Tag Archives: featured

Coca-Cola and Valiente Speed toward Semifinals in 111th US Open

April 13, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Gillian Johnston. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

FlexJet, Lechuza Caracas Defeated in Quarterfinals

Wellington, FL – April 12, 2015 – Coca-Cola and Valiente will advance to the semifinals of the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship on Wednesday, having won their respective quarterfinal matches Sunday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC).

In the featured match on Engel & Völkers field, Coca-Cola trounced FlexJet 15-10. Julio Arellano was named MVP, and the Best-Playing Pony award went to Prima, played by Nic Roldan. Earlier in the day, Valiente defeated Lechuza Caracas 13-12.

Coca-Cola played a classic game of “eyes on the prize,” ending the day one step closer to the coveted U.S. Open Polo Championship Final by securing a spot in the semis.

In the opening minutes of the game FlexJet took a brief lead with two field goals, but Coca-Cola promptly touched down like a tornado. Before the first chukker ended, Julio Arellano made three points on penalty shots, and teammates Sugar Erskine and Gillian Johnston each scored from the field. Erskine’s goal started with his save in the danger zone, continued with a pass from Arellano and finished with a trademark Erskine breakaway run to goal. Johnston, on a pickup, scored from 83 yards out.

After its jump-start Coca-Cola stayed in the groove, playing a solid 42 minutes of power polo and never letting FlexJet regain the lead. Stirling outmaneuvered his defenders in the second chukker, breaking free from a five-horse scramble to run the ball into goal. By the middle of the chukker, all four Coca-Cola players had scored at least once in the game. The team led 8-4 at the end of the first half.

As tight as a rock band in sync, Coca-Cola scored at the top of the fourth on a three-way play. Arellano took the knock-in and sent the ball to Erskine, who made a long pass to Johnston. She was out ahead, waiting in the wings. Alternating from one side of her pony to the other, she worked the ball toward goal. When her angle of approach looked like a shot on goal could go wide, she put the right touch of backspin on the ball and sent it straight between the goalposts.

On a pass from Stirling, Erskine closed the fourth chukker with one of his four field goals in the game. In what looked like a madcap dash – but was a study in agility – Erskine kept the wraps on a ball that was bouncing knee-high and shepherded it into goal.

Still, FlexJet could not be written off. As Erskine observed, “They are very technically sound, so we had to make sure we didn’t make mistakes. Every time we made a mistake, they scored a goal. That’s their system. They’re very well organized.”

With two eight-goalers and a nine in its lineup, FlexJet was packing a lot of firepower and pulled the trigger whenever a door opened. It almost crossed the threshold in the fifth chukker when Nic Roldan pulled off a turbo-charged hat trick. In just three-and-a-half minutes, he galloped up and down the field to make three consecutive goals (on top of his previous three).

FlexJet’s power surge put a huge dent in the five-point lead Coca-Cola had going into the fifth chukker, tightening the point spread from 11-6 to 11-9. For a time it appeared that FlexJet may be about to catch up or maybe even turn the tide. Coca-Cola was not about to let that happen, however. It promptly nipped Roldan’s scoring rampage, with Sugar Erskine and Julio Arellano each answering one of his goals.

Arellano slammed in two more goals in the sixth chukker, and Magoo Laprida had the final word before the game ended 15-10 for Coca-Cola.

“We came out really up for the game, really focused,” said Stirling, the sole 10-goaler on the field. “The four of us know exactly what our weapon is, and that’s our number one. So we use her, she helps us, we use Sugar and Julio to open the game up and play our way. It’s all team effort. If we win, we win as a team, and when we lose, we lose as a team.”

Arellano said that the game plan was to try to open the game up. “I got the ball to Gillian, and she did what she had to do with it,” he said. “That puts a lot of pressure on most teams. When the sponsor can get a few goals in like that early, it makes it very difficult. She’s been working very hard, and Pelon’s been controlling the ball when he needs to, which has been phenomenal, and Sugar and I just try to do our part.”

Erskine concurred. “We tried to use Gillian all we could all day,” he said. “We managed to get the ball down to her a lot easier today than we did in the last game. That’s what our plan was, and she pulled us ahead all day long.”

Jet Propelled Valiente Roars by Lechuza Caracas in US Open Quarterfinal Action

Adolfo Cambiaso and Bob Jornayvaz triumphantly returned from injury to the Valiente starting lineup to lead their team past Lechuza Caracas 13-12 in a high flying U.S. Open quarterfinal. Cambiaso switched horses an incredible four times in the sixth chukker, starting with Boeing and then playing Boeing’s full sister Lufthansa, to propel Valiente to the win and advance the team to the U.S. Open semifinals.

After the game Cambiaso said with pride about the stallion Boeing, “He is my best one right now! We ran a lot that game; I knew I would have to go a lot and then come back so I played a lot of horses.” Cambiaso was equally complimentary about super substitute Sapo Caset who played for him throughout bracket play in the Open, “Luckily we have Sapo – what a substitute! He found the route for us (to the quarterfinal).”

A beaming Bob Jornayvaz said about returning from injury, “It was great to have everybody back and have the starting team play. We had a lot of energy. Finally we are getting healthy and hopefully by Wednesday (for the semifinal) we will be a lot healthier.”

Jornayvaz and Cambiaso made an immediate impact in the game. Cambiaso won the first bowl in and passed the ball to Jornayvaz. Jornayvaz drove down to the north goal, Lechuza briefly cleared the ball but Guillermo Terrara drove the ball in to goal for first blood to Valiente.

In the second chukker, a fired up Valiente team continued to score and jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Lechuza dug in and went on a four-goal scoring spree, capped by the nimble Juan Martin Nero riding an equally nimble blaze faced chestnut dancing around the defenders to score as the warning horn sounded.

