@GhantootPolo Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club and Abu Dhabi Sports Council to mark UAE National Day with a commemorative polo match

Marking the UAE's 42^nd National Day, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club to unveil the largest UAE flag

  

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the Club will be holding an exhibition polo match between Ghantoot Team and Abu Dhabi Sports Council team on Friday, November 29, 2013, to mark the UAE’s 42^nd National Day.

 

Several activities will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition game to attract public attendance. The gates will open at 3:00 p.m. for the public who are invited to attend free of charge, followed by the national anthem and a show to be performed by Dubai Military Band.

The display of the largest flag in the UAE will start at 10:00 a.m, in Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club measuring 2500m. Long and 6m. wide, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Club. The flag has been designed by the Emirati young man Abdullah Al Hosani, the display of the flag will be with the assistance of Sanid Programme and Zayed Implant Voluntary Group.

Ghantoot team will be made up of Nasser Al Shamsi, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Faris Al Yabhouni and the Argentinean player Diego Cossio. Opposing team will be made up of Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Abdullah bin Desmal, Ali Al Merri and the professional player Oscar Colombres.

It is expected that the match will draw big crowds with the existence of a number of experienced UAE national players playing alongside professionals.

The exhibition match is held by the Club shortly after the charity match of pink polo which was held by the Club in support of the breast cancer awareness drive in cooperation with the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

On the occasion of the National Day, H.E. Saeed Bin Houfan Al Mansouri, Vice-Chairman and Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi the Managing director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, congratulated H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as the Supreme Council members and Rulers of the other emirates and the people of the United Arab Emirates.

H.E. Saeed Bin Houfan affirmed that the celebration of the National Day holds special meaning and significance, which prompted the Club to hold a commemorative match and several other events in order to celebrate the occasion with the public.

He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for sponsoring the exhibition match. “The Club sponsors all events and activities which are in the interest of society, out of our belief in the significant role played by sport in general and polo in particular in attracting members of the masses who are keen fans of the sport. The Club also sponsored the breast cancer awareness drive through the polo sport, and we are prepared to provide support to all segments of society through the polo sport in our Club,” he added.

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi said: “We are honored to host this tournament under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Club, and to support Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which is the least we can offer for our beloved country on this occasion which we cherish dearly. We sincerely hope that the public of all segments, UAE nationals or expatriates, would attend on Friday to enjoy this tournament and watch the display of the largest UAE flag, as well as enjoying the various events which will associate this massive sports festival, as a host of prizes and gifts will be distributed to the attendees.”

@HKJC Dunaden added to the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

Two past winners of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase will now line up for the 2400m contest on Sunday, 8 December following the inclusion of Dunaden in the field of 14.

Trainer Mikel Delzangles' charge took the spoils in 2011 before losing his crown to the re-opposing Red Cadeaux in 2012. The top-class seven-year-old was not among the original selections for the race as his connections had indicated that they would not decide on a post-Japan Cup target until they had assessed how the horse ran there. He now heads to Sha Tin after a storming fifth behind Gentildonna in the G1 Japan Cup last Sunday (24 November).

The French raider, winner of the G1 Melbourne Cup in 2011 and the G1 Caulfield Cup in 2012, had his place in the field confirmed today when the Sean Woods-trained Autumn Gold was scratched from the race at the request of the handler.

"The intention was to run Autumn Gold in the Vase, but I was disappointed with his run in the trial, so have decided in conjunction with the owners that we will go down a different path with the horse."

Autumn Gold's most recent run brought a below-par 11th in the G2 LONGINES Jockey Club Cup on 17 November.

"Given the news about Autumn Gold, we are delighted to be able to add a horse of the quality of Dunaden to the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase," said Mr William A Nader, Executive Director of Racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. "Dunaden is a three-time Group 1 winner, an international star and a past winner of the Vase, so it is great that he now has an opportunity to come back and try to reclaim his crown - his participation further raises the standard of an already high class Hong Kong International Races day."

In a separate development, the Richard Gibson-trained Mizani has been scratched from the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup after being found to have bled following his participation in an official barrier trial at Sha Tin this morning, Tuesday, 26 November.

