Viana brothers make their mark on US polo

Zapican BMW is a new team on the block this season at the National Polo Center and they proved they mean business winning the coveted Joe Barry Memorial 16-goal tournament with a 10-8 finals win over tried and tested Concordequitygroup.com on the Sunday field.

Huge day for the Zapican team – and everyone wanted in on the victory. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Brothers Felipe and Ignacio ‘Nachi’ Viana – who were behind the Zapican team – are first generation polo players eight years apart in age whose father was introduced to polo by an Argentine friend. Rather than take up the sport himself, he waited until Felipe was old enough “to start swinging a mallet,” Felipe said. Several years ago the brothers set up a farm in Wellington, with the mission of having an impact on the US Polo scene.

Zapican’s Stevie Orthwein (right) fights for possession with Jeff Hall. Photo: David Lominska

“This is a farm that we have in Wellington that we started with my parents some years ago,” said Felipe. “And from scratch with the dream of two boys that started playing polo. The United States is not easy. It’s a very competitive world and with a lot of polo dynasties. It is very competitive and we’re giving it a try.”

MVP Nachi Viana was leading goal scorer of the tournament. Photo: David Lominska

Five teams entered the tournament hosted by Port Mayaca Polo Club. Zapican’s path to the final was not a smooth one. Adversity struck when a ball broke Felipe Viana’s hand in their second match against Dracary’s Polo. Zapican’s subsequent 10-5 loss, pitted them against Las Brisas for a place in the semi finals. Santiago Wulff was drafted in as substitute for Felipe, joining Nachi, Vance Miller and Stevie Orthwein, as they claimed a 14-11 win. They then reversed their fortunes against Dracary’s Polo with an 11-8 semi final victory.

Sharon Barry was there to honor the memory of her husband Joe and present prizes – here to Stevie Orthwein. Photo: Sarah Eakin

While Felipe watched the finals from the end zone, fresh from surgery on his hand, his brother notched up seven goals to win MVP as well as Best Playing Pony for his grey mare Yatay Bengala – almost all of the team horses came from the Zapican farm, with the exception of two of Santiago’s own that he elected to bring to the field. “Santi even made a decision to bring a couple of his today for the final,” said Felipe. “An important match, and without us even really asking, you know. So that shows a lot of commitment.”

Best playing pony Yatay Bengala on her way to the trophy presentation. Photo: Sarah Eakin

BMW Zapican’s win was vindication for Felipe that their foray into polo is now paying dividends. “To compete in a huge tournament and here we are – it’s field number one and we are winning the first tournament,” said Felipe. “There are no mixed feelings. At the end of the day, what matters is it’s our farm’s name and it’s something that we put together with the family. If it’s not my turn to be on the field, and still my organization, and my brother on the field, and Santi who was a great sub, and a great friend to be here. Everything is just positive, and I wouldn’t change myself for anyone else right now.”