Postponed La Martina Argentina Cup 2012 to Saturday 1st November 2012

Please be advised that in conjunction with the Embassy of Argentina, La Martina, Polo Players and Management of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, the La Martina Argentina Polo Cup 2012 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been postponed from today (Friday 30^th November) to tomorrow (Saturday 1^stNovember 2012).

This is due to the safety of Polo Players and horses that the polo fields cannot be played on due to the recent heavy rain. The fields will be closed today (Friday 30^th November, 2012).

We apologise for any convenience that this may cause, but we look forwarding to welcoming you to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club tomorrow to watch and experience the La Martina Argentina Polo Cup 2012, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to celebrate the 41^st National Day of the United Arab Emirates.

Details as follows: Saturday 1^st November 2012 – Palermo Terrace

LA MARTINA ARGENTINA SUBSIDIARY MATCH

                Time: 2.30pm                     Teams:  VILLA ROMANA vs. DR. A POLO

 LA MARTINA ARGENTINA FINAL MATCH

                Time: 3.30pm                     Teams:  BIN DRAI POLO vs. RHINO'S

TROPHY PRESENTATION

Time: 5.00pm

Further Fixtures at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Remaining Fixtures this season at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

SCAPA Christmas Polo Cup, 14 December 2012
Diamond Cup, 25 January 2013
Dubai Silver Cup, 2 to 16 February 2013
Nexus Valentine’s Cup, 13 to 15 February 2013
Dubai Gold Cup, 25 February to 15 March 2013
British Polo Day, 29 March 2013
Season Closing Cup, 24 to 26 April 2013

La Martina Cup final this Friday

The La Martina Cup will conclude this Friday and Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club near Arabian Ranches.
Qualification for finals day has been underway the last few days. The subsidiary final which gets play underway on Finals Day will start at 2.30 and it sees Dr A Polo take on Villa Romana. Both these teams started the week well beating the finalist last monday but in the Semi Final on wednesday they both came up short in exciting matches. Villa Romano lost by a single goal when Stuart Wrigley's Rhinos beat the 8-7 to make the final. Defending Champions Bin Drai Polo qualified with a half goal victory after a tight match against Dr A Polo where they eventually one 4 - 3.5 goals.

So at 3.30pm this Friday all eyes will be on the Dubai Polo Ground to find out who will triumph. Bin Drai Polo have shown great form but it will be a tight affair and having seen the exciting attack form of Rhinos. Bin Drai will aim to retain the La Martina Cup and we really look forward to it.

An afternoon at the polo in Dubai is a great day out and I encourage spectators to go and witness this exciting final.

Come to the Polo this weekend t - top class action at Arabian Ranches Polo Field

VICTORY FOR HUBLOT TEAM BUENOS AIRES IN COUTTS POLO AT THE PALACE

 

- Coutts team Abu Dhabi puts up a spirited fight-back to take the final match into overtime

- Sold-out audiences enjoy stunning weekend of polo and picnics on the lawns of Emirates Palace

25 November, 2012 - Abu Dhabi, UAE: Hublot team Buenos Aires won a thrilling 3-2 penalty shoot out over Coutts team Abu Dhabi to secure the inaugural Coutts Polo at the Palace yesterday.

Locked at 5-5 at the end of the fourth ‘chukka’, Hublot team Buenos Aires held their nerve against the home team favourites who took the match into overtime with a desperate last minute two point goal in the dying stages.

The final was watched by a sell-out audience on the lawns of Emirates Palace and with the sun quickly setting on a stunning weekend of polo action, the pulsating shoot out was a fitting finale to Abu Dhabi’s newest sporting event.

Hublot team Buenos Aires’ captain Mohammed Al Habtoor was awarded the Coutts Cup by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research at the official prize giving ceremony.

City Events Ltd’s CEO, Rory Heron, whose company organized the showpiece event, said: “The final was a wonderful way to complete a memorable weekend that for the first time brought polo to the heart of Abu Dhabi.”

“We were very proud of how it all went and we hope the people of Abu Dhabi thoroughly enjoyed themselves at what was something a little different for the events scene here.

“We could not have asked for a more entertaining final and along with the polo there was so much more for people to experience. Corporate hospitality was abuzz with activity throughout the weekend and the polo village had its own special atmosphere with families relaxing in the sunshine over picnics.”

Coutts team Abu Dhabi’s loss against their Argentinean rivals was a bitter pill to swallow in front of their home crowd, but captain Faris Al Yabhouni says the event was a stunning endorsement of how polo can be showcased to cosmopolitan city audiences.

