The Autumn Cup concluded on Sunday the 21st of September, the final day of the CPPC season, with long-standing team Maiz Dulce taking to the pitch for the last time before their retirement from polo, facing the strong Gould side in a highly anticipated final.
Wearing the yellow Maiz Dulce shirts, Millie Barfoot (0) rode out at 1, with Alfie Hyde (3) at 2, Will Harper (4) at 3, and 5-goaler Will Emerson at Back. For Gould, Gussie Gould (0) wore the number 1 shirt for her family team, with Jack Aldridge (2) at 2, Jimmy Wood (4) at 3, and Chris Mackenzie (6) at Back.
The final Victor Ludorum Tournament of the summer saw the two 12-goal sides battle closely for the title, but Maiz Dulce held their lead throughout, sealing a monumental 7-5 victory.
The first chukka saw Maiz Dulce get off to a strong start with an opening shot by Emerson in the second minute. Hyde carried the momentum with another field goal straight after, putting them ahead 2-0. Gould stepped up their defensive play in the second, shutting down Maiz Dulce’s attack. Mackenzie, the South African high-goal player, converted a mid-chukka chance under pressure to pull Gould back into contention, making it 2-1 at half-time.
The third chukka brought a renewed push from Maiz Dulce. Harper opened the scoring within the first 30 seconds, followed by back-to-back goals from Hyde; one a precisely taken 40-yard penalty, the other a breakaway goal from the lineout. Mackenzie replied with a goal to keep Gould in the game, leaving the score 5-2 heading into the final chukka. The last chukka had spectators on the edge of their seats as Mackenzie produced a hat-trick of goals. However, Hyde wasn’t to be caught, adding two breakaway goals of his own to cement the win.
A delighted Millie Barfoot stepped forward to collect the Autumn Cup from Jane Bradstock-Smith. The Most Valuable Player award went to Alfie Hyde for his outstanding contributions, while the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Rosie, played by Hyde, owned by William Roberts, and groomed by Eduardo Favre and Matías Bao.
Peter Barfoot, Patron of Maiz Dulce, was also awarded with the prize for the Most Successful Patron of the 2025 season, having reached an incredible eight finals and secured five wins- presented by The Marchioness of Milford Haven and artist Beatrice James.
From everyone at Cowdray Park Polo Club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Peter Barfoot for his contributions over the years. The iconic yellow shirts of Maiz Dulce will be greatly missed.
