Linfoot Clinic December 12 & 13

L I N F O O T  P O L O  C L I N I CMark your calendars to take Lessons with the Linfoots hosted by Eldorado Polo Club on December 12 & 13Corky and Kathy Linfoot will be conducting a 2 day instructional and coaching clinic that isguaranteed to improve your polo skills including but not limited to, hitting, riding & game strategyCheck them out at Linfootpolo.com Cost of the clinic is $400 (1/2 price for kids under 12) which includes:-    Friday Dec 11 6:30pm meet & greet with pizza and beer at the Cantina-    Sat Dec 12 & Sun Dec 13 clinic with riding skills, drills, board work, hitting cage & match scenarios-    Breakfast & lunch each day as well as dinner on Saturday night at the Cantina-    Riding experience is a prerequisite, it is recommended that you bring 2 x horsesFor more information contact the Polo Office (760) 342 2223 or eldorado@eldoradopoloclub.com Please register by December 1 - Horse rental options available - Free horse board for visiting participants 

2016 Season Schedule & Membership Fees

Come and check out Polo!

Polo every Saturday & Sunday starting January 9 2016Saturdays 12pm at the Cantina Sundays 10am at the Cantina, 12pm & 2pm the ClubhouseSunday Clubhouse Reservations (760)-831-POLO(7656) 

Eldorado Polo Schedule 2015-2016

November
1	Club Open
December
8	Stick & Ball Field Opens
12-13	Linfoot Polo Clinic
19	Club Chukkers begin Thurs, Sat & Sun
23	Team Practice begins10 - 12 Goal Practice Wed, Sat & Sun5 - 7 Goal Thurs, Sat & Sun
26 - 27	World Gym Tournament (4 Goal)
January
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
8 - 17	Opening Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
9 - 17	Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
10	Opening Day - Sunday Polo matches begin
22 - 31	Coachella Valley Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
February
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
5 - 14	Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
6 - 2819 - 28	Fish Creek Cup5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
27 - 28	Trione Vineyards Seniors TournamentOpen to players 50 years and over
March
Feb 29 - 8	FIELDS CLOSED
5 - 6	Eldorado Women's Open WCT Qualifier
10 - Apr 3	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
12 - Apr 3	Pro Pool - Saturdays & Sundays
11 - Apr 3	SKINS Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
12 - Apr 3	USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor's Cup5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
April
3	CLOSING DAYUSPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup FinalSKINS Match - $30,000

• All information is subject to change

Season Memberships
10 - 12 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$11,500*
5 - 7 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  9,500*
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
* $500 discount on Season 10-12 & 5-7 Goal Memberships if paid by Nov 1
Pro Pool Season Membership(Includes Stick & Ball, Thurs practice, matches Sat & Sun)		$7000
Club Chukkers (6 Chukkers)		$ 4,500
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers)		$  3,500
Monthly Memberships
10 - 12 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  4,500
5 - 7 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  3,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
Club Chukkers (6 Chukkers)		$ 1,700
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers)		$ 1, 500

Non Member Fees
Stick & Ball (season)	$  2,000
Stick & Ball (monthly)	$  1,000
Stick & Ball (weekly)	$     250
Chukker Fee (5 game limit)	$       50 each
World Gym Tournament	$     400
Pro Pool - per weekend(Pro Pool fees include Pro, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)	$     600

Stabling Fees	Season	Monthly	Weekly	Daily
Rancho Eldorado Stall	$500	$300	$125	$15
Tack Room	$500
Box Stall*	$600	$300	$125	$20
(*Located at old HITS property)

20% Discount on stabling if your whole team stables at Eldorado.

