WELLINGTON, Florida – 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.

High-goal polo action continues every Sunday at 3 p.m. The polo game and a delicious Sunday brunch catered by The Breakers is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (561) 204-5687 or visiting the club’s website at www.internationalpoloclub.com. Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the game.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road, in Wellington.

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