This was a repeat of a couple weeks ago as Antelope and Bensolemani.com met and was one of the best games seen in a while as BSI came down by 6 and won today was a little different Antelope playing very well again early out to 6 to 3 lead in the second and at the half up by 2 but the tide turned in the 4th as BSI caught up at about 3.20left in the 4 th and went up by 1 at the end of the 4th and stayed ahead in the 5th by 1 Ant. tied it at 10 to 10 but only for a minute and with 2.40 left in the 6 th it was BSI going up by 2 and finished that way it was a very fast and good game . Great plays by two young guns Grant Palmer and Lucas Criado jr fun to watch .

Game 2 well it was a hard game but so much whining and screaming it makes you wonder why anyone would come .Farmers and Merchants taking on L.E.N.Y.if a HEY was worth a dollar U could be rich in a chukkar 7 minutes and add 30 and make a deposit the game was otherwise well played LENY came out smoking and jumped out to a 3 goal lead but F&M got back winning the second 3 to 2 and went into the 1/2 down by 2 won the 4th by 1 and tied the 5th and won the 6th but still came out 1 behind . I think we need to step up some things to help refs. if a player gets 3 yellow card in a tournament he should be banned for the rest of it and he should pay for his replacement not the Patron this constant whining ,flopping and screaming just has to GOOOOOOOOOOO..

Just down the street we had a similar display of Sportsmanship at CDE in game 1 on Thursday morning we had a very good game going with Dundas 2 showing skills of Young Poroto Cambiaso at 15 or 16 yrs old 9 goals however against the very talented Escobar boys Lucas and Nicklas i Think but both extremely talented American players and playing well above there ratings when Pop went crazy over a official call and pulled team from field making a good game a 0 bit of entertainment sad as it is those boys are POLO Players and they will succeed. Maybe will see them again soon . The 2 nd game was a bit more entertaining and lots of speed as AC top of the line got Dundas 1 rocking and stayed ahead of Alicia’s group by a couple but was up and down the field .

Todays games at CDE were very fun as Alisha took on young Cable and Poroto showed his strength amazing quickness and Cable and Dundas 2 were always just a little bit ahead reminded me a decade or 2 ago trying to beat Gonzalo Pieres u always thought you were catching him but just when u thought u had u had not away he went . John and Jack Zigler brought a team to replace Santa Clara and played well with a 12 hour notice in the second game but they had to deal with MR Polo AC and were always just a little behind and Mrs. Magness had a stellar day scoring 5 goals at least to head to the finals ..

the finals will be of SILVER CUP @ 2p.m. and it should be a good one LENY VS BENSOLEMONI>COM the speed of the guns of Paquito’s LENY and the Horses of BSI NOBODY KNOWS C U THERE

BYE

We are into the 8th month of 2022 and I read some very disturbing things in the news that made me think I was in a different era. In Missouri a Woman can no longer get divorced if she is Pregnant, and now talks about no Birth control and WOW is this still the USA ?Politicians seem to do little for this Country but fight with Trump and get big Bonuses when they retire. Retire is what they really should be doing (with 10% of their yearly wages for 3 years and that’s it).
Women have become such a big part of Polo—it’s been amazing. And to see rights being stripped away from them is outrageous. At this rate, who knows how long women will be able to ride a horse?

Back to Polo: the Silver Cup has seen some big surprises… but were they really? L.E.N.Y. took a beating in the Skene, but showed they were just getting fit as they are Smoking now, with 3 Magrini’s and a Speeding Paquito Narvaez. They rolled into the semis along side BenSolemoni.com, Antelope and FMB, with only Klentner Ranch being left out.

Sunday’s feature game was Antelope vs Klentner Ranch, in which an Old name with a new Kid, Young Poroto Cambiaso, took Matias T Zavaleta’s place, and left no doubt that he will follow in Pops shoes soon. Talk about quick and smart. WOW. I am sure Matias will be back soon, but just West of SBPC at Cancha De Estrella you can see the Wonder Boy and his Pop MR.POLO A.C in action Thursday and Saturday.

The Semis will be Friday at 1 P.M. You will see Antelope vs bensolemoni.com and the field will feature 3 young guns— if Zavaleta plays. In Antelope you have Grant Palmer and Joaquin Avendano, both too young to vote, and on the Bsc team you have Lucas Criado jr (a definite big stick on the way). Should be a good one.

