A few months back, we did not know if there would even be polo in England or how it would be played. Now, the world of polo is only talking about Next Generation's win in the Gold Cup and Les Lion's win in the Queen's Cup.
Photo by The Art of Polo
That is also what we will be talking about in this issue of CLICKPOLOUK. We make up the balance of the English season, which still has tournaments in play, but the most important ones have ended.
However, in this space, I do not want to talk about only polo, but also about journalism. Because that is what we do: journalism. The season had a rough start for polo, and it had a rough start for us. I spoke in the past about an interview with David Woodd, the CEO of the HPA, by our reporter/columnist Henri de By that caused quite a stir at the beginning of this Covid-19 polo season. However, it is our task as journalists to also inform about the authorities in polo. In the end, keeping a check on people in power, also within polo, serves us all. That is good journalism. And in doing so, there can be no doubt about this magazine being good for polo. As, I often say "time puts things back in order," and it certainly did this time!
Here we are, standing, tall, strong, and stronger than ever. Both polo and CLICKPOLOUK. Us.
An unforgettable season
Late May, early June. The English polo season is at stake. Coronavirus restrictions are beginning to ease, and after a shaky start the HPA has managed to reach an agreement with the British government on a series of protocols that would allow the game to resume. However, there are still several issues that need to be addressed.
Not every patron is willing to put money on an adventurous season. Will all the Argentine players be able to make it to England with the strict quarantine they have established here? Teams are taking more time to assemble than is desirable. Fixtures need to be moved back. Some traditions need to be broken. Even the rules have to be modified, at risk of altering the essence of the game. And the biggest issue: no audiences will be allowed at the games. Can you imagine the Gold Cup final without people invading the field at halftime in glamorous outfits and with champagne glasses hand? Can you imagine a Queen’s Cup coronation podium without the Queen?
Late August. The best part of the season is over. And it was a great one. Given all contingencies, you could not have asked for much more. And even without the irruption of the blasted Covid-19 pandemic, you could still label it as unforgettable.
Yes, there was some controversy with the low-goal seemingly being put on the backburner at first. Okay, the rule changes did not develop as expected, even though they tended to normalize as the season got along. Or at least, they started to look normal under less than normal circumstances. For sure there were things that could have been managed better.
Photo by The Art of Polo
We have seen the emergence of a new generation of polo players, as Bartolomé and Camilo Castagnola won a high-goal title for a second year in a row and played all three 22-goal finals. We have seen the birth of a new dynasty, as Adolfo Cambiaso won the Gold Cup with his 14-year-old son, Poroto and what a player he is! We have learnt that there is a new generation of English youngsters with a great future in polo if they decide to pursue it. We have witnessed the Pieres, the Cambiasos, and the Castagnolas all raise their trophies. What matters the most, we have seen amazing polo, hard fought games, and electrifying finishes.
The 2020 English season will be one that nobody, not the players, nor us fans, will ever forget.
Photo by The Art of Polo