By Liz Leamy
The sun was shining amidst some clouds last Sunday afternoon as scores of people, more than 5,000 in all, convened at the Greenwich Polo Club to enjoy a thrilling one-two series of matches to designate a golden kick off for the organization’s 2025 season.
This event, the Dairy Boy Polo Classic, was defined by non-stop excitement, worldclass sportsmanship and indelible great memories and featured four stellar teams, Amaro, Ronin Capital/ Ferguson, Steel Polo/IGEA and Round Hill/Thepaddocked, who faced off against one another in two separate fivechukker matches, respectively.
These matches, featuring such illustrious players as Mariano Aguerre, the iconic Museum of Polo Hall of Fame member, Kris Kampsen, the esteemed Wellington, Florida-based high goaler, Argentinian players Esteban Panelo, Santiago Llavalol and Justo Iraola and a host of other standout athletes, worked in tandem with their stunning equine charges to render a memorable afternoon of sports competition on all counts.
“Today has been such a beautiful day and I’ve loved every moment of it,” said Max Calabrese, Greenwich Polo Club team member. “It’s my first day and everything is so great. The players and horses are incredible and everyone is awesome. It’s been an experience like no other.”
Esteban Panelo, the number two player for Steel Polo/IGEA, also spoke about the great energy of the day.
“I think it’s been a wonderful day of polo here in Greenwich,” said Panelo, who, along with one of his brothers, Joaquin, are always crowd favorites at Sunday matches. “We had some rain last night, but the perfect amount to have an amazing day here at the club today. There were lots of goals and lots of people, which was excellent and also signals a great start for the season.”
At the same time, Panelo expressed gratitude for Peter Brant, founder of the Greenwich Polo Club and longtime White Birch patron, along with his family, for helping make the whole experience at the club possible for everyone.
“I have to thank Mr. Brant and his family for doing all of this for everyone because now we are part of this too,” said Panelo. “Nick (Manifold, the Australian five-goaler and longtime Greenwich Polo Club marquee player), Mariano (Aguerre), Leighton (Jordan, the esteemed Managing Director of Greenwich Polo Club), Harlan (Zeerip, the dedicated Greenwich Polo Club Director of Marketing and Events) and all the crew members also are incredible and do everything they can as well for this to all happen.”
Others agreed.
“This is a very special place here,” said John Lipman, of the Round Hill/Thepaddocked team. “This club is amazing.”
Further elevating the energy of the whole atmosphere was the presence of Paige Lorenze, an internationally renowned influencer who is the owner and founder of Dairy Boy, a lifestyle brand featuring eye-catching apparel such as loungewear and denim as well as accessories and housewares that was sponsor of the matches that day. (Lorenze’s boyfriend also happens to be Tommy Paul, the American tennis player who is currently ranked eighth in the world who was at the matches that day as well.)
Virtually all of the attendees at the match, meanwhile, also played a paramount role in regard to the wonderful atmosphere at the club on its opening day, as they could be seen sitting in the grandstand, walking around and sitting in chairs, blankets and seats along the sidelines enjoying the beauty of Conyers Farm while watching the matches, something that resonated in a big way with the players.
“It felt incredible out there today,” said Justo Iraola of Amaro, who, in playing in his first Sunday match ever at the club, was the thrilled recipient of the Most Valuable Player award for his team’s match against Round Hill/ Thepaddocked. “I’ve been coming here since I was very young to watch and support the players and it was a great experience being able to play today. It’s a great environment. The people, horses and everyone are the best and I was super excited.”
Iraola also said the presence and support of the crowd really helped motivate him.
“I was a bit nervous at first, but once I started playing, those nerves went away and turned into motivation to play well,” said Iraola.
At the same time, vendors at this event had a big presence at the matches with their wide variety of offerings such as a diverse range of food, accessories, clothes, jewelry and wellness-related items that went over in a big way with everyone there.
“I think the Greenwich Polo Club is fantastic,” said Carol Alexander of Alexander By Design, whose stunning collection of colorful bags was a major draw for the crowd. “It’s incredible to watch the players and horses who are so beautiful and fast and I’m having a great response to my bags here.”
Others elaborated about this notion.
“We’re excited to be here and be part of the action,” said Simon Yi of Manhattan, who was attending the match with Gem Manalo and their dog, Cooper. “It’s really nice to be here and enjoy the activity.”
For more information, please visit the Greenwich Polo Club at: www.greenwichpoloclub.com
