Our Team
Guided by Passion. Driven by Excellence.
Meet the team redefining horsemanship in Melaka and beyond.
Founder & Managing Director (MD)
David Ebenezer Toh
Founder & Managing Director (MD) of 828 Asia & 828 Polo Melaka
With over 20 years of expertise, David Ebenezer Toh delivers impactful events and experiences through The Ebenex Group in Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. Driven by a passion for horses, he founded Highbury Leisure Sdn Bhd (2012-2021), successfully repurposing ex-racehorses for leisure and trail riding. Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, David is a dedicated community contributor in Singapore, holding key roles with the Singapore Canoe Federation, SGMUSO, People’s Association, and Company of Good, alongside his service in the Singapore Armed Forces. His insights are recognized through lectures at Singapore Management University and feature in the Business Times and Channel News Asia.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Amalina Smith
Amalina Smith is a dynamic leader and cultural icon who brings a unique blend of executive vision, media influence, and entrepreneurial spirit to 828 Polo.
With over six years in Malaysia’s entertainment industry and a rising profile as a social entrepreneur, she has seamlessly transitioned from the screen to the boardroom. As CEO, Amalina leads the strategic development of 828 Polo Melaka, positioning it as a premier lifestyle and equestrian destination. Her ability to merge brand storytelling with high-level business acumen makes her a powerful force in shaping the future of leisure, culture, and sport in Malaysia.
Head Polo Trainer of 828 Polo Melaka
Patrick “Pato” Furlong
Patrick Furlong is the Founder of Colts Polo and a seasoned banking executive with a 20-year career spanning South America, the UK, and Asia, including his role as former Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group, Asia Pacific.
A serial entrepreneur, he established Colts Polo & Riding, the largest polo school in Asia-Pacific, while also serving as an angel investor and advisor in technology ventures. An accomplished polo player, he competes regularly across Asia, Argentina, and Europe, and was honored with the “Argentine in the World” award by the Argentine Ministry of Sports & Culture for promoting polo and strengthening bilateral ties with Singapore. Passionate about sports and education, he is a thought leader at The Robb Report and a recognized brand ambassador, blending financial acumen with equestrian excellence.
Polo Trainer
Gianina Pagliettini Ruta
Gianina Pagliettini Ruta is a lawyer by profession, but her passion lies with horses.
She was born in Spain and raised in Argentina, and has been involved with horses since the age of seven. This early passion developed into a lifelong vocation as a polo player, instructor, and horsewoman.
Gianina is a 1-goal women’s handicap player and an AAP-qualified Polo Instructor, certified by the Argentine Polo Association, with over 14 years of experience in polo. She has played in low-goal circuits in Argentina and Switzerland.
She is dedicated to teaching and promoting the sport of polo: she coaches riders of all levels, organizes local tournaments, and supports the development of new players at La Enriqueta Polo Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Internationally, she has worked at Bern Polo Club in Switzerland and Liechtenstein Polo Club, bringing a deep understanding of horsemanship, team dynamics, and instruction to every environment she joins.
Our Club Welcomes Happy Riders!
We believe in making equestrian sport accessible, inspiring, and inclusive—for riders of all levels and backgrounds!