Sure, Palm Beach and the Hamptons are the polo capitals of America, but Denver – though it never may be known as chukker city – certainly is expanding its rep as a gracious host for the chosen sport of beautiful people everywhere.
Numerous championship matches have been played here over the past several years, but the most enduring is the Denver Polo Classic.
The 20th edition was held last weekend at the Polo Reserve in Littleton and raised about $300,000 for children’s charities supported by Denver Active 20-30 and the Denver Nuggets Community Fund.
Polo matches in other cities may count royalty and heads of state as attendees, but we’re willing to bet that the Denver Polo Classic is unique when it comes to entertainment. What other city stages Jack Russell terrier races at the half-time break?
Earlier, the Polo for the Cure Invitational turned a $150,000 profit for Renee’s Friends and the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast. The Denver Polo Club in Sedalia was the setting for this two-day event founded by Renee Coble and chaired by Steve Roesinger, Suzanne Hammer, Erica Gandomcar Sachs and Tara Gandomcar.
Fox 31’s Shaul Turner shared emcee duties with Chris Gandomcar of the Denver Polo Club. Mike Klingbiel is the Rotary Club president.
Former Denver District Attorney Norm Early, representing Auction Automations, led the out-loud bidding on both days, selling such hot-ticket items as a Kentucky Derby getaway for two and a trip to the 2008 U.S. Open Major Golf Championship in California.
Polo for the Cure entertainment included music by Sangria, dressage demonstrations by the young members of Cottonwood Riding Club, a Prettiest Hat contest and an appearance by Keena Bonella, Miss Colorado USA.
Renee’s Friends provides transportation, prosthetics, living expenses, optical and dental care to breast-cancer patients who would otherwise have to choose between continued therapy and everyday bills. Founder Renee Coble is both a breast cancer survivor and an accomplished equestrian.
Denver Southeast Rotarians support such causes as Habitat for Humanity, the I Have a Dream Foundation and Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at
More online: See additional photos from these events.
