The Cartier Queen’s Cup began on Tuesday 19 May at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, and the first two days produced some tight matches. It is one of the two great events of the English high-goal season, played at 22 goals.
The opening matches
The first day of the Queen’s Cup gave us these results:
- La Dolfina/Marques de Riscal 13, White Crane 12
- Aureus 17, Signet/Segavas 11
- Jehangiri 14, Gaston 7
On the second day, UAE Polo Team beat Kazak, Dubai edged Ferne Park, and Black Bears narrowly beat Ojo Caliente. Jehangiri’s seven-goal win over Gaston is notable given that Gaston were the defending Trippetts champions, while Aureus’s 17-11 win over Signet/Segavas shows their attacking power.
The tournament runs to the final on 14 June, and all matches are free to watch on Guards TV. With teams split into three groups, the pressure comes early, because finishing second in a group may mean a far tougher quarter-final draw.
Sotogrande’s season opens
Over in Spain, the season at the Ayala Polo Club opened with the Welcome Cup at Los Pinos. Dany’s Polo beat 1896 Polo in the final, and Martin Iturraspe scored nine of his side’s 11 goals, including the winner. He was named best player of the final, and his horse Nocturno took best playing pony.
Los Schatzies won the Turismo San Roque Cup, beating Legacy Polo Team, and La Margarita Polo Team Amsterdam won the Covetsol Cup against Heritage Polo Team. The next event was the KE Sotogrande Cup, from 27 to 31 May, with five teams of up to eight goals.
Beach polo on Sylt
On the German island of Sylt, the Julius Bar Beach Polo World Cup was played on 23 and 24 May at Hörnum. Four teams of two players each took part, and Hörnum, with Arlett Heinemann and Patrick Maleitzke, won the title. It is quirky, fast and very photogenic, and it is a reminder that polo comes in many forms.
Polo in the Park
In London, the countdown to Chestertons Polo in the Park has begun. The event runs from 5 to 7 June at Hurlingham Park in Fulham, and the previous edition drew nearly 25,000 visitors across the weekend. It mixes polo with food, drink and entertainment, and is the easiest way to introduce a friend to the sport without a trip to the country.
We will report on the Queen’s Cup group stage next week, and on the London weekend after that.
Sources: Polo Times (Queen’s Cup opens), Polo Press (Sotogrande), Polo Press (Sylt)
