- Contributed
Young Justin Vaz, winner of the Gramms Memorial children's (under-12) Horse Show at the St. Ann Polo Club, poses with his trophy and horse, Shabba Ranks.
THE CHINS won the 18th annual Hi-Pro Family Polo tournament on August 2 when they defeated defending champions the Lalors 11-7 in the high goal final at the St. Ann Polo Club and Equestrian Centre, Drax Hall.
Watched by a large crowd, the final, comprising six chukkas, proved highly competitive for the most part, before the Chins asserted their authority in the latter stages for a convincing win, thanks to three goals from Jamaica's top female player, Lesley-Ann Fong Yee.
Apart from Fong Yee, other members of the winning team were Kurt Chin (captain), Shane Chin and the veteran Henry Chin. The Lalors were represented by Dennis Lalor, Paul Lalor, Mitta Rousseau and visiting Argentinian professional Jorge Donovan.
The Lalors did not leave the one-week tournament empty-handed, having won the low goal section on July 27 with a weaker team.
They beat defending champions the Wates 7-5 in the final, with Dennis and Paul Lalor from the senior team joining Andrew Lewis and Phillip Josephs. The Wates were represented by Mark, Ricky, Susan and Jason Wates.
The Hi-Pro Grand Prix show jumping section was won by teenager Lexie Wates aboard the ageing but illustrious grey gelding Catch Me, while young Justin Vaz, aboard Shabba Ranks, won the Gramms Memorial Children Under-12 Horse Show.
On the last day, the children's polo match between the blue and the white teams ended in a 4-4 tie. The blue team was represented by Sam, Jason and Hamish Wates along with Allison Maitland Walker, and the white team by Christopher Maitland Walker, Adam Laing, Rory Vernon and Michael Turner.
