Thoroughbred Horses and Polo in Argentina

Photos 2/2

2011-12-11T05:14:00.001-08:00

More photos (1/2) from the Final

2011-12-11T05:05:00.001-08:00

Nice video 13.45 min in spanish from ESPN (Arg) starts after a few 20 seconds)

La Dolfina Champions!

2011-12-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

In an incredible game La Dolfina dominate Ellerstina 18-10

In amazing game with allways La Dolfina infront all the game

Better selection of horses and with a team work lead by Nero (my MVP) La Dolfina give the impresion that Ellerstina was lost in the field.

Field 1 in better condition than the games played last weekend.

Crowd was aspecting a harder resistance from the Pieres team but La Dolfina closed all road to the goal with Nero as guardian

Cambiasso Jr. played as the previous games in a new role that gives his teammates more action not depending all from him

Pablo Mac Donough in a good match worked in the midfield against the elaboration of any attack from his former team (so he was one of the clues wy Ellerstina couldnt score)

The game was for La Dolfina alltime, and the result could be worst if Cambiasso Jr was more effective (lost as least easy 4 goals)

Better conditioning shows results, in the horses of La Dolfina, shown healthier and won practically all important runs

One of the clues also was the selection of horses, in the 4th chukka when I saw both teams selection, I told that it was wrong pick for Ellerstina and they will loose the chukka for at leat 4 goals that result one of the worst chullas for Ellerstina

Ellerstina to thin, could been overtrained

Todays the Final of the 118th Argentine Polo Open

2011-12-09T04:50:00.001-08:00

Todays is the Day!

Lovely weather, nice temperature, a little breeze, great day for polo!

Nerves from both sides, unslept night for almost all players... Facundo Pieres in his Nespresso blog tells about his feeling and what the Final of this tournament represents in all polo players.

Not only to win it, to just play the Final give the impression about the grandeur of this day.

In La Nacion newspaper a really uncommon photo appears in the front page of the polo section (shown above), the former team Ellerstina is gathered to talk about this afternoon game.

What a difference with other sports!, remember that two of the former members of the team now are playing for La Dolfina...

Information tells that La Dolfina didn´t play their horses this week, just individual training (amazing horsemanship!)

Hoping for an imposible... a good day for the Referees, the best show on earth in polo is in their whistle and hands!!

ELLERSTINA TO THE FINAL! 18-14 over Estancia Grande

2011-12-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

Ellestina again in the Final.

Nice day, mild weather sunny, but the Field 1 ( in poor condition of the season - see photo) after the weekend.

Ellerstina with a little help, referees stoped the game insistently in favor of one team

Ellerstina received that aid mainly in the first part of the game (3rd chukkas: in all action could be perfectly called to the other team at first hand in my opinion)

Ellerstina doesnt need the protection to get to the final, allways have one more action than the other team

Score progression: Ellerstina-Estancia Grande 4-2, 4-1, 1-3, 3-1, 2-2, 2-1: total 18-14

Ellerstina horse a saw them over stressed, to thin, posible over trained, remember that they have one day less to rest than La Dolfina ( also I saw them in better conditions too) for the final that will be next friday (program changed this year).

Injures during the game: Ignacio Heguy a cut in his right arm but could play and Facundo Pieres right arm a cramp continue playing with difficuties, a horse had a cut near his eye I think it was Tarantula (one of Facundo P best horses)

Bad thing of the day: was the continuosly fouls from eath side, marked or not, due to the deficient actions of the Referees to control the game, they must be ban for the Final in my opinion.

LA DOLFINA TO THE FINAL 15-7 over La Aguada

2011-12-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

Sunny nice weather Field 1 (in regular condition)

La Dolfina Dubai shows that polo must be played in accordance to what you posses, your main attributes.

It won over an devaluated version of La Aguada (the unlucky brothers again!) due to the injured Javier Novillo Astrada to add misery to this team that didn't had Miguel also injured for this season.

Another thing to appoint is that La Aguda had 15 of their best horses injured this season too, that worries them as much as their lost players.

According to some well informed friends the team will change for the 2012 season with an inclusion of Alejandro NA in the next team.

Breeding changes must be took right of way!

Could be harmed with their next year Handicaps

Under these disadvantages, La Aguada played a extremely defensive game (their trademark !) to complicate the erratic game of the Dream Team in the firsts chukkas (until the 3rd the score was even in 2 goals per team!) until the demolition take place when playing La Dolfina with their best horses started to play with three players in offense with Nero as a classic back, to dominate the field the scoreboard is conclusive.

Scoreboard: LA Dolfina 1-1,, 2-2, 2-2, 5-3, 9-4, 10-6, 13-6 and 15-7

Scorers: La Dolfina Cambiasso Jr. 8:1 penalty, Stirling 1, Mac Donough 6 , Nero 0 ; La Aguada Javier NA 2, Toccalino 2, Eduardo NA 1 , Ignacio NA 2 penalties

A saw La Dolfina horses in better shape, to be at their best for the Final (next friday)!, as an example, Leyend played her best game in the season an showed the way to get out the La Aguada trap...

MVP are 2 in my opinion: Adolfo Cambiaso Jr., scorer of the match, in one of his best game of the season (returned to his old version as main leader player role how plays and make play the others), and Pablo Mac Donough in his role of the aid for a better version of Cambiaso Jr., a real powerhouse for La Dolfina.
Fouls: La Dolfina Dubai 13 (must improve in this section)- La Aguada: 5
Goals/Shots : La Dolfina 14/25 - La Aguada: 5/13

Pilara Piaget 16 vs. Chapa Uno 13 - Zone A

2011-12-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

The day was one of the nice days of this season, so it was a perfect day for people to see polo in Buenos Aires.

Sunny mild temperature with good pressure, it was not necessary to give extra aids to players ansd polo horses during the game.

Zone A, Pilara 16 vs. Chapa Uno 13

Scoreboard: 2-1, 3-3, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 14-12, 16-13

Through the score progression it could show that was an interesting game, with two similar teams in handicap (Pilara 33 goals against Chapa Uno 32 goals) so in field 2 it was entertain to see the last chukkas when the final line was near for both teams, in close finish give the game to Pilara, that appears to be a great challenger for the coming years.

Chapa Uno is a new team, that will also improve with a better selection of horses (commonly known as "organization" here) as their not close to any great organization or breeder they have to look for an aid in this section.

Scorers: Pilara Piaget Ulloa 4 Laprida 3:1 penalty, B Heguy 6:4 pen., Tomlinson 3:2 pen.; For Chapa Uno (Bautista's Heguy Team -see Pilara formation) Paul Pieres 4:1, Caset 4:1, Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 5 (in my opinion MVP), Garcia Huidobro 0.

Ribiero de Andrade made his best appearance in the Argentine Open, as a solid player well mounted, most be rised in his handicap to sustain his progress.

Some picked videos and photos

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

In spanish presentation (with 14 seconds espn ad starting) with videos from the 2011 Argentine Polo Open

From day 1:

From day 2:

Great polo weekend! matchs 3 and 4

2011-11-28T05:36:00.000-08:00

Buenos aires weather

Both days where played under a really warm weather, partially cludy with high humidity, so you can imagine how it was in the fields.

Due that it didn't rain as told by the national service, so the fields a little hard and drier but better conditions to play polo than the previous games.

Day 3 Saturday

La Aguada 7, Chapa Uno 9

The surprise of this Open came in field 2, when Chapa Uno won over the Novillos Astrada team La Aguada in an undescribable game that made La Dolfina's way to the semifinals all lot easier

This result will speed Miguel N Astrada's recovery and as told he will play next game against La Dolfina (replacing Toccalino)

La Aguada is not the same with the inclusion of Toccalino (that plays very well) but the brothers needs to play with Miguel to be the solid team that made them won the Argentine Open years ago.

They still been unlucky but the next step is La Dolfina and will be decisive to mantain their handicaps.

La Dolfina 20, Pilará 7

The crowd was waiting debut on field 1 of the Dream Team, and as the result shows it appeared in full, with a symphony of great polo and the impression that this is the real team to beat this year.

They played like they been playing with a Playstation comand, playing their game of open and run polo (a lot different from the Cambiasso's way handling the ball of years before)

La Dolfina is a real team, that any players can score, and in my opinion is playing better every new game

Its really interesting to see how the players positin as one of them is the laucher of the attack, also the horses (that are not in their pinacle in this stage !) make the diference in the field 1.

La Dolfina ans Ellerstina are teams that are well suited for the Argentine Open but mainly for the field 1 ("The Cathedral") by the quality of their players but also the quality of their horses.

MVP in my opinion was Pablo Mac Donough, an exemple of positioning and timing

La Cuartetera (one of the best polo horses of the world) played a few minutes only

Day 4 Sunday

Estancia Grande 19 vs. Alegría 17

In the best game of the day thanks to the loyalty of both teams Estancia Grande with a narrow final chukkas that also shows its potential that can harm Ellerstina's way to the semifinals beware!

Estancia Grande can make great things in the Argentine Open today and mostly in the days to come, because they know how to play the Open (becuse the experience of all their players) and they have the horses to play against anyone but the most important thing in my opinion the will to play this game, and are thirsty and have courage! (this match they where losing in the 6th chukka 11-16 and won with a strike of 8-1 in the last ones -amazing!-).

Estancia Grande played with Juan Ignacio Merlos (Goals Hcp: 8) replacing his brother Sebastian, out for one game, due to his 4th yellow card in this season.

Ellerstina 21 vs. Indios Chapaleufú II 14

The black beaty made it again!

Its the only team that could play as even to the La Dolfina' s game in the year Argentine Open.

Ignacio played as number 4 again (as in Tortugas) and played better than before in this new version of Ellerstina, against the team he used to play (his family). He also played a lot easier when he could be left free to score 6 times!

The team apperared for the first time this year in field 1 and played its best polo game of the year against an Indios Chapaleufu that couldn't stop the variety of quality shown by Ellerstina due maninly on their best horses (that also are so many!, as an exemple Facundo had Easy Go as replacement!)

MVP of the game in my opinion Ignacio Heguy

Facundo played as Cambiasso in old times been the lauchers the strategist and the scorer but could harm his horses for the next steps

The horses in their best, but a little thin, in my opinion beware of this, Dont squeeze the lemon dry, said one on the best TB trainers in history!!

Scorers of the match:

Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres, 7 goals:1 penalty, Nicolas Pieres; 5, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 3 asn Ignacio Hegut 6 goals

Indios Ch. II : Alberto Heguy Jr. 0 goals, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 2, Julio Arellano 4 and Eduardo Heguy 8: 6 penalties

Another remark, could Nicolas play as number 4 against La Dolfina?, he poses the courage and the will to run and anticipate the players lauched in attack better than Ignacio (that shawn his best performance in years in this game in the position of number 3 player, but this must be done now!, it cant been done in the final ...

Next weekends, you must be here!

2011-11-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

If you have some time come to Buenos Aires, and have a great moment..., Sunny days and great polo will take away all financial sorrow (you cant do nothing to stop the decline of the markets), use this golden rule: buy gold and come to Argentina!, we have food, nice peolpe, a lovely city and in the following weeks the best polo in the world, what else do you need ?

Next games for this Zone A next Saturday,
Field 2 at 01.45 PM: La Aguada vs. Chapa Uno, its a nice match to come after eating some argentine steaks in nearby Cañitas
Field 1 at 4.45 PM: La Dolfina vs. Pilara, you must be there you love the game!!

Next games for this Zone B next Sunday,
Field 2 at 01.45 PM: Estancia Grande vs. Alegria, very nice match with great players both sides
Field 1 at 4.45 PM: Ellerstina vs. Indios Chapaleufu II, you must be there for the black synphony!

Estancia Grande 18 vs. Indios Chapaleufu II 13

2011-11-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

A new contender appeared in this Zone B: Estancia Grande

Beware Ellerstina, these guys real know the game and they can give them more than a headache!

Yellow card for Sebastian Merlos (and his 4th could lose a game) could damage the team as contender for the crown

Weather: cloudy and high humidity

Rough game (spot many times by injuries of the players), played in old argentine style, Estancia Grande (new team that play with very well known argentine polo players), had an extra quality in their horses than Indios Chapaleufu II.

Goals Estancia Grande: Agustin Merlos 7:6 penalties, Lucas Monteverde 5, Sebastian Merlos 1 and Bartolome Castagnola 5
Indios Chap. II Albeto Heguy 2:1 penalty, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 2, Julio Arellano (USA) 3 and Eduardo Heguy 6 all penalties.

MVP (in my opinion): Was Lucas Monteverde (9 goals Hcp.) , that apperared in total in the crucial moments of the game given and aid to the difence and strongly projected in attack.

Julio Arellano (USA) played very well to be his first time in field 1 but in my opinion stil, needs a more solid pack of horses to play the Open.

Ellerstina vs. Alegria Final score 20 - 17

2011-11-20T09:24:00.001-08:00

Nice game

Openly played

High humidity

Facundo playing as usual

Third chk. Ellerstina 7 - Alegria 5

Fourth chk. 9 - 8
De Narvaez Jr. motor of the team Alegria ( 0 fouls) that plays its game Ellerstina ( 4 fouls: 3 Nicolas P) loosing their plan

Fifth chk 11 - 9
Aguerre´s plan to slow down Ellerstina pace is working, he lost 2 goals in a row incredible!, but Ellerstina through Gonzalo still survives

Sixth chk. 14 -12
Ellerstina better back on on their way 2 quick goals
Alegria on their plan to dont give any foul/penalities

Seventh chk. . 17 - 15
Running is my game
Ellertina everything out!! dominate the field with quality
Nico P out of focus
Mannix Jr. 2 goals playing his best given an aid to Aguerre

Last chk. 20 - 17
Facundo on his best he practically imposble to follow in the last 2 chks

Polo Confirmed by AAP for Sunday

2011-11-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

The argentine service informed that no more heavy rains are forecast for today, after yesterdays heavy rains in the Buenos Aires area that started in the final chukkas of the second game, due to the lack of rains of the precedent days I can expect to have polo today at Palermo.

