Volume 20 • Issue 5 • June 2015 • £6.50
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Contents
Contacts
What’s inside... June 2015
Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk
Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk
News
Club Liaison & News Manager
6 12 14
Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk
Comment
Polo Reporter & Researcher
16 18
All the latest news HPA news FIP update
Your views: Letters Comment: Alastair Paterson looks at the Jaeger Le-Coultre Trippets Challenge Umpires corner: Julian Appleby examines Hawk-Eye technology
Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk
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Editorial
Features
Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
23 28
Junior Editor
31
Wiggy Bamforth wiggy@polotimes.co.uk
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Principal Design James Morgan
Cover Story: The new team on the block, Somerton Polo Sotogrande – The perfect polo retreat Cover Story: A look at Kirtlington Park Polo Club’s history Cover Story: 10th Polo Awards special The Big Picture
Reports 40
Additional Design
44 47
Tony Ruddy
Cover Story: England triumph at St. Regis International Copa de Las Naciones The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy
Club Focus Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk
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Your club news from home and abroad
Women’s Polo 56
Women’s polo update
Youth polo Contributors
61
Youth round up
Julian Appleby, Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS, Charles Betz, Stephen Biddlecombe, Richard Bucket, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Andrew Cork, Lorna Edgar, Lottie Goldstone, George Gunn, Rege Ludwig, Alastair Paterson, Tony Ramirez, Charles Whittington, David Woodd
Knowledge
Contact details
78
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk
© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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67 68 73 76 80 83 84
Know your game: Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Cover Story: Pony Power Pony running reports Vet insight: A look at performance limiting ailments Nutrition focus: Broodmare and foal feeding Equine legal advice: Defamation and libel Equipment focus: Bit by bit Tack focus: Richard Bucket looks at saddle fitting
Final bell: 86
Passions: Olly Hughes
23 Sidelines 88 89
Gossip: Don’t be the last to know Sidelines: Social pages
Polo Directory: 93 95
Polo Times Marketplace What’s on in June?
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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Team England lift the Jubilee Cup, following their victory against The Americas at the 2015 St. Regis International at Cowdray Park Polo Club. By Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
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Polo Times, June 2015
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Photos: www.imagesofpolo.com; Abhishek Acharya; Elsa Ochoa.
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EFG – polo montage – Eng – 230+230x300mm + 3mm bleed – quadri – publication: Polo Times 2015 (20.05.2015) -- right hand page
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from the Publisher As I put pen to paper for this June issue, I can, but reflect on what a glorious month May has already been. A land-slide election victory for David Cameron started the month off well, followed less than 24 hours later by the simply spectacular, VE Day 70th Anniversary celebrations. Anyone fortunate enough to be in London for both events, could not have helped enjoying being British. The HPA’s announcement of Royal Salute, as title partner for the prestigious Coronation Cup at Guards on 25th July, continues the momentum and feel-good factor as it firmly cements English polo as one of the leading destinations on the world-wide polo circuit. Whilst extending Polo Times’ support to both the England and South America teams for The Coronation Cup, may I, unashamedly wish good luck to the new England Captain James Beim and his teammates. Beimy’s debut as Team Captain has already started well, with first blood to England vs The Americas in a closely-fought match for the St. Regis Test Match at Cowdray on 16th May. The early league matches for the Cartier Queen’s Cup 2015, sees more good news for English polo. The all-new, all-pro, all-Brit Somerton Polo, started their campaign with a win defeating the Pailloncy brothers’ HB Polo,10-9 goals. A golden goal in an extra, seventh chukka saw the Hanbury brothers’ El Remanso team defeat Ton Srivaddhanaprabha’s King Power 2, by 9-8 goals, on day 2 of the Cartier Queen’s Cup. A clash of the Middle Eastern polo titans saw UAE Polo defeat Dubai by 1613 goals with Pepe Araya’s son Jose, stepping into HH Sheikha Maitha’s boots. Not only did Jose do all that was asked of him, but he played beyond his years – and handicap – by scoring six of his team’s 16 goals. From high goal’s first week of play, two hotly debated topics are emerging: How long can Jose stay on 0 goals? How more accurate will Tilda Woodd’s high goal guide be, as featured in May’s Polo Times? Continuing with its British roots, this issue shines a spotlight on Kirtlington Park Polo Club. A jewel in the low goal crown and with its founding family still at the helm almost 90 years later, Kirtlington is a beacon for competitive and professional polo, where fun and fairness, score highly. The 10th Polo Awards are also featured in this issue. Held on 20th May, it ages me demonstrably that 10 years have passed since Richenda, my brother Andrew and myself first embarked on hosting the inaugural Polo Awards at The Dorchester. Having taken the leap of faith to host the 1st Polo Awards, it was heart-warming to see so many of the ‘original’ 2006 guests in attendance at this year’s event. Whilst paying tribute to all those worthy winners who have been recognised over the last 10 years, I should also like to pay particular tribute to this year’s HPA Lifetime Achievement recipient, Urs Schwarzenbach. Here’s to safe, fun and competitive polo. Nick Hine, Publisher
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Polo Times, June 2015
News
Royal Salute are to be the title sponsor for The Coronation Cup
THE HURLINGHAM POLO Association (HPA) is delighted to announce Royal Salute as title partner for the prestigious Coronation Cup over a longstanding The Royal Salute Coronation Cup will be period. This new agreement on Saturday 25 July sees the time-honoured and delicately crafted whisky expand its presence in the game. The association is befitting for both tournament and sponsor, whose histories lie in parallel with significantly momentous occasions for the British Monarchy. It is a seamless collaboration as The Coronation Cup honours the coronation of King George V and Royal Salute honours the coronation of his granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II. This year’s Royal Salute Coronation Cup will feature two of the strongest international teams in polo – England and South America. David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA said, “Royal Salute is already a strong supporter of polo worldwide and so we are delighted that they have agreed to sponsor The Coronation Cup. They are a great British brand and we much look forward to working with them to make it a great day.” Vadim Grigorian, Royal Salute Global Brand Director agrees that, “As a longstanding, passionate supporter of the ‘Sport of Kings’, it is fitting to cement Royal Salute’s association with the most prestigious polo event in Britain – The Coronation Cup. We are deeply fascinated with polo – from its profound origins rooted in noble values to the naturally evolving symbiosis between player and horse; it is firmly planted in tradition, yet constantly evolving. Honouring heritage and legacy are in the DNA of Royal Salute, so it is a privilege to extend our patronage to an organisation that also encapsulates comparable values.” Neil Hobday, CEO of Guards Polo Club, added “Guards Polo Club is delighted to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious whisky brands and one that has shown so much support for the sport of polo at home and abroad. The whole Guards team is looking forward to working with Royal Salute to ensure a highly successful event.” On the day of the event, Royal Salute will present a specially curated open air experience that is an artistic and philosophical reinterpretation of a quintessential British picnic, while Keith Prowse will set up his popular Chukkas Restaurant at Windsor Great Park, offering superb hospitality, the perfect accompaniment to a day of polo. For tickets to the Royal Salute Coronation Cup www.thecoronation cup.co.uk
Nepal appeal for help following devastating earthquake
ON SATURDAY 25 April an earthquake registering 7.9 on the Richter scale in Nepal devastated the country and many of the surrounding regions. As has been well reported in the world’s news, thousands of people have been killed and many more left without shelter, food or clean water. Ang Tshering, who was with the Mongolian Polo Team which participated in the 150th Anniversary games at Manipur, featured in the March issue of Polo Times, has set up a page to raise money for the Bir Hospital in Kathmandu to help some of their badly injured patients. To donate visit gofundme.com/tqxp8
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News
BEACH POLO HITS DENMARK Hornbæk Beach will play host to the 2015 Scandinavian Beach Polo World Cup which will feature international polo teams with renowned polo players from around the world from 23 – 25 July CELEBRATIONS FOR CHARLOTTES Following on from the birth of HRH Charlotte Elizabeth Diana to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Cowdray Park Polo Club Academy offered half price polo lessons for all those called Charlotte, and 25% off for Elizabeths and Dianas during the month of May 20 YEAR OLD GSTAAD Hublot Polo Gold Cup takes place from 13 – 16 August this summer. For three days, high profile polo players will battle
Photograph by www.dominic-james.com
Teams confirmed for 2015 Triple Crown
Action at the home of the Argentina Open in Palermo
THE AAP, ARGENTINA’S governing body of polo, recently announced the line-ups for this year’s Triple Crown competition. At first glance it seems that once again, 2014 Finalists La Dolfina and Ellerstina boast the strongest combinations. La Dolfina return with their same ‘perfect’ 40 goal side of Adolfo Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling, Juan
it out in the beautiful surroundings of the Gstaad Polo Club. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the VIP marquee will be hosted by the Gstaad Palace Hotel offering guests a real show of hospitality CHARITY CHAT The Gloucestershire Committee of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will be hosting a talk by Peter Snow CBE on Saturday 4 July. Snow, a well-known historian, television and radio presenter, will be discussing the battle of Waterloo at Cheltenham College Prep School. Email west@soldierscharity.org to book a ticket POLO TO RACING Edgeworth Polo Club’s Jono Smail took part in the Starlight Charity race at Newbury Racecourse alongside other notable polo personalities. To see the polo players in silks for Starlight turn to page 92
Martin Nero and Pablo MacDonough, whilst Ellerstina return with an increased 39 goal line-up. Polo’s newest 10 goaler, Polito Pieres, will be joining his three cousins, Nico, Gonzalito and Facundo in their pursuit for polo’s most coveted title. The other six sides that have been confirmed for this year’s Tortugas, Hurlingham and Palermo Opens are Alegria and La Aguada Las Monjitas, who hold a 35 goal team handicap, and La Aguada and Chapaleufu who will be playing off 34 goals – a considerable difference at any level of the sport. Having lost Polito Pieres to Ellerstina, Alegria have taken on talented 8 goaler Cristian Laprida, whilst Chapaleufu are following Ellerstina’s approach in fielding an all-family line-up. La Aguada welcome Agustin Merlos back to The Open competition whilst La Aguada Las Monjitas welcome back another Merlos; although he has been involved with La Dolfina in recent years, Sebastian returns to be part of an original Triple Crown line-up.
Polito Pieres is put to 10 in America
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still rated as 9 goals, he is just one step away from being a 10-goal player worldwide. As an Argentine-American, Polito also becomes the first American to be rated 10 goals since Adam Snow back in 2003, and he becomes HAVING BEEN PUT to 10 at the end of 2014 in Argentina, the 24th American player ever to achieve that handicap. Polito is continuing his pursuit of perfection and has now Other changes in the end of season handicaps reached the ultimate handicap in the USA as well. Polito included Sugar Erskine and Freddie Mannix being put enjoyed a successful US season with Steve Van Andel’s to 7, whilst British player Sarah Wiseman was awarded Orchard Hill side where he was playing alongside his cousin a 2 goal handicap. In the women’s handicaps Hazel Facundo Pieres, and Ezequiel M.Ferrario. He now joins the Jackson will now play off 7 goals and Tiva Gross will sport’s elite, and with England as the only place where he is play off 6. 8
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Polo Times, June 2015
Photograph by Alex Pacheco
News in brief
Polito Pieres in action against fellow 10 goaler Adolfo Cambiaso
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News
British wooden horses MADERA POLO HAS now launched its new website, offering for the first time in the UK a commercially produced wooden horse. Mark Hipgrave and his local polo school were looking for a wooden horse for the students to practice on, and found that none were commercially available. “I had a light bulb moment and saw a potential business opportunity”, Mark told Polo Times. The first commercial wooden polo pony was ‘born’ about a year ago in the Madera Stables and professional players were asked to put it through its paces. Following on from these initial trials, where one
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professional player became unseated (no names mentioned), various improvements and modifications have been implemented. “Using my 35 years of manufacturing experience, we developed a wooden horse that could be produced cost effectively. We used the latest computer aided design to develop the horse, ensuring all parts fit together as a perfect kit,” Mark explained to Polo Times. For simplicity the wooden horse is available in three levels of assembly. Fully assembled, part assembled (which just requires legs bolting on) or as a flat packed kit form, for more distant customers. To find out more or to order your wooden horse visit their website www.woodenpolohorse.com
TALLY HO FARM are currently stocking an easy treatment for inflammation, strains, sprains or even insect bites both online and instore – Equi Cool Down leg wraps. Their versatile ‘one-size-fits-most’ leg wraps are designed using an exclusive spandex/Velcro combination that allows the strap to fit snugly (but not too tightly) on hock joints or fetlocks. Gone are the days of continuous hosing and scraping, the clever wraps do not need gel, frozen inserts or electricity, if the wrap is wet it works! There is no danger of tissue damage from extreme cold – Equi Cool Down wraps will gently cool affected areas up to 22°c below ambient temperature. These adaptable wraps are safe to place directly on your horse, with no cover or sock needed to keep the wrap free of debris, plus as they are machine washable and can be used over and over again.
The Polo Encyclopedia AFTER THE SUCCESS of the first edition, Horace Laffaye has produced an expanded second edition of The Polo Encyclopedia. Covering every polo topic, person and place, from Aabey, Lorenzo, to Zwartberg, South Africa, A definitive guide to all things polo this definitive guide to the sport is not only a must for any aficionado’s library, but a delight to read and enjoy. This edition covers a huge variety of polo knowledge with more than 18,000 entries covering everything from player information to tournament facts, polo painters and club histories. It is quickly becoming one of the most useful books at Polo Times HQ, as an enormous source of polo-based information and great tool for fact checking and historical polo pictures. Hats off to the multitalented Horace Laffaye, who also boasts a career as a surgeon in addition to being a keen polo player himself. With an impressive list of polo titles already published, Laffaye is quickly becoming the authority on the subject. You can get your own copy to peruse at your leisure at amazon.com
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Photograph by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates the launch of its Flagship in Mayfair and a new watch
Cow Williams with his family and Guinness World Record Book certificate
Luke Tomlinson, Tim Gosling, Clare Milford Haven, Daniel Riedo (CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre), Carmen Chaplin, and Zahra Kassim-Lakha
THIS YEAR JAEGER-LeCoultre has unveiled the Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale. The watch is a boutique only edition and can be bought at the new flagship boutique, 13 Old Bond Street, which was officially opened on the evening of 12 May. They welcomed over 150 close friends, clients and collectors, including professional polo players Luke Tomlinson, Eduardo Novillo Astrada and George Meyrick, actress and director Carmen Chaplin, photographer Astrid Muñoz, and Clare Mountbatten, the Marchioness of Milford Haven.
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Photograph by www.andrewilliamsphotography.net
News
Sir Charles ‘Cow’ Williams makes it into The Guinness World Record Book
AT 82 YEARS of age, ‘Cow’ Williams has made it into the Guinness World Record Book as the Oldest Polo Player ever. Cow took part in the Elliot Williams Trophy at Apes Hill Polo Club in St. James, Barbados on Saturday 9 May, at the age of 82 years and 166 days. The certificate reads: “The Oldest Polo Player is Sir Charles Williams (Barbados), who was aged 82 yeas 166 days when he competed in The Elliot Williams Trophy at the Apes Hill Polo Club in St. James, Barbados on 9 May 2015.”
Grass Sickness
EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS is known to be a potentially lethal disease attributed to a toxin produced by a clostridia bacterium. The same bacteria can cause Botulism in people, which, if left untreated, can cause fatal paralysis. Petplan Equine’s veterinary expert Gil Riley explains how the bacterium infiltrates the horse’s digestive system, “The bacterium lives in the soil and when it spreads onto the grass itself it can be ingested by horses. The toxin that is produced by the bacterium after it has been consumed interferes with the nerves in the horse’s intestine, causing severe dysfunction and colic which is almost always fatal.” In 2014, Petplan Equine paid out nearly £37,000 in claims related to Equine Grass Sickness. The condition is most prevalent between April and September, however it can still strike at anytime during the year.
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HPA News Jubilee Trophy. England won 6-3. Please turn to page 40 for a full report.
Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters ROYAL SALUTE The HPA is delighted to announce Royal Salute as the title partner for the prestigious Coronation Cup over a longstanding period. This new agreement sees the time-honoured and delicately crafted whisky to expand its presence in the game. This year’s Royal Salute Coronation Cup will feature two of the strongest international teams in polo – England and South America. David Woodd, said “Royal Salute is already a strong supporter of polo worldwide so we are delighted that they have agreed to sponsor the Coronation Cup. They are a great British brand and we very much look forward to working with them to make it a great day.” COPA DE LAS NACIONES Congratulations to Argentina for winning the Copa de Las Naciones in Buenos Aires. England won their first game against the Rest of the World 9-8 but in the final against Argentina they did not recover from a bad start and went down 13-10. For a full report please turn to page 44. Argentina: Felipe Martínez Ferrario (4), Alejandro Muzzio (8), Francisco de Narváez (8) & Matías Benoit (6) England: Ollie Cudmore (5), Max Charlton (7), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Luke Tomlinson (7)
Rest of the World: Andrés Samper (3), David Du Plessis (6), Nicolás Pieres (9) & Ignatius Du Plessis (8) An Under 15 team of Luke Wiles (-1), Charlie Townsend (0), Marcus Cork (-1) and Milly Hine (-1) took part in a Junior Copa de Las Naciones, also at Palermo. Although defeated by strong Argentine and Rest of The World teams, they played very well. For a full report please turn to the Youth section. POLO AWARDS AND HPA LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD The Polo Awards took place on Tuesday 19 May at Guards Polo Club where Urs Schwarzenbach was presented with the HPA Lifetime Achievement Award. For a full report please turn to page 36 for a full report and 90 for social fun. INTERNATIONAL MATCHES St. Regis Test Match at Cowdray Park. Saturday 16 May 2015 The first of this season’s Test Matches saw England play The Americas at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Saturday 16 May for the Silver DATES FOR THE DIARY Coaching Seminar (HPA coaches and instructors) Mid-Season Handicap Meeting HPA Stewards Meeting
International at Beaufort. Saturday 13 June 2015 England will play Ireland on Saturday 13 June on International Day at Beaufort for the Golden Jubilee Trophy. Entry is free for cars displaying an HPA car sticker. International at Guards. Saturday 25 July 2015 International Day at Guards Polo Club for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup will be on Saturday 25 July. HPA members will be entitled to discounted tickets and there will once again be cash prizes to clubs that sell the most tickets. Last year prizes went to Ham, Longdole and Suffolk. Please visit www.coronationcuppolo.com for more information. The morning game will be the final of the British Polo 10 Goal Championships, a new HPA tournament. Insurance The Strict Liability interpretation of the Animals Act will leave the liability for bodily injury or property damage caused by any horse with its owner. If your handicap is 3 goals or more or if you own more than 10 ponies you are not covered by the HPA’s insurance and must therefore have your own Public Liability. Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement if you have any grooms whether permanently or temporarily employed.
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FIP News
FIP Update
Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
Record numbers take part in Germany’s FIP Polo Youth Camp The FIP Polo Youth Camp took place at the Hamburger Polo Club from 14-17 May under the direction of five experienced polo coaches. Following three days of training at Thomas Winter’s Hamburger Pologestüt, the tournament, which took place on Sunday at the Hamburger Polo Club, was the highlight
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as General Scherer, Colonel St. Quintin, Gordon Bennett and many, many others who, over the years, gave selflessly for the love of the sport. The Hurlingham Polo Association and its predecessor, the Hurlingham Polo Committee who drew up the first rules in 1875, were largely responsible for the growth of the sport throughout the then Empire and other countries that traded with Great Britain. For the past 140 years, and despite two World Wars, the HPA has been responsible for the maintenance of the rules and governance within the sport both here in the UK, Europe and most of the Commonwealth Countries, and encouraged the National Associations in many other countries. It is run by a number of Stewards who are amateur players or past players, who are either nominated by the larger clubs or voted in by the smaller clubs to serve a four year term. The main object of the HPA is to “further the interests of polo generally and to support by all possible means the common interests of Affiliated Clubs and Associations” – this means all clubs large and small. Although many clubs, Associations and Federations have professional staff, these days polo is still predominantly an amateur sport, both in its participants and its administration. It is part of the charm of the sport that so many enthusiasts freely dedicate their time and
energy to the management and efficient running of their organisations, and long may that continue. However, traditionally it has always been beholden on the larger, stronger bodies in the sport to support the smaller Associations where they can, thus we see the AAP, HPA and the USPA as the leading Associations assisting the smaller Associations by paying more in membership to FIP and providing players, advice and training facilities for umpiring and coaching. In turn, within a National Association, there is an implied responsibility that the larger clubs should also consider the wider interests of the sport rather than only their own financial interests – through the partnership of both small and large clubs the sport has grown over the past 150 years – it is therefore extremely regrettable to hear that polo in the UK has lost one of its most ardent sponsors and supporters through an unwillingness by a member of the Association to see and address the wider implications of their actions. The England Team, Pony Club Polo and the International Day which were so generously sponsored over many years by Audi are not the only losers; it is the British polo community as a whole, and consequently the International polo community which have felt the impact as well.
of the weekend, with an impressive 70 horses in action. Thomas Winter, Germany’s best polo player and most successful coach, has already helped many successful young talents, and from its inception nine years ago the camp has gained increased support and interest. It is being supported financially by the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and the German Polo Association (DPV), and the Hamburger Polo Club is also fully committed to supporting the camp. Earlier this year, the camp secured support thanks to new title sponsor coffee roaster J.J.Darboven; a lucky strike for the up-and-coming polo players. The camp’s principal aim is to the promotion of young players, an important task in the sport
of polo and since its establishment nine years ago, when there were just 10 participants, the camp has continued to grow each year. Young players with special talent also have the opportunity to participate in a two-week intensive training in Argentina. Further information can be found on www.poloschule.de
Photograph by Rolf Simon
As the International Federation of all the National Polo Associations around the world, I believe there are times when we should all take heed of what the past has to teach us about how the modern game came about. How it grew during its 150 year history from the native sport of Sagol Kangjei, played by Tea Planters and locals in Manipur, North West India, to its current burgeoning international popularity where it is now played, in various formats, by over 80 countries around the world. The sport first came to England via despatches to the British Government from a Lt. Joe Scherer (later to become General Scherer, the ‘Godfather’ of polo) who served on the District Commissioner’s staff in Cachar. This was noticed and a subsequent letter was written to the Editor at The Field Magazine about ‘hockey on Horseback’! This was read by a young officer in the 10th Hussars by the name of Edward ‘Chicken’ Hartopp whilst serving in Aldershot. He then thought it would be a very good wheeze to try it out with his fellow officers using, as the tale goes, a walking stick and a cricket ball – possibly interesting but irrelevant you might think, however the story of how the sport grew in popularity and spread to so many countries around the world is a tribute to the passion and forethought of such men
The participants at this years youth camp
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Metropolitan Polo Club An Exceptionally Refined World at Your Service www.metropolitanpoloclub.com Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, 16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Jiu Lu, Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin 30384, China.
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Your views
Letters
Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk w Letters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN
Letter of the month
The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin
Photograph by www.mjayphotography.co.uk
Sir, the sight of Tinx winning Champion Polo Pony at Royal Windsor is an unbelievable leap from two years ago when she stood on three legs with the vet poised to give her an injection that would end her life. Jane, my sister, bred Tinx 11 years ago. She was born on an Aberdeenshire farm and grew from a sweet natured foal into an exceptional polo pony. However, two years ago she was left in England for the winter while Jane and her partner Miguel Ayala travelled to Argentina for the season. I was nominally left in charge and received the dreaded phone call from the livery yard one morning. The vet believed she had fractured her pastern and wanted to put her down immediately. Luckily, I flatly refused to agree until I had managed to
contact Jane, who insisted on a second opinion. The second vet found a large thorn in her fetlock, but the leg had already been plastered and the subsequent infection from the compressed swelling caused too much of a delay to get her fit for the spring. Jane had always wanted to breed from Tinx and thought this might be the ideal opportunity. She was duly sent back to Northern Scotland in foal. However, tragedy struck again. The foal was born a month premature and failed to thrive, dying at four weeks old. Tinx was finally brought back this February from the Scottish Highlands and the fat hairy horse that stumbled out of the cattle truck into Jane’s yard in Aberdeenshire looked anything but a champion. It is a fitting testament to the incredible work and devotion of Miguel and Jane to see the transformation and their win at Royal Windsor Horse Show in the Polo Pony Class is a well-deserved tribute to their efforts. They are now setting up a page for the work they do bringing on ponies so they can help other people. For more information visit www.campanapolo.com Catherine Ingleby By email
Tinx has come a long way to win her prize at Windsor Horse Show
With Penny Farthing polo entertaining the crowds at the St. Regis International, the question is: Will polo ponies soon be redundant? 16
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Scotland players in the Penny Farthing Polo at the St. Regis International at Cowdray Park Polo Club
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Your views
Comment
Polo Times sponsored four Most Valuable Player Awards for The Copenhagen Cup on 17 May at Guards Polo Club. Congratulations to Harrow for winning the tournament. The 20th Anniversary Polo Times gilets and subscriptions for the Most Valuable Player Awards were given to Florence Berner from Stowe, Henry Letts from Eton, Izzy McGregor from Wellington and Hugo Taylor from Harrow. For a report on the tournament please turn to the Youth section of the magazine.
