Eight nations and regions to compete
First Women’s Polo Nations Cup
While the grass season got off to a (good) start at the Domaine de Chantilly Polo Club at the beginning of April, it is the month of May that sees the return of the elite, with the preparatory tournaments for the Polo Nations Cup, scheduled from 12 to 22 June, and its women’s version from 18 to 22 June. A total of thirteen teams – eight men’s and five women’s – will be competing, representing eight nations. France will be defending its colours through four regions.
This return to the top level also marks the return of some of the biggest names in professional polo. Headlining the field for the first time in Chantilly is Matias Torres Zavaleta (handicap 7), who took part in the legendary Argentine Open last December and will be hoping to qualify for the next edition – a talented player who will lead the La Berta Polo Club team representing Argentina in Chantilly.
The title-holders from Occitanie will continue to rely on the Zavaleta brothers (Simon and Ramiro – no relation to Matias). To complete her faithful duo, Isabelle Larenaudie has called on the young French talent Elouan Badarello.
Édouard Carmignac’s team from Normandy will be able to call on another great name in polo, Santiago Harriot from the Coronel Suarez club, a team that has won the Argentine Open 24 times, 22 of them with Santiago’s forefathers Juan Carlos and Alfredo.
In keeping with his commitment to French players, Jean-Claude Le Grand has lined up a trio of 100% French players for the PACA region: Louis Jarrige, Édouard Pan and Julien Reynes.
The Paris team will be led by Silvestre (Tete) Fanelli, while his brothers Jeronimo and Bautista will fly the Italian flag.
Augustin Emsens’ Belgium, with the MacLoughlin brothers, and Alexis Morange’s Switzerland, with its goleador Nacho Kennedy, complete this great international line-up.
Duel between Simon Zavaleta (in black), representing France and winner of the 2024 edition, and Hilario Ruiz Guiñazú for Pakistan. Pascal Renauldon – R&B Presse
Women’s polo is experiencing spectacular growth with an increasing number of tournaments. This year, this momentum is reflected in the creation of the first Women’s Polo Nations Cup, bringing together five teams representing France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Ireland.
France, will be represented by Hauts-de-France (supported by Yves Delorme) led by Ambre Ploix, a finalist in the 2024 Open de France and recently promoted to handicap 5.
Second French team: Normandy will be represented by Marion Ambrosetti with, between others, Argentina’s Milagros Sanchez (H7).
Paloma Lauro’s Luxembourg will call on a strong French trio: Charlotte Garaud, Margaux Perruchot and Adèle Renauldon, reigning French champions and winners of the Open 2024.
For Denmark, Victoria Normann will be relying on one of the best players of all time, Caroline Anier, who had a mixed handicap of 4 when she played professionally in the United States.
Finally, Siobhan Herbst’s Ireland have recruited England’s Sarah Wiseman (H7) to strengthen a team that could prove particularly competitive.
A well-balanced field that promises an exciting and open first edition for the women.