ISSUE 198

POLO IN THE SNOW

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz was a resounding success despite doubts over ice-depth just weeks ago. The team worked round the clock, even using helicopters, to ensure the event lived up to the benchmark sports it is known for.

Polo in the Snow

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz was a resounding success despite doubts over icedepth just weeks ago. The team worked round the clock, even using helicopters, to ensure the event lived up to the benchmark sports it is known for.

Equine investments

Those who love the sport will want to remain in that eco-system. We take a close look at how to remain invested in the space.

Tranquil haven

If peace and calm in a secluded spot of tranquillity are your go-to for recreation, then the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, close to Vancouver, is a must-do.

The finals of The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Gold Vase (10 Goals) was played between teams Vimal Arion and V-Polo. The tournament concluded with Vimal Arion taking the trophy home at the score of 10-5 ½ .

An exhilarating first day at the world’s oldest snow polo tournament St. Moritz, on 27 January 2023.

POLO IN THE SNOW

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz was a resounding success despite doubts over icedepth just weeks ago. The team worked round the clock, even using helicopters, to ensure the event lived up to the benchmark sports it is known for.

St. Moritz has played host to the world’s pre-eminent snow polo tournament since 1985. Besides being the first-ever snow polo tournament, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is the only “high goal” polo tournament played on snow. This year’s highlights:

DAY 1

Match 1

Azerbaijan Land of Fire vs Flexjet, 5-3 ½ to Azerbaijan Land of Fire The first match saw last year’s champions Azerbaijan Land of Fire take on Flexjet. With the team unchanged from their win in 2022, Azerbaijan Land of Fire came out of the starting gates with a well-drilled rhythm which saw powerful teamwork combined with individual skill. Tito Gaudenzi seemed in excellent form with a very impressive goal from 60 yards out. Flexjet, on the other hand, seemed hesitant and the half-time score reflected this resting at 5 goals to Azerbaijan

Land of Fire. The second half was a different matter with Flexjet finding their snow form, scoring three goals. However, it was a case of too little too late and Azerbaijan Land of Fire capitalized on their early success to bag a 5-3½ win.

Match 2

St. Moritz vs World Polo League, 4½-4 to St. Moritz

The second match was a family affair with World Polo League led by Melissa Ganzi, the first-ever woman to win the tournament in 2019, joined by her son Grant; in opposition, Spencer McCarthy and his son James joined St. Moritz stalwarts and five times tournament winners, Max Charlton and Nacho Gonzalez.

World Polo League’s Melissa Ganzi, showing her experience on the ice and keeping a cool head, calmly scored from the penalty spot to get World Polo League onto the scoreboard. St. Moritz finally found their form in the fourth chukka,

taking the lead for the first time in the match with just 3½ minutes left, while World Polo League were unable to reply and Nacho Gonzalez and his teammates bagged him the best birthday present with a win in their opening match.

Match 3

Clinique La Prairie vs Kusnacht Practice, 4-3 to Clinique La Prairie

To end a perfect day of adrenaline-fuelled action, the last two teams took to the frozen lake for the battle. Nic Roldan opened up the scoring for Clinique La Prairie with an impressive field goal and followed it up with another 3 goals to single-handedly notch up the winning 4 goals for his team. The Kusnacht Practice in reply, while strong individually, with the highest handicapped player in the tournament, Alejo Taranco, was impressive at back, and kept the pressure on throughout but notched up only 3 goals.

DAY 2

The sun was shining and the Perrier-Jouët flowing on day two of the Snow Polo World Cup.

Match 1

The Kusnacht Practice vs. Flexjet, 5-3.5 to The Kusnacht Practice

Packed grandstands enjoyed the first match of the day between The Kusnacht Practice and Flexjet who started with a halfgoal handicap advantage. The Kusnacht Practice got off to a somewhat shaky start but soon

got their flow going with Argentine Alejo Taranco, the highest-rated player in the tournament on 9 goals, notching up a hat trick of goals, while Flexjet struggled to find form and at half-time, the scoreboard read 4-1½. The talented Patrick Maleitzke was all over the action in the second half and scored for Flexjet, but even with a goal from his teammate Clemente Delfosse, it was unfortunately too little, too late, with the final score resting on 5-3½ for Kusnacht Practice – their first win in the tournament.

