La Fe Eastern Hay defeated Dutta Corp 15-11 and claimed the Butler Handicap Cup, following the first final of the 2026 season in Palm Beach, that took place on Sunday December 28, at the National Polo Center (NPC), located in Wellington, Florida, United States. The tournament saw four teams up to 18 goals, in participation.
The Butler Handicap Cup was established in 1954 as a tribute to Paul Butler and his significant achievements in the sports, that include 29 years as member of the Board of Directors of the United States Polo Association (USPA). The first edition of the contest was played at Oak Brook, and the winners were CCC Meadow Brook, made of Don Beveridge, G.H. “Pete” Bostwick, Alan Corey and Harold Barry. That year, the lineup won the Monty Waterbury and the US Open Polo Championship.
With regards to the game, Louis Devaliex’s team dominated from the very beggining, earning a quick 4-1 lead in the first chukka. Although Dutta Corp battled back, La Fe Eastern Hay seized the reins and became the dominating force thoroghout the six chukkas of play. The deal was almost said and done in the penultimate chukka, with La Fe Easter Hay leading by four goals (12-8). And despite the last chukka ended tied at 3-all, the efforts for Dutta Corp didn’t pay off. La Fe Eastern Hay won 15-11 and won the Butler Handicap Cup.
BUTLER HANDICAP CUP – FINAL – SUNDAY DECEMBER 28
LA FE EASTERN HAY 15-11 DUTTA CORP
La Fe Eastern Hay: Lucio Fernández Ocampo 5*, Lucas Díaz Alberdi 6, Louis Devaliex 2, Baldo Palomeque 4. Total: 16.
*Subbed in for Gerónimo Obregón.
Dutta Corp: Vaughn Miller 4, Timmy Dutta 4, Raúl Colombres 7, Stevie Orthwein Jr. 3, Total: 17
Score La Fe Eastern Hay: 4-1, 5-3, 8-4, 10-6, 12-8, 15-11.
BPP: Zaldia, ridden by Lucio Fernandez Ocampo
2026 16-GOAL LEAGUE – CALENDAR
BUTLER HANDICAP (PORT MAYACA POLO CLUB, NPC)
December 28 (final, NPC)
HERITAGE CUP (NPC)
December 30, 2025 – January 4
JOE BARRY MEMORIAL CUP (NPC, PORT MAYACA POLO CLUB)
January 6-25
YLVISAKER CUP (NPC, Patagones PC)
January 23-February 22
US OPEN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP (18-22 goal, ladies handicap, Port Mayaca PC; finals NPC)
January 25-February 15
2026 THE GAUNTLET OF POLO – CALENDAR
CV WHITNEY CUP
February 11-March 1
USPA GOLD CUP
March 4-29
US OPEN
April 1-26