La Irenita claimed a 13-9 win over Las Monjitas, and ran out the winners of the 61st. Jockey Club Open Copa Eminent, following the final that took place on Saturday September 19 at the Jockey Club Open, located in San Isidro, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Not only La Irenita were victorious in the traditional tournament that preceeds the Triple Crown, but also it was a very significant win for them – it was the fourth title for Pablo MacDonough, the second for Paco de Narvaez Jr. and the first for Beltrán Lauhlé and Matías MacDonough Jr., Pablo’s nephew.

Several spectators watched a match that was very tight and close, with both teams exchanging the leadership, until the fourth chukka, that saw them tied at 6-all. But from the fifth chukka onwards, it was La Irenita who seized the reins and started to widen the advantage, through a very balanced and solid team play.

The two final chukkas belonged to La Irenita; they closed the fifth and penultimate chukka with a commanding 12-8. And although Las Monjitas attempted a comeback, La Irenita’s skills in defense proved to be crucial in order to maintain the lead, until their sealed the 13-9 victory that allowed them to lift a trophy for the first time in 16 years.

61st. JOCKEY CLUB OPEN COPA EMINENT – FINAL – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16

LA IRENITA 13-9 LAS MONJITAS 

La Irenita: Beltrán Laulhé 8 (2 goals), Paco de Narváez 8 (2), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (1), Matias Mac Donough (h) 7 (8). Total: 33.

Las Monjitas: Rufino Bensadón 8 (5 goals), Lucas Criado (h) 8 (3), Juan Britos 8, Jerónimo del Carril 8 (1). Total: 32.

Score La Irenita: 1-1, 2-3, 5-5, 6-6, 9-7, 12-8, 13-9.

Umpires: Guillermo Villanueva & Matías Baibiene.

Third man: Martín Inchauspe.

MVP: Matías Mac Donough Jr.

AACCP BPP: Irenita Ronda (Open Easy Ride x Reconquista). Ridden by Matías Mac Donough Jr.

Cover photo by Matías Callejo / Prensa Minuto 7.