Match 2

Azerbaijan Land of Fire vs. World Polo League, 5-4 to Azerbaijan Land of Fire

The Semi-Final between team Azerbaijan Land of Fire and team World Polo League began with the crowds standing for the Swiss National Anthem set against the stunning, sunsoaked Engadin mountains. Team Captain Elcin Jamalli raced to the goalposts to score in the opening 24 seconds, swiftly followed by Adrian Laplacette jr. combination and an under-the-neck shot from Jamalli to take it to 3-0 at the end of the first chukka – Team Azerbaijan was truly on fire. But it was not over yet, a duo of goals from Alejandro Novillo Astrada and the Queen of Snow Polo, Melissa Ganzi, saw World Polo League jump into life with a 3-3 tie at half-time. The second half was fast and frenetic – as the seconds ticked down to the final bell, it was Jamalli who seized the victory for his team with an unbelievable play to secure a 5-4 win in the dying seconds, and with it, Azerbaijan Land of Fire’s place in the Final.

Match 3

Clinique La Prairie vs. St.

Moritz, 4-8.5 to St. Moritz

The last Semi-Final of the day saw team St. Moritz take on team Clinique La Prairie for the last spot in the coveted Final and both teams meant business from the first throw-in. The fastpaced opening play saw Nacho Gonzalez score for St. Moritz, who had already received a 1½ goal handicap advantage, and the team went from strength to strength with their goal-scoring domination seemingly unstoppable. Clinique La Prairie struggled to score from the field but capitalized on their penalty opportunities, getting four on the board. Despite flashes of brilliance from Nic Roldan, Clinique La Prairie struggled to find his form and the four Englishmen comfortably emerged winners, 8½-4, securing place in the Final to jubilant cheers from the crowds.

The results of day 2 meant that St. Moritz will play Azerbaijan Land of Fire in the Final for The

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, Clinique La Prairie vs Kusnacht Practice in the Subsidiary Final for The St. Moritz Trophy and Flexjet vs World Polo League will play for The Casablanca Trophy (5th and 6th place).

DAY 3

The excitement was palpable as the most glamorous and spectacular snow polo event in the world reached its climax, with more than 25,500 spectators.

Match 1

World Polo League beat Flexjet, 7-5½

The first match of the day saw Flexjet take on World Polo League for The Casablanca Trophy in a fast and flowing match. Flexjet’s Clemente Delfosse opened the scoring,

but World Polo League quickly dominated the play for the first half. After halftime, Flexjet began to flex muscles but were unable to catch the mother and son Ganzi duo’s World Polo League, who emerged winners 7-5½. Stephen Alexander, Chief Executive of Casablanca, presented the trophy to a delighted Melissa Ganzi. Match 2

Clinique La Prairie beat The Kusnacht Practice, 3-2

The record-breaking crowds were in for a treat with the

second match of the day between Clinique La Prairie and The Kusnacht Practice in the Subsidiary Final for The St. Moritz Trophy. Clinique La Prairie’s Matthias Normann wasted no time in opening the scoring.

The Kusnacht Practice struggled to find form in the first half, with fantastic defense from Clinique La Prairie hampering each attempt on goal. With evenly matched teams, the match was fastflowing, open, and thrilling to watch, and the 1-0 score at halftime did not reflect the efforts of both sides. The start of the third chukka saw Alejo Taranco equalize, but he was effectively marked out of the second half.

