The USPA Rossmore Cup Finals this past weekend, Sunday September 9th was a reverential day hosted in honor and appreciation of our service men and women. The San Diego Polo Club was honored to host Tender Loving Canines, a non-profit that provides assistance dogs to returned soldiers to help them acclimate back into civilian life.
During Intermission, the Poway Valley Vaulters performed amazing acrobatic feats on the backs of moving horses. Equestrian Vaulting is an international sport that fuses together gymnastics and dance while cultivating astounding coordination, balance, teamwork, and creativity.
Musical performances on Sunday included the band Forty Nineteens and the National Anthem sung by the Equinox Members. Mike Uretz of the Pacific Coast Handicap Committee performed the First Ball Throw In.
The first match of the day was a three-goal game featuring team San Fernando versus team San Judas. San Fernando started off the match strong scoring three goals in total, one on behalf of Roberto Estudillo and two on behalf of Diego Velarde. Miguel Gomez wrapped up the first chukker with a point for his team San Judas.
In the second chukker, San Fernando proved they were a force to be reckoned with as team MVP, Diego Velarde scored three consecutive goals. The second chukker ended at San Fernando 6, San Judas 3. In the third chukker, both teams scored two goals apiece lead by Ramon Richard who fought to keep San Judas in the game.
In the fourth and final chukker, team San Fernando fought and successfully held on to their lead. While Harrison Samaniego started off the chukker with two consecutive goals for team San Judas, it was ultimately team San Fernando that took the win with two final goals on behalf of Diego Velarde: San Fernando 10, San Judas 7.
The second match of the day was an action-packed demonstration of agility and excellent horsemanship. The ten-goal game featured the teams of Twin Palms/Starmeadow and Hanalei Bay. Marcos Bignoli of team Hanalei Bay started off the first chukker with a bang scoring two consecutive goals for his team, neither of which was answered by Twin Palms.
In the second chukker, Gaston VonWernich brought Twin Palms back into the game with two consecutive goals while Patrick Uretz, of team Hanalei Bay scored a goal wrapping up the second chukker: Twin Palms 2, Hanalei Bay 3. In the third chukker, both teams were neck-in-neck scoring two goals each.
Graham Bray of team Twin Palms took advantage of the fourth chukker to even out the score by successfully making his team two goals. At the end of the fourth chukker the score settled at Twin Palms 6, Hanalei Bay 6.
If the match was gripping before, players had polo onlookers on the edges of their seats during the fifth chukker. With a glimpse at victory, both teams fought to secure the win during the fifth chukker. While Graham Bray continued on to score yet another point for team Twin Palms, Santiago Trotz of team Hanalei Bay displayed supreme athleticism single-handedly scoring three goals. Going into the sixth and final chukker the score of the match was Twin Palms 7, Hanalei Bay 9.
The sixth chukker began with a goal by Marcos Bignoli of team Hanalei Bay inching his team three points ahead of Twin Palms. Soon after, Gaston VonWernich answered Bignoli’s point with a goal of his own. Ultimately, it was Santiago Trotz who acquired the winning shot for Hanalei making the final score: Hanalei Bay 11, Twin Palms 8. Marcos Bignoli was awarded MVP and Burlap presented him with a $100 gift card.
Come join us this coming Sunday, September 16th for the spirited Herradura Cup! The Herradura Cup falls on Mexican Independence Day and will include a live 12-piece Mariachi band. This weekend is also SDPC’s UC Alumni appreciation day and the Club will play host to the 2011 Miss San Diego titleholder, Marina Inserra.