The Oak Brook Polo Club Defeats Centtrip Wales Polo to Win Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup

Oak Brook Polo Club hosted its third and final match of the 2018 International Polo Series on Sunday, September 9^th by defeating the Centtrip Wales Polo Team in a four chukker bout to win the prestigious Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup 7-5.

Despite the weather forecast, hundreds of spectators came out to welcome HRH Prince of Wales’s polo team back to Oak Brook. Performing “God Save the Queen” was Celtic Piper Christopher Coomes followed by the U.S. national anthem by tenorChristian Kerr & violinist Cara Schlecker.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s “International Cup” was inaugurated in 1986 when the England Team, captained by Prince Charles, played against Oak Brook. Today, HRH The Prince of Wales serves as patron of the Wales Polo Team that was comprised of RickyCooper (captain), Roderick “Roddy” Matthews, Peter Webb and Niall Donnelly. Oak Brook’s team, led by team patron and captain Jim Drury included Mariano Gutierrez, Tomas Obregon and Horacio Onetto.  Todd Rackley and Jack Murphy served as officiating umpiresand Rob Wilkinson as announcer.

The first chukker got underway with the traditional ball roll in. Matias Obregon (substituting for Tomas Obregon) was the first to score for Oak Brook followed by Onetto.  Webb would score one for Wales to close out the first chukker 2-1,Oak Brook.  In the second chukker, Onetto would be the first to score with Donnelly from Wales answering to end the first half 3-2 in favor of Oak Brook.

After an entertaining and festive divot stomp, the second half of the match got off to a quick start. Wales’s captain Ricky Cooper scored first followed by Webb to take the 4-3 lead over Oak Brook. Oak Brook’s Gutierrez and Obregon wouldanswer back with their own two goals to reclaim the lead and end the third chukker 5-4. In the fourth and final chukker, Obregon would expand Oak Brook’s lead to two before Webb answered back to bring Oak Brook’s lead back to one. Gutierrez would score thelast goal for Oak Brook to end the match 7-5.

Nicholas Vangel presented The Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup to the Oak Brook Polo Team.  “Best Playing Pony” was awarded to, Gin (owned and trained by Derek Berg of Black Berg Ranch) presented by Monica Gully of Barrington Saddlery, and “MVP” went to Peter Webb of Wales. Illinois State RepresentativeDeanne Mozzachi welcomed the Wales players on behalf of the state of Illinois while gifts were presented to both teams from Ogilvy Saddle Pads, Ted Baker London and Newcastle & Strongbow beers.  A special presentation featuring an autographed jersey was givento Karl Muarer and his son Dominic for their friendship, support and dedication to the Oak Brook Polo Club and Team.

2018 marks Oak Brook Polo Club's 96th season as one of the nation's oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. Once considered the “polo capital” of the world Oak Brook was the destination for AmericanPolo players and enthusiasts.   www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.