History of the Spreckels Cup

 The Spreckels Cup

John D. Spreckels, San Francisco financier, shipping magnate, and scion of the fabled Spreckels family, first discovered polo in the late 1800’s.  Shortly thereafter, he visited Coronado Island and was so completely captivated by the area, known at the time as the playground for the wealthy, that he immediately made plans to play polo on the island’s beautiful green lawns.  Spreckels built a polo facility on the island that quickly became known throughout the United States for the quality of its fields and climate, as well as the number and proficiency of its players and horses.

In the ensuing years, the Coronado Polo Club became known as the “Meadowbrook of the West”, after the famous club on Long Island New York.  Coronado was the site of many early prestigious polo tournaments, and its fields saw the first playing of the Pacific Coast Open, still considered one of California’s premier polo events.   Among those tournaments was the match that Spreckels inaugurated in 1909.  Calling it the Polo Challenge, he enlisted the aid of designers Brock and Feagus of Los Angeles, and commissioned a dramatic silver trophy almost two feet high.  Engraved on the trophy was the inscription, “Polo Challenge Trophy, presented by John D. Spreckels.”  The trophy was designed to be engraved with the names of the winners each year and was intended to be held by the winning team for one year.

The trophy was played for each year, with the exception of the years of World War I, and its engraved names read like a “Who’s Who” of California polo.  The last team to win the trophy before it was retired in 1921, was captained by Carleton F. Burke.  Burke, a dedicated horseman, was responsible for reintroducing thoroughbred racing in California in 1932, after a 23-year blackout.  He later became one of the founders of the California Horse Racing Board.  The Spreckels Cup remained among his most prized treasures.

 In an effort to document the history of polo in San Diego and in Southern California, Julie Mulvihill-Mayer launched a search for polo memorabilia in the archives of the Coronado Library.  Joseph E. Jessop, longtime San Diego resident and founder of Jessop’s Jewelers, had been employed at the Coronado Polo Club as a young boy and became a lifelong polo fan.  He recommended that the search continue at the Coronado Historical Society.   Following that lead brought Mulvihill-Mayer upon a veritable treasure trove of old polo trophies including the Spreckels Cup.  The trophies were brought back to San Diego, and Joseph E. Jessop and Jessops Jewelers President, Ken Laughlin, cooperated in masterminding their restoration.

When the season officially opened on June 10, 1988, the newly refurbished Spreckels Cup occupied a place of honor in the club’s trophy case.  Restored to its original appearance, and flanked by its companion pieces, the impressive silver cup cast an undeniable glow upon the matches and players.  The trophy’s presence provided a tangible link across the years and forged a bond between the players of today, John D. Spreckels, and the band of polo players that had such an influence on our sport and upon the San Diego Polo Club.

The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association generously loans the trophy to us annually.  We’d like to thank the CTBA’s Board for their role in securing this prestigious trophy for the continued use in this historical event.

Winners from 2010.  Chris Collins, Mariano Fassetta, Christopher Collins, Krista Bonaguidi

Willis Allen Memorial Cup Finals

What a day!  Not only did we have fantastic Polo in San Diego on Sunday afternoon, but we had a handful of wonderful sponsors.  Giving Back Magazine hosted their 3rd annual “Day of Polo” tournament and raised money to benefit the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera.

1pm Match: Trinity vs. Southwind/Adeptus- 8-goal polo

Trinity:
Rick Paicius 0
Patrick Uretz 1
Jared Sheldon 1
Mariano Gutierrez 5

Southwind/Adeptus:
Colleen Wilson 0
Mike Kerley 3
Pedro Orellano 4
Chris Collins 1

Starting off the day, we had Southwind/Adeptus vs. Trinity featured in the 1pm game.  Trinity was up by 3 at the end of the second chukker, but Pedro Orellano scored 3 in the 3rd chukker, bringing the score to 7 to 6, Trinity.