Photograph by Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Sir, a quick thank you for your support of the Copenhagen Cup this weekend. I really appreciate your last minute addition of the 4 Most Valued Player prizes, they were very well received by the recipients and as always we appreciate the support. With kind regards, Heather Lodder, Sponsor Director Guards Polo Club, Windsor
Florence Berner, Henry Letts, Izzy McGregor and Hugo Taylor
Testing times...
AWARDS ANALYSIS Q: This year the 10th Anniversary of The Polo Awards were held pitchside at Guards Polo Cup, what was the location for the first Polo Awards held in 2006? A: Turn to page 95 to check your answer
Stal l i on recent l y ar rived to th e U K: Clare t x N ight O pe ra
photo credit: “© Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com”
‘CLARION’
Contact: jamesbeim@gmail.com
+44 7808961541
For Terms and conditions visit: www.equineembryotransfer.co.uk
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His Mother Claret (Pinky x Monty) won the Gold Cup best playing pony in 2006 with Gonzalito Pieres (see picture), and became very famous with Facundo Pieres in Argentina playing the Open 5 times. Pinky is mother to Dinghy, Burgundy, Champagne, Shiraz. Monty sired Music, Casa, Soprano. Claret is also the mother to Clarity, Open Cabernet, Classify, Clarify and Clark amongst others. His father is Night Opera, an Australian Thoroughbred used extensively at Ellerston in Australia. He is sire to Husky, Clark, Samara and Caribbean amongst others. Clarion is Full brother to Clark (Stallion), who played Queens and Gold cups in the UK and Spain for the past two seasons with Pablo MacDonough, and is now in Argentina playing the Open with Pablo. Clark has many promising foals on the ground in the UK. Part of the famous Ellerston Australia Breed. Clarion himself already has approximately 40 horses of 5 years and below playing in Australia with Ellerston. Service Fee: First season offer £1,200 + VAT. Frozen semen also available.
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Comment
Review of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge
As we go to press, Alastair Paterson – a British 4 goaler with a host of achievements including his 2014 victory at The Gold Cup with Dubai, as well as winning The Warwickshire with El Remanso – takes a look at The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge, which marks the start of the UK high goal season, to see how the teams are shaping up at 22 goal level
Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk
UAE won The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge 2015 – will this early win be a precursor of future victories for this coming season?
I
t’s always difficult to judge the strength of the teams during the warm up tournaments, as many players have just arrived from overseas, or are still in the process of preparing horses and most teams are still getting used to a new line-up; hence I think it’s important to look a bit further than the results. Saying that, with UAE having a win in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge, they are obviously going to be strong contenders this year once again; additionally it looks like a no 18
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show from HH Sheikha Maitha which creates a strong line-up, and it seems young Jose Araya has managed to get the slot filling in for her which could significantly help UAE. Although I am sure that many Brits will be criticising the fact that a young Englishman hasn’t got the place, Jose has been involved in the English system – both playing the Pony Club and hosting many HPA kids in Argentina for many years, so I feel he has earnt his right to have the opportunity of a run with UAE on English turf.
Although Talandracas had impressive horsepower in last year’s Queen’s Cup, it could not keep them going and the Gold Cup was virtually a no show from them. Polito Pieres is carrying on from the US and has joined up with Sapo Caset, which has created some entertaining polo. Zac Hagedoorn has taken up the role as the third player and the pressure is on him as there is somewhat limited help from Edouard Carmignac, so his work rate will be key.
Salkeld never really produces a competitive team and I don’t think much will change this year. Nick Clarke is a great help here and certainly in practices has been strong. Juan Gris Zavalata and Joaguin Pittaluga add an attacking element, but in my opinion there is no key main player in the team to create a winning combination, but I might be proved wrong. Closer to home, El Remanso have shown through the warm up games that they could go either way. They gave UAE a close run for the money, but then struggled in their second game against Salkeld. The way I see it is that Pelon Stirling and George Hanbury create a solid backbone to the team. Charlie Hanbury looks more confident this year and they will depend heavily on him, hopefully creating an overlap with some of the three man teams. As for Ollie Cudmore, he is looking on great form considering the pressure being the second player under Pelon. Time for Ollie to become a man (no pressure Cudders). I haven’t had much of a chance to see RH Polo in action. The line-up sees Nico Pieres take up the main player role, whilst being supported by Francisco Elizalde – a highly enthusiastic and talented player. It’s difficult for a team in their first year, however King Power last year did prove it’s possible to do well in year one, so let’s see if RH Polo follow suit. It’s a shame that with 12 teams entered into The Queen’s Cup, there are a few less teams than in previous years, but I’m sure it will still be a highly competitive tournament. Looking back on past years, it goes without saying that there are two key elements to successful teams; firstly a patron who contributes significantly and secondly, organisation in terms of horses. Therefore, I see the main contenders as Dubai, Zacara, King Power and UAE, but let’s wait and see – I’ll be hoping El Remanso can upset things! www.polotimes.co.uk
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Comment
Umpire’s corner
An Englishman in America
Following a season of umpiring in the US, Julian Appleby, one of the most familiar professional umpires on the English high goal circuit, recently announced he will not be returning for the full UK season and instead will be increasing the time he spends in the US. Polo Times spoke to Julian to discover the true differences between polo here in the UK and in America, from both an umpire’s and player’s perspective. He also reveals his thoughts on whether introducing Hawk-Eye technology into the sport will be beneficial for the game in general. What can English high goal polo learn from US high goal? I’m not sure that the UK high goal can learn too much. In both countries the high goal seems very well organised; the main difference of course is that the US high goal is rated at 26 goal level. However, because all the high goal games are played at IPC, Wellington it can feel slightly better organised at times. Here, especially in The Queen’s Cup, you tend to spend a lot of time in the car driving from say, Zacara to Guards, and then on to Coworth just in one day. Being in one Club and being able to just move onto the field next door is a little bit of a luxury. The main game on the Number One field every Sunday is a huge day, with three to four thousand people in attendance – it’s like having a Final’s Day every week. They start with the teams parading Gold Cup Final style around the field, then everybody removes their hats for the national 20
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anthem. A coin is tossed by a celebrity and then, game on. At the end of the game they put on a very extravagant prize-giving, followed by the players being available for signing autographs for the fans. What are the main differences between the American and English game? And which one do you think works better and why? There aren’t too many differences, both countries try to make slight rule changes every season to try to make high goal polo more enjoyable for the public but the harsh reality is that high goal is pretty boring to watch in both countries. Every now and again you will get a great game, fast and flowing with little whistle. We can’t dictate how teams are going to play a game; the players will have a plan to keep possession and either try to keep the ball away from the Adolfos and Facundos, or the plan will be to crash and bash to give those top
players a clearer run to the goal. The main difference in the US is that as the limit is 26 goals, the third player will be rated at 5,6 or 7 goals and a good player in his own right, and will be able to run the length of the field and score, whereas here the third player is more likely to be a 1,2 or 3 goal player, who very rarely gets to play the ball – his mission is to disrupt the playing abilities of the second player rated at 7, 8 or 9 goals. Therefore we tend to get more open games in the US, but sadly not as many as you would expect. From an umpire’s view, what changes would you like to see made to the game in both the US and here in the UK? I would like to see the rules come together a lot more. As written in the respective rulebooks, there aren’t a lot of differences. However, in the US, every rule has a lot of different interpretations, which leads to a certain amount of confusion between the players and the umpires. A rule is a rule, full stop. Here in the UK, the players seem a lot happier with how the games are umpired in the high goal (of course there are times that they don’t!) but rules wise, it is far simpler here. The US are trying to bring the rules closer together, but to do so they will have to change a fair bit. Let’s hope that within a couple of seasons that there will be no differences between the US and UK high goal rules. Since you first became involved in polo, what’s the most significant change you’ve noticed in the sport? Since I became involved in polo, (in the Pony Club way back in 1980!), there have been a lot of changes. I guess I’m not alone in bringing up the turning rule as the most talked about rule change ever introduced. At the time I’m sure every player thought what the hell are these people thinking about, and still to this day it remains the
most talked about rule in the sport. After every match, I’m sure there is a conversation somewhere around the polo field, about a whistle or nonwhistle on an alleged turning or non-turning. We are now six or seven years on from when it was brought in and it still it remains to be the most confusing rule ever introduced, both here in the UK and also in the US. I guarantee that every umpire, whether a PP or a Club umpire has said at the end of a match to a player, “Sorry I may have missed that one,” or, “Sorry I might has been a wee bit harsh.” Of course the number of players and polo matches played around the UK is an incredible change. Players now have the ability to play twice a day every day of the week if they are organised enough. Back in the day the tournaments ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the occasional mid-week match if your patron could get away from work. You could have a string of five or six ponies to get through the season. I would imagine that you would need double the numbers nowadays. Do you think a version of Hawk-Eye technology should be introduced to polo, at least at high goal level? Hawk-Eye technology is a very interesting topic. In the US, for the last two seasons, the drone has been used for nearly every high goal match, 20 goal through to the 26 goal. At first it was for the sole purpose for the umpire meetings, giving clarity to calls or non-calls made, or not, in the high goal. This last season it has been used as part of the challenge system that teams were allowed to use during the 26 goal. I have mixed views on making decisions with the use of the Hawk-Eye view because we as umpires don’t get that view due to the fact that we are chasing the players around the field. There is no doubt that you do get an incredible view, www.polotimes.co.uk
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Umpire’s corner
third man will have a monitor that he can go to in order to make a final decision with the view from the drone; this would be the most practical way of using this form of technology. The only other problem is that
to use it for high goal only is not fair to all the other patrons/ players, who compete at the level they can afford. It will be interesting to see how far it develops. I’m sure that in the near future teams will have their own drones so that they are able to film their matches in order to help their tactics and performances.
Photograph by Scott Fisher
showing exactly the line of the ball, the angles and distances between the players and I’m sure that in the near future we can incorporate this technology into the sport. Maybe one day the
Comment
A drone in action at the Queen’s Cup Qualifier between Somerton and HB Polo
Executive producer Mike Ferreira watches as umpire checks video replay
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Somerton team focus
Feature
Somerton Spotlight Photographs by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk
Richenda Hine investigates Somerton, an all-Brit, all-pro team flying the flag at 22 goal level
W
ith the summer season in full swing (if you will excuse the intended pun) the qualifying stages of The Queen’s Cup are well underway as the leviathans of the 22 goal scene lock horns for another year. One team that is attracting particular attention is Somerton, an all-Brit, all-young, all-pro line up of Jack Richardson, Matt Perry, Ed Hitchman and Richard, the Earl of Tyrone. If there is anything that will get us all fired up in the sidelines, it’s definitely a quartet of British talent taking on the
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best in the world. Most recently in 2014 an all-English Fox and Hounds team well and truly had the crowds behind them, and I’m sure we all remember the frenzy of delight that surged through packed grandstands as Halcyon Gallery and before them Apes Hill Club notched up goals with not an overseas player amongst them. As we go to press, the Somerton team are in the midst of The Queen’s Cup games, having successfully fended off the attentions of HB Polo, only to face the might of 2015 Gold Cup winners Dubai for the
Kerry Packer Trophy (a qualifier of The Queen’s Cup). The boys did not disappoint, holding their own against Cambiaso and his well drilled teammates until the third chukka when the Argentine throttle went foot to the floor to see Dubai pull ahead and winning 12 goals to 5. As the printing presses roll on this issue, the Somerton team’s fate will be sealed as further qualifiers are played. So, we are all excited about the team, but what exactly are Somerton? What have they got to do with polo and why are their names on the shirts? It’s time to investigate.
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Feature
Somerton team focus
it, so too, the current financial process by which people get involved in polo. We came together from different levels of the sport, but with the same feeling of, ‘What if we create an environment for both Amateur Members and pros, which is a safe environment, where you have a logistical backbone providing administration, secretarial and accounting for the pros; whilst, at the same time, you have an inside track for the Amateur Members?’ That’s what Somerton strives for.”
Martin Armstrong, co-founder of Somerton Sporting Club
It turns out that Somerton Sporting Club is a not-for-profit organisation that helps its Members enjoy a platform so that they can enjoy their polo. Co-founded by 6 goal professional Richard, the Earl of Tyrone and Martin Armstrong, who heralds from the financial services recruitment sector in London, the Club has replaced the word ‘patron’ with Amateur Member and aims to help both those paying for and being paid to play polo. We met Martin to find out more. Q: What’s the ethos behind Somerton Sporting Club? A: “I set up the concept with Richard to provide a professional structure that is basically a spine, an administrative concierge, that allows people to engage in their favourite sports, so that they get to be as good as they can be. We recognised the reality that Richard’s journey as a professional meant that he had to do a lot of work, outside of actually playing polo that he hadn’t counted on. Meanwhile, whilst on my own journey as an Amateur Member, I just didn’t have a great time.” Q: So the idea is to benefit both your professional and Amateur Members? A: “Richard and I both knew that in order for enjoyment in polo to improve, something had to change for both the amateur and the pro – on both sides of the fence – and with
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Q: How does it benefit its professional Members? A: “We aim to provide professionals with a service that enables them to concentrate on their polo as their primary focus, rather than on looking after their Amateur Member’s polo at every level. This can be anything from organising livery, team shirts, games, horses and travel. The list is endless and invariably, it involves a lot of work away from the polo ground. Most of the Argentinians are really, really good at this, but some of the English pros aren’t as good, so this is one of the services that we wanted to provide – that was Richard’s idea.” Q: How will you help Amateur Members? A: “For the Amateur Members, we’re basically saying to them, ‘We are going to sit down with you at the very beginning and determine what you want to get out of this sport. How far do you want to go? What do you want your journey to be?’ And then we’re going to try and take them there in a way that’s a little bit different to rocking up at Cowdray for a 4-6 goal game and watching three other professional players run around you whilst you sit on a horse and try to do your best. Instead, Amateur Members will actually go on a programme that involves playing chukkas with very good players who are between 3 and 7 goals; to give them that higher level of polo experience in a friendly and private environment. And that is what Amateur Members want and need.” Q: Will Somerton Sporting Club be just for polo? A: “Somerton Sporting Club is going to offer 10 different sports including shooting, sailing, fishing, skiing, climbing and kite surfing. For instance, if you want to go rock climbing with a world champion rock climber who is at the top of their game, then Somerton will provide a safe and transparent integrity-driven means to be able to do that.”
Q: Tell us why you are supporting an all-Brit line up for The Queen’s Cup? A: “The all-Brit line-up in the Somerton high goal team was very important from the start. I recognised that the Argentinians currently have a very strong position within polo. From managing Amateur Members’ polo and their horses, to the games themselves, Argentinians wield considerable influence in most aspects of polo. If you’re an English player and you go to 5 goals, invariably, there’s no more high goal polo for you unless you have significant family backing. It’s crucial for English pros to play at the highest level possible, both for their own visibility, and also for their game. Somerton wants to support English, Irish and European players. Equally, we’re also happy of course, to support Argentinian players who are not from the big families as they don’t really need our help!” Q: How is the team funded? A: “For this season, the Somerton high goal team is going to be paid for by Amateur Members, including myself. What I said to the players is, ‘You’ve got to cut whatever deals you can and make that money go as far as it possibly can, and let’s get after it.’ They loved the transparency. There was no messing around it. The four boys got to plan their high goal team this year together, and they’ve been working on it for some months now.” Q: What’s in it for the Amateur Members? A: “Looking to the future, I am hopeful that one or two other Amateur Members will be interested in funding extra teams. I spoke to one recently who has given up playing polo due to a slipped a disc, and asked, ‘Wouldn’t you get some enjoyment out of just having put together an all-pro team in your colours, going to the games, hanging out with the guys, maybe playing a chukka or two, and just being part of it?’ The answer was, ‘Yes’. So, we are going to do more and more of these tournaments with our Professional Members.” Q: Will there be more teams in the future? A: “We’re going to put more high goal teams together. These will be all-professional teams of 5, 6 and 7 goal players. In my view, they are the ones that need our help – so we’re going to put them in teams together, to play in tournaments that they wouldn’t ordinarily be entered in if they were in an Amateur Member-based polo team.”
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Somerton team focus
Feature
Jack Richardson 6 goals, 23 years old Jack has been ‘one to watch’ on the English polo circuit from a young age. At the age of 10, he was the youngest person ever to have played on The Queen’s Ground and Guards Polo Club, and since then he has gone on to become one of England’s most talented players. In recent years he has represented both UAE and Fox and Hounds at high goal level, and last year he was also presented The John Ferguson Trophy for the Best English Player by Prince Charles. Jack talks about the honour of playing as part of an all-Brit team “I loved playing in the all-Brit team last year with Fox and Hounds, so I was very keen to do it again this year. It’s great to play this level of polo with friends and I think it’s great for British polo to have young players participating in The Queen’s Cup, so luckily we have got the chance to do it with Somerton. Hopefully, we can do well and prove that British players can compete at this level. “I think the idea of Somerton as a high end sports concierge is a great concept and I will support and help them to further their business and awareness of the Somerton brand.”
Matt Perry 5 goals, 24 years old Matt Perry came up through the English Pony Club system and in recent years he has proved himself to be one of the most successful Englishmen on the UK high goal circuit. As part of Lyndon Lea’s impressive Zacara line-up, alongside Facundo Pieres, for two consecutive seasons, with whom he won The Cartier Queen’s and Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup in 2013, and The Cartier Queen’s Cup again last year, Matt certainly knows what it takes to succeed at the top.
Matt talks about the opportunity of playing with Somerton “I think it is great for the promotion of English polo players to be able to field an all-English professional team, especially in one of the most prestigious tournaments that we have here in the UK. To be part of Somerton and what they represent is a brilliant opportunity for us all. I know I speak for the whole team when I say we hope to do well in this tournament having been given the chance by Somerton to enter as an allEnglish team. “It is great for the sport to have organisations like Somerton as it allows teams and players, such as ourselves, to enter into the tournament and play the higher levels of polo in the UK, which we need to improve as young players.”
Ed Hitchman 5 goals, 30 years old Ed Hitchman, like many of the top English polo players, came up through the Pony Club system, with North Cotswold. In 2007, Hitchman was a member of the all-Brit Apes Hill high goal team and this year he returns, once again to a similarly formatted Somerton side. Ed has represented England on many occasions, including the 2005 European Championships and 2008 14 goal World Championships in Mexico. His other achievements include winning the Deauville Gold Cup, Royal Windsor and the Victor Ludorum 15 goal. Ed talks about his reasons for being part of Somerton “I’m excited to be part of a Queen’s Cup team as it is the best polo in the UK. I chose to support Somerton for three reasons: First, I like the concept of trying to bring more patrons into the sport in a well structured and clear environment. As a professional Somerton can help me, and other pros to get more work and look after patrons to a high standard. Second, any company or individual who is willing to sponsor a team in polo is a bonus to the sport and can only lead to bigger and better things in the future – it would be madness not to support them. Thirdly, it is very hard to get into the high goal and an opportunity such as this is one not to be missed. “Thanks to Martin Armstrong and the Somerton Group, four more English Pro’s are in the high goal this season!” www.polotimes.co.uk
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Feature
Somerton team focus
Richard, the Earl of Tyrone 6 goals, 27 years old Richard, the Earl of Tyrone has been playing polo from a young age, with his natural talent taking him into the high goal. Richard’s career has included a run with the mighty Ellerston side in 2007 where he reached the Final of The Queen’s Cup alongside Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres. Since then, Richard’s polo career has taken him all over the world to places such as Australia, South Africa and St Moritz. Richard has been instrumental in putting together this all-Brit Somerton side and is co-Founder of Somerton Sporting Club. Richard discusses his involvement with Somerton and his excitement for the coming season “I am excited to play the high goal level with an all-Brit team for various reasons, with one of them being the huge enjoyment factor of playing with three friends who I have known for a long time. On top of that, the opportunity
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to play at this level, as an English player, is what I have been striving to achieve for a long time. To play against the best players and horses in the world is the only way to improve and reach your maximum potential as a player. I am grateful to Somerton for the opportunity. “Martin [Armstrong] and I have been friends for a while and a few years ago we had a discussion about our experiences with polo. We both felt that there was something we could do to improve the current platform of access to new and current players to the benefit of the sport, both Professional and Amateur. So we co-founded Somerton and here we are today, making the first step in introducing the Somerton brand to the polo world; we felt the best way to state our intention was to enter a team into The Cartier Queen’s Cup. Not only does this movement give young players the incredible opportunity to perform at the highest level but also the association with Guards Polo Club and The Cartier Queen’s Cup is, we believe, fantastic exposure for the brand in itself.”
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Feature
Sotogrande Sun A perfect retreat for polo players this summer in Sotogrande
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icture yourself in the most glorious polo playing spot in Europe with an elegant Spanish style Cortijo as your base. Sotogrande has green polo fields dotted amongst the gentle slopes of the Andalusian countryside, which rolls down to the sparkling Mediterranean. The marina of Sotogrande is lined with luxury boats and a selection of up-market restaurants and bars and Marbella is only 35 minutes away for those who want some contrast from the peaceful countryside. The property is ideally situated only 15 minutes from both Ayala and the Santa Maria Polo Clubs and can accommodate a large party with ease. The entrance, complete with bell tower and antique doors, leads directly into a large landscaped courtyard with a pond and fountain. From the entrance there is direct access to the formal living room with working fireplace, formal dining room, family TV room, all of which have access to a generous covered terrace with exposed timber beams. The main passage leads to a fully fitted kitchen with independent external access complete with dining area for more informal meals.
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The impressive entrance to the property
Post polo pool time in the sun
Accommodation on the ground floor consists of four double en suite bedrooms and a further two bedrooms with shared bathroom. Off the main courtyard there is a separate private double en-suite guest bedroom. All accommodation is air-conditioned with Sky TV and wifi. The first floor consists of a generous master suite complete with working fireplace, dressing room and bathroom. A private terrace with views of the gardens and countryside completes this spectacular room. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and include a large pool, seven stable boxes, tackroom, bathroom and laundry. House staff, groundsmen and stable hands are included with the rental. This magnificent property is available for short rentals (one month minimum) this summer from Beautiful Mediterranean Properties Sotogrande.
Comfortable surroundings to relax in
Plenty of space for guests
To make a booking or for further information contact kaye@bmsotogrande.com or visit www.bmsotogrande.com.
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Brand new for the 2015 season is the Polystuds Ltd Polo stud. Manufactured in England from a high density polymer this globally unique, innovative stud, gives all the grip of a traditional stud but with several huge advantages. • super lightweight at 4g per stud compared to approximately 25g per traditional stud. • 100% rust proof • shock absorbing • ergonomically designed to greatly reduce studding injuries. • conforms to HPA regulations. Company reg number: 8539865
www.polystuds.com 01634 242346 info@polystuds.com
PJ’s Bar & Grill, Chelsea’s perennial favourite, was opened in 1990 by restaurateur Brian Stein as a tribute to his love of great food and the sport of polo. PJ’s plays proud host to the legendary ‘PJ’s Polo Party’ held annually to celebrate the start of the UK polo season. International dining seven days a week. Casually sophisticated.
PJ’S BAR
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& GRILL | 52 FULHAM ROAD CHELSEA LONDON SW3 | 020 7581 0025 | WWW.PJSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK
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Kirtlington Park Polo School “From beginners to winners”
Pony Hire and Livery Polo Holidays Worldwide Individual and group lessons Approved HPA Coaching, Corporate days Council Licenced
Celebrating 21 years, Melissa would like to thank all her patrons and players,both past and present,for their support.
