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FOREWORD
On the cover, we have Adolfo Cambiaso who just turned 50 and won his 10th US Open. Have a look at our Action pages to read how he did it.
The predominant theme in this issue is the number of exceptional places in the world to play polo. Top of the list is AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Now in its fourth year hosting Desert Polo, AlUla has established itself as the location to be, thanks to its breathtaking settings and the chance to compete with some of the best players in the world. Morocco is another destination and Olaf Guerrand–Hermès writes about his vision for La Palmeraie, the club his late father Patrick founded.
If you are interested in the southern hemisphere, read Michael Klein’s article on the polo scene in Uruguay. Christabel Horswell takes us to Ellerston, Australia,
which was built by Kerry Packer and is a polo paradise. Finally, Joanna Youl explores the evolution of polo in New Zealand where a number of great clubs and tournaments can be found on both islands.
In Talk – Dominique Mielle describes how she was bitten by the polo bug and compares her polo journey to her experience in distressed and bankruptcy investing. Also, Matt Baran explains how Netflix’s Polo docuseries is drawing crowds to the USPA National Polo Center.
In Archive, Rodger Rinehart pays tribute to teammate Jimmy Bachman who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in February. They had a remarkable season in 1988 with a record of 27 wins and one loss playing at different levels.
There are many more articles, and I hope you enjoy the issue.
PUBLISHER
CONTRIBUTORS
Having been married to New Zealand dairy farmer and polo player Dean Geddes for almost three decades, JOANNA YOUL’s article on the New Zealand polo scene ascribes to the maxim “write about what you know”. It also makes for a welcome change from her usual job writing ad campaigns for small businesses.
ALEJO MIRANDA is an Argentine journalist and rugby writer for the newspaper La Nacion, he has specialised in polo as well, covering the Argentine Open since 2007. He has also served as the editor-in-chief of Polo Mundial magazine and contributed to Polo Today and ClickPolo.
a young age, she spent her time at the farm, surrounded by nature and horses. Following her family’s passion for polo she became an equestrian photographer. For the past three years she has been working for major teams around the world.
Former sportswriter YA TEITELBAUM is a freelance writer and public relations and marketing consultant who has covered high-goal polo in South Florida since 1988. He is currently working at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, focusing on their social media messaging.
RODERICK VERE NICOLL
ONE TO REMEMBER
RUFINO LAULHÉ
On Monday 20 January, 2025, Ru no Laulhé, regarded as one of the most promising young polo players, lost his life at the very early age of 15 years old in a car accident.
Ru no – or Rufo as his friends and family knew him – was the son of Gastón Laulhé, former player of the Triple Crown, and his wife Verónica. His 18-year-old-brother, Beltrán, was one of the revelations of the last Argentine Open, which he played with La Zeta Kazak, alongside Nico Pieres.
That was Ru no’s ultimate dream: to play the most remarkable tournament with his brother, sometime in the future. And to ful ll his dream, Rufo worked hard, participating in several tournaments around the world, making a name for himself.
Beltrán and Ru no grew up between Buenos Aires and La Pampa. They began playing polo at María Chavanne’s polo school, La Dol nita, in Cañuelas. Before long, Ali Albwardy, patron of the Dubai Polo Team, and Argentine 10-goaler Bartolomé (Lolo) Castagnola, set their eyes on the two skilled brothers and recruited them to play for Dubai and La Natividad.
Although he was a back, and despite his young age, Ru no’s biggest strength was his ability to adapt to whatever position he was required to play. In 2024, Rufo earned notable success; wearing the Argentina jersey, he claimed the Coronation Cup, at Guards Polo Club in England and he was named MVP.
He repeated victory in Sotogrande at Ayala Polo Club when, alongside Beltrán, he represented Argentina to defeat Spain in an international test match. That day, Ru no was the most outstanding player on the eld, as well as top scorer. Speaking of Sotogrande, Ru no played a remarkable high-goal season with MB, in a lineup that included Poroto Cambiaso and Pablo Mac Donough.
To close an impressive year, Rufo was presented with the Premio Centenario, by the Argentine Olympic Committee, to reward his formidable performances, commitment and dedication; all traits he learned from his father, Gastón, and his mentors.
Ru no’s dreams were cut short in a terrible car crash on a highway near Trenque Lauquen. Beltrán and Ru no had played the La Natividad Cup at La Andría Polo Club, in Santa Rosa, Province of La Pampa in January, and were on their way to Buenos Aires before
heading to Palm Beach, where they were due to play their rst US season.
The incident abruptly ended the young Ru no’s promising career and resulted in the polo community losing one of its most exciting young players, both in Argentina and worldwide, who was destined to become a star of the sport.
We express our deepest condolences to the Lauhlé family, and long will we remember Ru no’s talents.
Originally published on pololine.com
Remembering the talented Ru no Laulhé
NEWS
POLO IN PINK
Lahore Polo Club has successfully been holding “Polo in Pink” matches for 10 years. There were 16 teams in this year’s tournament, with a female player in each team. Participating ladies were from Italy, Mexico, Argentina, UK, Iran, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan. It was heartening to see six participants from the UK alone in a total contingent of 17 players from all around the globe coming together in support of raising awareness of cancer. It not only breaks traditional barriers but also encourages the Pakistani government’s wider involvement in sports. Established in 1886, Lahore Polo Club is one of the oldest clubs in the world, with the land donated by Surgeon Major Perry. There are three full-size grounds, with a club house, 365 stables, 100 rooms for grooms, an arena polo facility, a riding school and four restaurants on the site.
INTERNATIONAL DAY
The HPA celebrates 150 years of polo on International Day 2025 at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 26 July. England will play Brazil for the Coronation Cup, with the nations’ best players and ponies ready to battle for this prestigious title. The action starts in the morning as Young England play for the Whitbread, having defeated Young Argentina last year in an epic match that went down to the wire. This promises to be a fantastic day of international polo, with a range of ticket options and the unmissable after party on the lawn to nish.
Left: young ladies enjoying the Polo in Pink event held in Lahore, Pakistan
HOOKED ON POLO CLARINDA TJIA-DHARMADI
Already an enthusiastic equestrienne, for Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, picking up a polo mallet starts and ends with her sons
Going about their riding lessons at the Singapore Polo Club, my sons decreed the spectacle of polo as “hockey on horses” and clamoured to give it a go. I determined I’d better educate myself about the sport, so I duly commenced polo lessons and was at once enamoured. The shared gusto for polo is a much relished connection with my sons. My children have learned that every horse-rider combination is a partnership and that at its finest, rider and horse are joined by trust, each totally reliant upon each other as the guardian of the other’s wellbeing.
My most memorable polo games range from dabbling in the 22-goal with Barto Castagnola, Jeta Castagnola and Hugo Taylor and winning the British Ladies Open at Cowdray with Nina Clarkin, Lucy Coddington and Chloe Horswell, to seeing my children take their first steps in the Tyro Cup. Winning the 18-goal Apsley Cup was a highlight, as was inaugurating the Cirencester Ladies Open for the Countess Lilias Cup.
The UK is very special for us as this is where we launched Semper Anticus – our home ground is Ivy Lodge at Cirencester Park Polo Club.
Women’s polo is the fastest-growing segment in global polo and I stand in awe of the vibrant women’s polo scene around the world. I don’t think there is any other sport in the world where women compete with men on the same terms, in the same arena.
STANDING ROCK FAIR PLAY AWARD
Since the Standing Rock Fair Play Award was inaugurated in 2024, the points-based award judged by umpires and tournament committees continues to grow by partnering with more polo clubs around the world. So far in 2025 the award has been presented at the New Zealand Polo Open, where team Brinks (Steve van den Brink, Henry Batchelor, Nick Keyte and JP Clarkin) lifted the trophy, and in Australia at the end of the autumn high-goal series. Presented at the nal of the Morton Cup, team Larapinta (Michael Irvine, Alec White, Jack Archibald and Thomas Hunt) emerged as winners of the award in Australia, demonstrating exceptional conduct, respect for umpires, horse welfare and discipline during the three tournaments played at Ellerston, Garangula and Windsor Polo Club.
Above: the Standing Rock Fair Play Award, which was launched in 2024
CHESTERTONS MENA POLO IN THE PARK
Amr Zedan (above) presents The Riyadh polo team (from left) Santos Iriarte (Argentina), Guillermo Li (Peru), Khalid Al-Omran and Rayan Al-Ajaji with the trophy after they successfully defended their title as Chestertons MENA Polo in the Park champions for a second year following their defeat of Cairo 6-5 at Dubai’s Desert Palm Polo Club. The tournament featured four teams: Riyadh, Cairo, London and Dubai, and was the second Chestertons Polo in the Park event to be held in the Middle East, after being held in London for over a decade.
CHUKKAS
President Donald J Trump has appointed two polo players to be ambassadors. Tom Barrack will represent the US in Turkey and Duke Buchan in Morocco. Many polo players have been US Ambassadors in the past –Averell Harriman, John Hay Whitney, Raymond Guest, Glen Holden and William Farish, to name a few.
Peter Wright has been named as the HPA’s Chief Umpire for the 2025 season. Peter will oversee the scheduling and will take the lead on professional umpire appointments along with development and assessments. Peter was also the rst non-Argentine to umpire the nal of the Argentine Open in 2014.
The HPA will join the USPA and the AAP and use the live blocking rule for the 2025 season. From the action in the Gauntlet in Florida there has been more dynamic and freeowing polo. This can only be positive for players, ponies and spectators alike.
In February, the AAP announced that genetically edited horses will not be allowed to play in any of cial or unof cial tournament in Argentina. The AAP will invite clubs, players and breeders to work together to establish a regulatory framework for the new techniques.
On 30 March, Texas A&M University won the men’s and the women’s Intercollegiate titles. In 2019 , the Aggies won both championships as well. The men’s team has won the nal 12 times. Yale holds the record for men’s with 18 titles, followed by UVa with 13.
Effective from 1 May, 2025, USPA has announced the “New American Rule”, which includes US and Canadian citizens. Homegrown players are those who have at least one parent who was or is an American. Teams using a Homegrown player will receive a one-goal credit in 16-goal tournaments and a two-goal in the 22-goal.
SADDLE UP WITH… LORENZO CHAVANNE
COUNTRY: ARGENTINA
HANDICAP: 6 USA/UK, 7 ARGENTINA
AGE: 17
When and how did you start to play polo?
I started playing polo at El Polo de Fuchi when I was six years old. Before that, I had learned to ride with my father on the farm.
What makes polo special for you?
It’s my family’s legacy to play polo. It’s something I saw my dad doing when I was very young and I’m happy to share this passion for polo with him and my brother.
Who do you respect most in polo?
I respect all the 10-goal players, as they are gamechangers in this sport.
What’s your most memorable game? The game we won in the Open 2024 against Cria La Dolfina. That was super special.
What level of polo do you play? I started playing medium 16-goal tournaments in St Tropez and now I play in some high-goal tournaments as well.
Who is your favourite pony and why?
V8 Grappa is my best mare. I played her in the Open last year and now she is in the UK waiting for the summer season to start.
What are your plans for the summer?
I’ve been in the USA playing the high-goal. Then in the UK summer season I will play high-goal and the Royal Windsor, before going to Sotogrande for the high-goal. Then I’ll head back home to Argentina to start the season there.
MUSEUM OF POLO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2025
The “Love the Legacy” themed 36th annual Polo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner on Friday 14 February saw Jorie Butler Kent receive three standing ovations as she accepted the Iglehart Award for exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport. Butler Kent, along with her father, Paul Butler (1995), became the second father-daughter pair to be enshrined in the Polo Hall of Fame. The newest Polo Hall of Famer was “Smokin” Joe Henderson, a 10-goal arena star who reached 8 goals on grass, winning numerous major tournaments. Jimmy Bachman (pictured), known as “the king of low-goal polo,” dominating the 1980s and early 1990s, was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame posthumously, as was “Force of nature” Susan Stovall.
BEAUFORT INTERNATIONAL
The HPA is delighted to return to Beaufort in 2025 as England line up to face the USA for the Golden Jubilee and the Buckmaster Trophy on Saturday 14 June. Formerly the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, the Beaufort International is a day for all the family, with a shopping village, entertainment, hospitality and more, all set in the beautiful Cotswolds grounds. These two teams have enjoyed a historic rivalry since 1886, so these matches promise a fantastic display of world-class polo and a chance to spot future talent. General admission is only £15, under 13s go free, and there is free parking.
