THE BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE
COWDRAY GOLD CUP FINAL
SUNDAY 20 TH JULY 2025
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the 2025 British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, held here at the prestigious Cowdray Park. I am thrilled to see so many familiar faces as well as new enthusiasts who have come to witness the pinnacle of British polo. This event is not only a celebration of the sport but also a testament to the rich heritage and tradition that Cowdray Park has upheld for generations. Our grounds have seen some of the most exhilarating moments in polo history, and this year promises to be no exception.
The dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of the teams competing this year are truly remarkable, and I am confident that we are in for a series of thrilling matches.
To our players, I extend my deepest admiration for your hard work, passion, and the spirit of competition you bring to the field. Your talent and determination are the heart of this event, and we are here to celebrate each of you.
To our spectators, whether you are joining us for the first time or have been part of our community for many years, thank you for your enthusiasm and support. Your presence adds a vibrant energy to this event, and it is your passion for the sport that makes the Cowdray Gold Cup such a special occasion.
Welcome to the Cowdray Gold Cup 2025. Let the games begin!
Michael Cowdray
09:30 Gates open
TIMINGS
13:30 The SafeRock UK Roda Polo Championship
15:00 Cowdray Gold Cup Final
15:45 Half time competitions
17:30 Prize giving (estimated time)
WHAT’S ON TODAY
SHOPPING
» Equestrian Escapades
» Augustine Jewels
» Hide & Seek accessories
» Northfold Interiors
» The Surrey Copper Distillery
» Peony
» Carolina-Joy
» Wolf London
» Bricks And Stitches
» Hook Polo
» Off The Rails
» Chukka & Punch
» Becket London
» Paseo Equestrian Limited
» Dominique Thoenes
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» George & James Architects
» The Well Heeled Hippy
» Wagstaff Watches
» Jane Williams Silks
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» Boat Club Trafalgar
» Encompass Furniture & Accessories Ltd
» FINLAY & CO
» Koy Clothing Ltd
» Robusto House Ltd
» Finishing Touches
» EdNerat
» Estribos Argentina
FOOD & DRINK
» SWC Burger Grill
» Baked Bird
» Little Fish
» Lisa’s Pizza
» T&M Ices
» Ollies Greek Gyros
» The Goalmouth Bar
» Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Bar
» Hawkstone Public Bar
» Three Cockerels Public Bar
» Howies Coffee
PARTNER ACTIVATIONS:
Gusbourne are giving spectators the chance to win an exclusive collectors’ membership worth £800. Look out for the QR code to enter by visiting the Gusbourne terrace. The winner will receive a yearlong membership with quarterly deliveries of fine and limited-edition wines. Terms and conditions apply.
Join Bentley Motors to experience the pinnacle of Horsepower meeting Horsepower.
Visit their stunning display to experience unrivalled luxury automotive prowess, discover two of their most newest models and find out more about this iconic British car.
Our Official Apparel Partner, U.S. Polo Assn. , returns to the Cowdray Gold Cup with their famous divot stomp token drop competition. The winner at every half time will receive £250 worth of clothing from the U.S. Polo Assn. store in the retail village, where you can explore the latest collections for all the family and pick up a free limited-edition cap when you join the U.S. Polo Assn. database.
Information Point
Pearson Private Pagodas
Lawns Enclosure
Grandstand
Members’ Enclosure
Private Enclosure
Public Picnic Areas: F, G, H, I, J
Public Gazebo Areas: K, L, M, N
Horseboxes and Grooms’ Parking
Players’ Front Row and Disabled Parking
Press
Pearson Pagodas Parking
Members’ and VIP Parking and Pearson guests
Non-viewing Reserved Gazebo Enclosure
Trade, Staff and Contractors’ Parking
Coach Parking and Trade Overflow
Public and Disabled Parking
Disabled Parking Enclosure
Jubilee Pagodas
John Cowdray Enclosure
First Aid
THE GOLD CUP TROPHY
The Gold Cup is made of a good quality silver gilt. The cup has two acanthus scroll handles, decorated with fine quality ornate leaf. Gold leaf is also applied to the decoration of the bowl and around the rim. It has an ornate knapped stem and circular decorated base which is mounted on a black wooden square plinth that has three tiers which are surrounded by silver plates.
