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Second Annual National Youth Tournament Series Championship

December 13, 2014August 27, 2014 by

Second Annual National Youth Tournament Series Championship: Young polo players travel from all across the country to compete for the championship title on Sunday, August 31 at the San Diego Polo Club.

San Diego, Calif. – The most celebrated and youngest polo players in the United States will compete in the 2014 National Youth Tournament Series Championship (NYTS) for the U.S. Polo Association (USPA) Cecil Smith Cup trophy on Sunday, August 31 at 1 p.m. at the White Party to benefit Miracle Babies at San Diego Polo Club in Rancho Santa Fe.

After 27 tournaments and 122 player nominations, being selected as one of the final 16 All-Stars is a great accomplishment. “It is exciting to see the talent and commitment of our young polo players,” said Chrys Beal, USPA Governor-at-Large and NYTS Chair. “The National Youth Tournament Series promises to be fast and furious, and showcase many talented players hoping to claim the Cecil Smith Cup.”

The 2013 NYTS Championship team from USPA Zone 3 will defend their winning title in San Diego. Returning team members Wes Finlayson, Juan Bollini, and Grant Ganzi will play with first timer Crisitan Weisz.

Zone 1 – Pacific Coast, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Border, Southwest and Hawaiian Islands Circuits

Jim Wright – Menlo Park, Calif.
Colton Bancroft – San Diego, Calif.
Sloan Stefanakis – Houston, Texas
Garrett Smith – Oakbank, Manitoba

Zone 2 – Central, Great Plains, Mid-States and Southeast Circuits

Eduardo Margalef – Culver, Ind.
JT Shiverick – Atlanta, Ga.
Andrew Begg – King City, Ontario
CJ Sifton – Toronto, Ontario

Zone 3 – Defending Champions from the Florida Circuit

Wes Finlayson – Wellington, Fla.
Juan Bollini – Wellington, Fla.
Grant Ganzi – Wellington, Fla.
Cristian Weisz – Wellington, Fla.

Zone 4 – Northeast and Eastern Circuit

Barrett Coke – Topsfield, Mass.
Marissa Wells – Freeland, Md.
Wyatt Harlow – Warrenton, Va.
Tommy Huber – Baltimore, Md.

The semi-finals matches begin on Saturday, August 30, with a consolation match on Sunday, August 31 prior to the start of the championship final at 1 p.m.

San Diego Polo Club is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to come watch the thrilling championship action at the White Party to benefit Miracle Babies. Tickets range from $12 – $125 and parking is $10. Guests are encouraged to wear white or light colors. For additional event information, please call 858.481.9217, visit www.sandiegopolo.com or purchase tickets here.About the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS)

In 2013, the United States Polo Association created a national tournament series to provide more opportunities for junior players to compete outdoors with and against their peers at a local and national level. In an effort to grow and sustain the sport of polo in the United States, NYTS is a training module that prepares youth for formal tournament competition, challenges players to get to know their team, and identify their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

About the San Diego Polo Club

Founded in 1986, The San Diego Polo Club is an established institution recognized for excellence in the sport of polo. The San Diego Polo Club is beautifully situated on 60 acres of land in Rancho Santa Fe, offering five world-class class polo fields, including an exercise track, riding trails, a clubhouse and bar, a polo training school, and an outdoor lighted arena. The San Diego Club has one of the longest playing seasons in the country running from May through October. Sunday matches are presented to the public every Sunday, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

About the U. S. Polo Association

The U.S. Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions, and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. For more information, please visit, www.uspolo.org.

About Miracle Babies

Miracle Babies, founded by Dr. Sean Daneshmand and based in San Diego, is a non-profit organization structured to provide education and financial support to families with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its mission is to provide financial assistance and support to families in need with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. For additional information, please visit www.miraclebabies.org.

Chambord Vodka Classic 2014 Recap

December 13, 2014July 10, 2014 by

Sunday, June 29th was another beautiful day here at the San Diego Polo Club– a bright, breezy polo-filled afternoon. With our fantastic sponsor Chambord Vodka in attendance, we had a festive purple and pink theme to the tents to match their blackberry flavored liqueur and vodka. Patrons enjoyed tastes of Chambord Vodka & Liqueur while watching the action on the field.

