History was made at Cowdray in Midhurst, West Sussex yesterday as both the Ladies British Open Championship and St. Regis British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup finals were played out on the same day for the first time. Both finals delivered thrillingly close matches in near perfect conditions. The Ladies’ match was clinched by Yaguara with just a half point lead over Salty Polo to finish 7 goals to 6.5 whilst in the Gold Cup, first time finalists Gaston beat Dubai Polo Team by 9 goals to 8.
The Ladies British Open Championship kicked off the celebratory day’s proceedings and the eight teams that started the tournament had been narrowed down to two in the hotly contested final which drew record crowds. Salty Polo, which includes the world’s top ranked player, Brit, ten- goal Nina Clarkin pushed Yaguara the whole way with end to end polo and a nail-biting conclusion. In the end, Yaguara comprising nine-goal Milly Hine, sisters Mia and Myla from the legendary Cambiaso polo dynasty, and Patron Lady Martina Lowe proved just too strong. Maintaining their half-goal advantage throughout a tense final chukka, they held their nerve until the final horn to secure the prestigious British Ladies Open Championship title.
Winner of the Gusbourne Most Valuable Player award, Dual British/Australian Milly Hine said, “I couldn’t be more proud of the team and of our win. These are without doubt the biggest crowds we have ever played in front of and doing it on the same day as the Gold Cup, at home and in front of family friends is super special.”
The finalists were awarded wine from AIX en Provence, as well as gifts from tournament sponsors Le Chameau and Aspinal. The U.S. Polo Assn. Charity Cheque for £2500 was presented by President and CEO of U.S. Polo Assn., Michael Prince to the Founder of Power of Polo Charity Katy Hayward and the Best Playing Pony was Matuza Cassie, owned and played by Cata Lavina. The British Ladies Open Championship trophy was presented to Martina Lowe by Mariya Dykalo Creative Director of Aspinal of London.
Next in proceedings was the SafeRock UK Roda Polo Championship Final, showcasing polo players of the future playing on E-wheels.
The climax of the afternoon was the St. Regis British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup, where locally based surprise finalists Gaston took on Dubai, the team who have won more Gold Cups than anyone else, in front of the enormous crowds who had gathered in the most English of settings, under a beating sun.
In the green shirts for Gaston, Jean Paul Luksic (0) rode out at 1, with Gonzalo Ferrari (7) at 2, Beltran Laulhe (7) at 3, and 7-goaler Cruz Heguy at Back. Wearing the number 1 shirt for Dubai was Tariq Albwardy (0), Antonio Heguy (7) at 2, 9-goaler Bartolome Castagnola at 3, and Santos Merlos (6) at Back.
Gaston got off to a strong start in the first chukka, scoring two goals and holding off Dubai with an unbreakable defence. However, the second and third chukkas opened with Dubai kicking into action, keeping themselves within one goal of their opponents. Following a perfectly taken 60-yard penalty by Castagnola, Dubai headed into halftime trailing by just one goal at 5-4.
The second half remained thrillingly close, with both Laulhe and Castagnola adding a goal each in the fourth chukka. Gaston kept their noses in front heading into the final chukka, still leading by a single goal at 8-7 and keeping everyone in suspense.
Gaston continued their intense attacking play, allowing Heguy to add yet another goal. Merlos responded with a determined run to goal with two minutes remaining, reducing the deficit once again. Despite Dubai throwing everything at Gaston in the closing seconds, Gaston emerged victorious, winning 9-8 after the final buzzer.
An ecstatic Jean Paul Luksic, Gaston team Patron said, “It is a dream to win the Gold Cup for the first time ever. We worked really hard, it’s been over 12 years playing in the UK. I did the medium goal, prepared for the high goal and this is only our third year playing at this level. So I am so happy, it’s hard to put it into words.”
Ahead of lifting the historic Gold Cup, there were presentations galore. Cowdray Vikings Best Playing Pony Rug was presented by The Hon. Mrs Lila Pearson to Alberts Yarara, played by Bartolome Castagnola and owned by Dubai. The King power Best Patron Pony went to Vasca Se Buena played and owned by Jean Paul Luksic and presented by Liz Higgins on behalf of King Power. Cruz Heguy was Most Valuable Player, presented with the U.S. Polo Assn. MVP weekender bag by Michael Prince and Boo Jalil, CEO of Brand Machine Group. He won a two night break at a European St. Regis hotel, presented by Gwendoline Christie. Best Patron, Jean Paul Luksic, was awarded a Cask Investment by the 1901 Group, presented by Aaron Sparkes, Founder and CEO of Whisky 1901 and 1901 Group. The USPA Charity Cheque was presented to local charity, Midhurst Palliative Care by Michael Prince, received by Jo Stuttaford.
Finally, amidst huge celebrations, the Gold Cup was presented by Gala Pearson.
Cowdray Park Polo Club Managing Director, Martine Hartridge, said: “This has to be one of the best finals of all time. It had it all; drama, excitement, a fantastic standard of polo and first timer finalists playing one of the greats. The care of the ponies was excellent and special thanks goes to the grooms, veterinarians and all those that work so hard behind the scenes. The crowd was one of the largest we’ve had and the amazing weather certainly added to the day. We are grateful to our incredible sponsors for their support; St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, U.S. Polo Assn., The 1901 Group, Brand Machine Group (BMG), Rathbones Group Plc, Gusbourne, SafeRock, South Downs Water, Le Chameau, Hume Health, Saicho, Aix-en-Provence and Bentley Surrey.”
The polo season is far from over at Cowdray with matches played until mid-September. Full details can be found at Daily Play – Cowdray Park Polo Club
