Preparations for the opening of the Havana Polo Club have been in the works for years, and now plans call for the first chekker to be played in May. "To the best of my knowledge, this will be the first polo match played in Cuba," says Robert Henry Walz, president of Last Frontier Expeditions and developer of the club. "Rather than a points competition, we will present a series of demonstrations and exhibit matches to familiarize the Cuban people with polo." Walz has invited teams from England, Ireland, Uruguay, and the United States to participate in the opening events.

Havana Polo Club is located on Rancho Azucarero, a 4,500-acre ranch some 30 miles south of Havana that has been serving as Cuba's horse breeding and equestrian center. Comandante Guillermo Garcia Fria controls the ranch and Alcona, the company authorized by the Cuban government to enter into joint ventures with foreign companies to develop projects in Cuba.

Rancho Azucarero (Sugar Cane Ranch) is the country's largest ranch and as featured in James Michener's Six Days in Havana. In addition to a recently complete 1 1/16-mile racetrack, plans call for a golf course, lodge style hotel, and equestrian center. Walz also plans to begin thoroughbred racing there in about two years. The polo ground will be located inside the racetrack. Also on the drawing board is the construction of luxury homes on the ranch.

According to Walz, Fidel Castro is an authoritative horse importer and breeder. He will attend the grand opening of the club and help plan the program.