Coldwell Banker Wins February 6 Goal Tournament

Like the 12 Goal February Tournament final, the 6 Goal closer was a contest between teams that met before and while revenge may be a strong word, Madelyn Cobb and her Coldwell Banker Menlo foursome most certainly wanted to turn the table on Krista Bonaguidi and Hanalei Bay after losing to the surfers in the Beal Cup just two weeks earlier - and they did exactly that with an impressive 8 - 7 victory.To that avail, the first started well for Cobb and her salesmen as Peter Blake struck quickly to get an early lead - something they didn't have in the Beal Cup final. That advantage vanished quickly however as Hanalei Bay came back with strength as Remy Muller scored to tie the game. Coldwell Banker responded with strength of their own and intense pressure yielded a penalty two conversion by Jared Sheldon and the first ended with the real estate group up by one at 2 - 1.The second period was, very simply put, fast with many opportunities that did not translate into goals. Coldwell Banker had chances as did Hanalei Bay but the only counters of the stanza came from the mallet of Jesse Bray with a pair from the field and the third would start with the Bonaguidi pack up by one at 3 - 2.The speed continued into that third as both teams were able to garner more opportunities that, once again, didn't end in goals - in other words, extremely good offence was stopped by hard running defense that stood up to the task. However, Gregorio Mariscal, having turned play around many times, was able to score on a spectacular effort that would tie the game at three going to the half.If it was possible, the fourth chukker was probably faster than the third and the surfers were electric as Bray counted two to go up by two before Mariscal, on an extremely heady turn-over from inside 60 yards brought the sales people within one. Bray, on an impressive and dominating run, put Hanalei Bay back into the lead by a pair and the 'running' fourth was over with the Hawaiians leading 6 - 4.The fifth period again featured very good and very fast polo as Coldwell Banker pulled even with Sheldon scoring twice (1 penalty two) to get even again. Hanalei Bay got the lead back with Bray counting a penalty two from 15 yards and the surfers were in front again, but only by one at 7 - 6.With 7:30 left in regulation, it was time for Cobb and Co. to make a big sale if they were to turn things around in this February final - and turn around they did as Cobb snuck in behind the defense and grabbed a perfect pass with 120 yards to go and ran it perfectly to tie the game. Not only did the play even things up, it was a great example of how to play the one position - stay up, get open, and don't come back in looking for the ball. With real estate now doing well, Sheldon grabbed another one on another long and decisive run and the lead was now one for Coldwell Banker - their first lead since the second period. As it turned out, it was the best time to lead  as the clock ran out and it was over - with Cobb and her group victorious and in possession of the Richard Roenisch Bronzes.By playing an exceptionally strong game at back and allowing himself to jump to the front when needed, Mariscal earned MVP honors, and Diego Andrade's mare Madonna, played by Sheldon in the final chukker was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Cheryl Shindel was chosen as the Best Playing Sponsor of the February 6 Goal Tournament.February 6 Goal TournamentColdwell Banker Menlo 6 - Madelyn Cobb, Jared Sheldon 3, Peter Blake 2, Gregorio Mariscal 1.Hanalei Bay 6 - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jesse Bray 4, Remy Muller 2, TonyUretz 1.Tony Gregg   

Antelope Wins Rematch in February 12 Goal Final

The final game of the February Tournament, played in front of another huge crowd, was a rematch of the Beal Cup final - Geoff Palmer's Antelope and John Rooney's Northern Blizzard. While the final two weeks ago was a close game with several lead changes and Rooney's group coming away with a 9 - 7 victory, this one was not as Antelope overpowered Northern Blizzard throughout to come away with a rather lopsided 12 - 8 win.It was apparent from the start that Antelope's quarterback, Santiago Trotz, had prepared well as he sent Palmer - from the back - running at the start and set him up with a perfect pass that the Pronghorn patron took 130 yards to score and lead very early. Trotz then converted a penalty four opportunity and the first was over with Antelope up by a pair - a lead they would not relinquish.The second didn't start any better for the Canadian contingent as Antelope pressure was rewarded with a penalty two counter by Palmer and the lead was now three. Rooney, with a very heads up and aggressive play in the Pronghorn goal mouth got the first goal for Northern Blizzard and Juan Curbelo made it two with a field goal to end the second and the Northerners appeared to be back in it - trailing by just one at 3 - 2.However, any thought that Rooney and Co. were actually in it was quickly dispelled in the third as Antelope exploded and scored five in a row - Jared Sheldon with a pair of open goal conversions, Jesse Bray with two from the field, and Trotz with one -  before Joe Henderson was able to count one for Northern Blizzard. The half was over and Antelope lead 8 - 3.Antelope held the five goal advantage in the fourth as Bray and Trotz scored one each with a reply of two from the North as Curbelo and Tim Rudy counted one apiece. Going to the fifth it was 10 - 5 in favor of the Pronghorns.The penultimate chukker was pretty much a copy of the fourth with Antelope holding their advantage as each team, once again, scored twice. Trotz from the field and a Palmer free throw for the leaders while Rudy grabbed a penalty three and a strike from the field in reply. With one to go, it was 12 - 7 Antelope.Rooney grabbed his second of the day early in the final to narrow the gap to four and that would be it as Antelope completely dominated and came away with the Rich Roenisch Bronzes - most certainly a much different result than their first meeting.Because of his alert and simply overpowering play, Bray was chosen as the MVP and Trotz's fifth period horse, Hector, was awared the cooler as the Best Playing Pony.Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni from Cotterel Farms was selected as the Most Valuable Sponsor for the tournament.February 12 Goal Tournament 2014Antelope 12 - Geoff Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 4, Jared Sheldon 3.Northern Blizzard - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Juan Curbelo 4, Tim Rudy 3.Tony Gregg  

