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

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

One of the most prestigious polo events in the region “ Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series “ , announced at the press conference, held at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah ,10am today.
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 will kick off with the McLaren Cup, beginning February 1 ending February 15, the Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup will commence on February 24 and will end on March 14, 2014.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the fourth-largest tournament of its kind after Argentina, the US and the UK. Each year the event reaches new heights growing in tandem with the city of Dubai which has  quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage.

There will be ten teams competing at this year’s Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series; a draw will be held at the press conference to determine which teams will compete against each other.

All Patrons and Teams attending:

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

Habtoor Polo Team ~ Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor

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

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 1 ~ Patron Rashid Al Bawardi

Desert Palm Dubai Polo Team 2 ~ Patron Tarik Al Bawardi

Edrees Polo Team ~ Patron Sultan Edrees

In 2012, the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognized by the World Polo Tour (WPT) and this year at the WPT annual meeting committee, decided that Dubai Polo Gold Cup Tournament gets the highest tournament in points inside the Challenge Cup Category.

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. For this season we have the 16 goal handicap. This means the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) is now the highest handicapped tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

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. This year it looks set to be more popular than ever and some of the most respected names from the world of polo have confirmed their participation.

“I am proud to say the Dubai Polo Gold Cup is well established and now running into its fifth year,” message by Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series.

“The ‘Dubai Open’ has earned itself a worldwide reputation thanks to the commitment from the patrons and teams that have participated over the years. This year we have a record number of ten teams – with some very well-known polo names participating yet again! It has been an honor to Chair such a prestigious tournament over the years and to watch it grow to what it is today.

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup has achieved so much in such a short space of time. What started out as a 10-12 handicap game in 2010 is now the highest handicap tournament in the Middle East – with a 16 high goal handicap. But that’s not all… we are currently studying upping the stakes even further – to an 18 goal handicap next year! This will without a doubt increase competition even further.

This year, we not only welcome new teams into the Dubai Open, but we are pleased to welcome Her Highness Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as patron of her own team. We also welcome His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Patron of Ghantoot, two Desert Palm teams from the Al Barwardi family and we welcome Sultan Edrees patron of Edrees Polo Team.

I am very proud of our achievements so far, and I promise you one thing, we will not let our guard down.

Dubai is now well and truly on the world map of polo and we will continue to raise its profile even further.

We also have something else to be very proud of this year. Dubai recently won its bid to host the Expo 2020.

This is not only another feather in our cap for our country, but it proves we can compete on the world stage… and win! Finally, I wish all the teams the best of luck in this year’s Dubai Open. May the best team win!”

HH President of UAE Polo Cup 2014 @Ghantootpolo

HH President of UAE Polo Cup 2014

One of Bin Drai & Desert Palm will win The Tournament Title

Abu Dhabi, 22 January 2014, Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the 14^th HH President of UAE Polo Cup semi-final matches have been held on 22nd January amid intense rivalry between the four polo teams. Both Bin Drai and Desert Palm polo teams qualified to the Grand final, while the Sub final will be played between Abu Dhabi polo and UAE Polo on Friday, 24^th January 2014.

Already being successful in the first stage of the tournament, Bin Drai polo got hold of a place in the grand final, after defeating Abu Dhabi polo at the semifinal by 9 - 6, the best player of the game was Raul Laplacette scoring 6 goals. Fully energized with high performance, the second semifinal round has been won by Desert Palm polo against UAE Polo scoring 8 - 5, upon which UAE Polo is going to play for third place playoff against Abu Dhabi Polo on 24^th January.

The event was attended by best riders, officials and equestrian enthusiasts, including Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Nuaimi, managing director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, H.E Saeed bin Hofan Al Mansouri, Ghantoot Club Vice-chairman.

