WELL IN SANTA BARBARA IT WAS A LITTLE LIKE THE FINALS OF US OPEN . WIPEOUTS THE 12 GOAL IS 1 WEEK OLD AND 2 FINALS TODAY WERE WELL WIPEOUTS .the first finals a lilttle after noon it was the face of Polo Nacho and a friend named Harry leading Los Padres/ citi to the trophy table with a whole lot of help from young Keko Magrini with an 8 goal lead it was over at the end of the 5th over Klentner Ranch . The other finals was not much different as Antelope and Grant Palmers team just annihilated FMB 2 winning by 6 early in he 6th to wander to the trophy table . It is the start of a great 12 goal season with one sad note Ben Solemani.com has to pull out as Big Ben suffered a major injury to his right arm. which may take him out for the Summer, However it is only week one and we have7 weeks to go and the show will go on.

see ya

Most of us were hoping La Elina would come out smoking and hold out in the end, but the problem was Facundo Pieres had another idea: bury the dream. Which he did within 30 seconds. And then again and again, until, well, it was over at the end of 2 chukars. It reminded me of St. Peters in the NCAA recently, who were flying until the finals where they hit a wall. It wasn’t fun to watch La Elina’s mistakes that were often, as were their misses, but it was the way it was today. La Elina ran into a buzzsaw, and the commander of the buzzsaw was Facundo and some 4 legged friends. Friends who may have been the best string I have ever seen anywhere.

It was still a good game being the finals. But sad to say, the semi-finals often seem like the real finals. I am not sure if seeding would help, but luck of the draw often does not. Anyway, it was a game that showed how well mounted Pilot was and how strong FP really is. I think Jared Zenni was also amazingly mounted, and Juan Martine and young Weisz have to be two of the best 5 goal players in the country. But Pilot is one of the most organized operations in Polo today and are very similar to Gonzalo Pieres and Whitebirch and Memo Gracida and Retama, 20 years ago. Here’s the catch though, the latter did it with 8 horses each, usually playing 5 of them in the finals. Today it’s pretty simple: Money walks and talks as well as talent, but it takes one to get the other. I heard Toby on Global Polo ask today when was last time a team without a 10 goaler won the open? I think it was 2014 when Mariano Aguirre had just been dropped to 9 and ALEGRIA won with Julian Mannix of Calgary.

The new way of polo started in the 90’s when Tim Gannon hired Cambiaso, and polo changed from 8 to 15 superstar horses and superstars players. It became a different game, in which we no longer have 4 to 6 goal patrons, because they only need to buy the best to get the most. Up until this era, Gonzalo P., Memo G., and Carlos G., did it making teams and playing TEAM Polo, with 3 to 6 goaler Patrons. I do have to say Facundo P. used his team and they played amazing. Not only today, but throughout last 2 tournaments, with only park Place in their league from what I could see. I think the Brothers Castagnolias may change the game again to run and hit, however, to make the game better, you need to limit horses per game, so in-turn you level out teams like Pilot and La Elina, and improve pros and patrons. And it will be a sport young patrons (which are in very short supply) will want to play because they want to be players, not just payers.

Cya

After a grueling trip, it comes down to the FINALS OF THE US OPEN. It was probably a 90% + chance Pilot would be there, and many new it could happen for La Elina if all fell into place.

The TBA turned into Juan Martine Obregon and brother Geronimo, named after a tough Indian Chief in the old west. (I am sure that is not true, but it sounds good). Their third: a very tough fellow from up north named Jared Zenni. Zenni who has been here before and has beaten the best, is back and he can absolutely fly. Him and the Obergons know each other well, and though they are likely not mounted as well, they are 4 on the floor– none of them worried about getting beat to a play, or that someone won’t be there. There is not one of them that will quit, I GUARANTEE. On the other side, well, you have the Champs. They proved it twice, beating a very tough Park Place and, of course, they have Facundo Pieres. They also have some horses, that WOW are born to run. Facundo, although almost 1/2 the team’s handicap, has some very disciplined help. Young Mackenzie Weisz is playing a young gun who knows no limit and has taken on a high goal player in every match, going 50/50 with the big guns. With Zavaleta, speed and fight is the way, and he compliments F.P. as well as you possibly can. MR PILOT, well he has been here before and likes his job. He gets it done and hasn’t seen many L’s in polo, and he must like the W’s a lot more.

To me it is a toss up. The last shot could be the WINNER.

cya SUNDAY at the end of the road to POLO

The USPA: is it really in the US POLO interest? Or a money making machine for who knows what? The answer is always: for the future of US POLO. Well, when and where is the future? I have been in Polo since 1975 and after nearly 50 yrs, the “future” is like tomorrow: it never comes. In this year’s Open, maybe 25 born and raised Americans were involved in 20 teams (80 players). 20% ? How is that helping US POLO? At least 10 of those were Patrons, so that lowers it to about 10%. Why hasn’t the USPA done anything to support young Americans prosper in our sport? Yes, they help young players get to 2 goals, but then for the majority, you’re on your own. And try to buy horses as a 2 goaler to compete at a high level, when there are 30 kids at the same age with relatives helping from out of of the country.

