@dubaigoldcup Nominated at Best Sport Event (Professional) in upcoming SPIA Awards

Mohammed K. Al Habtoor , Chairman of Dubai Polo Gold Cup Organization says: "We are honored that the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. I am proud to say that the Dubai Polo Gold Cup organization  is well established and being in its fifth  year has earned itself a worldwide reputation. The Sport of Polo has once again proved its massive appeal as DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP Series has been shortlisted in the top 8 Best Sport Event (Professional).  The Sport Industry Awards category finalists were announced yesterday, at the Press Conference that was held  at the  Royal Box of Zayed Sports City Stadium by the SPIA committee  in association with the Dubai Sports Council."

“We are proud to be nominated for 2014 SPIA Awards.”

• Best Sport Event (Professional)
• Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
• Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series
• Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters
• Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s
• Mubadala World Tennis Championship
• OSN 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations
• European Tour’s Race to Dubai

Being recognized as one of the leading Best Sport Event in the region is testament that DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP Series ability is to become one of the leading sports hub locally and internationally , attracting the best polo teams from around the world

The  Sport Industry Awards recognizes the greatest achievements across the entire business of sport, including the most outstanding and innovative work in marketing, PR, advertising, community investment and sponsorship.

In addition ,the “ Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series “ an impeccable organization that was recognized by the World Polo Tour  in 2011 , and in January 2014 the WPT committee announce that the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is now the highest tournament in points inside the Challenge Cup Category by raising to 50 points for the winners.

The certificate of entry was presented by the international polo.

@DubaiGoldCup Strong start by UAE Polo and Desert Palm 2 in the Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup

Great victories by UAE Polo and Desert Palm 2 in today´s matches of the Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup, the most important trophy of the UAE. Desert Palm 2 had a strong start against Edrees Polo by winning 9 goals to 2 and UAE Polo achieved a great victory against Bin Drai by 8 goals to 7. Both matches were held at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

In the first game of the day, Desert Palm 2, winner of the President´s Cup and finalist of the McLaren Silver Cup, showed it´s potential from the beginning to the end of the match. Team made by Tarik Albwardy, Matías Machado, Alejo Taranco and Santiago Laborde were too much for Edrees Polo in their first appearance in the Dubai polo season.

Match Progression:
Desert Palm 2: 3-0/ 6-2/ 8-2/ 9-2


The second match of the day was one of the most exciting games of the season. Bin Drai and UAE played a thrilling match that was decided in the last 8 seconds of the game.

UAE Polo Team, with it´s new foursome, made by HH Sheika Maitha, Ollie Cudmore, Agustín Martínez and Martín Aguerre (h) achived an important victory after a great come back in the fourth chukka. Bin Drai had a great start with 3 consecutive goals in the first chukka and the control of the game during the half time of the match.
UAE reaction started in the third chukka, closing the gap to one goal (4-5) and in the fourth and last period of the game they managed to take the lead of the score by one goal in two opportunities (6-5 & 7-6). With only one minute to go the game was still tied in 7 goals a pice but in the last seconds UAE had a 30 yards penalty scored by Martín Aguerre (h) for the final 8 goals to 7 victory.

Match Progression:
UAE Polo: 0-3/ 3-4/ 4-5/ 8-7

The Bentley Emirates Gold Cup will continue next Thursday 27th February with two matches at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. At 2.30 pm, Habtoor Polo will face Zedan in field 2 and from 4 pm Abu Dhabi will play against Desert Palm 1.

Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup begins tomorrow @dubaigoldcup

Two matches will open tomorrow the Bentley Emirates  Dubai Polo Gold Cup, the most important trophy of the UAE, with 10 teams taking part of the event.

Ghantoot ADCB, Mc Laren Silver Cup champion, will play against Desert Palm 1 in the opening match of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup, sponsored by Bentley Emirates
This match will be held from 2.30 pm at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
The second match of the day will face Zedan and Abu Dhabi. This game will be held in Desert Palm Club from 4.15.
Ten teams will be taking part of the Bentley Emirates Dubai Polo Gold Cup, the nine teams that already took part of the Silver Cup plus Edrees Polo Team.
Patron Sultan Edrees will take part of this prestigious event with Brieuc Rigaux, Max Charlton and Pierre Henry N´Goumou.

The 10 teams of the Gold Cup will be distributed in two groups of 5 teams each.

Group A will have Ghantoot ADCB, Abu Dhabi, Habtoor Polo, Zedan and Desert Palm 1.

