PoloTimes July2019

Volume 24 • Issue 6 • July 2019 • £6.50

STELLAR SCONE The Cartier Queen’s Cup ONE OF A KIND Interview with Rodrigo Andrade YOUTH SPECIAL SUPA Uni Nationals, La Martina Varsity & more!

PLUS: Ponies in Retirement, Victor Ludorum & The Glos Festival of Polo

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

July 2019

Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Operations Manager

42

Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

22

61 61

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Youth Polo 64 65

Advertising & Subscription Sales Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

68 70

Principal Design James Morgan

72 75

Tony Ruddy

Subscriptions & Administration Assistant

32

Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk

News

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

6 14

All the Latest News FIP News

80

Comment 16

Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk

Features

86 88

20 22

Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

27

Lorna Edgar, Emmpix, Charlie Fraser, Alice Gipps, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Tom Reynolds, Sports Sphere & ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2019 and Database Right 2019 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes 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

Polo Times, July 2019

Your Views & Social Media

Big Picture Cover Story: Interview: Rodrigo Andrade Cover Story: From High Goal to Retirement: Your Ponies

Reports 32 38 40 42 49

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Accounts & Administration Assistant

Overseas Reporter

Cover Story: Gloucestershire Festival of Polo Chestertons Polo in the Park Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup Cover Story: Cartier Queen’s Cup Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Update

Club Focus 53

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action Heroes Day

Knowledge

82 84

Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Shane Borland,

All Aspects of Youth Polo Cover Story: SUPA Universities Summer National Championships Cover Story: La Martina Varsity Day Cover Story: Javier Novillo Astrada U15

Military Polo

Additional Design

Financial Controller

5 Minutes With… Alice Gipps A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Equipment Focus: Bits: Mouth Conformation Polodoc: Fat for Function Nutrition Focus: Yard Focus – Will Lucas Playing Tips: Plane of Swing Shane Borland: First Introduction to Weight & Rider

Sidelines 90 91

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory 99

What’s On in July?

Final Bell 104

Passions: Kian Hall

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: HM The Queen presents Scone Polo patron David Paradice with the trophy at The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final. By Alice Gipps Photography

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from the Publisher

Mapal Kangjeibung polo ground is the oldest in the world

13th Manipur Polo International

It has been announced that The 13th Manipur Polo International will take place between 22 – 29 November in Manipur, India. The tournament welcomes teams from all over the world and will form a key part of The Sangai Festival, the State’s Tourism Festival organised each year. The tournament will take place at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung polo ground, the oldest in the world and will be played on traditional Manipuri ponies. Team entries must be emailed on ibungochoubi@gmail.com by 30 September with further details also available.

Photograph courtesy of Polo Times

Nick Hine, Publisher

Photograph courtesy of N Ibungochoubi

As I put pen to paper, I cannot believe that this is the July issue of Polo Times, as despite the onslaught of wet weather, the UK season is once again running away with us all. This issue is jam-packed with polo tips: from honing your playing skills, to feeding the right diet to your champion pony; from ensuring that you are fully insured, to medical advice to help players avoid the surgeon’s knife… hopefully, there’s something for everyone.

The British high goal season is nearing its end, with The Cartier Queen’s Cup now at a conclusion with all eyes now turning to The King Power Gold Cup. This year’s Queen’s Cup saw a notable absence of the world number one, Adolfo Cambiaso, and whilst players and team managers must have breathed a sigh of relief, the murmurs amongst some that this year’s Queen’s Cup lacked the polo panache usually displayed

by Cambiaso have been answered... be careful what you wish for!

Whilst it was fantastic to see Brits James Harper and James Beim making up half of the winning Scone Polo team in this year’s Queen’s, Cambiaso fans will be over the moon to see the 10 goaler playing in The King Power Gold Cup for La Bamba de Areco – standing in for an injured Pelón Stirling. However, it’s not a win for everyone, as British young gun 3 goaler Kian Hall has been substituted for Cambiaso Jnr, Poroto, whose 2 goal handicap was needed to make the necessary 22 goal aggregate.

Away from the 22 goal, it has been brilliant to see more rural Club’s such as Beaufort Polo Club and Cirencester Park Polo Club (celebrating their 30th and 125th birthdays respectively) being given the opportunity to host their own International Test Matches, bringing high goal to a wider audience to those not based in Berkshire and West Sussex.

As ever, Women’s Polo continues to go from strength to strength, as well as the HPA’s Victrix Ludorum which began in 2017, this season has also seen Women in Polo launch their own league, plus three International Matches of their own.

Finally, leaving the best until last, Mark and Emma Cann deserve a huge thank you on behalf of the polo community at large, for spearheading the Polo150 initiative. Before polo was even dreamt of being played in what is now the world-class mecca for polo champions – Argentina – a few of the British Army’s finest soldiers brought the modern game of polo all the way from India to England 150-years-ago… the rest as they say is history and will be featured in Polo Times’ sister publication, The Polo Magazine.

So, that just leaves me to wish you good luck for the rest of the season, and fingers crossed that the weather improves soon!

News

The AAP has released the high goal calendar

Argentine Spring Season Dates

Following the announcement of the 2019 Argentine Triple Crown calendar, the AAP has also released the full high goal calendar for the Argentine spring season calendar. The top dates have been confirmed as: 52th San Jorge Open: 31 August – 7 September 55th Jockey Club Open: 11 – 21 September Xtreme Polo League: 21 September – 5 October 79th Tortugas Country Club Open: 8 – 19 October 126th Hurlingham Club Open: 22 October – 9 November 126th Argentine Polo Open: 16 November – 14 December www.polotimes.co.uk

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News Facundo Joins Ainsley Polo

Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Sylt

Facundo Pieres, playing for La Indiana in the 2019 UK high goal season, has joined David ‘Pelón’ Stirling as an ambassador for the Ainsley MVP polo saddle. Facundo will benefit from a perfect, adjustable fit on all his horses and the ideal playing position. Like Pelón, Facundo will work with Ainsley Saddlery to ensure that the MVP will be considered one of the best choices for polo players demanding great performance from their saddle. Facundo’s new saddles will be seen in the upcoming King Power Gold Cup as well as in the Argentine and US high goal seasons. For more information on the MVP saddle and to read about the once in a lifetime chance to play a practice match with Facundo, please visit www.performance-polo.com/ facundopieres

Maserati, winners of the 12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt

Beach Polo World Cup Sylt Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Over the weekend 8 – 9 June, the 12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt came to an end with Maserati securing first place. Maus Immobilien came second, Julius Bär third, Hörnum fourth, Searen fifth and Transgourmet sixth.

12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Teams: Julius Bär (4): Otto Blank (0) & Tim Ward (4) Maserati (4): René Kleinlugtenbelt (0) & Patrick Maleitzke (4) Transgourmet (6): Sven Schneider (2) & Thomas Winter (4) Maus Immobilien (4): Frank Kirschke (0) & Augustin Kronhaus (4) Searen (4): Enno Grams (0) & Joaquin Copello (4) Hörnum (4): Kutlay Yaprak (1) & Lukas Sdrenka (3)

Facundo Pieres has become an ambassador for Ainsley Polo

Photograph courtesy of Polo Gstaad

Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Between 22 – 25 August, The Hublot Polo Gold Cup will return to Gstaad, for four days of exciting polo between four teams, Clinique La Prairie, Gstaad Palace, Hulbot and Banque Eric Sturdza (the current title holders). The tournament is in a unique location, in the heart of the Swiss Alps and tickets are available now.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup will return to Gstaad in August

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News King Power Gold Cup Draw Announced

Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

10 teams have entered this year’s King Power Gold Cup for The British Open Polo Championship, with a plethora of new and old faces set to grace the Cowdray Park Polo Club fields from the end of June for two weeks of exciting matches. The Club announced the schedule of play, following the draw on Monday 10 June at Cowdray House. Play got underway on 25 June, as we go to press, with the Quarter Finals taking place over the weekend of 13 – 14 July, the Semi Finals on 17 July and the Final on Sunday 21 July.

The King Power Gold Cup Teams: La Bamba de Areco (22): Jean-François Decaux (0), Kian Hall (3), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (9) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (0), Juan Britos (7), Hilario Ulloa (10) The King Power Gold Cup draw took place on Monday 10 June & Benjamin Urquiza (5) Scone Polo (22): David Paradice (0), La Indiana (22): Marc Ganzi (1), Since the High Goal Guide was issued, Adolfo Jimbo Fewster (3), Rodrigo Andrade (8) Cambiaso and Poroto Cambiaso have returned James Beim (7), Nico Pieres (9) & Facundo Pieres (10) to the high goal, potentially substituting for La & James Harper (6) Emlor (21): Spencer McCarthy (0), Bamba de Areco in The Gold Cup, replacing Monterosso (22): Alessandro Bazzoni (0), Kian Hall and an injured David ‘Pelón’ Stirling.

Juan Martín Zavaleta (7), Ignacio Toccalino (8), Agustin Merlos (8), Alfredo Bigatti (7) & Michel del Carril (7) The team remained the same for the first match.

Joaquin Pittaluga (7) Changes have been made to La Indiana’s lineVS King Power (22): Top Srivaddhanaprabha (0), Dubai (21): Rashid Albwardy (1), Camilo Castagnola (6), Bartolito Castagnola up seeing Marc Ganzi sub in for injured Michael Juan Martín Zubia (6), Polito Pieres (9) & (6) & Nachi du Plessis (8) Bickford, and Fred Mannix Jnr has been Marcos Di Paola (7) Murus Sanctus (22): Corinne Ricard (0), replaced by Michel del Carril in Emlor. Finally, Talandracas (22): Hugues Carmignac (0), Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1 3/3/10 Page 1 (9) Facundo Sola (7),10:10 Gonzalito Pieres Murus Sanctus has replaced Tommy Beresford Francisco Elizalde (8), Julian ‘Negro’ de & Martin Podesta (6) with Martin Podesta for The Gold Cup. Lusarreta (7) & Alejandro Muzzio (7)

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Polo Times, July 2019

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News

Polo Pony Breeding

Photograph courtesy of Tomlinson Equine

Advances in the UK Polo Pony Breeding Industry

Tomlinson Equine deliver polo pony breeding advances

The market for top polo ponies remains fiercely competitive, with mares playing an integral part of most players’ strings and dominating the Best Playing Pony awards throughout the season.

The standard of top quality polo bloodlines available here in the UK is absolutely astonishing. For this reason, we are seeing an increasing amount of polo players, from all levels of the game, turning to breeding as a way to increase the depth and quality of their strings.

Both dam and sire can strongly influence the progeny’s outcome, so it is important to breed from the very best. Breeding from the highest level retired mares, with a top quality stallion is, quite literally, a no-brainer. Embryo transfer allows you to breed from mares while they are still in action on the playing field and even facilitates improving your string through buying embryos from better mares than you may have access to.

10

Polo Times, July 2019

Tomlinson Equine (formerly Beaufort Embryo Transfer) continues to strive as the UK’s market leaders in mare and stallion reproduction by ensuring the latest breeding technologies are available to the discerning breeder. They were the first to offer Embryo Transfer (ET), AI and Semen freezing on a large scale to the UK’s polo market and continue to work on new techniques, such as Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Embryo Freezing and Epididymal Sperm Harvesting, becoming more widely available to all breeders.

ICSI enables breeding from mares where ET has failed or from stallions with very limited semen availability. It is now possible to harvest eggs immediately post mortem and use ICSI to salvage genetics if a valuable mare dies.

Successful Epidiymal Sperm Harvesting and Freezing, immediately post mortem, means that it is also possible to preserve

genetics if a valuable stallion dies. Significant advances in Embryo Freezing technology means that it is finally possible to harvest embryos in the UK, freeze and ship them to anywhere in the world.

The game of polo increasingly demands more and more speed from high goal ponies, without losing the equally necessary stamina and ever-required trainable temperament.

A middle-distance Thoroughbred pedigree seems to be a pre-requisite in the bloodlines of most top-class polo stallions and this is something that can be seen throughout the stallions standing at Tomlinson Equine.

With bloodlines such as Ellerston Clarin, Moscu, River Slaney, Pimms, Summer, Top Secret, Luna, Forrest, Norman Pentaquad, Sativa, Sportivo, Grappa Ilustrada, Monty, Suva, Clark, Ilusa, Rainbow Corner, Personal Escort, Spook & Malapata... it is a small wonder there is space for all these amazing polo stallions at Tomlinson Equine Stud. www.polotimes.co.uk

WASHINGTON 2015 Bay Stallion Ellerston Clarin x Moscu

PINBALL (RAYO GIN) 2008 Chestnut Stallion River Slaney x Pimms

A stallion with an exceptional mixture of quality owned by Charlie Hanbury. His sire Ellerston Clarin, is by Argentina’s Machitos Diaz and out of Facundo Pieres’ superb Ellerston bred Australian mare Claret. His dam Moscu was the brilliant, match-winning grey mare played by Facundo Pieres in the Argentine Open & UK High Goal.

OPEN MAESTRO 2006 Bay Stallion Grappa Illustrada x Sportivo

A beautifully put together stallion owned by Roddy Williams, who played in the UK with Negro Novillo Astrada. His sire River Slaney was champion sire in the Argentine Open and is a prolific producer of open playing ponies. His dam Pimms played three chukkas in the final of the Argentine Open when the Novillo’s won the Triple Crown and has many poloplaying progeny on the ground. Pinball has progeny on the ground playing top-level polo in both Argentina and the UK.

ZORRO 2003 Liver Chestnut Stallion Chess x Forrest

A superbly put together top quality stallion bred by Gonzalo Pieres, in Argentina & co-owned by Gonzalo Pieres & Fernando Riera. His sire Sportivo, was champion sire in the Argentine Open and is a prolific producer of open playing ponies. His dam Grappa Ilustrada, was played by Facundo Pieres in the Argentine & US Opens as well as the UK High Goal. Open Maestro has many successful progeny on the ground in the UK, all consistently having a fantastic temperament.

An exceptionally well put together stallion owned by Mark Tomlinson. His sire Chess was a proven polo pony sire. His grandsire Top Secret was the sire of the legendary Luna. His dam Forrest, by Norman Pentaquad, was played by Combiaso. Zorro’s full sister Sativa was the outstanding mare Sapo Caset played in the Argentine & US Opens and the UK High Goal. Zorro has many successful progeny, all consistently having a fantastic temperament.

VALENTINO 2006 Chestnut Stallion Chess x Virola

BEAUFORT ILLUSIONIST 2010 Dark Bay Stallion Illusa x Clark An exceptional mix of top quality proven bloodlines bred by Emma Tomlinson & owned by Jaime Huidobro. His sire Clark is by the Australian TB Night Opera and out of Facundo Pieres’ superb Ellerston bred Australian mare Claret. His dam Ilusa, by Rainbow Corner and out of Ilusion, played with Jamie Huidobro in the Argentine Open & UK High Goal.

Beaufort Illusionist is currently being played by Jaime in the UK and is proving to be a valuable part of his string.

A well put together solid polo stallion with an outstanding temperament. His sire Chess was a proven polo pony sire with his progeny excelling in low, medium and high goal. His grandsire Top Secret was the sire of the legendary Luna. His Argentine-bred dam Virola was played in the UK High Goal

by Milo Fernandez-Araujo & Luke Tomlinson. Valentino has playing progeny on the ground in the UK

Tomlinson Equine provides a complete polo pony breeding service.

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LOVELOCKS SUMMER 2015 Chestnut Stallion Ellerston Clarin x Summer A stallion with a truly international blend of quality owned by Charlie Hanbury. His sire Ellerston Clarin, is by Argentina’s Machitos Diaz and out of Facundo Pieres’ superb Ellerston bred Australian mare Claret. His dam Summer, a tough South African TB mare, played many UK high goal seasons and has progeny on the ground playing high goal, including the multiple best playing pony winner, Lovelocks Sex.

JAVAD 2006 Bay Stallion Java x Norman Pentaquad The only son of Norman Pentaquad standing in the UK. This quality stallion was bred and is co-owned by Jim Gilmore, Ellerston, Australia. Javad has amazing agility, a good mouth and is well balanced. His sire Norman Pentaquad is the prolific Ellerston sire of many ponies playing in the Argentine Open & UK High Goal. His dam Java is a magnificent Monty x Suva mare who played UK High Goal. Javad is small & fine boned so adds significant quality to a mare where needed.

He has many successful progeny on the ground in the UK.

BEAUFORT ESCORT 2009 Bay Stallion Rata x Personal Escort A fabulous mix of USA & Argentine bloodlines bred by Emma Tomlinson. His sire, Personal Escort, was a prolific high goal stallion whose offspring includes Spook, played

by Pablo MacDonough in the Argentine Open & UK high goal. His dam Rata was from the famous Heguy Malapata line and played the Argentine Open as well as the UK high goal with Gaston Laulhe

Some of the UK’s top polo stallions are standing with us.

Polo Stallions

polostallions.com +44(0)1666 880 236

News

Insurance Matters

Insuring Your Tack We all know insurance is something that we hate to discuss. It’s one of those things that is a necessary expense for something we hope we never have to use.

But what if you did need to use it and you didn’t have it, or didn’t have enough?

What would you do if all of your tack was stolen or damaged, could you afford to replace it all?

The majority of claims we see each year are for theft and most of these are for tack and quad bikes. Whether it is organised thieves stealing to order or the opportunistic thief who sees a lorry open as he walks by, the number of claims remains constant year in, year out.

When it happened to one of our own many years ago, it was most frustrating simply because it meant that they could not ride until it was replaced as well as leaving the family feeling like their privacy had been violated.

So what can we do to prevent these thefts occurring?

It may sound daft, but the place to start is simply by making sure your tackroom is properly locked, and we don’t mean locked with that padlock you inherited when you bought the property and if you bash it the right way it opens which is great when you leave the keys at home! Tackrooms should be locked with a minimum of a five lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621.

It is much more difficult for thieves to break these than a padlock and they tend to prevent people trying to access the room.

Along the same lines, tack room windows and skylights should really be barred so that intruders can’t just smash them and pass the tack through when they can’t defeat the door lock. Similarly an intruder alarm (minimum bells only, but ideally linked to a central station and NACOSS approved) and CCTV are really useful for preventing thefts, as well as identifying the thief if he does get past your locked door and barred windows.

If possible, having time-controlled locking entrance gates will help prevent them even getting to the tack room.

Smaller items can be watermarked, this tends to make them much harder to sell on, so your professional thieves are less interested in these.

Retailers are often targeted because they have such a large quantity of unpersonalised, undamaged stock so security here is vital.

Again, CCTV is very useful for deterring and identifying intruders and proper locks and bars on windows will prevent entry the easy way. Staff should be trained properly to ensure they know what signs to look for (i.e. how to spot a dodgy looking customer) and how to ensure the building is properly 12

Polo Times, July 2019

secured. Security racking can be installed for high value items to make them harder to access if the intruder has got past all your other security measures. When it comes to alarms for retail premises, it is more important to ensure it is a properly installed system with a maintenance contract with a National Security Inspectorate recognised supplier.

Sadly, despite all the above, sometimes the thief still manages to get away with your beloved saddle or brand new quad and that is when you turn to your insurance. Whilst we all hope it never gets to this, there are several things to consider to ensure your claim is paid.

The most common reasons we see for claims not being fully paid (or sometimes not paid at all) are under insurance and failure to comply with Underwriter requirements.

It is important to review your sum insured regularly to make sure you are have the full amount of your tack covered, it is surprising how much it can come to when you add it all up and often there’s the old bridle hidden at the back that you have forgotten about or not considered.

It is also vitally important that you understand your policy and what is required of you (i.e. have Underwriters warranted that quad bikes are kept in a locked building when not in use or that the tack room alarm must be switched on when the premises are not occupied) as failure to meet these conditions can result in your claim not being

paid. If you leave your tack in the lorry, it is vital that the lorry is locked. It is unlikely that any theft claim will be paid if you cannot evidence that the items were stolen by forcible and violent entry. If you are not sure ask your insurer to go through it with you, it is what they are there for!

If you have particularly high value items, we would recommend specifying them on your insurance to make sure they are fully covered and insurers are aware of them. You should also take and store photos of high value items to evidence both their existence and the level of wear and tear as well as keeping copies of the receipts.

Making sure your property is properly protected is the key, as no one wants to go through the rigmarole of having to replace it or lose their favourite bits of kit, but making sure you are properly insured and know the terms of your policy is vital to making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible if the worst does happen.

If you would like to discuss any insurance needs please do not hesitate to contact KBIS, they will be happy to talk about your requirements.

T: 0345 230 2323 | E: ask@kbis.co.uk W: www.kbis.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Photography by US Polo Assn

Women’s Polo Develops Women have been playing polo since the inception of the sport and recently with the increased popularity of women’s only tournaments, they have become the fastest growing demographic in the sport.

Women-only tournaments are organised all around the world with female patrons and professional players participating. The AAP, USPA, HPA and FIP have female editions of their most important tournaments such as the Argentine Open, US Open and FIP’s own European Championship. FIP is presently working with the AAP in order to produce the I FIP Women’s World Polo Championship in 2020.

