Fifth Chukker Volume 2 Issue 7 October 2014

VOL 2 ISSUE 7

Adventures in Luxury

World Economic Forum in Nigeria

Russia where polo is growing in popularity

Queen’s Cup Past & Present

fifthchukker.com fifthchukkermagazine.com

access private banking advert 297x230mm oct13 13.03.14 with old logo.pdf 1 13/03/2014 14:15:24

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Interview on the Wrothams Windsor Property Investments and Polo with the Managing Director of Wrothams Windsor and Polo enthusiast Richard Vedelago:

• Tell us more about Wrothams Windsor…

Wrothams Windsor was set up by myself and business partner Paul Little, who runs our UK operations, to service the West African market with a one stop shop for clients looking to buy and invest in property in both the UK and US markets, predominately. We focus on luxury residential property and high-yielding investments. Our expert team makes the whole process very easy as we take care of everything from acquisition, legals, completion and management of the property.

• Could you tell us about some of your residential projects?

Over the last few years we have been involved in sales in some of the most prestigious and sought-after properties in the World giving the African market unprecedented access into the likes of: One Hyde Park, London, 157 New York, and Fitzroy Place, London. Our current developments include, the Ritz Carlton, Miami, The Corinthia Apartments, London, and 1000 Museum, Miami. We are also working on some very interesting, brand new residential developments primed for investment in Central London and Chicago.

• Tell us about your typical property investments…

We specialize in high-yielding buy to let investments and commercial opportunities in the UK that give our clients guaranteed returns of 8% and above. Some of our products also have a guaranteed buy back option allowing for optimal asset liquidity.

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Wrothams Windsor Private is a unique concept where we offer clients the creation of a personalised private property portfolio that caters to their overall investment objectives and can be spread over a number of different sub-sectors in the international property market.

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We have seen an overwhelming response from the West African market to our process and products so as a result we are expanding the company with new offices earmarked for Port Harcourt and Accra. We also have new products, such as our Asset Management Division, due for launch in 2015.

• What about Wrothams Windsor & Polo?

Well, I’ve always been a keen admirer of the ‘Sport of Kings’ and have recently started playing again so don’t be surprised if you see a Wrothams Windsor team playing at a 5th Chukker tournament soon. Hopefully, if our next quarter goes to plan and dreams come true we should be able to coerce the likes of Adolfo Cambiaso to play, or not.

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Contents VOL 2 ISSUE 7

7

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD Ahmed Dasuki

9

EDITOR’S LETTER Yasemen Kaner-White

LAST SEASON AT FIFTH CHUKKER

10 ACCESS BANK UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD Nigerian record three week polo rumble, new low goal cup, high-end art exhibition & Access Bank bonanza for UNICEF 22 ACCESS BANK FIFTH CHUKKER POLO DAY AT HAM POLO CLUB Royalty, State Governors, Business Leaders and Polo legends unite again for UNICEF at London’s Ham Polo Club

INTERNATIONAL POLO HIGHLIGHTS

33 H ORSE GUARDS PARADE London Polo Championships The iconic Horse Guards Parade Ground was the setting for the first ever polo test in the very heart of the British establishment 38 QUEEN’S CUP

PAST & PRESENT

The most important trophy played for at Guards Polo Club in any year

48 B EST PLAYING PONIES A tribute to some of this year’s best playing ponies – players couldn’t succeed without them...

50 GOLD CUP Adolfo Cambiaso inspires Dubai’s march into the history books with another stunning British Open triumph 74 CORONATION CUP

When asked to field a team for an international test match Argentina can call on the services of some of the world’s greatest players

ADVENTURES IN LUXURY

57 PROTECT AND SURVIVE IN STYLE WITH BERETTA A clear sign when planning the days’ attire to mix and match suave with sensibility

ADVENTURES IN SPORT

65 WIMBLEDON – THEN & NOW

The phenomenal growth of tennis since 12th Century northern France

GOOD BOOKS

79 B OOK REVIEW – LEMON COMPENDIUM There is so much more to this modest fruit than just adding zing to my favourite drink

80 B OOK REVIEW – CLIMBS AND PUNISHMENT There is more to pedal pushing than bare-faced lies and performance-enhancing drugs

POLO IN RUSSIA

81 RUSSIA With a turbulent polo history affected by politics, Russia is proving to progress with its polo increasingly

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM 87 MAY 7 – 9, 2014 Nigeria hosts the 24th annual World Economic Forum on Africa

109 MAYFAIR

Yasemen Kaner-White takes a walk through the culinary basket of Mayfair

RESTAURANT REVIEW

106 LUNCH AT PJ’S

Nods to polo take over

POLO PEOPLE

116 LYNDON LEA

Named Best Amateur Player in this year’s Queen’s Cup by the World Polo Tour Rankings

FIFTH CHUKKER READERS

123 WHO’S READING THE FIFTH CHUKKER MAGAZINE

94 PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY...

A detailed guide to what is worth visiting and when, in the fantastic, fun-filled, town of London

FEATURE DESTINATION LONDON

POLO CLUB DIRECTORY

126 EUROPEAN DIRECTORY

new design

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

“Our magazine is going from strength to strength, taking on a high position in the polo, fashion and literary spheres.”

I

t is quite amazing how fast the year rolls on, but what a pleasure it is to once again welcome you to the new polo season at Fifth Chukker. Our magazine is going from strength to strength, taking on a high position in the polo, fashion and literary spheres, which is both delightful and rewarding.

Firstly I would like to acknowledge the departure of our previous editor – Adam Taylor, wishing him well on his journey. I am pleased to welcome on board our new editor, author and journalist – Yasemen Kaner-White, proving to already be a successful collaboration.

Last season’s finale at the Access Bank Fifth Chukker Polo day was another creative blend of sports and humanity. On that splendid English summer’s day, the International polo set led by Adolfo Cambiaso, associates and guests of Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF connected to the passion driving our valued partnership and commitment to the several human development and community enrichment projects in northern Nigeria - geared towards orphaned and vulnerable children who are afflicted by poverty, illiteracy and HIV/AIDS. We remain grateful to all those in Nigeria and around the world who take their time and effort to support us and our mission to safeguard the future of Nigerian children amidst the uncertainties of our time.

Following the visit of Neil Hobday, Chief Executive Officer of the illustrious Guards Polo Club, Fifth Chukker has been elevated to Reciprocal Club status and recommended to Guards playing members as a suitable alternative during the English off-season. We are one of only

20 such clubs in the world and the privilege thrusts Fifth Chukker into rarefied company, up there with Palermo and Desert Palms, Chantilly and Sotogrande.

The international buzz around Fifth Chukker rewards the tremendous efforts, patience and perseverance it has taken over the years to put it all together by a team of dedicated management and staff under the visionary direction of Adamu Atta.

MTN was the first major brand to identify with and support Fifth Chukker in our very first mini-tournament over a decade ago.

We are very much gratified that they have returned with a more substantial commitment as major sponsors of the African Patrons Cup which is upon us once again.

Bringing the African Patrons Cup to life and sustaining it for the sixth successive year has been quite an adventure and challenge. But we are exceptionally lucky to be able to count on the support and devotion of our friends and partners who have remained with us to make these moments continue to come true.

This now leaves me to wish you a successful and enjoyable season ahead and a pleasurable time at Fifth Chukker.

AHMED DASUKI Chairman of the Board of Trustees

BOARD MEMBERS ADAMU ATTA, BABANGIDA HASSAN, UMARU ALIYU, AYO OLASHOJU, KASHIM BUKAR SHETTIMA

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I

t never ceases to please me how a passion for polo unifies people regardless of their provenance. In the seventh edition of Fifth Chukker, we celebrate and explore the diverse presence polo has. England, where polo is historically entrenched and patronised by the royals – with the Queen heading the most important trophy of the year – The Queen’s Cup. Russia where polo was popular during the early nineteenth century but from 1917 prohibited due to the Russian revolution, and now, since 2003, is very much alive and gaining strength, as Alex Rodzianko; Moscow Polo Club’s owner explained to me on my recent trip to Moscow. Nigeria, the home of Fifth Chukker and latest host to The World Economic Forum Africa, is increasingly becoming a place more and more synonymous with the game, as reports on tournaments both at Ham Polo Club and Fifth Chukker’s residence prove.

Polo commonly attracts the less common, those who have built huge legacies – high achievers with intriguing backgrounds, Lyndon Lea and Brian Stein are no exception.

Before catching up with Stein over a coffee, I indulged in a yummy lunch at his polo influenced PJ’s Bar & Grill, which you can read all about in this issue. Of course even with the patrons and players, the game would not be feasible without the ponies, hence the inclusion of a tribute to some of the best.

Fifth Chukker, although predominantly polo, is a lifestyle publication with a global outlook, which attracted me moreso to be its Editor. A long standing admirer of the beautifully

Editor in Chief - YASEMEN KANER-WHITE Editorial Team - YUSUF SAAB, SHEYI AFOLABI, ONYEKA UDECHUKWU, BARBARA PATRICIA ZINGG Journalists - YASEMEN KANER-WHITE, KAREN JACKSON, DIANA McCORMICK, LILBY SKAZ, ERNEST EKPENYONG, DIANA BUTLER, TREVOR WILLIAMSON, BARRY NEWCOMBE, TOLU OGUNLESI Photography - SHEYI AFOLABI AND TONY REMIREZ , additional contributors credited Design - TONI BARRINGTON, THE MAGAZINE PRODUCTION COMPANY www.magazineproduction.com

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

“Fifth Chukker, although predominantly polo, is a lifestyle publication with a global outlook, which attracted me more so to be its Editor.”

cut Beretta collections inspired my luxury list, as an avid reader I wanted to include Book Reviews. Naturally, as I am a known foodie, I found a way to bring to you my favourite eateries and food suppliers via my ‘culinary walk through Mayfair’. If you are a long standing Fifth Chukker reader, you would know aside from polo where we have discussed the latest Gold and Coronation Cups, the spotlight is thrown upon another sport with each edition, this time it is Wimbledon, with an enthralling account from tennis author and aficionado Barry Newcombe.

Returning to the global theme, naturally a destination is always featured. Huge debates chronicled by the Daily Telegraph occurred earlier this year as to which is the most popular city in the world. London beat last year’s winner Bangkok predominantly based on future projections, as London is expected to welcome 18.7 million visitors this year, more than any other city. Our London guide to the top places to visit and experience is really all they need, in fact, a useful account even for the locals.

I have thoroughly enjoyed collating a broad range of features for you to enjoy and I hope that translates to your pleasure whilst reading them, wherever that may be...

Warmest,

YASEMEN KANER-WHITE Editor-in-Chief

Fifth Chukker Magazine is a publication of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication to provide up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All material presented are used in good faith and whenever possible, permissions have been applied for. The publisher will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages.

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UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Access Bank UNICEF

CHARITY SHIELD 2014 A Nigerian record three week polo rumble, a brand new low goal cup, a high-end art exhibition and an Access Bank bonanza for UNICEF made the 2014 Charity Shield a memorable edition for everyone.

Lilby Skaz & Ernest Ekpenyong

F

ifth Chukker Polo and Country Club were the subject of an Art exhibition which was formally inaugurated by His Excellency, Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State during the 2014 Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament.

The unique collection of large canvas paintings and pastel sketches by the painter and illustrator, Polly Alakija formed a high culture backdrop to the three –week tournament which started with an intense 4–goal dog fight so fierce that one of the teams pivoted by a 7-goal star didn’t even make the semi finals.

The aggression was duly transferred to the mediumgoal Access Bank cup and the high-goal Charity Shield where Argentine professionals led the battle for their Nigerian patrons.

An après polo headliner was the Hellenic costume night to highlight the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in northern Nigeria. This cause is what the tournament is really all about and for which sole sponsor Access Bank has doubled its annual UNICEF sponsorship to NGN 10 million.

10

In the Charity Shield challenge, holders Access Bank Barbados began their title defence with a comfortable 11-7 defeat of Fifth Chukker. Max Air also beat Keffi Ponies 11-10 in the second game to keep pace with the defending champions.

In the last round of the round robin, Access Bank downed hard-charging Max Air 8-6 to win the championship while Keffi Ponies overwhelmed Fifth Chukker 9-6 to emerge runners-up on superior goal difference.

Former Kaduna state governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi presented the Charity Shield to Access Bank Barbados captain, Kashim Bukar. Access bank director, Ade Ologun gave out prizes to the runners-up and also presented the bank’s NGN 10million donation to the UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Jean Gough.

The champions’ playmaker, Manuel Crespo was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament while Don Castor was decorated as The Best Playing Pony by Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission.

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Access bank’s Ade Ologun and Joseph Ikpaanyam presents a donation to UNICEF Country Rep Jean Gough

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Tournament Umpires Kaduna Polo Club President Shehu Mu’azu and Muhammad Babangida in pre-match handshake

Kaduna Governor Ramallan Yero steps out for the throw-in

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Senator Ahmed Makarfi with the victorious Access bank Barbedos team - Kashim Bukar,Santiago Solari, Adamu Atta and Manuel Crespo

The Teams: Access Bank/Barbados • Kashim Bukar • Adamu Atta • Santiago Solari • Manuel Crespo

1 3 6 7 17

Max Air • Lawal Mangal • Bello Buba • Fernando Bourdieu • Gonzalo Bourdieu

1 4 6 5 16

Keffi Ponies • Ahmed Wadada • Ibrahim Mohammed • Diego White • Santiago Marambio

0 3 7 6 16

Fifth Chukker • Babangida Hassan • Mohammed Babangida • Fernandez Llorente • Gerardo Mazzini

3 3 6 6 18

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission Ahmed Joda and Adamu Atta with the Best Playing Pony Don Castor

The runners-up, Keffi Ponys; Ahmed Wadada, Ibrahim Mohammed, Nassarawa state deputy governor Dameshi Luka, Diego White and Santi Marambio

Access bank’s Ade Ologun presents runners-up prize to Ahmed Wadada of Keffi Ponys

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Keffi Ponys vs Fifth Chukker in Charity Shield action Mubarak Umar celebrates win with friends

HE Governor Ramallan Yero and Shehu Mu’azu, President of Kaduna Polo Club Julia Martinez

Alhaji Mohammes Hilarious Gonzalo Bordieu with Kayode Thomas

Jessica, Sadjo and Chantelle

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Access Bank Cup

W

The winning Fifth Chukker; Adamu Atta, Tom de Bruin, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mamuda Yusuf RTC’s Johan Duploy hooks Max Air’s Fernando Bourdieu

ith a win apiece, an unexpected 4-4 draw between the early front runners, title holders RTC and Fifth Chukker, blew the coveted Access Bank Cup wide open and threw a big lifeline to Max Air who was just behind after two rounds of matches, with everything to play for in their last games.

Fifth Chukker were first to conclude their campaign with a win over Huawei. But with their fate out of their control, they could only sit on their hands and await the outcome of the final game between RTC and Max Air. A draw was not a desirable result as there was something in it for either side: RTC was playing for the title and had to win by four clear goals to topple Fifth Chukker; Max Air was aiming for a podium finish as runners up. The loser loses everything.

As expected, the match was gritty, tasking the resources of the players, especially the professionals who would take ultimate responsibility for the final outcome. A spirited effort by Diego White, who scored four of RTC’s goals, and Khalifa Ibrahim, with two of his own, would have been enough on any other day but for the gung-ho doggedness of the Bourdieu brothers who appeared just a tad hungrier to win it for their patron, Lawal Mangal. They ultimately did with a close 7-6 victory which handed Fifth Chukker the cup and earned Max Air the runners-up prize.

The Teams:

Max Air; Shehu Mangal, Lawal Mangal, Fernando Bourdieu and Gonzalo Bourdieu Huawei vs RTC

16

Max Air • Shehu Mangal • Lawal Mangal • Fernando Bourdieu • Gonzalo Bourdieu

0 +1 +6 +5 12

RTC • Mustapha Sherif • Khalifa Ibrahim • Diego White • Johan Duplooy

0 +2 +7 +3 12

Huawei • Sadiq Wali • Bello Buba • Tomas Usher • Mohammed Babangida

-1 +4 +6 +3 12

Fifth Chukker • Mamuda Yusuf • Adamu Atta • Tom de Bruin • Ibrahim Mohammed

0 +3 +7 +3 13

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

Fifth Chukker Cup

P

lay opened at the 2014 Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield with Opaque Liberty defeating Yula Farms. They were among eight teams battling hard in two streams for tickets to the final of the 4-goal Fifth Chukker Cup, the latest addition to the tournament menu.

As the tournament progressed, Susplan overwhelmed Niyya Farms 5-1, while Ibah Oil & Gas defeated Terra E&P 5-4 in a hotly contested game. Unity Polo went home 5-3 winners over Optimum Riders.

Clear front runners began to emerge by the second round.

While the rest of the field mixed and matched results, Unity and Ibah went on to win all their three group matches to set up the final and a place in the history books as the first winner of the cup.

The final turned out to be a game of two halves. The first belonged to Unity Polo, with Johan Duplooy and Abba Dawule flashing touches of brilliance to give their side a 3½ -1 lead at half-time, although the advantage could and probably should have been bigger.

A reloaded Ibah returned after the break to dominate the final two chukkas, quickly netting two field goals, and could have gone ahead to clinch the winner with a 30 yarder that narrowly missed the target in the last minutes of play. That miss appeared to demoralise the team, allowing Unity Polo to recover from the second half pressure and seal a 4½ - 3 victory with a final goal.

Terra E&P vs Yula Farms

Unity Polo vs Ibah Oil & Gas in the final

Fifth Chukker Cup champions, Unity Polo; Baba Dawule, Lawal and Johan Duploy

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

17

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

UNICEF Cup The absence of American Work to Ride and American University of Nigeria teams turned the UNICEF cup into a straight fight between Kangimi and Fifth Chukker 3. Mumuni Dagazau showed little match rust in marshalling the Kangimi attack to register the first goal of the match. Fifth Chukker 3 responded almost immediately, subsequently going ahead without relinquishing the lead to the end the match 5-4.

Nigeria’s UNICEF country representative Jean Gough presented the trophy to Fifth Chukker 3 Skipper, Baba Dawule.

UNICEF country rep Jean Gough presents the UNICEF Cup to the winning Fifth Chukker 3 Captain Baba Dawule

Kangimi’s Mumuni Dagazau receives the runners-up prize from Hon. Dameshi Luka, deputy governor of Nassarawa state

Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Dr Jean Gough at the throw-in

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

UNICEF CHARITY SHIELD

The Polly Alakija Exhibition

Bose Oladeinde-Abiodun, Polly Alakija and Funmi Oladeinde-Ogbue

The artist and illustrator, Polly Alakija held a three-week exhibition inside the Fifth Chukker Clubhouse during the 2014 Charity Shield Polo Tournament. Her unique collection of large canvas paintings and pastel sketches capture the true essence of the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club and the wider Kangimi community, and those who make its valuable existence possible.

The governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Ramallan Yero was one of several guests who popped in for a view.

Adamu Atta and Bangas, the Fifth Chukker headgroom portrayed on the canvas behind them Polly Alakija with pupils and teachers from the local primary school

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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POLO PEOPLE

POLO. LIVE IT. LOVE IT.

www.fifthchukker.com

●

info@fifthchukker.com

4 PROFESSIONAL POLO FIELDS ● 300 STABLES ● EXERCISE TRACK TACK ROOMS ● LUNGING RINGS ● DRESSAGE ● FULL LIVERY SERVICE RIDING SCHOOL ● HORSE TREKKING ● ON-SITE VET

Conferencing Corporate Events Luxury Villa Rental ●

●

Fifth Chukker Lawns, KM2, Kaduna to Jos Road, after Maraban-Jos, Kaduna, Nigeria

ACCESS BANK POLO DAY

2014 Access Bank FIFTH CHUKKER

POLO DAY Royalty, state governors, business leaders and polo legends unite again for UNICEF at London’s Ham Polo Club.

Lilby Skaz

Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe presents the Aceess bank cup to Adamu Atta

ACCESS BANK POLO DAY

T

he Ham Polo Club hosts more than fifty polo events every season and has helped raise almost $3 million for charity over the last few years through several charitable events that run each year. Thus, it is encouraging that the Club Magazine describes the Access Bank Fifth Chukker Polo Day in these terms: “An unforgettable day… a perfect mix of high level polo and 5-star hospitality, and without question a ‘Must Go To’ event in the polo and social calendar.”

And so they came once more from around the world – Arabian royals, Nigerian heavy hitters, UK and African business leaders, associates of Fifth Chukker, friends and customers of Access Bank Nigeria and Access Bank UK, to partake in the Access Bank/Fifth Chukker/UNICEF Partnership For Charities community enrichment scheme in Northern Nigeria geared towards HIV/Aids, orphans, vulnerable children and poverty alleviation.

At lunch inside a lavish marquee erected beside the clubhouse, guests were formally welcomed by Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Access Bank UK, who were the official hosts of the event.

In his address, Access Bank Group Managing Director Herbert Wigwe stressed that the aim of the event at Ham Polo Club is to raise further awareness of the issues and support required. He explained “our support for the Fifth Chukker UNICEF initiative comes from the fact that we are conscious of our role as a change agent in Nigeria that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice and environmental considerations. We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing.”

Fifth Chukker boss, Adamu Atta recounted the trajectory of the collaboration with UNICEF and Access bank, and how the partnership has now become a compelling brand that can draw the crème de crème of world polo, including current world No.1 Adolfo Cambiaso and former world No.1 Alejandro ‘Piki’ Alberdi who were both present.

To broad applause, Atta also announced that the entire collection of canvas paintings and pastel sketches – by the painter and illustrator Polly Alakija – on exhibition at the event to fundraise for UNICEF had been purchased by an anonymous buyer.

In her own remarks, the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, Dr Jean Gough reminded the gathering that Nigeria still remained one of the biggest HIV black spots in the world and that grassroots involvement of local communities in initiatives to safeguard education and health is crucial in protecting the future of children.

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

Access Bank UK CEO Jamie Symmonds

UNICF Nigeria Country Rep Jean Gough

Adolfo Cambiaso, Polly Alakija, Herbert Wigwe and Adamu Atta with an Alakija painting autographed by Cambiaso for charity

Aigboje and Adolfo Cambiaso

23

Access Bank Executive Director Victor Etuokwu

Chairman Ham Polo club, Nicholas and Pamela Colqhoun-Denvers with Adamu Atta Sue Marie Elliott and Leila Saafi flank another guest

Divot divas Polly Alakija with daughter and her friends

Yinka Akinkungbe and Murtala Ilyasu

Kola Karim (2nd left) arrives with friends Access Bank Executive Director Roosevelt Ogbonna with guests

Prince Ahmed Dasuki, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhede and Adamu Atta

Senator Daisy Danjuma (right) with friends

Jean Gough and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhede

Peter Parker and guests

Adam Taylor, Fiorilla Francesco, Andrea Spadola, Soha Najafi-Jam, Alexandria Friesen, Nicola Divine and Giorgio Frasca

Kashim Bukar and Adolfo Cambiaso

Looking good for the papparazi Emmanuel Ogbu, Yusuf Saab and Rabiu Musa

Roger Woodbridge with Bode Makanjuola

Damian Duncan prepares for the UNICEF Shield

Evelyn Oputu and Remi Makanjuola

Ferrari park

Head, Global Markets, Standard Chartered Bank, Roger Woodbridge and family with Adamu Atta

Guests enjoying a day in the sun Tajudeen Saro, Hakeem Muri- Okunola, Farouk Sale and Kayode Thomas

Gena West

Mrs Damian Duncan with guest Kunle Tinubu and a Friend

Onyeka Udechukwu with friends

Darey Art Alade

Access Bank Chairman Gbenga Oyebode, CEO Herbert Wigwe, Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo and ex CEO Aigboje Aig-Imoukhede

Ade Laoye, Adolfo Cambiaso, Lagos Polo Club president Habeeb Fasinro, Dere Otubu and Hon. Ahmed Wadada

POLO PEOPLE

Herbert and Doreen Wigwe

HIGH GOAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Lunch gradually faded into high goal polo action for the UNICEF Shield clash between Bode Makanjuola’s Caverton and Damian Duncan’s Delaney. Caverton was anchored by ex 10-goal legend Alejandro ‘Piki’ Alberdi, alongside Diego White, while Delaney was backed by another ex 10-goaler Augustin Merlos and Michel de Carrill. After five gruelling chukkas of intense match play, it was Caverton that slinked through to win it.

Meanwhile, the Access Bank Cup has suddenly developed a reputation around the world as a bellweather fixture for future world champions.

In 2013, Adolfo Cambiaso turned up with the entire La Dolfina crew to anchor teams for Adamu Atta and Tajudeen Dantata. Six months later, La Dolfina reclaimed the Argentine Open title. This year, it was Dubai Polo Team that came along with Cambiaso, and the very next month they won the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup for the British Open.

For the Access Bank Cup, Cambiaso teamed up with Adamu Atta, Rashid Albwardy and Guillermo Terrera in Fifth Chukker Access Bank colours, to face down another 10-goal star, Pelon Sterling and the Kangimi squad of Babangida Hassan, Will Healy and Diego Cavanagh, the hero of the 2014 Gold Cup final.

Guests expecting genteel mallet function were pleasantly surprised by the sudden explosion of superlative talent and temperament as both sides thundered through the pitch with the professionalism of ‘hired assassins’ on a scalping mission. In the end, though, Fifth Chukker Access Bank successfully defended the trophy for the second year running.

At the presentations, trophies and prizes were handed out by Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe, former CEO Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, His Excellency, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, Access Bank PLC Chairman Gbenga Oyebode, Fifth Chukker Chairman Ahmed Dasuki and The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Jean Gough.

After the prize giving, guests retreated to the clubhouse where they were serenaded by singers Gena West and Darey Art Alade as the evening faded into the crispy summer night.

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

27

Commentary box Damian Duncan and Bode Makanjuola on the charge

The UNICEF Charity Shield teams with Access bank’s Obinna Nwosu and Jamie Symmonds

UNICEF SHIELD Caverton Bode Makanjuola 0 Rotimi Makanjuola 0 Alejandro “Piki” Alberdi +7 Diego White7...14 Delaney: Damian Duncan 0 Saskis Medows 0 Agustin Merlos +9 Michel de Carrill+7...16 Jamie Symmonds presents to Saskis Medows

Augustine Merlos receives a gift from Access Bank UK Director Obinna Nwosu

Caverton with the UNICEF Shield; Bode Makanjuola, Rotimi Makanjuola, Remi Makanjuola, Diego White and Alejandro Piki Alberdi

ACCESS BANK CUP Fifth Chukker Access Bank: Rashid Albwardy +2 Adamu Atta +3 Adolfo Cambiaso +10 Guillermo Terrera +8...23 Kangimi: Babangida Hassan +3 David Sterling +10 Gov Ibrahim Dankwambo and Babangida Hassan

Diego Cavanagh +7 Will Healy 8…22

Gbenga Oyedode makes a presentation to Rashid Albwardy

Umpires: Charles Seavill, Peter Wright Commentary: Benjie Davis, Charlie Wood Referee: Freddie Ventura

Access Bank Cup teams with Board Chairman Gbenga Oloyede, Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo, UNICEF’s Jean Gough, Group CEO Herbert Wigwe and ex CEO Aigboje Aig-Imoukhede Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY Let’s find out more...

POLO Live it. Love it.

We have a string of Argentinian Polo Ponies for the novice and more experienced riders and players to use. There are Introduction to Polo Days, weekend Polo Clinics & private tuition packages which can be booked upon request. Ponies are available for rent to practice stick & ball, to play in chukkers or participate in tournaments.

RIDING Live it. Love it.

Under the guidance of our qualified club instructors we offer riding lessons, Corporate Packages for groups, weekend packages and private tuition.

There is also a sand school arena, a trotting track and horse trails on offer. Our tuition programme is tailored to individual requirements.

Getting into the saddle...

TREKKING Live it. Love it.

Kangimi Resorts, The Place of Dreams is a beautiful estate bordering the dam and lake water of nothern Kaduna.

The view of flora and fauna are stunning to behold, and worth spending time experiencing, for riders of any level wanting to roam the vast bush land tracts.

Guided horse trekking tours are also a great way to relax and enjoy the outback of northern Nigeria.

Schools & Kids Club Live it. Love it.

In collaboration with the Schools of Kaduna we motivate and encourage the new generation of children to become members of the Equestrian Kids Academy, where the club Instructor is present at all times.

For more information on Fifth Chukker Equestrian Academy Riding School and its range of tuition and leisure packages, tailored for both novice and more experienced riders and players alike, please contact Barbara Patricia Zingg.

Simply call +249 81 78182868 or +2348084762172 barbara@fifthchukker.com or info@fifthchukker.com

Experience the fun and...

be part of it...

HORSE GUARDS PARADE

HORSE GUARDS LONDON POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS The iconic Horse Guards Parade Ground was the setting for the first ever polo test in the very heart of the British establishment Trevor Williamson

I

n the battle of the sexiest sports, the bragging rights to be first to drop anchor in the City of London has finally gone to polo, ahead of Formula 1, after the first London City Polo championships were held on the Royal Horse Guards Parade ground in a truly august occasion.

To properly situate the significance of the venue, Horse Guards is the official ceremonial entrance to St James’s and Buckingham Palaces and headquarters to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment who provide troops for The Queen’s Life Guard. Only members of the royal family or cavalrymen on duty are allowed to drive or ride through the archway of the edifice designed by William Kent.

A royal guard has been kept there since 1660 when the original Guard House of the old Palace of Whitehall was on this site. The Palace of Whitehall, the largest palace in Europe at that time, was destroyed by fire in 1698 and replaced by the present Horse Guards building in 1753.

The parade ground behind the Horse Guards was where Henry VIII used to host jousting competitions, and from 1749 to the current day, the annual ‘Trooping the Colour’ which marks the Queens’ official birthday, an important part of Army history and tradition.

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The parade ground is open on the west side, where it faces Horse Guards Road and St. James’s Park. It is flanked on the north by the Old Admiralty and the Admiralty Citadel on the east, by Horse Guards, and on the south by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the rear garden wall of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister.

It was no mean feat to organise two international games of arena polo with such high profile players in the centre of a city the size of London in a space approximately 50/85 metres. Amendments to the arena polo rules regarding side or end wall ride-offs and play were put in place specifically to make the game faster and more open. Not only was there the logistics of the lack of space and the number of ponies to be co-ordinated together in two different locations, but the many stake holders involved in a project of this size and nature, from sponsors to the military, royal parks and the Prime Minister’s office.

“It was like arranging to play polo in Beijing’s Forbidden City”, explained one of the many officials involved in staffing the permits.

“You couldn’t possibly play it on a more sacred ground.”

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HORSE GUARDS PARADE

The London Polo Championships was organised

by City Polo to benefit the Household Cavalry Foundation. Two matches were played in the evening of Thursday 14th August to close out the opening day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of London, which featured 18 of the best show jumpers competing in the 11th round of this year’s world tour.

In the Westminster Cup, Clogau/DSTRKT London Team Wales, captained by Ricky Cooper and backed up by Roddy Matthews and Peter Webb opened play against Silex Team Ireland, with Captain Richard Fagan, alongside teammates Mikey Henderson and Sebastian Dawnay. Despite the rain, there was no dampening of play as the two teams were level at 11-11 until the last few seconds of play when Peter Webb scored the winning goal for Clogau/ DSTRKT London Team Wales.

In the second game, for the London Polo Championships Trophy, commentators Karl UdeMartinez and Sebastian Baker introduced to the crowd EFG England – Chris Hyde (Captain), Max Charlton and Charlie Pidgley and King Power Polo Team Bangkok, fielding Argentine professionals Santi Lujan, Antonino Menard and Adolfo Casabal.

There was strong play from both teams, but King Power Bangkok managed to hold the lead for the entire game, finishing with a final score of 15-11.

Sonia Menezes from Clogau Gold of Wales presented the Westminster Cup to Clogau/DSTRKT London Team Wales captain Ricky Cooper. Robert Mehm, Senior Vice President of EFG Bank handed out The London Polo Championships Trophy to Adolfo Casabal, captain of the victorious King Power Polo Team Bangkok, who also won the Most Valuable Player award sponsored by Oman Air. The Best Playing Pony, Indi, was ridden by Max Charlton in the second chukka of the second game and owned by Richard Blake Thomas.

England professional Max Charlton, the 7-goaler who was the tournament’s highest rated player commented on the game: “it was a good size arena, the surface was amazing, you could go at any speed and turn, it was great footing for the horses and the new rules really helped the flow of play.”

THE WESTMINSTER CUP Cloagu/DSTRK London Team Wales:

THE LONDON POLO CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY EFG England:

Ricky Cooper +1 (Captain) Roddy Matthews +5 Peter Webb +5…11

Chris Hyde +5 (Captain) Max Charlton +7 Charlie Pidgley 0…12

Silex Team Ireland:

King Power Bangkok:

Richard Fagan +1 (Captain) Mickey Henderson+ 4 Sebastian Dawnay +4…9

Adolfo Casabal +4 (Captain) Santi Lujan +3 Antonio Menard +1…8 • Handicaps are outdoor ratings

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

QUEEN’S CUP

QUEEN’S CUP in bygone days Diana Butler

T

he most important trophy played for at Guards Polo Club in any year is ironically, probably the smallest.

The Queen’s Cup may be one of the world’s greatest polo tournaments, but the diminutive silver trophy stands at just 12.5 cm tall. It is fought over for roughly three weeks every June by some of the biggest names in the game and has been Guards Polo Club’s leading competition since it was first personally presented to the Club by HM The Queen in 1960.

Not surprisingly, after more than 50 years of play, the base of the Queen’s Cup is almost three times the size of the actual trophy as there are so many great games and an enviable list of players to feature, that have played for this royal honour. Many of the most famous names in the sport over the past five decades are among this cup’s roll call of winners.

Not least HRH The Prince of Wales, who won the Cup in 1986 with Guy Wildenstein’s Les Diables Bleus, defeating Anthony Embiricos’s Tramontana team.

Prince Charles was more successful than his father, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who reached the finals twice in the 1960’s, but never actually won the cup. He was a member of the Windsor Park team which were defeated 51/2-5 by Evelyn de Rothschild’s Centaurs in 1964.

He lost out by half a goal again a couple of years later, when playing for Friar Park in 1966. This time they were beaten by Lord Brecknock’s Pimms team.

Other important names who could add this tournament to their list of many polo victories were the Argentine 10-goalers Eduardo Moore and Hector Barrantes, many members of the Pieres family, Carlos Gracida, Lord Vestey and his brother Mark, Julian and Howard Hipwood, Galen Weston, Claire, Simon, Luke and Mark Tomlinson and the Marquis of Milford Haven. In fact the history of the Queen’s Cup is almost a concise history of the modern game of polo in the UK. Surprisingly the Queen’s Cup tournament did not have a very auspicious start though. The first final was played on a very wet afternoon at Guards Polo Club in June 1960. The first winners to have their names added to the cup were Sir Evelyn de Rothschild’s Centaurs team, featuring Dr Marin Moreno (6-goal), John Lucas (4-goal), Guillermo Gracida (7-goal). They overwhelmed Cowdray Park 8-21/2, but as a Horse & Hound magazine reporter wrote: “Evelyn de Rothschild’s side was well mounted and well drilled with the players interchanging their positions with smoothness and speed. I think they would have won by an even greater margin if it had been fine.”

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In more recent years the Queen’s Cup has been played as a high-goal tournament, with team handicaps adding up to 22-goals. Such is its popularity that it regularly attracts around 16 teams each year. Each squad exudes quality and is invariably dominated by the superstars of the modern game – the Argentines. In fact the team sheet of any Queen’s Cup tournament in the modern era reads like a Who’s Who of polo.

Adolfo Cambiaso, who has won the trophy a record eight times, with Kerry Packer’s Ellerston, Rick Stowe’s Geebung and now with Ali Albwardy’s Dubai side, still lists it as one of his tournaments to win in a year. “I love playing in the Queen’s Cup. I love the English feel of it. Nothing could be a greater contrast to the drums in Palermo at the Argentine Open.”

The current holders of the trophy are Lyndon Lea’s Zacara, featuring 10-goaler Facundo Pieres. However Facundo has had a more chequered history in this competition than Adolfo as his only official wins have been with Zacara in 2012 and 2013. He was listed as a winner with Ellerston in 2008, but was unfortunately injured in earlier league matches and so had to watch the final from the team tent.

Not surprisingly, the skill of the players and ponies is equally matched by the pomp and pageantry of finals day itself. HM The Queen historically attends the final to present her trophy to the winning patron and watches the match from Guards Polo Club’s Royal Box. Her Majesty is regularly accompanied by the Club’s President, HRH Prince Philip, who continues to watch each match with an experienced eye. When, in 2011, The Queen was unable to attend, she asked her grandson, HRH Prince Harry to represent her. A regular player himself – although he has yet to add his name to this particular trophy – he was delighted to represent his grandmother at this prestigious event and catch up with old friends.

