Polo Times July 2012

Volume 17 • Issue 6 • July 2012 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cartier Queen’s Cup: Cambiaso wins record eighth title PT p1 cover JM MB PJ MB.indd 1

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T: (86) 22 8372 8888 F: (86) 22 8371 7733

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Contents

50

32

Contacts Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Sub editor John O’Sullivan john@polotimes.co.uk Assistant editor Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk Advertising manager Duncan Wilson duncan@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

July 2012 News

Youth polo

10 All the latest news

66 Polo at Marriners

12 Obituaries: Hugh Dawnay and Glen Percy

68 SUPA University National Championships

18 News special: Westerlands

71 SUPA Junior Schools Championships

20 The big picture

Knowledge

Comment

72 Playing around: West Wycombe Park

22 Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

76 Know your horse

24 Herbert Spencer’s Global view

78 How to spend it

26 Arthur Douglas-Nugent’s Umpire’s corner

80 Book review: Horace A Laffaye’s Polo in Britain, A History

28 Your views: four pages of letters Art editor

12

74 Know your game

Sidelines

Features

82 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know

32 Interview with James Beim as he teaches polo newcomers Blake

84 Social: Guards Polo Club special; and the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

PJ Seccombe pj@polotimes.co.uk

38 H igh-goal ponies – the horses to watch at the Gold Cup

86 Social: PJ’s Party; the St Regis Cowdray Test; and British Polo Day in St Tropez

Subscriptions

Reports

88 Social: Polo at Marriners; SUPA Nationals; and Cheltenham College Polo Day

46 Cover story: Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

90 What’s on 98 Passions: Chris Bethell

Nicki Averill nickiaverill@polotimes.co.uk Marketing & PR

Sarah Foster sarah@polotimes.co.uk Accounts Philippa Hunt - accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Tel: 01993 886885 Fax: 01993 882660

www.polotimes.co.uk

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50 The start of the Test Match season at Cowdray Park and Beaufort

56 MINT Polo in the Park, London 58 Home and abroad

Cover photograph: Her Majesty the Queen hands Adolfo Cambiaso his eighth Queen’s Cup winners medal as Cartier UK’s Francois Le Troquer and Arnaud Bamberger look on. By Tim Griffiths

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from the Editor Those of us within proximity of the Windsor and Ascot area have been royally treated in the last month.

Though few would have bet against Dubai before the Cartier Queen’s Cup, the team’s eventual victory was anything but plain sailing as spectators enjoyed one of the UK’s most open high-goal tournaments in recent years. As many as nine or 10 teams looked competitive enough to genuinely believe they had a chance of lifting the 52-year-old trophy, and it bodes well for the culmination of the Gold Cup in the next few weeks.

A further treat for horse-lovers came in the week that Polo Times went to press – sadly for those of us in the office – when the Sir Henry Cecil-trained thoroughbred Frankel romped to victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot by a devastating 11 lengths over what is only a one-mile race. Jockey Tom Queally immediately pointed to the four-year-old stallion, now unbeaten in 11 races, as he rode him on a lap of honour in front of his delighted supporters watching from the enormous sweeping grandstand.

The plaudits that have rained down on Frankel since, though richly deserved, have reminded me just what a shame it is that the sheer number of horses involved in polo means they each rarely get the recognition they deserve. Thus, with that in mind, our rundown in this issue of a selection of the top high-goal mounts to keep your eye on in the Gold Cup will hopefully help readers of Polo Times appreciate the contribution of some of the horses in action more fully. Turn to pages 38-44.

However, putting things in some considerable perspective since we last produced an issue of the magazine, it was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Major Hugh Dawnay. A proud Irishman and a fine player in his day, as was his father before him and his sons since, these days Dawnay is probably most fondly remembered as a passionate and devoted coach, and as the author of two books on the tactics and theoretical nature of polo, which were – and continue to be – extremely well received.

A great innovator and with an infectious enthusiasm, he – along with wife Maria-Ines – was a valuable friend and supporter of Polo Times for a great many years, and will be sorely missed.

Poignantly, his friend Chris Ashton (a long-time contributor to Polo Times himself) pens Hugh’s obituary on page 12 and Clare Milford Haven provides an amusing anecdote and leaves her own tribute on page 22.

Dawnay’s loss will be keenly felt by many of us.

Tweet me: @mullanitunder Email me: jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk 10

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News

HPA challenges

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OLO ASSOCIATIONS AND insurers have challenged conclusions of a university undergraduate’s survey that the sport is “seventeen times more dangerous than any other type of equestrian pursuit” and that polo injuries are on the increase, writes Herbert Spencer.

The June issue of Polo Times reported on the final year dissertation of Kimberley Gallagher at the University of Greenwich in which she surveyed polo injuries in the UK, a creditable academic effort given the current lack of any professional study on the subject, but one that has opened up a lively – though important – debate.

“We seriously question the methodology of this survey, including its small cohort of only 300 out of some

the dramatic increase in the number of members and amount of polo played in the last 15 years.

“Polo is the only contact equestrian sport, with the added risks from sticks and balls. Our rules are focused on making the game as safe as possible.

Inevitably, however, in such a physical game played at considerable speeds, knocks and bruises are not uncommon.

“But no way is polo, as this survey concludes, 17 times more dangerous than other horse sports such as steeple chasing, flat racing, eventing and hunting where, sadly, there are many more serious life changing accidents”.

Piers Plunket of equestrian insurers Lycetts concurs with Woodd. “I assess risks as part of my business, so I keep a close eye on accidents,” Plunket said. “I

“The HPA receives reports from clubs at the end of every season and there have been no indications of an increase in serious injuries” – David Woodd 4,000 players in the UK, and its gloomy conclusions” said David Woodd, chief executive of the HPA. “The HPA receives reports from clubs at the end of every season and there have been no indications of an increase in serious injuries,” Woodd said, “especially when compared with

find no evidence that polo playing injuries generally are on the increase.”

“There does appear to have been an increase in players being hit in the face or teeth by a stick in the last couple of years,” Woodd admitted. “We think that this is partly due to a change in the rules, which we are now correcting.”

Change to Polo Times subscription costs AS RECENTLY PUBLISHED in our weekly subscriber newsletters, we are being forced to raise our cover price due to the recent increase in postage introduced by the Royal Mail. This will be the first change in more than five years, during which time the magazine has increased in size by more than 50 per cent.

The new price for UK subscribers will be £65 – or £115 for two years. This subscription not only includes 10 issues of the world’s leading polo magazine, but also our weekly newsletter, access

to the online version of the magazine and discount rates for our popular classified adverts.

So, hopefully in polo terms, subscribers will still agree it makes for excellent value for money.

Subscribers based overseas should please contact Sarah Foster for more info: w E mail sarah@polotimes.co.uk or call +44 1993 886885 www.polotimes.co.uk

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News

injury survey results Meanwhile, there was a similar reaction to the study from Mauricio Fernandez-Funes, executive director of the Asociación Argentina de Polo. “We see no increase in polo injuries here,” he said, “and how can anyone claim that polo is 17 times more dangerous than sports such as three-day eventing without serious studies for comparison?”

Photographs by Paul Froud and from facebook

However, Plunket laments the fact that there have been no in-depth professional studies of injuries either in polo or in other horse sports so that valid comparisons can be made. “Proper studies should be based on medical evidence, covering only injuries that require medical attention, and not on the responses of a relatively few polo players who list ‘bruising’ as their most frequent ‘injury’,” he said.

Tragedy in Tennessee

w There’s news of injuries in the UK on page 83 Dr Craig Ferrell died from injuries sustained playing polo

James Beim, who was in the wars in the Queen’s Cup group stages, gives a full interview to Polo Times on pages 32-36

www.polotimes.co.uk

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AN OLYMPIC DOCTOR died at the end of May from injuries he sustained after a fall during a polo match. Dr Craig Ferrell was playing near his home in Franklin, Tennessee, when his horse reportedly stopped abruptly and he fell off. The 62-year-old orthopaedic surgeon served as the US equestrian team doctor for more than 15 years, including at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He was also an internationally recognised sports medicine expert.

He was the founder of the Bone and Joint Clinic at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville – the hospital he was rushed to following his fall. He died a few days later after suffering neck and spinal injuries.

Dr Ferrell is survived by his wife Lorraine, his two sons Jon and Aaron, and his extended family, the youngest member of which – he and Lorraine’s first grandchild – was born on 23 May, the day of his accident.

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News

Obituaries

Major Hugh Dawnay The well-loved coach, author and former British Army polo captain died in late May but his influence on the game around the world will never be forgotten, writes Chris Ashton

I

n 2009 the 20 Stewards of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) unanimously conferred honorary life membership of the HPA on Major Hugh Dawnay. Surrounded by family at his country home in County Waterford, Ireland, Major Dawnay died on Monday 28 May, aged 79.

In the words of HPA chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers: “Hugh Dawnay is, and always will be, a legend in the polo community.

He has blessed us with a set of practical books on the tactics of the sport unrivalled by any other.

“From those who played with him, to those who took his wonderful coaching sessions with all four players tied together with a piece of rope, few will forget the unbridled enthusiasm he displayed for our sport throughout his life. He is one of the game’s great characters. He is a sad loss.”

From his parents’ forebears, both maternal and paternal, he was descended from AngloIrish stock, of whom some, under British rule, were ennobled. His ancestors served the British armed forces, its cavalry regiments in particular; engaged in politics and farmed in County Waterford.

He was born on 17 December 1932, the son of Lady Katherine Nora de le Poer Beresford and her husband Major General

Sir David Dawnay. Educated at Stonehouse Primary School and Eton College, he was enrolled in Sandhurst Royal Military Academy where his father was Commandant.

Commissioned into his father’s old regiment, the 10th Hussars (now the Royal Hussars), he served 21 years in postings such as Germany, Jordan and Aden (part of modern-day Yemen).

Committed to sports of every stripe, especially equestrian sports, in his youth as an amateur jockey he won at such illustrious racing venues as Aintree and Cheltenham.

Polo, however, was his consuming passion. By

Few will forget the unbridled enthusiasm he displayed for our sport throughout his life 1966, 33-years-old and playing off three goals, he was captain of his regiment and the British Army polo team, and with his sights set on scaling the very pinnacle of the British game.

Supporting him was his father, who in the 1930s with a seven-goal handicap, won the British and Indian Inter-regimental tournaments, as well as winning a silver medal with the British team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In

post-war Britain, General Dawnay chaired British Army polo, and following retirement, was appointed general manager of Ascot Racecourse, allowing him to offer Hugh somewhere to stable his ponies while pursuing his high-goal ambitions.

This hope was abruptly dashed by Hugh’s appointment to command an armoured-car squadron with the British Army in the occupied Rhineland in Germany. “You don’t decline a command in order to pursue your polo,” he shrugged, “But in hindsight it was all for the best.” First at the fledgling Dusseldorf Polo Club and then in Hamburg he discovered his flair for coaching in polo, harnessing basic army instruction techniques.

The 1970s were the watershed years. In 1971 he married Maria-Ines Cermesoni, of Salta, Argentina, who bore him two sons, David (in 1972) and Seb in (1975). In 1975 he resigned from the 10th Hussars as a major, but in British and global polo circles he was still known ever after as “The Major,” a soubriquet to which, in his diction and demeanour, he was fitted as if to the manner born.

In 1976 he opened the world’s first residential polo school in Waterford at Whitfield Court, a 500-acre farm bequeathed to him

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Obituaries

1932-2012 by his grandmother, Lady Susan de la Poer Beresford, the widow of Major Hon Hugh Dawnay, who was killed in action in World War One. With two fields, stables and enough polo ponies to mount everyone, the Whitfield Court International Polo Vision School doubled as Waterford’s first polo club.

For 26 years from April to September, and supplying the ponies, Dawnay offered individual and group polo clinics, stick-and-ball, tactics, practice chukkas and pony schooling. Other annual polo clinics followed with 12 years at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club and at the Mexican holiday resort, Costa Careyes, plus occasional additional guest polo clinics spanning 30-plus polo-playing countries.

He also distilled his reflections on the theory and practice of the game into two books, Polo Vision (1984, revised in 2000), with forewords

by England polo captain Julian Hipwood and US polo captain Tommy Wayman, and Polo Playmaker (2004) with Argentine great Gonzalo Pieres providing the foreword.

Following protracted illness, in 2005 he closed, then sold, Whitfield Court, and built a new home, Clashes Hall, nearby with MariaInes, where he lived and entertained visiting family, friends and polo associates as though there were no tomorrows.

Hugh is survived by his wife Maria-Ines, his twin brother Peter, his sons David and Seb, their respective wives, Aisha and Louisa, and David’s children, Lucia and Nicholas. F

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News

Glen Percy 1966-2012 The unique and well-loved university coach and polo manager will be missed by many, writes Georgie Haycraft

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orn on April 12, 1966 Glen grew up near Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

From an early age, he showjumped, hunted and participated in dressage.

This inspired him to work in the equestrian world.

In his early twenties, Glen ran a hunt yard for Sir Michael Richardson, whose son took up an interest in polo, which Glen encouraged while taking up the sport himself at the same time.

Glen worked with the Thirlstone polo team in the mid-1990s as yard manager, and in 1997 became head groom for Jason Dixon, who was six-goals at the time. He worked with Jason for two years, before going on to work for Anthony Fanshawe. In 1999, Glen became the polo manager of Roger Carlsson’s high-goal team, FCT, which won the Prince of Wales’s Trophy in 2001. During these years Glen was given the opportunity to play more, filling in for Carlsson when needed. This was an opportunity he seized, becoming a one-goal semi-pro.

Glen travelled to Europe and worked for the Graff Polo Team in Switzerland as well as in France and Germany and reached a two-goal handicap during this time.

On his return to England Glen managed Offchurch Bury Polo Club for three years, building up a good relationship with the local universities, Warwick and Loughborough. He invested his

time teaching University polo, making a real impact with beginners and novices alike and won 12 National titles in three years. As well as teaching universities, he also taught corporate players from Accenture and Linklaters.

In 2010 and 2011 he competed at Polo in the Castle, in Cardiff, winning the event on both occasions. Recently Glen helped Jason Dixon set up the Cirencester Polo Academy at Cirencester Park and this year he was hired as polo manager at Little Bentley Polo Club.

Jason Dixon said: “He was a very good friend, a lovable rogue. He was always there when I needed him, he had such a striking impact on everyone, so many people have been touched by his passing.”

Claire Skinner, who was taught by Glen at Loughborough added: “He was one of a kind that can never be replaced.” F

Glen Percy, right, who died in June of a heart attack

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News

Aiming high HIGH-TECH BOOTS: three < students from Cambridge University have designed a polo pony boot prototype, which provides superior impact resistance, cooling features and moisture control. Unless they can find money for a start-up phase, the project will go no further.

UNDRAISING: PT columnist < FClare Milford Haven has raised

more than £9,000 for the James Wentworth Stanley Memorial Fund after completing a triathlon in May. Read more on pages 82-83.

UBAI: Ali Albwardy’s team < Dclaimed their fifth Queen’s Cup

title in June, after they defeated Inigo Zobel’s Ayala in a tense final.

See pages 46-49 for more.

ELLINGTON POLO: Zacara < Wpatron Lyndon Lea has purchased more than 100 acres in Wellington Preserve, Florida, in the last year, continuing the growth of the sport in the area. See June’s issue for a full interview with financier, Lea.

Swinging low ANTA BARBARA: a fire = Sripped through a stable block

England still have it all to play for HPA SELECTORS ARE busily making preparations for the two remaining high-goal Test Matches of this summer and the 8-goal FIP European Championships that follow in September.

It is not yet known who will represent the sides in the Audi International at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 22 July, where England will play South Africa, and neither has it been decided who will line up for the hosts at the inaugural Audi International at Chester Racecourse – against South America – on 8 September.

However, Luke Tomlinson – as expected – has been confirmed as captain of the England team for the HPA’s International Day, British polo’s biggest showpiece event of the year. It will be the first time the day’s main match will be run under the headline sponsorship of Audi, who have taken on the reins from long-time backers Cartier – who now sponsor the Queen’s Cup. In previous years, Cartier typically hosted guests in a marquee at the side of the ground but, this year, Audi will treat their invited guests to lunch in the Guards clubhouse. Although further details about the day were still under wraps as Polo Times went to press, those planning on attending the event should note that no car passes will be

sold on the day and car passes will not be sold without the purchase of grandstand seats.

Looking further ahead, this year’s bi-annual 8-goal FIP European Championships take place at Lower Saxony Polo Club in Hanover, Germany, from 6-16 September. England have been invited and, although it is not known who will represent the side, the HPA will put 10 names forward to the FIP, of which four will be selected nearer the time.

At the FIP assembly in October 2011, the association lowered the handicap of the competition to 6-8 goals, with one-goal being the minimum individual handicap. They have also inaugurated a new Polo Trophy of Nations, with a handicap of 2-5 goals.

Two years ago, France won the European Championships in Vienna, while England finished in third place. An all-female side of Clare Milford Haven, Tamara Vestey, Emma Tomlinson and Nina Clarkin represented England and had to part-fund themselves. This year, it is expected that it will again be a joint-funded affair, which the HPA felt worked well in 2010. w R ead how England has fared so far this summer, at Cowdray Park and Beaufort, on page 50

and tack room at the US club in May. Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was lost.

DUKE’S GROUND: = GtheUARDS number two ground at the club has largely been unused this season due to the new drainage system causing problems with the going.

RULES COMMITTEE: = HtheyPAhave now removed the rule requiring umpires to place the ball for penalties 5a and 5b. Players will be allowed 15 seconds to position the ball (see page 26).

CRAIG: the one-goaler = KhadIRSTY her front teeth knocked out after her face met with an opponent’s stick while playing polo at Lacey Green Polo Club in June. Read about other injuries to players on pages 82-83.

Mark Tomlinson (in the foreground) played alongside George Meyrick and Nacho Gonzalez (behind) for England at Beaufort

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News

Players must be registered with HPA to receive injury fund THE HPA IS reminding players this month that they need to ensure they have been fully registered with the association in order to be certain that they qualify for support in case of injury. Clubs must also take responsibility for checking that their members are registered with the HPA. The reminder follows a recent incident in which an unregistered player found himself without access to the financial aid of the Injured Players’ and Officials’ Fund after he had a tooth knocked out whilst playing.

On this occasion, the player’s host club made them aware that they were not registered with the HPA. However, the player assured the club that he had joined and the player was allowed to take part in the tournament. Both were well aware that the player was not registered on the HPA website.

Subsequently, it came to light that the player had completed the form at the host club but that the club had not informed the HPA. Hence, the player

was not entitled to an award from the fund.

This incident highlights the responsibility of clubs to register members and check the membership details of players from other clubs. At the same time players should also check their own membership status. For clubs, a simple email at least registers them with the HPA. For the avoidance of doubt, when the office is closed an email received by the HPA is sufficient to cover a player’s HPA membership. Thus new players may still be registered at the weekend.

The Injured Players’ and Officials’ Fund may award up to £2,000 to assist members who have suffered dental injury but, as stated on page 396 of the HPA Blue Book, only to a player that is “a full associate playing member of the HPA, who has paid his HPA subscription and received his membership card.” w See more news from the HPA over the page

New date for Racing to Polo challenge WITH BAD WEATHER in the build-up, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) were forced to postpone their inaugural Racing to Polo challenge, which had been due to take place on Tuesday 12 June at RCBPC. A new date has now been confirmed by the organisation – Monday 9 July, starting at 10am.

Riders, who must be two-goals or above, will be required to give a two-minute freestyle display showing their pony – who must have raced in the UK and be RoR registered – as he/she wishes.

There will be cash prizes in three sections, with £1,000 for each winner and £500 for second

placed individuals. The pony judged to be overall champion from the three sections will receive an additional cheque for £1,500 and the Balding Trophy, which will be awarded at the HPA dinner at Guards Polo Club on 19 July. There will also be an appearance fee of £100 for each competitor.

All previous entries will stand unless RoR are advised otherwise. If you wish to withdraw a pony or wish to make an additional entry, please contact the RoR office on 01488 648998. w For more information, see www.ror.org.uk

Hine’s academy launched at Coworth Park THE GUARDS POLO ACADEMY at Coworth Park launched late in June after Polo Times went to press. Originally expected last summer, former England captain Andrew Hine will head up the academy. The official launch also celebrated Coworth Park’s new collaboration with nearby Guards Polo Club, which has taken over the management of the highly-rated grounds and polo facilities this season.

Invited guests and members of the media took on an interactive role at the launch, where they were encouraged to have a go on a wooden horse and stick and ball on the practice field www.polotimes.co.uk

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before enjoying a lunch at The Barn, which overlooks the polo grounds.

Playing members of Guards Polo Academy and guests of Coworth Park will have the opportunity to learn and train with Hine and his team of coaches at the England polo team’s training centre. Hine also plans to introduce the game to non-players through the Academy’s corporate and private leisure polo days.

More news will follow in the weekly newsletter and future issues of the magazine. w For more info see www.coworthpark.com Polo Times, July 2012

15

22/06/2012 17:49

News News in brief w MELANIE WRIGHT IS exhibiting recent polo paintings and drawings at her forthcoming solo exhibition of equestrian and landscape artworks from 11-15 July. The exhibition will be held at The Tithe Barn, Bourton House Garden, Bourton-onthe-Hill, Nr Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AE. w FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of its inaugural event last year, the Coutts Norfolk Polo Festival will be returning to Langley Abbey Estate from 28-29 July. There will be four matches on the first day, with teams from across the country battling it out for a place in the final. A high-goal exhibition match will also take place on finals day. General admission is £10. Call 01508 480400. w THE SECOND ANNUAL Twelve Oaks Tribute polo event took place on Saturday 16 June.

Hosted by Ian Wooldridge’s widow, Thandi, the event was held at Twelve Oaks Estate and featured an exhibition match.

An auction in aid of Children with Special Needs Foundation followed the polo in the evening. w THE CHINAWHITE ENCLOSURE is returning to Guards on Audi International Day on Sunday 22 July. The London nightclub has secured Calvin Harris as the headline act.

16

Polo Times, July 2012

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Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Audi International Beaufort On Saturday 16 June England played the Commonwealth for the Golden Jubilee Trophy. The Commonwealth team won 7-5.

England (23): George Meyrick 5; Mark Tomlinson 6; Tom Morley 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6 Commonwealth (23): Dirk Gould (Aus) 5; Rob Archibald (Aus) 6; James Harper (GB) 6; Tom de Bruin (SA) 6

This match was followed by England 21 vs England Ladies. England 21 won 8-7½.

England 21 (9): Max Hutchinson 2; Freddie Dear 2; Ed Parsons 3; Oliver Powell 2 England Ladies (8): Sarah Wiseman 1; Izzy Parsons 2; Nina Clarkin 4; Lucy Taylor 1 Suffolk Test Match Young England will play Australia on Saturday 30 June at the Suffolk Show Ground.

Young England (18): TBC; Lanto Sheridan 4; George Meyrick (capt) 5; Max Charlton 5 Australia (18): Jake Daniels 3; Kelvin Johnson 4; Rob Archibald 6; Jock Mackay 5 Handicaps Following the mid-season handicap meeting held on Friday 15 June, handicap changes were made, which are effective from Tuesday 19 June to coincide with the start of the Gold Cup. The complete list of handicap changes is available on the HPA website and on page 91.

Junior HPA Junior HPA league matches commence on Wednesday 4 July; details and a full schedule of

matches can be found on the HPA website. The finals of the Junior HPA tournament will run alongside the Pony Club Polo Championships finals at Cowdray Park Polo Club on 10-12 August. The whole event will once again be sponsored by Audi.

Pony Club The Jorrocks Championship takes place at Hurtwood Park Polo Club on Wednesday 8 August. The Pony Club Polo Championships take place at Cowdray Park Polo Club from 10-12 August.

All of the dates for the Pony Club friendlies and qualifiers are now on the HPA’s website.

Unregistered players The Injured Players’ and Officials’ Fund may award up to £2,000 to assist members who have suffered a dental injury, but only to those who are “a full associate playing member of the HPA who has paid his HPA subscription and received his membership card.”

(Page 396 of the Blue Book). See page 14 for more.

OSWEB If you are 17-19 years old, hold a handicap of zerogoals and above and are planning on furthering your polo career by spending your gap year working overseas in the polo industry, you are eligible to apply for an HPA Overseas Work Experience Bursary.

Application forms have been emailed to all clubs.

Grants Applications by clubs for discretionary grants should be made in writing to Jim Haigh, chairman of the Finance and Grants Committee by 1 July. For further information see the HPA Blue Book, page 395.

www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 17:32

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22/06/2012 17:32

News

News special

Welcome return of polo Yolanda Carslaw in West Sussex

P

olo is returning to a historic West Sussex property that was once home to one of the most successful organisations in high-goal. Westerlands Stud, a 10-minute horsebox drive to Cowdray Park’s Ambersham grounds and 15 minutes from

the Lawns in Midhurst, is undergoing a revamp to prepare for the return of polo in 2013.

Westerlands, which sits beneath the South Downs at Graffham, belongs to David Jamison, the former co-patron of polo teams Centaurs and Southfields and the celebrated Tramontana, which won the Gold Cup five times and dominated high-goal in the 1980s.

Since David retired from high-goal in the mid1990s, the Coca-Cola and Sumaya teams have spent several summers using some of the facilities. Now, under the direction of David’s daughter, Antonia, a hundred acres of the property, complete with two practice grounds, an all-weather exercise track and 60plus stables are being made ready for a new, long-term occupant.

“Everything is being prepared for 2013,” says Antonia, who previously worked in venture

Jockey Club. Mrs Nagle bought Westerlands in 1942 and bred and trained horses there, working them on the South Downs gallops and rearing them on well-draining, sand-based paddocks until she retired in 1976.

However, it wasn’t the history, but the sight of a level, prospective polo field half-way up the drive that caught David’s eye in 1984.

“I had started playing at Cowdray with Alan Kent,” says David, who is a former chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club. “Alan heard about Westerlands and we went to see it. As we came up the drive I saw a field on my left.

We stopped to look from the car and I said I wanted to buy the place. I fell in love with it instantly – we didn’t even look at the house.

Once the team was installed, we found that one of the great benefits was being so secluded, well away from other teams but on Cowdray’s

“I saw a field as we came up the drive and fell in love with it instantly – we didn’t even look at the house. One of Westerlands’ great benefits is being so secluded, away from other teams but on Cowdray’s doorstep” – David Jamison capital and grew up surrounded by polo. “It’s a secluded, family-run place and would best suit someone who aspires to win the Gold Cup. We are offering a private set-up for a patron and his team. Matches can be played at home, and it’s only a few miles from the Cowdray grounds, as well as one hour from Guards.”

