By Liz Leamy
Last Sunday, the Greenwich Polo Club launched its 2021 season in high-octane fashion as thousands of spectators convened at this famous bucolic sports facility to watch the kickoff of this year’s inaugural East Coast Bronze Cup high-goal tournament, making for an atmosphere of great excitement, energy and optimism.
Right from the outset on this sunny and warm June afternoon, the electricity in the air was palpable as Palm Beach Equine faced off against Level Select CBD in fierce and formidable fashion, with the former team claiming victory over the latter, 11-7.
Throughout the entirety of this match, these two high-octane teams staged a dramatic competition, roaring up and down the massive Conyers Farm field on their powerful charges with the ferocity, speed and focus of top world-class athletes, much to the delight of the spectators.
For the players, it was all about getting out there and doing their job in order to accrue all-important points in this esteemed annual 16-goal tournament.
“It was a good match today and everyone was strong out there,” said Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine Clinic. “We are focused on playing well here in this tournament and it is wonderful to be at the Greenwich Polo Club. It is one of the most wonderful places in the world and everyone is so nice.”
Throughout the entire first half, both teams went neck and neck in regard to points, keeping the score tied.
In the fifth chukker, however, Palm Beach Equine Clinic (a veterinary medical organization dedicated to the health of horses based in Wellington, Florida) surged ahead of Level Select CBD, racking up a three-point lead over their opponent at 9-6.
In the sixth and final chukker, Palm Beach Equine further increased their lead over Level Select CBD to wind up at the top of the leaderboard 11-7.
According to the players, this was a memorable afternoon in all regards.
“It was terrific to be out there today and it was a good match,” said Andrew Gundlach, who played the number-one position for Level Select CBD in conjunction with his 17 year-old son, Max Gundlach. “I had a lot of fun playing on the team with my son and it’s great to be here with my whole family.”
Gundlach’s sentiments seemed to reflect the mood of so many of spectators at the match as well.
“This is the first polo match I’ve ever been to and I had no idea what to expect. The whole experience has been amazing and I’ve had so much fun,” said Giyeon Choi, a nurse who works at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, New York and who traveled from Queens to attend this game. “It’s been incredible to watch the horses run and see the teams play. Everyone here is so friendly and I definitely want to come back.”
Certainly, the horses, who, for decades, have been the standout stars at this celebrated venue, wowed the crowd with their speed, power, agility and playing intelligence.
In this match, Coquito, the stunning dark bay gelding ridden and owned by Gringo Columbres (for more than five years now), the highest-ranked high goaler of this match, was named Best Playing Pony. (Constancio ‘Costi’ Caset, the talented up and coming Argentinian five-goaler, meanwhile, was named Most Valuable Player.)
“These are world-class players and horses that we have an opportunity to see in person and it is all because of the Greenwich Polo Club,” said Carolyn Dempsey Arcuri, who lives in Greenwich with her husband, Gino and their three children, Sherlynn, Tigin and Sam. “The Greenwich Polo Club is so unique to Greenwich and is very special to the town and the whole surrounding [New York and Connecticut metropolitan] area. This organization has brought world-class polo to our backyards and it is part of Greenwich tradition.”
Eusi Skeete, Director (USA) of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., whose New York City-based company has been a partner with the Greenwich Polo Club since 2017, said it was wonderful to be back at this renowned destination again.
“It is so exciting to be here today and it is great to be back. So many people are having such a good time and it’s just a wonderful experience all around,” said Skeete, whose Barbados Tourism cabana area is always a main stopping ground for spectators at the Greenwich Polo Club matches. “The people here are incredible and that, along with the [high-goal] level of polo, are what make the Greenwich Polo Club is so special and unique.”
The players echoed a similar narrative.
“I love Greenwich and it is so beautiful. Everyone is great here and playing at the Greenwich Polo Club is something that is really special,” said Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine. “Thank you Greenwich.”
*The East Coast Bronze Cup Tournament will run through Sunday, June 27th.
In addition, the Greenwich Polo Club will host a live DJ who will play music, along with its ever-popular asado (Argentinian barbeque) every Sunday following the matches.
For more information, please contact the Greenwich Polo Club at greenwichpoloclub.com