LOVE OF MY LIFE BY MARTIN (STICKY) GLUE
NAME: SOLAR SEX: MARE
ORIGIN: NEW ZEALAND
I bought Solar in March 2019 from Vaughn Cameron in Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand. Her sire is “No Excuse Needed” and her dam is “Pay Attention”. When I went to try her, I rode her without playing her, as there weren’t any chukkas in the area. The main thing that impressed me was, although there wasn’t any polo going on, she had unbelievable endurance and never got tired. I imported her to the UK in April and I played her myself in a lot of chukkas that year to get her used to polo. She came out the following year at age five and played in about 10 6-8 goal matches.
In the 2021 season, I sent her to Bautista Sorzana with a view to selling her. She came on very well and I sold her to UAE in June that year. She then won numerous high-goal BPP prizes, culminating in being awarded BPP in the 2023 Gold Cup Final with Barto Castagnola (above) playing her. Last UK season, she was played by Lukin Monteverde, who then exported her to Argentina where she played in the Open –winning a BPP award in one of the league games there as well. She will now stay in Argentina. Her assets are her huge power, soft mouth, amenable temperament and balance. She is also the perfect size to play.
A LAND THAT REVITALISES, ALWAYS, AND IN ALL WAYS
Discover the ancient wonders and modern marvels of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Explore 200,000 years of human history in enduring luxury and splendour.
BREATH-TAKING
LIFE-GIVING
BALANCING THE BOOKS
Hedge fund expert Dominique Mielle describes how she got bitten by the polo bug and compares her polo journey to her experience in distressed and bankruptcy investing
I SIMPLY LOVE LEARNING – ALMOST ANYTHING. I’M NOT PARTICULARLY GOOD AT ANYTHING. I JUST ENJOY THE JOURNEY
In my forties, I started playing polo. I realise this sounds like a clear-cut diagnosis of middle-age crisis. It’s completely true – but let me explain. My husband and I had planned a summer vacation to Mongolia, complete with a four-day horseback riding trek. About a week prior to the trip, we discovered that the ne print, which had inexplicably escaped us thus far, speci ed, “Riding experience recommended”.
I had never been on a horse. He had been thrown off one in the past. So off we went to take riding lessons near our house in Los Angeles. Then we embarked on a truly memorable trip, and not just because I suffered from a pernicious stomach bug that had me crawling out of the tent in the frigid night half a dozen times.
Naturally, I stuck with riding after the trip. It’s not just that I am a sucker for physical punishment with a particular liking for dangerous activities such as backcountry skiing (which I practice in the winter), skydiving (which I tried with my father), and bungee jumping (which I tried from a hot-air balloon). I simply love learning – almost anything. As an adult, I have taken classes in ballet, sur ng, boxing and, recently, tai chi, not to mention art history, Tibetan Buddhism, Japanese and tiling. I am not particularly good at anything. I just enjoy the journey.
My riding lessons took place in the outdoor arena of a state park in California. It happened to be right above the last remaining polo eld in Los Angeles, and my husband offered a solution to my growing boredom with gure-eight and horsegrooming exercises. ‘Why don’t you try that?’ he said, pointing to a polo game one day. ‘How hard can it be?’ My rst lessons were a far cry from the glamorous image that polo may have. It took place in the evening, in an equestrian facility that had seen better days, deep in the Santa Monica Canyon. Every inch in the tack room was covered by years of spiderwebs and layers of dust; you could hide a dead body in there with absolute impunity.
The instructor – a chain-smoking middle-aged woman with in nite patience, a deep-throated voice and a golden heart –charged $70 for the lesson, including the horse. This so-called “Sport of Kings” cost less than an hour of personal training.
I bought my rst horse in December 2009 and played my rst chukka on grass in 2011. So began an enduring passion and lifelong pursuit. They say that polo can be more addictive and more dangerous than cocaine. I got hooked quickly and incurably. My life became a journey marked by the exhilarating and frustrating pursuit – on the back of very noble animals – of a hard little ball that once
Opposite: 8-goal FMB USPA Wickenden Cup, from left: Henry Walker, Santi Wulff, Dominique and Eden Ormerod
Right: Dominique and polo manager Radhika May with best playing pony Ormiga
landed full force in my face and broke my nose and right cheekbone. I love it.
The polo world has similarities to that of the hedge funds. There are quite a few women at the entry and middle levels – it’s male-dominated at the top. The playing eld, like a trading oor, is usually dense with testosterone and echoes of choice words, although voiced in various languages. Everyone is super competitive; everyone wants to win. From my amateur observation, the scale and nancial means of a polo out t, like a hedge fund, can rig the game or heavily tip it in its favour. Like the hedge-fund professionals, the polo pros make money while customers (called patrons) pay to play. Similarly, pros constantly pitch their services and skills to the next client. They keep cool in the middle of chaos. But there are clear differences too.
Polo pros put their lives on the line; they possess extraordinary physical strength, balance, coordination and horsemanship skills. Hedge fund managers generally do not. And of course, none of the former are billionaires and none of the latter are hot. In polo, I not only met an entirely new
community but found two gures who were profoundly missing from my professional life.
The rst is the woman who takes care of my horses, the barn, the games, and the logistics and has steadfastly advised, encouraged and pushed me to become a better rider, player and horse owner. Hurtling on a 1,000-pound animal at 30 miles an hour with seven other players vying for a ball the size of a tennis ball but as hard as a golf ball can put your life at risk. She is as close to a female partner as I will ever have.
The second is a high-level patron who, for no reason other than to help me advance in the sport, recurrently invited me to play on his team at a competitive level, showing no frustration at my mistakes but patiently explaining the right moves, the better play, the winning strategy and the long game.
He is the mentor I never had on Wall Street. I have long since my beginning days replaced the initial instructor with Argentinean pros – who are considerably more expensive but nicer to look at. They all have the same advice: ‘Keep your head down, Dominique’. In polo, as in everything else, I suppose.
• Dominique Mielle is a Franco-American investor and former hedge fund manager at a $25 billion fund, with more than two decades of experience in nance, especially distressed and bankruptcy investing.
She was named one of the “50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds” by the Hedge Fund Journal and E&Y in 2017, and is a regular contributor to Forbes, where she writes about hedge funds and diversity in nance. She has been published in the Financial Times, Business Insider and Absolute Return
Her book, Damsel in Distressed (Simon & Schuster, 2021), is the rst female hedge fund memoir, providing an insider’s view of the investment industry. As the Wall Street Journal review states: ‘Like Liar’s Poker, the 1989 rst-person exposé of Wall Street that launched Michael Lewis’s literary career, Damsel in Distressed is an often-hilarious romp through the jungles of high nance and a lively and informative tutorial on hedge funds during their glory years.’
She also contributed to the famous “investing bible” titled Security Analysis (McGraw Hill, 2023), by Graham and Dodd, who were Warren Buffett’s professors and mentors.
Left: Spring club chukkas in Santa Barbara
STAR QUALITY
USPA Global has launched a new strategic broadcast association with Star Sports, reaching millions of polo sports fans across India
As the number one men’s casualwear brand in India, U.S. Polo Assn. already had a strong presence in the country with the world’s largest population. Which is hardly surprising, considering the brand has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA and MLB according to License Global, and it has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail and GQ, as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other respected media sources globally.
As the of cial brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), U.S. Polo Assn. is more than just a clothing brand, it’s a lifestyle choice. While offering apparel, accessories
and footwear for men, women and children in more than 190 countries worldwide, as part of USPA Global’s broadcasting subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), it has also contributed to making the sport of polo more accessible to sports fans globally through GPE’s partnerships with sports channels including ESPN and beIN Sports, reaching millions of worldwide viewers.
The launch of GPE’s latest multi-year broadcasting association with Star Sports – India’s leading sports network and part of Disney’s family of networks – last October is now bringing polo sport action and the iconic U.S. Polo Assn. brand to even more engaged sports and brand fans across India, with the
mission to further promote the sport of polo on an international level.
This collaboration between GPE and Star Sports brings the thrilling world of polo directly to millions of homes across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, enabling polo to reach a larger audience worldwide.
The Star Sports association began the season with the award-winning series Breakaway, a story-driven programme with episodes covering the most prestigious polo tournaments, including Women’s Polo and Polo in England. Each episode also spotlights notable gures in Indian Polo, such as
U.S.Polo Assn.’s Global Brand Ambassador His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur, along with Indian Polo and the Jaipur Polo Team, as well as world-renowned players such as Hope Arellano, Adolfo Cambiaso and Jeta Castagnola to name a few.
When asked about the collaboration, J Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, commented: ‘Joining forces with Star Sports represents a signi cant step in our U.S. Polo Assn. market strategy to authentically engage with sports fans and consumers in one of our fastest growing and largest markets.’
Shailesh Chaturvedi, CEO and managing director of Arvind Fashions Ltd, U.S. Polo Assn.’s strategic partner added: ‘Making further inroads into sports in India is a signi cant step in the history of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand and what makes this marketleading brand truly authentic.’
Indeed, by aligning with Star Sports, U.S. Polo Assn. is now part of the multi-sport environment in the Indian sports broadcasting scene. The network’s extensive coverage of other sports includes highpro le events such as cricket with Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), Premier League Football and Wimbledon.
‘Embracing the sport of polo as part of our diverse sports culture aligns perfectly with our mission to expand our sports offerings and engage with a broader audience,’ explains Harry Grif th, head
of acquisition and syndication at Star Sports. ‘We are excited to introduce our viewers to the rich history and dynamic action of polo through our collaboration with USPA Global and the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.’
With polo reaching more people than ever before in India, interest in the sport is sure to hit an all-time high.
Opposite: Hope Arellano. This page, from top: His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur; Breakaway show
TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Described as one of the great “landmarks” of polo, the sensational landscape combined with the Packer family legacy makes Ellerston a polo destination like no other, reports Christabel Horswell
When Kerry Packer famously said he had been to the other side and there was ‘nothing there’, it might have been because he had already been to paradise: Ellerston.
In March of this year, I was fortunate enough to enter a team in the Autumn 8-goal tournament that runs over 10 days alongside the 14-goal “Kerry Packer Challenge”. I have often heard Ellerston described as one of the great “landmarks” of polo and the sensational landscape combined with the Packer family legacy makes it a unique place to visit –exceeding all expectations.
Ellerston was purchased by Kerry Packer in the 1980s and held its rst polo game in 1987, soon followed by the construction of the elds, stables and clubhouse. Since
1990, Ellerston has been a pioneer in the world of breeding, beginning with Longboat, an English thoroughbred who was the rst stallion they used for embryo transplants, with his rst foals born in 1992. Since then, the focus Ellerston has had on developing its bloodlines has been intrinsic in transforming attitudes to breeding and the quality of polo ponies within the sport. In 2015, Ros Packer took over the Ellerston Polo Operation and renamed it Ellerston Onassis Polo (EOP). Today, there are over 700 horses on site.
After driving four hours north of Sydney you snake across beautiful hills within the Hunter Valley, losing signal but met by occasional pointers to send you onwards. On the downhill approach you get a glimpse
of bright green grass within the valley, framed by classic red boards – an iconic part of the club’s image. Over 50 players move on site with their horses, grooms, partners etc, meaning around 200 people are accommodated across a 10-day period. The sense of isolation, combined with the welcoming community, creates a truly unique environment of enjoyment and support, which is built upon each evening in the clubhouse where there is a different form of “entertainment”, from karaoke to pool competitions. As you drive from eld to eld you pass several monumental sculptures by Nic Fiddian Green, another feature of the property that emphasises the attention to detail of the Packer family and the pride they
have had in curating it over the years. Fiddian Green’s 27ft bronze I Will Look Beyond for a Distant Land guards Kerry Packer’s burial spot with a sense of strength and integrity, overlooking the iconic “Home Field”.
The tournament’s two divisions (8- and 14-goal) featured nine and 10 teams respectively. In the 8-goal, my team with Olivia de Govrik, “Sladmore – Bannaby Angus” comprised us, Jack Archibald and Alec White – two of the nicest and most competitive players in Australia. Of the nine teams in the 8-goal, seven both lost and won their two qualifying games – a good indication of the close playing eld. Goondiwindi was the only team to win both games, putting them top of the league going into the quarter nals. After a close loss to Mingela, we moved into the sub semi- nals while Vallex, Ellerston Grey and Goondiwindi moved into the main semis, held on the School Field. The night before Vallex and Mingela faced each other in the main nal I was sitting in the clubhouse and saw opposing patrons Rowan Ford and Ben Kay having dinner with each other, roaring with laughter. For me, this was a testament to how special the environment is at Ellerston and despite losing the nal the next day in a great game, Ford’s Vallex team had dinner with Mingela’s Ben Kay again that evening.