When David Jamison bought Westerlands, it already had an illustrious equestrian history as the home of Florence Nagle (1894-1988), who in 1966 became the first woman to be accepted as a trainer after a 20-year battle with the Left: father and daughter David and Antonia Jamison, who are reviving polo at Westerlands after a hiatus dating back from the last millennium

doorstep, and we could go hell for leather on our own ground, in private.”

Last winter the grounds were given a substantial makeover, having been home to yearlings as well as sheep for the past 17 years.

They have been regraded and reseeded by the local specialists Les Searles and Keith Parks, whose previous projects include the grounds at Manor Farm in Selham, and Cowdray. They will be irrigated and boarded, with pony lines, washdown areas and truck parking for visiting teams.

“We were advised not to laser-level the ground because it has such good natural drainage and if you mess about with what’s underneath you can spoil it. These days the weather is so unpredictable. You have to be

Westerlands time line 1942

1942 Florence Nagle buys Westerlands

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1950

1976 Mrs Nagle retires, but lives on the estate, at Hunter’s Moon cottage, until her death in 1988 1960

1970

1980

1966 After winning Court of Appeal fight against Jockey Club, Mrs Nagle secures first female trainer’s licence

www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 18:08

News special

News

at Westerlands

Photograph supplied by David Jamison

Tramontana (l-r: Anthony Embiricos 3; Valerio Aguilar 6; Carlos Gracida 10; David Jamison 3) are presented with the Gold Cup by King Constantine of Greece in 1988. This was the third of four consecutive wins for the team based at Westerlands

ready for monsoon rain like we had in April and May, or else weeks of drought,â&#x20AC;? says Antonia.

The base has stabling for 60 horses and potential for more. A spacious, C-shaped stone yard, built in the 1920s, contains 18 loose boxes and groomsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accommodation; adjacent is a 90x40yard American barn, put in during the Tramontana years and once used for arena polo, with 30 stables at one end, and 12 further stables in another barn.

Next to the stabling is a stick-and-ball ground, and an all-weather exercise track is being laid in an adjoining seven-acre field. A track through fields will lead to the polo grounds, avoiding the drive. In addition to existing lodging for 10 grooms, various houses on the estate could be made available for players and their families. There is also potential for winter livery, not only using paddocks surrounding the Jamisonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house, but also on the South 1986-89 Tramontana wins four Gold Cups in a row, based out of Westerlands, with Carlos Gracida as lynchpin and David Morley as horse manager

980

Downs, where the estate extends.

There are two other businesses on-site: Equine Logistics, which specialises in shipping polo ponies worldwide, has its office in a converted farm building next to the polo yard, while on a separate part of the farm live the mares and foals of Westerlands Stud, Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small-scale jointventure with his friend and fellow polo player Gordon Roddick.

The Westerlands project follows other recent polo developments locally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some of which have been undertaken at properties leased from the Cowdray Estate. From this year the Australian patron James Packer is operating out of Manor Farm, Selham, where he has a 20-year lease; a few miles away Martin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stickyâ&#x20AC;? Glue is becoming established at Verdeley Farm, and high-goal continues at Todham Stables. F 1991 Tramontana wins fifth Gold Cup

1990

1984 David Jamison buys Westerlands.

A sandy, level field provides a readymade ground www.polotimes.co.uk

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2000

1990s David retires from high-goal and revives racehorse breeding at Westerlands

2003-2006 David serves as chairman of Cowdray Park

2011

-DPLH *RUGRQ 0RE FDVDEODQFDSROR FRP

2011 Plans set in motion to make Westerlands home for future Gold Cup winner Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 17:47

the

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picture

28/06/2012 11:02

Plenty to smile about This photograph of 2012 Queen’s Cup winner Adolfo Cambiaso was taken at Dubai Polo’s Berkshire headquarters in June 2010, where the world number one was giving four aspiring young players a lesson.

“I took this as they rode back to the stables after playing an impromptu chukka,” says photographer Vanessa Taylor, who captured the moment with a Nikon D3 and a 200-400 lens. “I love it because it’s such a relaxed shot of him.

It sums up what was a pretty perfect day, which also included Adolfo playing football with his son Adolfito and a delicious asado provided by Ali Albwardy.” ◗ Read about Adolfo Cambiaso’s Queen’s Cup heroics in full on page 46 ◗ You can see more of Vanessa’s work at www.vanessataylorphotography.co.uk or on pages 32-37 of this issue, where she has shot our exclusive interview with James Beim and Blake. She’s available for commissions and interested parties can contact her directly at vjtphoto@me.com

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28/06/2012 11:03

Comment

Backchat with Clare Milford Haven

The polo family has lost a colourful character and a truly remarkable coach

I

was very sad to hear that Hugh Dawnay died recently.

Fifteen years ago, when I had just discovered the joys of polo, I enrolled in his three-day course at Whitfield Court in Ireland with a couple of girlfriends. I had been doing a write-up on learning to play golf at nearby Mount Juliet and, realising that my golfing ability was extremely limited, I was hoping that I might at least show more promise at Major Dawnay’s International Polo School than I had at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

Hugh certainly had a unique way of teaching. Every morning, he would line us up in a row in the garden and make us hang onto a long rope in an effort to teach us about the line of the ball.

Seeing that we were struggling to grasp the concept, after lunch he would patiently arrange his little plastic toy ponies onto a card table and hope that would get the message through to his fledgling female pupils.

On the final day, as we sat scratching our heads over the colourful array of toy ponies, Hugh, with a twinkle in his eye

The late Hugh Dawnay, who was well known for his unique polo coaching style, often entertained friends by playing the piano

a turd a turd”. We fell about laughing (you had to be there) and, realising he was on a hiding to nothing, the long-suffering Major packed away the card table and took us out for his signature “Cavalry Charge at the

Photograph by Clare Milford Haven

Hugh Dawnay certainly had a unique way of teaching. Every morning he would line us up in a row and make us hang onto a long rope to teach us about the line of the ball and an Irish lilt in his voice, asked us: “What is the most important of the t’ree basics of the game: tactics, riding or striking the ball?”

We all stared blankly at each other and muttered: “Er, um, not sure…” to which he boomed at the top of his voice: “Oh for goodness sakes girls, it’s a turd, 22

Polo Times, July 2012

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Hedge” followed by a resounding rendition of “Land of Hope and Glory” on the piano.

I am happy to say that now the penny has finally dropped, his teaching method makes perfect sense, as does his lasting advice to me: “Watch your number three and hit with a slow hand”.

Lonely patron I did feel sorry for a certain highgoal patron who, despite his cries of: “hit the ****ing ball”, never received more than a handful of passes or opportunities to engage with the ball during a quarter-final game of the Queen’s Cup. Surely if you’re paying the wrong side of £75,000 per game, you should at least get some assurance that you won’t just be circumnavigating the polo field for the entire afternoon!

Unique camaraderie Winston Churchill famously said that: “A polo handicap is a passport to the world” and this has been highlighted to me recently while my daughter has been travelling on her gap year. Virtually every contact I armed her with has been made through polo and through people

I have met while playing in those countries – New Zealand, Australia, India and Thailand.

This endorses the fact that the international polo community has a unique solidarity and a camaraderie rarely found in any other sport. A big thank you to those of you who kindly offered a warm bed, some decent grub and safe passage to a couple of young English explorers. F wT o read more about the life of Hugh Dawnay turn to page 12 for his full obituary id Hugh Dawnay influence wD your polo playing? Send your memories of him to letters@polotimes.co.uk w Read more “Backchat” from Clare at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 13:47

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15/06/2012 14:55

Comment

Global view with Herbert Spencer

Should associations rely on patrons to fund and play on national teams?

H

ad the wealthy US Polo Association (USPA) been willing to invest in its national teams, it could have sent over an all-professional USA side of 28-goals or more to challenge a 26-goal, all-pro England in the St Regis International in May. Instead the USPA took the easy way out to save money and sanctioned a team of 23-goals that included a one-goal amateur, relying upon this pro-am patron to select the team and fund its overseas excursion. This meant that the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) had to keep its England team to 24-goals to make the Test competitive. So neither England nor the USA fielded their best players in the first international Test of the 2012 UK season.

In the end the USA’s one-goaler, Marc Ganzi, put in a credible performance. At the age of 40, fighting fit and with plenty of 26-goal experience as a pro-am patron in the US, Marc played up to his handicap or above it.

And his monetary contribution in funding the team was much appreciated by all concerned.

But does a lower-handicapped amateur player ever deserve a place on a national team at the high-goal international level, however generous he may be in

US one-goaler Marc Ganzi, pictured here with Audi UK’s Jon Zammett, was the only amateur player at the St Regis International

high handicaps, such as the late Bill Ylvisaker and Peter Brant in the US decades ago and, more recently, Freddie Mannix in Canada and Satnam Dhillon in the UK, all of whom made it to sevengoal handicaps.

Most amateurs who field highgoal teams in pro-am polo are no more than zero-goal or one-goal, very occasionally they are twogoal. However young, keen, fit and athletically-gifted some might be, they have businesses to run and cannot afford the time to ride, practise or play daily as the pros do.

Photograph by James Mullan

Polo is largely a pro-am sport but surely high-goal international competition involving national teams should remain a pros’ game funding the side, when a country could field an all-pro team rated much higher?

Since World War II, there have been few amateur players anywhere in the world with 24

Polo Times, July 2012

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Polo is largely a pro-am sport.

Rare is the team, at any level of the game, which does not include at least one professional. But highgoal international competition involving national teams should

remain a professionals’ game, without amateurs.

Now the HPA and the USPA are discussing a revival of the Westchester Cup series between the two countries next year at the HPA’s Audi International.

Great Britain won the last two Westchester encounters, in Florida in 2009 and in England in 1997.

In 1997, the USA fielded a team with a one-goal amateur because that amateur, pro-am patron John Goodman, offered to fund the team if he was included in the line-up.

The Westchester is the world’s oldest and most famous international, inaugurated by the USA in 1886. It deserves to be played at the highest possible level, with each country selecting the very best of its players.

The HPA and USPA have just over a year to agree upon a 2013 Westchester Cup international.

This should be decided sooner rather than later to allow the

associations and sponsors time to maximise promotion and publicity.

For its part, the HPA should insist upon the Westchester Cup being played for at a high handicap level of around 30 goals.

To accept less would not be in keeping with the prestige of the venerable trophy and of the HPA’s Audi International, the world’s biggest one-day polo event.

The USPA, for its part, must decide whether it is willing to spend some of its millions of dollars of annual income on international polo, to challenge England for the Westchester Cup by sending over the best of its players – which means all professionals and no lowhandicapped amateur in the national team’s line-up. F w Read more thought-provoking articles about the polo world from Herbert Spencer online at www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 18:13

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15/06/2012 14:50

Comment

Umpire’s corner with Arthur Douglas-Nugent

Polo’s rule makers have followed the Tories’ lead with a U-turn of their own

T

he U-turn, as Britain’s government will attest, is rather in fashion at the moment. And so it was in keeping with this trend that the new rule that gave the umpire the responsibility for placing the ball for the Penalty 5a and 5b has been changed to allow the player to place it, as last year.

This came about as a result of player pressure. The players felt that the new rule encouraged players to play a tap rather than a first-time hit, downgraded the value of the penalty (particularly when within striking distance of the goal) and caused an unnecessary source of irritation between the umpire and player.

The time limit of 15 seconds for the placing of the ball still stands and should be strictly policed, with the umpire warning the penalty

the clock by blowing the whistle and then, if the delay continues, they should follow this up by awarding a Penalty 6. Once a side is penalised in this manner, they are unlikely to try the same ploy again.

Crucial ingredients

Adolfo Cambiaso makes a point to the officials during the Queen’s Cup final. Player power like this has forced a U-turn over the HPA’s new Penalty 5 ruling this month

Penalty 7 from where the ball lies.

Such delays often occur when the striker allows himself or a team mate to change ponies. I suggest that an overall time of 20 seconds should be allowed for the whole process from when the

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

The players felt the new rule downgraded the value of the penalty and caused unnecessary irritation between the umpire and the players taker when they have five seconds left. Doing a full countdown, however, is to be discouraged.

Please note that there is no definitive time allowed for the run up to the ball, but “unnecessary delay” should be penalised with a

ball is placed until when the ball is struck.

Talking of U-turns, another may be in the offing concerning the offside rule (19b) and the position of defending and attacking players when penalties are taken (39g and

39h). The required positions of both sets of players are already laid down in the rules governing each specific penalty, so including them again within the offside rule has caused confusion.

Change of pace Most of the recent rule changes have been designed to try to speed up the game and in this they seem to have been successful. There is, however, one related area which involves running down the clock.

For a penalty, the clock is stopped until play restarts but this is not so for the throw-in from the side or the hit-in.

As a first step, if the umpire suspects that a side is causing unnecessary delay, they should stop

The two pillars on which good umpiring are built are quick, correct judgement and the sound management of players.

Some umpires can instantly retain a picture of a play, which is the product of anticipation, concentration and experience.

Others have the ability to manage the players by gaining their respect and making them accept judgements without query. Only those who can aspire to these qualities will make it to the top as an umpire.

Setting the record straight There was an inadvertent error in last month’s Umpires corner concerning the taking of a Penalty 3, 4 or 6. If the striker has the intent to score, but mishit the ball, he can only take a subsequent shot with a full swing once the ball has been hit, or hit at, by an opponent. Until this has occurred he can only hit with a half shot (as stated in rule 39e). F ◗ Read more from Arthur at www.polotimes.co.uk

Foul for thought…

This month’s puzzle A team is awarded a penalty and the striker deliberately hits the ball out over the sidelines, giving a signal that he does not agree that a foul had occurred and is thus negating the penalty. What, as umpire, should you do?

26

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Polo Times, July 2012

Last month’s solution What are the rules governing the misuse of the stick? This is a pretty easy question to answer if you have the Rule Book to hand and turn to 36b. In a nutshell a player may not use his stick in such a way as to cause danger to another player or his pony. In all instances the umpire must decide who has caused the danger, which is not always so easy when a player rides into a backhand or into the swing of a player who had already started a downward swing of a full shot.

www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 14:22

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Comment

Your views – letters

Letters Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk w Tweet: @PoloTimes or

@mullanitunder wT he Editor, Polo Times,

Holbrook Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29 6PX

H2Orse power

Sir, I thought you might be amused to see how Binfield Heath two-goaler Tim Ward chose to cool himself and his horses down after a game at the Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup in Sylt, Germany, in late May (above).

Kate Ward, via email

[See also page 58]

Tribute to Glen Percy Sir, I only met Glen a couple of months ago on joining the very friendly club at Little Bentley Park. I was immediately struck by his passion for the game and, as a beginner, he immediately made a difference to my game.

He also prepared a group of us for our rules test and he kept us very amused with his anecdotes and his down to earth, no nonsense style. It felt like it was the beginning of a long friendship and it really is very sad that he is no longer with us. He will be missed and my thoughts go out to his family.

Mohit Bhatia, London [See also page 13] 28

Polo Times, July 2012

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Letter of the month

Clubbing in South Africa Sir, we noticed the piece on the HPA’s development of young British players in the last issue [June, pages 64-65], and thought your readers might be interested to hear a first-hand account of one of the overseas trips the HPA organises as part of their training scheme.

Henry Letts, Jamie Grayson, Christian Barnes, Henry Fuller, Rosanna Turk, Hector Chamberlain, Amy Harper, Charlie Turk, Leppy Richmond Watson and Suzannah Turk all met at Heathrow on Friday 10 February for a week of polo training in South Africa. The journey went pretty smoothly, with Hector celebrating his 14th birthday asleep under the seats! We then caught a plane from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth with the first sight of sea causing much excitement. However, unfortunately our luggage had got stuck in Jo’burg, leaving us to look forward to our clothes and polo kit arriving the next day so we could get on and play.

With this delay, organiser Alicia Wright kept us occupied at the start of the first day by organising a talk from one of the professional players about the conformation of the horse and what to look for in the perfect polo pony – followed by bandaging and a wooden horse session. Fortunately, our kit then arrived at lunchtime as promised, and it was time to try out the ponies! We were lucky enough to be able to ride the players’ own ponies, and everyone was really well matched up with three fantastic horses each.

Each day started with a delicious breakfast, followed by sessions on the wooden horse, stick and ball, swing analysis and team work, building towards playing chukkas. We had some really excellent sessions on how to choose a pony off the track, training the young horse, schooling, bandaging, farriery, and a talk from an international vet on injury and rehabilitation. We learned so much both on and off the ponies, from mending our own sticks to flying changes.

The afternoons consisted of instructional chukkas, with Sean Brokensha, Olly Powell and Guy Watson, which were a fantastic opportunity to build on the skills we had learned and to start to play as team members rather than individuals. We also had sessions on tactics and rules.

The week finished with a tournament, when three sides battled it out over two days. It was incredibly close between Sevenoaks, Stonefield and Rocksteady, with Christian Barnes and Charlie Turk’s Rocksteady team just running out the winners, playing alongside Charlie Cornwell and coach Ollie Powell.

The facilities at Stonefield were amazing – the cottages really comfortable and perfect for the group.

There are three grounds, which were watered daily and were wonderful to play on. The ponies are all off-the-track thoroughbreds, and were just lovely. They were beautifully looked after and well fed, with an excellent level of stable management.

Away from the polo, games of table tennis and cricket were regular pastimes, as was some swimming in the Bitou River. We also had a couple of trips out to get pummelled by the waves at the beach at Plett, which everyone loved. Sadly, there were no dolphins or whales, but most importantly there were also no sharks! Shopping in the local market was great fun too.

All the food was delicious at Stonefield and meal times could resemble a feeding frenzy as we all attacked the ice-cream! Thinking about it brings back many brilliant memories of the week – many laughs were had, we made good friends (with each other, the ponies, the dogs, and Romeo the resident emu!), and we all learned so much in such a short space of time.

The trip gave us a fantastic insight into the fact that the basics for all equestrian disciplines are the same. When we were schooling the young horses it was all about getting them to be accepting of the contact and move forward from the leg - helped along by the odd half pass or flying change!

Leppy Richmond Watson did a fantastic job of organising the trip from the UK, and Stonefield’s team were wonderful hosts. Finally, we must thank our families for making it all possible – there’s no doubt it was incredibly worthwhile.

Rosanna and Charlie Turk, Dursley, Gloucestershire

he writer of the Letter of T the month wins a fashionable Polo Times umbrella

Stonefield’s resident emu, Romeo, and the winning team, Rocksteady

www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 13:57

Your views – letters

Hallelujah

Comment

Poetry corner – month three The Forlorn Patron The frosts have fled since spring drew near, I’m so excited the season is here, The horses are fit, I’ve done it myself, The question is, who to play with this year.

So the hunt begins with a pro to find, Which could not be more perfectly timed, Aha, here one comes with my next ex-wife, Thank you God, I need a life.

My team is ready, we’re such a strong side, Bring on the draw and lets have our first ride, Must start that new diet, much less of the wine, Far too much weight on my poor horse’s spine.

“I said swing, not sing!”

[Turn to page 32 to discover how this relates to this issue]

Satisfied customer, online Sir, I can’t praise you and your team enough for the wonderful Polo Times website. I’m mostly talking about the “tournaments” link, which is absolutely spot on and an extremely clear way to see who is playing what and all the results. Well done. Keep it going!

Judith Weate, Australia

My kingdom for a horse!

Sir, heads were turned during an 8-goal match at Cirencester Park Polo Club early last month, when a Russian ballerina gave a unique demonstration of local polo supplier RJ Polo’s clothing and equipment during a publicity shoot conducted by photographer Jim Markland.

The eye-catching display went www.polotimes.co.uk

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on whilst play continued in the background, as teams fought it out in the Humphrey Guinness Plate – the qualifiers for the Archie David, the final of which is then played at Guards.

Attached is my own photograph of the photoshoot!

Christopher Fear, Cirencester

Our first match is a day away, Cheque book out, I have to pay, My wife hates it when she has to stay, Oh well, she’s leaving me anyway.

I know how we can win! I’m sure you’ll agree?

Everything makes perfect sense to me!

“Just hit me the ball” I’m constantly pleading, Surely I can score like when I was dreaming?

I missed all my goals and was so much slower, The team was at fault; completely hungover, I was certain we’d win, there was no doubt, If only I knew what I was talking about.

Now all I have is time at the bar, To eye up the girls from distance afar, With claret in hand and the stance assumed, I’m trying to look so finely tuned.

Faced with a tab and armed with my wife, I hate this so much, she controls my life, My marriage more shaky; it stutters and stalls, As she looks on in anger, and my bank balance falls.

Lawfully wedded wife, was what I stated, Awfully dreaded wife, is what’s been created, We’re still at the bar and it’s getting dark, She’s staring at me and starting to bark.

Again and again she stops me pretending, I’m trying so hard but simply not blending, So today’s fun is over and I am the best, I’m saying goodbye but no-one is left.

Mountstuart Hungerford-Jackson, Gloucestershire Polo Times, July 2012

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Comment

Your views – letters

Jubilee high-jinks for Ghanaian José

Hooked young Sir, I have attached some photos I shot at the St Regis Test Match in late May. The game was between England and the USA, and played at Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Ambersham ground, Brooksfield. England won. It was the first full game I have ever watched and I absolutely loved every minute.

Olivia Haworth (aged 10), Bagshot [See also page 50]

Charity climb Sir, I would like to challenge your readers to climb the aweinspiring Mount Kilimanjaro to help save lives from meningitis.

Like polo, “The Big Trek” to the highest point in Africa (5,895 meters) promises to be adrenelin-fuelled. It takes place from 17-27 January, and I invite you to contact me to take part.

Liz Gough, Meningitis UK – 0117 303 3343

When Prince Charles visited Ghana in 1977 as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, a polo match was organised in his honour. As the only Englishman with an eligible handicap (a modest zero), I was selected to play on his side. The game went without incident until José Beckley, a young Ghanaian, tried to ride off the Prince.

Prince Charles maintained his line. And so José came in for a second attempt. At the third attempt, Prince Charles used

El Sadig Musa, Michael Camm, Prince Charles and Pucci Fileppi in Ghana in 1977

an Anglo Saxon expression that contains a four letter word – which I believe starts with an “F” – and supplemented it with the word “Off ”.

An ashen-faced José withdrew.

The game went to extra time and José, recovering his composure, wreaked his revenge by scoring the winning goal.

Now aged 71, having gone on to enjoy 14 happy years playing at Cheshire Polo Club at the end of the last millennium, I am still playing polo. I get full marks for consistency, as my handicap is still zero.

Too late to improve?

Michael Camm, via email

Four-goaler Philip pulls rank at Guards Sir, you asked for polo reminiscences of the royal family, and so I wondered if the following tale from 1963, when Prince Philip was a competitive four-goal player, might be relevant.

As a young officer at that time, I was playing at Guards Polo Club on one of their hirelings (£5.00 a chukka!), when my pony hit one of my opponents, absolutely enfilade.

The next thing I knew, the rider was lying spreadeagled on his back, and a torrent of explosive rhetoric was being hurled in my direction. At which point, the

umpire – General Pert – rode up to me and explained that “His Royal Highness has committed the most terrible foul against you, but he is rather more senior than you”. Whereupon he blew the whistle against me!

A few years later, I was an ADC to the Governor of Tasmania, when Prince Philip came on a visit to Hobart, and we – the staff – were lined up to meet him in the hall of Government House. HRH came down the line, and stopped opposite me. “Don’t I know you?” he asked. “Yes Sir”, I

rather sheepishly replied. “I knocked you off your horse”.

To which he exclaimed, “Yes, so you did!”

Decades on, I was at a reception at the Cavalry and Guards Club in 2010 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Guards Club, when I was introduced to HRH, and reminded him of his involuntary dismount. Quick as a flash, and to the merriment of all, he asked “And were you sent to jail?!”

John Drummond Moray, Crieff, Scotland

Life begins at 40 in Germany, though not for the Veterans Sir, the Deutscher Polo Verband (DPV) – the equivalent of the HPA in Germany – held a tournament recently at Polo Club Bayern Holzkirchen Thann, near Munich, to celebrate the association’s 40th birthday. We arrived in glorious weather on the Friday (11 May). However, evidently it doesn’t only rain on the parade in England and, in the event, Saturday’s polo was cancelled and, sadly, there was a curtailed programme on the Sunday.

This meant the Veterans’ Cup fell victim to the 30

Polo Times, July 2012

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weather but the other main tournaments, including the 6-goal Bucherer Polo Cup, went ahead on a reduced basis. The accompanying photograph shows the teams for the Veterans’ Cup at the prize giving during the party on the Saturday evening, the smiles of many of us revealing plainly that the more elderly players were actually pleased not to be playing in the conditions.

Polo in Germany continues to flourish and the DPV maintains close contact with the HPA, not least as part of their umpiring

programme. We wish them well for the future and as they move on to the next milestone.

Brigadier Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Midhurst

Veteran players (l-r in the back row): Brigadier Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Clemens von Wedel, Major Hugh Pierson, Dr Cornelius Grupp, Colonel David Woodd, Wolf Jage and Freiherr Hans-Albrecht von Maltzahn, with (l-r in the front row) Dr Günther Kiesel, Theo Kersche, Dietmar Kirsch and Helmut Seidel

www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 13:57

Your views – letters

Comment

Why not play Polo tweets worth re-tweeting adult polo kids? We follow them on twitter, to save you bothering: Sir, as the mother of two self confessed polo addicts, I was interested to read your article on the HPA’s new “Youth Development Pathway” in the June issue [pages 64-65].

We are by no means a polo “dynasty” family, having never picked up a polo stick until around five years ago. Both my son and daughter have chosen to play Pony Club Polo as opposed to Junior HPA as they prefer the fun that the day’s events at Pony Club provides. They also play adult polo, as there isn’t enough youth polo around to provide polo on such a regular basis.

Although your article states that the Junior HPA and the schools’ four-chukka league are the best ways to get noticed, which I don’t doubt, I know that HPA “spotters” are also at Pony Club days. Also, by playing adult polo, youngsters enter the HPA’s established handicap system which I am confident then allows the HPA to see which youngsters are going up the handicap system at an early age. With the best will in the world, no one from the HPA is able to assess youngsters who only play at home and don’t venture into the competitive or adult arena. As proud parents we may have a tendency to view our children’s efforts through rose tinted glasses.

At the end of the day, the main aim should be for children to enjoy polo to whatever level they want to play. Ultimately, there will always be disappointments in any walk of life. I think it is a fine line between being an “elitist” sport and one which is being practical – after all, it is not a cheap sport and, the higher up the levels you go, the more expensive it becomes.

Kate Gibbons, Bisley, Gloucestershire www.polotimes.co.uk

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@madforitme (John Horswell) – 30 May RIP Hugh Dawnay. Polo legend and the man who put team coaching on the map. [See also page 12] @louisadawnay (Louisa Dawnay) – 11 June The G-man @glenagilmore ALWAYS rocks the polo! Thank you for being such a credit to the sport we all love so much! Xx @glenagilmore (Glen Gilmore) – 11 June Thank you so much for your hard work @LouisaDawnay, professionalism and organisation. Loved the whole event @polointhepark. G @thekeithchegwin (Keith Chegwin) – 15 June Tried water polo yesterday and my horse nearly drowned.

@mullanitunder (James Mullan) – 13 June Pelon & Cambiaso clearly won’t be sending Christmas cards this year, and George Hanbury is branding the world number one a cheat!

Drama at the semis... @carlie_trotter (Carlie Trotter) – 13 June Love-ing the #QueensCup semis commentary by @mullanitunder and @LouisaDawnay! Fear of missing out flared up badly #guardspolo @bigponyteam (Ralph Lauren) – 13 June A Father’s Day primer: @NachoFigueras and daughter Aurora on the set of a Ralph Lauren Fragrances shoot. #adorable

Welfare worries for the HPA Sir, I had an interesting conversation with a player recently, which prompted me to email you on the old issue of the welfare officer, the polo club and the HPA’s duties in terms of welfare. Of course a lot of us know what’s written in the Blue book but what happens in reality?

It seems that a lot of people are not aware of who their club’s welfare officer is or the extent to which their officer carries out their duties.

Clubs also of course have a responsibility to the overseas polo livery yards that they recommend. Thus, when there is an issue, what course can be taken by owners or members of the public that feel ponies have been neglected and poorly cared for, either during the season or over the winter?

Does the HPA publish these issues or are any swept under the carpet to give polo an unblemished appearance? Who is the ideal welfare officer? Is it a vet, a professional player, a polo school owner, a polo club secretary, or someone else? I’d

be interested to hear the HPA’s views on this.

Louisa Donovan Henley-on-Thames Reply from David Woodd, chief executive of the HPA: Every club has a nominated welfare officer, listed on the club’s page in the HPA Blue Book, each of whom is invited to attend an annual AGM on the topic. Thus, as a first port of call, these are the people to contact when anyone has any concerns regarding welfare. However, if preferable for whatever reason, then David Morley – chairman of the Welfare Committee – will always take queries and will be happy to look into alleged cases.

The issue is nearly always that the person reporting the problem does not want to be named, which is understandable.

Sometimes the reports are unfounded, but there is also no doubt that there are ponies that are not looked after as well as they should be, sometimes through ignorance and sometimes through cost cutting.

A welfare officer does not

need great equine expertise but rather common sense, and an interest in welfare and the sport.

Experience is, of course, a help but there are always plenty of people who are keen and willing to give advice or assistance. It is probably easier if they are on the sidelines of the game rather than involved as a player or manager.

In most cases, the welfare issues result from ignorance or lack of supervision, especially during the winter months, and there have been very few instances where it has been a case of wilful negligence by the owner.

Nevertheless, we always do our best to follow things up and our aim is to send an independent vet once we have established that the state of the horses does merit a “professional” visit, which the HPA pays for. The HPA is certainly not in the business of sweeping things under the carpet.

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21/06/2012 13:58

Feature

Interview – Beimy and Blake in harmony

England’s finest Audi Most Outstanding British Professional James Beim talks targets, Test Matches, and training – and gives Brit-winning boy band Blake a lesson before they explain why they’ve targeted polo as their perfect match

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28/06/2012 11:50

Interview – Beimy and Blake in harmony

W Words: James Mullan and John O’Sullivan Photos: Vanessa Taylor

illiam Blake coined the phrase “England’s green and pleasant land” in the preface to his epic poem Milton in the early 19th century, now best known as the hymn Jerusalem – a favourite anthem for football fans in Poland and the Ukraine over the last few weeks. So what better venue for our shoot with the band that goes by the same name than the pleasant pastures of rural Buckinghamshire, home to the private polo field owned by Clark Betz, director of Atkins Polo Academy.

Why are we shooting them at all? Because the photogenic vocal harmony quartet – comprising Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney, Jules Knight and Ollie Baines – have started to learn polo and are hoping to form a team to play in tournaments later this season. They explain the attraction later in this feature but, to help them along their way, we arranged for England International James Beim to give the group a lesson.

A mainstay of the national side, Beim has become seemingly indispensable for all England’s biggest games at home and abroad, and his popularity was echoed when the 32-year-old seven-goaler won Best British Professional for the second consecutive year at the Audi Polo Awards in May. Not wishing to miss the chance to interview him as well, we spoke to Beimy first:

Feature

been known to take the odd lesson. I had a few with Memo Gracida a couple of years ago, and John Horswell always gives good advice.

Your high-goal side Salkeld made the Queen’s Cup quarter-finals. How often do you get to train together?

We practise pretty much every other day.

I knew what to expect with Nick, having played the Gold Cup together last season, and this year he’s really gone for it. He’s a great guy and is putting a lot into his polo, which means he’s always available to get to the stables. The team is also a good one for me to play in, because I’ve played so much with Luke [Tomlinson] for England and with José [Donoso] in the high-goal before. We work well as a group and make our tactical decisions collectively.

You’re playing at three for Salkeld, with Luke at back, as you did in the Cowdray Test Match. How do you like this position?

Well, I’ve become used to playing number one for England, but it all depends on how the team is formed. A lot of the other players in the England squad have plenty of experience playing in the number three role, so it was easier for me to make number one my position. But, with the lower-handicapped Test Matches, we’re trying to give some of the younger players a chance in that position [number one], and I’ve enjoyed playing further back and attacking from midfield.

Is giving lessons something you do a lot?

I suppose I give pointers to my patron Nick [Clarke] but lessons aren’t something I really We’ll talk about England shortly but, aside do at all actually, though I’ve tended to enjoy from the Coronation Cup, the last major it when I do. From what I’ve seen, the Blake English high-goal trophy you won was the guys are all at different stages in terms of their Queen’s Cup in 1999. What would it mean polo, but Humphrey impressed me given how to win the Gold Cup this month? little riding he’s done. He’s already come a Yeah, that Ellerston team won the Queen’s in long way and so it struck me that, with miles 1999. I played with Cambiaso, Gonzalo Pieres in the saddle, he could be very good. Ollie and Tristan Wade, and we’d also lifted the is at the other end of the double [Queen’s and Gold] scale in terms of riding the previous year playing experience, but he needs to with Australian Jeff Fisher take it down a notch and [in place of Wade]. However, work a little on his style back then, I wasn’t on my – James Beim before he tries to smash horses and wasn’t fully set up every ball in sight! as a pro. Of course, I’ve won the Warwickshire since then and have reached the Gold Cup As a pro, do you ever still take lessons yourself? semi-finals in the last two seasons, but to win Subconsciously, you’re always sucking in again now would be something special. information from the players you play with and against. But, if I really feel there is How are you balancing being a father now something I can learn from someone, I have with the demands of a busy season?

Things are obviously a lot busier now than Blake’s Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney, Jules they were. I’m not spending as much time Knight and Ollie Baines flank England International in the stables as I used to but, luckily there u James Beim (seated, centre) for our shoot in Marlow

“It does get a little bit more like a job as you get older”

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Feature

Interview – Beimy and Blake in harmony

James Beim watches as Blake’s Ollie Baines shows off his hitting technique during their lesson last month

u haven’t been too many sleepless nights as [three-month-old] Willow sleeps very well.

Do you feel as though you’ve taken many risks in your career to get to where you are now?

Whenever you spend a lot of money on a horse, you take a big risk. If you get it wrong, it will be a big setback to your career.

Did you ever consider not becoming a pro?

Early on, when I was with Ellerston, things went well and everything moved along quickly and so I never really thought about not doing it until it was too late and I was too far in! But, the truth is I’ve always loved the sport – and still do – and horses are one of my big passions. It does get a little bit more like a job as you get older. However, as long as I think I’m still improving, which I do, then I’ll keep going.

the horses right and gear up for it properly. I probably still need a couple more [horses] and will hope that the right team of players comes together as well. That didn’t eventually happen this year and, with the baby, it would also probably mean too much time away anyway.

Do you make provisions in case of injuries?

Just as in any sport, it’s important to consider injury when agreeing your contract, as you need to protect yourself, but I’m also now taking out – James Beim insurance of my own.

“Whenever you spend a lot of money on a horse, you take a big risk”

What are your remaining ambitions then as you look to continue improving?

You always set yourself the goal of going up in handicap each season, and I’d certainly love to go to eight one year – hopefully this year if things go well. Another definite aim is to play the Argentine Open at some point. I’ve been quite close the last couple of times, and it’s still a major goal. Although, this year I’m having a year off playing the qualifier in order to get 34

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What is the state of your horse operation now? How have you built up your strings?

I’ve had a lot of experience playing in Australia and many of the horses I’ve bought for my string in the UK have come from Ellerston. My best are about 10 or 11 years old now, which I bought when they were around six or seven. I have 12 horses in Argentina as well.

How important to you personally is representing England?

Obviously it’s a huge honour. It’s the biggest you can have in the sport, and the progress of our internationals in recent years – thanks largely to Audi’s increasing commitment – makes it something that’s always exciting to be involved with.

Do we have enough young players coming though that will be challenging for places?

Yes, but after Mark [Tomlinson] and I, who were the last beneficiaries of the old rule that meant each high-goal team had to have an English player, there is a big age gap to the next youngest emerging. It’s hard for young pros to get on their way without the high-goal, which helps get good horses under players and money, plus the invaluable exposure to the best polo.

How can we help young pros?

It’s hard, because you need opportunities to play high-goal if you really expect players www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 14:49

Feature

The British weather is on song as Humphrey Berney (above) enjoys a moment with the English sevengoaler, and Beimy relaxes with his polo paraphernalia in the boot of his Audi A6 (right)

to develop. However, I can see both points of view on the home-grown player debate, because the patrons should be free to employ who they want. In the end, it comes down to the English players themselves making sure they are attractive to patrons on merit. Young players need to work harder, become more professional and spend money on horses if they want top polo. Most English pros are fairly handicapped in my view so, if they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t www.polotimes.co.uk

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always earn big money playing, they need to find other means from somewhere. Hopefully, the new professional polo players association will help give support to pros as a group.

Could the HPA be doing more?

In my eyes, the HPA is an excellent association. Having just played the USA again, the difference in support from the respective associations for our national sides is marked.

The Americans commented on it, and it was equally clear when we travelled out to play them for the Westchester at Palm Beach in 2009 as well. With the quality and quantity of their players and the vast funding and sponsorship opportunities over there, they have so much potential, but our infrastructure within the HPA is far ahead of the USPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in terms of inspiring the top players to u want to play for their country. However, Polo Times, July 2012

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Feature

u

Vocal harmony quartet Blake quiz seven-goaler James Beim on the finer points of the game on the sidelines after their lesson with the modest England star

u of course those players that don’t form the elite England squad might feel differently, as perhaps they’d argue they don’t receive quite the same level of support.

How do England’s teams prepare for each of their internationals?

The build up really is all about the biggest day of the year at Guards in July – now called Audi International Day. So the early-season Test Matches are an immensely valuable opportunity to play together and identify what works for the team. Then 10 days or a week before the Coronation Cup, depending on players’ possible involvement in the late stages of the Gold Cup, we’ll usually get at least three practices in, playing as a four against opposition of equivalent standing. The team is usually selected about two weeks or 10 days beforehand.

Our coach [expected to be José Donoso], in consultation with us and

to a certain extent manager Andrew Hine, will then form our specific game plan for the Test Match. However, having played together so much, it’s not rocket science. We each know what is expected of us in each position.

Does England duty ever create clashes with your Salkeld commitments?

Well, if Salkeld reaches the final of the Gold Cup, we’ll probably lose one England practice

the sides that reached the semis and finals of the Queen’s Cup, as our horses should be less tired. It’s important because we’ve received a very tough draw in the Gold Cup this month.

It’s obviously worked for you but would you recommend turning professional as a career for a young player?

Yes, if he is prepared to work hard. But I’ll keep coming back to the simple facts, which

“We’re getting lessons going again this summer but have to balance the training for polo with our busy schedule of concerts and tour dates worldwide” – Jules Knight, Blake but it’s generally possible to balance playing for both, and important to be playing as much high-goal for England as well. However, Luke and I felt it would be better if we weren’t risked in the Beaufort Test Match this year, given the big games we have in July for Nick [Clarke]. We wanted to capitalise on the advantage Salkeld will hopefully have over

are that players also need backing because they’ll need to be prepared to invest heavily in horses if they really want to become a success.

T

urning to Blake, you guys are famous for your music but you’ve started playing a bit of polo now as well. What was it like to get a lesson from one of England’s finest?

Humphrey Berney: Obviously it was great to have a lesson with Beimy. We’ve been lucky enough to see him play in some top matches and so know what an incredible player he is. He really concentrated on my riding position, which as a beginner is essential to get right. We have been very lucky to Jules Knight, one of the founding members of Blake, is building his confidence with horses and enjoying learning to ride and play polo, despite a few falls

www.polotimes.co.uk

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21/06/2012 14:50

Interview – Beimy and Blake in harmony be trained by Clark Betz from Atkins Polo Academy and Beimy confirmed many of the things that we have been taught. It was brilliant to have a lesson with him. I just need to get back to Atkins now and continue practising. Hopefully next time he sees me play, he will be suitably impressed!

What is your long-term aim in polo?

Humphrey: The idea is for us to become a competitive team and for us to be able to play

exhibition matches. I think we are the first band ever to become a team. The idea really is that, if we could play an exhibition match at a polo event, later in the evening we could go from being on a horse to being on stage as the central act for the entertainment afterwards.

How much of a polo or equestrian background do you guys have?

Jules: The interesting thing is that three of us had never really ridden at all. Ollie has been a rider since he was young, but the other three of us really did start from scratch and Clark and Atkins Polo managed to take us from the very beginning stages to where we are now, which is that we can all ride a bit and play a bit and we’re hoping to ramp it up to the next level.

Ollie Baines: I played a few chukkas towards the end of last year. I need to get fitter, but it is seriously so much fun.

Humphrey: Having done stick and balling and then going into a chukka, that is where the game really comes alive.

It’s pretty physical – does your record label worry you might get injured?

Humphrey: Injury is always a worry when you are a performer, but we are very much in charge of our careers and so it’s our decision.

We also ride 1000cc Honda and Yamaha motorbikes, so we like life in the fast lane!

Jules: We have all had a few falls and that dents your confidence a bit, but building up confidence is all part of the process.

Ollie: Speak for yourself – I haven’t fallen off.

Stephen Bowman: You will. It will happen at some stage and we will laugh twice as hard!

Photograph by James Mullan

So, how did Blake’s involvement in polo begin, and why?

Humphrey: It started when we went out to perform at the Holders Festival in Barbados – a music festival at the Kidd’s family home ­– two years ago. We stayed at Apes Hill, the home of [Sir Charles] “Cow” Williams, and they very kindly invited us to play polo with Tom Morley. That is where we had the first ever taste of it as a four and we just loved it.

The seeds were planted – it fits that there are four of us and there are four in a polo team.

Jules Knight: Claire, who works with Clark at Atkins Polo, contacted me on Facebook.

She saw the photos of us having that first lesson and wondered if we’d like to come and have a taster session. So we came out for a day and we met Clark and the idea of Blake being a polo team was formed. That was last September. We had a few lessons then and we are getting going again this summer. We have to balance the training with the fact that we have a very busy schedule touring around the world. But it’s a commitment that we’ve made to Clark and he’s made to us and we want to make it happen.

Feature

Atkins Polo’s Miranda Jönsson, Clark Betz and Claire Attwater, who are looking after Blake’s polo training

Finally, how important is this polo link to the future development of the band?

Jules: It is not really a marketing ploy for us.

It is a bit of fun. It is a hobby and something for us to do in our spare time.

Humphrey: It’s not a CD-selling exercise, but there is certainly an element of looking to get involved in the polo community through exhibition matches around the world. We’ve loved every minute of it so far. F w Blake releases their new album – Start Over – in September. Anyone interested in sponsoring their polo team should contact Clark Betz on 07899 894547. You can find out more about them at www.blakeofficial.com

Blake line up with a new member of the group, Atkins’ schooling pony Luli

Polo Times, July 2012

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21/06/2012 14:50

Feature

High-goal ponies to keep your eye on this month

Horsepower

Marmite (

Mark Tom

Samara

bury

an Charlie H

nso – El Rema

Fille de D

linson – E

auphine)

FG Bank

Aravali

Smudge

Photograph by Ciive Bennett

Polito Pieres – C

5.1hh Height: 1 n Age: Seve ay Colour: B Sex: Mare 38 stralian Breed: Au red thoroughb t Opera Sire: Nigh oa PT p38-45 High-goal ponies JM PJ MB.indd Dam: S2am

Height: 15 .1hh Age: 12 Colo y: Charlie ur: Bay Owned b Sex: Mare Hanbury Bree : Charlied: English Played by thoroughbre d Hanbury Sire: D d o e lp n hin Street ow Previously Dam: A s tu n riana by: Ellersto 2 d in: 201 Purchase Speed: Con

Owned by : Mark Tomlinson Played by : Mark Tomlinson Previously owned by: Tim Bro mley Martin Purchased in: 2008

ortium

Owned by Height: 15.1hh Played by Age: Nine Pieres ey Colour: Dapple gr Previousl 22/06/2012 14:36 Sex: Mare

High-goal ponies to keep your eye on this month

With the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup now underway, we look at a selection of the top polo ponies that will be under various players in the tournament, bringing you the bare facts and their ratings out of 10 Georgie May reports from around the south-east of England

B

eing well mounted has always been absolutely key to polo, and the horsepower a player possesses can mean the difference between his team winning and losing. With the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup now in full swing, and the quarter-finals set for Saturday 7 July, each player will be fielding their best ponies in order to help their respective team get one step closer to lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday 15 July.

This year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup winners Dubai will be aiming for the double and, with the horsepower of 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso – who proved unstoppable at Guards last month – on the team, it certainly won’t be out of reach. The Argentine will be playing two of his favourite ponies. Mambo, a 15-year-old gelding who is officially owned by the Dubai polo team, was influential in the team’s win in the 2012 Queen’s Cup, with Cambiaso scoring once and helping set up two further goals on him in the fourth chukka, as the side raced into a 9-6 lead.

Ellerston, who lost to Dubai in the Queen’s Cup final (playing as “Ayala”), have a large number of Ellerston-bred ponies as part of their string, including Gonzalito Pieres’s favourite mare Twiggy. However, they are not the only side to be mounted by ponies with Ellerston bloodlines. El Remanso’s Charlie Hanbury regularly buys ponies from the breeders in Australia.

“I bought four horses from Ellerston this year, after trying 18,” Hanbury told Polo Times. “Ellerston produce great horses; they’ve mastered breeding. I’m great friends with Jim Gilmore [Ellerston’s polo manager] and James Beim, who often see the ponies playing in tournaments and I trust them and their judgement.

“Samara, who I brought over from Australia this year, is my best horse at the moment.

rtium

m Owned by: Cortiu Played by: Polito Pieres y owned PreviouPTslp38-45 High-goal ponies JM PJ MB.indd Broome

Feature

Left: Cowdray Park, where our featured ponies on the next few pages will be in action this month

She is out of Night Opera – a stallion that Ellerston leased for a season – and is unbelievably powerful. She’s only seven-yearsold so I think she’ll be even better next year.”

La Aguada’s Eduardo Novillo Astrada, who lines up for EFG Bank Aravali this season, is delighted with the success of the bloodline that has produced his best pony – Pinturita. By River Stanley (USA) and out of Pinta (New Zealand), the mare has previously played in the Argentine Open.

“The breeding combination is one of the best,” said Miguel Novillo Astrada, Eduardo’s brother. “All their progeny play the high-goal and Pinturita’s two full sisters have played the Open and will again this year. The great thing about the breed is that all the offspring can be played by a professional or a patron – another full sister is played by EFG Bank Aravali’s patron Karan Tharpar.”

Facundo Pieres brought one of his best ponies, Open Pimienta, over to the UK this season as he wanted a good horse for the team. Like Pinturita, the mare has also previously played in the Open – once with Facundo in 2011 and twice with brother Gonzalito in 2009 and 2010.

Current Gold Cup titleholders Zacara failed to make it past the league stages of the

“My brothers and I have created a breed that can be played by a pro or by a patron” – Miguel Novillo Astrada Queen’s Cup but, with it likely that some teams’ ponies are yet to hit top form and others will begin to waver as the season wears on, Zacara have two ponies up their sleeve that last year proved to have endless fuel in the tank. These were Lyndon Lea’s Samurai and Grace, who were doubled in two chukkas in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the Gold Cup in 2011. ◗ On the following three editorial pages, we profile 18 of the top ponies that will be playing in Cowdray Park’s high-goal tournament this month, so read on... ◗ Discover exactly how Dubai won last month’s Queen’s Cup on page 46 Polo Times, July 2012

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21/06/2012 15:09

Feature

High-goal ponies to keep your eye on this month

Gumboot

Sabine

Don Urbano Rolinga

John Paul Clarkin – Ellerston

John Paul Clarkin - Ellerston

Polito Pieres – Cortium

Height: 16hh Age: 10 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed: New Zealand thoroughbred Sire: Felix the Cat Dam: I’m No Illusion

Photographs by Polo Times team; shirt illustrations by Publications UK (Cartier Queen’s Cup programme 2012)

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Owned by: John Paul Clarkin Played by: John Paul Clarkin Previously owned by: Bought off the racetrack Purchased in: 2004

9 8 9 8 10

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Owned by: John Paul Clarkin Played by: John Paul Clarkin Previously owned by: Bought off the racetrack Purchased in: 2007

9 7 9 10 9

Height: 15.2hh Age: Six Colour: Bay Sex: Stallion Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Vasco Mambo Dam: Celosa

Owned by: Hernan Pieres Played by: Polito Pieres Previously owned by: Alfonso Pieres Purchased by Hernan in: 2006

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

8 9 8 10 10

Shannon

Twiggy

Smudge

Gonzalito Pieres – Ellerston

Gonzalito Pieres – Ellerston

Polito Pieres – Cortium

Height: 15.2hh Age: 11 Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed: Irish thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

Owned by: Ellerstina Played by: Gonzalito Pieres Previously owned by: José Donoso Purchased by Ellerstina in: 2008

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

10 10 10 10 9

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Height: 15.3hh Age: Seven Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Breed: New Zealand thoroughbred Sire: Kashini Dam: Cool Treasure

Polo Times, July 2012

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Height: 15hh Age: 11 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Australian thoroughbred Sire: Norman Pentaquad

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Dam: Tweed Owned by: Ellerstina Played by: Gonzalito Pieres Previously owned by: Ellerston Purchased by Ellerstina in: 2008

9 10 10 10 10

Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine Colour: Dapple grey Sex: Mare Breed: New Zealand thoroughbred Sire: Eskvale Dam: Suzie

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Owned by: Cortium Played by: Polito Pieres Previously owned by: Simon Broome and Angela Norrie Purchased by Cortium in: 2010

8 9 8 10 10

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21/06/2012 15:11

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22/06/2012 11:36

Feature

High-goal ponies to keep your eye on this month

Marmite (Fille de Dauphine)

Boeing

Samara

Mark Tomlinson – EFG Bank Aravali

Adolfo Cambiaso - Dubai

Charlie Hanbury – El Remanso

Height: 15.1hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: English thoroughbred Sire: Dolphin Street Dam: Asturiana

Photographs by Polo Times team; shirt illustrations by Publications UK (Cartier Queen’s Cup programme 2012)

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

9 10 9 9 9

Height: 15hh Age: Eight Colour: Chestnut Sex: Stallion Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Millonario Dam: Lapa

Owned by: Adolfo Cambiaso Played by: Adolfo Cambiaso Previously owned by: No-one, bred by La Dolfina Brought to UK: 2009

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

8 8 10 10 10

Height: 15.1hh Age: Seven Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Australian thoroughbred Sire: Night Opera Dam: Samoa

Owned by: Charlie Hanbury Played by: Charlie Hanbury Previously owned by: Ellerston Purchased from Ellerston in: 2012

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

10 9 9 9 9

Pinturita

Mambo

Tory

Eduardo Novillo Astrada – EFG Bank Aravali

Adolfo Cambiaso - Dubai

Charlie Hanbury – El Remanso

Height: 15.1hh Age: Eight Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: American x New Zealand thoroughbred Sire: River Stanley (USA) Dam: Pinta (New Zealand)

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

42

Owned by: Mark Tomlinson Played by: Mark Tomlinson Previously owned by: Tim Bromley Martin Purchased in: 2008

Polo Times, July 2012

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Owned by: Eduardo Novillo Astrada Played by: Eduardo Novillo Astrada Previously owned by: Bred at La Aguada Purchased in: Came to the UK in 2009

10 8 9 9 10

Height: 15.1hh Age: 15 Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Breed: US thoroughbred Sire: Dancing

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Dam: Unknown Owned by: Dubai Played by: Adolfo Cambiaso Previously owned by: Santiago Trotz Purchased in: 2006

Height: 15.1hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Australian thoroughbred Sire: Norman Pentaquad

Dam: Victoria Owned by: Charlie Hanbury Played by: Charlie Habury Previously owned by: Ellerston Purchased in: 2008

10 6 9 9 10

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

7 9 7 9 5

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19/06/2012 14:30

Feature

High-goal ponies to keep your eye on this month

Chanel

Grace

Open Pimienta

Nick Clarke – Salkeld

Lyndon Lea – Zacara

Facundo Pieres – La Bamba De Areco

Height: 15.2hh Age: 12 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: New Zealand thoroughbred Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown

Owned by: Nick Clarke Played by: Nick Clarke Previously owned/ played by: Will Lucas Purchased in: 2010

Photographs by Polo Times team; shirt illustrations by Publications UK (Cartier Queen’s Cup programme 2012)

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Played by: Lyndon Lea Previously played by: Javier Novillo Astrada (2008/2009) and Eduardo Novillo Astrada played her in 2010 Purchased in: 2006

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

9 8 10 9 9

Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Picaro Dam: Peeglet

Owned by: JeanFrancois Decaux Played by: Facundo Pieres Bred and previously owned by: Ellerstina Purchased in: Came to the UK in 2012

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

10 9 9 10 9

Twinkle

Samurai

Open Tapado

James Beim – Salkeld

Lyndon Lea – Zacara

Nico Pieres – La Bamba De Areco

Height: 15.1hh Age: 13 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breed: Australian thoroughbred (Ellerston) Sire: Calca

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

44

10 8 10 8 10

Height: 15.2hh Age: 11 Colour: Flea-bitten grey Sex: Mare Breed: South African thoroughbred (Stonefield Polo) Sire: Unknown Dam: Unknown Owned by: Lyndon Lea

Polo Times, July 2012

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Dam: Kylie Owned by: James Beim Played by: James Beim Previously owned/ played by: Ellerston Purchased in: 2005

9 10 9 10 9

Height: 15hh Age: Eight Colour: Flea-bitten grey Sex: Mare Breed: American thoroughbred Sire: Unknown

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Dam: Unknown Owned by: Lyndon Lea Played by: Lyndon Lea Previously owned by: Memo Gracida Purchased in: 2008

8 9 9 9 5

Height: 15.1hh Age: Seven Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Breed: Argentine thoroughbred Sire: Sportivo

Speed: Conformation: Ride-off: Turning ability: Temperament:

Dam: Capa Owned by: Ellerstina Played by: Nico Pieres Previously owned by: Bred by Ellerstina Purchased in: Came to UK in 2011

9 9 9 10 10

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Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 12:25

Reports

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Cambiaso is the King of Queen’s once again The Argentine 10-goaler won a record-breaking eighth Queen’s Cup title as he guided Dubai to a thrilling final win over Ayala at Guards Polo Club

John O’Sullivan reports from Guards

Dubai Ayala

Photographs by Images of Polo

A

12 11 rgentine 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso put in another virtuoso performance on the Queen’s Ground at Guards to inspire Dubai

to their fifth Queen’s Cup title in 10 years.

