It’s Chukka Time

After a two-week lull, Santa Barbara Polo Club’s high goal season launched in luxurious style with the Ferguson Robert Skene Trophy tournament, the local bath, kitchen and lighting gallery hosting a fieldside lunch featuring Petrossian Beluga caviar and Lanson vintage champagne – founded in 1760 and holding a Royal Warrant from the time of Queen Victoria.

Other co-sponsors of the splendiferous repast a tiara’s toss from the rustic clubhouse, included Christofle, the top French silverware company, and Gaggenau, manufacturer of top-notch kitchen appliances, with catering by Westlake Village’s Made In Italy. 

Both matches were closely fought, with Justin Klentner’s Klentner Ranch team narrowly losing to Grant Palmer’s Antelope team 14-13, and La Karina cruising to victory against Mokarow Farms 11-8.

When I worked for the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail in London, I would enjoy going to top Mayfair hostelry Claridge’s when Lanson would take over the ballroom with free-flowing bubbly and serve a delightful concoction known a Black Velvet; half champagne and half Guinness.

Among those enjoying the too-too tony kickoff were Alan Nierob and Steph Mcinnis, Ramona Silva – who I last met at the late Cat Pollon’s 70th birthday bash in Marrakech – and Johan Gyllenkrok, Jacob Bledsoe, Thiep Cune, Christopher Klapp, and club manager David Sigman.