In order to decide the handicap of the IWWPC, we first needed to analyse the state of women’s polo around the world. With the help of a newly formed Women’s Polo Committee, integrated by Dawn Jones (USPA), Nina Clarkin (HPA), Ploy Bhinsaeng (Thailand) and Veronica Magnasco (AAP), we prepared and sent a questionnaire to all our members to evaluate the state of women’s polo around the world.

The results would then help us decide the best level of play and possible teams for the I Women’s World Polo Championship.

15 Associations replied to the questionnaire: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and USA. Based on these responses, we now know that there are at least 4,000 registered female players with women’s handicaps between 0 and 10. England has the only two 10 goalers, Nina Clarkin and Hazel Jackson-Gaona, and there are 80 players between 5 and 10 goals.

With all this information FIP’s Women’s Committee established that the IWWPC will be played between teams of 10 to 16 goals with players with handicaps between 3 and 10 goals. This will ensure a very good level of polo and at least eight national teams will be able to participate.

I look forward for the incorporation of women’s handicap and tournaments in more associations in the near future.

Women’s polo is on the rise worldwide

The FIP Women’s European Championships 2018

Women-only tournaments will be organised by FIP

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only

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The stakes are higher than ever for the Lucchese USPA Intra-Circuit Final this Sunday, with $50K in prize money being awarded!

Stay tuned for details on who will be playing, and get your tickets now, it’s going to be an amazing match! #santabarbarapolo #letsgo @lominska

Quick Question Q: In what year did HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, win The Queen’s Cup and for a bonus point, with which team?

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A: Turn to page 100 to check your answer.

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Champagne, Champagne For Everyone!

Little Britain’s Bubbles de Vere would certainly have been in her element at Beaufort Polo Club’s Start of Season Cocktail Party on Saturday 25 May as the Club was awash with a mountain of Justerini & Brooks’ finest champagne. We hope that the stack long row of magnum bottles at the end of the night wasn’t reflective of the headaches in the morning! wP hotograph by Polo Times

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Feature

Interview: Rodrigo Andrade

Rodrigo Andrade The sum of all factors Handicap: 8 Goals Nationality: Brazilian 2019 team: La Indiana

Jen Liggins reports

H

igh goal polo takes a certain type of person. The hours of dedicated training, practice, horse acquisition and patience required can be testing at the best of times, but during the short British season, from May to July, this hard work is compounded into mere weeks. In steps one of the few Brazilian polo powerhouses, Rodrigo Andrade, probably one of the most sought after 8 goal players on the circuit and yet, an exceedingly reserved individual, more focused on his game than the rigmarole of the scene. Polo Times spent some time delving into the character of this reserved dynamo as he and the La Indiana side rose through the qualifying ranks of the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup. Andrade has played for a plethora of the best teams in the world, winning a veritable smorgasbord of the world’s highest accolades, from The Cartier Queen’s

Cup and Prince of Wales Trophy with RH Polo in 2017, to the holy duo of The Gold Cup for The British Open and The Queen’s Cup in 2013 with Zacara.

This season upon season of success has built him into a grounded, hardworking individual, whose success hasn’t overshadowed his ability to ‘get the job done’!

As any polo aficionado will tell you, coming from a polo playing family works dividends when looking to turn one’s passion into a career. “I started playing because of my grandfather and father. They played in our home city, Franca, in Brazil and ensured that instead of looking at polo just for fun, I could turn the fun into a lifelong career. Polo is in my blood – I have always been in touch with the sport and I have my family to thank for that. My parents tried to do the best for me and support my career in its infancy, always encouraging me to take every opportunity, and today I travel with my own family. The transition has been spectacular and it’s amazing to see how we’ve made it work for us. These days, my family and I live in and around polo 100 percent of the time. I think I am

Rodrigo Andrade proudly sporting the Brazilian flag

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Interview: Rodrigo Andrade

a truly lucky person to be able to do what I love every day.”

Prior to the British season, Andrade was making waves across the pond in the inaugural 26 goal World Polo League, winning The Founders Cup for the Grand Champions team, alongside Captain Grant Ganzi, 10 goaler Juan Martín Nero and Juancito Bollini, and earning themselves a tidy $60,000 prize money. The match was also a huge upset in the high goal ranks, as the team defeated Adolfo Cambiaso’s side for only the second time in the past decade at 26 goal level. True to form, Andrade has a tendency to underplay the importance of his part in these shake-up matches. Scoring four of the team’s 12 goals, and ably backing up team mate Nero, Andrade’s cool and collected play made the difference

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between the win and a loss. In his own words, his attitude has changed over the past few years. “My career goals have changed as I’ve transitioned through life. When I was younger, I thought about playing and winning The Argentine Open as my primary focus. Nowadays, I try to give my best in every game and enjoy it. When I’m not on the field, I like to go to the farm at home and bring on new horses, to fish and be with my family. My priorities have changed for the better these days.”

When travelling the world continuously, the mundanity of the circuit can become something that tires out even the most energetic of professionals, but Andrade is always one to find the best aspects of a tournament, looking to go that extra mile to win.

Feature

“Each tournament has its own particularities.

I couldn’t say that I have a favourite tournament, but there is something about playing at Palermo. It’s different and by far the best polo in the world.” Over the past 10 years, Andrade has played in The Argentine Open six times, a dream only achieved by those lucky few in the upper echelons of the sport. But despite all this play on the green Palermo fields, he still feels the UK has given him his best polo. “My best ever season was in 2013 with Zacara. We came, we saw and we conquered, winning The Queen’s Cup and The Gold Cup.” This is an achievement accomplished by very few (namely only King Power Foxes and Ellerston over the last 21 years), and it is this hunt for glory that has brought him back, year after year.

Not only the achievements and accolades on offer, but the very nature of polo is what initially attracted Andrade to compete. When asked what the best thing about the sport is, he commented, “Polo is a sport that brings together the contact with the animals and nature, but also an unparalleled adrenaline.

It is a sum of all the factors – horsepower, environment and natural talent. A good horse is so important, but without the ability to get the best out of it, you can’t get anywhere.” He is a great believer that polo talent you can be born with, but it also takes dedication and work from the player. Only when the synergy is spot-on between player and horse can the outcome be perfect. “I train regularly to stay in peak fitness. I go to the gym three times a week, combining that with a healthy diet and regular practices before each game, to ensure the formulae is just right.” His string, like him, is a collection of strong, seasoned ponies, who always perform to their best, but tend to fly

Polo Times, July 2019

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Feature

Interview: Rodrigo Andrade

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Rodrigo in action

somewhat under the radar. “The majority of my horses are from Argentina and I don’t have a favourite. They’re all favourites in my eyes! They get me where I need to be in a perfect fashion.”

If the polo field hadn’t proved as attractive as it ultimately did, Andrade was sure that he’d have taken up the reins of another sport.

“At heart I am a sportsman. If I hadn’t become a polo player, I would have been a sports professional of another sort.” Sportsmen are a certain breed, bred to do one thing and one thing only – achieve the best they can, be it for their country, their team or for individual benefit. But one thing is for sure, without an organisation of great calibre behind you, these dreams can seem impossible. “I credit my success to all the people who have helped me along the way, be it directly or indirectly – my family, my friends, the team who look after the horses, my team mates – they are why I am here. They are why I am 8 goals and living my best life.”

2019 has played Andrade a great hand, riding out for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana with hopes of a Cartier Queen’s Cup Final position, but as we went to press, La Indiana had lost out to their former 2018 Queen’s Cup Final rivals Park Place in the 2019 Semi Finals. Despite this set back, the team had an unbeaten run to the Semi Finals, with Andrade playing a lynchpin role in their success. His expert pairing with 10 goal team mate Facundo Pieres saw some of the most complex and powerful plays to date on the pristine Guards grounds, and with the season only halfway through, there is still plenty of time for this exciting pair to prove their mettle on the Lawns at Cowdray for The King Power Gold Cup.

Rodrigo receiving his Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi Final prize

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Polo Times, July 2019

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From High Goal to Retirement: Your Ponies

Feature

From High Goal to Retirement Photography by Alice Gipps Photography

Jen Liggins reports

T

Finding the appropriate home for a retiring polo pony can be challenging

Your ponies at the end of their career here is one age-old question (quite literally) – what do you do with a faithful steed that has served you through your high goal career to your country polo career, babysat your children as they’ve learnt to play polo, patiently sat in the pony lines waiting for their next outing and are now nearing the end of their own polo career? Worldwide, the number of polo ponies in the system is increasing, with breeding operations finding a new lease of life and therefore flooding the market with excellent playing stock at one end, but in the same breath, forcing the older end of the spectrum into the difficult and emotionally charged territory of retirement.

It is never an easy decision to end the career of a trusted polo pony, but at what point should an owner call time on their pony’s career and in what manner? Polo Times has taken a look at the different options out there for the retirement of our equine companions, when it’s not just as simple as putting them out to pasture in a field at the end of your garden.

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The Player’s View Royston Prisk

“I’m a bit soft. I actually keep mine if I can, if they’re not suffering. I try to keep them until I can find a nice home for them. I found a couple of homes, one for example, where they’re used for walking to just round-up other horses. I found a home as a companion mare for another one and more recently I’ve retired one who has gone for a hack. I’ve just retired two others, one six-months-ago, which I’m still keeping in a paddock as I’m not sure what to do with her yet, and another one more recently, so I’m continuing to care for them until I find the right home. Failing that, I will send her to Polo Pastures. I think it really depends on the horse in terms of age and mobility and if they’re suffering at all. I feel some people are of the mindset that its kinder to put them to sleep, because you know what’s happening with them, and in some instances, I’ve had to put horses down when they’re struggling with mobility. Also, a lot of horses used for hacks aren’t suitable for hacking, so that can make it a lot more difficult to find a home for them. In terms of high goal ponies at the end of their high goal careers, a lot of those horses do filter into low goal and Pony Club naturally. A lot of the teams sell or give them to younger players. The issue comes when horses have already been through that process, and they get to 18 to 19-years-old and they’ve got injuries which mean they can’t play anymore. People don’t know what to do with them. Everybody is different and it depends on any individual case and I’m not sure where the process could be improved as a whole as it is such an individual issue.

There would be so many ponies that would need to be organised, so how could this be standardised?!”

Polo Times, July 2019

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Feature

From High Goal to Retirement: Your Ponies

Hazel Jackson-Gaona

The RoR View

“Retiring horses is a subject really close to my heart. After everything these horses give us, as the seven-day weeks of the same routine and what they give us on the field is something out of this world. They deserve an incredible retirement in my eyes, a change of scenery and some TLC if possible.

Unfortunately, I had the worst experience with a mare that meant an awful lot to me and my family, and I will never repeat my mistake of sending her to a home where we thought we trusted the owners. It is vital to know where your horse is going when moving them on to be a ‘companion’ or ‘hacking’ horse. If a contract needs to be written up then so be it, but regular photos, visits etc should be encouraged by the new owners. These animals mean the world to us, we should treat them how we would want to be treated”

The Youth Polo View Nigel Mercer, SUPA

“The welfare of all horses is of prime importance to us here at SUPA and coaches are encouraged to emphasise this to our schools and universities players. We have mechanisms in place to monitor this, at our various events, ensuring no team is allowed to field a horse that is unsuitable.”

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses “RoR takes the view that it is the racehorse owner that is responsible for moving on a horse to a suitable home or through a public auction. RoR helps facilitate this with an assessment procedure on request and have an online tool – ‘Source A Horse’, a list of retrainers as well as a ‘Helpline’.

Racehorse owners also have the option of putting a non-racing agreement in place to stop horses running again on a racecourse – there is a tick box to opt in or out of running in a point-to-point, which is facilitated by Weatherbys.”

The Vet’s Insight David Blakey, Three Counties Equine Clinic “As polo ponies mature it is important to monitor their weight and condition – loss of weight and muscular condition could be due to medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease, or orthopaedic issues. Owners should also monitor the pony’s gait – changes in gait (lameness) are likely due to orthopaedic diseases, including arthritis, that need not be career ending, but need diagnosing to know how to manage effectively and prolong playing life. Other things like the farrier having difficulty holding hind legs up can be a sign of arthritis.

Regular health checks should be carried out, especially preseason, including eyes, heart, lungs, teeth, vaccinations and orthopaedic assessments.

When asking to what level of polo ponies should play as they mature, this depends on a number of factors, and some ponies can go on playing at high levels for longer than others. It is important to remember that lower goal levels aren’t necessarily going to be easier on older ponies.

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The most important thing is knowing your horse – its fitness, previous injuries and medical conditions. Other factors to consider are the type of grounds they will play on, harder grounds always taking more of a toll than nicely irrigated turf, and the type of play – more open play potentially being easier on an older horse than stop/start games.

Older horses are more prone to tendon and ligament injuries, so playing older horses for shorter periods and avoiding multiple chukkas in a day are important.

As the time comes to think about a final option for a horse, vets are the right people to turn to. Most horses are euthanised by veterinarians and are performed by injection, meaning they cannot be disposed of via the local hunt, and have to be cremated. Those euthanised by free bullet can be disposed of by hunts, but if they were sick (such as severe colics) they then often cannot be used for the ‘Hunt’ and have to be cremated. Burying horses is now almost entirely impractical.”

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From High Goal to Retirement: Your Ponies

Feature

The HPA View David Woodd, Chief Executive of The HPA

“The HPA is serious about pony welfare and we understand the issue faced when polo ponies can’t play anymore. Above all, in the office we are pony and horse lovers. Everyone currently working in the office owns or has family members that own a horse of some description. Therefore, we fully understand the decisions involved when that horse cannot fulfil its primary role. We know that in the polo world, the vast majority of HPA members would want the best for their pony in retirement, but we also know the routes to that responsible retirement are not always clear.

“One only has to look at social media to understand that in a minority of cases, ponies don’t get the retirement they deserve.

This is often distressing for previous owners and does not do the sport any good. This is not just a polo phenomenon; it happens in other equine disciplines. However, with the vast numbers of ponies playing polo combined and the cost of polo ponies versus availability of reasonably priced ponies (and because we are sensitive to it), the problem casts a shadow on the sport we love and with the animals that make the sport happen.

“Earlier this year, the HPA met with World Horse Welfare and Polo Pastures to discuss this issue and the option open to pony owners after a pony has finished playing. Although difficult, it was agreed that the responsibility laid with the current owner and that it was the owners of the pony who should ensure that a pony’s retirement was fitting. Whether that solution was retirement to an organisation such as Polo Pastures, sold on as a happy hacker, turned out to a field or ultimately something more final, it remained the duty of the owner to ensure that any ponies were retired in the most responsible or humane of ways. There are organisations such as World Horse Welfare, for example, that can advise on the best

course of action, but to let a pony suffer in any form is a neglect which cannot and will not be tolerated.

“The HPA will always act when pony welfare is at stake. We can’t resolve all disputes but if we can, we will and we are there to offer assistance and guidance. We also understand that people are anxious about disclosing names in fear of what may or may not occur in the future. The HPA will always deal in strictest confidence but can only act on specific incidents, which we have done before and will do again, if we have details accompanying those allegations. Due to the nature of these incidents, we are duty bound to ensure a suitable resolution is found, although we would wish they never happened in the first place. These things become a lot trickier if ponies move outside of polo, as our influence lessens, but there will always be other organisations we can liaise with to ensure pony welfare cases are followed up.

“And finally, it is not the job of the HPA to tell pony owners what to do with their ponies after they have finished playing polo.

If, HPA members, by their action however, bring the game into disrepute with regard to this matter, HPA members are still subject to the Rules & Regulations set out by the HPA. All we ask is that HPA members and pony owners act responsibly, do the right thing by their ponies and to understand that these are difficult decisions that need thought and planning. After all these wonderful ponies of ours deserve it.”

David Morley, Chairman of the HPA Welfare Committee “HPA members have the same responsibility in retirement as they have when playing ponies”.

The current hot topic – retiring polo ponies

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Feature

From High Goal to Retirement: Your Ponies

A good home can be the perfect end to a great career

Polo Pastures

Polo Pastures, a not for profit charity, was founded in 2015

by Sarah Tallents, for the rehoming of polo ponies when they came to the end of their playing career, usually due to age or injury.

The idea arose in 2013 after Sarah rehomed a pony called Eva, who had been retired from polo due to injury, but was still able to enjoy being ridden around the Hampshire countryside. From there, Sarah set up the ‘Retired and Ex Polo Ponies’ Facebook group, which has helped to rehome nearly 1,000 ponies into new home outside of polo.

“I have been rehoming Polo Ponies now for the last six years and what I feel is missing is an ‘End Of Playing’ policy which will guide and support players in making the right decision for their pony when they are no longer able to play.

“There are currently many options open to people such as: Selling the pony – This can be a minefield, as many owners worry that once they are sold they have no control over the pony being out back into polo.

Loaning the pony – This is another good option, but most owners do not want the worry of the pony coming back to them if they don’t have their own facilities.

Retiring the pony – If owners have the facilities, some will take the step to retire the pony on their own land. There are Retirement Places available at dedicated Retirement Livery yards, but this is often seen as a nonviable option due to ongoing costs particularly if the player has multiple ponies to retire.

This option can lead to ponies being taken abroad and going into the meat chain, or ending up at dealer’s yards and being sold on as fit to play, or ride etc. This option is used by some as it is a cheap option, but ultimately it is the pony that pays the price.

Polo Pastures – At Polo Pastures we are able to take in a small number of ponies to help find them non-playing homes on a loan basis. The pony is signed over to us and we will then rehome the pony on a loan basis only, so if for any reason the loan comes to an end the pony will come back to us and we will look to find the pony a new home.

“More and more we are hearing of ponies that are ending back into polo after being retired. These are ponies that were

retired with people in good faith, but as these ponies were sold the owner has little or no recourse in these situations.

In a meeting with the HPA and World Horse Welfare in 2018, we discussed our concerns with what is happening with ponies once they come out of polo. As we are the only not for profit charity dedicated to the rehoming of polo ponies in the UK, we get at least two enquiries a week during the summer grass season from people wanting to send us ponies, but we have limited space, and as we fund ourselves for the most part, it is a simple case of us not being able to help them all. What I will say is that the more support and funding we receive the more ponies we will be able to help.

“At Polo Pastures we also have to focus on the inevitability of old age, infirmity etc, equally we have a responsibility to ensure the ponies in our care have a dignified ending when the time comes.

“We are also in discussion with various people about what would be a viable move to ensure that ponies who are retired from polo do not end up back in polo. One option would be for the passports to be stamped ‘No Longer Able to Play’ by the HPA, but this option is heavily dependent on the passports being checked by the various clubs on the day they play. The other option is a freeze mark system whereby ponies are freezemarked with a sign which tells everyone they are no longer able to play.”

Replay Polo, USA Florida-based ReplayPolo is a USA-based charitable organisation dedicated to moving polo ponies into productive second careers. Their mission statement is: ‘Save Polo Ponies. Transform People’.

A pipeline that identifies candidate retiring polo ponies, moves them through a brief re-education process and then rehomes them in a productive new environment. With little process in place for retiring polo ponies in the past, there has been a longstanding need to create a more formal, recognised process to bridge the polo horse from its present to its future in the USA. The business specific to this pipeline of retired polo horses sees revenue generated from (a) donation and sponsorship of the horse entering the programme, (b) contributions from unrelated individuals and organisations that are supportive of ReplayPolo’s commitment to re-purposing retiring equine athletes and (c) contributions from organisations or individuals receiving the re-purposed horse.

According to Director Brittany Halstead, “Since the lifeblood of the sport is identifying young, talented stock, there is a pressing need to move older horses along in a systematic manner while assuring their well-being. ReplayPolo provides that mechanism. Owners, trainers and other participants will see a natural cycling in and out of capable horses through a ReplayPolo outlet, with attention paid at every step to what’s best for the horse.”

Having the pony put down – This is not an option people like to consider but sometimes, when the pony has either severe injuries or behavioural issues this may be the only choice.

Meat Man (Knackerman) – Letting your pony be taken away by the Meat Man in our eyes is not an option that should be considered.

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Reports

Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

Frasers England Dominate International No stopping the home side

Jen Liggins

E

reports from Gloucestershire

For years, Pakistan’s most famous export (other than cricket), Hissam Ali Hyder, has been making waves in the UK high goal, and coming out for The Commonwealth team on occasion.

But this year, this match was the highest accolade on his to-do list, leading his team of four fellow Pakistanis to do battle against their English rivals.

Before the teams lined-up for the first match of the day, spectators had the chance to wander around the bustling trade village, full to bursting with brands like British Polo Gin, SATs, RJ Polo, Nyetimber, Beaufort’s own brand and The Jambo Collection. What’s more, this year’s refreshment area was even more jam-packed with delicious local treats, a point of which the Beaufort Hunt hounds always remember, as they naughtily escape their masters for a brief scurry around the stands. Following country pursuit displays including falconry and a beginner’s guide to polo from Beaufort Polo Club’s esteemed Manager Caspar West, the national anthems rang out and spectators took to their grandstand seats for the main event.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

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Photograph by Tom Reynolds

very year, the popularity of Beaufort Polo Club’s Gloucestershire Festival of Polo seems to reach new heights, with thousands of avid polo and country pursuit fans making the trip to the pristine green Gloucestershire fields for a weekend of international polo prowess. This year, and for the first time in Festival history, the crowds were treated to not one, but two International Test Matches, with a collection of some of the world’s strongest medium goal players and international stalwarts out for glory.

