NEWS

In his first 16-goal season in Wellington, Florida, Valentino Carlotti and his team Bientina (Santiago Llavallol, Federico Panzillo, Mariano Gonzalez Sr.) claimed one of the most prestigious titles of the Wellington Polo Tour—the 2025 Ylvisaker Cup. This victory also served as the second qualifier for the NPC 16-Goal Championship. Playing against SD Farms (Sayyu Dantata Sr., Harrison Azzaro, Mariano "Nino" Obregon Jr., Cesar "Peco" Polledo), Bientina dominated the final with an 18-6 victory, in a match hosted by Patagones Polo Club and played on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One at the National Polo Center (NPC). The win was more than just a trophy; it highlighted Carlotti’s arrival as a committed player, ready to compete at the highest level.

Born and raised in New York City, New York, Carlotti was first introduced to the sport just a few years ago by Joe DiMenna owner of Equuleus Polo Club, in Wellington, Florida, who directed him to learn to ride under the guidance of professional polo player Mariano Gonzalez Sr. Balancing a demanding career in private banking, Carlotti’s passion for horses and the sport quickly grew into something larger — a commitment to form his team and invest in playing a full season in Wellington, one of the most competitive polo environments in the world. Naming his team Bientina after his grandfather’s hometown in Tuscany, Carlotti brought both his family history and fresh energy to the field.

Winning the Ylvisaker Cup, a tournament that honors the legacy of William T. Ylvisaker, is no small accomplishment. For a team like Bientina, winning a title of this caliber shows the importance of new organizations who are willing to invest their time, resources and energy into competing at a high level. Having new faces like Carlotti not only strengthens the level of competition but also contributes to keeping the sport growing and evolving within the United States.

Valentino, congratulations on winning the Ylvisaker Cup! Let’s start with your background—where are you from, and how did you first get involved in polo?
“I am from New York. Born and raised in Manhattan, I had always been fascinated by the sport of polo and its incredible human and equine athletes. Polo professional Mariano Gonzalez Sr., his family, and friends of mine, Joe DiMenna of Equuleus Polo Club and Maureen Brennan of Iconica Polo Club, who own polo clubs, teams and farms, offered me access to horses, facilities and polo professional training.”

I read that you only learned to ride four years ago under the coaching of Mariano Gonzalez Sr. What made you decide to take up polo?
“Born in the year of the horse, I have always been extremely interested in horses all my life, but never got around to riding. I've always admired horsemanship and horsemen and dreamed of pursuing to be one someday. In being introduced to Mariano Gonzalez [Sr.], my first ambition was to begin the path of learning in practice about horses and what makes a horseman. I love all things horses, including learning how to take care of them and especially forming a bond with them. Polo is an ancient sport and exciting in and of itself, but also a great way to learn to ride. I finally found the chance to pursue this lifelong dream and be able to play with amazing and dedicated professional polo players.”

Did anyone in your family play polo, or was this a new path for you?
“No one in my family that I know of played polo so this was a new path for me.”

How much time do you currently dedicate to polo?
“I still work, so I mostly play in my free time on weekends. It is a passion of mine and I do all I can when I have free time to be around horses, learn more and more, and ride and play polo.”

Can you tell us about the origins of Bientina?
“I am named after my grandfather Valentino Carlotti and Bientina is his hometown in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. I chose Bientina as my team name as a tribute to my namesake and family. It is a special place in Italy that my whole family has gone to over the years.”

What led you to play this season in Wellington?
“Playing in Wellington for me was another step in my development in polo. Wellington is amongst the most competitive polo venues in the United States and thus one of the most important. Playing there was always a goal of mine. Many say it is the pinnacle of polo in the U.S.”

What is your impression of the polo scene in the U.S.?
“The polo scene in the U.S. has a long tradition and history and is picking up momentum again. It's exciting and amazing to see the many generations that have played and are picking it up. There are many strong polo clubs around the country that organize great polo for riders and players of all levels.”

The Ylvisaker Cup has a rich history in American polo. What does it mean to you to win this tournament?
“Winning the Ylvisaker Cup is incredibly special and a dream come true. The legacy, tradition and prestige of the Cup, make it one of the most sought-after by polo players. It was especially one of the tournaments that I most desired to play. I could never have imagined winning especially on [U.S. Polo Assn.] Field One of the National Polo Center as the Sunday main game. It is incredible to have done so.”

Take us through the Ylvisaker Cup final—what were the key moments that led to your victory?
“Coming into the final as you begin getting prepared and taking in the occasion, you try hard to remain focused and ready. I made sure to take it all in and experience the special moment we were a part of. As the introductory ceremonies begin, you ride the entire field and make the rounds to the cheers of the fans at their finest, staying ready for the task at hand as they play the national anthem.

As we began the game it was off to a fast start with the other team scoring first. We knew we had to bring our best. We countered with two amazing goals ourselves, one off a steal and the other on a full-field breakaway. We had delivered a decisive blow to the other team that led to our having a sizeable lead going into the second half. At halftime, we all spoke about remaining ready and focused as many times in polo dramatic turnarounds happen. We were true though and persevered in winning convincingly.”

Now that you have won the Ylvisaker Cup, what is next for you and Bientina this season?
“After winning the Ylvisaker Cup we will continue in other 16-goal tournaments and have our sights on playing in the Hamptons in New York over the summer. We will continue to train and continue our process of horse management and development to be the best we can be.”