Fun in the Sun

The 10th annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship was put on hold this year due to the global pandemic. In its place, organizers reconfigured the event, holding the Stella Artois Polo Classic presented by Kettle One. The festivities were held on Nov. 7, serving up a day filled with polo action and other entertainment in a socially-distanced setting at Westworld of Scottsdale.

As part of the City of Scottsdale approved changes and after receiving certification from HealthyVerify (a consortium that includes Arizona State University and Barrow’s Neurological Institute) the Stella Artois Polo Classic returned with a reduced capacity of 3,132, which sold out. The event, which normally sees four times that number of spectators, featured an extensive social-distancing plan, mandatory masks for guests, sanitation stations, temperature checks and, unlike previous years, an all open-air approach with tables, lattice fencing and umbrellas instead of tents to make guests as comfortable and safe as possible in

Work to Ride’s Daymar Rosser, Richard Prather and Shariah Harris defeated a Women’s All-Star team, 8-4.

Marcos Bignoli Jr. scored two goals in the match supporting Arizona Equine Rescue and the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

The day kicked off with Arizona Polo Club edging Denver Polo Club, 6-5. an environment that was still as fun as possible.

The day kicked off with Valley favorite Scottsdale Maserati’s Arizona Polo Club victorious over Mark Taylor Residential’s Denver Polo Club, 6-5. Diego Florez scored four of the Arizona team’s goals, and he, like others, said that even despite the changes for 2020, the event lived up to his usual expectations.

“As always the 2020 Stella Artois Polo Classic was very well put together to allow for social distancing, but still enabled great entertainment for spectators who love polo, horses, canines, fashion and much more,” said Florez.

In the featured match of the day, EPR Polo went head-to-head with Celebrity Cruises in a match supporting Arizona Equine Rescue and Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. The higher goal match featured professional players John Gobin and Marcos Bignoli Jr., alongside Tareq Salahi. Each scored two goals apiece, resulting in a 6-4 victory over EPR Polo. The match also donated $10,000 to the benefiting charities. EPR Polo Club’s Allison Freeman and her last chukker horse won the Celebrity Cruises MVP and Best Playing Pony Award.

“Celebrity Cruises was thrilled to be part of the Stella Artois Scottsdale Polo Classic this year and even more thrilled that in our first year participating, we won the Molina Cup in a hard-fought 6-4 victory,” Salahi said. “The Polo Classic offered something for everyone and is an outstanding event. We look forward to defending our title next year.”

In the final match of the day, alumni representing Safeway Albertson’s Work to Ride took on Sanderson Lincoln’s Women’s All-Stars, resulting in a 8-4 victory in favor of Work to Ride. Daymar Rosser scored four goals in a winning effort, followed by three from Richard Prather and one from Shariah Harris.

“This was our third time coming to Scottsdale for this incredible event and it just gets better every year,” said Harris, a Work to Ride alumni. “Even though there were COVID limitations for safety, this year’s event was still a great experience. We always love coming to play in Scottsdale because the players and

people are always so welcoming, and we are looking forward to coming back for another year.”

With no overhead tents or party tents, fans watched the exciting matches from a variety of seating options that included the Molina Fine Jewelers VIP Lounge, Barrett-Jackson VIP Outdoor Polo and Jazz Lounge, Lawn and Picnic Seating, elevated south seating that included RV spots and expanded sideline parking options.

Fans also enjoyed a variety of shows within the show, including Phoenix Fashion week’s longest Catwalk Fashion Show, as well as the Canine Couture presented by Lugari Pet Salon, which gave 35 canines a chance to compete for prizes.

Arianna Dueñez with her Shihtzu, Brownie won Best in Show; Benadette Parra with her Shihtzu, Lucky won Best Costume; Damaris Portillo with her Pug mix, Molly won Fancy Fifi; and Jason Gunawardena’s Yorkie, Enzo was awarded Bow Tie Stud. All winners received cash prizes, ribbons and gift baskets from Lugari Pet Salon.

Fans also enjoyed halftime performances by the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show; a preview of BarrettJackson’s 2021 Collector Car Auction and luxury car displays by McLaren Scottsdale, Scottsdale Maserati, Courtesy Volvo, Sanderson Lincoln, Earnhardt Genesis of North Scottsdale and dozens of others.

Attendees also enjoyed another new charity experience called Million Dollar Mingle. The concept was organized and led by former NFL player AC Caswell and brought together celebrities, professional athletes, corporate executives and socialites to support local charities. R Entertainment produced a drive-in concert with local rock legend Roger Clyne to close out the event.

Charities Phoenix Chapter of African American Scholar Athletes, Phoenix Children’s Museum, Hoof and Paw Rescue and Vision Lake Consulting raised money through the event for their programs and services.

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship looks forward to returning in November 2021. •

Aside from the three polo matches, spectators enjoyed a fashion show, dog fashion show, halftime performances, music and car displays.