the globe with his cameras for some 20 years and his impressive subjects include a plethora of racing and polo images. For this issue he captures the excitement of the prestigious Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. www.nevillehopwoodphotography.com
DARA WILLIAMS is an international polo writer based in London, and a regular contributor to Equestrio Arabia. Braving all that British weather has to offer, Dara is tireless in her pursuit of good polo. For this issue she looks ahead at what the forthcoming British high-goal season has to offer.
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DIARY
The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Guards Polo Club, UK 1st - 17th May
Thanks to the sponsorship from leading polo kit and clothing supplier, La Martina, style will be seen both on and off the pitch. With summer setting in, both players and ponies will be warmed up to set the scene for each game. www.guardspoloclub.com
Royal Windsor Horse Show Windsor, UK 13th - 17th May
Held in the beautiful private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Royal Windsor Horse Show is five days of action, entertainment and top-class sport, making it one of the most important equestrian outings on the British calendar. Started in 1943 to raise money for the WWII effort, it is the UK’s largest outdoor shows with international competitions in five different equestrian disciplines jumping, driving, endurance, showing and dressage. Patronised by HM The Queen, the show annually attracts more than 45,000 visitors. www.rwhs.co.uk
Singapore Airlines INternational Cup Kranji, Singapore 17th May
Now in its 15th year and the highlight of the Singapore season, the Singapore International Cup attracts some of the best horses from the four corners of the globe. www.siacup.sg
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DIARY
Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup Sha Tin, Hong Kong 25th May
The one race that runs over the distance of 2400m, the Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup is the final leg of the Triple Crown following the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and the Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). A special bonus of HK$10million will be paid to the owner of a horse winning all three legs of the series. The race derives its name from a race that was first staged in 1870 as ‘The Champion Stakes’ and was then later known as ‘The Chater Cup’, in memory of Sir Paul Chater, who played a very important part in Hong Kong horse racing from 1872 to 1926.
Photo © Tony Ramirezs
www.hkjc.com
Cartier Queen’s Cup Guards Polo Club, UK 19th May - 14th June
This is Cartier’s fourth year as title sponsor of the Queen’s Cup. As one of the most prestigious high-goal tournaments, the 22goal Queen’s Cup is the one that patrons around the world want to win. Attended by the ‘Who’s Who’ of polo, each game is so important that even if the players are not in action on the field, they can be found watching the games. The trophy was first presented to the Club by HM The Queen in 1960, and historically she attends Finals Day to present the Cup to the winning patron. www.guardspoloclub.com
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DIARY
Guineas Spring Racing Festival The Curragh, Ireland 23rd - 24th May
BENTLEY Royal Windsor Guards Polo Club, UK 1st - 23rd June
www.curragh.ie
www.guardspoloclub.com
Starting off the summer racing season at The Curragh, the Festival features races such as the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (with top sprinters from Ireland and Britain featuring in the six furlong contest), the Abu Dhabi Stakes (Group III), the Cold Move Marble Hill Stakes and the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas. The event attracts a diverse range of race-goers including ‘sport of kings’ enthusiasts, socialites, entertainment-seekers and families.
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Historically represented by HM The Queen, this equine extravaganza is the leading 15-goal tournament in the country and has been played at Smith’s Lawn since 1955. The Bentley Royal Windsor attracts leading players and, as this tournament invariably features more than 25 teams, even qualifying is an achievement. An impressive procession of carriages, organised by the British Driving Society, drive onto the Club’s number one ground to be inspected by HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip at the conclusion of the day.
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DIARY
Investec Derby Festival Epsom, UK 5th - 6th June
Dating back to 1780, the Investec Derby Festival is still ranked the greatest flat race in the world. With one of the biggest prize purses in UK racing, matched equally by the prestige the victory brings, it features a unique and challenging course. www.epsomderby.co.uk
Credit@Clive Bennett
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Cowdray Park, UK 23 June - 19 July Cowdray Park is recognised as the home of British polo with over 450 matches played here every season. Expect a collection of celebrity guests and high octane sporting action at The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship. It truly is one of the premier polo tournaments in the world and one of the most exciting and stylish events of the English sporting season. www.cowdraypolo.co.uk
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Royal Ascot Ascot, UK 16th - 20th June
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, bringing together the very best of fashion, style, sport and entertainment while providing the ultimate stage for the world’s finest racehorses. The quality of the racing is outstanding, with over £5.5million in prize money on offer and a total of eighteen group races over the five days. Some of the most prestigious races include The Queen Anne Stakes, The King’s Stand Stakes (the first British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge) and The St James’s Palace Stakes. www.ascot.co.uk
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival The Curragh, Ireland 26th - 28th June
This year marks the seventh year of Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship of the festival that features an eight-race programme and centres around the incredibly glamorous Irish Derby. www.curragh.ie
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NEWS
Lightning Moon joins Godolphin Godolphin has announced the purchase of Lightning Moon, four-year-old son of Shamardal, trained by Ed Walker and a leading contender for sprint honours this year. John Ferguson, Bloodstock Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, commented: “Obviously Lightning Moon appeals for a number of reasons, not only as a son of Shamardal, who is proving to be an exciting sire of sires, but also as an unbeaten top class sprinter who we believe has his best days ahead of him.” Trainer Ed Walker said, “I’m thrilled that Sheikh Mohammed has purchased the colt and, needless to say, I am even more pleased that he is going to remain with us, which is fantastic news for everybody here at Warren Place. It really is a huge honour to be allowed to continue training this colt on behalf of Godolphin.”
“Lightning Moon has been a revelation ever since he came to us. He has a fantastic attitude and is a wonderful physical specimen. The plan is to go to York for his first run and then look at the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot, and then the July Cup back here in Newmarket.”
American pharoah crowned King in Kentucky Chasing history at Churchill Downs as trainer bob baffert gets a Long awaited victory. On the first Saturday in May, three-year-old American Pharoah gave trainer Bob Baffert a long-awaited 4th Derby win at Churchill Downs. Sent off as the 5-2 favourite in front of a record crowd, the bay colt secured the gold winner’s trophy for owner Ahmed Zayat in the $2.1million race. Sporting his trademark stumpy tail – having had the rest of it
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chewed off by another horse on the farm – American Pharoah settled comfortably into third place, behind his trainer’s other runner, Dortmund, and Arnold Zetcher’s Firing Line. Held back by Victor Espinoza in what was essentially a three-horse race, American Pharoah rallied in the stretch to take the lead, finishing the 1 1/4 miles with a time of just 2:03:02.
Guerdat scoops top honour
Three days of spectacular riding and intense competition made for a superb final at the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup TM Jumping Final with Swiss Rider Steve Guerdat earning himself the title of champion.
The world’s best riders and horses offered spectators a unique show with outstanding performances in the Las Vegas famous Thomas & Mack Center. In the end it was Steve Guerdat who steered Albfuehren’s Paille to victory in the final on Sunday 19 April. Pénélope Leprevost from France earned second place with Vagabond de la Pomme while Irish born Bertram Allen, riding Molly Malone V, slotted into third place. The event, which closed the 2014-2015 season, was attended by Stefanie Graf - world famous tennis player and the Longines ambassador of Elegance.
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NEWS
New sponsors at Chestertons Polo in the Park as the uk summer season gets underway, new sponsors join the party. Cutler and Gross, the luxury British eyewear brand, is the latest company to partner with Chestertons Polo in the Park, acting as official sponsor of the England polo team when they take on South America on June 5 in the international match. The brand will also operate a British equestrian themed pop-up over the course of the three day event which runs from June 5 -7 in the UK’s capital. Other sponsors for the quintessentially British event include Air Europa, City AM Lanson and Royal Dutch Gazelle. Now in it’s seventh year, Chesterons Polo in the Park marks the start of London’s summer social season and is firmly established as one of the hottest events in the capital. This year’s addition of an international match will be the first England International polo match to be played at Hurlingham Park since 1939. The rest of the tournament will see six teams, representing cities from around the world play with three-man teams on a smaller field than usual, resulting in excellent viewing for the spectators. Asides from the hosts, this year’s teams will include last year’s winners Abu Dhabi as well as Davos, Dublin, Lagos and Hong Kong. Mayfair’s famous Mahiki will be stirring up drinks pitch side from the longest pop up bar in all of Europe and there will be plenty of entertainment both on and off pitch to keep everyone entertained.
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133 MEMBER FEDERATIONS PART OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT, WITH 1 PARALYMPIC & 3 OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES MORE THAN 3,700 FEI EVENTS EACH YEAR
THE INTERNATIONAL GOVERNING BODY OF EQUESTRIAN SPORT JUMPING
DRESSAGE & DRESSAGE
EVENTING
DRIVING &
ENDURANCE
VAULTING
REINING
DRIVING
www.fei.org
PRESIDENT : INGMAR DE VOS
Simply the best in Las Vegas FEI World Cup™ Finals 2015 Adrenaline, excitement, grit and true determination were on show at the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2015 in Las Vegas which saw Olympic champions Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) take home the ultimate indoor Dressage and Jumping trophies.
Exceptional performances inspired by the fans
Dressage took on a whole new dimension at the Thomas & Mack Centre as the American spectators totally immersed themselves in the competition, clapping and roaring their approval throughout every test. They were louder than ever, but the horses and riders rose to the challenge – lifted by the enthusiasm and overwhelming support from the crowds.
“I love this show, for a few years it didn’t come back to Las Vegas. I think shows in Europe have a lot to learn from the way they do things here, and a lot of the European riders have asked me what it is like. I tell them it’s so good - the atmosphere, the music, the spectators are happy and laughing and cheering for every horse - it’s all about entertainment for the crowd and I think it’s great, I really like it”. Steve Guerdat
©FEI/Action Images - Steve Marcus
©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst
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NEWS 1
Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Albfuehren’s Paille
2
Penelope Leprevost (FRA) & Vagabond de la Pomme 16 115 1 1
3
Leagues Qualifying events Final Champion
Bertram Allen (IRL) & Molly Malone
©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst ©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and I’ve come close many times. It’s the third time I was in the lead going into the final competition, and today I nearly messed it up again! I’m so happy, I feel blessed!” Steve Guerdat
Perseverance is the key to success…
“I’ve been three-times on the podium, twice in the jump-off and always finished in the top 10. I always wanted to win this. I have good people around me who keep me calm and confident and keep me going. You need a little bit of luck, you have to keep believing in yourself and your horse and if you come so close so many times you deserve to win it one time!” Steve Guerdat
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©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst
19…
The youngest riders at this year’s final were both 19 years old, Jos Verlooy from Belgium and Bertram Allen from Ireland. The oldest horse is the 19-year-old Irish-bred stallion Flexible, ridden by the USA’s Rich Fellers.
NEWS 1
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) & Valegro
2
Edward Gal (NED) & Glock’s Undercover
3
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) & Unee BB “I’m just living the dream! Valegro just loves his job, I don’t have to force him to do anything, I just sit there and steer and off I go, there’s no sweating, no pushing, no pulling, he knows his job and it’s just fantastic!” Charlotte Dujardin
©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst 4 30 1 1
Leagues Qualifying events Final Champion
©FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst
Close to perfection…
The Olympic, World and European champions Charlotte Dujardin & super horse Valegro were in a league of their own, coming close to their world-record Freestyle score when posting 94.196, and finishing almost 10 percentage points ahead of their nearest rivals.