Juan Guerrero took the lead to the delight of their supporters, which brought on frenzied efforts from Clinique La Prairie to equalize, which they managed with a strong penalty from Marc Ganzi which meant that with just 20 seconds left on the clock, the match was pushed into a sudden death, golden goal overtime period. With all to play for in this pivotal part of the match, an expectant hush fell over the crowd. After a frenetic battle for possession, a penalty was given in favor of Clinique

La Prairie which ‘The Cobra’ Ganzi effortlessly sent home to secure the second win for the Ganzi family today.

FFinal/Match 3:

Azerbaijan Land of Fire beat St. Moritz, 6-5

St. Moritz team faced last year’s winners, the well-drilled Azerbaijan Land of Fire team, in front of capacity crowds.

Sparkling sunshine, music pumping out courtesy of DJ Mr. Mike, and ‘on tap’ Perrier Jouët champagne meant the fur-clad, uber-glam spectators were in high spirits as the first ball was thrown in.

The pressure was on for Azerbaijan Land of Fire to deliver. Their line-up had also seen a tactical change of players to allow the Final to take place between teams of even handicaps. So the talented Tito Gaudenzi who plays off 2 goals and had played in the team’s two winning matches was replaced by Tarlan Gurbanaliyev for the Final.

Azerbaijan Land of Fire were determined to bag the Trophy for a second year running, whilst St. Moritz players Max Charlton and Nacho Gonzalez were both planning a sixth victory in the prestigious tournament.

As expected from the first throw-in, the action was fast-paced and passionate with fast, flowing attacking play matched with skilled, strong defense from both teams

Azerbaijan Land of Fire played from the outset with usual enthusiasm, which was matched by team St. Moritz. With little dividing the teams, it was too close to call at half-time, with the score at 3-2 to Azerbaijan Land of Fire. At the start of the fourth chukka, the scores were even and despite both teams playing off all cylinders, the result was still tied at five goals apiece at the end of the chukka. Play then went into extra time for only the second occasion in the last 15 years of the tournament’s history. Despite valiant efforts from team St. Moritz, Adrian Laplacette Jr of the Azerbaijan team converted a penalty in the golden goal period to claim the Trophy for the second year running.

The awards

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Trophy, sponsored by World Polo League was presented by Piero Dillier,

President of the Board of Evviva Polo St. Moritz, to the delighted Azerbaijan Land of Fire team, who each received a “Tank Française” Cartier watch. The runners-up were each presented with a voucher for a ski outfit from Fusalp by Tamara Baraghin.

Spencer McCarthy won The Best Playing Patron Award, presented by Etienne Dalancon of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, winning a five-night stay at the exclusive resort. The Most Valuable Player was awarded to Adrian Laplacette Jr, who received a pair of Cartier sunglasses, sponsored by The World Polo League and presented by Melissa Ganzi. Whilst the Polo Times and Evivva St. Moritz Best Playing Pony was awarded by Nick Hine to Max Charlton for Cicatriz, the gelding which played so brilliantly in the third chukka and which is owned by Spencer McCarthy; Max received a bespoke pony rug and 200 Swiss Francs for the grooms. After three days of truly worldclass polo, which saw nine matches played at the highest level on the frozen lake of St. Moritz, the event drew to a close.

IFZA SILVER CUP 2023 CHAMPIONS: UAE POLO TEAM

UAE won the IFZA Silver Cup in an exciting victory over AM Polo, marking their first title in four years. The Dubai Gold Cup Series final was played at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club and featured two very distinct halves. Throughout the first three chukkas of play, Alia Al Maktoum’s lineup was unquestionably the dominant force, and they went into halftime with a comfortable 7-4 advantage.

https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2023/02/05/uae-polo-beat-am-polo-in-thriller-to-clinch-ifza-silver-cup-title

THE MALCOMINIES THRILLS THE SPECTATORS

TheJos Polo Club sponsored the annual Polo International Tournament, which featured some of the top polo players from Nigeria and many other nations from December 26 to January 2 this year. The team led by Alhaji Murtala Laushi of the Malcominies won the Governor’s Cup by defeating Ahmad A. Wadada’s Keffi Ponies.

https://guardian.ng/sport/malcominies-trumps-game-thrills-fans-at-jos-polointernational-tournament/