The third chukker was a sublime example of spectacular teamwork on the part of both teams. They played wide-open, shooting at goal from a distance and using quick passes and unselfish team play to create opportunities for their teammates. Terrara scored a quick goal for Valiente that was followed by a Cambiaso penalty 4 conversion. Then Nero cleared the ball out of his own goal to send a pass to a Victor Vargas, Vargas charged down the field carrying the ball and Nero passed him and held the defender wide. Vargas passed the ball to Nero on the run and Nero shot for goal on the near side. Terrara and Cambiaso immediately retaliated on a series of play that mirrored the Lechuza series; Terrara drove the ball down the field and then left the ball while holding out the defender to allow Cambiaso to blast through to goal. Cambiaso added one more goal to close out the third chukker with Valiente holding a slim one goal lead 7-6 over Lechuza.

Valiente took advantage of a costly penalty one called against Lechuza in the start of the fourth chukker to capitalize on the ensuing bowl in for another goal. Lechuza was shut out of goal for most of the chukker but just before the warning horn blew Nero dribbled around the defenders to score to keep Lechuza within striking distance of Valiente.

Down by two goals to Valiente, the Lechuza team brought the hustle to the fifth chukker and went on the attack. Nico Pieres contributed a pair of penalty three conversions, but Cambiaso countered with his own penalty three conversions to hold the lead. But yet again, Lechuza drove the ball down field just as the warning horn sounded, Augustin Garcia Grossi scored on the south end to bring Lechuza within one while Cambiaso threw his hands in the air in frustration.

Cambiaso only had one practice post injury coming into the semifinal, and a lesser player might have been exhibiting fatigue about sixth chukker of a hard fought match with the opponent changing the momentum. But Cambiaso was riding the supernaturally quick Boeing in the sixth and the muscular stallion brought him to every play. Cambiaso converted a penalty four to put Valiente ahead by two goals, only to see Nero outhustle his defender down field and set up Pieres for another penalty three conversion. Attacking the south goal, Cambiaso cut a neck shot to goal and then Boeing banked the turn to bring him back to the ball, forcing the Lechuza defender to ride off Cambiaso at a bad angle and giving the foul shot to Valiente. Taranco converted the penalty two to give Valiente the insurance goal. Lechuza threw everything they had at Valiente in the closing minutes of the sixth chukker and made one more penalty four to close within one goal, but Cambiaso switched to Lufthansa, then OneTip, then Sugar to outrun the Lechuza players and seal the deal for Valiente.

The 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship continues Wednesday with the semifinals at IPC. Coca-Cola will play Orchard Hill at 2:30 p.m., and Valiente will contest Audi at 5 p.m.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Attracts Stellar Field of Competitors

April 13, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Lexington, USA, 13 April 2015 – The sport of three-day eventing is considered to be the ultimate test of horse and rider. To win, the combination must endeavour to succeed faultless performances in the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. All three elements requiring a unique range of skills; precision, elegance, harmony, bravery, physical and mental fortitude, balance and perfect timing.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials are considered the greatest three-day events in the world. United, they form the sport’s most valuable prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

The first of these takes place from 23-26 April, in the heartland of the United States at The Kentucky Horse Park. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the only four-star competition in the continent – the highest level possible.

INTERNATIONAL FIELD OF ENTRIES

This year’s edition has attracted one of the most exciting international fields the event has seen in years. For the first time in her Eventing career, Rolex Eventing Testimonee and 2006 World Champion Zara Phillips will be competing at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. She takes with her High Kingdom, who she won silver medals with at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2014 World Equestrian Games.

The supremely talented British rider will face challenges from many of the globes finest riders. Among them, the phenomenal German Michael Jung, who won individual gold at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 and who is the current Olympic title holder.

Britain’s William Fox-Pitt has won the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event trophy three times – in 2010, 2012 and 2014 – and he will return with a top team of horses to defend his title.

All of North America’s best equestrian athletes will be competing at Rolex Kentucky this year. Among them will be the 2008 winner Phillip Dutton, Olympic team member Boyd Martin and Buck Davidson, son of Bruce Davidson, who won the 1978 World Championships at Kentucky – the first major event to be held at the venue.

The European challengers also include Britain’s Nicola Wilson and Francis Whittington, and Germany’s Andreas Dibowski.

HISTORY

Rolex has been closely associated with this exceptional equestrian challenge in the beautiful surroundings of the Kentucky Horse Park since 1981. Its facilities are recognised as the best of any three-day event in the world, and its cross-country course, devised by the United States’ top course-designer Derek Di Grazia, is renowned for testing the courage and stamina of both horse and rider.

Rolex’s support has seen the event develop into one of the most prestigious in the world, with top riders from round the globe now vying to compete there.

THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING

When Rolex was inspired to link the three foremost eventing competitions in the world into a Grand Slam in 2001, it was immediately apparent that it would require a series of outstanding performances from a remarkable athlete to complete the challenge.

Kentucky and Badminton – the British horse trials on which the modern sport of eventing was founded – run two weeks apart in the spring, and Burghley, in the east of England, is the autumn highlight of the global sport. All three have stunning settings and attract vast crowds over the four days of competition.

To date, only one rider – Rolex Eventing Testimonee Pippa Funnell – has won this most prestigious series. In 2003 the much-medalled mainstay of British teams for many years took the Rolex Kentucky crown on Primmore’s Pride. She progressed to Badminton a week later and won there on Supreme Rock, her double European Champion, and added the Burghley title that autumn on Primmore’s Pride – beating Zara Phillips into second place on her four-star debut at the same time. Pippa Funnell immediately joined the ranks of sporting greats, respected by her peers and the media alike as an exceptional athlete.

Since then, two of the three legs of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing have been won by four riders: the Australian Andrew Hoy, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend, and the New Zealand hero of six Olympic Games and current live Rolex Grand Slam contender, Andrew Nicholson. None of these top-class riders have yet succeeded in triumphing over the series and winning the final element of the Rolex Grand Slam.

