Greenwich Polo Club – Butler Handicap Tournament
WBF 10 vs KIG 8
BPP Los Machitos’ Jazzita, played by Mariano Aguerre
MVP Joaquín Panelo
Roster:
K.I.G
Bash Kazi 0
Kris Kampsen 6
Matias Magrini 8
Joaquin Panelo 4
W.B.F
Santino Magrini 0
Hilario Ulloa 9
Mariano Aguerre 9
Peter Brant 2
It was beautiful sunny afternoon at Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12th. White Birch faced off against K.I.G. and a great game was waiting for polo fans who had gathered to watch the first match of 20-goal Butler Handicap.
The crowd was roaring from the start as two Tesla Model S P85D’s led the horses and players onto the field. It was an intense match from the beginning as these two teams gave it their all and left it all on the field.
The mix of experience, speed and power of both teams led us to a tied match at half time. The deciding factor of the game may have been the three goals White Birch scored during the 4th chukker. The team’s mid-field game broke the rhythm of the K.I.G. squad. White Birch’s quickness and choosing the right open player to pass the ball gave them those crucial goals. Nevertheless, veteran player Matias Magrini scored one for K.I.G. ending the 4th chukker with only a two goal difference.
The 5th and 6th chukkers were tied on goals – riding fast with no slack between the teams. Almost at the end of regulation time a superb run from Mariano Aguerre and a crack of his mallet resulted in a goal from the 80 yard line. Fans got to their feet as they cheered such a fabulous end to an unforgettable day of high-goal polo at Greenwich Polo Club.
The final score of the match was 10-8. The players received custom trophies from Shreve, Crump & Low and the players were also treated to gifts by Menaji Skincare. The MVP of the match was K.I.G.’s Joaquín Panelo. The Best Playing Pony was Jazzita, owned by Mariano Aguerre’s and Nick Manifold’s Los Machitos, which was draped in a luxurious blanket by Manhattan Saddlery. The players celebrated and toasted with Château D’Esclans Whispering Angel rose.
In addition to an adrenaline-packed match of high-goal polo, some lucky fans were treated to test drives of the new Tesla Model S P85D and browsed through the Bogner pop-up retail shop. Author and polo historian, Horace A. Laffeye, was signing copies of his book “The Polo Encyclopedia” at the Greenwich Polo Club retail pop-up.
Laurel House, a Stamford-based non-profit providing resources for people with mental health challenges throughout Fairfield County, was also on site at a private cabana. Delta Faucets hosted a VIP private event, while Party at Polo had an amazing VIP tent with all the bells and whistles including an auction, children’s playground and a pet parade.
Fans enjoyed delicious fare from Lobstercraft, Bounty, Skinny Pines, Sal’s Italian, and La Fenice Gelato.
J House Greenwich hosted a specialty craft cocktail bar and mixologists were pouring refreshing, polo-inspired cocktails made with KEEL Vodka, a premium low calorie spirit from Newport, RI. The bar was also serving beer and wine from sponsors Stella Artois and a full complement of Château D’Esclans Whispering Angel and champagne Château de Bligny NV Brut. In addition to hosting the specialty craft cocktail bar, J House kept the party going after the match at its pool and private cabanas. Kunjan Collective’s DJ Roc was spinning tunes and kept the crowd dancing into the night.
Uber provided rides to and from Greenwich Polo Club and the after party.