10,000 spectators attended the second White Turf Sunday races on the frozen lake of St. Moritz and bet 73,444 Swiss Francs. The main race staged by the trotters was won by Mask du Granit with Laurence Kindler in the sulky.

The second White Turf race Sunday was predominated by the trotters. At the BMW Grand Prix of Pontresina, Mask du Granit was able to compensate for last Sunday’s bad luck when Jean-François Johner’s protégé was disqualified because of a faulty pace. This time, though, everything went well for the gelding. Driver Laurence Kindler took the lead from the very beginning with Mask du Granit, pulled away from his rivals on the opposite side and finally won by two lengths in front of Nocéen di Digeon (driver Claudia Koller) who had almost caught up by the end. The third place went to Oscar de la Rouvre (Caroline Huguelet).

At the second trotting race, the GP Allegra Passugger, it looked as though the team Kindler/Johner would land another hit but finally Subtil Peccau had to be content with second place. The victory went to Sonate de Bono, driven by Armin Koller and trained by André Humbert, following a strong final attack.

The Skikjöring race was extremely exciting, as last Sunday’s winner Bergonzi, driven by Fadri Casty, was challenged by Mombasa lead by Adrian Von Gunten at the Grand Prix Credit Suisse of Silvaplana. Finally Mombasa came out on top after a superior race and pushed Bergonzi to the second place of honour.

Weipert (Erich Bottlang) came third. It was the first victory for a German horse, Mombasa being trained by Peter Schiergen in Cologne. In the ranking of the Credit Suisse Skikjöring Trophy, Fadri Casty has taken the lead with 13 points in front of Adrian von Gunten with 10 points and Erich Bottlang with 8 points.

At the canter races the GP Christoffel Bau Trophy was the focus of attention. Le Big from the stable of Philipp Schärer, and acquired by Philipp Sander especially for White Turf, was very convincing with an advantage of four lengths. The jockey was André Best.

The opening GP Swiss International Air Lines ended with a surprise. Exchange is the name of the winner under Tim Bürgin from the stable of André Schennach. In the small field of seven the gelding went for the win 8,70:1. Earlier, the betters counted on Hoist the Sail’s victory at the Grand Prix Uvex with a rating of 5,4:1. Jockey Eduardo Pedroza: ‘I had to take the lead a little too early, but finally everything went well’. Hoist the Sail is trained by Philipp Schärer, who was able to celebrate two victories on one day.

Successful charity operation on the first ‘Kids’ Day’:
White Turf collected donations of CHF 10,000 for the ‘Theodora Children’s Trust’! On the occasion of the first ‘Kids’ Days’ on the second race Sunday, when special attractions for children were offered, White Turf sold delicious traditional ‘Appenzeller Biberli’ to the visitors on the lake, thereby collecting donations for the ‘Theodora Children’s Trust – Giggle doctors for children in hospital’ in Switzerland. Besides numerous volunteers, two hospital clowns – Dr. Ahoi and Dr. Stanislaus – were out and about on the lake and entertained the public, encouraging them to donate. Furthermore, the proceeds from the two-franc betting voucher on all sold standing tickets of the second race Sunday went entirely to
the trust as a donation.

The charity operation was under the patronage of the two main sponsors, Credit Suisse and BMW (Schweiz) AG, and the St. Moritz shop Cashmere House Lamm as well as the White Turf Racing Association. Thanks to their generosity, the proceeds were rounded up to the handsome sum of CHF 10,000 for the Theodora Children’s Trust of Switzerland.

At the presentation of the symbolic cheque by the representatives of the sponsors to Anke Hoffmann, fundraising advisor of the Theodora Children’s Trust, she declared: ‘We are delighted by the generous sum of money resulting from this fantastic charity operation. Our foundation does not request any government subsidy so in order to continue our weekly Giggle doctor’s visits to the hospitals, we depend on the assistance of donors and sponsors’.

