ST. REGIS BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE
GOLD CUP
SEMI FINALS
WEDNESDAY 15 TH JULY 2026
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the 2026 St. Regis 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 St. Regis British Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup such a special occasion.
Welcome to the Cowdray Gold Cup 2026. Let the games begin!
Warm regards,
Michael Cowdray
09:30 Gates open
TIMINGS
12:00 Match 1 - The Ellerston Cup
12:45 Half time competitions
13:30 Ellerston Cup prize giving
16:00 Match 2 - The Tramontana Cup
16:45 Half time competitions
17:30 Tramontana Cup prize giving
19:30 Last orders
WHAT’S ON TODAY
SHOPPING
» Babble & Hemp
» Bonne Maman
» Bricks & Stitches
» Butternut Box
» Camilla Heitman
» Chukka & Punch
» Claire Fort Artist
» Claire Wayte Fine Art
» Debbie Hound Art
» Estribos
» Finlay & Co
» Husk
» Jeb Art
» Jewel House Rocks
» Milina London & Gita
» Nudie Jewellery
» Off the Rails
» Paseo Equestrian
» Sniffing Whippet Scents
» Surrey Copper Distillery
» Tee-J
» The Boot Room
» The Summer House Co
» The Well Heeled Hippy
FOOD & DRINK
» De Luca’s Ice Cream
» Game & Flame
» Gusbourne Bar
» Howie’s Coffee
» Lisa’s Pizza Oven
» Ollie’s Loaded Fries
» SWA Burgers
» The Three Cockerels Bar
PARTNER ACTIVATIONS:
1901 Group is setting the modern standard in whisky investment. As a specialist alternative assets firm, 1901 Group provides investors access to professionally managed whisky cask ownership through a fully integrated platform spanning acquisition, bonded storage, maturation oversight and exit execution. Whisky casks represent a distinctive real asset class characterised by finite supply, long investment horizons and asset-backed ownership. Through institutional standards of governance, reporting and asset management, 1901 Group enables investors to access this market through a structured and transparent framework. Guests are invited to visit the Investment Lounge, located at the goal mouth, to learn more about the whisky cask market and the professional management processes that underpin long-term ownership. Adjacent to the lounge, Whisky 1901 will showcase its awardwinning Scotch whisky portfolio, available for sampling and purchase.
Gusbourne returns for a third year, bringing their awardwinning English sparkling wines to the heart of the action. Their stunning bar will once again be located at both the Semi-Final and Final, offering exceptional views across the site and the perfect setting to enjoy a glass while watching the polo. They will also be dropping a half-time token, with the lucky finder receiving a magnum of Gusbourne to take home.
We are pleased to welcome Le Chameau as a partner for 2026. Le Chameau will showcase their full collection in the retail village across both the semifinals and final and will also supply prizes for the British Ladies Open Final. Renowned for craftsmanship, heritage and timeless countryside style, we are proud to welcome them to the Cowdray Gold Cup.
PARTNER ACTIVATIONS:
We are delighted to welcome Saicho to Cowdray Park Polo Club this year. Their single origin sparkling teas offer a refined and sophisticated accompaniment to food, crafted with layered, intricate flavours. Perfectly complementing the Gold Cup celebrations, Saicho will be available across all bars on site, as well as within the hospitality enclosures, ensuring guests can enjoy a beautifully considered alcohol-free option throughout the event.
South Downs Water has joined us for the 2026 season as our Official Water Partner. Known for its naturally filtered still and sparkling Natural Mineral Water, South Downs Water will hydrate players, members, staff, and guests at all events throughout the season. South Downs Water will also be supplying water at key events, including within our hospitality enclosures during the semi-finals and finals, helping to keep everyone refreshed throughout the season.
PARTNERS
BRITISH OPEN TITLE SPONSOR
OFFICIAL CASK INVESTMENT PARTNER
OFFICIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT PARTNER
OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER
OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER
OFFICIAL BEER PARTNER
OFFICIAL GOLD CUP PARTNER
PRIZE PARTNER
OFFICIAL ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE PARTNER
OFFICIAL WHISKY PARTNER
OFFICIAL BOOT PARTNER
OFFICIAL GOLD CUP PARTNER
OFFICIAL NON-ALC PARTNER
OFFICIAL WATER PARTNER
OFFICIAL BROADCAST PARTNER
OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER
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Creamy whole milk. Generous fruit. Time well spent.