The Golden Jubilee Trophy has been dominated by Frasers England in recent years, with the team defeating their closest rivals for the past four years in a row. This year’s international instalment saw the young Frasers England team come up against a new rival on the Beaufort grounds. Having battled against Ireland for the past four years, it was time for the mantle to be passed to a new rival and this year it came in the form of Pakistan.

Polo Times, July 2019

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Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

Celebrities Do Polo

As is now tradition, The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo welcomed a gang of celebrities to open proceedings on The Swinhay No 1 Ground. This year, it was a girls versus boys affair, as the all-female Diamonds came up against the all-male All Stars, each vying for The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo honours in front of their nearest and dearest, not to mention bustling fans bases on the sidelines. With the noble steeds ready and raring to go, the teams lined-up in front of the grandstand, dressed

to impress in their best polo gear (with a couple of jockey riding helmets thrown in for good measure).

To the sound of, “And we’re off ” from the commentators’ stand, The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo was officially underway. Both the teams were evenly matched, with professionals Nina Clarkin and Nico Antinori aiding the celebrity players to show off their equine skills. At the final bell, the Diamonds took home the trophy with a 2-1 final score.

Umpire: Caspar West All Stars Wayne Hutchinson Richie McLernon George Amor Nico Antinori

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Diamonds Lizzy Kelly Victoria Pendleton Olivia Lamphee Nina Clarkin

The Diamonds triumphant

This early in the season, the British weather likes to play games with Club tournament organisers, but despite incessant rain forecast for the entire weekend, the weather gods proved to be fans of International polo, as the sun shone down on the Frasers England and Pakistan teams, as they lined-up for The Swinhay International Test Match for The Golden Jubilee Trophy off. All was set – the bandages were gleaming, the ponies shining and the National Anthems ringing out across the jampacked Swinhay No 1 Ground.

Despite a substantial home advantage for the Frasers England boys, there was no specific rumble either way prior to the big match, with opinions divided on the sidelines. www.polotimes.co.uk

The young England side saw the combination of experience, from Captain Matt Perry and Gold Cup winning Charlie Hanbury, alongside the youthful energy of Henry Porter and Will Harper (making his Frasers England debut outside the junior leagues). But the Pakistani powerhouse that is Hissam Ali Hyder, has proved such a lynchpin in previous Internationals, the guess was anyone’s.

With all the panache and fervour expected, The Swinhay International was off – with the ball flying end-to-end amidst an array of mixed plays. Frasers England were first to convert plays into goals, scoring the first, with a quick-fire return from Raja Samiullah, following a rapid line-out execution from Ali

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Hyder. Frasers England Captain Matt Perry was next to find the money, with a huge cross shot between the posts. The excitable play continued until the bell with the teams jostling to move the score on from 2-1 in Frasers England’s favour.

Hanbury and Ali Hyder were the dominant names on the commentators’ lips as the second chukka began, both on fast ponies, making breaks from the cluttered group play in midfield.

Despite an excellent run to goal, which looked like it might end in an even scoreboard, Ali Hyder missed, then Frasers England missed a penalty. So as the clock began to slowly wind down, the teams were in a stalemate. The “ever-present” Hanbury, made the most of his practice at another match that morning, to secure Frasers England’s first penalty, to put his team 3-1 ahead, but if the boys in white thought they could sit back and relax for a moment, they were wrong. Samiullah and Hamza Mawaz Khan had a different opinion, as the pair expertly crafted two goals in as many minutes through the posts to leave the score at 3-3 going into the third chukka.

Young Will Harper came into his own at the beginning of the third chukka, following a hit into play from Captain Perry, thus bringing the score once again into England’s favour, 4-3, but Ali Hyder, as if mounting a one man crusade, was everywhere, ensuring Frasers England had to work hard for every gain.

With each step forward Pakistan made, Frasers England were there to back the ball into play and as the chukka closed, Hanbury put some more space between the rival teams, with a well-judged cutshot through the uprights, 5-3.

The final two chukkas saw near misses and chances aplenty, with the play forced into stop/ start situations, as both teams tried with all their might to gain and hold possession. Perry broke the deadlock, expertly dribbling the ball through the Pakistan ranks and out through the posts to lengthen the Frasers England lead to 6-3. In the play of the day, Ali Hyder charged from the throw-in, with the ball bouncing on and on in front of his horse until it flew into the goal to a cheer from the huge Pakistan crowd in the grandstand. There was goal difference to overcome, but Pakistan were back in the game.

Samiullah wasn’t far behind his team mate, with a fifth goal to commence the fifth and final chukka.

The play became nothing but frantic, as Simon Ledger shouted, “drama, drama, drama” from the commentary box. Frasers England needed to hold off the Pakistan advances in the close and tense final moments, and when it suddenly looked like Pakistan might push play into extra time, Hanbury on a lightning fast pony, popped the last goal of The Swinhay International Test Match for The Golden Jubilee Trophy through the posts, to take the game and the trophy, 6-5.

“with each step forward Pakistan made, Frasers England were there to back the ball into play” Polo Times, July 2019

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HURLINGHAMPOLO1875.COM

HURLINGHAMPOLO1875.COM Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

TEAM: Frasers England Polo - Beaufort International 2019

STYLE NO: HPA

TEAM: Pakistan - Beaufort DATE: 16/05/19International 2019

STYLE NO: HPA

DATE: 16/05/19

ST YLE NAME: Button Collar

SEASON: S/S 2019

ST YLE NAME: Button Collar DESIGNER:

SEASON: S/S 2019

DESIGNER:

SHIRT: Visual

ENGLAND v PAKISTAN GOLDEN JUBILEE TROPHY 8TH JUNE 2019

ENGLAND v PAKISTAN GOLDEN JUBILEE TROPHY 8TH JUNE 2019

C: 100% M: 76% Y: 10% K: 65%

PAKISTAN

Frasers England (15) Henry Porter (3) Charlie Hanbury (4) Matt Perry (6) Will Harper (2) PANTONE: 206c

PANTONE: 362c

3

3

SHIRT: Visual

PANTONE: 283c

Copyright King of Games Limited ©2019

Pakistan (15) Hamza Mawaz Khan (3) Raja Temur Nadeem (3) Hissam Ali Hyder (5) Raja Samiullah (4) NOTES:

C: 100% M: 76%

SPECIAL Y: GOLD 10% K: 65%

Copyright King of Games Limited ©2019

SAMIULL AH

BPP Illuminate, owned and played by Charlie Hanbury

MVP Hissam Ali Hyder

Where: Beaufort Polo Club

NOTES:

Chukka Scores: 2-1, 3-3, 5-3, 6-4, 7-5 to Frasers England

BPP

8

Carrot Cake, owned by Sebastian Chialvo and played by Pakistan

Umpires: Greg Keyte & Ben Turner, with third man Caspar West

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

JUN

Simon Ledger & Peter West

Victorious Frasers England

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

Reports

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Frasers England fight for possession

Post-Match Player Chat Frasers England Charlie Hanbury: “It was a good match. They were a very tough opposition – unbelievably skilled, with great hand/eye coordination.

They got the odd dirty bounce, which they did not miss. It was a really fun game which was tough to the last second.”

Will Harper: “The match was heaps of fun.

Really wide open, easy to play and in a great location. Couldn’t have asked for more!”

Henry Porter: “I really enjoyed this year. It was a really close game – Pakistan came out with everything and made it very hard for us.

It was a very competitive game and I had a great time. This is the second year for me at Beaufort and I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Matt Perry – Captain: “It was a great match. Luckily, we got there at the end. The conditions were pretty good considering it was meant to chuck it down! It was a great experience and I’m really happy we got the win.”

Hissam Ali Hyder: “It was an amazing game and it really went down to the wire. I think it could have gone either way. We played a couple of good chukkas and they played a couple of good chukkas. I hope the spectators enjoyed it. Whenever we play in any sport, Pakistan always have a huge support network – especially in England. They are so passionate about Pakistan sport, it’s just fantastic!”

To read more about Illuminate, please turn to our Pony Power pages and for all the social pictures from the day, please turn to our Sidelines pages www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2019

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Reports

Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

Foreign Affairs

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Inaugural Beaufort Commonwealth Cup

I

Shaun Brokensha and Jack Richardson jostle for possession

n a change of format to this year’s Festival, Beaufort Polo Club played host to another expert collection of international players on Sunday 9 June.

This instalment saw Beaufort Great Britain come up against The Commonwealth’s strongest collection of players from across the globe. In another format change, the Club introduced the new 4.30 minute chukka scheme for this match, with the idea to focus on pony welfare and increase spectators’ understanding of the match, with less need for stops and starts. The match, therefore, was split into six chukkas, without pony changes.

From the outset, this was going to be a tough battle of wills, with the seasoned Commonwealth foursome fielding a stronger side. Despite starting with a one goal handicap advantage, Beaufort Great Britain took some

“the final two chukkas were fast and aggressive as the teams bumped and jostled in front of the stands” 36

Polo Times, July 2019

time getting into the swing of things, letting in a goal off the stick of Commonwealth Captain Chris Mackenzie in the interim. Both teams fought valiantly until the end of the first chukka, with Mackenzie almost scoring again before the bell. But, in a resurgence of energy going into the second period, Beaufort Great Britain got the bit between their teeth, with a lofty pass from Charlie Hanbury finding number one Max Hutchinson in front of goal, who delicately tapped it through the uprights. Beaufort Great Britain were back in the game, leading 2-1, but The Commonwealth weren’t far behind, with a huge run from Glenn Sheriff to even the scoreboard 2-2, then a once in a match neckshot from Sheriff on the nearside, to a collective “ooooooh”, from the grandstand, which put the visitors ahead again. Jack Richardson saved Beaufort Great Britain’s bacon as the clock wound down to the chukka end, putting his team back in the game with a 3-3 goal. The play was no less frenetic before the first half ended, with the ball flying back and forth between the teams.

Pakistani’s Hamza Mawaz Khan, out for victory after a loss to Frasers England the day

before, picked up a pass from Sheriff to put The Commonwealth ahead 4-3 going into the break, but to the relief of the immense Pakistan support party on the sidelines.

Another new feature this year was the half-time Diamond Dash, which saw thousands of spectators rush onto the field in search of five huge diamonds (the ones on the field were luckily of the plastic nature). The lucky five were then entered into a raffle to win a diamond, which was presented to an exceedingly smiley young girl by James Gegg, Beaufort Great Britain (16) Max Hutchinson (3) Charlie Hanbury (4) Jack Richardson (7) Ben Wilson (2) Barbados Tourism Commonwealth (18) Hamza Mawaz Khan (3) Glenn Sheriff (5) Chris Mackenzie (7) Shaun Brokensha (3)

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Reports

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Gloucestershire Festival of Polo

The Polo Magazine MVP winner Hamza Mawaz Khan

The lucky Diamond Dash winner

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

MVP Hamza Mawaz Khan

Barbados Tourism Commonwealth secured The Beaufort Commonwealth Cup

Managing Director of Walter Bull & Sons. One thing’s for sure – this is the best way to ensure the field looks once again like a billiard table after the half-time break! Every divot and hole was expertly filled throughout the 10 minute break, ensuring the field was ready and raring for the second half.

The fourth chukka began in a flurry of activity, as Shaun Brokensha took a huge run upfield, grasping the ball in midfield, only to lose it to Hanbury in the last moment. The Commonwealth weren’t done yet though, as, following one safety 60 going wide, Mackenzie found the money to put his team ahead 5-3, with Hanbury finding a quick goal in response, but Sheriff once again picked up the rapidly bouncing ball to secure a sixth goal for his team. The final two chukkas were

fast and aggressive as the teams bumped and jostled in front of the stands, each charging around the other when given the opportunity to and flying towards the uprights. With another goal off Hanbury’s stick, it looked like Beaufort Great Britain might be in with a chance of redemption, but Sheriff had other ideas, as he fired a lofty shot towards Khan, who with an almost godly cutshot, a shot he has become famous for, secured the winning goal for The Commonwealth. Hanbury had the opportunity to slightly narrow the final score, but the penalty was saved by Khan and quickly run upfield by Brokensha. The final bell rang out to a cheer from the crowd, with The Commonwealth four riding off the field together to their elated throng of well-wishers and team members.

Batiki, owned and played by Charlie Hanbury

BPP

Umpires: Adrian Wade & Caspar West

To read more about Baktiki, please turn to our Pony Power pages www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2019

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Chestertons Polo in the Park

Chestertons Polo in the Park

7-9 JUN

Where: Hurlingham Park, London

The city buzzes with polo fans

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Thousands descend on Hurlingham Park

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Polo Times, July 2019

Photography courtesy of Sports Sphere

he heart of London was buzzing with polo fans between 7 – 9 June, as Chestertons Polo in the Park once again took over Hurlingham Park for the tenth annual instalment.

On the first day of play, with impending storm clouds on the horizon, it was all about international prowess as Frasers England took on their rivals Australia in The ICM.com International Test Match, showcasing real polo power in front of the thousands of avid fans on the sidelines. Following a thrashing on Australian turf in April, the home side had a point to prove. Frasers England’s Hugo Taylor fired two quickfire goals in as many minutes to open the first chukka, putting his team into the lead 2-1. The second chukka, however, was an Australian game, as Lachie Gilmore, proved himself just as handy with a polo stick as his legendary father Glen, putting his side ahead 4-2 going into halftime. The short half-time interval always proves the measure of teams, either deflating or bolstering team spirit and in true British fashion, the Frasers England side came out the blocks powered by rocket fuel in the third, regaining the lead, with a tidy flurry of goals and despite Australia trying with all

Kylin Team Shanghai reign supreme in Hurlingham Park

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Chestertons Polo in the Park their might to overcome Frasers England’s strength in the final chukka, the home team ultimately reigned supreme over rivals, 7-4.

Speaking after the match, Nina Clarkin, the only female player in the tournament, said, “We started well in the first chukka.

It was difficult for us all as we hadn’t really done this [type of polo] before and it is very different, but I felt we really gelled as a team straight off.”

Following the exciting international match, the championship really got underway, with six teams furiously competing for The Chestertons Polo in the Park honours. The first day of play brought wins for EFG Team Zurich, Kylin Team Shanghai and Jumeirah Team London, with Max Charlton, who had recently been raised to 10 goals in the arena, proving his mettle for Jumeirah Team London, scoring the lion’s share of his team goals. With record-breaking numbers of spectators lining the arena, despite the torrential downpours, the first day ended on a high of sunshine and celebrations, with all eyes on the second day of play.

The second day was awash with ladies in The ICM.com International Test Match Teams: Frasers England: Ollie Cudmore, Nina Clarkin & Hugo Taylor Australia: Kelvin Johnson, Lachie Gilmore & Jake Daniels

Reports

The Chestertons Polo in the Park Teams: EFG Team Zurich: Rico Richert, Malcolm Borwick & Jonny Good Kylin Team Shanghai: Duncan Qiu, Ed Banner-Eve & Sebastian Merlos Argentex Team Dubai: Mohammed Al Habtoor, Guillermo Cuitino & Marco Araya Jumeirah Team London: Max Charlton, Justin Taylor & Olly Hipwood Experience Kissimmee Team Kissimmee: James McCarthy, Nacho Gonzalez & Hissam Ali Hyder Boadicea the Victorious Team Buenos Aires: Charlie Wooldridge, James Morrison & Rodrigo Rueda their finery as off the field, female spectators competed for the best dressed of Ladies Day presented by Lancaster. On the field, action was rife, as Kylin Team Shanghai began proceedings with a series of power plays over rivals Jumierah Team London. At half-time, Shanghai were 6-3 up, but London came back to equalise early on in the third.

As the clocked ticked down at the end of the match with London leading 9-8, Ed Banner-Eve broke the stalemate, with just 39 seconds on the clock, putting his Shanghai team back in the running for Sunday’s Final with a 9-9 draw. The second match was also a battle of equal wills, with Jonny Good saving the day for EFG Private Banking Team Zurich to put them into Sunday’s Final, with a 3-3 draw, and what’s more, the final match of the day saw Boadicea the Victorious Team Buenos Aires draw 5-5 against Argentex Team Dubai, making this the first time in the event’s history, that all matches have drawn.

And so, the stage for Finals day was set, with EFG Team Zurich and Kylin Team Shanghai in the lucky position to vie for the top spot. The match was fast and furious, with the hooked fans cheering energetically from the sidelines. Following a real battles of wills, Duncan Qui’s Kylin Team Shanghai proved too strong for EFG Team Zurich, taking home the title and the biggest cheer with a 7-6 final score.

With as much polo played as is physically possible in London’s Hurlingham Park over three days, all there was to do was celebrate, with spectators and players enjoying the seemingly endless array of social possibilities on offer across the event. Rory Heron, Managing Director said as the event closed, “It has been an incredible 10 years. Today was full of excitement and it’s amazing for us to showcase the sport, opening up to a new audience. Congratulations to Duncan, Ed and Sebi for the incredible win.”

Frasers England defeated rivals Australia

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup

HRH The Duke of Sussex in action at Roma Polo Club

Princely Polo Sentebale St. Regis secure Cup

W

hat better way to support a worthwhile charity such as Sentebale, than with a polo match set in stunning surroundings of Roma Polo Club, Italy – the first time the event had been hosted by Italy’s longest standing Club. The Club has had extended history of royal visits, with Her Majesty The Queen watching a polo match which featured HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as the Captain of the British team almost 70-years-ago; therefore it was more than fitting that seven decades on,

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HRH The Duke of Sussex lined up as part of the Sentebale St. Regis team.

To date, Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup has raised over £6.5million for Sentebale, the charity The Duke of Sussex co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso, which helps young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. Sentebale and St. Regis Ambassador, Nacho Figueras who Captained the St. Regis team commented, “It is wonderful to be working with Sentebale raising awareness and funds for children affected by HIV in

southern Africa. I’ve seen first hand the impact this work has on young lives and as a father, I know only too well how important education, love and support is to children.”

2019 marked the ninth anniversary of the annual cup, with avid polo fans recalling when The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club played host to the illustrious day last year. As with 2018, the event was blessed with excellent weather and the 400 invite only guests, which included His Excellency Hisham Badr, Ambassador for Egypt to Italy www.polotimes.co.uk

Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup

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Sentebale St. Regis, winners of 2019 Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup

and Jill Morris Partner, British Ambassador to Italy, were treated in true Italian style with lemon and clementine lined archways and spectator seating straight out of Pretty Woman.

As the U.S. Polo Assn and Sentebale St. Regis teams lined up, the spectators waited with baited breath to see who would secure this year’s Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. With both teams equally matched, by half-time the scores were tied at 4-4 with HRH The Duke of Sussex scoring three of Sentebale St. Regis’ goals. However, in the second half Sentebale St. Regis began to pull ahead and Captained by Sentebale and St. Regis Ambassador, Nacho Figueras, managed to maintain this lead to finish the match with a convincing 9-6 win.

Photography by Chris Jackson, Getty Images

Where: Roma Polo Club, Italy

2019 Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup Teams

24 M AY

Team mates The Duke of Sussex & Nacho Figueras celebrate their win

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U.S. Polo Assn Chet Lott Ashley Van Metre Busch Malcolm Borwick (Captain) Cable Magness

Sentebale St. Regis Michael Carrazza Nacho Figueras (Captain) HRH The Duke of Sussex Sarah Siegel Magness

BPP Manzanera, played by Malcolm Borwick

FINAL SCORES: Sentebale St. Regis: 9 U.S. Polo Assn: 6 Polo Times, July 2019

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The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Frustration & Jubilation

Scone Polo make an epic debut at Guards

T

his year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup tournament can only be described in one way – a rollercoaster.

Throughout the month of play, leading up to the pinnacle of high goal June excitement, the Final on Sunday 16 June, teams jostled and fought for each goal like their lives depended on it. One notable difference in this year’s tournament was the lack of the world’s most famous player, Adolfo Cambiaso. Opinions are, to this day, mixed, with some players believing his absence somewhat evens the playing field, and others feeling there is a hole in the scene, which no one other than the great Cambiaso himself can fill. We still can’t decide, but one thing’s for sure, Cambiaso or no Cambiaso, in the lead up to The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, there were very few

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teams who had an easy run.

The two 2019 finalists, Park Place and Scone Polo, could not have had more different runs to the Final. Andrey Borodin’s Park Place were strong going into the tournament, with two definitive wins against Monterosso and Casa La Vista Ibiza early on, but with a 15-11 loss to Talandracas in their third qualifying match, opinions began to waver – perhaps this was not to be their year after all? But, with a 13-11 win against Emlor under their belt, their run to the Final was back on track and seemingly, easy.

