United States Polo Association’s Challenge for the 2018 Westchester Cup Accepted by the Hurlingham Polo Association
The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and the United States Polo Association (USPA) are pleased to announce the challenge of the historical Westchester Cup on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor, Berkshire, England. The Westchester Cup was first played in 1886 and has been played 17 times throughout its history, only four of which have taken place since World War II. The cup, created by Tiffany & Co., is currently held by England, who defeated the USA team of Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Polito Pieres and Mike Azzaro in 2013.
This year the USPA will field a team consisting of Julio Arellano (8), Jeff Hall (7), Nic Roldan (8), and Costi Caset (5). Carlucho Arellano (5) will serve as the alternate and coach. The USA currently holds the record for the most tournament wins (10-7), but has not hoisted the cup high since 1992, when Rob Walton, Owen Rinehart, Adam Snow and John Gobin captured the win in a thrilling double overtime victory. Team USA will be hosted at the Cowdray Estate in Midhurst West Sussex where pregame practices will also be held. An invitation has been extended to the HPA to play the Westchester Cup on U.S. soil in 2019.
“I am delighted that the USA team has issued a challenge and that the Flannels England team will be competing for this great cup in 2018,” said HPA Chairman, Stephan Hutchinson. “A huge amount of our pride and history is caught up in the Westchester legend and we want it to become the Ryder Cup of polo. I look forward to an exciting new chapter of this great story at our new venue.”
“To compete for the Westchester Cup is very meaningful to the players,” said USPA Executive Director of Services Carlucho Arellano. “Whenever you travel overseas to represent your country, the importance of victory grows exponentially. The challenge trophy, which the winners retain, has a great history of healthy but fierce competition. It has been in England since 1997, so this will be a significant match for the USA team”
“We are delighted that this fantastic trophy will be competed for here at the new hub of English polo on our first International Day,” said Jamie Morrison, Chairman, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. “It is going to be a very exciting and truly international day with the Flannels England team versus the USA team. Additionally, the Flannels England Ladies team will be playing for the Diamond Jubilee trophy. We are thrilled to host these two world-class matches.”
The Flannels England team will be outfitted in Hurlingham 1875 and the USA team will sport U.S. Polo Assn. apparel, both on and off the field. American players will wear performance wear jerseys, team hats, vests and jackets to promote the authenticity between the sport of polo and the licensed brand of the USPA. The USA team will also receive the support of John Muse and Lucchese, which will outfit the players in Lucchese boots.
This momentous event cannot happen without the help of private donors. All who wish to support the USA team in this effort to bring the Westchester Cup home, please consider donating to the American International Polo Foundation, a tax exempt 501c3 charitable organization (www.AIPF.us)