“It has been great to be part of such a special occasion,” he said. “The event has been incredibly successful and I’m sure we will be back for another Polo at the Palace next year. The games provided great excitement for all the viewers and overall we were very pleased with how it has all turned out.”

Coutts Polo at the Palace was a spin-off of the popular London event ‘Polo in the Park’, which pioneered the City Polo Series which is now set to take the stage in Singapore and Shanghai as it goes global and into other key financial capitals.

 

Palace Polo was played on a pitch a third smaller than a regular polo field, which meant the spectators were closer to the action. Each team had three players (reduced from the usual four) and all the action started with the spectacular ‘Palace dash’ where two opponents raced at full speed from opposite ends of the polo pitch to get to the ball first.

It was a unique take on the traditions of polo and proved to be a winning formula for spectators who flocked to the stunning venue.

Jean Loup Giriat, who was soaking up the polo village, said: “I attended polo events back in France and today has been excellent quality polo. I would definitely return next year.”

On the opening afternoon, Hublot Buenos Aires beat Maserati Milan 13-5 while Coutts team Abu Dhabi accounted for ‘How to Spend it’ team London to book themselves a spot in the final.

The event was supported by some of the world’s highest end institutions and brands, including Coutts, Emirates Palace, Maserati, Nespresso, La Martina and Hublot.

National Day Polo announced

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club are delighted to announce the UAE 41st anniversary Polo Exhibition Game on Friday 30th November 2012 at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club .

Time : from 2:30pm to 7:00pm, Free Entry.

Everybody is welcome :)

Pictures from Pink Polo 2012

St Regis Get Their Prize

Credit - Photography by Tammam Al Assaf

The Final Score - Photography by Harry Tregoning

Credit - Photography by Dominic James 

Credit - Photography by Tammam Al Assaf

Meet the Palace Polo Team Captains

Faris Al Yabhouni

Team Abu Dhabi

Coming from a UAE family with a strong tradition of excellence in camel racing and horse endurance racing, Faris Al Yabhouni is well acquainted with the world of equestrian sports. He has been playing polo for more than nine years and has gained a 0 goal handicap. A medium goal patron, Faris led the Abu Dhabi Polo Team to victory in the 2011 Threadneedle Gold Cup. In 2012, Faris won the Silver Cup and was third in the Gold Cup.  Since then, he has focused on his team and improving their dynamics for the 2013 Season.  Faris also plays in England and Argentina every year.

Mohammed Al Habtoor

Team Buenos Aires

Mohammed K Al Habtoor’s polo career started in 1999 after he received an invitation to attend an exhibition match sponsored by Barclays at the Desert Palm Polo Club. In 2000, he formed Habtoor Polo which is today recognised as a serious polo organisation. Throughout the years, he has played and had success in various international tournaments in England, Spain and France. Mohammed, together with his brother Rashid, organises several polo competitions in the UAE. These include the Habtoor Challenge Match in 2008 and the Habtoor Polo Cup in 2009, where he played alongside his son Habtoor and won both titles. In 2010, he formed the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series and invited professional players and teams from around the world to participate. The series is now recognised as one of the most successful polo tournaments in the region.

In 2011, Mohammed’s Habtoor Polo Team participated in the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Match. He also participated in Mint Polo in the Park where his Abu Dhabi Team took home the victory. In 2012, the Habtoor Polo Team won the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Trophy, a 15 goal tournament. Mohammed’s polo career still has a long way ahead, as his passion for polo is unwavering.

Stuart Wrigley

Team London

Stuart started playing polo in 2010 having never ridden a horse before and quickly became addicted. Stuart is the 0-goal patron of the Rhinos polo team based out of Dubai.  The Rhinos compete at all levels of polo in Dubai and several times a season in Thailand up to and including 15 goal.  Last season they won tournaments ranging for 4 to 12-goal in Dubai, Argentina and China. Stuart has played polo in Argentina, China, France, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and the UK

Amr F Zedan

Team Milan

Amr F. Zedan a Saudi National, holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of the Pacific (UOP) Stockton, California. Amr started his career in Qualcomm in the Telecommunication on CDMA Technology in Saudi Arabia. He then worked as Project Development Engineer in Zedan Consultants and subsequently developed Zedan Consultants into Zedan Group of today, where he acts as Group Chairman & President. Zedan Group is a specialized company actively involved in Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Power and Water, Trading, Mining and Earth Moving.

Amr is an avid polo enthusiast and plays for GCC Polo team. Over the years, Amr has played an active role to further cement bridges globally among members of European and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs and elite families who are also polo enthusiasts. Amr is also a member of Young President Organization and Young Arab Leaders.

