Wellington’s International Polo Club set the stage this week as one of the best polo players in the world, Facundo Pieres, posed for Royal Salute’s new global campaign. The Scotch whiskey brand recently signed Pieres as their World Polo Ambassador following his leading team Ellerstina to victory at the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo. Royal Salute, who has a strong commitment to the sport of kings, feels Facundo’s vison, excellence and dedication in polo parallels theirs in the field of spirits.
Facundo hails from Argentina and is the son of Gonzalo Pieres, a legendary player himself. His brothers Gonzalo and Nico also play professionally, but Facundo’s polo stardom wasn’t a given, especially after a fall left him afraid of horses when he was very young. While his cousins started at age five, he didn’t give polo another chance until he was nine. Then he discovered another fringe benefit. “When I was young, I knew that when I played, I was going to miss school so that that was fun. Then I fell in love with it,” says Facundo. His potential was realized when he became the youngest player to reach 10-goals. Now, Facundo is laser focused on the sport, playing and competing year-round with little more than a few weeks off at Christmas.
“I am honored to represent Royal Salute’s World Polo Program,” explains Facundo. “Polo is my life and has been in my family for decades and I hope to share this passion with the world.” The campaign, which was shot this week at Wellington’s polo grounds with the help of local players to set up a game, will give people a look at Facundo and Royal Salute’s commitment to polo. For a real-life glimpse of the polo star, catch him at select games at the International Polo Club at Sunday matches.
Haute Scene
February 10, 2013Photos: Band of Skulls Plays Vinyl