Scone Polo, on the other hand, had a less than perfect start, with the team only getting to their full complement, due to challenging work schedules the day before the tournament began. Their first two matches saw them lose to Murus Sanctus and 2018

Andrey Borodin takes on James Harper

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

winners La Indiana, putting their chances of success at a minimum. But, following a lucky 11-10 win against Emlor, their sights were set on the Final and their winning streak truly commenced.

Guards Polo Club’s immaculate grounds were ready and glistening from the light sprinkling of rain, which luckily abated before the large throng of polo fans took their grandstand seats for the main match.

There was little doubt that this year’s Final was going to come down to the wire.

Prior to the off, a small look at the pony list showed a disparity between the opposing strings. With 13 more horses than Scone Polo, and an average age of just nine-yearsold, Park Place’s string was young and fast, with a huge 47 of the 49 strong collaborative hailing from Argentina. Scone Polo’s mounts, www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Scone celebrate their epic win on The Queen’s Ground

on the other hand, were a variety of both nationalities and ages, with a few wellknown faces thrown in for good measure, such as James Beim’s famous grey Salsita.

One thing was for sure – this was going to be a battle of horsepower and longevity more than anything else.

Speaking to Scone Polo’s back, England stalwart James Harper the day before the match, he made it clear that Scone Polo were ready for a fight to the finish. “Luckily, we’ve had a good lot of experience over the years getting ready for these games. We are fired up for it, going through the routine of getting ready for the big day. The horses are all flying and we know we’re the underdogs, but that puts less pressure on us and we’re ready to give it a good go.” And a good go was exactly what they delivered, exceeding all expectations.

From the first throw-in, the match was fast, with the ball flying from end to end as the teams spent the first two minutes getting the measure of their opponents. Park Place’s 10 goaler Hilario Ulloa was all marvel, as he rode with fervour, thwarting Scone Polo’s huge hits upfield. The pace began to mount and following a minor mistake from Scone Polo, the first penalty was awarded.

Ulloa stepped up to the mark, with the crowd expecting the ball to sail through www.polotimes.co.uk

“the first in a series of mistakes for Park Place, as the players missed not one, nor two, but seven penalties in total over the course of the match – the real difference between a win and a resounding loss at this level” the uprights, but as he whacked it along the ground, to a shocked crowd, Beim saved the impending goal, passing it off to team mate Harper. This was the first in a series of mistakes for Park Place, as the players missed not one, nor two, but seven penalties in total over the course of the match – the real difference between a win and a resounding loss at this level. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Following two missed penalties for Ulloa in the first chukka, he finally broke free of the pack, dribbling the ball for the first goal of the match, swiftly followed by the second. As Juan Britos secured a third goal for Park Place, it looked like Scone had forgotten to bring their jam and cream to the tea party, but number three Nico Pieres had other thoughts, as he struck three successive goals for Scone in the second chukka to bring the scores to an even 3-3.

The tables had turned and Scone began their slow but sure offensive on their rivals in blue. Harper, firing huge hits from the

back of the field, took on Benjamin Urquiza one on one, forcing the ball off the boards and straight through the uprights, to bring the score to 4-3 in Scone’s favour going into the half-time break. As the thousands of spectators flocked onto the field to do their treading-in duty, and HM The Queen took her place in the Royal Box, the teams gathered their thoughts and amended their game plans.

Park Place, having had quite a shock in the third chukka, came out with renewed vigour, scoring one of the goals of the tournament, off Captain Borodin’s stick, with assistance from Ulloa. But despite this strong start to the half, the Park Place team just couldn’t find the cohesion they’ve been known for in the past. Plays that would have seemed second nature previously, seemed to fall foul at the final hurdle and an added two missed penalties, once again off Ulloa’s stick, added to the confusion on the field.

By the time the fifth chukka commenced, Polo Times, July 2019

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The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

“exactly 10 years since this many home players made up a Queen’s Cup winning side”

Brit James Beim jostles Juan Britos for the line

Victorious Scone Polo with HM The Queen, Laurent Feniou & Brian Stein

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the Park Place team were truly rattled. In a brief interview before the match, Polo Times spoke to Gus Olds, the Scone fitness coach, who had said, “Finals tend to be pretty close-run things. The decisions tend to be made in the final couple of chukkas, which for us has always worked and I know how fit the boys are. In a way, the longer it runs, the better it works for us.” This was beginning to show on the field and Ulloa’s frustration was obvious, which Beim and Harper latched onto, forcing the normally solid attacking duo of Ulloa and Britos to turn their efforts to defence. The British pair were on a goal scoring mission, as they put Scone four goals ahead of their rivals with ease, at 8-4. It would have taken a polo miracle for Park Place to come back from this wide a lead, but with another two missed penalties, and increasingly bunched up play, there was no break for Park Place.

The spectators were on the edge of their seats as the final chukka flew into play and the distinct possibility of a British win at Guards seemed likely, being exactly 10 years since this many home players made up a Queen’s Cup winning side (Apes Hill in 2009, with Charlie Hanbury, Mark and Luke Tomlinson). The match also coincidentally marked the 20th anniversary of James Beim’s first Queen’s Cup win with Nico Pieres’s father, Gonzalo. The final battle was a real tug of war between Pieres and Ulloa, as the mighty Argentine players jostled on the line.

Following a last ditch goal from Urquiza, Park Place’s game was closed. Britos, on a solo run down field and all the time in the world, sent his final goal attempt wide, giving Scone even more elated energy. With a 40 yard penalty conversion from Pieres, it was all over. Scone Polo, in their first jaunt in the UK high goal, had secured The Cartier Queen’s Cup title, 9-5. The cheers in the stands were euphoric and we’re sure even HM The Queen cracked a smile as the Scone Polo team rode off the ground.

Harper was the man of the hour, not only receiving the Most Valuable Player honours, but also The Cartier Best Playing Pony rug for Jim Gilmore’s pony Twitter, a seven-year-old mare he rode in the first and fifth chukka.

HM The Queen, looking resplendent in coral, presented the teams with their prizes alongside Cartier UK Managing Director Laurent Feniou. It was a day of frustrating polo for some, but with the rain staying away and a sense of national jubilation at the close of play, the day was a resounding success, with all eyes now turning to The King Power Gold Cup, at Cowdray Park Polo Club. www.polotimes.co.uk

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

21 M AY

FI

16

JU

Where: Guards Polo Club

NA

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Glen Gilmore & Ebe Sievwright

N

Peter Wright & Jason Dixon with Tim Bown as third man & Julian Appleby supporting

Park Place (22) Andrey Borodin (0) Juan Britos (7) Hilario Ulloa (10) Benjamin Urquiza (5)

Scone Polo (22) David Paradice (0) James Beim (7) Nico Pieres (9) James Harper (6)

Chukka Scores: 0-2, 3-3, 4-3, 4-4, 8-4, 9-5 to Scone Polo

MVP James Harper

Cartier Best Playing Pony Rug Twitter, owned by Jim Gilmore and played by James Harper. Twitter is a chestnut seven-year-old British mare and is Harper’s third favourite in his string.

Facts and Figures: Horsepower Scone Polo: 36 ponies in total

Park Place: 49 ponies in total

Argentine origin: 19 Australian origin: 8 New Zealand origin: 1 UK origin: 8

UK origin: 1 Argentine origin: 47 South African origin: 1

Mares: 28 Geldings: 7 Pony providers: Jim Gilmore, David Paradice, Pepe Heguy, James Beim, Charlie Hanbury, Nico Pieres, James Harper, Boyd Allen & Max Routledge

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Mares: 41 Stallions: 3 Geldings: 5 Pony providers: Andrey Borodin, Hilario Ulloa, Guillermo Terrera, Martin Podesta & Rodrigo Rueda

Reports

David Paradice “It’s great. I’m so glad these guys decided to play with me, or let me play with them! Harps and I play in Australia.

It’s a bit of a surreal thing to happen. I can’t believe I’m standing here talking about winning The Queen’s Cup!” James Beim “The game was intense.

We knew it would be.

We’re incredibly happy.

We can’t believe it. We entered the season with a new team, with the expectation of making the Quarters, maybe the Semis. That was realistically the expectation but look where we are now! We started the game badly, 3-0 down, we were playing quite flat. But, we had a chat and then we came out in the next four chukkas. We played amazing, especially the bit when we got the four goals up. They missed penalties which obviously helped, but we kept the pressure on until the last. Para is such a champion – he is here to have a laugh and enjoy himself. That attitude and personality breeds good feeling and success. It’s fairy tale stuff that we’re here.”

Nico Pieres “The match was amazing. It was really good that we won the game. It was my first time here in the Final of The Queen’s Cup, so I’m really happy that we won and especially for David. We couldn’t ask for more. You don’t win these tournaments every day.”

James Harper “I can’t really believe it.

It was quite a scrappy game to begin with. I just can’t believe it. We just didn’t expect it at all. To begin with we were in the knockout stages, thinking lets just get another game to go a bit further, and now here we are winning the Final. It’s unbelievable.”

Polo Times, July 2019

45

Reports

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final

Earlier in the day, crowds gathered on The Duke’s Ground for The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final. For the second consecutive year, Talandracas found themselves in the Subsidiary Final, this time up against Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco. Having lost last year, Talandracas were aiming to change their fortunes and this they did. Going into half-time, the teams were close, 7-6 in Talandracas’ favour, but having been injured in the second chukka and finally seeking medical attention in the third, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling instigated a change in play for La Bamba, forcing a quick substitution for a nearby Polito Pieres. A change in line-up always rattles a team and this became more and more evident as La Bamba failed to score in the fourth and fifth chukkas. La Bamba were back in the game by the sixth, but it was too little too late. Talandracas rode off the field at the final bell in jubilation, defeating La Bamba 12-8, after a full-on match. HM The Queen presented the trophy to a victorious Hugues Carmignac as well as the Most Valuable Player award to Alejandro Muzzio.

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Polo Times, July 2019

The Cartier Trophy Teams:

La Bamba de Areco (22): Jean-François Decaux (0) Kian Hall (3) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (9) Juan Martín Nero (10)

Talandracas (22) Hugues Carmignac (0) Alejandro Muzzio (7) Francisco Elizalde (8) Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta (7)

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Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update T Play gets underway

he 2019 Victor Ludorum series has now begun, with tournaments being held at different clubs across the country. At the time of going to press, play was underway in the 4 goal, 6 goal, 8 goal, 12 goal and 18 goal, with the 15 commencing forthwith.

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Duke of Sutherland Cup Final – Sunday 9 June Number of teams: Nine Winners: Cortium Points: 100

Nine teams entered the 2019 18 goal Duke of Sutherland Cup culminating in the Final on Sunday 9 June between Andras Tombor’s Bardon and Cowdray-based Adrian Kirby’s Cortium. Alfredo Bigatti for Bardon rapidly put the first goal on the scoreboard but Kirby was there to block their next attempt, whilst a well-angled under-the-neck shot from Podesta for Cortium equalised. Cortium won the ball from the throw-in, but Santiago Laborde was soon in possession and his pass to Matias

Machado saw the second goal for Bardon.

A free hit to Cortium started the second chukka with Juan Ambroggio controlling the ball the whole way to Bardon’s goal to make it 2-2. A 30 yard penalty was then awarded to Cortium, and saw them take the lead on 3-2 to close the chukka.

Play in the third saw plenty of action, but a disappointing lack of goals for Bardon, with two 60 yard penalties failing to find the posts. Cortium went on the attack, their attempt at goal blocked, but Elizalde’s 30 yard penalty took their score on to 4-2.

The pace continued in the second half, but Bardon couldn’t convert energy to goals, as Bigatti found, when unluckily a fine under-the-neck shot failed to go through. A fine patron’s goal from Kirby took his team’s score on to 5-2. Another goal for Cortium came from a 30 yard penalty and chukka four ended with Bardon having failed to score over three chukkas.

In the final chukka, once more a 60 yard penalty awarded to Bardon went wide.

Elizalde moved Cortium’s score on to 7-2 and finally Bardon replied, with Laborde

grabbing the ball and a scramble in front of Cortium’s goal enabling Machado to get it over the line. Cortium won the throw-in, but Bardon were soon in control, Machado sending a huge hit to Bigatti who scored.

But Cortium still weren’t finished, with a last push and a great team effort bringing a cheeky goal, resulting in a final score of 8-4 to Cortium.

Stephen Biddlecombe of Stephen’s Polo Division presented The Duke of Sutherland Cup to Adrian Kirby and prizes to all players. He presented a saddle to Min Podesta, judged to be The Most Valuable Player of the match and the Best Playing Pony rug went to Iranita Porfia owned and played by Juan Ambroggio.

The Duke of Sutherland Final Teams: Bardon (18): Andras Tombor (0), Matias Hector Machado (5), Alfredo Bigatti (7) & Santiago Laborde (6) Cortium (18): Martín Podesta (5), Manuel Elizalde (2), Juan Ambroggio (6) & Adrian Kirby (1)

Photograph by Mark Beaumont

Cortium won The Duke of Sutherland Final, defeating rivals Bardon

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2019

49

Victor Ludorum Update

12 Goal Victor Ludorum Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Dollar Cup Final – Sunday 2 June Number of teams: 10 Winners: Confido Points: 90 The first of Cowdray Park Polo Club’s HPA ‘open’ tournaments came to its conclusion on Sunday 2nd June. The Dollar Cup received entries from ten teams with Creighton Boyd’s Confido and Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente teams making it to the Final.

A lively match with plenty of good attacking play entertained the sizeable crowd and Confido went into half time 5-3 ahead.

The pace continued in the third chukka, but Confido just had the edge over Ojo Caliente, Shaun Brokensha achieving a goal from a very tight angle to take his side on to 6-3 and Mark Tomlinson again scoring from a 60 yard penalty with a huge hit to take them on to 7-3.

Tensions ran high in the Confido camp in the final chukka as John Paul Clarkin was fouled by Tomlinson as he raced towards goal. Jonny Good took the resulting

30 yard penalty and pulled a goal back for Ojo Caliente. The throw-in resulted in an infringement against Ojo Caliente and a free hit given from the centre. JP Clarkin sent a massive shot forward, but once again the whistle blew and another 30 yard penalty was given. Good trickled the ball through and the score was 7-5 in Confido’s favour.

Good was heading for a field goal when his shot hit the goalpost and remained in play.

He tried again – this time the whistle blew and a free hit took the score to 7-6. But, Confido held onto their lead and won The Dollar Cup on a score of 7-6.

Mrs Georgie Severn-Brown presented the trophy to Creighton Boyd. The award for Best Playing Pony, sponsored by Schweppes, went to Trilogy played by Nina Clarkin, who also won the award for Most Valuable Player of the match.

The Dollar Cup Final Teams: Confido (12): Nina Clarkin (3), Creighton Boyd (0), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Shaun Brokensha (3) Ojo Caliente (12): Ana Escobedo (0), Josh Cork (2), Jonny Good (4) & John Paul Clarkin (6)

Photograph by Mark Beaumont

Reports

Confido win the 12 goal Dollar Cup Final

Photograph by Rosie Prisk

The John Prestwich Final teams

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The John Prestwich Final – Saturday 15 June Number of teams: Two Winners: Tashan Polo Points: 35 Vivek Rawal’s Tashan came up against Jamie Morrison’s RCBPC team in the Final of The John Prestwich Trophy under a torrent of rain, displaying an action packed game of speed and skill in front of spectators and fine dining club guests, who enjoyed food from the 2017 Masterchef winner, Saliha Mahmood Ahmedan during the match.

Tashan set the pace early on with a goal from Rawal, followed by a breakaway goal from Luke Wiles, who launched the ball through the uprights giving them a two goal advantage part way through the first chukka.

RCBPC fought back but it seemed Tashan, who turned defence into attack at every turn, foiled every attempt they made. Morrison soon changed their luck by converting a 50

Polo Times, July 2019

penalty into a goal putting their first goal on the board.

Coolness was the name of the game for Satnam Dhillion who fired a backhand from the corner of the field to Jake Gordon who went on the attack lining the ball up for Dhillon who found the posts for RCBPC, putting the teams at 2-2 to end the first chukka.

The second chukka saw Daniel Otamendi’s play make him seemingly unstoppable as he put in three goals in succession, followed by Will Emerson finishing off the chukka with a fourth, putting Tashan in the lead by 6-2 to end the second.

RCBPC were not going to take the third chukka lying down, whereby it seemed there had been some half-time strategising, enabling them to reply to Tashan with three goals at the beginning of the chukka, to bring them back into contention.

RCBPC tightened up their defence, which Tashan found hard to breach. Emerson managed to find a small gap and took the

opportunity to capitalise, however a nasty bounce stopped him in his tracks. Otamendi was there to pick up the pieces though, as he danced his way through the defence and put one up on the board to finish the fourth, 7-5.

There was everything to play for coming into the last chukka. RCBPC knew they were not defeated yet and had saved the best for last.

They knew they needed to gain possession right from the throw-in and when Dhillon stole the ball from Tashan, they were on the attack. This was no surprise to Tashan who were waiting to gain control of the ball right back.

A battle ensued as a game of ping-pong started between the two teams. Gordon ended this by capitalising a pass from Dhillon to make the score 6 goals to 7. Dhillon once again displayed his skill by picking up a bouncing ball to tie the game seven all. With three and a half minutes to the final bell there was all to play for.

With the teams fighting for possession the play continued to go back and forth, with both teams feeling the pressure and resulting in all goal efforts narrowly missing the flags. A foul by Tashan gave RCBPC the opportunity to clinch the title but alas it was just not meant to be as it trickled out wide. Tension was building as the time was running out. Suddenly Emerson intercepted a play and made his escape to goal, once again the ball bounced unkindly for him, but Otamendi was there to pick up the pieces and nudged the ball through the posts to win the game.

The John Prestwich Final Teams: Tashan Polo (12): Vivek Rawal (0), Luke Wiles (2), Daniel Otamendi (5) & Will Emerson (5) RCBPC (12): Jamie Morrison (3), Royston Prisk (2), Jake Gordon (2) & Satnam Dhillon (5) www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

8 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Gerald Balding Final – Monday 27 May Number of teams – Eight Winners – AW Jenkinson Points – 80

To read more about Grouse, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

In the Final of the first 8 goal Victor Ludorum of the year, The Gerald Balding Cup Final, annually held on the second Bank Holiday in May, A.W. Jenkinson came out victorious 8-7 against rivals Virgo Stone. Ben Malasomma was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours, whilst Grouse, owned and played by Will Lucas, was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, Saracens defeated Armis Polo 6-5.

The Gerald Balding Final Teams: A.W. Jenkinson (8): Katie Jenkinson (0), Ben Malasomma (2), Jonny Coddington (3) & Cristian Chaves (3) Virgo Stone (8): Kevin Greenleaves (0), Oscar Luard (1), Mickey Howe (3) & Will Lucas (4) A.W. Jenkinson win at Cirencester

4 Goal Victor Ludorum Kirtlington Park Polo Club – The Kirtlington Cup Final – Sunday 9 June Number of teams: Six Winners: AVIAA Points: 80

the time of going to press, the 6 goal Stoneythorpe Cup had been played at Dallas Burston At Polo Club, but Polo Times were awaiting details. A report will follow in the next issue.

Photograph courtesy of KPPC

On Sunday 9 June, AVIAA came up against Print on Demand in the Final of The Kirtlington Cup 4 goal Victor Ludorum in the heart of Oxfordshire. It was an exceedingly close match, but at the final bell, AVIAA came out the victors 9-8. Phil Seller was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst Oberita, owned by Blair Dunbar and played by Hector Worsley was named Best Playing Pony.

The Kirtlington Cup Final Teams: AVIAA (4): Sam Banks (-1), Jamie Grayson (2), Hector Worsley (2) & Charlie Hitchman (1) Print on Demand (4): Andy Cork (0), Alec Banner-Eve (2), Phil Seller (2) & Duane Gray (0) AVIAA secure The Kirtlington Cup

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Polo Times, July 2019

51

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Aspen Valley Polo Club Tickets are now on sale for Aspen Valley Polo Club’s annual charity event, 11 August Chukkers, Champagne & Caviar Fundraiser, a benefit held in aid of Aspen Valley Hospital.

Last year’s event raised $537,200, with hopes that more will be raised this year. The day will feature polo, children’s activities, refreshments and a live polo player auction as well as a hat contest.

Beaufort Polo Club

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Cowdray Park Polo Club In the Final of The Spink & Son Cicero Cup, Gaston were victorious against Snakebite 5-3, whilst in the Final of The Jubilee Cup, The Hickstead Lions defeated Sea Island Coffee 5½-5.