The PEERS Network & Challenged Athletes Foundation were also in attendance as proud supporters of Sunday Polo.

The first match at 1pm between Starmeadow/MonteVerde and Twin Palms/San Judas, started of with a bang when Jennifer Alexy scored the first goal for her team, Twin Palms/San Judas. Colton Bancroft also scored for Starmeadow/MonteVerde. The match ended with at Twin Palms/San Judas at 9 and Starmeadow/MonteVerde with 10, taking the win.

Guests of all ages attended the Sunday Polo event, from tailgating to the VIP tent!

At intermission we had a fun and informative polo demonstration by Diego Velarde and Diego Larrreglia. They showed us all some great moves and demonstrated the basic hitting positions and rules, while announcer, Steve Lewandowski broke down the line of the ball and a bit about strategy.

Anthony Ballard, a long time polo fan and a San Diego resident with 20 plus years of singing, locally and abroad, sang our national anthem beautifully.

A representative of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Jeffrey Odom, did the honor of throwing in the first ball. Jeffrey is a former F-16 Crew Chief for the United States Air Force and Captain of Team USA Wheelchair Rugby. The Challenged Athletes Foundation also have a space at the event that showcased how they help those with physical disabilities.

It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.

The second match of the day at 3pm was an exciting one with San Fernando vs Team Chambord. San Fernando dominated, scoring the first 3 goals of the match in the first chukker. The talented John Eicher scored 4 of the 9 goals for his team, Team Chambord.

However, San Fernando was still able to capture the win. The match ended with San Fernando at 11 and Team Chambord at 9.

Pan-American Cup Finals & Local Heroes Celebration

December 13, 2014July 7, 2014 by

The patriotic spirit was everywhere on Sunday as we enjoyed The Pan American Cup Finals on Sunday July 6^th. It was the perfect way to cap off an amazing 4^th of July weekend. Red, white and blue was abundant, from our lovely patrons stylish attire, to the tablecloths and trophy decorations.

In the first match at 1:00pm, Topo Mendez scored the first goal in Chukker 1 for his Team Twin Palms/San Judas. Followed by John Eicher with one for Leisure Society. Then another by Virgil Kyle for Leisure Society and the last by Ashton Wolf for Twin Palms/ San Judas, wrapping up Chukker 1. In Chukker 2 Jennifer Alexy bringing one in for Twin Palms/ San Judas, followed by anther for Leisure Society by John Eicher.

Ryan Robertson finished it off by scoring a goal for Leisure Society in the last chukker, bringing the final score to 11 to 9, Leisure Society.

During our intermission, we had a wonderful demo by The Oceanside Police Canine Officers Association.

Spectators were on the edge of their seats watching the dogs go through their amazing skills. Demonstrating a variety of tactics to assist their human counterparts in the safe and efficient handing of dangerous situations. Spectators were then invited to enjoy picture ops with the dogs and service men and woman.

The Oceanside Police Canine Officers Association thanks you for being here this afternoon. Their nonprofit, established by the officers in 2013, bridges the gap for our K9s healthcare, training tools, and retired police dogs. In the line of duty, sometimes our dogs get injured requiring expensive veterinary care. Their goal is to be able to have funds available for each of our 4 canines should a medical emergency occur. Thanks to donations from our generous community members, their dogs can stay healthy and safe, while they protect and serve.

We also hosted the Del Mar Lifeguards, Del Mar Ranger, San Diego Fire & Rescue and local EMTs.

The Lifeguard Department serves the community with a wide variety of community service programs. The Department staffs permanent and seasonal lifeguards. Lifeguards patrol and oversee 2.5 miles of beach. Each day, lifeguards establish and maintain safe swimming and surfing areas. They warn visitors of dangerous swimming areas, rip currents, and unstable cliffs and bluffs. Environmental conditions are constantly monitored and weather and surf are updated and posted throughout the day. The Del Mar beach has very strong rip-currents and several inshore holes. The department averages 1,400 water-related rescues and 1,100 medical aids per year.

The Lifeguards are highly trained in several areas. Qualifications include being emergency medical technicians with advanced airway and defibrillator accreditation. The department operates year-round cliff, swift water and scuba rescue teams. The Department also cross trains for mutual aid responses with the Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) and the United States Coast Guard.