Melissa Wadley
Mobile: 07831 750 502 Office and Fax: 01869 350 083 melissawadley@hotmail.com WWW.4POLO.COM
2015 Lessons Ponies Tournaments Livery Argentine Polo Holidays Nicolás Fontanarrosa: +44 7779 471034
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Amanda Fontanarrosa: +44 7885 534129
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Kirtlington Park Polo Club
Feature
The Jewel in the Low Goal Crown E
The front cover of the programme from 1970
Archive photography by Kirtlington Park Polo Club
Lucy Wilson gives an insight into this historic Club
ighty-nine years after its foundation in 1926, Kirtlington Park Polo Club is thriving and retains the strong family ethos that has always been very much at the heart of the Club. Family involvement is as strong today as it was at the beginning of the twentieth century, and though the silver pots of tea and cucumber sandwiches may no longer be carried down from the big house in the park by the butler and lady’s maid, the Capability Brown landscaped park is still one of the most idyllic and quintessentially English settings for polo. “Country house polo” would be a rather backward way of describing Kirtlington; the membership numbers for 2015 are topping 70 plus and the weekends hold more games than they have grounds. Easily overlooked in the fixtures list, Kirtlington is home to one of the Victor Ludorum 6 Goal Series tournaments (the Budgett Everett Trophy) and the Club has seen a number of England International polo professionals begin their careers here; from Andrew and Will Hine
Changing ponies pre World War 2 at the end of Ground 1. The photo shows the trees were still covering what is now Ground 2
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Polo Times, June 2015
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Kirtlington Park Polo Club
A page from 1935 The Tatler showing a Kirtlington team of Alan and Arthur Budgett. Their mother, Mrs H. M. Budgett, is pictured below watching the game
Timeline 1926 – Hugh Budgett started the Club after much persuasion from Major Deed, formerly of Argentina, who had brought polo ponies to school in the grounds of Kirtlington Park with Hugh and his sons Alan and Arthur 1936 – Brig George Fanshawe (distantly related to Guards Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe) went to the Berlin Olympics as the Chef d’équipe for the England team 1939 – The Club was maintained until the beginning of the Second World War, when the ground was cultivated as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. Groundsman ‘Magic’ Mike still maintains the potash from the potatoes grown on Grounds 1 and 2 give them their unique qualities now 1954 – Alan Budgett, son of founder Hugh Budgett, reopened the Club and added a second ground next to Ground 1 1963 – John Tylor, who was a member at Cowdray, was first invited to play at KPPC by Col Alec Harper (then Secretary of the HPA). This was when John first met his now wife, Heather, née Budgett 1970 – Oxford won the Varsity Match 5-0 against Cambridge, which was followed by Windsor Park vs Kirtlington Park with a host of names on the programme 1982 – Current Chairman of the Club, John Tylor, joined KPPC and made considerable improvements, including removing the trees in the park to expand Ground 2 further towards Park Farm 32
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Chris ‘Puff’ Whiteley playing on Ground 2 in the 80s
1984 – Robert Thame, now manager for Zacara, was listed in the HPA Blue Book under The Pony Club as -2 1985 – Ground 3 came into action on the opposite side of Akeman Street to Ground 1 and 2 1992 – John Tylor suffered a nasty fall leaving him unconscious with a head injury for three weeks. Although the accident put an end to his playing days, his support and Chairmanship of the Club continues unabated 2002 – The number of Playing Members topped 100 and a purpose built Polo Office was opened on the edge of Ground 4 2005 – The sixth ground came into operation 2003 – The old Clubhouse was decommissioned and the tractor shed on Ground 1 was turned into the current Clubhouse 2004 – The mobile ‘Chukka Bar’ came into action. ‘Magic’ Mike’s project over the winter converted a container on a trailer with a drop down deck into the perfect place to find a sandwich and a cup of tea on Grounds 3, 5 or 6 2013 – A new barn of stables were built on the end of Ground 6 2015 – The Budgett Everett 6 Goal is the hotly contested Victor Ludorum tournament of this season
brothers, Malcolm Borwick to Henry Brett, they all started playing whilst at Kirtlington. Kirtlington is quite literally a breeding ground for future players. The latest wave of polo babies at the Club are courtesy of 4 goaler David and Claire Ashby, 5 goaler Nico and Mandita Fontanarrosa and 4 goaler Pedro Harrison and his partner Harriet Grundy (to name but a few). Generations of families have played at the Club; Mark Barlow played for many years in the 60s and 70s, and now comes to watch his grandsons play, with former 4 goaler and HPA Steward Andrew Barlow coaching from the sidelines. Mark was part of a winning combination, which, all in the same week at Windsor in 1970 – and fielding only an 11 goal Kirtlington team – won the Royal Windsor (then a 14 goal tournament) with Richard Clifford (1), Mark Barlow (2), Antonio Harrera (5), Mark Trotter (3); and then the Friar Cup 8 goal (later called Archie David) with Jeremy Taylor (1), Mark Barlow (2), Mark Trotter (3) and Simon Loder. A quite remarkable feat. The father/daughter/son team combinations and oppositions for which Kirtlington is renowned, often causes havoc for Polo Manager Pete Fewster in the commentary box, with frequent shouts of, “Big Smyth-Osbourne rides off middle SmythOsbourne as mini Smyth-Osbourne shoots to score but one of the Brown brothers has saved the goal – I think.” Pete Fewster joined the management team in 2007 and has been in situ for 9 years now. When he arrived, he was no stranger to the Club as not only had he played there, but his brother Martin has spent most of his career based out of Kirtlington as both a www.polotimes.co.uk
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Kirtlington Park Polo Club
The committee and membership details from 1970
professional player and umpire. Pete recalls his first experience of KPPC back in 1980; “I was playing with a great character called Terry Bone, Roger Pike and my brother Martin. I think Puff Whiteley and William ‘Corn Flake’ Crisp were on the opposition. It was a Gerald Balding qualifier for a Silver Leys team I was playing with. We were on Ground 4 playing a Rutland side consisting of Colin Seavill and his three sons, Charles, Hector and Andrew. During the game, Colin came bounding back in defence on this massive grey, hit the nearside backhander and then jumped the dry stonewall at the end of the field. It was, and still is, a very small field. He then checked up and turned round and went to clear the wall again. Well, the horse was having none of
that, so the umpires stopped the game and we resumed play as soon as he got through the gate and joined us again. Despite all that they still murdered us!” Later, while talking to Charlie Budgett, (great grandson of Hugh Budgett) in his office at Park Farm about the names who have come through the gates at Kirtlington, he recalls Malcolm Borwick, Sam Gairdner and even Luca Monteverde (now 8 goals) spent a summer working with Martin Fewster. Not just players, but also ponies are made at Kirtlington; Martin Fewster has always had success producing top quality ponies to be sold to high goal, which he mostly buys from bloodstock sales. However, a few homebred ponies have passed through his yard over the
years. Chris Crawford, Henry Brett, Sebastian Chialvo and Ben Eeley have all followed suit in producing young stock, many of which can be seen at the annual RoR competition in September at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. Eeley is another family name synonymous with Kirtlington; both his father and grandfather were members of the Club over the years. Most recently Ben sold a pony called Jive to Pelon Stirling, who played her in two chukkas in the Argentine Open Final. Chris ‘Puff ’ Whiteley has been one of the longest-standing members of the Club having been based at Kirtlington for all his playing years. He started his polo-playing career at the age of 12 with the Pony Club, under the watchful eye of Liza Crisp back when there were still only the main grounds in front of the Park. Puff ’s daughter Vimmy took to the grounds at the same age, but before then could often be seen stick and balling with Puff on 20 year-old fluffy Tessa. Vimmy now forms part of their Warren Farm team alongside their pro Chris Crawford. Liza and her husband, the late Buff Crisp, are another family that have been hugely influential in the growth of KPPC. Both their sons, Will and Hugh, learnt to play at KPPC, with Liza pioneering polo
Photograph by Amanda Deadman
The programme for the 1970 Varsity Match
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Puff Whiteley, Ben Eely, Tommy Fernandez and Vimmy Whiteley with ‘Magic’ Mike Moss and Freya Dawson, Henry Smith, Jason Warren and Mikey Henderson in 2014
Formed: 1926 Number of Members in 2015: 74 Families that play: 23 Number of fields: 7 Number of Polo Schools: 2 Facilities: Clubhouse, mobile clubhouse, wooden horse pit, stick and ball grounds, 7 fields, irrigation and livery options
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Polo personalities that began at KPPC: Malcolm Borwick, Henry Brett, Sam Gardner, John Gunn, Earl Herbert Andrew, Andrew, Will & Nick Hine, Matt, Rupert & Charlie MacKenzie-Hill, Roddy & Crispin Matthews, Lucas Monteverde, Robbie Shand, Robert Thame, Lt. Col. Rupert Thornloe and Stephen Towler
Past Polo Managers: Simon Coddington, Will Keen, David Heaton-Ellis, Tony Meyrick, Jonna Willis and Sam Tylor Polo Manager Pete Fewster’s ones to watch: Jimbo Fewster (of course!) Jamie Grayson, Robert Fleming, Christian Oberschneider and George Deverall
Polo Times, June 2015
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Kirtlington Park Polo Club
Photograph by Amanda Deadman
Mark Barlow, Glenn Barton, Billy Mackenzie Coles, Pauline Nunn, Jimi Glendunning and Alan Budgett in 1975
The view from Ground 1 today, 89 years after the Club was formed
for The Bicester Pony Club. As a result, Liza was instrumental in beginning many polo careers including Robert Thame and Colonel Nick Hunter. Buff meanwhile was not only Chairman of The Pony Club Polo, (19771989), and so, responsible for shepherding the myriad of teams at the Cowdray Championships with military precision, but he was also Secretary of the HPA, (1990-2000), before passing over the reins to the current Chief Executive, David Woodd. For its Members, the most important asset of Kirtlington is the quality of the grounds. Each field has its own ‘character,’ which helpfully can accommodate almost any kind of season. Grounds 1 and 2 never seem to go hard – even when they are brown and dusty, the grounds seems to act like a sponge and stay soft. Grounds 3 and 6 are the ultimate wet season fields. ‘Magic’ Mike, the
groundsman, agrees with Pete that Ground 4 is really the best ground for recovery and geology, just a shame it’s a tad on the small side, but it is perfect for Schools and Pony Club Polo. Ground 5 is the most versatile and seems to cope well in the in-between springsummer-autumn stage of the season while Ground 7 serves Kirtlington Park Polo School and The Oxford Polo School well for lessons and instructional chukkas. ‘Magic’ Mike Moss, the tireless groundsman, has been mowing, maintaining and even DJ’ing at KPPC for 15 years now and knows the lay of the land better than anyone. He has an uncanny knack for knowing what the weather is going to do, and has been exhaustive in planning each field’s needs – from the right kind of fertiliser, to timing when the all important grass seed goes on. His talents don’t stop at the grounds! He built the mobile ‘Chukka Bar’ that he tows from field to field for games, so that players and spectators can always find themselves a toasty sandwich and a cup of hot tea. The wet season of 2012 saw the Chukka Bar provide a haven for everyone from the lashing rain, hale and gales thrown at everyone, week after week. By night, ‘Magic’ could be found behind the decks for many of KPPC’s legendary
Mr Mosselman receiving a cup from Mrs Hugh Budgett with Miss Jackman, Dr. Holmes and Mr Freshville
parties, and even later, playing bouncer as the youngsters make a dash across the grounds for after-parties in the park. His hawk-like ability to spot illegal stick and balling on a ground or a groom riding without a hat should never be underestimated. John Tylor, (whose wife Heather grew up at Kirtlington being daughter to Alan and Jane Budgett), is very much at the helm of the Club, and has nothing but praise for Pete Fewster and his management. John reminisces that at one point, the Club even fielded a 2, 8 and 12 goal team all comprised of amateur players. Now polo is very different and teams of this calibre would have at least two professionals in the line-up. The Club also has strong ties with the Oxford University Polo Club, who still train and play at Kirtlington, although the Varsity Match is now held at Guards. Memberships are growing and the quality of polo played at the Club is more than a little bit competitive – 4 goal can quite often resemble 6 goal! However, this should discourage no-one. Kirtlington is a wonderful, fun-filled family club, that manages to combine age-old charm, with 21st century professionalism. It really should not be missed out of any low goal team’s summer fixture list. Chairman: John Tylor Polo Manager: Pete Fewster Polo Secretary: Kate Foster Welfare Officer: Amanda Fontanarrosa Contact: The Polo Office, Park Farm, Akeman Street, Kirtlington, OX53JQ Tel: 01869 350138 Email: info@kirtlingtonpolo.co.uk
A pre World War 2 line-up including a lady player by the boards on Ground 1
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The 10th Annual Polo Awards A night of glittering fun celebrated the 2014 season and heralded in the new. Polo Times enjoyed a night out at the ultimate celebration of last season’s achievements and watched the best and brightest bring home their well-deserved Awards
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n Tuesday 19 May, Guards Polo Club hosted the 10th Annual Polo Awards in a marquee on the edge of the iconic Queen’s Ground. Guests were delighted to be greeted by Perrier-Jouët champagne and delicious canapés, enabling them to enjoy live music and all the excitement of the Awards ceremony. During a delectable three-course dinner, comprising of Wye Valley Asparagus, juicy rack of Home Farm lamb and a trio of miniature puddings. The first Award of the evening was presented to Max Charlton, for The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding British Professional. This is the second year the England squad member has won the
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Award, capping an amazing twelve months for the seven goal player, who credits his achievements with starting off early and, “putting as much into polo as I can.” Jack Hyde, who this season is playing for Zacara, took home The Talacrest Young Player of the Year Award, presented by John Collins, with a generous bursary of £15,000. Jack told Polo Times that the money will, “probably go into more horses” although qualifying that his father Chris (of the 10 goal arena handicap fame) won’t be getting his hands on any of them, as they keep separate strings at home. John’s generous donations have been beneficial to many players now, with over £50,000 going towards ensuring the strength and future of British polo.
Wiggy Bamforth reports from Berkshire
Photography ©www.imagesofpolo.com Of course the main man of the evening, was the indomitable Adolfo Cambiaso, who was honoured with three awards: The Guards Polo Club Most Outstanding High Handicap Player, The Tiffany & Co. Most Outstanding High Goal Team (along with his Dubai teammates Rashid Albwardy, Diego Cavanagh and Ali Paterson) and a spot on the Thai Polo Club World Dream Team alongside Augustin Merlos, Gonzalito Pieres and Pite Merlos. The Tiffany & Co. Most Outstanding High Goal Team patron, Rashid Albwardy credits his last season’s success with an alteration of mounts, “I changed my string completely, I wanted to work my way up and get the best out of my performance and for me that means changing my horses.” www.polotimes.co.uk
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Polo Awards 2015
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Polo Times at The Polo Awards: We drank: Perrier-Jouët champagne and Krušovice beer from the generous sponsors We ate: Wye Valley Asparagus, Home Farm lamb and a trio of miniature puddings We spotted: Max Charlton in a spectacular dance-off against Charlie Wooldridge We enjoyed: Fantastic live music and a wincingly bendy contortionist We voted quote of the evening: “Playing for The Black Eagles is amazing. Nothing at all like Roman times where if you don’t win you’re killed” – Chris Hyde
The Guards Polo Club Most Outstanding High Handicap Player (8-10) Adolfo Cambiaso “At any time of a career, to win trophies is always great and I’m very happy to be here. As with any other sport or any other profession, you’ve got to be really professional, to work a lot and try to get the best from the best, but on the other hand you’ve got to be yourself, that’s what got me to be who I am today.”
The Krušovice Most Outstanding High Goal Patron Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhahaprabha, King Power “The whole 2014 season was good for me because it was the first season together for the King Power team and it was an amazing achievement to be in the Final of the Gold Cup. We might have lost but we accomplished so much.” The Krušovice Most Outstanding High Goal Patron, however, went to Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhahaprabha for King Power’s first season’s achievements. On their Gold Cup defeat, Top spoke with good grace, “We tried so hard to be in the Final of The Gold Cup and we did that, and though we eventually lost, I know we achieved something.” www.polotimes.co.uk
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The Tiffany & Co. Most Outstanding High Goal Team Dubai, Rashid Albwardy “Winning the Gold Cup was one thing, but having an amazing team to win with made it all the more special. We play consistently and excellently as a team, and that’s what sport is all about. Being a good individual player is one thing, but proving we can work consistently as a team to be the best is quite another.”
The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding British Professional Max Charlton “My advice to young players is to do what I did, something you probably shouldn’t do; drop out of school and play polo! Seriously though, my advice would be to start off really early, and put as much into horses as you can.”
As always, the magnificent HPA Victor Ludorum Trophies were awarded for the previous season at 6, 8, 12, 15 and 18 goal levels, going to the well deserving Rigby &
Rigby, AFB, Black Eagles, Cadenza Juniors (who last year won the 12 goal accolade with a different line up) and Dell Park. Malcolm Borwick, of Dell Park, reflected, “The team had an amazing season, we won eleven of twelve games in the 18 goal which was a phenomenal record for our team. I think the best game we had of the season was probably winning the Indian Empire Shield here at Guards Polo Club. It was a phenomenal Final, we beat Cadenza Juniors by seven goals in that Final so we were very proud of that day.” Jake and Jenny Rigby told Polo Times how proud they were of the success of their family-based team (which also includes Matias Amaya and Grant Colett) and Chris Hyde and Jonathan Munro Ford gave us a very ‘serious’ discussion on the role of the Black Eagles, appreciated by teammates, Jack Hyde, Johnny Good and Ollie Cudmore. The King Power Polo Recognition Award was awarded to scorekeeper Gerry Gibb for over 30 years of sterling service at Guards. Horsewise, after Open Galactica was named The Polofix Most Outstanding High Goal Pony, an auction of a Black Bears’ embryo (by Schindler out of Alicia, one of the late Javier Novillo Astrada’s best mares) raised £9,000 for Tusk, Polo Times, June 2015
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Polo Awards 2015
the smart move
The 15 Goal Victor Ludorum Charlie Pidgley, Cadenza Juniors “We were really consistent throughout the 2014 season, which gave us the edge in all the Finals, that’s definitely one of our strengths.” t: +44 (0)7879 415487 e: office@bertrandtc.com
www.bertrandtc.com The 18 Goal Victor Ludorum Nikolai Bahlsen, Dell Park “We had one amazing weekend. We won a 15 goal on the Saturday, and then we won the 18 goal Jaeger-LeCoultre Duke of Sutherland Cup on the Sunday, and we actually played another match on the Friday as well, and won three games in a row. That’s probably my best memory of all throughout my whole polo career. This Award is amazing, and also very special to me.”
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The 12 Goal Victor Ludorum Jonathan Munro Ford, Black Eagles “It takes a lot to win the Victor Ludorum. An extraordinary main player, who has to be the key of the team, who has to drive the team to win most matches, but more importantly, it’s the will to win from all of us.”
The 6 Goal Victor Ludorum Jenny Rigby, Rigby & Rigby “The Victor Ludorum is great because it’s really good to play lots of different teams, move round the country, and be able to play with my son. As any parent will know, being able to get on the pitch and play with your child is an amazing achievement.”
The 8 Goal Victor Ludorum Clive Reid, AFB “Winning the Victor Ludorum takes talent and a lot of fight and determination.”
The Talacrest Young Player of the Year Award Jack Hyde “My aim is to keep progressing, getting as high a handicap as possible really. I’m keener on playing outside, but I’d like to be really good in the arena too. Of course, I’ve got to play on both to be an accomplished player; so we’ll see.” The King Power Polo Recognition Award won by Gerry Gibb
The Polofix Most Outstanding High Goal Pony, won by Facundo Pieres’ Open Galactica, although Gonzalito Pieres picked up the prize on behalf of his brother
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a charity who fund conservation, community development and environmental education across Africa, and also The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, who fight poverty in Uganda through Education. The highlight of the evening for most, however, was Urs Schwarzenbach’s speech after receiving The La Martina HPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Described by Brig. John Wright as, “Bold, outspoken and generous to a fault,” Urs delighted the audience with tales of his time with the HPA, claiming most of his success was down to the fact he had, “the privilege of serving under the best Chairman of the HPA, Mark Vestey. Mark was a genius.” He was also on hand to reminisce about the good old days, “You young people, you haven’t got a clue how it was in the old days, because it was easy! The moment
The La Martina HPA Lifetime Achievement Award Brig. John Wright on Urs Schwarzenbach “With these words, bold, outspoken, innovative and generous to a fault. Urs, you’ve achieved and contributed a huge amount to polo here in this country and abroad, and we will always be very grateful for that. Your Award is really, richly, deserved.” you decided to run a high goal team they elevated you from -2 to 1 goal!” Afterwards, in a quieter moment, Urs admitted his sheer love for the sport, and that he “didn’t expect anything” for his years of service. The evening finished with more drinks for those not playing the next day, a spot of dancing for all and complementary copies of Polo Times and the brand new Summer edition of The Polo Magazine presented to guests on their departure. For social images of the Awards please turn to page 90 www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports The Silver Jubilee Cup for the St. Regis International Test Match
England triumphant at St. Regis International First International of the season at Cowdray Park Polo Club
Lucy Wilson reports from Cowdray
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n Saturday 16 May, under blues skies, teams representing England and The Americas took to Lawns 2 at Cowdray Park Polo Club to play the first International Test Match of the season for The Silver Jubilee Cup. The crowds, having taken a turn around the shopping village and tried a Pinksters Gin or two, were treated to a warm-up game of Penny Farthing polo between Scotland and England beforehand. Spectators lined the ground in the afternoon with anticipation for a real exhibition of high goal polo, but the game didn’t quite live up 40
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to expectations with whistles and messy play plaguing most of the game. A last minute team change for England could have spelled disaster as Richard, the Earl of Tyrone was forced to pull out on Friday evening after complications from a previous injury meant he could not play; Tom Morley stepped up to take the Number 1 shirt for the game in his place. Speaking to Polo Times Morley expressed his good wishes for Richard, “It’s very unfortunate for Richard not being able to play but wishing him a speedy recovery.” Nacho Figueras was also on the back foot for the game, playing unfamiliar horses and only arriving into the UK that morning, however it didn’t stop him and his teammates for The Americas putting up a strong fight against England. The game flowed well for the first two chukkas, with England playing a strong offensive game and The Americas applying plenty of pressure in defence. Morley proved
Photography by Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
“The game was very good. It started off a little sticky and slow at the beginning, but then by the beginning of the fourth chukka we started to open it out and that gave us an advantage. We played quicker and the horses were going well, and then we managed to win by three.” Tom Morley
his worth in the team with some incredible backhands in front of the England goalmouth and allowing Charlton, Beim and Harper to push through their opposition to move play further up the field. The first chukka ended without a goal on the scoreboard and it wasn’t until well into the second chukka that The Americas made their first mark with a goal. Huidobro took a tumble as his pony jammed on the breaks at the Midhurst end of the pitch, but unhurt he dusted himself off and got back on. The English picked up their www.polotimes.co.uk
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Reports
pace, as Charlton scored in the third chukka and then set up another goal for Beim to make 2-1. The Americas won an undefended penalty with one and a half minutes left in the third chukka to even the score 2-2,
quickly followed by another goal to take them ahead. Charlton won the lineout and passed to Harper who took the ball on a run to goal to close the chukka on three all. The style in the game changed as the goals began
“The game in general was a bit scrappy, but we got ourselves together at the end, for the important moments, and we scored the goals we needed to.” James Beim, England Captain www.polotimes.co.uk
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to clock up on the scoreboard. The Americas were in favour of technical play and swarmed around the English team like mosquitos, shutting down opportunities for England to hit and run up-field. Occasional moments of speed and skill shone through, but rather like a glimmer of sunshine on a cloudy day, it didn’t last long. James Harper spoke to Polo Times after the game and his opinion was much the same, “we wanted an opportunity to play an open game, and that style, but it never really opened up.” Polo Times, June 2015
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Reports The Silver Jubilee Cup for the St. Regis International Test Match “These sort of games are just a pleasure to be representing England, we really enjoy it.” James Harper
After St. Regis celebrity guests and polo aficionados alike had trodden in at half time, the second half began but was dominated by whistles and penalties from both sides. England seemed to rally, but didn’t manage to score again until the last minute of the fourth chukka to nose one goal ahead. Max Charlton commented, “in the fourth chukka it just came together.” The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award went to Elizarde, although it was Zavaleta who had caused the most trouble for England, not only his skill but as Morley pointed out, “Matias Zavaleta is very strong with a ball, very difficult to take the ball from, so we had to just try and force him into a situation where he hit the ball, and then we could recover it again.” England’s plan to shut down Zavaleta and force him to hit long so they could cut in and take possession seemed to pay
Chukka by chukka report
the penalty shot went wide to the right. The chukka saw some excitement as Beim took a fast run and hit to goal in a pony race but it went wide. The Americas were awarded a penalty but Morley saved the goal with a huge backhand before a whistle and another safety sixty to The Americas. Zavaleta’s ground shot looked good but Charlton swooped it away just before running into some American traffic. England put the pressure on in front of their goal but a whistle went with one minute and thirty seconds left until the first bell. Huidobro nearly scored after a great run in the closing seconds but his shot went wide.