Fish Creek Junior Tournament 2014

The Fish Creek Junior Tournament, sponsored by Fred Mannix, was played on Saturday and Sunday, February 8^th and 9^th. Mannix, one of Eldorado’s greatest supporters, was instrumental in the start of the Junior Program at Eldorado so many, many years ago. In fact, his son Frederick was one of the originals and now carries a rating of 9 goals in Argentina.Both mornings started off with the Lead-line and the Intermediate levels and was comprised of the following players; Conner Garsed, Tommy Steinke, Jaqueline Trabbitts, Colby Smith, Nicky Steinke, Gabriella Trabbitts, Ryan Kerley, Piers Bossom, Haley Schneider, Mike Estrada, and Uakea Huddleston.Huddleston and Garsed were selected as the respective MVP’s and Bossom’s Macho Man and Estrada’s Vienna were chosen as the best Playing Ponies.With the completion of the first levels, it was time for the advanced group to saddle up and take the field. In a somewhat new twist, it was decided that the boys (Rhandy Heredia, Riley Jordan, Baine Bossum on Saturday, Grant Palmer on Sunday, and Joe Coors) would play the girls (Hope Kerley, Gracie Gonzales, Sydney Jordan, and Angelina Quirante).Most everyone in attendance thought that the boys would win easily and that appeared to be the case as they scored within the first 20 seconds of Saturday’s play. Not so however, as the girls came back to tie in less than one minute and went on to win the Saturday game by a 4 – 2 score – to the dismay of the so called stronger sex.Sunday was to be the showdown as the score was carried over to start the play. With their reputations on the line, the boys jumped out quickly and got back the two goals they trailed by. The girls came right back however and went ahead, only to be caught by the guys once again.When regulation time expired, the score was tied at six apiece. It was decided that overtime would be played and the boys prevailed and were declared the champions. Talk of a rematch was rampant.Gracie Gonzales was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Hope Kerley's mare Minuet was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Once again a big thank you to Jane Isquith for organizing another wonderful event and a big thanks as well to Isabella Wolf for umpiring the advanced level. Not an easy task given the intensity of the play.

Hanalei Bay Hangs On to Win Beal 6 Goal

When one thinks of Hanalei Bay, the thought of surfing would most certainly come to mind. You know, hanging ten and all that stuff. However, in the Carlton and Keleen Beal 6 Goal Cup final, hanging ten turned out to be the furthest thing from Krista Bonaguidi and her surfers' minds. After an exceptionally strong start, the second half was all about hanging on and just staying on the board - which they did (barely) to defeat Madelyn Cobb and Coldwell Banker Menlo by a final score of 9 - 8.The first period turned out to be rather benign with both teams having opportunities with neither able to capitalize. The only goal of the opener came from a penalty two conversion by Remy Muller and the chukker ended with the surfers leading by one.Hanalei Bay came out for the second and appeared to be much better prepared than Coldwell Banker as they dominated throughout. Counters from the field by Jesse Bray and Tony Uretz put the Hawaiians up by three with the real estate group not yet on the board.The domination that was Hanalei Bay continued in the third as they carried the play and scored on another penalty two (by Muller) and a field goal by Bray to give the surfers a lead of five goals. The Cobb Team was able to finally muster some offence that was rewarded as Sheldon was able to convert an open goal opportunity to narrow the gap to four. However, Muller scored his first from the field and the lead was once again five and it appeared that the Bonaguidi pack were going to win easily. Wasn't to be the case though as Peter Blake scored with 18 seconds left on the clock and the difference was now 'only' four goals at 6 - 2.Blake's goal - and most likely a stern 'wake-up' call during the break - most certainly set the tone for the early part of the fourth period as Coldwell Banker played the kind of polo that got them to the final. With Hanalei Bay able to do nothing, Cobb's group were now selling real estate in a big way as Blake struck for two more - one a superb deflection on a penalty four going wide - and Sheldon grabbed one to narrow the gap to just a goal at 6 - 5. However, the surfers were able to recover as Bray and Muller scored one each and the fourth ended with Hanalei Bay leading by three at 8 - 5.The scoring in the fifth was even at one as Blake counted for the Cobb Team and Muller scored his fifth for the Hawaiians. But while the scoring was even, Coldwell Banker carried the play but couldn't finish opportunities and it would ultimately finish them off as the chukker ended with Hanalei Bay leading by three at 9 - 6.The sixth started with Coldwell Banker, once again, playing 'their game' of fast and furious domination and the surfers were now trying to simply hang on. Sheldon was now playing his style of polo - quick and elusive - and he scored twice to narrow the gap to just one. With less than a minute left, and Hanalei Bay about to fall into the surf, it looked like the sales people were going to force overtime. Didn't happen as an unkind bounce ended their hope and Bonaguidi captured her second championship in two weeks.Bray earned MVP honors and Cobb, based on her strong play in the front, was selected as the Most Valuable Sponsor of the entire Beal Cup 6 Goal.Carlton and Keleen Beal Cup 2014 - 6 GoalHanalei Bay 6 - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jesse Bray 4, Remy Muller 2, Tony Uretz 1.Coldwell Banker Menlo 6 - Madelyn Cobb, Jared Sheldon 3, Peter Blake 2, Gregorio Mariscal 1.Tony Gregg 