ALLAMA IQBAL POLO TOURNAMENT

Lahore: Three teams won the third Allama Iqbal Polo Tournament sponsored by Lahore Smart City: BN Polo, Inara Polo/ Black Horse Paints, and Diamond Paints. BN Polo defeated 4 Corps by a slim margin of 7½-7 in the first game of the day played at the Pakistan Park Cavalry Ground because to Haider Naseem’s valiant efforts. Raja Samiullah scored three excellent goals for BN Polo, while Haider Naseem scored four spectacular goals while playing in top form and showcasing exceptional polo and mallet skills.

B.GRIMM POLO TOURNAMENTS AFTER 2 YEARS!

TheB.Grimm polo tournaments were held at the stunning Thai Polo Club

Pattaya more than two years ago. The exquisite country/polo club was finally prepared to welcome back polo players and polo aficionados on 28 January. Not only do you come here to observe the chukkas, but also to observe the crowds, and be noticed.

PRINCE HARRY’S LOVE FOR POLO

Kimoi and Raphel were named men of the match after leading their sides to victories in the opening matches of the Maria Bencivenga Cup Championships at the Nairobi Polo Club. In some of the mouthwatering matches, Casimir guided Tusker Malt to a 6-2.5 triumph while Kimoi did it for Radio Africa in their 5-3 success over Live Eye. The reason Kimoi came back to score another hat-trick for Radio Africa was because Raphael Nzomo’s hat-trick for Live Eye in the first three chukkas had irritated him. Moses Wainaga’s double sealed the victory for the winners.

THE JAIPUR SEASON 2023 ALL SET

TheRajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup (10 goals) at the Rajasthan Polo Club marked the beginning of the eagerly anticipated Jaipur Polo Season 2023.This season, there will be a four-goal tournament and two out of hat events. The Sirmour Cup, a 14-goal tournament, will take place from February 6 to 12.

EQUINE INVESTMENTS

Those who love the sport will want to remain in that eco-system. We take a close look at the booming potential.

Investments in the equestrian arena may be broad and niche at the same time. One may invest in horses, or products that supplement horse-riding or horse related activities. The field is booming with potential and is a great opportunity for individuals to turn their passion towards horses into healthy investments as well. According to the Equine Business Association, the equine industry today is worth about $420 billion. Here are some quick tips for investments in the equine world.

Horses: While investing in horses, one must thoroughly consider and research their bloodline and focus on their breeding. A well bred and nourished horse is a great investment. According to an article in Bold Business, a wellbred horse may sell between $7,000 and $105, 000. However, the offspring of such a horse attracts much larger sums, ranging between $35,000 and $215,000. Racing provides the bulk of Equine’s revenue and is a highly profitable industry to benefit from, as an investor. To keep a good track of your

investment, make sure you assess your capital, see whether loans might be a better way to buy horses and also assess if you should go for insurance. With a grounded and well researched point of view, it is possible to make good investments in the equestrian field. The following link is classified on horses- https:// classifieds.horseandhound. co.uk/horses-for-sale/ As an investor in the equestrian field, one should be kept updated with the recent developments in the field; also, while horses are a

good investment, such investments should not be made without proper consultation with people well versed in the field. That being said, horses are a great investment and investing in horses for breeding, for sale or for the larger ecosystem of farms, are all profitable investments.

Products: Investing in horses is the obvious choice. However, owning and investing in products in the equestrian field is also a good decision. The companies we suggest are related to the field of equestrian to the extent that they provide riding equipments. The basic way to go about is to invest or buy

those equipments but if you wish to go a step ahead you can also invest in their stock shares. Here are some important brands that should not skip your attention:

Fairfax & Favor: Catering to the countryside dream, Fairfax and Favor are known for their riding boots and if you’re a keen rider, you should not be missing out on these boots. They’re well shaped, stylised and designed for a smooth ride. Moreover, if you’re a keen investor and want to explore your options in the company, here is a link discussing the financial standing of the company. https://finance. yahoo.com/quote

Le Chameau: If you are into luxurious boots that are just the perfect fit for a horseriding day, you should not miss the Le Chameau collection. They are sturdy, good-looking and tick all the boxes of expectations when it

comes to a pair of good riding boots. To stretch your interest beyond just buying the boots and extending it to an investment in stocks as well access the following link : https://tools.morningstar. co.uk/uk/stockreport/default.

