History was made at Cowdray 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 in Midhurst, West Sussex. Both finals delivered thrillingly close matches in near perfect conditions. The Ladies Open final match was clinched by Martina Lowe’s Yaguara with just a half point lead over Salty Polo to finish 7 goals to 6.5 whilst in the Gold Cup.
The Ladies British Open Championship kicked off 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 Millie Hine, Mia and Myla from the legendary Cambiaso polo dynasty and Martina Lowe proved too good, scoring in the final moments of the game to clinch the prestigious Championships.
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.