Not sure who won first time around, but in the second it will be Farmers and Merchants taking on LENY and a couple of young guns— not sure if they have Drivers Licensee yet. Keko Magrinis, a very speedy young Lad, and Paquito, who I believe is only 14. They have Pop Matias following them up and they hit the grass at 4 PM in the feature Game of the day . Should be a very fun day of Polo .

cya

SUNDAY THE WAY IT WAS AND IS :

The first Game of the day saw Ben Solemani.com taking on L.E.N.Y. and it was a very good game, as Senior Matias came to play and with their 2 and 0 record in their 3rd game. They came out firing as BSI, who at 1 & 1, were looking to get rolling again after there Championship run in the Skene. The game was very close most of the way: 2 to 2, 4 to 4, and 6 to 6 in the first 3 chukars, but then LENY got rolling in the 4th and took a 2 goal lead which they continued with into the 5th, at 10 to 8. But LENY gave it all away in the 6th (with some Umpire help) as the were 0 to 5 in the foul dept., and gave up 3 penalty goals in the 6th, ending on the losing side, 11 to 10. It was a good game, but it shows you have to go 50-75% to win a game on penalties, and LENY did not—missing 4 of 6 from the inside lines, 60 and under. Trouble with knock inns were also a problem. BSI did nothing spectacular, they just kept coming, and were 3 for 3 from 60 in the 6th. That’s why it’s never over until the f– Lady sings. BSI and LENY each go to 2 and 1.

Game 2 was a thriller—now played at 2 PM for some God only know reason— but it was a good one. And a very nice crowd even at 2pm showed. Mr. Walker of Farmers and Merchants took on Antelope led by Mr Palmer (as in Grant). It was tied from the first to the start of the 4th, then Antelope (who were at 1 and 0) went up 6 to 5, but F&M was not done and came back in the 5th to tie it up 8 to 8. Early in the 6th, Antelope jumped out by 2 but FMB roared back and tied it up, and young Peke Gonzalez (son of Mariano, a big gun here for years) agreed the F–Lady had not sung yet, and with about 2 seconds left in the 6th, took the ball away from Felipe and won it all. The game was over and she was singing . Round 4 will be this Friday .

Standings now are :

Antelope 1-1

Bensolemani.com 2-1

Farmers & Merchants 1- 1

Klentner Ranch 0-2

L.E.N.Y 1-1

This is very good Polo, but just imagine if they played real Team polo and passed the ball, backed the ball, and ran to the next play !!! And also didn’t stop the game every 3 minutes or so to change horses ?? Give 7 horses and that’s what they have to play, and watch when they pass—see the Patrons in 10 plays every chukkar, not 10 a game. I flew home from Florida last night and Polo is becoming like the airlines. I flew United and the Flight Attendants are like Polo players— they only serve you if you send them a call and it still may not happen. They are being paid to serve you, but can’t because they’re too busy. You are Payers not players. Maybe Im just confused but soon the payers will not pay and then WHAT???????????????

just the way I c IT

cya

Across the pond Sunday, in the biggest one of them all, it was Facundo Pieres closing in on the late Carlos Gracida’s record–winning his 6th or 7th British Open in a barn burner, as they stopped a heavy weight team from Dubai. Do not know many details, but that’s what the news says, so stay tuned for update. On this side of the pond in sunny CA, it was Bensolemoni.com again showing Horsepower wins Polo games, most of the time. It was a good game and Klentner Ranch actually won the first half going 2 to 1 in first chukkar, 5 to 4 in the second, and up 8 to 6 at the half. The trouble was it was only the first half. And HP showed up as BSI came out in the 4th and destroyed KR 3 to 0, taking the lead 9 -8, and then poured it on in the 5th–winning the chukkar 4 to 1. KR only scored 1 goal after the 3rd as well as a # 5 by Jessie Bray. They rescued a couple in the 6th, but it was way too late and BSI won the trophy. The 4th chukkar was a very good chukkar to watch–maybe the best this year, despite it being a bit lopsided. It was all speed and team play—not often seen these days with pass, hit, and run. Yes, BSI won 3 to 0 but it wad good polo on both sides. The Silver CUP got underway yesterday and I didn’t see it because, as usual, it was sort of in the dark about times— like main game at 2pm. At least it was a good crowd for the finals— even if it was by mistake. The one stable time we know is Friday so far. There will be games at 1 and 4 I HOPE or I’m sorry for info.

cya @ Polo

WE KNOW THE CURRENT WORLD, IN WHAT IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST POLO CLUB IN AMERICA, HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY PROGRESS. AS THE CURTAIN FALLS, A NEW DOOR IS OPENING, AND WHETHER IT’S TO MAKE MONEY OR ENJOY THE SPORT, THIS MAY BE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT IT.

