On Saturday, May 30, Veuve Clicquot champagne celebrated with stars and more than 7,000 New Yorkers at the eighth-annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park. The crowd watched on as team Black Watch, led by world renowned polo player and the event host, Nacho Figueras, defeated team Veuve Clicquot 10 -7 with celebrity attendees including Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson, Freida Pinto, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mindy Kaling, Emma Roberts, Ruth Wilson, 50 Cent, Joan Smalls, Andrew Rannells, and many more.
To kick off the match, Andrew Rannells sang the national anthem and Freida Pinto threw out the ceremonial ball toss, marking the start of the match between Team Veuve Clicquot and Team Black Watch. During half time, Emma Roberts took to the field to stomp divots.
Throughout the match, celebrities and VIPs sipped Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé, feasted on a polo-perfect lunch, and watched on the side lines as 7,000 New Yorkers took in the sweeping views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Benefitting City Harvest, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic donated all excess food from the event to local community programs in need.
Players on team Black Watch, led by Captain Nacho Figueras included Bill Ballhaus, Javier Tanoira and Rico Mansur while Edward Hartman, Marcos Garcia del Rio, Gonzalo Garcia del Rio made up team Veuve Clicquot, led by Captain Francisco Lanusse.
Nacho rightfully earned the title of MVP, scoring 6 of the team’s goals, while teammate, Bill Ballhaus’ horse Rubia was awarded Best Playing Pony for her notable speed and power throughout the game.