8-9 MAR 2020 -- JAMIE LEADS "OLD TOWN ROAD" TO VICTORY
Khun Robin invited SPP to send a team to the Patron's Cup at Polo Escape this year. There were 2 teams on the field, and we had one good rain about a week before, so the field was perfect. The Old Town Road team gave Polo Escape team 2 goals to start, and the first day was very pleasant polo. There was a nice asado in the evening, and we all got to meet Chris the PE team captain. Saint Nic wanted to win this tournament so badly, for some reason, that on Day 2, he started yelling at every player on his team... and the umpire. When the dust settled, the Old Town Road boys barely held on to their lead and the Patron's Cup was lifted by SPP Patron Jamie.

FEB 2020 -- THAILAND WINS ALL ASIA CUP
The All Asia Cup was held this year, and Thailand won. When the All Asia Cup was started, it was founded on the basis that (1) All horses would be pooled equally and selected out of a hat. (2) The umpires would be completely impartial. For the first 2 meetings of the All Asia Cup, this format was followed. Thailand won a thrilling final to the First All Asia Cup, and Indonesia won the Second All Asia Cup with a total of 8 teams competing. This tournament was seen to be the most transparent and fair of any polo tournament in Asia. After the second All Asia Cup, the format was changed to include "Patron Horses" for some of the teams. Thailand has won every All Asia Cup since the introduction of "Patron Horses," and this year only 6 teams entered the tournament.

17-18 JAN 2020 -- WWF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE CUP A ROARING SUCCESS
This was one of our most successful tournaments so far this year. We had 4 teams on the field (2 other teams wanted to come), so next year, we will have 6 teams. Every single game was a nail-biter, winning by only one goal or ending in a tie (leading to penalty shoots from the 30 yard line). The competition was fierce -- as fierce as endangered animals can get. The entire staff of WWF Thailand came down to watch the final -- including the WWF Panda himself. There was some fantastic play to watch. Khun Nat -- The Ice Bear -- was neutralized by the Black Rhinos before the game by breaking his right thumb to bring him back down to 2 goals. The Snow Leopards brought everything to their match but were stunned by the Siberian Tigers. Olivier emerged from a taxi 2 chukkas late, and proceeded to play 4 chukkas worth of polo in only 2 chukkas and was responsible for 2 late Rhino goals. On the final day, we saw a brilliant match for survival between the Polar Bears and the Siberian Tigers. It was still tie at the final bell. Then the Ice Bear Nat finished it off on a penalty shot to claim the Giant Panda. We would like to thank Saint Nic for an incredible Fireworks display that he organized for Saturday night. The TPA did an outstanding job supporting the event. Even Khun Pink was there to make sure the Mitavite was in good supply. The asado was mouth-watering, and to top off the event, our resident hero Shilai Liu arrived on the scene to celebrate his victory of TANG-KING POWER over B.GRIMM at the 14 goal Thai Open. It just doesn't get any better than that. Saint Nic and the TPA presented Khun Duangkamol, Khun Nudhi, Khun Nudchada, and the panda a check to support WWF THAILAND and Khun Duangkamol shared with us the exciting programs that WWF is working on in Thailand. Khun Nat the "Ice Bear" announced that Sao Lao was 2.5 months pregnant. Khun Tsu is years ahead of Nat and brought "Tsu-2" to the polo field. This tournament brings attention to some of the wildlife in the world that are under the threat of extinction and promotes the cause for their survival. We started this tournament years ago with WWF, and it was very popular. Rest assured, the Endangered Wildlife Cup will return to the Original & Ancient Siam Polo Park next year to support WWF in their valiant effort to conserve wildlife in The Kingdom of Thailand.

17 JAN 2020 -- TANG LEVELS B.GRIMM AT THAI POLO OPEN
The Tang Polo Team with King Power horses stopped the B.Grimm team cold on Saturday in the final at the 14 goal Thai Polo Open with a score of 8-7. The best playing pony was from King Power. The Chief Gummer of the Tang team was ecstatic and came to celebrate at SPP during a delicious asado and fireworks display arranged by Saint Nic for the Endangered Wildlife Cup.