With such world-class sportsmen on the field and leading royalty watching the game, the sponsors of the Queen’s Cup have to be equally impressive. Alfred Dunhill, the luxury goods company, sponsored the tournament for 20 years (1980 – 2000). Richard Dunhill, Chairman of this leading brand throughout the company’s polo sponsorship, wrote in 1999: “high-goal polo is a fitting sport for Alfred Dunhill.

We share the same unique values of Englishness, masculinity, glamour and high quality.”

The same could be said of the trophy’s current sponsor Cartier. After 27 years of supporting the International Day at Guards Polo Club, this leading jeweller and watchmaker moved its sponsorship to the Queen’s

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QUEEN’S CUP

Cup in 2012. On announcing this move, Arnaud Bamberger, Chairman of Cartier UK said: “we are honoured to uphold our loyalty to the sport of polo with the Cartier Queen’s Cup. It is a much treasured privilege to have such a standing in the British social calendar.”

Cartier’s sponsorship ensures that Guards Polo Club, Europe’s leading polo venue, continues to host an event that effortlessly blends glamour and sophistication. Cartier brings together an eclectic guest list of around 500, featuring Hollywood stars, fashion designers and their muses, writers and leading opinion leaders. With such a crowd, plus the chance to sample a divine lunch and delicious afternoon tea created by leading chef Anton Mosimann OBE, everyone wants a Cartier Queen’s Cup invitation.

Next year’s event will be no different. Guards Polo Club has already confirmed that the final will be played on Sunday 14 June 2015. Thanks to this trophy’s incredible history and royal presence, this tournament will, once again be the tournament of choice for all.

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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QUEEN’S CUP

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

Queens Cup Programme Cover

QUEEN’S CUP

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QUEEN’S CUP

Claire Tomlinson copyright Mike Roberts

Diables Bleus copyright Mike Roberts

Queen’s Cup 1980 Stowell Park copyright Mike Roberts

Queens Cup 1999 Ellerston White copyright Mike Roberts

Queens Cup Urs Schwartzenbach & Hubert Perrodo copyright Mike Roberts

Centaurs Queen’s Cup 1960 copyright Charles White-Michael Chevis 2

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

POLO PEOPLE

Zacara crowned Kings of

QUEEN’S CUP Diana Butler

L

yndon Lea’s Zacara once again dominated the Cartier Queen’s Cup, this time defeating Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas 10-7 to retain the cup that they first won in 2013. In fact this team was so impressive that not only did Facundo Pieres receive the Cartier Most Valuable Player Award from HM The Queen and be named World Polo Tour’s (WPT) Most Successful Professional, but his patron took the amateur title too.

However Zacara had arrived in this 22-goal tournament with a question mark hanging over them. This team may have dominated the 2013 high-goal seasons in the UK and USA with wins in the US Open, English Open, USPA Gold Cup and the Queen’s Cup, but had to change their winning line-up due to end of season handicap changes. So everyone waited to see if this patron had created another winning polo powerhouse.

Zacara did not disappoint. Back into the team came the six-goal Argentine Gonzalo Deltour. He was no stranger to Zacara’s style of play – Deltour had been a member of the Zacara team when they won the British Open in 2011. Ignoring the pressure, he paired

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

up brilliantly with Facundo Pieres, creating a scoring duo that was impossible to beat. In fact, despite an impressive entry of 16 high-goal teams, including every player with a 10-goal handicap in the world at the time, Zacara dominated every match, seven games in total.

So Zacara returned to this final, played on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club, hot favourites to win once again. They knew it would not be an easy match though. Talandracas were winners in 2011 and Carmignac’s men were unlikely to be fazed by the big occasion. However Zacara were on fire from the first whistle, producing some fabulous runs down the field to goal. By half time they had secured an impressive 6-2 lead over Talandracas. It must be said though that this score did not reflect the standard of play.

Much to the delight of the packed stands at Smith’s Lawn and circa 3,000 viewers who were watching the game being streamed online, both teams produced a wonderful, running game of polo.

Polito Pieres, Facundo’s cousin, had been instrumental in putting Talandracas into this final and he played hard throughout this match to keep Carmignac’s hopes alive, especially in the second half.

He had closed the gap to 7-4 at the end of the fourth, but by now

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QUEEN’S CUP

Zacara has scented victory. In fact their ability to consistently play fast, four-man polo gave them the edge in this final. Matt Perry successfully fed balls up to his number one, Facundo Pieres, while Lyndon was a really effective number two. Of course ponies are often the difference between winning and losing at this level and this match was no different, with all of Zacara’s string having that much needed extra acceleration.

As Facundo said at the press conference: “This is a team effort – you cannot win matches on your own.”

At the post match presentations, Facundo Pieres was especially delighted to receive the Best Playing Pony Award for his 10-year-old Argentine bred mare Galatica, whom he had played in the third chukka. She had been similarly awarded last year. This pony prize was particularly significant this year as it was presented in memory of Carlos Gracida, the great Mexican international who had died following a polo fall in February. Carlos Snr had won the Queen’s Cup in 2004 with Labegorce and was a popular player at Guards Polo Club and so this was a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest players. Cartier had invited his son, Carlitos to join HM The Queen to present the pony prize and it was wonderful to see the Gracida family involved in this appropriate tribute.

Finals day itself was also hugely significant as Cartier was celebrating its 30th anniversary of polo sponsorship at Guards Polo Club on this day. This leading watch and jewellery brand is the biggest global sponsor of the sport in the and Arnaud Bamberger, Chairman of Cartier UK and his guests, which included HM Queen Noor of Jordan, actress Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey fame and Sex in the City’s Kristin Davis, watched this milestone match from the comfort of Guards Polo Club’s elegant Royal Box. Polo action had in fact started earlier in the day when Charlie Hanbury and his El Remanso team defeated John Muse’s Lucchese 12-11 to win the subsidiary final for the Cartier Cup. This was a closer game, played on the Club’s Duke’s Ground and was the perfect opener for an afternoon of high-goal excellence.

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THE TEAMS: Zacara: Facundo Pieres (10); Lyndon Lea (2); Gonzalo Deltour (6); Matt Perry (4) Talandracas: Polito Pieres (8); Santiago Stirling (4); Juan Martin Nero (10); Edouard Carmignac (0) El Remanso: Charlie Hanbury (4); David Stirling (10); Guillermo Terrera (8); Scott Luard (0) Lucchese: John Muse (0); Lucas James (7); Nico Pieres (8); Luke Tomlinson (7)

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

PROPERTY

Villaggio Vista Villaggio Vista is a development by Metropolis Development Ltd, comprising of four towers.

At twenty four floors, the ultra modern residential sky scraper is the highest building in Ghana. The Architecture draws inspiration from the iconic kente cloth’s strong graphic and colouring and gives it a modern interpretation to produce a stunningly contemporary but culturally grounded piece of iconic Architecture.

T

he Kente cloth design literally wraps the building, and due to its advanced skin construction gives an immense amount of thermal protection to the residences within.

The external skin of the tower is made up of four layers: 1 the rain-skin cladding 2 concrete block work 3 air cavity and insulation 4 internal dry wall, producing a super insulated internal environment.

The modernity of the exterior is matched by the innovation of the building and its technological systems. The building addresses the tropical environment in both passive and active ways. All windows and glazed balconies are recessed from the façade. The glazing is coated with

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a Low “E” coating reflecting 70% of the solar radiation hitting the glass.

Even the air that is expelled from each apartment passes through a heat exchanger which pre chills the incoming fresh air with the exhaust.

All this goes to reduce the energy consumption of the residences as much as possible.

The residences within the tower are generously proportioned and fitted out to the highest international standards. There are duplex units, three bed units, four bedroom units and five bedroom penthouses. The tower also boasts a glamorous entrance lobby and waiting area and is also the location of Accra’s most exclusive restaurant, Santoku. The top of the building (usually the location of the plant room) has been turned into

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PROPERTY

a unique roof terrace open to all residents of the development. It has a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar, and real trees. The experience of cooling off in an infinity edged pool on top of the highest building in Ghana is truly spectacular.

One of Metropolis Developments business aims is to maintain value for its client’s investments. With strong growth in asset value for its apartments and an impressive rental rate of 98%, the company’s developments are savvy investments for the property minded, giving both asset appreciation and strong investment yields. The developments investment opportunities are not to be missed.

There are still a few units available to purchase in the final and tallest tower which is scheduled for completion in 2015 and which will boast an additional fabulous restaurant and exclusive gym.

Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

www.villaggiovista.com +233 302 785756 +233 302 785821 sales@villaggiovista.com Associated Projects www.trasaccovalley.com www.villaggioghana.com www.auroraghana.com

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BEST PLAYING PONIES

Queen’s Cup: Galactica, used in the third chukka and netting him two goals in that frame, taking the Carlos Gracida Rug as best playing pony.

Queen’s Cup: 15 year old mare called Moscow, Zacara, played by Facundo Pieres

Queen’s Cup: 6 year old stallion called Electo, UAE, played by Pablo Macdonough

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

BEST PLAYING PONIES

Gold Cup: Ellerston Cup, Marmite (16 yrs old) owned and ridden by Mark Tomlinson

Gold Cup: Dolfina Primicia, 8 year old mare, bred, owned and played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Gold Cup: Shannon (13 yrs old) owned and ridden by Gonzalito Pieres Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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GOLD CUP

Dubai closes in on GOLD CUP RECORD Adolfo Cambiaso inspires Dubai’s march into the history books with another stunning British Open triumph.

Trevor Williamson

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 5

POLO PEOPLE

M

oments before the start of the 2014 Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup final, pals Aly Albwardy and Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Patrons of Dubai and King Power respectively, walked the pony lines together, holding hands and producing big smiles for the paparazzi. But meters away, their sons, Rashid and Aiyawatt were all pumped up and primed to undo each other on the pitch.

Dubai (Rashid Albwardy +2, Alastair Paterson +3, Diego Cavanagh +7 and Adolfo Cambiaso +10) finished runners up last year after losing to rampant Zacara in the final. In contrast, King Power (Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha 0, Pablo Llorente +5, Gonzalito Pieres +10 and Marcos Di Paola +7) was making its Gold Cup debut. Both teams advanced to the final on an indomitable run of form, slicing through a 14-team league in nearly four weeks of high pressure match play.

With all the international stars of the game in action, the 22-goal Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup is arguably the most competitive polo tournament in the World.

FIRST HALF

Game time saw the two teams approach the first chukka with extreme caution, eager to not cede crucial early psychological advantage. But Dubai struck first through a Rashid Albwardy field goal. Gonzalito responded for King Power after Cambiaso fouled him. And that was that as the scrappy chukka petered out in a 1-1 stalemate.

The second chukka was equally cagey as the two teams kept it close and tight, drawing strings of fouls to produce five penalty goals, two from Gonzalito and three straight hits from Cavanagh. It finished 4-3, advantage Dubai.

The match really came alive in the third chukka with fluid end to end play and staggering applications of skill. King Power levelled the Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

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GOLD CUP

game at 4-4, then 5–5 before going behind again to a Cavangh penalty.

Clearly determined to stretch the advantage before half time, Cambiaso swooped down in a solo effort to score his first goal of the match and give Dubai a 7-5 lead.

SECOND HALF

After the break, Cambiaso was at it again, bearing down on the opposition unrelentingly until his efforts were rewarded with another goal. The widening deficit compelled King Power to counter more robustly, with Llorente finishing deftly off Di Paola and Gonzalito to stay close. But Dubai soon responded with another spot hit by Cavanagh to restore their three goal advantage at 9-6.

Despite Dubai extending their lead at the beginning of a dramatic fifth chukka, an awesome execution of play by the ruthless Gonzalito produced an incredible 1-2-3-4 goal frenzy to draw the match level again at 10 all and swing back the momentum behind King Power.

Cowdray Park throbbed with feverish expectancy as the dazed Dubai boys struggled to stanch the avalanche. They finally did it with another Cavanagh penalty conversion to get their noses in front once more.

With everything to play for, the game opened up in the final chukka as both sides went for the win. Cambiaso found space to break free from the starting scrum and tapped down the field before angling a neck shot to make it 12–10. As play resumed, a repeat move by the Dubai pivot resulted in a 60 yard penalty which Cavanagh smashed through to provide a more comfortable 3 goal cushion.

With time running out, King Power kept up the pressure, pushing out everything to chase the game. Llorente weaved through the entire Dubai team in a rousing virtuoso to pull a goal back and reduce the score line to a less flattering 13-11. It was arguably the goal of the match, as well as the last goal of the 2014 Gold Cup as both Teams fluffed further scoring opportunities in the final minutes of play.

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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

GOLD CUP

GOLD CUP TEAMS Division A

Division A

Black Bears

King Power

Guy Schwarzenbach 2 Facundo Sola 8 John Paul Clarkin 8 Paco O’Dwyer 4 Total 22

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha 0 Pablo Llorente 5 Gonzalito Pieres 10 Marcos Di Paola 7 Total 22

Division B

Division B

Lucchese

Talandracas

John Muse 0 Lucas James 7 Nico Pieres 8 Luke Tomlinson 7 Total 22

Edouard Carmignac 0 Santiago Stirling 4 Polito Pieres 8 Juan Martin Nero 10 Total 22

Division C

Division C

El Remanso

El Rosario

Scott Luard 0 Charlie Hanbury 4 David Stirling 10 Guillermo Terrera 8 Total 22

Alejandro Penafeil 1 Francisco Elizalde 7 Salvador ulloa 7 TBC 7 Total 22

Enigma

HB Polo

Jerome Wirth 0 Sapo Caset 9 Guillermo Willington 7 Chris Mackenzie 5 Total 21

Ludovic Pailloncy 1 Ignacio Toccalino 8 Pite Merlos 8 Sebastien Pailloncy 3 Total 20

Dubai

EFG Aravali

Rashid Albwardy 2 Ali Paterson 3 Adolfo Cambiaso 10 Diego Cavanagh 7 Total 22

Jaime Huidobro 8 Alejandro Muzzio 7 Joaquin Pittaluga 7 Karan Thapar 0 Total 22

Halcyon Gallery

Thai Polo

George Hanbury 3 Mark Tomlinson 6 James Beim 7 James Harper 6 Total 22

Harald Link 0 Juan Ambroggio 7 Nic Roldan 8 Tomás Garcia del Río 7 Total 22

UAE Polo

Zacara

HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum 0 Lucas Monteverde 8 Pablo MacDonough 10 Ollie Cudmore 4 Total 22

Lyndon Lea 1 Facundo Pieres 10 Gonzalo Deltour 7 Matt Perry 4 Total 22

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Prince Albert Esiri and Lord Cowdray

Rashid Albwardy Dubai Polo Team

Aly Albwardy and Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Patrons of Dubai and King Power

Diego White and family

GOLD CUP

NUGGETS FROM THE GOLD CUP

• Aly Albwardy and sons, Tariq and Rashid, have now won four Veuve Clicquot Gold Cups between them for Dubai (2001, 2005, 2010, 2014), just one short of the record five championships attained

by Lord Vestey’s Stowell Park and Tony Embiricos’ Tramontana.

MATCH STATS Score Dubai – King Power: 1-1, 4-3, 7-5, 9-6, 11-10, 13-11

• King Power was overwhelmingly the team of the tournament, winning every match in their fairytale run to the final at their very first Gold Cup attempt.

Scorers

• By far the biggest upset of the championship was the quarter finals elimination of defending champions Zacara by Halcyon Gallery.

Earlier in the streams, Dubai also defeated the 2013 double British Open and Queen’s Cup champions to end their two year unbeaten run and 22-match winning streak.

King Power: Gonzalito Pieres 8, Pablo Llorente 2, Marcos Di Paola 1

• Midway through the final, many of the gorgeous guests poured onto the pitch to tread in the divots. In the brilliant sunshine one could easily see why this event is rated one of the most exciting and stylish occasions of the English sporting season, drawing in a sparkling collection of celebrities and aficionados from all over the globe to the glamour, excitement and incomparable setting of Cowdray Park’s famous lawns.

Best Playing Pony

Dubai: Diego Cavanagh 9, Adolfo Cambiaso 3, Rashid Albwardy 1

MVP Adolfo Cambiaso

Primicia (Adolfo Cambiaso) Highest Goal Scorer Gonzalito Pieres 48 (Diego Cavanagh scored 46)

• It was more delight for the spectators as the final proved to be more than a Cambiaso/Gonzalito show. Meteoric Diego Cavanagh thoroughly demonstrated why he is one of the hottest young players in the world by scoring the most goals in the match and stretching his overall Gold Cup haul to 46, the tournament’s second highest.

• The Carlos Gracida Memorial Trophy was played on the opening day of the tournament. Defending champions Zacara beat Thai Polo 14-7 and received the trophy from Charles & Lila Pearson and from Carlos’ two sons, Carlitos and Mariano Gracida. Carlos Gracida, 10-time winner of The Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, will have a permanent trophy in his memory at Cowdray Park. Carlos Gracida died in February 2014 after a tragic fall during a Polo match in Wellington, Florida.

• The Gold Cup final was again another seminal performance by Adolfo Cambiaso. The maestro apparently took it all too personally after last year’s capitulation to Zacara and Facundo Pieres in the final sparked speculation that his powers might finally be deserting him and that the end of an era was imminent. Now all that has turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking and exaggerated exuberance.

Babangida Hassan and Family

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Rashid Albarwady

THE LUXURY LIST

An ‘outdoorsey’ lifestyle is a way of life most either enjoy frequently – particularly if they have horses and estates demanding it, or indeed it is a paradigm most aspire to.

Either way, with the latest fashion trends embracing the big outdoors – leading designers producing collections of cutting edge anoraks, woollens, shearlings and sheepskins and the season’s motto as defined by Vogue: “Protect and Survive”, it is a clear sign when planning the days’ attire to mix and match suave with sensibility.

My olive Beretta suede coat with a flash of lime as detail has served me well whilst watching polo this season in the expected inclement English weather... Beretta’s new collection supplies stylish sophistication whilst ensuring you are well protected, enjoy...

Yasemen Kaner-White

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WIMBLEDON

WIMBLEDON Then & Now

Tennis is a global business these days, penetrating cities and countries where it was rarely played, let alone setting up tournaments to attract the best of players in the hope of tempting the public to watch them. By and large they do, in their millions.

