The Olympic spirit in Chantilly: the USA confirms a 100-year-old victory
Wednesday 7 August 2024
In the wake of the individual show jumping final won by Germany’s Christian Kukuk, the last equestrian competition of Paris 2024, the magic of Olympism continued today at the Chantilly Polo Club with the “rematch” of the opening game of the 1924 Paris Olympics tournament, which saw France and the USA go head-to-head. It was a rematch that France, beaten 15-1 at the time, was unable to avenge this afternoon in Apremont. Yet, France raised a stronger opposition than it did 100 years ago and closed with a score (10-7) for the match.
This historic encounter was made possible thanks to the two federations, the United States Polo Association (USPA) and the Fédération Française de Polo, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly and the sponsor, the sportswear brand U.S. Polo Assn.
The Polo Club de Chantilly, headquarters of the FFP, is the largest polo club in Europe, and plays host to the coveted Barnes Open de France in September, a major tournament on the international circuit. Today, the field of honor was decked out in French and American colors for a match that will be remembered for its intensity and the fervor of the crowd. The two female players selected from each team proved that the chances to shine are equal on horseback. Hope Arellano and Elena Venot each put up a fierce fight, a match within a match, while perfectly fulfilling their respective roles.
The French team held on tight for three periods, with Clément Delfosse opening the scoring after a solo breakaway, but Quinn Evans immediately put the teams back on level terms. This cat-and-mouse game lasted three chukkers (5-5) before the USA took the lead in the fourth.
“It all came down to the small details,” said French team captain Clément Delfosse during his post-match analysis. “Our preparation wasn’t optimal because we’re in the middle of the season, which makes it difficult to get together, and we had to adapt to this situation and ensure we were as ready as possible. We came up against a team with a little more experience, who were finalists at the last World Championship, and who knew how to find the right horses for this match, which weighed heavily in this case. But given how little preparation we’ve had, for me, this result is almost a victory. We were in overdrive for all three periods to keep on top of the score, and then it got a bit more complicated when we had to start doubling up. Julien (Reynes) and Dorian (Bulteau) played a great game which enabled us to hold off this very strong, well-organized American team. So for us, it’s still a small victory.”
It was the same ‘inverse’ assessment from the American camp, who were delighted with their perfectly organized victory.
“I played with an incredible team. These are players who play together often. Each one of them is excellent, and we were able to benefit from some very good horses. I’m fortunate to be able to play alongside these three, and I couldn’t be happier,” said Hope Arellano.
“In the fourth chukker, we all gave it our best shot with our best horses. We’d like to thank the owners of these horses, who kept us very well mounted. So I think that, yes, what made the difference was our strategy to take out the best horses in the fourth period.”
The young American, who was admired by some two thousand spectators this afternoon in Chantilly, enjoyed discovering the Polo Club: “This setting is incredible. I’ve only been here a few days, but every one of them has been absolutely magnificent. It’s my first time in France and I love it. The club is magnificent, the people have been so kind, and I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to play this match here.”
A top-level match, and a real moment of magic, the likes of which we’re eager to see again. The two federations are already planning another test match for 2025 in Chantilly or Palm Beach.
Next up from September 4 to 22, once again in Chantilly, is the last major event of the European season: the Barnes Open de France, where no fewer than sixteen teams will be competing, including 14 of the world’s top 40 players.
UNITED STATES: Quinn Evans 1 (1 goal), Hope Arellano 3, Nicolas Escobar 5 (9 goals – 5 penalties) et Cody Ellis 5
FRANCE: Elena Venot 2, Dorian Bulteau 3 (5 goals dont 3 pénalités), Julien Reynes 4 (1 penalities) et Clément Delfosse 5 (1 goal)
PROGRESSION UNITED STATES: 1/1 – 2/3 – 5/5 – 9/5 et 10/7
MVP (most valuable player): Nico Escobar (USA)
BPP (best playing pony): Open Amapola mare, 12 years old by Open El Padrino and Open Magnolia (Ellerstina breeder), owned by Jota Chavanne and played by Nico Escobar.