Polo Times Sept16

Volume 21 • Issue 8 • September 2016 • £6.50

CORONATION CUP England defeat at Guards PONY CLUB & YOUTH SPECIAL 21 pages of Young Polo Reports PLUS: Tally Ho Polo Festival & Victor Ludorum Round-Up

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

T H E P O L O P L AY E R S ’ C H O I C E

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Winston Churchill

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Women:

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Fashioned on the key defender of a polo team, No.4, this gin is deliciously reliable and delivers time and time again. Traditionalists will love this classic London Dry gin over ice with tonic and orange peel. For those with a more adventurous palette, add to toasted rosemary, tonic and fresh mint leaves for the ultimate G&T.

.

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GIN

Product of the UK Steeped in history, this proudly British, quadruple distilled, hand crafted, small batch Polo Gin uses only the best organic botanicals to create some of the most flavoursome yet smoothest of gins on the market. Using a still fuelled by wood harvested by horse power on the local mountains and drawing Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as eco-friendly as can be.

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UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

Men:

2-3 units a day

Women:

2-3 units a day

29.89 UK Units

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THE FOUNDER

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Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. With so many different botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, No.3, is the ultimate midday refresher when garnished with strawberry and basil for the most outrageously smooth, yet delicous G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the thirst quenching Chukka Cocktail™, alongside lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and strawberries.

7

POLO

Product of the UK The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

.

42

POLO

BRITISH

42

SPIRITUEUX SPIRITS

FULL STRENGTH

700ml

42.7% alc./vol.

B O TA

NICA

L

B O TA

NICA

L

S in history, this proudly British, quadruple S Steeped distilled, hand crafted,

obriété des lignes et élégance des imple lines and elegant proportions are proportions caractérisent la nouvelle the characteristics of the new CEREMONY bouteille CEREMONY au design intembottle with its timeless design. Its generous smallporel. batch Polo Gin uses only the best organic botanicals to create some and curved silhouette immediately arouses Sa silhouette généreuse et courbe flavoursome yet smoothestthe ofdesire ginstoon theit. market. suscite unemost attirance tactile immédiate. touch The thick glass foot L’épaisse semelle de verre sublime la pureté elevates the purity and relevance of the et la pertinence de la forme. De larges faces shape. Wide facings offer an excellent field planes permettent une personnalisation of expression and room for all types of www.britishpologin.co.uk @britishpologin aisée de la bouteille. personalisation.

of the

sofpolo.com

Photograph by ©www.image

© wwww.imagesofpolo.com

Proud to be part of your team Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

Tally Ho Farm www.tallyhofarm.co.uk

EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER

Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

September 2016

Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk

40

Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

27

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

News

Military Polo

Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk

6 14 16

Editorial

Comment

Polo Reporter & Researcher

Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

18 22

Principal Design

55

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update Your Views: Letters Big Picture

71

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Knowledge 73 80

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series from Pony Club to High Goal Vet Insight: Nothing Sweet About Summer Itch Nutrition: Adjusting to English Life Bit Focus: Swivel Bits Fitness for Polo: The Warm Up

Features

James Morgan

24

82 84 86

Additional Design

Reports

Sidelines

Tony Ruddy

27 33

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Martin Perez, Kate Scurfield, Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS, David Woodd, Charles Whittington, Jilly Emerson, Janie Dear, Amanda North, Christopher Price, Jo Whittington, Clare Musgrave, Justin Stanhope-White

Contact details

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 2016 and Database Right 2016 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

40 42 44

Cover photograph: Fred Mannix Jnr receiving The Royal Salute Coronation Cup from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cover Story: The Royal Salute Coronation Cup Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Round-Up Cover Story: The Tally Ho Polo Festival The Westcroft Park Festival of Polo Sotogrande Round-Up

88 89

Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory:

98 What’s On in September?

102 Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell:

104 Passions: Hissam Ali Hyder

Club Focus

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

5 Minutes With… Rachael Hughes A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Youth Polo 55

distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

From Field to Fashion: Hurlingham 1875 Clothing Launch

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Cover Story: El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships Junior HPA Championships HPA Select Upate All Aspects of Youth Polo

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, September 2016

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from the Publisher

News

As the British Olympic success reaches dizzying heights, THE ANIMAL EQUIVALENT of the Victoria Cross has been awarded to a life-saving horse with the UK placed who served in the Korean War. Sergeant Reckless was posthumously recognised for her second in the medal bravery and devotion with the PDSA Dickin Medal on the 63rd anniversary of the end of standings in Rio the war. A special ceremony was held on 27 July at the Korean War Memorial in Victoria 2016, ahead of Embankment Gardens, London. Sergeant Reckless carried ammunition and wounded Olympic powerhouses China and Russia, a soldiers with the US Marines during the war, which lasted from 1950-1953. She retired heartfelt congratulations to all of the athletes from the Marines in 1960 and died aged 20. She was buried with full military honours at her and medallists so far who have demonstrated home in California. the athletic prowess of such a small nation.

However, at this time it is hard not to dwell upon the fact that polo remains absent from the Olympic Games. It is a subject which is revisited time and again, and one which FIP are striving to solve with their application for polo’s inclusion POWER OF POLO teamed up with Ebony in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The Letter Horse Club and the London Polo Club HPC of the month in this issue high-lights some to teach six young people from Brixton to thought-provoking areas which just ‘could’ help play, sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright. polo’s Olympic bid.

Through five weekly lessons they will learn Remaining with the National team but back the game and play in a mini tournament on on blighty, although disappointingly England Sunday 11 September. CEO Katy Hayward did not seal a victory in The Royal Salute said, “This is a really exciting opportunity for Coronation Cup versus The Commonwealth Power of Polo as the young people can all ride team, spectators enjoyed an exciting match and are working with Ebony Horse Club. We bathed in that elusive British sunshine. Despite can provide weekly lessons and reach more the loss, the HPA’s change in format for young people in a novel way and continue to International Day was a resounding success – help them realise their potential through this more of the same please for next year. fantastic sport”. One young person said about the programme, “it’s really good because not As the end of August beckons, it is many people get the chance, so for me to get excellent to see that there is still a plethora it is quite good. I think that polo players will of polo being played across the country. For think it’s a good opportunity for young people. the Polo Times team, the conclusion of the When I think of myself on a horse playing polo prestigious high goal tournaments, does not The Power of Polo has teamed up with Ebony Horse Club I feel privileged”. mean the end of the English season, as this is arguably the best time in the calendar when some of the most rewarding polo is being in quintessentially English settings,tour in ty played Centre, La is the brands first Located hotel in a prime po gloriously sunny conditions. vice, for both leisure and business in guests, the UK. ADD A TOUCH of culture to your equine experiences and pop this date in your diary! Susie Offering st The youth polo scene has been a real Whitcombe’s forthcoming exhibition, Mostly Horses, will feature around 50 pieces, and will be out. This hotel offers 174 stylish and with efficient and highlight, demonstrating the breadth and Hotel LaTour 4PS V4.indd 34-35 held at Galleryfloor 8, 8 Duke Street, London, SW1Y 6BN state from 29 November toof 3 December 2016. dicated conference with contemporary the bedro strength of UK grassroots polo, both through 24 Hour GYM. the Pony Club and HPA sections; no doubt it will not be too long until these young players are lining up for the high goal.

Additionally, all sections of the Victor British wist on a great tradition immerse yourself Ludorum are reaching their culmination, perience that is Marco Pierre White’s first ‘English however the results so far have concept seen a shakeng restaurant has its origins in 18th century up in the leading teams, with the 15 goal ses were created for businessmen to conduct their currently holding a super-tight margin of washed down with fine wines and of series cooked meats 70 pointsavailable. between the leader and fifth place m also position. ve a So 10% off your stay and a free glass let the Gamesdiscount continue and the medals Mr flow White's English Chophouse. in, and who knows, perhaps in 2020, we will be writing about a British polo team’s success in the Tokyo Olympics!

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6 Polo Times, September 2016 @Hotel_LaTour

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For a contemporary twist For a on contemporary a great twist British on a great tradition British tradition immerse immerse yourself yourself Fora acontemporary contemporary athat great experience British tradition immerse on a on great British tradition immerse yourself in the unique For dining experience in twist the twist unique dining is Marco thatPierre is Marcoyourself White’s Pierre White’s first first ‘English ‘English ininthe unique dining experience that is that Marco White’s first ‘English the unique dining experience is Pierre Marco Pierrehas White’s ‘English Chophouse’. This exciting Chophouse’. restaurant This exciting concept restaurant concept itsfirst origins has its origins in 18th in 18th century century Chophouse’.

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News Trucks and Tribulations

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

A NOTE HAS been sent out by the HPA to Polo Managers following a spate of trucks being stopped by authorities in the Ascot area causing scheduling strife for games at nearby clubs, as paperwork was poured over and passports inspected. The checks and inspections have included; driving and operating licences (O-Licence), MoTs and insurance, pony passports and even the general condition of the lorries themselves.

We understand that this has resulted in further action by the police in terms of licences and fines. Before the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) became the self-funded DVSA they published a guide for horsebox and trailer owners which can be read on the HPA website, to read the guide.

Polo pony passports have also been included in this scrutiny, which has led the Transporting polo ponies fall under a lot of legislation HPA to highlight that all ponies must have a valid passport with them at all times, including whilst in transit. It is also important to remember that HPA passports without an HPA UELN (826052HPA******) are no longer valid and that ownership details should also be updated when a pony is sold by notifying the HPA with a Change of Ownership form.

Plan a Visit to Polo Valley FOR THOSE CONTEMPLATING a trip away, Polo Valley, offering polo stays and courses is one of our top recommendations this month. Play polo at this fantastic facility with world-class ponies and coaching and catch the action at the high goal in the evenings whilst sipping on a refreshing G&T. With plenty of action both on and off the polo field, a last minute trip to Polo Valley is always up for consideration before heading back to your desk this Autumn. Call them today on +34 951 979 528 to find out more about the packages on offer.

SKY TV coverage of the 2016 JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup A ONE HOUR programme of edited highlights of this year’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park were transmitted over two days with multiples showing times on 16 – 17 August on Sky Sports 5 and 3 SD.

APSPH AGM Date Announced THE ASSOCIATION OF Polo Schools and Pony Hirers Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 3 October. Time and location (in the Berkshire area) details will be released nearer the time. Non members are also welcome to attend. The day will include short talks about lorry legislation, insurance and first aid for polo schools. Please contact the APSPH if you would like to attend by email, enquiries@apsph-polo.org.uk

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8

Polo Times, September 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

News

Last Chance to Enter

THE ROYAL COUNTY of Berkshire Polo Club is once again playing host to the Racing to Polo Challenge Competition from Retraining of Racehorses on Monday 5 September 2016. There will be four classes covering age ranges of ponies from three-year-olds to over six-yearolds. Prizes will be awarded up to sixth place with first prize carrying a £1,000 cheque. More details and entry forms can be found on the ROR website, www.ror.org.uk

116 Page Bumper Issue

GOLD CUP REPORT Power Foxes Victory again for King WIILLIAMS SIR CHARLES ‘COW’Polo Supporter Interview with British PLUS: Beaufort International,

Beach Polo & Stem Cell

MidSummer 2016

MidSummer 2016

THE EQUINE HOSPITAL are inviting guests and clients to an evening dedicated to understanding the older horses and ponies in our care.

The care of the older horse talk will be held on Wednesday 31 August at 7pm. If you would like to book a free place then please call the Liphook Equine Hospital Office on 01428 723594.

Come and work for us!

www.polotimes.co.uk • £6.50 7 • August 2016 Volume 21 • Issue

The Polo Magazine

Liphook Equine Hospital’s Golden Oldies

Technology TPM_MidSummer16_Covers.indd

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26/07/2016 12:22

PT Aug16 Covers.indd

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15/07/2016 10:31

Join our editorial team (Full or Part Time) Wo r k i n g o n P o l o Ti m e s a n d T h e P o l o M a g a z i n e We are looking for applicants with editorial experience to join our expanding team in two different positions, to work in an interesting and dynamic office-based role working on both Polo Times and The Polo Magazine and other polo publications.

www.polotimes.co.uk

• July 2016 • £6.50 Volume 21 • Issue 6

108 Page Bumper Issue

Chance to win £2,500

Skills/Requirements: with your former racehorse • Previous experience of a publishing environment (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

15th Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

T QUEEN’S CUP REPOR Dubai Snatch Victory CLAIRE TOMLINSON HPA with Interview Winner Lifetime Achievement Award

• Excellent written English, with a strong eye for consistency, grammar and spelling details Join us as a freelance • Use of Apple Mac, as well as IT’S STILL THE height of the summer season here in the UK, but plans are writer! For Polo Times Microsoft Word, Excel and afoot on the continent for snow polo. The 15th Valartis Bank Snow Polo and The Polo Magazine some knowledge of Adobe We are looking for World Cup Kitzbühel will take place from 12 – 15 January 2017 in front creative suite (checking image quality etc) experienced freelance of the glittering winter backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. Event • Ability to interact with clients writers with a sporting, polo organiser Tito Gaudenzi said, “It is with great pleasure that we announce and sources by telephone and and lifestyle background to that we have extended our partnership with Valartis Bank AG by several in email in a friendly, polite and submit feature articles. years. Together with the Kitzbühel Tourism Association and our other loyal efficient way • Copy would need partners, we can now stage the tournament for the 15th time and for years • Team player with the ability to to be submitted fully manage own workload and to come.”

Former racehorses excel in polo. proofread and ideally good time management The event programme will start in style on Thursday 12 January with accompanying high • Full driving licence, own Visit ror.org.uk find out more.

2017 with the teams parading through Kitzbühel town centre toto Hotel resolution imagery transport essential due to rural Zur Tenne. From Friday 13 January 2017 to Sunday 15 January 2017, • Fees would be subject Gloucestershire office location the action-packed games will begin T: on01488 the Münichauer 648998 Wiese in Reith Registered Charity No. 1084787 • Salary is dependent upon negotiation experience. near Kitzbühel. All guests and locals are invited to come along to the free event to find out more about the sport. The event schedule will also If you have the editorial experience then please email us with the include Polo Players’ Night party on Saturday 14 January. VIP tickets for details, CV and introductory letter to: polotimesjobs@gmail.com the match days and evenings are available, for more information email, tickets@kitzbuehelpolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

PLUS: Gold Cup Guide

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& Victor Ludorum Round-U

17/06/2016 12:56

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Polo Times, September 2016

9

News

ON THURSDAY 21 July, The Hurlingham Polo Association hosted their annual awards dinner at Guards Polo Club, at which the RoR Young Producer of the Year Award was presented. Due to the good working relationship with the HPA, RoR have their own award for the best young producer of ponies from former racehorses. This year’s RoR Young Producer of the Year Award was presented to Richard, the Earl of Tyrone. Richard said, “Thoroughbreds are the world’s most athletic breed of horse. Polo is the most athletic equine discipline. The two combined makes a truly spectacular sight.”

Richard currently has nine ex-racehorses registered with the RoR, five of which are playing in all of his high goal tournaments. His best horse at the moment is a horse called Kyllasie. She was in training with Richard Hannon Snr, since turning to polo she has won the Coworth Park Challenge, as well as playing in numerous 12, 15 and 18 goal tournaments. The other nominees for the award were: Matt Perry (runner-up), Ali Paterson and Freddie Horne.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

RoR Young Producers Award

Richard, the Earl of Tyrone with RoR Young Producer of the Year Award

Sponsorship Search is on for England Ladies

Photograph courtesy of Hazel Jackson

AN ENGLAND LADIES team were preparing to head out to Zambia for an International Test Match at the time of going to press. The 3 goal team, or in ladies’ handicaps 20 goal, are all regulars on the National and International circuits for women’s polo. The team will be flying out in the third week of August and have a great itinerary lined up for them. Hazel Jackson, who features in our August issue of Polo Times and is part of the England Ladies line-up commented, “I feel like they have a really strong side. The ladies chosen for the team are all brilliant riders and are seriously up-and-coming talented players. I am thoroughly looking forward to taking on the Zambian team.”

However, they are looking for much needed sponsorship to support their representation of English women’s polo on their trip. They still have plenty of space on jeans and kit to include logos, plus they are also available for branding photo shoots. The team are also able to offer plenty of social media coverage.

If you are interested in supporting our girls abroad then you can call Hazel Jackson to discuss opportunities directly on 07833 208074.

England Ladies (20): Emma Boers (4), Lottie Lamacraft (4), Hazel Jackson (7) & Tiva Gross (5)

England Ladies are looking for support for their trip to Zambia

Midsummer Madness

The Polo Magazine

OUR SIZZLING SISTER publication The Polo Magazine Midsummer edition is out now and flying around the polo community, sprinkling it with style, action and gossip. The jam-packed issue is a real page-turner with everything you need to know about the polo action around the world between the svelte black pages. Read up on The Cartier Queen’s Cup, The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, The Kings Head Women’s International and The Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Cup. Take a trip to Thailand exploring the ins and outs of the stunning Thai Polo & Equestrian Club all expertly captured in photographic form by the talented Dominic James. Bask in the sizzling Singapore heat as we journey to Sentosa Beach for the G BMW Singapore Beach Polo Championship or jig for joy with the Irish as we celebrate their win at The Beaufort International. Not a subscriber? Get your hands on the latest issue by visiting www.thepolomagazine.com

CL AIRE

POLO PIONEER AND HPA ACHIEVEMEN T AWARD LIFETIME WINNER Lucy Wilson Tomlinson family archives, www.imagesofpolo.com, Gordon Lyndsay & David Sinclair

“Claire’s battle to open up the high goal to lady players was a bit before my time. Her impact

during my time has been her success in raising the importance, value and relevance of coaching for individuals and teams but I suppose that that should never have come as a surprise to me.

Playing against or with her, you invariably got some quite extensive free coaching, either on the rules or how to ride or how to hit the ball, and quite often all three.”

David Woodd, Chief Executive of

ame changer, polo pioneer, joint holder of the title for the highest handicap a woman has ever held, there is no escaping the incredible feats that Claire Tomlinson has accomplished in her career. Her impact on the progression of the sport today is much greater than the silver salver presented to her by HPA Chairman and long-time patron at the family Club – Stephen Hutchinson. At the 2016 Polo Awards Stephen described Claire as a gamechanger saying, “I looked up the meaning of game changer before I left the house and it was defined as something or someone that effects an area of business or sport in a major way and that says it all”.

the HPA

Claire’s many hats would rival any millinery’s stock room and her achievements on the field aren’t the only milestones I’m talking about. Not only did Claire’s prowess on the pitch lead her to petition the HPA to allow her to play in a team chosen for the high goal, but she built numerous successful businesses, revolutionised the coaching system in the UK, nurtured Beaufort Polo Club, from seedling to flourish, into one of the most prestigious clubs in the UK and instigated polo pony breeding programmes.

In amongst all of this she somehow found the time and energy to be a mother to three children. Mark, Luke and Emma have already carved themselves a route towards the history pages in British polo with their flourishing equine careers. Both of her sons are part of the England squad, and her daughter Emma has been consistently one of the highest handicapped female players of her generation.

In the short time that I had to talk to Claire about her recent acceptance of the HPA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Polo Awards, it was obvious that Claire is incredibly modest about her career, reprimanding me for calling her a professional player, “I never played professionally per se, although I dedicated my life to polo. I stopped playing serious tournament polo when we won The Royal Windsor with my son Mark in 2012.” Perhaps Claire wouldn’t fall into this category in today’s terms, but her approach to polo, the preparation of ponies, staff, even the workings of the Club has been nothing less than professional.

I could have spent hours talking with Claire, but there simply isn’t enough tea and cake in the world for me to take the time to glean all the advice, tales, stories and guidance that she can offer after her decades of excellence in and out of the saddle.

Her ethics have filtered through to Mark, Luke and Emma as they continue the family tradition, which began back with Claire’s parents Arthur and Ethel Lucas, who in their time, were an important polo family who initially purchased the Woolmers Park grounds in Hertfordshire in 1949, restarting polo in the UK post-war.

After the HPA failed to select his son John for an England team to represent the country in Argentina, Arthur packed John off to Argentina to bring back 20 or so ponies and

KINGS OF THE QUEENS

T

British than The Cartier here is no event more quintessentially stunning Guards Queen’s Cup which takes place at the great, good and Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. The scene descend upon the glamorous of the English high goal of one of the highlights of hallowed turf each year in eager expectation the traditionally English event was the worldwide polo calendar. This year with the grey sky overhead blocking subject to traditionally British weather, in June sunshine. The spectators arrived out any hope of some midsummer conditions and dressing the to eye blind a turning their droves regardless, as as if the sun were shining as brightly stoically, if somewhat optimistically, in the afternoon haze. the Cartier jewels that shimmered shyly events culminated on Saturday The first of the big British high goal the big dogs Dubai and the 11 June in an exhilarating Final between surprise when the Cambiaso-led Dubai underdogs La Indiana. There was no matches to take their well-deserved team whistled through the qualifying

TOM L INSON

14 | The Polo Magazine | MidSummer 2016

Subella London ‘Bellina’ handbag in leopard £500, www.subellalondon.com

MidSummer 2016 | The Polo Magazine | 15

Patmos Bikini bandeau £44, www.underthesamesun.se

A CLOSE CALL CLASH

MidSummer 2016

Katie Vickery

Jess Collet Panama £225, www.jesscollettmilliner.com

Philippa Davin

Hesper Fox Camisole zephyr print £129, astrid shorts £149, www.hesperfox.com

Patmos High waist bikini brief £47, www.underthesamesun.se

WHAT TO WEAR IN OUR MIDSUMMER GUIDELINES FOR THE SIDELINES JOSIE GOODBODY TAKES A PEEK AT ALL THE HOTTEST LOOKS AND THE VERY TRENDIEST OF TRENDS, WHICH WILL HAVE YOU LOOKING CHIC AND GLAM AS YOU HEAD TO THE TOP POLO AND SPORTING EVENTS OF THE SEASON

MidSummer 2016

Heidi Klein Nantucket binding racer back one piece £210, www.heidiklein.com

There are a lot of blues and greens in store for the rest of the summer – not that we have had much of one, hence the perfect MiH navy trench. But for those of you who are heading for hotter climes, then the Heidi Klein striped racer swimsuit looks great in the water or, teamed with a Thierry Colson maxi skirt, it would look very chic worn at lunch with a Jess Collett panama. The Aya Silk Celestine Slip Dress is ideal for hot summery evenings paired with the exquisite Diorissimo handbag and a pair of Jimmy Choo royal blue heels.

MiH Carmel trench £395, www.mihjeans.com

Rotten Roach Naughty slogan t-shirt £70, www.donnaida.com

Jimmy Choo Royal blue sandals £695, www.jimmychoo.com

Ellie Lines Deia Moonshine print www.ellielines.co.uk

£240,

Thierry Colson Ikat chanderi badla-embroidery

15/07/2016 10:31

a-line skirt £525, www.matchesfashion.com

Dior White calfskin diorissimo Miguelina Dana Patchwork print

linen wide-leg pants £215, www.net-a-porter.com

78 | The Polo Magazine | MidSummer 2016

£2,800, www.dior.com

Aya Silk Celestine slip dress £350, www.ayasilk.com

Ray-Ban Aviators £160, www.sunglasshut.com

MidSummer 2016 | The Polo Magazine | 79

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| 21 MidSummer 2016 | The Polo Magazine

2016 | 20 | The Polo Magazine MidSummer

www.polotimes.co.uk

Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1

3/3/10

10:10

Page 1

RICHMONDS HORSE TRANSPORT LTD NEW MARSH FARM, HORSLEY ROAD, COBHAM, SURREY, KT11 3JX, UK • OUR HORSE BOX FLEET HAS THE CAPACITY TO MOVE OVER A 100 POLO PONIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE • WORLDWIDE SCHEDULED AND CHARTER AIR FREIGHT SERVICE TEL: +44 (0) 1932 864007 FAX: +44 (0) 1932 576483 EMAIL: martin@richmondsltd.com WWW.RICHMONDSLTD.COM

News Ponies and Players Win Prizes

Mark Tomlinson At The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, Mark Tomlinson was presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award by Lila Pearson for his efforts as part of the winning Apes Hill team.

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Polo Times, September 2016

Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Miguel Ayala On Sunday 14 August Miguel Ayala, part of the winning Mansfield Advisors team in The Jeff Thomas Trophy at Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival, won The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award.

Glenn Sheriff Playing on the winning team for The Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 14 August secured Glenn The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award.

To read all about the game turn to page 33 for a match report in our Victor Ludorum Round-Up.

Lesley Jackson Lucky Lesley was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player at the White Rose Polo Club Ladies’ Tournament in Yorkshire on 30 July.

Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Alejandro Muzzio The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award at The Harrison Cup Final was presented to Alejandro Muzzio at Cowdray Park Polo Club by Bridget McCarthy on Saturday 30 July.

Kian Hall A double win saw Kian Hall take home both The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for Idaho, owned by Peter Barfoot and played by Kian Hall.

Both prizes were presented by Nicci Bethell at Cowdray Park Polo Club for The Holden White Cup Final on Sunday 31 July.

Photography by Steph Lang

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards & Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards THE 2016 season’s The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award series are well underway with rugs and kitbags of goodies being handed out across the country to well deserved players and ponies. The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards include an RJ Polo kit bag plus plenty of The Polo Magazine merchandise, a Tally Ho jacket, a bottle of British Polo Gin (for the over 18s – sorry kids!), a dinner for two at PJ’s Bar and Grill and a pair of snazzy Sporting Hares sunglasses.

Jamie Grayson Congratulations went to Jamie Grayson at the Tally Ho Polo Festival, winning The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award in the -2-2 goal Final. www.polotimes.co.uk

News

Photography by Sam Churchill Photography

Alex Jacob Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Assistant Polo Manager had a good ending to her Polo Festival campaign, winning the Ladies’ Tournament and The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award.

equestrian

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

To read more about the Tally Ho Polo Festival turn to our Reports section on page 40.

Jack Richardson Jack Richardson received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Prize for his own Nobu, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred mare after missing out on The Duke of Wellington Trophy to Maize Dulce with his team BHC. He received this prize from Hon Eleanor Wellesley, the granddaughter of the 8th Duke of Wellington, after whom the trophy is named. To read all about the game turn to page 33 for a match report in our Victor Ludorum Round-Up.

We have featured a number of our lucky equine athlete winners in a Pony Power special this issue, congratulations go to Peter Murdock’s Spirit Longdole Polo Club’s Cotorra, played by George Tomblin George Deverall’s Baileys Moneypenny

www.polotimes.co.uk

Jimbo Fewster’s Dudley Josh Clover’s Ice Alejandro Muzzio’s Negrita Hugo Taylor’s Golondrina Mark Tomlinson’s Silk Rosie Ross’ Bush Pig Jamie Grayson’s Apache Pancho Torres’ Maria To read all about these amazing ponies that have played to win turn to page 73 for our Pony Power section.

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Polo Times, September 2016

13

HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club, Windsor Congratulations to The Commonwealth for their victory over England winning 12-11.

England: Jack Richardson (6), Max Charlton (7), James Beim (7) & James Harper (6) The Commonwealth: Hissam Ali Hyder (6), John Paul Clarkin (7), Chris Mackenzie (6) & Fred Mannix (8) The Diamond Jubilee Trophy Congratulations to Young England for winning The Diamond Jubilee Trophy on International Day 4-3.

Young England: Ollie Cudmore (5), Matt Perry (5), Ali Paterson (4) & George Pearson (2) Ireland: Ryan Pemble (5), Michael Henderson (4), Niall Donnelly (4) & Max Hutchinson (3) Best Young Player Congratulations to 19-year-old Tommy Beresford who was awarded The Caballus Ferguson Trophy for the Best Young Player of the Year on International Day. The Buckmaster Junior HPA Championship Final Congratulations to Longdole for their victory over Emlor Juniors winning 8½-3.

Longdole: Tommy Severn (1), Oscar Luard (0), Hugo Taylor (0) & Luke Wiles (0) Emlor Junior: Terence Lent (1), Rob Fleming (1), James McCarthy (0) & Charles Cooney (0) For a full report from the International day please turn to page 66.

