The Gold Cup Teams
23rd june to 19TH july 2026
The anticipation and excitement surrounding the St. Regis British Open Polo Championship, and the prestigious Cowdray Gold Cup, are palpable each year. The draw for the 2025 tournament will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and competitive series of matches at Cowdray Park Polo Club.
THE TEAMS
19 teams will compete in the 2026 St. Regis British Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, starting with the Carlos Gracida Memorial Cup on 23rd June.
The St. Regis Cowdray Gold Cup tournament schedule and team sheets are available below, scroll down for more information.
Watch live and for free with Pololine TV.
FINALS PROGRESSION
TEAMS & PLAYERS
Kazak
1 Sebastien Aguettant 0
2 Leon Donoso 5
3 Nico Pieres 8
BK Francisco Elizalde 9
Dubai Polo Team
1 Tariq Albwardy 0
2 Santos Merlos 6
3 Antonio Heguy 7
BK Bartolome Castagnola 9
Gaston Polo Team
1 Jean Paul Luksic 0
2 Beltran Laulhe 7
3 David Stirling 8
BK Cruz Heguy 7
La Dolfina / Marques de Riscal
1 Alejandro Aznar 0
2 Simon Prado 6
3 Felix Esain 6
BK Adolfo Cambiaso Jnr 10
Jindal Steel / La Dolfina
1 Naveen Jindal 0
2 Rufino Merlos 6
3 Gonzalo Ferrari 7
BK Adolfo Cambiaso 9
White Crane
1 Alexie Calvert-Ansari 0
2 Matt Perry 5
3 Pablo Pieres 10
BK Tomas Beresford 7
UAE
1 H.H. Sheikha Maitha 0
2 Hugo Taylor 5
3 Lucas Monteverde Jnr 8
BK Juan Martin Nero 9
La Hechicera Polo Team
1 Pablo Galante 0
2 Ned Hine 5
3 Lorenzo Chavanne 7
BK Camilo Castagnola 10
Ferne Park
1 Jonathan Rothermere 0
2 Chris Mackenzie 6
3 Joaquin Pittaluga 7
BK Facundo Pieres 9
Ojo Caliente
1 Ana Escobedo 0
2 Martin Podesta 6
3 Facundo Sola 8
BK Alfredo Cappella 8
Akasha
1 Alexandre Garese 0
2 Facundo Fernandez-Llorente 7
3 Pablo Mac Donough 9
BK Santiago Laborde 6
Jehengiri Polo
1 Muhammad Jehangiri 0
2 Rosendo Torreguitar 7
3 Gonzalito Pieres 7
BK Guillermo Caset 8
Sujan Indian Tigers
1 Jaisal Singh 0
2 Marcos Araya 6
3 Juan Britos 8
BK Juan Martin Zubia 8
Black Bears
1 Guy Schwarzenbach 2
2 Tani Darritchon 3
3 Benjamin Panelo 8
BK Tomas Panelo 9
Signet Segavas Polo Team
1 Luke Wiles 4
2 Tommy Severn 5
3 Matias Mac Donough Jnr 6
BK Alfredo Bigatti 7
Valhalla
1 Emma MacRae 0
2 Manuel Elizalde 6
3 Paco De Narvaez 8
BK Alejandro Muzzio 8
Clinova Circulare
1 Arsalan Karim 0
2 Teodoro Lacau 7
3 Juan Gris Zavaleta 7
BK Isidro Strada 7
Park Place
1 Leo Stuart 0
2 Louis Hine 6
3 Hilario Ulloa 9
BK Jeronimo Del Carril 7
Shoreline Polo Team
1 Tunde Karim 0
2 Rufino Bensadon 7
3 Diego Cavanagh 8
BK James Harper 6
TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Kazak
The team in burgundy returns for a second Gold Cup campaign, led once again by Nico Pieres. After reaching the Gold Cup Final in their debut season last year, Kazak will be looking to go one step further in 2026. Joining the team is exciting young talent León Donoso, who adds fresh energy and promise to an already formidable line-up.
Dubai Polo Team
One of the most established names in the tournament, Dubai Polo Team remains the most successful side in Gold Cup history, most recently lifting the trophy in 2024. This year sees a slight change, with Tariq Albwardy taking the lead role from his brother Rashid Albwardy. A team that has reached and won more finals than any other on the entry list, Dubai once again enters the competition as a major contender.
Gaston Polo Team
For the third consecutive year, Jean Paul Luksic enters the Gold Cup with Gaston Polo Team, a local side based at Great Trippets. The team brings together a wealth of experience, led by 8-goaler Cruz Heguy alongside Beltran Laulhe and David Stirling. After reaching the quarter-finals of last year’s Gold Cup, Gaston will be looking to build on that performance and push even further in 2026.
La Dolfina / Marqués de Riscal
For a second year running, Alejandro’s La Dolfina / Marqués de Riscal combines forces with 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. After reaching the semi-finals in 2025, they return with a strong roster that includes 6-goalers Félix Esain and Simón Prado. This is undoubtedly a team capable of challenging for the title.
