WELLINGTON, FL (January 15, 2006) - A who's who of polo and the equestrian world attended Opening Day of the best polo in the United States at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

This was the inaugural tournament game played on Stanford Field at International Polo Club. In a pre-game ceremony, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Jay Comeaux, Executive Director of Stanford Private Wealth Management, and IPC General Manager Michael Brown each hit a ceremonial first ball to christen the field. In honor of Wellington Day, Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham and Sarah Ferguson handled the coin toss with style.

Continuing with the Wellington Day theme, pep bands from Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central High performed at halftime and the Wolverines Chorus sang a medley of songs.

After the game, Sarah Ferguson presented the MVP award to Tomas del Rio of Lechuza Caracas. Jay Comeaux presented awards to the winning team and Brandon Reid of Bessemer Trust presented awards to the runners-up. Caballero, owned by 10-goaler Sebastian Merlos of Lechuza Caracus, won the Best Playing Pony award, presented by Jason Shinn of Triple Crown Properties.

Defending champion Lechuza Caracas used a balanced attack to defeat Catamount 13-10 before 5,143 spectators in a first-round game of the 22-goal Joe Barry Memorial Cup on Stanford Field at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The final is Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m.

Almost 500 guests attended a delicious brunch by Continental Catering in the Grand Marquee overlooking Field 2. The supervised and expanded Kids Fun Zone was busy throughout the game.

The polo matches are open to the public. General admission for the Sunday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach is $10 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or ticket purchases, please call the club at (561) 204-5687 or visit the website at www.internationalpoloclub.com .