2014 Season Welcome

I’m pleased to welcome you all back for another great season at the Eldorado Polo Club. We’re all back in the Polo Office and looking forward to seeing everyone.Stick & Ball (Field 5) opens Saturday, December 7th, from 12PM onwards. Field 5 will be open Wednesday to Sunday, and closed Monday & Tuesday (due to watering, until further notice). Don’t forget to sign a release and pay your USPA dues BEFORE you get out there! (EVERYONE MUST SIGN A RELEASE IF RIDING ON EPC PROPERTY: GROOMS, GUESTS, ETC..)The track is open along with the barns at Rancho Eldorado and the HITS Property. Please call Debbie for stabling inquiries.We’ve got the Linfoot Polo Clinic December 21st & 22nd. The clinic is filling up fast, so make sure to reserve your spot with these renowned teachers and spread the word to your friends who want to get into polo or improve their skills. All participants from last year’s clinic raved about this worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Call or come in to the office and sign up.The Cantina’s celebrating 2 years with Roc’s Firehouse at the helm. Join us Saturday, December 7th for drink specials, live music, and a free taco bar from 4-6PM. The Cantina is now open for lunch & dinner, and will open for breakfast 7AM December 1st onwards.Club chukkers start up December 21st, as well as Team Practices (10-12 Goal: Wed, Fri & Sun)(4-6 Goal: Thurs, Sat & Sun).Also, we’re happy to have the World Gym Tournament (4 Goal) back again this year! It’s fast approaching, December 28th & 29th, and team and individual nominations are welcome. Please sign up at the Polo Office.We have a new league this season – the Pro-Pool League with 3 sponsors & 1 pro (3 goals or higher). This will be a tournament style league, 4 chukkers, professionally-run with umpires, flaggers, trophies, etc.. Each weekend tournament is a stand-alone tournament so you join for one weekend, or the whole season, as it suits your schedule. Prices are $600/player per weekend (pros are provided).Team rosters for the season are starting to fill up, so call myself or Debbie, whether you’ve got a team, half a team or are a single player, and we can help you get set up for the season.Please come in and see us to say hello,Graham BrayEldorado Polo Clubwww.EldoradoPoloClub.com760-342-2223

Eldorado Sunday Polo Kicks Off January 5!

 Join us at Eldorado Polo Club this season for the most competitive and thrilling polo in the Desert. If you have never experienced a polo match before we guarantee you will be hooked. It is a great outing with friends and family, so come along and visit us at the Eldorado Polo Club.We are excited to once again offer 10-12 Goal, 4-6 Goal and Pro Pool leagues along with Pee Wee Polo for future polo stars to develop their skills. For those who have seen polo and thought that you may like to try your hand at it, we have the Polo & Riding Academy equipped with safe horses and all of the gear to get you started. There is something for everyone at Eldorado Polo Club.

Weekend Polo on the Patio

Join us on the Cantina patio  Eldorado to enjoy games every Saturday at 12pm and Sunday at 10am. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so be sure to arrive early!Weekend Polo on the Patio kicks off on Saturday, December 28th and continues through Sunday, March 30th.

Sunday Polo at the Club House

The Eldorado Club House is the best place to experience Sunday polo in style - every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.A full service menu and bar are offered, and seating is available for parties from 2 to 400. Reservations are recommended for Sunday seating, please call the Club House reservation hotline to reserve seating:(760)-831-POLO (7656)Opening Day at the Club House takes place on Sunday, January 5th and continues every Sunday through  March 30.

Sunday Tailgating

If you want to enjoy the polo sidelines in casual comfort, Sunday tailgating is right for you!Bring your friends, family, lawn-chairs, pets (on leashes!), a picnic, and set up your own perfect polo event. Take-away food and beverage services are also offered in the Club House Courtyard.Tailgating areas to the north and south of the Club House are marked and we encourage you to arrive early for the games every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.Opening Day at the Club House takes place on Sunday, January 5th and continues every Sunday through March 30.For more information about visiting Eldorado Polo Club, visit eldoradopoloclub.com, or call (760)-342-2223.

Big news & great changes for Eldorado

 Eldorado Polo Club is really excited to announce some new additions to the 2014 season!The most exciting of the new features in 2014 includes new box stall stabling!  The stabling across from the Cantina has been removed and a field is currently being built to use for vendors during the concerts.  We hope to host some events there as well.  Stabling with box stalls will be offered over at the former Horses In The Sun (HITS) property. The property is in the process of being restored to its former glory.  It has great bones and we look forward to offering it to you beginning in the 2013/2014 season.  Please speak with Graham about reserving box stalls for the upcoming season, 760-774-2583 or Jan 760-702-6911. Secondly, we will be offering a weekly Pro Pool/Coaching League which will feature a professional player quarterbacking three players with the aim to provide fun, safe and competitive low goal polo. The Pro Pool fees are $600 per weekend which includes all tournament costs and pro fees.We are expanding our 4-6 Goal League to 6 chukkers and the January league, February league, Governor's Cup and Skins Tournament will feature bronze trophies in both 4-6 and 10-12 levels.The fields already look amazing and polo ready if it weren't for the summer temperatures.  We have already deep tined and deep cored them along with chemicals for weed control.  We sprayed fertilizer twice now and will again later this summer, fall and winter.  As you know, sand was applied last year to the fields One, Four and International.  This summer we will apply sand to the practice fields 5 through 8 and fields 2 & 3 to complete our sand program for now.        As always, if there is anything we can do for you please don’t hesitate to call on us, we are looking forward to a fantastic 2014 season and some exceptional polo.Jan HartGeneral Managerjan@eldoradopoloclub.com760-702-6911

