Dave Benett
Polo legend Nacho Figueras says the centuries-old horseback sport could finally be poised for a mainstream breakthrough thanks to the recent success of the World Cup
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup in the UK last weekend, Figueras says the resounding buzz and fan engagement around the World Cup has him believing that polo could find a similar audience
“I think it’s been an incredible moment for sports in America,” he says, also citing the New York Knicks’ recent NBA championship win. “People are learning to love sports events, especially when it’s very well put together, and polo, I think, has all the ingredients to be the next big thing.”
While Figueras appeared in the 2024 Prince Harry-produced Netflix documentary, Polo, the Argentine sporting icon says he’s working on his own real-life project to “bring polo to the cities.” Describing it as “Formula 1 meets Sail GP meets Padal [and] mixed with the Longines equestrian series,” the polo star says he envisions events that will be “like the F1 version of polo,” complete with a film crew to capture how it all comes together
“The idea is to do a Drive to Survive-type thing, because I think that giving people access to our kitchen and the kitchens of the athletes, really helps you feel connected to the person on the horse,” he says. Plus, he adds, “Polo has horses, good looking men and women, athleticism and beautiful spots [where the matches take place]. What else could you want?”
Polo Heritage
Co-written by Figueras
$120
Figueras was among the VIP guests taking in the Cowdray Gold Cup in West Sussex last weekend from the St. Regis tent. As the official “St. Regis Connoisseur,” the athlete and model got to enjoy a rare day off from the polo field, instead watching the proceedings alongside stars like Andrew Scott, Gwendoline Christie, British designer Giles Deacon and writer Jack Guinness, who all enjoyed storied St. Regis rituals like a champagne sabrage, and sips of the brand’s signature Bloody Mary (the tomato-based cocktail was said to have originated in the U.S. at the King Cole Room inside the St. Regis Hotel in New York in 1934).
Guests at the polo event also got a preview of the St. Regis London, expected to open in the city’s Mayfair neighborhood this fall. Occupying the former Westbury Hotel location at the intersection of Bond Street and Conduit Street, the new property will feature 193 guest rooms inspired by its Savile Row and luxury fashion house and auction house surroundings. The property will also open with Le Perroquet, a French brasserie-style restaurant from acclaimed Chef Daniel Rose, best known for La Bourse et La Vie in Paris and the Michelin-starred Le Coucou in New York.
“St. Regis is an old brand with heritage, with family values, and with an actual history and connection to polo,” Figueras says, noting that the hotel chain’s founding family, the Astors, were a prominent fixture at polo matches on New York’s Governors Island. “This event and this partnership just makes sense.”
The Gaston Polo Team, led by Chilean patron Jean Paul Luksic, was crowned Cowdray Gold Cup champions after a nail-biting 9-8 victory over the previously unbeaten Dubai Polo Team. While Figueras was mum on who he was cheering for — explaining that he has friends and fellow Argentine players on both teams — he says the weekend event in England was further proof that the sport is ready for a U.S. invasion. And in addition to his planned polo event series and documentary, Figueras says he has one other idea he’d like to pitch.
“I feel very bullish about doing a scripted thing,” the memorable Gossip Girl guest star says, noting that, “what Yellowstone did for Western was incredible. I would love to work with a guy like Taylor Sheridan, who is really one of the most incredible storytellers out there and who loves horses, and say, ‘Hey, I think that polo could be a perfect anchor for one of your amazing shows.”
“I also love Succession,” Figueras adds, “so I believe that this polo show could be the perfect marriage between Yellowstone and Succession.”
Has he been in touch with Sheridan?
“No, I don’t know him, so maybe this [article] will help,” the dashing polo star says with his magazine-cover smile. “Taylor when you read this, please get in touch.”