Since 1993, the Theodora Children’s Trust has worked to ease the suffering of children in hospitals and specialised institutions by means of pleasure and laughter. The trust, which is a recognized charitable organisation, organises and finances every week the visits of 49 hospital Giggle doctors to 48 hospitals and specialized institutions in Switzerland. Throughout 2011, they made little patients laugh and provided moments of happiness during more than 79,500 visits to children throughout Switzerland. Outside Switzerland the Theodora Children’s Trust is active in France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Turkey, White Russia and China (Hong Kong). Further information at www.theodora.ch.

With exciting horse-racing, gourmet catering, lively music and inspiring art exhibitions, all taking place in winter sunshine on the frozen lake among the stunningly beautiful, snow-capped mountains of St Moritz. This spectacular, major event is not just one with Champagne on ice for the rich and beautiful but an annual event where race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world meet up as well as being an unmissable fixture on the calendar for local people. It is thanks to the sponsors as well as the municipality of St Moritz and the local tourist board, who have been supporting White Turf for decades, to make this top-class race-meeting possible.

In addition, members of the organising committee along with their staff and countless volunteers ensure that the 35,000 visitors who attend each of these unique race-meetings on the first three Sundays in February can enjoy a flutter, cheer on the horses they have backed and enjoy top-quality catering in a number of marquees put up specially on the frozen lake. What is more, visitors have the opportunity of winning holidays in luxury hotels on far-off tropical islands.

If you have a passion for racing, or just want to spend an unforgettable day out at a unique event in spectacular winter surroundings, make sure you join us in February in St Moritz.

(Tianjin, China, February 4, 2012) Distinguished guests from around the world travelled to Tianjin for the Grand Opening Ceremony of Asia’s first ever Snow Polo World Cup at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club (“Metropolitan Polo Club”). The “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012” (“Snow Polo World Cup”) is one of the world’s largest snow polo tournaments, and the first to take place in China. The Tournament is hosted by the Equestrian Association of China and the Federation of International Polo (FIP), and is organized by the Tianjin Sports Bureau, the Hong Kong Polo Development and Promotion Federation (HKPDPF) and the Tianjin Polo Association, with support from various sponsors. The tournament has been underway for two days, but the spectacular opening ceremony contributes to the air of festivity following the national Spring Festival celebrations in China.

There are altogether 12 teams taking part in this year’s tournament and each team’s handicap ranges from 14-16, making this international high-goal tournament one of the largest in the world. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, England, Hong Kong SAR, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA are all competing to become the first ever winners of the inaugural Snow Polo World Cup. All are members of the Federation of International Polo (FIP).

Twelve microlight planes flew in formation around the arena as the honoured guests were welcomed to the stage. This was followed by 12 powered parachutes flying overhead, carrying the national flags of the participating teams, and a traditional Scottish Pipe Band led the 12 competing teams onto the field, saluting the guests-of-honour as they passed the main stage.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Xiao Tian, Deputy Director of General Administration of Sport of China and Deputy Director of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Mr. Eduardo J. Huergo, the President of Federation of International Polo (FIP) and Ms. Zhang Junfang, the Vice Mayor of Tianjin. Speaking on behalf of the city of Tianjin, Ms. Junfang said that by hosting the World Cup here, the city will make a significant contribution to strengthening international ties around the world.

Other honoured guests at the ceremony included Mr. Pan Zhichen from the Equestrian Association of China; Mr. Peter Nicholas Yunghanns, FIP Executive Council Member; Mr. Shen Jiacong, Vice Secretary of Tianjin Government; Mr. Peter Abisheganaden, Tournament Director of the “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”; Mr. Pan Sutong, the Chairman of the Goldin Group; Mr. Harvey Lee, the Vice Chairman of the Goldin Group; ambassadors from the participating countries; senior executives from the Equestrian Association of China; senior executives from the Tianjin Sports Bureau; polo professionals from around the world; prominent businessmen and representatives from the international media. The Buenos Aires Opera Company also flew in from Argentina to perform during the ceremony.