HPA Select Following the Pony Club and British Junior Polo Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club the HPA Development Committee selected players for various matches and a development course as follows: The Colts Cup Games were held on Tuesday 9 August at King Power’s Noel Farm and Thursday 11 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club for 15-years-old players.

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Polo Times, September 2016

HPA Select Red: Henry Frisby, Ben Barnes, Tamara Gibbons, Louis Heard – Coached by Tom Morley HPA Select Black: Jimbo Fewster, George Hobbs, Freddie Younger, Archie Fuller – Coached by Eddie Kennedy HPA Select White: Johnny Beck- Brown, Freddie Jodrell, Algy Stanley, George Deverall – Coached by Tom Morley HPA Select Blue: Charlie Townsend, Monte Swain-Grainger, Capucine Granchi, Dominic Lodge – Coached by Eddie Kennedy Final result: HPA Black defeated HPA White, 5-4.

Subsidiary Final result: HPA Blue defeated HPA Red, 7-3.

The Stagshead Trophy Held at Ham Polo Club on Sunday 14 August for players aged between 12 and 14-years-old.

HPA Blue: Ben Fleming, Harry Fuller, Louis Hine, Alfie Hyde HPA Red: Ed Walker, Marcus Speed, Squidge Grayson, Tom Baxter Final result: HPA Red defeated HPA Blue, 5-3.

The Whitbread Trophy At the time of going to press, The Whitbread Trophy was due to be played between two young teams representing England Colts and Scotland Colts at Rutland Polo Club on 17 August for under 21-year-olds.

Young Scotland: Angus Rowan-Hamilton, Charlie Cadogan, Freddie Younger, Fiona Campbell Young England: Alexander Cooper, Charlie Townsend, Charlie Tighe, Florence Berner The Alan Budgett Trophy Held at Kirtlington Park Polo Club Monday 29 August.

Kirtlington: Charlie Peagram, Magnus Gilje, Chris Crawford, Jimbo Fewster England 21: Robin Ormerod, Lolly Stanhope-White, Thomas Coid, Charlie Hitchman To read more about the HPA Select tournaments turn to page 68 in the Youth section.

Development Course A Development Course was also held at Longdole Polo Club on Wednesday 10 Aug 2016 for players aged between 11 and 14-years-old.

Date Changes for Handicap Committee Meeting No2 and No3 The Handicap Committee No2 Meeting will be held at 10.30am on Tuesday 23 August at Sunningdale Park Hotel. The Handicap Committee No3 Meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 September. Location and time TBC. Handicap Meeting The end of season handicap meeting will take place on Tuesday 20 September 2016.

Changes made at this meeting will be made public as soon as they are confirmed by the Committee, but please note that all handicaps are subject to endorsement by Stewards and that changes to handicaps can be made for any player still playing up until the end of the season. As usual, they become effective from 1 January 2017.

Coaching A Coaching Course is due to take place in September 2016 in the Gloucestershire area. If you already hold a coaching qualification and have not yet attended a Coaching Seminar please make sure you attend the last one of the season on Monday 19 September at Cirencester Park Polo Club. In order to register next year you will have to have attended a seminar the previous year. For more information go to www.hpa-polo.co.uk Changes to British Junior Polo Championships 2017 All players must be a member of a polo club and have an HPA handicap and should have passed the HPA Rules Test.

If they are less than the minimum age, want to play in more than one section or wish to have a foreign player on the team this must be agreed by the tournament committee. Hipwood players can play with an ‘S’ handicap and but will play off -2.

Ages as at 1st January 2017: Hipwood min 11-years-old and under 14-years-old, team handicap -8 to -5 with maximum individual handicap of 0. Rocksavage min 13-years-old and under 17-years-old, team handicap -4 to 0 and Buckmaster min age of 14-years-old but under 19-years-old with team handicap 0-2

www.polotimes.co.uk

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world The FIP European Championships are almost upon us but sadly with no England team participating against the seven other European Teams this time.

I was kindly reminded by Liza Crisp of the outstanding success at these same Championships 21 years ago in 1995 when four Pony Club Players; Jamie Morrison, Malcolm Borwick, Satnam Dhillon and Luke Tomlinson, all at the tender age of 18-years-old and selfmounted, won, taking the FIP European Championship by storm and their polo careers have never looked back. A great pity that we could not have fielded an HPA junior team with one experienced English professional to give them a taste

R OU ED Y T X GE S FI ENA K C AR STI THE R FO

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of true International competition. Let’s just hope it does not happen again with the FIP World Championships to be held in Australia in 2017.

The 90th FIP Ambassador’s Tournament, only the third to be held here in the UK was a great success thanks to the kind support of Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who generously allowed the first two rounds of the tournament to be played at his beautiful high goal grounds at Billingbear and even played himself in the first match for Thailand alongside his two talented sons Top and Tal. Thanks must also go to The Ritz Club who generously sponsored the opening cocktail party at The Ritz and the two tables at the HPA’s exclusive International dinner

at Guards Polo Club. The feedback has been great, as all the visitors really enjoyed playing in the home of the modern game and the final day watching England play The Commonwealth in the match for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup really was the icing on the cake. A really fast and exciting match, extremely well umpired and some great passages of play, the new format for the HPA International Day went down extremely well with all those who attended and the stunning hot summer’s day was an unexpected bonus to all who have experienced a rather soggy season here in the UK this year. Well done to all those involved.

G STI ET YO FO CKS UR RT HE FIXED AR EN A

www.polotimes.co.uk

CEREMONY

OL

V

NUMBER OF BOTTLES

Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

Men:

3-4 units a day

Women:

2-3 units a day

BATCH No.

DRY

British Polo Gin +44(0)1452 730770

ALC BY

01/2016 1 of 150

DON

%

ALC BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. THE FOUNDER

LON

%

5

.5

Your Views

Fashioned on the key defender of a polo team, No.4, this gin is deliciously reliable and delivers time and time again. Traditionalists will love this classic London Dry gin over ice with tonic and orange peel. For those with a more adventurous palette, add to toasted rosemary, tonic and fresh mint leaves for the ultimate G&T.

.

40

GIN

Product of the UK Steeped in history, this proudly British, quadruple distilled, hand crafted, small batch Polo Gin uses only the best organic botanicals to create some of the most flavoursome yet smoothest of gins on the market. Using a still fuelled by wood harvested by horse power on the local mountains and drawing Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as eco-friendly as can be.

V

BRITISH

40

Comment

VERSION BASSE POLO

OL

FULL STRENGTH

POLO

28.35 UK Units

1.02

700ml

UK Units

www.drinkaware.co.uk

40.5% alc./vol.

LON

DON

DRY

FULL STRENGTH

OL

SUPER PREMIUM

1.07

UK Units

V

NICA

L

B O TA

NICA

OL

OL

42.7% alc./vol.

B O TA

V

V

700ml

NUMBER OF BOTTLE

UK Units

NUMBER OF BOTTLE

29.89

BATCH No.

SPIRITUEUX SPIRITS

Letters BATCH No.

2-3 units a day 2-3 units a day

03/2016 1 of 900

UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

Men: Women:

www.drinkaware.co.uk

02/2016 1 of 900

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

ALC BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. THE FOUNDER

ALC BY

Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery

%

ALC BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. THE FOUNDER

British Polo Gin +44(0)1452 730770

%

7

.7

%

Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. With so many different botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, No.3, is the ultimate midday refresher when garnished with strawberry and basil for the most outrageously smooth, yet delicous G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the thirst quenching Chukka Cocktail™, alongside lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and strawberries.

7

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The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin

GIN

Product of the UK The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

.

42

Letter of the month

BRITISH

POLO

.

42

POLO

700ml

42.7% alc./vol.

L

S S Dear Sir, This is a timely moment to have another think about the format of Olympic polo. I am aware the FIP has submitted an application for its inclusion at Tokyo 2020, but without seeing the detail I will assume it is for polo to be played in the 4x4 format on a full size pitch. This raises a number of issues, one of which is logistics, which I will not touch on as it’s a well known and widely talked about subject. obriété des lignes et élégance des proportions caractérisent la nouvelle bouteille CEREMONY au design intemporel. Sa silhouette généreuse et courbe suscite une attirance tactile immédiate.

L’épaisse semelle de verre sublime la pureté et la pertinence de la forme. De larges faces planes permettent une personnalisation aisée de la bouteille.

imple lines and elegant proportions are the characteristics of the new CEREMONY bottle with its timeless design. Its generous and curved silhouette immediately arouses the desire to touch it. The thick glass foot elevates the purity and relevance of the shape. Wide facings offer an excellent field of expression and room for all types of personalisation.

Modèle déposé ® Registered design ®

Issue 1 – Viewing pleasure: With all the best will in the world, high goal polo is only appreciated by a small number of spectators, with 50% of the action taking place up to 150m away from the naked eye. For the lay person, and to get anyone engaged with the sport, polo needs to be watchable and understood. This is aided when the whole playing area can be easily observed from the height of a stand, in order to better see the lines of play, speed and level of horsemanship involved. Add to this the correct use of TV cameras angles and large screens and polo can put itself front and centre of the sporting stage as the dynamic sport we know it to be.

Issue 2 – Format: Rugby 7s is now in the Olympics – a fast, short, punchy game where there is plenty of space to run. The space created by the reduced number of players on the pitch, means spectators can see the lines of running as well as what’s going on in the scrums and line-outs. Therefore should the FIP look at a 3x3 version of the game played on smaller pitch with high seating, such as the Olympic show jumping arena? Each team could consist of 5 players to provide 3 on the pitch at any one time with rolling substitutes over a match consisting of 3 x 8 minute chukkas. Each team could be restricted to 15 or 18 horses to manage tactically. This would provide for a fast open game played on a pitch larger then a standard arena but not stretched over 10 acres.

Issue 3 – Players: High goal players are our elite professionals and as mentioned elsewhere, are more than likely to be tied to contracts and not released to compete in the Olympics (I personally think the top level golfers/ tennis players should not compete either). However, if polo adopts the 20 goal handicap system mentioned in Polo Times July 2016 issue Letters page, there would be a huge crop of professional players in the 6-15 handicap range to select from. As with other equestrian disciplines, the five man team would be the five best players to make it through selection regardless of gender. If required, National teams could play handicapped games to qualify for the top 16 countries to compete at the Olympics with a no handicap, straight knockout format.

Issue 4 – IOC compliance: From an International Olympics Committee (IOC) point of view, if we as the polo community can offer up a fast, exciting sport which does not require vast areas of grassland to be prepared, instead making good use of shared equine space, this has got to make it a more attractive prospect for inclusion. So much good work has been done by the FIP to meet the other IOC criteria for the Tokyo 2020 application, that I think to encourage the full ethos of the Olympic spirit and widen the appeal and beauty of the sport, outside the converted few, then if the application is not successful this time perhaps adopting a different ‘Olympic format’ would make for an exciting spectacle.

Kind Regards, Mark Robson

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Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,

Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN Dear Sir, We wanted to say thank you for everyone who helped and organised this year’s El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships! We really enjoyed being able to spend quality time with our ponies. We loved playing polo every day and having ice cream if we scored a goal in the chukka. The best bits were when we all galloped at the end of the parade, when Nina’s pony ate the leftovers of her ice cream and cone and also when we won a beautiful rosette at the end.

Thank you, Zara and Nina Matthews Garth Hunt Pony Club

Everyone at Polo Times appreciates hearing all your feedback, both the highs and lows. Here we highlight two readers who have written in to the Polo Times office with their thoughts: Dear Sir, Congratulations on the Polo Times feature on Sir Charles Williams in August 2016 issue. It was excellent.

He has been a friend for 43 years and you got him absolutely right.

Kind Regards, Maureen Moseley Dear Sir, Your team really have done an amazing job with Polo Times. The photography gets better and better and the articles are wide-ranging and pertinent to all of the polo community. Great work.

The 2016 review of the Gold Cup was exceptional.

Beautifully and amusingly written, it had tons of ‘polo feel’ which is exactly what we need. I resolved to drop you a note when I got out of the bath…

It’s a great magazine and I’ll continue to support whenever possible.

Kind Regards, Peter O’Rorke

Quick Question Fred Mannix Jnr who played and won for the Commonwealth team in The Coronation Cup this year, also won the trophy in what other year?

A: Turn to page 100 to check your answer www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Views

@PoloTimes 10,434 Followers

www.facebook.com/ PoloTimes/ 5,588 Likes

Comment

@polotimes 2,433 Followers

We follow them on Twitter, to save you the scrolling: The Polo Magazine @thepolomag It’s not all ham baps and champers in plastic beakers at the 2016 Pony Club Polo Championships, the sponsors and organisers lunch in the Cowdray Park Polo Club clubhouse was pretty impressive, thanks for having us! #youthpolo #futurestars #onestowatch #thepolomagintroduces @cowdraypolo @ukponyclubofficial

Cowdray Park Polo Club @cowdraypolo A huge and very well deserved congratulations to @charlotte_ dujardinobe #Olympic Dressage champions! @ teamgb #Gold #GoldMedal react-text: 77 /reacttext #TwoHearts #roadtorio #BringOnTheGreat #Olympics #EquestrianDressage

Polo Times @Polo Times Aug 7 What a wonderful afternoon of Pony Club polo.

All the sections thoroughly enjoyed the parade!

www.polotimes.co.uk

“It seems the only way to compete at the Olympics is to park our Palermo dreams and take up hardcore Olympic qualifying sports”

Polo Times, September 2016

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Property Focus Sales & Rental CHURCHILL COUNTRY & EQUESTRIAN

NEW

With the polo season still very much if full swing (if you will excuse the pun), agents advertising in Polo Times report strong interest. Tournament entries across the country are strong and from grassroots polo right through to the upper echelons of the sport, business is booming. This growth in the polo sector is reflected in the continued high demand for quality equestrian properties.

Should you wish to showcase your property in this section, be it equestrian, country or townhouse, please do get in touch for a discrete, and of course confidential, conversation. Alternatively, please speak to your agent who can organise coverage in the magazine on your behalf.

West Horsley, Surrey, Offers in Excess of £3,000,000 A stunning brand new, oak framed 5 bed detached house, extending to some 6,000 square foot with equestrian facilities in a super location and direct access to off-road riding. The property is finished to an exceptionally high standard and offers spacious family living with luxury fixtures and fittings throughout.

There is also a 1 bedroom self-contained apartment and planning for extensive leisure facilities.

An American style barn houses 4 stables, with room for more, and there is a 40m x 20m sandschool with 12 acres of post and rail paddocks.

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17/8/16

FOR SALE

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Different Digs Intrepid international lady player Annabel McNaught-Davis sent in this extraordinary picture of stables with a difference at the Cote d’Azur Polo Club in St Tropez, France. The ‘cave stables’ began as a sheep barn or une bergerie, built into the side of the hill, that is estimated to date back 200 years.

It was abandoned and full of rubble when Club Owner Rachael Hughes arrived, but Puma, a cofounder and the Club Manager, has converted it into some stables. Rachael said, “It is certainly the coolest place on the farm during above 30°C heat in the summer!” w Photograph by Annabel McNaught-Davis

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www.polotimes.co.uk

ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT FOR POLO TEAMS

Wouldn’t it be nice to focus on playing polo and leave the laborious paperwork, legalities, book-keeping and accountancy to someone else? At Polobirch we want you to enjoy polo and forget bureaucracy. Unless you already have a solution in place, talk to us today and improve your polo experience immediately.

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Feature

Hurlingham Polo Association Brand

From Field to Fashion HPA Launches Worldwide Clothing Brand

T

he Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), has revealed aspirations to take its place among some of the world’s most prestigious premium sporting and lifestyle brands with the launch of their innovative new product collection.

The HPA has announced plans to license the HPA brand across the world, with King of Games Ltd. in the UK marking the “first chukka’’ in the development of the international Hurlingham Polo brand.

King of Games Ltd. will initially launch with an On / Off Field Collection, which will include performance playing kits, as well as “must have” authentic products for training and sporting casuals.

As they develop their clothing and lifestyle products in the coming months and years, they will retain their authentically British and absolutely international appeal.

The Lifestyle Collection is coming soon, scheduled for launch in early 2017, with technical performance casual wear, smart casual and tailored clothing.

This is England 2016 by Hurlingham Polo At the Coronation Cup the HPA showcased the debut of the brand new England kit, revealing a new design that brings a new era to the game. Made in the UK, the shirt features a polyester micro knit fabric with moisture management properties keeping the player cool & comfortable. The back mesh panel is the most unique feature

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Polo Times, September 2016

with the fabric commonly used in cycling products, allowing for maximum horizontal & vertical stretch for ease of movement perfect for the physicality of polo.

Oliver Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive at the HPA, said, “We are really excited to reveal the new playing kit; we have put a lot of effort into researching how the quality of the playing kit can be improved and are really pleased with how the shirts have turned out. The bespoke fabric and flexibility coupled with the breathability will allow players to perform better on the field, whilst staying cool for longer, allowing them to increase their work rate” This ground breaking design not only looks to improve the game experience for players, but also reflects how the sport is changing and growing. The sport is faster and more competitive than ever before and the new kit will give the team a new edge on the pitch.

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Feature

For further information on the brand, please visit the new website www.hurlinghampolo1875.com or contact; Simon Hawkins, HPA / King of Games Ltd E: simon@hurlinghampolo1875.com or T: +44 (0)7964 951 614

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Global Brand Ambassadors The HPA also revealed that leading Canadian player, Fred Mannix will become the first of their global ambassadors. Fred, captain of the Commonwealth side, which faced England in this year’s Coronation Cup, was the highest handicapped player on The Queen’s Ground with a handicap of 8 and currently competes in Argentina and North America.

Fred and his Commonwealth team were also wearing HPA branded kit, marking the start of the mutually beneficial relationship.

David Woodd, Chief Executive at the HPA, told us “We are truly delighted to have Fred in our stable. He perfectly fits our brand values and his enthusiasm and commitment to the game of polo is unrivalled’’ Fred Mannix agreed. “This is a really special day for me, I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the world, and to now be in a partnership with The Hurlingham Polo Association, is a huge honour’’

Royal Salute Coronation Cup winner and Captain of GT Bank Commonwealth team Fred Mannix Jnr is the first of Global Brand Ambassador

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Polo Times, September 2016

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The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, Guards Polo Club

Reports

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Commonwealth Crowned

T

England’s Winning Streak Ends

he Royal Salute Coronation Cup 2016, Saturday 23 July, saw an upset for the English apple cart as GT Bank Commonwealth stole the show, ending England’s winning streak.

An international match can always fall foul of the exhibition style game, but both teams set out with grit and determination and clearly had other ideas. The polo was edge-of-the-seat stuff with two even line-ups for the title tournament. www.polotimes.co.uk

For the 2016 contest, England looked formidable with youngsters Charlton and Jack Richardson combined with older and experienced players James Harper and Beim. However, GT Bank Commonwealth were thirsty for their win, Canadian Fred Mannix Jnr, described by the commentators during the game as, “A Jack Russell on caffeine”, made no excuses that he wanted to triumph, eager to add to his victory in 2002. Mannix’s teammate Hissam Ali

Chris Mackenzie and Max Charlton heading towards goal

Lucy Wilson reports from Surrey

Hyder was first timer on two accounts, being his debut in the Coronation Cup and also as the first Pakistani national. South African Chris Mackenzie has been on fire this summer winning Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony Awards almost on a weekly basis, and combined with JP Clarkin and his immense physical reach, pony power and tenacity the result was a pretty hot team. Mannix had a stellar game with a goal in the third chukka that can Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, Guards Polo Club

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup teams England

GT Bank Commonwealth

Jack Richardson (6) DOB: 15.10.1991 @richardsonmn1 Richardsonjmn

Hissam Ali Hyder (6) DOB: 07.03.1982 @hissamhyder @hissamhyder

Max Charlton (7) DOB: 23.04.1990 @maxcharltonpolo

Chris MacKenzie (6) DOB: 06.11.1992

James Beim (7) DOB: 06.04.1980 @jamesbeimpolo

John Paul Clarkin (7) DOB: 05.06.1978 @jpclarkin

James Harper (6) DOB: 22.10.1979 @jamesharper02

Fred Mannix Jnr (8) DOB: 19.02.1984 @FredMannix

Post-Match Player Chat with JP Clarkin “I don’t think anyone on the field played badly today, I think everyone went really well. We stacked the horses to the second half which worked for us so we managed to sneak ahead in the fifth chukka. All in all it was a great match to play and everyone had a great time.”

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Polo Times, September 2016

only be described as ‘sensational’, with the ball stolen from the line-out, hit at an angle from at least 80 yards away from the goal and slotted through in a pivotal moment to take the Commomwealth into the lead 5-4.

It could be said that the English side took a softer approach to the game, but this gave their opposition an excellent chance to play some incredible crowd-pleasing shots.

For England, it was great to see James Harper finally take to The Queen’s Ground for The Coronation Cup. In past years he has been overlooked by the selectors which was an issue that had resonated with Harper, so it was wonderful to see his strength and experience benefit the team alongside stalwart England Captain James Beim.

Richardson, one of the youngest players on the ground that day had a sensational game, scoring or nearly scoring on a number of occasions and reading the hard-hitting attacking plans of the opposition with a really strategic outlook. The third chukka was his best, opening the second half with a glorious goal that seemed to come out of nowhere, before GT Bank Commonwealth could gather their thoughts. Later that chukka he finished off a strong run made by Harper to even the scores 5-5. Richardson was also only mounted on English ponies, most of which were made by his setup, an impressive feat for such a strong, professional string.

Clarkin lured Charlton and Richardson into a few pony races, but the New Zealander’s leggy steads were unmatchable, plus he had plenty of them to change onto through the game. Charlton’s string, now mostly Ellerstina bred mares purchased at the sale of stock in Australia last year did well, but couldn’t find the extra gears to challenge Clarkin’s mounts. Both Clarkin and Mannix had 13 ponies listed for the game, whilst teammate Mackenzie had a modest eight, although this didn’t stop him from winning Garrard Most Valuable Player.

Mackenzie attributed to his fantastic season so far to, “Good cooking and being recently married is my secret to winning so many MVPs! We just wanted to play positive polo, hit the ball and use our speed and really just enjoy it, we had a good time.”

By the sixth and final chukka, GT Bank Commonwealth had sped away with the scores. The chukka started with England lagging 11-9, and a penalty hit hard into the car park, leaving the Maserati owners wincing in the stands, secured a 12-9 lead by Mannix. Beim managed a penalty followed by a goal from Harper, but it was too little too late for England. www.polotimes.co.uk

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, Guards Polo Club

Reports

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James Harper and Fred Mannix Jnr in the front of the crowds

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Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, Guards Polo Club

The Presentation of Prizes The Duke of Edinburgh presented England’s Jack Richardson with the Retraining of Racehorses’ Best Playing Pony prize for Light Nights. This 10-year-old bay mare is owned and was made for polo by Richardson.

Another trophy, which almost rivals the Coronation Cup in size, is the HPA’s Caballus Ferguson Trophy, which is presented to the Best Young Player of the Year. Fellow player and sponsor of the trophy Bruce Merrivale-Austin joined The Duke to award this accolade to the young Englishman Tommy Beresford, who, although not playing on the day, has been in outstanding form in the high goal for Talandracas this year.

Crowds also witnessed The Duke himself receiving a special tribute, a one-off Royal Salute 90th Anniversary Limited Edition to honour HM The Queen’s 90th birthday. Encased in a white, glazed porcelain flagon with a bespoke floral design by colourist and ceramic artist Natasha Daintry, the 90th Anniversary Limited Edition has been crafted using whiskies that traverse six decades: from the 1950s up to the present day. It effectively encapsulates Royal Salute’s connections with modern royalty, as it was first created in honour of HM The Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

England Team Coach

Commonwealth Team Coach

In recent years England have won the title three years in a row from 2009 to 2012 (in 2013 the Westchester was played instead), a blip occurred in 2014 when Argentina stole the show, but last year England Captain James Beim and his team of Max Charlton and the Tomlinson brothers defeated South America.

Bruce Merrivale-Austin, alongside HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presenting Tommy Beresford with the Caballus Ferguson Trophy

Facts and Figures: Horsepower GT Bank Commonwealth: England: UK origin: 17 Argentine origin: 3 Australian origin: 19 New Zealand origin: 4 Argentine origin: 3 French origin: 1

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Polo Times, September 2016

MVP Chris Mackenzie

Scores: 1-1, 4-3, 5-5, 8-7, 11-9, 12-11 to GT Bank Commonwealth

Retraining of Racehorses’ Best Playing Pony: Light Nights, owned and played by Jack Richardson

Mares: 35 Geldings: 8 Stallions: 2 Pony providers: Momin Sheikh, Santiago Lujan, Richard Blake Thomas, Spencer McCarthy, Jerome Wirth, Hilali Noordeen, Black Bears, Andrew Hine, Dirk Gould, Richard, the Earl of Tyrone, Tom Morley, Michel Del Carril and Pite Merlos

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Mares: 28 Geldings: 16 Stallions: 0 Pony providers: Hedley Aylott, Matt Perry, Lila Pearson, Pite Merlos, Ollie Cudmore, T Ruiz Guiñazú, Max Routledge, Jim Gilmore, Alec White and John Martin

UK origin: 11 Argentine origin: 17 Australian origin: 2 New Zealand Origin: 8 Brazilian origin: 1 South African origin: 3 American origin: 2 Irish origin: 1

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The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, Guards Polo Club

Reports

Action off the field Royal Florist Simon Lycett provided guests with a stunning floral pop-up experience that seemed to envelope the side of the Guards Clubhouse in a colourful and fragrant grotto-esque display with Royal Salute bottles hidden amongst the foliage. Simon said that the display was inspired, “By the aromas and flavours of the five Royal Salute brands, with a palette of flowers that echo and evoke HM Queen Elizabeth II and the gardens of her homes throughout the British Isles.”

This floral masterpiece and the artisan approach echoed in the brochure for the day was none the less typical for Royal Salute and their intentions for the whole affair to be more than just a day out but a celebration of their brand.

The revised schedule of the day worked well with youth polo action from the Final of the Buckmaster in the morning and two Internationals in the afternoon. On the far side of the ground picnickers took the place of stands that had been rather empty in recent years, giving a fun and relaxed atmosphere to the day. Trade stands, pitch-side entertainment as well as the launch of the new HPA clothing brand added to a colourful event. Some said it meant the polo was not as watched, some said it was hard to get around, some said it was fantastic. One thing for sure, it was a change that was welcomed to an old well-worn routine.

As the ponies returned to their yards and evening fell, the Clubhouse opened up to a party for all which felt inviting.

Those remembering the International and atmosphere of yesteryear gave the new more inclusive format the thumbs up. Let’s hope for greater attendance and further improvements to the event layout for next year… all topped off with an England win of course.

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George Pearson and Max Hutchinson race for the ball

No Luck of the Irish The last game of the day, The Diamond Jubilee Trophy, was filled with thrills and spills.

The Irish team, from whom we normally see great attacking composure, surprised those in the packed stands as they struggled to stay on their horses with a triumvirate of tumbles.

Max Hutchinson set the trend of unplanned dismounts with a nasty fall, thankfully after being checked over he remounted and played the remainder of the chukka before being substituted by Seb Dawnay. Mikey Henderson over-committed to scoring a goal and took out the goal post, but he was fine and managed to remount. Then Dawnay also took a nasty tumble over the front handlebars, causing England’s personal trainer Winston Squire to sprint across the ground in lightening speed to check him over. By half-time, despite numerous attempts at goal by both sides, the score was 3-3. Ryan Pemble had a tough game and took most of it out on the umpires, arguing over the half goal awarded to England when Dawnay subbed in, (England actually gallantly dropped the advantage) and later again Pemble was still rankled when Ali Paterson scored the winning goal in the final chukka. Commentator’s Karl Ude Martinez and Chris Hyde could be heard saying in a very unsympathetic manor, “I’m crying into my microphone”. It was, despite the pauses for falls and backchat with the umpires, a fun game in which, for the first time this year England broke the spell against Ireland.