PREVIOUS KENTUCKY WINNERS

2014 William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Bay My Hero
2013 Andrew Nicholson (NZL), Quimbo
2012 William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Parklane Hawk
2011 Mary King (GBR), Kings Temptress
2010 William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Cool Mountain
2009 Lucinda Federicks (AUS), Headly Britannia
2008 Phillip Dutton (USA), Connaught
2007 Clayton Fredericks (AUS), on Ben Long Time
2006 Andrew Hoy (AUS), Master Monarch
2005 Kim Severson-Vinoski (USA), Winsome Adante
2004 Kim Severson-Vinoski (USA), Winsome Adante
2003 Pippa Funnell (GBR), Primmore’s Pride
2002 Kim Severson-Vinoski (USA), Winsome Adante
2001 David O’Connor (USA), Giltedge
2000 Blythe Tait (NZL), Welton Envoy
1999 Karen O’Connor (USA), Prince Panache
1998 Nick Larkin (NZL), Red
1997 Karen O’Connor (USA), Worth the Trust
1996 Stephen Bradley (USA), Dr. Dolittle
1995 David O’Connor (USA), Custom Made
1994 Julie Gomena (USA), Treaty
1993 Bruce Davidson (USA), Happy Talk
1992 Stuart Young-Black (USA), Von Perrier
1991 Karen Lende (USA), Mr Maxwell
1990 David O’Connor (USA), Wilton Fair
1989 Bruce Davidson (USA), Doctor Peaches
1988 Bruce Davids (USA), Doctor Peaches
1987 Kerry Millikin (USA), The Pirate

ABOUT ROLEX

Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex also actively supports the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic programmes.

Website:
www.rolex.com

Rolex Press Room:
https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports-and-culture/partnership-activities/rolex-and-equestrianism/rolex-and-equestrianism.html

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
44 7770 647 662

Competitions, Show Jumping

The Grand Palais Flies the Swiss Flag after the Victory of Romain Duguet

April 12, 2015 Editor Leave a comment

Romain Duguet. Photos credit Frédéric Chéhu.

It was an extremely tricky course that the German course designer Frank Rothenberger designed for the Grand Prix Hermès today under the glass roof of the Grand Palais. With 15 obstacles at 1.60m, the 39 riders who started had their work cut out, particularly with the last triple vertical combination, which stopped several riders from reaching the jump-off. Only 8 competitors managed to qualify, and the final victory went to the Swiss rider Romain Duguet, the delighted partner rider of Hermès.

The 2015 Saut Hermès at the Grand Palais ended in style this Sunday afternoon. In front of a full crowd, the 39 riders in this grande finale gave their utmost to overcome the difficulties of the course in Paris. It was only after the round of Edwina Tops-Alexander/Lintea Tequila, who won the Grand Prix in Doha a month ago, that the clear rounds started to come, with Christian Alhmann (GER)/Epleaser van T Heike and then the reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SWI)/Corbinian. Five other riders joined them afterwards: Philippe Rozier (FRA)/Rahotep de Toscane to a standing ovation from the public; Amy Graham (AUS)/Bella Baloubet – who had already won “Le Saut Hermès” class yesterday; the winners of the 2014 Grand Prix Hermès, Marcus Ehning (GER)/Cornado NRW; and then Romain Duguet (SWI)/Quorida de Treho, Grégory Wathelet (BEL)/Oh d’Eole and the Qatari rider Bassem Hassan Mohammed/Victoria. This year, the event was not a happy one for Maikel van der Vleuten (NL), the team world championship gold-medallist, Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), the European champion and Daniel Deusser (GER), the world number one.

8 couples in the final
With the difficult task of opening the jump-off, Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) had to decide between taking risks and speed. However, a bar on the penultimate oxer sent her into 7th place. The same thing happened to Christian Ahlman (GER) who finished 8th. However, Corbinian responded to all the demands of the reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SWI), who will take part in the World Cup finals in Las Vegas in three days’ time. A double clear round saw him take charge of the class before Amy Graham (AUS) had the public of the Grand Palais on their feet. The Australian took 21 hundredths of a second off the Swiss champion’s time. The performance should have sealed the win. But that was before Romain Duguet took the Grand Palais by storm. Going tight into the bends and accelerating in the last straight, the partner rider of Hermès took a second off the time to claim the final victory in the Grand Prix Hermès. After that, Philippe Rozier (FRA), pushed on by the public, needed to go as fast as possible, but finished sixth after a penalty. Marcus Ehning (GER) and Grégory Whatelet (BEL), with a penalty each, took the 5th and 4th places respectively.

Full results: http://results.scgvisual.com/2015/hermes/r9.html.

What they said:
Anne-Sarah Panhard – President of the competition, Managing Director of Hermès France:
“I’d like to congratulate all the winners this weekend and particularly Romain Duguet (SWI) who is an ambassador of the Hermès brand. Obviously, this victory particularly means a lot to us. Thank you for giving us such a great show. A big thank you to GL events who made it possible to organise the competition. And many thanks also to the Grand Palais which provides such an amazing venue for the event and to the City of Paris that authorises us to install these facilities each year. This year, we particularly appreciated the high-quality line-up of riders, just three days before the World Cup Finals.”

Sylvie Robert, Competition Director and Director of Equestrian Events at GL events:
“First of all, we would like to thank Hermès for their confidence over the last 6 years. It is a wonderful experience working with this prestigious company. I don’t think we could find a more amazing venue in the centre of Paris, close to the Champs Elysées. This year, 25 of the top 30 riders in the world took part in the event. Congratulations to all the winners; it is unbelievable how our sport is really growing and developing.”

Romain Duguet (SWI), 1st:
“It is really fantastic to win here today, and even more so as a Hermès partner rider. This is my first win in a five star Grand Prix, and doing it here makes it even better. However, I didn’t feel any more pressure than at another event. My mare really jumped amazingly; when she is on form, she is truly exceptional.”

Amy Graham (AUS), 2nd:
“For me, this really is an amazing competition and I would like to thank Hermès for inviting me. I had an exceptional weekend and Bella Baloubet was in great form. It was a real pleasure competing in this wonderful setting.”

Steve Guerdat (SWI), 3rd:
“I was a bit worried about taking too many risks because Corbinian is only 9 years old. He has a lot of qualities, but without the right pattern of strides he does not have enough experience to win. I preferred to hedge my bets and I am really pleased with him.”

Philippe Rozier (FRA), 6th best French rider:
“I wanted to do a clear round. Each week, Rahotep (de Toscane) keeps confirming his form. This afternoon, I tried to go faster, but it didn’t work out.”