Cotterel Farms Hangs On to Win Governor's Cup

With the January 6 Goal Championship in hand, and the February 6 Goal Beal Memorial Trophy displayed on the mantel, one would think that Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni would have been satisfied with the 2015 winter season. Truth be known, she was probably very satisfied with the season. However, as successful as Cotterel Farms (Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1, Ignaccio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2) had been in the first two months, there was one more prize to be had - the Pacific Coast Circuit Governor's Cup Championship. While the first two months are important, everyone wants to be able to say that they won the Governor's Cup - it's special.While some teams made line-up changes to prepare for the 'Big One', Cotterel remained intact and breezed through the qualifying rounds to arrive at the final. The opposition on the final afternoon would be Cheryl Schindel and her Centurions foursome (Cheryl Schindel -.5, Danny Walker 2, Luis Saracco 4,  Garrett Smith .5). After a rather shaky start to the winter season, Schindel and her polo manager Luis Saracco made some changes and brought in Walker and Smith - a move that ultimately gave them a shot at the big prize.The start to the final was rather tentative and slow and as a result a number of fouls were committed that led to an inordinate number of free hits. The end result of all this was that Walker connected on a penalty three opportunity that would account for the only goal of the opener.Not much changed in the first half of the second period and Walker, once again, connected on another three to give the Centurions a lead of two. As things sometimes happen, the flow opened up dramatically at that point as Cotterel started to gel. Ignacio Saracco was able to find the aggressive Luttrell-Benardoni free at the front and placed the ball perfectly for her and she then ran 175 yards to score. Schindel and Co. were able to recover with some running of their own and as a result, Luis Saracco was awarded a 60 yard free-throw that he nailed and the second was over with The Centurions ahead by a pair.The third became more of the first as the pace reduced with a return to the tentative play. The result, however allowed Cotterel's Saracco to convert three open goal shots and they were back in front with a lead of one. The Centurion's Saracco scored from the field just before the half and it was four apiece at the break.As the fourth got underway, it was apparent that the Colorado farmers had used the downtime well as the complexion of the game had changed in a big way to their favor. With Ignacio Saracco directing the much improved offence, Cotterel was all over the Centurions and, for the most part, the Northern Alberta group had difficulties getting out of their own end. The constant pressure culminated in field goals from Petersen and Saracco himself and Cotterel had a lead of two.The fifth started much as the entire fourth before it, as the Cotterel offence continued to create the pace - fast and exciting. The result was once again field goals - this time Saracco had a pair and the lead was now four goals at 8 - 4. At this point in time, it seemed as if it was all over. And it might have been, but Luis Saracco, for the Centurions, stepped in and started to make things happen. Some suggested sibling rivalry - who knows? What is known is that the Centurions came alive, and to a man/woman, started to play the kind of polo that brought them to this tournament final. With the change, Saracco scored from the field and the Centurions, trailing by 'just' three, had hope.In the early sixth Saracco was unstoppable as he twice scored from the field and the Centurions were now down by only one. By this time, Cotterel had apparently started to figure things out once again, as they regained the attitude and abilities that gave them such a comfortable lead earlier. The result was control of the play and as such the Centurion's momentum had been quelled. However, with less than a minute left, and with play deep in the Centurion end, Petersen gained control of the ball and sent it over the side with a force deemed to be excessive. As a result and with 41 seconds on the clock, the Centurions were awarded a penalty five from the spot about 45 yards out from their own end line. Luis Saracco was able to carry the play within 100 yards of the Cotterel goal but that was going to be it as the ball hit the boards and it was over. Luttrell-Benardoni and Cotterel Farms had capped a wonderful season by winning the 2015 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup by a score of 8 - 7.Ignacio Saraccco was selected as the Most Valuable Player and his mare, Fantasma, went back to the barn wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg    

Northern Blizzard Completely Dominates to Win Skins Final

The 20th renewal of the Polo Skins Game - first played for in 1995 - saw John Rooney's Northern Blizzard (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1) exhibit total and constant control over Dave Dollinger's Los Banditos (Dave Dollinger 1, Gaston von Wernich 5, Max Menini 4, Jake Stimmel 2) by winning four out of the six chukkers. With the other two being tied - forcing two carryovers - the oilmen took home the complete haul of $30,000 ($5000 per chukker).The cold wind started to blow very early as Northern Blizzard won the initial throw-in and moved to goal. As a result, Crowder converted an open goal opportunity to lead by one. The outlaws were able to come back with some authority and Stimmel - a bright light on an otherwise dull afternoon - counted from the field to tie the early score. However, Crowder was able to convert his second 30 yard award and the first 'game' was over with Rooney and his oilmen ahead by $5,000. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 1.It appeared at the outset of the second that Los Banditos would recover as Menini scored to lead early. Not so, as the cool Canadian air continued to make its presence felt as Henderson unloaded a penalty five from center that Crowder grabbed and scored easily from 25 yards. Henderson then struck from the field and the second was over and the oilmen had another $5,000 for a total of $10,000. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 1.The third was relatively even as neither team was able to finish much until Henderson, once again, found Crowder with a center penalty five bomb to lead by a single point - the announcer's 'play of the game'. Menini brought the Outlaws even as he scored his second to force the first carryover of the afternoon - the fourth would be worth $10,000. *Tie score 1 - 1.With the carryover from the third added to the $5,000 offered in the fourth, each team had a huge opportunity - Los Banditos could draw even or Northern Blizzard could guarantee themselves a victory. It would be the latter as the invaders from the north took control from the outset. Henderson counted his second and Radcliff scored his first and the period was over and the Rooney oilmen had $20,000 in the account. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 0.The outlaws came out strong in the early fifth chukker as Menini scored again and von Wernich got his first. Not to be denied - especially on this afternoon - Northern Blizzard reacted as Radcliff counted his second and Crowder converted his third penalty two award to force the second carryover of the day. The sixth wound be worth $10,000. * Tie score 2 - 2.Recognizing an opportunity to strike big oil, Rooney's team came out in the final on fire as they absolutely dominated. As such, Crowder, with help from everyone, scored three field goals and there was no question that this afternoon would see a shutout for the first time in recent Skin's history. Menini was able to get one back in the final minute, but it mattered not as the Canadian invaders rode away with all the money available - $30,000 ($37,500 CDN). *Northern Blizzard 3 - 1.As well as winning all the cash, Northern Blizzard dominated the overall score by a count of 12 - 6 and were awarded Richard Roenisch bronzes as a result.Based on his dominating and relentless presence, Crowder was selected as the Most Valuable Player.Radcliff's third chukker mare Magnolia was chosen as the Best Playing Pony - her second such award of the season.Tony Gregg     

