One of the smartest decisions in polo was made when the Argentine Polo Association elevated Juan Martin Nero to 10-goals. Forget the fact that he was named MVP of the Argentine Open or that his Ellerstina team won for the first time against the 40-goal La Dolfina machine. You just have to understand how badly the international polo community needed a shot in the arm like this.
For the next eleven months people will be talking about the fact that there are two 40-goal teams competing in the high-goal competition in Argentina next year.
The travel agents, airlines and hotel owners must be smacking their lips at the thought of the added revenue from an increased flow of tourists just to see the two 40-goal teams battle it out next year.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that the other teams don’t stand a chance, but it is beginning to look like Ellerstina and La Dolfina are in a league of their own.
Imagine a 40-40-goal game that isn’t just an exhibition. Imagine a 40-40-goal match where every player on the field is mounted on his very best horses. Imagine a 40-40-goal game that really means something. That’s what you have to look forward to next year.
Do you think ESPN360 is excited about the news? Remember that the finals of the Argentine Open are going to be televised on ESPN in the United States for the first time this year. It looks like the move might serve to whet the appetite of an audience who will be able to watch some of the best players and teams that have ever taken to the field.
I congratulate Juan Martin Nero for finally being recognized for the extraordinary job he does on the field. I congratulate the entire Ellerstina organization, for this isn’t done by the four players on the field alone. I congratulate La Dolfina for giving us so many wonderful memories, and promising us so many more. And finally, I congratulate the Argentine Polo Association for realizing the rock they had in their boot was a gold nugget.
Congratulations to all of you, I’m looking forward to next year.
