ST. REGIS BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE
COWDRAY GOLD CUP
FINAL: SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026
WELCOME 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 spor t 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 spor tsmanship 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 hear t 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 suppor t. 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
TIMINGS
09:30
Gates open
11:00
LAWNS 1: Ladies British Open
(presentation to follow match)
13:00
LAWNS 1: The SafeRock UK
15:00
St. Regis Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup Final
17:30
Prize giving (estimated time)
22:00
Gates close
Polo Championship Final
Roda Polo Championship Final
W H AT ’ S O N TO D AY SHOPPING » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Bonne Maman Bricks & Stitches Camilla Heitman Camperas Casablanca Chukka & Punch Dominique Ar tist Emita Polo Equestrian Ar t Estribos Finlay & Co Flutterby Jewellery Hook Polo Husk JB Corrie & Co Ltd Jewel House Rocks Junior Cars UK Koy Clothing Lady Grey Midhurst Palliative Care Milina London & Gita Mimi Filous Nor th Shore Boat Club Off the Rails Paseo Equestrian Petra Richards Ridley
» » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Robusto House Cigar CSolo London Surrey Copper Distillery Tadhg & Co Tee-J The Boot Room The Summer House Co The Well Heeled Hippy Victoria Paulsen Weskit Wolf London Working 4 Wildlife Yellow Wood Yūga
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
PA RT N E R S OFFICIAL ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE PARTNER
BRITISH OPEN TITLE SPONSOR OFFICIAL WHISKY PARTNER
OFFICIAL CASK INVESTMENT PARTNER
OFFICIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT PARTNER
OFFICIAL BOOT PARTNER
OFFICIAL GOLD CUP PARTNER OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER
OFFICIAL NON-ALC PARTNER OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER
OFFICIAL BEER PARTNER
OFFICIAL WATER PARTNER
OFFICIAL GOLD CUP PARTNER
OFFICIAL BROADCAST PARTNER
PRIZE PARTNER
OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER
PARTNER ACTIVATIONS:
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts proudly serves as Title Sponsor of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, a name synonymous with timeless luxury, refined celebration and world-class hospitality. Committed to delivering exquisite experiences at over 65 luxury hotels and resor ts in the best addresses around the world, the brand offers an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For this year’s championship, St. Regis brings one of its most iconic rituals to the hear t of Cowdray, The Bloody Mary, available to guests within the Pearson Pagoda and Lawns Enclosures.
Gusbourne returns for a third year, bringing their awardwinning English sparkling wines to the hear t of the action. Their stunning bar will once again be located at the 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.
Bentley Surrey is located in the charming Surrey village of Ripley, just outside Guildford, perfectly placed within one of the South’s most desirable luxury and lifestyle destinations. Ripley is ideally situated within easy reach of Cowdray Park Polo Club, making Bentley Surrey a natural fit for one of the spor t’s most prestigious tournaments. Throughout the Final, visitors will be able to view a curated selection of the latest Bentley models on display, offering a closer look at the design, innovation and attention to detail that define the brand.
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, repor ting 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 por tfolio, available for sampling and purchase.
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.
Our Official Apparel Par tner, U.S. Polo Assn., returns with their store taking pride of place at the front of our Luxury Retail Village. During your visit, explore the latest collection for all the family and receive a free limitededition cap when you join the U.S. Polo Assn. database. They will also be offering a ‘Divot Stomp’ cocktail in the Lawns Enclosure for guests to enjoy.
The SafeRock® E-Wheel Polo Tournament returns with its fast-paced three-a-side format, showcasing the speed, teamwork and excitement of polo in a dynamic and accessible way. Riders compete on e-wheels, bringing a modern edge to the spor t while maintaining the skill, precision and competitiveness of traditional polo. This year’s tournament is proudly sponsored by SafeRock®, a company focused on sustainable agriculture and soil health. SafeRock ®’s natural mineral soil conditioner, Pomerite®, is derived from a naturally occurring geological mineral formation and is designed to suppor t soil performance, improve nutrient efficiency and help reduce reliance on synthetic fer tilisers.
We welcome Hume Health as a 2026 par tner. They develop data-driven, science-backed health tools that help people make informed decisions at home and will be suppor ting prizes at the 2026 Final. Their tools are par ticularly well suited to athletes and polo players, and anyone wanting to reach their health goals and track progress over time.
