The HPA has announced the latest handicap changes after what was an intense high goal season, which saw La Indiana take the Queen’s Cup and El Remanso win the Gold Cup. The changes will come into effect on January 1, 2019. Changes subject to Confirmation at the EOS Handicap Meeting in September and Ratification by the Stewards in November.

The most notable handicap raises are the following:

Nic Roldan (7 to 8). This was an unforgettable year for the captain of the United States national team. He became Queen’s Cup Champion with La Indiana after two years of falling short in the final.

James Beim (6 to 7). The captain of the English national team proved that he is one of the best British players on the polo scene. He had reached 7-goals in 2017, but the new parallel handicap ruling meant that he could play off 6-goals in 22-goal tournaments this season.

Tommy Beresford (5 to 6). Key player in Park Place’s successful high goal debut, where they made it to the Queen’s Cup final. He also represented England in the recent Westchester Cup.

Charlie Hanbury (4 to 5). The Brit gave a great performance all season and was fundamental to his team’s success in the British Open. His polo career is on the rise, and we will have to wait and see if he comes back to the high goal with another team next year.

Alec White (4 to 5). The Australian is unlikely to forget this year, where he worked hard in La Indiana to claim the prestigious Queen’s Cup.

Byron Watson (3 to 5). It was expected that Watson would go up. If La Bamba de Areco had won the Gold Cup, he would have likely been named MVP of the final. Going up two goals could seem excessive, but he played the 22-goal with 3-goals thanks to the parallel handicap rule, so overall, he would only be going up a goal. Well deserved, he was undoubtedly one of the best players of the season.

The most notable handicap drops are the following:

Gonzalito Pieres, 10 to 9.

Tincho Merlos, 9 to 8.

Facundo Sola, 8 to 7.

Guillermo Terrera, 8 to 7.

Santiago Toccalino, 8 to 7.

Click here for the complete list of handicap changes.