The-14 goal Kerry Packer Challenge was equivalent to or even faster than 16-goal polo I have seen played in the UK or USA. All 10 teams were of exceptional quality and both Larapinta and White Deer Park emerged rm contenders after winning all three of their qualifying games, with Philipp Müller’s Standing Rock not far
behind. The semi- nals were extremely competitive, with Jemalong clinching the win against White Deer Park and Larapinta’s Alec White scoring a last-minute penalty to defeat Standing Rock. It was Jemalong’s Johnny and Colt Kahlbetzer who won the nal with a great performance from all four players and in particular Jose Riglos who was MVP. Ellerston Onassis Polo places a huge amount of emphasis on the ponies played, with a BPP awarded after each game and emailed out to everyone that evening stating not just their name and owner but also their sire and dam. Notable double winners were Jimmy Wood’s “Lucy” , Jack Archibald’s “Rolex”, Ruki Baillieu’s “YP Mink”, Will Gilmore’s “Classify” and Jemalong’s “Havana”. The BPP of the Kerry Packer Challenge was “Jemalong Kayley” played by Jose Riglos, owned by Jemalong Polo. To top off the presentation, Australian polo legend Sinclair Hill (now 90 years old) gave the prizes, crediting teams in the 14-goal for playing some of the best polo he had seen in Australia. A huge thank you to James Harper for facilitating my time there, Jess and Lance Sheppard for mounting me so well, my dad for being an exceptional coach and Ros and Gretel Packer for their hospitality, which is unforgettable.
Opposite: Fiddian Green’s Mighty Head overlooking the North Field. Above: Christabel Horswell, Olivia de Govrik, Alec White and Jack Archibald. Below: Ros Packer with the EOP team
PARTY TIME
Dubbed “the best polo party in the world” by Wales Polo Team captain Ricky Cooper, The Scottsdale Polo Championships has helped introduce the sport to a new US audience
The most-attended polo event in the United States, The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships began as something of a niche gathering but has since grown into a highly anticipated annual tradition, drawing top-tier polo talent and more than 10,000 spectators who arrive ready for action and dressed to impress.
With its erce competition and fashionforward crowds, this year’s event, set for Saturday 8 November at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will once again welcome top polo teams for a full day of festivities that extend far beyond the action on the eld.
‘From the beginning, our goal was to create something unique that would show American audiences why so many other parts of the world are intrigued by polo,’ says the championship’s creator and co-founder Jason Rose. ‘We wanted to do more than just showcase the sport, though – we also wanted to create an event that would be as exciting and exhilarating off the eld as it is on it.’
This year’s event will again draw top polo teams and athletes from across the globe and feature Night Polo, which made its debut in 2024 under WestWorld’s new stadium lights. The 14th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Championships, known colloquially as “The Polo Party,” will also welcome the return of fan-favourite happenings such as “The World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show”, and “Canine Couture: A Dog Fashion Show Like No Other,” presented by Scottsdale’s Lugari Pet Salon. The event also features a raucous eld-side “day club” activated by one of Arizona’s top nightclubs.
The Polo Party also welcomes a revolving lineup of local and national elected of cials and celebrities performing the ceremonial ball-drop, with Scottsdale Mayor Dave Ortega, Gila River Indian Community Gov Stephen Lewis, former Phoenix Suns star
WE WANTED TO CREATE AN EVENT THAT WOULD BE AS EXCITING OFF THE FIELD AS IT IS ON IT
Eddie Johnson and Arizona State University football head coach Kenny Dillingham and leading rusher Cam Skattebo sharing the honour at last year’s festivities.
Beyond the erce competition on the eld, the Polo Party has become a hotspot for socialising and spotting celebrities, with well-known names from the worlds of sports, entertainment, business and social media turning out in spades and adding to the event’s energy. The occasion has also become a major draw for automotive enthusiasts, welcoming hundreds of car clubs and collectors who come to show off their wheels and rub elbows with the af uent audience The Polo Party attracts.
For those looking to enjoy an even more sophisticated experience, VIP packages give
Opposite: one of the USA’s top players Nic Roldan. Left: Melissa Ganzi in action. Below, from top: a contender in the Canine Couture Dog Show; spectators line up at the fence
revellers exclusive access to private lounges, premier seating areas and luxury hospitality tents, with bottle service, specialty dining and front-row seats promising an up-close view of the action.
While the full lineup for this year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships is still taking shape and will be announced in June, one thing remains clear: The Polo Party will once again serve as one of the Southwest’s key autumn events, drawing athletes, spectators, fashion industry insiders and in uencers to the city for a one-of-a-kind, all-day celebration of athleticism, elegance and entertainment.
For additional information, go to thepoloparty.com
AMERICAN ICON
YA Teitelbaum and Brenda Lynn describe how the polo community celebrated the life and legacy of US polo star Bennie Gutierrez in a moving tribute at the Museum of Polo Hall of Fame earlier this year
American polo star Bennie Gutierrez was a major force in the sport on and off the eld for more than 40 years. He occasionally visited the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame to have coffee and tell stories with executives George DuPont Jr and Brenda Lynn.
The polo community returned the favour tenfold as they celebrated his life and legacy at the Museum on 6 Jan.
He was beloved by the polo community as almost 100 friends and family members gathered to honour him in an emotional send-off, punctuated with a lot of funny and touching stories.
Gutierrez was born in San Antonio, Texas in October 1935 and passed away on 25 July, 2024, in Sebring, Florida at the age of 88. Gutierrez was one of ve sons born to parents who began their lives as eld workers. He learned to ride and play from his father, who worked for well-known polo families, such as the Hartmans and Beveridges.
During the 1960s and ’70s, Gutierrez was one of the highest-rated players. He attained an 8-goal handicap in 1968 in an era with no American 10-goal players. A consummate horseman, he was respected for his consistency and competitiveness.
A sought-after teammate, his titles included the 1972 US Open Championship, the 1960 and 1967 National Twenty Goal, as well as the 1967, 1969 and 1971 National Sixteen Goal. When the USA sent its best to Argentina for the 1969 Cup of the Americas, Bennie played with distinction.
His high-goal playing career was halted by a serious polo accident. After Gutierrez recovered, he returned to win numerous low- and medium-goal tournaments.
After retiring from playing, he trained polo ponies and managed top teams, including Memo Gracida’s La Herradura and Peter Brant’s White Birch.
Off the eld, Gutierrez helped organise the professional umpiring programme, served as the USPA’s rst Chief Umpire and was honoured in 1993 as the Umpire of the Year. An image of Gutierrez was the inspiration on product labels for Polo Ralph Lauren, including the original Polo Ralph Lauren logo.
Gutierrez was inducted into the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in 2003. All of those highlights paled in comparison to Bennie the
THEY REMEMBERED BENNIE FOR HIS PASSION FOR POLO AND FOR THE HORSES, HIS INTEGRITY AND HIS COMMITMENT
Opposite: 1971 Milwaukee vs Houston (from left): Bennie Gutierrez, Robert Uihlein, Jr, Del Carroll. Above: Bennie Gutierrez.
Below: 1971 National 16 Goal –Robert Uihlein, III, Tommy Wayman, Nancy Orthwein, Bennie Gutierrez, William Wayman, Sr
person, according to the speakers. They remembered Bennie for his passion for polo and for the horses, his integrity and his commitment to doing it the right way.
Bennie’s son Mark Gutierrez welcomed everyone to the celebration and shared many great stories about his father, remembering him as a man of character and integrity.
‘To hear all the people speak about my father’s character, I knew that,’ said Mark Gutierrez. ‘It was nice to hear all the kind words and to see everybody.’
With Tony Coppola as the emcee, other speakers included Bennie’s grandson, Ash, who put together a touching video tribute, Bennie’s youngest brother, Mike, Bennie’s niece Tory, Mimi Gracida Boyle, Peter Brant, Jimmy Newman, Peter Orthwein and Ginny Orthwein, Marty Cregg and Brenda Lynn.
‘My special moment was seeing people in Bennie’s life and career in attendance,’ said Mike Gutierrez, Bennie’s youngest brother. ‘Appreciative in the fact that Bobby Beveridge, Peter Brant, Jimmy [Newman] and Tony [Coppola], Mimi [Gracida Boyle] and Mariano [Aguerre] and many others came to honour Bennie.’ All agreed that the Museum was a tting place for this tribute to one of the true greats of polo.
‘Jimmy’s [Newman] story of his experience on a “runaway pony” between chukkas at Gulfstream Polo Club was a favourite because Bennie recalled that event throughout his life,’ added Mike Gutierrez.
And what a life.
ON THE UP
Santa Cruz Polo Club founder Michael Klein on the remarkable transformation of polo in Uruguay, marking the beginning of a golden era for the sport there
The 2024/2025 season has cemented Uruguay’s position as an emerging polo powerhouse on the global stage. As Alexis Guynot de Boismenu, president of the Uruguayan Polo Association (AUP), says, ‘Uruguay is a well-kept secret, and the polo world is discovering it’.
Cross-border collaboration fuels growth
A pivotal development in Uruguay’s polo ascension has been the streamlined arrangement between Argentina and Uruguay allowing horses to travel freely between the two countries with minimal bureaucracy. What began as a modest pilot project, permitting just 24 horses in the 23/24 season, has expanded, with nearly 300 horses crossing borders in the 24/25 season. More is expected next season.
This open-border policy has attracted some of the world’s premier players who can now compete on their own prized horses, signi cantly elevating the calibre of competition. The successful implementation of this required extensive coordination between the AUP of Uruguay and Polo Association of Argentina (AAP), along with support from various governmental agencies and specialised transport companies.
Professional body reaches new heights
The tournaments throughout the season showcased exceptional organisational prowess, with entities such as Stirling Polo, The Polo Agency (TPA) and Polo Champagne ensuring professional execution across all aspects of competition.
Infrastructure developments have kept pace with the sport’s growth, featuring improved eld quality and sophisticated club management structures.
Eduardo Costantini’s purchase of 145 hectares in partnership with La Dol na signals a major vote of con dence in Uruguay’s polo future. This strategic investment is rapidly transforming the Punta Del Este region into Argentina’s famous Pilar polo district.
Santa Cruz Polo Club: a season of success
Santa Cruz Polo Club exempli ed the booming interest in Uruguayan polo, reaching capacity almost immediately after opening
registrations for the 2024/2025 season. The club operated with 14 players and 190 horses under its care, hosting prestigious tournaments including the Christmas Cup by Polo Champagne, the 72nd Uruguay Open and Copa Presidencia.
The competitions attracted celebrated players including Poroto Cambiaso, Lucas Monteverde, Alfredo Bigatti, Cruz Novillo and Raul Laplacette Jr, bringing international talent to the local polo scene. The Santa Cruz team excelled throughout the season, claiming victory in four of the ve mediumgoal handicap tournaments they entered.
Overall, Santa Cruz facilitated more than 50 teams and hosted over 300 chukkas on their premium-quality elds. The club’s amenities also received high praise, with La Sierra restaurant drawing crowds for its exceptional cuisine and renowned caipirinhas crafted by popular Bahian bartender Fernando. The club’s luxury villas also proved to be a hit among guests, offering comfortable accommodations.
Winner of the Uruguayan Open 2025, Juan Pepa, says, ‘Punta is a fantastic place to escape with the family during the winter. We especially enjoy Santa Cruz, where you can not only play polo but also where the family is happy and having a great time with good restaurants and lots of shopping.’
Looking ahead
As Uruguay polo continues its upward trajectory, the primary focus now shifts to developing a comprehensive calendar that will allow more international patrons and players to plan their participation in advance. With infrastructure improvements ongoing and investment owing into the region, Uruguay’s polo community is eagerly preparing for what promises to be an even more spectacular experience in the seasons to come, solidifying Uruguay’s place on the global polo map.
Opposite: the Santa Cruz Clubhouse. Left: winners of the 72nd Uruguayan Open –Juan Pepa, Poroto Cambiaso, Paquito de Narvaez and Benicio Laguado. Below: Michael Klein
CROWD PLEASER
Executive director of communications for the United States Polo Association, Matt Baran, explores how Netflix’s Polo docuseries is drawing crowds to the USPA National Polo Center
The USPA National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida, has experienced a notable surge in attendance, attributed in large part to the recent Net ix docuseries, Polo. The ve-part series, lmed during the course of the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2024, has signi cantly sparked interest in the sport, contributing to a 69 per cent increase in general admission during the rst 10 weeks of the season, a historically slow period for spectator turnout. The docuseries has not only enhanced visibility for NPC but has also engaged a new demographic of spectators curious to experience live polo matches and looking for a chance to spot the stars of the Net ix series.
