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Eduardo Heguy: "Having to qualify with Chapa II is a new stage of my life"

'Ruso', as he's known, has just won the Warwickshire Cup and returns to Argentina for the Qualifying Tournament

Eduardo Heguy - Indios Chapaleufú II, by Ramón Casares www.ramoncasares.net

It seems as if time does no go by for Eduardo Heguy. 'Ruso', as he's known, won the Warwickshire Cup last Sunday at the Cirencester Park Polo Club, in England, with the Halcyon Gallery team, and is now returning to Argentina so as to begin preparations together with the Indios Chapaleufú II team, for the qualifying tournament, so as to try a earn a place in the Abierto de Hurlingham and the Abierto de Palermo.

Despite it sounding strange, the renowned Chapa II team, that this year will have Eduardo and Alberto Heguy, Guillermo Terrera and South Africa's Ignatius Du Plessis in its line-up, will have to play the qualifying tournament and will not be competing in the Abierto de Tortugas.

Shortly before boarding the plane that will bring him back to his native country, Heguy told LivingPolo.com about his latest success, and how he is preparing for the action on home soil as from September.

LivingPolo.com: What was the Warwickshire Cup final like?

Eduardo Heguy: The final was an even match. Field conditions were tough, it had rained in the morning, and the grass was long. This meant that we weren't able to play openly and we had to close up and use all the strength possible. We ended the first half one goal ahead, 5-4, after having played well. We topped the scoreboard at all times, except for the last chukker, were they evened things, but luckily we were able to score a goal, and we ended up winning with that goal. It was a tough and even game, but we dominated things.

LP: What can you tell us about the Cirencester Park Polo Club?

Eduardo Heguy: It's a very traditional club, with plenty of history behind it. This tournament (the Warwickshire Cup) has been played by the best teams. Some time ago it was a 22-goal event and now it's a 20-goal one. The club has a good amount of fields, it's the typical English club, a one hour-and-a-half drive from London. It's good fun to play there.

LP: Now you're returning to Argentina, and how are you preparing for the high-handicap season there?

Eduardo Heguy: We (Indios Chapaleufú II) have to play the qualifier. We're getting ready for the Abierto del Jockey Club and for the qualifier. The horses have been in training since July 15th, which means I arrive in Buenos Aires and I'll be travelling to La Pampa to do some practising there, so as to get accustomed to the rythm of over there (in Argentina), which is totally different from here (England).

LP: How will it feel to have to play the qualifer with a team as renowned as Chapa II?

Eduardo Heguy: It's something new, there are new stages that one has to go through in life, and I take this as a challenge. There are some good teams in qualifying, it won't be easy. We hope to play well and to be able to play against the leading teams at Hurlingham and at Palermo. In other words, it won't be easy, but it'll be fun.

LP: In what refers to your own preparation, will you take part in a tournament prior to the qualifying?

Eduardo Heguy: Perhpas I'll play the Abierto de San Jorge with some friends, and our team will be playing the Abierto del Jockey Club, where we'll be present with the complete team.

LP: Apart from the obvious candidates such as La Dolfina and Ellerstina, which other teams do you see as well prepared for the Argentinian season?

Eduardo Heguy: I think La Natividad, the team of Lolo (Castagnola) and Nachi (Heguy) stands a good chance. I also like how the Pilará team is shaping up. I think those four will be the top ones. Although there is a step between La Dolfina and Ellerstina, and another one between Ellerstina and the rest, you never know what can end up happening.