Winter Arrives During Beal 12 Goal Final

For much of the new year of 2014, a good part of the country had been subjected to a rather severe onslaught of winter. At the same time, Southern California had been the very balmy exception - until Sunday as it turned out, as winter arrived in a big way with a Northern Blizzard blowing in to win the Carlton and Keleen 12 Goal Beal Cup. The Northern Blizzard, of course, was Calgary's John Rooney and his Northern Blizzard polo team who covered Geoff Palmer's Antelope foursome by a final count of 9 - 7.At the outset, it seemed as if the weather was going to remain the same as a very aggressive Geoff Palmer grabbed a pass from Santiago Trotz and made a nice run to score in the early going to take a lead of one. However, the cool wind from the north started to become a factor as Joe Henderson and Tim Rudy scored from the field and Juan Curbelo added an open goal conversion and the first ended with the Rooney group leading by two at 3 - 1.The Pronghorns warmed up in the second as Jared Sheldon counted one from the field and Trotz absolutely pounded a penalty four to tie the count at three. Rooney, perhaps used to the cold weather, turned the thermostat down with an exceptional steal to score late and the second ended with the cool wind from Canada leading 4 - 3.The third got warmer however, as Antelope came out and dominated the period with the elusive Sheldon scoring twice from the field and Palmer converting an open goal award and Palmer and Co. lead by three at 6 - 4.The north wind picked up in the fourth as the Rooney group applied pressure and were rewarded with a number four conversion by Curbelo and an open goal counter by Rudy. With less than a minute to go, it appeared that the chukker would end with the score tied. Didn't happen as Sheldon got loose near the Canadian goal and pounded a deep neck shot from far right - the announcer's 'shot of the day' - and it was 7 - 6 Antelope going to the fifth.As it turned out, that was it for the Pronghorns as the snow started to fall  in the penultimate stanza with Northern Blizzard completely shutting down Antelope while Rudy converted a penalty two to tie the count at seven.The snow stated to pile up in the sixth as Henderson converted a penalty two and Curbelo struck from the field. When it was over, it was winter in Southern California as Northern Blizzard covered Antelope and took the Beal Cup.Curbelo was selected as the Most Valuable Player in the final and Palmer was honored as the Most Valuable Sponsor in the Beal Tournament.2014 Carlton and Keleen 12 Goal Beal CupNorthern Blizzard 12 - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Juan Curbelo 4, Tim Rudy 3.Antelope 12 - Geoff Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 4, Jared Sheldon 3.Tony Gregg

Joe Barry Memorial draws 50 young stars

The numbers were large for the 2014 Joe Barry Memorial Junior Polo Tournament played on January 18 and 19 at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, Ca. Of course, Joe Barry was one of the forces behind the creation of the junior program at the Southern California venue.First to go very early on both mornings was the lead-line group, consisting of some very young participants. In no particular order they were; Matias Wolf, Justine Hoffman-Keyfauver, Garrett Hartzel-Russell, Nicky Steinke, Anna Margaret Hartzell-Russell, Adam Hoffman-Keyfauver, Diego Duenas, Gabriella Trabbitts, Uakea Huddleston, and Valentina Tadeo. The youngest group played a 12 minute chukker each morning, and while the score was kept, no one was really sure who won. Didn’t really matter anyway as all seemed to have a good time – parents included.Second to go in the 2014 edition was the intermediate bunch. Several here had just graduated from the lead-line and were ‘on their own’ for the first time. Two teams saw action, consisting of the Reds and the Blacks. For the reds, Quinn Kyle, Rosie Gonzales, Alyssa Garcia, and Ella Bonilla lined up against the black team of Conner Garsed, Anthony Atchy, Tommy Steinke, and Jaqueline Trabbitts. These youngsters played a 12 minute period each morning as well and again the final score is unknown – and, as well, probably not important.If the scoring wasn’t important in the first two divisions, it certainly was in the advanced level as three teams mounted up to play a two day round-robin. Empire lined up with Rhyo Rainsford-Keyfauver, Alex Payan, Nick Roth, and Gracie Gonzales. World Gym sent out Hank Uretz, Rhandy Heredia, Grant Palmer, and Julio Andrade. Coldwell Banker Menlo was the third foursome and consisted of Alanzo Andrade, Sydney Jordan, Hope Kerley, and Riley Jordan. After two mornings of rather impressive and fast play in the round-robin format, World Gym finished on top followed by Coldwell Banker Menlo and Empire. Many in attendance commented on how much fun it was to watch the upper level, made more interesting by the fact that it wasn’t that long ago that several were lead-line competitors.With Jane Isquith organizing from the Eldorado side and Connie Atikinson bringing the Empire kids over, the 2014 Joe Barry was truly a very successful event. These two ladies most certainly know how to organize as the entire program was run perfectly and they should be congratulated.Eldorado will host two more Junior Tournaments consisting of the Fish Creek (February 8 and 9) and Arty Cameron Memorial (March 8 and 9)