We have been working for the past eight years to communicate the importance and prestige of these tournaments. The interest generated by the Net ix docuseries is a testament to our ongoing efforts, and we are excited to welcome a growing fanbase that is eager to learn more about polo and its players. We have six of the world’s 10-goal players competing in the Gauntlet of Polo and the level of competition re ects the work of the USPA and NPC Polo Operations in running the tournaments and maintaining the elds and facilities to attract top teams.
The increase in attendance extends beyond general admission to The Pavilion,
where there has been a 76 per cent rise in brunch ticket purchases, with recent weeks selling out in advance. Spectators are embracing brunch at The Pavilion like never before, and we also have a VIP area for a more elevated experience, as well as a new Champions’ Corner for corporate tailgating and individual private cabanas. Combined with General Admission seating, which offers an unbeatable eldside view, there is a spectator option for everyone, no matter the price point.
for spectators to try polo on a wooden horse, enjoy a traditional Argentine asado, and join in an après-polo party poolside at the Mallet Grille, open to all spectators.
Opposite: the half-time divot stomp. Above: guests and spectators enjoy brunch in The Pavilion. Below: guests at a tailgate at the Joe Barry Memorial
The impact of the Net ix docuseries has been signi cant, with many new spectators citing it as their introduction to the world of polo. A survey conducted at the time of ticket purchases revealed that the number one reason attendees discovered Sunday polo at NPC in 2025 was through the series. The geographical reach of the docuseries has given NPC attention from national and international media outlets. Moreover, this in ux of newcomers signals that polo can reach a wider and more diverse audience. The docuseries aired in December 2024, so it was the perfect timing for pre-season promotion of Sunday polo games at NPC. We also leveraged social media advertising to extend the reach of the show locally in Wellington and surrounding areas.
Sunday polo at NPC provides additional attractions off the eld, such as opportunities
However, it is not just the Net ix docuseries that is making NPC successful; there are other important factors such as the consistency with which the leadership and staff are running NPC and the tournaments. The digital experience is also user-friendly and the new ticketing software has made it easy to purchase tickets. We have heavily promoted these tournaments through traditional media, ESPN, social media in uencers and other forms of local advertising for several years now since purchasing the venue.
The momentum generated by Net ix has reinforced NPC and the USPA’s dedication to expanding the reach of polo and making the sport more accessible to a wider audience. A strong emphasis on high-quality competition, enhanced spectator experiences and strategic promotional efforts positions NPC to build on this success and introduce even more people to the thrill of live polo. By leveraging modern media, digital engagement and innovative event offerings, the USPA remains committed to growing the sport, ensuring that polo thrives not only at NPC but across the nation and beyond.
road of hope
explores investment opportunities in Argentina’s premium real estate market
ILLUSTRATION: PETER JAMES FIELD
Patrice Graviere
Opposite: Patrice playing polo at El Rocio
I was born in Paris in 1946, then 18 months later, my parents took me to Argentina, without even asking my opinion… strange!
When I turned 12, my parents bought a weekend house at the prestigious Tortugas Country Club. In addition to playing golf, I started making friends with future polo stars such as the Dorignac brothers, as well as the Tanoiras, Novillo Estrada and Alberdi. From the age of 18, I began attending all the matches of the Triple Corona (Hurlingham, Tortugas and Palermo) in person. But it wasn’t until 22 years later that I bought my first pony. Everyone laughed at me. I could hear people saying, ‘There goes the Frenchie, looking like a sack of potatoes on a saddle’.
By the time I was 43, I had reached a two-goal handicap, and I was quite proud of myself. This led me to get involved with the AAP for whom I developed a successful student exchange programme with the USPA.
At the same time, I had already begun my professional life in the banking and financial world. As a senior executive with more than 40 years of experience in prestigious financial institutions such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, I have gathered extensive knowledge in the world of finance and banking. This said, I remained in Buenos Aires, which led me to investigate the real estate opportunities in Latin America.
Estancia El Rocío had been a huge part of my life, one of the most important, and somewhat of a legacy – a place that I had built from the ground up with integrity and determination. When it was time to move on, El Rocío was lucky to fall into the good hands of Nico and Amanda Fontanarrosa, an Anglo-Argentine partnership that has been able to sustain its Argentine charm and polo practicality, while providing world-class holidays for polo players of all ages and levels. Through their professionalism and passion for polo, Estancia El Rocío has remained a beautiful polo farm in the heart of the Pampas, filled with charm, character and good cheer. Guests always say it feels more like a “home away from home” rather than a hotel.
In a world marked by political instability, Argentina positions itself as
IN A WORLD OF INSTABILITY, ARGENTINA POSITIONS ITSELF AS A SANCTUARY
a sanctuary and presents a compelling opportunity for real estate investors. Distant from the Northern hemisphere’s conflict zones, it offers security, stability and opportunities in a largely untouched natural environment. Truly a “road of hope” for those seeking a promising future.
Strong investment potential
Despite fluctuations, Argentina’s real estate market is an attractive option due to:
� Competitive property prices: Compared to other global markets, Argentina offers high-end properties at relatively affordable prices, creating strong potential for long-term appreciation. With a favourable exchange rate, international buyers can acquire premium real estate at significant discounts.
� Lifestyle and tourism appeal: From Buenos Aires’ cosmopolitan allure to countryside polo estates, Argentina’s real estate options cater to investors looking for luxury and profitability.
Puerto Madero: from abandoned port to vibrant urban centre
Puerto Madero, once a bustling port district in Buenos Aires, has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. Initially established in the late 19th century, the area faced decline in the mid-20th century but revitalisation efforts began in the 1990s, leading to its emergence as a vibrant urban hub. This development was characterised by the refurbishment of old warehouses and the construction of modern residential, commercial and recreational spaces.
Among the most iconic landmarks in Puerto Madero is the Faena Hotel, which opened its doors in 2004. Designed by renowned Argentine architect Alan Faena, the hotel blends luxury with artistic flair, featuring a unique aesthetic that pays homage to the district’s industrial past. Its opulent interiors and exceptional service have made it a preferred destination for celebrities and high-profile events.
Recently, the area welcomed a new restaurant by renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland, further enhancing its appeal as a culinary destination. Today, Puerto Madero stands as a testament to urban regeneration, combining historical elements with contemporary culture. Moreover, foreign and European investors are increasingly purchasing properties in the area, drawn by its vibrant development and potential for growth.
The polo advantage
As the polo capital of the world, Argentina offers unique investment prospects for those drawn to the sport. Developments such as TechnoPolo Resort & Country Club, founded by Franck Dubarry, founder of TechnoMarine watch brand.
This project integrates world-class polo facilities with luxury residences, catering to an elite clientele. Strategically located in Pilar, just 50 minutes from Buenos Aires, TechnoPolo combines sport, leisure and high-end living, making it an attractive destination for investors.
As someone who has lived in different parts of the world, I can attest to the extraordinary opportunities ripe for investment in Argentina. TechnoPolo’s “llave en mano” (turnkey) option stands out, allowing investors to own fully equipped and finished homes, eliminating the complexities that often accompany international real estate investments.
Globalisation and real estate: a path to diversification
In the context of globalisation, the real estate sector offers investors a unique opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios across various markets and asset types. By tapping into global real estate markets, investors can mitigate risks associated with local economic and political downturns and capitalise on growth opportunities in emerging economies. This diversification can include residential, commercial and industrial properties located in diverse geographic regions, allowing investors to benefit from varying economic cycles and trends. Additionally, the globalisation of real
estate not only enables individuals to enhance their portfolios but also encourages cross-border collaboration, drives urban development and stimulates local economies. However, this landscape presents challenges that investors must carefully navigate.
Uruguay’s real estate boom: luxury developments and high-profile acquisitions
Many investors are also turning their attention to Uruguay, particularly to Punta del Este, a renowned coastal destination known for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning beaches. The region has seen increased interest in hotel, residential and
estancia projects, appealing to those seeking both leisure and investment opportunities. One notable example is the famous Estancia Santa Cruz, which was founded by Michael Klein. This acquisition reflects the growing trend of foreign investments in Uruguay’s real estate market, highlighting its potential for lucrative returns in the hospitality and residential sectors. Furthermore, renowned polo player Adolfo Cambiaso has recently acquired a 140-hectare estancia in Punta del Este to develop a polo centre, further underscoring the area’s appeal for highprofile investments.
Closing remarks: the future of luxury real estate investment in Argentina
The importance of investing in real estate in Argentina and Uruguay cannot be overstated, especially given the current market opportunities in diverse sectors such as agricultural properties, estancias in Patagonia and Punta del Este, wine vineyards in Valle de Uco (the Napa Valley of Latin America), residential homes, apartments, commercial developments and the hospitality industry.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at patrice_graviere@yahoo.com; +54 9 11 5161 5969
Above: the main house at El Rocio. Below: Patrice and his wife, Macarena Llambí
Below:
Hot spot
Welcoming more weekend visitors than in any previous years, the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo showed why AlUla, Saudi Arabia, is becoming a must-visit destination for polo as well as a hub for experiencing the best of Saudi Arabian culture, writes Jemima Wilson
Opposite: Adolfo Cambiaso and his son, Poroto Cambiaso, playing in the AlUla Desert Polo.
a camel train in the background of the polo action
No matter how many times you fly into AlUla airport in Saudi Arabia, the dramatic landscape never ceases to amaze. First-time visitors will inevitably be awestruck by the imposing rock formations jutting out of the desert and, for repeat guests, the beauty and mystery of the area continue to enchant.
Add to this world-class restaurants, sophisticated hotels, warm hospitality and a fascinating history dating back thousands of years and you have a captivating location for a key fixture on the polo calendar.
Just as Snow Polo in St Moritz is known as the Snow Polo event, as the
home of the world’s first organised desert polo tournament, AlUla is fast becoming known as the place for desert polo, thanks to the growing success and popularity of its annual Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament. Where else in the world will you see a camel train strolling nonchalantly back and forth as a backdrop to the polo action?
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo in AlUla is a fitting celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage and supports Saudi Vision 2030 by providing economic opportunity in the region.
Since its inception in 2021, the tournament has worked closely with the La Dolfina Polo Organisation, which has provided horses, players and coordination over the years. Adolfo Cambiaso and his son Poroto – both 10-goal players – are influential advocates for the development of polo in AlUla, in Saudi more broadly, and are passionate about seeing more children, young people and women taking up polo in the region. As one of the only games in Saudi where men and women can play together on equal terms, it is a fantastic opportunity for the Kingdom to attract more home-grown and international male and female players.
‘I’ve been involved with the Desert Polo for four years, since it started, and the event has grown a lot,’ Adolfo Cambiaso says. ‘It’s not just the polo that has got better, but AlUla as a destination has grown in every aspect. I’m very glad I saw it four years ago and I’m enjoying seeing how it’s evolving every year and helping to develop women’s polo. In the future it is going to be an incredible place to play polo. We believe the best way to attract more people to polo is by getting children fanatical about polo, so we have plans for a polo academy to get more children in Saudi riding and playing polo.’
This year, for the 2025 event – which welcomed more weekend visitors to the AlFursan Equestrian Village than in any previous years – Adolfo’s daughter Mia also played in the tournament, along with fellow female professional Milly Hine and four female patrons Clarinda TjiaDharmadi, Clare Milford Haven, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Ploy Bhinsaeng.
Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, who is well-respected in the polo world for championing women in polo, commented: ‘I love to be part of something in the making. I play some mixed polo but I’m a big supporter of women’s polo and I love supporting women. It’s refreshing to see women having the opportunity to play here in AlUla with some of the best male players in the world. Historically Saudi Arabia has not been viewed as a nation that has been progressive with regard to the advancement of women. But I think
they have now really put their money where their mouth is, making a concerted effort to evolve, and it’s not just rhetoric but we are seeing it changing. I hope that the more Saudi women see that women can play and can be successful in the sport, the more they will be inspired to play themselves. I have met some incredible women in Saudi who are confident and interested in so many different things.’
As the headline sponsor of the tournament, watchmaker Richard Mille recently named Poroto Cambiaso as an ambassador, alongside fellow 10-goal player Pablo Mac Donough who, on countless occasions, has demonstrated the robustness of Richard Mille watches being worn during polo games.