Why is this bad for polo? Because it turns this into a spectator sport for the young who want to play. Do you want to spend a million + and get to hit 3 balls in 6 chukkars? The old guys who want the Glory are growing short in supply.

It is not a difficult fix. It’s a 3 fold cure and comes from an Argentine Pro, Javier Tanoria. It is so simple: restrict the player to 7 horses per game, not 15. This way it becomes a TEAM sport, not just 1 or 2 pros going coast to coast, because it becomes necessary to use the whole team to improve. Conditioning of horses improve, and best of all, Polo would cost 40% less of what it does today. Patrons and young players become part of the game. Why? Because no matter how good one is, they can’t run the whole chukkar and not pass the ball. They’d have to teach their team and therefore become a team game again. A team new patrons will want to be a part of. We may then again have sponsors like the Buschs, Orthweins, Oxleys, Goses, Walkers–reaching 3 to 6 goals, because they get to play. Bring POLO back to a team sport. Also, it is time to follow an English Idea and protect American players: 4 goal players or less must be American. And I don’t just mean they pay taxes in U.S.A. I have nothing against any other countries–I brought a lot of players from elsewhere here, but in the last 20 yrs, I know I did nothing for our children and I feel bad. I know things can change, as have players have when you look back. Gonzalo Pieres, the best player in my era, never told John Oxley to leave it, and won. Memo Gracida took Steve and Tom Gose to 3 and 4 goals using them, working with them. As did Hector Galindo and the Busch Boys. So do not give me bullshit. It is all up to the USPA, Stand up USPA this is the future :::

cya if you do not like it call me 805 896 4406

LaFe took on Tamera at IPC. La Fe, a team that always seems to change up, needed another sub today as Mr. Cavanauh and company came out smoking and kept the burners on. La Fe made a big recovery in the 3rd and came on strong in the 4th winning the chukkar, and though I thought Elizalde was playing amazing, again he sat down. The switch helped for a bit, but went downtown soon as Tamera rolled on and went out winning by 4. Not sure whats going on, but Elizalde is playing great. Cavanaugh, though, is flying high as anyone today. Monday is sending 3 games to catch up, so will be a good day of POLO.

Cya

GAME 8 LA INDIANA VS AUDI was a long one with a lot of good plays, but some long discussions between them and about 27 fouls, which did not help. However, when they were playing it was close; within a goal all the way to the 5th chukkar when Audi went into the 6th chukkar down by 2 but came out working well and won the 6th, 3 to 1 sending the game into OT. It a scrum for a while, but on a #5 from center field after missing a couple of open goals, Audi smoked the Golden goal from 150ft to seal the deal.

Game 9 was PiILOT vs CESSNA. Pilot must not like flying Cessnas because they blew them away, leaving little doubt of the outcome after the second chukkar (7 to 1). It only got worse from there for Cessna, as young Mackenzie Weiz showed why Facundo has him aboard .

CYA @ Sunday Polo

Game 6, day 4 was a very long day for C K Shack as SD FARM came out smoking and finished the same way, jumping out to a 4 to 1 lead in the first chukka and going into half time up by 5. But when they got back, the Shack rattled them with 3 quick goals putting Shack only down by 2. Though it seemed Shack forgot the chukkar was 7 minutes, not 4 and SD roared back with 3 of their own at the end of the 4th, and continued in the same fashion for the rest of the game, ending on a bad note for CK SHACK.

Game 7, well, all I can say, it was worse than the previous game, as Park Place was clearly still annoyed about losing the finals last Sunday. Coach Julio Arellano you know wants back on track, and it seems they got there, scoring 18 goals in a walk away against Casa Blanca . We have been seeing some lopsided games and not sure why– it doesn’t look like it’s a Handicap situation. Horses for sure have something to do with it since you see some definite advantages for some there. Motivation and preparation is another glaring side of it as well. So as round 2 starts, I think Sat we may see some changes.

CYA

Game 3 was a dandy as Aspen Valley and G String went at it with untold vigor. Aspen jumped on the board early with Pablo MacDonough lighting it up often, leading 7 to 3 with 70 seconds left in the 1st half. And then bang bang G String scored 2 goals to close at half time, ending the first half only down by 2. In the second half, Aspen was ahead again by 4. I left to go eat and next thing I hear it’s gone into overtime! Aspen Valley did win in the end– a great showing by a new Patron, Vinny Sangaline.

Game 4 brought a famous family back to the U.S. Open: Stewart Armstrong, who’s father, brother, and probably a lot more family members, have been in polo for more than a century. Back now and playing well, but they were not there in the final bell, as Tamera and Diego Cavanagh were on a mission.

Game 5: Melissa Ganzi usually comes to win and she had the sticks to do it. Polito and Jeta, half of the Argentine Open champs, came out and never slowed, and did a job on Grand Champions..maybe not too friendly to her daughter Riley, but that’s Polo.

