UNITED STATES DEFEATS AUSTRALIA 4-2 IN
2009 LAND ROVER AMERICA ’S POLO CUP
INDIA ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL 2010 AMERICA ’S POLO CUP CHALLENGER
Weekend Long Event featured Top ranked polo Players, 2010 Land Rover Displays, Live Performances by American Idol Star Michael Johns and MYA, Patriotic Fireworks Shows and Other Festivities
WASHINGTON DC: (May 10, 2009) – The United States Land Rover Polo Team, Captained by Tareq Salahi, defeated Australia 4-2 in the 2009 Land Rover America’s Polo Cup on Saturday, May 9 at Capitol Polo Club in Poolesville, MD. Fans attended the annual polo world championships, and were treated to a thrilling match along with a weekend full fun activities and events. In addition, it was announced during the weekend event that India would be the official 2010 America ’s Polo Cup challenger, which is slated for May 7-8, 2010.
The “Best Playing Pony” was awarded to ‘Juliet” a “Destination Polo”, horse owned by USA Team Player Doug Barnes, while the America ’s polo Cup DAUM best sportsmanship award was awarded to “John Gobin,” who played the #4 position for the US Land Rover Polo Team. The highest scoring player was Captain Tareq Salahi, who scored the first goal against the Australians with a remarkable off-side 60 degree angled tail shot. Crowds roared and cheered as the US Polo Team took the lead after the 3rd Chukker. Salahi ended the game with a hat trick play.
“The US Team was the strongest yet – our team work was remarkable, and it was an honor to play with all our teammates,” said Tareq Salahj , U.S. Team Captain. “This is a great win for the USA , and I am honored to have played with this team who worked extremely hard to put together this big win. We are proud that we won for our sponsors and country.
Nine goaler and Team USA Player, Nick Roldan stated “We are looking forward to the re-match in Australia February 4th thru the 14th, 2010”
The U.S. team led by Team Captain Tareq Salahi consisted of 9 goaler, Nick Roldan, 2 goaler Doug Barnes and 7 goaler John Gobin. The Australian Polo Team was Captained by 8 goaler, Glen Gilmore, 4 goaler, Ric McCarthy, 1 goaler Neil Gilmore and 1 goaler Nick Bowen.
“The U.S. and Australian teams demonstrated sportsmanship, skill and a spirit of teamwork during the battle on the polo field this weekend and I want to thank them for their efforts. I also want to congratulate the U.S. team for emerging the victors with such a great win,” said Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President, Land Rover North America. The global equestrian community have owned and used our vehicles in the pursuit of outdoor activity for many years and therefore the fast paced sport of International Polo is a great fit for us.”
Raymond Weil, official watch jeweler to the prestigious America ’s Polo Cup, handed out over $15,000.00 in watches to the World Championship US Polo Team, and the runner up Australian Qantas sponsored Polo Team.
In addition to the action on the field, the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup featured a sensational performance by American Idol star Michael Johns who performed live the world debut of “She’s Dangerous” and “Fire” on Friday, May 8 during the event’s prestigious fashion show. Other event highlights included thrilling fly-overs by the U.S. Navy’s WarBirds, honoring the Battle of the Coral Sea Anniversary, where the United States saved Australia from Japan , the BlackWater Air Parachute Team sponsored by the USO , who performed their parachute jumps for opening ceremonies on both Friday and Saturday. The two days of spectacular polo experiences culminated with a sparkling fireworks display over the America ’s Polo Cup fields. Prizes for best hat, best dressed were co-judged by “The Apprentice’s” Omarrosa and awarded to fans.
During the opening ceremonies, the Ambassador of Australia Dennis Richardson handed over the golden mallet and the 2010 responsibilities to the Ambassador of India, Meera Shankar. The Ambassador of India stated, “We are honored to be the challenging host country for the America’s Polo Cup games and we look forward to a year of events leading up to the games.” Madame Ambassdor went on to say “Polo is also played in India on Elephants.”
The 2009 Land Rover America ’s Polo Cup is one of the world’s premier Polo events. The weekend experience included an extraordinary display of Land Rover vehicles, fashion, music, military aviation exhibitions and fireworks.
The 2009 America ’s Polo Cup Fall Classic will take place September 19 on the Washington , DC National Mall. Tickets are currently on sale.