The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup kicked off splendidly on Tuesday, June 24, at the prestigious Cowdray Park Polo Club in Midhurst, West Sussex. This annual tournament is revered as one of the three Grand Slams of Polo alongside the Argentine Open and the US Open, attracting elite teams and players to compete for one of the sport’s most coveted trophies. This year, eighteen teams, featuring high goalers up to 24 goals, vied for glory and recognition.
The first match of the tournament was a heart-stopping clash between Dubai and King Power MB, where Dubai emerged victorious with a narrow 10-9 win. King Power MB, a team representing Thailand, dominated the early stages, leading through the first two chukkas. However, Dubai executed a remarkable comeback in the third chukka, shifting the momentum of the match. The game intensified, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. Ultimately, luck favored Dubai, allowing them not only to secure the victory but also to take home the Carlos Gracida Memorial Trophy, a symbol of excellence in the sport. Notably, both teams made last-minute changes; Dubai brought in Rashid Albwardy as a substitute for Alfie Hyde, while Prince Mateen Bolkiah stepped in for Top Srivaddhanaprabha on the King Power MB lineup.
The excitement continued in the second match of the day, with UAE facing off against Park Place, the recent champions of the Queen’s Cup. Once again, the match concluded with a tight scoreline of 10-9. UAE showcased impressive teamwork and strong performances from their players, managing to outmaneuver Park Place, who saw a substitution as Andrey Borodin was replaced by Matías Maldonado.
Fans can catch all the action as the tournament is streamed live through Cowdray TV, produced in collaboration with PoloLine TV, HERE.
The tournament schedule resumes as follows:
11:30am: La Magdeleine vs. Gaston
12:00pm: La Dolfina Scone vs. Signet Thai Polo
4:30pm: White Crane vs. Calatagan
12:00pm: Kazak vs. Sujan Indian Tigers
3:00pm: La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal vs. Ferne Park
(UK times)
The championship match for the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup is scheduled for Sunday, July 20.
The roots of this prestigious tournament can be traced back to 1956, when it was established by Weetman John Churchill Pearson, Third Viscount Cowdray. Following the devastating effects of the Second World War, his efforts were pivotal in reviving the sport of polo in England. The British Open has since become the hallmark event in the competitive English polo season. Over the years, the tournament has seen numerous superstars of the sport showcase their talent, with many raising the cherished golden trophy. This historic event has been a family affair, with victories shared among fathers, sons, and grandsons.
The first-ever champions of the British Open were the Argentine team Los Indios, who claimed victory in 1956. This esteemed lineup included renowned players Jorge Marín Moreno, Pablo Nagore, Antonio Heguy, and Juan Echeverz. Antonio Heguy’s legacy lives on, as his grandsons Eduardo and Ignacio Heguy made history by winning in 1996. Bautista Heguy joined the lineage of champions with his victory in 2000 alongside the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso. The last member of the Heguy lineage to receive the British Open trophy was Marcos Heguy in 2004, representing Azzurra.
For those eager to delve deeper into the rich history and notable figures that have shaped the Cowdray Gold Cup, further detailed information can be found HERE.
To explore more about the tournament teams and fixtures, visit the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup – Teams & Fixtures.
Cover photo by Mark Beaumont.