Elizabeth has shared OneDrive for Business files with you. To view them, click the links below.Desert Polo LLC(3).pdfDesert Polo Brochure(2).pdf

I’m sure the Gold Cup is over, as they’re 8 hrs ahead of CA, but no news of who what and where the trophy went as of 10am. It’s Dubai or Park Place, as they had a big run to get there and this is the final. Park Place and Dubai both have English players. There are also a couple of big sticks with Facundo Pieres, who has several of these cups at home, and Mr. Elazade, who may also have one.

Dubai has been here before, and has both Max Perry from the UK as well as Patron Rashid Albwardy, who may be English, but I think is from Dubai. Besides Mr. Perry, they have Lerome Del Carril and superstar Camilo Castagnola, who will be 10 soon every where. Should be, or probably was, a Dandy.

On this side of the pond, it’s West Coast action with Ben Solemani.com trying to repeat their 1st game taking down Klentner Ranch again, and it should be a good one. BAI has Horse Power (probably the best here). Inaki Laprida, Jeff Hall, and young Lucas Criado beat KR in their first game of the season, but today is another Day and Jess Bray and Mr. Toccalino have been here before. Justin and Jake the other part of the 3 J’s will be there at the finish, in what I think should be a close one. Due to political pressure, I guess, the game will not be at 3pm or 4pm, but at 2 PM, so some one can have LUNCH, I guess. A bit odd as we have finally started to grow the fans back after Prince Harry and the Face of Polo Nacho got it rolling. This last Sunday was 10:30am and 1pm, now today it’s at 2pm. Stay tuned for next week–might be at Dinner time. Nobody knows.

cya

Ben Solemani.com is in the finals. 4 teams have a chance to see them in the finals at 1 pm. It will be FMB 0-1 vs Antelope 1 -1, and they’ll be in a shootout stage if either wins. The next game says it could be the same at 4 p.m. I assume it will be Klentner Ranch 1-1 vs L.e.v.y. 0-1. If ANT. AND KR WIN, IT’S A 2 WAY SHOOTOUT BETWEEN THEM. IF THEY BOTH LOSE, IT COULD BE A 4 WAY SHOOTOUT, SINCE ALL WILL BE BASICALLY 1 AND 1 AND THE DRAW IS A PERCENTAGE WITH ODD TEAMS. LAST I HEARD, THE FINALS WILL BE AT 2 PM SUNDAY, BUT DON’T BET ON IT. I DO NOT KNOW WHO TO CALL. WEB SITE MAY WORK THIS WEEK ???

IF LOOKING FOR POLO THURSDAY JAMES COLT ACTION :

10 AM SBPC –SOL DE AGUSTO VS LUCCHESE

10 AM FOLDED HILLS STG/POLO CHAMPAGNE VS FMB2

2 PM ESTRELLA BFBST LAW VS DELPADRE/NOVIS

4 PM BELLA VISTA WHISKY POND VS BUSH LEAGUE/FP POLO

SO THERE IT IS AT THE MOMENT

CYA @ POLO JUST NOT SURE WHEN

IT WILL BE A BATTLE AS TODAYS GAMES IN THE SEMIS PROVED THERE BOTH IN THE HUNT DUBAI WITH EASILY A 10 GOAL JUNIOR NAMED CAMILO ( JETA) CASTAGNOLA AND HIS COUSIN DOING BATTLE YOUNGER POROTO CAMBIASO AND IT WAS JETA WHO CAME OUT ON TOP IN A THRILLER IN OT PAPA AC WAS SIDELINED BUT WELL REPLACED BY JUAN NERO BUT IT JUST LACKED A LITTLE BIT .