Lone ranger Linton flies the flag for Australia at the LONGINES HKIR

Linton's transformation from one-time stayer and Melbourne Cup contender to top class miler will be complete should the lone Australian representative at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races win the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday 8 December.

The seven-year-old gelding will be angling for a slice of history as no Australian horse has claimed the prize in its present guise as a G1 mile contest - the Bart Cummings-trained Catalan Opening won the race's forerunner in 1997, the 1400m International Bowl. Hong Kong victors have maintained a stranglehold on the Mile since Japan's Hat Trick scored in 2005.

Linton began his career in the ownership of Lloyd Williams, as did retired Hong Kong superstar Vengeance Of Rain, and was groomed as a stayer but has been reinvented as a sprinter-miler since his sale last year and transfer to Flemington trainer John Sadler.

Linton has won four of his 10 starts for Sadler and earned more than A$1.25 million in prize money. Those victories have come at 1400m and 1600m (two each) and include his memorable last to first win over triple G1 winner Buffering in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.

"The horse is remarkably versatile and capable over a range of distances but I always felt that he was essentially best suited over shorter trips," said Sadler who was in the employ of Williams when the horse began his racing career.

Linton was a G2 winner at 2400m early in his career and contested Americain's 2010 Melbourne Cup when he failed to handle the rain affected track conditions and finished 21st of 23 runners.

The horse has performed well fresh for his new handler and Sadler is confident he has well and truly overcome the temperature that forced his scratching from the Emirates Stakes at Flemington on 9 November.

"The horse is in good shape, having a break between runs, if anything, is a plus for him and we are looking forward to taking our chance in Hong Kong," Sadler said.

Linton has raced just twice since winning the Stradbroke and his form is better than the two unplaced runs beside his name might suggest. Paying the price for his G1 win, he carried top weight of 58 kilograms, under handicap conditions, when he resumed with a fifth behind Rebel Dane in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes on 29 September.

He was posted wide throughout in that fast run 1400m sprint and was beaten only 1.2 lengths before he raced a "touch flat" according to his trainer when a midfield finisher in the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) on 12 October.

Sadler's career has taken many turns from his early G1 success in Victoria. A career in Dubai followed where he trained privately for the Maktoum family before his return home after a short stint in Singapore.

He is now head trainer for Malua Racing and that group's general manger Troy Corstens credits Sadler with Linton's success.

"John insisted that we try to get hold of the horse. He wasn't cheap but we got him and it's now proved worthwhile," Corstens said.

Some of Sadler's biggest wins include a G1 double with Lady Jakeo who won the 1993 Blue Diamond and 1994 William Reid Stakes, the Oakleigh Plate in 1994 with Kenvain and the Turnbull Stakes in 2009 with Efficient.

Sadler played a major role in preparing 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient as assistant trainer at Lloyd Williams' Macedon Lodge and was officially recognised as Williams' head trainer just a few days after the win.

After leaving Williams' employ late in 2009, Sadler created Malua Racing in partnership with Corstens. 

Event held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, today announced that its Wealth Management Division would serve as main sponsor for the upcoming 2014 Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, an annual event held in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the fourth-largest tournament of its kind behind Argentina, the US and the UK. To be held for the fifth year in a row, the event will take place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. The series is split into two tournaments beginning with the Silver Cup to be held from February 1 -15, while the Gold Cup will be held from February 24 – March 15, 2014.

“The Wealth Management Division is pleased to be the headline sponsor for the fifth Dubai Polo Gold Cup, as this is in line with our commitment to support important sports activities that are of interest to our clients,” said Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head – Group Marketing and Branding, Emirates NBD. “Events such as this represent an excellent social setting for our clients to meet and network, while providing us with a platform that enables us to remain close to our customers. As a leading wealth management specialist in the region, we look after the financial needs of diverse clients from a variety of professional backgrounds.  We see this as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our support for our valued clientele, many of whom are keenly interested in this high profile sport.”

“We are honoured to have on board a prominent UAE financial institution such Emirates NBD as our main partner for this event, as this is in keeping with the high profile reputation that the event has acquired in the last five years,” said Mohammed K. Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. “As one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar, the Gold Cup has also been instrumental in establishing Dubai Polo firmly at the forefront of the International polo scene.”