Final Scores on the Grand Opening Ceremony Day of “Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012”

The opening match of the grand opening ceremony day of the Tournament was between Hong Kong and England. After England took a fast and early lead, Hong Kong fought back at the end of the first chukka. The lead switched rapidly between the two teams through the second and third chukkas, with the match ending in a 6:6 draw. The fast-paced game went to penalties, with emerging England victorious, beating Hong Kong 2:0.

The second game between Argentina and South Africa was a tense affair, with both teams defending well. The game ended with both teams on 3 points after the 3^rd chukka, but Argentina emerged on top, beating South Africa 3:2 on penalties. The final game was between the USA and India. The USA powered to victory over India, beating them 9:3.

The action continues on Sunday with Chile vs France, Brazil vs Australia and Itay vs New Zealand.

See below for Ticket information, calendar, map, Team Line-up & the Game Schedule. 

10 Teams Entered in the 26 goal USPA C.V. Whitney Cup (Sponsored by Royal Salute)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday Tickets will be available match day at the gate.
Advanced Ticket sales including the Nespresso Brunch will be available online at:

www.InternationalPoloClub.com or by
Calling the Polo Box Office at 561-204-5687 ext 107

Staut and Silvana are brilliant in Bordeaux on the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2012 in Bordeaux French hero, Kevin Staut, won the eleventh qualifying round of the Jumping    

The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing.

For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back to the Arabian Peninsula, the home of the thoroughbred’s renowned ancestor, the Arabian.

Horse racing began in the Emirate in October 1981, when the dusty Camel Track hosted the first thoroughbred. The race meeting consisted of three races – a sprint, a mile and a mile and a half. Just over a decade later in 1992, the now world-famous racing stable Godolphin began, followed by the inaugural Dubai World Cup meeting in 1996.

The initial Dubai World Cup racemeeting put the United Arab Emirates on the map, as it has become the home of one of the world’s top racing challenges, and has drawn the attention of millions of enthusiasts around the globe.

The standard was set and history was made by the American ‘wonder horse’ Cigar, when he claimed the first Dubai World Cup. Cigar appeared to be in trouble when from last came Soul of the Matter who began to cut into Cigar’s lead. Like all true champions, Cigar called upon extra reserves and defied his rival in the final 200m. Described as a heroic battle, this encounter indeed set the benchmark for all future renewals. 

With the establishment of the annual invitation-only Dubai World Cup, the United Arab Emirates became the home of one of the world’s top racing challenges, and drew the attention of millions of enthusiasts around the globe. Among the horses entered in the inaugural race was a 13-time winner from Australia, a seven-race winner from Great Britain, the ‘dirt horse’ champion from Japan, and Cigar, North America’s ‘Horse of the Year’ for 1995.

Reflective of the overwhelming generosity of the UAE and embodying the warm of traditional Arabian hospitality, contenders for the purses are flown in from all corners of the world, such as North and South America, South Africa, South East Asia, Australasia and Europe, and horsemen enjoy generous travel subsidies for their support of racing in the UAE.

To celebrate the 15th renewal of the Dubai World Cup and opening of the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse an extension of the programme was announced, and the Dubai World Cup meeting staged eight races, with the addition of the at-the-time Group Three Al Quoz Sprint, a 1200m turf race worth US$1 million. That race now enjoys Group One status and is run over 1,000m.

The meeting, traditionally taking place at the end of March, will surpass its own record in 2012 as Meydan officials announced the addition of the newly renamed Dubai Gold Cup to the programme, a move that will increase the racecard to nine events with overall prize money to US$27.250 million. This latest addition to the already highly-competitive card completes the Dubai World Cup programme’s offerings to feature significant events for all divisions, on all surfaces, from sprinters to stayers.

The Dubai World Cup, worth US$10 million in prize money alone, is classified as a ‘Group One Flat Race’ for four-year-old thoroughbreds and above, and spans a distance of 2,000m (one mile, two furlongs, previously run on dirt it is now contested on an All-Weather surface.