THE ELLERSTON CUP
The Ellerston Cup is solid silver. The cup has two scroll handles with acanthus caps. It has a circular stemmed pedestal base mounted on to a shaped cut corner square wooden plinth surrounded by silver plates. These plates are engraved with past winners from 2007 to the present day.
The body of the cup is engraved with ‘The Ellerston Cup’. The Ellerston Cup was introduced in 2007, along with the Tramontana Cup, these cups are presented to the winners of the Gold Cup semi-finals.
HALLMARKED: SHEFFIELD 1923
MAKERS MARK: JAMES DEAKIN AND SONS
THE TRAMONTANA CUP
The Tramontana Cup is solid silver. This cup is a large Victorian vase shaped trophy and has two reeded loop handles and a gilded inside, with a leaf decoration on the base of the bowl. It has a circular pedestal base which is mounted on a wooden plinth surrounded by a single silver band. This band is engraved with past winners from 2006 to the present day.
The body of the cup is engraved with ‘Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Tramontana Trophy.’ And has the Cowdray Park Polo Club crest engraved onto it.
HALLMARKED: LONDON 1893
MAKERS MARK: CHARLES STUART HARRIS
Crafted for Moments Worth Sharing
THE CHRISTOPHER HANBURY TROPHY
The Christopher Hanbury Trophy is awarded to the Best Mounted English Player in the Gold Cup.
Major Christopher Hanbury, sadly passed away on 10 May 2022, aged 78. His family have dedicated a cup in his name to the Gold Cup Semi Final.
In 2005 he was appointed chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association, a position he held until 2008. He was one of the most significant figures in polo, internationally renowned
with friends and colleagues all over the world.
Major and Mrs Hanbury’s sons Charlie and George took on the reins of polo with the same enthusiasm and won the Gold Cup in 2018 for their all-English team.
The Hanbury Cup represents the lasting impact that Christopher dedicated and built in the polo world. He was much loved by all those who knew him, especially for his legendary sense of humour and his affable, caring demeanour. We thank the Hanbury family for providing this cup and working with Cowdray Park Polo Club to honour Christopher Hanbury at the Gold Cup.
BEST PLAYING PONY RUGS
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses that have retired from racing.
RoR’s Vision is for all former racehorses to enjoy a good life. ‘A life wellloved is a life well lived’ and our Mission is to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses by:
» Setting and assuring retraining standards to support their successful transition out of racing and provide training and education for their new owners to help develop lifetime partnerships.
» Creating an engaged and engaging RoR community.
» Increasing the demand for former racehorses by promoting their versatility in a wide variety of equestrian activities and provide opportunities for participation in competitions.
» And on behalf of the racing industry, we will keep track of them and support any former racehorse in need.
RoR annually stages over 40 separate competition series across 15 different disciplines, catering for all levels of ability, from grassroots to elite. For the 10,000 plus thoroughbreds currently registered with RoR, there is an abundance of opportunities to compete against one another in disciplines such as dressage and showing, as well as bespoke series and classes in another dozen activities. Consequently, there is now an increasing demand for former racehorses among the wider equestrian community.
PLAYER AND PONY
POLO HELMET
HA S TO HAVE A THREEPOINT HARNESS FOR SAFETY SADDLE
PLAITED TAIL
STOPS PLAYERS' MALLETS’ & TACK FROM GETTING TANGLED
POLO MALLET
DIFFERENT LENGTHS FOR DIFFERENT SIZED HORSES, USUALLY 52"/53"
ROR STICKER
LOOK OUT FOR THESE STICKERS... THEY IDENTIFY RETRAINED RACEHORSES
BANDAGES
WORN FOR PROTECTION & SUPPORT
STUDS
SCREWED INTO THE HORSES SHOES TO PREVENT THEM SLIPPING, A BIT LIKE FOOTB ALL BOOTS
RoR
GIRTH
STOPS THE SADDLE SLIPPING
REINS & RUNNING REINS
PLAYERS WILL USE TWO SETS OF REINS FOR CONTROL AND SAFETY
METAL SHOES HELPS WITH STABILITY
BRIDLE
BIT
BITS ARE USED TO HELP WITH CONTROL, USUALLY A GAG OR PELHAM
STANDING MARTINGALE
COMPULSORY TOOL TO HELP HEAD STABILITY
BREASTPLATE
PREVENTS THE SADDLE SLIPPING
KNEE PADS
PROTECTS THE PLAYER'S KNEES WHEN RIDING OFF
RIDING BOOTS
THICKER THAN IN OTHER DISCIPLINES TO PROVIDE PROTECTION
TENDON
BOOTS
PROTECT FROM THE B ALL & MALLET
St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup Teams
The final eight of 19 teams compete for the jewel in the crown of British polo
The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup is well underway and as we climb to the pinnacle of the tournament and the British summer polo calendar, we bring you the update on all eight of the teams that have made it through to the knockout stages of this prestigious and exciting tournament.