THEY WILL FACE A VERY BIG OBSTACLE AS THEY TAKE ON PARK PLACE WITH THE SUPER GUN FACUNDO PIERES AND LUIS HINES SO BE THERE IT WILL BE THE BEST SUNDAY U MAY EVER HAVE , MAYBE

CYA

It takes place in the UK and it’s main stand is Cowdray Polo Club host, one of the most spectacular places on the Planet. Just an awesome place to be during Wimbledon and the British Golf Open. You can’t be anywhere more top sports at one time. But back to Polo. It’s also the Gold Cup (called by Polo people) and it’s a very tough run. 99 % of the best players in the World are there and maybe 90% of the best horses in the World are there too. Unlike the Palermo or Argentine Open, which is basically an All Star tournament, every team has a Patron or owner in the Game– sometimes a sub, which makes it a bit tricky, but it’s usually do to injury.

So no more BS about it. It is the best and most competitive tournament in the World, in my opinion. Today and yesterday the Semis were set after a grueling 3 weeks, and as usual, some of the best players in the world were beat along the way .

The Semis do have a few of the best and new ones headed its way.

PARK PLACE – Joshua Hyde, Louis Hines, Facundo Pieres, Francisco Elizalde

Talandracas – Edouard Carmignac, Alejandro Muzzio, Isidro Astrada, Polito Pieres

THESE 2 TAKE ON EACH OTHER IN THE SEMIS

Dubai TAKES ON SCONE

DUBAI Rasgid Albwardy, Matt Perry, Camilo Castagnola, and Jeronimino del Carril

SCONE Emily Sohern, Rosendo Torragua, AC and AC jr

So if in the USA gets up early and watches them, the first game is at high Noon in the UK (about 4 AM in CA), the second, which might be easier to see, is at 4pm UK time and 8 AM in CA. (I think that’s right–but better check just to be sure).

cya

GAME 1 was at 10:30 and it was WELL WILD, as 2 undefeated teams Antelope and Ben Solemani.com (or I’m not sure what they’re calling it now) took each other on. For first 3 chukkars, it was very close, as BSI kept good control of the big Stick Torres Zavaleta, who demolished Klentner Ranch on Friday. He really kept it even, finishing at the 1/2 down by 1 at 6 to 5, which must have felt pretty good. In the 4th, I’m not sure anyone touched him as they roared off to a 4 goal lead, and it got worse for BSI in the 5th, as they were down by 6, and JTZ was feeling good. Somehow, BSI decided to take a man and play old fashion Polo– pass, hit and run, and did they ever! Shutting out Antelope 6 to 0, to tie it up and send the game into Over Time. Antelope had a chance to end it quick, as Grant Palmer won the throw in and, shortly after, a penalty 4, but he missed it, and that was their last chance, as BSI smoked down the field and rode away winners. Ben, himself, scored 2, maybe 3, goals in the 6th chukkar comeback and his squad goes to 2 and 0 into the semis.

Antelope goes to 1 and 1.

Game 2–and this is confusing– we have had very good attendance this year due to Prince Harry and Nacho, and then someone decides to have the main game at 1 p.m not 3 or 4, with very little notice of the change, so there was about 1/2 the crowd that we had last Sunday of the 12 goal. WHY? I have no idea and it does nothing that I can see– maybe I am dumber than I thought, but this seems STUPID and I am not alone. The game was Klentner Ranch (0- 1), taking on Farmers and Merchants in their first outing. A very strong team on Paper, but that’s as far as it goes. They tied the first 2 to 2, the 2nd 5 to 5, lost the 3rd by 2 to finish the first half down 2 (7 to 9). They lost the 4th by 1 (10 to 9), and then forgot how to play Polo and lost the 5th by 5. They won the 6th 2 to 1, but it was a lot late. A very weird way to play polo– just follow each other, no resemblance of team play. Not sure what they were thinking, but KR played well and destroyed them them the last 2 chukkars. It was their first Game though, so NOBODY knows yet. See you this week– there will be semis in both James Colt 8 goal and the Skene Cup. For times, well, it might be 8am or 6 p.m so better check Thursday for the 8 goal and Friday for 20 goal .

See you sometime between 10 and 4, I guess.

cya

Thursday was opening day after a long break . Fields are back in shape and the battle is on for 2 very good leagues the Jim Colt an 8 goal tournament featuring 8 teams and the big sticks in Robert Skene at 18 goals or 19 some where between 16 and 20 as the book says .