These plates are engraved with past winners from 1955 to the present day. As beautiful as this cup is, it is not the original Gold Cup, which was stolen in a burglary at Lord Brecknock’s Lodsworth House in 1968. Despite the offer of a reward, it was never seen again.
The silver plaque on the front of the plinth is engraved with ‘The Cowdray Park Gold Cup presented by the Martini International Club.’
This cup is played for in the British Open Polo Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. It is not only the premier trophy in Europe but, after the Argentine Open, the British Open is the most coveted title in the polo world.
THE ROBERT GRAHAM UMPIRES TROPHY
The polo community will fondly remember Robert Graham who sadly died unexpectedly back in August 2019.
Robert forged a successful career as a professional player reaching a handicap of 6 goals and played in several Gold Cup tournaments. He later became a Grade A umpire in the high goal and was appointed as Chief Umpire for the HPA in November 2003. He remained in this role for 16 years and played a key role in bringing in rule changes to help improve the sport on both a playing and spectator level.
Robert received an HPA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for his work. As well as being a highly respected figure in the sport, he was also widely regarded as being the nicest man in polo. In further recognition of his contribution and services to polo, from 2022 onwards the Robert Graham Umpires Trophy, commissioned by the Graham family in collaboration with the HPA, will be presented annually to the two umpires of the Gold Cup Final as part of the prize giving ceremony.
The stunning silver salver, which is etched with a silhouette of Robert playing in Sotogrande will be presented by Vanessa Graham and Will Healy.
PAST FINALISTS
1956 Los Indios 9, Cowdray Park 4
1957 Windsor Park 5, Casarejo 3
1958 Cowdray Park 10, Woolmers Park 3
1959 Casarejo 7, Cowdray Park 6
1960 Casarejo 8, Centaurs 7
1961 Cowdray Park 7, Laversine 6
1962 Cowdray Park 8, Sao Silvestre 5
1963 La Vuici 8, Cowdray Park 7
1964 Jersey Lilies 10, Centaurs 3
1965 Jersey Lilies 9, Cowdray Park 5
1966 Windsor Park 13, Cowdray Park 9
1967 Woolmers Park 13, Chequers Manor 3
1968 Pimms 8, Chequers Manor 7
1969 Windsor Park 7, Pimms 6
1970 Boca Raton 13, Windsor Park 10
1971 Pimms 11, Columbia 10
1972 Pimms 7, Stowell Park 6
1973 Stowell Park 12, Cowdray Park 6
1974 Stowell Park 8, Cowdray Park 7
1975 Greenhill Farm 9, Jersey Lilies 5
1976 Stowell Park 10, Cowdray Park 7
1977 Foxcote 12, Cowdray Park 7
1978 Stowell Park 8, Cowdray Park 7
1979 Songhai 6, Les Diables Bleus 4
1980 Stowell Park 10, Cowdray Park 7
1981 Falcons 13, Ipanema 3
1982 Southfields 7, Les Diables Bleus 6
1983 Falcons 8, Centaurs 7
1984 Southfields 9, “B.B.s” 2
1985 Maple Leafs 11, Les Diables Bleus 10
1986 Tramontana 11, Cowdray Park 4
1987 Tramontana 9, Windsor Park 5
1988 Tramontana 15, Hildon House 8
1989 Tramontana 13, Cowdray Park 8
1990 Hildon 10, Cowdray Park 9
1991 Tramontana 11, Ellerston White 7
1992 Black Bears 10, Santa Fe 9
1993 Alcatel 9, Ellerston Black 8
1994 Ellerston Black 13, Pegasus 11
1995 Ellerston White 12, Black Bears 9
1996 CS Brooks 14, Ellerston White 13
1997 Labegorce 10, Isla Carroll 8
1998 Ellerston 13, CS Brooks 6
1999 Pommery 12, Ellerston 8
2000 Geebung 13, Black Bears 8
2001 Dubai 14, Los Tamaraos 9
2002 Black Bears 8, Emerging 7
2003 Hildon Sport 6, Labegorce 5
2004 Azzurra 17, Dubai 9
2005 Dubai 11, Black Bears 10
2006 Black Bears 9, Ellerston 8
2007 Lechuza Caracas 11, Loro Piana 10