Group B will be completed by Desert Palm 2, Bin Drai, Mahra, UAE and Edrees Polo.

@dubaigoldcup Ghantoot Polo wins the McLaren Silver Cup Final

Ghantoot Polo Team won the Mc Laren Silver Cup Final after defeating Desert Palm 2 in the final by 9 goals to 8 in a great polo match. Habtoor Polo won the Hildon Cup after defeating Mahra by 6 goals to 5 in another big game on the final day of the Mc Laren Silver Cup, the first tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014.
In the Mc Laren Silver Cup Final, Ghantoot team, made by Abdullah bin Dismal, Juan Zubiaurre, Facundo Sola and Pelayo Berazadi played a great match against a tough opponent who battled till the end to turn over the score.
Facundo Sola was the mvp of the match and also named MVP of the Silver Cup after an exhibition of great polo that included a goal with a broken mallet.
Although Ghantoot took a quick advantage on the score in the first minutes of the final, Desert Palm 2 managed to hold up his opponent with a 4 goal a pice at the end of the second chukka.
In the third period, Ghantoot, with a tremendous Facundo Sola, took control of the game and the score with a 7 – 4 on their side. Despite of the advantage, Desert Palm 2 keep on pushing to close the gap to one goal in the fifth and last chukka with only one minute to go.
With great excitement and suspense the huge crowd at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club followed the last seconds of the match. Ghantoot achieved to control the last action of the game for the final victory by 9 goals to 8 that gave them the Mc Laren Silver Cup title.


Match progression:
Ghantoot: 2-1/ 4-4/ 7-4/ 8-6/ 9-8

Hildon Cup Final

Habtoor Polo and Mahra Polo also played a thrilling match in the final of the Hildon Cup that opened the last day of the Silver Cup.The brother´s duel was won by Mohammed Al Habtoor´s team by 6 goals to 5. Habtoor Polo ended the third chukka with a 5-2 on their side but a great reaction by the Mahra boys achieved to close the gap to one goal for another exciting final.
Nacho Gonzalez had the last action of the game for Mahra but finally Habtoor Polo managed to hold on the difference to win the game and the Hildon Cup title.

Match progression:
Habtoor Polo: 2-1/ 2-2/ 5-2/ 6-5

The @Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge ‘The One to Play In’ @guardspoloclub

The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge

‘The One to Play In’^*

Desert Palm Retreat and Polo Club   February 17 - 22 February 2014

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, four pro-am polo teams are preparing to play in the 9th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. This prestigious polo tournament will be held from the 17 - 22 February 2013 at Desert Palm Retreat and Polo Club in Dubai.  This year the final will be played on a Saturday for the first time in the tournament’s history, watched by an impressive guest list invited by Cartier to enjoy a sumptuous day of polo and hospitality.

HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who made her tournament debut a victorious one, last year, is returning to defend her title. This year however she will be playing with her own UAE team, which also features leading Emirati player Mohammed Al Habtoor. 

In fact, this year’s competition is a reflection of the increased interest in polo in the Middle East today. Five other patrons are “local” players, including the Cartier team’s Saeed Bin Drai, Faris Al Yabhouni, and Amr Zedan of the CNN team, Tariq and Rashid Al Bawardi, sons of the event host Ali Al Bawardi, who are playing for the home side, Desert Palm.

In a marked change from previous years, the sole European representative this year is Adriano Agosti. Once more he is playing for the Cartier team and he will be eager to repeat his 2012 victory. Of course, all the patrons will be playing alongside an equally impressive list of professionals, made up of some notable South American players, including 10-goaler David “Pelon” Stirling, who will ensure that every match is tough and competitive.

All the games are played at Ali Al Bawardy's beautiful Desert Palm estate, home to one of Dubai’s premier boutique retreats, Desert Palm by Per AQUUM. To ensure that the players’ and ponies’ style is as elegant as their play, La Martina has been reappointed as the Official Team Kit Supplier.

CARTIER INTERNATIONAL DUBAI POLO CHALLENGE TEAMS 2014

Cartier (red): Adriano Agosti (CH) 0; Saeed Bin Drai (UAE) 0; Francisco Elizalde (ARG) 7; Raul Laplacette (ARG) 6

CNN (blue): Amr Zedan (KSA) 0; Faris Al Yabhouni (UAE) 0; Facundo Fernandez Llorente (ARG) 4; David Stirling (URU) 10.