Some players yesterday told that the field was in perfect condition but dry, that didnt give good grip for the horses( a couple fall down by this reason, but with no injuries).

I have confirmation for today match by the AAP.

Todays matchs are (for Zone B):

Match 3 : Ellerstina vs. Alegria, that starts at 01.45 PM
Ellertina with Ignacio Heguy as number 3 and Gonzalo as back (new disposition! ) plays against a difficult team (with experince and good horse specially in Aguerre and De Narvaez), but will be nice to see Ellerstina again with this new formation, with the excelence of their players and horses.

Match 4 : Estancia Grande vs. Indios Chapaleufu II, starts at 4.45 PM
Indios Ch. II is back again for its 27th time in the Argetnine Open a lot more madure now (obviously!) but with the new blood of Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Julio Arellano (after the depart of Ignacio Heguy to Ellertina) but infront will be the challenger for this zone B, Estancia Grande that posses the will and the caracter to play their best polo in the field 1 of Palermo (thats not easy!), if so it could be a nice match to attend and find a clue to see if they can stop Ellerstina!.

Matchs 1 and 2 La Dolfina and La Aguada won

2011-11-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

2011 Argentine Open Season, begins these results:

La Dolfina 23 - Chapa Uno 10
Goals for La Dolfina : A Cambiaso Jr.(played all game) 9 goals: 6 penalties and 1 corner, Stirling 3 Mac Donough 4 and Nero 7 : 2 penalties

La Aguada 11 - Pilara 10
In very narrow game - until the last minute, Pilara could equalize
Miguel Novillo Astrada didnt played (possible out for the season) and Toccalino started with the other Novillo Astrada brothers (he saved the equalizer goal in the last minute near the goal line)
Pilara played better that La Aguada and in my opinion is one of the best new teams in the Argetine Open.
La Aguada won with nothing more than a goal, but in the next games they will face the lack of "Open style" horses, Pilara dominate that item.

In my opinion the MVP was Hilario Ulloa, the next polo super star, with a little pacience he could score at least 4 goals more...

This time luck was in the La Aguada side... but needs more to beat La Dolfina

Goals: La Aguada: Javier 4 all penalties, Toccalino 3, Eduardo 1 and Ignacio 3 : 1 penalty.
Pilara: Ulloa 3 Heguy 4: 1 penalty and Tonlinson 3 all penalties.
Some light rains started in the last chukkas

Weather forcast shows heavy rains for this night, possible suspension for the games this Sunday

2011 the real season starts

2011-11-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

After some months off, Im back to give my view upon the 2011 Argentine polo season.

As told the first gems where played, Tortugas won by Ellerstina and Hurlingham won by La Dolfina, in very strange matchs where La Dolfina for moments dominate for more than 6 goals.

Both tournaments where won by a narrow difference of only one goal for the joy of all how attend.

The conclusion are:

Both tournaments are like a warm-up session for the real big event, that is the Argentine Open.

The teams in Tortugas are meeting for the first time in the field, after the internationals seasons and its played with the second and third lot of their polo horses, so it can explain the difficulties for the players to adapt again to the rythm and speed of polo as played here in Argentina.

Hurlingham is played with little differences, like Tortugas, but includes some the best polo horses but for some minutes (In the last chukka of the Final "La Cuartetera" appeared and shows her amazing speed and ability to play this sport with A. C. Jr.).

This Saturday, the 2011 Argentine Opens starts, with the following matchs:

Field 2: LA Dolfina vs. Chapa UNO (Zone A)
The game starts at 01,45 PM (Bue time), but is a nice hour too have lunch nearby in Las Cañitas, and be at Palermo for the last chukkas.

Adolfo Cambiasso Jr. is with an injured ribs, so its posible that he will decide to play or not depending to how he feels, but I can anticipate that he will play, and if his team goes well he will ask for change, I inform any news...

After this match, in Field 1 : La Aguada vs. Pilara (Zone A) that will start at 4.45 PM.
The Novillo Astrada Brothers are here again! waiting for some luck (as not present in the previously years) so it will be nice to see how their horses are shape for the tournament (that was also a problem in recent years), they are like the old boxing champ that haves a new possibility for the title, they are the real worriors of this sport.
All depends on their horses and a little help from the gods...

La Aguada's could find resisitance if Pilara is confident, its a very interesting young new team with the great Bautista Heguy among them, hoping to see a great match here!

Im back with some info about the argentine polo final

2011-08-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

After a couple of months out, Im back to give you a view about whats new in Argentina in Polo and in the TB industry.

In December last year La Dolfina and Ellerstina played once more there usual battle for the Abierto (for the 5th time)

As told in my reports of that polo season the final was won by Ellerstina by 14 to 13, with scores for Ellersitna 2-3 4-5 7-5 7-7 8-10 12-10 13-13 14-13.

The final game was played in two days, because heavy rains hit Buenos Aires (first time weather suspention in 117 years of the tournement), after some minutes (3:17) of the first chukka leaving a score 2-1 for Ellerstina after a slow start for La Dolfina.

The next day Sunday presented gloriuos weather for polo and the match was more emotional, due to a quick recover of La Dolfina.

Man of the Match was Gonzalo Pieres 6 goals, but in my opinion the real x factor is the "Ellerstina" horsemanship machinary, that provides the best polo horses from a single source for the players (please see the video on youtube on this link )

Things to improve for next year: Referees (practically all players also told so!)

Ellerstina won the Argentine Triple Crown for the second time as won in 1994 with Adolfo Cambiasso Jr. Mariano Aguerre Gonzalo Pieres Sr. and Carlos Gracida, and is the only team that won more than one time after Coronel Suarez that won the Abierto in the seventies four times (1972 1974 1975 1977).

This was their last game for both polo teams, because they will playing this year (2011) with new members.

Ellerstina 2011: Nicolas Pieres, Ignacio Heguy, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. Facundo Pieres.

Please if you have some time next november and december this year, come to Buenos Aires, not only to see the best polo teams of the world for the Argentine Polo Open, but in years, a real Dream Team, the new La Dolfina.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FScZj4yape4&feature=related

Nations Cup: Argentina 13 - England 8

2011-04-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Chukkers:

Argentina: 1 - 4 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 2 = 13

England: 2 - 0 - 1 - 3 - 1 - 1 = 8

Ellerstina won the last ticket for the Final

2010-12-06T04:20:00.000-08:00

It was a nice day in Buenos Aires sunny and some fresh breeze, again as all this season the weather was incredible for polo.

Ellerstina won 14-11 not before making a great effort against La Aguada, team of the Novillo Astrada, that cant play with its scorer Javier, due to an injurie, replaced him Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8 Hcp) that usually plays as Back and isn't the same team. That made a slow start for La Aguada that in the 4th chukka 7-7 playing their best game of the match.
Another thing was La Aguada lost 3 penalties during the game that could made the game more emotive.
But the game was a little boring, I expected more from Ellerstina a saw them talking more than before, as a negative sign during the match.
Facundo was in the warmup imprecise in his strokes... but he scored 10 goals! but wasnt the engine he is for Ellerstina.
The list of horses played by Facundo will be given next tuesday with some more info about his lists played before. The same for Adolfo Cambiaso Jr next Thursday.

The Socre by Chukka was : Ellerstina 3-2 5-3 7-5 8-7 10-8 12-8 13-9 14-11
Scorer of the match: Facundo Pieres 10 goals (4 penalties, 1 corner)
Played in Field number One
Referees: Matias Baibiene and Juan Jose Diaz Alberdi (chair ref. Esteban Ferrari), good.

In the other game of the day, Indios Chapaleufu II won over Alegria 19-16, and was the last game together after 16 season of the brothers Alberto Jr, Ignacio and Eduardo Heguy.
It was close match until the end.

Day Four La Dolfina did it again, arrived to final

2010-12-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

As incredible as seen La Dolfina won 17-11 over Pilara, in the best match played by LA Dolfina in the Argentine season.

I saw all La Dolfina's matchs and this is the best a saw them played. Pilara scored the minute 5:00 of the second chukka score was 8-0 and climed to 9-1

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr reapeared again as the best polo player of the planet, was his best game in the argentine season (after an incredible year in the northern season UK and USA won all title he played).

The score (goals) by chukka was La Dolfina 3-0 9-1 (6-1) 10-4 (1-3) 13-4 (3-0) 14-5 14-8 17-8 17-11

As the score shows La Dolfina cruise easy to the victory when in the fourth chukka leads over and unknown Pilara (that played the worst game in the season), for 13-4

Some reaction made near the final due to the managment of the game and the horses efforts, but never the victory for La Dolfina was in risk.

Nice weather temperature near 88F / 31C

Cambiaso Jr. Horse selection during the match:
1: Falta Envido (TB) replaced at 2:28 with Cautiva (TB)
2: Dolfina Lufthansa (PA)
3: Dolfina Cuartetera (PA)
4: Dolfina Buenaventura (PA) replaced at 5:25 with Bruma
5: Hanna Montana replaced with and unknown horse from Cordoba (all data)
6: Cautiva (TB) replaced at 4:28 with Dolfina Lapa (Broodmare of Dolfina Lufthansa that played 2 chk.)
7: Dolfina Cuartetera replaced with Bruma
8: Dolfina Buenaventura

Fourth day Ellerstina and La Aguanda won

2010-12-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

The day started sunny and with some breeze, not very warm, so it was a great day for Polo at Palermo.

The first match on Field number 2, was La Aguada vs. Alegria, that was won by the Novillo Astrada's family polo team (La Aguada), not after some resistance from a very interesting team with a lot of future Alegria.

Comanded by Mariano Aguerre (former La Dolfina last year champion), made La Aguada play its best horses (as the 5th chukka), in a very nice match to see, but with a superiority of La Aguada, that finally won 15-12 with Ignacio Novillo Astrada as scorer with 6 goals.

I saw a very interesting shape of La Aguada horses for this stage, they will arrive better than other years to the semifinals next weekend against Ellerstina.

Resume
Field number 2
La Aguada 15 - Alegria 12
Score by Chukka: La Aguada 3-1 5-4 5-7 7-8 12-8 ( 5-0!) 13-9 15-10 15-12

As known in the first impression the match for Ellerstina was practice, due to the wrongfull judgement of the Referees (as all season in my opinion) that decide with the new rules of silence 2 yellow cards the suspension for one match of two of Indios Chapaleufu II key players, Ignacio and Eduardo Heguy.

But it was not as said here, Ellertina won but the rival give their best to make them play there best to win the match.

It was David against Golliat, a 40 Goals Team (perfect handicap ) against a 29 Goals polo team with one debutant in Palermo as Joaquin Pittaluga (7) and another replacement player Ignatius Du Plessis (6). They played very well and for moments give more resistance than expected.

Ellerstina didnt played well in the first chukkas (beware!), but won because of Facundo, but to win over La Aguada they cant play as last Sunday.

Next weekend both teams, Ellerstina and La Aguada, will not only play for the ticket for the Final, who wins will be the next Champion of the 117th Argentine Polo Open Championship Cup.

Resume
Field number One
Ellerstina 19 - Idios Chapaleufu II 9
Score by Chukka: Ellerstina 2-1 4-3 5-4 8-4 11-4 16-5 18-7 19-9
Scorer Facundo Pieres 12 (4 penalties and 1 corner (amazing!))

Resume third day La Dolfina won still with doubts

2010-12-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

As told this year La Dolfina Polo team its not ast the same polo level as last year, so but it still winning without giving or showing any inprovements.

Adolfo Cambiaso Jr., claimed all the match to his teammates more efforts during the match, but the match was won again due to Adolfito's incredible polo skills and horses.

Chapa Uno, played better than their first match, and made that La Dolfina played their best horses for the victory.

Resume
Field number One
La Dolfina 16 - Chapa Uno 13
Score by Chukka: La Dolfina 2-2 5-2 7-4 8-7 10-8 11-11 14-12 16-13
Cambiaso Jr. 11 goals (5 Penalties)

In the other match of the day Pilara won over Sao Jose, 18 - 12, with Agustin Merlos (9 Hcp).
Tincho Merlos is playing the best polo of the team, he leads the team and scored 11 goals (7 penalties).

They are playing very nice polo, open, with large strokes and running full speed.

It will nice to see both winning teams next weekend, to enjoy the best polo in the planet earth.

Also in my opinion, Pilara can win the match over La Dolfina, this way, they depends on the selection of their horses.

117th Argentine Polo Open Second day - Resume

2010-11-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

This second day came with a posibility of raining (that happen in the night), so the weather was heavy and extremely hot. This condition must be taken in care for the horses and the playes for the safety of the sport and the best for the event.

With the temperature near 36 C or 96.8 F on the field, the day startded with the a usual winner Ellerstina but in the two matchs, because its next rival have two important players out.

