PTJan/Feb 2010 p14-15 As I see it JM YC MB 21/1/10 16:17 Page 2
Comment Interview
Javier Novillo Astrada
The 33-year-old England coach,
back in the saddle for La Aguada in
the Argentine Triple Crown, tells
James Mullan how polo has helped
him battle a brain tumour
What happened, polo-wise, after you Cambiaso being on
found out you were ill last year? absolutely
My wish as soon as I was diagnosed in early April unbeatable form.
was that I would be back playing again in time for So we can be
the Argentine high-goal and the Triple Crown. I happy with how we
began again at the end of August, two months performed.
after my last serious dose of treatment at the end
of June. What have you made
It meant missing the English season, which was of the rule changes at
a great disappointment, but it is the first time I’ve this season’s Triple
missed a major high-goal season anywhere since I Crown?
started professional polo. It was a particular shame I think they have been good for
having so enjoyed helping coach the England team spectators and there have
at the Westchester Cup at the end of February, as generally been more enjoyable games
I’d wanted to help them in the summer as well. to watch than in recent years. That has to
be good.
How did it feel to be back on the field The rain at Palermo has been a shame as it
Photographed at the family’s huge La Aguada polo
with La Aguada? made the grounds quite heavy to play. But the new
development near Open Door, nine-goaler Javier
It felt great; like a reward for all the prayers and rules themselves have not made the polo too Novillo Astrada hopes to be back in England in May
good wishes people have given me from right
across the polo community, particularly from my
brothers, my wife, my extended family, the team at Being back on the field has felt like a reward for all
La Aguada and my close friends.
the prayers and good wishes people have given me
I’ve had so much support. When I was first
diagnosed and I told my brothers that my aim was from right across the polo community
to be playing again in time for the Triple Crown,
they never once looked for a replacement for me. different as far as we have been concerned. It is an What are your plans this year?
So, I knew what I had to do. And that gave me all improvement, with more good games as a result. All being well, I plan to go to the UK for the
the motivation I needed. summer and I should come over as normal at
Have you kept an eye on the English the beginning of May. I’ll be playing with my
How has polo helped you through your illness? players in Argentina recently? brother Eduardo, Lyndon Lea and Ollie Cudmore
I still have more treatment to come, but I think I’ve seen a bit of Luke and Mark Tomlinson, and for Lyndon’s Zacara team.
being active and continuing to do what you love – Luke particularly has had a great winter – being It hasn’t really been discussed yet, but I also
in my case playing polo – provides assistance in part of one of the surprise successes of the hope to return to coaching the England side.
helping heal illness. So I think playing polo is season, Alegria. Assuming I can fit it in around my wife and
helping me get well. I wouldn’t have played if I I’ve known Luke for many years – I won the family and that I can juggle another ball by
y James Mullan
didn’t think that I was 100 per cent. Royal Windsor with him and Henry Brett in 1996, taking on more responsibilities, I’d love to help
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aph b
And we haven’t played badly either! We could when Luke was a two-goaler. So I’m happy he has again. Whatever England might need me for,
Photog have made the final of the Open if it wasn’t for come so far and is doing so well. I’m ready! F
14 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk
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