For The Roenisch Bronzes in January - Different Winners

The second January Tournament Finals - for the Rich Roenisch Bronzes -  featured different winners on both levels.The 6 goal championship saw Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni and her Cotterel Farms quartet (Luttrell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1, Dan Walker 2, and Ignacio Saracco 3) return to a final for the second time in the opening month, but this time they came back as winners and not the runners-up. Cheryl Schindel and Brooke Faber's Centurion foursome (Schindel, Faber -1, Luis Saracco 4, and Tim Rudy 3) coming out of bracket play undefeated, due to excellent play, would supply the opposition but on this day Luttrell and Co. were far and away the better team and cruised to a victory by a score of 8 - 4.The first started very slowly with no scoring, but Cotterel scored three times in the second to just one for the Centurions and added one in the third to lead 4 - 1 at the half.Cotterel counted two more in the fourth to just one again for the Romans and added a pair in the fifth and went to the final period leading by six at 8 - 2.The Centurions scored twice in the sixth but it would not be enough and the Luttrell- Benardoni farmhands took home the very prized awards.Walker was the high scorer for the winners with three (1 foul) and Luis Saracco lead all scorers with all four of his team's goals.Ignacio Saracco was selected as the MVP and his mare, Perinola was chosen as the best playing pony. The 12 Goal final was a rematch of the first January final with Ron Bonaguidi's Mr. Hanalei Bay (Bonaguidi, Mariano Fassetta 6, Juan Curbello 4, and Remy Muller 2) facing Krista Bonaguidi and her Mrs. Hanalei Bay (Bonaguidi -1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, and Ashton Wolf 3).From the outset, it was obvious that Mrs. and Co. were ready to play polo - unlike the previous final where they were never really in it - as Jason Crowder took the ball from the opening throw-in and scored in less than 25 seconds to take a lead of one which held up and the first ended with Mrs. up by that one at 1 - 0.The second period was all Mrs. with three counters to none for Mr. and the score was 4 - 0 going to the third.Each counted one in the third and the half ended with Krista leading by a count of 5 - 1.With ten minutes to think things over, Mr. and his Company appeared ready to play and came out very strong in the fourth to score a pair of unanswered counters and the period ended with Mrs. leading by just two at 5 - 3.Goals were again traded in the fifth and the lead remained two going to the final chukker at 6 - 4.The sixth started as did the fourth for Mr. Hanalei Bay as they were able to tie the count at six with about 1:45 left to go and it appeared that overtime might be necessary. Wasn't to be however, as Crowder jumped on an errant pass and ran in the winner and Krista's Mrs. Hanalei Bay captured the January League Title along with the Roenisch Bronzes by a count of 7 - 6.With his explosive and very involved play, Crowder, with four goals (1 foul), was the obvious choice as the MVP and Fassetta's outstanding mare, Chikita, grabbed Best Playing Pony honors.Tony Gregg    

Women's Tournament Feb 27 - Mar 2

Once again Eldorado will host the Pacific Coast Circuit Western Women's Challenge along with the WCT Qualifier. It is guaranteed to be a great display of women's polo and a lot of fun for all involved.Three flights will be on offer, individual and team nominations are welcome. Please sign up by February 20, contact the Polo Office on (760)-342-2223 or eldorado@eldoradopoloclub.com.A Flight WCT Qualifier (2 to 3 Goal Teams)B Flight USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Western Women's Challenge (-1 to 1 Goal Teams)C Flight Eldorado Challenge (-2 Goal Teams and below)

Message from Dr Mike Manno

2 Southern California racehorses test positive for EHV-1. Polo clubs toinstitute entry ban on any potentially exposed horses.OK, stop and don't panic - just read on...Two Thoroughbred racehorses, one stabled at Santa Anita Racetrack in Los Angeles County and onefrom a farm in Ramona in San Diego County, have tested positive for the non-neuropathicstrain of Equine Herpes Virus - 1. These horses had exposure to each other previously and havebeen isolated and are being treated and seem to be recovering nicely. The California Departmentof Food and Agriculture and the California Horse Racing Board officials feel this infection iscontained, although ongoing, and is being closely monitored. Racing is continuing as usual atSanta Anita.After discussions with the polo managers at both Eldorado and Empire Polo Clubs, even thoughchances for infection here are minimal, we are instituting an entry ban on any horse that has beenstabled at either the Ramona farm or at Santa Anita within the last 30 days. Any green horseprospect off the track or coming from any farm that may have had exposure to any of thesehorses in any way will not be allowed on the polo grounds or stabling area for the remainder ofthe season effective immediately. If you have any polo horse that has pastured or stabled withhorses that may have been to Santa Anita in the last 30 days we ask that they not be brought onthe grounds either. Again, this is just a mutually agreed precautionary response. We have noongoing or potentially ongoing infection here.While this minor episode may be over quickly, we ask everyone to police themselves and try notto bring any potentially exposed horse to the polo grounds. Please do not panic or overreact aswe have no knowledge that we have had any crossover of horses at this point. If anyone has anyinformation to the contrary, please advise me or the polo managers as soon as possible. Shouldconditions change, we will be sure to update everyone.Thank you for your cooperationMichael Manno, DVM, MS