Game 6 on day 3 of the Open (PTF vs SOL DE AGOSTO) got away with a blazing start as PTF jumped out to a 3 to 1 lead, and then lost it to trail 6 to 4 at halftime. They then took the lead in the 5th, but gave it back in the 6th with a foul that put PTF down by 1 and got their 8 goal player sent to the penalty box. It looked like the end for PTF, but Matias Gonzalez was not buying it and on a #5 pass from Jesse Bray, took it through the big sticks to win it flat out with 0 seconds left on the clock.

Game 7, the final game of the day, pitted 2 of the youngest players here against a tough team made of a Family of warriors: the Obregons, with a very strong back door named Zenni. A team called La Elina against a team called Scone, but Scone had a substitute that just happened to be 10 goal Sapo, taking Mr. AC’s place. But the bullets on these two teams were not the big stars this time, but Juan Martine Obregon of La Elina and on Scone, a real threat named Keko Magrini. Talk about a bullet. You would never know Keko was the low goal pro–he won’t be for long. It was a war and ended in OT, ending with a goal by the Son of AC, Poroto.

The road continues if Mother Nature cooperates. Weather report doesn’t not sound great but we shall c. Also, I want to say this: the refs have been very consistent so far, and Rob Yackley a warrior doing an awesome job announcing all the games, seems like the voice of Polo, Mr. Coppola.

The way it is so far

Wins 1-0 Losses 0-1

Aspen Valley G string

Tamera La Indiana

Santa Rita Grand Champion

PTF Sol De Agusto

La Fe Audi

Old Hickory Dutta

Cya at polo

Game one: Audi vs. La Fe–a new team built to compete, but with a plan to do it. I had heard 2 days ago there was going to be a switch after the game started; another player to sub for a listed player, and the rumor was correct–it happened. It reminded me of an incident that happened years ago. White Birch was accused of playing a “beaten horse” in the Gold Cup that had previously played with another team in the tournament, but even though the horse (California I think her name was) did play with another team, it was in a winning game so technically she wasn’t “beaten” as the USPA rules worded, so it was legal and White Birch won the case. This created a rule change: horses played in a tournament cannot play on any other team. This must also be addressed by the USPA, because it’s going to happen throughout this tournament again and again, since it is legal by Bluebook standards at the moment. La Fe did win, and by 4 goals. It was an outstanding performance and Audi seemed a little unprepared, and sad to say, but my Son was part of it. I lost my stat sheet, but I do remember Audi missed 13 shots at goal and I believe La Fe 8, so that tells a story. Audi might be better off bringing the ball in closer I think than trying to make huge goal bombs. They’re easier to make when you’re 10ft away rather than 200. Anyway, there are a lot of games to go and we are on the road to the finals .

Game 2 on the opening day was Dutta vs. Old Hickory, and it was an exciting game on one of the oldest fields in Wellington, built in ’93 by Mr. Goodman, who forever changed POLO to an international form like nowhere else in the world, but who may soon be surpassed by The Ganzis. They are growing so fast, and changing many things just like John G. changed the POLO world. Anyway back to Polo. Dutta seemed in control for 4 chukkars with outstanding performances from Tim Dutta and Mr. Del Rio, but they must have had lunch at half time while Old Hickory ate some hot chillies because they came out smoking and never looked back–catching up in the 5th and laying it down with outstanding plays from Hilario Figureas and old Man Magrini, who lit up the big sticks for the other side. Steve Orthwein must have ate the most peppers because he was on fire as well, and must have made Mom proud with both defense and shooting at goal. They won by 2 after trailing by 4 .

Some thoughts for USPA Rules committee: taking 18 minutes to start a game because of an illegal helmet is ridiculous and a penalty from center is even worse. What is that? First they should be checked at the line 3 to 5 minutes before and start the game on time and if a player has an illegal helmet they should sit out the first chukkar. Enforce rules that are that easy to the max. You see the difference in polo since you enforced a 10 yr old one tap and hit or it’s turned over rule. It works. Make rules and enforce them. If they do not work, change them, but don’t let them set in the library for years. Polo is night and day in last 12 months since they enforced the one tap, or is it the Castagnola Boys playing old time polo hit, run and never stop? Either one has changed the game– it’s a hell of a lot more fun to watch than tap tap crap. The rule to stop this was put in ages ago, but just recently enforced. If you want to make rules, use them. Adolpho started the tap tap and he was so damn fast no one could stop him, but he did not start doing that until the late 90’s, instead he utilized Patrons for years. Linderman, George Rawlins, Tim Gannon. But that all changed over the last 2 decades–they don’t use patrons in the game anymore. Every new player thought they were the next AC. They have tried and polo has become a star sport instead of a team sport. And AC still wins 70% of the time, now at 40 + yrs. Yes he is Tom B of Polo. Think about it. POLO was called the Sport of Kings with no Pros, later the Sport of Kings became the King of Sports. It was the only sport Patrons and owners could own and compete in, and that was what made it The King Sport. But it changed– the patrons became the bank, not part of the game, and in the last 2 yrs we have had no Patrons in America raised above 5 goals, except Jared Zemi. WHY we let it happen is BULL S_ _ _ T

Cya

Polo report is back.