Chief supporting races are the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free and the US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic, sponsored by Longines – the two richest races run on turf, anywhere in the world. The Group Three Dubai Gold Cup to be run over 3,200m, also on turf.

Perhaps part of the Dubai World Cup’s success is not only due to the state-of-the-art race track, but the burgeoning status of Dubai as an international crossroads and global transport hub, and of course a first-class tourist destination, evidenced by more than 50,000 racegoers attending the Dubai World Cup meeting each year.

World class horsemen and riders compete for points & prize money close to one million Swiss Francs.This year’s sporting highlight will be the Rolex FEI world Cup™.

An estimated 60 Chinese artists will beguile the audience with mysticism and fascination. 

Various attractions at the Expo creates family friendliness and is definitely worth a visit.

The Best participants ever at Mercedes-CSI

At Mercedes-CSI – first time rated among Rolex FEI World Cup™, most of the world’s elite in showjumping will participate. 13 of the top 20 riders, world ranking list, will compete in the Hallenstadion from Jan 22 to Jan 25. The organizers will once again present a brilliant show of the best horse entertainment worldwide.

The 21st Mercedes-CSI will once again exhibit the highest standard of participants. Amongst them, will be Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, the current number 2 and FEI Rolex World Cup winner. CSI-Co-President Rolf Theiler informs: “We are extremely proud to have the best starting list ever at Mercedes-CSI.”

Competing with Michaels-Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning (GER, 3), Edwina Alexander (AUS, 4), Ludger Beerbaum (GER, 5), Jessica Kürten (IRL, 7) and Michael Robert (FRA, 8), 6 of the top ten world ranking list. 48 equestrians from 20 different countries will participate in this year’s Mercedes-CSI. Rolf Theiler adds: “Every country is represented by the best equestrians“. This year Michael Whitaker (GB) and 66 years old Hugo Simon (AUT)crowd pleasers at Mercedes-CSI are once again part of the event.

Due to its sporty renown and economic importance, Mercedes-CSI has arrived where it belongs, at the very top of the world’s show jumping events. It will be the first time that Zurich will be part of Rolex FEI World Cup™. CHF 1 million prize-money, makes Mercedes-CSI the most sought after indoor show jumping event in the world and Mr. Theiler informs: „This is not natural in these financially difficult times, but due to a strong partnerships with our sponsors the Mercedes-CSI is safe until further notice”. 

Swiss Double Lead
On Sunday suspense is guaranteed at the main event of Mercedes-CSI – Rolex FEI World Cup™. After 8 of 13 competitions 2 Swiss equestrians, Steve Guerdat and Daniel Etter are in the lead for the World Cup. “For us this is a stroke of luck” informs Rolf Theiler.

Steve Guerdat is unfortunately not able to start this year. Last December the current leader had to undergo spine surgery due to persistent pain. “I am very disappointed not to be being able to participate at this year’s Mercedes-CSI”. Beat Mändli will move up and participate at the main challenge. Beat Mändli was the winner of the world cup final in Las Vegas in 2007. With Markus Fuchs he is the only Swiss world cup winner.

Beat Mändli & Daniel Etter are amongst 8 other Swiss equestrians (Niklaus Schurtenberger (Lyss BE), Pius Schwizer (Oensingen SO), Christina Liebherr (Riaz FR), Markus Fuchs (St. Josefen SG), Clarissa Crotta (Giubiasco TI), Jane Richard (Evilard BE), Walter Gabathuler (Wallbach AG) und Werner Muff (Wangen ZH) at Mercedes-CSI. In addition Manfred Müller (Wängi TG), Philipp Züger (Galgenen SZ), Nadine Traber (Eich LU), Tina Pol (Steinhausen ZG), Martin Fuchs (Bietenholz ZH), Janika Sprunger (Bubendorf BL) have also been invited to Mercedes-CSI.