First founded in 2009, the Dubai Polo Gold Cup is the premier regional polo competition of the year, and attracts some of the leading VIPs, society figures, and senior corporate executives from across the GCC. The tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai and in 2012, the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT). Played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the Gold Cup is being played according to HPA rules and the provision of umpires will be managed under strict international supervision by the HPA.

A total of nine teams will participate in the renowned event, including three new entries this year – the UAE Polo Team, in which the patron is HRH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Desert Palm 1 and 2, owned by Ali Al Bawardy. In addition, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Patron of Ghantoot Polo, will return to the ‘Sport for kings.’ Sheikh Falah has had a break from the sport for several years, but in 2014 he will mark his comeback in the Dubai Gold Cup Series.

@PoloAtThePalace TEAM BUENOS AIRES RETAIN TITLE AT COUTTS POLO AT THE PALACE 2013

Coutts Polo at the Palace defending champions, Team Buenos Aires, celebrate victory number two last Saturday after a thrilling performance against home team Coutts Abu Dhabi in a nail biting 6 – 4 victory.

After a cautious start from both teams in the weekend’s finale, 2012 winners Team Buenos Aires were first to find their stride with exceptional play from Guillermo Cuitino, whose long-range shooting took his team into half-time four goals ahead.

Despite a spirited fight-back performance from Facundo Castagnola, whose attacking play brought his team within two goals, Coutts Abu Dhabi missed out on the title for a second year with Team Buenos Aires shooting four unanswered goals in the second chukka.

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented the cherished Coutts Cup to Cuitino and fellow Buenos Aires team members Habtoor Al Habtoor and Santiago Gomes Romero, who was also awarded this year’s ‘most valuable player.’ 

“After a spectacular plate final with Faberge Team London and Maserati Team Milan going 8 – 8 into extra time, only a wonder goal from Mario Gomez Duran could separate the two teams,” comments Rory Heron, City Events CEO.

“Today’s game was the perfect end to an enchanting weekend of world-class sport, fashion and gastronomy in the most iconic of settings, the Emirates Palace.”

Coutts team Abu Dhabi’s loss against their Argentinean rivals for the second year running was a bitter pill to swallow in front of their home crowd, who had travelled from across the United Arab Emirates to watch the showdown unfold.

Meanwhile, sell-out audiences in the VIP Polo Garden enjoyed Maserati test-drive experiences and delectable picnic boxes designed by Emirates Palace’s master chefs in the comfort of the Palace’s sumptuous grounds.

Post-play entertainment in the pool-side Breeze Lounge provided the perfect antidote to a day of fast-paced action, with international DJ Fabrizio Marra setting the tone for a glamorous evening.

Michael Cinders, a long-term UAE resident,  was soaking up the stray rays of sun in the VIP Polo Garden: “This year’s event was quintessentially Abu Dhabi.  Today’s dramatic finals had me on tenterhooks throughout.  I’m looking forward to attending next year’s event already. ”

Coutts Polo at the Palace 2013 was organized by City Events, who organize the City Polo series.  For more information visit www.citypoloseries.com

@PoloAtThePalace Allure of Abu Dhabi attracts world’s top brands to Coutts Polo at the Palace

The UAE capital’s showpiece event returns this weekend to Emirates Palace

Coutts Polo at the Palace, Abu Dhabi’s flagship business and society event, will make a stunning return to the UAE capital’s iconic venue, Emirates Palace, this weekend (22-23 November). 

Whilst spectators enjoy the ‘palace polo’ action on the pitch, behind the velvet ropes of VIP hospitality chalets a different type of action takes place, with C-level executives from the world’s top luxury brands networking with an elite list of prospective clients and new business partners from around the globe.

In its second year, Coutts Polo at the Palace is organised on behalf of its title sponso

r, Coutts, with host sponsor, Emirates Palace, with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). It has quickly attracted a prestigious collection of luxury brands, including Fabergé, Maserati, Chesterton Humberts, Hakkasan and Nespresso.

The event has also grown to become a standout on the UAE society calendar, as well as a unique place to ‘do business’, according to Rory Heron, the CEO of City Events, the London-based company which created Coutts Polo at the Palace.