Barry Newcombe

(c)AELTC/Matthias Hangst (The Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles trophies on display) gentlemen’s on the left

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(c)AELTC/Matthias Hangst (Aerial view of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club during The Championships)

WIMBLEDON

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obody could have envisaged such phenomenal growth around the world when tennis first appeared in a peculiar way in the 12th Century in northern France.

It is believed to have begun in monastic cloisters under the name of “jeu de palme” which described hitting an object onto a wall and then trying to hit it again. Naturally, this “game” could only be played indoors but it was only a question of time before it began to expand into something similar to what exists today.

Whether any numbers of people watched tennis in those early days is not recorded but there is no doubt that the introduction of rackets in the 16th century proved significant and allowed the basis of the game to develop to what it is today, a global industry played by millions around the world and watched by even more who value the thrill of being so close to a high speed, high power, and multi-faceted sport.

Great Britain was the first country to take the promotion of tennis seriously when the All England Club Championships were established at Wimbledon in South West London in 1877 and have been played there ever since, establishing a platform for skill and entertainment that has never diminished.The French and Australian Championships followed and once these four major titles were available year on year the question of a Grand Slam of titles became a bench mark which the best players have striven to achieve ever since.

An indication of the development of tennis comes from Japan where 2014 is a particularly significant year with the appearance of the Japanese

national team in the Davis Cup quarter finals, a competition introduced in 1900 but in which the Japan players had had little impact. Japanese players had silver medals in singles and doubles at the 1920 Olympic Games but the real breakthrough in Japanese fortunes came in 2012 when the Japan Open was won by Kei Nishikori. Two years later, at the US Open, Nishikori became the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam final as ample evidence that fortunes had begun to change.

The first professional tour in tennis was in 1926 at a time when the mercurial Suzanne Lenglen of France was attracting attention throughout the world, winning Wimbledon for the first time in 1919 and then taking the singles title a total of six times. There was no similar dominance in the men’s game but there were exceptions, the British player Tony Wilding won four singles in a row from 1910. Then the French players had a period of success with Jean Borotra and Henri Cochet splitting six titles in the Twenties.

Emerging Britain hungered for a home grown winner in the thirties and finally had their reward when Londoner Fred Perry was crowned champion of Wimbledon three times in the thirties, the last being in 1936. If Perry had more than raised British hopes of continuing success at Wimbledon and elsewhere unfortunately for British tennis fans many barren years stretched ahead before Andy Murray at last clinched the title for himself and Great Britain in 2013.

Before Murray was born in Dunblane, Scotland,on May 15,1987, tennis was undergoing all kinds of development,none more so than in

(c)AELTC/Matthias Hangst (Looking across the outside courts to Centre Court at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club)

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Fred Perry (c)Michael Cole

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Andy Murray (c)Michael Cole

WIMBLEDON

the desire for open tennis with the game totally open to all. This prospect was dangled in front of the game in the sixties and underlined as a prospect when in the summer of 1967 Wimbledon staged an eight man tournament for the singles players who were no longer part of the regular tour. It was won by Rod Laver of Australia, who had twice been champion of Wimbledon as an amateur and the tournament had additional merit in that it showcased players who had been lost to the regular tournament scene.

That winter the International Tennis Federation voted that the game became open to all and it became a reality for men and women in1968. Faced with growing a professional structure, the game moved at a real pace.

Interest grew fast, the first Open titles were competed for and at Wimbledon, almost inevitably, the first Open champion was Laver who defeated his fellow Australian Tony Roche in the final. Open Wimbledon had been born.

In 1987, the year Murray was born, the runner up at Wimbledon for a second year was the Czech Ivan Lendl.

He played in only two Wimbledon finals in 1986 and 1987 and departed without winning a title, for which he seemed admirably equipped. Little did he know that he would return to Wimbledon much later in his life and make a huge contribution to the Championships in a dramatically different way.

Murray was still a remote figure to the upper strata of world tennis. But that was hardly surprising. He was working his socks off as a junior player, preferring to go to Spain to follow his work ethic there and be part of a culture which had already proved itself as a place to nurture talent. I first met Murray at the French Championships where he dipped his toe into combat on slow clay courts and showed with his concentration and willingness for hard work just what was developing in his game. Beyond that, who could then tell?

Three players in particular on the men’s tour would have known about Murray. They are Roger Federer of Switzerland, Rafael Nadal of Spain, and Novak Djokovic of Serbia.They would have heard of his growing reputation in the junior ranks and beyond. They would certainly have watched him play more than a few times just to see what he brought to the party. Sometimes it was good, sometimes not so good. But Murray was learning all the time. One of the things he learned was to hire Ivan Lendl as his coach.

Time will tell that was one of the key things he had done in his tennis life.

Lendl was not beside him, of course, at the time of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing when Murray was a natural first choice in the British team. But in the first round of competition on a cold Beijing evening Murray had a difficult task of stitching his game together and was beaten. He spent a long time afterwards talking over matters with his first coach, Judy, before moving on. The next Olympic Games were four years away and there would be a lot of tennis in between.

Catching sight of Murray in the countdown to the London Olympics, it was easy to judge that this rare opportunity to share in a team atmosphere was more than satisfying. He was a hero to many of his team mates as well as a fellow competitor. The mixture seemed to do him no harm at all, as he worked his way forward through

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the Olympic draw all the way to the final where stood Federer. The atmosphere was huge, the burden on both players was also huge. Federer knew what he was up against in terms of an opponent but might not have expected such a crowd reaction as Murray provoked. Tense it was, all the way through, but in the end Murray rode the waves generated by the crowd and became a true Olympic champion.

One year passed and the realities of life on the tennis tour stayed with Murray. Not only was he Olympic champion he now had to carry the burden of being an even hotter favourite to stage a repeat at the next Wimbledon championships in 2013. One victory did not necessarily follow another as Lendl would doubtless have advised him. More work, more belief, would have been the call from Lendl. The advice was not wasted.

Some players remember their first appearance in a Wimbledon final as a matter for regret. But Murray had no time for any other thought than taking on the considerable range of skills and level of ambition which Djokovic brought to the final. Djokovic would have reasoned that if playing Murray was tough enough then playing Murray and the crowd was twice as bad. Murray must have known he would never have a better chance, set the pace as much as he could, reacted strongly to the difficult moments he had to face before he clinched victory, dropping

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(c)AELTC/Florian Eisele (Novak Djokovic, the 2014 Gentlemen’s Singles Champion kissing the trophy on Centre Court.)

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(c)AELTC/Matthias Hangst (Grass courts being prepared in front of Centre Court at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club)

(c)AELTC/Florian Eisele (Petra Kvitova, the 2014 Ladies’ Singles Champion with the trophy on Centre Court.)

the racket which had done the damage to the grass to savour the moments for which he had worked so hard, not just on this day but for ever.

For the rest of the day Murray was a champion on fire. The silvergilt trophy which he had won never seemed to be out of his hands as he faced the crowds and the adulation. Later that night, in London’s West End, there were even more tributes to come at the Champions’ dinner. He took them all in his stride as if it was meant to happen.

Philip Brook, chairman of Wimbledon, reminded this year’s audience of the success when he said of the wait since Fred Perry was champion in 1936: “Back in 1936, nobody watched Fred Perry’s win on television as the BBC’s broadcast of Wimbledon only started in 1937.

Such was the interest in the 2013 final that the match was watched by 17.3 million people across the BBC and a global audience of 110 million at its peak.”

Brook will be overseeing the next stage of Wimbledon’s development which will include the eye catching installation of a retractable roof over the No 1 Court which means Wimbledon will have two courts from 2019 where play can be continuous. Next year there will be an extra third week between the end of the French championships and the start of Wimbledon, giving players more time to prepare on grass.

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CORONATION CUP

CORONATION CUP Argentina crowned kings of the game Argentina has a huge advantage over of its polo playing rivals.

When it is asked to field a team for an international test match it can call on the services of some of the world’s greatest players.

Diana Butler

S

o when the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) invited the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) to field a team to play England in the 2014 Coronation Cup – the showcase game on Audi International Day at Guards Polo Club – the South Americans called on the services of the top two players in the world – Adolfo Cambiaso and Facundo Pieres.

These talented 10-goalers, the biggest names in the game, have already won every major polo tournament and are no strangers to this event. They were both members of their national side when Argentina last played in the Coronation Cup in 2009, so what inspired them this year? Adolfo Cambiaso, who just a week earlier had won the world-class

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British Open Championship with the Dubai high-goal team, emphasised the significance of wearing an Argentine shirt: “Every time you play for your country is motivation” he said.

This year Cambiaso and Pieres were playing alongside two new names to the English polo season; Francisco Belaustegui and Julio Ruggeri. Despite making their debut on the Queen’s Ground in this match, these less experienced players were unfazed by the occasion and the significance of the match, supporting the 10-goalers superbly throughout the six chukkas. Their contribution ensured that the Equus & Co sponsored Argentina remain unbeaten in the Coronation Cup, this time beating Audi England 13-8. Argentina has won all four of their Coronation Cup encounters against

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POLO PEOPLE

the UK’s national team, with England only looking really intimidating in 2000, when they forced Argentina to extra time and a golden goal scenario!

England, who received a goal on handicap as it was agreed that both teams would play off their highest international handicaps, did not play badly. In fact they put up a much stronger fight than in their last encounter with Argentina five years earlier, but struggled to keep themselves ahead.

They had came into this match with great expectations with four consecutive Coronation Cup victories under their belts.

This was also to be Luke Tomlinson’s final match as captain after an eight year tenure leading his country and he was eager to finish his illustrious international career on a high.

But as he ruefully reflected later: “They just played better than us today!”

Pony power has often been an issue for the English team in this game, with players needing to borrow fresh ponies for the match and this year was no exception. Tomlinson felt that this game, which comes at the end of such a long, high-goal season, had taken its toll. “Our horses are tired at this stage of the season and it showed today,” he added.

So when Argentina turned up the pace, England had led 2-1 at the end of the first chukka, the home side struggled to keep with them. With Cambiaso and Pieres pairing brilliantly, impressive as individuals, but devastating when working together, the goals just kept coming for the South Americans.

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Not surprisingly, after such a result, all the prizes headed Argentina’s way too. HRH Prince Charles, who played regularly on this day with his HRH team until 1993, not only presented Argentina’s captain Facundo Pieres with the mighty Coronation Cup; first played for to celebrate the coronation of King George V in 1911, but also awarded him the Garrard Most Valuable Player Award. Adolfo Cambiaso added the Gaucho Best Playing Pony prize to his many awards after Yun Yun, a seven year old, American bred mare which is owned by the high-goal team Dubai team, impressed the pony judges in this match.

Before the two national sides took to the field there was an equally competitive match from some of the sport’s youngest players. For the first time Guards Polo Club hosted a Potrillos (which in Spanish means foals) chukka featuring Argentina and England’s finest 8 12 year olds. The team sheet read like a Who’s Who of polo with players from many of the sport’s leading families, such as Heguy, Beim, Monteverde, Harper and Hine. Cambiaso’s eldest two children, Mia and Adolfito, the latter sporting an identical helmet to his father, were also in action. To even things up for the teams, the Cambiaso duo, who have clearly inherited all of their father’s flair and courage in the saddle, were on opposing sides, much to the relief of their father who commented: “Well at least one will be happy that they won!”

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CORONATION CUP

CORONATION CUP Equus & Co Argentina: Adolfo Cambiaso (10); Facundo Pieres (10); Julio Ruggeri (4); Francisco Belaustegui (3) 27 goals Audi England: Luke Tomlinson (7); Mark Tomlinson (7); James Beim (7); Ollie Cudmore (5) 26 goals Gaucho Best Playing Pony: Yun Garrard Most Valuable Player: Facundo Pieres

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GOOD BOOKS – BOOK REVIEW

Lemon Compendium A cool crisp gin and tonic just wouldn’t be the same without a fresh slice of lemon, it’s like fish without chips, or the United Kingdom without Scotland. But after dipping into the aptly entitled Lemon Compendium I realise there is so much more to this modest fruit than just adding a zing to my favourite drink.

Diana McCormick

I

n fact, scratch beneath the surface and there is a whole world of lemony goodness that I never knew existed.

Did you know that the juice from this citrus can be used to treat a whole host of common ailments including heartburn and rheumatism? I certainly didn’t.

But that’s only a fragment of the encyclopaedic knowledge Yasemen Kaner-White shares with us in this 277-page guide; if she appeared on Mastermind her specialist subject would undoubtedly be lemons.

It’s a recipe collection, history lesson, domestic and beauty aide all rolled into one. It would look completely at home nestled Yasemen Kaner-White alongside Nigella and Jamie in the kitchen, yet is imposing enough for your coffee table; it’s a seriously impressive reference come cookbook.

The author’s passion for food and travel leaps out from the glossy pages; the Global Lemony Grub section illustrates Yasemen’s huge dedication to the cause, with a lemon-inspired recipe from every single corner of the globe.

Interwoven throughout the countless recipes are Yasemen’s memories of particular dishes or quirky cultural references, adding a wonderful personal touch. Take for example the Hungarian chocolate mousse cake that was invented to commemorate a violinist’s illicit love for a princess, or the Cypriot marinated olives, a recipe from the author’s cousin.

Another hi-light for me is the drinks section which, of course, would not be complete without the humble G&T, but also includes a delicious sparkling wine lemon sorbet; the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon treat.

For those wanting something a little more virtuous, there are nonalcoholic drink ideas and for the real lemon novice there is even a stepby-step guide to achieving the perfect wedge, something so simple, yet so often overlooked.

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Even if you are not a foodie the beautiful photographs of lemons in all their guises can’t help but captivate, and you will find yourself remarking, “Well, I didn’t know that” at various points throughout the lemon journey.

And, if that hasn’t piqued your interest then just imagine a world without lemons, and suddenly, a fruit that seemed so ordinary becomes worthy of an entire book. www.lemoncompendium.com

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GOOD BOOKS – BOOK REVIEW

Climbs and Punishment I don’t pretend to know the first thing about cycling, all that unforgiving Lycra and illegal doping makes the sport somewhat disagreeable to the uninitiated.

Diana McCormick

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ue self-proclaimed ‘non-cycling’ cycling journalist Felix Lowe who has managed to convince me that there is more to pedal pushing than bare-faced lies and performance-enhancing drugs (Lance Armstrong you have a lot to answer for).

In his debut novel Climbs and Punishment: Riding to Rome in the Footsteps of Hannibal, we aren’t subjected to a monologue of two-wheeled chat; instead we follow a group of cyclists riding from Barcelona to Rome, retracing the footsteps of the Carthaginian general Hannibal.

Not to be confused with the serial killer, Hannibal was one of the greatest military leaders in history, and over two thousand years ago led an army of 37 elephants over three mountain ranges to the gates of Rome.

Intertwined within this cerebral historical account, Lowe chronicles his own saddle-bound journey with an ever-changing group of fellow amateurs who all add a great comical component.

I am particularly fond of Lowe’s roommate Terry who is characterised by his ‘bombastic’ snoring, erectile dysfunction and eternal optimism for finding a bath at every hotel stop.

Then there is the ‘ever-suffering’ Michaela who goes missing near the author’s namesake town of Saint-Félix-de-Lodez. Having somehow ventured off-piste, she manages to employ the help of an entire village, including the mayor, to bring her back to safety.

Following in the tyre tracks of the professionals, Lowe and his peloton (that’s a fancy name for bunch of cyclists), take on iconic climbs and roads from the three major European stage races: the Tour de France, Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia.

Not only do we discover what makes a pedalling pro tick, but we also get a cyclist’s eye view of the geography and gastronomy of each country the group passes through.

The snippets of biking trivia and anecdotes are thrown in along the way without becoming too technical or inaccessible to the novice, and the skilful narrative draws you in, and before you know it you are contemplating a cycling holiday in the Alps, minus the Lycra of course.

It’s the blokey banter and wit that keeps the momentum flowing, having spent almost ten years as Eurosport’s cycling editor, there was a high risk of Lowe coming across as a bike bore, but instead he cleverly combines history, cycling, food and travel all in to one entertainingly neat package.

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RUSSIAN POLO

russia WHERE POLO IS GROWING IN POPULARITY...

Much polo progress has occured since the inauguration of Moscow Polo Club in 2003, founded by financiers Victor Huaco, and Gregory Berezkin...

Yasemen Kaner-White

P

olo was embraced in St Petersburg by the Russian royalty and their cavalry in the early nineteenth century but from 1917 polo was prohibited due to the Russian revolution along with many other aristocratic activities.

In fact, private ownership of a horse was not allowed during Soviet times. After the Soviet, in the 1930’s, the US Embassy introduced polo, they say, to get closer to the Russian Generals in order to get messages through to Stalin. The US funded the games but then it all stopped until history was made with the club opening and a demonstration game showcasing 10 of the world’s top professionals – including the England captain, mounted on 25 Argentinian ponies. The audience, not too dissimilar to today’s, was made up of prominent financiers – their associates and of course Russia’s new aristocracy.

Although an initial massive monetary outlay for the financiers, Huaco and Berezkin must have believed re-introducing the game would gain much profit and interest, particularly as Russians tend

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to associate the sport with western elitists, something they admire and would want to embrace. Not only could locals enjoy the pomp and pleasure polo brings but due to the inclusive nature of the sport, foreign attendees would feel at home too, and of course they do, helped with the likes of British Polo Day, a decade on, now hosting tournaments at the club.

Whilst recently in Russia, I had the pleasure to meet with the current Moscow Polo Club owner – Alex Rodzianko who entered the sport by chance. Rodzianko and Hucao, then both traders in emerging markets, left the US bound for Russia, in the early 1990’s.

When Rodzianko was the head of Deutsch Bank in 2003, Hucao called him out of the blue wanting sponsorship for his games.

Already having joined his daughter in riding lessons – his interest in horsemanship had been sparked and the bank elsewhere previously sponsored polo, so he thought – why not? Hucao and Berezkin later went their separate ways, and as Hucao left, so the future of the polo club hung in the balance, until Berezkin said to Rodzianko,

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“you are the most grown up in this polo world – buy it”, and the deal was made. Hucao went on to open another club which still operates but on a smaller scale.