The Diamond Jubilee Trophy teams: Piaget Young England: George Pearson (2), Matthew Perry (5), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Ali Paterson (4) Ireland: Niall Donnelly (4), Michael Henderson (4), Ryan Pemble (5) & Max Hutchinson (3) Best Playing Pony: Chelsea, owned and played

by Niall Donnelly Scores: 1-1, 2-3, 3-3, 4-3 to Piaget Young England

Post-Match Player Chat with Ollie Cudmore “We had never played together before and we started pretty badly, we started with Ali at back and me at three, which wasn’t working so we made a change after the first chukka – I went to the back and that worked a lot better.

We tried to hit the ball and keep it open because we knew we had better horsepower, which we capitalised on in the second half. The Irish were a good team, we missed a lot of chances, but we got there in the end.” more action from the sidelines turn to For page 92.

Polo Times, September 2016

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Snakebite and Strategic are fighting for the top spot in the 6 goal series

Teams Enter the Home Stretch for the Overall Titles

T

he 2016 series of tournaments for all levels of the Victor Ludorum games has seen a shake-up in leading teams.

Last year’s winners of the titles, apart from C.A.N.I. don’t even feature in the top five team lists at this stage. In the 6 goal series Max Kirchhoff ’s Snakebite has the lead by 65 points, with Strategic nipping at their heals. However, there are still two tournaments to play for, so this could change. The only clear leader of all the

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sections is Chester/Stobart in the 8 goal series, with 220 points, a massive 110 points ahead of the other top four teams with only The Wichenford Bowl left to play for at Beaufort Polo Club. Peter Barfoot, who is recovering from a fall in hospital, will be cheered to hear that his team Maize Dulce have steamed ahead in the 12 goal series with a lead of 60 points with only two tournaments left to play for, so second and third place teams Aryana (180 points) and Beaufort Black Hound

(170 points) have some catching up to do.

In the 15 goal series a win for Poulton/ Balvanera in The County Cup at Cirencester have shot them up the leaderboard and pushed Shalimar out of the top five. This series is going to be a nail-biting finish, with The Arthur Lucas at Beaufort Polo Club once again being the deciding tournament for the series. With only 70 points between current leaders Black Bears and Emlor C who are in fifth place, anything could happen.

Polo Times, September 2016

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

15 Goal Victor Ludorum Royal Eduardo Windsor Moore (Guards) (RCBPC) Black Bears 40 90 Emlor S 50 20 Poulton/Balvanera 70 Four Quarters Orange 100 Emlor C 30 50 *Only one tournament remains in this series

15 Goal Top Five Teams

Harrison Cup County Cup Arthur Lucas (Cowdray) (Cirencester) (Beaufort) 50 100 20 50 30 30

Total Points 180 170 140 130 110

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Winners Emlor with runners-up Shalimar

Cowdray Park Polo Club – Harrison Cup Final – Saturday 30 July Number of teams: 13 Winners: Emlor Points: 100 13 teams entered the 2016 Harrison Cup with Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar and Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor teams making it through to the Final.

The Final saw Shalimar make a great

start with Antinori racing away from the first throw-in to score, and by half-time the scoreboard read 4-2½ in favour of Shalimar. However, Emlor looked like a different team in the second half, with a 30 yard penalty shot sent through by Muzzio, followed by a superb goal from Gonzales, which saw them take the lead for the first time. Shafi cleared a shot at goal by Spencer McCarthy, but Muzzio pounced on the ball and sent a lofted shot through the posts to score. Shalimar then benefitted from a

penalty, which saw Harper’s mighty shot from 60 yards reduce Emlor’s lead to 5½-5.

A penalty 1 in the final chukka gave Emlor a double measure of goals and the score moved to 7½-5. With their confidence rattled, Shalimar tried to get back into the match, but a drive forward by Emlor saw another goal on the board and a final score of 8½-5 in Emlor’s favour.

Mrs Bridget McCarthy presented The Harrison Cup to her son James, plus a generous array of prizes from sponsor Casablanca Polo. Ale Muzzio’s sterling efforts were rewarded with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and his black mare Negrita was voted Best Playing Pony receiving the historic Brooke Joynson Cup as well as the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

In the Subsidiary Finals, The Maidensgrove Cup, presented by Charles Roberts, was won by Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange, who beat the Ephson’s Poulton/Balvanera side 7-6½.

The Aotea Cup was played between Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears and Max Kirchhoff ’s Snakebite, with Black Bears winning 10-9.

Harrison Cup Final teams: Shalimar: Kassem Shafi (0), Pedro Harrison (4), James Harper (6) & Vieri Antinori (5), Emlor: Spencer McCarthy (1), James McCarthy (0), Alejandro Muzzio (7) & Nacho Gonzales (6) find out more about Negrita, Polo Times To Best Playing Pony, turn to our Pony Power pages.

Cirencester Park Polo Club – National 15 Goal Championship for The County Cup – Sunday 14 August Number of teams: 7 Winners: Poulton-Balvanera Points: 50

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Poulton/Balvanera with The County Cup

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Polo Times, September 2016

Aurora Eastwood spoke to us about the Final of the National 15 Goal Championship for The County Cup, “Tayto led from the start by default, receiving a half goal start on the board on handicap, but then added to this quickly.

“The second chukka saw a lot of attacking from both sides, but it wasn’t until a 60 yard penalty was awarded that a goal was finally scored in Poulton/Balvanera’s (P-B) favour, neatly converted by Tomas Iriarte. Michael Henderson made a break for it, tearing down the field and then fell victim to an unkind bounce at the very www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

end, leaving the ball tantalisingly on the goal line – but it was deftly cleared by JJ de Alba, followed by a goal to P-B, 3-3½. Some lovely interaction between Matias Amaya and Martin Rodriguez straight from the lineout led to another goal, 3-4½.

Another 60 yarder to P-B went in this time, 4-4½. Ludo Ephson then managed to sneak another goal in for his side, and then Glen Sherriff added one more – three goals in a row for P-B. A mistake led to a penalty to Tayto, ending the chukka 6- 5½.

“There were no more goals until half

ending any chance of a Tayto comeback, 10-7½. They didn’t stop battling though, defending hard and preventing a near certain P-B goal. A spot penalty to Tayto came too late, with not enough time to score the three goal deficit.”

way through the fourth chukka, when P-B scored once more, and then Ephson did it again, scoring straight away from the lineout.

He then slotted in another, increasing P-B’s lead to 9-5½. However, Tayto’s Stephen Hutchinson scored a cracker with an open cut shot narrowing the deficit by one.

“Tayto managed to score the goal despite the ball bouncing off the post, closing the gap and keeping hopes alive, a close score of 9-7½. A mistake from Tayto allowed P-B to then make up for their previous miss with a goal from Iriarte,

National 15 Goal Championship Final teams: Poulton/Balvanera: Ludo Ephson (2), Juan Jose de Alba (3), Tomy Iriarte (5) & Glenn Sherriff (5) Tayto: Stephen Hutchinson (1), Matias Amaya (5), Michael Henderson (4) & Martin Rodriguez (4)

12 Goal Victor Ludorum John

Prince of

(RCBPC)

(Beaufort) 90 30 30 50

12 Goal Top Five Teams Dollar Cup Prestwich Wales Cup (Cowdray) Maiz Dulce 50 Aryana 30 Beaufort Black Hound 40 Snake Bite 40 Clarita 40 *Two tournaments remain in this series

50 30 90

Queen Duke of Cheltenham Autumn Mother Wellington Cup League (Cirencester) (Guards) (Cirencestesr) (Cowdray) 40 60 70 100 30

Total Points 240 180 170 150 130

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Maize Dulce, winners of the Duke of Wellington Trophy

Guards Polo Club – The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final – Sunday 14 August Number of teams: 14 Winners: Maize Dulce Points: 60 Peter Barfoot, the chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club, who is currently recovering in hospital from a polo fall, received a massive get well boost when his Maize Dulce team won the 12-goal Duke of Wellington www.polotimes.co.uk

Trophy at Guards Polo Club. Lottie Lamacraft has been standing in for Barfoot since his accident and once again produced a confident performance. In a really tight game on The Queen’s Ground, Maize Dulce, one of 14 teams which had entered this Victor Ludorum-qualifying tournament, snatched an 8-7 victory over Mo Sheikh’s BHC, thanks to some great teamwork from Glen Sherriff and Tomas Hunt.

BHC had the upper hand in the early chukkas, due to goals from Ralph

Reports

Richardson and Dirk van Reenan, giving them a two-goal advantage (4-2) at halftime. As Maize Dulce had failed to score at all in the second, it looked as if BHC patron Mo Sheikh would be adding his name to this popular trophy once again, after winning in 2009.

The bright yellow shirts of Maize Dulce had other ideas though and came out fighting in the third chukka. Sherriff, later named The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player after a great game at three, successfully converted a couple of penalties and shot through a field goal, while teammate Hunt found the flags too. The Richardson boys – Jack and Ralph – kept BHC in contention with a couple of goals.

So with the scores at 6-6 at the start of the fourth and final chukka there was plenty to play for. Hunt scored first, giving Maize the lead for the first time since the first chukka, only for Jack Richardson to produce a great run up the field to score.

Sherriff had other ideas with a fabulous angled shot scoring the winning goal.

Jack Richardson, who appeared to be nursing a leg injury in the presentations, received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Prize for his own Nobu, a nine-yearold Thoroughbred mare. He received this prize from Hon Eleanor Wellesley, the granddaughter of the 8th Duke of Wellington, after whom the trophy is named.

Earlier in the day Emma McCarthy led her father Clinton’s Emlor C team to victory in the sub final, played on The Duke’s Ground. They defeated Elio LeoniSceti’s Il Sole 6-5.

The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final teams: Maize Dulce: Lottie Lamacraft (0), Jack Berner (2), Glen Sherriff (5) & Tomas Hunt (5) BHC: Mo Sheikh (0), Ralph Richardson (2), Dirk van Reenan (4) & Jack Richardson (6) Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

8 Goal Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Top Five Teams

Gerald Balding Archie David (Cirencester) (Guards) 90 70 110

Chester/Stobart Sladmore/Twelve Oaks Prestige Sport Maiz Dulce Limitless/Silvertown *Only one tournament remains in this series

Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy (RCBPC) 40 90

Holden White (Cowdray) 20

Wichenford Bowl (B’fort)

Total Points 220 110 110 100 80

20 100

80

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Winners of The Holden White Cup Maize Dulce with Nicci Bethell

Cowdray Park Polo Club – Holden White Challenge Cup Final – Sunday 31 July Number of teams: 18 Winners: Maize Dulce Points: 100 From an entry of eighteen teams, Peter Barfoot, who is still in hospital following his

recent injury, will have had his spirits raised on hearing that his team Maize Dulce not only won The Duke of Wellington Trophy, they also won the 2016 Holden White Cup. Local lady player Lottie Lamacraft stepped in to play in Peter’s place to face Sumaya.

In the Final, Ahmad Aboughazale’s Sumaya made an impressive start with a

fantastic goal sent through the posts by Guiñazú. However, their advantage was soon lost by a 30 yard penalty awarded to Maize Dulce which Sherriff sent home to equalise. Two penalty shots per side in the second chukka saw the score 3-3 at half-time. Will Harper, the youngest player on the field, was responsible for the steal which enabled Guiñazú to put through a super under-the-neck-shot to take Sumaya into the lead in the second half on 4-3, whilst Sherriff wasted no time in putting through a 30 yard penalty to level the score at 4-4. Kian Hall stole the ball from Villela following the throw-in, and hung onto it until he could off-load to Matt Pitts who scored to take Maize Dulce into the lead again to end the third chukka. Sherriff was able to score once more from a 30 yard penalty taking the score to 6-4. Hall made a great attempt at goal which just went wide, before a whistle gave Sumaya the chance to score from a 30 yard penalty, but it was too late to prevent victory for Maize Dulce and a final score of 6-5.

Nicci Bethell presented The Holden White Cup to Matt Pitts on behalf of Peter Barfoot and both teams received prizes from sponsor Casablanca Polo. Kian Hall was presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony award was presented to Idaho, owned by Peter Barfoot and ridden

by Kian Hall.

In the Subsidiary Finals of The Holden White Cup, Beaufort Black Hound won The Ruins Cup, and Feedmark took home The Ambersham Cup. Holden White Cup Final teams: Maize Dulce: Lottie Lamacraft (0), Matt Pitts (2), Glenn Sherriff (5) & Kian Hall (1) Sumaya: Will Harper (-1), Ahmad Aboughazale (1), Nicolas Ruiz Guiñazú (3) & Juan Pablo Villela (5)

6 Goal Victor Ludorum 6 Goal Top Five Teams

Dallas Burston (DBPC) 85 40 55

Snakebite Strategic C.A.N.I CCPC Dawson Group 35 *Two tournaments remain in this series

Eduardo Rojas (Beaufort) 80 50

Polo Times, September 2016

Junior County (Cheshire)

70

40

20

30

Cambridge (Cambridge Co) 80

10

Budgett Everett (Kirtlington) 80 60 40 30

Roehampton Kingscote (HPC) (Cirencester)

40

Rutland Polo Club – The Assam Cup Final – Sunday 31 July Number of teams: 6 Winners: Strategic Points: 70

36

Assam (Rutland)

On Sunday 31 July, Rutland Polo Club played the postponed Westerby Assam Cup, the Assam Subsidiary Final as well as a host of other trophies. Turn to our Club News pages to hear about the other tournament winners.

The Assam Sub Subsidiary Final was

Total Points 325 260 95 90 75

between CCPC and Iguanas. A tight match saw a lot of missed chances from both sides.

Some nervous parents on the Iguana side were appeased in the last chukka when Archie Smyth-Osbourne confidently knocked a 60 yard penalty through the goal posts to www.polotimes.co.uk

secure the game with a score of 5-3½.

The main Final of the day was the much anticipated Westerby Assam Cup, postponed from earlier in the month due to torrential rains. This year’s Final was between two Assam Cup regulars, Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic and Tim Rose’s 3Oceans. The slick partnership of Matt Evetts and Kelvin Johnson proved far too strong for the Argentine nucleus of 3Oceans and at halftime Strategic had a comprehensive lead.

This lead never really looked under threat and at the final bell Strategic were crowned the Westerby Assam Cup 2016 winners with a very convincing score of 8-1. Kelvin Johnson’s mare Lucia was given the Best Playing Pony Award for her four-legged athleticism in the Final.

Assam Cup Final teams: Strategic: Peter O’Rorke (-1), Mark Brown (0), Matt Evetts (3) & Kelvin Johnson (4) 3Oceans: Tim Rose (0), Bautista Funes (1), Sebastian Chialvo (2) & Sebastian Funes (3)

Reports

Photograph by John Rowley

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Westerby Assam Cup winners, Strategic

Cambridge County Polo Club – The Cavendish Cup Final – Sunday 24 July

The inaugural tournament for the Victor Ludorum 6 goal Cavendish Cup was held at Cambridge County Polo Club 19 – 24 July. With some of the most beautiful low goal grounds in England available for this tournament, it was surprising that only three teams entered, but the irrigated Fen Fields produced some fast and furious polo.

The opening games leading to the Final between Lambourne and Cambridge produced open-running polo with few infringements. The combination of both Alec and Ed Banner-Eve put great pressure on Fabio Lavinia, whose team ran-out winners with a score of 6-3. Snakebite versus Lambourne was played in blazing sunshine with Snakebite prevailing.

After a visit from HRH the Duke of Cambridge for a charity match on Thursday 21 July, Snakebite first met the home team on Friday 22 July in front of the sponsors’ guests. The Cavendish Ground, newly boarded for the occasion, produced a superb game, with Snakebite’s team play and horsepower coming to the fore and Snakebite coming out the winners over Cambridge

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Photograph by Geoffrey de Sousa

Number of teams: 3 Winners: Snakebite Points: 80

Winner, Snakebite with The Cavendish Cup

County Polo Club 6-3½. Sunday’s tense Final between the same teams produced a similar result, with Snakebite deservedly lifting the magnificent trophy whilst Lambourne won the Subsidiary Final.

The Cavendish Cup Final teams: Snakebite: Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Meyrick (1), Jack Berner (2) & David Ashby (3) Cambridge County Polo Club: Alice Servaes (0), Corentin Mahe (1), Fabio Lavinia (4) & Andrew Burke (0)

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Kirtlington Park Polo Club – Budgett Everett Trophy Final – Sunday 7 August Number of teams: 7 Winners: Snakebite Points: 80

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

After two exciting weeks, where seven teams battled it out for The Budgett Everett Trophy in the Victor Ludorum 6 goal series, it was Snakebite and Strategic that came head to head in the Final. Strategic had won both their preliminary round matches and looked in control throughout the league stages, whilst Snakebite had a surprise upset when they lost against an altered Cambridge County Polo Club team.

Snakebite’s defeat earlier on in the Snakebite with the Budgett Everett Trophy week appeared not to perturb them, as they quickly edged ahead scoring two goals in going to make it easy for Strategic, having the first few minutes of the game. At halfman-managed the excellent combination time the score was four all after Johnson of Kelvin Johnson and Matt Evetts by converted a penalty for Strategic and an restricting their field position and cutting excellent solo field goal from Tom Meyrick, down their attacking outlets to O’Rourke having cleared his goalmouth at one end and Smith. This allowed Snakebite to secure and convert for his team at the other. the win with two goals before the final Everything came down to the last whistle and a score of 8-6.

HORSE The – DNA – PERICYTES - CHAMPIONS chukka, with both teams on 6 goals Best Playing Pony Award went to apiece making for a very important and Jack Berner’s nine-year-old Thoroughbred, decisive final chukka. Snakebite were not Tweeny and the Most Valuable Player

Award went to Snakebite’s Tom Meyrick.

The Subsidiary Final winner of the Budgett Everett went to C.A.N.I who defeated La Golondrina 6-5½.

TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB

Budgett Everett Trophy Final teams: Snakebite: Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Meyrick (1), Jack Berner (2) & David Ashby (3) Strategic: Peter O’Rorke (-1), Henry Smith (0), Matt Evetts (3) & Kelvin Johnson (4)

TISSUE E

HORSE – D

TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB TISSUE ENGINEERING LABStrate

Strategic R&D Planning 2016-20

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May 23, 2016

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Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival Finals

Festival Fun The August sunshine bathed the large crowds who descended on The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for a Sunday packed full of polo action, picnics and a great finale party

T

his year’s Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival saw a total of 25 teams playing across the two weeks of the tournament, with teams and players coming from all over the country and players flying in specifically for the occasion. With both The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and Tally Ho Farm celebrating their 30th anniversarys in 2016, the Festival was promised to be a good one and Finals’ Day certainly did not disappoint.

After 2 weeks of fast, competitive polo, the action kicked off with the 10 goal Final for the Jeff Thomas Trophy. A healthy eight teams had entered the tournament, with Mansfield Advisors and Altai Himalaya/ Emsworth making it through to the hotly contested Final which saw the red-shirted Mansfield Advisors run out the winners by a two goal margin. Julie Thomas and Chris Adkins of Tally Ho Farms made the presentations, with Miguel Ayala picking up The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Pancho Torres on the opposing team was delighted to see his seven-year-old mare Maria awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize.

The second contest of the day was between Asian Art and Emsworth Polo Grounds who had emerged as the -2-2 goal Polo Festival Finalists, out of a strong entry of 13 teams. In an extremely close game, which went to an extra chukka and widened goals, it was eventually Asian Art who

Richenda Hine reports from Berkshire

clinched the win. The team’s success was further compounded by young 1 goal player Jamie Grayson picking up both The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award and also the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for his mare Apache.

As the temperatures soared it was the turn of the ladies to do battle as Fit 4 Polo took on La Brava Polo School in the Ladies’ Final. It was a closely matched game which saw strong play from all involved, but as the final bell rang the red-shirted La Brava Polo School had run out the winners. Their success was boosted further at prize-giving as Alex Jacob was presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and Rosie Ross’ distinctive pony Bush Pig was the deserving winner of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize.

It was a fun day out with families enjoying pitch-side picnics, trade stand shopping and great offerings from the food village. As the afternoon turned into evening, the party mood got into full swing and the evening was a fitting end to a wonderful day and the conclusion of a great Tally Ho Polo Festival.

To find out more about the three Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards from this event, turn to our Pony Power pages.

For social pictures of the day, turn to our Sidelines pages. Also, for a report on the Ladies’ match please turn to our Women’s polo pages.

10 Goal Jeff Thomas Final teams: Mansfield Advisors: Andrew Burke (0), Phil Sellar (2), Fabio Lavinia (4) & Miguel Ayala (3) Altai Himalaya/Emsworth: Emil Arber (0), D’Artagnan Giercke (1), Benja Urquiza (5) & Pancho Torres (3) Score: Mansfield Advisors beat Altai Himalaya/Emsworth, 7-5 Subsidiary Final: Twelve Oaks beat Paycircle, 10-4½

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Polo Times, September 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival Finals

-2-2 Goal Polo Festival Final teams: Asian Art: Jack Aldridge (-2), Jamie Grayson (1), Miguel Ayala (3) & Chris Bruckner (0) Emsworth Polo Grounds: Mani Arber (-1), Emil Arber (0), Mariano Darritchon (3) & Joe Arber (0) Score: Asian Art beat Emsworth, 6-5 Subsidiary Final: Windmill Farm beat Wodehouse Stud, 6-5

Reports

Ladies’ Final teams (HPA women’s handicaps): Fit 4 Polo: Lucy Sones (1), Nell Jacob (3), Steph Haverhals (4) & Sarah Wiseman (7) La Brava Polo School: Alexandra Bencikova (1), Dayna Waechter (1), Alex Jacob (4) & Rosie Ross (4) Score: La Brava Polo School beat Fit 4 Polo, 5-3 Subsidiary Final: Ash Farm beat Nipas 8½-4

Action from the 10 goal Jeff Thomas Final in front of busy grandstands and picnickers

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Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

The Festival of Horsepower; Westcroft Park Polo Club

Speed & Steads

I

Four Hooves and Four Wheels Combine at Inaugural Event n the heart of Surrey, a festival of polo of a different kind occurred at the end of July, with foodies, musicians, car lovers and polo players converging at the grounds of Westcroft Park Polo Club on Sunday 31 July.

As the Nation is gripped by festival fever, from

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Polo Times, September 2016

Glastonbury to local music festivals, the polo world is on trend with mini days out planned to entice locals to enjoy our wonderful sport.

The team at Westcroft Park went all out with this weekend bonanza, with trade stands-a-plenty offering foodie delights and

Amy Guy and Richard Blake Thomas do battle

Stella & Dot jewellery. The Clubhouse was manned by The Fine Event Company fuelling players and guests with homemade pizzas and more. Smaller guests were kept occupied with dodgem bumper cars and bungee trampolines, although still a favourite with the adults. The grown-ups certainly weren’t left out with parades of super cars in the arena and a race or two across the polo grounds.

Participants from the Power of Polo charity came along for the weekend, providing an energetic manning of the polo stand, persuading spectators to sign-up for a go at the www.polotimes.co.uk

The Festival of Horsepower; Westcroft Park Polo Club

Reports

Photograph by Charlotte Sweeney

Polo Times Best Playing Pony Ice, owned and played by Josh Clover

2 Goal Final winners Windlesham Warriors

King’s Davidsons team, with an airy two goal lead against Westcroft Park.

Next up, Windlesham Warriors took to the Number 1 ground to play Sau Wild/La Alegria.

At the end of the final chukka the game was as close as it could be with the score tied 7-7.

What a way to finish off a festival.

The teams opted for a Pony Club style run-down to decide the winners, very fitting for a festival celebrating speed on four legs and four wheels and Lucy Hodge did her team proud taking the ball nearly all the way down the field. With the help of 4 goaler Zac Hagedoorn, their team made it across the line first to win.

Power of Polo performed their new theme song

2 Goal Final teams: Windlesham Warriors: Lucy Hodge (-2), Cameron Schick (-2), Edward Morris-Lowe (2) & Zac Hagedoorn (4) Sau Wilde/La Alegria: Tatiana Menshenina (-2), Michael Poppel (-1), Richard Blake Thomas (2) & Temur Nadeem (2) Overall Most Valuable Lady Player: Lucy Hodge Polo Times Overall Best Playing Pony: Ice, owned and played by Josh Clover Most Valuable Player: Edward Morris-Lowe Score: 7-7, to Windlesham Warriors

Photography by Anna Menshenina

Horsepower of a different kind

game and demonstrating how to hit polo balls with hand mallets. The boys also did a world preview of the new theme song composed at the last Power of Polo course to great cheers.

The festivities didn’t end there, more musical delights came in the form of Mary Kelly and her guitarist David Glass. Finishing off the night was John James Newman, finalist from BBC’s The Voice UK. A silent auction with some amazing prizes included, a day at the Bentley factory kindly sponsored by Bentley Surrey, who are Official Partners of Westcroft Park. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo celebrations spanned two days with a one-off 6 goal game on Saturday 30 July between Fiona Reilly’s black and pink shirted Nephelim team and Domingo Cuadra’s Amber. Fast-paced polo ensued with Nephelim leading all the way up until the last chukka when Josh Clover, on the Amber line-up, scored two fantastic goals to put them into the lead in the last 10 seconds to win the game by one goal.

On Sunday 31 July, following their loss against Windlesham Warriors the previous day, the first Final of the Sunday went to Amy

2 Goal Subsidiary Final teams: Davidsons: Amy King (-1), Rob Wilson (0), Izzy McGregor (1) & Josh Clover (2) Westcroft Park: Amy Guy (0), Georgia Sweeney (0), Celio Garcera (0) & Danny Muriel (2) Score: 7-5, to Davidsons To find out more about Polo Times BPP, Ice, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

Polo Times, September 2016

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Reports

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

Sotogrande Update The 45th INDI International Polo Tournament is in full swing at Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande. With a plethora of tournaments covering the low, medium and high goal in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups, we have been working hard to bring you an update on the Finals action for those of you who haven’t had the chance to swap the British ‘summer’ for a spell in sunny Spain Low Goal

Isolas 1892 Bronze Cup Final

Photography courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

Sotovila celebrate in style

Sotovila dominated throughout the Isolas Bronze Cup tournament, so the close 9-9 draw in the final chukka on Sunday 31 July had spectators and supporters on the edge of their seats as the match went into an extra chukka. It was Sotovila’s Diogo Gallego, who despite suffering from a fall, scored the golden goal and sealed Jolly Rogers’ defeat with a score of 10-9. The Sotovila line-up of Carlos Pinal, Peter Grant, Daniel Entrecanales and Diogo Gallego celebrated in style with champagne sprays at the presentation.

Meanwhile in the Subsidiary Final, La Clarita, featuring Claire & Chris Mathias, Freddie Horne and Thiago Gallego, flew the flag for the Brits with a 8-7 win against El Campito.

I solas 1892 Bronze Cup Final teams: Sotovila (6): Daniel Entrecanales (0), Carlos Piñal (1), Diogo Gallego (4) & Pedro Beca (1) Jolly Rogers (6): Niclas Johansson (0), Daniel Gariador (2), Jamie Le Hardy (4) & Francisco Morales (0)

Action from the Isolas Bronze Cup Final

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Polo Times, September 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

Isolas 1892 Silver Cup Final

Reports

La Clarita seemed determined to build upon their Isolas 1892 Bronze Cup Subsidiary Final victory, and defend their 2015 title. The Final of the Isolas 1892 Silver Cup on Saturday 13 August saw La Clarita face Lechuza-John Smith.

La Clarita had flown through the qualifying matches, suffering just a single defeat, which was to Sotovila, who had showed their team-work and strength as champions of the Isolas 1892 Bronze Cup in July. The Final match was a tight affair, with Lechuza-John Smith fighting to the bitter last, but a nail-biting final score of 8-7 secured La Clarita the win. In a nerdy side-note, the 8-7 score was exactly the same score which secured La Clarita success in the Bronze Cup Subsidiary Final against El Campito in July.

La Clarita, winners of the Isolas 1892 Silver Cup

Isolas 1892 Silver Cup Final teams: La Clarita (6): Claire Mathias (0), Chris Mathias (0), Thiago Gallego (3) & Freddie Horne (3) Lechuza-John Smith (6): Luis de Borbon (0), Fernando Primo de Rivera (1), Pelayo Berazadi (4) & Gabriel Aguirre (1)

Medium Goal

Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup Final Saturday 13 August saw the Finals played for both the Bronze Cup and the Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup. The Bronze Cup saw GSA, with a line-up of Henry Porter (1), Gastón Bardengo (3), Martín Valent (5) and Juan Jauretche (5), defeat Kazak 9 goals to 4.