Ellerstina won over good polo teams Alegria, 15-6, in its first appeareance in Palermo on Field number 2.
Highlights of the game:
Ellerstina 1-0 3-0 6-0 8-1 9-2 12-3 14-3 15-6
As seen in the first chukkas the Ellerstina team shown its potential to reach and win this year edition, for the moment a cant find another team in the same level of polo, and organization with incredible Facundo Pieres (with 13 goals) is showing the way for the title.

Watch Video click here

This year Ellerstina is one step over the rest as a team, in players and horses.

The second match of the day was promising, practically the winner was in the tournaments semifinal due to the superiority of Ellerstina and Alegria the team with one of the lowest handicap of the tournemnet 34:

La Aguada BMW 20 Indios Chapaleufu II 10

Highlights of the game:
Played on field number 1
Score: La Aguada 5-0 6-1 7-2 9-4 14-5 17-6 18-9 20-10
Javier Novillo Astrada , 10 goals (4 penals)
Yellow carded Albeto Heguy 8th chukka, Ignacio Heguy in the 3rd. and 8th chukka (cant play next match against Ellerstina) and Eduardo Heguy two times in the 8th (cant play next match against Ellerstina)

La Aguada in my opinion the challenger for Ellerstina this year.
All depends on the horsemanship of Team Managements to avoid unnecessary efforts of their horses due to the weather conditions.
The Hurligham leson (defeat in and incredible match to La Dolfina) was the best thing could happen to them, the best horses must be seen only to define the match in the first part and to continue the wininng pace to the finals.

The only way to win over Ellerstina, in in the horse selection and in controling the current playmaker and star of Ellerstina, Facundo Pieres, with amazing polo skills, change of pace and angles (that is not easy!), in my opinion the only ones that can do this, are the Novillo Astrada Family Team, La Aguada BMW, the team from Open Door, this year, the challenger .

117th Argentine Polo Open Started Resume first day

2010-11-22T05:07:00.000-08:00

As all year in the same months the Argentine Polo Open is played in the Palermo Fileds, right across the Hipodromo de Palermo Racetrack.

As usual too the first sunny days arrives but a little warmer every year. The past two days the matchs where played over 35 C or 95 F , in the field.

With this temperature, the field where too hard due to a couple of days of no raining with high temperature, some player argue about this condition and claim that some injures was because of that.

Fist Day Results:

La Dolfina 18 Sao Jose 12
Highlights:
Played on field number 2
Chukka Scores: LA Dolfina 1-3 4-4 6-5 7-7 8-8 13-9 17- 11 18-12
Yellow card for Bartolome Castagnola (LA Dolfina) in the 8th chukka
Adolfo Cambiasso Jr., 14 goals, 8 in 12 minutes 57 seconds of the 6 and 7th chukkas, with Buenaventura (4 goals) and La Cuartetera (4 goals)

Pilara Piaget 19 Chapa Uno 9
Highlights:
Played on filed number 1
Chukka Scores: Pilara 3-1 4-2 6-3 11-3 13-5 13-7 15-9 19-9
Yellow carded Santiago Chavanne (Pilara)
Agustin Merlos, 10 goals
Chapa Uno indebt with the polo fans
Pilara better than their first tournaments
Tomas Garcia del Rio played and replaces Marcos Heguy injured, with 7 goals, played over his handicap

Argentines Belmont GP Nacional won by Expressive HAlo and Fuego e Hierro did it again!

2010-11-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday the GP Nacional (Int G1) part of the Argentine Triple Crown for 3yo. over 2500 mts. (more than 6 furlongs) was ran at the Hipodromo de Palermo Racetrack -dirt, being Expressive Halo the winner by 1 length.
His a son of Halo Sunshine in Embrace Moi by Ride the Rails.

In 2.36 88/100 , the 6th of the worst times of this race in the last 20 years, ran in slow motion the first half of the race (4 furlongs in 52.35 , mile in 1.42, with the last 500mts. in 30.33), in this forgetable edition of the race.

The Stake over a mile, GP Hipodromo de Palermo (Int G1) was won by Mad Speed, a 5 yo. in a in a time of 1.34.58, by 2 1/2 lengths, that same day.
His a son of Mad Champ in Speed Wells by Poliglote.

Yesterday at San Isidro Racetrack -turf was ran the GP Copa de Oro over 6 furlongs /2400 mts, and was won by a horse that I appointed in my blog, as a good stayer named Fuego e Hierro, in my opinion the best argentine horse choice for the best Latinoamerican race the GP Pellegrini (INT G1) that will be run at the San Isidro Racetrack next December.
He is a son of Pure Prize in Fusillette by Candy Stripes.

La Dolfina won over La Aguada Hurlingham 2010

2010-11-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

In an incredible match La Dolfina won over La Aguada, when pratically the match was in the La Aguada Polo Team hands, when took a lead of seven goals, resting 1 1/2 chukkers to finish .

Due to an emergency formation of La Dolfina, that played with 2 new members, by the replacement of Monteverde in the team by Guillermo Caset and the illness of Castagniola replace by GuillermoTerrera.
But my surpise came by the list of horses used by the A Cambiasso Jr. , usually in the first two jewels of the argentine triple crown the players use this matchs in order to focus and to fit their horses for the Argentine Open main objective of the polo year for all Argentine Polo Players.

But as the score came to be so close Cambiasso Jr, when in the last seconds of the match it became equalize, in the last chukkers he played Borrachera (I like her!), Buenaventura and La Cuartetera, to define with his score in the extra chukker with La Cuartetera at full speed.

The list: Novia Celosa, True, Lufthanza Burma, Lapa, Falta Envido, Hanna Montana, Celina, Borrachera, Buenaventura La Cuartetera.

Hurlingham Final Ellerstina Won again over La Dolfina

2010-11-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

As in Tortugas (first jewel in the argenitne triple crown), Ellerstina won over an unprecedent La Dolfina Polo Team, 19-13, it was a match until the Umpires (specially one of them) came to apply the new "silence rule", where no one can express their opinion on the field.

As incredible as it can be Cambiasso Jr. , didnt score, he played after the 5th chukker, as a training for his horses, in a correct judgement of the day, in my opinion, and in the only way he can express his feelings to an inpartial and extrict sanction by the referees against his team.

His decision can be saw and evidence in the list of horses he played yesterday and the way he played Bruma, one of his best horses like playing with hand brake.

To watch the video highlights of the game, click here.

They was lossing by 5 goals in the second chukker (with at least 4 goals by the "silence rule"), and for 10 goals in the 5th chukker, due to the lack of interest in the game, after what I told.

In the 7th chukker Adolfo Cambiasso Jr received a yellow card.

The Umpires and the rulings most be revised before the Argentine Open, in honor to garantee the best for this great sport.

Some thoughts from the past

2010-10-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Due to the use of so much vets opinion than the people that everyday rides a horse a simple conclusion came to my head that in this days we must start to hear more from the non profesionals like the petiseros or grooms and one of the most important keys for success the any horse activities.

Im Back

2010-10-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Due to many emails received upon the interest to know about Polo and the Thoroughbred industry in Argentina is the reason that Im back.

Hoping that the information I gather could be of importance in the decisions to be made regarding these wonderfull sports in Argentina or just joy.

As part of the Polo season is allready played I saw Ellerstina as the ever as a great organization but this year I saw and for the first time in my opinion that Facundo Pieres has get to the pinacle of his amazing polo player career.

Ellerstina won Tortugas (the first jewel of the Argentine Polo Triple Crown) without effort due to their team knoledge and what still makes the difference in high handicap polo, the horses.

Now this weekend I will attend to the Hurlingham Cup (second jewel Arg Triple Crown) in one of the nicest places to see polo around the Buenos Aires area.

Adolfo Cambiaso JR. didnt played with La Dolfina Team at Tortugas, so the result was they lost.
But his back after an incredible year he won abroad all the Polo Chanpionships he played in Europe and in America (!!).

There are only two players that I like to see and for I go where they are playing, first Cambiaso Jr. and now Facundo Pieres .

Another interesting news for this season is that Memo Gracida will coach La Aguada Polo Team, this year. Memo will organize the teams resources with a formula, be more aggresive and offenceive. In my opinion the only reason that the Novillo Astrada isnt in a final of the Argentine Open the last years is because the horses and bad luck on the fixture.

Some topics to talk, in the coming blogs, will be horsemanship, really a rear thing to find this days when so many wrong things happen around these horse ( in my opinion) due to give some decision to profesionals or people, that never ride in everyday activity or work, or had a worked riding horses or worked as a horsebreaker, if dont think so please ask, if your vet or others profesional people around, if they had this habit (You will be surprised!).

As things never changes in Argentina, the results will be the same again and again, but everybody pretends to find different results.

Hear the people involved in the everyday operation but make your own mistakes.

Also hear the horses they also have there way to talk, be familiar to them so you will understand there needs and they will give you the reward.

Here above you can find some nice photos from Tortugas 2010, specially form the match Ellerstina and Chapa I (with secuences of the great moment of Facundo Pieres) .

This Polo season in Argentina and specially the next Argentine Open at Palermo, in my opinion shows like one of the best ever played in the recent years, due to the quality and quantity of Players and horses.

Please if you like Polo, its a must be there event, be in Buenos Aires for this 2010 Argentine Open, you will remember for years.

Last post- This is only a game

2010-08-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Due to the lake of interest in following the evolution of the thoughbred and polo industry in Argentina, this is my last post.

I dont have really the motivation to continue understanding people or action around these lovely horses.

I found with deep regret that doping is probably the worst endemic problem in Argentina, practicaly there are no control or non adecuate control of all precedures regarding the national doping agencies involved in the racing bussines.
Week after week (check this year as example) the are several trainers some the most famous where sanction because of the appearance of prohibid drugs, in all major argentine racetracks.

As its more defuse in the polo activities, where no major control measures are made, as surprise ones, any time of the season are not implemented, I cant remember the last santion in polo for doping in Argentina.

All of this goes against many honor people that works all day to rise and race or play their horses against other that only see their profits, no horsemenship are around them these days, just a couple of good ones but not enough.

This is only one part of the iceberg, but remember this is only a game, not life or death, its the same in any human game.

Be wise in your decisions, life is short, enjoy yourself the games and bet your life if you want, you cant lose nothing but time this way.

ASL

New TB Stallions in Argentina for 2010 Breeding Season

2010-08-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Argentine TB Breeding Season starts this month (August 2010) and present the gathering again of the some of the best world class stallions of the world.

La Mission add to this year list of stallions, to Harlan's Holiday (with 15 Stake wining horses) and Pollard Vision (actual 3rd in the USA Leading second crop sires for the 2010 Breeding Season). See more in http://www.lamission.com/.

With great courage, La Leyenda, present for this breeding year, a great list of stallions with : Offlee Wild -winner of the USA 2009 2 yo. stallion season as well the USA first crop sire season, Exchange Rate -with 25 Stakes winners horses with 25% 2 yo. winners within three crops, and Freud -own brother of Giant's Causeway, with 17 stake winning horses and 18% 2 yo. winners. See more in http://www.haraslaleyenda.com.ar/.

With the last years list of TB stallions brought by the Argentine Farms, the TB industry will improves clearly in quality and quantity, the blood pool that in the coming future will provide a new horizon in all the horses activities in Argentina.

Some Polo Teams reports posible changes for 2010 and 2011

2010-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Last days in the La Nacion newpaper reports a possible changes of player in the m0st well known Argentine Polo Teams for the coming season and 2011.

The information gone public tells that La Dolfina, last Argentine Champion, could in 2011 could receive Juan Martin Nero (last year of contract) and Pablo Mac Donough, both from its nemesis, Ellerstina, after a possible departure of Bartolome Catagnola and Lucas Monteverde in a new team with Hilario Ulloa and the arrival of Nicolas, the third brother of the Pieres family team.

For this year, 2010, David Stirling (Indios Capaleufu II), to La Dolfina - Mariano Aguerre (LA Dolfina) and Francisco de Narvez (Jr.) to Alegria - Matias Magrini to Indios Chapaleufu II -
Juan Ignacio Merlos with Matias Mac Donough to Chapa Uno.

No changes for 2010 for: Ellerstina ( the only 40 goals Hcp. team), La Aguada from Novillo Astrada family and Pilara.

Teams for the Argentine Cups

2010-08-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Argentine Polo Association gave the list for the next Argentine Season Cups, that starts in September 28th to December 11th, 2010.

Include all Championships that forms the Argentine Polo Triple Crown.

Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10, Gonzalo Pieres (h) 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10 y Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 40.

La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10, Lucas Monteverde (h) 10, David Stirling (h) 9 y Bartolomé Castagnola 10. Total: 39.

La Aguada: Javier Novillo Astrada 9, Eduardo Novillo Astrada (h) 9, Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 e Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9. Total: 37.

Pilará: Agustín Merlos 9, Santiago Chavanne 8, Sebastián Merlos 9 y Marcos Heguy 10. Total: 36.

Chapa Uno: Bautista Heguy 9, Hilario Ulloa 9, Juan Ignacio Merlos 9 y Matías Mac Donough 8. Total: 35.

Indios Chapaleufú II: Alberto Heguy (h) 8, Ignacio Heguy 9, Matías Magrini 8 y Eduardo Heguy 9. Total: 34.

Teams to Qualify for the Cups

Alegría: Frederick Mannix (h) 7, Francisco Bensadón 8, Mariano Aguerre 10 y Francisco de Narváez (h) 9. Total: 34.

Sao Jose: Pablo Pieres (h) 7, Nicolás Pieres 7, Jaime García Huidobro 8, Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 8. Total: 30.

