Cambiaso, Laprida and Jornayvaz comply
As today’s play concludes, Valiente have ridden out the winners against Emlor in their second match of The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. The match was a close affair, with Valiente leading the charge despite valiant attempts from Emlor to narrow the scoreboard. The match was a little disjointed in places as Emlor missed some key penalty chances and as the final bell rang out, Valiente took the match with a 9-5 score.
Prior to the match, the polo world was alight with controversy regarding Adolfo Cambiaso, Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida and Rob Jornayvaz’s choice to flout the 2018 helmet ruling from the Hurlingham Polo Association on Saturday 12 May. As the teams took to the field today, all eyes were peeled to see whether the three players had complied. A large HPA contingent was in attendance (including Chief Executive David Woodd and Assistant Chief Executive Ollie Hughes), ensuring the new legislation was adhered. The Valiente players seem to have fallen in line with the 2018 HPA Helmet ruling. Furthermore, Cambiaso was seen sporting a new Armis helmet, approved by the HPA, in his trademark Argentine colours which have been his signature look for the last 15 years.
With this decision, we hope this ‘helmetgate’ episode will now come to an end and mark the beginning of a great UK high goal polo season with players, patrons, clubs and officials able to work together harmoniously towards a common goal of safe and enjoyable sport.
The Prince of Wales Tournament will come to a head this weekend, with the Final taking place at 3.15pm on Saturday 19 May, in which Valiente will take on the winner of Thursday’s 2pm penalty shoot-out between Monterosso and Emlor.
Photograph: Adolfo Cambiaso, Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida and Rob Jornayvaz all conformed with the 2018 HPA Helmet legislation in their second Prince of Wales Trophy match at RCBPC. Courtesy of Armis Polo