About Palace Polo

About Palace Polo

Coutts Polo at the Palace is all about polo, the sport of kings, reinvented as a true spectator sport. It is polo, but faster, more intimate and thus more breath-taking. Played under Hurlingham Polo Association rules with a few rule adaptations tailored to the environment, Palace Polo creates a more exciting spectator experience.

Fast facts about Palace Polo

• ·         Each team has three players.
• ·         Each period of play is called a ‘chukka’.  Each chukka lasts seven minutes.
• ·         The referee is called an ‘umpire’.
• ·         A bell rings to mark a 30 second warning until the end of each chukka, but the play can continue until the ball goes out of play, the umpire calls a foul or the second bell rings to end the chukka.
• ·         Teams take a three minute break between each chukka to change horses. 
• ·         Polo teams score points for hitting the ball through the goal posts. 1 point is awarded for each goal. However, teams will be awarded 2 points for goals scored from outside the clearly marked scoring line.
• ·         The game is divided into quarters. The teams change sides after each quarter.
• ·         The game begins with the spectacular ‘Palace dash’ where two opponents race at full speed from opposite ends of the polo pitch to get to the ball first.
• ·         The ‘line of ball’ is the direction the ball is travelling in. Players are not allowed to cross the line of ball or cross the path of any player who has the ‘right of way’.
• ·         Players are allowed to push their opponents off course, as long as it is done safely and isn’t done by charging at a dangerous angle.
• ·         Palace Polo is played on a pitch 1/3 smaller than a regular polo field which means the spectators are closer to the action

Coutts Polo at the Palace and Emirates Palace to bring the sport of kings to Abu Dhabi

- New ‘Palace Rules’ promises glamour, excitement and plenty of action at Abu Dhabi’s society event of the year, from 23-24 November

26 September - Abu Dhabi, UAE: The inaugural Coutts Polo at the Palace was unveiled today at Emirates Palace. The two-day tournament promises polo as you have never seen it before with new ‘Palace Rules’ developed by the sport’s best players to make it one of the most spectacular spectator sports in the world.  

Representing some of the world’s leading centres of finance and fashion, the four teams – team Abu Dhabi sponsored by Coutts, team London, team Milan sponsored by Maserati and team Buenos Aires – will compete for the Coutts Polo Cup over two days of adrenalin-fuelled action. 

   

The exclusive event takes place 23-24 November on the West Lawn in the Palace Gardens, Emirates Palace, where a custom-built polo field, one third smaller than a regular polo field, creates the most spectacular polo venue in the world.

Admission is restricted to 1,000 people per day to make sure every guest gets a fantastic, up-close view. The hospitality tickets, starting from AED1,750 per person per day, offers full catering throughout the day with access to either the shared VIP Hospitality which is limited to 250 people, or one of five Private Chalets catering for up to 50 people. These are expected to sell out quickly, so organisers advise to book early to avoid disappointment. An additional 300 general admission tickets for AED250 per person per day will go on sale 10 November. These will be available to buy directly from Emirates Palace.

With delectable catering by Emirates Palace and an official after party on the Friday night, Coutts Polo at the Palace is expected to appeal to both equestrian experts and polo novices. Alongside the high octane polo there will be a La Martina boutique for those inspired by the polo look and a Maserati showroom which offers an opportunity to test drive the new Gran Turismo.  

The event has been created and brought to Abu Dhabi by City Events Ltd, a specialist London-based events company, together with sponsors and partners Coutts, Maserati, La Martina, Nespresso and proud host Emirates Palace.

City Events Ltd’s CEO, Rory Heron said: “Abu Dhabi and the UAE has a proud heritage of horsemanship and polo has found its perfect partner in Emirates Palace. Nowhere in the world is this highly skilled game played in such a spectacular setting.” 

Bugra Berberoglu, General Manager of Emirates Palace said: “The finest in sport, fashion, and culture will converge on the grounds of Emirates Palace when we host what will certainly be the most talked about social event of 2012. We look forward to welcoming polo’s top players and fans from around the world to showcase the best of Emirati hospitality here at the iconic Emirates Palace.”

Coutts Polo at the Palace is a spin-off of popular London event Polo in the Park, which has pioneered the city polo series, bringing the classic sport of kings to a cosmopolitan city audience. 

Coutts is one of the world’s most prestigious private banks, founded in the UK in 1692.  Amir Sadr, Co-Head of Coutts Middle East, said: "We are highly committed to the region and recently announced significant expansion plans in line with our strategic aim of growing the business in core markets, internationally.  As a further signal of our commitment to the Middle East, we are delighted to sponsor Coutts Polo at the Palace.  This will be a truly spectacular event and we could not have asked for a more majestic setting than Emirates Palace. We look forward to welcoming clients, guests and talented polo players to this iconic event, which brings one of the UAE's most celebrated sports in the heart of the capital."