Horses and fashion…
©FEI/Action Images - Steve Markus
A new silver trophy designed by New York fashion designer Reem Acra was inaugurated at the 2015 Final. Complete with a leather belt and silver equestrian buckle it marries Reem Acra’s two passions – horses and fashion. The new trophy has been mounted on the original base that has been used for the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final since it was first presented at the Final in 1986 at ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED).
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Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
SPOTLIGHT
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BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI SKYDIVE DUBAI, DUBAI, 10/04/15-11/04/15
Cadillac Crowned
Champions Hayley Skirka
THERE WAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI 2015 HELD IN THE HEART OF THE CITY AT SKYDIVE DUBAI. TWO DAYS OF EXCELLENT SPORTSMANSHIP, LAVISH ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCITING POLO CULMINATED IN A FANTASTIC FINAL AND A DAZZLING FIREWORK-FUELLED CLOSING CEREMONY.
T
he much-anticipated annual Beach Polo Cup in Dubai was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Club, and was played under sponsorship by Longines, Autism Rocks, VistaJet Bombardier, Lindt and Cadillac. The sport, which fuses crowdpleasing fun with traditional polo elegance, was born in Dubai and is now an internationally celebrated social event highlighted in many major sporting calendars.
In the end, it was Tariq Albwardy, Matias Machado and Sam Instone for the Cadillac team who walked away with the glory after a great final victory over last year’s winners, Team VistaJet and Bombardier. Things got off to a good start for Cadillac as Tariq Albwardy opened up the game, firing home a very early goal and edging his team immediately into the lead while securing himself as first man on the score sheet. TAKING A TUMBLE Unfortunately, the excitement of the early goal was short-lived as Tariq’s
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SPOTLIGHT
“ teammate, Matias Machado, suddenly plummeted off his mount when his pony lost its footing in the sand. Just two minutes into the game, proceedings ground to a halt and the first aid team flooded the field to assess the damage. The air was tense as Matias appeared not to be moving and all eyes were glued firmly to the motionless player sprawled on the ground. Thankfully, after a few minutes, the Argentinian
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began to move his legs and it wasn’t too much longer before he was back in the saddle. A quick trot around the field to make sure everything was okay, and the action restarted. Determined not to let the incident deter them, Cadillac got back to work, firing home another three goals to finish chukka one with a 4-0 lead. Team VistaJet and Bombardier seemed to come alive as
Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
the second chukka kicked off, with Rashid Albwardy expertly picking up the ball before being fouled by Cadillac, but there was no subsequent goal. A fantastic shot on target from Martin Valent from the halfway line earned Cadillac two points, putting them further in front and Matias Machado seemed to have fully recovered from his fall as he took the advantage after a goal line scuffle and fired home a beautiful goal.
ABOVE: Rashid Albwardy chases after the long ball.
BROTHERLY LOVE The Albwardy brothers went head to head, hot on each other’s tails cantering from one end of the arena to the other. It was younger brother Rashid who came out on top but he couldn’t quite make the final shot and the scores remained unchanged. The third chukka brought hope to Team VistaJet and
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Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
SPOTLIGHT
Photo©Courtesy ©CourtesyBeach BeachPolo PoloCup CupDubai Dubai Photo
A penalty shot by Valent was successful but Matias was soon back with another goal for Cadillac.”
ABOVE : The Cadillac team hold back the opposition. LEFT: Rashid Albwardy chases after Matias Machado.
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Photo ŠCourtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Bombardier as they managed to level the playing field thanks to goals by Martin Valent and Rashid Albwardy. With both teams going into the fourth and final chukka ready to give it their all, it was Cadillac who opened the scoring. However, VistaJet and Bombardier retaliated quickly with a shot that crawled over the line. A penalty shot by Valent was
successful but Matias was soon back with another goal for Cadillac. A final flourish by Rashid Albwardy wasn’t enough to give VistaJet and Bombardier the win and, as the final hooter sounded, it was Team Cadillac who was victorious by 13 goals to 9. Matias Machado for Cadillac, perhaps unsurprisingly
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Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
SPOTLIGHT
Beach Polo Rules PLAYED WITH A RED PLASTIC INFLATABLE BALL EACH TEAM IS COMPOSED OF THREE PLAYERS THERE IS ONE UMPIRE, WHO REMAINS SEATED FIELD IS 100X50 METRES (SMALLER THAN STANDARD POLO)
CHUKKA
after his mighty comeback, was named MVP of the tournament. In the subsidiary final, Team Autism Rocks, made up of Stuart Wrigley, Saoud Khoory and Maxi Malacalza, narrowly defeated Team Lindt (Uwe Zimmermann, Piero Dillier and Lucas Labat) by 8 goals to 7.
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Photo ©Courtesy Beach Polo Cup Dubai
GOAL DIRECTION IS ONLY SWITCHED AFTER EACH
The Albwardy brothers went head to head, hot on each other’s tails, cantering from one end of the arena to the other.� May/June 2015
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Photo: Š Neville Hopwood.
POLO
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JULIUS BAER GOLD CUP, DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB, DUBAI, UAE, 23/02/15-13/03/15
Golden Glory
for Zedan Hayley Skirka
IT WAS ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP IN THE THRILLING FINAL OF THE JULIUS BAER GOLD CUP 2015 AS ZEDAN BATTLED HARD AGAINST BIN DRAI TO BE CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS EVENT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
I
n a spectacular event run under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s largest polo series celebrated its sixth edition this year with the Julius Baer Gold Cup 2015. Recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT) since 2012, the event is the highest handicap tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This year’s 18-goal handicap bore witness to some spectacular on-field action between the teams, who were competing for an impressive half million dirham prize purse. Thrilling semi-finals set the scene for a spectacular final between Bin
Drai and Zedan and an impressive crowd turned out to witness the duel. Following performances by cheerleaders, acrobats, skydivers and some lavishly decorated camels, Amr Zedan’s team got the polo action underway, beginning proceedings by taking an early lead thanks to star player Pablo MacDonough. Staying strong throughout, 10 goaler MacDonough ensured that there was constant pressure on Bin Drai but the red shirts were not about to sit down and make things easy for the boys in blue. After Pablo’s opener, Raul Laplacette stepped up after a whistle on play against Zedan, circling
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Photo: © Neville Hopwood. Photo: © Neville Hopwood.
POLO
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Photo: © Neville Hopwood.
The teams Bin Drai Polo (+18) SAEED BIN DRAI (0) AGUSTIN CANALE (+6) MANUEL FERNANDEZ LLORENTE (+6) RAUL LAPLACETTE (+6)
Zedan Polo (+18) AMR ZEDAN (+0) MARTIN (GATTO) GANDARA (+4) FACUNDO FERNANDEZ LLORENTE (+4) PABLO MACDONOUGH (+10)
the ball before sending it straight down the middle of the field and galloping after it. Expertly ridden off by Zedan’s defence, Gandara subsequently picked up the play, flicking the ball home for the second goal of the match. Not long after, Facundo Llorente got his name on the scoresheet, making it 3-0 to Zedan. Bin Drai’s patron, Saeed Bin Drai, attempted to open up play for his side, but his shot went wide just over the line. Not to be defeated, Manuel Llorente picked up the pieces, getting another shot on goal and opening the scoring for the red team, with the chukka ending 3-1 to Zedan. The momentum continued in the next chukka and it wasn’t long before Raul made it 3-2 thanks to a successful penalty shot. Pablo MacDonough used this as fuel to get back into the action, driving home a penalty to push Zedan ahead by 4 goals to 2. Bin Drai retaliated quickly and a whistle on play against Zedan saw Raul fire home a beautiful goal from the spot, pushing the score to 4-3. It was short lived success however as Pablo stepped up once again to successfully convert a penalty and end the chukka 5 goals to 3 for Zedan. A few minutes recovery time seemed to do Bin Drai a
world of good and they came into the fourth chukka strong with Raul opening the scoring and Manuel Llorente racing off to the other side of the field to put away a second fantastic goal for Bin Drai, levelling the scores. Not quite finished, the young Bin Drai Argentinian flew down the field to grab another goal, nudging his team in front for the first time in this hotly contested final. This seemed to be the shock the dark shirts had been waiting for and it wasn’t long before they were back in the heart of the action, successfully converting a penalty to bring the score level before edging ahead with another fine shot from 10 goaler Pablo. With everything to play for in the fifth and final chukka, it was Bin Drai who got the fans cheering with an early goal to bring the scores level again. A battle of the patrons as Amr Zedan and Saeed Bin Drai rode out in front, tussling for the long shot kept the excitement high and it was Zedan’s man who got the advantage, firing the ball back towards his team with an excellent backhand play. The dying minutes of the final chukka, saw an excellent run by Pablo end with another goal, switching the score to 8-7 in Zedan’s favour. Despite the limited time left on the clock, the Argentinian wasn’t quite ready to call it a day and
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Photo: Š Neville Hopwood.
POLO
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Photo: © Neville Hopwood. Photo: © Neville Hopwood.
For the first time in Gold Cup history, the trophy would be going home with the mighty Zedan.” raced at lightning speed to the other side of the field before netting home a final shot that ensured that, for the first time in Gold Cup history, the trophy would be going home with the mighty Zedan. MacDonough’s efforts earned him MVP while his mare, Irenita Pimenta from the Argentinian Polo Breeders Association, was named Best Playing Pony. Veronica, from Bin Drai Polo Team played by Fernandez Llorente was also awarded Best Playing Pony from Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. In the subsidiary Bentley Cup, Abu Dhabi won 7 goals to 5 over Mahra in what was another tightly contested game.
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Photo: © Courtesy GRPC
SPOTLIGHT
It was Ghantoot who got the first result of the day thanks to Felipe Llorente who opened the scoring for the hosts after a closely fought first minute of play.” 48
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EMIRATES OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP, GHANTOOT RACING AND POLO CLUB, ABU DHABI, UAE, 25/03/15-03/04/15
Ghantoot Glory at Emirates Open
Photo: © Courtesy GRPC
Hayley Skirka
HOSTS GHANTOOT GRABBED THE WINNING SLOT IN THE FINAL OF THE FOURTEENTH EDITION OF THE EMIRATES OPEN POLO CUP IN A THRILLING MATCH THAT BORE WITNESS TO EXCELLENT SPORTSMANSHIP AND FANTASTIC GOAL-SCORING.