2008 Loro Piana 11, Ellerston 10
2009 La Bamba de Areco 13, Dubai 10
2010 Dubai 14, Lechuza Caracas 12
2011 Zacara 12, Les Lions 11
2012 Cortium 10, El Remanso 9
2013 Zacara 11, Dubai 8
2014 Dubai 13, King Power 11
2015 King Power Foxes 14, UAE 8
2016 King Power 9, La Indiana 5
2017 King Power 13, El Remanso 8
2018 El Remanso 13, La Bamba de Areco 12
2019 Dubai 13, King Power 12
2020 Next Generation 14, Les Lions/ Great Oaks 12
2021 Thai Polo NP 9, UAE Polo Team 7
2022 Park Place 12, Dubai 9
2023 UAE Polo Team 12, Dubai 11
2024 Dubai 11, Great Oaks 3
COWDRAY GOLD CUP FINALISTS
FERNE PARK
CRANE
KAZAK
GASTON POLO TEAM
DOLFINA / SCONE
GV
THE FINAL....
12 KAZAK 11
LA DOLFINA / MARQUES DE RISCAL
10
5 FERNE
LA DOLFINA / SCONE
PARK
KAZAK
LA DOLFINA / SCONE
RODA POLO TOURNAMENT 2025
WHAT IS RODA POLO?
A 3-a-side sport where you can experience the speed, teamwork and dynamics of polo in the UK - riding an e-wheel.
WHERE DID IT START?
In 2019 former Argentine polo player Javier Tanoira spotted kids riding their eWheels on the polo field and enjoying tapping the ball - Javier thought they might be on to something. After giving it a go himself, he became instantly hooked. Javier is keen to promote the new sport to the UK and has teamed up with former England Polo Team Captain, Henry Brett, to help expand Roda Polo to the UK.
RODA POLO FINALISTS
LAWNS 2 | 13:30
THREE MOLES
1 Lucero Monteverde
2 Lorenzo Nero
3 Andino Donoso
SAFEROCK GREEN
1 Florencio Lanusse
2 Pedro Sola
3 Inigo Heguy
EXPLAINED POLO
Reproduced by kind permission of
PLAYERS ON EACH TEAM 4
Number 1
The attacking player and goal scorer, whose job it is to also mark the opposing Number 4.
Number 2
Mid-attacking position. Often marks opposing Number 3.
Number 3
Mid-attacking position. Often marks opposing Number 2.
Number 4
Defensive player, the ‘backdoor’ for the team and usually has a very strong backhand. Also marks the opposing Number 1.
For safety reasons, all players must use their right hand to hold the stick, leading to the common practice of offside shots - hitting the ball from the right side of the pony. If a player wishes to strike the ball on the left side, they cannot switch stick hands but must lean over their horse and make the shot from the left side.
Polo is one of the only contact sports in which both men and women can play competitively alongside each other. There is no discrimination and the women play just as hard as the men! Female-only polo has gained momentum as a separate area of the sport, with women’s handicaps introduced ten years ago.
Polo ponies tend to measure from around 15 to 15.2 hands high – there are four inches in a hand. Due to the nature of the sport, polo ponies are required to stop and turn on a sixpence, go from standstill to top speed as quickly as possible, be able to face oncoming horses, tolerate flying sticks and balls, and ride-off other horses.
Hooking is one of the most commonly used defensive plays that you will see in polo. Hooking is when a player blocks their opponent’s swing with their own stick. A player cannot hook across a pony or above shoulder height.
The right of way is the primary rule of the sport. Whenever the ball is in play, the player right on, or at the smallest angle to, the line of the ball will have the right of way, with the line of the ball being the path along which the ball is or has been travelling. No player is allowed to position himself and his pony on the line of the ball if this poses the slightest risk of collision with the player currently holding the right of way.
