The 2025 Dubai Gold Cup has had a fascinating group stage. The 20-goal tournament at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, the 16th Gold Cup, is being played between 5 and 22 February, and the debutants Jehangiri Polo have been the story of the week.
Jehangiri in the mix
On Thursday, Jehangiri Polo beat Dubai Wolves 12-10, a result that moved them firmly into contention. Alejandro Muzzio was named Most Valuable Player for the match, and the team’s patron, Muhammed Jehangiri, scored the first goal of the game in the second chukka. On the other side, BenjamÃn Panelo was among the scorers for the Wolves. Earlier in the tournament Jehangiri also beat Bangash Polo on day four.
The opening day had seen Dubai Wolves edge Bangash 10-9, with BenjamÃn Panelo the top scorer, and UAE Polo beat Habtoor Polo. UAE Polo are the team to catch, having won the Gold Cup five times. For Habtoor Polo, Rosendo Torreguitar was the top scorer on the opening day.
A tournament with a pedigree
The Gold Cup is the flagship event of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series and holds World Polo Tour accreditation. This season, Bentley Emirates is the main sponsor. The Silver Cup, which ran from 15 January to 1 February, served as the curtain raiser for the high-handicap season in the Emirates, and Jehangiri are a newcomer to the Gold Cup itself.
- Format: group matches followed by semi-finals and a final on 22 February.
- Venue: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai.
- Defending threat: UAE Polo, five-time champions.
HPA on England eligibility
Back home, the HPA issued a short update last week responding to an editor’s comment in the February issue of Polo Times about how England’s team for the Bryan Morrison Trophy was chosen. The HPA said it was disappointed not to have been asked for comment before publication, and it stated that it uses a clear and robust eligibility framework for selection. It is a reminder of how closely supporters follow England selection, especially in an anniversary year with big home fixtures ahead.
The semi-finals and the final come later this week, and we will report on them next Monday.
Sources: Dubai Polo Gold Cup, Day six, Al Habtoor Polo, Gold Cup fixture, HPA news, February 2025
