Chukkers and Champs at Will Rogers

The final match of the 2009 polo season at Will Rogers State Historic Park could not have been scripted any better. Like a scene from a Hollywood movie it was decided in overtime and when the mallets were put away and the saddles taken to the barn Perennial Financial Services had defeated Jennifer Lowe, mortgage broker, 11-10, in a thrilling championship game of the 17th annual Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce Polo Tournament. Honorary Mayor Gavin MacLeod, Chamber President Ramis Sadrieh and current Mr. and Miss Palisades Wyn Delano and and Sabrina Giglio, were among those who participated in the Throwing-in of Ball ceremonies. Then, it was time for players and their mounts to take the field. “It turned out to be a wonderful day,” said the Chamber’s Executive Director Arnie Wishnick, who estimated close to one thousand people came to watch. “It was one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had. Everyone had a great time, ate plenty of food and saw some great polo.” The 4-Goal game pitted resident pros Domingo Questel and Ernie Darquea against each other, with Questel leading Perennial Financial Services and Darquea leading the Jennifer Lowe, mortgage broker side, which built a seemingly insurmountable four-goal lead late in the third chukker. However, Questel tied the game on a penalty shot with 14 seconds left in regulation, setting the stage for teammate Bill Davis’ game-winning goal–his fifth of the match–with 5:27 left overtime. There was a reversal of fortunes this year, as last year’s 4-Goal champion Body Inspired Fitness won the 2-Goal trophy this year and last year’s 2-Goal winner Perennial won this year’s 4-Goal championship. “That was probably the most exciting championship game I’ve seen in the 15 years I’ve been calling the Chamber Tournament,” announcer Al Epstein said. “The fans were really into it. I have so much fun doing the play-by-play. I’m sad to see the season end.” Other team sponsors were Anthony Marguleas at Amalfi Estates, Pacific Palisades Lions Club and Sanda Alcalay at Sotheby’s International Realty.