Véronique Gauthier
Tél: +33 (0) 967 073 729 – Mob: +33 (0) 672 770 600
veronique-gauthier@club-internet.com

Competitions, Polo

JPMorgan Chase Rides Off with Senators Cup in 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament

April 12, 2015 Editor Leave a comment

Mark Bennett, Caroline Anier, Joey Casey, Misha Rodizanko and Mason Phelps. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Cedar Crest Wins Founders Cup in Exciting Tie-Breaker

Wellington, FL – April 11, 2015 – JPMorgan Chase won the 2015 Senators Cup, defeating Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX 5-3 in Saturday’s final of The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Misha Rodizanko, the high-scorer for JPMorgan Chase, was named MVP.

Earlier in the day Cedar Crest clinched the 2015 Founders Cup in a penalty shootout after a tied match, taking McGladrey 9-8. Chip McKenney, who scored the winning goal, was selected as MVP.

The name of the sport is polo, but if you ask the players, the name of this game was fun. With festive tailgating going in theme-decorated booths fieldside – and the goalposts decked out in rainbow colors – The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament was polo with panache.

“It was a great open game, and the field was fabulous,” said French pro Caroline Anier, who was instrumental in JPMorgan Chase’s win. “The weather was beautiful, the organization was great, and we were having a lot of fun. When you have a victory on top of this, it’s like a bonus.”

Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX took an early lead, with teammates Gordon Ross and Misha Rodizanko each making a goal to close the first chukker with a one-point lead. JPMorgan Chase didn’t let that stand for long, however. The team surged in the second chukker and never looked back, maintaining a tight lead through the rest of the game.

The hottest action came in the second chukker, with Anier making two goals and teammate Tiffany Busch contributing another. A series of smooth plays by the evenly matched teams began with pro Joey Casey in the driver’s seat. He took the ball downfield full-tilt boogie in what looked like a sure run to goal, but then Anier swooped in.

She was all over the ball until Mason Phelps jumped in and broke up the play. With fine-tuned situational awareness, Phelps kept the ball under his wing just long enough for teammate Misha Rodizanko (the team’s high scorer) to get into position. Phelps passed the ball to him, and things were looking good again for Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX.

But Anier suddenly resurfaced and rewrote the equation. On an assist from Mark Bennett, she took the ball on a breakaway, her lead increasing exponentially like Secretariat in the home stretch. Three seconds before the warning horn, she scored, ending the first half 4-2 for JPMorgan Chase.

The third chukker brought a bit of déjà vu, as Rodizanko also scored in its final seconds à la Anier. In the final period of the four-chukker match, Busch made her second goal of the day, sealing the deal for JPMorgan Chase, 5-3.

“That was probably the fastest game I’ve ever played!” said a jubilant Mark Bennett, who scored in the first chukker. “Caroline and Tiffany were wonderful. They put us where we needed to be, always calling the shots, giving good direction and great leadership. It was an awesome game. I’m happy to win, and I’m happy for JPMorgan.”

Jed Pearsall attributed the team’s victory to his teammates. “It was all them,” he said with a good-natured laugh. “I just tried to hold my own and not hold anyone back.” He added that Anier and Busch “were coaches on the field, as well as teammates. They coached us through everything, and that made it the way it should be – we were all smiling 100 percent of the time.”

Cedar Crest Takes McGladrey 9-8
Wins Founders Cup in Tiebreaker

“When you’re playing and you see all these wonderful people enjoying themselves on the sidelines, there just aren’t words for it!” said Rafik Boughadoui. “What a fun event – you come happy and you leave happy!”

Boughadoui had yet another reason to be happy: His team won the 2015 Founders Cup in the subsidiary match of the 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). He made a crucial assist on the first goal of the match, which was sent into goal by Jean-Marc Herrouin. Their teammate Sunny Hale followed up with another, ending the first chukker 2-0 for Cedar Crest. McGladrey answered both of those goals in the second, with Dwight Tran and Charlie Muldoon each scoring.

*Sunny Hale, Rafik Boughadoui and Dwight Tran*

Muldoon, who was McGladrey’s high scorer with three goals in the game, earned the moniker “Ramrod” from announcer Gus Whitelaw. The McGladrey contingent on the sidelines adopted it, cheering, “Go, Ramrod!” every time Muldoon ran with the ball. Muldoon mania caught on like wildfire. From tailgate booths on both sides of the field, champagne glasses could be heard clinking and the chant “Rammmm-rod!” echoing when Muldoon scored.

Meanwhile, the players kept their focus. Halftime ended with a 2-2 tie. Hale scored in the third and fourth chukkers. Muldoon answered with two back-to-back goals in the final period of the four-chukker match, bringing the spectators’ cheering to a crescendo as he tied the game 4-all at the end of regulation play.

A penalty shootout went two rounds. Chip McKenney, a deadeye accurate player who was 100 percent on his penalty shots, broke the tie with the winning goal and was named MVP. The match ended 9-8 for Cedar Crest.

What did McKenney think of the game?

“Exciting, exciting!” were the first words out of his mouth. “It was neck-and-neck all the way. I thought we had it in the fourth chukker, and then in the last 30 seconds they scored a tying goal,” he said.

“I think the shootout was a fun way to end it because every time you make a shot and every time you miss a shot, it just adds to the pressure of getting the next shot. So it really builds the tension. It’s a pretty fun way to end a tied game.”

Teammate Jean-Marc Herrouin, who scored in the first chukker and made both his penalty shots in the shootout, attributed his success to Hale. “It was a real honor to play with Sunny Hale, one of the top women polo players in the world,” he said. “Just spending time on the field with her improved my game tremendously.”

Hale, in her first time playing in the tournament, described it as “a nice, flowing, running game – a good, exciting game.” Noting that her team had played together for the first time just the previous day, she said, “Today it was a lot easier to gel because we’re a little more used to each other.”

Win or lose, said Hale, she had another reason for participating in the 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament: “I’m here because I support Chip McKenney’s efforts to promote more fun in polo and having a good time with friends, and that’s exactly what this event was.”

