top of their game in a thrilling match against Ellerstina, whom they beat by one goal. Had it been two they would have reached the semi-finals. What ponies, what play – all at amazing speeds. A highlight was to see Eduardo, Pepe and Nachi Heguy and David Stirling on such great form. Another charming evening party, this time at La Martina, where again we got the opportunity to talk to the top players, see this very historic shop and, more importantly, make some buying decisions!
Friday 3 December
Went to Pilar to see the matches taking place at grounds of the Associacion de Polo Argentina and saw several English players. We followed this with a visit to Ellerstina to watch the finals of their competition, which again were a delight and a privilege. Also met up with Polito Ulloa, father of Hilario, who was watching Hilario play for the winning team. Polito is one of the leading tamers of polo ponies in the world. He assured one member of the group who enquired about his methods that cruelty and force were not the way forward. I have known the family for many years and know that he is an incredible horseman, with fantastic balance and is probably one of the best riders I have ever seen.
Monday 6 December
We saw some more great Open matches over the weekend, but although the semi-final between La Aguada and La Dolfina did
78 | GUARDS POLO CLUB OFFICIAL YEARBOOK 2010
start, both teams felt the ground conditions were dangerous and so the game was re-scheduled for today. The teams started where they had left off and it looked like it was going to be La Aguada’s day. But in the second half, La Dolfina showed what they were made of, with some astonishing play from Cambiaso and a particularly stunning pony; a grey called Legend, bred by Carlos Gracida. Sadly this was our last day as a full group as some are travelling home tomorrow, but we had a final dinner, kindly hosted as a thank you by the Jewitts.
Epilogue
The Guards group had a good time together; people had support, but were not herded around. We managed to see some very good polo, and the group thought the contacts that Tony Ramirez and myself had in Argentina very much enhanced the experience. A small group also allowed for flexibility – particularly on days when matches were postponed because of the weather. Although we did miss the Open final because of the weather delays, we still managed to see some unbelievable polo!
Brian Stein, Platina Tong and Gerry Gibson catch up with Guards members
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