25-26 JAN 2020 -- CNY CHALLENGE AT POLO ESCAPE
This Chinese New Year, we will see a lot of low goal action at Polo Escape. Khun Robin has a large number of visitors coming in to learn the finer points of the game of polo and to hone their skills. Robin is putting on the Chinese New Year Challenge to inspire her young students and get the Chinese New Year off to a good start.

JAN 2020 -- DAVID KO TAKES THE REINS OF KOREA POLO CLUB
There are some changes in the Korea Polo Scene. Long time enthusiast and friend of JB Lee is now taking over the club for the next cycle. JB Lee is the pioneer of polo in Korea and he built one of the most beautiful clubs in Asia and with 2 polo playing sons was leader of several Korean Polo Teams to the All Asia Cup. Now, it is time for him to step back and let the next generation carry the ball. David and JB were recently in Thailand to play in the Tri-Nations Cup, and their performance stunned everyone. Vast improvement across the board, especially with David becoming a thinking player with excellent skills. David is planning to increase the exposure of the club in Korea and around the world. We suggested that he should hold the Miss Universe Korea Competition at the club, and his reply, "why not!" Lots to look forward to as we keep our eyes on polo in Korea and the Korean team at the All Asia Cup.

4-5 JAN 2020 -- CHINA CLAIMS "TRI-NATIONS CUP"
The Tri-Nations Cup was back in full force with some great display of improvement from two of the teams. Korea was on the field with JB Lee, David Ko, Hannah Banana, and Jerry. They were amazing. David was not missing a single ball. JB was carrying the ball down field. Jerry was putting goals on the board, and Hannah Banana stunned the crowd with her exceptional play. They quickly dispatched the USA team on Day 1. The China team was very well mounted with some Axus support. Shilai and the commander of Fast Fish had tremendous support from TianJin and Inner Mongolia. Their game with Korea was a nail biter and the destroyed the USA team. On Day 2, however, there was a change of jersey on the USA team. Suddenly, the Black Dog team was back. Korea had a hard time once they saw this, and China was struggling to hang onto their 2 goal lead. Then Shilai had a brilliant and valiant charge down field drilling the ball through the goal posts to claim victory for China. Excellent officiating from Saint Nicolas and everyone was thrilled with the Asado on Saturday night. The Bach-a-mann graced us with his presence on Sunday along with Jessica and thousands of other fans. There were no memos exchanged during the tournament.

The Final between USA and CHINA

7 JAN 2020 -- B.GRIMM TAKES DOWN CHINA
Shilai was on high after his victory at Tri-Nations when he rode onto the field at B.Grimm Thai Polo on Tuesday. By all accounts, it was a well-fought match, but the Thai Team under Dato Link carried a 2 point victory after superior play which saw them in the lead throughout the match and to the bitter end.

10 DEC 2019 -- HONG KONG & CHINA WILL TRAIN AT SPP
Justin Lau from Hong Kong has been training over the weekend and this coming week at SPP. He is visiting with his friend from Hong Kong Jockey Club. A team of several ladies from Hong Kong also will be training with Saint Nic throughout the week. Then on Friday, 8 single young ladies from China will come to sample the prowess and beauty of Siam Polo Park for a single day. They are on a whirlwind journey of all 4 polo clubs to see which is most suitable for them. Saint Nic has called in the service of his fellow gaucho from Tianjin and all corners of the globe to assist with the Friday training lessons for China with the POLO RED BOOK.

21-22 DEC 2019 -- 137 PILLARS ACTION RETURNS TO POLO ESCAPE
Polo Escape hosted 4 teams over 2 days, and King Power claimed victory. This was a very high profile event played at 4-6 goals to the fine and honored tradition of hospitality and fine cuisine up in Chiangmai at the 137 Pillars Hotel.

