Oak Brook Polo Defeats Red Stripe Jamaica to Win Caribbean Cup

On Sunday, August 5^th, Oak Brook Polo (USA) defeated Red Stripe (Jamaica) in its third completed match of the season, to win the Caribbean Cup 7-4. Nearly 400 spectators braved thesummer heat to watch Oak Brook lead the international championship match throughout all 4-chukkers.

The Caribbean Cup was first established in the mid 1900s to commemorate the friendship and match up between Oak Brook and Jamaica.  In 2017, Jamaica played at Oak Brook for The Drake ChallengeCup and in 2016 for the Butler International Cup.

Oak Brook’s team was led by team captain and Patron, Jim Drury (handicap-0), along with Horacio Onetto (handicap-4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (handicap-4) and Mariano Gutierrez (handicap-4). TheRed Stripe Jamaican team, represented by members of Chicago’s GoPolo and Kingston Polo Club, included Larry Aschebrook (handicap-1), Juan Martin Gutierrez (handicap-2), Lindor Novillo Corvalan (handicap-4) and Matias Obregon (handicap-4).

The event’s festivities began with a two-chukker youth polo match between Sanfilippo and DueWest Polo Teams. Captained by Lindor Novillo Corvalan, Sanfilippo included Will Mudra, Jack Maisonand James Sanfilippo. Due West Team was captained by Horacio Onetto and included Isabelle Vangel, Estella Mazzie and Grace Mudra.

Charles Cameron sang Jamaica’s national anthem followed by professional violinist Alex Rose, who instrumentally performed the U.S. national anthem.     Singer/actress Anna Palermo followedwith “America the Beautiful” and soon enough the match was underway.  The ceremonial ball roll-in was done by Sean-Pierre Webster, Business Development Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board.

The match got off to fast start with Red Stripe Jamaica getting a 1-goal handicap.  Oak Brook’s Onetto took charge and put up three goals to give Oak Brook a two point lead at the end of thefirst chukker. HIs streak would continue with another two goals in the second chukker to make the score 5-1, while keeping Red Stripe Jamaica scoreless in the first half.

Onetto put up another two goals in the third chukker, with Red Stripe Jamaica squeezing in their first goal of the match by Corvalan. Red Stripe Jamaica began their comeback in the fourth chukker,while keeping Oak Brook scoreless. Corvalan put up another two goals before ending the match at 7-4 brining Oak Brook’s record to 2-1 for the season.

“MVP honors” went to Red Stripe Jamaica’s Corvalan for his three goals and “Best Playing Pony”, presented by Barrington Saddlery, was given toMcQueen, owned by Onetto.  Trophy presenters included Heineken and Red Stripe representatives as well as Jamaica Consulate General, Lloyd Hyde, who presented the Caribbean Cup trophy. “Best Hat” winner presented by Michigan Avenue magazine went to SusanRichards and “Best Tailgate” presented by Cutwater Spirits went to Cara & Mike Holtz and Kathy & Tom Baum.  Match presenting sponsors included Jamaica Tourist Board, Red Stripe, Michigan Avenue Magazine and Land Rover Hinsdale.

The Chicago Polo Open is Oak Brook’s next match on Sunday, August 19^th at 3:00 p.m.  Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. for the inaugural “Horses & Hops” beer festival featuring ten Midwestbreweries -2 Fools Cider, Ballast Point, Brickstone Brewery, Finch Beer Co., Kinslagher, Kräftig, Noon Whistle, Revolution Brewing, Strongbow and Tangled Roots.

Tickets to “Horses & Hops” are $30 per person and must be purchased alongside a polo match ticket either together or separately at the following costs: $10.00pp for lawn seating; $45.00 per car for tailgating; $40.00 VIP.  All beer festival ticketholders must be 21 years of age and will receivea commemorative beer mug, lanyard, 12-sample punch card, free parking shuttle service, and access to food, match and merchandise areas.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, just seventeen miles from Chicago’s Loop.  For general information, tickets, event scheduling, and parking directions, please visitwww.oakbrookpoloclub.com orwww.horsesandhops.com

Photos by Time Stops Photography