• • Max Routledge, playing the Queen's Cup with La Bamba de Areco
  • In 2011, he played for Richard Mille
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Max Routledge

The Julius Baer Upcoming Player of the month

The young British player and a well deserved award

By Alejandra Ocampos
 
Max Routledge is one of the most outstanding British players of the moment. Currently playing the UK season with la Bamba de Areco, Max aims to improve his career, making it for the big teams and together with top players, names such as Pablo MacDonough and Facundo Pieres.

He is a horsejumper and polo player, which he started to play at Cowdray Park, at the age of 12. He won the Queen's Cup in 2008 and was the runner up of the Gold Cup in 2008 and 2010. His improvement as a player can be seen in his performances with La Bamba de Areco, and that's why he has been chosen the Julius Baer Upcoming Player of the Month.
 
 
When and where did you start to play polo?
Started at Cowdray Park when I was 12. 
 
Who were or are your biggest references in the sports, the players you admire the most?
The 3 big influences in my early career, were Alan Kent, Jose Donoso and Terry Hanlon.
 
Which is your main goal in your career?  
To continue to be picked for good teams and play consistently well for my handicap what ever it is.
 
In last year's UK season you played with Richard Mille, and now you're currently playing with La Bamba de Areco. What can you tell about playing with guys like Pablo MacDonough and Facundo Pieres?
To play with any top player is always really fun for any young up and coming polo guy. I've been lucky to play with  good players in ther last few years. It is great fun.
 
How did it come the chance to play with La Bamba this year? 
I had already played with Facundo in 2008, for Ellerston. We had been talking in the middle of last season and he said if my handicap worked we were planning to play for La Bamba this year.
 
Horse-wise, do you already have an organization? What can you tell about it?
This year I have 7 of my own horses playing at La Bamba. I have been making horses from the track since  2004 and have been breeding since 2005. The first one we bred is playing with La Bamba this year.  My playing stallion Crafty Politician retired to stud last season have succesfully played since 2004. I have a large group of young horses currently playing chukkas and low goal matches, based at home. I am very happy with the progress of this group, and for sure some of these will form part of my main string next season.
 
Where else have you been playing besides England? Which polo destination you would like to go to play sometime?
The place I would like to get set up in is Palm Beach. This is something I will do when the right opportunity comes. 
 
What are your plans for the near future, once the UK season is over?
I will be playing some medium goal tournaments in the Cowdray area.