We are pleased to welcome Le Chameau as a par tner for 2026. Le Chameau will showcase their full collection in the retail village the final and will also supply prizes for the Ladies British Open Final. Renowned for craftsmanship, heritage and timeless countryside style, we are proud to welcome them to the Cowdray Gold Cup.
South Downs Water has joined us for the 2026 season as our Official Water Par tner. 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 final, helping to keep everyone refreshed throughout the season.
The new Bentayga. The new Bentayga Speed is here, delivering pure V8 performance and a sound that’s impossible to ignore. Discover our most powerful SUV ever. Vehicle shown equipped with additional features not available on Bentayga Speed. Please contact Bentley Surrey for further information. Combustion engine WLTP drive cycle: Fuel consumption, combined mpg (l/100 km) – 21.5 (13.1). Combined CO₂ emissions, combined – 298 g/km. CO2 class, combined: G The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2025 Bentley Motors Limited. Models shown: Bentayga Speed.
BENTLEY SURREY
7
8 4
5
6
LADIES’ FINAL @ 11am
GOLD CU
2
1
GOLD CUP FINAL
i
Sunday 19 July 2026 i
Information Entrance / gates
10
Toilets Parking
UP FINAL @ 3pm
Disabled parking
11
Food
9
Ice cream Drinks / bar Beer tent Big top Picnic area Music
12
Shopping Funfair First aid
1
Press Heliport
A natural fruit jelly that breaks the mould. How refreshing.
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THE RO B E RT G R A H A M U M P I R E S ’ T RO P H Y The polo community will fondly remember Rober t Graham who sadly died unexpectedly back in August 2019. Rober t 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 spor t on both a playing and spectator level.
Rober t received an HPA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for his work. As well as being a highly respected figure in the spor t, he was also widely regarded as being the nicest man in polo. In fur ther recognition of his contribution and services to polo, from 2022 onwards the Rober t 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 par t of the prize giving ceremony. The stunning silver salver, which is etched with a silhouette of Rober t playing in Sotogrande, will be presented by a member of the Graham family.
ERNEST DOE
PROUD SUPPLIERS TO COWDRAY PARK
THE CASE IH VESTRUM | AS VERSATILE AS YOUR WORK
Sovereign House, London Road, Albourne, West Sussex BN6 9BN T: 01273 834689 ‘ ernestdoe.com
STRENGTH IN BAL ANCE Our dedicated advisors work in harmony with your world. As specialists in aligning risk and coordinating across jurisdictions and partners, we help ensure every asset and responsibility is protected with clarity and control. Gallagher is a proud supporter of the Cowdray Gold Cup. privateclient.AJG.com
Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.
THE GOLD CUP T RO P H Y 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 Lodswor th 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 Mar tini 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.
COWDRAY GOLD CUP Official sparkling tea partner
11
6
8
9
7
12
15
7
DUBAI POLO TEAM
RO U T E TO T H E FINAL
SUJAN INDIAN TIGERS
BLACK BEARS
LA HECHICERA POLO TEAM
LA DOLFINA / MARQUÉS DE RISCAL
FERNE PARK
GASTON POLO TEAM
AKASHA
15
DUBAI POLO TEAM
12
FERNE PARK
DUBAI POLO TEAM
GASTON POLO TEAM
12
GASTON POLO TEAM
11
LA HECHICERA POLO TEAM
C OW D R AY G O L D CUP FINALISTS LAWNS 2 | 15:00
DUBAI POLO TEAM 1
Tariq Albwardy
0
2
Santos Merlos
6
3
Antonio Heguy
7
BK
Bartolome Castagnola
9 22
GASTON POLO TEAM 1
Jean Paul Luksic
0
2
Beltran Laulhe
7
3
Gonzalo Ferrari
7
BK
Cruz Heguy
7 21
PA S T FINALISTS
1989 Tramontana 13, Cowdray Park 8
1956 Los Indios 9, Cowdray Park 4
1994 Ellerston Black 13, Pegasus 11
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
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 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
1983 Falcons 8, Centaurs 7
2020 Next Generation 14, Les Lions/ Great Oaks 12
1984 Southfields 9, “B.B.s” 2
2021 Thai Polo NP 9, UAE Polo Team 7
1985 Maple Leafs 11, Les Diables Bleus 10
2022 Park Place 12, Dubai 9
1986 Tramontana 11, Cowdray Park 4
2023 UAE Polo Team 12, Dubai 11
1987 Tramontana 9, Windsor Park 5
2024 Dubai 11, Great Oaks 3
1988 Tramontana 15, Hildon House 8
2025 La Dolfina/Scone 9, Kazak 8
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LADIES BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
ORIFLAMME 1
Jo Denny
1
2
Brigitte Boher
3
3
Izzy Parsons
8
BK
Candelaria Fernandez Araujo
0 22
SALTY POLO 1