Coldwell Banker Menlo Brings Back Governor's Cup

The Pacific Coast Governor's Cup has returned to the United States. With the coveted trophy travelling to Canada for the past three years, courtesy Reg Whyte in 2010, Pat Powell in 2011, and Cam Clark just one year ago, Whyte and his (this time) Thermal polo team wanted to keep it in the 'frozen white north'. Having had a very successful winter season, it seemed very plausible that Whyte and his Cochrane, Alberta farmhands, Fergus Gould, Nicolas Maciel, and Emma Stachowicz could do just that.However, Madelyn Cobb knows a few things about farming as well and the recent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Animal Science graduate had ideas of her own as she assembled an extremely talented Coldwell Banker Menlo group - Joseph Stuart, Jared Sheldon, and Conrad Kissling - to not only win the tournament, but bring the trophy back to the south country.As it turned out, the final came down to the pair described above - Whyte's Thermal vs Cobb's Coldwell Banker Menlo - in an Easter Sunday showdown.In front of a full clubhouse, a jammed berm, and a full on party on the east side on a perfect afternoon for polo, Thermal started quickly and as a result of early pressure, Maciel converted a penalty two from the spot to grab a lead of one. Coldwell Banker came back quickly with pressure of their own and Sheldon deflected a Stuart penalty attempt from 60 yards and it was tied, just like that, at one each. Thermal came back just as quickly however as Maciel converted his second open attempt of the day and the first was over with Whyte and his hired hands up by one at 2 - 1.It was obvious at the start of the second that the Cobb group remained focused on the mission as early pressure was rewarded as Sheldon converted a penalty two to tie things at two. Thermal didn't lay down and pushed back to be rewarded with another Maciel opportunity from 40 yards (converted) to, once again, lead by one. Maciel was able to score another (from the field) and Thermal was making hay. Stuart, however, was obviously not impressed as he absolutely pounded a penalty four to end the half with the Thermal lead, once again, just one at 4 - 3.With ten minutes to talk things over, it was extremely obvious that Coldwell Banker used that time very well, as they came out in the third period and absolutely controlled everything. Kissling scored on a tap-in after a remarkable 100 yard under the neck set-up from Stuart who then destroyed another penalty four, and Sheldon was unstoppable as he scored twice from the field and Cobb and Co.  now led for the first time in the game. Thermal got close with two more open goal conversions by Maciel but the third was over with a Coldwell Banker lead at 7 - 6.In spite of giving up the pair of free-throws toward the end of the third, the Cobb group didn't lose the momentum they had earlier as Stuart scored two more from the field and the lead was now three. Thermal got one more as Gould nailed a penalty six toward the end but that was it and Cobb and Coldwell Banker Menlo not only had won the 2013 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup, but they had reclaimed the trophy.Stuart, based on his very underrated ability and strength was the obvious choice as the MVP and Sheldon's mare Cheeky was selected as the Best Playing Pony.2013 Pacific Coast Governor's CupColdwell Banker Menlo (6) - Madelyn Cobb, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3, Conrad Kissling.Thermal (6) - Reg Whyte, Emma Stachowicz -1, Fergus Gould 4, Nicolas Maciel 3.Tony Gregg 

In Close Game, Mansour Wins Skins Final by Wide Margin

Although the overall score is no indication, Ben Soleimani's Mansour polo team defeated Ron Mathison's Highwood group by a total count of $20,000 to $4,000 in the 2013 Polo Skins Game on an absolutely perfect Easter Sunday afternoon in sunny Southern California. While the game score favored Mansour by just one at 13 - 12, two carryover victories for the rug people created the very wide financial gap.Highwood entered the tournament with almost the same line up as 2012 - the winner of Mathison's second straight Skins title. The only change was inserting Jake Stimmel to replace Jared Sheldon, whose handicap was raised. However, the team that played Sunday was much different than the one that started the tournament in early March. Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati and Santiago Trotz played the entire month, but Mathison fractured his right shoulder in game one - scoring twice after the injury - and Jake Stimmel was hurt in a fall in the semi-final. As a result, the Canadian entry for Sunday's final saw Scotty Cunningham and Doug Blumenthal step in to replace the injured players.Mansour was able to show up on Sunday with almost the same team that started in early February - Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, and Santiago Von Wernich, with the only change being Patrick Uretz coming in for Remy Muller for March - and were able to play the entire Skins tournament intact.Highwood started the first with a lightning like attack that saw Cunningham and Trotz score off the first two throw-ins. However, Wulff and Von Wernich responded with two quick counters of their own that tied the count at two. Cunningham grabbed another, but Soleimani ran one from 100 yards out and the first ended tied at three to create the first carryover of the afternoon.Playing for $8,000 in the second saw Mansour jump out to a lead of two as Wulff and Von Wernich each scored again. A single goal by Highwood's Trotz wasn't enough and the Soleimani salesmen took the money out of the second 'skin'.The momentum that Mansour owned in the second carried over into the third chukker as Wulff counted twice and Uretz and Von Wernich scored once each to just an open goal conversion by Trotz and the third money of $4,000 was Mansours. At the half it was Mansour $12,000 and Highwood $0.The strength that Mansour showed in the third was transferred to Highwood in the fourth as they responded in a large way. Trotz converted an open goal opportuity, scored two penalty fours, and along with one from Cunningham, scored from the field to lead by five. A single reply from Von Wernich was all that Mansour could muster and the $4,000 belonged to the Canadian team.After two explosive chukkers, the fifth was rather quiet with just a pair of goals scored. Wulff for Mansour and Trotz for Highwood which created a carryover to the sixth where they would play for, once again, $8,000.With a chance to win by a very large amout of cash, Mansour stormed out at the start of the final period as Wulff scored twice to lead early. Strong defensive play prevented Highwood from doing much to get even. Trotz scored another but that would be it and Soleimani and Co. had won the 19th annual contest by a staggering amount - in spite of the overall game count.Von Wernich was selected as the MVP and Wulff's mare, Ji Ji, was fitted with the Best Playing Pony blanket.2013 Polo Skins GameMansour (12) - Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff 5, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Patrick Uretz 2.Highwood (12) - Scotty Cunningham (replace inj. Ron Mathison), Doug Blumenthal (replace inj. Jake Stimmel) 2, Marcello Rodriquez-Abbiati 5, Santiago Trotz 5.Tony Gregg 