The Wegelin Challenge offers the possibility for young Swiss riders to compete against the best equestrians in the world. “In 2008 this challenge added great excitement to the athletes as well as the audience.” informs Co-President Urs Theiler. On Saturday evening (6.30 pm) Jean-Maurice Brahier (Corminboeuf FR), Alexandra Fricker (Schöfflisdorf ZH), Janika Sprunger (Bubendorf BL), Philipp Züger (Galgenen SZ), Martin Fuchs (Bietenholz ZH), Stefanie Lauber (Seuzach ZH), Deborah Lazzarotto (Lossy FR), Jennifer Meylan (Yvonand VD), Ariane Muff (Vordemwald AG) und Anina Züger (Galgenen SZ) will fight against the world’s top 10. 

The best horse entertainment of the World
The entertainment will be one of the highlights of Mercedes-CSI. “It’s our passion. We live for being able to offer great entertainment to inspire and delight the audience” informs Co-President Oliver Hoener, responsible for the artistic side of the event. The horse will be in the limelight. Very special dressage, breathtaking carriage and humorous acts will entertain the audience.

Jean-Marc Imbert will be one of this year’s attractions at Mercedes-CSI showing dressage and acrobatics. The new French star, Arnaud Gilette will send excitement through ones veins!. He will present a breathtaking dressage with his powerful „Percheron“ stallion Felous. Since 20 years Jean-Francois Pignon have mesmerised the audience worldwide. His performance epitomizes poetry, gentleness and emotion. “This unique relationship with his animals makes an immense impression, not only on riders, but also on horse enthusiasts all over the world“ praises Oliver Hoener.

Riding the ponies during breaks 
Cony Sutter and Peter Pfaendler, stars of the Swiss comedy scene will lead us through this program. These two performers are well known in the field of comedy. With a refreshing presentation and a lot of fun they will create some exciting confusion.

A special attraction with children, our young audience: During the breaks, children will be able to ride the ponies in the arena of Hallenstadion. “Many people do not have the possibility to experience the relationship between horse and human. Riding the ponies offers this opportunity informs Urs Theiler

Jumping Amsterdam is delighted to welcome the world’s best riders. The field of competitors in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage presented by Amsterdam RAI is extremely strong, including the following top riders of the world ranking: Adelinde Cornelissen, Edward Gal, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Valentina Truppa (ITA), Richard Davison (GBR), Isabell Werth (GER), Jeroen Devroe (BEL), Nadine Capellmann (GER), Helen Langehanenberg (GER) and Siril Helljesen (NOR).

In the international show jumping competitions spectators can enjoy performances of the winner of the Grand Prix of Amsterdam last year, Michael Whitaker (GBR) and other foreign competitors as world champion Jos Lansink (BEL), Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), Penelope Leprevost (FRA), Phillipe Rozier (FRA), Guy Williams (GBR), Steve Guerdat (SUI), Beat Mändli (SUI), Jessica Kürten (IRL), Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE), Katharina Offel (UKR), Julia Kayser (AUT), Nina Fagerstrom (FIN) and Peter Wylde (USA) will make sure the competitions will be extremely exciting.

competitors

Competitors CSI4*

NL
Leopold van Asten
Gert-Jan Bruggink
Jeroen Dubbeldam
Willem Greve
Angelique Hoorn
Timothy Hendrix
Marc Houtzager
Nathalie van der Mei
Aniek Poels (Wild Card Rabo)
Henk van de Pol
Piet Raymakers Jr.
Chantal Regter
Patrick van der Schans
Wout Jan van der Schans
Gerco Schröder
Hendrik Jan Schuttert
Suzanne Tepper
Leon Thijssen
Vincent Voorn
Wouter Vos
Jur Vrieling

AUT
Julia Kayser

BEL
Jos Lansink
Maurice van Roosbroeck
Cindy van Straten
Annelies Vorsselmans
Gregory Wathelet

