NEWS

American Chip Campbell's journey to Argentina culminated in a triumphant moment as his Clearwater team clinched the prestigious Julio Novillo Astrada Cup at La Aguada Polo Club. In a thrilling final against Forbes Plunkett, Clearwater battled back to earn a hard-fought 10-9 overtime victory. Reflecting on the win, Campbell shared, “This was an incredible way to build chemistry and momentum. The competition here prepares us well for what lies ahead.”

Defined by strategic plays and dramatic comebacks, the match showcased Clearwater’s resilience. Led by Campbell, the lineup featured Paco de Narvaez Jr., Raul “Gringo” Colombres and Joaquin Panelo. Their opponents, Forbes Plunkett was captained by Miguel Novillo Astrada and included Marcos Araya alongside Americans Brandon Plunkett and Nico Escobar*.

For Campbell, a respected figure in American polo and former USPA Chairman, this victory was more than a milestone. It was a critical step in preparing Clearwater for its sixth season in the Gauntlet of Polo. Known for his commitment to fostering teamwork and developing homebred horses, Campbell’s latest triumph in Argentina highlights his long-standing relationship with the Novillo Astrada family and his appreciation for La Aguada’s rich polo tradition.

Following Clearwater’s Julio Novillo Astrada Cup triumph, CLICKPOLOUSA spoke to both Chip Campbell and Raul Gringo Colombres as they set their sights on South Florida and the Gauntlet of Polo presented by TruBar at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida.

Congratulations! You just won the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup at La Aguada. How do you feel, and can you share some insights from the match?
“Very good. I’ve been coming here for many years, and I know the family well. We figured out a way to do it the hard way because we certainly didn’t do it the easy way. It was a great game. I told somebody, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Miguel [Novillo Astrada] play as hard as he did. I’ve played with him and against him for many years. It was fun — a good game.”

What does it mean to you to play at La Aguada?
“The fields are excellent. Like I said, I’ve been coming here for many years. The Novillo Astrada family has been very kind to me over the years and I’m glad to play here. I know how prestigious this cup and this tournament is and it’s very, very special for us to have won it.”

Clearwater will be playing next in the United States?
“That’s correct. For the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship, we’ll have this team. My son [Edward “Camp” Campbell] will also be participating in the C.V. Whitney Cup and we’ll swap out Joaquin [Panelo] for Geronimo Obregon*.”

Quite a nice way to warm up!
“Yes, yes. That was the purpose for me to come down here to Argentina.”

To come and win?
“Well, I don’t know about winning, but to come and play. It worked out that way — a good start for us. Hopefully, we can improve, capitalize on it and go into the Florida season well.”

Raul “Gringo” Colombres has proven himself indispensable to Clearwater’s success. Colombres’ connection with Clearwater began two years ago and has since evolved into a formidable partnership and has become instrumental in shaping the team’s competitive edge. In the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, Clearwater’s chemistry was on full display, blending skill and resilience.

What was the key to win the final?
“They started strong, going 5-0 ahead and little by little, we tried to catch up. We never quite got there, and in the last chukker, they were beating us by two with just a minute and a half left. Luckily, we scored two quick goals and then overtime was anyone’s game.”

You never lost hope, right? You never gave up on the match?
“No, no, no, no, because we were close, so we thought it was always possible. We missed a lot of goals, but they were also a very good team, well-mounted. So honestly, it’s always good to know you shouldn’t give up until the very end.”

How was the experience playing at La Aguada?
“I had never played this tournament before, so obviously, we’re super happy. I know it’s a cup with a lot of tradition and prestige, so we’re all very pleased. Chip also had a great time; the fields were amazing and the organization was perfect. An incredible tournament, and hopefully, we’ll be back next year.”

How is the team dynamic?
“We came to play this tournament. Chip came from the United States to test some horses, and with this team we’re going to play the USPA Gold Cup [and] U.S. Open Polo Championship. So, we came here to play together a bit and try to build some chemistry.”

A promising start!
“It is. A bit of luck, but obviously, winning always helps.”

*Nicolas “Nico” Escobar is a Graduating Team USPA Member and Geronimo Obregon is Team USPA alumnus. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos courtesy of Guadalupe Aizaga.