The 37-year-old proved he is still the best player in the world by scoring seven goals, including the winning penalty with the last play of the game, as Dubai saw off Inigo Zobel’s talented Ayala side by a single goal in a thrilling final.

Cambiaso, who first won the Queen’s Cup title in 1998 with Ellerston White, scored a string of remarkable individual goals and held his nerve in the final chukka while others felt the pressure as he became the first player to win the historic tournament eight times.

“I have been told that I have broken the record for the most Queen’s Cup wins, so I am very happy about that,” revealed Cambiaso after his match-winning display. “It was my own record that I

broke, so that makes it even better!”

With Her Majesty the Queen watching from the Royal Box as Cartier celebrated its first year of sponsorship of the tournament, the packed grandstands at Guards were treated to an absorbing final in which all eight players on the field played a significant part.

For Dubai, former 10-goaler Nachi Heguy brilliantly broke up play, while the work-rate of Aussie high-goal newcomer Alec White, 22, and patron Rashid Albwardy allowed Cambiaso to shine.

Ayala’s 53-year-old patron Inigo Zobel was playing in the Queen’s Cup for the first time, but he showed a skill-set of a far more experienced highgoal player. Playing alongside him, Gonzalito Pieres showed his 10-goal quality by scoring eight goals to keep Ayala in the game, while eight-goaler JP Clarkin and three-goaler Tomas

Adolfo Cambiaso, centre, leads the charge with his Dubai teammate Nachi Heguy, right, and Ayala’s JP Clarkin, left, in pursuit

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www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 11:05

Cartier Queen’s Cup

Reports

How did they perform at the Cartier Queen’s Cup? We mark the finalists out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap

Dubai (22): Rashid Albwardy (2) The ever-improving patron certainly played his part in Dubai’s victory with some impressive defensive work. His only goal came at the end of the fourth chukka when he gave Dubai a three-goal lead.

Nachi Heguy (8) The former 10-goaler did not have his best day in front of goal and his two penalty misses in the fifth chukka could have proved costly. However, he did a lot of work for the team and he brilliantly rode off Clarkin in the final chukka.

Alec White, Nachi Heguy, Ali Albwardy, Rashid Albwardy and Adolfo Cambiaso hold aloft the Cartier Queen’s Cup

Garbarini once again proved to be good value for their handicap.

The first three chukkas were very entertaining and with very little between the two sides. Three goals full of power and flair from Cambiaso helped to put Dubai 6-5 in front at half time, while Pieres and Clarkin also delighted the crowd with stunning goals of their own.

Two quick goals for Dubai early in the fourth chukka opened up a three-goal lead, but two penalty misses by Heguy coupled with four goals by Pieres in the fifth chukka allowed Ayala to level the scores at 10-10 heading into the final chukka, setting up a grandstand finish.

Pieres missed a crucial 40-yard penalty, while Clarkin for Ayala and Heguy for Dubai also spurned chances to win the final for their sides in the closing minutes as nerves certainly

“I did not play well in the final, but Adolfo did. This was the Adolfo Cambiaso final” – Nachi Heguy came in to play. But cometh the hour, cometh the man and Cambiaso was the one player to keep his cool. With less than 30 seconds left to play he used his experience to draw a penalty from Garbarini and, having taken over the penalty-taking duties after Heguy’s earlier indiscretions, he slotted the ball through the posts to win Dubai another Queen’s Cup title.

Heguy, who won his first title in this – his www.polotimes.co.uk

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third – final appearance, paid tribute to his imperious teammate’s telling contribution. He said: “It is amazing to win the Queen’s Cup. I did not play well in the final, but Adolfo did.

This was the Adolfo Cambiaso final.”

The latter stages of the Queen’s Cup this year also witnessed a significant step forward for UK polo as, for the first time, the semifinals and the final of the tournament were shown live on the internet by Pololine. Over 6,000 people tuned in on finals day as former England coach John Horswell and six-goaler Chris Hyde gave their expert views alongside impressively-shot video footage of the match. u

Cambiaso’s Queen’s Cup roll of honour: 1998: Ellerston White 1999: Ellerston White 2000: Geebung 2003: Dubai 2005: Dubai 2006: Dubai 2010: Dubai 2012: Dubai To see Adolfo Cambiaso in a more relaxed setting turn to page 20

Alec White (2) What a first season in high-goal it has already been for the 22-year-old from Australia. Started the final like a train and drew a penalty from Gonzalito Pieres for the opening goal. His composure and presence around the field suggest he won’t be at two-goals for long.

Adolfo Cambiaso (10) He seemed to score at will at times and his seven goals propelled Dubai to victory. Crucially held his nerve in the final chukka as others did not

7 7 8 9

Ayala (22): Inigo Zobel (1) The 53-year-old patron from the Philippines showed that he has great riding ability and a good eye as he broke away at great speed to score with a firsttime shot in the opening chukka.

7

Gonzalito Pieres (10) Showed his 10-goal quality as he almost single-handedly got Ayala back into the game with four goals in the fifth chukka.

However, he inexplicably missed a 40-yard penalty when the scores were level in the final chukka, which cost his side dearly. Was ironically kicked by Cambiaso’s pony during a change, which delayed the game for several minutes.

8

JP Clarkin (8) Proved throughout the tournament that he is good value playing off eight goals and the final was no exception. Scored a tremendous goal from almost 100-yards in the first chukka and showed his horsepower with a brilliant goal in the second on board Gumboot.

8

Tomas Garbarini (3) Had an excellent tournament in his first high-goal appearance since winning the Gold Cup with La Bamba in 2009.

Was not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Cambiaso and Heguy in the ride-off and showed off a remarkable range of shots.

8

Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 11:05

Reports

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

Paying the penalty As always in a tight match, penalties were crucial in the Queen’s Cup final. Gonzalito Pieres scored more than anyone else in the match, but ultimately his three misses, and particularly his 40-yard miss in the final chukka, proved costly. Like Pieres, Nachi Heguy had a blip and missed two before Cambiaso took over Dubai’s penalty-taking duties in the final chukka and scored two decisive goals to win the title.

8

Missed Scored

7

6

5

4

Photograph by Images of Polo

3

2

1

Argentine three-goaler Tomas Garbarini of Ayala shows his athleticism with a near-side shot during the final as patrons

0

res Pie to ali nz ) Go ala (Ay so bia am oC olf i) Ad uba (D uy eg iH ch i) Na uba (D

u It may still be early days, but this is certainly an important moment as the polo world seeks to show that there is a market for the game to be televised live on TV. The live coverage captured Rashid Albwardy, 20, matching his father Ali’s tally of two

Queen’s Cup wins. But, the winning patron admits there is a lot of work to do if his team want to repeat their successes of 2010, by following up their Queen’s Cup win with victory in the Gold Cup. He said: “Winning the Queen’s Cup is a

How the Queen’s Cup final 2012 unfolded...

First chukka:

Second chukka:

Third chukka:

Fourth chukka:

Dubai 2, Ayala 2

Dubai 4, Ayala 4

Dubai 6, Ayala 5

Dubai 9, Ayala 6

Nachi Heguy opened the scoring for Dubai from a 30-yard penalty. Ayala patron Inigo Zobel then levelled with a well-taken first-time shot before Adolfo Cambiaso put Dubai in front again after an amazing solo run. JP Clarkin equalised from long-range with a precise shot from more than 90-yards from the goalposts.

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Polo Times, July 2012

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Dubai edged in front for the third time when a backhander from Heguy snuck in. Ayala levelled again when Clarkin latched on to a clever Tomas Garbarini pass to score, and they took the lead through Gonzalito Pieres soon after. A clever chipped shot from Cambiaso made it 4-4 before the second bell.

Two quick Dubai goals, a 30-yard penalty by Heguy and a breakaway

by Cambiaso from the resulting throw-in, gave Dubai a 6-4 lead.

Pieres missed a chance to cut the deficit when his 60-yard penalty drifted wide, but he made no mistake from a second penalty to cut the gap to one at half time.

Dubai started the second half on top and goals from Cambiaso and Heguy gave them a commanding three-goal lead. Gonzalito Pieres got one back for Ayala with a 40-yard penalty before a close-range goal from Rashid Albwardy restored Dubai’s three-goal cushion two thirds of the way through the final.

www.polotimes.co.uk

28/06/2012 11:56

The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club

added: “We are the only team who can go into the Gold Cup without any pressure.”

We’ve seen Cambiaso in top-form in a thrilling final; we’ve seen polo move forward with live coverage online; and witnessed plenty of English talent in the knock-out stages – as the Hanbury’s El Remanso and Mark Tomlinson’s EFG Aravali made it to the semifinals, and Adrian Kirby’s Cortium and Nick Clarke’s Salkeld got to the quarter-final stage.

“We are the only team who can now go into the Gold Cup without any pressure” – Adolfo Cambiaso Despite the rain causing havoc throughout, all in all I’d say the 2012 Cartier Queen’s Cup has been a great success. Now bring on the Gold Cup! F w For more pictures from the Cartier Queen’s Cup final turn to page 84 w To read a rundown of the top high-goal ponies playing in the UK this summer, turn to page 38

Game rating

Rashid Albwardy of Dubai and Inigo Zobel of Ayala look on

good measure that we are playing well right now. To do well in the Gold Cup we need to keep working hard and keep doing what we are doing.”

Cambiaso, though, was much more bullish about Dubai’s chances at Cowdray Park. He

• • • • • • • • • •

u T he Cartier Queen’s Cup; 22 May to 17 June 2012; Guards Polo Club Result: Dubai beat Ayala, 12-11 Handicap level: 22-goal Most valuable player: Adolfo Cambiaso Best playing pony: Centimetre, owned and played

by Gonzalito Pieres Finalists: Dubai (22): Rashid Albwardy 2; Alec White 2; Nachi Heguy 8; Adolfo Cambiaso 10 Ayala (22): Inigo Zobel 1; Gonzalito Pieres 10; JP Clarkin 8; Tomas Garbarini 3

Fifth chukka:

Sixth chukka:

Dubai 10, Ayala 10

Final score: Dubai 12, Ayala 11

The fifth chukka was all about Gonzalito Pieres.

He missed a 60-yard penalty early on, but almost immediately made amends by scoring with a clever lofted shot. A spot penalty reduced the deficit to one and, although Cambiaso scored again for Dubai, two more goals from Pieres levelled the scores. Crucially Nachi Heguy missed two penalties for Dubai in the fifth chukka to let Ayala back into the game.

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A 60-yard Gonzalito Pieres penalty put Ayala in front for the first time since the second chukka, but Cambiaso equalised almost immediately with a penalty of his own. Pieres missed a 40-yard penalty with two minutes to go and Ayala’s Clarkin and Dubai’s Heguy both spurned opportunities to score before Cambiaso held his nerve to first win and then score the winning penalty with the final play of the game.

Reports

Analysis

by John Horswell The former England coach thinks the right team won, but doesn’t think it was a classic Queen’s Cup final I think that on the balance of play Dubai deserved to win. It was close in the end, but when they were three goals in front, Dubai had a bit of a blip. They lost their concentration and lost a few lineouts and let Ayala back into it. But I think overall Dubai created more chances so I think they deserved to win.

Everyone will remember Gonzalito missing a penalty in the last chukka, but Nachi Heguy missed two in the fifth chukka as well, so Dubai probably should have won by more.

I think the key factor is the strength of the combination between Nachi Heguy and Adolfo Cambiaso. Their partnership is great. Nachi cleans up a lot at the back and that allows Cambiaso to get forward and score goals. Yes, Nachi missed a few penalties and had a few chances he might think he should have scored, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he had a very effective game and he played a crucial role for the team.

The key factor is the strength of the combination between Nachi and Adolfo The right man won the MVP. Dubai and Cambiaso had been quiet for a few years, but that is as good as I’ve seen him play in England for some time. Going into the last chukka I said that he would still know that he was going to win, and of course he did. And the other two guys [Rashid Albwardy and Alec White] work very hard. I think Dubai are a very good team and they work very well as a unit.

I think both of the finalists will go on to do well in the Gold Cup. For Ayala, Tomas Garbarini played really well in the second half of the semi final against Aravali and he had a good final. It was just unfortunate that he gave away that last penalty against Cambiaso.

JP Clarkin had another good game and Gonzalito Pieres played very well, particularly in the fifth chukka. It is rare to see Dubai lose three or four throw-ins in a row, but he forced them to do that.

Overall, I think that for the supporters it was a great game to watch with the lead changing hands so many times and the drama at the end.

But I don’t think the game was a classic. There were a lot of missed shots and because of all the rain we have had recently the field was a bit heavy at times. F

Polo Times, July 2012

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Reports

You’re hot then you’re cold, you’re yes then you’re no England’s fortunes differed significantly in the opening two Internationals of the season, when only one thing appeared to be common to them both: England are at their most dangerous when they aim to play open, four-man polo

James Mullan in West Sussex and Gloucestershire

Photographs by James Mullan and Action Polo

England USA (rec’d ½)

T

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here are a number of reasons to look forward to the HPA’s International Day this month.

Excitement in the build-up has been heightened by the inaugural year of Audi’s sponsorship of the 101-year-old event, and more so by England’s form going into the Test Match with South Africa, which will form the jewel in the crown of the 2012 British polo season. Following a hard-fought

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victory over the USA at Cowdray Park in May, but a disappointing defeat at the hands of a scratch Commonwealth team at Beaufort in June, English supporters will be wondering which England side is going to turn up.

Which side physically turns up will, of course, be a matter for England’s selectors – though, having experimented in the first two domestic Test Matches of the season, I doubt we can expect too many

Above: England’s Ollie Cudmore, Malcolm Borwick, James Beim and Luke Tomlinson lift the trophy at Cowdray Park

Internationals, it is that how England plays is likely to be harder to predict.

At Cowdray Park, a change in venue brought a return to winning ways for England, who bounced back from defeat against South America on Lawns One last year to beat the USA in thrilling fashion after the Test was moved this year to the resurfaced Ambersham number one ground because of persistent rain in early May.

“Ollie has played a lot of four-man polo in Argentina, so he knows what he’s doing. He did well and it was a good result” – England seven-goaler, James Beim surprises in the summer’s main showpiece game. However, if we are to take anything from the Cowdray Park and Beaufort

It was the first time England had played the USA since they played for the Westchester Cup at Palm Beach in 2009, when Eduardo www.polotimes.co.uk

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England’s summer so far: International Test Matches at Cowdray Park and Beaufort

Novillo Astrada helped make up the 29-goal England side that took an unexpected victory. If Novillo Astrada looked like an anomaly for the visitors in that game (eligible because he was born in the UK), then Polito Pieres was surely the odd one out this time (eligible for the US having been born in Greenwich, New York).

There might also have been surprise at the inclusion of a patron too, were it not for the fact that, by now, most polo supporters know how little the USPA values its international sides overseas. Just as John Goodman did in 1997, one-goaler Ganzi is gearing up to field the USA team on the HPA’s International Day at Guards next year, so this game made for an interesting preview.

Indeed, as an appetiser, it could hardly have been better. Blessed with sunshine, Cowdray Park’s spectators were treated to a hugely enjoyable end-to-end contest of exceptional quality on a resilient

and picturesque ground. Ganzi’s foursome did America proud, and were within a successful 60-yard penalty of victory.

They’d been well-mounted, generously lent horses by the likes of Adrian Kirby, and with significant support from Queen’s Cup-winning string, Dubai.

Cambiaso’s right-hand man Martín Valent is married to Nic Roldan’s sister, and the couple are expecting their first baby, so the American number three was able to rely on superb support in terms of pony power, which he put to good use.

Roldan was the day’s most impressive performer and, having energetically helped get the USA into a surprise early lead, when Luke Tomlinson’s pony scored an own goal in the first chukka some wondered if it would be England’s day. u

Malcolm Borwick and Nic Roldan go head to head

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Reports

How did they perform in the St Regis Test Match at Cowdray Park?

We mark the players out of 10, for their effectiveness in terms of handicap

England (24): Ollie Cudmore (4) A solid debut in his first domestic Test Match. Scored at the end of the first chukka and competed well when faced with the vastly superior experience of the likes of Jeff Hall. Ollie’s high-goal experience came in handy, blocking and creating space for his teammates running through from behind and, though he lost his man on occasion, he’ll have learnt a lot and will surely have a big role in England’s future.

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Malcolm Borwick (6) A magical nearside dribble and goal in the second chukka showed just why the six-goaler is still so much in favour with England’s selectors. It was also nice that, rather than celebrating with a fist-pump or a selfsatisfied “whoop”, Borwick’s first instinct was to give his pony a big pat for a job well done. He was also typically reliable from the 40-yard penalty spot, though struggled at times to contain the rampant Nic Roldan.

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James Beim (7) It seems like a long time since Beimy had a bad game for England, and the same was true here.

He didn’t have as much of the ball as usual, but can always be relied upon to use it intelligently. At times, this meant clever short passes and controlled backhands, but his most memorable play came at the end of the third chukka, when he galloped diagonally across the ground from his own half and scored a stunning under-the-neck from 40 yards.

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Luke Tomlinson (7) Despite the misfortune of inadvertently scoring an own-goal off his pony’s leg in the first chukka, England’s captain recovered to lead by example and guide his side to a hard-fought maiden win of the 2012 summer. He scored six of England’s 11 goals, and showed the speed and agility of his horses with some breathtaking plays from midfield.

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USA (23): Marc Ganzi (1) The patron demonstrated an impressive eye for the ball, and certainly struck it consistently, even when under pressure from the event’s star players. However, his positional awareness was lacking at times and, conscious of his responsibilities, in his desperation he was guilty of conceding at least three costly fouls.

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Polito Pieres (8) This match probably came just slightly too early for the US-born 25-year-old, a member of the game’s most well-known family. The four horses he has in the UK this summer were perhaps not quite at their best and he played a number of Adrian Kirby’s, with whom he went on to have an impressive Queen’s Cup campaign. He was generally quiet, aside from a dramatic final chukka, when he landed a wonderful cut shot, and zig-zagged to win a crucial penalty with a long solo run.

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Nic Roldan (7) A class act. Not just a pretty face, Roldan led everything. His only obvious mistakes were a badly shanked 60-yard penalty in the second chukka, which he appeared to blame on the lie of the ball, and the missed high-pressure 60-yarder that was the final play of the game and would have won it. He was fantastic otherwise, scoring the quickest hat-trick I’ve ever seen in outdoor polo inside two minutes early in the third chukka, and was deservedly named MVP.

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Jeff Hall (7) Seems to have been around forever, but is clearly still an exciting talent.

He won over the crowds when he juggled the ball on the end of his stick from the throw-in to start the second chukka, and with the stunning black mare he galloped two-thirds of the length of the ground early on in the final chukka to score. However, he wasn’t always so well mounted, and couldn’t get near Tomlinson at times. But he linked up well with Roldan.

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The USA’s Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan and Polito Pieres ride out with patron Marc Ganzi for the national anthems before the thrill-a-minute St Regis Test Match at Cowdray Park in May

u However, the England captain immediately atoned for his misfortune with a wonderful faked backhand in midfield, a quick turn and a perfect through ball for Cudmore to run and score his first domestic international goal. Playing at number one, and making his debut in a Test Match on British soil, the 22-year-old’s excellent early strike helped settle some of the nerves and a fantastic open game ensued in which the lead changed seven times in the five chukkas.

All the players emerged with plenty of credit and few would have enjoyed England’s eventual victory more than Cudmore’s father Rob, who looked considerably more anxious than his levelheaded and focused son as he watched on from the sidelines.

“Ollie has played a lot of four-man polo in Argentina so he knows what he’s doing,” said teammate James Beim afterwards. “He did well, and it was a good result, especially given that all of us suffered with some heavy horses. It was such a wet start to the season, and so it was always going to be a slight lottery in terms of what sort of performance we could expect.”

Ultimately, England got the result they were looking for, and did so playing some exciting polo, whilst simultaneously successfully experimenting with a slightly new line up – something for which the HPA should be commended.

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The Commonweath England

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t Beaufort, however, things could hardly have been more different. The England side didn’t feature any of the team that beat the USA and, hampered by a rain-sodden ground, they looked a peculiarly disjointed outfit at times against a well-balanced Commonwealth side featuring two Aussies, a Brit and one of the South Africans likely to face the hosts on the HPA’s International Day this month.

England were forced to play catch-up throughout the inaugural Audi International Test Match, pinned back right from the off by the ruthless finishing of Australian six-goaler Rob Archibald and the adventurous spirit of South Africa’s Tom de Bruin at back, both of whom can count themselves very unlucky not to be featuring in the high-goal again this year. Sitting between them and anchoring the Commonwealth midfield was medium-goal mainstay James Harper, who was clearly relishing the chance to show what he can do at International level.

“I’ve only been invited to play in one major Test Match before,” said Harper, who played against an Argentina team featuring Adolfo Cambiaso at the Beaufort in 2006. “So, it was

good to have the opportunity again, even if it meant playing for the opposition. I think my game really suits four-man polo, and we [The Commonwealth] put on a decent show I’d say, given the conditions.”

Australian World Cup five-goaler Dirk Gould completed the Commonwealth line up, playing on rented horses from Corin Gipps and Sam Gairdner. He replaced Gareth Evans at short notice, after – with so many games backed up by the rain – the South African was unable to rearrange his Archie David qualifier at Guards on the same day and so was forced to withdraw.

England, meanwhile, were also forced to make a late change to their line-up when five-goaler George Meyrick replaced Max Routledge and so made his first senior international appearance just six days after winning at Polo in the Park in London. However, he was unable to make the sort of impression he would have liked, as the ball became clogged in midfield and Meyrick began to turn back towards the centre of the ground in order to drop deep and get some possession.

It backfired for two reasons – firstly, because it asked a lot of his ponies to expect them to gallop long distances from midfield all the way to goal and, secondly, because he ended up being dismounted twice on the half-way line after one of his opponents and then the ball collided with www.polotimes.co.uk

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England’s summer so far: International Test Matches at Cowdray Park and Beaufort

Reports

How did they perform in the Audi International at Beaufort?

We mark the two teams out of 10, based on their effectiveness in terms of handicap

The Commonwealth (23): Dirk Gould (5) The lippy Aussie was a late replacement for Gareth Evans but gave a good account of himself, despite presumably having very little time to prepare. Scored the last of the Commonwealth’s goals, midway through the final chukka, to make the game safe for the visitors.

Rob Archibald (6) The captain certainly led by example and was at the heart of everything good the Commonwealth did, getting his side off to a flyer with two goals in the opening three minutes and hitting a beautiful under-the-neck from a difficult angle at the start of the fourth chukka, benefiting immediately after spectators had diligently trodden in the cut-up ground.

James Harper (6) The 32-year-old has been on the periphery of the England squad since rising back to six goals at the end of last season, and clearly came into this game with a point to prove, even though he was facing up against his own countrymen. Harper spoilt a lot of English attacks and scored a splendid under-the-neck in the second chukka.

Tom de Bruin (6) The speed of the South African’s horsepower and the agility of his stickwork (even on a badly cut-up ground) demonstrated that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with on Audi International Day at Guards this July, when only a victory will do for the English against his home nation. De Bruin scored twice and, in defence, wrecked numerous English attacks.

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Mark Tomlinson and James Harper, who had a heated battle all afternoon at the Beaufort

him, leaving him with some painfullooking war wounds.

However, you could see why he wanted to get involved – whether it was because the ball wasn’t running on too well in the wet conditions, or because they appeared to be at odds with the umpires in terms of some of the decisions concerning who had the right of way, England didn’t seem confident enough to pass the ball around.

“The pressure was all on them really as the established team,”

around you are equally capable of doing their job.”

This is perhaps where England failed, not for any lack of effort, but because they somehow seemed unprepared to engage in a more simple and traditional style of play.

This was in stark contrast to the straightforward game plan proposed to the Commonwealth side by their coach for the day – English fivegoaler Dave Allen – and something even their sponsor noticed: “Dave helped create a sense of camaraderie in the team,” said

“I was impressed with how these four professionals adapted to work together so well” – Metropolitan Polo Club’s Rowland Wong said Harper, “whereas we were the side that was thrown together.

But I think we managed the game and the conditions better than they did. Playing all-professional polo is easy in some ways, because you each have just one role, and can have confidence that the players www.polotimes.co.uk

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Rowland Wong, representing the weekend’s main supporter this year, Goldin Properties.

“I was impressed with how these professionals adapted to work together so well, in the same way as might an electrician, an architect, a structural engineer and a carpenter u

England (23): George Meyrick (5) A difficult day for the young British prospect, given his first senior outing for England after winning Polo in the Park and showing promise playing for the all-professional Queen’s Cup side Belmont Farm. He was unmounted twice during the Test Match and, though he was brave in defence and did his best to stay with his man, he struggled to pose too much threat at number one.

