This past Sunday, September 16th marked Mexican Independence Day and we celebrated with the Herradura Cup hosted by San Diego Polo Club’s season sponsor Brown-Forman. Guests were treated with tastings and drinks featuring Herradura Tequila, made from 100% naturally fermented agave and crafted authentically in haciendas since 1870. The atmosphere of the spirited afternoon was complete with a twelve-piece Mariachi band from Chula Vista.
Ed Carias, Tequila Marketing Manager of Brown-Forman, conducted trophy presentations. The first place team of the classic was awarded with Herradura Reposado and the second place team was given Herradura Silver. Reposado is aged for nine months longer than its category standard giving the liquor a rich copper hue and a decadently smooth taste. Herradura Silver is the ideal ingredient for the ultimate margarita as it is a delectable amalgamation of citrus and agave flavors.
Sunday also served as an appreciation day for UC Alumni from all over the state. In addition, SDPC also played host to Miss San Diego and Miss County of San Diego, Anna Mason who delivered a beautiful performance of the National Anthem. Barbara Jacobs, owner of Edison in Los Angeles, carried out the first ball throw in and hosted guests in the Herradura Pavilion. Musical performances on Polo Sunday included the talented David Maldonado.
The first match of the Herradura Classic was a ten-goal match featuring team Trinity versus Team Hanalei Bay. Santiego Trotz of team Hanalei Bay started off the match with the first goal of the game scored on behalf of Hanalei Bay. Trotz’s point was soon followed by an additional goal for Hanalei scored by young player, Patrick Uretz. Team Trinity was unable to answer Hanalei’s lead and the first chukker came to a close with team Trinity: 0, Hanalei Bay: 2.
The second chukker proceeded the first chukker in much the same manner. Santiego Trotz proved himself to be Hanalei Bay’s MVP going on to score an additional two goals followed by a goal on behalf of Marcos Bignoli. While Hanalei Bay was able to advance their lead by three goals, team Trinity closed the second chukker unable to score a goal on Hanalei.
Team Trinity took advantage of the third and fourth chukkers to make their move scoring their first two goals of the match by Rick Paicius and Artie Cameron. The fourth chukker ended Trinity: 2, Hanalei Bay: 8.
Team Trinity utilized successful defense tactics in the fifth chukker preventing team Hanalei from scoring. Mariano Gutierrez and Tim Rudy rose to the occasion scoring Trinity a goal apiece. The fifth chukker ended at Trinity: 4, Hanalei: 8.
In the sixth and final chukker of the match, team Trinity fought for the win engaging Hanalei in an intense shoot out demonstrating excellent athleticism and teamwork. Patrick Uretz of Hanalei scored the first goal of the chukker quickly answered by Rick Paicius of team Trinity. Tim Rudy went on to advance Trinity by a point only to be returned by a goal on behalf of Marcos Bignoli. Ultimately, it was Mariano Gutierrez of team Trinity that scored the final goal of the chukker giving Hanalei Bay the win with a total of 10 points to Trinity’s 7.
The second match of the day was the tournament’s ten goal finals featuring Tequila Herradura (Twin Palms/StarMeadow) versus Hanalei Bay. This match was an engrossing one as the score board reached some of the highest numbers of the season. Gaston VonWernich of team Tequila Herradura scored the first goal of the game quickly answered by Jared Sheldon of Team Hanalei. Both teams were matched for skill as reflected in the score at the end of the first chukker, Tequila Herradura: 2, Hanalei: 2.
While Tequila Herradura started off the match strong, they fell silent in the second and third chukkers as team Hanalei took to the offensive. Both Mariano Fassetta and Chris Collins Jr. proved them selves to be valuable assets for Hanalei scoring a goal each in both the second and third chukker. Going into the fourth chukker, the score was Tequila Herradura: 2, Hanalei: 7.
The fourth chukker was an impressive exhibition of talent as both teams refused to give the other any leeway. Mariano Fassetta started off the chukker with a goal for Hanalei Bay sparking a charge on goal for Tequila Herradura who scored two points on behalf of Gaston VonWernich and Chris Maloney. Ultimately, both teams were neck-in-neck throughout the fourth chukker scoring three goals apiece wrapping up the chukker with Tequila Herradura: 5, Hanalei bay: 10.
The fifth chukker proved to be the most riveting yet. While Gaston VonWernich single handedly scored two goals for Tequila Herradura, Mariano Fassetta was ignited scoring three consecutive goals for Hanalei followed by an additional goal by Chris Maloney Jr. Going into the sixth and final chukker, the score was Tequila Herradura: 7, Hanalei Bay: 14.
In a surprising turn of events, Twin Palms took advantage of the sixth chukker to silence Hanalei Bay, making one final attempt at the win. While team Hanalei failed to score a single goal in the sixth chukker, Colton Bancroft, Graham Bray, and Gaston VonWernich scored a goal each wrapping up the chukker at Tequila Herradura: 10, Hanalei Bay: 14.
If you missed the fun this past Sunday, join us this weekend for the USPA Spreckels Cup hosted by Giving Back Magazine. The match will benefit the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Opera. The Spreckles Cup is held annually in commemoration of John D. Spreckels who first discovered polo in the late 1800’s. The first Spreckels Cup was inaugurated in 1909 and, since it rediscovery in 1988, has been played for and revered ever since.