Chris Collins played great defense in the second half, keeping the ball out of the Southwind/Adeptus goal.  At the end of the 5th chukker, Trinity was up 9 to 8.  Mariano Gutierrez scored another for Trinity in the 6th chukker, bringing them up to 10.  Chris Collins scored and Pedro Orellano scored to tie up the game, 10 to 10.

Our very own founding member and patrona, Colleen Wilson, had a break away with just a couple seconds left and scored the winning goal for Southwind/Adeptus!

Meanwhile, guests bid on the silent auction items and drank Mai Tais in the CitiBank Lounge.

The San Diego Symphony played a live parade march to welcome in the two competing teams.

Next up, a representative from the San Diego Opera blew us away with the National Anthem.

3pm Feature Match and Willis Allen Memorial Cup Finals: Starmeadow vs. Tritech/San Judas

Tritech/San Judas:
Ramon Richard -1
Ashton Wolf 3
Gaston VonWernich 5
Chris Maloney 1

Starmeadow:
Jessica Bailey 1
Jesse Bray 3
Graham Bray 5
Joy Bancroft -1

After Alisha Wray’s fall a couple of weeks ago, Ramon Richard stepped up to the plate and took her place on Tritech/Princeps, now renamed, Tritech/San Judas.  Alisha is doing well and attending the matches, but taking time to heal.


Although this is only 8-goal polo, it sure feels like 12-goal.  Jesse Bray started off hot with 2 goals in the first chukker for Starmeadow.  Gaston VonWernich matched his two goals in the second chukker and added a few more in the second half of the match.  Also in the second chukker, Graham Bray had a beautiful back shot near the goal line that barely made it through the goal posts.

Ramon Richard of Tritech/San Judas had two very important goals in the 3rd and 5th chukkers, which were very instrumental in the win.

Jesse Bray continued to knock them in, tallying up 7 goals total.

We had a couple of falls, 2 from Ashton Wolf and 1 from Gaston VonWernich.  The crowd was spooked when Gaston and his horse, Fleur, fell.  Sure enough, the horse just got the wind knocked out of her and got right back up.  The horse is healthy and we are all very thankful Gaston and Fleur are doing okay.  Although Ashton’s ribs are a bit bruised, that didn’t stop him from playing his best.

In the 6th chukker, the match was 10 to 9, Tritech/San Judas on top.  Jesse Bray sailed the ball into the air during a penalty shot, but missed it by inches.  His second penalty shot was deflected by Ashton Wolf’s mallet.  In the 3rd penalty shot, Jesse missed it again, by centimeters!  Time ran out before Starmeadow had a chance to score, leaving the win to Trinity/ San Judas!

Gaston Von Wernich‘s horse, Fleur, won Best Playing Pony.

Runner’s up received gift bags from Giving Back Magazine and South Coast Plaza.  Jesse Bray won MVP.

Tritech/San Judas won the Willis Allen Memorial Cup.  After taking lessons in the arena and graduating to grass polo last year, Ramon Richard was thrilled to be a part of the winning team.  He celebrated with dousing his teammates in Veuve Cliquot Champagne.

Trophies were presented by Tiffany & Co. of Fashion Valley.

Danitza Villanueva of Giving Back Magazine, Ramon Richard and his wife Virgina Calero, Ashton Wolf, Gaston VonWernich, Chris Collins, grandson of Willis Allen, Chris Maloney, Peggy Stevenson of Tiffany & Co., Esteban Villanueva of Giving Back Magazine, and Gaston’s children.

Meet Gaston Von Wernich.

A native of Argentina, Gaston Von Wernich grew up on a farm about 3 hours west of Buenos Aires. Gaston came from a home of polo players, and he learned to play from his uncle–a skilled, 10-goal player who lived close by.  He has been playing in San Diego for a handful of years with Chris Maloney.

To prepare for competition, Gaston employs a few simple tactics: he makes sure to ride early in the morning and, before any match, he makes sure to focus his mind entirely upon the game.