The Spink & Son Cicero Cup Final Teams: Gaston (15): Ollie Cork (3), Ollie Cudmore (6), George Meyrick (6) & Siri Bazzoni (0) Snakebite (15): Max Kirchhoff (0), The Earl of Tyrone (5), James Beim (7) & David Ashby (3) The Jubilee Cup Final Teams: Hickstead Lions (5): Hugo Baldwin (-1), John Bunn (0), John Martin (2) & Niall Donnelly (4) Sea Island (6): Clare Milford Haven (0), Dorian Bulteau (2), Bautista Sorzana (5) & Britt Shaw (-1)

Gaston secured The Spink & Son Cicero Cup

Photograph by Sandrine Carole

On Monday 27 May in the Final of The La Ema Polo Mallet Final, Shibumi defeated Old Forge 5-4. In other news, Beaufort Polo Club welcomed the BBC for the filming of I Escaped to the Country, who interviewed a number of the Club members, and the Club continued its 30th anniversary year celebrations with the Cocktail Party, with champagne kindly donated by sponsors Justerini & Brooks, cocktails from British Polo Gin and canapés from the Clubhouse.

The La Ema Polo Mallet Final Teams: Shibumi (4): George Meade (0), Freddie Meade (1), Mark Baldwin (3) & Peter Baldwin (0) Old Forge (4): Mhairi Gould (0), Oli Fanshawe (0), Nico Antinori (4) & Ricardo Massu (0)

On an overcast Sunday 9 June, Cheshire Polo Club hosted the 4 goal Wirral Challenge Cup Final between A.W. Jenkinson and DWF Polo. DWF quickly opened the scoring but A. W. Jenkinson struck back and it was pretty even throughout the match. By the end of the fourth chukka it was six goals apiece. An extra chukka ensued with A.W. Jenkinson converting a penalty to take the win 7-6. Ben Malasomma was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Secret, owned and played by Henry Smith was presented with A.W. Jenkinson hold The Wirral Challenge Cup aloft the Best Playing Pony rug.

The Wirral Challenge Cup Final Teams: A.W. Jenkinson (4): Katie Jenkinson (0), George Smith (-1), Ben Malasomma (2) & Cristian Chaves (3) DWF Polo (4): Steffan Groch (-1), Jamie Thomas (1), Henry Smith (1) & Charlie Walton (3)

Photograph by Mark Beaumont Photography

Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

The La Ema Polo Mallet winners, Shibumi

Cheshire Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Cheshire Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club

Tickets for the annual 11 August Chukkers, Champagne & Caviar Fundraiser are on sale now

Club Focus

Deauville Polo Club will welcome international teams this August

Deauville Polo Club

Deauville Polo Club will welcome international teams in August, for the annual Deauville International tournament series. The series will commence with The Ladies Cup from 7 – 10 August and will be followed by The Gold Cup between 10 – 25 August. To round off the bigger tournaments, The Bronze Cup will take place between 14 – 23 August. For more information, please email polodedeauville@rbpresse.com Polo Times, July 2019

53

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Edgeworth Polo Club

International Polo Club

The Gloucestershire based Club have announced that on Saturday 3 August, after the 6 Goal Championship, the Club will be hosting their first summer festival!

Tickets are £25 and will include entry, parking, food and onsite camping. With music starting at 2pm until 2am, it’s set to be a true Edgeworth party. Please visit www.edgeworthpoloclub.co.uk to book your ticket now.

The International Polo Club, Palm Beach, has announced its 2020 tournament schedule.

The season will commence on Sunday 29 December, with The Herbie Pennell Cup Final and will culminate on Sunday 19 April with The U.S. Open Polo Championship Final. Furthermore, The Gauntlet of Polo Series will return for its second year from 1 February with the start of The C.V. Whitney. For more information please visit the Club’s website ipc.coth.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Grand Champions Polo Club Photograph courtesy of GCPC

The 2019 Kirtlington Park Polo Club Open Day was a great success

Guards Polo Club

Leadenham Polo Club Between 1 – 2 June, Leadenham Polo Club hosted their first tournament of the season, The Spring Tournament. The Final was won

by Leadenham The Leadenham Home Team won The Spring Tournament Home Team (Rob Shearman, Dom Maddison, James Hopkins & Amelia Pepper), whilst the Best Playing Pony rug was presented to Ed Morris’ mare, Clarita. The Club are looking forward to welcoming teams for their £4,000 4 goal tournament, between 16 – 18 August. For team entries, please email office@leadenhampoloclub.com Polo Times, July 2019

55

Photograph courtesy of Leadenham Polo Club

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Committee Cup came to an end on Sunday 26 May, Conosco defeated Tex8n Polo 7-6 to take home the honours. In other news, the Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month Series has returned and the May winners are Juan Martin Nero’s dream team of Raul Rodriguez, Roque Rodriguez and Luciano Núñez.

The Committee Cup Final Teams: Conosco took home The Committee Cup over the weekend Tex8n Polo (8): Fabio Lavinia (3), Nico San Roman (3), Pedro de Lamare (2) & Mindi Byrne (0) Conosco (8): Will Emerson (5), Jeremy Pemberton (0), Charles Cadogan (1) & Will Harper (2)

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On Monday 27 May, Kirtlington Park Polo Club hosted their annual Open Day which was a great success.

Alongside polo matches, guests were treated to shopping stands and refreshments, as well as family friendly activities. A good job done by all!

Don’t forget to save the date for the Club’s White Polo Ball, with a hint of elegance, on Saturday 3 August.

Photograph by Polo Images

Palm Beach Equine won its first tournament of the spring season on Sunday 26 May, as they took a 10-9 win home against rivals Audi in the Final of The Santa Rita Abierto. Alejandro Novillo Astrada scored the winning goal with less than two minutes left in the game.

Palm Beach Equine secured their first Ava Maria, a five-year-old mare played by trophy of the spring season Marc Ganzi and owned by Spinacci, was named Best Playing Pony.

The Santa Rita Abierto Final Teams: Palm Beach Equine (17): Brandon Phillips (4), Juan Bollini (5), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) & Scott Swerdlin (0) Audi (19): Lucas Lalor (5), Sugar Erskine (6), Marc Ganzi (2) & Jared Zenni (6)

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Longdole Polo Club The 6 goal Patrick Mavros Zimbabwe Spur Final took place on Saturday 25 May at Longdole Polo Club, with Stoneyhill coming out the ultimate victors 6-5 against home team, Longdole.

The winners were presented with silver cufflinks from sponsors Patrick Mavros, with Most Valuable Player Jessica Andrews taking home a pair of Hurlingham 1875 gloves.

The Patrick Mavros Zimbabwe Spur Final Teams: Stoneyhill (6): Will Lucas (4), Stuart Lodge (1), John Whitehead (0) & Jess Andrews (1) Longdole (6): George Fox (1), Mikey Howe (3), Kiki Severn (0) & Ollie Severn (2)

Stoneyhill were the winners of The Patrick Mavros Zimbabwe Spur Final

Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Saint Tropez

The season has started at New Forest Polo Club with The Spring Cup. The Final took place on Sunday 26 May for The County Galway Cup, which was won by Club Manager Charlie Hatfield’s Stitched Kit team, who defeated Nii White’s Ardor team. Alice Walsh was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Cam Ellis’s pony Ascent was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours. The whole weekend was sponsored by Christian Collins-Gilchrist, who presented the prizes to the winning team.

On Sunday 16 June, Maiz Dulce ran out the winners against the New Forest team to take

Photograph by Michael Huggan

New Forest Polo Club The Spring Cup saw Stitched Kit take home the win

home The Barfoot Bowl, which was (as is now tradition) full of M&Ms! The Spring Cup Final Teams: Stitched Kit (-2): Charlie Hatfield (-1), Will Brasher (1), Nick van Oppen (0) & George Williams (-2) Ardor (1): Nii White (0), Mark Deacon (2), Morgan Parry-Joyner (0) & Fran Townend (-1)

Parisian Triple Crown On Sunday 9 June, The Tournoi de la Ville de Paris, the second part of the Parisian Triple Crown, came to an end at Polo de Paris with Le Pommeray defeating Sainte Mesme 8-3.

Impressively, Facundo Fernández Llorente scored all of his team’s eight goals in the Final.

The Tournoi de la Ville de Paris Final Teams: Le Pommeray (10): Clement Smith (0), Charlie Le Galle (2), Facundo Fernández Llorente (7) & Derek Smith (1) Sainte Mesme (10): Robert Strom (5), Birger Strom (0), Gregorio Gelosi (4) & Charlie Tighe (1)

VT Wealth Management came out on top in The Sun Trophy

Polo Club Saint-Tropez

Photograph by Serge Detale

The 10 goal Sun Trophy came to an end at The Polo Club Saint-Tropez. VT Wealth Management came out on top, with F. Polo Team/Voltex coming in second and Battistoni & Saint-Tropez Polo Team in joint third.

On 9 June, VT Wealth Management retained The Silver Whips Tournament title for the second consecutive year. VT Wealth Management Captain Thomas Fedier was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Plastilina, played by Fedier, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

The Sun Trophy Teams: VT Wealth Management (10): Thomas Fedier (0), Sacha Fedier (0), Matias Carrique (4) & Gerardo Mazzini (6) F. Polo Team/Voltex (9): Alshair Fiyaz (0), Samy Jebabli (-1), Justin Gaunt (4) & Sebastian Harriott (6) Battistoni (9): Alessandro Barnaba (-1), Juan Martín Gallego (3), Michael Taylor (3) & Matias Nigoul (4) Saint Tropez Polo Team (10): Corinne Schuler (0), Alvaro Ortiz (3), Marcos Harriott (3) & Esteban Panelo (4)

Le Pommerary, winners of The Tournoi de la Ville de Paris

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Polo Times, July 2019

57

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Polo Club Vreeland Photograph by Don’t Say Cheese

Between 6 – 9 June, six 4-6 goal teams gathered at Polo Club Vreeland for The Maxima Polo Cup 2019. Following three days of exciting play, Scapa Dusseldorf/Collet came out the overall winners, with HV Polo QM/Symons & Pachenko coming out the runners-up.

The Maxima Polo Cup Final Teams: Scapa Dusseldorf/Collet (5): Dirk Baumgartner (0), Michael Redding (1), Pablo van den Brink (2) & Gonzalo Martin (2) HV Polo QM/Symons & Pachenko (5): Maarten Hulsman (0), Savine vd Kloot Meijburg (1), Juan Medina (3) & Philip vs Kloot Meijburg (1) Maxima Polo Cup winners, Scapa Dusseldorf/Collet

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International & Home

5 minutes with…

Alice Gipps

Ladies Handicap: 3 Mixed Handicap: 0 Arena Handicap: 1 How did your polo career start?

My father bought me a lesson for my birthday at The Berkshire with Squeaker and I loved it so much, I then helped out Steve Thompson in the Polo School to continue learning. At the same time in 2002, my polo photography career also got going and I started working with Polo Times for the Pony Power interviews.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Breeding and training my own string of homebreds. It started with a couple of talented mares that I retired – I wanted to prove to myself I could do it, so I sourced proven stallions and then set about researching as much as I could about young horse training. Cambiaso has played my eldest, Phoenix, saying he was ‘impeccable’ which was a pretty amazing compliment. In my wildest dreams I’d never have imagined producing a horse the world No. 1 would like.

What’s your greatest ambition?

I’ve been focused on working the young ones, now I need to improve my own handicap, although my main ambition is to expand my Fine Art Photography collection. I started in 2005 and my image of the polo mare ‘Nicotina’ (the mother to three of my homebreds) is well known and ‘Tropillas’ has been gifted to HRH Prince Harry by the Singapore Polo Club. I love to combine my artistic side,

polo and photography to create inspiring wall art others can also enjoy.

Which lady players do you admire? Why? The late Sunny Hale – I was star struck playing against her in Thailand. She was so generous with her knowledge, such an incredible woman. Sarah Wiseman, a good friend since our University days, has worked hard to get where she is and we’ve had some great wins together.

What’s your favourite tournament/Club?

I really love playing at Cowdray in The Ladies British Open. It still has to be the most prestigious ladies’ tournament to win in the UK. The first year I ever competed was in 2007 with a team I had organised for Cadenza, which included Sarah [Wiseman] and we won against a strong Audi team with Nina [Clarkin] on the opposition. It was an honour to be invited by Clare MilfordHaven to join herself and Nina for Audi in 2010 and I had my second win and brought home the Most Valuable Player award.

Abroad, it has to be Polo Escape in Thailand, where I’ve been to play the ladies with Robin Lourvanij for the past seven years.

It’s an amazing place and I have had some incredible times there.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo?

I get more competitive about the ladies and have enjoyed organising winning teams for

Women’s Polo

fantastic sponsors such as Vardags and Crabbie’s. At a good level, the ladies equivalent to mixed 2 or 4 goal is more flowing and often faster as the girls are often very well mounted and all strong riders. When I organised The Ladies’ International at Coworth Park I always remember Glen Gilmore saying it was the best 2 goal he’d seen all season!

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport?

I’d like to see a ladies’ equivalent to The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup played on the same day as those high goal Finals. It would be a huge recognition of women in the sport and draw for sponsors. It’s already happening at The Argentine Open. It’s time England!

Also, more awareness about how much of a difference it makes to have happy horses. Correctly fitting saddles, feeding, physio etc are often overlooked in polo and they can make such a big difference.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why?

Ruso Heguy – I met him years ago through Polo Times and he’s one of the most generous people I know, always helping others and obviously an absolute legend to play with. David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, he was at Oxford Brookes University with Sarah and myself, and lastly Cambiaso, of course, if I had the opportunity!

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

My parents. They’ve always supported me with everything I wanted to do. The ponies winter with them in Wales, they’ve raised the foals and always come to cheer me on when there is an important game.

Women’s Polo Master

Photograph by Paddy Ramirez

Over 24 – 26 May, Villa a Sesta Polo Club held the 2019 Women’s Polo Master for the Huala Polo Trophy. The 12-14 goal tournament saw four teams compete, with Rachael Hughes, Beanie Bradley and Annabel McNaught Davis flying the British flag. In the end, it was VasSakkara Polo Team who emerged the overall winners, and Jeanine Hugo Menendez was named Most Valuable Player.

The 2019 Women’s Polo Master Teams: Cote d’Azur Polo Team (14): Rachael Hughes (1), Klarina Pichler (3), Veronica Magnasco (4) & Fatima Balzano (6) Brokerbase Polo Team (13): Gaby Neumann (0), Beanie Bradley (2), Annabel McNaught Davis (6) & Delfina Balzano (5) Nautor’s Swan Polo Team (14): Ginevra Visconti (1), Vittoria Marchiorello (3), Eva Bruhl (6) & Carla Alvarez (4) Vas-Sakkara Polo Team (14): Zeina Hosni (0), Natalia Corrales Diez (0), Jeanine Hugo Menendez & Lia Salvo (9)

Vas-Sakkara Polo Team, winners of The 2019 Women’s Polo Master

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, July 2019

61

Women’s Polo

International & Home

Pacific Coast Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge Photography courtesy of Janelle Ross

Out of the six teams who took part in The Pacific Coast Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge, Cancha de Estrellas and KWH Equestrian faced each other in the Final on Monday 28 May at Central Coast Polo Club in Los Osos, California. Despite their slow start in the first half, Cancha de Estrellas (Sierra Dunbar, Cory Williams, Petra Teixeira) gained momentum and confidence after half-time and finished the final with a 14-9 win. With the win, Cancha de Estrellas also took home $3,500 – the first prize money in a women’s arena tournament.

Cory Williams, who played for Cancha de Estrellas, was named Most Valuable Player and Canella, played by KWH Equestrian’s Danielle Travis was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

2019 Pacific Coast Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge winners, Cancha de Estrellas

Cory Williams, Most Valuable Player

Canella, Best Playing Pony

Ranksboro & Cordoba Cups Photography by John Rowley

CBAS & Launde Park Polo, Cordoba Cup finalists

21 female players competed in two ladies’ tournaments at Rutland Polo Club on Bank Holiday Monday, 27 May, as part of The WIP UK League 8 & 12 goal. In the 8 goal league for The Cordoba Cup, Lynne Patmore’s CBAS team proved just too strong against local team, Launde Park Polo even with the might of their 5 goaler, Farida Rosso Baldacchino, and clinched overall victory. This takes them to the top of the league table going in to their third tournament. The Most Valuable Player went to CBAS’s 3 goaler Holly Butler who worked seamlessly with their other 3 goaler, Vicky Griffin. The Best Playing Pony went to Baldacchino’s five-year-old homebred overo gelding, Scaramouche.

CBAS’s Holly Butler & Launde Park Polo’s Ida Thore on the ball

In the 4 goal Ranksborough Cup, three teams played an American Tournament to decide the winner. The Rugby Bucking Broncos played like a well-oiled machine, succeeding in not conceding any goals in both of their matches and running out the overall winners. The runners-up were Pippa Outtridges’ Pink Ibis team including visiting Nairobi player Natasha Tisminieszky who played very well. Most Valuable Player went to Rugby’s Sam Banks, described by the commentator as, “A terrier on the field, working tirelessly”. Sam also won a Polo Splice mallet for Most Valuable Player of the day across both tournaments. The Best Playing Pony award in the 4 goal went to Jayna Henderson’s BogTrotter.

Rugby Bucking Broncos, winners of The Ranksboro Cup

The Cordoba Cup Final Teams: Launde Park Polo (8): Hannah Buckenham (1), Ellie Tempest (1), Ida Thore (1) & Farida Rosso Baldacchino (5) CBAS (8): Lynne Patmore (1), Amy Leggett (1), Holly Butler (3) & Vicky Griffin (3) The Ranksboro Cup Teams: Pink Ibis (3): Claire Durrant (0), Pippa Outtrideg (1), Natasha Tisminieszky (1) & Emily Price (1) Axholme (3): Adele Abbott (0), Jocelyn Habershon-Butcher (0), Laura Winkler/Lesley Maxfield Gullett (0) & Tessa Collett (3) Ruby Bucking Broncos (2): Alice Hockin (0), Kate Howe (1), Jayna Henderson (1) & Sam Banks (0)

WIP League Continues

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Polo Times, July 2019

Photography courtesy of WIP

The WIP League 8 & 12 goal continued over the weekend 15 – 16 June at Tidworth Polo Club. In the 12 goal Final Las Pintadas (Alicia Woods (0), Sheena Robertson/Neku Atawodi-Edun (3), Sarah Hughes (4) & Steph Haverhals (4)) took the win 6½-6 with Kirsty Craig the Most Valuable Player and Alicia Wood’s GPS named Best Playing Pony. Skyline Aero were the runners-up, Tarantula came third, Coombe Place fourth and Seriously Cool Profile were fifth. Meanwhile in The 8 Goal Final, Hampshire Polo School (Mimi Figgins (0), Annette Storm-Williams/Fran Townend (0), Lorna Broughton (3) & Heloise Wilson-Smith (5)) took the overall win, with Synergy in second place and Legal Haven in third. Mimi Figgins was named Most Valuable Player and Diamond, played by India Ringer was the Best Playing Pony.

Las Pintadas, winners of the 12 Goal Final

The 8 Goal teams line-up

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

International & Home

Women’s Polo

Women in Polo Family Day

The WIP UK 8 Goal Final Teams: FCT Alegria (8): Tatiana Menshenina (0), Antonia Carlsson (0), Sarah Wiseman (7) & Kayleigh Smith (1). Res Isobel Armstrong (-2) CBAS (8): Lynne Patmore (1), Amy Leggett (1), Vicky Griffin (3) & Lucy Dowie (3)

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

As part of The Women in Polo (WIP) 2019 league, Westcroft Park Polo Club’s 0-8 and 8-12 goal came to an end on the weekend of 1 – 2 June. Families enjoyed free face painting, bouncy castle, a pitch invasion and more alongside the polo action. Home team FCT Alegria defeated CBAS 7-3 in The WIP UK 8 Goal Final with CBAS’s Pitu (owned by Lynne Patmore) receiving Best Playing Pony and Kayleigh Smith Most Valuable Player honours.

In the 12 Goal Subsidiary Final, Skyline Aero beat Pink Power 5-2 whilst in the Final Coombe Place beat Access 5½-5. Daena Waetcher’s Kayoquee received the Best Playing Pony rug and Shena Robertson was named Most Valuable Player, sponsored by British Polo Gin.

Coombe Place (left), winners of The WIP UK 12 Goal Final

The WIP UK 12 Goal Final Teams: Coombe Place (10): Sophie Kenna (1), Sammy Luff (0), Daena Waetcher (3), Lottie Lamacraft (6) Access (11): Neku Atawodi-Edu (3), Steph Haverals (4), Sarah Hughes (4) & Alicia Woods (0)

Tidworth Heroes Day Photograph by Peter Meade

Women in Polo, winners of the WIP Charity Rose Bowl

On Saturday 1 June, Tidworth Polo Club held their annual Heroes Day in aid of Help for Heroes. As part of the day’s festivities, a Women in Polo (WIP) team took on a HACKETT Army team, which Charlie Fraser reported on: “Year four for Women in Polo (WIP) against the HACKETT Army boys. The big question after the WIP team winning three years in a row was, what would happen this year? OK, so let me enlighten you. The Army boys were up for it. Their coach Gaston Devrient on the side lines was making them up for it! Oh wowsers trousers…. What a belter of a match!

“A dynamic, absorbing and gripping game of polo warfare that was like watching

our very own live premier action movie!

From the Army boys they had a serious point to prove. But from the girls it was a game of mental torture to the army boys as they came out of the line out like a bullet out of an AK47!