Thursday got it off in the 8 goal James colt with 4 games game 1 got it started with FMB Too

stopping BBfst/Mayer it an OT game Wild Will and Henry are still moving fast and Game 2 seen Lucchese taking it to Bush League/ Forbes and Plunkett by a few game 3 was Sol De Agosto a Narveaz connection stopping the Ziegle’rs and Jim Wright and the final game of the day saw Paul Hana/Whsky Pond stopping Del padre Nova in a close one .

Friday it was time for the Big Boys to show up with The ROBERT SKENE trophy in mind and it got off fast with Ben Solemoni,com taking it to the cowboys from Klentner ranch with nothing but speed this team could be very good if they keep this speed up and game 2 seen the Antelope just a little bit sharper than the new comers from down South L.E.N.Y. no idea what that is but they have to get up to speed soon .

Saturday was second round of the Jim Colt 8 goal and it was a good one FMBTOO continued to roll as they blew by Bush league /forbesPlunkett and move to 2 and 0 and STG/Polo Champaign got o the W side stopping PaulHana/Whisky Pond in a close one and Sol de Agosto stayed undefeated and beat DelPadre/Novis and Mr Muse dropping down to the 8 goal this year and Lucchese still winning came out on top over BFBST/Mayer in OT .

so it comes down to this :

FMB TOO is 2-0

STG?PoloChampaign 1-1

Sol De Agosto is 2- 0

Lucchese 2 – 0

are in the Semis next Thursday.

the 18 goal + second round is tomorrow with 2 games

TWO UNDEFEATED TEAMS MEET

BenSolemani.com takes on Antelope which should be a great Game 1

FMB 1 st game for them take on 0-1 Klentner Ranch in the feature game

these games may be at odd times so check the SBpolo site some say 10.30 and 1 P.M some 1 and 4 not in the loop so not sure but do know L.E.N.Y. has a bye .

The Sun should be out and the fields fast so be there and enjoy the show just check the times .

game info polooffice@sbpolo.com

cya

Many times in Polo it’s not about the USA. Same with our political leaders–we are not a part of their conversation. They are more worried about some other place and their pocketbook. We are supposed to be a free country where we can do what’s best for us and earn a living if we work, however, we have more homeless people than most countries, and do not take care of the millions of military people who made our politicians free. They are the crooks in our country, with no direction other than greed. They take care of their own group very well and whoever pays them to vote their way. In many ways we are close to Politics in Argentina, Mexico or Brazil.

How can people who win elections never do shit. Only our Politicians get huge benefits like inside information on companies, million dollar retirement funds and medical, and never get a got damn thing DONE. They have spent 2 years worried about Trump and, as usual, haven’t done anything! We are in a recession and who’s fault is it? It must Be TRUMP or Covid– not their stupid sh-t. The price of Gas and fuel is an easy example. It has doubled in a year and they say it’s because it’s a Russian import?? Well we get 1% of fuel from Russia. Turn on ten wells in Texas (( Done)). No, it’s Lobbying–the Oil companies see Electric cars coming and are trying to make it while they can. So oh YEAH let’s gouge the public and pay the congressman to see it done. They should all retire at the end of their term now. Maybe we could get some leaders and minds to make America some place to live. Two terms and done for congress, and for the house, half their retirement fund. If they are so smart they will make a living fine, if not, they can join the Soldiers who have no support as veterans, and get a real feel of life.

Back to Polo in the USA. NY, Chicago, Sheridan, Jackson ,Calgary and Santa Barbara are all in flight and a whole bunch more is coming! Summer Time and the hay burners are doing it. We need to hear from the little Clubs in the U.S. to see just what’s going on in our world and how the USPA is operating . I want your opinion. I will not hang you out to dry, I just need some info. Something is not right. We are getting fewer and fewer completive young players and young Patrons. WHY? You may have the answer.

I have been in polo since 1975 and something has definitely got worse. Americans are the minority in the game today and do not blame the South Americans–they just saw the gap and filled it. If you do not agree look at the UK. I know it’s the 4th of July, but they one-upped us this time .

cya just an opinion

Polo has been in America since the late 1800’s and things have changed every decade it has been here. In maybe the first Century of Polo, only the rich played, and only because the wealthy kids started getting cars instead of horses, did many drift away from polo. Then came the need for players not of wealth around 1930. Army players were probably first to enter this world, but then trainers were brought in as players, and the era of the pros began by the 50’s. There were few, if any, all Patron teams, as some of the pros, such as Cecil Smith, became as good or better than the 10 goal Patrons. This opened the gate to a new Polo and it became the way of Polo for the next 2 decades.