Moscow Polo Club is the biggest polo club in Moscow, laying north of the city, it has 2 game fields and 1 practice, housing 55 horses, with 45 playing. His best playing horse is an Argentine called Azul, the second, a local breed (and my favourite breed) AkhalTeke – originally Turkish thoroughbreds, renowned for being very temperamental, quick and reactive, is called Gisar. I ask to see a picture, as he fetches his i-pad to show me, he add’s “they seem to think more than other breeds”. Currently highways being built to St Petersburg near to the club, will make access just one hour away, no doubt increasing the club’s traffic. The fields were designed by Alejandro Battro, founder of Battro Polo Fields who are leading polo designers, having created for top clubs, players and teams alike, for over 35 years. The club is in good company alongside other clients including Hurlingham Club, Polo Club Saint-Tropez, Sotogrande, La Lechuza in Palm Beach, La Dolfina, La Aguada, Ellerstina, and The Campo Argentino del. Adjacent to the club is a huge golf course called Tseleevo Golf, bringing polo and golf together in a stunning complex. The grooms derive from south Russian states, for example Uzbek and their pros’s are Argentinian, having had Polito’s cousin to train and play with them. Their polo is split into 2 seasons, Winter – Febuary/March, Summer – May/September, when the weather is bad, arena polo is played. During the off-season treks are available. The club also teaches polo, breeds, trains and sells horses.

Russia has a rich relationship with horses. The magnificent Moscow Central Hippodrome is 200 hectares, founded in 1834 – it is the largest horse racing track in Russia. There is also the Grand International Equestrian Club – Pradar, where Alex has played. South east of the city is the olympic equestrian centre, built in 1980 for the olympics. Riding is increasing in popularity, as is polo. Dotted around the city there are numerous private barns from deluxe to basic. Much to Alex’s delight, he recently found out although his venture with polo started by fluke, the game is actually in his blood. His mother’s great grandma was Princess Belosselsky, who owned the island Krestovsky Ostrov. Polo matches regularly took place at their estate on the Belosselsky-Belozersky polo grounds, in fact a photograph depicting a mounted winning team, at Belosselsky Belozersky polo grounds, is on display in the Mannerheim museum – Helsinki, Finland. The polo club ran until World War 1 in 1914. Now, the island still has a little riding club, and they are building a stadium which will be used in the coming olympics in 2018.

Alex is the father of Misha Rodzianko, whose US given handicap is currently 2. Misha has studied and played in Florida for the last 3 years, where he keeps his horses. Playing mainly medium goal, with the highest 20, he has played alongside the late Carlos Gracida, and his son, in Palm Beach. He also, with his father, plays in the UK, recently at Emsworth Polo Grounds which hosted a Russian flavoured tournament. With such like events, Alex believes Russian Polo has a big future, Emsworth hosted 6 Russian teams, each having native Russian players within it. The Rodzianko’s have played from 2008-2012 in the UK, partaking in events at Guards, for instance the Ivan The Terrible Challenge, as well as at Ham Polo Club. Ivan The Terrible Challange didn’t carry on sponsoring, so in 2012, they played at Ascot Polo Club. The highest they have played in Russia is 14 goal.

British Polo Day visited during 2013 with plans to do an event in Russia, Alex took them to his club to play, they cut a deal quickly and set a date for September 7th 2013 – initiating an on-going relationship.

Weather was against them, but their Battro field came to the rescue with good drainage systems, alleviating the bad conditions. This year they played July 6th, with kinder weather and a great turn out, next year they kick off again in July 2015. The Hyatt Hotel hosted the after party for the recent tournament, which was sponsored by Ingosstrakh Insurance and Pond Mobile. Alex is hoping the government acknowledges polo as a sport worth talking about, which would inspire even more sponsorship.

Edward Olver – CEO and Co-Founder of British Polo Day, talked me through their inspiration for joining polo forces with Russia. “When I was looking through my checked in places on Facebook, which I see as a library of life, a biographical record of where one spends their time, I was astonished how much of Russia I have seen. Russia is a hugely powerful global player, as a business we want a global reach, we couldn’t say we are global if we are not in Russia!”. Although clearly a politically sensitive time, Edward, rightly so, believes sport is above politics.

“Historically people should see beyond what the media portray, we give as a gift for the people who can go to Russia, to see a different side of Russia, obviously polo is growing, with a lot of exciting developments there.” He, like others within polo, have noted more and more Russian faces in the sport, and with the likes of the Rodzianko’s, it is with a global outreach. Royston Prisk 2-goaler, from England, who has played in Moscow Polo Club, astutely commented “The current standard in Russia is not really comparable to the UK in terms of the higher levels but seems to be growing at the lower levels which will result long term in an overall increase in level and the standard of ponies and players.”

Moscow Polo Club

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RUSSIAN POLO

Olver and the Rodzianko’s have made history in Russia, by holding the biggest Russian polo event in polo history.

There is continuing interest in polo in Russia, with major features in the local Tatler and appearances on their Television. Mainly it is the wealthier locals who play, for example actress and attorney at law – Alyona Chekhova, who recently took part in BPD Russia and who tells me she is determined to spread the word of this beautiful sport, by including friends and associates. Today in Russia, Alex thinks one needs around 20-30,000 dollars per year to play polo. He says the Crème de la crème of Russian elite find it easier however to fly to Spain or England, but they still play at Alex’s club from time to time. He explains his “target audience is mid to high executives, not the super wealthy, that said perhaps due to recent sanctions and not being able to fly to Spain or the US, there will be a different crowd coming”. He may well be right, as with the food sanctions, new suppliers are local and might become permanent, the same applies to players.

As we close our conversation he recounts when he was on the locally popular chat show – Stick & Ball, where they had a representative for golf, hockey and Alex for polo, his host accusingly said to the golf spokesman “your sport is played by the bourgeois”, Alex dreaded what he might say regards polo, so he got in there first and said “polo’s not played by the beogouis, it’s played

by Kings.” That said, unlike England where we have a tournament in the Queen’s name and polo playing royalty, Russia without backing from the top, has to carve out its own polo legacy, which it seems to be doing rather well.

RUSSIA Moscow Polo Club Tel: +7 (968) 097-70-96 email: info@moscowpoloclub.ru website: www.moscowpoloclub.com

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Boris Asoev, Anastasia, Misha & Alexis Rodzianko

Anastasia & Alexis Rodzianko

Misha Rodzianko on Safinda

Alexis Rodzianko on Paloma

Anastasia, Alexis & Misha Rodzianko (Russian Open 2011

Misha and Alexis Rodzianko

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British Polo Day (c) Sam Churchill

POLO PEOPLE

WORLD

ECONOMIC FORUM May 7 – 9, 2014, in Abuja, Nigeria Tolu Ogunlesi

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

C

oming only four weeks after the emergence of Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy, and the 26th largest in the world, the country’s hosting of the 24th annual World Economic Forum on Africa seemed a fitting celebration.

Holding for the first time in West Africa, the 2014 edition aptly captured the dramatic shift in continental economic power from South Africa – which has also hosted the Forum a record seventeen times.

The Africa Forum, organised by World Economic Forum – a nonprofit organisation established in Switzerland in 1971 to bring public and private sector players together for the purpose of “improving the state of the world”, is an invitation-only event that has held annually since 1990 and brings together governments, businesses and civil society from within and outside the continent, for what organisers say is the “foremost gathering on the continent.”

The road to the 2014 Forum was a daunting one. In the weeks leading up to the event, two separate bomb explosions went off on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and the host city, raising fears of an outright cancellation, or relocation to another country. A rattled Nigerian government announced it would deploy thousands of law enforcement agents to protect the capital and the hundreds of guests due to attend the event. The deserted streets of Abuja (on account of three days of public holiday ordered by the government) and the heavily-guarded entrance to the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the Forum hub, provided a clear hint of the tension in the air.

To the relief of everyone, the Forum ended without incident.

The impressive turnout of 1,000 delegates from more than seventy countries; the largest number in the history of the Africa Forum, led Professor Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, to declare that “this is a sign of the confidence we all have in this great country” and that “we cannot allow terrorism to dictate our agenda.”

The summit’s opening session brought together the leaders of China and Nigeria, economic giants of their respective continents. “China and Africa face many similar problems and share the same task of growing the economy, raising living standards and promoting social progress,” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in his keynote address.

As the most populous country in Africa, as well as the largest economy, Nigeria’s economic journey over the last decade mirrors that of most of the countries on the continent. Its economic indices have improved considerably, as successive governments have sought to implement ambitious reform programmes. Average annual economic

growth has tripled compared with the preceding decade, and inflation has fallen by half. In the last three years more than $20 billion has flowed into Nigeria in foreign direct investments, into sectors like agriculture, retail, telecommunications, hospitality and power. And like the rest of the continent Nigeria has a very young population; with half of the population below the age of 18.

But there are also still a lot of serious problems; high rates of poverty, rising unemployment and a huge infrastructure gap being some of the key ones. While Africa has dominated the list of fastest growing economies in the world over the last decade, and is projected to continue that trend over the next decade, that growth has failed to translate into a markedly better life for hundreds of millions of people on the continent. In his keynote speech Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan said “the quality of our growth has been less than desirable in the sense that we are not creating as many decent jobs as we need to.” In making its theme “Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs”, the 2014 Africa Forum appeared to be acknowledging this conundrum.

In a number of ways the Nigerian government is trying to reverse the country’s dire employment scenarios. At least two federal job schemes have been introduced in recent years to target young people, as well as grants for the film industry, which is one of the biggest in the world,

World Economic Forum. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell

World Economic Forum. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Jakob Polacsek

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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chairman, World Economic Forum; Li Keqiang, Premier of the Peoples’ Republic of China; Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria

World Economic Forum

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World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja, Nigeria 2014

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and an increasingly important contributor to the economy. In 2012 the government launched a scheme aimed at transforming agriculture into a provide of profitable employment. It now says that initiative has succeeded in boosting food production by more than 15 million metric tonnes.

Nigeria’s commitment to agriculture ensured it was a prominent participant in the 2014 Grow Africa Investment Forum, which held on the sidelines of the Abuja Forum. Grow Africa was launched in 2011 as a partnership between the World Economic Forum, the African Union Commission and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) Agency, with the aim of shoring up commitment from governments and the private sector towards increasing investment in agriculture.

Also at the Forum, Nigerian billionaire and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote led a coalition of Nigerian business-persons to partner with former British Prime Minister and current UN Special Envoy on Education Gordon Brown to launch a ‘Safe Schools Initiative.’

The programme, inspired by the abduction, three weeks before the Abuja Forum, of more than 200 girls from a secondary school in Northeastern Nigeria, is investing an initial sum of $20m into making Nigerian schools safer for students.

It was not all panel discussions and sober-faced speeches at the Abuja Forum. The laid-back air within the sheltered confines of the Hilton combined with the exclusiveness of the guest list to create an environment conducive for daytime schmoozing in the halls and hallways, and networking the evenings.

One of the entertainment highlights was the cocktail hosted by Nigerian banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, at the Hilton, the Abuja Forum hub. Guests danced to the music of Nigerian pop musician D’Banj, whose 2012 summer hit Oliver Twist made it into the Top 10 on the UK Singles Chart upon release.

There was also the cultural evening hosted by the Nigerian government at the International Conference Center, to treat guests to Nigerian cuisine and music.

Following the Forum on Africa organisers said the event succeeded in attracting $68 billion in investment commitments to the continent.

In the months and years ahead many will be watching keenly to see the realisation of those promises, and of the immense and long talked about potential of the African continent. As Albert Kobina Essien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational put it at the Forum: “Africa has been rising for a long time. I hope we will eventually get to a point where we have risen.”

Closing Ceremony. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell

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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photos left Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever, United Kingdom. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell Adrian Finighan, Presenter, Al Jazeera English, United Kingdom.

Copyright by World Economic Forum/ Benedikt von Loebell Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Copyright by World Economic Forum/ Benedikt von Loebell World Economic Forum, Abuja – 7 May 2014 Julian Roberts, Group Chief Executive, Old Mutual, United Kingdom. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell Photos right World Economic Forum, Abuja – 7 May 2014 Eytan Stibbe, Founding Partner, Vital Capital Fund, Switzerland. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Jakob Polacsek Claver Gatete, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda.

Copyright by World Economic Forum/ Benedikt von Loebell Jin-Yong Cai, Executive Vise President and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC). Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, UK; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell

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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Left 1: Infrastructure Development. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell Left 2: From Skills Gaps to Lifelong Learning. Copyright by World Economic Forum Right 1: Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award Ceremony. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell Right 2: Growth Metrics Workshop. Copyright by World Economic Forum/ Jakob Polacsek Right 3: Grow Africa Investment Forum, Abuja, – 7 May 2014 Bottom: Special Address. Copyright by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebell

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TRAVEL

London Put it in your diary...

Karen Jackson

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night7 Fifth Chukker MagazineShard | Vol 2atIssue

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March Henley Regatta

June London to Brighton Classic Car Run

This is an organised series of races held annually on the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames. Established on 26 March 1839, it lasts for 5 days; Wednesday to Sunday, over the first weekend in July. It is the perfect day outside of London to take a wonderful picnic hamper, filled with delicious gourmet food, and excellent wine, packed perhaps by Fortnum and Masons or Harrods, to then sit on picnic rugs by the riverside as you watch the boats go by. This regatta is regarded as part of the English social season. Do remember though, that as with other events in the season, certain enclosures at the Regatta have strict dress codes.

Interested in classic cars? Then this is the day out for you whereby you can either participate in a classic car over twenty-five years old, enjoying a scenic drive through some of the South East’s most picturesque villages, being waved off with the Union flag from the Royal Park at Greenwich, world heritage site home of the famous Royal Observatory. The Meridian Line marks the boundary on the globe between East and West.

Alternatively, choose a prime spot in the capital, to watch and cheer as each car passes by, oftentimes with its driver and passenger dressed in archaic clothing to match their vehicle as they leisurely make their way down to Madeira Drive, in Brighton. The awards include best period costumes and longest distance travelled.

Should you choose to go to Brighton to welcome the veteran cars arrival at the end of the route, why not take the time to visit The Lanes, a collection of narrow lanes famous for their antique and object d’art shops, and narrow alleyways, or Britain’s only nonderelict pier, the Brighton Pier taking a long stroll to the end, past the amusement arcades, to look out to sea or just watch the fishermen, hoping for a catch!

April Grand National Should you be visiting England in April, and wanting to experience some equine action, then the annual Grand National Hunt, held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, is well worth a day outside of London. Held since 1839, this handicap steeplechase, over four miles (3 ½ furlongs) has 30 fences over two circuits to be conquered, it being the most valuable jump race in Europe, it has a prize fund of £1 million.

April Oxford – Cambridge Boat Race 2014 saw the 160th boat race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The route from Putney to Mortlake along the banks of The Tideway, is the oldest sporting event in the world, and a great way to spend a day by the river in London, with plenty of nice pubs and restaurants along the route, to eat and drink as you watch the river traffic go by.

May Chelsea Flower Show Those amongst you with green fingers, or who just enjoy looking at both amateur and commercial gardeners’ efforts won’t find one day enough to see the beautiful flora and fauna exhibited Chelsea Flower Show at arguably the largest flower show in the world. Having gone through a few name changes and venues since its inaugural show in 1862, it is now held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Held in the very heart of London, in the Temple Gardens, the roses; for which these gardens were famous, were alluded to in Shakespeare’s Henry V1 Part 1. The gardens are thought to date from the time of the Knights Templar. As 150,000 people attend the five day event, making space finite, tickets must be purchased in advance. Showing Royal patronage, the Queen always visits the show the day before it opens to the public. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea during the middle two weeks of May. Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

June Trooping of the Colour The Queen’s official birthday. Interested in our Royal family?

Then head over to Whitehall, in central London, to watch the annual ‘Trooping the Colour’ and ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, held every June on the Horse Guards Parade ground, presided over by our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to commemorate her official birthday. Her real birthday on the 21st April, she always celebrates privately.

This site has been used for parades and Royal ceremonies since the 17th century. As the south side of the parade ground abuts the rear garden wall of 10 Downing Street, our Prime Minister’s office and living quarters, unauthorized access is restricted for security reasons.

A Royal footnote to the parade ground is the black background to the number 2 of the double sided clock overlooking it, thought to commemorate the time the last absolute monarch of England, Charles 1, was beheaded at the banqueting house opposite. Should you have an interest in historical army commanders and conquests, it is noteworthy that ringing the outside of the parade ground are a number of statues and military monuments.

June Cartier Polo Whilst Horse Guards Parade hosted the first London Polo Championships in June 2009 with teams from around the world, anyone with an interest in high goal Polo would do well to travel to Berkshire to watch The Cartier Queen’s Cup. This salubrious jewellery brand, infusing the event with their unparalleled quality of elegance and style, is now in its third decade of being the world’s greatest polo sponsors. This event, always a 22-goal event, held at Guards Polo Club, attracts the crème de la crème of the polo world, and is attended on the final day by her Majesty, to present the Cup to the winning Patron.

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June London to Brighton Classic Car Run

June Ladies day Ascot

Interested in classic cars? Then this is the day out for you whereby you can either participate in a classic car over twenty-five years old, enjoying a scenic drive through some of the South East’s most picturesque villages, being waved off with the Union flag from the Royal Park at Greenwich, world heritage site home of the famous Royal Observatory. The Meridian Line marks the boundary on the globe between East and West. Alternatively, choose a prime spot in the capital, to watch and cheer as each car passes by, oftentimes with its driver and passenger dressed in archaic clothing to match their vehicle as they leisurely make their way down to Madeira Drive, in Brighton. The awards include best period costumes and longest distance travelled. Should you choose to go to Brighton to welcome the veteran cars arrival at the end of the route, why not take the time to visit The Lanes, a collection of narrow lanes famous for their antique and object d’art shops, and narrow alleyways, or Britain’s only non-derelict pier, the Brighton Pier taking a long stroll to the end, past the amusement arcades, to look out to sea or just watch the fishermen, hoping for a catch!

In 1711, when out riding, Queen Anne decided Ascot in Berkshire would be the perfect place for a racecourse, and that year the first meeting took place. On each of the annual five days of Royal Ascot, held each June, the Queen and her guests arrive in horse-drawn landaus, passing round the iconic parade ring before taking their seats. This tradition, started by King George 1V in 1825, ensures she passes every guest in each of the three enclosures, the Grandstand, the Silver Ring and the Royal Enclosure, the latter only accessible by formal invitation. Private boxes can be bought for any of the days, wherein you and your guests can enjoy sumptuous cuisine; a different course between each race, and hopefully, lady luck will be on your side when placing your bets! There is a strict dress code, giving the perfect opportunity to dress in your finest top hat and tails with the ladies in high fashion attire, always with a hat or ‘fascinator’ (easy to hire) all of which enhances the thrilling experience of watching the world’s finest jockeys and racehorses.

June Trooping of the Colour The Queen’s official birthday. Interested in our Royal family?