About the Gay Polo League:

GPL is a community that shares a love for adventure, fun and the challenging sport of polo. GPL is committed to providing members with an enjoyable, supportive and competitive experience. GPL represents a wide range of ages, backgrounds and skill levels. GPL trains and competes in mainstream matches and events while sharing enthusiasm for the sport, to change perceptions about our community.

For more information about GPL, visit www.gaypolo.com.

Tickets are now available for The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Week at www.gaypolo.com/the-event.

The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Week Fast Facts:

When & Where:
Thursday, April 9:
Exclusive private VIP Party

Friday, April 10:
GPL Polotini Party, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Saturday, April 11:
Finals of the International Gay Polo Tournament at International Polo Club Palm Beach – Isla Carroll East Field and tailgate competition.

Sunday, April 12:
Polo Brunch, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Tickets:

To purchase tickets, visit www.gaypolo.com

VIP Tables: $1,200 includes seating for six center field, open bar, gourmet food and tableside service throughout the matches.

Individual VIP: Tickets: $225

Tailgate Price: $375, includes tent, six tickets and one field-side parking place

VIP Parking: $25

General Admission: $25 (parking additional)

General Admission Parking: $10

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Products/Services

Spalding Fly Predators and Fly Control

April 11, 2015 Editor Leave a comment

Too Many Flies Last Summer? Don’t Put Up with That Again!

How to Use Spalding Fly Predator Products for Fly Control for Your Animals

The best way to control pest flies is to eliminate them before they ever emerge. By simply sprinkling a small bag of Spalding Fly Predators on your manure areas just as the weather turns warm you can prevent flies from ever becoming a nuisance.

Spalding recommends a simple four or five step plan that really fixes the problem, rather than just chase flies away temporarily. For most people just adding Fly Predators® is all that’s needed but if you have flies coming from neighbors, adding traps and Bye Bye Odor® to handle those “visitors” completes the program.

1. Identify the Fly

Determine what kinds of flies are bugging you and if they are coming from your animals or the neighbors. Different flies come from different places and require different strategies to eliminate. Click here for the most common pesky flies.

2. Stop Future Flies

Stop flies from reproducing by cleaning up the areas where they breed (manure/rotting organic matter) and adding Fly Predators. Many people just go after adult flies buzzing around but that’s only about 15% of the population at any time. If you don’t stop the future ones you’ll be plagued all summer.

Fly Predators kill flies before they emerge. You simply sprinkle them near all manure areas every three to four weeks during warm months. It just takes a few minutes and you’ve done your fly control for the month.

3. Make Sure You Get Real Fly Predators

Some fly bugs sold under other brand names are not the same as Fly Predators. The species are different and the difference in performance can be huge! Learn More

Spaulding Fly Traps — Spalding Fly Traps

4. Get Adult Flies

If needed, add traps to get adult flies. Most horse owners will need three different trap types as no one trap catches every fly. We offer the most effective traps, proven by USDA tests, and the best how to use info.
Learn More

5. Don’t Invite More

Spaulding Bye Bye Odor — Spalding Bye Bye Odor

Flies have a tremendous sense of smell. If you ever wondered why there are more in your barn than elsewhere, it’s likely BO – barn odor. Use Bye Bye Odor to eliminate harmful ammonia and barn odor. Let the flies find someone else’s stinky barn instead.

Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Vanessa Creech-Terauds Wraps Up Successful Winter Season with Rob Roy

April 11, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Vanessa Creech and Rob Roy competing at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo by SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – April 10, 2015 – Canadian junior rider Vanessa Creech-Terauds began 2015 with a new mount: Rob Roy, owned by Leatherdale Farms. The 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Rubin Royal arrived in Canada from Germany in mid-December. The pair got to know each other during the winter season in Wellington, Florida, and they racked up an impressive eight wins in nine classes.

Rob Roy and Creech-Terauds earned consistent marks in the upper 60s, with highlights including a score of 70.461 percent for the Junior Individual test at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) 4 national show and a score of 71.000 percent in their Junior Freestyle debut at the AGDF 10 national show.

“It was incredible that I was able to compete down in Florida thanks to Doug and Louise Leatherdale,” Creech-Terauds said. “Rob was amazing. He really knows his stuff, that’s for sure. He’s so happy going into the show ring.”

Creech-Terauds balanced showing in Florida with traveling back home to Caistor Centre, Ontario in order to keep up with her studies. Getting to know Rob Roy throughout the season was a great learning experience for the 15-year-old, who competed at her first North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in 2014 and hopes to return in 2015.

“Rob has taught me so much: how to do a proper half-pass, how to get an expressive change,” Creech-Terauds said. “We have really developed a nice trot, and our relationship has grown so much already.”

Creech-Terauds is the daughter of Diane Creech, who rides five top competition horses for Leatherdale Farms. Creech worked with Rob Roy throughout the winter as well.

“I was very proud of her,” Creech said of her daughter. “It’s a great learning curve for her to sit on a horse like that, and we’re so grateful to Doug and Louise for that chance, which is absolutely incredible. They’re so excited about Vanessa and so interested in her progress with Rob Roy.”

About Leatherdale Farms

Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Wirth – North America
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +1 561.753.3389 / Fax: +1 561.753.3386
Email: pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Polo

Exciting Team Play Kicks Off 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament

April 11, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Tiffany Busch. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – April 10, 2015 – Teams for JP Morgan Chase and Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX will face off in Saturday’s final of The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC).

Both teams won their respective matches Friday at IPC. JP Morgan Chase bested Cedar Crest 7-4, and Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX defeated McGladrey 6-4.

“I have always wanted to play in this tournament. I’m absolutely thrilled!” said Tiffany Busch after her winning game for JP Morgan Chase. “Everyone has such upbeat, great attitudes out here. This is the kind of polo that I personally love to play. Everybody’s smiling – win, lose, it doesn’t matter. We’re all having a good time and looking at the big picture.”

Mason Phelps, who played on the winning Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX slate, gave thanks to his teammate Joey Casey, Mike Harris and Palm City Polo Club for “putting it together for me in five weeks.” Phelps, a new participant in the GPL tournament, recently began studying and practicing at Casey’s facility.