Talking about the partnership with the Desert Polo in AlUla, Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille, said: ‘It is unique to have an association with such an amazing Unesco World Heritage Site, which provides a stunning backdrop for the polo and is also an interesting place to explore, as it’s untouched and off-the-
IT’S REFRESHING TO SEE WOMEN HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY POLO HERE
Opposite: Pablo Mac Donough and Nacho Figueras battle it out in the nal. Above: Adolfo Cambiaso on the ball. Below: Mia Cambiaso in full swing
36 IT’S DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE IN WORDS JUST HOW STUNNING
ALULA IS
beaten track. I like that we get a group of some of the world’s best polo players to come for a short, fun tournament over a few days and introduce more people to the magic of Saudi Arabia.’
He also expressed his enthusiasm for supporting young polo talent: ‘Richard Mille counts several Formula One drivers, snow sports competitors and track and field athletes as ambassadors, and we had been thinking about adding another polo player to the Richard Mille family for a while. I saw Poroto play at the Gold Cup in Cowdray last year, and he absolutely turned the game around. I’ve spent a lot of time around polo in the past 30 years with some of the best players in the sport, and watching Poroto play is very special. It’s great to be supporting the next generation of top polo stars.’
After two thrilling days of polo, it was the Richard Mille team of Clare Millford Haven, Mohamed ElSewedy and Pablo Mac Donough that went on to win the action-packed final with an 8-6 victory over Team Ikmah, made up of Ploy Bhinsaeng, HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas and Nacho Figueras. The professional players wearing the number 3 shirts, Pablo and Nacho, dialled up the competitiveness in the final game giving the crowds a true spectacle of skill and showmanship.
In the Subsidiary Final played earlier on the final day, Team Bentley comprising Sarah Siegel-Magness, HRH Sultan bin Khalid Al Faisal and Poroto Cambiaso collected the Subsidiary Cup after triumphing over Team AlUla’s line-up of Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair and Adolfo Cambiaso 6-5.
While in the exciting Wooden Spoon Cup, Team Dadan – Miguel Morel, HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali and Mia Cambiaso –defeated Team Budget – Philipp Müller, Harry Medina and Milly Hine – 7-6 in an incredibly close match that saw both teams play at the very top of their game.
Reflecting on the positive steps made during this year’s edition of the event, Ziad AlSuhaibani, chief sports officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: ‘This tournament is a celebration of AlUla’s and Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted connection to equestrianism and further solidifies AlUla’s position as a top-tier destination for global sports and tourism. We are excited about the future of this iconic event, with ambitious plans already in motion to elevate it to even greater heights in the years to come.’
Faisal Bin Dowees, CEO of the Saudi Polo Federation, added: ‘The tournament strengthens community pride while positioning the region as a global hub for sports and culture. By celebrating AlUla’s unique heritage and equestrian traditions, this event highlights the transformative potential of sport in unlocking opportunities and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic future.’
Outside of the polo village, players and guests were able to explore the local area and immerse themselves in the history and culture that makes AlUla stand out from any other polo destination – from tours to the ancient tombs of Hegra, to a classical music concert at the Maraya building, the world’s largest mirrored building.
As patron Philipp Müller explains, ‘It’s difficult to describe in words just how stunning AlUla is. The cultural heritage and rock formations are mindblowing and the hospitality and what the Saudi Polo Federation and the Royal Commission of AlUla has done here is amazing. When I hear the plans that the Saudi Polo Federation have in mind, I think this will be the place of the future for polo.’
With every visiting patron, player and the spectators echoing the high praise of this year’s tournament, it is exciting to see how the event, and the destination itself, is going from strength to strength.
Above, from left: Clare Millford Haven, Amr Zedan, Pablo Mac Donough, Peter Harrison, Mohamed ElSewedy, Abeer AlAkel and Piero Dillier
HOW TO GET THERE
Flying to AlUla is straightforward with the following regular ights:
• Three ights per week operate from DUBAI on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with ydubai.
• Two ights per week operate from DOHA on Friday and Sunday with Qatar Airways.
• Two ights per week will operate from AMMAN on Thursday and Sunday with Royal Jordanian (operational from 19 October).
WHERE TO
STAY
From luxury resorts to glamorous Airstream trailers and rustic camping, there are accommodation options in AlUla to suit everyone:
Banyan Tree AlUla
A luxurious desert sanctuary inspired by the mysterious and exciting surroundings of Ashar Valley, comprising 47 elegant tented villas, with high ceilings and canopy tents. banyantree.com
Our Habitas AlUla
Located within an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley with a focus on wellbeing, the desert resort is surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves. A trailblazer in sustainable hospitality, bringing luxury living to AlUla in an environmentally conscious way. ourhabitas.com
Caravan by Habitas
A unique, immersive glamping experience hidden away in the stunning Ashar Valley, comprising 22 deluxe Airstream trailers each offering sweeping views, air conditioning and wi , a queen-size bed or two single beds, indoor lounge, kitchenette and a private shower and bathroom. ourhabitas.com
The Chedi Hegra
Set in the Unesco-designated site of Hegra, this one-of-a-kind luxury boutique hotel integrates ancient structures with contemporary design. The luxury 35-room hotel occupies several 16 existing
structures, including an old railway station, Hegra Fort, and other surrounding buildings. ghmhotels.com
Cloud7 Residence
Smart, modern bungalow complex designed with a home-from-home feeling in mind. Each air-conditioned. cloud7hotels.com
WHAT TO SEE
Explore AlUla’s rich history and contemporary innovation, from ancient tombs to a modern-day mirrored marvel:
Hegra
Saudi Arabia’s rst Unesco World Heritage Site dating back to before the 1st millennium BCE, renowned for its well-preserved burial tombs.
TRAVEL GUIDE FOR EXPERIENCING
WHERE TO EAT
Whether it’s a gourmet meal or a cosy local experience that takes your fancy, there is cuisine here to satisfy all palates:
Saffron at Banyan Tree
Award-winning Thai restaurant, where every meal is a journey. banyantree.com
Somewhere
Globally-inspired hotspot serving a variety of twists on authentic classic dishes. De nitely worth booking. sevenrooms.com
Maraya Social by Jason Atherton
Elevated rooftop dining experience atop the iconic Maraya Building. experiencealula.com
7Ribs
Relaxed, traditional steakhouse with a modern twist location in the Old Town. experiencealula.com
Ducasse in AlUla
Alain Ducasse brings French dining to AlUla’s enchanting Oasis using local ingredients. ducasse-alula.com 37
Maraya
A Guinness World Record-holding mirror-clad building that is a multi-purpose venue for concerts, performing arts, business conferences and meetings.
AlUla Old Town
A maze of historic alleys and hundreds of traditional houses built of mud brick.
Elephant Rock
An elephant-shaped rock formation that is 52 metres tall and particularly magical to visit at sunset.
AlJadidah Arts District
A bustling art district with a range of food and drink options, from artisanal coffee shops to food trucks.
Other events
There is also a year-round schedule of events in AlUla designed to promote the culture and history of the area, as part of the AlUla Moments calendar. Among the many highlights are the AlUla Tour professional cycling race, AlUla Trail Race and AlFursan Endurance AlUla. For more information, visit experiencealula.com
Above: the pool at Our Habitas. Below: Saffron restaurant at Banyan Tree AlUla
Fast and fearless
Sam Morton recounts the thrilling life of Vicki Armour, whose need for speed, exceptional horsemanship and work ethic earned her the respect of anyone who played with or against her
Awoman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water” Eleanor Roosevelt
Last year, the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame acknowledged Vicki Armour’s contribution to the sport of polo by awarding her the Iglehart Award. Today, women represent 41 per cent of the United States Polo Association and 50 per cent of all new members. I’m surprised women didn’t picket the Museum of Polo Hall of Fame for not inducting Vicki Armour alongside Sunny Hale as a player, but I suppose 98 per cent didn’t see Vicki Armour play during the eighties.
Hot water and balls; in today’s world where some women claim to be strong, it bears significance that we look back to a young lady who might have been the strongest of all time, regardless of handicap. With no disregard to jockeys, Formula One racers or Grand Prix jumpers, what women have achieved in polo far surpasses anything women have accomplished competing with men in other sports. The amount of really good women players today has increased tenfold over the past 20 years. What women like Claire Tomlinson, Vicki Armour and Sunny Hale brought to polo was a set of tools for their handicap that surpassed men at the same rating.
What made Vicki Armour such an addition to the most competitive era in Wellington’s polo was her hunger for knowledge. In a sport filled with amateurs in desperate need
of knowledge that reject coaching at every turn, Vicki has always been curious to learn from everyone. She might ask a groom about clipping or a pro about back shots or a cowboy about breaking horses. She became a trainer and then a broker of thoroughbreds that every pro in the sport can trace their best horse to. Outside of army buyers who bought and sold thousands of horses in past wars, Vicki has probably sold more polo horses than anyone in the sport for the past 50 years. As a player, men sought her out as a teammate for her unique set of skills, but we’ll get to that later.
It was the summer of 1980, when the guy with the best job in South Florida – the security guard in the coastal town of Manalapan Florida – earned his money. Most residents had gone north until winter and other than pool boys and landscapers, there was little action and much less traffic along A1A, until one afternoon a fat man brandishing a gun ran out of the mangroves in front of him crying for help.
The man, just out of jail, was casing local vacated beach houses for robbery and surprised two young ladies laying on beach chairs sunbathing topless. Pointing his weapon, he ordered the girls into the house, whereupon the lead girl walked into a bedroom, took a pistol out of the nightstand and came out blasting, sending the robber-turned-attempted-rapist on a flight towards the road. Unfortunately for fatso, the girl with the gun
Iglehart Award recipient
Vicki Armour at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club in 1984
held the 100-yard dash record at Lake Worth High School and was hot on his heels firing shots.
Suddenly, the man with the best job in South Florida was faced with an armed lunatic running down the road right for him, waving his gun in the air. Right behind him was a topless girl firing a pistol at the man, which sent bullets careening off the pavement towards the patrol car.
It all ended well; the man went back to jail, the girl went back to her horses and the cop had something to talk about at the homeowners’ association meeting. Oh, and the Palm Beach “shiny sheet” finally had an article with some substance to it.
Not long after this, the young lady and her friend were walking along the same beach in the moonlight and spotted what they thought was a sea turtle floating offshore. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered they had stumbled upon a “treasure chest” or something modern pirates refer to as a square grouper. Putting their teenage backs into it, they dragged what appeared to be a loveseat-sized bale of hay up to the trunk of their car. After getting busy with hair dryers back at the barn for the next week, there was enough to start a small business that eventually paid for a custom Chevy truck and trailer. This put the young lady on the road to horse sales and other polo clubs in South Florida. It also gave her dubious connections that would later rescue a client’s daughter…
The client from Chicago thought it might do their troubled daughter good to spend a winter playing polo. They bought horses, rented stalls from our girl in Florida and paid dues at Gulfstream Polo Club. Vicki, the Florida girl,
had by now spent all her energies learning polo. Buying horses at out of the way sales, she played horses most men couldn’t. She could hit all the shots, ride anything, never had a good string of horses as she sold them as quickly as she made them. Once, she drove all night from a horse sale in Texas to play the horse in a Florida morning practice; never mind the horse had never seen a mallet. When an opportunity arrived to play at speed at Eddie Moore’s in Argentina, she raised her game to three goals while keeping her handicap at one or two. She attached herself to horse traders and polo players; whatever it took to learn and advance. Her need for speed and relentless practice at scoring goals, gave her a skill local teams found useful and she became in demand as an extra in low-goal games.
On the way up she had taken every cheap shot by every lowgoal dirty player in the sport. A frustrated five-goal player struck her in the face with a mallet after she stole the ball from him in the goal mouth and drove it down field to her teammate. Since the act was away from the play, only one spectator saw it, so nothing was called as she rode off the field running blood with her eye socket split open. She knew if she had complained it would have threatened her standing of playing with the men. At the time, Claire Tomlinson was already competing in England and the Hales’ were established in California, but Florida was a different deal.
She was used by pros because they could use her to mark the best opposing player, which is the worst job in the sport. For her, it was an opportunity that she became good at; she didn’t foul and was good for at least one or two steals a half. What separated her from every other player, man or woman at the position, was her ability to get back to the number one position where she became the best player, man or woman, at getting free with the ball and scoring goals. Her need for speed, horsemanship and work ethic earned her the respect of anyone who played with or against her. While almost everyone at Gulfstream Polo Club was taking a nap, she was practicing scoring goals at speed.