He enjoys being with his family and drinking maté with his friends in the barn.  Thus far, the highlight of his polo career was winning the Spreckels Cup in 2007 with his brother and Chris Maloney.

Gaston’s long term polo goals are to continue to compete professionally and, one day, to play alongside his sons.

Meet Jared Sheldon.

SD Polo: Where are you from and how did you get involved in polo?
Jared: Poway, CA.  My family plays polo so I was on a horse pretty much from birth. I didn’t start playing with adults until I was seven.  My dad’s side of the family is very involved in polo. My grandfather Russ Sheldon is currently rerunning for Governor at Large (of the USPA). My father, Billy Sheldon is 7 goals in the arena and has represented the USA in the FIPS and in the arena. My cousins Shane and Danika Rice are currently working in polo in Houston and their mother Sherry Sheldon also plays.

SD Polo: What did you do before you became pro?  What do you do in the off-season?
Jared:  Before Polo I attended New Mexico State University where I played on the intercollegiate team there. On the off seasons I manage the Bel Air Polo Club, located in Burbank, CA which is open year round.

SD Polo: Where have you played and what is your favorite place to play?
Jared:  I have mostly played on the California Circuit, (Santa Barbara, Indio, San Diego) but I have also been lucky enough to go to clubs in Florida, Canada, Texas, and a few other East Coast locations.  Santa Barbara is my favorite place to play because it has the best mix of quality polo and quality fields. It definitely doesn’t hurt that its across the street from the beach.

SD Polo: Have you ever had a bad injury?
Jared:  I have had a few good injuries. I broke my orbital bone (eye socket) back in 2006 and in Santa Barbara this season I broke my collar bone. Luckily I was able to get a plate put in so I could be back in time to play here (in San Diego).

SD Polo: Is there any technique to falling off the horse?
Jared: Tuck and Roll, and try not to get run over, I guess.

SD Polo:  What do you do when you’re not playing polo or spending time with the horses?
Jared: Playing XBox with friends, hitting the gym, and taking my girlfriend and our two dogs to the beach.  I love mexican food too, especially if its from the Poway Taco Shop on Midland road.

SD Polo:  What does the future hold?
Jared: I’d love to go to Europe and catch an Arsenal game or travel to Argentina.  Hopefully my life involves polo, polo, and more polo.

Willis Allen Memorial Cup Kicks Off in San Diego…

We are playing with a fantastic group of people in September.  If you’ve never followed the season of polo in San Diego, September is the best month to see action-packed games.  We welcome new players and new competition.

The first match on Sunday brought Hanalei Bay versus Southwind Adeptus.  Ron Bonaguidi, our President and Patron of Hanalei Bay played well, scoring 1 for the team in the first chukker.  Mariano Fassetta, now called the “Argentine Assasin” by our announcer Steve Lewandowski, scored 3, and Alvaro Tadeo scored 2 for Hanalei Bay.

Southwind/Adeptus played beautifully on Sunday afternoon.  Pedro Orellano scored 5 for Southwind/Adeptus, Colleen Wilson scored 2, Chris Collins scored 2, and even Mike Kerley got one.  Needless to say, Southwind Adeptus came out on top.  They are looking good this week, defeating Hanalei Bay 10 to 6.

During intermission, the San Diego Polo Club observed 9/11 by presenting the Rainbow Riders Drill Team of Poway.  The 8 women mounted horses decorated in sparkling red, white and blue colors and paraded the field with gorgeous American flags.  In addition to their performance, we asked all current armed forces, veterans, and emergency responders to join us on the field.

Congressman Martin Garrick gave a wonderful speech in remembrance of those effected by the tragedy of 9/11.  Our announcer, Steve Lewandowski brought the audience to tears as he congratulated each one of our heroes for dedicating their lives to helping others.  It was a very special day to remember the tragedy of 10 years ago and to count our blessings.

TRINITY: Rick Paicuis 0, Patrick Uretz 1, Jared Sheldon 1, Mariano Gutierrez 5

On Friday, Trinity met in our Clubhouse to watch a previous practice game against Starmeadow in order to prep for their Sunday match.  They talked strategy and how to handle one of our best and most aggressive players on the field, Graham Bray.