Chukka 4
A whistle straight out of the lineout went in favour of The Americas, Zavaleta took a huge hit to goal but it went wide to the right. Play curled around the ground momentarily Chukka 1 before a whistle. Lots of scrappy play ensued before more Nacho Figueras won the lineout but England stole the whistles and a call that eventually ended in a throw-in. The ball on the run to goal, however a bounce took it out of Americas broke away with a speedy run towards goal and Harper’s reach just before the first whistle. Beim gained straight into another whistle in their favour, which failed to possession and brought play back towards goal but result in a goal. Morley knocked in and passed to Beim who Zavaleta backed it up field just before a second whistle. took a run down the field and passed back to Morley, who A penalty to England, taken by Morley failed to find the took the ball through the goal just as a whistle was blown. posts. Charlton slowed the game right down to turn the Beim almost scored again but the ball was backed out by Chukka 3 ball towards goal but Zavaleta shot through to back the Huidobro. Beim managed to score again with just over a ball up-field. Charlton took another hit at goal but the shot The Americans made a bid for goal but were again foiled minute to go to close the chukka 4-3. by Morley. Charlton scored the first goal for England with went wide to the left. Morley had a long run but didn’t a high shot, even the wind took a right hand swipe, but it Chukka 5 check up enough to control the bouncing ball. Charlton still found the goalmouth to make 1-1. Charlton went to Zavaleta made a dash for goal at the start of the chukka took a gamble on a hook and The Americas nearly made goal again but just lost the ball, however Beim was there but the run came to nothing. Beim took a crashing ride-off a goal but it went wide. Beim picked up the ball but left it to tap it over the line to make the score 2-1 to England. against one of The Americas but still managed to back it to Morley who hit it back up to Beim, but England fouled Another whistle after a tussle in the middle of the field beautifully to his teammates, yet another whistle spoilt the and gave away a spot hit to the Americas. The chukka went in favour of The Americas. A hit from the 25 yard flow. England was awarded a penalty, Morley went for a ended 0-0. line by Zavaleta made it to the goal posts to bring the tap and a hit into a strong headwind, which made it to goal score to two all with just over a minute to go. Backhand for England’s fifth goal, much to the delight of the crowd. Chukka 2 after backhand and bouncy ponies out of the line didn’t Zavaleta backed the ball out of the lineout and the field Play flowed from team to team and end to end, before help England as another penalty and a goal took a whistle and a Penalty Two was awarded to England. galloped to goal but they curled round to the boards and Harper tried to save the day but Huidobro was the first to The Americas into the lead 3-2. Charlton and Harper into a whistle. For the sixth and final goal Charlton took a worked together out of the lineout to make it 3-3 on score for The Americas. A whistle straight from the line millionaire’s shot with a tap between his ponies legs to end the bell. out went in favour of The Americas. Taken by Zavaleta, the game 6-3.
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The Silver Jubilee Cup for the St. Regis International Test Match
off. The Americas could have blamed the stiff breeze on the day for swiping the ball away from goal at every penalty shot, but really the calibre of their team should have produced a much more thrilling spectacle, and possibly more goals on the scoreboard. From a spectators’ seat it looked like it wasn’t until the fifth and final chukka that England really managed to get their game together, and pulled away by scoring two more goals to win 6-3. The consensus from the cognoscente in the sidelines was that despite an England victory the game had not been as exciting as had been anticipated and had not opened up to allow long and flowing play expected of an International. Despite this, the result was all the more rewarding for James Beim who took his first cap as England
Reports
Captain, he commented to Polo Times after the game that, “It was great to have a victory first time as official England Captain.” St. Regis International Test Match Teams England: Tom Morley (6), Max Charlton (7), James Beim (7) & James Harper (6) The Americas: Manuel Elizarde (9), Nacho Figueras (6), Matias Zavaleta (7) & Jaime Huidobro (8) Result: England beat The Americas, 6-3 The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award: Manuel Elizarde RoR Best Playing Pony Award: Lucky, owned and played by James Beim (Turn to our Pony Power section to read more about Lucky)
“We had our tactics to play open the whole time, but they were shutting us down and playing quite a slow game.” Max Charlton Nick Hine, publisher of The Polo Magazine, awarded Manuel Elizarde from The Americas team The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award
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Reports
Cope de Las Naciones, Palermo, Argentina
Argentina reminds us who is best Argentina secure victory against England and Rest of the World in this year’s Copa de Las Naciones tournament
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Photography by TEduardo Grunberg/www.imagesofpolo.com
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he Copa de Las Naciones tournament has well and truly established itself as a firm fixture in England’s international polo calendar, and when you look closely at what the tournament entails, it is no surprise why. Played for at the home of The Argentine Open, polo’s most coveted tournament, and in front of thousands of spectators, there is very little that matches the sensation when you canter on to the Number One ground at Palermo. Mark Tomlinson, who has featured on England’s Nations Cup side for the last four years describes the emotion, “It is just amazing to be playing in front of 10,000 people at Palermo. It’s a novelty that never wears off one bit.” This year, England returned to the competition as defending champions – a factor that only adds to the pressure when you have to face the sport’s toughest opposition – and also with a slightly different line-up; the newly appointed 7 goaler Max Charlton was playing instead of England Captain, James Beim. However, this was the fourth time that England had participated in the 26 goal tournament, and therefore they had experience of what had to done in order to succeed. Their first challenge came in the shape of a Rest of the World side, featuring no less than Nachi Du Plessis and Nico Pieres, two members of last year’s Ellerstina Open side, joined by the talented David Jean Du Plessis and 3 goaler Andres Samper. England seemed to be the stronger side to start, and consequently this rewarded them with an early advantage. Rest of the World continued to try and fight back, but a 3 goal lead in favour of England with just one chukka to go proved to be too big a gap, and England ran out the
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Cope de Las Naciones, Palermo, Argentina
Reports
winners 9 goals to 8. Mark reflected, “The Rest of the World contest saw a great England performance for a large part of the game. There seemed to be a good fluidity within the team and this created some awesome field goals against what was a strong opposition.” So, with one victory down, there was just one more to go. But with that one being Argentina, the title was still very much in contention. Last year we watched as England defeated Argentina in spectacular style. Could they achieve the same great feat this time around? Argentina had also triumphed over Rest of the World, meaning a second success would result in ultimate victory for the winning team. Both sides demonstrated admirable play, but it was Argentina’s Ale Muzzio who really stole the show. Scoring seven of Argentina’s 13 goals, he proved to be the man to watch. England continued to work, doing everything they could to prevent Muzzio and his teammates from increasing Argentina’s lead. Goals courtesy of Cudmore and Charlton ensured they stayed in with a chance, but every time England attacked, Argentina had a very straight forward reply… another goal. At half time the score read 8-4 to Argentina and following a second half, which was cluttered with endless fouls and penalties, the final score saw Argentina take the title 13-10. Following their performance, Mark spoke to Polo Times about the match, “Against Argentina we were disappointing and in fact if it hadn’t been for Max’s penalties the score could have looked worse! It was frustrating as it was a game we were positive going into, and an Argentine team we could have beaten.” So sadly, England had to accept that on this occasion Argentina had lived up to their reputation as being the best in the world, and England were unable to repeat their unforgettable 2014 defeat of Argentina on Argentine soil. However, come next year, it will be no surprise if we see four Englishmen returning to Palermo, with their focus set on matching their 2014 success. Nations Cup; 18 – 25 April 2015; Palermo, Buenos Aires Results: Saturday 18 April: Argentina beat ROW, 10-9 Wednesday 22 April: England beat ROW, 9- 8 Saturday 25 April: Argentina beat England, 13-10 Overall winners: Argentina Teams Argentina (26): Matias Benoit 6; Alejandro Muzzio 8; Felipe Martinez Ferrario 4; Francisco De Narvaez 8 England (25): Ollie Cudmore 5; Mark Tomlinson 6; Max Charlton 7; Luke Tomlinson 7 Rest of the World (26): Andres Samper 3; Nicolas Pieres 9; Nachi Du Plessis 9; David Jean Du Plessis 6 www.polotimes.co.uk
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The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy
Reports
Photography by Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Shalimar and Clarita battled it out in a tense and closely fought Final
Shalimar find gold in extra time O A close memorial match ends in triumph for Shalimar
La Martina sponsored the 2015 La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy
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n Sunday 17 May, the 2015 La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy ended in a close fought fifth chukka. England squad member James Harper found the flags to ensure that it was Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar who won the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Centenary Trophy in extra time. The close fought match saw Chris Mathias’s Clarita hold a narrow lead over Shalimar throughout, only to be beaten 8-7 in extra time. The tense 15-goal game on The Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club was pushed into extra time with an impressive corner penalty in the last thirty seconds. Though it was a disappointing result for Clarita, who’d been previously unbeaten in the tournament, the match capped an unbeatable weekend for James Harper, who had come from his win against The Americas on the day before in the St. Regis International Cup. Polo Times, June 2015
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The Hon Charles Pearson and Enrico Roselli, CEO of La Martina Europe, presented the trophy
The Hon Charles Pearson, whose son George is a La Martina Brand Ambassador, and Enrico Roselli, CEO of La Martina Europe, presented the trophy to the winning patron Kassem Shafi, who won the magnificent trophy for the first time. The Best Playing Pony prize was awarded to Binca, a 13-year-old Argentine mare who was played by James Harper in the early part of the match. To read more about the fantastic Binca, turn to our Knowledge pages. The Sub-Final was equally hotly contested and saw a win for Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs, who defeated Jonathan Munro Ford’s Black Eagles 7-6 in an equally close game on The Princes’ Ground. Guards also hosted the Inter-Schools Copenhagen Cup, which this year was won narrowly by Harrow School against Wellington College, 3-2½, whilst the Sub-Final was won by Eton against Stowe, 4-1½. Polo Times sponsored the Most Valuable Player Prizes for each team. For a full report on the Copenhagen Cup, please see our Youth section. La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy; Guards Polo Club; Sunday 17 May 2015 Result: Shalimar beat Clarita, 8-7 Handicap: 12-15 Best Playing Pony: Binca Teams: Shalimar (15): Kassem Shafi 0; James Harper 6; Vieri Antinori 5; Pedro Harrison 4 Clarita (14): Chris Mathias 0; Freddie Horne 3; Chris MacKenzie 5; George Meyrick 6 James Harper’s Binca is featured in Pony Power, please turn to page 69 for a full report 48
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Comment by James Harper The six-goaler tells Wiggy Bamforth about winning the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, that last minute corner penalty and his no-nonsense approach. Q: Describe the game in three words? A: Open, tough and fun Q: Highlights of the game? A: My horses went really well and getting that corner penalty with 5 seconds to go! Q: Thoughts on the game? I haven’t played this tournament before, I’m normally busy enough at this time of year in Cowdray! I’m really happy about how all my ponies went, especially Binca, Exquisite and True Colours. The ground was awesome, which meant we could play an open running game, something both teams wanted to do. [Shalimar] is a great team to play in. It’s our first tournament together and it just seemed to click. It’s very easy as we all work for each other. Q: Thoughts on the opposition? A: [Clarita were a really good team and it was a really tight game; we were always within a goal. They all played well, but personally I saw a lot of Freddie Horne in the game as he was marking me; he was pretty tough. We were quite worried about their speed and horsepower actually. I’m sure they’re going to do well this year. Q: If you could change one thing about the game what would it be? A: Not getting a knock in the face from a horse’s head!
Q: How do you wind up and down before and after matches? A: I don’t have any superstitions, just get on and have a go. No lucky this, that and the other will put the ball between the posts! (Although having said that) we were pretty lucky to get a chance to equalize with only a few seconds left. Normally I have a game the next day so I can’t celebrate too much, but this time I didn’t, so I met up with a load of mates in Midhurst and celebrated everyone’s results over the weekend.
“It was a really tight game – we were always within a goal” Q: What’s next? A: I’m now turning half an eye to the Gold Cup with my horse preparations. My two grooms Soph and Ellie have been flat out keeping on top of 15 horses and have done a great job. But of the tournaments coming up, I’m most looking forward to the Royal Windsor with this team, and then playing the Archie David with Ray Fine’s team Las Estrellas.
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Zonkey Polo Clothing, a new bespoke polo clothing company based in Cirencester, launched with a unique exhibition chukka. Creating a visual aspect matching the company’s logo (a monkey riding a zebra), the Zonkey Exhibition Chukka saw Dave Miller, Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, Lochie Hunter, Tom Beim, Rupert Lewis, Tilda Woodd and Tabitha Woodd take to the field as monkeys, riding their customised pink and blue zebras. The event was hosted by kind permission of Cirencester Park Polo Club and with the support of RJ Polo.
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Photography by Rosanna Turk
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For Sale: Polo Breeding Estate
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Bastide: 4 bedrooms, a nursery, 3 bathrooms and a shower room, 4 reception rooms, 2 fireplaces, a kitchen, a gym, a laundry, 2 storages and a furnished basement. Three staff apartments: one at the basement level of the Bastide, one adjacent to the Bastide and one at the end of the stables ideal for keeping an eye on the horses. 30 hectares of paddocks all equipped with automatic drinkers: 5 large paddocks with run-in Rinco Carlo shelters, 16 small paddocks ideal for individual horses. 2 state-of-the-art Rinco Carlo stable buidings, one with 12 medium boxes and a tack-room, the second one with 12 large boxes
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designed for mares and foals, 2 foaling rooms with an observation room, an insemination crush, a balance, a laundry and a toilet. 300m x 100m irrigated stick and ball field, outdoor polo arena, 300m exercise track, high-walled round pen. The estate is self-sufficient in hay, and has dedicated bulk storage. Converted to organic practices in 2011, the mix of hay and sainfoin has proven ideal for horses. Rehabilitated olive orchard and two truffle orchards. 100 hectares of forest providing a source of wood for the heating sytem and shelter for wildlife. The pine and oak forest has several kilometres of riding trails.
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Our polo equipment is used by the best players and teams around the world. Richard Buckett www.rjpolo.com Richard@rjpolo.com 07753 785937
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry-SMPC.
Spain overcome visiting Irish team at Santa Maria Polo Club
West Wycombe The Spanish and Irish teams from International Federation Cup at Santa Maria Polo Club
A Spanish team of Pablo Mora Figueroa, Ignacio and Luis Domecq and Martin Iturraspe overcame an Irish quartet, 15-7 in the first International Federation Cup hosted by Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande. Played on the Club’s Los Pinos grounds, the home team dominated much of the first half with the scoreboard reading 4-0 after the first chukka, 7-1 in the second and 8-2 by half-time. The Irish side tried to claw their way back in chukkas four, five and six, but the Spanish team kept ahead, at one point enjoying a seven-goal lead and eventually securing the game for a win. The Irish team included Richard Fagan, patron of the regular Santa Maria team, Silex, Max Hutchinson, Richard, the Earl of Tyrone and Miky Henderson. Despite Richard Fagan’s local knowledge and his past victories in Sotogrande, he was unable to assist his countrymen in a victory.
Polo in the French Riviera on the up NESTLED IN THE Provençale countryside between Monaco and St Tropez, lies the Riviera Ponies and players relaxing in the French Riviera Polo Club. Founded by the Pike family in 2011, the family run Club aims to grow polo in the region by attracting both beginners and established players alike to enjoy competitive, but ultimately fun polo in a beautiful environment. The Club encourages clients to come and stay for a long weekend or a week, to brush up on their polo whilst relaxing in the Club’s wonderful setting. Full board accommodation is available onsite in the picturesque gîte, or alternatively in the five star Terre Blanche hotel which is just minutes down the road. Although the Club is situated in a rural location it is less than an hour from the ritzy hotspots of Nice, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez, so visiting clients are able to enjoy a mix of beachside glamour twinned with the rolling hills of Provence. For this reason the Club is popular with groups of University students who are drawn to the laid back, family feel, but can still enjoy the nightlife of the coast post-chukka. Similarly, this unique Club can offer a ‘polo fix’ to those missing the game after a few days indulging themselves on the coast. For those planning on holidaying in Provence this summer, Polo Times can particularly recommend a mid-holiday detox of morning chukkas, followed by an afternoon spent relaxing in the extensive Terre Blanche spa and hotel. For full pricings and listings please contact Alexia Pike on +33 668660547. Alternatively visit their website: riviera-polo-club.fr
Polo and partying in Rutland DIG OUT YOUR dancing shoes because on Saturday 20 June Rutland Polo Club will be holding the Rutland Polo Club Ball, as well as a weekend of competitive polo. For an opportunity to dance the night away at the Rutland Showground after a three-course meal, auction and drinks contact the Club to book your tickets and tables now.
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Club Focus
Greenpoint Polo won the Welcome Cup on the weekend 2–3 May with a team line-up of JJ Spark, Tom Waycott, Mike Hoare and Heather Russel against Nicola Hodges’ Pro-Fit team featuring her son Elliot Sands, Sophie Morrison and Kate Manderfield sharing a spot with James Stanwick with a final score of 6-4½. The Subsidiary Final was won by WWPPC against Adrenalin Polo.
Remembering Choci with a Challenge SUSSEX POLO CLUB kicked off the season with a win for team Sussex Polo in the Welcome Cup against Los Schatzies. The Club also planned a three-a-side remembrance match on the last Bank Holiday weekend of May called the Choci Challenge. Founding member Anita Dennington sponsored the tournament in remembrance of her pony, Chocolato (affectionately known as Choci). Choci was a real confidence giver and taught many people to play polo at Sussex before retiring. Anita provided prizes including a Best Turned Out Pony, plus a prize for the Most Impressive Lady Player and also Most Impressive Male Player.
Save the date for Charity Bike Polo KIRTLINGTON PARK POLO Club will be holding their annual Thames Valley Air Ambulance fundraiser on 29 June. The day will consist of the first bike polo tournament of the season at the Club. Entry fee is £20 a team or £5 per person and the Club will organise a team for you on the day. However, you will need to bring your own bike. Refreshments will be available on the day. Polo Times, June 2015
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Vale of York Photography by Richard McAlister-Martin
The RAF were welcomed to Yorkshire for the annual Challenge Trophy. Flt Lt (Ret) David Black brought a strong team to do battle with the VYPC, mixing experience with youth. Under the watchful eyes of umpires Simon Bower and Will Wilkinson, the match was fierce with the RAF gaining a two goal start on handicap and under the leadership of The Vale of York of Polo Club with the RAF team post-polo Flt Lt (Ret) David Black, they came out meaning to win. The RAF soon had a 3-0 lead in the first chukka, which included a spectacular dismount by Fg Off Daniel Rose, resulting in a dislocated thumb, but in true RAF style he got back on to finish the match! VYPC mounted an organised fight back in the second chukka, levelling the score. The match continued with VYPC stamping their authority in the third chukka, but true to form, Flt Lt (Ret) David Black rallied his squadron in the fourth and attempted a come back. At the final bell, VYPC had weathered the storm during a very close chukka in which both teams could have taken the glory. It was however, VYPC who took the trophy with the final score 7-6. RAFC Cranwell Fg Off Daniel Rose/ Kerry Davey (-2) Fg Off Rob Grocock (-2) Gp Capt Mark Smith (-1) Flt Lt (Ret) David Black (-1)
VYPC Alice Bagley/ Amy Thompson (-2) Lisa Piddington/ Diana Dickinson (-1) Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin (-1) Paul Piddington (1)
Hospitality Action returns to Beaufort Polo Club
Michelin-starred South West chefs ready for action
Now in its sixth year the polo day will be held on Sunday 6 September. The hospitality industry charity will deliver a fundraising day that includes a three-course lunch prepared and served by the team from Calcot Kitchens and a staggering six Michelin-starred South West chefs. Calcot Hotels Executive Chairman and Hospitality Action Trustee Richard Ball told Polo Times, “The Hospitality Action Polo Day remains a firm favourite amongst supporters of the charity. It always sells out in record time and we expect this year to be no different – especially with the addition of our three new Michelin star chefs! The day is a real team effort and the amount of support we receive; from the students who work front of house through to our generous suppliers and sponsors, enables the event to raise as much as possible for those in crisis. Last year saw over £40,000 raised for the charity and we all want to top this in 2015.” 54
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Ham raises money for Mayor’s Charitable Trust HAM POLO CLUB featured match between The Buttercups and Genghis Khan saw a tight finish and a win for the Genghis Khan team. The Club also held a charity day for the Mayor of Kingston. The day was to raise money for the Mayor’s Charitable Trust, which supports local charities including the Horse Rangers Association, Scouts, Sea Cadets and Girl Guides. The day featured a marching band, Morris dancers, fantastic polo and a guard of honour at the presentations. The Club has also been working hard over the winter, building more new stables and now has 109 stables available for liveries. They have a few spaces still left for this season so if you are looking for livery at Ham get in touch.
Power of Polo charity launches POWER OF POLO is a new and unique national charity, aiming to use polo as a vehicle for change in the lives of the participants of its programmes. The strapline ‘change your line’ refers to how this sport can help you to change the direction of your life and is taken from the most important rule of the game – the line of the ball. Power of Polo’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children and adults facing social, health and economic challenges, utilising the sport of polo. The charity has been founded by player and enthusiast Dr. Katy Hayward with Guards Polo Club Committee Member Vivek Rawal and professional player Roddy Matthews as trustees. Power of Polo is already in action working with Cool Hooves at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and hope to roll out a summer programme at Fifield Polo Club. To follow them on Twitter search for @powerofpolo or visit their website www.powerofpolo.org.uk
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Winners in Warwickshire
ASCOT PARK POLO Club will be playing host to a Charity Event for Ikh Nart Nature Reserve with the Genghis Khan Cup. During a volunteering trip to Mongolia’s Ikh Nart Nature Reserve last August, the idea to host a charity polo match to support the area came about. That idea has now come to fruition, and the event is set to take place on Saturday 13 June at Ascot Park Polo Club. Mongolian riders in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve The event will see four teams, with three of the team names confirmed as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Hackett Army Polo Novice Team and the London Alumni Polo Club. The Final will be followed by an awards ceremony and drinks. The proceeds of the tournament will go to the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve project of the Denver Zoo in Mongolia. There is no entry fee, however donations at the gate are very welcome. For more details please visit support.denverzoo.org/Mongolia or email Christine Hunnes chunnes@gmail.com.
THE FIRST TOURNAMENT of the season at Dallas Burston Polo Club was well attended by spectators and players on the weekend 9 – 10 May. The Southam Trophy was won by Offchurch Bury, with a team line-up of Grant Collett, Pauline Hugo, Andy Davies and Francois Lepeltier. The Jordan Shield was won by Dawsongroup Marauders – Freya Dawson, Mikey Henderson, Kio Briggs, and Sam Beim. 200 guests also supported the Opening Season Party.
Photograph by Christine Hunnes
Ascot Park to hold Charity Genghis Khan Cup
The Southam Trophy winners; Offchurch Bury
Photograph by Thijs Povel
International Alumni Polo Cup in Sotogrande
The Polo Magazine MVP Award at Guards GUSTAV RAUSING’S TEMPEST won the Final of the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy 12 goal on Saturday 9 May against BHC Polo with a final score of 9-7. Six goaler, Hissam Ali Hyder was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award for his contribution to Tempest’s win. This award is the first of many to be given by Polo Times’ sister publication this summer at Guards Polo Club. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Photograph by Tony Ramirez /www.imagesofpolo.com
ON THE WEEKEND 18–19 April, The London Alumni Polo Club and Polo Valley Resorts joined forces to create the first International Alumni Polo Cup. The London Alumni Polo Club was founded in 2012 with the aim to The players at the first International Alumni Polo Cup help polo players in continuing to play the sport after graduation, therefore bridging the gap between University and patron polo players. A total of six teams, representing Cambridge, London Alumni I, London Alumni II Netherlands, Oxford Brookes and UK, descended on the grounds at Santa Maria in Sotogrande. Following the closely contested matches on the Saturday, it was Oxford Brookes and UK who secured a place in the tournament’s main Final. After a hard fought game, Oxford Brookes were the side to finish on top, securing the first edition of The International Alumni Polo Cup. The UK team also gained recognition as their main man, Niels van der Hoeven was deservedly awarded the Coya MVP prize.
Hissam Ali Hyder with Zoe Jenkins, manager of Coworth Park
The Jordan Shield winners; Dawsongroup Marauders
Grooms Rewarded THE GUARDS TALLY Ho Farm Grooms Award will be presented each month from May through to September for the most outstanding groom. The judging panel, which includes Guards Polo Club’s Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe, Tally Ho Farm founder Jeff Thomas and Polo Times veterinary column contributer Holly Baird, will be looking for exceptional strings of ponies that show a high standard of turn-out, well ordered and tidy pony lines with excellent pony welfare management. Each nonth a winning groom will receive £150, a review in Guards Polo Club’s 2016 Yearbook and the knowledge that their contribution to this great game has been publicly recognised.
Polo Times, June 2015
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Women’s Polo Polo Times looks at women’s polo around the world, who’s playing where and what the latest news is. From America to Europe with a stop off in Argentina, we have it covered
Focus: Women in Polo Women In Polo (WIP) is one of the newest organisations on the polo circuit. Designed to promote and inspire women in all aspects of the sport, from grass root level to professionals, right through to fitness, nutrition and even social events, WIP’s ultimate aim is to create more opportunities for girls and women to work and play in polo. Although a male dominated sport, polo is welcoming an increasing number of female players year on year and WIP are working to help create a ‘polo world’ that is a little more ‘girl-friendly’. Polo Times speaks to Georgie Wood, co-founder of Women In Polo, about her thoughts on the future, misconceptions of the sport, and the principles that inspired the creation of WIP. Name: Georgie Wood Age: 21 Handicap: 0 (Ladies 3) Club: Tidworth Polo Club How did you first become involved with polo? “I first had a go at polo through the Hampshire Hunt Pony Club. I was a keen Mounted Games competitor and my trusted fluffy pony was so well behaved someone recommended trying polo. I went to a taster and immediately I was hooked.” What are the main aims that Women In Polo are hoping to achieve? “Women In Polo (WIP) has a number of key aims. Firstly we want to raise the profile of women’s polo in the UK; this means getting more media coverage and introducing new sponsors. Secondly, we want to develop more playing opportunities at amateur level and internationally for aspiring players. Finally, we want to promote the low goal game (for both male and female players).” What do you think can be done to get more people involved in polo? “I think the perceptions of polo can be altered. It is often seen as inaccessible, unrealistic and too expensive for newcomers. Many clubs and coaches offer discounted lessons, instructional chukkas and pony hire that is very affordable. I think this needs to be better known.”
