USA, Mexican teams vie for trophy at polo matches - Sept. 20-21

IF YOU GO• What: Polo matches• When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 (gates open two hours before matches)• Where: Bendabout Farm, Highway 11, McDonald, Tenn.• Admission: Free (donations will be accepted for 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe on Sunday)• Phone: 423-479-1645• Website: www.Bendabout.com

photo Gillian Johnston, who will lead the Bendabout Farm team in this weekend's polo matches, is the highest-rated woman player in USA high-goal polo.

Another round of polo matches at Bendabout Farm is scheduled this weekend, weather permitting.

Spokeswoman Kay Hutcherson says the weather cooperated beautifully last weekend, and the forecast is good for the final matches.

This weekend's matches, to be played at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature an all-USA team playing an all-Mexican team, competing for the Bendabout International Cup. Hutcherson says this is the second year of competition for the trophy and "promises high-goal at its very best between two evenly matched teams."

The USA team will be led by Bendabout Farm's Gillian Johnston, the highest-rated female player in USA high-goal polo. Her team also will include Julio Arellano, one of the highest-rated players in the sport. The Mexican team will consist of four equally high-rated players who have competed successfully on an international level at the most prestigious tournaments, Hutcherson says.

The Bendabout International Cup from the Museum of Polo in Wellington, Fla., was put back in service last year at these international matches at Bendabout Farm. Originally donated to the museum by polo enthusiast Helen Boehm, the trophy is considered a crown jewel of the museum. A work of art in its own right, it was designed by English silversmith Paul Storr in the 1800s. Last year's winner was Team USA, whose names were engraved on the based. This year's winner will have the same honor.

The feature match on Sunday will benefit the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe. Polo matches between Bendabout Farm and the 6th Cavalry stationed at Fort Oglethorpe date to the 1930s. While admission and parking are free both days, representatives from the museum will be on hand Sunday to answer questions and accept freewill donations.

Bendabout Farm is in McDonald, Tenn., just south of Cleveland on Highway 11. Signs will mark the entry. Folding chairs are welcome, and there will be additional bleacher seating this year.

For more information, including whether weather will affect the schedule, call 423-479-1645 or visit www.Bendabout.com.

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