By Alex Webbe
Polo returns to Governors Island in New York on Saturday, May 31 at 3PM when two three-man teams put on an exhibition match to celebrate the opening of the tourist season on the historic site.
Once a regular feature when the island served as a military base, the fields were once graced by political and military players that included Averill Harriman and George Patton. Polo’s last recorded match on the island dates back to pre-World War II days.
The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic is looking to be the highlight of the season as horses and mallets return for the first time in 67 years, and the best part of it may be the fact that it is free.
Leading the Black Watch contingent is Ralph Lauren model and 6-goal polo professional Nacho Figueras.
“I think it’s very exciting to re-introduce polo to this very historic location,” said Figueras, “I can’t imagine a more impressive backdrop to this exciting game of polo than that of the New York skyline.”
Though probably most recognized as the model in the Polo Black fragrance advertisements, Figueras is a serious professional polo player who competes all over the world. He will also be leading a Black Watch polo team into the prestigious Argentine Open this year under the Ralph Lauren/Black Watch name.
Joining Figueras on the Black Watch team will be Miguel Torres and David Walentas of the Southampton Polo Club.
Will Johnston will captain the Asprey London team, which will include Argentine 5-goaler Mauricio Devrient and Greenwich’s Ralph Giorgio.
“We are hoping to make this an annual event,” said Figueras, and knowing the crowds the handsome young Argentine attracts, attendance won’t be a problem.