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PoloTimes_May25

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Volume 30 • Issue 4 • May 2025 • £6.50

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LA DOLFINA/TAMERA TAKE U.S. OPEN TITLE Adolfo Cambiaso’s 10th Win

2025 ENGLISH HIGH GOAL GUIDE Tournament Dates, Teams & Insights

INTERVIEW: MARTINE HARTRIDGE Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Managing Director

PLUS: Tying-Up Q&A, Mark Tomlinson’s Passions & Polo Player’s Dual Mindset


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“Polo Times is undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine” Horace Laffaye

Contents

What’s inside…

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

Editor in Chief Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Design Alice Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk

Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

Contributors:

Lorna Edgar, Gill Glimmerveen, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Ramirez/ ©www.imagesofpolo.com, Kat Seeman, Paul Stalker, Mark Tomlinson

Cover photograph:

La Dolfina/Tamera’s Adolfo Cambiaso on a breakaway run in The U.S. Open Polo Championship Final. By David Lominska

Contact details

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk

4

in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Polo Times, May 2025

International & Home

Knowledge 50 52 54

Big Picture Cover Story: 2025 English High Goal Guide Cover Story: Interview: Martine Hartridge

Reports

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes

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12 15 24

32 34 36

© Polo Times Limited 2025 and Database Right 2025

All the Latest News

Features

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

News

www.polotimes.co.uk

All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

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Cover Story: The U.S. Open Polo Championship The NPC 16-Goal Championship The WPL Palm Beach Open The WPL Triple Crown of Polo

Club Focus 39 44

Your Club News from Home and Abroad Club Spotlight: Cirencester Park Polo Club

Performance Coach: Predator & Poet Equine Performance: Sheath Abnormalities Cover Story: Nutrition Focus: Another Q&A on Tying-Up or Envaramiento

Sidelines 57 58

Social Pages Gossip

Polo Directory 60 63

What’s On in May Classifieds

Final Bell 64

Cover Story: Passions: Mark Tomlinson www.polotimes.co.uk


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As always, keep well and play safe Nick Hine 4

Polo Times, May 2025

2025 Argentine Triple Crown & Qualification Tournament Teams

Although the 2025 Argentine Triple Crown feels like a long way off, the Argentine Association of Polo (AAP) has announced the eight teams who are eligible to compete in The Hurlingham Open, Tortugas Open and Argentine Open, as well as the teams that will participate in the Qualification Tournament which awards two spots in The Argentine Open. Following the culmination of the 2024 Argentine Triple Crown in December 2024, there was a lot of movement amongst the teams for the 2025 tournament. Unlike last season, 2025 will see only one 40 goal line-up while four teams will have a 10 goal player in their line-ups. The much-anticipated joining of forces between Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso with Jeta and Barto Castagnola (who won the 2024 Argentine Open with La Natividad) will be the only 40 goal team in this year’s line-up. Meanwhile Facundo Pieres, who has spent the last two years with La Natividad, will once again be wearing the Ellerstina shirt with his brother Gonzalito when they team up with the Heguy cousins Cruz and Antonio. Meanwhile, Uruguay-born legend David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, had announced his retirement from the Argentine Triple Crown after competing in 15 consecutive Finals, however he will be playing for La Zeta Kazak in the Qualification, substituting for Rufino Lauhlé who sadly passed away earlier this year. The 2025 Argentine Triple Crown Teams: La Natividad-La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Poroto Cambiaso (10), Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10) & Barto Castagnola (10) La Hache La Irenita (37): Hilario Ulloa (9), Francisco Elizalde (9), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Nachi du Plessis (9) El Overo Z7 UAE (37): Polito Pieres (9), Lukin Monteverde (9), Tomás Panelo (9) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Ellerstina (36): Facundo Pieres (10), Gonzalito Pieres (9), Antonio Heguy (8) & Cruz Heguy (9) La Ensenada (34): Juano Britos (8), Sapo Caset (9), Jerónimo del Carril (9) & Rufino Bensadón (8) Sol de Agosto (32): Benjamín Panelo (8), Facundo Sola (8), Paquito de Narváez (7) & Juan Martín Zubía (9) Los Machitos (32): Tortito Ruíz Jorba (8), Teo Lacau (8), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Alfredo Bigatti (8) La Hache Cría & Polo (32): Carlos María Ulloa (8), Joaquín Pittaluga (8), Bautista Bayugar (8) & Iñaki Laprida (8) The 2025 Qualification Tournament Teams: La Dolfina II (31): Mariano González (8), Gonzalo Ferrari (8), Lucas Criado (7) & Isidro Strada (8) La Zeta Kazak (31): Beltrán Laulhé (7), Nicolás Pieres (8), Lorenzo Chavanne (7) & David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (9) La Aguada (29): Facundo Llosa (8), Felipe Vercellino (7), Pedro Zacharias (8) & Kristos Magrini (6) La Ensenada II (29): Jesse Bray (7), Segundo Bocchino (7), Raúl Colombres (7) & Matías Torres Zavaleta (8) La Matera (29): Manuel Calafell (6), Guillermo Terrera (8), Alejo Taranco (8) & Jared Zenni (7) La Ensenada III (28): Santiago Loza (7), Facundo Fernández Llorente (7), Tomás Fernández Llorente (7) & Tommy Beresford (7) La Esquina (28): Pascual Sainz de Vicuña (6), Valerio Zubiaurre (7), Alejandro Muzzio (8) & Jacinto Crotto (7) La Irenita II (28): Santiago Cernadas (7), Federico Panzillo (7), Matías Mac Donough (7) & Martín Podestá (7) La Natividad II (28): Ricardo Garros (7), Félix Esain (7), Santos Merlos (7) & Javier Guerrero (7) Velay (28): Juan Jauretche (7), Felipe Miguens (6), Simón Prado (7) & Alfredo Capella (8)

Photograph by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP

Welcome to the May issue of Polo Times! The US 26 goal season across the pond has just concluded for another year and the English season has just begun, with the eagerly awaited 22 goal starting in a matter of a few days. I hope you will enjoy our round-up of the US season which culminated in 10 goal Cambiaso Snr showing his equally talented 10 goal son, Poroto, Cambiaso Jnr, that even at 50-years-old, Adolfo remains at the top of his game and the best in the business. The USPA is to be applauded for its readily available, ‘free to view’ screening of all of its key US high goal tournaments – as their initiative not only allowed spectators all around the globe, easy access to view the matches live via YouTube, in real time, but it also projected polo in a positive way to any spectator, anywhere in the world… all you needed was internet access. Commentator Toby Wayan was joined by Tommy Biddle, as well as top pro players such as Facundo Pieres as guest commentators, combined with drone footage and VAR, all added extra insight and match analysis to enhance the viewing experience. Hopefully, we will see these great initiatives embraced here in the UK. Fittingly, this issue includes your go to guide for the English 22 goal with the Polo Times High Goal Guide, kindly sponsored by Talacrest Ferrari, which includes all of the teams competing this year as well as the tournament dates and previous winners. It is great to see Home Grown Brit players in the ranks of these teams. Special shout-outs go to Hazel Jackson who is playing for Dubai – and is the only professional lady player in this year’s high goal – and the three Brit amigos of Tommy Severn, Ned and Louis Hine, who team up with Teo Lacau in Signet Thai Polo. The tournaments are wide open and there’s certainly all to play for this year. Polo Times also speaks to Martine Hartridge, Cowdray Park Polo Club’s new Managing Director to find out more about her and plans for the Club. Meanwhile, this month’s Club Spotlight focuses on Cirencester Park Polo Club who have been busy renovating their Clubhouse and improving their grounds over the winter. Our Reports pages include The U.S. Open, the World Polo League’s Triple Crown of Polo and Palm Beach Open; The NPC 16-Goal Championship and The Thai Polo Autumn Cup. The Knowledge pages are full of insights as always, with highlights including Raise Polo looking at the perfect player’s mindset and Lorna Edgar answering your tying-up questions. Finally, leaving the best until last, Mark Tomlinson, is this month’s Passions and is competing in the English 22 goal for Auerus – Mark we are rooting for you.

News

The 2025 Argentine Triple Crown teams have been confirmed

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Reports

The VIII Thai Polo Cup

News News Bellamar Pampa Norte comeback, but by Argentine BPP the fifth and sixth chukkas, Lavinia Rocksavage &it was Hipwood Merged into Pony Association of Club who were controlling the action with Carlos World Polo Leadership Event in Horse Breeders’ Marí a Ulloa and Manuel Giménez Villamil andBPP Pony Club; all Pony Club members The Hipwood and Rocksavage, which have Best Playing Pony: Romania commanding theJunior team from back and less than 3 goals will Future play a flat rate of £50 previously been HPA the tournaments, Lituania, Best Playing Pony

Photography by Matias Callejo

MVP Carlos María Ulloa

HPA Announce Impeding the Primary (Formerly Blocking) Rule

taking the hit to ride off or impede the primary opponent attempting Following the successful of the ‘blocking rule’ by the Santiago Llavallol & Carlos Maríimplementation a Ulloa to make the play on the hitter. The primary opponent must make United States Polo Association (USPA) and the announcement by the themselves clearly identifiable to the umpires by raising their stick Argentine Association of Polo (AAP) that they too will be introducing a before the ball is in play. If the ball is then left for the teammate blocking rule, everyone was watching England to see if a similar rule Polo Club Niederweiden will be competing in the 2022 Polo Rider Cup following, the player leaving it may then not ride off or impede an would be brought in. opponent in that phase of play. With the English outdoor season beginning in less than two weeks, after discussion during a Rules Committee meeting the Three additional teams have been confirmed for the Polo Rider Cup 2022: b. All other times: When a player in possession of the ball either Hurlingham PoloClub Association (HPA) of decided to introduce anMeier update Araucaria Polo will comprise Fabio Meier (1), Luca (1), toFabian Part 1Bolanterio Rule 32 Impeding the Laplacette Primary (formerly Blocking), which will willstops or reduces to a slow canter or walk, no teammate of the player (4) & Adrian (6); Polo Club Niederweiden in possession of the ball may ride off, impede or block an opposing take effect in during the upcoming season in England. compete The Polo Rider Cup2025 for the first time, with four Grabosh brothers (Paul, Anton and Emil/Michl) competing alongside Santi Schweitzer; the player who is within two horse lengths of the player in possession of the ball from making a play on the player on the ball. If the foul is blown Rule 32:Call IMPEDING THE PRIMARY Preußischer Polo Country Club Berlin Brandenburg line-up01452 will be: Kutlay our&friendly subscriptions team: 730 770 but subsequently not upheld, the teamPolo in possession the Brandenburg ball when a.Yaprak After (0), a break in the (3), play: When Novillo play is Astrada resumed(6) with a hit Gädeke (3). Max Bosch Valentin & Moritz Preußischer & Country ClubofBerlin or visit www.polotimes.co.uk the ball was called shallTeam be awarded a Fair Play dropped ball. after a break in play, it is not permitted for any member of the team

Polo Rider Cup 2022

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TRIPLE CROWN RESULTS Hurlingham & Argentine Open Finals SUPA UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE 50 Youth Teams Compete

THE EGYPT ARMY POLO HACKETT British TOUR Army in Cairo

PLUS: Equine Injury

RESULTS TRIPLE CROWN Open Finals Hurlingham & Argentine CHALLENGE SUPA UNIVERSITY 50 Youth Teams Compete POLO TOUR THE EGYPT ARMY in Cairo Army HACKETT British Nutrition Review PLUS: Equine Injury

Prevention, Christmas

Workout & 2021

Prevention, Christmas

Workout & 2021

Nutrition Review

TRIPLE CROWN RESULTS Hurlingham & Argenti ne Open Finals SUPA UNIVERSITY 50 Youth Teams CompeCHALLENGE te THE EGYPT ARMY POLO TOUR HACKETT British Army in Cairo

PLUS: Equine Injury

Prevention, Christmas

Workout & 2021 Nutrition

Photography by PRC

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Volume 26 • Issue

iPad

Photograph by Singureni Manor

combining with into theirthe forwards, Ramon for their HPA membership. Barlow, will now bewell merged Pony Club played Andrew by Carlos of the Final: Following the success of thewhile inaugural Singureni Manor PoloofCup Cassino Jack Whitman to secure Chairman the HPA Development from thisand season onwards, the Lavinia María Ulloa and Alberta Belvedere, played by Gaston Lucero & intheir October 2024 which over 2,800 guests enjoy the worldfirst Thai Polo Cup title, 10½-4. Coaching Committee, commented, “A vital Buckmaster section willsaw be discontinued. financial support from Park Place this new Federico Martelli Carlos María Ulloa class competition, Worldand PoloRocksavage returned to Romania over 4 April HPA role3is– to promote grassroots polo and The format of Hipwood partnership enables us to focus on our for Leadership Event. Reto and Tito along with Mark of young polo players. In the development willa remain unchanged, with three andGaudenzi, four structured development pathway whilst Holmes Swisson Ambassador to Romania Massimo Baggithe joined combining previous Junior HPA with chukkaand matches private grounds over wholeheartedly supporting and promoting forces immerse 50 top-tier and Ponyinvestors Club tournaments, this allows us 4 – 17toJuly, whichover will allow playersbusiness to also leaders, Pony Club Polo”. For more information on cultural influencers in theClub world of polo. From liveto demonstrations enhance our long-term objectives of compete in other Pony tournaments. Pony Club polo please contact Charles toHipwood storytelling world-classplayers polo professionals, the event blended promoting talent for the benefit of all players andby Rocksavage will be Whittington, or for Hipwood and Rocksavage history with Reto Gaudenzi commented and“Romania the sport in the future. With generous required to adrenaline; be members of both the HPA specifically contact Jilly Emerson. has the soul for polo. The land, the people, the elegance – it’s the perfect setting to build something truly world-class. Romania doesn’t need to be introduced to polo – it’s already listening. Now it’s time to turn up the volume. What’s happening at Singureni is real – it’s a movement with deep roots and a big future.” Singureni Manor is now home to the Singureni Manor Polo School, a training ground for Romania’s next generation of Romanian players, horses and enthusiasts. International coaches and mentors are already working with talent as the estate prepares for the second edition of The Singureni Manor Polo Fair Play Cup, set for 26 – 28 September 2025. For more information, visit Singureni Manor is now home to the Singureni Manor Polo School Award: singurenimanor-polocup.com Carlos Braun

Review

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News Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition

La Irenita Win The República Argentina Cup La Irenita secured a 13-12 victory over Las Rosas La Natividad to win the República Argentina Cup at Palermo on Saturday 29 March. The Final saw La Irenita maintain their lead for five chukkas with a five goal handicap advantage working in their favour. Las Rosas La Natividad, led by Lukin Monteverde, closed the gap in the final chukka, levelling the score at 12-12. With extra time looming, Custodio Eleno scored the decisive goal with 25 seconds remaining to secure the win, 13-12. This was La Irenita’s third title in the tournament, having previously won in 2002 and 2022. Matías MacDonough Jr. and Martín Podestá claimed their second República Argentina Cup, while Custodio Eleno and Fermín MacDonough earned their first. Las Rosas La Natividad finished as runners-up for the second year in a row, following their 2024 defeat in the rescheduled spring Final.

Photograph by Royal Salute

Royal Salute’s deep connection with polo continues with the release of the 21-Year-Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition, the latest in its collection of limited-edition whiskies. As the seventh instalment in the series. Royal Salute’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, expertly crafted the bespoke 21 Year Old Blended Malt whisky with a rich, fruity flavour that echoes Rio’s famously dynamic culture. A portion of this complex blend includes precious whiskies from Braeval Distillery matured in first-fill casks, offering fresh floral and grassy notes, reminiscent of Rio’s lush green landscape. Working harmoniously with other malt whiskies aged in American Oak casks, which bring sweet and creamy vanilla and coconut notes, the resulting blend is superbly smooth. The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition is available in limited quantities at specialist retailers globally at $190 USD, visit royalsalute.com to find out more.

Royal Salute have launched their latest limited edition whisky, The 21 Year Old Rio de Janeiro Polo Edition

Laraprinta Presented with Standing Rock Fair Play Award After six weeks of high goal competition across Ellerston, Garangula and Windsor Polo Club in Australia, Philipp Müller, Standing Rock Polo Team Patron and Founder of the Standing Rock Fair Play Award, presented the award to Larapinta (Michael Irvine, Alec White, Jack Archibald and Thomas Hunt) at The Morton Cup Final. Head Umpire Chris Hyde and New South Wales Chief Umpire Antony White believed Larapinta demonstrated superior standards of conduct, respect, sportsmanship, discipline and horse welfare on and off the field in all three tournaments. Chris Hyde commented, “Being involved with the New South Wales (NSW) pro umpire group and getting the opportunity to be a part of the selection process for the Standing Rock Fair Play Award has, in my view, been a huge positive move forwards for all who are involved in the teams’ organisations. It has proved that on and off the field the players and patrons have really made a huge difference in how they approach the sport, especially with how they converse with the umpires and officials. I truly believe that the Fair Play Award will grow to be one of, if not the most, sought after trophy’s in the game.” Having first launched last year, the award is now inspiring players and teams across the globe with collaborations in Australia, New Zealand, France and England.

Photograph by Sarah Ebbett

The República Argentina Cup Final Teams: La Irenita (16): Fermín Mac Donough (1), Custodio Eleno (1), Martín Podestá (7) & Matías Mac Donough Jr. (7) Las Rosas La Natividad (21): Matías González Otharán (1), Santiago Cernadas (7), Lukin Monteverde (9) & Barto Castagnola (4)

Philipp Müller with Larapinta players Alec White and Jack Archibald at the trophy presentation

Argentina vs South Africa Test Match

Argentina vs South Africa Test Match Teams: Argentina (22): Segundo Fernández Llorente (5), Agustín Marcos (5), Patrick O´Dwyer (6) & Juan Lalor (6) South Africa (21): Dane Csaszar (4), Dirk Van Reenen (5), Chris Mackenzie (6) & Tom de Bruin (6) 8

Polo Times, May 2025

Photograph by AAP

On Saturday 19 April, Argentina narrowly beat South Africa in The Kurland Park Test-Match at the Tafika Polo Estate in Plettenberg Bay. A second Test Match will be played between Argentina and South Africa on Saturday 17 May at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton, Johannesburg, as part of the Nedbank International Polo tournament.