When she was invited to replace a sponsor in the high goal, an emergency field side protest of men complained: ‘Women should not play at this level. It’s too rough, what if she falls down. You’re not allowed to hit her hard.’ It was every excuse this side of ‘It will make me look bad to be in a sport that women are playing on an equal level’. As an athletic blonde, promoters
WHAT SEPARATED HER FROM EVERY OTHER PLAYER WAS HER ABILITY TO GET BACK TO THE NUMBER ONE POSITION
Opposite: Vicki was renowned for being a erce competitor on the eld. Below: a young Vicki at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, 1984
tried to exploit her in several venues, which being painfully shy and media reticent, she declined.
In the middle of all this, the parents of her former boarder called her; their daughter had fallen into substance abuse and disappeared to Florida. The young lady, knowing her former boarder’s habits and haunts, asked around to some of her acquaintances from back in the “square grouper” days. She armed herself with a .45 and recruited an unsuspecting Dominican barn manager who thought he was being asked to dinner. She drove her jeep to an after-dark drug emporium hidden down a dirt road in the Florida Palmetto. At the approach of her jeep, several men speaking some kind of French walked out in the dark and surrounded her vehicle. The Dominican whose complexion was dark, was so frightened he turned white but the girl remained cool. Cocking her pistol, she called out the missing girl’s name and luckily the men went in and brought her out. After getting her safely on a plane and back to her family, the young lady resumed her career as a polo player.
In Wellington, Vicki Armour went on to win the 10-goal with Copper Beech and the 16-goal with Southern Eagle and probably the most challenging of all, the 26 team, 8-goal Delegates Cup in Gulfstream. There’s too many others to go over. She was the go-to for a replacement for several teams in the Florida high-goal, which kicked the door in for Sunny Hale and every other woman to follow. She was also fearless on bad horses. She could get bucked off an outlaw, get back on and drop the head like nothing happened. Any man who played with or against her will attest to her as a horseman, her knowledge of the game, ability with a mallet, but the one thing everyone can testify to was that she was the happiest person on the field. She always found something to laugh about on the field even in the heat of a physical rivalry.
The rest, as they say, is history. She won the Hitchcock award for woman player of the year and was voted Woman player of the 1980s by Th e Polo Magazine. True to her history as a recluse, she did not attend the ceremony at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame to receive her Iglehart Award. Why she was not put into the Hall of Fame as a player with Sonny Hale is beyond me.
ONE THING EVERYONE CAN TESTIFY TO WAS THAT SHE WAS THE HAPPIEST PERSON ON THE FIELD WHEN SHE PLAYED
Elizabeth Cook sang Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman, and in this case, I’m pretty sure everyone can agree that Vicki Armour was one of the bravest and strongest of them all. I started this article with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt and I’ll end it with another. I found this last quote drinking iced tea, while thinking about writing this article. I turned the bottle cap over and there was another quote from the aforementioned First Lady: ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’
Opposite: Vicki was a gifted trainer of polo ponies and “bad horses”
FRIDAY 6 JUNE
ENGLAND for the olympic trophy
poloitheparklondon.com
SATURDAY 14 JUNE
ENGLAND v USA for the golden jubilee cup beaufortpoloclub.com
SATURDAY 21 JUNE
WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL for the silver jubilee trophy
cirencesterpolo.co.uk
SATURDAY
Continuing a legacy
Olaf Guerrand-Hermès describes how PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club in Morocco is building on his father’s legacy, by striving to cultivate excellence in polo
Our family is dedicated to honouring and building upon my father’s legacy in the world of polo – most notably in Morocco, through the PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, and in France at the Polo Club de Chantilly. As you know, equestrian sports, especially polo and show jumping, have long been woven into the fabric of our family’s story. My father founded La Palmeraie Polo Club, first in Marrakech and later in northern Morocco, making it a defining chapter of our common journey. The region’s stunning landscapes – set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nakhla River – left such a lasting impression on us that my wife and I chose to live in Morocco for several years, often remembering those days as some of the best of our lives.
While Morocco boasts a rich equestrian tradition, it was my father who pioneered polo in the country. Thanks to his commitment and the extraordinary support of the Royal Family, especially His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI, polo in Morocco has flourished. The military now hosts several teams, breeds polo ponies and organises two prestigious tournaments. New clubs are emerging and new fields are being developed under the leadership of the Royal Moroccan Polo Federation, headed by General Abdelaziz Chatar.
Given this remarkable progress, we are proud to carry on, and continue to support this lifelong endeavour. Beyond my father’s efforts, many extraordinary individuals have contributed to this journey. I am especially grateful for the dedication of our
Argentinian professional, Nacho; our Moroccan pro, Tassir; our director of operations, Aammari; as well as the grooms, grounds keepers, and countless others who help maintain and grow the sport. The Moroccan people, the Royal Family, and Polo Federation, have played a vital role in fostering this vibrant polo community.
Our goal is for the club to remain a place of excellence and a hub of connection, generosity and shared purpose. Equally important is our dedication to the non-profit initiatives my father embraced. His legacy of giving back is central to our mission, and we are determined to expand these efforts –whether through social programmes, youth development or cultural preservation. We see our mission as multifaceted: not only to cultivate excellence in polo but to create a sustainable community where local traditions are honoured, and new opportunities are nurtured.
The first priority is to enhance and upgrade every aspect of the club to meet the highest standards. This includes improvements to the polo fields, barns, accommodations and food and beverage offerings. These upgrades will ensure that the
Opposite: a polo lesson by the Atlantic Ocean. Below: a Sunday game with Moroccan tents
club remains at the forefront of the polo world, offering an unmatched experience for players and guests. A key initiative is the construction of an arena polo field, for which we are in discussions with the Royal Polo Federation. This addition will extend the playing season and open up new formats of the game, making the sport even more accessible and exciting.
We also plan to welcome outside horses for rehabilitation, leveraging our unique environment – miles of sandy beaches, open fields and the ocean’s healing presence – to provide an ideal sanctuary for equine recovery. Beyond these, we have ambitious plans to introduce new experiences and activities that cater to a broader audience, including building a swimming pool, a paddle court, a spa and organising yoga retreats. These initiatives will enhance the holistic experience at La Palmeraie, making it a destination where wellness and sport coexist harmoniously. Yet, all these enhancements will be guided by the vision my father set, ensuring we stay true to the essence of La Palmeraie.
Our club has already established a strong global presence. We’ve welcomed teams from Argentina, the US, India and across Europe, a testament to our facilities, the beauty of our setting, and our hospitality. Horacio Heguy, one of the greatest polo players of all time, chooses to spend several months each year at our club. His presence not only reflects our growing reputation but enriches our community, bringing unparalleled experience and wisdom that inspire both seasoned players and newcomers.
This year, we will host two major competitions: the International Mohammed VI Trophy with seven foreign teams, and the Coupe du Trône, where eight local teams will compete for one of Morocco’s most prestigious polo titles. These events are pivotal in strengthening our international standing and will be built upon year after year.
Sustainability and community engagement are at the heart of our long-term vision. We are exploring strategies to significantly reduce water consumption, implementing greywater recycling for field irrigation, and establishing an organic vegetable garden for sustainable agriculture. With Morocco’s abundant sunshine, incorporating renewable energy sources is a priority. We are also focusing on minimising waste and enhancing recycling initiatives. We believe these environmental responsibilities are not only necessary but represent an opportunity to lead by example.
Beyond environmental efforts, we aim to actively support education, healthcare and job creation through scholarships, vocational training and healthcare programmes. We believe empowering the local community is essential for long-term success. By fostering opportunities for personal and professional
Below: Olaf Guerrand-Hermès, Diego Braun, Chantal Jouanno, Jean-Luc Chartier, Mathias and Patrick Guerrand-Hermès
Right: a ride on the beach
MY FATHER HAS LEFT US WITH A UNIQUE CANVAS AND IT IS OUR MISSION TO REFINE AND ELEVATE IT
growth, we aim to create lasting, meaningful impact. Our mission extends beyond polo – it is about cultivating a culture of inclusivity, growth and respect.
My father left us with a unique canvas and it is our mission to refine and elevate it. Horses have always been central to my life. My father’s passion was profound and it permeates our family. My wife is a rider and my children – especially my youngest daughter, Raphaella, who competes in show jumping – share the same love. My sons and my nephew Lucien are equally immersed in the equestrian world. Personally, though my own polo playing days ended after a car accident, I had the privilege of winning the French Cup alongside my father, brother and Diego Brown – an unforgettable moment.
This legacy of passion and dedication is why I believe exclusivity and elitism have no place here. The club is open to all, fostering acceptance, openness and respect. Everyone who enters should feel welcome, regardless of background or skill. Above all, the club should be a sanctuary where players and guests can relax, find connection and immerse themselves in the magic of their surroundings. Polo is about more than competition; it’s about joy, camaraderie and an enduring love for the horse and the game. In refining and elevating my father’s vision, we aim to ensure that PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club remains a world-class destination, deeply rooted in its heritage and dedicated to an inclusive, vibrant future.
Putting New Zealand on the map
Joanna Youl explores the evolution of polo in New Zealand, where a number of great clubs and tournaments can be found on both islands
When talking about New Zealand and sport, it’s clear that polo doesn’t quite have the brand recognition of rugby, cricket or sailing. However, this little country with a population of 5.2 million is home to some very successful professional players – the most well-known being six-goaler JP Clarkin – and is known the world over for the quality of its ponies.
Not surprisingly, in light of its colonial roots, the first ever game of polo was played in New Zealand as early as 1871, a mere decade after the sport first made its way from India to the UK, and the New Zealand Polo Association was officially formed some 20 years later in Wellington.
The sport was founded in part by early sheep and beef farmers, who would descend into town on stock horses to participate in their local tournaments before heading back to the hills; one of the more memorable examples being the now-defunct Banks Peninsula Polo Club, which operated in Canterbury in the 1920s.
The club essentially consisted of the three Menzies brothers (pictured), along with whoever wanted to play with them on a given weekend. They resided in a particularly remote bay outside of
CURRENTLY THERE ARE 20 POLO CLUBS SPANNING THE ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND
Christchurch that could only be accessed by a steep, winding gravel road, and their practice field was the long stretch of sandy beach in the neighbouring Deception Bay. By all accounts, while their goal-scoring ability was nothing to write home about, their defence was absolutely ferocious, and they won the majority of their games simply by preventing the opposition from scoring.
Currently there are around 20 polo clubs spanning both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and the player population, which numbers around 300, has remained fairly stable over the past few decades. The season generally runs from late October through to the end of March, and a visiting polo enthusiast could, if desired, take in a tournament on almost every weekend over those five months.
Until recently, the majority of NZ players were the second or third generation in their family to take up the game, the most notable being the Kyte, Browne, Watson, and McKelvie families in the North Island, and the Wood, Higginson, and Calder clans in the South.
Understandably, it’s easier to get a foothold in the sport when the ponies, gear and land are readily available, and it’s always been a natural progression for Kiwi kids who’ve grown up running up and down the sideline (safely behind the 10-metre mark, of course), to take up a mallet once they come of age.
Polo is relatively inexpensive in New Zealand in comparison to the UK, and because the majority of horses are paddocked with rugs rather than boxed, the workload is lighter, meaning fewer staff are required, to the point where some lower-goal players can get away with not employing a groom outside of tournament weekends.
High-goal players on the other hand, may employ several grooms and a manager, and the operations they manage, particularly in the Auckland and Cambridge regions, are easily as slick and professional as their Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
In line with so many other poloplaying nations in 2025, the majority of
New Zealand clubs now contain a number of players who didn’t grow up playing the game, but are affluent enough to be able to buy or lease made ponies. In many ways this sea change has been a boon for a sport that was beginning to wane as weekends got busier and horse ownership more expensive. However, it has also seen a reduction in the number of quality horses that are being produced and sold overseas, as the art of “making” young horses is gradually lost.
There are still a few breeding enthusiasts who supply to the international market, including the Ainsley brothers, Dean Geddes, Garth Mackenzie and the Reader family. Kit Brooks from Cambridge has successfully opted for the retrained racehorse route, and has sold a number of ponies to Australia and the UK, and there are presently some quality stallions dotted around the country doing their part to keep the breeding programme alive.
There are several tournaments in New Zealand that regularly attract
international players, in particular the Auckland Open and the Savile Cup. The Savile has been running since 1887, with the cup itself reputed to be the oldest sporting trophy in the country, and this year it was held at the Dormer’s field in Omihi in the South Island.
The tournament was won by a very impressive Rangitikei side, consisting of husband and wife duo Angus (4) and Harriet McKelvie (0), Ollie Jones (3) and Mark Duncan (2). This quietly confident team of underdogs from across the Strait had a blinder of a match on the final day, beating Christchurch Blue – led by British six-goaler Ollie Cudmore, along with Sam Martin (3), Pete Dormer (1), and Max Dormer (0) – by a decisive score of 8-4.