Soroptimist Fundraiser Event

Mr. Hanalei Bay and Blazers Win Kerley Honors

With outstanding crowds watching - reminiscent of mid-March - on both Opening Day, January 5 and the following Final's Sunday, Ron Bonaguidi's Mr. Hanalei Bay (12 Goal) and Pat Powell's Blazers (6 Goal) grabbed the spoils in the 2014 Wendell Kerley Memorial Tournament.The 12 Goal final was indeed interesting with Ron Bonaguidi's Mr. Hanalei Bay riding the waves against Krista Bonaguidi's Mrs. Hanalei Bay - yup, husband vs. wife.Before the start, many thought that Mr. might lay back and  concede a win, and the prized Chris Kerley spurs would go to 'the Mrs.' -  in the interest of being a good husband. Not long after the start, it was very apparent that was not going to be the case - not even close - as the ultra competitive Mr. (0) along with Marianno Fassetta (6), Juan Curbelo (4), and Remy Muller (2) jumped out to an early first period lead of 4 - 1 over Mrs. (-1) who lined up with Joe Henderson (4), Jason Crowder (6), and Ashton Wolf (3). In fact, the first goal came immediately after the first throw-in.The second wasn't much better for the marriage as the lead was increased to four goals with the second ending at 6 - 2.Both teams scored twice in the third and the half ended with Ron leading Krista by, once again, four goals. The count was 8 - 4.Any thought - and there was - that anyone might have had about a reconciliation in the fourth period vanished as Fassetta and Curbelo simply destroyed anything that Krista's group tried to muster and the chukker ended and the lead was now five goals at 10 - 5.Scoring was once again even in the fifth - at one each - and the lead remained five going to the final.In the sixth and with the victory in hand, after another quick counter to lead by six, Mr. and his surfers pretty much sat on their boards and Mrs. was able to score three - with Krista counting a pair. But it was too late as the game ended with a final score of 12 - 9 and Mr. Hanalei Bay would now ride the waves with brand new Kerley spurs.Fassetta was the high scorer on the day with nine goals ( 1 foul, #4).)In the 6 Goal, the Blazers lined up against Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni and her Cotterel Farms organization. For Powell, unable to play due to a concussion suffered the day before,  Kyle Fargey (3) would lead along with Kimo Huddleston (2), Malia McCoy (.5), and Nicolas Llambias (0) (replacing Powell). Cotterel saddled up with Luttrell-Benardoni (0), Francisco Benardoni (1), Danny Walker (2), and Ignacio Saracco (3).Taking a handicap award of one-half at the start, the Blazers played as named in the first period and took a lead of 1.5 to nil to the second.Cotterel came back in the second to count twice to one for the Blazers and the second ended with Powell's team leading by the handicap at 2.5 - 2.The Blazers shut out Cotterel in the third and fourth stanzas to lead 4.5 - 2 at halftime and 5.5 - 2 going to the fifth.Cotterel got organized in the penultimate frame and scored twice early on to make it interesting but Powell's crew got one back to snuff the comeback and it was 6.5 - 4 with one to go.The sixth was pretty much all Blazers as they counted four before a reply from Cotterel and the Wendell Kerley Memorial 6 goal awards went to the Blazers by a score of 10.5 - 5.Fargey led all scorers with six goals (2 fouls, # 2's).Chris Kerley, the maker of the coveted spurs, was on hand to present the awards for both games, along with Wendell Kerley's grandchildren, Ryan and Hope Kerley.Tony Gregg  

The Eldorado Pro Pool is Underway

The Eldorado Pro Pool - envisioned and started by Polo Manager Graham Bray - started on the first weekend of January play, with games on Saturday and Sunday. The first game was played on the Cantina field for the lunch crowd and featured professional players John Eicher at three goals and four goal Joe Henderson.The intent of the play is not for the professionals to play to win the game for the players, but for them to help the players to win for themselves in a tournament format. It is also worth noting that the Eldorado Pro Pool fee includes the professional and the teams are put together by polo club management.With Eicher and Henderson directing traffic, the pool members were responsible for 'getting it done' on their own and it was up to them to make the plays for themselves. If you want to win - you have to make it happen. The professionals will help with direction and the odd set-up, but it's pretty much up to you - and you will learn how to play polo.With the success of the first weekend, the second weekend once again featured Eicher with four goal Mattthew Gonzales stepping in for Henderson. Eicher was joined by Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, and Susan Adams. Jennifer Alexy, James Kidd, and Mike Ward saddled up with the always entertaining Gonzales.The play during the second series was noticeably improved over the first weekend as the players not only were hitting the ball with more authority, but their defensive play was much better. Players who couldn't, or wouldn't hook during the first weekend were able to make that defensive play because they had been shown how to place themselves correctly in order to do so. It was, as well, very obvious that the participants were starting to 'read' plays because of the  input of the 'mentors'. "If you want the ball - get to a spot where I can hit it to you".During the second series, with Sunday's contest back at the Cantina for breakfast in an announced game, Gonzales and crew - playing as Hacienda de Trampas - were victorious over Eicher and his OC Polo foursome, by a two game total count of 10 - 7.The Pro Pool has started, and early participants not only have learned, but they have done so during tournament play because they played with professionals who are there to improve their polo - and have fun while doing it. If you're going to travel to the Desert for just a weekend or two and want to play some tournament polo give Eldorado some thought. In order to facilitate the experience please sign up by noon on Thursday (760) 342 2223.Tony Gregg  

Cotterel Farms Wins World Gym Tournament

The 24th annual World Gym 4 Goal Tournament, sponsored by Mike Uretz and the Uretz Family, came down to a final of two somewhat different polo teams. With World Gym (Claudia Uretz, Patrick Uretz, Hank Uretz, and Cacho Galindo) and Cotterel Farms (Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Jennifer Alexy, Ruben Coscia, and Andrea Brereton) advancing to the Sunday final, in front of a very enthusiastic Cantina lunch crowd, it appeared to most that the fitness group would have a distinct edge - based on the belief that youngsters Patrick Uretz and Galindo could, together, easily handle the somewhat older but experienced Coscia.At first it appeared that might be the case as Hank Uretz  scored right off the opening throw-in to lead with less than 40 seconds gone. Coscia was able to score toward the middle of the period, but Patrick Uretz scored on a long run to go to the second with a lead of one at 2 - 1.World Gym continued to impress as Galindo scored early in chukker number two and it most certainly appeared that the predictions of a Uretz  win were going to be supported. Coscia, however was just getting started as he, along with three very aggressive ladies, started to apply pressure that resulted in an open goal conversion by Lutterell-Benardoni that brought the deficit to just one. Coscia scored his second shorly after that and the game was tied at three going to the half - and World Gym was closed for the afternoon.With very timely offensive help from Luttrell-Benardoni and Alexy, and extremely persistent and effective defensive work by Brereton, Coscia went to work and absolutely dominated chukker number three as he scord three goals on what turned out to be the Best Playing Pony, Benito. As a result, Cotterel led by three at 6 - 3.While World Gym had opportunities in the fourth, they could not convert and Coscia took advantage of every mistake. Luttrell-Benardoni converted her second open goal conversion to complete the scoring and Cotterell Farms had won the 2013 World Gym Tournament by a count of 7 - 3.As well as owning and playing Benito, Coscia was also named the Most Valuable Player. Tony Gregg 

