Polo’s biggest star set to wow the crowds at Ham
When the chance comes along to see the Argentine Adolfo Cambiaso play polo, women across the city race to the field. Widely considered the most gorgeous man in sport, the Jaeger-LeCoultre model is also one of the most talented (he used to model more but rumour has it he found it too boring). He summers at a 100 acre farm near Windsor – extensive retinue and horses in situ for the European polo season. And tomorrow he plays at Ham Polo Club, at Argentine steak restaurant Gaucho’s Sunset Polo event.
The Brits (and our royals) know a thing or two about polo spirit here, but in Argentina it approaches religion. To get to the top of the top makes you a big-time national celebrity. And Adolfo is the top. The very top: in fact, he’s universally regarded as the world’s best polo player.
By age 13, Cambiaso was winning prizes on the field. By now, there isn’t a polo trophy that he hasn’t won. He has led his teams to victory in seven Grand Slams, including five British Opens. He holds 31 Master Cup titles including the Argentine Open and US Open, 15 titles in the World Polo Tour Cup and six in the Challenge Cup. In the 1998 Argentine Open scored a record-making, gobsmacking 67 goals. He currently plays for Dubai.
Note to the ladies, he’s lovingly married to model and TV presenter María Vázquez (they have three kids). Ah well. At least there’s the polo.
What do you think of our weather?
It’s refreshing to be back in England, the weather is always good to me when I’m here, let’s hope it holds out for Sunset Polo.
What’s the key to your massive success?
You have to have a special relationship with your horse, the horse is 70 per cent of the player, and I have the best horses in the world.
Why is Argentina the land of polo?
The most important tournaments in the world at club level are played in Argentina – it’s part of our culture and history. Polo is an integral part of the Argentine way of life.
You play for Dubai when in England. Why so?
Sheikh Ali Albwardy asked me to play back in 2001, it gives me an opportunity to play in Europe between May and July we base ourselves in Windsor. My family always travels with me.
How has polo changed since you started?
International polo has changed so much over the years. Back in Argentina we play with passion and for the love of the sport – in England there is a social element to polo that draws a different demographic but it’s still great fun to play at London’s most prestigious polo clubs.
You are raising money for your charity at the Gaucho Sunset Polo day, right?
Yes it’s a wonderful charity called Ideas de Sur, helping under privileged families and children. It’s my passion. Sunset Polo at Ham Polo will be my only UK charity event this year.
What do you eat to stay energised? Is it different in England versus Argentina?
I have close knit group of friends who travel with me – the Asado is a way of life in Argentina, so we try to recreate that here although it’s difficult when the sun doesn’t come out. Argentine beef is the best beef in the world.
You are the man behind the polo-inspired clothing range La Dolfina – why do polo and fashion go so well together?
There is a certain grace and elegance in the sport of polo and hopefully this style can be reflected into fashion.
POLO FASHION | GET THE LOOK
Polo fashion is one of the hottest looks among the country set. To attain that particular laid-back yet moneyed style, there are a few options. Ralph Lauren, perhaps the most famous, is your classic polo lifestyle brand: a world where summer is a verb. It’s very US, very Hamptons. Polistas is the choice of the royals. It’s teamed up with Veuve Clicquot in the past: very shooting set meets south of France. For the younger set, Jack Wills is the absolute final word in polo fashion: it sponsored the Varsity Polo match earlier this summer – a number of brands are trying to replicate Jack Wills. La Martina offers Argentine elegance in polo wear and Hermes, of course, is the original equestrian brand. In the Paris store you can still get fitted for a saddle. Get yourself a horsey scarf or belt and off you go.
GAUCHO SUNSET POLO | WHAT’S ON & KEY FACTS
July 1, 12-11pm, day tickets from £10. The fun includes have-a-go polo sessions, junior polo games, a tutored wine tasting by Gaucho’s head sommelier and a Gaucho asado (Argentine grill). The day culminates in professional polo tournaments, including a tense final featuring Cambiaso. In the evening, Gaucho will host a glamorous party with live electro-tango music. Guests can bid for money-can’t-buy prizes in an auction to raise money for Cambiaso’s charity, the Ideas del Sur Foundation. Gaucho’s Club G Lunch and Polo Experience costs £100, which includes a 5-course lunch at Gaucho Richmond, transfer to Ham Polo Club via golf buggy, free glass of champagne, wine masterclass at Ham Polo club and access to the Veuve Clicquot champagne lounge. (All profits to go to Cambiaso’s charity). gauchorestaurants.co.uk