UAE Team (black):  HH Sheikha Maitha (UAE) 0; Alfredo Capella (ARG) 8; Guillermo Cuitino (ARG) 6; Mohammed Al Habtoor (UAE) 0.

Desert Palm (grey):  Tariq Albwardy (UAE) 1; Rashid Albwardy (UAE) 2; Martin Valent (ARG) 5; Facundo Castagnola (ARG) 6.

Nexus Valentine’s Polo Cup Wows Record Crowds

Strong Turnout for 5th Edition of Increasingly Popular Tournament

UAE polo fans were out in force for the 5thedition of the increasingly popular Nexus Valentine’s Polo Cup.

A record crowd witnessed a keenly contested conclusion to the tournament. Polo Addict were the eventual winners, beating Dr A 4 – 2 ½ in the final. Hell’s Angels took third place ahead of Pink Panthers.

Sponsored by Nexus Insurance Brokers, one of the region’s largest independent brokers, the Nexus Valentine’s Polo Cup is a celebration of international-class horsemanship.

“Nexus Insurance Brokers is proud to again sponsor this fantastic tournament,” said Tarun Khanna, CEO, Nexus Insurance Brokers.

“The sport on display was outstanding and the atmosphere was immense. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thanks to everyone who turned up on the day.”

@Dubaigoldcup Mahra Polo and Habtoor Polo will play the Hildon Subsidiary Final

Habtoor Polo, patron Mohammed Al Habtoor´s team, and Mahra Polo's patron Rashid Al Habtoor´s team
will play the Hildon Subsidiary Final of the McLaren Silver Cup after winning today´s matches.

Al Habtoor´s brothers will be face to face on Saturday´s Hildon Subsidiary Final after defeating Zedan and
UAE in the semifinals. Mahra defeated Zedan 10 goals to 9 in overtime in one of the most exciting matches of the McLaren Silver Cup and Habtoor did the same with UAE by 10 to 5.5.

The first semifinal between Mahra and Zedan, held on Desert Palm Club, was a great match. In a non-stop game both teams played great and the actions were so tight that the match went to extra time. Nacho González, Mahra´s back, was the responsible to break the even score and qualify Rashid Al Habtoor´s
team to the Hildon Subsidiary final.

The second match of the day had a great performance by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Habtoor Polo´s team
patron who scored 3 goals in the victory against the UAE Polo team to win by 10 goals to 5.5.
Habtoor Polo played against an “emergency” team of UAE, who´s star, Lucas Monteverde, is injured and
unfortunately will miss the rest of the polo season

@dubaigoldcup McLaren Cup 2014 Final Day - COME ALONG

@Dubaigoldcup Pelón Stirling leads Zedan Polo to a great victory

A great performance of ten goaler polo player, David “Pelón” Stirling lead Zedan Polo to a very important victory against Mahra in today´s match of the McLaren Silver Cup, Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014.
Patron Amr Zedan´s team victory was decided in overtime by 7 goals to 6 thanks to a great action of the Uruguayan top player who scored six of the seven goals in this team. The first half had Zedan Polo leading the score and the actions of the game. First chukka ended with a 2-1 for Amr Zedan´s team and in the second period they increased the gap with another goal.

The second part of the game brought a great reaction by the Mahra boys. Patron Rashid Al Habtoor´s team made a great comeback in the third chukker scoring three consecutive goals and taking the lead in the game for the first time (4-3).
Despite this period ended with a 4 goal a pice, Mahra hold up the actions in the fourth chukka and where very close to win the game.
A magnificent corner shot by Stirling in the last second of the last period, left the match tied in 6 goals and took it to overtime. In the extra time, once again the ten goaler took control of the ball and run straight to the goal posts to score
the goal that gave Zedan the victory by 7 goals to 6.

The McLaren Silver Cup will continue tomorrow with a double action date at Desert Palm. Desert Palm 2 will play against UAE from 2.30 pm and in the second match of the day, Abu Dhabi will face Desert Palm 1 from 4 pm.

@Dubaigoldcup Bin Drai wins and steps forward to the quarterfinals; Great performance by Habtoor Polo in the victory against UAE

Habtoor Polo and Bin Drai came out winners in the two matches played today for the McLaren Silver Cup part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014.
In the first match of the day, Habtoor Polo, with a great performance in the second half of the game, defeated UAE by 6 goals to 2.

This victory put´s Mohammed Al Habtoor team again in the fight to reach the quarterfinals of the McLaren Silver Cup. During the first two chukkas, Habtoor controlled the game but UAE scored the goals and that was the main reason of the 1-0/2-1 lead of HH Sheika Maitha´s team in the first half.


