Circle JB Polo Ranch in Buellton will once again open its gates to welcome guests for the third annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic on Saturday, July 19, benefiting Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP). The event will include two teams featuring several of the highest rated players in the world as well as local Santa Ynez Valley polo celebrities.
The two teams for 2014 will play under the banners of Happy Canyon Vineyards and Platinum Performance.
Platinum Performance is the two-time reigning Classic champion winning last year, 8-6, in a hotly contested battle. The Happy Canyon Vineyards team is new to the Classic this year but will feature a player familiar to Classic fans.
Local polo player, T.J. Barrack, who played for Platinum the last two years, along with the Barrack Family are organizing and sponsoring their own team this year.
“We had so much fun the past two years that we decided to have our Happy Canyon Vineyards step up as a team sponsor when the opportunity presented itself,” Barrack said. “Happy Canyon Vineyards is thrilled to support the great efforts of People Helping People in this way and embraces the opportunity to promote the sport our whole family loves.”
Mark Herthel, CEO of Platinum Performance, said that the Platinum Team will miss T.J.
“We expect to recruit a replacement player of equal caliber or better,” said Herthel with a chuckle. “We will vigorously defend our championship.”
Joel and Charlotte Baker, owners of the Circle JB Polo Ranch, are excited to once again host the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic and support PHP.
“This event is a unique opportunity to bring world-class polo to our Valley while supporting People Helping People, a nonprofit that helps the less fortunate in our communities,” Joel said. “Prior to the Classic, it had been many years since we had premier polo in the Valley available to the public. I am proud to help bring a memorable event to our community which supports a great cause.”
According to Nancy Eklund-Hunsicker, PHP Board Member and Polo Classic Co-Chair, the success of the Polo Classic is due to the collaborative efforts of local community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and generous corporate partners.
“It is a pleasure to work with so many passionate volunteers and community leaders to put on a family friendly world class equestrian event which supports a great organization that benefits those in need within our own Santa Ynez Valley community,” Eklund-Hunsicker said. “That said, as PHP serves more local residents each year, the need to expand our event grows. We hope that even more folks will attend or volunteer and that additional businesses will step up as sponsors to help.”
VIP, patron, and general admission tickets for the 2013 Classic are available online. VIP tickets which include parking and shuttle, a champagne reception, comfortable tented seating, catered lunch and a hat contest are $250 each. Patron levels which include VIP polo tickets and benefits, Private VIP Friday evening “Meet the Players” Cocktail Party and Reception, tickets to additional PHP events, PHP service sponsorships, and polo program mention are also available.
For pricing and availability, contact Marisela at maricela@syvphp.org .
General admission tickets are $10 each and $5 for children, and include nearby parking and shuttle to the field and stadium style seating close to the action. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.
VIP gates open at 10 a.m., general admission gates open at 11:30 a.m.; matches begins at 1:30 p.m. The Circle JB Polo Ranch is at 560 McMurray Road, Buellton.
Tickets, volunteer opportunities and more information are available on-line or by calling Marisela at 686-0295.
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