The first was in 2023, and the second came on Saturday August 29, 2026. Three years later, Dubai repeated the success – they claimed an impressive 16-9 win over Sainte Mesme and were crowned the champions of the high Gold Gold Cup, following the final that took place at Los Pinos Ground 3, Ayala Polo Club, in Sotogrande.

The organisation established by Ali Albwardy seized the reins from the very start, although Sainte Mesme managed to remain on their tail in the first chukka, that ended with a slight advantage for Dubai, 4-3. However, the story would change from the second chukka onwards; Dubai’s playing improved a great deal and they widened their lead extensively, which made things quite difficult for their opponents.

One of the most outstanding players was Dubai’s young gun, Pedro Chavanne; at only 16-years-old, he delivered personality, charisma and a high level of play, a combo that was crucial for Dubai in order to take control of the game. The same for Gonzalo Ferrari, who produced one of this best performances, let alone Barto Castagnola, who displayed his formidable skills, in his comeback to Dubai after three years absence.

The second half belonged to Dubai, clearly dominating Sainte Mesme. Despite the huge gap (Dubai was 11-6 up by the end of the fourth chukka), they presented battle and never gave up until the last minute. After all, the French team were making history, by playing their first ever high goal Copa de Oro in Sotogrande. They were unable to make it, but, without doubts, they provided an extraordinary performance thoroghout the whole season.

Now, let’s go to Barto Castagnola; there’s not much one can say about him, already one of the best polo players in the world. However, this decisive game had a very significant meaning for him. This was his second championship in Sotogrande with Dubai (his third, on a personal side); for Gonzalo Ferrari and Pedro Chavanne it was their first. In addition, this title was kind of a rematch for Gonzalo Entrecanales – Dubai lost the final of the high goal Copa de Oro and Gonzalo was in the lineup. This time, he was able to celebrate in Sotogrande.

HIGH GOAL COPA DE ORO AYALA POLO CLUB – FINAL – SATURDAY AUGUST 29

DUBAI 16-9 SAINTE MESME

Dubai: Gonzalo Entrecanales 1 (1 goal), Pedro Chavanne 4 (4), Gonzalo Ferrari 7 (4), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 10 (6). Total: 22.
*1 goal on Penalty 1.

Sainte Mesme: Kristos Magrini 6 (2 goals), Ned Hine 5 (1), Carlos María Ulloa 7 (5), Robert Strom 4 (1). Total: 22.

Score Dubai: 4-3, 7-4, 9-6, 11-6, 13-7, 16-9.

Umpires: Martín Aguerre & Gastón Lucero.

Third man: Federico Martelli.

MVP: Gonzalo Ferrari.

BPP: Ve Ocho Monet, ridden by Pedro Chavanne.

BEST POLO ARGENTINO BRED AWARDED BY THE ARGENTINE POLO PONY BREEDERS ASSN.: Dubai Mamma Mía, ridden by Gonzalo Ferrari.

RELIVE THE HIGH GOAL COPA DE ORO AYALA POLO CLUB ON DEMAND ON POLOLINE TV HERE.

Cover photo by Matías Callejo / Prensa Minuto 7 & Ayala Polo Club.