Hello Monaco magazine Winter 2018 - issue HM02 | Page 126

PARTNER EVENT Monte-Carlo Polo Cup – 5 years of success The Monte-Carlo Polo Cup excites residents and visitors alike, bringing an aristocratic spirit to the Principality. The championship, which started 5 years ago with the support of the Monte-Carlo Polo Club and the patronage of Prince Albert II, is now bigger and more spectacular than ever. It is the «wow factor» that draws the audience. Everybody wants to see not only a ‘show’ in the guise of an independent polo game, but also a combination of exciting events that are inseparably linked to the tournament. Hello Monaco was there for it all and deliver you the highlights. ENG T Francesco Mitrano, president of the Monte-Carlo Polo Club (Président de la Fédération Monegasque de Polo) 124 / Hello Monaco – Winter 2018 he end of September in Monaco is electric with anticipation for the Polo Cup and everyone was ready to plunge into this atmospheric event. Held from 28 September to 1 October throughout Monaco and nearby areas including Domain Vire-Vent, in Peille, there were numerous festivities. There was a period parade of the «modern knights of polo» in historical Casino Square; the catwalk of the «Ladies in Hats», the Gala evening and even the awards ceremony for the winners. But it’s clear the main event remained the polo tournament. Pablo Jauretche – player «Eco Estrela» team shared with Hello Monaco the tensest moments of the game and some interesting facts about the game of polo: «Our team Eco Estrela won, but it was a very tough game. Our captain Franchesco Mitrano was injured as the game was pretty tense but despite of doctor’s recommendations he continued to play. But it’s ok for us, as professional players we are used to this. Four teams from Monaco, Italy, and France took part in the competition, and all of them performed really well: Monaco — «Eco Estrela», Italy — «GFG» (Groupe Financier de Gestion), France — «Rampoldi» (Rampoldi restaurant, Monaco) and Russia — «CP Capital». Personally, the Monte Carlo Polo Cup was something that I enjoyed very much, as the atmosphere here is always amazing. For me it’s not only about the polo game itself, it’s a complex mix of many different events that were created here by the organisers. For me the key point of the Polo Championship was the parade at the Casino Square; I was very excited as it was just great!».