T
he Emirates Open once again served as the final big title of the UAE season, with the region’s top polo squads competing against one another to be crowned champions. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, hosts Ghantoot and the Saudipatroned Zedan took to the field for
what soon shaped up to be an exciting final game. It was Ghantoot who got the first result of the day thanks to Felipe Llorente who opened the scoring for the hosts after a closely fought first minute of play. Teammate Alejandro Muzzio soon joined him on the score sheet making it 2-0 to Ghantoot. At the other side of the field, Muzzio
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Photo: © Courtesy GRPC
SPOTLIGHT
Muzzio dismounted after his pony slipped and stumbled but it wasn’t long before he was back in the saddle.” dismounted after his pony slipped and stumbled but it wasn’t long before he was back in the saddle. The ensuing tussle was enough to give Zedan their first goal of the match as Facundo Llorente claimed the ball from the swarm of shirts to fire home their opener, making the score 2-1 to Ghantoot with three minutes on the clock. Without wasting much time, 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough joined Facundo on the scoreboard, levelling the result to 2 goals apiece at the end of the first chukka. Tensions ran high in chukka two with Ghantoot patron, Amr Zedan, failing to clear a final shot despite a great run and the skilled MacDonough clearing the ball to safety. A foul by Zedan saw a penalty for the hosts, easily taken by Alejandro Muzzio
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to bring Ghantoot onto 3 goals. Another penalty, this time from the halfway line, against Zedan failed to hit the target but the subsequent shot was easily converted, again by the on-form Muzzio. A fantastic run by Felipe was spoiled thanks to Pablo keeping on the pressure for Zedan, forcing the Argentinian’s final shot wide. Muzzio followed Felipe’s lead, breaking away from the pack, this time successfully leaving Pablo trailing in his wake, before he nipped the ball over the line to make the score 5-2. Quick as a flash, MacDonough grabbed a loose shot and galloped straight to his goal line to add another for Zedan, making it 5-3 to Ghantoot as the chukka hooter sounded. Alejandro Muzzio continued in the same vein, clocking up
Photo: © Courtesy GRPC Photo: © Courtesy GRPC
ABOVE: A tough ride-off from Desert Palm during the subsidiary final. BOTTOM: Teams line-up at the Emirates Open presentation. a few more goals in the third chukka. Despite a successful penalty shot by Pablo MacDonough for Zedan, as well as a nice set up for Llorente, Ghantoot steamed ahead ending the chukka an impressive 9 goals to Zedan’s 5. The Saudi-patroned team’s star player, appeared to have made the decision that chukka four would be all about him and dominated play from the outset, driving home an easy penalty to open the scoring. Despite claiming a goal back, Ghantoot struggled to contain the triple-crown winner and he added a few more to the score sheet before setting up Felipe Llorente with a perfectly placed pass to leave his team with only a two goal disadvantage as the penultimate chukka ended. Both teams were looking for glory as the final chukka got underway but it was Alejandra Muzzio who got the first shot.
Cutting the ball into the goal, he just missed the shot but tried again a few minutes later and had a bit more luck. Both Pablo and Felipe Llorente got on the scoreboard, putting the teams at 12-9 with just a few minutes of play remaining. Juan Gris Zavaleta came into his own in these final moments for Ghantoot, putting away a spectacular shot then feeding Muzzio a great pass to set up another goal before rounding things off with Ghantoot’s fifteenth goal of the match, ensuring that the hosts secured the victory. Ghantoot’s Yousef bin Dismal received Best Local Player while Alejandra Muzzio was voted MVP and Acioaso, ridden by Muzzio, was named Best Playing Pony. In the subsidiary final, Bin Drai defeated Desert Palm by 8 goals to 5.
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SPOTLIGHT
Photo © Keoma Yac
Hot on the heels of HRH Prince Harry’s visit to Ghantoot, star British players George Meyrick and Jamie Morrison were flown in for the match.”
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BRITISH POLO DAY UAE AND MOROCCO, 21/03, 27/03, 25/04/15
Quintessentially
British Mary Keenan
BOTH UAE EDITIONS OF THE DUBAI-BORN BRITISH POLO DAY, AN EVENT THAT IS NOW A GLOBAL CARAVAN, WERE AN EXQUISITE SUCCESS WHILE THE MOROCCANBASED EDITION WAS A TRUE CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE AND HISTORY.
M
arch 21 marked the start of the 2015 British Polo Day Global Series in Abu Dhabi. Over 200 VIP guests including HH Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur and His Grace the Duke of Argyll attended the event, which took place at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Hot on the heels of HRH Prince Harry’s recent visit to Ghantoot, star British players George Meyrick and Jamie Morrison were flown in for the match. The evening started with the Hackett Camel Polo Trophy being contested by members of the British Army’s elite Cavalry and Guards regiments, which ended in a draw. The highlight of the evening’s polo was the British Polo Day Plate, which involved a closely fought battle between the British Exiles and Ghantoot Polo
Team. The exiles had a strong start with a surprise two goals in the opening minutes of the game, but the Zavaleta brothers soon took Ghantoot into the lead with their carefully honed tactics. Despite fighting back, the Exiles couldn’t manage to turn the game around and the home team once again triumphed with a 9-6.5 lead, taking home the trophy. George Meyrick was awarded Royal Salute’s Most Valuable Player while Shot of the Day was awarded to Ghantoot’s Abdullah bin Desmal. The event raised an admirable US$35,000 for Women and Health Alliance International and Help for Heroes. ROYALTY IN DUBAI The second leg of the UAE British Polo Day Global Series was hosted by the Habtoor family at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. The glamorous
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Photo © Sam Churchill
SPOTLIGHT
ABOVE: Jamie Morrison keeps his eye on the ball at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
event was attended by members of the Jordanian royal family, HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed, Prince Alexei Cantacuzene Count Speransky and Dubai socialites Hugo Taylor and Lina Al Samman. The Cavalry and Guards regiments of the British Army were in attendance again and coaxed their camels onto the pitch to battle it out for the Hackett Thesiger Trophy. The Cavalry team put up a valiant fight and over the course of three chukkas found the flags three times. The Guards fought hard to come back in the fourth chukka but to no avail. The pre-match entertainment did not stop there with the Brompton Bicycle
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Polo Match between Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and Rest of the World providing an unsteady example of pedal proficiency. Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club were no match for Rest of the World team who scored four unanswered goals resulting in a 4–0 victory. The Falcon Plate kicked off the afternoon’s polo being contested between the Royal Salute Oxbridge and Sofitel Gulf Polo teams. The closely fought match saw the Sofitel Gulf team claim a narrow victory with the final score a tight 7 goals to 6. The final match of the day took place between Hackett British Exiles and the home side Habtoor Polo who mounted
Photo © Sam Churchill
The closely fought match saw the Sofitel Gulf team claim a narrow victory.”
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Photo © Sam Churchill
Photo © Keoma Yac
SPOTLIGHT
ABOVE: Team Hackett take a near-side shot on the pitch in Abu Dhabi. ABOVE RIGHT: Teams line up at Jnan Amar Polo Club, Morocco.
up to play for the British Polo Day Dubai Cup. Habtoor Polo proved to be stiff competition and although the Hackett British Exiles threatened their lead up until the third chukka with some fantastic play, Habtoor managed to hold them off and a flurry of goals in the fourth chukka led to a three-goal victory with Habtoor winning by 8 goals to 5. Jamie Morrison of the Exiles was awarded Most Valuable Player and Oxbridge’s Lucas Monteverde was awarded Shot of the Day. RECORD BREAKING FUNDRAISING IN MOROCCO Next up in the series was British Polo Day Morocco held in partnership with the Branson family and Jnan Amar Polo as well as the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco which saw a fantastic $205,000 raised for the Eve Branson Foundation. After a highly-entertaining game of Brompton Bicycle Polo,
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the Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth team took on Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World in what turned out to be a technical and evenly matched game. The Honorable Tristan Phillimore, opened the account for the Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth team but Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World showed great strength, with Rudolfo Ducos riding a fine line and scoring twice and Lucas Tariditto ensuring that the home team crept into the lead by 3 goals to 2.5 at half time. The third and fourth chukkas were equally eventful with clever play from Viscount Melville and Nacho Tejerina which ended with a final home side narrow victory of 5 goals to 3.5. The triumphant Ritz Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World team took to the podium to collect the British Silverware’s Hackett Eve Branson Plate before the glamorous gala dinner went on until the small hours under the glittering night stars at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
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Photo © Keoma Yac
Photo © Keoma Yac
Photo © Sam Churchill
Photo@ Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC
Photo@ Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC
POLO
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DUBAI CUP 2015, DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN CUP, DUBAI, UAE, 06-10/04/15
BIN DRAI FLYING HIGH
ALL THE ACTION FROM THE DUBAI CUP 2015, THE INAUGURAL MEDIUM TOURNAMENT AT DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB
F
ounder of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, Mohammed Al Habtoor, this year launched The Dubai Cup Polo Tournament, a brand new event for the region which saw five teams vying for the trophy. “I am pleased to announce the Dubai Cup 2015, it is a great addition to the polo circuit in Dubai,” said Mohammed Al Habtoor. “Tournaments like these enhance Dubai’s position as a leading polo destination.” After a week of exciting polo, Bin Drai progressed to the final but had to wait for the results of an exciting penalty shoot-out between Habtoor,
Mahra and UAE Polo to see who would be their opponent. In the end, the honor went to UAE Polo Team. The final day saw a hotly contested match between Bin Drai and UAE Polo Team with the Bin Drai team taking home the top honours. Rashid and Mohammed Bin Drai, Nicolás Petracchi and Raúl Laplacette were well-deserved victors in the first edition of the tournament, winning by 10.5 goals to UAE Polo Team’s 6. In the subisdary final, Habtoor Polo came out on top after defeating Mahra by 9 goals to 7.
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Photo@Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC
Photo@ Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC
POLO
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Photo@ Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC
The tournament was the last in what was a season of excellent polo with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series for 2015 witnessing the league reach new heights of success. For the first time ever, the World Polo Tour (WPT) upgraded the tournament from a Challenge Cup to the highly coveted WPT Cup, meaning that winners receive 60 [points. The 18-goal handicap competition is now the highest handicapped event in the entire Middle East, Africa and Asia region. With this new polo tournament, The Dubai Cup 2015, added to the season’s polo line-up, we can rest assured of big things for next season. Mohammed Al Habtoor, founder of the Gold Cup Series in Dubai said, “We have big plans for the future of both the Dubai Gold Cup Series and Dubai Cup. Plus, in 2016 we will see the opening of the St. Regis Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, this will be a great new addition to the Dubai polo circuit and the equestrian community as whole.”
The tournament was the last in what was a season of excellent polo.”
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Photo Š Tony Ramirezs
PREVIEW
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UK SEASON PREVIEW, 2015
HIGH HOPES
FOR NEW SEASON Photo@Tony Ramirez
Dara Williams
NEW SPONSORS AT GUARDS AND COWDRAY PARK, AND A SPECIAL CELEBRATION AT GUARDS, ARE AMONG HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 BRITISH POLO CALENDAR. WITH AN EXPECTED TWELVE HIGHGOAL TEAMS COMPETING IN THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP, AND MOST OF THEM IN THE BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, IT IS SHAPING UP TO BE A HUGELY EXCITING SEASON. THE QUEEN’S CUP WILL RUN FROM 19 MAY TO 14 JUNE, WHILE THE BRITISH OPEN BEGINS ON 23 JUNE WITH THE FINAL ON 19 JULY.