Coldwell Banker Menlo Triumphs in Jason Final

Lyn Cobb's Coldwell Banker Menlo polo team went into the championship game of the Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament as the odds on favorite to get Cobb (Mack's and Madelyn's daughter) her second Jason Memorial victory at Eldorado. It made sense as they cruised through their bracket play undefeated, and gave the impression that it didn't really matter who they would face in the final.With the other bracket finishing up in a three-way tie for top spot, a shootout was necessary to decide an opponent for the Cobb sales people. With the shootout completed, Krista Bonaguidi's and Chris Collins' Hanalei Bay/Southwind emerged as the winners and therefore moved on to the final game.On a rather warm afternoon in the Coachella Valley, Coldwell Banker Menlo, as advertised, started quickly as Dayelle Fargey scored from the field and Jared Sheldon converted a penalty number three. Collins got one back for Hanalei Bay/Southwind to come within one but Joseph Stuart pounded a penalty six to take a lead of two goals to the second period at 3 - 1.Cobb's salesforce kept the pressure on in chukker number two as Sheldon converted a penalty two opportunity and Stuart struck from the field to lead by four after two (5 - 1).Bonaguidi, Collins and Co. were able to produce some pressure of their own in the first half of the third period as Bryan Middleton and Carlitos Galindo were able to score on open goal opportunities and the lead became just a pair. Unfazed, Stuart came back with a perfect neck-shot from 110 yards to score (the announcer's 'shot of the day') and Sheldon got his first from the field and the lead was once again four at 'halftime' (7 - 3).Collins grabbed his second of the day- a nifty near-side effort - that turned out to be the only counter of period number four and the Coldwell Banker Menlo lead was now three (7 - 4).Sheldon converted another open goal chance to grab a four goal lead but Middleton scored on two undefended chances of his own and the lead was now just two. Cobb scored the final goal of the game that gave her Coldwell Banker Menlo Team the victory by a score of 9 - 6. For Cobb, it was her second Mack and Madelyn Jason victory at Eldorado - the trophy is also awarded at the Menlo Circus Club during the summer season.Because of his influential and dominating play, Stuart was selected as the MVP and his mare, Shandyland, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2013 Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial TournamentColdwell Banker Menlo (6) - Lyn Cobb -1, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3, Dayelle Fargey 1.Hanalei Bay/Southwind (6) - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Chris Collins 1, Bryan Middleton 3, Carlitos Galindo 3.Tony Gregg 

Sofonio Polo Classic Starts March 12 Goal Action

With a well earned victory in the Sofonio Polo Classic, Ron Mathison and his Highwood polo team served notice that they will, once again, be a factor in the Skins Tournament.The Classic, sponsored by Dr. Mark Sofonio, Board  Certified Plastic Surgeon, saw the Mathison group go up against Chris Maloney and his Twin Palms foursome.Twin Palms grabbed an early lead of two in the first period, only to see Highwood come back and tie going to the second chukker.That second frame was all Twin Palms as they scored three unanswered goals to lead by three at 5 - 2 after two.Mathison and Co. got back into form during the third stanza as they outscored Maloney's crew 2 - 1 to produce a score of 6 - 4 at halftime.If the third period allowed Highwood to get back into form, the fourth and fifth allowed them to write a book about same as they dominated both and led by four going to the sixth (10 - 6). In fact, with one in the third chukker included, Highwood scored seven in a row.Twin Palms made it close in the final chukker as they scored three goals to come within one. The tying goal was not to be however, and Highwood captured the Sofonio Polo Classic by a count of 10 - 9.Scoring for the winners, Santiago Trotz had five (one foul - #4), Marcello Rodriquez - Abbiati counted two (one foul - #4), Mathison a pair, and Jake Stimmel grabbed one.Replying for Twin Palms, Graham Bray scored five goals, Gaston Von Wernich had three, and Mike Kerley struck once.2013 Sofonio Polo ClassicHighwood (12) - Ron Mathison, Marcello Rodriguez - Abbiati 5, Santigo Trotz 5, Jake Stimmel 2.Twin Palms (12) - Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 4, Gaston Von Wernich 5, Mike Kerley 2.Tony Gregg 

31st Annual Trione Vineyards Senior's Tournament

With the founder Henry Trione, as always, in attendance, the 31st annual Trione Vineyards Seniors Polo Tournament was played during the traditional mid-season break - this year on March 2nd & 3rd.With four teams entered, Sunday's final came down to a contest between Adam Ranch and Melody Ranch.To reach the final game, Adam Ranch defeated Washington Lettuce on Saturday and Melody Ranch was victorious over Shanghai.The final game, played on an absolutely perfect afternoon and announced by William Devane, saw Adam Ranch control from the outset and go on to well played victory to earn the prominent position on the presentation platform.2013 Trione Vineyards Senoir's Polo TournamentAdam Ranch - Ross Adam, Glen Hart, Cameron Diggon, Denny Geiler.Melody Ranch - Craig Ramsby, Murray Farmer, Will Waggner, George Conkwright, Susan Cooley.Washington Lettuce - George Dill, Larry Rudy, Joe Infanger, Kelly Armstrong.Shanghai - Steven Armour, Mike Ward, Don Pugh, Mike Jordan.Tony Gregg