19 strong teams down to eight, 76 of the world’s best players down to 24, hundreds of top equine athletes, one more trophy. Who will take the jewel in the crown of British polo...?
Whatever the final results, there is no doubt that with this much talent and worldclass horsepower whizzing around our beautiful Cowdray Park fields, we are in for a treat as the tournament heads into the final stages.
Photograph by Mark Beaumont
AKASHA
2026
Alexandre Garese (0)
Facundo Fernández Llorente (7)
Pablo Mac Donough (9)
Santiago Laborde (6)
Akasha arrived at The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup with a 2026 season that had shown steady improvement. The rebranded side, built around Alexandre Garese and Facundo Fernández Llorente, has been strengthened by the additions of Pablo Mac Donough and Santiago Laborde.
After a quieter start in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Akasha found better form in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, reaching the Quarter Finals before losing to Dubai. They then underlined their potential by defeating Gaston Polo Team in the Cartier Trophy, the tournament’s Subsidiary Final.
With Mac Donough anchoring the side, Fernández Llorente and Laborde adding pace and fluency, and Garese providing stability, Akasha have shown they can trouble strong opposition.
BLACK BEARS
Black Bears returned to the UK high goal scene this year with a refreshed line-up and plenty of firepower. Having been missing from last year’s roster, the team are back with the Panelo brothers, Benjamín and Tomás, bringing proven chemistry and attacking threat after strong US seasons.
The organisation has a rich history in the UK, with past victories in The Warwickshire Cup, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup. This year, Guy Schwarzenbach’s experience and Estanislao ‘Tani’ Darritchon’s underrated quality add structure around the Panelos’ high-impact style.
Black Bears have yet to break through this season, missing out on the second-round stages of both The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and The Cartier Queen’s Cup, the latter after a four-way penalty shootout. However, with their pedigree and attacking potential, they remain capable of upsetting stronger organisations if the team structure clicks.
Guy Schwarzenbach (2)
Estanislao ‘Tani’ Darritchon (3)
Benjamín Panelo (8)
Tomás Panelo (9)
Pablo MacDonough anchors a strong Akasha side
Photograph by Art of Polo
DUBAI
Tariq Albwardy (0)
Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola (9)
Santos Merlos (6)
Antonio Heguy (7)
Dubai return to the Cowdray Gold Cup with a new line-up and familiar ambition. Tariq Albwardy takes the lead this year, stepping into the role previously held by his brother Rashid, and is joined by an experienced Argentine core with proven high-goal credentials.
Antonio Heguy, part of Dubai’s 2024 British Openwinning side, remains a key defensive presence, while Bartolomé Castagnola brings star power and existing chemistry with Tariq, having played together for Desert Palm and during the US season with DUS.
Santos Merlos adds the front-running threat, having already shown his quality in Dubai’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi Final run, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Balanz Capital. With balance, experience and winning pedigree, Dubai look well placed for another deep run as they aim to recapture the Gold Cup form that brought them success in 2024.
FERNE PARK
Ferne Park come into The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup with a reshaped side and improved 2026 form. After winning The Warwickshire Cup and reaching The Trippetts Challenge Final in 2024, the organisation struggled to make the same impact last season, failing to progress from the league stages of both The Cartier Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup.