The Army bombed a ball through the posts like an Exocet missile in minute one leaving the crowds already holding their breath! A few seconds later, Wilson-Smith said ‘take this boys’ and smacks one right back! It was explosive, exciting and beyond adrenaline-fuelled which made the spectators hearts’ race, the commentator talked fast and blood pumped slightly quicker than normal on and off the field!

Whatever the Army tried to do, the WIP Girls gave it harder right back. Neither team showing no mercy with quick turns, explosive speed and sheer skill. Ross was hard in defence with her girls running forward to pick up the ball and attack like a polo siege! The WIP team literally were disarming the Army team with every move.

Despite his wonderful lofting shots, Fair took a fair dismount in chukka two where he decided a saddle wasn’t needed for the game in hand. Both the saddle and Fair slid off the horse in a rather undressing fashion!

Chukka three, the HACKETT Army

team were hot, flustered and certainly showing the pressure. However, the Women in Polo team were cool as the cucumber served in the British Polo Gin! After the half time pitch invasion, both teams came out all guns blazing. The army half-time team talk had certainly invigorated some new passion and determination as DrummondMoray found the goal once more. Only to be quickly put back down to earth as it was seconds before the WIP team outwitted the Army team once more and drew them into the foul to give them an easy penalty.

Going into chukka four the score was HACKETT Army 5 to WIP 8. And very quickly the girls dug harder and deeper making the final score HACKETT Army 6 to WIP 10.

Honestly, the fastest your heart will beat sitting down!”

Heloise Wilson-Smith took both the Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony honours.

WIP Charity Rose Bowl Teams: Women in Polo (5): Jessica Andrews (1), Heloise Wilson-Smith (1), Claire Brougham (1) & Rosie Ross (2) HACKETT Army (5): 2Lt Giles BromleyMartin IG (1), 2Lt Hector Fair (1), Capt Jamie Drummond-Moray (1) & Cpt John Sleeman (2)

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All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, July 2019

63

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

USPA National Youth Tournament Series Qualifier

Vintage Polo secured the win

penalty for Vintage Polo secured the win 6-5.

Primavera, played by Jack Whitman and owned by Agustin Arrayago was named Best Playing Pony.

SUPA Senior Schools National Championships

Photograph by Fi Corthine

Cheltenham College A won The Open Division

The SUPA Senior Schools National Championships were held on the spectacular grounds at Black Bears Polo Club this year on Sunday 16 June. Attracting 19 teams, this was another fine example of grassroots polo at its best. Players aged from 13 to 18 took part in the four divisions. “We were generously allowed to play on two magnificent grounds today”, Gill Glimmerveen told Polo Times after the event, “In order to fit in all chukkas to finish in time for our players, supporters and Polo Managers, to hot-foot it to Guards Polo Club 64

Polo Times, July 2019

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Houston Polo Club

Houston Polo Club hosted six youth teams between 7 – 9 June for The USPA National Youth Tournament Series Qualifier, with players ages ranging from 11 to 19-yearsold. Following two days of exciting play, Vintage Polo faced Bill Fick Ford in the Final.

Vintage Polo took a commanding lead early on in the first chukka, 2-0. Bill Fick Ford managed to even the scoreboard to 3-3 before the half-time break, but as the third chukka commenced, Bill Fick Ford extended their lead to 5-3. The fourth deciding chukka however, saw the teams even up again at 5-5, but in the final moments, a converted

Rocket Rentals Junior Day

to see The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final in the afternoon”.

Strong play and teamwork amongst the young players, once again showcased our finest young school players. Whilst polishing the ‘Worshipful Company of Saddlers Trophy’ awarded to the Most Promising Player of the SUPA tournament, Caroline Grayson, The SUPA Seniors Steward, noticed it had previously been presented to James Beim at the 1998 SUPA Championships, whilst he went on to win The Cartier Queen’s Cup title later on in the day, leading Caroline to think,

The Rocket Rentals Junior Day teams

Although it was a slightly grizzly start to the day, this didn’t stop everybody arriving with smiles and enthusiasm at Longdole Polo Club. 10 teams from around the country, from the more established young teenage players who we now see regularly gracing the fields around the polo circuit, to one fluffy team who had never played a chukka before.

To make the day as fair and as enjoyable for all attending, Longdole split the teams into five divisions – Div One: Older teenagers – Kiki Severn’s team Longdole vs Connor Kay’s Cheshire team. Cheshire fought hard to win the four chukka match. Also playing on the top ground but in Div Two, the sponsor’s team Rocket Rentals led by George Tomblin, rode to a clear victory against a competitive Cottesmore.

The final three Divisions played on the bottom ground. The six to 12-years-olds on polo pony teams Old Berks and the Mischievous Monkeys played each other three times over the morning, with each chukka showing more and more confidence.

The tournament then had the Handley Cross children, RA Handley Cross and Cotswold, come to the field who played so well organisers decided to stop shortening the field for them and let them run the full length.

And last but not least, the fluffy teams, RA Jorrocks and Cotswold Vale headed out. The absolute bravery of some of the children who hadn’t played before was pretty immense.

“Which of our up and coming SUPA players will also become polo stars of the future?”.

Cheltenham College A took home the Open Division honours, with Millfield winning the Intermediate Division One title. SUPA won Intermediate Division Two and Rugby won the Novice Division. To end the day, Shrewsbury B won the Beginners Division.

Gabriel Iglesias from Millfield was awarded the Most Promising Player honours.

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

SUPA Universities Summer National Championships

Youth

A record breaking 152 teams took competed at The SUPA Universities Summer Championships 2019

SUPA Breaks Records Again!

152 teams gather at Offchurch Bury for Summer Champs change for the fancy dress-themed party.

Grant and Tessa Collett and their team had worked their magic on the fields on Saturday evening and a sunny Sunday morning arrived with the grounds in great condition with no real signs that over 200 chukkas had already been played.

More fantastic play with students trying harder than ever to impress the SUPA international Selection Committee who were looking for players for forthcoming International Matches.

The Finals were played out under blue skies and after 300 plus chukkas over three days, umpires Dean Lines and Jeremy Pigeon blew their whistles for the final time.

The awards ceremony showed that Nottingham University won the largest share of the laurels with first place in four out of the seventeen SUPA divisions.

The Polo Times Best playing pony saddle cloth went to Polly, ridden and owned by James Glew, whilst The Polo Magazine

Most Valuable Player went to Charlie Knott from Oxford Brookes University. Charlie had also umpired some of the matches as well, as part of SUPA’s young umpire initiative.

The award of a set of kneepads for Most Improved Player sponsored by the Worshipful Company Of Saddlers went to Natalie Kormos from the University of St. Andrews.

Outgoing student representative, Luke Sandys Renton (Brighton University) was given a vote of thanks after a two year stint and presented with a commemorative plaque. Likewise, organiser Lydia Styler was lauded for her fantastic logistical efforts and organisation of teams and times.

Everyone agreed that the grounds were testament to the care and maintenance by Grant and Tessa Collett and their team at Offchurch Bury Polo Club.

Despite the weather conditions, all the students present had a fantastic time and everyone is now looking forward to The Uni Challenge in November.

Photography by Emmpix Photography

If there was ever an example of why polo grounds need to be well maintained to cope with the British weather it was the second weekend in June, at The SUPA Summer University Nationals at Offchurch Bury Polo Club.

With a weather forecast that was changing more often than premiership managers, no one knew what to expect over the three days of play.

Sure enough, Friday morning started with showers that changed to sheets of rain later in the morning. The fields remained playable, despite the downpour and some exciting Beginner, Median and Novice polo was played, with students running for the cover of an umbrella after each chukka. The skies cleared during the afternoon and the field dried out, along with the players, and the remaining chukkas were played out, fifty per day, on each field, as this year there were a record numbers of teams attending.

Day two arrived with grey skies and yet more rain. The fields had held up well and the upper division matches were as fast and furious as ever. A good SAPA (Alumni) showing as well, which indicated that this area of polo is starting to grow alongside SUPA. The catering trucks did a roaring trade and business started to pick up with on-site SUPA sponsors, R J Polo.

Proud parents had arrived and everywhere you could see groups of students explaining the rules of the game to folks who’d never before been to a polo match!

The sun came out mid-afternoon and play ended with everyone in a buoyant mood, in expectation of the players’ party that had been organised by Offchurch Bury Polo Club.

A quick SUPA annual meeting for the University Presidents and Captains, where updates and news of a brand new SUPA website were among the topics under discussion and then it was off for a quick

Polo Times Best Playing Pony Rug Polly Pocket, owned and played by James Glew To read more about Polly Pocket, please turn to our Pony Power pages

Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Polo Times, July 2019

65

Youth

SUPA Universities Summer National Championships

SUPA Universities Summer Championships 2019

Beginner 1 1st – Harper Rein It In 2nd – Oxford B1 3rd – Nottingham B1

Beginner 2 1st – Durham Divas 2nd – Warwick B2 3rd – Nottingham B1

Beginner 3 1st – Birmingham B3 2nd – Leeds Hippogriffs 3rd – Warwick B3

Beginner 4 1st – Nottingham B4 2nd – Brighton Tigers 3rd – RVC B4

Median 1st – Birmingham City 2nd – Durham Devils 3rd – Winchester

Median Combined 1st – La Delfina 2nd – UWE/Bristol 3rd – Liverpool/Stirling/Harper Adams

Beginner Combined 1st – Exeter India 2nd – Aberdeen/St Andrews 3rd – Oxford Brookes/London

Novice 1 1st – Warwick N1 2nd – Oxford 3rd – Leeds Gryphons

Novice 2 1st – Nottingham N2 2nd – Harper Full Send 3rd – Surrey Stags

Novice 3A 1st – Nottingham N3 2nd – Surrey Scorpions 3rd – Cardiff Reds

Novice 3B 1st – Durham Dellinquents 2nd – Surrey Swifts 3rd – Winchester N3

Novice 4 1st – Bournemouth Bengals 2nd – Portsmouth N41 3rd – Winchester N4

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Polo Times, July 2019

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

SUPA Universities Summer National Championships

Youth

Novice Combined 1st – Liverpool N3 2nd – Stirling/St Andrews 3rd – My Hooves Are Burning Baby

Lower Intermediate 1st – Oxford Brookes 2nd – Regents 3rd – Durham Degenerates

Combined Lower Intermediate 1st – Nottingham LI 2nd – Cardiff Dragons 3rd – 99 Problems But The Pitch Ain’t One

Upper Intermediate Combined 1st – King’s College 2nd – Mayo-Neighs 3rd – Norwick

Open & Upper SAPA Combined 1st – Boreham B*****s 2nd – Cunning Stunts 3rd – Oxford

Lower SAPA 1st – Uno Mas 2nd – Indecisive 3rd – Leeds Centaurs

Medium SAPA 1st – Stick A Pelham In It Mate!

2nd – Nottingham SAPA 3rd – Shelton’s Huns

Student Representative Special Award Luke Sandys-Renton

Most Valuable Player Award Charlie Knott – Oxford Brookes

Worshipful Company of Saddlers Most Improved Player Natalie Kormos – St Andrews

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Youth

La Martina Varsity Day

La Martina Varsity Day O Oxford retain the prestigious trophy

The winning OUPC team

Charlie Hitchman receiving his BPP rug

The day was once again supported by La Martina, who have been championing youth polo of this calibre for the past four years. During the matches, spectators and teams enjoyed live music from DJ James Park and a delicious Mosimann’s BBQ, with celebrations and commiserations lasting well into the evening. It was another successful year for this exciting event, with most the teams ready and raring for 2020 already.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

xford retained the prestigious La Martina Varsity Trophy on Saturday 1 June, defeating old rivals Cambridge 15-1. On handicap, Oxford were the stronger team, but this match is traditionally played open, and the dark blues did not disappoint. What gave Oxford the advantage was that they played well as a team, always supporting and ensuring that someone was in the right place to receive a ball. Whilst Cambridge had a huge mountain to climb, they maintained a positive attitude throughout and managed to at least make it onto the scoreboard with a successfully converted penalty from Charlie Hamilton. Oxford’s Tamara Gibbons was named La Martina Most Valuable Player while team mate Charlie Hitchman, who had scored the majority of Oxford’s goals, received the Best Playing Pony prize for his Dutch Warmblood, 19-year-old gelding Canario, who had originally been bred for eventing.

Oxford also won the Old Blues game, narrowly defeating Cambridge 4½-4.

However, the Cambridge Ladies restored honour in the second Ladies Varsity. They convincingly won their match over the Oxford Ladies 8-3.

The other prominent match on this day saw the Annual Schools Test between Eton and Harrow. Harrow retained this trophy 12-4½, thanks to some impressive play from Harrow’s Captain, Hugo Taylor.

The La Martina Varsity Day teams

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Polo Times, July 2019

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

All La Aspects Martina of Varsity Youth Polo Day

Youth

Action from Oxford versus Cambridge

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Polo Times, July 2019

69

Youth

Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup Final

Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup Final A

Beaufort retain the honours

Photography by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

s the second day of The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo got underway, spectators poured through the gates for another day of socialising and family entertainment, plus more international polo action.

Some of the top U15 junior players from around the globe had been competing through the morning in a four-way series of matches on two of the Club’s six polo grounds, before The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup Final took place in front of crowds gathered around the main Swinhay No. 1 Field. The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup sponsored by Walter Bull & Son, ultimately saw Team Beaufort victorious, winning 5-4 against LAP Research and James Gegg from Walter Bull & Son presented individual trophies to each of the four teams, who also won prizes from NAF, MacWet and RJ Polo.

The victorious Beaufort team

The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup Final Teams: Beaufort: Fred Thame, Noah Hyde, Lucy McLaughlin & Hector Copcutt Walter Bull: Lucas Stern, Jemima Walker, Talan Dudd & Siena Burnett Royal Marsden: Ruby Hickmet, Rufino Lauhle, Beanie Bradley & Olly Davis LAP: Charles Heffron, Jemima Heffron, Robbie Slatter & Benji Mancini

James Gegg presents the four teams with their prizes

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Polo Times, July 2019

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

RAF Cranwell Polo Club Controlled aggression, teamwork, communication and courage were in abundance during the hard-fought tournament with Leadenham Polo Club (Captained by Rob Shearman) prevailing to retain The Bebbington Trophy.

RAF Cranwell secured the top spot in the runners-up league for The Centennial Cup, while the RAF Tornados battled through against Bawtry Polo Club and the RAF Typhoons to win The PMG Shield in the bottom league. The crowd enjoyed the commentary provided by Simon Ledger and Sergeant Nick Howland entertained everyone with a well-executed forward roll from his pony. The weekend was hosted from the Black-Smith Pavilion (named after Flight Lieutenant (Retd) Dave Black, the event organiser and Group Captain Mark Smith, Cranwell Club Chairman) with an excellent formal Dinner held at Belton Woods Hotel on the Saturday night. James Glew’s pony Baby was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing

Photograph by Cranwell Station Photographer

Over the weekend, 18 – 19 May, The RAF Polo Association held their annual polo tournament at RAF Cranwell, with nine teams competing over the two days.

The three league American style development tournament involved teams from the RAF Development Squads (some players having just returned from training in South Africa), the RAF College Cranwell Polo Club, the Army Development Squad, the Army Reserve Team, Rutland, Ham, Bawtry and Leadenham Polo Clubs, all playing for The Bebbington Trophy, The Centennial Cup and The PMG Shield.

Wing Commander Ed Whitechurch, Chairman of the RAFPA (and Captain of the RAF Tornados team) stated that the Association aims to: “Encourage and facilitate the playing of polo in the RAF and to introduce the game to potential new players as well as improve the skills and knowledge of those already playing”

Action from The RAF Cranwell Tournament

Pony rug, whilst The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award was presented to Ellie Tempest.

To read more about Baby, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

Help for Heroes 0 Goal Tournament In the Final of The Help for Heroes 0 Goal Tournament on 9 June, The Household Cavalry held off The Royal Dragoon Guards to win by 1½ goals.

The prizes were presented to the teams by Antony Kitchen and his partner Emma, who had taken part in Trooping The Colour the day before.

The Household Cavalry defeated The Royal Dragoon Guards

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Polo Times, July 2019

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

Photography by Peter Meade Photography

Heroes Polo Day 2019 The Duke of York Polo150 ball is thrown-in

At Tidworth Polo Club in Tedworth Park, the sun shone down on the annual Heroes Polo Day on Saturday 1 June. As the teams prepared for the off, the action began fieldside, with the thousands of spectators bustling around the CFA ‘Shop to Give’ Boutique Shopping Village and trying their hand at the Burberry stand raffle, with the chance to win a plethora of Burberry prizes, all in aid of Help for Heroes.

The polo action kicked off at midday with the annual skirmish between the Royal Navy and RAF for The Duke of York Cup, with the Polo150 anniversary polo ball used for the initial throw-in. The first chukka was like putting a bomber into battle for the RAF, as Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead stormed to goal in less than a minute to put the ball straight through the posts. The game was hard fought with massive lofty shots and low level attack, as both sides were evenly matched. The two defence ‘man mountains’, Lt Cdr Steve Spiller and Flt Lt Martin Adcock, dictated the

play, with every man fighting hard around them. However, the Navy side’s play was more united and by the final chukka, Spiller torpedoed either a fancy or fluke angled shot into goal. At the final bell, the RAF left the Royal Navy victorious with 6½-4.

The main match of the day, The Heroes Cup, was up next, with three new players taking to the field this year. The match saw new talent with an incredible amount of energy that came from not only every player, but every spectator who marvelled at what the Heroes Polo Team players have achieved, given their life changing injuries or circumstances. The match saw Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic Shipping team go into the lead as Rebecca HalliwellCoutts popped the ball through the posts at the end of the second chukka. The final score saw Strategic Shipping defeat Roger McElroy’s Canonbury, 1-0.

The Heroes Cup teams

The Royal Navy win The Duke of York Cup

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Following The Heroes Cup, two teams took to the field for The WIP vs HACKETT Army match. For more news from this match, please turn to our Women’s pages.

The Duke of York Cup Teams: Royal Navy (-2): Lt Cdr Peter Meigh (-1), Surg Cdr Harry Rourke (0), Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (0) & Lt Max Cosby (-1) RAF (0): Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf (0), Flt Lt Martin Adcock (0), Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0) & Sqn Ldr Ed Whitechurch (0) The Heroes Cup Teams: Strategic Help for Heroes: Rebecca Halliwell-Coutts, Vicky Adams, Dave Taylor/ WO1 Tony Quinn & Jess Andrews Canonbury: Elaine Corner, Lucinda Barker, Helen Greddington/Fran Townend & Brad Dommett

Polo Times, July 2019

75

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Baby (Apollo) Height: 15hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: James Glew Tournament: RAF Cranwell Polo Weekend

Photograph by Emily Whitechurch

Where is he from/breeding? He was bred for polo and I believe is part Argentine and part Thoroughbred, which gets us the best of both worlds.

How long have you had him? Since September 2018.

What are his strengths? He’s nippy in close plays and has a strong ride-off, whilst also loving to run.

How has he gone this season? He’s been great so far and is getting better every week.

We are still getting used to him since we only bought him last September.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with us and I don’t think

he has won a Best Playing Pony with his previous owner.

What are your plans for him in the future? To play more with Kate in low goal polo for the next few years and eventually retire him to Kate’s mother for an even easier life.

Does he have any special quirks? He likes to untie other horses on the pony lines when you aren’t looking.

Describe him in three words. Hard hitting, pocket-rocket.

Batiki Photograph by Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Height: 15.2hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Charlie Hanbury Tournament: The Beaufort Commonwealth Cup 2019 at Beaufort Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Australian mare from Ellerston, out of a mare called Fiji and by Revenue.

How long have you had her? I bought her from James Beim in 2014.

What are her strengths? She has a great brain and is incredibly easy.

How has she gone this season? She’s been going well, so I feel there’s great things to come.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first with me, but she won one with James Beim in 2013.

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What are your plans for her in the future?

She will play this season with me and then we will see. When she retires, I will put her in foal but hopefully that won’t happen for a few more seasons. I am breeding from her already and her eldest is a two-year-old, who is currently being broken, Lovelocks Bazinga – hopefully she will be as good as her mother.

Does she have any special quirks? She likes to try and untie herself.

Describe her in three words. The old faithful.

Polo Times, July 2019

77

Knowledge

Pony Power

Lovelocks Illuminate Height: 15.1hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Charlie Hanbury Tournament: The Swinhay International Test Match for The Diamond Jubilee Trophy at Beaufort Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Charlie Hanbury

Where is she from/breeding? She is a homebred from Lovelocks, out of Spotlight and by Dijon.

How long have you had her? Since she was born!

What are her strengths? She has amazing sides and power.

How has she gone this season? She’s been going very well and getting better every week.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first.

What are your plans for her in the future? She will play this season with me and then we will see, but I’ve had a few offers for her already. I am also breeding from her and we have four foals on the floor that all look nice types.

Does she have any special quirks? She is allergic to sugar – her mother was the same.