-2to10
Every polo player is assigned a handicap, a ranking system that commences at -2 for novices and reaches 10 for the most exceptional players globally. Handicaps can vary between countries and for different polo formats, be it arena or outdoor play. In matches where two teams face off, any disparity in their handicaps is reconciled by awarding the team with the lower handicap the corresponding number of goals, ensuring a balanced and fair competition.
EXPLAINED POLO
Reproduced by kind permission of
All players are required to wear a helmet while playing, the style and safety standard of the helmet varies by country, with three-point harnesses usually required to bring polo in line with other equine disciplines.
In a departure from some other sports, teams switch scoring directions after each goal. This practice aims to level the playing field and negate any potential advantage related to factors like wind direction.
A player may not catch, kick, direct or hit the ball with anything but their stick. They may block with any part of their body but not with an open hand. They may not carry the ball intentionally.
A goal judge is placed behind each goalmouth, their job is to indicate whether the ball went through the goalposts (or not) by waving their flag and to place the ball on the back linefor hit ins.
There are two umpires present on the field during matches, there is also a third umpire who watches from the sidelines and is required when the two umpires on the field cannot make a decision.
The cane of a polo stick (or mallet) is most commonly made out of bamboo and the ball is hit with the wide face of the stick in polo, not the end as in croquet. Most professionals tend to use a stick measuring between 51-53 inches and they alter the length of the stick depending on the height of their pony.
All players must play with the stick in their right hand: it is illegal to play with the stick with the left hand. Therefore players who are left-handed, such as HRH The Prince of Wales must learn to play with their right hand.
In the normal duration of a match, a pony must not play for more than 7½ minutes without a 10 minute break or 15 minutes in total. Players often credit at least 80% of their performance to their ponies.
In polo, as in many sports, there’s a strict no-tolerance policy for disputing the umpire or using inappropriate language. Umpire decisions are absolute, emphasising a culture of respect and fair play.
Each match played at the level today is divided into six chukkas, each lasting seven minutes. A bell signals the end of each chukka, followed by a 30-second overtime. If there’s a penalty, goal, or the ball goes out during this period, the chukka concludes. The final chukka ends at the first sound of the seven-minute bell, unless the teams are tied.
Polo boots and protective kneepads must always be worn during play and white jeans or breeches for matches.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
KEEP UP TO DATE
» COWDRAY TV
Purchase your tournament pass via our website to watch all the games in the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 2024.
» SOCIALS
Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @cowdraypolo
LinkedIn: Cowdray Park Polo Club
» WEBSITE
Follow all the action leading up to the final stages of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup on our website cowdraypolo.co.uk
SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP
Social membership at Cowdray Park Polo Club offers a relaxed and beautiful setting for all to enjoy the ‘Game of Kings’. As the home of British polo, Cowdray Park Polo Club prides itself on making polo accessible to all.
MEMBERSHIP
BENEFITS
» Free entry to all polo matches, including the Gold Cup semi-finals and final, for a member and guest (excluding junior membership)
» Over 25 reciprocal sporting events – full calendar to be launched pre-season
» Access to the Clubhouse and Members’ enclosure at all matches
» Complimentary diary, a commemorative badge and car pass
» Invitations to all the Club’s social events and exclusive members events throughout the season
» Regular e-newsletters with match reports, club updates and the seasons latest news
» Preferential rate at the Clubhouse at Ambersham
» A complimentary copy of the CPPC Yearbook
Join us at cowdraypolo.co.uk/membership
GUIDE TO POLO
The object of Polo is for a team to score more goals than its opposition to win the game. Each team of four is made up of attackers and defenders, but all members of a polo team are expected to be flexible and make any play whether offensive or defensive and change position as necessary to benefit the team.
PLAYERS HANDICAPS
Each player is given a handicap from -2 to 10 goals depending on his ability. The lowest handicap is -2 and 10 is the highest. A team’s handicap rating is calculated by adding together the 4 players’ handicaps. The handicap of teams entering the Cowdray Gold Cup is 20-22 goals.