Argentina narrowly won against South Africa in The Kurland Park Test-Matc

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Photography by Sam Churchill

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News

Photograph by Selena Wright

2026 NZ Polo Open Date USPA Announce Outdoor Handicap Changes

2025 NZ Polo Open winners Thomas Hunt & Indi Bennetto celebrate their win

The 2026 NZ Polo Open has been set as 10 – 15 February and will be played at 16 goals next year, whereas this year’s finalists were 11 and 12 goals. Entry forms will be sent out in May but in the meantime they are accepting expressions of interest, contact Lucy Ainsley (openmanager@aucklandpolo.co.nz).

The United States Polo Association have announced their 2025 Spring Outdoor Handicap Changes. These come into effect at different times for different players and the list can be viewed in full via the USPA’s website. Going Up: 7 to 8 goals: Benjamin Panelo, Diego Cavanagh, Carlos María Ulloa, Peke González & Felipe Vercellino 6 to 7 goals: Federico Panzillo, Lorenzo Chavanne & Beltrán Laulhé 5 to 7 goals: Louis Hine 5 to 6 goals: Ned Hine, Santiago Llavallol, Rufino Merlos & Geronimo Obregon 4 to 5 goals: Leon Donoso, Manuel Mazzocchi, Juan Monteverde, Matt Coppola & Martin Ravina 3 to 4 goals: Joaquin Sanchez Herrero & Miguel Novillo Astrada Jr. (will be raised to 5 on 1 December 2025) Going Down: 10 to 9 goals: Pablo Mac Donough 9 to 8 goals: Juan Britos 8 to 7 goals: Cristian Laprida Jr., Ignacio Novillo Astrada & Miguel Novillo Astrada Sr. 7 to 6 goals: Jorge Fernandez Ocampo Jr. & Agustin Merlos 6 to 5 goals: Lucas Criado Sr., Matias Magrini & Manuel Sundblad

Mercedes Prario: Argentina’s First Female Umpire

As ladies polo continues to grow in popularity and size, it is no surprise that female players who enjoy the sport are turning to umpiring. Mercedes Prario, who has competed in the Women’s Argentine Open and Ladies Masters, has become the first female umpire in Argentina. Prario learnt to play in Ayacucho with her father and brothers and later took umpiring courses, which she hopes will open the way for other women to become umpires too.

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Embrace Ease & Exhilaration MR MARVIS’ Spring/Summer 2025 collection

Inspired by Mediterranean living, the MR MARVIS Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, launched by the Amsterdam-based menswear brand, is the perfect collision of ease and exhilaration. The collection comes to life in the sundrenched French Riviera, capturing a summer lived in motion. Think winding coastal roads, golden hour on a sailing yacht and the rush of a speedboat slicing through the waves. Designed for those who live by their own rules, the Spring/Summer 2025 collection introduces one style of trousers, two shorts for different occasions, and a variety of airy tops.

The Short Classics: Elevated shorts

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available in four classic twill colourways and two lightweight denim variations, all made from 100 percent organic cotton.

The Short Vacays: Airy summer short

Meet the ultimate leisure style: The Short Vacays. Made from double gauze muslin with a crinkled texture that’s woven from 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane, they’re perfect for soaring temperatures. They have a wider cut and an

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elasticated waistband with adjustable drawstring and arrive in five solid colours and two striped variations.

Time for tops

After mastering the art of crafting the perfect shorts and trousers, MR MARVIS decided to expand its expertise upward. This season, MR MARVIS introduces several new favourites to complement its signature bottoms, such as The Midweight Crew, The Buttonless Polo and The Terry Tee. Trusted styles, including The Linen Shirt, The Knitted Polo and The Piqué Tee, also found their way back in exciting colours and design variations. To top it all off, MR MARVIS is excited to introduce new outerwear designs, including an option for unpredictable weather – The Iconic Jacket – and an airy summer classic that’s ideal for the upcoming wedding season: The Linen Shacket.

About MR MARVIS MR MARVIS shares positive energy around the world by creating iconic designs, offering best-inclass service and driving conscious decisions for people and the planet. In March 2023, MR MARVIS announced its status as an official B Corporation. As a B Corp, it is part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. Since 2016, the Amsterdam-based brand has produced all of its garments exclusively in Portugal. The ultimate fit and iconic style of MR MARVIS’ collection never changes; every season, the same collection remains available, but with newly added styles and garments. MR MARVIS products are available online at mrmarvis.com and in its stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Polo Times, May 2025

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Eduardo Márquez’s recent work captures the beauty, discipline, and culture of the equestrian world. Through his art, he celebrates horses as timeless symbols of freedom, strength and loyalty – an homage to a tradition he both lives and paints. Márquez moves fluidly between the worlds of art and equestrianism, creating works that range from oil on linen and graphite to sculpture. Raised in Cali, Colombia, his early inspiration was shaped by the rich cultural landscape of Valle del Cauca – known for its sugar cane fields, salsa rhythms, Paso Fino horses and diverse heritage. He later honed his craft at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where, as he recalls, “the academic and artistic inputs from extraordinary professors not only sharpened my technique, but opened my mind to the infinite world of international art.” w Artwork by Eduardo Márquez (www.eduardomarquez.com)

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Polo Times, May 2025

13


2025 English High Goal Season

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1989 Ferrari f40

Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was registered in the UK on 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles.

Season

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22 goal season dates, team line-ups & previous winners

A

s the American high goal winds down for another season, the international polo circuit moves onto the shores of Blighty. With the English 22 goal hosted at some of the most prestigious polo clubs, glimpses of royalty and some of the top names in polo, the next few months promise edge of your seat action. As this issue of Polo Times went to print, 20 teams had been confirmed for the upcoming 22 goal season which begins in May with The Trippetts Challenge (TC) (8 – 17 May) and The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy (POW) (7 – 17 May), followed by The Cartier Queen’s Cup (QC) (20 May – 15 June), The Warwickshire Cup (12 – 21 June), The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup (GC) (24 June – 20 July) and finishing with The Aston Martin Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup (27 July – 10 August). This year sees new sponsorship for Guards’ second 22 goal tournament of the season, The Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup, with the addition of luxury car brand Aston Martin, at the time of printing these teams had yet to be confirmed. 10 homegrown players are competing in the English 22 goal this year, a drop from 2024 and a number which still leaves room for improvement but Signet Thai Polo are certainly a team actively supporting English talent with the Hine brothers and Tommy Severn teaming up again – no doubt Ned and Louis Hine will be looking to build on their 2021 Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and Gold Cup successes and this year capture The Cartier Queen’s Cup. Hazel Jackson is the only English female professional and will be playing for Dubai, the other confirmed English players are Matt Perry (White Crane), James Harper ( Jehangiri); Tommy Beresford (King Power); Ollie Cudmore (Sujan Tigers), Hugo Taylor (Cibao La Pampa) and Mark Tomlinson (Aureus). Ferne Park is the only team to repeat their 2024 line-up, while Calatagan, Jehangiri and Kazak all make their debuts. This year will also see the return of David Paradice’s Scone under the title of La Dolfina Scone for The Cartier Queen’s Cup.

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Polo Times, May 2025

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AUREUS (22) Sunjay Kapur Tomas Panelo Benjamin Panelo Mark Tomlinson

(0) (9) (8) (5)

KAZAK (22) POW, QC & GC

Mark Tomlinson, who is featured as this month’s Passions, brings a wealth of experience and success on the English circuit having won all of the major tournaments in England, from The Cartier Queen’s Cup to The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and The Warwickshire Cup. Sunjay Kapur and Tomlinson played alongside each other last year as Aureus in The Indian Polo Shield, a competitive 18 goal tournament at Guards Polo Club. The Panelo brothers who are both at the top of their game complete the lineup. Tomas Panelo plays off 10 goals in America and has spent the winter months playing with BTA in The Gauntlet of Polo; over his career he has enjoyed success around the globe with titles including The USPA Gold Cup (2024) in America, The Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup (2024) in the UK, The Tortugas Open (2024) in Argentina and Dubai Gold Cup (2020) in UAE. Last year Benjamin Panelo reached the Final of The Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup with Park Place, only to be beaten by his brother playing for Bin Drai Polo Team, so no doubt the Panelo duo will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Sebastien Aguettant (0) Francisco Elizalde (8) Nico Pieres (8) Chris Mackenzie (6)

1989 Ferrari f40 POW, QC & GC

Under the leadership of French patron Sébastien Aguettant, Kazak has firmly established itself on the international polo circuit. Kazak captured itsbyfirst Open deItalyFrance Supplied new Motor SPA of Modena, on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension title in 2023 and the momentum continuedexample intopresented 2024, with condition. Kazak in exceptional The claiming car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was victory at the 130th Open de Paris. Over the winter months Kazak registered in the UK on 1st December that year. Itclaimed has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam the 11th edition of The Thai Polo Cup andseals, more recently lower front spoiler lip, fuelKazak tanks, coolant,added front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles. another win by triumphing in the Ellerstina Polo Tour in Argentina in April with Sebastien Aguettant and Nico Pieres teaming up. They are joined for the English 22 goal by Chris Mackenzie, fresh from his win in The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz and Francisco Elizalde, who last year played for Noor Khadra’s Green Gate, and who has been busy competing in the Gauntlet of Polo for La Fe Eastern Hay.

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PARK PLACE (22) Andrey Borodin (0) Hilario Ulloa (9) Rufino Bensadon (7) Rosendo Torreguitar (6)

POW, QC & GC

Park Place has been prolific in securing English high-goal titles in recent years, with two Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy wins (2020 and 2023), two Prince of Wales’ Championship Cup victories at Guards Polo Club (2021 and 2022), and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2022. Andrey Borodin arrives in England on a high following an impressive Gauntlet of Polo series in Wellington, where Park Place (alongside Louis Hine and Mariano ‘Peke’ González Jr) won The USPA Gold Cup and reached the Semi Finals of The U.S. Open. Borodin and Hilario Ulloa will be lining up in England with Rufino Bensadon and Rosendo Torreguitar for this season. Rufino Bensadon, who holds an 8 goal handicap in America, has been honing his high goal skills in the 26 goal World Polo League (WPL) at Grand Champions Polo Club. Playing for Casablanca in the WPL, Bensadon helped secure The Founders Cup. Rosendo Torreguitar has enjoyed a busy winter in Dubai, playing for HH Sheikha Maitha’s UAE Polo to win The Dubai Gold Cup and reaching The Silver Cup Final.

MARQUES DE RISCAL (22) Alejandro Aznar (0) Poroto Cambiaso (10) Carlos ‘Toly’ Ulloa (7) Rufino Merlos (5)

POW, QC & GC

Alejandro Aznar has completely changed his line-up for this year and brought in the big guns with the addition of 10 goaler Poroto Cambiaso. Cambiaso reached the Finals of The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and The Cartier Queen’s Cup last year (with La Dolfina Great Oaks) so will no doubt be looking to go further this year as well as defending his 2024 The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy title. Cambiaso and Rufino Merlos have been playing together in The Gauntlet of Polo series for La Dolfina/Catamount where they were pipped to the post in The U.S. Open Final. Carlos ‘Toly’ Ulloa has also been competing in The Gauntlet of Polo, where he reached The USPA Gold Cup Semi Final with Brookshire. Last year, Ulloa was part of the winning Argentine team who lifted The Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club where they beat the home side.

*NB: Handicaps and teams correct at time of going to print 16

Polo Times, May 2025

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1989 Ferrari f40(22) DESERT PALM Tariq Albwardy Barto Castagnola Javier Guerrero Beltrán Laulhe

(0) (9) (6) (7)

CALATAGAN (22) POW, QC & GC

Desert Palm is one of two Albwardy teams, with Tariq Albwardy taking the number 1 position. Last year saw Albwardy secure the coveted Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension Club and he first won TheTheBritish Polo example presented in exceptional condition. car arrived in Open the UK in 1997 from itsChampionship for the original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was Cowdray Gold Cup inthat2005. Castagnola registered in the UK on 1st December year. It hasBarto since had a handful of UK owners holds a 10 goal handicap and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam in Argentina and where hepadswon The Argentine and Hurlingham seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuelAmerica, tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Opens withMileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles. his home team, La Natividad. He last won The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2023 whilst playing for UAE Polo and The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2020. Beltrán Laulhé has recently been raised to 7 goals in America following a strong season playing for Globalport in The Gauntlet of Polo alongside his Desert Palm team mate, Castagnola. Javier Guerrero enjoyed a successful season in the medium goal in England last year, with wins in The Duke of Sutherland, The Duke of Wellington and The Harrison Cup.

Martin Romualdez (0) Facundo Pieres (10) Santiago Laborde (6) Simón Prado (6)

POW, QC & GC

Calatagan enjoyed a successful high goal season in Sotogrande last year with Martin Romualdez, Facundo Pieres and Santiago Laborde combining to win the High Goal Gold Cup. Simón Prado is their 6 goaler of choice for the English season, who enjoyed medium goal success winning The Apsley Cup with Emlor Black last year. Facundo Pieres is a name who needs no introduction as one of the top players in the sport. With a 10 goal handicap and all of the top titles across the globe, from The U.S. Open to The Argentine Open and The Queen’s Cup – his wins at the highest level spans a decade. Pieres has spent the winter playing for Pilot in The Gauntlet of Polo. Santiago Laborde won The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2020 and also reached the Finals of The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy in the same year; he has spent the winter in UAE, winning The Dubai Gold Cup Subsidiary Final with Dubai Wolves.

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KING POWER (22) Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha (1) Pablo Mac Donough (9) Tommy Beresford (7) TBA (5)

JEHANGIRI (22) POW, QC & GC

Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha and Pablo Mac Donough played together under the King Power banner last year and reached the Semi Finals of both The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and The Cartier Queen’s Cup; no doubt they will be looking to go one step further and claim both the top titles as King Power did in 2015. Mac Donough has been winning at the top level for over 20 years, which brings a lifetime of knowledge. He swept up in Argentina at the end of 2024 with wins in both The Argentine and Hurlingham Opens with La Natividad and has been busy over the winter in Florida, competing in the 26 goal World Polo League at Grand Champions Polo Club where he recently won The Palm Beach Open. Tommy Beresford moves from UAE Polo, who he has played with in previous years in both England and Dubai, and will this year play off 7 goals for King Power. Beresford has an unparalleled reach and has claimed four of the English high goal titles: The Trippetts Challenge Cup, The Coronation Cup, The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy. With the fourth player still to be decided at the time of going to print, this is an exciting team and watch this space.

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Muhammad Jehangiri Gonzalito Pieres Diego Cavanagh James Harper

(0) (8) (8) (6)

POW, QC & GC

Muhammad Jehangiri has been playing in UAE at Al Habtoor Polo Club alongside Gonzalito Pieres over the past few months, where they reached The Dubai Gold Cup Final playing as Jehangiri and lost out by one goal to five time champions of the tournament, UAE Polo. They are joined by James Harper, who will be playing off 6 goals rather than 7 this year and brings with him a wealth of experience. Harps has represented England on numerous occasions and has won four of the English high goal titles (The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, The Cartier Queen’s Cup, The Warwickshire Cup and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup) during his career. Diego Cavanagh, who played for La Dolfina Great Oaks last year when they won The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and reached The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and Cartier Queen’s Cup Finals, is arriving fresh from a successful season in America where he has won both The C.V. Whitney Cup and The U.S. Open with La Dolfina/Tamera.

Polo Times, May 2025

17


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LA MAGDELEINE (22)

1989 Ferrari f40

POW, QC & GC Alexandre Garese’s La Magdeleine won the 2023 Trippetts Challenge and this year have their sights set instead on The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and reached The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and Cartier Queen’s Cup. Garese has two other major European titles to his name – The Open de France (2021) and The Open du Soleil (2020). La Magdeleine returns with 75 percent of last year’s line-up with the addition of Min Podesta, who has kick started the year with a win in The República Argentina Cup for La Irenita. Jeronimo del Carril played a pivotal role in La Ensenada’s 15–11 win over Cría La Dolfina in The Drysdale Cup Final. Carril, Fernandez Llorente and Garese will be well acquainted with each other after competing together last year while Fernandez Llorente, Podesta and Del Carril won The Copa Pizarro together in Pilar, Argentina.

Alexandre Garese Jeronimo Del Carril Facundo Fernandez Llorente Min Podesta

(0) (8) (7) (7)

Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was registered in the UK on 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles.

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UAE POLO (22) HH Sheikha Maitha Juan Martin Nero Lukin Monteverde Santos Merlos

(0) (9) (7) (6)

TC, QC & GC

HH Sheikha Maitha’s UAE Polo have built upon their success year after year. Initially winning The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2021, they went on to secure The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2023 and last year added The Trippetts Challenge to the list. Last year, HH Sheikha Maitha also won The British Ladies Open Championship. Over the winter HH Sheikha Maitha and Lukin Monteverde have been busy in Dubai, with UAE Polo winning The Dubai Gold Cup at Al Habtoor Polo Club for the sixth time. Juan Martin Nero returns to the English high goal once again (last year he played for Gaston) where his list of titles spans both the globe and multiple decades. Here, Nero has previously won The Warwickshire Cup (2023), The Cartier Queen’s Cup (2022), The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup (2008) and The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy (2005) in the high goal. In Argentina, his successes have been prolific and spanned over 20 years, with multiple Argentine, Hulingham and Tortugas Open titles. Nero is fresh from a successful American season where he won both The Triple Crown of Polo and Palm Beach Open in the World Polo League series. Santos Merlos’ English season is already underway, as he is playing in the competitive La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy for La Hechicera Polo Team, which he reached the Final of in both 2024 and 2022.

18

Polo Times, May 2025

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1989 Ferrari GASTON (22) f40 Jean Paul Luksic Cruz Heguy Sapo Caset Gonzalo Ferrari

(0) (7) (8) (7)

WHITE CRANE (22) TC, QC & GC

Jean Paul Luksic’s Gaston made their English high goal debut last year and started the season with a bang reaching The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. Final, where they just lost out to 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension La Dolfina Great Oaks. Luksic returns with Cruz example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its Heguy, and two new players original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was for registered this year – onSapo Caset and Gonzalo Ferrari. Caset returns to the UK fresh in the UK 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam from winter spent at Grand Club where he won both The seals, a lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front Champions and rear discs, pads and Polo a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Founders Cup and All-Star Challenge in the 26 goal World Polo League with Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles. Casablanca, winning the Most Valuable Player prizes in both Finals. Ferrari returns to the English high goal season with top international wins under his belt including The Copa Cámara de Diputados with La Dolfina followed by The Ghantoot International Polo Championship.