It can make them a bit hot if they have it.

hopefully, there will be many more to come.

Does she have any special quirks? She enjoys a good chin rub and has a particular taste towards soft drinks like Coca Cola.

Describe her in three words. An upcoming superstar.

Polly Pocket Height: 15.1hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: James Glew Tournament: The SUPA University Summer Nationals at Offchurch Bury Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Irish Thoroughbred.

How long have you had her? I’ve had her since August 2017.

Photograph by Emmpix

What are her strengths? She is very levelheaded and responds great to the leg in games and is generally a great mare, who is simple to ride and deal with both on and off the ground.

How has she gone this season? This is her first full competitive outdoor season and so far, she has been great – she seems to be getting better every week at the moment.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She hasn´t so far but

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What are your plans for her in the future? Keep playing her as one of my main horses and see how much more she has got to give.

Describe her in three words. Straightforward, handy, greedy.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Grouse Height: 15.1hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Will Lucas Tournament: The Gerald Balding at Cirencester Park Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She was bred in New Zealand by Lochie Hunter.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

How long have you had her? I have had her since April this year.

What are her strengths? She is easy and powerful.

How has she gone this season? This season she has settled in very quickly, especially following her long haul flight!

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet! She’s only just got here!

What are your plans for her in the future? See how she goes this season and keep playing her!

Does she have any special quirks? She doesn’t like being caught in the paddock and she loved a buck at the start of the season.

Describe her in three words. Needy, greedy, sleepy!

What are your plans for him in the future? Keep playing him. I would love to clone Toro so we had a stallion from him.

Physically, he has a lot going for him.

Does he have any special quirks? Not really – he’s a bit grumpy in the lorry.

Toro Height: 15.2hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Satnam Dhillon Tournament: The John Prestwich Cup Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club What is his breeding? He is an English Thoroughbred.

Photograph by Satnam Dhillon

How long have you had him? I have had him since he was three-years-old.

What are his strengths? He has it all – speed, power, handle and also my children learnt to ride with him, stick and balling bareback! He is really so gentle with the children.

How has he gone this season? This is his best season so far.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Nope! Not yet!

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Describe him in three words. Fast, gentle, beast.

Polo Times, July 2019

79

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question on mouth conformation

Mouth Conformation

The pony’s ‘smile’, the length of the lips, determines where the bit sits.

Photograph by Irina Kazaridi

Most players are on Thoroughbreds or TB cross ponies, or ponies of cutting or Argentine gaucho descent.

Photograph by Polo Times

A. Let’s start with looking at the main areas within the pony’s mouth. Ideally in a polo pony, we want to see a relaxed tongue and jaw; this will translate to a relaxed neck, leading on to a relaxed back and free moving hindquarter and shoulder, and a pony that’s more easily manoeuvrable.

The tongue fills the entire mouth, and can be sensitive to pressure; it is a strong muscle and the primary pressure receptor of the bit. With a multitude of nerves transmitting a constant flow of information from the player’s hands to the equine brain, it is the perfect communicator!

All bits utilise some tongue pressure, which encourages flexion at the poll.

Generally, to achieve some tongue relief, the bits sits over the widest section of the bars, situated beneath the tongue, in the pony’s lower jaw.

When looking at a pony with bitting in mind, we can consider the ‘smile’ – the length of the lips. The smile tends to determine the position where the bit sits, e.g. on the widest part of the jaw, with ideally a maximum of two wrinkles above the lips.

Escaping pressure The bars beneath the tongue should ideally be even in height, each the width and shape of a finger, with a two-finger gap in between – this gap provides a recess for the tongue to escape the bit pressure. Average-width jaws can provide tongue relief, as the bars will take up pressure. Wide bars will allow for maximum tongue relief, and a multitude of mouthpiece options for players.

Most high goal players are on Thoroughbreds or TB cross ponies, with many low to medium goal polo ponies being of cutting or Argentine gaucho descent.

Generally speaking, TBs have fairly good mouth conformation, with higher palates and slimmer tongues than their heaver-weight equine cousins. (Some Australian stock horses are also making an appearance in the UK, and from their outward appearance, they also seem to possess good mouth conformation).

In a smaller or finer mount, there could be a narrower jaw, and these ponies are typically more tongue sensitive; it can therefore be more difficult to bit these ponies, as the bars cannot remove the primary tongue pressure.

Also, a pony with narrow bars dictates that more of the tongue is forced up, to take the primary bit pressure, and these equines can be more tricky to bit, sometimes.

The pony’s mouth palate, ideally concave in shape, in general isn’t of too much concern with polo ponies, except in infrequent cases where it is convex, flat or has protruding ridges. The EDT can point these issues out.

I advocate Bombers bits, and all of my ponies are bitted in them – there’s such a big

Photograph by Polo Times

Q. I feel as though, despite being an experienced player of over 20 years, my grooms and I have little real understanding of my ponies’ mouths.

They are all checked at least once a year by an EDT, but I am not even always present when this happens. With more awareness on ‘bitting down’ and not ‘over bitting’, what issues of mouth confirmation would the polo pony commonly have?

Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits

Bombers bits offer a very wide range

Thoroughbreds usually have fairly good mouth conformation, with high palates and slim tongues.

range, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths. While we are on the subject, don’t forget to make sure your bridle is also suited to the pony’s head conformation – our Stephen’s Polo Snaffle Bridle or the Stephen’s Rope Cavesson both work very well with the Bombers Bit range, and look very smart.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, using a ‘design your own bit’ service.

Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Message the Facebook page – facebook.com/SBBITS – or email Stephen at info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013

Fat for Function Stem cells as a hope for arthritis

characteristics that help to promote a healing environment throughout the body.

Why fat?

• Fat is minimally invasive to harvest • Some people have a lot of extra fat • Fat is the highest quality tissue • Fat has 100 to 500 times more reparative cells than other similar tissue.

• Research has shown that as a person ages, their fat maintains its reparative properties unlike other similar tissue, such as bone marrow, which may lose healing capacity with age

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

Many riders suffer from degenerative changes in their joints after or even during their career. The joint, which is critical for riding, is the knee joint, as the stable link between the horse and the rider. Over the last few decades, scientists have been researching knee cartilage and trying to grow it in the lab to use for reconstruction in a diseased joint. Now with stem cells – the body’s raw materials — other cells with specialised functions can be built.

Under the right conditions in the body or in

the laboratory, stem cells divide to create more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialised cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as muscle, cartilage or bone cells. No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.

With the innovative and next generation adipose tissue technology that is used to harvest, concentrate and transfer a patient’s own fat for the repair, reconstruction and replacement of injured or damaged tissue can occur. Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, has many natural reparative

Riders' legs mostly carry the weight unilaterally

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Polo Times, July 2019

Innovative technology can help those prone to arthritis

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Sterile injection of the filtrated fat into the knee joint

Filtrated fat

What kind of physician for the procedure?

An orthopaedic surgeon is an expert with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors who have a formal education in conservative and operative treatments.

Board-certified orthopaedic surgeons must maintain their certification with continuous, life-long learning and demonstrating their expertise.

Results

An autologous and micro-fragmented adipose (Fat) tissue injection is an innovative

and safe approach for the management of diffuse degenerative knee chondropathy in the mid-term with reduction in pain and progressive gain in function.

In a recent study Dr. A. Russo (Italy) stated that the results compared to preoperative values, more than 50 percent of the patients improved at least 20 points in all the considered scores, and, surprisingly, 55 percent of the patients improved at least 30 points in the VAS pain scale.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas KrĂźger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch

Sterile syringe ready for injection

Technique

Fat Harvesting Procedure In a minimally invasive and immediate procedure, the physician will make a tiny puncture through the skin and collect a small amount of fat from either the midsection or ‘love handles’. Next, the collected fat will be processed using only sterile saline solution to remove contaminants. During this process, the fat is washed, rinsed and resized into smaller clusters while keeping the natural beneficial properties of the fat.

With this process, the micro-fragments of the fat are ideal to facilitate healing in the treatment site. The physician will then use a small needle to inject the tissue into the treatment site. For patients that suffer from orthopaedic conditions in multiple areas of their body, devices can easily process the fat tissue to be used in those areas. www.polotimes.co.uk

Individual warm-up is essential and lowers the injury risk

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Yard Focus – Will Lucas

For this month’s article I have found myself at Longdole Polo Club near Cirencester which I have been fortunate enough to visit regularly over the last few years. I’ve recently been quite involved with a string of horses owned

by Will Lucas. Will is a 4 goal player, who can be seen playing at clubs up and down the country.

Will’s horses are overseen by Megan Payne – they are not the most straight

forward string when it comes to feeding and have had me with my thinking cap on a few occasions! One product working for all really does not suit in this instance and thank goodness Megan tries my suggestions and lets me know if they work or not!

They all live out at night and in by day, with haylage available to them at all times.

They are stabled the night before they play, but still with haylage accessible at all times.

When they play, they all travel with haylage nets on their way home, and on arrival at a ground they will all have a good pick of grass, as they are fussy about eating chaff, so the grass is a compromise to satisfy their need to eat fibre!

Out of a string of nine ponies, Megan thought it would be good to focus on four that are all so different and have very different nutritional requirements…

Reeba

is a 15hh, 13-year-old. She has been with Will for six years, originating from Andre Vianini. She has a few Pony Prizes to her name as well – FIP BPP in Chantilly, France, in 2017; BPP at Stoneythorpe Cup Victor Ludorum 2018 and Cirencester Park Pony of the Season 2016.

Reeba generally holds her weight well, however, she can go off her food and become very picky mid-season, thus becoming very hollow in the flanks and then her performance is affected and she lacks energy. Initially, I thought we could decrease the bulk of her hard feed to increase her appetite, or change the feed to a different mix or a cube, but what I felt she needed most was to encourage her to eat more fibre, so wanted to increase her appetite by providing more B vitamins in her diet. We decided to give her a course of Foal Assist Plus, which is a drench high in B vitamins (designed for foals and adult horses), to stimulate her appetite for fibre and in turn her hard feed. For the last two seasons she has had a course of Foal Assist Plus that last five days, and she is back to her normal self, with plenty of energy again!

Diet • 2 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Baileys No.6 All-Round Endurance Mix per day • 3 measuring mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer per day • ½ a scoop of Fibre Beet per feed

Sea

is a 10-year-old, 16.1hh, bred at Lovelocks Stud and is full brother to Lovelocks Sex (BPP at the Gold Cup Final 2018). He is such a big horse, but is very athletic on the polo field, having good energy levels and frequently plays a full chukka. He generally holds his condition well but can tuck up and become a little light during busy periods of polo.

Sea can also become a little picky so over facing him with hard feed would put him off his food, particularly mid-season, therefore Megan will give him extra Fibre-Beet for him to pick at, therefore increasing his calorie intake but not energy levels and not over-facing him with hard feed.

Diet • 2 heaped Stubbs scoops of Baileys No.6 All-Round Endurance Mix per day • 4 measuring mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer per day • ½ a scoop of Fibre-Beet per feed

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Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

Savannah

is 14-years-old, 15.2hh and a New Zealand Thoroughbred who arrived in the UK three-years-ago. Will played her as a young horse in New Zealand and then brought her to the UK. Quite an uptight individual, living off her adrenaline perhaps, she has had gastric ulcers in the past that have been treated successfully. She is really picky with her feed, she doesn’t eat her forage well and to no surprise, she struggles to maintain her condition.

Megan and I have tried so many different feeds with Savannah – cubes, mixes, chaff-based feeds, everything! But we always have to be mindful that she needs a low starch diet to not aggravate ulcers, and high fibre to compensate for the forage she doesn’t always eat. Our recent attempt is a product called Keep Calm which contains Speedi-Beet and some herbal oils for palatability, which is soaked. Thankfully, she loves it! To increase her fibre intake, she also has access to Ultra Grass in a separate bucket when stabled, which she picks at.

She does not like oil added to her ration so increasing her calorie intake through oil supplements or straight oil is not an option. As we are limited as to how much Keep Calm she will actually eat we are topping up her ration with a balancer, thus ensuring her diet is supporting her workload, muscle development and integrity. She is also on a prebiotic supplement to assist the beneficial bacteria in the hind gut to digest fibre efficiently.

Savannah is now going the best she has ever gone, looking the best she has done, and feeling well in soundness and joints as well.

The very low energy, low starch diet is benefitting her hugely.

Diet • 2 heaped Stubbs scoops of soaked Baileys Keep Calm per day • 4 measuring mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer per day • 2-3 scoops of Baileys Ultra Grass – in a separate bowl for her to pick at when stabled • 2 measures of Digest Plus prebiotic per day

Grouse

is a eight-year-old, 15.1hh, New Zealand mare bred by Lachie Hunter. She only arrived in the UK in April and has already won the Polo Times BPP in The Gerald Balding Final! Being a first season horse, she is holding her weight well, but it is something to always keep an eye on as they adjust to the UK climate, grasses/forage and hard feed. Upon arrival we wanted to ensure she was being fed a calorie-based feed, but not too high in starch as she settled into UK life, so Megan put her onto AllRound Endurance Mix. She has put on condition, has enough energy and the feed seems to be suiting her so far this season.

Two scoops of All-Round Endurance Mix are not enough to support a horse in hard work, so we have topped up with a balancer to ensure she is getting the correct nutritional support.

She has played and travelled a lot recently so Megan has wisely increased the balancer to support her (fitness and immunity) during a busy time of polo and will cut it back by a mug again when she is not travelling and playing so much.

Diet • 2 Stubbs scoops of Baileys No.6 All-Round Endurance Mix per day • 4 measuring mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer per day • ½ a scoop of Fibre Beet per feed To read more about Grouse, turn to the Best Playing Pony pages

All of Megan’s horses are fed electrolytes, not every day, but on days when they are playing or working hard, either in a wet feed or in their water buckets. We very much try to focus on

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not overfeeding in any meal, and split the feeds over three meals per day if necessary, therefore not filling the stomach and reducing digestibility of the hard feed.

At Longdole Polo Club, fibre is very much

a part of the horse’s diet to support the needs of the equine digestive tract.

C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

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Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Understanding Polo Basics

Plane of Swing

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

When I ask students, “Do you know what the plane of the swing is”, and their response is, “Welllllll, haaaaaaa, yeahhhhhhh, I think I do.”

Right away, I know that they probably do not know what it is, and even if they guess the answer correctly, they probably have no understanding of the significance that the plane serves to the purpose of hitting the polo ball.

To help students understand the concept of the plane of swing, I compare the plane to a huge sheet of glass, which has cut the ball in half, vertically. The purpose of the plane of swing, or sheet of glass, is to align the swing in the exact direction the ball is to travel from the mallet head.

For the purpose of this article, assume you are hitting a straight forward offside fore shot.

A significant factor of the plane of swing concept is that the mallet head be established on the plane at the very top of the downswing, with the mallet head pointing in the exact direction the ball is to leave the mallet head. Once the plane has been established, the mallet head should remain on that plane through contact with the ball, and up to the top of the follow through.

You should be aware of two major factors that negatively affect establishing the mallet head on the plane. The first is, having a fist, or tight, grip on the mallet handle before the downswing is initiated. The fist grip causes the handle to come out of the hand perpendicular to the hand, causing the mallet head to be pushed to the outside of the plane during the downswing, only to have to be brought back to the plane before reaching the ball.

Contrastingly, a softer and open-handed pistol grip has the handle laying diagonally across the palm of your hand, facilitating the mallet head staying on the plane at the point of contact with the ball.

The second negative factor is rotating your torso and shoulders to too great a degree within the process of moving the mallet back and up to the top of the downswing. When your shoulders are rotated to too great a degree, your mallet

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Fist Grip

Open Handed or Pistol Grip

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Playing Tips

hand is typically forced to be reaching up and directly above your horse’s spine. That is definitely too far to the inside of where the plane should be, which is on the vertical plane that is cutting the ball in half. And according to Memo Gracida, the ball, when contacted, should be approximately sixteen inches from your foot; which is suggesting to me, that if the ball and the plane are that far out from the horse, your hand and the mallet head must also be that far out.

By way of your upper body having leaned and rotated well to the right to execute an offside fore shot, your head and your mallet hand should have rotated well back and out to where, upon your arrival at the ball, both are over the ball. Under those conditions, if there were no mallet in your hand, you should be able to place the palm side of your hand flat against the glass on that side closest to you, as though washing the glass.

During the follow through, you would be washing the other side of the glass.

However, consider there is a mallet in your hand; your hand should be positioned in a similar manner on the plane, but with the mallet in your hand. Under those conditions the mallet head should be pressing flat against the plane, or sheet of glass. With the glass, or plane, aligned in the direction you want the ball to travel, you will have gone a long way in establishing the direction in which the ball will be hit.

With the palm side of your hand and the mallet head flush with the plane, or sheet of glass, you have attended to the direction of the hit. Additionally, because of the way you must position your wrist and your shoulder to have the palm side of your hand flush with the plane, you have also attended to the power of the swing. That is true because, with the palm side of your hand flush against the plane, at the top of the downswing, you have incorporated the three angles of your wrist, as well as the three angles of your shoulder. The combination of those six angles working in unison adds significantly to the power of the swing.

If you were hitting an offside neck shot, the plane of swing concept applies similarly.

The difference being that you would have to change your body positioning in the saddle to accommodate for the plane of the neck shot.

The plane of swing concept applies to all twelve shots we use in polo; with, the difference from one shot to another being the way you position yourself in the saddle and the alignment of the plane.

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Knowledge

Plane of swing illustration A

Plane of swing illustration B

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Knowledge

First Introduction to Weight & Rider

Zimbabwean born Shane Borland has made a name for himself backing and developing young horses for some of the UK’s most illustrious yards. Having begun his equine career in polocrosse and later gone on to champion the world stages in reining, Borland has spent his life pursuing knowledge of exceptional horsemanship and reining his training programme accordingly. Over the next few issues, Shane will share the details of his successful Pro Start Polo Programme with our readers and in this fourth instalment, he will explain what he aims to achieve and set out his goals in the round pen stage of his ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme

First Introduction to Weight & Rider

Shane’s ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme

This is the fourth step of my round pen stage of my Pro Start Polo programme. I believe this part of the programme gives me a huge advantage in preparing a young horse for a saddle and rider. It is one of the most important things I can do with a young or green horse, as it builds their confidence and makes them extremely quiet and relaxed when being around humans.

Before I ever saddle or ride a young horse for the first time, I always practice a desensitising method to prepare them for the experience of bearing weight and having a rider being up above and behind their eyes. This method will help them to become more accepting and comfortable with me touching them all over their bodies whilst

being desensitised to my weight movements and contact. I don’t believe there is a better method of preparing a young horse to become accepting of weight and touch.

It is amazing to see how quiet and gentle they become after practicing this method thoroughly.

My Aim

I want the young horse to stand still and remain relaxed while I rub him, jump up and down beside him, be able to lie across his withers and along his back as well as to be able to slide off any part of his body.

To achieve my goal, I will apply my method using six separate exercises.

Exercise 1 – Rub and Touch Standing near his shoulder, I will use both hands to rub all over his body, starting at the withers, working along his top line, down his sides and under his belly. I will rub him in a smooth circular motion and be obvious in my actions, without being too hard. I want this to be a enjoyable experience.

Why? As I am rubbing him along and over his body, I am looking out for any negative responses, or 'don’t touch spots’. If I find an area like this which makes him move and become unsettled, I will use an ‘approach and retreat’ method with my hands until he stands still and accepts what I am doing.

Photography courtesy of Shane Borland

Use both hands to rub along the horse’s body

Exercise 2 – Withers and Weight After rubbing him down, I will stand facing his shoulder and rest my elbows on his neck and withers, gently beginning to push down with my arms, applying a little bit of weight. If he keeps his feet still and relaxes, I will retreat lifting my weight off of his withers and rubbing him down. I will continue with this process until I can lift my feet off the ground therefore applying all my weight on his withers.

Why? I am gradually getting him used to the concept of weight. Initially he may choose to move as he balances himself with the weight being applied. At this point I just hold position and wait for him to stand and relax.

Rest your hands on the withers and push down

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First Introduction to Weight & Rider Exercise 3 – Jump and Bump Standing in the same position, I will jump up and down letting my chest and stomach bump against his shoulders with each jump. If he remains standing and relaxed with this exercise, I will stop and rub him down.

Why? I do this because when you eventually go to mount him, you will be really close to him and potentially clumsy in your movement. If he is not prepared for that he will be surprised by you and probably jump away or even towards you, putting you at risk.

Knowledge

Exercise 4 – Up and Over I will jump up and down a few times to warn him and then using my arms to support my weight, I will jump up onto his withers, so my upper body is resting over them. At the same time, I will rub the other side of him using my hand. Each time I jump up, I will begin to swing my legs from side to side, rubbing him along his rib cage and with each swing begin to swing them a little higher along his body, it he remains standing still and relaxed, I will slide down off of him.

