After a week’s delay caused by rain, the USPA Gold Cup final was played on Sunday 5 April at the National Polo Center in Wellington. Pilot beat La Dolfina Scone 10-6.
The final
La Dolfina Scone led 5-2 at half-time, but Pilot dominated the second half to turn the match around. The winners were Curtis Pilot, Camilo Castagnola, Lorenzo Chavanne and Mackenzie Weisz. Chavanne was named most valuable player, and Tyson, the horse he rode, took the best player award. La Dolfina Scone were Jesse Bray, Poroto Cambiaso, Rufino Merlos and David Paradice.
It was the second stop of the Gauntlet of Polo, which means Pilot, who lost to the Dutta Corp in the Whitney Cup semi-finals, are now level with the Dutta Corp on one title each, with the U.S. Open still to come. A second-half swing of that size says plenty about the depth of their string of horses as well as the skill of the players.
Outback Cup: the final 16-goal qualifier
On Saturday 4 April at Patagones Polo Club in Wellington, Mrs Momma Bear/Lonesome Wind Ranch beat Catamount 12-11 in overtime. Harrison Azzaro scored the golden goal after the sides finished level at 11-11, and Mike Azzaro was named MVP. The win secured the last qualifying place for the NPC 16-Goal Championship.
Argentina: Copa Republica
In Pilar, the Copa Republica Argentina was decided on Monday 30 March after several rain delays. La Dolfina Oriental beat La Ensenada Cría Emezeta 16-12. David “Pelon” Stirling was named MVP, and the winners also included Pedro Chavanne, Alejo Taranco and Santino Taranco. It was La Dolfina’s fifth title under that name. Juan Martin Zubia scored seven goals for the losing side, which is a fine effort in defeat.
In the subsidiary Canada Cup final, Sol de Mayo La Mariana beat Trenque Lauquen La Fe 15-11.
Wellington’s closing weeks
The Gold Cup was the second of the three Gauntlet events, so the season now moves into its final stretch. The U.S. Open Polo Championship began on 1 April with 11 teams in two brackets, and the final is on 26 April.
- USPA Gold Cup: Pilot 10, La Dolfina Scone 6
- Outback Cup: Mrs Momma Bear/Lonesome Wind Ranch 12, Catamount 11 (overtime)
- Copa Republica Argentina: La Dolfina Oriental 16, La Ensenada Cría Emezeta 12
The NPC 16-Goal Championship final is on 12 April.
Sources: Polo Times (Gold Cup), Polo Times (Outback Cup), Polo Press (Copa Republica)