Charles Owen Riding Hats

Known for their horse-riding equipment, the Charles Owen Riding hats guarantee you safety and style at one go and it is because of that we highly recommend investing

in those helmets. This investment is not simply of monetary value but is one that is qualitatively lasting and can be used to its best potential for years to come. This makes these hats a one-time investment and is worth it all!

Equines Around The World

ACE DRESSAGE RIDER GEMMA OWEN’S HORSE SIRIUS BLACK III PASSES AWAY

It is believed that the rider was completely heartbroken after learning her junior team horse Sirius Black III died suddenly on 3 February, aged 18. The horse is known to have succumbed to a short term serious illness. The pair had competed internationally for Britain in the junior rider circuits, including at the junior European Dressage Championships in Oliva, Spain, in 2021. While Owens was away on a personal commitment, her trainer Sarah Higgins took over the ride on Sirius. With Sarah, he claimed a Premier League victory at Prix St Georges (PSG) and competed at the National Dressage Championships in September 2022. Since returning to the dressage arena, the pair have racked up several victories on the British domestic circuit scoring a personal best of 73.95% at PSG in December 2022, eventually winning at Arena UK and Vale View High Profile shows.

FRENCH INDOOR EVENTING STAR HORSE PUNCH DE L’ESQUES RETIRES AGED TWENTY

On 3rd Feb, Karim Florent Laghouag announced the retirement of his twenty year old equine partner, Punch De L’Esques, from the sport. During his long career in indoor eventing activities, Punch De L’Esques was part of the French team at two European Championships, at Malmö in 2013, where the team won bronze, and Luhmühlen in 2019. He also became a specialist in these indoor cross-country events, winning at Bordeaux in 2020 and 2017 as well as finishing second in 2019. He also won the similar competition in Geneva in 2017 and finished second there three times (including in December 2022) and fourth once.

Karim Florent Laghouag’s Instagram account

Gemma Owens’ Instagram

A SEVEN YEAR OLD SHOWJUMPING STAR IS TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

Annabel Widdowson is thought to be the youngest rider to qualify for the 128cm final at the prestigious Hickstead International Arena. The seven-year-old pairing up with the 22-year-old Bunbury Conquest (Questy) came joint third in the second-round qualifier, at Morris Equestrian Centre, Scotland, on 28 January, which secured their ticket at the event. The pair, who were jumping 70cm classes a year ago, achieved the two double clears that secured their second-round place, at Forest Edge and Duckhurst Farm. They are now preparing to take on competitors in the upcoming final at the Royal International Horse Show in July.

Horse and Hound Instagram

OLYMPIC EVENTER JAMES WOFFORD PASSES AWAY AT SEVENTY-EIGHT

James Wofford, the former Olympic eventer and renowned trainer died on 2 February aged 78, from pancreatic cancer. Born in Kansas, Mr Wofford came from an equestrian family. His father Col John Wofford rode in the US show jumping team at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, his eldest brother Jeb won a bronze medal in eventing at the 1952 Helsinki Games and his brother Warren was a reserve for the showjumping and eventing teams at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. Wofford himself joined the US eventing team in 1965, and was part of the silver medal-winning team at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His many other achievements included individual and team bronze at the 1970 and 1978 World Championships respectively, team gold at the 1967 Pan American Games, and five national championship titles. He retired from competition in 1984, but made a brief return in 1986 when he won the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Apart from that, Mr Wofford was a highly sought-after coach. He also served as president of the American Horse Show Association, which became US Equestrian, from 1988 to 1991. He was the first vice-president of the US Equestrian Team. He authored several books including: Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider, Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses, 101 Eventing Tips, and Take A Good Look Around among others. His autobiography Still Horse Crazy After All These Years: If It Didn’t Happen This Way, It Should Have was published in 2021. He was inducted into the USEA’s eventing hall of fame in 2003 and in 2012 he received the US Equestrian lifetime achievement award. Mr Wofford is survived by his wife Gail, and their daughters.