While Angus “Angry” McKelvie was fully deserving of his MVP award, wife Harriet was also a standout player, silencing the “girls can’t play polo” brigade with some outstanding ball-stealing antics that belied her nought ranking.
New Zealand has seen the emergence of some very strong female players over the
past decade, including Missy Browne, Zoe Reader and Indi Bennetto (although Indi is technically from across the ditch, we’ll claim her as she spends half of every year at Ryburn Park in Clevedon). Indi, along with her Swift Roofing teammates, Harry Jnr Semenoff, Glenn Sherriff and Tom Hunt, was triumphant in the Auckland Open final, only the second woman after Nina Clarkin to achieve such a feat.
Like any sport, polo in New Zealand has had to change with the times. In 2025, the High Goal at the Auckland Open was controversially dropped from the traditional 16 Goals to 12, in order to attract more teams. Inclement weather and the Covid years had served to remove this fantastic tournament from the calendar of so many international players, and it was clear that some drastic changes needed to be made to keep it alive.
Here’s hoping that New Zealand’s most prestigious competition can return to its heyday in the future, as overseas pundits remember that nobody does an after-party like the Kiwis.
Previous page, from left: Glenn Sherriff, Steve van den Brink, Henry Batchelor and Indi Bennetto in the nal of the Auckland Open. Opposite, from top: Indi Bennetto and her teammates; Angus “Angry” McKelvie, MVP of the Stanley Cup. Above: New Zealand’s best player, JP Clarkin, on the ball
54 GAUNTLET OF POLO
A hard-won victory for La Dol na/Tamera over La Dol na/Catamount saw Adolfo Cambiaso take the title over son Poroto’s defending team
56 DUBAI GOLD CUP
UAE Polo went head to head with Jehangiri Polo for the Dubai Open Gold Cup, with the former taking victory for the sixth successive time
THE ACTION
58 BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY
Argentina clawed their way to victory in the nal minutes of the 2025 Bryan Morrison Trophy after an extra chukka saw them score a “golden goal”
60 THE TRIPLE CROWN
While La Natividad succeeded in claiming polo’s biggest prize over rival La Dol na, the journey was anything but straightforward
62 ARGENTINE WOMEN’S OPEN
Reigning champions El Overo Z7 UAE triumphed once again against La Dol na in the Argentine Women’s Polo Open
63 US WOMEN’S OPEN
Despite a strong start by La Fe Eastern Hay, Buena Vibra took control to claim its US Open Women’s Polo Championship victory, reports the USPA
From left Poroto and Adolfo Cambiaso with Jesse Bray in the nal of the US Open
THE GAUNTLET OF POLO
After claiming victory in the rst leg of the Gauntlet of Polo, La Dol na/Tamera came back to win the US Open Polo Championship for the rst time, giving Adolfo Cambiaso his 10th title, reports the United States Polo Association
US Open
A rematch of last year’s US. Open Polo Championship nal between father and son, Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, unfolded on Sunday 20 April, in front of a sold-out crowd at the National Polo Center, Wellington (NPC). Taking to U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, La Dol na/Tamera (Alejandro Poma, Matt Coppola, Diego Cavanagh, Adolfo Cambiaso) came out on top 12-8 over La Dol na/ Catamount (Scott Devon, Ru no Merlos, Poroto Cambiaso, Jesse Bray).
La Dol na/Tamera arrived at the nal with a win in the rst leg of the Gauntlet of Polo presented by TruBar, the CV Whitney Cup. Last season’s losses to his son Poroto and La Dol na in both the USPA Gold Cup and US Open were still fresh in Adolfo Cambiaso’s mind prior to the rematch.
La Dol na/Catamount’s journey to the nal was notably rockier than La Dol na/ Tamera, which reached the nale undefeated
La Dol na/Catamount came out swinging at the start of the championship nal with
Merlos sinking two eld goals and La Dol na/ Tamera were in danger of entering halftime behind by a goal until Poma electri ed the crowd in the closing seconds of the third chukka, capitalising on a pass from Adolfo Cambiaso to even the score 6-all, shifting the energy on the eld.
By the end of the fourth chukka, an 8-6 advantage soon stretched to a 10-7 lead for La Dol na/Tamera in the fth. The margin extended to 11-7 before Bray found the posts in the sixth, only to have a eld goal from
Coppola seal the win. ‘I thought we did really well today,’ said Bray. ‘But it was just tough to play against that team. It’s a very good team, and they had a really good season.’
By the nal horn, all four players on La Dol na/Tamera had contributed goals to the scoreboard. For his signi cant role in the victory, Alejandro Poma was presented the Seymour H Knox Most Valuable Player award, and the Willis Hartman Trophy Best Playing Pony, presented by Palm Beach Equine, was awarded to nine-year-old mare Dol na Binter, played by Adolfo Cambiaso in the rst and sixth chukkas and owned by La Dol na.
USPA Gold Cup
Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Louis Hine, Hilario Ulloa and Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez Jr) claimed its rst USPA Gold Cup title on Sunday, March 23, at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, with a 10-9 overtime win against Coca-Cola (Gillian Johnston, Lorenzo Chavanne, Pablo “Polito” Pieres and Julian de Lusarreta).
It may not have been a straight win but it did give Park Place the trio of titles that make up the series. ‘It’s our rst ever Gold Cup win,’ said Park Place manager, Ash Price. ‘We’ve won the CV Whitney twice and the US Open (2023), so to win the Gold Cup is incredible!’
The game delivered from the opening throw-in. Coca-Cola’s Pieres struck rst with two eld goals in the rst two minutes, but Gonzalez Jr, on Best Playing Pony, ve, answered for Park Place. Park Place then surged ahead to build a 6-3 lead. In the fourth,
Chavanne set up de Lusarreta to bring Coca-Cola back within one. Fittingly, Gonzalez Jr brought out ve again and the decision paid off, striking on offense for an 8-6 cushion.
In the sixth chukka, Park Place quickly restored the two-goal advantage with a signature neckshot goal from Gonzalez Jr. Refusing to go quietly, and ultimately forcing overtime, Coca-Cola fought back as Pieres masterminded two goals to equalise the score 9-all with 44 seconds left on the clock.
Ultimately, Ulloa delivered the golden goal in the extra chukka, converting a Penalty 2 to
Opposite: From left: Adolfo Cambiaso, Diego Cavanagh, Matt Coppola and Alejandro Poma. Above: From left: Stewart Armstrong, Peke Gonzalez, Hilario Ulloa, Andrey Borodin and Louis Hine. Left: From left: Alejandro Poma, Matt Coppola, Diego Cavanagh and Adolfo Cambiaso
secure the title. The win marked his second USPA Gold Cup, 15 years after his rst.
CV Whitney Cup
The CV Whitney Cup, the opening tournament in the Gauntlet of Polo presented by TruBar, took place on Sunday 23 February, on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. The nal pitted Coca-Cola (Gillian Johnston, Lorenzo Chavanne, Pablo “Polito” Pieres and Julian de Lusarreta) against La Dol na/Tamera (Alejandro Poma, Matt Coppola, Diego Cavanagh and Adolfo Cambiaso), with La Dol na/Tamera securing an 11-10 victory.
Despite de Lusarreta’s opening goal and an additional rst chukka eld goal from Johnston, Coca-Cola had a shaky start. Meanwhile, La Dol na/Tamera capitalised on penalty opportunities, building a 6-2 lead by the close of the second chukka.
By halftime, Coca-Cola closed the gap 6-5 and by the start of the fth chukka the teams were tied 7-all. La Dol na/Tamera pulled ahead 10-7 moving into the nal chukka. A surge of three goals brought Coca-Cola back into contention but a penalty gave La Dol na/Tamera an 11-10 advantage. Cambiaso won his 10th CV Whitney Cup title, as well as the MVP award.
DUBAI GOLD CUP
UAE claimed its sixth Dubai Open Gold Cup title in a closely fought match against newcomers Jehangiri Polo
Opposite: Teodor Lacau and Ale Muzzio.
Right, from left: HH
Sheikha Maitha, Lucas Monteverde Jr, Khalfan Belhoul, Saeed Bin Drai, Rosendo Torreguitar, Teodor Lacau and Ceyhun Kayadelen
Founded in 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, the prestigious Dubai Open Gold Cup has become a cornerstone on the international polo calendar, comparable to major events in Argentina, Spain, the UK and the US. And the 2025 tournament – hosted at the iconic Al Habtoor Polo Club in Dubai, UAE, from 5 to 22 February, delivered a closely fought nal that was nothing short of a spectacle.
Showcasing world-class polo and high-stakes drama, Jehangiri Polo –newcomers to the Gold Cup – faced off against UAE Polo, the ve-time champions of the tournament, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as the match progressed.
From the very rst chukka, Jehangiri came in strong, but it was Lukin Monteverde who took charge early on, setting the stage with a penalty shot that gave UAE Polo the rst goal. However, Alejandro Muzzio quickly red back, equalising for Jehangiri Polo and igniting the battle.
As the second chukka unfolded, Monteverde once again brought UAE Polo level, but Teo Lacau wasted no time in pushing them ahead. The excitement didn’t stop there – Muzzio struck again, bringing
THE WHOLE GAME WAS A MASTERCLASS IN SKILL AND STRATEGY, PACKED WITH THRILLING INTERCEPTIONS
the scores neck and neck. The intensity carried into the third chukka, with Santos Iriarte breaking through to put Jehangiri Polo in the lead.
The whole game was a masterclass in strategy and skill, packed with thrilling interceptions. Just when it seemed like Jehangiri had the upper hand, Rosendo Torreguitar delivered a magni cent play, levelling the score once again for UAE Polo. The match remained ercely contested from start to nish, but in the end, UAE Polo emerged victorious with a nal score of 9-8,
proving once again why they are the team to beat as they claimed their sixth Dubai Open Gold Cup title.
For the second year in a row, US Polo Assn, the of cial brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), proudly served as the Of cial Apparel Sponsor of the 2025 Dubai Polo Gold Cup, providing performance jerseys for multiple teams, branded apparel for all on-site staff, and gifts to the nalists. During the game’s fun- lled divot stomp, spectators also enjoyed a special giveaway of US Polo Assn branded caps.
‘US Polo Assn is thrilled to once again partner with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup as the Of cial Apparel Sponsor in this premier venue for polo in the UAE,’ said J Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, which manages the multi-billion-dollar US Polo Assn brand. ‘Dubai and the UAE region are key markets for our brand, and we are honoured to participate in this iconic event by showcasing US Polo Assn.’
Joseph Tayar, director of Bentley, and His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, vice chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, presented the awards at the end of the nal, with Teodor Lacau receiving the Most Valuable Player honours.
BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY
Argentina clawed their way back in the nal minutes of the 2025 Bryan Morrison Trophy to force an extra chukka and take home the win with a ‘golden goal’, reports Storm Johnson
While Argentina celebrated putting their names on the Bryan Morrison trophy for the rst time in the 2025 tournament, it was a heart-breaking reversal of fortunes for the England team.
Captain Jack Hyde (8) has clocked plenty of playing time with both England team stalwart Matias Amaya (7) and debutant Grant Collett (5), and all three could be described as arena specialists. This experience showed as they easily found each other again and again in a fast-opening chukka and got off to a con dent start, being rst on the board with a penalty 1, before Jack Hyde sent home a fantastic spot hit from the 25-yard line for a further two points.
Argentina made a brilliant steal to make it 3-1, and there was plenty of open play before Grant Collett, who brought with him a host of supporters from his home club Offchurch Bury, took advantage of a ball left in the goal mouth to tap the ball in, before Matias Amaya extended England’s lead by ying down the arena for another two-pointer.
By half-time, the scoreboard was 9-6 in favour of England and the visitors struggled to nd their rhythm. Captain Alfredo Bigatti (8), making his rst foray into arena polo before heading to play on snow in St Moritz, needed to rein in the big hits and quickly adapt to the faster, closer style of play in the arena, while also keeping his teammates Adolfo Casabal (6) and Nico Roberts (5) with their eyes on the prize.
The Argentine team came out refocused in the third chukka and began to chip away at England’s lead, keeping the home team in their sights with a 2-goal gap. To the delight of the home crowd, England still held the lead 15-13 into the nal three minutes, before the visitors showed the signature tenacity of an Argentine team and got out in front for the
ARGENTINA SECURED THE WIN AFTER AN OUTSTANDING GAME THAT
HAD THE CROWD ON ITS FEET
rst time as tensions mounted and the nal buzzer loomed.