WCT Western Women's Challenge

Once again, Eldorado was selected to be the host club for the WCT Western Women's Challenge Polo Tournament, played over three days from March 1 to March 3, 2013 comprising three Flights.The A Flight consisted of three teams - Prime Time, Cotterel Farms/Urban Dog, and Coldwell Banker Menlo, and was played over the three days as a round-robin with a 4 chukker 'game' each day.Friday saw Prime Time face-off against Cotterel/Urban Dog. Prime Time wasn't able to hang on to an early lead as Cotterel/Urban Dog came back to eventually win by a score of 4 - 2.Having not played on Friday, Coldwell Banker Menlo stepped on the field Saturday to face Prime Time. This test featured three lead changes and ultimately ended with a count of 3 - 3.With Prime Time now out of championship contention - but hanging on a hope of the runner-up spot - Sunday's 'game' would feature Cotterel/Urban Dog at 1 - 0 and 2 net goals going against Coldwell Banker Menlo at 1 - 0 and zero net goals. In other words, the former needed only to tie to win the championship, while Coldwell Banker Menlo would have to win in order to claim victory.In a very entertaining game that saw several lead changes, Coldwell Banker Menlo ultimately did claim a win by a score of 4 - 3 and therefore became the WCT Western Women's Challenge Champions.Dayelle Fargey was chosen as the MVP, Anne Evamy was voted as the most sportsmanlike, and Rio, owned by Jenny Lutterell and played by Caroline Anier was selected as the Best Playing Pony.WCT Western Women's Challenge - A FlightColdwell Banker Menlo (3) - Madelyn Cobb, Abby Riggs 1, Dayelle Fargey 1, Tiamo Hudspeth 1.Cotterel/Urban Dog (3) - Jenny Lutterell, Kim Garsed, Caroline Anier 2, Jessica Bailey 1.Prime Time (3) - Anne Evamy, Leigh Brecheen, Claudia Uretz, Sunny Hale 3.The B Flight saw six teams in competition and eventually came down to a final game between Barossa and Freedom Block For Horses. With no scoring in the first chukker, Freedom Block led 3 - 0 at halftime and ran away with a 5 - 2 win when it was over.Tania Paneno was picked as the MVP, Anita Wulff the most sportsmanlike, and Dayelle Fargey's Lemoncello was the Best Playing Pony. WCT Western Women's Challenge - B FlightFreedom Block For Horses (.5) - Tania Paneno -1, Jessica Bailey 1, Kate Weber .5, Cybele Jordan.Barossa (.5) - Katie Graham -1, Abby Riggs 1, Dayelle Fargey 1, Dani Rewitzer -.5.Cotterel Farms (1) - Jenny Lutterell, Jenny Phipps, Andrea Brereton -1, Caroline Anier 2.D C Bank (1) - Cathy Butler, Krissy Devane, Anita Wulff, Roxy Kefauver 1.Lucy Curci Cancer Center (1) - Susan Guggenheim, Sheryl Williams, Tiamo Hudspeth 1, Kerstie Allen.Rapid Release (-2) - Danielle Travis, Paige Beard,Emma Stachowicz -1, Becky Clark -1.C Flight was comprised of three teams in a round robin over two days where each team played each other team a total of four chukkers. After the second day, Ocean Mist prevailed as the victor, Deer Creek was second, and Ponytail Polo was the second runner-up.Megan Kozminski was selected as the MVP, Lynni Hutton was chosen as the most sportsman like player, and Paige Rutherford was voted as the most improved. Miami, owned by Ernie Ezcurra and played by April Malice became the Best Playing Pony.WCT Western Women's Challenge - C FlightOcean Mist - Megan Kozminski, Mary Masterson, Linda Drabova, Dana Bates.Deer Creek - Lynni Hutton, Paige Rutherford, Amelia Gilroy, Nancy Louie.Ponytail Polo - Alex Pool-Jeffre, Emma Tooth, April Malice, Sara Knudsen/Lacey Safonovs.Tony Gregg

Stormcat Runs To Victory In Beal 6 Goal

The 6 goal Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Cup turned out to be a test involving two rather different teams. On the one side, Reg Whyte and his Thermal bunch and on the other, Craig Steinke and Stormcat. For Whyte, it was his second Eldorado final in a row, and for Steinke, it was his first Eldorado final in many years. While Whyte went with the proven lineup - World Gym Winners - of foreman Fergus Gould, Nicolas Maciel (back after an injury), and Emma Stachowicz, Steinke saddled the rejuvenated Danny Juarez, his longtime rig hand Victor Soto, and newcomer Jacob Deutsch.Stormcat rushed out of the gate quickly as Juarez scored once and Soto added a pair to lead in the very early going. Maciel converted a penalty three for Thermal and the  first ended with the explorers ahead at 3 - 1.Whyte and Co. started to make some hay early in the second as Maciel baled another open goal opportunity and Gould scored one from the field to tie the count at three. However, Stormcat galloped ahead once more on counters from Juarez and Soto and the second ended with the Steike Group leading at 5 - 3.Stormcat led by three once again as Juarez converted a penalty two, but Maciel scored a field goal to help Thermal stay close at the 'half' with the count at 6 - 4.The fourth was all Thermal as Whtye's  'hands ran down the leader with another open goal counter from Maciel and another field goal from Gould who was now leading by example. With Stormcat now seemingly fading, Thermal was back in it tied at six.In the final frame, Juarez and Soto each scored from the field to again give the lead to Stormcat, this time by a pair. However, Thermal wasn't finished as continued pressure was rewarded with an impressive 60 yard free shot by Maciel that brought them within one. With less than a minute to go, Thermal needed a goal to tie and was willing to take a chance to make it happen. If you succeed and run the field you're a hero and if you get caught, you know that at least you tried. In taking the chance, Thermal gave up a penalty four opportunity to Juarez that he converted and Steinke and his Stormcat stable had won the 6 Goal Beal Memorial by a count of 9 - 7.Playing his best game of the season earned Soto MVP honors and Maciel's third chukker mare, India, owned by Gery Warner, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.2013 6 Goal Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial CupStormcat (6) - Craig Steinke 1, Danny Juarez 3, Victor Soto 2, Jacob Deutsch.Thermal (6) - Reg Whyte, Fergus Gould 4, Nicolas Maciel 3, Emma Stachowicz -1, Miguel Gutierrez 3 (sub for Maciel).Tony Gregg