Then head over to Whitehall, in central London, to watch the annual ‘Trooping the Colour’ and ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, held every June on the Horse Guards Parade ground, presided over by our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to commemorate her official birthday. Her real birthday on the 21st April, she always celebrates privately. This site has been used for parades and Royal ceremonies since the 17th century. As the south side of the parade ground abuts the rear garden wall of 10 Downing Street, our Prime Minister’s office and living quarters, unauthorized access is restricted for security reasons. A Royal footnote to the parade ground is the black background to the number 2 of the double sided clock overlooking it, thought to commemorate the time the last absolute monarch of England, Charles 1, was beheaded at the banqueting house opposite. Should you have an interest in historical army commanders and conquests, it is noteworthy that ringing the outside of the parade ground are a number of statues and military monuments.

June Cartier Polo Whilst Horse Guards Parade hosted the first London Polo Championships in June 2009 with teams from around the world, anyone with an interest in high goal Polo would do well to travel to Berkshire to watch The Cartier Queen’s Cup. This salubrious jewellery brand, infusing the event with their unparalleled quality of elegance and style, is now in its third decade of being the world’s greatest polo sponsors. This event, always a 22-goal event, held at Guards Polo Club, attracts the crème de la crème of the polo world, and is attended on the final day by her Majesty, to present the Cup to the winning Patron.

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June - July Wimbledon The tennis aficionados amongst you shouldn’t miss the world’s premier tennis tournament, Wimbledon, taking place just outside central London. It takes place every late June, early July, ending with the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals, the inaugural Championship dating from 1877. This event not only encapsulates a strict dress code for competitors, but traditionally, one can’t attend without eating the traditional strawberries and cream! whilst celebrity watching, most especially watching the Number 1 Centre Court, so named, due to it being in the centre of the grounds, with the other courts arranged around it. The patronage of various Royalty attending on each day, ensures such high attendance from the public that people start queueing day and night, most especially for Centre Court tickets, days before. The tournament lasts circa two weeks – end June – early July

July Silverstone – Grand Prix On the 2nd October 1948, in the middle of England on an abandoned airfield, with hay bales and ropes protecting a piggery and vegetables growing in the middle of the circuit, alongside canvas barriers stopping drivers being distracted by Silverstone cars coming the other way, roughly 100,000 people flocked to see Luigi Villoresi beat a field of 22 others in his Maserati. Silverstone racing history had started!

The next Grand Prix will be on Friday 3rd July until Sunday 5th 2015, but tickets can be obtained well in advance for those anxious not to miss this incredible Formula 1 event, with food and beverages available throughout the venue.

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Notting Hill Carnival

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August - September Buckingham Palace Guided tours between August and September, when the Queen is away from London, gives an insight into the voluptuous trappings and aesthetics of the Queen’s official residence in London, Buckingham Palace. This most iconic building can be traced back to the reign of James I, 1603-25. Amongst its many owners was John Sheffield, later the Duke of Buckingham, from whence the name came.

August Bank Holiday Notting Hill Carnival This carnival, held every August Bank Holiday since 1966, is the largest festival celebration of its type in Europe, when the streets of west London come alive to the sounds of calypso steel bands, the smells of hundreds of Caribbean food stalls, fantastic floats and miles of colourfully dressed participants – a wonderful day out for all.

February & September London Fashion week Held twice a year, in February and September, the current venue for most of the “on-schedule” events is Somerset House in central London, where a large marquee in the central courtyard hosts a series of catwalk shows by top designers and fashion houses, while an exhibition, housed within Somerset House itself, shows over 150 current, high-end designers. Only recently, at the Paris Fashion Week, Louise Vuitton unveiled their new ‘It’ bag: their latest must-have accessory called the Petite-Malle, this must-have bag is currently only available ‘on demand!

November Lord Mayor’s Show The Lord Mayor’s Show is centered on a street parade, dating back to 1215, when King John granted a charter allowing the citizens of London to elect their own Mayor, which in its modern form is a lighthearted combination of traditional British pageantry. The day after being sworn in, the Lord Mayor and a hundreds of people and horses from various organisations, alongside marching bands and floats, participate in a procession from the Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice, on the edge of the City of Westminster, where the new Lord Mayor swears allegiance to the Crown. The show takes place on the second Saturday in November.

Lord Mayor’s Show

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Places to visit (In London, anyone can hire a Boris bike – details from any tourist board)

Windsor Castle and Eton – Eton College If on your way out from Heathrow to London, you might want to initially turn the other way, two junctions back down the M4, to spend a day or so in Windsor or Eton, both opposite each other, either side of the river Thames. Windsor has a variety of Bed and Breakfast establishments, as well as, for instance, the fabulous Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa on the river. Visitors can view various parts of Windsor Castle, where the Queen takes up residence most weekends, and which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Having looked around Windsor, you could then walk over the pedestrian bridge to have a guided tour of Eton College, founded by Henry VI in 1440-41 and from where many Kings and Diplomats and Prime Ministers et al, received their education, not to mention, the grandchildren of our present Monarch.

Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum A fascinating museum so named after Queen Victoria and her Consort, Prince Albert, the love of her life. It contains exhibits of china, Islamic art, needlecraft, ceramics, drawings, metalwork and is well worth a visit. Should you enjoy museums, you might want to then walk along to The Natural History Museum, home to life and earth science specimens comprising eighty million items in five disciplines; botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. Being such an old establishment, the exhibits have both historical as well as scientific value, such as Charles Darwin’s collection.

National Gallery – Tate Modern – Tate Britain Want a quieter time? Visit the National Gallery, or the Tate Modern/ Tate Britain to see masterpieces, ranging from Millais, Picasso, Warhol to Van Gogh, to name but a few, or join a workshop or take a guided tour, before a splendid lunch and a glass of wine.

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London Eye and Shard

Golden Hinde. Watermarked Dock, Paul Knight Photo, 2007

he London Eye is Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, on the south bank of T the River. It is currently Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, and offered the highest public viewing point in London until it was superseded by the 72nd floor of The Shard, which now has London’s highest and best view situated at the very top on floors 68, 69 and 72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, it offers visitors an unparalleled 360-degree view for up to 40 miles.

Regents Park – Zoo

Spend the night on a replica of The Golden Hinde Regents Park Zoo

Open all year round, enjoy the huge diversity of animals, learn about conservation and check various feeding times to enjoy watching the animals and hopefully their young, close up.

Sir Francis Drake’s English galleon, most famous for circumnavigating the globe between 1577 and 1580. It is so called, because his principal Patron had, as part of his Armorial Crest, a golden ‘hind’ (a female deer). Located near London Bridge, you can spend the night dressed as sailors, eating suitably rustic food and singing sea shanty’s!

Westminster Cathedral Is the mother church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Standing not far from the Houses of Parliament, in the City of Westminster, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster. The poet John Betjeman called it “a masterpiece in striped brick and stone in an intricate pattern of bonding, the domes being all-brick in order to prove that the good craftsman has no need of steel or concrete.”

For anyone interested in architecture, its neo-Byzantine style is awe inspiring. In general, Westminster has some of the finest buildings in London, nearby being the Houses of Parliament where anyone can visit to attend debates, watch committee hearings or take a tour which highlights a thousand years of history, modern politics, art and architecture, finishing off with tea taken by the river. That said, only permanent UK residents can book a tour of Elizabeth Tower, so called since the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth ll (previously simply called the Clock Tower) which houses the clock called Big Ben, the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world, housed in the third tallest free-standing clock tower, which was completed 1858.

A night off from the children...

If you want a night off from the children, but they need to be amused and kept safe at the same time, they can: spend the night at the Science Museum, enjoying workshops and 3d film screens, before enjoying a tasty breakfast next morning; alternatively, they could spend the night at London Zoo, amongst the creepy crawlies (which are safely behind glass) listening to talks about some of the animals, playing games, and joining a torch-lit tour around the zoo, seeing what the animals get up to once the visitors have gone home. If they are football fans, they can take part in a Chelsea FC sleepover, where they can tour the players dressing rooms, walk through the players tunnels, and play five-a-side football before settling down for the night, or finally, they could spend the night at the Natural History Museum, enjoying a ‘Dino Snores’ sleepover, which includes a torch-lit trail through the Dinosaurs gallery, a live show about creatures that bite and sting, and join a fossil workshop before settling down to sleep under the skeleton of a diplodocus skeleton, to then wake up to animal man Nick Spellman bringing out a variety of small animals for the children to touch and learn about after they have had breakfast.

British Library Where you can see the original Magna Carta, which is Latin for Great Charter. Originally in Latin, it was sealed under oath by King John at Runnymede, on the banks of the River Thames, just outside Windsor, on 15th June 1215. This was the first document forced upon an English King by a group of his subjects, in this case, feudal barons, to try and limit his powers by law and protect their rights. Whilst there, you can also see original manuscripts of Shakespeare or Dickens novels, and many other iconic tomes.

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See ‘The Mousetrap’ The famous Agatha Christie murder mystery play is the longest running play in the world, having run continuously since 1952. It is set in a guest house in wintertime, with its 25,000th performance taking place on 18th November 2012, and is the longest running show (of any type) of the modern era. It is most famous for its unexpected ending, about which, the audience are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theatre.

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The Chiltern Firehouse. Tim Clinch Photo

Nightclubs, Restaurants &Casinos With London considered one of the finest dining capitals in the world, there are a plethora of restaurants to choose from for the epicurean amongst you, too many to recommend here, but I will suggest an eclectic mix, from Michelin starred ones, where one enjoys fine dining, enhanced by exclusive wine to accompany your meal, aided in choice by the knowledge of on-hand Sommelier’s, or restaurants for seeing and to be seen in, cosy intimate ones, where one can celebrate special occasions, to private dining rooms for hire, to Chef’s tables, to restaurants that provide a wonderful meal on the way to a theatre, or quieter establishments to conduct a meeting over a good meal, or just a pleasant way to enjoy a night in London.

One Michelin starred eating venue would be Sketch, in Mayfair, where the well-heeled diner can enjoy fish or meat dishes of the highest caliber, its founder having ten Michelin stars to his name. Also in Mayfair, Michel Roux Jr, son of Albert, provides stunning French cuisine, using only the best ingredients, at Le Gavroche, a gourmand’s delight indeed.

An enjoyable evening just outside of London, would be a drive down the M4 to the 16thcentury village of Bray, where one could enjoy a romantic riverside setting in another of the Roux brothers establishments, the three Michelin starred Waterside Inn, run by Alain Roux.

Back in London, but perhaps still wanting to escape the flurry of activity and commotion outside, the taster menu or a-la-carte at The Greenhouse in Mayfair, is one such place. Staying with the French influence, the female Chef, Helen Darroze, at the Connaught in Mayfair, has her seasonal produce flown in from her native south-west France to delight the palate of the most discerning diner. Voted in the top ten restaurants by The Good Food Guide, the two Michelin starred Fifth Chukker Magazine | Vol 2 Issue 7

Hibiscus, also in Mayfair, sources its ingredients carefully, which shows in its memorable three, six or eight course offerings.

Expanding one’s gastronomic horizon, to get a panoramic view of London at night, yet enjoy a meal at the same time, there is no better view than from the top of the beautiful Art Deco ‘Oxo Tower’, the eighth floor of which provides either casual or fine dining, but should you prefer the only Michelin starred Thai restaurant in London, you could head over to Nahm in Belgravia, or for the pescatarians amongst you, J. Sheekey – Oyster and fish restaurant in the heart of theatreland, Convent Garden, is ideal. Here they can also offer you a combined dining and theatre package.

Another Convent Garden venue of note, is The Ivy, a well-established watering hole for celebrities, with the bonus of guaranteed parking.

Again, the sagacious diner can’t do better than to visit Scotts of Mayfair, established since 1851 in Haymarket, now to be found in Mount Street, and where Ian Fleming drank his Martinis ‘shaken not stirred’!

This is definitely the place to see the rich and famous, maybe downing their oysters with Krug rose, whilst their security remain unobtrusively nearby. Looking towards up-and-coming eating places, the latest ‘go to’ restaurant is the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant and hotel, housed in the old Marylebone fire station and where anyone who is anyone, goes to see and be seen.

Should you just want breakfast after perhaps a good night’s gambling elsewhere, that also can be provided. If one were to visit Chelsea, the Cheyne Walk Brasserie is a must, Cheyne Walk being one of the most desirable addresses in London. Should your taste buds veer to a good curry, the oldest Indian restaurant in London is Veeraswamy. Having

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Houses of Parliament with Big Ben The Chiltern Firehouse. Tim Clinch Photo

Segar & Snuff Parlour London – shop front

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been in Regent Street for eighty years, it was originally opened by the greatgrandson of an English soldier and an Indian Princess. Whilst having changed hands a few times, it has always maintained its high standard throughout its history, and is famous for having hosted such notables as Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King Gustav Vl of Sweden, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and the silent actor Charlie Chaplin, to name but a few.

Having just been voted in the top 100 places to eat in London, hence now booked up a few months ahead, The Grain Store at Kings Cross Station has a mixed cuisine, though is mostly grounded in classical south-western French dishes, due to its Bordeaux-born Chef, Bruno Loubet’s, influence.

Finally, one must mention Nobu, the flagship Japanese restaurant, to be found in most capitals around the world.

If, after your meal, you want to round off a pleasant evening with a visit to a nightclub, try Boujis club and bar, near South Kensington Station, full of well-heeled Chelsea bankers or hedge-fund personnel, its infamous party nights being historic, or No 41, in Mayfair, another go-to venue, again, with a mostly young crowd. Indeed, a stamping ground of the young Royals is Guy Pelly’s establishment, Tonteria, in Sloane Square, a seriously expensive A-list tequila bar, where his friend Prince Harry is often known to frequent. JuJu’s in King’s Road, its reputation enhanced with the added facility of its four private function spaces for hire, could give a night to remember, as could Baroque, in the Playboy Club in Park Lane; excessive luxury whether listening to singers, dancing, or eating from their small, but varied menu.

Broadening the demographic somewhat, Annabel’s is well-established, and arguably one of the most elegant private night club, with a world-wide reputation for over 50 years as both a night club and restaurant in Berkeley Square. Should it be a balmy evening, The Roof Gardens, in Kensington, is a top London nightspot, where you can chat and dance under the stars, whilst looking around at London, lit up in all its glory. Eclipse, also at South Kensington, is the perfect venue if you just want a classy cocktail, whilst watching others dance to tunes picked by renowned DJs. Evening entertainment can be also found at the private members clubs, 5 Hertford Street, Robin Birley’s establishment, Should you wish to gamble, to mention just a few establishments, not only does The Ritz in Piccadilly provide an exceptionally luxurious Hotel and Restaurant experience (a highlight of anyone’s stay there would be their celebrated ‘afternoon tea’ set in salubrious settings with exquisite sandwiches, cakes and pastries and more types of Tea than one can imagine, to complement such deliciousness) it also provides, in its Ritz Club, one of the greatest gaming experiences the capital can offer, enhanced by its discreet and personal concierge service. Here also, one can choose from the most extensive selection of cigars, in their Garden Pavilion, to then sit outside in the beautiful garden, or inside the luxurious interior. This is possibly the most expensive cigar club in the world.

At this point, it is worth mention Segar and Snuff Parlour, in Covent Garden, one of the last remaining Tobacco specialists featuring a selection of loose pipe tobaccos expertly blended to order; cigars, pipe and hand rolling tobaccos and snuff. Another notable gambling establishment, is Crockfords, in Mayfair. It is the world’s oldest private gaming club, but, if in Kensington and Chelsea, the prestigious Maxims can be found. Or, if wanting a more international flavour to your gambling, then head on over to The Palm Beach casino in Berkeley Street, next to the 5* Mayfair Hotel.

Alternatively, gamble the night away at the Park Tower Casino, Knightsbridge, next to Hyde Park, where you can also indulge yourself in fine dining, chosen from a menu that encapsulates European and Arabic inspired dishes, whilst enjoying the elegant purple and gold surroundings.

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FEATURE DESTINATION

Shopping For bespoke Lobb’s shoes, Jermyn Street is the place to go, similarly for Church’s shoes in Regent Street, or hand-made shoes by Anello & Davide of Kensington. The ladies may wish to stock up on their Laboutins, which can be found in many outlets in the capital, or indeed, the new ‘IT’ girl shoes of choice, the Lana Heels, from the small London label, Bionda Castana.

When shopping, either for yourself or gifts, you might want to visit Smythsons, for high end leather goods, such as handbags, key fobs, luxury purses and wallets and leather bound diaries, or perhaps wander around Harrods, stopping half-way through the day to enjoy lunch in one of its many restaurants.

There you can enjoy the sights and smells of the food halls, purveyors of groceries and unusual foodstuffs from around the world, as well as locally sourced. If the Patek Caliber 89 watch at over £ two million is a touch expensive, why not a Jaeger-LeCoultre, or a Tiffany & Co or indeed, the ever popular Rolex instead. Perhaps a Mont Blanc pen, amongst others on the pen floor, or a £6,000 pair of cufflinks by Atelier Yozu, or for the ladies, there is a huge selection of exquisite jewellery, fashion accessories, such as shoes and handbags and of course, the enormous the beauty hall.

Here, one can purchase a pot of Crème de la Creme face cream at £930 before searching out the sportswear department, or perusing the games floor, then, if wanting to dress your children in ‘mini-me’ outfits, the children’s wear department will kit out your progeny in a child-sized Turnbull & Asser shirt for £99.95.

Whilst Harrods no longer sells animals, its pets department closing down many years ago, almost anything you can think of besides, they will either have, or can get for you. Before you leave, any gentleman wanting a traditional shave, The Refinery has a salon in the store, as well as in Mayfair, opposite Claridges, where Parsa Rad, their artistic director, was recently crowned the best wet shaver in Britain.

Any lady who has a spare £20,000 and wants her hair done, she only has to visit top British stylist Stuart Phillips in Covent Garden, an establishment favoured by the wives of Russian Oligarchs. For that price of course, one has his undivided attention for an entire day, one’s favourite perfume wafting through the air vents, special chefs, and even one’s canine companions catered for.

After such pampering, should one want to continue shopping, not far away, back in Knighstbridge, is Harvey Nichols. Like many high-end stores, it can provide personal shoppers to help you decide what to buy.

A short walk down Sloane Street to the Kings Road, you are spoilt for choice for clothes, antiques and side-walk cafes and restaurants to sit and watch the world go by.

Aside from Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Mayfair, Belgravia and Kensington are the prime spots where one can treat oneself to such luxury items as, say, a gold-plated Blackberry. These areas are also the best for buying or renting portered homes or apartments, to safely leave behind as you travel the world.