Springbok Leaps to Women's Tournament Victory

The WCT Qualifier, played on the 'down' weekend of February 28 - March 1, saw three teams on the entry docket. As such, the play would consist of a round-robin over three days.The tournament started with Pheasant Hollow (Debra Vermoch 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Abby Riggs 6, Megan Judge 2) facing off against the Terrifying Pony Tails (Susan Guggenheim 2, Cathy Butler 2, Isabella Wolf 5, Caroline Anier 7). In a game that was close the entire way, the Pony Tails, in what was considered to be an upset, were able to ride away with a 6 - 5 win.With the loser staying up in a round-robin, Pheasant Hollow returned on Saturday to play Springbok (Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5, Jessica Bailey 5, Andrea Brereton 1). The result of this one was never in doubt as Springbok breezed to a 6.5 - 1 win.The third game, to be played on Sunday, would then feature the two winners from previous play. However, rain forced a postponement and the game was rescheduled for the following Tuesday. Like game two, the championship contest turned out to be rather one-sided also as Springbok controlled the entire time and earned the spoils with a 9 - 4 victory and in doing so, became the 2015 WCT Champions.Malia McCoy was selected as the Most Valuable Player and Caroline Anier's Nicky was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The weekend also featured a B and C Flight as well.The second level also featured three teams; La Petrona (Claudia Uretz 2, Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni 3, Jennifer Alexy 4, Jillian Tiejte), Chopsticks(Lynni Hutton 1, Kit Neacy 1, Tania Paneno/Judith Baker 1, Caroline Anier 7), and Team Oz (Emma Tooth, Katayoon Ilkhanibdeh, Liz Peck 2, Dayelle Fargey 7). With rain causing problems with play, a shootout was held and La Petrona were victorious.With three teams entered in the C Flight, round-robin play determined the winner as well. After  play was completed, Media Spur (Megan Kozminski, Gale Derricott, Kim Ross, Stephanie Davidson) were the winners over Ocean Mist (Michelle Myers, Dana Bates, Brianna Heilig, Jana Elordi) and Team Oz (Emma Tooth, Kate Campbell, Heidi Clark, Joyce Pexton).Tony Gregg    

Coors Keep 'Heads' Above Water in NYTS

With rain preventing Sunday's final game of the four team National Youth Tournament Series event, a coin flip was ultimately used to determine the trophy distribution between Saturday victors Coors (Hank Uretz, Joe Coors, Riley Jordan, Cassidy Wood) and Triangle Bar Farms (Rhandy Heredia, Hope Kerley, Bayne Bossom, Sayge Ellington-Lawrence) . With Triangle Bar calling tails, the coin landed and settled with heads on the upper side and as such, it was decided that the Coors team would be the recipients of the first place awards.Saturday's games were completed without problem as the weather didn't come in until early Sunday morning and both were very well played and extremely entertaining - a fact not lost on the large Cantina crowd.The first game featured Coors against Moet (Alexis Payan, Nicholas Roth, Thomas Costello, Jonathon Garnica). Moet (with a handicap award of .5) started strongly and led 3.5 - 0 after the first. However, Coors was able to scramble back to within a half after the third period and scored one in the fourth to get the win by a count of 4 - 3.5.The second contest saw Triangle Bar take on Antelope (Grant Palmer, Aleksander Deutsch, Sydney Jordan, Trista Noland). Triangle Bar started with a half goal via the handicap system and by scoring the only goal of the final frame, were able to take the victory 5.5 - 5.With one exception, all of the players were from Southern California and were/are involved in the junior programs of the Eldorado Polo Club, Empire Polo's Connie Atkinson, and Central Coast Polo's Megan Judge. The exception, and a pleasant surprise who handled himself very well, was Spokane Washington's Ellington-Lawrence.The All-Stars selected were; Coors, Deutsch, Ellington-Lawrence, Heredia, Payan, and Uretz.Tony Gregg 

Tentnology/Luna Covers the Field in February 6 Goal

Having come through the February 6 Goal preliminary play undefeated, it appeared that Gery Warner and Jennifer Alexy's Tentnology/Luna polo team (Gery Warner, Jennifer Alexy, Nicolas Maciel 4, Diego Larregli 2) had erected a winning combination. That, however, was most certainly not the opinion of Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson whose Bush League group ( Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ashton Wolf 3, Carlitos Galindo 3) arrived at the final with only one loss - almost perfect. Not bad for a couple of guys who, just 11 months ago, were playing in the very successful Eldorado Pro Pool - with Alexy as their teammate.From the start, and with Warner's son Dylan stepping in for his father, Tentnology/Luna took control that gave Maciel free-throw opportunities that he easily converted - one a well hit number four and then an open goal strike - to give the tent makers a lead of two after one. The low score was not indicative of the play.While the somewhat overpowering start for Tentnology/Luna might have discouraged Bush League, it didn't as they came out for the second and gave the erectors all they could handle. Kyle, on a perfect set-up from Wolf ran 220 yards to complete a perfect play and the lead was just one. With constant pressure, the Kyle and Robertson group were awarded a penalty three opportunity that Galindo converted and the count was now even. Toward the end of the period, Alexy scored and the second was over with Tentnology up by one at 3 - 2.Wolf brought Bush League even early in the third with a counter from the field but, once again, pressure from Tentnology/Luna gave Maciel another open goal opportunity that he easily converted and the one goal lead was back to end the half at 4 - 3.Bush League came back in the fourth as Galindo scored from the field and, once again, the count was even, but Larregli grabbed his first of the day and the tent makers led again by one going to number five at 5 - 4.Maciel took over in the penultimate frame and the result was a goal by Larregli and another open goal counter from Maciel himself. Tentnology/Luna now led by three at 7 - 4 and it appeared to be over.From the start of the sixth, it was very obvious that it wasn't over as Bush League responded with quick and accurate force. Kyle scored his second and Galindo struck from the field as well and the lead was once again just one at 7 - 6. The Bush League pressure became relentless as they continued to push toward the goal to come very close once again as the horn sounded to indicate 30 seconds remaining. Maciel was able to get control 10 yards out and fired a shot toward the  boards that wasn't strong enough. Warner, with a great move to back-up his team-mate, was able to get the ball out of bounds and it appeared to be over. Not quite however, as his contact was correctly deemed to be too forceful and Bush League was awarded a penalty four opportunity. With the clock set at five seconds, Galindo stepped up and absolutely nailed the shot and it was on to overtime and at seven each, the next goal would be O so nice.Having done little in the sixth period, Tentnology/Luna managed to recover in the extra time as Maciel did what he does best - control the play. Moving toward the Bush League goal, Maciel and Larregli combined to get within 90 yards before being stopped and it would be Alexy's play to keep it moving. Going to the ball, she too was ridden off but was able to stop, turn, and get back to make an exceptional pass to Maciel and that was it. The final tally was 8 - 7 as Tentnology/Luna had it covered and the Roenisch Bronzes were theirs.Alexy was chosen as the MVP and Angie, owned by Gery Warner and played by Maciel in the fifth chukker, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg    

Cotterel Farms Earns Bronzes in February 12 Goal Final

The February 12 Goal Tournament final, played on a rather windy and coolish Sunday afternoon, featured Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms (Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Charlie Petersen 2) and Carole Lesine's Edelweiss ( Carole Lessine, Martin Donovan 5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Enrique Zavaleta 3). For Cotterel, it was their second final of 2015 and for Edelweiss, it was their first ever Eldorado final - a well earned berth by virtue of a perfect 3 - 0 record with three overtimes needed to get there.The first period started rather slowly as both teams seemed hesitant to make any bold moves. In spite of that, Curbelo did break free with a nice run to score the first goal of the contest and Donovan replied with an equally impressive tally to the same goal to tie the count at one apiece.  Curbelo was able to count another toward the end and the otherwise very quiet opener ended with the farmers leading by one.The pace was slow in the second as well and Edelweiss was able to take advantage to score a pair - Donovan with a penalty three conversion and a field goal - and at the same time keep the farmers off the scoreboard. The result was a one goal Swiss lead going to the third.Whatever the reason, that third chukker was rather subdued as well. The only goal came off the mallet of Peterson from the field and the first half was over with the board showing a tie at three each.The mountaineers came out in the fourth and scored quickly to grab a lead of one on an alert effort in front of the goal by Zavaleta. The farmers were fast to reply however and strong and sustained pressure led to three penalty conversions by Coscia - two number three's and a safety - and a faster fourth was over with Cotterel up by a pair at 6 - 4.Donovan brought Edelweiss to within one on a counter from the field midway through the fifth, but the farmers responded with a strong effort once again and Coscia, from the field, was able to get that back and then counted another number three to end the frame. The count was now 8 - 5 in favor of Cotterel and they were in comfortable control.Curbelo finished another nice run early in the final and it was apparent at this point that the farmers were going to carry home the first place Richard Roenisch Bronzes. A little later, Escapite completed the scoring and the final count was 9 - 6 in favor of Cotterel.Curbelo was selected as the Most Valuable Player and Pretty, Zavaleta's sixth period mare, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg 

Cotterel Farms Easily Wins 6 Goal Beal Memorial

The final game of the 6 Goal Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Cup brought the same competitors to the field as competed in the January League final - Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms (Lutterell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1, Ignacio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2) and Ron Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay (Ron Bonaguidi, Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jared Sheldon 4, Diego Velarde 3). The final result of this second meeting between the pair turned out to be the same as the first when the farmers started strong but barely hung on at the end to grab the win. The second would be a little different however as Cotterel pretty much dominated throughout and won easily.With Aleksander Deutsch substituting for Ron Bonaguidi, Hanalei Bay got off to a very quick start as Velarde scored two easy field goals to give the surfers a lead of two after the first period. The prevailing thought was that this patteren would continue into the second and beyond - didn't happen.Cotterel came out in the second and jumped all over the Hawaiians early with sustained pressure. Pressure that allowed Saracco to convert a penalty six from 70 yards to trail by just one. However, Velarde, with aggressive play, scored another from the field and the assumption was that the surfers couldn't be stopped. That assumption was wrong however, as Cotterel took over and controlled the balance of the chukker. Benardoni and Petersen counted from the field and Saracco converted another penalty six and the farmers led by one after two with a count of 4 - 3.With the first controlled by Hanalei Bay and the second by Cotterel Farms, the third was even with not a goal scored.The fourth period was, for the most part, controlled by Lutterell-Benardoni and Co. but all they had to show was one goal - a field strike by Saracco. Nonetheless, their lead was now a pair at 5 - 3.Sheldon got his first of the game in the early going of the fifth to bring Hanalei Bay to within one but that was, for the most part, it for the surfers as the farmers took over and dominated the rest of the period. Benardoni got his second and Saracco converted an open goal award and scored from the field as well and the count was now 8 - 4 favoring Cotterel.The final frame was completely unlike the previous meeting where Hanalei Bay romped the entire time. This time there would be no comeback as Petersen, playing a very strong and effective style, scored a pair of field goals before the surfers could respond with anything at all. The response was an open goal conversion by Sheldon to make the difference five goals but  it was now very apparent that this would be Cotterel Farms' second 2015 tournament championship. Benardoni then scored another to increase the lead to six and Sheldon, in the last 30 seconds and with almost everyone shaking hands, nailed a 130 yard neck shot to score and finalize the count at 11 - 6.As a result of his aggressive and effective play throughout, Petersen was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Sheldon's gelding Sports Center (1st and 6th) was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg   

