Polo de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo took on a whole new complexion when the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club launched its 113th season with the 12-goal Lucid Motors Pope Challenge, a hotly-contested match between Antelope – led by Grant Palmer, whose father Geoff is a L.A. real estate tycoon – and Budweiser beer heir Andy Busch’s Folded Hills team, with Andy’s team narrowly winning 11-10.

Under sunny blue skies, the stands and field-side cabanas were full as the exquisitely groomed ponies and their dashing teams showed off their talents.

“It couldn’t have been a better kickoff,” enthused club manager David Sigman. “Perfect polo and perfect weather!”

And with Montecito resident Prince Harry signing on for a polo documentary on Netflix, how long before the Duke of Sussex graces the hallowed Holden Field – named after the late Glen Holden, one of the club’s founders and former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica – in order to film content for his project?

Stay tuned….