Heavy rain delayed the final of the British Open Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club, but once action started, the rain Thai Polo and UAE put on a great show – the perfect finale to a magnificent British season. After an intense six chukkas, Thai Polo managed to secure a 9-7 victory over UAE to claim one of the most coveted polo trophies in the world.

Thai Polo started the season on a high, winning the first 22-goal: the Prince of Wales Trophy. They didn’t fare too well in the Queen’s Cup, but they went from strength to strength in the Gold Cup. The Hine brothers, Ned and Louis, joined two experienced players, Nicolás Pieres and James Harper. Harper is considered to be one of the best British players currently in the game. He won the Gold Cup back in 2018 with the all- English lineup, El Remanso,a and he won the 2019 Queen’s Cup with Scone, alongside Nico Pieres.

Thai Polo surprised many when they defeated Scone twice in the Gold Cup: First, 11-5 in the league stage and then 12-4 in the semis. UAE might have been considered the favourites to win the final following their success in the Queen’s Cup, but they weren’t unable to seal the deal. Luck was not on Sheikha Maitha’s side today, and try as they might, Polito Pieres, Tomás Beresford and Tomás Panelo were unable to cut through Thai Polo’s defence.

Thai Polo maintained the lead throughout the whole match, taking wide advantages and securing a commanding 5-2 lead by half time. UAE had to fight hard to get back into the game. Thai Polo presented a solid front, with the two Hine boys working well alongside Pieres and Harper. In the last chukka, UAE managed to outscored Thai Polo 2-0, but it was too late. Thai Polo secured the 9-7 win and the title. A well deserved achievement for Thai Polo!

The tournament, recognised as one of the three Grand Slams of Polo, alongside the Argentine Open and the US Open, saw thirteen teams, up to 22 goals, compete.

 

BRITISH OPEN GOLD CUP – FINAL:

THAI POLO 9-7 UAE

Thai Polo: Louis Hine 2 (2 goals), Ned Hine 4 (3), Nicolás Pieres 9 (3), James Harper 7 (1). Total: 22.

UAE: HH Sheikha Maitha 0, Tomás Panelo 6 (5), Pablo Pieres 9, Tomás Beresford 7 (2). Total: 22.

ScoreThai Polo: 2-0, 3-1, 5-2, 7-4, 9-5, 9-7.

Umpires: Peter Wright & Julian Appleby

Third Man: Tim Brown.

MVP: Nicolás Pieres.

BPP UK: Open Lourdes, ridden by Nicolás Pieres.

Best Polo Argentino Bred: Open Fanta, ridden by Nicolás Pieres

 

Cover Photo by Helen Cruden

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM THE FINAL OF THE BRITISH OPEN GOLD CUP WILL BE ONLINE SOON. 

 

British Open Gold Cup: Teams & Fixture