White Crane
A familiar name at Cowdray, White Crane has competed at various levels throughout the club over the years. Patron Alexie Calvert-Ansari is once again joined by 10-goaler Pablo Pieres. The side also features two leading English professionals, Tommy Beresford (7) and Matt Perry (5), creating a strong blend of international and home-grown talent.
La Hechicera Polo Team
One of the new additions to the 2026 Gold Cup, La Hechicera arrives with an exciting and youthful line-up. Patron Pablo Galante leads a team featuring former Gold Cup winner and 10-goaler Camilo Castagnola, alongside Lorenzo Chavanne and Ned Hine. The team has already enjoyed success this season, claiming the Trippets Challenge 22-Goal tournament in May, with three players also winning this year’s Queen’s Cup Final with Balaz Capital.
Jindal Steel / La Dolfina
A powerful combination of international patronage and elite polo talent, Jindal Steel / La Dolfina is looking to make a strong impact on the 2026 Gold Cup. Backed by one of the sport’s most recognised organisations, they will be aiming to challenge the tournament favourites and make a deep run in the competition. The team is led by nine-time Gold Cup winner Adolfo Cambiaso Sr., whose experience and success at the highest level make them one of the strongest contenders in the field.
UAE Polo Team
UAE Polo Team is one of the most recognisable organisations in international polo, supported by the renowned El Overo breeding programme, with operations in Argentina, Dubai and the UK. Led by one of the few female patrons competing at the highest level, H.H. Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the team has established itself as a major force in British polo. Having reached its first Gold Cup Final in 2015 before winning the title in 2023, UAE will once again be among the teams to watch.
Ferne Park
Jonathan Rothermere’s Ferne Park first entered the Gold Cup in 2024 and has steadily built experience at Cowdray across different levels. The team is led by 7-goaler Joaquín Pittaluga, who helped guide the side to the Gold Cup semi-finals last year. With another year of experience behind them, this British team will be looking to build on that success and challenge the tournament’s established contenders in 2026.
Ojo Caliente
Making their Gold Cup debut, Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente is a welcome addition to the 2026 field, having previously competed at various levels at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The team boasts considerable experience, including Martín Podestá (6), Facundo Sola (8), and strong back Alfredo Cappella (8). Their collective experience at this level could make them a dangerous opponent.
Akasha
Formerly known as La Magdeleine, Akasha enters the Gold Cup with a familiar core. Patron Alexandre Garese reunites with Facundo Fernández-Llorente, a partnership that has endured since 2011. They are joined by 9-goaler Pablo Mac Donough and 6-goaler Santiago Laborde.
Suján Indian Tigers
One of the most iconic teams in polo, instantly recognisable by the tiger emblem on the front of their shirts, Suján Indian Tigers returns under the patronage of Jaisal Singh. Much of the successful core remains unchanged, with Juan Martín Zubía and Juan Britos continuing their long association with the team. New for 2026 is Marcos Araya, whose arrival adds further strength and experience to an already competitive side.
Black Bears
After missing the 2025 season, Guy Schwarzenbach’s Black Bears return to the Gold Cup. One of the most respected organisations in polo, Black Bears is based in Henley -on-Thames and operates its own successful breeding programme. A familiar and popular name within the polo community, the team is strengthened by the talented Panelo brothers, alongside Tani Darritchon.
Valhalla
Always a fan favourite, Emma and Justin MacRae’s Valhalla return to the Cowdray Gold Cup with its trademark enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Based nearby at Madams Farm, the team features 6-goaler Manu Elizalde, reigning Gold Cup winner Paco de Narváez, and Alejandro Muzzio, who returns for his second spell with the side. Combining youth, experience, and strong team chemistry, Valhalla will be hoping to make its mark this summer.
Park Place
One of the longest-running and most successful teams in British High Goal polo, Park Place returns in its iconic blue and yellow colours. The organisation enjoyed a hugely successful 2024 season, winning both The Cartier Queen’s Cup and the USPA Gold Cup. They also lifted the Cowdray Gold Cup in 2022. Captaining the team once again is Hilario Ulloa, whose leadership and experience make Park Place a perennial contender.
Signet Segavas Polo Team
Signet Segavas Polo Team enters the 2026 Gold Cup looking to make its mark against an exceptionally competitive field. Combining ambitious patronage with experienced professionals, the team will be aiming to build momentum throughout the tournament and challenge some of the competition’s more established names. British players Luke Wiles (4) and Tommy Severn (5) join Matias Mac Donough Jnr (6) and Alfredo Bigatti (7), making this an all-professional side.
Shoreline
New for 2026, Shoreline arrives with a team featuring some of Cowdray’s most experienced high-goal players. Former England captain James Harper is joined by 8-goaler Diego Cavanagh, who comes into the tournament fresh from reaching the Queen’s Cup Final. The pair played together for Jehangiri last season and will be looking to build on that established partnership. With extensive experience at the highest level and a strong understanding of Cowdray’s grounds, Shoreline could prove to be one of the most exciting new additions to this year’s Gold Cup field.