Cotterel Hangs On to Win Beal Memorial 12 Goal

The final game of the 2013 12 Goal Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Cup turned out to be a game of streaks - as in goal scoring streaks. Both Jenny Lutterell's Cotterel Farms and Ben Soleimani's Mansour came into the game with perfect records from bracket play and both had been to finals this season with both coming away as runners-up - in fact, Lutterell had been twice before.The start was very fast for Cotterel as a quick jump out of the opening throw-in led to early pressure on the Mansour goal and a Santiago Wulff clearing effort was deflected through by Ignacio Saracco. The rug guys managed to come back in a hurry and pressure on the Cotterel goal was rewarded with a Danny Walker open goal conversion to tie the count at one. At this point, the first streak of the afternoon started as Luis Saracco (from the field) and Ruben Coscia (penalty two) got things started and Lutterell and her farmhands led by two after the first with the count at 3 - 1.The second was pretty much all Cotterel as they smothered Mansour with absolutely devastating force that allowed Ignacio Saracco and Coscia to score one goal each and the second ended with the farmers now leading by four (5 - 1).Cotterel kept up the pace early in the third as both Saraccos and Coscia (penalty 4) scored and they had now counted seven goals in a row and had amassed a lead of seven at 8 - 1. With Mansour now 'on the ropes', and in need of help, Walker stepped up and counted one from the field to end the onslaught. With the streak ended, the entire Soleimani Group seemed to relax and Santiago Von Wernich was able to score to bring the rug people back to within five at the half.With one goal scoring streak ended, another had started as Mansour, now playing with extreme confidence, took control in the fourth and applied pressure on Cotterel - now the overwhelmed team - as Walker converted two open goal free-throws and Von Wernich added one from the field. With the farmers in disarray, the Soleimani boys were making sales and trailed by just two going to the fifth (8 - 6).Mansour kept pounding early in the fifth and Walker was offered another open goal opportunity that he seized and the Mansour streak was now six goals. With that counter being the only goal of the chukker, the Cotterel lead was but one goal going into the final (8 - 7) and the farmers were most definitely the team in trouble now - not having scored since the third.Mansour kept the pressure on but were able to get nothing in the early going of the sixth and the pendulum was starting a swing to now favor Cotterel as the ever cool Coscia grabbed a goal to stop the Mansour streak at six and allowed Cotterel to win the Beal Memorial by a score of 9 - 7. As a result, the soon to be bride, was no longer a bridesmaid.As a reward for his cool and steady play, Coscia was selected as the MVP and Wulff's horse Pele was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Cup - 2013Cotterel Farms (12) - Jenny Lutterell, Luis Saracco 4, Ignacio Saracco 3, Ruben Coscia 5.Mansour (12) - Ben Soleimani, Danny Walker 2, Santiago Wulff 5, Santiago Von Wernich 5.Tony Gregg    

25 Play in Arty Cameron Memorial Junior Tournament

With three flights to play in (Roadrunner - leadline, Coyote - trot/slow canter, and Cobra - advanced) the 2013 Arty Cameron Memorial Tournament was played on Saturday and Sunday, February 9 & 10. With Arty Cameron Jr. umpiring both days, the first day was set up to evaluate the large entry with respect to abilitiy to enable the organizers to set teams for Sunday's games.Sunday's polo started early - with a large group of parents and friends involved - with the Roadrunner group playing one 10 minute chukker featuring Fish Creek (Gabriella Trabitts & Matias Wolf) playing World Gym ( Jacqueline Trabitts & Nick Steinke). When the ten minutes was over - with a generous add-on by the timer of 2 minutes or so -  the score was tied at two. When speaking of the Roadrunner kids, one would be remiss if the presence of very young Austin Tibbs, who played on Saturday, wasn't mentioned.In the Coyote Flight, World Gym Green (Rosie Gonzalez, Ryan Kerley, Conner Garsed, and coach Jesse Bray) faced off against World Gym White (Thomas Steinke, Hope Kerley, Sydney Hoyt, and coach Jared Sheldon) in two 7 minute, 30 second chukkers. With some trotting and some cantering as well, it is believed that Green was victorious after the two very competitive sessions.With the first two flights completed, it was time for the Cobra Flight - World Gym (Sydney Jordan, Rhandy Heredia, Gracie Gonzalez, and Alonzo Cruz0), Coldwell Banker (Sophia Von Wernich, Bauti Von Wernich, Chloe Von Wernich, and Grant Palmer), Hidden Creek (Riley Jordan, Bayne Bossom, Teo Von Wernich, and Julio Cruz) in a round robin with 7 minute 30 second 'stop-time' chukkers. In what turned out to be a very competitive and aggresive game, World Gym finished first with with Coldwell Banker and Hidden Creek in the runner-up spot.The organization of a tournament such as this takes alot of work and many people. Those who gave their valuable time should be recognized and thanked and in no particular order the following should be mentioned; Danielle Kennedy (chair), Jan Hart, Graham Bray, Debbie Morrison, Rob Roenisch, James a'Court, Lacey Winterton, Madelyn Cobb, Jane Isquith, Mike and Claudia Uretz, Fish Creek Polo - Fred Mannix, Arty Cameron Jr., Jesse Bray, Jared Sheldon, and probably more that I, with apologies, have failed to mention.Of course, when we think of the Arty Cameron Memorial Junior Polo Tournament, we most certainly think of the man who was involved from the start of junior polo at Eldorado and never missed a Saturday or Sunday junior polo session - a special thanks to Arty Cameron.Tony Gregg