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What personalities in polo do you admire and why? “There are several people throughout my playing years who have supported me and encouraged me through tough times, I’d like to recognise two of those. “First of all, I would have to say my mother. She has stood by my polo dreams for 10 years, been my most avid supporter and worked so hard, all for me to be able to play. I would not have achieved anything without her. Secondly, Jessica Andrews at Tidworth Polo Club has been an incredible mentor for me, both on and off the field. She has improved my polo, taught me a lot about the sport and has inspired me to achieve more with my game. Jess has also supported WIP’s work and been a huge help to us over the last 12 months. She is a brilliant role model to any young female player.” How do you see women’s UK polo benefitting from the introduction of women’s handicaps? “I think it will be an interesting first season playing off the new handicap system. I have no doubt that some readjusting will need to be done to ensure everyone is handicapped fairly in relation to the UK scene, but ultimately I think it will encourage more growth in the women’s game. There is speculation that it will bring more sponsors to ladies’ polo also. I hope it helps to make more awareness of women’s polo and encourage more initiatives to support female players.” How do you see the future of women’s polo? “Huge. Women’s polo is one of the largest growth areas of the sport, especially at the low goal level. I think the more we support
WIP LEAGUE This season WIP are introducing their own unique Ladies’ League with five West Country clubs. Each club will run their own Ladies’ tournaments and WIP will use the results to create a league. The league will then culminate in a red carpet awards ceremony on 10 October at Tidworth Polo Club. WIP will provide prizes for Best Playing Pony,
that growth and cater for it, the greater the opportunity for players, for competition and for more businesses to get involved with the sport. I think the amazing achievements and changes in women’s polo so far in 2015 are just the beginning.” Which myth would you like to dispel in polo? “That polo is ‘The Sport of Kings’. I think this description is fast becoming dated and unrepresentative of the UK scene. There are plenty of players, male and female, from all kinds of backgrounds, who love the sport and play, whether it is a hobby for those players or they are aspiring to pursue a career in the sport. I think we need to recognise that the UK talent is widely diverse and ever changing.”
Most Valuable Player and Best Newcomer/ Most Improved at each tournament. The schedule is as follows: Inglesham Polo Club: 23 – 24 May Longdole Polo Club: 4 – 5 July New Forest Polo Club: 1 – 2 August Tidworth Polo Club: – 22 – 23 August Taunton Polo Club: 12 – 13 September
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Women’s Polo News Snippets
WE WISH YOU WELL Whilst playing at Druids Park Polo Club, Hayley Hyde-Andrews suffered an unfortunate fall. Hayley’s horse tripped, away from the play, and she fell and was knocked out. From there she was taken to Southampton Hospital and was in a coma. Thankfully, Hayley is now improving every day, and although it is going to be a slow process, she is a long way from where she was at the start of the week. We wish her well with her recovery. POLO FEATURED IN GLAMOUR MAGAZINE Other than here in Polo Times, you can also read about Women In Polo’s Georgie Wood on the pages of Glamour Magazine. Georgie was interviewed as Glamour’s ‘Sports Star Of The Week’ and as part of the magazine’s ‘Say No To Sexism in Sport’ campaign. GIRLS TAKE ON THE BOYS AT 8 GOAL LEVEL 2015 sees the all-female line-up of Lucy Taylor, Emma Wood, Nina Clarkin and Tamara Fox return to competition. The girls were victorious in the 2008 edition of The Gerald Balding Cup and this year they have returned, and once again can be seen taking on the boys, though this time under the team sponsor’s name ‘Appitized’. SALVO TAKES RECOGNITION AT THE TOP LEVEL On a recent trip to Spain the leading lady player, 9-goal Lia Salvo was amongst some of the best polo players in the world, who together were participating in a charity polo match in order to help raise funds for Pope Francis’ Scholas Occurrentes charity, as well as the Leo Messi Foundation.
Dates for the Diary UK WOMEN’S SUMMER tournament dates – best dust off your kneepads and get core-training: Ranksboro: 2nd Annual Midlands Ladies Polo Championship 13 – 14 June (Multiple sections): Vaux Park: Ladies Tournament (Open): 13 – 14 June Blueys: Ladies Sugar Bowl Tournament (-4 -0): 20 – 21 June Edgeworth: Ladies Tournament (Open): 1 July Ascot: National Women’s Tournament (Multiple sections): 4 – 5 July Sussex: Ladies Trophy (-6 - -2): 11 –12 July Cowdray: British Ladies Open (Open): 13 – 18 July Cirencester: The International Ladies (Open): 21 – 26 July Beaufort: The Beaufort Ladies Tournament (0-4): Jul 25 – 2 August Epsom: Ladies Tournament (-4 -0): 1 – 2 August Ranelagh: Ranelagh Farm Ladies (0-2): 1 – 2 August White Rose: Ladies Tournament (-6 - -2): 1 – 2 August RCBPC: Polo Festival Ladies (Open): Jul 28 – 9 August Wicklow: International Ladies Invitational Tournament (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Heathfield: Tie Polo (Ladies Tournament) (Open): 22 – 23 August Tidworth: La Chamiza Ladies Tournament (Open): 22 – 23 August Dundee: Ladies Cup (0-4): 29 – 30 August Kirtlington: Thorneloe Ladies Tournament (Open): 31 August DBPC: Ladies Tournament (Open): 12 – 13 September West Wycombe: Ladies Mixed (Open): 19 – 20 September
Greylands Tidworth take the first title in WIP League The first leg of the WIP Ladies League kicked off to a great start at Inglesham Polo Centre. Matt Evetts and the team were according to Georgie Wood, “fantastic hosts and they put on a fun weekend of polo and some lovely prizes.” The games were fast, exciting and generated lots of cheering from the sidelines. Sunday saw two close matches that could have gone either way, between Greylands Tidworth and New Forest for the Final and a duo of home teams for the Sub Final Inglesham A and Inglesham B. Greylands Tidworth were nervous going into the Final of the tournament against a very strong New Forest Team, but they needn’t have been as they galloped to a win. Robyn Evans, having taken a high-speed tumble on Saturday, was substituted by Sheena Robertson. The Women In Polo team were pleased to report that Robyn was alright, despite her unplanned dismount and all the teams are looking forward to seeing her at the next league match! The weekend showed a great exhibition of female talent, friendly atmosphere and loads of fun. Georgie Wood from Women In Polo wanted to, “thank everyone who took part and we look forward to seeing you on 4 and 5 July at Longdole Polo Club.” Anna Coull from Inglesham A team who came fourth was awarded the Most Improved Player Award for her team efforts, whilst Jess Andrews took home the Most Valuable Player Award. Plum, owned and played by Lottie Lamacraft, who played for New Forest, won the Best Playing Pony Award.
European Women’s Summer Tournament Dates: Villa a Sesta Club, Tuscany, Italy: Women’s Polo Masters, May 29 – 31 Contact: Jeanine Hugo (tel: +393312357215) Club de Campo, Madrid, Spain: One-day Exhibition Ladies’ Polo Match, 28 June Contact: Rafa Cabezas (rafael.cabezas@hdmsa.com) Polo Club Midden, Netherlands: Ladies’ Polo Cup NL, July 11 – 12 Contact: Brenda de Boer (brenda@polo.nl) Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande, Spain: Ladies’ Cups, July 24 – 26 & October 9 – 11 Contact: Joanna Mobley (nzmpsalesandmarketing@gmail.com) Polo Club La Mata del Herrador, Sevilla, Spain: Copa Internacional Femenina, September 18 – 20 Contact Klarina Pichler (tel: +34 611209011, klarina_pichler@hotmail.com) Club de Polo Ampurdan, Figueras, Spain: II Ladies’ Autumn Polo Cup October 24 - 25 Contact: Eva Campos (eva@villacampos.com) www.polotimes.co.uk
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Women’s Polo
5 minutes with…
Emma Wood EMMA WOOD WAS born into the Tomlinson family, one of the most influential on the English polo circuit. As a result, it is no surprise that she has gone on to become one of the most successful female players in the country and along with Lucy Taylor, Nina Clarkin and Tamara Fox was part of the victorious all-ladies 8 goal line-up back in 2008. Emma is not only an admirable polo player, she is also one of the most respected equine vets on the circuit and runs the Beaufort Embryo Transfer Centre. Emma married her husband Nick (Wood) five years ago and the couple now have a son, Harry.
You have competed against boys all your life, what advice would you give women playing against men? “Take the man. Play tough. Play fair.”
How did your polo career start? “I was 11 and someone had an injured pony, so the Beaufort Pony Club asked me if I would join their Rendell Team – it was so much fun.”
Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed or girls-only? And why? “Mixed because I am better at it!”
Which lady players do you admire? “Nina Clarkin, Tamara Fox, Lucy Taylor, Marianela Castagnola and Sunny Hale.”
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When your mum, Claire Tomlinson, started playing there was no women-only polo. In your opinion, what are the benefits of women-only polo? “Nowadays the opportunity for women to play competitive polo has been increased significantly, it goes hand in hand with the fact that women’s polo has become much more accessible.”
You, Nina, Tamara and Lucy are returning to the field this year. Will you be taking a different approach in any way? “No! Man first, then hit the ball and score!”
What’s your best polo memory? “Winning The Gerald Balding and Holden White in 2008 with the girls.” Female polo seems to be constantly increasing, why do you think this is? “More women players are keen to play the game, inviting more structure and fixtures to women’s polo.” Do you think women’s handicaps are a good thing? “Yes, I took a long time to be persuaded though. It allows separation of players much more accurately according to skill which ensures a much more level playing field than before. It also opens up more sponsorship opportunities, because of the fact that tournaments are played at a higher handicap level which is obviously more appealing to sponsors.” Are there any other changes you would like to see in the future of women’s polo? “More women playing higher level men’s polo to a better standard and increased sponsorship in women’s polo.”
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Youth Looking ahead at the SUPA Summer Season with Charles Betz, SUPA Trustee and Steward The month of June heralds the height of the season. Commencing with The Jack Wills Varsity Day featuring traditional rivals Oxford and Cambridge, followed by matches between classic SUPA rivals Harrow and Eton, the Old Boys of Oxford and Cambridge, plus alumni players from Harrow and Eton, set in the stunning grounds of Guards Polo Club. On Sunday 21 June we return to DBPC for The SUPA National Senior Schools Tournament, which features Under 16s, Intermediate and Open Sections and promises to be an action-packed day with a crowd to please. Sunday July 7 is The SUPA National Ladies Tournament at Longdole, which is always very popular and is concurrent with the Finals of The SUPA National University Championship at Dallas Burston and the return of The SAPA National Summer Tournament also at DBPC.
Photograph by JJ Spark
Harrow win The Copenhagen Cup at Guards Polo Club Guards Polo Club played host to Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Stowe at this year’s annual Copenhagen Cup on the weekend of 16 – 17 May. On Saturday, Harrow were drawn against Stowe in the Quarter Finals. It was a closely fought game with Stowe taking an early lead. Charlie Cadogan amazed the crowd by scoring three 60-yard penalties, to take Harrow into the lead and win with a score of 8-5½. In the Finals, Harrow faced Wellington in a very close game. Hugo Taylor and Charlie Cadogan got two goals for Harrow, but Izzy McGregor scored to keep Wellington in the lead by half a goal. However, James Emlyn saved the day for Harrow with a beautiful back hand to win the Copenhagen Cup with a final score of 3-2½. Polo Times sponsored four Most Valuable Player Awards. The 20th Anniversary Polo Times gilets and subscriptions were awarded to Florence Berner (Stowe), Henry Letts (Eton), Izzy McGregor (Wellington) and Hugo Taylor (Harrow).
Harrow School raise the Copenhagen Cup
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he Pony Club’s 2015 season meeting established that we have over 250 players entered in the seven divisions, and I hope there will be six teams in the flagship Gannon competition at the -2 to +2 goals level. A few points came out of the meeting: • Instructors and Coaches. A huge amount of work has been done by The Pony Club and the HPA with regard to getting credentials for Instructors and Coaches sorted out. My thanks go to Liz Wicks and Justin Stanhope-White for all their work on this. There are now places and procedures to check whether any instructor is registered to teach the various arrangements of Pony Club or Youth Polo, so please make use of these. Instructors and coaches, please make sure you are registered in the correct places. • Courses. There are a large number of courses available for Pony Club players, and you don’t necessarily have to attend a course organised by your own Branch. Please see the Pony Club website, www.pcuk.org or email laura@pcuk.org for details. • Sponsorship. We are pleased to say that, subject to final arrangements as we go to press, we have a new sponsor this year. Watch for more details in future Polo Times.
I attended the HPA Development Committee meeting at which the focus was on reviewing activities through the winter and seeing how to improve the development paths available to young players. The Pony Club roadshow will start at Epsom Polo Club on Saturday 11 July and continue round the South of England virtually every other day until Thursday 23 July at Hurtwood Park, via Vaux Park, Taunton, Frampton Estate, Suffolk, Kirtlington Park and Ascot Park. Our thanks go to all these clubs for their generosity in hosting our caravan! Some or all of these tournaments will include Gannon and Langford matches which will be well worth going to watch. Organising this is a huge task and we have enlisted Ted Lodwick and Frankie Dent to help the volunteer organisers with schedules, organisation etc. The Qualifiers, which are compulsory for teams wanting to go to the Championships, take place at Cirencester on 27 – 28 July, Longdole on 29 – 30 July and Tidworth on 3 – 4 August. These tournaments will include Gannon and Langford matches. The youngest players, the Jorrocks, will go to Hurtwood Park on 5 August for their Finals. Finally, we all go to Cowdray from 7 – 9 August for our Championships, with the Gannon final on the Sunday afternoon on the Lawns – we are hoping not to have a repeat of Hurricane Bertha which wiped out last year’s Final! We look forward to seeing you there for what is without doubt one of the spectacles of the polo world. Meanwhile, through the summer term, SUPA are organising competition for Schools and Universities, see www.supa.org.uk for details.
Polo Times caught up with the award winners after the game to find out what fuels their polo playing passion. McGregor said that she looks up to female players Nina Clarkin and Lia Salvo and aims to reach a 5-goal handicap. Taylor expressed his determination to play at high goal. He, “looks up to Polito Pieres” and thinks that he “played really well in the first chukka and scored a great goal which I’m proud of.” Though Henry Letts remarked that though the Eton team were nervous before the game, he thought that it went really well, Stowe had a good organised defence and were very tight in marking, but their good play was the main factor in their 5-1½ win. Flo Berner agreed that, although it was a shame that they lost, everyone had played well.
UoLPC player’s polo passports to the ready University of London Polo Club (UoLPC) have arguably the two biggest international university events of the year, outside of the SUPA and USPA Collegiate matches coming up. The first event at the Acquedotto Romano Polo Club in Rome from 7 – 11 July, will now be in its third year for UoLPC’s alumni. This is, however, the first year where a team will be playing from every continent, with representatives playing from Sydney, Pakistan, Africa and complete university teams from University of London, Harvard University and Cornell University. UoLPC player Kristina Karailieva told Polo Times that, “The tournament has always been quite a big deal,
T
Charles Whittington Pony Club Chairman
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Record crowds at St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament The annual University of St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament presented by Graypaul Maserati Edinburgh, took place on Saturday 25 April, at Erroll Park Estate in Perth. All the proceeds from the event were donated to the St Andrews Polo Club’s chosen charity, Help For Heroes. Students and alumni from the Universities of St Andrews, Edinburgh, and Stirling played in front of over 1,200 attendees, whose record turnout made the event the largest polo tournament in Scotland. Teams representing the tournament’s sponsors: St Andrews Brewing Company, BillecartSalmon Champagne, Fairmont St Andrews, Daffy’s Gin, Oglivy Vodka, Thistly Cross Cider, EFG Bank and Oliver Cope Architects, competed at three levels of play. Starting with Beginner, moving to Novice, and culminating in the Exhibition Match. The closing match of the day, played by the Oliver Cope Architects and St Andrews Brewing Company ended with a final score of 4-1.
Photograph by Alessandro Russo
but this is set to be the biggest so far, with TV coverage, a press conference and a big after-party.” Later, in Tianjin, China, UoLPC will be playing against Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale and Stanford in a tournament targeted at the world’s most prestigious universities.
UoLPC at the Acquedotto Romano Polo Club in 2014
Photograph by Helen Jones
SUPA National Junior Schools won by Beaudesert At the RJ Polo-sponsored Junior Schools SUPA Championships on Sunday 17 May at Longdole Polo Club, the Open section was won by Beaudesert School. Cheltenham College Preparatory School also rode away with a trophy for their section. All eight teams pictured had a fantastic time playing on grass and look forward to a polo packed summer.
All eight teams had great fun at Longdole
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Photograph by Katya Clark
Royal Veterinary College Memorial Cup Royal Vets Old Boys are holding a Memorial Cup for Kat Adams, who unfortunately passed away earlier in the year. Kat had been one of the Polo Club Captains and an extremely talented vet. The Memorial Cup will be held on the 31 May, at Lacey Green Polo Club in Buckinghamshire with old and current RVC players, staff, vets, non-RVC players who played with Kat after she graduated, and Kat’s family.
Action from the day at Erroll Park Estate
Photograph by Alannah Castro
Youth
Danny Scheraga, Perry Palmer, Tony Coppola, Wesley Finlayson, Grant Ganzi, Oliver Firestone, Elizabeth Fenner, Zoey Echezarreta, Dick Riemenschneider, Jennifer McLeavy & Mario Chaira
Fundraising fun at The Polo Training Foundation Awards in Florida On 27 April, the Polo Training Foundation’s annual Polo Party had party-goers enjoying the gourmet cuisine of the Mallet Grill at International Polo Club Palm Beach before the festivities kicked off. The awards for Most Improved Player and Sportsmanship were presented, with the 2015 Most Improved Junior Players named as Elizabeth Fenner and Oliver Firestone, whilst the 2015 Junior Sportsmanship Awards went to Zoey and Cipriano Echezarreta. Cipriano Echezarreta was unable to attend, but sister Zoey read a heartfelt acceptance letter from him expressing his gratitude for the award. Grant Ganzi (2015 Most Improved Youth Player) and Wesley Finlayson (2015 Youth Sportsmanship Award) joined Melissa Ganzi (Volunteer of the Year) in the accolades, and Gil Johnston was recognized with the Lifetime Benefactor Award. The fundraising auction had something for everyone, with items ranging from a guitar signed by The Who to a jersey signed by both teams competing in the 111th US Open Polo Championship. Bidding was spirited throughout the auction, with the seven-night stay at the Flying H Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming as the highest selling item for $8,750. Overall, the event raised roughly $38,000 for the Polo Training Foundation. The funds will be used throughout all of the PTF programmes. Liverpool University Polo Club win The Christie Cup The Christie Cup, the second oldest sports university varsity in the country, dates back to 1886. Held between the universities of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, the universities compete in 33 different sports to try and secure victory. In polo’s inaugural year as a cup sport, the three teams met at the spectacular Chester Racecourse on 22 April. The traditionally spirited Manchester vs Liverpool match was incredibly competitive, with the final score www.polotimes.co.uk
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Photograph by Isabella Chase
Youth
The winning team from the University of Liverpool; Florice Cole-Fontayn, Amelia Wall & Kelly Gore
reading 3-1 to Liverpool. In the second match, Manchester against Leeds, both teams gave a very strong performance, with the final score for the match 4-0 to Manchester. The final match of the day was between Liverpool and Leeds. Liverpool’s overall victory depended on triumph, with Manchester poised to claim the crown on goal difference should they fail. After a tense 1-1 first chukka, three spectacular goals from Florice Cole-Fontayn and Amelia Wall, secured Liverpool not only the match but also the Polo Christie Cup, with a final score of 4-2. Hosted by each of the universities in turn, the 2016 Christie Polo Cup will be hosted by the University of Manchester.
Photography by Katerina Morgan
Andrew Cork reports on the U15’s Copa de Las Naciones 2015 The 2014 winning Hipwood team visited Argentina to play in the cup at Palermo alongside the senior England team at the end of April this year. The -3 U15 team (Milly Hine, Luke Wiles, Charlie Townsend and Team Captain Marcus Cork) played off a 0 handicap in Argentina. The hugely generous Argentine community and the team’s hosts, the Tomlinson family, ensured that the team were made welcome, well mounted and prepared for the tournament. The team were based at La Quinta, just outside Pilar, courtesy of our England player Mark Tomlinson, where horses were graciously sourced from Mark and Luke Tomlinson,
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Nick Wiles, Andrew Hine, Argentina’s match coordinator, Tolo and other generous friends. The team started the final preparation for the tournament with two warm up practice matches. The first, against a young Heguy team, led by Cruz Heguy and his two cousins, ended in a draw. The second, the day before the first match, was against an older Argentine team. At the final whistle, the team had lost by a goal, but this was a good result, and the match had given the team a real taster of what was to come in the tournament. On the first day of the tournament, the team left Pilar for their first match at Palermo, where they were set to play the Rest Of the World. The English team started off well although a little nervously, rather in awe of the great Palermo fields and their opposition, a very strong, well drilled and fantastically mounted Rest of the World team. By the end of the first chukka, the RoW team had eliminated the two goal handicap deficit, through some fast open play led by Nico Escobar, a rising star currently playing off a 2 goal handicap. Throughout the game the team were under huge pressure from the RoW team. However, it was in the third chukka when the England team lost the game against Escobar’s horsepower and hitting skill. The RoW team were now really in the groove and from the sidelines outstanding play was applauded. The game finished 15-3, with Luke scoring our only goal with a great run from the halfway line. The second match was against a strong Argentine team, led by Lolo Castagnola’s three children, (the eldest of whom at 14 is one of the rising stars in Argentina) started with a 4 goal handicap advantage. Even though this game was against stronger opposition it was a lot closer thanks to a great fighting spirit, some tactical changes and encouragement and coaching from Andrew Hine and the final score was 9-5 to Argentina. The trip was a huge learning experience for the squad. We now have a benchmark of how we compare. Our next challenge is for our team
The U15 England team battle it out against Argentina is to give the Argentines a good run for their money! Thanks must go to our hosts and to all who supported us and made this possible.
