La Dolfina, por Cambiaso

La Dolfina alcanzó la final del Abierto de Hurlingham al vencer 17-15 a Chapa I en la tercera fecha de la zona A. De esta manera, se medirá con Ellerstina el próximo sábado para definir el ganador de la 114ª edición de este tradicional torneo, segunda etapa de la triple corona. Para explicar la victoria del conjunto liderado por Adolfo Cambiaso hay que remitirse al sexto chukker. En ese período, La Dolfina se impuso 4 a 0 y rompió la paridad en la que se encontraba el partido. Chapa I esbozó una reacción que no fue suficiente para equiparar el resultado final. En el tercer parcial, Cambiaso mostró su mejor repertorio con dos golazos: el primero desde más de 70 yardas y luego con una jugada maradoniana en la que eludió rivales y concretó el gol .En el primer partido de la jornada, El Paraíso venció 13-8 a Santa María de Lobos.

Estafadores Ghaneses

Lamentablemente existe gente estafadora que trabaja con tarjetas de crédito falsas.
La mayor cantidad de tarjetas son Master Card.
La metodología de trabajo es hacer compras vía e-commerce y las tarjetas pasan o son validadas correctamente al momento de hacerse el pago. No obstante, las tarjetas son falsas, apócrifas, las llamadas "tarjetas gemelas".
Por eso, si usted recibe compras desde países africanos, especialmente Ghana, no confíe en las transacciones y asesorese con su tarjeta de crédito porque tiene un 99% de probabilidad de que no sean operaciones reales.
Contamos con evidencia de un grupo de personas redicadas en Ghana que se dedican a este tipo de actividad. Se hacen conocer bajo el nombre de:
* Chris Anthony
* Walter Collins
* Mustapha Mantey
* Daniel Aguah
* Mark Philips
* Abdul Ranyu
* Daicy Tracy
* Norkor Smith

También usan seudonimos como:
* Tony Yayo
* Flava Jordan
* Mutala
* Juvenile
* bassit mukaila
* Abu Mallam

Utilizan correos electrónicos yahoo.com
Adjuntamos a la presente nota fotografía de uno de estos estafadores.

El propósito de estas líneas es intentar evitar que éstas personas continúen estafando gente. Por eso tenga cuidado ante cualquier posible venta- negocio que pueda entablar con un país sito en Africa.

National Bank of Dubai’s Private Office takes the honours in the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2007

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presented the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Trophy to the National Bank of Dubai Private Office team, following their 6-5 victory over the Qatar Airways squad on Friday 30 March. Both teams were joined in the presentation photographs with their sponsors – Faranak Foroughi, head of The National Bank of Dubai’s Private Office and Mr Ali Al Rais, General Manager Commercial Operations of Qatar Airways.
This prestigious polo event was being held for the second successive year at Ali Albwardy’s Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai in front of an audience of invited guests. Among those seated in the elegant grandstand was Monica Bellucci, the Italian filmstar who shot to international stardom in the Matrix films and who has just launched the Monica Bellucci Cartier Collection. She was joined by Bernard Fornas, President of Cartier, who later presented HRH Princess Haya, who is President of the Federation Equestre Internationale, with a memento of the day.
Polo supporters included Urs Schwarzenbach, winner of this event in 2006 and patron of the renowned Black Bears Polo Team. He had flown in to Dubai to support his son Guy who was playing for the Qatar team. Fellow polo patron, Vichai Rakriaksorn, who too was supporting his son Tot in the Qatar team, joined him in the grandstand. Another polo aficionado was Patrick Hermes, President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP). He acted as third man in both games – making the final umpiring decisions if the two mounted umpires – Robert Thame and Oliver Ellis – could not agree on a decision.
After the main presentation, Nico Petracci’s star pony received the Gibson Guitar Best Playing Pony Rug from HRH Princess Haya and Patrick Normand, managing director of Cartier Middle East. Ali Albwardy then presented a cheque for 100,000 dirams to the Princess on behalf of UNICEF, her chosen charity at this year’s event.
The day started with an under 21s game for the Desert Palm Trophy. The youngsters produced a thrilling performance and attracted plenty of vocal support from the spectators. After a close battle, in which the teams almost seemed to take turns to score, the Guards team came out on top, defeating Desert Palm 5-4. Desert Palm’s owner and patron of the high-goal Dubai polo team, Ali Albwardy looked on proudly as his son Rashid received the Desert Palm Trophy from HRH Princess Haya.
With the leading British polo club – Guards Polo Club – at the forefront in organising this event, there was a typically British feel to the day. After the matches, players and spectators mingled in the relaxed sofa area and were served traditional afternoon tea. Visitors to Desert Palm on this great day of polo, which is traditionally held on the eve of the Dubai World Cup, could also visit the Dubai International Flower Festival 2007 - Floral Fiesta - Ihtefaal Bil Azhaar which was organised by the Floral Art Group – Dubai. The stunning floral exhibits included a 24ft floral display dedicated to HRH Princess Haya.
Teams for the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Trophy :
National Bank of Dubai The Private Office :
Rashid Al Habtoor (1)
Nico Petracci (4)
Pippi Bordieu (6)
Tariq Albwardy (1)
Qatar Airways :
Guy Schwarzenbach (1)
Gabriel Inglesias (4)
Roddy Williams (6)
Tot Rakriaksorn (1)
Teams for the Desert Palm Trophy (under 21s) :
Guards :
Rashid Albwardy
Andreas Papoyans
Geronimo Del Carril
Matias Inglesias
Desert Palm :
Khalid Bin Drai
Tariq Al Habtoor
Mohammed Bin Drai
Rashid Bin Drai

“Only in Dubai……”

Just when we thought we had seen it all, Dubai once again pulled something ritzy and glitzy out of the desert. This year’s highly celebrated Horsepower Challenge was in aid of the Dubai Autism Centre - proudly sponsored by Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.
In stark contrast to the lives of the children throughout the UAE who suffer with the autism condition, a monster fundraising event was put together and designed to highlight the undisputed lifestyle and privileges that the majority of UAE ex-pats enjoy.
The concept of the Horsepower Challenge revolved around four polo teams made up of first season beginners from the Dubai Polo Academy. Having secured four corporate sponsors – TNT, Penfolds, Aigner & Audi Middle East, each team battled it out throughout the day beginning with a polo match in the early hours of the morning, followed by a race around Dubai in the latest Audi TT’s. The sophisticated Sateltite navigation system guided all of the vehicles to the Dubai Marina where they set sail on a luxury super yacht courtesy of Blue Water Charters, around the exclusive Palm Island. Once at their destination all teams had to negotiate a slalom course on a jet ski with their two other team members in tow on an inflatable hotdog!
During the mid day heat, all competitors where treated to a sumptuous lunch courtesy of the title sponsors Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Hotel on a traditional Dhow moored in the center of their exclusive beach resort. As the afternoon became cooler it was a dash back in the Audis’ to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club to the thousands of waiting supporters and spectators to continue the Challenge.
Two more chukkas of polo led nicely into the first ever camel polo in the UAE. With neither steering nor brakes each team brought tears of laughter to the watching crowd as the camels either bolted off or lay down mid chukka. The day’s events concluded with a fantastic display of skill from the players in the finale Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Polo Cup between Citi and Dubai Luxury Homes. In true polo style, the after party hosted by Deep Nights from Trilogy rocked Dubai to its very core. The event masterminded by Steve Thompson and Adriana de Koeyer from the Dubai Polo Academy had succeeded in creating mass brand awareness of the Autism campaign and the event raised just under 200,000AED for the cause. For further details on how to make donations to the Dubai Autism Center- please visit www.dubaiautismcenter.com
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Horsepower Challenge winners were TNT with Audi only points behind and closely followed by Penfolds and Aigner.
TNT Team :
1. Francessca Harris
2. Colin Webb
3. Mike Burbidge
4. James Drinkwater
Audi Team :
1. Ellen Meng
2. Arnie Breuer
3. Tibout Laveniere
4. James Fagan
Penfolds Team :
1. Emma Westmacott
2. Catherine Carter
3. Steve Westmacott
4. Elizabeth Clarence
Aigner Team :
1. Fiona Shepherd
2. Michaela Gradinger
3. Garry Shepherd
4. Annemieke Goos
In the final chukka of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Cup, Dubai Luxury Homes was narrowly beaten by Citi who managed to squeeze in a couple of goals in the dying seconds of the match.
Citi Team :
1. Ragnar Meitern
2. Alice Harvey
3. Mohammed Al Habtoor
4. Rashid Al Habtoor
Dubai Luxury Homes Team:
1. Helen Tatham
2. Raja Abuljebain
3. Rodger Kay
4. Sheik Khalid