Clinova Circulare
One of the exciting new teams for the 2026 season, Clinova Circulare is led by Arsalan Karim and is already generating interest with its strong line-up. The team features three 7-goal professionals: Teodoro Lacau, who recently reached the Queen’s Cup Final with Aureus, alongside Juan Gris Zavaleta and Isidro Strada.
LEAGUES SUMMARY
LEAGUE A
Dubai
Ferne Park
Clinova Circulare
Shoreline
Ojo Caliente
GROUP E
La Hechicera
Kazak
Sujan Indian Tigers
GROUP B
Akasha
Valhalla
Black Bears
Jehangiri
GROUP C
Gaston Polo
White Crane
Signet Segavas
GROUP D
La Dolfina / Marques de Riscal
UAE
Park Place
La Dolfina Jindal
At the draw the 19 teams who have entered the St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup were drawn into 1 league of 5 and 2 crossover groups with 4 teams on one side and 3 on the other.
Each team will play 4 qualifying games. League A will play within, Group B/C and Group D/E will play across and Group B & D’s final group matches will be played as 1st drawn team v 4th drawn team and 2nd drawn team v 3rd drawn team.
To ensure a balanced structure the draw will be as follows:-
There will be 5 seeded teams.
La Hechicera Polo Team will take the place of Balanz Capital as they have 3 of the same players in the team.
The 5 seeds are the teams with 3 wins or more in the Queens Cup:-
Akasha
Dubai
Gaston Polo Team
La Dolfina/Marques de Riscal
La Hechicera Polo Team
PAST FINALISTS
1956 Los Indios 9, Cowdray Park 4
1957 Windsor Park 5, Casarejo 3
1958 Cowdray Park 10, Woolmers Park 3
1959 Casarejo 7, Cowdray Park 6
1960 Casarejo 8, Centaurs 7
1961 Cowdray Park 7, Laversine 6
1962 Cowdray Park 8, Sao Silvestre 5
1963 La Vuici 8, Cowdray Park 7
1964 Jersey Lilies 10, Centaurs 3
1965 Jersey Lilies 9, Cowdray Park 5
1966 Windsor Park 13, Cowdray Park 9
1967 Woolmers Park 13, Chequers Manor 3
1968 Pimms 8, Chequers Manor 7
1969 Windsor Park 7, Pimms 6
1970 Boca Raton 13, Windsor Park 10
1971 Pimms 11, Columbia 10
1972 Pimms 7, Stowell Park 6
1973 Stowell Park 12, Cowdray Park 6
1974 Stowell Park 8, Cowdray Park 7
1975 Greenhill Farm 9, Jersey Lilies 5
1976 Stowell Park 10, Cowdray Park 7
1977 Foxcote 12, Cowdray Park 7
1978 Stowell Park 8, Cowdray Park 7
1979 Songhai 6, Les Diables Bleus 4
1980 Stowell Park 10, Cowdray Park 7
1981 Falcons 13, Ipanema 3
1982 Southfields 7, Les Diables Bleus 6
1983 Falcons 8, Centaurs 7
1984 Southfields 9, “B.B.s” 2
1985 Maple Leafs 11, Les Diables Bleus 10
1986 Tramontana 11, Cowdray Park 4
1987 Tramontana 9, Windsor Park 5
1988 Tramontana 15, Hildon House 8
1989 Tramontana 13, Cowdray Park 8
1990 Hildon 10, Cowdray Park 9
1991 Tramontana 11, Ellerston White 7
1992 Black Bears 10, Santa Fe 9
1993 Alcatel 9, Ellerston Black 8
1994 Ellerston Black 13, Pegasus 11
1995 Ellerston White 12, Black Bears 9
1996 CS Brooks 14, Ellerston White 13
1997 Labegorce 10, Isla Carroll 8
1998 Ellerston 13, CS Brooks 6
1999 Pommery 12, Ellerston 8
2000 Geebung 13, Black Bears 8
2001 Dubai 14, Los Tamaraos 9
2002 Black Bears 8, Emerging 7
2003 Hildon Sport 6, Labegorce 5
2004 Azzurra 17, Dubai 9
2005 Dubai 11, Black Bears 10
2006 Black Bears 9, Ellerston 8
2007 Lechuza Caracas 11, Loro Piana 19
2008 Loro Piana 11, Ellerston 10
2009 La Bamba de Areco 13, Dubai 10
2010 Dubai 14, Lechuza Caracas 12
2011 Zacara 12, Les Lions 11
2012 Cortium 10, El Remanso 9
2013 Zacara 11, Dubai 8
2014 Dubai 13, King Power 11
2015 King Power Foxes 14, UAE 8
2016 King Power 9, La Indiana 5
2017 King Power 13, El Remanso 8
2018 El Remanso 13, La Bamba de Areco 12
2019 Dubai 13, King Power 12
2020 Next Generation 14, Les Lions/Great Oaks 12
2021 Thai Polo NP 9, UAE Polo Team 7
2022 Park Place 12, Dubai 9
2023 UAE Polo Team 12, Dubai 11
2024 Dubai 11, Great Oaks 3
2025 La Dolfina/Scone 9, Kazak 8