16th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge
The sun shone down on Mashomack Polo Club on Saturday June 22nd, as the Club hosted its 16th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge.
Presented by Nespresso, the event began at noon with a Champagne Reception sponsored by Gracious Home, followed by a tented field-side luncheon and the exciting International Challenge. Teams representing the United States, Brazil and Italy all battled valiantly to secure the coveted trophy for their team and country.
For the first time, the Challenge welcomed Team Brazil, sponsored by Dream Hotel, and the Chairmen, Bruce & Teresa Colley, Parker Gentry Thorne and Karen Klopp, hosted a festive celebration of Carnaval in vivid Brazilian style, complete with open bar with free flowing Caipirinhas, sumptuous Brazilian Buffet and, of course, scintillating Brazilian Dancers and D.J.
The Play
Four teams comprised of Mashomack players played off to determine who would then face Team Brazil: Worldwide Ferrari defeated Carlyle and Gracious Home defeated Castello di Vicarello to advance. Worldwide Ferrari then tied Team Brazil 3-3, so it all came down to the winner of the last exhilarating match in which Gracious Home defeated Team Brazil 5-3.
The Champions
1st Place Award went to Gracious Home
2nd Place Award to Team Brazil and Ferrari
The Most Valuable Player was Oakleigh Thorne, with Marchesa presenting the Mathias Guerrand Hermès MVP Award – The Most Gracious Player Award, presented by Joel Kier of Gracious Home, to the Brazilian Team Captain, Carlos Mansur – The Best Playing Pony Award went to Guy Merison’s stunning grey mare La Sombra presented by Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sponsors
Team Brazil was sponsored by Dream Hotel, Teams USA, by The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel and Gracious Home, while Teams Italy were sponsored by Wide World Ferrari and Castello di Vicarello. Additional Sponsors included Marchesa, Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty, What2WearWhere.com and Kokin Hats.
As in prior years, a portion of the proceeds from the event will support several local causes: the New York State Troopers Foundation, the Pine Plains Fire Hose & Rescue Company, and the Mashomack Barns Preservation.