By Liz Leamy
Last Sunday, the rain cleared up and the sun came out as the talented and skilled players of Audi and FlyHouse, both equine and human, went head-to-head against one another in a high-energy four-chukker exhibition match in which the former, headed by the iconic Mariano Aguerre, edged out the latter, 9-8, at the Greenwich Polo Club.
This lively showdown was memorable on all counts as virtually all of the spectators, totaling nearly 3,000 individuals, applauded and cheered for teams all afternoon with players describing this match as first rate in every regard.
“It was really wonderful and the crowd was great,” said Christophe Landon of Audi, owner of Christophe Landon Rare Violins Inc. based in New York City who is a prize-winning violin maker, expert restorer and international dealer in instruments and bows, as well one of the popular mainstay players at the Greenwich Polo Club. “The field was amazing too and everything went very well.”
Aside from the polo, another golden takeaway of the afternoon was to see everyone having such a grand time watching the match along the sidelines whether sitting in the grandstands, or relaxing at one of the giant tents, cabanas, lawn tables or on blankets.
Meanwhile, during the 10-minute halftime, hundreds of people traversed onto the massive Conyers Farm polo field to stomp the divots while also enjoying the music of string musicians, courtesy of Christophe Landon, who played some amazing pieces of music.
Conclusively, hundreds of spectators and supporters also attended the buoyant awards ceremony held at the conclusion of the match.
“The Greenwich Polo Club represents excellence and class and also the association of sport and art,” said Landon, whose team, Stradavarius, was one of the formidable five highgoal entries in this year’s East Coast Open. “It’s an incredible place.”
Throughout the afternoon, scores of people could also be seen teeming around the grounds behind the grandstand either visiting the extensive lineup of food vendor trucks and retailers there, including the ever-Greenwich Polo Shop with its ever-popular Greenwich Polo Club merchandise, among other things.
“It’s been so busy, as it has been each week. This is an incredible place and all of the people here are amazing. Everyone is having such a good time,” said Mark Steinberg, co-owner with his brother, Michael Steinberg, of the Trail Network merchandise company based in Port Chester, New York, who are partners of the Greenwich Polo Club and proprietors of the Greenwich Polo Store. “We have a lot of friends here and always make new friends. It’s great.”
Others agreed.
“It’s amazing here. I love the atmosphere, the spirit of the people and how lively the game is,” said Alice Ho of New York City who was attending her first-ever Greenwich Polo Club match. “This is my first time here and it’s been a great experience. There’s so much to explore as well with all the different food trucks and retailers. There are so many options.”
Another standout of the match was the stunning parade of beautiful fashions worn by everyone, a variable that reflects so muc of the gold-star brand and reputation of the Greenwich Polo Club, with this collection of eye-catching ensembles featuring bright-colored, beautifully cut dresses, light-hued khakis and slacks, sharp-looking blazers and enticing hats, among other things.
At the same time, the vastness and pastoral beauty along with the incredible art on display at the Greenwich Polo Club are also much of what has come to define the unique and golden experience there.
“It’s been great to be here. To see all the people, the size of the field and this match has been amazing,” said Pamela Benet of Boston who was also attending her first-ever match at the Greenwich Polo Club. “The huge sculpture across the field (‘Untitled (Big Clay #3)’ by Urs Fischer located next to the Brant Foundation Art Study Center) is just so beautiful.”
The 2025 high goal season at the Greenwich Polo Club will wrap up with the Greenwich Cup sponsored by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. based in New York City on Sunday, September 14th. (Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. will be celebrating Barbados Day that afternoon as well.)
For more information, please visit the Greenwich Polo Club website at: www.greenwichpoloclub.com
