Superstar Adolfo Cambiaso to Compete at International Polo Club Palm Beach
in 22-Goal Season with Russ McCall’s New Bridge team

International Polo Club Palm Beach enhanced its reputation as the premier polo club in the United States when 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso of Argentina, regarded as the world’s best player, committed to playing for the upcoming 2006 season.

Cambiaso, in 1993 at the age of 17, became the youngest 10-goaler in the history of the sport. The five-time U.S. Open champion turns 31 on April 14.

Cambiaso will play for New Bridge La Dolfina, which is also competing for the first time at International Polo Club. Russ McCall, an Atlanta businessman who co-owns the New Bridge Polo Club in Aiken, SC, is the patron. He and Cambiaso will be joined by 9-goaler Matias Magrini of Argentina, who co-owns New Bridge Polo Club, and a fourth player, who has not been announced.  

McCall, who played in the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup in Aiken with Cambiaso and Magrini, is excited about the upcoming season at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

"It's the ultimate polo in the United States,” said McCall. “If I don't play now - I never will.”I've never had a team with the potential of two of the greatest players (Cambiaso and Magrini). Who wouldn't want to get on the field with those guys?  It should be great.”

At least 20 high-goal teams are expected to participate in part of the 2006 season, according to International Polo Club polo manager Jimmy Newman, improving the club’s status as the most competitive high-goal club in the country. Among the world’s top players expected to play during the 22-goal and 26-goal seasons are 10-goalers Mariano Aguerre, Javier Novillo Astrada, Miguel Novillo Astrada, Mike Azzaro, Cambiaso, Carlos Gracida, Marcos Heguy,Bautista Heguy, Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres, and the Merlos brothers – Agustin, Pite and Sebastian – as well as 9-goalers Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Lucas Criado, Paco de Narvaez, Memo Gracida, Eduardo Heguy, Lucas Monteverde, and Adam Snow.

 There are 11 10-goalers in the United States and at least 10 are expected to play at International Polo Club in 2006, said Newman.

“With the amount of teams and great players, this new era of high-goal polo is continuing,” said John Goodman, founder of International Polo Club whose Isla Carroll team won the prestigious 2004 Stanford Financial Group U.S. Open title. “The club has been accepted by patrons and players internationally and our continuing mission is to make the sport accessible to everyone.”

International Polo Club Palm Beach opens its third high-goal polo season on Sunday, January 15 at 3 p.m.

Celebrities, politicians and socialites have often been seen at the club during its brief two-year history, including award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones (who is patron of the San Saba team that plays regularly at International Polo Club), Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Star Jones, Stephanie Seymour, John Walsh, Ethel Kennedy, Argentine supermodel Lara Bernasconi, actor Patrick Warburton (“Seinfeld”), Miami Dolphins’ All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor, Stefanie Powers and golf legend Bernhard Langer.

International Polo Club Palm Beach will host five high-goal tournaments over 15 weeks, including three 26-goal events, the highest-rated tourneys in the United States. The 26-goal tournaments are the Hall of Fame Cup, the C.V. Whitney Cup and the U.S. Open Championship. Peter Brant’s White Birch won all three events in 2005.

The 2006 high-goal polo season includes the following tournaments:

• Joe Barry Memorial Cup, January 15-29 (22-Goal)
• Ylvisaker Cup, January 27-February 19 (22-Goal)
• Hall of Fame Cup, February 17-March 5 (26-Goal)
• C.V. Whitney Cup, March 3-March 26 (26-Goal)

• Stanford Financial Group U.S. Open Polo Championship, March 24-April 23 (26-Goal)
International Polo Club Palm Beach will host the following series of events every Sunday, including Opening Day, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

• During the Roederer Estate – Champagne Divot Stomp, guests are invited to join in the stomping of the divots on the field at halftime while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne…a unique twist to the game’s tradition. The Roederer Estate bubbly is often brought to midfield by unique modes of transportation.

• After the post-match Trophy Presentation, guests are invited to meet the players for autographs and pictures.

• Visit the 7th Chukker, a friendly watering hole that features an antique wooden bar and a plasma screen TV, immediately following the awards presentation. The 7th Chukker is a fan favorite where polo enthusiasts can meet and mingle with the polo players and other fans.

• Children’s Play Area, including a bounce house, face painter and other activities.

• Vendor Village, located at the entrance to the stadium, includes booths selling a variety of merchandise for polo fans and non-equestrians alike.

The Palm Beaches and Wellington have long been polo’s international winter home. Most of the world’s best players will participate in an impressive series of tournaments at International Polo Club Palm Beach, which attracts numerous glamorous guests and celebrities. The public facilities include a state-of-the-art stadium with seven world-class polo fields, each spanning an area larger than nine football fields, as well as viewing stands and elevated box seating for more than 1,300 spectators.

Corporate partners play a large role in the success of the club. Major sponsors for the 2005 season include Stanford Financial Group, American Academy of Hospitality, Bombardier Aerospace, Celebrity Cruises, HUMMER, Ritz Carlton Palm Beach, Barclay International, Bessemer Trust, Catena Watches, Gaggenau and Mitchell Peck Jewelers.

The polo matches are open to the public. General admission for the Sunday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach is $10 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or tickets, please visit the club’s website at www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.