From sponsor CEO breakfast briefings to corporate entertaining, the event has been scheduled into the diaries of many of the region’s key decision makers, says Heron.

“We’ve seen tremendous interest from some of the world’s leading brands who have identified the potential business opportunities and marketing benefits associated with this unique event,” said Heron, who also established the MINT Polo in the Park in London.

“Our aim was to create a platform that would bring together the region’s business leaders and top brands in one of the world’s most impressive polo settings.”

Coutts; the world’s seventh oldest bank, returns as title sponsor following the success of last year’s inaugural event, citing the Coutts Polo at the Palace as being key to the bank’s wider growth strategy.

International jewellery house Fabergé is a first-time sponsor, and is utilising the event as part of its wider marketing campaign in the Middle East, which includes a ‘takeover’ of Dubai Mall and a regional publicity campaign.

Katharina Flohr, Fabergé’s Creative and Managing Director, said the brand’s increased focus on the Middle East follows recent growth in the region.

“We are delighted to sponsor Coutts Polo at the Palace this year and to bring some of the most exquisite Fabergé jewels to Abu Dhabi on this occasion. The Middle-East is a key market for Fabergé, where clients have a true appreciation for Fabergé’s artistry and heritage, and are real collectors of one-of-a-kind jewels and works of art, so this initiative coincides with our wider launch in the region.”

Abu Dhabi’s status as a provider of luxury and world-class hospitality continues to escalate, fuelled this year with the recent opening of luxury mall, The Galleria, on Al Mariyah Island, which is set to become the future financial district of the capital.

“Abu Dhabi’s profile as a luxury destination is rising internationally,” comments HE Jasem Al Darmaki, Deputy Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi. “The emirate has seen significant, increased interest from international luxury and retail brands, hospitality and hotel companies, all of whom are attracted by the prestige of the UAE capital and the wider emirate and the accessibility it provides into the lucrative regional consumer market.”

This year, TCA Abu Dhabi will exhibit a themed stand at Abu Dhabi Art, with a complementary shuttle service operating between the Coutts Polo at the Palace and the art fair at the Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island.

“We are exploring the synergies between these two events, aimed at affluent and culturally curious individuals,” said Al Darmaki.

Coutts Polo at the Palace 2013 will see two days of high-octane polo from four teams representing global financial, fashion and automobile centres. Teams consist of Coutts Abu Dhabi; Faberge Team London; Maserati Team Milan, and the home of polo, Team Buenos Aires.

Coutts Polo at the Palace 2013 is supported by: Coutts, Emirates Palace, Maserati, Faberge, TCA Abu Dhabi, La Martina, Chesterton Humberts, Simply Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Classic FM, Antonio Berardi and OK! Middle East.

A limited number of hospitality tickets are still available on request. For enquiries contact Rachel Roullier at City Events City Events, Rachel@cityevents.uk.com or visit www.citypoloseries.com.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014 in its Fifth Year of Success

Nine Teams entered this year prove success and growth of Dubai's Number 1 Polo Tournament

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014 (Dubai Open) 16 Goal Handicap is the most prestigious international polo tournament in the in Middle East, Asia and Africa. The premier polo competition of the year involves the world's best polo teams and players battling it out to win the cup.

This is the fifth year in a row that the much anticipated event will be held. It takes place at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai. 

The tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai and has quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage. In 2012 the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT).

With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. It’s also one of the most important annual tournaments in the region and always attracts a high profile crowd.

As always the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series promises the very best in sportsmanship, entertainment of the highest level and an atmosphere unlike any other polo event.

The series is split into two tournaments that will start next year with the Silver Cup, beginning 1^st February  and ending 15^th February 2014. The Gold Cup will commence on 24^th February  and will end on 14^th March 2014.