TRANQUIL HAVEN

If peace and calm in a secluded spot of tranquillity are your go-to for recreation, then the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, close to Vancouver, is a location you must visit.

For a moment close your eyes and imagine yourself in the midst of sapgreen-hued coniferous forests.

As you leisurely stroll along a less-taken winding hill station road, you will feel a mildly pinescented breeze beckoning you into her arms. From the gentle swaying of snow-dusted pine trees, the soft sounds of fallen yellow-orange leaves crunching beneath your feet to the handpicked pine cones rustling in your jute basket, for a few precious minutes nature cradles you in her unfathomable, heavenly heights. After the walk, as you lie on a mossy knoll taking in the resplendence of the

landscape, nature’s idyllic quality will envelop you transporting you to a paradisiacal realm. Long after you’ve left, the essence of her confounding profundity will still remain with you. A winter time trip to the Nita Lake Lodge, Creekside is precisely what leads you to that spellbinding territory.

Established in the early half of the 20th century, the Lodge is based in an archetypal resort municipality in Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, British Columbia, Canada. Whistler, approximately 125 kilometres north of Vancouver, is annually visited by upwards of two

million people. Most of these tourists throng the town during the winter months, to participate in the sport of Alpine skiing. The tender warmth of morning sunshine coupled with smooth, curvaceous slopes provides for a spectacular skiing experience.

While the town of Creekside, located within Whistler, offers stunning views of the snowclad mountains, nothing can beat the Nita Lake Lodge experience of soaking in a hot tub inside a glass-encased

rooftop spa that looks onto mountains. Delicately nestled at the shore of a glacier-fed lake, with the Whistlers Mountains in the backdrop, the resort truly offers a slice of heaven. The ubiquitous quietude and soft crackling fireplaces may evoke a scene out of the Brothers Grimm’s tales, but don’t be taken in by that, for this place is pure luxury. Walking the pinedotted hillside, taking out group treks around the town, or sitting by the window-side with your fingers curled around a cup of freshly

prepared hot chocolate are just some of the many enticing escapades the resort offers. The resort houses a handsome collection of elegant studio suites. The suites have been artfully furnished with modern pieces that reflect the high-quality craftsmanship that has gone into producing them. The floor-toceiling, glass-panelled doors of each of these suites allow guests to look out onto a cornucopia of views. While some suites allow guests to catch a sight of powdery snow-flecked mountains, others

All Manipur Polo Association

allow for a glimpse of the sparkling waters of the adjoining lake. These spacious suites offer a complete package of amenities needed for you to relax and rejuvenate after an eventful day, the most popular among guests being the cosy basalt gas fireplace that quickly warms up the room to turn it into a snug cocoon of tranquillity. When it comes time for meals, the Lakeside Restaurant serves modern alpine cuisine, perched by the lake, at a walkable distance from the foot of Mt.Sproatt in Whistler. The Den celebrates regional cuisine. Crafting seasonal dishes created with local farm-to-table produce, gardengrown and artisanal meats, it places a strong emphasis on putting forth premier organic meals. For drinks, the Cure Lounge & Patio is the place to go for a chorizo-topped Caesar, a local spin on a gin fizz made with spruce tip syrup. By the warm glow of a fireplace in the winter, guests can enjoy light snacks alongside refreshing craft cocktails while bonding with family and friends. The highlight of the resort is its award-winning spa unit. It offers a number of services that guests can choose from an, a la carte menu presented at the time of entry.

A wholesome parcel of experiences for wintertime frolicking!