Opening Day Sunday Jan 5

 Eldorado Polo Club is pleased to announce the launch of yet another exciting season of world class polo right here in the Coachella Valley. For over 50 years players from all over the world and across North America have gathered in the Desert to compete in one of the most thrilling horse sports on the planet, and this season will be no exception.Opening Day at Eldorado Polo Club is Sunday, January 5 and will feature polo matches at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The entrance to the club is at 50950 Madison St in Indio between Avenue 50 and 52, the public is welcome to attend and admission is free!Sunday Polo is a must do activity during the winter months in the Desert. Guests can enjoy the full service Club House restaurant or pull up their vehicle on the elevated berm and tailgate in style. In addition to polo, guests can experience wine tasting and be able to purchase the fine cigars of Payne Mason. Be sure not to miss the famous halftime divot stomp of the 2pm match and enjoy a complimentary glass of Teqava Sparkling Tequila. Opening Day Club House Restaurant reservations can be made at (760)-831-POLO.

Sunday Polo at the Club House

The Eldorado Club House is the best place to experience Sunday polo in style - every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.A full service menu and bar are offered, and seating is available for parties from 2 to 400. Reservations are recommended for Sunday seating, please call the Club House reservation hotline to reserve seating:(760)-831-POLO (7656)Sunday Polo at the Club House continues every Sunday, January through  March 30. Reservations fill up quickly, so make your advanced reservation today!

Sunday Tailgating

If you want to enjoy the polo sidelines in casual comfort, Sunday tailgating is right for you! Bring your friends, family, lawn-chairs, pets (on leashes!), a picnic, and set up your own perfect polo event. Take-away food and beverage services are also offered in the Club House Courtyard.Parking and tailgating is totally free and everyone is welcome!Tailgating areas to the north and south of the Club House are marked and we encourage you to arrive early for the games every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.

Weekend Polo on the Patio

Join us on the Cantina patio at Eldorado to enjoy games every Saturday at 12pm and Sunday at 10am. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so be sure to arrive early!You can't get any closer than this to all of the play by play action!Weekend Polo on the Patio kicks off on Saturday, December 28th and continues through Sunday, March 30th.Join us at Eldorado Polo Club this season for the most competitive and thrilling polo in the Desert. If you have never experienced a polo match before, we guarantee you will be hooked. It is a great outing with friends and family, so come along and visit us at the Eldorado Polo Club.For more information about visiting Eldorado Polo Club, visit eldoradopoloclub.com,or call (760)-342-2223.

2014 Season Welcome

I’m pleased to welcome you all back for another great season at the Eldorado Polo Club. We’re all back in the Polo Office and looking forward to seeing everyone.Stick & Ball (Field 5) opens Saturday, December 7th, from 12PM onwards. Field 5 will be open Wednesday to Sunday, and closed Monday & Tuesday (due to watering, until further notice). Don’t forget to sign a release and pay your USPA dues BEFORE you get out there! (EVERYONE MUST SIGN A RELEASE IF RIDING ON EPC PROPERTY: GROOMS, GUESTS, ETC..)The track is open along with the barns at Rancho Eldorado and the HITS Property. Please call Debbie for stabling inquiries.We’ve got the Linfoot Polo Clinic December 21st & 22nd. The clinic is filling up fast, so make sure to reserve your spot with these renowned teachers and spread the word to your friends who want to get into polo or improve their skills. All participants from last year’s clinic raved about this worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Call or come in to the office and sign up.The Cantina’s celebrating 2 years with Roc’s Firehouse at the helm. Join us Saturday, December 7th for drink specials, live music, and a free taco bar from 4-6PM. The Cantina is now open for lunch & dinner, and will open for breakfast 7AM December 1st onwards.Club chukkers start up December 21st, as well as Team Practices (10-12 Goal: Wed, Fri & Sun)(4-6 Goal: Thurs, Sat & Sun).Also, we’re happy to have the World Gym Tournament (4 Goal) back again this year! It’s fast approaching, December 28th & 29th, and team and individual nominations are welcome. Please sign up at the Polo Office.We have a new league this season – the Pro-Pool League with 3 sponsors & 1 pro (3 goals or higher). This will be a tournament style league, 4 chukkers, professionally-run with umpires, flaggers, trophies, etc.. Each weekend tournament is a stand-alone tournament so you join for one weekend, or the whole season, as it suits your schedule. Prices are $600/player per weekend (pros are provided).Team rosters for the season are starting to fill up, so call myself or Debbie, whether you’ve got a team, half a team or are a single player, and we can help you get set up for the season.Please come in and see us to say hello,Graham BrayEldorado Polo Clubwww.EldoradoPoloClub.com760-342-2223

Eldorado Sunday Polo Kicks Off January 5!

 Join us at Eldorado Polo Club this season for the most competitive and thrilling polo in the Desert. If you have never experienced a polo match before we guarantee you will be hooked. It is a great outing with friends and family, so come along and visit us at the Eldorado Polo Club.We are excited to once again offer 10-12 Goal, 4-6 Goal and Pro Pool leagues along with Pee Wee Polo for future polo stars to develop their skills. For those who have seen polo and thought that you may like to try your hand at it, we have the Polo & Riding Academy equipped with safe horses and all of the gear to get you started. There is something for everyone at Eldorado Polo Club.

Weekend Polo on the Patio

Join us on the Cantina patio  Eldorado to enjoy games every Saturday at 12pm and Sunday at 10am. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so be sure to arrive early!Weekend Polo on the Patio kicks off on Saturday, December 28th and continues through Sunday, March 30th.