The crowds had a double bill of medium goal action as Brunei faced Seven Sevens

for the Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup. The question on everyone’s lips was, could Brunei take another victory following their high goal counterparts’ win in the Casa de Campo Silver Cup? It appeared that the winning formula of a cohesive team, combined with phenomenal horse-power didn’t just belong to Bahar Jefri’s high

goal squad, as the team dominated the second half, securing a 12-8 victory over Seven Sevens. An amazing triumph for the Brunei set-up, echoed in the words of HRH Princess Azemah, “It is great that the organisation was able to win both levels and we are very pleased about it”. Brunei’s Guillermo ‘Temi’ Willington was awarded Most Valuable Player Award. erolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup Final teams: A Brunei (14): HRH Princess Azemah (0), Facundo Fernández Llorente (6), Rosendo Torreguitar (1) & Guillermo ‘Temi’ Willington Seven Sevens (14): Dimitro Vozianov (0), Nicolás Espain (7), Santiago Laborde (6) & Ollie Cork (1)

Despite Seven Sevens’ endeavours, Brunei trumped the scores

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Brunei victorious in Sotogrande

Polo Times, September 2016

45

Reports

45th INDI International Polo Tournament

High Goal

Maserati Bronze Cup Final Ayala enjoyed a double defeat of Dubai in the Casa de Campo Silver Cup qualifiers, once in the qualifying stages where they defeated the usual top dogs 15-10, and then

again in the penalty shootout which saw both Adolfo Cambiaso and Jejo Taranco miss their 60 yard penalties. This meant that Dubai faced Lechuza Caracas in the Maserati

Bronze Cup on Thursday 11 August. Despite being a tough game, Cambiaso dominated the play from the first throw-in and ended the first half with a five goal lead. Although Lechuza Caracas attempted to regain their footing, the gap was too great to fill and Dubai finished victorious with 11 goals to 7.

Cambiaso was awarded MVP, having scored six of his team’s eleven goals. The victory should give Dubai a much needed confidence boost going into The Cartier Gold Cup. Maserati Bronze Cup Final teams: Dubai (22): Rashid Albwardy (2), Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Alejo Ortiz de Taranco (6) & Santiago Stirling (4) Lechuza Caracas (22): Victor Vargas (1), Julian de Lusarreta (6), Juan Martin Nero (10) & Juan Jauretche (5)

Action from the Maserati Bronze Cup Final

A victorious Dubai line-up

Casa de Campo Silver Cup Final Friday 12 August saw a legendary comeback from Brunei as they clinched a victory from Ayala, following a four-year break from the Sotogrande circuit. Both Ayala and Brunei had fared strongly in the qualifying stages of the Casa de Campo Silver Cup, so the Final was always going to be a battle of giants. Brunei tallied an exceptional five goals in the fourth chukka, which spelt the beginning of the end for Ayala. Facundo

Pieres tried doggedly to level the scores for Ayala, resulting in just a two goal margin going into the sixth and final chukka – a manageable margin some thought.

However, the integrated, hard-hitting power of Brunei prevailed and a last minute goal

by MacDonough secured victory for Bahar Jefri’s team with a final score of 14-12.

Bahar Jefri commented on the victory, “It is always great to come back, and even

Despite best efforts, Ayala failed to triumph

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Polo Times, September 2016

more in this way. I have dreamed it but I never imagined it.”

Casa de Campo Silver Cup Final teams: Brunei (22): Pablo MacDonough (10), Bahar Jeffrey (1), David Stirling (10) & Josh Cork (1) Ayala (22): Iñigo Zobel (0), Jack Hyde (3), Facundo Pieres (10) & Nico Pieres (9)

Victorious Brunei with The Silver Cup

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Ladies Charity Polo_BPG.pdf

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

12:44

Club Focus

LADIES CHARITY POLO POLO SHORELINE - HEATHER GREY

Hong Kong Challenge Cup C

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Photograph courtesy of Asia World Polo Ltd

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Action from the Final

HONG KONG POLO Team defeated Royal Salute Jeju Team with a close score of 4-3 in the Final of the Hong Kong Challenge Cup 2016. This tournament was held at Korea Polo Country Club and marks Hong Kong Polo Team’s 5th international win to date, beating the Royal Salute Jeju and Korea BMW teams in a five chukka match.

The Tournament was hosted by J.B. Lee, the Chairman of the Korea Polo Country Club, and the polo matches were aired live for the first time on Facebook and YouTube. The Final match commentary was narrated by seasoned English polo player Toby Copson. Post-polo event celebrations included a live auction staged by Macey and Sons with proceeds going to HKPT’s charity, Riding for the Disabled (RDA).

Hong Kong Polo Team: Patrick Furlong (2), James Bean (-1), Russell Tyre (0) & Kwan Lo (-1)

Robin Hood Benefit

British Polo Gin Supports Breast Cancer Haven On Saturday 27 August, Guards Polo Club will once again be welcoming women players to Smith’s Lawn to compete for The Guards Charity Ladies Trophy to generate funds for Breast Cancer Haven. Over the past three years the event has raised over £80,000 for the charity, which supports women and their families following the diagnosis of breast cancer. British Polo Gin are proud to be supporting this event, with both a British Polo Gin women’s team competing, and dishing out delicious pitchside Chukka Cocktails, so come and join us in supporting an amazing day of women’s polo for a great cause. For more information on Breast Cancer Haven or to donate visit www.thehaven.org.uk

Photograph courtesy of Battalion PR

All Ireland Polo Club Winners Team Bugatti and Piaget NA President Thomas Bouillonnec

ON MONDAY 8 August, Piaget celebrated the Fifth Annual Piaget Hamptons Cup in Water Mill, NY. Polo patrons and event co-chairs Joe and Diana DiMenna along with Nacho Figueras, hosted an exhibition match alongside Piaget to benefit Robin Hood, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization.

Guests were entertained with an exciting match between Team Sponsors Bugatti and Team Credit Suisse. Team Bugatti was the ultimate victor, beating Team Credit Suisse in a 9-7 win. www.polotimes.co.uk

WHILE IRISH POLO is held in a number of private clubs, the newest location for polo added to the list is in Ballindenisk, Co Cork which launched on Wednesday 24 August.

The All Ireland Polo Club is owned by the membership and on public grounds owned by the Office of Public Works, the governors of the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The final annual tournament of the summer season, the always hotly contested Pakistan Cup will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 10 – 11 September, which will include an International match against Zambia.

Polo Times, September 2016

47

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Masters of German

Dallas Burston Brings Polo to the Masses

Photograph by Holger Widera

Berenberg by a spectacular and narrow 5-4 for the Gold Cup at The Berenberg German Polo Masters. The young players, Tim Ward (GBR), Nico Sherring (RSA), Micky Duggan (ARG) and Marc Aberle (GER), played self-confidently and tactically wise from the start and went for the win. Tim Ward discovered the young 1 goaler Nico Sherring in South Africa and brought him to Sylt, where he was awarded as Most Valuable Player Award at the Berenberg German Polo Masters.

A total of 14,000 spectators from all over Germany watched the polo matches on Sylt.

Gold Cup teams: Porsche Zentrum Hamburg: Marc Aberle (-1), Tim Ward (3), Micky Duggan (4) & Nicolas Sherring (1) Berenberg: Christopher Winter (2), Sven Schneider (2), Tatu Gomez Romero (4) 4) & Jo Schneider (0)

Gold Cup winners Porsche Zentrum Hamburg

TEAM PORSCHE ZENTRUM Hamburg has defeated defending champion

Rutland

Photograph by Ella Cloake

Club Focus

The Wasps considering a swap of contact sports at the Game Fair

THE TEAM FROM the Warwickshire Club have been busy in the last few weeks bringing polo to the masses. At BBC Countryfile Live from Thursday 4 August to Sunday 7 August, the team descended on the grounds at Blenheim Palace, with polo ponies, wooden horses and a fist full of flyers conducting three demonstrations each day including commentary for the crowds

by Simon Ledger and Felix Wheeler. The stand also included a model horse tacked up with labels about the polo-specific tack and points of the horse. The Game Fair at Ragley Hall from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 July included two demonstrations a day and commentary by Ella Cloake. The Game Fair programme included an introduction to the sport, polo kit, info on the ponies and how to get involved. The stand also included a 360 virtual reality headset, which let people view the Club from a 360 perspective bird’s eye view.

Photograph by John Rowley

Findlay Cup winners, Kingscliffe

Hartopp Trophy winners, Stapleford Park

Offchurch Bury Ball

THE WARWICKSHIRE CLUB are holding their end of season ball on 3 September at the Chesford Grange Hotel near Leamington Spa. Tickets are £65 per person or £600 for a table of 10. This includes a three course meal, glass of bubbly on arrival and wine on the tables with a live band to dance the night away to. To book please call Tessa on 07816830887. There will also be a 0 goal tournament that weekend.

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Polo Times, September 2016

Photograph by Ella Cloake

Photograph by John Rowley

On Sunday 31 July, Rutland Polo Club played the postponed Westerby Assam Cup and the Assam Subsidiary Final as well as a host of other trophies. To read about the Westerby Assam Cup please turn to our Victor Ludorum Round-Up on page 33.

The Hartopp Trophy Final was between Shuif Hussain’s Stapleford Park and Nick Gerrard’s Innventure from Silver Leys. A balanced first chukka was followed by a dominant Stapleford in the second and third chukka and although Innventure clawed a few goals back in the fourth chukka it was not enough as the final score remained 8-3½. The Best Playing Pony Award in the Hartopp Trophy went to Cat, played by Alex Boucher.

The final game of the day was the Findlay Cup Final, between Kingscliffe and Los Gordos.

Seb Funes, as if to banish his previous loss, came out the blocks firing for Kingscliffe. Although Los Gordos rallied, it was not enough and Kingscliffe were victorious with a score of 7-3½.

Dallas Burston Polo Manager Huw Beavan talking to spectators at CFL Blenheim

www.polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus

Tree Trophies, Gold Cups & Conroy Conquers

The triumphant Cedars Polo Team won The Cedar Trophy Teros

Winners of the Polo Divot Trophy, Los Teros

CEDARS POLO TEAM won The Cedar Trophy in the Final on Sunday 31 July by half a goal, therefore Bilal took his own trophy home this year for the first time. Congratulations also went to Amy Leggett who was named the Most Valuable Player in the Final and made excellent nearside shots every time.

Carlito Gonzalez played an amazing tournament and proved you can play polo and still have fun. The BBQ was an asado followed by Lebanese desserts.

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July White Waltham celebrated The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final with the Polo Divot Trophy at White

Photograph by Gary Dingwall

Polo for Heroes

Winners, Phoenix with runners-up Deloitte

SINCE POLO FOR Heroes began in 2010 the charity has raised over £82,500 which is used to support Military Charities including sending injured service personnel on R&R trips to Las Vegas in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The Fifield fundraising event started with the Help for Heroes, Phoenix team joined by Fredrico Boudou triumphing over Deloitte, who gave them a run for their money. This game was followed by The Hackett Army taking on Mat Lodder Polo, with Mat’s team winning. There was a draw between Clogau Wales and E3 Light and the final match saw Divot Divas beat Rockstar Polo. Guests then enjoyed an Argentinean style asado dinner, auction and dancing into the early hours. Volunteer for the organisation Clare Dingwall said, “The atmosphere of the day was fantastic and it was an honour to have the injured soldiers playing. It was also lovely to have some of the injured who benefitted from the Las Vegas trips attend and present prizes.”

The Carugha Cup winners, Conroy Polo

Waltham Polo Club to commemorate the amount of treading in forecast that weekend at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Final between Los Teros and Pink Panthers was surprisingly one sided, as Los Teros kept up a good lead all the way through the four chukkas, mostly thanks to Freddie Farida.

The Carugha Cup Final on Sunday 14 August was won by Conroy Polo. After a slow start they pushed ahead of Moungerald Polo Team in the third and fourth chukka. If there was a prize for it, Ryan Conroy would have won the best goal of the season so far, with a hit out of the line-out straight into the goal.

Gold for Evviva St Moritz THE INTERNATIONAL POLO tournament Coppa d’Oro Monte Argentario ended on Sunday 31 July with the victory of the Swiss team Evviva St Moritz.

Eight participating teams, including five foreign teams, produced two Evviva St Moritz with the Coppa d’Oro trophy weeks of high-level polo.

The Hungarian Cassiopeia Polo Team won the Silver Cup, while the other Hungarian team, Las Plantas, won the Comune Monte Argentario Cup. In the Coppa d’Oro Final, Chateau Nine Peaks, winner of the last edition, fought for the title against the Swiss team Eviva St Moritz. The two teams had already met in the first day of the tournament where Chateau Nine Peaks had prevailed with a score of 9-5. But in the tournament Final Evviva St Moritz, led by Argentines Lucas Labat and Juan Manuel Gonzales, did not allow Chateau Nine Peaks to get ahead, resulting in a tactical match, a great show of pony power and a victory for Evviva St Moritz.

Photograph by Mr Andrea Tarlarini

Photography courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Wild Plans for Chiltern

AT THE TIME of going to press Chiltern Polo Club, located in Buckinghamshire just outside High Wycombe, were busy organising an exciting new event in memory and as a tribute to professional player and coach JJ Sparks’ South African polo playing father Derwent Spark. The event, due to be held from 20 – 21 August and tournament sections include -8- -2, 0-2 and 2-6 goal. The Out of Africa Tournament plans also include plenty of polo, parties, braiis and lots guests camping to fully immersing themselves in the wilds of the Chiltern Hills for the weekend.

We are looking forward to seeing some party pics! www.polotimes.co.uk

Derwent Spark back in the day

Polo Times, September 2016

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Heaps of Polo at HPC

A HIVE OF polo activity at the London based Club with tournaments and social events galore have been going on. First up, The Pakistan Charity Day match was played on Saturday 16 July between Elan (Pakistan) and Mont Rose College (India) including some of the top players from the two countries such as Hissam Ali Hyder and Abhimanyu Pathak. Elan started as they meant to go on and despite the best efforts of Mont Rose College, the final score read 7-5½ to Elan.

This year FIP celebrates their 90th anniversary so it seemed perfect timing to run this year’s FIP Ambassador’s Cup at HPC, The London Polo Club, the home Club of FIP Chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers. HPC also happen to be celebrating their 90th Anniversary so this made the event extra special.

Six teams entered the 3 goal tournament made up from local players and FIP Ambassadors. They played as Billingbear, Ham, Roehampton, Rugby, Cowdray and Ranelagh. The first two days were played at King Power’s Billingbear Park and saw a lot of closely fought matches.

The Finals were held at HPC on Friday 22 July, with the main Final between Roehampton and Ham. Roehampton got off to a strong start which they maintained throughout with a final score of 6-4. The Subsidiary Final was between Ranelagh and Cowdray, with Cowdray winning the game 5-3.

The friendly tournament was finished off with a Clubhouse BBQ and party, HPC style.

On Sunday 13 August, polo players from across the City and the Alumni Polo network fought for the honour of being crowned the City Polo Champions. The trophy is part of the annual Inner Circle Summer Polo Cup, where some of the best patron polo is combined with a glamorous party hosted by The Inner Circle.

After a series of matches which saw La Martina, Team True Nopal, Dog Buddy and Bodos Schloss battle it out, it was the team of Nathaniel McCullagh, Luke Salter, Jasper Upton and Hector Worsley for Bodos Schloss who emerged victorious. Once the champions were crowned, the party kicked-off with DJ Per Pedersen on the decks, Chris Sharp on the sax and Mirko live on the guitar.

The teams from The Pakistan Charity Day

A great Final ends in a friendly handshake at the FIP Ambassador’s Cup

Photography by Robert Piper Photography Ltd.

City Polo Championships, Bodos Schloss

AFTER A VERY busy weekend of polo at Cirencester on Sunday 31 July with a total of 16 games across two days, the 10 goal Final of The Humphrey Guinness Plate proved a thrilling Final right up until the dying seconds, where Neptune stole the lead 9-8½ the final score.

In an equally close match, the Subsidiary Final for The Fosseway Trophy ended on a score of 8½ goals to 7, with Apache taking the win.

The two teams for the Doug Brown Final were well matched with a close game between Coxwell and Foxcote Yellow. Coxwell remained in front until the fourth chukka where Foxcote Yellow took the lead by a ½ goal. However, as was the theme of this weekend’s finals, Coxwell scored the winning goal in the last few moments. In the Edmund Gruber Final, Foxcote Red took the win by half a goal.

To round off the weekend, Woodhouse Stud had a convincing 6-2 defeat over Lutheridge in the new RJ Polo 2 Goal.

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Polo Times, September 2016

Photograph by Ben Hastie

From 2 Goal to 10 Goal

Action from The Humphrey Guinness Plate Final

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photograph courtesy of Chantilly Polo Club

French Open Afoot

Chantilly Polo Club action

THE LADIES AND mixed French Opens will start on 3 September, with three weeks of competition for both men and women, as they battle for the two most prestigious titles of the season in Chantilly. Six teams are expected to participate in the tournament with four of them already

confirmed, including the French line-up of Sainte-Mesme with Brieuc Rigaux (6), and two former winners of the tournament, Switzerland Marquard Media with the talented Argentine Martin Aguerre Jr. (7), and La Quinta, with another Argentine Dario Musso (7) and France 5 goaler Pierre Henri Ngoumou. The Club has also received the entry of a British team, EFG Bank Aravali with a line-up including Max Charlton.

Five years ago the most famous tournament in French polo turned female, with the launch of the Ladies’ French Open, dedicated entirely, as its name suggests, to female players. In 2016, the level of the tournament is reaching a new handicap limit of 16 goals. Four teams have already entered, looking to win the French title, among them a strong German formation with top lady Brit player Hazel Jackson. Two French teams have also entered and include Caroline Anier, recent winner of the Ladies’ Open de Paris, plus Argentine Lia Salvo.

Cups a’Plenty in Cowdray COWDRAY PARK POLO Club’s traditional Goodwood Week came to a close with the Finals and Subsidiary Finals of three HPA tournaments, the 15 goal Harrison Cup, the 18 goal Challenge Cup and the 8 goal Holden White Cup being played over the weekend. Later in August the popular 12 goal Lodsworth Village Cup also concluded.

To read a full report on the Holden White and Harrison Cup please turn to page 33 to read our Victor Ludorum Round-Up. The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, Cowdray Park’s oldest trophy dating back to 1911 was entered by four teams this year with Apes Hill and BHC making it to

12 teams entered the popular August 12 goal Lodsworth Village Cup with Ray Fine’s Las Estrellas and his son Wilf Fine’s Sea Breeze making it through to the Final on 14 August. Making his first appearance on a UK polo field for many years, in the Las Estrellas side was the legendary manager of Ellerston, Australian Jim Gilmore, now playing off 1 goal he took to the field to play Sea Breeze.

Sea Breeze took an early lead, which they managed to maintain despite the best efforts of Las Estrellas and the tight scores throughout, win a final score of 7-5 in favour of Sea Breeze, The Subsidiary Final saw Los Hamblinos/Burningfold beat Cowdray Vikings/GCN 4-3.

the Final of The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup. In an evenly matched battle, which saw the scores never more than one goal apart, Apes Hill hung onto the lead in the final chukka. A final score of 7-5 in Apes Hill’s advantage saw a delighted Sir Charles Williams celebrate as he fulfilled his longheld dream of winning the tournament.

Lila Pearson was delighted to present the historic Cup to Sir Charles and prizes sponsored by Casablanca to both teams.

Mark Tomlinson won The Polo Magazine’s Award for Most Valuable Player and his pony Silk was awarded the Vickers Trophy for The Best Playing Pony together with a Polo Times rug.

Challenge Cup Winners – Apes Hill: Luke Wiles (0), Nicolas Antinori (5), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Luke Tomlinson (7)

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Lodsworth Village Cup Winners – Sea Breeze: Wilf Fine (-1), Will Harper (-1), Nick Pepper (4 ) & Charles Seavill (2)

Lodsworth Village Cup winners, Sea Breeze with runners-up Las Estrellas

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The victorious Challenge Cup winners, Apes Hill with Sir Charles Williams and Lila Pearson

Polo Times, September 2016

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Women’s Polo

International

We catch up on all the action from ladies’ polo around the UK Photograph by Dominic James Photography

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps unless stated otherwise

5 minutes with…

Tell us about the ethos behind your new Club?

The aim is a relaxed farm-style Club where players can keep their horses, train with good facilities, and play fun polo up to 6 goal, play chukkas and tournaments, from April to early November. We are now open for membership and hope to have both a local member base and regular visitors. It’s a very international region; we welcome players with or without horses, grooms and pros, with on-site accommodation and cool shady paddocks under the Mediterranean pine trees.

and coming back from injury to win the 3-lady-1-man Maharani Cup in Argentina last December, using the Cote d’Azur Polo Club name for the first time, was a real satisfaction.

What’s your greatest ambition?

A long, healthy, exciting life for Cote d’Azur Polo Club.

Which lady players do you admire?

Caroline Anier and Hazel Jackson. Caroline is incredible, her speed and anticipation in the game and ability to direct a team amaze me. Every time I play with or against her I learn something.

Hazel has so much energy, talent and focus, plus impressive maturity for her age, to both direct a team and bring the best out in them.

What are your views on mixed polo versus girls’ polo?

I learned polo as a mixed game and it is one of the things I love about the sport.

The level is higher and faster, so you learn quicker. Whereas in ladies’ polo I often have a bigger role to play – a different challenge that I really enjoy.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Contributing to launching the Club! Or perhaps that is my greatest folly?

Polo-wise, winning the Ciutat de Barcelona championship a few years ago was fantastic,

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

More sportsmanship and less individualism on the field. And support from national federations for small regional clubs!

Rachael Hughes Handicap: 2 women’s, -1 mixed.

How many years have you been involved in polo?

About 17 years.

How did you first get involved in polo?

In the late 90s I was living in Argentina.

Having show jumped and evented as a child I hadn’t ridden for years, I needed to get back on a horse! And when in Argentina, what else do you do… through some mutual friends I knew Federico Cendoya and out at his beautiful estancia he handed me a mallet and a horse and that was it – hooked!

Shortly after, I left Argentina to set up a company in France, but by then I had four ponies: they all came!

Tell us briefly about how you have come to set up the Club?

Amazingly, the Cote d’Azur region had no permanent club with easy access and good installations to have as a base and play all season, rather than just tournaments. I used to drive 250 km to play polo every weekend, which was very frustrating. About four years ago one of those magic moments

The Final of the 12-18 goal Beaufort Ladies’ Tournament was played on Saturday 6 August at Beaufort Polo Club. The Final saw Prestmo, with a line-up of Siri Evjemo Nysveen (1), Emma Wood (5), Tamara Fox (7) & Lucy Taylor (5) clash sticks with Coombe Farm, featuring Daisy Hatfield (1), Emma Boers (4), Hazel Jackson (7) & Claire Brougham (6). With top ladies’ polo players on both teams, it was a closely fought, fast-paced match resulting in a tight margin, but an overall 3-2 victory for Prestmo.

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Polo Times, September 2016

Tally Ho Ladies The Ladies’ Final at The Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival was played on Sunday 14 August at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. Starting the match with a 2 goal disadvantage due to handicap, Fit 4 Polo Rosie Ross on the attack for La Brava Polo School came out on fine form, with this being their aboard the Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Bush Pig fourth year in a row to reach the Final they capitalised on their experience in the first chukka. Without hesitation they quickly made up the deficit with both Sarah Wiseman and Nell Jacob finding the posts. However, their form was not to hold and after a tight match it was La Brava Polo School who emerged victorious with the final score resting at 5-3.

The Subsidiary Final saw Ash Farm running out the winners over Nipas 8½-4. w For full team line ups, plus MVP and BPP Awards, please turn to our report of the Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival on page 40. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

Beaufort Brilliance

occurred when a few of us all felt the same, were committed and started looking for land. Not easy as the Cote d’Azur is pretty hilly! Finally we found space in a 200-yearold vineyard in Fréjus, 30 minutes from Cannes. Our priority so far has been the field, Alejandro Battro advised us and we planted it in June 2015.

International

Women’s Polo

Sunday 24 July saw fast-paced, competitive action in the Final of the Cirencester International Ladies’ Tournament, sponsored by Cotswold Airport. Prestmo with Siri Evjemo Nysveen (1), Emma Boers (4), Tamara Fox (7) and Lucy Taylor (7) led the scores for the majority of the first three chukkas, with the score at the end of the third chukka reading 5½-3 in Prestmo’s favour.

However the final chukka saw Coombe Place; Claire Brougham (6), Daisy Hatfield (1), Hazel Jackson (7) and Lottie Lamacraft (4), switch to a more offensive game-plan, which paid-off and secured Coombe Place’s victory with a final goal from Claire Brougham to end the game 6-5½. Claire Brougham explained the change in play which ultimately saw Coombe Place defeat Prestmo, “At the beginning of the game we were trying to shut them down and defend, but it just wasn’t working. Emma and Tamara were so well mounted and we were being outrun and beaten on every back hand. But in the last chukka Hazel told us to just attack, run for everything and hope for the best!”

Photograph by Ben Hastie

Coombe Place Prosper

Coombe Place celebrate their win

Women’s Polo Dates For The Diary Photograph by Matias Callejo

Guards Polo Club – Ladies Charity Polo Day (0-4): 27 August Dundee & Perth Polo Club – Ladies’ Cup (0-4): 27 – 28 August Kirtlington Park Polo Club– Thorneloe Ladies’ Tournament (Open): 27 – 29 August Westcroft Park Polo Club – International Women’s (Open): 3 – 4 September Chantilly Polo Club – Ladies’ French Open (16): 3 – 18 September La Dolfina Polo Club – Ladies International Diamond Cup (14-16): 14 – 18 November

Smiles all round at St Tropez Polo Club

Spogogo Spanish Success

St Tropez Triumph for Salvo

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Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

The Julian Joailliers Ladies’ Challenge brought together international ladies in the sunny climes of St Tropez Polo Club.

Following a series of matches, El Paso Polo Ranch, with a line-up of Andrea Ferreira, Nicky Sen, Jeanine Hugo and Lia Salvo were crowned overall winners on Saturday 30th July. Lia Salvo was nominated Most Valuable Player, whilst Jazmin, ridden by Jeanine Hugo was named Best Playing Pony.

Second place went to team Julian Joailliers, with a line-up of Emi Goddard-Watts, Margaux Havel, Caro Morandi and Caro Anier, whilst in third place was Cote D’Azur Polo Club, featuring Rachael Hugue, Sophie Kyriazi, Connie Haufuele and Annabel McNaught-Davis.

Following two previous days of polo, Spogogo faced Hotel Club Marítimo in the Final of the Spanish Women’s Polo Championship on Sunday 24 July at Santa María Polo Club.

Following a tough match, it was Spogogo’s Candelaria Fernández Araujo who sealed the deal with a final goal in the last 20 seconds, securing Spogogo’s victory with a score of 7½-5.

Jaime Espinosa de los Monteros, president of the Royal Spanish Federation of Polo, presented the cup to Spogogo. Kelly Wells, who played for Polo Women was presented with the Most Promising Player of the Championship award by Luis Estrada, Vice President of Santa María Polo Club, and Hotel Club Marítimo’s Lia Salvo received Most Valuable Player of the Championship award by Luis Benjumea, Sports Director of the Royal Spanish Federation of Polo.

The tournament brought together 32 international players

Polo Times, September 2016

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Women’s Polo

International

News in brief

Spanish Señoritas Congratulations to Hierbas de Ibiza who won the Ladies’ Polo Cup at Ibiza Polo Club on Sunday 5 August following their 3-2 defeat of Ibiza Style Polo Team.