Alexie Calvert-Ansari (0) Polito Pieres (10) Lorenzo Chavanne (6) Matt Perry (6)

TC, QC & GC

Last year was Alexie Calvert-Ansari’s first foray into the English high goal having been regulars in the English medium goal for several years. This year sees CalvertAnsari return to the high goal with a new line-up. Polito Pieres, who was part of last year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup winning Talandracas team and has won multiple top titles across the globe from The USPA Gold Cup to The Hurlingham Open, is hot from the US circuit where he reached The USPA Gold Cup Final and C.V. Whitney Cup Final with Coca-Cola. Lorenzo Chavanne also played for Coca-Cola, so the duo go into the English season in top form. Homegrown talent Matt Perry has the top English titles already to his name with The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy in 2023, The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2013 and 2014 as well as the 2013 British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup.

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FERNE PARK (22) Jonathan Rothermere (0) Pelón Stirling (8) Joaquin Pittaluga (7) Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida (7)

TC, QC & GC

Ferne Park is the only team to fully repeat their 2024 line-up. Last year Ferne Park won The Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park, with Holly Gadsby substituting for Jonathan Rothermere, and reached the Final of The Trippetts Challenge Cup. Rothermere’s Ferne Park has enjoyed multiple successes at Cowdray Park Polo Club in the medium goal over the years including The Duke of Sutherland Cup (2018) and The Tyro Cup (2022) as well as The Cicero Cup (2022) and The Royal Windsor Cup at Guards Polo Club (2013). Joaquin Pittaluga who has played his part in Ferne Park’s successes joins forces with Rothermere once again having spent the winter in Argentina. Pelón Stirling is one of the greatest names in polo today, having won 10 Argentine Opens, eight Hurlingham Opens and six Tortugas Opens in addition to three consecutive Argentine Triple Crowns with La Dolfina (2013, 2014 and 2015), plus The Cartier Queen’s Cup and Warwickshire Cup here in England.

SUJAN TIGERS (22) Jaisal Singh (1) Juan Martín Zubia (8) Juan Britos (8) Ollie Cudmore (5)

QC & GC

Jaisal Singh’s Sujan Tigers returns to the English high goal for the third consecutive year albeit with a new line-up. Ollie Cudmore has countless English high goal wins to his name including The Warwickshire Cup (2013, 2020 and 2023) and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup (2018), and will this year be playing off a 5 goal handicap. Juan Britos and Juan Martin Zubia start the season playing for Cibao La Pampa in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, so will be well acquainted with each other by the time they join Sujan Tigers for The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup.

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Polo Times, May 2025

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1989 Ferrari f40

Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was registered in the UK on 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles.

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DUBAI (22) Rashid Albwardy (3) Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10) Antonio Heguy (7) Hazel Jackson (2)

QC & GC

Dubai’s combination of Rashid Albwardy, Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola and Antonio Heguy claimed a landslide 11-3 win in last year’s British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup Final and resulted in Albwardy going from 2 to 3 goals and Heguy jumping from 5 to 7 goals, meaning their combination with Beltrán Laulhe (who also jumped from 5 to 7 goals last year) was too high. The fourth spot in the team this year goes to Hazel Jackson, who holds a 10 goal women’s handicap but a 2 goal mixed handicap. Jackson is the only female professional player in this year’s high goal and as one of the best women’s polo players has a wealth of titles already under her belt including multiple Women’s Argentine Opens, Ladies British Open, Women’s U.S. Open and The Women’s French Open.

LA DOLFINA MURUS SANCTUS (22) Corinne Ricard (0) Adolfo Cambiaso (9) Marcos Araya (6) Paquito de Narvaez (7)

TC

Corinne Ricard’s La Dolfina Murus Sanctus team will this year compete for The Trippetts Challenge which they reached the Final of last year. Ricard returns again this year with Marcos Araya, who she won the 2023 Queen’s Cup Final with, and Adolfo Cambiaso for another stab at the Trippetts title, with Paquito De Narvaez completing the line-up. Cambiaso, who has recently turned 50, shows no sign of slowing down – he recently beat his son, Poroto, in The U.S. Open Final which marked his 10th U.S. Open title and earlier in The Gauntlet of Polo series he also won The C.V. Whitney Cup. Paco de Narvaez has also been honing his skills in The Gauntlet of Polo for Clearwater and Marcos Araya has spent the winter months in the UAE playing for Ghantoot Polo Team where he won The Ghantoot International Polo Championship.

20

Polo Times, May 2025

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SIGNET THAI POLO (22)

1989 Ferrari f40

POW & QC

Ned Hine (5) Louis Hine (5) Teo Lacau (7) Tommy Severn (5)

Signet Thai Polo once again has a strong English presence with three homegrown players, an impressive statistic given there are just ten English players in this year’s high goal. The Hine brothers and Tommy Severn have all come up through the English youth system, beginning in the Pony Club and now enjoying success in the high goal. Ned and Louis won The Justerini & Brook Prince of Wales Trophy and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup together in 2021 for Thai Polo NP. These three players are well acquainted with each other, having competed together in the high goal last season and also winning the 2024 Whitbread Trophy as a Young England side at Guards Polo Club. Louis comes in hot from the United States where, as part of Park Place’s line-up, he won The USPA Gold Cup and reached the Semi Finals of The U.S. Open Polo Championship and has been raised to 7 goals in America, while brother Ned has also been raised to 6 goals in America. Teo Lacau joins the team for 2024, Lacau won the 2024 Trippetts Challenge with UAE Polo and has been perfecting his game in the UAE over the winter months picking up wins in The Dubai Gold Cup and Emaar Cup.

Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was registered in the UK on 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles.

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OJO CALIENTE (22) Ana Escobedo Alfredo Cappella Facundo Sola Felix Esain

POW & QC

(0) (8) (8) (6)

Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente have competed in The Prince of Wales’ Championship at Guards Polo Club over the past few years, reaching the Final in 2023. This year sees Facundo Sola and Ana Escobedo return to play alongside each other, with the addition of Felix Esain and Alfredo Cappella for 2025 in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and The Cartier Queen’s Cup. Esain, Sola and Escobedo competed together in Ojo Caliente’s hugely successful 2023 medium season when they won the 18 Goal Victor Ludorum. Sola and Escobedo have prepared for the English season by competing together in the Argentina Polo Tour, while Esain has been sharpening his skills under the sunny skies of UAE where he won The Dubai Silver Cup.

CIBAO LA PAMPA (22) Juan Pepa Hugo Taylor Juan Britos Juan Martin Zubia

(2) (4) (8) (8)

LA DOLFINA SCONE (22) POW

Juan Pepa’s Cibao La Pampa made their English 22 goal debut in 2022 and this year will be competing for The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy at RCBPC. Juan Martin Zubia and Juan Britos, who will be competing in The Queen’s Cup and Cowdray Gold Cup together for Sujan Tigers and are joined by homegrown player, Hugo Taylor. Taylor began playing at seven years old on fluffies and has made it to the top with this his third year in the high goal. Juan Martin Zubia has enjoyed a busy winter in America competing in the 26 goal World Polo League where he reached the Final of The All-Star Challenge with Santa Rita. Juan Britos is no stranger to the English high goal circuit and has reached The Queen’s Cup Final several times whilst claiming several titles around the globe, with particular success in America with wins including The U.S. Open, The C.V. Whitney Cup and The WPL Triple Crown of Polo.

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QC

David Paradice (0) Adolfo Cambiaso (9) Paquito de Narvaez (7) Marcos Araya (6)

David Paradice’s Scone, who won The Cartier Queen’s Cup in their debut year in 2019, are returning after a year’s absence from the English high goal. They are the only team to be competing in just The Cartier Queen’s Cup; Adolfo Cambiaso, Paquito de Narvaez and Marcos Araya are playing together in The Trippetts Challenge as La Dolfina Murus Sanctus with Corinne Ricard, so will already have found their rhythm by the time they are joined by David Paradice in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. Marcos Araya has spent the winter honing his skills in the United Arab Emirates, while Adolfo Cambiaso and Paquito de Narvaez have most recently been competing in The U.S. Open Polo Championship which saw Cambiaso secure his tenth title. David Paradice has been busy in Australia, winning The Morton Cup in April playing as Ellerston White with James and Will Harper and Tommy Beresford.

Polo Times, May 2025

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Feature

2025 English High Goal Season

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1989 Ferrari f40 English 22 Goal 2025 Tournament Dates & Previous Winners The Trippetts Challenge for The James Wentworth Stanley Cup Where? Cowdray Park Polo Club When? Thursday 8 – Saturday 17 May Previous Winners? 2007 – Ellerston White 2008 – Broncos 2009 – Talandracas 2010 – Sumaya 2011 – Salkeld 2012 – Talandracas 2013 – Sumaya 2014 – Enigma 2015 – UAE 2016 – La Indiana 2017 – El Remanso 2018 – La Bamba de Areco 2019 – La Indiana 2022 – Marques de Riscal 2023 – La Magdeleine 2024 – UAE The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy Where? The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club When? Wednesday 7 – Saturday 17 May Previous Winners? 1986 – Kennelot 1987 – Southfield 1988 – Hilton House 1989 – Tramontana 1990 – Tramontana 1991 – Munnipore 1992 – Ellerston White 1993 – Maple Leafs 1994 – Cowdray Park 1995 – Alcatel 1996 – Alcatel 1997 – Geebung 1998 – Jerudong Park 1999 – Ellerston Park 2000 – Royal Pahang 2001 – FCT 2002 – Dubai 2003 – Buzzee Bees 2004 – Azzurra 2005 – Azzurra 2006 – Dubai 2007 – Cadenza 2008 – Broncos 2009 – Talandracas 2010 – Emlor 2011 – El Remanso 2012 – Dubai 2013 – Emlor 2014 – La Indiana 2015 – La Indiana 2016 – Valiente Dubai 2017 – RH Polo 2018 – Monterosso 2019 – Marchfield

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2020 – Park Place 2021 – Thai Polo NP 2022 – Twelve Oaks 2023 – Park Place 2024 – La Dolfina Great Oaks The Cartier Queen’s Cup Where? Guards Polo Club When? Tuesday 20 May – Sunday 15 June Previous Winners? 1960 – The Centaurs 1961 – Silver Leys 1962 – Sao Silvestre 1963 – Cowdray Park 1964 – The Centaurs 1965 – Pimm’s 1966 – Pimm’s 1967 – Woolmers Park 1968 – Woolmers Park 1969 – Pimm’s 1970 – Cowdray Park 1971 – Stowell Park 1972 – Cowdray Park 1973 – Stowell Park 1974 – San Flamingo 1975 – Foxcote 1976 – Flamingo 1978 – Stowell Park 1979 – Los Locos 1980 – Stowell Park 1981 – Cowdray Park 1982 – Boehm Team 1983 – Cowdray Park 1984 – Foxcote 1985 – Centaurs 1986 – Les Diables Blues 1987 – Southfield 1988 – NPC Broncos 1989 – Hilditch & Key 1990 – Santa Fe 1991 – Ellerston White 1992 – Ellerston White 1993 – Black Bears 1994 – Black Bears 1995 – Labegorce 1996 – Ellerston White 1997 – Isla Carroll 1998 – Ellerston 1999 – Ellerston 2000 – Geebung 2001 – Not Played (Foot & Mouth Disease)

2002 – Emerging 2003 – Dubai 2004 – Labegorce 2005 – Dubai 2006 – Dubai 2007 – Loro Piana 2008 – Ellerston 2009 – Apes Hill 2010 – Dubai 2011 – Talandracas 2012 – Dubai 2013 – Zacara 2014 – Zacara

2015 – King Power Foxes 2016 – Dubai 2017 – RH Polo 2018 – La Indiana 2019 – Scone 2020 – Les Lions/Great Oaks 2021 – UAE Polo 2022 – Great Oaks 2023 – Murus Sanctus 2024 – Talandracas The Warwickshire Cup Where? Cirencester Park Polo Club When? Thursday 12 June – Saturday 21 June Previous Winners? 1894 – E.D. Miller’s Team 1895 – E.D. Miller’s Team 1896 – Rugby 1897 – Winwick 1898 – Winwick 1899 – Old Cantabs 1900 – W. Buckmaster’s Team 1901 – Old Cantabs 1902 – W. Buckmaster’s Team 1903 – Stockton House 1904 – Frizz Hill 1905 – Oakham House 1906 – Oakham House 1907 – Tigers 1908 – Old Cantabs 1909 – Tigers 1910 – Tigers 1911 – Thornby 1912 – Friz Hill 1913 – Friz Hill 1932 – Roehampton 1933 – Roehampton 1934 – Kashmir 1937 – Goulburn 1939 – Roehampton 1959 – Kirtlington 1960 – Argentina 1961 – Sud America 1962 – Ratanda 1963 – Buccaneers 1965 – Jersey Lillies 1966 – Windsor Park 1967 – Chequers Manor 1968 – Cirencester Park 1969 – Buccaneers 1970 – Todham 1971 – San Flamingo 1972 – Stowell Park 1973 – Stowell Park 1974 – Cowdray Park 1975 – Cowdray Park 1976 – Golden Eagles 1977 – Cowdray Park 1978 – Stowell Park 1979 – Roundwood Park 1980 – Cowdray Park 1981 – Maple Leafs 1982 – Southfield 1983 – Boehm Team

1972 – Pimm’s 1984 – Southfield 1973 – Stowell Park 1985 – Centaurs 1974 – Stowell Park 1986 – Falcons Supplied new by Motor SPA of Modena, Italy on 20th December 1989. 83783 is Ferrari Classiche Certified, a Non Catalyst, Non-adjustable suspension 1975 – Greenhill Farm 1987 – Southfield example presented in exceptional condition. The car arrived in the UK in 1997 from its original owner in Italy at 1,900 kms as confirmed by the history file and was 1976 – Stowell Park 1988 – Black Bears registered in the UK on 1st December that year. It has since had a handful of UK owners and in 2015 the car was subject to a major service, including replacement of cambelts, cam 1977 – Foxcote 1989 – Southfield seals, lower front spoiler lip, fuel tanks, coolant, front and rear discs, pads and a new battery. Since then the car has been sparingly used by it’s last owner as part of major collection. 1978 – Stowell Park 1990 – Ellerston White Mileage shown is 9,836 kilometers, just over 6,100 miles. 1979 – Sonhai 1991 – Black Bears 1980 – Stowell Park 1992– Los Locos 1981– Falcons 1993 – Ellerston White 1982 – Southfield 1994 – Black Bears 1983 – Falcons 1995 – Royal Pahang 1984 – Southfields 1996 – Ellerston White 1985 – Maple Leafs 1997 – Black Bears 1986 – Tramontana 1998 – Lovelocks 1987 – Tramontana 1999 – Pommery W W W. TA L A C R E S T. C O M + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 31988 4 4 3 0 8 1– 7 8Tramontana | +44 (0)7860 589855 | john@talacrest.com 2000 – Woodchester 1989 – Tramontana 2001 – Dubai 1990 – Hildon House 2002 – Foxcote 1991– Tramontana 2003 – FCT 1992 – Black Bears 2004 – Black Bears 1993 – Alcatel 2005 – Black Bears 1994 – Ellerston Black 2006 – Oaklands Park 1995 – Ellerston Whit 2007 – Elysian Fields 1996 – C.S. Brooks 2008 – Les Lions II 1997 – Labegorce 2009 – Emlor-CRL 1998 – Ellerston 2010 – Emlor-CRL 1999 – Pommery 2011 – Laird 2000 – Geebung 2012 – Halycon Gallery 2001– Dubai 2013 – Halycon Gallery 2002 – Black Bears 2014 – Halycon Gallery 2003 – Hildon Sport 2015 – Apes Hill 2004 – Azzurra 2016 – Black Bears 2005 – Dubai 2017 – Bardon 2006 – Black Bears 2018 – Monterosso 2007 – Lechuza Caracas 2019 – Emlor 2008– Loro Piana 2020 – Lovelocks Polo Stud 2009 – La Bamba de Areco 2021 – Vikings 2010 – Dubai 2022 – Black Bears 2011 – Zacara 2023 – Black Bears 2012 – Cortium 2024 – Ferne Park 2013 – Zacara The British Open Polo 2014 – Dubai Championship for the 2015 – King Power Foxes Cowdray Gold Cup 2016 – King Power Foxes Where? Cowdray Park Polo 2017 – King Power Club 2018 – El Remanso When? Tuesday 24 June – 2019 – Dubai Sunday 20 July 2020 – Next Generation Previous Winners? 2021 – Thai Polo NP 1956 – Los Indios 2022 – Park Place 1957 – Windsor Park 2023 – UAE Polo 1958 – Cowdray Park 2024 – Dubai 1959 – Casarejo The Aston Martin Prince of 1960 – Laversine-Casarejo Wales’ Championship Cup 1961 – Cowdray Park Where? Guards Polo Club 1962 – Cowdray Park When? Sunday 27 July – 1963 – La Vulci Sunday 10 August 1964 – Jersey Lillies Previous Winners? 1965 – Jersey Lillies 2021 – Park Place 1966 – Windsor Park 2022 – Park Place 1967 – Woolmers Park 2023 – Monterosso 1968 – Pimm’s 2024 – Bin Drai Polo Team 1969 – Windsor Park 1970 – Boca Raton 1971– Pimm’s

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Congratulations from Thai Polo to Park Place, winners of the USPA Gold Cup 2025:

Photograph by David Lominska

Peke González, Hilario Ulloa, Andrey Borodin & Louis Hine


Feature

Interview: Martine Hartridge

Martine

Hartridge Steering tradition into the future at Cowdray Park Polo Club

M

artine Hartridge, newly appointed Managing Director of Cowdray Park Polo Club, is bringing a fresh perspective to one of British polo’s most prestigious clubs. With a background in brand management and creative operations – and a clear passion for people, heritage and progress – Martine is stepping confidently into a role that marries her professional acumen with a deep appreciation for tradition. “Taking on the role of Managing Director at Cowdray Park Polo Club is an incredible honour, both professionally and personally,” she reflects. “As a working mum, it’s particularly meaningful because it reflects the balance between ambition and family life – something I know so many people strive for. Stepping into a leadership role at such a prestigious institution shows that with the right support and determination, it is possible to have a fulfilling career while raising a family. I really couldn’t imagine having the confidence to step into this role without the amazing team at the Club, the support of the wider Cowdray Estate and the championing from the Board of Directors.” For Martine, this opportunity is as much about purpose as it is about prestige. “To receive the level of encouragement that I have had from people I admire in our team is humbling,” she says. “I’m also privileged to work with some inspiring women in polo, namely the Hon. Mrs Lila Pearson and the Marchioness of Milford Haven, both of whom are incredibly generous with their time and support. Polo is a dynamic and inclusive community, and I look forward to fostering an environment where talent thrives, both on and off the field. For me, this role is about passion, purpose, and proving that you can embrace new challenges without compromising on the things that matter most.” Though her entry into the world of polo came later in her career and despite not having worked in sport until joining Cowdray, Martine’s professional roots run deep in creative leadership. At home she is surrounded by a family-run, heritage business which of course keeps her hands on. Having spent years leading production departments in London advertising agencies, she is well-versed in high-pressure environments and tight deadlines and her experience “has made me somewhat immune to pressure and unrealistic deadlines”. Commenting further, “There is always a way to make something good happen when you work as a team. I think the biggest lesson my career 24

Polo Times, May 2025

has taught me is that relationships are invaluable. Put people first, be kind even when it feels difficult, listen and never be ashamed to admit when you were wrong.” Her arrival at Cowdray was no coincidence. Martine was instantly drawn to the Club’s unique blend of tradition and innovation – qualities championed by Estate CEO Jonathan Russell,

“We will achieve great things over the coming seasons” whose vision left a lasting impression. “His passion for Cowdray as both a brand and a family business is infectious,” she notes. “Once I dug deeper, the passion of the players, Members, and wider polo community here is truly inspiring, and I see enormous potential to build on that energy.” Martine is careful not to disrupt what’s already working. “It can be tempting to change a lot of things at once to make your mark, but I think it is much more important to look at what works well and build on that gradually. Sometimes small changes can make the biggest impact on the people in your sport or industry.” Her immediate priority is enabling her team. “There is an astounding amount of knowledge, creativity and passion in the team – if I can remove the small hurdles that slow them down or stop them day to day, we will achieve great things over the coming seasons.” She’s also acutely aware of the balance between tradition and evolution. “People might think that the best way to preserve a legacy is to stay the same, but I believe tradition should inform your decisions rather than define them,” she explains. “We have a deep reverence for the traditions that shape polo, but with a fast-changing commercial landscape around sport in general, we pride ourselves in staying open to new technology on and off the field.” This includes developments like Cowdray TV, digital engagement and the integration of Roda Polo – an innovative form of polo on e-wheels, with ambitions to host a dedicated academy at Cowdray. Although Cowdray Park Polo Club already holds an esteemed place in the polo world, Martine believes there is always room to grow and innovate, “My focus will be on enhancing three key areas: world-class polo, premium spectator experience, and global engagement, I want to ensure that Cowdray remains at the pinnacle of competitive polo.” Martine credits Polo Manager Chris Bethell and Chairman John Bunn as instrumental in maintaining Cowdray’s competitive and infrastructural edge. With their experience and dedication we will continue to attract the world’s top players and teams to our tournaments. Meanwhile strengthening our international relationships and fostering collaborations with toptier clubs worldwide will be key to maintaining our global standing.” www.polotimes.co.uk


Interview: Martine Hartridge

www.polotimes.co.uk

“The passion of the players, Members, and wider polo community here is truly inspiring”

Quick Fire Round

“I think the biggest lesson my career has taught me is that relationships are invaluable”

Where and when was the first polo match you watched? It was at Polo in the Park in 2015. What has been your most memorable polo moment? It has to be watching UAE win the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2023. To see a female player (Kayley Smith) lift the cup alongside her teammates and on behalf of H.H. Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum felt inspiring. What is your favourite polo tournament at the Club? The Tyro Cup. I enjoy the mix of players and the opening of the season at Cowdray Park after so many months of preparation. Photography by Helen Cawte

Enhancing the player and spectator experience remains central to her vision too, “I believe the spectator experience is crucial. For many, polo is not just a sport – it’s an event, a lifestyle, and a social occasion. By refining our hospitality, infrastructure, and digital presence, we can make Cowdray an even more attractive destination for both seasoned enthusiasts and new audiences. I also plan to amplify our global visibility through strategic partnerships, digital media, and innovative content that showcases Cowdray Park Polo Club’s prestige to a broader audience. Today’s audiences, particularly younger generations, engage with sport differently. We need to embrace digital innovation, enhance live-streaming and social media presence, and showcase our laid back and inclusive environment to appeal to the next generation of fans. By embracing technology and engaging with international polo communities, we can solidify our reputation as the home of British polo and a premier global destination for the sport.” Grassroots growth is also high on her agenda. “Growing participation at all levels is crucial. Polo has often been perceived as exclusive, and while its traditions are part of its charm, we have to also find ways to make the sport more approachable. By investing in grassroots programs, supporting young and emerging players, and enhancing club facilities, we can ensure that polo remains a vibrant and evolving sport. We were delighted to work with Roda Polo last year to showcase polo on e-wheels. This season we hope to enable them to host a Roda Polo Academy at Cowdray Park. We are also committed to working with the HPA and other UK polo clubs to grow young talent on the field.” The Club’s tournament calendar is also growing. “Every year the number of games played is growing. We are also hoping to bring back a Members’ favourite, Friday Night Polo. Cowdray Park has the most beautiful setting – I can’t think of anywhere better to watch a match on a sunny summer’s afternoon.” After a busy season last year, the winter months have been spent making even more improvements to the Club, “Two of our grounds underwent fraze mowing and with a dry winter our grounds are looking fantastic. We’ve benefited from a bolstered team of groundsmen and the added experience brought to the Club by Chairman John Bunn. Drawing on his knowledge of ground technology and practices at other leading sports venues, we have adopted a more scientific approach to grounds maintenance. Cowdray and the UK have the best grounds in the world, and we keep striving to maintain that standard.” Despite the scale of her responsibilities, Martine’s approach remains deeply human. “I would love to see a thriving community around the sport. Cowdray Park is a lot of fun, and above all, it’s a family of like-minded individuals,” she says. “I see Cowdray Park leading the way in taking polo to an audience that may never have considered watching polo before.” With Martine Hartridge at the helm, Cowdray Park Polo Club is in capable, creative hands – poised to honour its legacy while embracing the future.

Feature

Which team/player is your favourite to watch? It is hard to pick a team, but watching Jeta Castagnola is a season highlight. He’s phenomenal.

Polo Times, May 2025

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STRATEGIC SHIPPING PARTNERS WITH ARMED FORCES EQUINE CHARITY TO SUPPORT POLO INITIATIVE STRATEGIC SHIPPING has announced a new partnership with the Armed Forces Equine Charity to enhance the Polo Initiative, which aims to provide vital support and recreational opportunities for the military community. This collaboration is set to empower the physical and mental fitness of all members of the Armed Forces. Founded in 2019, the Armed Forces Equine Charity is dedicated to offering sport and recreational facilities tailored for the local community. Based in Tedworth, an area with a rich history in polo since 1907, the Charity

organises events like the annual Rundle Cup between the Army and Navy. Their mission focuses on improving the resilience and fitness of Armed Forces members, acknowledging the lasting impact of military service. By utilising the unique bond between humans and horses, their active recovery and rehabilitation programs aim to create transformative experiences for participants. Peter O’Rorke, founder of Strategic Shipping, has been a longstanding supporter of the Para-Polo squad, which comprises ex-servicemen and women. Through this

partnership, funding will be directed toward developing a more structured and targeted approach to the Polo Initiative, allowing more individuals to experience the thrill of the game while benefiting from its healing properties. Additionally, Strategic Shipping’s own polo team will be participating in upcoming matches at Cowdray and other clubs, showcasing new colours that reflect their connection to the Armed Forces Equine Charity. Team members are available to share insights about the initiative and ways to get involved.

For further information about the Armed Forces Equine Charity and its impactful programs visit

ar me df orces equ i n e. com


The U.S. Open Polo Championship

Reports FINAL

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Where: National Polo Center – Wellington, USA

Clash Between

Cambiasos 10th U.S. Open title for Adolfo Cambiaso

The U.S. Open Polo Championship Final was a battle between the Cambiasos

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2025

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Reports

The U.S. Open Polo Championship

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n Sunday 20 April, the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, hosted the 2025 U.S. Open Polo Championship Final – the concluding event of The Gauntlet of Polo series. The Final marked the second consecutive year that Adolfo Cambiaso and his son, Poroto Cambiaso, faced off for the title: Adolfo playing for La Dolfina/Tamera and Poroto representing defending champions La Dolfina/Catamount, alongside teammate Rufino Merlos. La Dolfina/Tamera arrived at the Final riding the momentum of their earlier victory in The C.V. Whitney Cup, the first leg of the Gauntlet, where they beat La Dolfina/Catamount. However, no doubt memories of last season’s losses to Poroto in both The USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open were

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still fresh in Adolfo Cambiaso’s mind ahead of the rematch. “He’s been beating me a little bit too much,” he said of his son. “But the last game I beat him. Last year I lost two Finals against them. I won one, I lost two important ones. And now we are 1-1 [for the season] but he beat me in England in the Quarter Finals of The Queen’s Cup.” While La Dolfina/Tamera reached the Final undefeated, La Dolfina/Catamount’s path was far rockier. A narrow 11-10 loss to La Dolfina/Tamera in the preliminary round and another defeat to Park Place left them 0-2, facing elimination. “I think we started The U.S. Open badly,” Poroto Cambiaso reflected, “We lost a couple of games [to Park Place and La Dolfina/Tamera]. With Park Place we were winning by five or six then we lost at the end.”

An 11-10 overtime win against BTA kept La Dolfina/Catamount’s hopes alive, ultimately earning a Quarter Final spot via a penalty shootout. Adolfo Cambiaso noted the shift in his son’s approach, saying, “He’s using his teammates more than playing by himself. This is a team game, and I think the last couple of games he did that.” In the Semi Finals, La Dolfina/Tamera faced Coca-Cola, who were forced to substitute Julian De Lusarreta due to yellow card suspensions. Struggling to find rhythm and communication, Coca-Cola lost 9-4. Meanwhile, La Dolfina/ Catamount took on USPA Gold Cup champions Park Place, jumping to an early 4-0 lead and never trailing in an 11-9 victory.

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The U.S. Open Polo Championship The Final began with La Dolfina/Catamount striking first, as Merlos sank two early field goals. However, La Dolfina/Tamera regained the lead going into the second chukka. As half-time neared, Alejandro Poma electrified the crowd by scoring off an Adolfo Cambiaso pass, levelling the match 6-6 by the end of the third chukka and swinging momentum firmly in Tamera’s favour. The fourth chukka proved pivotal as La Dolfina/Tamera built an 8-6 advantage and by the fifth chukka, the lead had stretched to 10-7, and despite La Dolfina/Catamount’s late efforts, Tamera continued to pull away.

Reports

The U.S. Open Polo Championship Final Teams

La Dolfina/Tamera Adolfo Cambiaso Alejandro Poma Diego Cavanagh Matt Coppola

(22) (10) (1) (7) (4)

La Dolfina/Catamount Jesse Bray Poroto Cambiaso Rufino Merlos Scott Devon

(22) (7) (10) (5) (0)

Chukka scores: 3-2, 5-4, 6-6, 8-6, 10-7, 12-8 to La Dolfina/Tamera

The La Dolfina/Tamera organisation celebrates with family & friends

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2025

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Reports

The U.S. Open Polo Championship

By the final horn and the 12-8 score in their favour, all four players on La Dolfina/Tamera had contributed goals to the scoreboard – testament to the mindset of Adolfo Cambiaso in cultivating his team and extracting the best from each player as Matt Coppola recognised, “I think it’s every player’s dream to have an opportunity to play with him [Adolfo]. I am so lucky I did. I got the chance, I took the most of the opportunity and I’m so grateful. He wants you to play your game – he wants you to have confidence. I’ll never forget we were playing our first team practice, and he said, ‘I’ll never yell at you unless you’re timid. So, if you mess up doing what you thought was right, I’ll never yell at you.’ Since then, I just kind of got my confidence every game […] and I think my game playing with him has come on a lot.” Poma, who delivered a standout four goal performance, earned Most Valuable Player honours. The victory was particularly special for Adolfo Cambiaso, who celebrated his record-setting tenth U.S. Open Polo Championship title, surpassing Carlos Gracida’s previous record of nine.

BPP Dolfina Binter, played by Adolfo Cambiaso, owned by La Dolfina

MVP

Photography by David Lominska

Alejandro Poma

Matt Coppola celebrates his U.S. Open win with his newborn son, Crew

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www.polotimes.co.uk


Reports

The NPC 16-Goal Championship

Kaia

Win NPC

16 Goal Championship Four months of competition culminates in one Final

The NPC 16-Goal Championship Final Teams

Zapican BMW Max Torokovei Vaughn Miller Ignacio Viana Felipe Viana

(16) (0) (4) (7) (5)

Kaia (16) Larry Austin (0) Lucas Criado Jr. (7) Felipe ‘Pipe’ Vercellino (7) Antonio Aguerre (2)

Chukka scores: 1-1, 4-3, 5-5, 7-7, 8-7, 10-9 to Kaia

The NPC 16-Goal Championship trophy

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Zapican BMW’s Felipe Viana and Kaia’s Antonio Aguerre match each other stride-for-stride

www.polotimes.co.uk


The NPC 16-Goal Championship

Reports

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BPP Machitos Rococo, owned and played by Lucas Criado Jr.

Héctor Galindo & Horacio Onetto (Third man: Kimo Huddleston)

MVP

Felipe ‘Pipe’ Vercellino

FINAL

13 APR

Where: National Polo Center – Wellington, USA

he NPC 16-Goal Championship concluded on Sunday 13 April at the National Polo Center in Wellington after four months of competition. Four ,16 goal, national competitions were played throughout January and April under the banner of the Wellington Polo Tour to produce the four teams eligible to compete for The NPC 16-Goal Championship title. These were the winners of The Joe Barry Memorial Cup (Zapican BMW), Ylvisaker Cup (Bientina), Outback Cup (Palm Beach Open) and Kaia (after qualifying for the NPC 16-Goal Championship by winning The Iglehart Cup, Copperline Farm returned under the new name, Kaia, with original players Lucas Criado Jr. and Felipe ‘Pipe’ Vercellino, joined by two new teammates). From the 17 teams who started in January, the Final was played between Kaia and Zapican BMW. Zapican BMW were the only team to compete in all four tournaments and had already faced Copperline Farm in The Iglehart Cup, so they had a strong sense of what was to come as Nachi Viana commented, “We had played that team already – half of the team – but still it’s pretty much Pipe and Luckitas. They’re 14 [of the 16 goals], they have a very strong team, well-mounted. Pipe is a super solid player, I’ve been playing him a lot the last couple of years”. Vercellino opened the scoring for Kaia with a strong 60 yard penalty, but by half-time the two sides were tied at 5-5. Zapican BMW briefly took the lead in the fourth chukka with a goal from Max Torokovei to take the lead, 6-5. However the breathing space was short-lived as the two sides continued to match each other goal for goal to end the chukka tied again, 7-7. As the minutes wound down in the sixth chukka, Vercellino was able to capitalise on a penalty opportunity – one of 12 fouls committed by Zapican BMW compared to just three by Kaia – to score the winning goal, 10-9.

Photography by David Lominska

Kaia, winners of The NPC 16-Goal Championship

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Reports

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The WPL Palm Beach Open

onkawa claimed The Palm Beach Open title with a hard-fought 13-12 victory over Travieso in overtime at Grand Champions Polo Club. The tournament, part of the World Polo League (WPL) for teams up to 26 goals, marked Tonkawa’s Jeff Hildebrand’s first WPL title and denied Casablanca a third consecutive WPL win following their Founders Cup and All-Star Challenge triumphs earlier in the series. Travieso set the early pace, controlling possession and making a strong start. They capitalised on their dominance at the throw-ins and built an early lead. A pass from Fred Mannix to Pipe Vercellino resulted in the opening goal and further contributions from Juan Martin Zubia and Vercellino saw Travieso edge ahead 3-1. A 30 yard penalty conversion from Mackenzie Weisz kept Tonkawa within reach at 3-2 by the end of the opening chukka. The teams remained closely matched throughout, with Travieso maintaining their lead until the latter stages of the match. Tonkawa found

their rhythm in the fifth chukka to take the lead for the first time, 11-9, however Travieso responded and outscored Tonkawa 3-1 in the final chukka to level the match at 12-12 and force the Final into extra time. Tonkawa, who had already defeated Travieso in overtime during the opening match of the tournament, proved resilient once again. In the decisive seventh chukka, Travieso had two promising scoring opportunities but failed to convert. Weisz, having scored all his previous goals from the penalty line, stepped up with an 80 yard strike to secure the win with 2:37 remaining in overtime. The victory capped an unbeaten 4-0 campaign for Tonkawa in the tournament, while Travieso suffered their second consecutive loss in the Palm Beach Open Final.

