The summer heat and electric energy of Carnaval filled the air as Newport Polo continued its 150th Diamond Jubilee season on the storied grounds of Glen Farm. In partnership with Aston Martin Boston and presented by Turkish Airlines, Newport Polo welcomed Brazil for the third time in the International Polo Series, as the defending champion USA prepared to face a formidable rival from South America.
The occasion marked far more than a simple international matchup. Under the vibrant theme of Rio Carnaval, the grounds transformed into a festival of color, music, and unbridled joy. Feathery decorations, bold hues, and the infectious spirit of celebration filled the air as thousands gathered to witness a match steeped in international tradition and friendly competition.
The day’s significance was amplified by a special welcome from the St. Sebastian Class of ’82, alma mater classmates of USA’s Dan Keating, who gathered to support their fellow alumnus and help mark the occasion with their presence and enthusiasm.
During the match, judges crowned Tailgate 35 as the Stella Artois Best in Show winners, whose interpretation of the Rio Carnaval theme, complete with a vibrant blanket displaying “Rio Carnaval” and matching feathery decorations, perfectly captured the spirit of the day. Their prize included Stella Artois merchandise and memorabilia. Vendors lined the grounds offering Simply Chickie, Outcast Eyewear, and a variety of culinary delights. The Pony Express Bar featured Loyal 9 canned cocktails, bringing craft refreshment to the festivities.
Between chukkers, the festive grounds came alive with the spirit of Newport Polo tradition. Aston Martin Boston’s stunning display models including the Lotus Emira and Aston Martin DBX707 commanded attention, showcasing automotive excellence alongside equestrian prowess. A feast worthy of champions awaited hungry spectators: Brie and Honey’s artisanal charcuterie, Amano Pizza, Java Jai Coffee, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and Cluck Truck’s irresistible offerings. The newly expanded TD Pavilion provided an ideal vantage point where attendees mingled and celebrated. Both the USA National Anthem and Brazil National Anthem were performed, setting an elevated and respectful tone for the afternoon ahead.
Representing USA were Roger Souto (#1), Minnie Keating (#2), Dan Keating (#3), and Rory Torrey (#4). Team Brazil answered with Jose De Sa (#1), Carlos Andrade (#2), Andre Junqueira (#3), and Pedro Sampaio (#4).
The match unfolded with immediate intensity and Brazil’s aggressive intent. From the opening chukker, the visitors from South America established dominance, with Carlos Andrade, Andre Junqueira, and Pedro Sampaio orchestrating a relentless attack. Brazil built a commanding three-goal advantage in the opening chukker alone, and their momentum only increased in the second as Junqueira struck twice more, extending their lead to five goals by the end of the second chukker. The crowd watched as Brazil’s horsemanship and precision passing proved formidable, their strategy and execution sharp and deliberate.
But USA refused to yield without a fight. In the third chukker, Dan Keating answered for the home side with a crucial goal, followed by Rory Torrey keeping the competition alive. Yet Sampaio responded for Brazil, maintaining the visitors’ commanding advantage heading into the second half. As the teams regrouped at halftime, Brazil held a substantial lead with the momentum decidedly in their favor.
The fourth chukker saw neither team find the goal, a momentary pause in the action that allowed both sides to regroup and recalibrate. In the fifth chukker, the intensity returned. Sampaio extended Brazil’s advantage once more before Minnie Keating answered for USA with a crucial goal, followed by Roger Souto bringing the home side to within two with a strike of his own. The final chukker brought a flurry of action as both teams competed fiercely for every possession. Sampaio struck twice more for Brazil, but Dan Keating and Rory Torrey refused to let the match slip away without a fight, adding goals of their own. When the final bell sounded, Brazil had held their advantage throughout the afternoon, claiming a 10-6 victory in a match that showcased the skill and determination of both teams.
During the trophy presentation, both teams were celebrated for their fierce competition and sportsmanship. The USA team graciously acknowledged Brazil’s superior performance on the day, and the Brazilian delegation was honored for their return to Newport Polo and their contribution to another memorable afternoon of international competition. The teams retired to the field for handshakes and congratulations as the Carnaval celebration continued in the evening air.
One lucky door prize winner received a gift from Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The door prize winners from each week of the season are eligible contestants to win the season’s grand prize: two business class tickets from Turkish Airlines to any destination in the world. A trophy and a chance at a dream vacation, the perfect embodiment of Newport Polo’s blend of sport, luxury, and international adventure.
As the evening descended over Newport’s storied grounds, the spirit of Carnaval lingered on the field. Two nations had met in the name of sport, and both teams left having contributed to another unforgettable afternoon in the 150th Diamond Jubilee season of America’s First Polo Club.
Along with Aston Martin Boston, the Polo Series is proud to welcome partnerships with Brenton Hotel │ Turkish Airlines │ Foxwoods Resort Casino │ TD Bank │BD │ Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers │ Vanderbilt International Properties │ Hotel Viking │ Hammetts Hotel │ Newport Harbor Island Resort │ Forty 1° North │ Veuve Clicquot Champagne │Modern Luxury Boston │ Providence Business News │ Penelope Bourbon │ Clarke Cooke House │ RISE │The Macallan │ Brugal Rum │ Highclere Castle Gin │ Surfside │ Kadeema Rentals │ Spirit Water │ Absolut │ Codigo 1530 Tequila │ Gooseneck Vineyards Prosecco │ Chateau Sainte Marguerite Rosé │ Atria Senior Living │ Stella Artois │ A1 Roofing & Construction │ Grieco BMW │ Kinsella Building Co. │ ROCKSTAR Limo │ Classical 95.9 WCRI │ Cointreau │ Visit Jamaica │ Mt. Gay Silver Rum; and promotional partners including The Cocktail Guru │ Newport Jaguar Tours │ Sailing Yacht Tree of Life │ Island Adventure │ Cocoa & Co │ International Tennis Hall of Fame │ Newport Vineyards │ Elizabeth in Newport │ Newport Mansions │ Sea Newport │ Adventure Kiteboarding School │ Newport Kites │ Newport Classical | Discover Newport.