NATIONAL COPPER CUP®
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Established in 1975, the National Copper Cup was played consistently throughout the 2000s at Lexington Polo Club (Lexington, Kentucky) before relocating to Aiken Polo Club (Aiken, South Carolina) in 2010. Establishing a strong presence in the Aiken polo community, the National Copper Cup was most recently hosted by New Bridge Polo & Country Club (Aiken, South Carolina) from 2018-2020. Falling into abeyance for three years, the National Copper Cup has been revived in the Sunshine State and will make its debut at Sarasota Polo Club in Sarasota, Florida.
Several Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame inductees have hoisted the unique trophy including Tommy Biddle Jr., George Bostwick, Carlton Beal, George Hass Jr., Stephen Orthwein Sr. and Adam Snow. During its time in Kentucky, notable competitors Crab Orchard claimed back-to-back wins in 2002 and 2003, a feat that was not broken until Skaneateles captured an impressive three-peat (2017-2019) and remains the only team in National Copper Cup history to do so.
In 2020, Foxdale Equine (Hugh Worsham, Ignacio "Nachi" Viana, Adam Snow, Julian Daniels) were pitted against SD Farms (Aiden Meeker, Sayyu Dantata, Peco Polledo, Carlitos Gracida). Tied at halftime, Foxdale Equine gained a narrow lead to ultimately defeat their opponents for the second time in tournament play, claiming the 12-11 triumph. Read article here.
The debut of the National Copper Cup at Sarasota Polo Club will field five competitive teams vying for the title including Barefield, Glen Farm, Hillcroft, Tito's and Whiskey Pond. Featuring many familiar competitors at Sarasota Polo Club, 2020 champion Ignacio "Nachi" Viana will attempt to reach the podium once more with Barefield, as each team sets their sights on capturing the cup for the first time. Representing Team USPA is alumnus Mason Wroe (Hillcroft).
Sarasota Polo Club will be taking advantage of the USPA's Bridge to High Goal Initiative (B2HG) for the National Copper Cup, which provides eligible USPA Member Clubs three USPA Professional Umpires (two mounted officials and one third man) at 50% of the regular cost to the club.
The Bridge to High Goal Initiative (B2HG) has been created to support polo between 12 and 16 goals. The goal of the program is to build a bridge from low-goal polo to high-goal polo that provides a safe environment for competition which will allow for the cultivation of team owners and the advancement of aspiring professionals.
Photo: 2020 National Copper Cup Champions: Foxdale Equine - Adam Snow, Ignacio "Nachi" Viana, Julian Daniels, Hugh Worsham. ©Katie Roth