Las Praderas: Guillermo Terrera (h) 7, Ignacio Toccalino 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8 y Santiago Toccalino 7. Total: 30.

Trenque Lauquen: Tomás Pieres 7, Pablo Jauretche 8, Juan Agustín García Grossi 8 y Hernán Tasso 7. Total: 30.

La Quinta Beaufort: James Beim 7, Mark Tomlinson 7, Guillermo Willington 7 y Luke Tomlinson 8. Total: 29.

Pilará II: Diego Cavanagh 7, Cristian Laprida (h) 8, Joaquín Pittaluga 7 y Tomás García del Río 7. Total: 29.

Argentina will import EVA vaccines

2010-07-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

By an Adminstrative Resolution ( number 446/2010, publish on July 13th) the Argentine Animal Sanitary Service (Senasa) will allow to import 500 dosis of EVA vaccines to Argentina, in order to obtain the necesary supplies and create a reserve, for Stallions, due to the incoming breeding season in Argentina that starts in August.

There are no reserves and or production of the vaccione, because the rare presence of the virus in Argentina.

EVA update, no new focus

2010-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Argentine National Sanitary Authorities didnt found new focus of the virus, but keeps its sanitary alert on showjumping and dressage horses.

As reported to the OIE no new evidences of the virus where registered.

But I have a some questions now, Why if the first positive to the virus appeared on the the 9th of march and then was confirmed again the 30th the same month, it took until May, to restrict with a ban all horse transportation?.

In my opinion what happen during those months could be the answer.

Now because this mess, understandable measures where made abroad:

1. The recommendation from the Office of the (KY) State Veterinarian to stallion managers who are sending stallions to Argentina for the southern hemisphere season is to determine the current demonstrated level of immunity the stallion has at the conclusion of our breeding season, and if it isn't a > 1:128 level, consideration to boosting the level of immunity by vaccination is encouraged.

2. US Authorities are in contact with Argentine Vets due the next importation of horses competing at the 2010 World Games in Lexington. As told by the Office of the (KY) State Veterinarian will be consulting with the Argentinean team's veterinarian and others to insure minimal opportunity of prior exposure.

Upon importation from Argentina, team horses will complete a minimum seven-day quarantine at the Miami Animal Import Center where they will undergo extensive veterinary assessment, as published in The Horse.com website.

Sire of the Britain TB race Gold Cup winner in Argentina

2010-06-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, at Royal Ascot, Great Britain, the winner of the GOLD CUP-G1, RITE OF PASSAGE (GB), is son of Giant’s Causeway, the sire that will not come again for the Argentine TB breeding Season in La Mission this year as in the last seasons but left several offsprings in Argentina.

Its very interesting to pass and see whats going on in the Argentine Tb industry and its new investments like www.lamission.com

2010 Teams for Argentine Triple Crown Polo Championships

2010-06-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Confirmed Teams for 2010 Argentine Polo Triple Crown Championships:

Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10, Gonzalo Pieres (h) 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10 y Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 40.

La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10, Lucas Monteverde (h) 10, David Stirling (h) 9 y Bartolomé Castagnola 10. Total: 39.

La Aguada: Javier Novillo Astrada 9, Eduardo Novillo Astrada (h) 9, Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 e Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9. Total: 37.

Pilará: Agustín Merlos 9, Santiago Chavanne 8, Sebastián Merlos 9 y Marcos Heguy 10. Total: 36.

Chapa Uno: Bautista Heguy 9, Hilario Ulloa 9, Juan Ignacio Merlos 9 y Matías Mac Donough 8. Total: 35.

Indios Chapaleufú II: Alberto Heguy (h) 8, Ignacio Heguy 9, Matías Magrini 8 y Eduardo Heguy 9. Total: 34.

Teams to Qualy for the Championships:

Alegría: Frederick Mannix (h) 7, Francisco Bensadón 8, Mariano Aguerre 10 y Francisco de Narváez (h) 9. Total: 34.

Sao Jose: Pablo Pieres (h) 7, Nicolás Pieres 7, Jaime García Huidobro 8, Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 8. Total: 30.

Las Praderas: Guillermo Terrera (h) 7, Ignacio Toccalino 8, Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8 y Santiago Toccalino 7. Total: 30.

Trenque Lauquen: Tomás Pieres 7, Pablo Jauretche 8, Juan Agustín García Grossi 8 y Hernán Tasso 7. Total: 30.

La Quinta Beaufort: James Beim 7, Mark Tomlinson 7, Guillermo Willington 7 y Luke Tomlinson 8. Total: 29.

Pilará II: Diego Cavanagh 7, Cristian Laprida (h) 8, Joaquín Pittaluga 7 y Tomás García del Río 7. Total: 29.

Queens Cup final on internet

2010-06-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

News Recently received:

Live broadcast of the Queen's Cup final, is free and one click away

PoloLine TV present an exclusive live broadcast of the final of the 50th. Queen's Cup.
Guards Polo Club will be the privileged witness of the first ever live internet broadcast of a polo match, this year's final that will be played by Dubai and Les Lions II.
One of the most important events of the international polo calendar, the Queen's Cup final will be broadcast live in high definition beginning at 15.00 hs GMT (UK).
The world's best polo in High Definition, as only PoloLine can offer.

www.pololine.tv

TB Auctions in Argentina

2010-06-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

From Sunday there are some atractive activities in the Tb market, Antonio Bullrich for the first time, after his depart from Casa Bullrich (well known argentine auctioner now desapeared), started a five day auction named Copa Bullrich.

The TB horses sold are from the most important argentine TB breeders.

The highest price yet is a colt by Tiznow out of Penny Hole by Seeking the Gold, for US Dollars $162,025 and bought by John Fulton Bloodstock(consignement by Haras LA Pasion), seen in the photo from TDN, and was sold in the first day.

You can follow the auction in the internet in www.abullrichsa.com, clicking on the tab Copa Bullrich Remate en Vivo (Auction on live), there you can follow the catalog in PDF by number and also see the current price in Pesos (Argentina's monetary unit) and in US Dollars at todays rate conversion ($1 US Dollar = $3,95 Pesos) .

But in my opinion the most important matter is what Mr. John Fulton said to the Thoroughbred Daily News in todays edition, that I reproduct:

"In Argentina, we are finding tremendous value in the fact that we can buy top-class pedigrees in stallions like Distorted Humor and Tiznow, for example, Fulton offered. ".

"We are buying yearlings that would sell for much more in the U.S. with these pedigrees. Argentina has one of the few racing industries in the world that is really healthy. The industry here is healthy because the numbers work for the breeder and the end user, and the
training rate is very reasonable. They raise a good, tough, durable horse here, and I have been fortunate to have been involved here for many years.", he concludes.

You can buy a great colt for a reasonable low price, raised in a natural way by breeders with allready the experience in the production of quality TB horses as the recent Candy Ride and Invasor in the United States, for burgain prices.

Highlight on the second day: A buyer from Lybia bought several of the best horses in the auction.

The Sire of the Epson Derby winner in Argentina

2010-06-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kings Best, the sire of the new Epson Derby winner , is in Argentina for the next breeding season. He also presents his first foals to sale this year in Argentina where he standed in the Haras Vacacion (see him at www.harasvacacion.com.ar and or click on video on http://www.caballosdelmundo.com/vacacion/kingbest.htm).

Workforce , his son won amazingly the Epson Derby, in a new track record, for 7 1/2 L, you can see and enjoy the race on
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/members/video/ruk.cfm?id=8657 .

I will come back with this year list of the best TB sires, that comes from around the world , to Argentina for the next TB breeding season.

These list of stallions are the best selection of TB Argentina had has for decades, due to the constant investment in quality done by the argentine and foreign breeders in Argentina.

As had in the past the best stallions will be here, they bring new royal blood for the all ready well known argentine breeds, not for the TB industry only but also for other horse sports like Polo, that as saw in the last Argentine Polo Open are present in the list of the best polo players of the world.

Argentine Authorities lift the ban

2010-06-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

The National Authority (Senasa) lifted the ban upon the restriction of horses movements in the Buenos Aires area, but the Sanitary Alert will stand in all the Argentine territory.

Senasa will still alert and control in all the country and will make all necesary survaillance to minimize the actual presence of the EVA in Argentina, that was very tied mainly to the showjumping activities as informed in their reports.

The known focus where the EVA virus are present, will still be interdicted until the presence of the virus shows inactive

The TB and Polo industries will recover to its normal activities due to lift of the ban of horse transportation mainly in the Buenos Aires area (Capital and Province).

Senasa also instruct to all related to the horse business to keep an eye on eventual horses suscepted to be in contact with horses positive to the virus from the buenos aires area or from those activities that where more afected by the virus (showjumping clubs, etc.)

EVA new focus in the Province Of Buenos Aires

2010-06-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the restrictions made the spread of the virus comes to an end,

The last report from the National Authorities (SENASA) present a new focus of the virus in the near by city to Buenos Aires, Avellaneda in the Province of Buenos Aires, in a Showjumping Club where 3 analysis are positives over 87 horses suscepted.

No other focus where reported than related to the showjumping activities.

No mortality yet.

TB horses still without restriction between racetracks horses stalled in them.

The present sales as Bullrich will be done with normality and also the horses presented to the dales are porven negatives to the virus.

Posible lift of the ban for the next breeding season for TB horses starting in August.

Today a Commision with all parts involved in the TB indistry with Senasa will be gathering with the last results and the forecoming new instructions for the TB activities.

Some News

2010-05-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ban still active with safe corridor for TB racing.

The Ban will be in place until June 6 when evaluation will be done.

All transport of horses restricted for the Buenos Aires Area (City and Province).

Tomorrow Senasa (Nath. Auth.) will present new evolution of activity of the virus.

Ban will stand for 15 days more

2010-05-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Ban will stand for 15 days more but with some diferences from the first restriction .

The Senasa will allow horses transportation between the horses stalled in the major racetracks due to the proven negatives in the analysis done on TB horses.

This will allow the movements of TB horses only as a safe corridor strictly controled by Senasa (Nat. Authority) but only between racetracks.

There will be major control inside the country and the total restriction of movements of horses in the Buenos Aires area nor into this area is still in place.

This new ban of movements started the 21st of May for 15 days until more analysis are made to control se spread of the virus.

Possible stand for 15 days more of the ban

2010-05-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

New cases confirmed makes difficult to lift the ban.

The National Commission for the Equine Sanitary Health admited that the virus is still active and spreading around as 5 horses tested negative now are positive as informed in the meeting.

Today the Argentine TB Breeders Assocation will have a meeting with the President of the National Sanitary Service (Senasa) trying to lift the ban for TB, due to the knowledge that no TB horse give possitive in their analysis and control in the major Racetracks stalls .

I see difficult the lift because the other areas of the horse business pretends that the restriction still in place until more controls are made by the Authoirities.

Also I can see that in the La Plata Racetrack that the races are full with lesser problems fill them because the ban of restiction of all movements of horses than in the Palermo and San Isidro, that can indicate a non restricted control of the ban by the National Authorities and the Authorities of the La Plata Racetrack in the way the horses arrival. This conclusion is also published today in La Nacion. newspaper.

New report from Senasa shows 3 new fochus

2010-05-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Senasa resported in their follow up report number 1 that three new outbreaks where detected in the City of Buenos Aires (2 Showjumping Clubs), and in the City of Vicente Casares-Cañuelas (Sport Horse breeding Farm with a mare inseminated with frozen infected semen) in the Province of Buenos Aires, with a total of suspected cases of: Suspected 362 with Cases confirmed 108 with no deaths ratio.

It could be expected a restriction with movement control inside the country.

Movements are still prohibited in the city and the province of Buenos Aires.

Through surveillance activities carried out, no disease was detected in all major racetracks inspected as known and informed by Authorities.

Only show jumping and dressage horses are concerned as informed by the National Sanitary Authorities.

No official determination where made yet upon lifting the ban.

Tomorrow Tuesday will be news about the ban

2010-05-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

The National Sanitary Authority (Senasa) will gather with all horsing bussiness tomorrow and will make a decision to contunue the ban or not.

There are no more informations given publicly nor internationally (OIE) regarding the actual state of the presence in the Buenos Aires area of the virus.

Heavy presure are being made to lift the ban because of the restriction of all horse transportation in the Buenos Aires Area and the racetracks activities.

The Senasa said that it can make any decision, but one thing is clear we will not lie.

Confirmed presence in Showjunping Clubs in the City of Buenos Aires

2010-05-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

As told I spoke with different friends in the Clubs an told me that is true the presence of the virus in their clubs in the City of Buenos Aires area.

The ban is still in place. The virus is about 10 blocks away from the Hipodromo de Palermo racetrack.

In a new information given today, Dr. Cesar Valle, a well known vet in the horse racing industry, told that no racehorse presented the virus yet in the stalls inside the major Racetracks of San Isidro and Palermo. As also he told to La Nacion (argentine newsapaper) that the National Authorities acted in acordance to the normal precedure.

There are heavy pressure from the racetracks to lift the ban, that can allow the transportations of the horses in and out the Buenos Aires zone.

That could be an error in my opinion if there are no control at all.

This weelk Senansa (NAt. Autority) will present the evolutiuon

Confirmed presence of Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in the city of Buenos AIres

2010-05-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is spreading around very fast.

See the following link for the official Argentine Sanitary Service information at

http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=9233

In the news today in the LA Nacion , the owner of the Haras Vendanova, Mr Federico Arslanian confirmed the presence of infected horses with the virus in his farm, in Suipacha.