The Pro Am City Polo Championship shows off top city players

Ascot Park Polo Club issued a challenge to the City to use their brawn as well as their brains and to ride head-to-head for the title of the Pro-Am City Polo Champion 2006 on September 9th.
On the day 19 City teams came together to battle it out for title of City Champion 2006. Companies who sponsored their executives and put a team forward included JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Norton Rose, Citigroup, Royal Bank of Scotland, UBS, Accenture, Fox-Davies CAPITAL, Alternative Networks, Hedge Fund Polo, Morse and Peter Schoenfeld Asset Management.
In the ‘Battle of The Titans’ the 12 goal match was won by Natwest against Citigroup with only minutes left on the clock Natwest won with 8 goals to 6.
In the 4 goal finals a close game saw Fox Davies Capital sneak out the winners with 5 goals against AOL’s 4. The sub-finals of the 4 goal so an equally nail biting scenario with Norton Rose losing with only ½ a goal against Citigroup ending on 7 ½ to 8. In the tertiary finals of the 4 goal Research Vision lost out by 2 ½ goals with UBS coming home the winner with 4 ½ goals.
The -2 to 0 goal teams played a hard a fast match against each other with Royal Bank of Scotland stealing the show coming home winners with 6 goals to Microsoft’s 1 goal. In the -4 to -2 goal level Peter Schoenfeld Asset Management put up a great fight against Deutsche Bank winning with 9 goals to Deutsche Bank’s 8. The round robin in the -6 to -4 goal saw Citigroup take first place, Goldman Sachs second with Hedge Fund Polo coming in at third place.
The -8 to -7 goal saw two well know teams – JP Morgan and UBS take to the field with up and coming players playing alongside more established players in their company. A close game showing the strength of both teams left UBS the winner with just half a goal with the final score reading 4 ½ goals to UBS.
In the arena Morse and Accenture came together to play in their first ever tournament – some of whom had only recently started playing polo. A great match was had with some very promising players showing off their newly found skills. Accenture eventually came out the winner with 5 goals to 4.
The Pro-Am City Polo Championships is about celebrating the rise in City based polo players and the 9th September proved to illustrate this point. Ascot Park is delighted to see so many new teams enter the tournament this year and witness more established polo players support the up and coming players in their companies.
The aim of the Pro-Am City Polo Championships is to encourage new talent into the world of polo, and offers the opportunity for newcomers to the sport based in the City to be able to play alongside professionals and share the same passion for the game – something which is unique to the sport of polo.
At the forefront of City Polo Ascot Park continues to introduce new companies and individual to the sport, be it through participation, sponsorship or corporate entertainment. Ascot Park would like to thank the following companies for their kind support of the tournament – BSG Team Ventures; Hampton’s International, Knight Frank and La Golondrina Polo Estancia.
Congratulations to the following players for receiving Most Valuable Player at their level sponsored by La Golondrina Polo Estancia – awarding each player with three days training in Argentina:
Daniel Fox Davies (2 to 4 goal)
Raphael Singh (2 to 4 goal)
Kwan Lo (-2 to 0 goal)
Karl Devine (-6 to -4 goal)
Special recognition also went to the following players on behalf of Ascot Park Polo Club for their impact on the development of City Polo.
Colin Church (Citigroup), Matthew Singleton (Citigroup), Camilla Gignoux (Goldman Sachs), Mike Thornton (F&C Investments), James-Scott Wong (UBS).
About Ascot Park Polo Club
Established in 1976 Ascot Park Polo Club is now the world’s largest polo training centre in the world catering for all levels and abilities. Part of the aim of the club is to dispel the myths associated with polo and make the sport accessible to all through the Discover Polo experience and the Corporate Learn to Play Polo Experience.
Ascot Park is a full playing members club in addition to providing a Training Centre for newcomers to the sport. It is the founder of and home to the International Women’s Polo Association affiliated with 33 countries around the globe. In addition to this Ascot Park established the first ever Women’s World Championships, the Corporate Learn to Play Experience and was host to the first City Championships established in 2004.

Press Release - 4 major prizes for British Breeders – Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage and Polo …

In an unprecedented move, Beaufort Embryo Transfer will be giving away 4 major prizes for British Breeders at various events in 2007. The prizes will be offered to either the highest placed Mare or British Bred Horse – covering Eventing, Show Jumping, Dressage and Polo. The Prizes will be given away at the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials, The Audi Polo Awards and Hickstead.
Beaufort Embryo Transfer is now an established leader in the field of Embryo Transfer, run by Equine vet Emma Tomlinson, with the World’s top Embryo Transfer vet Dr. Fernando Riera.
“To breed from your Mare while she is still competing has immense advantages to both breeders and owners” insists Emma Tomlinson, “you can breed from your Mare without interrupting her training programme, you can also breed from Mares who have uterine based fertility problems and sell well bred embryos or foals”.
Beaufort Embryo Transfer invites anyone with an interest in embryo transfer to a brief presentation at the Beaufort Polo Club, Westonbirt, Glos, GL8 8QW, on Tuesday 1st of May at 6.30 pm. Please RSVP through our website below.
For more information on embryo transfer see www.beaufortembryotransfer.com (click on ‘www’ above or below to go directly to website).
Breeder’s/Mare Awards to be selected at :
3rd-6th May 2007 - Badminton Horse Trials
28th-1st July - Hickstead British Jumping Derby
25th-29th July - The Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead
Down Farm, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QW
t: 01666 840423
f: 01666 840571
e: info@beaufortembryotransfer.com

WORLD ELEPHANT POLO ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP 2006

3 December 2006

Founder wins the 25th World Elephant Polo Championship for Scotland

Defending champions Chivas Regal Scotland relinquished their title at the 25th World Elephant Polo Championship in Nepal which took place between 26 November and 2 December – but the title remains with Scotland in this 25th anniversary year.

The Angus Estates team, captained by co-founder of the World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) James Manclark, beat local challengers National Parks of Nepal in a thrilling final winning 8-6.

Manclark, from Haddington near Edinburgh, founded WEPA in 1982 with Jim Edwards, proprietor of Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge located within the Chitwan National Park in Nepal, where the world championship has been held ever since.

Sixty seven year old Manclark said: “This has been a magnificent way to complete 25 years. This is my most exciting sporting moment which I shall treasure for ever. I am also thrilled that we have kept the World Championship in Scotland for another year.”

In a spectacular final played in front of a 2000 strong crowd the scores began 4-3 to Angus Estates according to the handicapping system. However Manclark, playing the first half on an elephant he owns, notched up 4 goals, the first of which was scored after just 44 seconds. Manclark continued to dominate play but was still ably assisted by his team mates, Jamie and Anne Douglas from Dalmahoy, Edinburgh, and David Wildridge.

The second half saw the National Parks try to reduce the deficit with a slight elephant advantage having swapped at half time. Led by Ram Pritt Yadav, the National Parks team of Kala Kamal, Sri Mangal Chaudhary and Rameshwor Chaudhary showed touches of brilliance benefiting from year-round work with the elephants. And after two and a half minutes they eventually notched up their first score with Ram Pritt Yadav evading some furious defence from Manclark and Wildridge.

Manclark’s determination showed as he then took personal responsibility for the match storming between defence and attack. However Kala Kumal chalked a second score after 5 minutes to bring the scores to 8-5. Kala Kamal set up another goal with a longshot that was collected by Ram Pritt Yadav and converted to reduce the deficit to 2 goals. But with just 50 seconds left on the clock, Manclark won the restart with a hit deep into the opposition half and safety for the new World Champions.

Defending champions Chivas Regal Scotland who lost their semi-final to old rivals National Parks, took third place by beating Tiger Tops Tuskers 10-9. With scores tied at full time they entered a golden goal situation but wasted little time with Prentice scoring in the first minute. Playing without their captain the Duke of Argyll, the team still notched up the most goals in the tournament with a mighty 40, mostly scored by Peter Prentice.

Amateur Triumph for English based players

The Chivas Regal Olympic Quaich, for amateur teams who do no qualify for the World Championship playoffs, was won by an international team with members from Market Harborough, Sutton Coldfield, Kathmandu and Bermuda. The Queen Victoria’s Own (QVO) team included Verity Davies, marketing manager for Market Harborough based Joules Clothing who supply several teams with official elephant polo kit, Richard Davies, Matt Bird from Sutton Coldfield and Chris Johnston from Bermuda. The side was captained by Rinchen Choegyal from Kathmandu.

In the amateur final they beat the Chopard sponsored Hong Kong team, consisting of Dave Garcia, John Titley, Roland Buser and Ricky Smith, 7-2 against the form book. Lead player Choegyal won the up-front battle with the skilful Buser who still showed flashes of brilliance when allowed to break away. However superior teamwork meant QVO’s first half lead was defended and even extended in the second half to seal the victory.

The battle for 7th place was won by the International Tigresses team beating the British Gurkhas 4-2. The Tigresses – Tia Rongsen, Samantha Prentice, Carolyn Syangbo and Marsha Nazarova – battled hard against an agile team from the British Gurkas consisting of Sarah Marshall, Wes Hughes, Fritz Fraser, Jim Thornhill and Phil Lannon.

The All Nepal Challenge for mahoots, who both control their elephant and play with sticks, generated the anticipated fast and colourful display of elephant polo and was watched by an excited and knowledgeable crowd on prize giving day. Tiger Tops used their team work and positional play to good effect and lept to an early lead 4-2 lead in the first half. The second half saw National Parks try to reduce gap with long shots but were not able to convert effectively with the final score 6-4 to Tiger Tops.

Entries for the 26th World Championship are now being invited, more information available on www.elephantpolo.com or from info@elephantpolo.com.

For further information contact:
Carolyn Syangbo (World Elephant Polo Association) +977 98510 36695 / ccs@mos.com.np
Jim Long (Chivas Regal Scotland/World Elephant Polo Association)
+ 44 (0) 208 250 1641 / + 44 (0) 7799 075072

Note to Editors:

• The event is organised by Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge on the edge of Chitwan National Park. The World Elephant Polo Championships will again be raising money for the local region and has supported schools and orphanages in the area throughout the history of the tournament.