7-8 DEC 2019 -- THE BONES WIN THE FATHERS DAY CUP AT SPP
Graham and Kelly Bones flew in from Toronto with their hired gun Marco Foccacia to up the level of competition at SPP over the weekend. There was a "post it" memo from TPA attached firmly to the trophy presented to the winning team. The action was fierce for 2 days of play. Jamie was hitting fantastic drives drives up front for the pink team, but the combined pressure from Kerry and Graham on the blue team was just too much for pink to handle. The weather was perfect, with fresh cool air flowing down from the North after the Typhoon passed over Philippines. There were 2 asados on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday was a hornito, and the Sunday was the real deal. This gave the Bones lots of time to share stories of their faithful "no eyed" dog back on the farm in Canada, and to share stories from their time at Singapore Polo Club. Flaca and Carolina showed up with their clutches of young gauchos in tow, and Saint Nicolas gave everyone instructions on how to join Instagram and send Whatup messages to each other. A very fun weekend of polo for all -- https://www.instagram.com/siampoloparkpattaya/

25 NOV-10 DEC 2019 -- MALAYSIA WINS SEA GAMES POLO IN PHILIPPINES
The SEA GAMES 2019 polo action returned this year to Philippines. Four countries were taking part -- Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Brunei. The Thailand team who first started polo in the SEA games decided not to participate. Apparently, Peter Yabadabadoo was flying back and forth from Malaysia to Philippines and the handicap was first set for 4-6 goals, then went up to 7, then back to 6, and perhaps even up to 7 then back to 6 again. The Thais didn't like this indecision, so after buying a fleet of new horses for the tournament to fly over there, they canceled. Singapore has also said that they will not be making the tournament this year. Brunei was on brilliant form after flying all their horses in from Brunei, and they captured the Bronze after a thrilling battle with Indonesia with Prince Bahar scoring the winning goal. Gold went to Malaysia (for the Third consecutive time in SEA Games Polo History), and Philippines captured the Silver (their first medal in SEA Games polo action). We have heard that all the action took place at Mikee Romero's field and Zobel field (about a 3 hour drive from Manila).

23 NOV 2019 -- ST. REGIS POLO GENERATIONS CUP IN SINGAPORE
Pat Furlong from Colt's Polo in Singapore has arranged a 4 team polo exhibition match on this weekend. Pat is focused on training young players the art of polo. He has about 140 active students at his facility in Singapore. This event is to promote polo and get more young players into the game. On 23rd November we have the St. Regis Polo Generations event -- The first family polo event in Singapore. The event will be at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre https://www.stc-ridingcentre.com/ -- Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre,
1 Equestrian Walk, (Off Woodlands Avenue 3), Singapore 737863 -- MAP
They expect 400+ people on the day. For more information -- patrick@coltspolo.com
 

15-16 NOV 2019 -- SIAM POLO PARK WINS THE GENTLEMAN'S CUP
Khun Tal made a sudden appearance to join the Gentleman's Cup, and he was on form. This was the first Gentleman's Cup ever to be held in the Kingdom of Thailand, and Tal's Siam Polo Park was hungry to claim it. We had 3 teams on the field. Black Dog had been resurrected by the Pope's envoy Saint Nicolas himself after 5 years of oblivion, and they did not take this sitting down. Maple Leaf appeared for the first time from Singapore, and they startled everyone with their French Canadian prowess. There was a fantastic asado on Saturday night, and Nicolas Pieroni gave a riveting speech, followed by Khun Tal, thanking everyone for coming and supporting the tremendous makeover of Siam Polo Park -- the first and most beautiful polo club in Thailand.

Olivier & Woodward take flight	The Pope blessing Saint Nicolas before he takes command of SPP
Damian going under the neck	Khun Tal about to Hammerhead Monsieur Olivier
Gentlemen Maple Leafs first time at SPP	Barthe executes a Neck for Olivier
Ed showing us his Gentleman's Socks	Black Dog trying to decide which horse to ride
Khun Tal demonstrates to David how to "gently take it around"	James cordially passing Ed in pursuit
Saint Nic & Khun Tal preparing their "Gentleman's Speech"	The Gentlemen enjoying a meal after the match
A gentle nudge from Saint Nic	The Gentleman's Photographer Khun Toy