To book hospitality tickets for Coutts Polo at the Palace, contact Rachel Roullier at Rachel@cityevents.uk.com or visit www.citypoloseries.com. For sponsorship enquiries please contact Rory Heron, Rory@cityevents.uk.com.  

St Regis Claim Pink Polo Crown At First Attempt

New Patron Steals Title From Holders ADCB With Final Chukker Penalty

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Saturday November 10, 2012: It was the closest of matches but new team, St Regis, emerged the 6-5 victors over ADCB at the third renewal of Pink Polo today (Saturday)

St Regis may have won on the end, but it was the defending title-holders, ADCB, who started best, scoring twice in the opening chukker, courtesy of Emirati player, Ali Al Marri and Argentine professional, Oscar Colombres. 

St Regis came back in the second chukker with a goal from their Argentine player, Nicolas Petrachi.

But St Regis had obviously been given a stern half-time team talk and came out of the pony lines fighting for the third chukker. Ahmed Bin Desmal, Nasser Al Shamsi and Petrachi all scored for the hotel side, while ADCB could not reply. The warring teams went into the last chukker all square. A penalty for ADCB, taken by Colombres put the bank team in front but a fantastic backhand from Abdullah Bin Desmal put the score at evens again.

And ADCB’s fate was finally sealed when Petrachi buried an extra-time penalty to give St Regis the Pink Polo title at the first time of asking.

Ahmed bin Desmal, from St Regis Polo Team said: “It turned out to be a very close game and it is always gratifying when you can come out on top in those situations. At the end of the day it was a penalty which decided the match, which just shows how close the two tams were and the importance of trying to stay calm under pressure and not give away easy points.

“We are very pleased with this result and now look forward to the rest of the season.”

Nasser al Dhari, from defending champions, ADCB Polo Team said: “It is disappointing to lose by such a narrow margin, but I am heartened by the fact that we started so strongly and did not let our heads drop.

“It really could have gone either way, but of course we wish it had gone our way. We have plenty to look forward to this season though and we will only improve for this match.”

The on-pitch drama played out in front thousands of spectators as well as a host of dignitaries, including HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahayan Al Nahayan, HE Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of hosts, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, HE Zayd Al Saksak, CEO Health Authority Abu Dhabi and HE Qadhi Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority.

Pink Polo is a sporting initiative that aims to raise awareness of breast cancer throughout the UAE community.

ADCB’s Dr. Majdi Abd El Muhdi, Vice President, Head – Corporate Communications said: “As a bank we have been the presenting partner of Pink Polo since its launch three years ago. It has been gratifying to watch it grow under our support into the major sporting initiative that we witnessed today.

“Not only were the spectators treated to some first-class polo action and free family entertainment I our ADCB garden, they were also introduced to a life-saving message that we hope they will take home with them and make part of their every day lives.”

Pink Polo is supported by official partners: ADAC, Etihad Airways, Mercedes –Benz Emirates Motors company, Omnia and Roche as well as Government supporting partners Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Health Authority Abu Dhabi and Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.

To find out more visit www.pinkpolo.ae and follow us on Facebook/PinkPoloWorld and Twitter/PinkPoloWorld

Pink Polo publish teams and Programme - come and visit on 10th November

ADCB

1. Ali Al Merri (0)

2. Ahmed Al Nuaimi (0)

3. Nasser Al Dhari  (1)

4. Oscar Colombres (5)

Team hcp 6

St Regis 

1. Abdulla Bin Desmal (0)

2. Ahmed Bin Desmal (0)

3. Nasser Al Shamsi (1)

4. Nicolas Petrachi (4)

Team hcp 5

Pink Polo Program

November 10th

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

2pm         Gates open

                 Pink Majilis / Pink Market /Shakespeare Pink Café/Picnic areas

                 Pony/camel rides

2.30pm   Ignite family games on the field

3pm         VIP opens

                 Falcon show & displays

3.30pm   Horse trick show by Sultan Al Ameri

4pm         Camel Polo Show

4.30pm   Players warm up

                

5pm         Polo match: ADCB vs St. Regis

6pm         Prize giving followed by Best Dressed Award

* Best Dressed award for Best Woman, Man, Couple and family (4)

St. Regis sponsors UAE's Pink Polo on November 10

Nacho Figueras

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., will be an official team sponsor at the third annual Pink Polo match, an annual charity event in the UAE aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer.

