Dan's Papers - July 25, 2008

It would not be entirely inaccurate to describe Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras as the hardest working man in polo, and his modest nature would never allow him to describe himself as such, but it's clear that, second to his wife and children, polo is the driving force in his life.

Born just outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a country considered by the polo community world to be the home of the sport, 30-year-old Figueras grew up on a horse farm. Not surprising really that he became a polo player, when he considers his countrymen to be "true horse people, with riding in their blood." With the craze of polo as a backdrop to his childhood, it is little surprise that by the age of nine, Figueras was already playing his first matches.

This summer, the Black Watch star returns with a plethora of teams, athletes, horses and trainers for his tenth year competing in the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge. For many, the high-topped tents, immaculately presented canapés and exotically named champagne mark one of the high points in the season's social calendar. Each weekend thousands of guests pour into the Bridgehampton Polo Club and mingle with glitz and glamour. Over the years, the popularity of the event has grown exponentially, and while the focus is still on who's wearing who, and who sees who doing what, Figueras is happy about the event's continuing success. "The popularity of polo in the Hamptons is definitely gaining momentum each year. Whatever the reason people come for the first time, whether it be for a social gathering or to enjoy the glamour of the day, it's still a good thing that they come, and in time they may focus more on the sport going on."

Figueras now competes in the Black Watch uniform, a team that was formed five years ago, after leaving polo giant White Birch. Speaking of his current position, Figueras has nothing but positive things to say about both his teammates and their performance. While White Birch is considered to be the favorite to win this year's tournament, Figueras is quietly confident about Black Watch's ability to be serious contenders. "It would be a very exciting game if we got to meet them [White Birch] in the knock-out stages."

It is a personal triumph of sorts for Figueras, who plays alongside Facundo Pieres, son of legendary former 10-goal player Gonzalo Pieres, a man who Figueras refers to as one of his main inspirations for becoming a polo player.

The Challenge, which runs through August 23, is a 20-goal competition. This term refers to the combined ranking of all four players on each team. Coordinated and judged by the United States Polo Association, each player is given a ranking out of 10, the total of which equates to the level at which they play. Hence, the higher the number, the higher the calibre and talent of the tournament. Only two tournaments, both 26-goals, are above the level that can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Challenge.

Passionate about playing polo as well as furthering both the sport and its popularity, Figueras makes sure that he keeps in good physical shape. With a career that he hopes will continue for at least another 12 to 15 years, a life of healthy eating, sleeping well and riding every day makes sure that he keeps both him and his horse fit all year-round. However, he does not look at this as a regimen, for the true joy and love for his career is evident in the way he speaks of the sport. With no intention to do so as of yet, Figueras' only certainty for his future after he retires from polo is that he will never leave the sport. "I will play until my body doesn't want me to, and when that happens, I intend to stay involved with the sport, and help it grow."

It is also his intention to work with a breeding operation, advancing the levels of the horses. For this summer's event, Figueras himself travels with a stable of 12 horses, predominately for his own use. Each player will have between 10 and 12 horses, which they will ride over the course of a season. In a competitive two-hour game, it is not uncommon for players to change their rides upwards of eight times. "It is like any other sport. Tactics are important, and you must learn to work not only with the strengths of your horse, but take into consideration the strengths of your teammates' mounts, too."

Figueras has also increased awareness of the sport globally when he became the face of Polo Ralph Lauren's new "Black Watch" range. While his face is most synonymous with the fashionable international campaign, Figueras makes it quite clear that he is a polo player, not a model. "I do not consider myself a model. I am fortunate enough to be the face of a brand, but I am no more a model than Tiger Woods or Thierry Henry." When considering his position as a brand head, Nacho remains proud yet focused: "It has been a pleasure to work with the Ralph Lauren company, and Ralph himself is an inspiration - he works every day, and makes sure that his company is as family-orientated as possible. It is his business ethic and ethos that make me proud to work with him." Figueras clearly doesn't miss a trick. While combining his polo career with his brand advertising career, he is keenly aware of the possibilities open to him in terms of spreading the sport's sphere of influence.

Despite seeming to be constantly on the move, Figueras has no qualms about how busy his life can get. His wife Delfina, daughter Aurora and son Hilario travel most places with him, dedicated supporters of his work and career. Hilario, who recently turned eight, is an ardent rider, and Figueras would be delighted to see him follow in his father's footsteps: "I was the same age as Hilario when I first began playing polo. I would love him to play, and he has every option available to him. But whatever he chooses to become later, be it lawyer or artist, he knows he will always have my full support."