THE TEAM
A team is made up of 4 players with each numbered 1 to 4. Each position has a purpose; No.1 and No.2 are the forwards, No.3 is the pivot position (usually the best player in the team) and No.4 (or Back) is the goal defender.
DURATION OF PLAY
Matches are divided into chukkas. In the UK, there are between 4 and 6 chukkas in a match, the number of which depends on the level of the polo (low goal – 4 chukkas, medium goal – 5 chukkas, high goal – 6 chukkas). Each chukka lasts 7 minutes, with an interval of 3 minutes between each one. At half time, the interval is extended and spectators are invited onto the pitch to tread in the divots. The bell is rung at the end of each 7-minute period. Play continues until the ball goes out of play, the umpire stops play for a foul, or the bell is rung for a second time 30 seconds after the first bell. In the final chukka, the match ends after the first bell.
UMPIRES & MATCH OFFICIALS
There are 2 mounted umpires on the pitch following the game and a third man (or referee) in the stands who acts as the arbitrator if the umpires cannot agree. There is a goal judge behind each goal and they will wave a flag when a goal is scored. The scorer and the timekeeper record the goals and track the timing and sound the bell at the end of each chukka.
CHANGING ENDS
Polo is probably the only game in which the teams change ends when a goal is scored, thus equalling out any ground or weather advantage.
THE START
Play starts with the umpire throwing in the ball between the two teams lined up in front of him. In the same way play is restarted after a goal is scored or if the ball goes out over the side boards. If the ball goes over the back line, there is a hit-in by the defending team. There is no offside in polo.
GUIDE TO POLO CONTINUED
RULES OF PLAY
Right of Way – During play there is an imaginary “line of the ball”, which is generally the direction in which the ball is travelling at any one moment. When a player has established the right of way along that line, it may not be crossed by an opposing player if there is the slightest risk of collision.
Crossing – Any player who crosses the player holding the right of way close enough to be dangerous or cause a player to slow up, commits a foul.
Riding Off – pushing another player and his horse out of the way using your horse is permitted, whether the other man is playing the ball or not. But it must not be done by charging in at a dangerous angle, nor must the man in possession of the ball be crossed.
Hooking sticks – A player may hook an opponent’s stick provided he is on the same side of the opponent as the ball, or directly behind him, and provided the stick is below the level of the opponent’s shoulder. Players must not attempt to hook an opponent in front of the pony’s legs.
PENALTIES
Different types of penalties are awarded depending of the nature of the foul:
• Penalty No 1 – Automatic goal
• Penalty No 2 – 30 yd hit to an open goal
• Penalty No 3 – 40 yd hit to an open goal
• Penalty No 4 – 60 yd hit to a defended goal
• Penalty No 5 – A hit from the spot where the foul was committed
• Penalty No 5B – A hit from the centre of the ground. This is used when the defending team are attacking from their own half.
HEALTH & SAFETY
We very much hope that you will enjoy your day at Cowdray Park Polo Club, where accidents are very rare BUT polo is a dangerous sport.
Neither CPPC nor the Cowdray Estate can accept any responsibility for injuries to persons or property on this ground. The following safety rules must be observed:
» Please ensure that you watch the movement of the ball during play at all times and keep yourselves, friends, family and dogs out of the safety zone area.
» Please ensure you supervise your children who will not be as diligent as you.
» Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
» All guest access to the pony lines, lorry parking areas and agricultural machinery is strictly forbidden.
» Alcohol may be consumed only by those aged eighteen or over. We operate a ‘Challenge 25’ policy in all bars.
» No private barbecues allowed.
» No E-wheels allowed.
» Vehicles are admitted on condition that Cowdray Park Polo Club shall not be liable for damage to any vehicle. Anything in or on or about any vehicle howsoever such a loss or damage may be caused.
» Please report any suspicious packages to a member of staff
Cowdray Park Polo Club has a duty of care to all Gold Cup attendees and wishes everyone an enjoyable time. Anyone judged to be putting themselves or others at risk may be asked to leave the grounds by officials of the club.
Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AQ
COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB