Equestrian Stylist spent the weekend in Miami Beach, Florida attending the Maserati Miami Beach Polo 2012 events. The event was set next to the ocean on the sand between 20th and 22nd streets on Miami Beach from April 26-29th. More than 12,000 people attend the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup over the four days each year. The tournament attracts professional polo players from as far as Russia, Switzerland and Malaysia, as well as the very best from South America to compete for the La Martina trophy.
Day one consisted of the Women’s Polo Cup events featuring some of the top-ranked female riders. Team Heys USA won the 2012 Maserati South Beach Women’s Polo Cup which consisted of riders: Ceclia Cochran, Diana Jack, and Alicia Harden.
Day two consisted of the kick-off Mens tournament. The Maserati team (Lance Vetter, Wesley Finlayson, Guille Usandizaga and Facundo Obregon); Raleigh team (Bash Kazi, John Gobin and Gringo Colombres) and the team from Yellow Cab (Simon Garber, Juan Monteverde and Kris Kampsen) all scored opening wins on Friday, April 27th.
Day three surpassed my expectations with the party scene in full-force by Saturday. The Maserati VIP tent was full of enthusiasm with live music, delicious Brazilian steakhouse delicacies, and cheering polo fans. Even with a few clouds in the air, energy from the fans concluded this was a a show worth staying for, regardless of weather.
Please view the gallery images below from the daytime polo matches. Photography credits to Jonathan Brownfield and Ashley Cline.
After the daytime matches were finished, the extravagant parties continued through the evening with a player unveiling and kick off party at the Raleigh Hotel, a private event at the Setai Hotel for a Bulgari/Maserati exclusive North American product unveiling, and the final night, a red carpet arrival ceremony at The Perry Hotel in South Beach. Meghan Walsh, daughter of TV personality John Walsh (host of America’s Most Wanted), showcased her “Blank Silk” line of Indian-inspired evening wear.
The weekend was full of watching fast-paced games of polo with running ponies kicking up sand, delicious food and drinks, and fancy celebrations in Miami Beach. If you enjoy great company and a high-energy sport, this prestigious polo affair is definitely one not to miss in the next coming years!