Notes on Elephant Polo:

• The World Elephant Polo Association was founded 25 years ago in Nepal by two Brits, James Manclark and Jim Edwards
• It has now become a series of world-class events embodying superb skill and daring, undertaken in a spirit of fun and goodwill, and at the same time contributing to charity
• Over the years the event has drawn many well know faces including; HH Princess Jyotsna of Nepal, The Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Billy Connelly, Steven Seagal and Stephanie Powers
• Tournaments are held in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal each year
• Under the auspices of the World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA), the format is similar to horse polo and uses the same size ball and longer sticks
• In Nepal, four elephant teams compete over two 10-minute chukkas on a pitch one-third the size of a horse polo pitch, about the size of a football pitch.
• In Thailand and Sri Lanka similar rules apply with the use of three elephants per side
• ‘Mahouts’ or drivers control elephants, whilst the players concentrate on wielding extra long polo sticks
• Professional polo players are handicapped in the same way as horse polo whilst seasoned elephant polo players also carry a one goal handicap
• Other rules include:

- Elephants are swapped at half time to even out any advantage
- No elephants may lie down in front of the goalmouth
- An elephant may not pick up the ball with its trunk during play
- Stepping on the ball is forbidden

Complete Stats

Monday 27th November

09.00 British Gurkhas (6) V National Parks (9)

10.00 Queen Victoria’s Own (6) V Chopard (4)

11.00 Tigresses (3) V Angus Estates (6)

12.00 Tiger Tops Tuskers (10) V Chivas Regal (8)

Tuesday 28th November

09.00 Chopard (6) V Chivas Regal (15)

10.00 British Gurkhas (3) V Tigresses (3)

11.00 Tiger Tops Tuskers (10) V Queeen Victoria’s Own (5)

12.00 National Parks (7) V Angus Estates (6)

Wednesday 29th November

09.00 British Gurkhas (5) V Angus Estates (9)

10.00 Tiger Tops Tuskers (9) v Chopard (6)

11.00 Tigresses (4) V National Parks (5)

12.00 Chivas Regal (11) V Queen Victoria’s Own (5)

Thursday 30th November

09.00 Penalty shoot out
Tigresses (0) V British Gurkhas (3)

09.30 1st Chivas Regal Olympic Quaiche Semi Final
Chopard (4) V British Gurkhas (3)

10.30 1st WEPA Cup Semi Final
Tiger Tops Tuskers (6) V Angus Estates (8)

11.30 2nd Chivas Regal Olympic Quaiche Semi Final
Queen Victoria’s Own (3) V Tigresses (2)

12.30 2nd WEPA Cup Semi Final
National Parks (14) V Chivas Regal (8)

Friday 1st December

09.00 Chivas Regal Olympic Quaiche3rd/4th Playoff
Tigresses (4) V British Gurkhas (2)

10.00 WEPA Cup 3rd/4th Playoff
Chivas Regal (10) V Tiger Tops Tuskers (9)

11.30 Chivas Regal Olympic Quaiche Final
Chopard (2) V Queen Victoria’s Own (7)

12.30 WEPA Cup Final
National Parks (6) V Angus Estates (8)

La DOLFINA SHOWMATCH derrotó a la AGUADA TELMEX obteniendo el 113° Cto. argentino abierto Movistar

Polo (14 de diciembre)
La DOLFINA SHOWMATCH derrotó a la AGUADA TELMEX obteniendo el 113° Cto. argentino abierto Movistar

De la Asociación Argentina de Polo

La DOLFINA SHOWMATCH derrotó a la AGUADA TELMEX obteniendo el 113° Cto. argentino abierto Movistar De la Asociación Argentina de Polo

En vibrante e intenso encuentro, pese a las marcas a presión, con una muy emotiva definición, la invicta y polifacética formación de La Dolfina ShowMatch (39 goles) en otra demostración de su polo circunscrito, por momentos, a las genialidades de Adolfo Cambiaso (que acaparó distinciones y trofeos) elaboró una victoria justa ante la fuerte e inclaudicable formación de La Aguada Telmex (37) por 14 a 13, en chukker suplementario, con gol de oro de Bartolomé Castagnola, en el partido final del 113º Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo Movistar, adjudicándose hoy sábado 9/12, en la rapidísima cancha 1 de la no menos famosa Catedral del Polo por segunda vez consecutiva con esta sólida alineación e inscribió por tercera vez La Dolfina su nombre en la Copa Championship Challenger. Este máximo certamen mundial interclubes ha reunido en esta excepcional temporada de alto handicap 2006, a ocho formidables formaciones de 28 a 39 goles de valorización, habiéndose alineados en varias de ellas los nueve jugadores argentinos que ostentan los 10 goles de handicap, máxima calificación individual en el juego. De acuerdo a lo sucedido en este brillante y emotivo encuentro, de ida y vuelta, matizado con deslumbrantes definiciones, especialmente de Cambiaso que con los once goles señalados en la fecha ha reunido 503 goles superando el record en la materia de Bautista Heguy que era de 501, cifras que se magnifican con la trascendencia del compromiso y la firme oposición expuesta, individual y colectivamente, por el perdedor a través de todo el desarrollo de esta final, que tuvo en las variantes del marcador y la incertidumbre por el ganador sus mayores atributos.

Fue fundamental para el trámite de la lucha el contínuo ida y vuelta, que tuvieron las acciones, sin concepciones de ningún tipo, con alternativas cambiantes y franco tono ofensivo, sucediéndose las situaciones de emoción frente a ambos mimbres. Si bien no hubo continuidad en todas las maniobras de calidad expuestas por los notables jugadores que las protagonizaron, estas fueron posibles con caballos puestos a punto y a tono con la jerarquía del certamen, en una cancha que respondió magníficamente a las exigencias de la lucha.

La integración de La Dolfina de los cuñados Cambiaso y Castagnola, desde el advenimiento de Mariano Aguerre y Lucas Monteverde (h), estos han demostrado con el logro de esos dos títulos, que son los hombres ideales para hacer cubrir las exigencias del armado y la neutralización, respectivamente, más la eficiente y efectiva proyección ofensiva, acompañando con varios tipos de variantes técnicas, los desplazamientos de Cambiaso, con apariciones muy festejadas por su tribuna y por los que disfrutan de toda su creatividad y capacidad en el dribbling. Cuando lo lograron, neutralizaron el comienzo promisorio para La Aguada que comandó el marcador, tras varios empates, hasta el quinto chukker, en los cuales los goles psicológicos y sutiles de Miguel Novillo Astrada ponían siempre en duda la suerte del repetido campeón. Sus hermanos, fieles al planteo de juego expuesto siempre se complementaron a la perfección y por ello con el respaldo muy sólido de “Nacho” y la multiplicidad de Javier y Eduardo se las ingeniaron para presentar lucha hasta el alargue, con muchas posibilidades de éxito hasta en el mismo, aún cuando La Dolfina, con su excepcional sexto chukker, en el cual Cambiaso, como lo hizo en muchos pasajes de la lucha, fue figura excluyente del espectáculo por la desorientación que causó en sus pegajosos marcadores, que se escalonaron en muchos pasajes para aislarlo del resto e impedir sus proyecciones, con los hábiles y tesoneros Monteverde y Aguerre, quienes si bien señalaron un gol cada uno, como el del “Lolo” Castagnola (múltiple, tesonero y sereno como nunca) que le dio la victoria a su equipo.

Los equipos y las progresiones:

La Dolfina ShowMatch: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10 (11 goles, siete de penal), Lucas Monteverde (h) 9 (1), Mariano Aguerre 10 (1) y Bartolomé Castagnola 10 (1). Total: 39. La Aguada Telmex: Javier Novillo Astrada 9 (3, dos de penal), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (h) 9 (1), Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 (5) e Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9 (4, dos de penal y uno de córner). Total: 37.

La Dolfina ShowMatch: 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 6-6, 6-8, 10-9, 12-12, 13-13 y 14-13.

Jueces: Daniel Boudou y Matías Baibiene.
Arbitro: Esteban Ferrari.
Arbitro Suplente: Martín Haurie.

En la entrega de premios también hubo una notable concurrencia, que inicialmente aplaudió lo reseñado por el presidente de la AAP, Francisco E. Dorignac, con referencia a este certamen y todos los esfuerzos realizados junto a su Consejo Directivo para dotar a la Catedral del Polo del mayor confort en sus tribunas y del aporte de la firma Techint para el cambio de todas las butacas afectadas por el granizo. A renglón seguido fueron los integrantes de los dos equipos los aplaudidos, en particular Adolfo Cambiaso (h), que hizo acopio al convertirse en el goleador del certamen con 47 goles recibiendo el premio AAP, el mejor montado de la final con la Copa Fomento Equino; Copa Gonzalo Tanoira al jugador mejor montado del campeonato y el premio Gonzalo Heguy al jugador más valioso de la final (entregado por Nora Heguy). En tanto, el Comandante de Remonta y Veterinaria, Coronel Mayor Carlos M. Silvestre entregó las réplicas al equipo finalista. El Jefe del Estado Mayor General del Ejército, Tte. Gral. Roberto Bendini entregó el trofeo mayor al capitán del equipo campeón, Mariano Aguerre, en tanto, el presidente de AAP y el vice, Dorignac y Juan Badiola, hicieron lo propio con los integrantes del ganador. Por su parte, el director de Marketing del Title Sponsor del certamen, Movistar, Sr. Dario Fainguersch, entregó la Copa que lleva el nombre de dicha empresa a su capitán y las réplicas a todos sus integrantes. Por otra parte la Copa Susan Townley al mejor ejemplar jugador del torneo fue para Aiken Cura, propiedad de Adolfo Cambiaso (h) y cría de Ricardo Santamarina, trofeo que fue entregado por Francisco Dorignac al caballo que lamentablemente se quebró en el suplementario. Por último, la tradicional manta de la Asociación Argentina de Criadores de Caballos de Polo, la colocó su titular, el escribano Guillermo Fournieres a Dolfina Cuartetera, de Adolfo Cambiaso e Ignacio Archain, de la firma La Martina, entregó un bolso al acaparador Cambiaso e Irene Pérez le hizo entregas de una montura.

thlete Portrait Campaign Debuts at Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals with Poster Sales to Benefit USET Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mary Hilton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Hilton, Phelps Media Group, Inc. International at (561) 753-3389 or at info@phelpsmediagroup.com

WEB SITE: Phelps Media Group, Inc. International Press Releases are available for download at http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com/

PHOTO CAPTION: Show Jumping Athletes Composite Poster. PHOTO CREDIT: Elma Garcia. This photo may be used only in relation to this press release.



