2011 AUDI POLO AWARDS REWARDS THE VERY BEST IN POLO
The greatest stars in polo, including Adolfo Cambiaso, Pablo MacDonough, Pepe Heguy and Sebastian Merlos, came together on the
16 May 2011 for the sixth edition of the annual Audi Polo Awards.
The event, which has become known as 'the Oscars of the polo world' is an evening where more than 400 guests come together, all of
whom are distinguished personalities in polo. Andrew Hine, director of Polofix – organisers of the Audi Polo Awards, says: "This
special annual occasion brings together the real greats of the game. There is no doubt that last season was highly thrilling – not
least with El Remanso and Enigma – two young teams who have been involved in high goal polo for just two years. But clearly there
was only one major winner who stole the show not only last season but also at the 2011 awards".
Having won both The Queen's Cup and The Gold Cup - a very rare achievement, Ali Albwardy's Dubai team swept the board taking home
four awards including The Apes Hill Most Outstanding High Goal Team. Additionally, it was Dubai's Adolfo Cambiaso, the world's
highest rated player, who was awarded The Coworth Park Most Outstanding High Goal Player with his DolfinaCaridad receiving The Kerry
Packer Most Outstanding High Goal Pony.
Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association HPA, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, said, "Last season Cambiaso came out of the blocks like
Usain Bolt and played every game as if it was a Final. It was an outstanding individual and team performance."
Rashid Albwardy added further recognition for the Dubai team by picking up The Royal Salute Most Outstanding High Goal Patron – not
surprisingly for his impressive performance throughout last season.
For the English contingent, success came in the form of James Beim, one of England's top rated players, who was awarded The Audi Most
Outstanding British Professional, and Nina Clarkin, who is not just the highest rated woman player in the UK but also the world, who
received The Pommery Most Outstanding Lady Player award.
The evenings presentations were interspersed with a number of highly entertaining acts including the hilarious Paul Zerdin, who with
the assistance of Polo professional Simon Keyte brought the house down with his spin on the traditional ventriloquist act.
Jon Zammett, head of PR for Audi UK, commented: "We are very proud to have established with Polofix one of the most significant social
occasions in the polo calendar. For the first time ever, the Awards are held in the beautiful grounds of Coworth Park in Ascot. This
could not be a more perfect venue for such a prestigious awards ceremony – one which recognises the talent of the past, the present
and the future of the sport".
Other award winners who mustn't be forgotten are Joaquin Pittaluga (The Polo Magazine Most Outstanding Medium Handicapped Player), Matthew
Perry (The Polo Agency Most Outstanding Low Goal Player) and Tchogan (The Polofix Most Outstanding Arena Team).
Achievement Awards
The Life Time Achievement Awards were introduced in order to honour those individuals who have made a lifelong dedication to the sport of polo.
This year the HPA Life Time Achievement Awards went to Buff Crisp and the late Alan Budgett.
Alan Budgett was Chariman of the Hurlingham Polo Assocation (HPA) from 1967 to1974. He played as an amateur all of his life, and never paid
anyone to play withhim. During his polo career, he won the sought after Archie David, Holden White and Cheltenham Cup with his Kirtlington
Park team, and also won The Gold Cup, a high goal tournament played in Deauville, France.
Buff Crisp never played polo himself but ran the Pony Club from1977 to 1989 very efficiently before becoming Secretary of the HPA from 1989
to 2000. He remains an elected member of the Council and is a life member of the HPA.
Judging
A total of five individuals are selected as nominees for each of the 8 categories by an Audi Awards Nomination Committee,which includes England
Captain Luke Tomlinson and other influential figures in the sport. Nominees are then voted for using an online voting system, available to Members
of the HPA, which was first introduced for the 2008 Audi Polo Awards.
The event does not just celebrate those who compete at the top level of the sport, the awards recognise teams and individuals who take part in all
levels of polo. The most successful teams at 8, 12, 15 and 18 goal level were awarded a Julius Baer Victor Ludorum Prize having each collected the
most points in a series of selected tournaments at their chosen level. From the 2010 season the winners were:
8 Goal: AFB
12 Goal: Ferne Park
15 Goal: Emlor
18 Goal: Black Bears
At the conclusions of formalities, guests moved into the Raffles after party lounge where they partied the rest of the evening away, looking
forward to another safe and successful English Polo Season.
We welcome you to join us for the 2012 Audi Polo Awards. For all enquiries and or to book tickets please email: bookings@polofix.com