Youth Dates for the Diary Dallas Burston – National Universities Championships: 5 – 7 June Guards – Jack Wills Varsity: 6 June Longdole – National Schools Girls’ Championships: 7 June Kirtlington – Towler Trophy: 14 June Kirtlington – National Senior Schools: 21 June RCBPC – SUPA vs RCBPC Quatro Amigos Trophy: 28 June
Pony Club Dates Vaux Park – Pony Club Tournament: 13 July Taunton – Pony Club Tournament: 14 July Frampton – Pony Club Tournament: 16 July Rugby – Pony Club Tournament: 17 July Suffolk – Pony Club Tournament: 18 July Epsom – Pony Club Tournament: 19 July Kirtlington – Pony Club Tournament: 21 July Ascot – Pony Club Tournament: 22 July Hurtwood – Pony Club Tournament: 23 July Cirencester – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 27 – 28 July Longdole – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 29 – 30 July Tidworth – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 3 – 4 August Hurtwood – Jorrocks Championships: 5 August Cowdray – Pony Club Championships: 7 – 9 August
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Youth Spotlight on international university polo, Polo Times talks to Kristina Karailieva the Beginner Captain of the University of London Polo Club
How many lessons do you do in a term: “We split our members in divisions like at SUPA Nationals (Beginner, Novice and Intermediate), and each division trains in separate lessons in order to allow everyone to practice at their own level. Weekly, during term time, we have around two to three Beginner lessons, one to two Novice lessons (with six to eight people per lesson). The Intermediates don’t train as often with us as a lot of them play outside the university, but will occasionally train together in preparation for a match.” How many matches/ chukkas have you played so far this year: “This year we’ve taken part in most of the university leagues and tournaments. We had several teams in the Greenpoint league, with our Novices winning their division Druids league, who came fourth, and our Open team won the 6 goal arena Super League at Druids. At Nationals, we weren’t as successful as last year in the lower divisions, but again, our Open team took the trophy home. We also sent a team to the University Tournament in Chantilly during April, who managed to come fourth against some very strong competition. Aside from this, we attend and host a number of friendly tournaments and matches against other universities or between our own Club members.” When did your Club form: “University of London Polo Club is the third oldest in the country, following Oxford and Cambridge and was founded in 1988. Interestingly our founder and a number of our alumni have now joined the same Club that we train at, creating a fantastic opportunity for multiple generations of the Club to play together.” Where do you have your lessons and games? “During the arena season, we are based at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and have been training with Cool Hooves there for over 10 years. During the outdoor season we relocate to Lacey Green Polo Club, and train with Mariano Darritchon. Both clubs have been fantastic hosts for us in the past years.” The U15 England team line up at Palermo
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What are your aspirations as a Club? “Our main goal is to enable students of all backgrounds to have the chance to experience polo. We are lucky enough that we have a couple of very strong players, allowing us to compete successfully at the highest level of university polo. However, as much as our top players enjoy the opportunities the Club provides, our main focus is the players who start polo with us. The aim of the Club is to provide affordable polo tuition and competition for all of these members, so that they can truly experience all that the sport and the Club has to offer. Our hope is that all of our members not only enjoy their time with us, but continue to play polo after graduating, perhaps some of them taking their playing more seriously after university and helping the world of polo grow.” Will you be going to the SUPA University Nationals in June? “Yes, but due to exams we will only be entering five teams this time.” Tell us a bit about a few of your players? “Peter Elser joined us three years ago, in his first year at Kings College London, where he studies business. One-goal Peter has been a key player in a number of our winning teams in the highest divisions. However, he is also responsible for the creation of the International University Polo Challenge at his home Club, Acquedotto Romano Polo Club, in Rome. “Arthur Cole-Fontayn, another business student, started playing at school and joined us last year. Within his short time with us, he has been one of our most consistent players, resulting in his selection for almost every top team we have fielded. He currently plays off a -1, and is also the backbone of our second team. This year, he is our Intermediate Captain, and has been involved in the team
Photograph by Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club
How many members do you have: “At the moment we have 73 members, which as far as I’m aware is the largest we’ve ever been.”
selections for our top teams. Judging by their success, he’s definitely doing something right. “Reda Shetty was the Club’s President last year, and he achieved a tremendous amount for our Club. Reda is responsible for the Club’s current social media presence and, alongside Peter, was the one to put London on the international university polo map. Thanks to him, we have not only taken part in Peter’s tournament, but we were also invited to play alongside five other prestigious university clubs (Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale and Stanford) at the Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo Challenge in China, which is now named The London Challenge after our victory last year.” “Lastly I’d like to mention Harold Hodges (Royal Veterinary College) and Charlie Scott (University College London). They are the highest handicapped members of the Club (both play off 2 goals on grass and Harold is 5 goals in the arena) and the two of them have really helped develop the reputation of UoLPC as one of the best university clubs in the world. Without them leading our teams, we would not have stood such a strong chance in these tournaments. We hope to continue to attract young players like them, who bring fantastic opportunities and results for the Club, as well as helping out with the lower divisions.” Any advice for other universities who are thinking about forming a polo club? “Go for it! Even if you start off small, if you raise awareness about the existence of your club and are enthusiastic about it, people will join. The sport is so unique that people are naturally curious to give it a try. The most important thing is to find a pony provider and coaches who understand you and what you need, who you can trust, and who want your club to do well as much as you do.”
University of London Polo Club at the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, Tianjin, China in 2014
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26/05/2015 16:18
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26/05/2015 16:18
Polo Splice rpt
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Know your game
Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Gripping The Mallet Handle
Figure 3
Y
Figure 1
Figure 2
ou should be aware of how your hand is placed on the mallet handle, because that placement influences the effect of how the mallet head hits the ball. More specifically, you should be aware that at no stage within the swing process should you cause or allow a tight, or fist, grip to be holding the mallet handle as shown in Figure 1. The Fist Grip The fist grip renders the wrist to be rigid and stiff, thereby decreasing suppleness. As compared to the more desirable and softer openhanded grip, Figure 2, the fist grip causes the mallet handle to be pushed back onto the web between the thumb and the index finger. That having happened, the mallet head is caused to have been moved out and away from the plane of the swing and the ball. At that point, the mallet head must be moved back to the plane before contacting the ball. The third negative effect appears during the follow through. Because the mallet head must be moved back toward the plane and the ball, the tight fist grip still exists at point of contact with the ball, which causes the energy released into the ball to be drastically reduced. The More Open Handed Grip The mallet handle should lie diagonally across the hand, and flat against the palm, Figure 3. The significance of that angle across the hand is that it offsets the angle of the cane passing through the mallet head, allowing the mallet head to be flush with the ground at point of contact with the ball. With your hand open the length of the mallet handle, on the cane side, should be approximately parallel to the line running down and across the palm of the hand from the outside edge of the index finger to between the muscle pads located at the base of the little finger and the thumb as highlighted in Figure 3. When gripping the handle, that same cane side will fit snuggly into the pad of muscles at the base of the thumb illustrated by Figure 2. The end of the mallet handle should rest about an inch from the bottom of the pad of muscles at the base of the little finger, (Figures 2 & 3). Finger Placement The most critical finger is by far the index finger. Index Finger 1. The narrowest point of the knife-edge side of the handle should fit approximately a quarter of an inch in front of the smallest knuckle of the index finger. www.polotimes.co.uk
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2. 3. 4.
Knowledge
Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice about how to get more out of your game.
Figure 4
The index finger tip should be holding and squeezing the handle as if it were squeezing the trigger of a pistol. The middle knuckle should press firmly against the handle, on the palm side. The cane side of the handle should rest firmly on the front and outside edge of the large knuckle of the index finger as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Middle Finger 1. The middle finger is the single strongest supporting finger, and should wrap around the handle to where the narrowest portion of the knife-edge side lies diagonally across that finger just behind the first knuckle, and in front of the middle knuckle. 2. The middle finger tip should press firmly against the middle of the handle as shown in Figure 2. The Third (Ring) Finger 1. Do not over squeeze the handle with the third finger, or the little finger. 2. The knife-edge side of the handle should lie diagonally across the third finger, and directly on the line of the joint of the middle knuckle. The Little Finger 1. Do not over grip the handle with the little, or the third finger. 2. The knife-edge side of the handle should be placed between the first and middle knuckles of the little finger. The Thumb 1. The thumb is close to equal in degree of importance as the index finger. 2. A principle function of the thumb is to hold, or squeeze, the mallet handle onto the index finger throughout the swing process. 3. The front inside edge of the thumb knuckle should be pressing firmly onto the front and outside edge of the large knuckle of the index finger. By doing so, a cradle is created where the cane side of the handle rests and is carried. The opposing, or pinching, forces of the thumb and the index finger are more than critical to securely holding the mallet handle; they are crucial which is illustrated in Figure 4. Polo Times, June 2015
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Lucky by name Seven-goaler James Beim, England Captain and high goal regular, talks to Polo Times about Lucky, the Best Playing Pony in the St. Regis International Cup
Lucky Height: 15.2hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Breeding: New Zealand Thoroughbred Owner: James Beim Where is she from? I bought her from Martin ‘Sticky’ Glue at the end of last season. She came off the track in New Zealand and was made by Alex Parrot who then sold her to Sticky.
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What are her strengths? Her strengths are her massive power and very good sides. She also has an enormous heart – she does a chukka easily.
Any other previous awards? No other Best Playing Pony awards yet as she hasn’t been with me long, but hopefully there will be more to come!
How is her season shaping up? She has gone very well this season so far though she’s not yet to reach peak playing fitness. I feed her on Baileys Endurance Mix which is great and has been really good for her. I’ve also been monitoring her heart rate and recovery this season through Jamie Peel’s GOW Equine, which has been invaluable in analysing her fitness.
Aims? She’ll play the 18 goal season in the UK in the build up to The Gold Cup, then The Coronation Cup and then she will be heading off to Sotogrande for August, and after that she’ll take some well deserved paddock time! Describe Lucky in three words. Powerful, lateral, intelligent.
www.polotimes.co.uk
26/05/2015 17:01
Knowledge
Photograph by Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Pony Power
Best Playing Pony Binca Six-goaler James Harper talks to Polo Times about Binca, his Best Playing Pony in the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, and her famous connections
Binca Height: 15.0hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Light bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Bred in Argentina by Hector Guerrero Owner: James Harper How long have you had her and who did you buy her from? I’ve had her for three years. I bought her off Hector Guerrero in Argentina.
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Tell us about her background. Hector bred her in Argentina from his family stock, so I’m sure she has relations playing The Argentine Open and The Copa Cámara de Diputados, as Hector has some top horses from his breeding line. What are her strengths? She’s very easy to handle and is quick off the mark. How is her season shaping up? She hasn’t done much this season so far as she came to St Moritz with me and so came in a little later than the rest, and The Queen Mother was only her fourth match chukka.
Does she have any quirks? She plays very well for me, but I have to play her in half chukkas as she goes a lot better that way. She gets tired very quickly if she does more than four minutes straight. Any other previous awards? She hasn’t won any previous awards with me. Aims? She will hopefully go and play some high goal and come with me to Sotogrande when I play for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana team. Describe Binca in three words. Handy, powerful, energetic. Polo Times, June 2015
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Knowledge
Pony Power
An Argentine hummingbird Five golaer Ollie Cudmore, who was part of the recent England side that played in Argentina’s Copa de las Naciones, a 26 goal tournament at Palermo in Buenos Aires, talks to Polo Times about Picaflor, one of his favourite horses of all time
Picaflor Height: 15.1hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Bay Owner: Ollie Cudmore Breeding: Unknown Sex: Gelding What are his strengths? He does everything; he is one of the best horses I have ever played. He’s very agile which means he always stops and turns very well which is obviously a huge benefit in polo. He’s also a very tough horse so I know that in the important matches I can 100% rely on him to double chukka. What are his weaknesses? His one weakness is probably that he’s a bit hot in the head! Does he have any quirky traits? He is very difficult to get on so he can never be played as a spare. What other polo has he played in? This is the fourth year in a row that he’s played in the Nation’s Cup. He also played in the Ellerstina Gold Cup Final in 2011 and 2012, the Provincia Final, 2012 and every other important match I’ve played in Argentina. Where did you get him from? I bought him from a local farmer in Lobos. How old was he when you bought him? 5 years old.
Describe his character in three words. Arrogant, playful and immature.
What made you buy him? It was actually not much to do with me – my dad can take the credit for choosing him as a young horse.
Tell us something unique about him. The first ever match he played was an 18 goal in my first season of having him, and he was only 5.
What’s his breeding? I don’t know who his mother is but he has the same father as Bonita who is my best mare in the UK.
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Would you ever sell him? Definitely not.
Have you ever thought about bringing him over to England? I have thought about it a lot but with him being a bit hot in the head I don’t think it would be good for him. He’s also a bit old to bring over now. What is he like to look after in the stable? He’s good, easy to look after. He also has plenty of character!
www.polotimes.co.uk
26/05/2015 16:18
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Pony running reports
Knowledge
PONY running reports As the 2015 polo season hots up around the country, the selection of ponies featured in Polo Times’ Running Reports, from Pony Club to high goal, have all seen changes to their routines. Hollywood has had his diet tailored in order to maximise his performance, whilst importantly still focusing upon his overall condition too. Meanwhile, Bruno has hit the ground running with chukkas, dentist and doctors galore following his mini-holiday last month. Carlotta has excelled expectations of 4 goal being the limit to her polo this season, and took part in an 8 goal practice chukka with Rigby & Rigby. Polo Times stalwart Rocky Racoon has had a taste of chukkas and was even treated to a bath and some new shoes, whilst Brutus has swapped the lazy days of adolescence for ‘polo school’. James Harper has been attempting to persuade his mare Exquisite not to buck him off during matches, and Ollie Cudmore’s Fortune continues to be prepared for The Queen’s Cup with extra work and feed. Watch this space for more updates from our Running Reports ponies.
Rocky received (a late) but the first of many haircuts this season for his first chukkas of 2015
*PUBLISHER’S NOTE This ongoing feature is aimed at following the training programmes, the amount of polo played, and any additional costs incurred on top of the usual livery or field rental costs. Livery can be hugely expensive, but keeping ponies at home or at grass in a rented field can be vastly different in price. By excluding the cost of livery, which can vary greatly across the UK and internationally, the feature focuses more on the costs such as shoeing, vet bills or chiropractor appointments. Likewise we track the number of miles travelled from an interest point of view, but do not enter in to discussion about costs of diesel, trucks, drivers etc. We hope you find the included facts and figures enlightening. www.polotimes.co.uk
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BRUTUS Age: 2 (nearly 3) Height: 14.3hh (but he’s growing a lot) Sex: Gelding Breeding: El Remanso Argentine mare X Diesel (Edgeworth) Type: Thoroughbred x Argentine Name of owner: A future of the Polo Times ‘office’ polo string Base: Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire Level of polo expected: No chukkas as this will be his first year of being backed “Brutus’ polo training has begun in earnest. Before he was able to travel down to Midhurst, where he will be based for 6 weeks with 4 goaler Alastair Paterson, Brutus had to get used to the truck. It was a whole new experience for Brutus, although he is naturally curious we wanted to make sure he would be content on the 3 hour journey to Midhurst. Luckily, he was being accompanied by stable mate ‘Island Spice’ who showed him the ropes of travelling polo style. “Before his departure to Ali’s yard, Brutus was familiarised with other polo equipment, such as the saddle, bridle, sticks etc and so far, fingers crossed, he has been very easy. Brutus has also had to get used to being separated from his field companion, 30-year-old Polly, who he has not been separated from since birth. This took a bit of getting used to for Brutus, but luckily we were in no rush so that gave us the luxury to go at his pace. As for his colour, he is gradually becoming more grey, but it seems to be taking some time, and we are secretly hoping he stays the dark gunmetal colour he is currently sporting. “Hopefully in the next few weeks he will come on leaps and bounds, he is a very inquisitive pony so we are hoping that he takes on and adjusts to the challenges ahead of him. Good Luck Brutus!” May Overview: Number of chukkas played: 0 Number of miles travelled:115 miles This month’s cost breakdown: £20 trim, £50 1st and 2nd vaccinations and general check up Total cost this month: £70
Polo Times, June 2015
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Knowledge
Pony running reports
HOLLYWOOD Age: 12 Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Type: NZ Thoroughbred by Woodbury Lad Name of owner: Lucy Taylor Base: Cirencester Level of polo expected: -2 to 12
CARLOTTA Age: 15 years Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Type: Argentine polo pony Name of owner: Simon England, Zac Beim playing Base: Longhill, Cirencester Level of polo expected: Pony Club: Hipwood, Surtees, SUPA, 2 & 4 goal
“As of 2 May, Hollywood as been on a strict diet for optimum performance. I have chosen a combination of feeds to help support his stamina and condition. At the moment I am feeding one scoop of Alfa A, a good glug of oil, half a scoop of mix, half a scoop of top line cubes and half a scoop of sugarbeet twice a day. Understanding that forage is key to a pony’s digestion, I also make sure he has enough forage and fibre in his diet to keep the digestive tract moving and also it helps prevent over acidisation and long-term issues with ulcers. With this in mind, Hollywood gets haylage after exercise and again in the evening. “Of course, a pony’s week wouldn’t be complete without a day off in the field to stretch and pick at the grass.”
“This month has been a busy one for Carlotta and Zac as they have both taken part in 2, 4 and 6 goal tournaments. Zac also took part in an 8 goal practice, by kind invitation of Jenny Rigby from Rigby & Rigby, who have been playing a lot in the area this season. “Carlota also played in the Cheltenham College Polo Day at the end of May. This time with Izzy England as her jockey and they represented Cheltenham College Prep School. “Zac usually plays her in the last chukka of each game, ensuring her status as ‘best horse’! She is still feeling fresh and so far enjoying her polo this season. We have added in Baileys feed balancer to her diet now that she is playing quite a bit, as we find it helps.”
May overview: Number of chukkas played: 3 practice chukkas and 1 match chukka in the 0-40 Goal Tournament at Cirencester Number of miles travelled: One trip from Cheshire to new Cirencester yard so 132 miles so far Cost this month: £0: Last new shoes were in April – total shoeing this season so far £90, one set of fronts in March and one full set in April, so will be due a set next month Total cost: £95
May Overview: Number of chukkas played: 13 Number of miles travelled: 120 This month’s cost breakdown: £70 for a set of shoes and £3 for 1kg of turmeric (given for its anti-inflammatory benefits) Total cost this month: £73
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BRUNO Age: 17 Height: 15.1hh Sex: Gelding Type: Cebruno (An Argentine native breed) Name of owner: Melissa Wadley Base: Kirtlington Park Polo School Level of polo expected: From beginners to winners! “Back from holiday, and topped and tailed! There has been a long list of eager young polo players lining up for a chukka on him. I have been inundated with calls and emails requesting Bruno for lessons and chukkas, so it’s great to have him back from his holiday field in Banbury. “But, before I could send him out to teach all the children he needed his pre-season check ups! Bruno has had the dentist, his flu and tetanus jab. I always feel a bit sorry for the ponies at this time of year. I wouldn’t want to see the doctor and the dentist all in one day! Once Bruno had his sparkly new shoes on, teeth all sorted, jabs done and even wormed ready for a busy month of junior schools/seniors and universities polo lessons and practices, he was off. “We went to National Junior Schools at Longdole, it was a lovely weekend and the sunshine was out for the whole day. Bruno would have been off to Rugby for the SUPA Schools Trials but they were cancelled a few days before, so an afternoon off in the field was, I’m sure in Bruno’s mind, well deserved. June will be a busy month with National Girls Schools and the SUPA University National Universities. Right at the end of the month Bruno may well be playing in the SUPA National Senior Schools, which luckily is here at Kirtlington Park Polo Club so we wont have go too far.” May Overview: Number of chukkas played: 6 chukkas and 7 lessons Number of miles travelled: 190 This month’s cost breakdown: £75 set shoes, £15 wormer, £25 flu/tet, £40 dentist, £65 new summer fly rug Total cost this month: £220 www.polotimes.co.uk
26/05/2015 17:42
Pony running reports
ROCKY RACOON Age: 7 Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Breeding: My Native Gesture X Presenting Type: Irish Thoroughbred Name of owner: Polo Times ‘office’ polo string Base: Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire Level of polo expected: Low goal to medium goal “This month Rocky had his first chukkas of the season at Edgeworth Polo Club. In preparation, he was hogged and given a bath – Rocky had quite bad dandruff after spending the winter under a rug. We weren’t sure how Rocky would fare in his first chukkas; there were concerns over whether or not he would remember all that he had learnt last season – in particular that boards and white lines are not going to hurt him! “Despite any worries we had, Rocky performed impeccably. Not only did he play really well, he won every ride-off and even did a fantastic blast to goal. The difference in him now to this time last year, when he was very much a green pony, is staggering and a testament to both Rocky and the hours of time spent improving him behind the scenes. “Rocky will never be the bravest horse, hacks are an interesting event, with every doc leaf and nettle seemingly ‘dangerous’ and to be avoided, but he is a lovely boy and fingers crossed for the rest of the season. Going forward, it is planned that he will play throughout the summer, across the UK, with the first ports of call being the SUPA National University Championships at Dallas Burston and the Cheltenham College Polo Day.” May Overview: Number of chukkas played: 2 Number of miles travelled: 72 miles This month’s cost breakdown: £60 shoeing (with stud holes), £25 vaccinations Total cost this month: £85
www.polotimes.co.uk
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EXQUISITE Age: 13 Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Breeding: From Ellerston Australia out of a mare called Beauty by Norman Pentaquad Name of owner: James Harper Base: Cowdray Level of polo expected: 8-22 goal “So far Exquisite has played in 8, 12 and 15 goal tournaments. She has still been thinking about bucking a lot, but it has been improving a little. The opening games were great run outs in preparation for the 26 goal St. Regis International Test Match at Cowdray. It was great to play her in front of all the crowds and win against The Americas. I have taken her to Guards three times and the rest of the games in the tournaments we have played in have been at Cowdray. “I have just started to up the feed a bit in preparation for her chukkas in the 18 and 22 goal. It is a precise art with her and feed, we have to be careful with her or I will end up spending the chukka trying to stay on, or poor Sophie, my groom, spending the day riding her in before I play her. We have to count the oats out, otherwise it’s hold on tight time! “Ellie, my other groom, caught me the other day whispering into Exquisite’s ear saying ‘please be nice to me’ – in my defence it was a cold windy day and she was feeling very fresh and I knew what was coming, oats or no oats. I think Sophie has been spending a small fortune bribing her with treats, either that or they are rewards for her bucking bronco antics.” May overview: Number of chukkas played: 8 match chukkas Number of miles travelled: Lost count after the second trip to Guards Cost this month: £20 treats (paid for by Sophie), £80 set of shoes and £25 vaccinations Total cost: £125
Knowledge
FORTUNE Age: 10 Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Type: New Zealand thoroughbred Name of owner: Ollie Cudmore Base: Based at Manor Farm, Cowdray Level of polo expected: High goal
“Fortune is going really well at the moment. She seems a lot more relaxed this season, which is understandable as this time last year she had only just arrived from New Zealand. She is still a bit heavy but I think she should go well in The Queen’s Cup games that I have planned. “Although she is more relaxed this year, which is good, she certainly hasn’t lost any of her speed. She takes a lot of riding to get ready for a game so I have been pushing her quite hard this month. She has been trotting 20 minutes twice a day as part of her usual exercise regime on sets but I have been schooling in addition to this. On top of sets and schooling I also take her and play her in chukkas four or five times a week. “With the increase in the workload she is now eating well, which is always a good sign that she is happy with her work. I had been giving her quite a lot more in the way of oats in preparation for her Queen’s Cup matches. We shall see how she gets on with the increase in fast energy and then decide if I need to change her feed again as we hit the middle of the season.” MAy overview: Number of chukkas played: 13 chukkas (10 practices, 3 matches) Number of miles travelled: 0 miles (all practices/matches have been at Manor Farm) Cost this month: £70 shoes £70, £300 X-Rays, £170 other vet bills Total cost: £540
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Knowledge
Veterinary focus
Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS Holly is the Guards Polo Club Veterinary and Welfare Representative and also works for Scott Dunn’s Equine Clinic based in Berkshire with polo clients across the south of England. Most recently, Holly has taken her passion for polo pony welfare to the world of social media and has started a new Facebook and Twitter feed for Pony Welfare updates. Follow her @ponywelfare for helpful hints.
High goal high performance
W
ith the arrival of the high goal season comes the arrival of some of the finest equine athletes on the planet. Performance at the highest level requires a precise regime of nutrition, fitness, training and health care. At this level, ponies are playing at their absolute peak, and even a barely perceptible reduction in performance can be the difference between making the winning play and going home empty handed. With that in mind, here are my top five ‘silent’ performance limiting ailments. Bilateral Lameness Ponies that are in pain equally in both fore or hind limbs may not necessarily present as being obviously lame. A bilateral forelimb lameness may present itself as a pony not wanting to stretch out into a full gallop, whereas the only clue to a bilateral hindlimb problem may be that the pony is reluctant to stop and turn using its hindquarters, opting instead for the incorrect technique of diving onto the forehand when the aids are applied. Veterinary investigation of a bilateral lameness will almost certainly involve observing the horse trotting in a circle on hard and soft surfaces, to attempt to locate a lameness. Flexion tests are also a useful tool to try to highlight potential sources of pain. Your
A procedure to remove kissing spines
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veterinary surgeon may also use diagnostic analgesia (nerve blocks) to see if desensitising the structures in one limb will produce an obvious lameness in the contralateral limb. For very subtle problems your veterinarian may even wish to see the horse ridden before and after blocking both limbs. If a lameness can be localised using the above techniques, radiography and ultrasound are frequently used to make a diagnosis, so that an appropriate treatment program can begin. An accurate diagnosis and focused treatment are preferable to blind treatment with anti-inflammatories as a more focused treatment can be used to gain better results, or if necessary, exercise and polo can be reduced or stopped before a minor injury becomes a major career limiting one. Common bilateral forelimb lamenesses in polo ponies include concussive foot pain, fetlock joint osteoarthritis and proximal suspensory desmitis. In the hind limbs, osteoarthritis of the distal hock joints and proximal suspensory desmitis are most frequently encountered in my experience. Back Pain The equine back has an incredibly complicated anatomy constructed of a tight and precise relationship between the vertebral bones, cartilages, joints, ligaments
and muscles, all held in place with strong sheets of connective tissue. The complete structure is incredibly strong, however with so many elements there is scope for injury here and when it happens it can be difficult to detect. High speeds and athletic maneuvering, coupled with relatively heavy riders and traditional polo tack are all predisposing factors to the risk of back injury. Ponies with back pain may present with a resentment to being tacked up and mounted, reluctance to stretch out in full gallop and resistance to stopping. Examination of the back is difficult as many of the important structures are deep within the musculature and are difficult to image using conventional techniques. Veterinarians suspecting disorders of the back may use radiography to examine the dorsal spinous processes looking for impingement, commonly known as kissing spines. More commonly, modern ultrasonography techniques are being used to examine the musculature, the infraspinous ligament (the large ligament that connects the dorsal spinous processes), and even some of the tiny joints between the vertebrae. If this is unrewarding, horses may be referred to a specialist centre for a Nuclear Scintigraphy examination, also known as a ‘Bone Scan’ in an effort to locate the source of the problem.