Casey, a professional player and coach, said he was “really proud of Mason today in his first tournament – he played amazing and stayed in the flow.”

*Chip McKenney, Sunny Hale and Caroline Anier*

GPL founder Chip McKenney, who competed for Cedar Crest, described Friday’s game as “incredibly fast and tough,” adding, “I thought we were really well matched for the other team, but we were simply outplayed by Caroline Anier and Tiffany Busch, who were so quick off the ball and on the ball, off the pass and on the pass,” said McKenney. “It was amazing! We gave it a good go, and I’m proud of how we played. We’ll be cheering the other team on tomorrow in the finals.”

The action resumes Saturday at 1 p.m. at IPC on the Isla Carroll East field, when McGladrey plays Cedar Crest for the Founders Cup. McGladrey’s lineup is: Dwight Tran, Stacie Simpkins, Charlie Muldoon and Phil Tremo. Cedar Crest’s players are: Rafik Boughadoui, Jean-Marc Herrouin, Chip McKenney and Sunny Hale.

In the featured match at 3 p.m., JP Morgan Chase opposes Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX for the Senator’s Cup. The lineup for JP Morgan Chase is: Busch, Caroline Anier, Jed Pearsall and Mark Bennett. Playing for Gordon W. Ross-RE/MAX are: Gordon Ross, Misha Rodizanko, Phelps and Casey.

About the Gay Polo League:

For more information about GPL, visit www.gaypolo.com.

Tickets are now available for The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Week at www.gaypolo.com/the-event.

The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Week Fast Facts:

When & Where:
Thursday, April 9:
Exclusive private VIP Party

Friday, April 10:
GPL Polotini Party, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Saturday, April 11:
Finals of the International Gay Polo Tournament at International Polo Club Palm Beach – Isla Carroll East Field and tailgate competition.

Sunday, April 12:
Polo Brunch, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Tickets:

To purchase tickets, visit www.gaypolo.com

VIP Tables: $1,200 includes seating for six center field, open bar, gourmet food and tableside service throughout the matches.

Individual VIP: Tickets: $225

Tailgate Price: $375, includes tent, six tickets and one field-side parking place

VIP Parking: $25

General Admission: $25 (parking additional)

General Admission Parking: $10

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Polo

IPC Hosts Third Annual National Youth Tournament Series Tournament

April 10, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

One of the players for the Blue team winds up for a swing. Photo by Lindsay Dolan.

Wellington, Florida – April 9, 2015 – The third annual IPC NYTS tournament took place on Monday, April 6 at Everglades Polo Club. Three youth teams played in hopes of qualifying for the National Championships as All-Stars in the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) program.

Players in the NYTS program can play in qualifying tournaments in any zone, and can be named All-Stars. If the player is named an All-Star, they are eligible to represent their home zone in the National Championships.

IPC All stars:
Nico Escobar
Benji Daniels
Matt Cohen
Jack Mc Lean
Justin Daniels

RED
Jacqui Casey
Matt Cohen
Lucas Escobar
Nico Escobar

WHITE
Malia Bryan
Johnny Lavine
Liam Lott
J. P. Vasquez

BLUE
Benji Daniels
Justin Daniels
Landen Daniels
Jack McLean

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Awards, Competitions, Driving

Allison Stroud Wins HORSE GYM USA Top Equine Athlete Award at Live Oak International

April 10, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Allison Stroud drives her four-in-hand Dutch Warmblood team, winners of the HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award, at 2015 Live Oak International (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (April 10, 2015) — After a season of presenting the HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, HORSE GYM USA® brought the award to the celebrated combined driving event Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida. The HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award went to Allison Stroud’s four-in-hand team for their admirable fitness. Stroud, of West Grove, Pennsylvania, has a matched foursome (with an alternate) of chestnut Dutch Warmblood geldings with white socks and stockings owned by Willow Star LLC and Koos de Ronde. Anesco 4, Mozès, Olando, Ulco, and Zenno were purchased from German driver Daniel Schneiders last year right before the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

At the 2015 Live Oak International, Stroud competed in the FEI Four-In-Hand Horse division against Chester Weber, Misdee Wrigley-Miller, and Darryl Billing. Stroud’s new four-in-hand team of horses is a bit of a change for her, since she is known for piloting gray four-in-hand ponies of various breeds, including Connemara, New Forest Pony, Welsh Pony, and a Quarter Horse-cross pony. Her attentiveness to superb health and athletic ability in her equines obviously carried over to her current four-in-hand team.

Stroud has been a USEF Combined Driving Four-in-Hand Pony National Champion a remarkable seven times. She made her international debut for Team USA in the 2003 Pony Driving World Championships in Austria. She showed in the World Championships in 2009, and at the World Championships in Lipica, Slovenia, in 2011. In 2014, she qualified to represent Team USA again, this time in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen, France. Now piloting horses, she helped Team USA finish in fourth place. She and the new team came in 28th place individually in her first World Equestrian Games. She trains with coach Michael Freund of Germany.

Stroud and her husband are known as the hosts of the Laurels at Landhope in West Grove, PA, which is one of the largest combined driving events in the country. Stroud also has experience training timber horses and has ridden in the Maryland Hunt Cup.

HORSE GYM USA® was happy to present Stroud with the Top Equine Athlete Award, complete with a beautiful trophy, in recognition of her impressive team. The company was a sponsor at Live Oak, where show attendees were able to visit with HORSE GYM USA® Sales Manager Jill Townsend, and view the innovative treadmills on display.

HORSE GYM USA® has been a leader in therapeutic equipment for horses and riders for the past decade. Founders Henrik and Mikala Gundersen recognize the importance of fitness, especially at the top levels of the sport. HORSE GYM USA® has sold more than 500 equine gyms for horses in a variety of disciplines.

