Photo credit Mark Beaumont
Les Lions/Great Oaks and Park Place claimed victories on the first day of the British Open Gold Cup, one of the most important tournaments in the world. The competition has been hosted by Cowdray Park Polo Club since 1956. This year’s edition sees seven teams up to 22 goals compete. The final is scheduled on Sunday July 26.
In the first match, Les Lions/Great Oaks took a 14-10 win over Next Generation. Bartolito Castagnola gave an outstanding performance, scoring no less than 9 goals, and Les Lions/Great Oaks claimed the Carlos Gracida Memorial Trophy, presented by Lila Pearson, Vice President of Cowdray Park Polo Club. Cielito, a mare owned by Camilo Castagnola and ridden by Alejandro Muzzio, was named Best Playing Pony. Camilo was set to play the tournament, but he suffered an injury in Argentina and was forced to step down.
In the second game of the day, Park Place beat Park Place Vaara 10-9 in a very hard fought game.
The Gold Cup resumes on Thursday, July 2, with two matches:
12pm: Monterosso vs. Thai Polo NW
3pm: Polo Stud Schockemöhle vs. Scone
Please note: Spectators are not permitted at the matches.
GOLD CUP FOR THE BRITISH OPEN – FIXTURE AND TEAMS