The game between Bin Drai Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo featured a lot of passion and competitive spirit for the final round. From the beginning, Bin Drai polo dominated first chukka by a wonderful margin, 3 - 1. Alfredo Cappella of Abu Dhabi polo team scored the first goal in the second minute, followed by two minutes later by a goal for Bin Drai Polo by Raul Laplacett. Bin Drai Polo continued to take the lead in the second chukka by scoring one more goal by Manuel Llorrente, moving the result up to 4 - 2. In the third chukka, game went crazy toppingly in spite of the result, as team Abu Dhabi scored another goal by Alfredo Cappella, the gap narrowed however the Bin Drai one miute later Took the lead a gain with large margin by  two more goals to become 6 - 3.

During the fourth chukka,  Raul Laplacette added 3 more goals, thereby earned the victory for his team Bin Drai polo. Thus, Bin Drai polo secured firmly a place in the championship game.

On the second semi-final, UAE polo squared off against its rival Desert Palm Polo through a game divided into four chukka. Amid passion and healthy play, Desert Palm Polo took the advantage as brilliant Santiago Laborde was the best scorer in the game, which granted preference to his team to win and qualify to the final, by 8 - 5.

“I am so pleased by qualifying to the final, especially after a hard-fought 9 - 6 win over a highly competitive team like Abu Dhabi. With well-organized players, our team won the game in a worthily manner” said Mohammad Bin Drai.

“Uprightly, our team played well, despite we were so near to win, but good fortune was not in our side. The game was totally thrilling through the four chukkas” said H.H Shaikha Maitha, Leader of UAE Polo Team. Thus means, UAE Polo and Abu Dhabi polo will fight for third place in the sub-final game, to be held on 24^th January.

“Both Semi-finals are breath-taking, highlighting the importance of this tournament played by world best players in polo world. Because of high preparations and best management, of Ghantoot Club and our kind partners, HH President of UAE Polo Cup fan base extended greater than before. Even International polo organizations described the cup as one of the best polo tournament over the world” said Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi.

Third-fourth game will be played at 3 PM, and the final grand at 5 PM. Abu Dhabi Sport and Dubai Sport broadcast both games live.

Among the family activities on offer during the Final Day will be shows supported by Sheikh Mohammed Sports and Physical Fitness Programme, Dubai Police dog show, DJ music and adventure games. Also on the itinerary are a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, military sky dive show and a show by the UAE National Aerobatic Team – Al Fursan. The venue will host a picnic area, children’s entertainment playground and a food court, making it an ideal setup for adults and children to spend a special day. There’ll be a drawing of admission tickets to win valued presents.

Following is the schedule of events for the Final Day:

1:00pm Gates Open

1:00pm to 3:00 pm Family Recreational Activities

3:00 pm Subsidiary Polo Match

4:15 pm National Anthem by Abu Dhabi Police Band

4:30pm to 5.00pm UAE Parachute Team Show, UAE National Aerobatic Show by Al Fursan.

5:00pm Presentation Ceremony

5:15pm Final Polo Match

6:30pm Prize Distribution Ceremony and Public Raffles Prizes

The club’s doors are open to public for free during the tournament days, including the Final Day, from 1.00pm.

@GhantootPolo Al Habtoor win HH President of the UAE Polo Cup opener

Al Habtoor win HH President of the UAE Polo Cup opener
Prestigious tournament off to action-packed start as Bin Drai wins second match of Day 1