Madison Rochlin
1
2
Bella Lavinia
4
3
Catalina Lavinia
7
BK
Nina Clarkin
10 22
SEMI-FINALISTS THE WINNING TEAMS WILL C O N T E S T TO D AY ’ S F I N A L
UAE POLO TEAM / LA PAZ 1
H.H. Sheikha Maitha
3
2
Grace Cariss
3
3
Micaela Saracco
6
BK
Hazel Jackson
10 22
YAGUARA 1
Martina Lowe
1
2
Myla Cambiaso
4
3
Mia Cambiaso
9
BK
Milly Hine
9 23
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PLAYER AND PONY POLO HELMET HAS TO HAVE A THREEPOINT HARNESS FOR SAFETY
PLAITED TAIL STOPS PLAYERS' MALLETS’ & TACK FROM GETTING TANGLED
SADDLE
POLO MALLET DIFFERENT LENGTHS FOR DIFFERENT SIZED HORSES, USUALLY 52"/53"
RoR
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 FOOTBALL BOOTS
REINS & RUNNING REINS PLAYERS WILL USE TWO SETS OF REINS FOR CONTROL AND SAFETY
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
GIRTH STOPS THE SADDLE SLIPPING
TENDON BOOTS PROTECT FROM METAL SHOES THE BALL & HELPS WITH MALLET STABILITY
RIDING BOOTS THICKER THAN IN OTHER DISCIPLINES TO PROVIDE PROTECTION
Produced by kind permission of
The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by
22-24.1.2027
St. Regis British Open Polo Championship 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
for the Cowdray Gold Cup Teams
The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by
AKASHA
2026 English High Goal Guide
22-24.1.2027
Alexandre Garese Facundo Fernández Llorente Pablo Mac Donough Santiago Laborde
(0) (7) (9) (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
Guy Schwarzenbach Estanislao ‘Tani’ Darritchon Benjamín Panelo Tomás Panelo
(2) (3) (8) (9)
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.
Photograph by Art of Polo
Pablo MacDonough anchors a strong Akasha side
The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by
2026 English High Goal Guide
DUBAI
Tariq Albwardy Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola Santos Merlos Antonio Heguy
(0) (9) (6) (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
22-24.1.2027
Jonathan Rothermere Chris Mackenzie Joaquin Pittaluga Facundo Pieres
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.
(0) (6) (7) (9)
The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by
2026 English High Goal Guide
22-24.1.2027
GASTON
Jean Paul Luksic Beltrán Laulhé David ‘Pelón’ Stirling Cruz Heguy
(0) (7) (8) (7)
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
Alejandro Aznar Simón Prado Félix Esain Poroto Cambiaso
(0) (6) (6) (10)
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.
The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by
2026 English High Goal Guide
LA HECHICERA
Pablo Galante Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola Ned Hine Lorenzo Chavanne
(0) (10) (5) (7)
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
22-24.1.2027
Jaisal Singh Marcos Araya Juano Britos Juan Martín Zubia
(0) (6) (8) (8)
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.
Photograph by Art of Polo
Reproduced by kind permission of
Can La Hechicera continue their winning streak under their new name?
Look ahead to the future you want. We are proud to continue our sponsorship of Cowdray Park Polo Club for 2026. At Rathbones, we can help you get more out of your money so you can get more out of life. rathbones.com
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C OW D R AY ’ S
Maize Maze & FLOWER PICKING PATCH
O P E N I N G 3 1 st J U L Y 2 0 2 6 10 Acre Maze Trail | Pick Your Own Flowers Children’s Play Area | Food & Refreshments Book your tickets & find out more on our website: www.cowdray.co.uk/events Tickets: £8.30 per person | 3’s and under go free
F O L L OW 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
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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 spor ting 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 repor ts, 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
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G U I D E TO P O L O
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 star ts with the umpire throwing in the ball between the two teams lined up in front of him. In the same way play is restar ted 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.
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.
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H E A LT H & S A F E T Y 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 spor t. Neither CPPC nor the Cowdray Estate can accept any responsibility for injuries to persons or proper ty 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.
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