Top-class matches at Schloss Ebreichsdorf

Bentley Vienna wins the top-class Austrian Polo Open 2017

The Austrian Polo Open (8-10), the sporting and social highlight of the Austrian polo season, once again more than lived up to its legendary reputation as a top-class tournament with international participation and a varied supporting program. High-class matches in unfortunately extreme weather conditions, good and bad luck with extremely close results, opera stars who were enthusiastically cheered on by the audience, and clowns from the charity organization Clini Clowns, who tried to make children smile, characterized the two match weekends in the magnificent castle park of Ebreichsdorf.

The parade of all the players, led by impressively gleaming vehicles from main sponsor BENTLEY WIEN that perfectly matched the castle backdrop, was, as always, the highlight of the final day for spectators and players alike. A photo opportunity that could hardly be better. The first highlight of the final day were the matches for places 3, 4 and 5, which were played between the Szigeti, Wyhnalek and Hämmerle teams. Wyhnalek, under the as always brilliant leadership of Horacio F. Llorente, was constantly challenged to break through the attacks of Martin Magal and the effective defense of patron Christoph Kerres of Hämmerle, but to no avail. Hämmerle remained unchallenged and, boosted and energized by his well-deserved victory over Wyhnalek, managed to prevail against Szigeti and secure 3rd place despite the excellent performances of pros Fernando Mino and Edgardo Llambi. The eagerly awaited final between Bentley Wien and Happy Horse promised to be an incredibly high-class duel between the experienced pro Santi Marambio and the 20-year-old highly talented "rising star" Bautista Bayugar.

Unfortunately, the increasingly heavy rain prompted the tournament organizers to cancel the match and decide the winner by a penalty shoot-out (30 and 40 yards). A decision that was quite rightly made in the interests of safety for both ponies and players. Now it was time for the two patrons of the respective teams, Robert Kofler and Manu Boni (Bentley Vienna) and Renate Seidler and Dieter Ehart (Happy Horse), to hold their nerve. Amid loud cheers, Bentley Vienna managed to secure the coveted title and celebrated with a champagne shower. Robert Kofler also received the award for best amateur player. The prize for "Best playing pony" also went to Bentley Vienna with "Complot" by Santi Marambio.

After a highly acclaimed singing performance by two Viennese opera stars, an extremely successful tournament came to a crowning conclusion - despite the pouring rain in the meantime - and with Bentley Vienna a deserving winner, who consistently played at an incredibly high level throughout the tournament. The social aspect was also traditionally taken into account and a generous donation was made to the Clini Clowns.


Winning Team: BENTLEY WIEN


Santiago Marambio, Robert Kofler, Marcelo Caivano, Mani Boni


2nd place: HAPPY HORSE


Renate Seidler, Ignacio Brunetti, Bautisty Bayugar, Dieter Ehart


Most valuable player: Robert Kofler (Bentley Vienna)


Best Playing Pony: "Complot" by Santi Marambio (Bentley Vienna)


3rd place: HÄMMERLE


Martin Magal, Felu Beguerie, Christoph Kerres, Octavio Olmedo




Text: Margit Kotrosits


Photos: (c) Poloclub Schloss Ebreichsdorf