All players, pros and Patrons, were mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, or all North Americans, but then in the late 70’s, I believe, we started to see some English Pros, a few Aussies and Kiwis, and a sprinkle of Brazilians, Argentines and Columbians. By the 80’s, the Harriots, and Tanoria and Eddie Moore were here, and then came Gonzalo Pieres, who lit it up coming from the Pampas to England, and America rose from 7 to 10 in like 3 years. From Mexico came the Gracidas. And the World of polo changed overnight.

Still we had a lot of good Patrons from 3 to 7 goals such as the Buschs, Brands, Orthweins, and Uihliens, and at that time Polo was still a team sport, as the Superstars of the 80’s and early 90’s (Barrys, Waymans, Hipwoods, Galindos, Armours, Azzaros, Rhineharts, etc.) slowed down. But the number of Patrons also decreased, and by the year 2000 we had very few Patrons of high goal, as more and more became Payers instead of Players, and said goodbye.

With the new millennium came a new breed. A. Cambiaso changed the world of Polo so fast no one saw it. His ability, skill, and tactics were unmatched by anyone ever in the game. His ability made him the Michael Jordan/Tiger Woods of our sport, and you know how that changed those sports. His ability to get anyone to improve was awesome, but he was just doing it mostly to set himself up, like MJ did in round ball. And he did it well no matter where or who he was with, from 10 goal teammates to 0 goal Patrons–no matter the team, he made it work. He was and is still at the top, maybe not by leaps and bounds as before, but he is nearing 50 and has been 10 goals for 3/4 of his life. It was the change of Polo in the early 2000s–AC was on his own with super star horses. And this was at the time when most players had 8 to 10 horses, 6 maybe in the big games, but usually 4. Even in the Argentine Open a lot of good horses played 2 chukkars, sometimes 3 (as it was 8 chukkars). But AC found Tim Gannon, who always wants to win and said “need more, get’em,” and he did. For 3 years running, nobody could beat him.

Tim made it and played solidly. He was usually “picking” someone, which became illegal because Tim and George Rawlins were stars at it. No matter 3 or 10 goal players, if they took on one of them and cleared the way, giving AC 3 seconds alone, you were history. And they won about 6 Opens doing it. I remember watching George in an Open Game, and someone said “George is not doing anything,” and I said “that is really a stupid thing to say–he picks an 8 to 10 goal player on every knock in and every penalty #5. Why don’t u try it goofy.” Sarcastic I know, but they were awesome. However, when people were forced to face Cambiaso with 10 to 12 horses, suddenly the hunt was on for more, as a fresh horse is always just a little better most of the time, and 2 or 3 fresh horses kill the others, especially if they are all good horses.

It was that that changed Polo in many ways. It took away the team sport, tripled the cost, and saw the 50 + Patrons start doing the same as Gannon– if they had the money just do it! But we lost a lot then, as wealthy young men who liked Polo, said “this is bulls—t. If I’m not part of the game, forget it,” and they did. Read the List from USPA. How many young Patrons do we have in High Goal?

Unfortunately, it is not a team sport anymore, neither is it the Sport of Kings, or as Pat Nesbitt used to say the King of Sports since there are no other sports where the Patron is really involved. For 40 some minutes, usually over an 1 hr, you are running and hoping to hit. Not 2 minutes and you’re out, like roping, jumping, or halter team penning.

Javier had the best idea for Polo I have heard in close to 20 years: Cut strings down to 7 per game. He says 6, but to be fair, if there’s a problem you need a spare, so 7 horses per player per game. First, quality of horses will improve. There are so many half breeds now that it’s 2 minutes and done, change and get another quarter horse. Second, it will force pros to use Patrons like Memo, Gonzalo, and Hector did–make Patrons players not just payers. The young Patrons will return. Make the rules so young Americans can participate. It worked in England. Why do we have the USPA? It is not for the UNITED STATES POLO PLAYERS, for sure. We haven’t had a U.S. player above 8 goals for HOW LONG? Or a Patron over 3 goals that wasn’t 10 yrs ago. Polo costs American Patrons 3 times as much now, and every year forward maybe more. Hay is $500 a ton and a horse eats his weight every month, and yet you need 14 instead of 8.