STARMEADOW: Graham Bray 5, Jesse Bray 3, Jessica Bailey 1, Colton Bancroft -1

The feature match started out slow, with Jesse Bray, Colton Bancroft (subbing for his mom, Joy Bancroft), and Graham Bray each scoring 1 for Starmeadow.  Trinity scored 2 (Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez).  Jared Sheldon spiced things up in the second chukker by getting bumped off his horse.  He got right back on and continued playing.

Fans celebrated the half time Divot Stomp with tastes of Rose Champagne sponsored by Korbel California Champagne.  Every Sunday we hide  a decorated champagne cork on the field and the person who finds the cork gets a bottle of Champagne!

Starmeadow and Trinity took the half time to form a game plan, and both teams came back stronger than the first half.  Jesse Bray scored 3 for Starmeadow and Colton Bancroft (only 14 years old!) scored one.  Meanwhile, Rick Paicius, Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez  each scored one for Trinity, bringing the game up to 7 to 6, Starmeadow in the lead.

In the 5th chukker, things heated up again and Sheldon had another fall.  Again, a little bruised, but not seriously hurt, Sheldon continued playing.  Jesse Bray scored a few more, totaling 7 goals that afternoon.  Mariano Gutierrez put 2 through in the 6th chukker, but it wasn’t enough for the win.  Graham Bray did the honor of scoring 2 more in the 6th chukker, just to be sure Starmeadow walked away victoriously.

USPA Rossmore Cup Finals

What a day!  We knew the finals of the USPA Rossmore Cup was going to be a nail-biter, but we had no idea we’d have two crashes, two red flags, over time, and a run-away horse.

Tritech/Princeps:
Alisha Wray -1 (SUB: Colton Bancroft in 6-7 Chukkers)
Ashton Wolf 3
Gaston VonWernich 5
Chris Maloney 1

Hanalei Bay:
Krista Bonaguidi -1
Alvaro Tadeo 3
Mariano Fassetta 6
Ron Bonaguidi 0

The teams were practically snarling at each other after the national anthem was sung and before the first ball throw in.  Things started off hot in the first chukker.  Mariano scored one for Hanalei Bay and Gaston scored two penalty hits for Tritech/Princeps.  In the chukkers to follow, more fouls resulted in  more penalty shots.  By half time, the score was close, 6 to 5 Tritech/Princeps in the lead.

By the 6th chukker, the score was 10 to 9, Hanalei Bay slowly taking the lead.  With 3 minutes remaining, Alvaro Tadeo checked once, checked twice and couldn’t stop his horse.  His horse ran into and knocked patrona, Alisha Wray off her horse.  Alisha fell, got the wind knocked out of her and hit her head.  She was out for a couple of minutes and was attended to by the onsite EMTs.  She was then transported to Scripps Hospital for observation.   She is home now, resting with her family and is in good spirits.

After Alisha was taken out of the game, 14 year old Colton Bancroft ran back to his barn to grab his whites and a horse and entered the game in Alisha’s place.  With a minute and 30 seconds left in the chukker, Colton had a break away and scored a goal to tie up the match.  The crowd went absolutely wild.

The match went into over time and both teams were fighting hard for that first goal to win the USPA Rossmore Cup Finals.  Mariano Fassetta was bumped by Ashton Wolf, hit the horse’s head with his diaphragm, it knocked the wind out of him and he and his horse went down. The horse took off running to the barns, Diego Cossio picked up his friend on his motorcycle and took him back to the tie rails.  The horse passed the barns and looped back to the tie rails.

 Mariano mounted  a new horse and got back on the field.  Alvaro Tadeo took the penalty 3 shot for Mariano and scored the winning goal for Hanalei Bay!

Raita, owned by Chris Maloney and played by Gaston Von Wernich in the 3rd chukker, won Best Playing Pony of the USPA Rossmore Cup.