Another interesting area to explore, would be Chelsea Harbour, which also has good restaurants and shops to equal Sloane Street, Bond Street and Oxford Street if one wants to buy, for instance, their Dolce and Gabbana, Versace or Roberto Cavali outfits, or Prada handbags, but with the added bonus of the harbour view. Need something to drive around in? Then you need to contact the H R Owen Group to find which one of their outlets will provide you with your Bentley, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Lamborghini.

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Back in central London, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Bond Street are just some of the places to go, for Dior, Hermes, Prada, Issey Miyake, Agent Provocateur to name but some desirables, and for bespoke underwear, the Royal Warrant holders, Rigby and Peller, in Knightsbridge are discreet and offer high-end personal service. Aspreys sell the most pleasing silverware, Fortnum and Mason; foods to tempt the most discerning palate, Cartier; jewellery that sparkles and intrigues, Saville Row; for instance, Norton & Sons for bespoke suits, and a stroll down Burlington Arcade, an iconic runway connecting Piccadilly and Bond Street, provides luxury brands of cashmere, leather goods, jewellery, Penhaligons perfumes, men’s aftershaves, and fashion accessories galore.

If, after having a rather indulgent trip to London, and needing to unwind at a gym and spa, perhaps Equinox, in Kensington, will help you relax and get your mojo back, before the long trip home.

Harrods

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Lunch at PJ’s...

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Yasemen Kaner-White

Sunshine makes my stroll up Fulham road to luncheon at well known PJ’s Bar & Grill... even more pleasant.

As I approach, either side of the entrance customers are taking advantage – soaking up vitamin D, tucking into steaks and chunky chips – beaming smiles.

Cosy, yet smart, are initial impressions; dark wooden panels encasing vintage mirrors line the wall to head height, met with a stretch of cream wall – adorned with action packed polo photographs. Maxwell Group owns PJ’s, Sticky Fingers, Cafe de Paris, Roadhouse to name but a few, founded by polo playing enthusiast Brian Stein, who is a nostalgic creative soul to boot. Each of his restaurants, decorated by him, sport a different theme but it’s PJ’s that embodies his love for ‘the sport of Kings’.

PJ’s recently hosted its 22nd annual grand polo party, frequented by polo playing royalty and A-listers alike, posing for photographs for Tatler. Nods to polo take over – quirky memorabilia, cartoons and two mallets criss-crossed behind the coat of arms above the bar. The big bottle of water gulped a moment ago, leads to visiting the ladies before being seated. One can’t escape polo, not even in the loo, a pile of Polo Times magazines make for a good read in the clean, unfussy, yet modern rest rooms. Ladies will be pleased to find two full length mirrors, whilst fresh flowers infuse the air sweetly.

I order sparkling water with a slice of lemon, if I was to order an alcoholic tipple, it would have been the Lemon Tree cocktail or wine from the respectable list. Sitting at the well dressed table, not so

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synonymous with pubs, napkin over knee anticipating my starter, it occurs to me, this is the Chelsea version of the sitcom ‘Cheers’ – ‘a place where everybody knows your name’. What would appear to be locals (colloquial banter with well presented staff ), rest their signetring clad fingers on the bar, comfortably propped up on red leather lined wooden bar stools.

Not long after my order, tuna tartare arrives – a neat little mound of ripe avocado infused with red chili, suffocates succulent delicate cubes of raw tuna, slithers of spring onion and a circle of good olive oil/ balsamic as garnish. Three wafer-thin crispbreads to scoop up bite sized morsels accompany. Against usual attempts of going healthy, in keeping with the restaurant’s famed American cuisine, I opt for a burger “cheese and a slice of bacon to go with it madame?” ... “why not”. Next to me a group of groomed French ladies, pick fittingly at Niçoise salads – clearly one can take the French lady out of France but not the French out of the lady, cackles occur when asked if they want dessert! Needless to say they didn’t order one.

And it arrives, a juicy burger, well presented, onion relish, singular lettuce leaf cupping coleslaw with a jalapeño pepper, much to my delight. Being half Turkish where pickled peppers are never far from our meats, it feels homely. Bowl of French fries completes. Salad comes inside the bun as standard, I’m quickly pleased I accepted the cheese and bacon – frankly – always a winning combo. The meat is Dexter beef, weekly PJ’s features a different rare breed beef – the burger follows suit, delectable Dexter, cattle originally descended from the early Celts melts in my mouth. I can report the bun is light and buttery – a good burger bun indeed.

Pudding time, most popular I’m told is Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with Pistachio Ice Cream but I go for the Apple & Pear Crumble with Cinnamon Ice Cream. It arrives with a sweet warning “be careful, the dish is HOT” a strong waft of buttery crumble invades my nostrils, notes of pear follows, can’t really go wrong with a good crumble – and they certainly don’t – proportions of fruit and crumble compliment rather than fight, icing sugar perhaps a little heavy handed, other than that – scrumptious.

Would I go again? yes, I certainly would, though this time, I wouldn’t be reviewing and eating what I feel you might like, rather, like the French ladies with their cheery voices keeping me company – it would have to be Niçoise, or maybe even a Pan Seared Fillet of Sea Bass served with citrus, fennel & coriander salad – I know, just know, it would be delicious.

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MAYFAIR

YASEMEN KANER-WHITE TAKES A WALK

Mayfair

through the culinary basket of

The perfectly put together lady, sits outside, ritualistically puffing on her gold rimmed svelte cigarette, sipping a Campari cocktail protesting against the wind in her thick fur coat. “She comes every day, same time, ordering the same thing; she’s in property, lives round the corner”, the waiter clears up the matter, upon seeing me gaze at her longer than normal. Indeed, I had seen her a fair few times, for I too like to come often to Sofra in Shepherds Market. A well-known Turkish establishment, that perks me up with a shot of Turkish coffee and clotted cream with rose jam on toast.

sofra

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MAYFAIR

C

offee inspires cake, so like a spirit, I float round the corner drawn to the jewel-like confectionary displayed in L’ETO’s window. The hum of French bankers discussing serious business over not-soserious flamboyant golden Caribbean carrot cakes and children tugging at mothers swish skirts indicating what truffles tickle their fancy, dominate the cosy cafe. Today, I will get a cake to go before walking down Lansdowne Row inhaling the intoxicating sheesha and transporting me to the souks of Arabia. I continue to Berkeley St, Fitzmaurice Place, Bruton St – the fashionista’s haven, Savile Row and finally onto New Bond St, to Bateel for coffee number two. A grassy flavoured cardamon infused traditional Qahwa coffee to be precise and the best dates in town.

Gazing at row upon row of delectable differing dates; chubby and juicy, others dried and raison-like and some the most gorgeous hue of labrador brown, my eyes devour them. Bateel, backed by the Saudi family, is the only place in London that sell ‘second stage dates’. “The English don’t know much about dates, they always go for Medjool” the waitress tells me. Dates come in three stages, first are balah, seen around April/May; crunchy, light yellow and some say sour. Second are rhutab; my favourite, allowed to soften on the tree, fudgy and guaranteed to inspire finger licking. Lastly, when the moisture has been sucked out by the sun, they are called tamr; think chewy toffee. Having found a seat, 2 Ajwa (most expensive at £75 per kilo but worth it) and my muddy green fragrant coffee to keep me company...

I sip, chew and watch as the glamorous silk scarfed red lipped, agarwood scented customers enter.

With dinner parties looming, in need of gifts, I hotfoot-it through Burlington Arcade to reach Laduree; a golden Aladdin’s cave spiked with pastel macaroons.

These delicious disks bring a smile to any host’s face.

With a box under my arm, I rush past the Royal Academy to reach the Royal Arcade. A gold and yellow pack of Charbonnel et Walker banana and sea salt chocs await me. I say yes to the taster at the counter and head to Fortnum & Mason for tea and to pick up some veg. Prestat chocolate, equally as yummy, again in the vicinity tempt me to buy some more chocolates classically wrapped in a golden box. Sadly, my host won’t sample these, but at least they make my walk a little sweeter.

I wander along Mount St which boasts the best butcher available – Allens of Mayfair. Their stock, as stated on their black & gold website: ‘is fully traceable back to the farm’, the extraordinary window display is one man’s bloody butchery or another man’s art – Damien Hurst ‘esque’. Well worth a visit, I grab a Pâté and head to Higgins on Duke St. Harold R. Higgins, the grandson of the founder runs the shop smoothly ensuring although founded in 1942 it keeps up with the times. In-fact they retweeted me last week as I praised their San Cristobal.

Higgins houses everything a caffeine connoisseur could wish for. From the unconventional; Koopi Luwak – Koopi being the Indonesian for coffee and Luwak the type of civet that defecates the coffee beans ready to be brewed (after cleaning!), to the everyday beverages.

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sofra

sofra Allens of Mayfair.Poultry

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Bateel

MAYFAIR

Bateel

“250g of Jamaican Blue Mountain and a Higgins Gold Gift Box please”. Nostalgia strikes me as I place my order. Grandad drank nothing but Blue mountain, the Japanese – biggest buyer of the bean, clearly concur it’s rather special.

Onto Jermyn St. for the finest gourmet cheese around. With its iconic black and gold frontage Paxton & Whitfield in Mayfair is the most renowned of its branches. Stilton fumes greet me as I fling open the door. A man with a netted hat gives me a taste of Ste Maure, creamy as I expected, goats cheese is always freshest in spring. I settle on an unusual juniper scented floral Fleur Du Maquis, best described as a cheese washed down with a gin and tonic. Cheese societies and dairy decorations are added bonuses. Cheese – tick, next up to pair with it perfectly would be wine.

Superlative spirits and wine have been located on the male dominated St James St, with cigar shops a-plenty, in Berry Bros and Rudd Ltd since 1698, making it the oldest merchant. Impeccable staff on hand guide me through the wooden panelled wine ‘museum’, with a room dedicated to whisky and lists of wines hard to find elsewhere.

Forget Borough Market, Mayfair is the gastronomical dream, literally housing the creme de la creme of all things foodie. It suddenly occurs to me, as I flit from one place to another, there is a theme. Like a magpie, am I drawn to all my favourite establishments because they are gilded in gold? even if I am subconsciously, the gold is justified, for it only represents the top. As orange lampposts guide visitors to the Tate Modern, so does the gold offer a clear culinary route. All that glitters may not be gold, but gold is edible, and it sure does taste good...

Bateel

Bateel

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Banana Sea Salt Caramel Truffles

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MAYFAIR

Paxton & Whitfield

Laduree at Burlington Arcade

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Berry Bros. & Rudd

Laduree Allens of Mayfair

Paxton & Whitfield Allens of Mayfair

David Higgins

Charbonnel et Walker

Higgins

Strength of the stallion La Puissance D’un Etalon

We are improving our services Nous améliorons nos services

With our new look, we are committed to being more responsive in serving you better in more refreshing and diverse ways that promises to keep you coming back for a superior retail experience in MRS Stations.

We are poised to deliver to you, family, friends and your vehicles; our unparalleled hospitality that is the hallmark of our existence as you drive up our forecourt.

Avec notre nouveau visage, nous nous engageons à être plus sensible à vos demandes et améliorer nos services de vente au détail afin de faire de votre expérience et visite dans les stations MRS une action récurrente, rafraichissante et varié.

Nous sommes prêts à offrir, à vous, votre famille, vos amis et ainsi qu’à vos véhicules, et ce dès votre arrivée dans nos stations, nôtre hospitalité renommée qui représente la marque de fabrique de notre compagnie.

HEAD OFFICE / SIÈGE SOCIAL: Plot 2, Tincan Island Port Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234-1-07419000 www.mrsholdings.com

NIGERIA | BENIN | CAMEROUN | COTE D’IVIORE | GHANA | GUINEA | SENEGAL | TOGO | SWITZERLAND

POLO PEOPLE

Lyndon Lea Lyndon Lea is no stranger to newspaper headlines. His Lion Capital investment firm, which he founded in partnership with Neil Richardson and Robert Darwent in 2004, has been involved with some of the biggest household names in the consumer sector, including Weetabix, Jimmy Choo, Kettle Chips, Orangina Schweppes and Wagamama to name but a few.

Diana Butler

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POLO PEOPLE

H

owever more recently he has been hitting the headlines for a very different reason. His high-goal Zacara polo team has been sweeping up some of the world’s major polo trophies. This year he collected back-to-back victories in the Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club. With typical understatement his comment after receiving the silver cup from Her Majesty The Queen was simply: “It’s been fantastic, it’s very special.”

He may put his team’s success down to “team spirit and camaraderie”, but Lyndon Lea is one of the best patrons in the game. He was named Best Amateur Player in this year’s Queen’s Cup by the World Polo Tour Rankings (WPT) and is currently the second amateur overall in the table of players with an incredible 394 points – that is more than big hitting professionals such as Lucas Monteverde and Marcos Di Paola.

What marks Lea out from many of his polo patron peers is that for him it is only ever about playing the game. Not for him a trip to Buenos Aires to watch the leading high-goalers battle for glory in the Argentine Open.

“I am more of a player than a spectator,” said Lea simply.

So how does Lea juggle his many global business commitments with a full on high-goal polo-playing schedule? “Work always takes priority,” explained Lea, “but I have a very efficient group of assistants. At this stage of my polo career I believe that it takes less time than maintaining a golf handicap.”

In fact Lea has a fairly business-like approach to his sport. He will be focusing on the major high-goal tournaments in the UK in 2015 – the Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club and Gold Cup at Cowdray Park – and has no interest in experiencing polo in other formats, such as playing the game on snow in St Moritz or Aspen. He doesn’t spend hours with a polo coach either. “I do try to stay in shape, although that does vary on my work commitments,” he said. “I don’t have any coaching or anything extra away from actually playing, but I believe experience counts for a lot in this game.”

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His philosophy is clearly working as the Cartier Queen’s Cup double is just one of Lea’s many polo successes. In the 2013 season he swept the board in all the major polo tournaments in which he was qualified to play – British Open, US Open, USPA Piaget Gold Cup and the Cartier Queen’s Cup. Despite back-to-back US Open victories in 2012 and 2013, Lea has not competed in this 26-goal tournament since and has no plans to return to the Florida competition. “The USPA is very political and the handicap system is very corrupt in my opinion,” explained Lea. His reluctance to return to the US competition stems from a dispute with the USPA after Zacara’s US Open success in 2013, when two of his team had their handicaps raised, including himself. This forced Lea to restructure a competitive team and as he told Pololine.com at the time: “Zacara went up two goals and Valiente went up one goal, and to me, that’s not fair.”

Playing alongside Lea in Zacara’s successes has been the 10-goal superstar Facundo Pieres. The Lea/Pieres partnership has reaped dividends for not only Lea, but for his profession too. As Facundo said after their Cartier Queen’s Cup win in 2013: “You cannot win games on your own.”

However few would have predicted Lea’s polo successes. He was born in the late 1960s in the seaside town of Morecombe, Lancashire with no experience of horses or riding. His introduction to polo came much later in life, when already living in the USA. “I first tried the sport on a corporate day in Palm Springs, Florida, in 1999,” he explained. “Then the Grace family at Ascot Park more formally introduced me to the game.”

A father of two – the name Zacara is a derivative of his children’s names – Lea will be happy if his children share his passion for this great game.

However such support comes with a codicil. “As long as they agree to pay the bills themselves then I’d be happy for them to play,” he said. “However my advice would be to get a well-paying job if they want to play!”

Wise words from one of the game’s greatest patrons. And with such a professional attitude to the game, Lea will be showing us all how to create a winning formula for many years to come.

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POLO PEOPLE

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Adolfo Cambiaso & Pelon Sterling

Look who’s reading Fifth Chukker...

With an ever-growing distributing network spanning international hotels and polo clubs to private jets, Fifth Chukker Magazine reaches more than 500,000 readers. Its pages reveal the lifestyle and spending habits of international polo players and provide an unparallel opportunity for brands to connect with this elite world.

For further information on how to promote your brand and become part of the Fifth Chukker story please contact us directly on info@fifthchukker.com Advertise in Fifth Chukker magazine – West Africa’s leading polo and lifestyle publication, produced bi-annually (May & October) with an ever growing distribution network of local and international reach – spanning leading hotels, polo clubs, commercial and private jets. The Fifth Chukker Magazine reaches more than 500,000 readers and has a prominent and increasing online following via the Fifth Chukker Website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Shehu Mu’azu

Abdulsamad Rabiu

Neil Hobday

Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Jean Gough

Chief Edem Duke Evelyn Oputu

Kanu

Adamu Atta & Gabriel Batistuta HE Governor Mukhtar Ramallan Yero

US Consul Mary Johnson (middle) with colleagues

Aliko Dangote

Alex Rodzianko Yordanos Teshager and Anisa

Kashim Bukar

Aly Albwardy Musty Fasinro, Kunle Aluko, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Chike Onyeka

Herbert Wigwe

Sayyu Dantata

HH Sheikha Maitha Mohammed Al-Maktoum

Mohammad Babangida

Mariano Latorre and Hilde Kristiansen Patrick G Hermes

THE EUROPEAN POLO CLUB DIRECTORY There are about 150 standard polo clubs in twenty polo playing European countries affiliated to their National Associations. Some clubs are as old as one hundred years or more. Although the English imported the game into Europe from Asia, it is France which has the largest number of functioning clubs. England is closely behind with Germany weighting in third. But all that the heavy hitters have are bragging rights because some of the less endowed countries have clubs with significant presence in the world polo calendar.

Guards may be the most distinguished of clubs primarily because of its strong royal links, but it is Cowdray Park that hosts the British Open, one of polo’s three Grand Slam events. The other top two tournaments are the Argentine US Opens respectively.

The English clubs; Cowdray, Guards, Cirencester and Royal Berkshire are venues for seven of the world’s top 30 tournaments. Deauville, Chantilly and St. Tropez combine to make France the second most popular grand prix polo destination in Europe.