European Ladies’ Tour If the idea of a 12-18 goal ladies’ European tour for next year appeals , with teams competing in a selection of ladies’ tournaments across Europe to become series champions then contact Annabel McNaught Davis on annabelmcnd@gmail.com

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The White Rose Ladies’ Tournament players with their Polo Times goody bags

Pretty in Pink

The ladies of Yorkshire put on a great display of polo on Saturday 30 July at the White Rose Ladies’ Tournament, and saw White Rose White, with a line-up of Emma Sanderson, Beth Graham, Suzanne Hart and Phoebe Watson, emerge as champions of the day. It wasn’t only the winners who received prizes, as all the players were presented with Polo Times goody bags.

VIPs were treated to a delicious lunch, with the raffle, auction and Joules Silent auction raising money for Macmillan. The main match of the day, which saw Lesley Jackson receive The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award, was followed by a fundraising two chukka match. The whole event ended on a high, with a vintage plane flyover and afternoon cocktails at the clubhouse.

Locations – 25 de Mayo & Pilar

Locations – Atlanta

Locations – Berkshire

Polo Holidays Polo School & Clinics Tournaments Lodge Golf, fishing Corporate Days Horse Sale +54 911 5180 1759

Polo School & Clinics Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +1 770 330 1459

Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +44 7947 725 305

Polo Times, September 2016

Polo School & Clinics

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Photograph by Steph Lang

Go Salvo, Go! Top women’s polo player, Lia Salvo, is set to replace Pelon Stirling in the Jockey Club Open in Argentina. Lia will be playing alongside La Dolfina’s Pablo MacDonough, Adolfo Cambiaso and Juan Martín Nero.

El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Future Polo Stars Hurtwood Park Polo Club and Cowdray Park Polo Club played host once again to the pillar of youth polo, The Jorrocks and The El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships, supported by The Hurlingham Polo Association and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships Lucy Wilson reports from Sussex Photography by Michael Chevis, Midhurst, official Pony Club Polo photographer.

Galleries at www.michaelchevis.com

On Sunday 7 August, all the hard work of Pony Club polo players came to an end with the Finals at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

188 players descended on the Club in 55 different teams with 38 different branches represented, with some teams coming from as far as Scotland and Ireland to take part.

The games were well supported by a number of sponsors this year including El Remanso, Thai Polo & Equestrian, Polo Splice, Roxtons, SATS and RJ Polo. The parade on Lawns 1 was a sight to behold as all the children lined up on their ponies for a photograph and Squidge Grayson and her dun pony Flora were presented with The Jambo Trophy, for the best pony and player combination that hunt and play polo, before they were all allowed to canter off the grounds. Although a little birdy said to Polo Times that the Grayson groom had a mini heart attack when the award was announced as Squidge had

planned to ride a different pony and Flora was, at the time, having a snooze in her stable, minus her tack and pink bandages.

Perhaps the Grayson groom should receive an award for a hasty and perfect preparation of the pony for the parade! Considering this is the largest mounted parade of polo players in the world, it was very orderly and miraculously everyone made it back to their boxes still on board.

The Gannon Final between Old Surrey & Burstow Green and Cotswold Hunt was an excellent four chukka match. The score really didn’t reflect the hard work and skill by both teams, but ended with a convincing win by Cotswold Hunt of 7-4½. Tommy Severn also collected the SATS Saddle Award for the Best Player of the Season, which was won last year by Cody Jones from the Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt.

A plethora of awards to all section winners and respective runners up were handed out at the presentation of prizes, including awards for excellent stable

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management. Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards also went to George Deverell’s pony Moneypenny, Peter Murdock’s pony Spirit and Longdole Polo Club’s pony Cotorra, all of whom received Polo Times rugs. Lolly Stanhope-White had an excellent day picking up the Most Promising Player Award and as a double whammy her beautiful chestnut mare Whiskaway took the RoR Best Playing Pony Award. Ben Nott took home the envy-inspiring prize of a week of tuition at El Remanso in Argentina, after being selected by the committee as a candidate who will gain the most from this wonderful experience.

Many of the children’s names found listed in the programme for the Championships have been seen around the country in HPA Junior Championships or even Club tournament winners’ lists. It has to be said that whislt there are numerous opportunities for youngsters to play polo popping up all over the place, from the La Aguada Guards Youth Tournament, Kids Polo Tour, HPA British Junior Polo Championships or HPA Select Tournaments, the Pony Club is about more than just playing polo. The children are given credit for many other lessons and skills learned, effort and sportsmanship are rewarded on an equal par to winning a tournament. Taking pride in a professional approach is learnt early in the Pony Club with awards for most improved, and stable management encouraging the youngsters to learn about looking after their ponies and not just expecting to turn up, get on and win, an essential requirement for anyone looking for a career in polo. A quality perhaps missing from the other youth competitions on the circuit, with the one exception of the Victoria Elsbury-Legg Award for sportsmanship at the Kids Polo Tour. The Pony Club is an essential institution for the production of future top players – the entire England team in The Royal Coronation Cup played in the Pony Club, and it must continue to be supported.

The largest mounted parade of polo players in the world on Sunday 7 August led by Mike Smith

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Polo Times, September 2016

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

“We were very proud to sponsor the Pony Club Polo Championships again this year, and what a success it was! It’s hugely encouraging to see so many young players enjoying the game and improving their polo year on year, forging new friendships and taking home memories that will last a lifetime. We’ve seen lots of promising Pony Club polo players out at El Remanso who are now coming through the ranks, it’s hugely rewarding and we hope to see lots more in the years to come!”

“We have had a fantastic season, most of the time blessed with glorious weather after significant rain had softened the grounds. So the conditions were near perfect for polo. Our wonderful sponsors El Remanso and the Hurlingham Polo Association, together with Thai Polo & Equestrian and our tack shop sponsors SATS, Roxtons, Polo Splice and RJ Polo supported us and we had wonderful support from polo clubs who allow us to play on their grounds.

“Teams came from as far afield as Northern Ireland, Scotland and North Shropshire, as well as the usual strong showing from the Cowdray, Old Surrey and Burstow and Grafton branches.

“At the Championships, 55 teams played in five one pony divisions and two multi pony divisions with impressive Cotswold teams winning the Loriner (under 16, one pony) and Gannon (under 21, multi chukka) divisions, plus players and their families enjoyed parties on the Saturday night at Cowdray.

“A first this year was that Ashkild Winkleman painted a picture during the Championships, which she kindly donated as a raffle prize. We raised over £750 for the Dreams Come True charity, which arranges last wishes for terminally ill children.

“My personal thanks go to the committee and the army of volunteers who make this very complex operation possible.”

El Remanso, Sponsors

Charles Whittington, Pony Club Polo Chairman

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Charles Whittington reports from Surrey

Jorrocks Number of chukkas played: 1 (6 minute duration) Player age limit: 11 years and under Height limit of pony: 13.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Chris Eaton Entries for 2016: 8 teams Billy Cooper, Cowdray Hunt, with Jorrocks Best Playing Pony, Max

“The Jorrocks Championships were held at Hurtwood Park Polo Club by very kind permission of Jayne and Kenney Jones on Wednesday 3 August. Jorrocks is specifically for children under 11-years-old and playing on their usual Pony Club ponies. Some of the play of the older children was fast and furious and all teams have improved significantly throughout the season.

“The children enjoyed the superb playing surface of the No 1 ground at Hurtwood and the glorious sunshine. Mary Tuckett, Chairman of the Pony Club was in attendance and presented the team prizes.

Mrs Tuckett, myself and Mrs Eaton, who 56

Polo Times, September 2016

does such a marvellous job organising this Section of Pony Club polo, presented the Texaco Trophy for team turnout after the parade, in which all the players in their teams were called out and enjoyed a musical ride.

“Matias de Alba won the Thorneloe Trophy for the Most Improved Player. Many of you will remember the late Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe who served with distinction in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan and, after he was killed in Afghanistan, this trophy was given in his memory by his parents. Mrs Thorneloe presented the trophy to Matias

who played in the Old Berks team, which won Division One in a very closely fought contest with the Cowdray and Grafton teams.

“Division Two was won by the Old Surrey and Burstow Hunt team and Division Three by the Royal Artillery. The TicTac Trophy, for the best pony and player combination, was won by Billy Barlow on Peanuts and Billy Cooper’s pony, Max won Best Playing Pony and paraded in the prize-giving. The Most Improved Girls’ award was won by the complete girls’ team of the Crawley and Horsham who came second in Division Two. www.polotimes.co.uk

El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Jorrocks I winners, Old Berkshire Hunt with Mary Tuckett

Jorrocks II winners, Old Surrey and Burstow with Mary Tuckett

Jorrocks Cup for Most Improved Girls’ presented to the whole of Crawley and Horsham team with Chris Eaton

Thorneloe Trophy winner Matias de Alba, Cotswold Hunt, with Veronica Thorneloe

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Jorrocks III winners, Royal Artillery with Mary Tuckett

Texaco Trophy winners for the Best Turned Out Branch, South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) with Charles Whittington, Chris Eaton and Mary Tuckett

The Tic Tac Trophy, for best pony player combination, went to Billy Barlow and Peanuts, Grafton Hunt with Chris Eaton

The Jorrocks parade at Hurtwood Park Polo Club

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Handley Cross Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: 9-years-old and over, but under 14 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: 14.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Amanda North Entries for 2016: 9 teams

Section Manager Amanda North relives her 2016 Pony Club polo season, “This year Handley Cross has been both demanding and challenging with my section growing in numbers from five teams last year to nine teams in 2016, amongst there was a new team called the Garth, run by Clare Warrender. The Northern Ireland team travelled over and spent two weeks on the road to compete in the qualifiers and championships with Mary Anne Johnson in charge of all travel arrangements, camping and ponies. All her hard work then paid off as Peter Murdock’s pony Spirit won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. The Grafton’s Squidge Grayson’s pony Flora won The Jambo Trophy for the best allround Pony Club pony to also hunt regularly each season. I saw great play by the Royal

Jambo Trophy winner, Squidge Grayson of the Grafton Hunt riding Flora pictured with Amanda North

Handley Cross Division I winners, Cowdray Hunt

Surtees Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: Under 14-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Jo Whittington Entries for 2016: 11 teams 58

Polo Times, September 2016

Artillery, Beaufort, Northern Ireland, Grafton, Meynell, and the Garth, who all fought with great determination and sportsmanship for their placing.

“On the Sunday the two teams fighting it out to win the Handley Cross trophy were Cowdray and Old Surrey & Burstow (OS & B). The two teams played one chukka in the morning where Cowdray finished 1-0 ahead of the OS & B, with their second chukka played after lunch. Both teams played incredibly well, on some amazing ponies and after a nail-biting six minutes it was Cowdray who came out the winners.

“For me the whole Pony Club polo time is both amazing and emotional to follow, as I see the teams coming together and progress from the first friendlies they play to the end results on the Sunday. I know all the children and I feel very proud of all of them when I see them coming over the hill leading the parade.

“One last thing is that I would like to thank the parents for the long suffering ear bending they get after each game when something didn’t go to plan, and to the Pony Club committee for the support and advice they have given me and Joe North who has always been on the end of the phone listening, advising and supporting me as always.

“I am already looking forward to starting it all over again every next year – let’s get bigger and better in 2017.”

Handley Cross Division II winners, Beaufort

Section Manager, Jo Whittington, highlights the best bits of her Surtees season, “11 teams entered the Surtees Section this year, which is on a par with last year. The teams were split into two divisions by the qualifiers, and both Sections were hotly contested.

The Finals for all three qualifiers of Division I resulted with the Cowdray Hunt Blue and Heythrop playing off against each, with two

run downs, the Heythrop winning by a small margin, and the Cowdray Hunt Blue with an open goal at Longdole. It was then game on at Cowdray! Again these two teams got to the Finals, from a division consisting of five teams. At the end of their first chukka, the scoreboard read an even 0-0, meaning that come the start of the second chukka, which took place on Lawns after lunch, it www.polotimes.co.uk

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Photograph by Stephen Drewitt

Beanie Bradley, a member of the winning Surtees Division II team mid-swing

Surtees Division I winners, Cowdray Hunt Blue

was going to be played down to the wire.

Following a further seven minutes of play, with all eight players playing fast and furious polo, producing a fantastic match, it was the home side of Cowdray Blue who came good with a great goal, in the last minute of the chukka. Further congratulations must also go to Cowdray’s Alfie Hyde, as following his performance he was awarded The Young Telegraph Award for the Most Promising Player in the U15/14 Sections. Division II was also hotly contested, and similarly featured two regular teams throughout the

Surtees Division II winners, Cowdray Hunt Gold

season, with both of these sides regularly moving up and down between the divisions.

Successfully reaching the Final at the Championships meant the Cowdray Hunt Gold and the Taunton Vale could battle it out for one final time. Unfortunately for the Taunton Vale it was once again the local side of Cowdray Hunt Gold that came out as winners after a tough match.

“Congratulations must go to all the teams in Surtees for their improvement throughout the competition, and the good spirit in which it was played.”

Alfie Hyde, Cowdray Hunt, Young Telegraph Award winner, with Surtees Section Manager Jo Whittington

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Loriner Number of chukkas played: 1 Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: 12 years and over, but under 16 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Clare Musgrave Entries for 2016: 7 teams Clare Musgrave, Section Manager for Loriner sums up her section, “There were seven teams in Loriner this year. It was a mixed ability section, but nevertheless I hope thoroughly enjoyable for everyone.

The Cotswold played consistently well throughout the season and ran out the winners at all tournaments and finally winning at the Championships was a wonderful effort. Zack Beim, Cruz Heguy, Alex Horvat and Kiki Severn played as a four-player team throughout and Kiki also won the Sylvia Shepherd Award.

“We welcomed the North Shropshire this year and as a team of beginners I would like to say well done to them and we very much look forward to seeing you again next

Loriner I winners, The Cotswold Hunt receive the Loriner Challenge Trophy from Dr Nigel Berman from the Worshipful Company of Loriners

Kiki Severn, Cotswold Hunt, winner of the Sylvia Shepherd Plate for Most Promising Loriner Girl

Loriner II winners, Cambridgeshire Hunt with the Hillingdon Hall Cup

year. Throughout the season, a real tussle in the middle of the section ensued, with the Royal Artillery Maroon and Royal Artillery White playing very competitively, and the Cambridgeshire, Hampshire Hunt and Old Surrey and Burstow vying for places in each of the two divisions. It was nice to see some new faces in our division such as Lily Packe-DruryLowe from the Quorn and Ben Nott, a Tedworth Hunt member playing for the Royal Artillery who was also awarded the El Remanso prize.

Loriner II winners, Old Surrey & Burstow with the Gig Horswell Trophy

“It has been a busy season with the Old Surrey & Burstow playing very well throughout, from the friendlies and right up until the Final games, ultimately meaning they ran out the winners of The Loriner League at Hurtwood with the most points accumulated in all the tournaments leading up to The El Remanso Pony Club Championships. Well done to everyone and I do look forward to seeing many of you next year, either playing in Loriner or having moved up to other sections.”

Ben Nott, winner of the El Remanso award, with Zahra Lucas

Langford Number of chukkas played: 2 or 4 (but designed to be played with 2 ponies) Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: Under 17-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Janie Dear Entries for 2016: 10 teams Section Manager Janie Dear sums up her division, “The Langford Section this year had a total of 10 teams playing. It was divided into two leagues in order to have a Division I and Division II for the Final Championships.

Langford Division I winners, Grafton Hunt Red with the Jack Gannon Trophy

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Grafton featured in both of the Finals, with Grafton Red taking on Strathearn for the Jack Gannon Trophy (Division I) title, whilst Grafton Blue faced Newmarket and Thurlow in the Final of Division II, therefore winning the Martin Trotter Trophy. It turned out to be a day to remember for the Grafton, with both of their Langford teams defeating their opposition in order to win both titles. The Subsidiary Final of Division I featured Old Surrey & Burstow and the Berkeley, with the OS & B running out the winners. Particular mention must go to Angus Rowan-Hamilton who was selected as the Most Promising Langford Player, winning The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy and also to Johnny BeckBrown who played especially well. I would also like to say well done to the Inverness team, a very young team, who improved massively with every game. In order to suit the ideal that Langford should be played

Rendell Number of chukkas played: 1 (6 minute duration) Player age limit: Between 17 and 20-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Christopher Price Entries for 2016: 4 teams Christopher Price, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Rendell Section, “We had four teams competing, which is one up from 2015, and the teams played for two trophies in two separate competitions: The Rendell League played throughout the three qualifiers and The Frank Rendell Cup played for at the Championships. The teams were: the Cowdray Hunt (consisting of two Cowdray Hunt and two Old Surrey

Angus Rowan-Hamilton, Strathearn, with The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy for the Most Promising Langford Player

Langford Division II winners, Grafton Blue receive The Martin Trotter Trophy

on just two ponies, the tournament was organised, so there were breaks in the middle of the four chukka matches.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part and thank you to everyone who helped to make it possible.”

& Burstow Hunt players), the Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt, the Royal Artillery Hunt and the Strathearn which consisted of three players from Scotland and one from the Warwickshire Hunt.

“Considering the lack of experience of some of the players, the overall standard of polo was remarkably high and everybody’s performance improved greatly throughout the qualifiers and the Championships, so many congratulations to all the players.

“For The Rendell League, in each qualifier all teams played each other once (giving each team three matches) and the total points for each team were added up after the last qualifier to determine the result of the league. First were the Royal Artillery, second the Old Surrey & Burstow, third the Cowdray Hunt and fourth the Strathearn.

“At the Championships, on the first two

days, all teams again played each other and the points from this day were then taken into consideration for Finals’ day when the two teams with the most points played for The Frank Rendell Cup, and the other two teams played for third and fourth places in two chukka matches. The end result was the Royal Artillery winning against the Old Surrey & Burstow by 3-0 (all goals scored in the 2nd chukka) and the Cowdray beating Strathearn for 3rd and 4th place; a mirror result of the League.

“As the manager of Rendell, I feel it invidious to identify a star player, because all teams played as teams – they showed excellent sportsmanship and great comradeship between teams. I would like to make particular mention of the Strathearn to thank them for coming all the way from Scotland and hope they return next year.”

Rendell Division I winners, Royal Artillery Hunt with Christopher Price and the Frank Rendell Cup

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Bank of Ireland Trophy winners, Royal Artillery Hunt with Christopher Price as Rendell League winners

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Gannon Number of chukkas played: 4 Handicap limit: Minimum handicap of 0 goals, no maximum (for 2015 -1 players were allowed to play, but had to play off 0 handicap. This was to try to encourage more entries) Player age limit: Under 21 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White Entries for 2016: 6 teams Section Manager, Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White reviews the Gannon section, “We had six exciting teams competing this year, with a range of handicaps from -1 to 2 goals. The teams were seeded and split into two Leagues, which were well contested and produced

some exciting polo, with every team raising their standard each game – it was particularly impressive how well all of the players were mounted this year; adding to the pace and quality of the games.

“The Semi Finals, played on Friday 5 August, saw the winners of each league play the opposite league runners-up. In the first match, Cotswold Hunt ran out the winners against The Heythrop Hunt, playing with confidence and strength. In the second Semi Final, Old Surrey and Burstow defeated the North Cotswold Hunt with some outstanding all round team play led by the determined combination of Harry Hickmet and Tom Parry-Jones, backed up by superb performances by Claudia Thornett and Will Golding.”

The losers of the Gannon Semi Finals went on to play in the Jaguar Trophy Semi

Finals (Gannon 2) on Saturday against the league’s third place teams – the end result was North Cotswold Hunt beating the improving Grafton Hunt team, before the Old Surrey and Burstow Blue beat the Heythrop Hunt in what was undoubtedly the match of the day.

“The Jaguar Trophy was therefore contested between North Cotswold Hunt and Old Surrey and Burstow Blue and the Gannon Final between the Cotswold Hunt and Old Surrey and Burstow.

“The Jaguar Trophy Final played on Lawns 2 was a fast, free-flowing match with the North Cotswold giving a 2½ goal advantage to Old Surrey and Burstow Blue.

The North Cotswold came out on top after a great team performance to win the Jaguar Trophy for a second successive year, with North Cotwsold’s Lolly Stanhope-White also

Action from the Gannon section between Cotswold and Old Surrey & Burstow

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

The Cotswold Hunt, winners of Gannon receive The Daily Telegraph Trophy from Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White, Gannon Section Manager

being awarded the Catherine Yates Prize for the Most Promising All-Round Girl.

“The Final between the Cotswold, last year’s Gannon winners, and Old Surrey and Burstow was a fitting Final played on Lawns 1.

Cotswold Hunt gave 1½ goals to the

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Jaguar Trophy winners, The North Cotswold with Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White, Gannon Section Manager

opposition at the start and soon nullified this advantage with their trademark speed and team play. The stand out players of the Final were Tommy Severn for the Cotswold and Harry Hickmet for Old Surrey and Burstow.

The Cotswold prevailed and their superior

team play saw them go through as worthy Gannon Winners for 2016 with Tommy Severn being awarded the SATS saddle for the Player of the Year, which he richly deserved.”

The History Behind the Pony Club Polo Section Names His good-natured artfulness, was a great success with the readership, and Surtees produced more Jorrocks novels in the same vein, notably Handley Cross, published in 1843, and Hillingdon Hall in 1845. Later he published a series of short stories called Hunting Tours of Surtees and Mr Jorrocks’ Thoughts on Hunting and Other Matters.

One of many illustrations from the Jorrocks’ series “There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse” Jorrocks, Surtees and Handley Cross These three sections are all derived from Robert Smith Surtees who was an English editor, novelist and sporting writer from the first half of the 19th Century. After a change in career from law to launching his own publication the New Sporting Magazine in the 1830s contributing the comic papers, which appeared as Jorrocks’ Jaunts and Jollities, which was published in 1838. The character Jorrocks, was a sporting cockney grocer.

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Langford Colonel Pat Langford was one of the seven recorded Chairmen of Pony Club Polo who held office from 1967 to 1976. During his Chairmanship the Championships were played at Kirtlington (1968) and Windsor (1971).

Loriner The Worshipful Company of Loriners began their relationships with Pony Club Polo by presenting a trophy for the Under 16s in 1989.

Rendell This section, introduced at the 1967 Championships held at Cirencester Park Polo Club, when the contest turned into a two day affair. The Rendell Cup was aimed

The Loriners Challenge Trophy first presented to the Pony Club by The Worshipful Company of Loriners in 1998

at youngsters under 18-years-old. The Rendell section is called after Frank Rendell, who was from the Worshipful Company of Loriners. He may have been Master of the Company at the time they presented a cup to the Pony Club. The Pony Club have Frank Rendell Cups in other areas and disciplines.

Gannon Brigadier Jack Gannon, along with Major Claude Davenport kick-started Pony Club Polo as we now know it, with five branch teams playing a tournament in Aldershot on 8 September 1959 between New Forest, Hampshire Hunt, Old Berkshire, Staff College and Bisley Hunts.

From 1967 the Cup was aimed at 18 to 21-year-olds.

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Pony Club Polo Championships 2016 Results: Gannon: The Daily Telegraph Trophy (Gannon I) 1st Cotswold Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt The Jaguar Trophy (Gannon II) 1st North Cotswold Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Blue 3rd Heythrop Hunt 3rd Grafton Hunt

Loriner: The Loriner Challenge Trophy (Winner of Loriner Division I) 1st Cambridgeshire Hunt 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt Maroon 3rd North Shropshire Hunt The Hillingdon Hall Cup (Winner of Loriner Division II) 1st Cotswold Hunt 2nd Hampshire Hunt 3rd Royal Artillery Hunt White 4th Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt

Rendell: The Frank Rendell Cup 1st Royal Artillery Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 3rd Cowdray Hunt 4th Strathearn

The Gig Horswell Trophy (Winner of Loriner League) Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt Surtees: The Cooper Cup (Winner of Surtees Division I) 1st Cowdray Hunt Blue 2nd Heythrop Hunt 3rd Crawley & Horsham Hunt 4th Grafton Hunt Blue 5th South Oxfordshire Hunt (South)

The Bank of Ireland Trophy (Winner of Rendell League) Royal Artillery Hunt Langford: The Jack Gannon Trophy 1st Grafton Hunt Red 2nd Strathearn The Langford Plate (Winner of Langford League) Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt The Martin Trotter Trophy (Winner of Langford II) 1st Grafton Hunt Blue 2nd Newmarket & Thurlow Hunt

The Surtees II Trophy (Winner of Surtees Division II) 1st Cowdray Hunt Gold 2nd Taunton Vale 3rd Beaufort Hunt Blue 4th Grafton Hunt Red 5th Beaufort Hunt Buff 6th Cambridgeshire Hunt

Handley Cross: The Handley Cross Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division I) 1st Cowdray Hunt 2nd Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 3rd Grafton Hunt 4th South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) 5th Meynell Hunt

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The Pardy Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division II) 1st Beaufort Hunt 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt 3rd Northern Ireland 4th Garth Hunt Jorrocks: Division I 1st Old Berkshire Hunt 2nd Cowdray Hunt 3rd Grafton Hunt

Division II 1st Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt 2nd Crawley & Horsham Hunt 3rd Cotswold Hunt Division III 1st Royal Artillery Hunt 2nd South Oxfordshire Hunt (South)

Individual prizes: The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award: For the most organized Team Manager, Jane Fleming – Heythrop Hunt

The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy: For the U16 girl who shows most promise, Kiki Severn – Cotswold Hunt

The Ledner Trophy: For the highest ranked Langford or Gannon team that is not a mixed team, Cotswold Hunt

Catherine Yates Prize: For the U21 girl who shows most promise, Lolly Stanhope-White – Beaufort Hunt

The RoR: For the Best Playing Pony, Whiskaway – Lolly Stanhope-White – Beaufort Hunt Runner Up – Atrovenus – Leo Dettori – Newmarket & Thurlow Hunt SATS Saddle Award: For The Best Player of the Season, Tommy Severn – Cotswold Hunt

Young Telegraph Award: For the most promising player in the U15/14 Sections, Alfie Hyde – Cowdray Hunt

Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Handley Cross Pony, Spirit – Peter Murdock – North Down

The Jambo Trophy: For the best pony/player combination to both hunt and play polo, Flora & Squidge Grayson – Grafton Hunt

The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy: For the most promising Langford Player of the Year, Angus Rowan-Hamilton – Strathearn

Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Surtees Pony, Cotorra – George Tomblin – Beaufort Hunt

Tic Tac Trophy: Best Jorrocks Pony/Player Combination Billy Barlow on Peanuts – Grafton Hunt

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Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Langford Pony, Moneypenny – George Deverall – Grafton Hunt

El Remanso Prize: Ben Nott – Tedworth Hunt (Played with the Royal Artillery Hunt) Thorneloe Trophy: Most Improved Jorrocks Boy Matias de Alba – Cotswold Hunt Jorrocks Cup: Most Improved Jorrocks Girls Crawley and Horsham Hunt girls’ team The Texaco Trophy: For Jorrocks Turnout South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) Jorrocks Best Playing Pony: Max played by Billy Cooper

Best Stable Management: Georgina Rowan-Hamilton – Scotland www.polotimes.co.uk

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El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Best Branch Manager, Jane Fleming with Pony Club Polo Chairman Charles Whittington

Robert Donnelly who won the award for the most returned polo balls, 51 in total!

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Dawn Taylor draws the winner for Artist Askild Winkelmann painting which was auctioned to raise £750 for children’s charity Dreams Come True

Tommy Severn, Cotswold Hunt Gannon team, winner of the SATS saddle with Tony Emerson

Zahra Lucas, Manager of the Cotswold Hunt Gannon team, received the Ledner Trophy for the highest placed complete branch team Photography by Michael Chevis, Midhurst, official Pony Club Polo photographer. Galleries at www.michaelchevis.com

Lolly Stanhope-White, winner of the Catherine Yates Award

RoR bridle winner, Lolly Stanhope-White, Beaufort Hunt, and her mare Whiskaway

To find out more about the Polo Times Best Playing Ponies turn to page 73 for our Pony Club Pony Powers www.polotimes.co.uk

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British HPA Junior Polo Championships Round-Up

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Action from the Buckmaster Final

With the British HPA Junior Polo Championships culminating in the three thrilling Finals, we bring you the action from the Final of the Buckmaster at Guards Polo Club, and we caught up with youth polo stalwart, Jilly Emerson for the results of Rocksavage and Hipwood

Buckmaster The Buckmaster Final was a fantastic opening match for The Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 23 July, with two teams of exciting young future British polo prospects.