He told that he bought frozen semen from Holland to the VDL Stud (stallion Zirocco Blue) , -one of the best Farms in Showjumping and Dressage of the world, and passed all argentine sanitary analysis that where made in the Haras 4 Hermanos .

He used the semen in the artificial insemnation of his mares, where one aborted. Also told that 23 horses are under extrict control by the sanitary authorities.

He will sue against the VDL Stud , Haras 4 Hermanos and all other resposables, he told to La Nacion.

My comment is that I'am alarmed that this could be worst, is because Mr Arslanian, also told to La Nacion that 90% of the horses examened in GEBA (Gimnasia y Esgrima de Buenos Aires Club ), where positive to the virus, I trying to talk with some friends to know about this matter because its situated near the showjumping main activities zone with about 4 clubs around, and near presence of the Hipodromo de Palermo Racetrack.

I will keep informed about any new presences in the Buenos Aires area.

All racing activities where restricted to only local stall horses in all the argentine major racetracks due to the sanitary ban.

Mr. Eduardo Ferro The President the Union of all Profesionals in Horse Racing activities, blame the responsability of the problem to the lake of an quick response from the National Authorities -Senasa, beacause they have the first notice of the presence of the virus, the last March 31st.. Also request the need to create a safety sanitary zone between all the major racetracks for horses without the virus to secure the next racing program. Due to the problem the coming stakes program must be reformed , he said to La Nacion yesterday.

Polo games activities also where suspended by this ban.

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) presence in Argentina

2010-05-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

The National Argentine Sanitary Service (Senasa) ordered a total restriction, in the Province of Buenos Aires area and the city of Buenos Aires of horses transportations, for at least 15 days .

The ban is stated because the presence of Equine viral arteritis (EVA), and the resolution started its effects on May 6th, 2010.

The virus was found in the Province of Buenos Aires, near the city of San Antonio de Areco.

The Argentine Authorities allready communitate the presence to the international OIE (World Organisation for Animal Helath).

Probably the virus came in a infected frozen semen brought from Holland.

Next Kentucky Derby another Argentine presence

2010-04-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

As the last year a new presence of argentine stallion blood will run in the Next Saturday Kentucky Derby, with Candy Rides's son Sidney's Candy.

With the recent injuries, in my opinion it could be written history next saturday to see the first argentine stallion son to win the roses.

This is a great pleasure for all true lovers of this extraordinary horse to see a son of him be as great as he was, in my past articules, I told that Candy Ride was the best horse I ever saw, here in Argentina.

The Kentucky Derby could be sawn at the Hipodromo de Palermo Racetrack, in Buenos Aires, in its full HD gigant screen, live at 7.24 PM (Buenos Aires time), next Saturday May 1st. .

Haras La Lucila brokes argentine record in auction

2010-04-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Monday night, Haras La Lucila of the Neuss Family, presented to auction 18 polo horses that played in the last Argentine Polo Season.

The best price was for Fina Pepa, nine y.o. played by Gonzalo Pieres (Jr) in the Final of the Argentine Polo Open 2008 with US $ 490,000, also other polo horses where sold as Fina MAnta -best polo horse of the Tortugas Open 2009 , for US $ 130,000 .

The Farm withheld the 50% of Fina Pepa's reproduction rights.

Dubai World Cup (Int G1) winner the best brazilean with best broodmares argentine blood

2010-03-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Dubai World Cup (Int G1), $10,000,000, Meydan,GLORIA DE CAMPEAO shows the importance to breed the best to the best.

The broodmares of both sides of the pedigree shows two of most important argentine blood that comes in the stallion Impression (Arg), bred and ran by Haras Vacacion, that won the G.P. Maipu (G 1) in Argentina in year 2000, that comes from Gioconga by Good Manners, a family of Haras Ojo de Agua, a prestigeous Argentine TB Farm that bred Forli, and in the broodmare side with Orient Girl by Farnesio from Haras El Turf TB Farm breeders of many great horses like Candy Ride.

Spectacular win of Evita Argentina, daugther of Argentine Stallion Candy Ride

2009-12-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

First G I winner for the first crop, of the argentine TB Stallion Candy Ride.

"Spectacular" was the word to define the superb action saw in the La Brea Stake, ran at the Santa Anita racetrack, last 26 of December .

Evita Argentina, who also won the seven-furlong A Gleam Handicap (gr. II) this summer at Hollywood Park, as also she won the Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) at Del Mar as a 2-year-old .

This stallion was in the list that I inform of few argentine horses to follow as potential stallion standing in the US (post Nov. 20 2007).

Watch Video here

Mariano Aguerre leaving La Dolfina Polo Team

2009-12-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Mariano Aguerre, one of the most successfull argentine polo player, decided to end his relations with La Dolfina Polo Team, as told after the annual meeting between the La Dolfina`s players, to determine their following year comitments.

Mariano told that he will not retired yet, but he will have a posible year off.

The replacement will be "Pelon" Stirling, friend of Cambiaso Jr.

About the Championship Awards

2009-12-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

MVP , The Gonzalo Pieres award, to Pablo Mac Donough
With 4 goals in the Final, he played for certain better than before in the Final, but in my opinion the award was for Mr. Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.), after what happen with the next awards (everyone can understand)

Maximun Scorer of the Championship, Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.) with a total of 47 goals for the championship and 11 in the Final

Best horse in the Final, The Lady Susan Townley award, for Dolfina Cuartetera, bred and own by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr

Best Polo Argentino horse (registered), Dolfina Cuartetera, also bred and own by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr

The best mounted player of the Final and Best horses for the Championship (horses), for Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.)

Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.) and Bartolome Castagnola

2009-12-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

Nero's battle

2009-12-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Argentine Polo Open Final

2009-12-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

Some picture from the Final to enjoy

2009-12-22T14:10:00.001-08:00

G.P. Internacional Carlos Pellegrini (G I ) won by Interaction

2009-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today as told in this blog the Pellegrini was ran, and it was won by Interaction, a son of EASING ALONG (USA) and INTER RAILS by RIDE THE RAILS (USA), trained by the argentinean Mr. Alfredo Gaitan Dassie , from the Futura Stud and bred by the Haras Futura (that breds in Argentina and the owners are from Chile).

The 2400 meters (1 1/2 mile) was ran in 2 minutes 23 seconds 19/100,and was won by 3 lengths.

The horse came from a middle position running outstandingly the last 400 meteres (1 furlong).

The Pacemaker was Escolaso (Uru) that became 17th at the finish line and 18th the horse I spoke about some days ago too, Fuego e Hierro (that was third in the last corner!), what a mess, for these poor good horses.

The jockey was the well known good peruvian rider Edwin Talaverano.

La Dolfina new champion!!!

2009-12-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

OLD IS THE WIND BUT STILL BLOWS!!!!

11 goals by Cambiaso what else can we say.

Cambiaso said that "in our worst year, we played really good the last two, thats way this one is special and we will celebrate it".

Argentine Polo Open final to Extratime chukker

2009-12-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Cambiaso trough out an easy penalty.

2:53 Penalty for Ellerstina, goal by Facundo, 15-15

Both sides are losing goals, last two minutes

5:32 Nero with the ball, after midfield throwin , 30 yards penalty, GOAL!!

Last minute, Goal Mariano Aguerre!!, nooooo penalty (in the place) infront goalline !! Goal by Cambiaso 16-16

Posible extratime chukker, Extratime chukker!!

Cambiaso loose an incredible goal alone.

Cambiaso felt down its ok, horse Buenaventura OK too

game stoped.

Its playing again, throwin taken by Cambiaso, drive the ball next goalline hit but a rebound on the horses legs of Gonzalo Pieres, left the ball to Mariano made the goal.

La Dolfina New Champion!!!!

Argentine Polo Open Final upto 7th chukker 15-14 La Dolfina

2009-12-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

Upto to the seventh chukker the score is 15 to 14 for the La Dolfina Polo Team, with an Ellerstina goal to goal in a head to head final.

The last chukker is starting.

GP Pellegrini (GI) and Argentine Polo Open the same day

2009-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday December 12, will be a difficult day to decide between two of the biggest shows in town, The Carlos Pellegrini at the San Isidro Racetrack and the Final of the Argentine Polo Open, practically at the same time.

One word about the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G I International), is the most prestigiuos race in Latinamerica, that is race at the San Isidro racetrack. TB Horse from all around the continent will gather, in the turf field of San Isidro, that was started to race in 1887.

22 Horses are running this edition, and came from Brazil (4), Uruguay (1), Peru (1) and USA (1).

I can believe that Fuego e Hierro is in the list of horses to run (see my post) and also the urugauyan horse named Escolazo after a 28 hours track trip (?!!), too.

Its a great race, in a great place to attend like San Isidro racetrack (one of the best in the world) with the best TB horses of the continent, what more can we ask for?.

But some miles away, the Final of the most important Polo Championship in the world, is being played with a special extra, is the first Final with two 40 goals handicap polo teams (40 goals are the maximun handicap for a polo team)in Argentine Polo Open history .

What a day!

About the List of Horses of the 116 Argentine Polo Open

2009-12-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

One thing I really have clear is that the best horses for this Championship is a TB horse.

There are no Polo Argetino Horse that could match the speed that the TB can reach in the Palermo polo fields.

The next thing I,m sure is that only the best horses in the world can play this polo, I understand that horses are brought from all over the world to play this Argentine Open, the players need them.

From the list I couldnt find nothing really new nor a new trend so practicaly I can state that the improvements came from abroad.

What I could see is that La Dolfina specially Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.) is the player with the best list of horses, horses like Bruma and Legend in his hands are imposible to stop, a shown in the recent match won by La Dolfina against La Aguada, when both grey horses made the difference with thier terrific speed.

I saw the game yesterday so it was a pleasure to see them running with such superiority.

The key will be for the Final how Ellerstina can stop Cambiaso with his "incredible flyaing machines", as La Nacion journay said today.

La Dolfina won with Cambiaso and 3+

2009-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

Adolfo Cambiaso and 3 more, is a correct definition about the game won by La Dolfina 18 to 13, that marks the reapearance of the old "Adolfito".

He is the motor and the brains of his team, and he was a nightmare for the brothers Novillo Astrada, again unlucky (that lost incredible goals) that could made the result more narrow.

The La Dolfina Polo team has his "quaterback", his magic is back, and he recharged his batery when he see the finish line, thats why they are the favorites for the Final.

Ellerstina wins the ticket fot the Finals

2009-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Due to the two goals diference, they untie the Zone, reaching the Finals.

They won 15 to 13 in a nervious game thanks to the Referees, but they didnt play their game, because of the great resistance given by a good team like Pilara, specially the MVP Sebatian Merlos who played over his 9 goal handicap to lead and place in problems to Ellertina tieing the game in some chukkers.

Things to improve for Ellerstina: Backhanders and better use of the list of horses specially the best ones like Easy Go (out of form today), Raquel, Rodhesia, Claret, Habanna, and Mecha.

The Field 1 condiction was perfect, due to the suspention.

In my opinion the next Argentine Open winner will be playing tomorrow, the teams playing tomorrow Monday are more than the present of Ellerstina.

The best match of this Argetine Open will be playing tomorrow, its like being in the Final, if you cant be here next week for the Finals, dont miss the match tomorrow.

La Aguada has a better present than La Dolfina, but they have the best player of the world, so any thing can happen.

But one thing is for sure, the best polo of the world tomorrow is at Palermos Field 1.

Enjoy!!

My opinion upon the yesterday suspention

2009-12-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

Was the best decision for the game and as I said that same day, it was imposible to play with that field condition.

This is not the same polo anyone can see in their countries, the amazing speed of the game its only posible with a perfect field condition.

Polo is a riskfull activity, for players and their horses, so it was the most intelligent decision to suspend in those conditions.

Wonderfull day to see the BEST POLO in the world in Buenos Aires

2009-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Today if you are in Buenos Aires is the best day to go and see the best polo in the world at Palermo.

Matchs are for the Zone A starting at 2:00 PM BUE time between Alegria and Indios Chapaleufu II, and the last matchsceduled for 5:00 PM in Field 1 the decisory match between Ellerstina and Pilara, will decide the first team for the Finals.

I will be atending the second match too, understanding that Ellerstina must improve to beat Pilara!

If not suspended go with raincoat and Umbrella

2009-12-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

The forecast is more rain for the afternoon.

National Weather Sevice radars shows raining all around the Province of Buenos Aires, INTA Pergamino shower radar the same. Satellites the same.

If not suspended go with raincoat and umbrella.

New good weather window starts tomorrow Sunday to Tuesday. Posible date to play these Saturday Matchs is next Monday if they are suspended.

Incredible no information is given by the AAP officially about a suspention nor delay of the Matchs.

Posible suspention now its raining again 10 blocks away Fields

2009-12-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

Its raining again in the Buenos Aires area (Palermo)

After morning rains AAP say they will play today (?!)

2009-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

The AAP through there official telephone recording message doesnt suspend todays Saturday matchs (12:25 AM BUE time).

Rains are forecasted for all day.

Incredible AAP doesnt suspend yet the Matchs.

Ellerstina lose after 12 winning matchs against Indios Chapaleufu II

2009-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Finally the rain stops and the activities regain at Palermo.

Field 1 in perfect conditions.

Ellerstina- Indios Chapaleufu II

Amazingly Ellerstina is losing in the second chukker 2-7 against Indios Chapaleufu II. With seven goals in a row for Chapa II.