Meet Mariano Gutierrez.

He’s known in the polo world for his polo skills, but more importantly, he’s Britney Spears’ heart throb in the music video RADAR.  Check out the video below:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PctD-8y0FRg]

SD Polo: Tell us about the Radar video.  How did you get chosen to be the heart throb?
Gutierrez: I had nothing to do with it.  The producer looked at photos and chose me.  I thought I was going to be an extra.  I didn’t know I was the main guy until that day.  I thought it was just for polo.  Britney was really polite.  She was laughing a lot when we were taping and kept apologizing.

SD Polo: Have you done any previous acting or modeling?
Gutierrez: No but yes.  After the Radar video I was on a billboard in Argentina.  I was paid with wine.

SD Polo: Are you from Argentina? How long are your visits?
Gutierrez: Yes, I am from Buenos Aires.  I am usually there about 6 months out of the year, which is more than it used to be.

SD Polo: What do you do in Argentina?
Gutierrez: I love to play soccer and rugby.  I hang out with my family, play drums with my little brother and work at a skateboard shop.  I’m part owner.  We took this old building and fixed it up.  We put a skateboard ramp in the store and we have live music, parties and also sell skateboard clothing.

SD Polo: What about polo?  Do you want to play forever?
Gutierrez: Forever, no way.  Not as a job.  I want to do other stuff.  Maybe go back to school.  I went to law school in Argentina, but quit to play polo professionally.

SD Polo: How did you get involved in polo?
Gutierrez:  All 5 of my brothers play, but I am the only one who plays professionally.  I came to the United States in 2001 with my cousin, Miguel Gutierrez.  I started playing in San Diego in 2003, came back for 05, 06, 07 and now in 2011.  I’ve played for Rick and Robin Paicus for the past 5 years in Indio, CA and Aspen.

SD Polo:  Are you happy to be back in San Diego?
Gutierrez: Of course!  I love San Diego.  The people, the place and the enviroment.  It’s a fun place.

SD Polo: Last question: are you single?
Gutierrez: Yes!

What a FINE Day!

With over a thousand guests at the USPA Rossmore Cup presented by FINE Magazine, the charity, Kids Korps was sure to call it a success.  Silent Auction items included a signed guitar by the Rolling Stones and another by Paul McCartney, jewelry donated by CRUSH, artwork by Donna B and tons of other great items.  Kids from Kids Korps sold cupcakes and other goodies, while FINE Magazine guests enjoyed lunch and drinks in the VIP tent.

Special thanks to Jaguar Landrover of Carlsbad.  Liz Flowers, Suzanna Hoehn, and Maggie from Maggie B’s and Mister B’s.

Brittany Simpson and Leonard Simpson from KUSI’s Fashion Forward produced a stunning fashion show with over 40 models and 80 looks from local designers including Sharon Plache and Fairen Del.  Rouge did a fabulous job with make-up and hair.

In the feature match, Tritech/Princeps doned the jerseys of FINE Magazine and went up against team Monteverde.  Things started out slow in the first half of the match, but picked up the fourth chukker.  Gaston VonWernich had 6 goals that afternoon, Dirk Wray (subbing for Chris Maloney) had 2 and Ashton Wolf scored one, totaling 10 for FINE Magazine.

Matt Walker had 4 goals, Diego Cossio scored 2 in the 5th chukker, and David Samaniego scored one, totaling 7 for Monteverde.

Pink Army, a group of 3 teens from Kids Korps, performed pop-cover songs and rocked on stage for the Polo guests.  A DJ spun tunes shortly after the girls finished up.

Tritech/ Princeps wearing FINE Magazine jerseys
Alisha Wray (-1)
Ashton Wolf (3)
Gaston VonWernich (5)
Dirk Wray (0)
Total: 7 goals

Monteverde:
Ellen Greenhill (0)
Matt Walker (3)
Diego Cossio (4)
David Samaniego (0)
Total: 7 goals