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Mark Tomlinson (6) England’s brightest performer on the day, playing on his home ground, he looked lively in attack all afternoon and scored the team’s final goal. However, he was guilty of some disappointing penalty misses when England most needed points on the board, including a 30-yard penalty early in the fifth when 6-3 down. Yet he was also rather unlucky, hitting a post and some of his passing to Meyrick deserved better finishing.

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Tom Morley (6) Opened England’s account early in the second chukka, scoring a simple goal after a great long pass from Nacho, and also hit home penalties from 30 and 40-yards to make him England’s top scorer.

However, he had a poor start to the game, losing possession cheaply and conceding an early (though albeit controversial) penalty one. He was also unfortunate that his 40-yard penalty at the end of the second chukka was signalled in by the goal-judges but then over-ruled by the umpires as wide, which all served to put the hosts on the back foot.

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Nacho Gonzalez (6) The 36-year-old assumed his usual position at back, where he was kept busy by the formidable attacking threat of the Commonwealth, all of whom looked to break forward at pace. He’ll have been disappointed with how all four opposing players got on the scoresheet, but Gonzalez registered for England in the second chukka when he finished a quick-fire break set up by Mark Tomlinson.

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England’s summer so far

The Commonwealth was selected as England’s opposition at the Beaufort in honour of the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The team, sponsored by Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (represented above by Rowland Wong) comprised, from left to right, Australia’s Dirk Gould and Rob Archibald, England’s James Harper and South African Tom de Bruin

u on a building site. It didn’t matter that they didn’t particularly know each other.”

In fairness, actually Harper and Rob Archibald are familiar with each other’s game, having played together extensively in Australia, and Dirk Gould is certainly no alien to them on that basis either.

Harper brought two of John Paul Clarkin’s horses with the rest of his medium-goal string from Cowdray, and horsepower didn’t ever really look to be a problem for the visitors. However, England didn’t truly put the strength in depth of their opposition’s ponies to the test, as they rarely picked up a head of steam by playing open and expansive four-man polo.

The third chukka offered the hosts a ray of light as they suddenly began to attack with more endeavour and hopes were raised that the second half could see a resurgent England taste victory.

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tightened up again in the fourth chukka as the sun finally came out.

Nevertheless, on the occasions when we saw Mark Tomlinson bring out top mares such as Abba and Vixen, which coasted past the opposition, you wondered why the English hadn’t

“It’s never nice when you lose, but it was good to be a part of it” – George Meyrick looked to capitalise on the pace they had by linking up and hitting the ball long more often.

Arguably, these two games – still relatively new to the calendar – offer a valuable learning curve for England’s selectors. And so perhaps we do now have some helpful clues as to who they should pick and how they should aim to play throughout the rest of the summer.

Undoubtedly, there is work to do and England’s supporters will be hoping the start of Audi’s threeTest series doesn’t set the pattern for what is to follow in terms of results.

“It’s never nice when you lose,” said George Meyrick, “but it was good to be a part of it.”

Meyrick is unlikely to feature on the HPA’s International Day at Guards in July, when the combination of the more experienced England internationals in action at Cowdray Park and Beaufort will get the nod – conscious, no doubt, that the South Africans will be no push over. F w See sidelines photographs from the St Regis Test Match at Cowdray Park on 19 May on page 86 w England 21 beat England Ladies by half-agoal in a rain-sodden encounter after the main Audi Test Match on Saturday 16 June, while Princes William and Harry both took part in the second day of polo at the Beaufort Country Fair on Sunday 17 June (see page 82). www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 11:11

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Reports

London 2012 Polo in the Park’s host city was also its winner in the event’s fourth year, capturing the imagination of spectating Londoners in what is proving to be quite a year for England’s capital

Sophia Heath in Fulham

Photographs by City Events / Captive Minds

Mint London Camino Real Buenos Aires

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ontinuing on from the patriotism of the Jubilee weekend, British pride was kept alive in Hurlingham Park early last month, when Mint Team London stormed to the Mint Polo in the Park Championship with victory over Camino Real Team Buenos Aires in the final.

This is the fourth year that this quiet area of Fulham has been transformed into the venue

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for a polo spectacle and, despite persistent drizzle on finals’ day, the lure of a Harrods Food Court, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fast-paced polo seemed to be enough to entice London’s young, energetic and attractive public to attend in their thousands.

Once again, the action on the field was framed by advertising hoarding, in a smaller 215 x 90-yard space with the corners cut off, giving it a similar feel to arena polo. The popular “D-ring” surrounding the goals at either end offered players the chance to score two points instead of one if they shot from outside the area and, thus, three days of bighitting polo followed.

The action was also aided this year with the decision to use the larger arena polo balls supplied by Pampeano instead of the plastic

Above: Jamie Morrison, George Meyrick and Max Charlton celebrate victory in Fulham last month, where London beat Buenos Aires to lift the Polo In The Park trophy for the second time in four years

version of the normal-sized balls usually used on grass. It was good for two reasons: because it meant the groundsmen could leave the grass a little longer, which prevented it cutting up but also didn’t slow the run of the ball significantly; and because there were fewer anxious moments when the softer ball ricocheted into the crowds, who were right up close to the action as usual.

And, as if these improvements weren’t crowd pleasing enough in themselves, Mint Team London put together an unbeaten run in the first two days to the obvious delight of the spectators in the grandstands and around the perimeter of the ground. They carried their spectacular form into an electric first-half display in the final, when several well-taken penalties and two impressive goals from the superb Max Charlton www.polotimes.co.uk

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Mint Polo in the Park, Hurlingham – London

(5), gave the home side a commanding lead over Buenos Aires at treading-in time, 5-1.

However, mainly thanks to the unique “D-ring” rule, the Argentine side worked their way back into Sunday’s showpiece deciding fixture in the second half. Despite missing a couple of penalties early in the third chukka, Buenos Aires rallied round scoring a penalty and a stunning two point shot by Matias Machado (4). A penalty for Buenos Aires early in the fourth chukka added to the tension, but the London side soon responded with some great team play and a fantastic two-point goal by five-goaler George Meyrick, which extended their lead to 8-5.

There was late drama when Machado scored another two-pointer to make it 8-7 but Oscar Mancini’s last-gasp strike in the dying seconds passed just wide of the posts to seal London’s success in the city’s Olympic year.

Credit has to go to both teams who put on a spirited exhibition of fastpaced action to excite

Sydney’s Glen Gilmore and Moscow’s Oli Hipwood in front of the corporate marquee, but neither side made the final

the crowd. The reticence that many players showed in the rain on the opening day of competition on the Friday was all-but gone, with everyone fired up, looking for victory and finally used to the rules, the proximity of the crowds and the smaller area.

“The ground wasn’t actually slippy at all,” said tournament debutant George Meyrick – one of London’s heroes. “That had been

“It’s the perfect gig: great field, great crowd, great girls, great booze and it’s hilarious” – Zac Hagedoorn

Jack Richardson, playing for Okrite Team Moscow

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Reports

a main concern, because you’re required to turn in shorter spaces. However, it wasn’t a problem and playing here was an amazing experience. You don’t get crowds like this normally at games of this level and that makes it really fun. The more you can bring polo to the people, the better. Any publicity for the game is great and having it in London really helps as it makes it easy for people to get to.”

There can be no doubt that Polo in the Park has established itself over the past four years and many spectators were returning to the event after past experiences. Players have also learned to adapt to these one-off rules and, though it’s more of platform to help the profile of the pros rather than much of a moneyearner, increasingly they seem to get into the spirit of the event.

“It’s the perfect gig in some ways,” said Australian three-goaler Zac Hagedoorn, who played for IG Team Sydney in the subsidiary

plate final. “Obviously, we would like to do it with the traditional rules and all the players but, in this location, they’ve done a great job.

The field played amazingly well and it was a lot of fun – great crowd, great girls, great booze and it’s hilarious.”

That buoyant atmosphere is clearly as key to Polo in the Park’s success as is the polo itself and, particularly on the Saturday, there were certainly times when the pubs and bars were much fuller than the grandstands. It may not be the place to head for the dedicated polo enthusiast but, in my view, organisers are doing a fantastic job of making it more accessible and overtly fun than many traditional alternatives.

The players respond to the crowd and put on a spectacle. It may not be all about the sport but it is unquestionably entertaining. F ◗ City Events’ first foreign Polo in the Park event is set to take place this November in Abu Dhabi, having secured the Emirates Palace as the venue and private bank Coutts as the principal sponsor

Game rating

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u Polo in the Park; 8-10 June 2012; Hurlingham Park, London Result: London beat Buenos Aires, 8-7 Principal sponsor: MINT Handicap: 14-goal Number of team entries: six Finalists: Mint Team London (14): George Meyrick 5; Max Charlton 5; Jamie Morrison 4 Camino Real Team Buenos Aires (14): Matias Machado 4; Oscar Mancini 4; Tomas Ruiz Guiñazú 6 Polo Times, July 2012

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Reports

Home and abroad

Germany – Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup

Photograph by Revolution Sports

Argentine Maiquez claims third beach SIX TWO-MAN teams took part in this year’s Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup, held at Sylt in Germany from 26-27 May, writes Louise Sandberg. With the mercury topping 26 degrees, clear blue skies and white soft sand underfoot, one could have been forgiven for thinking it was Florida or the Caribbean.

The island of Sylt, just off the northern coast of Germany, is the country’s answer to St Tropez in France and drew crowds of more than 2,000 spectators on both days.

Two British players took part in the competition – Jamie Morrison, who was fresh from playing in the Miami Beach Polo World Cup in March, and Tim Ward, who is now based in Germany with Thomas Winter.

Bilingual commentator Jan-Erik Franck provided a peppering of fun, yet informative commentary. It has to be said that the two-man team format made for an interesting and perhaps more clear game of polo, which was especially welcomed by the novice polo spectator.

Audi’s Gastón Maiquez (left) and Lanson’s Thomas Winter battle for the ball in the Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup

RCBPC – Prince of Wales Trophy

Photograph by Luru Wei

New penalty shoot-out rule decides finalists JOACHIM GOTTSCHALK’S Les Lions took home The Prince of Wales Trophy at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) in June, writes Herbert Spencer.

They beat Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas, 11-10, in a penalty-plagued final that saw 15 of the 21 goals scored from conversions.

The rainy final started and ended dramatically. Les Lions’ 10-goaler, Sebastian Merlos, took a stick to his face in the opening throw-in, then played on with his upper lip heavily bandaged to stem the bleeding. In the last chukka, Talandracas’s Lucas Monteverde was hit with a stick and sidelined with a badly bruised wrist tendon and had to be replaced

by Santiago Gaztambide.

Then in the final 30 seconds, with the score tied at 10-10, Les Lions’s Agustín Merlos coolly converted his seventh penalty to win the game.

Talandracas and Les Lions qualified for the final after becoming the first two teams ever to successfully navigate the HPA’s new penalty shoot-out system, which has been 58

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introduced to split teams with equal win/loss records. Four teams eliminated from the Cartier Queen’s Cup – Les Lions, Talandracas, Sumaya and La Bamba de

Areco – shot penalties at the RCBPC the day before the final, with Les Lions and Talandracas ultimately winning through.

Under old tournament rules, equal teams were split by goal difference. The new rule is intended to prevent teams engaging in surreptitious match fixing because now even teams with a good goal difference must play to win every match.

Les Lions’s Sebastian Merlos sports a bandage on his face

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polo title in Germany Finals day started with the battle for fifth and sixth place. Schloss Gohrde took home the honours, beating Julius Baer 7-6. Konig Pilsner then defeated Maus Immobilien – featuring Jamie Morrison and Steve Rose – to third place in the second match of the day, ahead of the main final.

Battling it out for the Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup was Lanson, featuring Germany’s highest handicapped player, Thomas Winter, and Siegfried Grohs. They took on Audi – comprising Argentine Gaston Maiquez, who has won the tournament twice before, and Christian Grimme. The match started slowly with both teams playing a tactical

game, including some arguably dirty plays, before Winter opened up the game with some superb beach polo skills.

As the sand became furrowed towards half time, the speed of play began to slow down but, once the surface had been levelled at half time, the game picked up and Maiquez and Winter both scored soon after the first line-out. Although Lanson fought hard to keep up with Audi, the latter were able to retain their lead and collected the trophy, winning 7-6½.

Maus Immobilien’s Jamie Morrison

Reports

France – Coupe PGH Photograph by R&B Presse/P.Renauldo

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Home and abroad

Thomas Llorente, Corrine Ricard, Dario Musso and Alexandre Sztarkman lift the Coupe PGH in Chantilly

Murus Sanctus success CORINNE RICARD’S MURUS Sanctus won the Coupe PGH on 20 May at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. Despite their opponents, In the Wings, featuring the highest handicapped player in the tournament – eight-goaler Pancho Bensadon – the Murus Sanctus side produced the goods and went on to win by five goals, 8-3.

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& GRILL | 52 FULHAM ROAD CHELSEA LONDON SW3 | 020 7581 0025 | WWW.PJSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK Polo Times, July 2012

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Home and abroad

Cirencester Park – Gerald Balding Cup

News in brief

Cheshire win at Cirencester

w C oworth Park – Clinton McCarthy’s Emlor C side won the Indian Empire Shield in May, defeating the Hanbury’s El Remanso in the final, 8-7. Nine teams entered the 15-18 goal tournament, including defending champions Black Bears, who surprisingly lost all their games.

w C owdray Park – Sixteen-year-old Joe Arber – son of patron Simon Arber – won his first 8-goal tournament in June, after his team, Four Quarters, defeated Ferne Park in the Easebourne 8-Goal Cup final.

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

igeria – Title sponsors Access Bank w N won the fifth annual Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield in Nigeria. The tournament, where $20,000 went to the winner, included top Argentine players Julio Novillo Astrada (7) and Diego Araya (7), as well as top African players. Teams competed for two weeks at Kangimi Resort, Kaduna, before the finalists – Access Bank and MRS – were decided.

SAN MIGUEL FRESCA secured a convincing 6-3 victory over Harum Scarum to win the 8-goal Gerald Balding Cup at Cirencester Park on a very wet Sunday at the beginning of June. Richard Thomas’s winning team from Cheshire proved a formidable force throughout the tournament and, following

San Miguel Fresca’s Charlie Walton (in white) and Alexander Nix for Harum Scarum in action in the final

USA – 5th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Figueras leads side to New Jersey win

w Cowdray Park – This June’s 18-goal Duke of Sutherland final saw Clinton McCarthy’s Emlor C defeat Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears, 109½. This makes it Emlor C’s second consecutive 18-goal win this summer, after winning the Indian Empire Shield in May. The team are currently contesting their third 18-goal fixture – The Apsley Cup – at Cirencester.

Photograph by Gary Hulton

w M exico – El Rey Polo Club hosted the inaugural Cancun Beach Polo tournament in May (pictured below). Five teams entered the three-a-side competition, which is the second in a series of three tournaments in the area. Lemmus – Hugo Villalobos, Francisco Amaro and Chava Briones – defeated Scappino in extra time, 6-5, to take home the title.

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their previous day’s victory at the Coutts International at Chester Racecourse, were clearly on a roll.

The first half finished on level scores, with goals from San Miguel Fresca’s Kelvin Johnson and Oli Taylor and Harum Scarum’s Ryan Pemble. However, Thomas’s side gathered momentum in the second half, with Taylor soon extending the team’s lead by two goals. Young Charlie Walton was the star player of the fourth and final chukka, finding the posts twice for San Miguel Fresca and securing them a well-earned win.

Judith Balding – niece of the tournament’s namesake – presented the prizes to the teams. The Retraining of Racehorses best playing pony award went to Kelvin Johnson’s fantastic mare Opal, which he rode in the final chukka.

Although there was no royal presence on the field this year, the 5th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic was certainly a majestic event, with Nacho Figueras’s Black Watch team taking home the title after they defeated Nespresso, writes Gary Hulton.

This year’s event changed venues from Governor’s Island to Liberty State Park in New Jersey, thus offering a great opportunity for the sell-out crowd to discover polo on the doorstep of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Figueras and Nacho Cabrera went to herculean efforts to find a new location for the event, researching 13 sites all around New York.

The chic, international crowd, which included actor Clive Owen and stylist Rachel Zoe, made the 10-minute ferry ride across the Hudson River from New York City to attend the event, which benefited

Work-to-Ride. The Philadelphia-based charity aids disadvantaged urban youth through constructive activities based on horsemanship, equine sports and education.

The Black Watch polo team, comprising Figueras, Nic Manifold, Work-to-Ride’s Kareem Rosser and Bash Kasi, beat Nespresso – Naco Taverna, Kris Kampsen, Alan Adler and Chet Lott – 9-7 after four close chukkas.

Although Figueras was named most valuable player, Rosser was one of the standout players of the day, scoring goals, marking his man and being in the right place at the right time. Taverna, whose pony Monroe was named best playing pony, played a fast and furious game and at one point Kasi nearly lost his helmet after ducking from one of his many powerful shots.

The Manhattan skyline looms in the background during the Polo Classic

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Reports

Home and abroad

Cheshire – Polo Times 1930 Wirral Polo Cup

San Roman scores golden goal for Stobart AFTER A DISMAL week of unrelenting rain, the sun broke through at Cheshire Polo Club on Sunday 10 June in time for the final of the 1930 Wirral Polo Cup, sponsored by Polo Times. Four teams entered the -2-0 goal tournament, which was won by Stobart Polo after they defeated Hair Raisers 6-5.

The Hair Raisers team, of Mark Cramb, Hazel Jackson, Lucy Taylor and Paul Thomason, looked like the stronger team in the first two chukkas, leading at half-time following some excellent play by Jackson and Taylor. The Stobart team – Katie Jenkinson, Michael Irlam, Nico San Roman and David Irlam – came out fighting in the second half and, after a number of goals in quick succession, they drew level with their opponents before the end of the final chukka. A foul by the Hair Raisers in extra time gave away a penalty to the Stobart side, which was converted by San Roman, securing their victory.

Aly Brown of sponsor Hair Raisers awarded the cup to Jenkinson – captain of Stobart Polo. The

The winning Stobart team – Nico San Roman, Katie Jenkinson, David Irlam and Michael Irlam – with Aly Brown

Polo Times best playing pony rug was awarded to Mash, owned and played by Lucy Taylor.

The match was followed by the 4-6 goal

Boodles Wirral Ladies’ Cup final and, once again, Stobart Polo took victory over San Miguel Fresca, 7-6.

Chester Racecourse – Audi Polo Challenge

White Rose – Summit Polo Cup

Wills works his magic

Victory for sponsors

THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE took part in the Audi Polo Challenge at Chester Racecourse on Thursday 31 May. Playing for Audi Quattro, the Duke of Cambridge and his teammates claimed victory over Audi Ultra in extra time.

The event was kept under wraps from the public and attended

by Audi’s privately invited guests, which included actor Nicholas Hoult, presenter Mike Bushell and comedian John Bishop. After the match, guests were treated to a three-course meal and a performance by Pixie Lott.

The day raised money for three causes that are supported

by Prince William – the English Schools Swimming Association, Mountain Rescue and Skillforce.

TEAM SUMMIT DEFEATED Omnia Three Oceans in the final of the Summit Polo Cup – White Rose Polo Club’s flagship annual tournament. The Pro-Am Challenge also concluded on 10 June at the Yorkshire club and Tormenta were crowned champions. Six novice players, who received 10 weeks of intense training, were split into two teams and were joined by a professional player for the Hugo Suarez (left) and Hedley Aylott in the challenge match.

Summit Polo Cup final in June at White Rose

Charlie Walton (in red) and HRH The Duke of Cambridge

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Home and abroad

Cowdray Park – Dollar Cup

Photograph by Clive Bennett

HOLLYCOMBE/ HURLINGHAM MEDIA won the Dollar Cup on 27 May at Cowdray Park. In the 12-goal final, patrons Gini Hoare and Roderick Vere Nicoll’s team defeated Ray Fine’s Las Estrellas in extra time, 8-7.

Although Hollycombe/ Hurlingham Media – Hoare, Vere Nicoll, James Harper and Santiago Gaztambide – established a 4-0 lead by half time, Las Estrellas obviously had a pep talk during the tread-in and came out fighting in the second half. By the end of the third chukka, Roderick Vere Nicoll, Santiago Gaztambide, Gini Hoare and James Harper they managed to score four goals to their opposition’s one and, after Las Estrellas missed their chance at goal, it was successfully converting a penalty before the Gaztambide who picked up the ball and tore final bell, brought the score up to 7-7. After off to goal to secure the win for his team.

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for chukkas £45 Polo pony rental 5, pony leasing & tournaments £6r the season, £160 per week foe for new clients specially availabl

Guards – The Queen Mother Centenary Trophy Photograph by Tony Ramirez, Images of Polo

Extra-time win for Hollycombe

Reports

Spencer McCarthy, Nacho Gonzalez, Marcos Araya and Rex Woodhouse lift the trophy after their win

Glory for McCarthy SPENCER McCARTHY’S EMLOR won the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Centenary Trophy on 20 May at Guards Polo Club. They defeated Momin Sheikh’s BHC, 10-8, in the 15-goal final. In the subsidiary final, Dell Park beat Mad Dogs, 8-7.

35 minute drive from London

cient parkland Set in beautiful annds Chukka & Stick ou Gr lo Boarded Po sandy grounds & Ball Field all on

Delicious Barbeques

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07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk www.playpolo.co.uk 3OD\ 3ROR KDOI SDJH DGYHUW LQGG www.polotimes.co.uk

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Carlitos Polo

nament t parkland, Tour 150 acres of ancienvery £85 per week with entr y £35. Full Li& pony turnout your own groom

Polo Pony heaven, beautiful surroundings, great tournaments, chukkas and bbqs in 2012 near Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Pony rental or chukkas & tournaments and pony leasing also available.

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22/06/2012 16:18

Reports

Home and abroad

France – British Polo Day

News in brief

Sunny St Tropez hosts British Polo Day

w Guards – Cambridge Old Blues and Cambridge won their respective games against Oxford Old Blues and Oxford at the Jack Wills Varsity Day on Saturday 9 June. Eton had a successful game against Harrow, beating them 7-2½.

However, the Old Etonians weren’t as successful, losing to Old Harrovians 11½10. In the final game of the day, Harvard beat Yale 5-3½.

BRITISH POLO DAY debuted in the south of France with a sun-soaked day of polo at Polo Club Saint Tropez on Saturday 9 June.

The event saw two British teams – Eton and Oxford – going head-to-head with two St Tropez teams.

Following a champagne reception and lunch for VIP guests, Eton took on St Tropez II for the Diamond Jubilee Trophy. Eton – Guy Schwarzenbach, Ben Vestey, Tristan Phillimore and Lord Clifton Wrottesley – defeated their opposition 9-8.

The final game of the day saw Oxford – Jacquie Hooper, Captain Jack Mann, Jamie Dundas and Stuart Wrigley – draw 5-5 with St Tropez I. In a show of good faith, the Johnsons of Elgin Trophy was retained by the host team. Mann was awarded the most valuable player award.

A charity auction in aid of HRH Prince Charles’s Pakistan Recovery Fund took

w Cirencester Park – Mosaic won the 6-goal Committee Cup in mid-June. The side, which comprised Camilla Beresford, Tom Beim, Dave Allen and Tim Dare, defeated Coxwell, 8-6, in the final. Lodge Services won the subsidiary final. w F rance – Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly hosted the Coupe Laversine Challenge Elie de Rothschild in June.

Following their success in the Coupe PGH in May (see page 59), Corinne Ricard’s Murus Sanctus won the 12-goal tournament, defeating Sainte Mesme, 9-7.

w T idworth – Polo Times sponsored Tidworth Polo Club’s -6-2-goal Mixed Doubles on the weekend of 16-17 June.

Full Swing won Section A – defeating Classic & Sports Boots On, 6-5½.

In Section B, the Persuaders beat Kingsettle, 10-1½. Full Swing’s Jess Andrew’s Pearla won the Polo Times best playing pony rug.

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w The next British Polo Day – Polo for the Brave held at Coworth Park – took place after Polo Times went to press, on Saturday 23 June. A report will feature in the August issue

Scotland - St Andrews University Tournament

Los Bandidos’s Facundo Cabana in action in the final

Bandidos bliss LOS BANDIDOS WON Hurtwood Park’s Lola’s Trophy, sponsored by Polo Times, at the end of May. Although their younger opponents, the Banque Havilland team, used clever tactics to try to thwart Los Bandidos, the latter were more experienced and managed to secure the win with a late goal. With the scores tied in the final chukka, a fine goal by Facundo Cabana put his side ahead and, with Banque Havilland unable to find the posts again, the Los Bandidos side ran out the winners.

In the subsidiary final, Monks Farm drew with Grafton.

ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY held a successful charity tournament in aid of Help for Heroes on Sunday 29 May. Nearly 500 spectators turned out to witness a day of polo, which began with six teams battling it out in the novice tournament. This was won by Made in St Andrews, who beat The One Under team.

This was followed by a university varsity match between Edinburgh University and St Andrews. This old rivalry brought out the best teams from both universities and was won by St Andrews, 6-1½. The day concluded with a thrilling exhibition match between a Scottish team and an English side. In a close contest, the home side won by half a goal, 3½-3.

Photograph by Heather Calvert

w S pain – British four-goaler Jack Kidd was named most valuable player in the 6-goal Tourneo de los Restaurantes in Sotogrande, after his team Cancha 2 won the inaugural tournament. The side won all their matches in the tournament before defeating Hairy Lemon, 9-5, in the final on Sunday 27 May.

place during the event and raised more than US$10,000 (£6,500).

Home triumph Photograph by Mark Beaumont

w R CBPC – Due to bad weather in early June, organisers were forced to cancel the semi-finals of the John Prestwich Cup. Therefore, the teams that finished top of the two leagues were both awarded places in the final, with the two second placed teams playing in the subsidiary final. The victors were Tony Gerrard’s Montana – also featuring Nicholas Antinori, James Rome and Michel del Carril – who beat WN Thomas & Sons,12-7½.

Hurtwood Park Polo Club – Lola’s Trophy

Old Etonions Lord Clifton Wrottesley, Tristan Philimore, Guy Schwarzenbach and Ben Vestey celebrate

George Mackintosh of St Andrews (in navy) and Alexander Lindsay of Edinburgh in the varsity match

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22/06/2012 12:37

Youth polo

Polo at Marriners

Presented by

Young players and take to the fields of Amelia Lady Northbrook hosted the second annual Polo at Marriners event at the end of May, where Roddy Seymour Williams and Jack Richardson were the stand-out players of the day, which raised money for Hampshire Hunt and Action on Addiction

S

Compiled by

Georgie Haycraft

Hattingley Valley Wines Savills

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5 4

ummer arrived and set the scene for a spectacular afternoon of polo at Amelia Lady Northbrook’s private ground at Marriners Farm in Hampshire.