SEP 2019 -- NEW POLO MANAGER AT SIAM POLO PARK
Nico Pieroni has been appointed Polo Manager in charge of the first and most beautiful polo club in Thailand -- SIAM POLO PARK. His appointment comes directly from Khun Tal, and he will report directly to Khun Tal and Khun Top. We had a brief chat with Nico, and his vision for the club is a "Fun & Learning" Polo Club for beginner players to come and learn the game. Nico has spent the past three years instructing polo in Singapore, and playing in medium goal tournaments, and he is keen to promote the club and bring it back to life. His wife Flaca, is also a keen enthusiast of Polo and will be organizing some culinary specialties for polo players "apres polo." If you are keen to learn polo, or if you are passing through Thailand and want to play some friendly Club Chukkas, then email NICO -- nico@argentinapolo.com

LA TAQUERIA "NEXT" -- POLO STICK REPAIR SHOP OPENS AT SPP
There is a brand new polo stick repair shop at Original Siam Polo Park. Damian Marco has opened this shop under the command of the Siam Polo Park manager to help players repair broken sticks and to outfit them with new sticks. To our recollection, this is the first time that we have ever seen a dedicated polo stick repair shop at the club. Damian also has some other polo items in his workshop, so stop by if you need some stick work or want to buy a new stick.

COMING THIS SEASON -- "POLO CLUB CAFE" @ SPP
The breaking polo news this year will be the grand opening of the POLO CLUB CAFE at the old and original Siam Polo Park near Pattaya. We are currently waiting for the "memo" to be approved, but the idea has been well received by the commanders at King Power. The idea is that after polo practice or weekend chukkas or weekday lessons, the beginners and visiting players can sit and look out over the field with a nice cup of coffee, or perhaps a hot dog or sandwich. This will be a GIANT STEP FORWARD for Polo in Thailand. Flaca is chomping at the bit to get cracking. If you have any ideas... Send her a "memo."

OCT 2019 -- NEW POLO CALENDARS UP
We have received the polo calendars from B.Grimm and Polo Escape, and they are up on the Siam Polo News Calendar for the 2019-2020 season. Nico is working on the polo calendar for SPP, but he is planning 4 low goal tournaments for this year. One of the first tournaments on the 15-16th November will be the "Gentleman's Cup" -- an invitational to the original resident polo players in Thailand. It may be a bit slow, but will be historic nonetheless. We also hear that Nico may be bringing the newly formed Hong Kong Polo Team to the club. We now have the last polo calendar dates from TPA with the VSSC tournaments. -- View latest calendar

FEB 2020 -- NEW DATES FOR ALL ASIA CUP
We have heard that the ALL ASIA CUP is back in action this year... Last year, the TPA said that it would be rotated between different countries in Asia, but now, it seems it is back in Thailand. There is a rumor that there will be 10 teams in the All Asia Cup. The dates have changed and now it is going to be in February. The TPA is handling this one, so we will let you know anytime we hear any news. Nico Curto will be bringing the Indonesian Team up to Thailand to practice 2 weeks before the tournament to get the guys acclimatized and ready. Indonesia is the only other country that has ever won the All Asia Cup other than Thailand. This is why people have come to respect the All Asia Cup, because in it's beginnings, for the first two playings, it was seen to be completely fair -- as all the horses were put into a pool and drawn equally out of a hat, the dates of the All Asia Cup never changed, and the umpires were completely fair. Let's see how it goes this year under the TPA.

4-5 APR 2020 -- SONGKRAN CUP RETURNS TO SPP
This is without doubt one of the most famous and dreaded tournaments in the Thai Calendar. We have not seen it for a number of years, but this year, the Songkran Cup is Back!!! This is the last event of the Thai Polo Calendar and it will be a big one. Of course, this is only a "practice chukka" so we don't have to draft a memo, but rest assured this will be big. It is hot and the competition is fierce, but win or loose, there is no greater feeling that dumping an entire trash can of ICE water on your defeated opponent...! Don't miss it. If you want to join, book early with Nico -- nico@argentinapolo.com This is your chance to see Edward practicing his nearside... All new players are welcome to join this fun cup.