An image from a ‘Bone Scan’ indicates the presence of kissing spines, which usually causes back pain and may result in a decrease of performance
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Knowledge Back pain can be a primary problem, however, often it is secondary to an undetected lameness and the consequent compensation in action brought about by such. For this reason, a thorough veterinary examination is advised before calling in the ‘back man’ to ensure that all problems are being treated from the root up, rather than simply addressing one symptom of what may be a complex problem. Once a diagnosis has been reached, a treatment plan can be devised. It is worth mentioning at this point that when it comes to back problems, prevention is far more desirable than enacting a cure, and the importance of correctly fitted and positioned tack cannot be emphasised strongly enough. Chronic Airway Inflammation Deep within the lungs are the tiny air sacs know as alveoli. As the horse breathes, air travels via the rigid trachea and bronchi and the non-rigid bronchioles into the alveoli where fresh oxygen passes into the bloodstream and is whisked around the body and used to produce the energy that the whole body requires to function. At peak performance the oxygen demand by the large muscle groups is high, and any detriment to the passage of oxygen into the bloodstream reduces the ability of the muscles to perform and decreases the amount of time that the pony can play before it becomes fatigued. Airway inflammation can be severe and obvious, with clinical signs such as coughing, nasal discharge and respiratory noise during exercise. More often than not this disease is silent and the only way to detect it is for your veterinarian to use an endoscopy (internal camera) to examine the airway looking for inflammatory signs such as redness, mucous and blood. There are many causes of chronic airway inflammation. These include allergies, infections, bleeding into the airway and simple environmental pollutants such as dust, clipped hair and even cigarette smoke! The best way to make an accurate assessment of the cause of airway inflammation is for your veterinarian to take a sample of mucous from the trachea and have it examined in a laboratory. The different cell types in the sample give clues as to the cause of the inflammation and once this is established a precise medical and management program can be initiated. Airway disease management in polo needs to be brought out of the dark age where simply blanket medicating every horse with clenbuterol (ventipulmin) is the norm. Addressing the causes and treating the problems at the root will give the best results here. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Gastric Ulceration The equine digestive tract has evolved over millions of years for the horse to be constantly grazing on high fibre food. The modern polo pony has, over a relatively very short period of time, been removed from this way of life and placed in a stable where it is traditionally fed high carbohydrate feeds for energy and has limited access to high fibre roughage for fear of the myth that this will make the horse ‘heavy’ whilst playing. The gastro-intestinal system is not evolving at the same pace as polo management techniques and this creates a problem! The equine stomach is physiologically equipped to deal with small amounts of high fibre food all day long. It constantly produces acid to enable the break-down and digestion of this food, and it also produces a mucous lining to protect itself from this acid. Optimal stomach health is based on a balance between acid production and mucous protection. This is facilitated by a constant flow of fibre based food through the stomach. High grain diets themselves produce extra acid as they are broken down, and limited meals during the day allow the acid to build up. Stress and anti-inflammatory medications can affect the production of the protective mucous barrier on the stomach lining. Combined, this creates an imbalance, and ulceration of the stomach lining can occur. The signs of gastric ulceration are subtle and include poor appetite, weight loss, a grouchy demeanour, resentment to being tacked up, especially the fastening of the girth, and a reluctance to stretch out in full gallop. There is often nothing abnormal on clinical examination or on blood tests. The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulceration is by using gastroscopy, where a tiny camera is passed into the stomach and the stomach lining examined for ulcers. Treatment programs include a combination of anti-ulcer medications, dietary modifications and stress reducing stable management. Metabolic Disorders Entire textbooks have been dedicated to metabolic disorders in horses, however the main performance limiting disorder observed under this category in polo ponies is Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (EER), or TyingUp, as it is commonly known. Many of us are familiar with the poor pony painfully rooted to the spot after returning to the pony lines, and when this happens the diagnosis is obvious. What many of us aren’t aware of is that rhabdomyolysis can begin the moment the playing pony changes from aerobic exercise, in which the body is being sufficiently
Gastroscopy is the most effective way to diagnose gastric ulceration
supplied with oxygen to convert stored glycogen (the glucose ‘storage’ molecule) into energy, to anaerobic exercise, in which oxygen supply is no longer adequate and the body begins converting glycogen to energy using a different physiological process that produces greater heat and waste products which are deposited in the muscles. Managerial practices such as high grain diets, dehydration due to withholding water prior to exercise, electrolyte derangements caused by diuretic use and high stress environments can all predispose to the occurrence of EER. There is also recent evidence that mares who ‘trap air’ either in their uterus or vagina are predisposed to this condition, and a discussion with your veterinarian regarding investigation and/or a ‘Caslicks Procedure’ may be warranted. Sub-clinical rhabdomyolysis may simply manifest itself as fatigue and left, undiagnosed and unmanaged, the subtle muscle damage that occurs behind the scenes can be silently reducing performance, conditioning and recovery times between chukkas and matches. A blood test examining the levels of muscle enzymes is required to detect this problem. If a diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis is made, your veterinarian can work with you to initiate dietary changes, electrolyte supplementation, vitamin and mineral supplementation, exercise programs and management strategies to reduce the risk of muscle damage during polo. Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS Straight Mile Farm Maidenhead Road Wokingham Berkshire RG40 5RW Tel: 01344 426066 Email: scottdunnvets@live.co.uk Or visit: www.scott-dunns.co.uk Polo Times, June 2015
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Knowledge
Nutrition focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Feeding the Broodmare and Foal She is in foal The development of the foal begins right from the point of conception so it’s very important to feed appropriately from this time onwards. It is often suggested that a high fibre, low energy feed, such as a cool mix, will meet a pregnant mare’s requirements through the first two thirds of the pregnancy but some simple maths suggests that this isn’t the case. For example, a 500kg pregnant mare requires 190g of copper per day. Assuming that she is stabled or barn kept over the winter months she could be consuming 10-12kgs of hay per day which will provide 60-70mgs of copper (assuming the hay has a copper content of 6mgs per kg). Add in 2.5kgs of a high fibre feed at 35mg/kg and the mare’s total intake is between 147 and 157mgs per day. That’s a deficiency of at least 33mgs! The even more frightening element of this is that to find hay with 6mgs of copper is unusual, most of the forages analysed at Baileys are nearer to 3 or 4mgs per kg which would make the overall diet even more deficient. Minerals like copper are vitally important in a mare’s diet because they, and other essential nutrients, are needed to build the cells and tissues that create a foal. Research has shown that the foetus accumulates stores of minerals in its liver on which it can draw once it is born and growing very rapidly. Without these reserves, Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) can occur as the foal grows.
I normally focus on feeding the polo pony in work for the summer months but I have recently seen some under nourished polo pony broodmares so felt compelled this month to cover broodmares and foals. Taking the decision to breed from your favourite playing mare or the family beloved is certainly a huge commitment and financial undertaking, and before embarking on such a venture it is important to be aware of just what is needed to produce a healthy, sound foal with a useful and long career ahead of it. Just as human mothers are advised to take particular care with their diets before, during and after their pregnancies, so too is it important to ensure correct nutrition for mares before conception, during pregnancy and lactation. Good preparation If you’ve made the decision to put your mare in foal, you can help maximise the chance of conception by feeding her correctly. Research suggests that a rising plane of nutrition increases conception rates, which simply means that the mare needs to be improving in condition at the time of conception. A mare should be fit, not
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fat when she is covered, with an optimum condition score of 4-5 at the time of covering. Mares that are significantly under or over weight are less likely to conceive.
The lactating mare Milk production requires more energy than hard work, even racing, so it’s no surprise that a mare can consume up to 2.75% of her bodyweight as food per day (compared to about 2% for maintenance requirements). Good quality grass makes a significant contribution to the mare’s requirements and is a good basis to the diets of lactating mares but it is VITAL that a stud ration is fed alongside to counteract any nutrient deficiencies that may be present in the pasture. The foal is growing rapidly during the first three months of life and is totally dependent on milk from the dam. The quality and quantity of the mare’s milk will determine the foal’s rate of growth, bodyweight and condition so the
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Knowledge mare’s diet must contain sufficient nutrients to support the foal during this period. Mare’s milk will usually meet the foal’s requirements for protein and energy, however, the mineral density declines as milk production increases, resulting in lots of energy but a “diluted” mineral content; which can lead to problems such as Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) in the foal and call for the use of vitamin and trace mineral supplementation. What to feed the mare? • Ensure she receives a suitable stud feed for her body type ‘Good doer’ = Stud Balancer that is low in calories but nutrient dense ‘Poor doer’= higher calorie Stud Cube or Mix • It’s important to feed manufacturers’ recommended levels to ensure the mare is receiving all the nutrients she and her growing foal require • Consider the type and quality of forage your mare is fed – Good quality grass that is high in calories may mean she only requires a low calorie Stud Balancer to support her requirements (remember, even the best grass will not provide your mare with all essential vitamins, minerals and protein) – Poorer grass or if relying on hay/ haylage means a higher calorie Stud Cube/Mix may be preferable • In the last trimester the foal is growing rapidly and mares may require a higher calorie diet to maintain condition; move from a low calorie balancer to a Stud Cube/Mix
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– Divide feeds into small meals due to limited space within the digestive tract and to maximise digestibility Feeding the Foal – • It is often not necessary to feed a very young foal (3 months and under) as it ultimately relies on the mare’s milk When do I need to supplement the diet? If the mare’s diet has been lacking the foal may be weak, if the mare’s milk is poor quality or in short supply or if the foal is getting ‘top heavy’ or growing rapidly What do I supplement with? Under 3 months – If calories are required for a weak foal or inadequate milk supply, then a milk based foal creep is best. If the
foal is top heavy or growing rapidly, then a vitamin/mineral supplementation can be used to support growth whilst minimising calorie/energy intake Over 3 months – Foals can digest a stud ration and it is important to counteract any shortfall within the mare’s milk and encourage the digestive system to adapt for weaning. Choose a Stud Cube/Mix if calories are needed OR Stud Balancer for a low calorie/energy diet whilst still supporting nutrient requirements. For any extra help with feeding your mares and foals, do not hesitate to contact any feed manufacturer with a nutritional support helpline, you are investing in your future so doing it correctly is a must! Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
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Knowledge
Equine legal advice
Defamation and Libel
Lottie Goldstone, a Solicitor Advocate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, picks apart the pitfalls of damaging reputations with claims of defamation and what constitutes libel
Defamation claims are more commonly regarded as a weapon predominantly available to the rich and famous in the battle to protect high profile reputations. Within the legal profession, clients are often advised that only the rich or foolish would pursue defamation claims however it can be seen from the recent Court case involving the polo pony Lady Gaga, that this is not always the case. Defamation has a wide ambit. A claim can be brought in order to protect a person, a brand or a corporate brand in respect of good will and reputation. With the increasing use of the social media, internet chat rooms and bulletin boards, individuals who are not necessarily in the public eye can find themselves libelled. Companies in particular need to guard against libelling individuals or other companies whether it is through online publications, website documentation or even through actions of their employees. In short, defamation has become a minefield. If you are considering bringing a claim for defamation then you need to ask yourself the following questions: 1. Is the statement defamatory? 2. Did the Defendant publish the statement to a third party? 3. Does the Defendant have a valid defence? The tort of defamation can be divided in to slander and libel. Publication of defamatory words or actions in a temporary or transient form (mainly oral publication) is known as slander. Libel on the other hand is a permanent form of publication of defamatory allegations and this includes publication by the medium of television, radio, theatre and internet. The meaning of the words and actions in question are critical for a defamation claim in either libel or slander to be established. The publisher of such defamatory 80
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material may find him or herself facing an action for damages as the recent polo pony case illustrates and possibly an injunction. Defamation damages, which are commonly referred to as compensatory damages can consist of general, aggravated and/or exemplary damages. As to whether the statement is defamatory, Lord Atkin said “A defamatory comment is one which injures the reputation of another by exposing him to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or which tends to lower him in the esteem of right thinking members of society.” Broadly speaking this means that mere insults and vulgar abuse are not defamatory. Usually a person making a defamation claim is primarily concerned with the injury to his reputation. To be actionable the statement must actually injure the Claimant’s reputation. As to whether the Defendant published the statement to a third party, publication for the purposes of defamation is relatively simple. A statement can be published, simply by saying it, or otherwise making it in some temporary way known as slander. And as we know if the statement is made in a more permanent form via the mediums already listed then this is known as libel. The Claimant must show that the defamatory statement actually identifies him or her. That said an indirect reference via a “nickname” can be sufficient. Any general reference to a group that perhaps includes the Claimant may not be sufficient to give the Claimant a valid basis for asserting defamation. The Courts have a wide interpretation of the meaning of publication with a view to include rather than to potentially exclude mediums of publication. An important fact is to consider whether the Defendant has a valid defence in relation to the statement i.e. was it justified, fair comment and/or privileged? To establish ‘justified’ the Defendant must be able to evidence that it was true or substantially true. When an action for defamation is brought the starting point for the Court is that the Claimant has good reputation and the statement injuring his or her reputation is false. This therefore puts the onus on the Defendant to prove that the statement is true. In relation to using fair comment as a defence this protects the right of free expression. If the statement in question is the honest opinion of the Defendant on a matter of public interest and there was no malice in making the statement then the defamation
claim is not actionable. Using privilege as a defence comes in two forms absolutely and qualified privilege. If they are the former then they are not actionable even if they would otherwise be defamatory. Examples include statements made in parliamentary proceedings and judicial proceedings, which are absolutely privileged even if the statement is made maliciously. Qualified privilege includes statements made out of some moral, legal or social duty however this does not apply if the person has made the statement out of malice. There is a time limit for bringing a claim and this is shorter than for other civil claims. It is only one year from the date of publication. Either parties to a defamation claim can request that it is heard by a jury if it goes to trial. This is most definitely not the case for other types of civil claims. It does however depend upon whether the claim has a reasonable prospect of success or not and this can be decided by a judge fairly early on, prior to trial. In so far as remedies for a defamation action these are in the form of damages and injunctions if a Claimant wins he can recover damages and costs and typically the unsuccessful party will be ordered to pay all or part of the winner’s costs as in any other civil proceedings. There are two types of damages that are common, these are general and special. General damages compensate for the non-monetary harm suffered such as pain and suffering. Special damages compensate the Claimant for quantifiable financial losses usually a loss of business. There are also aggravated and/or exemplary damages that can be included and these are used as more of a punitive measure where the Defendant’s behaviour has been somewhat reckless and unreasonable. There have been some cases where the Claimant has only received nominal damages i.e. £1 and this can happen where if the Defendant has failed to convince the jury completely that the statement was true not withstanding this the jury think that the statement may very nearly be true. The other tool that the Claimant has is to apply for an injunction to stop the Defendant from publishing any defamatory material. This potentially has serious ramifications due to curtailing freedom of expression and possible civil liberty issues. In the past judges have been criticised for the number of super injunctions granted to the powerful and rich www.polotimes.co.uk
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Knowledge including bringing people in from abroad in order to pursue their defamation claim in England and Wales. There are still instances where an injunction is a suitable remedy i.e. where there is evidence that the Defendant will repeat the defamatory allegations. It is useful to note that a breach of an injunction is punishable by imprisonment. In summary I would strongly advise caution when pursuing a defamation claim as more often than not they fail. They can be very expensive to pursue and the success rate is
low. One needs to consider their position very carefully and not in an angry and hot-headed manner. The questions need to be considered as raised in the outset of this article and the case needs to be solid and tight in order to go forwards. There is always the concern that cases like these need to be treated with caution due to the potential danger of opening the flood-gates to similar types of claims flooding the legal system. The judges always have an eye on the potential implications of decisions in relation to public interest.
TRISTAR
So when one is preparing and building one’s case, advice must be taken by a solicitor as a weak case will only result in one type of damages and these are to one’s bank account. For more information call Lottie on 07725 240233 or email her at lgoldstone@hcrlaw.com. As the recognised legal partner with HPA all HPA members are entitled to 15 minutes of free legal advice with Lottie and a 10% reduction in fees upon initial instruction.
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Equipment Focus: Bits
Knowledge
Bit by Bit
As part of the Polo Times bitting series, Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd. looks at the merits of some of the more unusual mouthpieces
The Happy Tongue Petros bit will help prevent the horse ‘taking hold’ (Pelham cheeks are pictured)
The Buster Roller is a kind, versatile, modern bit (Pelham cheeks are pictured)
As we know, Gag and Pelham bits continue to be the most popular bits in polo, but there are a large number of mouthpieces available; and some that you may not be so familiar with. Generally, the thicker the mouthpiece, the greater the bearing surface – the exerted pressure is spread over a wider area. The mouthpiece of a bit is selected to suit a horse’s requirements – what fits their mouth conformation and what they are comfortable and happy in. The bit rings, or cheek pieces, help the rider to communicate with the horse.
Ported, non-jointed mouthpieces A horse that shakes its head when bit pressure is applied may have a sensitive tongue; a ported mouthpiece may help. Something like the Happy Tongue would be useful for a horse with a sensitive or large tongue – as it has a medium port, creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. A bit with added, rotating elements like the Happy Tongue Petros will help prevent the horse taking hold of the bit, so would be ideal for a sensitive horse that leans.
Roller mouthpieces Roller lozenges will increase pressure on the tongue, helping to tuck the chin in. The Buster Roller is a great example of a kind, versatile, modern bit; the link in the middle is shortened to 40mm, increasing bar and tongue pressure, making the bit sharper than conventional link bits. The increased pressure on the bar will lift the head.
Elliptical lozenges A bit with a smaller-than-usual lozenge, such as the Petros Elliptical, which has a 45mm lozenge, helps horses that ‘draw back’ and tuck the chin in. This aids the rider to get the horse back to a better point of control. Such bits are ideal for horses using their tongue as a means of pushing against the bit, and therefore taking control.
Petros Elliptical mouthpieces have lozenges and rotating ‘petros’ elements – the cheekpiece pictured is a loose ring gag, with a T-bar
Again, the Petros mouthpiece elements rotate, preventing the horse from taking hold of the bit. Twisted snaffles Twisted snaffles generally have square or round twists – the square twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece, which will make it stronger than the round twist. A bit with a curved mouthpiece will distribute pressure more evenly over the tongue and bars. An interesting hybrid is the Barrie Reversible, a fairly severe bit that has two mouthpieces, one smooth with no twists, and one with round twists. The centre links of the two pieces are offset by 20mm, giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue and bar pressure. It is a versatile bit that, in careful hands, can be flipped and used either way.
The Barrie Reversible bit is popular with wily, older horses – the cheekpiece pictured is the Big Ring Gag
Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using the ‘design your own bit’ service at www.bombersbits.co.uk. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002. www.polotimes.co.uk
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Knowledge
Tack Focus
Saddle Fitting
For Performance and Pleasure Richard Buckett is a familiar sight in his blue and yellow RJ Polo van. He can be seen whizzing around the English countryside all year round selling all sorts of polo goodies from gloves to girths. What you may not know is that he has been a Master Saddler for over 20 years and also specialises in fitting polo saddles. In this new article Polo Times has teamed up with Richard to help you spot some of the most common tack fitting issues found in polo.
Badly fitting saddles can not only be uncomfortable for both pony and player, but can also affect performance, unbalance the rider, and cause damage to the pony’s back. These photographs are aimed to demonstrate both good and bad fitting saddles with two different ponies, Lala and Nube, both owned and played by Tilda Woodd. There are two main types of polo saddles, Argentine and English. The major difference between them is price! The reason for this is the quality of the materials and labour charges are higher in the making of the English polo saddle. Stylistically, most Argentine saddles are made with narrower seats and smaller panels, whereas the English saddles have bigger seats and larger panels.
This is an Argentine saddle. From this view it is evident that this particular saddle does not fit Lala well. The shape of the tree is too flat which has created a gap, big enough to fit a hand in, between the centre of the saddle and the horse. This saddle would cause Lala to have problems on both the front and rear areas of her back due to uneven pressure from her rider in this saddle.
This is the same Argentine saddle from the front. It appears one-sided not because it is wonky, but because the pony is unlevel. Here it is obvious that because the panels are very hard on this style of saddle, it will not mould to the pony’s shape.
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Knowledge
Here we can see that a similar Argentinean saddle does not fit Nube well. There are gaps between the pony’s back and the saddle, and the panels do not distribute pressure evenly across the top of the pony’s ribs, creating pressure points, which in turn will result in muscle stiffness and soreness.
This side view of an English saddle on Nube contrasts with that of the previous photo. The panels sit flush to the pony’s back, dispersing the weight evenly across it. A much better fitting saddle on Lala, showing a clear gullet. Although again the pommel looks too high, once girthed up and with a rider on top, the saddle will settle more and sit lower.
Although the pommel of the saddle looks high in this photo of Nube, the gap above the spine is necessary to avoid pressure on the pony’s spine. The gullet (space above the pony’s spine) must have an equal space all the way along, so that no part touches the spine, and no one spot is subjected to more pressure than another.
A well fitting saddle on Lala, showing the saddle panels following the contours of her back.
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Therefore it can be concluded that: • If the saddle looks too big for the horse, it probably is. • If the saddle sits to low at the front it will rub the withers and impinge upon the movement of the shoulders. • If the panels do not sit flush to a pony’s back they will cause pressure points and stress on the pony. • Pressure on the spine can cause serious damage, always ensure the gullet leaves enough room to avoid this. • Have saddles checked regularly to ensure they do not need reflocking. A wonky saddle places pressure on a pony. Ponies who are naturally unbalanced will need closer attention. • Ensure the saddle fits both pony and rider. A heavier rider’s pony may benefit from a saddle with longer panels to spread the weight over a larger area.
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Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Olly Hughes, HPA Deputy Chief Executive
Deputy Chief Executive of the HPA and ex-Beaufort Polo Club Manager, Olly Hughes talks to Polo Times about his dream polo team, playing with Black Bears in the 90s and his polo roots with the Pony Club with Jason Dixon, plus the need for a simplification of the rules of polo. What was your highest handicap and in what year? I was 3 goals between 1995-2003. What was the most successful team you played for? I was lucky enough to be based with and play for Black Bears in the 90s at a number of different levels, both in England and overseas and won the Gerald Balding. I even played my single game of English 22 goal with them and thus I have a 100% win record in the high goal! Who were your favourite teammates and why? Jason Dixon, Paddy Cowley and Angus Duncanson. We grew up together, started playing polo in the Cotswold Pony Club together and finally won the Gannon. Nothing beats playing, and ideally winning, with your friends at any level of polo. Hardest opponent? From the same era, probably Thamey (Robert Thame). The Bicester Pony Club led by Thamey were always our arch adversaries and our games were, in my mind at least, epic encounters. Thankfully childhood rivalries are pretty short lived and we all became, and remain, good friends.
Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby (Glosssssterrrrrr) and cricket. I try to go with my son Isaac to Kingsholm at least once in the winter and to a Test or one-dayer at Lord’s in the summer. Favourite song/ album? Single – Back in Black (AC/DC)-the greatest guitar riff and also my ringtone! Album – Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd). A great album to listen to when doing late night revision because every so often there’s a jolt that reminds you what you’re meant to be doing. Most prized material possession? Probably my house because that is where my family and everything that is most important to me can be found. Favourite TV show? Family Guy.
Favourite polo venue and why? Anywhere that the grass is short, the sun is shining, the ball is running and the players are behaving! Favourite film? The Shawshank Redemption – I love the idea that with enough patience and belief almost anything can be achieved.
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Who has had the biggest influence on your life? I have been helped by so many people that it would be unfair to single one out. Juliet Worsley who first taught me to play polo; Phillip Elliott who taught me how to ride correctly for polo and who put me up in Brazil on several occasions; John P Smail and Brett Badham who have both helped me along the way; Norman Bellone who gave me my first “proper job” outside polo and from whom I learnt a great deal about business; my father, who didn’t have a complete meltdown when I quit university having decided that the world of polo was lacking someone with my unique set of skills. He has always quietly supported me without ever giving the impression that he thought any of it was a good idea. Who would you most like to meet and why? Tommy Hitchcock Jnr. A World War One fighter pilot at the age of 17; he escaped from captivity after being shot down; he held a 10 goal handicap for 18 years and he flew to work as an investment banker in New York in his own seaplane, landing on the East River. He was the basis for a character in The Great Gatsby and was killed testing the first fighter jets. I’m not saying we’d have a huge amount in common but it would be very interesting! Favourite snack? PB & J sandwich.
Describe yourself in three words… Easygoing, patient, diplomatic.
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26/05/2015 16:19
In action at Ham in 2004
Your best pony when you played? Nemesis. I bought him as a three year old from Ascot sales in 1998. He was probably the cleverest horse I ever had and he worked out how to play polo very quickly. If he was feeling fresh at the start of the season and you took him out to stick and ball he would, between shots, spend most of his time with all four feet off the ground and yet would always arrive at the ball perfectly balanced for the next shot. He would’ve been in my top three horses to play, but he was far and away the most fun to be around. One thing which would surprise us about you? That I know all the words to Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang (the long version).
Playing for Buck’s Club in 2002
What has been your proudest achievement to date? Polo can be a very fickle mistress, so I think that to be lucky enough to still be working in the sport I love has to be my proudest achievement.
If you were invisible for one day, what would you do? I would go to wherever the European Statutes are kept and insert one that specifically excludes British polo from any EU regulation.