Jump on the horse’s withers, so upper body is resting

Jump up and down letting chest bump against body

Why? Horses see separately out of each eye, so it is important for me to rub the opposite side of his body to let him know I am there. You never want to be sneaking up on them, being obvious with your movements lets him know where you are at all times. Swinging your legs against his side, helps desensitise his rib cage to the touch and feel of my leg, which in turn will help when he feels the stirrups or your heals touching him for the first time. This exercise also gets him used to you swinging your leg up higher as you do when getting into the saddle.

Exercise 5 – Plank I will now jump onto his withers and swing my legs back and forth a few times to prepare him. I will then swing all the way up onto his back by first sliding one leg up to run the length of his spine and then the other leg so that I am now lying along his top line.

Key note – At this point, and for safety, it is important to keep my knees together and not let them slide down on either side of his body. I am not trying to ride the horse, I am merely trying to get him used to my weight and touch.

Swing all the way up onto the horse’s back

Exercise 6 – Slide Once lying on his back, I will rub him thoroughly on both sides of his body. I will rub his neck, sides and under his belly as well as anywhere else I can reach. I want this to be a comfortable experience and if he feels relaxed and stands still, I will ‘slide’ off and land by his shoulder. I will repeat this exercise each time, attempting to slide off of his body a little further back towards his hind quarters, each time I slide off I will run my hand over his hind quarters, over his tail and down his hocks preparing him for me to be able to slide off of his hind quarters.

Why? By the time you saddle him and go to ride him for the first time, he will be less worried about you touching any part of his body and will stand quietly and relaxed while you move all over him.

Slide off the horse’s body to the rear

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The horse should stand quietly after these steps, when mounted

Shane Borland Coverwell Farm, Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire, CV35 0QA +44 (0)1789 740119 www.shaneborland.com Polo Times, July 2019

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Sidelines

Gossip

SHE SAID YES!

Arena stalwart and long-time Tidworth member Harold Hodges proposed to girlfriend India Ringer in early June.

Unsurprisingly she said yes! Congratulations to you both!

Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

Mark Tomlinson’s head is feeling a little cool at the moment, after he said goodbye to his locks in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Polo Day at Beaufort Polo Club with the help of Chloe Vestey.

He raised £5,000 for his sacrifice, adding to the whopping £38,416.77 raised during the day. Good work Beaufort!

20 YEARS A CHAMP

On Sunday 16 June, as James Beim celebrated the epic Scone Polo Cartier Queen’s Cup win with his team mates, he took a moment to reflect on his impressive career, sharing a pic from his first Queen’s Cup win in 1999. Long may your career reign James!

CHELSEA HEADS TO BERKSHIRE

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club was centre stage on E4 on Sunday 16 June, as the Made in Chelsea cast played out their social scene on the sidelines. It looks like they got the lion’s share of the summer sun too… lucky devils!

The “Gonzalito” Saddle The Best for the Best Already acclaimed by leading professionals Custom Bridlework is also available to match your team colours

“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless” ™

Enquiries to: Equine Management Ltd Tel: 01825 840002 Email: info@equineman.com

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“ I am proud to put my name to such a superb saddle. The light weight is a fantastic bonus too.”

Gonzalito Pieres

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Trio Manouche

Freddie Ventura, Katherine Smithwick, Jose-Miguel Smith & Simon Chamberlain

Jason Warren & Bianca Stefan

Friday Night Polo; Ham Polo Club; Friday 24 May

Polo, Parties & Pimm’s Rachael & Hugo Davis

This year Ham Polo Club have extended their programme of Friday Night Polo to include seven evenings of food, drink, polo and live music. Their opening event was themed as The Great British Summer and featured Fish & Chips and plenty of Pimm’s in the Clubhouse. Live music from Trio Manouche filled the air and around 300 guests enjoyed a fantastic display of polo. Later in the evening the new house DJ, Credence from the Ministry of Sound, took over and played into the night. An extra bonus for HPA members? Free entry to Ham’s Friday Night Polo sessions!

Benjie Davis

Photography courtesy of Ham Polo Club Ed Courage

Yuca Ashiya & Howard Davis

Louise Brown

Sarah Behrens Jen Baber, Ricardo Massu & Fi Jacob Graham & Glyn Harris-Morgan

Start of Season Cocktail Party; Beaufort Polo Club; Saturday 25 May

Champagne & Cocktails Celebrations for the Beaufort Polo Club’s 30th Anniversary Season kicked off in style with their annual Cocktail Party on Saturday 25th May. Over 130 guests were treated to sparkling champagne from Justerini & Brooks, delicious summery cocktails by British Polo Gin and delicious canapÊs from the Beaufort Clubhouse. Polo gossip was flying around the stands, with excite-ment rife following the first tournaments of the season that weekend. It was a great start to what is set to be a fantastic season, despite the rather inclement weather!

Emma Wood

Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography

Phil & Ali Foster

Simon Tomlinson & John Appleby Fiona & Bruce Burnett with Emma McLaughlin

Alice Carpenter & Joss Ridley

Mark Tomlinson, Rupert Lewis & Harrison Boyd Fern & Simon Bond

Fi Jacob, Lisa Smith & Mhairi Gould

Cata & Luke Tomlinson with Nick Wood & Simon Tomlinson

Hayley Grainger, Kitty Wood & Niul Wood

Piers Plunkett

Charles Ponting

Richie McLernon

Mark & Wilfred Tomlinson

Ellie Harrison

Gloucestershire Festival of Polo; Beaufort Polo Club; 8 – 9 June

Let’s Get Festival!

Simon Ledger

Between 8 – 9 June, polo fans from all walks of life gathered at Beaufort Polo Club to watch an amazing array of polo from youth to international, as well as indulging in everything country pursuits. There was a celebrity match, a youth Final and not one, but two International Test Matches – the pinnacle of polo prowess. Despite horrendous weather forecast, the rain held off for the entire weekend, enabling spectators to lounge on the Beaufort banks, enjoying the sunshine and splendid polo on the pristine field. What’s more, this year the Club had an ingenious plan to improve the fans’ treading-in abilities. Place five diamonds on the field, finders’ keepers! Post-Diamond Dash, sponsored by Walter Bull, the field was returned to its billiard table level self for the remainder of the second day’s international extravaganza. The weekend was an array of polo perfection, spectacular socialising and a seemingly endless sea of smiling faces. What more could you ask for?!

Nick Wood

Photography by Polo Times & Charles Sainsbury Plaice Stephen Hutchinson

Joss Ridley & Simon Tomlinson

George Amor

Ian & Annabelle Salt-Forster with Karl & Emma McGee

Luke, Rufus & Flora Tomlinson

Christopher & Bridget Hanbury

Zahra Hanbury

David Woodd

Alec Robinson

The Wielenga Family

Mike the Mic!

Philip van de Kloot, Maarten Hulsman, Juan Medina & Savine van de Kloot

Marcel Dijkhuizen

The Maxima Cup Final; Polo Club Vreeland, Holland; Sunday 9 June

Polo Goes Dutch Polo is growing in popularity in The Netherlands at a rate of knots. This year’s Maxima Cup Final was testament to that, as the best and brightest of Holland’s polo scene gathered to celebrate all things polo, with a dash of glamour thrown in. Organiser Aki van Andel, took to the field during the day’s proceedings, as well as entertaining the crowd on the mic. Peroni and Collet Champagne were on hand to refresh everyone’s glasses and as the matches ended, the music was turned up for the annual shindig, known to go into the wee hours.

Photography by Do Not Say Cheese Photography

Pieter Hessels & Dennis Moolenburgh

Wytse Bonnema & Benjie the dog

Tim van de Kimmenade & Tino Huet

Aki van Andel & Joop ter Harmsel Tak

Ruud Koehorst, Rainier Beyleveldt, Santiago Shanahan & Zöe Janssen

Willem Immink, Boudewijn Brouns & Jim Souren

Gonzalo Santamarina

Matthijn van der Pas

Dirk Dekker & Doryan Daamen

Laurens Brouns

Sean Cody & Dennis van Bekhoven

Lila Pearson

Rodrigo Andrade, Milo Fernandez-Arauja & Juan Martín Zubía

Andy Hine & Jim Gilmore

The King Power Gold Cup Draw; Cowdray House, Midhurst; Monday 10 June

Gold Cup Here We Go! The Draw for the 2019 King Power Gold Cup for The British Open Polo Championship was held on a noticeably damp evening, the perfect start to the British summer, we think not! A large turnout of this year’s players from around the world attended to see how the draw would fall for their side, as representatives from each team went forward to draw into one of two leagues. Post-draw, players, patrons, managers and guests talked into the night, discussing the tournament ahead and all the excitement of the season so far, with all its curve balls. The Gold Cup is set to be an exciting tournament, with the ultimate winners anyone’s guess at this stage!

Photography by Mark Beaumont Chris Bethell

Claire Milford Haven & Stefanie Brown

Liz Higgins, Lucie Horto & Nico Avalos

Charles Pearson & Melanie Vere-Nicoll

Facundo Sola & Facundo Pieres

Janey Delow

Roderick Vere Nicoll

Veronica & Gaston Lauhlé

Nacho Gonzalez, Bautista Urbina, Tincho Merlos & Negro de Lusarreta

Elliot Mactaggart & Ollie Pask

Jack Hyde, Hugo Lewis & Nikolai Bahlsen

Jimbo Fewster, Gus Dalla Mura & Gus Place

James Mann & Georgia Sweeney Louise Doyle, Sophie Skilling, Fi Watson, Charlotte Oastler & Jessica Worthington-Hunt

Steph Price & Maxi Zapico

Royston Prisk’s Queen’s Cup After Party; Club 1 Ascot; Sunday 16 June

Return of the Prisk Annabel McNaught Davis & Charlotte Sweeney

What would the high goal be without a good after party thrownin? Royston Prisk worked his magic at the newly refurbished Club 1 Ascot, following Scone Polo’s epic win at Guards Polo Club, welcoming the teams and their huge supporting networks to dance to DJ Paul Linney’s tunes until their feet gave up. The best names in polo were in attendance, with stars like Hilario Ulloa and Glen Gilmore seen throwing some serious shapes and Fernet Branca, champagne and delicious cocktails were in abundance. We are sure there’s some great gossip from the evening, but mum’s the word from the attendees. One thing’s for sure, there ain’t no party like a Royston Prisk party!

Photography by Chloe Martin Photography

Jess van der Velde, Christie Smith & Lauren Adler

Tiffany Lucket

Pete Webb & Royston Prisk

Glen Gilmore

Philipp Mosimann

Jessica French & Josh Green

Brian Stein

Andrew & Sanchia Blake-Thomas with Clementine

Anton Mosimann

Glen Gilmore

Claire Milford-Haven

The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final; Guards Polo Club; Sunday 16 June

First Time's The Charm

Jock Green-Armytage & Col Stuart Cowen

This month has been the wettest June on record, but the polo fans were not to be deterred, as the summer showers held off just long enough for the polo world to be rocked on the pristine Guards Polo Club fields. Scone Polo, on their first outing in the UK high goal, fought against all the odds to trounce their double runner-up rivals Park Place and take their position next to HM The Queen grasping The Cartier Queen’s Cup aloft in triumph. With two Brits making up half of the line-up, to say the home crowd were pleased is a giant understatement, as an elated roar set Windsor Great Park on fire as the final bell sounded. HM The Queen beamed a radiant smile as she presented the trophy to a delighted David Paradice, patron of Scone Polo. The entire day was one of jubilation and celebration, with polo gossip flying around the stands, old friends reacquainting and team members eyeing each other up ahead of the next high goal instalment.

Chris Jackson & Neil Hobday with guests

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

HM The Queen Freddie Horne & Bettina Bahlsen

Pepe Heguy & Gonzalito Pieres

Kate, Lauren, James Beim & family

Bruce Merivale-Austin, Somruedee Yoenram & family Omar Jose Albonoz Ed Westwick

Gemma Coleman

Omar Glen Gilmore Jose Albonoz

Eleanor Tomlinson

12 Andy Hine

Max Kirchhoff

James Harper

Lucy Taylor

Becky Cronin

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07/07/19 07/07/19

06/07/19 06/07/19

07/07/19 07/07/19

06/07/19 08/07/19 09/07/19 09/07/19 10/07/19 12/07/19 12/07/19 12/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19

14/07/19 14/07/19 20/07/19 21/07/19 11/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 21/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19

Summer Cup The 4 Goal Cup Orchard Portman Trophy Stepien Lake Tournament The Gilks Trophy Phillimore Trophy Tai Tai Tournament Chestnut Group Tournament

4 0-4 -2-2 0-2 0-2 -4-0 -4-0 -4-0

13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19 13/07/19

14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19

The MADE Trophy Summer League Manlein Cup

-6 - -2 -4 - 0 -2-2 & -6- -2 12-15 0-4 6-10 0-4 4-6 3-4

13/07/19 13/07/19 14/07/19

14/07/19 25/08/19 14/07/19

Tidworth

15/07/19 16/07/19 16/07/19 16/07/19 18/07/19 20/07/19

03/08/19 25/07/19 28/07/19 04/08/19 27/07/19 21/07/19

Tidworth

Harrison Cup Ponting Pot Social Cup The Crawford Cup Dent Cup The Harvest Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

Club White Waltham Edgeworth Taunton Silver Leys Cheshire Cowdray Cowdray Cirencester Black Bears Guards White Waltham Druids Lodge Beaufort Cambridge County Kirtlington Rutland Beaufort Rutland Emsworth Binfield Heath Cheshire Cheshire Tidworth Ham Druids Lodge Cirencester

Tournament Name Telemark Polo Tournament Midsummer Plate Royal Aden Cup Mid Summer Cup Rybrook Jaguar Cup Challenge Cup Holden White Challenge Cup Doug Brown Cup Culden Faw Challenge Cup Town & County Championship The Cedar Polo Trophy Emerson Trophy The Bat Cup Fen Tiger Tournament Secretaries Cup Preston Lodge Bowl Intro Tournament Belvoir Cup The Generation’s Cup (By Invitation Only) Summer Festival Jean Kewley Trophy/ Causway Racing Chukka Challenge Family Challenge Cup Argentine Club Cup Rose Bowl Jack Williams Cup

Handicap 0-2 0-2 0-2 -2-0 -4-2 15-18 4-8 0-6 10 4-8 4-6 1-2 0-10 2-4, -2-2 & -6- -2 6-8 0-4 -2-2 -4-0 Open

Start Date 20/07/19 20/07/19 20/07/19 20/07/19 21/07/19 22/07/19 22/07/19 23/07/19 23/07/19 23/07/19 24/07/19 25/07/19 25/07/19 26/07/19

End Date 21/07/19 21/07/19 21/07/19 21/07/19 21/07/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 11/08/19 11/08/19 28/07/19 28/07/19 04/08/19 28/07/19

26/07/19 27/07/19 27/07/19 27/07/19 27/07/19

28/08/19 28/07/19 28/07/19 28/07/19 28/07/19

0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 & 15 -4-2

28/07/19

28/07/19

28/07/19

28/07/19

-8 - -5 Open 2-4 3-4 0-4

28/07/19 28/07/19 30/07/19 30/07/19 30/07/19

28/07/19 28/07/19 04/08/19 04/08/19 11/08/19

WOMEN’S POLO Beaufort

WIP Ladies League

0-8

05/07/19

07/07/19

Cowdray

Open 10-14 & 0-8 6-12

06/07/19

20/07/19

06/07/19

07/07/19

Cowdray

British Ladies Open VL Womens Festival Charity Weekend British Ladies Championships

06/07/19

20/07/19

Blueys

Ladies Tournament

Open

10/07/19

11/07/19

Cirencester

Ladies Tournament

8-12

23/07/19

03/08/19

Cirencester

12-18

23/07/19

04/08/19

12-18

29/07/19

10/08/19

RCBPC

The International Ladies VL The Beaufort Ladies Tournament VL Polo Festival Ladies VL

18

12/08/19

17/08/19

Kirtlington

Thorneloe Ladies

6-8

17/08/19

18/08/19

Guards

Ladies Charity Polo Victrix Ludorum 12-18

20/08/19

31/08/19

New Forest

Beaufort

Polo Club Saint-Tropez Women’s International II

10-14

25/06/19

30/06/19

Cheshire

Mu Kershaw Memorial Cup

Open

26/08/19

26/08/19

Kirtlington Rutland

WIP La Rosada Ladies Ladies Polo Day

6-8 Open

18/05/19 19/05/19 27/05/19 27/05/19

RAF Development v Army Development Rundle Cup (RN v ARMY) & ICOA Trophy (CSPA v RSA) Indian Cavalry Officers Trophy (CSPA v Visting Int. Side) Finals - Inter-Regimental

Open

08/07/19 08/07/19

Open

13/07/19 13/07/19

Open

13/07/19 13/07/19

Open

14/07/19 14/07/19

Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy Armt v KPPC Captains and Subalterns

Open

20/07/19 20/07/19

Open

20/07/19 21/07/19

MILITARY Tidworth

Guards Kirtlington Tidworth

Polo Times, July 2019

99

Polo directory YOUTH Nashville

National Youth Tournament Series

Open

02/07/19 04/07/19

Kirtlington

SUPA Britain v KPPC Stephen Towler Trophy

Open

20/07/19 20/07/19

France Polo Club Saint-Tropez Domaine du Chantilly Polo Club Saint-Tropez

International Polo Cup Saint-Tropez 8-10 & 12-15 Tournoi de Juillet 209 8-10

04/07/19

14/07/19

International Test Matches

05/07/19

28/07/19

Club RCBPC

Open de Gassin

18/07/19

28/07/19

2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates

8-10 & 12-15

America Aspen Valley NYC Polo Club

Western Regional Classic Northeastern Circuit Constitution Cup Robert Skene Silver Cup America Cup

10-14 8

01/07/19 06/07/19

31/07/19 21/07/19

12-16 16-20 12-16

12/07/19 24/07/19 26/07/19

21/07/19 11/08/19 11/08/19

XXVI Enrique Zobel Memorial

Open

04/07/19 07/07/19

48 Torneo Internacional de Polo

Open

24/07/19 31/08/19

Santa Barbara Aspen Valley Santa Barbara

Spain Santa Maria Polo Club Santa Maria Polo Club

Beach Polo Sandbanks

British Beach Polo Championships

Open

12/07/19 13/07/19

Social Events Edgeworth Polo Club

Edgefest Summer Party

03/08/19

Beaufort

30th Anniversary Ball

16/08/19

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, won The Queen’s Cup in 1986 with Les Diables Bleus.

22+ Goal Cowdray 18 Goal Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cowdray 15 Goal Guards RCBPC Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort Cirencester Guards Cirencester Cowdray 8 Goal Cirencester Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Beaufort Kirtlington Ham Cirencester 4 Goal Rutland Cheshire Druids Lodge

Tournament Coronation Cup

Start Date 27/07/19

End Date 27/07/19

The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

25/06/19

21/07/19

Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Challenge Cup

20/05/19 12/06/19 02/07/19 22/07/19

09/06/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19

Royal Windsor Cup Eduardo Moore Trophy Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas

04/06/19 25/06/19 15/07/19 07/08/19 20/08/19

23/06/19 14/07/19 03/08/19 17/08/19 01/09/19

Dollar Cup John Prestwich Prince of Wales The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League

13/05/19 01/06/19 17/06/19 01/07/19 03/08/19 27/08/19 09/09/19

05/06/19 15/06/19 29/06/19 13/07/19 18/08/19 08/09/19 22/09/19

Gerald Balding Archie David Julian & Howard Hipwood Holden White Wichenford Bowl

14/05/19 04/06/19 03/07/19 22/07/19 13/08/19

27/05/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19 25/08/19

Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Trophy Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup

04/06/19 01/08/19 13/08/19 26/08/19

15/06/19 11/08/19 25/08/19 07/09/19

Assam Cup Junior County Cup Rose Bowl

24/06/19 08/07/19 30/07/19

30/06/19 14/07/19 04/08/19

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

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 100 Polo Times, July 2019

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Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Starting his polo career, quietly in the depths of Cowdray, Kian Hall has risen to play with every single one of the world’s greatest players, and what’s more, he has been taken under the wing of the big man himself, Adolfo Cambiaso, riding out for Valiente in tournaments across the handicap board and the world. We caught up with him as he took a season away from the Cambiaso organisation, riding out for La Bamba de Areco in the UK high goal What is your biggest passion and why? At the moment, polo, because I love everything about it. It is such a great life.

Favourite film?

Transformers.

Favourite celebrity? Roger Federer.

Favourite song/ album? Anything

by Eminem.

Favourite food / dish? Hoisin duck wrap.

Favourite hobby outside of polo? Spending time with my family and friends.

Most prized possession? My dog Freddie.

Best holiday destination? Spain.

Best pony? Luna, on my string at the moment

What is your all-time best polo memory?

Winning The Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2016 with Dubai.

Who were/are your favourite team mates and why? I am loving the team I’m playing with at the moment, La Bamba, but it has always been amazing playing with Cambiaso too.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Not really, but I do have a routine before big matches.

Describe yourself in three words…

Hard-working, passionate, determined.

Hardest opponent? This season, it is 100 percent Facu Pieres.

Which sports do you like outside of polo? Tennis.

I played a lot when I was younger.

104 Polo Times, July 2019

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