Athlete Portrait Campaign Debuts at Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals with Poster Sales to Benefit USET Foundation

GLADSTONE, NJ – April 13, 2007 – Sixteen extraordinary images measuring 4’ x 6’ of High Performance athletes who compete in the Olympic sports of dressage and show jumping will hang impressively in the walkway of the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals, marking the debut of the Athlete Portrait Campaign created by Director/Cinematographer Elma Garcia.

Garcia created the campaign to serve a dual purpose of public relations and fundraising to benefit the USET Foundation. “My idea is to show the public the other side of these athletes,” Garcia explained, “to show the connection between the athlete and the horse, and to celebrate who these people are.”

For spectators, four Limited Edition posters from the Athlete Portrait Campaign will be available April 18-21 at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals for a donation of $35 or more to the USET Foundation. These stunning posters are a special collector’s item and will not be found for sale anywhere else. After the World Cup™, the posters will be available through the USET Foundation website at www.uset.org only while supplies last. All proceeds from the sales of the posters will benefit the U.S. equestrian team athletes and their High Performance programs.

The dramatic posters from the Athlete Portrait Campaign feature close-up portraits of equestrian athletes dressed in ‘civilian’ attire posing with their famous mounts and include a short rider biography on the back. Autograph sessions with the athletes will be scheduled during the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas.

Show jumping fans may select a 24” x 36” poster of Beezie Madden with Authentic, as well as an 18” x 40” composite poster featuring nine athletes and their horses – Lauren Hough and Casadora, Todd Minikus and Olinda, Molly Ashe and Kroon Gravin, Candice King and Coco Cabana, Beezie Madden and Authentic, Laura Kraut and Miss Independent, Margie Engle and Hidden Creek’s Quervo Gold, Schuyler Riley and Ilian, and McLain Ward and Larioso.

Dressage aficionados may choose a 24” x 36” poster of Debbie McDonald with Brentina, as well as the 18” x 40” composite poster of six athletes and their horses – Steffen Peters and Floriano, Courtney King and Idocus, Guenter Seidel and Aragon, Debbie McDonald and Brentina, Arlene Page and Wild One, and Kristina Harrison-Naness and Rociero XV.

To create these outstanding portraits, Garcia utilized her skills as a still photographer to photograph the athletes with their horses in barns and arenas in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California during 2006 and 2007 at her own expense. In addition to the show jumpers and dressage riders, Garcia also photographed athletes from three-day eventing, the third Olympic discipline. She purchased wardrobe for each athlete and brought David Michaud, a make-up artist from Los Angeles, to do hair and makeup. Garcia used a 20’ x 24’ black backdrop and natural light to illuminate her subjects. “The backdrop allowed all the energy and attention to go to the horse and rider and that connection,” Garcia explained. “That is another element that makes this campaign look so beautiful – it’s just horse and rider and the essence of who they are.”

Garcia noted that all the athletes were great models and excited about the Athlete Portrait Campaign. “All the athletes were fantastic and enthusiastic about this,” Garcia said. “They’re all extremely grateful to the USET Foundation and for them, it’s been great.”

Garcia brainstormed the idea for the Athlete Portrait Campaign in the fall of 2005 when she was at River Grove Farm in Hailey, Idaho, enjoying the month-long training session she had claimed as one of three high bidders at the 2004 Debbie McDonald Training Package Auction. Even though Garcia (and each of the other winning bidders) had contributed $80,000 to clinch the package at the auction – a benefit for the USET Foundation, she considered that a small price to pay for the experience of a lifetime. Garcia explained that she wanted to say ‘thank-you’ to the USET Foundation, McDonald, other athletes, and owners such as Peggy and Parry Thomas of River Grove Farm, by portraying equestrian athletes to the public in a different light while also helping to raise funds for the USET Foundation.

“They’re very beautiful. I’m very proud of them,” Garcia said of the Athlete Portrait Campaign images. “To me it’s a privilege to be able to use my gift in a positive way for the love of photography and the love of horses and the love of athletes. It’s fantastic! It’s what it’s all about.”

The posters from the Athlete Portrait Campaign available to the public at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals are a Limited Edition and once they are sold out, they will not be reprinted. These stunning posters are a special collector’s item and will not be found for sale anywhere else. After the World Cup, the posters will be available through the USET Foundation website at www.uset.org only while supplies last.

The non-profit United States Equestrian Team Foundation supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance athletes and horses in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. For more information about the USET Foundation or to make a donation, please call (908) 234-1251 or visit its website at www.uset.org.

An Interview with the Crown Prince

HRH the Crown Prince of Pahang started riding and playing polo in 1974. he and his immediate family were still living in Kuantan then, but his father sent the two boys to Pekan each weekend for riding lessons. ‘Every Saturday and Sunday, without fail, we had to arrive there by six am. My grandfather would be waiting for us in the paddock. Sometimes we didn’t even sleep because we were so excited’.

The boys had to learn to ride competently before they were given their own ponies, or allowed to start playing polo. Their first ponies were not a great success: ‘They were really wild ponies. We were sent into the jungle to fetch them, and we couldn’t ride them at all. So we sent them to Pekan for the senior players to train them, but they didn’t get anywhere either! Then my pony tried to bite my grandfather’s hand when he was offering it a carrot, so that was it. The next morning they were gone!’
The rebel jungle ponies were replaced with more suitable mounts for TM and his brother to learn on – two grays, retired polo ponies from the late Sultan of Johor’s stable. The boys used to enjoy riding them on the beach and then, after six months, when they had learnt the basic skills in the saddle, they were allowed to play their first chukkas.
Next came the other important aspect of horsemanship – learning to care for their ponies. ‘We kept them at the back of the house in Kuantan. That saved the driving to Pekan. We had to take care of them and did the grooming and mucking out! Then we went to England for our studies. During that time my father bought us our first proper polo ponies – mine was called Apache. My first chukka was played in front of my granddad. He would always give us the last, ‘sunset’ chukka after the main games had finished – that was how we learnt’.
As he told the story of his early polo career, Tengku Mahkota was reminded of the day his grandfather died. ‘On that day, he gave me his favourite horse to play, Sylvester. He seldom gave that horse to anyone, except my father. I only learnt later, many years after his demise, that as he watched us on the field, he told one of his men: ‘My two grandsons will take polo far’.

‘We took off from there. My dad started bringing horses from Argentina. Until then we had always bought horses from Australia and New Zealand, and the quality there in those days was very different from now. My brother and I have played many tournaments overseas. When we were at school in London, I had Prince Charles on my team. We played as the Pahang team in the Windsor Cup at the Guards Club. Prince Charles played 4, I played 1, and we had Charles Beresford and Howard Hipwood with us. I also played in the high goal tournaments in the UK for many years – the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup. I was privileged to play with some good players – Peter Merlos, Howard Hipwood, Tommy Juarante and Memo Gracida. I have also played a bit in Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany (during the recent world cup), the USA, Hawaii, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.
‘Some of the best moments were playing the Queen’s Cup. This was solid stuff – 22 goal polo – against people like Ellerston and Dubai, who had some of the world’s best players on their team, like Adolpho Cambiaso, Gonzalo Pieres and the Heguys. Not many teams have that kind of power. They are very intelligent players; it’s not easy playing against them. They have much more experience than me, because they have played so much more high goal polo than I have. That experience is something you cannot compare with what we have.
‘When I play with the top professionals, they treat me like any other player. I like them to treat me like that, not as a patron. I enjoy myself more by committing myself to the team, not just banking on the professionals to do everything.
‘Two things keep me interested in polo these days. First, through polo I can keep myself really fit. Second, I want to see the young players, especially in Pahang, develop and able to play well. Now that we have lost our best player, Shariman, I am putting a lot of effort to see one or two more players come up to take over Shariman’s place. And of course I am still waiting for my sons to pick up the sport – Amir, who is 20 , Hassanal, who is 11, and the two youngest, Muhammad and Ahmad, who are only 9 and 5 years old’

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTED GAMES EXCHANGE IN AUSTRALIA

Since I started playing games seven years ago, I dreamed of aking the United States Pony Club International Games Team. After years of preparation, I was notified in October, 2004, that I as one of five members chosen for the 2005 International Games Team traveling to Australia.
On March 27, 2005, I met up with the complete 2005 team, onsisting of Brett Calhoun, Drew Sargent, Kassi Nicopolous, Carson Rutledge, and myself, along with our coach, Beth Lough, and chaperone, Linda Caddel, at the LAX airport. Finally, we were on the plane taking us to Sydney, Australia. Fifteen hours later, we piled into two cars and headed “home.” I was caught off guard when we started driving on the opposite side of the road, but after three weeks, I got used to it. We met the Australian team when we got there, and then we had our first
training session. I ended up getting into a handoff collision with Carson that first session, and I was worried I wouldn’t recover in time for the competition. Fortunately, I recovered enough to ride.
After the week of training, touring, white water rafting, and doctor visits, it was time to leave Sydney and fly to Adelaide for the official start of the tour.
At the airport, we were met by the Canadian, Great Britain, and New Zealand teams. Despite never knowing each other, we all seemed to really hit it off from the start. Then we piled on the bus that would be our mobile home over the next two weeks and headed to a potluck dinner. From there we were split up between our host families.