A
t the time of going to press lineups were still to be finalised, but last year’s Queen’s Cup winners Lyndon Lea’s Zacara, will be returning to defend their title, although without 10goal Facundo Pieres who will instead join his brother Gonzalito, also 10-goals, in Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s King Power, a team new to the British highgoal scene last season. The Zacara line-up will feature Rodrigo Andrade, who helped the team to victory in the 2013 Queen’s Cup. Joining him will be a young British player, 18-year-old Jack Hyde. Ali Albwardy’s Dubai, victors in the 2014 British Open, will also be back with Adolfo Cambiaso, the world’s top exponent of the game who recently won the 111th US Open with Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente. For Dubai, he is lining up with Rashid Albwardy, Diego
Cavanagh and Tom Brodie. Other confirmed teams include the allBritish Somerton Polo, headed by Guards Polo Club ambassadors Richard Le Poer and Jack Richardson. The Pailloncy brothers’ HB Polo are also making a welcome return, as are last year’s gallant runners-up, Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas. Brothers Charlie and George Hanbury combine this season for El Remanso, while Ben Soleimani is entering RH Polo for the first time. It is also hoped that Sheikha Maitha’s UAE squad, featuring Pablo MacDonough, will be back as well as Hilali Noordeen’s Sifani Polo and Nick Clarke’s Salkeld. CHANGES AFOOT The British Open for the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park will be sponsored for the first time by Jaeger-LeCoultre, who have for many years also been official timekeepers to the club.
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Photo © Tony Ramirezs
PREVIEW
At Guards, new sponsors include Bentley, for the Royal Windsor, Britain’s leading medium-goal tournament; and Land Rover, for the Duke of Cornwall Trophy. In addition, Land Rover have become official partners of the club, joining major names such as Cartier, La Martina and Dorchester Collection. Louis Roderer are also joining as partners while La Martina will continue to sponsor the first medium-goal tournament of the calendar, the Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy. As Guards celebrates its diamond jubilee year, a new threeyear Land Rover corporate partnership was welcomed by Neil Hobday, chief executive at Guards. “Maintaining our status as the number one club in Europe is only possible thanks to strong support from our impressive cohort of sponsors and
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partners. Therefore we are delighted to welcome Land Rover into this stable of valued partners as our Official Vehicle, and look forward to working with them on many events” he said. Jeremy Hicks, managing director for Jaguar Land Rover UK, added, “Over twenty-five years we have built strong and long-term partnerships with Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the British Equestrian Federation, and we look forward to working with Guards over the coming years.” Guards also has a new polo manager, Antony Fanshawe, who has taken over following Glen Gilmore’s return to Australia. Speaking of his new post, former high-goal player Fanshawe declared, “This really is the number one job in polo, and to take
Photo: © Tony Ramirez / imagesofpolo.com
LEFT: HM The Queen & Arnaud Bamberger of Cartier presents Zacara patron, Lyndon Lea with the 2014 Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club.
up the reins at such an auspicious time for Guards is incredible. I have played many times at Smith’s Lawn throughout my career at all levels; and as this is my thirtieth anniversary of playing polo there could not be a more fitting way for me to celebrate than becoming polo manager at Smith’s Lawn.” Following a successful twelve years of supporting polo, Audi announced that they would not be renewing sponsorship of the England national squad, the Audi International series or, at Cowdray Park, the National Pony Club Polo Championships. They will, however, continue to host the annual Audi Polo Challenge, private events which have raised more than £1.7 million for various charities over the years supported by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Early highlights of the new season include the 8th St Regis International at Cowdray Park on 16 May, with England taking on The Americas. Last season, the home team defeated a strong South American squad by a good 11.5-8. Chestnut Tree House, a local charity providing hospice care for terminally ill children, will be hosting a lunch and Penny Farthing Polo tournament on 16 May featuring teams representing England and Scotland. The annual Polo Awards, now in their tenth year, will again take place at Guards with the prestigious ceremony playing host to many major players and patrons successful in the 2014 season. June will see Urs Schwarzenbach again welcoming British Polo Day to his estate at Shiplake in Oxfordshire. It will be the home leg of a series promoted as the only global network of its kind, and promises to be a spectacular occasion. Another interesting development is the launch of a polo academy at Cowdray Park. Heading the new facility is Guy Verdon, who has played across the globe for thirty years, for the last fifteen of which he has also coached. The academy will be hosted at Madam’s Farm near Cowdray, by former 8-goal professional Alan Kent, one of England’s best-known players, whose victories have included the British Open and Warwickshire Cup and who has been a regular coach for the England national team. If the blue skies and sunshine of late April continue for the rest of the season, players and spectators alike will be delighted.
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Photo © Dubai Racing Club
SPOTLIGHT
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DUBAI WORLD CUP MEYDAN, DUBAI, UAE, 28/03/15
PRINCE RULES AS WORLD CUP ROLLS INTO THIRD DECADE Laura King
THE 20TH DUBAI WORLD CUP WAS THE MEETING THAT WAS GOING TO USHER MEYDAN AND UAE RACING INTO A NEW ERA, AND IN A WAY IT DID, WITH A FIRST VICTORY IN THE WORLD’S RICHEST RACE FOR HH SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED AL MAKTOUM, CROWN PRINCE OF DUBAI, AND VERY MUCH A LEADER OF THE FUTURE.
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Photo © Dubai Racing Club
SPOTLIGHT
ABOVE: The Grey Gatsby in training.
“
The visored chestnut ran on strongly to land Dubai’s biggest race at the third time of trying.”
N
ot that Prince Bishop’s last to first win, in Sheikh Hamdan’s new ‘cornflower blue’ colours, was in any way expected. Even in the race, during which he was tailed off and pushed along in the early stages by jockey William Buick, it looked unlikely. A duo of talented Americans, Horse of The Year California Chrome and former Donn Handicap winner Lea, had travelled over to challenge the home guard, and then there was last year’s winner, Godolphin’s African Story, who was aiming to make history and win the race twice.
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Prince Bishop didn’t know any of this though, and the quirky gelding responded to Buick’s urgings and drew alongside California Chrome and Japanese raider Hokko Tarumae in the straight. From then on, it was easy and the visored chestnut ran on strongly to land Dubai’s biggest race at the third time of trying. California Chrome was second, beaten two and three-quarter lengths, while Lea was another length and a quarter back in third. Buick is no stranger to success but admitted that this hugely valuable win left him momentarily stunned.
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“
Mobbed when he dismounted by a sea of white-clad well-wishers, this was all new for Buick.”
“This is just nuts and a really special moment for the whole team”, said the Brit, who only signed as a full-time Godolphin jockey in November. “Prince Bishop has a very unorthodox way of racing so I took him out of the kickback down the back and when I got on California Chrome’s tail he started to pick up the bridle and he’s won well in the end. I feel sort of numb, I can’t really explain how I’m feeling right now.” Mobbed when he dismounted by a sea of white-clad well-wishers, this was all new for Buick but a familiar scene for trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who was winning the race for a seventh time, and a second in succession. Up until then, the evening had been thoroughly international. The preceding Group I Longines Sheema Classic went to France, when Dolniya became the third filly to win the 2400metre contest in six runnings at Meydan. The Aga Khan’s four year old had beaten Flintshire in her prep run at Chantilly and did so again here, powering clear under Christophe Soumillon to take trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre’s 2015 Dubai record to three wins from four starts. Flintshire finished second, ahead of Japanese Derby winner One And Only. Harp Star, another big hope for Japan, was sent off favourite but could only finish eighth under Ryan Moore. It was Dolniya’s first top level win, but the indications were there when she finished an excellent fifth behind Treve in October’s Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe last October, a race she will now be aimed at again.
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Photo © Dubai Racing Club
SPOTLIGHT
“Dolniya is in very good condition and has improved a lot from three”, said de Royer-Dupre. “It was not a surprise, but it was difficult to go against Flintshire. We have to think about the Arc. I think she is much better on better ground.” Dolniya’s win capped a superb hour for the French, who earlier landed the Group I Dubai Turf [formerly Dubai Duty Free] with the rapid improver Solow. The grey gelding is unbeaten in five starts since trainer Freddy Head dropped him back in trip to a mile and he
pulverized a strong field here, scooting away from dual Group I winner The Grey Gatsby in the straight. So comprehensive was the victory that jockey Maxime Guyon was able to celebrate before the line – a move the Meydan stewards took a dim view of, fining him Dhs2000. With Solow having pocketed the lion’s share of US$6million, it hardly mattered, and there should be more to come, according to his trainer. “This was a big test for the horse as he had never run in
a Group I race, but I could not have had him better and he’s shown what a good horse he is,” said Head, for whom this was a first Dubai victory. “Maxime rode a perfect race – he was cool and calm and is one of the best there is. This has been a long time coming as we had to geld him to try and curb his growth as he was getting so big. “This is my first ever winner in Dubai and it’s brilliant as I love the place and I love coming here. I’m thrilled.” It had also been a while – Meydan’s debut year in 2010 –
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Photo © Reuters
Photo © Reuters
SPOTLIGHT
since America’s domination of the 1200metre Golden Shaheen ended. However, with dirt playing to their strengths they were back in force for 2015 and duly scooped the prize, but only just, thanks to the tenacity of Secret Circle. Bob Baffert’s dual Breeders’ Cup winner had the run of the race under Victor Espinoza, but had to fight hard to see off the attentions of shock runner-up Super Jockey, who threw
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everything at him in the straight. Secret Circle clung on, and provided his absent trainer with his first win in this race. Baffert had been trying to win the Shaheen for a while, but it was nothing compared with Irish trainer Ed Lynam, who sent his multiple Group I winner Sole Power into the Al Quoz Sprint for a fifth time. The tiny gelding had finished second before, but this time got the elusive win under jockey Richard Hughes, who was
Photo © Dubai Racing Club
“
Maxime rode a perfect race - he was cool and calm and is one of the best there is.”
riding at Meydan for the last time before retirement. Benefiting from the strong early gallop, Sole Power arrived late on the scene as usual but registered a comfortable win, passing the post half a length ahead of Hong Kong’s Peniaphobia, with US-based outsider Green Mask picking up a surprise third. It was a huge improvement from Sole Power, whose lacklustre twelfth place in the Meydan Sprint three weeks before had Hughes in two minds about whether to ride him. “I don’t know what Eddie [Lynam] has done to him since but it worked,” said Hughes. “To ride any winner is a good feeling but the big ones on this night take some beating.” Meydan’s move to dirt was always going to benefit the Americans, but an unusual postscript from the meeting is that two of the winners will race in the States during the summer. The first of these is Mubtaahij, winner of the Group II UAE Derby for Mike De Kock and a first on the night for Soumillon,
who had got down to near his minimum weight in order to take the ride. The toil paid off, as the son of Dubawi routed a top class field by eight lengths, leaving his UAE 2000 Guineas conqueror Maftool to finish closest in second, but he was never really in the same parish as the classy winner and Soumillion, riding him for the first time, was duly impressed. “It was easy”, he said. “I had a perfect position just behind the leaders and you could see in the last corner I was just cruising behind them. When he hits the lead early sometimes he looks around so I was making sure he stayed concentrating, but when I looked at the big screen I could see the game was over.” Mubtaahij will now attempt to become the first South Africantrained horse to win the Kentucky Derby, when he lines up at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The other Meydan winner to head Stateside is Tamarkuz,
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TOP: Secret circle pushes ahead. ABOVE: Prize giving at the Meydan winners circle. who overcame all kinds of trouble to land the Group II Godolphin Mile for Paul Hanagan and UAE Champion Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi. The five year old son of Speightstown has had a few issues with the starting stalls and he missed the break from his draw in one, which meant that Hanagan was forced to play catch up, and was shuffled back during the run. Tamarkuz dug deep, however, and, having got the better of Free Wheeling he held off the late thrust of Sloane Avenue, winning by a short head. It was a second Godolphin Mile win in three years for the likeable rider, who was breathlessly satisfied afterwards. “Of all the days to miss the break, Tamarkuz has to pick today”, he said. “I think the whole occasion got to him a little bit. But he’s really genuine and a very good horse.” Owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tamarkuz will now join the barn of Kiaran McLaughlin in New York and be aimed at the Met Mile at Belmont Park in June. Sheikh Hamdan celebrated a double on the afternoon, having earlier collected the Group I Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians with the vastly-improving Manark. Ridden from the front by jockey Dane O’Neill, the six year old posted a two and a quarter length success over US raider Valiant Boy and provided his trainer Erwan Charpy with an emotional first win in the race, after many years of trying.