After battling it out in the league games, it was Longdole and Emlor Juniors who made it to the Final on the hallowed Duke’s Ground at Guards.

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players in the afternoon match would have undoubtedly been quite happy to have a few of their ponies! All four chukkas were a joy to watch and despite Longdole leading the scoreboard throughout the match, the end result really did not reflect how the action unfolded. All eight of the youngsters played with great commitment and their exceptional pony power allowed them to display great skill – a real accolade to British youth polo.

The final bell rang out to conclude the 2016 Buckmaster Final with a victory for Longdole

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British HPA Junior Polo Championships

Longdole celebrate winning 2016 Buckmaster Final

and an overall score of 8½ goals to 3. Hugo Taylor’s chestnut mare Golondrina, which he played in the second chukka, won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award.

Buckmaster Final teams: Longdole: Tommy Severn (1), Oscar Luard (0), Hugo Taylor (0) & Luke Wiles (0) Emlor Juniors: James McCarthy (0), Terence Lent (1), Robert Fleming (1) & Charles Cooney (0) www.polotimes.co.uk

British HPA Junior Polo Championships Round-Up

The Subsidiary Final was played between Westcroft Park and Oxford Polo, and saw a 4½-3 victory for Westcroft Park.

Rocksavage Final teams: Kirtlington: Johnny Brown (-1), Tamara Gibbons (-1), Jake Rigby (0) & Charlie Tighe (-1) Cirencester: Monte Swaine-Grainger (-1), George Deverall (-1), Ben Barnes (-1) & George Hobbs (-1) Rocksavage Subsidiary Final teams: Westcroft Park: Patrick Robinson (-1), Manuel Novillo Astrada (0), Christabel Horsewell (-2) & Patrick Lodge (0) Oxford Polo: Freddie Jodrell (-1), Lorna Fleming (-1), Henry Frisby (0) & Max Rumsey (0)

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Hipwood As in previous years, all the teams in Hipwood got to play on the Finals day, which took place on the River ground at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Thursday 4 August. The main Final for The Smail Trophy was between the very strong Oxford Polo team and Northwood, which is a Hine sibling team. Unfortunately due to an injury Milly Hine was unable to play this year, so it was not a complete family line up. Instead, Will Harper, came in to replace her, and played a very good match keeping the back door shut and passing the ball up for Ned, Louis and Indi Hine. The match was very close and the Northwood team only won by half a goal, with the final score reading 3½-3.

Later in the day, The Emerson Trophy was played for between Taunton and Longdole. The teams were very evenly matched with a young Argentine playing on both sides. Taunton led by one goal

Rocksavage Subsidiary Final teams

throughout the match and were the winners by 4 goals to 3, with George Hobbs’ pony Barrata named Best Playing Pony.

The final trophy of the day was the Daily Mail Trophy. This was played for by Lutheridge and Kirtlington. Again this was a close match and went to an extra chukka, with Lutheridge coming out the winners, with a final score of 3-2. Edward Walker’s much-loved pony Everest was named Best Playing Pony. There was one extra match to finish off the day between Tidworth and Hurtwood, but unfortunately for Hurtwood, Tidworth were the stronger team and came out the winners.

Photograph by Zahra Lucas

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Taunton, winners of The Emerson Trophy

Hipwood Final teams: Northwood: Ned Hine (-1), Will Harper (-1), Louis Hine (-1) & Indi Hine (-2) Oxford Polo: Christian Oberschneider (-1), George Deverall (-1), Zac Beim (-1) & Frankie Barlow (-2) The Emerson Trophy teams: Taunton: Jasmine Stanhope-White (-1), George Hobbs (-1), Segundo Darritchon (-1) & Tom Baxter (-2) Longdole: Kiki Severn (-1), Cruz Heguy (-1), Monte Swaine Grainger (-1) & Arthur Luard (-2)

Northwood, winners of the Hipwood Final

Photograph by Zahra Lucas

Kirtlington defeated Cirencester in the Rocksavage Final

The Daily Mail Trophy teams: Lutheridge: Tom Joderell (-2), Ed Walker (-1), Santos Iriate (-1) & Archie Fuller (-2) Kirtlington: Ben Fleming (-2), Marcus Speed (-2), Fred Thame (-2) & Aleksander Horvat (-2)

Photograph by Zahra Lucas

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Rocksavage The Final of the Rocksavage section was played on Wednesday 3 August at Flemish Farm on Guards Polo Club’s Cavalry Ground.

The two teams, Kirtlington and Cirencester, had met before in the league matches in which Cirencester had emerged the easy winners.

Therefore the young Cirencester team went into this match with great expectations and at half-time it looked as if their confidence was justified. The fourth chukka started with Cirencester leading Kirtlington by 6 goals to 2, however after a strong team-talk by one of their polo-playing fathers, Kirtlington appeared determined to change all this. They soon scored a couple of quick goals and things seem to turn around. Kirtlington managed to score twice again equalising the score just before the bell. This meant a fifth chukka from which Kirtlington came out the winners with a score of 7-6.

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Lutheridge, winners of The Daily Mail Trophy

Tidworth vs Hurtwood teams: Tidworth: Bea Fair (-2), Freddie Pritchard (-2), Alex Telfer (-2) & Louis Heard (-2) Hurtwood: Heidi Gelje (-2), Harry Fuller (-2), Ralph Robson (-2) & Will Millard (-2) Polo Times, September 2016

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HPA Select

HPA Select HPA Select Comment – David Woodd

“The HPA Select tournaments and matches are designed to provide a further opportunity for the young to play with and against their peer group, and for those involved in the Development Programme to see them playing. The different games are designed for different age groups and it is not all about those who look the best at first sight.”

At the time of going to press The Whitbread Trophy and The Alan Budgett Trophy were still to be played for. A report on both will follow in the October issue

The Stagshead Trophy Sunday 14 August saw the youth polo scene continue, with The Stagshead Trophy at HPC, The London Polo Club. A fun-fact about the trophy, is that it was donated to the HPA youth development programme

by Annie and Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers in 1998. This year saw two teams of youngsters battle it out for the prestigious trophy at the London based Club.

As part of the HPA Select series, all of the players had been hand-picked and thus recognised by the HPA Development Committee as up-and-coming young players, with a bright future in the world of polo with a target age of 12 to 14-years-old.

With six players aged 13 and two players under 13-years-old, it was an impressive

reminder of the ability of the UK’s grassroots players and a credit to the hug support teams behind the scenes.

Luckily for the players and spectators, the weather was bright and as the crowds gathered to cheer on the youngsters, the team coaches selected the player’s positions. The HPA Red team were slow to find their feet, and HPA Blue worked cohesively as a team to take the lead.

However, the Red team weren’t prepared to go down without a fight, and Tom Baxter managed to control a bouncing ball to take the lead in the second chukka. The Blue team continued to strike at the Red team’s goal, but alas, the ball determinedly went wide each time. The fate of the match was

The impressive Stagshead Trophy

sealed by a penalty and a strong field goal from Red team’s Ed Walker, which resulted in a 5-3 win for HPA Red.

The Stagshead Trophy teams 2016: HPA Blue: Ben Fleming, Harry Fuller, Louis Hine & Alfie Hyde HPA Red: Ed Walker, Marcus Speed, Rosie ‘Squidge’ Grayson & Tom Baxter

Photography by Robert Piper Photography Ltd

Action from The Stagshead Trophy

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HPA Select

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The Colts Cup

The Colts Cup Subsidiary Final teams

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Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Four teams, selected by the HPA Development Committee, battled it out for The Colts Cup on Tuesday 9 August at King Power’s Noel Farm and on Thursday 11 August at Cowdray Park Polo Club. With a target age of 15-years-old, The Colts Cup is a great way for young players to compete with and against the best of their age group.

Following intense play throughout the preliminary rounds, it was HPA Select Black and HPA Select White who made it through to the Final, whilst HPA Select Blue faced HPA Select Red in the Subsidiary Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

The Final of The Colts Cup saw HPA Select Black marked as the competition favourites following their double figure scores in the Semi Finals. However, HPA Select White did not appear perturbed and refused to be intimidated, which made for some thrilling action which highlighted the excellence of the youth polo scene in the UK. Following a nail-biting fourth chukka, HPA Select Black were victorious with a marginal 5-4 win. Congratulations to Jimbo Fewster and his eight-year-old gelding, Dudley, who were presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug; turn to our Pony Power pages to find out more.

In the Subsidiary Final, although the final score read 7 goals to 3 in favour of HPA Select Blue, the general consensus from spectators highlighted that in no way did the score reflect the game.

HPA Select Black, winners of The Colts Cup 2016

The Colts Cup teams 2016: Final: HPA Select Black: Jimbo Fewster (1), George Hobbs (-1), Freddie Younger (-1) & Archie Fuller (-2) Coach: Eddie Kennedy HPA Select White: Johnny Beck- Brown (-1), Freddie Jodrell (-1), Algy Stanley (-1) & George Deverall (-1) Coach: Tom Morley

Subsidiary Final: HPA Select Red: Henry Frisby (0), Ben Barnes (-1), Tamara Gibbons (-1) & Louis Heard (S) Coach: Tom Morley HPA Select Blue: Charlie Townsend (0), Monte Swain-Grainger (-1), Capucine Granchi (-1) & Dominic Lodge (0) Coach: Eddie Kennedy

Action from The Colts Cup Final 2016

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Tianjin Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo

Photograph courtesy of The Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club

Action from the Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo 2016

Oxford Triumph in Tianjin Tuesday 12 July – Sunday 17 July 2016 marked the fourth year that Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club have hosted the Tianjin Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo tournament. This year’s event saw six university teams compete; University of

Cambridge, University of London, University of Oxford, Cornell University, Harvard University and Skidmore College. The six teams were divided into two leagues according to handicap, and battled it out to win the Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo

tournament, also known as The London Challenge. After battling it out in the league stages, it was Oxford who flew the flag for the Brits in the Final, having defeated long-standing rivals Cambridge earlier in the week. Cornell, having dominated their qualifying matches, lined up to face Oxford in the Final. After a closely fought match which saw the teams match their opposition’s goals, it was 6½-4 in favour of Oxford going into the last chukka, with Cornell still within touching distance of a comeback victory. However, Oxford’s Charlie Hitchman secured success for the British team with a last-minute goal to finalise the scores at 7½-4. Charlie Hitchman was fittingly named Most Valuable Player, whilst Salsa was highlighted as Best Playing Pony.

Metropolitan Intervarsity Polo team positions: 1st – Oxford 2nd – Cornell 3rd – Skidmore 4th – Harvard 5th – Cambridge 6th – London

La Quinta Argentine Polo at its Best!

Luke and Mark Tomlinson are offering the opportunity for players to play at their club in Pilar, Argentina (45 minutes from BA).

A typical week’s stay would include: • • • •

Between 4 & 6 practices of a good standard on suitable ponies Stick and Ball whenever A couple of lessons with Luke or Mark (if wanted!)

An indoor arena and a polo field that dries out very quickly after rain - enjoy riding whatever the weather

Your time at La Quinta can be intense and structured, or not – it’s your choice! There is limited accommodation at the Club. Otherwise we can help you find a place to stay locally (house or hotel) or you may like to stay in a Hotel downtown Buenos Aires. Guide price for 1 week: US$3,000 (excluding accommodation). Longer/shorter stays possible.

Price depends on length of stay and on any personal requests.

You may have your own ponies or even ponies to try and are in need of a base to play and practice from. We can offer this too. Whatever your polo needs in Argentina are please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Early December 2016 Copa Cuatro Tacos – 12-goal tournament with an emphasis on enjoying fun polo on great fields

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Battle of the Season

Photograph by Peter Meade

Help For Heroes Team Phoenix

20 teams converged on Tidworth Polo Club on 16 – 17 July for the annual Team Army Captains and Subalterns Tournament.

Played for since 1896, it is the second oldest tournament in polo and has traditionally provided a showcase for military polo. This year’s event saw the 20 teams arranged into five divisions, playing qualifiers on the Saturday and Finals on the Sunday.

The Hussars, featuring O/Cdt Jonny

Sleeman fresh from his Rundle Cup exploits with Hackett Army the previous weekend, and 2015’s Most Valuable Player Capt Oscar Churton, played strongly all weekend, defeating a tough Household Cavalry side on the Saturday and maintained their form to beat a tough RAF foursome in Sunday’s Final and claim Division One. The RAF also finished second best in Division Two, as their second team lost to The Light Dragoons,

Military

containing another Rundle Cup Veteran 2Lt Rishi Aluwalia, and Tournament MVP O/Cdt Jonathan Quicke, in a very entertaining Final. Division Three was won

by The RA/Reserves, while The Division Four Final went all the way to the dreaded penalty shootout, which saw The Household Cavalry hold their nerve to take the spoils.

The story of the Tournament arguably came from Division Five, Help For Heroes Team Phoenix, quite literally rising from the ashes to pull off an historic victory in their division. These guys all had their own story, and each of them had triumphed over adversity to piece their lives back together after all incurred life changing injuries.

Not only this, but they played open polo, which won them many admirers over the weekend. As they accepted the prize for winning Division Five there were a few lumps in throats, extremely humbling and proof that in life there really are no limits. Polo Manager Miles Underwood commented upon the weekend, “Huge thanks must go to Team Army for sponsoring the weekend, TPC Polo Manager Jessica Andrews for coordinating 20 Teams, 80 players and 200+ ponies and of course to the inimitable Simon Ledger, whose commentary provided the soundtrack to this great event.”

Troops at Triskelion

Photograph by Elaine Dewhirst

Action between Army Reserve in white shirts and Triskelion

The Army Reserve Polo team returned for a second year to the Isle of Man for an eight chukka match run over two days against the Triskelion Polo Club Select team at their Great Meadow grounds near Castletown.

On Saturday 6 August the game was also an exhibition for a VIP event to raise money for the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association.

The Army Reserve team consisted of

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Colonel Simon Goldstein MBE, Colonel Matt Petersen, Captain Daniel von Barloewen and Captain Matt Fincham playing an Isle of Man team captained by Cameron Houston, the chief coach who runs Triskelion Polo Club with his brother Frazer, with a selection of the rising stars of the Club. Following a fast and open game, the final result was a close fought 7-7 draw, with the Cup being retained by Triskelion on handicap.

Another great weekend for what is now becoming an annual event. Colonel Simon Goldstein MBE, on returning from the tournament said, “Triskelion is going from strength to strength with a growing number of players, pony owners and fixtures being played both on the Island and the mainland.

The new Army Reserve Company that has been established on the island in the last couple of years had a recruiting stand at the pitch-side. They are also growing strongly and have a couple of soldiers keen to take up the game at Triskelion, we look forward to them playing in the Army Reserve team in next year’s fixture.”

Army Reserve: Capt Dan von Barloewen (-1), Capt Matt Fincham (-1), Colonel Matt Peteresen (-2) & Colonel Simon Goldstein MBE (-1) Triskelion: Cameron Houston (0), Graham Dimelow/Selena Plant (-2), Carly Gough/Becky Netten (-2), & Aalish Creer/ Maddie Bridle (-2)

Polo Times, September 2016

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Lovely weather and a cooling breeze saw some good polo on the L&E Day at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Sunday 7 August. The ultimate winners were RMAS who beat both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in an American-style tournament. All teams included beginners, some in their first season, but backed up by a selection of wiser and more experienced players. A cheery crowd of 300 guests enjoyed a classic afternoon of polo and picnics around the ground, plus some guests enjoyed champagne and canapés in the hospitality tent. A simply wonderful relaxed day in the idyllic setting of RMAS complete with the newly restored Old College building as a backdrop.

Salute to Sandhurst

RMAS winding up for a shot

Photography by Peter Meade

L&E Day teams: Royal Air Force: Flt Lt Ben Lane RAF -2, Gp Capt Mark Smith RAF -1, Flt Lt David Black RAF -1 & Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf RAF -1 Royal Navy: Sub Lt Jack Carlisle RN -2, Lt Max Cosby RN -2, Cdr Al Wilson RN 0 & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller RN 0 Royal Military Academy Sandhurst: O/Cdts Georgia McCardy/Zander Smail-Woodford -2, Ocdts Shakboot Al Nahyan/Charlie Bird -2, O/Cdt Jamie Drummond-Moray 1 & O/Cdt Jamie Fry 1

All teams with Comdt RMAS Maj Gen Paul Nanson, Umpires Maj Uqbah and JJ Spark

Kings of the Cup

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Polo Times, September 2016

Photograph by George Walker

The annual Exton Park King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) Cup was held at Tidworth Polo Club on the superb Fischer ground on Sunday 7 August. On the first day the KRH team sponsored by Exton Park Vineyard, were stronger than the opposition in the 4 goal tournament. With a couple of penalties fortunately going the KRH way and some tighter and well structured play in the final chukka, the team finished on 6-5½.

Facing Low Profile in the Final, the KRH were quick to address their failings from the previous day and stole an early lead with Devrient pushing through the opposition and delivering a couple of well-executed goals. Capt Freeman-Kerr held the back door shut with strong backhands to counterattack the opposition’s runs. This allowed Devrient space to send the ball to Capt Churton and Capt Walker, who delivered two much needed goals, putting the score at 4 goals to 1 going into the third. However, Low Profile were determined not to let this score lie and fought back with two goals in

A triumphant King’s Royal Hussars Team

quick succession. This applied considerable pressure to the KRH but with an early Penalty 3 given and stylishly converted by Devrient, the KRH seemed to have secured the title with two minutes left. Low Profile could do little and although they had a couple of opportunities in the final minutes, the KRH defended commendably and won the trophy for the first time with a final score of 5 goals to 3.

Exton Park King’s Royal Hussars Cup Final teams: King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) Team: Capt Oscar Churton (-1), Capt George Walker (0), Capt Robert Freeman-Kerr (1), Gaston Devrient (4) Low Profile: Richard Swift (0), Jessica Andrews (1), Ed Whittington (1), James Haigh (2)

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Josh Clover tells us about his mare, Ice, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in The Festival of Horsepower at Westcroft Park Polo Club What are her strengths? She is a super tough mare, nice all the way round, but her best aspect is her top end speed, it really helps to win games. I am happy playing her in anything from 0 to 12 goal.

How has she gone this season? She takes a month of polo each year for her to find her best form, she has been amazing through June and bailed me out of a lot of tight finishes recently!

Has she won any other awards? No, this is her first with me.

What are your plans for her future? I will keep her, I’m sure she is much more valuable to me than to anyone else.

Ice (I Can Dance) Age: 10-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Josh Clover What is her breeding? Mashhor Dancer Silver Lining bloodlines Knowledge

Pony Power

Pony Power

Does she have any special quirks? She’s a bit of a stroppy mare with plenty of attitude.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Not as far as I am aware.

Describe her in three words? Lots of run.

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from? USA

Photograph by

Tell us about her background? Rege Ludwig bought her from the US racetrack in California as a 3-year-old and re-trained her for polo.

What are her strength s? She has lots of character, and is a real personali ty. She is very strong and willing in a ride off, and can also play for both a top player (such as Rodrigo Andrade) and a 0 goal amateur both will get great and performance from her.

She has great stamina for two chukkas necessary and if great speed.

Lucy Wilson

Where is she

Tell us about her background? Ice is an English Thoroughbred, I have had for three years. She started her working life as an unsuccessful racehorse. The problem was she just wasn’t ready to race. I bought her from a good friend of mine Riki Furno and she was produced by Andres Perez.

Silver Lining, played

by Rodrigo Andra de in The Royal Salute Coronation Cup and named Best Playing Pony, we up with owner Thai caught Polo’s Harald Link and renowned polo coach Rege Ludwi g to find out more

Height: 15.3hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Breeding: USA Thoroughbred Owner: Harald Link

Mark Tomlinson’s mare, Silk, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at The Cowdray Park Challenge Cup How has she gone this season?

Silver Lining is Harald’s best pony in his string and his favourite to play. She is consisten reliable in every tly chukka.

Has she won any other awards?

She hasn’t won any other BPP awards other than this, but she was played by James Beim in the 2013 Westchester Cup and by Malcolm Borwick in 2013 The Coronatio Cup. n

What are your plans for her future? S is consistently brilliant he for Harald and he has always hoped that a top 8/9 goal player would show others her real calibre, as her talent is slightly overlooked playing with him – a shame for such an outstanding horse.

highly successfu l trainer Roger Charlton, which is where Ollie picked her up as a 2-year-old .

of Cowdray Park

Polo Club

What are her strength s?

Very comfortable, serious speed and power with a great mouth.

How has she gone this season? Silk is still new to me, but she has adapted really well and as a 7-year-old there should be more improvement to come.

Photograph courtesy

Silk

Mark Tomlinson talks to Polo Times about Silk, his 7-year-old mare who won the Polo Times Best Playin Pony Award at The Harrison Cup g

Age: 8-years-old Silk Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Breeding: Striking Ambition/ Sand Sprite Owner: Mark Tomlinson Height: 15.2hh

Age: 7-years-o ld Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Breeding: Striking Ambition / Sand Sprite Owner: Mark Tomlinso n

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Polo Times, September

Where is the pony from? Silk is an ROR bred in England.

How long have you had her? I bought her from Ollie Hipwood in July this year.

Tell us about her background? She was bred near Northamp ton and then in training with

Has she won any

other awards?

Not yet!

What are your plans for her future?

Hopefully I will win lots playing her!

Does she have any special quirks?

She is quite bouncy and unsettled when the play is stopped, but otherwise she has a very calm temperament.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Her sire Striking Ambition has been pretty successfu l in the racing world.

Describe her in three words?

Fast, gutsy and beautiful.

2015

PT Sept_2015_1

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This is not the first Best Playing Pony award Silk has received from Polo Times, in 2015 Silk was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at The Harrison Cup, also at Cowdray Park Polo Club. So if you want to know more about Silk then dig out your archive issues and turn to page 74 in Polo Times September 2015!

Silk, awarded Polo Times BPP at The Harrison Cup 2015

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24/08/2015 18:30

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

Polo Times, September 2016

73

Knowledge

Pony Power

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Photograph byAlejandro Muzzio

Alejandro Muzzio tells us about his quirky mare, Negrita, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in The Harrison Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

In her spare time Negrita is the perfect Zorro companion for relaxed lead-rope fun

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, this is her second Best Playing Pony Award; two years ago she won a prize in the Final of the Eduardo Moore.

Negrita Age: 13-years-old Colour: Dark Black Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Alejandro Muzzio What is her breeding? Negrita originally came from Australia, so unfortunately I don’t really know much about her breeding.

How long have you had her?

I have had her since 2011.

What are her strengths? To me the best thing Negrita has got is the power and the confidence to win any play.

How has she gone this season? Negrita is not perfectly sound, so I try my best to look after her and play her in just some matches.

This season though she hasn’t played much.

What are your plans for her in the future?

In the future I would like to take her to breed from in Argentina, as I think she will make an amazing mother. Plus, one day I would love to play her there before I retire her.

Does she have any special quirks? Negrita is also the mare that my son rides in the costume of Zorro, we like to think she is Tornado!

Describe her in three words? She is different!

Peter Murdock tells us about his gelding, Spirit, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the Handley Cross section of the El Remanso Pony Club Championships What are his strengths? Hunting and jumping.

How has he gone this season? He has played absolutely amazingly this season, he has gone from knowing nothing at all about polo to winning this amazing award.

Photograph by Michael Chevis

What are your plans for his future?

Unfortunately, I have outgrown him now and I will be too old to play Handley Cross next year so I have to move up onto a full size polo pony, I am considering selling him, but only to the right home.

Does he have any special quirks? He likes to be the boss and likes to be fed first.

Spirit Age: 15-years-old Colour: Dun Height: 13.2hh Sex: Gelding Owner: Peter Murdock 74

Polo Times, September 2016

What is his breeding? Connemara from Ireland.

Tell us about his background? I have had him for about a year now. Spirit was previously owned by a young girl who used him for leisure rides and Pony Club activities.

Does he have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Not that we know of.

Describe him in three words? Dun is best.

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Pony Power

George Deverall tells us about his mare, Baileys Moneypenny, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award for the best Langford pony at the El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

Knowledge

What are her strengths? Her strong points are her strength and speed and her ability to stop and turn.

How has she gone this season? She has been amazing this season and George loves riding her, she’s his best pony!

Does she have any special quirks? She is always very keen and can be a bit wired but when you take her to a match as soon as she gets off the lorry she knows her job and will wait quietly until it is her turn to play!

Photograph by Emma Deverall

Describe her in three words? Powerful, awesome, machine.

Baileys Moneypenny Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15.3hh Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Emma Deverall and played by George Deverall

What is her breeding? By Monsieur Bond out of Baileys Silver.

Tell us about her background? We bought her from Pepe Riglos 18 months ago.

Hugo Taylor tells us about his mare Golondrina, who he played in the second chukka of The Buckmaster Junior HPA Championship Final on Saturday 23 July at Guards Polo Club and won Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award

Photograph by Emma Deverall

George and Baileys Moneypenny sporting their prizes from The Polo Magazine and Polo Times

George and Baileys Moneypenny when they returned home from Cowdray

set-up in Argentina. Her father is Polo Tiro Fijo (Polo Sol Puro) and the mother is Rata (playing mare).

How long have you had her? This is her second season with me.

What are her strengths? Her speed and agility.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

How has she gone this season? This season she has been one of my best ponies and she improves with every game. She has played almost 70 games this season and continues to give 100%.

Yaco Golondrina Age: 8-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15hh www.polotimes.co.uk

Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Simon Taylor and played

by Hugo Taylor

What are your plans for her in the future? I plan on keeping her and I hope she will continue to improve, I can see her being a really top pony.

Describe her in three words? Powerful, sharp, responsive.

What is the pony’s breeding? Golondrina came from Matias Ballesteros’ breeding Polo Times, September 2016

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Pony Power

Photograph by Jessica Tomblin

George Tomblin tells us about the pony he played, Cotorra, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award for the best Surtees pony at the El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships

George and Cotorra ready for the parade

awesome and played her heart out!

Photograph by Michael Chevis Photography

What are your plans for her future? I would love to play her again but as she is getting older she is going to play more arena at Longdole.

Does she have any special quirks? She won’t stand still and doesn’t like to hang around.

Dan Banks from Longdole Polo Club with George and Cotorra

Cotorra

Describe her in three words? Fast, powerful, fun.

her life. I have played her this season at Longdole and I was lucky enough to be able to hire her for the pony club season.

What are her strengths? Cotorra is fast and easy to control, she has a nice hitting platform and is strong in ride offs.

What is her breeding? Argentine origins.

How has she gone this season? She has been amazing, I have had such fun on her and she has helped me improve my polo!

Tell us about her background? Cotorra was brought over from Argentina and has lived at Longdole Polo Club for most of

Has she won any other awards? I have only played her this season, I’m so glad she won the Surtees best playing pony as she is

Photograph by Jessica Tomblin

Age: 21-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Longdole Polo Club and played by George Tomblin

George and Cotorra in action at Cowdray on the first day of the tournament

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Pony Power

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Jimbo Fewster tells us about his gelding, Dudley, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the HPA Select Colts Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Photograph by Clive Bennet

Dudley Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.2hh Sex: Gelding Owner: Owned by Martin Fewster and played by Jimbo Fewster

Has he won any other awards? No this is his first Best Playing Pony Award, I wasn’t expecting him to win it as another one of my ponies went really well in this game. But he is great on the soft grounds.

What are your plans for his future? Well, I have a lot of really nice four-year-olds coming though, and my string is getting quite big so this could be his last year with me.

Does he have any special quirks? No, I can’t think of any quirks.

Does he have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Not that I know of, possibly in racing.

Describe him in three words? Chilled, consistent, dude.

What is his breeding? By Compton Place out of Bishop of Cashel. He was a racehorse born in England. But I don’t know which racing trainer he was with or what yard he was at.

Tell us about his background? He is a retrained English Thoroughbred racehorse but we bought him from Roddy Williams as a three-year-old as a quick sell. I have always needed horses and he is very consistent. This is his fifth season with us.