Northern Blizzard Continues to Strike Oil

When John Rooney made the decision to get into the oil business, some 20 years ago, he was well aware that it would require crunching the numbers, putting the right people together, and going after the ultimate prize. It goes without question that he did things correctly. It's much the same in polo - calculate the handicaps, select players based on those numbers and compatibility, and play. To this point in the 2015 season, it appears that the Calgarian's success on the polo field has paralleled his success in the oil patch as his Northern Blizzard polo team has won all three 12 Goal tournaments played to this point in the season - the most recent being a victory in the Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial.The Beal final, a repeat of the Kerley Memorial decider, saw the Rooney oilmen (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1)  lineup against Geoff Palmer and his Antelope foursome (Geoff Palmer, Danny Walker 2, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 5.The start was all Antelope as Trotz and Walker scored easily in the very early going. Northern Blizzard came back late as Crowder grabbed a penalty four opportunity and the first ended with the pronghorns up by one at 2 - 1.Northern Blizzard got even early in the second as Rooney converted his first of five open goal attempts.  Antelope responded however, as Trotz and Bray each scored a field goal and the count was 4 - 2 in favor of Antelope after two.The explorers really got going in the third as Rooney converted a penalty two chance and Crowder scored from the field while at the same time shutting down Antelope. The half ended with the tally at four apiece.The momentum stayed with oilmen into the fourth as Henderson scored a pair - one as a result of a spectacular pass  from Rooney from far right - and they now led for the first time. Trotz was able to get one back for the pronghorns but constant pressure from the northern invaders gave Rooney another open goal attempt - which he converted - and the period ended with Northern Blizzard ahead by two at 7 - 5.The fifth was split with two for each team. Rooney converted two more open goal attempts and Trotz and Bray replied for Palmer and Co. to end the fifth with the count at 9 - 7 to favor the oilers.To start the sixth, Rooney scored his first field goal and the lead was now three. However, Antelope closed to within one mid-way through the finale - a Walker field goal and a penalty four bomb by Bray - to make it interesting. That interest was short-lived however as Rooney again perfectly fed Henderson for a goal and then scored another himself to end it at 12 - 9 in his favor. With the win, the Rooney sponsored Northern Blizzard served notice that they are for real and without doubt will be looking to find more oil before the season ends.Based on his superb play throughout - seven goals and perfect from the free-throw line - it was no surprise that Rooney earned MVP honors and Magnolia (fourth chukker), owned and played by Radcliff in a strong supporting effort, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg 

Cotterel Farms Repeats as January 6 Goal Champions

Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms 6 Goal polo team had reached the final of the January Tournament on back to back occasions - 2014 and this year. The 2014 result was a rather easy victory before a trip to the presentation platform to accept the Richard Roenisch Bronzes. The result last Sunday was, once again, a trip to the platform to get the Bronzes, but the road to victory was a little different - although it didn't appear so at the start.The 2015 Cotterel Team (Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1,Igancio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2)  was pretty much the same line-up as one year ago with the only change being Petersen lining up instead of Danny Walker. The opposition this time would be Ron and Krista Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay (Ron Bonaguidi, Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jared Sheldon 4, Diego Velarde 3) who had not only earned the first seed for the semi-finals but had also defeated Cotterel in bracket play.The start was much the same as the final one year ago as Cotterel jumped out to a quick lead with Saracco and Petersen striking from the field and Saracco connecting on an open goal opportunity to lead by three. Ron Bonaguidi got one back on an alert move in front of the goal, but Lutterell-Benardoni - playing with discipline and confidence - got that back on a terrific run. Velarde scored late in the period for the surfers and the first ended with the farmers up by a pair at 4 - 2.Hanalei Bay recovered in the second as Sheldon scored the only goal of the frame and the early lead was now just one.The prevailing thought was that Hanalei Bay would take the lead in the third. Made sense as they pretty much controlled the second - wrong. Cotterel came out and absolutely dominated the chukker as Petersen and Saracco counted from the field and Saracco converted his second penalty two attempt to go to the half with a lead of four at 7 - 3.The trend continued in the early fourth as Cotterel pressure gave Saracco a penalty six opportunity that he made look easy and the farmers now lead by a healthy five goals. However, Hanalei Bay had come from behind in their semi-final game to reach the final and it now seamed possible that it might happen again as Sheldon and Velarde  took control and each scored from the field. The fourth was over and the surfers were seemingly back in it trailing by three at 8 - 5.The Hanalei comeback didn't continue in the fifth as Saracco grabbed the only goal of the stanza to quell any idea that Cotterel was  finished. As a result, the lead was once again four going to the final and all talk was of an easy Cotterel victory.Hanalei Bay wasn't done though and the sixth period was all Hawaii as Sheldon took control and organized a very precise attack. He was rewarded with an open goal opportunity (converted)  and set up goals by both Velarde and Ron Bonaguidi to bring the difference to just one goal with just over two minutes remaining and it looked as if the farmers might be done. Done that is, if they were to lose another throw-in - something Saracco was not about to let happen as he found a way to turn things around and take the play the other way. With Hanalei Bay needing one more to tie and willing to take a chance to get it, Saracco was given a thirty yard free-throw which he sunk and it was over. Cotterel Farms took the spoils by a final count of 10 - 8 and became repeat winners of the January 6 Goal Tournament and once again recipients of the coveted bronzes.Based on his thoughtful and exceptional play on the afternoon, Saracco was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Sheldon's mare, Happy, played in the second and fourth periods, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg  