Ellerstina made its first goal at minute 6 of the second chukker, all goals by Nero.

Third chukker: 3-8 , Ellerstina by Nero. OLd Chapa II look nenew. Horses in better shaped that Ellerstina upnow.

Fourth chukker, 6-8, Ellerstina regain control of the match against a bad chukker of Chapa II . Nero MVP upnow, 2 goals from Facundo Pieres.
Some worry faces in the Ellerstina camp, Gonzalo Pieres Senior came to the rescue, spoke with DT Agote.

Fifth chukker: 7-11, regains control Chapa II, goals by Eduardo (30 y penal) and Pepe Heguy (playing Enigmatica)

Sixth chukker: 10-12. Chapa started better but Ellerstina finishing stronger. Goals by Nero, Facundo 2, Pablo

Seventh chukker 11-14 Chapa II on the lead. Played nerviously made some error that became in golas for Ellerstina. Gonzalo Pieres Senior "looks difficult".

Eighth Chukker 13-14 won by Chapa II. "Old is the wind but still blows"

Ellerstina won in a row the last 12 matchs played and this one the Number 13 finally was the one, they will not forget. In some moments in the game they where practicaly out of the semifinals, because in their next match against Pilara, that won their game today against Alegria (with no chances to get to the semifinals), they must not only have to win, they must win making at least two goals over Pilara, to reach the next step.

Also Ellerstina was lucky becasuse due of many unforced errors between Eduardo Heguy and Stearling mainly, the score could be worst.

They most focus in the concentration and the shape of their better horses, to pass the next exam. Today looks like everyones a day to forget, nothing worked. As a result of this, finishing the chukker 5, they through to goal 12 times with only 5 goals, poor compared to Indios Chapaleuyfu II that made 6 goals from 9 atempts to goal in the same period.

Things to change for Indios Chapaleufu II: Eduardo play longer the first balls you give Ellerstina chaces because the short strokes. Team, stop talking with the Referees, two technical fouls made Ellerstina return to the game. Improve undertanding between Eduardo Heguy and Pelon Stearling.

Today Matchs Suspended Official

2009-11-29T05:30:00.000-08:00

The AAP informes offcially that all matches for today Sunday where suspended without new reschedule yet.

The weather forecast says that three days there will be no rains in the next three days.

Possible dates for Matches will be on Monday/Tuesday (not official)

La Dofina won in extratime over Chapa Uno

2009-11-29T04:36:00.000-08:00

As in any sport, the most important result is to win (15-14), after this we can conclude if its reasonable to be happy.

From the face of Cambiaso he was not pleased with how they played and won, but in his own words, ...we won but we where a disaster..., ...we played really bad ..., ...its not a great season..., showing the humor of the best polo player in the of the world.

In my opinion, they look like a little old, with not the vigor of the past season, but remembering that they (the players) are all 10 golas Handicaped, I dont want to be unfear with them, playing like yesterday they lost the Final to Ellerstina in extratime, they have all necesary to be the great team they where they have the horses, the skills, the best player in the world, but they are luck of enthusiasm.

We need to see the old la Dolfina, and not that the La Dolfina is old.

In the other side the Cinderela team, Chapa Uno, loved by all, because its past of good polo playing, under the orders of its star player Bautista Heguy, they played an incredible match , because in the 7th chukker, they lost him being replaced by the young Pablo (Paul) Pieres, making the team play better in my opinion as progression shows: 2-2 2-3 5-6 8-8 10-9 11-10 13-10 14-14 15-14.

Chapa Uno was near to win the match in regular time. Also they played with a old friend of Palermo`s, Alejandro Diaz Alberdi, that replace Rodrigo de Andrade because of his suspension (1 month) because an expulsion in the Diamante Cup (with a really bad year here, hoping the best for the days to come, Rodrigo!) . He provide the experience and the knowledge of the game things that all players like Piqui (Alejandro) posses.

The vigor and enthusiasm where given by in the first half of the match by Hilario Ulloa (with good horses!) and in the last chukkers was join with the aid of Paul Pieres ( after the replacement of Bautista), both played as seniors in the Cathedral, giving all present the sensation and the satisfaction that the new generationn of argentine polo players will not betray the argentine polo history .

From the matchs for Zone B, La Aguada won

2009-11-29T04:16:00.000-08:00

As the old La Aguada team that won the Argentine Polo Open some years ago (2003), the Novillo Astrada`s Family, is back in bussiness, wining their match against El Paraiso, for 17 to 8.

As told to LA NAcion journay by Miguel Novillo Astrada, they feel that they are as in 2003, if not better.

In my opinion LA Aguada is the most serious contender for Ellerstina in the Final.

Game scores progression for La Aguada-El Paraiso: 3-2 5-2 6-3 8-4 11-5 14-5 17-6 17-8

The match was played in Field 2.

Heavy rains in Buenos Aires area possible suspension Date 4

2009-11-29T04:06:00.000-08:00

Heavy rains this morning will suspend todays (Sunday) all matchs scheduled for Zone A (not official yet)

Dates for Matchs of Days 3 and 4 Argentine Polo Open

2009-11-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

Matchs for Days 3 and 4 of the Argentine Polo Open where schedule for tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday as informed by the AAP (Argentine Polo Asoc.).

First match of the Fridays meeting starts at 2.30 PM (Buenos Aires time) on Field 2 and the last match of the day will start at 5.00 PM in Field 1, all for Zone A .

And for Zone B, next Saturday, with the same time schedule.

But tomorrows weather forcast places some rain again for this Friday afternoon and Sunday.

A nice argentine TB Horse appeared "Fuego e Hierro"

2009-11-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last saturday, in the San Isidro Racetrack, was placed in the 10th race of the day, the "Provincia de Buenos Aires Stake (GII Int), over the distance of 2400mts (1 1/2 m / 6 F), over turf track and in the middle of the mud due to the actual and unusual raining season, was won by Fuego e Hierro, by 8 lengths in a really nice way.

This horse races with blinkers (half cup as I saw) and shows and incredible performace for a horse born late in the southern hemisfere season (born on November 9 2006), its also remarkable that the started to race in the first races for his age in the past year (800 mts / 2 F / 1/2 mile) in his debut but ran in the following month December three times (?!), resume 4 races in lesser than 30 days.

After all these he raced again two races in January ( he won! over 3 F or 1200m), then he rested February (Poor horse!), then ran again one race all following months including four G 1 (Int) GP Santiago Luro, GP Gran Criterium, GP 2000 Guineas and GP Jockey Club, one G II (Int) Provincia de Buenos Aires and one G III (Int) Asociacion Propietarios de SPC de Buenos Aires, from 4 furlogs 1200 mts to 12 furlongs 2400 mts. Also run two times over dirth in the La Plata racetrack in stake races.

His pedigree is also interesting as he is by the American Stallion Pure Prize out of a Candy Stripes mare by one af the Argentine most prolific classic distance families, by Fallow. Also bred my one of the best Argentine Farms, Santa Maria de Araras.
He is her first horse to run with running age (3 y.o.).

His trained by not fancy trainer, Mr Conrado Linares.

You can see the last race won go to www.hipodromosanisidro.com, 10th race ( 10 carrera), click on Ver Video (see Video with a camera icon)

If your looking for something amazing in Argentine, this TB horse I think is something special.

About the best horses from each teams said by the players the the Argentine Open

2009-11-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

In the recent El Grafico Polo magazine, November 2009 issue (with english translations) an interview to the top players of the teams playing the 116th Argentine Polo Open, as requested by the journalist they selected the best horses of their teammates.

I will start with the opinion of Santiago Chavanne of the Pilara Piaget Polo Team (in Zone A Arg Open):
Agustin Merlos his best horse is Virolita
Sebastian Merlos is Silvina Luna
Marcos Heguy is La Salada
and for Santiago is Lupa

Now for the Indios's Chapaleufu II, in the opinion of Alberto Heguy (Jr) (in Zone A Arg Open):
His best horse is Chapelufu Campanita
Eduardo Heguy his best horse is Polo Bailanta
Ignacio ("Nachi") Heguy is Ji Ji Ji
and for David ("Pelon") Stirling (Jr), he said he didnt know.

Now the time for the opinion of Francisco Bensadon, of the Alegrina Polo Team (in Zone A Arg Open): he didnt answer this question, but told that they will play the same horses used in the Hurlingham Cup.

Batolome Castagnola for the La Dolfina Peugeot Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), said that in his opinion for:
Adolfo ("Adolfito") Cambiaso (Jr) his best horse is Dolfina Cuartetera
Lucas Monteverde is Tia Loca
Mariano Aguerre is Open Califa
and about his horses is Dolfina Toro (awarded the best registered Polo Argentino horse of the last years (2008) Final).

In the opinion of Javier Novillo Astrada, from the La Aguada - Tupungato Winelands (in Zone B Arg Open), he selected as the best horse of each player are:
Miguel Novillo Astrada is La Cereza
Eduardo Novillo Astrada is La Geisha
Ignacio Novillo Astrada is La Capota
and about his horses, is Maria Lujan

Hilario Ulloa, from the Chapa Uno - Hope Funds Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), his opinion about the best horses of the team are Birra and Bartolo both from the horses of Bautista Heguy as also Naipe (that is also stallion) form his best horses.
He didnt know much about the horses of Francisco De Narvaes (Jr) and Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (from Brazil).

Alejandro Novillo Astrada from El Paraiso Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), in his opinion thier best horses are:
For Alejandro is Aguada Diluvio
For Guillermo (Sapo) Caset (Jr) and Ignacio (Cubi) Toccalino he told that they have better horses than the last year without naming.

Pablo MacDonough from the Ellertina Etiqueta Negra (in Zone A Arg Open), told to El Grafico Polo, that they have the same base of horses of last year but with some new ones added (as known mainly from England), he think that with these horses in the final steps of the championship their chance to win are even greater.

Matchs 3 and 4 of the Argentine Open suspended

2009-11-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

Due to the Buenos Aires area weather forecast, Matchs 3 and 4 of the Argentine Open are suspended.
Posible dates for these matchs will be next Saturday and Sunday.

As also the AAP is near to delay one week the Final, that was appointed for the December 5 .

Adolfo Cambiaso's with a new wonder horse

2009-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

This Sunday La Dolfina Peugeuot won its match against El Paraiso, for 21 to 8, with 17 goals done by the best polo player in the World, Mr. Adolfo Cambiaso (s) .

"Actitude" was the common word spoken by the La Dolfina's players to define why they won the match played at the Palermos's in the Polo Field number 2.

As usual in this blog, when surprising or outstanding horses appear, Cambiaso present a new wonder horse to follow on the next matchs to be played by La Dolfina Peugeot, Leyend. In words of Cambiaso, she is a is a "machine" (outstanding quality in argentino), and he bought her from the great mexican player Carlos Gracida (Thank you Carlos again!).

If you are in Palermo dont miss her and Bruma, they are both greys, and you will know when they are in the field beacuase you enjoy their perfection.

As a fan of great horses, I truely enjoy them like an art exhibition in motion. I will be back filming them in action for the pleasure of all of the blog followers.

See some highlights of the match clicking play in the video (in spanish)

"Annus Horribilis for Argentine TB Crops"

2009-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at the Palermo racetrack, was run the Argentine Derby the "G.P. Nacional" Group 1 on the International consideration, that was won by "Storm Chispazo" by 3 lenghts over an incredible poor than usual company.
These event, the major race for the 3 y.o. of both sexs, came to ratify, my opinion as a new "Annus Horribilis" for this argentine TB racing crops year, where nothing really surprising nor outstanding appeared.
To give a perfect picture of these matter of things, the winner was winner of two common races in the San Isidro Racetrack before this major hit, in his most recent stake appearance he came 10th (more than 24 legth from the winner, with the last horses) in the Gran Criterium in May, after that he raced again to win in the October's 31 meeting in the common race called Ollagua, over 2000 meters, in a mud turf track by 12 lengths, so he's racing 4500 meters in lesser than a half a month (15 days exactly without any clue about horsemanship) .
Hoping that the efforts done by the Argentine TB Breeders to bring here some of the best world class TB Stallions, like Giant's Causeway by LA Mission, probide the necessary renewal of the wrong decision of the past.
Thanks the coincidence, just crossing the Avenue "Libertador" we could saw the first meeting of the best Polo in the World, The Argentine POLO Open at the Palermo's Cathidral with Ellerstina-Alegria and Pilara-Indios Chapaleufu II .

2009 Argentine Open starts this Saturday

2009-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

As done the last years, with the new Argentine Polo Opens starting, I will analyze the breeding patterns or trends of the Polo Horses playing.

After the Tortugas and Hurlingham Championships, the first gems of the Argentine Triple Crown that where won by Ellerstina, I didnt see much new of what we saw in the past year.

The Economic depression and debacle in the world hurt all activities and the Argentine Polo wasnt out of it. Many polo players and horses remain in Argentina this season. What results in no sales of horses to foreign investors or players, that in the major source of fresh money that suports all the breeding and activities related in Polo in Argentina, with obvious future results.

Argentine PoloTriple Crown 2009 starts today

2009-09-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

After a rain delay, today with the match between the teams LA Aguada Tupungato Winelands: J. Novillo Asttrada 9, Ed. Nov. Astrada (h) 9, Mig. Nov. Astrada 10, Ig. Nov. Astrada 9 and Chapa Uno Hope Funds with Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrada from Brazil 8, Hilario Ulloa 8, Bautista Heguy 9, Franciso de NArvaez (h) 9, will start with the traditional Tortugas Country Club Open Championship (" Abierto de Tortugas") - with the dispute of the Emilio de Anchorena Cup , the Argentine Polo Triple Crown.