Who would be in your dream team and why? Walter Buckmaster (first English 10 goaler), Tommy Hitchcock Jnr (see above), Juan Carlos Harriott (h) (the best ever?), Carlos Menditeguy (10 goals and a Formula 1 racing driver). They are all legendary 10 goal players with much more than polo to occupy them. To have the opportunity to see how they would play and interact would be fascinating and I should think that the post match analysis session would be unique.
What makes you angry? Generally, players who are prone to blame anyone but themselves for losing a game but specifically players who take the horses for granted and who blame the horse for their own poor performance. Where do you go for a polo-free holiday and why? Ideally, on a barge on the Canal du Midi in France where life can go no faster than 8 kmh and there are very few electronic distractions. What do you think is the most important problem to address in polo? At the moment, the simplification and unification of the rules. I think that there is now genuine momentum for the three Associations to align their rules, at the very least for the high goal. I think that the rules of polo can be made much simpler for the casual observer to understand, and that is one way to make the game more appealing to a wider audience. How would you describe the sport to an outsider in three words? Complex, infuriating, addictive. Which polo person offers the best advice? The two Davids (Woodd and Morley) are always good value for an opinion and an insight.
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Gossip
A SOUTH AFRICAN WEDDING
MINI MACDONOUGH NUMBER THREE
5 goal South African player Brad Mallet has got engaged to his girlfriend, Joni Groom. Brad, who is based in Cowdray for the current season proposed to Joni in Zambia on 16 April. The couple, who have been together for just over a year and a half, plan to get married later on this year back home in South Africa. Congratulations to you both.
Multiple Argentine Open Champion, 10 goaler Pablo MacDonough and his wife Mechi are expecting their third child this year. The couple’s future arrival will be a little brother or sister to their two children, Milo and Olivia. Pablo is currently over in the UK playing the high goal with the UAE side.
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
A TOUGH CHALLENGE
If you thought your pre-season training was tough, you should compare it to that of Heather Lodder, Tom Wigglesworth, Malta Richter, Princess Tamara Czartoryski and Alex Jacob. Together they took on the Tough Mudder Challenge – a challenge that is advertised as ‘the toughest event on the planet’ – to raise money for War Child and Battersea Dogs Home. It is a team orientated 10–12 mile long obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental grit, and the whole team completed the events in an impressive four hours. If you would like to support the team please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/heatherlodder
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A MARATHON ACHIEVEMENT
Congratulations to Ali Paterson on his remarkable effort in this year’s London Marathon. Ali ran the 26 mile course in an impressive 3 hours and 45 minutes. Ali ran the marathon to raise money for Starlight, a children’s charity which aims to provide fun and stimulating for seriously ill children in hospitals.
LOOK- A –LIKES
Poldark is the BBC’s latest drama to take the nation by storm, with the sultry Ross Poldark saving Cornwall one tin mine at a time. Savvy banker and general villain of the drama, George Warleggan, is played by English actor Jack Farthing – who holds an uncanny similarity to UK pro Richard, the Earl of Tyrone… Agree?
Photograph by Guards Polo Club
Sidelines
CIAO TO CHARLEY DOUBLE BLOW
Jeremy Pemberton, patron of Conosco IT Partners team, was forced to finish his 2014 season early after breaking his leg during the Autumn Nations Cup tournament at Guards. This season, unfortunately, seems to have started exactly where he left off. During a game in Cowdray Park’s Dollar Cup tournament, Pemberton, who was playing with George Pearson, Will Emerson and Peter Webb, broke his other leg. Polo Times wishes him a quick recovery and hopes to see him back on a horse as soon as possible.
After being Editor of The Polo Magazine for a number of years and recently Commissioning Editor of Polo Times, the team here in Gloucestershire have said a fond farewell to Charley and wish her the best of luck in her new adventures abroad.
Farewell drinks with some of the Polo Times team
www.polotimes.co.uk
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Sidelines
Jon Zammett & Brigadier John Wright
Colonel Paul Belcher & Neil Hobday
Tissy Van Reyk, Tara Smith & Ellie Pearce-Thomas
PJ’s Start of Season Party; PJ’s Bar & Grill, London; Monday 11 May
25 Years of PJ’s
Annie & Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers
To herald the start of the 2015 polo season, PJ’s Bar & Grill on the Fulham Road hosted their annual party. This year was made extra special as Brian Stein was also celebrating 25 years of PJ’s, and so he and Platina Tong jazzed up the evening with Samba girls fresh from the Guanabara, accompanied by sparklers, an eruption of confetti and Brian’s much loved antique horse toting stunning silver tack. The great and good of the UK polo scene joined in to celebrate the start of the season, making room for the fantastic birthday cake and much hip swaying to the beat of the drums. The UK polo season hasn’t started until the PJ’s party is over, and if the evening is anything to judge by, the 2015 season is going to be one to remember.
Claire Tomlinson & Stephen Lamprell
Photographs by Tony Ramirez/ www.imagesofpolo.com & Edward Lloyd/Alpha Press Janey Grace, Chloe Canning, Ali Walker & Sophie Good
Iain Forbes-Cockell & Lucy Sones
Maria Leoni-Sceti & Platina Tong
www.polotimes.co.uk Siobhan Barney & Robert de By
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Alex Jacob, Max Charlton & Heather Lodder
Pancho Marin-Moreno & Tommy Elliot
David Woodd & Bumble Hadden-Paton
Maggie Hyde & Sophie Brogen
John & Anastasia Gunn
Polo Times, June 2015 Sanchia & Andrew Blake-Thomas & Lucy Northmore
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Sidelines
Neil Hobday
Alice Gipps, Sophie Kyriazi, Steph Gent, Katrina Thomas & Victoria Diaz Alberdi
Larry Le Gatt & Fabio Lavinia
Jock Green-Armytage, Ros Paker & Brig John Wright
Extraordinary entertainment during dinner
Simon & Lucy Holland
Richenda Hine, Jeff Thomas & Anne Bond
Ton Srivaddhahaprabha, Marcos di Paola, Top Srivaddhahaprabha & Gonzalito Pieres
John & Judy Tinsley
Georgia & Jonathan Munro Ford
Alix & Malcolm Borwick
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Verity & Chris Adkins
Sophie & Jonny Good
Chris Hyde www.polotimes.co.uk
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Sidelines
Flora Richardson & Richard, the Earl of Tyrone
The magnificent HPA Victor Ludorum trophies
10th Polo Awards; Guards Polo Club; Tuesday 19 May
10th Anniversary Celebrations
Sallie-Ann, Duane & Terence Lent
Max Charlton & Sophie Brogen
Since its creation in 2006, The Polo Awards has been a permanent fixture in polo’s UK summer social calendar, with the great and good coming together to celebrate some of the greatest polo achievements of the season. This year with the backdrop of Guards Polo Club, the evening was no different, with the most memorable events, players and ponies being celebrated in style. Champagne from Perrier-Jouët and Krušovice beer flowed freely, while guests were entertained by live music as well as an after dinner display by a super bendy contortionist. Spotted in the crowd were Award winners Urs Schwarzenbach, Malcolm Borwick, Chris and Jack Hyde, Top Srivaddhahaprabha, Rashid Albwardy, Nikolai Bahlsen and of course, Adolfo Cambiaso, as well as many others. Urs’ well-received speech had the crowd in hysterics documenting his polo career, whilst later on Max Charlton did himself proud in a very hotly contested dance off against Charlie Woolridge. For a full report on the results of the evening please turn to page 34. Photographs © www.imagesofpolo.com John Tylor
Will Emerson & Stefan Sund
Urs Schwarzenbach & Ros Paker
Victoria & Robert Thame www.polotimes.co.uk
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Louisa & Sebastian Dawnay
Nicky Williams, Antony Fanshawe, Charlie Wooldrige & Ollie Cudmore
Ali Paterson, Diego Cavanagh, Rashid Albwardy, Adolfo Cambaiso & Martin Valent
Major Iain Forbes-Cockell & Becky Simpson Polo Times, June 2015 91
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Sidelines
All the jockeys post-race
Pre-race smiles all around
Starlight Charity Polo Race; Newbury Racecourse; Friday 15 May Sarah Henderson in the parade ring
Jono Smail, Tommy Severn & Satnam Dhillon
Dibble Woodhouse & Jessica Hinaman
Pitches for furlongs A contingent of polo players comprising of, Sarah Henderson, Jono Smail, Jess Hinaman, Dibble Woodhouse, Sophie Heaton-Ellis, Emily Morris Lowe, Tommy Severn and Satnam Dhillon, swapped polo sticks for jockey’s silks at Newbury Racecourse in aid of Starlight Children’s Foundation on Friday 15 May. The race was run over five furlongs, with all of the ‘jockeys’ racing on their own polo ponies, it was Sarah Henderson who came pipped the others to the post. After the race, there was a lunch and an auction, which together with the race itself raised more than £100,000 for Starlight which is such a worthy cause. Photographs by Camilla Henderson and Zarah Lucas
Emily Morris Lowe, Jess Hinaman, Hannah Henderson, Sarah Henderson, Sophie Heaton-Ellis & Dibble Woodhouse
Emily Morris Lowe
Starlight Raceday Chairman Nicky Henderson & Committee Member Sarah Henderson
Polo Accountancy Services Specialists in providing bespoke polo accountancy services, business & tax advice for players, clubs and patrons With over 30 years of polo experience, we understand the intricacies of the polo business and provide Specialist Polo Tax Advice for all your polo affairs • If selling more than one polo pony this season, are you receiving specialist tax advice? • Is your company getting appropriate tax relief for polo? • Will you have a saleable polo business? • Are your accounts and tax affairs up to date? • Are you behind with your Year End accounts? • Is your monthly payroll giving you a headache? • Are PAYE, VAT & HMRC concerns affecting your game? You are not alone if any of the above are putting you off your swing… For all polo accountancy & tax planning advice, please contact the experts: John Hine FCA 07517 877133/ 01452 730770 (Tuesday & Thursday) Nicholas Hine 07860 906032/ 01452 730770 (Monday – Friday)
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Classifieds
Polo directory
POLO SADDLE 18” SEAT In excellent condition except suede effect gone. VERY little use never used for Polo. New cost €930 Now €450 Tel +3538 7751 7409 Email ann.curran2@gmail.com Co. Laois, Ireland.
Marketplace
POLO TACK FOR SALE S/H Saddles, Bridles, Bits etc. Owner retired. £POA Tel: 07831 677379 for full details Midhurst
Ponies
Transport
15.0 Argentine TB Grey Mare, 12 years. Intelligent and extremely brave pony. She is a hugely nimble pony and accordingly has a very light mouth with lots of handle. Has taken current her rider right from Surtees in the Pony Club to now excelling at University Polo and 8 goal polo; will rise to higher levels or happily play lower levels depending on what you need on the given day. Sadly for sale as owner of eight years shifting focus to retraining horses. Family favourite so must go to a good home. £7,000 ono. Tel; 07969 456214
LUCERO, 12 YEARS OLD GELDING Video of Lucero can be sent via whatsapp or email. In good condition, any trial. £3,500. Tel: Aisha in London on 07989 543257/0207 965 7227 or email aisha.f@ppmcl.co.uk Coworth Park, Ascot/ Farm Walton on the Wolds
7 YEAR OLD 15.3 GELDING Flake talented balanced with good turn of speed, strong in the ride off. Will go far, played by 1 goaler who is giving up. £10,000 Tel: 07500 334175. Surrey POLO STRING FOR SALE Cowdray 1 goaler giving up due to work commitments. A selection of very good ponies for sale all capable of playing up to 12 goal. Ranging from £5,000-£15,000. 15hh to 15’2. All well-schooled and versatile with good temperaments. Can be seen in Midhurst area. Tel: Piers on 07836 220 385. Midhurst POLO PONY FOR SALE 15.2 thoroughbred Bay mare 10 years old well experienced easy in every way. £4,000. Tel: Ed Batchelor 07745 783330 or edbatchelor@hotmail.co.uk. Banbury
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POLO RAT 10 HORSE LORRY - M REG M REG Leyland DAF Lorry, 18T, Carries 10 Horses, 12 Months Tax, MOT until End of July 2015, Aluminium Floor with Rubber Matting, Manual Ramp, Sleeper Cab, CCTV, 109K Miles. Reliable and easy to drive. £8,000 ono Tel; 07881 820 961, matthew@securitydirect.uk.com VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Ofxu-1ZXQDI Beverley, Yorkshire
9 YRS, SUPER MARE, very easy and kind. Plays up to 4 goal but will also play pony club polo. £7,000 Tel: Nico San Roman 07920 842307 Nr Ascot SCHOOLMASTER REQUIRED Safe, sensible, experienced, confidence building pony required for my 10y/o son to play PC polo. Would also be great if pony could jump/hunt. 5* Family Home, To loan or buy. Contact ed@blacketts.net. North Wiltshire
HORSEBOX FOR SALE: 2005 DAF TRUCKS FA CF65.250 11 Horse, Twin sleeper cab, Certificated with DEFRA for Europe, Water, Tank, Fans, Full 12 months MOT £23,500 + VAT Tel: 07901 857960 / 01325 332649
HORSEBOX FOR SALE: 2005 MAN 8.155 5/6 Horse Newly Painted Test Until March 2016 £7,500 + VAT Tel: 07901 857960 / 01325 332649.
FLUFFY REQUIRED FOR 8 YEAR OLD We are looking for a safe, sensible, experienced, confidence building pony for my 8 year old son to play the pony club on 5 * home awaits. Tel: Mo 07971 066289 sheikhmo@icloud.com. Berkshire
Equipment IDEAL ENGLISH POLO SADDLES Seven English polo saddles by IDEAL for sale, various widths, wool flocking for perfect fit, excellent condition (new cost £1,200 each) sensible offers invited. Tel: 07933 783578. Near Newmarket
Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032
Situations GROOM REQUIRED We are looking to appoint a groom ASAP at our happy friendly yard in Holyport, polo experience essential, accommodation provided, preference given to 7.5 ton drivers. £TBC TEL: 07971 066289 email sheikhmo@icloud.com. Holyport Berkshire GROOM 3 Goal Professional playing out of Guards needs a competent assistant groom to join his team for this summer or can be year round. Training and accommodation can be provided. To start as soon as possible. Good wage. Tel: Clare 07957 587066. Fifield Polo Club, Nr Windsor, Berkshire
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
Printed by: The Manson Group Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk
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© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015
Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Polo directory
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Dates for your diary
What’s on in June 2015 UK highlights – Listed in date order Test Matches
Beaufort – International (Open): 13 June
High Goal
Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 17 – 7 June Guards – The Queen’s Cup (17-22): May 19 – 14 June RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 6 – 13 June Cirencester – The Apsley Cup (15-18): 10 – 28 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 16 – 22 June
Medium Goal
Cowdray – Cicero Cup (12-15): May 19 – 6 June Guards – Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 27 – 21 June Guards – Mountbatten Cup (12-15): May 27 – 21 June
Intermediate 10-12 Goal
Beaufort – The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): May 26 – 6 June RCBPC – The Simon Holley 10 Goal Open Tournament (7-10): 2 – 7 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): 11 – 27 June
8 Goal
Cirencester – Humphrey Guiness Plate (4-8): 2 – 14 June Burningfold – Burningfold 8 goal (4-8): 4 – 28 June Guards – The Archie David Cup (4-8): 4 – 28 June Guards – Caterham Cup (4-8): 4 – 28 June Edgeworth – Isa Trophy (4-8): 6 – 7 June Cirencester – Junior Cavalry Cup (4-8): 9 – 21 June Kirtlington – Secretary’s Cup (4-8): 16 – 21 June
6 Goal
Cirencester – Committee Cup (0-6): May 26 – 7 June Kirtlington – Arlington Cup (2-6): 2 – 7 June Fifield – Polo Performance Trophy (0-6): 6 – 7 June Kirtlington – Dent Cup (2-6): 9 – 14 June Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 11 – 21 June White Rose – The Summit Cup (2-6): 13 – 14 June DBPC – The Chairman’s Cup (2-6): 13 – 14 June Cirencester – Meadow Cup (0-6): 16 – 28 June RCBPC – Henryk de Kawiatkowski 6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 18 – 21 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (6): 20 – 21 June DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 23 – 28 June www.polotimes.co.uk
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Kirtlington – Barlow Cup (2-6): 23 – 28 June Edgeworth – 6 Goal Championship (0-6): 27 – 28 June
4 Goal
Cheshire – Chairman’s Cup (0-4): 6 – 7 June Ranelagh – Copa Don Beni (2-4): 6 – 7 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 6 – 7 June Cirencester – RJ Polo 4 Goal (0-4): 6 – 14 June Wicklow – Stolen Spurs (2-4): 11 – 14 June Cambridge County – Greenheath Tournament (0-4): 13 – 14 June Cheshire – Cheshire Champion Cup (0-4): 13 – 14 June Lacey Green – The Gemini International Trophy (2-4): 13 – 14 June Beaufort – The Richard Underwood Cup (0-4): 13 – 27 June Druids Lodge – The India Trophy (3-4): 20 – 21 June Hurtwood – Cody’s Challenge (2-4): 20 – 21 June Longdole – John Lucas Trophy (0-4): 20 – 21 June Offchurch Bury – The Offa Rex Trophy (0-4): 20 – 21 June Taunton – Royal Aden Cup (0-4): 20 – 21 June Tidworth – Strategic Shipping 10th Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 24 – 28 June Ascot – Asian Art (0-4): 27 – 28 June Binfield Heath – Borough Marsh Farm (0-4): 27 – 28 June Ranelagh – Copa De La Estancia (2-4): 27 – 28 June
3 Goal
Vaux Park – Sponsors Tournament (0-3): 27 – 28 June
2 Goal
Beaufort – The Novices Cup (-2-2): 2 – 13 June Kirtlington – The Chukka Cup (-2-2): 4 – 7 June Binfield Heath – June Tournament (0-2): 6 – 7June Burningfold – Burnt Hill Cup (0-2): 6 – 7 June Druids Lodge – The June Trophy (1-2): 6 – 7 June Hurtwood – Bremont Watch Trophy (-2-2): 6 – 7 June Ranksboro – Ranksboro 2 Goal (0-2): 6 – 7 June Sussex – Hamptons International Polo Challenge (-2-2): 6 – 7 June Taunton – Jellalabad Cup (0-2): 6 – 7 June Vaux Park – Chocolate Challenge (-2-2): 6 – 7 June Binfield Heath – Anniversary Tournament (0-2): 13 – 14 June Epsom – Father’s Day Cup (-2-2): 13 – 14 June Lacey Green – The Gemini International Trophy (0-2): 13 – 14 June
Polo directory
New Forest – Kuseyo Memorial Trophy (0-2): 13 – 14 June Ranelagh – Committee Cup (0-2): 13 – 14 June Tidworth – Mixed Doubles (-2-2): 13 – 14 June Kirtlington – Omi Garner (-2-2): 16 – 20 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (-2-2): 20 – 21 June Edgeworth – The Polo Magazine Cup (-2-2): 20 – 21 June Fifield – Harum Scarum Trophy (0-2): 20 – 21 June Lacey Green – The Bucks Shield (0-2): 20 – 21 June Suffolk – Mansfield Tournament (-4-2): 20 – 21 June Sussex – St James Wealth (-2-2): 20 – 21 June Tidworth – Grenadier Cup (0-2): 20 – 21 June Vaux Park – Sponsors Tournament (-2-2): 20 – 21 June Ham – Petersham Bowl (-2-2): 20 – 21 June Kirtlington – Black Sheep Trophy (-2-2): 23 – 28 June Burningfold – Blackdown Equine Clinic 2 goal (0-2): 25 – 28 June Cheshire – Fox & Barrel Cup (0-2): 27 – 28 June White Waltham – Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (0-2): 27 – 28 June
1 Goal
Cheshire – Demetriadi Cup (-1-1): 20 – 21 June
0 Goal
Ascot – The Muriel Trophy (-2-0): 6 – 7 June New Forest – Remnants Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 June Silver Leys – The SG Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars’ Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 June White Waltham – Summer Cup (-2-0): 6 – 7 June White Waltham – Veterans Match HAC vs. Grenadiers Guards (-4-0): 13 June Cambridge County – Greenheath Tournament (-4-0): 13 – 14 June
Testing times...
Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page The inuagural 2006 Polo Awards were held at the Dorchester, Park Lane, London.
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Polo directory
Dates for your diary
DBPC – The Player’s Cup (-4-0): 13 – 14 June Kirtlington – Sonara Classic (-4-0): 13 – 14 June New Forest – Fellowship Cup (-2-0): 13 – 14 June Sussex – Summer Shield (-4-0): 13 – 14 June Taunton – Friendship Cup (-4-0): 13 – 14 June West Wycombe – Chairman’s Cup (-2-0): 13 – 14 June White Rose – Charlie Phillips Cup (-4-0): 13 – 14 June Rutland – Findlay Trophy (-4-0): 16 – 21 June All Ireland – All Ireland Polo Challenge (0): 20 – 21 June Lacey Green – The Bucks Shield (-2-0): 20 – 21 June Offchurch Bury – The Offa Rex Trophy (-4-0): 20 – 21 June Ranelagh – Copa La Brava (-2-0): 20 – 21 June Silver Leys – President’s Cup (-2-0): 20 – 21 June Tidworth – Grenadier Cup (-4-0): 20 – 21 June White Waltham – Challenger Lighting Trophy (-2-0): 20 – 21 June Moyne – Moyne Polo Midsummer Invitational (-2-0): 21 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Lancers Cup (-4-0): 24 –28 June Binfield Heath – Borough Marsh Farm (-4-0): 27 – 28 June DBPC – The Champagne Cup (-4-0): 27 – 28 June Epsom – The Armed Forces Day (-4-0): 27 – 28 June Hurtwood – The Gaucho Cup (-4-0): 27 – 28 June New Forest – King Garn’s Cup: Mixed Doubles (-2-0): 27 – 28 June Sussex – Thimble Cup (-4-0): 27 – 28 June Taunton – The Summer Tournament (-2-0): 27 – 28 June West Wycombe – Amateur Cup (-2-0) 27 – 28 June
Below 0 Goal
Cheshire – Chairman’s Plate (-4- -2): 6 – 7 June Ranksboro – Ranksboro -2 Goal (-6- -2): 6 – 7 June Rugby – The Toft Shield (-6- -2): 6 – 7 June
Silver Leys – The SG Cup (-6- -2): 6 – 7 June Sussex – Hamptons International Polo Challenge (-6- -2): 6 – 7 June Tidworth – Mixed Doubles (-6- -2): 13 – 14 June West Wycombe – Chairman’s Cup (-6- -2): 13 – 14 June Cheshire – Vladivar Cup (-4- -1): 13 – 14 June Ascot Park – Richmond Horse Cup (-4- -2): 20 – 21 June Cheshire – Orion Engineering Trophy (-6- -2): 20 – 21 June Silver Leys – Presidents Cup (-6- -2): 20 – 21 June Sussex – St James Wealth (-6- -2): 20 – 21 June Tidworth – Presidents Cup (-6- -2): 20 – 21 June Epsom – Victory Day Cup (-6- -4): 20 – 21 June West Wycombe – Amateur Cup (-6- -2): 27 – 28 June FHM – Stickhedz Trophy (-8- -4): 27 June Cheshire – Vicarage & White Lion Cup (-4- -1): 27 – 28 June
Open
Druids Lodge – Spring Trophy (Spring League Finals) (OPEN): May 2 – 28 June Heathfield – The Asker Cup (OPEN): 6 – 7 June Lacey Green – Sponsored Challenge Matches (OPEN): 6 – 7 June Vale of York – KRS Cup (OPEN): 14 June Kirtlington – Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy (OPEN): 21 June St Albans – Polo for Heroes (OPEN): 27 June Suffolk – Suffolk vs. Norfolk (OPEN): 27 June Suffolk – Newmarket Festival Polo Match (OPEN): 27 June Lacey Green – London Business Championship (OPEN): 27 – 28 June Vale of York – Conservative Cup (OPEN): 28 June
Combined Services
RMAS – RMAS Heritage Open Day (OPEN): 14 June
Save the Date Charity Events Tidworth – Best of British Polo (Open): 31 May White Waltham – Help for Heroes Combined Forces Trophy (-2-0): 13 – 14 June Ascot – Genghis Khan Cup: 13 June Beaufort – Charity Day (OPEN): 14 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (6): 20 – 21 June St Albans – Polo for Heroes (Open): 27 June Kirtlington – Bike Polo Tournament: 29 June
Save the Date Social Events Celtic Manor – After Polo Party: 13 June Watergate Bay – GWR Polo on the Beach Party: 27 June Bar 1, Ascot – The Queen’s Cup After Party: 14 June Rutland – Rutland Polo Club Ball: 20 June Edgeworth – Summer Ball: 11 July
Women’s Women ’s Polo Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates and for all SUPA, Pony Club and Young England dates please turn to the Youth Polo section of the magazine.
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Polo Times, June 2015
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michael.owen@uk.lockton.com www.polotimes.co.uk
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