Overtime’s 7th chukker decided the winner of opening day’s Hoyman Memorial Cup presented by Riviera Magazine at San Diego Polo Club [8-10 Goal] game. A brilliant play by Gaston VonWernich scored the overtime goal for Southwind/TriTech to win 9 to 8 over JayBird/Hanalei Bay.
Southwind/TriTech v JayBird/Hanalei Bay (c)2009 Kahn Photography
It was a close game all the way, tied 4 to 4 after the third chukker, and tied again 8 to 8 after the sixth. Southwind/TriTech’s Jesse Bray hit his first goal on The Willis Allen Field in the first chukker, and to spectators delight went on to have 5, the most in the game overall.
Jesse Bray, Chris Collins (c)2009 Kahn Photography
Bill Allen and Allen Airways along with 26 others, pilots and crew, of 13 classic biplanes graced the field parked along the sideboards for the day. At the end of play, they taxied down the field and launched off the grass, smoke flying and wings waving as they flew overhead. Among them a 1942 Boeing Stearman, 1930 Stearman C3R, 1948 Cessna 170, and one which used to belong to actor Steve McQueen.
Allen Airways biplane (c)2009 Kahn Photography
What’s usually the 7th Chukker party heated up as the 8th chukker party with entertainment by DJ Sem. Earlier 24 Carrots Catering sweetened the celebration with champagne and carrot cake during the divot stomp. La Martina debuted their new collection of San Diego Polo Club at Rancho Santa Fe gear with a fashion show between matches. Country star Rachel Stark, a 19 year old from nearby Anza, opened ceremonies with her rendition of the national anthem.
Rachel Stark, flags, introduction of teams (c)2009 Kahn Photography
Earlier in the day, the first match [0-4 goal] featured the team of La Pasion/Princeps winning 12 to 8 over Monteverde/Princeps/SurferDoc. In the second chukker La Pason/Princeps surged ahead by five goals. , In the third chukker Monteverde/Princeps/SurferDoc answered that with six of their own. Ashton Wolf, Alvarao Tadeo, and Tracee Brunetti each had a goal the last chukker sealing the win for La Pasion/Princeps. Tadeo was the high scorer of the game making 8 of the 12 goals for La Pasion/Princeps.
La Pasion/Princeps v Monteverde/Princeps/SurferDoc (c)2009 Kahn Photography
Beautiful sunny skies, exciting polo, and wonderful fans, families, and friends made the day a wonderful season opener.
Lift off from grass field (c)2009 Kahn Photography
Fly bye. (c)2009 Kahn Photography
San Diego Polo Club at Rancho Santa Fe
14555 El Camino Real
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 481-9217