By Alex Webbe
In the recent US Westchester Cup team practice at the Hobe Sound Polo Club, another high-goal polo player found himself sidelined.
With the US team of Mike Azzaro, Jeff Blake, Adam Snow and Nick Roldan playing against Memo Gracida, Julio Arellano, Luis Escobar and Andres Weisz, Julio Arellano suffered a broken hand (right hand) as he was hooked during a play.
Eight-goaler Jeff Hall has been contacted to replace Julio for Friday’s game against Isla Carroll.
“He’s (Julio) an exceptional 8-goal player, and the injury to him is unfortunate for the US Westchester Cup team and for the EFG Bank team captain Jim Whisenand when contacted. “Julio will continue to serve as our coach for the balance of the season and we will bring in Jeff Hall to play with us through the Iglehart Cup. Jeff is an outstanding 8-goal player, and we look forward to playing with him,” Whisenand added.
EFG Bank is a new entry in the high goal season at the International Polo Club and found itself in the finals of the George Haas Cup, losing to Lechuza 10-9 in a hard fought battle.
“We were very disappointed to hear about Julio’s recent injury and thank him for the contribution he made to the success of our team this season,” said EFG Bank’s Michael Donnell. “EFG Bank Polo Team is very fortunate to have another international class player on the field in Jeff Hall. Jeff is very talented and dedicated to the sport and we look forward to his strong contribution to the team,” he added.
EFG Bank will take to the field Friday afternoon at 3pm against Isla Carroll in Iglehart Cup competition. It will be the team’s first match of the tournament.