Taking place on November 10, 2012, this will be the luxury hotel brand’s first polo event in the Middle East as St. Regis continues to celebrate its commitment to the international sport of polo in numerous destinations around the world.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Pink Polo and support such an important cause through the sport, which is an innate part of the St. Regis legacy,” says Paul James, gobal brand leader, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels & Resorts.

“With the recent debut of St. Regis hotels in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and a robust pipeline throughout the Middle East, we will continue to share our commitment to the 'Sport of Kings', as polo rapidly gains momentum in the region."

St. Regis has long been associated with the world of polo, beginning at the turn of the last century when polo and St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors, became part of the New York social scene.

As St. Regis continues to grow globally, the brand will expand its polo presence in nearly as many destinations, by supporting spirited polo matches and events in the United States, Bangkok, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, England and Beijing.

The St. Regis team playing in the Pink Polo event will meet world-renowned Argentinean polo player and St. Regis connoisseur, Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras during the run-up to the match. He will also host a private polo experience for Starwood Preferred Guest members as a part of SPG Moments, which offers members a series of auctions for exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit the UAE for the first time in support of this very worthy cause. To me, it is wonderful that the sport I love can bring people together in an enjoyable yet educational way,” said in a statement.

Pink Polo will focus on a 15-goal exhibition match between St. Regis and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) featuring Emirati and Argentine players, set in the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. The players will experience the brand’s signature St. Regis Butler Service during the match, where butlers will be on-hand to offer cold refreshments and towels.

Guests of the St. Regis VIP marquee will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea ritual during the match along with other beverages and canapés.

Presented by ADCB, Pink Polo is the conclusion of Health Authority Abu Dhabi’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, using competitive sport to promote a life-saving message. The event will include a Pink Majlis, a focal point for breast cancer information where guests can meet medical experts and sign up for free screenings. Other features of the event include an award ceremony, prizes for the best dressed, photo opportunities with players, picnic areas and other family activities.

Pink Polo will take place on November 10, 2102 at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club and offers free entry to the public. For more information, please visit www.pinkpolo.ae.

For information on St. Regis exclusive polo offerings and events, please visit www.stregis.com/polo.

Come to Pink Polo this Saturday where - Bank Team Face New Opponents, St. Regis, In Annual Charity Match

The runners and riders are getting ready for the claxon ahead of the third renewal of the Pink Polo breast cancer awareness match at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club on November 10.

Pink Polo, which was launched three years ago, is designed to raise breast cancer awareness among both men and women in the UAE community through a unique sporting initiative.

It is being held at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, with the support of Chairman Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Vice chairman of GRPC, Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansoori, is looking forward to welcoming members of the public to the exclusive venue.

“It is always gratifying when we are able to throw open our gates and invite the community to come and share in our love of polo,” he said. “It is even more satisfying when we are supporting such an important cause and we are proud to be hosting Pink Polo since the very beginning of the concept.”

The players have been putting in the hours on the training pitch to prepare for the season-opening match.

“We have been training hard for this match,” said ADCB’s Colombres. “It is the first event on the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club calendar and everybody wants to make a good start to the season.” He continued: “Pink Polo always gets a big crowd and its great to play in front of thousands of people and for such a good cause.”

Bin Desmal said the plan was to play open polo. “No matter how many practice chukkers you play, there is no substitute for playing together as a team, so we are looking forward to getting out there,” he said. “We have been working on playing the open, fluid brand of polo that has helped us to success in the past.”

St Regis captain, Nasser al Dhari said his side was ready to challenge ADCB for the title: “We are still at the start of the season but we are ready and our ponies are ready,”. He continued: “The anticipation has been building and now we really just want to get out there and start playing. Having a good match at this stage in the season can really set a player up for the rest of the UAE polo calendar, so its important to make sure that we are firing early.”

Pink Polo founder, Carrie McNeill said: “As the region’s largest family sport event, Pink Polo is a unique concept which supports breast cancer awareness by attracting all members of the family. HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nayan has once again ensured that the field and ponies are in top condition and we all hope that as many people as possible from the UAE community will come along.”

Pink Polo, presented by ADCB is supported by official partners: ADAC, Etihad Airways, Mercedes –Benz Emirates Motors Company, Omnia and Roche as well as Government supporting partners Abu Dhabii Sports Council, Health Authority Abu Dhabi and Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.

Gates open at 2pm and polo starts at 5pm. Pink Polo is a free family day out featuring activities for all the family. There is so much to see and do and it is a highly recommended afternoon out.To find out more visit www.pinkpolo.ae