Over a course of six days in Adelaide, we managed to play Polocrosse, camp, have one of two training sessions, visit the Woodyard Activity Centre, Victoria Harbor, and shop! At the activity centre, we did ropes courses, rock climbing, and abseiling. It was a lot of fun, incredibly entertaining, and even tiring. At Victoria Harbor, we got to go kayaking and to the oceanarium. I even
got to pet a shark! Next it was off to Kangaroo Island, where all the teams camped together at an old school. While on the island, we
got to visit a sheep dairy and a sheep shearing demonstration, visit a eucalyptus company, and possibly the highlight of my trip: I got to see and pet kangaroos and koalas! Then, before I knew it, the five days on the island were up and we headed back to the mainland. Our next and final stop was Gawler. While there, we visited a gorgeous farm, Lindsay Park, which is one of the largest, most successful racing and breeding facilities of South Australia.
We also visited a place called Bungaree Station, a large sheep plantation establishes from absolutely nothing. Then, one day, we got to spend a day of shopping in downtown Gawler. Later
that night, all teams were invited to the official opening of the Gawler Horse Festival, where I had a microphone and
platform to thank the mayor of Gawler for inviting the teams.
Finally, we mounted up and paraded around the ring for opening ceremonies. Words can’t describe the way I felt walking around the ring, representing the USA, and all the excitement of the crowd was overwhelming. Before I knew it, we had finished the first race.
After that, everything was a blur. One by one, we finished the races, winning some, losing some, and coming in some
incredibly close seconds. For the majority of the competition, Australia narrow1y led the USA. In the end, our efforts fell short and our best wasn’t quite enough. USA fought hard to the end and finished a very respectable second place to host Australia. Then a
very emotional group of riders hugged and congratulated one anothere. Before I knew it, we were saying goodbye. If I could do it all again, I would in a heart beat. The trip was such a great experience, the chance of a lifetime. I now have friends around the world, best friends from around the US, and memories that will last a lifetime. I was so proud to be a part of Team USA 2005. To all the games players out there, ride hard and dream big! There is
nothing you can’t accomplish if you set your mind to it!

Polo Wicklow

POLO WICKLOW GETS A NEW PRESIDENT

The Polo Wicklo w committee and Oscar decided last weekend that it was time we had a new president, after a lot of discussions we have finally come to a decision and Sean Reynolds has been appointed as our new President. Sean Reynolds has been a member of Polo Wicklow for the last 8 years and is one of the main supporters of Arena polo in Ireland making him the ideal candidate for the job. Mr Reynolds has also been a representative of the club playing in the USA last year in the annual Ireland v USA match in Newport and Yale. Congratulations Sean and Good Luck!! - I’ve heard Oscar isn’t easy to work with but if you need help check out parrottraining.com!!!

THE HUNT LEAVES FROM POLO WICKLOW

The Bray Hunt had their second annual meet at Polo Wickl ow last weekend, 68 people tacked up their horses and ran after the hounds jumping the big ditches of the Wicklow countryside. While all this was going polo continued in the arena as normal. All the hunting crowd then came into the clubhouse for the famous ‘Beef Stew’ made by Wendy Herbst while watching their days hunting on the full size screen in the clubhouse.

A WEEKEND OF SPANISH PYJAMAS

The Spanish Team arrived last weekend to take on the 3 Irish teams, winning on Friday by 5 goals against, Siobhan and Mickey Herbst and Sean Reynolds, they took on Derville Hoey, Ronan Murphy and Joe O’Connell on Saturday to loose by 3 goals. The final day was the Spanish Team, Stefan Spengler, Jorg Be cke and Jan Schonlau taking on the Irish Team of Joe O’Connell, Mickey Herbst and Robert Patton, Ireland won by 5 goals. On Saturday night we had the joint birthday party of Siobhan and Mickey. Everyone had to dress in Pyjamas, there were toothbrushes and hair curlers everywhere while everybody danced the night away in their bedclothes! We also had a special friend and professional musician, Stephen Ffrench Davis, playing the Piano and a group of Latvian Dancers teaching us how to do their traditional dance.

KIKI QUARLES VAN UFFORD IS BACK ON A HORSE

After a frightening accident last year out hunting Kiki had extreme injuries to her back and was given the prospect of spending the rest of her life in a wheelchair. With a lot of love, support and determination she has now given us the incredible news that she’s back up on a horse. Kiki came over to Ireland with a group of Dutch people, organised by Andy Burgess, to learn polo at the beginning of last year. Six months later she returned on the Dutch polo team fighting it out against the Irish. It was 2 mo nths later that she had this awful accident. As Kiki is now well on her way back to full recovery we hope to see her back here battling it out for the cup again. Well done Kiki!!!

POLO WICKLOW TAKE HOME THE PAKISTAN CUP

Last weekend Polo Wicklow took part in the final tournament of the season in the All Ireland Polo Club, Phoenix Park. Siobhan, Micky and Carlos teamed up with Mario Giles to play for the most wanted Pakistan Cup, covered in Blue and Turquoise Jewels, this was the Cup that everyone aimed for. After and easy win against Oakleaf on Thursday (3½ - 14), Polo Wicklow were set to take on, one of the favourites of the tournament, Nurney captained by Bill Roe. Polo Wicklow and Nurney were very equal throughout the game, with only half a goal in it awarded to Nurney for Handicap, the crowds were kept at the edge of their seats. With only 20 seconds to go and Polo Wicklow down by half a goal, a centre hit was awarded to Polo Wicklow. With nothing to loose, Mario sent the ball up to Carlos, who placed perfectly, finished it off with the m ost incredible ‘under-the-neck-shot’ straight into goal, 7 seconds before the buzzer. In the final, Polo Wicklow faced Tyrone, captained by Eamon Laverty, one of the most successful teams of the season, with equal handicaps there was always the chance of a 5th chukka. Throughout the first 2 chukkas, Tyrone had the edge on Polo Wicklow, but in the 3rd chukka Carlos came out on his best pony, Malteser, and took the field by storm scoring 3 field goals, leaving Polo Wicklow up by 3 goals going into the final chukka. With Tyrone’s professional, Jose Souto (famous for coming back from nothing in the final chukka to win) taking off at the beginning of the chukka to score 3 goals, making it 6 all, the crowds didn’t know who to cheer for. Once again, Carlos was on form and with only 30 seconds on the clock, Polo Wicklow was awarded a 60yard Penalty, Carlos cantered up slowly and with a full swing sent it flying through the centre of the posts. The 2 teams lined up at the centre and Souto broke away with the ball, thankfully Carlos stopped him only to be backed up by the rest of his team, and finally the final bell went, 7 -6 to Polo Wicklow, who last won the cup in 2002.

WCVM equine health research teams receive $410,000

The Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Veterinary Health and Research Fund has awarded $410,000 for three cutting-edge research investigations of equine endotoxemia, neonatal Rhodococcus equi pneumonia and genetic ocular disorders at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

“All three research projects will be conducted by multi-disciplinary teams of scientists from WCVM, the University of Saskatchewan and other research institutions across North America,” says Dr. Norman Rawlings, the veterinary college’s associate dean of research. “Each collaborative team brings a great deal of clinical and laboratory expertise to the table, and we’re very excited about their potential for making real, concrete progress in overcoming these longstanding issues in horse health.”

These are the first research projects to receive financial support from the new research fund that was created in August 2006 when the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation contributed $1.07 million to WCVM’s equine and companion animal health programs. Based on the donors’ wishes, the college will use $750,000 of the contribution toward large-scale, WCVM-based equine research projects over the next five years.

Rawlings says all submitted grants underwent a stringent review process that was conducted by three prominent Canadian veterinary scientists. The grant review committee specifically considered the scientific merit of each grant proposal, the collective expertise of each research team and the potential impact for each project to improve horse health care in Canada and around the world.

• Equine endotoxemia: A research team will receive $60,000 per year for the next three years to investigate the use of novel nanomedicines to treat endotoxemia, a complicating factor in many equine diseases and a major cause of death in horses.

The principal investigator is Dr. Baljit Singh, a professor in WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and a leading researcher in the biology of inflammation and the role of pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) in endotoxemia. Singh and his team members plan to use new, molecular-based medicines to target and destroy PIMs — critical promoters of endotoxin-induced tissue damage.

• Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals: Scientists will receive $50,000 per year for the next three years to gain a better understanding of foals’ immune response and susceptibility to this infectious disease.

Team leader Dr. Hugh Townsend is a professor in WCVM’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and program manager of the Vaccine Development Group at the Vaccine Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). The team’s work will enhance the understanding of foals’ innate and adaptive immune responses, and the disease process of R. equi pneumonia. The ultimate goal is to develop new vaccine strategies for young foals.

• Genetic ocular disorders: A research team will receive $40,000 per year for the next two years to identify the genetic mutations that induce congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in the Appaloosa breed and anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) in the Rocky Mountain horse breed.