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Photo © Dubai Racing Club
Photo © Dubai Racing Club
Photo © Dubai Racing Club
SPOTLIGHT
The card’s longest race, the Group II 3200metre Gold Cup on turf, gave the UK a popular success when it went to the evergreen Brown Panther; owned and bred by former football star Michael Owen. Owen and trainer Tom Dascombe were on hand to see their stable star coast to an easy victory in the hands of Richard Kingscote and all of the major European staying races once again look legitimate targets this summer. With wins for Europe, America and Asia, the 20th World Cup meeting proved once again that Dubai is at the centre of the globe, racing-wise. The big day enters its third decade with little left to prove, but plenty still to play for.
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Sheikh Hamdan celebrated a double on the afternoon.”
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Photo Š Dubai Racing Club
Photo@ Corbis
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He was pressed all the way by Doug Watson, who has himself been champion three times.”
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UAE ROUND-UP
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF FOR AL MUHAIRI AND MULLEN Laura King
It took a tussle that lasted until the final day of the season, but eventually two new names were inscribed on the trophies for the leading UAE trainer and jockey at the end of a compelling campaign.
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he names were Musabah Al Muhairi and Richard Mullen, both of whom were winning their first championships after more than a decade of trying. Al Muhairi, who had been runner-up five times previously, had to wait until midway through the final day of the domestic season before claiming the title. He was pressed all the way by Doug Watson, who has himself been champion three times. There were three winners between them before the final day of action at Jebel Ali; Dubai Racing Club having announced the week before that this year the World Cup meeting would not count towards the final standings. Watson immediately grabbed one back when the progressive Insaany landed the opener under Paul Hanagan, but his cause was all but lost in the third race, an 1800metres conditions event, when Interpret restored Al Muhairi’s margin. A somewhat quirky individual, Interpret has done well to bounce back from injury this season and has a formidable partnership with Silvestre de Sousa, who was winning on him for the third time, having been narrowly beaten
in the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, a race they won in 2014. “I’ll keep him at Jebel Ali, he doesn’t like Meydan”, said Al Muhairi of the gelded half-brother to World Cup winner Invasor. Two races later, Al Muhairi sealed his first championship with another conditions race win, this time with the talented sprinter Rafeej, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s six year old had not looked himself in three defeats since landing a Meydan Listed event back in December but was far too good here, beating a similarly back to form Kilt Rock by a length and threequarters. “This is a horse we have always really liked”, said Al Muhairi, who had previously entertained Golden Shaheen ambitions for the son of Iffraaj. “This is actually his first start here at Jebel Ali but he has handled it very well. “It has been a great season and I am delighted to win the Championship after finishing second so many times.” Mullen got to celebrate his Championship with a win, too, when the consistent Al Razi, trained by
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his boss Satish Seemar, just arrived in time to deny Gobooll in the 1400metres rated conditions event. It was a 44th and final winner of the season for the Englishman, putting him three clear of de Sousa who rode a double on the day, also coming home in front on Ormindo for Ahmed bin Harmash. Mullen, who lost the Championship on seconds count back to Ted Durcan in 2004, was emotional afterwards. “It’s been a wonderful season and our horses have been in great form throughout. Obviously I am delighted to be Champion Jockey but without Satish and his team I would not be in this position”, he said. Tadhg O’Shea, three times Champion Jockey himself, finished tied with de Sousa on 41 winners, the last of them gained when Brazen landed the concluding 1200metre handicap. His win was not enough to help owner HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan to that title and he instead finished seven winners behind HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, who collected the Championship for an impressive tenth time. WRAPPING UP ABU DHABI Away from Jebel Ali, the final meeting of the season at Abu Dhabi was a good quality one, with the G1 Emirates Championship, over 2200metres, worth a staggering AED1million. It provided something of a surprising winner, when Shane Karlsson, riding the first time blinkered Nymphea Du Paon, set off at a rapid pace, opening up a huge lead. Only Oisin Murphy, on outsider It’s Far From Over, seemed alert to the danger and was the only one to challenge, getting on top in the final 50metres and winning by a length and three-quarters. Remarkably, the valuable success was only the second of the season for trainer Omar Daraj, who was understandably delighted. “He [It’s Far From Over] had some very good form when he arrived from America two years ago”, said the Al Ain Racecourse-based trainer. “We always thought he had a big prize in him but it took him a really long time to acclimatize.” It was a big pay day for Murphy, who also landed the Thoroughbred feature, the G3 Abu Dhabi Championship, on
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Photo@ Corbis
Without Satish and his team, I would not be in this position.”
Dormello for his boss Dhruba Selvaratnam. The gelding was following up his recent Jebel Ali win but only just got up in the 2400metre contest, denying the Mike De Kock-trained Sanshaawes in the dying strides. “This has been a lucky race for us over the years”, said Selvaratnam, who had won it four times before. “We were very hopeful of a big run after he won well at Jebel Ali on his previous start. Oisin has given him a very good, confident, ride.” Dormello’s victory earned him a spot in the Group II Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night but he could only manage 13th behind Brown Panther. AL AIN’S SECOND SEASON FINISHES WITH A FLOURISH Earlier in the week, Al Ain wrapped up its second season of action with a seven race card, featuring stellar prize money. The feature, the second running of the AED250,000 Al Ain Mile for Purebred Arabians, went to Najm Alemarat, winning his second race on the bounce under Karlsson. The pair had won the prep convincingly two weeks before and this time they were chased home by RB Smokin Rich and O’Shea, who never looked likely to get past and finished a length in arrears. “He dug deep for me in the closing 300metres,” said the
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2014 – 15 UAE Season Final Standings JOCKEYS
Photo@Corbis
Richard Mullen 44 Silvestre de Sousa 41 Tadhg O’Shea 41 Swedish jockey, who has done well in a short spell in the UAE. “It’s great to be given this kind of opportunity and to win the biggest race of the season here at Al Ain is brilliant.” Najm Alemarat’s trainer Salim Al Ketbi also landed the final of the Al Ain Marathon, which, at 5,100metres, was the longest flat race ever held in the UAE. Despite this, it produced a close finish, with Burj Khalifa holding off Munzade by half a length. It was a double on the day for jockey Royston Ffrench, who had earlier landed the Thoroughbred Al Ain Mile on Ghaamer, and he continues to ride this course better than most. “Obviously it was an unknown trip for all of us, jockeys and trainers alike”, he said of the marathon experience. “My fellow [Burj Khalifa] is definitely more of a stayer than a speed horse as he’s shown here. He was brave and knuckled down when I needed him to.” The 2015-16 UAE racing season is expected to start on October 30th, with the first meeting at Abu Dhabi confirmed for November 8th when the course will stage the inaugural running of the 1.2million Euro Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, the richest Purebred Arabian race in the world.
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TRAINERS Musabah Al Muhairi 49 Doug Watson 42* Satish Seemar 35 *races subsequently lost in stewards’ room OWNERS HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
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HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
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RACING
And Gleneagles, who took the Qipco 2000 Guineas with the minimum of fuss, looks a miler to keep European racing fans excited.” 82
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QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL NEWMARKET, UK, 2-3/4/15
Classics galore for mighty Moore By Laura King
IT MIGHT HAVE A NEW OFFICIAL START AND FINISH POINT, BUT THE BRITISH FLAT SEASON DOES NOT REALLY HIT TOP GEAR UNTIL NEWMARKET STAGES GUINEAS WEEKEND; THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO CROWN THE STARS OF THE THREE YEAR OLD GENERATION.
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ome high profile defections on the road to the 1000 Guineas in particular meant that the 2015 editions of the first Classics of the European season were run largely without hype. That lessened the burden of expectation on the major players, for whom this weekend remains a hugely important one. Which isn’t to say that the 2015 Newmarket Classics didn’t produce some top-class winners, and Gleneagles, who took the Qipco 2000 Guineas with the minimum of fuss, looks a miler to keep European racing fans excited for the rest of the season. The son of Galileo brought up a
record-equalling seventh 2000 Guineas win for his trainer Aidan O’Brien, who is already reaping the benefits of his more formal arrangement with jockey Ryan Moore. Moore, on-board Gleneagles for the first time, remained on the stands side as the field split in the early stages, and was always travelling powerfully. Hitting the front in the final 200metres, he never looked likely to be caught although Territories, trained for Godolphin in France by Andre Fabre, closed well. He finished second, two and a quarterlengths behind Gleneagles, with lvawood, one of four in the race for Richard Hannon, picking up third.
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Photo ©Corbis
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Remarkably, it was a first 2000 Guineas success for Moore, who, as ever, wasn’t getting carried away, although he did say his mount might have more to offer. “He’s an exciting horse and I’m looking forward to him for the rest of the season”, said the 31-year-old. “Aidan’s record speaks for itself, he has achieved everything you can.” O’Brien, who is also reticent when under the spotlight, added: “Gleneagles is a great traveller, has a lot of speed and quickens, but he doesn’t do much when he gets there. He ended up getting there early but Ryan had to commit him.” Gleneagles, who has only been beaten twice in his career – one of which came in the stewards’ room – will now head towards the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes, while Territories will return to France for the Prix Jean Prat. Moore and owner Michael Tabor completed the big Classic double a day later, when Legatissimo, sprang a minor surprise in the 1000 Guineas.
Trained by David Wachman, the Danehill Dancer filly had won a Listed race over 1900metres at Gowran Park just days before her Newmarket engagement and her stamina certainly came into play here. Despite stumbling just after the start and being held up at the back, she gradually gained momentum throughout the race, and there was a sense of inevitability when Moore went in pursuit of the favourite Lucida and Kevin Manning, who had opened up a lead inside the final 200metres. Drawing level with just 75 metres remaining, they won by threequarters of a length. Tiggy Wiggy, who made much of the early running, was a further four lengths back in third. It was a first British Classic success for Wachman, and the win came as something of a relief following a below-par 2014 campaign. “We ran Legatissimo at Leopardstown on very soft ground and thought she would handle it, but she got stuck in the mud”, he said. “So I ran at Gowran in a Listed race and on the
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I told Andrea to ride Second Step with confidence out the back and let the others pick each other off.. ” better ground she showed her wellbeing, so we took a chance in coming here. Going back in trip was never a worry for me as she has plenty of pace.” Wachman will now aim Legatissimo at the Investec Oaks, over another half a mile, while runner-up Lucida may try to go one better in the Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh. Some good quality action on the undercard of the two-day meeting threw up some pointers for the rest of the season and Second Step and Telescope could have a re-match at Royal Ascot, having finished first and second in the Group II Jockey Club Stakes. Sent off the overwhelming favourite, Sir Michael Stoute’s Telescope looked the winner for much of the 2400metre event, and Moore sent him for home with 400metres still to go, only to
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Photo ©Corbis
Photo ©Corbis
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be caught right on the line by Second Step and Andrea Atzeni, who prevailed by a head. “I told Andrea to ride Second Step with confidence out the back and let the others pick each other off before seeing what pieces there were to pick up at the end, and he’s picked up all the pieces”, said a surprised-sounding Luca Cumani, Second Step’s trainer. “Maybe something like the Hardwicke Stakes might suit him, but it’s better to reflect before we make a plan.” Stoute fared better in Sunday’s main supporting race, the Group II Dahlia Stakes, which went to his improving filly Bragging. Owned by Saudi’s Prince Khalid Abdullah, the four year old held off the challenge of outsider Kleo to give Moore another success on a hugely profitable weekend.