Weather Remains Cold as the Northern Blizzard Continues

It was written here two weeks ago about the wind from the north that blew in on an otherwise sunny January afternoon and cooled things off somewhat. That hadn't changed on Sunday as John Rooney's Northern Blizzard polo team (Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1, Jim Wright 1,sub for Rooney) blew in once again and absolutely covered Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms group (Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbello 5, Charlie Petersen 2) to win the January 12 Goal Tournament final by a count of 13 - 8.At the start, everything appeared fine as Curbelo quickly ran and scored from the opening to give Cotterel a short lived lead. It wasn't fine however, as the  weather changed in a hurry. The wind blew and the blizzard was on  - again. Crowder took over and easily scored a pair and the first was over with the Rooney quartet leading by one at 2 - 1.The storm reached its peak in the second as Northern Blizzard counted five field goals (Crowder with four and Henderson grabbing one) and the reply from Cotterel was zero to create a score of 7 - 1.The early third period was once again controlled by the northern invaders as Crowder ran easily to count one more. Coscia responded to get one back for Cotterel, but Crowder responded to that with a long run to score - the winner as it turned out - and the difference was once again seven goals. Coscia - as steady as they come - scored a pair and the blustery half was over with Northern Blizzard leading at 9 - 4.The fourth was rather quiet as each team scored but one goal. For Cotterel, Lutterell-Benardoni,  scored her first of two, with a reply coming from Crowder. At the end of four, it was 10 - 5 Northern Blizzard.The wind picked up again in the fifth chukker as Crowder continued to run and impress with a pair from the field and a safety conversion from 66 yards and the tally was now 13 - 5 to favor the Rooney group.The storm was over in the sixth as Cotterel was able to find the net three times - Lutterell-Benardoni with her second, Curbelo with his second, and Coscia with his fourth and it was over. The snow that was Northern Blizzard now covered the fields of Cotterel Farms.  The result gave the Canadian sponsored team not only the title but the coveted Roenisch Bronzes that go along with it.With his "nose in every play", and scoring 12 goals on the afternoon, Crowder was the obvious choice as the Most Valuable Player and his second chukker mare, Lucy, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg   

A Northern Blizzard Strikes to Win the Kerley Spurs

A blizzard is defined as a severe snowstorm with a strong wind and while it didn't snow on Sunday and it wasn't windy, a blizzard certainly struck during the afternoon as John Rooney's Northern Blizzard blew in and absolutely froze Geoff Palmer's Antelope - with Pat Nesbitt substituting for Palmer - in the final of the Wendell Kerley Memorial 12 Goal.The storm struck without warning and the intensity was felt at the start as the Canadian invaders immediately moved the ball from the initial throw-in and grabbed a penalty two from 11 yards that Rooney easily converted. The initial strength continued as Jason Crowder absolutely pounded a free throw from 60 yards and the advantage was two with less than two minutes elapsed. Crowder scored a field goal a short time later and Joe Henderson scored to increase the difference to four. The pronghorns recovered and applied some pressure of their own that enabled Danny Walker to score on a spot award from 15 yards and the first was over with Rooney and Co. leading by a count of 4 - 1.The bad weather subsided somewhat in the second as Northern Blizzard scored but one time - an alert move by Herndon Radcliff on a dropped Antelope ball. However, a reply from the pronghorns was nonexistent and the second was over with lead now four goals at 5 - 1.If people thought the storm was over, they were most certainly incorrect, as it found new energy  - something Rooney is very good at doing - as the oilman himself grabbed a goal from the field in the third and Radcliff scored a pair. Antelope had opportunities but were unable to get anything done and the half was over with a count of 8 - 1.Antelope was able to find some shelter at the half and kept the Northern Blizzard of the scoreboard in the fourth but were unable to score themselves and the difference remained seven going to the fifth.Antelope started to dig themselves out in the penultimate frame as Walker counted one from the field and converted a 30 yard free shot as well. Radcliff replied for Northern Blizzard - a pretty run of 200 yards - and the lead was six  at 9 - 3.The storm was over in the final period as Walker converted a pair of 30 yarders and Jesse Bray grabbed one from the field for the pronghorns. At this point however, they were hopelessly covered in snow and the Northern Blizzard had prevailed by a final score of 9 - 6 and Rooney and his Northern Blizzard teammates rode off with the coveted Chris Kerley spurs.2015 Wendell Kerley MemorialNorthern Blizzard (12) - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1.Antelope (12) - Pat Nesbitt (sub for Geoff Palmer), Danny Walker 2, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 5.Tony Gregg 