How to see Argentine Races and Results in the Internet

2009-09-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

First you can check with the argentine Stud Book (www.studbook.com.ar) where you can see born date register and trace her family, find "Volumen en linea" then "Yeguas Madres y sus Productos" tab where you wild find the Mares information and simple Pedigree (not as you can find at www.pedigreequery.com ) .

Second the web page of the Argentino Racetrack (Palermo) at www.palermo.com.ar, when there in English, see Horse Racing tab, click there in Horse Racing information, and there find Horse Campaigns, and follow the instructions there, type the name in the bar and then click over the name, and you will find the horse races ran.

Third check the major argentine racetracks at there site, like Palermo (Hipodromo Argetino de Palermo) in the same tab look for Horse Racing Information an then there you can see the Racing Schedule and Results, where all races ran in Palermo that date clicking over the name of the race and can be also seen the Video clicking on the right sign. Remember to finding the dates of the horse known by the Horse campaigns data.

La Plata the racing data is a little more difficult because its only in spanish, todays home page only gives the results information in pdf limited to a couple of weeks, its in spanish, find the "Resultados" in the left tags and when there click the word "descarga", that will open a pdf file with the results of that given date.

San Isidro the last major racetrack you can find there information in spanish only finding in the bar "Carreras" then "Resultados", there you will find the years where you can find their races in the dates known, click on the "Todas" botton to see all the races of that day, its posible to find the video of the race too clicking over "Ver Video" .

From a past tradition

2009-09-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Taking some time to find something interesting to share, I found a book written by Charles Darwin that toke my attention.

After reading some lines I found in it direct references to Argentina from this incredible scientific, he came with the Beagle vessel in the year 1833, a trip that will open a new knowledge era, after this trip he wrote "The origin of the species".

But what toke my atention was that in the moment he was riding horses around the Province of Buenos Aires (went from Bahia Blanca to Buenos Aires- about 500 Km. /), the Federal Government was fitting the local Indians nearby.

The local Indians and the Soldiers mainly had as transportation, the horses they could gather around there expeditions. Many stories after these situations, because the most important treasure for all parts where their horses and cattle.

Due to there knowledge horses where broke in an afternoon by the soldiers but they prefered the ones broke by the Indians.

There where a line of Forts that protect from the local Indians the first argentine cities. These forts and small cities where visit by the Indians with ferousity burning and killing all inside these facilities. After that the Federal Government send an expedition against the Indians that they found with the same results, they kill men and woman but left the childs alive.

As a simbol of these, I publish hereafter a picture made by Angel Della Valle named "la Vuelta del Malon", that is a large picture that can be seen in the Buenos Aires, Beau Art Museum.

Argentine blood in the Kentuck Derby and Broodmare of the Year

2009-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

As told in my opinion and advise dated on november 20, 2007, a son of an extraordinary horse Candy Ride will race the most inportant TB race of America and the World, The Kentucky Derby, hes name is Chocolate Candy Candy Ride—Crownette, by Seattle Slew born in the US, own by the The Craig Family Trust, also owners of Candy Ride, today standing in Hill 'N' Dale Farm - Lexington, KY .

Also there are more argentine presence, in the blood of I Want Revenge , born in USA, his mare Meguial by Roy, was born in Argentina.

And also another argentine presence in Pioneerof the Nile's blood, the broodmare sire is the argentine sire Lord at War.

And also in another presence in the third mare of Dunkirk, Miss Eva (Arg), 1977 by Con Brio out of Apolinea.

Vertigineux (Kris S.--For the Flag, by *Forli), the dam of unbeaten champion mare Zenyatta Street Cry {Ire}), was named Broodmare of the Year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Forli is a world very well known argentine TB sire and broodmare sire.

Argentine Polo Tour Final Stage

2009-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Finaly the Argentine Polo Tour came to an end, when the Enigma Polo Team won the Final against Las Hermanas, 13 to 12, in Ellerstina Polo Club, Argentina.

ENIGMA
Jerome Wirth 0
James Robert Beim 7
Matias Mac Donough 8
Malcolm Borwick 6
Total 21

LAS HERMANAS
TBA
Charlie Hanbury 4
Juan Garcia Grossi 8
Bartolome Castagnola 10
Total 22

Find more about the Argentine Polo Tour in www.argentinapolotour.com

Press Release USPA about Palm Beach Incident

2009-04-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2009

RE: Equine medical incident in Wellington, Florida

The United States Polo Association is participating in an investigation to determine the cause of death of over 20 polo ponies that died prior to a polo match on Sunday, April 19 at the International Polo Club-Palm Beach, located in Wellington Florida.
The cause of death for these horses will not be determined until after the Florida State Department of Agriculture completes necropsies and toxicology testing on the affected animals. There has been much speculation and rumor concerning the cause of death however, according to Dr. Paul Wollenman, who was on the scene and led a valiant rescue effort with many local veterinarians and polo players to save the stricken horses: "Based on initial, overwhelming clinical evidence this medical event was isolated to the Lechuza barn and horses and the initial evidence shows no infectious element."

Peter Rizzo, Executive Director of the United States Polo Association (USPA) stated:

"The USPA is participating in a formal investigation of the unprecedented equine medical event that occurred this past Sunday, April 19. We are actively working with the management of the International Polo Club-Palm Beach, state and local veterinarians and state and county regulatory agencies including the State Department of Agriculture and Palm Beach County Department of Animal Care and Control to determine what caused these horses to die. While there is much speculation as to the cause of death, we will have to wait until the Department of Agriculture completes its tests and releases its findings to the owners of the horses. In the meantime, we all mourn the loss of these horses. There are no words to describe the grief and sadness shared by everyone- particularly the devastated owners of those magnificent horses." ´

My opinion after the last Argentine Open about the breeds

2009-04-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

As told in this blog, the Tb horses are still in position to claim the crown for the best breed for the Argentine Polo Open Championship. In facts all player have TB blood in there playing horses as can be checked in list of horses by teams and players that can be seen in the AAP web page information for the Open.
In my opinion after atending to all matchs the best Polo horses of the Open where Bruma riden by Adolfo Cambiaso (h.) and Easy Go riden by Facundo Pieres, both are TB horses and not breed in Argentina. Both Players are 10 Goals Handicap and the best players in the World, with extense Polo Argentino breeding operations in Argentina.
Easy Go played the Final of the Championship with Facundo Pieres for La Ellerstina (the winners) but Bruma couldnt play the final (I dont know the exact reason why) .
See below the goal made by A Cambiaso (H) on Bruma (Grey) to Indios Chapaleufu II, in the video resting 1:05 , they are coming full speed (remember she is a TB horse!) from the other goal gate, stops, let pass by Eduardo Heguy ( another 10 goals Handicap) that came after them in defense and turns right for the goal (it was the best goal in the Open in my opinion), I will come back with more videos of this goal for the consideration and pleasure of all the horse and specialy the Polo lovers around the world.

Warning TB in Polo

2009-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Be objective about your riding skill before using TB horses to play Polo and be extremely careful if the TB horse has a racing past.
The most of these horses must be reeducated for at least 2 years for this new sport, one year they must be left free in the country with easy rides by well trained riders after the sixth month (just walking pace only!! ), after this the horses must be educated for the new bit and the use of new reins that will help in their first polo maneuvers, this period will take 6 months (very calm here for best results) . After this normal training with the rest of your Polo horses.
Its very usual that they show a little hotter than other horses in the first ridings due to their blood (be very carefull here to avoid major problems if you dont have an important riding skill) because they are exited but they cooldown as soon they are riden for some minutes.
Please be very careful in all these steps, observe all time their behavior and their ride ability, not all are suited for an average Polo Player, but the rewards are as kwown by the best Argentine Polo Players a horse that can win with them a tournament.

A New View

2008-10-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

After a couple of months of meditation about what could be useful to publish in this blog, I started to investigate about one of the other roots of the Polo Argentino horse: the Criollos.

The Criollos (that is the name of the breed) are commonly called this way in different South American countries as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, where Criollos Breeders can be found in many Associations.
It started with the first arrival of horses which the Spanish conquistadores brought to America, and these later spread over all the vast pastures of the New World.
In the beginning, the horses that came with the first Discoverers where left in the wild in America after the failed attempts of building the new cities as Buenos Aires , where it took two foundation waves in 1536 and later in 1580 to establish the city. In the first Don Pedro de Mendoza came with about 80/100 horses but only 50 survived and were left in the wild. Then, in the second attempt, Don Juan de Garay came with several more horses, as the historic papers of the Founders say.

Several well documented essays talk about the prolific reproduction of these horses; in one of them it is said that they practically couldn’t see the horizon in the plains due to the large amount of horses that pastured there.
Here’s where the other important part of Criollos’ history appears: the Indians. They first used the horses as food using only their tongue but after seeing that they could also use them as transportation they started to use them with that purpose too. After years of comprehension they finally domesticated them better that the ones the European had brought. That can be demonstrated with the abilities they had to handle them well just with the use of their voice or even without reins; that is a very interesting world to explore.
For many decades, the Indians used their horses as main and important possession. Due to this, one of the most important objectives in the Argentine Desert Campaign was to obtain the resources of cattle and horses that the Indians (mainly nomads) in the South of Argentina and Chile possessed. The reason of this was because in most of the Indian attacks (Malones) to the new cities or small urbanizations built by the conquerors the Indians looted women and possessions and left everything destroyed in a way similar as the Attilas Hunes’ attacks had done to Rome.
These horses where very appreciated by military forces due to their easy riding, endurance, and forceful will. Coronel Lavalle, one of the most important military commanders, was very eager to obtain these after battling with the Araucanos and keep them for himself as battle trophies. Estanislao Zeballos, in his ‘Viaje al pais de los Araucanos’ , says: “(…)Levalle’s dun horses brought to my mind the legends of the Arabian horses(…)”.

As result of the spread of horses all around South America, wild born horses could still be found in the first decades of the 1900. One the true Founders of the Criollos breed , Don Emilio Solanet, went to the Argentine Patagonia and purchased wild horses he selected from the ones possessed by Chief Shamatr or Sacamata from the Tehuelches tribe in 1911. From these purchases he standarized the modern known horse breed he named as Criollos.

An important contribution was made by Solanet in the construction of this breed, as he was Veterinary, Zoologist and University Professor. He created the petric fundamentals that resulted in one of the most incredible horses that today exists. He then selected the horses that participated in the epic adventure going from Buenos Aires to New York in 1925 without any provision but what they found on the road (see picture of the horses Gato and Mancha).
From these same roots the Argentine Polo ponies which became famous as known in the Olympic Games of 1924 and 1936 (when Polo was part of games and the Gold Medal was won in both by Argentina) where originated. (see photo of the Argentine Olympic Champion team of 1936 hereunder)
In my upcoming articles I will start to define the Criollos from the words of Dr Emilio Solanet and how they made contributions for the actual success of the Polo Argentino Horses.

From other gardens

2008-04-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

You must make your own mistakes.

Buy proven sport mares with ancestors that had not exactly been sitting still.

A method: outcrossing followed by inbreeding. By outcross I mean the introduction of foreign blood by means of a proven sire. Then we start crossing them with each other, in fact I always prefer to call this line breeding rather than inbreeding. We are now in the process of realizing stages 4 to 5 a further outcross with a common combination.

This is followed by the second line breeding phase. The products are sharply selected on desirables quality, we only breed on the best of them. That is how the bioindustry produces more milk or eggs than the predecessors. A disadvantage with horses is that development takes much longer.

Selection first approach: Pedigree, Conformation, and lose schooling looking for the natural motion (body position, stride, etc).

When looking for a convenient mating, mainly consider the descent of both mare and sire, which must be of flawless pedigree and noblest blood.

Beauty is no held as high as pure blood and performance, they prefer a hardy and strong sire who is known to be fast and has no major defects to any stallion of the far more striking beauty, of which performance they are not sure. (1851 Jager)

Preserve their perfections not to impose the breed, no bad habits, little importance in conformation but great deal to pure descent because they guarantee outstanding qualities.

Cross breeding in earlier generations are less to adapt.

In Constitution find: Hardiness, Endurance, Character and Intelligence.

He is a very perfect animal, he is not large here and small there. There is a balance and harmony through his frame not seen in the other horses.

The quintessence of all good qualities is a compact form.

The importance in the Gallop: Galloping in such regular pace and easy stride than the Prince would say his rider was able to sleeping and low.

Look for Character, that means: Courage, High spirit, Vitality and Gentleness, rather than beauty.

Quiet temper plus natural balance, gives pleasant ride.

The expression of the eyes is like a woman in love (Prince Badr)

The concept: A Family Mare.

Best horse? Black the beauty, Chesnut the speed , a small leggy Grey mare, Happiness and Prosperity – and Good Luck!!

Walk to sedate, Gallop, long and slow.

Above all my recommendation is to devote great care to broodmare their backs are seats of honor and their bellies are inexhaustible treasures (Ammo 1834)

Paradise on earth is found on the back of a good horse, in the story of good books or between the breasts of a woman (a Thales)

Those who forget the lessons of the past are condemned to repeat them.

Buy or Hold proven mares, no age.

Behind every great horse is an excellent mare.

Make a honest look.