Juan Martin Zubia attempts to hook Tonkawa’s Mackenzie Weisz

Overtime win for Tonkawa Tonkawa’s unbeaten run in Palm Beach Open

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The WPL Palm Beach Open

The Palm Beach Open Final Teams

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Travieso Tony Calle Pipe Vercellino Juan Martin Zubia Fred Mannix

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Wellington, Florida

(26) (3) (7) (9) (7)

Tonkawa (26) Jeff Hildebrand (0) Mackenzie Weisz (6) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Juan Martin Nero (10)

Chukka scores: 2-1, 4-6, 6-7, 8-8, 11-9, 12-12, 13-12 to Tonkawa

Esteban Ferrari & José Ignacio Araya (Third man: Gastón Dorignac)

MVP Juan Martín Nero

Photography by Candace Ferreira

Tonkawa, winners of The Palm Beach Open

BPP

Rocío, owned and played by Jeff Hildebrand

www.polotimes.co.uk

BPP

AACCP BPP: Alberta Masa Ancha, owned and played by Fred Mannix

BPP

American Polo Horse Association BPP: Ensenada Gilda played by Juan Martín Nero and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm Polo Times, May 2025

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Reports

The WPL Triple Crown of Polo

Photography by Candace Ferreira

Tommy Panelo reaches to control the ball with Sapo Caset defending

Tonkawa Lift WPL Triple Crown of Polo 11-9 win against Casablanca

FINAL

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19 APR

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Wellington, Florida

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T

he fourth and final tournament of the 2025 World Polo League – The Triple Crown of Polo – concluded on Saturday 19 April at Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. Featuring four teams of up to 26 goals, the highest level of polo played in the US, the competition showcased some of the sport’s biggest names, including Tomás Panelo, Juan Martín Nero, Gonzalito Pieres, Rufino Bensadón, Sapo Caset and Juan Martín Zubía. The Final saw Tonkawa take on Casablanca in a closely contested match. Tonkawa started strongly, taking a 7-3 lead into half-time. Casablanca, however, found their rhythm in the second half, led by a relentless Sapo Caset who scored seven goals in total. Caset’s back-toback penalty conversions in the fourth chukka narrowed the gap to 7-5, but a 40-yard penalty from Hildebrand extended their lead to three goals, 8-5.

Casablanca fought back in the fifth chukka, with Caset scoring his third of the period to level the match at 8-8. The momentum seemed to be swinging their way, but Tonkawa responded; the sixth chukka began as Nero finished a pass from Weisz to put Tonkawa ahead 9-8, only for Caset to tie things again from a 30-yard penalty. With the clock ticking down, Tonkawa stepped up. Weisz broke the deadlock with a composed finish through three defenders for a 10-9 lead. Panelo then capitalised on a broken play – one of five by Casablanca – to score with just over one minute remaining, sealing an 11-9 victory. In the closing seconds, Panelo also denied Bensadón’s attempt on goal to secure the win. The result marked Tonkawa’s second title of the 2025 World Polo League season, having also claimed The Palm Beach Open. Casablanca, who had previously lifted The All-Star Challenge and Founders Cup, were denied a third title despite a spirited second-half comeback.

www.polotimes.co.uk


The WPL Triple Crown of Polo

Reports

The Triple Crown of Polo Final Teams

MVP

Juan Martín Nero

BPP

Girl Power, played by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm

BPP

Tonkawa Jeff Hildebrand Mackenzie Weisz Tommy Penelo Juan Martín Nero

(26) (0) (6) (10) (10)

Casablanca Grant Ganzi Rufino Bensadon Sapo Caset Hilario Figueras

(26) (3) (8) (9) (6)

Chukka scores: 2-1, 4-1, 7-3, 8-5, 9-8, 11-9 to Tonkawa

APHA BPP: Catwoman, played by Juan Martín Nero and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm

BPP

Argentine CCP BPP: Oriental Oklahoma, owned and played by Tommy Panelo

Tonkawa (L-R: Juan Martin Nero, Tommy Panelo, Jeff Hildebrand & Mackenzie Weisz), winners of The Triple Crown of Polo

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2025

37


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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photography by Candace Ferreira

Grand Champions Polo Club

Power Horse Invitational winners, Audi (L-R: Nic Roldan, Marc Ganzi, Gonzalito Pieres & Santi Toccalino)

Los Machitos, winners of The John T. Oxley Memorial

On Sunday 23 March, Audi beat La Fe/Eastern Hay 15-13 to secure The Power Horse Invitational. Gonzalito Pieres received the Most Valuable Player Award and the three Best Playing Pony rugs went to Siempre Mafalda, played by Pieres and owned by Alejandro Novillo Astrad (Grand Champions Polo Club BPP), Ensenada Fedex, played by Toccalino and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm (American Polo Horse Association BPP) and Comemdada, played and owned by Elizalde (World Polo League BPP). After a slow start, Los Machitos rallied in the final chukka with four unanswered goals to secure The John T. Oxley Memorial with a 1310 win against Casablanca on Thursday 3 April. 21-year-old Lucas Criado Jr. swept the Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony honours with Machitos Rococo chosen as Best Playing Pony. Globalport led from start to finish in The Just For The Love Of It Cup Final at Grand Champions Polo Club to secure a narrow but conclusive 9-8 victory against Aspen Valley Polo Club. 10 goaler, Barto Castagnola, was named Most Valuable Player and Niki, owned and played by Mikee Romero, was the Best Playing Pony.

Globalport (L-R: Mikee Romero, Nino Obregon, Barto Castagnola & Anthony Garcia), winners of The Just For The Love Of It Cup

Pony Vendetta, played by 14-year-old Celestino Merlos and owned by Tincho Merlos, was the Grand Champions Best Playing Pony. The Power Horse Invitational Teams: Audi (23): Marc Ganzi (1), Nic Roldan (7), Gonzalito Pieres (8) & Santi Toccalino (7) La Fe/Eastern Hay (21): Keko Magrini (6), Louis Devaleix (1), Fran Elizalde (9) & Robi Bilbao (5) The John T. Oxley Memorial Final Teams: Los Machitos (16): Larry Austin (0), Joao Pedro Souza (2), Lucas Criado Jr. (7) & Torito Ruiz (7) Casablanca (16): Mariano Gracida (4), Grant Ganzi (3), Matias Gonzalez (4) & Tommy Collingwood (5) The Just For The Love Of It Cup Final Teams: Globalport (20): Mikee Romero (0), Nino Obregon (6), Barto Castagnola (10) & Anthony Garcia (4) Aspen Valley Polo Club (21): Celestino Merlos (0), Sugar Erskine (6), Tommy Panelo (10) & Tommy Collingwood (5)

Polo Club du Kingston Polo Club Domaine de Chantilly The French Club has announced their key dates for the 2025 season which began on Saturday 5 April with their first tournament. The first major event will be The Polo Nations Cup (12 – 22 June) which will feature a women’s edition for the first time (18 – 22 June). The French team will face Brazil in a Test Match on 14 July and the season will end with the mixed and women’s French Opens over 3 – 21 September.

In March, 876 Polo Team hosted an international exhibition match at the historic Kingston Polo Club against a team made of up players from the United States and the United Kingdom. The event marked a milestone moment for Jamaican polo, drawing a lively crowd of spectators, dignitaries and polo enthusiasts from across the country. 876 Polo (Sekou Torre McDonald, Florito Curti, Shiv Rambarran & Charles Chambers) set the tone with fast-paced, fluid play. Charles Chambers quickly made his presence felt with two goals, however the United team (Dale Johnson, Noah Dabney, Natascha Hedegaard & Luke Clarke) rallied after a strong Jamaican start. Danish-American Hedegaard stole the spotlight with two decisive goals of her own. Though the game was an exhibition, the atmosphere was anything but casual. With every chukka, the intensity built, reflecting both teams’ desire to leave their mark. The team plans to return to Jamaica in 2026, so watch this space.

Photograph by Justine Jacquemot

Photography courtesy of Sekou Torre

The 2025 season has begun at Chantilly Polo Club

www.polotimes.co.uk

876 Polo Team vs United Team at Kingston Polo Club

Polo Times, May 2025

39


Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club

Libertine, winners of The Spring Amateur Tournament

Houston Polo Club

Photograph by HPC

On Sunday 6 April, 3L Energy Solutions/Island Time Polo, Piney Woods Polo/Propaganda and Hicks & Johnson LLC/Roxstars competed in a round robin for The Douglas Elliman Classic title. After closely fought chukkas between the three teams, 3L Energy Solutions/ Island Time Polo secured the overall win with Luciano Vasquez chosen as Most Valuable Player and To Get, played by Robert Orthwein and owned by Annadora Orthwein, named Best Playing Pony.

3L Energy Solutions/Island Time Polo, winners of The Douglas Elliman Classic

40

Polo Times, May 2025

Photograph by BPG

On Saturday 12 April, the Club hosted Members at their Welcome to the Season event in the Clubhouse which included the launch of the Club’s 70th anniversary edition organic gin in collaboration with British Polo Gin as well as the new La Martina Tech flagship store at Smith’s Lawn. For social pictures from the day, please turn to the Sidelines pages. You can purchase your own anniversary bottle at Guards Polo Club’s kiosk or by via www.britishpologin.co.uk Bottles are £35 if collected from Guards or £42.50 delivered to your door. The 2025 season got underway at Guards Polo Club over the weekend with The Spring Amateur Tournament Final. Libertine secured the win with Ramon Pepa chosen as Most Valuable Player and Dulcinea, owned by Juan Pepa and played by Ramon Pepa, the Best Playing Pony.

Guards Polo Club’s 70th anniversary gin in collaboration with British Polo Gin

Druids Lodge Polo Club

The Club will be hosting The Stonehenge polo Festival over 5 – 6 July with Druids Members allowed entry free of charge. For Non-Members, adult tickets are £20 or pitchside parking at £80 which includes entry for four people. The weekend is set to be a celebration of polo in the Southwest with games including The Balaclava Trophy and The RAF vs Army Sassoon Cup. Gazebo/ picnic spots are available to reserve and a trade village including a selection of food trucks and the British Polo Gin bar will be on hand to keep everyone fed and watered. With under four-year-olds enjoying free entry, plus children’s entertainment and the local Hunt hound parade, there will be something for everyone. www.polotimes.co.uk


Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photography by AHPC

Al Habtoor Polo Club

The AHPC End of Season Polo Awards winners

This year, The Polo Masters Cup was played in a round-robin format with Mount Loftus, Habtoor Polo and Bhansali – Ankora facing each other in two chukkas per match on Thursday 10 April, followed by the Final on Saturday 12 April. The final clash between Habtoor Polo and Mount Loftus delivered an electric atmosphere, as both sides came out with fierce determination, showcasing sharp offense and disciplined defense. All three teams gave it their all, each aiming to claim the coveted Polo Masters title. In the end, it was Bhansali Polo – Ankora who emerged victorious, securing the championship. Rishi Banshali was the Most Valuable Player, Lamar Aleta played by Khalid al Omran and owned by Ryaan Alajaji, was the Best Playing Pony. The Polo Masters Cup Teams: Bhansali – Ankora (5): Rishi Bhansali (0), Khalid al Omran (0), Santos Iarte (3) & Ariel Ponzi (2) Habtoor Polo (6): Khalaf Habtoor (-1), Liam Romeo Kargeri (0), Justo Cuitino (3) & Juan Cruz Guevara (4) Mount Loftus (6): Georgina Brittany (0), Freddie Leyland (-1), Tomas Iriarte (4) & Jonny Good (3) On Thursday 17 April, Al Habtoor Polo Club marked the end of their season with its fifth annual End of Season Polo Awards. The winners of the awards were as follows: Young Best Player Award: Khalaf Al Habtoor Best Polo Organisation: AM Polo Female Polo Player of the Season: Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum Progress Award: Theresa Grodd Rookie of the Year: Romain Gerardin-Fresse

Rising Star: Ricardo Langwider Academy Amateur: Hajer Ali Rising Novice Member: Muhammed Saad Jehangiri Best Polo Player (Low Goal Tournaments): Rishi Bhansali Polo Player of the Season: Mohammed Al Habtoor Most Outstanding High Goal Team: UAE Polo Most Outstanding High Goal Patron: Muhammed Anas Zia Jehangiri Most Outstanding GCC Player: HH Sheika Alya Al Maktoum Polo Special Recognition Award: Jehangiri Polo Most Outstanding Contribution to the World of Polo: IFZA Best Team of the Season: Bhansali Polo Member Loyalty Award: Prince Sultan Al Faisal Member Appreciation Award: Goncalo Torrealba Best Enthusiastic Supporter: Paul & Francesca Leyland Hall of Fame: Dr. Abdularahman Abbar

Bhansali Polo – Ankora, winners of The Polo Masters Cup

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

www.polotimes.co.uk

and the start of The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy almost here, we can’t wait to get on the field.”

Photograph by RCBPC

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) has completed a major, six-month long investment programme into its grounds, in time for one of its biggest events – The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy which begins on 3 May. The venue’s Ground 1 field has received the most investment, including fraze mowing to 15mm (which involves removing the top layer of turf to improve water absorption), shockwave aeration, verti draining (which punctures and aerates the soil), overseeding to create thicker grass and fertilising. Pre-season the RCBPC team have been verti draining Ground 1 again and spreading more than 300 tonnes of sand across the field to ensure better water drainage, better grip for the ponies, and to reduce cupping and divots. The works will ensure a more consistent playing surface for smoother ball movement and safer conditions for both ponies and players, ultimately providing a more enjoyable experience. Jamie Morrison, Chairman of RCBPC, commented “We are very excited about the coming summer season. Ground 1 works are already visible. With the start of the season just around the corner,

RCBPC has been working hard on Ground 1 improvements since August last year

Polo Times, May 2025

41


Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photography by Mark Beaumont/Cowdray Park Polo Club

Cowdray Park Polo Club

Bentley has been confirmed as an official partner of the British Open Polo Championship for The Cowdray Gold Cup

U.S. Polo Assn. is the Official Apparel Partner for The British Open Polo Championship for The Cowdray Gold Cup 2025

Cowdray Park Polo Club has announced Bentley Motors as an official partner of The British Open Polo Championship for The Cowdray Gold Cup 2025, linking two iconic British brands together. Martine Hartridge, Managing Director of Cowdray Park Polo Club, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Bentley, a brand that shares our dedication to tradition and excellence. This partnership is a natural fit, and we look forward to an extraordinary collaboration at the 2025 Cowdray Gold Cup.” Nicola Brown, EMEA Head of Marketing at Bentley Motors, also shared her thoughts on the collaboration, highlighting the synergy between the two brands, “Partnering with Cowdray Park Polo Club

for the 2025 Cowdray Gold Cup is a perfect match for Bentley. This tournament reflects the same commitment to excellence, innovation, and heritage that drives our brand forward. Together, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both sporting and automotive craftsmanship at the highest level. The Club has also announced the U.S. Polo Assn. as the Official Apparel Partner for The British Open Polo Championship for The Cowdray Gold Cup 2025; “U.S. Polo Assn. is honoured to once again align with the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, a tournament that epitomises the spirit and history of our sport,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global.

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Polo Times, May 2025

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Club Focus

Your Club News Cirencester Parkfrom PoloHome Club Spotlight and Abroad

Photograph courtesy of CPPC

The iconic Ivy lodge Ground

Cirencester Park Polo Club An exciting season ahead following a winter of improvements Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cirencester Park Polo Club is one of the oldest and most picturesque polo clubs in the UK. Founded in 1894, it offers a blend of rich heritage and modern facilities, including the newly renovated Clubhouse. Set within the picturesque Bathurst Estate, the Club hosts competitive matches ranging from low to high goal, as well as social events including the Polo Ball this year.

Polo Manager Name & Contact: Caspar West: polomanager@cirencesterpolo.co.uk Polo School and Pony Hire Contact: Cotswold Polo Academy: olivia@oklequestrian.co.uk 44

Polo Times, May 2025

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Club Address & Contact: Cirencester Park Polo Club, Stroud Road, Cirencester GL7 6JT

2025 Apsley Cup finalists, Aureus Polo & Emlor with Dame Jilly Cooper DBE and Countess of Bathurst

www.polotimes.co.uk


Cirencester Park Polo Club Spotlight

Club Focus

Club Stats Facilities Clubhouse

Pony Hire (+ number of ponies available) Wooden Horse Coaches/Instructors Livery Exercise Track Indoor School Stables to Hire Turn out Fields Arena Grooms’ Accommodation Number of Members Number of Grounds TOURNAMENT

H’CAP

CPA Training Day

OPEN

The Cirencester 4 Goal

0~4

Associates Jnr & Senior League (1)

-2 ~ 2

The 1894 12 Goal Cup

FINAL DATE

TYPE

20th April

Coaching

30th Apr

6th May

Domestic

26th April

5th May

Domestic

8 ~ 12

30th April

10th May

Domestic

4~8

29th April

11th May

CPPC & BPC

The Ábrassard Trophy

0~4

7th May

18th May

Domestic

The Gerald Balding

4~8

12th May

26th May

VL

The Committee Cup

2~6

19th May

1st June

Domestic

The Npm Babdown Cup

6 ~ 10

28th May

8th June

CPPC & BPC

Associates Jnr & Senior League (2)

-2 ~ 2

24th May

8th June

Domestic

Wip Cirencester Ladies 4-Goal

0~4

31st May

1st June

Domestic

The Irongate Cup 12 Goal

8 ~ 12

31st May

14th June

Domestic

The Tyro Cup

0~4

5th June

15th June

Domestic

The Ladies Vitrix 22-Goal

17 ~ 22

6th June

15th June

VL

The Warwickshire Cup

17 ~ 22

12th June

21st June

VL

The Junior Cavalry

4~8

7th June

22nd June

Domestic

The British Ladies Open For The Countess Lilias Cup

Open

15th June

22nd June

Open

22nd June

Invitational

2025 Fixtures The Badminton CupList

START DATE

Cpa Junior & Senior International The Apsley Cup

15 ~ 18

11th June

29th June

VL

The Humphrey Guinness

6 ~ 10

21st June

5th July

Domestic

The Meadow Cup

2~6

16th June

29th June

Domestic

Associates Jnr & Senior League (3)

-2 ~ 2

19th June

29th July

Domestic

The Queen Mother Trophy

8 ~ 12

30th June

12th July

VL

Wip Cirencester Ladies 12-Goal Tbc

8 ~ 12

12th July

13th July

Domestic

The Doug Brown

2~6

2nd July

13th July

Domestic

The Cheltenham Cup

8 ~ 12

14th July

27th July

VL

The Ponting Pot

0~4

10th July

27th July

Domestic

The Cirencester Ladies 16 Goal

12 ~ 16

20th July

2nd August

VL

The Wilson Trophy

4~8

20th July

3rd August

Domestic

The Jack Williams

0~4

29th July

10th August

Domestic

The Town Cup

6 ~ 10

31st July

9th August

Domestic

The County Cup

12 ~ 15

5th August

16th August

VL

18th August

Coaching

Cpa Training Day The Cirencester NPM Tournament

2~6

8th August

25th August

Domestic

The Chairmans Cup

6 ~ 10

19th August

31st August

Cppc & Bpc

Associates Jnr & Senior League (4)