Dr. Bruce Grahn, a professor of veterinary ophthalmology in WCVM’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, leads the diverse research team that includes specialists in ophthalmology, ocular biochemistry, molecular genetics and phenotype research. The team’s investigations will identify the mutations responsible for the ocular conditions, inheritance patterns, the links to coat colour, and the pathogenesis of each disorder.

For more detailed information about each project, please click here.

In addition to their initial $1.07-million gift, Ryan and Dubé have pledged to “match” any new money contributed to the fund that they created for major equine research projects at WCVM or any increased amounts in contributions to the college’s Equine Health Research Fund. The donors’ foundation will annually contribute up to $100,000 in matching funds — providing WCVM with the opportunity to potentially raise $1 million for its equine health research programs by 2011. Visit www.ehrf.usask.ca for details.

WCVM is a Canadian centre for veterinary education, expertise and research that’s located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, Sask. Nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the college that annually attracts more than $5 million in research funding from public and private sources.

Maria Schaub Defends Title to Win WEF Equitation Championship For Second Year in a Row; Maggie McAlary Earns a Very Close Second

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chrissy Lane for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
MEDIA CONTACT: Chrissy Lane of Phelps Media Group, Inc. at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
WEB SITE: Phelps Media Group, Inc. International Press Releases are available for download at http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com/.
PHOTO CREDIT: Maria Schaub and Aaron. Photo ©2007 Jennifer Wood. Photo may be used only in relation to this press release.
Maria Schaub Defends Title to Win WEF Equitation Championship For Second Year in a Row; Maggie McAlary Earns a Very Close Second
Wellington, FL – March 18, 2007 – The Mogavero Arena was filled with expectations and high hopes this morning as 40 of the best junior riders in the country competed in the Winter Equestrian Festival Equitation Championship for the RW “Ronnie” Mutch Trophy, and Maria Schaub took aboard Aaron for the second time. Maggie McAlary finished second with her own Mid Accord.
The one-of-a-kind format for the R.W. Mutch Trophy class offers a unique challenge to the riders, as they are isolated from their trainers and support staff and must put their strategy in order and prepare for the class on their own. Riders are responsible for the management and schooling of their mount and are required to walk the course on their own. Communication between riders and trainers is not allowed.
The class itself is judged by four judges, two nationally known hunter judges and two jumper judges. Three judges score the schooling area and riders can earn or lose as many as two points on the total, based on their warm-up. Judges today were George Morris, Rodrigo Pessoa, Peter Leone and Linda Andrisani, and schooling judges were Pierre Jolicouer, Burt Mutch and Joanne Kovacs.
The competition format features two extremely challenging rounds plus the possibility of a third round work-off. In today’s class, the top ten riders of the original 40 were invited back for the second round, and the final two riders, Schaub and McAlary, changed horses in a third round work-off.
The first course, designed by Mark Leone, comprised 13 numbered obstacles and 15 jumping efforts. The first difficult area riders encountered was from fences 2 to 3, a line that could be ridden in four or five strides. Another difficult area was the last combination, which was a one-stride line of two verticals set without ground lines off a galloping curve to the right.
The second round course was similar to the first but included trotting the second fence, an oxer, and counter-cantering from the one-stride vertical line along one end of the arena to an oxer on an angle. Of the ten riders completing the second round, several chose to land on the counter lead instead of asking for the change. Both McAlary and Schaub landed on the counter lead after the one stride.
Schaub, who rides with Frank and Stacia Madden at Beacon Hill Show Stables, is in her final year of junior competition and noted that winning the trophy again has been her goal since last year. She piloted Aaron, a bay gelding owned by Karen Polle, to the win, although she had only ridden the horse twice.
“Aaron, he’s fabulous. He’s a veteran of the equitation,” she explained. “He’s an amazing horse and one of the coolest horses I’ve ever ridden. I actually rode him once and in one class on Friday, and that’s it.” The pair had a slight hiccup in the 4- or 5-stride line, and Schaub commented, “Aaron has a huge stride and I thought I jumped in a little quiet and come forward a little too much there, but I was just trying to make sure I did test and was as conservative as possible.”
After the second round, McAlary had earned the highest total with 189.50 points, but the judges called the two riders back to change horses. Schaub had a total of 188.50 points. Schaub noted that she had ridden Mid Accord, McAlary’s horse in previous competitions, including the USEF Finals two years ago and at the Washington International Horse Show this past year.
In the work-off, McAlary performed a smooth, flowing test but lost the counter-canter in the approach, and she described her approach to riding a different horse. “I thought he went really well. I’ve seen him show with tons of different people and I knew that I could trust him. He has a huge stride – much bigger than my horse’s stride – and I saw when Maria did him she landed left and held the counter lead, which is what I did…He landed left, and then I rolled back really tight and kind of forgot I was on the counter lead and I let him swap right, but he finished up really well.”
Both girls agreed that the course was well designed and asked a variety of questions. Schaub explained: “I really liked the course. I thought it was challenging but attackable, even on a horse that you’re not familiar with. I just tried to diagnose the course with the horse that I had. I like those gymnastics and question courses because they’re more fun. I feel like they’re easier because they really make you ride.”
All 40 riders rode well and were winners coming into today’s event. To qualify for the trophy competition, each rider had to win one of the following classes throughout the circuit: USEF Talent Search, WIHS Equitation, Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal or ASPCA Maclay.
Earning third place in the Ronnie Mutch class was Julie Welles on Sander, owned by Missy Clark and North Run, and Kimberly McCormack took fourth place with Sundance. Fifth place went to Valvert and Carolyn Curio, and Matthew Metell rounded out the top six with his own Oliver.
Competition concluded this afternoon at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The festival will relocate to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL, for two weeks beginning on March 28, 2007.

The Cartier 23rd World Cup on Snow : 18-22 goal at St. Moritz

The four Teams who have entered - Cartier, Maybach, Brioni and Julius Baer – will battle it out for this coveted Cartier Snowpolo Trophy. A new team sponsor - Julius Baer is a private Swiss bank of tradition, endurance, teamwork, agility and experience, and these values play as important a role in the values of the Julius Baer Group as they do on the polo field. Spectators will be promised an event where the emphasis is on top athletic performance as well as elegance and glamour – all set in a spectacular location. The event is a heady mix of strength, elegance, speed, pride and that indomitable sense of sporting spirit, traditionally associated with the British. Grandstand tickets still available : +41 (0) 81 839 92 92.
Almost all eight professionals playing in the Cartier, Maybach, Brioni and Bank Julius Baer teams are in the World’s top 100. Eduardo Novillo Astrada from Argentina, the world’s number 1 (with 991 points), and compatriot Milo Fernandez Araujo, who stands at number 18 (338 points) will both be thrilling spectators at Europe’s most important winter tournament with their skills. The two 9 goal players will be joined by six other spectacular exponents of the game : two with an 8 handicap (Jaime Huidobro from Chile and Marcos Di Paola, Argentina) and four with 7-goal handicaps (David Sterling, Uruguay, Jose Donoso, Chile, Pablo Jauretche, Argentina and Jack Baillieu, Australia). All of these players occupy places between 20 and 80 in the world rankings. At the same time, four of the six amateurs appearing at St. Moritz are also up at the top of their own particular categories in a separate league. Guy Schwarzenbach (Switzerland/Australia) is currently number 6, Adriano Agosti (Switzerland) number 11 and English players Charlie Hanbury and Tony Pidgley numbers 66 and 44, respectively.
A separate ranking for those players who also appear on snow is topped by four players with 150 points. Of these, three are planning to appear in the Engadine at the end of January: Adriano Agosti, Jaime Huidobro and Jack Baillieu. The Maybach team will be led by the Swiss patron Philipp Maeder (hcp 0). In 2005 Philipp won in only his second polo year, the Swiss Open in Zurich, as well as the Arena polo tournament on snow in Kitzbuhel and he also reached the semi-final on the occasion of the Ellerstina Silver Cup in Argentina. The Argentinean Pablo Jauretche (hcp 7) and Nicolas Espain (hcp 6) will also be playing together with Philipp Maeder. The fourth player is to be confirmed.
Team Cartier :
1. Adriano Agosti (CH ) – Hcp 0
2. David Sterling (UK) – Hcp 7
3. Jose Donoso (CL) – Hcp 7
4. Jaime Huidobro (CL) – Hcp 8
Total : 22
Team Maybach :
1. Philip Maeder (CH) – Hcp 0
2. Nicolas Espain (AR) – Hcp 6
3. Pablo Jauretche (AR) – Hcp 7
4. TBA
Total :
Team Brioni :
1. Charlie Hanbury (UK) – Hcp 2
2. Eduardo Novilla Astrada (AR) – Hcp 9
3. Milo Fernandez Araujo (AR) – Hcp 9
4. Guy Schwarzenbach (CH/AU) – Hcp 1
Total: 21
Team Bank Julius Baer :
1. Tony K Pidgley (UK) – Hcp 1
2. Jack Baillieu (AU) – Hcp 7
3. Marcos Di Paola (AR) – Hcp 8
4. Andrew Hine (UK) – Hcp 6
Total : 22
Schedule of Play :
Thursday January 25th 2007 :
For the President’s Trophy : 12.30 pm - Team Maybach v Bank Julius Baer
For the Niachos Trophy : 14.00 pm - Team Cartier v Team Brioni
Friday 26th January 2007 :
For the Swiss Amterictin Airlines Trophy 11.30 am - Team Cartier v Team Bank Julius Baer
For the Strellson Trophy : 14.00 pm - Team Mayback v Team Brioni
Saturday 27th January 2007 :
For the ‘Das Magazin’ Trophy : 11.30 am - Team Brioni v Team Bank Julius Baer
For the Nespresso Trophy : 14.00 pm - Team Cartier v Team Maybach
Sunday 27th January 2007 :
The Mercedes AM Cup for 3rd and 4th place – 11.30 am
The Cartier Trophy & Final for 1st and 2nd place – 14.00 pm
Photos : from 2006 St. Moritz (courtesy of Tony Ramirez / La Bocha)

Team Brioni win the 23rd Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow … in extra time …

The atmosphere was straight out of a picture book with blue skies and sunshine turning the lake of St. Moritz against the alpine backdrop into a fairytale landscape. With cheers erupting from the sold-out grandstands filled with 10,000 spectators, you could have been forgiven for thinking you were at a football match.