AUSTRIA

15. Heathfield Polo Club, Oxon Tel: 01869351111; email: info@heathfiueldpark.com 16. Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Surrey Tel: +44 1438 272 828; Hurtwood Park@btconnect.com; www.HurtwoodParkpolo.co.uk 17. Inglesham Polo, Centre Wiltshire Tel: +44 1367 253939; email: polo@Inglesham-Polo-demon.co.uk; www.Inglesham-Polo-demon.co.uk 18. Kirtlington Park Polo Club, Oxon Tel: +44 1869 350138; email: kirtlington@aol.com; www.kirtlingtonpolo.com 19. Knepp Castle Polo Club, Sussex Tel: 07920 023639; email: info@aspectpolo.co.uk; www. aspectpolo.co.uk 20. Light Dragoons Polo Club, Norfolk Tel:01362 627852; www.lightdragoons.com 21. New Forest Polo Club, Hampshire Tel: +44 1425 473359; email: derekval@waitrose.com; www.newforestpoloclub.co.uk 22. Orchard Polo Club, Dorset Tel: 01258 471000; www.orchardpoloclub.com 23. Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Tel: +44 1344 890060; email: info@rcbpoloclub.com; www.rcbpoloclub.com 24. Royal Leamington, Spa, Warwickshire Tel: 01926 812409; email: info@rtspoloclub.com; www.rtspoloclub.com 25. RMA Sandhurst Polo Club, Surrey Tel: 01276 412276; email: dentonsyard@maspolo.com; www.maspolo.com 26. Rugby Polo Club, Warwickshire Tel: +44 1788 817724; email: rugbypoloclub@btconnect.com; www.rugbypoloclub.com27.

27. Rutland Polo Club, Leicestershire Tel: +44 1572 770747; email: bls400@hotmail.com; www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk 28. Sussex Polo Club, West Sussex Tel: +44 1342 714920; email: info@sussexpolo.co.uk 29. Taunton Vale Polo Club, Somerset Tel: +44 1823 480460; email: nhs@nhs.supanet.com; www.tauntonvalepolo.co.uk 30. Tidworth Polo Club, Hampshire Tel: +44 1980 846705; email: tidpolo@aol.com; www.tidworthpolo.com 31. Toulston Polo Club, Yorkshire Tel: 01422 372529; INFO@TOULSTONPOLOCLUB.COM 32. West Somerset Polo Club, Somerset Tel: 01398 341515; email: anne@eswoprthycottage.orangehome.co.uk 33. West Wycombe Park Polo Club Buckinghamshire Tel: +44 1494 449 187; email: WestWycombeParkPoloClub.freeserve.co.uk 34. Hertfordshire Polo Club, Woolmers Park Tel: + 44 01707 256023; email:polo@herts.co.uk

1. U nion Polo Club, Laundorf Ebreichsdorf Tel: 43 4213 32140 Email: office@dienstgut.com; website: www.dienstlgut.com 2. Schlog Polo Club Tel: 445 2254 72368; Email: secretariat.drasche@aon.at BELGIUM 1. La Chatta Polo Club, Koningshooikt Tel: 32 478 88 1091 Email: info@lachatta.be; www.lachatta.be 2. Antwerp Polo Club Tel: 32 3665 1675; Email: Turnhout antwerppoloclub@hotmail.be 3. Bossenstein Golf & Polo, Broeckem Tel: 32 03 485 6446. www.bossenstein.be ENGLAND 1. Ascot Park Polo Club, Surrey Tel: +44 1276858545; email: www.polo.co.uk 2. Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire Tel: + 441666 880510; email: enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk, www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk 3. Beverly Polo Club, East Yorkshire Tel: + 44 1964 544455; email: info@beverlypoloclub.co.uk, www. beverlypoloclub.co.uk 4. Binfield Heath Polo Club, Oxon Tel: 07792 211259 / 07817 05871; email: bhpcmanager@gmail.com 5. Cambridge & Newmarket Polo Club, Cambridgeshire Tel: + 44 1638 572030; email: aes3@cam.ac.uk; www.cnpc.org.uk6.

Cheshire Polo Club, Cheshire Tel: 01270 611100; email: info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk 7. Cirencester Park Polo, Gloucestershire Tel: +44 1885 65 3225; email: info@cirencester.co.uk; www.cirencesterpolo.co.uk 8. Cowdary Park Polo Club, West Essex Tel: 01730 813257; email: enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk 9. Coworth Park Polo Club, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire Tel: 01344875155; email: enquiiries@thepolocentree.com 10. Edgeworth Polo Club, Gloucestershire Tel: + 44 1285 821 695; email: edgeworthpolo@gmail.com 11. Epsom Polo Club, Surrey Tel: +44 1372 749 490; email: epsompoloclub@hotmail.com; www.epsompoloclub.co.uk 12. FHM Polo Club, West Essex Tel: + 44 7778 436 468; email: francis@fhmpolo.co.uk; www.Fhmpolo.co.uk 13. Guards Polo Club, Surrey Tel: +44 1748 434 212; email: administration@guardspoloclub.com; www.Guardspoloclub.com 14. Ham Polo Club, Surrey Tel: +44 20 8334 0000; email: administrator@hampoloclub.com; www.hampoloclub.com

Spain boasts a modest eight clubs but its main entry on the International polo schedule is one of the biggest draws for the world’s biggest players, patrons and sponsors: The Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande.

Despite its numerous number of clubs, Germany is yet to register big on the tour, but Switzerland, with only four clubs, has St Moritz and Gstaad hosting two of the most attractive events in world polo with St. Moritz the undisputed capital of snow polo.

POLO DIRECTORY

FINLAND 1. Hyvinkaa Polo Club, Hyyppara Tel: 358 19 485 521; email: mika.lindroos@finnishpolo.org FRANCE 1. Aix-Pertuis Polo Club, Pertuis Tel: 06 67 73 37 53;. email: joelle.eynard.yahh.fr. www.polo-france-aixpert.com 2. Alpilles Polo Club, Saint Andiol Tel: 06 86 58 83 58 / 06 89 60 32 7; Mail: polosud@orange.fr www.alpillespoloclub.fr 3. Armor Polo Club, La Foret Fouesnant Tel: 0689989236; www.polo-chefdubois.fr 4. Brennus Polo Club, Thorigne Sur Oreuse Tel: 06 23 85 83 51; Mail: contact@brennus-polo-club.fr www.brennus-polo-club.fr 5. Brittany Polo Club, Guerande Tel: 02-40-62-02-64; Mail: info@brittanypoloclub.com www.brittanypoloclub.com 6. Calvados Polo Club, Calvados Tel : 02 31 31 19 85; 06 08 30 76 10; (mobile) E-mail : calvadospoloclub@f ree.fr 7. Congor Polo Club, Guerande Tel: 33 [0]2 40 62 02 64; mob: 068142 Email: mfdarritchon@fibertel.com.ar 8. Deauville International Polo Club Tel: 33 0 231 88 26 68; Mail: Deauville@pololine.com; www.deauvillepoloclub.com 9. Doyac Polo Club, Saint Seurin de Cardoune Tél. : 05 56 59 34 49; Mail: chateau.doyac@wanadoo.fr; www.chateaudoyac.fr/news/7/news.html 10. La Grange-Martin Polo Club Tel: 01-69-07-51-10; Mail: lagrangemartin@aol.com www.grangemartin.com 11. Latino Polo Club, Vauville Tel: 02 31 39 20 85; Mail: latinopoloclub@yahoo.fr12. Le Chateau Polo Club, Brinay Tél. : 02-48-51-39-47; Mail: chateaudelabrosse@sfr.fr www.chateaudelabrosse.unblog.fr 13. Mariana Polo Club, Morsang, Président Paul Pinto; Tel: 06 12 38 17 86; Email: contact@lamariana.org 14. Medoc Polo Club, Vendays-Montalivet Tél. : 06-77-81-88-71; Mail : medocpolo@gmail.com www.medocpoloclub.com 15.Morsang Polo Club, Longvilliers, Tel: 0164 59 15 06 16. Passion Polo Club, Montigne Les Raines Tél. : 02-41-90-14-80; Mail: alibert.nc49@gmail.com; www.passionpoloclub.fr 17. Polo Club Biarritz Pays-Basque, Arbonne Tel: 06-64-19-82-82; Mail: contact@biarritzpoloclub.com www.biarritzpoloclub.com 18. Polo Club de La Moinerie, Saint Arnoult Enyvelines Tel: 01-42-21-11-80; Mail : poloclublamoinerie@gmail.com www.poloclublamoinerie.com 19. Polo Club de Plaisance, Villemurlin Tel: 02-38-36-43-69; Mail: reine. jpierre@wanadoo.fr http://plaisancepoloclub.free.fr 20. Polo Club de Touraine Tel: 02-47-92-77-65; Mail: secretariat@polo-touraine.com www.polo-touraine.com 21. Polo Club des Tostes, Bonneville La Louvet Tel: 06 88 18 14 63; Mail: bastien.mestrallet@morsangliere.fr www.fermedestostes.com 22. Polo Club du Bouloy, Villemurlin Tel: 02-38-36-48-70; Mail: lebouloy@orange.fr www.poloclubdubouloy.fr

23. Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly Tel: 03-44-64-04-3; Mail: secretariat@poloclubchantilly.com; www.poloclubchantilly.com 24. Polo Club du Pays de Fontainebleau Tel: 01 64 78 34 76; Mail: anelise.reinbold@live.fr www.polodefontainebleau.blogspirit.com 25. Polo de Paris Tel: 01-44-14-10-00; Mail: @polodeparis.com 26. Polo Porte des Sables, Calais Tel: 06-14-01-90-99; Mail: th.vasseur@wanadoo.fr; www.poloportedessables.fr/ 27. Riviera Polo Club, Montauroux Domaine de Pijaubert Tel: +33(0)668660547 Mail: info@riviera-polo-club.fr Alexia Pike 28. Saint-Tropez Polo Club Tel: 04-94-55-22-12; Mail: contact@polo-st-tropez.com www.polo-st-tropez.com 29. San Marco Polo Club, Montpellier San marco Tel: 06 99 65 42 40; Mail: contact@montpellierpolo.com www.montpellierpolo.com 30. Touquet Polo Club, Le Touquet Paris Plage.

Tel: 06-07-52-18-09; email:contact@touquetpolo.com; www.touquetpolo.com GERMANY 1. Berlin Brandenburg Polo Club Tel 030 - 802 70 68 email: info@berlin-polo.de; www.berlin-polo.de 2. Berliner Polo Club Bergmannstr. 3, 14163 Berlin, Tel. 030 - 84 10 87 20; Mobil 0172 - 393 91 78; Email: info@berliner-polo-club.de 3. Mecklenburger Polo club Tel. 039957 – 21177; email: hamaltzahn@aol.com 4. Polo Club Heiligendamm Tel: 038203 – 77439; Fax: 038203 – 77004; email: horst.schuessler@t-online.de 5. Norddeutscher Polo Club, Hamburg Tel. 040 511 64 41; Fax 040 511 34 86; www.hamburgerpologestuet.de email: thomas.winter@pologestuet.de 6. Hamburg Polo Club Tel: 040 82 06 81; email: secretariat@hamburger-polo-club-de 7. Timmendorfer Polo Club Tel. 0160-93 38 67 06; email: as@polo-timmendorfer-strand.de; www.polo-timmendorfer-strand.de 8. Schleswig-Holstein Polo Club Tel: 04123 - 92 29 0; Fax: 04123 - 92 29 20; email: info@Polo-Academy.de 9. Sylt Polo Club Tel. 040 830 38 70; Fax 040 830 38 30; email: info@polosylt.de; info@PoloMasters.de 10. Niederrheinischer Polo-Club Tel. 02801-2091; email: kontakt@gestuet-ullenboomshof.de 11. Frankfurt Polo Club Tel: 0611 - 52 28 41; e-mail: FrankfurterPoloclub@t-online.de www.frankfurterpoloclub.de; twitter: www.twitter.com/frankfurterpolo 12. Stuttgart Polo Club Tel. 0711 - 60 86 37 & 0711 - 649 24 54; email: info@polo-club-stuttgart.de, www.polo-club-stuttgart.de 13. Chiemsee Polo Club, Ising Tel. 08667/ 79-0 email: w.niederberger@murschhauser.de; www.chiemseepolo.de 14. Polo Club Bayern Tel. 089/ 361 58 87; Fax 089 36 31 81; email: info@poloclub-bayern.de www.poloclub-bayern.de 15. Bavaria Polo Club Tel: 089 384 760 29; Fax 089 384 760 31; email: wolf.jage@gmx.de; www.bavaria-polo-club.de 16. Landsberg-Ammersee Polo Club Tel. 0173 - 36 55 325; Fax: 08194 - 93 20 82; email: info@polo-landsberg.de

POLO DIRECTORY

17. Franken Polo Club Tel. 0911 230 820; Fax 0911 204 370; email: dr.huehnlein@t-online.de

7. Ginevra Polo Club, Riano Tel: 00 39 0690 85 320;email: laginevrapoloclub@tiscali.it

GREECE 1. Athens Biding Polo Club Tel: 30 1940 90000; email; papan180@aol.com 2. Pegasus Polo Club, Koropi Tel: 30 291 22067; email: pegasuspolo@hotmail.com

8. Milano Polo Club Mesero Tel: 00 39 0297 28 92 92; email:milanopolo@tiscali.it; http://www.milanopolo.com/

HOLLAND 1. DTZ Polo Club, Bergseweg 28, 3633 AK Vreeland, dtz@polo.nl 2. Polo Club Deuverden, Donkeresteeg Tel: 070 3249650 3. The Dutch Polo and Country Club Tel: 31 343 52 1795; email: dpcc@polo.nl; 4. Wassenaar Polo Club, Waalsdorperlaan Tel: 070 3249650; www.poloclubwaenaar.nl 5. Deuverden Polo Club, Putten Tel: 06-23054348; email: info@poloclubdeuverden.nl

10. Villa Sesta Polo Club: Tel: 00 39 055 99 82 42; email: info@villasestapoloclub.com; www.poloclubvillaasesta.com/demo/index.php

HUNGARY 1. La Estancia Polo Club, Budapest Tel: 36 209 914 121; email u.zimmermann@interware.hu 2. Budapest Polo Club Tel: 36 30 941 6679, email: u.zimmermann@interware.hu IRELAND

9. Roma Polo Club: Tel: 00 39 06 807 09 07; email: romapolo@tin.it; http://www.romapoloclub.it/index.html

MALTA 1. Malta Polo Club, San Guam, Tel: 356 79 476 491; info@maltapolo.com PORTUGAL 1. Polo Estancia Santo Estavao Tel: 351 63 949 634 info@poloestancia.com; www.poloestancia.comt SAN MARINO 1. Titano Polo Club, Tel: 378 990 454 email:editano@omniway.sm SCOTLAND 1. Dundee and Pert Polo Club, Pertshire, Tel: 07831 365 194 2. Edinburgh Polo Club, Mid Lothiam Tel: 131 449 66965, jdpolo@tinyonline.co.uk, www.eteamz.com/edinburghpolo

1. All Ireland Polo Club, Phoenix Park, Dublin Tel: 00 353 1 677 6248; email: polo@allirelandpoloclub.com 2. Wicklow Polo Club Tel: 00 353 404 67164; Mobile: 00 353 87 2869691; Fax: 00 353 404 67363, Email: siobhan@polowicklow.com 3. Moyne Polo Club, County Laois Tel: 00 353 502 36135; Fax: 00 353 502 36282 4. Waterford Polo Club Tel: 00353 51 647908; Fax: 00 353 51 647477; Email: eurocabs@indigo.ie 5. Limerick Equestrian and Polo Centre Tel: +353 61 320292 or 087 2254734; Email: limerickpolo@eircom.net 6. Northern Ireland Polo Club, Tandragee Castle, County Armagh, Tel/Fax: 028 3884 1100; Email: shutchinson@tayto.com 7. Brannockstown Polo Club, County Kildare Phone: 00 353 (0)45 483 708; Email: polo@brannockstownpoloclub.com 8. Bunclody Polo Club, County Wexfrod Tel/Fax: 087 6605917; Email: rhogg@eircom.net 9. Border Reivers Polo Club, Pittlesheugh, Berwickshire.

Tel: 01890 840 777 or 07764 960 054

SPAIN

ITALY 1. La Fiorina Polo Club, Verona Tel: +39 348 883 4324; + 39 348 883 4323; email: info@lafiorina.com; www.lafiorina.com 2. La Ginevra Polo Club Tel: +39 0690 85320; Email: laginevrapoloclub@tiscalinet.it 3. Ambrosiano Polo Club :Poncia, Tel: +39 342 0574772 /email: info@lanuovaponcia.it; www.lanuovaponcia.it 4. Argentario Polo Club: Tuscany, Tel: 00 39 331 7910101; email: info@argentariopoloclub; www.argentariopoloclub.com 5. Acquedetto Polo Club Rome: Tel: 06.9476830 or 335.372427; email: max@acquedottoromanopoloclub.com www.acquedottoromanopoloclub.com 5. Asso.Punta Ala Equitazione: Tel +39 0577 33392 6. Firenze Polo Club: Tel: 00 39 3487 82 19 18; email: segretaria@firenzepoloclub.it; www.firenzepoloclub.it

12. Soto Mozanaque Polo Club, Madrid, Tel: 91 350 16 62 - 28.036

1. Andés Polo Club, Tel: 34 676097374; Email, Andés Navia 33700, 2. Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Tel: 357.21.32, Tel: 91 550 20 10; Fax: 915 50 20 31; www.clubvillademadrid.com 3. Club de Polo Cal Picasal-- Barcelona, Tel: 93-478.23.46.

4. Club de Polo de Mallorca y Baleares, Email: info@poloclubmallorca.com; www.poloclubmallorca.com 5. Club de Polo Santa Antoni De Viladrau, Barcelona.

Tel. +34 607 557 288 Email: info@santantonipoloclub.com 6. Club de Polo Soto Mozanaque, Tel: 91 350 16 62 - 28.036 7. Polo del Sol, Finca Burlanguilla, Cádiz, Spain, Tel: +34 856030042 Mobile: +34 60003694, 8. Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, Tel: 93-402.93.00.

9. Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Tel: 316 - 17 45 28 035 10. Ampurdan Polo Club, Tel. +34 639 548 69; www.clubdepoloampurdan.com 11. Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro, www.rcphierro.com 13. Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande Tel. +34 956 610 012 - Fax +34 956 610 132; Mail; info@santamariapoloclub.com SWEDEN 1. Almare Starket Polo and Country Club, Kungsangem Tel: 0708 583 530 email: irene.seth@almare.se SWITZERLAND 1. Geneva Polo Club, Tél: +41 791019638 Mail : info@genevapoloclub.com; www. genevapoloclub.com 2. Bern Polo Club, Rubigen Tel: + 41 31 721 36 30 Mobile: +41 79 946 55 44 mail;info@polobern.ch 3. Gstaad Polo Cub, Tel: +41 33 744 07 40 Mail info@pologstaad.ch 4. St. Moritz Polo, Tel. +41 81 839 92 92 · Fax +4181 839 92 00; E-Mail: info@polostmoritz.ch WALES 1. Monmouthshire Polo Club, Lower Machen, Tel: 01633 441322

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