World Gym 6 Goal Trophy Goes to Thermal

The final game of the Mike and Claudia Uretz World Gym 6 Goal tournament, was a contest between two unbeaten teams coming out of the qualifying round. On the one side, Dan Horn's Palm Desert, without the injured Horn, and on the other, Canadian Reg Whyte's Thermal aggregation. Both teams had actually made some significant changes after the January tournaments. With Horn out, Malia McCoy stepped in and Hank Uretz was added to the Palm Desert roster to assist Danny Walker and Federico Wulff. For Whyte, Emma Stachowicz came in along with Nicolas Maciel to work with Fergus Gould. Obviously the changes worked out for both.Having to give up a half goal at the start, Thermal put early pressure on Palm Desert that led to two super penalty four conversions from Maciel and with Gould adding a field goal, Whyte and his farmhands were off to a great start leading 3 - .5 after the first.Palm Desert developed some momentum of their own early in the second as they started to push back. With 5;16 left in the period, Maciel was injured and after some time, it was determined that he shouldn't return. With Maciel out, Bryan Middleton stepped in to help and found out that his first job was to watch as Danny Walker converted a penalty two opportunity - a result of the Maciel incident - and Palm Desert had one on the board. With Middleton in, and on unfamilair horses, Walker and Wulff took advantage and scored field goals and the second was over, with the Horn Group up by the handicap difference at 3.5 - 3.Palm Desert continued the aggression in the third and were rewarded another open goal try that Walker easily converted and the lead was now 1.5 goals. With Middleton and Gould having played together in January, it was only a matter of time before he and Gould would find comfort working together and Gould was then able to convert a Middleton pass and the Palm Desert lead was, at 'halftime', only the handicap award (4.5 - 4).With Gould and Middleton now finding a rhythm, they were able to press Palm Desert and converted an open goal opportunity from about five yards to get the lead back by a half point. Palm Desert came back however as Walker scored on a penalty three attempt and McCoy scored a beauty because of a quick and aggresive move to return an imperfect Thermal backhand.  Not fazed, Gould later grabbed a pass from Middleton and, from 100 yards out was able to fight off Wulff while taking a very circuitous and impressive nearside route to goal and scored from 30 yards well left and only several yards from the end line - a play that in hindsight should have been the announcer's 'play of the day'. Middleton then  converted a safety from about 65 yards from goal and the period ended with Thermal leading once again at 7 - 6.5).In the fifth, Middleton converted another open goal attempt to complete the scoring and Reg Whyte, the 2010 Governor's Cup Winner, and his Thermal farmhands were the winneres of the 23rd annual World Gym Tournament by a count of 8 - 6.5. World Gym 6 Goal TournamentThermal (6) - Reg Whyte, Emma Stachowicz -1, Fergus Gould 4, Nicloas Maciel 3, Bryan Middleton 3 (sub. for Maciel).Palm Desert (5.5) - Danny Walker 2, Malia McCoy .5, Hank Uretz, Federico Wulff 3, Dan Horn .5 (inj.)Tony Gregg      

Hanalei Bay Rides Wave To World Gym 12 Goal Victory

For the third time in as many tournaments, Ron Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay surfers caught another big wave and rode it to a final game victory. This time, on Sunday, February 10, it was the 12 Goal World Gym Tournament, sponsored by Mike and Claudia Uretz.Going into the final undefeated  in qualifying play, Bonaguidi and his pack went up against Ben Soleimani's Mansour foursome - a team they beat in the qualifier - and landed on the beach with a 9 - 8 overtime win. By most accounts, it was one of the most exciting games played at Eldorado in the last several years.The Hawaiians grabbed a very quick lead from the opening throw-in as Mariano Fassetta, from the line-up, sent a perfect pass to a running, and very open, Jared Sheldon and within the first 19 seconds, it was 1 - 0 Hanalei Bay - just like that. Not fazed at all, Mansour's Santiago Von Wernich scored twice and all of a sudden, with less than 150 seconds gone, the lead belonged to Mansour. A penalty four conversion by Von Wernich later on in the first gave the rug salesmen a lead of two, but Joseph Stuart scored from the field and a wild first period ended with Mansour up by one at 3 - 2.The fast pace continued in the second, but goals were hard to get, as long runs, by both sides, were stopped by great defensive efforts by both sides. Fassetta finally broke through and scored on another long run and it was tied at three going to the third.Jessica Bailey, substituting for an injured Soleimani, scored on a very impressive and aggresive effort from 100 yards out and Mansour had the lead once again. However, the always lurking Sheldon grabbed his second and it was tied going to the half - this time at four.Mansour went up by one early in the fourth on Santiago Wulff's first goal of the game, but Hanalei Bay came back strong and quickly with relentless pressure that led to a pair of open goal coversions by Sheldon and singles by Stuart and Fassetta to give the surfers the largest lead of the afternoon  at 8 - 5.The fifth was scoreless and gave everyone the impression that the World Gym Trophy would belong to Hanalei Bay as all they had to do was 'hang on' in the final frame.It appeared as if the Bonaguidi pack was thinking the same thing as the rug guys came out in the sixth and sold product - lots of product as they overwhelmed the islanders with relentless pressure which led to a pair of counters from Von Wernich and another from Bailey and all of a sudden it was a tie game going to extra time.The overtime period was, if nothing else, draining as both teams were afforded penalty opportunities that were not converted. With the big crowd starting to wonder when a winner would emerge, Fassetta was able to set-up a wide open Stuart with a perfect pass and it was over with Hanalei Bay winning the 22nd renewal of the World Gym Tournament.23rd Annual World Gym Tournament - 12 GoalHanalei Bay (12) - Ron Bonaguidi, Mariano Fassetta 6, Jared Sheldon 3, Joseph Stuart 3.Mansour (11) - Ben Soleimani, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Santiago Wulff 5, Remy Mueller 1, Jessica Bailey 1 (sub. for Soleimani).Tony Gregg     