Under the patronage of His Highness  Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the 14^th tournament of HH president of the UAE polo took place on January 14, 2014.
HH President of UAE Polo Cup is organised by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club and presented by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)ADCB. At the first day of this event, Al Habtoor polo and Bin Drai polo teams were winners of their respective matches on the opening day of HH President of the UAE Polo Cup, presented by ADCB. While Al Habtoor polo beat UAE Polo in the first match of the tournament, Bin Drai polo scored a thrilling win over Ghantoot Al Basti polo in the day’s second match. Both the games were played on the lush grounds of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club.
Raul Laplacette, one of Bin Drai’s players, scored 4 goals, helping his team to a keenly-fought victory. In the Al Habtoor Polo versus UAE Polo game, Guillermo Cuitino was the star player, scoring 3 of his team’s 6 goals, sealing their win. Raul Laplacette, Juan Zavaleta and Manuel Llorrente were the other scoring players in the game between Bin Drai Polo and Ghantoot Al Basti, hitting 4, 4 and 2 goals for their teams respectively.
Al Habtoor Polo Team took lead when Francisco Elizalde scored the opening goal in the first chukker, while his opponent team scored its first goal with help of Ollie Cudmore strike. With the score at 4-2 going into the final chukker, Al Habtoor Polo held on to its lead to finish the match at 6-5. 
Al Habtoor polo palyer, Habtoor Al Habtoor, said his side would now be focusing on their next match.
“This was exactly the start we needed. UAE Polo Team is a very good side and gave us a close fight. I knew it was not going to be easy, but we stayed focussed and came together very well as a team,” said Habtoor Al Habtoor. “After this winning start we hope to keep the momentum going and be victorious in our next matches as well.”
Bin Drai Polo Team enjoyed the evening’s second win with a 6-5 victory over Ghantoot Al Basti Polo, with both teams playing an attractive game in the course of four intense chukkers. Bin Drai Polo Team’s goals came in the first, second and fourth chukkers while their rivals struck back at regular intervals in the closely fought match in which both the teams matched each other goal for goal, until the goal of victory.
“It is fantastic to be a part of this tournament and win our first match. It was a tough game but we are pleased with our performance,” said Mohammad Bin Drai. “We know there will be no easy games, but we will make all the effort to make them go in our favour,” he added.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of GRPC, the HH President of UAE Polo Cup offers fans an exciting combination of high quality polo and family fun. Qualification games began today with the Grand Final on January 24. On the last day of the event there will be two matches including the final.
The tournament is being played under HPA rules. All games consist of four chukkers except the Grand Final match, which will have five chukkers. The top two Desert Palm Polo Teams from each pool will play the semi-finals: the 1st Desert Palm Polo Team from pool A against 2nd Desert Palm Polo Team from pool B, and 2nd Desert Palm Polo Team from Pool A against 1st team of Pool B. In the event of a tie score, the winner will be determined by golden goal.
In addition to the elite and exciting matches, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club invites the public to enjoy wide-ranging entertainment for all ages, including shows supported by Sheikh Mohammed Sports and Physical Fitness Programme, Dubai Police dog show, a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, military sky dive show and a show by the UAE National Aerobatic Team – Al Fursan. The children’s entertainment playground will offer a variety of thrilling activities for the young ones.
The club’s doors are open to public for free during the tournament days, including the Final Day on January 24, from 1.00pm.

Following is the schedule of events for the Final Day:
1:00pm Gates Open
1:00pm to 3:00 pm Family Recreational Activities
3:00 pm Subsidiary Polo Match
4:15 pm National Anthem by Abu Dhabi Police Band
4:30pm to 5.00pm UAE Parachute Team Show, UAE National Aerobatic Show by Al Fursan and Horse March Exhibition Show
5:00pm Presentation Ceremony
5:15pm Final Polo Match
6:30pm Prize Distribution Ceremony and Public Raffles Prizes
The club’s doors are open to public for free during the tournament days, including the Final Day, from 1.00pm.

HH President of UAE Polo Cup announces sporting and recreational line-up for 2014 edition

HH President of UAE Polo Cup announces sporting and recreational line-up for 2014 edition 

Annual tournament starts tomorrow; Grand Final on January 24

Eight teams will battle it out in the 2014 edition of the prestigious HH President of UAE Polo Cup, to be held from 14-24 January at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC). Hosted under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of GRPC, the event offers fans an exciting combination of international polo and family fun.

A press conference, will be held today in St. Regis Abu Dhabi, presents the details of the event – including the teams, fixtures, playing modality of the tournament, Final Day’s schedule and the event’s partners.

The HH President of UAE Polo Cup is a unique opportunity to be a part of an exclusive state-of-the art polo experience at the UAE’s only Royal polo facility. Qualification games begin on 14 January with the Sub Final and Grand Final on January 24. The event will showcase talents of Emirati players as well as international professionals.

Defending champions Bin Drai Polo, along with seven other teams will be in the fray in the 16-goal handicap event. There will two pools of four teams each and two matches will be played every day, over eight days.