Our national anthem was sung by the lovely, Rhianna Wilson, a 16 years old and just finished her Sophomore year at Ramona High School. She has had the honor to sing the National Anthem for the SD Padres, Ceremonies aboard the USS Midway, KSON Radio and many community events.

The feature match of the day at 3:00pm was between San Fernando and MonteVerde/Starmeadow. The match started with Diego Cossio scoring the first goal of the match for San Fernando in the first Chukker. Followed by one by Diego Velarde and one by Roberto Estudillo. With Chris Collins scoring one for his team MonteVerde/Starmeadow. Followed by Colton Bancroft and Graham Bray coming in to score 4 goals each for MonteVerde/Starmeadow. It was a close game ending with Diego Velarde scoring 3 goals for San Fernando and taking home the win.

Written by Cara Helminski

Need a Ride to or from Opening Day?

December 13, 2014May 26, 2014 by

We care about your safety, and so do our other BFFs over at Uber. That’s why we’re putting $20 toward your first ride at Uber.

Please drink responsibly on Opening Day. Don’t drink and drive. Use Uber.

SDPC’s Fall Favorites

December 13, 2014October 8, 2013 by

SDPC's Fall Favorites

Although the summer days have turned to crisp autumn afternoons, we are lucky to host events throughout the year. Our rustic venue is perfect for your next fall-inspired corporate or special event. Warm up field-side with spiced cider and pumpkin soup as your group enjoys the beautiful equestrian sport of polo and wide open space at the San Diego Polo Club.

USPA Rossmore Cup & Salute to Military

December 13, 2014September 11, 2013 by

On Sunday, September 8, we kicked of the USPA Rossmore Cup and honored our military, veterans, and first responders with a special ceremony. We warmly welcomed all military families, veteran support groups and charities who work hard to support our veterans in the community. Among them were Horses Joining Forces, a therapeutic riding program for veterans with PTSD. President of Horses Joining Forces, Former Major Glenn Cunningham, described the program and it’s benefits, giving the audience great insight what horses can do for our mind, body and heart.

Tens of thousands of our young combat veterans are unemployed, underemployed, homeless, in support programs, and or despondent due on no small part to the cause and effects of PTSD and combat trauma. Vets 360 invites recently separated combat veterans and their families into an on-going program of engagement, education, employment, and healing. Their goal is to help them understand that asking for support is a sign of strength… NOT an inability to cope. We were thrilled to have Vets 360 involved with our annual Salute to Military event.

The day kicked off with a match between Twin Palms/San Fernando and Star Meadow/Monteverde. Diego Velarde started off hot, leading Twin Palms/San Fernando with 3 goals in the first chukker and2 more in the second. Gaston VonWernich also put a couple through in the first and fourth chukkers. Star Meadow/Monteverde started slowly, building momentum in the third chukker. At half time, the score was 5 to 4, Twin Palms/San Fernando in the lead. In the fourth chukker, Graham Bray scored two and Martin Ravina one for Star Meadow/Monteverde. In the 5th chukker, they did the same: Bray with two, Ravina with one. Twin Palms/San Fernando fell back in the second half to play defense. They weren’t able to score on the opposing team in the 5th and 6th chukkers. Star Meadow/Monteverde came out victorious, 11 to 6.

During intermission the Poway Valley Vaulters, consisting of 6 girls, 2 trainers and a 13-year old Percheron/Welsh pony, showed us their talents. Equestrian Vaulting is a unique International sport that combines elements of gymnastics and dance on the back of a moving horse. And is a wonderful and fun way to develop coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, teamwork, harmony and creativity.

Vaulters of all ages and abilities showcase their talents in compulsory movements and choreographed freestyle routines set to music, with up to 3 vaulters on the horse at a time. Vaulting’s history is said to have begun thousands of years ago in ancient Minoa as ‘bull vaulting’. In fact, every horse culture around the world practices a variation of this sport. The sport’s most modern ancestor was as a cavalry training tool for horse-mounted soldiers, and it was also a recognized Olympic sport in the early 20th century. It is one of the FEI’s 8 recognized sports, and is a regular feature of the World Equestrian Games.