The latest and greatest products that HORSE GYM USA® is proud to offer include the HORSE GYM USA® | WALK, a dry treadmill that is an upgrade from older models; the all-in-one HORSE GYM USA® | WATER, which can be used dry or be filled with water anywhere from a few inches on up to the horse’s shoulder; the HORSE GYM USA® | SPA, a cold, saltwater solution for soaking, icing, and bandaging legs; and the HORSE GYM USA® | RELAX, which is a programmable vibration plate with separate solarium, the SUN 15, that can be used to warm up, cool out, and offer zero-impact conditioning.

Learn more about the trusted quality and reputation behind HORSE GYM USA® products by visiting www.horsegym.com, or find the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/horsegym.

Contact: Henrik Gundersen, President
HORSE GYM USA
561-818-0049
www.horsegym.com

Competitions, Polo

The ‘Facundo Factor’ Propels Orchard Hill into Semifinals

April 9, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington, FL – April 8, 2015 – In a last-minute scramble, Orchard Hill defeated Coca-Cola 11-10, securing a spot in the semifinals of the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Also Wednesday in bracket play for the Open, Alegria Assist Card beat Audi 10-5 and Lechuza Caracas defeated FlexJet 10-9 in overtime.

The morning game at IPC could have played out as well on a precision driving course as it did on a polo field. In one of the fastest and most wide-open games to date in the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship, Coca-Cola and Orchard Hill swarmed after each other like bees from a nest that had just burst open.

Determined to be the victor, both teams made a tremendous number of attempts on goal from start to finish. More times than you could count on two hands, just when it looked like in a definite goal was in the works, the ball bounced off the goalpost or went wide.

The most excruciating instance of that came moments before the final horn. With Orchard Hill leading by a point, Sugar Erskine passed the ball to Gillian Johnston. She was just about to tap it into goal to tie the game when Facundo Pieres lunged defensively toward the ball, like a mother mountain lion protecting its cub. That triggered a whistle, which drew a look of absolute astonishment from Facundo Pieres. Orchard Hill challenged the foul, but after a review on instant replay in the Horseplay.tv booth, it was upheld.

That gave Coca-Cola a second chance to tie the game. When Arellano rode up to take the penalty shot, it was a foregone conclusion that yet another U.S. Open match would go into overtime – but no. Normally a beacon of precision, he hit a smooth drive that looked bang-on for goal. But then, as if touched by an occult hand, the ball inexplicably veered a couple of inches wide. Spectators gasped and stared at the scoreboard in disbelief.

This was a game of inches (at times even millimeters) for both teams – and heartbreak for Coca-Cola. At the outset, a blur of red streaked across the field as then-undefeated Coca-Cola took an early lead. Its players were in a tight sync in the first chukker, and Coca-Cola racked up three goals to Orchard Hill’s one. Coca-Cola maintained a rollicking lead all the way through the first half, much of it thanks to Gillian Johnston, who made back-to-back goals in the first chukker and another in the third, all from the field.

Coca-Cola seemed to be sitting in the catbird’s seat, but it was not to be. The “Facundo factor” had been in stealth mode for the first few chukkers – not surprising, given that Facundo Pieres doesn’t exactly do cartwheels when he hears that he’s playing an early match. But once his morning mate kicks in, he’s unstoppable.

Patron Steve Van Andel conceded that Orchard Hill had gotten off to a slow start. “Then we got our team together,” he said. “We all played our positions and played the men, and it worked out great. But it was tough. They’ve all been tough. Coca-Cola’s a tough team. They play hard.”

By the middle of the game, Facundo Pieres was a marked man. Arellano made it his mission to keep him out of the action, just as Las Monjitas had tried to do Sunday in its duel with Orchard Hill. But if ever there was a moving target in a polo helmet, it is Facundo Pieres. As he has shown throughout the 26-goal season, he is a master at playing “catch me if you can.” Refusing to be muscled by Coca-Cola, Facundo Pieres kept on dancing to goal Wednesday, intermittently checking over his shoulder as if to say, “Who’s there? Who cares?”

As so many opposing teams have learned the hard way, letting Facundo Pieres get to the penalty line is the kiss of death. A study in consistency, he scored on three penalty shots, one each in the second, third and fourth chukkers. He ignited the afterburners and made three additional field goals, one in the fourth, fifth and sixth chukkers. He was the only player to score in the fourth.

His scoring prowess aside, Facundo Pieres also knows how – and when – to share the wealth. He gave an unexpected assist to cousin Polito Pieres, who (with Sugar Erskine looking like he was going to leap into his hip pocket) tied the game at 4-all in the second chukker. Polito Pieres made it through several bumps and physical rideoffs with 10-goaler Pelon Stirling, who played a typically strong game throughout.

Two Facundo Pieres goals moved Orchard Hill into the lead for the first time in the fourth chukker, which ended 7-6. Coca-Cola tried mightily but never regained the lead. Arellano kept the fight alive for Coca-Cola in the fifth chukker with two goals, but Orchard Hill answered both of them. Each of the Pieres cousins scored in the final chukker, as did Erskine.

Coca-Cola implemented the exact strategy that Erskine had described as its plan in last Sunday’s matchup with Las Monjitas. Although Coca-Cola still got to the “W,” the plan didn’t fly that time. The idea had been for her teammates to feed the ball to Johnston, the indomitable winner of the 2002 U.S. Open, who would take it to goal, as she did repeatedly on Wednesday.

Coca-Cola’s strategy came as no surprise to Orchard Hill. “We knew it from the beginning of the game – they always do that,” said Facundo Pieres. “It was a little bit difficult for us to get Gillian. She scored in the first chukkers. She always gives the team two or three goals per game. We just wanted to keep her from scoring any, but she did score three, so she had a good game.”

In his estimation, Orchard Hill played better this time than it did Sunday. “After the first half we started to win the game, but it was tough,” he said. “I’m very happy that we won because now we’re in the semis, and that’s where we wanted to be.

Alegria Assist Card Closes Out the Season with a Win
Audi Advances to US Open Semifinals with 2-1 Record

Alegria Assist Card used a balanced attack to defeat Audi in the last round of bracket play in the U.S. Open. Julian Mannix led the team with four goals scored and Sterling Giannico and Hilario Ulloa both scored three goals en route to the 10-5 victory.

