NEWS

The United States Polo Association (USPA) proudly announces the three Americans traveling to England to participate in an international exhibition at the 2024 Chestertons Polo in the Park. Hosted by Hurlingham Park in Fulham, London, the international festival will run from Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9. Sponsored by Northern Data Group and presented by CITY A.M., the United States will face England in a three-on-three outdoor stadium-style match for the Olympic Trophy scheduled during International Day Friday, on June 7, at 7:00pm CEST.

Micaela Saracco (1), Nicolas “Nico” Escobar* (5) and Mackenzie Weisz* (6) have been selected to represent the United States. A veteran in international competition, Escobar will lead as captain, with Saracco and Weisz each making their USA debut. Luis Escobar will serve as coach.

Micaela Saracco has quickly become a rising star in polo, gaining recognition in the National Youth Tournament Series Championship (NYTS). Claiming consecutive titles in both the Girls’ and Open Divisions, Saracco earned the Girls’ Championship in 2022, followed by the Cecil Smith Cup (2023). Developing her skills on the West Coast, 17-year-old Saracco has earned multiple titles in USPA circuit and sanctioned tournaments across California. Based out of Eldorado Polo Club (Indio, California), Saracco’s recent achievements include victories and Most Valuable Player recognitions in both the Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge Cup (2022) and Women’s Pacific Coast Open (2022).

This event will kick-start a summer of international competition for Escobar, who will also represent USA in August 2024 at the Paris Games Polo Challenge presented by U.S. Polo Assn. and Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. Previously competing in the 2022 Westchester Cup against England, Escobar earned a silver medal in the 2022 XII FIP World Polo Championship, and recently won the USA vs. Argentina International Match hosted by the National Polo Center - Wellington in April 2024. Not only does Escobar boast impressive international achievements, the 23-year-old has excelled in competitions throughout the United States, competing in Florida and California, while also honing his skills in Argentina and England. Among his many accomplishments, Escobar holds titles in the USPA Gold Cup (2020), C.V. Whitney Cup (2020) and Silver Cup (2020).

Florida-born Mackenzie Weisz has reached the pinnacle of polo on multiple continents. At 21 years old, Weisz’s impressive resume includes victories in each leg in South Florida’s prestigious Gauntlet of Polo, starting with the C.V. Whitney Cup in 2020 and followed by a spectacular 2022 season capturing back-to-back victories in the USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship. A consistent competitor in the English high-goal season, Weisz has gained experience in historical tournaments including the Prince of Wales Trophy, Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup. Further advancing his career in Argentina, Weisz’ game has taken him to the fields of Palermo, recently finishing as a runner-up in the 2023 Copa Republica.

Max Charlton (6), Nina Clarkin (3) and Nacho Gonzalez (4) have been selected to represent England in the transatlantic match, with Clarkin serving as captain.

Fans of the USA Team in the London area are urged to attend Chestertons Polo In The Park to proudly support the red, white and blue! Between matches, festivalgoers can experience the Fulham Food Festival and SheerLuxe Shopping Village. Featuring bars, live music, polo after parties and kid’s activities throughout the weekend, Chestertons Polo in the Park combines competition and entertainment in celebration of the sport.

As the Official Apparel and Jersey Partner, U.S. Polo Assn. will be providing custom performance jerseys and staff uniforms, as well as an on-site merchandise tent for event attendees to shop. The multi-million dollar global, sports brand will also provide guests with a polo-inspired photo station and interactive models, alongside contests and cap giveaways.

For more information including general admission, please visit Chestertons Polo in the Park website.

*Mackenzie Weisz is an Active Team USPA Member and Nicolas “Nico” Escobar is a Graduating Team USPA Member. 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.