Our Salute to Military Ceremony was led by emcee and polo announcer Steve Lewandowski. Steve welcomed Glenn Cunningham, president of Horses Joining Forces on to the field to speak about the therapeutic riding program and services for veterans with PTSD. A representative from Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office presented certificates to many groups and people who made the event possible, and also gave a special flag to Steve Lewandowski for his exceptional effort during the planning of this event, and also to the San Diego Polo Club for hosting the event. These special flags were once flown above the capital and considered a honorable gift. Veterans and active military were invited on to the field for the recognition ceremony.

Karen McBride sang the national anthem in front of a huge American flag and the teams paraded on to the field for the featured match.

Team Hanalei Bay and Team Adeptus battled it out on field one in front of the crowd. Ashton Wolf, who fell and had to get face stitches on Friday afternoon, scored the first goal of the match for Hanalei Bay, followed by teammates Mariano Fassetta and David Samaniego. Jesse Bray and Dan Juarez of Adeptus scored one each in the second chukker and an additional 3 in the third chukker. By half time, the game was tied up 5 to 5.

Guests enjoyed a taste of Korbel California Champagne during the half time classic Pretty Woman Divot Stomp.

Krista Bonaguidi and Ashton Wolf scored for Hanalei Bay in the 4th chukker, and Jim Wright was able to score one for Adeptus. Jesse Bray scored 2 in the 5th chukker and teammate, Dan Juarez scored another for Adeptus. Mariano Fassetta was able to get through Adeptus‘ defense to score two for Hanalei Bay in the 5th and 6th chukker, but it was Dan Juarez’s last goal that lead Adeptus to victory.

Trophies were presented by the nieces of founding member and owner of Daou Vineyards, Georges Daou.

2-Goal Tournament Series for 5 Weeks in September

December 13, 2014August 6, 2013 by

2-Goal-Tournament-Series

The San Diego Polo Club is pleased to offer a 0-2 Goal Tournament Series for the 5 weekends in September. Tournaments consist of 4-chukker games on both Saturday and Sunday. Fees for Non-Members are $400 per person and that includes tournament fees, stabling and EMT. To sign up, please contact our polo manager, Graham Bray at or 760-774-2583

From the Arena to the Grass, San Diego Polo School is starting off on the right foot.

December 13, 2014April 29, 2013 by

The sun is shining here in Rancho Santa Fe, the horses are coming in with their long winter coats, and our heads are down trying to produce a fantastic polo season.

We are excited to welcome back Hawaii’s finest polo player, Kimo Huddleston, to the San Diego Polo School. Kimo is here at the barn getting things organized with his assistant and 3 year old daughter, Uakea. Kimo will be teaching all levels from beginner to advanced. We are hoping to surprise you with guest instructors such as New Zealand’s Graham Bray, the Argentine Assassin, Mariano Fassetta, and perhaps even our new general manager, Bob Puetz!

This year, the arena will operate 4 days a week with Level One Lessons on Tuesday at 5:00pm and Saturday at 10:00am, Level Two Lessons on Tuesday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 9:00am, and Level Three Lessons on Thursday at 6:00pm. We will have Riding Lessons, which are scheduled every other week, and supplemental classes such as Learning to Buy a Horse, Fouls & Penalties, and Rules. These supplemental classes will be held at the Clubhouse with our instructors and will have a suggested donation to attend. Riding Lessons will begin immediately.

We will be continuing Cancha Pequena every other Friday. Cancha Pequena is a great introduction to grass play. This course is for Level Three students and above. School horses are available for rental.

Something new this year will be the Coaching League which will be played on the grass fields. When you’re ready to step up your game, the Coaching League is the next step. The Coaching League will be on a regulation sized polo field, accompanied by a polo professional (coach) on each team. Participants will be required to provide their own horses. Please see Graham or stop by the office if you need assistance in finding the right horse(s).

Club Chukkers will continue as scheduled, but with more new faces. Club Chukkers are for those players with two or more horses, have excelled in the Arena Program and Coaching League.

