Valiente Captures the 2015 U.S. Open Polo Championship® Signaling the Dramatic Close of the Winter Polo Season
Proving that the “third time is a charm,” Valiente captured their first U.S. Open title in the final two minutes of the last chukker by making two penalty shots, and Adolfo Cambiaso scoring a brilliant goal just before the clock ran out. The roar of over 12,000 spectators was heard for miles, concluding the four-month, high-goal winter polo season in a jubilant standing ovation. Thousands of cheering fans ran out to celebrate on the Engel & Vӧlkers Field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, Alejo Taranco, Guillermo Terrera, and Adolfo Cambiaso) beat Orchard Hill (Steve Van Andel, Gallego Ferrario, Polito Pieres, and Facundo Pieres) on Sunday, 11-9, after facing agonizing defeats in the U.S. Open finals the previous two years. For Cambiaso who has been rated 10 goals for 23 years, it was his seventh U.S. Open title and the first with Valiente and patron Bob Jornayvaz. It was a stunning victory for Valiente, considered the underdog, going up against Orchard Hill that had a 13-2 winning season.
The U.S. Open Polo Championship is the most prestigious, 26-goal tournament in the United States, and is played annually for four consecutive weeks at International Polo Club (IPC). This year, there were eight high-goal teams competing for the coveted cup that featured four of the world’s top polo players: 10-goalers, including Adolfo Cambiaso of Valiente, Pelon Stirling of Coca-Cola, Juan Martin Nero of Lechuza Caracas, and Facundo Pieres of Orchard Hill.
“As the oldest polo tournament in America, the U.S. Open dates back to 1904 and is widely considered to be the Holy Grail of polo,” said John Wash, IPC president. “It is one of the three most respected polo tournaments in the world,” continued Wash, “with the International Polo Club being honored as the host club since 2004.”
Sunday Polo Fashion Steals Field-Side Show
The thrilling polo action kept fans focused on the field, but the jaw-dropping fashion certainly kept heads turning as haute trendsetters strolled by the stadium box seats, posed at private parties, indulged in the lavish Sunday brunch, and poured onto the field for the Veuve Clicquot-sponsored divot stomp. Impeccable style and high fashion at this year’s final created a new standard of chic for Sunday polo, proving that “the scene” was almost as exciting as the high-stake shots on the field.
High-Scoring Julian Mannix Wins Sentient Jet Challenge
Sentient Jet, the exclusive private aviation partner for the 2015 polo season at IPC, sponsored the inaugural Sentient Jet Challenge, which offered a $10,000 Jet Card to the patron scoring the most goals during the 26-goal tournament months of March and April. Alegria patron, Julian Mannix, led the field of 10, high-goal team patrons from the start, scoring an impressive six goals in the C.V. Whitney Cup, and keeping a commanding lead throughout the remaining seven weeks. Posting an unassailable 41 goals, Mannix was all smiles as he accepted the Jet Card prize from Kirsten LaMotte, vice president, partnerships and events for Sentient Jets.
“We were thrilled to honor Julian Mannix as the inaugural Sentient Jet Challenge winner by presenting him with a $10,000 Sentient Jet Flight Card and commemorative Tiffany trophy at the U.S. Open Polo Championship finals,” said Andrew Collins, president of Sentient Jet. “Julian is a deserving team patron with a total of 41 goals. He played fantastic, captivating fans, and making this a memorable polo season.”
In addition, members of IPC received an exclusive Jet Card offer to fly with Sentient Jet and experience the flexibility and convenience of private air travel at the beginning of the 2015 polo season. Sentient Jet Card holders were offered VIP box seats to watch polo matches throughout the season in comfort and style, while experiencing best-in-class hospitality offered at the club.
Vintage Carriage Delivers U.S. Open Polo Championship Trophy
High-stepping, black Friesian horses, known for their stately presence and hoof-covered, flowing black hair, proudly paraded the U.S. Open Polo Championship trophy around the field in a four-in-hand vintage carriage. The magnificent silver chalice trophy was created in 1910 for the United States Polo Association’s Open Championship. Next in the festive procession, Lexus, the official 2015 IPC automobile sponsor, rolled out three luxury automobiles in red, white, and blue, which was followed by the U.S. Navy Color Guard’s ceremonial presentation of the colors. The two elite polo teams, Valiente and Orchard Hill, came out onto the field following the American flag, which was carried by riders on horseback. Thousands of spectators stood while the 30-plus members of the Robert Sharon Chorale sang the National Anthem.
Goodyear Blimp Floats Over the Engel & Vӧlkers Field
The Goodyear Blimp captured the live polo action Sunday using high-definition and gyro-stabilized camera platforms that maneuver 360 degrees, while hovering 1,000 feet in the air. NBC Sports will televise coverage of the U.S. Open Polo Championship final on May 31. Goodyear’s airships provide coverage of major sporting events, including the U.S. Open Golf Tournament, the Indy 500, and the Super Bowl. Fans waved at the camera crew in the hanging gondola, while the airship pilot flashed animated messages welcoming them to the finals match.
IPC and the Pavilion Host Elaborate After-Party Celebrations
In a revolving mix of contemporary rock and reggae music, the live entertainment poolside at the Mallet Grille kept the crowd dancing and swaying to the vibrant beat. Costumed acrobats performed gravity-defying stunts, while Junkanoo dancers led a line of moving and gyrating musicians and dancers. Stilt walkers ramped up the revelry and a flame wrestler caught balls of fire in mid-air throughout the celebration-studded evening, which ended in fireworks. Across the field, the 10,000-square-foot Pavilion rocked the “see and be scene” party with celebrity DJ Adam Lipson, along with Mo and Sally, Kool 105.5’s weekday morning show personalities, and ESPN 106.3 radio host, Josh Cohen. Also, there was a surprise appearance by Vanilla Ice.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
Open Year-Round for Members and Events
The winter polo season has just ended, but activities, sports, and special events at IPC go on year-round for members and special guests. The elegant, private club features five-star amenities that include exceptional dining by an award-winning culinary team, an infinity pool with private cabanas, a luxurious spa and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, Pilates classes, yoga, and personal trainers. Members enjoy the premier tennis facilities with an on-site USTA pro leading group leagues, tennis clinics, and private instruction at all levels of play. The Sports House caters to both tennis and croquet players, offering a tournament croquet lawn for an afternoon outdoors or engaging tournament play.
While IPC is certainly the epicenter of the equestrian lifestyle, the club’s social facilities offer an extensive array of programs and activities for members and their families, as well as being the ideal venue for weddings, corporate outings, and special events throughout the year.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
3667 120th Avenue South | Wellington, Florida 33414
561.204.5687 | InternationalPoloClub.com