Hanalei Bay and Gypsy Wear the Kerley Spurs

With the much sought-after Chris Kerley Spurs as the reward, the final games of the Wendell Kerley Memorial Tournament - delayed because of rain - were played on Saturday and Sunday, with Ron Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay winning the 12 Goal tournament, and Suzanne Figi's Gypsy capturing the 6 goal test.In the 6 Goal, played Saturday in front of a large Cantina lunch crowd, Gypsy went up against Rick Paicius and his Trinity organization and came away with a 10 - 8 victory.At the start, it looked as if Paicius and Co. were going to walk all over the wanderers as they jumped out to a very quick two goal lead with counters from Tim Rudy and Miguel Gutierrez. However, the young Gypsy quarterback, Jesse Bray grabbed two of his own late in the period and it was tied a two going to the second.The second was rather uneventful, but it became apparent that Gypsy had a defensive plan as Bray, along with Mike Kerley, Jessica Bailey, and Gustavo Patino (substituting for Figi) kept the Paicius Group off the scoresheet while grabbing a goal coutesy of a penalty three conversion by Kerley that gave the wanderers a lead of one at 3 - 2.The Gypsy defensive plan was in full operation in the third as Trinity was able to do nothing offensively and that strong effort was rewarded with a series of turnovers that led to three goals including a field goal by Kerley and a pair of free throws by Bray - a number three and a spectacular number six from about 70 yards away from goal. The 'half' ended with Gypsy leading by four at 6 - 2.The ten minutes of 'halftime' gave the Trinity Group time to formulate a plan to stop the pain - something Paicius is very good at - and it was time well spent. Despite allowing a goal early in the fourth, Rudy and Gutierrez applied pressure and it worked as the teams traded goals throughout the fourth. For Gypsy, it was Kerley with a pair of field goals and Bray with a penalty three counter. The reply for Trinity was Rudy from the field and Gutierrez with two open goal efforts. The final chukker would start with Gypsy still up by four, this time at 9 - 5, but Trinity was scoring.Paicius and Co. opened up the fifth with a pair of super runs by Rudy, set up by Gutierrez, and it appeared that it was going to be close after all. However, Kerley exploded from a throw-in at center and with help from Bailey, got one back to grab a lead of three with little time left. Rudy converted a penalty four at the end, but the victory, and the spurs, belonged to Gypsy.For his aggressive and solid play, Kerley was selected as the MVP, and his mare, Peppermint, owned by Triangle Bar Farms, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. For Kerley, it was a wonderful day as he won the tournament named for his father and received the awards (created by his brother) from his children, Hope and Ryan - grandchildren of Wendy Kerley.The 12 Goal Kerley Memorial final, played on Super Bowl Sunday featured Ron Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay against defending Kerley champions, Jenny Lutterell's Cotterel Farms.From the outset, it was apparent that the Bonaguidi pack was prepared as they rode to a quick lead of two goals in the first 75 seconds with strikes from Bonaguidi (penalty two) and Jared Sheldon from the field. Not to be outdone, Cotterel's Ruben Coscia scored 40 seconds later on a perfect pass from the throw-in after the Sheldon goal to narrow the lead. Sheldon, however, scored again later in the period and the first ended with the surfers leading at 3 - 1.In the second, Mariano Fassetta got up and scored his first of the afternoon to give the Hawaiians a lead of three but replies from Coscia and Ignacio Saracco kept the farmers in it as they trailed by just one going to the third at 4 - 3.That third, however, was all Hawaii as Cotterel was unable to do anything and Fassetta scored again and Sheldon added a pair of open goal counters to end the half with Bonaguidi ahead by four at 7 - 3.The fourth was relatively quiet as each team scored once - Coscia from 30 yards and Fassetta from the field - and it was 8 - 4 Hanalei Bay.The surfers increased their lead to five in the fifth as Fassetta scored twice and Sheldon once (penalty two) with the farmers getting only a pair from Coscia and Saracco.Coscia counted his fifth of the game early in the final period but Fassetta wanted to catch another wave and did with a great run, and with a goal from Joseph Stuart, the final score was 13 - 7 and the Bonaguidi pack had earned the coveted award.With a very strong and controlling effort, Fassetta was a unanimous choice as the MVP and his fourth chukker mare, Pippaletta, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Wendell Kerley Memorial 6 Goal Gypsy (6) - Suzanne Figi -1, Jesse Bray 4, Mike Kerley 2, Jessica Baily 1, Gustavo Patino -1 (sub for Figi).Trinity (6) - Rick Paicius, Tim Rudy 3, Miguel Gutierrez 3, Kim Garsed and David Flowers -1 alternating. Wendell Kerley Memorial 12 GoalHanalei Bay (12) - Ron Bonaguidi, Mariano Fassetta 6, Jared Sheldon 3, Joseph Stuart 3.Cotterel Farms (12) - Jenny Luttrell, Luis Saracco4, Ignacio Saracco 3, Ruben Coscia4.Tony Gregg    

*Gypsy To Play Trinity in Kerley 6 Goal Final

Trinity defeated Cotterel Farms/TSA Motorsports to earn a berth in the Wendell Kerley Memorial final against Bracket #1 winner, Gypsy.The time of the game is yet to be determined.BRACKET #1Gypsy                               3   0   Def - Thermal/Hanalei Bay, Stormcat/Adeptus, Palm Desert (advances to final)Thermal/Hanalei Bay       1   1   Def - Palm Desert   Lost - GypsyPalm Desert                     1   2   Def - Stormcat/Adeptus   Lost - Thermal/Hanalei Bay, GypsySrormcat/Adeptus            0   2   Lost - Gypsy, Palm DesertGypsy advances to final with win over Palm Desert.Game between Thermal/Hanalei Bay and Stormcat/Adeptus is not neccessary. BRACKET #2Trinity                                                    2   0    Def - Blazers, Cotterel FArms/TSA Motorsports (advances to final)Blazers                                                  1   1   Def - Cotterel Farms/TSA Motorsports   Lost - TrinityCotterel Farms/TSA Motorsports          0   2   Lost - Blazers, Trinity.  

*Hanalei Bay & Cotterel Will Play Kerley 12 Goal Final

A three-way tie for first place, after league play,  in the Kereley Memorial 12 Goal Tournament necessitated the use of the first ever USPA 'Shootout Tournament Tiebreaker' on the Pacific Coast. With identical records of 3 - 1, Northern Blizzard, Cotterel Farms, and Hanalei Bay went to the line and Northern Blizzard was eliminated from further play. The final, between Cotterel and Hanalei Bay will be played on Sunday, February 3, 2013, at 2 PM.Northern Blizzard       3   1   Def - Twin Palms, Antelope, Cotterell   Lost - Hanalei BayHanalei Bay                3    1 Def - Twin Palms, Northern Blizzard, Antelope Lost - Cotterel (advance to final)Cotterel Farms          3   1   Def - Antelope, Hanalei Bay, Twin Palms   Lost - Northern Blizzard (advance to final)Twin Palms               1   3   Def - Antelope   Lost - Northern Blizzard, Hanalei Bay, CotterelAntelope                    0   4   Lost - Northern Blizzard,  Cotterel, Twin Palms, Hanalei Bay Final to be played on Sunday, February 3, 2013  