In addition to (and at times in place of) Club Chukkers, we are going to add a little competition this summer with weekend Low Goal (0-2 goal) Tournaments. These weekend tournaments will be 4 chukker games and will be available to and included in all Provisional club memberships. Non member teams and players will be welcome to join in but will be subject to tournament entry fees and stabling fees. Graham will organize the tournaments and help form teams. Keep an eye out for our 0-2 goal tournament schedule as it will be posted soon.

Remember, all polo players start somewhere and that somewhere is at the San Diego Polo School. We hope to see you soon!

Photos by Dominick Lemarie, Siegel & Thurston and Neens Marketing.

Meet Colton Bancroft.

December 13, 2014September 25, 2012 by

Meet Colton Bancroft.

SDPC: Colton, you probably get asked this a lot but, why polo?

Bancroft: I love polo because there is no other sport like it. I started playing when I was 10 and haven’t stopped since. I love it.

SDPC: Do you have any rituals you perform before a match?

Bancroft: Not really, I always try to stay relaxed before a big game.

SDPC: How do you feel about playing in front of such a large crowd on Polo Sundays?

Bancroft: I love having the crowd there, however, when I am playing I do my best to just ignore them.

SDPC: Tell us about your horses! Any funny memories or stories come to mind?

Bancroft: I love every one of my horses and i am so grateful to be able to play them.

SDPC: When you aren’t on the field, what other hobbies or sports interest you?

Bancroft: I play lacrosse for my high school, but polo is much more serious for me.

SDPC: You and Jesse Bray are good friends, how long have you two been playing polo together and how did you first meet?

Bancroft: Haha, I met Jesse on the field when I was 12 and we have been playing ever since. He and his dad, Graham Bray, have taught me everything I know.

SDPC: Were you born and raised in San Diego? If so, what is your favorite way to spend a “day off” here?

Bancroft: I was born in Utah, but I was raised in San Diego. I love to go to the beach or hang out with friends.

SDPC: Do you have any long-term aspirations for your polo career? If so, tell us about them!

Bancroft: I would love to eventually go pro and get paid to do what I love.

SDPC: With this year’s summer polo season winding down and school starting back up, what gets you most excited looking forward to the 2013 polo season and your upcoming school year?

Bancroft: I can’t wait for next season. In the mean time, I will focus on my grades and practice polo as much as I can so that I am ready for next season.

SDPC: What is one of the most important lessons you have learned either from playing polo or your fellow players?

The most important lesson I have leaned from polo is to be grateful for everything I have and never take any of it for granted. I am extremely lucky to be able to do what i do.

Father’s Day: Fun in the Sun

December 13, 2014June 20, 2012 by

It was another beautiful day in Rancho Santa Fe on June 17, Father’s Day. We flew in a dozen antique biplanes, which took off after the feature match. We also had an assortment of antique cars, from a 1931 Model A Deluxe Roadster, to a handful of Woodies. The Del Mar Cigar Club provided imported cigars, just for Dad.

We kicked off the day with a match at 1pm. Monteverde/H2 took the lead with 4 goals over Starmeadow/Southwind. In the third chukker, Starmeadow/Southwind put 4 points on the board to tie up the match. Points went back and forth in the next few chukkers, and by the 6th chukker, Monteverde/H2 won by 1 point.

Monteverde/H2 Starmeadow/Southwind

Ellen Greenhill 0                              Colton Bancroft -1
Mariano Gutierrez 5                        Mike Kerley 3
Christopher Collins 2                        Graham Bray 5
Ron Bonaguidi 0                              Chris Collins 1

The Finals of the Father’s Day Cup was a tight one. Chris Maloney of Twin Palms/La Pasion scored the two of the first 3 goals against Hanalei Bay/Adeptus. But Hanalei Bay/Adeptus made a come back in the third chukker, taking the game into their lead 6 to 4. Krista Bonaguidi and Colleen Wilson scored the two last goals for Hanalei/Adeptus, securing the win over Twin Palms/La Pasion.

Twin Palms/La Pasion Hanalei Bay/Adeptus

Tracee Brunetti -1                             Krista Bonaguidi -1
Chris Maloney 1                        Joesph Stuart 4
Gaston VonWernich 5                       Mariano Fassetta 6
Diego Cossio 4                              Colleen Wilson 0