Blue blooded mares, up to 12 so in special care and number not out of hand, near a river, out form the road use only a half of land rest or give to local farmers, stable the mares and yearlings, all mares comes in different sizes , sire to each individual, create your own family roots, have a little luck.

Nicks, the statistics analysis of failures are included??? False propaganda.

Dosage index, Darley Arabian too??

See the Power, size ribs and great forelegs.

Create a quality control method with constant improvements, like new info knowledge about genetics and technological advances

Upon this all will test on a clever and important measurements of all individuals to intent to purchase.

Measurements / Class Pedigree Aptitude Conformation.

It’s a process with unique quality individuals that are similar in size, temperament aptitude and class. Regularly all classic horses come from this.

Old saying: Its pedigree tell us what an animal ought to be and its performance tell us what “appears to be” but its progeny tell us what an animal is.

Birth date, conformation and an extraordinary second mare.

Hear everybody around like grooms, trainers in this order, ask for extraordinary behavior (rest, eats, jog temperament in and out the works or the training field)

Find clues as a great heart over lameness or gallop like on a wheel chair or wildlings to fight.
Its not enough to be good one must do it in the right way.

Aging and Genetics:
Sperm divides itself 33 times a year, over 3 decades, about 660.
Changes molecular structure, reason why the gray hair appears.
Best mares produce between 5, 6 and 7 year of age.
Most production between 5 to 10 years of age, Seatle Slew (5+4/ 9)
No great mares more than 17 to 30 in combination with the age of the sire, examples Forego (6+11), Cigar (8+7) Seabiscuit (6+6) Ribot (11+10)
Sire of Sires Average: 7.6+8.4 or 8.6+7.4
Northern Dancer (6+3) Sadlers Wells (19+5) Storm Cat (4+6)
Bayacoa, 6+9
Paseana, 5+9

Be objective and win

2008-02-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

After understanding that there are no possibilities of playing polo and winning a match without a correct management of your horses, which includes their health and their training conditions, it’s necessary to advise about a correct and objective examination of your playing level and style.
We know for certain that in other horseman sports, like show jumping or dressage, it is necessary to find a precise and exact combination between the rider and his horse to create the first step toward success.
Many problems come with a misjudgment of this principle, apart from the waste of time and money , an important risk of life to those who are in the disadvantage not knowing all risks that polo playing involve.
Horses are not machines nor motorcycles, and it demands a great deal of riding ability to play the sport. Remember that the Argentine polo players start from their childhood to ride and play polo with the Argentine older polo horses of their families who, with the knowledge of their age, care for the wellness of the new riders. So if you are starting to play polo look for these kings of polo horses that are also cheaper than the ones that polo players have for sale.
Another important issue, if you are a non professional polo player but with some years of practice, is that you already know about your ability and your better strokes. This will take us to the next step: once knowing the principles of the game and your skills, complement them with the horses that can improve your game, not otherwise. Your horses have to understand what you need from them, so they must be trained according to this, and not only with the same manual that is available for all in the Argentine Polo Breeders web page.
For those few that are in the professional segment, my suggestion is to understand the new trends that the Argentine “Abierto” is showing from last year’s champions, in a few words: horses with greater acceleration, immediate response in short turns (training factor) for a short time of use, and above all a quick readiness to play them again in following chuckers. The game is not frequently open (large strokes and runs) because the present games played are more positional, with the possession of the ball by the more gifted player, as in basketball, and around him the rest of the players play a positional game with a side by side challenge with the adversary team, opening gateways or paths for its teammate, the holder of the ball. This way of playing needs a great deal of ability from the player and bigger horses that can posses more structural volume and also more muscular form to follow this trend and playing needs. This is the reason why Argentine breeders have been including for more than a decade TB stallions like Southern Halo and other TB stallions with sprinting abilities to their polo Argentine playing mares.

Beware of the Aging factor

2007-12-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Following with the importance of the Argentine TB in the current Polo Argentino horses, due to the new techniques of reproduction some precaution must be taken in the use of aging mares in these process. There are some indicators that show that aging mares are not given their same genetic information that in the precedent years due to the factor of aging. A quick explanation can be given in the human experience, when aging gray hear appears commonly as the result of a lack in the transference of genetic information of the new hear due to the constant duplication.
In TB horses the facts are there, and show that there is a very little possibility to have a more than good offspring from these segment. I will be back with the facts in my next posts.

From the list of horses playing the 114th Argentine Open Championship

2007-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

This analysis is only related to the existence of TB blood in the list of polo horses playing in the Argentine Open, not opening any argument against Polo Argentino (PA) blood lines, its stallions nor its mares. My opinion is based just in the appreciation of the facts.

I do not intend to say that TB stallions are better than a PA stallions, both are extremely good for Polo, so I will try to anticipate the trends in Argentine polo breeding ,which in my opinion was very well oriented, but now has the need to define the next steps, talking only in the positive complementation with the actual TB blood available in Argentina.

Right at the top of this pyramid are the well known Argentine Open Polo Horses which played, that make a world of difference due because to the fact that there are only 8 teams that can play it, and because the excellence in all parts of the organizations they belong to is shown in their training and shape. All these horses touch their peak of performances in this tournament called “Abierto de Palermo” or simply “Palermo”.

As mentioned, the importance of the TB is great in the PA lines. Geographically talking the Argentine Open is played just across the avenue where Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo Racetrack is placed, where, from words of the Argentinian polo commentators in ESPN deportes (some images can be seen at www.espndeportes.espn.go.com in Spanish only, look for ”Otros deportes” label, then look for the images in “Videos” button) when these incredible horses do there sprints during a match, they refer to the proximity of the racetrack as the place where they should belong.

Some more images, photos and a short video can bee seen at My Buenos Aires Travel Guide site.

Back again I will start with the remarks of the new list of polo horses playing on the 2007 Open or “Abierto de Palermo”:

As seen in the last years the same trends are still active and strong , sons of:

PA : El Sol, Sportivo, Pucara, Polo Nevadito, etc.

TB : Southern Halo, Four Fingers, Rainbow Corner, Lode, Salt Marsh, In Class, Capo Maximo, etc

They still command the presence of the active stallions and broodmares sires, showing that they are still vigorous, providing the speed for today’ s polo. The abilities of the polo players are incredible, only they can play this polo (and nobody in the world could do better than them). What I saw as an improvement was a more modernized organization, that tunes up their horses for the Argentine Open with the tournaments played before like Hurlingham and Tortugas, so as said before the horses reach their peak in performance in this championship.

All sizes and colors are seen in the field, tending to a little heavier muscular body and a little taller than the previous decade (mallet no. 51), but with very harmonic proportions (the most common thing between them and very important issue to be taken into account as breeders!) -bone and muscle composition .

The consolidation of a TB sire named River Slaney (Irish River in a Mr. Prospector mare) opens a new line to stabilize the trend commonly used by polo breeders for horses from Haras La Quebrada farm (TB farm) -in sires or broodmare sires (Southern Halo, Rainbow Corner, Señor Pete, Luhuk, Mutakddim, etc.). This trend came because the foundation of the farm was made from small muscular mares from good Argentine TB families matted to American TB with sprinting stallions brought by the farm decades before.

Following with the search of new TB sire lines I found a very interesting one in Lord Hailey (USA) looking for a very good TB Sire and broodmare, very muscular type. He is also a complement to the Southern Halo sires lines, and he also transmits good conformation (polo sizes) and no bleeding problems to his herd , but unfortunately he died a couple of years ago, but fortunately left several mares with his genes.

Another TB sire to be complementary to Southern Halo lines (Perugino, Optimum, etc) as well for the Mr. Prospector line (as Sportivo, etc) is found in Candy Stripes (Blushing Groom- dead a couple of years ago), a great sire and broodmare sire in the Argentine TB breeding, sire of the Argentine 2006 World Champion TB Invasor and broodmare sire of the most extraordinary race horse I have ever seen, named Candy Ride – this last standing now in the USA as TB Stallions.

Future incorporations of TB mares to be made by Argentine PA breeders by type and conformation: Candy Stripes, Raid the Rails, Roar, Lord Hailey, Festin.

I extremely recommend the purchase of the 2007 Annual Review of the Argentine Polo Horses Breeders Association, because of its information, photos of the winners of the best horse prizes of all Argentine tournaments, and interviews as the one given by Mr. Hector Barrantes in the Annual review no. 3 (1989), about the breeding and training of polo horses, another interview given by Mr. Miguel Novillo Astrada (polo Player and breeder, at present 10 goals Hcp), talking about his polo organization, and a conference about genetic, organization and horsemanship in the breed of Polo horses in Argentina given by Mr. Gonzalo Pieres ( ex polo Player - 10 goals Hcp , now PA breeder and one of the most important words in Polo today), and Mr. Horacio and Marcos Heguy (present Polo Players- 10 goals HCP and PA breeders), that make a must read issue if you are in the breeding of Polo Horses from any part of the world.

About breeding horses

2007-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

First of all, a few words about the principles of breeding. Sport horses are not machines, and they are not bred like cows. They are animals with an ability to play a sport/ to jump/ to run. This ability is the most important trait they have, it is a gift that can be stronger or weaker, but it is posed from day one and could be exploited by a well organized enterprise with clear decisions and knowledge of the greatness of this quest.

The Coram says that "heaven is granted to those who care and feed horses", and after years of reading from different sources I came to these conclusions that I hope could be useful to those who find their heaven between horses in this activity.

Once the main activities are defined the next step will be to find the people that could help to find the foundation of the organization, the mares without which it is impossible to start breeding (obvious, isn´t it?). But it´s not that easy, it depends on different issues where the investment could be a limit but as significant as in other activities. Great breeders like Tesio found great mares from dormant mare lines at cheap prices. It all depends upon the knowledge of whom is looking, like going to a flee market, but you have to fish where you know the fishes are, or someone tell you so. In other activities, like in the petroleum exploration, you can determine different ways where to look for oil business, where nobody is looking or where the analysis (geologists) says that could be, or where it´s already known as well exploration. These guidelines can also be used when you are looking for mares. You can find great horses in incredible places, like the story of one of the foundational sires of the TB “Godolphin Arabian”, (brilliantly written by Marguerite Henry in “King of the wind”), in which the horse was found carrying a two wheel chaise in England. This was a real story, and things like these happen. For years Argentine polo players sold horses to their patrons all around the world, so there are some very good or extraordinary polo horses lines somewhere next to you (!), mostly in England, USA, France or Australia.

In the search of non expensive polo horses, near the great cities of Argentina you can find polo horses raised by countrymen or “peones” that provide the best for the Argentine middle handicap polo players. They are found in not a great shape due to the inexpensive way they are raised, because this is done by people who work in activities related to polo, like tamers or “domadores”, and also by grooms, named “petiseros”, that work for the polo breeders or players . Their main source are criollos mated with TB stallions (most of them coming from the Cuadreras, similar to quarter horse races ) or PA stallions (registered or not, some young PA stallions given away because of conformation problems) That was the origin of the Argentine polo ponies. They give personal care and attention to these homemade horses because their pride is to see them later in great hands of well known polo players, and because if they sell them it means an extra in the family income. These horses are very well educated from their break in/tame, due to the many man-hours of teaching on them by their owners, that sometimes also do these same activities.

From Argentine Open Championship 2006

2007-08-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I took a deep look into the 2006 list of horses of each polo team that competed in the 2006 Argentina’s Open Championship, finding again links to the Argentine TH in the Stallions and/or Broodmare Sires published in it.
As told in my previous post there is an important percentage of TB in the polo horses breed, now registered as “Polo Argentino”.
This list can also inform about the current lines of success in the breed in Argentina. In my opinion the sires are from some different sources: first, the Successful and Proven Argentine TB Sires or Broodmare Sires , second, the Very good TB Racing Horses but with poor sire success and third, the Polo Argentino proven sires strains.
From the First list I can name these Great proven TB Stallions and/or Broodmare sires: Southern Halo, Egg Toss, Lode, Logical, Salt Marsh, Fitzcarraldo, Liloy, Good Manners, Farnesio, Laramie Trail,
TB Stallions: Search Tradition, Rainbow Corner, Four Fingers, Cinco Grande, Sonus, Catskill, In Class, Bombazo Toss, Potomac, Nicodeme, Rutilin, Crown thy Good
You can also find sires like Secretariat, Irish River and Damascus in this list.
From the second List, Great TB Racing Horses: Ultrasonido, El Serrano, Capo Maximo, Louvre, Metz.
And finally from the third List Registered Polo Argentino SIres: Pucara, El Sol, Polo Nevadito, etc.
I will be coming back to this lists and explain the positive side of each list in the Argentine Polo breed. I will also list the previous years too.

Clues in the market

2007-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

After a deep analysis of the stallions registered in the last annual review of the Argentine Polo Association (2006), a very important portion (over 65%) are Argentine Thoroughbreds, this give us an idea about the importance to understand where the trends go. These Stallions come from different Studs/Farms but mainly from the Haras La Quebrada (TH Farm). This is because enormous success of one of their stallions named Southern Halo, this stallion marked the TH bred in Argentina winning consecutively the best stallion award from 1994 to 2001 and 2003, as also the broodmare stallion award for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Consequently all Argentina breeders went in this direction too.

He transferred to his herd speed ability (up to 8 furlongs but 6-7 furlongs the most), and they won several important stakes (338).

One of his fault as TH stallion is transmiting bleeding (lung problems) that can be sized with the use of Lasix.
Another fault is that none of his sons can equal his extraordinary success.