-2 ~ 2

22nd August

31st August

Domestic

The R&R Kingscote Cup

0~6

26th August

7th September

VL

The Gouldsmith Bowl

4~8

6th September

20th September

Domestic

The Stroud Farm Services End Of Season 4 Goal

0~4

9th September

21st September

Domestic

The Sue Cudmore Associates Trophy

-2 ~ 2

12th September

21st September

Domestic

The Rj Polo Junior Associates Trophy

Open

12th September

21st September

Domestic

www.polotimes.co.uk

Answer Yes – The Pavilion which is new and refurbished ahead of the 2025 season and managed by Wesley from Birch Catering 20 ponies – hire can be arranged via Cotswold Polo Academy (CPA) Eight via CPA Four coaches at CPA Yes – Can be arranged through Bathurst Estate or OKL Equestrian Yes – 400m woodchip track No Yes – through Bathurst Estate or OKL Equestrian Yes No No Approximately 30 Nine playing fields and two chukka grounds What year was the Club founded and by who? Cirencester Park Polo Club was founded in 1894 by the seventh Earl Bathurst, and the very first membership price was 10 shillings and 6 pence! Any highlights for 2025 season? The 2025 polo season is already shaping up to be brilliant at Cirencester Park Polo Club. We’ve got the updated Clubhouse (now called The Pavilion) to show off. This was a huge project which took up all of winter and we owe special thanks to Wesley and his team at Birch Catering who are now managing The Pavilion and bringing a new menu and atmosphere to the Club. We are also fortunate to be hosting the SIA Charity Polo Day again, which is already looking to be even bigger than last year. 2025 is also the Polo Ball year at Cirencester and we are looking to refresh the feeling of it this year, and being able to incorporate the new space at The Pavilion will really help with this. What are the recent Club improvements? Winter has been very busy! Alongside the Clubhouse improvements, we have also put new irrigation in two more of our polo fields (Coombe and Upper Field) which will really help to improve the playing conditions of these grounds. We also have several new sponsors and partners that we are excited to be working with. Gusbourne have come onboard with us as a sponsor and we are pleased to be able to serve their award-winning English Sparkling wine in The Pavilion. We have also partnered with F360 which is a local gym focused on sports and personal training. Wiltshire Wealth Management is another new sponsor for this season; they’re a local family-run wealth management company (and a practice partner of St. James’ Place), and they’ve also been loyal supporters of the Club for Polo Times, May 2025

45


Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Cirencester Park Polo Club Spotlight

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Club Focus

The Warwickshire Cup has been played since 1894, pictured here are 2024 winners, Ferne Park

several years so it’s really special to be able to work with them. This is just to name a few of the new sponsors for this year! What are the Club’s plans for the future? We want to keep pushing ground improvements to make sure we can offer the best polo conditions possible at the Club. We are also promoting the Social Membership this year to encourage both the local community and visitors to the Cotswolds to come to the Club. It is so important to the sport that we make sure

Generations of players enjoy the Club, here 10 goaler Nina Clarkin with her daughter Elizabeth pictured winning the 2024 á Brassard Trophy with team R&R Tables & Chairs

everyone knows how easy it is just to come up and watch! Club alumni you would like to spotlight? A special mention needs to go to James Scott-Hopkins. He started playing polo back in the 1980s when he was a student at the Royal Agricultural College and then went on to lead his own team, Irongate, to several victories at the Club and nationwide. Whilst he may not play as often, his longstanding support extends even further as our new Chairman of the Club. We are

very fortunate for his enthusiasm to support and continually improve Cirencester Park Polo Club. Does the Club specialise in a certain area of polo? There is a huge emphasis at the Club to progress our juniors who play through Cirencester Park Polo Club and Cotswold Polo Academy. The innovative Associates tournaments culminating in The Sue Cudmore Associates at the end of the year is just one springboard for youth development.

Photograph courtesy of CPPC

The Club is keen to promote Social Membership and encourage locals to enjoy all on offer

46

Polo Times, May 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk


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International & Home

The Inés Ayerza Cup

Women’s Polo

The Women’s Championship Tournament

Photograph by AAP

Photograph by Candace Ferreira

Victory Polo/La Fe Eastern Hay (L-R: Milly Hine, Mia Cambiaso, Pamela Flanagan Devaleix & Becky Schmeits), winners of The WCT Finals Open Los Sauces La Lupita-Las Indias, winners of The Inés Ayerza Cup 5-10 goal Gold Cup

After four days of women’s polo in Pilar, the Women’s Tournament for The Inés Ayerza Cup 5-10 goal was decided on Wednesday 9 April. Los Sauces La Lupita-Las Indias beat Las Palmeras La Vete 10-7 in The Gold Cup, Los Libres del Sur Chacinados Gómez convincingly beat La Cañada Alium 13-3 in The Silver Cup and Martindale Beefeaters beat El Milagro Las Ruanas 5-3 in The Bronze Cup. The Inés Ayerza Cup Final Teams: Gold Cup Los Sauces La Lupita-Las Indias (10): Sofía Dal Molin (0), Delfina Rossi (1), Lupita González (1) & Milagros Sánchez (8) Las Palmeras La Vete (10): Mora Castagnola (1), Mora Condomí Alcorta (3), Martina Braun (2) & Alexia Laprida (4) Silver Cup Los Libres del Sur Chacinados Gómez (10): Justina Condomí Alcorta (1), Juana Carello Chouza (2), Pauline Schaer (3) & Bianca Pagano (4) La Cañada Alium (10): Sol Braun (0), Verónica Posse (2), Celina Fernández Ocampo (4) & Sofía Taylor (4) Bronze Cup Martindale Beefeaters (9): Josefina Brady (1), Alejandra Rohm (1), Cornelia Haeufele (3) & Cuyen Glenny (4) El Milagro Las Ruanas (10): Juana Borthaburu (3), Catalina Tomasevich Blundi (2), Jacinta Borthaburu (2) & Catalina Jantus (3)

On Friday 28 March, five teams competed in The Women’s Championship Tournament Finals in memory of Sunny Hale on Open and Lower Flight Divisions. Victory Polo/La Fe Eastern Hay captured the Open Division with a hard fought 4-2 win over Don George Polo and 3-1 win over Buena Vibra in a round robin. Mia Cambiaso was named Most Valuable Player; La Dolfina Maria, owned and played by Cambiaso, was the Grand Champions Polo Club Best Playing Pony and Cinco de Mayo, owned and played by Hope Arellano, was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. La Monarquia won the Lower Flight game with an 8-1 victory over Work To Ride. Ava Hinkson was awarded Most Valuable Player; her horse Murrco, was the Grand Champions Best Playing Pony for the second year in a row and Que Pingo, was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. The Women’s Championship Tournament Finals Teams: Open Division: Victory Polo/La Fe Eastern Hay (23): Becky Schmeits (1), Pamela Flanagan Devaleix (4), Mia Cambiaso (9) & Milly Hine (9) Don George Polo (22): Jenna Davis (4), Cecilia Cochran (4), Kylie Sheehan (5) & Nina Clarkin (9) Buena Vibra (20): Lilli Hagemeier (1), Giuliana Tarazona (2), Hope Arellano (10) & Fatima Balzano (7) Lower Division: La Monarquia (9): Megan Manubay (2), Valentina Villamil (1), Malicia von Falkenhausen (3) & Ava Hinkson (3) Work To Ride: Lilli Hagemeier (1), Violet Hiltbrand (2), Shariah Harris (3) & Jade Hiltbrand (2)

USPA Women’s Handicap Changes

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

Photograph by David Lominska

The United States Polo Association has announced their women’s handicap changes for both outdoor and arena. Recent 2025 U.S. Women’s Open winners, Milly Hine and Cande Fernandez-Araujo have both been raised from 9 to 10 goals in the outdoor listings. They join Hope Arellano at the top level, who is currently the only player to hold a 10 goal women’s handicap. The full outdoor and arena changes can be viewed via the USPA website.

Milly Hine & Cande Fernandez-Araujo pictured in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open

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Knowledge

Performance Coach

Understanding what it takes to overcome fear and self-doubt has been at the root of Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker’s personal transformation. He has proven experience of working with Polo Teams, Patrons and individual players for the past 3 years achieving outstanding results. With individual clients, Stalkie’s aim is to untap, nurture and focus their passion and potential on becoming the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives, whatever their starting point

Predator & Poet The dual mindset of the modern polo player

Polo is a spectacle of speed, strategy, and supreme horsemanship, it commands physical excellence and mental sharpness. Yet in conversations around mindset in sport, we often default to buzzwords like ‘resilience’ or ‘grit’. While these are important, they do not fully capture the deeper internal dynamics at play in elite-level polo. There is something more complex, more paradoxical and more beautiful. The modern polo player, to truly excel, must embody two contrasting psychological archetypes: the Predator and the Poet. One is instinctive, aggressive and wired for pursuit. The other is reflective, intuitive and in harmony with rhythm and emotion. The true artistry of polo – what separates the good from the great – lies in mastering the dance between these two mindsets.

The Predator Mindset

Photograph by David Lominska/ courtesy of USPA

The Predator is essential on the polo field. In a game where the ball can change direction in a split second, where players and ponies blur into a flurry of speed and muscle, the ability to act decisively is non-negotiable. The Predator Mindset is about: Aggression and Initiative: This is the drive to attack space, to anticipate the play before it unfolds, to move as if you already know the outcome. Risk and Reward: The Predator thrives on edge-of-the-saddle decisions. It isn’t afraid of mistakes; it thrives in chaos. Dominance and Presence: There’s a psychological warfare element to polo. A player who moves like a predator sets the tone. Their confidence unsettles opponents and rallies teammates. In this mode, the player doesn’t think – they feel. The mallet swings itself. The horse becomes an extension of intent. It is pure muscle memory fused with mission. This is most evident in the fearless charge towards goal, the bold ride-off, the interception that defies logic. It is the hunt.

The Poet Mindset

Players such as Adolfo Cambiaso perfectly combine the Predator and Poet mindsets

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Then there’s the Poet. The Poet Mindset is often overlooked in highoctane sport, but in polo, it is ever-present. The Poet is the part of the player that feels the connection with the pony, reads the subtle cues in teammates’ movements and harnesses www.polotimes.co.uk


Performance Coach emotional composure in moments of tension. Harmony and Connection: The Poet listens to the horse. They ride with feel, not just force. They anticipate how to move in partnership with a living being. Composure and Awareness: Rather than reacting, the Poet responds. They slow the game down in their mind, see patterns where others see panic. Creativity and Flow: A beautiful backhand, a perfect pass into space, the vision to switch direction – it is art, not just athletics. When the Poet leads, the game becomes more than a competition. It becomes expressive. The Poet is grounded in selfawareness, emotionally regulated, and fully present. This allows for clarity of decisionmaking, even in the most frenzied chukkas.

Embodying Both: The Complete Player

So how does one become both Predator and Poet? It is a balancing act – one that requires selfknowledge, training and the courage to develop both sides. Most players lean more naturally into one or the other. The high-adrenaline competitor might need to learn the emotional finesse of the Poet. The more intuitive, sensitive rider may need to summon the kill-switch of the Predator. The greats in the sport – names like Adolfo Cambiaso or Facundo Pieres – seamlessly blend both. Watch them closely: the raw aggression when charging downfield is immediately followed by an impossibly delicate tap to a teammate. A burst of energy is balanced by calm recalibration. They hunt – and then they compose.

Learning the Dance

To cultivate both mindsets, players must train beyond the physical. Here are a few ways this dual mindset can be developed: 1. Controlled Chaos Drills Simulate unpredictable scenarios in training. Players must make fast decisions while keeping emotional control – engaging both Predator instinct and Poet awareness. 2. Horse Connection Sessions Time spent with ponies outside of gameplay builds empathy and understanding. Grooming, groundwork and relaxed trail rides deepen the Poet’s mindset. 3. Visualisation and Breathwork Mental rehearsals, combined with breath regulation, prepare players to shift states. Before a match, visualising both aggressive plays and moments of strategic patience helps build neural readiness for both. 4. Journalling Post-Match Reflections Encourage players to reflect not only on their performance, but on their mindset during key moments. When did the Predator help? When did the Poet intervene? Self-awareness builds versatility. 5. Coach-Led Mindset Mapping Introduce pre- and post-match www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Becoming the Predator: Mindset Tips for Ruthless Precision and Presence

Train for Anticipation, Not Just Reaction Watch footage of matches – not just to see what happened, but to predict what should happen. Pause the video and guess the next move. Predators read the game ahead of time. Practise Decision Speed Under Pressure Set up drills where you must make fast choices (e.g. shoot, pass, or turn) in under two seconds. Speed sharpens instincts. Don’t aim for perfection – aim for execution. Develop a Pre-Match ‘Switch On’ Ritual Before a game, use a cue (music, breath, words, body movement) to flip the switch into attack mode. Predators are deliberate—they don’t drift into competition; they charge into it. Dominate Your Space with Body Language Stand tall, walk with intent, and own your voice. Predators influence the energy of a team with presence. Confidence is often communicated non-verbally before a chukka even starts. Reframe Nerves as Fuel That pre-game tension? It’s not – it is readiness. Learn to love the adrenaline. The Predator channels it, not avoids it. Be Relentless in Recovery Missed a shot? Made a bad play? Don’t dwell – hunt the next opportunity. The Predator mindset is about what’s next, not what’s gone.

Becoming the Poet: Mindset Tips for Intuition, Connection and Flow

Slow Down to Tune In Spend time before a match in silence with your pony. Observe its breath, movement, and mood. The Poet starts with attunement – not adrenaline. Visualise the Game as a Dance, Not a Battle Picture the flow, the rhythm, the elegance of movement between players and ponies. The Poet sees patterns and plays them like music. Use Breath to Reset Between plays or chukkas, take three slow breaths through your nose. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system – helping you reset and maintain emotional balance. Stay Curious, Not Critical After a mistake, ask “What did I just learn?” instead of “What did I do wrong?” Poets grow through awareness and reflection, not punishment. Write Post-Match Reflections After each game, jot down moments when you felt in flow, connected, or aware – and moments when you lost it. Poets journal their inner landscape to deepen self-awareness. Practise Gratitude for the Game The Poet doesn’t just play to win. They play to express. A moment of appreciation before mounting your pony or after a tough chukka reframes the entire experience. Read Emotion on the Field Start noticing the body language of teammates and opponents. Poets don’t just read the game – they read people. This helps with timing, communication and leadership. conversations around mindset. Did the player feel connected to the pony? Were they hunting the ball or flowing with the play? Language matters – it builds consciousness.

The New Mental Edge in Polo

Mindset in polo is evolving. No longer is it enough to simply be tough. The modern game demands adaptability, empathy and emotional fluency. It asks players to respond to complexity, to command intensity without losing clarity. This duality – the fusion of strength and softness, force and feel – isn’t a contradiction. It’s an evolution. As more young players rise through the ranks, especially in environments rich in both traditional horsemanship and psychological insight, we’ll see a new breed of player emerge. They’ll ride hard. They’ll think fast. But they’ll also feel deeply.

They’ll be Predators with the hearts of Poets.

Final Thought

Polo, more than most sports, is a metaphor for life. It’s fast and fragile. It requires courage, connection, clarity and composure. In life, as on the polo field, we are at our best when we can act with purpose and pause with presence. The players who master this duality won’t just win more. They’ll experience the game – and life itself – at its most powerful. Because in the end, the goal is not just to play better polo. The goal is to become the kind of person who can ride with the hunger of a hunter and the soul of a poet. For more information please call Paul Stalker on 07771 515885 or email stalkie@raisepolo.com

Polo Times, May 2025

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Knowledge

Equine Performance

Kat Seeman from Berkshire is the owner and Founder of Southern Equine Sheath Cleaning. With 35 years of experience in riding, owning, and working with horses, Kat established Southern Equine Sheath Cleaning Ltd. (SESC) in 2017 after identifying a niche in the market

Sheath Abnormalities Nodular Sarcoid: Firm defined nodules under the skin, they can vary in size, ulcerate and bleed which attracts flies. Fibroblastic Sarcoid: These are aggressive fleshy masses that can begin as a complication of a skin wound. They often grow rapidly, become ulcerated, and may hang on a stalk (pedunculated) or be extremely invasive into the surrounding skin.

Main types of sarcoids

Health checking is a very important process of sheath cleaning. Early detection of anything abnormal within the horse’s sheath or penis is essential to early intervention, cure and ultimately life expectancy. Let’s look at some of the main abnormalities we see: 1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This is the most common type of penile cancer in horses. It often appears as a growth or ulcer on the penis or sheath and can be quite aggressive if not treated early. 2. Squamous Metaplasia: This is a precancerous condition that can develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma if left untreated.

3. Sarcoids: These are a type of skin tumour that can also affect the sheath area. They are generally benign but can be locally aggressive and difficult to treat. Here are the main types of sarcoids: Occult Sarcoid: These appear as flat patches of hair loss with a grey, scaly surface. They can be confused with ringworm due to their circular shape. Occult sarcoids are commonly found on the face, neck, and between the back legs. Verrucose Sarcoid: These have a wart-like, grey, and scaly appearance but extend deeper than occult sarcoids. They are more irregular in outline and often appear as multiple lesions.

4. Melanomas: These tumours are more common in grey horses and can appear on the penis or sheath. They can be benign or malignant. We often use our endoscope to take images inside the sheath to monitor. Benign: • Well defined; encapsulated. • Little vascularisation (minimal blood or tissue source). • Homogeneous (same uniform and composition) appearance on ultrasound. • Slow growth. Malignant: • Less clearly defined. • Strongly Vascularised (tissues and/or blood vessels). • More heterogeneous (different compositions or phases) appearance on ultrasound. • Fast growth When any abnormalities are detected during a sheath clean; a vet referral is advised, to which they will look to do a biopsy of the mass. From there they can make a diagnosis and give the owner options of treatments.

