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Historic 40-Goal Dream Game Continues Its Fantastic Run
on Saturday, Feb. 18 at International Polo Club Palm Beach
By YA Teitelbaum
February 10, 2006

WELLINGTON, FL – Mike Azzaro is looking forward to it, maybe more so than the others, since he’s been the only player to compete in all of them.

Eight of the world’s best polo players, each a 10-goaler, will participate in the annual Outback 40-Goal Challenge on Saturday, February 18 at 3 p.m. at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The event benefits the Polo Players Support Group, which was formed after the initial 40-goal game in 2000 to raise money for 8-goaler Rob Walton who was injured in Malaysia.

“It’s like an All-Star Game,” said Azzaro, a 10-goaler since 1994 who has played in the previous five 40-goal games since Rob Walton’s injury. “It’s great to give a show for the fans. It’s definitely a special occasion.”

Crab Orchard, sponsored by high-goal patron George Rawlings, will feature Javier Novillo Astrada, Agustin Merlos, Mike Azzaro and Mariano Aguerre. Bombay Sapphire will feature Adolfo Cambiaso, Pite Merlos, Miguel Novillo Astrada and Carlos Gracida.

Bombay Sapphire defeated Crab Orchard 8-7 last year at International Polo Club.

Cambiaso, who at the age of 17 in 1993 became the youngest 10-goaler in the history of the sport, is generally acknowledged as the No. 1 player in the world. His acrobatic style has earned him the distinction as “the Michael Jordan of polo.” He was MVP of the 2004 game, in which Crab Orchard defeated Bombay Sapphire 14-10. He missed last year’s because of illness. His best friend, Lolo Castagnola, filled in at the last minute and was named the MVP.

This is only the second time that International Polo Club has hosted two 40-goal teams and only the 10th time that two 40-goal polo teams have played each other in the United States. Previous matches were held in 2000 and 2002-2004 at Royal Palm Polo in Boca Raton and in 1990 at Empire Polo Club in California. There was also a 40-goal match in 1975 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as three Generosity Cup games in Palm Beach County.

“We’re honored to host a game of this magnitude and quality,” said John Goodman, founder of International Polo Club Palm Beach. “Having the best players at the best club is a natural fit for everyone. It will be incredible to watch.”

Proceeds from the gate, a VIP dinner as well as a silent and live auction benefits the Polo Players Support Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) which was created to provide financial assistance to seriously injured or ill polo players or grooms. Among the players who have received financial help are Rob Walton, who was an 8-goaler and was injured in 1995 when playing in Malaysia, and Justin Pimsner, who was injured in a truck and trailer accident near Saratoga, New York in late August of 2002.

Major sponsors include Outback Steakhouse, Bombay Sapphire, Crab Orchard, Carrabba’s, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Polo, Brown Distributing, Bessemer Trust, Polo Gear, The Tackeria, Lady Walton Cookies, Salvatore Ferragamo, Catena Watches, The Morning Line and Kendall Jackson wines.

Individual tickets are $10 for general admission bleacher seats, $50 for terrace seats and $100 for a reserved box seat. A limited number of tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the game.

There is already a waiting list for the $2,500 VIP package, which includes reserved box seats to the game and a table of eight at the post-match dinner sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s.

For ticket information, call International Polo Club Palm Beach at (561) 204-5687.