Blazers Recover to Win 6 Goal Veen Memorial

The first 6 Goal final of the 2013 season, the Tony Veen Memorial, featured Dan Horn and Leigh Brecheen's Palm Desert group going up against Pat Powell and his Blazers polo team, with both teams coming into the final with perfect records following bracket play.On a very cold afternoon in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, Palm Desert, starting with a handicap award of one half, and wearing their red shirts, started red hot with three quick goals to take the very early lead . A penalty four conversion by Federico Wulff and field goals by Brecheen and Danny Walker within the first three minutes most certainly stung the Blazers, who usually start quickly themselves, but were obviously not blazing at the outset of this one. With no time to take an antihistamine, Kyle Fargey simply treated the sting as a local reaction, shook it off and got to work. Before the first was over, he had converted a pair of open goal opportunities and the first ended with the Blazers trailing by just 1.5 at 3.5 - 2 in favor of Plam Desert.A field goal by Jake Devane brought Powell and Co. back to the handicap difference early in the second and it appeared that the Blazers had recovered. However, Wulff scored from the field to give Palm Desert the 1.5 cushion once again. Powell then scored and the difference was once again the handicap award. Not for long though, as Walker converted a penalty three and Horn scored with just one second left in the period to take a lead of 2.5 goals into the third at 6.5 - 4.A big play by Walker to steal the ball and run the field on a Fargey penalty four attempt, gave Palm Desert the 3.5 point cushion once again, but the Blazers wouldn't go away as Devane and Canelo Sylvestre each scored from the field and the 'half' ended with a score of 7.5 - 6 in favor of Palm Desert.Wulff, with a spectacular 90 yard strike from the far right - the announcer's 'shot of the day' - gave Palm Desert a lead of 2.5 goals halfway through the fourth but that would be it for them as Fargey - now fully recovered from the sting - converted a penalty three and four and scored from the field and the Blazers led for the first time to end the fourth with the score at 9 - 8.5.The final chukker was quiet as Palm Desert was unable to get anything going at all. Sylvestre scored his second of the day and Pat Powell and his Blazers captured the Tony Veen Memorial by a count of 10 - 8.5.Tony Veen 6 Goal Memorial TournamentBlazers (6) - Pat Powell, Kyle Fargey 3, Canelo Sylvestre 2, Jake Devane 1.Palm Desert (5.5) - Dan Horn .5, Leigh Brecheen, Danny Walker 2, Federico Wulff 3.Tony Gregg 

Adeptus Challenge Victory For Hanalei Bay

The first final of the 2013 12 Goal season featured Jenny Lutterel's Cotterell Farms facing off against Ron Bonaguidi and Hanalei Bay in the Adeptus Challenge - sponsored by Dr. Colleen Wilson's Adeptus Nutrition.On a somewhat cool, but sunny afternoon, Lutterel and Bonaguidi gave the huge opening day crowd exactly what they were looking for - action and excitement featuring long runs and spectacular shots to goal.The first chukker was close and featured five goals with Cotterel taking a lead of one at 3 - 2 to the second frame.That second was all Hawaiian as Hanalei Bay counted four unanswered goals - three by Mariano Fassetta - and the third started with the surfers leading by thrree at 6 - 3.The momentum from the second carried over into the third as the Bonaguidi group outscored the Lutterell foursome by a count of 3 - 2 to lead by four at 9 - 5 at halftime.The fourth period featured a huge turn around by Cotterel as they scored four unanswered goals of there own and when it was over the game was tied at nine.Lutterell and Co. grabbed an early lead in the fifth with a quick score but the surfers came back with three to lead by two at 12 - 10 going to the final.The sixth was even with no scoring, and as a result, Hanalei Bay had earned the first tournament victory of the season, and a 30 day supply of Adeptus equine nutritional products for each team member.For the winners, Fassetta led the scoring with six, Joseph Stuart had four, and Jared Sheldon counted a pair (0ne foul).In reply, Ruben Coscia scored four, Lutterell, based on very aggressive play, conted three (one foul), Ignacio Saracco supplid two, and Luis Saracco had one.Adeptus ChallengeHanalei Bay (12) - Ron Bonaguidi, Mariano Fassetta 6, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3.Cotterel Farms (12) - Jenny Lutterell, Ruben Coscia 5, Luis Saracco 4, Ignacio Saracco 3.Tony Gregg 

Remax Wins the Holiday Tournament

The first tournament of the 2012 - 2013 season - the 4-goal Holiday Tournament -  came down to a final with two very Canadian teams. On one side, the somewhat seasoned Pat Powell and his Blazers aggregation, and on the other, Gordon Ross and his Remax group.Powell, with Kyle Fargey running the ship, has had a very successful run over the last several seasons - including a victory in the Pacific Coast Governor's Cup and it was thought by many that the trend would continue in the Holiday Tournament. Canelo Silvestre and newcomer Frank Galdon would complete Powell's group. However, Ross - in town for a few weeks - was very intent on winning as well. To that extent, he enlisted the help of Fargey's sister, Dayelle, who very quickly brought Joe Henderson and Emma Stachowicz into the fold - a rather formidable 4 - goal organization as it turned out.Remax started very aggressively and within the first minute of play Dayelle Fargey scored her first of three on the afternoon. The lead wouldn't last for long however, as Kyle Fargey returned the favor, and it was tied at one. Henderson scored his first of three as well and the first ended with Ross and Co. up by one at 2 -1.The Fargeys exchanged single goals in the second period and Remax led 3 - 2 at halftime.The third was pretty much all Remax as Dayelle Fargey and Henderson combined to score three times to take a four goal lead going into the final. Were it not for some very aggressive defensive play by Powell, it could have been worse.Sylvestre and Kyle Fargey scored once each in the fourth, but it wasn't enough and Ross and his Remax foursome captured the 2012 Holiday Tournament by a score of 6 - 4.Stachowicz, based on her tenacity and  very obvious underrated ability, was selected as the Most Valuable Player.2012 Holiday TournamentRemax (4) Gordon Ross, Emma Stachowicz -1, Dayelle Fargey 1, Joe Henderson 4.Blazers (4) Pat Powell, Frank Galdon -1, Kyle Fargey 3, Canelo Sylvestre 2Tony Gregg