The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
Artie Cameron has been in Polo since he was 5 years old. His Father was the main reason we have most of the young Americans in the game today. Artie Sr. was an owner at Eldorado, so we could start a junior program there and we did. Artie St. went many steps farther … he never missed a game on a horse no matter if it was cold windy or rainy … he was there. Jeff Hall, Jason Crowder, Joe Wayne Barry, Matt Ladin, Fred Mannix, Daniel Roenish and others benefited from the Junior Polo Program, because of Artie Cameron, Sr. He is the one who got it going around the country. The rest of the big sticks came from Pee Wee and Junior Polo Programs as well … Kris Kampsen, Nick Roldan most of the East Coast big timers. I am sure Big Artie is looking down smiling as his son is doing it, and for me the reason no one has been able to stop Grant’s Farm this year in the 12 goal. Andy Busch is playing great and Santi Wolf is very good in this Polo, but Artie gives them so much help with huge back shots and sterling discipline at addressing the ball and play wherever it is. No panic just a “DO IT” attitude.
Anyway … Grant’s Farm won their second 12 goal so they are in process of a sweep at this time. They stopped a fighting Antelope, who always had a chance, but some missed opportunities in the end cost them. Grant’s Farm was there until the very end with smart, well run plays. It was a game with few fouls and good speed. The score was usually within 1 except twice Grant’s Farm got out to a 3 goal lead and finished up by one. The chukkar sores were 1-1,4-3,6-5,7-6,9-8,and finished at 13 to 12 on a absolutely horrible windy day, but we had a good crowd … what else can you do as the beach would be sandblasting and Volley Ball would be wally ball. The stands kept you out of the wind, so it was a perfect day sort of for watching POLO.
Over in the UK where I do not know what the weather was like, the quarters are set. Engima, Richard Millie, La Bama de Areco, 1870, Dubai, Talancandras, Les Lions and Zacara are the final 8 teams. Many of these players will be coming to Santa Barbara for the high-goal later this summer. Cambiaso with Dubai, Pieres with Audi, Merlos with ERG, Astrada with Mansour to name a few, so get ready for a big show just around the corner.
A lady who knows Polo and who knows selling in my last blog had some super suggestions. Let the fans know the Polo people. Develop bios of players, grooms and Patrons to help the spectators learn more about them. Give me your opinion!! No news from the Hot Spot yet, but San Diego POLO is always on top of the list as a fun place to be on Sunday afternoon.
See ya.