BER
Jillian Terceira

BRA
Alvaro Affonso de Miranda Neto

EGY
Karim El Zoghby

FIN
Nina Fagerstrom 

FRA
Roger-Yves Bost
Julien Epaillard
Penelope Leprevost
Philippe Rozier

GBR
Laura Renwick
Robert Smith
Michael Whitaker
Guy Williams

GRE
Athina Onassis-de Miranda

IRL
Shane Breen
Jessica Kürten

RUS
Vladimir Tuganov

SUI
Steve Guerdat

SWE
Malin Baryard-Johnsson

UKR
Björn Nagel
Katharina Offel

USA
Peter Wylde

Competitors CDI-W Amsterdam

NED
Marlies van Baalen
Adelinde Cornelissen
Edward Gal
Patrick van der Meer
Hans Peter Minderhoud
Lotje Schoots
Jennie Schreven
Diederik van Silfhout

BEL
Jeroen Devroe
Vicky Smits

DEN
Bo Hostrup
Anne Troensegaard

FRA
Claire Gosselin
Catherine Henriquet

GBR
Richard Davison

GER
Nadine Capellmann
Helen Langehanenberg
Isabell Werth

NOR
Siril Helljesen

ITA
Susanna Bordone
Valentina Truppa

SWE
Minna Telde

St. Moritz has an inborn pioneering spirit – it is the alpine health resort where winter sport and tourism were founded, and was the first place in Switzerland to have electric light. And it was also here that, almost 100 years ago, a couple of enterprising sports enthusiasts invented a brand new equestrian pastime, which in 1923 – five years before the first Winter Olympics were held in St. Moritz – even flirted with the idea of becoming an Olympic discipline: the sport of skijoring. However, although imitated and adapted in many alpine countries, skijoring in its original form has only established itself in the place where it originated, the Engadine valley in Switzerland. Nowhere else in the world do thoroughbred horses regularly compete without riders on their backs but instead with skiers in tow. 

Back in the days of the first skijoring race in 1906, many things were quite different to today. The race followed a route by road from St. Moritz to Champfèr, and the participants did not start all together, but individually at one-minute intervals. Philip Mark, President of the Alpina Ski Club, and his Irish chestnut gelding, Blitz, were the fastest, taking 20 minutes and 22 seconds to complete the almost ten kilometre stretch. Ever since skijoring was transferred to the racecourse, it has been run like any other horse race – in a group, horse against horse, skier against skier. This demands a great deal of skiing prowess on the part of the athletes, as well as firm control of their four-legged partners. 

A particularly precarious stage of the race is the start, for then the reins can easily get tangled up or the thoroughbreds sometimes take off in different directions. Over the decades there have been many reports of this “hopeless confusion”; in 1965, for example, not a single skier succeeded in crossing the finishing line. As a result, skijoring is now organised as an official gallop discipline, the equipment has been standardised, coloured skis have been made compulsory (so that the horses can see them in the snow), and the skiers are required to undergo stringent testing in the run-up to the race. Although the quality of the horses used in these competitions has steadily improved over the years, and each winter every effort is made to increase the safety of the racecourse on the 60 cm thick ice, even today skijoring involves a certain degree of foolhardiness. For in order to master a 2,700 metre long course over compressed “turf”, with a flurry of snow raining down on all sides and with speeds reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour, a considerable amount of strength, athleticism, balance, instinct and toughness is required. A decisive factor governing success or failure is the attempt to vie for position between the start and the first bend. However, incidents can also happen at a later stage in the race, for example, when a horse accidentally stands on the driver’s skis. In recent years, the St. Moritz skijoring races on the three racing Sundays have been combined, with participants competing for one trophy.

The skier with the highest number of points is crowned “King of the Engadine”. It is a shame that the idea of anchoring this mixture of skiing and horse racing in the Olympic programme has never been seriously discussed. There is no doubt that the Swiss would dominate in this sport – at least, until skijoring is also discovered by the Austrians.