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LEGENDS
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She was just in a different league. The thing that got me about her was that she was very intelligent, nothing really got to her, she was very clever.”
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Taghrooda the clever history-maker :
Courtesy Shadwell Stud_Taghrooda at Shadwell’s Beach House Studpaddock Nov 2014
Laura King
She came, she conquered, she made history. Taghrooda raised the roof at Ascot when becoming the first three year old filly in 38 years to lift the mid-summer showpiece, the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The victory ensured her place at the very top table of recent stars of the flat racing game.
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earing in mind she raced only six times and retired just last year, it might be a little premature to call Taghrooda a ‘legend’, but there is little doubt that this brave filly captured plenty of hearts during the brief time she spent in the public eye. Bred by her owner, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Taghrooda is from the first crop of the brilliant Sea The Stars, winner of the Guineas, Derby and Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe in 2009. He stands at the Aga Khan’s Giltown Stud in Ireland, and his 2010 mating with the mare Ezima would prove to be a smart move indeed. Ezima herself was no slouch on the track. Trained by Jim Bolger, she won three Listed races, and was runner up in the Group II Lancashire Oaks at Haydock in 2008. Taghrooda is actually her second foal, although the first never made the racecourse.
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The good-looking bay filly who was welcomed into the world by the Shadwell team in Norfolk had made a promising start. The soon to be named Taghrooda entered the land of the living on January 27th, meaning she would be among the oldest in her age group when she started racing. It was perhaps somewhat ironic, then, that this rangy filly was actually quite slow out of the blocks when it came to her racing career – a trait which is likely to come from her father’s side of the family. Sea The Stars himself didn’t start racing until August, and most of his progeny need plenty of time as juveniles. Luckily, Taghrooda’s training was entrusted to a man who has a huge amount of both experience and patience; especially when it comes to dealing with young horses. John Gosden was the UK’s reigning Champion Trainer when this future star arrived, and, with a patient owner and plenty of smart types in the yard, there was no need to rush her. In fact, Taghrooda was so under the radar when she made her debut at Newmarket in September that she was sent off at
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20/1, with stablemate Criteria much better fancied in the field of 14 which assembled for a mile fillies’ maiden. Taghrooda didn’t know that at all, of course, and responded well to hold-up ride tactics from Dane O’Neill, second jockey to Sheikh Hamdan, before hitting the lead with 200metres left to travel. The eventual margin of a neck from runner-up Casual Smile didn’t quite do the result justice, as Taghrooda was easily the best. “She’s a fine big filly who gave me a lovely feel”, reported O’Neill after the race. “She was slowly away and I thought we might pass a few and finish nicely, but she took off when she saw daylight.” Never a man to make any rushed decisions, Sheikh Hamdan opted to give Taghrooda the winter off to further develop. She did well, and Gosden earmarked the Pretty Polly Stakes, run at Newmarket on Guineas weekend, for her return the following May. A notable Oaks prep race, Ouija Board in 2004 was the last filly to have previously completed the double. Facing five rivals at Newmarket, Taghrooda was ridden for
Photo: © Corbis Photo: © Reuterst.
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Never a man to make any rushed decisions, Sheikh Hamdan opted to give Taghrooda the winter off to further develop.”
the first time by Sheikh Hamdan’s number one retained jockey Paul Hanagan. Her reputation somewhat enhanced over the winter, she was sent off the evens favourite and made short work of it, beating the useful Jordan Princess by six lengths. The Oaks immediately came into view, and the UK bookmakers took no chances, shortening her to 3/1. Gosden immediately outlined a problem though; there was no suitable race in between Newmarket and the Epsom Classic with which to give the filly more experience. “The ground dried out a bit for her but I was pleased with how she did it”, he said. “Her mother stayed very well and she’s looking for a mile and a half. The next trials come a bit quick but we’ll see how she’s going over the next few days.” Sheikh Hamdan opted to err on the side of caution: Taghrooda would go straight to Epsom and have by far the toughest race of her career to date. She faced 16 rivals, including the Irishtrained filly Marvellous who had won the 1000 Guineas at The Curragh a week before, and Sheikh Hamdan’s own Irish runner, the improving Tarfasha.
Taghrooda seemed keen to get on with it, and she travelled strongly under Hanagan in the early stages, before a bump coming around Tattenham Corner set her alight even more. Her astute jockey didn’t make her wait, levelling with the leaders with 600metres left to travel and hitting the front with 400 left to go. From then on, it was all Taghrooda, who pulverized her rivals by nearly four lengths. In an extra-sweet moment for Sheikh Hamdan, Tarfasha just arrived on the scene to take second. Happily, Sheikh Hamdan was there to see the double success and led Taghrooda into the winner’s enclosure. Immediately, though, the question was posed: where next? “She’s in the Irish Oaks and that’s where I would like to go”, said Gosden, and for the next few weeks the media anticipated the re-match between Taghrooda and Tarfasha in the Curragh Classic. Then, a few days before the race, Sheikh Hamdan threw in a curve ball: Taghrooda would miss the trip to Ireland in favour of waiting for the following week’s King George and Queen Elizabeth’s Stakes at Ascot. Against older horses and facing
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colts for the first time; it was a difficult task for any three year old filly and none had succeeded since Pawneese in 1976. It was a very sporting decision by her owner. Angus Gold, Racing Manager to Sheikh Hamdan, explained the move: “I think Sheikh Hamdan wanted to give her a chance in the big one as she will be retiring at the end of the year”, he said. “He just felt this filly isn’t going to have many more races and wanted her to have a chance.” That Taghrooda took that chance, won it, and won it so easily, is testament to just how good she was. As at Epsom, Hanagan always had a strong-travelling horse underneath him. In the home straight, she cruised past Mukhadram and Telescope as if they were standing still, beating the latter by three lengths. It was a huge moment for all involved, and Taghrooda was given a rapturous Ascot welcome when she returned to a packed winner’s enclosure.
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Sadly, Sheikh Hamdan wasn’t there to see it, but Gosden summed the race up in typically eloquent style. “It was a superb performance. She showed her true worth”, he said. “They were in the right position to kick off the bend but it was lovely to see her outclass them.” The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Europe’s most prestigious race, immediately came into view as a tempting end of season finale for Taghrooda. However, her owner felt that she would need a race before then, and the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York in August seemed the best option. Despite starting the overwhelming favourite, Taghrooda suffered a shock defeat; being pounced on and passed late by Tapestry; an improving Aidan O’Brien-trained filly. Shock reverberated around the Knavesmire. What had happened to Taghrooda? The next day Gosden said she had been found to be in season, which may have accounted for her below-par showing.
The team moved on, and Longchamp’s hugely competitive Arc was confirmed as Taghrooda’s final racecourse start. However, even before getting on the plane to Paris, Hanagan’s job was made much harder when the filly was drawn in stall 15 of 20. On that notoriously tricky track, things would be very tough. Eager to get on with things, Taghrooda put in a fine effort, pulling hard early on but finishing the race strongly and with a highly creditable third, beaten just three and a quarter lengths by the wonder mare Treve. As expected, the Arc was to be Taghrooda’s last race, and after some weeks of rest and recuperation back at home in Newmarket, she moved to Beech House Stud in Norfolk, home to Sheikh Hamdan’s illustrious band of broodmares. Soon afterwards, it was announced that her first mating would be with another Gosden star, the brilliant miler Kingman, who was also about to embark on a new career at stud. Happily pregnant with what will be a very valuable foal, Taghrooda is enjoying her new life.
“Taghrooda has settled in very well since retiring here”, reports Paul Holdsworth, Assistant Manager at Shadwell Stud. “She has an excellent, easy going temperament and is very good to handle. She is turned out at grass all day and comes in a night, so it’s a very quiet environment. Her main companions are two other four year olds, Saraaba and Wahgah.” When summing up Taghrooda’s career, it’s perhaps best to ask the man with whom she formed such a formidable partnership on the racecourse. “I’d have to say she was the best I’ve ever ridden”, says Hanagan. “She was just in a different league. The thing that got me about her was that she was very intelligent, nothing really got to her, she was very clever. She certainly did wonders for my career and my confidence, being lucky enough to sit on such a good filly as her. She’ll be missed, a lot.” Good race mares don’t always become good brood mares, but in Taghrooda’s case everything is stacked in her favour. Hopefully, her eagerly-awaited foal will be every bit as big a star as she was.
PORTFOLIO
Carpe Diem Hayley Skirka
While the angle and
best action shot. Able to capture a moving horse From her enviable base in Monaco, Russiancomposition of a shot in splendid grandeur, she also ensures that her born photographer Irina Kazaridi travels the world in her quest to capture the powerful emotions that go highlights a horse’s beauty, audience will feel a connection to her work thanks hand in hand with the world of polo. it’s emotional connection to the human or emotional side of her images. Inspiration comes from many sources, not Having always had an interest in the arts, the and the animal itself that least the work of iconic photographers such as 36-year-old studied art in St. Petersburg before attending the European Institute of Design in Milan, serves as the lead in Irina Richard Avedon’s fashion shots, the compelling work of Diane Arbus, the stylized images of Robert her shift into photography came about as a result of Kazaridi’s pictures. Mapplethorpe and the long exposure work of getting her hands on one of the first generation of Sugimoto. Her personal favourite setup is a natural, smartphones with a quality camera intact. diffused light with a 50mm lens simply because it captures images that “Suddenly I started to photograph everything and everywhere,” are “closest to the natural viewpoint of people.” explains Irina. The power of social media came into play after she began No matter how much preparation goes into a shoot, there’s always uploading her photographs to popular networking sites. It wasn’t long scope for something to go astray, and Irina knows exactly what the feels before people began to comment on her work and, as her photography like after a broken hard drive from her last visit to Dubai to shoot the exploits increased, so too did the compliments. Fuelled by the strong Dubai Polo Gold Cup resulted in her loosing some of her precious raw appreciation of her work online, which combined suitably with the timely images. gift of a professional camera, she decided it was time to make the leap The post production of photographs is an important element of into the world of professional photography. photography. While the level of retouching required differs from image Looking at her portfolio today, it’s hard to believe that Irina has only to image what remains a constant is the importance of “having a sense been working in the photography realm for such a short period of time. of measure – the retouching shouldn’t be visible to the eyes of the Even more surprising is the revelation that her passion for polo only came audience.’ She adds, “Modern technology allows for incredible results about after a chance project which she coordinated with Rommy Gianni, but at the basis of good photography there must first be a high quality a friend who just so happens to be patron of the Monte Carlo Polo Team. original image.” She convinced him to allow her to take pictures of the team in action in Speaking to any would-be photographers, Irina acknowledges that St. Tropez, an event which became the defining moment in her career, people learn through imitation. “The best way to learn is to observe the “In that moment, it was love at first sight for polo and I.” works of some of the great masters of photography.” Another important Action-packed polo matches open themselves to a whole plethora mantra for this passionate woman is to always remember ‘Carpe diem’ of unpredictable factors and that’s something Irina has to consider in – seize the day as no moment will ever be repeated. her shots. A high level of concentration and good physical fitness is “It’s difficult to imagine myself as anything other than a photographer” necessary to make the most of every occasion, something that she ponders Irina “but, no matter what, I will always be involved in the arts. believes is enhanced by her dedicated yoga practices. The camera is simply a tool to express my artistic vision to the world. Instinct is another great factor in a successful shot. “Although you Since I was young, I was involved in art and one day, when I have a have to understand photography, the angle and composition that best bit more time on my hands, I will go back to painting too. I also publish shows the beauty of the horse, you also have to let the animal take the poems and already have two books.” lead and go from there.” With such an artistic fundamental spirit and passion for all things polo, Working with her trusty Nikon D800 with just one zoom, she is able we’re sure Irina will be delighting us with her work for many years to come. to move freely around the polo field without the use of a monopod. Her work differs from sports photography as she focuses on the interaction between the polo player and the horse, rather than obtaining the www.irinakazaridi.com
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Sport, emotion and human connection combine in this remarkable series taken at the Dubai Polo Cup 2015. Irina travels the world capturing the drama and majestic grace of horse, rider, spectator trinity. www.irinakazaridi.com
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ESCAPE
a mass of
different delights
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While Hollywood might grab most of the headlines, there is far more to California than just filmstars and beaches. There is so much variety in this single state that even the most worldweary of travelers will find enough to keep them occupied for weeks on end.