The Cartier team with Swiss captain Adriano Agosti started focussed and set off at a blistering pace. Their first attack on the Brioni goal defended by the two young patrons Guy Schwarzenbach (CH/AU hcp 1) and Charlie Hanbury (UK, hcp 2) established a 1:0 lead. Then goal scorer Pelon Sterling (URG, hcp 7) wasted no time in doubling his tally. Cartier thus appeared to have the game totally under control when Sterling completed his hat trick in the 2nd chukka – although Eduardo Novillo Astrada (ARG, hcp 9), had managed to narrow the gap to one. Spectating fans were having their own battle meanwhile, cheering on their teams – with the Brioni supporters going wild in the 3rd chukka when Guy Schwarzenbach scored a vital goal to narrow the deficit to 2:3.

The game continued at a sensational level – the speed and excitement remaining undiminished. The Final was undoubtedly the match of the tournament, peaking when Novillo Astrada thwarted the Cartier team’s title defence with a goal just before the end of regular time to make the score 3:3. So it was the extra and 5th chukka to decide the outcome. Brioni’s two 9 goalers, Novillo Astrada and Milo Fernandez Araujo, launched into attack and through one of their forays deep into Cartier’s territory brought about the deciding golden goal – by Eduardo Novillo Astrada. Brioni won the much-coveted Cartier Trophy for the 1st time and to the delight of their fans. The Team and Novillo Astrada won the Best Player award, with Tia the Best Playing Pony (Black Bears stables) ridden by Astrada, and Charlie Hanbury Best Amateur.

Cartier vs Brioni – result 3:4 after overtime (2:1, 1:0, 0:1, 0:1, 0:1).
Brioni: Hanbury, Novillo Astrada, ARG (3 goals), Araujo, ARG, Schwarzenbach, AUS/CH (1 goal)
Cartier: Agosti, CH, Sterling UY (3 goals), Doinoso, CL, Brane, ARG.
Best players : Novillo Astrada, Sterling and Araujo.

Team Bank Julius Baer Finally got their act together for Consolation Final:

Still without a win and going into the match clear underdogs, the Bank Julius Bar team sprung a minor surprise in the AMG Cup against the much-fancied Maybach team of Swiss patron Philip Maeder, playing better than at any other time in this year’s Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow.

In an exciting, high-class match for 3rd and 4th places, the Julius Bar team consisting of George Hanbury (UK), Jack Baillieu (AUS), Marcos Di Paola (ARG) and Andrew Hine (UK) finally managed to overcome Maybach 5:4.

Team Maybach’s most outstanding player once again was six-goaler Nicolas Espain (ARG), and it was he who took the accolade of MVP. Philipp Maeder, Espain and Agustin Garcia who were all appearing on snow for the first time in St. Moritz, were worthy players and enriched this high-goal WPT Event.

Maybach vs Bank Julius Bar result : 4:5 (0:2, 1:0, 1:1, 2:2)
Maybach: Maeder, CH, Grossi, ARG (1 goal), Espain, ARG (2 goals), Jauretche, ARG (1 goal).
Bank Julius Baer : G. Hanbury, UK, Baillieu, AU (2 goals) Di Paola, ARG (2 goals), Hine, UK (1 goal).
Best players : Di Paola, Espain.

27th January – 3rd Qualifying round : Brioni vs Bank Julius Bar :

It was an overcast day and bitterly cold but still, thousands of spectators were keen to witness the 3rd and last of the qualifying rounds, and who and which team would make it to the final. Team Brioni got off to a dream start in the Das Magazin Tropy match, when 9 goaler Fernandez Araujo scored from the first attack on the opposing goal. The game continued balanced in the 3rd and 4th chukkas although the advantage was clearly with the team (Brioni) led by the two amateurs Charlie Hanbury (UK, hcp 2) and Guy Schwarzenbach (CH/AU, hcp 1) playing with the technically brilliant Araujo and Novillo Astrada (both ARG, hcp 9). Novillo was particularly impressive with one tour de force after another in scoring two superb goals.

While for Team Bank Julius Bar, it was Marcos Di Paola who converted two penalties to ensure that the Brioni team lead did not go too far. However, it was the inspired Charlie Hanbury who finally sealed the fate of the Julius Bar team (captained by Tony Pidgley) and who was feverishly cheered on by the spectators as he scored a much applauded goal to make the final score 4:2 to Brioni. With a favourable goal difference, Brioni was thus close to qualifying for the final even before the start of the next game.

Brioni vs Bank Julius Bar result : 4:2 (1:0, 0:0, 2:2, 1:0)
Brioni : Hanbury, UK (1 goal), Novillo Astrada, ARG (2 goals), Araujo, ARG (1 goal) Schwarzenbach, AUS.CH.
Bank Julius Bar : Pidgley, UK, Baillieu, AU, Di Paola, ARG (2 goals) Hine, UK.
Best players : Novillo Astrada, Araujo and Di Paola.

Cartier v Maybach : It could have hung on a pretty complex calculation, deciding which of three possible teams was going to make it to the final by virtue of their better goal difference. The game for the Nespresso Trophy was fast and competitive from the start ending at the 1st chukka 2:2 (although Maybach would have been awarded an extra half goal due to handicap). Goals from J J Brane (ARG, hcp 8) and Jose Donoso (Chile, hcp 7) in the 2nd chukka brought a turning point, and from then on Team Cartier, captained by Adriano Agosti, never relinquished control of the match again. However, in this match, the difference between the two teams lay in the mature, fluid tactics of the Cartier team, while the Maybach team’s two 6 goalers – Nicolas Espain and Flaco Garcia Grossi – won lots of admirers with their attractive style of play ! However, it was Agosti who sealed Cartier team’s entry into the final, with a well-prepared goal and a final score of 6: 4 ½.

Cartier vs Maybach result : 6: 4 ½ (2:2, 3:1, 0:0, 1:1)
Cartier: Agosti, CH (1 goal), Sterling UY (2 goals), Donos, CL (1 goal) Brane, ARG (2 goals).
Maybach: Maeder, CH, Grossi, ARG, Espain, ARG (3 goals) Jauretche, ARG (1 goal).

26th January – 2nd Qualifying round : Maybach vs Brioni

The 2nd day attracted around 3,000 spectators onto the surface of the frozen lake of St. Moritz and they enjoyed good polo – bathed in sunshine and at –12 degrees. It all started very well for Swiss Philipp Maeder’s men, with the Maybach team playing well and Agustin Garcia Grossi shot the team into the lead. But then two penalties converted by 9 goaler Eduardo Novillo Astrada for the Brioni team, left the Maeder team (playing for the 1st time on snow) looking more and more unsure of themselves as the game progressed. After the point when things were even at 2:2, Brioni then took the initiative, the two amateurs Hanbury and Schwarzenbach, emulating their team’s top players – Astrada and Araujo – and putting up an impressive performance.

Maybach vs Brioni result 3:7 (1:1, 1:2, 1:2, 0:2)
Maybach : Maeder, CH, Grossi, ARG (2 goals), Espain, ARG (1 goal), Jauretche, ARG.
Brioni : Hanbury, UK (1 goal) Novillo Astrada, ARG (3 goals) Araujo, ARG (3 goals), Schwarzenbach, AUS/CH.
Best players : Novillo Astrada, Grossi, Hanbury.

Cartier vs Bank Julius Bar : Team Cartier and Swiss patron Adriano Agosti made a concentrated start in the 1st chukka of the Swiss Air Lines Trophy and romped to a 2:0 lead. After this lightning start, the team maintained the high pace and gave Tony Pidgley’s Bank Julius Bar Team little opportunity to hit back. In the two middle chukkas, the Bar team showed a marked improvement – particularly the Argentine 8 goaler Marcos Di Paola and Australian Jack Baillieu (hcp 7) who helped their team get back in the game. In the final chukka the match and speed at which it was played, was world-class and it was finally decided in Cartier’s favour by two superb goals from Argentinean Juan Jose Brane (hcp8), the last just 30 seconds before the final bell.

Cartier vs Bank Julius Bar result : 5:4 (2:0), 0:1, 0:2, 3:1)
Cartier : Agosti, CH, Sterling UY (1 goal) Donoso, CL (2 goals), Brane, ARG (2 goals).
Bank Julius Bar : Pidgley, UK, Baillieu, AU, (1 goal), Di Paola, ARG (3 goals), Hine, UK.
Best players : Di Paola, Brane, Sterling.

