The 15th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge Luncheon
On Saturday, June 16, 2012, The Mashomack Polo Club hosted the 15th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge Luncheon. Presented by Nespresso, the event began at noon with a Moët & Chandon Champagne Reception sponsored by La Martina, followed by a tented field-side luncheon and the exciting International Polo Challenge. Over 700 guests turned out in their finery to witness teams representing the United States, India, and Italy battle valiantly to secure the coveted trophy for their team and country.
This year, MPIC had the great honor of hosting His Highness The Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, and welcoming the Royal Family, with Maharaj Narendra Singh, son-in-law of their Highnesses The Maharaja and Maharani of Jaipur, playing for the dashing Royal Jaipur Team India, sponsored by Vikram Chatwal Hotels. The American Teams were sponsored by The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, QUEST Magazine, and One Moon, Cashmere. Castello di Vicarello sponsored the Italian Team, last year’s champion. Other sponsors included Heather Cronter Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty, Catherine Malandrino, Casa Dragones Tequila, and What2WearWhere.com.
As always, the Mashomack International Challenge included a highly contested series of games played at a fast pace on a glorious day in June.
All 5 teams proved to be highly skilled and provided great entertainment for the record-breaking crowd. Team India put forth a great show of talent, determination and sportsmanship. Despite closely contested games, Team Carlyle proved to everyone that their combination of great offense from James McBride and Bruce Colley, the sheer talent of quarterback Julio Ezcurra and the indestructible defense of their back, John Klopp, was impossible to beat. Having won their first round of chukkers, Carlyle went on to defeat India to win the 15th Annual International Challenge at Mashomack Polo Club.
During the Nespresso Awards Ceremony, Heather Croner Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty presented the Best Playing Polo Pony Award to Parker Thorne’s “Bambina”, while Catherine Malandrino poignantly presented the
the Mathias Guerrand-Hermès MVP Award to Shane Finemore. The award is named in honor of a great friend of Mashomack Polo who passed away in 2010.
This prestigious event attracts sport-loving patrons and marks the official start of the summer social season in Millbrook. The spectators, over 1000 strong, delighted in the rousing action on the field, celebrating the victors and enjoying a glorious day in the countryside, while experiencing “The Sport of Kings.”