Sunday Polo at the Club House

The Eldorado Club House is the best place to experience Sunday polo in style - every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.A full service menu and bar are offered, and seating is available for parties from 2 to 400. Reservations are recommended for Sunday seating, please call the Club House reservation hotline to reserve seating:(760)-831-POLO (7656)Opening Day at the Club House takes place on Sunday, January 5th and continues every Sunday through  March 30.

Sunday Tailgating

If you want to enjoy the polo sidelines in casual comfort, Sunday tailgating is right for you!Bring your friends, family, lawn-chairs, pets (on leashes!), a picnic, and set up your own perfect polo event. Take-away food and beverage services are also offered in the Club House Courtyard.Tailgating areas to the north and south of the Club House are marked and we encourage you to arrive early for the games every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm.Opening Day at the Club House takes place on Sunday, January 5th and continues every Sunday through March 30.For more information about visiting Eldorado Polo Club, visit eldoradopoloclub.com, or call (760)-342-2223.

Big news & great changes for Eldorado

 Eldorado Polo Club is really excited to announce some new additions to the 2014 season!The most exciting of the new features in 2014 includes new box stall stabling!  The stabling across from the Cantina has been removed and a field is currently being built to use for vendors during the concerts.  We hope to host some events there as well.  Stabling with box stalls will be offered over at the former Horses In The Sun (HITS) property. The property is in the process of being restored to its former glory.  It has great bones and we look forward to offering it to you beginning in the 2013/2014 season.  Please speak with Graham about reserving box stalls for the upcoming season, 760-774-2583 or Jan 760-702-6911. Secondly, we will be offering a weekly Pro Pool/Coaching League which will feature a professional player quarterbacking three players with the aim to provide fun, safe and competitive low goal polo. The Pro Pool fees are $600 per weekend which includes all tournament costs and pro fees.We are expanding our 4-6 Goal League to 6 chukkers and the January league, February league, Governor's Cup and Skins Tournament will feature bronze trophies in both 4-6 and 10-12 levels.The fields already look amazing and polo ready if it weren't for the summer temperatures.  We have already deep tined and deep cored them along with chemicals for weed control.  We sprayed fertilizer twice now and will again later this summer, fall and winter.  As you know, sand was applied last year to the fields One, Four and International.  This summer we will apply sand to the practice fields 5 through 8 and fields 2 & 3 to complete our sand program for now.        As always, if there is anything we can do for you please don’t hesitate to call on us, we are looking forward to a fantastic 2014 season and some exceptional polo.Jan HartGeneral Managerjan@eldoradopoloclub.com760-702-6911

Coldwell Banker Menlo Brings Back Governor's Cup

The Pacific Coast Governor's Cup has returned to the United States. With the coveted trophy travelling to Canada for the past three years, courtesy Reg Whyte in 2010, Pat Powell in 2011, and Cam Clark just one year ago, Whyte and his (this time) Thermal polo team wanted to keep it in the 'frozen white north'. Having had a very successful winter season, it seemed very plausible that Whyte and his Cochrane, Alberta farmhands, Fergus Gould, Nicolas Maciel, and Emma Stachowicz could do just that.However, Madelyn Cobb knows a few things about farming as well and the recent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Animal Science graduate had ideas of her own as she assembled an extremely talented Coldwell Banker Menlo group - Joseph Stuart, Jared Sheldon, and Conrad Kissling - to not only win the tournament, but bring the trophy back to the south country.As it turned out, the final came down to the pair described above - Whyte's Thermal vs Cobb's Coldwell Banker Menlo - in an Easter Sunday showdown.In front of a full clubhouse, a jammed berm, and a full on party on the east side on a perfect afternoon for polo, Thermal started quickly and as a result of early pressure, Maciel converted a penalty two from the spot to grab a lead of one. Coldwell Banker came back quickly with pressure of their own and Sheldon deflected a Stuart penalty attempt from 60 yards and it was tied, just like that, at one each. Thermal came back just as quickly however as Maciel converted his second open attempt of the day and the first was over with Whyte and his hired hands up by one at 2 - 1.It was obvious at the start of the second that the Cobb group remained focused on the mission as early pressure was rewarded as Sheldon converted a penalty two to tie things at two. Thermal didn't lay down and pushed back to be rewarded with another Maciel opportunity from 40 yards (converted) to, once again, lead by one. Maciel was able to score another (from the field) and Thermal was making hay. Stuart, however, was obviously not impressed as he absolutely pounded a penalty four to end the half with the Thermal lead, once again, just one at 4 - 3.With ten minutes to talk things over, it was extremely obvious that Coldwell Banker used that time very well, as they came out in the third period and absolutely controlled everything. Kissling scored on a tap-in after a remarkable 100 yard under the neck set-up from Stuart who then destroyed another penalty four, and Sheldon was unstoppable as he scored twice from the field and Cobb and Co.  now led for the first time in the game. Thermal got close with two more open goal conversions by Maciel but the third was over with a Coldwell Banker lead at 7 - 6.In spite of giving up the pair of free-throws toward the end of the third, the Cobb group didn't lose the momentum they had earlier as Stuart scored two more from the field and the lead was now three. Thermal got one more as Gould nailed a penalty six toward the end but that was it and Cobb and Coldwell Banker Menlo not only had won the 2013 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup, but they had reclaimed the trophy.Stuart, based on his very underrated ability and strength was the obvious choice as the MVP and Sheldon's mare Cheeky was selected as the Best Playing Pony.2013 Pacific Coast Governor's CupColdwell Banker Menlo (6) - Madelyn Cobb, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3, Conrad Kissling.Thermal (6) - Reg Whyte, Emma Stachowicz -1, Fergus Gould 4, Nicolas Maciel 3.Tony Gregg 