Following its successful inaugural tournament last year the second Polo at Marriners event took place on Sunday 27 May. Sponsored by Hattingley Valley Wines, the event was organised by a fundraising

committee led by David Cowley, with the aim of raising money for the Hampshire Hunt and Action on Addiction.

The day began with an invitation match between past and present members of the Pony Club. The Admiral Cod team – Roddy Seymour Williams, George Meade, Cosima Baring and Freddie Dear – eventually defeated The Woolpack following a “run-down” to

Polo Times, July 2012

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Polo at Marriners

young ponies Hampshire decide the winner. Admiral Cod could have had it in the bag in the fourth chukka, but at the last moment a goal by Harold Hodges put the two teams level at 3-3 just before the final bell sounded.

Seymour Williams, who scored the first goal for his Admiral Cod team by executing a

over, thanks to the brilliant game management of Kent and Parsons, who worked tenaciously to take out opposing five-goalers Le Poer and Meyrick, in order to clear the path for their teammates Richardson and Sheridan.

However, three goals by Savills in the fourth chukka and an equalising

"The second Polo at Marriners was a fun, relaxed day, helping to raise money for two charities" – George Meyrick

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goal by Nick Pepper put the team back into contention. Victory was narrowly secured for Hattingley Valley Wines in the closing stages, thanks to a brilliant goal by Richardson, who was named most valuable player at the prize-giving ceremony.

“The Hattingley Valley Wines team made it clear they had a plan and came out onto the ground a united side,” Ledger said. “Their teamwork certainly had a winning formula. John Kent shut down George Meyrick’s play, allowing Richardson and Sheridan enough freedom to score.”

“It was a fun, relaxed day, helping to raise money for two charities,” Meyrick added. “As well as playing polo on a good ground, I had the opportunity to play some of my youngsters, who went very well.” F Billy Jackson-Stops in action in the U25 game. Left, Roddy Seymour Williams leads the charge in the Pony Club game

Education from every angle Our education expert Adam Caller gives advice each month on dealing with the quandaries facing young players looking to balance their polo and their studies.

The summer vacation, extending as it does for some from mid-June to early September, represents an ideal time for students to catch up or get ahead. I know many young people baulk at the idea that a busy school year is followed by more work during their summer vacation, but it needn't be unpleasant.

For some students a summer tutor is a chance to get ahead for the next year or fill in gaps from the last. This is as useful for those aiming for top grades as it is for those who may be falling behind. For others it’s a way to keep brains engaged, to be able to start where they left off when school resumes in the autumn. It offers parents a way to provide structured activities that stretch a young mind – having a really creative educator around ensures that the summer is productive and educationally rich. And of course it means that parents themselves can get some downtime, safe in the knowledge that their children are being well looked-after and even learning something.

When I am asked for summer tutors I make sure to take into account the family’s plans, to make sure that the tutoring schedule does not encroach on other arrangements. It’s important the tutor is sensitive to the circumstances and appreciates that it is the summer vacation – a time for play and rest as well as an opportunity for intensive preparation. Tutors can be placed wherever you plan to travel, travel with you, and can be found for both long or short periods.

If summer tutoring is something you are considering, now is the time to get the process started. Teachers generally want some time off in the summer, and many will already have plans or social engagements.

As with many things in life, the further ahead you plan, the better.

◗ Adam Caller has been the Senior Partner of Tutors International for 12 years. Tutors International is a specialist private tutoring and educational consultancy headquartered in Oxford Polo Times, July 2012

Photographs by Michael Huggan

superb under-the-neck shot straight into the goal from a 90-degree angle, deservedly won most valuable player for his efforts.

“As well as his great goal, Roddy held off an onslaught of attack from The Woolpack in the third chukka, which to me made him really stand out,” match commentator Simon Ledger told Polo Times.

The highlight of the day was the 15-goal Best of British Under 25 match.

John Kent captained the Hattingley Valley Wines side, ably supported by Edmund Parsons, Jack Richardson, and Lanto Sheridan and, after dominating much of the game, they ran out worthy winners. They beat Savills, who comprised Richard Le Poer, Nick Pepper, George Meyrick and Billy JacksonStops – a name that caused much amusement to those at Savills, who queried why the name of one of their main real estate competitors was on their team!

The boys, who were fielding mainly their young ponies, gave the punters a breathlessly fast battle. At the end of the second chukka the score was 4-0 to the Hattingley Valley team. The match was starting to look like a walk-

Youth polo

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22/06/2012 11:43

Youth polo

SUPA National University Championships

Rain fails to dampen the spirits at the University Nationals

One hundred university teams took over Offchurch Bury Polo Club over the Diamond Jubilee weekend and enjoyed four days of polo and partying

Kian Gheissari reports from Offchurch Bury

W

Photographs by Ed Phillips

ith heavy rain forecast for much of the Diamond Jubilee weekend, students and organisers alike feared a repeat of Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arena Nationals, when the freezing weather played havoc with the play. The rain came as predicted, but tournament organisers SUPA (the Schools and University Polo Association) and hosts Offchurch Bury Polo Club did a marvellous job to ensure that every single chukka was played to plan.

The SUPA National University Championships is the highlight of the university season and this year brought together 100 teams from 27 different universities who played across 11 different sections during a cracking four days of polo and partying.

Royal Holloway dominated the Beginner section and took the B1 title with a final win over Harper Adams. However, they were denied a Beginners-double by a brilliant performance from Exeter B in the B2 final.

Royal Holloway went on to win the Combined title, teaming up with Glasgow University, and club president Celine Lawrence thanked the hard work of their coach Charlotte Sweeney of Ash Farm Polo Club for their success.

The level of play seen throughout the beginners section was extremely impressive.

The performance of Tessa Higham of Sandhurst was particularly noteworthy considering she only had three lessons prior to the Nationals and she was duly selected as the most valuable player (MVP).

The Novice 1 section is the most soughtafter title for those who had not played polo

Loughborough's Robin Spicer and Exeter's Harold Hodges go head to head in the rain in the Open final

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SUPA National University Championships

This year's championships included 100 teams from 27 different universities all weekend. After receiving the award, Outtridge praised the overall strength of the University of Birmingham Polo Club. “To field the highest number of teams in successive nationals is really pleasing,” he said.

In the Lower Intermediate section MVP Thijs Povel guided his Imperial side to victory over London B. At the top end of the spectrum of university polo lies the Open section and this year’s final was an absolute belter with Exeter beating Loughborough 2½-2 in a pulsating twochukka match. The final pitted old foes Harold Hodges of Exeter against Loughborough’s Robin Spicer, and both one-goalers were eager to outplay the other. Exeter had the upper hand going in to the final chukka but this was soon taken away from them after a fantastic 40-yard penalty from Spicer.

Two minutes of riveting end-to-end action followed before Exeter regained the lead with a well-worked team goal and they valiantly held on to win the championship.

The rain, the mud and the alcohol may have made the tournament more akin to Glastonbury than the glamour seen at this month’s Cartier Queen’s Cup final, but the action was certainly no less intense and the stock of university polo continues to rise. The tournament was another undoubted success and everyone involved must be grateful to Offchurch Bury, who allowed the play to go on, the SUPA staff and the umpires.

University polo as a whole continues to expand, with more university leagues and smaller tournaments constantly being established. More graduates are also continuing to play alumni polo through SAPA so the future of low-goal polo in Britain certainly looks bright. F u Section winners: B1: Royal Holloway B2: Exeter B B3: Harper Adams N1: Reading N1a: Leeds B N2: Warwick B Lower Intermediate: Imperial B Combined: Royal Holloway/Glasgow Open: Exeter Lower SAPA: EGF Polo Upper SAPA: Howards Heroes MVPs: Beginner: Tessa Higham (Sandhurst) Novice: Henry Outtridge (Birmingham) Lower Intermediate: Thijs Povel (Imperial B) Open: Harold Hodges (Exeter) Lady of McLintock prize for outstanding female player: Lottie Lamacraft (Durham) Best playing pony: Fanta (owned by Millie Bagnal of St Andrews)

Julius Baer says keep your eye on...

Christian Oberschneider, 9, Kirtlington Park Polo Club The recent SUPA Junior School tournament at Longdole saw a number of very impressive performances from players who we will no doubt see more of in the future.

One of the youngest players involved, Christian Oberschneider, 9, of Summer Fields School, may still be a lot smaller and four years younger than some of his opponents, however he proved to be a player to keep an eye on with an impressive display of hitting, ball control and riding.

Christian, the son of La Golondrina patron Paul Oberschneider, is a member of Kirtlington Park Polo Club. He is still an S handicap, but is due to take his Rules Test this month and will go up to minus-two when he passes it.

He started riding at a very young age on his family farm, La Golondrina in Argentina, and started stick and balling at the age of six.

He has played in both the arena and the outdoor SUPA Junior School championships this year as his Summer Fields team came second and fourth respectively.

He plays a lot at Kirtlington and has recently been practising with Andrew Hine’s sons.

Christian’s favourite player is Facundo Pieres and one day he hopes to be a high-goal player like the brilliant Argentine 10-goaler.

Photograph by Christian Kaberg

before university and this year it was won

by Reading, who just edged out London in the driving rain on Tuesday afternoon.

The close-fought final looked to be heading towards a “run-down” to decide the winner, but with 20 seconds remaining Reading were awarded a spot-hit from ten yards out and William Newman held his nerve to give his side a 1-0 win. Birmingham’s club captain Henry Outtridge picked up the Novice MVP award after putting in a sterling performance

Youth polo

wT urn over the page for more from the SUPA Junior Schools The appreciative crowd on the sidelines during the SUPA University Championships at Offchurch Bury Polo Club

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Polo Times, July 2012

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Michael My occupation: Architect My passion: Polo My dream: A +4 handicap My name:

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This information is not directed to any person in the United States or to any US person.

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SUPA Junior School Tournament

First outdoor tournament of the season is a success Junior School stars show plenty of promise on the grass fields of Longdole Polo Club

Sarah Styler reports from Longdole

L

ongdole Polo Club hosted the SUPA Junior Schools Tournament on Sunday 22 May, sponsored by SATS. With unsettled weather in the weeks running up to the tournament, many of the children had not yet had a chance to play on grass so it was great to see them combine their first experience of playing on a full-size grass ground with a tournament.

Twelve teams took part in the competition, split into three divisions. Two teams from Cothill – the Gauchos and the Amigos – were joined by Beaudesert Rats and Summer Fields in Division One. Although it was especially pleasing to see the Cothill Amigos of Harry Campion, Hal Pitman and Harry O'Kane take on their more experienced school mates and only concede two goals, it was Cothill Gauchos who took home the honours.

Division Two saw the return of Langley from Norfolk. The three Langley players were joined by Longdole's Tom Coid and started with a draw against Cheltenham College Junior School. They went on to beat the Beaudesert Chicks and the SUPA Combined Team to secure overall victory. Langley had won the Arena Novice Division earlier in the year and were thus promoted to Division Two – maybe they'll soon be in Division One. For some of the younger children in Division Three, the first experience of playing on grass went very well. Two Cheltenham College Junior School teams took on the Cothill Chicos and the Beaudesert Mice and the latter won the section.

At the prize giving, Robert Fleming of Cothill won the Polo Times best playing

Cothill's Robert Fleming with pony Flora who won the Polo Times best playing pony prize at the SUPA Juniors

pony prize for his pony Flora. Following the tournament, Sherborne College and Cheltenham College competed in the fourchukka school league. Although Sherborne – Hassanal Shah, Nick Tobin, Chris Pitman and Jack Taylor – were given a slight head start against Jack and Ollie Severn, Juan José de Alba and George White of Cheltenham, it was the latter who went on to win. F ◗ Cheltenham College had another success on 9 June when they beat Marlborough at the Cheltenham College Polo Day. Beaudesert and Cheltenham College Junior School also took part – see page 89 for social photographs u Results Division 1 1. Cothill Gauchos 2. Beaudesert Rats 3. Cothill Amigos 4. Summerfields Division 2 1. Langley 2. Cheltenham College Junior School 3. SUPA combined 4. Beaudesert Chicks Division 3 1. Beaudesert Mice 2. Cothill Chicos 3. Cheltenham College Junior School Pink 4. Cheltenham College Junior School Blue

Youth polo

The grass-roots view The latest from Theresa Hodges, UK Pony Club Polo chair, in her regular column Aaagh Oh my word; the vagaries of the good old British weather. Thank goodness so much play was squashed into those few glorious days of heat. Congratulations to all involved in the Festival of U25 polo at Marriners and particularly to Amelia Northbrook and David Cowley. It was such a fun day with some good, fast polo.

The Pony Club Polo handbook update If you want to learn, read; if you want to know, write; if you want to master, teach. All thanks to the HPA Development Committee and Druids Lodge Polo Club for their help in updating the handbook.

The changes reflect rule updates, an expansion on general polo knowledge, pony welfare and behaviour sections and there are more pages to track your progress between training sessions and on overseas tours. Although the handbook is intended for use by players and coaches, it also provides an invaluable and concise summary of the game for parents and all spectators.

The new handbooks should be available by the beginning of July. For non-Pony Club members it can be purchased from Laura at PCHQ, laura@pcuk.org Polo Premier League I was very pleased to read about this innovation in June’s Polo Times and well done all involved. The League represents a much needed step-change towards fourman polo, so let us hope that sponsorship materialises. It is to be hoped that the interface between the Home Grown Player rules and the Premier League will deliver improved standards of play and support British talent.

It is worth reflecting that the nine Pony Club sections and Junior HPA have evolved to enable four-man polo to be played as safely and fairly as possible between the ages of 6-21.

Excellence in polo meets excellence in private banking.

Your contact in London: daniel.gerber@juliusbaer.com, tel. +44 203 205 1611

www.polotimes.co.uk

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22/06/2012 13:28

Knowledge

Playing around – West Wycombe Park

Our ambitious amateur Carlie Trotter (-2) works her way around the UK’s clubs

Family atmosphere thrives

Photographs by Robert Lewis

Carlie Trotter was welcomed into the West Wycombe family this month and she found an enjoyable atmosphere at a club geared towards pleasing low-goal members I’ve played in some beautiful spots over the years, but taking part in the Spring Shield at West Wycombe Park has to be the first time I’ve felt like I was galloping around in a period drama. (Albeit one where player nicknames include things like “OCD badger” and where well-intentioned visiting journalists get berated for occasionally hitting the ball in the wrong direction.)

The club seems to belong to another age, not just because the National Trust-owned grounds have appeared in episodes of Little Dorrit and Downton Abbey, but because matches have a traditional family flavour.

Meeting two polo clans in as many minutes – the Bazzard/Ollivier and Frankum families – I begin to think everyone at West Wycombe must be related.

Then there’s the marquee-come-crèche for players to swap offspring when their chukka comes round. Minus-one goaler Sarah Frankum tells me: “I enjoy playing here with my husband and sons because there’s a real family vibe, decent tournaments and you couldn’t get a nicer setting.”

And polo manager Charley Cudworth is bang-on when she says: “The grounds here are so beautiful – it just puts people in a good mood immediately.”

Members can happily play every weekend here without hiring a pro, but that doesn’t mean players lack the competitive edge. Jess Ollivier offers some tongue-in-cheek advice for

The National Trust-owned grounds have appeared in episodes of Downton Abbey my match against the visiting HJR Polo team.

“Everyone always goes easy on the kids but I say give them a bump at the start of the game, you know, intimidation tactics,” she tells me.

Just when I’m starting to feel the pressure I hear the cackles of my teammates Nikki Williams Grey and Verity Roberts (long before seeing them) as Jean-Marc ‘Hoj’ Hodgkin declares he’ll “make sure Carlie is mounted properly”. There aren’t many places where you’re taken into the fold and teased like a

local so quickly, and all before they’ve even seen me play a chukka.

With the current trend among West Wycombers to hunt through the off season – after arena polo was dropped from the club’s schedule – I’m easily the least fit player on the field. Luckily I get to ride Jackie Dean’s agile mare Chu-Chi followed by Sam Buckles’s determined Manteca, while level-headed James Anderson takes the role of captain.

With James and girlfriend Alex Lea reading each other’s thoughts and Verity and Nikki taking a chukka each, our team comes through the first round-robin game rather well – which is a relief as we’re playing in the colours of local coach Clark Betz’s Atkins Polo team.

We face a slight ribbing from club institution David Bazzard over the loud speaker: “Let’s go for a record turnaround; try and beat the usual hour and a half between chukkas.”

Action from the Spring Shield at West Wycombe and, inset, a player admires the nearby music temple

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22/06/2012 13:03

Playing around – West Wycombe Park

s in Wycombe As the next game heats up and we start blaming “sticky grass” for our air shots, Alex’s enthusiasm gets the better of her and she ends up between her pony’s front legs.

Luckily she emerges unscathed as we lose by a goal before thoughts quickly move on to upcoming social events.

August will see the Ladies’ Charity Festival grow in scale to a girly bonanza featuring jewellery stalls and beauty treatments on the sidelines, while the new venue for the infamous end-of-season fancy dress bash is being kept hush-hush.

It sounds like the aim of the club is to grow its social events, while keeping a manageable match schedule and

membership base. Charley tells me: “All the members here get involved in the running of tournaments and we want to keep things friendly rather than turning into a business.”

At the same time, she is keen to bring new people in for lessons on match days so they can get a feel for the club’s atmosphere.

This led long-time rider Kate Wiler to fall so in love with polo that she immediately relocated from London to West Wycombe.

Before the Funkhogs team are crowned winners of the Spring Shield, a private pilot gives us a Top Gun-style flyby en route to one of Buckinghamshire’s airfields, and to me it seems he’s saluting a great day and an unforgettable club. F

Soundbites from the sidelines David Bazzard - groundsman and commentator “I didn’t start playing until my three daughters were grown-up and I always struggled to get into a tournament as a member of various other clubs. I used to love playing here, together with people like Stuart Craig, and one year we tried merging the club with Heathfield, near Bicester, but it didn’t last. As a long-standing member I’ve been able to mould the club into offering the sort of family polo that I enjoy. I think I have as much fun as people who play among pros, and here everyone gets to contribute on the field.”

Jean-Marc ‘Hoj’ Hodgkin - club treasurer “I’ve been a member here for about five years and enjoy the fact that it’s family orientated, rather than pro-dominated. My wife’s a polo widow during the summer holidays – I work as a school purser – because I play every weekend plus chukkas on Thursdays and my daughter comes along to groom and goal judge for her spending money. I keep my eight horses at home in Milton Keynes with the help of a friend who plays polocrosse, and members are often looking after each other’s horses. It’s like being at university again because we’ll all end up staying at someone’s house after a social gathering, and every year some of us take over a country house for a four-day party.”

Alex Lea - member “I’d ridden all my life but it was my brother, Jonny, who played at Sandhurst, who finally convinced me to have a go at polo. We joined Lynt at first but it was a long drive from Fulham, whereas it only takes us about 45 minutes to get here on a good day. We don’t have our own ponies but holidaying at Oaklands in South Africa over Easter built up my confidence for this season.” www.polotimes.co.uk

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Knowledge

West Wycombe Vital statistics Playing members 65 Non-playing members Kids, grandkids and local sponsors Facilities Full-size silt ground, known as Kitty’s Lodge, plus the separate Hellfire ground, stick and ball area and chukka field, movable clubhouse, catering van (come rain or shine), plus overnight turnout and toilets.

Location On a picturesque 500-acre estate in Buckinghamshire’s Chiltern Hills, five minutes off the M40, the club grounds are overlooked by the Dashwood family’s Palladian mansion and music temple. Within half an hour of Blueys and Fifield, down the road from Lacey Green and five minutes from High Wycombe station (25 minutes by fast train from London Marylebone).

Philosophy Family-focused amateur polo in beautiful surroundings.

Running the show Laid-back polo manager Charley Cudworth makes sure everyone finds their place in a team for weekly tournaments and has somewhere to stay after socialising. She co-ordinates an enthusiastic team of volunteers including groundsman David Bazzard and secretary Jackie Dean. Local coaches Clark Betz (2), JJ Spark (2) and Georgie Crofton (0) take care of tuition, pony hire and livery.

Crowd Local families and young Londoners mix with the Berks & Bucks Hunt set.

Seasonal highlight The Sponsors Cup in July is a highlight for the local community, while this year sees the Ladies’ Charity Festival shift up a gear.

Livery Full livery at Atkins Farm (20 minutes away) is £120 a week, including daily turnout and exercise.

Membership Summer membership costs £750, or £450 for non-pony owners planning to hire from club coaches, while families can join together for £1,300. It’s £400 for members of the armed forces, £200 for students or grooms and free for two-goal professionals. There is a £10 chukka fee for non-members, with pony hire starting at £65 and a 75-minute lesson is priced £75 via Atkins Polo Academy.

Contact Call 07500 662567 or email polomanager@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 13:04

Knowledge

Know your game

The must-read professional-player’s perspective – from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner

Ponies and penalties improve I think that it was this time last year that I was complaining about the weather and how difficult it makes life for all of us. It looks as though last year was just a taster of what we have endured so far this season.

The sun came out for a week with highs of thirty degrees and then it plummeted back down to eight degrees and the rain resumed. I read in Chris Bethell’s review of the 2011 season that not one of the 515 games played at Cowdray was postponed due to rain – I cannot wait to read what he writes about this season!

The Queen’s Cup eventually got underway and there were some fantastic games played

Photograph by Georgie May

The introduction of the penalty shoot out has made a big difference in high-goal early on in the group stages. The La Bamba vs Richard Mille game was extremely close with Richard Mille eventually winning 9-7.

Dubai’s comeback against Les Lions in the torrential rain was also incredible and proved that Adolfo is still the man to beat!

The introduction for the first time in a major tournament of the penalty shootout for teams equal on points has made a big difference, with the four leagues all coming down to the final matches to determine who qualified. Adrian Kirby’s team Cortium looked to be one of the form teams as they

Charlie and George Hanbury have made El Remanso into one of the top high-goal teams in the UK this season

qualified first from League Four, but they were desperately unlucky as Jaime Huidobro broke his collarbone in the final league game. We all wish Jaime well and let’s hope that he will be back for the Gold Cup. It was great to see Belmont Park entered in this year’s Queen’s Cup with four English players. Unfortunately their league could not have been harder with games against Dubai,

Les Lions and Cortium but that is what high-goal polo is all about. George Meyrick was outstanding and looked to be very well mounted, l hope that this will help him to get a team for next season.

The other English players involved in the Queen’s Cup have played very well, Matt Perry has improved dramatically since last year, as has Ollie Cudmore who helped

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Each month, renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game

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When was the last time you practised the skills of riding off, hooking, or marking? Unfortunately most players leave the practice of these skills until their games, when there is little time to think about how to execute them effectively.

Riding off For your horse to push into another horse, it must execute a lateral (sideways) move, so you

– Ride off,

need to spend time in practice to figure out the most effective way to do this. Remember not to lean out so far as to diminish your horse’s ability to go with you into the push.

Hooking The difficulty of hooking an opposing player’s mallet encompasses two factors: matching your horse’s stride with that of the opposing horse’s

www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 11:53

Know your game

high-goal

England to victory over the USA in the St Regis Test Match. El Remanso are without doubt one of the top four teams this season and this is largely down to the Hanbury brothers.

They are both on great form and, as always, are very well mounted.

On a low note, though, I’ve heard that there were opportunities for other English players to be involved in high-goal teams this season, but

hook, mark or hit stride and then maintaining the distance of your horse from the opposing player’s horse. Typically your mallet must reach across the line of the ball before contacting the opponent’s mallet.

Marking Marking does not necessarily mean making contact with an opponent,

www.polotimes.co.uk

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the powers that be decided not to support them.

The quality of horses playing this season has again improved on previous years. Ellerston look to be setting the standard, John Paul Clarkin is better mounted than ever before and it will be great to see him perform on Cowdray’s premier grounds. I have already mentioned the Hanbury brothers but their teammate David “Pelon” Sterling has made some great additions to his string and now looks to be one of the best mounted players around.

Adolfo Cambiaso, as always, is exceptionally well mounted. He has brought his mare “Yesterday”, which he played in the Argentine Open final last year, over from Argentina.

James Beim continues to be the best mounted English player and he has also added to his string this season.

With the Gold Cup now upon us, players and teams will have spent the last few weeks searching the country for additional horses to add to their strings. This is the tournament that we have been waiting for all year. F

Knowledge

Fitness with James de Mountfort James de Mountfort, polo player and personal trainer to the Red Bull F1 Racing Team reveals the exercises and techniques that will help your polo With the polo season very much in full swing it is extremely important that, as well as concentrating on the preparations for your games, you also take your recovery seriously. An important part of the recovery process is making sure you get the best quality sleep after you’ve had a tough game. The following exercise will illustrate just how important it is to sleep in the correct position: Lie on the opposite side to your dominant side directly onto the floor in a natural foetal position, with your arms gently folded and your knees bent up towards your hips. Hold this position for two minutes. You will observe that there is a large gap between your head and the floor and that pressure is building up on your shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. If you were to remain in this position for any longer you would have to move on to your back or your front to release that pressure and distribute your sleeping weight evenly.

There are a wide range of products on the market to help you sleep in the best position ranging from pillows, special mattresses and lumbar pillows. By using the exercise above, you can identify exactly the right product for you. The objective is to find a sleeping position with a high level of physical comfort, which allows you to relieve

◗ Do you agree with Jamie’s views?

Email letters@polotimes.co.uk

An important part of the recovery process is making sure you get the best quality sleep after a game

it is more a matter of intercepting, interfering with or blocking the opposing player.

During a polo match, most players have the opportunity to ride off, hook, or mark more often than to hit the ball; this suggests the need of greater practice for each of these disciplines.

muscle and joint pressure, balance weight evenly and keep your neck vertebrae and spine aligned.

Your pillow should only add comfort without raising the head too much, if at all, and should not be used to simply fill the gap left by a poorly profiled sleeping surface. This ensures that during any sleeping recovery period the sleeper can remain in the best recovery position for longer periods and minimise the counterproductive effects of adopting other positions, such as lying on your back and front.

◗ Rege Ludwig is a world renowned polo coach and author of “Polo in the 21st Century”

◗ Contact James on 07949 455712 or james@personally-trained.co.uk

◗ Turn to page 38 to read more about the best horses in the Gold Cup

Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 11:54

Knowledge

Know your horse

Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal polo player and an ambulatory equine vet

Early diagnosis of colic is The weather has gone full circle. Summer briefly came, but at the time of writing the weather has once again turned foul. During the warm spell we had in the second half of May the polo season eventually got going and from a veterinary perspective work returned to normal, with many more of my visits relating to sports injuries.