Audi with a 2-0 record and Alegria Assist Card at 0-2 faced off in a third round bracket game where pride was at stake more than results. By the previous results in bracket play Audi had already qualified for the U.S.Open semifinals, Alegria had lost the ability to advance.

Sterling Giannico said after the game, “Even though we were out we wanted to play well. I am new to Florida and it was important to leave on the right foot. I think Audi tried to save horses and ended up not playing how they wanted.”

From the first chukker it was evident that Alegria Assist Card was determined to finish out the season well. Giannico started the scoring off when he accepted a pass from Mariano Aguerre at midfield and outran the hook of the defender for the first goal. Julian Mannix added three more goals for Alegria Assist Card in the first half. Just as it looked like Audi would be held scoreless for the half, Gonzalito Pieres made a run for Audi to notch a point on the board and make the score 4-1 still in favor of the Alegria Assist Card heading into halftime.

Alegria Assist Card outscored Audi 3-1 in the fourth chukker to extend their lead to 7-2. The youngsters on Alegria Assist Card, Mannix and Giannico, were playing particularly well together, although Freddie Mannix had some breathtaking goal line saves for Audi to keep the game from becoming a route. Audi closed within four of Alegria Assist Card in the fifth with a pair of Pieres penalty goals, and Marc Ganzi added a penalty goal as well in the sixth chukker, but Hilario Ulloa and Giannico scored again for Alegria Assist Card to close out the match with a 10-5 victory over Audi and finish the U.S. Open with the victory for the defending champions.

Audi, by virtue of defeating the other two qualifiers in Bracket II, has the coveted bye to the semifinals and will play again on Wednesday, April 15 in the U.S. Open semifinals at International Polo Club. Alegria Assist Card is out of contention for the qualifying rounds but proved that they are fighters to the end with the win today.

Lechuza Caracas Takes It Home
Defeats FlexJet 10-9 in Overtime

Lechuza Caracas defeated FlexJet 10-9 in overtime in bracket play for the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship at Lechuza Caracas.

Lechuza Caracas had the home field advantage in its match against FlexJet, and the team used it to make a nail-biting comeback. Nic Roldan got the jump in play, shooting out of the throw-in to make the first point of the match for FlexJet.

*Juan Martin Nero and Miguel Novillo Astrada*

In a match featuring some of the biggest hitters in the sport, spectators were treated to spectacular long passes as the teams battled for control. Passing was the name of the game for both teams as they played full-steam ahead. A penalty conversion by Agustin Garcia Grossi tied the score 1-1. Roldan immediately fired back with a goal to put FlexJet in the lead 2-1. After a goal attempt by Nico Pieres went wide, Roldan made an incredible backshot out of the air, showcasing his defensive skills as he did throughout the match.

Play continued at a brisk pace, with both teams evenly matched and playing a very physical game. Roldan played zone back, hopping on the ball as soon as it crossed into FlexJet territory. Magoo Laprida racked up two more goals to put FlexJet firmly in the lead.

Lechuza Caracas rallied with a goal attempt by Victor Vargas before Grossi picked up a broken play and drove in a goal to begin to close the gap. Juan Martin Nero, the sole 10-goaler on the field, tapped in a goal with Roldan in hot pursuit. Laprida tapped in a goal, allowing FlexJet to keep its lead intact before the half.

In the fourth chukker Lechuza Caracas was snake bitten around the goal, with attempt after attempt going wide, but strong defensive play kept it afloat. A penalty conversion by Roldan made the score 6-3 as he threaded the needle along the ground, weaving the ball through a wall of defending players to score. Vargas made an impressive run and shot the ball through the uprights to score before the end of the fourth chukker.

FlexJet switched modes into defense as the game wore on, sending the ball out of its territory with the ease of someone sweeping a floor. A conversion by penalty-shooting ace Pieres brought Lechuza Caracas within one as it cranked up the heat on FlexJet. One more shot made by Pieres, as he walked up in his signature style, retied the match 6-6. Roldan, never one to crack under pressure, responded with a stunningly fast breakaway to break the tie.

Pieres continued to gain momentum in the sixth chukker, making an amazing shot out of the air to score and tie the match yet again, 7-7. Roldan, whose performance in the match demonstrated why he is one of the sport’s most respected players, shot a pass to Miguel Astrada to score and then proceeded to drill one in himself to put FlexJet two goals up over Lechuza Caracas.

Grossi rocketed out of the throw-in to score and make overtime not only a possibility, but a probability. Vargas made what was undoubtedly the play of the game by engaging Astrada in the next play, giving Pieres the room he needed to tap the ball in and send the match into overtime. With the game on the line, Pieres stepped up to the plate, making a superb run down the field to score and end the overtime chukker less than two minutes in.

Nero felt that the team’s strategy to open up the match and play forward worked out nicely. “Today we tried to open the game and use Victor more,” said Nero. “I think it was a great game, and Victor played amazing.”

Pieres knew that this match was going to be a tough one. “The thing was that we were both in (the quarterfinals), so it was a game for the horses. We couldn’t play that hard, but we tried to open up the game and play more forward, nice polo.”

The quarterfinals of the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship will be held Sunday, April 12, with Lechuza Caracas playing Valiente at 11:30 a.m. and Coca-Cola taking on FlexJet in the 3 p.m. featured match on Engel & Völkers field at the International Polo Club Pam Beach.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

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Horses in the South – An Equine News Publisher

Tag Archives: featured

Coca-Cola and Valiente Speed toward Semifinals in 111th US Open

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Attracts Stellar Field of Competitors

The Grand Palais Flies the Swiss Flag after the Victory of Romain Duguet

JPMorgan Chase Rides Off with Senators Cup in 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament

Spalding Fly Predators and Fly Control

Vanessa Creech-Terauds Wraps Up Successful Winter Season with Rob Roy

Exciting Team Play Kicks Off 6th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament

IPC Hosts Third Annual National Youth Tournament Series Tournament

Allison Stroud Wins HORSE GYM USA Top Equine Athlete Award at Live Oak International

The ‘Facundo Factor’ Propels Orchard Hill into Semifinals

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