Endoscope images of melanomas – owners can use these images to show their vets and for monitoring purposes

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Equine Performance

Rhett Wooldridge

Sandy & Mike Warren, Ross Byrne

Knowledge

Charlie Simpson & Jade Louise Wheeler

Bridie Courtney Morgan

Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; Sunday 20 February

Record Breaking Final’s Day

Harry Applegate, Anton Nymans, Charlie Graham, Issy Litvak & Issy Langrish

Jemima Wilson & Graham Wooldridge

Photography courtesy of SESC

The Paul Sweeney Memorial was founded by Lesley, Charlotte and Georgia Sweeney in memory of Paul Sweeney after his unexpected death in 2009 at just 48-years-old in order to keep his spirit and legacy alive. Each year, the tournament attracts a number of players and spectators, gathering at Ash Farm Polo Club to cheer Pete & George Woodward on the finalists. This year saw a record number teams Robbie on box restofpost-surgery and after a two-year postponement due to Covid-19, o The penis and prepuce were resected Pathology Case Study: the grandstands were packed. Twelve Oaks managed to o A permanent urethrostomy We would like to share one of our casestave off a last-minute attempt byperineal Rosina to claim the title was created, with tissue layers closed studies where pathology was found and the and took a 14-12 victory. using vicryl suture. journey of the horse and owner. • by Robbie was discharged from hospital on Timeline: Photography Antonia Bullrich 15th May 2024, where he would return • SESC attended Robbie, a 21-year-old, home to continue recovery. Dun, Cob, gelding on 11th March 2024. • Post surgery notes: two weeks box rest, To which some small abnormal mass of with some hand grazing/gentle walking tissues were discovered on the head of and then increase to a small turnout the penis (known as the glands penis). paddock. A ventral oedema was to be Owner advised to seek veterinary advice. expected and would resolve itself over • Vets attended Robbie 14th March 2024 time, mild haematuria or blood after to do a biopsy. urination could occur and will again • Short time later results returned that resolve itself over a week or two. the lesions and abnormal tissues Olivia Whittle & Lisa Knight Frankie & Alex Antony • Prognosis: this all depends on whether were consistent with the presence of there was any spread of the squamous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Owner cell carcinoma beyond the surgical was given some options, to which margins. one was phallectomy surgery – the full SESC have been in contact Robbie’s owner, removal/amputation. and he has made a full recovery and in his • Robbie was admitted to Liphook Equine owners words “living his best life”. He has Hospital on 8th May 2024. Where he even returned to being ridden. underwent general anaesthesia and surgery.

Immediately post-phallectomy surgery

Georgia Sweeney & Gemma Byrne

During Robbie’s recovery mild haematuria or blood after urination could occur

Issy Litvak & Libby Connaughton

Robbie has made a full recovery and is now being ridden

Web: www.sheathcleaning.co.uk Tel: 07401747272 Email: katherine@sheathcleaning.co.uk

Mary Kelly

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

Sophie Morrison

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For details of our current stock or for a new build, please phone or email or visit our website.

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

PT March22 Inners.indd 65

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04/03/2022 16:27

Polo Times, May 2025

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist An electrolyte imbalance can be a trigger for tying-up, as well as hydration, both need to be monitored carefully

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Another Q&A on Tying-Up or Envaramiento I don’t think we can talk too much about tying-up, so I think a revisit every so often is a must! As we know there are lots of different names for ‘tying-up’, such as azoturia, ERS (Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) or in Spanish, ‘Envaramiento’. Horses experience tying-up because of so many different reasons, but, in the 20 years of being in my equine nutrition world, I find the feed is generally blamed for causing it. Incorrect feeding can increase the risks of tying-up, but when talking to people of all disciplines I also like to consider the management the horse is under, its workload and any feedback from physiotherapists or vets as to anything they may have observed such as a virus, muscle atrophy, pelvic alignment etc. Alongside their thoughts as to 54

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why the horse has tied up, we talk about diet – is it balanced, are there deficiencies or an excess of any particular nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, energy sources), as well the drinking habits of the individual. Some Q&A’s that may help you:

How can we avoid tying-up at the beginning of the season? There are a few of things here we need to take into consideration: 1. Quite often mares can be more susceptible to tying-up due to hormone imbalances or if they are in season. This is something you would need to discuss with your vet, especially if the episodes become frequent. 2. Should it be a horse that is known to

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tie-up, make sure when they come into work from her winter break you need to be mindful of the diet you are feeding her – ensuring the diet is BALANCED and LOW STARCH from the very beginning. Ensure you increase the feed as the work increases – especially if you have been having to feed quite a lot of food to regain condition after the winter months. Don’t be tempted to feed lots of the wrong type of feed – make sure you are feeding the ‘right’ type of hard feed with plenty of good quality forage. As work increases, the weather will hopefully be warming-up but what catches us out is the sudden cold snaps in the spring. Pay attention to gradual warming-up, especially when singling, doing fast work or when stick & balling begins. A cool down stretch is also just as important. Be mindful of keeping them warm when standing and waiting to work, especially when the weather is fluctuating and it is still chilly out of the sun. Once the weather warms up, keep a close eye on drinking and introduce an electrolyte supplement when sweating frequently. If you have any excitable and anxious individuals, aim for sympathetic management accompanied by the right type of feed to help – again, something that is low in starch but high in fibre and oils. Remember to make changes to the diet slowly. This means over a couple of weeks, not a couple of days, to allow time to adjust to nutritional changes in the diet gradually.

I am so annoyed, my mare has tied up, what do I do to aid recovery?

Of course, the first thing you do is call your vet without hesitation and be guided by them. What I would then encourage is to get the horse drinking and taking on electrolytes, and then offering forage and a very sloppy beet pulp such as Fibre-Beet or Speedi-Beet, which are great to administer electrolytes in water, or simply to encourage drinking for those who are not keen on water. Be guided by your vet and take into account their current diet. If it is a starchbased ration like conditioning cubes or mix or oats, for example, remove all cubes, mix or oats and just feed a balancer. This will ensure key vitamins, minerals and quality proteins are received in a low starch formula to help repair muscle damage. Once you have been given the OK to resume exercise, I would continue with just a balancer for as long as possible – keeping www.polotimes.co.uk


Nutrition Focus a close eye on forage intake and hydration (use buckets rather than automatic waterers!) but still using electrolytes and a beet pulp or a chaff with water. If you are concerned your horse has dropped condition owing to the lack of calories, it’s best to focus on oils and NOT cereals (starch). We can either add an oilbased supplement to the balancer, such as Outshine or EquiJewel, or alternatively, choose a low starch ‘conditioning’ cube or mix such as Ease & Excel or Re-Leve, ensuring you are feeding the recommended quantities on the bag for optimum nutrition. Avoiding starch-based diets for as long as possible is ideal, especially if the horse is susceptible to tying-up. You may wish to consider supplements, but I would strongly advise going through the above steps first before reaching for supplementation.

Is it true that electrolytes actually help?

YES, absolutely they do, an electrolyte imbalance can be a trigger to tying-up, so we absolutely must be mindful of this – but at the same time hydration also needs to be monitored carefully. I have to point out that those horses who are muzzled are less likely to drink properly – there is no point giving electrolytes and not allowing free, easy access to water! I recommend pre-loading with electrolytes prior to exercise to those horses that are susceptible to tying-up, in a litre of water with a handful of chaff or a bit of beet, an hour before working hard or

playing, especially in the hot weather. These recommendations on the use of electrolytes are based on scientific research, not just me making your lives harder! A very interesting and recent study by A. P. Waller and M. I. Lindinger (2021) concluded, “Increasing the volume and ion content of electrolyte supplements provided one hour prior to the start of exercise results in increased exercise duration and sweating. When providing a stomach full (8 L) of electrolyte supplement, compared with water, there was a better maintenance of plasma volume and ECF volume during exercise. This should be of benefit to cardiovascular function in the face of increased and competing needs for blood flow (cardiac output) by contracting muscle and by the skin. Provision of electrolytes was also accompanied by increased sweat losses of sodium, potassium and chloride. Provision of electrolytes one hour before exercise provides a source of water and ions that go into muscles and other soft tissues, and this may improve cellular function and thermoregulation during exercise.”

Would a change in forage from a dry haylage to a wetter haylage be a contributing factor to cause tying-up?

So often the change in forage is really out of your control, but yes, it could be a factor that increases the risk of tying-up. This is one of my reasons for introducing a change of feed and forage gradually, however I do appreciate you are often dictated to by your forage supplier and the consistency can change from one delivery to the next, leaving you in a difficult situation when trying to do the right thing by your horses. Problems are more likely to occur when switching from a hay to a wet haylage, so mixing the two for a few days would be the preferable scenario. If this is not possible, using a hay replacement chaff can help – Baileys Light Chaff, Mollichaff Senior, Dengie HiFi Light, for example. I would also encourage using a pre/probiotic supplement to assist with changes in the hind gut bacteria. Should you find yourself in this situation I would suggest speaking to your nutritionist or a feed company helpline for guidance.

How does fibre help?

A beet pulp or a chaff with water can encourage drinking in horses who are not keen on water

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Well, in basic terms, the horse is designed to eat and digest fibre, and very efficiently! So, when feeding a low fibre and high concentrate diet we need to be mindful we are not unbalancing their nutrient intake and fibre needs to very much be a part of it. Fibre acts as a reservoir in the hind gut, thus allowing water to be absorbed during exercise, so without adequate amounts of fibre present we are reducing the reservoir effect. Another consideration is that when concentrate feeds are formulated they are

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done so using the nutrient analysis of an average quality forage being fed at no less than 1.5 percent of bodyweight, hence why recommended feeding rates are created. Consequently, when horses are fed over or under the recommended amounts with restricted quantities of forage, the diet is unbalanced. So, in essence, feed plenty of forage/ fibre – it will help!

What are the feed-related things that could increase the risk of horses tying-up?

As I mentioned earlier, there are many factors that increase the risks of tying-up, and here I am only discussing nutrition-related causes, but have a chat with your vet or physiotherapist to discuss other factors. The nutrition-related causes of tying up are as follows: • An unbalanced diet – deficiencies, as well as excesses, of vitamins and minerals • An electrolyte imbalance • Dehydration • Over-feeding for work being done • A diet too high in starch/cereals • Under-feeding for work being done

I have a ‘fat’ pony that lives on fresh air but has tied-up. How can I feed her when she doesn’t actually need feeding?!

This really is not an uncommon scenario. The ponies that live on fresh air and are not on much feed because they get fat are absolutely at risk of tying-up, not through excesses of starch in the diet but from deficiencies – vitamins, minerals, quality proteins and fibre. They are being asked to work hard without the body being fuelled correctly, a bit like a human athlete living on some white bread without any meat, vegetables or fruit, in a very crude context. All in all, not a great situation for the human or equine athlete! What we need to be feeding is a BALANCER to ensure the quality protein, vitamins and minerals are all being received without the calories alongside hay that may need to be soaked to reduce calories instead of restricting the overall daily amount. Balancers you might like to look at using are Baileys Performance Balancer, Dodson & Horrell Ultimate Balancer, TopSpec Comprehensive Balancer etc. – all providing those essential nutrients without the calories! Whilst the sun has been shining for a few weeks now, it has gone chilly as I write this in mid-April, so keep those horses warm with lots of warming up, cooling down and fingers crossed the sun will be back soon! If you have any questions, please do email me at lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk, but most importantly, if you have horses that are tyingup, do talk to your vet.

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10th & 11th May Recoleta Memorial Trophy 26th & 27th July Cedar Polo Tournament 10th 10th&&11th 11thMay May Recoleta RecoletaMemorial MemorialTrophy Trophy26th 26th&&27th 27thJuly July Cedar CedarPolo PoloTournament Tournament 17th & 18th May Camelot Bowl Polo Tmt 2nd & 3rd August The Arena Polo Challenge 17th 17th&&18th 18thMay May Camelot CamelotBowl BowlPolo PoloTmt Tmt 2nd 2nd&&3rd 3rdAugust AugustThe TheArena ArenaPolo PoloChallenge Challenge 24th & 25th May Aiglon v Eton Polo Tmt 9th & 10th Aug Esperanza Cup 24th 24th&&25th 25thMay May Aiglon Aiglonv vEton EtonPolo PoloTmt Tmt 9th 9th&&10th 10thAug Aug Esperanza EsperanzaCup Cup Mon 26th May Mar del Plata Silver Tray 16th & 17th Aug Premiere Polo Tournament Mon Mon26th 26thMay May Mar Mardel delPlata PlataSilver SilverTray Tray 16th 16th&&17th 17thAug Aug Premiere PremierePolo PoloTournament Tournament 31st May 1st June Coronation Cup 23rd & 24th Aug Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial 31st 31stMay May1st 1stJune JuneCoronation CoronationCup Cup 23rd 23rd&&24th 24thAug Aug Don DonCarlos CarlosdedelalaSerna SernaMemorial Memorial 7th & 8th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tmt Mon 26th Aug The Chamiza RMA Sandhurst Trophy 7th 7th&&8th 8thJune June Help Help4 4Heroes HeroesPolo PoloTmt Tmt Mon Mon26th 26thAug Aug The TheChamiza ChamizaRMA RMASandhurst SandhurstTrophy Trophy 14th & 15th June Divot Polo Tournament 30th & 31st Aug Mountgerald Polo Tournament 14th 14th&&15th 15thJune June Divot DivotPolo PoloTournament Tournament 30th 30th&&31st 31stAug Aug Mountgerald MountgeraldPolo PoloTournament Tournament 21st & 22nd June Carpe Diem Cup 6th & 7th Sept The Royal Forest Polo Tournament 21st 21st&&22nd 22ndJune June Carpe CarpeDiem DiemCup Cup 6th 6th&&7th 7thSept Sept The TheRoyal RoyalForest ForestPolo PoloTournament Tournament 28th & 29th June Canada Day Polo Tmt 13th & 4th Sept Adamas Polo Tournament 28th 28th&&29th 29thJune June Canada CanadaDay DayPolo PoloTmt Tmt 13th 13th&&4th 4thSept Sept Adamas AdamasPolo PoloTournament Tournament 5th & 6th July Summer Cup 20th & 21th Sept 1947 Three Handled Saunders Davis 5th 5th&&6th 6thJuly July Summer SummerCup Cup 20th 20th&&21th 21thSept Sept 1947 1947Three ThreeHandled HandledSaunders SaundersDavis Davis 12th & 13th July Telemark “Christina” Cup 27th & 28th Sept Carlito Polo Pony Bronze Tmt 12th 12th&&13th 13thJuly July Telemark Telemark“Christina” “Christina”Cup Cup 27th 27th&&28th 28thSept Sept Carlito CarlitoPolo PoloPony PonyBronze BronzeTmt Tmt 19th & 20th July TAI TAI Polo Tmt SUNDAY ARGENTINE ASADOS 19th 19th&&20th 20thJuly July TAI TAITAI TAIPolo PoloTmt Tmt SUNDAY SUNDAY ARGENTINE ARGENTINEASADOS ASADOS


Tony Ramirez

Robert Burke

Paul Jackson & Josh Beauchamp

Members making the most of the early spring sunshine

Welcome To the Season; Saturday 12 April; Guards Polo Club, Windsor

Time for Gin & Fizz at Guards Polo Club

Phoebe Leake

Guards Polo Club flung open its doors in early April, inviting Members and players to the annual Welcome To the Season launch event. Everyone was eager to pick up their coveted season’s badges and car passes and catch up with friends after the winter break. In recognition of the Club’s 70th anniversary, Rich Hine brought a special, birthday edition of his popular British Polo Gin to the party, offering tasting sessions out on the Lawn. With Laurent Perrier in abundance, plus an array of delicious treats, including a popular smoked salmon station, there was an upbeat mood throughout the day. Searcys’ fruit and veg supplier, First Choice, joined in the fun, creating a wonderful display of produce on the Clubhouse bar. Members were even encouraged to take their favourite pieces home with them. With the sun shining down on the fantastic fields at Smith’s Lawn, everyone is match ready for an outstanding season.

Harry Wilson & Rich Hine

Photography by The Art of Polo

Chloe Cleverley of First Choice with their produce display

Antony Fanshawe

Vivienne Clarke

Lidia Gauss & Ryan Pemble

June Howell Jones

Benedict Tangney

Clare Reynolds


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A huge well done to Lorna Edgar, regular Polo Times CLUB PHONE All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 Nutrition contributor, All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 who completed a 29km Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 Challenge with Ultra Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 Challenges. Lorna was one Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 of Polo 2,000 Beaufort Club challengers who 01666 880510 Beverley took Polo Club* 01964 544877 on the demanding Binfield Heath 01491 411969 50km, 25km and 10km Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 routes through the rolling Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 landscape of Bath.

