March 4 - 27, 2005
26
Goal
Named for Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, who along with his brother
John Hay Whitney, were important polo patrons in the 1930's. Son of
Hall of Fame patron Harry Payne Whitney, C.V. was an active
competitor with 3 wins in the U.S. Open (two of them against his
brother), and a renowned owner and breeder of Thoroughbred race
horses.
More on the 2005 tournament coming up.
Last year over 2,500 spectators turned out to watch a high-energy,
thrilling championship match of the prestigious 26th annual C.V.
Whitney Cup polo tournament at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
March 23, 2004 -- Under clear blue sunny skies, an appreciative
champagne-sipping season-high 2,538 spectators turned out to watch a
high-energy, thrilling championship match of the prestigious 26th
annual C.V. Whitney Cup polo tournament Sunday at International Polo
Club Palm Beach.
The title game featured the only two American 10-goal players in the
sport _ Mike Azzaro of Catamount and Adam Snow of Bendabout. Azzaro
and Catamount came out on top, winning 10-9.
The day's activities began as more than 300 guests enjoyed a
delicious pre-game buffet in the air-conditioned Grand Marquee,
catered by The Breakers. More than 150 members and their guests also
dined in the club's private restaurant, the Mallet Grille, and
poolside under umbrella tables.
The on-field festivities began with the parade of polo players to
midfield, led by 13-year-old Maggie Boyle carrying the American
flag. Lou Galterio of Boynton Beach sang a spirited version of the
national anthem and Bettina Walcher of Gaggenau gracefully handled
the pre-game coin toss.
The club's now traditional halftime champagne divot stomp continued
as four HUMMERS, the official vehicle of International Polo Club
Palm Beach, raced onto the field to dispense the bubbly and a large
crowd gathered near midfield to watch a splendid performance by the
Palm Beach Pipe and Drum Club.
During post-match ceremonies, Catamount received gift bags from
presenting sponsor Gaggenau, spurs from John Goodman and
International Polo Club Palm Beach as well as the prestigious
Whitney Cup, presented by Whitney Tower and Susie Humes, nephew and
niece of the tournament's namesake, C.V. "Sonny" Whitney. Bendabout
also received gift bags from Gaggenau as well as bronzes, presented
by Whitney Tower.
Lee Robinson of Cunard presented the MVP award to Mike Azzaro of
Catamount, who scored nine goals and finished as the tournament's
leading scorer with 38 goals. Robinson also presented the Best
Playing Pony award to Azzaro for the outstanding performance of his
horse, Godiva.
Thirteen teams entered the tournament, which was a prelude to the
Stanford Financial Group _ 100th U.S. Open Polo Championship, the
most prestigious polo tournament in North America. The tournament is
named in memory of Cornelius Vanderbilt "Sonny" Whitney, who along
with his brother John Hay Whitney, were important polo patrons in
the 1930's. The son of Hall of Fame patron Harry Payne Whitney, C.V.
won the U.S. Open three times (twice against his brother), and was a
renowned owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.