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ESCAPE
Not far from these millionaire abodes is the upmarket shopping street Rodeo Drive...
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G
iven that California is the third largest US state, home to 38.8million people, the fact that there is a lot to do shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Although Sacramento is the official capital, it is Los Angeles which is the most populated city in California, with a 2010 roll count of 13million, making it the second largest city in the States, after New York. Nicknamed the ‘City of Angels’, Los Angeles is quite beautiful in places, particularly from a vantage point high up on the famed Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood hills, from where the eponymous sign can be seen, as can the entire city below, including the huge Hollywood Bowl, where performers such as The Beatles have played over the years. For those keen to offset some of America’s traditional huge meal portions, it is possible to hike up to the Hollywood Sign. With only 15 inches of rain on average annually, Los Angeles’ wall-to-wall sunshine is an obvious attraction, although the city is currently in the middle of a severe drought. You wouldn’t realise this from a trip to plush Beverly Hills, however where hosepipes and sprinklers constantly irrigate the vast manicured lawns of the rich and famous. The tranquil roads are framed by tall sets of trees, identical from avenue to avenue, while most of the mansions have adjacent guest houses big enough to house a family of six. It’s A-list, moneyed living at its finest. From Hollywood Boulevard, home to the Walk of Fame which can be followed for hours, it is easy to pick up a bus tour
which allegedly takes you on a trail of the ‘stars’ houses.’ Who actually lives where is open to some debate, but it is to Beverly Hills’ credit that the city remains open to such visitors, unlike the equally lavish, but hugely restricted, Bel Air community. Not far from these millionaire abodes is the upmarket shopping street Rodeo Drive. Supercars pose nonchalantly outside Gucci and around the block, people peer over the white picket fence of bustling The Ivy restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone important. This is a place to see and be seen, and those opting for the latter would be well advised to score a sidewalk seat outside The Boulevard Lounge bar, which is part of the Iconic Regent Beverly Wilshire hotel. Made famous by the 1990 film Pretty Woman, the beautiful Beverly Wilshire mixes modern-day American hospitality with old-school charm and is a great starting point for those wanting to explore LA further, with Venice and Santa Monica beaches both within a 45 minute drive. Venice Beach is perhaps best-known for the eclectic bunch of people that congregate there, the more outrageously-adorned the better, which makes it an excellent spot for grabbing a sidewalk perch and watching the world go by. Streetball, on one of the many courts, is another thing this area is famous for, and nearby Santa Monica Muscle Beach gets its name from the thousands of ripped-torso men using the outdoor fitness equipment. It’s a concrete haven for those who consider biceps the width of palm trees to be their raison d’etre.
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ESCAPE
Hollywood itself offers plenty for everyone, including the movie buff. The Chinese Theatre, the exterior of which is home to the popular cement hand prints, is worth a visit, as is the adjacent Dolby Theatre, which each year houses the Academy Awards. It is perhaps in need of refurbishment, but the Dolby simply oozes history, and even the most ordinary of people walking down its red carpet will have crowds of onlookers rushing to their side of the velvet rope with cameras held high. In Hollywood, there is always a buzz, with tourists cheerfully shelling out dollars to have their photo taken with an actor dressed as a Gladiator or decked out in shimmering gold body paint. Plenty of LA’s well-known studios are also open to the public and Warner Bros, which houses plenty of memorabilia from the hit 1990s TV show Friends, comes highly recommended. Enthusiastic actors guide you around the property, almost every inch of which has featured in some
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film or other, although a small patch of woodland which doubled as the jungle in dinosaur film Jurassic Park gives a clear indication of just what wonders filmmakers can create out of very little. For equine fans, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in California. Just 45 minutes’ drive from Downtown LA is Santa Anita, now very much the state’s premier racetrack, following the 2014 closure of nearby Hollywood Park. Opened in 1934, the Arcadia track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships eight times, and will do so again in 2016. Home to top trainers Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill and John Sadler, to name but a few, its most famous resident is arguably the legendary Seabiscuit, whose bronze statue stands proudly in the Parade Ring. While US racetracks are almost uniformly a left-handed dirt oval, Santa Anita does boast a unique downhill turf course, which crosses the main track and stages races of around 1300metres.
Its quaint 1930s Art Deco grandstand has such charm that it appears, from the back at least, to be smaller than the 26,000 seating capacity would allow. On big days, such as the Santa Anita Derby and Oaks card in April, it attracts a crowd of around 50,000, all of whom pay a maximum of $10. Expect to see worn out jeans, shorts and the occasional Stetson, as well as thigh-skimming skirts and wide-brimmed hats. At Santa Anita, anything goes and everyone is welcome. Of course, Santa Anita isn’t the only racecourse in California, and not far away is the hugely different Los Alamitos, situated in Cypress. Up until recently it has enjoyed most of its fame as a quarter horse track, but Hollywood Park’s closure saw it expand to a mile round – big enough to host meetings restricted to Thoroughbreds. It also came under the public glare when California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Belmont, moved there with his trainer Art Sherman, while Baffert’s Dortmund won the Los Alamitos Futurity prior to his success in the Santa Anita Derby. There’s plenty going
on here, and the floodlit quarter horse meetings are worth visiting for something that you can’t find at Santa Anita. From Los Alamitos the well-honed 68km of beaches in Orange County are within easy striking distance. While younger visitors might enjoy the plastic delights of Disneyland, more seasonal travellers extol the retro virtues of The City of Orange, which appears firmly fixed in the 1950s. Orange County is also known for its vineyards, many of which organise tours and tastings. Hamilton Oaks Vineyard, in Trabuco Canyon, opens by appointment only but is well worth doing for those keen to stray slightly away from the main tourist paths. All this, and that is before you even get to San Francisco, which hosts the contrasting attractions of the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz. Allow a month, even two, for California and you will barely have touched the sides of this fantastic slice of America. And that’s precisely what keeps people heading back to the sunshine state time and time again.
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HORSETORQUE
Cadillac’s
THE Escalade Platinum 110
May/June 2015
The uniuqe mesh grille design is adorned with the new streamlined Cadillac crest.
Crown Jewel
Encapsulating the pinnacle of Cadillac luxury, the Escalade Platinum enhances the award-winning Escalade with even more refined craftsmanship and top of the range new technology. May/June 2015
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HORSETORQUE
Cooled center consolekeeps bevearges chilled
Soft nappa leather upholstery
O
ffering up a supremely smooth ride the Escalade Platinum has iconic styling both inside and out. The interior seats are wrapped in soft nappa leather, while the dashboard, upper door panels and center console are wrapped in hand-stitched leather. There are two distinct interior environments to chose from, each paired with suede microfiber headliner trim and exotic wood accents. The Escalade Platinum Collection is crafted to provide its passengers with unsurpassed comfort and convenience. Heated and cooled 18-way power front seats are standard, with the driver able to avail of a behind-the-head massage function. A set of seven-inch LCD screens, embedded in the back of the front seat headrests supplement the overhead 9-inch screen, while a cooled center console compartment keeps beverages perfectly chilled. The platinum collection models also include premium floor mats and Platinum-branded doorsill plates
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The exterior of the Escalade Platinum models are distinguished by 22-inch wheels with chrome accents, distinctive Platinum badging and a unique mesh grille design adorned with the new streamlined Cadillac Crest. Definite worthy additions have been added to the Escalade’s tech portfolio, and these new upgrades that will become standard on the entire Escalade range. Features like the new 8-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case [standard on four-wheel drive models]. A new Surround View camera system helps driving ease and increases visibility during maneuvering, and a now open and closing handsfree capability to the existing electronic lift gate enhances convenience. Flashy and glamorous, Cadillac’s Escalade continues to woo drivers with its luxury interior and grand road presence and the Escalade Platinum takes this to the next level.
No 63
May/June 2015 AED 20
SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI
PRINCE BISHOP TAKES GOLD IN DUBAI WORLD CUP
No 63
May/June 2015 AED 20
No 63
May/June 2015 AED 20
SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI
BRILLIANTLY BRITISH POLO DAY
www.equestrio.com
PRINCE BISHOP TAKES GOLD IN DUBAI WORLD CUP
SPOTLIGHT BEACH POLO CUP DUBAI
BRILLIANTLY BRITISH
PRINCE BISHOP
TAKES GOLD IN DUBAI WORLD CUP
BRILLIANTLY BRITISH
POLO DAY
POLO DAY
www.equestrio.com
www.equestrio.com
HORSETORQUE
BMW i8
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE MOTORING
Mary Keenan
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ooks can be deceiving. Particularly in the case of BMW’s i8 - a sports car with a twist which could easily be mistaken for the Batmobile with its ultra-dynamic proportions, low-slung silhouette, futuristic design and dihedral gullwings. The twist? The i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car. The i8 is the second model after the BMW i3 to be unveiled by BMW’s i division, the company’s sub brand which focuses solely on developing sustainable products and services. Featuring a completely new, exciting sports car design that includes sophisticated aerodynamic features and uses environmentally friendly materials, the i8 comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the worlds’ first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic. The lower drive module consists of a 100% aluminium construction and integrated the battery, electric motor and suspension system. Powered by a 1.5 litre, three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in typical BMW sports car fashion, drives
through the rear wheels, the BMW intelligent hybrid system also capitalises on a potent electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels. The i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37 kilometres, while the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving. Due to its light weight of just 1,485kg it provides a total drive range of more than 500 kilometres. Underneath the i8’s muscly exterior (which is available in an array of colours, including silver, white, blue and black) lies an extremely stylish interior which includes a wraparound dashboard, a sat-nav system, Bluetooth, heated seats with recycled and sustainable materials used throughout. The vehicle is a two plus two so in addition to the front seat there are two seats in the back as well. Sure to turn heads, the BMW i8 is the future of sports performance driving, offering unparalleled fuel efficiency in a light and lithe Coupe body that takes nothing way from the thrill of driving a thoroughbred performance car.
Stylish and sleek wraparound dash 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder BMW twin power turbo petrol engine
Top speed of 250 kph
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EQUITIME
THIS TIME AROUND CHOPARD L.U.C REGULATOr
Chopard has reinterpreted the L.U.C Regulator model from its 2006 Haute Horlogerie collection. This year’s model reinvents itself with some stylish and thoughtful changes.
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egulator watches are timepieces that do not have an hour hand fitted in the centre of the dial. Contrary to almost all available regulators, which place the hours at noon, those of the L.U.C Regulator appear at 3 o’clock, a thoughtful detail which makes the time easier to view when wearing long sleeved garments or jackets. The dial features exquisite symmetry, with each of its four cardinal points occupied by an indication. At noon, the power-reserve indication displays the autonomy of L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L on a graduated scale. The hours are placed at 3 o’clock, while the small seconds beat steadily at 6 o’clock. The fourth of these strategically placed items of information is a dual-time display appearing at 9 o’clock. The 18 carat rose gold case is complemented nicely by the hand sewn brown leather alligator strap. When compared with the original model the 2015 model departs from the avant-garde nature of the 2006 version with a more refined, classic dial.
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43mm diameter 9 day power reserve
Central minutes display Water resistant to 50m Polished bezel
EQUITIME
BILLIONAIRE BABY JACOB & CO. BILLIONAIRE
JACOB & CO. PARTNER WITH ITALIAN ENTRPRENEUR AND FASHION MAGNATE FLAVIO BRIATORE TO PRODUCE A ONE-OF-A-KIND TIMEPIECE THAT EPITOMIZES MODERN GLAMOUR.
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One of a kind piece
Exclusive Jacob & Co. skeleton manual winding caliber
L
aunched at Baselworld in March 2015, the Billionaire boasts a case and bracelet set with 260 carats of GIA Certified emerald-cut diamonds, with individual gems weighing as much as three carats. Each diamond is mounted on a finely crafted 18k white gold bead setting and shaped into an invertedpyramid. The watch’s skeletonized caliber boasts a superb degree
72 hour power reserve
Sapphire glass case back
of finesse and craftsmanship, which showcases the piece’s handwound tourbillon. Made up of 167 components the Billionaire isn’t small measuring a solid 47.5mm wide and 58mm long. Functions include a 72-hour power reserve and hands displaying minutes and hours. With a price tag of 18,000,000 Swiss Francs, the Billionaire is sure to end up on one very exclusive wrist.
Shopping
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PORTUGIESER YACHT CLUB CHRONOGRAPH
The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph is the sportiest timepiece in a watch family steeped in tradition. To mark IWC’s 75th anniversary the watch has undergone some slight modifications and is now marginally smaller and comes with ergonomically designed strap horns and a new strap.
MONTBLANC HERITAGE SPIRIT ORBIS TERRARUM
Named after the Latin term for globe, Montblanc’s Orbis Terrarum is a timepiece with universal approach and tells the time in 24 time zones all over the world. The main sapphire crystal dial displays the continents as viewed from the North Pole which are encircled by the names of the 24 cities representing the different timezones.
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DE GRISOGONO GRAPPOLI
With a painstaking 120 hours of work behind the creation of each unique timepiece, De Grisogono’s latest addition to the Grappoli family is a combination of white gold set with paraiba and 70 briolette-cut apatites and white diamonds.
PANERAI MARE NOSTRUM TITANIO
Based on a model of the same name, which was made for the Royal Italian Navy in 1943, the Mare Nostrum Titanio is a special edition watch limited to 150 pieces. The new model remains faithful to the original with similar aesthetic characteristics but has some technological differences. Water resistant to 30 meters the 52mm case is made of brushed titanium and the movement is hand wound.
LONGINES EQUESTRIAN COLLECTION STIRRUP
Longines has a long-running affiliation with the equestrian world and its latest launch, the Equestrian Collection features shapes and materials inspired by iconic elements of the equine world. Available in a 23.5 mm stainless steel case set with two rows of diamonds with a mother of pearl dial the Stirrup watch is an elegantly combines femininity and the equestrian world.
LOUIS MOINET 20 SECOND TEMPOGRAPH
The Tempograph’s expansive dial showcases a twenty-second retrograde mechanism. The timepiece features a large central retrograde second hand, with a continuous twenty-second sweep, it brings the dial to life in a unique manner. There’s a second moving display at 9 o’clock: an openwork disc, in subtle shades of white, grey and black, marks out the three twenty-second sequences in each minute. In the purest of watchmaking traditions, Roman numerals and a minute rail adorn an immaculate back encircled with gold, making the Tempograph easy to read.
PARMIGIANI FLEURIER TONDA 1950 SQUELETTE
Parmigiani’s skeleton edition of the Tonda 1950, reveals the complex mechanism and features of this extra thin model. The Tonda 1950 Squelette features a dial made from sapphire, making it completely invisible. Only the rim is metallised, which serves to hide the points of attachment between the movement and the case. In order to distinguish the men’s version from the women’s version, the men’s watch is polished and transparent while the women’s watch features a subtly frosted dial.
RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON RM 003 YAS MARINA NTPT® DUAL TIME ZONE Limited to an exclusive five pieces, the RM 003 Yas Marina is a unique timepiece. The tonneau case is made from NTPT (North Thin Ply Technology) carbon, a material used for the sails of racing yachts and Formula 1 car chassis. The inner bezels of the watch are in white and blue which matches the colours of the Yas Marina race circuit and the Yas Marina logo and circuit map can be found on the caseback.
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Shopping DE GRISOGONO De Grisogono’s Boule collection is inspired by limelight and glamour and is a favourite with celebrities for red carpet events. The pink gold earrings are adorned with 194 pink fuchsia sapphires.
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
To celebrate the renewal of spring Van Cleef has launched the Two Butterfly line. Two winged creatures – one in white gold and diamonds, the other in yellow gold and tsavorite garnets – form a pair of earrings of pastoral elegance.
PIAGET
GRAFF DIAMONDS
Graff’s oval cut Constellation setting engagement ring features a single stone framed by a pavé halo that glimmers with magnificent light, evoking the ancient Greek belief that diamonds were the fragment of fallen stars.
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Inspired by the beauty and glamour of the Riviera, Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden collection explores the beauty of diamonds, coloured stones and gold. This necklace in 18k white gold is set with 19 fancy-shaped tourmalines, 89 brilliant-cut diamonds, 10 pear-shaped diamonds and 9 round Paraiba tourmalines.
MARINA HOME Marina’s Island Club Chair is an armchair that makes a strong statement. The vibrant blue and white linen print adds a refreshing touch of colour to any room.
RALPH LAUREN
KARTELL
Kartell’s Battery Table Light is an iconic compact lampshade that is 100% rechargeable when plugged. Its eight-hour battery life allows the lamp to be moved around easily, perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
Western influence meets city chic in Ralph Lauren’s sleek, tailored Fall 2015 collection. A muted palette of cream, taupe and mushroom hues; the collection provides a masterclass in both texture and layering with suede, leather, shearling and sequins all coming into play.
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S P O R T I N G TA L K
sporting talk With Felix Weller, Regional Sales & Marketing Director of Cadillac, the presenting sponsors of the 2015 Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Your company has a global presence, and beach polo takes place all over the world. Why did you choose Dubai specifically to get involved with the Beach Polo Cup? Cadillac’s partnership with the Beach Polo Dubai started over two years ago. We believe that the Beach Polo Cup concept is a good match to the Cadillac customer lifestyle - it’s both an engaging, and unconventional format to a noble sport. And with the Dubai crowd it attracts, it puts our brand and our products in a limelight that is hardly matched by any other event.
Do you see any synergies between the thriving city of Dubai and Cadillac as a brand? Cadillac is about being bold, sophisticated and optimistic - a brilliant parallel to the spirit of Dubai. Cadillac is daring to reinvent itself, to recapture people’s imagination and become an object of aspiration as well as regain its title as one of the most innovative luxury auto marques in the world. The brand is a great fit for this great city.
Beach Polo has been described as a good way to introduce typically non-polo goers to the ‘game of kings’. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Over-seeing Cadillac’s Middle East market, Felix Weller is an integral piston in the engine of the presenting sponsors of the 2015 Beach Polo Cup held at SkyDive Dubai in April. The Sales and Marketing Director talks to Equestrio Arabia about how Cadillac’s partnership with the polo event is a perfect match. How would you describe your role at Cadillac? I look after Cadillac Middle East’s marketing and sales, empowering the dealers to deliver premium customer service and build the bridge between the region and the Cadillac team in New York City. The job is exciting - especially that Cadillac is currently embarking on an aggressive long-term strategy to triple sales in the region and elevate the brand to the pinnacle of the premium luxury market.
How would you describe the quintessential Cadillac customer? The quintessential Cadillac customer is undergoing a fundamental change in profile. Cadillac is a 112-year-old brand that is reinventing itself, catering for a new luxury segment. Our customers are looking for a global symbol of style, which represents the independently-minded. We call them ‘Entrepreneurials’; they are not necessarily entrepreneurs per se, but they are successful people in their respective fields who share a common passion-driven pursuit to realise their dreams and live their aspirations.
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When Beach Polo Cup Dubai approached us for this partnership opportunity, we immediately jumped at the chance. We knew that polo as a sport had a certain aura about it and the idea of the Beach Polo Cup was to break down the barriers and present it in a more casual way without compromising its essential draw. In addition, Mamemo productions’ plans to make the Beach Polo Cup Dubai a lifestyle event - taking place at Dubai’s social epicentre, which just happens to occur around a game of polo, intrigued us. Two years down the road, we are very proud of our decision, as the game weekends have attracted thousands of people that are new to the sport of polo, and being so close to the action on a more or less compact playing field makes it even more exciting for the crowds.
Do Cadillac have any future plans to engage further with sports or events in the UAE? Cadillac’s plans revolve solely on engaging with our customers and prospective clientele type in ways that represent the brand’s image. Whether that will be through sports, events, or just direct experiential techniques will depend on who we intend to reach.
Tell us a little about Cadillac’s business in the region and the importance of the UAE market for the brand? Cadillac has been in the region’s market for over 82 years. And the UAE market is one of the region’s fastest growing. In 2014, Cadillac registered an 11.35% growth over 2013 sales, and so far this year we’re on track to achieve our short-term sales targets in the UAE with a year-to-date-growth of 31.36% over 2014.
At Equestrio Arabia we are fans of everything equestrian sports-related, do you have a personal favourite sport? Being German, I am obviously into football. Having said that, I highly respect true sportsmanship and I enjoy watching a wide variety of sports - from baseball to biathlon. This year was the first time for me to join the Beach Polo Cup and it has definitely been a great experience!