This year’s changes have already shown promise, most notably in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, where Ferne Park reached the Quarter Finals before losing to eventual champions Balanz Capital. Facundo Pieres has added huge influence, particularly with his cool-headed penalty shooting, while Joaquin Pittaluga continues as a long-standing Ferne Park figure. Chris Mackenzie, a Gold Cup finalist last year with Kazak, brings further experience and strength.
With tactical discipline, continuity and attacking depth, Ferne Park could be one of the sides capable of surprising the bigger names.
Jonathan Rothermere (0)
Chris Mackenzie (6)
Joaquin Pittaluga (7)
Facundo Pieres (9)
GASTON
Gaston Polo Team have been one of the nearly-there sides of the 2026 season so far, showing enough quality to suggest they are close to a major result. Jean Paul Luksic’s side reached the Final of The Trippetts Challenge, where they lost out to Balanz Capital, before continuing their strong run into The Cartier Queen’s Cup. There, they made the Quarter Finals and later pushed Akasha all the way in the Cartier Trophy, losing the Subsidiary Final by a golden goal.
David ‘Pelón’ Stirling has been out for much of this season with injury after a fall early on, but his replacements have done great work to fill his boots. Beltrán Laulhé continues to establish himself as a consistent high goal presence, while Cruz Heguy adds punch, continuity and understanding, having played alongside Luksic for the past two seasons.
With an aggressive rhythm and a South American-style line-up, Gaston look capable of turning near misses into something more.
LA DOLFINA/ MARQUÉS DE RISCAL
La Dolfina/Marqués de Riscal have been one of the strongest and most exciting sides of the 2026 UK season. Led by Poroto Cambiaso, they combine youth, speed, precision and the unmistakable La Dolfina horsepower.
Poroto arrives as one of the dominant players in world polo and gives the team immediate title credentials, but the improvement around him has been just as important. Simón Prado and Félix Esain have grown into their roles, visibly benefitting from playing alongside a true game-breaker. Prado brings increasing high-goal experience after stepping up from the medium goal, while Esain has added pace and accuracy.
The team came close to a Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, losing in an extra chukka to Aureus in the Semi Finals, but their run showed they are already cohesive and dangerous. Their run to the Quarter Finals was not smooth, but they got through on penalties and should not be underestimated now they have arrived.
Alejandro Aznar (0)
Simón Prado (6)
LA HECHICERA
La Hechicera arrive at Cowdray as the form team of the 2026 season, having already completed a remarkable double under the Balanz Capital name by winning The Trippetts Challenge and The Cartier Queen’s Cup.
With patron Claudio Porcel stepping out and Pablo Galante coming in, the team rebrands as La Hechicera, but the core firepower remains formidable. Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola is one of the most explosive players in the sport, capable of changing games almost single-handedly, while Lorenzo Chavanne has been outstanding, finishing as top scorer in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and arriving off major US success with Pilot. Ned Hine, a British Open winner in 2021, gives the side structure, balance and confidence after their double triumph.
This is a young, fast and fearless team with proven chemistry. If they carry their momentum into the final stages, they have every chance of completing a high-goal triple whammy.
SUJAN INDIAN TIGERS
An aggressive, attack-oriented lineup, Sujan Indian Tigers continue into 2026 with a familiar core, adding Marcos ‘Cacu’ Araya in place of Ollie Cudmore. Early on, the team struggled to turn potential into wins, but there is enough talent in the line-up for them to have disrupted more established sides in this tournament.
Juano Britos brings class, experience and the ability to influence big games, while Juan Martín Zubia arrives with strong recent form in Argentina and gives the team attacking quality. Araya adds pace and balance, and his inclusion slightly reshapes a side that already knows each other’s style of play.
Jaisal Singh’s team reached The Cartier Queen’s Cup Quarter Finals last year, so the question is whether another season of high goal exposure can help them progress further. They arrived at Cowdray with limited pressure, but that has made them a dangerous dark horse. Can La
Hechicera continue their winning streak under their new name?
Photograph by Art of Polo Reproduced by
THE ELLERSTON CUP
THE TRAMONTANA CUP
Polo Team
Winners of the 2026 Amer Randhawa Cup 10 Goal
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
Official sparkling tea partner
COWDRAY GOLD CUP
FOLLOW
THE ACTION
KEEP
UP TO DATE
» COWDRAY TV
Purchase your tournament pass via our website to watch all the games in the St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 2026.
» 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
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.