Desert Lexus Drives to Victory in Desert Lexus Challenge

The first Sunday of the 2015  season turned out to be a great success with a large crowd and a strong presence by Desert Lexus who came to polo with a wonderful selection of Lexus automobiles. In honor of their participation,  the two o'clock game was contested as the Desert Lexus Challenge.The game featured Desert Lexus (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1) going up against Twin Palms (Chris Maloney 1, Craig Steinke 1, Graham Bray 4, Mariano Fassetta 6). In a somewhat low scoring affair - certainly not indicative of the interest in the Lexus automobiles - Desert Lexus came out on top by a score of 5 - 3.The start was slow for both teams as the first period ended with no score.Crowder grabbed one from the field early in the second but Maloney converted a penalty two to tie a short time later. Lexus came back quickly and a Twin Palms foul afforded Henderson a penalty five opportunity from 110 yards and right that he easily sunk - the announcer's shot of the day - and the chukker ended with Lexus up by one.The third belonged to Twin Palms as Bray scored from the field to end the half with a tie at two apiece.The fourth period was split with a goal each - Fassetta a field counter for Twin Palms and Jason Crowder a text book penalty four strike.As the penultimate frame commenced, the temperature started to drop and the sky turned a rather wintery gray. Lexus reacted as if seemingly a northern blizzard intent on covering Twin Palms. Indeed, Henderson and Crowder scored field goals to cover the palms and it was 5 - 3 in favor of Lexus. With no scoring in the final frame, Lexus had won the Desert Lexus Challenge.The presentation to the victors was made by Desert Lexus General Manager, Ed Atwood and General Sales Manager Gabriele Marshall.Tony Gregg  

Luna Runs Away With World Gym

On the surface, it appeared that the final of the 26th annual World Gym Tournament - sponsored by the Mike Uretz family - would be a close contest. Made sense as a two and a three goal player would face a couple of two's and the  latter would get a small handicap award at the start. Close would not be the case however as sound teamwork prevailed to allow Luna (Virgil Kyle -1, Jennifer Alexy 0, Santiago Mendez 2, Diego Larregli 2)  to easily defeat the World Gym foursome (George Conkwright -1, Carol Hemker -1, Brianna Galindo 0, Carlitos Galindo 3, Cacho Galindo 2) by a count of 10.5 - 6.On a rather cool Sunday desert afternoon - in front of a warm and enthusiastic Cantina lunch crowd - the game turned out to be a classic case of the ability of a stronger player to use less experienced teammates  to defeat what appeared - at least on paper - to be a worthy opposition. With Mendez extremely comfortable in the role of the playmaker Luna was not challenged after the first of four chukkers and they made it look easy the rest of the way. Without question, the difference was Mendez and his ability to constantly set-up his less experienced teammates who ran free. As well,  Alexy and Kyle regularly backed-up each other to count a total of six goals from the field - abilities learned perhaps, during their experience in the pro-pool last winter.The handicap difference was one, allowing Luna a gift of 1/2 at the start and the count was 1.5 - 1 after the first. That was as close as it would be as the score favored the winners 5.5 - 2 after two and 8.5 - 3 after the third period. Luna scored two early on in the final and then coasted as World Gym then scored three times to complete the count.For the winners, Alexy scored five times (2 fouls), Kyle counted three, and Larregli grabbed two in the fourth.Carlitos Galindo notched four (2 fouls - 1 #4) for World Gym, and Brianna Galindo and Conkwright had one each.Marley, Alexy's third period horse, was selected as the best playing pony.Tony Gregg    

Sunday Polo starts January 4, 12pm & 2pm

2014 US FIP Team Has Strong Eldorado Representation

It has been mentioned several times that the US team assembled to contest the upcoming FIP 14 Goal World Polo Championship and known as Team USPA, has a strong California representation. Very true -  but with Californian Joel Baker in charge as the head coach, the team consisting of Jesse Bray 4, Jared Sheldon 3, Will Tankard 3, Patrick Uretz 3, Felipe Viana 3, and Mason Wroe 4, has not only a California involvement but a very strong influence from Southern California and more specifically, right here at the Eldorado Polo Club and its junior polo program.Both Bray and Uretz started their polo careers as members of Eldorado junior polo and Sheldon, while not starting as a member at this Southern California venue, did play a great deal of his early polo here. After graduating from the junior ranks, all three have gone on to play on a regular basis at Eldorado as professional practitioners and each one has played winning polo on a consistent basis.Of course, the names Bray and Uretz are 'household' at Eldorado. Bray's father Graham, currently the Polo Manager, has played in the desert for many, many years, and the Uretz family has been a monumental part of the club spanning four decades.It is also worth noting that Sheldon's father, Billy Sheldon, played on the US Team in Santa Barbara during the 1998 FIP World Championship.Tony Gregg 

