Sunday 20th September marked the final day of the 2026 season, with the Autumn Cup Final bringing the 430-game season at Cowdray Park Polo Club to a close. The 12-goal Victor Ludorum final saw Standing Rock come face-to-face with Bajaj on Ambersham 1.
Riding out at 1 for Standing Rock was Ralph Robson (0), with Santiago Araya (4) at 2, Segundo Darritchon (4) at 3, and 4-goaler Tom Brodie at Back. In the black shirts for Bajaj, Tamara Fox (1) rode out at 1, with Max Voelker (2) at 2, Jack Hyde (4) at 3, and 5-goaler Will Emerson at Back.
Araya decisively opened the first chukka with a breakaway run to goal straight from the throw-in, giving Standing Rock an early advantage. Their lead did not last long, however, as Hyde scored an under-pressure field goal three minutes into the chukka to level the scores. Araya swiftly replied with another run to goal, leaving Standing Rock leading 2-1 heading into the second.
The second chukka marked a turning point in the match, as Bajaj took control. Emerson opened the scoring with an accurately converted 60-yard penalty before immediately adding another with a breakaway goal. Hyde then completed Bajaj’s hat-trick with a field goal midway through the chukka. Towards the end of the chukka, Araya converted a 40-yard penalty following a mistake from Bajaj, but Fox finished the chukka with a skilful backhand to goal as the buzzer sounded, sending Bajaj into half-time with a 5-3 lead.
The third chukka continued to go in Bajaj’s favour, with Emerson opening the scoring with an end-to-end goal. Hyde then added another from a spot hit before following up with a breakaway goal, extending Bajaj’s advantage to 8-3 heading into the final chukka.
The final chukka saw a determined push from Standing Rock, with Araya opening the scoring from a 30-yard penalty before Brodie struck twice in quick succession with back-to-back field goals, closing the gap to just two goals and be within touching distance of Bajaj. However with time running out, a closing 30-yard penalty for Bajaj sealed the result, leaving Bajaj victorious, 9-6, despite the best efforts of Standing Rock.
The Autumn Cup was presented to Tamara Fox and Max Voelker by artist Debbie Harris, who also generously provided beautiful prints for the finalists. The Gusbourne Most Valuable Player award was presented to Jack Hyde, while the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Good News Corner, played and owned by Will Emerson.
