One of polo’s most glamorous dates has been moved. On 5 October the organisers of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz announced that the 2021 tournament will be postponed by a full year, to 28 to 30 January 2022. It had been due to take place at the end of January 2021.
The reasons
The Board of Directors said the decision was based on the pandemic and on figures from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. They also cited their responsibility to visitors, partners, players, staff and volunteers, and several practical problems: uncertain travel freedom and frequently changing entry and quarantine rules, which made planning very difficult, and a general reluctance among guests to book. In short, they felt that the event could not be staged in a way that did justice to it.
- Old dates: end of January 2021.
- New dates: 28 to 30 January 2022.
- Reason: the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty it brings.
It is sad news, since the tournament has become such a popular start to the polo year, with record crowds in January. But it is a sensible decision in the circumstances, and one that gives everyone, from the ponies’ grooms to the sponsors, a clear plan.
French season ends at Chantilly
There was happier news from France. On Sunday 4 October, Sainte-Mesme retained the French Championship in the six to eight goal division, beating Omédia Paris/Black Mamba 9 to 8½ at the Domaine de Chantilly Polo Club. The final, which traditionally closes the French grass season, was moved to Chantilly because rain had left the usual venue at Bagatelle too worn.
Sainte-Mesme’s team was Robert Strom (four goals), Birger Strom, Louis Jarrige (two goals) and Victor Louarn (three goals), a team the report describes as one hundred per cent French. They started behind by a goal and a half and won with a decisive 60-yard penalty from Robert Strom at the end. On the other side, the Argentine Nacho Kennedy scored all seven of his team’s goals, and Charlotte Garaud was the only woman in the final.
Fourteen teams entered, six from the Paris zone and eight from Chantilly. That is a healthy turnout in a difficult year.
Polo has had to adapt this year, and the St. Moritz postponement is another reminder of it. We will be looking forward to the snow in 2022.
Sources: POLO+10, Snow Polo St. Moritz, POLO+10, Sainte-Mesme
