Peter Wins Polo Award
Transtheme and Equestrian.Com.My's Managing Director, Peter Abisheganaden was awarded a special prize at the New Zealand Ambassadors Polo Tournament. Clive Forsyth, father of Cody Forsyth and one of NZ’s legendary polo players judged him “Best Visiting Player” of the tournament.
There were a total of twelve visiting players in this year’s tournament, from Hawaii, Washington state, California, UK, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong and Malaysia. There were placed with New Zealand players into a total of nine teams.
Peter played for kiwipolo.co.nz in the tournament that was held in the North Island of New Zealand from 17th to 20th March 2004. The rest of the kiwipolo.co.nz team was made up by former Iskandar Polo Club player Roland Buser, and New Zealanders Rob Willis and Kiwipolo owner John Bell. They played 2 round-robin matches on the first day, including a two-chukker loss in their first match, to eventual winners The Great Hage Company.
Once they got to know each other, kiwipolo went from strength to strength, winning their next three matches, including 4 chukker games against Morton Estate (4-3) and Leonards (5-3) in the 3rd place final. Peter scored a hat trick in that final, including a solo goal in the 4th chukker.
The tournament was played at three truly spectacular locations: Waimai Polo Club, Morningstar and Willow Park. (Photo shows polo being played at Waimai)
Clive Forsyth said he made his decision based on Peter’s skill, riding and play. Peter’s trophy, a magnum of champagne from sponsors Morton Estate Wines, did not survive to make the trip back to Malaysia with him.
Teams (in order of finish)
The Great Hage Company
Paul Clarkin
Arthur Morgenstern
Nelson Schick
Raimund Keller (Germany)
Walkers
Beau Broughton
Clyde MacLean
Peter Mandeno
Katie Foster/Alice Lombardi (Hawaii)
kiwipolo.co.nz
John Bell
Rob Willis
Peter Abisheganaden (Malaysia)
Roland Buser (Hong Kong)
Leonards
Rob Saunders
David Wildridge (UK)
Tony van den Brink
Dave Edgar/Brett McLean
U.S. Equine N.Z.
Allan Browne
Rick Mannering
George Dill (USA)
Trevor Hughes
Summit Grain
Ken Arnold
Bruce Frizzell/John Hanna
Bob Miller (Hawaii)
Ross George
Bean Rock
Tom Wilson
Barry Meyers (USA)
Gordon Gibson
Tanya Lavas
Argenz
Chris Jones
Roger Fagan (Australia)
Graham McGregor (Australia)
Tony Kay
Morton Estate
Geoff Broughton
Lindsay Smallbone (UK)
Andy Thom
Mike Sheehan (Hawaii)
P.S. Photo of Peter by polo and equine photographer Brett O’Callaghan. Brett will be visiting Malaysia soon, in April 2004.