However, the return of wet weather and the cancellation of matches has seen a rise in the incidence of conditions such as tyingup and colic. Having discussed tying-up in last month’s issue of Polo Times, I will now focus on colic.

Colic is a horsey term for gut pain and is not a specific disease in itself. It is more commonly seen in stabled horses where we impose on them a lifestyle and diet, which do not particularly suit their anatomy and physiology.

Photographs by Mark Emerson MRCVS

Speak to your vet as soon as you are aware your horse might have a touch of colic Horses evolved over millions of years to be permanently on the move, grazing virtually around the clock on a high fibre coarse-grass diet. It is not surprising therefore that they have problems when we make them stand still for the majority of the day often four hours without access to forage, and then feed them relatively low fibre bulky meals as if they were humans.

Feet first

Polo Times’s monthly farrier focus

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Rolling is a classic sign of colic – the disturbed bedding also suggests the horse has been in pain for some time

When the weather deteriorates, polo ponies are less likely to be turned out, the amount of exercise and time moving around outside is often reduced, and some people even decide to reduce the amount of forage they are fed because they don’t want them getting large ‘haybellies’ when they aren’t playing much. All these things contribute to an increase in the incidence of colic cases.

Most people are aware of the signs of colic, or at least can tell that a horse is not feeling well. Mild cases can result in a horse merely going off its food or lying down more often, while severe cases will result in a horse looking at its belly, pawing the ground incessantly, sweating up and rolling.

There can be many underlying causes, but because a small number of them can be lifethreatening, all cases of colic should be treated seriously and veterinary advice should be sought without exception. Even if you are convinced it’s not that bad, I strongly recommend you speak to your vet as soon as you are aware that your horse might have a touch of colic. Early diagnosis of the underlying problem and appropriate treatment will help to get your horse back to normal sooner – saving you money, trouble and potentially heartache. There is nothing more frustrating than being called out for a colic in the evening, only to be told it’s been grumbling since lunchtime and just started to get worse. Your vet

Very dry or rainy weather can transform the polo ground into a very slippery place.

Therefore, many people will ask their farrier to put stud holes in the horse’s shoe to reduce the risk of slipping.

There are different options available to farriers as to where the stud holes are best placed, but HPA rules (4i) read that studs must only be fitted in the last inch [25mm] of the outside heel of the hind, with cubical studs (players may now also use hexagonal studs) of less than half an inch [13mm] in height.

We strongly recommend using a stud hole at the very end of the shoe heel – unlike other equestrian disciplines (labelled number 2) – to avoid injuries. The use of a single stud at the very end (labelled number 3) allows for easier pivoting of the inside leg, with less stress on the hock and stifle, also reducing the possibility of treading on other horses’ hooves and producing injuries.

In some places, such as South America, they use a fixed rounded stud (caulkin, labelled number 1). However, we strongly recommend the use of removable studs instead of fixed

www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 11:55

Know your horse

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

How well are your ponies faring this season?

crucial

Now we are mid-way through the season, it is always good to stand back and see how your ponies are faring.

Are they holding condition and weight in the correct places? Have they lost any muscle?

At this stage of the summer, I would be looking at muscle development and where it may be lacking rather than being too concerned about fat deposits. They have been in work long enough now that they should have an ideal body condition score of 4 (moderately thin – where the ribs are discernible although covered) to 5 (moderate – where the ribs are not easily distinguished but can be felt).

Muscle scoring is done in a similar manner. For performance horses, such as the polo pony, we want “excellent” top line.

Muscle scoring

Another indication of colic is the horse looking at its belly – always call your vet if you see these signs

glove to have a good feel inside. Polo ponies often get impactions of the large intestine that can be easily felt. Displaced intestinal loops or inflated bits of gut can also be detected and may warrant a different treatment plan and carry a more guarded prognosis. Luckily around 90 per cent of colic cases can be successfully treated by your vet on the yard. F

can advise you on the phone if you call early and he or she might even be in the area at the time and save you a call-out fee. Giving your horse painkillers such as ‘bute’ or Finadyne™ without talking to your vet first is strongly inadvisable as it could mask a life-threatening condition such as a twisted gut, delaying diagnosis and scuppering the chances of a successful outcome.

Most cases of colic require a full clinical assessment including an examination per rectum. In many cases a diagnosis and treatment plan can only be made by your vet once they have donned a long-sleeved

◗ Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory equine vet based near Ascot and has polo clients across the south of England: tel 07973 800383 or email mark@emersonequine.com

caulkins, as the latter means the feet are constantly unbalanced when travelling, resting, or walking on roads. This increases the risk of injury.

Argentine player and farrier Luigi Ferrarese: tel 07896 991489.

See www.highgoalfarriers.co.uk for full article

◗ Performance Shoeing International is a collaboration of three-time world champion farrier Darren Bazin and

www.polotimes.co.uk

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1

2

3

Grade

Visual description

Excellent: Diet providing optimum levels of quality protein

• This horse has ideal muscle development for its body type • The neck has a smooth or convex top line and blends smoothly into the shoulder and withers • Muscle is full each side of the withers and along the spinal column so that the vertebrae cannot be seen • The hip is full and the stifle muscles are defined.

• There is no hollowness between the hip and stifle

Ponies receive protein from the combination of hard feed AND forage. However, unless your forage is analysed for its nutritional values, you will not know how much protein it contains. So, we rely on a balanced diet of hard feed to complement the forage, thus supporting the workload being asked of the individual.

Feeding protein supplements should not be necessary if a balanced diet is being fed for the workload. Feeding too much can put extra strain on the kidneys and liver as the body breaks down the excess to excrete it as urea, causing the horse to urinate more and the urine to be strong smelling. The need to drink more will generally be observed. ◗ See www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk to read more about condition scoring ◗ Contact Lorna Edgar of Bailey’s Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk and 07808 863864 Polo Times, July 2012

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22/06/2012 11:56

Knowledge

How to spend it

Discover the Wright polo Equestrian art – Melanie Wright’s polo portraits Cotswolds-based artist Melanie Wright is well known for her portrayal of equine and landscape subjects. Trained at Heatherley’s School of Fine Art in London, her talent for capturing atmosphere, speed and light, together with her strong drawing skills and her keen eye for true representation, bring a highly individual vision to her work.

Inspired by equestrian events, including polo, racing and dressage, Melanie is often seen sketching at polo clubs, including Cirencester Park and the Beaufort.

Her polo works possess a lively, yet informed, style that successfully captures the speed, skill and athleticism of the

sport. “The thrill of polo, is the dynamic spectacle of equestrian theatre played out in front of the spectators,” she said. “The energy of horses and riders, contained for a set period of time on the field, gives an opportunity for true observation, within a highly atmospheric setting.”

Working in oils, charcoal, pastel and watercolour, Melanie also paints equine and human portraits to commission. Her work is shown in galleries throughout the UK. For details of her forthcoming solo exhibition in July, see page 90.

For more information about her work see www.melaniewrightartist.co.uk or call 07792 580788.

From £500-£3,500

Equestrian accessories – The Polo Gear/Nic Roldan Elite Saddle

Perfume – Maserati Men’s Eau de Toilette by La Martina

Florida-based polo accessory retailers Polo Gear have joined forces with top US high-goal player Nic Roldan (8) to produce what they are claiming to be the best polo saddle ever made.

The Elite saddle, which was used by Roldan during this year’s US high-goal season, pictured right, aims to reduce strain on your horse’s back by making it completely adjustable. The saddle tree comes with a lifetime guarantee, while the remainder of the saddle has a five year warranty. Roldan believes the saddle has improved his string. “With this saddle, some of my horses have gone from good horses to great horses and they keep getting better,” he said.

For more information about the saddle see www.pologearusa.com

Argentine luxury polo brand La Martina and elegant Italian supercar manufacturers Maserati have unveiled their own perfume for men.

Maserati Men’s Eau de Toilette by La Martina is described as: “A strong, decisive and selective perfume, energy-packed, wild and indomitable, with a unique characteristic generated by a blend of carefully mixed notes.”

This is not the first collaboration between Maserati and La Martina. Last year they joined forces to produce a limited-edition Team Maserati polo shirt.

The new fragrance is available in the La Martina shop at Guards Polo Club and at the Maserati online store.

From £2,600

From £65

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www.polotimes.co.uk

28/06/2012 12:41

How to spend it

portraits

Jewellery – the Cartier Creations Spring Collection

Knowledge

Motor – Audi A3

More than just a facelift

Those in the polo world could be forgiven for thinking that the recent Queen’s Cup has been the headline sponsor Cartier’s main focus over the last month. In fact, the luxury French jeweller has been busy away from the polo field, releasing its Spring Collection for 2012.

This includes the Panthere de Cartier pendant, pictured above, which is made of platinum, sapphire, onyx and diamonds.

Prices are available on request.

Polo Times was present at the international launch of the new Audi A3 in Mallorca early last month, the first significant relaunch of the premium compact family favourite by the German car giants since 2003.

More than 2.8 million have been sold worldwide since the first A3 hit the market in 1996, making it among Audi’s most popular models. Just as with the first and second generation A3, five-door models and a cabriolet version will follow later, but the quintessential three-door hatchback will be on sale first in September. Initial options will be a 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine, and a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre TDI. It’s considerably lighter than its previous incarnations, laying the foundations for more efficient fuel economy. Yet it

See www.cartier.co.uk for more

This month’s watch – Richard Mille RM 053 Tourbillon Swiss watchmaker turned high-goal polo sponsor Richard Mille has released a limited edition version of their famous polo watch.

The RM 053, made in conjunction with Argentine 10-goaler Pablo MacDonough, who is playing for the Richard Mille team in the Gold Cup this month, has been given a sleek and functional new look.

The impressive watch is created to withstand the effects of high-speed polo collisions and, as a result, is made of grade five titanium.

Only 15 new RM 053s have been made so they don’t come cheap, but no doubt will catch the eye of many serious watch collectors around the world.

From £385,000 www.polotimes.co.uk

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maintains the car’s sporty image and is also the safest A3 yet.

The larger wheelbase, new gearbox and re-conformed customised chassis all make it more sturdy on the road, and the driving experience is further enhanced by the packed spec list of “bundled technology” – its drivetrain, mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems (such as the adaptive cruise control from Audi’s luxury models).

There’s also a set of very funky climate control nozzles with which the designers we met seemed particularly proud.

For those who also want everyone else to know that you’re driving the first of the third-generation Audi A3 at a glance, there’s a mean-looking large, singleframe hexagonal front radiator grill that instantly distinguishes this motor from its predecessors. Full LED headlights will follow later, as will the quattro all-wheel drive and, most excitingly of all, a saloon version.

From £17,000 Polo Times, July 2012

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28/06/2012 12:41

Knowledge

Book review – Polo in Britain, A History by Horace A Laffaye

An interesting, informed and in-depth history Horace Laffaye’s latest book is a must-read for all British polo enthusiasts

Georgie Haycraft gives her verdict

R

enowned polo historian Horace Laffaye yet again thrills us with another informative book, having already provided us with, among others, The Polo Encyclopedia (2004), The Evolution of Polo (2009) and Polo in the United States: A History (2011).

If you would like an enlightening, entertaining history of polo in Britain and its expansion and influence over the world, this book is well worth a read. Fascinating facts and figures are included throughout, particularly in the chapters on the lesser-known formative years. For example, we’re told that polo used to be played on the land where Murrayfield – the home of

If you think you have a good knowledge of British polo, this book will most likely prove you wrong Scottish rugby – now stands, before the Rugby Union bought it in 1925 – who knew?!

If you think you have a good knowledge of the history of polo in Britain, you will most likely be proved wrong by this book, such is the depth of detail provided. It is not just polo’s 19th and 20th century history that is covered; the results and dramas of the modern day up to the 2011 Gold Cup are also recorded, as well as photos throughout the years.

Within the book hundreds, if not thousands, of names are mentioned, as well as many historic clubs of days gone by. This sheer 80

Polo Times, July 2012

PT p80-81 book review JOS JM PJ MB.indd 2

volume of information can, at times, be a little overwhelming, particularly because of the speed of succession of teams and matches.

However, I found that the excellent appendices always allowed me to clarify the context of all of British polo’s many protagonists.

A nice touch is the chapter on British polo sculptors and painters, which lists names and a brief summary of the most influential artists, as well as publishing several of the most striking polo images.

The last chapter of the book addresses “Some Current Issues in British Polo”, which is a brief, balanced overview of the current topics that are influencing the way the British game is evolving on and off the field.

As the previous pages have fuelled the reader with a vast background to the modern game, they will no doubt come away from reading A History of Polo in Britain with fresh and well-informed opinions on all topics.

Anyone with a current understanding of polo will find this a resource invaluable for providing a deeper knowledge of the game.

It is the sort of book that is worth a re-read once a year; each time I pick it up, more curiosities jump off the page! F

Polo in Britain, A History

by Horace A Laffaye 364 pages, in hardback Available from www.mcfarlandbooks.com for $99 (£65) plus shipping

PT Rating

D D D D D www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 12:27

Georges Malissard (French, 1877â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1942) Polo Player, 1936 A rare bronze model of a Polo Player, 'Nearside Backhand' Height: 19 in; 48 cm Length: 20 in; 51 cm

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THE SLADMORE GALLERY 57 Jermyn Street, St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, London SW1Y 6LX 020 7629 1144 edward@sladmore.com SLADMORE CONTEMPORARY 32 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6NW 020 7499 0365 gerry@sladmore.com

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21/06/2012 16:26

Sidelines

Gossip

Clare Milford Haven and the princes do their bit for charity As Polo Times went to press, Clare Milford Haven had raised more than £9,000 for the James Wentworth Stanley Memorial Fund, after completing a triathlon on 30 May. First she played in a polo match, followed by a 25km bike ride and then a 10km run through Petworth Park.

“I chose polo instead of swimming for the triathlon as I am a useless swimmer and a friend offered to donate £200 for each goal I scored so he now owes £600!” Clare told Polo Times. “I think it was the first time polo has ever been included in a triathlon but I am hopeful it will catch on – I have already had enquiries from players about getting involved next year.”

Meanwhile, a few weeks later at Beaufort, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry helped raise money for The Child Bereavement Charity, Tusk and Well Child by taking part in the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club Charity Cup on 17 June. Catherine Middleton, Zara Phillips, Mike Tindall and Autumn Phillips turned out to watch the princes in action, where Prince Harry’s side won. In total, £60,000 was raised.

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

Pedal power and pink watering cans all for a charitable cause Reading University held a bike polo tournament in aid of The Heaton Ellis Trust, on Sunday 17 June on their university grounds. Six teams from various sporting disciplines – many of whom had never seen a polo ball before – took part, where Little Boys were the overall victors. Rarely seen without their pink watering can, which they fill with booze, Reading University Polo Club made sure there were plenty of festivities throughout the day.

Horse rugs come in handy for elephant orphans The Elephant Orphanage in Zambia has found a unique way to keep their charges warm and snug – by providing them with horse rugs. New additions to the centre, Manamba (pictured) and Suni chose their own blankets – Suni was even found pushing through the pile to find a pink one! ◗ Donate at www.davidshepherd.org 82 Polo Times, July 2012

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www.polotimes.co.uk

22/06/2012 12:00

Sidelines

Gossip

Volatile in Virginia

Injuries take their toll Cortium’s seven-goaler Jaime Huidobro broke his collarbone during the quarter-finals of the Cartier Queen’s Cup in June. However, the seven-goaler was soon back in the saddle after he went to see the same doctor – Miguel Olivera – that fixed JP Clarkin’s broken collarbone last year. Within a week of the operation he was back playing practices and two weeks later – before the start of the Gold Cup – he was playing matches. This will certainly be the surgeon every player will have on speed dial this season.

A couple of weeks later, at Burningfold, their resident pro Jamie Le Hardy (pictured above) received a ball to the eye while playing in an 8-goal tournament at the club in June.

Fortunately Jamie was wearing goggles at the time. “If it were not for the goggles, the doctor said I almost certainly would have lost the sight in my eye,” Le Hardy told Polo Times.

At Burningfold on the same weekend, one-goaler Sarah Wiseman lost a tooth while playing and Claire Donnelly was hit in the neck by a ball from a backhand from her husband.

No doubt there were a few words afterwards!

Tareq Salahi, the American polo player best known for gate-crashing a dinner party at the White House with his wife Michaele in 2009, has recently announced his candidacy for Governor of Virginia.

However, he and his wife are now separated and, the day before Salahi submitted his intention to run for office, it was revealed he is being sued by one of his fellow candidates.

Overheard...

at the Carter Queen’s Cup quarter-finals…

I only just realised that Adolfo and Cambiaso are the same person…

Dubai polo manager expecting first baby Desert Palm polo manager Martin Valent (right) and his wife, Lupe – the sister of eightgoaler Nic Roldan – are expecting a baby. The Argentine five-goaler played in the Coronation Cup against England in 2009, as well as for highgoal team Dubai in the same year.

Fifield players get hitched in style Two players from Fifield Polo Club, Chris Lynch and Laura Vivash, got married on 12 May at Windsor Guildhall. They were hoping for a polo match to feature as part of their wedding reception but the preceding weeks’ rain meant it couldn’t go ahead. The pair, who have been together for six years, regularly play on the same team and, after returning from their honeymoon in Crete, they went on to win the Jubilee Challenge (-4-0 goal match) with Los Blancos on 4 June.

Look-a-likes

Ryan Pemble and Sid Owen (aka “Ricky!”) www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, July 2012 83

22/06/2012 11:59

Richard Britten-Long and Mark Vestey

Clare and George Milford Haven

Theo Hutchcraft and Dita von Teese

Mr and Mrs Bamberger

Cartier Queen’s Cup final and semi-finals Guards Polo Club; 17 June 2012

Luxury and style For the first time since 2006, luxury jewellers Cartier sponsored the Queen’s Cup at Guards on 17 June. VIP guests, including comedian Jack Whitehall, singer Katie Melua and actor Sir Kenneth Branagh, mixed with invited members of the polo crowd to dine in the Cartier hospitality tent, before settling down to watch the final between Dubai and Ayala.

Kuldip Dhillon, Ali Albwardy and Saeed Bin Drai

Anthony and Daisy Head

Sir Kenneth and Lady Branagh

wP hotographs by Cartier UK and James Mullan wT he full Queen’s Cup final report is on page 46

El Remanso: David Stirling, Guillermo Terrera, George Hanbury and Charlie Hanbury

The Royal Cavalry of Oman display

Martín Valent and Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy HM The Queen and Arnaud Bamberger

Katie Melua

Vanessa Kirby and Ophelia Lovibond

Charlie Sisted Memorial Shoot; Ockwells Manor and Guards Polo Club; 30 May 2012

In memory of Charlie Brian Stein hosted the inaugural Charlie Stisted Memorial Shoot at Ockwells Manor, Berkshire, in May. Run by the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, 15 teams took part, with Eyes Wide Shut taking home the Asprey Charlie Stisted Memorial Trophy.

A lunch followed in the clubhouse at Guards, where an auction also took place, raising £40,000 for SOS Children.

Dell Park team: Malcolm Borwick, Richard Blake Thomas, Bettina Bahlsen and Andrew Blake Thomas

Eyes Wide Shut and AFB teams enjoying lunch

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w Photographs by Tony Ramirez

Urs Schwarzenbach

Susan Bailey and Alan Morello

Ockholt team: Freddie Stisted, Platina Tong, Brian Stein and Simon Holland

Neil Hobday and James Turner

Winners Eyes Wide Shut : Alan Dalton, Russell Howell, Gary Short and John Gunn

22/06/2012 13:37

Dr and Mrs Edwin Moses with Mr and Mrs Francois Le Troquer Becky Simpson’s 18-month daughter Ava with model Tom Nic Roldan

Silk scarves, leather bags, and belts were modelled

Guards’ colours

La Martina Fashion Show Guards Polo Club – Surrey; 20 May

Height of fashion Elliot Tittensor and Kaya Scodelario

Christopher Hanbury and Ali Albwardy Alec White

Following the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Cenentary final, which was won by Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor (see page 63), La Martina hosted a fashion show in the Guards clubhouse.

A selection of models graced the catwalk, showcasing the luxury clothing line’s latest collections, which included polo clothing and casual wear.

Spencer McCarthy receives the Queen Mother Centenary trophy

w Photographs by Tony Ramirez Douglas Booth

Model Dominique showcased the spring/ summer casual wear

Arnaud Bamberger and Lady Frederick Windsor

Jack Whitehall and Gemma Chan Six-year-old Joey Lucas

The Irish Guards parading

Mr and Mrs Edouardo Novillo Astrada

Ioan Gruffudd

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic; Liberty State Park – USA; 2 June 2012

Something new The fifth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic was held in New Jersey this year – a 10 minute ferry ride across the Hudson River from New York.

The event, attended by various celebrities, marks the start of the season in the New York area.

Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier

w Photographs by Gary Hulton

Freddie, Allegra and Melissa Stisted with Brian Stein The Chadacre team and the Wooldridge team

Bash Kazi and Kris Kampsen

Clive Owen

Rodger Berman and Rachel Zoe with daughter Skyler

Zoe Salanda

The view of the ground with the Empire State Building in the background

Platina Tong, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Melissa Stisted, Lord Dalmeny, Brian Stein and Allegra Stisted with fellow diners

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22/06/2012 13:37

Annie and Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

Jade Holland Cooper, Luke Prendergast and Charlie Prymaka

Brian Stein Joanne Salley

Jack Kidd, Henry Brett and Bobby Dundas

PJ’s start-of-season polo party PJ’s Bar & Grill – London; 21 May 2012 Tamsin Hughes and Poppy Evans

Chelsea celebrations

Johnnie Kidd

Players, patrons and friends of the game gathered at PJ’s Bar & Grill on the Fulham Road in May for the 22nd year for their traditional bash to mark the start of the 2012 summer polo season.

The restaurant provided complimentary cocktails and canapés for the 300 guests and owner Brian Stein gave a moving tribute to absent friends, particularly making reference to the late Charlie Stisted.

Royston Prisk and PJ’s Jorge Santos

The winning Eton team with the Vicomte Arturs group Rob Sancroft-Baker, Clarissa Walsh, Jessica and Tom Hudson and Jamie Dundas

Alvaro Ray and Didier Boidin from Intercontinental

Katie Readam and Tom Warren

Astrid Bellamy, Duncan Wilson and Charlotte Lee

Jan-Erik Franck and Michael Amoore

Tony Ramirez

Jamie Laing, Platina Tong and Brian Stein

Nic Roldan and St Regis’s Paul James Andrew Tucker and St Regis’s Alison Kelly

St Regis International Cup; Cowdray Park Polo Club; 19 May 2012

Home victory Vicomte’s Arthur and Marcey de Soultrait

British Polo Day; St Tropez – France 9 June 2012

French debut Edward Olver with Verity and Nick Edmiston

Mike Ryan and Samantha Strawford present the BPP award

British Polo Day made its first appearance in southern France in June, where two British sides travelled out to play two St Tropez teams in the tournament.

VIP guests were welcomed with a Taittinger champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous lunch. After the polo in the afternoon, when Eton were victorious, Le Quai and Les Caves du Roi hosted the after-parties, which carried on into the early hours.

Cowdray Park hosted the St Regis International Cup on Saturday 19 May, where England took on the USA on home soil for the first time in 15 years.

Following a tough match, the home side were victorious by half a goal, 11-10½. w Turn to page 50 for a full report from the international w Photographs by James Mullan and Dominic James

Joely Richardson and friend

w Read more on page 64

Jodie Kidd

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

Jemma Toumey and Tristan Phillimore

India Whalley and Lilly Freida

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Piers Plunkett

Lord Cowdray

John Tinsley

Bertrand Boll and Clarissa Walsh

22/06/2012 12:08

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22/06/2012 12:24

Sidelines

Hampshire Hunt’s Huntsman Will Hudson

Freddie Dear goes for the ball, as George Meade follows

Elizabeth Cowper-Coles

Polo at Marriners; Marriners Farm – Hampshire 27 May 2012

Young players and vintage vehicles

Amelia Lady Northbrook

A vin Bout

Hundreds of spectators turned out for a glorious day of polo at Amelia Lady Northbrook’s Marriners Farm, Hampshire, at the end of May. Admiral Codrington won the first match between past and present Pony Club members, while Hattingley Valley Wines won the Best of British Under 25 match that followed. Simon Ledger kept everyone up to speed with his jolly commentary.

Aside from the polo, there were trade stands, a parade of the Hampshire Hunt hounds and a display of pre-1940s Rolls Royces, some of which brought guests along to the event.

Michael Huggan, Amelia Lady Northbrook and Alastair Stewart OBE

w Read the full report of the polo matches on pages 66-67

George Syrett and Harriet Kay

w Photographs by Michael Huggan Simon Ledger

Charles Chute and Tom Abel Smith flank Philippa Dalby-Welsh

Nicola Robinson

Flora Richardson (left) with friends

Mr Strone and the Hon Mrs Alex Macpherson

SUPA National University Championships Offchurch Bury Polo Club; 2-5 June 2012

Parties and polo for universities SUPA’s university parties are renowned for being big and loud, and this summer was no different. Hundreds of players, who took part in four days of rain-soaked polo at Offchurch Bury, attended two parties coinciding with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Entrance wasn’t free, but the drinks then were, ensuring a very happy evening.

George Shelton and Mike Hobday

w Photographs by Ed Phillips w Discover what happened on the polo grounds on page 68-69

Exeter B with Offchurch Bury president Harry Johnson 88

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Will Bernard and Tom Rankin of What Ho! Oxford Brookes in action against Royal Holloway

Players from Dublin and RCSI mingle at the social

Flora Babot, Thjis Povel, Henry Maples and Andrea Galvagni of Imperial with Harry Johnson

Millie Bagnal of St Andrews with the Polo Times best playing pony Fanta

22/06/2012 12:32

Harriet Shirra and Miranda Hodges

Rebecca Creed The winning Cheltenham College team Girls enjoying the day’s sunshine

Members of the Silver Ghost Club

Matthew and Andy Hodges

Sarah Styler

A vintage De Dion Bouton 1909

Fraser Bawtree of Frasers Fudj

Cheltenham College Invitation Polo Day; Cirencester Park Polo Club; 9 June 2012

Carpark attendants Emma, Maisy, Lizzie and Georgie with Major Stephen Clark

Severn-up Amelia Lady Northbrook with daughter Cosima Admiral Codrington: Roddy Seymour Williams, George Meade, Freddie Dear and Cosima Baring

The Cheltenham College Polo Day was blessed with a rare visit from the sun. Dozens of families came along to enjoy picnics and shopping in the huge shopping fair marquee between matches.