 Nine teams have confirmed their participation in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014:

§  Habtoor Polo Team ~ Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor

§  UAE Polo Team ~ Patron  Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

§  Ghantoot Polo Team ~ Patron HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

§  Bin Drai Polo Team ~ Patron Saeed Bin Drai

§  Mahra Polo ~ Patron Rashid Al Habtoor

§  Abu Dhabi Polo Team ~ Patron Faris Yabhouni

§  Zedan Polo Team ~ Patron Amr Zedan

§  Dubai One Polo Team ~ Patron Rashid Al Bawardi

§  Dubai Two Polo Team ~ Patron Tarik Al Bawardi 

ADCB Polo Team headed by H.H. Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan wins Pink Polo 2013 match against St. Regis by a score of 4 - 3

More than 6000 attending visitors convened to witness and support Pink Polo presented by ADCB  

Pink Polo attendees were served up a real treat for the senses as the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club arena was set ablaze with the sound of thundering hooves, the sights of profound showmanship and sporting agility, and the aromas of a day spent indulging in the best food and drink experience served in Arabian hospitality, all in the name of breast cancer awareness at the Pink Polo 2013 event, presented by ADCB.

H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was among the royal patrons to attend, and hand out the prizes to the winning teams and various competitions that were part of the event’s schedule.

Commencing at 2 pm, the event started off with some light entertainment that featured camel and pony rides, face painting and a roaming magician to amuse the flocked crowds of families and children.

 

An Emirati pavilion was organised by the General Women Union that displayed locally handcrafted goods and clothing, and cosmetic products such as henna.

The entertainment then shifted gears to a camel polo match, a sport that has been on the Pink Polo itinerary for the second time since its inception, military skydiving and a balloon release that displayed Pink Polo and UAE flag branding.

The ADCB Pink Garden amassed a great response from the women and children with its many fun-filled activities, giveaways, and entertainment that spanned the entire event itinerary, including a bouncy castle, garden games, and arts and crafts activities among many others.

St. Regis also hosted its hospitality pavilion that served up a delectable food and beverage experience for its guests, along with a heritage section that reflected on the St. Regis brand and its vast history with the sport of Polo.

As the centre of breast cancer information dissemination and awareness at the event, the Pink Clinic received a very positive response from the attendees who were presented with the opportunity to meet with and to talk to medical experts, meet breast cancer survivors, learn self-examination techniques and undergo free screenings at the mobile mammography unit. It was largely supported by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Pink Caravan, an organisation that aims to raise 15 Million AED to continue breast cancer outreach programs to the UAE by providing technically advanced methods in screening for breast cancer and support networks

All donations from the event along with 20 percent of the proceeds from sales went to Pink Caravan.

Fiery action was the main order of the day as the stalwart teams of renown – ADCB and St. Regis – engaged each other once again in a match that has consistently been the highlight of the Pink Polo intellectual property ever since it first started out in 2010

ADCB emerged the winning team, with a final score of 4 - 3.

HH Sheikh Falah said “Today’s match is a testament to the UAE public that there are no winners or losers in this sport. I am proud to have played with some of the finest players in the world on this field today, and I look forward to many more occasions in the years to come.”

He also added his appreciation of the attending UAE audiences for being present to witness and uphold the Pink Polo event year after year.

Oscar Colombres of the ADCB polo team said “Even though we won the match today, we are certain that the real winner is the human spirit of the UAE residents for having united together and fought for a common cause that has claimed the lives of many people all over the world and specifically in the UAE”

Abdullah Bin Desmal of the St. Regis polo team said “We were very touched by the massive turnout, and the support that was garnered by so many people. My team members and I are proud to be associated with such an event, and truly look forward to competing next year against ADCB, and hopefully win!”

The highlight of the evening was HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, who returned to the sport after a 10 year gap since he last officially competed on the field, playing for the ADCB team at the Pink Polo event..

Both the teams were very appreciative and honoured to have him back, and to especially mark an event that has made an impact on UAE society.

Among the many dignitaries that attended were the Australian, UK, and Omani Ambassadors to the UAE.

Famous Emirati thespian and noted breast cancer activist Saoud Al Kaabi was one among the many celebrities that attended the event.

The event concluded with prizes handed out to the best pink dressed contestants, with the  ‘best pink dressed’ adult category receiving 2 business class tickets from Etihad Airways to any destination from Abu Dhabi, the ‘best pink dressed’ child category receiving 4 economy class tickets from Etihad Airways to any destination from Abu Dhabi, and ‘best pink dressed’ pet category receiving facial spa treatments for its owners from Silkor.