On Sunday, June 4 a new kind of season kicked off for Long Islanders, polo season. Despite the rain outside, social members and guests remained dry in the VIP tents as the Jaguar vs Land Rover Challenge began, kicking off the official gate opener at Bethpage State Park.
The grey skies above were a solemn reminder of a man that was missing. Jerry Napp, the voice of Bethpage Polo at the Park for decades, and an intricate part of the the polo community, had lost his battle to cancer some brief months before. Led by equine extraordinaire, Bobby Ceparano, the crowd paused for a moment of silence to remember a man loved by all who knew him. Following, the national flag was held upright as the Star Spangled Banner was sung.
South African native, Aaron Pagel, made his Bethpage announcing debut as Jaguar and Land Rover teams took to the field. Playing for the “Jaguar Polo Team” was Keith Hart, Juan Redlich, Mrnial Dasanagani and Tomas Franco; for the “Land Rover Polo Team” was Peter Holowesko, Will Tomita, Joe Meters and Toro Ruiz & Joe Meyers. With a final score of 10 – 8 going to Jaguar, the MVP of the day went to Keith Hart, also the high scorer of the match with seven goals.
Polo season runs every Sunday through October 8th. New to the 2017 season, DJ Tommy Bruno will be playing music throughout each match that spectators will hear over the loudspeakers, with a special after party in the VIP tent from 5pm – 7pm. Managing the VIP tent, along with other creative developments (such as weekly blog posts) will be yours truly, Nikki on the Daily.
In addition to music, drinks, food and extreme sports, enthusiasts can look forward to dedicated specialty days ranging from yoga on the field to Long Island Pulse Magazines cover party.
Gates open at 2pm, with the match beginning at 3pm.
Park entrance is on the corner of Plainview Rd and Manchester Dr.
To see a complete schedule click here. For tickets go here.
On Sundays we play polo!
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