In Close Game, Mansour Wins Skins Final by Wide Margin

Although the overall score is no indication, Ben Soleimani's Mansour polo team defeated Ron Mathison's Highwood group by a total count of $20,000 to $4,000 in the 2013 Polo Skins Game on an absolutely perfect Easter Sunday afternoon in sunny Southern California. While the game score favored Mansour by just one at 13 - 12, two carryover victories for the rug people created the very wide financial gap.Highwood entered the tournament with almost the same line up as 2012 - the winner of Mathison's second straight Skins title. The only change was inserting Jake Stimmel to replace Jared Sheldon, whose handicap was raised. However, the team that played Sunday was much different than the one that started the tournament in early March. Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati and Santiago Trotz played the entire month, but Mathison fractured his right shoulder in game one - scoring twice after the injury - and Jake Stimmel was hurt in a fall in the semi-final. As a result, the Canadian entry for Sunday's final saw Scotty Cunningham and Doug Blumenthal step in to replace the injured players.Mansour was able to show up on Sunday with almost the same team that started in early February - Soleimani, Santiago Wulff, and Santiago Von Wernich, with the only change being Patrick Uretz coming in for Remy Muller for March - and were able to play the entire Skins tournament intact.Highwood started the first with a lightning like attack that saw Cunningham and Trotz score off the first two throw-ins. However, Wulff and Von Wernich responded with two quick counters of their own that tied the count at two. Cunningham grabbed another, but Soleimani ran one from 100 yards out and the first ended tied at three to create the first carryover of the afternoon.Playing for $8,000 in the second saw Mansour jump out to a lead of two as Wulff and Von Wernich each scored again. A single goal by Highwood's Trotz wasn't enough and the Soleimani salesmen took the money out of the second 'skin'.The momentum that Mansour owned in the second carried over into the third chukker as Wulff counted twice and Uretz and Von Wernich scored once each to just an open goal conversion by Trotz and the third money of $4,000 was Mansours. At the half it was Mansour $12,000 and Highwood $0.The strength that Mansour showed in the third was transferred to Highwood in the fourth as they responded in a large way. Trotz converted an open goal opportuity, scored two penalty fours, and along with one from Cunningham, scored from the field to lead by five. A single reply from Von Wernich was all that Mansour could muster and the $4,000 belonged to the Canadian team.After two explosive chukkers, the fifth was rather quiet with just a pair of goals scored. Wulff for Mansour and Trotz for Highwood which created a carryover to the sixth where they would play for, once again, $8,000.With a chance to win by a very large amout of cash, Mansour stormed out at the start of the final period as Wulff scored twice to lead early. Strong defensive play prevented Highwood from doing much to get even. Trotz scored another but that would be it and Soleimani and Co. had won the 19th annual contest by a staggering amount - in spite of the overall game count.Von Wernich was selected as the MVP and Wulff's mare, Ji Ji, was fitted with the Best Playing Pony blanket.2013 Polo Skins GameMansour (12) - Ben Soleimani, Santiago Wulff 5, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Patrick Uretz 2.Highwood (12) - Scotty Cunningham (replace inj. Ron Mathison), Doug Blumenthal (replace inj. Jake Stimmel) 2, Marcello Rodriquez-Abbiati 5, Santiago Trotz 5.Tony Gregg 

Coldwell Banker Menlo Triumphs in Jason Final

Lyn Cobb's Coldwell Banker Menlo polo team went into the championship game of the Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament as the odds on favorite to get Cobb (Mack's and Madelyn's daughter) her second Jason Memorial victory at Eldorado. It made sense as they cruised through their bracket play undefeated, and gave the impression that it didn't really matter who they would face in the final.With the other bracket finishing up in a three-way tie for top spot, a shootout was necessary to decide an opponent for the Cobb sales people. With the shootout completed, Krista Bonaguidi's and Chris Collins' Hanalei Bay/Southwind emerged as the winners and therefore moved on to the final game.On a rather warm afternoon in the Coachella Valley, Coldwell Banker Menlo, as advertised, started quickly as Dayelle Fargey scored from the field and Jared Sheldon converted a penalty number three. Collins got one back for Hanalei Bay/Southwind to come within one but Joseph Stuart pounded a penalty six to take a lead of two goals to the second period at 3 - 1.Cobb's salesforce kept the pressure on in chukker number two as Sheldon converted a penalty two opportunity and Stuart struck from the field to lead by four after two (5 - 1).Bonaguidi, Collins and Co. were able to produce some pressure of their own in the first half of the third period as Bryan Middleton and Carlitos Galindo were able to score on open goal opportunities and the lead became just a pair. Unfazed, Stuart came back with a perfect neck-shot from 110 yards to score (the announcer's 'shot of the day') and Sheldon got his first from the field and the lead was once again four at 'halftime' (7 - 3).Collins grabbed his second of the day- a nifty near-side effort - that turned out to be the only counter of period number four and the Coldwell Banker Menlo lead was now three (7 - 4).Sheldon converted another open goal chance to grab a four goal lead but Middleton scored on two undefended chances of his own and the lead was now just two. Cobb scored the final goal of the game that gave her Coldwell Banker Menlo Team the victory by a score of 9 - 6. For Cobb, it was her second Mack and Madelyn Jason victory at Eldorado - the trophy is also awarded at the Menlo Circus Club during the summer season.Because of his influential and dominating play, Stuart was selected as the MVP and his mare, Shandyland, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2013 Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial TournamentColdwell Banker Menlo (6) - Lyn Cobb -1, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3, Dayelle Fargey 1.Hanalei Bay/Southwind (6) - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Chris Collins 1, Bryan Middleton 3, Carlitos Galindo 3.Tony Gregg