2015 Season Schedule & Playing Fees

Contact Polo Manager Graham at (760) 774-2583 to reserve your spot for 2015

Eldorado Polo Club Tournament Schedule 2014-2015

November
1	Club Open
December
6	Stick & Ball Field Opens
13 & 14	Linfoot Polo Clinic
20	Team Practice begins10 - 12 Goal, Wed, Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal, Thurs, Sat & Sun
20	Club Chukkers begin Thurs, Sat & Sun
27 - 28	World Gym Tournament (4 Goal)
January
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
2 - 11	Wendell Kerley Memorial10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun 4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
4	Opening Day - Sunday Polo matches begin
16 - 25	January League10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
February
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Jan 30 - 8	Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
13 - 22	February League10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
27 - Mar 1	Women's TournamentWCT Qualifier & USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Challenge
	Trione Vineyards Seniors Tournament
March
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
6 - 15	Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
20 - 29	SKINS Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & SunUSPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup 4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
29	CLOSING DAYSKINS FinalUSPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup Final

Eldorado Polo Club Membership & Playing Fees 2014-2015

Season Memberships ($500 discount on Season Memberships if paid by Nov 1)
6 Chukker Membership	10-12 Goal	$11,500
6 Chukker Membership	4-6 Goal	$  9,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers only)		$  3,500
Monthly Memberships
6 Chukker Membership	10-12 Goal	$  4,500
6 Chukker Membership	4-6 Goal	$  3,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)

Non Member Fees
Stick & Ball (season)	$  2,000
Stick & Ball (monthly)	$  1,000
Stick & Ball (weekly)	$     250
Chukker Fee (5 game limit)	$       50 each
World Gym Tournament	$     400
Pro Pool - per weekend(Pro Pool fees include Pro, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)	$     600

Stabling Fees	Season	Monthly	Weekly	Daily
Rancho Eldorado Stall	$500	$300	$125	$15
Tack Room	$500
Box Stall*	$600	$300	$125	$20
(*Located at old HITS property)

Jesse Bray Wins USPA Equus & Co. Award

21 year old Jesse Bray, a graduate of the Eldorado Junior Polo Program, has been selected as the winner of the USPA Equus & Co. Award and the $10,000 prize that goes with it. Bray was chosen over two other finalists. The honor goes to the Team USPA member who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to growing the sport of polo.Bray, son of Graham and Debbie Bray, first started playing polo in the Pee Wee and Junior  programs at Eldorado and  moved into USPA Interscholastic Polo and was a member of the Eldorado team that won the 2010 USPA Interscholastic Tournament. As well as that national championship, Bray - currently rated at 4 goals - has played on winning teams at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, has won the Spreckles Cup at the San Diego Polo Club, and just recently was a member of the Los Banditos Team that won the 20th annual Polo Skins Game and as well was chosen as the MVP.Tony Gregg   

Domrey Wins Governor's Cup in Strange OT Squeaker

The final game of the 2014 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup was a contest between two very dissimilar teams - August (Champ) Roth's Domrey, which had never been to a Governor's Cup final and Reg Whyte's Thermal, which had been there just 12 months earlier.  Different as well with Domrey being nothing more than a group of so-called young guns going up against the veteran line-up of Thermal.The younger opposition consisted of Roth along with Doug Blumenthal, Juan Jose Gonzalez, and Taylor Freeman. The veteran group consisted of Whyte (tournament winner in 2010) and his longtime farmhands Fergus Gould and Nicolas Maciel. Joining this group was impressive newcomer Brooke Faber.The opening frame  in the four period tournament was pretty much controlled by Thermal and the constant pressure they applied allowed Maciel to score twice. The first on a penalty number four and the second on a 40 yard opportunity. As a result, Thermal led by a pair at 2 - 0 going to the second.Domrey got themselves together in the early second chukker and apparently had sorted themselves out as Gonzalez grabbed a pass and made a pretty run to score. Thermal answered with more sustained pressure that was rewarded with another open goal opportunity (penalty 2) that Maciel converted. The youngsters, however, didn't succumb as they returned with constant pressure of their own and Blumenthal nailed two 30 yard free-throws and the half ended with each team having counted three goals apiece - five from penalty shots.The third period was somewhat choppy with both teams unable to get much going at all. Freeman, in spite of this, was able to grab an opportunity to score and Roth and Co. led by one. Maciel replied with another open goal conversion for the Whyte group and the third ended in a tie at four.As fragmented as the third stanza was, the fourth opened up as both teams started to play polo the way it was intended. The result was a nice run and strike by Blumenthal to put Domrey up by one. The farmers obviously weren't done though as Gould took over and scored toward the end of regulation to tie the count at five - sending the game to overtime.The tie-breaker was, in a word, strange as neither team really was able to do much. With the play moving clumsingly toward the Thermal goal in favor of Domrey, Gould fell off and play was allowed to continue with Domrey advancing. Very shortly after however, a whistle sounded and play was halted. Those watching weren't sure why the play stopped but the prevailing thought was that it was either because Gould had gone off or his horse had interfered with the advancing play. In fact, a foul had been called to favor Domrey and, with most unaware, Blumenthal converted a penalty two from less than 30 yards and it was over as Domrey became the 2014 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup winners - and August became a Champ.As well as having his name engraved on the big trophy, Gonzalez was selected as the Most Valuable Player and his third chukker mare, Sula, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2014 Pacific Coast Governor's CupDomrey 6 - August Roth .5, Doug Blumenthal 2, Juan Jose Gonzalez 2, Taylor Freeman 1.5.Thermal 6 - Reg Whyte, Brooke Faber -1, Fergus Gould4, Nicolas Maciel 3.Tony Gregg