The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
It is July 19,2012 and a brand new gorgeous venue just came to life today along the Pacific Coast. It was the initial game on a private field North of Goleta, CA which may easliy be the prettiest setting for a Polo field anywhere on the planet.
The first goal ever scored at Zacara Fields was scored by a Little Lady named Dawn Jones, the better 1/2 of Tommy Lee Jones. The 1st injury, although minor, was earned by a tough Argentine named Betto. It also was the hottest day of the year as the mercury was close to 90 degrees for a while and even the night was in the high 60’s so maybe Summer is here.
No matter what, 20-goal polo is here in California. Today starts the America Cup in Santa Barbara with 4 Teams competing. The Star of last Weeks British Open will be on the field in the form of Polito Pieres. He was amazing … even on TV. He is playing for Andy Busch’s Grants Farm Team. They will take on Last year Pacific Coast Open Champs … Lucchese minus Super Star Adolfo Cambiaso. I hear but he has another 10-goaler here to carry forward for him. They say Sebe Merlos is in town, not a bad substitute and he is defending Champ of this Cup I believe.
Schedule today is Friday July 20
11am C. Grants Farm vs D. Lucchese
A. Busch – J. Muse
J.Hall – A. Weise
P. Pieres – S. Merlos
J.Sheldon – S. Torres
2pm A. Mansour vs B. Farmers & Merchants Bank
B. Solemoni – H. Walker
H. Ulloa – L.Criado
A. Snow – L.Escobar
S.VonWernich – D. Walker
Sunday July 22
1pm Mansour vs Grants Farm
3pm FMB vs Lucchese
San Diego also heads in to a big weekend as they have the Fernado Gutierrez Cup finals this Sunday. After that they take a 3week break. The Del Mar Race Track started yesterday, I think, so if you want to party head to Del Mar and to San Diego Polo Club. It will be a very good weekend. Over the Pond there not done yet as they play the Coronation Cup in London with South Africa taking on the best of the UK .
On a very sad note, we must tell you that Ivan Kronja, a very big fan and supporter of Polo in Santa Barbara his Daughter Meredith and Lovely Wife Constance and also played quite a bit. i never knew Ivan that well … he was a bit quiet, but when he said something it always seem to make sense and for a reason. He will defintley be missed in the polo stands this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
see ya