USPA Rossmore Cup Finals winning team Hanalei Bay received USPA crystal trophies and La Martina official supplier gear bags in the 8-10 goal tournament. Teammates (left to right) Krista Bonaguidi (-1), Matias Obregon (4), Mariano Fassetta (6), and Ron Bonaguidi (0) were joined by San Diego Polo Club board president Chris Maloney, and La Martina’s Sofia Lopez-Velarde on the trophy stage. Ohana/Star Meadow teammates were: Kelly Maloney (0), Graham Bray (5), Danny Juarez (4), and Rosanna Elordi (-1).
“Celine” was awarded Best Playing Pony after carrying her owner Krista Bonaguidi to victory on the winning team, and reaped the rewards.
Hanalei Bay won 11 to 7 over Ohana/Star Meadow. Hanalei Bay’s Mariano Fassetta scored first and had two in the first chukker while Ohana/Star Meadow started with one goal as handicap equalizer.
The second chukker opened with Fassetta scoring again, and Matias Obregon had two in the same period. Graham Bray put the first goal on the board for Ohana/Star Meadow and Kelly Maloney’s penalty shot was good, but they still trailed Hanalei Bay 5 to 3.
The third chukker opened with Fassetta scoring again, answered by Ohana/Star Meadow’s Danny Juarez with two goals back to back. It was 6 to 5, Hanalei Bay still leading at halftime.
The fourth chukker opened with Fassetta scoring the only goal of the period moving Hanalei Bay up 7 to 5.
But there was an ebb in the tide in the fifth chukker – Hanalei Bay had no goals. Indeed, Ohana/Star Meadow came from behind and tied it up when Juarez’ shot was good and Bray hit a backhanded goal to even things out. It was 7 all.
The sixth chukker opened with Fassetta scoring again carrying the ball from throw in to goal. Obregon followed with a goal going the other way, and then with just 1:48 on the clock Obregon scored again. Hitting one last goal, Fassetta [his 7th in the game] made it 11 to 7 Hanalei Bay over Ohana/Star Meadow.
Riders from the award winning Southern California Peruvian Paso Horse Club performed between matches presented by Horse of the Sun. Bonnie Gallegos, Jorge Valenzuela, Bill Muhlhauser, Danell Adams, Joseph Chandler, and Lauren Leatherbury delighted the crowd with their “champagne rides”. Their performance was in support of Horses Heal Hearts, Horse of the Sun’s non-profit which underwrites equestrian programs for disadvantaged youth.
Earlier in the day in 0 – 4 goal competition, La Pasion came back from behind to win 7 to 5 over Casa Blanca. Tracee Brunetti (-1), Lokesh Tantuwaya (0), Alvaro Tadeo (3), and Jesse Bray (2) received awards presented by Sofia Lopez-Velarde of La Martina the official supplier of San Diego Polo Club, and sponsor FINE Magazine’s Heather, Dominique, and publisher John Winfield, editor Laura Nelson. Casa Blanca teammates were Ronai White (-1), Ramiro Gonzales (3), Ashton Wolf (2), and Reggie White (0).
Charitable and public-spirited Country Friends celebrated Hat Day at the USPA Rossmore Cup finals. Festivities included Laguna Beach Artist Michelle Boyd’s Haute’ Hats, and The Rad Hatter Tony Melendez, whose creative arts in hat making involve the public in Creative Recycling and interactive art. Country Music singer Rachael Stark, the 19 year old superstar from Anza opened ceremonies with the national anthem. The Bill Magee Blues Band entertained the 7th chukker party crowds.
See all the incredible tournament and social shots by Dominick Lemarie, San Diego Polo Club’s official photographer. Just click here.
Sunday Polo resumes August 30th with the Fernando Gutierrez Memorial Cup and continues to October 4th. Reserve your seats now!
San Diego Polo Club
14555 El Camino Real
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
www.sandiegopolo.com