The tournament will be played under HPA rules. All games will consist of four chukkers except the Grand Final match, which will have five chukkers. The top two Teams from each pool will play the semi-finals: the 1st Team from pool A against 2nd Teamfrom pool B, and 2nd Team from Pool A against 1st team of Pool B. In the event of a tie score, the winner will be determined by golden goal.

The opening match will be played between Bin Drai Polo and Ghantoot Al Basti while the second match of Day 1 will be UAE Polo versus Al Habtoor Polo.

“HH President of UAE Polo Cup is a perfect event for our facility. The venue offers exceptional facilities and every year we witness thrilling polo action and an entertaining atmosphere. Over the years the success of the tournament has greatly been due to the continued support from our valuable partners. We are once again looking forward to high quality action and I extend a warm welcome to the players, officials, special guests and spectators attending this year’s tournament,” said Ahmed Al Nuaimi.

“HH President of UAE Polo Cup is considered one of the finest and most prestigious polo tournaments across the Middle East. We are proud and honoured to once again lend our support to this annual event which has made its mark on the Emirate’s sporting and social lifestyle calendar,” said Dr. Majdi Abdel Muhdi.

The club’s most historic and prestigious polo tournament is set amid the lush greenery of the facility’s polo fields. On the last day of the event there will be two matches including the final. In addition to the elite and exciting matches, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club invites the public to enjoy wide-ranging entertainment for all ages.

Among the family activities on offer during the Final Day will be shows supported by Sheikh Mohammed Sports and Physical Fitness Programme, Dubai Police dog show, DJ music and adventure games. Also on the itinerary are a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, military sky dive show and a show by the UAE National Aerobatic Team – Al Fursan. The venue will host a picnic area, children’s entertainment playground and a food court, making it an ideal setup for adults and children to spend a special day.

Following is the schedule of events for the Final Day:
1:00pm Gates Open
1:00pm to 3:00 pm Family Recreational Activities
3:00 pm Subsidiary Polo Match
4:15 pm National Anthem by Abu Dhabi Police Band
4:30pm to 5.00pm UAE Parachute Team Show, UAE National Aerobatic Show by Al Fursan and Horse March Exhibition Show
5:00pm Presentation Ceremony
5:15pm Final Polo Match
6:30pm Prize Distribution Ceremony and Public Raffles Prizes
The club’s doors are open to public for free during the tournament days, including the Final Day, from 1.00pm.

HH President of UAE Polo Cup is organised by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club with Abu Dhabi Sport Council being the Supporting Governing Partner. The event is presented by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and the Official Partner is Al Basti Equiworld. It is supported by Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktom Sports & Physical Fitness Program, Dubai Police, Government of Dubai and St. Regis Abu Dhabi. The Supporting Media partner is Al Medmar and Exclusive Polo Media Partner is POLO+10.

Polo Team Info
Pool A

1. Bin Drai Polo: Mohammed Bin Drai (0), Tomas Iriarte (4), Manuel  Llorrente (6), Raul Laplacette (6).

2. Ghantoot Al Basti Polo: Nasser Al Shamsi (1), Diego Cossio (4), Juan Zavaleta (7), Oscar Colombres (4).

3. UAE Polo: HH Shaikha Maitha (0), Tomas Gagliardi (2), Ollie Cudmore (5), Lucas Monteverde (9).

4. Al Habtoor Polo: Habtoor Al Habtoor (0), Santiago Romero (3), Francisco Elizalde (7), Guillemo Cuitino (6).

                                                         
Pool B

1. Abu Dhabi Polo: Faris Al Yabhouni (0), Victorio Monteverde (3), Juan Storni (7), Alfredo Cappella (6).

2. Desert Palm Polo: Tariq Albwardy (0), Matias Machado (4), Santiago Laborde (5), Alejo Taranco (6).

3. Zedan Polo: Amr Zedan (0), Luis Gagliardi (2), Felipe Viana (4), Pelon Stirling (10).

4. ADCB Polo: Ali Al Merri (0), Juan Zubiaurre (4), Facundo Sola (8), Pelayo Berazadi (4).