With 20 seconds on the clock, it was all tied up at 17-17 and the packed Hickstead crowd knew an extra chukka was on the cards. With a rapid change onto fresh horses, the nal chukka was quickly underway, and it was mere seconds before a scuf e in the goal mouth saw Argentina tap the ball home and secure the win after an outstanding game that had the crowd on its feet throughout.
The morning’s junior game was won by the Hurlingham team of Archie Heseltine, Jacob Watson and Harry Oliver against the Ranelagh team of Lucas Stern, Bruno Bradshaw and Leo Stuart. The teams were neck-and-neck until the third chukka, when a two-pointer from Jacob Watson red Hurlingham into the lead and gave them the
momentum needed to open the game up and y to a six-goal lead heading into the nal chukka. Ranelagh made a valiant effort as the clock ran down but there was simply too much to do and Hurlingham blazed to a 16-8 win at the nal buzzer.
The prizes were presented by a delighted Madam Ambassador Mariana Plaza, the Argentine Ambassador to the UK, who has been a wonderful supporter of polo during her rst year in post, alongside Bryan’s son Jamie Morrison, who commented that his father would have been delighted with the day’s events. Stephen Biddlecombe presented the MVP prize to the Argentine captain Alfredo Bigatti, while Best Playing Pony went to Matias Amaya’s Always Chispita, a 10-year-old homebred mare proudly presented by Emily Johnson.
Best Playing Pony in the junior game was awarded to Paxi, a 7-year-old mare played by Leo Stuart and owned by Mariano Darritchon, while the MVP prize went to Jacob Watson.
Opposite: England’s Grant Collett on the ball. Above, from left: Argentine Ambassador to the UK, Mariana Plaza, Adolfo Casabal, Alfredo Bigatti, Nico Roberts and Jamie Morrison
THE TRIPLE CROWN
While La Natividad succeeded in claiming the sport’s biggest prize over rival La Dol na, the journey was anything but straightforward, reports Alejo Miranda
Above, from left: Poroto Cambiaso and Jeta Castagnola in the nal of the Open. Opposite, from left: Carlos Alberto Presti, Facundo Pieres, Javier Milei, Pablo Mac Donough, Jeta and Barto Castagnola with Del n Uranga
One could easily be fooled by the nal outcome. Watching La Natividad kick La Dol na in one of the least electrifying nals in recent memory does re ect who the best team was but it falls short in telling the whole story. The 2024 Argentine season was anything but predictable. Drama, suspense and moments of sheer disbelief were ever-present. Logic prevailed in the end, with the favourite claiming the sport’s biggest prize over the only true contender. However, the journey, for both, was riddled with challenges that made 2024’s The Triple Crown truly unforgettable.
The Argentine Open nal is the pinnacle of polo worldwide each year. It was no surprise that La Natividad and La Dol na – two 40-goal teams featuring all eight of Argentina’s 10-goal players – battled for the ultimate prize. It was no surprise, either, that the Castagnola brothers emerged victorious. However, this game alone does little justice to the three and a half months that preceded it. The season was packed with spectacular matches and unexpected outcomes.
The season kicked off with a rather stagnant Hurlingham Open in September. La Natividad, elding the successful 2023 lineup of Camilo Castagnola, Facundo Pieres, Pablo Mac Donough and Bartolomé Castagnola Jr, sent an early message with a commanding victory. In the nal, Adolfo Cambiaso missed the last three chukkas with a leg injury but La Dol na mounted a comeback only to see Facundo Pieres seal the win with a goal in the nal 30 seconds.
Matters turned more interesting as the season went by. The Tortugas Open in June hosted the rst surprises. La Dol na’s win over Ellerstina foreshadowed the upsets to come, as Ellerstina struck back by defeating La Natividad and securing a spot in the nal. La Hache capitalised on La Dol na’s loss to La Ensenada to earn their own place in the title match. Hilario Ulloa’s team claimed their rst Triple Crown trophy in dramatic fashion, with Tomás Panelo scoring the winning goal just after the closing bell had sounded.
The stage was set for a thrilling Argentine Open – the apex of the season, the ultimate goal for every player and the moment polo’s most ardent fans anticipate all year. And Palermo delivered.
THE STAGE WAS SET FOR A THRILLING ARGENTINE OPEN – THE APEX OF THE SEASON… AND PALERMO DELIVERED
The tournament kicked off with a novelty: free admission during the rst three weekends. It proved to be a brilliant decision by the AAP, signi cantly boosting attendance. Action on the eld lived up to expectations. One of the de ning features of the 2024 Open was the emergence of a promising U23 generation poised to shape polo’s future: Lucas Monteverde, Cruz Heguy and Teo Lacau in their sophomore year, along with debutants Antonio Heguy, Lorenzo Chavanne, and Beltrán Laulhé. They join the ranks of already established stars Jeta and Barto Castagnola and Poroto Cambiaso.
The Heguy cousins and Lacau reignited the ame of Indios Chapaleufú, stunning the polo world with their victory over La Hache. La Zeta proved to be a worthy contender and a breeding ground for young talent. Among the second-tier teams, matches were tight, and results remained unpredictable. One week, Indios Chapaleufú faced La Natividad with a chance to reach the nal, barring an upset. They fell short but delivered a thrilling
performance. Seven days later, they went up against La Aguada in a must-win match to secure their place in the 2025 Triple Crown.
But in the end, logic prevailed. La Natividad vs La Hache and La Dol na vs Ellerstina set the stage for two thrilling semi- nals. The favourites advanced – but only after giving their all.
The nal was an unusual one. La Dol na controlled the rst half but La Natividad erupted in the second, leaving no room for drama. The 13-11 scoreline doesn’t tell the full story, as Cambiaso’s late surge only added cosmetic respectability to the result. Jeta Castagnola’s brilliance alone was worth the price of admission.
With three titles in four years, La Natividad has cemented its place as a team for the ages. Yet their rivalry with La Dol na –between neighbouring teams from Cañuelas, with the Castagnola brothers as Poroto’s cousins – came to an end just as it was catching re. This year, they’ll play together: a tting conclusion to an unforgettable season.
WOMEN’S ARGENTINE OPEN
Reigning
champions El Overo Z7 UAE triumphed once again against La Dol na in the Argentine Women’s Polo Open, reports
Four teams between 27 and 36 goals made up of the best players from Argentina, the United States, France and England competed in the VIII Argentine Women’s Polo Open presented by Caviahue. And it was the undefeated El Overo Z7 UAE team that triumphed against La Dol na – 10 goals to 7 – in the nal in Palermo, achieving its fourth title and second consecutive victory.
After two hard-fought rst chukkas, El Overo began to take advantage from the third, thanks to the strong play of Cande Fernández-Araujo and Hazel Jackson. Despite La Dol na attempting a comeback in
the fth chukka due to the effectiveness of Lía Salvo and Mía Cambiaso, victory for El Overo seemed increasingly inevitable. Cande Fernández-Araujo achieved her fth title in the tournament – winning the Women’s Argentine Open more than any other player – her previous four wins being with La Dol na. As winner of the 2019, 2020 and 2023 editions, El Overo Z7 UAE achieved their fourth title, while Hope Arellano lifted the trophy for the second time. La Dol na has achieved a total of four titles (2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022) and is the only team that has played in all of the eight Women’s Open nals
the AAP
(El Overo Z7 UAE has played in seven out of eight nals).
The top scorer of the 2025 tournament was the British player Milly Hine, who scored an impressive total of 24 goals, with an average of 6 goals scored per game played. The Duthie & Doille Award for Goalscorer of the Final was presented to Hazel Jackson, while MVP honours were awarded to Mía Cambiaso, and the Myriam Heguy and Municipality of Cañuelas Award for Fair Play was won by Nina Clarkin. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Aventura Hiena, played by Candelaria Fernández-Araujo.
From left: Milly Hine, Hazel Jackson, Cande Fernández-Araujo, Hope Arellano
US WOMEN’S OPEN
Despite a strong start by La Fe Eastern Hay, Buena Vibra took control to claim its US Open Women’s Polo Championship victory, reports the United States Polo Association
The 2025 US Open Women’s Polo Championship nal took place at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. The match pitted champions Buena Vibra (Giuliana Tarazona, Valentina Tarazona, Candelaria “Cande” Fernández-Araujo, Milly Hine) against La Fe Eastern Hay (Naomi Tachibana Marlough, Pamela Flanagan Devaleix, Hope Arellano, Fatima Balzano), competing for the $25,000 prize money.
Arellano spearheaded La Fe Eastern Hay’s efforts, contributing six eld goals for a 7-5 halftime lead, with Balzano also adding one to the total. Arellano struck again in the fourth but La Fe Eastern Hay was met by a newfound offensive surge from Buena Vibra. The team levelled the score 8-all at the end of the chukka and gaining the lead for the rst time in the fth, Buena Vibra maintained control until the end, securing a 12-9 victory.
Buena Vibra’s lineup differed from last year with Giuliana Tarazona, 15, joining her sister, Valentina, 14, on the eld. Powered from the back by last year’s captain, Hine anchored the team at Number 4, alongside fellow 9-goaler Fernández-Araujo competing in her rst championship nal.
‘I hope Sunday’s nal is going to be a really close game,’ said Hine ahead of the match. ‘Not only for both teams but for the spectators because women’s polo is really starting to push through some barriers.’
Buena Vibra also had strong support behind the scenes. Hine’s brothers, Ned and Louis, and father Andrew Hine were on site, joined by others including Agustin “Tincho” Merlos, Mariano Gonzalez Sr. and Lucas Criado Sr. Even Fernández-Araujo’s former 10-goal father, Milo Fernández-Araujo, was giving his advice by phone from Argentina.
Cande Fernández-Araujo was awarded MVP, as well as Best Playing Pony for Machitos Filipa, also known as Drone.
From left: Cande Fernández-Araujo, Giuliana and Valentina Tarazona, Milly Hine
WINNING STREAK
Rodger R Rinehart honours Jimmy Bachman’s remarkable success playing the 1988 Florida low-goal season
Jimmy Bachman’s induction into the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in February 2025 provided a marvellous opportunity to revisit with players and friends from our days competing at Gulfstream Polo Club in Lake Worth, Florida. Attendees included Boone Stribling, Tiger Kneece, Tommy Biddle, Brian Pritchard, Kim Kirschnick, Bobby Lindgren, Billy Raab, Dave Offen and Tony Coppola. The list of proteges and sponsors who benefited from Jimmy’s influence and success on the field is endless.
I am reminded of the 1988 team playing as Palm Beach National, which Jimmy organised with sponsor Bob Rich’s approval. Our team consisted of Bachman, Dave Offen, Rich and me. We planned to play in only the Gulfstream 16-goal league as a 14-goal team when Jimmy convinced Bob we should enter the 14-goal league based at Boca Raton Polo Club.
We had a lot of horses then, some good, some not, but we managed to compete in two simultaneous leagues that winter.
We had a good crew taking care of more than 50 horses, and competed in three leagues including the 8-goal at Gulfstream. Many days’ scheduling necessitated playing two matches on the same date, often 16-goal in the morning and 14-goal in the afternoon. Jimmy’s plan was to play our best horses in the first half of the morning matches (hoping to gain a lead we could hold in the second half on second string or green horses) sending them to the barn to rest before playing the second half of game two.
The strategy worked well. We started winning, some very close matches, some by wide margins but our team clicked. Days were long, particularly the double headers and we all worked together to keep the strings going. Bobby’s wife, Cindy Lindgren, jokingly said recently we could work for Jimmy Bachman 16 hours a day and say we were having fun.
We won all three leagues in both January and February that winter plus a 12-goal the same season with a combined record of 27-1. Jimmy Bachman was the “King of Low Goal Polo”. The USPA created a rule, “The Bachman Rule”, restricting a player from entering a tournament 4 goals or higher with a handicap greater than three quarters of the tournament handicap limit. He played a control game, turned the ball when turning was not popular, drew fouls, was consistent from the foul line and intimidating from the 60, as you were allowed to dribble back then. He’d tap once or twice to the right and neck it in from 30 or 40 yards out. He was capable of scoring at every opportunity when we created room for him by marking our opponents. Dave Offen complemented Jimmy nicely and was also a proficient scorer. I was learning how to take the man. Always a higher rated opponent. Asked if Jimmy was loud on the field, I quickly remember him yelling, ‘Goddammit Rodger!’. Our after-game theme song as we continued winning that season was Billy Ocean’s When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. That pretty much sums up Jimmy Bachman.
Bob Rich, Jimmy Bachman, Dave Offen and Rodger Rinehart with a young Jackie Bibbo in the middle
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