25th January – 1st Qualifying round : Maybach vs Bank Julius Bar

There was a great start for Swiss rookie Philipp Maeder in the opening match between Maybach and Bank Julius Bar – for the Dr. Berry Memorial Trophy – and they put up an assured performance. Playing for Maybach, he had the unenviable task of challenging the Bank Julius Bar team, who have experience on this surface and with their captain Tony Pidgley. However, the surprise of the day were the two 6 goalers – Nicolas Espain and Agustin Garcia Grossi – who both played on snow as it was the most natural element in the world.

Maybach vs Bank Julius Bar result : 6 ½ : 3 (1:1, 1:2, 3:0, 1:0)
Maybach : Maider, CH, Grossi, ARG (1 goal) Espain, ARG (4 goals), Jauretche, ARG (1 goal)
Bank Julius Bar : Pidgley UK, Baillieu, AU (1 goal), Di Paola ARG (2 goals), Hine, UK.
Best players : Espain, Di Paola.

Cartier vs Brioni : In the Niarchos Trophy, it was clear that the very well-prepared Cartier team was up against a slightly unsure Brioni line-up. The serious preparations for which Swiss patron Agosti is renowned for, paid off. The Cartier team, with a brilliant Juan Jose Brane (ARG, hcp 8) in defence and the effervescent Uruguayan Pelon Stirling (hcp 7) soon had the fast-paced and very open game under control. The goal that narrowed the gap to one for Brioni, came too late to prevent Cartier celebrating their victory.

Riding risks on par with car racing

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc played host to over 130 equestrian riders and their accompanying 350 horses as the Inaugural Berry First National Showjumping Championships took place in NSW on Sunday.

Over 350 rounds of showjumping took place throughout the day from an impressive line up of riders including Olympians Vicki Roycroft and Jamie Coman, Australian representatives Chris Chugg and Colleen Brook, along with other local and interstate riders. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes was distributed throughout classes varying in heights from 60 cm to 1.3 metres, including each class winner being lucky enough to win a new watch, thanks to Guess watches.

The highlight of the day was the ‘Snug Rug Saddlery 1.3m class’ which made for spectacular viewing. There were over 25 riders vying to win. However, Amanda Madigan rode ‘T.P Gifted’ to first place, followed by Chris Chugg on Vivant, who was the winner of the World Cup Qualifier held at Dapto Show in January. Young rider Hilary Scott picked up 3rd place on ‘Oakes Cool Bananas’.

Olympian Vicky Roycroft dominated the ‘Saddleworld 1.2 metre class’ as she collected both 1st and 2nd place from the field of 70, on ‘Ricardo D’ and ‘Alohiza’ respectively. Elite Eventing rider Chris Burton took out 3rd place in this class on ‘Ari De Gwahir’.

Sam Lyle, an export of the region who is now based in Cessnock, came back to his home turf to show the talent this area produces. He beat nearly 100 other combinations to win the ‘Splitrock water 1.15 metre’ on ‘Classic Mischief’. Young rider Greer Butcher picked up 2nd, while Amanda Madigan added another success to her win by taking 3rd.

Elizabeth Koob, from Wilberforce, won the Huckleberry Home 85cm class. She nearly added two wins to her day but had to settle for a second when she was beaten by twelve-year-old Sarah Curtis riding ‘Sky High’ in The Emporium Food Company 75cm class.

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc members had a successful day with three of them winning three of the eight classes and others collecting a number of places throughout the day. Junior rider Sophie Miller, won the ‘Horsepower 1.05m class’ riding the talented ‘Gilmore Rockafella’. Another junior member, Taylor Hooten won the ‘Star Park International 60 cm class’. While member Carly Le Mesurier won the ‘Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm class’ on ‘Penrose Sundance’.

“This was a great way to start off the club’s year, especially with the success of our members. We hold training days every fortnight or so which allows local riders to come and practice their showjumping skills under the eye of a qualified instructor. We welcome new members to come along and join our growing club,” said Mr Simon Kale, Event Organiser.

“We would like to thank all the sponsors of the day without which it could not have been such a success. Sponsors were extremely generous with all riders kept well hydrated with free water from Splitrock (Natural Spring Water), winners received Guess Watches and placegetters received cash and equestrian product from Animal Care Supplies, Equestworld and Saddleworld. We are looking forward to next years Event,” said Mr Kale.

Results
Snug Rug Saddlery 1.30m Class
1. Amanda Madigan on TP Gifted
2. Chris Chugg on Vivant
3. Hilary Scott on Cool Bananas

Saddleworld 1.20m Class
1. Vicky Roycroft on Ricardo D
2. Vicky Roycroft on Alohiza
3. Chris Burton on Ari De Gwahir

Splitrock 1.15m Class
1. Sam Lyle on Classic Mischief
2. Greer Butcher on Flowervale Concorde
3. Amanda Madigan on DB Everquest

Horsepower 1.05m Class
1. Sophie Miller on Gilmore Rockafella
2. Elizabeth Koob on SS Streamer
3. Sheriden Manuel on Apache Cat

Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm Class
1. Carly Le Mesurier on Penrose Sundance
2. Lee Hocking on Jubilee Jardore
3. Courtney Hill on BP Misty

Huckleberry Home 85cm Class
1. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
2. Amy VanDerSanden on Bamborough Camilla
3. Mikhaela Grey on Bimbi High Doc

The Emporium Food Company 75cm Class
1. Sarah Curtis on Sky High
2. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
3. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace

Star Park International 60cm
1. Taylor Hooten on Jag Chicane
2. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace
3. Kelly Slater on Oliver Twist

cally researched."

Top riders jump for top prizes at Shoalhaven

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc played host to over 130 equestrian riders and their accompanying 350 horses as the Inaugural Berry First National Showjumping Championships took place in NSW on Sunday.

Over 350 rounds of showjumping took place throughout the day from an impressive line up of riders including Olympians Vicki Roycroft and Jamie Coman, Australian representatives Chris Chugg and Colleen Brook, along with other local and interstate riders. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes was distributed throughout classes varying in heights from 60 cm to 1.3 metres, including each class winner being lucky enough to win a new watch, thanks to Guess watches.

The highlight of the day was the ‘Snug Rug Saddlery 1.3m class’ which made for spectacular viewing. There were over 25 riders vying to win. However, Amanda Madigan rode ‘T.P Gifted’ to first place, followed by Chris Chugg on Vivant, who was the winner of the World Cup Qualifier held at Dapto Show in January. Young rider Hilary Scott picked up 3rd place on ‘Oakes Cool Bananas’.

Olympian Vicky Roycroft dominated the ‘Saddleworld 1.2 metre class’ as she collected both 1st and 2nd place from the field of 70, on ‘Ricardo D’ and ‘Alohiza’ respectively. Elite Eventing rider Chris Burton took out 3rd place in this class on ‘Ari De Gwahir’.

Sam Lyle, an export of the region who is now based in Cessnock, came back to his home turf to show the talent this area produces. He beat nearly 100 other combinations to win the ‘Splitrock water 1.15 metre’ on ‘Classic Mischief’. Young rider Greer Butcher picked up 2nd, while Amanda Madigan added another success to her win by taking 3rd.

Elizabeth Koob, from Wilberforce, won the Huckleberry Home 85cm class. She nearly added two wins to her day but had to settle for a second when she was beaten by twelve-year-old Sarah Curtis riding ‘Sky High’ in The Emporium Food Company 75cm class.

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc members had a successful day with three of them winning three of the eight classes and others collecting a number of places throughout the day. Junior rider Sophie Miller, won the ‘Horsepower 1.05m class’ riding the talented ‘Gilmore Rockafella’. Another junior member, Taylor Hooten won the ‘Star Park International 60 cm class’. While member Carly Le Mesurier won the ‘Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm class’ on ‘Penrose Sundance’.

“This was a great way to start off the club’s year, especially with the success of our members. We hold training days every fortnight or so which allows local riders to come and practice their showjumping skills under the eye of a qualified instructor. We welcome new members to come along and join our growing club,” said Mr Simon Kale, Event Organiser.

“We would like to thank all the sponsors of the day without which it could not have been such a success. Sponsors were extremely generous with all riders kept well hydrated with free water from Splitrock (Natural Spring Water), winners received Guess Watches and placegetters received cash and equestrian product from Animal Care Supplies, Equestworld and Saddleworld. We are looking forward to next years Event,” said Mr Kale.

Results
Snug Rug Saddlery 1.30m Class
1. Amanda Madigan on TP Gifted
2. Chris Chugg on Vivant
3. Hilary Scott on Cool Bananas

Saddleworld 1.20m Class
1. Vicky Roycroft on Ricardo D
2. Vicky Roycroft on Alohiza
3. Chris Burton on Ari De Gwahir

Splitrock 1.15m Class
1. Sam Lyle on Classic Mischief
2. Greer Butcher on Flowervale Concorde
3. Amanda Madigan on DB Everquest

Horsepower 1.05m Class
1. Sophie Miller on Gilmore Rockafella
2. Elizabeth Koob on SS Streamer
3. Sheriden Manuel on Apache Cat

Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm Class
1. Carly Le Mesurier on Penrose Sundance
2. Lee Hocking on Jubilee Jardore
3. Courtney Hill on BP Misty

Huckleberry Home 85cm Class
1. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
2. Amy VanDerSanden on Bamborough Camilla
3. Mikhaela Grey on Bimbi High Doc

The Emporium Food Company 75cm Class
1. Sarah Curtis on Sky High
2. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
3. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace

Star Park International 60cm
1. Taylor Hooten on Jag Chicane
2. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace
3. Kelly Slater on Oliver Twist