Beaudesert Park triumphed over Cheltenham College Junior School in the Poulton Cup, but Cheltenham College reversed the school’s fortune and beat Marlborough College in the College Polo Trophy.

Tommy Severn’s My Coco won the Polo Times Best Playing pony rug and his mother Zahra Hanbury watched his brothers Jack and Ollie Severn in the winning Cheltenham College side. w Photographs by PJ Seccombe

The Beaudesert Park winning team with headmaster Mr Womersley

Cheltenham College headmaster Dr Alex Peterken, Sarah Styler and Andrew Gasson

A Southampton student looks after his pony

Jack Severn with Lady Bathurst A group of students are all-smiles on the sidelines

B3 winners Harper Adams with John Matthews

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Lydia Styler and Mike Hobday

Polo Times BPP My Coco with Tommy Severn and groom Yoyo

Guests enjoying picnics on a rare sunny day

89

22/06/2012 12:32

Polo directory

Dates for your diary

Club contacts

What’s on in July

South East

UK and Ireland tournament highlights

UK and Ireland

AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 * Ascot Park – 01276 858545 * Ash Farm – 01932 872521 * Belmont, Mill Hill – 020 7318 4490 * Blueys Polo Club – 07930 323263 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Barcombe – 07533 213160 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01784 470009 Epsom – 07961 232106 * FHM – 07778 436468 * Fifield – 01628 620061 * Guards – 01784 434212 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kirtlington Park – 01869 350138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07956 525222 Park Lane – 07976 242877* Ranelagh Farm – 01344 885697 RMAS – 07766 924101 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 * Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 * West Wycombe – 07841 597045 * White Waltham – 07748 670587

East Apsley End – 01462 712444 * Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 (back 2013) Carlton House – 01986 892231 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 * Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Luton Hoo – 07934 882713 Norfolk – 01508 480400 * Silver Leys – 07535 697854 St Albans – 07438 076644 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974

South West Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 * Edgeworth – 01285 821695 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Longdole – 01452 864544 * Lynt – 07957 468220 * Lytchett Heath – 01202 623985 Maywood – 01962 885500 * New Forest – 02380 811818 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 * Vaux Park – 07703 524613 * West Somerset – 01884 251632

Midlands Dallas Burston – 01926 812409 Offchurch Bury – 07816 830887 Leadenham – 01400 272885 Ranksboro – 01572 720046* Rugby – 01788 817724 * Rutland – 01572 724568

North Beverley – 01964 544455 * Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 * White Rose – 01430 875767 * Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602

Scotland Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Dundee & Perth – 07879 895780 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 * Kinross – 07831 365194 * Stewarton – 07974 706045

Ireland All Ireland – +353 (0) 1 6896732 Bunclody – +353 87 6605917 Curraghmore – +353 51 387102 Limerick – +353 (0) 87 2231690 Moyne – +353 85 1313224 Northern Ireland – 02890 727905 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 * Waterford – +353 51 595280 * denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828

90 Polo Times, July 2012

PT p90-91 What's on JM PJ.indd 2

Test Matches Guards – Audi International, England vs.

South Africa (26 goal): 22 July

High Goal Cirencester Park – The Apsley Cup (15-18 goal): 19 June – 1 July Cowdray Park – Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup (20-22): 19 June – 17 July Beaufort – The Duke of Beaufort’s Cup (1518): 3-4 July Ham – Fifth Chukker/Access Bank Day London (16-20): 8 July Cirencester Park – Warwickshire Cup (1720): 24 July – 12 August

Medium Goal Cirencester Park – The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): 19 June – 8 July RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): 26 June – 7 July Beaufort – The Prince of Wales Cup (8-12): 7-21 July Coworth Park – Coworth Park Challenge (12-15): 8-21 July Ham – International CST Polo Classic Charity Tournament (10): 14 July Kirtlington Park – Kirtlington Summer Cup (6-12): 17-21 July Cowdray Park – Harrison Cup (12-15): 23 July – 4 August RCBPC – Polo Festival (7-10): 30 July – 12 August Ham – Dubai Trophy (8-12): 31 July – 11 August

Low Goal Guards – Pommery Archie David Cup (4-8): 5 June – 1 July Lynt – The Verdon Plate (2-6): 23 June – 1 July Tidworth – 10th Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 28 June – 1 July Vaux Park – Chairman’s Cup (0-4): 30 June – 1 July Kirtlington Park – Meyrick Cup (4-8): 3-8 July Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 3-8 July Edgeworth – Midsummer Plate (0-2): 7-8 July RCBPC – Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): 7-21 July Edgeworth – Polo Times 4-Goal (4): 14-15 July Offchurch Bury – The Leam Trophy (0-4): 14-15 July Cowdray Park – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 20 July – 5 August

Binfield Heath – Polo Times Summer Festival (8): 21 July Rugby – The Miller Cup (0-4): 28-29 July Suffolk – Polo Times -4-2 Goal Tournament (-4-2): 28-29 July Sussex – Terence Lent Trophy (-6-2): 28-29 July

Open Kirtlington Park – Polo Times Midsummer Cup (Open): 10-15 July Dallas Burston – The DBPC Masters (Open): 20-21 July West Wycombe – Quatro Amigos Family (Open): 28-29 July Norfolk – Coutts Norfolk Polo Festival (Open): 28-29 July

Youth Guards – SUPA Britain Test Match (Open): 3 July Guards/Ciren Park – Pidgley Foundation International Polo Festival (Open): 3-8 July Cirencester Park – SUPA Britain Test Match (Open): 8 July Cirencester Park – Pony Club qualifiers (Open): 30-31 July

Ladies Ascot Park – National Women’s Tournament (-8-2): 7-8 July Binfield Heath – Ladies Tournament (-2-2): 14-15 July Cowdray Park – British Ladies Open Championships (0): 15-22 July Rutland – Escalina Cup (Open): 21 July

Combined Services Tidworth – Rundle Cup, RN v Army (Open): 14 July Guards – Inter Regimental Finals (Open): 15 July RMAS – Leadership and Excellence Cup (Open): 26 July Tidworth – Mabway Captains and Subalterns (Open): 28-29 July

Special events Poole – British Beach Polo Championships (Open): 6-7 July St Albans – Polo for Heroes (Open): 21 July Ham – Access Bank Day (Open): 8 July w For a full list of all the tournaments see www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

21/06/2012 16:41

Mid-season handicap changes

Polo directory

HPA mid-season handicap changes The mid-season handicap changes were agreed at the mid-season handicap meeting on Friday 15 June 2012. They were effective from Tuesday 19 June

Moving to four Wade, Adrian: (4) to 4

Moving to three Lodder, Matt: (3) to 3 Mallett, Bradley: (3) to 3

Moving to two Reid, Luke: (2) to 2 Veronesi, Franco: (1) to (2) White, William: (2) to 2

Moving to one Harilela, Aron: (1) to 1 Sautter, Thilo: (1) to 1 Zobel, Inigo: (1) to 1

England captain Luke Tomlinson lifts the Coronation Cup at last year’s HPA International Day at Guards, while Audi’s Jon Zammett, the Duke of Edinburgh, Col Paul Belcher and Cartier UK’s Arnaud Bamberger look on. Audi have taken over the sponsorship of the day this year, which will see England take on South Africa on Sunday 22 July

Main overseas tournament highlights France Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Open de Paris (8-10): 16 June – 1 July Saint-Tropez – International Polo Cup Saint Tropez (12-15): 5-15 July Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Trophée du Coquetier d’Or (8-10): 7-15 July

USA Greenwich – East Coast Open (20): 1-15 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (1820): 5-15 July Santa Barbara – Silver Cup (16-20): 18-29 July Bridgehampton – Monty Waterbury Cup (1620): 21 July – 11 August

Left: 13-year-old Ed Banner-Eve, who has moved up in the midseason changes for the second year in succession

Moving to zero Annett, Ian: (0) to 0 Banner-Eve, Edward: -1 to 0 Johnson, Norman: (0) to 0 Santos, Gabriel: (0) to 0 Swift, Nick: (0) to 0 Zedan, Amr: (0) to 0

Moving to minus-one

Exhibition

Asquith, Jo: -2 to -1 Clay, Adrian: -2 to -1 Heavyside, Andrew: (-1) to -1 Hunt, Esther: (-1) to -1 Jodrell, Henry: 0 to -1 Laverty, Daniel: S to -1 Lewis, Martina: (-1) to -1 Morris-Warburton, Sam: -2 to -1 Munro Ford, Jonathan: (-1) to -1 Noordeen, Hilali: (-1) to -1 Payne, Claire: (0) to -1 Severn, Thomas: -2 to -1 Shah, Hassenal: -2 to -1 Smith, Francesca: (-1) to -1 Wiles, Nick: (0) to -1

Exhibition of equestrian artworks by Melanie Wright – 11-15 July, 10am to 5pm,

Moving to minus-two

The Tithe Barn, Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AE

Richardson, Hugh: (-2) to -2

Jamaica St. Ann Polo Club, Jamaica – John Young (Open): 14-15 July

Other dates RCBPC – The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Racing to Polo Challenge: 9 July, 10am Tattersalls, Newmarket – Midsummer Sale: 10-13 July Brightwells, Ascot – Bloodstock Sale (flat/NH horses in and out of training; point-to-pointers; untried youngstock): 31 July

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, July 2012 91

22/06/2012 13:08

Polo directory

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Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK 07514433033 email â&#x20AC;&#x201C; amberwood@farmside.co.nz

Longdole Polo Club, Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8LH

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92 Polo Times, July 2012

PT p92-97 Polo directory and Classified JM.indd 2

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Polo directory

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2006 MAN 12 ton 2004 DAF TRUCKS CF75.360 Carry 8 Horses, Twin Sleeper Cab, 40ft Artic Trailer Sleeper, Air Suspension to carry 17 Horses, passed 210 Engine, With London with DEFRA, will split, well Low Emission Zone maintained.

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Polo Times, July 2012 93

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Polo directory

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94 Polo Times, July 2012

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Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007

3 Superb ponies for sale, giving up!

Ganga - 15.3hh Grey, 12 year old. Best pony I have ever ridden 100% like a motorbike, hugely controllable but powerful. Turn inside everyone, stop before everyone, get ahead. Has to be tried to be believed. Always sound and doubled occasionally. Novice to Pro: £6000

ŵŽĚĞƌŶ͕ ĞƚŚŝĐĂů͕ ƐĞĂĨŽŽĚ ƌĞƐƚĂƵƌĂŶƚ Θ ďĂƌ ĐŽŶƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌLJ ŵĞŶƵ͕ ůŽĐĂů͕ ƐĞĂƐŽŶĂů ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂůǁĂLJƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ũƵƐƚ ĮƐŚ͊

ĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŽĨ ƌŝƟƐŚ

Tota - 15.2hh Black 14 year old. Forward going but straightforward pony, great looking and easy to do. -2 to 1: £4500 Rico - 15.1hh Chestnut 15 year old. Very quick and powerful small NZ tb, always sound despite age, and often doubled. Extremely forward going but controllable, not for a novice ride: £3000 Currently at Ham in Richmond, available to stick and ball and chukkas.

All priced for quick sale as quitting polo.

May do a deal for all 3. Must be a good home.

More info, pictures and video available: edwardjonkler@gmail.com / 07743963247 www.polotimes.co.uk

PT p92-97 Polo directory and Classified JM.indd 5

^ĞǀĞŶ &ŝƐŚ ĂŶƚĞĞŶ͕ Ăƌ Θ 'ƌŝůů͕ EŽƌƚŚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ DŝĚŚƵƌƐƚ͕ tĞƐƚ ^ƵƐƐĞdž͕ 'hϮϵ ϵ :͘ dĞů͗ ϬϭϳϯϬ ϳϭϲϮϴϬ ǁǁǁ͘ƐĞǀĞŶĮƐŚ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ Polo Times, July 2012 95

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Polo directory

Classifieds

Ponies PONIES FOR SALE 15.3hh grey gelding eight-years-old. Fast and nimble. £4,000.

15.3hh chestnut gelding 17-years-old, school master, fast but easy. 15.2hh bay mare 17-year-old, fast and bombproof. All are fit and will double chukka. £1,000 - £4,000. Tel: 07739 569491 QUARTER HORSE POLO MARE Beautiful, imported Gold Champagne, eight-years-old, 15hh.

Professionally polo trained, good for beginner and more advanced plus polocrosse player. Suitable for hacking out, riding club etc. Sweet temperament, is fast but safe and a quick learner. £5,500.

Leicestershire. Tel: 01788 860360 FANTASTIC EASY TB MARE Chestnut 14.3hh. Played from Surtees to 12-goal with a young player and three-goal pro.

Loveable bombproof pony who really can do everything; looking for a quiet and affectionate home. Ideal for Pony Club/ beginner looking for something reliable but willing to compete up to 6-goal. Currently playing in the Gloucestershire area. 16-years-old hence £2,250 price tag. No offers as worth every penny. Tel: 07860 906032 TWO ARGENTINE PONIES 15.2hh,12-year-old gelding,15.1hh,14year-old mare. Both played Surtees Pony Club to 12-goal, both easy rides, sound, low miles. Fit and ready to go. £3,500 each.

Gloucestershire. Tel: 07767 765740 TWO POLO PONIES FOR SALE sixyear-old 15.2hh stunning steel grey TB gelding. Quiet

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nature, light mouthed, fast and flat hitting platform. No vices. Would suit up-and-coming player or pro. £8,000. Seven-year-old 15.2hh bay Argentine mare. Kind,genuine and reliable.To suit beginner to competent player. No vices. £7,000.

Warwickshire. Tel Emily: 07816 830888 PLAYING STRING FOR SALE Pro giving up a selection of horses from fantastic machines to quiet, easy, caring horses. £2,000 to £12,500.

Tel: 07816 257532 EASY IN EVERY WAY 15.1hh mare, comfortable, quiet perfect pony, would suit a child beginner to a zero-goal man. Lovely hitting platform, good legs, knows and loves her job, takes you to the ball, £4,250 complete with all tack etc. ALSO - Quiet, fast and very handy 15.2hh TB mare, will do anything you ask her to.

She has a very fast turn and a great stop. I have taught complete beginners to play on her and then played her in the 15-goal. She would suit a novice up to a three-goal pro, a must try! No vices. £5,000 ONO Tel: 07816 257532 QUALITY CHESTNUT AUSTRALIAN TB MARE 15.3hh 12-years-old. Well schooled, extremely fast, good brakes. Agile and easy in every way. No vices, clean legs, fit and ready.

Priced to sell because owner is giving up. Kind, knowledgeable and a home is a priority. £5,250 ONO. Hampshire/Surrey. Tel: 07802 434787 or 01428 712490 FANTASTIC FIRST POLO PONY 14.3hh Argentine X TB mare. 11-years-old. Played lowgoal, can double chukka. Also taught teenagers: adaptable and fun! Well schooled, sound, hacks out alone or in company. Good to shoe, clip etc.

Sad sale due to changing circumstances. £5,000 ONO. Gloucester. Tel: 07739 204930 14.2HH 10-YEAR-OLD MARE - ABSOLUTE POLO MACHINE Incredibly talented and stunning 14.2hh mare. Exceptionally brave, fast and agile with good brakes. Rare opportunity to purchase such a good pony. Perfect for an up-and-coming professional or confident patron. Completely clean legged and vice-less. To good home only for this lovely pony as wasted in present home. £7,995 with tack. Tel: 07889 093887 HIGH GOAL BRED YOUNGSTOCK FOR SALE Reducing numbers in programme, both horses school well, are fantastically easy to do, stick and ball and have started to play chukkas.

Flurry, five-year-old gelding out of Florin by Portage. Starbuck, four-year-old grey gelding out of Luma by Mr Coffee. £3,500. Hampshire Tel: 07736 424444

PLAYING STRING OF SIX FOR SALE Professional String for sale, ranging from highgoal, played La Golondrina last year, to easy and reliable horses for all, and two fantastic youngsters. All tack/yard/horse items also for sale. Midhurst. £3,500 - £20,000.

Tel: 07590 215805 PERFECT PATRON PONY Argentine bay mare 15.2hh, 12-years-old, fit and playing up to 6-goal. Very easy in every way, light mouth and a good platform to hit the ball. £10,500. Banbury.

Contact Ed Bachelor on 07745 783330 TWO POLO PONIES FOR SALE 13-yearold brown mare home-bred by Chess. Played 8 to 18-goal polo well. Not ideal for beginner. £8,250. 15-year-old chestnut argentine mare. Up to weight, very easy and beautiful light mouth.

Ideal for beginner or Pony Club. £4,000. Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Contact simontomlinson@ tomlinsonfarms.co.uk. Tel: 07836 247558 or 01666 881261 PONY CLUB POLO PONIES FOR SALE 18-year-old grey welsh mare 11.2hh and 17-yearold chestnut gelding. Fantastic first ponies, great fun and very kind. Come with rugs and specially made Argentine bridles, in fabulous condition, easy to catch, tack, box, and great with farrier and dentist. Can also show and jump. £2,000.

West Sussex. Tel: 07834 607427 SELECTION OF YOUNGSTERS TO PLAYING PONIES Unbacked four-year-old filly, high-goal lines, stunning. 15hh 4-year-old gelding, lovely mover, very easy and responsive, high-goal lines.

Three TB mares, schooling beautifully, grey, bay and chestnut. All 15hh/15.1hh. Two playing mares, both dark bay and easy - and very goodlooking! Both play good polo. £2,000 upwards.

Hampshire. Tel: 07970 697593 FOUR QUALITY PONIES FOR SALE Thinning string of youngsters. All very easy and great all-rounders. Played mainly 12 to 18-goal by zero-goal patron, 10 to 14-years-old. £8,000 to £12,000. Can be tried at Binfield Heath Polo Club. Tel: 07776 214500 for more details POLO PLAYING STALLION FOR SALE eight-year-old dark brown TB stallion by The Catisfield Kid out of High Court Action, a top high-goal mare of Alan Kent’s. Easy to work alongside mares, fantastic temperament, good conformation, has played 8 to18-goal polo. Three-year-old crop can be seen. Rare opportunity to buy a top polo stallion. Reasonably priced. Midhurst. For further information contact Alan Kent, 07860 245336

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22/06/2012 16:04

Classifieds POLO PONIES FOR SALE Alan Kent has a small selection of ponies for sale on behalf of his clients. Genuine sales of low to mediumgoal playing ponies. Midhurst. POA. For more information contact Alan, 07860 245336 SWAP We have a well educated but not played six-year-old dark bay/black gelding out of a NZ Tb high-goal mare. Would like to exchange for mare of any age with good temperament that would be up to 8 to 10-goal for a sympathetic 18-year-old one-goaler who wouldn’t normally play more than two matches a week. We keep our ponies turned out on good grass 24/7 so could take one that might benefit from a natural management system. No lame or cooked ponies please. Gloucestershire. Tel: 07770 526148 TWO QUALITY PONIES FOR SALE 15.1hh grey Argentine gelding 11-years-old. Very easy and reliable. 15.2hh TB bay mare. Light, easy and very handy. Both double chukka. Low mileage, lovely ponies. Fit and ready. £8,000 - £10,000.

Gloucestershire. Tel: 07790 940268 SMART COLOURED MARE FOR SALE Striking TBx mare.15hh six-year-old. Plays arena and grass and currently with a two-goaler. Brave, responsive with light mouth. Quick and sharp so not a novice ride. Ideal for ambitious player.

Good to shoe/clip/box etc. Low mileage, clean legs, never been lame. Double chukkas. Fit and playing. £6,500. Somerset. Tel: 07818 455054.

BEGINNERS PONY Taken many nervous players onto the field. Looking for home to play beginners polo. Kind and sweet. Big mare - will carry weight.

Sound and playing now. £1,800. Warwickshire. Tel: 07903 890940 or 01926 858287 PONIES FOR SALE Good selection to suit all abilities. Various prices. Come and try them or view online at www.edgeworthpoloclub.co.uk.

Edgeworth. Contact us on 01285 821695 SADLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE DUE TO UNIVERSITY Argentine mare, 11-years-old, £6,750. English gelding, 13-years-old, £5,000.

Uruguayan gelding, 12-years-old, £ 4,500. All Designed by www.nickiaverilldesign.co.uk Printed by The Manson Group Contact details Holbrook Farm, East End, North Leigh, Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

fantastic schoolmasters, have played up to medgoal and schools polo. 100% to do in all ways, fit and ready to play. Played at Kirtlington and Sussex. Lorry also available. Tel: 07802 368395 or email tim@raikes.org

Transport VEHICLE FOR SALE Carries up to six horses (it currently has three partitions). Rubber mats.

Drives amazingly well. Plated for full year and two new batteries. New engine less than 25,000 miles ago. Fully serviced. Needs to go make room for the new one! £4,995 ono. Tel: 07775 511555 or email workland3@gmail.com FOUR HORSE LORRY FOR SALE 1990 Ford Iveco horse lorry, non HGV – Carries four horses.

Tax and MOT until Aug 2012, serviced every year, easy drive (lady driver). Stalled for four plus tack locker. For sale due to downsizing from polo to Pony Club!!! £4,000 ono. Rutland. Call Chris: 07706 934697 DAF LF 45 170 DOUBLE SLEEPER DAVID WILLIAMS BOX 53 reg double sleeper with two permanent bunks, night heater with a david williams body five partitions half rubber windows new floor, lockers, camera, very smart and easy to drive. Taxed, tested and just re-sprayed. £12,000. Herts. Tel: 07770 640300 FOR SALE DUE TO RETIREMENT FROM POLO M reg DAF 45 7.5 ton horsebox with newly built ramp and clutch fitted April 2012. MOT until Feb 2013. Fully serviced and maintained. £4,500 ono. Reading. For further details contact Stoods on 01189 761041

Situations POLO GROOM WANTED Accommodation at flat in private farm yard. Licence to drive 7.5t lorry required. Experience with young horses required.

Groom for two-goal player playing low-goal polo.

Contributors – July 2012 Adam Caller, Chris Ashton, Yolanda Carslaw, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Lorna Edgar, Mark Emerson, Luigi Ferrarese, Kian Gheissari, Sophia Heath, Theresa Hodges, John Horswell, Gary Hulton, Clare Milford Haven, James de Mountfort, Rege Ludwig, Jamie Peel, Louise Sandberg, Herbert Spencer, Sarah Styler, Carlie Trotter, David Woodd

www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2012 and Database Right 2012 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 Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Intern Georgie Haycraft

Polo directory

Horses living out at night. Petworth, West Sussex.

Contact preferably on email rupert.langdon@dtre. eu or Tel: 07768 736816

Equipment SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number.

Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 POLO SADDLES, STICKS, TACK ETC FOR SALE/WANTED Polo saddles for sale from £50 to £300, sticks from £35, also tack, bridles, boots and accessories available. Used polo equipment also bought for cash. Please visit www.poloexchange.co.uk or email contact@ poloexchange.co.uk or Tel: 07909 965940 ADVERTISE ON A BOOT JACK Affordable, effective, different. Reach your target audience today! Find out how at www.giveittheboot.com or call 07503 876573 FIVE COMPLETE SETS OF POLO TACK five polo saddles and bridles. Used one season.

Made to order in Argentina. Brown leather with pampa girths (buckles), stirrups, leathers and matching bridle. £650 p.p. Fits criollo - TB. Discount multiple. Wiltshire. Tel: 07794 591214

Property WANTED PROPERTY TO LET professional couple seek first class home with min three beds, five acres plus, and stabling. Good access to M1 between J16 -J18 required from Aug/ Sept Long Term Let. Max £3,000. Warwickshire/ Northamptonshire. Tel: 07796 757977 or email: foxy1706@hotmail.co.uk

Subscriptions UK: £55 for one year – £99 for two years Europe: £65 for one year – £115 for two years Rest of the World: £75 for one year – £135 for two years

Call Sarah Foster on +44 (0)1993 886885 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, July 2012 97

22/06/2012 16:04

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Cowdray Park polo manager Chris Bethell’s...

Passions

The man responsible for ensuring this month’s 57th Gold Cup runs smoothly opens up to James Mullan about his boyhood crushes and his fervently blue blood What’s your favourite polo memory?

It’s the ultimate moment of polo sportsmanship: I was playing on Johnny Yeoman’s team in the final of the Warwickshire Cup in I think 1979 or 1980. We were winning by a goal with just seconds left in the sixth chukka, when one of the Merlos boys hit a shot to equalise, but it wasn’t clear if it had crossed the line or not. Johnny insisted their goal should stand, as he didn’t want to win just by a controversial decision. So we went into extra time. There were no goals in the seventh or eighth chukkas, and we finally won it in the ninth. It was a remarkable afternoon and a wonderful way to win.

Who’s been your best ever teammate?

Martin Glue. We just go back so far and have had so much fun together down the years, both on and off the field.

What about your hardest opponent?

Alan Kent.

Favourite pastime outside polo?

Football. I’m an avid Chelsea fan, so am on top of the world at the moment, following our Champions League win in May. The team’s crest is my screensaver on my phone and my computer.

Favourite holiday destination?

Kenya. You can alternate between polo, safari and deep sea fishing, which makes for the

“I had my ankle in plaster for three months after a Florida rollerblading accident” perfect combination for me. We’ve been a couple of times.

What’s your most annoying habit?

Not answering the phone probably!

What was the first single or album you ever bought?

Something by Olivia Newton John I think. I just really fancied those beautiful blue eyes...

Who was your biggest crush growing up?

Probably her! More recently, I’ve been keen on Nicole Kidman. My wife already knows about that by the way!

Favourite film?

One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Favourite book/author?

Dan Brown’s bestseller, Code.

The Da Vinci Code

First car?

Oooh, it was a Vauxhall something-or-other. I’ve tried to forget it – it was a horrible thing!

Most prized possession?

My children.

When was the last time you got really angry?

There was a certain polo patron not long ago..., but I’d better leave that anecdote suitably vague!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Smoking.

Maté or English breakfast?

Neither – I’m a coffee man.

Radio 1 or Radio 4?

Sorry – it’s Radio 2!

A bottle of wine or bottle of beer?

Beer.

Have you ever broken a bone and how?

I’ve broken my collarbone and hand playing polo but, more embarrassingly, I also had to have my ankle in plaster for three months after I broke it rollerblading in Florida on one of my days off from polo. That felt pretty stupid!

Who taught you to play polo?

My father and grandfather both played, so it was inevitable that I’d follow suit. My Dad actually won the Gold Cup exactly 50 years ago, in 1962, so it’s nice that I can remember that in my capacity at Cowdray Park today.

Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate about polo.

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