What are his strengths? Dudley loves a soft ground and always plays well on them and he is great at short plays.

How has he done this season? So far he has been pretty good, but he never gives me a bad chukka.

PPhotograph by Jimbo Fewster

Dudley relaxing at the Fewster yard near Kirtlington

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Polo Times, September 2016

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Photograph Sam Churchill Photography

At the Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival we caught up with Jamie Grayson to find out more about his mare Apache who was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in the Polo Festival Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Apache relaxing at home in her paddock

How has she gone this season?

She’s really versatile, I have played her in everything from school polo up to 15 goal.

Her speed and acceleration is definitely her strongest attribute.

Apache

horse, so in a ride-off she never chickens out, which some smaller horses tend to do.

What are your plans for her future? I am definitely going to keep her, she’s my favourite horse so she’s going to be staying with me for a while.

Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 14.3hh Sex: Mare Owner: Jamie Grayson

Does she have any special quirks? At home she’s just grumpy! Very easy to look after, but definitely rules the roost.

Tell us about her background? This is my second season with her, I brought her over from Argentina when I was looking for horses out there with Pancho MarinMoreno. I tried her and brought her back to England with me.

What are her strengths? She’s very aggressive (but in a good way!) for a small

Has she won any other awards? Not with me as I’ve only had her for a short time.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? I believe her sister played in the Argentine Open.

Describe her in three words? Agile, fast, dominant.

Apache mid-mouthful

Rosie Ross’ Bush Pig was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Rug in the Ladies’ Final at the Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival

Bush Pig

Pony Power

Playing Ponies

Bush Pig

Rosie Ross

How long have you had her?

Just over three years now.

Tell us about her background ?

Her Sire is the National Canadian reigning Champion who featured in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a Native American Indian riding him in the show. Whilst overseas trip on his he had the chance to cover some mares.

The mare was an American quarter horse from a stud in Devon, but that is all I know about her.

What are her strengths? Escaping won’t stay in a – she stable or a field.

She is so clever, relentless and tough with awesome lateral movement.

She has an excellent mouth and great strides and the best bit, is that she loves to play. You know when she is having a good day by how many bucks she does when you get on!

How has she gone this winter season?

She has been one of my top ponies this winter, it’s bit scary at the start of the season, as she always has to have the last

76

Polo Times, April

2015

NND Photography

and played by

Height: 15hh Age: 5 rising 6 Colour: Appaloosa Sex: Mare Breeding: Sire Joe Glow, Dam – unknown – paperwork just says ‘quarter horse mare’.

Where is she from?

I bought her when she from a stud dispersal was two. She came sale, as a yearling ran through some she fencing so I picked just before she her up was sold to the knackerman.

I broke her in with just a headcollar in the field.

Photographs by

Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Appaloosa Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Breeding: Sire Joe Glow, Dam – unknown – paperwork just says ‘quarter horse mare’ Owner: Rosie Ross

Knowledge

Polo Times Best

As the arena season comes to an end that have been we take a look playing this winter at just a handful in the UK. Polo of the ponies celebrations, are Times, as part proud to have of its 20th Annivers sponsored a series Wilson talks to ary Rosie Ross, Stuart of Best Playing pony rugs. Lucy Beetles, and Richard ponies from Ascot Park’s Women’ Le Poer about s Nationals, the their prize-winning most recently the RCBPC’s HPA Bryan Morrison New Year National International Test s and Match at Hickstea Polo Times Best d.

Playing pony in the UK Women ’s National Arena Tournament Owned

Rosie Ross with

Bush Pig winner

of the UK Women’s

National Arena

Tournament Polo

say. She is just a very independent pony. If she is standing still in the yard she will have to push something over, or be playing something, she with is a bit like a child.

I haven’t played her much on the grass, last year was her first.

She hasn’t really not played much at all. This winter I had her in for only three months in the arena, two months last summer on the grass and before that three months last winter.

I have never actually to make her, she had has pretty much learnt it all herself. I haven’t had to teach her, I just ask, and she does it. I only wish she was a bit bigger. Everyone laughed at me when I first got her – she was so small and runty.

Has she won any other awards?

No – Just the prize for 1st class Bush Pig in action pain in the yard!

What are your plans for her future?

I really don’t want to sell her, but I probably

Times Best Playing

with Rosie this

Pony

winter

should. If I won the lottery I would definitely breed from her.

Otherwise she will be playing all the ladies polo with me this summer in my main string and for the Sau Wild team. www.polotim

es.co.uk

Bush Pig appears to be a popular choice for Polo Times Best Playing Pony awards! The distinctive pony with the porcine moniker was also awarded a Polo Times rug back in 2015 for her efforts in the UK Women’s National Arena Tournament. So to find out more about this cheeky pony, then grab your April 2015 issue of Polo Times and turn to page 76.

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Polo Times, September 2016

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Pony Power

Pancho Torres spoke to us about his seven-year-old mare, Maria, who won Polo Times Best Playing Pony at the 10 goal Jeff Thomas Trophy Final at the Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival

Knowledge

What are her strengths? She is an absolute machine and just keeps giving.

How has she gone this season? She is going really well this season, I play her a lot out of both Emsworth and Guards in the 12 and 15 goal.

Has she won any other awards? Last year she won a BPP at Emsworth.

Photograph Sam Churchill Photography

What are your plans for her future?

I would like to keep her in my string and possibly take her to Argentina and breed from her.

Maria Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Pancho Torres

Does she have any special quirks? In the yard she is dominant, and likes to boss around the other ponies.

What is her breeding? I’m not sure about her breeding. She is from Argentina, where I purchased her as a youngster.

Tell us about her background? I have had her in the UK for two years after bringing her over from Argentina.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? Not that I know of.

Describe her in three words? Best pony ever.

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Knowledge

Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS Holly is the Guards Polo Club Veterinary Surgeon and Welfare Officer. 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

Nothing Sweet About Summer Itch

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Polo Times, September 2016

mutual grooming with other horses more so than usual.

It is common for owners not to realise that their horse is affected until the secondary signs, the result of repeated scratching and self trauma, become apparent. The characteristic sweet itch signs include hair breakage and loss, especially of the mane and tail, bald patches, inflamed skin and flaking dandruff. Left uncontrolled this can quickly progress to an exudative dermatitis, characterised by raw, weeping skin, and a crusting with straw-yellow coloured scabs. Once this stage is reached there is a risk of infection with the bacterial flora, which are normally resident on the skin, as they opportunistically breach the weakened defence barrier of the damaged skin. Infection serves to exacerbate the clinical signs and can create a vicious cycle

of intensifying signs requiring antibiotic therapy to control.

Over time, if clinical signs are left uncontrolled the skin becomes thickened and develops a corrugated appearance, especially around the crest and withers and base of the tail.

The bad news is that there is currently no cure for Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity, and the degree of suffering incurred by susceptible individuals is entirely dependent upon the managerial efforts of owners. Managerial actions can be broken down into three main areas: Prevent Midges From Biting The Horses The single most successful action in the management of sweet itch is the prevention of midges from making contact with horses. There are now a range of specially

Photography by Caspar West

Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (EIBH) ranges in severity from mildly irritating to downright debilitating, but one thing is always certain, it presents horse owners with some frustrating challenges when it comes to managing this disease. Also known as sweet itch, summer itch and Queensland itch, it is an allergic skin disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction in susceptible horses to proteins found in the saliva of Culicoides midge species.

EIBH initially presents around the age of four years old, and once it occurs, affected individuals remain affected for life, effects of the disease often becoming progressively severe with age. As the disease is caused by biting Culicoides midges, the onset and duration of clinical signs is dependent upon the life cycle of this universally irritating insect. In the UK, midges become active once the ambient temperature is greater than 10 degrees celsius, with April until September being the months with greatest activity. Midges breed and thrive in wet, warm environments. Stagnant water, marshy fields, and moist and rotting vegetation, including leaf litter in woods and decomposing muck heaps, all provide suitable conditions for midges to complete their life cycle.

Clinical signs are distributed on the body in a pattern consistent with where midges are able to land and bite. As midges approach from the air, the most frequently bitten areas are on the dorsal surface of the horse. The face, forelock, mane and crest, withers, back, top of the hindquarters and tail are classic locations for signs to develop.

The primary sign occurring once a reaction to midge bites begins is intense pruritis (itching). Desperate scratching on any available surface ensues, with stable walls, fences, trees, and the ground all being used to seek relief. Affected horses will also seek

This mare is currently in foal so, steroid injections aren’t an option, the pony has managed to rub herself until raw patches had occurred, which require daily treatment

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Knowledge

Photograph by Sarah Tallants

This pony has rubbed their tail so much that it has caused hair loss

designed, high quality, midge resistant whole body blankets, complete with hoods and ear covers, on the market. Investing in a good quality one will be the single most effective step. The use of DEET or Permethrin based insect repellents is an excellent adjunct to the use of a blanket.

Those preparations that are pour-on or are diluted with water and sponged on seem to have a greater effect and duration of action than those that simply spritz on.

Stabling horses during the midges’ most active times, dawn and dusk, will reduce horses exposure to bites. The addition of fine mesh screens will help to keep midges out of stables. Midges have little power when it comes to flying against a breeze, so wall or ceiling fans to keep air flowing through stables will help to prevent the insects from meeting their target.

Treat Existing Skin Lesions There is a vast array of commercially available products for the treatment of sweet itch damaged skin. Soothing, medicated shampoos help to remove scurf and scabs and emollient ointments bring relief to dry, itching skin. Many of these products contain highly potent and effective natural and botanical products such as tea tree oil, Stockholm tar and oatmeal extract. Heed a warning here that horses with already sensitive skin may occasionally react to some of these products, and it is advisable to do a 24 hour patch test with any new www.polotimes.co.uk

products, exactly the same as you would at the hair salon, before slathering the product all over your horse.

The most effective products have a corticosteroid as their active ingredient, and are only available on prescription from your veterinary surgeon. These come in the form of creams, gels and sprays, and must be used according to professional advice.

Interfere with The Immune Reaction to Midge Bites Sweet itch occurs in individuals whose immune system has an overreaction to the

Tea tree and fly spray products can help sooth and deter flies

midge saliva proteins injected when the insect bites. The immune system’s inappropriate reaction includes the deployment of a variety of inflammatory mediators, which are the body’s chemical messengers responsible for setting off a cascade of physiological activity resulting in heat, pain, itching, redness and swelling. The use of anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce the release of such mediators, and therefore have a dampening effect on the inflammatory process. Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medications seem to give the greatest result, with Prednisolone being a common choice.

Medications can be given either as a long acting depot injection or as a daily oral dose.

These medications are only available from your veterinary surgeon and he or she will be able to advise which they think is most suitable.

Antihistamines have a variable efficacy in the treatment of Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity. To be effective the dose required is quite high, and this can cause drowsiness.

Nicotinamide supplements have been used with good anecdotal results. These work by increasing the lipid content in the skin, which in turn helps to inhibit the release of the chemical messengers, which initiate an inflammatory reaction.

New treatments on the horizon include Immunotherapy using purified extract of midge saliva proteins. The theory with this therapy is to reprogram the immune system by gradually exposing animals to increasing amount of the protein, in order to convince the body that the protein is not foreign and not to mount such an over-exuberant inflammatory response. There is also research into creating a vaccine using different bacterial species and the development of a homeopathy style treatment using an autologous preparation made using highly diluted serum collected from affected animals.

For now, however, there is no magic wand to cure sweet itch. The best therapy is a combination of the above actions to keep horses midge and itch free.

Holly Baird BVSCV MRCVS Guards Polo Club Smiths Lawn Windsor Great Park Egham Surrey TW20 0HP Tel: 01784 434212 Email: holly_baird@hotmail.com Or visit: www.guardspoloclub.com Polo Times, September 2016

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Adjusting to English Life

Polo Ponies take time to settle in and adapt to change I find that this point in the year is a good time to reflect on horses that I have seen progress over the last few months or even years. I think we all love to see a before and after picture, and I try to encourage grooms to take pictures of their trusty steeds regularly. It can be very satisfying to look back at what you have achieved, as so quickly we forget, and also to add to my picture files for occasions like this!

The two ponies I have found some great pictures of are owned by Max Charlton and have both been imported from the Southern Hemisphere over the last two years. Their stories are as follows: Case Study 1 Name: Now Age: 12-years-old Type: Australian Thoroughbred Now arrived from Australia in June 2014 looking quite light, and although this was two years ago, it has taken time to get her settled onto the right feed that works for her in order to maintain both her condition and her sanity – and I think this season we have finally succeeded! As many of you know, when horses arrive from the Southern Hemisphere it can take them a while to settle into the British way of life, primarily due to the differences in weather, forage and feed and Now, being a sensitive horse, has definitely taken her time.

As you can see in the first picture, she was lacking condition and top line muscle. We needed her to build muscle

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and put on condition as soon as possible as Max wanted her to be playing quite soon. As with all new arrivals at Max’s yard, we first introduced her to Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cubes, Digest Plus Prebiotic.

She started to eat up well but continued to pick at her hay.

We then realised she can be a little sharp and has quite a bit of nervous energy, which meant she was very unsettled in her work, so we gradually introduced All-Round Endurance Mix into her diet, and allowed her a 50:50 ration of mix and cubes, to see if this helped her relax a little more whilst also continuing to put on condition. This seemed to work and she started to put on condition prior to her first winter in England.

The next season, she came back into work on the same feeding regime, a combination of Top Line Conditioning

Cubes and All-Round Endurance Mix, she was eating up well and holding her weight, and energy levels seemed to be adequate.

Unfortunately she had to have some time off, and it was at this point she began to lose condition and so we increased the mix and reduced the cubes to try and reduce the starch intake in her diet. However, her feed was still topped up with a balancer to ensure she received adequate amounts of quality proteins to maintain her top line muscle. She was still on the Digest Plus Prebiotic and this time we added some Protexin Acid Ease as well – both products focus on digestive health, in the foregut and hindgut.

At the beginning of the 2016 season, Now came into work on All-Round Endurance Mix and some Top Line Conditioning Mix, but after three-four weeks the Conditioning Mix was removed and she has played the season on the following: • Four scoops of Baileys All-Round Endurance Mix per day (split over three feeds) • Two mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer • Baileys Digest Plus Prebiotic • Ad lib haylage • Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cube or Mix will form the basis of the ration, providing calories to put on condition and to provide adequate amounts of energy whilst they are still needing to play and perform.

• Baileys All-Round Endurance Mix is a lower starch, higher fibre and oil based mix to suit those with a more nervous or anxious temperament to try and keep the calorie intake the same as a conditioning feed but aid stamina rather than ‘fizzy’ energy.

• The balancer has been added to ‘top up’ the ration with proteins, vitamins and minerals to support workload and ensure a balanced diet to continue building muscle at the same time as still working.

• Baileys Digest Plus Prebiotic is to help the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut to digest and utilise the fibre in the diet more efficiently.

• As usual, the hay or haylage is fed ad lib to put on condition and to help with the function and health of the hind gut.

• The above rations will be split over two or three (where possible) feeds per day.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Case Study 2 Name: Bastarda Age: Eight-years-old Type: Argentine Thoroughbred Bastarda arrived from Argentina in June 2015 looking quite weak and lacking muscle and condition. She seemed to pick up her appetite quite quickly being fed ad lib hay, Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cubes, Baileys Stud Balancer and some Digest Plus Prebiotic. We ensured she was on a high calorie, balanced ration and with prebiotics to help support the hindgut bacteria. When the horses arrive looking so weak, the hard feed is slowly built up to the suggested quantities, as to not increase the risks of colic when we were gradually introducing what was a very different feedstuff to what she has been used to.

Due to her condition she did not play much polo at the end of the 2015 season, so she was introduced to an English winter and came back in early this season to begin her fitness campaign.

Bastarda was brought back into work on Top Line Conditioning Mix, and as her work increased, so did the mix and she

Nutrition Focus

then had a balancer added to her ration.

She has a good appetite and a good brain to work with, so being on the higher starch feed she has worked and played well but we have not needed to consider adding a higher starch feed such as a Competition Mix or oats. Her diet has been the following throughout the 2016 season:

Knowledge

• Three heaped scoops of Baileys Top Line Conditioning Mix • Two mugs of Baileys Stud Balancer • Baileys Digest Plus Prebiotic • Ad lib haylage Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Polo Arena Construction

H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N – S TA N D I N G I N B E R K S H I R E .

N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E .

C o n t r a C to r s

• • • • • • •

Manege Construction Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks Equestrian & Stock Fencing Roads & Tracks Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs Special Projects

for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

Has played: Argentine Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada Hurlingham Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada USA open and 26 goal with Las Monjitas in 2008 Argentine and Hurlingham open again in 2008 Hurlingham and Tortugas Open in 2009 to 2012 Retired for breeding - 2013 Now playing medium and low goal in UK with Eclipse.

Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina.

For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or William on 07768 651959 / williamlainsbury@gmail.com

Polo Times, September 2016

83

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Swivel Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd shares some information on bitting polo ponies

Pelham Swivel

Swivel bits are becoming increasingly popular as manufacturers look to find solutions to common problems on the polo field, and also in other horse riding disciplines. The cheek pieces of swivel bits operate independently of each other, due to the swivel action of the mouthpiece.

For example, Bombers Equestrian Equipment’s Pelham Swivel is a very nice bit that has attachments for two reins, one near the mouthpiece and one at the end of the shank. These reins have similar action to the curb and bridoon reins in the double bridle. The Pelham Swivel has a mid length shank that will offer middle-ofthe-range poll pressure via the headpiece of the bridle, and also middle-of-the-range leverage on the chin groove via the curb chain, and also the sides of the equine’s mouth and jaw. The swivelling action actually reduces tongue pressure to a minimum, so this bit is ideal for sensitivetongued horses, while the port allows for tongue relief. The Pelham Swivel is supplied with a curb chain and hooks. As this bit is part of the Bomber Blue range, it is made from a strong, rubber-nylon compound that encourages salivation. Importantly, as the mouthpiece of the Pelham Swivel is not fixed, the horse can decide where

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Weymouth Swivel Happy Tongue

the mouth piece is most comfortable in its mouth. Swivel bits are also useful for horses or ponies that need a little more lateral control on the field!

The same concepts have been applied to Bombers’ Weymouth Swivel Happy Tongue bit. The Weymouth is designed to be used in conjunction with a bridoon in the double bridle, and introduces both curb and poll pressure. The upper cheeks on Bombers’ Weymouths are bent slightly outwards to allow room for the horse’s cheeks, and it also has an oval top ring so the bridle’s cheekpiece doesn’t interfere with the curb chain. The lower cheeks are either 55mm or 75 mm long.

Longer shanked bits like the 75mm,

even on a double bridle, must rotate back further before applying pressure on the mouth than shorter-shanked bits; therefore, the horse has more warning of a rider’s hand movements in a long-shanked bit, allowing it to respond on the field before any significant pressure is applied to its mouth. This bit is supplied with English Curb Chain and hooks. This is incidentally also an extremely effective bit for a horse with a low palate. Although the double bridle has been largely replaced by the pelham bit or the gag bit on the polo field, readers will surely be interested in this alternative option, perhaps during a specific phase of a horse or pony’s education, for example if you’re training at home and want to improve precision.

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 a ‘design your own bit’ service.

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. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

www.polotimes.co.uk

La Brava in Argentina at Los Techos.

LOOKING FOR A POLO ADVENTURE THAT ALSO CATERS TO THE MIND AND SOUL? Come and experience the majestic game of polo in the Pampas of Argentina. Los Techos is located in the province of Buenos Aires, just outside of Balcarce. It borders Mar del Plata so if it’s the beaches you fancy one afternoon, they are only 30 mins away.

+44 (0)1344 885697 info@labravapolo.com

WWW.LABRAVAPOLO.COM

Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068 Fax: +44 (0) 1842 861 936 Email: info@greenheath.co.uk www.greenheath.co.uk

For Hire / Sale - New Alstrong Actus with APV Seeder. Ensure your pitch is healthy and green this year with this Alstrong Actus. Full dealer services with rental possibility. Call for further details

MAJOR TDR 16000s - Choice of almost new to ex-hire.

Prices starting at £5000 + VAT. Hire option available.

Massey Ferguson 690 tractor and a wide choice of budget tractors in stock. Ideal for ground care. Speak to our team for more details on our tractor range.

For Hire / Sale - Alstrong Aerator 840T. Heavy duty, hard wearing and just what you need for your ground. Offering new and used with rental options - speak to us today about Alstrong products.

2010 Isuzu 7.5t flatbed lorry, ideal for horse box conversion. Auto, AC, one owner from new.

Call for a price or some advice.

Charterhouse 9’ aerator & similar in stock.

For sale or contract hire. Call us to discuss pitch care with our team.

Martin Collins Gallop Master & Arena Master ready for arena season.

Nicholson PC1800 Paddock Sweepers. This paddock sweeper takes the biscuit compared to other makes of paddock cleaners, with new brushes and screen and very light use. Choice of 5 units for sale & hire.

For full listings and more equipment visit: www.greenheath.co.uk

Specialists in groundcare & used equipment supply. www.greenheath.co.uk

©www.imagesofpolo.com

Knowledge

Quick Warm Up So here is a quick warm up that takes just over five minutes and can be performed on the side of the field before playing and which will start to get your muscles warm for polo and your head in the game:

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014, he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

The Warm Up

Step 1 – General non-specific movements to get the heart beating and increase the body temperature • 1 minute jog • 10 seconds heel kicks (running and kicking glutes with heels) and 10 seconds cariocas (side stepping quickly, crossing alternate legs one over the other and rotating trunk). Repeat this three times.

We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo

What is a warm up?

Warm up techniques are primarily used to increase body temperature and can be broken down into three major categories: • Passive warm up – increases body temperature by some external means for example saunas and steam rooms • General warm up – increases body temperature by non-specific body movements such as running, skipping, jumping and so on • Specific warm up – increases body temperature using similar body parts that will be used in the subsequent, more strenuous activity The best of these categories for polo is the specific warm up because this method provides a rehearsal of the activity and movements that will follow, therefore warming up the exact muscles that will be used. The 86

Polo Times, September 2016

intensity and duration of warm up must be individualised according to the player’s physical capabilities and in consideration of environmental factors which may alter the temperature response. In hot weather for example it may be counterproductive to push your body as far as you would in normal or colder climates. The aim of the warm up is not to over-exert your body and lose fluids through sweat but merely to raise your body temperature so that your muscles are at their optimum temporal state.

What are the benefits of a warm up?

Performance will be improved, as an appropriate warm up will: • Increase speed of contraction and relaxation of warmed muscles • Reduce post-match muscle stiffness through dynamic exercises • Allow the heart rate to a workable rate for beginning exercise Warming up has the added benefit that it gives you the chance to prepare psychologically for the challenge ahead.

Rather than entering the field with your mind full of the day’s troubles, traffic, lame horses or the fact that you forgot your favourite stick, you enter the field and start the match focused on the task ahead and you can therefore play the first chukka with as much concentration as you would the last.

Photography by Gillian Hughes

We all know the drill when it comes to polo: ponies come first. We will happily spend hours getting our ponies fit and in shape for the season, dedicating hours of our time to making sure that they are in the best physical condition possible for the sport in order to get the best results out of them and to avoid injuries. When we get to a match it is no different. We make sure that they have eaten properly and at the right time and once they are tacked up and ready to go, they are warmed up slowly, preparing them for the task ahead. We are no different. Our bodies need time to prepare for the physicality of the game and yet very few people put the time in to warm up before matches.

Competitive and recreational athletes should perform warm up and stretching activities to prepare for more strenuous exercise. Polo is a very physical sport and the body must be ready for the dynamic nature of it. Preliminary activities can be used to enhance physical performance and to prevent sports-related injuries.

What is involved in a warm up?

Warming up should consist of at least the following: • Jogging – to increase body temperature • Dynamic stretches – to reduce muscle stiffness • General and event specific drills – preparation for the session or competition Dynamic stretches are more appropriate to the warm up than static stretching exercises, as they help reduce muscle stiffness after the game. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Step 2 – Dynamic stretches to warm up and stretch the upper body and core muscles • 15 seconds windmills. Standing with feet wide apart, lean down from the waist. Rotating at the trunk touch your left ankle with your right hand and then your right ankle with your left hand.

• 15 seconds touch and twist. With your feet together, bend at the waist and touch the ground without bending your knees. As you come up rotate at the trunk to one side. Come back to the centre and repeat on the other side.

• Repeat all of Step 2.

Step 3 – Dynamic stretches to warm up and stretch the legs • 20 seconds kick your leg out straight in front of you and reach to touch your toe with the other arm. Take a step and repeat on the other side.

• 20 seconds dynamic glute stretch. Stand on one leg and take hold of the other under the knee and ankle. Keeping your body upright, raise the cradled leg towards your chest, stretching the glute muscles. Take a step and repeat on the other side.

• 20 seconds dynamic quad stretch. Standing on one leg, bend the other knee and bring your heel to your glutes. Take hold of your ankle behind you with the same hand and feel the stretch down the front of your thigh. Take a step and repeat on the other side.

Step 4 – Dynamic warm up of the upper body and shoulder joints • Skip forward for 10 seconds opening your arms wide and then bring them across your body.

• Skip forward for 10 seconds lifting alternate arms above your head.

• Skip forward for 10 seconds twisting your upper body from side to side with each step.

• Repeat all of Step 4.

Step 5 – Event specific drills • It is very important to give yourself at least 10 minutes before game time to stick and ball.

This is the best way to warm up specific muscles as well as to focus attention on the game and to get your eye in.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, September 2016

87

Sidelines

Gossip

LAID UP LEG

On Thursday 24 July Henry Porter was spotted at Flemish Farm sporting an extra addition to his kit list for his Buckmaster game for La Aguada, a pair of bright orange shoelaces.

Henry had donned this bright apparel to help raise awareness of Osteoporosis. Henry said, “You can make a difference to your bones when you’re younger, so it is vitally important to keep that skeleton in great shape to carry you through to adulthood.”

The National Osteoporosis Society wanted to get people talking about the importance of bone health, so they launched this campaign with bright orange shoelaces in July 2016.

Photograph by Heather Porter

Get Well Soon to April Kent who broke her leg in two places in the second match of the 12-18 goal Beaufort Ladies’ Tournament. April told us, “We were playing in the Beaufort Ladies against Hazel Jackson, and my horse was young and went down when I tried to turn her and then she rolled on me. I have had some metal rods put in so I am slowly becoming a bionic woman.”

#LACEUPFORBONES

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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

FALL OF THE MONTH

EVOLUTION OF LIFE

Mikey Henderson showed some real goal scoring commitment during his game against Piaget Young England in The Diamond Jubilee Trophy. Luckily for this Irish lad, both him and his mount were able to carry on!

Aurora Eastwood and Matt Darwin tied the knot on the 6 August at Avington Park, Near Alresford at noon. Guests, family and friends then partied at the family farm afterwards until 1 am. Congratulations Aurora and Matt!

Photograph by Drone Exposure

Photograph by Heloise Wilson Smith

FROM POLO TO RACING Photograph by George Gunn Photography

Ranelagh Polo Club member Camilla Swift not only made it round the Goodwood track for the charity Magnolia Race, she came 6th out of 12 runners.

The field winner was Olympic hopeful Izzy Taylor.

Swift said, “No one can feel that disappointed being beaten by an Olympic standard athlete. My father thinks I’m going faster now when playing polo – but I think that’s just a figment of his imagination.” They hope to match previous donations of £200,000 for World Vision and Best Beginnings.

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HOW TO SPEAK FLUENT SPORT Want to know how to sound like a sporting professional from snowboarding to sumo?

Fear not, Oliver Preston’s new book, complete with his trademark comedy cartoons and witty words from Ian Valentine, Raise Your Game is now available. Head to www.quillerpublishing.com to order a copy or two. You might even recognise a few of the cartoons from our sister publication, The Polo Magazine’s Stereotypes pages!

www.polotimes.co.uk

Wendy Brooksby and Julie Thomas

Amelia Scott-Hopkins and her grandmother Miki by the Amelia’s Art stand

Drinks aplenty!

Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Sunday 14 August

Festival Fun

Bruce Fraser

The crowds enjoyed the pitch-side trade stands and food stalls

Emily Stancliffe, Matisse Jayasuria, Celina & Monique Jayasuria

Victor Chua

Crowds were bathed in scorching sunshine which matched the hotly contended action on the pitch for the ever-popular Tally Ho Farm Polo Festival Final. During the day picnickers lined the grounds, enjoying packed hampers and glasses of fizz, whilst watching three matches played at 10 goal, -2-2 goal and a superb Ladies’ Final which rounded off a great day of polo. There were trade stands, a food village and even bouncy inflatables to keep the junior spectators entertained.

As the shadows lengthened, the party vibe picked up as the DJ cranked up the tunes and a flurry of new faces appeared to enjoy the party. Ad hoc games of football and tag for the children replaced the polo on the pitch, whilst for the grown ups polo gossip accompanied by drinks was the perfect end to a perfect day. With the temperatures still soaring so did the post-polo party feeling until much, much later.

Chris Hyde enjoys a quick Chukka Cocktail with Rich Hine on the British Polo Gin stand

Photography by Sam Churchill Photography & Richenda Hine Phil Seller

Freda Lalani & Greg Murray

Greg Keating provided great commentary on the mic

Lesley Sweeney, Briony Lewton & Lisa Burgess

Harrison, Arthur, Chris, Fenella & Morgan Adkins

The Polo Magazine provided three Most Valuable Player Awards to add to the already groaning presentation tables

The largest mounted polo parade in the world

El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships; Cowdray Park Polo; Club Sunday 7 August

Champion Championships

Zara & Nina Matthews on Petaka and Revel the ponies

Nearly 200 budding polo youngsters, their siblings and tireless support teams in the form of Aunties, Uncles, Mums and Dads descended upon the Lawns at Cowdray Park Polo Club for the annual El Remanso Pony Club Polo Championships. The tracks around the grounds turned into a freeway populated with speeding bicycles mounted with children wielding hand mallets, ponies charging to their scheduled chukkas and the older crowds of Gannon players in their inherited first cars ferrying friends from campsite to burger van, as well as the odd family Border terrier on the scrounge for a stray bacon bap. Saturday night’s campsite disco produced a few green faces that just about made it through the first chukka before a ‘rest stop’ in the pony lines on Sunday. All shapes and sizes of ponies lined the temporary stables with a few Cowdray locals popping to say hello and bumping into their first polo mounts.

Pete the pony’s Argentine cousin Pablo checks out the goodies

Nick Musgrave mucks in with goal judging

Photography by Lucy Wilson, Jo Beim and Kate Gibbons George Smith, Olly Davis, Talan Dudd & Roddy the pony

George Tomblin with his Polo Times Best Playing Pony Cortorra

Patient grooms at the Jaguar Trophy Finals

Venetia & Archie Fuller, George & Jessica Tomblin, William & Jack Pitman, Jemima Walker & Richard Slatter

Fabien the pony, Rachel Kidd, Claudia & Greg Dudd with Pinturita the pony

Lucas Stern

Plenty of prizes

The sections arriving for the presentation of prizes

Perfect cainine view on a hot day Makeshift paddocks in the shade

Beaufort Gold having a team talk before their chukka

Archie Bull with Gabby the pony

Gannon Final on Lawns 1

Kiki Severn & Golly the pony

Robert & Freddy Thame

Ashkild Winkleman’s painting was raffled off for £750 for Dreams Come True

Alex, Dick and Rachel Telfer with Pagi the pony

The Chairman’s lunch equine-themed decorations

Honour, Christobel & Ed Horswell, Sophie Bates, Yasmin Tatlah, Charley Howell, Charlie Holley, Angela Seaton & Tatty Wooldridge

Ishbel Henderson, Georgie Peagram & a sleepy Jess Martin

Jevan Dudd with Pinturita the pony

Nino Maldonado out-trumps the bicycle brigade

Mate break in the ponylines

Chief grooms Ruso Heguy & Tom Beim

Mark & Johnny Brown with their homebred string

Gus Dalla Mura with Kiko the pony

Zander Younger with Tormenta the pony

Lois Frost, Anna Lee Barker, Sarah Ashraf, Hugo Danmpier, Amelia Gumbull, Josh Morris Lowe, Mike Hamer with Tobi the pony

Victoria Bennet, Bruno the pony and Kate Bennet

Carriage rides around the park

Malcolm Borwick & Chloe Vestey

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Robert Graham & Pat Nesbitt

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 23 July

Flower Power Heady summer aromas were provided by a stunning floral concoction of foliage, which seemed to grow out of the Guards Clubhouse as a tribute to HRH The Queen’s 90th Birthday by her florist Simon Lycett, which set the scene for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup. A day filled to the brim with shopping, picnics, parades of carriages, hounds, the Yorkshire Volunteers Brass Band, Land Rover off-roading experiences and even a taste of British Polo Gin. The HPA tent offered plenty of chilled drinks and tasty nibbles at the launch of their new clothing brand as guests dropped-in for a view and a catch-up before settling down in the hot summer sun to enjoy the action on The Queen’s Ground before HRH The Duke of Edinburgh handed out the impressive Coronation Cup to Canadian Captain Fred Mannix.

Chris & Alex MacKenzie

Stephen Hutchinson

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Julie Thomas & Karl Ude Martinez

The Yorkshire Volunteers Brass Band provided the pomp ceremony and great music for the day

Winston Squire, Will, Zahra and Lola Lucas & Bridget Hanbury

Aurora Eastwood & Alan Kent

Camilla Swift, Emily Nash & Daisy Collingwood, the Girl About Town

Diana Butler

Nina & JP Clarkin

Charles Whittington & Gareth Davies

HPC, The London Polo Club en masse

Holly Baird, Tara Smith & Kym Lake

Polo Times provided subscriptions with a snifter of British Polo Gin

Goal judges take a rest

Lucy Lewis

The Hon Tommy Beresford

The Hurlingham Polo 1875 clothing brand was on show

The Berkshire & Bucks Draghounds

Karen & Glen Gilmore

Colourful trade stands

Irish supporters

Louisa & Anthony Donavan

Vivek & Shenila Rawal

Tina Taylor

Fred Mannix Snr & Jock Green-Armytage

Guests enjoy a pre-match lunch in the Clubhouse

Jayne Rumsey, Max Rumsey & Freddie Jodrell

Henry & Marina Jodrell

Jilly Emerson

Rocksavage Finals; Guards Polo Club; Wednesday 3 August

Sideline Helpers With HPA Junior Polo Championships taking the country by storm there are plenty of parents and volunteers behind the scenes scurrying around with spare sticks, pristine ponies and words of encouragement and advice. Four teams representing players from both clubs and polo academies alike took to the Cavalry Ground at Flemish Farm for the finale of this new section in the HPA British Junior Championships. Teams included future stars from Kirtlington, Cirencester, Westcroft Park and Oxford Polo. The tension was just as fierce on both sides of the boards, as kids and parents were eager for the top prizes at the end of the day. To read more about the games turn to our Youth pages.

Cruz Novillo Astrada

Alejandro, Manuel & Ignacio Novillo Astrada

Photography by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com Tarquin Southwell

Byron Human & Patrick Robinson

Eduardo & Alejandro Novillo Astrada

Emma Deverall

Ned Hine

Milly and Indi Hine

Jeremy Barber & Amanda Brown

David Woodd

Christabel & Ed Horsewell

Olivia Spiller & Olly Hughes

Justerini & Brooks sponsored Champagne reception

Steph Witman, Ed Banner Eve, Fern Lorne, Alice Briggs, Hetty Blake & Olly Jones

Michelle Carney & James Stephens

Charlie Sams & James Copage

Summer Ball; Beaufort Polo Club; Saturday 13 August

Beaufort Bring It

Wlod Sterkowicz & Louise Ratcliffe

Joss Ridley, Gaynor Hutton, Andy Farmer, AnneMarie Bork Eppers & Jess Darling Parkes

Sebastian Chialvo, Kim Croutear, Rosie Hutchins, Vicky Fenner & Josh Charlton Briggs

The season’s biggest social shindig at Beaufort was a pretty good night all round. Guests enjoyed free-flowing Justerini & Brookes champagne on arrival, followed by an excellent three-course dinner with salmon, and then slow roasted beef and finally chocolate tart. There were plenty of beef-in-your-teeth selfies being taken whilst the auction was being called. A good few pennies were raised from the prizes, which included a stay at Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados. HPA Committee members past and present were amongst the guest list, between John Tylor and current Chairman and Beaufort member Stephen Hutchinson. Even the England squad’s personal trainer Winston Squire was showing off his best Zumba moves on the dancefloor as the Shadow Monkeys provided top tunes.

Photography by Jocelyn Ridley

Matias & Charlotte Ljungman

William Thompson & Posy Ash

Olivia Lamphee & Lucy Wilson

Charlie Jewitt, Lucy Graham, Flossy Stephenson & Greg McGarrell

Shadow Monkeys band

Charlotte & Stephen Hutchinson, Susan & Joe Meyer, Georgina Britten-Long, David Woodd & Richard Britten-Long

Lord Charles Beresford & The Hon Tommy Beresford

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, President FIP, with Annie Colquhoun-Denvers & Andrew Love, Deputy Chairman Ritz Hotel

Team Leaders & Representatives

FIP Cocktail Party; The Ritz Club; Tuesday 19 July 2016

Champagne, Cocktails & Celebrations To kick-off the FIP 90th Ambassadors Tournament, a stylish cocktail party was held at The Ritz Club, in their beautiful Amber Room. Guests gathered with champagne in hand, many having flown in from around the globe to meet everyone and get to know their teammates. Of the six teams playing there were three Ambassadors from America, Bruce Colley and Joe Meyer, Chairman of the USPA, one from, Switzerland Piero Dillier and two from the UK, Robert de By and Roderick Vere Nicholl. Also attending were the team Sponsors and invited players, plus HPA Officials, parents of younger players and FIP friends from the Middle East, Belgium, Argentina and India. Club Commentator, Chris Graham took the opportunity to meet the players he would be commentating on during the matches. After a short Welcome Introductory Speech, the President of FIP Nicholas ColquhounDenvers, had arranged for each of the teams to be presented with their playing shirts in varying different colours with the FIP Logo and HPC, The London Polo Club 90th Anniversary Logo.

A delightful and fitting start to the Tournament.

Brian Stein & Platina Tong

Photography by Edward Lloyd Photography

Siobhan Barney, Tracey Bailey, Chris Graham, Annette & Dr Richard Caleel

Pat Nesbitt with Madison Krebbs & Ursula Nesbitt

Michael Rattigan, Kristina & Piero Dillier

Katharina Lady Chelsea, The Hon George Cadogan & Davina Motion

Charlie Wood, Omar Mangalji & Stephen O’Kane

Norman Bellone with Jacquie & Kuldip Dhillon

The happy couple

Norman & Dana Bellone’s Wedding; The Barns, Bourton-on-the-Water; Saturday 18th June

Wedded Bliss

Lynne & Tim Dare

Friends of Norman and Dana, joined the happy couple for a fabulous party to celebrate their wedding. Held in the grounds of their stunning Gloucestershire home, The Barns, Norman and Dana’s polo and business friends were treated to canapes, champagne and cocktails, before an authentic asado was served. Throughout the wonderful evening, guests were entertained by a myriad of fun-filled activities which included fire-eaters and sculptures of horses, (which were made in both ice and wood). The high-light for many were undoubtedly the brace of Star Wars Stormtroopers who mingled with guests throughout the evening.

The Polo Times team wish Norman and Dana much happiness in their future together.

Photography by Sam Bagnall Photography Alexa & Mick Newton

The cutting of the cake

Team La Tour

Jo and Tom Beim

Jane Riley, Norman, Dana & Mark Bellone

Dana’s family toast the bride

Richard & Gwyn Buckett

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On in September 2016 Medium Goal

Emsworth – 15 Goal Tournament: 5 – 15 September Cowdray – Autumn League (8-12): 5 – 12 September Pangbourne – The Commonwealth Cup (8-12): 6 – 18 September DBPC – The Elizabeth Trophy (6-10): 10 – 11 September RCBPC – The Lambourne Trophy (7-10): 10 – 17 September

Low Goal 8 Goal

Cowdray – PSI Trophy (8): August 22 – 4 September RCBPC – 4-8 Goal Open Tournament (4-8): August 29 – 4 September Chester – Roodee Challenge Cup (8): 2 – 3 September Emsworth – Arber Extravaganza (8): 2 – 4 September Cirencester – Gouldsmith Bowl (4-8): 6 – 18 September Burningfold – Burningfold 8 Goal (4-8): 7 – 11 September DBPC – The Dallas Burston Gold Cup (4-8): 10 – 11 September Pangbourne – The Farewell Cup (4-8): 20 – 25 September

6 Goal

Beaufort – The Sidebottom Cup (0-6): 3 – 11 September RCBPC – 4-6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 7 – 11 September Westcroft Park – Autumn Cup (4-6): 10 – 11 September Cowdray – Farewell Cup (6): 3 – 18 September Emsworth – 6 Goal Tournament (6): 17 – 18 September Rugby – The Warwickshire 6 Goal (2-6): 17 – 18 September

4 Goal

Edgeworth – Hayden Tovey Trophy (0-4): 3 – 4 September Offchurch Bury – The Collett Cup (0-4): 3 – 4 September Ranelagh – Copa Familiar (2-4): 3 – 4 September Suffolk – Raging Bull Tournament (0-4): 3 – 4 September Cambridge County – Farewell Tournament (0-4): 10 – 11 September DBPC – The Emily Trophy (0-4): 10 – 11 September 98

Polo Times, September 2016

Hurtwood – September Cup (0-4): 8 – 11 September Kirtlington – Chairman’s Trophy (2-4): 7 – 11 September Dundee – Autumn Tournament (0-4): 17 – 18 September Knepp Castle – 4 Goal Tournament (2-4): 17 – 18 September Ranelagh – Copa Los Techos (2-4): 24 – 25 September RCBPC – The John Houghton Tournament (0-4): 20 – 25 September

Westcroft Park – Winter is Coming Cup (-2-2): 24 September Knepp Castle – 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 24 – 25 September Rugby – The Ranksborough Cup (-2-2): 24 – 25 September Tidworth – Valete Cup (-2-2): 24 – 25 September

3 Goal

0 Goal

Ham – Billy Walsh Tournament (0-3): 11 – 25 September

2 Goal

Kirtlington – Kirtlington Fisheries Trophy (0-2): August 31 – 4 September Hurtwood – Puesto Viejo (0-2): 1 – 4 September Guards – Major Generals Trophy (0-2): 2 – 4 September Binfield Heath – Corney & Barrow Cup (0-2): 3 – 4 September Fifield– La Alameda Trophy (0-2): 3 – 4 September Longdole – End of Season Tournament (-2-2): 3 – 4 September Sussex – Innovent Trophy (-2-2): 3 – 4 September Tidworth – Full Swing Polo Trophy (0-2): 3 – 4 September Guards – The Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 6 – 11 September Cirencester – Associates Trophy (-2-2): 6 – 18 September Beverly – End of Season Tournament (0-2): 10 – 11 September Druids Lodge – Polo Art Trophy (1-2): 10 – 11 September Ranelagh – Copa De Otono (0-2): 10 – 11 September Taunton – Sarafand Cup (-2-2): 10 – 11 September Tidworth – Polo Captain’s Trophy (0-2): 10 – 11 September White Waltham – Esperanza Trophy (0-2): 10 – 11 September Burningfold – Chiddingfold Challenge (0-2): 14 – 18 September Beaufort – 2 Goal Festival (-2-2): 17 – 18 September Tidworth – Cavalry Cup (-2-2): 17 – 18 September Hurtwood – Farewell Cup (-2-2): 22 – 25 September

1 Goal

Rutland – Seavill Bowl (-1-1): 10 – 11 September

Cheshire – Polo Player Trophy (-4-0): 3 – 4 September Druids Lodge – Wolverest Cup (-2-0): July 9 – 4 September Offchurch Bury – The Collett Cup (-4-0): 3 – 4 September New Forest – Holly Hill Cup (-4-0): 3 – 4 September Silver Leys – Harvest Cup (-6-0): 3 – 4 September White Waltham – The Moungerald Polo Tournament (-6-0): 3 – 4 September Cambridge County – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Cheshire – Lovatt Claret Jug (-4-0): 10 – 11 September DBPC – The Croft Trophy (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Eastwood – Autumn Trophy (-2-0): 10 – 11 September Edgeworth – The Last Chance (-2-0): 10 – 11 September Kirtlington –Autumn Plate (-4-0): 7 –11 September Knepp Castle – 0 Goal Tournament (-2-0): 10– 11 September New Forest – Farewell Cup (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Ranksboro – Ranksboro 0 Goal (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Sussex – Harvest Challenge (-4-0): 10– 11 September Tidworth – Polo Captain’s Trophy (-4-0): 10 – 11 September White Rose – Amigo Tournament (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Wicklow – End of Season Tournament (-4-0): 10 – 11 September Binfield Heath – BHPC Tournament (-4-0): 17 – 18 September Emsworth – 0 Goal Tournament (0): 17 – 18 September Heathfield – The Challenge Trophy (-4-0): 17 – 18 September www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

Hurtwood – End of Season (-4-0): 15 – 18 September Ranelagh – Copa Ranelagh Farm (-2-0): 17 – 18 September Silver Leys – Survivors Cup (-2-0): 17 – 18 September Sussex – Farewell Challenge (-4-0): 17 –18 September Taunton – End of Season Tournament (-4-0): 17 – 18 September White Waltham – The Hollister Polo Challenge Trophy (-2-0): 17 – 18 September Binfield Heath – Farwell Tournament (-4-0): 24 – 25 September West Wycombe – Final Chukka Cup (-2-0): 24 – 25 September White Waltham – The Mar del Plata Polo Challenge (-2-0): 24 – 25 September

Below 0 Goal

Silver Leys – Harvest Cup (-4- -2): 3 – 4 September Sussex – Innovent Trophy (-6- -2): 3 – 4 September Tidworth – Full Swing Polo Trophy (-6 - -2): 3 – 4 September Beverley – End of Season Tournament (-6- -2): 10 – 11 September Rutland – The Mobil Cup (-6- -2): 10 – 11 September Rugby – The Winwick 2+2 (-6- -2): 17 – 18 September Silver Leys – Survivors Challenge (-6- -2): 17 – 18 September Tidworth – Cavalry Cup (-6- -2): 17 – 18 September Rugby – The Why Not Cup (-6- -2): 24 – 25 September Tidworth – Valete Cup (-6- -2): 24 – 25 September West Wycombe – Final Chukka Cup (-8- -2): 24 – 25 September West Wycombe – Newcomers Cup (-8- -4): 3 – 4 September Epsom – St Francis Day Cup (-6- -4): 10 – 11 September Ranksboro – Ranksboro -4 Goal (-8- -4): 10 – 11 September FHM – FHM Gold Cup (-8- -4): 17 September FHM – FHM Rose Bowl (-8- -4): 24 September

Open

Longdole – Longdole Junior Tournament: 1 September Tidworth – Grooms’ Tournament: 2 September Cambridge – Exhibition Polo Match and Ball: 3 September Taunton – Wickham Trophy: 3 September Vale of York – Pollards Coffee Cup: 4 September www.polotimes.co.uk

Vale of York – Prestige Plate Air Ambulance: 11 September Vaux Park – End of Season Tournament: 10 – 11 September Druids Lodge – Clock Tower Trophy: 17 – 18 September White Rose – Puddleduck Trophy: 18 September Vale of York – Crown Hotel Plate: April 17 – 21 September Vale of York – Marcon Polo Cup: 25 September Ranelagh – Copa Fin De Temporada: 1 – 2 October Rugby – Toft Triathalon: 1 – 2 October

Military Polo

Guards – Major Generals Cup (0-2): 2 – 4 September Taunton – Faulkner Cup (RN v Taunton) (Open): 4 September HPC – Combined Services, HAC 105 Polo Invitational: 3 September

Youth Polo

Kirtlington – Alan Budgett Trophy: 29 August Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup: 28 – 29 September

Polo directory

Tinicum Park – Eastern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup (3-6): 5 – 10 September Santa Barbara – Wickenden Cup (6-8): 7 – 18 September Fairfield Polo Club – Great Plains Circuit Amateur Cup (0): 10 – 12 September Great Meadow – National Sporting Library and Museum 6th Annual Polo Classic (0): 11 September Houston – Western Challenge (12-16): 14 September Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Congressional Cup: 14 – 18 September New Bridge – Northrup Knox Cup: September 15 – 1 October Houston – Kaleen and Carlton Beal Cup: 16 – 25 September Country Farms – USPA National Sherman Memorial (3-6): 21 – 24 September Santa Barbara – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): September 22 – 2 October Houston – Southwestern Circuit Masters Cup (0-4): September 23 – 2 October Great Meadow – Eastern Circuit Arena Constitution Cup (2-4): 23 – 25 September Farfield – Great Plains Circuit Constitution Cup (0): 24 – 25 September Houston – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): September 27 – 15 October Virginia – Women’s Arena Championships (3-6): September 28 – 2 October

Azerbaijan Elite Horse & Polo Club – 4th Arena Polo World Cup: 9 –11 September

Argentina

America Greenwhich – East Coast Open (16-20): August 28 – 11 September Brandywine – USPA Gerald Balding (6-8): August 31 – 4 September Myopia – National Youth Tournament Series Championships (0-4 & 0): 1 – 4 September Des Moines – Central Circuit Hall of Fame Challenge Cup (0-6): 3 – 5 September

AAP – Campeonato Abierto Del Club Militar San Jorge (18): 1 – 9 September AAP – Torneo Intercollegial (Copa Santan Paula & Copa Zues): 26 September AAP – Campeonatos Mtropolitanos (21-24, 15-20 & 7-14): 11 – 16 September AAP – Copas Iniciacion (0-6): 10 – 11 September Jockey Club, BA – Campeonato Abierto Del Jockey Club De Beunos Aries: 13 – 25 September AAP – Campeonato Argentino Abierto Juvenil (15): 21 September

Polo Times, September 2016

99

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

Tortugas – Campeonato Abierto Del Tortugas Country Club: September 25 – 15 October Hurlingham – 123rd Campeonato Abiertos Del Hurlingham Club: October 18 – 5 November La Aguada – Ladies Cup: 24 – 28 October AAP – 123rd Campeonato Argentino Abiertos De Polo: November 10 – 10 December La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup: 14 – 25 November La Aguada – La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Cup: November 26 – 2 December La Aguada – La Aguada Guards Polo Cup: 3 –10 December La Aguada – La Aguada Spring Cup: 3 – 10 December Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Youth Polo

For Youth polo highlights turn to our Youth section for a full list of dates.

Save the Date Social Events

Offchurch Bury – End of Season Ball: 3 September DBPC – Members Social Evening: 15 September Cirencester – End of Season Party: 18 September DBPC – 1940s Summer Ball: 23 September

Save the Date

Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May 2017 St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2017: 27 – 29 January

Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates.

Quick Question Answer -

to the

question posed on our Letters page A: Fred Mannix Jnr also played and won as part of a Commonwealth team in 2002, alongside Ruki Baillieu, Glen Gilmore and Simon Keyte

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 (0) 1 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Leadenham Polo Club

PHONE 01400 272885

EMAIL jameshreeve@hotmail.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Little Bentley

01206 250435

fred@littlebentleypark.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Luton Hoo

07934 882713

info@poloprive.com

Apsley End

01462 712444

peter.pollak@btopenworld.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 621486

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alec@mhfpolo.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moyne

00353 85 1313224

moynepolo@hotmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

02380 811818

info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

0771 0558485

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07831 867334

robert@hellomxb.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepolo@icloud.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

polo@ranelaghfarm.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Ranksboro Polo Club*

01572 723755

polojoe@hotmail.com

Cirencester Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbp.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk

CSPA

01672 5649114

markcann@cspa.org.uk

Royal Navy Polo Club

07950 328097

jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

ella@ixlevents.com

Rutland Polo Club

07920 521285

polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Rockett’s Castle

00353 87 2520301

rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk

Rowley Park Polo Club*

07971 200160

carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk

Eastwood

07875 743475

secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07535 697854

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo lub

07535 697854

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Sussex Polo Club

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

SWF*

01962 885500

info@maywoodpolo.com

FHM Polo Club

07778 436468

fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Heathfield Polo Club*

07762 069 420

info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Higham Polo Club

07788 753948

sarah@highampoloclub.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

White Rose Polo Club

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Wicklow Polo*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

100 Polo Times, September 2016

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Polo directory

Classifieds

FOR SALE SO

LD

Marketplace Ponies

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AWESOME CHESTNUT GELDING 11YS Morocco, 15.2h. Very fast, very agile, very powerful, very easy! Played Cowdray Gold Cup last year. Fantastic pony, pro or experienced patron. Great pony, priced quick sale £12,000. Can be tried Berkshire or Kirtlington area. £12,000 Contact 07702 962765 Fifield

Transport

17 HORSE ARTIC 2006 automatic Renault and 17 horse trailer converted in 2014. Trailer: large storage lockers, large water tank, fans, cameras, hydraulic back ramp and manual side ramp. Certificate & full spec for EU travel. POA. Contact 07816 830888 Warwick

7 yo. Irish/English TB Gelding.

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High goal pony (Black Bears) but comfortable at all levels.

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He is simply too good to keep.

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6 yo Gelding

by Open Maestro.

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Brought on carefully over the last three years by our resident 3 goal pro.

Easy, sound and vice free.

Excellent now (playing up to 8 goal) and will continue to get better.

A yard favourite.

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07584624990

Equipment

IVECO FORD 2001 HORSEBOX MOT’d until Aug 2017 Can carry 5 ponies but partitioned for 4. Lady owner for last 7 years, very reliable and easy to drive. £5,250 ono Contact Donna on 07879 866647 St Albans Polo Club, Hertfordshire

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Published by: Polo Times Ltd Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

Former racehorses excel in polo.

Visit ror.org.uk to find out more.

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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

102 Polo Times, September 2016

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Final bell

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

In association with Aprés Polo

Hissam Ali Hyder recently made his Coronation Cup debut representing his native Pakistan as part of the victorious Commonwealth line-up. Here we catch up with the five goaler to find out his greatest memories, favourite hobbies and his interests away from the polo field What is your biggest passion and why?

One of my biggest passions is politics in Pakistan. I follow it very closely and like to be up-to-date on every single thing. I can be a little too opinionated about it too.

What is your all time best polo memory?

My best polo memory would have to be when we won the St Moritz Snow Polo World Cup in 2014. Playing on snow was something I always wanted to do and I got a chance and we won! It was one of the most incredible moments of my polo career.

Satinder Garcha, Thilo Sautter and Aron Harilela – they’re great mates of mine and playing with them is always a major bonus.

Hardest opponent?

James Harper because he’s amazing, well organised and he has a whole lot of skill!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

GOLF! I’m obsessed with golf and play it whenever I get the chance.

Photograph by @Polostmoritz

Favourite film and why?

Gladiator just because I like historical films, and I also like movies that motivate and inspire you.

Most prized possession?

At the moment, my pink limited edition Bubba Watson G-30 driver.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Roger Federer because I like how he is on and off the court. He’s an all rounder.

Best holiday destination?

Koh Samui, Thailand.

Best pony and why?

Dudy, shes very agile, she has an amazing mouth and she’s super tough in ride offs.

Favourite song/ album?

I am a big fan of Bollywood tunes, haha!

w.imagesofpolo.com

Who were/are your favourite teammates and why?

I wouldn’t say I have favourites in particular, but I loved playing on the Commonwealth Team in The Coronation Cup with Fred Mannix Jnr, Chris Mackenzie and John Paul Clarkin. I also always have a great time playing with

Favourite food / dish?

Aloo ghost from Pakistan, it’s a meat dish that’s seasoned deliciously.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Riding my e-bikes. I have a few electric bikes and they’re epic.

Are you passionately superstitious – what and why?

I’m not really, but one thing is for sure, I can never wear the same colour socks, I think it’s bad luck.

Describe yourself in three words…

Super chilled out. Haha.

Photograph by ©ww

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I’m quarter Italian – Bet you didn’t know that!

104 Polo Times, September 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk