FAC ES
O F
POLO Looks To The Future
After Surprise U.S. Open Victory
By Y.A. Teitelbaum
Jared Zenni and his family’s polo organization have come a long way in a short time. In his first attempt, Zenni helped his Daily Racing Form foursome capture the coveted U.S. Open Polo Championship last April, upsetting tournament favorite Valiente in last season’s finale at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. To put that feat into perspective, White Birch, the pre-eminent team of its era during the 1980s and 1990s, won its only U.S. Open title after four previous visits to the final. And Valiente, currently the top polo team in North America, lost in the U.S. Open final twice before raising the trophy in 2015 and 2017. “There’s not really a better way to
following up a U.S. Open win,” said the 23-year-old Zenni, who had his handicap raised from 5 to 6 goals for the 2019 season. “We are going to try our best in all three of the tournaments in the 22goal series [at IPC], but we will see what happens.” Zenni will be joined by 6-goalers Agustin Obregon and Santi Cernada, and 4-goaler Geronimo Obregon, in defense of the U.S. Open crown. A record 16 teams have entered the U.S. Open, being held at IPC for the 16th consecutive year. No team has won
back-to-back U.S. Open titles since Zacara accomplished the feat in 2012 and 2013. Zenni is confident about his team’s chances, especially because of his horse power, which is one of the major keys to any team’s success. “We should be in a very good position,” said Zenni, who will be playing the No. 4 position, just like last season. “I have the same string I had last year, and I’m going to bring a few up from Argentina.” Veteran player Luis Escobar, who is based in Wellington year-round, has played in the U.S. Open numerous times and was Zenni’s teammate when he was first starting out. Daily Racing Form was a team put together at the last-minute, Escobar noted. “It was a great outcome for polo. Nobody expected them to win. They beat
Jared Zenni in action at the International Polo Club. Jared Zenni with his mare Tormenta.
PHOTO BY DAVID LOMINSKA © UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION
© UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION
wellington the magazine | january 2019
47