Just my opinion

steve c

TWO VERY COMPETITIVE TEAMS CAME TO THE FINALS. ANTELOPE WITH GRANT PALMER, SANTI LLAVAILOL (OR RAVIOLI AS I USUALLY CALL HIM SINCE IT’S EASIER TO SAY), JIM WRIGHT, AND BACK DOOR SENIOR, SANTI TROTZ VS FNB2/FOLDED HILLS WITH WILL BUSCH, JUAN CURBELLO, SANTI WOLF AND BACK DOOR HENRY WALKER.

THE GAME :

Chukkar 1 WOW It was not expected. Antelope was very hungry and came out feasting on FMB/FH, who seemed out of everything from rhythm to steam, losing it 4-1.

Chukkar 2 seemed to continue the same, ending 7-2, and had everyone wondering if FMB could come back. But in the 3rd Chukkar it was Antelope feeling good, as The Ghost (Will Busch) kept them in distance, adding 3 goals and finishing the chukkar and half 9 to 5.

The first half was uneven on penalties. Neither FMB or ANT saw the line, though FM got 4 for them (vs. only 1 for Antelope), and converted 3 out of 4 into goals.

Chukkar 4 was a good fast chukkar, with only 3 whistles, one being a safety that kept the chukkar score tied 2 to 2. It ended 11-7, with some good penalty shots.

Chukkar 5 was a repeat of the 4th, as both Antelope and FMB/FH scored 2 goals each, ending with FMB still up by 4.

Chukkar 6 was all Folded Hills/FMB 2. Henry and The Ghost became new riders, stopping ANT’s attempts and controlling the field as big guns. They really started to rock and also got a few breaks..about 6 foul shots vs only one for Antelope. Seemed a little odd– refs definitely controlled the chukkar with 6 to 1 in favor of FM. But, all in all, it was good polo and it’s very seldom you see a team come back from 4 down, but they did. And to overtime we went at 13-13!

OT was the worst refereed OT I have ever seen. It was even and both teams had a chance from the line, but rules are rules, and boy were they were skipped in OT. Do not ask me–watch the video and then disagree. However, no matter your opinion, this 2 Patron team of Will Busch, the Ghost, and Henry Walker was amazing to watch. They played incredibly and were used as a critical part of the team, which is why they won.

As SB goes dark for a while, it was a great 12 Goal Season. A little short in length, but it was maybe the best crowd we’ve had in 10 years, and I think a big thanks for that is due to Mr. Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry. They have brought Polo back to SBPC without a doubt. As usual, the Face of Polo has that TOUCH! THANKS FOR BEING HERE GENTLEMEN.

THE HIGH GOAL STARTS IN EARLY JULY SO COME ON UP OR DOWN–WE WILL BE HERE!

cya ASAP

It all got underway at 2 p.m with Dundas 2 vs. Antelope, and it was good one, with lots of running and not many fouls. There was no doubt Grant Palmer was fired up, as was his whole team, who only trailed for a couple of minutes as Dundas struck first, but who soon took the reigns and never trailed again. There was no stopping the Ants, as they were primed to get there. Pappa Geof has been a very strong contender in this tournament for decades, and it looks like Grant is following in his foot steps, as Antelope won by 4.

Game 2 at 4 PM was Los Padres/Citi, known as the Royals, vs FMB/Folded Hills. The face of Polo and Harry of the Royals have been to every finals this year. And they started hot, up 3 to 1 at the end of 2nd, but then the Ghost, Will Bush, and Henry Walker (the patrons of FMB/FH) came to life and WOW. Henry Walker was easily the MVP and showed why often, taking Young Gun Kekeo away from the ball, who has been playing amazing and a good part of the reason the Royals have been to so many finals and winning most of them). Even though LP/C took an early lead, going into the 3rd 3 to 1, FH/FMB came back to tie it with 3:22 left in the 3rd. The 4th was won by FMB 3 to 1, and then the 5th was all FH/FMB winning 3-0. LP/C made a run for it in the 6th and came back by 2, but the aim was off for the Royals as they knocked in 3 times. I think FMB/FH had 11 knock inns, with 7 of them in the last 2 chukkars. And that was it! FMB/FH took it and heads to the Showdown on Sunday against Antelope. It should be a good one, and a great match up with Young Grant Palmer vs 60 + Henry Walker. Grant will have to be very quick as HW will catch him. We shall see.

It was a fun ride having Harry and Nacho here, and it made a huge impact on the audiences. So thanks so much for being here.

cya Sunday