The second half was completely different. Habtoor started to capitalize all the onfall actions and with two goals in a row took the lead of the match.
They ended winning the third chukka by 3 goals to 2 and in the fourth and last period, Mohammed Al Habtoor Team increased the gap to the final 6-2 victory.
The second match of the day brought a tough battle between Bin Drai and Desert Palm 1. The victory was for Bin Drai by 7 goals to 6 in overtime.
After four chukkas of full speed action and great goals, Bin Drai achieved a victory that put´s them in the Silver Cup quarterfinals.

Raúl Laplacette, with four goals, was the top scorer of the game and the main reason for Bin Drai´s victory. Saeed Bin Drai team ended the third chukka two goals above and with a great comeback in the fourth period managed to tied the game and go to overtime.


A goal scored by Laplacette gave Bin Drai the victory by 7 goals to 6.

The McLaren Silver Cup will continue tomorrow from 2.30 pm at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club with the match between Mahra Polo and Zedan Polo.

@DubaiGoldCup Great action in Ghantoot ADCB´s @GhantootPolo victory against Zedan

Ghantoot ADCB Polo Team defeated Zedan Polo by 10 goals to 8 in the only game played today for the
McLaren Silver Cup, Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014.
The Team made by Abdullah bin Dismal, Juan Zubiaurre, Facundo Sola and Pelayo Berazadi had to work hard against patron´s Amr Zedan's polo team.

Facundo Sola by Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC 2014

Ghantoot, with Facundo Sola scoring seven consecutive goals, played two excellent initial chukkas.
With a two goal difference in the first chukka and three in the second, Ghantoot controlled the game during
the half time. But the ten goaler David “Pelón” Stirling started to demonstrate all his talent and put Zedan back in the game in the second period.
The third chukka ended with a Ghantoot close gap leading (7-6) and in the last period Zedan managed to putthe scoreboard in 8 goals a piece with only one minute to go.
After several seconds of suspense, two consecutive goals by Facundo Sola, top scorer and MVP of the
match, led Ghantoot to a dramatic victory by 10 goals to 8.

The McLaren Silver Cup will continue next Tuesday, February 4th, with two matches. Habtoor Polo will play against UAE Polo, HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum team. This game will be held from 2.30 at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. From 4 pm, also in the Dubai Polo Club, Bin Drai will face Desert Palm 1.

Triumphant debut for Bin Drai and Desert Palm 2 @DubaiGoldCup

Triumphant debut for Bin Drai and Desert Palm 2

Bin Drai and Desert Palm 2 started The McLaren Silver Cup, Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014, with two thrilling victories against Abu Dhabi and Habtoor Polo. Two great games could be seen this afternoon at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club with close victories decided in the last seconds. Bin Drai defeated Abu Dhabi 10 goals to 9 and Desert Palm 2 did the same against Habtoor by 6 to 5.

Bin Drai Polo Team and Abu Dhabi had the honour to open the McLaren Silver Cup.
Patron Faris Al Yabhouni, Abu Dhabi´s team, took a quick lead in the scoreboard with four consecutive goals in the first chukka.


Although the match had a close gap between both teams, Abu Dhabi controlled the game from the second period till the last two minutes of the match. A great comeback from Bin Drai in the last minute gave them a thrilling victory by 10 goals to 9.

Raúl Laplacette, with 6 goals, was the top scorer in the winning team while Alfredo Capella scored the same amount of goals for Abu Dhabi.
Not less exciting was the second match of the day between the defending Silver Cup champion, Habtoor Polo Team and Desert Palm 2.

Desert Palm 2 made a great start with Jejo Taranco and Santiago Laborde leading the team to a 2 goal lead in the first chukka. Habtoor Polo reaction was immediate and two goals from Fran Elizalde tied the game at the end of the first half.

The Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor and his team had a good third chukka to take the lead by one goal (3-2) and made Desert Palm to do a great effort to stay close in the game.
The effort had it´s reward for Desert Palm that achieved a dramatic victory in the last seconds of the game by 6 goals to 5. Desert Palm 2, uruguayan polo player, Alejo Taranco, was the top scorer of the game with 5 goals and Fran
Elizalde was the top scorer in Habtoor Polo team with 4.

The McLaren Silver Cup will continue tomorrow with the match between Zedan and Ghantoot Polo. This game will be held at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club from 4 pm.