EMAIL dstone@indigo.ie polo@hickstead.co.uk tobiana.scott@gmail.com ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com mborwick@gmail.com info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk bhpcmanager@gmail.com polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk emmadvh@btinternet.com info@poloclubbunclody.com Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com Cirencester Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk Cowdray Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk Curraghmore Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie Dallas Burston Polo Club* 01926 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk Druids Lodge Polo Club* 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk CLUB PHONE EMAIL Dundee and Perth Polo Club* 07831 365 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com Home Farm Polo 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk Eastwood PoloGrounds Club 07875 743475 frankums@googlemail.com Hurtwood Polo Polo ClubClub 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk Edgeworth 01285 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com Edinburgh 07971 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com Kirtlington ParkPolo PoloClub* Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk Emsworth Polo Club Grounds* 01344 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk Knepp Castle Polo 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk Epsom Polo 07961 232106 Leadenham PoloClub* Club 07429 299026 offiepsompoloclub@hotmail.com ce@leadenhampoloclub.com FHM Polo 07778 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk Longdole PoloClub* Club* 01452 864544 info@longdolepolo.com FifiFarm eld Polo 01628 620061 fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk Moor PoloClub* Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk Great Polo Club 01428 741916 charles@trippetts.com Moor Hall Trippetts Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com 01784 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com NewGuards Forest Polo PoloClub* Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk HamPolo PoloClub Club 020 8334 0000 ce@hampoloclub.com Norfolk 01508 480400 offioffi ce@norfolkpolo.co.uk Hertfordshire Polo Club* 01707 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007 Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com Rutland Polo Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk Stewarton Polo Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk Suffolk Polo Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk Sussex Polo Club* 01342 Heli Air can make your day at714920 a polo matchinfo@sussexpolo.co.uk an even more memorable Taunton Vale Polo Club 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com Fly by helicopter to 846705 the events ofinfo@tidworthpolo.com your choice, from wherever Tidworthexperience. Polo Club* 01980 Toulston Polo Clubyou live or are staying, 07776on 234638 the day withinfo@toulstonpoloclub.com speed and comfort. Triskelion Polo Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club Vale of York Polo Club* Heli Air Head07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk Office • Warwick • CV35 9EU Vaux Park Park Polo Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com Also at: Wycombe, Silverstone, London/Denham, London/Fairoaks, West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk Thruxton01276 and 858545 Gloucestershire Airport Westcroft Park Polo Club* info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk White Rose Polo Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk • 07748 670587 • kim@playpolo.co.uk White Waltham Polo Club

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CLUB Home Farm Polo Grounds Hurtwood Polo Club Kirtlington Park Polo Club Knepp Castle Polo Club Leadenham Polo Club Longdole Polo Club* Moor Farm Polo Club Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* New Forest Polo Club Norfolk Polo Club Northern Ireland Polo Club Offchurch Bury Polo Club* Pangbourne Polo Club Peover Polo Club Polo Wicklow* RAF Cranwell Ranelagh Polo Club* RCBPC* RMAS Polo Club Rugby Polo Club* Rutland Polo Club Silver Leys Polo Club St. Albans Polo Club Stewarton Polo Club Suffolk Polo Club Sussex Polo Club* Taunton Vale Polo Club Tidworth Polo Club* Toulston Polo Club Triskelion Polo Club* Vale of York Polo Club* Vaux Park Park Polo Club* West Wycombe Park Polo Club* Westcroft Park Polo Club* White Rose Polo Club* White Waltham Polo Club

Congratulations to EMAILMatt Coppola and Sol rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk Di Ciurcio on the birth polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk of their son Crew on 22 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk March. Matt went on info@aspectpolo.co.uk office@leadenhampoloclub.com to win The U.S. Open info@longdolepolo.com with La Dolfina/Tamera shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk alecbeve@btinternet.com the following month annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk which he celebrated office@norfolkpolo.co.uk with baby Crew at the info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk prize presentation.

PHONE 07807672120 01483 272828 01869 350138 07920 023639 07429 299026 01452 864544 07494 114190 01279 450637 07977 224404 01508 480400 07803 020577 07816 830887 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk Adolfoa info@stewartonpolo.co.uk Cambiaso celebrated his 07974 706045 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk 50th birthday and half a century of 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk polo successes amongst friends 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com and family in Florida. The birthday 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com celebrations fell in the midst of The 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club U.S. Open and the following day, 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com Cambiaso’s La Dolfina/Tamera beat 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk Coca-Cola in the Semi Final to 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk secure their Final spot and ultimately 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk

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What’s On – May Polo Fixtures Correct at time of going to press

Victrix Ludorum Cirencester Park Cirencester Ladies 22 Goal Guards Guards Ladies 22 Goal Knepp Castle Ladies 16 Goal Cowdray British Ladies Open Championships 22 Goal Cirencester Park Cirencester Ladies 16 Goal Beaufort Claire Tomlinson Trophy 16 Goal RCBPC Polo Festival Ladies 16 Goal Guards Guards Ladies Charity Polo Trophy 16 Goal

06/06/25 23/06/25 02/07/25 07/07/25 21/07/25 28/07/25 09/08/25 19/08/25

15/06/25 05/07/25 06/06/25 19/07/25 02/08/25 10/08/25 16/08/25 30/08/25

WOMEN’S

2025 Victor & Victrix Ludorum 22 Goal RCBPC Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Guards Cartier Queen’s Cup Cirencester Park Warwickshire Cup Cowdray British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 18 Goal Black Bears Oxfordshire Cup Cowdray Duke of Sutherland Cirencester Park Apsley Cup Guards Indian Empire Shield Cowdray Challenge Cup 15 Goal Beaufort Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Cup Guards Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup RCBPC Eduardo Moore Tournament Cowdray Harrison Cup Cirencester Park County Cup 12 Goal Cowdray Dollar Cup RCBPC John Prestwich Challenge Trophy Beaufort Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Cirencester Park Queen Mother Trophy Cirencester Park Cheltenham Cup Guards Duke of Wellington Trophy Cowdray Autumn League 8 Goal Cirencester Park Gerald Balding Guards Archie David Cup RCBPC Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Cowdray Holden White Cup Beaufort Wichenford Bowl 6 Goal Beaufort Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup Binfield Heath Phillimore Trophy KPPC Budgett Everett Ham Roehampton Cup Cirencester Park Kingscote Cup 4 Goal Super League White Rose Summit Cup Binfield Heath BHPC 4 Goal Super League KPPC Kirtlington VL Rutland Assam Cup Black Bears Super League Leadenham Super League Cheshire National 4 Goal Silver Leys Silver Leys Cup Cambridge & Orminston Cup Newmarket Druids Lodge Druids Rose Bowl Vaux Park Super League Tedworth Park KRH Cup

60

Polo Times, May 2025

Cheshire Rutland Silver Leys 03/05/25 20/05/25 12/06/25 24/06/25

17/05/25 15/06/25 21/06/25 20/07/25

06/05/25 19/05/25 11/06/25 01/07/25 21/07/25

18/05/25 07/06/25 29/06/25 19/07/25 03/08/25

19/05/25 02/06/25 24/06/25 14/07/25 05/08/25

31/05/25 22/06/25 13/07/25 02/08/25 16/08/25

12/05/25 02/06/25 16/06/25 30/06/25 14/07/25 29/07/25 05/09/25

01/06/25 14/06/25 28/06/25 12/07/25 27/07/25 17/08/25 21/09/25

12/05/25 06/06/25 02/07/25 21/07/25 11/08/25

26/05/25 29/06/25 19/07/25 03/08/25 24/08/25

03/06/25 07/07/25 30/07/25 12/08/25 26/08/25

14/06/25 13/07/25 10/08/25 24/08/25 07/09/25

04/06/25 03/06/25 11/06/25 18/06/25 18/06/25 26/06/25 02/07/25 08/07/25 16/07/25

08/06/25 08/06/25 15/06/25 22/06/25 28/06/25 29/06/25 06/07/25 13/07/25 20/07/25

23/07/25 07/08/25 14/08/25

27/07/25 10/08/25 17/08/25

WIP WIP WIP

8 8 & 12 4, 8 & 12

10/05/25 11/05/25 17/05/25 18/05/25 31/05/25 01/06/25

YOUTH POLO Oxford Polo Beaufort Guards

Junior Schools National Summer Championships Junior Beaufort Cup La Martina Varsity Day

18/05/25

18/05/25

27/01/25 31/05/25

01/06/25 31/05/25

–2 to 2 10 to 12 0 to 6 12 to 15

18/04/25 23/04/25 26/04/25 26/04/25 26/04/25 26/04/25

05/05/24 18/05/25 05/05/25 11/05/25 10/05/25 11/05/25

4 to 8 8 6 0 to 4 8 to 12 6 2 0 4 to 8 0 to 4 0 –4 & 0 0 to 2/4

29/04/25 29/04/25 29/04/25 30/04/25 30/04/25 30/04/25 01/05/25 03/05/25 03/05/25 03/05/25 03/05/25 03/05/25 03/05/25

11/05/25 11/05/25 04/05/25 05/05/25 10/05/25 04/05/25 04/05/25 04/05/25 18/05/25 17/05/25 05/05/25 04/05/25 04/05/25

4

0 to 2/4

03/05/25 03/05/25 04/05/25 06/05/25 07/05/25 07/05/25 07/05/25 08/05/25 10/05/25 10/05/25 10/05/25 10/05/25 10/05/25

04/05/25 04/05/25 06/05/25 17/05/25 11/05/25 18/05/25 17/05/25 11/05/25 26/05/25 11/05/25 11/05/25 11/05/25 11/05/25

2 12 to 15 4 to 8 6 4 0&4 0 0 to 2 –4 to 0

10/05/25 12/05/25 13/05/25 13/05/25 14/05/25 15/05/25 17/05/25 17/05/25 17/05/25

11/05/25 26/05/25 01/06/25 18/05/25 18/05/25 18/05/25 18/05/25 18/05/25 18/05/25

0 0 to 2/4

17/05/25 17/05/25 17/05/25

18/05/25 18/05/25 18/05/25

17/05/25 17/05/25

18/05/25 18/05/25

UK Guards Guards Cirencester Park Cowdray Cowdray Guards

Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy Spring Tournament Associates League 1 Tyro Cup Jubilee Cup La Martina Queen Mother’s Centenary Beaufort Badminton Cup Kirtlington Park Oxfordshire Bowl Black Bears Welcome Cup Cirencester Park Cirencester 4 Goal Cirencester Park 1894 12 Goal Cup Kirtlington Park Management Cup Druids Lodge Aspiga Trophy Kirtlington Park Rousham Cowdray Barrett Cup Cowdray May 4 Goal Spring Cup Aspect/Hurtwood Lola’s Trophy Rutland Spring Cup Cheshire Argentine Cup & 61st Cavalry Trophy Edgeworth Edgeworth Shield Silver Leys May Cup Westcroft Park Welcome Bank Holiday Weekend Beaufort Kernow Cup Kirtlington Park Ragley Cup Cirencester Park á Brassard 4 Goal Cowdray Trippetts Challenge Druids Lodge Spring Trophy Guards Labrador Cup Black Bears Spring Cup Tedworth Park Rabbit Cup White Waltham Recoleta memorial Trophy Cheshire Jean Kewley/Causeway Racing Cup Edgeworth Fieldbarn Cup Cowdray Cicero Cup Guards Committee Cup Black Bears Chestnuts Trophy Kirtlington Park Fewster Cup Druids Lodge Commodore Blake Trophy Kirtlington Park Sonara Classic Tedworth Park Queen’s Royal Hussars Cup Tedworth Park Maddison Cup

White Waltham Camelot Bowl Rutland Collie Cup Cheshire Dearnford Hall Trophy/ CPC Trophy Edgeworth Clintons Trophy Silver Leys Gilbey Tournament

2 2 to 6 2 0 to 4 19 to 22 2 0 to 4 4 –6 to –2

1

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Polo directory Westcroft Park Beaufort Kirtlington Park Kirtlington Park Tedworth Park Cowdray RCBPC Black Bears Aspect/ Hurtwood Tedworth Park Tedworth Park White Waltham Cheshire

Westcroft Challenge Henderson Rosebowl Barlow Cup May Cup Tiro League Easebourne Cup Jim McEnteggart Trophy Pro Am Challenge Colins Cup

2 –2 to 2 6 2 –8 to –4 4 to 8 4 to 6 2 2

Cholderton Cup Grenadier Cup Aiglonn vs Eton Polo Knights of Anvil Bowl & CPC Trophy Edgeworth Edgeworth Challenge Westcroft Park Windlehsham Opening Cup Tedworth Park RA Cup (Military) White Waltham Mar del Plata Silver Tray Beaufort Non Playing members Babdown Cup Cowdray June 4 Goal Cup RCBPC Club Tropicana Cup Black Bears Pro Am Challenge Druids Lodge June Trophy Cowdray Amer Randhawa Cup White Waltham Coronation Cup

0 to 2 –6 to –2 0 to 2/4 2 2 Open 6 to 10 0 to 4 4 to 6 6 0&4 8 to 10

18/05/25 20/05/25 21/05/25 21/05/25 21/05/25 22/05/25 22/05/25 23/05/25 24/05/25 24/05/25 24/05/25 24/05/25 24/05/25 24/05/25 25/05/25 26/05/25 26/05/25 28/05/25 29/05/25 29/05/25 29/05/25 29/05/25 31/05/25 31/05/25

19/05/25 01/06/25 25/05/25 25/05/25 21/05/25 07/06/25 26/05/25 26/05/25 26/05/25 25/05/25 25/05/25 25/05/25 25/05/25 26/05/25 27/05/25 26/05/25 26/05/25 08/05/25 14/06/25 01/06/25 01/06/25 01/06/25 15/06/25 01/06/25

AUSTRALIA Windsor Scone Scone

Royal Richmond Hotel Cup

Subzero, 2&6

Muswellbrook Cup Peisley Cup

USA FLAG Oak Bend

03/05/25 10/05/25 17/05/25

Southwestern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup Bookshire Western Challenge Houston Southwestern Circuit Masters Cup Bookshire Regional Classic Southwestern New Pueblo Southwestern Circuit Constiution Cup Houston H. Bn Taub Memorial Mayer Ranch Southwestern Circuit Players Cup Santa Barbara Lisle Nixon Memorial Mayer Ranch Southwestern Circuit Masters Cup Barrington Hills Central Circuit Arena Amateur Cup

0 to 2 12 to 16 4 to 6 10 to 14 4 to 6 8 to 12 0 to 4 10 to 12 0 to 4 0 to 3

29/03/25 23/04/25 26/04/25 07/05/25 15/05/25 18/05/25 26/05/25 30/05/25 31/05/25 31/05/25

11/05/25 11/05/25 18/05/25 01/05/25 04/05/25 11/05/25 21/05/25 30/05/25 01/06/25 27/05/25 09/06/25 09/06/25 02/06/25

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CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01948 861020

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07968 300063

frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

07971 072336

james.dgls@gmail.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Oakwood Park Polo Club*

07778 436468

francis@fhmpolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

07771 931541

Chairman_tcvpc@btinternet.com

Tedworth Park Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tedworthparkpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club

07776 234638

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

vO Polo Club

01536 639018

membership@vopoloclub.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Polo Times, May 2025

61


Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110


Polo directory Equipment

Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

7.5 Tonne Horse Lorry Partitioned for 5/6 horses. Plated until July 2025 and new tyres. New spring loaded ramp fitted in 2023, new metal floor with rubber matting on top in 2023. Large luton area with five saddle racks and space for lots of polo kit. Battery isolator. £5,995 ono (Gloucester). Tel: 07860 906032

2x Brand New Saddles Two brand new 19 inch saddles, they are great I just messed up in the size I bought and need a couple of smaller ones for some smaller ponies we have. £350 per saddle (Bishop’s Stortford). Tel: 07736 060200

2001 DAF LF45 by Thorpe Horse Box, full tilt cab, measured weight 5756kg, payload about 1700kg, stalled for 3 horses, padded partition’s easy adjustment. horse area 8’ x 7’ 6’’ new MOT, well serviced, has only covered 10400 miles in the last 11 years, great living with plenty of storage, ox blood faux leather seating, double over cab bed, hot and cold running water, power shower with Thetford cassette toilet, fresh water tank, TV, 3 way fridge, LED lighting, gas hob, gas boiler, padded petitions, rug racks, new front tyres and 1000 mile rear tyres, reversing cameras, horse cameras, chassis rust proofed and wax oiled every year, a great lorry that has never let us down. A folder full of service history. £12,500 (Princes Risborough). Tel: 07963 753561

Misc

Polo Art POLO & PIGSTICKING PAINTINGS,PRINTS,BOOKS KEY RING ETC TEL 01934 613996 www marlboroughbooksandprints.co.uk

START OF SEASON DENTAL DEAL

Lister Clippers Great clippers, used condition. Collection from Christchurch or New Milton. £100. Tel: 07809 421774

Bits For Sale 1x Barry Gag, 1x Gag, 1x Ported Pelham (comes with curb chain but doesn’t have the clips but can get online). Gags £100 each, Pelham £40. Open to offers (Cambridge). Tel: 07921569145

£60 per horse including sedation (for 4 or more horses) in the South of England. Get ready for the season with a careful and professional examination of your horse’s mouth with high quality equilibration (filing). Stable side oroscopy included when needed for an HD internal image of the mouth. Stable side X-ray available (not included in deal) with referral CT at competitive prices for cases requiring further investigation. Please contact 07515992786 for further details and call out fee information.

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/ horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

Submit your classified adverts online www.polotimes.co.uk or contact 01452 730770

Tel: 01798 867301/07419 297559 Fax: 01798 867257 equinelogisticscompany@gmail.com www.equine-logistics-company.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2025

63


Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

1. What is your biggest passion and why? The breeding side. Making and playing offspring of horses I used to play is amazing and the way a young horse develops over a three to four year period is fascinating. 2. What is your all-time best polo memory? Qualifying for The Argentine Open in 2005 with the first all non-Argentine team ever to play in it.

Mark Tomlinson has won all of the major tournaments in England, from The Cartier Queen’s Cup to The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, The Warwickshire Cup and The Royal Windsor Cup, as well as representing his country on numerous occasions in The Coronation Cup. His success is not limited to home shores, having played in The Argentine Open and reached the Semi Finals of The Cámara de Diputados Cup. Ahead of the English season, where Mark will be playing for Sona Polo in the high goal, Polo Times caught up with him to find out what he is passionate about

3. Who were/are your favourite teammates? I have been very lucky to have played with so many great ‘compañeros’ and have particularly enjoyed playing with members of my own family (already looking forward to the next gen!). But if I had to pick a team it would be my brother [Luke], JP and Nina Clarkin – we won the 2003 Cowdray Gold Cup together. 4. Hardest opponent? Adolfo Cambiaso. 5. Which sports do you like outside of polo? Football and hockey. 6. Favourite film? Four Weddings and A Funeral. 7. Favourite album? Legend by Bob Marley. 8. Favourite food/dish? Asado.

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9. Favourite hobby outside of polo? Going to watch Newcastle United FC. 10. Most prized possession? My wife and kids.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

11. Favourite celebrity and why? Owen Wilson. People say I look like him and he is funny. 12. Best holiday destination and activity? On the lakes in the south of Switzerland.

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13. Best pony? Milly.

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14. Are you passionately superstitious? No (too many things to worry about as it is!). 15. Describe yourself in three words? Weird, passionate, wonderful.

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Polo Times, May 2025

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

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16. One thing which would surprise us about you? I have various OCD habits, including one about how to stack the dishwasher.

www.polotimes.co.uk


ARGENTINA

“…nothing short of a paradise.” “…a world class polo destination for any fanatic.”

WHATSAPP +44 7885 534129


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